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Emory University Professors Implement Life-Centered Pedagogy to Address Student Well-being Amidst Global Crises

Emory University Professors Implement Life-Centered Pedagogy to Address Student Well-being Amidst Global Crises

Professors Christine Ristaino and Hong Li at Emory University have observed a significant increase in student depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, they have shifted their teaching approach to a 'Life-Centered Pedagogy.' This new method integrates academic learning with students' personal experiences and well-being. For instance, in their 'Noodle Narratives on the Silk Road' course, a midterm cooking project required students to prepare a noodle dish with personal or cultural significance. This assignment encouraged reflection on family connections and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of community and emotional support among students. The initiative led to the creation of a website, 'Pandemic Noodles,' featuring student-contributed recipes and stories, which gained attention from various news outlets, highlighting the project's success in connecting students globally during a challenging period.

Tarleton State University Marching Band Achieves Record 200 Members

Tarleton State University Marching Band Achieves Record 200 Members

The Sound & The Fury Marching Band at Tarleton State University has reached a record-breaking 200 members for the current season, marking it as the largest band in the university's history. This significant growth has occurred under the leadership of Dr. Gary Westbrook, Director of Athletic Bands, who joined Tarleton State in 2009 when the band had 97 members. By 2012, the band had already grown to 161 members. This year's ensemble also features the largest color guard and drumline in university history, with over 110 new students joining the program. Dr. Westbrook attributes this expansion to strong university support, increased visibility, and enhanced recruiting efforts, including performances at new-student orientation sessions and 'Band Day' events that attract middle and high school musicians.

Michigan State University Receives $30 Million NSF Grant for Turbulence Research and $11 Million Alumnus Donation

Michigan State University Receives $30 Million NSF Grant for Turbulence Research and $11 Million Alumnus Donation

Michigan State University (MSU) has been awarded a significant $30 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a new center dedicated to the study of turbulence. This center, named Transformative Explorations in Multi-Physics and Engineering of Scientific Turbulence (TEMPEST), will bring together experts from various fields including physics, mathematics, engineering, and AI to tackle the complex problem of understanding and controlling turbulence. Additionally, MSU received an $11 million donation from alumnus Kirk Faber. This donation will benefit multiple university departments and projects, specifically the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation, the Plant and Environmental Sciences Building, and Spartan Athletics. Faber's gift also includes an eight-figure planned donation to the College of Natural Science and the MSU Capital Projects Endowment, ensuring continued support for the university.

Davenport University Welcomes Record Student Population to Grand Rapids Campus

Davenport University Welcomes Record Student Population to Grand Rapids Campus

Davenport University has commenced its new academic year by welcoming students back to its W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus, marking one of the largest residential populations in the university's history. The campus experienced significant activity as students and their families moved into South Hall. This event is particularly notable for Anthony Anderson, the interim president, as it is his first move-in day since assuming the role in July. He expressed enthusiasm for the new chapter beginning for students and their families, emphasizing the university's commitment to making them feel welcomed and supported. Joe Bishop, the dean of students, highlighted the importance of on-campus living for student retention, higher GPAs, graduation rates, and lifelong connections. The university also introduced Onyx, a therapy dog, and her handler, Brett Windsor, to help new students acclimate.

UW-Whitewater Campus Cleared After Emergency Alert for Reported Weapon; No Threat Found

UW-Whitewater Campus Cleared After Emergency Alert for Reported Weapon; No Threat Found

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus experienced an emergency alert on the first day of classes after a report of an individual entering Andersen Hall with what appeared to be a weapon and yelling. The individual subsequently left the office without incident. University Police, in conjunction with other local law enforcement agencies, swiftly responded to the situation. As a precautionary measure, the university activated its emergency alert system, instructing the campus community to shelter in place. Following an investigation, law enforcement located the individual matching the description and determined that no weapon was present and there was no actual threat to life safety. The university has since confirmed that the campus is open and operational, with all classes and activities resuming as scheduled. Chancellor Corey A. King and Chief of Police Matthew Kiederlen issued a statement expressing gratitude for the rapid response and acknowledging the distress such incidents can cause, especiall...

Huntington Beach Union High School District Unites Staff for 'Mission Possible' Event

Huntington Beach Union High School District Unites Staff for 'Mission Possible' Event

The Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) recently held a district-wide staff event titled 'Mission Possible,' bringing together teachers and classified staff for the first time in decades. The event, held at First Christian Church Huntington Beach, aimed to foster unity and collaboration among the district's employees ahead of the new school year. Motivational speaker George Couros, author of 'Forward Together,' delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of caring for every student and creating a positive environment. Superintendent Carolee Ogata and Board of Trustees President Bonnie Castrey highlighted the significance of bringing all staff together to connect and reinforce their collective mission.

Mercer University Implements Self-Service Kiosks for Campus Dining in Atlanta

Mercer University Implements Self-Service Kiosks for Campus Dining in Atlanta

Mercer University Implements Self-Service Kiosks for Campus Dining in Atlanta

Tyler Junior College Graduate Naomi Moody Awarded Baylor Bound Presidential Scholarship

Tyler Junior College Graduate Naomi Moody Awarded Baylor Bound Presidential Scholarship

Naomi Moody, a graduate of Tyler Junior College (TJC), has been awarded the Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship will cover her full tuition and fees for up to two years at Baylor University, a goal she has held since high school. The Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship, established in 1989, is granted annually to one TJC graduate who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement and active participation in the TJC Presidential Honors Program. Moody exceeded the scholarship's requirements, which include being on track to graduate, maintaining good standing, and achieving a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA. She attributes much of her success to the support received through TJC’s Presidential Honors Program, including guidance from Dr. Mejia, Dr. Andrea Hathcote, and Honors coordinators Dave Funk and Dannika Blackhurst.

Colorado State University and Denver Public Schools Announce Guaranteed Admission Partnership

Colorado State University and Denver Public Schools Announce Guaranteed Admission Partnership

Colorado State University (CSU) has announced a new partnership with Denver Public Schools (DPS) that guarantees admission to eligible high school graduates from DPS. This initiative aims to create a clearer pathway for Denver students to access higher education at CSU. In addition to the guaranteed admission, The Denver Foundation is investing $2.25 million into Colorado State University. These funds are specifically designated for new scholarships, with the explicit mission of supporting community initiatives within Denver and across Colorado. The details of how these scholarships will be awarded and the specific community initiatives they will support are being further developed. This collaboration signifies a concerted effort to enhance educational opportunities and community engagement between the university and the Denver metropolitan area.

U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis Honored with Community Center Naming at Malcolm X College

U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis Honored with Community Center Naming at Malcolm X College

Malcolm X College in West Garfield Park is set to open its newly expanded West Campus, which will feature a community center named after retiring U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis. Classes at the expanded campus will commence on September 21. The $20 million expansion project aims to increase enrollment capacity by 50%, allowing up to 2,000 students to access early college courses for high school students and various healthcare career programs. The new 3,000-square-foot community center, officially named the Danny K. Davis Community Center, will provide recreational and meeting spaces for students and event space for the public. The naming ceremony honored Representative Davis for his 30-year tenure in Congress and half-century as an elected official, recognizing his consistent advocacy and support for Malcolm X College, which has resulted in millions of dollars in critical funding for the institution.

Higher Education Organizations Launch 'Start From Yes' Initiative to Streamline Transfer Credits

Higher Education Organizations Launch 'Start From Yes' Initiative to Streamline Transfer Credits

Nineteen higher education organizations, including several accreditors, have endorsed the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)'s new 'Start From Yes' campaign. This initiative advocates for a fundamental shift in how colleges and universities evaluate prior learning and transfer credits. Instead of approaching transfer credit evaluation with skepticism, the campaign urges institutions to assume that a student's previous credits and other prior learning can be applied toward their desired credential unless there is a clear reason otherwise. The goal is to create more efficient and transparent pathways for students seeking to transfer credits, thereby reducing obstacles to graduation. This approach aims to validate learning acquired by students, making the transfer process smoother and more equitable.

Harvard College Dean David J. Deming Advocates for Increased AI Use and AI-Proof Assessments in Classrooms

Harvard College Dean David J. Deming Advocates for Increased AI Use and AI-Proof Assessments in Classrooms

Harvard College Dean David J. Deming has expressed his support for actively encouraging the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in classrooms where it can enhance learning, while simultaneously emphasizing the need for assessments that are resistant to AI use. In an email sent to students on Wednesday, marking the first day of classes, Deming outlined his initial thoughts on developing advisory guidelines for AI integration at Harvard. He suggested a shift away from traditional take-home examinations and problem sets towards proctored exams, arguing that the former are no longer sustainable for assessing mastery given the prevalence of AI tools. Deming also proposed the acceptance, or even encouragement, of AI in writing-based courses, stating that focusing on AI detection damages trust between faculty and students. He indicated a desire to move from merely gathering information on AI to actively responding to its use, acknowledging the fast-moving landscape of AI and the need for extensive consultation wi...