STATE UNIVERSITIES
New MSU office to review discrimination, sexual assault complaints
Michigan State University is creating a new office to handle all discrimination complaints, including sexual assault and relationship violence. The primary responsibility for the office will be overseeing complaints made under the university’s anti-discrimination policies, including Title IX. The move comes amid conversations with several national Title IX experts during the past few months and as the university’s Sexual Assault Task Force submits a report on recommendations. Previously, MSU’s Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives handled discrimination. Creating a standalone office is expected to improve response.
Lake Superior State begins $13.5 million renovation
Contractors with Hallmark Construction of Traverse City recently cleared the interior of Lake Superior State University’s South Hall to begin a $13.5 million renovation of the building into R.W. Considine Hall. It will open for classes in fall 2016 and house LSSU’s Lukenda School of Business.
Western Michigan University increases room and board by 3.3 percent
The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees on April 22 approved a 3.3 percent increase in room and board rates for the 2015-16 academic year. For a student living in a traditional residence hall and selecting a 15-meal plan, the new rates will translate to an increase of $288 for the full academic year. The annual cost for the room and board package will be $9,011, effective in fall 2015.
PEER INSTITUTIONS
$2.4M grant will help UCLA boost undergraduate STEM instruction
A new four-year, $2.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation will help UCLA redesign some undergraduate courses to make them more interactive and interdisciplinary. Led by UCLA’s division of life sciences, the initiative could transform key courses for thousands of undergraduates. It is part of a campus-wide goal for all science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses to implement teaching methods proven in peer-reviewed studies to help motivate and engage students.
Purdue Military Family Research Institute receives $3.5M grant
A two-year, $3.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. will help support the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University as it continues its work to improve the lives of members of the military, veterans and their families. The grant was announced April 25 at an event marking the 15th anniversary of MFRI and the 20th anniversary for its parent organization, Purdue’s Center for Families. Both programs are part of the university’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
