STATE UNIVERSITIES
Program helps first generation low-income youth prepare for college
In late June, a cohort of students from three Flint-area schools experienced college life at Central Michigan University through the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs program. The following week, more high school students did the same. The GEAR UP program is for first generation, low income at-risk students. The students come to campus, live in the residence halls, and are chaperoned and mentored by CMU College Positive volunteers.
Grand Valley wins charter school authorizer accreditation
Grand Valley State University’s Charter Schools Office has formally received accreditation from AdvancED, making the university the first charter school authorizer in the nation to achieve the national AdvancED accreditation classification. The formal accreditation was awarded after a favorable recommendation was provided by a review team earlier this year. The accreditation assessment process included an intensive three-day review of the university’s Charter Schools Office and portfolio of schools. The review consisted of evaluations of resource utilization, teaching and learning and leadership capacity.
Michigan Tech selected for diversity training program
Michigan Technological University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics is one of five mechanical engineering departments nationwide selected by the National Science Foundation to participate in a new diversity training program. The others are Purdue, Oregon State, Texas Tech and the University of Oklahoma. The Transforming Engineering Culture to Advance Inclusion and Diversity program’s goal is to diversify mechanical engineering education, making it more inclusive of women and under-represented minorities.
PEER INSTITUTIONS
IU study: Males contribute to offspring mental development before pregnancy
A new study from Indiana University provides evidence in mice that males may play a positive role in the development of offspring’s brains starting before pregnancy. The research found that female mice exposed to male pheromones gave birth to infants with greater mental ability. The connection between male pheromones and offspring’s brain development seems to stem from the influence of male pheromones on the nursing ability of mother mice.
Nebraska rec facilities renovation finished
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will complete a five-year, $23 million renovation of campus recreation facilities with the July 13 opening of the Recreation and Wellness Center on East Campus. The new $14.89 million East Campus project stemmed from the Yes 2 Better Rec Centers referendum. Approved by students in 2010, it appropriated student fees to improve the quality of campus recreation facilities campuswide. Other parts of the initiative included construction of the Outdoor Adventures Center opened in May 2014 and the renovation/expansion of cardiovascular and strength areas within the Campus Rec Center on City Campus.
