Recent news about the "credit crunch" and it's impact on "main street" is becoming more clear. One group that may feel the increased pressure first is the students on our many University campuses that are borrowing to meet tuition and fees, housing, and cost of living needs.
Now, more than ever, it seems integral that we focus on teaching students about personal finances and how to be smart about them. Far too often, students (especially first generation college goers) set off down the path of debt to fund college without the advice of an experienced adult. Interest rates, repayment plans, and how much is too much should be taught on our campuses through academic courses or student services seminars.
What successful examples of this have you seen on campuses around the nation? Should all students be required to take a course in personal finance? What resources are already available for students to utilize?
A recent opinion piece in the Charlotte Observer shares a few thoughts on how the federal government could respond to the student loans portion of the crunch. Without taking political jabs do you agree/disagree or have a different variation of your own plan to share?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB...I'm Innovating!
So we have all seen the creative commercials and have heard the newest buzzword that basically means creating, but has less of a liberal flare for those that find the latter less palatable. The United States is reknown for its ability to innovate and create new ideas and things - which may be a reason so many international students flock to our universities for higher education.
Today the challenge that we face is that more of the world is interested in being innovative and creating a populous and workforce that understands the value of innovation in solving some of our most important challenges. For the US this means more competition, for the world it means more innovation. What role should US institutions play in innovation today? Where should innovation take us in the future? How should students and communities be introduced to "innovation"?
The European Union has named 2009, the "Year of Creativity and Innovation". While it may only be a symbolic gesture that us unfunded, we do see dollars (euros/pounds) being thrown at research and innovation in places like Finland and now the UK (the UK has recently created a Department of Innovation)
Today the challenge that we face is that more of the world is interested in being innovative and creating a populous and workforce that understands the value of innovation in solving some of our most important challenges. For the US this means more competition, for the world it means more innovation. What role should US institutions play in innovation today? Where should innovation take us in the future? How should students and communities be introduced to "innovation"?
The European Union has named 2009, the "Year of Creativity and Innovation". While it may only be a symbolic gesture that us unfunded, we do see dollars (euros/pounds) being thrown at research and innovation in places like Finland and now the UK (the UK has recently created a Department of Innovation)
Friday, February 29, 2008
I donate, I watch the game, and even read the newsletter...but other than that I'm not sure where else I can be useful!
Today Universities are increasing their capacity to track their alumni through high end database systems and new outreach programs. Once (re)connected, these alumni prove to be a limitless resource of information, ideas, and at times energy - no, not money no matter how much an advancement officer wishes! This dedication to their institution and to the state/region in which they live are positive relationships that should be explored.
Within the context of UNC Tomorrow, there are many identified challenges with even more solutions - but as we realize that one size does not fit all - the response phase should probably include the very public that helped us identify the list in the first place.
What is the appropriate role for alumni in the modern University? How should campuses best engage their alumni beyond the checkbook and sporting events (both necessary and exciting in their own rights)? Who is getting it right? What can we learn from them?
Within the context of UNC Tomorrow, there are many identified challenges with even more solutions - but as we realize that one size does not fit all - the response phase should probably include the very public that helped us identify the list in the first place.
What is the appropriate role for alumni in the modern University? How should campuses best engage their alumni beyond the checkbook and sporting events (both necessary and exciting in their own rights)? Who is getting it right? What can we learn from them?
Glad to hear that's in the report...I think about it EVERY DAY!
Welcome back to the UNC Tomorrow Blog!
Approved by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, the UNC Tomorrow Commission Report has hopped up on two very large feet to begin its journey through the response phase. Each campus and staff at General Administration will spend the next few months to a year responding and preparing thorough plans that answer the challenges posed by the people of North Carolina.
Which report recommendation relates most directly to your family and/or professional life? Why? Is there an area of the report that you hope is addressed before all others? Do you have an answer that should be shared with our campuses?
Approved by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, the UNC Tomorrow Commission Report has hopped up on two very large feet to begin its journey through the response phase. Each campus and staff at General Administration will spend the next few months to a year responding and preparing thorough plans that answer the challenges posed by the people of North Carolina.
Which report recommendation relates most directly to your family and/or professional life? Why? Is there an area of the report that you hope is addressed before all others? Do you have an answer that should be shared with our campuses?
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