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A Wealth of Data, and Nobody in Charge Chronicle of Higher Education November 17, 2008 Colleges capture a slew of highly sensitive information on everyone on campus. And while chief privacy officer has become a recognized title in the corporate world, higher education seems slow to pick up on the trend - a reluctance that could represent either head-in-the-sand thinking or fiscally prudent avoidance of bureaucratic bloat.

College tour has its price: $11.42 Baltimore Sun - Column November 16, 2008 Then comes my favorite part, the Q-and-A session, during which representatives of the college field questions from pushy Type A parents that go something like this: "My son has a GPA of 4.375, is all-state in cello and lacrosse and plans to be an astronaut. Tell me how he would fit in here."  Apparently these parents think the college reps will be so bowled over by this that they'll say: "Wow, let's go right over to the admissions office! Would a full four-year scholarship for your kid be OK?"

The endowment quandry November 16, 2008 The financial market meltdown over the past few months comes at a heavy price to private colleges, including many in this region whose endowments shrank anywhere from $1.6 million to $30 million.  The economic downturn, volatile markets and fears of tight credit are causing college money managers to rein in spending and re-evaluate their portfolios.  Schools have responded by enacting partial hiring freezes, delaying construction and shifting investments.  (Regional emphasis)

This PILOT should crash Worcester, Mass., Sunday Telegram November 16, 2008 Having taxed local businesses to the legal limit, thus forcing some to move or expand elsewhere, Worcester city councilors have been trying to squeeze nonprofit entities, especially colleges and universities, for payments in lieu of taxes.  This dumb effort is a classic example of trying to kill the proverbial goose that lays golden eggs.  (Regional emphasis)

Cash is the crop college presidents cultivate Baltimore Sun November 16, 2008 Presidents of colleges and universities at all levels devote themselves to seeking money.  But at major research universities, the expectations are enormous:  William R. Brody has raised $3.2 billion in his last eight years at Hopkins. In 2007, the university had the nation's fourth-highest level of annual giving - $430 million.  Building and nurturing relationships is essential.  And while development staffs identify prospective donors and lay out the benefits, presidents are involved at every step.

State Universities Get A's For Affordability In Perilous Economy Hartford, Conn., Courant November 16, 2008 Applications to state universities are way up so far this year. More families are considering two years of community college as a more affordable alternative to freshman and sophomore years at a four-year school.  And many students, particularly those whose families may not qualify for much financial aid, are eyeing schools that give merit scholarships and are being more aggressive about seeking money.  (Regional emphasis)

College closings rare, but could rise in downturn Associated Press November 16, 2008 Colleges are remarkably resilient institutions. Princeton University's Nassau Hall still bears the cannonball marks from the Revolutionary War battle that raged near campus. Dickinson and Bowdoin colleges saw their first buildings burn down, as did the University of Vermont, which also survived its first president going insane.  Still, every year, a handful of institutions go under. And while a wave of college closings is unlikely, the current economic turmoil could accelerate the pace.

Record number of U.S. students study abroad, in diverse locations USA Today November 16, 2008 A record 241,791 U.S. students went abroad for academic credit in 2006-07, up 8% from the previous year, and nearly 150% more than a decade earlier, the report says. It was released today by the Institute of International Education, a non-profit New York-based group that tracks international enrollment trends with U.S. State Department funding.

Colleges, universities keep eye on endowments Dayton, Ohio, Daily News November 16, 2008 Wilberforce University on Nov. 14 announced plans to cut jobs and reduce salaries in response to a $2.8 million budget shortfall. Two days later, Xavier University in Cincinnati enacted a hiring freeze because of a budget shortfall.  The University of Dayton's endowment dropped approximately $75 million from fiscal year 2007 to 2008, before the recent market meltdown, said President Daniel J. Curran. "We're down from a high of around $410 million to somewhere around $300 million, $325 million," Curran said.  (Regional emphasis)

Why Some of the Best and Brightest Skip College Inside Higher Ed November 14, 2008 Many college-qualified students who choose not to enroll in college may have made up their minds well before high school graduation, according to a new study from the Institute for Higher Education Policy and underwritten by the Education Resources Institute. The study also finds that the steep price of college and the shrinking availability of financial aid are the overwhelming reasons these students - and their guidance and college counselors - cite for their decision not to enroll.

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