This past Saturday morning, I had the opportunity to attend the launching of the "Way2Go Maryland" Campaign designed to increase outreach to middle school students about college. As some may know, i am particularly passionate about this program because of my future plans to teach middle school in Baltimore City.
The launch of the campaign was held at the Maryland Science Center. After the initial ceremony, lunch and a college fair was held for the families and students in attendance from all over Baltimore City. I had the opportunity to speak with a number of students and families and was inspired by their persistence and dedication to pursue higher education. I know that I often take for granted the opportunities that I was presented with.
In coming months, the program will reach out to middle school students and their families both about the opportunities for college and the steps that need to be taken starting in middle school to help prepare students for higher education. The system will be working with its co-sponsor, ATK, and community groups to connect.
In coming weeks, I will be sure to share with you upcoming opportunities to participate in this project. I am inspired to share the opportunity that I have been afforded and I hope you share the same sentiment.
9.15.2008
9.12.2008
The "College Experience" for Nontraditonal Students
After a group planning session last night for one of my classes, I got into talking with one of my peers about his college experience. My friend works at UMB in the evenings, has a wife and daughter, and is attending UMBC on the side. Later that night, my thoughts were brought back again to my friend and his experience at UMBC and how we serve nontraditional students.
As we examine growth in higher education in coming years, there seem to be two major areas of expansion; expansion of non-traditional students and also an increase of minority and low-income students. Both areas of growth are a response to increased accessibility to higher education and increased demand for skilled workers.
But what does this all really mean? It means that our colleges do not simply serve 18-22 year-old's who live on or near campus with friends, like me. More critically, our campuses have to both meet the needs and work for our peers who are working part- and full-time jobs, have families or parents to take care of, and/or travel some distance to attend school. Every time I register for classes, I think to myself whether I could make it at UMBC reasonably by taking classes that would not disrupt with a workday. While possible under ideal circumstances, its quite difficult. I also think about campus resources, and realize they are mostly only open during the day.
Many colleges are readily exploring e-learning and distance to allow students to learn away from the college. While I understand the reasons for these changes, I might challenge this notion and suggest that we mold our current campuses and services to serve nontraditional students on campus. Most professors are available for advising during the day. Food options often close at night. Offices for business and academic services often close at night. Few classes are ever held on weekends. Majors have limited course selections early in the morning or late at night. Athletic facilities may not be open at ideal hours for students. I suggest we challenge or notions of how campuses operate as we consider the experience of nontraditional students.
How does your university serve, cater, and support nontraditional students? What are some things I should raise at the Board of Regents when it comes to the experience of nontraditional students?
As we examine growth in higher education in coming years, there seem to be two major areas of expansion; expansion of non-traditional students and also an increase of minority and low-income students. Both areas of growth are a response to increased accessibility to higher education and increased demand for skilled workers.
But what does this all really mean? It means that our colleges do not simply serve 18-22 year-old's who live on or near campus with friends, like me. More critically, our campuses have to both meet the needs and work for our peers who are working part- and full-time jobs, have families or parents to take care of, and/or travel some distance to attend school. Every time I register for classes, I think to myself whether I could make it at UMBC reasonably by taking classes that would not disrupt with a workday. While possible under ideal circumstances, its quite difficult. I also think about campus resources, and realize they are mostly only open during the day.
Many colleges are readily exploring e-learning and distance to allow students to learn away from the college. While I understand the reasons for these changes, I might challenge this notion and suggest that we mold our current campuses and services to serve nontraditional students on campus. Most professors are available for advising during the day. Food options often close at night. Offices for business and academic services often close at night. Few classes are ever held on weekends. Majors have limited course selections early in the morning or late at night. Athletic facilities may not be open at ideal hours for students. I suggest we challenge or notions of how campuses operate as we consider the experience of nontraditional students.
How does your university serve, cater, and support nontraditional students? What are some things I should raise at the Board of Regents when it comes to the experience of nontraditional students?
9.10.2008
Thinking Like a Researcher (Or: Darn it, Jim, I'm a Doctoral Student, not a real live human being!)
I will say this right at the outset: Once you enroll in a doctoral program, and start doing very issue-specific, in-depth research, you forget how to think like a normal human being. But that's OK, because then you can do cool things like this:
In the post from yesterday, Josh reported that the USM Board of Regents unanimously endorsed the upcoming ballot referendum to install up to 15,000 slot machines across 5 locations in Maryland. This would (according to state estimates) bring in between $600 and $700 million in net revenue.
There are great arguments on both sides, political and moral. But as a grad student, and a researcher, that's not what interests me. I can't take a political side. I have no moral opinion one way or the other (I'm not a theology student). What I can do is worry about how to make good estimates.
The big issue with slots, if you're me, is that big revenue number: $600 to $700 million. Where does it come from? More importantly, what does it account for, or not account for? (For instance, competition with current entertainment industries? Competition against the 4 other states within an easy day's drive that already have established slot industries? A guaranteed decline in lottery revenues? So far, I haven't seen this anywhere in state estimates, and this is not chump-change.)
I can't post up all the questions now (I'm working on a full and well-cited report at work, and I don't want to spoil that project), but I merely post this to suggest that once you become a research specialist, the world doesn't look the same to you anymore. (See the excellent book Freakonomics, for more examples).
In the future, I may post other examples of how specialization warps your thinking; I invite other researchers, especially grad students, to email me with their own stories.
In the post from yesterday, Josh reported that the USM Board of Regents unanimously endorsed the upcoming ballot referendum to install up to 15,000 slot machines across 5 locations in Maryland. This would (according to state estimates) bring in between $600 and $700 million in net revenue.
There are great arguments on both sides, political and moral. But as a grad student, and a researcher, that's not what interests me. I can't take a political side. I have no moral opinion one way or the other (I'm not a theology student). What I can do is worry about how to make good estimates.
The big issue with slots, if you're me, is that big revenue number: $600 to $700 million. Where does it come from? More importantly, what does it account for, or not account for? (For instance, competition with current entertainment industries? Competition against the 4 other states within an easy day's drive that already have established slot industries? A guaranteed decline in lottery revenues? So far, I haven't seen this anywhere in state estimates, and this is not chump-change.)
I can't post up all the questions now (I'm working on a full and well-cited report at work, and I don't want to spoil that project), but I merely post this to suggest that once you become a research specialist, the world doesn't look the same to you anymore. (See the excellent book Freakonomics, for more examples).
In the future, I may post other examples of how specialization warps your thinking; I invite other researchers, especially grad students, to email me with their own stories.
9.09.2008
Rainy Days: Budget Shortfalls for Maryland
The state estimates today released that revenues will fall $432 million short this year (Letter from Board of Estimates), and could expand to $950 million next year (Baltimore Sun Article). The Board of Public Works plans to immediately put the breaks on a number of capital projects, many of which could affect you. In this fiscal year (2009 Capital Budget Draft), the University System of Maryland is slated to receive the second greatest amount of capital dollars, right behind public school construction, with a nearly $144 million allocation. The Governor has provided a response.
Also, check out the statement by Comptroller Peter Franchot.
Implications could be rough for higher education. First, capital projects could get hit, and later, we could suffer in the operating budget.
Also, check out the statement by Comptroller Peter Franchot.
Implications could be rough for higher education. First, capital projects could get hit, and later, we could suffer in the operating budget.
USMSC - First Impressions
Like Brian, Sunday was my first experience attending a USMSC meeting. I'd had the opportunity to hear a lot of the news from my fellow UMBC students who were involved in the council last year, so it was exciting to be a part of it myself. It's refreshing to be a part of a group of students from across the state who care about continuing to improve our higher education system.
There are a number of important issues that we are going to be making decisions about in the next few months. Most of the technical details have already been posted here by Josh, so I'd like to talk a bit about the directions I think the council should go.
The issue of slot machines in Maryland has been controversial for years. This November, we'll be voting on a constitutional amendment to allow their placement in several specific locations across the state. Some of the money earned from the slots will be diverted to support higher education. While passing this agenda item via constitutional amendment seems a little extreme, I am in favor of the idea. Currently Maryland residents who wish to gamble this way are forced to travel to other nearby states to do so, bringing their dollars with them. I'd like to see that money be kept in-state, especially when we can use the income to support things like higher education. We might even be able to attract residents from other states to spend their money here, especially at races like Preakness. The bottom line for me is that if people want to gamble, they will - if not here, then with our neighbor states. Instead of funneling that money to them, let's keep it here and use it for worthy causes.
The issue of lowering the drinking age has gotten a bit misinterpreted. What Brit Kirwan and others are supporting is honest, scientific discussion on drinking age limitations and their effectiveness at preventing alcohol-related problems in young adults. We all have our personal opinions on which way the law should go, but the truth is that the only way to settle the discussion is with research. Let's bring some science to this argument in the hope of moving forward in a knowledgeable manner.
It's going to be an exciting year - I'm looking forward to it!
There are a number of important issues that we are going to be making decisions about in the next few months. Most of the technical details have already been posted here by Josh, so I'd like to talk a bit about the directions I think the council should go.
The issue of slot machines in Maryland has been controversial for years. This November, we'll be voting on a constitutional amendment to allow their placement in several specific locations across the state. Some of the money earned from the slots will be diverted to support higher education. While passing this agenda item via constitutional amendment seems a little extreme, I am in favor of the idea. Currently Maryland residents who wish to gamble this way are forced to travel to other nearby states to do so, bringing their dollars with them. I'd like to see that money be kept in-state, especially when we can use the income to support things like higher education. We might even be able to attract residents from other states to spend their money here, especially at races like Preakness. The bottom line for me is that if people want to gamble, they will - if not here, then with our neighbor states. Instead of funneling that money to them, let's keep it here and use it for worthy causes.
The issue of lowering the drinking age has gotten a bit misinterpreted. What Brit Kirwan and others are supporting is honest, scientific discussion on drinking age limitations and their effectiveness at preventing alcohol-related problems in young adults. We all have our personal opinions on which way the law should go, but the truth is that the only way to settle the discussion is with research. Let's bring some science to this argument in the hope of moving forward in a knowledgeable manner.
It's going to be an exciting year - I'm looking forward to it!
9.08.2008
Board of Regents endorses Slots
This past friday at the first full meeting Board of Regents for this academic year, other Regents and I voted to endorse the slots referendum to appear on the ballot in November. The USM Student Council also discussed the issue at length at its meeting yesterday. I voted to endorse the plan becuase I believe that potential societal costs are outweighed by the benefit for higher education. The revenues from slots, which I presume will amount to about $400 million a year, will be dedicated to a fund for education. Up to $150 million of this fund can be dedicated to higher education capital projects each year.
In light of these developments, I have pulled together some resources for you that will be useful in considering the issue:
Non-Technical Bill Summary
Copy of Legislation passed by Maryland General Assembly (description of locations included)
Ballot Language
Marylanders United to Stop Slots
For Maryland- Pro Slots Advocacy Group
Sun Article on BOR Endorsement of Slots
What are you thoughts on slots in Maryland? Do you think the benefits for higher education make the proposal worthwhile?
In light of these developments, I have pulled together some resources for you that will be useful in considering the issue:
Non-Technical Bill Summary
Copy of Legislation passed by Maryland General Assembly (description of locations included)
Ballot Language
(Chapter 5, Acts of 2007 Special Session)
Authorizing Video Lottery Terminals (Slot Machines) to Fund Education
Authorizes the State to issue up to five video lottery licenses for the purpose of raising revenue for education of children in public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12, public school construction and improvements, and construction of capital projects at community colleges and higher education institutions. No more than a total number of 15,000 video lottery terminals may be authorized in the State, and only one license may be issued for each specified location in Anne Arundel, Cecil, Worcester, and Allegany Counties, and Baltimore City. Any additional forms or expansion of commercial gaming in Maryland is prohibited, unless approved by a voter referendum.
(Enacts new Article XIX of the Maryland Constitution)
- For the Constitutional Amendment
- Against the Constitutional Amendment
Marylanders United to Stop Slots
For Maryland- Pro Slots Advocacy Group
Sun Article on BOR Endorsement of Slots
What are you thoughts on slots in Maryland? Do you think the benefits for higher education make the proposal worthwhile?
9.07.2008
First USMSC Meeting/Transcript Fees
Hello Everyone,
My name is Brian Frazee and I am a sophomore at UMBC. Today, I attended my first USMSC meeting as a shadow representative and wanted to write a bit about what I learned. I was very impressed with the USM Student Council. I knew that the USMSC had a very important role, but I didn't realize until today how dedicated and conscientious all of the representatives are.
It was very refreshing as a USM student to see that representatives from all of our institutions cared so much about the system as a whole, as well as their own respective institutions. We debated real issues and were able to listen to numerous different perspectives on pertinent topics such as lowering the drinking age, tuition policy, environmental sustainability, and the slots referendum. Having guest speakers to help us facilitate these discussions helped us even more because we were able to obtain expert knowledge, research, and facts that helped us determine how to render the students' perspective to the system leadership, including the Board of Regents and Chancellor Kirwan.
All in all, I am very impressed and very excited to begin working as a UMBC representative to the USMSC. I am very inspired by all of the other representatives that were present today and I thank all of you for such a productive, efficient meeting.
I did want to bring up an issue that is currently facing UMBC students. Up until July 1 of this year, transcripts were free for students to obtain. Now, we have to pay $8 for each transcript, which concerns many students because of the typical amount of transcripts we need over the course of our lifetime (grad school, careers, etc.) Today at the USMSC meeting, I brought up the point and I found out that some institutions in the system charge approximately $5 per transcript after 3 free transcripts (in any given transaction), while others charge per transcript or not at all. Can each school contact me or comment on this post and tell me how their school deals with transcripts? Do you all have to pay? This information will be helpful for me because UMBC student leaders are initiating efforts to either reduce or eliminate this $8 fee. Thanks!
My name is Brian Frazee and I am a sophomore at UMBC. Today, I attended my first USMSC meeting as a shadow representative and wanted to write a bit about what I learned. I was very impressed with the USM Student Council. I knew that the USMSC had a very important role, but I didn't realize until today how dedicated and conscientious all of the representatives are.
It was very refreshing as a USM student to see that representatives from all of our institutions cared so much about the system as a whole, as well as their own respective institutions. We debated real issues and were able to listen to numerous different perspectives on pertinent topics such as lowering the drinking age, tuition policy, environmental sustainability, and the slots referendum. Having guest speakers to help us facilitate these discussions helped us even more because we were able to obtain expert knowledge, research, and facts that helped us determine how to render the students' perspective to the system leadership, including the Board of Regents and Chancellor Kirwan.
All in all, I am very impressed and very excited to begin working as a UMBC representative to the USMSC. I am very inspired by all of the other representatives that were present today and I thank all of you for such a productive, efficient meeting.
I did want to bring up an issue that is currently facing UMBC students. Up until July 1 of this year, transcripts were free for students to obtain. Now, we have to pay $8 for each transcript, which concerns many students because of the typical amount of transcripts we need over the course of our lifetime (grad school, careers, etc.) Today at the USMSC meeting, I brought up the point and I found out that some institutions in the system charge approximately $5 per transcript after 3 free transcripts (in any given transaction), while others charge per transcript or not at all. Can each school contact me or comment on this post and tell me how their school deals with transcripts? Do you all have to pay? This information will be helpful for me because UMBC student leaders are initiating efforts to either reduce or eliminate this $8 fee. Thanks!
9.06.2008
Report to the USM Student Council
The USM Student Council is set to meet Sunday September 7 at USM Headquarters. The meeting agenda includes:
- elections of 2008-2009 officers
- a legislative update from Andy Clark
- a presentation from Rachel Fauber of the Maryland Student Climate Coalition
- discussion of the Amethyst Initiative
- discussion of the Slots Referendum
- role of the USM Student Council
As the student regent, I provide a written report each month. Please review and your convenience and contact me with any questions you may have.
- elections of 2008-2009 officers
- a legislative update from Andy Clark
- a presentation from Rachel Fauber of the Maryland Student Climate Coalition
- discussion of the Amethyst Initiative
- discussion of the Slots Referendum
- role of the USM Student Council
As the student regent, I provide a written report each month. Please review and your convenience and contact me with any questions you may have.
9.05.2008
My Op-Ed in The Sun on Md. State Institutions
The Sun published an op-ed piece of mine today titled "Maryland universities offer an ideal path to success" in response to a claim in a Sun editorial last week that those of us who chose an in-state school "settled" on our choice.
Why did you choose your school? How have you found the quality of your education?
Why did you choose your school? How have you found the quality of your education?
Voting for College Students: Get the Facts Straight
Inside HigherEd ran a recent story highlighting tactics used in Montgomery County, Virginia, home of Virginia Tech, to discourage students from registering to vote. In a memo to students, the office of elections stated that students who registered to vote would be changing their permanent residence, and thus have to become independent from their parents for tax and healthcare purposes and would also have to file for a new driver's license. The Obama Campaign has been the lead in voter registration drives on many campuses, including Virginia Tech. They have found that according to a federal law, students can maintain dependent status will residing away from home. They also have contacted leading healthcare institutions to inquire whether students would be dropped from health plans if they registered to vote in another state. Each provider explained that students would not be dropped from their parent's plans.
While such a case has not occurred (yet) in Maryland, this issue in Virginia raises significant questions for us as students in Maryland. The important thing is that you register to vote somewhere and exercise your right to do so. Below are a few links that will be useful for you to register to vote and to find out more information (thanks for UMBC SGA Advisor David Hoffman for providing some of this information):
While such a case has not occurred (yet) in Maryland, this issue in Virginia raises significant questions for us as students in Maryland. The important thing is that you register to vote somewhere and exercise your right to do so. Below are a few links that will be useful for you to register to vote and to find out more information (thanks for UMBC SGA Advisor David Hoffman for providing some of this information):
Maryland Voter Registration Application Form (last day to register in Maryland to vote in the general election is Tuesday, October 14, 2008).
Maryland Absentee Ballot Information and Application (last day to request an absentee ballot in Maryland for the general election is Tuesday, October 28, 2008).
National Voter Registration Form (works for all states except North Dakota, Wyoming, New Hampshire)
Information about all states' election deadlines (from Rock the Vote)
Contact information for all states' election offices (from Rock the Vote)
Maryland State Board of Elections (Phone- 410-269-284; info@elections.state.md.us)
If you have more questions or concerns, please email me and I will help you get your question answered.
Power to the people! Vote!
9.04.2008
In the Heart of Campus: First Towson SGA Meeting
I had the opportunity to visit Towson again this past Tuesday, joining the SGA for its first meeting of the year. President Kristen Guy and Vice President James Torrence have already provided great initial leadership for the student leaders at Towson. I had the opportunity to talk at length with elected student leaders and other students about pressing student issues at Towson and in the State. Some concerns were raised about the expansion of Towson, but students explained that the university has done a great job accomodating for the expansion. A number of students seemed interested in examining diversity issues at Towson. In fact, the SGA for the first time this year has a Director for Diversity Initiatives. (Article on mtg in Towson Towerlight).
What struck me most, though, about the meeting was both the logistics and symbolism of meeting outside, in the heart of campus. With a full setup of microphones, tables, speakers, and a podium, the student government took the meeting and the open conversation to students. While I watched many students walk by the meeting, the message was clear--the Towson student government is getting back in touch with students. I have only every attended student leadership in closed meeting with no or few guests. While talking at the meeting and dialogueing back and forth, I felt the necessary reminder and accountability that all student leaders should feel as students walked by listening to our conversation. President Guy is dedicated to getting "back to basics," it all signs look good so far.
I wonder what strategies other student leaders are using to get in better touch with the pulse of students? What are your thoughts? best practices?
What struck me most, though, about the meeting was both the logistics and symbolism of meeting outside, in the heart of campus. With a full setup of microphones, tables, speakers, and a podium, the student government took the meeting and the open conversation to students. While I watched many students walk by the meeting, the message was clear--the Towson student government is getting back in touch with students. I have only every attended student leadership in closed meeting with no or few guests. While talking at the meeting and dialogueing back and forth, I felt the necessary reminder and accountability that all student leaders should feel as students walked by listening to our conversation. President Guy is dedicated to getting "back to basics," it all signs look good so far.
I wonder what strategies other student leaders are using to get in better touch with the pulse of students? What are your thoughts? best practices?
9.02.2008
Presidential Candidates on Higher Education
I have spent a few days researching and prodding around both Senator McCain’s and Senator Obama’s Campaigns to provide a review of the higher education policies and positions for each Presidential Candidate. While much of higher education is controlled outside the realm of the federal government, financial aid has traditionally be significantly supplemented by the federal government in the past. As costs rise in higher education, we as students should be looking at our schools, our state policymakers, and leaders at the federal level to provide leadership in broadening access and quality for higher education. Throughout this piece, I will editorialize a bit from my limited knowledge and perspective, but will provide you with links so that you can make your best judgement with the information at hand.
Senator McCain has put forth an idealistic platform for higher education with few specifics and many questions. His six planks are:
1. Prepare for the 21st Century in Higher Education- Senator McCain, in an effort to maintain the quality of higher education in the US, plans to support innovative approaches to education and eliminate unnecessary regulation. I have a request for more details sent to the campaign for more details on this.
2. Improve Information for Parents- The federal government collects a lot of information from universities each year, and Senator McCain hopes to provide this data for parents. I am interested to find out whether he will ask universities to provide more information than they already do.
3. Simplify Higher Education Tax Benefits- Senator McCain highlights that there are many tax benefits and programs that have been passed over the years. He hopes to consolidate these programs to make sure students and their families are more likely to apply.
4. Simplify Federal Financial Aid- There are a number of financial aid and scholarship programs available to students, and Senator McCain hopes to consolidate these. I have requested from the campaign further information on this. Specifically, which programs will be consolidated? Also, will there be cuts to the amount of aid provided with the consolidation of programs?
5. Improve Research by Eliminating Earmarks- One of Senator McCain's major talking points on the campaign trail has been ethics reforms and the elimination of earmarks. Senator McCain explains that the elimination of earmarks on research bills will open up more dollars for higher education institutions.
6. Fix the Student Lending Programs- Senator McCain hopes to expand the lender-of-last resort capabilities of the federal loan programs so that students can get last minute loans from the federal government as opposed to lender-sharks. He also hopes to negotiate with the private sector to ensure greater access to higher education and less debt for Americans.
Notably, Senator McCain was absent on sponsorship of the GI Bill for Post 9/11 Veterans, which would cover costs of four yours of higher education for veterans, after asked by Senator Webb (VA- Dem) to join. (List of signatories)
- Eliminate the FAFSA- Senator Obama's plan proposes elimination outright of the FAFSA form. He proposes that this 127-question form can be replaced with a simply check box on the filed tax form releasing data to be used to develop a student's estimated family contribution (EFC). His plan also proposes a new calculation of the EFC, although his plan lacks specifics on the details for this (I have placed a call into the campaign and will update as I learn more).
- American Opportunity Tax Credit- Senator Obama's trademark higher education talking point speaks to the $4,000 tax credit that students will recieve if they dedicate a certain number of hours each week to community service. His plan lacks specifics on the requirements of the community service. I have also placed questions into the campaign to learn more about who is eligible for the tax credit and also if the tax credit can be rolled over to future years if one's taxes do not exceed $4,000.
- Pell Grants- Obama's plan explains that he supports increases in Pell Grants like he has in the past as a Senator, but no specific amount or plan is explained.
- Community College Partnerships- Senator Obama proposes a plan to work with community colleges across the nation to 1) focus research on needed skills in the workforce, 2) support and help implement new degree programs, and 3) reward institutions which graduate more students. The federal level is a far distance from the community college level, so I am interested to see how this would be implemented.
- Early Assessment Program- California and a few other states have implemented Early Assessment Programs that help students find out in high school where they need to improve to attend college. Such programs are optional tests and are administered in sophomore and junior years of high school. President Obama would provide provide up to $25 million in matching funds to individual states each year to implement such programs.
Notably, Senator Obama also supported the DREAM Act in 2007 (Text / Wikipedia), which broadens accessibility for higher education for illegal aliens who have been present in the United States before age 16.
Senator Obama also was a co-sponsor of the new GI Bill.
To read Senator Obama's extended plan, click here.
Overall
Both Senator McCain and Senator Obama present vague plans for higher education. Senator Obama has presented more specific ideas, although they do not seem to provide either the comprehensive details that would support a realistic change in affordability for higher education in America. The good news--both candidates have two months to put forth more concrete plans for higher education before we vote.
What are your thoughts on the plans? Have you run accross other information?
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