UCAM's News clips for Monday, December 1, 2008
1. Coordinated Calendars Make Real-World Sense (Albuquerque Journal Editorial)
It's always been a challenge for parents to make their professional obligations work with the schedules adopted by their children's schools. For parents with children in public school and UNM, better yet parents working at or attending UNM, it's been impossible.
Until 2010.
That's when Albuquerque Public Schools and the University of New Mexico will have the same spring break, March 15-19. UNM staff members told the APS board this week the coordination has been years in the making and their next project is to get the winter breaks to start on the same day and to declare snow days when APS does.
It's understood the two entities operate under different mandates, but much of their constituencies overlap. Getting as much of their schedules in sync as possible would give everyone a break.
They deserve credit for the effort.###
2. News from the Daily Lobo:
* Provost: UNM cutting back in case of shortfall
Provost Suzanne Ortega met with faculty members Tuesday to address rumors of departmental cutbacks in the wake of UNM's financial situation.
About 100 faculty members gathered to discuss the issue with Ortega and Marc Saavedra, director of government relations.
Ortega said President David Schmidly and his team planned for the possibility of a budget shortfall and that the University might have to return some state funding, depending on the Legislature's deficit.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01provost.htm* UNM Salary Comparisons
There may be a hiring freeze, but UNM is still spending millions on the employees already on the books. We at the Daily Lobo decided to put things in perspective. In reviewing the average salaries for certain jobs, we determined that the dollars going toward one position could fund a host of others. For instance, President David Schmidly's salary could pay for two vice presidents, four professors, six assistant professors, 20 teaching assistants or 57 temporary faculty members.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01salaries.htm* Students deal with repercussions of bike-parking policy
A little-known campus policy has left some students scratching their heads over the disappearance of their bikes.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01policy.htm###
3. No Day at the Beach for Alford's Lobos (Albuquerque Journal)
By Mark Smith, Journal Staff WriterMake no mistake. This was no vacation for the University of New Mexico men's basketball team.
And if the Lobos don't turn things around in a hurry, they aren't going to have much of a holiday in the coming weeks either.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01lobos.htm4. Dems Pick New Senate Leader (Albuquerque Journal)
By Dan Boyd, Journal Capitol BureauSenate Democrats set the stage for a shake-up in the body's leadership Sunday, picking a northern New Mexico lawmaker to be the Senate's new president pro tem.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01dems.htm5. Legislature 2009: Ousted Senate leader may ask GOP to help thwart vote (Santa Fe New Mexican)
Steve Terrell | The New Mexican
Even though state Senate Democrats will enjoy the biggest majority they've had in years, it's possible that a leadership dispute will give Republicans a big say in who gets elected Senate president pro-tem.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01legislature.htm6. NMSU series designed for urban farmers (Albuquerque Journal)
By Jane Moorman, NMSU News ServiceTo help promote a local food shed for the Albuquerque metro area, New Mexico State University's Bernalillo County Extension office is hosting a three-part Urban Farming Series beginning Dec. 9.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01nmsu.htm7. EYE ON RESEARCH: NMSU worker wins national turf award (Las Cruces Sun News)
Sun-News reportA graduate research assistant at New Mexico State University won first place recently at a national conference for her research into how salinity can affect moisture readings in soils.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_111098648. News from the Chronicle of Higher Education:
http://libproxy.unm.edu/login?url=http://chronicle.com* Graduate Students' Pay And Benefits Vary Widely
A Chronicle survey shows that students face an array of choices when evaluating financial packages, making comparisons difficult.* Psychology Departments Modify Their Behavior
The young discipline of neuroscience has changed how academic psychology departments hire, promote, and do research.* Keeping Costs Down Will Grow Harder, Report Says
Public universities will have to seek new ways to be efficient to make up for likely reductions in state appropriations, says a report from the association of land-grant institutions.###
9. News from Inside Higher Education:
* Changing the Tuition Discussion
Public universities issue report on “looming affordability challenge.” Analysis finds limited public understanding of college costs and calls for substantially different policies. With a podcast: http://www.insidehighered.com/var/podcast/media/2008-11-30_nasulgcpodcast3.mp3
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/12/01/tuition* Whose Blood Is It?
Arizona court revives suit on Native American samples — allegedly used for studies that differ from what donors agreed to. Issues could apply broadly in social and biological sciences.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/12/01/blood* The Newest Trademark? College Colors
Apparel company’s t-shirts that mimicked college teams’ colors violated federal law, U.S. appeals court rules.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/12/01/trademarkNews clips from Friday - Sunday, November 28 - 30
10. Today’s MBA Anderson students get conflicting perspectives (New Mexico Business Weekly)
by Thomas Munro Special to NMBWProspective managers and entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to enrollment at the University of New Mexico’s business school to weather the current economic hurricane, but they are finding there another version of the same storm in miniature, as professors hotly debate its causes and cures.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01asm.htm11. UNM acquires KASA building to expand medical facility (New Mexico Business Weekly)
by Steve Ginsberg Special to NMBWSeeking more land for its expanding medical care operations, the University of New Mexico has acquired the former KASA broadcast studio at 1377 University Blvd. NE.
The $2.1 million deal was struck last winter but took seven months to be approved by the various state agencies that fund the university. The acquisition includes a 17,000-square-foot building on three acres that lie adjacent to the current construction site of an $85 million cancer research hospital.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01kasa.htm12. Favoritism Alleged at NMSU (Albuquerque Journal)
By Martin Salazar, Journal Staff WriterWaded Cruzado wasn't officially a candidate for the New Mexico State University presidency, but finalists for the job weren't getting that impression from what was taking place in Las Cruces.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01nmsu2.htm13. Regent: Brunch Killed NMSU President Search (Albuquerque Journal)
Associated PressThe chairman of New Mexico State University's regents said a champagne brunch for the school's interim president, held by another NMSU regent, contributed to the end of a search for a permanent president.
Regent: Brunch Killed NMSU President Search
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01nmsu3.htm14. NMSU regent says brunch killed president search (Las Cruces Sun News)
By Ashley Meeks Sun-News reporterA champagne brunch for Interim President Waded Cruzado, held at the house of NMSU Regent and presidential search committee member Laura Conniff, contributed to the recent cancellation of the search for a permanent president, according to outgoing Regents Chairman Bob Gallagher.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_11091464?source=most_viewed15. Is Cruzado the next chief or isn't she? (Las Cruces Sun News Editorial)
The search process for NMSU's next president has become tainted not just the $150,000 search recently brought to a halt, but the entire process.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-opinion/ci_1109757916. Sound Off! (Las Cruces Sun News)
If the New Mexico State University regents go on a president search again, I hope the last five finalists are excluded as they are unethical.
It's nice to know that politics are nice and well at NMSU. The new student regent probably is a nice kid with minimum leadership skills. Other more-qualified applicants who might have made the university proud were shunned. Nice choice, Gov. Richardson.
###
17. NMHU Regent Favors Control of Private College (Albuquerque Journal)
Associated PressThe outgoing chairman of the New Mexico Highlands University regents says the school is considering assuming control over the private College of Santa Fe.
The private college is threatened by financial strains, and Gov. Bill Richardson said Wednesday discussions are under way to bring it into the state higher education system.
State officials say Highlands and the University of New Mexico are the top contenders for taking it over.
Highlands regents chairman Javier Gonzales says the College of Santa Fe could be operated similarly to Highlands' other offsite locations in Farmington and Rio Rancho.
He says the Las Vegas school needs to make sure the acquisition would not jeopardize its own financial or academic health.###
18. Asteroid Named for Professor (Albuquerque Journal)
By John Fleck, Journal Staff WriterAn asteroid discovered with New Mexico Tech's modest campus observatory telescope has been officially named after one of the university's most distinguished scientists.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01nmtech.htm19. NEW MEXICO TECH SOPHOMORE WINS SECOND AT NATIONAL COMPETITION: (Albuquerque Journal)
Española native Joe Koby, a sophomore materials engineering major at New Mexico Tech, recently won second place for his research poster at an annual conference at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.
Koby won $1,500 and a crystal vase for his research about the properties of various types of sandstone at the Science & Energy Research Challenge, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The event was open to any college student who worked for the Department of Energy. Koby recently finished his second summer working at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Koby has been investigating how oil might be extracted from oil-rich sandstone deposits. Funded by Chevron, Koby and his fellow researchers aimed to find how oil bonds to sandstone and how it might be extracted.
A 2007 graduate of McCurdy High School, he is the son of Pam and Martin Koby of Española.
###
20. Building A Better Chile Pepper (Albuquerque Journal)
By Melanie Dabovich, Associated PressThink the bold, sweet scent of roasting green chile is one of the best smells around? Well it's about to smell even better and taste better, too.
Researchers with New Mexico State University's Chile Pepper Institute in Las Cruces have developed two new chile varieties with improved flavor and aroma after essentially "cleaning up" two existing varieties popular with farmers and chile aficionados.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01nmsu4.htm21. Newly Elected Legislators May Chart Different Course (Albuquerque Journal)
By Dan Boyd, Journal Capitol BureauNew faces could mean new directions when the New Mexico Legislature convenes in January.
However, a budget downturn that will likely limit spending and force decisions on how to reduce state expenditures could temper a wave of change that swept a host of incumbents out of office.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01legislators.htm22. Continued Health of State Retiree Programs at Stake (Albuquerque Journal Letter to the Editor)
Current economic conditions and the recent effects of domestic and international market investing bring new concern and challenges for New Mexico's public retirement and the retiree health care funds.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01erb.htm23. Legislature 2009: State tailors health reform to fit budget (Santa Fe New Mexican)
Officials must work to 'get the best bank for the public buck,' Human Services secretary says
Kate Nash | The New MexicanDespite a trouncing in this year's legislative sessions, efforts to reform New Mexico's health care system seem to be far from over.
Advocates say they are gearing up to try at least some of their agenda again in the 2009 session, which starts Jan. 20. The main goal is to get health coverage to as many of the 400,000 people without insurance as possible.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01legislature2.htmNews clips from Thursday, November 27
24. College Seeking State Takeover (Journal North)
By Martin Salazar, Journal Staff WriterShort on cash and long on debt, the College of Santa Fe is trying to work out a deal for a possible state takeover.
The private independent college, known for its strong arts programs, is in serious discussions with New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas about a possible merger. And the University of New Mexico is also being mentioned as a possible suitor.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01csf.htm25. College looks to state after talks fizzle (Santa Fe New Mexican)
College of Santa Fe considers becoming a public institution
John Sena | The New MexicanTalks between the College of Santa Fe and a for-profit group have fallen through, and now college officials have called upon Gov. Bill Richardson and the state's Higher Education Department to consider making it a public institution, the college announced Wednesday.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01csf2.htm26. APS Board OKs Calendar for 2009-1010 School Year (Albuquerque Journal)
By Journal Staff ReportThe Albuquerque school board adopted a calendar Tuesday for the 2009-2010 school year that includes joint time off with the University of New Mexico for spring break. The first day of school is Aug. 17; the last day is May 28.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01aps.htm27. Preservationist Trying To Save John O. Miller House (Journal Southern Bureau)
By Rene Romo, Journal Southern BureauHistoric preservationists are sounding the alarm about the planned demolition of a century-old building across University Avenue from the New Mexico State University campus that they believe was designed by noted Southwestern architect Henry Charles Trost.
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01miller.htm28. Governor Appoints New NNMC Regent (Journal North)
Alfred Herrera will be the newest member of the Northern New Mexico College Board of Regents, according to an appointment announced Wednesday by Gov. Bill Richardson's office.
A retired state employee who worked for the Public Education Department for more than 20 years, Herrera currently serves on the Española City Council. He also has been elected in the past to the State Board of Education, District 10.
A graduate of Española High School, he holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix.
Herrera's appointment will take effect Jan. 1 and will expire on Dec. 31, 2014. He replaces Dennis Salazar, whose term expires Dec. 31.
###
29. Other News:
*Student Loan Aid Is Test for Treasury (Washington Post)
Groups Urge No Bailout Benefit To Private Lenders
Student advocacy groups are urging the Treasury Department to prevent a new $200 billion consumer-lending program from benefiting private student lenders, which they say are largely unregulated and prey on students with risky, high-interest loans.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/27/AR2008112702570.html?referrer=emailarticle* Blueprints for college success (Boston Globe)
Two-thirds of Boston Public Schools students who attend college don't finish. Fortunately, one local engineering school is blazing a path forward.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2008/11/29/blueprints_for_college_success?s_campaign=8315* $6 million center tutors jocks only (Chicago Tribune)
U. of I., other colleges draw faculty, student criticism for spending so much on so few. The Irwin Academic Services Center at the University of Illinois is outfitted with computer labs and classrooms; staffed with tutors, counselors and learning specialists; furnished with oversize leather chairs and Oriental rugs—and off-limits to 99 percent of the student body.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-jock-tutoringnov28,0,5918190.story* Harvard's loss becomes Obama administration's gain (Boston Globe)
Harvard passed her over. Now six months later, Christina Romer is headed to the White House.
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2008/11/30/harvards_loss_becomes_obama_administrations_gain?s_campaign=8315* Despite long odds, college president takes a stand against binge-drinking (Boston Globe)
It's dime draft night every Thursday at the Diamond Lounge on Main Street, and a dozen or so glassy-eyed students are milling around outside as Lieutenant Kevin Grove's patrol car passes by.
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2008/11/30/despite_long_odds_college_president_takes_a_stand_against_binge_drinking?s_campaign=8315* Betting on Bob (Boston Globe)
IN 1997, DAVID BOWIE applied his well-known penchant for experimentation to finance: He offered to sell shares of his albums' future revenues. If you had faith in the enduring popularity of "Ziggy Stardust" and "Space Oddity," you could purchase Bowie Bonds and receive a percentage of the royalties for 10 years. In return, the aging rock star got an immediate...
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2008/11/30/betting_on_bob?s_campaign=8315* Student-loan consolidation choices shrink (Denver Post)
Kari Schoeneweis will face more than $60,000 in student loan debt when she graduates from Carlow University in spring.
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_11102213?source=email* Going Off to College for Less (Passport Required) (NY Times)
Isobel Oliphant felt she was making an offbeat choice when she graduated from Fox Lane High School in Bedford, N.Y., and enrolled at the ancient university in this quiet coastal town of stone ruins and verdant golf courses.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/education/01scotland.html?_r=1&ei=5070&emc=eta1* College president, teach thyself (Boston Globe)
News that Suffolk had the highest-paid university president in the nation isn't going over well -- especially amid conflicts of interest on the university board.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2008/12/01/college_president_teach_thyself?s_campaign=8315###
30. Albuquerque Media Monitoring
News clips from Wednesday, November 25-Thursday, November 26, 2008
* UNM Women's Basketball Team Preparing to Host Thanksgiving Tournament
* Students in Carlsbad Are Taking Dual Classes
* Governor Richardson Pushing for State to Purchase College of Santa Fe Campus
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01WEmedia.htm31. Albuquerque Media Monitoring
News clips from Friday, November 28 - Sunday, November 30, 2008* Two Oklahoma State Assistant Coaches are in Running to Replace Rocky Long
* Lobo Men's Basketball Team Loses Last Game in Cancun Challenge 67-55
* Lobo Women's Basketball Team Wins Against Nebraska Cornhusters 62-51
* Volleyball Team Not Invited to NCAA Tournament
http://www.unm.edu/news/08DecNewsClips/01WEmedia2.htmSusan McKinsey
Director of University Communication
Scholes Hall 160, Suite 152C
MSC05 3300
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-1989