Tuesday, September 5, 2023

NYTimes.com: Americans Are Losing Faith in the Value of College. Whose Fault Is That?

From The New York Times:

" But just as individual students pay a cost in lost wages when they opt out (or drop out) of college, there is a larger cost when millions of students do so — especially as other nations keep charging ahead. Holtz-Eakin and Lee calculated the price to the American economy of the millions of missing college grads they are projecting: $1.2 trillion in lost economic output by the end of the decade. That is one cost we are likely to bear together, winners and losers alike."

Americans Are Losing Faith in the Value of College. Whose Fault Is That?

For most people, the new economics of higher ed make going to college a risky bet.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/05/magazine/college-worth-price.html

Friday, September 1, 2023

Summer's end

Dearest Readers,
 
It was hot and it made us cough. Time to see far-flung relatives, to venture into nature, to plan for great courses, to tend the garden and to harvest. To reflect, to write, to fix up our homes or to abandon them for months. First summmer we did not think about Covid, and then cases propped up left and right. Summer's out, students are back, departments meet 9/8 during common meeting time and governance resumes 9/15 same time.
 
Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Owl Pellets

Dearest Readers,
 
Announced months ago, convocation is just days away. Department chairs are wearing tanks to show off departmental tats (see above) in different aspect ratios, senior faculty are digging out their tenure medals, Ramon-nostalgics are sporting ties and kilts sewn from WSU tartan, academic affairs fanboys are wearing last year's swag, and the barbership quartet is hooting in six-part harmony.
 
Your truly,
Lady Whistledown

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Roomination

Dearest Readers,
 
With one academic building reopened and one closed, where are classes taught? The table gives an overview of how many rooms are used for teaching in each building, and how many sections are scheduled (not corrected for cross-listing). Wilson and Bates win, with Online a close third (curiously, the Online building lacks rooms and is absent from the campus map). If you teach MWF in a dimly lit room with low ceiling and high humidity, consider switching to Parenzo 249 for an upgrade.
 
Your truly,
Lady Whistledown

Monday, August 28, 2023

Dearest Readers,
 
Stemming from a multi-department effort, our uni was awarded an NSF S-STEM grant, allowing substantial stipends for selected STEM students and boosting academic and career support. Congratulations to all of those involved in preparing the application!
 
Your truly,
Lady Whistledown

Friday, August 25, 2023

Open again

Dearest Readers,
 
Parenzo Palace is open again! Upstairs, each ballroom has different bells and whistles, and the hallways are wide and bright. Downstairs, some of the old walls and pipes are still visible, reminding us of times gone by. It still smells like fresh paint, and the workers are busy with the finishing touches to be ready for the debutantes in a couple of days.
 
Your truly,
Lady Whistledown

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Book orders

Dearest Readers,
 
The ton are abuzz with preparations for the new semester. Rumor has it that course materials are not always correctly listed on the bookstore site, https://www.bkstr.com/westfieldstore/shop/textbooks-and-course-materials, with information missing or misleading. Spare your students unnecessary expenses and confusion by sending them the correct information directly.
 
Your truly,
Lady Whistledown
 
 

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Mod Hall

I just heard that Mod Hall recently was flooded, and everyone had to move out.
 
Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown