Report: Students struggle with information literacy

Despite the assumption that today's students are tech-savvy, many fall short in demonstrating the information literacy skills necessary for success in college and the workforce, a new report says. The report comes from an evaluation of responses from students nationwide to an information-literacy assessment tool developed by the nonprofit ETS. Click here to read this article.

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College Students Fall Short in Demonstrating the ICT Literacy Skills Necessary for Success in College and the Workplace

Study Claims States "Shortchange" Colleges

Star-Ledger, Tuesday, 11.28.2006 - A national panel comprised of representatives of both both parties blames the states for being reactive instead of strategic when it comes to funding education. The panel's recent report, "Transforming Higher Education: National Imperative -- State Responsibility" claims New Jersey is one of the most expensive states in which to attend college.

"This report does not surprise me," said Assemblyman Bill Baroni (R-Mercer). "If anything, New Jersey can be held up as a state Legislature that has done everything wrong."
For more information on this report, please read the full article here.

Scandals bolster calls for merger

Ongoing revelations of improprieties at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey could hasten a possible merger with Rutgers and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Allegations that UMDNJ sought to resuscitate an ailing cardiology program at University Hospital in Newark by paying referring doctors $5.7 million in illegal kickbacks gives higher-education reforms more urgency, said state Sen. Raymond Lesniak, D-Elizabeth.

Click here to read the entire article at The CourierPost Online.

Give the students credit: bill to ease transfer from community to four-year colleges

Assemblyman Mike Doherty, R-Warren County is among the bipartisan sponsors of a bill that would create a universal system for transferring credits, mandating that college credits earned at community college be accepted at the state's four-year public colleges.

Click here to read the entire article from The Express-Times.

Innovative Aquifer Energy System Planned at Stockton

Press of Atlantic City, 11.13.2006 - Another environmental first is on the horizon at Richard Stockton College. Plans for building the nation's only aquifer thermal energy storage system are now in the works. The system, which will rely on the vast Cohansey aquifer, will save the college an estimated $90,000 annually.

“Stockton is indeed an (organization) that we would consider a leader in the state,” said Doyal Siddell, of the NJ Board of Public Utilities. “They (already) have one of the world's largest closed geothermal systems. ... They are (also) known for their fuel cell, solar, wind turbine ... and their energy efficiency upgrades in their buildings .... The college is a leader in the application of new and alternative technology.” Read the full story here.

Seton Hall Hosts Executive Seminar on Outcomes Assessment

11.09.2006 - The soon to be released Blackboard Outcomes System was the topic of a seminar recently held at Seton Hall. For more details on this event and to see an ongoing discussion of Blackboard's new assessment product, visit the company's blog at http://www.educateinnovate.com/blackboard/.

Merging of three major New Jersey colleges to be examined - Newsday.com

Merging of three major New Jersey colleges to be examined - Newsday.com State lawmakers this week will begin studying a potentially massive shake up of New Jersey's college world; merging Rutgers University, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Rutgers College Governing Association Urges Students to Make Their Voices Heard

Daily Targum, Friday, 11.3.2006 - Recent cuts in educational funding have prompted the Rutgers College Governing Association to remind students that both their voices and votes can have a powerful influence on state lawmakers.

"The last thing we want is another cut like last year," stated association chair, Karen Gilbert. "In an ideal world, every student would meet with their legislators."

Association members have been busy distributing the League of Women Voters' "New Jersey Citizens Guide to Government" which contains contact information on statewide representatives as well as the basics on the state political process.

"By having students contact their legislators and express their concern, that knowledge will be carried to the budget decision in January," said senior Sharo Atmeh, the association parliamentarian.

Read the full story here