Tag: higher education

Education, Government, Healthcare, PoliticsLeave a comment
Sticky post

Little tracking, wide variability permeate the teams tasked with stopping school shootings

Gary Dickson

Iowa students rallied for gun regulation after a school shooting, reflecting rising concerns about school safety. Advocacy for threat assessment teams, aimed at identifying potential threats, has grown since tragedies in Florida. However, inconsistencies and potential biases in these teams’ operations raise concerns about fairness and the treatment of at-risk students. Continue reading Little tracking, wide variability permeate the teams tasked with stopping school shootings

Education, SiouxlandLeave a comment

Morningside University to launch full tuition coverage program for Siouxland students

Gary Dickson

Morningside University in Sioux City is launching the Siouxland Proud, Mside Bound Initiative, offering full tuition coverage to up to 100 first-time students from a 47-county area across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. This effort aims to enhance accessibility to higher education for local residents and strengthen community ties. Continue reading Morningside University to launch full tuition coverage program for Siouxland students

EducationLeave a comment

New program gives high school students a jump-start toward a teaching degree

Gary Dickson

The South Dakota Board of Regents launched the Gateway to Teacher Education program to address the growing need for educators in the state. High school juniors and seniors can earn a certificate to use toward education degrees at public universities, with the state covering part of the cost. The initiative aims to cultivate future educators and address workforce needs. Continue reading New program gives high school students a jump-start toward a teaching degree

Education, Government, JusticeLeave a comment

Regents change political activity policy to allow employees to run for Legislature

Gary Dickson

The South Dakota Board of Regents, in a meeting, changed its policy to allow public university employees to run for state legislative office, following a state Supreme Court decision on the matter. This change brings more diverse perspectives to the legislative process, allowing voters to address any potential conflicts of interest. The decision is seen as a victory for citizen representation in the state’s legislature, providing clarity and closure for those affected. Continue reading Regents change political activity policy to allow employees to run for Legislature

Education, Iowa, JusticeLeave a comment

WITCC settles the second of two human trafficking lawsuits

Gary Dickson

Western Iowa Tech Community College has settled two federal lawsuits alleging human trafficking, paying a total of $5.3 million to students from Brazil and Chile. The college’s president took responsibility for problems with the J-1 visa program, which allegedly led to students working in meat processing plants. Defendants include the college, employees, and companies. Continue reading WITCC settles the second of two human trafficking lawsuits

Education, IowaLeave a comment

Iowa Board of Regents approves tuition increases for fall 2024

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Board of Regents unanimously approved tuition and fee increases for public universities, leading student leaders to push for reduced budget burdens on students. They emphasized the negative impact of rising costs and called for increased state allocations to ease the financial strain on students. University presidents also received significant salary increases. Continue reading Iowa Board of Regents approves tuition increases for fall 2024

Education, Government, IowaLeave a comment

Iowa House Democrats introduce bill to tackle rising tuition rates

Gary Dickson

Avery Dettvarn didn’t realize just how expensive her college dreams were until she began the application process.

She said at a press conference Wednesday that she felt her heart break when her high school counselor said she wouldn’t be able to attend college if she couldn’t afford to fill the gaps left after seeking out public and private loans, financial aid and scholarships in order to pay for her tuition.

Now a University of Iowa second-year student, Dettvarn accepted a loan from a family member to help achieve her dream because no relatives had a credit score high enough to co-sign for a private loan. Not everyone can receive the same support she did, she said. She came to the Capitol to advocate for students who have struggled with tuition and fees, and to show her support for legislation that would keep costs from crawling even higher over the course of their college career. Continue reading Iowa House Democrats introduce bill to tackle rising tuition rates