Recent content from Liz Navratil
U. of St. Thomas announces budget cuts, says academic programs won't be eliminated
Colleges in Minnesota and across the country are making cuts as they face enrollment challenges, exacerbated by demographic drops and changing attitudes on higher education.
Music or physics? This University of St. Thomas class combines both.
Minnesota colleges are increasingly promoting interdisciplinary classes, saying they hope to reduce administrative expenses and better prepare students for a changing workforce.
Minnesota State names interim leader for St. Cloud State University
Trustees chose Larry Dietz as interim president for St. Cloud State, and also named Shari Olson as interim leader for Northland Community & Technical College.
FAFSA completions in Minnesota drop amid flawed efforts to update form
Higher education advocates asked the governor for funding to help students complete the form, saying the state risks "a catastrophic decline in college enrollment."
Minnesota State professors ask lawmakers for more academic freedom protections
Union leaders say they're worried about restrictions passing in Republican-led states, where lawmakers are limiting what professors can teach about race, gender, other issues.
Minnesota lawmakers seek new rules for online college programs
They're targeting companies that take a portion of tuition for helping recruit or run online programs. St. Cloud State and Southwest Minnesota State already have such contracts.
Tell us: How have Biden's student loan relief proposals affected you?
Biden's latest proposal would reduce debt for millions of Americans. It comes months after his first attempt at widespread debt cancellation.
Minnesota lawmakers say they've struck a deal to help former foster kids pay for college next year
The state had promised the students free college, then said there wasn't enough money. Students who relied on the grants had urged lawmakers to act swiftly, saying their futures hung in the balance.
FAFSA delays just the beginning: This year's college admissions cycle is full of changes
Free tuition. The end of affirmative action. Financial aid delays. Shorter applications. The ways Minnesota students apply to college and pay for it are quickly changing.
College textbooks can be pricey. Minnesota State is offering more for free.
System leaders hope free resources will help reduce disparities in higher education, while giving professors more power to tailor their course materials.
University of Minnesota announces pick for next Duluth chancellor
The U announced Wednesday that it had selected Charles Nies, a higher education administrator in California who has Minnesota ties.
Minnesota promised foster kids free college. But now there isn't enough money.
College students who were previously in foster care are urging lawmakers to provide $5 million more in funding, saying their futures hang in the balance.
Minnesota State names next Winona State University president
Trustees picked Kenneth Janz, who has been serving as interim president since last summer, when the past president, Scott Olson, became the system's chancellor.
Applying to college can be stressful. Here's how to share your story.
The Star Tribune is reporting on an admissions cycle full of changes, and we'd love to hear how Minnesota students and their families are doing.
Minn. offers free public school tuition. Now private colleges want help for their students, too.
It's too early to tell how many Minnesota students will benefit from the North Star Promise program offering free tuition at public schools. But private schools are already scrambling to compete with it.
South Dakota is ending reciprocity with Minn. Here's what that means for students.
Both states are launching new programs as the competition for a smaller number of college students intensifies.
U regents approve more than $1M contract with new President Rebecca Cunningham
Cunningham's five-year contract will put her compensation in the top quarter for Big Ten presidents.
University of Minnesota considers renaming Nicholson Hall
The building was named after Dean Edward Nicholson in 1945. Faculty say their research raises concerns about his role stoking antisemitism and political repression.
Next U president could earn more than $1 million per year
A contract coming before the U of M's Board of Regents on Friday would put Rebecca Cunningham's compensation in the top quarter for Big Ten presidents.
University of Minnesota faces big choices on medical programs, and its new leader is a doctor
Regents said they hoped Rebecca Cunningham's experience in medicine and higher education administration would help the U of M at a pivotal time.
University of Minnesota regents pick new president
Regents chose Rebecca Cunningham on Monday over finalists Laura Bloomberg and James Holloway. All three have experience in higher education.
University of Minnesota president search will shape school's future
When regents meet Monday to select the next U president, they'll choose from three finalists with deep experience in different facets of higher education.
Want a bachelor's degree in 3 years? University of Minnesota Morris is trying to make it easier.
The accelerated studies are part of an effort to boost enrollment at the rural campus that has seen a drop in the number of students in recent years.
University of Minnesota president finalist Rebecca Cunningham: The job 'feels like a natural fit.'
Cunningham, the vice president for research at the University of Michigan, is one of three finalists in the running for the U of M's top job.
University of Minnesota president finalist Laura Bloomberg is having a 'pinch me moment'
Bloomberg, a U of M alumna and long-time employee, is one of three finalists for the top job.
University of Minnesota president finalist Holloway: We need to 'create a shared vision' for the U
James Holloway, one of three finalists for the U of M's top job, fielded questions from students and faculty in a public forum Wednesday afternoon.
University of St. Thomas extends decision deadline after FAFSA delays
The U.S. Department of Education announced last month that it would be sharing students' financial aid information with schools later than anticipated, giving students less time to compare competing offers.
University of Minnesota president is a tough job. Here's how the finalists have tackled challenges.
Three candidates remain. The person chosen to lead the U of M will need to reverse declining enrollment, make tough budget decisions and help shape its medical programs.
University of Minnesota regents pick 3 finalists for president
More than 40 people applied for the chance to lead the state's flagship university as it faces budgets limitations and determines the future of its medical programs.
University of Minnesota extends decision deadlines after FAFSA delays
The U.S. Department of Education announced last week that it would be sharing students' financial information with schools later than expected, giving students less time to compare competing offers.
Minnesota colleges scramble to re-evaluate decision deadlines after FAFSA delays
The delay will leave students will less time to consider aid offers from competing schools, throwing another twist into a revamped FAFSA process that has already frustrated some students and parents.
Tough college courses weed out students. At Minnesota State Mankato, peer lessons help more pass.
The MavPASS program, in which successful students lead study groups for others, is helping students develop skills and chipping away at racial disparities.
University of Minnesota president job draws 46 applicants
Regents will meet in February to select finalists, whose names will then become public.
Myron Frans to retire from U finance and operations post
Frans will continue to work part time as an advisor to the interim president, consulting on clinical partnerships and health care.
Minnesota public colleges sought $1 billion for building projects; Walz plan offers much less
Leaders from the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State systems will likely face pointed questions from Democrats and Republicans as they push for more funding.
U faces federal investigation after complaint of antisemitism on campus
The department announced last fall that it would take 'aggressive action' to address an 'alarming nationwide rise' in reports of antisemitism and Islamophobia.
New Hamline University leader takes over one year after academic freedom controversy
Kathleen Murray aims to smooth tensions, boost enrollment and stabilize college finances during her time as acting/interim president.
FAFSA is changing. Here's what that means for Minnesota families trying to pay for college.
As the formulas used to calculate financial aid are changing, some families could pay more for college and others could pay less.
St. Paul College announces new program to prepare students for cannabis careers
A new state law cleared the way for recreational marijuana use, and large retail sales are expected to begin in 2025.
University of Minnesota, other colleges will face tough competition in search for new presidents
Political tensions, pandemic fatigue and other stressors are contributing to turnover at schools across the country.
COVID, flu and other viruses are rising. Here's how to stay healthy over the holidays.
The number of respiratory illnesses typically increases around the holidays, and health experts say this year is no different.
Complaint seeks federal investigation of antisemitism at U of M
The U.S. Department of Education has promised to "take aggressive action" to address a rise in reports of antisemitism, Islamophobia.
How new Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams won over Minneapolis school board
School officials across the Twin Cities area say the newly selected MPS leader has shown calm under pressure in challenging situations.
University of Minnesota regents consider new panel to review presidential conflicts
The discussion comes one year after the regents faced criticism for allowing then-President Joan Gabel to join the board of a company that had business with the U.
University of Minnesota professor wins award for work on the resilience of children
Prof. Ann Masten won the Grawemeyer Award for work that helped shape policies for responding to trauma.
Thousands of U students to receive refunds for pandemic-era fees
Students can expect to receive $38 to $40 each after the university settled a lawsuit arguing it should have given larger reimbursements after COVID-19 shut down campus.
Lisa Sayles-Adams, longtime Twin Cities school leader, makes case for Minneapolis superintendent job
The superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools took questions from the public before a two-hour interview with the board about her leadership style, experience and priorities.
Minnesota started offering free public college tuition. Now North Dakota State University is, too.
The competition for students is intensifying, as some schools worry they'll lose Minnesotans who qualify for the North Star Promise.
These Hamline University students want to become forensic investigators. One night will test them.
The victims have been found. The evidence has been dropped. These staged murders are ready to be solved.
Minnesota State colleges, universities seek $541 million in state funding for construction
Trustees are also considering asking for an additional $61 million to help cover system operations, money that would largely go toward tackling inflation.
Bemidji State University has 'zero margin for error' after enrollment declines force cuts
A stronger job market, skepticism of college and lower birth rates led to enrollment drops nationwide, and regional public universities have been hit hard.
Minnesota's Direct Admissions program is changing how students apply to college
Some schools are forgoing their traditional applications in hopes of reducing stress for students and their own staff.
The Supreme Court limited colleges' ability to consider race. Why are schools still asking about it?
Minnesota college leaders say they need the demographics for other reasons, and they're hiding race information from admissions officers.
U Regents approve St. Cloud medical school campus agreement, launch $50M campaign
The agreement lays out plans for the partnership with CentraCare but is contingent on final business plans, expected to be presented later this year.
University of Minnesota asks state for $500 million to fix old buildings
The U will also ask for $45 million to cover additional expenses.
Minnesota colleges change application questions after affirmative action ruling
The University of Minnesota and Macalester College are among the schools trying to boost diversity without running afoul of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Antonina Anikina, ski coach in United States and Russia, dies at 89
While her roster included elite athletes, Anikina also spoke fondly of the Nordic skiing novices she referred to as 'snow roses.'
Student loan payments resume in October. Here's how Minnesotans can prepare.
More than 800,000 Minnesotans have federal student loan debt worth a combined $27 billion.
Walz names members of task force on future of U of M health system
The group faces a January deadline for providing recommendations about U programs, including its medical school.
Data breach affects applicants, students and employees at U of M between 1989 and 2021
The data obtained included dates of birth, Social Security numbers and passport information, according to a news release from the University of Minnesota.
Judge dismisses part of lawsuit by ex-Hamline instructor who showed Prophet Muhammad images
The portion of Erika López Prater's case alleging religious discrimination will be allowed to proceed.
Minnesota professors begin new year amid academic freedom debate: 'Treading on eggshells'
Hamline University, which was at the center of a controversy last fall, is hosting a forum on the topic this week.
University of Minnesota will pay more than $200,000 to search for new president
Costs reported so far are comparable to the ones from past searches.
Twin Cities and Duluth tie heat records set a century ago
Some of the state's largest public schools sent out tips for battling heat as students prepare to return to classrooms Tuesday.
Overcoming pandemic setbacks: How Minnesota colleges are helping freshmen thrive
New orientation programs are geared toward helping students recover from pandemic learning losses.
Carleton College ends legacy admissions after affirmative action ruling
After the U.S. Supreme Court limited the consideration of race in admissions, some people pushed schools to also stop considering an applicant's ties to alumni or donors.
University of Minnesota faces lawsuit over potentially massive data breach
State and federal officials are investigating a hacker's claims to have accessed more than 7 million Social Security numbers dating back to 1989.
Forget study abroad. These college students will spend the semester on the Mississippi River.
Augsburg University's River Semester program sends students, sailing, paddling and camping along one of the nation's most famous waterways.
University of Minnesota could pay more than $3M to end lawsuit over student fees
Students who were enrolled in the spring of 2020 would receive checks of $38 to $40, if the deal gets final approval.
Jeff Ettinger will oversee the University of Minnesota for a year. Here's what's on his agenda.
While some tasks will be left for the next president, others have deadlines Ettinger will have to contend with.
University of Minnesota investigating a data breach
University officials said affected data is from 2021 and earlier, but didn't describe the scope.
Will court ruling undo diversity progress at Minnesota's most selective colleges?
College leaders say affirmative action isn't the only tool to boost diversity.
U Twin Cities admissions won't consider race, legacy ties
The change comes on the heels of a polarizing U.S. Supreme Court decision that drew renewed attention to both practices.
University of Minnesota takes steps to boost campus safety
Public safety was a talking point at the Legislature, and the U received additional funding for those programs.
