Recent content from Maura Lerner
For English departments, not the best of times
These days, English majors are an increasingly rare breed on college campuses. The drop-off has been so dramatic that some schools have proposed dropping the English major entirely (along with history, philosophy and a few other humanities degrees).
Eric Kaler reflects on successes, regrets entering final year at U
Kaler insists he has no intention of coasting through his final year as head of Minnesota's flagship university.
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Minnesota's public colleges to expand credit for 'prior learning'
Experts say few students can expect to dispense with most of their coursework this way, but it's enough of a boost to make a difference.
University of Minnesota hires consulting firm to guide presidential search
The national firm the U hired was tied to a failed search for Minnesota State chancellor.
Ries to step down as president of Concordia University in St. Paul
He oversaw 70 percent student population jump.
University of Minnesota president's job calls for thick skin
Past presidents describe the position as inspiring, grueling and busy.
He, she or ze? Pronouns could pose trouble under U policy
Draft University of Minnesota policy would punish those who ignore personal pronoun preferences.
Eric Kaler to step down as University of Minnesota president in 2019
"The University will benefit from a fresh perspective," he said in a statement.
Conservatives sue U over Shapiro speech restrictions
Conservative groups allege his rights were violated.
Minnesota State affirms tuition freeze for colleges and universities
Community college fees the same as 2012-13.
Alum sues St. John's University over ethics fellowship
An alum who gave $300,000 says students were paid to write about "crazy topics."
Accused football players sue U over sexual misconduct case
The lawsuit against the University of Minnesota seeks unspecified damages for "being falsely cast as sex offenders."
University of Minnesota raises undergrad tuition by 2 percent
The regents also imposed extra scrutiny on hiring decisions in an effort to control costs.
Tuition freezes in the works at most Minnesota public campuses
All seven Minnesota State universities and its 30 community colleges are freezing tuition, under a legislative mandate.
U law school seeks subsidies to maintain its top ranking
The law school is seeking an extra $3.6 million next year to help cover its red ink, which has triggered a debate about how much the U is willing to spend to maintain the program's status.
St. Cloud State University names new president
Wacker was an administrator at the University of Northern Colorado.
Saudi is first U student to earn highest degree in field of law
He wants to open a human rights center on campus where he teaches.
University of Minnesota regents vote down tuition freeze, seek more information
The Board of Regents will make a final decision in June.
Earl B. Gustafson, former Minnesota legislator and judge, dies at age 90
As the family story goes, Earl B. Gustafson wanted to become a professor at a small college someday. But when he started graduate school, his…
More Minnesota universities offer 'test-optional' admissions
Augsburg University in Minneapolis and Concordia University in St. Paul have both decided to stop requiring college-entrance exams as part of a growing national movement toward "test-optional" admissions.
New U plan calls for 2 percent tuition increase at Twin Cities campus
Three U campuses would freeze tuition under the proposal.
Nurturing a new diversity on campus: 'Diversity of thought'
Professors and students seek to bridge political differences with civil exchanges.
March: What happened to the campus Republicans at Carleton College?
Students, college leaders wary of lopsided politics.
Four Minnesota State two-year colleges get new leaders
The Minnesota State system has named new leaders for four of its two-year colleges. This week, the board of trustees approved the appointments of Carrie…
University of Minnesota's $34,000 probe of regent found no wrongdoing
Darrin Rosha, on the board since 2015, expressed frustration that a vague, anonymous accusation could set off such an aggressive investigation.
State grants to help college students with financial emergencies
State awards $175,000 to five colleges, one university
Mitchell Hamline launches online courses for undergrads
The St. Paul law school is using the courses as a way to recruit a more diverse group of future lawyers.
Ben Shapiro barred from St. Olaf College during protest anniversary
College leaders say protest anniversary is bad timing for the divisive figure.
Two Minnesota colleges get new presidents
St. Cloud Technical and Community College and Rochester Community and Technical College are getting the new leaders.
St. Kate's scrapped leadership conference over diversity concerns
Officials say invited speakers were not diverse enough.
University of Minnesota does a 'good job' resolving employee sexual misconduct cases, legislative auditor finds
Review followed a series of high-profile sexual assault and harassment allegations.
U of M proposal would freeze resident tuition for extra state money
The U says it would forgo preliminary plans to raise the undergraduate tuition rate by up to 2 percent if the state Legislature approves the extra money. The regents will vote on the proposal this afternoon.
Simmons to step down from University of Minnesota board of regents
Retired Mayo Clinic physician will leave three years early.
Minnesota State Colleges bypasses three finalists in naming new chancellor
Rejecting three finalists, trustees pick Malhotra.
Free speech, preventing sexual misconduct at the top of University of Minnesota president's agenda
In annual address, Eric Kaler also noted improved graduation rate among low-income students.
Minnesota State names 3 finalists for chancellor
Candidates to lead the state university system will meet with college, university officials next week.
Ben Shapiro venue on 'cow campus' triggers threat of lawsuit vs. U
Conservative speaker should be given larger forum, group says.
Minnesota colleges, universities adopt 'affirmative consent' rule
New standard redefines sexual misconduct on campus.
Kwon to help Minnesota campuses prevent sexual assault
Coordinator will visit campuses and assist in training students, staff.
'Z-degree' gives texts for free to Central Lakes College students
Brainerd campus joins growing trend of using online material to cut costs for college students.
Two Minnesota State colleges name interim presidents
The search for permanent presidents at both colleges will begin this fall, officials said.
First class graduates from Mitchell Hamline's 'hybrid' program
Online degree program is first of its kind in the U.S.
Tiny Minn. pilot program pays for school in return for future income
The concept is starting to pop up around the country as a potential answer to the student loan crisis.
U memo sparks war of words; officials say there's no 'War on Christmas'
Advice on holiday parties was "ill-advised," university admits.
U toughens policy against sexual assault and harassment
All University of Minnesota employees will be required for the first time to report incidents of sexual harassment directed at students.
U conservatives say: Bring on the protests at our gatherings
So far, Minnesota has largely escaped the kind of violence that has erupted elsewhere over campus visits by right-wing pundits and provocateurs. Yet in many ways, college campuses are turning more hostile than ever to conservative views, said Madison Faupel, president of Minnesota College Republicans.
Minnesota universities bucking trend on foreign student enrollment
U, St. Thomas defy trend of drop in international admissions.
U report calls for 'bystander intervention' training to curb sex assaults
"It's got to stop. We have to stop it," said President Eric Kaler. "And history shows we have to confront it every day at the university."
University of Minnesota law professor takes rights battle to global stage
U professor takes her defense of civil liberties to global stage.
University of Minnesota organizers back off faculty union vote
Rather than appeal recent court ruling, group will form "workers' association."
Free tuition draws Minnesota students to online university
At a time of mounting anxiety over college costs and student debt, the online University of the People is doing its best to smash the mold.
U leak probe cost $74K, caught no one
A $74K investigation into who leaked confidential information about a University of Minnesota athletic official has ended — with no culprit in sight.
Attorney Jeff Anderson gives Mitchell Hamline Law School $2M for 'Zero Abuse Project'
Gift will create new law clinic specializing in child abuse litigation.
Sept. 2017: Review calls Kaler's performance 'commendable,' lacks usual praise
Regents happy with his work but noted year's distractions.
Minnesotans react to Betsy DeVos' plans to change how colleges handle allegations of sexual violence on campus
U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos' plans to change the way colleges and university handle allegations of sexual violence on campus drew a mixed reaction in…
Appeals Court deals setback to U faculty union effort
Tenured profs, instructors cannot join same unit.
Hamline University to build center for 'racial healing,' with help of $30K grant
With help from a $30K grant, school will build a center to dispel biases and tension.
Report: U followed rules in football suspensions, cites 'breakdown in trust'
The report, released Wednesday, blamed much of the turmoil surrounding the high-profile case on "weak leadership" of the coaching staff and the influence of unnamed "third parties."
University of St. Thomas project offers new hope for 'food deserts'
At BrightSide Produce, college students and local teenagers team up to deliver fresh produce, at discount prices, to corner stores in low-income neighborhoods.
St. Thomas' new 2-year college lures low-income students
The Dougherty Family College is believed to be only the second college of its kind in the country. So far it has filled about half of its 150 seats.
Public Minnesota universities see few effects from Trump plan
Race just one factor in U admission, official said.
Globe, School of Business issued illegal student loans, high court rules
Court ruling could wipe out $20 million in student debt.
Emergency grants help Minnesota's strapped students stay in college
Starting this year, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education is launching its own emergency fund program for students, inspired in part by an administrator's success.
Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson joins letter warning against weakening rules on campus sex assault
The attorneys general of 20 states, including Minnesota, expressed “serious concern” Wednesday that the Department of Education is preparing to weaken rules designed to crack…
Coyle cites department's academic, athletic success to U of M regents
Mark Coyle, just finishing his first year as athletic director, made only passing reference to the turmoil that began when a student accused multiple U football players of sexually assaulting her at a party.
Minnesota school attracts working adults with flexible online courses
Riverland Community College in Austin launched FlexPace, in which students take a series of six-week classes, working on their own timetable and taking online assessments to prove that they've mastered the material.
Minnesota State raises tuition at 37 colleges and universities
Tuition increase for two-year colleges is first in five years.
Minnesota State proposes 'modest but necessary' tuition increases
If approved, two-year public colleges will see first tuition increase since 2012.
David McMillan, Ken Powell to lead U's Board of Regents
The latter, chairman of General Mills, has served for just four months.
Journalists petition University of Minnesota to halt leak investigation
More than 260 journalists have signed a petition urging the University of Minnesota to halt its investigation into the source of news leaks about an…
Minnesota public colleges face tuition hikes and cuts, commissioner warns
Budget gap between GOP, Gov. Mark Dayton would mean hard decisions.
Liberal arts majors get a career boost at the University of Minnesota
"Career Readiness Initiative" helps give grads an edge
Kathleen Ridder, champion of women in politics, dies at 94
She was driven to "advancing the role of women in society."
U of M bias response team walks fine line of free speech, hate speech
U moves to act quickly after reports of bigotry, but critics worry about chilling effect.
