Recent content from Ryan Faircloth
University of Minnesota expects big enrollment rebound this fall
Freshman confirmations are up 14% at the Twin Cities campus. Other colleges in the state are not seeing the same spike, though some are reporting promising increases in international students.
University of Minnesota graduate shifts therapy focus to less discussed mental health issue of job loss
Therapist helps jobless clients preserve sense of identity, stay optimistic.
University of Minnesota president pitches 1.5% tuition increase
Tuition hike would apply to students at U's five campuses.
Minnesota lawmakers agree on $100 million funding boost for colleges
The compromise allows the system to hike undergraduate tuition by as much as 3.5% per year.
How the pandemic forever altered education in Minnesota
Academics collided with life challenges, but there were some triumphs — and many see more hope ahead.
St. Thomas program for underrepresented students celebrates graduates amid struggles with enrollment
The program has seen mixed results four years in.
Minnesota colleges mull whether to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory
As they plan for return to campus life, many schools weigh requiring the shots.
Donors create $50M scholarship fund for U's Carlson School of Management
Underrepresented students, women to benefit in new program.
Minn. Senate GOP wants to use COVID funds to slash tuition
Senate Republicans are pushing a 5% tuition cut in exchange for funding the Minnesota State college system and want the University of Minnesota to slash its tuition by 3%.
Carleton College appoints prolific fundraiser as its next president
Alison Byerly will succeed longtime President Steven Poskanzer.
A year later, Hamline University gives 2020 grads a sendoff
"We promised them that we would recognize them when we were able to do so," Hamline President Fayneese Miller said. "This is a group that always maintained hope."
Tension builds between U student leaders, campus police
The leaders called for the chief to resign, and a state police association stepped in to defend officers from criticism.
Carleton College to require COVID-19 vaccinations for students, faculty this fall
The Northfield institution is the second Minnesota college to do so.
Selective colleges see surge in applications after waiving tests
With ACT and SAT scores waived, applications at selective schools surge
New presidents named to lead Minnesota community colleges
Three new college presidents were named this week.
Macalester College to require students, employees to be vaccinated before returning in fall
Students and employees must provide proof of vaccination before returning.
After pandemic year, some Minnesota colleges are bringing back in-person graduations
Some colleges will stage ceremonies, with twists.
As curfew passes, Brooklyn Center protest remains peaceful
Law enforcement made no moves to disperse the dwindling crowd after the 11 p.m. curfew took effect. Earlier, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., stopped by.
Gov. Tim Walz calls assault, detention of journalists covering protests 'unacceptable'
Journalists covering protests in Brooklyn Center last week following the fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright say they have been assaulted, pepper-sprayed and detained by law enforcement officers despite showing their credentials.
Was Minnesota once home to U.S. government-sponsored hemp farms?
The controversial crop was at the center of a short-lived program during WWII.
George Masko, former Pillsbury executive dubbed 'the father of the Doughboy,' dies at 96
In 1965, he tapped Leo Burnett advertising to come up with a mascot, which led to the iconic Poppin' Fresh Doughboy.
Minnesota public colleges expecting more than $400 million in stimulus funds, yet budget deficits remain
Pandemic deficits still a problem for the U, Minnesota State.
New University of Minnesota regents join governing board ahead of key decisions
Four new regents bring fresh perspectives to U's board.
U confronts troubled history with tribal nations
Tribal leaders statewide have called on the U to own up to actions "rooted in institutional racism," including land seizures, research on tribal members and museums that failed to return sacred objects.
University of Minnesota Extension teaching about race, equity in rural communities
The University of Minnesota Extension adds anti-racism to its fundamental lessons.
Minnesota attorney general strikes $39M deal to forgive loans, compensate students defrauded by for-profit colleges
The agreement comes after a court battle involving two trials, several appeals and bankruptcy filings by the schools.
New presidents named for Minnesota State University, Mankato and St. Paul College
Mankato appointee to succeed longest-serving college president in Minnesota.
Minnesota State colleges consider police training focus on anti-racism
Task force recommendations will be voted on Wednesday.
Legislature boosts number of women on U Board of Regents
Five women now serve on the U's 12-member Board of Regents.
University of Minnesota provost manages crisis, plans for post-pandemic future
One year later, the chief academic officer weighs future of hybrid, online learning.
University of Minnesota students decry PAC influence in Legislature's election of new regents
Students criticized current regents for donating to the PAC.
U of M classes will be 'fully on-campus' this fall
The university's leaders said fall coursework and activities should resemble what they were before the pandemic.
Minnesota education commissioner resigns; deputy to take over
Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller to be agency's new leader.
New University of St. Thomas institute will train teachers to identify, respond to student trauma
Student trauma may have worsened during pandemic.
U Morris chancellor to retire at end of academic year
Michelle Behr has led the U's Morris campus since 2017.
![Professor Jeffrey Gralnick spoke with students after a microbiology class at the University of Minnesota last July .] Jerry Holt •Jerry.Holt@startri](https://chorus.stimg.co/22332329/ows_27b4f009_d2b6_494b_aef7_d30d70cf167a.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
College instructors question why they aren't being prioritized for vaccines
Professors say they face similar risks as K-12 educators, who have been designated as vaccine priorities.
Legislative committee picks finalists for four seats on University of Minnesota's Board of Regents
The picks set up a final vote by the full Legislature.
Legislators propose 'bill of rights' for student borrowers
Legislation would give commerce commissioner oversight authority.
U Rochester's new hybrid program offers glimpse at future of higher ed
The NXT GEN MED program will combine online and in-person instruction in an accelerated year-round format, allowing students to complete their studies in just over two years instead of four and graduate with less debt.
University of Minnesota launches student mental health initiative
U announces first systemwide effort to address student mental health.
Lawmakers, regents concerned about 'undue influence' in U regent elections
A 24-member council charged with recruiting and recommending qualified regent candidates has become too political, says its chairman.
![Elena Williams worked on some MCTC school work as her son, Parker, 4, played with a Star Wars toy in his room Wednesday night. ] AARON LAVINSKY • aa](https://chorus.stimg.co/22302605/ows_b4e5e2d5_4601_4812_aad8_515ae00821ed.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minn. college students with children face overwhelming balancing act in pandemic
With kids learning from home, many say their own courses take back seat.
U regents OK free tuition to students with families making less than $50,000
The regents approved dozens of long-term priorities.
U pledges to slash grad rate disparities, recruit more students of color by 2025
U leaders lay out five-year diversity goals.
Minnesota police association defends University of Minnesota police, demands student apology for 'inaccurate' allegation
Student's account disputed by video.
Walz proposes automatic college acceptance for qualifying seniors
Walz's budget includes $150 million in new spending for higher education.
Pitch to cancel $10K in student debt excites young Minnesotans
Minnesota college students and advocates are excited about the possibility of loan forgiveness, but they acknowledge more sweeping changes are needed to protect future borrowers from falling deep into debt.
U police should wear body cams, consider unarmed approach, review finds
The U tapped an outside expert to review campus police last fall.
Andrea Peterson, first female mayor of Grand Marais and former Minnesota teacher of the year, dies at 82
Andrea Peterson poured her heart into public service, teaching elementary school for more than three decades and serving nearly four terms as the first female…
State's public, private colleges receive $300M in latest round of aid
Minnesota colleges are breathing a sigh of relief as they prepare to collect more than $300 million in federal stimulus aid, which will help them…
University of Minnesota scales back liberal arts Ph.D. programs amid pandemic
The U halts admission into many of its doctoral liberal arts programs.
Five St. Thomas students robbed at gunpoint by suspects in ski masks
The robbery occurred just before 3 a.m. Saturday near Selby Avenue in St. Paul.
Minnesota reports 1,364 new COVID-19 cases, 40 more deaths
The newly reported deaths bring the statewide total to 5,927.
University of Minnesota initiative to examine school's history with tribes, teach residents about racial justice
The new U initiative is backed by $5 million in grant funding.
University of Minnesota, Minnesota State colleges make plea for state funding boost
Both college systems are grappling with large budget deficits.
Fewer Minn. seniors filing for financial aid, raising fears of enrollment loss
The trend could lead to enrollment decrease, sidetracked plans.
Twelve candidates named for University of Minnesota's Board of Regents
Four seats on the U's governing board are up for grabs.
Augsburg University staff become first unionized professional staff at a Minnesota private college
Augsburg administrators have pledged to work with the union.
Minnesota students, professors say college during pandemic was 'not a lot of fun'
Months of online classes and social distancing took a toll on many. But the various campus life restrictions that institutions put in place appear to have paid off.
Former state budget chief works to solve $166M deficit at U
Myron Frans has experienced a sort of déjà vu since taking over as the University of Minnesota's chief financial officer in September.The longtime state budget…
Are Minnesota colleges doing enough to fight for racial equity?
Student leaders call for more urgency.
University of Minnesota mulls taking on more than $80 million in debt to cover budget deficit
The school faces an estimated $166 million shortfall.
U eyes tuition-free program for students whose families make $50,000 or less
U leaders will discuss the proposal with the Board of Regents.
Ramsey County residents weigh in on Sheriff Bob Fletcher's performance
More than 200 tuned in, many to oppose making sheriff's job appointed.
University of St. Thomas student killed in western Wisconsin crash
A University of St. Thomas student was one of two young women killed in a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 94 in western Wisconsin this weekend.Kyra…
St. John's University president to step down at end of academic year
The interim president of St. John's University will step down at the end of this academic year, the private college announced last week.Eugene McAllister, who…
Lawsuit seeks tuition refund for University of Minnesota students after disrupted spring semester
The lawsuit alleges the U breached contract with students by charging full tuition for online classes.
University of Minnesota student injured in chemical explosion inside campus lab
The student suffered noncritical injuries and is being treated at a hospital.
State's two-year schools losing students during the pandemic
Minnesota's community colleges are bleeding students during the COVID-19 pandemic, a reversal of what has typically occurred during economic downturns.
'Legendary' University of Minnesota law professor C. Robert 'Bob' Morris dies at 92
Bob Morris loved nothing more than to mingle with his fellow University of Minnesota faculty and take promising law students under his wing.Morris taught torts,…
Minn. college students face a real-life test: Go home for Thanksgiving?
Even though she already has had COVID-19, Emma Zellmer is hesitant about returning home from college for Thanksgiving. The Minnesota State University, Mankato junior is…
Minnesota State colleges seek $120 million budget increase from Legislature
Strapped state unlikely to grant system's request.
Maple Grove man charged with defrauding PPP of more than $500K
A Maple Grove man was charged Monday with defrauding more than half a million dollars from the federal Paycheck Protection Program, a key source of…
Police searching for suspect who shot man on light-rail train in St. Paul
The shooting occurred on a Green Line train near the Capitol/Rice Street station.
