Thursday, June 18, 2009

Students DO drink more than we did!

When we talk about student parties and drinking on campus, I often fall back on the idea that I was a fairly big partier in college myself.  I think I survived and have done alright.  

However, a new study suggests that problems have actually gotten worse in the last decade.  Higher binge drinking, drinking and driving, and alcohol-related deaths make me think that this is a problem beyond those of my day.

When we think about educational reform, standards, and accountability, we have to think about this huge problem.  How can we break the cycle of drunkenness and disrespect for education that is becoming every more pervasive?


Monday, June 08, 2009

Figuring out Furloughs

The Journal-Sentinal has an article today about how confusing the Governor's furlough program is for universities.

It outlines the complications that come from trying to furlough those of us who do not punch a time clock, are paid only 9 months out of the year, and deal with the pay cuts.

Most interesting is that the state is demanding the universities give back 2% for all employees, including unionized members who have not agreed to the cut.  I don't know what percentage that is for us, but it is another base budget reduction, according to the article.