NAICU Members in the News

Here is a look into recent happenings that have taken place at our member institutions.

• Carnegie Mellon University will open a branch in Rwanda next year, making it the first American university to operate a full-fledged campus in Africa. The institution will offer master’s degrees in information technology and in electrical and computer engineering, and is hoping to attract about 150 students by 2017. (Chronicle of Higher Education)
  
• Despite the effect of the uninspiring economy on Rochester-area colleges, higher education continues to remain an important part in the local economy. Many of the schools in the Rochester area continue to allot money toward campus improvement including $900 million toward construction and renovation of new facilities. Preliminary estimates by these colleges – among them, the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Nazareth College, St. John Fisher College, and Roberts Wesleyan College – show a fall enrollment total of about 85,500 — about the same as a year ago. (Democrat and Chronicle)
  
• Columbia College President Gerald Brouder has announced a new tuition plan, titled Smart Step, and a new school brand. The plan will hold a student’s tuition constant for up to five years, allowing students and families to plan for future college expenses. The brand change includes a new logo, school flag, and additional school colors. (Columbia Missourian)
  
• After reaching a low point in its financial history, Goddard College shut down the residential program and adopted its low-residency adult program as the sole campus offering. Since then, the school has re-flourished and re-emerged with a record high of students, money to spend, and a plan to expand its program across the country. (Chronicle of Higher Education)
  
• Since hiring new athletic director Diana Cutaia, Wheelock College’s athletic department has drastically improved thanks to a single change in their philosophy: winning doesn’t matter. The more important aspects to the athletic program – such as improvement, enjoyment, character and team building – have brought the department’s collective record from 45 athletes with three wins the prior season, to 122 athletes and 40 wins last year. (Boston Globe)
  
• Converse College President Betsy Fleming was in New York City during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. She was inspired by the events she witnessed during the aftermath, the kindness and compassion of the human spirit, and reminds herself and her students to “live [life] to the fullest.” (Spartanburg, S.C., Herald-Journal)
  
• Ruth J. Simmons will step down as president of Brown University at the end of the 2011-2012 academic year. She became Brown’s 18th president in 2001, and has since dramatically enriched the university and led it through difficult economic times. After her retirement as president, she will continue as a professor of comparative literature and Africana studies. (Brown University)