Princeton University plans to rewrite its policy on sexual harassment and sexual assault, Provost Chris Eisgruber announced Monday, according to The Daily Princetonian. The changes, announced at the first meeting of the Council of the Princeton University Community, were prompted by a letter from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights that asked colleges and universities to evaluate their institutional stance toward sexual misconduct on their campuses. Princeton decided to take action in an attempt to ensure that the university both complies with federal law and improves its internal procedures. The revised text of Princeton's "Rights, Rules, Responsibilities" includes more specific language than the 2010 version and distinguishes assault, exploitation and harassment as three distinct levels of sexual misconduct, The Princetonian reported.
Even as college enrollment rates increase, the percentage of students who graduate has remained stagnant in recent decades, according to a report titled "Time is the Enemy" released Tuesday by the nonprofit organization Complete College America. The study found that part-time students comprise approximately 40 percent of all those enrolled in public higher education but are often ignored in federal education statistics examining national graduation rates, The New York Times reported. The report determined that among certain demographics including older students, Pell Grant recipients and black and Hispanic students only one in five of those attending college as part-time students earns a degree within six years. The study also found that the longer students take to complete their courses, the more likely it is for them to drop out of school altogether. Recommendations include increased peer support and the use of online technology to decrease the amount of time that students must be in class, according to the report.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced Monday that it will allocate $500 million to community colleges to establish vocational training grants, Inside Higher Ed reported. The grants are intended to help unemployed individuals find work in advanced manufacturing, health care, transportation and other fields in need of workers. The government will distribute the funds among 49 community colleges nationwide, though it received over 200 applications. Schools in 10 states including several states with high-profile community colleges failed to receive funding, according to Inside Higher Ed. The grants comprise the first of four $500 million appropriations as part of the Trade Act Assistance Community College Career Training Program. All beneficiaries of the grants have at least one industry partner and will be required to share the results of their individual programs with the public in an attempt to improve collaboration among community colleges, Inside Higher Ed reported.
