Rising Cost of Higher Ed Discussed

There is an interesting article on the BBC website today, about financing a college education. While the article talks a lot about Michigan, the questions it raises are interesting for all college students, namely: is the rising cost of higher education worth it, and where is the point at which the cost does not justify itself?

Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Falls to 66.6

In data released today, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index has fallen to 66.6, a one year low. Satanic implications aside, it is a sign that people do not feel good about the economy, with lower income respondents reporting a rise in confidence, and higher income respondents reporting a decline in confidence.

New World University Rankings Put Big Ten Schools High Up

In new rankings released today by both QS and THE, Big Ten universities fared very well. In QS, Michigan did the best at number 15 in the world, followed by Northwestern and Wisconsin, and in THE, Michigan did the best, followed by Northwestern and Illinois.

Michigan Makes List of Most Dangerous Campuses

According to the Daily Beast, the University of Michigan is number 23 on the list of most dangerous campuses in America. The only other Big Ten school to make the list was Northwestern, at number 50. Oddly, many of the campuses in the top 20 are very prestigious schools such as Harvard, Columbia, and Stanford. The study looks at violent crimes committed in the last three years. There is also a breakdown of the most dangerous colleges in the Big Ten.

Study Shows that Medical Students More Likely to Hide Their Depression

In a new study released by the American Medical Association, done by a Michigan researcher, that surveyed medical students at seven medical schools, med school students are more likely to think that being depressed is a bad thing, and are less likely to seek help for it. Partially this could be due to the stigma of depression, but partly it is due to the fear that they will be seen as less competent by their teachers.

Michigan Stadium to Install Permanent Lights

According to an article in the Detroit News today, the Big House will have permanent lights. They will cost $1.8 million, and will be paid for by the Athletic Department. Michigan will play a night game against Notre Dame next year, and Michigan hockey will play Michigan State outdoors next year as well. This could presage more night games in the future, because it would hardly be justified to add expensive lights for two games, and night games tend to attract prime time audiences, and thus more television revenues.

Michigan Professor Comments on Downsizing Detroit

Apparently, the prospect of a shrinking city is not so scary to some. While many see the precipitous decline in the Detroit population as something awful, many are seeing something good about it. For example, a Michigan professor envisions a time in the future when Detroit has urban gardens that can supply it food, as well as provide cleaner air and more open space. While this may seem ridiculous to some, it is quite possible, with people leaving decaying neighborhoods and moving into better ones, allowing the newly empty neighborhoods to be transformed, and the stronger neighborhoods to become more populated, and still allow green space.

Lecturer's Union Agrees to Contract With Michigan

It is reported in an article today in annarbor.com that LEO has approved a new contract with the University of Michigan. The agreement had been reached in early August, but this final vote, which came in 99 percent positive, was the final step in the process.

GM to Invest in Michigan Battery Company Spinoff

GM is planning to invest $3.2 million in Michigan spin-off Sakti3. The company makes lithium-ion batteries that can be used in cars and portable devices, and has also received $1 million from Japanese investment firm Itochu Technology Ventures.This is part of an ongoing effort by GM to invest in new car technologies, as well as partner with the University of Michigan.

A Look at Michigan's North Campus Research Complex

An article in the Detroit Free Press today takes a look at the new North Campus Research Complex at the University of Michigan. It provides an interesting breakdown of the UM is looking to do with the campus, and what areas will be the focus of research.

The NCRC will also add a business transfer office to help spinoff companies develop, and hopefully capitalize on their innovations. All in all, the NCRC is expected to employ 2,000 to 3,000 people.