University News

Higher ed Roundup: Nov. 27, 2012

BUCC reviews strategic plans

UCS collaborates with local colleges

The Undergraduate Council of Students is working to strengthen relationships between Brown's student government and similar bodies at nearby institutions through increased collaboration. 

Brunonians pleased with switch to Bear Bucks

The implementation of the Bear Bucks system has been deemed successful by the University, said Scott Thacher, director of information technology for campus life and student services. Bear Bucks, a debit card-like system, replaced the declining balance system in February.

Students abroad in unstable nations receive U. support

Following a spate of violence in the Gaza strip and other regions across Israel, Brown students confirmed last week that their study abroad programs would continue normal operations provided the violence did not escalate further. Last Wednesday, Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas agreed ...

McKibben urges divest coal campaign to stay strong

Writer and professor Bill McKibben P'16 presented strong arguments for pressuring the University to divest from major coal companies during the 15th stop of his "Do the Math" tour Monday night. Professors, students and community members filled Salomon 001 as McKibben highlighted the realities of climate ...

Professors prepare online courses for summer launch

Three professors are each creating one distinctive class to be offered this summer as part of the University's debut on the free-online learning site, Coursera, this summer.

U. to partner with charter school network

The University will partner with the Knowledge is Power Program, a network of charter schools, following a $2.5 million donation from Bruce and Martha Karsh P'14 that will aid KIPP alums at Brown through increased academic and financial support. The partnership will focus not only on preparing underserved ...

Number of Sc.B. degrees double since '03

The percentage of undergraduates receiving bachelor of science degrees has nearly doubled from 2003 to 2012 as the number of humanities and social sciences concentrators has continued to decline over the past ten years. 

Seniors, alum awarded international scholarships

For the first time in at least a decade, Brown students and recent alums were awarded each of the Rhodes, Marshall and Mitchell Scholarships. The scholarships are prestigious international awards to study abroad at universities in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Clayton Aldern '13, editor-in-chief of ...

Q&A: Clayton Aldern '13, Rhodes scholar

What was the selection process like? It's quite intense. First, you need to learn about it. I wasn't even under the impression that this was a thing I could apply for a few months ago. First, it's a matter of getting the Brown nomination. You work on your application starting in May, turn it in to Brown ...

Q&A: Nicholas Werle '10, Marshall scholar

What was the process in applying for this scholarship? I started this process when I was a senior, and Dean Lassonde suggested that I apply for the Rhodes and the Marshall. I applied to both last year. I had been out of college for one year then. I was a finalist in New York for the Rhodes, but I was ...

Insider trading case may implicate Corporation trustee

Dorms' new recycling system adds ease, order

The Office of Energy and Environment instituted a new single-stream recycling policy in residency halls this year, allowing paper, plastic, glass, aluminum and all other recyclable materials to be disposed of in the same large blue bins. The new program is "trying to make it easier for students," said ...

Q&A: Lucas Mason-Brown '13, Mitchell scholar

Where were you when you found out you had won the scholarship? I got a call in the airport on the way back from D.C. from the folks at the Mitchell that I had won it. I was so, so excited. At the reception, I got the chance to meet all the other finalists and they all seemed really intelligent and interesting, ...

U. seeks student input on curriculum changes

The University is reexamining its curriculum this year through the Committee on Educational Innovation and will reach out to the wider campus community today with an email soliciting input and ideas. The committee, which has met this semester to discuss incorporating topics like internationalization ...

Insider trading case may implicate Corporation trustee

Updated Friday, November 23, 2012.

Committee seeks campus discussion on divestment

The Brown Advisory Committee on Corporate Responsibility in Investment Policies sent a letter to President Christina Paxson last Monday requesting further dialogue about possible divestment from companies that profit from the Israeli occupation of Palestine. The letter has prompted demonstrations by ...

Despite airstrikes, Israel study abroad continues

Following a wave of air strikes in the Gaza Strip last week, Israeli universities where Brown undergraduates are currently abroad will maintain normal operations for now, according to Kendall Brostuen, director of the Office of International Programs. The students' host universities are in close communication ...

Inspections find culprits in power cords, wall hangings

Seventy dormitory rooms were found in violation of residential policies during this semester's health and safety inspection from Oct. 23 to 25. The most common of these violations was the presence of prohibited power strips, said Richard Bova, senior associate dean of residential and dining services.  ...