The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 23 January 2013.
US universities to offer first part of degree courses free, online
Dozens of public universities in the US plan to offer free online credit-bearing courses to anyone in the world, reports The New York Times. Those who successfully complete the introductory modules online will then have the option of using the credits gained as part of a full degree program – which, of course, comes with a fee. Many top US universities already offer free MOOCs (massive open online courses), but most do not carry any degree credits. “In some sense, it’s a new recruitment strategy: give them a free sample, and maybe they’ll find they have an appetite for it,” said Michael Tanner, vice president for academic affairs at the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.
Facebook makes users feel bad, German universities claim
Two German universities have published a joint study into the experiences of those using social networking website Facebook – and the results are generally not positive, reports The Huffington Post. Researchers at Berlin’s Humboldt University and Darmstadt’s Technical University found that a third of users felt worse after visiting the site, with common emotions including envy, dissatisfaction and loneliness. Those who used the site passively – browsing without interacting – were most likely to have a negative experience.
UPenn students suing university over condition of housing
Six students at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) have filed a lawsuit over the “utterly reprehensible” condition of their university-owned accommodation during the 2011-12 academic year, reports The Daily Pennsylvanian. The students say problems with the house included leaks, mold, rodents, and even a collapsed ceiling, for which they deny responsibility. If their claims are considered and they win their case, they hope to gain almost US$40,000 in damages, though the court only has jurisdiction to award up to US$12,000.
Japan investing heavily in science research – but expects quick return
Investment in scientific research is at the center of Japan’s new economic stimulus package, reports Nature. Following several years of proposed cuts to research funding, the country’s newly elected government has shown its commitment to supporting scientific research, through the allocation of a large chunk of a ¥10.3-trillion stimulus plan. However, this is accompanied by an expectation that researchers will strive to convert academic findings into commercial applications as quickly as possible.
Campaign to support Syrian students in UK, who may lose funding
Campaign group Avaaz has launched a petition asking the UK government to guarantee that Syrian students will be allowed to stay in the country and complete their degree courses, even if unable to pay their fees. Following civil conflict in Syria, some students have had government scholarships cancelled, while others have been unable to receive funds from their families, the BBC reports. International students who lose their student status usually have only 60 days to remain in the country. The government has granted a temporary concession to Syrian students – but this is only currently valid until 15 March.