Notes in the Margins: Loughner, foreign detainees and the business mindset

Far From Canada, Aggressive U.S. Border Patrols Snag Foreign Students University officials say the students have been detained even when in compliance with visa laws. (chronicle.com)

Law Schools Are Urged to Focus More on Practical Skills and Less on Research Such a shift is needed at a time when big law firms are balking at training new associates and the job market is dismal, said speakers at a law-schools meeting. (chronicle.com)

Duncan: College Handled Jared Loughner's Strange Behavior Appropriately Pima Community College acted appropriately in mandating that Tuscon shooter Jared Loughner obtain a mental exam, according to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan reports But Loughner's case raises complex questions of how colleges should handle worrisome students. The fine balance between supporting the mentally ill and abiding by the law presents a quagmire for colleges -- and larger society. (Huffington Post)

'Sad Day For California' In an effort to tackle an estimated $28 billion budget shortfall, the newly elected governor of California would strip $1.4 billion from public higher education institutions. The reductions would include $500 million each in cuts for the University of California and California State University. Additionally, $400 million would be carved from the budgets of the California Community Colleges. The reductions constitute an 18 percent cut in state support for California State; 16.4 percent for the University of California; and 6.5 percent for community colleges. (Inside Higher Ed)

Business Metaphor Still Ascendant It was difficult to escape the conclusion, during the American Historical Association’s annual meeting here over the weekend, that higher education is in the throes of a crisis. And the enemy was consistently identified as the ideology and analytical tools of business. (Inside Higher Ed)

Certificate Programs Proliferate EDUCATION, students are frequently told, is the key to a better job. First, finish high school. Then, go to college and get a degree. For those with higher aspirations, try for a master’s. But increasingly, there is another way. Short vocational programs leading to a certificate are becoming the kudzu of the educational world. There’s a program for virtually any skill, from interior design to paralegal to managing records at a doctor’s office. Instead of investing in a master’s, professionals itching to move up the career ladder can earn certificates in marketing strategies, credit analysis or even journalism. (The New York Times)

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.