Notes in the Margins: Shadow grades, cheated vets and library data

Incoming freshmen view 'shadow grades' as both a blessing and a curse The new policy seeks to shift students’ objectives away from “I want to get an A” toward “I want to expand my knowledge and learning.” (USA Today)

Georgetown and other colleges woo admitted students, hoping to seal the deal Some schools, worried about filling seats at a time when the number of annual high school graduates is shrinking, push frantically to lock in students after making offers. (The Washington Post)

Collecting data on students: is it useful to know which books they've read? Universities can gain valuable information by tracking students' behavior online, but they must be careful not to misuse it. (The Guardian via University Business)

Adapting for the Future at European University Conference European Union member states have increasingly standardized their degrees and courses under agreements known as the Bologna Process. Now, policy makers are looking to a future in which new teaching tools and changes in the student body could significantly alter the university landscape. (The New York Times)

U.S. Knew Sallie Mae Cheated Service Members On Student Loans, But Still Renewed Contract Sallie Mae had allegedly violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act in servicing some federal student loans, according to people familiar with the probe. The law requires companies to reduce interest rates on student loans to no more than 6 percent upon request by service members called to active duty. (The Huffington Post via NAICU)

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