International news briefs

More universities than ever have international branches

Universities are expanding their international reach by setting up campuses outside of their country, reported the University World News (UWN). According to a report done by the Observatory of Borderless Higher Education, the number of international branches of universities is higher than ever.

The UWN reported, “The number has almost doubled to 162 in the past three years alone and has jumped eight-fold since 2002.”

The UWN also stated that the U.S. continues to dominate with a number of campuses out of country and around the globe, but more countries are starting to become involved.

According to the UWN, post-secondary institutions from 22 countries have now expanded their campuses through international branches.

The UWN also stated that, “Most of these campuses (111 out of 162) were created by institutions in the Anglophone nations, the U.S. continuing to overshadow all others with its 78 offshore bases accounting for 48 per cent of the total.”

USA Today is trying to get students to go digital with free e-edition of paper

According to an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, USA Today is trying to get students to go digital when it comes to reading America’s national daily.

In the past the paper has provided students with free print versions to try to get younger people to read the paper. Now, instead of providing college students with free print versions, they’re providing colleges with free digital passes.

According to the Chronicle, “The three colleges participating in the pilot project are Pennsylvania State University, Indiana University at Bloomington and the University of Missouri — all of which have long been part of newspaper readership programs involving printed papers.”

The free e-edition of the paper will be provided to anyone using a computer while on those three campuses, the cost of a yearly subscription to USA Today’s e-edition is US$99.

Northeastern University to cut football team, players still receive athletic scholarship

Universities in the states continue to battle recession as Northeastern University announces that it will be cutting their football program, which has played for 74-seasons, reported Insider Higher Education Magazine (IHE).

In a Nov. 23 release from the university, the university explains, “Following an extensive review process, Northeastern University has elected to discontinue its intercollegiate football program.
The decision is consistent with the university’s strategic approach to prioritize programs and invest in signature strengths.”

“Our goal for athletics is to achieve sustainable excellence in all areas,” said Athletic Director Peter Roby in the release.

The statement also reported, “The timing of the decision was chosen to give players and coaches the greatest amount of flexibility to make future plans, either at Northeastern or other universities.”

The report also stated that players who complete their degree at Northeastern will maintain their athletic scholarships until graduation.