The University System of Maryland has defied an appeal from state lawmakers to create a policy regulating pornographic films on the system’s college campuses. University officials warned that such a policy could create costly First Amendment legal challenges. The controversy surrounding the issue stems from a scheduled pornographic film screening last spring at the University of Maryland-College Park.

 

The Baltimore Sun (Date posted: November 12, 2009)

This week California State University (CSU) system president Charles Reed said that applications to CSU campuses for Fall 2010 admission have increased 53 percent over last year. The increase is being attributed to a backlog of students seeking to transfer from the state’s community colleges to four-year campuses. However, applicants will have to compete for 40,000 fewer slots over the next two years because of the system’s $564 million budget reduction.

 

The Los Angeles Times (Date posted: November 11, 2009)

Oregon’s seven public universities have reported a collective enrollment of 91,580 students, an over five percent increase from the prior year and a new state record. The universities witnessed gains in international, transfer and graduate students, but the number of freshman fell slightly. The enrollment growth comes amidst a nine percent cut in state appropriations to public higher education and state tuition increases ranging from 3.5 to 15 percent.

 

The Oregonian (Date posted: November 10, 2009)

 

 

 

Starting this week, Michigan students and families will have another tax-free college savings option, the MI 529 Advisor Plan. The new plan, which will not change the state’s existing 529 structure, will be only be sold through licensed investment brokers. Until now, residents have not been able to purchase a state 529 plan through investment professionals. The new plan is aimed at raising awareness of college savings and 529 plans through enhanced outreach efforts with financial advisors. The MI 529 Plan will charge a four percent commission but will use a more actively managed portfolio geared to garner higher returns.

 

The Detroit News (Date posted: November 11, 2009)