Penn in the News

Two major public universities, one from Virginia and the other from Texas, operate branches at a complex in Qatar, called Education City, with support from an organization created by that country’s royal family. Virginia Commonwealth University’s contract with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development has been disclosed as a matter of public record. But Texas A&M’s deal with the foundation remains shrouded in secrecy, and the Qataris are petitioning Texas authorities to keep it that way.

Presidents whose institutions are members of the Council of Independent Colleges have been working on a project to help map the future of their institutions, which are generally small and midsize private colleges. At its annual gathering of presidents here, the CIC held an open forum on the project and released a draft list of characteristics that a panel of presidents identified as "essential" for their institutions, and another list they identified as "negotiable." The essential list wasn't controversial, although some presidents argued for it to be shortened.

Neil Fishman of the Perelman School of Medicine says, “We are preparing to stop asking the questions about West Africa, but we are debating how to maintain our preparedness.”

Agnes Scott College is making a big bet on its future as a liberal-arts institution for women. It’s a wager that trustees have backed with a $20-million investment from the $260-million endowment, and that faculty members have enthusiastically supported by refocusing the curriculum. And this past August it brought the 127-year-old college its largest first-year class ever, raising total enrollment to 915 students. Administrators say it’s too early to be sure the bet will pay off, but there’s no hiding how happy everyone is with the initial results.

Shaun Harper of the Graduate School of Education is cited for his article “Black Male College Achievers and Resistant Responses to Racist Stereotypes at Predominately White Colleges and Universities.”

Philip Tetlock of the Wharton School and the School of Arts & Sciences writes about the soft-side of psychology.

Graduate student Sarah Lyon of the Graduate School of Education writes about the importance of universities implementing orientation seminars to educate new students about mental health resources.

Weeks after two University of Missouri employees were caught on video trying to force student journalists from a protest about the campus racial climate, Republican lawmakers in the state are trying to force the women from their jobs. The Columbia Missourian reports that more than a hundred state representatives and 18 senators, all Republicans, have signed a letter urging that the university fire Melissa A.

Professors differ on how much their grading should be based on tests, written assignments, labs, class participation and other factors. But students' looks? Most faculty members would deny that physical appearance is a legitimate criterion in grading. But a study presented Monday at the annual meeting of the American Economic Association finds that -- among similarly qualified female students -- those who are physically attractive earn better grades than others. For male students, there is no significant relationship between attractiveness and grades.

Robert Kurzban of the School of Arts & Sciences writes about pathogens.