Pressure to work linked to dropout rates
A recent study found that students who drop out of college do so because they feel pressure to work.
The survey, conducted by Public Agenda, a nonpartisan, nonprofit research firm with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, determined that 71 percent of students who leave school do so at least partially because of work. Of those, half cited pressure to work as a major reason for dropping out.
Thirty-five percent of the dropouts attempted to balance work and school, but left their studies …

Crime rates go up during holidays at U. Penn
Members of the University of Pennsylvania police force reported a spike in violent crimes over a three day period in late December.
Two robberies, an assault and a purse snatching occurred between December 15-17. In each of the instances, the victim was walking alone, late at night, on campus.
The police believe the perpetrators were different in each of the cases, but see similarities.
“Even though they’re different criminals, their M.O.s are the same,” said Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush.
Students were …

Dan Brown tops college bestsellers book list
The number one bestselling book on college campuses this year is “The Lost Symbol” by Dan Brown, according to a list compiled by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Other bestselling books include “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger, “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith, “Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, “The Wild Things” by Dave Eggers and “Sense …

Maryland College cuts carbon by 80 percent
St. Mary’s College cut its carbon dioxide outputs by 80 percent last year thanks to a series of student initiatives.  Students purchased Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset 100 percent of their carbon footprint due to electricity use.
Several new buildings on campus introduced geothermal HVAC systems which will cut emissions by several hundred tons.  Other buildings have increased the efficiency of windows to both save money and reduce the College’s carbon footprint.
Members of the community believe the changes made at St. Mary’s should inspire …