Marketing Update

We continue to argue that our image in higher ed is suffering due to myriad factors, and we need to employ a marketing approach to shore up our reputations. Why? See the following examples of problems we all face:

The long awaited tuition control bill introduced in the Congress by Rep. Buck McKeon has been unveiled. This could generate negative publicity via hearings on Capitol Hill. See USA Today's coverage at:

• USA Today

And why do we have to continue to "sell" the merits of higher ed? See the attached study which suggests that the United States dominance in college and university matriculation rates may be slipping.

• Daily Pennsylvanian

And what we are "selling" in higher ed is exploding in price. . Note that the cost of higher ed, according to a Kiplinger's story, is going up 12.5 percent annually:

• MSN Money Central

Campus Crises in the News

Sexual misconduct allegations sink Prez: Loyola University President Rev. Bernard P. Knoth stepped down recently following accusations of sexual abuse by a former student at a high school where he once served as principal.

• New York Times
• Indianapolis Star
• Nola

College student tied to box cutters found on Southwest flight: A Guilford College (NC) junior has been questioned by the FBI and tied to a cache of box cutters and other suspicious items planted on two flights recently. Nathaniel Heatwole has now been charged, and the bizarre story is shining a bright light on this small school in Greensboro, NC. See the latest account at:

• ABC News
• Smart Money

Liver transplants at University hospitals questioned in Illinois: Profit motives may have clouded the judgment of officials at three prestigious Chicago hospitals, state and federal officials contend. The Illinois attorney general has reached a settlement the University of Chicago Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and a civil lawsuit has been filed against the University of Illinois Hospital. See the story at:

• HealthScout

Organ transplants controversy spreading: As a result of allegations of unfairly allocating donated organs to recipients Albany Medical Center has voluntarily closed its heart transplant program and suspended two physicians.

• Rochester Democrat Chronicle

Missing vials of bubonic plague continue to dog Texas Tech: 60 Minutes updates the perplexing story of a Texas Tech prof and bubonic plague. See the latest at:

• Washington Post

Just like the good old days: Controversial UC Berkley speaker, highlighting the Israeli/Palestinian crisis, attracts threats of her own.

• Berkeley Daily

And I thought all they did at Harvard was study? Harvard undergrad entrepreneurs may shatter that august institution's reputation by revealing the plethora of parties in Cambridge. HarvardParties.com is the website, and the Chronicle (password necessary) details:

• Chronicle of Higher Education

Harvard reputation for hard-partying may be well deserved. Harvard administrators are seeking ways to stem the spike in binge-drinking students. See the Harvard Crimson's story at:

• Harvard Crimson

Ugly feud at Columbia University. Sorry for another password protected Chronicle story, but this one is to be read, if possible: Chic and aggressive faculty member has a propensity to sue. See it at:

• Chronicle of Higher Education

Keep it on the field. University of Nebraska football player decks fan in post-game sordid scene caught by still and TV cameras.

• ESPN