Allow us to demonstrate
FRESNO, Calif. — Fueled by fee increases and this year’s $560 million funding shortfall to the California State University system, CSU students continue to march and rally in what many say is the most ambitious student activism in decades.
During a budget cut-induced library closure, CSU Fresno President John Welty found students studying on his doorstep. YouTube videos and social-networking sites show advertisements for future demonstrations.
And as they themselves grow weary of the budget crisis’ effects, and because of students’ largely civil behavior throughout the protests (aside from the occasional torched trash can or aggressively smashed beer bottle), faculty are helping to publicize and even joining some events, with the California Faculty Association praising the students for their self-assured efforts.
But students say that until things change, which may take months until the governor’s proposed $360 million budget boost is approved, the protests will continue.
(The Fresno Bee, via MCT)
Hurry, Ma, or we’ll be late for school
CHICAGO — She admits “it’s a little weird” to be going to college with her mom, but 19-year-old Anna Horton of Palatine, Ill., is only one in a growing number of students whose parents are also pursuing a degree.
Within a powerful surge of enrollment, community colleges nationwide are seeing more concurrent parent-child attendance than ever before, a trend analysts say came about from a convergence of high school graduates looking to stretch their tuition dollar with their elders who hope additional schooling equals better, more stable employment.
At Harper Community College, where the Hortons study, the adult student population rose 17.5 percent this semester from Spring 2009. Programs like the Harper’s Women’s Program, which offers support for displaced homemakers like Horton’s mother, help attract the elder generation.
(Chicago Tribune, via MCT)






Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now