Several British universities plan to adopt the American system of grade point averages in lieu of their current honors degree-classification system, Inside Higher Ed reported. Under the current system, British university students receive a distinct honor level depending on their academic performance. Six institutions in the U.K.'s Russell Group of universities intend to make the change, though Oxford and Cambridge are not among them, Inside Higher Ed reported. The first institution expected to implement the change, which may occur in the next two years, is University College London. British institutions cited the globalization of education and an increased incentive for students to continue working as a reason for emulating the American grading system, which they say provides a more continuous and precise indication of success. Vice-chancellor Robert Burgess of University of Leicester suggested that the move may incite confusion among employers if only a small number of universities make the change, according to Insider Higher Ed.
A U.S. Supreme Court decision overruled new U.S. Education Department policies that limit students' rights to sue for-profit universities in certain instances, The Chronicle of Higher Education reported. Under the new policies, which the separtment plans to implement next month, students would receive better protection from false advertisement of details including tuition costs, future job prospects and a program's accreditation status, according to The Chronicle. The recent ruling, however, limits legal help that students can seek. In future lawsuits, students who wish to challenge for-profit institutions will find themselves in binding arbitration that can only be resolved out of court by a third party. The court ruling claims this process will make trials shorter, more confidential and less costly, The Chronicle reported.
A new report from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce claims that the United States needs 20 million more college-educated workers by 2025, Inside Higher Ed reported. The report said this projection supports the mission of the Obama administration's campaign to return the United States to the top of international rankings of college-educated populations a goal that has been threatened by recent federal and state government cuts to institutional funding. Setting aside additional money for students and institutions through increased efficiency of the higher education system could raise graduation rates, Inside Higher Ed reported. A decrease in college-educated workers causes a higher "wage premium" between college and high school graduates' earnings, which contributes to income inequality, according to the report.
