A survey by the National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good at the University of Michigan found that public colleges and universities are more likely than their private counterparts to admit undocumented students, the Chronicle of Higher Education reported. However, public colleges are also less likely to offer these students financial aid. Twenty-one percent of the private institutions surveyed allow undocumented students to enroll, and 57 percent of them provide institutional aid to these students. Comparatively, 36 percent of public institutions have policies allowing undocumented students to enroll, but only 29 percent of them offer institutional aid, according to the Chronicle.
Republican proposals in the latest round of budget talks could increase the financial burden for graduating students, Inside Higher Ed reported. After the end of a five-year decrease in the student loan interest rate initiated by Democrats in 2006, the Obama administration's 2012 budget will seek to cut back support for graduate students and smaller programs in order to fund the more widely used Pell Grants. Republican proposals, however, would use the savings generated by this move to cut the deficit and would eliminate all subsidized Stafford Loans, Inside Higher Ed reported. These proposals follow a recent pattern in which profits generated from the federal student loan program have been moved away from student aid. In 2007, lender subsidies were cut by $18 billion, and in 2010, $67 billion worth of subsidies were eliminated.
Austin Beutner '82, current first deputy mayor of Los Angeles, has announced his intentions to run for the mayor's office, Southern California Public Radio reported. The former investment banker wants to build upon the success he achieved during his year as deputy mayor, in which he persuaded an electric car company to locate in Los Angeles and streamlined the permitting process for small businesses. Beutner has vowed to attack bureaucracy and waste if elected mayor, SCPR reported. Having made his fortune on Wall Street, Beutner was able to work for just a $1 a year. Despite his personal wealth, Beutner is reluctant to fund his own campaign, seeking instead to test the political environment by fundraising. He has already raised $200,000, according to SCPR. Beutner broke his neck while cycling in 2009 but has made a full recovery.
