Harvard University computer science professors are experimenting with a teaching method called "flipping the classroom," in which professors devote class time to group work and discussions instead of lectures, The Harvard Crimson reported. First introduced at Harvard by computer science professor Harry Lewis last spring, the method provides students with pre-recorded material and lectures online, which students are expected to watch before class. Computer science professor Margo Seltzer, who had taught using traditional methods for nearly 20 years, found that course attendance increased when she adopted the new method. While students and faculty members interviewed by The Crimson praised "flipping the classroom," they had concerns that it might overburden students with preparation work in addition to normal assignments and questioned its efficacy in large classes.
Approximately 35 percent of Princeton University students developed mental health issues after entering the university, according to a report released by the University's Committee on Background and Opportunity. Published in the fall of 2012, the report surveyed students in the classes of 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 on issues related to student life, The Daily Princetonian reported. The report found that minority students on campus, including female, black and LGBT students, reported higher levels of depression compared to corresponding majority groups. Overall, nearly 50 percent of students reported being depressed "often" or "sometimes." Former student body president Bruce Easop told The Daily Princetonian that the results may have been limited, since the survey relied on self-reported data.
Cornell University's Cornell NYC Tech, a new graduate school to be built in New York City, received a $133 million donation from Cornell alumnni, Irwin Jacobs, founder of Qualcomm, and his wife Joan, The Cornell Daily Sun reported. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the donation on Monday. The donation will fund a two-year dual degree master's program, aid Cornell NYC Tech's curriculum development and support faculty and graduate student recruitment. The institute will be renamed the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute in the Jacobs' honor. The donation follows the largest donation Cornell has received in its history, $350 million from 1956 Cornell graduate Chuck Feeney in December of 2011.
