In the news

Presidents' houses in contrast with dorms

Michigan college students often live in aged dorms in need or urgent repair, while university-owned homes for college presidents fall in the posh range, according to this article by Booth Newspapers. The value of president's homes at the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Eastern Michigan and Lake Superior State top $1 million each. The presidents of Wayne State, Western Michigan and Oakland University live in homes valued at more than $750,000. Mike Boulus, executive director of the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan, said it is a tradition, and often a condition of employment, for presidents to live on or near campus in homes provided to them.

Detroit gets 2006 event: DOE EXPO set

Wayne State University College of Engineering Dean Ralph Kummler and College of Education Dean Paula Wood recently joined outgoing Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham as he announced the selection of Detroit as the host city for the 2006 "What's Next? Expo." The event is a national science education initiative designed to inspire young Americans to pursue studies in mathematics and the sciences. Kummler thanked Abraham for choosing Detroit as the location for "What's Next? 2006" and for "allowing Wayne State to participate in what we understand to be one of our most important tasks facing us for engineering and science for the future." Wood said that there was concern about the international science and math test results showing U.S. students trailing as they advance in grades, but said Michigan fourth and eighth graders consistently rank on par or higher versus peers around the country. "I don't know if it's a crisis but it's a serious concern," Wood said. "Up until 4th grade, our kids hold their own but beyond that, because the curriculum is not as rigorous or as required, we begin to lose ground," she said. A photo of Kummler, Wood, Abraham and The Henry Ford CEO Pat Mooradian is included.

ACT, SAT add new test, raise their fees

Wayne State is noted in a sidebar item as one of Michigan's universities that does not recommend the optional ACT writing test for admissions consideration. Wayne State is joined by 10 of the state's colleges and universities not requiring or recommending the ACT Test. ACT spokesman Ken Gullette cautions students not to take the writing test if it's not necessary and says that concerns that some colleges may change their minds and require it in a year are unfounded. "I doubt seriously any college will pull the rug out from under a student. Any school that isn't requiring it now isn't likely to require it within the next two year," Gullette says.