On Campus Blog

Just a heads-up: Eric Kaler, chosen last week to succeed Robert Bruininks as president of the University of Minnesota, will be Gary Eichten’s guest today during the 11 a.m. hour of MPR’s Midday program. Tune in.
Video: What Mac students are thankful for
I’m just a sucker for holiday pix and videos. In this video, Macalester College students sound off on what they’re doing for Thanksgiving, and why the heck they’re giving thanks.
How to microwave Thanksgiving dinner in your dorm room
This DIY piece comes from Jenna Johnson, the Washington Post‘s higher-ed writer: Cook a Thanksgiving feast in your dorm microwave I invited six of my friends over for dinner on Saturday night and excitedly told them I would cook everything in my microwave. My enthusiasm was not quite matched. “Should I bring a pizza in…
Video: A look inside an essay mill's Web site
Earlier this month I posted a Chronicle of Higher Education piece about the fascinating world of a writer for an essay mill. The Chronicle has a follow-up: a look at how an essay mill’s Web site works. The site is pretty slick — and the business is global. (It’s also not showing up, at least…
“Ms. Mentor,” the advice columnist at the Chronicle of Higher Education, gives a few examples of how some instructors explain what they teach: Some teachers do come up with sprightly retorts. One theater professor, tired of “Oh, you put on plays, how cool is that!” introduces herself as a teacher of “critical-thinking skills and group…
4 ways to mess up your college search
Sue Biemeret, executive director of The Academy for College Admission Counseling, focuses on several things that prevent students and parents from choosing the right college. It’s all a matter of focus and priorities. I’ve summarized her points in her New York Times piece, but you can read the full article here. 1. Focus only on…
Why St. Cloud's Potter only promised a 2-year grace period
Last week, students at St. Cloud State University approved a referendum that will increase student fees by $1.74 per credit for three years in an effort to save the football program and a number of other sports. After I asked about why St. Cloud State University President Earl Potter recently promised only two years without…
French Professors Find Life in U.S. Hard to Resist A study found that academics constitute a much larger percentage of French émigrés to the United States today than 30 years ago. (feeds.nytimes.com) College ratings ignites debate over core requirements Johns Hopkins University is America’s premier research institution. Yet a student could complete a bachelor’s degree…
I’ve seen a number of how-to articles for students about interviewing, writing essays and other hard tasks for the communication-challenged. Here’s one of very few I’ve seen on networking while at a college/career function — written for USA Today by St. Bonaventure University junior Amanda Klein, a journalism and mass communication major. I’ve condensed it,…
Video: Professor loses it in class — a Gotcha moment that's part of a trend?
I feel sorry for this guy — a Cornell professor who has to deal with some rude goofball who keeps yawning loudly behind his back. But the way he handled it? Yeah, a bit awkward. The video has gone around the Internet, and it’s not the only example of “Gotcha!” videos catching professors in odd…