The latest higher education news from The Texas Tribune.
This year’s U.S. News & World Report ranking of the nation’s top colleges and universities featured only one Texas school — Rice University at No. 18 — in the top 50. The University of Texas at Austin dropped to the 52nd spot this year. Full Story
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After landing a major federal contract as Texas A&M University System’s vice chancellor for strategic initiatives, Brett Giroir is being named interim executive vice president for the Texas A&M Health Science Center. Full Story
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The University of Texas is rolling out new learning opportunities for non-UT students this semester. In addition to four massive open online courses — or MOOCs — it will have two synchronous massive online courses, or SMOCs. Full Story
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State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, acknowledged writing a law school recommendation for his son but strongly denied attempting to exert any undue influence over the admission process. Full Story
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On August 19, I talked with Ricardo Romo, the president of the University of Texas at San Antonio, about managing growth in enrollment, precipitous demographic change, graduation rates and more. Full Story
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After one week on the job as chairman of the embattled University of Texas System Board of Regents, Paul Foster says that he hopes to build consensus and avoid being "dragged into the fray." Full Story
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Higher education innovators are stepping up their efforts to promote college readiness at the high school and community college level. Full Story
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A grant program that focuses on training students in fields like high-tech manufacturing and computer support is undergoing funding cuts as a result of legislation passed during this year’s regular session. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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The start of another school year marks another attempt by colleges and universities in Texas to try to boost their four-year graduation rates, which have lagged far behind those of their peers in other states. Full Story
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For students hoping to bring concealed handguns onto college campuses, a new law allowing them to store firearms in cars parked in campus garages or lots is as close as they’re going to get — for now. Full Story
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Texas State University-San Marcos will be officially renamed. The new moniker will be the school's seventh since its founding in 1903. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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For help with its ongoing investigation of Regent Wallace Hall, the House Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations has turned to prominent Houston attorney Rusty Hardin, who'll serve as its special counsel. Full Story
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The University of Texas System regents concluded their annual August meeting by reshuffling the board's leadership, selecting Paul Foster, a businessman from El Paso, as their new chairman. Full Story
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The nine members of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, who convene at their annual August meeting Wednesday and Thursday, have been bathed in controversy for more than two years. Full Story
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College towns across Texas are seeing a rise in so-called stealth dorms, where several students cram into homes in residential areas. Some are calling on cities to limit the number of students allowed to live in residential homes. Full Story
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Following yet another legislative session without tuition revenue bonds since the last round was authorized in 2006, many universities — especially smaller, regional ones — are delaying their projects. Full Story
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UT President Bill Powers released a report this week outlining five guiding principals to promote technology-enhanced education. Full Story
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In a letter obtained by the Tribune late Thursday, a lawyer for embattled University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall clarifies some of the motivations behind Hall's ongoing investigation into the system's flagship university. Full Story
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Texas A&M University officially closed on its purchase of a new law school on Monday, and while the original plan was more of a merger, the new deal is a complete acquisition for Texas A&M. Full Story
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Fewer college students will be required to have meningitis vaccinations, and new rules also make it easier for some students to opt out of the vaccinations. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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