Christians in Politics or Politics in Christians?
For release June 3 and thereafter (463 words) by CRAIG LADWIG It is easy to find observers of Indiana politics with secular concerns about the number of individual candidates, even party factions, seeking office as "Christian."There is the obvious problem of single-issue politics; that is, a constituency is activated to elect a candidate for his Read the full article…
Part 5 | A Movement to Make College More Accountable
Last of Five Columns; for release May 28 and thereafter. (Editors: Note reference in graf 8 to June 12-13 meeting date). 900 words by ANDREA NEAL The higher education financing system is dysfunctional and in need of reform. So declared the federal Commission on the Future of Higher Education in 2006.Indiana students no doubt agree. Read the full article…
Part 4 | Colleges Padding Budgets with Fees and Surpluses
Fourth of five columnsFor release May 21 and thereafter990 words (Editors: Note length) By Andrea Neal Cory Barker, who just finished his sophomore year at Indiana University in Bloomington, has never used the campus bus system but still has to chip in $110 a year for its operation. “I don’t ride the bus. I will Read the full article…
Part 3 | Debt Service Is Consuming More Education Dollars
Third of five articlesFor release May 14 and thereafter (900 words)By Andrea Neal Despite the economic downturn affecting the housing market, construction continues apace on Indiana’s college campuses. It’s little wonder. Public universities have little incentive to stop building. That’s because most projects are paid for through debt financing: a buy now, pay later approach Read the full article…
Part 2 | Financial Aid Is Godsend for Some but Boosts Price for Others
Second of five columnsFor release May 7 and thereafter765 words By Andrea Neal In 2004, economist Richard Vedder created a mini-sensation with his book Going Broke by Degree: Why College Costs Too Much. In a nutshell, the book argued that financial aid causes tuition to rise. “The evidence is pretty persuasive that massive governmental Read the full article…
Part 1 | As Tuition and Fees Rise, More Students Take out High-Interest Loans
For release April 30 and thereafter (845 words) By Andrea NealOn the eve of a critical meeting to finalize tuition for the 2008-09 school year, the Purdue University newspaper posed this challenge to its board of trustees: “Give students a break.” “It's easy to ask students to give the extra money in the form of Read the full article…
