We’ve highlighted below some of the most recent developments and occurrences in youth-related news and events. In this week’s news roundup we speak about Oxford University’s decision to let in disadvantaged students, the stress issues among academics at the UK universities and the deal between Kenyan universities and Microsoft.
Oxford University decides to let in disadvantaged students
For the first time in its 900-year history, Oxford University will let in students from disadvantaged backgrounds, reports Telegraph. The university’s diversification pursuit will lead to 250 free tuitions for state school students, starting from 2020. Additionally, lower grades will also be accepted from some students. This will be the first time in the Oxford University’s the history that this system of recruitment will be used. Prof Louise Richardson, vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: “Colleagues from across the University, its colleges and departments have united behind a commitment to accelerate the pace at which we are diversifying our student body and ensuring that every academically exceptional student in the country knows that they have a fair chance of a place at Oxford.”
Half of UK academics are stressed
The Guardian analyzed two research reports concerning wellbeing in universities, with the special focus on the stress issues that professors have. Education Support Partnership’s report suggests that emotional struggles are common at universities. The second survey by YouGov shows that 55 percent of higher education professionals describe themselves as stressed, while some of them even consider leaving the sector. Dennis Guiney, educational psychologist, said: ”Lack of collegiality was a big concern for the academics we spoke to. Rather than focusing solely on money, they felt university managers should be building this. Academics need to feel valued. Praise is important.”
Kenyan universities start partnership with Microsoft
Business Chief reports, that Microsoft has decided to collaborate with Kenyan universities to enhance the use of technology in this part of the world. Microsoft will be in charge of providing education and training for officials enrolled in the project. In total, around 100 similar agreements will bee signed by the company across the world. Anthony Salcito, Vice President of Worldwide Education at Microsoft Corporation, said: “The new era of digital learning requires stakeholders – from government leaders, curriculum publishers, equipment manufacturers, technology providers and service organisations – aligned to enable change.” MKU Vice-Chancellor Stanley Waudo stated: “We have more than 16,000 students in the programmes. Our university operations are also recorded on technology platforms. The collaboration will help us develop a competitive advantage in ICT.”
Photo: Shutterstock
Support us!
All your donations will be used to pay the magazine’s journalists and to support the ongoing costs of maintaining the site.
Share this post
Interested in co-operating with us?
We are open to co-operation from writers and businesses alike. You can reach us on our email at [email protected]/[email protected] and we will get back to you as quick as we can.
