COMMENTARY
Media industry needs new approach to piracy
Depending on who you ask, online piracy might appear a clear-cut issue.
COMMENTARY
Make Energy Transition Plan priority
Dear President Simon, As you may know, I have been trying to schedule a meeting with you to propose changes in the Energy Transition Plan. I was let down when I was told I should speak with Vice President Bill Beekman instead.
COMMENTARY
Retaining graduates key priority for state
According to a 2010 poll, Michigan ranked fifth in the nation for the total number of degrees and certificates awarded, and fourth for the total number of degrees and certificates in critical skill areas such as medicine, engineering and math.
COMMENTARY
All experiences open doors to future endeavors
In life, there seem to be a lot of things that are simple and easy to understand, but not plainly obvious. You know, those times when the answer in plain sight finally appears on our radar resulting in the classic “Aha” moment. One of those moments happened to me last Monday evening.
COMMENTARY
‘Competency’ student aid not without flaws
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to colleges across the country permitting federal aid to be provided to students enrolled in “competency-based” programs. These programs include tests, portfolios, clinical observations and other assessments of current and prior knowledge.
COMMENTARY
Future of energy lies in graphene
Graphite substances, developed by research pioneered by Peter Boehm starting in 1962, have long been heralded as the future of energy. The material has been hoped to be a magic bullet to the primary ailments of energy storage and utilization.
COMMENTARY
Safe ride program novel idea for MSU
It’s hard to imagine spending a weekend in East Lansing without finding yourself in a situation in which you need to use a taxi.
COMMENTARY
Where are the moderates?
During the past presidential election and now into 2013, I noticed something that really bothered me. It caught me by surprise, but when I thought about it, I came to the conclusion that it actually might be at the core of all the problems we have faced, now face and will continue to face in the future.
COMMENTARY
Role of colleges to recruit talented poor
Widening economic inequality has been a growing problem that has plagued the lives of many in this country.
COMMENTARY
Off-campus better with private renter
After living in the dorms for two years, I couldn’t wait to get out. Having my own room, a living room and a kitchen to cook my own meals in sounded like a dream come true.
COMMENTARY
St. Patrick’s Day survival guide
This Sunday marks every college student’s favorite holiday: St. Patrick’s Day. To help you have a safe and happy holiday, opinion editor Katie Harrington and opinion writer Greg Olsen have compiled a list of tips that will help you have a Gaelic old time.
COMMENTARY
East Lansing home to more than students
When headlines reference MSU as a party school and contribute to stereotypes, the accompanying stories often fail to mention all the great things we do as Spartans.
COMMENTARY
Online programs offer lifelong education options
Wikipedia, YouTube and a host of how-to sites have long provided free, accessible information on nearly every topic imaginable. For independent learners of a more academic bent, services such as Coursera, Udacity and iTunes U, provide high-caliber courses from distinguished instructors. Now, another niche in the world of online education is being filled.
COMMENTARY
Dissecting the gender wage gap
We hear it all the time: “Men get paid more than women.” Sometimes it comes with a number: “Women earn 77 percent of what men earn.” We watch politicians, television pundits and activists push legislation to remedy the problem.
COMMENTARY
Timing poor for Mich. 2020 education plan
Paying for college is one of the most significant financial burdens many people take on in their lives.
COMMENTARY
YouTube video restores faith
Recently, I have been losing my faith in humanity. With all the negativity that has been going on in the world, can you really blame me? From North Korea’s nuclear threats to the greediness of the NHL lockout and finally to the Sandy Hook massacre, I have just about had my fill.
COMMENTARY
Interest of kids key factor in joint adoption
What makes a person a suitable parent? Is it exclusive to someone who shares the same genetic framework as his or her offspring? Can it also be someone without any common ancestors but who has been a part of a child’s life since birth?
COMMENTARY
Social media revolution changes our generation
You would think living without social media in this day and age would be torture. For some of us out there, we can’t even go a whole day without our iPhone or computer.
COMMENTARY
Protection of Great Lakes public’s duty
Advocates for protecting Michigan’s Great Lakes are taking their concerns about across-the-board budget cuts they fear might contaminate their state to Washington, D.C.
COMMENTARY
The life of a hippopotamus
During spring break, I befriended a lonely hippopotamus. Well, he at least looked lonely.