OPtimizing EDucation

In Diversity & Inclusion, by MASU Guest February 12, 2018

[Note: Today’s guest blog is provided by Melissa Peraino, member of MASU’s Extended Education and Professional Development Directors Committee.] America’s got talent. Does Michigan? Many cite the lack of access to a talented workforce as one of the reasons for Amazon’s recent…

In Higher Ed Finance, by Mia Murphy January 19, 2018

One thing that’s always perplexed me is how drivers occasionally get hit by trains. Trains don’t veer off course. Trains don’t suddenly make a right turn in front of you on your way to the grocery store. Trains just lumber steadily down the track, unable to slow down or speed up…

In Workforce Alignment, by MASU Guest December 15, 2017

[Note: Today’s guest post is provided by four members of MASU’s Career Services Directors Committee.] There is a lot of talk today about internships. Parents want to know, “What should my student major in to get the best internships?” Students ask, “I heard that I should be…

In Talent, by MASU Guest December 8, 2017

[Note: Today’s guest post is provided by the chairperson of MASU’s Extended Education and Professional Development Directors Committee, Gerald Rhead.] It may be hard to fathom that innovation can be found in something that has existed since the 19th century, but inventive higher…

In Talent, by MASU Guest September 28, 2017

[Note: Today’s guest post is provided by four members of MASU’s Extended Education and Professional Development Committee.] University-based continuing education is well into its second century. On record is Cornell University’s faculty-led “Tour of the Great Lakes” program for…

In Talent, by Dan Hurley September 21, 2017

A recently released report produced by Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) provides insight on the extent to which foreign talent is contributing to Michigan’s economy. At a time of low unemployment, and in light of the steep forthcoming drop in high…

In Workforce Alignment, by MASU Guest September 14, 2017

[Note: MASU is pleased to offer OPtimizing EDucation as a platform for our various committees to share their insight in their fields. Our first guest post is written by Kerin Borland and Steve Patchin, the career services directors at the University of Michigan and Michigan…

In Educational Attainment, by Dan Hurley June 14, 2017

A report recently provided to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has added fuel to the narrative that talent will be the primary factor in the state’s ability to survive and thrive economically in the years ahead. The report, Building Michigan’s 21st Century Economy,…

In Accountability, May 23, 2017

Nobody would trade in a working car to a dealer that only wanted to buy the engine, one headlight, and two doors. No utility would let a customer pick and choose which kilowatts of energy they felt like paying for. American politicians don’t get to hold votes in secret and hide…

In Educational Attainment, May 1, 2017

With a goal of rising incomes for all Michigan households and a broadening of the state’s middle class, Michigan Future, Inc. has presented a state policy agenda that is uniquely forward-thinking in its approach. The think tank’s policy treatise is reinforced by the…

In Accountability, April 26, 2017

Universities are many things to many people—classrooms, workforce development engines, research and development institutions, and beacons of civic pride. But universities are also an ancient endeavor, created in something close to their current form at the University of Bologna…

In Diversity & Inclusion, January 31, 2017

The ban on immigrants and travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries, as well as all refugees, recently issued via executive order by President Donald Trump brings with it implications that are destructive in all manner: educationally, economically, civically, socially, and…

In Educational Attainment, January 6, 2017

Michigan’s economy is continuing to grow, enabling it to compete vigorously on the national and global stage. That’s the good news. The bad news? The state’s most important economic input—maintaining and growing a talented workforce—will be increasingly challenged by a declining…

In Educational Attainment, December 2, 2016

Last month, the State of Michigan’s Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives (LMISI) updated one of their signature publications: Michigan’s Hot 50 – Tomorrow’s High-Demand High-Wage Careers. Informed by demographic and market data, LMISI…

In Higher Ed Finance, October 21, 2016

There are few states that would be described as being flush with cash. State officials (justifiably) want to know the return on the investment they’re making with public revenues. And for years, state universities have argued in turn that investment in public higher education…