Campus CFO

There are seven areas of oversight that trustees of higher education institutions should consider as fiduciaries. Mistakes in any of these areas can negatively impact the expected growth and risk profile of the portfolio, and in turn, the institution’s financial well-being.

Legislation approved by the Indiana House of Representatives will create baseline scholarships while providing bonuses for achieving at least a 3.0 GPA and graduating in four years or less.

Among the many texts that have been published recently on the topic of intellectual property exploitation, this books stands out for its focus on innovations developed within universities. Graham Richards, the editor and principal author, writes from experience as a prominent academic, serial inventor and company director.

Changes to Sallie Mae's Smart Option Student Loans for graduate degree seekers will go into effect on April 1. From that point on, those who choose this loan option can select either variable or fixed rates with no origination or prepayment penalties. The variable rate range will extend from 2.25% to 7.5%, while the fixed rate range will run from 5.75% to 8.875%.

Some critics of higher education have started to suggest that, with its affiliated student loan debt, college is becoming a bubble like the housing market several years ago. How accurate is this analysis of the situation? Basically, it’s wrong. This is not a bubble.

As part of the budget, the committee also approved a financing plan that will completely change the way community colleges are funded. Under the Senate plan, each school would get a set amount of base funding. Then additional money would be allocated based on two metrics: contact time and student success.

While higher education funding is shrinking nationwide, the "State Higher Education Finance Report," published by the State Higher Education Executive Officers, shows the rate of decrease in Louisiana is the third highest in the country despite a sharp increase in tuition revenue.

Although higher education is absorbing about one-third of the $75 million of cuts in the proposed 2013-2014 state budget, Higher Education Policy Commission Chancellor Paul Hill said the commission decided not to make any cuts to financial aid programs for students.

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pa.