HE News Brief 12.10.10

by Abby Chau

• Former BP Chief Lord Browne today released his long-awaited report on higher education. It comes as no surprise that he is advising that the tuition fee cap be lifted. If the Coalition government takes on his recommendations, students may pay up to £12,000 a year for their degrees. This is a contentious issue as the Lib Dems are solidly against hiking tuition. In addition Lord Browne is recommending a 10% increase in student intake as well as advising that universities focus more on career advice, supporting part-time students, and empowering students to dictate which university should flourish.Full Story: GuardianMore: BBC News
• As university league tables grow in influence and prominence, the IREG Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence, which first met in Washington in 2004, is serving as a watchdog of university rankings. At a conference last week in Berlin, they announced that an executive team will be conducting audits of producers of league tables to make sure they comply with certain principles such as transparency and accessibility of methodology.Full Story: Chronicle of Higher Education

• Saudi Arabia is preparing to open its doors to the Georgia Institute of Technology which will operate in the King Abdullah Economic City just north of Jeddah. The partnership is significant because it will be the second mixed-gender university in the kingdom. For many, this is also a significant shift in policy - up until now Saudi Arabia has been investing in their own institutions rather than looking into opening foreign branches. The move comes amidst reports that the 7% of gdp that Saudi Arabia has been investing in education since the 80s, has largely been ineffective in combating crucial problems in the sector.Full Story: University World NewsMore: FT
• The European University Association is helping African institutions combat the \"brain drain\" of academics that has been plaguing the continent. A reported 40% of trained academics work abroad because of political stability and a higher salary. The venture will see European institutions supporting African universities by helping departments with resources.Full Story: Guardian
• The National University of Singapore and Yale University is in final talks about setting up an American-style liberal arts institution. Singapore is hoping that this type of college which is relatively new to Asia, is part of a strategic plan to boost the competitiveness of their universities. However some Yale faculty have expressed concern regarding Singapore's record of freedom of speech.Full Story: Channel News Asia