Some reports came in stating that the proposal regarding tuition remission is dead. We'll see.
posted by J at 3:22 PM

Another sad note. Atari closes its doors.
posted by J at 3:19 PM

On the bright side, Southern Methodist University just announced an upcoming certificate program for video game design.

Read about it at the Chronicle.
posted by J at 3:19 PM

Some folks have passed along that the new Maryland administration believes they can recap approximately 9 million dollars or so by removing tuition remission as a part of Maryland benefits. [found the number in "Recommendation 5" here: http://www.usmd.edu/legislation/legresp2003.html ]

This includes graduate and teaching assistants. Not good news.

What these folks seem to miss is that most of us simply couldn't afford to continue our education if they take away tuition remission. As is, the paltry sum we earn to educate students and help run the University is barely a living wage.

Here's the official DLS report that the University responded to (see below).

This is in PDF format.

USM Overview

Of particular interest is the language on page 4 (see item #5) and page 27. I'm still not clear who constitutes employees (rather than "students," which is the tag they like to use everytime we fight for union recognition).

USM Response to Proposals (this has the section about removing tuition remission)

Maryland's State Budget Proposal
posted by J at 3:19 PM

Ever wake up in the morning to realize that you can't tell if the wrinkles on your face are indeed wrinkles or just cracks in the mirror? Either way, it's bad luck.
posted by J at 3:13 PM