Student Union
- By VOA News
Oprah to Speak at Virtual Graduations
Facebook is celebrating high school and college seniors — the Class of 2020 — by giving them a virtual graduation.
"This is a bittersweet time for the Class of 2020. As students head toward graduation, it's not the day they might have imagined — no processions, no diploma handoffs, no parties. They are commencing at a time of great uncertainty," Marne Levine, Facebook vice president of global partnerships, business and corporate development said in a blog post, referring to the lockdowns and social distancing restrictions caused by the global coronavirus pandemic. "But graduating is a tremendous achievement, and worth pausing to celebrate even in these circumstances."
Oprah Winfrey will be the commencement speaker for the hours-long virtual celebration on May 15. She will be joined by a host of celebrities for the event, including Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X, Awkwafina and Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles. Singer Miley Cyrus is set to perform as well.
Highlights from the event will be posted on Instagram. The event is titled #Graduation2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020.
In June, Winfrey will be the commencement speaker for a virtual high school graduation in Chicago.
"I join all of Chicago in looking forward to hearing the wisdom she'll be sharing with our incredible young people as they take this unforgettable next step on their life's journey," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement.
Winfrey taped her iconic, award-winning talk show in Chicago.
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‘Study away’ programs in the US can provide enrichment opportunities
While studying abroad can expose students to new cultures and experiences, researchers are finding that domestic ‘study away’ programs can be helpful as well.
Some students, including those on an international visa, may not be able to study abroad, but they can travel to other locations in the U.S. for enrichment experiences, Ashley Mowreader writes in Inside Higher Ed. (October 2024)
Fewer students disclose race in applications to top colleges
FAfter the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in college admissions last year, fewer students are disclosing their race or ethnicity in applications to top colleges.
Writing in USA Today, Zachary Schermele notes that the data is preliminary, but it could signal a change in the way students are approaching college applications. (October 2024)
Overall college enrollment is up, first-year enrollment down
For the second year since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, college enrollment has climbed in the United States.
But the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center noticed a substantial drop in the number of freshmen, which could be troubling for future enrollment, according to a report in Forbes. (October 2024)
South African universities embrace AI, seeing it as equalizing tool
The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has sparked debate in higher education, raising questions about ethics and integrity in teaching, learning and knowledge creation. In South Africa, some academic institutions are taking a proactive approach, integrating AI into their curricula. Experts say this step is not only innovative but also helps level the playing field among students. Zaheer Cassim reports from Johannesburg.
International students may be able to get jobs at school
International students studying in the United States may be able to work on campus.
Jobs can include working in libraries, labs, food service and dormitories – but students will have to research the rules before applying for jobs, according to U.S. News & World Report. (September 2024)
