Becky Jones

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Research Doctoral Degrees Decline

By Becky Jones | November 19

The number of research doctoral degrees awarded in 2001 declined to a level not seen since 1993, according to the annual Survey of Earned Doctorates. Official results will be released in a December summary report showing that the Ph.D. total is down 4.5 percent from an all-time high in 1998, with 40,744 degrees being awarded in 2001 in relation to 42,654 given out in 1998. The study usually shows fluctuations of about 1 percent from year to year, said SED Institutional Coordinator Jamie Friedman.

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DMV Receives Anti-Fraud Grant

By Becky Jones | November 12

The N.C. Department of Transportation announced Nov. 1 that the state's Division of Motor Vehicles will receive a $225,491 grant to protect against Social Security number fraud. The grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will be used to develop software linking local DMV computers to those of the Social Security Administration in Raleigh to verify the accuracy of applicants' Social Security card.

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Officials Polish Statewide Voting System

By Becky Jones | November 5

Voting centers statewide are double-checking details to ensure today's election runs smoothly. Officials have worked to prepare the state for today since last year's vote, said Gary Bartlett, executive director of the N.C. State Board of Elections. Bartlett said most problems last year were routine, except those in Robeson County. The county was unprepared and did not test voting equipment soon enough, forcing votes to be hand-counted. He said that this year the SBOE sent personnel to ensure everything is ready.

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Candidates Woo Voters In Last Days

By Becky Jones | November 1

On the last weekend before Tuesday's elections, candidates statewide are continuing to tour at a feverish pace in hopes of influencing the opinions of undecided voters. U.S.

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Cost of Public Universities Jumps 9.6 Percent

By Becky Jones | October 25

The cost of attending four-year colleges and universities increased 9.6 percent in the 2002-03 school year from the previous year -- the largest jump ever, according to a study released Monday by the College Board. Tuition and fees at four-year private institutions increased an average of 5.8 percent, while costs at two-year schools went up by 7.9 percent. But a record $90 billion was available in student financial aid in 2001-02. Grant aid increased more than loan aid for the second consecutive year.

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N.C. Ranks 6th in Domestic Slayings

By Becky Jones | October 14

North Carolina ranks sixth in the country in the number of women murdered by men in a national domestic violence study released in September. The annual report -- sponsored by the Violence Policy Center, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. -- focused on the role firearms play in the violence. According to the report, 10 of the top 15 states identified were located in the South. Mississippi ranked first, with South Carolina third and Tennessee fourth. It was released in concurrence with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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Schools Putting Less Emphasis on Standardized Scores

By Becky Jones | October 8

Grades and standardized test scores increasingly are having to share the spotlight with other factors in determining admission to colleges and universities. The University of California system’s new comprehensive review admissions policy is causing a stir among some circles but is not rare in the world of higher education, officials say. Comprehensive review considers applicants’ home lives, as well as their classroom performances. The policy went into effect in the UC system this fall and is one of many operating at selective universities nationwide. Hannan Eisenman, media coo

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3 Candidates Visit Campus, Share Platforms

By Becky Jones | October 4

Three lesser-known candidates vying with entrenched incumbents for seats in the state legislature discussed their platforms for about 25 students Thursday evening at a forum hosted by the UNC Young Democrats. Several candidates were scheduled to participate in the forum, held in 104 Peabody Hall, but all three incumbents were in Raleigh for the final N.C. General Assembly session, leaving three contestants present -- Libertarian candidates Frederick Blackburn and Will Shooter and Republican Peter Morcombe. Blackburn and Shooter are running for seats in the N.C. House against Rep.

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Hardest-Hit Counties to Receive Drought Grants

By Becky Jones | October 2

Gov. Mike Easley announced Monday that communities hit hardest by North Carolina's worst recorded drought will receive more than $21 million in grants and loans to aid in conservation strategies. Orange County officials do not know how the grants immediately will affect local communities but said more information will be available when the grants are distributed. The funds will be distributed through the N.C. Commerce Department, the N.C. Rural Center and the N.C.

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Morning-After Pill More Readily Available

By Becky Jones | September 25

Emergency contraceptive pills are now offered by over 50 percent of colleges and universities, according to a recent study. The Journal of American College Health surveyed health center officials at 358 institutions in the United States and Guam. University health providers were asked about the availability of ECPs, benefits and barriers of the contraceptive and publicity and promotion of the pills.