The money will be used to enhance the collections and services of The Pritzker Law Library, as well as for other purposes that have been identified as part of the law school's strategic plan. The University of Nebraska recently applied for a patent on a comprehensive program to economically produce special heart-healthy eggs, known as Omega eggs. Computer scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have patented two major inventions that should make Internet applications like e-mail, the Web and electronic commerce 10 times faster. In Arizona, a proposal to drastically overhaul its higher education system by allowing community colleges to grant four-year degrees has hit a roadblock. Under the plan, proposed by a state legislator, community colleges can offer baccalaureate degrees not offered by the state's public universities.
Supporters see it as a way to bring higher education to rural areas of the state.
Opponents, like Arizona State University, the University of Arizona and several private institutions, say it clouds the roles of the separate college systems. A legislative committee is continuing to study the plan, which is now on hold until Dec. 15. Northwestern University has postponed any decision on the future of its dental school until March 2. On that date, board of trustees members will decide whether to accept a recommendation from the university administration to close the school. The study reveals that women faculty in those jobs earn less than men in similar positions, publish less frequently than men and are often employed in traditionally female fields.