Michigan State University among scientists' best places to work

Michigan State University ranks 16th in a recent survey of the best places for scientists to work. The November issue of The Scientist Magazine ranked the top U.S. and international academic institutions according results of an online survey conducted by the magazine. The survey was based on 2,072 responses from readers who identified themselves as life scientists in tenured or tenure-track positions in academia and non-commercial research institutions. The survey asked respondents about job satisfaction, peer relationships, pay, research resources, management, and infrastructure. MSU was the only Michigan institution to make the ranking.

Hundreds Gather for Progressive Policy Summit in Lansing

Stewardship, transformation and hope emerged as key themes yesterday at the Michigan Policy Summit in Lansing. Hosted by Michigan Prospect, the event gathered hundreds of activists and concerned citizens from around the state with the purpose of drafting action plans for health care, clean energy and education.

David Hollister, Executive Director of Prima Civitas, summarized the economic and cultural challenges facing Michigan. Hollister served as a state representative, mayor of Lansing and director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. He assured participants that Michigan is "not facing a fiscal crisis," but rather a crisis of "political will." Hollister presented challenges and opportunities for Michigan. Among the challenges, an aging population, accelerating technological change, and "devolution in decision making" rendering the state processes nearly "irrelevant."

Among areas of opportunity and hope--the research corridor of University of Michigan, Wayne State and MSU; the 21st Century Jobs Fund; MSU President Simon's vision for a "World Grant Philosophy" in higher education; and the Venture Michigan Fund.

Keynote speaker, Donna Brazile, encouraged participants to move beyond single issues and build alliances among disparate groups and issues. Advocating inclusion, she said that working across interests will require trust and compromise. Progressives must "fight cynicism and negativity with hope for all."

She counseled,"Do not grow weary in doing good for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Yes, that's scripture--Galatians 6:9.

Brookings Forum on the Future of Great Lakes Economy

Looking for something to do in D.C. next week? Consider attending a forum on the Future of Great Lakes Economy, Thursday, June 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon in the Falk Auditorium of the Brookings Institution. From the press release:

" On June 28, the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program will host the first in a series of forums to highlight ways the federal government can help bolster the economic assets of the Great Lakes Region. Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.), a longtime proponent of revitalizing the region, will provide opening remarks. This two-panel discussion also includes experts from the communities, universities, foundations and associations in the Great Lakes region. Panelists will discuss the innovative efforts currently underway to boost the economic competitiveness of the region, such as technology, innovation, and environmental stewardship; and will offer federal policy recommendations designed to foster the Great Lake Region's continued growth as a vital economic engine for the nation in the years ahead."

Participants include: Michigan State University President, Lou Anna Simon; Nature Conservancy, State Director in Michigan, Helen Taylor; George Kuper, President, Council of Great Lakes Industries (based in Ann Arbor).

Antics with Semantics or How to Insure the Invisible Partner (update)

Good news for non-heterosexual households in Michigan. Michigan State University has a plan to continue providing benefits to persons formerly known as "domestic partners." Now these family members will be called "other eligible individuals" for the sake of conforming to the restrictively interpreted language of Michigan's man/woman marriage amendment. MSU will begin a pilot program with the new language July 1 and review it annually.

According to a June 15 piece from Inside Higher Ed, "The new policy doesn’t distinguish between same-sex and opposite-sex living arrangements, and in fact it would cover people who aren’t really couples in any sense, but who merely share a home."

The message in Michigan seems to be: if you are gay or lesbian and in a committed relationship, in order to receive the employment benefits that accrue to heterosexuals in partnered relationships, your relationship must be rendered invisible. If your relationship is invisible, you can have benefits. The proponents of the marriage amendment said they didn't want to take benefits away from anyone, just clarify the definition of marriage. Mission accomplished.

Update: Late this morning, University of Michigan announced,"Effective Jan. 1, 2008, a new category of dependent called Other Qualified Adult (OQA) is being offered to all benefits-eligible U-M employees. A set of specific eligibility requirements defines the criteria required for OQA coverage."

OQAs or OEIs? Neither has the same ring as "spouse."

Related Post: "The Law is the Law"