Education News

MPR News keeps track of the latest education news in Minnesota so you can understand the events shaping the future of learning and how it impacts students at any level.

Stay informed about local education events, policies and more happening in schools and colleges across Minnesota.

Columbia University cancels main commencement after weeks of pro-Palestinian protests
Columbia University says it is canceling its university-wide commencement ceremony following weeks of pro-Palestinian protests but will hold smaller school-based ceremonies this week and next. 
U of M mulling highest tuition bump since 2010 for in-state students
Interim President Jeff Ettinger’s budget for the next fiscal year proposes to slap a 4.5 percent tuition hike on in-state undergraduate students studying at the Twin Cities campus. If approved by the Board of Regents, that would be the highest annual tuition increase for Minnesota residents since 2010.
After weeks of uncertainty amid a financial crisis, officials at northern Wisconsin’s Northland College announced Wednesday that the school will remain open — but with a greatly reduced number of majors.
Minneapolis schools, support staff reach deal to avoid strike
Hours after unionized education support professionals in the Minneapolis Public Schools filed a notice of intent to strike, leaders from both the union and district announced they’d reached a deal. District teachers settled a contract last month.
St. Cloud State’s president Wacker stepping down early amid expected budget cuts
In a letter sent Wednesday to faculty and staff, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Scott Olson said St. Cloud State is “facing financial pressures that will need to be addressed in the coming weeks.”
Pro-Palestinian protesters, University of Minnesota reach agreement to end encampment
Organizers of pro-Palestinian protests at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus and university leadership announced Thursday morning that they’ve reached an agreement to end the dayslong encampment on Northrop Mall.
Minnesota child care providers say state licensing needs an overhaul. Officials agree
Family child care businesses in Minnesota are closing faster than new ones can open, even as demand grows. Observers say the state’s system to license new providers needs to be remade. State officials are working on it, but change comes slowly.
‘For the bees’: Retiring U of M entomologist Marla Spivak reflects on long career of bee science, advocacy
A University of Minnesota professor who is a widely recognized researcher and advocate for bees is retiring after more than 30 years. Marla Spivak created the U of M Bee Squad and the Bee Lab, and was awarded a McArthur Genius grant.
U of M officials meet with pro-Palestinian protest organizers; buildings closed a 3rd day
Protest organizers met with university leaders on Wednesday morning to discuss their demands. Interim University President Jeff Ettinger spoke with reporters after the meeting and said the conversation was “constructive.”