Whelan: “I want to hear from the students themselves”
As students arrived on campus for move-in, convocation, and the first day of fall classes, School of Human Ecology Clinical Professor of Consumer Science and Director of the Money, Relationships, and Equality Initiative Dr. Christine Whelan assured students they’re not alone in feeling anxious for the big change to college life. In a video interview with Spectrum News 1, Whelan offered tips for balancing academic and social priorities alongside advice from the local Better Business Bureau about how new students can avoid financial scammers. She had a word of advice for parents, too! View the two-minute video here.
Wisconsin borrowers in better shape than most Americans
Wisconsinites’ credit card debt averages $6,700 each month—which is a lot, to be sure, but still puts residents of the Badger State second-lowest in the country (and a mere $11 above Iowa) among all 50 states, according to new data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Peggy Olive, financial capability specialist with SoHE’s Center for Financial Security and UW Division of Extension, pointed out significant variation in this figure between the half of Wisconsinites with a balance who pay it off in full each month, the quarter who carry a balance a few months out of every year, and the quarter who regularly carry debt on their credit cards. This last group, Olive noted, typically includes younger people with lower incomes and lower education levels, and disproportionately comprises Black and Latinx households. Read the full article, including tips for reducing one’s credit card debt, on Wisconsin Public Radio.
Three SoHE faculty earn promotions to full professor
This fall, three SoHE faculty members return to campus with added distinction. Dr. Janean Dilworth-Bart (Human Development and Family Studies), Professor Mary Hark (Design Studies), and Dr. J. Michael Collins (Consumer Science) have all earned the title of full professor, recognized for their advanced level of accomplishment, commitment, and rigor with their respective disciplines. Read more about the three here.