Human Development & Family Studies Professor Sarah Halpern-Meekin and Consumer Science Assistant Professor Melody Harvey discuss how racial disparities in wealth accumulation are systemic and have long-lasting consequences that prevent people from building financial safety nets.
Consumer Science
Round Table: JFC’s Decision To Slash UW DEI Funding (WORT; J. Michael Collins)
Consumer Science Professor J. Michael Collins offers his opinions and expertise in this round table on the Joint Finance Committee’s decision in mid-June 2023 to slash $32 million dollars from the UW System’s budget — about the same as what the system spends on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Looking for Connection in a Culture of Busyness (Next Avenue; Whelan)
Consumer Science teaching faculty member Christine Whelan discusses the American culture of busyness and how we might break out of a “loneliness loop” by simply spending more time with one another.
St. Vincent de Paul offers microloans to compete with payday lenders (The Cap Times; Harvey)
Consumer Science Assistant Professor Melody Harvey provides context about payday loans and how borrowers use them. Harvey also explains the potential effects of St. Vincent de Paul’s microloan program.
At least 17 states require students to study financial literacy. Why doesn’t Wisconsin? (The Badger Project; Harvey)
Assistant Professor Melody Harvey describes how financial literacy classes may benefit students, as well as the larger economy. Harvey also explains why schools may choose to not offer financial literacy courses. Also shared by the Wausau Pilot & Review, Point/Plover Metro Wire, the Milton Courier, and Urban Milwaukee.
Why some lawmakers want to raise the FDIC insurance limit for your savings (CNN; J. Michael Collins)
Professor J. Michael Collins explains why the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank has led some U.S. policymakers to propose increasing the insurance limit on bank deposits. Also shared by CNN International, KSL.com, the Albany Herald, WKBT, KTVZ, KMIZ, KTEN, News Channel Nebraska, and KRDO.
Human Ecology faculty, alumni featured in “On Wisconsin” Spring 2023 issue
The School of Human Ecology isn’t about just hoping for a better future. By helping create it, human ecologists help others reach their full potentials, too. Such innovative thinking and initiative was on display in the Spring 2023 issue of On Wisconsin, UW–Madison’s award-winning alumni magazine, which featured several Human Ecology faculty and alumni.
Human Ecology welcomes new faculty members
The School of Human Ecology is thrilled to welcome five outstanding scholars joining our faculty this fall. They are strengthening our teaching and research in the areas of consumer science, civil society & community studies, …