The Permanent University Fund is Texas’s most powerful tool for higher education capitalization. Established by the Texas Constitution of 1876, the PUF dedicates 2.1 million acres of state land—primarily in West Texas—to support institutions in the University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems. Its core purpose is to provide a stable, perpetual source of funding for academic excellence, research, faculty recruitment, student programs, and campus infrastructure without relying solely on taxpayer dollars.
Early land grants proved largely unproductive until the 1923 discovery of oil at the Santa Rita No. 1 well on university land in Reagan County. Mineral royalties were constitutionally protected as principal, allowing the fund to grow rapidly rather than being spent immediately. By the 1930s, the PUF generated significant income. A constitutional split allocated two-thirds of available funds to the UT System and one-third to the Texas A&M System. Over decades, prudent investment and resource revenues transformed the endowment into a major financial pillar for public higher education.
As of early 2026, the PUF’s invested assets exceed $42.5 billion, managed by UTIMCO. Mineral income from oil, gas, and other leases adds to the principal, while surface leases (grazing, wind) and investment returns flow into the Available University Fund (AUF). Annual distributions—typically around 5% and capped at 7% of market value—support bond debt service for construction and enrich academic programs across dozens of campuses serving hundreds of thousands of students. The PUF remains one of the largest public university endowments in the nation, safeguarding Texas’s competitive edge in higher education for generations to come.
When is it ever NOT storm season somewhere in the United States; with several hundred schools, colleges and universities in the path of them? Hurricanes also spawn tornadoes. This title sets the standard of care for safety, resilience and recovery when education community structures are used for shelter and recovery. The most recently published edition of the joint work results of the International Code Council and the ASCE Structural Engineering Institute SEI-7 is linked below:
Given the historic tornados in the American Midwest this weekend, its relevance is plain. From the project prospectus:
The objective of this Standard is to provide technical design and performance criteria that will facilitate and promote the design, construction, and installation of safe, reliable, and economical storm shelters to protect the public. It is intended that this Standard be used by design professionals; storm shelter designers, manufacturers, and constructors; building officials; and emergency management personnel and government officials to ensure that storm shelters provide a consistently high level of protection to the sheltered public.
This project runs roughly in tandem with the ASCE Structural Engineering Institute SEI-17 which has recently updated its content management system and presented challenges to anyone who attempts to find the content where it used to be before the website overhaul. In the intervening time, we direct stakeholders to the link to actual text (above) and remind education facility managers and their architectural/engineering consultants that the ICC Code Development process is open to everyone.
The ICC receives public response to proposed changes to titles in its catalog at the link below:
You are encouraged to communicate with Kimberly Paarlberg (kpaarlberg@iccsafe.org) for detailed, up to the moment information. When the content is curated by ICC staff it is made available at the link below:
We maintain this title on the agenda of our periodic Disaster colloquia which approach this title from the point of view of education community facility managers who collaborate with structual engineers, architects and emergency management functionaries.. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting, open to everyone.
I can confirm that @GreenPlusAnE spent part of his wedding reception discussing entitlement reform. And the new Mrs. Greene is possibly the most elegant Tocqueville scholar in existence. https://t.co/XRfnxJ027G
In non soccer, non portal, non athletic news, our family just grew by one 😀 we gained a future son in law!!! So happy for Madison and Dylan. #weddingplanspic.twitter.com/3DNx0tNr5D
Congrats to my son for graduating with Honors from Eastern Michigan – don’t blink time flies – so so proud of what he’s accomplished & love him to pieces 💙🎉🥳 pic.twitter.com/qAj2ndRVwA
We need a reality dating show called “Average SEC Couples” that’s just 15 Average Joe’s from the South wooing 15 gorgeous women with generational wealth. pic.twitter.com/hhNGYUPw3S
Since I’m making happy announcements, Anne and I are expecting our first grandchild (a grandson we’re told) in February. We’re very proud of and happy for our oldest son Aedan and his wife Addy. Thanks be to God! pic.twitter.com/3xFXGYaes0
💙Last middle school dance💙
Time is flying, but I’ve loved every moment of this phase — shopping for his unique style, the cologne hunts, the late-night talks, and watching him chase what he loves. Keep being authentically you, GT!💥 pic.twitter.com/glH8AHyid4
One week postpartum with the sweetest baby ever. I am blessed beyond measure to have had my 5th successful home birth and a very smooth recovery. God is so good! pic.twitter.com/bWBqAtOUkj
A South African man who recently picked up an abandoned baby in Mpumalanga suburb of Emalahleni is now applying for court permission to adopt the boy and get him a birth certificate
Ten years after our wedding, our triplets have finally arrived… Thank you to everyone who sent us congratulations. These are our most precious treasures. #fblifestylepic.twitter.com/AXKOj7vL7Q
The body of 8-year-old Mystic camper Virginia Hollis was found along the Guadalupe River earlier this week, more than a week after the July 4 floods in Texas.
Yesterday, this angel’s favorite horse followed her casket through the streets to bid her farewell. 😭 pic.twitter.com/T8f8O6n4q3
After 15 years of marriage, the first child is actually twins! 🥳Maybe no one will say it, but we want to share this joy anyway. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/T60zPJZ0tT
He was with me almost every day for 12 years. The best living creature I’ve ever known including humans.
He protected children and loved his job out here.
I hope I can be half the man this dog was to our world. I buried him last evening in his beloved woods.
A heartfelt surprise for her best friend on graduation day.. She didn’t expect it because they hadn’t seen each other in so long, ever since her friend moved to another citypic.twitter.com/3pxswYFVNt
From couple matching to couple chief-ing!!!thrilled and honored to serve as chief residents together at the program that shaped us. Grateful for the journey and excited for what’s ahead! #HUHpic.twitter.com/lClrJpGABW
20th March 2010
A couple – just married – choose to cycle from the church to their reception.
From my book ‘Cambridge – Town & Gown’. pic.twitter.com/Y9zzcUsHh4
We got him moved into the new house! His bride-to-be is helping him decorate and put things away and will be joining him there on their wedding night! Today, only a few tears were shed (out of his sight). We are beyond happy for them! @BrandonLansdownpic.twitter.com/NSNmzg8hyG
Naistenpäivän kunniaksi haluan jakaa, että minulla on onni ja siunaus odottaa omaa tytärtä. Toivon näyttäväni hänelle samanlaista naisen mallia kuin oma äitini on näyttänyt minulle. Nainen voi olla vahva ja lempeä, sitkeä ja kaunis, herkkä ja periksiantamaton. Nainen voi olla… pic.twitter.com/MivsLRh1wJ
Syracuse University. Kissing Bench: This bench on the Quad is steeped in tradition. Legend has it that if a couple kisses on the bench, they will eventually marry. Conversely, if a single person sits there alone, they risk staying single forever.
University of Idaho. Hello Walk and Kissing Rock: While not a bench, this area on campus features a large rock where students have historically kissed. It’s a romantic tradition for couples at the university.
It is so rare for people to see a normal, white family that lefties think it gives ”Third Reich vibes”. This really tells us that we need to make it less rare.
The University of Wyoming Extension service provides research and education to farmers and ranchers; funded by federal, state, and local sources:
Agricultural production and management: The Extension service provides information and resources on topics such as crop production, livestock management, and farm business management.
Soil and water management: The Extension service offers expertise on soil fertility, irrigation, water quality, and conservation practices.
Pest management: The Extension service provides resources and support for integrated pest management, including information on insect and disease control, weed management, and pesticide safety.
Youth education: The Extension service offers educational programs and activities for youth interested in agriculture, including 4-H clubs and competitions.
Community development: The Extension service works with local communities to support economic development, tourism, and natural resource conservation.
The Extension service also offers consultations, workshops, field days, and other events to help farmers and ranchers stay up-to-date on the latest research and technologies in agriculture.
Rebecca graduated from the University of Montevallo in 1984 and enjoyed a lengthy and distinguished career as a virtuoso actress, concert soloist and recording artist.
To honor her memory following her passing in 2020 the University has named the stage of the Center for the Arts in her honor.
This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send mike@standardsmichigan.com a request for subscription details.
The steeplechase event requires a combination of speed, endurance, and jumping ability, as athletes must clear the barriers while maintaining their pace and negotiating the water jump. The rules and specifications for the steeplechase event are set by the International Association of Athletics Federations the governing body for the sport of athletics (track and field) worldwide; with minor adaptations by the NCAA for intercollegiate competition.
Emma Coburn | University of Colorado Boulder
The steeplechase is a distance race with barriers and a water pit that athletes must clear during the race. According to the NCAA Track and Field and Cross Country rulebook, the standards for the steeplechase water jump are as follows:
Length: The water pit must be at least 3.66 meters (12 feet) long.
Width: The water pit must be at least 3.66 meters (12 feet) wide.
Depth: The water pit must have a minimum depth of 0.7 meters (2 feet 4 inches) and a maximum depth of 0.9 meters (2 feet 11 inches).
Slope: The slope of the water pit must not exceed 1:5, meaning that for every 5 meters in length, the water pit can rise by no more than 1 meter in height.
Barrier: The water pit must be preceded by a solid barrier that is 91.4 cm (3 feet) high. Athletes are required to clear this barrier before landing in the water pit.
These standards may be subject to change and may vary depending on the specific NCAA division (Division I, Division II, or Division III) and other factors such as venue requirements. Therefore, it’s always best to refer to the official NCAA rules and regulations for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the steeplechase water jump standards in NCAA competitions.
ASTM F 2157-09 (2018) Standard Specification for Synthetic Surfaced Running Tracks
This specification establishes the minimum performance requirements and classification when tested in accordance with the procedures outlined within this specification. All documents referencing this specification must include classification required.
ASTM F 2569-11 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Force Reduction Properties of Surfaces for Athletic Use
This test method covers the quantitative measurement and normalization of impact forces generated through a mechanical impact test on an athletic surface. The impact forces simulated in this test method are intended to represent those produced by lower extremities of an athlete during landing events on sport or athletic surfaces.
ASTM F 2949-12 Standard Specification for Pole Vault Box Collars
This specification covers minimum requirements of size, physical characteristics of materials, standard testing procedures, labeling and identification of pole vault box collars.
ASTM F 1162/F1162M-18 Standard Specification for Pole Vault Landing Systems
This specification covers minimum requirements of size, physical characteristics of materials, standard testing procedures, labeling and identification of pole vault landing systems.
ASTM F 2270-12 (2018) Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Warning Track Areas on Sports Fields This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the construction and maintenance of warning track areas on sports fields. This guide provides guidance for the selection of materials, such as soil and sand for use in constructing or reconditioning warning track areas and for selection of management practices that will maintain a safe and functioning warning track.
ASTM F 2650-17e1 Standard Terminology Relating to Impact Testing of Sports Surfaces and Equipment
This terminology covers terms related to impact test methods and impact attenuation specifications of sports equipment and surfaces.
When the electric grid and the internet are down and there is no cell service, radio can still work to help communities stabilize. Starting 2024 we will break down our coverage of the radio frequency technology standards used in educational settlements into into two categories:
Radio 300: Security and maintenance radio. These usually use a single radio channel and operate in a half-duplex mode: only one user on the channel can transmit at a time, so users in a user group must take turns talking. The radio is normally in receive mode so the user can hear all other transmissions on the channel. When the user wants to talk he presses a “push-to-talk” button, which turns off the receiver and turns on the transmitter; when he releases the button the receiver is activated again. Multiple channels are provided so separate user groups can communicate in the same area without interfering with each other.
Radio 400: Student radio. College radio stations are typically considered to be public radio radio stations in the way that they are funded by donation and grants. The term “Public radio” generally refers to classical music, jazz, and news. A more accurate term is community radio, as most staff are volunteers, although many radio stations limit staff to current or recent students instead of anyone from the local community. There has been a fair amount of drama over student-run radio station history; a topic we steer away from.
The Low Power FM radio service was created by the Commission in January 2000. LPFM stations are authorized for noncommercial educational broadcasting only (no commercial operation) and operate with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 watts (0.1 kilowatts) or less, with maximum facilities of 100 watts ERP at 30 meters (100 feet) antenna height above average terrain. The approximate service range of a 100 watt LPFM station is 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles radius). LPFM stations are not protected from interference that may be received from other classes of FM stations.
We follow — but do not respond — to consultations on titles covering the use of radio frequencies for the Internet of Things. At the moment, most of that evolution happens at the consumer product level; though it is wise to contemplate the use of the electromagnetic spectrum during widespread and extended loss of broadband services.
Maxwell equations: Four lines that provide a complete description of light, electricity and magnetism
We do not include policy specifics regarding the migration of National Public Radio beyond cultural content into political news; though we acknowledge that the growth of publicly financed radio domiciled in education communities is a consideration in the technology of content preparation informed by the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967.
We drill into technical specifics of the following:
Radios used for campus public safety and campus maintenance
Student-run campus radio stations licensed by the Federal Communications Commission as Low Power FM (LPFM)
Facilities for regional broadcast of National Public Radio operating from education communities
Off-campus transmission facilities such as broadcast towers.
Grounding, bonding, lightning protection of transmission and receiving equipment on buildings
Broadcast studio electrotechnologies
Radio technology is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission with no ANSI-accredited standards setting organizations involved in leading practice discovery and promulgation. Again, we do not cover creative and content issues. Join us today at 11 AM/ET using the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Our Office of Engineering & Technology maintains the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations, manages Experimental Licensing & Equipment Authorization programs, regulates operation of unlicensed devices, and conducts engineering & technical studies. https://t.co/MATs1ThyxL#FCC101
The FCC is the United States’ primary authority for communications laws, regulation and technological innovation. We provide a link to the August 3rd meeting during which time rules for Digital FM Radio and Non-Federal Spectrum Usage were discussed. Campus Security Radio, National Public Radio and Student Radio are central features of education community culture and safety and are typically available when the internet is not.
To what degree does the endless and, frankly shameless, on-air fundraising by an organization with widely tolerated bias constitute de facto political fundraising for the Democratic Party? In Southeastern Michigan — in less than a 50 mile region — you can hear the same NPR “content” from six different universities: Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Toledo, Detroit, East Lansing, and Flint.
NPR CEO Katherine Maher was a no-show at the House Oversight Subcommittee Hearing
Related:
This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC’s Equal Time rule.
The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct – a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of an election.… https://t.co/LliZF0po9t
National Public Radio follows guidelines and best practices when conducting fundraising campaigns, but they’re not so much strict “rules” as they are principles and standards upheld by NPR and its member stations. Here are some common practices and considerations:
Transparency: NPR and its member stations are typically transparent about their funding needs and where the money goes. They often provide detailed breakdowns of their budgets and expenses.
Ethical Solicitation: Fundraising efforts should be conducted ethically and in accordance with NPR’s values. This means avoiding misleading tactics and being honest about the need for funding.
Listener Support: NPR often emphasizes the importance of listener support in funding their programming. They encourage individuals to contribute at various levels, often with incentives like member benefits.
Corporate Sponsorship: NPR also receives funding from corporate sponsors, “but they are careful to maintain editorial independence.” Sponsored content is clearly labeled, and NPR maintains strict guidelines to ensure that sponsors do not influence editorial decisions.
Member Stations: NPR member stations across the country conduct their own fundraising campaigns, often in conjunction with national NPR campaigns. These stations rely heavily on listener support and may have their own guidelines and practices.
Regulatory Compliance: NPR and its member stations must comply with relevant laws and regulations governing fundraising, including those related to nonprofit organizations and broadcasting.
Stewardship: NPR and its member stations typically prioritize stewardship of donor funds, ensuring that donations are used effectively and efficiently to support their mission and programming.
While there may not be hard and fast rules for NPR fundraising, adherence to these principles helps maintain trust with listeners and supporters.
To become a National Public Radio (NPR) member station or broadcaster, certain criteria must be met. NPR is a mission-driven organization that partners with independently owned and operated public radio stations across the United States to deliver its programming. Here are the typical criteria for becoming an NPR member station:
Nonprofit Status: NPR member stations must be nonprofit organizations, often affiliated with universities, community organizations, or governmental bodies.
Broadcast License: Stations must hold a valid broadcast license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. This license authorizes the station to broadcast on a specific frequency within a designated geographic area.
Commitment to NPR’s Mission: Member stations are expected to share NPR’s mission of providing high-quality, non-commercial programming that serves the public interest. This includes delivering news, cultural content, and educational programming to their local communities.
Financial Stability: Stations must demonstrate financial stability and viability to ensure they can fulfill their commitments to NPR and their local communities over the long term.
Technical Requirements: Stations must meet certain technical requirements to ensure they can receive and broadcast NPR programming effectively. This includes having appropriate transmission equipment and meeting FCC regulations for broadcast quality and coverage.
Membership Dues: Member stations are required to pay annual membership dues to NPR, which help support NPR’s operations and programming.
Compliance with NPR Policies: Stations must adhere to NPR’s policies and guidelines regarding programming standards, ethics, and editorial independence.
Community Engagement: NPR values stations that are actively engaged with their local communities, including through outreach, events, and partnerships with local organizations.
Programming Commitment: Member stations are expected to broadcast a significant portion of NPR programming, including flagship shows like “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” as well as other NPR-produced content.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: NPR values diversity in its member stations and encourages stations to reflect the diversity of their communities in their programming and staffing.
Overall, becoming an NPR member station involves a combination of legal, financial, technical, and cultural considerations, all aimed at supporting NPR’s mission of providing high-quality public radio programming to audiences across the United States.
A significant portion of NPR member stations are associated with universities or colleges. These stations are often operated by the educational institution’s media departments or affiliated broadcasting organizations. They serve as valuable training grounds for students studying journalism, communications, broadcasting, and related fields.
While the exact number of NPR member stations associated with universities or colleges may vary over time, it’s safe to say that a substantial portion of the network falls into this category. Many universities and colleges across the United States operate their own radio stations, and a portion of these stations choose to affiliate with NPR to access its programming and resources.
National Public Radio (NPR) member stations are permitted to transmit from facilities supported by federally funded colleges or universities, as many are licensed as noncommercial educational (NCE) stations under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These stations, often operated by or affiliated with public colleges and universities, meet FCC requirements for NCE licenses, which allow them to broadcast educational and cultural programming without commercial advertisements.
Key Points:NCE Licensing: NPR member stations are typically licensed as NCE stations, which can be owned or operated by nonprofit entities, including public colleges and universities. These institutions often receive federal funding, and their facilities (e.g., campus buildings or transmission equipment) can be used for broadcasting.
Funding Structure: Stations affiliated with colleges or universities may receive funding from the institution, listener contributions, corporate underwriting, and federal grants via the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Federal funding, while a small portion (e.g., ~10% of public radio revenue), is often channeled through CPB to support station operations.
Examples: Many NPR member stations, such as WBEZ (operated by Chicago Public Media but affiliated with educational institutions) or KUT (operated by the University of Texas), transmit from university-supported facilities. Approximately half of NPR’s member stations are affiliated with colleges, sometimes operating directly from campus facilities.
FCC Regulations: The FCC allows NCE stations to broadcast from such facilities as long as they adhere to noncommercial guidelines, prohibiting promotional advertisements for for-profit entities while permitting donor acknowledgments.
Impact of Federal Funding Cuts: Recent reductions in federal funding for public media, as reported in 2025, may strain these stations, particularly those reliant on university support, as budget-strapped institutions face additional financial pressures.
There are no explicit FCC restrictions preventing NPR stations from using federally funded college or university facilities, provided they comply with NCE regulations.
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
