As social media expands, so does its reach and application. Opportunities to learn about social media have reached beyond self-teaching and have moved into the classroom, as universities begin to adapt to the demand for experience in the digital realm. In South Carolina, for instance, Newberry College has created a program allowing undergrad students to choose a social media major.

IVN launched the first installment of IVN Radio on Thursday. Now that the 2012 elections are done, IVN Managing Editor, Shawn Griffiths; Director of Public Relations for IVN, Emma Goda; and IVN’s Founder and Director of Operations, Chad Peace, examine the current state of the Republican brand and how it relates to the attitude of young voters.

As city council approaches the issue of addressing the continuing need for more affordable housing in San Diego at their upcoming special meeting on December 17, creating fresh strategies and goals for affordable housing programs will surely be at the top of their list.

California Senate Bill 1172, signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in September, will go into effect January 1, 2013. The law, which bans sexual-orientation therapy, has spurred litigation challenging its constitutionality.

Gallup released an infographic that describes what they have found should be important economic markers for leaders throughout the globe. One is the Payroll to population employment rate and the other is the thriving rate. Gallup's Payroll to Population rate is calculated as a percentage of the US adult population (18+) that is employed at least 30 hours per week (for one employer).