ASMSU, provost share idea for Web site

ASMSU and the provost's office both made plans to create a Web site listing undergraduate research opportunities without realizing they had the same idea. Members of ASMSU's Academic Assembly passed a bill last week calling for the creation of such a Web site, but administrators have already set aside hundreds of thousands of dollars for a similar project. Administrators hope to have the site — which would offer specific research opportunities for undergraduate students and possibly be sorted by college — running next semester, said June Youatt, assistant provost for undergraduate education and dean of undergraduate studies. Youatt added that administrators want to have a planning meeting with students and faculty before the end of this semester. "It's great ASMSU is thinking — it's wonderful that we're converging on goals," Youatt said.

For textbook deals, some go online

By Jonathan Schultz Special to The State News When buying his books this semester, David Lepsetz turned to the Internet. "One of my friends said he did it all four years here, so I decided to try it," said Lepsetz, a telecommunication, information studies and media senior. He ended up saving $100. Lepsetz is one of many students who have turned to the Internet when looking for lower-priced alternatives to the campus bookstores. "Bookstore prices have been raising faster than the cost of living," said economics adjunct Professor Carl Liedholm.

Indian group holds first show meeting

The first Satrang 2006 meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Erickson Hall Kiva. Students must attend in order to choreograph or participate. A $10 membership fee is due at the time of sign-ups. Satrang includes the singing of both the U.S.

Essay contest prize includes author visit

The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity is calling for submissions to an annual essay contest that awards about $10,000 in prizes. An MSU student was recognized with an honorable mention in a 2001 contest sponsored by the New York-based organization. In its 17th year, the essay contest asks students to write about an ethical issue relevant to today's world.

MSU junior receives $2.5K annual award

Child development junior Andrea Gillis received one of the Bright Horizons Family Solutions' annual Bright Futures Scholarship. The scholarship is in the amount of $2,500, and is given to three undergraduate students who are in the field of early education and child development within the education program. The scholarship committee looks for people who have overcome obstacles and are viewed as deserving by their peers and teachers. Gillis has made the Dean's List every semester. Last year, she worked with first graders and showed an ability to connect with diverse groups of children.

Singers, storyteller to be at open house

Singers and a storyteller will take part in The Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame Holiday Open House from 10 a.m.

Engaged learning will be focus of seminar

A cross-disciplinary conversation about engaged learning and how it is manifested in various fields will take place Saturday. The event's organizers encourage participants to bring their ideas, experiences and questions on the topic. The discussion will be held from 10 a.m.

MSU Press receives grant for programs

The MSU Press is one of five organizations receiving a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council for recognizing significant events in American history that were initiated in the state. In 2006, the MSU Press will bring authors from different backgrounds to 10 museums statewide.

Police briefs 11/29/05

Bill could outlaw lighting up in a car with minors

A bill introduced in the state House earlier this month could make it a civil infraction to smoke while in a vehicle with someone under the age of 18. The bill states that a person can't possess a lit tobacco product while in a car with a minor.

Group provides help for minority med students

For Chicano and Latino students aspiring to enter the health field, a new group on campus has been formed to assist them. The group — Chicano/Latinos in Health Education, or CHE — is a support, networking and advocacy organization targeting undergraduate students with health-related majors. Several branches of the organization exist in the western part of the country, but the MSU group is the first CHE in the Midwest. Third-year medical student Francisco Dorado founded the group about a year ago as a member of the Latino Midwest Medical Student Association, which is a graduate student support group. "I knew there was interest and I knew a lot would lose that interest in their first year," Dorado said.

'Spartan Kids' nearing capacity, fulfilling goals

One month into the Spartan Kids child care grant program, reservations for day care providers are filling fast. The grant for undergraduate students with children has been available since Nov.

More riders use CATA in '05

With winter well on its way, more people have been turning to Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, buses instead of their cars, bikes and feet, according to CATA officials. Officials recently reported that record numbers of people are using the system, which includes numerous buses on and off campus, as well as other special services.

City requests funding for testing, cleanup

East Lansing city officials are asking for money to fund development projects on land that could have been contaminated by chemicals. The city wants the money to test land that was once occupied by companies that could have leaked chemicals into the ground.

Catholic new liturgical year brings in season of 'hope'

Sunday marked the beginning of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas that the Rev. Mark Inglot calls a "time warp" for those in the Catholic community. "It's a celebration of the fact that Jesus has come, does come to each of us and will come again," said Inglot, pastor at St.

Study reveals low end-of-life care training

Fewer than half of the medical residency programs in Michigan provide formal training in end-of-life care, according to a recent MSU study. The results showed 46 percent of the residency programs in the state provided formal training in end-of-life care, and 19 percent required training in patient care.

Bernero to keep Lansing police, fire chief on staff

Lansing's mayor-elect Virg Bernero has decided to keep Lansing police Chief Mark Alley and Lansing fire Chief Greg Martin on staff during his term, he announced in a press conference on Tuesday. "They are ready to embrace change," Bernero said.

Seasonal display lights up zoo

By Amy Oprean Special to The State News It seemed as if animals had gotten the first tour of Potter Park Zoo's Wonderland of Lights display after their footprints were captured alongside visitors' footprints in fresh snow on Wednesday night. "I think the animals get psyched," said Susan Owens, docent at the zoo for more than 16 years.

Police briefs 11/28/05

Black Friday draws vicious crowds as Christmas shopping begins

Thousands of bargain hunters braved the chilly darkness across Michigan early Friday morning for a shot at early bird sales. In the Lansing area, shopper turnout mirrored the scene across the state.