COMMENTARY

Respect aids healthy resident relations

East Lansing residents and MSU students have been known to be at each other’s throats at times. But in more recent years, the relationship between students and the city has been strong, creating a positive atmosphere for residents and students alike. With the city virtually being split down the middle, 45,998 students to 48,579 residents, families and students have found a way to coexist, regardless of different lifestyles.

COMMENTARY

Dorm construction worth brief hassle

The university’s decision to renovate residence halls has caused minor disturbances and inconveniences to students and faculty.

COMMENTARY

MSU takes advantage of new technologies

With the College of Education’s recent announcement of a new pilot program involving classroom iPads comes another reaffirmation of MSU’s dedication to technology, innovation and research. The Center for Teaching and Technology, or CTT, will purchase about 60 iPads for two 30-person courses each semester of the 2012-13 school year.

COMMENTARY

Certain issues will sway Michigan voters

With presidential election season in full swing, many political experts see Michigan as a key battleground state that could be a deciding factor in which candidate wins.

COMMENTARY

Recent email scams unacceptable, naive

Email scams are prevalent on college campuses across the country, including a recent email scam on MSU’s server.

COMMENTARY

Angel improvements too little, too late

MSU’s learning management system ANGEL recently was updated to become compatible with more internet browsers.

COMMENTARY

Weekend events shine light on city

The East Lansing Art Festival and MSU Arts and Crafts Show are highlights in the city’s yearly events.

COMMENTARY

Employees have right to privacy

A newly introduced bill in the Michigan Legislature could protect employees from having to provide passwords for their social media profiles, taking a fundamental measure in protecting employees’ privacy. The bill was introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives last week by Rep.

COMMENTARY

Upgrades fix MSU, preserve history

It is nearly impossible to travel the streets of East Lansing or walk around campus without dealing with the inconveniences of current construction projects.

COMMENTARY

Obama’s support is a step toward change

In an unprecedented decision, President Barack Obama spoke out last week in support of gay marriage, leaving some to speculate whether his stance purely is for political purposes or was prompted by the actions of his Cabinet.

COMMENTARY

Bill package might slash youth vote

In every election, importance is placed on the youth vote. Because they’re viewed as the future of this country, young people usually are encouraged to participate in elections early and often.

COMMENTARY

Lab will increase assault awareness

Sexual assault and rape are severe crimes that can often go unsolved. But with the implementation of a specialized rape kit testing laboratory, these crimes against people, including MSU students, could be analyzed quicker and more effectively. The specialized laboratory that will be used to analyze the DNA of sexual assault victims on MSU’s campus will be implemented in Michigan State Police’s existing Northville, Mich., laboratory beginning this summer.

COMMENTARY

Give final exam week adequate preparation

Finals week is daunting to most MSU students, and with a high grade-point average being the intended goal for many, it’s important to remember to maintain health — both mentally and physically. Finals week is known to cause students to stretch their mental and physical capabilities beyond what they’re used to.

COMMENTARY

Medical amnesty bill gains more support

Some students have faced the daunting situation of choosing to get themselves in trouble with law enforcement in order to save a friend’s life. With a new medical amnesty bill, which just passed the Michigan Senate last Wednesday, this scenario now might be avoided.

COMMENTARY

City manager search used funds carelessly

When East Lansing officials began the search for a new city manager last year, they took their pursuit to a national level — and spent $26,000 along the way — only to hire internal candidate George Lahanas.

COMMENTARY

Events should keep property attractive

The storefront that used to be Barnes & Noble, 333 E. Grand River Ave., currently is in the process of finding a new leesse.

COMMENTARY

Rise in enrollment bodes well for MSU

With MSU earning the eighth largest enrollment spot in the nation in the fall of 2011 and seeing an increase in out-of-state and international students in the MSU population, the school’s reputation will continue to improve on a global scale, welcoming a more diversified student body.

COMMENTARY

Repeal of helmet law dangerous mistake

If you’re a motorcyclist in Michigan, you are about 37 times as likely as car occupants to die in a traffic crash per vehicle mile, according to the Michigan State Police website. It’s a terrifying number, and it’s one that’s going to get a lot scarier because of one new Michigan law.

COMMENTARY

Transition plan slow, steady steps for MSU

The MSU Board of Trustees is taking steps toward making MSU a “greener,” more environmentally friendly place, but once again, some students still think the university isn’t doing enough.

COMMENTARY

Nix arrest chance for re-evaluation

Some students look at college as a time to experiment, make mistakes and learn from them — it’s supposed to be a learning experience, not only in the classroom but also in life.