Packaging students solve companies' problems

Students in the MSU School of Packaging are helping to solve real-world packaging problems for a number of Michigan companies.

Study shows high volumes of students texting during class

Texting during class is an everyday experience for no-preference freshman Kathlyn McQuillan and many other students, according to a recent survey released by Wilkes University administrators in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. About 91 percent of 269 students surveyed at Wilkes University said they have texted during class, and almost half said it was easy to do without their instructor noticing.

Degree linked to less use of force

A study conducted earlier this year by the MSU School of Criminal Justice indicates police officers with a bachelor’s degree are less likely to use force with suspected criminals.

Homeland Security grant to provide funds for building security upgrades

The Michigan Department of Agriculture Geagley Laboratory on Harrison Road received a $194,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security to decrease the building’s vulnerability with new equipment not only for the laboratory, but for the East Lansing police and fire departments.

House OKs DREAM act Wednesday

The House voted to approve the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors, or DREAM Act in a vote of 216-198 Wednesday night.

Student groups bring Christmas to families

Many organizations and student groups are volunteering for the position of Santa Claus this year, making it a merry Christmas for families in need throughout the East Lansing area.

Living City

Council approves rezoning project

A rezoning plan was approved by East Lansing City Council on Tuesday, although most attending citizens considered the plan inappropriate for the area.

COGS vote pushes officials to increase graduate fellowships

The Council of Graduate Students voted Wednesday night to encourage administrators and the Council of Deans to make increasing financial support for graduate and professional students a top priority in future fundraising efforts.

Hollis, players recall Cold War at Spartan Stadium

MSU Athletics Director Mark Hollis remembers pulling into Jenison Field House during the ticket sales of the Cold War game between MSU and Michigan in 2001 and being surprised to see the line stretch around the parking lot. But, as Hollis said this week, that is the appeal of bringing a game outdoors and restoring hockey to its natural roots.

Gymnastics to host annual Green and White meet

The MSU gymnastics team will host its annual Green and White meet at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Jenison Field House, as it prepares for the upcoming season, which begins in the spring.

Watching 3-D sports brings game to life

What they say is true: Everything is better in 3-D. Except maybe the scoreboard of MSU’s matchup with Syracuse. In conjunction with Comcast Corp., ESPN and MSU gave participants the opportunity to watch the nightcap of the Jimmy V Classic, matching MSU and Syracuse, in 3-D.

Be wary of more privatization

Our incoming governor Rick Snyder has spoken in glowing terms of “public-private partnerships.” It’s a euphemism that more than deserves scare quotes. To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, it’s not unlike a partnership between a wolf and a sheep. In exchange for the sheep’s tax dollars, the wolf provides the badly needed service of devouring the sheep.

Lansing's marijuana moratorium comes a little late

There will be no medical marijuana dispensaries opened in Lansing until Lansing’s City Council can figure out proper licensing and regulation. That’s the responsible action for a governing body to take. Unless, of course, there already are almost 70 dispensaries currently operating that would not be subject to some of the new potential regulations.

Freshmen fifteen Q's: 12/09/10

College is a whole new world for many freshmen traveling across campus for the first time. The State News sat down with one of these explorers to get a glimpse, in 15 questions or fewer, at a new face on campus and her perspective of her new frontier.

Jazz professors to play at concert

Some of MSU’s professors of jazz will perform in “A Jazzy Little Christmas” at 8 p.m. Dec. 18 at Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre.

New show gives freshmen opportunities

Joni Starr, an assistant professor of theatre, said the latest work by the Department of Theatre is about camaraderie and showing who you are. The Freshman Showcase production of “Secret in the Wings” is set to debut at 8 p.m. Friday in the Auditorium Arena Theatre.

House passes DREAM Act, Senate postpones 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' vote

The U.S. House voted to pass legislation that would grant temporary legal status to the children of illegal immigrants who attend college for at least two years or serve in the military. The bill now moves to the Senate.

Spartans fall to Syracuse, 72-58, in 'embarrassing' performance

Last week, when the MSU men’s basketball team lost to No. 1 Duke, head coach Tom Izzo said he was able to take a number of positives away from the game despite the loss. Tuesday night, after the No. 7 Spartans fell to No. 8 Syracuse, 72-58, Izzo had a much different attitude toward his team’s performance.

Service to students

For the last 16 years, Lee June has served as vice president for Student Affairs and Services and associate provost for Academic Student Services and Multicultural Issues — two titles that never have been held conjointly by a faculty member at MSU. He’ll step down Dec. 31 and assume a joint role with the Honors College and psychology department.