When MSU was founded in 1855, it was heralded as a "land-grant institution," making it affordable for middle-class families to get an education. Now, 150 years later, the university needs to seriously rethink its title. It's becoming increasingly more difficult for middle-class students to pay the rising tuition rates.
The amount of goods being donated to area food banks is down, despite more food drives being held this holiday season. People seem to be giving less because of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, said David Karr, director of the American Red Cross Regional Food Distribution Center. "Food collections have been very busy," he said.
"Support our Troops." A noble phrase, and an admirable ideal to be sure. However, lately its meaning seems to have changed from supporting those who fight to defend our country, to silencing criticism of President George W.
Almost 19 months ago, then-MSU President M. Peter McPherson pitched to the MSU Board of Trustees a plan to move the university's medical school to Grand Rapids. The board approved unanimously. Later that afternoon, McPherson announced his plans to resign at the end of the year. "It was a pretty dramatic day, to say the very least," said East Lansing City Councilmember and former Mayor Mark Meadows, who was present at the board meeting to testify in opposition to the plan. McPherson's proposal — which originally called for a transplant of the College of Human Medicine to Grand Rapids — met with strong opposition in both the MSU and greater Lansing communities. "It was an impossible plan.
In response to his recent column, "Sorry devoted fans - no religion this week; looking at intricate beer" (SN 11/21), Bice need not apologize for deviating from his trite rants on the subject of religion.
A nursing shortage has plagued the country for the last five years, so the MSU College of Nursing started a new program to help alleviate the problem. Allowing students who have already received their bachelor's degree to return and train to be a nurse in one year, the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program cuts the time it usually takes to train in half. The first group of students in this program started in September. The students in the program have already had other careers, so it is harder for them to commit the time to returning, said Marilyn Rothert, dean of the College of Nursing, adding that this is much more efficient. "We wanted to look at creative ways to bring folks who are inclined to help people and have a strong science background into the field," Rothert said.
The Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Transgender and Straight Ally Students, with the help of other on-campus groups, is making use of a new resource to raise awareness for World AIDS Day on Thursday. An interactive Web site, www.spreadthis.org, will be launched Thursday and will be accessible to everyone. The alliance is trying a simulation with their site so students can virtually see how the AIDS virus can spread. About 60 students working with the alliance will arbitrarily hand out 3,000 red business cards around campus, which students can use to access the site.
Despite placing three teams in the Elite Eight and two in the Final Four last season, the perception of the Big Ten is that it's still not a power conference when it comes to men's basketball. But now is as good a time as any to change that as all 11 Big Ten teams meet foes from the Atlantic Coast Conference in the seventh annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
There's $300 million on the line in this year's university accreditation. Every 10 years, this process, governed by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of colleges and schools, leads to federal financial aid and the ability for students to transfer credits between accredited universities. Preparing for a February site visit, the administration collected feedback from deans, directors and chairpersons identifying strengths and weaknesses across MSU. June Youatt, assistant provost for undergraduate education and dean of undergraduate studies, and Karen Klomparens, dean of the Graduate School, co-led the self-study process. "The thing that is significant about our self-study is in two parts: How we meet the criteria of an effective university and really demonstrating where we meet those standards," Youatt said. The accreditation process began in the fall of 2003 and will be completed later this spring. Universities that have been continuously accredited are being given the opportunity to have a special emphasis on a specific topic accompanying the general self-study, which is posted online. MSU, which sets the standards in accreditation, is focusing on internationalization, Youatt said. "That's always been a hallmark of MSU," she said.
The MSU women's basketball program is looking for additional male scout team members. Scout team members' responsibilities consist of playing against current MSU players in team practices throughout the season. Team practices take place both weekdays and weekends from October through April. Scout team members must be full-time MSU students. Members must also carry a minimum 2.0 GPA. For more information, students should contact Ed Scott at (517) 432-4596.
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.
Death is a part of life. Most of us have heard the saying. Unfortunately, it seems that for many Americans it is only that — a saying. The truth is, many people have a significant fear of death.
What do you think of the Cheerz Anti Hangover Lime Peeler Shots that claims to get rid of hangovers? "I'd be interested to see if it works.
Campus dance team Urban Dreams is putting on its first annual hair and fashion show at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
At 6-foot-8, being the center of attention has never been anything out of the ordinary for Allyssa DeHaan. The Grandville High School senior has always felt comfortable with her height but realized it never guaranteed basketball success.
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.
The Detroit Lions finally made the move they had to make by firing Steve Mariucci on Monday. Mariucci might be a good coach, but Detroit just wasn't the right situation.
Dear Dr. D., Last night, I had unprotected sex with an individual who I didn't know.