Freshmen feel welcome, adjusting well to college life at U

By Katie Stachlewitz The State News Upperclassmen are once again dressed in sweats for their morning classes, and sightings of the newest Spartans, with their noses in their maps, are becoming less frequent as the freshman class falls into the swing of things. In Rather Hall, freshmen were greeted by the Welcoming Green Team, student volunteers who took time to help freshmen have a positive first impression of campus. “They helped many freshmen carry heavy luggage, furniture and even assisted in setting up their rooms,” said Cynthia King, Rather\'s assistant hall director.

Police briefs 09/05/01

Housing remains stable despite Shaw Hall closing

Despite the closing of Shaw Hall this year, finding housing has not put anyone out in the cold.The number of students living on campus has not changed, said Angela Brown, director of University Housing.“Our house count has been consistent over the past years,” she said.Brown said the decision to close Shaw Hall was planned ahead of time so as not to leave students uncomfortable or homeless.She said the number of over-assigned halls is less than 20 and there are plans accommodate the students in them as soon as possible.“This is very similar to the work done in (Mason and Abbott halls) when they were closed a few years ago,” she said.But landlord Fred Bauries said he still had trouble finding students to rent to for the fall.“We found we had more difficulty this year than any year I can remember,” he said.Bauries said while he found leasers for all three of his homes, he blames the lack of interest on the recent economic slowdown and the construction of new apartments.“I think the appeal up there is the new construction, and (Capstone Commons) is something I would consider a 21st century dorm,” he said.Bauries said the developers have looked at the current market and have found success in the form of profits.But while more students might be living in apartments, Annette Irwin, operations administrator for the Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Conservation Department of East Lansing, said students are still leasing homes in the city.“That is the question that some of us are wondering, are they willing to give up the proximity to campus for items that are catering right to their needs such as Internet access and the clubhouse environment,” she said.Other types of incentives such as lawn care and parking might also be playing a factor in a student’s decision to live off campus, she said.But Irwin said this is not a problem for renters.“I suspect there will always be a part of the student body that wants to live in a home,” she said.Terri Clifton, vice president of property management for Crossing Place Student Apartments, 3636 E.

Lugnuts unable to slay Dragons in first game

Lansing - As red-hot as the Lansing Lugnuts were in August, they couldn’t be any colder these first few days of September. Manager Julio Garcia’s club rattled off a stretch of 18 wins in 22 games last month, but the Lugnuts have since dropped six straight, including a 4-2 loss to the Dayton Dragons in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Tuesday night at Oldsmobile Park. “It took a lot to come from where we were to where we are now,” Garcia said of Lansing’s last-place finish in the first half of the season.

O an entertaining version of the theater classic

Maybe it’s the fact that I haven’t seen a good movie in a while, but I like the new movie “O,” a modern take on Shakespeare’s classic “Othello.” I know that I’m not supposed to like anything, especially teen movies, but this flick managed to capture the treachery, jealousy and scheming that made the original so darn interesting. The movie stars Mekhi Phifer as Odin, the only black student at an upper-class prep school.

Puddle of Mudd aptly named

Puddle of Mudd Come Clean (Flawless) Rap rocker Fred Durst has been anything but original in recent years, and his latest contribution to the music industry is nothing new.

Governors office calls September college students month to save

This month is being proclaimed College Savings Month in Michigan by Gov. John Engler and Lt. Gov.

U students not properly insured

After a flood damaged Jessica Schulte’s belongings, she came out financially without a scratch - but other students may not be as fortunate.More than 80 percent of college students who rent do not have insurance for their personal belongings, said a recent survey conducted by the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents.Schulte, a communication senior, said she was insured through her parents with extra rental insurance.“We had our computers down there, and we got (money) back with no questions asked,” she said.Schulte said college life leaves plenty of opportunities for personal property to be stolen.“If you live in the dorm, you don’t always know your suitemates and their friends,” she said.

Columnists take on tax plan unfounded

I would like to make a few comments about the column by Bob Romashko (“Tax cut plunders surplus,” SN 8/30). His unfair and unfounded characterization of President Bush’s tax plan leaves me puzzled. Mr. Romashko insinuates Bush was the sole participant in passing this historical tax cut.

Spartans should look to Clinton for guidance about Knott case

This week is my favorite time of the year. I have a birthday tomorrow, on Sunday I’ll get to watch my first Vikings game and on Saturday Spartan Stadium will host MSU’s first football game.

Welcome Week celebrations quieter police say

East Lansing is seeing a downturn in partying.MSU and East Lansing police said Welcome Week celebrations and parties have become increasingly quieter, with fewer arrests and fewer problems.“It was extremely noticeable,” said MSU Sgt.

ASMSU fights for future of program

One of the best visually impaired programs in the nation was placed under a moratorium, and ASMSU representatives are fighting to keep it running.In June, the College of Education’s visual impairment program, which includes hearing and mental disabilities, was put on a year long hiatus while university officials review the program.The freeze on the program was preceded by the resignation of one of its leaders, Susan Bruce, an assistant professor of counseling educational psychology & special education for nine years.

Coverage of athlete academics unfair

Do you think going to classes is hard? What about preparing for and taking exams? Every study at this university has dealt with the stress our education gives us.

Student senate offers textbook exchange

Students looking for a deal might find a book exchange has a very affordable price. The books are free. The James Madison College Student Senate has a book exchange at the beginning of every semester.

Live miracles wow fair crowds

Detroit - Screams from nearby carnival rides and smells of cotton candy gave way to wide-eyed youngsters witnessing more than 400 live animal births at the Miracle of Life exhibit at the Michigan State Fair during the last two weeks. MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine staffed and sponsored the Miracle of Life exhibit for the eighth year in a row. Calves, lambs, piglets and poultry are born and spend the first days of their lives under the big white tent, just off the midway. Kaylene Cipolla was one of roughly 500 people at the exhibit Monday, the fair’s final day.

Monroe banned for year, investigation in works

Head football coach Bobby Williams suspended sophomore center DeMarco Monroe for the entire season on Monday, because of his connection to an undisclosed “incident.” Williams kept quiet about the details surrounding the incident but did say the 20-year-old Monroe, the team’s back-up center, deserves the suspension as punishment while the situation undergoes further investigation.“He was involved in an incident, and until we get the details I believe this is the right thing to do,” Williams said.According to the Associated Press, MSU and East Lansing police wouldn’t release any information Monday.Monroe could not be contacted Monday night.The latest suspension comes after many other setbacks have plagued MSU’s team over the last two weeks.

Labor Day fatalities continue to decline

At least 16 people were killed in Michigan’s 13 Labor Day weekend car accidents as of 10:30 p.m.

VOX using voices to increase awareness

A new student group, VOX, which is Latin for “voices,” is planning to educate students about reproductive health. “We hope to spread awareness and to get people politically active,” said Kathryn Paquette, co-director of the group.

Wireless store coming to E.L.

Students might be expressing themselves with a new cellular phone store in East Lansing.Cellular Express, 109 E.

Memorial to celebrate life of popular staffer, alumnus

To those who knew and loved him, MSU alumnus Anthony D’Angelo was more than just a friend. He was a colleague, an uncle, a brother and a son. “Tony,” as many of his friends called him, died of kidney failure on his 38th birthday on May 13.