Frustrated with hiring, 3 EMU regents resign

Three Republican members of Eastern Michigan University's Board of Regents resigned Tuesday. The board is similar to the MSU Board of Trustees, except members are governor-appointed, rather than elected by the public, said EMU spokesman Ward Mullens. The Associated Press reported the three members signed a letter saying they were frustrated by the administration's hiring decisions and the disconnect among campus groups. The three members, including board chairwoman Karen Valvo, made up a Republican majority on the eight-person board. "It came as a surprise to students," student body President Daniel Cicchini said.

Police briefs 12/07/06

Cafeterias get festive

Residence dining halls across campus celebrated the end of the semester by giving students a special meal with more selection and options Wednesday evening. Carolyn Roy, dining service manager for Shaw Hall, said the holiday dinner is a meal with more options than normally presented. "It changes students' moods because it's getting dark at 5:30," Roy said.

Local groups need volunteers

Communication senior Megan Bensette has a car, but when she is with 8-year-old Samara Keyton, she usually takes a CATA bus to the mall. Keyton, a Lansing resident, insists on riding the bus because she prefers it to a car, Bensette said. Bensette is a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lansing, a nonprofit organization that provides adult role models for young children.

Businesses see rise in seasonal employment

Students going home for break and looking for work may hear an extra jingle in their pockets because of a rise in seasonal employment in the retail industry this holiday season.

Store holds ice cream flavor contest

A new contest is trying to get people to think outside the chocolate and vanilla box. The competition, sponsored by the city of East Lansing and Melting Moments, is asking people to invent a new ice cream flavor for the city's 100-year celebration next year. "It's going to be something where the community can get involved and be a part of the centennial," said East Lansing spokeswoman Mikell Frey.

Students reinvent stereo

With the push of a button, a remote controlling your stereo, DVD player and television can turn on the electronics all at once. RevolutionAudio, unlike other sound systems, allows the user to have television, computer or any other electronic devices hooked into one sound system.

Grads may find improved job prospects nationwide

In spite of Michigan's dreary economy, the number of jobs is increasing in the Midwest and other U.S.

Police briefs 12/06/06

Livestock judging team places 3rd in expo

The MSU livestock judging team finished in third place at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky. This is the team's seventh event this season and they have always finished among the top teams, where most of these competitions have up to 30 teams competing. Besides this most recent finish, the group has also placed fifth overall at the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., and third at the National Barrow Show in Austin, Minn. The team is sponsored by the Department of Animal Science at MSU. This was the team's last event of the season.

Big business, students connect for innovative marketing techniques

Large companies, such as General Motors Corp. and Crest, are evolving the way they promote their products to keep up with the fast-paced lives of college students. "Our consumer is our boss," said Kevin Bass, marketing manager for Crest.

2 women to speak at fall commencements

MSU's fall commencement ceremonies will be held Friday and Saturday at Breslin Center. This semester's class will consist of 2,566 students and MSU President Lou Anna K.

Students analyze future overpass

Senior design students from the MSU College of Engineering presented ideas to Lansing-area professional consultants about the future construction of an underpass beneath two railroad tracks near the intersection of Farm Lane and Service Road. Civil engineering professor Roger Wallace said the underpass will make it easier for cars to enter the university on the south side of campus, which is accessed via Farm Lane. The students were responsible for coming up with preliminary designs for the underpass — meaning students needed to illustrate to the consultants their ideas for the underpass' structural, hydraulic, environmental and geotechnical foundations, Wallace said. "One of the major problems is that Farm Lane self-crosses two sets of railroad tracks, and so there are a number of delays in addition to the safety hazards that are there," Wallace said.

Automated calling used in political campaigns

Future Michigan elections might continue campaign calls to voters and try to duplicate what has been considered a successful year. About 38 million voters showed up at the polls — about 6 million more voters than the previous midterm election, Michigan Secretary of State statistics show. John Truscott, spokesman for former Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos, said the DeVos campaign used automated calling to get people out to vote, and it appears to have worked. "While people complain about it, it leads to record levels," he said, adding that robo calls are cheaper than television or radio advertising.

Competition may increase in cable

The Michigan House of Representatives passed a bill last month to replace the current local cable television system with a statewide franchising system.

Trustees to vote on funding for College of Human Medicine

The MSU Board of Trustees will vote Friday to establish an endowment that would provide support to departments focused on central nervous systems disorders in the College of Human Medicine. The fund will support departments, such as neurology and ophthalmology but can be used to provide additional assistance in similar areas of research.

Students, officials work to bring recycling center to campus

Students may find it easier to recycle their trash if an initiative to build a university recycling center is put into effect by university and student government officials.

Police briefs 12/05/06

Legal services advise students with civil, criminal problems

For some students, solving housing issues goes farther than meeting with a mediator. Sometimes, legal action is necessary. Issues with roommates, tenants and landlords can become a problem this time of year.

Fraternity house may sell before year's end

The former Delta Upsilon house located at 427 M.A.C. Ave., might be sold to an unknown buyer by the end of this month. Vacant since May, the house is being sold because there wasn't enough student interest to maintain a Delta Upsilon group at MSU, said Jim Pattee, president of MSU Delta Upsilon Corp., which owns the house.