Forums look at how to improve Union

The Union will host a pair of open forums for the MSU community to offer opinions about the future of the building.

Center offers quiet place for Muslim student

While sitting cross-legged on the floor of the Islamic Center, 920 S. Harrison Ave., Omer Masood silently paged through the first chapter of the Quran.

Clovers blanket campus stores

Walking past Sparty's Convenience Store on Hubbard Hall's first floor, it's hard to see the merchandise.

Spring break volunteer trip provides perspective

Editor's note: Last week, State News Intern Laura Collins went on a Spartan Christian Fellowship service trip to Newark, N.J. There, Collins and 16 others worked at Trinity Reformed Church in a section of the city called the Ironbound.

GEU asks for contract input

The Graduate Employees Union is moving to make changes this semester, seeking feedback from members on revisions to its constitution and contract with the university.

Med center faced with money woes

Lansing - There were few open seats in the crowded waiting room of the Cristo Rey Family Health Clinic on Monday.

Freshman aid might increase

To coincide with President Bush's February education proposal, MSU's freshman financial aid loan limit could increase by $375. But Richard Shipman, director of MSU's Office of Financial Aid, said the limit should be increased for sophomores, juniors and seniors, too - and it should be larger. "We would be happy to see the freshman limit increase, but we really think it's too little with the kind of difference we'd need," he said.

Programs provide long-term education

Sounds of a Gregorian chant filled a Kellogg Center classroom Thursday night as an MSU Evening College class began a lecture on the beginning of classical scores. About 20 people listened to MSU Community Musical School Lecturer Patricia Nultemeier during her "Music Appreciation for the Classics" course as she warned her musically inclined students their interests might change as they move into medieval, renaissance and contemporary songs. "Your hunger for the great classics will grow," she told the class. Some students enrolled in the MSU Evening College course because they said they felt an appreciation for classical arts is considered the mark of an educated person.

Organization to offer 'U' health classes

Healthy U will be offering several free programs in March for faculty and staff. · "Pilates," Thursdays, 12:10-12:50 p.m., Parlor C, Union. · "Yoga Movements and Relaxation," Fridays, 12:10-12:50 p.m., Gold Room B, Union. · "Gym on the Go," Mondays, 12:10-12:50 p.m., Parlor C, Union. Other upcoming events include: · Register for the "10K-A-Day" healthy walking program or "10K-A-Day Million Step Program," until April 5.

RHA president announces campaign for city council

Outgoing Residence Halls Association President Derek Wallbank turned down requests to continue leading that organization.

Group director voted as association president

Van Hoosen Hall was the site for a changing of the guard in the Residence Halls Association. RHA General Assembly members elected political science and pre-law sophomore Ernest Drake as the association's new president on Friday.

Shop offers political readings, talks

Sitting on a worn couch around faded, teal-painted walls, a small group of teenagers and 20-somethings toss around flier ideas for the upcoming Global Day of Action.

MIDDAY UPDATE: ASMSU sponsors Battle of the Bands

At their last meeting before spring break on March 4, ASMSU's Student Assembly set plans for its annual Battle of the Bands in motion by approving more than $3,000 for the event. The Battle of the Bands is a promotional event for ASMSU's upcoming general elections March 24.

Police briefs 03/15/04

Federal bill might give rights to unborn children

Some members of Congress think it's time for fetuses in all 50 states to be protected. While pregnant women who fall victim to crime are recognized as victims under federal law, their unborn children are not. Twenty-nine states, including Michigan, have passed bills allowing prosecution for crimes against unborn babies, but no federal law exists.

Family center celebrates 10-year anniversary

A local organization working to ease the stress of parents attending college celebrated its 10-year anniversary this month.

E.L. partnership seeks to move more 'U' professors downtown

In a push to make the city a "cooler" place to live, East Lansing officials are working with MSU faculty and staff to create a partnership that will bring more professors into the downtown neighborhoods. The objective, which fits an aspect of Gov.

Hamilton hearing set this week

A hearing will be held Wednesday to determine if Bramlett Hamilton will stand trial for the murder of his mother, 66-year-old MSU Professor Ruth Simms Hamilton. During that hearing, a judge will rule if Bramlett Hamilton, 36, is innocent by reason of insanity. The hearing comes on the heels of a completed psychiatric evaluation of Bramlett Hamilton and a competency hearing in which a judge deemed him able to stand trial.

ACLU assists group with election issues

MSU College Democrats and MSU College Republicans confirmed Sunday that American Civil Liberties Union will represent them to voice their concerns with ASMSU's election code. The groups say parts of the code restrict free speech, such as a provision that prohibits promoting candidates from different colleges on the same piece of campaign material. If any changes to the code are accepted by MSU's student government, they would go into effect for the 2005 elections.

Study says move hurts Lansing

Health Management Associates, a medical consulting firm, told area leaders last week that moving MSU's College of Human Medicine might have damaging effects on Mid-Michigan's health care without reaping financial benefits for MSU, news reports said. The firm was hired by a committee working to keep the college in the Lansing area. In January, officials from both MSU and Grand Rapids said they were having discussions about the school's possible expansion or relocation into that area.