Student seeks to improve cancer awareness
If Adam Schaffer gets his way, a nine-inch by four-inch card distributed in residence halls next year could save lives.Schaffer, an Olin Health Advocate and human biology sophomore, is working with residence life staff to distribute breast and testicular self-examination cards in residence halls.
Funding for community colleges remains unchanged
Lansing - Gov. John Engler signed the fiscal year 2003 community college budget Monday that will maintain 2002 funding levels for Michigan’s 28 community colleges. Engler signed a similar budget for the state’s 15 public universities April 1, stating the Legislature would not cut funding to the universities as long as they keep tuition increases at or below 8.5 percent or $425, whichever is greater. The community college budget for fiscal year 2003 will remain at $321.7 million with Lansing Community College receiving $32.2 million in funding.
Bills create anti-hazing policies for schools
Michigan is one of eight states without a hazing law, but that could change with a package of bills proposed by State Rep.
Students protest for labor rights
A 400-foot banner was wrapped around the University of Michigan’s Fleming Administration Building on Friday as students protested the labor practices of New Era Cap Co.At MSU, members of Students for Economic Justice held a “Screaming at the Wall” demonstration to protest what they say is an administration that doesn’t listen to their concerns about labor rights.The administrations at each university have dealt with protests in much the same way, meeting with students and discussing concerns.But the student groups at both universities take drastically different approaches to getting their messages across.
ASMSU adds course to thin budget
As the ASMSU 2002-03 session began Monday, the organization was left to work with a thin budget and a promise to spend $50,000 on a ropes challenge course.Last week, the undergraduate student government’s 2001-02 Student Assembly passed the 2002-03 budget with a vote of 13-3 with four abstentions.
Greeks get funky for fund-raiser
Eleven greek teams contributed their creativity, sweat and the rhythmic ability for the fourth annual MTV Fundraiser Night, at the Auditorium on Monday night. About 2,000 people attended the first fund-raising event of Greek Week 2002 to raise funds for Sparrow Hospital’s pediatric emergency room.
Environmentalists raise awareness on mercury emissions
A group of environmental groups are working to reduce the amount of mercury falling on Michigan residents.The Michigan Environmental Council, National Wildlife Federation and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs are working with the state and private businesses to raise awareness of mercury emissions.Mercury is produced through a variety of processes, but Michigan Environmental Council policy director James Clift said coal-burning plants contribute about one-half of the total emissions.“A new coal-burning power plant has emissions that are five to 10 times lower than older plants,” he said.
Minority enrollment numbers up at U
The number of minority students applying, being admitted and enrolling at MSU increased in 2001 according to new data from the Office of Affirmative Action, Compliance and Monitoring.
Study shows high level of male teachers
Although statistics released Monday report children in Michigan are more likely to be taught by a male teacher than in any other state, those teachers are not necessarily coming from MSU. The National Education Association reported Monday that 37.4 percent of teachers in Michigan are males - Kansas is second with 33.9 percent. Cassandra Book, associate dean for the College of Education, said 10 percent of the students pursing elementary education degrees at MSU and 33 percent pursing secondary education are male. “When people choose to teach at the secondary level, it is because it’s in their deep interest in the subject area,” she said.
Lansing group to clean up 3 brownfield sites in summer
There’s not much room left in Lansing.But the Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is looking to alleviate the problem this summer.The 5-year-old agency is getting ready for the development of several brownfield sites.Brownfields are contaminated sites redeveloped by businesses as a way to reduce urban sprawl and excess growth.“It results in additional tax value,” said Tracy Carney-Miller, development specialist for the city’s Economic Development Corp.
Greek week begins with games
A rope, potato sacks and Hula-Hoops were all part of the Greek Week kickoff on Sunday. Fourteen teams, each with one sorority and two fraternities, participated in field events at noon in the Valley Court field.
Phi Psi 500 fund raises for children
Seiko’s police badge hit the ground with each thump of his tail as a group of children giggled and stroked his fur.The German shepherd made an appearance at Phi Psi 500 on Saturday as part of the East Lansing Police Department’s canine unit.Phi Kappa Psi and Kappa Alpha Theta members hosted the event in Valley Court field from noon to 4 p.m.Lansing area children won candy for participation in several games, including a ring toss, tick-tack-toe, bean bag toss, musical chairs, sucker pull, horseshoe throw and bowling.
Malls set up sessions to improve service
It takes employees with a good attitude and a lot of motivation to keep customers coming back. Several malls around Michigan are trying to improve customer service skills with sessions for their staff members to learn how to better the mall environment.CBL & Associates Management Inc., an umbrella business that manages several malls, including the Meridian Mall in Okemos, the Fashion Square Mall in Saginaw, the Midland Mall in Midland and The Lakes Mall in Muskegon, recently asked for Michigan Works’ services to better the quality of employees.The sessions will work to improve the performance of the hourly employee up to the highest manager of the retail stores.“We had very, very good feedback,” said Cindy Leyrer, Capital Area Michigan Works workforce development consultant.
Conflicts cause delay in drowning case
The preliminary examination has been postponed for another week for four female MSU students charged in connection with the drowning of an 18-year-old Bay City man.Nicole Bukowski, 21, Cassandra Duggan, 20, Laurel Trezise, 20, and Sara Kaufman, 21, were charged with running an unlicensed bar at a party they hosted in October.
Report shows states program misses grade
In a Friday report, the Michigan League for Human Services claimed Michigan’s unemployment system has not kept pace with economic change. The report, “Out of Date and Out of Reach: Michigan’s Unemployment System Needs Repair,” arrives when unemployment benefit changes are a high priority for the returning Legislature. According to the report, the state’s maximum unemployment benefit is well below other states and does not correspond with inflation.
Researchers present work at forum
While posters, slide shows and speeches tickled the minds of scholars at Friday’s University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum, piano music and singing filled the room.Jocelyn Scofield, a vocal education senior, used a piano and her vocal cords as a medium for entertainment and research.Her presentation, “Creating Meaningful Stories Through Music,” held the attention of judges and other presenters.“It’s not quite a research project,” she said.
Students to recall Holocaust
Some student groups and a study program are linking together happiness and sadness to send a message this month. In light of Jewish Heritage Month, Hillel Jewish Student Center and MSU’s Jewish Studies Program are sponsoring several events to spread awareness and education while honoring Holocaust survivors. “We’re crossing genres with our events,” said Shira Weinstein, programs director for Hillel.
Weeks events to teach pride
Some student protests this week will be more affectionate than others. MSU’s lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender community will end Pride Week with a march and kiss-in. Tamar Jourian, a general management senior and member of the Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Transgender and Straight Ally Students, said she thinks the week’s events promote unity for all students. The week’s candlelight vigil was cancelled Sunday. “I see it as bringing together all people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to celebrate and have pride,” she said. Jourian said different colleges celebrate the week with various events during the spring or summer. “With these events, we have tried to have serious educational material with ally training and the vigil, but at the same time have fun events with the drag show.” Brody Residents in Great Harmony Together, or BRIGHT, is sponsoring the march and kiss-in. “The kiss-in is meant to be a peaceful demonstration,” said Jacob Hoffman, a general management senior and BRIGHT president.