Greek councils enforce grade-report policy
MSU's Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils are enforcing a policy that reviews the academic skills of MSU's greek community to showcase the stronger chapters and provide motivation for the struggling houses. Every semester, the two councils send every greek chapter grade cards to fill out, and the information is collected and put into a comprehensive grade report.
Portuguese film shows soldier's life
The Portuguese-language film "O Her-i" will be shown at 5:30 p.m. today in Room 206 Old Horticulture Building. The film, presented as part of the weekly Romance Language Film Series, is about a soldier who fought for the Angolan army for 20 years.
Under-25 health care costs grow
People under the age of 25 spent 50 percent more money on health care in 2005 than they did a decade earlier, according to a U.S Department of Labor report released last month. The 2005 Consumer Expenditures survey reported that the average household headed by someone 25 or younger spent about $704 in 2005, the most recent year for which data was gathered. In 1995, that number was $466. The survey defines health care spending as prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, health insurance and medical supplies. The national sample is taken from about 8.5 million consumers under 25 from the U.S.
Changing restriction
By the end of his sophomore year at East Lansing High School, Charlie Kroom had run out of math classes to take, so he kept moving to the next level — MSU. Last semester, Kroom enrolled in a 200-level multivariable calculus class.
Speech to focus on gender stereotypes
Michael Messner will speak about gender issues from 6-8 p.m. today in Parlor C of the Union. Messner is a professor of sociology and the sociology department chairman at the University of Southern California.
WEB EXTRA: Club to host reptile open house
The MSU Herpetology Club presents "Snakes on a Campus," which will take place from 6:30-9 p.m.
Word on the street
"As it's continued on, I've probably gotten more anti-war. It seemed like a good idea at the time." Ainsley Elder linguistics freshman "I probably have stronger feelings against it than I did when it started." Ella Rakowski microbiology senior "I'm more against it as things have become more clear about the intent, and the actual carrying on of the war." Scott Dombrowski international studies junior "My opposition to the war hasn't changed a whole lot.
Council looks for student speakers
The deadline for seniors to apply to speak at the May 4 undergraduate commencement is 5 p.m. Friday. To apply, submit five copies of your proposed speech and application to the Senior Class Council in 101 Student Services. For more information, visit www.commencement.msu.edu.
Athletic training may become major
When Lindsey Coleman graduates in May, she may be one of the last MSU students to graduate with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a specialization in athletic training. That's because the 27-credit specialization may be disbanded and become a major. "So many people are into physical therapy, and physician assistants and various medical professions," Coleman said.
Act might boost trips abroad
MSU could be at the forefront of a rush to grab federal dollars that would help send students overseas. Legislation to get one million U.S.
State Republicans worry Granholm's budget plan to release prisoners threatens safety
A get-out-of-jail-free card could be handed to about 5,000 "low-risk" prisoners by the end of the year if legislation proposed by Gov.
Columnist John Bice discusses new book
If you read The State News, you're probably familiar with the name John Bice. The freelance writer and MSU alumnus writes columns for The State News that often provoke a mix of praise and criticism from his readers.
WEB EXTRA: Gender identity proposal moves to board
A proposal to add gender identity to the university's anti-discrimination policy was unanimously approved by Academic Council Tuesday.
MSU hires new college spokesman
MSU College of Human Medicine's expansion into Grand Rapids is becoming more evident as university officials hired a former state representative as spokesman. Jerry Kooiman, a Republican who represented Grand Rapids from 2004-06, began working on an interim basis as The Secchia Center's director for community affairs in February. His position was cemented in the college earlier this month. Denise Holmes, associate dean for the college, said Kooiman's extensive connections in Grand Rapids made him the prime candidate for the job, which will involve briefing community leaders about the status of the project and representing MSU in West Michigan. "We thought he'd be an effective spokesperson for the medical school," Holmes said.
Mortgage plan saves green
The idea of buying their own homes may seem daunting to new college graduates. But there is a little-utilized mortgage program that can make the decision easier for anyone looking to get started building home equity right away. It also can help green-leaning homeowners limit their impact on the environment. An Energy Efficient Mortgage, or EEM, allows homeowners to borrow up to 15 percent more on their mortgage than the home's appraised value.
MSU responds to group's criticism
Critics of an MSU's disciplinary program said they're confused by the university's response in reviewing the program. In February, MSU officials said the seminar was an optional punishment for students found violating a university regulation. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, or FIRE, said the Student Accountability in Community Seminar stifles students' constitutional rights and demanded the program's termination, prompting the university review. The accountability seminar was presented by officials from Student Life and MSU Safe Place at a 2002 Association of Student Judicial Affairs' International Conference, which FIRE's president, Greg Lukianoff, attended. "Every day they run the SAC (Student Accountability in Community) program, they're violating the Constitution of the United States," Lukianoff said. In a March 7 letter to the foundation, Lee June, MSU's vice president for Student Affairs and Services, responded to the criticism by saying "For those students who have been sanctioned through the judicial process, we see no problem in their participating in the SAC program." "Students will not be required to enter this program as the only sanction for a violation, but it will be offered as an option," he wrote. But Lukianoff said his organization is "trying to figure out what the letter actually meant." "It wasn't very clear," he said.
WEB EXTRA: 'Mr. East Lansing' John Patriarche dies at 89
Former East Lansing City Manager John M. Patriarche, a man known to the city as "Mr. East Lansing," died Sunday.