Advisers utilize online chat programs
When academic adviser Nancy Ehret goes into her office every morning and boots up her computer, the first thing that comes on the screen is AOL Instant Messenger. But she's not slacking off or chatting with old friends from high school - she's one of many MSU advisers who are turning to instant messenger programs as a way to keep in touch with students. Ehret, who has about 60 journalism students that she talks to on her buddy list, said six of the seven advisers in the College of Communication Arts & Sciences have started using instant messenger this semester to answer questions ranging from internship application deadlines to transfer credits. One of those six is Scott Maas, an adviser for advertising and journalism students, who said he started using instant messenger because it aligns with students' daily routines. "Right now, that's the big thing we're using because so many students are tech-savvy as they come in here, and that's the way they're communicating," Maas said. Maas said the program helps him give students another opportunity to access him and get their questions answered. "If you think about it, I'm only 25, and I have my own list of friends I talk to all across the country," Maas said.
Construction up for approval at meeting
Construction projects in Spartan Village and lots 82 and 83, commonly known as F Lot, could begin this summer if approved by the MSU Board of Trustees on Friday. In Spartan Village, repaving the road would come after tearing up and replacing the existing soils underneath it, which are settling and becoming soft.
McPherson honored for public service
Former MSU President M. Peter McPherson received a national award earlier this week for his years of public service. The award, a National Public Service Award, honors McPherson for work throughout his career dealing with international humanitarian issues in places such as Peru, Iraq and Africa. "I've been involved in public administration (and) public service a good share of my career," said McPherson, MSU's 19th president who left the university in January.
Students sleep outside to demonstrate plight of homeless
Political science junior Sara Casetta, president of the MSU chapter of Habitat for Humanity, said this is the fourth year group members have left their homes for a night to help increase awareness of poverty conditions in Lansing.
Cities to get less funding from state
As East Lansing enters another fiscal year and presents another budget, it has also received less help from the state. Cities, villages and townships like East Lansing and Meridian Township, have seen decreases in sales-tax revenue from the state, which is called revenue sharing. "We have less money to provide the same services," said Gary Murphy, director of finance for East Lansing.
MSU recognizes diversity leaders
The MSU Office of Affirmative Action Compliance and Monitoring will present its annual "Excellence in Diversity" awards at 4 p.m.
State promotes energy options
When it comes to keeping lights on and water hot, the state of Michigan is looking for ways to promote the use of cleaner energy. The state's Energy Office and Public Service Commission recently started two programs to financially compensate residents and small businesses that use renewable energy.
Local church to hold memorial for pontiff
A memorial Mass for Pope John Paul II will take place at 7 p.m. today at St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour St.
Floormates testify in rape case
For 19-year-old marketing freshman Travis Eichten, the second day in court on Tuesday brought testimony from witnesses and cross-examination of the accuser. Eichten is accused of raping an Emmons Hall floormate and is facing 15 years in prison. About eight people took the stand Tuesday including friends, an Olin Health Center nurse, an MSU police officer and a detective. The woman, a 19-year-old general business administration and pre-law freshman, also was cross-examined for about an hour and 15 minutes Tuesday. The trial addresses a Sept.
ASMSU votes to fill chairperson positions
ASMSU held the first meeting of its new session of Academic Assembly on Tuesday night and voted for a new cabinet to chair its meetings. Members of MSU's undergraduate student government elected a new chairperson, internal vice chairperson and external vice chairperson. Only nine representatives were present at the meeting to decide on the chairpersons who will spend the next year handling affairs for the organization and acting as liaisons between the assembly and university officials.
Students raise LBGT awareness in Pride Week
MSU's Pride Week begins Thursday with a series of events that organizers say will celebrate and educate the campus community about lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender identities. The week-long event is put on each year by various student groups and university office staff, who organize the demonstrations and projects.
ASMSU seeks role in selection process
Students who want to be a part of any academic governance committee might have to go through ASMSU, if a proposal referred to the University Committee on Academic Governance is passed.
E.L. decreases budget for 2006
The city of East Lansing will operate with about $523,000 less than last year, according to the city's fiscal year 2006 budget and program of services. The city's total budget for 2006 is about $55 million, about 2.3 percent less than last year.
Food contaminated by gas should be tossed
Any food sitting out that might have been contaminated by tear gas on Saturday night should be thrown out, said Dean Sienko, medical director of the Ingham County Health Department. Thousands of students took to the streets of East Lansing after the men's basketball team's loss to the University of North Carolina on Saturday.
Library, stores offer special pope collections
Sitting on a shelf near the check-out corner of the East Lansing Public Library, a collection of books about the late Pope John Paul II are flying off the racks. From titles such as "In the Vatican" to "The private prayers of Pope John Paul II," the publications offer a wide variety of information to readers on the life of an influential public figure. "One of the services we offer to the community is to highlight current events and library materials that relate to those current events," said Laurie St.
Word on the street: The East Lansing city budget came out Tuesday; what do you think the city should spend money on?
"Improving parks and roads and try to bring more business to East Lansing." Sean Sullivan political science sophomore "Put a little bit more in education and improving the facilities for students in the area." John Ong general business administration and pre-law junior
NAISO remembers victims of Red Lake shooting
With drumming and traditional singing, the North American Indian Student Organization, or NAISO, honored Tuesday the victims of the recent shooting at the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota at the rock on Farm Lane. During the vigil, students offered their prayers and spoke about the issues facing Native American communities today.
Experts: Police used tear gas legally
East Lansing police officers were within their rights to fire tear gas into crowds of thousands of students as they filled the streets of East Lansing on Saturday after MSU's loss to the University of North Carolina, experts say. Police officers have said they used the gas to disperse large crowds of students who they felt they could not control.
Student activism groups remember past struggles
A coalition of student groups are at the beginning of a seven-day campaign to protest and call attention to social and environmental concerns at MSU. The campaign, called the 150 Hours of Struggle, is part of a larger initiative to highlight how student groups have contributed to the history of MSU through activism and struggle during the past 150 years, said Erik Green, director of Racial, Ethnic, and Progressive Affairs.