Recent rape cases at 'U' raise issue of assault reports

A series of alleged rapes on MSU's campus has brought the process of handling reported sexual assaults recent publicity. After a sexual assault is reported, a variety of counselors, detectives and prosecutors are called into action, as an original police report branches out to various departments across the university and community, officials said. An overwhelming number of sexual assaults are not reported at all, both nationally and at MSU, said Dennis Martell, Olin Health Center health educator. Many people who have been assaulted but have not made reports come to Olin Health Center's HIV Education, Testing and Counseling Program, Martell said. "They want to find out what has happened anonymously," Martell said. If Olin workers suspect a student has been sexually assaulted, they offer themselves as a gateway to other services, such as counseling, Martell said. "Often people don't seek counseling for months or even years," said Holly Rosen, director of MSU Safe Place.

Accidents result from Direct Action demonstration

An anti-war protest was the site of a minor car accident and an alleged tire slashing at the intersection of Michigan and Harrison avenues Tuesday evening. The protest and march, organized by local group Direct Action, left Fountain Square at M.A.C.

Cuddle a critter event held today at Kellogg

Peoples' relationships with their pets will be discussed at the fourth annual MSU Human-Animal Bond Initiative conference Thursday and Friday at the Kellogg Center. The conference, titled "The Science Behind our Relationship with Animals: Cuddle a Critter and Call Me in the Morning," will help attendees understand how humans who interact with animals find enrichment in their lives. The event is sponsored by the MSU College of Nursing, the MSU Human-Animal Bond Initiative and the MSU School of Social Work.

Student wins iPod

Accounting and premedical junior Andrew Thompson won a green iPod Mini just for doing his homework. Thompson was the 100,000th student to log in to LearningOnline Network Computer-Assisted Personalized Approach, or LON-CAPA, an online course-management program. "When I got the e-mail, I thought it was a joke," Thompson said.

Group earns $15K in scholarships

Critical thinking won a team of four MSU graduate students first place and $15,000 in scholarships at the National Student Case Competition. The winning team, comprised of Akilah Ellis, Carlos Johnson, Laith Maddur and Kendall Sykes, were recognized Saturday at the 26th annual National Black MBA Association Conference in Houston. "We bonded very well as a team," said Maddur, a finance and supply chain management graduate student.

Applying online saves 'U' time

More students applied online for admission at MSU this year than ever before, making up more than half of all applications. For 2004, 52.3 percent of all applications submitted were done online, said Jim Cotter, senior associate director of admissions and scholarships.

Student rep openings bring forth outside applicants to committees

After spending funds on advertising and exhausting other efforts to fill Academic Governance committees, ASMSU has filled 32 of 34 student representative seats.

Halls hold safety meeting after recent attacks

In the days and weeks following an increase in reported sexual assaults on campus, MSU officials, student organizations and students say they're reacting by improving awareness and safety. About 75 students from Emmons and Butterfield halls attended a mandatory meeting on personal safety Monday night. "We wanted to educate students and allow them to ask the experts questions," Emmons Hall Resident Director Qiana Smith said. A majority of the attendees were men, said Jayne Schuiteman, personal safety coordinator for the MSU Women's Resource Center. "Female safety is not just a female issue," Sexual Assault Program counselor Barb Walkington said.

Canines, owners enjoy a little paddle at Hawk Island

Lindsey Poisson Special for The State News Lansing - Great Danes, poodles, terriers, and dogs of different breeds and sizes from the Lansing area went for a dip at the beach Friday. As part of the Friends of Greater Lansing Dog Parks' biannual "Dog Paddle," held on Hawk Island County Park's beach, dogs and owners alike waded into the water to splash and socialize. "The dogs are playing and having fun and getting their exercise," said dog owner Jennifer Kirby.

Video To Go brings rental options to Union

The newest branch of a Frandor Shopping Center video store has set up shop on campus. Video To Go has expanded from its current location to room 107 in the Union.

Economy, job market might affect student votes

Sen. John Kerry has promised to stimulate the economy and create new jobs. President Bush said he already has done that. Kerry pledged to reduce outsourcing of jobs to other countries.

Legislators mad about flier error

A recent mix-up at the Secretary of State's office caused voter information fliers to be distributed prematurely, drawing anger and confusion from some state legislators. A line near the top of the flier read "Please be advised that you are not eligible to vote in the November 2, 2004 general election." The rest of the form had factually correct information for voters who recently moved. The form was mistakenly distributed to state branch offices in Battle Creek and Ann Arbor ahead of the Oct.

Fund-raiser benefits Great Lakes

Michigan residents hoping to protect Great Lakes waters by eliminating harmful aquatic pests can now find a solution in the form of a decal. The simple, three-inch square decal goes on sale Oct.

E.L. group discusses Cedar Village plan

The East Village Master Planning Team will update the planning commission on its progress for the revamping of the Cedar Village area during a meeting tonight at City Hall. In old business, the council will discuss a revised application from Corey Partnership to demolish the building at 601-603 E.

Meeting addresses arts college

A new residential college was the main topic of a special Academic Council meeting Tuesday. Marcellette Williams, chairwoman of the New Residential College Program Planning Group, presented the committee's draft report for a new liberal arts and sciences college. Williams said the committee identified several issues faculty and students brought up in the various meetings it held.

Two-day program to discuss women's issues

The Women's Resource Center is presenting four programs Wednesday and Thursday to help students, faculty and staff deal with common issues for women. The issues addressed this week range from perfectionism to the importance of sleep. Among the topics addressed at the program, "Long Distance Loves, Long Distance Lives: The Ups & Downs of Long Distance Relationships," is how to maintain a healthy balance between a significant other and an active social life at home. "There is definitely a mental health angle here, and a healthy relationship angle - people shouldn't be caught up in waiting for the phone to ring," said Jodi Hancock, education program coordinator of the Women's Resource Center.

Police briefs 09/22/04

Head-on collision kills woman on Grand River

A Stockbridge woman died in a two-car collision Saturday morning on Grand River Avenue in Meridian Township, police said. According to police reports, the head-on collision occurred just after 9 a.m.

Scholarship gives students chance to explore world

A traveling club is offering an MSU junior the chance to spend the summer exploring the world. The scholarship, offered by the Michigan Chapter of the Circumnavigators Foundation, which is part of the Circumnavigators Club, is worth $8,000.

Students sit tight in crowded dormitories

Exams have started, leaves are falling, and many MSU students are still crowded into overbooked residence hall rooms. Chuck Gagliano, assistant vice president for Housing and Food Services, said there are currently 130 over-assigned rooms. "This isn't something that the university staff did, it's something that occurred," Gagliano said.