ASMSU plans for exam monitoring program

ASMSU is looking to help professors administer exams in an effort to curb cheating and increase its student outreach. Vinayak Prasad, Academic Assembly External Vice chairperson, presented a plan to the Academic Assembly Policy Committee Tuesday night that would create a pilot program to proctor exams for large classes. He detailed the plan's initial groundwork which calls for about 15-20 total students in the program who would pass out exams and stay to monitor test takers.

Armed robberies still unsolved

Two men in their early 20s were victims of armed robbery in recent incidents near campus, East Lansing police officers said. Three men attacked a 22-year-old East Lansing man Tuesday, and another two men attempted to stab a 21-year-old on Albert Avenue near Collingwood Drive Aug.

Local vote initiatives active this weekend

With less than a month left for people to register to vote in Michigan, Lansing-area organizations are utilizing every means necessary to get people to the polls on Nov.

'U' board to discuss new college, Brody addition

At its first meeting of the new school year, the MSU Board of Trustees will discuss renovations to two residence halls which could change the presence of the student population on campus. The board will discuss changing the plans for the renovation of Snyder and Phillips halls to include space for a new residential college, and the construction of a 300 resident apartment-style hall in the Brody Complex. "It will be a very exciting change once everybody gets where they are comfortable with the structure of it," Trustee Dee Cook said. Friday will be the first time the board will look at any aspect of the construction of a new liberal arts college on campus.

Dorm security elevated

Emmons Hall residents are pulling their IDs out of their wallets more frequently this semester. When the students moved into their dorm rooms, they found themselves on the site of the first security improvements to a residence hall in more than 10 years. The hall is now equipped with several swipe card machines on two exterior doors and all floor wing doors.

SAFETY: Unknown irritant investigated

Workers in toxicology suits visited the Food Safety and Toxicology Building Wednesday to investigate an unknown irritant that sent a 38-year-old university employee to Lansing's Sparrow Hospital.

Abrams Planetarium begins year-long interactive lecture series today

MSU professors of physics and astronomy will hold "Astronomical Horizons" lectures once a month throughout the school year. "This is a little bit more of an interactive, scientific level for the general public," said Horace Smith, a physics and astronomy professor who started the series.

Police briefs 09/16/04

E.L. council seeks student voices

East Lansing officials are seeking students who could represent the college population to city government. The University Student Commission is accepting applications for three students who are not affiliated with a university organization to serve as at-large members for one-year terms. The 11-member group, which meets every other Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., has eight students representing various MSU organizations.

David Cobb asserts role as hard-working 'real Texan'

In the shade of the Capitol building, Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb blew bubbles of green chewing gum and smiled. Without armies of security guards or an entourage of campaign spokespeople, Cobb was comfortably approachable.

Bush twins to visit MSU Union to support dad

President Bush's twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, will visit MSU today to rally the MSU Students for Bush group. The event is open to group members only and will be held at the Union at 3 p.m. Barbara and Jenna Bush, 22, pledged to participate more in their father's campaign after their joint speech at the Republican National Convention.

Students celebrate New Year

As Eytan Kenter led the Kiddush Wednesday night students holding glasses of grape juice joined in with the prayer, their chanting voices filling the acoustical room.

Olin provides free condoms, safety tips for students

Emily Showalter, a Wonders Hall mentor, decided to participate in Olin Health Center's Condom Connection program because she wanted students to have "positive sexual health habits." "Even though the parents don't think the residents (have sex), mentors know what happens when parents aren't around," said Showalter, a general business administration and pre-law junior. According to the 2004 National College Health Assessment, 76 percent of MSU students are sexually active, which Dennis Martell, Olin health education services coordinator, defines as having intercourse. Martell helped create Condom Connection about five years ago, and since then data have shown the number of students using condoms has increased. In 2002, the health assessment showed 49 percent of students always or mostly used condoms.

'Parlour' owner opens upscale Okemos grille

Hostesses behind a polished, round front desk greet customers as they walk through the front doors of Gilbert & Blake's Seafood and Steak Grille in Okemos.

Award-winning writer to appear, sign books

Okemos author Jack Spencer will sign copies of his new novel at 6 p.m. Thursday at Schuler Books & Music at Meridian Mall in Okemos His book, "Melvin Smallman: A Tale from the Forest Floor," is a fictional story of a mouse named Melvin and his battles with an invading enemy.

MSU gets $500K grant for democracy forum

The National Endowment for the Humanities named MSU a recipient of the $500,000 challenge grant to help fund the LeFrak Forum. MSU is one of 17 grant recipients across the country.

Federal assault weapon ban expires after 10 years

Customers at Yvonne Joseph's gun shop can now purchase assault weapons equipped to hold larger amounts of bullets or that have mounted bayonets. As of Monday, Classic Arms Company, 1600 Lake Lansing Road, in Lansing, can stock its shelves with an array of gun types and accessories that have been banned for 10 years.

Time running out for drivers still owing money to state

For those caught driving without proof of auto insurance over the past year, deadlines to pay a $300 state bill are approaching. In the beginning of September, about 19,000 drivers received a bill for $300 from the Michigan's Department of Treasury under the Driver Responsibility Law passed last October.

Police briefs 09/15/04

Council debates department move

The Executive Committee of Academic Council spent the majority of their meeting Tuesday talking about where to send a proposal that would change what colleges hold the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.