Off-campus resource center to answer student questions

As early as this fall, off-campus students might have a central place to get their questions about living in East Lansing answered. An off-campus resource center is in the early stages of planning by the Community Relations Coalition. The coalition is submitting a grant proposal for $12,000 today to pay for an office, possibly in Bailey Community Center or at the base of the parking garage on Grove Street. "It's within the neighborhoods, so it's not a big hike and it's all centralized," said Nancy Schertzing, East Lansing resident and executive director of the coalition.

Police rated lower by women, greeks

The results in a recent survey evaluating the MSU police department had more to do with the amount of contact with officers, and less with positive or negative experiences, officials said.

Assembly unanimously passes RHA's spring budget in record time

After the votes came down, Residence Halls Association Comptroller Julie Hughes ran from one side of the room to the other to hug a General Assembly member on her committee.

Deadline approaches for online, mail-in voters

Saturday is the last day to apply to vote early for the 2004 Michigan Democratic caucus. To apply to vote online or by mail, visit applytovote.com any time before 6 p.m.

Holocaust speaker shares family history

When author Lev Raphael was a child, he said "I imagined that I was a superhero with X-ray vision, and I could use it to cut Germany out of the map of the world." Raphael knows the atrocities of the Holocaust firsthand, or rather through the eyes of his parents, who both survived the Holocaust.

Groups look to improve 'U' water quality, lighting

To some, it's disgusting. To others, it's not a problem. It's not a gory movie or a dirty joke - it's water. Residence Halls Association is starting to work with MSU to improve water used for drinking and bathing on campus.

Internet site educates, prompts young voters

MSU organizations, administrators and officials from the city of East Lansing are working together to help connect younger voters to local and national elections via the Internet. Formed in 2000, You Vote, located at http://youvote.msu.edu, educates student voters with frequent updates leading up to November elections. The idea for the site emerged after the 2000 elections, when there were a lot of problems with voting in East Lansing, said Ginny Haas, MSU's director of community relations. "Students had a hard time identifying where they were supposed to vote," she said.

Court shuts down for case inventory

The 54-B District Court in East Lansing will be closed on Friday. The court will perform an annual Physical Case Inventory, which is required by the Michigan Supreme Court. The offices, located at 101 Linden St., will not be open for walk-in arraignments or ticket payments, but previously scheduled felony preliminary exams will still take place. Both the police desk and the city hall parking lot have drop boxes available for filings and payments.

Study: Web users at risk for identity theft

Unless there's a blinking "WARNING" on the screen, many Internet users easily hand over personal information, according to a recent study from two MSU researchers. When users reveal information, such as their social security or credit card numbers, they are at risk for identity theft and fraud, said Robert LaRose, a telecommunication, information studies and media professor. "Online consumers are being lulled into a false sense of privacy," he said.

Campus fair turnout drops

Few students braved snowy sidewalks to learn about study abroad opportunities at the Union Wednesday. Kathleen Fairfax, director for MSU's Office of Study Abroad, said less than the January fair's average of 1,500 students showed up Wednesday. "We expected it to be lower because of the weather, but it's never been dead," she said at the fair. Fairfax said, even though students didn't brave the winter weather for information, there have been a high number of early applications.

Journal opens 'U' to modern gender issues in legal world

Surfing the Web about a year and a half ago, MSU-DCL College of Law student Emily Shipley found something that caught her eye. On a Texas law college Web site, she discovered a student publication completely devoted to discussing gender issues.

Police report increased accidents due to snow

The snow-covered streets, white-out conditions and icy roads have put some drivers in danger this week. East Lansing and MSU police have reported an increase in the number of vehicle accidents due to the hazardous driving conditions.

Buried: Storm dumps snowflakes

"It's not that bad. We'll survive. This is basically an excuse not to go to class." - Michelle Tarnowski, biological science junior "I watch out for everyone else because I know I'm a safe driver.

Michael Moore to visit campus Aud on Friday

Controversial author and filmmaker Michael Moore will visit MSU on Friday to speak about his new book "Dude, Where's My Country?" and other topics, including the upcoming presidential election and the war in Iraq.

Speaker shares stories of Holocaust survivors

"Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals, 1933-1945" has been at the MSU Museum since Oct. 26, but "Writing a Jewish Life: The Holocaust As a Personal History" is set to add more to the existing exhibit.

Burst pipe drenches Hubbard

A pipe in the North Hubbard Hall main entrance froze and then burst at about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. As the water spilled onto the lobby entrance, the fire-alarm system began to sound and residents were evacuated from the building. "When the pipe broke, the alarm system sensed water," said Paula Palmiter, assistant manager of Akers and Hubbard halls.

Academic Council postpones action

Snowy conditions hindered a large turnout for Tuesday's Academic Council meeting. Only about 38 people were in attendance, less than 20 shy of the 55 needed to take action on agenda items. Provost Lou Anna Simon instead opened the meeting by informing Academic Council members about the budget issues in front of the MSU Board of Trustees. The Academic Council was to take action on the University Committee on Curriculum report for program actions.

Benavides gives 1st State of City address

In his first State of the City address as Lansing's mayor, Tony Benavides described the city's economic situation as secure Monday night and highlighted a number of plans to improve Lansing's business activity.

Law college brings in new faculty members

MSU-DCL College of Law is trying to expand its programs by adding six staff members to the law college faculty this year. Among the new faculty hired was Paul Arshagouni, Mary Bedikian, Craig Callen, Donald Laverdure, Adam Mossoff and Peter Yu. "We are continuing to build out specializations for our students, and the faculty members we've added all are bringing expertise in specialized fields," said MSU-DCL Dean Terence Blackburn. Mossoff, who is working with Yu to develop the intellectual property program, came to MSU-DCL because its potential for growth and development.

Police briefs 01/28/04