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(03/29/06 5:29am)
The United States could potentially have 12 million new felons or 12 million new citizens, depending on two sets of immigration reform legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. \nCongress, the nation and the IU community are currently taking up the debate whether to follow Monday's Senate Judiciary Committee proposal, which would create a guest worker program and presents a path toward citizenship for many illegal immigrants already in the country. On the other hand is the option to go along with the more hard-line lead of a bill the House passed last December, which strengthens border security and would make illegal immigration a felony offense. \n"Everyone can agree that our immigration policy is broken," said John Nieto-Phillips, associate professor of history and Latino studies. "There are more people who want to work than there are visas."\nEvidence that many feel the country is in desperate need of immigration reform policies can be seen in last weekend's mass protests, where more than 500,000 took to streets in several cities to advocate a change or block of the House bill. However, there may be a decisive split of how to accomplish this goal, especially whether to criminalize or welcome the estimated 12 million illegal aliens living in the country already.\n"I think immigrant workers who have established themselves in the country are eager to participate in the democratic process and to become integral members of our body politic," Nieto-Phillips said. "I think if a bill would allow for that, it would be a good thing. I don't think a bill that criminalizes or dehumanizes them ought to be passed." \nGeography professor Dennis Conway, who has researched immigration, agreed that making felons out of illegal immigrants is a solution Congress should not pursue, adding it borders on racism and discrimination.\n"I totally disagree (with criminalizing immigrants). It's an ugly bill from an increasingly house of males," Conway said. "It's just the latest passionate outcry to appeal to some of (the country's) basic instincts of population, without calling it white power and anti-immigrant, but in fact it is.\nAccording to the Senate proposal, earning citizenship would not be an easy task for immigrants, as they would first have to meet a set of requirements that include background checks, paying back taxes, learning English and paying a fine.\nAnother key part of the controversy is whether or not to include a guest worker program into the legislation. Many House Republicans do not favor having the program, as critics state concerns it will reward immigrants for being in the country illegally. However, the Senate proposal does include a provision for the creation of about 400,000 guest worker visas, which do not require them to go back to their homeland after it expires. \nNieto-Phillips said that he supports in principal this type of program, and that even a guest worker program that sends the participants back to their country after it expires would be a better alternative than criminalizing them. \nOne similarity between the House and Senate proposals is that they both include provisions for funds to increase border security staff, equipment and techniques. One of the main reasons Congress claims to be doing so is to protect the border from infiltration by international terrorists.\nSchool of Law professor John Scanlan said there is no evidence or logic to this claim. He said our nation's ports are much more vulnerable and susceptible to being used as source of entry, and the country's national security will hardly be improved.\nConway added if the country was serious about tightening its border, it would be paying as much attention to the Canadian border, which is longer and easier to cross.\nMany who don't agree with either proposal argue that the immigration policy is fine already and should not be altered. \n"It's a very fair policy at its roots, with the ability of U.S. citizens to marry foreigners and have them join them in the U.S. being the driving principle," Conway said. "The current policy is in effect based on a whole series of issues related to family reunion."\nDespite all the recent maneuvering in Congress to pass legislation, Scanlan said he believes it will be difficult for members to reach a consensus and doesn't believe any legislation is imminent. Despite the grim forecast, many hold out hope that reform and relief for the immigrants will come.\n"About 80 million people have immigrated to the U.S. throughout our history," said Jorge Chapa, professor and director of Latino studies program. "I can't see any reason why the people who are here illegally can't be given the same opportunities as given to the 80 million immigrants who came before"
(03/28/06 5:21am)
In a country devoid of democracy for nearly all of its independent history, Ukraine's parliamentary election Sunday has been hailed as a resounding achievement in creating a representative government, while at the same time appearing to have created new obstacles for the country's party leaders to overcome. \nAs international observers acclaimed it as the nation's most free and legitimate election, the country's voters failed to give any party a majority, and the splintered parties must now form coalitions before much of the new government can assemble. \nThousands of miles away from the former Soviet Union republic, IU has an invested interest in the election results as the campus plays host to the Parliamentary Development Project for Ukraine at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. The project has been working with the Ukrainian government throughout the past several years to adopt new legislation to promote democratic principals. \nCharles Wise, the director of the project and a SPEA professor, said that while the official counts are not yet in, it is clear current Ukraine President Viktor Yushchenko's Our Ukraine Party experienced a humbling third-place defeat, as opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych's party secured the most votes and political rival and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's bloc finished second. \n"We now know that these are the parties that are going to be in negotiations to form the majority and will be nominating the new prime minister and cabinet ministers," Wise said. "And I think it will be a challenge for them to undertake these negotiations."\nAccording to the new constitutional legislation that PDP helped in part to adopt, a majority must be achieved to select the prime minster and other ministry positions. According to The Associated Press, most tracking polls put Yanukovych's lead at a little more than 27 percent, leaving his party far from a majority. \nIU graduate student and PDP member Dan J. Beers said he believes the most likely outcome is that despite Yanukovych's Party of Regions earning the most votes, Yushchenko and Tymoshenko will form an alliance to secure a majority in the government. The problem, Beers said, is that this coalition would be deeply fractured as the two leaders have substantially different beliefs in economic and reform policy. \nFreshman Bogdan Ignaschenko, who grew up and attended high school in Ukraine, said he has been watching the election closely over the past couple of days. He said he speculates a different coalition will be formed, but the result will be similar, saying that the coalition would be doomed from the start and it would only be a matter of time until it falls apart.\n"I believe that the Ukrainian people have demonstrated that they are not ready to handle a democracy," Ignaschenko said. "For the first time in Ukraine's history, the people were given a chance to vote in a truly free and democratic election ... yet they ended up voting for the same people."\nIf no coalitions are formed that make up a majority, Wise said after 60 days, the president can choose to call for new elections. \nDespite the growing consensus that the results of the election will cause controversy, friction and further political in-fighting, what is not being widely disputed is the legitimacy and democratic nature of the voting.\nJust two years ago in Ukraine's 2004 presidential election, the vote was marred with corruption and ballot stuffing. However, international observers and watchdog groups, including the PDP and the White House, have offered praise for the fairness and purity of the vote. \nWise said this election was a real step forward for Ukraine's progress toward building a true democracy, and despite isolated instances of complaints, the vote was a stark contrast to the 2004 election. \nBeers echoed Wise's statement. \n"We should not overlook the fact that these elections were judged to be essentially free and fair by international observers," Beers said. "That's a major achievement in Ukraine, and something worthy of praise, regardless of what one may think about the outcome"
(03/24/06 4:35am)
In addition to being a model, spokeswoman and wife of a famous rock star, now Elaine Irwin-Mellencamp can add board member of the Tibetan Cultural Center to her diverse list of \ntitles.\nThe Bloomington resident and wife of singer John Mellencamp was welcomed to the center's Kumbum Chamtse Ling Temple board, the governing board for the temple and its outside activities, at an event Wednesday at the center, which is located a few miles south of the IU campus. \nAn added significance to her selection to the board is that she becomes the first woman to serve in an official capacity on the board. \n"I'm pretty honored and very pleased," Irwin-Mellencamp said. "I am sure that there will be many more (women on the board) in the future."\nKathleen Connors, a staff member at the center, said the board on which Irwin-Mellencamp will be serving is one of two within the center, the other is religious-based. Connors added that the position is similar to that of executive management with responsibilities ranging from fundraising to managing the staff. \nWhile new to the position, Irwin-Mellencamp said she already has several ideas to help the center.\n"My personal goals are involving more of the community, kids and schools through education of what the center has to offer," she said.\nShe added that she would like to help teach specifically about the struggle the people of Tibet have had to endure. \nShe also added that one of her first orders of business would be to help clarify the vision of the newly appointed director, Arjia Rinpoche, who has only been on the job for a month since the Dalai Lama asked him to lead the Bloomington center. \nIrwin-Mellencamp said she first became interested in the center in 2003 when she was invited to be a spokeswoman for a children's activity when the Dalai Lama visited the \ncenter. \n"I came to see the center, and I just fell in love with it," she said. "I brought my kids with me and the environment was amazing. It really is an asset to our community as a whole."\nBloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan also attended the event to support the center and Irwin-Mellencamp's induction to the board. Kruzan said the center is not only a cultural benefit to the city, but also an economic one for the tourism it attracts. \n"Many people have not even heard of Bloomington until they walk in these doors," Kruzan said. "It's a win-win position to have this be a spiritual presence, bring strong cultural amenities and be a driving force economically."\nKruzan also applauded the center's selection of a local resident to serve on the board because most of its members are currently from out of state. He added that Irwin-Mellencamp's addition helps establish credibility for the financial future of the center, and also carries symbolic importance since she is the first woman on the board. \nIrwin-Mellencamp said the center is especially important in a city as diverse as Bloomington. \n"It adds a lot of interest and excitement to the community," she said. "I love living in a small town with the culture and diversity aspect of a big city."\nRinpoche said Irwin-Mellencamp's ability to connect people and her interest and ability to work with children were factors in her selection to the board. He added that he also put into consideration the impact of a female joining the board when making the decision. \nDuring the event, Rinpoche presented several of his guests, including Kruzan and Irwin-Mellencamp, with khataks, soft silk ribbons worn over their shoulders. The gift is a Tibetan tradition, presented to greet and honor a guest or friend.\n"We are very fortunate to have the support of the local community," Rinpoche said. "We are welcoming and celebrating (Irwin-Mellencamp) to our board"
(12/12/05 6:22am)
INDIANAPOLIS -- The IU board of trustees has approved of President Adam Herbert's appointment of IU School of Medicine Dean Craig Brater to a new position as vice president of life sciences. \nThe trustees unanimously approved the move Friday during their business meeting at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis. The appointment will take effect Jan. 1, 2006, and Brater will continue in his capacities as School of Medicine dean in addition to the new position. \n"This has been in discussion for some time so it was not really a surprise," Brater said. "The need has become increasingly apparent and the idea matured to this being the propitious time to do it."\nThe move highlights one of Herbert's highest priorities of improving the life sciences department. \n"One missing element that we had was we did not have a formal spokesperson for the department," Herbert said. "He will represent us in a wide range of other important life science operations in the state. And he will be the University coordinator of the life sciences strategic plan."\nHerbert said the appointment would considerably increase the collaboration between the medical school, Bloomington campus and the faculty at IU.\n"Life sciences is one of top priorities for the University and to bring us to that top level we need a vice president whose responsibilities are to coordinate and develop our efforts," said Stephen Ferguson, president of the board of trustees. "He was the natural choice with his background in life sciences, his great vision, and he is a very bright individual."\nOne of the prominent roles Brater will hold is to be a public figure for the department and act as its main spokesperson. \nTrustee Thomas Reilly Jr. said the new spokesperson will help the University secure grants and recruit new personnel. He also said it will increase the visibility and stature of the department. \nAs Brater now has to juggle responsibilities of being both a University vice president and dean of a prestigious medical school, he joked that one of his goals is to try get at least an hour of sleep a night -- whether he needs it or not. \nBrater went on to say that he hopes to be able to enhance the research footprint in a statewide manner, which would make "Indiana become a destination point for students, faculty and business in the life sciences." \nThe position does not come without its difficulties. Herbert has stated many times that he has very ambitious goals for life sciences, including making IU a top-five research institution in the country. \n"To make any initiative work, you need resources and usually lots of them," Brater said. "Ultimately, there is a limit to what we can accomplish internally, and we will need substantial support from the state."\nAs a medical doctor, trustee William Cast said he recognizes the need for the position in order to improve life sciences at IU. \n"To me it represents something we should be doing in terms of institutional structure," Cast said. "It's a reflection of reality that this should happen at this time"
(12/12/05 6:15am)
INDIANAPOLIS -- The IU board of trustees voted to demolish seven buildings within the Ashton Center and renovate much of the IU School of Law and law library. The board also listened to remarks from IU President Adam Herbert about the necessity of securing scholarships for the University. \nThe board approved both proposals unanimously during a business meeting Friday at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis. \nAshton Demolition\nThe Ashton Center proposal will now allow the University to begin demolition of seven buildings in Ashton Center, including Coulter Hall, Aley Hall, Aydelotte Hall, Moenkhaus Hall, Ashton Hall, Scott Hall and Foley Hall. The remaining buildings in the complex will continue to house students and academic activities. \n"The buildings in the Ashton Center have lived beyond their use," said Stephen Ferguson, president of the board of trustees. "They are hard to maintain, contain asbestos and are unneeded." \nFerguson said the asbestos within the building has not yet been a hazard to anyone's health.\nIU Architect Bob Meadows said the buildings targeted for demolition have been unoccupied and the utilities have been shut off, as the buildings have been phased out over a number of years.\nMeadows said the plan is to start the razing of the seven buildings by this spring. The demolition will cost $2.2 million.\nThe razing of Ashton is part of the University's long-term plan to renovate the facilities within Ashton Center, which is scheduled to cost $56 million in total. \nSeveral of the newer trustees said despite voting in favor of the proposition they knew little about the Ashton project. \n"I don't know too much about it," said trustee Thomas Reilly Jr. "I don't even know what Ashton looks like."\nLaw School Renovations\nDuring the meeting. the board also approved a $1.8 million renovation of the law library and the first and second floors of the law school to make the space more functional. \nDean of the School of Law Lauren Robel said the renovations will make room for more classes. \n"We are desperately short of classroom space," she said. \nIn addition. the school will try to upgrade its infrastructure to make it more accessible to bring electronics into classrooms and transfer many of the law journals into digital format to free up space, said John Applegate, law school executive associate dean for academic affairs. \n"It appears that over time there is now a greater need in different areas than before," said trustee William Cast. "Virtual cyberspace is now much more of a priority." \nRobel said the renovations would start this summer and continue for 18 months. \n"This renovation will enable us to meet our students' needs better than the existing space does," Applegate said. \nIU's scholarship needs\nAs IU shattered records on its way to securing more than $155 million of scholarship money during the past year, Herbert addressed to the board the necessity of these endowments for both the University and students.\n"IU's vision is not only to provide educational opportunity," Herbert said, "but also to assure our students are able realize their dreams."\nHerbert noted how he recently met with 33 presidential scholars and said they were a source of great pride.\nTrustee Sue Talbot also met with the scholarship recipients during the same reception. \n"As trustees we learn about all the wonderful opportunities with scholarship," she said. "However, we seldom get the chance to know how they get dispersed and how they work with a certain group of students"
(12/08/05 5:06am)
A proposal to demolish Ashton Center and a request for a $1.8 million renovation of the law school will be voted on by the IU board of trustees when it assembles Thursday and Friday. \nIn their third meeting of the school year, the trustees will convene at IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis. The board will also look at a plan to evaluate more than 40 parcels of real estate that fall outside the University's master plan. \nAshton demolition \nIU is seeking approval from the board to proceed with the demolition of seven of the eight buildings composing the current Ashton Center to make way for the new $56 million residence center to be built on the same site. \n"These buildings have been phased out over a number of years," said IU Architect Bob Meadows. "Students have not really been living in them and we have cut off the utilities, and this is the next logical step."\nMeadows said only Mottier Hall would be spared, as there are currently academic activities being held there. If the trustees approve the measure, he said, the project would begin as early as this spring. \nThe demolition of almost 170,000 gross square feet of building space on 12.7 acres is estimated to cost $2.2 million and will be funded by Residential Programs and Services. The site will then be graded and seeded to remove any traces of asbestos from the old buildings. \nLaw school renovations\nThe board will also vote on a proposal to renovate the second and third floors of the IU-Bloomington Law School and a portion of the law library. \nMost of the renovations will focus on reconfiguring existing library facilities and outdated office space into much-needed new classrooms, larger faculty offices and suites for additional academic services, said John Applegate, executive associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Law. \n"This is necessary because the law school's academic programs, number of faculty, admissions office and international programs have expanded considerably since the building was renovated in the 1980s," Applegate said. "This renovation will enable us to meet our students' needs better than the existing space does." \nMeadows said since many law journals are now being made available digitally, there is less need for space for journals in the library, and thus it allows for the creation of more room for offices and academic use. \nPending approval by the trustees, Dean of the School of Law Lauren Robel said the $1.8 million endeavor would begin during this summer and continue for a year and a half. \nReal estate review\nA vote by the trustees is expected on a declaration to review approximately 40 parcels of real estate property that fall outside the Bloomington campus master plan. \n"We would like to evaluate and study over the next several months these properties and whether the University should retain ownership of them," Meadows said. "This is the first step in that process of analysis." \nMeadows added that this does not necessarily mean any of the properties will be disposed of.
(12/02/05 2:54pm)
INDIANAPOLIS -- An anonymous donor endowed IU with $70 million, the largest scholarship gift ever given by an individual in the University's history, IU President Adam Herbert announced Thursday during a press conference at IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis. \nIn addition, Herbert also revealed the establishment of the $15 million Cox Scholars Program, named after IU alumnus and businessman Jesse Cox and his late wife, Beulah, who donated the money.\nHerbert also announced the selection of the inaugural class of 21 Cox Scholars. A committee of faculty members and students were involved in the selection process. \nSeveral of the recipients of the Cox Scholars Program were present at the announcement, including sophomore Stephanie Bruckman. Raised by a single mother and the oldest of five kids, Bruckman has had to work to pay for simple necessities as well as her education.\n"This scholarship has taken so much pressure off of my shoulders," Bruckman said. "I can finally relax and focus on my education."\nHerbert said IU alumni are giving large amounts of money this year in response to the University's request for additional support. \n"They are sharing their wealth to enhance the academic quality and to ensure Indiana's talented and hardworking citizens have access to a world-class Indiana University education," he said.\nThe $70 million gift will create about 500 new scholarships annually. By the request of the donor, who wished to be kept anonymous, two-thirds of the funds will go to the Bloomington campus and the remaining amount will go to IUPUI students. Most of the fund will go to in-state students. \n"To this very generous anonymous donor we express our deepest gratitude for such a transformational gift," Herbert said. "This gift of $70 million will materially impact our capacity to provide access to a world-class IU education." \nThe Cox endowment will establish 63 scholarships per year to academically gifted Indiana residents who are working their way through school. To encourage and support the student's employment, the scholarship provides $12,000 annually to those enrolled at IU-Bloomington and $13,500 to IUPUI students.\nThe Cox Scholars Program is based on the upbringing and experiences Cox went through when he enrolled at IU in 1939 and was only able to pay his tuition by working and starting a number of small businesses.\n"A donor who sees the future need for work, but also support, understands students very well," said IUPUI Chancellor Charles Bantz. "Working through college is tough. It takes a special drive and commitment."\nHerbert said that more than half of the Cox Scholars are the first in their families to pursue a college degree and they all work 20 to 30 hours per week. \nThe $85 million combined of the two funds help bring the total amount IU has raised for scholarships in the past 12 months to $155 million. This is expected to provide scholarship support for about 1,100 students annually.\n"The loyalty of our alumni remains a shining testament to IU's quality," Herbert said. "It also is an essential ingredient in our ability to carry out our mission as a truly public university. We are very proud of the alumni and donors whose loyalty and generosity we celebrate today."\nOther substantial gifts IU has received this year include a $25 million gift from alumnus William J. Godfrey for the Kelley School of Business and a $40.6 million gift to the Jacobs School of Music from alumni Barbara and David H. Jacobs.
(11/08/05 5:34am)
Following the lead of Alfred Kinsey, IU once again is trailblazing the path in the study of gender and sexuality. \nThe IU board of trustees unanimously approved a measure at its Friday meeting in Richmond, Ind., to create a gender studies Ph.D., making it the first and only doctorate degree offered for gender studies in the country. \n"It is an exciting and crucially important field, impacting academic and social concerns ranging from gendered relations in workplaces and families, to HIV/AIDS prevention, to scientific and media representations of bodies," said Helen Gremillion, associate professor of gender studies. "With the Ph.D. in gender studies, (IU-Bloomington) will be on the leading edge of the development of this field." \nWhile several universities in the country currently have a doctorate program in women's studies, none have yet to offer a Ph.D. in gender studies. \n"Most of the existing doctoral programs in women's studies in the country tend to divide on the social sciences or humanities track," said Suzanna Walters, chair of the Department of Gender Studies. "But what we are trying to do, which is quite demonstratively different, is work across or against disciplines in some fundamental ways."\nShe added that working with scientists across the University and utilizing their close connection with the Kinsey Institute, the gender studies department will be able to "forge new ways to conceptualize gender without boundaries of discipline lines" and investigate "the intersection of gender and sexuality."\n"It's a very timely issue," said trustee William Cast. "Application of gender while approaching psychological and social ideas should give IU new opportunities to break more ground in the field."\nThe Ph.D. program is expected to begin during the fall 2006 semester, when Walters said they expect to admit between five and seven students the first year and continue to accept about seven per year during the next several years. \n"We will set the bar very high," Walters said. "And the students we admit will be of the highest caliber." \nWalters said she foresees no major challenges in being the first university to implement the doctoral degree, and instead IU will be used as a comparison to other universities who are developing doctorate degrees in gender and women's studies.\nShe added that she expects many other institutions across the country to follow IU's lead in the coming years. \n"I think it will be the wave of the future," Walters said. "I would guess in another 10 years there will be another half dozen, at the least, new doctoral program in women's and/or gender studies."\nFor the past several years the plan to create the doctorate degree has been discussed widely within the University, but it was not until Walters arrived last year to become the chair of the Department of Gender Studies that it was put on the fast track to be confirmed.\nWalters said the Indiana Commission of Higher Education still has to approve the plan, but there is wide support for the degree, and they expect the program to be ready for next year.
(11/07/05 5:47am)
RICHMOND, Ind. -- Despite concerns by the IU Student Association, the board of trustees passed the athletics department's budget plan unanimously Friday. \nThe budget plan sets out to eliminate the athletics department's $6 million budget deficit by 2008 and allows the department to operate without the $30 student athletics fee. The plan also cuts 500 student basketball seats in Assembly Hall, which will be given to donors, and raises the price of student basketball tickets by $4 per game. \nAthletics Director Rick Greenspan said he believes faculty, staff and students had ample opportunity for input into the proposal, which was released in September. He also said he was never contacted about the IUSA survey released last week that found little support for the plan. \nThe IUSA survey found most students would favor keeping the athletics fee instead of losing the student seats, increasing ticket prices and having to pay for currently free events, such as soccer and other Olympic sports.\nAfter the trustee vote, IUSA President Alex Shortle said he was more optimistic about the proposal, noting the language used at the meeting allowed more room for student input. \n"The notion leaves a lot of flexibility, which is what we really wanted," Shortle said. "Hopefully with the language we can work with (the athletics department) on the plan." \nTrustee Thomas Reilly Jr. said he also appreciated the adjustable nature of the plan, saying it attacks the problem on a number of fronts. He added that while necessary, he was disappointed that student seats in Assembly Hall have to be taken away, and he hopes IU could have a student section that rivals schools like Purdue and Duke universities. \nStudent trustee Casey Cox declared the passed proposal a "student victory." Cox said there was much student involvement put into the plan that was unpopular on the Bloomington campus. \n"I think this is an issue that seems like it's been dragging on for the past three years," Cox said. "And I think for the University's sake, I'm glad to see that we have a plan and can put it into implementation now."\nWhile saying he fully supports the athletics department's budget plan, trustee William Cast cautioned that in order for it to succeed it has to be closely examined and updated if necessary.\n"I think it's a solution that needs to be looked at frequently," Cast said. "It should be revisited twice a year, maybe even more often."\nIncreased revenue from the football program is another component of the plan. Reilly said the revival of the Hoosiers is one factor that can determine the success of the plan. He added that while a good basketball program could take in only $3 million in revenue, a football program, similar to the University of Michigan, can make nearly $40 million. \nTrustee Vice President Patrick Shoulders said he voted for the proposal primarily because it gets rid of the student athletics fee, which he has long opposed. He said he favors the user model instead of the mandatory fee because it allows those who use the sports to pay for them instead of having everyone do so. \nThe proposal was originally presented by Greenspan at the previous September trustee meeting, after IU President Adam Herbert asked the athletics department to propose a budget plan to remove its deficit while getting rid of the athletics fee.\n"I have a lot of faith in the plan," Reilly said. "It's a good business plan presented by a good business mind"
(11/07/05 4:59am)
RICHMOND, Ind. -- Following months of debate with community members, the IU board of trustees unanimously voted to approve the building of a four-and-a-half story parking garage at the corner of Fess and Atwater avenues. \nThe measure, which would create 575 parking spaces on the southwest portion of the campus, was originally scheduled to be voted on during the September trustee meeting, but the vote was delayed after opposition from the community arose. \n"We had a full and fair hearing on this," said Patrick Shoulders, vice president of the trustees. "(IU officials) stated their case very well, laying out the need that we will still be thousands of parking places short. We heard from the public, and it was a real difficult decision for all of us."\nMany residents of the surrounding neighborhood said they were concerned the construction of the parking garage would increase traffic, pollution and would diminish the value of the community. \n"By degrading the quality of the neighborhood to the south, the University hurts itself because that area is important in helping to recruit and retain faculty," said Elm Heights resident and IU law professor Robert Fischman. "IU generally cannot outbid peer schools for faculty, but can offer quality of life advantages, such as an adjacent attractive neighborhood for raising a family, that other schools do not have."\nAfter the vote was delayed almost two months ago, IU officials participated in several meetings with community residents to hear their complaints. \nElm Heights Association President Jenny Southern said she had met with IU officials twice to discuss the situation. She said a little progress came from the discussions, as the officials agreed to add an extra entrance into the garage to lessen the amount of traffic on Fess Avenue and put in a parking operations building in the complex. \n"We realized trying to dissuade IU from deciding to do something they needed is almost impossible," Southern said. "We just wanted to discuss some alternatives and let them know that we noticed."\nShe also said she was appeased by the fact that IU Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Terry Clapacs reassured them that it is not likely another garage will be built in the area for the next 20 years. She said if another garage were to be built near the neighborhood, there would be much more backlash from the community. \nOthers requested the University to look at alternative options for transportation that would be cheaper and safer for the environment. Buff Brown, transportation planner for the Office of Air Quality in the State Department of Environmental Management, said the University should look at accommodating more bike usage and offering free city transit to faculty and staff. \n"There are many, many things our University can do that they haven't done," Brown said. "Universities all over the nation are doing these things, and we are sitting behind the eight ball with regards to parking." \nDespite the concerns surrounding the proposal, the trustees argued the parking garage is necessary to solve the University's current and future parking problems. \nTrustee President Stephen Ferguson said when the Multi-Disciplinary Science Building I is constructed, the parking will be needed to accommodate the large number of faculty and staff that will be working there.\nWhile approving the measure by saying the University simply cannot turn back the large number of faculty and staff that live outside the county, trustee William Cast suggested the board further study parking and traffic issues.\n"Many issues brought forward by those who regret the addition of parking in that location that will survive the new garage such as pollution, congestion, access to the garage, walking, bicycles and energy policy should not be laid aside," Cast said. "They call for revisiting the campus master plan"
(11/05/05 2:25am)
RICHMOND, Ind. - Despite concerns by the IU Student Association, the board of trustees passed the athletics department's budget unanimously Friday. \nThe budget plan will eliminate the athletic department budget deficit and allows the department to operate without the $30 student athletics fee. The plan also cuts 500 student basketball seats in Assembly Hall, which will be given to donors, and raises the price of student basketball tickets by $4 per game. \nAthletics Director Rick Greenspan said he believes faculty, staff and students had ample opportunity for input into the proposal, which was released in September. He also said he was never aware or informed of an IUSA survey released last week that found little support for the plan. \nThe IUSA survey found most students would favor keeping the athletics fee instead of losing the student seats, increasing ticket prices and having to pay for currently free events, such as soccer and Olympic sports.\nAfter the trustee vote, IUSA President Alex Shortle said he was more optimistic on the proposal, noting the language used at the meeting allowed more room for student input. \n"The notion leaves a lot of flexibility, which is what we really wanted," Shortle said. "Hopefully with the language we can work with (the athletics department) on the plan." \nStudent trustee Casey Cox declared the passed proposal a "student victory." Cox said there was much student involvement put into the plan that will eliminate a mandatory student fee that was unpopular on the Bloomington campus. \n"I think this is an issue that seems like its been dragging on for the past three years," Cox said. "And I think for the University's sake, I'm glad to see that we have a plan and can put it into implementation now."\nThe proposal was originally presented at the previous September trustee meeting, after IU President Adam Herbert asked the athletics department to propose a 5-year budget plan to pull the department out of its budget deficit while removing the athletics fee.
(11/04/05 5:52am)
He would have never won a record-setting seven consecutive Tour de France titles. He would not have been named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year three years running. He probably would not be alive today had it not been for the work of Dr. Lawrence H. Einhorn, a leading clinical oncologist at the IU Cancer Center and distinguished professor.\nAfter being diagnosed with an aggressive form of testicular cancer in the fall of 1996, cyclist Lance Armstrong arrived at the IU Cancer center, where he was treated and cured by Einhorn, who had developed a revolutionary chemotherapy regimen years before to treat testicular cancer. \nNow the Lance Armstrong Foundation is honoring Einhorn and thanking the University by establishing the Lance Armstrong Foundation Chair in Oncology at IU. The $1.5 million endowment will provide funding for research and related programs within the department. \n"For many people, (Einhorn) has given them their lives back and Lance is one of those people," said LAF Associate Director of Public Relations Stephanie Elsea. "That's obviously one of the reasons we wanted to endow the chair."\nThe $1.5 million will not all be spent initially, as Steve Williams, director of the IU Cancer Center, said the yield on most endowments is about 4 or 5 percent to be used by the recipient of the title. The rest, he said, will be used as principal to create interest so the chair lasts indefinitely. \n"In Dr. Einhorn's case, approximately $75,000 will be paid annually to the Department of Medicine to support cancer research initiatives directed by Dr. Einhorn," said IU School of Medicine Senior Associate Director Mary Maxwell.\nBecoming the first chairman of the endowment, Einhorn, along with the University, will decide how exactly they will put the money to use for research and clinical trials that will directly support Einhorn's studies. Williams said Einhorn will hold the chair indefinitely until he either chooses to give it up or is no longer a full-time professor at IU. \nEinhorn said the areas he would like to focus the money on include the human genome study and trying to identify individual genes and proteins that can be identified in the tumor tissue or the bloodstream. He also said it will help in individualized cancer therapy for patients. \nHe added that the endowment has extra benefits in the freedom it provides. As opposed to grants, which have to be approved and are not easily modified, this gives him more control to do the research he feels will be the most useful. \n"It's a great feeling, and not only because of the financial amount that allows us to do some cancer research we wouldn't otherwise be doing," Einhorn said. "But it's because it's coming from Lance and the Lance Armstrong Foundation."\nEinhorn's most accredited medical contribution is his work in the mid-1970s to develop a ground-breaking chemotherapy regimen that dramatically increased the rate of survival for testicular cancer patients. Elsea said because of his work, the survival rate for those diagnosed with testicular cancer is currently at about 95 percent, up from what was essentially a death sentence in the early 1970s. \n"In the world of cycling, Lance Armstrong is a superstar -- everyone knows Lance as a cyclist," Elsea said. "In the world of oncology, Dr. Einhorn is pretty much the equivalent." \nOn Oct. 2, 1996, at the age of 25 and already one of the top cyclists in the world, Armstrong was diagnosed with an advanced stage of testicular cancer that had spread to his abdominal cavity, brain and lungs. \nThat is when he sought out the world-renowned Einhorn.\nTreated at the IU Medical Center by Einhorn and Dr. Craig Nichols of the Oregon Cancer Center, he first underwent surgery Oct. 24 of that year to remove the two tumors in his brain.\nIntensive chemotherapy treatments followed. He arrived in Indianapolis and, for five days, was administered the therapy by Einhorn before returning home for about two-and-a-half weeks to recover. This was repeated four separate times for a total of about 10 months. \nOne year after being diagnosed, in October 1997, the tumors had disappeared from the chest X-ray and his HCG count had stabilized at a normal 1.5. He was finally pronounced cured. \nIt was during his final stages of his treatment, before being cured, that Armstrong founded the LAF to fund cancer research and create survivor centers around the country. The group is most famous for its yellow Livestrong wristbands, of which they have already sold about 56 million. Also, the group sponsors a number of events, such as the recent Ride for the Roses, which took in $7.5 million to raise money for programs and grants like the IU endowment. \n"In this day in age (it is) increasingly difficult to get state or federal funding for cancer research," Einhorn said. "We are dependent on foundation support and philanthropy to achieve the goals we set out to do"
(11/04/05 4:27am)
Controversy surrounding the athletics department's proposed budget plan and the planned building of the Henderson/Atwater parking garage will be settled during the IU board of trustees meeting today. \nMeeting for the second time this school year, the trustees will convene at the IU-East Richmond campus in Richmond, Ind., to vote on these two highly debated issues during the business meeting today. The board will also vote on the approval of the mission differentiation statements for IU and its eight campuses and a proposal will be heard to make IU the first university in the country to offer a doctorate degree in gender studies.
(10/20/05 5:08am)
Interim IU-Bloomington Chancellor Ken Gros Louis has always made promoting diversity at IU one of his top goals. By creating several cultural centers, helping increase minority enrollment and supporting the hiring of minorities into administration positions, he has done just that during his more than 40-year tenure at the University. \nRecognizing Gros Louis' career-long contributions to diversity, the American Council on Education's Center for Advancement of Racial and Ethnic Equality presented him with one of three Reginald Wilson Diversity Leadership Awards in a ceremony Oct. 7 in Phoenix. \n"This is a lifetime achievement award," said William Harvey, vice president of the center at ACE. "Dr. Gros Louis has done just that in his many years of service promoting diversity."\nHarvey went on to say that Gros Louis has made a more diverse setting at IU by providing opportunities and services for students and faculty of various races and backgrounds. \nSpecifically, Harvey said Gros Louis' efforts in creating the African American, Asian and Latino cultural centers on campus are one of Gros Louis' top achievements. The ACE also considered his help with a diversity plan which helped in "appointing many people of color to various positions in the administration."\n"I am honored and surprised to be the recipient of this reward," Gros Louis said. "Promoting diversity at IU not only helps minority students but also the entire student population as they can learn about other cultures."\nAs the first and only person of verifiable American Indian ancestry to lead a major U.S. research university, Gros Louis has always had a deep commitment to promoting diversity on campus.\n"Ken Gros Louis' fingerprints can be found on virtually every one of IU's diversity initiatives dating back to the late 1960s, when he joined a group of Bloomington faculty on a visit to Gary, Ind., to recruit prospective minority students," Charlie Nelms, vice president for institutional development and student affairs, said in a press release. "Those activities led to the establishment of the Groups Program, the Minority Achievers Program and the Strategic Hiring Program, among others."\nFrom his work with the Hudson and Holland Scholars Program, which seeks to recruit and retain academically gifted minorities, to assisting the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Support Services office in its initiatives, Gros Louis has covered a wide variety of areas in his efforts and support of diversity, said his supporters. \n"During Ken's long tenure as vice president for academic affairs and chancellor of the Bloomington campus, IU has become recognized widely as a University that provides a very supportive and nurturing learning environment for all of its students," said IU President Adam Herbert in a press release. "While there is still work to be done, under his leadership, Bloomington's minority enrollments have increased steadily, and its retention rate has become a model for student persistence." \nAs the nation's largest association representing higher education, the ACE created the Reginald Wilson Diversity Leadership Award in 2001 to recognize those who have worked to promote diversity on college campuses in the long-term. Joining Gros Louis as the other recipients of the 2005 award were Jacquelyn M. Belcher, former president of Georgia Perimeter College, and Tomas Arciniega, president emeritus of California State University, Bakersfield. \nDespite all the achievements and recognition Gros Louis has earned during his long tenure at IU, he added the University still has to do more before he will be satisfied with the state of diversity on campus. \n"I think we all can agree that there is more to be done to promote diversity at IU," Gros Louis said. "We need to be more aggressive in working with students in middle and grade school to be prepared for college and be taking the right courses"
(10/11/05 5:21am)
Thirty men trailed the group of about 175 women as they marched through the Sample Gates and down Kirkwood Avenue for the annual "Take Back the Night" Monday evening.\nBut these men weren't late, they weren't stragglers, but instead they were literally standing behind the women and supporting them in their protest against sexual assault and domestic violence against women. \n"It is very symbolic standing behind all these women," said former Bloomington resident Daniel Gruner. "Because all we can do is be in a supportive role for them. We can't do it for them."\nBefore beginning their trek across campus and to the Monroe County Courthouse, the crowd gathered at 6:30 p.m. in Dunn Meadow to hear speeches, listen to live music and attend booths set up by various student and community organizations that sponsored the event. \n"Tonight we take a stand against domestic violence," said president of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance Megan Sharkey. "Tonight we have an opportunity to 'take back the night.'"\nGender studies professor Julie Thomas, one of speakers during the event, fervently expressed a need for community and University officials to do more to prevent sexual assault. \n"Bloomington and Indiana foster a rape culture," Thomas said. "The University is in denial of the prevalence of rape. They need to hear from you now."\nThomas went on to say that up to 75 rapes occurred at IU last year and demanded that the University provide a full-time educator to speak about violence prevention to men, a comprehensive rape prevention program and to help stop myths, jokes and portrayals that encourage violence against women. \nHundreds of candles placed inside small Dixie cups were then passed out among the attendees standing and sitting in Dunn Meadow, as a candlelight vigil was held in memory of the victims of rape and domestic violence. The names of several local victims were then called out as a somber moment of silence followed.\nBefore lining up to begin the march, Nigel Pizzini, adviser of the newly formed Men's Coalition, requested all men march behind the women in order to show their support while allowing them to exercise their independence. \n"It's important to show our support and help prevent (domestic violence)," said sophomore Michael Raunick. "Also we need to show men are part of the solution and not the problem."\nMarching from the meadow, around Showalter Fountain, by Ballantine Hall and then through the Sample Gates, most of the men abided by the request and brought up the rear of the marching crowd, while some still remained alongside the women. \nChanting sayings such as "Women unite, we'll never be defeated" and "Survivors unite, take back the night" throughout the entire march, the crowd became silent as they crossed Washington Street in order to show remembrance to the victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. \nReaching the courthouse, the men and women split up as each went to opposite sides to hear several speeches and then had the opportunity to participate in an open-mic speak-out to voice past experiences or their views. \n"The more voices, the more we are accomplishing," said freshman Marie Ngouen. "If just everyone was involved, then we can do so much"
(10/10/05 4:54am)
About 100 students and community members are planning to march down Kirkwood Avenue tonight in an effort to call attention to domestic violence and sexual assault. \nThe annual "Take Back the Night" event first started more than 25 years ago in Europe in an effort to make the streets safer at night for women. It has now spread to college campuses nationwide and cities throughout the world, as organizers try to put an end to all types of violence against women.\n"This event has been going on for years, not just in Bloomington, but around the world," said president of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance Megan Sharkey. "It's important especially here in Bloomington because we have such a large community and a large student community. (Domestic violence) occurs a lot here, unfortunately." \nBeginning at 6:30 p.m., the event will commence with a candlelight vigil in Dunn Meadow in remembrance of women who have been victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Several speakers will be making presentations and live music will be played as well. \nAt 7:30 p.m., the group plans to begin its march around campus, through the Sample Gates and down Kirkwood Avenue until it reaches the Monroe County Courthouse. There, an open-microphone speak-out will give anyone an opportunity to share the impact of domestic violence or sexual assault on their lives. Finally, a reception will be held at 10 p.m. at Encore Cafe, 3220 E. Third St. \n"Our main goal is to bring awareness to people who may not be aware or have little understanding of domestic violence," Sharkey said. "I hope that people who have never experienced an event like this or don't know a lot about domestic violence come to this event to learn what's going on in our community, society and world."\nAs opposed to last year's separate events for men and women, Sharkey said this year both sexes are encouraged to attend all events together. However, she added, they will ask the men to march behind the women, in a more supportive role. There will also be two separate open-mic speak-outs at the courthouse, one for the men and one for women, but only a small distance will separate them. \nThrough the speak-outs and other activities during the night, organizers are hoping to encourage discussion and draw attention to a topic generally shunned from public conversation.\n"I feel our society doesn't address the topic," Sharkey said. "It's something we just don't talk about. It's one of those hush-hush things. This event brings a voice to the movement to end domestic violence."\nThe event is sponsored and coordinated by several IU students and Bloomington community members. Sharkey said the three main student groups taking part are the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, Women's Student Association and Friends of Middle Way House. The City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women is also among the event's co-sponsors. \nAll proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Middle Way House, a Bloomington organization that aims to end violence in the lives of women and children. The group services much of southern Indiana and has expanded globally as well. \nSharkey said they are hoping for about 100 people to attend the event, including 30 from the men's coalition, plus 50 members from the community. She added several student organizations will be present in Dunn Meadow, and she hopes many of their members come as well.
(09/28/05 5:22am)
IU President Adam Herbert announced his goal for the University to become an international leader in life sciences research, a proposal to raise faculty salaries and plans to strengthen arts and humanities as he delivered his State of the University address Tuesday. \nBefore a crowd of more than 200, Herbert declared new University-wide priorities for the upcoming year in his second annual speech since his inauguration. Herbert said the University can't "rest on our laurels" but instead should become increasingly more effective and efficient.
(09/27/05 5:20am)
IU President Adam Herbert is expected to outline in his State of the University address today several initiatives to substantially increase IU's research budget, complete the University's mission differentiation project and remain a leader in information technology.\nHerbert will deliver his second annual speech since his inauguration at 3 p.m. today in the Frangipani Room of the Indiana \nMemorial Union, where he is expected to set forth a list of priorities and goals the University is to focus upon for the upcoming year and in the long term.\n"(Herbert) will talk about academics and preserving and protecting all the good things we have," said IU Director of Media Relations Larry MacIntyre.\nSignificantly improving University sponsored research, particularly in the life sciences, is expected to be one of the focal points of Herbert's address. MacIntyre said Herbert will discuss his goal to increase IU's research grants from $477 million during the past academic year to $760 million by 2013. \n"Sponsored research really has been a major priority of the president since he has got here," MacIntyre said. "It's a very ambitious goal, and he wants to encourage all of the faculty at IU to be a part of it."\nDetermining mission differentiation between the eight IU campuses is another topic Herbert is expected to detail during his speech. As debate still echoes within the administration regarding whether to raise admissions standards at the Bloomington campus, MacIntyre said Herbert will talk about future steps and offer guidance to ensure the University makes the right decision.\nHerbert is also scheduled to speak about guaranteeing the information technology program at IU remains one of the best in the country. \nWhile MacIntyre said the University believes that many of its arts and humanities programs are already among the best in the country, he said Herbert will detail ways to maintain the program's excellence, such as upcoming activities in the School of Music to attract music teachers who are at the pinnacle of their fields. \nSecuring additional fund-raising for the University is another priority Herbert will address. MacIntyre said though IU is one of the most successful fund-raising institutions in the country, preserving that status is just as difficult as achieving it. \nHerbert is also scheduled to discuss ways to further contribute to Indiana's economy, preparing students for careers in a global culture and economy, and increasing the University's operational efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.
(09/20/05 6:04am)
After suffering the lowest IU-Bloomington freshmen enrollment in four years and 613 fewer freshmen than the previous year, last fall the University appeared to be in serious financial despair. However, after enrollment numbers became known for the current school year, University officials said the outlook is more optimistic.\nThe 2005 enrollment report was presented at the Friday board of trustees meeting. Most significantly, freshmen enrollment increased 9.3 percent, with 659 more freshmen attending IUB this semester than in the fall of 2004.\nThe increase in freshmen students gives the University some much-needed finances, said Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Judith Palmer at Friday's meeting. \nThe jump in freshmen enrollment gives IU $2.5 million dollars more than what was projected for the fall semester. However, for the year, the University is at a net gain of $500,000 for the projected budget because of lower than expected summer enrollment numbers. \n"We were 613 freshmen below budget last year," said Neil Theobald, Bloomington vice chancellor for budgetary administration and planning. "So the number last year was artificially low. Basically we are back, maybe a little over, but not tremendously over that difference."\nTheobald said the previous year's decrease was primarily because of the problem with the PeopleSoft software which prevented hundreds from receiving financial aid and thus prohibiting them from enrolling. That problem has now been corrected, he added.\nDespite the higher freshmen numbers, overall enrollment at IUB was only up .4 percent over 2004 to a total of 37,958 students. University-wide, there was a total net loss of two students for the 98,543 enrolled in the eight IU campuses, compared to last year. Only the Bloomington campus saw significant increases in freshmen enrollment as IU-Southeast fell 11.4 percent and the Northwest and East campuses dropped 6.4 and 6 percent, respectively. \n"President Herbert is quite pleased overall with the results," said IU Director of Media Relations Larry MacIntyre. "Obviously there are some minor shortfalls in there, a couple of the regional campuses that caught his attention. By and large, he thought the numbers were just about right."\nThe quality of incoming students has also increased, said Charlie Nelms, vice president for student development and diversity. Nelms announced Friday that the average SAT scores for incoming freshmen increased. SAT math scores improved from 523 to 529, and SAT verbal scores rose four points to 520. \nTheobald cited increased scholarships as the main reason for the rise in the scores. \n"We raised quite a bit of money in terms of gifts, targeted specifically at financial aid for high-achieving incoming freshmen," Theobald said. "We had a very aggressive attempt to raise money so we could compete with other universities for high achieving students."\nDiversity was another area that experienced increases from this year's enrollment. At IUB, Asian student enrollment is 3.4 percent of the campus total, an increase of 5.8 percent. Black students now total 4.4 percent of the campus, an increase of 9.6 percent.\n"I'm pleased with the increase but the University definitely needs to do more," said Edwardo Rhodes, interim associate vice president for student development and diversity. "There are many parts of the Indiana population, not just minorities, that we are not reaching."\nRhodes added that to get more minority students and underrepresented residents of Indiana to enroll he wants to encourage the use of the 21st Century Scholars program. The scholarship is first offered to students around seventh or eighth grade, where after completing certain criteria -- such as maintaining a decent grade point average and staying out of trouble -- they will be supported when they enroll at IU. \nOne category in Bloomington that saw a steep decline from last year was part-time undergraduate students, dropping 11.2 percent. \nInterim Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services Roland Coté said this comes as a result from the 6.1 percent drop in non-degree students. He added, "Although there is a drop in part-time students, 88.8 percent of the student body is full-time. This is a record high for the Bloomington campus"
(09/19/05 3:28am)
Despite the considerable amount of discussion devoted to the athletics department's new financial plan, trustees also debated new enrollment figures, delayed a vote on the proposed site of the new Honors College and heard presentations by the new student trustee and IU Student Association president Friday. \nAfter suffering a drop in enrollment the previous year, resulting in financial constraints across the campus, IU President Adam Herbert said this year's University-wide enrollment figures are nearly identical to last year's. For the entire University, Herbert said there are only two fewer students than last fall. \nHowever, the IU-Bloomington freshman enrollment is up 9.3 percent to a total of 7,761 from last fall when it dropped to 7,102, partly due to the problems with the PeopleSoft software that prevented IU from sending out financial aid awards.\nThe higher enrollment numbers is good financial news for IU, as the University is still reeling from last year's budget shortfall that resulted from the drop in enrollment. \nThe jump in freshman enrollment means IU will receive about $2.5 million more in revenue from the fall semester than officials expected, said Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Judith Palmer.\nHowever, she added that because of lower-than-expected summer enrollment, the net income will be approximately $500,000 more than the projected budget. \nNot only is this year's freshman class larger than last year's, there have been increases academically as well. Charlie Nelms, vice president for student development and diversity, announced that IU experienced increases in all campuses with regard to SAT scores as verbal score averages moved from 516 to 520 and math scores increased from 523 to 529. Also, five IU campuses saw a rise in the number of students coming from the top 10 percent of their high school classes. \nEnrollment for several ethnic minorities also showed increases at the Bloomington campus, as the number of Asian-American students increased 5.8 percent from last year and African-Americans climbed by 9.6 percent, although black students still only account for 4.4 percent of the total campus population.
