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(04/01/03 4:37am)
For some migrant students, a day filled with homework and classes can't compare to a day of working in the fields with their parents.\n"Migrant parents take their children to the fields to teach them the value of hard work," said Gerardo Lopez, an assistant professor of education. "To show them what life is like in the fields, and to demonstrate to them that if they did not graduate from school, their job opportunities would probably be limited to migratory work."\nSince 1990, Indiana Latinos accounted for 1.8 percent of the state's population. According to the 2000 census, the Latino population has increased to 3.5 percent. These figures show the Indiana counties of Marion, Lake, Elkhart, Allen, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe, Porter and Kosciusko have experienced the largest increase of Latinos.\n"Migration had to play a significant role in this growth," said Robert Aponte, a sociologist at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis wrote in a recent study.\nAponte said the Latino population is quickly shifting away from the long-standing pattern of concentration in the northwestern sector, thus spreading throughout the state.\n"The Latino population in Indiana is growing exponentially, and since the majority of migrant students and parents are Latino, this area is getting the attention of state leaders in education and social services," Lopez said.\nThe generic definition of "parental involvement" might include bake sales, helping with homework, or attending a Parent Teacher Association meeting. Lopez said many migrant parents might be involved in ways not visible to educators.\n"My work does not aim to teach educators how to involve migrant parents in specific ways, but rather, to educate them about various ways in which migrant parents are already involved in the educational lives of their children," Lopez said.\nMigrant workers view education as an essential aspect to a bright future, he said. Developing their skills and education beyond their families' farming is something many of the students aspire to. \n"Education is seen as a way out of the migrant stream," Lopez said. "It's not that parents devalue being migrants, but they want more for their children."\nHe said the increase of migrant students will cause the educational system to face a variety of challenges and demands. The schools will have to understand how to educate the migrant students while ensuring that the current students don't fall behind.\n"To educate the student at the highest level," Lopez said, "requires planning, professional development for teachers, adequate funding from (English as a new language) programs, translators, curriculum coordination -- just to ensure that migrant students don't lag behind academically"
(02/24/03 5:45am)
IU's Center for the Study of Global Change may exist in a small building, but it has big plans. The center recently undertook several international research and teaching projects as part of its goal to intertwine globalization and education.\nThe center has completed a digital archiving project in collaboration with the League of Nations archive located in the Library of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Switzerland. The workers digitized thousands of photographs during the multi-year project. \nAccording to Professor Brian Winchester, the center's director, the archive will soon debut online. \nLater this semester representatives from the center will return to Geneva to begin a new project in connection with the International Bureau of Education (IBE) where workers will sort, digitize and record the annual "National Reports on the Development of Education" presented by IBE member countries. \n"We want to make available (the reports) from 1934 up until 1996," said retired international documents librarian Marian Shaaban.\nThe initial stage of the project will focus on reports from Arab countries, however Shaaban said she plans to expand the project to include all Islamic countries. \nAccording to Winchester, the Center will use the bureau's staff as its primary source of laborers; however, it is likely that students from IU's School of Library and Information Science will be recruited to help.\nShaaban will join the Geneva researchers for two weeks in April as the project gets underway in the coming months. \n"I have such a long familiarity with the collection and the documents," Shaaban said. "I am the beginning person to help get the project underway."\nThe center will also digitize many of the last decade's national reports from their own collection.\nWinchester said the "modest" project will make substantial progress within a year. He said the center plans to apply for federal funding in order to take the project to the next level. \nThe center is also designing a Global Interactive Academic Network (GIANT). Thus far, 18 countries use interactive video links to host lectures from speakers in other countries, greatly reducing the cost of guest speakers and increasing accessibility to foreign authorities.\n"To fly somebody in from Norway is expensive, a video link is a couple of hundred bucks," Winchester said.\nThis technology will not be used only for guest speakers. Planning is taking place for a joint learning program with Umeá, Sweden. GIANT will eventually evolve into what Winchester termed a "multi-site, synchronous colloquia" in which international conferences will take place between many different universities.\nAccording to the center's Web site, it also runs many student-oriented programs including an international studies summer institute and undergraduate minor program and a year-long graduate seminar on research in less-developed countries.\nIn addition, the center supervises several Web sites that offer online courses, databases and other resource materials to both students and scholars world-wide.
(02/20/03 6:24am)
IU has taken an official stance supporting the University of Michigan in its affirmative action admissions policy case, in which a white student is challenging the university policy of recognizing race and ethnicity during admissions decisions.\nThe University filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court Wednesday in the case of Grutter v. Bollinger, supporting the consideration of race as a factor in admissions. Wednesday was the final day to file the briefs, which are submitted by non-party members to advise the court. \nIU interim president Gerald Bepko said the University believes diversity is important to the student's learning experience.\n"If use of race in pursuit of diversity is determined unconstitutional, our ability to admit a student body that best meets our academic mission would be compromised," Bepko said in a statement.\nGloria Gibson, associate vce chancellor for Multicultural Affairs, said she is pleased that the trustees have remained clear with their stance on this issue.\n"I am happy that the University is publicly supporting the University of Michigan," she said. "It deserved a statement, and the trustees have made their stance clear in the past and been consistent with their statements."\nAbout 40 universities Tuesday said they planned to file briefs, including the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Miami, despite the state of Florida coming forth against Michigan's case.\nOhio State also released a statement supporting Michigan and the use of ethnicity in admissions.\n"The Council on Diversity wants to affirm that diversity is not a deficit, but a dividend, not a burden but a blessing, not a fad but our future," Ohio State officials said in the statement. \nOther nationally prominent groups including the United Auto Workers and the AFL-CIO also announced they would file a brief on Michigan's behalf.\nThe IU School of Law admissions committee uses race and ethnicity as well as grade point average and law school test scores to make their decisions.\nIn IU's brief, the University said it relied on the 1978 Bakke decision in using ethnicity in its law school admission policy.\n"Faculty at the IU School of Law have determined that a diverse student body in the school is an important part of the school's effort to provide the highest quality education to all of its students possible," the brief said. "In furthering diversity through its admissions program, IU School of Law both confers substantial benefits upon its students and responds to expectations of the state, the legal community and employers who recruit the school's graduates."\nPresident Bush spoke out against the Michigan policy in January. Opponents will have a chance to respond to supporters' briefs.\nThe case will be argued before the Supreme Court on April 1, 2003.\nThe Associated Press contributed to this report.
(02/18/03 4:52am)
'Legacy' points only aid those not in need\nMr. Dillon, what you are missing is that "legacy" preferences may well be an example of "disparate impact" discrimination; i.e., a seemingly neutral rule that operates to the disadvantage of a protected group (race or ethnicity in this instance, not gender). Since higher education has been traditionally less accessible to racial minorities in the past, giving a preference to the children of alumni may well tend to perpetuate that inequity. And obviously, every space at Yale that is given to a legacy like George W., who likely would not have been accepted on his own merit, is one less space available for someone else. \nVirginia Boswell Fischer, B.A., J.D. FASE Mentoring Program staff member
(02/11/03 4:54am)
Sedia's music reviews lack knowledge\nIn the many articles that I've read over the past year regarding musical critiques, I am amazed at the lack of preparation and background information displayed by (Adam Sedia). As an example, the reviews of Stravinsky's "Petrouchka" and Bartok's "Miraculous Mandarin," both ballet scores, show that the critic clearly had no idea what either ballet was about. I imagine Sedia attending an orchestral performance of the "Nutcracker" Suite and saying, "There are too many breaks between pieces, and they have almost no connection to each other. However, there was no piano, organ or celeste in it, so it was orchestrated beautifully."\nKris Lou Graduate student
(02/06/03 6:28am)
Gloria Steinem, best-known as a feminist leader and founder of Ms. magazine, will speak today at 7 p.m. at the IU Auditorium. Steinem will present the keynote address for the Kinsey Institute's series "Women's Sexualities: Portrayals and Perspectives," and share her own view on the changing face of women's sexualities over the past 50 years.\nThe series celebrates Alfred Kinsey's "Sexual Behavior in the Human Female," published 50 years ago. Tickets for the speech are free and available to students and non-students, who must pick them up either at the IU Auditorium box office or at the IMU Activities Desk.\nSteinem's speech, titled "Sex and the Feminist Revolution," will reflect her long-standing involvement in the feminist movement in the United States. Steinem is credited with popularizing the feminist movement in America and is one of the most revered figures in the feminist movement. \n"(A feminist) can be a woman or a man who believes in the full social, economic (and) political equality of women and men," Steinem said in a 1994 interview. "To say 'radical feminist' is only a way of indicating that I believe the sexual caste system is a root of race and class and other divisions."\nFor the Kinsey Institute, Steinem was a logical choice for the keynote address -- she has been labeled a pioneer in the area of feminism and treating women's sexuality with respect. \n"She has been exploring the area of women's sexuality from a female perspective, which was a new area not too long ago," said Nancy Letham, director of development at the Kinsey Institute.\nSteinem's visit fits in with the Kinsey Institute's mission to promote interdisciplinary research and scholarship in the fields of human sexuality, gender and reproduction.\n"I think she will help us put in perspective where we are coming from in understanding women's sexuality, where we are, and the territory we still need to cover," Letham said.\nBorn in 1934, Steinem has established herself as one of the founders of modern feminism. She went to Smith College in Massachusetts, graduating with a degree in government. After studying abroad, Steinem became a free-lance writer in New York, ultimately working for Esquire, Glamour and other magazines. In her role as contributing editor and political columnist for New York Magazine, Steinem covered everything from the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., to United Farm Workers demonstrations led by Cesar Chavez. In 1972, Steinem founded Ms. magazine with Dorothy Pitman Hughes. \nFor her accomplishments, McCall's magazine named Steinem 'woman of the year' that year. In addition to her work in the media and on the lecture circuit, Steinem has written numerous books. Her 1992 book, Revolution from Within: A Book of Self-Esteem, was a No. 1 bestseller and has been translated into 11 languages.\nStephanie Sanders, associate director of the Kinsey Institute, will introduce the anniversary celebration before Steinem's speech. In addition to Steinem's visit, the celebration includes art exhibits, lectures, presentations and panel discussions. The planning for the anniversary celebration has been going on for almost a year. \n"Steinem is a female legend in her own time," said Claire Tramm, Union Board's marketing director. "This is an opportunity for those who have learned about her and those who know nothing about her to hear her speak."\nUnion Board also sponsors the keynote address and worked with the Kinsey Institute to make Steinem's visit to campus possible. UB vice president for membership Mzilikazi Kone will introduce Steinem.\n"It will be empowering to hear Ms. Steinem speak," Kone said. "She has inspired so many people to get involved with feminist issues. It's great to have her share her experience with the student body and the community."\nDuring her time on campus, Steinem will also participate in a taped panel discussion at WTIU, "On sex, women, and the media." While the discussion will be filmed while Steinem is on campus, the panel will air at 10 p.m. Feb. 13. The discussion will be moderated by Kathy Krendel, the dean of the Department of Communications at Ohio University. IU Professor of Journalism Radhika Parameswaran, Associate Professor of Communications Angharad Valdivia of the University of Illinois and Vicky Shields, director of the Women's Studies Program at Bowling Green State University will participate in the discussion.\n"These scholars will look at women in the media from various perspectives," Letham said.
(02/04/03 4:24am)
Bagel shop closes\nHowie's Bagels & Cafe, 2620 E. 3rd St., served its customers for the last time Sunday.\nSeveral factors led to the store's closing, said senior Robert Wittenberg, manager and son of owner Howard Wittenberg.\n"It's not necessarily that (business) was going poorly, it's just that it wasn't what it was... He didn't want to have to do it anymore," Robert said, whose Jordan Hall location closed Friday. "Being in the restaurant and retail business is a tough thing and I think he enjoys teaching more."\nHoward, who received both his undergraduate and law degrees from IU, teaches business law and an introductory business course at Ivy Tech State College in Bloomington. He will focus his time on teaching now that the bagel shop is closed, his son said.\nIn addition to his father losing interest, Robert said that his graduation in May was another consideration in his father's decision to close the store.\nHoward opened Howie's Bagels & Cafe in 1996 when his oldest child came to IU. He now closes the store as his youngest graduates. \nRobert, a business management major, said his experience working at Howie's was invaluable and he enjoyed the experience because it kept him busy and close to his father.\nRed trash bins upset local residents\nSome southern Indiana residents are mad about new 96-gallon red "Hoosier Hoppers" recently delivered to their homes for trash collection.\n"I don't particularly want to be looking at 200 of these fire engine-red things as I drive in and out of the neighborhood," said Rob Westcott.\nCallers have complained to area radio stations and to local newspapers about the bins, which were delivered to customers in and around the IU campus.\nThe containers were given to customers of Hoosier Disposal and Recycling Services, a company owned by Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Republic Services Inc.\nBut Jeff Wilson, manager at Hoosier Disposal, said last Tuesday that only about 50 of the company's 8,100 customers have called with complaints about the bins or to request additional ones.\n"Red is part of our company colors. It fits in with Bloomington," Wilson said. "Everybody likes red. I thought everybody did."\nA notice given to customers said all trash must be placed in the new bins.\nThe company will work with older customers having problems navigating the large containers by providing them with smaller ones, Wilson said.\nThe containers were given to customers so that the trash collection company could cut down on worker injuries and worker's compensation costs by making it easier to move the trash, he said.\nPurdue business plan climbs to $144,000 with new sponsors\nWest Lafayette, Ind. -- Four new sponsors have increased the prize in Purdue University's 2003 Life Sciences Business Plan Competition to $144,000.\nCentral Indiana Corporate Partnership and the Indiana Health Industry Forum announced they will contribute a combined $20,000 for the best business plan presented by an Indiana-connected team in the inaugural competition. \nThe event is scheduled for April 22-23 on the West Lafayette campus.\nThe lead sponsors of the competition are Purdue's Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship and Indianapolis-based Roche Diagnostics, which is contributing $100,000 in prize money for business plans that describe the path to market products and technologies in the life sciences, biotechnology and biomedicine.\nIndianapolis-based law firm Baker & Daniels and its health technologies consulting affiliate Aventor is contributing $10,000 to support the competition and a total of $12,000 in services to the top three finishers. Clifton Gunderson LLP, a national accounting firm with an office in Indianapolis, is contributing $5,000 and $12,000 in services to the top three finishers.\nTeams connected to universities and colleges, research and teaching hospitals, and other academic institutions engaged in bioresearch are eligible to enter. Teams must submit their full business plans by March 10.
(01/30/03 5:44am)
The fourth floor of Ballantine Hall has no classrooms.\nYet if you look closely, you can almost see a rut on the floor along a path hundreds of students follow every day.\nThe path winds from the elevators around a corner to the stairwell and down to the second and third floors of the aging building.\nStudents catch one of three elevators, ride it to the fourth floor, then walk down to their classrooms on the second and third floors.\nCall it the Ballantine Walk-Down.\nSince students can't ride Ballantine's elevators to the first three floors without a key, they have two options: Encounter the world's steepest stairs or take the elevator to the fourth, then walk down.\nAdd to that the stairs you have to walk up to get to the ground level, and admit it -- you've chosen the Walk-Down at least once.\nFor years, employees in the building have observed -- and been amused by -- the phenomenon.\nStudents share a laugh as a packed elevator empties onto the fourth floor, while professors grumble about how it clogs the elevators for those who need to get to higher floors. And mail services workers struggle to cram their carts onto packed elevators to make deliveries on time.\nThe Walk-Down was even referred to in a commencement speech last year. A graduate of IU's English department, which is located on Ballantine's fourth floor, said the department raises students' minds to the ideal, until, like Ballantine's Walk-Down, they must numb their minds to the world of work.\nBut that's too deep for a journalism major. Aren't students just being lazy?\nThat's what English Professor Nick Williams says.\n"It's an occasion for me to deplore their laziness," he says, but readily admits it's just one of many things he likes to complain about.\nInitially, elevator usage was limited because Ballantine has only three Otis lifts, but it was also assumed that students would be healthy enough to walk up a few flights of stairs.\nCarol Reitz, who works in mail services, doesn't see it that way. She says students have a lot of books to carry.\n"If they want to take the elevator to the fourth floor and walk down, more power to them," she says.\nBut the real Walk-Down payoff comes when a professor squeezes into an elevator packed with students, who are all apparently headed to the fourth floor.\nThen the professor keys three.\nAnd the students can't help but laugh as the elevator clears and they avoid the Ballantine Walk-Down.
(01/13/03 4:58am)
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- The dark smoke is thick all around you. The open door you thought was right behind you has disappeared. Your buddy has faded into the haze.\nNow you are alone in an unfamiliar building, with no idea how to escape or how much air you have left before you pass out.\nThis is the everyday world of firefighters. Most make it out of burning buildings unharmed, but 100 firefighters die on the job each year from smoke inhalation, falling objects and other injuries.\nNow two UC Berkeley teams are turning their brainpower and their high-tech acumen to the difficult problem of getting firefighters into and out of buildings safely.\nOne research group is using a miniature video camera to project a building's floorplan onto firefighters' face masks so they can know where they are at all times.\nA second study, still in its early stages, would use small wireless computers to allow firefighters to track each other and to enable fire supervisors to monitor everyone in the burning building.\nOnce the computer scientists tackle these basics, they have high hopes for even more comprehensive technology to make firefighters safer.\n"We are going to be able to track them, locate them and monitor their body health," said Richard Nowakowski, who is working with one UC Berkeley group as special projects coordinator for Chicago's office of emergency management and communication.\nEvery year, 4,400 Americans are killed and another 25,100 injured in fires, with property damage estimated at $8.6 billion, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Despite massive technological leaps, limited public funds and occasional technology phobia has kept many of those advances from reaching firefighting.\nBut post-Sept. 11 awareness of the importance of firefighters and other emergency personnel in terrorism response has led to more research on how these technologies can help. Both UC Berkeley projects are being funded in part by program called CITRIS, which develops computer technology to serve society.\nGiving firefighters the right kind of help is not easy. They need only the most vital information in a form that is easy to digest. Too much or badly timed information could distract them from the task at hand. They cannot be asked to type or talk or give other feedback.\nAlso, they are notoriously tough on equipment, which, even on the best of days, gets slung onto the back of trucks and dragged into burning buildings.\n"If you build it, they will break it," said Leila Takayama, a UC Berkeley undergraduate in cognitive science who has interviewed dozens of emergency workers for the firefighter tracking project.\nThe firefighter heads-up display, which is projected onto the users large, rugged face masks, came out of a collaboration between Chicago's firefighters and UC Berkeley.\nNowakowski, who oversees research for Chicago's 911 services, read about professor Paul Wright's graduate student work to create a display inside motorcycle helmets. He contacted the group, who quickly offered their services.\nAfter Sept. 11, the city required all buildings 32 stories and higher to submit electronic copies of their floor plans. These plans are then transferred into a video projector, which displays a small version onto a mask. Eventually, the team would like to display how much air the firefighter has left in his tank as well.\n"As he traverses through a building floor plan, he knows where he started, where he's been and where he's going," Nowakowski explained. "He knows how much air he has expended and how much air he has left."\n"Right now we have the basic stuff done," Wright said, explaining that now they just have to make it more practical for everyday use.\nThe second project would allow firefighters to track each other and, perhaps more importantly, be tracked by a battalion chief or other supervisor.\nXiaodong Jiang, a Berkeley computer science graduate student working on the project, said each firefighter would have a "personal server" that would collect information on the firefighters around him and transmit his location to them.\nIt might also be able to exchange information about the conditions in each room, such as temperature and humidity that would warn other emergency workers what they are facing, or whether the firefighter is moving or has quit breathing.\nJiang said the team is still trying to figure out what is the best way to communicate with firefighters in such a loud environment with so much going on. They are looking at things that vibrate or flash or sound an alarm, and they are also working with the other team's heads-up display.\n"You don't want to be too distracting," Jiang said.\nRight now, the team has dozens of ideas about features they could add to the device, so the scientists and firefighters have to figure out what is really needed and what isn't, Takayama said.\n"We can't actually build them all," she said.
(12/12/02 5:47am)
Following finals week, the lower undergraduate side of the Main Library will be closed as construction begins on a $1.5 million renovation that will add the Information Commons, a 27,000 sq. foot "hub of high technology."\nThe new area, which was recently approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the State Budget Agency, will feature state of the art multimedia computers, a staff of technology experts to facilitate students with the new equipment, wireless Internet connection and over 250 individual and group work stations. \nThe project, which has been in the planning process for years, is a joint effort between the University Information Technology Services and IU Libraries. Brad Wheeler, associate dean of teaching and learning information technology, said lack of funding for the project has set its progress back considerably. \n"Usually (Vice President Terry) Clapacs, the UITS and the library would each pitch in a third," Wheeler said. "But, due to budget cuts, all the renovation money is gone. So, we had to save for a long time in order to finance this project."\nThe construction, which is part of a $72 million renovation of the Main Library, will be completed before classes begin next fall. \nIn the meantime, students may be inconvenienced by the ground floor section of the undergraduate side closing, but Suzanne Thorin, dean of University Libraries, said that all of the resources will be moved to other parts of the library. \n"Most things will be moved to the 4th floor," Thorin said. "We won't lose anything during construction, just moved around."\nLibrary space may not be the only inconvenience to students as a result of the Information Commons' construction. Thorin said parking may also be a concern.\n"The first row of spaces will be part of the construction zone enclosed by a fence," Thorin said. "Some 'A' spaces may be lost, but it will only be for a while, so I don't think it will be a major problem."\nNew technology will be a highlight of the section, Wheeler said. In addition to the new software and computers, multimedia equipment such as digital cameras for both videos and photographs will also be available for check-out. \nTo educate students about the new technology, the Information Commons will employ experts from UITS to assist students with any difficulties, said Sue Workman, director of the Teaching and Learning Information Technology Division of UITS. Workman said no new UITS workers will be hired, but they will respond to the increase in students in the library by reallocating existing employees. \nOne of the other attractions of the Information Commons is that it will be open 24 hours a day with experts on hand at all times, Thorin said. \n"Students have different hours than they had when I went to school," Thorin said. "They are staying up later, sometimes all night, to get work done and the library will be there to assist them."\nThorin said she expects the hours to be successful, given similar projects at other universities. The success of the library hours being extended to 2 a.m. shows that students have a demand for such a schedule, Thorin said.\nNew technology also means the Information Commons will be able to assist those with disabilities.\n"We also have printers that can print braille, and we even have this computer program that helps those with dyslexia complete their assignments," Thorin said. \nWith more couches and even a coffee bar serving cappuccino, the facilities will make comfort one of its main priorities, Thorin said.\n"We will turn all of the group areas into soft seating scattered around the Commons," Thorin said. "The next step will be to turn the main entrance area with all the tables into a comfortable area more conducive to studying in groups."\nIn order to give more room to classes studying in the Commons, the library has built additional private space for reserve. \n"We will also offer classrooms to encourage classes to work in the library or for students to study in when it's not being used," Workman said. \nWheeler said he knows the construction will be a problem for some and "for seniors, it isn't such a good deal," since they will graduate before its completion. Still, Wheeler said he expects the new facility will not go unused.\n"I expect it will be a very busy place where a lot students will go to work," Wheeler said.\nTo find out more information on the Information Commons, log on to ic.indiana.edu.
(12/04/02 3:49am)
Whether to sponsor holiday gift-giving, spring textbooks, or just to feed midnight pizza cravings, many IU students choose to work over winter break. Money is often the primary motivator in seeking seasonal employment. Junior Theresa Yaecker will be returning to her New Jersey job to have money for rent and food next semester. \n"My bills don't go away when I go away on vacation," Yaecker said. \nJeremy Podany of the Career Center Instructor said most seasonal employment is available in retail because this is a high shopping season. \n"While there are not as many positions available this year because of the sluggish economy, there are still opportunities if you look in the right place," Podany said.\nHe added that in addition to acquiring money from a seasonal job, it is also possible to acquire professional contacts and mentors. \n"Since networking opportunities exist everywhere," Podany said, these connections can be helpful for getting references or for getting your next job.\nMany retail-clothing stores are just about wrapping up their seasonal hiring for both full-time and part-time positions. Target hired 40 additional associates between the end of October and the end of November to meet the expected holiday shopping crunch, manager Mike Dunkin said.\n"The number of part-time positions has not decreased this year," Dunkin said.\nLocal Wal-Mart assistant manager Carrie Cline knows a lot about working during the holidays. She started as a seasonal worker and worked her way to becoming an assistant manager after graduation. She said that her store hires a mixture of high school, college and local residents for the November-January holiday season. While such workers are not eligible for holiday pay, they are hired at a higher starting wage. \nCline said that she gained a lot of experience, knowledge and patience by working seasonally; it served as a reality check for many fellow workers. \n"(When I started I realized that) something could end at any moment if I was not adequately performing," Cline said, which taught her that she had to earn the right to continue working, an important lesson for the real world.\nBoth Target and Wal-Mart allow students to transfer from a store at home to one in Bloomington. \nFor students wanting to stay away from frantic holiday shoppers, other local establishments are also hiring. At TIS Bookstore, 10-12 veteran workers will assist in preparations for the spring book rush. By doing so, students can learn important people skills, said general manager Greg Lloyd. \n"(The most successful student workers) are eager people with a positive attitude," Lloyd said.\nFor students still seeking employment, local store managers recommend applying immediately as they have almost completed their seasonal hiring. Cline said that it is particularly important for students to have open availability when applying. Instead of refusing to work night or weekend shifts, students who are flexible are given priority. \nIn addition to completing applications at local establishments, Podany suggests visiting the Student Employment Office Web site. Among the on-campus, off-campus and temporary positions currently available, "many local residents are seeking assistance doing yard work or decorating their houses."\nPodany also advises that students not limit their winter work experience to only places where they can earn money. Job shadowing and internships are opportunities to learn about office culture and to gain professional experience. \n"Any time spent in the workplace, whether paid or unpaid, can result in unexpected but beneficial networking opportunities," he said. \nNo matter where students find employment, they should always look to increase marketable skills for the future. Freshman Paige Lacoure will be returning to her Kentucky Dairy Queen for her fourth year of employment. \n"(I'm going back because) it's a source of constant employment and I wanted extra money for presents," Lacoure said. \nNow a manager, she has become familiar with how her store operates and how it functions as part of the larger International Dairy Queen organization. While she does not like it very much, she admits that she has learned how to deal with unpleasant coworkers and customers.\n"I expect that these team work, communication, and interpersonal skills will help me in my future career," she said.
(11/13/02 4:59am)
One day in 1965, Don Fischer was sitting in the railroad depot he had worked at for over a year and a half, unhappy with what he was doing for a living.\nThe 19-year-old high school graduate, who had bounced around from one odd job to the next, selling everything from insurance to magazine subscriptions, opened up a sports magazine seeking a moment of comfort and diversion during the work day.\nWhat he found inside that magazine, however, changed his life forever.\n"I found this coupon in this sports magazine asking 'Do you want to be a sportscaster?,'" Fischer said. "I had always been interested in doing that, and I knew that (working in a railroad depot) was not what I wanted to do for a career, so I took the coupon and sent it in."\nSoon enough, Fischer was taking home classes from the school advertised in the coupon, the Career Academy based in Milwaukee, Wis.\nAfter completing his work there, Fischer began a six-year journey broadcasting at radio stations from Ottawa, Ill., to Beaute, Mont., improving his ability as an announcer at each job he took. He was then told in the spring of 1973 that the Indiana University Radio Network was looking for a play-by-play announcer for its football and men's basketball teams. \n"The IU job popped up, and I applied late. But I was still hired," Fischer said. \nNearly 30 years later, Fischer still holds that job. Many know him as the "Voice of the Hoosiers."\nNow 56-years-old, Fischer said he looks back on his time with the University as nothing short of spectacular. \n"It's something that a farm boy from Illinois could only dream for," Fischer, who has been honored as Indiana Sportscaster of the Year 19 times in his career, said. "It's allowed me to see almost the entire country. I've probably traveled as much as anybody legally could."\nWith his family too poor to send him to college, Fischer said he knew that his chances to follow in the footsteps of the famed Chicago sports announcers he always listened to as a kid were slim.\n"I always would listen to Harry Carey and Dan Kelly and Jack Quenlan on KMOX when I was young," Fischer said. "They were all play-by-play announcers, so when it said 'sportscaster' on the coupon, I just thought of play-by-play. That's what I got into this business to do."\nA self-described decent athlete in high school, Fisher said he thought it would be great if he could work in sports for a career, but the lack of a college degree would keep him from being a coach.\n"I knew that I was never going to be a coach, but in the back of my mind I always thought about (broadcasting)," Fischer said.\nAnd after calling, literally, thousands of games for Hoosiers fans across the state, Fischer is not bored, nor even close to being ready to retire from announcing, he said.\n"I look forward to each and every game. It doesn't bore you because you have to be on your toes at all times," Fischer said. "You always have to concentrate. Especially in a game like the football game two Saturday's ago (IU trailed to Illinois at one point, 45-0)." \n"I don't know anybody who (calls games) as good as him," said Max Skervin, Fischer's color analyst for his first 24 years with IU. "He's really developed into a first-class announcer." \nFischer, who covered all but two years in the Bob Knight era and began his IU football career with the colorful Lee Corso as coach, said he never aspired to go above the college level in terms of what sports to call.\n"I've been offered professional jobs and asked to apply for others, but I just never felt like there was a right time," Fischer said. "There's something about the college level. There's so much enthusiasm. It's a special year almost every year. No matter what you did the year before, there's always that optimism. You don't see that in the pros."\nFischer has tried his voice in the pros to some extent, broadcasting preseason Indianapolis Colts games for the last eight years for WISH-TV, and his approach to every game he covers is the same.\n"I've never tried to be cliché guy. I try to paint a picture for people," Fischer said. "I think you can effectively paint a picture with just the inflection of your voice."\nAnd some of the pictures he paints are, to at least IU fans, masterpieces. \n"My first memory would have to be the 1976 national championship basketball team," Fischer said. "Watching those kids for three years. For all their hard work and effort, dealing with all that adversity. For them to go undefeated at 32-0, it was a special, special moment."\nFischer also called last year's run to the national championship game a remarkable experience.\n"It was just absolutely unbelievable. In my mind, I think that brought IU back together. After the whole Knight thing, it seemed like it was such a divided house," Fischer said. "That was one of the most welding moments in college basketball history."\nAnd Fischer would know. He's been there and will continue to be there for all the moments that make up IU's athletic history.\n"I think it's immeasurable how much excitement he's brought to IU," co-worker Joe Smith said. "I personally feel that he's the best collegiate play-by-play man in the country. It's been a privilege for me to work with him in the capacity I have."\nSmith has been a part of the broadcast team with Fischer for the length of their entire Hoosier careers. \n"I've not made a lot of money in this business, but I love it," Fischer said. "As long as my eyes hold out, and voice holds out, I'll do it"
(11/08/02 6:30am)
Gasping for breath, a group of young law students ran up and down the fields of the IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis campus, heaving the football, trying as hard as they can to defeat their competitors -- but with no avail. But their opponents are quite a few years older. These students weren't competing against their peers, but against their professors. And among these professors was IU's newly appointed interim president, Gerald L. Bepko. \n"I remember during my days as a professor, we had a faculty touch football team, and we beat the students one year," Bepko said. "They thought we were old men, but I guess we weren't too old. I still tease a couple of people who were on the student team. One of them is a federal judge in northern Indiana, and I still joke with him about it."\nIt is this rapport with his students and faculty that motivated IUPUI Chancellor Bepko to dedicate his life to higher education. These years of dedication have led him to his recent job, filling in for IU President Myles Brand when he leaves to head the NCAA Dec. 31. \nBepko will serve as interim president until a replacement is found, and then will retire from chancellor at IUPUI and spend the rest of his days teaching on the Indianapolis campus. \nIn the IU board of trustees meeting Nov. 5 in Fort Wayne, Frederick F. Eichhorn Jr., president of the board, agreed Bepko's personality will play a factor in his position. Eichhorn said Bepko is a man of "unswerving commitment and unshakable integrity."\nBill Plater, who has worked with Bepko for over 16 years as his chief assistant and as IUPUI's academic officer, said Bepko is a man who is always sincere and honest. \n"He is in private as he is in public," Plater said. "There is only one Gerry Bepko, and he is the genuine article." \nThese qualities have taken Bepko from a college student at Northern Illinois University in 1962 to college chancellor at IUPUI in 1986. \nAfter practicing law in Chicago in 1965, Bepko served as a secret agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the next four years. During that time, Bepko said he learned a lot about the legal system and much about himself. \n"The first 14 months I was in the FBI, I was in Mississippi from 1965-66 during the peak of the civil rights movement," he said. "When I went to Mississippi, I was not looking forward to it since I had been most of my life in big cities like Chicago."\nUpon his arrival, Bepko said he realized how different his surroundings were compared to his previous places of residence. \n"When I went there I discovered how different it was and how privileged I was to be there in such a period of change," Bepko said. "It was like huge tectonic plates moving, and the epicenter of the activity was in Mississippi. I was privileged to bear witness to such history. I had not been exposed to the cruelty and brutality that people treated each other with, and I learned a lot from that experience. Most importantly, how powerful ideas are, more powerful than anything man can create with our hands or technology."\nBepko said it took a different incident at the FBI to change the way he thought. Years later, he said a close call with death opened his eyes up to a "new perspective."\n"I was almost killed while I was in surveillance in New York," Bepko said. "To make a long story short, I was pinned under a United Parcel truck that had been hit by a car. I was in the truck, in United Parcel uniform, and the impact threw me from the truck and flipped it over on top of me. Fortunately, I was alright, but it has given me a new perspective that no matter how bad things get, I can always know it can't be worse than being trapped under a truck. And I've already done that."\nExperiences with racism and near-death accidents weren't the only incidents which changed Bepko's life. While working with the FBI in Manhattan he met Jean B. Cougnenc. Gerald and Jean were married and now have two children, Arminda, who lives in New York, and Gerald L. Jr., who lives in Indianapolis.\nSoon enough fate took the couple to Indiana, after Gerald was offered a position at IUPUI. \n"When we originally came (to Indianapolis), we had not planned to stay," Jean Bepko said. "But, we had two young children at the time, and we thought, 'Gee, this is a great place to raise a family.' I lived there for three years in the late '40s, early '50s, but it wasn't the same city back then. Today, you can do more with your family. Especially compared to Chicago where it takes months to get tickets for anything. Gerald Bepko eventually took the children ice skating every Sunday. We would also take them to the Children's Museum, which is one of the best in the nation."\nBepko agrees that the city was an unexpected surprise, which they grew to love. \n"It's a city of manageable size and a diverse city as well," Bepko said. "It has many attributes of a large city, but not all the problems. We also liked it because it was a good place for the children. We are close enough to drive to Chicago to see my relatives. Also, a big part of it was, we fell in love with Indiana University."\nGrowing up, Bepko said his children did not have higher expectations because of his history in higher learning, but still "managed to get great grades." Arminda is finishing her final year of law school at New York University, and Gerald Jr. (or J.J. as he is affectionately called) is a graduate student at IUPUI. Bepko said his son originally left the campus due to conflicts on campus. \n"He graduated from DePauw, but originally studied at IUPUI," Bepko said. "He came to the campus as an undergraduate student and decided it wasn't big enough for the both of us and one of us had to leave. So, we flipped a coin, and he lost."\nSince he joined the IUPUI faculty in 1972, Bepko said he has made lasting friendships with his students, making IUPUI special to him. \n"I have made such good friends with students when I taught at the school," Bepko said. "We'd go have a beer once and a while. They'd come to my house. I got to know their spouses. We were friends, and so when they became successful individuals, I was very proud of them."\nIn addition, Bepko said his relationships with the faculty and administration have grown equally as strong during his tenure with IUPUI. He holds these relationships responsible for his commitment to IU. \n"I have so many good friends that I work with," Bepko said. "I like working in an environment where people enjoy what they do. They play practical jokes on each other, and it's just a fun environment, where I feel a lot can be done."\nPlater, along with other co-workers of his, all claim his positive attitude is one of the qualities which makes working with Bepko so fun. \n"He listens well and gives good advice," IUB Chancellor Sharon Brehm said. "He has a great sense of humor."\nJean Bepko agreed.\n"(His humor) is very dry," Jean Bepko said. "He likes to tease me quite a bit about being gullible."\nBepko had planned to retire from his position as chancellor, effective June 2003, but in addition to spending more time with his family, he will continue to teach law courses at IUPUI.\n"I hope next year I can go back to life as a faculty member," Bepko said. "I will be teaching a little, and I will be writing and trying to get involved in the community."\nAlthough he plans to travel and spend more leisure time, Bepko said he envisions the rest of his life being spent with the University in some way. \n"I will try to find ways to serve the institution," Bepko said. "If you talk to people who have had long lives full of rich experiences, they will most likely tell you that the most important things are service of any kind. I will continue to serve the University"
(11/05/02 3:41pm)
The Michigan men's basketball team starts its season in style. By traveling to the Virgin Islands in a non-conference tournament, the Wolverines are kicking off their season the same way they hope to end. In style, with a winning record.\nThe Michigan team is past the first year awkwardness with second year coach Tommy Amaker. Amaker has settled into his position, and the Wolverines have grown accustomed to his coaching style and mannerisms.\n"We know what to expect now," senior LaVell Blanchard said. "Last year, everybody was new to the system, new to his scheme and his discipline, his ideas. Now the upperclassmen have a grasp on what he wants, I think we'll really improve."\nMichigan looks to rebuild on a season that had more losses than wins, with a few upsets thrown in the mix.\nBut in order to come up with a strong, resilient team, the Wolverines expect good plays and shots from Blanchard, who Amaker names their team leader.\n"We're looking at Blanchard being our best player," Amaker said. "His role for us is being our best worker and best player. We think our leadership is very important, and both Blanchard and (senior guard Gavin) Groninger have to bring different things to the table, specifically Blanchard being the things on the floor, and certainly with Gavin being an older guy." \nThe Wolverines are young experience-wise, after losing three of their starters to graduation. Blanchard and junior Bernard Robinson Jr. are the only two starters left, with six returning players and six newcomers.\nDespite the youth of the team, the Wolverines expect to make waves in the Big Ten this season.\n"This year, I would look at us as a team striving to become a competitive team in our league," Amaker said. "Striving to become a team that can put ourselves in a position to try to finish in the upper part of the conference"
(10/30/02 5:03am)
Four years ago, Bara Bandera slowly made her way through the mass of students crowding the circle drive outside the Indiana Memorial Union. Approaching one of the almost 80 representatives, Bandera was unaware the morning job fair would provide her with employment for an entire college career. \nAccepted applicants for the work-study program are highly marketable for campus employment to help with budget constraints. But regular hourly workers are left with fewer options and longer job searches. \nThere are more than 1,000 job titles across 150 departments at IU, including technical, clerical and administrative positions. Between 5,500 and 6,000 students work on campus, with about 2,700 work-study jobs available, said Jan Nickless, the associate director of the IU Student Employment Office. \nAbout 7.1 million full-time college students receive some form of financial aid, according to the Census Bureau News on Financing the Future. Nearly half receive monetary help from more than one source. \nThe work-study program is federally sponsored to help employers. Four students can be hired for the cost of one regular employee, because the government subsidizes 75 percent of the wages. \nStudents must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid with the Office of Student Financial Assistance, and select consideration for a campus job. \nQualifications depend on monetary funds contributed by the family towards education. Those with the highest need are given priority. \n"It's a combination of wanting it and qualifying for it," said Associate Director of Client Services Bill Ehrich. \nApplicants must be an American citizen, taking at least six credit hours, and be in "good academic standing with satisfactory progress," according to the Career Development Center Web site. \n"We've had more people this year that qualified for work study," Ehrich said. \nThis year's budget is $3.9 million, with around 2,600 work-study opportunities. Based on financial need, out of more than 7,000, those approved could receive up to $1,500 an academic year. \n"I had no problem getting it," said Bandera, who is now a senior. "I was lucky."\nBy the beginning of October, together the IU libraries had hired 235 to 240 work-study students. Another 310 were regular hourly employees, according to Lynn Severn, the hourly payroll coordinator for the Main Library. \n"Our budget is set so low, it forces it to be a big consideration," said the head of Circulation Services for the Business/SPEA Library, Terry Reynolds, about the importance of hiring work-study students. \nEach library handles their budget separately. Most do not hire only work-study employees because of the qualifications needed for a position. \nBandera, now a senior, has kept the same position at the Fine Arts Library for three years and expects to stay until graduation. As a freshman, Bandera applied for work-study and attended a job fair for available positions. She needed a convenient job on campus. \nThe library provides a fun environment, where each week she works behind the desk or shelving books. For projects, it helps to know the computer system and have easy access to the reference librarians. \nBandera could possibly find a better paying job, or one more designed for her education degree. \n"I'm not a money chaser, it's not important to me," said Bandera, who would not have known where to begin searching without the help of the work-study program. \nSophomore Chris Murray worked for the Government Publications Department for the Main Library last summer. On the job posting, work-study was listed as preferred but not necessary. His boss told him that most people stay until graduation. \nMurray liked the relaxed atmosphere, flexible hours, and understanding supervisors. But he was laid off due to budget constraints and encouraged to apply for work-study for next semester.\n"I try to keep them on. And so far we have been able to do that," Reynolds said about budget cuts affecting hourly workers. This year, the libraries are actually spending more than at the same time previous semesters. \nEhrich said estimates are based on continuing employment. If a student decides to leave, this could open up funds at the beginning of next year for another applicant. \n"I wish more people could qualify," said Reynolds, who has difficulty filling positions in the winter and summer.\n"Work-study students are more important on campus," said Murray, who plans to apply for the assistance. "And on campus jobs are the best option for students"
(10/29/02 5:36am)
Graduate students are preparing a survey to evaluate the working conditions of their colleagues on campus, and the results may help improve IU education.\nThe survey aims to poll graduate employees at each academic department and gauge the treatment they are getting, said John Johnson, a Ph.D. student in the History and Philosophy of Science Department. Johnson is a member of the Graduate and Professional Student Organization and heads its Grad Employees Committee, whose members are working on the survey project.\n"It's often very difficult for grad students to know what things are really like in other departments" because no such data seemingly exist in the University, said Elizabeth Rytting, GPSO secretary and a graduate student in the English department.\nMany assistant instructors work more than their appointed 20 hours a week because their work demands more time, Rytting said. Johnson said he has heard stories that some graduate employees spend their own dollars on class materials, as their small departments have limited budgets. And others meet with their students at local coffee shops, because their departments have no offices for them.\n"This is my opinion, not the GPSO's, but I think a lot of graduate students just don't know what their situation is," Johnson said.\nNot knowing how their peers in other departments get along, graduate employees find it hard to judge how they are treated.\n"It seems like a lot of graduate students assume however it was when they started is how it is at the University," Johnson said.\nThe survey project will give graduate employees, including associate instructors and research assistants, a picture of what their departments are doing and file complaints if necessary, Johnson said. Likewise, the survey will help departments learn how their counterparts treat graduate workers so they'll be able to follow their peer's suit or take corrective action.\nIn any case, many believe the quality of the University's education will notch up.\nEugene Kintgen, associate dean of the Research and University Graduate School, said that only when the survey is done, the GPSO will become able to take on the next issue: Do poor work conditions hurt the quality of instruction?\n"But the first step clearly is gathering reliable information, and I support the GPSO in their desire to do this," Kintgen said.\nFor all the benefits it may bring, the survey project may not reach graduate employees for a year or more. That's because of multiple projects the graduate employees committee runs, the seasonal turnover of its volunteer members and limited free time committee staff can spare for the survey, Johnson said. But being slow is also deliberate.\n"If we did a bad job, asked ambiguous questions, got confusing answers and did inadequate data analysis, we wouldn't be any better off than if we had no information," Johnson said.\nThe GPSO is a division of the Research and University Graduate School, and the official government for graduate and professional students in Bloomington. The organization is made up of representatives from each department, who bring to the GPSO any concerns held by their fellow graduate students.
(10/29/02 5:31am)
Current Bloomington Mayor John Fernandez (Dem.) is seeking election as Secretary of State. \n"Hoosiers have a right to be protected -- and it's the job of their elected officials to fight for their interests," Fernandez said in a press release.\nAs a two-term mayor in Bloomington, Fernandez said he plans to carry his mayoral experience into the state office, which is being vacated by Sue Anne Gilroy (Rep.).\nAs mayor, Fernandez has seen property taxes decrease by five percent and has increased the number of neighborhood police officers by 25 percent. \nFernandez said he hopes to make his top priorities election reform, reforming the securities division-which investigates corporate fraud and protecting investors from fundraising scams. \n"I'll make fighting corporate crime and protecting Hoosier retirees, workers and investors my top priority," Fernandez said.\nFernandez also said he hopes to create a centralized voting system in Indiana, rather than having individual county registration lists. He also called for a voter education program to increase voter turnout.\nFernandez said he is an I-69 supporter who hopes to see the interstate connect Indianapolis and Evansville via Bloomington. He said it would help create jobs in the region. \nFernandez resides in Bloomington with his wife and daughter. He grew up in Kokomo and then earned his undergraduate, graduate and law degrees from IU. \nFor more information about Fernandez, see www.johnfernandez.org.
(10/17/02 5:43am)
Jim Bieneman, a freshman from South Bend, sprained his ankle while playing basketball at the Student Recreational Sports Center last month. Left on crutches for weeks, he feared he wouldn't get to class on time.\nBieneman called the IU Disabled Student Services and asked for help. The DSS van service drove Bieneman to every class for the duration of his injury.\nWithout the van service, Bieneman said he wouldn't have been able to make it to class.\nThe van service is one of many services IU provides for students with disabilities. Disability awareness is a growing issue on campus. The services are here, and they are available. \nDisabled Student Services\nThe federal definition of a disability, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, is "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities."\nMartha Jacques has been director of the DSS here at IU for three years. She describes the Bloomington campus as moderately accessible for physically disabled students because it is very hilly and the handicapped entrances to buildings are difficult to find.\n"We are trying to get automatic doors on all the buildings on campus," Jacques said. "The priority is to get students to class."\nThe van service is an excellent example of how the DSS helps students get to class. If a student has an acute injury or a chronic physical condition, the DSS van service drives students to their classes. \n"We usually need to see a doctor's note to determine how long they will need to use the van service," Jacques said. DSS van service drivers are paid students.\nDSS also works to improve the lives of students with learning disabilities. All students are welcome to use the Learning Disability Center. The center provides help with note taking, test taking, study skills and more. \n"We have all levels of students, undergraduates, graduates and even Ph.D. students," said Jody Ferguson, director of the Learning Disability Center. "It is our job to make sure we provide services so their disability doesn't lower their grades."\nThe DSS provides free screenings for students who feel they might have a learning disability such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or dyslexia. This free screening is a preliminary test that can give the student an idea as to whether or not they have a learning disability. Students might be referred elsewhere in Bloomington, or they can choose to go home for medical attention. In order to receive full support, students must provide the DSS with documentation of their learning disability.\nTo serve students as efficiently as possible, the DSS works closely with other organizations on campus.\n"We often refer people to the Career Center, Academic Support Center and Counseling Services," Ferguson said. \nFerguson also stressed that the DSS does not ensure success, but the services to succeed are certainly available.\n"A lot of things differ from high school to college," Ferguson said. "You can't wait until the end of the semester to say 'you can't fail me because I have a learning disability.' Accessibility can't be applied retroactively."\nStudents for Improving Disability Awareness (SIDA)\nThe student organization SIDA has recently been reinstated as part of IU's Student Activities Office. \nSenior Aimee Herring, the group's new president, said the group was originally founded in the '70s, and has been sporadically supported since that time.\n"(Our mission is) to educate people and make them more aware that disabilities are prevalent on this campus, that they are here, and they are real," Herring said. "There is a definite culture that goes along with being disabled."\nHerring first became interested in reinstating SIDA at IU while working as a driver for DSS. She also became more determined to improve disability awareness after a student-run investigation surveying accessibility on campus this past summer. \n"The investigation was prompted by hearing stories from students and faculty," she said. \nHerring recalled a time last year when two deaf faculty members were left inside a building during fire drills because there were no visual alarms.\n"IU is doing close to the bare minimum under ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) standards to accommodate people with disabilities," Herring said. "I would hate to see students choose not to come to IU due to the lack of accessibility."\nThe SIDA holds meetings throughout the school year. The first mass call-out meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Landes Room inside Read Hall. \nAdaptive Technology Center (ATC)\nThe Adaptive Technology Center is fairly new on campus. Director Margaret Londergan founded the ATC three years ago. She said after many years of working with computers at IU, she realized that students with disabilities had difficulties accessing the labs.\n"(We want) to provide assistance for students, faculty and staff with disabilities through adaptive technology as well as raise awareness," Londergan said.\nThe ATC has only two full-time staff members with a handful of student workers. They work very closely with the School of Optometry, the DSS and the Student Academic Support Center. The majority of students who use the ATC are referred by the DSS, but anyone is welcome to browse the equipment. Documentation of a disability is not necessary, but the ATC will not lend the materials to anyone who walks through the door.\nThe ATC offers many resources such as foot mice for people who have difficulty using their hands, special chairs for people with back injuries, electronically adjustable tables for people in wheelchairs and enhanced and enlarged monitors. One of the most high-tech resources is the Braille embosser.\n"We can convert a 700 page book to Braille in about an hour," Londergan said. "We have had people from all over the country come to see our resources here at IU. I would say we have one of the best programs in the nation."\nIf students prefer to work at their own pace in their own home environment, software and laptops can be checked out through the ATC. \n"This is a great program because students can study in their pajamas with the help they need," Londergan said.\nThe ATC is located on the first floor of the Main Library. For more information call 856-4112 or visit http://www.indiana.edu/~iuadapts.\nFor more information on physical and learning disabilities at IU go to http://campuslife.indiana.edu/DSS.
(10/15/02 4:58am)
Former GE worker vows to fight 'Big Bucks' politicians\nThe grass roots campaign for Bill Abbott (Dem.) is turning heads. The bright yellow sandwich board sign hanging over his shoulders has travelled from Monticello, Ind., down through Greenwood, Ind., and will continue throughout the 4th District until Election Day, Nov 5. \nAbbott's message is clear. "A regular guy can work hard and beat the 'Big Bucks' politician."\nA few main issues Abbott said he is concerned about are jobs, immigration and the American dream. \nAs a member of the Electrical Workers Local #2249, GE's decision to move 1,500 jobs out of Bloomington affected him personally.\n"Keeping high wage jobs in the District is important to Abbott," campaign worker Rick Dietz said. While IU may not be in his district, Abbott said he recognizes that benefits from the University community and life is a buffer against severe economic times. \nAbbott also said he supports legislation that would allow foreign workers who follow the law to gain citizenship, yet those who work here illegally would be refused citizenship. \nAbbott is also a member of the National Rifle Association and supports the Second Amendment. Abbott's one-strike attitude shows he is not hesitant about issuing lifelong sentences to felonies or misdemeanors, either.\nConservative wants prayer in school, Federal wage cuts\nA third party vote does not always mean a vote for liberal policies. \nFourth District candidate Jerry Susong said he chose his party because of his strong conservative beliefs. \n"The libertarian is the only conservative party left," Susong said. "Libertarians believe in enforcing the Constitution and the Freedom of Religion. This is a Christian nation, with Christian freedoms. If you want to pray in school, you have the right to."\nSusong, an IU law school graduate, said he believes he has the interests of college students in mind, especially when it comes to the conflict with Iraq.\n"I would not send our young people into war until I had irrefutable evidence that our nation is in danger," Susong said. "I am very much for a strong military but not a misuse of military."\nIf elected to office, Susong said his first goal would be to cut wasteful spending by Congress.\n"After first saying a prayer, my goal would be to cut Federal waste," Susong said. "I'd put up legislation to cut Congress' wages. Both parties have become irresponsible in their spending."\nIncumbent faces new constituents in re-drawn 4th district\nThe incumbent candidate Steve Buyer (Rep.) for the 4th District is facing new challenges this year in the first election since the redrawing of the Hoosier congressional districts. Buyer said he is now working on gaining support and trust of the new residents to which he might represent.\nDuring his time in the U.S. Congress, Buyer worked to be financially conservative, concentrating his work on eliminating the national debt. \nAs a former 2nd Lieutenant in the Gulf War, this Citadel graduate said he supports economic strength, a strong military, senior retirement security and health care, as well as education and tax relief.\nBuyer is an advocate on health issues affecting military personnel, veterans and their families. \nHe also has worked avidly to make available health care and assistance to Gulf War veterans suffering from undiagnosed illnesses. Such military backing has allowed Buyer to become a nationally recognized leader on national security and defense issues, including America's defense policy concerning Bosnia.
(10/08/02 5:30am)
Basketball fanaticism, top-notch academic programs, bragging rights to the number one party school -- whatever the reason, IU students keep coming back for more, year after year. IU's student retention rates improved significantly this year on seven of its eight campuses, and the numbers are expected to keep climbing. \nRetention is measured by the amount of full-time beginning students who return for their second year. These returning students represent a key indicator of graduation rates. \nIn the fall of 2002, 77.7 percent of full-time beginning students returned to IU, according to statistics compiled by the University Budget Office for full-time beginning students in 2001. Comparable figures for the incoming 1999 and 2000 classes were 74.8 percent and 75.5 percent, respectively.\n"The progress reflected in these numbers is but one indication that the University is on the right track to improving degree attainment on all of our campuses," Charlie Nelms, IU's vice president for student development and diversity, said in a statement.\nThe Lilly Endowment, an $8 million grant originally awarded in 1997, has helped IU in its retention efforts. The program is in place to try to increase the numbers of Indiana residents who obtain college degrees. \nThe Lilly Endowment, an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic organization, wished to specifically combat the state's ranking of 47th in the nation in the percentage of college-educated workers. IU President Myles Brand said IU's program is critical because 23 percent of the state's undergraduates are enrolled at one of its campuses.\nA number of initiatives to improve retention were created, many of which were initially funded by the Lilly grant. Creating a stronger student community and greater student integration into campus academic life; providing more out-of-classroom support for learning; improving advising and career development for students; and stepping up contact with students who are at risk of leaving are among the key strategies.\n"Continual contact with students to reinforce their goal of a degree also enhances the likelihood they'll stay in college," said Deborah A. Freund, who helped plan the proposal for the Lilly Endowment. "IU plans to increase its interpersonal, career and academic advisory contacts with students." \nIU's retention rates rose university-wide. Seven of IU's campuses had higher retention rates than last year's rates. At IU Bloomington, the retention rate increased from 86.3 percent to 87 percent. \n"We certainly have made some progress, and even the small increases at Bloomington are significant," said Mike Wilkerson, who works for the Division of Student Development and Diversity Support and researches retention. \nDean of Students Richard McKaig agrees that even minor improvements are significant. "IUB's retention rates are very high," he said. \n"If improvements can be made, they may be small. Requiring new students to live on campus is one strategy to help increase retention further." \nBoth IU Northwest and IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis have two consecutive years of significant gains -- IUPUI moving from 58.2 percent to 61.6 percent to 64.8 percent and IU Northwest going from 57.6 percent to 59.7 percent to 66.3 percent. IU Kokomo and IU Southeast also sharply increased their retention rates this year. IUK's rate went from 52.9 percent for the 2000 incoming class to 66.0 percent for the 2001 class; IUS moved from 63.8 percent to 70.9 percent. At IU East, the improvement was from 55.8 percent to 58.1 percent, and at IU South Bend it was from 64.4 percent to 66.4 percent, according to a press release.\nNelms said increased student retention around the university was an important factor in IU's record enrollment this fall.
