SGA's "Public Comments and Concerns" Facebook group provides new forum for student opinions

In December, SGA's Vice President of Academic Affairs Wade Luckett created the "SGA Public Comments and Concerns" Facebook group.

"There needs to be a public forum for the people who want to speak out about issues on campus," Luckett said. "I think Facebook, and the internet in general, is a great communication device to that end. So that's why I created the group."

There are currently 795 members of the group, and 53 wall posts from students with opinions and comments on topics ranging from smoking in the dorms, the Flyer Movie Channel, access to recycling, campus housing, parking services, the new Spirit Points system, and Dayton to Daytona.

SGA encourages participation and feedback from ALL students on campus - join the Facebook group "SGA-Public Comments and Concerns" to let your voice be heard!

Party policy changes cause uproar

SGA sponsored an open student forum Feb. 6 to discuss and share views about a potential addition to the current party policy in the university standards of behaviors.
Administrators and SGA representatives said the addition addresses block parties such as Lowesfest...

To view the complete story, please visit http://www.flyernews.com/article.php?volume=54&section=News&issue=28&artnum=01 .

Trustees approve tuition increase

The UD board of trustees recently approved a new tuition plan to increase undergraduate tuition, fees, and room and board by 7.7 percent and provide full-time returning students a $500 annual scholarship until graduation.

The annual undergraduate tuition and fees will rise from $23,970 to $25,950, the annual meal plan will increase from $2,890 to $3,050 and the average annual housing will rise from $4,300 to $4,550. The overall increase will be from $31,160 to $33,550.

The School of Law tuition will increase 4 percent and graduate tuition will increase 6 percent.

The 7.7 percent increase will only impact new students because the $500 scholarship will make the increase in the cost of attendance for most returning students 6 percent.

For the whole story, please follow this link to Flyer News:
http://www.flyernews.com/article.php?volume=54&section=News&issue=26&artnum=01

SGA to offer two new scholarships

SGA recently passed legislation which will create a new scholarship for UD students. Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded per year, starting next school year - one for a male and one for a female full-time or 3/4-time undergraduate student, and the scholarship is open to current first-years, sophomores, juniors, and seniors returning for a 5th year. Financial need is the primary criterion, but an ideal candidate must also exemplify leadership qualities and/or have a prominent role in service activities, in addition to a 3.0 GPA to apply. All applications will be reviewed and decided upon by the UD Financial Aid department - not officers of SGA or any other students.

Junior urges students to question society's progress

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” We know suffering and poverty exist in throughout the world. Stories of genocides and suicide bombers crowd the headlines and we feel helpless in the struggle to secure peace and basic human dignity. This week is Human Rights Week at UD. Its focus is “Resource Exploitation and Human Rights”. The million dollar question is, how do environmental issues, especially resource exploitation, even remotely relate to human rights? And if they do relate, do we, as servant leaders, have a responsibility to take action?

The answer to this first question is not always clear. The processes and cycles of the environment are complex and any particular factor which affects human rights is sometimes hard to identify. The thrust of this year’s Human Rights Week is to acknowledge our dependence on the environment. Important questions need to be asked: Where do our resources, such as water, energy, food, and metals come from? How does our use and disposal of these resources affect the world? Does the way we live impact the opportunity for other people to live in a community like ours? Is it fair that 4% of the world’s population uses 25% of its natural resources? Does the recent elevation in global temperature throughout the world and intense climate swings have anything to do with human actions and use of fossil fuels? If so, who will we be affected by these climate changes? Where does our responsibility lie?

For example, did you know that UD uses over 700,000 pieces of polystyrene (Styrofoam) each year? Where does this single use, non-recyclable material go? Is this use in line with our Marianist values such as supporting the common good and accountability for our actions? Do our actions endanger a community somewhere else? When we throw things away, where exactly do they go? Throughout this week, these questions should be asked and be a topic of consideration and contemplation

Martin Luther King Jr., whom we honor this month, fought tirelessly through nonviolence for the rights of others. Problems of inequality threatened the society of his time and still threaten today’s society in multiple ways. Dr. King believed “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” So, we must ask, what matters? Can we continue to remain silent?

One must come to the conclusion that we are all, in fact, responsible for the resources we use and the resulting impact on the environment. Our casual use suggests an “it’s cool with me” attitude. Dr. King also believed “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” As the men and women of UD, where do stand as we face these challenging environmental issues?

During Human Rights Week, I urge everyone to investigate how resource exploitation along with other environmental issues relates to human rights violations. In the end, we must ask as President Roosevelt implied, what’s our progress?

Human Rights Week begins soon

From diverse dancing performances to brown bag lectures and a career panel, Human Rights Week includes a number of socially conscious activities aimed at connecting the topic of resource exploitation to everyday lifestyles.
The public is invited to join in on a variety of free activities for the third Human Rights Week from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, addressing the theme “Resource Exploitation and Human Rights.”

For the complete story and schedule of events, please visit http://www.flyernews.com/article.php?volume=54&section=News&issue=23&artnum=01

Flyers Beat Richmond, 72-54

Behind 22 points from junior guard Brian Roberts, the Dayton Flyers used a stifling first-half defensive effort to cruise to a 72-54 victory over the Richmond Spiders on Saturday afternoon at UD Arena.

With the win the Flyers improve to 13-6 on the season and 3-2 in the Atlantic 10 conference, while remaining a perfect 12-0 at home.

The big story in this game was Dayton's first half defense. The Flyers held a 32-8 advantage at the break, tying them for the best defensive half by a UD team in its "Modern Era" (since 1947).

Roberts' 22 came on 8-of-13 shooting - 4-for-5 from beyond the arc - as he dished out three assists.

Junior forward Jimmy Binnie and senior forward Monty Scott were...

To keep reading, click here

Tuition To Rise 6%

For the third year, the University of Dayton's board of trustees approved a tuition plan that will provide more financial aid to returning undergraduate students while allowing UD to hire more tenure-track faculty, invest in student housing and offer more competitive salaries to faculty and staff.

Starting in August, undergraduate tuition, fees, room and board will rise 7.7 percent, but it only will impact new students. Since all full-time returning students will receive a $500 scholarship, the increase in the cost of attendance for most students will be 6 percent, according to UD officials. They will receive the annual $500 award until they graduate. Approximately 40 percent of the new revenue generated will be allotted to institutionally funded financial aid with a strong focus on need-based aid, according to UD officials.

Trustees also approved a 4 percent tuition increase in the School of Law and a 6 percent...

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Registration Begins For Dance Marathon

UD will hold its ninth annual Dance Marathon March 24. All proceeds raised will go to the Dayton Children’s Medical Center, which is the local hospital for the Children’s Miracle Network.

According to a recent press release, Children’s Miracle Network is a non-profit organization whose hospitals treat more than 17 million children each year who have a variety of diseases, injuries and birth defects. The organization ensures that local hospitals receive 100 percent of money raised by the community, meaning all donations raised by Dance Marathon will go directly to Dayton Children’s Medical Center.

This year the marathon will be located in the MAC Gym in the RecPlex and will last from noon to midnight. It includes 12 hours of dancing, food and other activities.

Erin Bole, committee chair of Dance Marathon, said that.....

To keep reading, click here

By Julia Ramaccia
Flyer News Staff Writer

Courtyard Hotel Opening In February

There’s a new addition to the UD family: the Courtyard by Marriott hotel.

According to a recent press release, the new arrival has 101 rooms, including 13 suites. Most of the rooms have a view of the Great Miami River; all of the rooms have 32-inch flat panel high definition TVs. The Courtyard also provides wireless Internet access in public areas and the two meeting rooms. Guest rooms are equipped with wired Internet access as well.

Other noteworthy customer services include the Courtyard Café, where guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner, and the Market, where guests can help themselves to light snacks, as well as a complimentary shoeshine and newspaper delivered to the hotel room. A fitness room, pool and whirlpool are also available.

To keep reading, click here

Article by Charity Smalls
Flyer News Staff Writer

Human Rights Week Begins Soon

From diverse dancing performances to brown bag lectures and a career panel, Human Rights Week includes a number of socially conscious activities aimed at connecting the topic of resource exploitation to everyday lifestyles.

The public is invited to join in on a variety of free activities for the third Human Rights Week from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, addressing the theme “Resource Exploitation and Human Rights.”

According to co-chairperson Jason Kramb, senior physics major, the schedule focuses on well-known resource exploitation, like the sale of oil to purchase military weapons and production of diamonds to fund civil wars. It will also highlight less prominent manipulation.

To read more, click here

by Jennie Szink
Chief Staff Writer

Men's BBall: Dayton 79, NC A&T 66

A strong second-half from homestanding Dayton and 30-point effort from junior Brian Roberts led the Flyers to a 79-66 victory over North Carolina A&T in front of 11,666 fans at UD Arena on Wednesday.

UD scored 15 of its first 16 second-half field goals in the paint to pull away and improve to 2-0 overall while NCA&T fell to 0-4 overall despite leading by as many as 13 in the first half.

Roberts led all scorers with 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting from the floor. Roberts, who added seven rebounds and four assists, has scored at least 10 points in each half this season.

UD senior Monty Scott added 16 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore Charles Little recorded 11 points and six boards as the Flyers remained unbeaten at home.

The Flyer post players led Dayton to victory as they out rebounded the Aggies 46-30 and held a 33-8 advantage on second chance points. Freshman Kurt Huelsman nearly had a double-double with nine points and eight rebounds for the Flyers.

To read more, please visit http://daytonflyers.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111506aab.html

Special Interest Housing Available

Residential Services has recently opened up their Special Interest Housing option for the 2007-08 school year as alternative to the traditional housing lottery.

The Special Interest option offers students several opportunities for those wanting to participate in unique living communities. Students can choose from substance-free housing in Campus South or VWK (sophomores only), Intercultural Learning and Living, Servant Leadership or ArtStreet (juniors and seniors only). There is also housing reserved for students participating in the Berry Scholars or University Honors programs.

The application process, which opened Nov. 1 and closes Jan. 8, begins early so that students have ample time to weigh options and prepare applications, according to Connie Robertson, associate director of Residential Services.

“We want students to be aware of the Special Interest option early so that they have the information they need to decide whether or not they want to participate,” Robertson said.

Although they are all part of the same program, not all Special Interest options are created equal. For example, ArtStreet requires several things of its residents. According to the Residential Services Web site, students are required to attend a weekend Urban Retreat to Chicago, attend and write a review of at least two art events per semester, design and participate in a project at ArtStreet and attend various other ArtStreet events.

To keep reading, please visit http://www.flyernews.com/article.php?volume=54&section=News&issue=15&artnum=01

Amy Tiedge
Staff Writer
Flyer News

Women's BBall: UD 55, Winthrop 42

Junior forward Nikki Oakland led Dayton to its second straight win on Sunday with a 55-42 triumph over Winthrop at the Cardinal Classic. Oakland nearly finished with a triple-double as she tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.

Classmate Brittany Holterman had a game-high 15 points on Sunday as the Flyers nearly led from start to finish for the second time in as many days.

Senior forward Jennifer Strong reached double figures in scoring for the second consecutive game with 12 points on 2-of-8 shooting from three-point range.

Dayton out shot Winthrop overall 37.5 percent to 29.2 percent on the afternoon and took advantage of 19 Eagle mistakes to lead 15-7 in points off turnovers.

The Flyers also used an efficient offense with assists on 19 of their 21 baskets overall. Along with Oakland's seven assists, the duo of Holterman and Karah Cloxton dished out three each to lead the team.

After the teams traded a pair of layups to open the game, Dayton went on a 7-0 burst over the next 52 seconds to take a 9-2 advantage and force a Winthrop timeout. Oakland and Ashley Armstrong had layups to begin the run that was capped by a three-pointer from Strong at the 17:56 mark of the first half.

The Eagles closed to within three at 11-8 with 10:43 left in the half, but a 10-2 run from the Flyers gave UD another cushion. Strong led the charge with five points while Kathy Guin and Marie Rosche added a three and two point basket respectively for a 21-10 Dayton lead.

UD would take a 28-20 lead into the locker room at halftime behind 10 first-half points from Strong. Holterman added six points and four rebounds while Oakland had already collected four assists for the Flyers.

Dayton maintained at least a five-point lead for the remainder of the game, but could not stretch the advantage to double digits until Oakland connected on a jumper in the paint with 5:49 remaining in the game. From there UD was never threatened and took the lead to as many as 14 off a free throw by Oakland with 2:47 left.

The Flyers continue a stretch of five consecutive road games to begin the season on Thursday. Dayton travels to Cincinnati for a 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff that can be followed with live audio and Gametracker at www.DaytonFlyers.com.

Student Blogs Useful Tool For Prospectives

Last fall, the University of Dayton added My Life at UD, a candid blog Web site, to its recruitment tools. New faces and technology were recently added to the site in hopes of creatively and realistically portraying the lives of nine UD students to prospective students.

The homepage mylife.udayton.edu/mylife.jsp employs real UD students who are free to post about anything from their relationship status to annoying college professors through weekly journal entries and photo galleries. This fall, the Office of Enrollment Management and UDit Internet Development Division also added downloadable Podcasts and the chance to watch three students’ lives unfold on video.

The makeover was prompted by the growing number of college searches that take place over the Internet said Carrie Dittman, associate director of marketing and enrollment management.

“The college search is always evolving,” Dittman said. “Kids are finding information through search engines and blogs. Sometimes we don’t even know a student is interested [in UD] until they apply online.”

When UD is aware students are interested in its programs, the usual response is to describe life at UD through letters, brochures or admissions counselors.

My Life at UD is a unique way to offer prospective students a view of the university through the unfiltered blog entries of these nine students.

Andrew McMorrow, junior civil engineering major, said he has written a blog for My Life since its start because it offers students a glimpse at the social side of college they may not always be able to get through faculty or admissions officers.

Natalia Lugo-Vina, senior political science major, said she was chosen to be a Hispanic voice on the Web site because of her connections with the admissions office. The creators gave her permission to write about whatever she wants and she likes this unique way of reaching out to students.

“This site gives prospective students a better hint of UD life,” Lugo-Vina said. “This way they won’t feel so scared or lost.”

Anyone reading the Web site can show an interest in the site’s content by e-mailing individual bloggers. A few blog readers have contacted Darius Campinha-Bacot, senior psychology major, after reading what he describes as a “personalized … un-filtered view of Dayton.”

Campinha-Bacot said some readers questioned if UD was instructing him to write a certain way. But he assured them his advice about a major in psychology and the invitation to his birthday party are all coming directly from him.

Now his readers will get an even more genuine picture of his life through a monthly video journal. The words from his profile page “indulging in the party scene” will come alive on the Web site instead of just describing one of his favorite things to do.

Dittman said before the blog, students could come in and talk to an admissions officer but may not recognize the true spirit on campus. Enrollment Management set out to change this by finding students from all geographic areas who are truly representative of the UD experience.

Since then, prospective students, alumni and their peers have stopped by to read or watch the diverse lives of the nine students who will continue to post entries for the rest of the year.

SGA Budget Funds Many Activities

Nikki Miller

Assistant News Editor

The myth is correct that SGA has a lot of money, but there is no doubt they put it to good use.

The 2006-07 budget states SGA has a total income of $148,000. According to SGA Vice President of Finance Kevin Bullinger, the budget fairly accurately describes what will be spent this year.

The majority of the money comes from student fees. A total of $9 is taken out of the fees full-time and three-fourths time undergraduate students pay at the beginning of the year. It is estimated that $122,000 of the total budget comes from this money. The rest comes from Little Sibs Weekend revenue, the linens sale, phone directory revenue and a rebate from the Office of Student Development.

“This year we are really trying to maximize giving back to the students,” said Bullinger. “Every year we do more and more.”

The 2006-07 budget includes money for Residence Hall Councils. These councils were formed to engage students and promote community bonding in the residence halls. They are made up of the elected student senators and other members of each residential area. In total they are budgeted $24,880.

A lot of SGA’s budget also goes into special programs such as Little Sibs Weekend. This year $15,000 is allotted for the event.

The other main areas of the budget allow for an increase in service and communications along with special programs.

“The bulk of our money is centered on these three areas,” Bullinger said. “We are especially building our philosophy off communication this year.”

In the past, SGA spent a lot of money passing out flyers to promote events on campus. This year, they are pushing to make everything electronic.

“The Web site my.udayton.edu has everything,” Bullinger said. “Printing costs are down, and this also makes the Sustainable Living Committee happy.”

According to Co-Service Liaisons Meg Rigney and Clare Zlatic, this year the service budget has increased due to their dedication to serve as student leaders. This year they are given $1,500 to spend.

The major service projects include the UD Locks of Love cut-a-thon in March, a student-wide philanthropy project for the Greater Dayton United Way, a Thanksgiving basket drive and the new Ghetto Giveback where money is collected and furniture and large goods are donated to local charities.

“It’s our goal to reach to service clubs outside of SGA to promote that same camaraderie campus-wide,” Zlatic said. “We want to help.”

Other notable areas of the budget include money allotted for the new Spirit Points system. SGA purchased the new scanners used at the athletic events.

Programs for safety and standards like “College Knowledge” receive money to make sure students are aware of issues on campus and know how to keep themselves safer.

“Safety and standards is of great concern to students,” Bullinger said. “We also make sure we are always questioning Public Safety.”

Before anyone in SGA wants to spend money they must get it approved by Bullinger, President Patrick O’Grady and Vice President Brendan O’Grady. SGA’s advisor Rosemary O’Boyle must approve any big expenses.

“There are a bunch of eyes watching us,” Bullinger said. “The truth is we are not allowed to spend our money on alcohol or events that are not for SGA and the students.”

SGA does allot some money toward a banquet for the members and for student scholarships.

“The $26,500 for scholarships may seem like a lot,” Bullinger said. “But if you look at the number of hours SGA members work, they are getting paid way below minimum wage.”

“Overall we really target giving back to the students 150 percent,” he added. “I think it is paying off.”