INSIDE
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY Weather
PAGE 2
Senior Night Photos
PAGE 6 & 7
Healthy College Eating
PAGE 8
Organizations
PAGE 9
california university of Pennsylvania
March 1, 2013
vol. 34, No. 5
IN THE
NEWS victory in the final seconds
Keith Lowe, senior, scores the game-tying layup in the final seconds and goes on to shoot the game-winning free throw as the Men’s Basketball team defeats Mercyhurst 53-52. The Feb. 23 victory was especially sweet for the players and others recognized at the “Senior Night” ceremony in the Cal U Convocation Center.
Pages 6 -7: Senior Night Page 10: Basketball results
OPINION STEM vs. Liberal Arts
Does your chosen field benefit society, or should it be left in the past?
Page 3
THE ARTS The Oscars Which films impressed the academy? Which dresses impressed on the red carpet?
Page 4
photo by matt kaminski Chandler Carey, sophomore, stands at the microphone during Tuesday’s Student Convocation to ask Cal U Acting President Geraldine Jones about possible tuition hikes at Cal U.
Tuition, enrollment addressed at Student Convocation by
Casey Flores
contributing editor
In the president’s “state of the university” address at the Student Convocation held on Tuesday, Feb. 26, Acting President Geraldine Jones addressed issues of concern regarding California University of Pennsylvania. Jones spoke of the need to stabilize enrollment, which would mean steady tuition revenue for the university. A primary means by which the university plans to do this is by adjusting admittance standards. Not only will the university look at SAT scores, but will also now consider students who may have done poorly on the SAT but also had a good GPA, were enrolled in a challenging high school curriculum and the demonstrated ability to write a personal essay. Jones addressed the need for financial solvency – the need for the university to not spend more than it takes in. The deficit has been decreased from $4.2 million to $2.9 million since August 2012 and the university continues to show improvement. Next, Jones highlighted the Campus Climate Survey. She thanked students who have taken it and encouraged students who have not taken it to do so, as the data generated by it will be used to handle diversity measures.
Upcoming additions to certain academic departments were also spoken of. Coming in Fall 2013 will be a bachelor’s of science in mechatronics, which the university is actively recruiting students for. Morgan Hall will also be getting a new TV studio, complete with new equipment, an updated newsroom and a state-of-the-art digital video editing room. Big news in student affairs includes a new food truck featuring a “southern fusion” concept, which will be making its way to the Azorsky parking lot this semester. During question and answer time at the end, students had confirmed that they will be able to use dine, shop and meal plans at this coming food
option. Another way in which the university is attempting to drum up higher enrollment is with marketing. Marketing is an area Cal U had cut back on in years past, but recently they have bolstered it up. President Jones remarked, “even though the Steelers missed the Super Bowl, we did not.” Cal U was also able to run ads at cheap rates during high-trafficked shows such as American Idol and NHL games. To close her speech, President Jones reiterated that, “nothing is more important than [Cal U’s] core mission: the education of students.” During the question and answer session, President Jones was asked by Chandler Carey
(sophomore, secondary education) about tuition and whether it would be raised by 3 percent like she had heard. Her question was met with the response that tuition cost is determined by the state, but that with rising tuition costs, Cal U has attempted to offset the rises with decreases in fees. Another notable point made during the Q&A was by Provost Dr. Barnhart, who said the university was looking into the possibility of offering classes during common hour in order to broaden course availability. One rumor put to rest was that the Student Center does not plan to include a corporate fast food company in the upcoming renovations. Not yet.
Cal U Actiing President Jones commented on tuition, possible food trucks, and the Campus Climate Survey.
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