Volume: 60 Issue: 5

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THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS Volume: 60 Issue: 5

SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

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STUDYING ABROAD: Once-in-a-Lifetime Chance

Cork participants Joe Kelly, Amy Soileau, and Jarred Marlatt enjoy the view of the Wild Atlantic Way from the Dingle Peninsula.

BY ANJANAE CRUMP Managing Editor The University of New Orleans offers study abroad options in over 11 different countries for summer, single-semester and full-year programs. “The mission of the study abroad programs within the Division of International Education is to provide international educational opportunities to the students and faculty of the University of New Orleans,” said International Education Program Director Irene Ziegler. Over 15,000 students have participated, and each year efforts are made to increase this number. Emails are distributed, posters are

it hours and a $180 study abroad hung and representatives are sent able to afford it.” to classrooms. But are students Though students admit that the health insurance fee. Not included actually convinced to take the leap study abroad program is a wor- in this payment to the university is airfare, room and board, around the world? and other miscellaneous Junior Terrell Jones expenses. Desaid, “I would like to “Studying abroad with UNO, either personal pending on where the study abroad because it would give me a chance for a summer or a semester, is an af- student goes, the total to get out in the world of the trip could infordable and achievable way to explore cost and see a different place crease greatly. and have a new experiZiegler said, “Stuthe world, add additional value to your ence. But I cannot afford dents should carefully UNO degree, and invest in your future.” analyze cost and exit.” Sophomore Dylana - Irene Ziegler penses, but they should Program Director of International Education not rule out studying Evans shared similar abroad before looking sentiments. “I would into the multitude of [study abroad] just to be able to go to a new place and ex- thy investment, cost is definite- financial assistance opportunities perience new things and a different ly a concern for many. Up-front available for it. In 2015-16, UNO culture; but probably not because price includes a $200 application awarded about $70,000 in institu- actually - I know I wouldn’t be fee, tuition and fees for 6-12 cred- tional awards and scholarships to

Photo by Heidi McKinley more than 50 UNO students studying abroad.” “In addition, federal financial aid and loans can often be used to fund study abroad. All Pell Grant recipients, for example, are eligible for the very prestigious and generous Gilman scholarships, through which a number of UNO students received over $12,000 for study abroad programs last year. And there are many other sources for financial assistance, including UNO’s SGA, certain departments, and outside sources. So, just start asking questions, and you may find that you can afford to study abroad and reap the benefits of this experience.” Continued on page 2

University administrators consider implementing shuttle system BY CHRISTOPHER WALKER Editor-in-Chief For University of New Orleans students living on campus without a car, the task of getting essential, everyday items can create a real headache many students with access to transportation are unfamiliar with. A five-minute car ride to Rouses, something many students take without second thought, can create a serious inconvenience to these students. UNO has a dense population of foreign students without access to transportation, and more often than

not, these foreign students form friendships with other foreign students, none of whom have access to transportation. This turns buying groceries, laundry items, and other essential everyday items into a hassle. That is why the university administration is seriously considering implementing a shuttle system that will take students from campus and bring them to neighboring grocery and general-needs stores. Tulane University, Louisiana State University, and Loyola University currently have similar systems that bring students to nearby commercial stores. Tulane has

multiple shuttle lines that take students from campus, to the neighboring Walmart, Fresh Market, and even Elmwood and Clearview shopping centers. Dean of Students Brett Kemker is working to get the shuttle system in place. The project has been in development for some time, but university administration has been making headway recently. “We are always looking to meet the needs of our student body, and this is certainly one that has been brought to our attention.” Kemker said the shuttle will be completely free for university students and will focus on the imme-

diate, pressing needs of students without cars. Although many students are hoping for a shuttle that will also bring students to local nightlife hotspots, Kemker said that the immediate goal of the program is to bring students to essential locations. “I am not currently aware of any plans for our shuttle program to take students to nightlife areas, but I do know that many students have an immediate need for access to groceries and dried goods, like those at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. And this will be a very valuable program for that subpopulation.” The program, if implemented,

will certainly be an appealing draw for students who know a personal transportation vehicle is out of the question for their college years. In regard to when students could realistically expect the program to be in place, Dr. Kemker said “We are looking into how much it would cost at this point, the university has not purchased a vehicle just yet. But looking at costs, and weighing the pros and cons of such a system, we are acutely aware of the value and the need for it. And if the numbers add up, I don’t think it’s going to be too far down the road. It looks to be a solid return on investment.”


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