Students reorganize after problems

Departments, page 1 running to the office of the registrar in order to find classes to fit their schedules. Senior studio art major Kelly James found herself scrambling to replace the biology lab and accelerated Spanish course that had been canceled during the first week of classes. "Their not offering any of the core classes that I need. How am I going to graduate on time?" James said.

Junior English and communication major Caitlin Langley was notified shortly before the beginning of the semester that her photography class had been canceled. amount of years. Bush has also allocated waivers to allow millions who could not afford Medicare to receive Medicare as long as they are eligible.

"They said your class is canceled, here's the rest of your schedule, call your adviser," Langley said.

Many students share Langley's frustration towards the lack of availability of electives and core requirements resulting in stress and disappointment. "You never know what classes are open and I didn't even get one related to my major. So now I have this rif-raf course that is irrelevant to what I am trying to do," Langley said.

Due to the sudden cancellations and consolidations of course sections, many students, including James, are forced to take on busier semesters or seek classes elsewhere in order to make up for credits lost.

Assistant registrar Frances Harkness said that the office of the registrar was willing to work with those students who found themselves trying to pick up classes last minute. She also commended the students for their cooperation in the ongoing shuffle of classes.

As for Bush's second term he has new plans for Medicare. One plan is to implement a prescription drug benefit. This means that in about two years seniors will be able to sign up for prescription drug coverage under Medicare. Bush is hoping that this will help seniors who cannot afford to buy all of their prescription drugs to do so and save at the same time.

Bush's second plan for Medicare if he were to win a second term would be to expand and improve benefits for elders. Medicare will expand their coverage of preventive services and cover an initial physical examination. Finally, a disease management service will be offered by Medicare for the first time ever. These services will hopefully help those who qualify with chronic medical conditions to avoid dangerous and costly medical complications.

Kerry's main goal when it comes to Medicare is to strengthen it in order to make it better. Kerry has come up with three steps to strengthen Medicare to make it better for elders.

First, Kerry plans to provide a better drug benefit plan to elders then Bush will. Kerry's drug plan wiJI be run by Medicare instead of private insurance companies that charge seniors whatever they want and will benefit all elders no matter where they live.

The second part of Kerry's plan is to ensure access to affordable prescription drugs. Kerry plans to cut the cost by finding a way to lower the prices of prescription drugs, allow drugs to be imported from cheaper countries such as Canada, establish rules that will keep pharmacies to buy drugs in large bulks from the government and by helping states provide discounts to give incentives to execute more efficient contracts to obtain better rates for prescription drugs.

Finally, Kerry's plan for strengthening Medicare will be to give seniors options when it comes to long-term health care. This part of the plan will make sure that nursing homes are properly inspected and that there are fully trained health care workers. Falling under this part of the plan will also be support for those who are caregivers to those who need long-term health care.