The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892
Northern Iowan
Friday, December 3, 2010
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Volume 107, Issue 25
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Cedar Falls, Iowa
Film Review
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northern-iowan.org
McLeod Magic
‘Tangled’ one of Disney’s best
Panthers defeat Cyclones to extend home winning streak
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Construction begins on new residence complex
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UNI President begins battle with cancer UNI students, faculty, staff and community members offer support BLAKE FINDLEY and JOHN ANDERSON Staff Writers
Courtesy Photo
A computer model of the entire planned complex, which will be located south of Redeker Center. The north bulding is expected to be operational by August 2012.
BLAKE FINDLEY Staff Writer
The University of Northern Iowa Department of Residence officially broke ground on the construction of a new apartment-style residence facility on Nov. 17.
Diversity Matters
SARAH KELZER Staff Writer
The University of Northern Iowa is currently accepting nominations for the UNI Diversity Matters Award, which honors students, faculty, staff and community members who contribute to the university’s diversity-related goals. The award will be given to community groups or individuals who have played an active role in helping to broaden the university’s diversity efforts See DIVERSITY MATTERS, page 3
The construction of the residence hall, which will be located south of Redeker Center, is the first of three phases of plans to build a series of four brand-new oncampus residence halls. The DOR plans to complete the first phase of construction by
August 2012. According to the DOR’s website, students who live on campus tend to earn higher grades. In fall 2008, for example, freshmen living on campus had an average GPA See RESIDENCE HALL, page 2
University of Northern Iowa President Benjamin Allen was recently diagnosed with the early stages of prostate cancer. Allen is set to undergo surgery in January. According to a statement issued by Allen, the president’s schedule will be limited following his surgery until his physician determines he has made a full and complete recovery from the procedure; a BENJAMIN ALLEN rough estimate UNI President of the recovery time is four to six weeks. UNI Executive Vice President and Provost Gloria Gibson will be recommended to the Board of Regents to serve as acting president of the university during that time. David Miles, president of the Iowa Board of Regents, will recommend Gibson for the role during at the Regents’ Dec. 9 meeting. Allen, who will continue his normal duties until his surgery, maintains a positive outlook in light of the diagnosis. “I have learned that several
WIU receives six bomb threats
Public safety reminds UNI community of emergency procedures KARYN SPORY
Staff Writer
Western Illinois University has received six bomb threats since Oct. 25. One disgruntled student has been arrested and charged for delivering the first bomb threat, but DAVID ZARIFIS authorities are UNI Director of still looking for Public Safety the individual or individuals who made the last five threats. The bomb threats were made to several of the residence halls on the WIU
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(The Department of Public Safety) will gather all information provided by the call taker (and then) determine the validity of the threat. In any case, if there is any doubt, we will make building notifications. David Zarifis UNI director of public safety
campus. The residence halls were cleared of students and searched before students were allowed to return to their rooms. WIU officials and police treated it as an emergency and called in the FBI. In light of these threats,
some students may wonder what procedures are in place in case such an incident occurred here at University of Northern Iowa. The basic thing to know if you are ever faced with dealing with a bomb threat is fairly simple. If a threat is called in, stay on the line as long as possible and try to collect as much information as you can. The receiving individual must notify campus police and the officials will take it from there. “(The Department of Public Safety) will gather all information provided by the See BOMB THREATS, page 3
men employed by UNI have faced the same health challenge, prostate cancer, that I am facing and after treatment, are now doing fine,” Allen said in an email. “The comments by these men have been very encouraging to me as have the many other supportive emails and notes that I have received from the UNI community and beyond.” Allen encourages men to be proactive in cancer detection and prevention. “I believe all of us who have faced or are facing the issue of prostate cancer would strongly recommend that men, particularly men over 50, have their (prostate-specific antigen) levels checked regularly,” Allen said. “Early detection is one of the keys for successfully fighting this type of cancer.” Since his diagnosis, Allen has received support from several UNI students, faculty and staff as well as from members of Iowa communities. David Miles, president of the Iowa Board of Regents, expressed his full support and the support of the regents to Allen and his wife Pat in a statement. See PRESIDENT ALLEN, page 3
Student Affairs now accepting applications for service award
BLAKE FINDLEY Staff Writer
The Division of Student Affairs is currently accepting nominations for the Sue Follon Exemplary Service Award. Nominations will be accepted until Dec. 7. Recipients of the award must be faculty or staff members working in Student Affairs who provide outstanding service and show dedication to Student Affairs’ mission of helping students See SUE FOLLON AWARD, page 3