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OLD GOLD&BLACK W A K E

F O R E S T

U N I V E R S I T Y

T H U R S D AY, F E B R U A RY 2 6 , 2 0 0 9

VOL. 92, NO. 22

“Covers the campus like the magnolias”

Teacher aims Grade : a myth? to identify space debris

Outside the Bubble... NASA satellite crashes after launch

By Alex Osteen | Senior writer

By Sam Cernuto | Asst. sports editor

Details concerning a recent satellite collision have reached the university through Professor Robert Plemmons of the mathematics and computer science departments. He has been working for the Army Research Office (ARO) and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) doing research by tracking and observing the orbits and activities of satellites. Since 1983, Plemmons has been working on the challenge of identifying objects in space. Plemmons explained, “Our work is on space situational analysis. This involves imaging manmade space objects, such as satellites, launch materials Plemmons such as rocket bodies and space debris for identification purposes. In particular, this is of interest to the military for protecting our interests in space, and more generally of interest for safety reasons.” The most recent crash between a Russian satellite and a United States satellite, which took place on Feb. 10, left trails of debris in space that may threaten other satellites and the Hubble

See Debris, Page A4

If you were to ask a student at the university how he or she thinks the Wake Forest grade point average compares to the average GPA at similar schools, you’d most likely hear two words: “grade deflation.” Many students at the university believe that the grades they receive here are under-valued or “deflated” according to the steep work load required of them when compared to the university’s “crossadmit” schools. Students fear that they are put at an unfair disadvantage because of this when they apply for graduate schools or jobs. Based on a recent study by the administration, via the Office of Institutional Research (OIR), the average GPA at the university is actually only .05 points lower than our cross-admits’ average, showing no noticeable deflation. In fact, according to the school’s GPA trend over the past 20 years, there has actually been grade inflation.

peer schools was 3.26 compared to 3.21 for Wake Forest graduating seniors,” Tiefenthaler said. The study also addressed students’ relative workload at these different schools. Some students argue that it’s possible that the mean GPA is the same for all these universities yet Wake Forest students have to do more work to earn it. However, by comparing “student academic workload indicators” from the 2007 College Senior Survey, the OIR found that the workload at all ten colleges is about the same.

A satellite launched by NASA on Feb. 24 crashed back to Earth after three minutes. The crash was caused when a clam-shellshaped structure that allows the satellite to travel through space did not separate from the rocket. The satellite was supposed to monitor greenhouse gases and study how they affect the Earth’s climate.

Human remains found in New Mexico desert Three bodies and a fetus were discovered in the desert west of Albuquerque, N.M. on Feb. 21 and Feb. 23. Six other bodies were found there earlier this month. Authorities believe these deaths are all tied to a single incident and that the bodies were buried between 2003 and 2005. Only one of the bodies has been identified as Victoria Chavez, a prostitute, who was last seen in 2003 and reported missing in 2004.

See GPA, Page A5

On Average: Data Speaks Provost Jill Tiefenthaler explained that the ten cross-admit schools the OIR surveyed were Davidson, Emory, Notre Dame, University of Richmond, UNCChapel Hill, Vanderbilt, University of Virginia, Washington & Lee and William & Mary. “The results showed that the average cumulative GPA for graduating seniors at the 10

Iran plans to test nuclear power plant

D ASHING A ND D ANCING

Symposium examines Juicy Campus ethics By R. Hunter Bratton | Asst. opinion editor

Photo courtesy of Student Development office

Representatives from the Chi Omega auction, Wake ‘N Shake and Hit the Bricks were on hand at the Georgia Tech basketball game to present their check to the WFU Comprehensive Cancer Center

The communication department and the Fund for Ethics, Leadership and Civil Responsibility held a public symposium on ethics and the Internet at Annenburg Forum in Carswell Hall on Feb. 23 in front of a crowded room of undergraduate students and community members. The symposium, moderated by Michael J. Hyde, university distinguished chair of communication ethics, starred a council composed of four leading university undergraduates and four renowned professors consisting of Stravroula Glezakos, assistant professor of philosophy, Sue Wasiolek, assistant Vice President for

See Juicy, Page A3

Iran will test its first nuclear power plant on Feb. 25 in front of Russian and Iranian officials. The testing will be comprehensive and test all the plant’s systems. The tests will be completed by using “dummy” fuel rods. If the tests are successful then more tests with fuel rods containing enriched uranium will take place toward the end of 2009.

Myanmar releases political prisoners On Feb. 21 and 22, 19 political prisoners were released by the government of Myanmar. Among them was one of Amnesty International USA’s priority cases, a woman named Ma Khin Khin Leh. She had been sentenced to a life sentence in prison after authorities failed to locate her husband, who had planed a protest demonstration in Bago. Leh had been in custody since 1999.

Seven injured in Mardi Gras shooting Seven people, including an infant, were injured in a shooting that occurred along the Mardi Gras parade route on Feb. 24. Two young men were shot in the abdomen while the other victims suffered from graze wounds. None of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening. Two suspects were apprehended and three guns were retrieved. Both suspects were charged with an attempted first-degree murder.

University receives repeat honors for service

Forest community and it is an honor to be recognized on a national level.” Honorees for the award display commendFor the third consecutive year, the university has received recognition for its outstanding able service-oriented programs on campus and commitment to higher education community in the community. Factors such as extent and originality of service projects, percentage of service. The Corporation for National and Commu- participating students and the role of servicenity Service honors colleges and universities learning in academic curriculum were considacross the nation that support exceptional com- ered at each school. At the university, service is munity service and service-learning programs. a prominent part of campus life. The Volunteer The program has placed the university on the Service Corps (VSC) is a student-run organizaPresident’s Higher Education Community tion that sponsors service projects on campus, Service Honor Roll for exemplary efforts and including Project Pumpkin and DESK, works to connect volunteers to non-profit agencies service to America’s communities. “This award is once again a wonderful recogni- in the Winston-Salem community and hosts tion of the outstanding commitment that our both domestic and international service trips. students, faculty and staff have to our motto, Last semester, the VSC successfully organized Pro Humanitate,” said Brighid Jensen, assistant Project Pumpkin in October, reaching out director of student development and volunteer to over 1,000 children from the community services. “Service is an integral part of our Wake through fun Halloween activities, such as faceBy Samantha Hoback | Staff writer

painting and trick-or-treating. Campus Kitchen is another service organization on campus that prepares and delivers over 10,000 meals per year to people all over the Winston-Salem community. The VSC international service trips take student volunteers to India, Brazil, Russia and South Africa throughout the year to do service projects and promote Pro Humanitate around the world. This spring, the VSC is organizing Wake Alternative Break trips. During Spring Break, student volunteers will travel to various places in the United States, including New Orleans, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Atlanta, Ga., and Washington, D.C., and participate in different service programs. Along with the scope of service programs, the award recognizes campuses with outstanding

Life | B5

INSIDE:

Baby, It’s Warm Outside

Brieflies

A2

Police Beat

A2

Spotlight

B2

Now that spring break is around the corner figure out what to do with the increasing warm weather.

The Hot List

B6

In Other News

Sudoku

B6

• University looking for new student advisers | A2 • Student looks help and gain experience | A4

See Service, Page A4

Sports | B1 Diamond Deacs Undefeated The Wake Forest baseball team has started its 2009 spring season 5-0, the best start it has had since the 1998 season.

Old Gold & Black file photo

DESK is one of the many service activities for which the university was recognized.

Opinion | A8 No stimulus, No Madeline Eckenrode outlines her opposition to the recently passed stimulus package.


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