miss america talks Struggles Kirsten Haglund spoke at the College about her bouts with eating disorders.
Dom Mazzetti vs. TCNJ
Internet sensation Dom Mazzetti graced the College with his presence and T-shirts.
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March 14, 2012
No. 8
Vol. CXXXVI.
Gitenstein to trustees: Gov. aid misleading
Ashley Long / Photo Editor, Photos courtesy of College Relations
At their Feb. 28 meeting trustees talked budget, housing and construction, announcing that Campus Town plans (middle) have made considerable progess. By Kelly Johnson News Editor Gov. Chris Christie promised a 6 percent increase in aid for higher education in his recent budget address, but his statement was misleading and untrue, President R. Barbara Gitenstein said at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28. The increase only applies to employees’ budgets and benefits, which is established by the state, according to Gitenstein. None of the extra funds are going toward appropriations, which would allow for the money to be spent on what the College deems necessary. “There is not a 6 percent increase to funding higher education,” Gitenstein said. “That is absolutely not an increase to our base budget.” In addition to discussing the budget, the board recognized several faculty promotions and appointments in departments such as physics, criminology, philosophy, English, Student Affairs and more. “We have an extraordinary faculty and I am very proud of each and every one of them,” Gitenstein said. Eleanor Horne, a member of the Student Life and Enrollment Management Committee, had only kind words for new interim vice president of Student Affairs Vicky Triponey.
“We are all looking forward to working closely with Vicky,” she said. The meeting also came within a week of students being told that all applicants received housing. “We’ve been able to accommodate every student who applied for housing,” Horne said. “That process was handled with great care and sensitivity.” Although people in attendance whispered about considerable amounts of complaints by parents regarding housing, board members made no mention of the controversy. The board of trustees also presented analyses of construction projects and the College’s relationship with Ewing Township. Vice chair Bradley Brewster provided updates on the new education building near Cromwell Hall and Campus Town. “The education building is on time and way under budget,” he said. Brewster also spoke about the considerable progress that has been made with Campus Town and said it “looks like we’ll be cutting the ribbon sometime in the summer.” Horne announced several achievements made this year, which not only benefits the College but has also helped build the relationship with the community. “We’ve had very good media coverage by the local press,” Horne said. “That doesn’t happen by accident.”
This time last year, Horne said, Mayor Bert Steinmann was expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of students, but the tone has seemed to dissipate this year for a few reasons. Horne told the board that student violations have dropped significantly from 604 in the fall 2010 to 465 this past fall. “Next year we hope to see that number down even further,” she said. Horne spent a good deal of her report encouraging members to focus on alumni affairs, as graduates become key donors to the College. Graduate donors have sent $4.6 million in gifts and pledges to the College since the beginning of the fiscal year, according to Horne. She announced that the College’s homepage received eight million hits last year, which says a lot about our web presence and the perception of the College by others, according to Horne. Board of Trustees Chair Christopher Gibson wrapped up the meeting by recognizing senior history major and student trustee Randi Lynn Veenstra for her recent acceptance into University of Pennsylvania’s School of Law. “From the bottom of our hearts, congratulations,” he said.
Ewing and the College team up By Tom Ciccone News Editor
Despite tensions over the past year, the College and Ewing Township are looking to come together. A press conference was held on Wednesday, Feb. 29 in Loser Hall that addressed the formation of a new committee focused on integrating the College with the surrounding community. Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann opened up the press conference, speaking strongly about the aims of the committee to bring the community closer to campus life. “Hopefully every step we take is going to be a step forward,” said Steinmann, who emphasized that the goals of the committee were positive. “Aiming with the help of (President R. Barbara Gitenstein), I know we’re going to forge a very, very
good partnership for the future,” Steinmann said. Gitenstein also spoke at the press conference, stressing the importance of forming the committee, referred to as the “Town-Gown Committee.” “TCNJ is in Ewing, and so we need to partner with Ewing,” Gitenstein said. “We’re all better if we work together.” Gitenstein mentioned that Ewing was recently rated by The Atlantic as the eighth most economic town in the U.S., stressing the positive consequences of the College being situated in such a “thriving area.” Gitenstein did however make note that the committee would have to deal with tense matters, such as student conduct. The Town-Gown Committee is scheduled to meet four times a year at differing locations both at the College and in the Ewing area. The first meeting is tentatively planned to be
later this month or in early April. The committee will be comprised of 12 positions, including vice president for Student Affairs Vickey Triponey, associate dean of students Angela Lauer Chong, executive director of College Relations Stacey Schuster, president of Student Government Olaniyi Solebo and a representative from the College’s campus police. The sixth position will be filled by a College official according to each meeting’s discussed issues. The other six committee members will be provided the Ewing township, including Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann, business administrator James McManimon, a representative from the town council, Ewing police and others chosen by Ewing officials. According to Schuster, the meetings will have open and closed sessions, allowing the public to be more involved.
Photo courtesy of Allen Katz
37th computer festival The College hosted its 37th annual Trenton Computer Festival on Saturday, March 10. President and CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment Jeff Gomez presented the latest in computers and digital electronic technology. Starlight Runner has helped with the production and marketing of popular movies like ‘Pirates of the Carribean,’ ‘Avatar’ and ‘Tron.’
How to do St. Patrick’s Day right
‘Around the Signal Office’
After rave reviews of the Valentine’s Day column, St. Patty’s Day gets the same treatment.
Editors attempt to provide their analyses on the current hot topics in sports.
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