I n d ep en d en t
Issue no.
S t u de nt
V o ic e
o f
B o is e
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59
April
23
2012
Volume 24
w w w.arbiteronline.com
Boise, Idaho
Top Stories
JUMP
First issue free
$12.5 million Alumni and Friends Center
A unique project is about to break ground in downtown Boise.
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Prostitution
The question is raised: Should prositutes be prosecuted?
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photo by haley robinson/THE ARBITER
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Benefits for joining the Alumni Association
Amy Glass Kimberley O’Bryan Senior Journalist
BSU gymnast finishes her nationally recognized college career.
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If fundraising goes as planned, the Boise State Foundation (BSF) and the Alumni Center (AC) will break ground on a new building next year. The Alumni and Friends Center will replace the old ophthalmologist’s office the Alumni Center has been using on the corner of Grant Street and University Drive. “The new building will increase the Alumni Association’s (AA) visibility on campus immeasurably. This landmark building will provide the Association with a first-rate venue to reconnect alumni with Boise State University while also creating memorable connections with future alums,” said Jess Byrne, AA’s board president. The old building will be demolished and the adjacent parking lot incorporated to make room for the 44,000 sq. ft. building which will include office space for all of University Advancement, the Boise State foundation employees, the Alumni Association, the outreach communication and marketing depts., and centralized development. “Due to space constraints, most of our Alumni Association events currently are held outside of the Alumni Center. The new center will allow us a unique, central location to host our events, showcase the history of the university and highlight and start new traditions,” said Director of Alumni Involvement Sonya Deines. According to the Alumni Association’s website, “both special event rental and possible long-term lease options will provide income to help offset alumni center operations and provide revenue to support student
Tackling the end-of-semester blues
Tomorrow
Lauren Jacob Journalist
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The Arbiter
scholarships.” If fundraising is successful, the following public spaces will be available: Discounts on: Dyke Nally Recognition Hall, retail area and café in the garden, reception room, great hall, catering kitchLocal restaurants en and storage and a rooftop outdoor event space. Campus Rec Center “All of the $12.5 million for the construction is provided by private donations,” said Mark Arstein, Tennis Bubble Executive Director of the Alumni Association. Professional Development “Most of it comes from alumni or close friends of the university.” Bronco Zone It is still in the design process and fundraising Student Union Games Center is ongoing. “What you have is two nonprofit entities Morrison Center that are here to support Boise State UniverTaco Bell Arena sity. One is the Alumni Center and our job is to connect, advocate and support Boise Special Events Center State University,” Arstein said. “The FoundaLocal Marriot Hotels tion is about fundraising, endowments and scholarships.” Together with the Alumni Association Other benefits: board, they own the building. Relatives can receive Legacy The building on Grant Street and University Drive isn’t the Alumni Center’s first Scholarship home. It was originally started in 1967, in Use of Albertsons Library the old Student Union Building (now the Communication Building). Dues were $2 Use of Career Center per year for an alum and there were just 12 Membership at Capital Educamembers. Now the alumni pay $50 a year and there are 50,000 members, according to the AA tor’s Credit Union website. Recent graduates or those graduating in May receive a $35 discount for their first year. design by Bryan Talbot/THE ARBITER There are multiple reasons to join the Alumni Asso- scholarships,” Arstein said. ciation. With the help of their bi-annual auction and “(Legacy Scholarships) encourages a family tradimembership dues, last year they raised $287,000 for tion of attending Boise State University and helps to the Legacy Scholarship. develop a pride in Boise State that is passed on from “Once you join that supports all our programs and generation to generation,” Byrne said.
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It’s that time of year when the weather gets warmer, the days get longer, spring fever sets in and shorts start reappearing. It’s also that time of year when grades start slipping, and students start to freak out as finals approach. With less than a month to go and the weather tempting many students outside, it can be hard to focus in this critical point of the semester. There seems to be an air of disregard around campus lately and a very big “I just want to be done” attitude. Whether it’s realizing a difficult class is going to end up in an F or realizing that a final exam could land an A for the semester, giving up doesn’t have to be an option. Boise State Advising and Academic Enhancement recommends that each student take a look at how his or her semester has been going. It’s also a good time to talk to an adviser about being on track for graduation, especially if an F is possible.
Knowing progress or standings can help put students’ minds at ease. For students who feel as if this semester is a lost cause, now is a good time to reflect on your performance, appeal any probations if needed and ask what changes need to be made for future success. For students who hope to do their best in the coming weeks, now is the time to get focused and prepared for a storm of finals. “The good place to be is on campus for the next three weeks,” said Angela Bolen, program coordinator for Advising and Academic Enhancement. The resources and atmosphere on campus can help feed the momentum and focus students need. “When I start to feel like giving up, I study in the library more because I’m surrounded by people who are focused,” said Janessa Gohn, sophomore French and secondary education major. “It motivates me to stay focused.” Along with the library, there are other departments that help suppress the looming and
contagious end-of-semester blues. The Health and Wellness Center and the Recreation Center often have events around finals week that can offer relief. Taking advantage of these programs can help decrease testing anxiety. As far as being prepared for finals and any last minute projects, there are a few things that can be extremely helpful. First, knowing the details of tests and projects is important. Due dates, formatting, time allotment, materials allowed and required materials are all things that should be understood well before undergoing the assignment. Second, being organized with any notes and materials will help as well. Scrambling to find things with a time crunch can be stressful and detrimental to a grade. Preparation is key when it comes to the study process. Next, make any arrangements needed to clear the time needed for studying or preparing. Setting aside study time in advance will make the process much less traumatic. Students
should talk to their bosses about work schedules, put social lives on hold and take time to exercise. “Exercising is really, really important,” Bolen said. “Being physical can reduce test anxiety and help you relax and recharge.” And, of course, everyone has heard that cramming is bad, but who doesn’t do it? With busy schedules combined with procrastination, cramming seems to be the only option. But cramming often leads to test anxiety, which is a common reason students typically don’t do well. So if possible, making time for breaks in between study sessions will help with both memorizing the material and peace of mind. Taking a walk, going out to eat and playing with a dog are all things to fill those breaks with that could help with relaxation. A common misconception among most college students is that the more caffeine one consumes, the better their performance will be. However, the effect is usually opposite. “Too much caffeine is an
easy way to psyche yourself out and do poorly on the test,” Bolen said. Too much caffeine can make it harder to focus when it really counts. Sleep is key. Most importantly, be organized and take advantage of the programs offered on campus. Free massages, breakfast and other amenities are offered during dead week and finals week. There are also drop-in sessions offered by Academic Advising for students who want help getting organized for finals and many other programs that will offer relief. Being a part of a body of people who share your worries is also helpful. “There’s something about knowing that you’re not alone that is really important,” Bolen said. Using one another as resources and support will help with anxiety as well. Each student should have some alone time with their planner in the near future to organize how they’ll tackle the coming weeks. Nothing is worse than being unprepared. arbiteronline.com