Prof ratings now free ■ MyEdu, formerly Pick-aProf opens basic access to all users
thebattalion the battalion ● friday,
september 3, 2010
texas a&m since 1893
anew Texas A&M vs. Stephen F. Austin 6 p.m. at Kyle Field
Got a story for ya, Ags Midnight Yell is a must to get you excited about beating the hell outta SFA. Bringing a date is always a good idea too, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, just a lighter.
Inside It’s go time The 2010 season will shape
the direction of the football program for Mike Sherman’s tenure Bigger things Lionel Smith weathers life’s storms to emerge where he is — a cog in what fans hope is a rebuilt Aggie defense
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Students serve AGS ■ On-campus organization raises funds for struggling Aggies
Five Keys Things to watch for against the Lumberjacks
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Born and bred Rachel
Tailgating Everybody wants to talk about how it’s opening weekend. Including Ol’ Ags who might just offer you barbecue and, ahem, adult beverages. Disclaimer: minors can and have been arrested at tailgates. Fishies, you have been warned.
Shipley follows a line of Aggies to the school and the team of her dreams
sports | 3
Adrian Calcaneo - THE BATTALION
The not-so-fun part Most parking for student permit holders is in the boonies of campus, but visit the Transportation Services website for the football parking map. A more practical solution is taking an A&M bus or the Game Day shuttle, which takes off from Post Oak Mall beginning three hours before kick-off. Transportation Services — and anyone can vouch for this — advises you wait to exit campus at least 30 to 45 minutes.
Megan Ryan
The Battalion Students might be suffering from an intense class load, an uncooperative roommate or dogs that eat their homework, and some may bear financial burdens as well. Aggies Giving Selflessly, AGS, is a student-led initiative to raise awareness and support for students in need. “The purpose [of AGS] is to raise money to be given to the students assistance fund that is managed by the Vice President of Student,Affairs,” said Chris Tucker, senior University studies — leadership major and AGS director of programming. The fund “benefits current students who are in immediate need of financial assistance who have exhausted their financial aid,” he said. The organization was inspired by a similar one at Kansas State University – K-State Proud. Former students Mark Gold, Andrew Witky and Karthik Venkatragh started the organization before they gradu-
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media
It begins
Amber Jaura
The Battalion While add/drop week rolls on and students tweak schedules, myEdu.com has opened the door to valuable college information by making its online services free. Originally known as PickA-Prof, the company has transformed its website and is now allowing access to information regarding professors and classes for free to over 700 universities. Chris Chilek and John Cunningham, both class of 1999, started Pick-A-Prof in 2000. Over the past 10 years Pick-AProf has spread from the A&M campus to about 1,000 universities and helped more than 2 million students. Chilek said the company’s goal was always to provide the services for free for students. “We wanted to make services as free as possible for students, but with gathering data from so many universities there were always costs that needed to be taken care of,” Chilek said. “As of about August 15, we were able to make professor grades, reviews and booklists free to all schools.” Senior recreation, parks and tourism studies major Madeline Brieger said she’s been using the site and is glad students can now access such priceless infor-
● serving
Compiled by Jill Beathard, lifestyles editor
Mays professor dispenses words of wisdom to grads Victoria Daughtery
Q&A
to find jobs. At their weekly meetings, they will recognize any new Aggie graduates, and so many jobs have been facilitated through this Aggie network. Whatever city you go to, see if there is an A&M club that you can tap into. Circulate your resume by attending their lunches or happy hours with lawyers, investment bankers, doctors, etc. To locate A&M clubs, go to the Association of Former Students website, and search A&M clubs in your area.
Special to The Battalion Graduating senior? Fear not. Professor Ben Welch of the Mays Business school department of management has advice on the post-grad life. “He is by far one of the best professors I’ve ever had, and I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t agree. He to find a group to plug into, such as is loved by all,” said Meghan Hillary, a graduate student in the professional the Houston A&M club. These clubs program for accounting. consist of working professionals who Q: What is a must do after you graduate? graduated from A&M, who are willQ: Do you have any advice on mortgages? A: I would encourage individuals ing to help with networking for Aggies A: If you take out a home mort-
gage, try to make it a twice a month payment. These biweekly payments, result in making an additional payment each year, and can cut down your mortgage as much as seven to 12 years. If someone can swing doing a 15-year mortgage that is even better because you have a complete property paid for by the time you are 40 years old. Q: What is your advice on investments for Aggies after college? A: As soon as possible find an investSee Welch on page 2
9/2/10 8:02 PM