The Battalion: June 11, 2009

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Freshmen plan the path ahead at New Student Conferences Story by Patrique Ludan | The Battalion Graphics by Karen Cruickshanks and Chris Griffin | The Battalion New Student Conferences are under way, and the class of 2013 is descending on Aggieland.

Freshman enrollment is at more than 8,200, which could prove to be the largest freshman class in A&M history if all of the students end up attending, according to New Student Programs coordinator Tara Boyle.

“I believe as a whole all of the programs within the New Student Conference are very important,” Boyle said. “The program allows us to take a holistic approach into helping the new students transition into their life at Texas A&M.” Freshmen are required to attend the New Student

Pg. 1-06.11.09.indd 1

Conferences in order to pick their schedule, make a school I.D. and speak with academic advisers. However, there are a number of optional programs that freshmen can participate in designed to help them adjust to college life.

“Even though they were optional, I was glad I [participated] because they were helpful in my transition from high school to college,” said freshman mechanical engineering major Drew Parks, from Rowlett, Texas.

Students can choose from a wide variety of classes See Freshmen on page 4

6/10/09 8:21 PM

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thebattalion 6.11.2009

Directory

A&M, UT satellites to launch on Endeavor

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Julie Rambin Special to The Battalion The longtime rivalry between Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin has a new battleground: space.

AggieSAT2, a satellite designed and built by Texas A&M students, and BEVO-1, a satellite designed and built by University of Texas students, are slated to launch Saturday on Space Shuttle Endeavor.

“AggieSAT2 is a small class of satellite called a picosatellite,” said NASA project manager David Kanipe. “In this case, AggieSAT2 is a five-inch cube and weighs about 3.5 kg.”

The satellites each contain a Global Positioning System unit designed by NASA, Kanipe said.

“The satellites are designed a little differently, but they both have a GPS inside,” said John Graves, AggieSAT lab manager and aerospace engineering graduate student. “This particular unit was built in-house

by NASA.” On this mission, the satellites will collect flight data on a GPS receiver, then downlink and analyze this data over the course of at least two orbits, Kanipe said.

“The ultimate project goal for these small satellites from A&M and UT, is for them to successfully demonstrate what is called Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking in low earth orbit,” Kanipe said. “If you’ve seen the Space Shuttle dock with the International Space Station on TV, then you’ve seen a rendezvous and docking. An autonomous rendezvous and docking is simply the capability to perform the same function without the benefit of human intervention.”

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Alex Kiertscher, Matt Nelson and Libby Osgood tinker with a mock up of AggieSAT1. Approximately 80 engineering students and 15 business students worked to build AggieSAT2, which will launch Saturday. and Docking is considered one of the most complex phases of flight, Kanipe said.

“At first blush [ARD] may seem like a lot to lay on a couple of universities,” Kanipe said. “I have found, however, that if students get engaged in a realworld problem where they can apply their academic skills, they bring a lot of enthusiasm and creativity to the table.”

Creativity played an important role in designing the satellites, said Henri Kjellberg, BEVO-1 systems engineer and University of Texas aerospace engineering graduate student.

“Working on these satellite projects you get a multidisciplinary view,” Kjellberg said.

“In reality, everything touches on everything.”

Students at Texas A&M and the University of Texas were responsible for designing and constructing the satellites, Graves said.

“The construction was done by graduate and undergraduate students, primarily undergrads,” Graves said. “All the physical hands-on construction has been

done by university students.”

Some parts for the satellites were purchased off-the-shelf, while others had to be built by the students, Kjellberg said.

“We needed to machine these parts, and we needed to meet the requirements for safety that NASA set,” Kjellberg said. “Over time, over multiple versions, we were able to get a final product.”

Competition was also a factor, Kjellberg said.

“In the end the project itself is a success if both schools meet the mission requirements.

That’s what we’re hoping for,” Kjellberg said. “At the same time, both of the schools are trying to make their satellite just a little cooler.”

The rivals’ friendly competition has enhanced the project, Kanipe said.

“This first mission has been a tremendously successful learning experience,” Kanipe said. “The two universities have learned to appreciate each other’s strengths and they truly consider this project as a collaborative project.”

Yanni to perform in Austin Musical artist Yanni is giving a concert in Austin at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center Friday. Yanni made claims that he recognized the economic hardships our country is being faced with and he is therefore offering $10 tickets for his show. The show will feature fan favorites and his global orchestra.

Other tickets are either at $35 or $55 value, and groups of 10 or more can save 20 percent on the $55 tickets. Tickets can be purchased online at www.

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Little Big Town holding strong NASHVILLE — Little Big Town’s career has had more stops and starts than a bus ride uptown.

Since forming in 1998, they’ve had multiple label changes and loads of personal drama, and yet the original lineup — Philip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild — remains intact. With a new label, a new CD in the works and a highprofile performance at this week’s CMA Music Festival, Sweet says the band feels more stable than it has in a while.

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Christen Beck The Battalion Gov. Rick Perry appointed senior Hunter Bollman as the newest student regent for the Texas A&M University System. Bollman’s term officially began June 1.

Bollman began a four-step process before his appointment last fall, said Perry’s spokeswoman Catherine Frazier.

“By Nov. 1, each university system posts applications for the student regent position,” Frazier said. “And then by Jan. 1, the university student government leadership recommends five of the applicants to the chancellor of their respected university system.”

Afterward, the chancellor selects two of the recommended applicants by Feb. 1.

Those applicants are recommended to the governor’s office, where they undergo interviews, Frazier said.

“Based on their experience and their interview, they choose who the student regent will be,” Frazier said.

Perry said Bollman’s experience will be valuable during his term.

“There’s no question that Hunter’s exceptional skills and qualified background will be a valuable asset to the Texas A&M Board of Regents,” Perry said. “From his leadership with A&M’s Student Government Association to his selection as a fellow of the Mays Business School Fellows Program, his experience enables him to be an outstanding representative of all students in the A&M system and will offer helpful insight to the decisions made by the regents over the course of the next year.”

Bollman, who is pursuing an undergraduate degree in accounting and a master’s in finance at the Mays Business School, said

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the student regent position is a non-voting position on the Board of Regents for the A&M system.

Bollman’s role involves corresponding with the entire system student body, a system that includes 11 universities and 110,000 students.

“Many students forget that there is much more to the Texas A&M System than Texas A&M University [in College Station],” Bollman said. “I will be responsible for communicating the student voice from across the System on important issues to the Board of Regents.”

Bollman said that each school has a different mission and dynamic, and said he understands that what may be an important issue for A&M at College Station BOLLMAN may not translate as important at a sister university.

“I plan on staying in constant contact with all 11 student body presidents from across the system to find out from them what are the important issues facing their student body and how can I help them achieve their goals and visions as the student regent,” Bollman said. “I will then take those items back to the individual school and find out the student opinion on that particular issue so I can communicate that clearly to the board.”

The board will face challenges in the upcoming school year, including gaining more student feedback, working to centralize the A&M system as one unit and battling the increasingly high cost of college tuition, Bollman said.

“The Texas Legislature decided to not cap tuition before they adjourned, so it will

“There’s no question that Hunter’s exceptional skills and qualified background will be a valuable asset to the Texas A&M Board of Regents.”

— Gov. Rick Perry

be important that the individual schools and the Board continue to do their parts in trying to keep tuition and fees as low as possible,” he said.

Bollman said it was important to embrace differences and work toward a common goal, a philosophy he said will be helpful when dealing with several A&M system schools.

Involvement in activities such as Student Government, Brothers Under Christ, Fish Camp and Business Fellows made Bollman fall in love with A&M, he said.

“I think the skills I possess that will make me useful in this new role are skills that all Aggies possess and gain as a result of being involved on campus,” he said. “If there is one thing that separates Texas A&M University from other schools across the nation, it is the experiences and leadership opportunities that are available for all students.”

Bollman said he encourages the A&M community to contact him.

“I want to let students know that I want to hear their opinion on issues important to them,” he said. “My goal is to be available, as a resource to them, and the entire A&M community, in any way I can be.”

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Kalee Bumguardner, Editor in Chief THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111.

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For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678.

Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year.

To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.

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Summer Performance Series- Five musicians will perform in “Music Among Friends,” part of the Texas Music Festival Jazz Project, 7:30 p.m.

Monday at the Presidential Conference Center, Texas A&M University.

thebattalion 6.11.2009 page3

GREENOUT OUT Aggies show spirit by addressing west campus erosion

COURTESY PHOTOS

Twelve students from Texas A&M presented soil erosion research at the EPA’s National Sustainability Design Expo in Washington, D.C.

Romy Misra The Battalion A group of 12 students who are engineering and science majors worked together this spring to study the erosion problem on the west campus of Texas A&M. The students modeled strategies for decreasing runoff and its environmental impact.

The work done by the team was selected for entry in the Environmental Protection Agency’s P3, a national sustainability competition, and was later presented in the EPA’s National Sustainable Design Expo in Washington, D.C. “P3 Stands for people, prosperity and the planet,” said Andrea Ryan, Class of 2009 and a civil engineering major. “The students involved represented schools from all over the country that did projects involving science and technology to try to provide sustainable innovations to contribute to the well-being of both people and the Earth. The expo allowed us to present the research we had done for the P3 competition.”

Hillary Holmes, Class of 2009 and a civil engineering major, said presenting the research in Washington was a great experience.

“The National Sustainable Design

Expo was part of a larger event going on at the National Mall for Earth Day,” Holmes said. “Additionally, because we were set up on the National Mall, we were able to easily see many of the national monuments and the museums.”

Ross Klein, a graduate student in ecosystem science and management, said that communication to such a diverse team was a challenging and fulfilling experience.

“Our team was composed of graduate and undergraduate students from ecosystem science and management, civil engineering, computer science and water management and hydrological sciences,” Klein said.

Zechman said they decided on the research topic after finding erosion problems in the area around the George Bush Library.

“We arrived at the topic once we talked with the Division of Facilities and staff of the Texas A&M Physical Plant Engineering Design Services.

These divisions had already begun to address [the] erosion problems,” Zechman said.

The problem of soil erosion is caused by urbanization.

“Due to the high level of imperviousness (paved parking lots, roads,

sidewalks and buildings), the storm water runs off and cannot infiltrate into the soil,” Zechman said. “This increased imperviousness can severely impact the availability and quality of water resources for both human and ecosystem uses.”

Holmes said the soil erosion also caused loss of biodiversity in White Creek, where the water runs into, and they looked into different ways to solve the problem.

“Our project looked at different management practices to mitigate the runoff problems including pervious pavement, green roofs and rainwater harvesting,” Holmes said.

Zechman took the initiative of bringing the students together.

“I wrote a grant to the EPA in December 2007 that funded this research. Out of 300 proposals, 50 were selected,” Zechman said. “I recruited students and faculty to help with this project and cast the larger vision for the project. The students took it from there.”

Other faculty members involved in the project included Bryan Boulanger of civil engineering, Georgianne Moore of ecosystem science and management and Radu Stoleru of computer science.

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HELP WANTED A student worker is needed to assist in a variety of research activities in USDA Cotton Genomics Laboratory on campus. Training and/or experience in molecular genetics, biochemistry, and/or bioinformatics is preferred. Applicants should email resume, transcript, and references to john.yu@ars.usda.gov and call 260-9237 for information.

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Freshmen Continued from page 1

that fit within their degree plans.

Some students consider schedules one of the most difficult decisions during the New Student Conference.

“It was hectic in the beginning, but in the end it was pretty simple,” Parks said.

Optional programs are Aggieland…a Community of Respect, which introduces students to A&M’s community of learners and scholars and the importance of respect in the diverse population, CSI: Aggieland, a program which

teaches safety, and Being an Aggie and Yell Practice, where new students are introduced to the Yell Leaders and sing their first Aggie War Hymn.

“The yell practice was my favorite by far,” Parks said. “I was able to attend fish camp, so this allowed me to pick up on some of the numerous traditions at A&M.” There are many freshmen, upon entering college, that are worried about the transition, said junior finance major Ryan McWilliams.

“The experience of your first year in college will be the most fun and exciting time of your life,” McWilliams said.

“But, that being said, it is very important not to underesti-

mate the amount of studying and preparation that goes into your classes.”

New students should start appreciating the A&M experience now because it goes by fast, said senior Yell Leader Reagan Thompson.

“Your time here will go by very quick, so soak up each day, and live it to the fullest.

Always try your very best at every opportunity that comes your way,” Thompson said. “I would also say don’t change being you. There might be pressure for you to act a certain way or change but just remain being yourself and stay true to you.

Get involved in Aggieland, there is no other place like this in the world!”

Don’t try this at home

2-Roomates needed for 09-10 year, 3/2 house on bus route with backyard, $400/mo +1/3 utilities, Lindsey 512-557-5592.

Male roommate for summer, $350/month, bills included. Autumn Circle. 979-324-3834 Male roommate wanted for the 09-10 schoolyear.

4bed/2bath house at 3203 Callie Circle, in nice neighbourhood near shuttle stop. $400/month +1/4bills.

Move-in August, 12-month lease, email Greg. gdundas28@yahoo.com Room for rent, share house and yard, no pets. $350/month, 2-blocks to campus. 979-530-5014.

Roommate needed, female non-smoker. Fully furnished, all bills paid. $550/mo, C.S. 979-690-7394.

TUTORS Private Math Tutor, Precalculus Math Physics Degree, $25/hr, 979-209-9466.

the battalion Classified Advertising • Easy • Affordable • Effective

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Clara Mounce, the director of the Bryan-College Station Public Library System, assists chemistry senior lecturer Jim Pennington as he ignites a hydrogen-filled balloon Wednesday at the Chemistry Road Show at the Bryan Public Library.

For information, call 845-0569 puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com

Record number to gather in space CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Mix seven shuttle astronauts and six space station residents and you set a record for the biggest off-the-planet gathering. NASA is aiming to launch Endeavour on Saturday morning to the

international space station for a long, laborious construction job. When the shuttle pulls up, there will be 13 people at the station — the most people ever together in space at one time.

Associated Press

STUDIES IN PROGRESS ATHLETE’S FOOT STUDY Volunteers ages 12 and older are needed to participate in a clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for the treatment of Athlete’s foot. Study participation will be a maximum of 8 weeks. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related medication • Medical examinations relating to their athlete’s foot • Compensation of $50 per visit for maximum of $250 For more information please contact:

RED DRY SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN ATOPIC DERMATITIS STUDY (ECZEMA) Volunteers ages 18 and older needed to participate in a 6-week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for atopic dermatitis (RED, DRY, SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN). Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related ointment for 4 weeks • Physical Examination • Dermatological Assessments • Compensation up to $300 for time and effort For more information please contact:

J&S Studies, Inc. 979-774-5933 1710 Crescent Pointe Parkway, College Station, TX 77845

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EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.

voices 6.11.200 page5 thebattalion 6.11.2009

City scare Chris Griffin — THE BATTALION

Kat Drinkwater

City life may be an adjustment, but the tacos make even the traffic worthwhile.

L

ife in College Station can be overwhelming for country kids, but Aggieland is a small town at heart.

There are perks to city life: someone here is guaranteed to share your hobbies and when you’re in need of comfort food at 2 a.m., Taco Cabana is only minutes away.

This time of year the campus is brimming with the fresh faces of new and prospective students. Let me be one of many to say, “Howdy Ags!” For the many Aggies who come from rural towns, Bryan-College Station seems like the big city and can be overwhelming.

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Unfortunately, too many freshmen never adjust and miss out on seeing all that the “big city” has to offer.

Don’tt let the population sign fool you; Aggieland is a small town in city clothes.

It’s easy to get lost on a campus of almost 50,000, and many students do.

Don’t make the mistake f di iinto t the th crowd. d off fading A&M has more than 800 registered student organizations; find one you like and start making friends. One of the best things about a student body this size is the myriad of interests and opportunities at your fingertips. Whether your hobby is practicing exotic birdcalls or making Star Trek ASCII fan art, someone else on campus will share your passion.

The downside of sharing a campus with so many students is their vehicles. I learned to drive on one-lane oilsand roads, so one of the first things I noticed about College Station was the traffic. There really isn’t any upside to the traffic itself — you just have to learn to deal with it. I like to think of it as the yellow brick road, which leads to enlightenment and post-midnight tacos.

Small-town Aggies in the big-time Station There are not one, but two movie theatres within 10 minutes of campus, along with a mall, more restaurants than you can shake a stick at and two Wal-Marts. Some of you are shaking yours heads wondering what “Deliverance” backwoods I stumbled out of, but others of you know exactly what I mean. Trust me, being able to run to HEB for something without having to make a 30-minute trip into town is going to revolutionize your life.

When the traffic threatens to overrun you, remember the buses. Riding the bus is something else that seems new and intimidating at first, but have no fear. The buses are your friends. All the schedules are online and they’re generally on time, so use them to your advantage.

Other downsides have less obvious silver linings. Somewhere in my room, under the detritus of last semester, I have my first eviction notice and my first warning from the College Station police. There are a lot of rules here; a lot more than there were in the country. There are rules about not having too much trash in your front yard, for instance (and that means

trash as defined by the city, whether or not you consider it lawn ornaments) and how long your trashcan can stay by the curb. There are rules about when and where and how big of something you can burn. Unless it’s charcoal in a grill, the answer is pretty much “no.”

The most annoying rules are about where and when you can park your car. Transportation Services don’t give out warnings, so make sure you pay attention to the parking signs.

Fortunately, you get one warning for almost anything else, which is more than enough to learn from. Most things can be patched up with a phone call; people in College Station really are as friendly as advertised and just want to make you feel welcome.

You’ll probably feel a little homesick at first, and that’s OK. But the first weekend you go home and your whole town shuts down at 9 p.m. and there’s no one in 100 miles who wants to practice birdcalls or talk anime or whatever it is you do, you’ll know, and you’ll be back. Welcome to Aggieland. Welcome home.

Kat Drinkwater comes from a town of 430 and is a senior University Studies-Honors: psychology and neuroscience major.

6/10/09 8:44 PM

news

page 6 thursday 6.11.2009

thebattalion

Where on campus?

Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION

Think you know every nook and cranny of Texas A&M? Test your campus knowhow by e-mailing The Battalion and telling us where you think this photo was taken.

The first people to get the answers correct will have their names published. Send your response with your name, class and major to photo@thebatt.com.

Wednesday’s answer: Offshore Technology Research Center

Correct responses: Chad Wootton, Vice President for University Advancement Philip Gates, Supervisor of Information Technology and Support, Integrated Ocean Drilling Program

Gunman kills guard at Holocaust Museum WASHINGTON — An 88-year-old gunman with a violent and anti-Semitic past opened fire with a rifle inside the crowded U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on Wednesday, fatally wounding a security guard before being shot himself by other officers, authorities said.

The assailant was hospitalized BRUNN in critical condition, leaving behind a sprawling investigation by federal and local law enforcement and expressions of shock from the Israeli government and a prominent Muslim organization.

Police Chief Cathy Lanier said the gunman was “engaged by security guards immediately after entering the door” with a rifle. “The second he

stepped into the building he began firing.”

Law enforcement officials said James W. von Brunn, a white supremacist, was under investigation in the shooting and that his car was found near the museum and tested for explosives.

Museum officials identified the dead guard as Stephen T. Johns, JOHNS a six-year veteran of the facility.

Director Sara Bloomfield said he “died heroically in the line of duty.”

At the White House, just blocks away from the museum, President Barack Obama said, “This outrageous act reminds us that we must remain vigilant against anti-Semitism and prejudice in all Associated Press its forms.

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