Silver Taps postponed Silver Taps was not held Tuesday evening due to severe weather. The ceremony honoring Nicholas Garbarino and Michael Kaitson was rescheduled for May 1.
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april 4, 2012
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97% of rapists will never see the inside of a jail cell
Sexual assault victims navigate grueling path bringing assailants to justice
daye ell a Okun r r e Os oe T by J lvo and y r Sto Monta lion rge he Batta y Jo T b s ic h p a Gr
S
tepping into the College Station Police Station, 20-year-old Stephanie feels sick. Her mother walks by her side. Somewhere between the parking lot and the station’s front door, she takes Stephanie’s hand in her own. Stephanie is more than grateful for her support. Without her mother, Stephanie knows she wouldn’t have found the strength to do what she is about to do. But for some reason, she feels like a little girl being led to the principal’s office to be scolded. “How can I help you?” the receptionist asks. Her mother leans forward. Even though she whispers, Stephanie is certain everyone in the police station can hear her mom’s reply. “I need to report a sexual assault.” “Whose?” Stephanie clears her throat and speaks for the first time. “Mine.”
EDITOR’SNOTE This is the third of a four-part series about sexual assaults involving college students. Look for the last installment next Wednesday. The Battalion does not publish the names or identifying information of rape and sexual assault victims. The names of victims and assailants in this article were altered to protect the subjects’ identities.
See Unjustified on page 3
coming thursday
MSC traditions The opening date for the MSC building is quickly approaching. We’re taking a closer look at the traditions tied to the historic building.
campus news
Health Fair set to start Texas A&M University Student Health Services will host an annual, campuswide health fair Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the G. Rollie White Plaza. The event is designed to teach students, staff, and faculty on the A&M campus about health issues including nutrition, exercise, and responsible drinking behaviors.
Pg. 1-04.04.12.indd 1
higher education
A&M System schools offer $10,000 degree San Antonio, Commerce first to launch program Jake Walker
The Battalion As the cost of tuition rises in the world of higher education, new programs at Texas A&M-Commerce and Texas A&M-San Antonio offer students a four-year degree, books included, for less than $10,000. Tuition and fees for a four-year de-
gree at Texas A&M University cost more than $33,000 at current levels, excluding expenses such as textbooks and room and board. Universities participating in the System initiative offer bachelor’s degrees for less than one-third this price. The program will combine dual credit courses with credits received from a community college, then the student can complete the remaining degree requirements at Texas A&M-Commerce or Texas A&M-San Antonio.
At Texas A&M-Commerce students can obtain a Bachelor of Applied Sciences, BAS, or a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, BAAS, with an emphasis in an area chosen by the student, for less than $10,000. The College of Education is offering the BAS with an emphasis in organizational leadership. Students are expected to complete 60 hours at a community college before transferring to complete the degree.
Lowering textbook price tags A proposed plan to lower the cost of textbooks, “shredded e-textbooks,” would allow students to pick and choose what parts of a book they need and purchase only those parts. Although there is no definite date for launch, it could come in the next few years.
See Degrees on page 8
nation&world
Supreme Court considers Obamacare constitutionality Maegan Valdez
The Battalion The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments for three days last week on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly refered to as Obamacare. The historic debate consisted of two primary issues argued in front of the Court. “The first critical issue is the individual mandate, which requires that individuals who are not currently apart of an insurance policy or health plan purchase their own insurance,” said Jane Bolin, associate professor and department chair of health policy and management at the Texas A&M Health Science Center. If uninsured, individuals can purchase private insurance or insurance through the exchanges that are being set up through either the state or federal government. Under the legislation, an
individual’s failure to comply would result in a fine from the IRS. The Court decided Friday whether it would uphold the constitutionality of the individual mandate requiring every citizen to purchase health insurance, but the results will not be released to the public until the end of the term in June. “The primary focus of what Congress intends to do is to increase the pool of those that are purchasing insurance … thereby reducing individual premiums,” Bolin said. “The individual mandate is something that Congress hopes will spread the risk.” The vote to uphold or strike down the individual mandate is expected to split 5-4, one way or the other. Bolin said Justice John Roberts appears to be the swing vote. See Healthcare on page 5
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Activists for the “Health Care for the 99%” march on the Brooklyn Bridge Sunday in New York.
4/3/12 11:53 PM
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thebattalion 4.4.2012
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Become a specialist in: Biostatistics Epidemiology Environmental Health Health Administration Occupational Health Health Policy and Management Social and Behavioral Health
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howtoapply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion, apply at thebatt.com, or call 845-3313. The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out. No previous journalism experience is necessary.
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Marimar Miguel, junior women’s and gender studies major, shares her story of rejection and reconciliation with her mother during “The Coming Out Monologues” Tuesday in the ILSB Auditorium. There will be a repeat performance at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the same location as part of GLBT Awareness Week.
GLBT Awareness Week schedule Wednesday “The Coming Out Monologues” 6:30 p.m. in the ILSB Auditorium
Friday Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Sports conference 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Koldus 110 Students can register at sogis.tamu.edu
Thursday “An Ordinary Family,” film and discussion 7:30 p.m. in Harrington Education Center Classrooms, HECC, room 209
texas Tornadoes rake Dallas area, more than a dozen hurt
Interested in a career that can help millions?
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pagetwo
Today slight chance of storms High: 82 Low: 60
DALLAS — Tornadoes raked the Dallas area Tuesday, crumbling a wing of a nursing home, peeling roofs from dozens of homes and spiraling big-rig trailers into the air like footballs. More than a dozen injuries were reported. Overturned cars left streets unnavigable and flattened trucks clogged highway shoulders. Preliminary estimates were that six to 12 twisters had touched down in North Texas, senior National Weather Service
meteorologist Eric Martello said. But firm numbers would only come after survey teams checked damage Wednesday, he said. In suburban Dallas, Lancaster police officer Paul Beck said 10 people were injured, two of them severely. Three people were injured in Arlington, including two residents of a nursing home who were taken to a hospital with minor injuries after swirling winds clipped the building, city assistant fire
chief Jim Self said. “Of course the windows were flying out, and my sister is paralyzed, so I had to get someone to help me get her in a wheelchair to get her out of the room,” said Joy Johnston, who was visiting her 79-year-old sister at the Green Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. “It was terribly loud.” Associated Press
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Your Future is Calling... Answer confidently by knowing the value of your Texas A&M degree. Instead of an app... we’ve got a QEP* for that! * Quality Enhancement Plan
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Our QEP is a 10-year commitment to enhancing student learning at Texas A&M. Intentional Learning Students commit to intentional learning Rich Learning Environment Academic Affairs & Student Affairs foster a rich learning environment High-impact Learning Experiences Faculty provide high-impact learning experiences
visit the website @ http://provost.tamu.edu/initiatives/ quality-enhancement-plan
Integrative, Lifelong Learning Students develop habits and skills for integrative, lifelong learning Assessment of Learning Faculty and staff assess student learning Aggies Commit to Learning for a Lifetime demonstrates our shared commitment to continuous improvement documented by TAMU’s accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges.
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4/4/12 12:01 AM
page 3 wednesday 4.4.2012
Unjustified Continued from page 1
Bill proposed to expand Clery Act
Out of every 100 rapes...
If a bill is passed before the Senate, colleges would be required to track and report claims of dating violence, domestic violence and stalking on campus. Called the Violence against Women Act Reauthorization, the bill contains several provisions to improve various federal programs in order to prevent cases of domestic violence and rape.
12 lead to arrests
9 are prosecuted
blames the victim.
— Cary Haynes, director of center programs at the Brazos County Sexual
5 lead to felony convictions
<
mining whether the sexual act was consensual or a personal violation. Texas State Law affirms that a person is not capable of consenting if they are physically or mentally incapacitated due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs. Sexual intercourse with an individual who cannot rightfully give consent meets the definition of second degree rape in Texas. After the trial, a public hearing is held to sentence the defendant. Less than 3 percent of rapists are convicted and spend one day in prison. “I know that my case will probably never make it to trial because of lack of evidence,” Stephanie said. “I knew this going in, but I wanted [Ryan] to have a report on file so that if he does it again and the woman is brave enough to tell the police, then my report will be evidence to back her case up.”
<
said Beth, Class of 2009, who decided not to report her sexual assault. Charges Filed While survivors of sexual assault are proSuspect is arrested tected by the rape shield law, which limits what the defense can ask about the victim’s prior sexual history, a defense attorney will attempt to discredit the personal testimony of Grand Jury the witness. Tactics might include suggesting that the witness misidentified the defendant, lied about the assault, or gave misleading True-bill (indict), No-bill, end of case sexual signals on the occasion of the assault. case goes to court Pass, end of case A critical issue in any rape case is deter-
Sexual assault is the only crime where society
<
Stephanie’s story During summer 2011, Stephanie, Class of 2013, hosted a party at her apartment in celebration of her 20th birthday. Enrolled in summer courses at Texas A&M, she subleased couldn’t make sense of what I remembered her room from Dave, one of her best friend’s happening. Was it real? Was it a dream?” The day after the party, Ryan approached cousins. Excited by the prospect of her first Stephanie and told her they had sex the night birthday party in College Station, Stephanie before. Stephanie knew something invited several people, including Dave and a was wrong. few of his friends. In Dave’s entourage “I was confused because was Ryan. I remembered so little but “I had only met Likeliness of victim I didn’t feel right about Ryan recently and to report completed it,” Stephanie said. “I was hung out with him physically incapacitated and rapes by relationship a couple of times he took advantage of that.” because of our mutual Stranger Two months later, after friends,” Stephanie opening up to her mom and 46% said. “I always felt a best friends, Stephanie delittle uncomfortable cided to report the assault Friend with how flirty he and press charges. 39% was, but I trusted “To save himself, him because I [Ryan] tried to make it trusted Dave and sound like I wanted it,” Husband the people he Stephanie said. “And 23% hung out with.” I have this horrible Several dozen memory of waking up people arrived the with him on top of me to night of the party. remind me of it.” Excited by the turnout, Stephanie planned A broken system for everyone to head to “Sexual assault is the only crime Northgate after the party. where society blames the victim,” said Stephanie’s night ended much earlier Cary Haynes, director of center programs at than she expected. the Brazos County Sexual Assault Resource “I hadn’t anticipated all the alcohol my Center. friends would bring as presents,” Stephanie According to the Rape Abuse and Incest said. “And every time someone took a shot, National Network, sexual assault is the most they wanted to take it with under-prosecuted crime in the U.S. Rape the ‘birthday girl.’” cases are difficult to prosecute in part because Before she knew it, Stephanie was intoxiof the burden of proof. Most sexual assaults cated beyond the threshold of memory. At involve two witnesses — the victim and midnight, she passed out mid-conversation defendant. in a lawn chair outside. A group of friends The first step in reportcarried her up to her ing a sexual assault is to room and placed her Likeliness of victim to report file a crime report. At this in bed. attempted rapes point a survivor can choose “All of the sudden whether to file a Jane Doe by relationship something caused me report, a decision that will to wake up, but only strike the survivor’s real name for a matter of seconds,” from the official records Stephanie said. “I Stranger and the resulting proceedcould only lift my Friend 56% ings. Following the initial eyes open about half29% report, law enforcement way. I saw a figure officials interview the on top of me, but survivor. During the no face.” interview, the survivor During her brief can be accompanied by moment of con23% an advocate, not a friend sciousness, Stephanie Husband or relative. found herself unable “The advocate at the to move her arms or police station was my one savlegs and could offer no ing grace,” Stephanie said. “She sat resistance. Stephanie passed out next to me during the entire interview, again. helped me along through the tough parts to “When I woke up [the next morning], say aloud and provided reassurance through something felt off,” Stephanie said. “My my moments of doubt.” underwear was on the floor and my skirt The purpose of the interview is to obtain was lifted up to my hips and left there. I also basic information about the crime. The information provided by the survivor is the basis for the legal proceeding. While the questioning might seem insensitive, the law enforceInvestigation process ment officials are trained to maintain a neutral attitude throughout the course of the interview. Investigation “The police interview was probably the hardest part,” Stephanie said. “As I sat there and uncomfortably described everything that Does not find Finds evidence of happened, the officers’ blank faces just stared evidence of crime and passes back at me.” crime, end of case to District Following the interview, the case is case Attorney for review handed to an investigator who determines if there is evidence of a crime. The report is then forwarded to the district attorney if the evidence warrants a case. The district attorney ultimately determines whether there District Attorney reviews is sufficient evidence to prosecute the case. From this point less than one in five sexual assault cases go to trial. Does not find Finds evidence “One of the reasons I didn’t want to sufficient of crime and files report [my sexual assault] is because I’d evidence, end of charges heard horror stories of defense lawyers case tormenting rape victims on the stand,”
3 lead to jail sentences
Report ! University Police Department 979.845.2345 !"College Station Police Department 979.764.3600 ! Bryan Police Department 979.209.5300
The University’s response Texas A&M offers a variety of services to students who are victims of sexual assault. The Division of Student Affairs and Student Assistant Services can accommodate the survivor by limiting unwanted contact with the Support accused assailant. Services include reassigning on-campus housing and transferring the sur! National Sexual Assault Hotline vivor out of classes shared by the alleged attacker. The survivor might also choose to file 1.800.656.HOPE ! Sexual Assault Resource Center a report with Student Conduct Services, the 1.979.731.1000 judicial arm of student affairs. This process !"Student Counseling Center does not operate under the same procedures 979.845.2700 as the court. “[Student Conduct Services] exclusively looks at whether a University rule was broken,” said Kristen Harrell, associate director that we maintain constant communication of the Offices of the Dean of Student Life. between different units of student affairs, “We are not determining if a law University Police Department and other parts was broken.” of the University,” said Cynthia Hernandez, Unlike criminal proceedings, which require testimony and evidence showing the assistant vice president for student affairs. Hernandez said the University’s response defendant to be guilty beyond a reasonable is correlated to the amount of reports filed by doubt, the University judicial process requires sexual assault victims. a preponderance of evidence, a less severe “When we have more information, it’s test based on the more convincing of the two easier to see how the pieces fit together,” arguments. Victims can choose the level of Hernandez said. “With less information, it’s participation in the proceedings, from simply submitting a statement to being an active wit- hard to see the big picture.” Amid legal proceedings that often seem ness. Another difference in this process is that confusing and, at times, discouraging, some the victim reserves the right to have any past survivors found that reporting was a step behavioral history omitted from discussion. toward recovering control of their lives. “We are very focused on the incident “When [Ryan] assaulted me, he took itself,” Harrell said. “Previous behavior is not something from me without my permission,” always indicative of a single event.” Stephanie said. “I couldn’t take that part back If the defendant is found guilty of sexual assault by the student conduct board, the stu- from him unless I made the report and let dent could face suspension or expulsion from him know that he doesn’t have it anymore.” the University. Texas A&M retains conduct files up to five years after the student graduates. In the event of an expulsion, however, the University holds the file permanently. Members of the Corps of Cadets are Likeliness of victim to report subject to a separate sexual assaults by relationship judicial process. Disciplinary sanctions and conduct proceedings are handled internally and reviewed by the Office of the Commandant, not following the steps taken by students who are not cadets. Friend In 2006, a Texas 18% A&M student was charged with sexually assaulting multiple female students between 2003 and 2006. An independent investigaHusband tion conducted by the 25% Washington, D.C.-based Center for Public Integrity in 2010 concluded that the University was Stranger “slow to realize” the possibil66% ity of a serial rapist on campus. In recent years, administrators have taken steps to prevent a similar incident from occurring. “One of the ways we are proactive is
Court Appearances 1. pre-trial 2. plea 3. trial before judge or jury
UNBROKEN Dispositions
This is the third of a four-part series about sexual assaults involving college students. Coming next week: ! Men and sexual assault
Dismissal
Pg. 3-04.04.12.indd 1
Not guilty
Guilty a. probation b. prison c. other
If you have experienced sexual assault and you would like to share your story, please contact us at editor@thebatt.com.
Story by Joe Terrell Graphics by Jorge Montalvo and Osa Okundaye Planning and design by Alec Goetz and Jorge Montalvo Editing by Kalee Bumguardner, Robert Carpenter, Alec Goetz, Barrett House, Emily Villani, Trevor Stevens
Sources ! U.S. Department of Justice ! Center for Public Integrity !"Division of Student Affairs !"Sexual Assault Resource Centers ! Student Counseling Center !"Bureau of Justice Statistics ! Rape Abuse and Incest National Network
www.rainn.org
4/3/12 11:37 PM
The Creator God Leaves Heaven for You! The Easter Story: The Creator-God of the universe, Jesus Christ, left His home in heaven to become a human being. He lived a perfect life, performed miracles, was betrayed, and wrongfully condemned to death. After being crucified, Jesus' body was placed in a tomb. Three days later, he rose from the dead. After His resurrection, he remained on earth speaking to people for 40 days and then ascended to heaven. Jesus sacrificed himself to make a way for all people to have eternal life in heaven.
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.
MAILCALLGUESTCOLUMNS
Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail call must be fewer than 200 words and guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -John 8:12. God is reaching out to men and women through His son, Jesus Christ. To find out more about God's relevance in your life, we encourage you to read this article by Josh McDowell: Does Christianity Work? at www.leaderu.com/everystudent/josh/josh.html.
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Outsourcing Aggies
Gabriel Clark: A&M should take care of its own, including staff
T
here was a meeting on March 21 in Rudder Theatre about “Outsourcing Custodial and Dining Staff at Texas A&M University.” As I sat in the room filled with hundreds of people — among whom were University President R. Bowen Loftin, Associate Provost for Diversity Christine Stanley and two custodians who I have known for majority of my college career — I listened to several heart-breaking testimonies.
These testimonies demonstrated how after decades of service to the A&M faculty detrimental outsourcing will be if System and student body. Chancellor John Sharp allows this plan to If we call ourselves Aggies, I believe we move forward. The custodial and dining are obligated — as students, cadets, faculty, staffs are at risk of losing their jobs at this and staff — to take a stand and let our voices very moment. Why should be heard. We make Texas A&M you care? Many of these University. It is not the other way “We make Texas workers — 97 percent of around. A&M University. whom are racial minorities Join me, and we will take a It is not the other — have gone beyond what stand caring for our Aggie famway around.” was asked of them. The two ily. Do your part by spreading custodians I have known the word and letting these staff since my sophomore year members know that we care about have always demonstrated hard work with a them just as much as they care about us. smile on each of their faces. These women We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we. have worked for the University for almost 30 years. If this plan of “outsourcing” follows Gabriel Clark is a senior through, both could lose all their benefits, psychology major not to mention the retirement that they deserve. Many others face similar uncertainty
English
Hilaire Kallendorf
Nutrition and Food Science
James Thompson — THE BATTALION
Elizabeth Tebeaux
Mechanical Engineering - Emeritus Health and Kinesiology
thebattalion 04.04.2012 page 4
University staff listen as System Chancellor John Sharp speaks about outsourcing plans on Feb. 29. The Student Senate will consider a bill about outsourcing during its meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Koldus Governance Room.
We are a group of professors, instructors, lecturers, and administrators united by our common experience that Jesus Christ provides intellectually and spiritually satisfying answers to life’s most important questions. We are available to students, faculty, and staff who might like to discuss such questions with us. For more information about the Christian Faculty network and it's activities, please visit our website: http://christianfaculty.tamu.edu Health and Kinesiology
voices
GUESTCOLUMN
8=G>HI>6C ;68JAIN
Rachel Aaron
‘
EDITOR’SNOTE
MAILCALL From Dan Kiniry, Class of 2006 The two main groups of people who ride A&M’s bus system are students and people without a lot of money (of course, many people are in both groups). It does not cost the university an extra dime for a poor person who doesn’t attend A&M to ride the bus. I have ridden many of the busses all over the place and I have never been on a bus that was so crowded that they couldn’t let someone on. Any suggestion that it is not safe to let poor people ride the bus is classist and, given the realities of the demographics of those of us poor folks who ride the busses, almost surely rooted in racial prejudice. Poor people of color are not scary or dangerous. May I suggest an alternative approach? Let’s thank God that A&M can provide a necessary service for poor people at no additional cost whatsoever to the students or the University. Let’s take down the signs that say people without a student ID can’t ride the busses. I’d like to thank the bus drivers who have been very friendly to me and other people who are not college students. I work with people with disabilities (all low-income) in one of the dining halls on campus, and many of my fellow workers depend on the busses, and their transportation to work is in jeopardy by measures to eliminate non-students from the busses. We get The Big Event to thank community members one day a year. Could you thank us the rest of the year by continuing to allow us to ride the busses, please?
Economics
Biochemistry & Genetics
Michael Willard
Veterinary Medicine
Michael Wilkins Accounting
Lawrence Wolken Finance
James E. Womack
Veterinary Pathobiology
Will Worley
Electrical Engineering - Emeritus
Ralph Wurbs
Civil Engineering
Wayne Wylie
Health and Kinesiology
Chemistry
NOTE: This ad presents the personal convictions of the individuals listed herein; the ad does not represent or support any view or position of Texas A&M University or any academic department. The ad does represent and acknowledge the diversity of academic contributions toTexas A&M University by men and women of various race, ethnic group, and cultural background who share the Christian faith.
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news
page 5 wednesday 4.4.2012
thebattalion
Healthcare Continued from page 1
A&M students had varying opinions of the healthcare legislation and the constitutionality of its specific measures. Junior anthropology major Shay King said the federal government shouldn’t have so much involvement in the individual’s life. “I think it would be more in the realm of what the state has control over and not the federal government,” King said. Freshman radiological health engineering major Todd Schulze is also opposed to government-run insurance cooperatives. “I’d rather be able to look at different policies and compare and pick one that is the best for me than be given one by the government,” Schulze said. Another aspect of Obamacare that was challenged by the states is the mandatory expansion of the boundaries for Medicaid eligibility. The law requires states to expand their Medicaid eligibility to 133 percent of the federal poverty level. The official poverty guideline for a family of four in 2012 is $23,050. At 133 percent, the bracket increases to any family who makes below $30,657. This could potentially bankrupt state budgets, especially if the individual insurance mandate is removed. “There will be more people that can afford [healthcare] and it will create an overload of an already stressed healthcare system,” Stuart Lyda, sophomore business administration major, said about the expansion of Medicaid. “I don’t think there is enough money.” On the other side, however, many believe health care is and should be a right for every citizen, and is something that we all need. “It is not a choice whether or not we will need health
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ASSOCIATED PRESS
Supreme Court Justice John Roberts has been termed the “swing vote” in the historic debate on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. care. It is only a matter of time. If you choose to wait until you need it and it is a catastrophic injury … you almost always go bankrupt,” said Bolin. “The rationale of Congressmen is, since everyone will eventually need healthcare, we are going to require everyone to pay for insurance now.” Bolin said early on education was chosen as a public good and there has been an ongoing debate about access to healthcare as a public good, but it was decided it would be a private good based on the free enterprise system. Autumn Autrey, a doctoral student of counseling psychology, supports the socialist model of healthcare and believes that healthcare should be available for everyone. “One-quarter of Senior citizens in rural areas haven’t seen a dentist in a year. There needs to be some kind of standardization, because people
The Mosbacher Institute FOR TRADE, ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC POLICY
are dying,” Autrey said. Proudly presents the She said she strongly BANK OF AMERICA PROGRAM ON VOLUNTEERISM with feels people with the luxury of good healthcare shouldn’t be able to choose a system ROBERT W. PEASE that gives them an unfair PRESIDENT AND CEO, MOTIVA ENTERPRISES LLC advantage. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Motiva Enterprises LLC is a refining and marketing joint “It is a violation of human venture owned by affiliates of Shell and Saudi Aramco. Motiva’s marketing operations rights more so than it is unsupport a network of nearly 9,000 Shell-branded gasoline stations in the eastern and constitutional for socialized southern United States. Company assets include three refineries located in Norco, Louisiana; Convent, Louisiana, and Port Arthur, Texas, capable of refining approximately healthcare,” Autrey said. 740,000 barrels per day, and ownership or partial interests in 38 product terminals. The question is what happens next in the process. There are four possible outcomes: the Court could rule Featuring a discussion of the mandate as constitutional Corporate/Non-profit Intersections in Public Service and the law would continue to go into effect; the mandate alone could be repealed and Congress would need to Friday, April 13, 2012 amend the law; the entire law 4:00 - 5:00 pm could be scrapped; or multiple Annenberg Presidential Conference Center 1000 GEORGE BUSH DRIVE WEST, COLLEGE STATION provisions could be repealed. “The individual mandate RSVP REQUIRED: is very polarizing and there is EMAIL mosbacher@bushschool.tamu.edu PHONE (979) 845-1927 a swing vote in the Supreme Court … it could go either Organized in cooperation with the Bush School’s Nonprofit Management Forum 2012: http://bush.tamu.edu/nonprofitforum11 way,” Bolin said. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
http://bush.tamu.edu/mosbacher
4/3/12 11:55 PM
classifieds
thebattalion 4.4.2012 page6 PLACE
AN AD Phone 845-0569 or Fax 845-2678 The Grove, Bldg. #8901 Texas A&M University
WHEN
TO CALL 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
AUTO
FOR RENT
I buy vehicles; working, nonworking, or wrecked. 979-778-1121.
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FOR RENT $1200 Pre-lease, 3&4 bedroom houses, W/D, pets ok, near TAMU. Call Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. $1300 4/2 House. Available 8/1, Lincoln/Churchill CS, Appliances included, 281-467-1427. $1375/mo. Near campus, cute home for rent. 3bd/2ba w/2 car garage. Available June 1st. All major appliances and W/D, on bus route. No pets. Owned by Aggie Parents. 2411 Carnation Court. Call Mary 512-751-9697. $295 prelease All bills paid, 1-room in shared furnished apartment, short-term leases ok. Call Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. $375/room. Large 1800sqft, 4bd/2ba. Looking for 2 or 4 individuals. 2-car garage, eat-in-kitchen, dining room, family room w/fireplace. Wood/tile floors, W/D, 2 refrigerators, large patio, fenced yard. Lawn maintenance, pest control service. Available 2012-2013. 832-326-3215. $395 Available Now and Prelease 1/1 and 2/1. Free WiFi/water/sewer. On Northgate, on shuttle. Short-term leases ok. Call Maroon & White Management 979-422-5660. $450 +1/4 utilities; 4yr old 4/2/2 w/fenced yard, Dove Crossing; W/D/Cable/WiFi; furnished except bedrooms; no shuttle; male tenants preferred as current occupants are male students; two 10’x11’ rooms for Summer + Fall 2012 and Spring + Summer 2013. Danny at 713-305-4689 or dhlavinka@slb.com 1,2,3,4 bedroom apartments. Furnished or unfurnished. Available May or August. 979-693-4900. 1/1, 1/1.5 loft, 2/2, 3/3. Spacious, open, granite, ceramic, ceilings of 9’, 14’, 17’. Full size W/D, patios/balconies, walk-in closets, cable/internet. www.jesinvestments.com Owner/Broker. 979-777-5477 1bd+Office/1ba. Student Community, <1-mile from campus. www.HollemanByThePark.com 1bd+Office/1ba. Townhouse style units. Include W/D, <1-mile from campus. www.HolikSquare.com 1bd/1ba. Student community, <1-mile from campus. www.HollemanByThePark.com 2 roommates needed for 4bd/4ba apartment off of Southwest Parkway in the University Place complex. Fully furnished, $475/mo. including all utilities, lease runs from 8/1/12 to 7/31/13, contact Kendall at 512-293-3485. 2,3,4 and 5/bdrm. CS duplexes. Very nice, garage, on shuttle, tile, fireplace, w/d, fenced, lawn service, pets o.k. Available August. Details and photos available online. http://arduplexes.com info@arduplexes.com 979-255-0424, 979-255-1585. 2-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-219-3217.
SPECIAL
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PRIVATE PARTY WANT ADS
$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.
FOR RENT
2/2 fenced yard, covered deck, pets ok, tiled living and kitchen, hardwood bedrooms, available June 1st, 979-204-1950.
3/3 newer duplex includes all appliances, tile floors, backyard, pets allowed. $1200/mo. Available August. Call Tia 979-739-1160.
2bd/1.5ba. Townhouse style units. Include W/D, <1-mile from campus. www.HolikSquare.com
3/3.5 luxury condo in Gateway Villas, granite throughout, W/D, close to campus/restaurants/bus route, available June 1st, $1350/mo., 817-437-9606.
2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq. ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. bus-route. $575/mo. 210-391-4106. 2bd/1ba duplex, extra nice! W/D, remodeled, fenced front and backyard. Designer extras. Convenient to everything! One week free. College Station. 979-422-3427. Call for specials. 2bd/1ba. Townhouse style units. Include W/D, <1-mile from campus. www.HolikSquare.com 2bd/2.5ba unique floorplans w/balcony views of Kyle Field. Brand new luxury apartment condos. Fullsize stainless steel appliances, W/D, designer ammenities granite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen. www.broadstoneranchatwolfpen.com, www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079. 2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com 979-776-6079. 2bd/2ba Duplex for rent. 115 Kleine in College Station. $900/month. 4-yrs old w/tile floors in living-room, bathrooms and kitchen. W/D and refrigerator included. Pet friendly. Call 979-696-6839/text 979-229-2171. 2bd/2ba unique floorplans w/balcony views of Kyle Field. Brand new luxury apartment condos. Fullsize stainless steel appliances, W/D, designer ammenities granite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen. www.broadstoneranchatwolfpen.com, www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079. 2bd/2ba. Student Community, <1-mile from campus. www.HollemanByThePark.com 3/2 duplex, 1813 Woodsman Dr. Available August. Biking distance to campus, A&M bus route. Recently updated, wood/tile and carpet floorings, ceiling fans, W/D, lawncare, fenced backyard. Pets OK. $1095/mo. 979-255-9432 3/2 duplex, 1920 Holleman Dr. West. Available August. Great location, new wood floors, tile, new carpet, newly updated, fenced backyard, W/D, shuttle, bike to campus. Pets ok. $1095/mo. 979-731-8257. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 3/2 Duplexes, prelease August, very nice, 5mins to campus, W/D, lawn care, security system, $900-950/mo. 979-691-0304, 979-571-6020. 3/2 home in CS, nice area close to campus shuttle, privacy fenced backyard with patio, responsible females only, no pets, no smoking, $1200/mo with year lease, $1200 deposit, available June1st, call 979-571-9277. 3/3,3/2 Houses, Townhouses &Apartments, 1250-1400sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 979-694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com 3/2/2 and 4/2/2 remodeled brick homes in CS. Large fenced yard, on shuttle route, $1000-1300/mo. 979-450-3011 waypointproperties@yahoo.com
3bd/2ba House, <1-mile south of campus, close to everything, garage, pet friendly, www.AggielandLeasing.com 3bd/2ba House, <1-mile south of campus, close to everything, garage, pet friendly, www.LoneStarHousing.com 3bd/3ba. Duplexes. Close to campus, Great backyards. Fairly New! 979-693-4900. 3bdr w/study or 4bdr/2ba House. 2-Blocks to campus. Refrigerator, W/D, $1100/mo. 105 Fleetwood. 832-541-6450. 4+bedroom Duplex for rent. 113 Kleine in College Station. $1600/mo. 4-yrs old w/large back-yard. 4bd/4ba +office, and storage room. Tile floors in living-room, bathrooms and kitchen. W/D and refrigerator included. Pet friendly. Call 979-696-6839/text 979-229-2171. 4-5bd/2ba house. Walk to campus! 504 Kyle Street. Available August 1st. $1650/mo. W/D, lawncare, pest control provided. 979-492-1983. 4/2 and 5/2 houses, CS, available August, updated, all appliances, great backyards, large living rooms, W/D, close to campus, no pets. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 979-731-8257. 4/2/2 College Station, close to campus. Updated, fenced, w/d, granite. Prelease for August. $1799/mo. 1312 Timm. 979-776-8984. aggielandrentals.com 4/2/2 house, 1302 Mary Oaks. Available August. Close to campus, A&M bus route, recently updated, carpet/tile flooring, spacious closets and ample storage. Large fenced backyard. Pets OK. $1595/mo. 979-255-9432 4/2/2 off Dominik. Large updated house, tile, carpet, with W/D, pets allowed. $1800/mo. Tia 979-739-1160. Available May. 4/3 house, 4024 Southern Trace CS, built 2006, $1450/mo, available August, 979-450-0053. 4/3 house, 929 Crystal Dove, CS. Available in August for 2012/13 school year. $1,450/month, utilities not included. W/D, fenced backyard, 2 car garage, tile floors. Call John 979-661-0848. 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com 4/4 University Place condo, W/D, private bath, pool, on shuttle. $300/mo. Call 979-690-8213 or 979-422-9849. 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, granite countertops, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 4bd/2ba Large house, <1-mile from campus, close to everything, W/D, pet friendly. www.LoneStarHousing.com
FOR RENT 4bd/4ba houses. Brand New, great size, great location, AAF 979-693-4900. 4bd/4ba private bathroom. Summer $240 other season$295/$325 per room. Wood/tile floors, large living room, new refrigerator, central a/c, walk-in closets, on shuttle. Student community, large pool, basketball court, sand beach volleyball. 979-574-0040, 281-639-8847. AggieLandRentals.com For all your rental needs. Open 7 days/week. 979-776-8984. Attention sorority sisters. 4br/3ba House available August 1st. $375/bdrm. 210-289-1609. August Leasing. 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com Balcones Apartments, 3/2, available now, fully remodeled, internet and water included, $895/mo, 979-703-8282. Brand new building now! Sierra condos walk to NG/campus. Granite, SS, W/D incl. Pet friendly. 1,2,3 bed+ guest baths. Bus route bills incl. dwellsierra.com 979-314-7145 Brand new luxury condos, granite countertops, tile flooring, great location. 979-693-4900. C.S. 4bdrm Houses, updated, fenced pets, ok. Starting at $1295/mo. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. College Station: 1/1, 800sqft, $575. 2/2, 1000sqft, $675. Shuttle, all appliances, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included. 906 Spring Loop (off University). KAZ Realty. 979-324-9666. College Station: 2/2, 1000sqft, newly remodeled (All new stainless steel appliances), shuttle, all appliances, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included, 906 Spring Loop (off University). $800. KAZ Realty. 979-324-9666. College Station: 3/2, 1240sqft. Newly remodeled! All Stainless Steel Appliances! Close to shuttle, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included. 905 Balcones (off Welch), $1000. KAZ Realty 979-324-9666. College Station: 3/3 1450sqft. All appliances, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included. 3735 Oldenburg (off Grahm), $1025. KAZ Realty. 979-324-9666. Cottage. Holik C.S. 2bd/1ba, 1000sqft., W/D, Balcony, wooded. Private drive. Clean. Quiet. No pets. $600/mo. 979-777-2472. Free ethernet and cable, paid water, Campus shuttle. Preleasing, Great Prices. AggieApartment.com, 979-693-1906. Gateway Villas. Affordable luxury. 4bd/4ba available August. $1600/mo. 512-413-8748.
FOR RENT Now Leasing and pre-leasing for August! 4bdrm/2bth houses. Spacious floorplans. Great Location. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, w/d, fenced yards, refridgerator, icemaker,lawncare. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com Pre-lease 4 and 5 bedroom houses, available August, great floor plans, close to campus, updated, W/D, all appliances, no pets. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 979-731-8257. Pre-leasing for 2012-2013. Students only. 2bd/2ba apartment. W/D, 900+ sq-ft. $600/mo. Call 210-387-5030. Pre-leasing for August 2,3,4,&5 bedroom houses and town-homes. Updated, fenced, pets ok, on shuttle route. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. Prelease available now! Large 2bd/2ba duplex. Walk-in closets, W/D connections, large fenced backyard, on shuttle. University Oaks. $775/mo. 979-693-1448. Prelease for May or August ! Large 2bd/2ba duplex. Walk-in closets, W/D connections, large fenced backyard, on shuttle. University Oaks. $775/mo. 979-693-1448. C.S. 3/1.5/2carport, Updated, Fenced, biking distance to campus, on shuttle, pets ok. $750/mo AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. Room for sublease in 2bd/2bath for $375. Internet/cable, W+D included. May-August, 979-492-9005. 4bd/4.5ba house available in August, Southern Trace Subdivision. $1,700/mo, pets ok. 979-314-4505. Spacious 3/2 duplex available in May and August. W/D. $895/mo. 979-693-0551. Storage- Rent for 4 months. Pay for 3 get 1 free. All sizes, close to campus. 979-693-0551.
FOR RENT Subleasing 1bd/1bath in a 2bd/2bath at Campus Village apartments. Furnished, lazy river, $615/month. Available now as well as 8/12-7/13. 713-992-5057 Townhomes 2/1.5+Half, on shuttle, W/D connections, fenced patio, $775-895/mo, ask about student discounts, 979-703-8282.
GARAGE SALES VET SCHOOL GARAGE SALE 8AM to 3PM, Lot 36: Corner of Agronomy & University, Furniture, houseware, books, and more, EVERYTHING MUST GO.
HELP WANTED A&M United Methodist Weekday School is now hiring. Full-time and part-time co-teacher positions available. Mon-Fri, 7:30-5:30. For more info, call 979-846-1762 or check us out on the web at www.am-umc.org/weekdayschool Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com City of College Station, LIFEGUARDS & WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTORS NEEDED, $8.50/hr, Apply online @ csjobs.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3540 EOE Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. DJ’s Wanted. No experience or equipment needed. Will train right people. Must have wide range of music knowledge. Please email resume to atticbcs@gmail.com Housekeeper to help with light cleaning and laundry. 1 day per week. 979-255-1340 J. Cody’s hiring cashiers, apply within, 3610 S. College. Must be able to work Tuesday/Thursday nights. No experience necessary, just common sense! Kingwood Country Club in Houston is hiring life guards. No previous experience required. Call us at (800)210-0049 to apply. Leasing Consultant needed, individual needs to be energetic, customer oriented, have a professional appearance and able to work weekends, base pay plus commission, PT/FT available, apply in person at 3645 Wellborn Road, Bryan, Reveille Ranch Apartments. Little Guys Movers now hiring FT/PT employees. Must be at least 21 w/valid D.L. Apply in person at 3209 Earl Rudder Freeway. 979-693-6683.
BRYAN: UPDATED 2/1.5 DUPLEX. NEW LIGHT AND PLUMBING FIXTURES, BUILT-IN MICRO. FIREPLACE, W/D CONN, WALK-IN CLOSET. FENCED YARD W/LAWN CARE PROVIDED. PETS OK! 979.764.RENT. www.twincityproperties.com
looking for TAMU-student to write code for smartphone applications. Please email beason882006@tamu.edu Classifieds continued on page 7
BRYAN: NEWLY REMODELED 2/1. ALL NEW APPLIANCES, W/D CONN, ON-SITE POOL. WATER/SEWER, HIGH SPEED INTERNET, CABLE AND GARBAGE ALL PAID! PET FRIENDLY. 979.764.RENT www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 2/2 COMPLETELY UPDATED DUPLEX. WOOD FLOORS, NEW APPLIANCES AND CABINETS. W/D CONN, FENCED PATIO. INTERNET AND CABLE PAID! PET FRIENDLY! 979.764.RENT. www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: UPDATED 2/1.5 UNIT. NEW FLOORING, CUSTOM CABINETS AND APPLIANCES. FREE INTERNET, CABLE, WATER, SEWER AND GARBAGE. POOL ON SITE. PET FRIENDLY! 979.764.RENT. www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 2/1 NEAR HISTORIC DISTRICT. UPSTAIRS W/BALCONY. NEW LAMINATE FLOORS. HUGE WALK-IN CLOSET. LOTS OF STORAGE. QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD. PET FRIENDLY. 979.764.RENT www.twincityproperties.com
Luxury townhome. Gateway Villas. 4bd/4bth, 1800/mo. Pre-lease summer/ fall 2012. 979-229-6935. New, Newer 1/1, 1/1.5 Loft, 2/2,3/3. Granite, Shuttle, wwwjesinvestments.com Owner/Broker. 979-777-5477. Northgate. New apartments 3/3, 2/2, 3/2, and 1/1. House for rent. www.aggievillas.net 979-255-5648.
puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com
STUDIES IN PROGRESS FACIAL ACNE STUDY
Volunteers ages 12-40 years old, with moderate facial acne are needed to participate in a 12-week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication. All eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Acne Evaluations by a Dermatologist • Study Medication • Compensation up to $200.00 for time and effort Volunteers will need to make 4 office visits over the 12 week period. For more information please contact:
ATHLETES FOOT STUDY
AggieNetwork.com
Volunteers ages 18 and older are needed to participate in a 6-week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for the treatment of athletes foot. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related medication • Medical Examinations related to study • Compensation up to $150.00 for time and effort Participants will be required to make 3 office visits over the 6 week period. For more information please contact:
URINARY TRACT INFECTION STUDY
Female volunteers who think they might be experiencing a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) are needed to participate in a 2 day clinical research study of an investigational study medication for the pain that is associated with a UTI. Symptoms of a UTI include: Pain, Burning and Frequency when urinating. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • UTI Assessments by a Study Doctor • Antibiotics for their UTI • Study Medication • Compensation up to $100.00 for time and effort Eligible volunteers will be required to make 2 office visits. There is no cost to you for participating in this research study. For more information please contact:
J&S Studies, Inc.
979-774-5933 1710 Crescent Pointe Parkway, College Station, TX 77845 www.js-studies.com
Pg. 6-04-04-12.indd 1
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classifieds see ads at thebatt.com
Classifieds continued from page 6
HELP WANTED Med Tech for full-time, medical allergy office. Excellent benefits. Great experience for student applying to medical or nursing school. Degree in Biomedical Science and one year commitment required. Please fax resume to 979-485-0575, apply in person at 3306 Longmire Drive CS, TX, or email resume to susanc@aggieallergist.com
b!
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thebattalion 04.04.2012
Needed right now. Campus ambassadors and manager, great products, pay, perks, fun and benefits! Contact Michael at 602-759-9153, email holdemtex55@hotmail.com today! NINFA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT COLLEGE STATION. Now accepting applications for Wait/Servers and Hostess Staff. Will train. Flexible schedules available. Good communicators and strong customer service skills preferred. Apply in person Mon-Fri 11am-4pm at 1007 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station. Now Hiring: Game X Change. Must be at least 18, must have vast knowledge with video games, must have great customer service. Apply within 1800 Texas Ave South.
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Bioware released Mass Effect 3 last month, the culmination of a science fiction trilogy more than five years in the making.
Consumer vs. creator
Part-time job helping handicapped. Male student preferred. $360/mo. 5-10hrs/wk. 979-846-3376. Part-Time position with flexible schedule, general building maintenance, checking light fixtures, changing locks, inspecting needed repairs, respond to tenant request via online system, some knowledge of HVAC maintenance, basic computer knowledge, please submit resume to kcarver@caldwellcos.com Part-time summer help, apply in person, Conlee-Garrett Moving and Storage, 600 South Bryan Ave., Bryan. STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys. SUMMER CAMP COUNSELORS Down Home Ranch is accepting applications for summer. We have 6-weeks for camp for teens and adults with developmental disabilities 5/21-6/29. Visit our website http:www.downhomeranch.org or e-mail camps@downhomeranch.org Summer sales help wanted! Top training, no experience necessary, accommodate school schedules, 40K/4mo., average summer rep. resume’s and info at: 2012summersales@gmail.com Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $8.25/hour. Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-268-8867. Wanted: Energetic people for Kids Klub After-School Program. -Fall semester employment begins 8/20/12. Application deadline -April 30. www.cstx.gov/kidsklub, 979-764-3831.
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Jared Baxter: The power of internet backlash
here have been endings that were happy, sad, controversial and everything in between. And then there was the conclusion to the Mass Effect series, an internet-fueled beast in a class all its own. Last month, video game developer BioWare released Mass Effect 3, the culmination of a science fiction trilogy more than five years in the making. In all three games, the player takes on the role of Commander Shepard, a soldier whom the player guides through hundreds of in-game conversations and critical plot choices. Part interactive movie and part third-person shooter, Mass Effect’s strength lies in player choice. You come across dozens of voice-acted characters and decide the fates of entire alien species. There are friendships to build and romances to pursue (both hetero and homosexual). It’s an epic space odyssey offering the player a chance to sit in the driver’s seat instead of just being a typical story passenger. In the climax of Mass Effect 3, the entire weight of the fictional galaxy rested on Shepard’s shoulders. And for months leading up to the release, players were told that their choices across all three games mattered — there were vastly different endings depending on the path taken. “It’s not even in any way like the traditional game endings, where you can say how many endings there are or whether you got ending A, B or C,” said Mass Effect 3 executive producer Casey Hudson in a pre-release interview. “The endings have a lot more sophistication and variety in them.” Except it is, in fact, an A, B, or C choice that essentially leads to the same conclusion. Whatever the player accomplishes during the course of 100+ hours of gameplay doesn’t really make that much of a difference as to how it ends. Mass Effect 3 managed to pull a stunt worse than Lost, creating so much speculation and leaving so many questions unanswered that fans everywhere took to the Internet to voice their concerns — and not just concerns as to whether it was good or bad, but to the point that drastic change was demanded. Within days after release, an online group called “Retake Mass Effect” began protesting the endings. A charity drive for children’s hospitals was formed to bring positive light to the movement, and thousands of gamers flooded BioWare’s online discussion forums to convey their dissatisfaction. One person even felt the need to file an FTC complaint, citing false advertisement. After an endless churn of articles from national news organizations and gaming sites, BioWare addressed the less-than-stellar responses. Co-founder and CEO Ray
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Offices of the Dean of
Student Life Division of Student Affairs Adult, Graduate and Off Campus Student Services
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Fans first voiced their concerns about the game’s ending online. Protest groups and charity drives have since formed and have gotten Bioware’s attention. Muzyka issued an open letter stating: “Hudson and the team are hard at work on a number of game content initiatives that will help answer the questions, providing more clarity for those seeking further closure to their journey. We’re working hard to maintain the right balance between the artistic integrity of the original story while addressing the fan feedback we’ve received.” What those clarifications will bring, no one can say. Most importantly here is that the Internet — and Mass Effect’s sheer fandom — has directly influenced the ending to a piece of artistic entertainment. That through Facebook, Twitter and a barrage of complaints, the finale of something its creators chose is being altered due to online backlash. My response? Keep it going. It’s the right of the consumer to voice his or her opinion, especially when they are paying upwards of $60 for a game based upon certain promises made by developers. That’s not to say there isn’t a certain level of danger by setting such a precedent, though Mass Effect is not exactly the first to ever do so. You can reach all the way back to 1901 when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle resurrected Sherlock Holmes due to public pressure. BioWare created its fanbase, provided them with an immersive storytelling experience that demanded more closure than what was provided. And the high-profile developer is reaping the consequences — positive and negative. As said in the closing moments of Mass Effect 3, “the created will always rebel against their creators.” With an April announcement on ending specifics looming, how this particular creator reacts could have wider implications for years to come.
The effects ! $80,000: Amount raised by the Retake Mass Effect donation drive. Donations benefited Child’s Play, a charity for children’s hospitals. ! 58,000: “Likes” received by the Retake Mass Effect Facebook page. ! 402: Quantity of alphabetized cupcakes delivered to BioWare headquarters in Edmonton, Canada by fans poking fun at Mass Effect 3’s ending. BioWare responded by donating the cupcakes to a nearby shelter. !"2: Number of stars out of
5 Mass Effect 3 is currently rated on Amazon. Out of 935 reviews, one customer wrote: “It’s actually quite remarkable how thoroughly the end destroys the entire series in so short a time.”
Jared Baxter is a senior telecommunications major
4/3/12 11:14 PM
news
page 8 wednesday 4.4.2012
thebattalion
nation Romney takes Wisconsin, Maryland, DC MILWAUKEE — Mitt Romney tightened his grip on the Republican presidential nomination Tuesday night, sweeping primaries in Wisconsin, Maryland and Washington D.C., with time left over to swap charges with President Barack Obama. “Four more years?” Romney asked sarcastically of the president as supporters cheered him in Milwaukee. He said Obama was “a little
Memories P
fade... Yearbooks last a Lifetime.
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Degrees
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Brent Mangus, dean of the college of education at Texas A&M-Commerce, said the final credits of this degree would take a different approach to learning than the traditional classroom setting. “The [College of Education and Human Services] degree is proposed to be ‘com-
out of touch” after spending four years surrounded by the trappings of power and had presided over nearrecord job losses as well as increases in poverty, home foreclosures, government debt and gasoline prices.
Obama: Reagan could not survive in ‘radical’ GOP WASHINGTON — In combative campaign form, President Barack Obama accused Republican leaders on Tuesday of becoming petency-based’ in the final 36-60 credits,” Mangus said. “Students would not be sitting in classrooms, but doing work to meet specific competencies needed to be a leader in an organization.” At Texas A&M-San Antonio, public information officer Julie Cooper said students will begin their coursework in high school with dualcredit courses, complete the requirements for a BAAS Information Technology degree at one of the Alamo Colleges, then finish the remainder of the coursework at Texas A&M-San Antonio, which is similar to the plan offered by Texas A&M-Commerce. Currently, a BAAS Information Technology degree is the only degree offered at Texas A&M-San Antonio for under $10,000. This is due in part to the unavailability of some courses at the community college level that larger schools require. “Two other programs are being launched with other community colleges and A&M,” Cooper said. “More degrees are expected.” Fernando Treviño, Student Regent for the Texas A&M System, said the main premise behind the $10,000 degree plan is to open up the
so radical and dangerously rigid that even the late Ronald Reagan, one of their most cherished heroes, could not win a GOP primary if he were running today. Obama, in a stinging speech to an audience of news executives, had unsparing words for Republicans on Capitol Hill as well as the man he is most likely to face off against in November, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Associated Press
possibility of higher education to more Texans. Treviño said this program was not meant to be incorporated at the system’s flagship university, and because it is a tier-one research school, the possibility of these lower-priced degrees being offered are slim. “It’s just a different dynamic,” Treviño said. “[Offering $10,000 degrees] is not something that will get done [at the College Station campus] any time soon — if ever.” These degrees have begun to emerge slowly since Governor Rick Perry’s State of the State address last year, in which he challenged universities to provide less expensive education options to students. This affordable degree plan is one of three programs being implemented in the Texas A&M System to provide quality education at a more reasonable cost. The $10,000 degree program is designed to offer a degree at a more affordable price and streamline the process of obtaining a degree. “We expect to see a large number of military or people who have worked for many years in an industry and want to complete the BAS degree as an entry into their professional life,” Mangus said.
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