Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Vol. 95, Issue 116
THE
DAILY
w w w. T h e D a i l y A z t e c . c o m
AZTEC
Tw i t t e r : T h e D a i l y A z t e c
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1913
I N S I D E T O D AY FOOD & DRINK
State universities consider faster routes to degrees
CINCO DE MAYO See what’s happening tonight for one of students’ favorite taco and margarita holidays. page 2
SPORTS
MWC TITLE MATCH BYU will face SDSU for the Mountain West Conference crown on Thursday night. page 4
ENTERTAINMENT
FREDDY’S BACK Horror classic “Nightmare on Elm Street” returns with an updated villain but familiar plot. page 5 File Photo
Students and universities are both dealing with a rebounding econom;, accelerated programs could help students save money while opening more positions for prospective students.
TODAY @ SDSU S A R A H K O VA S H “Above and Beyond” Exhibit
S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R
SDSU Library, 4th floor Students from Michele Burgess’ “The Art of the Book” class feature their book art in the exhibit, which runs until May 25. For more of today’s headlines, visit:
www.thedailyaztec.com
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INDEX FOOD & DRINK............................................................2 SPORTS.............................................................................4 ENTERTAINMENT..........................................................5 CLASSIFIEDS....................................................................7 THE BACK PAGE............................................................8
The University of California system is considering offering accelerated, three-year bachelor’s degree programs to future students. No decisions have been made regarding implementation of the proposed program, which was recommended by one of the five UC working groups of the Commission on the Future, which works to serve the state. The program, if enacted, will set a streamlined curriculum and class schedule for students who want to obtain their bachelor’s degrees faster. Certain stipulations would apply, such as mandatory summer classes both before beginning freshman year and during subsequent summers. The program would also take into full consideration Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes. Additionally, students participating in the accelerated degree program would receive benefits such as priority registration and decreased fees. “It’s an idea at this point,” Steve Montiel, spokesman for the UC Office of the President, said. According to Montiel, the program would offer a more systematic way of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Although the accelerated bachelor’s program is being seriously considered by the UC system, a similar program is not currently being considered by the California State University Chancellor’s Office, according to a representative. San Diego State Provost Nancy Marlin said she wouldn’t rule out the possibility of SDSU implementing a similar program, but said that no current plans are in the works.
Some SDSU students feel it might be beneficial if an accelerated bachelor’s degree program was offered as a way to streamline classes. “I would say so,” Justin Rucker, an accounting graduate student, said, “because some of the classes are kind of useless.” Students participating in the accelerated program would also be able to enter the workforce sooner. “I think it would be kind of a good idea, because it would help give students a way to get out of here faster,” Julio Estrella, a fourth-year criminal justice major said. “Everyone knows there’s no method of getting out of the school faster. Everyone’s on the five-year plan.”
“Everyone knows there’s no method of getting out of the school faster. Everyone’s on the five-year plan.” —Julio Estrella, SDSU student Although the accelerated degree program would be aimed at students who want to enter the workforce sooner or save tuition and housing money, it may not be for everyone. “I think it really depends on the person,” Estrella said. “If there’s a person who just wants to have a good time in college, then they’re going to take the 12 units, bare minimum and go to classes. But if there’s someone who’s really dedicated and wants to go to grad school, I think a three-year program would help a lot.”
GREEK BEAT Fraternity reinstated Phi Kappa Psi, of the Interfraternity Council, suspended since November 2008 as a result of Operation Sudden Fall, is back on campus. The fraternity successfully complied with all of the conditions of its suspension and was reinstated by San Diego State on May 1, according to Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life Doug Case. Operation Sudden Fall, a joint collaboration between the San Diego State Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency, targeted people suspected of selling drugs to students. More than 30 SDSU students were arrested as a result of the raid, as were many more during the course of the year-long investigation that preceded it.
Greek Week raises thousands of dollars During Greek Week, $35,000 was raised, according to the Greek Life Activities Board. The board presented a check to the beneficiary, the Doheny Eye Institute, Monday night, Case said.
Greek awards presented Individual and chapter achievement awards were presented at the Greek Awards Ceremony Monday night. Outstanding Chapter President awards were given to Lauren Caris of Alpha Chi Omega, Martin Reiman of Sigma
Chi, Sindia Zamarripa of Alpha Pi Sigma and Tinebeta Mekonnen of Delta Sigma Theta. Greek Man / Woman of the Year Awards were given to Candice Luistro of Delta Zeta, Jeremy Poincenot of Sigma Phi Epsilon, Monica Martinez of Alpha Pi Sigma and Ashley Peebles of Delta Sigma Theta. New Member of the Year Awards were given to Rachel Miller of Delta Zeta, Kevin Gruidl of Sigma Chi, Samantha Bearman of Alpha Pi Sigma and Shayna Carroll of Zeta Phi Beta. Outstanding Volunteer Fraternity Alumnus and Sorority Alumnae Awards were given to Stephanie Ryan of Kappa Delta, Martin Montesano of Zeta Beta Tau and Denise Leyva of Alpha Pi Sigma. Outstanding Faculty / Staff Advisor Awards were given to Tim Quinnan of Pi Beta Phi, Dave Noll of Zeta Beta Tau and Rosa Elena Moreno of Alpha Pi Sigma. The Outstanding Panhellenic House Director Award was given to Cathy Johnson of Kappa Delta.
Greek chapter awards Phi Kappa Theta was awarded Outstanding Community Service Project for its Butterfly Project.
—Compiled by Senior Staff Writer Reem Nour Wait, there’s more! Read the rest of this story online at www.thedailyaztec.com.