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May 2, 2011 Read. Recycle. Repeat daily.
BUDGET
Budget crisis calls town hall
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STAFF & FACULTY
Search for replacement for VC/CP for student affairs continues The search for a new VC/VP for student affairs continues as the school interviews candidates for the open position. The search began after President Khator reassigned the previous VC/ VP, Elwyn Lee, to become vice president of community relations and institutional access. Rathindra N. Bose, vice president for research and the dean of the Graduate College at Ohio University, is one of the candidates for the position. He stated in his public interview that UH has a great tradition behind it, and he hopes to continue the high standards of the school, especially now that it’s a tier one institution. “I always hear a lot of wonderful things about UH,”Bose said. “Maintaining that status and moving forward is important for the University of Houston, and I want to make sure our faculty gets much Read more @ THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM recognition in academia.” Vice Chancellor for research and professor of cell biology and neuroscience at the University of California Riverside Charles Louis, another candidate, stated in his public interview that he values the leadership role of the job. “The VP is the facilitator of the faculty. I really see that as the role of this position — to enhance the campus research culture and a leader that challenges the status quo by resolving challenging problems,”Louis said. Michael J. Lawrence was appointed interim VC/VP while the search for a permanent replacement occurrs. “Anyone lucky enough to get the job will be inheriting a good staff. They’ll be fortunate to be a part of the welcoming environment of the UH community,”Lawrence said. — Julian Jimenez/The Daily Cougar
CORRECTIONS Report errors to editor@thedailycougar.com. Corrections will appear in this space as needed.
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Issue 143, Volume 76
69 LO 54 HI
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EVENTS AniMeals on Wheels Donate pet food at drop boxes in buildings around campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Growlers, Bass Drum Of Death, Roky Moon & BOLT The Growlers are headlining tonight at Fitgerald’s. Doors open at 8 p.m., and tickets cost $8.
FOR MORE EVENTS, CHECK OUT
thedailycougar.com/calendar
No hiring freeze in effect; worst of the lay-offs might be over Naheeda Sayeeduddin
THE DAILY COUGAR
Students and faculty were briefed about the budget crisis and how it will affect the various facets of the community at a town hall meeting Thursday. | Naheeda Sayeeduddin/The Daily Cougar
The Administration and Finance department unveiled a set of strategic plans at a town hall meeting on Thursday that called for cost reduction and
revenue enhancement in response to the looming state budget crisis. The University’s total budget for the fiscal year 2011 was $874.4 million, according to the Department of Administration and Finance. Of the revenue BUDGET continues on page 3
HOUSING
Cheap dorms demolished Residents look for new homes, higher rates expected Cristi Guerra
THE DAILY COUGAR After being a home away from home to many students, Cougar Place, a residential dorm facility, will be demolished this summer, leaving students to have to find new living accommodations at an increased price. “The facility has far outlived its expected life span, and officials have decided to deconstruct Cougar Place in order to make room for future housing,” a press release by Lindsay Marshall, University Services Communications Coordinator said. Displaced students will have to find new places to live and will have to pay more money if they choose to stay on campus. Students living in Cougar Place paid the least amount
Editors celebrate
S
taff members participating in student publications were honored at a banquet Wednesday night. The Daily Cougar editorial board awarded special recognitions to reporters and photographers. | Tap Nguyen/The Daily Cougar
DEMOLITION continues on page 3
CAMPUS
First-time Mexican guest lectures, leadership Miguel Cortina
THE DAILY COUGAR Former Mexican President Vicente Fox will lecture on Leadership and Spirituality in America at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Agnes Arnold Auditorium 1. A question-and-answer session will follow. The event is free and open to the public. This is the first time the former president will visit the campus, which is sponsored by the Gülen Institute and the Graduate College of Social Work. “We are pleased to partner with the Gülen Institute to provide this educational
opportunity for students to hear firstrule of the Institutional Revolutionhand from an international leader,” ary Party. He maintained a good said Ira Colby, dean of the college, in a relationship with the US during his press release. “Mexico is an important presidency. international neighbor and friend to He is also the author of “Revothe United States. Both during and lution of Hope: The Life, Faith and after his presidency, Vicente Fox has Dreams of a Mexican President.” been a staunch advocate to eradicate Fox has visited Houston a num! ! Vicente Fox poverty and promote public educaber of times since his presidency. His tion for all people. His perspectives on immi- most recent visit was in February of this year gration are important, in particular, as Texas at the Hispanic Business Center. and the United States continue to struggle To attend the one-hour lecture RSVP to with undocumented people and their place Michelle Wheatley at m.wheatley@guleninin our economy.” stitute.org. Fox was president of Mexico from 2000 to 2006. His election brought down the 71 year- news@thedailycougar.com