Sept. 22, 2011, edition of Lorian

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A weekly publication by Loras College students

ACTs and GPAs — how does Loras stack up? Last year’s first-year students fared better than Clarke and UW-P students in entrance exams and grades, but were marginally behind 2 state schools and Coe by JESSICA DONELS staff writer

For many incoming college students, ACT scores and their high school grade-point-averages (GPAs) are the difference between getting a scholarship or being accepted by the college of their choice versus going to community college. They might the most important number in a student’s life — until classes start. So, how does Loras compares to other schools in our area? According to admissions’ offices at six schools, including Loras, the average ACT scores for incoming students for the 2010-11 Loras’ ACT school year at those six colleges all were within roughaverage is ly 2 points of each other (see more than a charts below). point higher Loras’ first-year students in than the 2010 carried an average ACT score of just under 24. Incomaverages ing students at Coe College, at Clarke Iowa State University and the University University of Iowa each reportand at the ed ACT average scores of nearUniversity of ly 25 — nearly a point higher than Loras’ 2010 first-years. WisconsinBut Loras’ ACT average is Platteville more than a point higher than (UW-P). the averages at Clarke University and at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UW-P). Meanwhile, the average GPAs for the six colleges are very close to each other, all within three-tenths of a percentage point. Loras’ first-years in 2010 carry an average GPA of 3.48, which is marginally lower than the average GPAs at Coe, Iowa and Iowa State. But Loras’ GPA was higher than Clarke’s (3.33 average), while UWP said it does not request information regarding students’ high school GPA.

Vol. 90, Issue 3

Sept. 22, 2011

The Jule Dubuque’s diamond in the rough? by EMILY FULL staff writer

As a college student, there are just some things in life that can’t be ignored: food, sleep, money, and fun. However, one important aspect many tend to overlook, and even ignore, is transportation. So many dilemmas surface for students who lack a means of transportation, and they miss a chance to truly experience what the tri-state area has to offer. They cannot eat a delicious local meal, have a job off campus, etc. Having a vehicle has its downsides too: payments must be made in order to maintain it, and gas, oil changes and other repairs also empty the wallet. And God forbid there’s another hailstorm. In the end, cars require time, stress and money. But that’s where The Jule, the city of Dubuque’s newand-improved busing system, comes in. It doesn’t operate 24/7, but it should resolve some of your transportation needs. The city has made some significant changes to hopefully accommodate passengers who might not have been served by the bus system’s previous routes and schedules. And the city is brainstorming of ways to better serve college students. “Things are afoot and starting to take place,” said Barbara Morck, the city’s director of transit operations. Right now, The Jule doesn’t have specific stops, routes, and rates designed specifically for college students. But the city is working with Loras, The University of Dubuque, and Clarke University, in order to develop a bus route that could pick up and drop off students on a regular basis. “Right now, The Jule has a route called the Green Route that goes up and down Loras Boulevard on schedule, allowing students to catch a ride,” Morck said. “The buses are fully accessible with lifts and ramps, and they include a bike rack in case someone riding a bike gets caught in the rain.” Although the Green Route is the nearest route for students on Loras College campus, the nearest stop is Finley Hospital near Grandview Avenue.

“Within the next couple of weeks, the college administrators of Dubuque are meeting in order to start gearing towards the students’ needs and meet them where they are at. We would also like to meet with student governments to make sure we’re on the same page.” Making a bus route available to students at Loras has been a large part of Daniel McDermott’s “to-do list” as Senior Class Student Union President. He has been a strong advocate for reaching out to make arrangements between Dubuque’s bus system and the college ever since he began his campaign for presidency. “Right now, we’re trying to get everyone on the same page,” McDermott said, “It’s challenging to get the ball rolling on this because, to my understanding, the final thing holding up the project is finding out where the money is coming from, which is a major issue.” McDermott’s concern is apparent to Morck as well. “Loras’ student government is very active in getting this into action,” Morck said. “In the future, we want to bring stops to campus where it’s easy and accessible for students, such as dorms and major buildings. Our goal is for students to be able to show their college ID and ride for free, but money is a major factor in making this a success.” Morck is hoping to have the project will be complete so that students will have a reliable way to travel across town to their jobs, doctor appointments, etc.. “I would definitely use the transportation,” McDermott said when asked if he would use The Jule. “It’s a great way to get around and explore Dubuque.” Currently, a bus ride on The Jule only costs $1 and it can take you to Hy-Vee, Kennedy Mall, and various other locations throughout Dubuque. Those who are interested in leaving their vehicles at home in order to save a few dollars can ride The Jule’s buses more frequently by purchasing a 10Ride Pass or even a Monthly Pass. For more information about The Jule and its pros and cons, routes, etc., visit www.cityofdubuque.org.

And the winners are ... for 2011 Homecoming KING and QUEEN ...

AARON JUNGE

illustration by AYUSH SUBEDI

n/a

Moving to America

International students tell their stories of adapting to the radically different American culture.

Turn to Page 2 for more.

LUISA JIMENEZ


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