www. thevistaonline. corn What you need to know Movie Review: "Watchmen" worth watching?
Page 5
Food Review: Wok Express
Page 7
Broncho wrestlers prepare for nationals
Page 10
March 12, 2009
University seeks alternative scheduling Kory Oswald Corropondent
Despite a student petition and a slight murmur of discontent, the Mass Communication Department will have a five-day schedule next fall. "It's a done deal," said Dr. Terry Clark, chairperson of the Mass Communication Department. "The provost decided that this was the best thing to do for the university as a whole and I support him on that." Dr. William Radke, the provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, mandated that the department return to a standard Monday through Friday school week because the fourday week created a shortage of classrooms for the Liberal Arts College and it complicated scheduling for students with the rest of the university. In an email to The Vista, Radke said, "There are between 600 and 700 sections offered on a Friday. Without a university level approach, it is not possible to spread those sections over the remaining four days because those days contain even more sections so that rooms and faculty are already fully booked." Radke has created a task-force made up of three committees to look into the possibility of an alternative schedule for the entire university. The committees were created to represent everyone at the university and find out how it see SCHEDULE, page 3
Photo Illustration by Kayleigh Adamek
University brings talent Oklahomansgiven the opportunity from across the pond to repeal two controversial bills Ryan Croft
Joseph Lopez
Senior Reporter
Spec ial to 111(1
The British music scene will once again invade the United States this Friday in Evans Great Hall. The Academy of Contemporary Music, London's renowned music-as-a-career school, has partnered with UCO to bring student musicians ACM@UCO in the coming semesters. Friday, representatives from both the ACM in London and ACM at UCO will hold a "Prospective Student Mixer" on campus, according to a university press release. The mixer will feature performances by Rokhsan, a United Kingdom IndieAP Photo folk musician and ACM, Scott Booker is announced as the executive director of the AcadUK student, along with country musician and emy of Contemporary Music at UCO by University President W. ACM@UCO ambassador Roger Webb on Oct. 9, 2008. Devin Derrick, according to the press release. "At just 23, Rokhsan's solo work has a beautifully crafted charm of folk, soul and pop with a touch of Eastern frailty in her vocal work," Rokhsan's official online bio read. "She has a truly international attitude in her style and manner." According to her bio, Rokhsan began playing piano at six years old and has developed into a multi-instrumentalist, learning guitar, drums, vocals, production and, recently. violin. "Devin Derrick's music is for people who like traditional country music," his online bio read. "If you long for simpler times and the sounds of the past, Devin's music is for you." Just as the performers will bring their unique cultural influences and musical styles together Friday, ACM, UK and UCO representatives have worked together to bring the music school to the United States. see MUSIC, page 3
The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Joint Resolution 1042 to allow a vote of the people to establish English as the official language of the state. Last week, readers may recall the passage of Senate Bill 1156 was passed, which would recognize English as a common language for the state. HJR 1042, authored by State Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, would go much further. HJR 1042 would be placed on the 2010 ballot for a vote of the people to amend the Oklahoma Constitution. Once passed, all official proceedings from the state government and agencies would be produced in English. Specific exceptions are listed in regards to trade, commerce, public health and safety. Braille and sign language would not be affected. For over an hour the House questioned and debated the need for this action. Critics assailed the legislation as divisive and superfluous. Opponents claimed that if the concern was over Spanish driver license tests, then legislation should be enacted to address it specifically. In addition to establishing English as the official language, the resolution would also "provide functional constitutional protection for Native American languages," Terrill said. Several tribal governments have passed resolutions strongly opposing HJR 1042. Terrill claimed that a spirit of multiculturalism was taking hold in the state and that it promoted a language of linguistic apartheid. "When the government acts with authority, it has to communicate in English ... and no one has the right to demand taxpayer services in languages other than English," Terrill said in closing debate. The resolution passed 66-32. The House also heard House Bill 2252, which would remove from law provisions to print drivers license tests in Spanish. Currently Oklahoma Law allows for tests to be administered in both English and Spanish. Terrill, who also authored this legislation, said this was in response to a lawsuit brought by an Iranian couple who demanded the test to be administered in Farsi. The legislation passed 68-28.
For more information on these bills, visit wwvv.TheVistaOnline.com
TheVistaOnline.com now has classifieds!
The High-Tech Trainwreck- n Uideo
Go browse the listings, find a job, make more money.
My life is an inglorious mess of information and experiences all crammed into sleepless, 24-hour cycles. Lucky for you, I'm getting the good stuff on video.
Blog with Ryan Croft
www.TheUista0nOne.com
This is the last issue of The Vista before Spring Break! I111(' will 1)( , 1)(1( I\ ()II I litir,(1(1y, Wu( 26, With pm! Limp(r)
Have a great Spring Break UCO!