University of Central Oklahoma
THURSDAY October 23, 1997
The Student Voice Since 1903
Credit counselors warn students about sign-up booths By Mark A. Schneberger Staff Writer
U
CO's attempt to help students obtain credit cards, by allowing creditors to hawk their services on campus, may be turning students into credit junkies, national credit professionals warn. And the presence of credit card companies on campus is unwanted, say a majority of UCO students surveyed this week. Director of Auxiliary Services A.K. Rahman said the number of credit service companies, such as Visa and Discover Card, which have appeared on campus has risen when compared to past academic years. He said he expects even more credit card companies to solicit customers
from the halls of the University Center next semester in hopes of hooking additional applicants. "This is a service we encourage so students don't have to go other places to apply for the credit cards," said Rahman. Photography Professor Dr. "It's our way of helping the Woody Gaddis directs UCO (students)" by giving them a photography students during a collegiate version of one-stopgroup photograph by the Rio shopping. Grande River in Taos, New He added that because Mexico. students may pay for most onThe group of 28 students and campus purchases with credit cards, "it makes sense to help other photographers spent fall break in the Taos area taking them get the cards." Creditors must apply to the pictures of landscapes, Auxiliary Services Department architecture and local culture. This was Gaddis' fifth year to to be allowed to set up booths in the University Center. Rahman conduct the 4-day trip for said that UCO does not receive journalism students. The group's photographs will any form of commission from be displayed in the Donna Nigh the companies, but his Gallery in January. (Photo by department does collect a $60-
Point and Shoot...
• See CREDIT,
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Lisa Tatum)
Flu season approaches; shots safeguard students By Jim Hulsey Staff Writer
U
CO students, especially those with high-risk health problems, are encouraged to get their flu shots. Influenza, a nuisance for most people, can lead to severe illness and deadly consequences for the elderly and individuals with existing health problems, said Carolyn Harris of the Oklahoma County Health Department. "The Center for Disease Control is
encouraging people to get their shots earlier this year because of a new strain," said Dr. Ronal Legako, M.D. He said there are mixed reports about the severity of this year's influenza. Last year there was a noticeably higher than normal number of flu cases, said LaBetta Wallenmeyer, director of the Student Health Center. Two factors contribute to the spread of influenza among the student population, said Wallenmeyer. One is the greater exposure to people with flu in large classes. The other is the lowered health
resistance brought on by stress and the lack of rest. This year's vaccine is intended to provide protection from Type A Johannesburg, Type A Nanchang and Type B Harbin, an influenza similar to last year's Beijing flu, said Wallenmeyer. It takes two weeks for the immunization to become fully protective. The vaccine provides maximum protection for up to four months. Flu shots are available for $10 to students, staff and faculty. The Oklahoma County Health
Department will offer the flu and pneumonia vaccines free of charge to high-risk individuals. High-risk groups include: •Any persons 65 years of age and older •Any person six months of age or older with chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary disorders, including asthma, who require regular medical follow-ups •Any person six months of age or older with chronic metabolic diseases, including diabetes, kidney dysfunction, V See FLU,
INSIDE TODAY ' INDEX Editorial 2 Sports 8, 9 Around Town 11 Around Campus ....11 Classifieds 12
COLUMN Gun control under fire from Vista writer Steven Wedel
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FEATURE Denny Dent and his "TwoFisted Attack" comes to OKC.
MUSIC Check out what's happening this weekend in OKC.
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