The Vista July 23, 1998

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UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

THURSDAY

JULY 23, 1998

GRAND CANYON Student art exhibit 4

PHONES New system

STEVEN SAYS Burn the flag 5

AIDS Students at risk 10

EMPLOYMENT Intl students work more...8

9

SINATRA His voice silenced 11

,

The Student Voice Since 1903

Pell grant awards may increase next year By Mark A. Schneberger StaffWitter

U

CO students who are scraping up tuition money for the fall semester could get a windfall this August in the form of larger Pell Grants from the federal government The U.S. Senate last week, in a 96-1 vote, approved the 1998 Higher Education Act, which would give additional funds to student through grants. The act, which has been hotlydebated since late 1997, must be signed into law by President Bill Clinton before being implemented this year. "It's about time the government did something for us for a change," said JoAnn Champion, a sophomore who receives financial aid.

"It's hard to get enough money to go to school. This will make things easier. I think it's great." As outlined in the Senate plan, the maximum amount awarded in Pell Grants per student would increase from $2,000 to $5,000, beginning with the 1999-2000 academic year. That amount would continue to rise $200 per year for the next five years, finally reaching $5,800. This version of the Higher Education Act is similar to one recently passed by the US House of Representative. Both sides of Congress will meet this month to hammer out a final version, which is expected to be signed by the president. "By increasing the access and quality of higher education, this bill will help ensure that our nation remains a leader in educational excellence for all our

citizens," Sen. James M. Jeffords, who drafted the legislation, told the Chronicle of Higher Education. "By giving more students the ability to attend college, we are giving them the opportunity to pursue their dreams." More than 2,800 UCO students received Pell Grants during the 19971998 academic year, said Shelia Fugett, financial aid director. Those awards were given to students with the most serious financial need. The Senate plan would ensure that all students who qualify for the grants receive at least $200, during the 19981999 school year. But it restricts to six the number of years UCO students can receive the free money. Larger Pell Grants weren't the only changes endorsed by the Senate. Paying back student loans could also

UCO complies with Edmond's request for water rationing By Jim Hulsey

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StaffWriter

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e can seed clouds, rain dance, pray, use diviners or make water turtles, but we'll have to wait for much needed rain. On Monday, the Edmond water resources department asked consumers to observe mandatory water rationing on an odd-even basis, as weather forecasters continue to predict hot and dry conditions, said Claudia Deakins, public relations representative for the city of Edmond. "The city was avoiding using the `R' word (rationing) hoping that the community will be water conservative," Deakins said. The city did not get the message. Edmond's city manager, Leonard Martin, implemented odd-even water rationing following three days of usage

become easier for those with large debts. UCO students with $30,000 or more in outstanding loans should be given 25 years to repay the debt, the Senate said. Currently, graduates are expected to settle their debts with lenders within 10 years of graduation. That sounded like good news to James Miller, an education graduate student, who said he returned to school so he could defer his heavy loan debt. Miller said he would easily owe over $30,000 when he finishes with his studies. "I came back to school because I didn't have a job and there was no way I could pay back those loans as fast as they wanted," Miller said. "Maybe when I get done this time it will be easier for me (to repay the loans). It sounds like a good plan."

HEAT WAVE!

of the warmest summers on record for Oklahoma, with over Studen1Wilier 50 days of 100-degree heat. CO students have not Carano estimates that we have been frying eggs on only hit 100 degrees five or six the sidewalk yet, but times in 1998. many say they feel like they are Since he made that statement, frying. Oklahoma has reached the This July has been no century mark several times. exception to central Oklahoma's When asked how he is beating 1ongthe heat, running senior Kazi stretch of Khan said warm that he is It has been very hot, weather. It drinking lots has been but it isn't going to be of fluids and hot, but staying the hottest summer according to inside. ever. KFOR-TV Sophomore weather Aaron forecaster Mongold said Steve Carano his biggest Steve Carano, the KFOR forecaste r priority in the current heat war against At& wave isn't the weather out of the ordinary. was to have the air conditioner in "It has been very hot," Carano his car fixed. said, "but it isn't going to be the "Making sure my AC works hottest year ever. We aren't even in my car was very important, close to the summer of 1980." because I drive a lot." That summer, 1980, was one V See

By Eric Gates

U

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Rationing has forced the university to be very selective with its irrigation. The women's soccer field, pictured here, is still being watered. (Photo by Steven E. Wedel) that exceeded Edmond's 20.5 million gallons per day capacity. The weekend usage was 20.86 and 23.52 million gallons for Saturday and Sunday respectively. UCO's water usage, during the month of June was 6.5 million gallons, according to the Edmond Utilities Department. UCO's most visible water

usage is the university irrigation watering system, installed last year as part of the campus beautification and landscaping budget. "We've got an investment in these new trees," said Lennis Pederson, director of facilities management.

V See WATER, Page 3

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HOT. Page 7


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