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UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2003
Photo by Tina Fowble
The solar powered car from the University of Missouri-Columbia's College of Engineering races into Edmond on July 16.
Solar cars race into town by Sherrod Wall Student Writer The summer sun beat down on the asphalt of the UCO University Center parking lot from a cloudless sky. While this sweltering weather would deter most outdoor activity, it is perfect weather for solar racing. The American Solar Challenge, a biannual solar race stretching from Illinois to California on Route 66, rolled through UCO July 16. Thirty-five teams from around the world are competing in the race, which started July 13 in
Chicago and is expected to end July 23 in Claremont, Calif. UCO is one of many checkpoints at which racing teams are required to stop for maintenance throughout the course. Each team's maintenance crew follows its respective car closely to cut down on off-road time. Cheers from spectators rose as the Solar _ Miner IV, of the_ University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) pulled into the University Center parking lot. UMR placed second in the 2001 American Solar Challenge. The Solar Miner IV is currently in first place, followed closely by the
University of Western Michigan. three of the four drivers available Upon arrival, Solar Miner IV's in one day due to hot dry weathmaintenance crew spilled out of er conditions. Within about 20 their van with great fervor to get minutes, the first place team was the car back on the road. They back on the road. Their next stop removed the roof of the solar car, would be at Southwestern which was completely covered by Oklahoma State University in solar cells, and placed it on a Sayre. metal apparatus for cleaning. The solar cars are designed by One of the four drivers of the college students from a variety of Solar Miner commented on 110 ,6:, _majors _using real-time c_ om_puter harsh road conditions had been software. The students virtually in Oklahoma. He said tougher test their car's energy capacity to tires were being fitted to the car determine how it fares in differfor more support. The battery of ent road conditions virtually the car was also changed, along before testing it on the road. with the driver. Another driver The solar cars use lightweight said that the team goes through electric motors. These motors can
tap directly into the energy converted by solar cells mounted on the car, or they use solar battery power. The motor produces five to ten horsepower and operates at over 90 percent efficiency. Even on cloudy days when solar energy isn't readily available, the solar batteries within the cars keep their motors running. Mike Calvelage, a member of the check point crew for American Solar Challenge Headquarters, said that a full solar battery is capable of keeping the car going for 230 miles. While the battery power holds up, the solar cars can reach their
maximum speeds. "The solar cars are not allowed to go faster than 65 mph," Calvelage said. The batteries charge somewhat while they are in use, but if the energy runs out, the maximum speed of the car drops to 35 mph. No air conditioning, radios or windows are found on these cars because these commodities will drain the power of the battery. The car is built for racing efficiency — not for driver comfort. After leaving UCO, the racers face a 1,311-mile stretch of road to the finish line in California.
Freshman return rates increasing by Rod Jones Staff Writer
Photo by Tina Fowble
Oklahoma Blood Institute phlebotomist Nina Holman works on the Print Shop's Krystal Tipton as she gives blood. The Oklahoma Blood Institute's blood drive was held at Nigh University Center on July 2
Students donate blood to save lives by Rod Jones Staff Writer The Oklahoma Blood Institute held a drive July 21 in the University Center to re-supply their blood bank. The institute gave away Tshirts and two-for-one admission tickets to Frontier City to each donor. Tara Scott, manager of training for the institute, said blood supplies are traditionally low in the summer. "We do a lot of blood drives
on college campuses, so many students are away on vacation," she said. The UCO site had 20 donors by 2 p.m. Scott said the site would achieve their goal of 25 donors. She said this was several times smaller than the fall blood drive which draws about 120 donors. The donation process is divided into five steps. First, the donor signs in and completes a checklist. Then the donor answers questions concerning medical history. Next is
the "mini physical," where blood pressure, temperature, pulse and iron content are tested. Finally comes the blood transaction itself. The donor is now free to enjoy the complimentary juice and cookies. The blood is transferred to the main center on 10th and Lincoln where it is separated into redblood cells, plasma and platelets. Red-blood cells are used in trauma patients, and plasma is for burn victims and platelets are for cancer patients. The shelf life for the blood
ranges from one year for frozen plasma to five days for platelets. Scott said the donation process is relatively pain free. "Most people get themselves worked up then realize it doesn't hurt," she said. "Saving someone's life is painless." She said the blood from one donation might save the lives of three people. Although the institute does not have a preference on blood type, 0-negative is universal in that it can be used for patients with any of the other types.
Despite increased tuition, more freshmen in Oklahoma are staying in school, according to a report from the State Regents for Higher Education. The report says the freshman retention rate in the state for 2001 to 2002 was 91 percent, up from 88.6 percent in 1992 to 1993. Evelyn Wilson-Martin, dean of enrollment management, said the retention rate at UCO has gone up more than 8 percent since 1996. "UCO has done a better job of providing the needs of freshmen," she said. "Recruiters have also been expanding their reach and shouting good things about UCO." Wilson-Martin said the academic affairs department looks at the needs for new classes and provides more class options accordingly. For instance, starting in the fall semester a class called "Success Central" will debut. It is geared toward incoming freshmen and teaches skills and issues that makes the tran-
sition from high school to college a success. Wilson-Martin said the class is optional and can replace a physical education requirement. The regents' report also says freshmen are graduating sooner. From 1995 to 2002, the six-year graduation rates for new freshmen increased from 49.9 to 60.1 percent. The rates for UCO are not yet available. Faster graduation rates may be due to intersession classes, which Wilson-Martin said have become more popular and fill up quickly. Also, the regents have encouraged universities to allow more flexible schedules that balance with family life, allowing more students to stay in school. Recently the state regents began rewarding institutions based partly on freshman retention and graduation rates. They have awarded approximately $2.2 million this year to colleges that have met their targets.