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UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2002
UCOSA President addresses the Campus by Mark Schlachtenhaufen ms@thevistaonline.com In his "State of the Campus" address Sept. 23, UCOSA President J.P. Jordan discussed possible upcoming changes in the university alcohol policy, the status of UCONNECT and the proposed 2002-2003 UCOSA budget. Jordan urged legislators to think about their goals for the upcoming year. By the end of this semester, Jordan said he
would like legislators to double the pieces of legislation normally produced, which normally is 10 to 12. Regarding the alcohol policy, Jordan said, "I asked the members of the House and Senate to please hold off from writing any legislation related to this matter, due to the fact that the administration, especially the office of Dr. [Kathryn] Gage, is looking into changing this policy."
"Let me reiterate that this [new policy] has not passed and the current policy still stands." University officials have told Jordan they would like to establish "a more reasonable" offcampus policy. Presently, as outlined in its student conduct policy, UCO ... prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees in buildings, facilities, grounds or other
Senate questions UCOSA vice president nomination I need to graduate. I'm going tion that I was part of or that I'm to complete everything that I a part of now, I would step aside and I would not vote. And I started this year." would hope that every board During his time away member can step aside and do from UCO, Dimmick said he that. When I was a member also learned about alcohol did on a couple of I that's what policies at other universities, votes. Very easparts of which he ily some of the would like to see organizations implemented that I could here. have voted for I "The reason didn't. But why I did it was that's why we so I could travel have an entire and I could committee of make myself be 13 people to more in tune make that deciwith how the Photo by Rebecca Martin world operates," sion." Dimmick Dimmick said. 1 —Chad Dimmick Chad Dimmick answers questions was asked "Because of during a meeting with the UCOSA UCOSA VP Nominee about his my travels I've Senate Judiciary Committee. friendship with had the opportuJordan. by Mark Schlachtenhaufen nity to see how Jordan and ms@thevistaonline.com other student Dimmick met organizations The UCOSA Senate judiciawhen Jordan operate. I think ry committee addressed their being gone for a year some peo- was a senior in high school. At concerns about vice presidential UCO, they worked together on ple could say, 'Oh, he's been appointee Chad Dimmick durgone for a year. He doesn't know UCOSA projects. They also ing an open meeting Sept. 23. what students are thinking right belonged to the same fraternity. Dimmick fielded questions now.' I knew what was going Dimmick said he and Jordan from the committee about his on. I read The Vista every day. have developed a close-knit history with UCOSA, his friendWhen the whole impeachment friendship. ship with President J.P. Jordan A committee member asked scandal was going on last year I and his qualifications for the job. was tuned in trying to figure out Dimmick how their relationship In 2001, Dimmick was electwhat was going on. I still feel played into the appointment. ed UCOSA vice president, but "I think that being a fraternilike a lot of the wants and needs later resigned. The committee ty brother, J.P. and I were able to of students are pretty universal was concerned that if Dimmick work together on a lot of issues," from year to year." were again vice president, there The UCOSA vice president Dimmick said. might be a repeat of the same "But a lot of our work came chairs the student appropriations scenario. board, which hears requests from through UCOSA. And I can't "To be honest with you, my student organizations seeking speculate on that subject because mom would kill me if I dropped I'm not J.P. and I can't answer money. out of school again," Dimmick The committee asked that." said. Dimmick said he and Jordan Dimmick, who had ties to sever"She wasn't very thrilled with compliment each other. al campus organizations, if he the idea of me taking a year off "He's a dreamer and I'm a could be impartial. when I originally did it. But now realist," Dimmick said. "As I have told the committee she realizes I became a better "I can pick what someone's before, I will be very honorable," person for that. And I know that Dimmick said. I do' need to move on with my "And if there is an organizasee Dimmick page 5 life. I need to stay in school and
"As I have told the committee before, I will be very honorable."
Rocking on Campus
Photo by Justin Avera
Devon Noon, Ann Ward, Melina Diaz and Kristin Hoffman teeter-totter on Sept. 24 as part of "Knock out Juvenile Diabetes Week." Members of the group teetered from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. to raise money for the cause.
property owned and/or controlled by the University of Central Oklahoma or as part of UCO activities." The "Third Party Vendor Bill" would allow a student organization, after gaining university permission, to sell alcohol during off-campus events to students age 21 or older. Student organizations, not UCO, would be responsible for alcohol-related liability, said Jake Winkler, House speaker.
Jordan said other comparable state universities have more reasonable off-campus alcohol policies. Jordan urged patience with UCONNECT, a Web portal that gives students, staff and faculty private access to various services and information. The service is new, going through some growing pains, he said. Jordan also announced the
Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicksoff next week. UCO's health center provides resources for students.
see UCOSA page 5
Freshman Enrollment increases by Timber Massey tm@thevistaonline.com The UCO Office of Institutional Research has reported a 13.7 percent increase in freshman enrollment this fall, compared to the number enrolled last year. Jerry Legere, assistant vice president of Enrollment Services, said the increase is not unique to UCO. "Other schools throughout the state have seen a similar increase in freshman enrollment," said Legere. "Many people have speculated that the sudden increase may have something to do with Sept. 11. Instead of going to school out of state, more students are staying at home to be close to their families." Andrew Dowdell, freshman academic advisor, said, "The new Banner system has had a huge positive impact on enrollment. The lines have been much shorter and people do not have to wait near as long." Dowdell said the sudden increase in freshman could also be a result of stricter admission
requirements by the University of Oklahoma. "The GPA requirement was raised this semester and the deadline for enrollment was very early. Students who waited until the last minute to enroll or could not meet the requirements may have decided to enroll at UCO." Ronnie Hopkins, assistant director of Prospective Student Services and Scholarships, said UCO is on a five or six-year increase in freshman enrollment. "More students who have attended UCO and realized what a great school it is have been telling their friends," said Hopkins. "The word has gotten out about how many great programs UCO has to offer, like forensic science and nursing." Legere said UCO has struggled with increased enrollment because of multi-million-dollar state budget cuts. "Tuition revenue only pays for 33 percent of the cost of a
Women's soccer ranks number nine nationally. — More Sports Page 9
see freshman page 5
ISC seeks international students participation
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Few international students take advantage of the benefits of forming a student organization
by Stephanie Nease sn@thevistaonline.com International students from 100 nations attend UCO, but only 17 nations belong to the International Student Council (ISC), said Jalal Daneshfar, International Students' immigration and activity director. Presidents of official international student groups make up the ISC. The ISC elects officers who oversee their meetings with help from Daneshfar. By election, one student becomes a senator to UCOSA. Josh Smith, Hong Kong Student Association secretary, serves as ISC senator to UCOSA. He said the council promotes international students in leadership positions. Shino Higuchi, Japanese Student Association president and vice president of ISC, conducted the Sept. 23 meeting in place of Fadee Mondalek, ISC president from Lebanon, who was absent. "I enjoy [ISC] a lot. I know more about what's going on at school. [ISC] helps me feel a part of things. I'm engaged in things that happen at school," she said. During the meeting, Higuchi used "Roberts' Rules of Order." Everyone received the agenda, as well as minutes from the previous meeting.
Members discussed the activity of the participating associations. The council welcomes visitors to ISC meetings at 4 p.m. every Monday at University Center Room 322. Special seating is available. Daneshfar said nations organizing at least 12 members and one sponsor on campus become ISC members and qualify for student activity fees to cover their group activities. If UCO's 65 Bulgarian students form a Bulgarian student group, they can get $318.25 to cover group expenses if they take the steps Campus Life requires, he said. Steps include planning their first meeting, getting signatures of 12 members, electing officers, and getting the signature of a faculty member or employee sponsor, he said. Daneshfar said UCO has enough students from Venezuela, Mexico, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Albania that they also qualify for funding if they do the work required. He said interested students should go to the International Students' office on the first floor of University Center when trying to form a group for a particular nation. "[They] may not be comfortable dealing with Campus Life, especially when they're new. It's best to come to International Students' office. We'll work with Campus Life to facilitate the process," Daneshfar said.
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Movie Review: In One Hour Photo Robin Williams exposes his darker side. — Page 6