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Satisfaction surveys Once again, students prefer college life to many alternatives
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Absences declining Students head to class even with illness or other distracting circumstances
theTriniphonian Volume 111, Issue 5
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www.trinitonian.com
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Serving Trinity University Since 1902
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September 20, 2013
New walkway bridges academic disciplines Old meets New: Chapman Center hooks up with CSI by Brick Skywalker NEWS REPORTER As the new Center for Sciences and Innovation is perfected, students and staff have been greeted this year with the walkway bridge between the new CSI and Chapman Center. This new walkway lets students easily walk from the second floor of Chapman to the second floor of CSI without having to climb up and down two flights of stairs or braving the ever-changing San Antonio weather. While the convenience of the walkway is wonderful for both students and staff, the symbolism of the crosswalk is what truly makes it, and all of Trinity University, special.
Benefits
Recently ranked as one of the best universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report for the 22nd consecutive year, Trinity has long been considered a progressive and highly academic university. The walkway from Chapman to CSI serves as a reminder to everyone of the important relationship between the humanities and the sciences in a student’s education. “When we decided to connect these two buildings, we wanted to reinforce to current students, faculty and staff, and prospective students that when you come to here, you get an outstanding education that encompasses all of the disciplines,” said Harold Halemouth, director of meaningful gestures. “By making a walkway that joins these two buildings, the relationship between the sciences and the humanities is showcased for all to see.” Not only does this
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Walking
• Maintain a healthy weight • Prevent/manage various conditions, like heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes • Strengthen bones • Lift mood • Improve balance and coordination Source: Health Institute
connection signify the unity between disciplines, it also shows Trinity’s commitment to bridging the past and the present. Chapman is one of the oldest buildings on campus while CSI is the newest. By linking these two buildings together, Trinity can look to the future while reflecting on the past. Since it is both future- and pastoriented, Trinity is able to give an outstanding education to its students. “Trinity prides itself on being both a progressive university, and a university that prides itself on tradition. This walkway is a symbol of that belief,” said Walker Ahlbridge, coordinator of public awarenss in the Office of Image. The five-story building that is the hub of CSI opened its doors to rave reviews from both students and faculty. The walkway is an important symbol for all of us at Trinity.
Disadvantages
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photo by D’Cade Spanner
The walkway from CSI to Chapman connects an old building with a new building and the sciences with the humanities.
Cars
• Pollution • Decrease in exercise leads to serious health problems, death • Expensive to buy • Expensive to maintain • Risk of accidents • Difficult to park • Road rage Source: Tomorrow Society
Bollards improve health while decreasing crime Short polls stand strong against cars, theft, sloth by Gooden Strohl NEWS EDITOR
Due to recently installed bollards--specifically between the football field and the Bell Center--students no longer have to worry about the hundreds of cars that used to whiz around campus, threatening life and limb. The waist-high poles that prevent cars from driving from parking lot to parking lot were installed in an effort to encourage walking. Anty Carrz, director of campus navigation, thinks the bollards do a world of good.
“The bollards normalize campus by turning it into an ideal neighborhood. Everything is within walking distance, and nothing threatens walkers,” Carrz said. The bollards create a safe environment by discouraging unknown cars from driving through campus. Statistics show that installing steel poles in the ground makes it more difficult for cars to drive around campus. One study even suggests that bollard installment reduces crime, specifically theft. With the bollards discouraging unwanted visitors, the Trinity University Police Department can now devote more time to benefitting students in other ways. “In regards to the bollards all I can say is this: since they were installed, we haven’t had to write a single ticket on that road that
runs between the football field and the Bell Center. That’s a fact,” TUPD officer Tick Righter said. Several students have complained about the bollards. “The complainers tend to be out of shape, even lazy,” Righter said. “Most students appreciate what the bollards have done for the campus.” “The bollards seem pretty cool. I don’t have a car, so I already walk everywhere. It is nice to not have to constantly look over my shoulder in fear of being mowed down by a rogue car,”said sophomore Walker Dally. Dally also thinks the bollards encourage and promote money management. “If you don’t have to spend money on car insurance and gas, you can spend it at the movies or on snacks. Really, these bollards are maybe the best part of campus,” Dally said.
Sophomore Thomas Garcia is glad the bollards prompt him to hoof it from his room in Prassel to Mabee Dining Hall. “I just love having to walk across campus all day,” Garcia said. Unlike the first year halls located near the dining hall and other halls closer to academic buildings, Prassel and Thomas halls of Trinity’s Sophomore College program are nicely isolated in the corner of campus. “I pay attention in class and have so much energy,” sophomore Julia Smith, a Thomas resident, said. “I love the long walks to anywhere,” Smith said. A recent Counseling Services survey suggests regular walking improves romantic relationships, and Judy D’heart isn’t surprised. “I am positively overcome and breathless when I climb the steps by the pool,” the junior said.
Dropped wi-fi: symptom or savior? by Gig Abbott While the Trinity computer network is secure and monitored for proper use, overuse can strain Internet connections. Studies suggest a break from the Internet is healthy. Students should get outside and interact with others face-to-face during connection gaps, scientists say. “Being on your computer or the Internet all the time limits your abilities with real-time social interaction,” said Professor of Internet Sociology Vita Mincee. “Taking a break means relaxing your brain.” Mincee pointed to walks, coffee breaks, and meeting up with friends as positive alternatives to connection gap frustration. Studies have shown that frequent Internet users suffer from a condition called “Popcorn Brain,” the expectation that real-time events happen with the same frequency and high energy as what is online. Connection gaps are a natural antidote to Popcorn Brain.