The Index Vol. 111 Issue 1

Page 1

Tips and tricks for maintaining good health at Truman

Repairs made to campus continue into fall, page 2 “Climax” is why I don’t party, page 9

Bulldogs picked third in pre season poll, page 14

page 8

Truman State University tmn.truman.edu WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019

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Truman, AKL, former student named in lawsuit

Truman State University, the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity and a former Truman student are being sued by the parents of two students who committed suicide in the 2016-2017 school year. Photo by Rachel Becker

Two families file lawsuit after five suicides in 2016-2017 RYAN PIVONEY Editor in Chief

Truman State University, the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity and a former Truman student are being sued by the parents of two students who committed suicide in the 2016-2017 school year. Brandon Grossheim, the former student and AKL fraternity brother, is being sued for psychological manipulation that the plaintiffs say led to five

student deaths. The lawsuit claims Grossheim was close to all five students who committed suicide in the 2016-2017 school year and was either the last person to see them alive or the first to find their body. Nicole Gorovsky is the plaintiff’s attorney representing Melissa BottorffArey, Suzanne Thomas and Michael Thomas — the parents of Alex Mullins and Joshua Thomas. Gorovsky accuses the University of failing to be transpar-

ent about the situation by not informing students, parents and the community of the alleged psychological manipulation occuring. The lawsuit additionally states the University and fraternity were aware some students had depression and were vulnerable, yet allowed Grossheim access to them anyway. According to a press release from Gorovsky Law LLC, Alex Mullins’ mother said in a fraternity she expected her son to be safe and cared for.

“Within just months there were four more young people gone,” Bottorff-Arey said. “There were too many similarities, one person in common and so many questions … it’s time for answers.” Warren Wells, Truman’s general counsel, released a written statement July 31.

See LAWSUIT page 3

Tuition increases by Fountain construction 5% this year continues into fall RACHEL BECKER News, Photo Editor The Truman State University Board of Governors approved a 5% increase in tuition set to go into effect this upcoming year. Students received an email from the President’s Office June 24 stating there would be a tuition increase instated for the 2019-2020 academic year. This tuition increase affects both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as Missouri residents and out-of-state students. There is no increase in the Student Health Fee, the Student Activity Fee or

TUITION INCREASE OLD

NEW

Full-Time Undergraduate (Missouri Resident)

$3,712.50

$3,898

Full-Time Undergraduate (Non-Missouri Resident)

$7,138.50

$7,495

Full-Time Graduate (Missouri Resident)

$3,271.50

$3,433.50

Full-Time Graduate

(Non-Missouri Resident)

$5,661

$5,944

*Fees for undergraduate based on 12 credit hours per semester *Fees for graduate based on 9 credit hours per semester

VOLUME 111 ISSUE 1 © 2019

the academic program and course fees. Financial Aid Director Marla Fernandez said the tuition fee for a full-time undergraduate Missouri resident will be $7,881 and $15,154 for an undergraduate non-Missouri resident. Last year, tuition rates were $7,425 for in-state students and $14,277 for non-Missouri residents. Fernandez said for full-time graduate students, tuition will be $9,260 for Missouri residents and $16,036 for non-Missouri residents. “It is imperative that Truman continues to provide a high quality educational experience,” President Sue Thomas wrote in the email to students. “This tuition increase, while undesirable, is essential in maintaining the quality of your educational experience.” Thomas wrote in an email statement to The Index that the 5% increase in tuition is expected to give Truman approximately $1.5 million, however, the institutional aid that is tied to the tuition rate will also go up. Thomas also wrote that the $1.5 million is not extra money. State funding for Truman for 2019-2020 is essentially the same in actual dollars as what it was for 1999-2000, Thomas wrote. However, for the most recent three budget years, Truman’s Education and General Budget (which primarily includes state funding and tuition and fees) has decreased $3.8 million. Another reason for the tuition increase is the increase in fixed costs, Thomas wrote. For example, over time the state retirement system has increased the required university contribution rate by 11.9%. The cost of Truman’s health See TUITION page 3

RACHEL BECKER News, Photo Editor Behind the Student Union Building, the current fountain and plaza area will be replaced and renamed to the Sandra K. Giachino Reavey Sesquicentennial Plaza. Mike Garzanelli, Truman State University comptroller, said the fountain will have jets flush with the surface and students can expect a more modern fountain. “It’s going to be easier for our maintenance crews to … remove snow there as a result,” Garzanelli said. “Right now it’s a step down from the li-

brary, meaning it’s going to be more of a level type of situation. [It’ll be] easier for students to walk, less chances of slips and falls.” The projected cost for the renovation is $1,575,000 and the majority of the project will be paid for by foundation funds from the estate of Sandra K. Giachino Reavey, Garzanelli said. Reavey was a real friend of the University, Garzanelli said, and she left a significant estate to be able to help pay for this project. See PLAZA page 6

Res Life creates new curriculum for fall RACHEL BECKER News, Photo Editor

The staff at the Residence Life office is working on a new curriculum that focuses on community and wellness, as well as unifying the residence halls. Residence Life Director Jamie Van Boxel, who started in July, said his first goal is going to be to learn about Truman State University students and the Residence Life department. “For over a year now, the Residence Life department under John Gardner, the previous director, and William Nelsen [interim director], have worked with the hall directors to shift from a

community development model ... to a more curricular approach,” Van Boxel said. Van Boxel said he can’t take credit for a lot of the work that has been done to prepare for the department to move forward with the new curriculum. He said a community development model is about putting on events for students, while a curricular approach is tied into having a framework for the entire year and contributing to Truman’s mission. See RES LIFE page 5


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