University of Nebraska
Student bartenders from the University of Nebraska find positives and negatives in their alternative jobs. One of the drawbacks is the early classes. Because bars are open until 1 a.m., it is hard for the students to wake up for an 8 a.m. class. Lack of sleep and stress were also listed as negatives.
Although there are setbacks, the students who bartend would never quit their job. Summer Spivey, a senior, loves her job because she is “getting paid to party.” The other positive aspects that the bartenders enjoy are getting to meet a lot of people, having lots of fun, making good money and making contacts.
James Madison University
Students, faculty and alumni attended a swim meet at James Madison U. recently to support the men’s team, one of the eight athletic teams that may soon be cut. The swim team hoped that the large and loud crowd of spectators would help save swimming at JMU.
The alumni formed the group Save Our Sports Alumni, which has voiced support for the programs that are facing elimination, including gymnastics, tennis and volleyball. The Board of Visitors at JMU is to make a decision on the future of the teams in late March.
University of Illinois
Because of complaints from students about instructors’ ability to be proficient in English, the University of Illinois has outlined a procedure for the complaints. All instructors must pass an English proficiency test and attend an orientation for teaching assistants. However, there are exceptions for teachers who teach foreign-language courses in their native language.
If a student has a complaint, they may go to the head of the department and the instructor may be monitored. Depending on the situation, a student may have the opportunity to change sections.
Bob Hamman, a senior in commerce, had a difficult experience with an accounting instructor. “If you can’t understand it, you can’t learn it,” Hamman said.
Duke University
The administration at Duke U. is considering making it a requirement that all incoming students after 2002 own a laptop computer.
Over the next year and half, Duke’s faculty will be trained on the newest technology and on the conversion to wireless. In addition, new transmitters are being installed all over campus.
The possible requirement of laptops is part of plan to use more information technology in the classroom. The plan also calls for more online learning and the creation of an information studies program.
University of Idaho
Steven Austad, a zoology professor at the University of Idaho, believes that the first 150-year- old person is living right now. Austad is so sure that he bet $500 million dollars against good friend, S. Jay Olshansky, a Chicago researcher. Both Austad and Olshansky will be depositing $150 in a trust fund, which will reach $500 million in the year 2150. If there is a 150-year old human in 2150, the closest living relative of Austad will get the money and the same for if Olshansky if there isn’t a 150-year -old human.
If there is an heir of the winner, the money will be distributed to their colleges of choice and used for scholarships.
In 1997, Austad wrote a book called, “Why We Age: What Science is Discovering About the Body’s Journey Through Life.”
