Visit Makes Papacy Real for University Students

As the lovely spray-painted CUA’s that have popped up all over campus slowly fade away, so too does the 15 minutes of fame that Catholic has had over Pope Benedict XVI’s visit. But for us students, the pope’s visit to campus will have a more lasting impression.

It has now been a week since the campus was lit afire with papal festivities and I would have to say that the thrill of having the pope on campus has not gone away. Every time I see my friends we always wind up talking about the pope. “Hey. . . guess what. . . the pope came Catholic!”

I think that we are still in shock that a figure as influential as the pope would choose to come to our little campus. Out of all the Catholic universities across the country (and the district) he chose to come to CUA.

It is humbling to think that the pope wanted to come here to see us, the Catholic youth. This was felt most when the pope “boarded” the popemobile after his speech in the Pryz. He entered the car and sat down, looked towards the lawn of students and waved at us. Perhaps the most powerful moment was when the window of the popemobile was lowered. Benedict did not simply wave at us; he placed his hands on the window, as if to make it open faster, in a way that indicated to me that he was open to greet his people. It was at that moment that I truly felt that Benedict was our pope.

Looking back on the Papal visit as a whole, I realize why it is so important that Benedict visits not only our campus, but the United States as well. By making this visit, he has in a way validated his papacy for Americans. Until we had a chance to see him, Benedict was just a figure in Rome and not a reality. By being able to see him up close, we as Americans were able to look at Joseph Ratzinger and finally see him as Pope Benedict XVI.

As young people, this visit was much more important than for people of older generations. For our entire lives the only pope we have ever known was John Paul II and it has taken time to adjust to our new pope. In many ways JPII set a standard that made it hard for Benedict to look personable and to be as well liked as he was. The apostolic journey to the United States has seemed to make Benedict more personable and likeable, especially to young people.

Alas, we must face the reality that pope week has ended and finals week is quickly approaching, but I do not think that the excitement of being able to see Pope Benedict XVI in person will ever leave the minds of Catholic students.

Page Two - 4/25

Jacob Gallay is Graduating

Well folks, it’s been a wild ride, but this is it: my final 5th Column. I’m doing this thing called “graduating,” where a college student wakes up one day and realizes that all their stuff, (including their bed, which they are still in) are sitting out on the curb in front of the house while their parents stand waving, saying “Bye Jacob!” Yes, it’s that magical time of a college student’s life where he must face the music and go into the world with nothing but a Bachelors degree and student debts to keep them warm at night.

For those of you who have been reading since my first article sophomore year, thank you for the compliments, comments, and death threats. Seriously, that letter-bomb I got junior year tugged at the heart-strings.

Senior year has been rough on me. It’s not the normal everyday things that have been getting me down, like senior comprehensives, work, and the ever-looming fear of “reality.” No, it’s the fact that I’ve had more things stolen from me this year than any other year past. Come on, my laundry hamper? Are you serious??? I mean, the plastic electric menorah someone stole from inside my window, that sucks, but COME ON! I actually USE that hamper!

The most pressing concern on my mind is; what am I doing after college? How many of you, years ago, were asked by random relatives “which college are you going to?” And now, four years later, I’m being asked by random people in the elevator, what am I doing after college? Look delivery man, I don’t know you and that’s none of your business.

It just sucks when people ask me what I’m doing after college. I mean, it was bad enough telling people four years ago that I was going to THE Catholic University of America.

Aw come on now, Catholic, I didn’t mean it like that. No, it’s not you, it’s me. I’m just saying, we should start seeing other people. That and you got kind of fat after the whole Opus and Pope thing.

I guess we’re not all as lucky as my brother, who was able to score an internship that turned into a job working for the WWE, which he likes to inform me is a rather large corporation and is always hiring. However, I don’t have the desire to watch large, sweaty men in spandex jumping on top of each other.

Before I bid adieu, I would like to leave these two important tips for CUA. The first is that, there needs to be more diversity on this campus. And by more diversity, I mean less people from Jersey. Please. For your sake.

Second, drop the whole “Catholic” thing. Seriously, guys, this just isn’t working. Four years I’ve been here and let me tell you, it’s not catching on. Maybe something else? I don’t know, ask your marketing department. Here’s to making fun of classics majors and avoiding conversion.

- Jacob Gallay

Student Spotlight on Lindsay Fisher

Lindsay Fisher is certainly a recognizable figure on campus.  Most know her as a member of Redline A Cappella, others by her job as a Resident Assistant.  Nonetheless, this senior Music Education major from Cranford, NJ is getting ready to graduate, and she is one face that CUA will definitely miss.

Originally, Fisher auditioned for the musical theater program, but she did not get in.    “I was like let me think of a practical option that I can do but still do music, because I love music and it has to be part of my life.”  So, Fisher auditioned for Musical Education and got in the program.

Bashfully, Fisher admits she came to CUA because it was one of the few schools that accepted her.  However, Fisher laughs it off declaring, “When I came to visit, the deciding factor was that everyone was so nice, and the campus had a really big family feel, so had to go with my gut and I went here.”

Fisher seems pretty happy with her choice, and love the atmosphere at Catholic. “I love everyone’s openness because everyone knows everybody, because it’s not a huge campus.everyone’s kind of familiar,” said Fisher.

Fisher is also involved in several campus activities.  She is resident assistant in Ryan Hall.  Fisher also had the honor of singing in the papal choir.  Finally, Fisher is the co-president of Homecoming Committing.  “Basically, we make the schedule for the week and try to get people’s spirits riled up.  We have fun with it.”

Most notably, Fisher is known as the co-president of Redline, CUA’s first a cappella group.  “We love doing the invitational, and we love performing for people.  It’s just a great thing to bring the campus together to listen to a cappella music, and it’s kind of cool because we are the starting point.”

As the school year comes to a close, Fisher finds that all her stresses have passed.  “Senioritis has kind of hit me and I’m kind of emotional.”  Although Fisher is sad to leave Catholic, she declared, “It’s important to move on and it’s a new door that’s opening, and that’s exciting.  But it’s going to be weird to not be able to walk to the Pryz and have somebody cook food for me.”

As for her plans after graduation, Fisher will be working at a Broadway Tour Company in New York City as an administrative assistant.  “It’s called the Road Company, it is pretty cool.”  It is quite strange for Fisher that her college experience is over.  She wanted to provide some advice for the younger members of campus, and a goodbye to the seniors.

“I know you feel stressed out right now and you hate work but enjoy it; because the more you hate it the less you’re going to enjoy the things that are going on outside of school.  I don’t care how tired you are, go out; I don’t care, just go see the city, hang out with your friends, because you’re never going to get this back, ever.  I love you Class of 2008, and I wish you all the best of luck!”

Notes & Asides

THE TOWER thanks Mother Nature, the Kane Fitness Center, and the Grounds- keeping staff for providing the essential elements that allow CUA’s fine females to sunbathe on the lawn. Keep up the good work, we salute you.

This Sunday, Students For Life is hosting a BBQ Baby Shower to celebrate life. However, we were unaware that barbequing babies qualified as celebrating life in any way, shape, or form.

As per usual, the annual Movies on the Mall is scheduled for this Sunday. We would like to gently remind anyone who is considering streaking across the lawn to note that there may be a few remaining snipers on top of the basilica. You’ve been warned. Not that we’re discouraging you in any way, because here at the Tower, we appreciate all expressions of image.

It has been rumored that Jon Voight may be this year’s commencement speaker. Now, based on precedent set by our last speaker, we expect to have Jon Voight prayer vigils, an immense Rock the Voight rally complete with Jumbo-Tron and of course the Voight mobile. He may not be the pope, but he did play one.

SPECIAL: A YEAR IN REVIEW

With the passing of every year, it is important to assess it as a whole. The papal visit surely overshadows previous events, however we must not forget the events that preceded it and combined to shape the University and us.

Pope-Mania

In November, the University announced Pope Benedict XVI would visit the University on April 17 and all students would have the day off from classes. Months of updates and additional days off were announced as the date came closer.

The School of Architecture held a contest to build the chair and alter the pope would use at National’s Park. The winners were graduate students J.P. Mikolajczyk and Ryan Mullen.

An essay contest was held at the University on Catholic education for University students to vie for a chance to greet the pope personally and sit in on his speech to Catholic educators. Out of 128 essays, senior biology major, Peter Osgood won. He awaited outside the day the pope arrived on campus greeted him with flowers, kissed his ring and he and the Reverend Father O’Connell asked the pontiff to bless his hands as his future plans are to become a doctor.

The first day of spring break University students prayed the rosary via satellite with the pope. University students, along with students from nine other countries and students in the Universities honors program visiting Rome at the time all prayed the rosary together. This was another preparation and excitement boost to the pope’s arrival.

After $800,000 of renovations, additions, demolitions and a lot of new plants the week of April 17 arrived. National media invaded campus with news trucks and video cameras interviewing students. The Tower covered every angle of the pope’s visit to Washington D.C.

In his speech to Catholic Educators the pope spoke on topics such as academic freedom and keeping true to the doctrine of the Catholic Church and keeping Catholic identity alive.

The University held “Rock-the-Pope” on the law school lawn where at least a thousand students crowded to catch a glimpse of the pontiff on his arrival. A handful of students and faculty members were given the opportunity to be in the crowd of his speech. Like any holiday, the build up peeked as the pope arrived and after he left the school slowly returned to normalcy.

Controversies

The year kicked off with the College Democrats announcing former Presidential candidate, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry would speak on campus. USCPE initially rejected the request based on the unwritten rule of banning political figures on campus during an election year, a rule that would pop up in the news again at the end of the year.

After about a month of outrage from some University students, alums and pro-life organizations, Kerry’s office announced due to scheduling conflicts, he would not be able to appear on campus first semester. His deputy press secretary stated that “Kerry never formally committed to speaking at the University and his busy schedule was not able to accommodate a speech this fall,” according to the Sept. 21 issue of The Tower. This was announced the same week as the infamous “Don’t tase me bro!” incident at a Kerry speech at the University of Florida where a university student became unruly during a Q&A session and when he would not comply with UF’s public safety, he was tased. While the Kerry door was closed, for the time being, the speaker policy door was kicked wide open on campus yet again.

A lecture series titled “Building Catholic Communities,” was to be held at the School of Architecture was canceled when Randal Ott, dean of the School of Architecture believed that speaker, E. Michael Jones had anti-Semitic views, which are contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church, therefore breaking the schools Speaker’s Policy.

A Metropolitan Police officer was shot just feet from Spellman Hall in February. The officer, Detective Antonio Duncan, was shot in the face and survived. The shooter fled the scene down towards the metro tracks. Spellman Hall was on lock down and the parking lot was used as a staging area as dozens of MPD officers responded to the scene. By the next day the man, 31 year old assailant was shot dead in an Econo-Lodge motel in Laurel, Maryland. Some university students were upset at the fact the University decided against sending a warning text message to students, or that it was not reported in the crime blotter. The decision was based on the fact that the shooting had occurred off campus.

On February 22 The Tower reported that numerous sources had said University president Reverend David M. O’Connell would become Bishop of the diocese of Fort Wane-South Bend, Indiana, which includes Notre Dame University. O’Connell has denied this numerous times and there has only been more talk since the article, no confirmations.

Updates and Upgrades

Over the summer the Department of Public Safety implemented $900,000 of security upgrades as a result of the Virginia Tech tragedy last spring. The improvements included “closed circuit television cameras, new emergency phones and an emergency text messaging system,” well known to students as “Alert DC.” While reactions on campus were mostly positive at first, students became increasingly irritated at being woken up at 6:30am to find a text message telling them that the Department of Motor Vehicles was on a delayed opening.

Formerly known as the Life Cycle Center, as well as former home to the Life Cycle Institute, Aquinas Hall was named and dedicated. The University needed to move the School of Philosophy and Residence Hall Office out of St. Bonaventure Hall, which was demolished over winter break. They decided to move the Residence Hall Office to Cardinal Hall and the School of Philosophy to the Life Cycle Center. According to the University, there was not enough room for the Life Cycle Institute and the School of Philosophy in the Life Cycle Center. The University decision was to move the Life Cycle Institute to the top floor of Maloney Hall and the School of Philosophy to the Life Cycle Center and name it Aquinas Hall, a more fitting name for philosophy studies.

Opus Hall has quickly been going up and is set to be ready by spring of 2009. The University also has built a new parking lot behind O’Boyle Hall, as well as a new maintenance area to replace the one used to stand where Opus Hall is being built. The Visitor Information Center was demolished right after spring break and is set for a new parking lot as well.

Student Government Changes

The Student Representation Board, which consisted of a group of students chosen by University officials, was responsible for the formation of the new student government, the Student Association.

Replacing USG, SA will go into full effect this fall. SA currently consists of 21 delegates: seven from each class. Elections for the incoming freshmen will be held in the fall making a total of 28 students on the board.

SA will act as a liaison program between the University’s departments and its students. This is set into place in order to ensure constant communication and guarantee that important issues are addressed on both sides.

Working in association with SA is Program Board and the Student Fee Allocation Board. Program Board will remain as the events planning committee for the undergraduate student body and the Student Fee Allocation Board will be responsible for providing funds to student organizations on campus.

The University announced again tuition and other fees would be raised. The tuition is to be $1,500 more per semester. This was announced after a November 16 article stating that faculty pay was $12,000 less than the national average. Also on February 8, The Tower released an article stating new applicants were expected to increase for a fifth year in a row, causing enrollment to again increase with a larger freshman class.

In November, Brother Constant Goetschalckx, founder of the AHADI International Institute in Tanzania was awarded the one million dollar OPUS Prize. The other finalists, Rev. John Adams, president of S.O.M.E (So Others Might Eat) and Rev. Noberto Carcellar, executive director of Homeless Peoples Federation Philippines and Goetschalckx all came to the District on the week of November 9 for service speeches and an award ceremony. Adams and Carcellar each received $100,000 prizes as well.

Residential Life

Unknown to several students, Resident Assistants included, the visitation hours in the dorms were cut to midnight, from 2 a.m. According to Sarah Daniels, associate dean of students, the visitation hours were cut due to the high number of complaints due to guests of roommates being in the room at late hours. Students had mixed reactions while many complained that it not only cut down on social time, but also group study and project time. The policy has not been changed.

In early November, Spellman Hall’s visitation hours were cut at 8 p.m. for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays because of the large amount of damage and poor behavior imposed by residents on weekend nights. Students were forced to visit their friends in other dorms, Conaty Hall’s common area being the most popular. The curfew was lifted at the start of second semester due to good behavior.

At the end of the first semester a fire was set in both Regan and Ryan Hall. The first, in Regan was set by something lit being thrown in a trash can in the hallway. The second was set in Ryan, where the fire was intentionally set with paper and matches in the first floor bathroom. There was minimal damage to both halls and no one was charged with either fire.

There have been many conflicts between university students and the Brookland neighborhood. These conflicts included student houses being put on probation last spring, the community trying to shut down The Library and now they have moved on the new University hot spot, Cardinals Nest.

Next year students can expect more improvements to the university’s campus and a finished Opus Hall. With a new Student Association will begin in the fall 2008 semester, student issues we have only considered will be brought to the forefront.

Univ. Offers Legal Help in Pulling Liquor License from Card’s Nest

A University administrator offered to help Brookland residents pursue legal action against establishments that contribute to underage drinking and weekend noise.

Representatives from the Delta Club and Cardinal’s Nest heard complaints from area residents at a Wednesday night meeting. They said that patrons and noise from the clubs regularly disturb their sleep and destroy their property.

Craig Parker, associate vice president and University general counsel told residents that the University would support their attempts to take legal action against the Cardinal’s Nest.

“The University is aware that students have a high impact on this side of the track,” said Parker. “We will spend University resources to help with legal fees.”

Darrell Green, proprietor of the Cardinal’s Nest defended his business practices.

“We always accompany drink specials with food specials,” said Green. “I encourage community members to come in and enjoy themselves, sit, have a drink and relax.”

Community members outlined breaches of an existing voluntary agreement between the Delta Club, Cardinal’s Nest and the community. They cited drag races, which allegedly occurred on April 4, drink specials targeted at University students such as 25 cent beers starting at 8 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. Also, they claimed University students working as bouncers allow underage friends in.

“We don’t catch them all, we’re not experts,” said Green, “But we are vigilant…I’ve personally found a few fake identification cards.”

“These students don’t behave well no matter where they are, they’re hoodlums coming back from house parties, and they all act like animals,” said local resident Caroline Nocera, who advocates for the complete removal of both clubs. “None of them understand that they’re in a community and people live here.”

After the meeting, a local assemblyman brokered a deal between the club owners and locals regulating hours at the Cardinal’s Nest’s new outdoor patio. Along with closing the patio at midnight on weekends and 11 p.m. on weekdays, the owners are responsible for keeping noise levels down outside and inside.

Parker concluded, “The real choke chain here is the liquor license. We can’t kick them out, but we can make it hard for them to dispense alcohol by yanking the license.”

As Autism Spectrum Becomes More Widespread, Tolerance Must Follow

Growing up, my childhood was not ordinary. My family did not go out to restaurants for dinner. We rarely had family vacations. My family could not go to amusement parks or even to mass together. My mother, father, two brothers and I were systematically different from most other families. The reason behind this was that my brother, two years younger than I, is mentally retarded and severely autistic.

“Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others,” states the Autism Society of America. “Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a ’spectrum disorder’ that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism…”

It is only fitting that my brother was born in April 1988 at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania. Complications arose the moment he entered the world; he was not breathing and was rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital specializing in children, St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. Birth defects, such as sleep apnea and body development issues piled, and as a three-year-old, I began to see that something was wrong.

Two years went by and my mother and father were still unsure of Michael’s state and future. Finally, after three years, he was diagnosed with mental retardation. But my mother felt there was something else; his behavior was erratic and almost obsessive compulsive. A behavioral specialist monitored him for periods of times, especially at night when he intentionally banged his head against the wall over and over again. The specialist not only advised the walls be padded on all sides, but she also diagnosed Michael with Autism.

Every April, people all over America join together to spread awareness of autism and its effect on the people who suffer from the disorder. I spent each April in high school going to my brother’s school, Tamanend Middle School, and teaching them about him and his disorder.

Autism is a wide spectrum disorder, which means that each child varies in behavior. Most autistics are unable to look into other people’s eyes. Some like to talk all the time to keep themselves occupied, while others may be considered mute. The problem is that many of these children feel shunned from the rest of society because of their disorder. This is the reason I spent time in my brother’s school. I did not want people to look at my brother as though he was a “burden” or “retarded” as many youths and, sad to say, adults, joke. My brother is retarded but the problem is that people have used this word in the wrong context for too long. It is already ignorant to make fun of a child or anyone, but it is even more ignorant to use a term in the incorrect way.

Each year, the number of autistics in American climbs. In the ten years between 1993 and 2003, autism rose 800 percent. The current standing is that one in every 150 American children and almost one in every 94 boys is autistic. According to the Autism Society of America, in 2007, there are “1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder.”

This is creating a media uproar. Not only are celebrity parents of autistics speaking out, such as Jenny McCarthy on a recent Larry King episode, but so have the everyday parents. On HBO, the documentary, “Autism: The Musical” is catching the attention of many viewers. It features Eileen Hall, the mother of Neal, an autistic boy. As she contemplated whether to go back to teaching after her son began school, Eileen instead decided to take a risk and develop the first musical made up entirely of autistic children. This spotlight on autism is an effect of the prevalence increase in our society. It also creates awareness.

Autism Awareness Month is one way that students are able to participate in spreading awareness. By either donating to the Autism Society of America or by simply spreading the word against prejudices in the American public against the disorder, you are serving the community. It is also possible to wear the signature puzzle piece ribbon which is the trademark to Autism Awareness month.

Five Goals for Student Association in 08-09

We at The Tower would like to see the Student Association break from tradition and make meaningful changes in student’s lives. Below is a short list of pressing issues that are their responsibility to address swiftly.

1. KILL THE VISITATION POLICY. It is hard to find a better example of administrators being out of touch with students than the policy that ends visitation hours at midnight Sunday thru Thursday nights. Nobody abides its intent or letter, including Resident Assistants. Enforcing this rule would have a catastrophic effect on both the academic and social lives of students. If the SA can fix this before the student handbooks are printed it will gain the respect of the student body, which it can use to further its influence.

2. BRING BACK SAFE RIDES. Crime has been down on campus, but the neighborhood can still be dangerous at night. One way to prevent students from being attacked is to offer them a mode of transportation back to campus. This should be a safety expenditure borne by the University.

3. UTILIZE TECHNOLOGY TO SOLVE RED TAPE. There is a lot of red tape at this University. Follow the model of Housing Services and consult with outside experts to build efficient sites for financials, course selection, student scholarship applications and the like.

4. MOCK THE APATHETIC. Make it clear; students are responsible for the conditions at the University as much as any staff member. Their involvement is required. No one’s voice is too meek. It can be encouraged through town hall meetings featuring experts and administrators and easy to use internet polls on websites. If all else fails, tell students that silence produces mediocrity. Furthermore, opportunities on this campus, such as volunteering during the papal visit, should be given to students other than those who work in student life offices or Campus Ministry.

5. SWITCH TO G-MAIL. What do Northwestern University, American University and George Washington University have in common? All have made the switch to G-Mail and received the benefits that go along with it. G-Mail saves thousands in storage costs, increases storage in an increasingly digital world and allows for easier collaboration and communication though Google Apps. The switch cost would be minimal.

Noticeably absent from the list are the housing crunch and the presentations policy. The housing shortage is already being taken care of by the construction of Opus Hall, and the presentations policy requires more attention, expertise and time than the SA has to offer. Similarly, parking is being expanded on the north and south ends of the University.

Men’s Tennis Faces #1 Seed

The tennis teams have seen a spectrum of accomplishments this spring.

The guys have been leaving their mark all over the competition with an impressive record, giving them the opportunity to be the potential champions. Despite the women’s rocky start, the Lady Cards have stayed strong and showed their resilience throughout in success and hardship. As the season draws to a close, the teams are using these last few meets to put the finishing touches on a phenomenal year.

Although the planet “Venus” wasn’t aligned this season for the ladies, it can be considered as a learning experience for coming years. While they got off to a rough beginning, the women’s teams picked up their heads towards the end of the year and proved they were still ready for action.

Through September and March, the women’s record was at 2 wins and 7 losses. In April, they stepped up and went to 3 wins and 2 losses, bringing the overall record to 5-9.

Things have been going just “Andy” for the guys this year as they embark upon what could be a championship season. Coach Martin Dowd said the team focused on certain techniques. “We practice on individual shots. We work on points without serve, points with a serve, tie breakers and sets. After we find out what the weaknesses are, we work on improving them.” All of the practice came into play when the second place Cardinals took on third ranked Scranton with the record of 5-2 Wednesday, April 23 at the DuFour courts.

After doubles, they were down 2-1, but after the singles matches, the Cardinals snatched a final score of 6-3. The main reason for such a successful season was because “the team was…nervous as dickens, but not as nervous as I was,” said Dowd. “There are four starting freshman and two seniors, so they’re getting good experience.”

In order for the team to continue its streak for next year, the strategy is to “bring in more good players that we’ve recruited…Six guys have applied and there will be five freshmen returning as sophomores. It’s going to be a really young team next year,” says Dowd. As for this season and the future matches to be held, Dowd is letting the competition in on a little secret: “All of my guys are good-looking! If they [the other teams] want to focus, they better keep their girlfriends out of sight!”

While the women’s season has drawn to a close, we can hope to see more victories from the dashing gents as they continue in their pursuit for a championship.

Activities Fee Board Director Meets with Student Org. Heads

The Student Fee Allocation Board met with the undergraduate student organizations this week to explain the allocation process for operating budgets and funding requests for next year.

The funding requests are for an organization to request money for a planned event. The funding requests must include the event’s purpose and description, all of the sources  of revenue and fundraised money the organization has collected and the event’s contribution to the University community.

The operating budget for student organizations outlines any regular expenses such as advertising, telephone bills or office supplies an organization might need. In addition, the operating budget money will remain in each organizations’ account and will roll over to the following fiscal year if any money goes unused.

“The goal of SFAB is to spend every single dollar on good, worthwhile things that are going to go back to benefit the students who would actually pay the student activity fee to build this chunk of money,” said Steve Kreider, program coordinator for University Center, Student Program and Events.

The organizations seeking money must submit a funding request form and present the request to the board before it is approved. Once the money is approved by SFAB, it is transferred into the organization’s account.

“Once the board approves any type of money it tells me to transfer the money and in two to three days, the money will physically be in your account,” said Kreider.

This system was created by the Student Representation Board, which built the new student government, the Student Association and is an activity by activity funding process.

“You don’t have to make a profit off of your event,” said Betsy Homan, junior and SFAB director. “Some events won’t make back their worth, which is fine. That is why this money is here.”

Clubs that attended the meetings include the Student Association, College Republicans, the University’s Filipino Organization, KTG and the hockey team, among many others.

Odyssey Day Attracts 656 Families to CUA

The University held its annual Odyssey Day for admitted students and their families last week, with 656 families attending, 23 more than last year.

This year’s Odyssey Day was different than previous years, with registration moved to McMahon Hall and lunch served in the Edward J. Pryzbyla Center, said Christine Mica, dean of Admissions. In previous years registration and lunch were both held outdoors.

Student organizations had information booths set up in the Pryzbyla Center Great Room for prospective students who had the opportunity to learn about the University’s activities.

“Everyone was very impressed with the current students and their willingness to help answer questions, give directions and talk about life in D.C.,” said Mica.

The preparations for the papal visit did not interfere with Odyssey Day, Mica said. “There are many people on campus who are helping with the papal visit who also stopped to help with the preparations of Odyssey Day,” said Mica.

The current makeup and size of the class of 2012 is still unknown. This year the University received more than 5,000 applications. Over the past few years the numbers of applications have increased to historic highs and this trend is expected to continue.

The University is planning the size of the class of 2012 will be between 850-880 students. Accepted students have until May 1 to place their deposit.

Sociology Adds Three Concentrations

The Department of Sociology has added three concentrations to the major this semester. Allowing students to concentrate in one of three new concentrations; Public Policy Analysis, Crime Justice and Pre-Law, or Global and Comparative Processes. The concentrations are not required, and a student can still choose to major in general Sociology.

At graduation, students will be given a certificate with their degree stating they graduated with a major or minor in sociology and it will also declare their concentration. These concentrations are also available as a minor or in the departments BA/MA program.

Students can take these concentrations and work with the department to attain internships in them. Some of the internships include The Metropolitan Police Department, Department of Justice, the DC Superior Court and AYUDA (a legal aid office in DC).

The sociology department is one of the oldest in the country, founded in the mid 1890’s. While the department has made a few changes in the past, they are now moving forward to make sociology more relatable to students, according Enrique Pumar, associate professor.

Sociology is defined as “The science of society, social institutions and social relationships” according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary. The issues many sociology departments face today are questions from students who do not know what they can do with a sociology degree so they tend to disregard it and take politics or another major.

“[We did this] to make sociology more relevant, people come to us and say ’sociology? What is that’ or ‘what can I do with sociology?’” so we wanted to provide some meaning to that.so they could relate to that profession,” said Pumar.

In the past, the sociology department has been connected with a few different departments in the school. Earlier, the department worked closely with the department of social work, until they branched off, and then more recently working with religion. There are still a few sociology of religion courses, but they are moving a different direction.

“These changes, I think their pretty substantial,” said Pumar, “They are taking the department in a different direction than we have before.now we emphasize more the question of social justice, I think it’s a substantial change.”

Pumar feels these changes are putting the sociology department ahead of many other departments in the country, including Georgetown University’s that have not implemented these applicable concentrations.

Next Page »