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(02/16/01 11:08pm)
The ruling body of Theta Chi Fraternity was considering the future of IU's Alpha Iota chapter late into Thursday night. The Theta Chi Grand Chapter -- composed of Theta Chi alumni across the country -- discussed during a conference call whether to revoke the fraternity's charter.\nThe Chapter's decision did not come before the IDS' final deadline. \nTheta Chi was evicted by its landlord last week. Members were given 30 days to vacate their house from last Friday and until Thursday to respond to the suggestion that the chapter's charter be revoked by the national Theta Chi Risk Management and Standards Committee, said David Westol, executive director of Theta Chi fraternity.\nChapter president David Friedmann, a sophomore, declined to comment Thursday.\nIU's Alpha Iota chapter, 1440 N. Jordan Ave., had been suspended by its nationals since Feb. 1 and by the University since Feb. 7, pending the completion of an investigation into the death of freshman Seth Korona.\nKorona, 19, died Feb. 4 after several days in a coma.\nKorona attended a Jan. 27 party at the house where alcohol was served. A friend said Korona hadn't felt well since attending the party. Korona is believed to have suffered a blunt-force head injury at the party.\nDean of Students Richard McKaig said Theta Chi's action will not alter the IU Police Department investigation or potential University action after the investigation.\n"We'll still be proceeding with our own process," McKaig said.\nMcKaig said University action could include action against individuals or parameters on when and if the fraternity will be allowed to return to campus, if its charter is revoked.\nAlpha Iota had to respond Thursday to its nationals' recommendation that its charter be revoked.\nWestol said Theta Chi International received the chapter's response on time.\nWestol said the brief response was not a surprise.\n"I did not expect a lengthy response," Westol said. "It was more of an acknowledgment." \nIn the next few weeks members will also have to find a new place to live.\nIUPD Lt. Jerry Minger said IUPD will complete its investigation in the next few days. Lt. Steve Fiscus, who's conducting the investigation, hopes to speak to a total of about 30 people, Minger said. Minger said he expects the investigation into Korona's death to be completed the middle of next week. Once the police report is written, it will be compared with the coroner's report, he said.
(02/16/01 11:07pm)
Theta Chi's national organization revoked the IU chapter's charter Friday because of a Jan. 27 party at the house. Alcohol was served at the party, a violation of the chapter's probation, said David Westol, executive director of Theta Chi fraternity. \n The party is also at the center of the IU Police Department's investigation into freshman Seth Korona's death.\n Korona, 19, died Feb. 4 after several days in a coma. University officials said they believe he suffered a skull fracture at that party.\n Alcohol served at the party violated written conditions of a January 2000 probation from the national organization, Westol said.\n The Theta Chi Grand Chapter -- composed of eight Theta Chi alumni from across the country -- made the decision to revoke the charter during a conference call late Thursday night, Westol said.\n The decision means IU's Alpha Iota chapter, 1440 N. Jordan Ave., will not exist at IU for at least three years, Westol said.\n Members were notified by e-mail Friday morning.\n Alpha Iota chapter president David Friedmann, a sophomore, declined to comment Thursday and could not be reached Friday. His Bloomington lawyers also could not be reached for comment Friday.\n Theta Chi had been suspended by its ruling body since Feb. 1 and by the University since Feb. 7, pending the completion of an investigation into Korona's death.\n The loss of the charter will not affect the IU Police Department investigation or potential University action after the investigation, said Dean of Students Richard McKaig.\n "We'll still be proceeding with our own process," McKaig said. "Their removing their charter means there's not a Theta Chi chapter here, but you haven't heard the University's decision."\n McKaig said the University could take action against individuals or set parameters on allowing the fraternity to return to campus.\n Westol said Theta Chi International had enough evidence to revoke Alpha Iota's charter, even as the IU investigation continues.\n Theta Chi was evicted by its landlord last week. Members have until mid-March to vacate their house, Westol said.\n The chapter was also required to submit a formal response to a Theta Chi committee's recommendation that the chapter's charter be revoked. Theta Chi International received the chapter's brief response Thursday, Westol said.\n "I did not expect a lengthy response," he said. "It was more of an acknowledgment."\n IUPD Lt. Jerry Minger said IUPD will complete its investigation in the next few days. Minger said Lt. Steve Fiscus, who is conducting the investigation, hopes to have spoken to about 30 people.\n Minger said he expects the investigation into Korona's death to be completed by the middle of next week. Once the police report is filed, it will be compared with the coroner's report, Minger said.\n Westol said he hopes to see Theta Chi return to campus eventually.\n "We would do so only with the permission and blessing of the University and the Interfraternity Council," Westol said. "The standard is normally three years"
(02/15/01 6:21am)
An off-duty Indiana State Police officer guarded the door to the Theta Chi fraternity house during the Jan. 27 party where freshman Seth Korona is believed to have suffered a skull fracture, University officials said.\nKorona, 19, died Feb. 4 after several days in a coma.\nThe Indiana State Police officer was working at the time for Alliance Security, a company operated by the Indiana State Police Alliance, Don Cook, executive director of the Alliance, told The Associated Press.\nCook would not reveal the trooper's name or specific duties at the party.\nDean of Students Richard McKaig said he didn't know state police were working at the event until later, but he said it's not unusual for off-duty police officers to protect guest lists at fraternity parties.\n"Like several of the parties on campus, (Theta Chi) had hired an off-duty police officer to guard the door," McKaig said.\nIU Police Department Lt. Jerry Minger said the Indiana State Police officer had been at the house the night of the party. IUPD does not provide security service at fraternity and sorority houses, Minger said.\nAlcohol was served at the party, McKaig said last week. But the officer at the party was not likely in a position to have witnessed illegal activity at the party, he said.\n"Our investigation has led us to believe alcohol was in the upstairs rooms," McKaig said.\nThe state police officer probably would've been at the door or just inside the door, he said.\nIUPD will talk to the trooper as part of its investigation, Minger said.\nThe investigation into Korona's death -- originally expected to be completed this week -- won't be done until the middle of next week, Minger said.\nAbout 15 people have been interviewed, he said, but IUPD hopes to speak to a total of about 30 people. Minger said the information obtained so far has been somewhat consistent.\nOnce the police report is written, it will be compared with the coroner's report, Minger said.\nMcKaig said the interviews are taking longer than expected for a few reasons: the volume of interviews that have to be done and some people are waiting to talk to police until they have a lawyer present.\nMcKaig said University action after the investigation is complete is likely -- against Theta Chi or against individuals.\n"My first preference would be for a speedy conclusion," McKaig said. "But even better than that is for a complete investigation."\nThe Associated Press contributed to this story.
(02/12/01 5:56am)
Theta Chi fraternity learned last week it has 30 days to vacate its house and seven days to explain to its national organization why it shouldn't have its charter revoked.\nIU's Alpha Iota chapter, 1440 N. Jordan Ave., has been evicted by its landlord. The fraternity also faces a recommendation that its charter be revoked from a national Theta Chi committee, said David Westol, executive director of Theta Chi Fraternity.\nChapter president David Friedmann, a sophomore, declined to comment Sunday.\nThe fraternity has been suspended by the University since Feb. 7, pending the completion of an investigation into the death of freshman Seth Korona.\nKorona, 19, died Feb. 4 after several days in a coma.\nKorona attended a Jan. 27 party at the house where alcohol was served, said Dean of Students Richard McKaig. A friend said Korona hadn't felt well since attending the party.\nKorona suffered a blunt-force head injury, according to a preliminary coroner's report. The IU Police Department investigation into how the injury was sustained should be completed mid-week, IUPD Lt. Jerry Minger said.\nCurrent action against Theta Chi comes from the fraternity's alumni corporation and national headquarters in Indianapolis, not from the University, Westol said. The chapter has been evicted by its landlord, Theta Chi Realty Board, Westol said.\nMcKaig said space in the residence halls will be made available to displaced members.\nThe chapter has until Thursday to respond to the recommendation its charter be revoked by the Theta Chi Risk Management and Standards Committee, Westol said.\nChapter officers were notified Thursday by e-mail, Westol said. The response should explain why the chapter ought to remain active, he said. Theta Chi's national eight-member Grand Chapter will make a decision soon after the chapter's response and will likely decide by e-mails or a conference call, Westol said.\nTheta Chi's eviction will stand whether or not the Grand Chapter acts on the committee's recommendation. \nWestol said he couldn't provide specific details about the "risk-management" violations that prompted the recommendation.\nTheta Chi's risk-management policy includes prohibition of alcohol and hazing, according to the fraternity's Web site, www.thetachi.org. It also addresses sexual abuse, harassment and fire, health and safety issues.\nWestol said the Theta Chi Realty Board, consisting of local fraternity alumni, makes up one of three entities that control the operations of a fraternity. The alumni corporation has authority over the house, the Grand Chapter has authority over the charter and the university has authority over recognition of a chapter, he said.\nIUPD will add extra security to prevent vandalism at the Theta Chi house as members move out, Minger said. IUPD is watching the house 24-hours a day, he said.\nTheta Chi has been under an order of suspension from its national headquarters since Feb. 1, said Jim Gibson, assistant dean of students. He said the suspension was for repeated violations in risk-management policy and standards. \nSenior Ben Schmidt, president of the Interfraternity Council, said he supports the Theta Chi organization and the University.\n"There are a lot of rumors right now that invoke (Theta Chi's) name to different degrees of liability," he said. "We're going to wait until all the facts come out."\nIn recent years, Theta Chi has been on and off probation from their national organization.\nIn 1998, the fraternity was put on probation after police found 175 cases of beer and 31.7 liters of vodka while responding to an alcohol-related injury.\nThe fraternity was cited for unspecified risk-management violations in January 2000.\nAlpha Iota is not the only Theta Chi chapter that has faced probation. According to Theta Chi's Web site, 24 percent of 140 chapters are currently on probation.\nWestol said Alpha Iota, founded in 1921, is one of Theta Chi's oldest and largest chapters. If Alpha Iota's charter is revoked, Westol said it could take about three years before the chapter is recolonized.\n"Obviously, if we close, we would like to return to campus," Westol said.
(02/12/01 4:37am)
The IU Student Association sponsored its annual executive debate Thursday at the Indiana Memorial Union. Questions posed to the tickets' presidential candidates ranged from the University's academic decline to ATMs on campus.\nAfter the debate, candidates said they found common ground but also had a chance to define individual goals.\nEach ticket was represented by its presidential candidate -- freshman Dale Drizd of the House ticket; senior Sidney Bosley of the Imagine ticket; junior Scott Hamlin, the new presidential candidate for the Miracle ticket; senior Justin Treasure of the ONE ticket; and junior Jake Oakman of the Supernova ticket.\nSenior Joe Koleszar, presidential candidate for the disqualified TOGA ticket, sat at the table but agreed not to speak. He said he is challenging the ticket's disqualification.\nFour panelists asked questions of the candidates, and each candidate had two minutes to answer. After panelist questions, the audience posed queries.\nThe panel consisted of Assistant Dean of Students Jim Gibson, Residence Halls Association President Jason Dudich, IDS Managing Editor Liz Beltramini and Brian O'Neill, assistant to Interfraternity Council president Ben Schmidt.\nIn opening and closing statements, candidates explained the basic philosophy and goals of their campaigns.\nThe House ticket will focus on what students want, Drizd said.\n"Vote for us, and we'll prove it," he said.\nBosley said the Imagine ticket wants to bring IUSA closer to students. The Imagine ticket has no issue-specific platform, rather a "presence of vision," he said.\n"(We plan) to get IUSA off the third floor of the Union and out with the students," Bosley said.\nHamlin said tuition buys every student a voice. He said the Miracle ticket wants to amplify that voice, emphasizing student choices and accessibility, while addressing current campus issues.\nTreasure said the ONE ticket plans to focus on long-term issues and improve the environment on campus. He said the ticket has researched their proposals and tested them with students and faculty.\nOakman said the Supernova ticket wants to focus on unification -- especially with other student groups on campus. He said the ticket wants to bring new energy, new people and new ideas into IUSA.\nOne question posed during the debate asked the candidates for their thoughts and suggestions on the University's academic reputation.\nTreasure said the value of his degree has gone down. He said it is because of, among other factors, a lack of student involvement.\nDrizd said the problem could be blamed on both professors and students. What is needed, he said, is more access to professors.\nOakman said he hopes to improve the academic reputation of the University by "using the lobbying power of student government."\nBosley said one solution to improve the University's academic reputation is to start with a strong graduate program and build from there.\nAnother question addressed a perception on campus that IUSA does little to affect students' lives. Candidates were asked to explain how they would change the perception.\n"The fact IUSA doesn't do anything is why people don't care about the election," Treasure said.\nNot everyone agreed, but all candidates said they want to run campaigns that garner interest and increase voter turnout from about 15 percent in previous years' elections.
(02/07/01 9:39am)
The investigation into the death of freshman Seth Korona intensified Tuesday, when a preliminary report from the coroner indicated he might not have died of natural causes. Police said the investigation is ongoing.\nKorona died Sunday after several days in a coma. He was transported Jan. 29 by ambulance from his Foster Quad room to Bloomington Hospital.\nIndications of blunt force trauma to the brain were revealed during a preliminary autopsy, said Monroe County Coroner David Toumey. Toumey said he has not determined the cause of death and he won't conclude the report until he has more information, including the results of the investigation.\nToumey said he needs an explanation of what caused the trauma before he can issue an opinion on the cause of death.\nThe trauma could have been caused in any number of ways, Toumey said. He said blunt force trauma can result from a fall or from being hit on the head, among other possibilities.\nA student living on Korona's floor told police Korona hadn't been feeling well since returning from a Jan. 27 party at Theta Chi fraternity, said IU Police Department Lt. Jerry Minger.\nKorona was fine at the party, said freshman Chris Vargo, a friend and floormate. Vargo left the party at 2 a.m., but Korona stayed later, he said.\nWhen Vargo saw Korona the next morning, he said Korona seemed tired and complained of a headache.\nKorona had bruises under his arms and was holding the back of his head, Vargo said. And Korona told Vargo he didn't know where he got the bruises.\nVargo said he wasn't too concerned -- Korona was not a morning person, and he said he thought Korona was just hungover.\nThe next day, Vargo knew something was wrong. Vargo said Korona was clearly sick.\nWhen Korona's condition failed to improve, Vargo said he called for an ambulance.\nDean of Students Richard McKaig said he believes Korona was injured at Theta Chi. He said those who were at the party would be interviewed in the investigation.\nThe fraternity will be suspended, pending the completion of the investigation, McKaig said. He said he plans to announce the suspension today.\nTheta Chi national headquarters is also investigating the incident. The chapter was put under an order of suspension Feb. 1 by Theta Chi's national president, said David Westol, executive director of Theta Chi Fraternity.\n"Until we know what happened, we will not release more information," Westol said.\nWestol would not say why the chapter was suspended or exactly what was being investigated.\nTheta Chi President Dave Friedmann, a sophomore, declined to comment.\nIUPD responded to Theta Chi at 1:43 a.m. Jan. 28 on a complaint of a "loud party," Minger said. A house member promised to keep the party quiet, and police didn't return, Minger said.\nThe fraternity is only a part of the growing investigation, Minger said.\n"We're trying to determine what activities (Korona) was involved in prior to going to the hospital," Minger said. "We'll set up a timeline and interview people who had contact with him."\nIUPD will focus its investigation on finding out how the trauma occurred, McKaig said.\nMinger said he expects interviews to last until the middle of next week.\nAfter being transported to Bloomington Hospital, Korona did not wake up from a coma, said Rabbi Sue Shifron, executive director of the Helen G. Simon Hillel Center and a religious guide for Korona's family.\nShifron joined family and friends in prayer at Korona's bedside, she said.\n"Even though he was only at IU for three and a half weeks, he met hundreds of friends -- it speaks to how vibrant and full of life he was," Shifron said. "There was just something very special about him."\nKorona will be buried Thursday in New Jersey.
(02/06/01 6:01am)
Seth Korona, a 19-year-old freshman, died Sunday, three weeks into his first semester at IU.\nHe had been in a coma since he was taken to Bloomington Hospital Jan. 29. Friends said he was a fun, outgoing and positive person who often talked about his family. The IU Police Department is investigating his death, said Lt. Jerry Minger.\nKorona transferred from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, friends said. He was originally from New Jersey.\nMinger said IUPD was called to his dorm room at Foster Quad Jan. 29. Korona was transported to Bloomington Hospital by ambulance.\nMinger said Korona was "semi-conscious" when police arrived. Friends said Korona was in a coma until his death Sunday.\nMinger said that upon hearing of Korona's death Monday an investigation began immediately.\n"We were advised today that Mr. Korona had passed away," Minger said. "I also understan the coroner is investigating it."\nThe Monroe County Corner's office did not respond to pages from the IDS Monday night.\nUniversity spokeswoman Susan Dillman said the University could provide little information until investigations were further along.\n"We are very saddened by the death of this student," Dillman said. "We are continuing to monitor the investigation."\nFloormates of Korona's gathered to talk about their friend Monday in the Foster Quad formal lounge.\nDonning a green sweater that had belonged to Korona, freshman Chris Vargo remembered his workout partner.\nVargo said Korona was the first student he met at IU. The reverse was probably also true, he said, since both started second semester.\nVargo said Korona was an easy-going, fun-loving friend who was great to have around.\n"He always mentioned how much fun he had here," Vargo said. "He never had a bad day."\nKorona's New Jersey accent is one thing freshman Scott McCoy said he liked about Korona. \nMcCoy said Korona was "the quickest friend I ever met."\nHis ability to make friends was an asset to his residence hall floor, freshman Matt Wattley said.\n"Last semester, our floor wasn't that tight," Wattley said. "I prayed to be closer. I got my prayers answered with Seth."\nThe floor became even closer when Korona got sick, freshman Brian Eagles said. Floormates visited him in the hospital and prayed for him.\nThey said they are grateful to have known him.\n"I'm glad I met him, even though it was for a short time," Vargo said.\nThe floor organized a memorial gathering for Korona Sunday night at Foster. About 120 people attended.
(02/02/01 9:46pm)
The Golden Ticket dropped its bid for IU Student Association executive offices Thursday, said sophomore Chip Patterson, who was running for president. \nBut part of the ticket's platform will live on with the Supernova ticket, Patterson said.\nThe Golden Ticket had hoped to lead the IU Student Association with "A Student Quality of Life Platform." Now the executive candidates will throw their support behind Supernova.\nPatterson said he called sophomore Jeff Wuslich, Supernova candidate for vice president for administration, to discuss the platforms of both tickets. Patterson said he realized The Golden Ticket and Supernova had a lot of the same priorities.\n"Both tickets had a lot of strong platform ideas," Patterson said. "It's stupid for the sake of (IUSA) to pit ourselves against each other."\nHe offered to support Supernova and contribute his ideas to the ticket. Supernova presidential candidate Jake Oakman, a junior, said he was happy to accept the offer.\n"If we have people supporting the same things on two different tickets, we may have drawn votes away from each other," Oakman said. "Someone without the best interests of (IUSA) could have (been elected)."\nPatterson called the new ticket "Supernova with a bigger, stronger platform."\nOakman said his ticket would add several platform items The Golden Ticket had proposed.\nAmong the additions, Supernova will try to extend tutoring and help-center hours, educate incoming freshmen on rape prevention and alcohol management, develop a Minority Achievement Committee and look into student concerns about University fiscal responsibility, Oakman said.\nSupernova is running its campaign on four priorities: improving services to students, improving communication with the administration, instilling a feeling of University pride and continuing to increase technology on campus.\nWuslich said he admires Patterson for his devotion to The Golden Ticket's platform. Patterson was running for the platform, not the position, Wuslich said. \nOakman said speaking with one voice will strengthen the chances of getting the goals the ticket's shared accomplished.\nPatterson said he has already provided names of possible congressional candidates to Supernova. But no one who planned to run with The Golden Ticket will switch and run on the Supernova ticket, he said. Supernova has almost completed its slate of congressional candidates, Oakman said.\nOakman said that Supernova is open to new ideas and that the platform is not set in stone.\n"It's a living platform," Oakman said. "We're not going to ignore a good idea because it's not our own"
(02/01/01 5:44am)
A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck El Salvador Jan. 13, killing more than 700 and leaving about one million homeless in the country of about six million people.\nHistory professor Jeff Gould was there.\nGould, director of the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, has been in El Salvador researching a 1932 massacre of 10,000 Native Americans and peasants. He will turn the results into a documentary film and a book. \nIn his five trips to El Salvador during the last three years, he has talked to people from the countryside, which he said is an important part of his research.\nJan. 13, he was talking to an elderly man in Santa Anna, the country's second largest city, when the walls of the man's house began to shake. What followed, Gould said, was the longest 45 seconds of his life.\n"The house started to shake, and we all knew immediately this was at least a small tremor," he said.\nGould and the man cut off their discussion and ran outside.\n"It literally seemed like the walls were coming down, then they would straighten back up," he said.\nHe said the scariest part of his experience was driving back to San Salvador, the capital, where he was staying. The trip normally takes an hour. This time, it took six, he said.\n"The roads were covered with rocks and dirt from landslides," he said.\nOne road became blocked an hour after Gould drove over it, he said. It would take a week for workers to clear one lane.\nGould returned home to Bloomington Saturday. He said the quake dealt a serious blow to the country's people and economy.\n"Before the earthquake, these people were barely surviving," he said. "Now, with the earthquake, it becomes an impossible situation."
(01/31/01 5:20am)
Unveiling an agenda it promises not to fulfill, the TOGA party announced its candidacy for IU Student Association offices Tuesday.\n"I've been around here for a while, and IUSA has never done anything, and we're not going to do anything," said presidential candidate Joe Koleszar, a senior. "We're not going to lie to you.\nThe TOGA ticket's executive candidates are Koleszar, an IU student for seven years; graduate student Amber Coulter for vice president for congress; and senior Coreyallen Ross for vice president for administration. The platform lists no candidate for treasurer at this time, but whoever is elected will "do as they are told."\nThis is the second time a TOGA ticket has run for IUSA, Koleszar said. He said he was a member of the last TOGA party two years ago. The name was chosen then because every ticket was choosing a four-letter word for its name, he said.\n"It's a four letter word that goes well with party," Koleszar said.\nThe TOGA party decided to run within the last week, Ross said. He said the ticket's members plan to add a treasurer and at least one congressional candidate to fulfill IUSA elections rules.\n"We just found out we could run, so we're just putting together our platform," Ross said. "I think we make a pretty good team."\nThe ticket released some of its platform items in an e-mail.\n"(The platform is) what the most serious issues we feel facing the campus are," Koleszar said.\nThe ticket promises a "wet campus," in which "every sink will have three taps --hot, cold and beer." It said Dunn Meadow will become a miniature golf course, Ballantine Hall will be turned into a free parking garage, a Hooters restaurant will be added to the Indiana Memorial Union and a retractable dome will be installed above the University to protect students from the weather.\nThe TOGA party also promises to "end the plague of gnomes that the University has been suffering under for far too long."\n"(The gnomes are) just something that has to be experienced," Koleszer said. "We got rid of the pixies a few years ago, but the gnomes have to be dealt with."\nMembers said they will form the IU Dating Service and add a monorail system.\n"Sleep as long as you want and still get to class in 2 seconds!" according to the platform.\nThe TOGA party platform promises "to pay off bursar bills with fee money, hold back enough to (pay for) shelter and booze for the year and convert the rest into $5 bills that we will hand out at random places on campus."\nFinally, the ticket said it will set its candidates up as IUSA's permanent officers, so the campus doesn't have to go through another election.\nAt the end of its platform, the ticket states, "We at TOGA realize that, with the possible exception of the gnomes, none of the promises we made above will be carried out."\nKoleszar said he's looking forward to, among other things, handing out potatoes for votes.\n"Expect the unexpected," he said.
(01/30/01 4:48am)
Labeling its six campus priorities "A Student Quality of Life Platform," Monday, The Golden Ticket announced its candidacy for IU Student Association offices. The Golden Ticket is the fourth group to join the race since the Jan. 18 kickoff. \nThe Golden Ticket will only have executive office candidates and no congressional candidates, members said.\nThe Golden Ticket's executive candidates are sophomore Chip Patterson for president, sophomore Daniel Fruchtman for vice president for administration, freshman Renon Thomas for vice president for congress and freshman Adrienne Cleveland for treasurer.\nPatterson, now an IUSA greek senator, said the name of the ticket was chosen because it was recognizable and creative. It also refers to the movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," he said.\nThe ticket's top priorities are student safety, education, diversity, campus, fiscal responsibility and parking. Patterson said the ticket will work on current IUSA initiatives but will take a different approach to campus issues.\nGolden Ticket members said they will focus on education to improve safety on campus. The ticket's platform said it aims to provide rape prevention, self-defense and alcohol management classes.\nThomas said such classes could be held at freshman orientation.\n"I think student education about self-defense and alcohol prevention are most important," Thomas said. A larger police force is a good idea, but that can't really prevent crime, he said.\nThe ticket said it also wants to improve education. It plans to do so by expanding resources that will benefit students, such as tutors, longer help center hours and more computer access.\nThe Golden Ticket's third priority -- diversity -- is one of the most important, members said. Patterson said despite the diversity of campus, some areas, such as the greek system, are still segregated. The ticket said it will take responsibility to ensure minority students succeed, forming a Minority Achievement Committee of mentors.\nImproving campus comfort and convenience is another priority. One idea the ticket will work for is enclosed bus stops. It said fighting for increased student input in financial matters is also a priority. At the very least, Patterson said, students should know where their money goes.\n"In financing things, there's not much of a student voice," he said. "I'm looking to put money where students want money."\nLowering fines and increasing options are solutions The Golden Ticket said it will work on, if elected.\n"We understand if they decrease the fines too much, people won't care," Fruchtman said. "(The tickets) can be just as much a deterrent without getting people into financial problems."\nPatterson said The Golden Ticket chose a realistic platform that will lead to improvements on campus and in student quality of life. \n"All these things I feel we could accomplish in one year," Patterson said.
(01/23/01 5:04am)
Junior Ryan Miracle said he couldn't resist using his own name for the IU Student Association ticket he leads as presidential candidate. The "Miracle" ticket announced its candidacy and platform Sunday.\nOther executive candidates on the "Miracle" ticket are junior Scott Hamlin for vice president for administration, junior Michael Blue for vice president for congress and senior Angie Cherry for treasurer.\nThey said they will strive to be the party of accessibility and student involvement, while addressing current issues and searching for new ideas.\n"We are concerned about what we can do for students right here, right now," Miracle said.\nSome of the ticket's goals are to move campus computers from low traffic areas to high traffic areas, to make online class registration available, to convert the Campus Access card to a campus "debit" card and to install clocks at all campus bus stops. The ticket also said it wants to provide more money to support student groups.\nThe candidates said they will address some of the issues facing the current student government. The ticket will not support a universal bus plan, Miracle said, because the plan would create more overcrowding and late buses. Cherry said some students are being charged twice -- for parking and for riding into campus.\nAlthough Hamlin said the ticket's priority would be its own initiatives, he said the ticket supports the current IUSA administration. As part of a new IUSA administration, the "Miracle" ticket would take current proposals to the next level, Hamlin said.\n"You don't want to tear down something completely every time a new administration comes in," he said.\nIn addition to building on past achievements, Miracle said accessibility is one of his main goals. He said he wants students and IUSA officers to share casual relationships -- for students to be able to walk into the IUSA office at any time, for any reason.\n"Our administration and our ticket will be the most accessible student government in the history of IU student government," Miracle said.\n"There are times when student governments feel distant", said Cullen Bollinger, candidate for College of Arts and Sciences representative.\n"Whether you're paying or your parents are paying, that tuition buys you a voice," he said.\nThe "Miracle" ticket members said they will listen.
(01/22/01 5:07am)
The Eigenmann Hall judicial board ruled Friday that the Eigenmann Residents Association and the Residence Halls Association will not merge. \nThe board decided the Nov. 28 referendum was not valid because the minimum 20 percent of Eigenmann residents did not vote.\nThe referendum would have combined Eigenmann Residents Association with RHA, which comprises the other 10 dorms. RHA's residents passed the referendum 414-21, while students living in Eigenmann voted 25-15 against it.\nIndividuals from both organizations said they thought the referendum had passed because of a sentence in the Eigenmann Residents Association constitution that reads: "Upon approval of 20 percent of the residents voting, the amendment shall become part of this Constitution."\nBut the judicial board decided the sentence was interpreted incorrectly.\nThe board said it means that 20 percent of the residents must vote in the election, and of that 20 percent, there must be a majority to pass, junior Mark Illingworth said. As one of four authors of the Eigenmann constitution, Illingworth argued the sentence was a mistake and filed a contestment with the board.\nFriday's decision will not change the wording of the Eigenmann constitution. But the Eigenmann Residents Association is in the process of fixing errors in the document, Illingworth said.\nEigenmann Residents Association President Dietrich Willke, a senior, said he wants to see the merger happen. But it is up to the residents, he said.\n"Although I voted for the merger, I agree with the decision," Willke said. "I would feel bad if the minority of 'yes' votes can overrun the majority."\nRHA President Jason Dudich, a senior, said that the members of the judicial board have the final say in the decision.\n"I am upset by the fact that no one from the General Assembly or from the ERA executive council was present at the hearings to defend the referendum and be a witness to the board," Dudich said.\nDudich and Willke said they hope the two organizations will merge in the near future. For now, RHA continues to work with the Eigenmann Residents Association, keeping it informed. And Eigenmann will keep its nonvoting seat at the Presidents' Council, Dudich said.\n"RHA's concern is making sure that ERA has adequate representation to IU," Dudich said. "That could be done through joining RHA and becoming a voting member on the Presidents' Council"
(01/19/01 5:36am)
Marking the first official day of the IU Student Association election season, the IUSA president explained the rules to a handful of potential candidates Thursday at Ballantine Hall. Two tickets are expected to announce their candidacies Sunday.\nPresident Meredith Suffron, a senior, handed out the timeline for the election and pointed out key dates. \nApplications will be available Thursday at the Indiana Memorial Union Student Activities Office and are due Feb. 1. \nExecutive candidates will debate Feb. 8\nThe IUSA election will be held Feb. 20-21. Students will vote on paper ballots or online, Suffron said.\nCandidates will be organizing their tickets, deciding on goals and looking for votes in the next few weeks, said senior Steven Bierly, treasurer. He said he hopes the candidates will be dedicated to improving the campus.\n"It's easy to get into a schedule and lose your focus," he said. "If you have a big plan, you have to make sure you don't get lost in the little things."\nBierly said it's a chance for current officers to see if their initiatives will be continued. \nThis year's election schedule will differ slightly from last year's schedule, Suffron said. At Thursday's meeting, she said special attention will be paid to a few rules governing the election.\nE-mail messages sent by candidates will be limited to single addresses, except within the ticket, she said. Also, election officials will strictly enforce a rule keeping election business outside of the IUSA offices.\n"(Election business) distracts people from what they're there for," Suffron said. "No matter who they are or what they're doing, it's outside of the office."\nSuffron said questions about the elections should be directed to the elections commission's e-mail account, iusaelec@indiana.edu.\nRules limiting spending to $1,000 for executive tickets, banning campaigning within 50 feet of a polling site -- including computer labs -- and other election regulations will be enforced by 10 election commissioners, Suffron said. They are also responsible for tabulating votes.\nIt is "a chance to do something different," said senior Matt Feczko, one of the commissioners.\nAlthough candidates may now announce and begin campaigning, they still must apply and meet certain residency, academic and application requirements.\n"They're not formally running until they sign up," Suffron said.\nExecutive candidates have to receive 40 percent of the vote or lead by 20 percent to win. If no executive ticket meets these requirements, a run-off will be held the week after the election.\nCurrent IUSA members said the elections are a highlight of their time on campus.\n"Student government elections offer new and returning students an opportunity to get involved in the University community and to meet friends," said junior Ben Piper, co-director of the IUSA legislative relations office.
(01/18/01 5:06am)
Trevor R. Brown, dean of the School of Journalism, was named Freedom Forum Journalism Administrator of the Year Jan. 13.\nThe award recognizes outstanding leadership in journalism education. Brown was selected by a panel of educators and news professionals from nominations submitted by his peers. He is the 12th recipient of the award.\n"We look for people who have done an outstanding job in journalism education, not only in their own school, but also in terms of the larger professions as well," said Donna Fowler, director of communications for Freedom Forum.\nBrown has been dean of the school since 1985. He began his career at IU as an assistant professor in 1972. He has also taught at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Brown holds a doctorate in communications-public affairs from Stanford University, and master's and bachelor's degrees from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.\n "This is an award that's long overdue," associate journalism professor Owen Johnson said. "He has provided important leadership; not only in curriculum, support and research, but also in giving moral and ethical leadership to the journalism field as a whole."\n Brown received a medal and $10,000 from the Freedom Forum, and IU has received a $10,000 grant in his honor.\nBrown has served as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. \nThe dean worked to make the School of Journalism an independent unit within the University. He also has tried to change the curriculum to help prepare graduates for the technological demands of the 21st century.\n"The challenge of the school is to adhere to certain fundamental values of journalism, despite changes that threaten values," Brown said.\nThe Freedom Forum is a private, nonpartisan international foundation. It concentrates on four priorities -- press freedom, diversity in journalism, world press freedom and the Newseum in Virginia.\n"The most significant part of (this award) is that it recognizes the School of Journalism," Brown said.\nHe said the credit for the award belongs to his predecessors, especially former dean Richard Gray, who died in November 1984. In his acceptance speech, Brown honored Gray's legacy.\n"Dick Gray, only the third chair since the creation of IU's Department of Journalism in 1911, had the passion and courage to shift the course of his inheritance and to shape the vision of his successors," Brown said in his acceptance speech Jan. 13.\nThe award didn't exist when Gray was dean, Brown said, adding, "I have no doubt (Gray) would have won this award."\nThough the Freedom Forum receives high quality nominations each year, Brown's stood out, Fowler said.
(01/18/01 4:24am)
Don't let the name scare you.\nThe members of Full Frontal Comedy, an IU improvisation troupe founded in 1994, do not perform sans clothes. The name, as it turns out, is more indicative of their brand of comedy.\nWith Full Frontal, every show is different, any topic can be funny and almost nothing is sacred.\nAnd unlike their shows, clothes are apparently optional in practice.\n"There's something to be said for complete, open honesty within an art form. The ability to strip down naked and do whatever you want is really strong," junior Sean Ellis joked with a straight face. "That's why I'm always getting naked at practice."\nFull Frontal practices about four hours a week, although the 75-minute shows are mostly improvised and audience-oriented, senior Tom Ridgely said. \nThe real story behind the troupe's name is a mystery to current members, they said. They have some ideas, but aren't all that concerned with the origin of their title.\n"I haven't spent any time rationalizing the name," junior Ian Martin said.\nEvery Full Frontal show includes a monologue, Chicago-style improv, games and suggestions from the audiences of the residence halls, Indiana Memorial Union, sorority and fraternity houses and Ben & Jerry's, to name a few.\nBut Ridgely said making people laugh is harder than it looks. It takes discipline and practice. He said it's a lot like playing basketball, or any other sport for that matter. The audience is like the other team's defense: you have to get a feel for how to make them laugh (to score), and to turn audience suggestions into "points." \nIn that sense, what makes Full Frontal good is not individual talent, but rapport between members.\n"We know what someone's gonna do before they do it," sophomore Erik Johnson said.\nIn fact, Full Frontal has no leader; rather, members alternate directing shows. This rotation usually does not produce drastically different shows, as the members have similar styles.\n"The more you're around someone, the more you start to think like them," senior Jeffrey Schwab said.\nGood improvisation starts with a foundation the audience can relate to, Ridgely said. If the foundation has been properly laid, "Stuff starts happening, and you really don't understand why," he said.\nSometimes the audience works with the troupe with their suggestions, rather than trying to stump them. \n"If (the audience) throws out 'dildo,' you know the audience is rooting for you, because they know you have something for dildo," he said.\nThe key, Martin said, is to get a feel for how far the audience is willing to go.\n"The audience provides the fuel," Martin said. "The biggest goal is to actually connect with the audience."\nThat's when great improv is possible, Ridgely said.\nThe troupe said they have been stumped in the past by such words as "cyborg" and "Dungeons and Dragons," but they usually manage to overcome it. The spontaneity is part of the fun, they said. \n"There's something about knowing this is being said for the first time, without any planning, and being said off the top of our heads," he said.\nFull Frontal Comedy holds open auditions every semester, and members are in until they graduate or quit for other reasons.\nJohnson and junior Amy Odgers joined in December as the 13th generation of Full Frontal Comedy. A generation is equivalent to a semester in the troupe.\nOdgers said she was surprised by how the show works, although she saw the show before she auditioned.\n"It's not so much about throwing out the jokes, but developing your scenes, which is a lot different than how I thought it worked," Odgers said.\nEllis compared their efforts to an action film, with scenes of high intensity and scenes of suspense.\n"A Full Frontal show is a lot like a James Bond movie," Ellis said. "We have moments of pure scene work, and then moments of comedy. Moments of high action, and we have different elements of humor."\nFull Frontal's next show is 8 p.m. today in the Georgian Room of the Indiana Memorial Union. Admission is free. For more information about Full Frontal, tonight's show or to book the troupe, visit www.fullfrontalcomedy.com.
(01/12/01 5:30am)
While a final decision on a proposed universal campus bus plan is yet to be made, some students have been voicing their concerns.\nThe plan would make it possible for any student to ride any IU or Bloomington Transit bus with their student ID.\nBut, like any service, it would come with a price. \nThe plan would cost each student $40 per semester -- if all Bloomington and IU services remained the same, said IU Student Association President Meredith Suffron, a member of the transportation committee.\nThis year students were charged about $21 per semester for the first phase of universal bus service, which provides access to Bloomington Transit with a student ID.\nThe bus plan -- first proposed by IUSA in 1998 -- was approved by the board of trustees in 1999, said Suffron, a senior. Since then, the plan has been the responsibility of the transportation committee, composed of student leaders, administration officials and representatives of Bloomington Transit.\nSince implementation of the first phase, Bloomington Transit has increased its fleet from 18 to 28 buses and has seen ridership jump 80 percent, said Joe Lilly, Bloomington Transit operations manager.\nWhile the committee is still looking at several options, University Transportation Director Maggie Whitlow said the new bus plan has gone well so far. \n"What we've done this year has been very successful and has accomplished a bunch of things," Whitlow said.\nWhile the bus plan was first proposed by IUSA, the current plan differs, Suffron said. \n"My concern is that this bus plan is nothing like the one IUSA proposed," she said. The IUSA plan favored access to both IU and Bloomington Transit buses the first year rather than the current phase-in plan, she said.\nSome students, who say they rarely or never use the service, aren't happy. One has set up a Web site to voice his discontent.\nJosh Wells, a graduate student, said he has never ridden a bus in Bloomington. He said his house is outside the pick-up area of both Bloomington Transit and IU campus buses.\nThis school year, he paid the bursar $42 for Bloomington Transit service.\nHe said he is distributing "Stop the Bus" fliers and has set up a Web site at geocities.com/stopiubus.\n"The bus plan is a misuse of funding. It's obvious that other schools can do much better with the same amount of money that we're providing," he said. "I think the University is terribly overestimating the number of students that ride buses around campus."\nDuring the eight years he has lived in Bloomington, graduate student Staffan Peterson said he has always ridden his bike or walked to classes.\n"It's unfair. This thing I purposely tried to avoid, I now have to subsidize those who don't choose to walk or bike," he said. "I think the bus pass is a good thing for a small group of students, but it shouldn't be mandatory for everyone to subsidize a small group of people."\nBecause of his proximity to campus, Residence Halls Association President Jason Dudich, a member of the transportation committee, doesn't ride the bus either. But he looks at it differently.\n"I've never used the bus, but it's a mandatory fee," Dudich, a senior, said. "It supports everyone to use this service."\nDudich compared it to the Health Center -- students are charged a fee, even if they never need or use the service.\nStudents who want a fee exemption can go to the appeals board, Dudich said. Exemptions can be granted if the individual has a handicap or can't access the bus system, does not live in Bloomington or take classes at the Bloomington campus or studies abroad, he said.\nThe transportation committee will meet in the next few weeks to discuss the plan. It will determine whether to stick with this year's system, to offer access to both IU and Bloomington Transit buses or to design some other plan. It will share its decision with the board of trustees in April, Dudich said.\nWhitlow said there is no rush to make a decision.\n"The team that is looking at this is exploring all kinds of alternatives," Whitlow said. "One of the best might be to wait a while longer and really consider some major other things … look it over more closely before we make a change next year."\nMembers of the transportation committee said they're looking for feedback. IUSA plans to set up a straw-poll on its Web site at www.indiana.edu/~iusa, Suffron said. Some time in the next few weeks, she said, she will ride all campus bus lines with Dudich to get more feedback.\nDudich said the goal of the transportation committee is to decide what services to add or remove, while keeping costs as low as possible.\n"We have to find common ground, where we can make a decision best for the students of IU," he said.
(01/09/01 6:16am)
Students and community members will celebrate the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr., with cultural, educational and volunteer activities through next week.\nMonday is the federal holiday that honors the civil rights leader who was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn.\nActivities include "Archie Bunker's Neighborhood" 8 p.m. today at Teter Quad -- one of several teach-ins sponsored by Residential Programs and Services' CommUNITY Educators; Wednesday's free showing of "Remember the Titans" in the Indiana Memorial Union's Wittenberger Auditorium; Friday's free concert at 8 p.m. at the School of Music; and next Tuesday's Unity Summit at noon in the Indiana Memorial Union's Frangipani Room.\nAnother highlight is "A day on! Not a day off," a program that pairs community and University volunteers in more than 40 community service projects, said Darrell Ann Stone, associate director of student activities. Service activities will take place Saturday and Monday.\nGloria Gibson, co-chair of the campus Martin Luther King Jr. Day Committee, said planned activities, including "A day on! Not a day off," will teach people about King and work to continue his legacy.\n"It's a day to be involved, it's a day to meet new people, it's a day to have new experiences in the community and on campus," Gibson said.\nNow in its fourth year, "A day on! Not a day off" has grown from 10 projects to 40, said Craig Brenner, Bloomington special projects coordinator.\n"We organize projects so members of the University and community can work side by side," Brenner said. "We get people from different backgrounds to rub shoulders -- to actually do something."\nJames Cameron, who survived a racial lynching, will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Willke Auditorium. Preceding his lecture, at 5 p.m., history professor James Madison will have a teach-in.\nThe festivities King will culminate in the annual King Birthday Celebration 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.\nManning Marable, Columbia University professor of history and political science and founding director of the Institute for Research in African American Studies at Columbia, will be the keynote speaker. He has written 13 books and is a prominent lecturer and interpreter of political and racial history in America, Brenner said.\nMarable will be introduced by IU President Myles Brand, Brenner said. Campus buses will be provided Monday evening to encourage student participation.\nGibson said the events will be both entertaining and educational.\n"We hope that students will not only learn about the legacy of Martin Luther King, but will take the opportunity to learn about cultures different than their own and learn to celebrate other cultures," Gibson said. "We hope students can carry away a message that will be part of their educational experience here at IU."\nFor more information about volunteering for "A day on! Not a day off," contact the Volunteer Student Bureau at 855-8290.
(12/11/00 5:46am)
When Eigenmann Hall was built in 1968, it cost $9.8 million, said Bruce Jacobs, associate vice chancellor of administrative affairs. The 14-floor residence hall was the first on campus to be air-conditioned, and it was also the most expensive residence hall for students. Original plans even called for full maid service, Jacobs said.\nToday $9.8 million would pay for a two or three-story building, he said.\nA group of about 25 students, teachers and administrators celebrated the 30th anniversary of Eigenmann Friday. They also remembered the residence hall's namesake, Carl Eigenmann.\nThose in attendance were treated to performances by jazz musicians and an a cappella group. Speakers also shed light on Eigenmann's history.\nThe diversity of the celebration was fitting for Eigenmann, said Patrick Connor, Residential Programs and Services director.\n"This ceremony reflects the personality of the building," Connor said.\nJacobs was one of two keynote speakers at the celebration. The other was senior Dietrich Willke, president of Eigenmann Residents Association.\nEigenmann was dedicated Nov. 15, 1970, the 150th anniversary of IU, Jacobs said. Over the years, he said, Eigenmann has changed to meet the needs of the campus -- it was built for graduate students and now houses undergraduate, graduate and international students and a sorority. At one time, it was a major campus conference facility, Jacobs said.\nAs Eigenmann Hall's history has been diverse and changing, Jacobs said, its namesake had much the same experience during his time on campus.\nCarl Eigenmann was born in 1863 in Germany, Jacobs said. As a student, Eigenmann changed his major several times. It was David Starr Jordan -- for whom the Jordan River and buildings on campus are named -- who inspired Eigenmann to become a professor of zoology, Jacobs said.\nAfter teaching zoology, Eigenmann later became the dean of graduate studies. In that capacity, he recruited Alfred Kinsey to study zoology. He also tried to purchase Spring Mill State Park for the University because he was interested in researching the blind fish for which the park's caves are famous, Jacobs said. \n"(Eigenmann) is a building that has left its mark on IU, much as (Carl) Eigenmann left his mark on IU," Jacobs said.\nWillke said the anniversary was "a proud moment" for Eigenmann, and he said he is proud to call the residence hall home.\n"I do believe this building deserves this honor," Willke said. "Though it still needs improvements, I love it here"
(12/08/00 5:55am)
Students, alumni and administrators are invited to a celebration from 6-7:30 p.m. today at Eigenmann Hall to commemorate the residence hall's 30th anniversary.\nThe event will be a chance to learn about the history of Eigenmann and meet former students and officers, said sophomore Hope Marasco, Eigenmann Residents Association vice president of programming.\nThe celebration will include jazz musicians, hors d'ouevres, the a cappella group Delusions of Grandeur and speeches from senior Dietrich Willke, Eigenmann president, and Bruce Jacobs, associate vice chancellor.\nWillke said the 30th anniversary will be a memorable event and "a proud moment." Eigenmann's residents and its history were two of the reasons he chose to live there, he said.\n"Eigenmann has this natural flavor of diversity," Willke said. "You have sororities, graduate students, freshmen, out-of-state and international students all living together in one building."\nThe construction of Eigenmann Hall was completed in 1969, Willke said, and the official dedication ceremony took place in 1970. The building was designed by Rollin McLaughlin.\nEigenmann Hall is coed and air-conditioned. It offers the Market Place dining facility, a music practice room, an exercise/weight room, darkroom, library, computer cluster and laundry facilities, according to Residential Programs and Services.\nEigenmann is the only dorm that has never closed during breaks, Willke said.\n"Eigenmann remained open, giving a home to thousands of students during every day of the year," he said.\nThe hall was built for graduate and international students, said Patrick Connor, RPS director. But through the years, its residents have resembled the population of the other dorms more and more, he said.\nFreshmen began living in Eigenmann in 1998, and half of the floors were reserved for them, Willke said. This year, only three floors are for students older than 21.\nThe first student government of Eigenmann was the Graduate Resident Association Council. Recently the name was changed to Eigenmann Residents Association, but Eigenmann has never been a part of Residence Halls Association, Willke said.\nMarasco said one characteristic she likes about Eigenmann is the hall's uniqueness.\n"The social dynamic is changing -- the makeup is changing," she said. "You get a really good range of students, a really unique group of students"
