College is not for everybody. Some people are not made for the atmosphere of classrooms with two hundred students, professors that are not able to name all of their students and limited study areas. There are those among us who belong in an institution of higher caliber. Luckily, that very institution can be found at the University of Mississippi- in the form of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Established in 1997, it was born of alumni Jim and Sally Barksdale, who wanted to contribute to and make a difference on the Ole Miss campus. With its small class sizes (15-20 students), close contact with dedicated and experienced professors, and 24-hour access to study rooms, the Honors College attracts many a student. However, the path is intensive. Students are required to maintain a 3.5 GPA, take 29 hours in honors classes, and take part in community service projects. The question is what do students ultimately gain from this program?
Jake McGraw, a senior Public Policy Leadership/Economics major and a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship, says that he has had a lot to gain in his time as a member of the Honors College, including what he calls an education just as good as any in the country. He especially loves the intimate class size. “Few schools can guarantee that your classes will be small and taught by top faculty,” says McGraw. He also says that he has benefited from the out-of-classroom experiences. “[Honors College] offered extracurricular opportunities to travel and interact with people like Tom Friedman and Colin Powell.” McGraw has made friends and memories that will last him a lifetime and that “would not have been possible without the Honors College.” Younger students completing their first semester also have the same positive opinions about the HC. Freshman English Education major Cody Rentz says he thrives from the hurdles that come with the opportunities. “I had already decided on Ole Miss, and then I started to look at the Honors College in particular. I realized I would enjoy the challenge and it would keep me motivated.” It also gives him more initiative to do what he loves, helping others. “I enjoy doing community service, and even though I probably wouldn’t do as much if I wasn’t required, I’m still glad it’s assigned to us,” Rentz said. Not everybody with the academic potential is made for the Honors College. Admissions counselor Ryan Upshaw says that the program has a retention rate of about 60%. “Of the 40% that we lose, most of them transfer into the regular population of the school,” Upshaw says. “They either can’t maintain the required GPA, struggle with the senior thesis, or realize they’re just not up to the work. Honors College isn’t for everyone.” Rentz agrees. “It’s definitely a challenge,” he says. “If you just want to go through college and get your degree, HC might not be the right choice. But if you like a challenge, it’s worth the shot, even if you don’t make it through.” For more information on the Honors College, visit http://www.honors.olemiss.edu/.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
What is new in Gender Studies?
The Gender Studies for Women is not a well-known program at the University of Mississippi. I asked a student, Kirstie Campbell, if she could point me in the direction of the Gender Studies building. She replied, "We have a Gender Studies program?" The Sarah Isom Center is located in Paul B. Johnson Commons on the west side of campus. The Gender Studies program is to provide a place where groups concerned with gender-related issues can gather, educate the community and campus on gender issues, support student research on Gender Studies.
After talking to Kevin Cozart, coodinator of operation, he said, "Half the student body is female; but those connected to the Isom Center is a very small portion of the Unversity's population; not to say that the work and resources is for women only".
TheGender Studies has a Brown Bag Luncheon on occasions, in the Johnson Commons. The main event the Isom Center looks forward to having is the Isom Student Gender Conference. This conference does not have a set date, but it open to the public and welcome for anyone interested to attend.
"We are always looking to become more well-known and always looking for feedback of what people are looking for from us to be more relevant in their lives on a day to day basis. The ways for us to best serve you is for you to tell us what you are looking for from us."
To contact the Sarah Isom Center email isonctr@olemiss.edu or call (662)915-5916.
www.olemiss.edu/depts/sarah_isom_center/about.html
After talking to Kevin Cozart, coodinator of operation, he said, "Half the student body is female; but those connected to the Isom Center is a very small portion of the Unversity's population; not to say that the work and resources is for women only".
TheGender Studies has a Brown Bag Luncheon on occasions, in the Johnson Commons. The main event the Isom Center looks forward to having is the Isom Student Gender Conference. This conference does not have a set date, but it open to the public and welcome for anyone interested to attend.
"We are always looking to become more well-known and always looking for feedback of what people are looking for from us to be more relevant in their lives on a day to day basis. The ways for us to best serve you is for you to tell us what you are looking for from us."
To contact the Sarah Isom Center email isonctr@olemiss.edu or call (662)915-5916.
www.olemiss.edu/depts/sarah_isom_center/about.html
Want to Run a Marathon?
The training began on November 13, 2010, and the sixteen weeks of training was going to help her reach her goal. Sara Feigenbaum, a sophomore majoring in applied science, took on the task of a half marathon.
The training was conducted by Active Oxford and for only two hundred and fifty dollars, they helped you in numerous ways. They put together your training by setting up weekly runs and walks, gave strict nutrition advise to follow, and made sure your body would be able to handle the stress of a marathon. This dollar amount also took care of your entry payment for the race too.
This event was put together for an organization called Hopewell. One of the things that they do it put together a Diabetes Camp and they were in need of some help. All the proceeds from Runs for Hope will go to the awareness of their Diabetes Camps and among their other camps for people in need. Feigenbaum states, “I have a cousin that has diabetes and I see how he has to deal with it day in and day out”. She says this is her reason and where she gets her dedication and will power to follow through with the marathon.
Being physical and getting involved not only helps your community but yourself as well. Anna Pechenik, a graduate’s assistance in the field of exercise science, strongly believes that staying active helps not only you physical shape but your mental state too. She comments, “It not only gets you in phenomenal physical shape but it also has so many mental benefits and it is great for your social life”.
She also mentions the marathon going on next semester among many more such as, the Rebel Man Sprint Triathlon. This is an event held by Exercise Science Department and it provides you the opportunity to get involved actively not only through running but by swimming and biking as well.
Through this story I not only wanted to encourage students on campus to make a differences in the community but to take an interest in all the physical activity as well. If you are interested in participating in Hopewell’s marathon, then you can register at http://www.oxfordrun4hope.com/.
Sources:
- Anna Pecherik - ampechen@olemiss.edu
- Sara Feigenbaum - sefeigen@olemiss.edu
- http://www.oxfordrun4hope.com/.
ACR 5-Year Estimates To Be Released In Near Future
sorry forgot to preview....twice
The Census Bureau will be releasing the American Community Survey 5 Year Estimates in the next few weeks, producing estimates on over 50 topics. The American Community Survey is the sole source of small-area estimates available on a wide range of important social and economic characteristics for all communities in the country, as stated by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Lynn Woo, a research associate at the Center for Population Studies, stressed that the release of the estimates “will have data for all geographic areas which is great for Mississippi because many areas in the state do not meet the population thresholds to receive American Community Survey 1 or 3 Year Estimates.” With many smaller areas, much of Mississippi must wait for the 5-year estimates.
The American Community Survey 5-year estimates are so essential because of their significance to efficiently run the ins and outs of everyday life. The Bureau states that the American Community Survey estimates give businesses the statistical information they need to create jobs, plan for the future, establish new business and improve our economy. It also provides policymakers with “statistical foundation for evaluating economic and social needs.”
Clifford Holley, the Center for Population Studies director, was adamant that although the numbers from the 5-Year Estimates were not official, they are critical in identifying communities of interest.
With the identifying of these communities of interest, the surveys help to monitor common themes in social, economic, housing and demographic characteristics of which the survey produces. By interpreting these surveys it will help population scientists properly prepare and preview the upcoming Census.
The 2010 Census, which measures the size of our population in comparison to the American Community Survey’s measuring of the characteristics of our population, will work together with the American Community Survey to measure and improve America.
Redesigning The Classroom
The Department of Mathematics is mixing up the equation by considering a course redesign for Business Calculus classes.
In the lab, business calculus students will use Hawkes Learning System or a similar program to complete homework assignments, review lessons, and test students’ knowledge. Tutors are available in the lab to help students that may have difficulties with the reduction in hands-on class time.
Many universities have resorted to using online sources to teach students. This technique is known as the Emporium Method. The University of Alabama has benefitted from using a similar program.
The redesign does have some kinks that must be worked out before it is put into action. Lack of computers cause long lines. Business calculus students would add to the mix of math students already cramming into the lab.
Julie Anderson, a business calculus instructor at the University of Mississippi said, “We will have to have more space.”
According to Anderson, the University is considering purchasing the old Walmart building on Jackson Avenue to increase space. The new location would provide plenty of room for a new lab and possibly even office space for instructors.
But even with improvements in space, students and teachers have mixed emotions about the change.
Junior Troy Walther, a double major in political science and accounting, is not happy about the possibility of spending time in the lab.
“I very much dislike having to go to the computer lab because it is inconvenient and it does not always fit in to my time schedule,” said Walther.
Sophomore Mary Houston Matthews thinks the change is for the better.
“I think the math lab would help students because calculus is something that students need to practice with. The lab would force students that get by with skipping class to actually learn the material,” said Matthews.
However, Anderson is still skeptical.
“If I thought it worked I would be for it, but I love being in the classroom," said Anderson. "To me, it’s not really teaching."
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