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."
Is "Going Greek" Going Green?
With over 20 fraternity and sorority houses on the campus of the University of Mississippi, and thousands of students frequenting them daily, they supply a great place for helping the "green" initiative. Helping the environment is a very popular topic in the world today, and at the University of Mississippi is no exception. Yes, we have seen the recycling bins in he Grove, and the messages on television to be aware, but is it enough? With mostly all of Greek houses supplying 3 meals a day it is a great place for recycling trash. But according to Mary Garrett, the house director of Sigma Chi, when it comes to recycling prices can get in the way. With the price of Styrofoam cups being 3 cents a cup and the price of a biodegradable cup being 12 cents a cup, costs out way the option of using more environmentally friendly alternatives. Garrett also expressed the need for a more organized recycling pick up supplied by the university. There is a similar sentiment at the Phi Delta Theta house where senior accounting major Casey Dietz stated, “Although we try to as much as we can, we don’t always have the resources to really put a dent in our bad waste output.” However, he did mention that their house has been trying to switch more energy efficient lighting throughout the house. As you can see, there is some effort in these few houses to become more environmentally friendly.
The Physical Plant Department will be updating the Waste Water Treatment Plant located behind the indoor practice facility.
The current Waste Water Treatment has been in use and working fine for almost 40 years. The system currently experiences an average daily inflow during he school year that ranges from 0.3- 0.5 millions of gallons per day (MGD). However, in recent years the efforts required to keep the equipment in service and replacing parts has increased significantly. The Physical Plant Department has two previous projects to improve the treatment center but neither to the extent of this new project.
Assistant Director Russ Buchholz says the treatment plant is being redesigned to meet the state’s EPA capacity regulations. Buchholz stated that when the amount of people on campus increases rapidly such as on a football game day the ponds couldn’t keep up with capacity. This upgrade will allow the new system to allow a peak flow of 1.25 MGD. This will relieve a lot of the pressure that is currently on the treatment center.
The project is known as “ Project Scope” and hopes to accomplish several goals. The first of these goals is to upgrade to a more modern, efficient and operationally flexible primary treatment aeration system in the west aeration basin. Another goal of Project Scope is to provide a one-way tap onto the City of Oxford sewer system. This will feed the flow into the system during down periods on campus such as semester breaks. The project will also replace electrical equipment in order to make the treatment center more efficient, which will save money.
Associate Utility Engineer Mark Hatfield talked about some of the operational challenges of the current treatment center. He says the flows can peak at times and cause the ponds to overflow or cause the system to overload hydraulically. The other problem is the flow becoming too low at times. The flow can go as low as 0.1 MGD, which is of more concern than the levels being too high.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be almost $1.5 million. Project Scope is expected to be finished by next fall.
UM Orientation Leaders Gear Up for New Year
With the fall semester coming to an end, the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs has eagerly awaited their chance to begin their 2011 orientation process.
Orientation is designed to help students transition to college and assist family members in understanding their students’ college experience. Orientation is required for all undergraduate first-year, transfer and nontraditional undergraduate students. Registration is quick, easy and the first step in your transition to Ole Miss.
To make this transition as smooth and comfortable as possible, there have been a number of remarkable students selected as orientation leaders. “Last year I was so anxious to become an orientation leader. There were so many people in the informational meeting that I began to feel a bit discouraged” says 2011 Orientation leader, Morgan Burnett.
Orientation leaders are chosen by a competitive application and endure a variety of intense training courses to make the process enjoyable. Just as other schools such as Southeastern Louisiana University, UM Orientation leaders are offered a stipend for their training and free room and board.
The Office of Orientation began their annual selection process in October with different informational sessions. Immediately after, applications were due and the selection began. “We had 300 students to pick up orientation applications, 120 to return their forms and only 20 are selected”, said Graduate Assistant of Enrollment Services Sunny Eicholtz. “The names were announced November 15th."
The new orientation leaders will kick off their first event Friday December 3, 2010 with the Orientation Leader Tacky Christmas Party. This is the first annual OL Tacky Christmas Party for the orientation staff. Eicholtz stated that it would be a great way for the leaders to get to know each other and possibly form new friendships.
Training for the orientation leaders will begin the first Thursday of Spring Semester 2011.
Orientation is designed to help students transition to college and assist family members in understanding their students’ college experience. Orientation is required for all undergraduate first-year, transfer and nontraditional undergraduate students. Registration is quick, easy and the first step in your transition to Ole Miss.
To make this transition as smooth and comfortable as possible, there have been a number of remarkable students selected as orientation leaders. “Last year I was so anxious to become an orientation leader. There were so many people in the informational meeting that I began to feel a bit discouraged” says 2011 Orientation leader, Morgan Burnett.
Orientation leaders are chosen by a competitive application and endure a variety of intense training courses to make the process enjoyable. Just as other schools such as Southeastern Louisiana University, UM Orientation leaders are offered a stipend for their training and free room and board.
The Office of Orientation began their annual selection process in October with different informational sessions. Immediately after, applications were due and the selection began. “We had 300 students to pick up orientation applications, 120 to return their forms and only 20 are selected”, said Graduate Assistant of Enrollment Services Sunny Eicholtz. “The names were announced November 15th."
The new orientation leaders will kick off their first event Friday December 3, 2010 with the Orientation Leader Tacky Christmas Party. This is the first annual OL Tacky Christmas Party for the orientation staff. Eicholtz stated that it would be a great way for the leaders to get to know each other and possibly form new friendships.
Training for the orientation leaders will begin the first Thursday of Spring Semester 2011.
Mission: Christmas Spirit
Ole Miss students who were trying to get into the holiday spirit, ended their search with the perfect launch into the season. One of the Christmas classic’s, A Christmas Carol, has opened on Thursday night right here on our very own campus! The Ole Miss Theater department prepared for this timeless classic in unique ways. The characters made sure they transformed into these classic characters to convince us that were there with Scrooge himself flying with the ghost of the past, present, and the future.
The excitement of the play not only came from the love of this play or the Christmas season itself, but also from the star-cast role of the main character. Us students, who have taken Theater 101 with Rory Ledbetter, were pleased to hear the rumors that the role of Scrooge was to be performed by our enchanting old professor.
“Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grind- stone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shriveled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice,” the Charles Dicken’s book read.
When preparing for the character, Rory had to in body this character and convert his usually jolly heart into an ice box. He said to really get inside the head of Scrooge it was all about “putting myself in the mindset if nobody loves me, and if people have abandoned me, and if I view the world in the capacity of everyone’s out to get me or everyone is trying to take advantage of me, I won’t let anybody in.” From a jolly smile, to a broken-hearted frozen grouchy face, Rory was beyond ready for the star role.
So let the Christmas season in as the Ole Miss Theater shows us what the Holidays are truly about! “Be thankful for what you have! And always show love to people, because you never know what they are really going through.” said Elizabeth Hollomon, one of the actresses who took on several of the roles in A Christmas Carol. As expected, A Christmas Carol was the perfect solution to kick of this holiday season.
Works Cited: http://www.stormfax.com/1dickens.htm
The excitement of the play not only came from the love of this play or the Christmas season itself, but also from the star-cast role of the main character. Us students, who have taken Theater 101 with Rory Ledbetter, were pleased to hear the rumors that the role of Scrooge was to be performed by our enchanting old professor.
“Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grind- stone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shriveled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice,” the Charles Dicken’s book read.
When preparing for the character, Rory had to in body this character and convert his usually jolly heart into an ice box. He said to really get inside the head of Scrooge it was all about “putting myself in the mindset if nobody loves me, and if people have abandoned me, and if I view the world in the capacity of everyone’s out to get me or everyone is trying to take advantage of me, I won’t let anybody in.” From a jolly smile, to a broken-hearted frozen grouchy face, Rory was beyond ready for the star role.
So let the Christmas season in as the Ole Miss Theater shows us what the Holidays are truly about! “Be thankful for what you have! And always show love to people, because you never know what they are really going through.” said Elizabeth Hollomon, one of the actresses who took on several of the roles in A Christmas Carol. As expected, A Christmas Carol was the perfect solution to kick of this holiday season.
Works Cited: http://www.stormfax.com/1dickens.htm
Department of Biology: Lacking in Facilities, Not Faculty
The University of Mississippi Department of Biology has been located in the same building for years. This building, Shoemaker Hall, is often times viewed by observers as being old and out of date. The building was built in the 60’s and has looked the same since it was constructed.
Although the building that the department is in may be out of date, it surely does not lack when it comes to having faculty that could be considered second to none in the Southeast. Sophomore Biology major Adam Liberto had this to say about the department, “It is true that the facility needs to be re-done, but the teachers and the instructors are right where they need to be.” This sort of quote can be heard from just about anyone who has taken a biology class in Shoemaker Hall.
Earlier this semester, I spoke with several instructors in the Department of Biology that all seemed very confident in the work that they put in. Each one of them seemed to tell me the same thing. They believe that they are some of the best instructors in this region, but the facilities that we have at the University make it difficult for each instructor and student to reach their full potential.
So it is pretty clear to see that it is time for the University of Mississippi to begin contemplating the thought of either remodeling the building completely, or tear it down and start from scratch. I spoke with another biology student, Asthon Lemley, and this is what he had to say, “It is time for (Ole Miss) to have a new biology building, and I think the board or whoever is in charge should give it some serious thought.”
Students and instructors both realize the demand for a new Department of Biology and each understand the importance of it. With all the construction going on at the University, it may be a while before we can get around to the Department of Biology. Though I believe that if enough students and faculty complain to the board about the department’s current conditions, I think we will see a new Biology Department here in the next five to ten years. For more information about the Department of Biology go to: http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/biology/.
The MSBDC's Big Move
The Mississippi Small Business Development Center will be moving into a brand new building located on Jeanette Phillips Drive next week. The new center was built using a grant from the Federal Government and is a LEEDs certified building achieving the Silver level of certification making it very environmentally friendly. Before the building of the new center went underway, the MSBDC was housed in a double-wide trailer at the same location. When plans for the new project began, the MSBDC relocated to the University's Physical Plant where it has operated from for the last year and a half. Counselors and employees are waiting with anticipation to move into the new center which will house 10 people and will contain current technology and state of the art equipment. Donovan McCain, who does Public Relations for the center, shared his feeling on re-locating:
"I'm looking forward to the re-location of the MSBDC to our new building. I feel that the facility is well designed, increases our technological ability, and will give us a truly professional workspace for our efforts to assist the small business owners of Mississippi. The building will contain offices for our counselors to work one-on-one with individual clients, in addition to having a larger room with the necessary technology to conduct seminars and workshops for entire groups. I am very confident that this new facility will meet the needs of our clients, and that of our employees for years to come."
The SBDC program started in 1980 following the Small Business Development Center Act of 1980 passed by Congress. This act transformed a small model of the center from a single university into a remarkable network of centers covering all 50 states. Ole Miss established their SBDC program in November of 1981, and later grew to include the State Office which had originally been located in Jackson, MS. There are 5 employees in the State's administration and there are 5 employees in the University's department who provide counseling for the North Mississippi area. Superior parking abilities will be present at the new building with handicap access and an easy route to and from Highway 6, making it easy to find for visitors not familiar with the Ole Miss campus. More information and frequently asked questions on the MSBDC can be found here: The Mississippi Small Business Development Center.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A large amount of new freshman leads to big changes for the University of Mississippi.
Whether you are a returning UM student, teacher, or staff member there is now way you can deny the over whelming amount of new freshman this fall semester. The University of Mississippi website, http://www.olemiss.edu/ has published a record 3,089 new freshman students attending the Oxford campus; this is a 19.9 percent increase over last fall.
Oxford is not the only campus experiencing greater admissions, there is a 6.5 percent combined increase between all of the University of Mississippi campuses, for a combined total of 19,536 Ole Miss students.
Not only has the university seen an increase in new students but in returning students as well. The number of freshman students choosing to return has increased from 78.3 percent to 83.1 percent returning this fall. Ole Miss has seen a steady increase in admissions for the past five year, and it is predicted to only go up from there by http://www.thedmonline.com.
It is unclear why the university has seen such an increase in new students. The DMonline accredits this increase to major publicity. Movies like, “The Blind Side”, and Cotton Bowl championships seem to have put Ole Miss on the map.
Another reason for a heightened enrollment can be accredited to the poor economy. http://www.boston.com reasons that a rise in public college enrollment is due to the slumping economy. A poor economy has students searching for lower tuition costs.
This is a trend Ole Miss is experiencing first hand, according to the DMonline, the university has seen a 30 percent student increase since the fall of the economy in 2008.
With an over whelming amount of new freshman comes numerous award-winning students to further the well-respected reputation of the university. According to olemiss.edu there are now 34 national merit and national achievement finalists in this years freshman class. Out of the 900 students enrolled in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale honors college a record 288 are freshman. Not only are freshman finding success at Ole Miss but returning students are as well. “ I am so excited to be back at Ole Miss this semester, and look forward to graduating… but not too soon.” exclaimed Marianna Decosimo, a UM sophomore.
“While we are excited about new students, we are just as excited about the increased retention rate,” stated Chancellor Dan Jones, according to the DMonline. “more students finding success in their freshman year means more sophomores and ultimately more graduates,”
With an over whelming amount of new students also comes negatives. Students, teaches, and staff members are all experiencing over crowded parking lots, classrooms, and administrative offices. “We have had to add some sections of classes freshman typically take to accommodate the number of students.” Said Sue Weakley a professor of journalism. “One of my classes was so full we had to search for chairs some times before class started.” The journalism school is not the only department experiencing these difficulties. Each department has seen an increase in students. According to olemiss.edu, the university has already put plans and strategies in to place for another large class next fall semester. “I hope that we can continue to add sections to classes so that all the students get the classes they need.” Explains professor Weakley.
According to the DMonline, the university plans to survey all freshman students to better understand the reasons behind deciding to attend Ole Miss.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Continuos Competition for Aid
With an uncertain economy, the Ole Miss Office of Financial Aid has noticed an increase in applicants and more competition for funds. “There has been a huge change in the amount of students applying for aid, said Dewey Knight, advising director for Financial Aid. “the economy is worse and more families need support for their students.”
The 2009-2010 year ended with 13,912 students receiving aid that totaled $158.7 million. Looking into the past years, the 2007-2008 school year had 11,034 students who received aid. Although totals for this school year will not be available until June, Knight has no doubt there will be another increase. There are a record 15,500 students on the Oxford campus this year. Robert Givens, also an advising director in the office said there’s another dimension. “We are aware that more students are in need of aid and although the requirements basically remain the same as previous years, due to the increased number of applicants the awarding process was much more competitive.” he said.
For some students, the availability of financial aid is what is making their dreams of higher education become reality. One of them is, Bryn Davis, a sophomore Hospitality Management major, who completed the Free Federal Application for Student Aid, the first step in seeking financial assistance. Davis said she was able to receive $5,500 in a Pell Grant and up to $1,200 in work-study compensation because Davis works on campus a maximum of 12 hours per week. Not every student can get a campus job. “For students who have federal aid, one of the hardest things for them to get is work-study because we only get an alloted amount of money and when it runs out there is no more to get.” Knight said.
Along with federal aid students each year are able to apply for scholarships. Unlike the federal aid, this money comes from alumni and other donors at the university. “We are very successful in reaching out to alumni who are very generous, said Knight. “That being said once we receive this money we invest it and since the financial markets have not been successful, less scholarship money has been able to be awarded because we have had less return on our endowment.”For students who are trying to receive aid this is where the competitive circumstances come in. They must apply for scholarships that are based on grade point average, service, and leadership. “With more students applying for the different scholarships offered it is much harder to give students as much aid as it was in previous years and that is where the competitiveness to receive aid comes into play”, Givens said.
Students interested in applying for financial aid can go to their website, http://www.olemiss.edu/finaid/index.html, for more information.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Interview with Professor Eagles on the Lillian Smith Award and The Price of Defiance
It is no secret that the University of Mississippi has a very rich southern heritage. Professor Charles W. Eagles sheds some light on the University’s history in a book about James Meredith, the first African-American to attend Ole Miss.
Professor Eagles’ book, The Price of Defiance, focuses on three major components. He wanted to explain why the riot occurred at the University in 1962, he wanted to write a book that would show James Meredith as a person and focus on his background, and finally he wanted to allow readers to follow James Meredith for his year at Ole Miss.
By writing The Price of Defiance Professor Eagles earned numerous awards and received many commendations. Among his awards he received is the Lillian Smith Award which he received in Atlanta this September. His previous book received the award in 1993 so do date Eagles is the only scholar to have won the award twice.
The book was used immediately in a journalism class at Florida State University and Dr. Namorato has used the book in his Mississippi history classes here at the University. Professor Eagles says that the one important thing that the book does for college aged students is explains what segregation really was. Professor Eagles says, “We all kind of know the almost clichés of segregated water fountains and separate schools for blacks and whites.” He goes on to explain that segregation affected all aspects of life here at Ole Miss. His goal was to give readers a good understanding of how segregation worked as a system and giving concrete examples.
Professor Eagles makes a point of saying how the chapter specifically on James Meredith’s life gets very little attention. He also says that reviews for the book have not mentioned the last chapter of the book. He told me that if I do not read the book I should make a point of reading the last ten pages.
http://southernchanges.blogspot.com/2010/09/charles-eagles-accepts-2010-lillian.html
Mississippi Teacher Corps
Graduation is right around the corner and you decided that teaching is where your heart is. There is a program designed to help you break into the field and pay for everything you need as well. What is the name of this program? It is called the Mississippi Teacher Corps but it is not just for Mississippians.I spoke with the man behind this program Andrew Mullins also known as Andy. Graduate students from all over the United States come to participate in this “actually a majority of the applicants are out-of-state”, stated Mullins.This program is known as the “alternate route to certification” for future teachers.
After a student has completed both parts to the Praxis exam and has now become certified he or she can apply to the Mississippi Teacher Corps. The program has many benefits, such as a full scholarship while you are getting your master’s degree. If accepted the graduate student will then be placed in an area in Mississippi that has it hard finding teachers for their school. Moreover, it is beneficial to the school as well as the person in the program. The graduate student will be getting a hands on experience of what it is like being a certified teacher in an actual classroom.
It is good to know about the Mississippi Teacher Corps and also to go ahead and get your application in if you know you are interested. There is a limited amount of teachers needed so do not wait until it is too late and let this great opportunity pass you by. If it does happen to then there are other programs as well. Find them, they are very beneficial.Then there are certain students who may not have been informed about this program until it was too late. I spoke to a graduate student, Robin Goolsby, who did not know about the program but really wished she did. However, she was not totally disappointed because she received the Lucky Day Scholarship from Ole Miss.
After a student has completed both parts to the Praxis exam and has now become certified he or she can apply to the Mississippi Teacher Corps. The program has many benefits, such as a full scholarship while you are getting your master’s degree. If accepted the graduate student will then be placed in an area in Mississippi that has it hard finding teachers for their school. Moreover, it is beneficial to the school as well as the person in the program. The graduate student will be getting a hands on experience of what it is like being a certified teacher in an actual classroom.
It is good to know about the Mississippi Teacher Corps and also to go ahead and get your application in if you know you are interested. There is a limited amount of teachers needed so do not wait until it is too late and let this great opportunity pass you by. If it does happen to then there are other programs as well. Find them, they are very beneficial.Then there are certain students who may not have been informed about this program until it was too late. I spoke to a graduate student, Robin Goolsby, who did not know about the program but really wished she did. However, she was not totally disappointed because she received the Lucky Day Scholarship from Ole Miss.
Congratulations to all the graduates of 2010 and upcoming graduates in 2011. For more information contact Andy Mullins at (662) 915-7064 and good luck if you choose to apply.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Proposed Community Center near Ground Zero
What are your views on the possible Community Center near the site of Ground Zero?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Panty Thief
1.Have you heard of the Panty Thief and did you know his recent attack was Sunday ?
2.How does that make you feel being a female on campus?
3. Since males are not being targeted I would like to know if you have a girlfriend or female relative on campus.
4. How does that make you feel knowing someone wants to invade their privacy?
Constitutional or Unconstitutional?
Do you agree with the federal judge's decision regarding Maj. Margaret Witt and her constitutional rights?
(Maj. Margaret Witt was discharged from the military in 2004 because it was discovered that she was a lesbian. A judge ruled last week that her constitutional rights were violated and Witt should have her job back.)
Immigration Issue
Do you think illegal aliens should have the right to vote?
Do you think illegal aliens should have the right to vote?
How do you feel about the job obama has done so far in office?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEAFVBu_WoY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMmku2epoKY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMmku2epoKY
College Students Share Their Feelings About the Texas Shooting
1. What were your thoughts about the shooting at the University of Texas? Specifically, how did it make you feel as a college student?
2. After the shooting do you feel safe at Ole Miss?
How has the shooting at the University of Texas affected you?
Mario Martinez & Suzaune Skladzien, Students
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The Department of Theater Arts
Taylor Wood, Student and Leading Actress of current play Boy Gets Girl
Department of History
Ian Johnstone, President of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society and History Club explains "Pizza With Professors". This is an opportunity for students and professors to discuss their passion for history and research in a relaxed environment.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Response to Boxers, Briefs and Book
I found John Grisham's article to be a true account of discovering your passion. One shouldn't find the work they were meant to do in life easy, it should be something they stumble around and fall into. Half of the point of having a career is the journey that you take to find it. Young aspiring writers should see this as a how-to guide; if you struggle and labor for hours over the start of a book, chances are, it will be a great one.
Late Wednesday night, a vehicle was pulled over on Jackson Avenue by an Oxford Police Department officer. Seen above, the vehicle turns onto campus at the officer's request to avoid traffic backup. This was one of many traffic stops seen this week, a rise which seems to be signaled by the return of University of Mississippi students each semester.
Traffic Stops Rise as Students Return
Late Wednesday night, a vehicle was stopped by an Oxford Police Department officer. Above is the vehicle turning onto campus at the officer's request so as to avoid traffic backup. This stop was one of many seen this week, a rise that seems to be signaled by the return of University of Mississippi students each semester.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Perpetual Groove Lights Up The Lyric
Brock Butler, lead guitarist and vocalist for the art/rock/jam band, Perpetual Groove, solos during their hit song, "Three Weeks," at The Lyric Theater, located on the square in downtown Oxford. The band started at 10:30pm and played until 12:30pm to an enthusiastic crowd of citizens ranging from ages young to old. This is one of the first shows on their fall tour and thirty-three are to follow in the southeastern United States.
Busy Square means More Busts
High popularity at bars such as the Lyric has led Oxford Police to crack down on underage drinking. Friday night four bartenders where arrested for selling to minors and this past Wednesday many students where charged with "Minors in Possession".
Golfers Have Fun at a Good Price
Students can enjoy a good afternoon of golf for a small price. Driving range balls are sold for only $3 and use of the putting green is free. Students can also play the course for $22 on a weekday.
OHS Football Season
The Varsity Oxford High School Football team huddles at their practice today getting ready for the game Friday September 9 at 7:30 in Senatobia. Head Coach Johnny Hill said, " I am hoping for another win tomorrow, we have a lot of strong, smart players I am hoping we can use it to our advantage, maybe we can win it all."Hitting the Books Instead of the Bars on Thursday Night
Sophomore Elizabeth O'Connell studies for an upcoming Biology test instead of visiting the Square on a Thursday night. More and more students are passing on the fun and taking advantage of the crucial study time before an important test or assignment.
The Einstein Bro's Bringing Smiles
The students of Ole Miss love their bagles and fraps. Enstein Bros. Bagles, which opened in the fall of 2009, is one of the favorite in between class spots according to these Ole Miss students.
Ole Miss Athletics
The Ole Miss Track Team has been preparing mentally and physically, on and off the track for the 2010-11 season. "Pre-season conditioning is a killer," Carson Blanks, a junior 400 meter hurdler, stated after a brief warm-up. The Rebels kick off their season December 4,2010 in Jonesboro,AR for the Kickoff Klassic.
Leap Frog Off To A Good Starts
University of Mississippi students volunteer to tutor and play with children in the Leapfrog program at the Oxford-University United Methodist Church. Volunteers devote time on Tuesdays and Thursday between 3 and 5 p.m. in order to prevent Leapfrog children from falling behind in school.
Subway in the Union
The restaurant chain Subway has opened its doors on the third floor of the Student Union. With such an abundance of students lining up to devour a sub, it seems to be a popular choice. Furthermore, it provides a healthy alternative for the student body, with 7 subs under 320 calories.
Caution: Construction Ahead
Students navigate their way around construction right off of University Circle. Construction all over campus is not an uncommon sight.
Response to Boxers, Briefs, and Books
I am mainly impressed by the persistence of John Grisham to find a job. The pursuit of finding what he wanted to is what actually led him to finding his talent. Journalism students can learn from this by realizing that not they will have to work for everything they get in life.
Drop in Union Traffic
With the increase of incoming freshmen the Union is still lacking the business. The Thursday 6 o'clock dinner rush is non-existent.
New Bike Paths Coming Soon
As more bikes are sold and given in Bike-Give-Back and Rebel Pedals the new bike paths are needed. So be on the look out for new construction in the following areas soon: South Lamar, North Lamar, Old Taylor Road, and Highway 314.
Visiting tickets for Tulane game sold out.
Sophomores Colby (left) and Ashton (right) are excited to snag two of the remaining ten visiting tickets for the Ole Miss vs Tulane game this Saturday. Tickets completely sold out a little after noon on Thursday according to the workers at the ticket office. The game is set for 8:00 p.m. Saturday at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Boxers, Briefs and Books
That's the headline introducing a Sunday column in the New York Times penned by novelist and former Oxford resident John Grisham. Read it and opine here. What are your impressions (type your own reaction in no less than three sentences)? What can budding student journalists take away from his words? Your response here is due by the start of class Friday, 10 Sept.
Friday, September 3, 2010
NPHC Members Showcase Talent
Members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, below, as well as other National Pan-Hellenic organizations, come together in front of the Student Union to put on a step show for Ole Miss students. These shows are common on campus and serve as an opportunity for members and non-members alike to socialize, as well as for any interested persons to learn information about the NPHC fraternities and sororities on campus.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Are You Ready?
As the first game of the season approaches, members of The Pride of the South marching band play at the pep rally Thursday evening to excite students and fans alike. The Ole Miss Rebels will take on the Jacksonville State Gamecocks Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
South Lot is a Success!
Students at the University of Mississippi are taking advantage of the OUT Bus System. Using the Green Line Bus, students can be shuttled on or off campus and taken to the South Lot, one of many places. This system is saving students time and money by using the South Lot and OUT Bus.
Colonel Rebel Merchandise, No More
Ole Miss students flock to Cat Daddy's to buy the remaining Colonel Rebel merchandise. The University ordered printing of the mascot to stop on August 31, 2010. Stores are only allowed to sell what is left of Colonel Rebel in their inventory.
Students Buckle Down as Classes Begin
Classes have begun on campus and students are preparing. As the semester continues more students will be seen reading like this student.
A Parking Predicament
Students, faculty, and visitors have come to find that parking is no longer as easy as it once was. With an overwhelming amounts of new students attending the University this school year it is nonetheless an obstacle to find parking each day. In the picture above we see numerous cars parked illegally on the side of the road because there is simply no where else to park. More and more parking tickets are being written and less and less cars are finding spots to park each day.
Successful Sales at the Student Union
Students search for the perfect poster to adorn the walls of their new home here at Ole Miss.
New Media Auditions
Ole Miss News Watch held their semester auditions this week. Students packed the new media room glancing over their run-downs, waiting for 6:30 to show their skills.
Early Morning Break Down
On the morning of September 2, 2010 an Oxford Ms. bus broke down while on Anderson Rd.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Outside of the new School of Law soon to be complete.
On a hot August day, construction workers are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the outside of the new University School of Law. The workers still have much construction to finish on the inside of the building. The new school should be open by the 2011-2012 school year.
Ole Miss Annual Poster Sell Booms
Another semester has begun and it's time to decorate. Ole Miss students take advantage of the annual poster sell infront of the Student Union on campus.
As Parking Spots Fleet, Bus Seats Fill
With this year's large addition of Freshman and Transfer students, available parking spots at the University of Mississippi are depleting. People who once took the O.U.T. bus system for granted are now embracing it as the most practical solution in commuting to and from campus.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Dark Clouds Rise Over Lafayette County
Storms dropped three inches of rain on Lafayette County Sunday. Although the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch, no damage or flooding was reported in Oxford's southern region.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Koretzky makes several good points in his article. Mainly how he says that print journalism is almost dead. This can be seen everyday by just looking at how many newspapers now have online versions and those who don't are far behind. Students should focus more on the digital side of journalism than the print simply because of that fact.
Although Koretzky's starts his story with mostly negative statements, I tend to agree with his argument. Todays generation is moving on to mostly an all digital media forum. Efforts by newspapers themselves are even diminishing with switch in how people reciever there news. I think was a fairly accurate report.
College Students and Multimedia-Growing Up
As I was reading Koretzky's article, it made me thing about something-five years ago, if you had asked half of the Daily Mississippian's readers to pick up a book or newspaper, you would have had better luck getting a brick wall to do the same. It was more fun to lounge around making Myspace layouts, and giving deep thought to your "top 8". Now, though, we are college students and on the move. It is simpler to pick up a paper on the way to class than to fight with Ole Miss's wireless network for a website connection, and easier to type up a story in 30 minutes than to spend hours putting together a webpage. Times have changed, and newspapers are no longer a dreaded bore of lengthy words, they are an easy way to stay up to date on the news. In a way, it's my generation growing up. It's interesting how we've made this change, and when I see a college student flipping through a newspaper, I wander if this is similar to the first time my dad told me to turn down my music.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
I thought Koretzky started article off rudly by saying basically all the entries were terrible and he could not even find one that he like. But, as I read I started to agree with him at the end because I also believethat our world today has begun to get over consumed with Facebook and Myspace. I also think having these things such Facebook and Myspace makes people lazy at writing because they are accostumed to unformally writing on these certain websites. Therefore, I believe these certain websites have made people lazy writers through the years.
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