THE BG NEWS ESTABLISHED 1920 | An independent student press serving the campus and surrounding community
MOVE YOUR PHI’T Alpha Phi Sorority hosted free Zumba to promote Women’s Cardiac Care. See photos on PAGE 3.
VOLUME 91, EDITION 61
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 & THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012
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Students test potential Blackboard replacement Select classes partake in trial run of new Canvas learning management system so University faculty, students can discuss its pros, cons By Dominic Binkley Reporter
currently using Canvas in two of her classes, said she volunteered to test the system because she thinks the University needs to get away from Blackboard because of its “clumsiness.” New features that improve organization — like a calendarbased schedule that groups due dates for every class into one place and a new grade book feature — are areas Ekstrand said are an
Some students and faculty are currently testing Canvas, a learning management system that could possibly replace the University’s aging Blackboard system this fall. So far, 78 faculty members and 120 courses have begun the pilot test, which will last until the end of spring semester. Victoria Ekstrand, an instructor
“We’re so used to either straight Facebook style communication or we’re used to email and this is kind of like a hybrid between the two and I think that’s the hard part.”
students need in order to prove they completed work, and a new system of communication, which resembles that of a social networking site, are why Ekstrand said Canvas might not be the right fit. “Some of it may just be getting used to the new environment,
Victoria Ekstrand | Instructor Using Canvas
improvement over Blackboard. But while there are some things to like about Canvas, Ekstrand
said it still needs more work. Concerns with the lack of a paper trail, which Ekstrand said
See CANVAS | Page 2
Leaving the Falcon’s Nest?
Union dining changes to be voted upon later this month, installed in August
Key
Move not discussed
Steak Escape
Anticipated to leave
BG
Zona Mexicana
By Eric Lagatta Reporter
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Wendy’s 2.Mato 2.Night
To increase variety, options and space, the Union will experience an overhaul before this fall. The plan is to “rip it out” and “start over,” with an anticipated opening day of Aug. 10, said Mike Paulus, director of Dining Services. The project would be self-funded by Dining Services and would not raise student tuition. The Falcon’s Nest will be completely renovated and three new venues will be added, he said. A dining advisory board, consisting of 25 people who reached out to 642 students to vote, selected the top three choices the students voted for, Paulus said. The top three were Chick-fil-A, Papa John’s and Panda Express, which may replace Wendy’s, 2.Mato 2.Night and Zona Mexicana, respectively. Wendy’s contract expires in May, Paulus said. The three venues are not yet official, he said.
*This is meant as an illustration of the possible changes to the Falcon’s Nest at the Union and is not to scale. The actual changes will be voted on later this month and have not been officially determined.
Students can utilize deals, discounts at local eateries By Molly McNamara Reporter
Even with two brand new dining facilities on campus, it can often prove challenging to resist the temptation of local restaurants the city has to offer. Straying from a meal plan swipe and reaching into often shallow college budget pockets, however, can be tough. Luckily, many restaurants offer specials students may not know about. Some places even offer a discount particularly for University students, such as Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders on Main Street. Every Thursday, Mancino’s holds a “College ID” special and students with a valid college ID receive a 20 percent discount on their entire dine-in order. Along with this student special, Mancino’s offers a variety of other daily deals, including a large one-item pizza for $6 on Fridays and two medium pizzas for $10 on Saturdays. Around the corner, on Wooster Street, Dave’s Cosmic Subs offers a deal for those with
GUESS WHO?
MORE BANG FOR YOUR
BUCK PART 3 OF A 5 PART SERIES
a case of the “Mondays,” said employee Dave Riesberg. “Every person who comes in on Mondays gets to spin the wheel, and no matter what, there is some sort of prize for every customer,” Riesberg said. “It can be a free sub, brownie, 10 to 20 percent off their order or a number of other things.” Speedy Burrito, located behind Domino’s on Wooster Street, utilizes its Facebook page to attract customers with deals and discounts. Owner Rick Cruz often posts
BGNEWS.COM
Popular culture on the move
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See NEST | Page 2
Visit our website on Thursday for information about a possible move for the University’s Popular Culture Department.
See BUCK | Page 2
ALYSSA GANNON | THE BG NEWS
ITHRAN KANOYTON, senior, was up on stage with “psychological illusionist” Joshua Seth as he guessed the name of the person Ithran was thinking of. Seth hosted a mind reading show Tuesday night in the Union Ballroom. He was nominated as both Best Male Artist and Best Live Novelty Artist of 2012 by Campus Activities Magazine.
SPORTS
Senior athletes take leadership role Seniors Parker Hewit and Drew Preston take on leadership roles within the University men’s golf team in the upcoming season. | PAGE 6
FORUM
Social media attracts readers In his debut column, Social Media Editor Alex Alusheff discusses how he uses the Internet to promote news and shows how it helps keep journalism alive. | PAGE 5
Where do you go for inexpensive food? Gas stations.
STEVE DIBBLE Sophomore, VCT