THE BG NEWS
Union
ary r b i L
ESTABLISHED 1920 | An independent student press serving the campus and surrounding community
Friday, August 23, 2013
Volume 93, Issue 1
Variety of study spots may help students focus
Studying is something some students may master during their time at the University. However students prefer to study, if it is by themselves or with friends, there are places to study in town or on campus. Some students prefer to just do their homework in their room and some prefer to do it in the library but there are also coffee shops and bakeries downtown to study.
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Dining halls change up menus, offer nutrition kiosks
framework
By Cameron Teague Robinson Assistant Sports Editor
FEELING LOST?
Check out the campus map for some direction on Page 4.
By Abby Welsh News Editor
Dining Services will be shaking up eating options this year, as certain eating facilities will feature new equipment, specials and menu items. “After looking at a combination of student feedback from satisfaction surveys, focus groups and recommendations from our Dining Advisory Board, implements to change certain things in the menus, service formats and brands were necessary,” said Mike Paulus, director of Dining Services. “Students will enjoy the
for
success
See DINING | Page 11
See PLACES | Page 11
Certain courses suggested for first year success By Amber Petkosek Social Media Editor
For freshmen coming to the University for the first time, knowing where to start with the college experience can be difficult. One part of the college experience that can be especially difficult is choosing what classes to take. During their first semester at the University it is suggested that freshman take BG perspective, or “general education” classes, said Dermot Forde, the director in the office of advising services. “We have quite a few undecided [majors], and even the students who have declared a major, some of them will change their minds, so they want to make sure what they’re taking
See CLASSES | Page 11
Changes in housing may enhance student life By Patrick Pfanner Reporter
While some students worked on their tans this summer, the University overhauled some of its residence halls. Offenhauer, McDonald Hall and the Kreischer Quadrangle were among the residence halls that received major internal and external work, said Residence Life Director Sarah Waters.
See ROOMS | Page 4 PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
Freshmen class brings highest Increase in tuition to be used for general operations GPA in University history Money will not be used for recent building renovations 160 less lower-scoring applicants admitted, above average students recruited By Alex Alusheff Managing Editor
This year’s incoming freshman class is raising the bar as the smartest in University history. With a class size of roughly 3,500, the average GPA is 3.31, the highest average so far, said Gary Swegan, director of admissions. The average ACT score is 22.59, the best since 1991. Joining the class will be 490 outof-state students, 230 who are from Michigan and 670 multicultural students. While the class size is down from 3,635 this past year and 3,899 in 2011, the final number for this year’s class won’t be released until 15 days after classes begin. Even though it’s a smaller class, Swegan is content with quality over quantity. “It’s a credit to the entire campus,” he said. “We’re really pleased with the quality piece.” The University was able to achieve this success in part by a change in admission criteria. By accepting 160 less students on the lower end of
the ACT scoring scale, such as 17, the University was able to recruit more students who scored 24 or above, bumping the overall average, Swegan said. Some incoming freshmen don’t think this tactic is fair. “I feel it would make people try harder to get into college but also discourage others from even enrolling,” said freshman Morgan Schneider. “I didn’t think of college until my junior and senior year and luckily I had a good enough GPA to be accepted.” Schneider finished high school with a 3.2 GPA and said being in the smartest freshman class would make her try harder to get better grades. “I am already nervous about getting good grades and starting off smart,” she said. “In high school I screwed around in the beginning so I am going to have to buckle down and work hard.” Fortunately for freshmen worried about adjusting to college life, the University has programs specifically catered to it. “For all new students our primary goals we have is to adjust them to
FALCON’S YEAR IN REVIEW The BG athletic program had many things to celebrate from it’s 2012-2013 school year. Check out all of its accomplishments from this past athletic year. | PAGE 7
academic expectations of college and help them get engaged,” said Andy Alt, director of First Year Programs. Following move-in day, freshmen will participate in an extended orientation and be introduced to the four pillars of success: academic success, career development, leadership and engagement and personal and fiscal responsibility, Alt said. “Getting engaged and involved is critical to retention,” he said. The retention rate from fall 2012 to spring 2013 was 89.5 percent. The rate from fall 2012 to fall 2013 will be available Sept. 9. Alt hopes to see the retention rate increase by 2 to 4 percent each year. A way the University is looking to increase retention is by linked courses, an initiative from the provost’s office where students take two or three of the same classes together. Schneider likes the initiative and sees it as a way to get to know other students better and work together. As the year draws nearer, Schneider is more thrilled about being a freshman than worrying about school.
The ‘Big picture’
University President Mary Ellen Mazey encourages students to look at the “big picture” and work hard during their time at the University. Check out her letter to incoming students. | PAGE 5
By David Skowronski Web Editor
Students might have noticed an email earlier this summer telling them tuition will be raised. In the email, President Mary Ellen Mazey stated that the Board of Trustees approved a two percent increase in tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students. Tuition will be about $106 more per semester in fall 2013 for full-time, in-state undergraduate students. “We’ve lost nearly $30 million of state funding since the summer of 2009,” said Sheri Stoll, chief financial officer. “That represents a loss of almost 30 percent.” In 2008, 2009 and half of 2010, tuition was not raised because the state held funding flat or gave a funding increase, she said. The total budget for the 2013-2014 school year is almost $3 million less than this past year, Stoll said. Even though the University has raised tuition, it still doesn’t fix everything. The money generated by the tuition increase does not replace all of
SMOOTH MELODIES
Bowling Green has many musicians throughout the town. Check out The Pulse to get insight into a few of their sounds and learn about the scene. | PAGE 9
the money lost due to the decreased state support, Stoll said. Some students think the extra money they are paying toward tuition now is being used to pay for all the renovations around campus. “I see the tuition increase going toward the new renovations to the University,” said senior Kayla Fackler. Senior Doug Hawkey also thinks the money is going toward renovations. “We have to pay more money and the whole campus is under construction, it’s stupid,” Hawkey said. The money will go toward the University’s general operating budget, which includes things like faculty salaries, health insurance and electricity, Stoll said. If students have questions about tuition and the budget they can contact the department of finance and administration, she said. The approved budgets for the University are also available on the University’s website under A-Z links,
See TUITION | Page 11
Where is your favorite place to study? “Happy Badger, it’s not on campus, but it’s a quiet place and they have great food.” Chris Hatfield Junior, Graphic Design