The Optimist Print Edition: 09.28.11

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Bid Nightmares Pledges endure evening of fun and frenzy

vol. 100, no. 10

wednesday, september 28, 2011

Features page 5

1 SECTION, 8 PAGES

tuition

University to adopt block tuition

It was really nice to see dancers from my own culture.”

HANNAH BARNES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

-Rebekah hernandez, senior psychology major from san antonio

The university will implement a block tuition plan beginning in fall 2012, Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, told members of faculty and staff yesterday. “It not only improves the affordability of a degree, but it provides additional flexibility for students,” said Schubert. Under the new block tuition plan, students can take a minimum of 24 hours to a maximum of 36 hours per year for one price, including general fees. Students will be able to split their hours over both semesters, as well as in summer. Many universities, including the majority of those ACU competes with which most heavily, have block tuition plans.

Daniel gomez chief Photographer Traditional Mexican folkloric performers dance in front of a crowd of onlookers with the ACU fountain in the background. The performers put on a show as part of the Entra a la Plaza fiesta celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in front of the Hunter Welcome Center.

It not only improves the affordability of a degree, but it provides additional flexibility for students.” Dr. Phil Schubert President of the University

Kevin Campbell, chief enrollment officer, proposed the change in tuition to Schubert and other administrators. “It is designed to reduce the cost of a degree and to ensure that students have every bit of resources available to graduate on time,” Campbell said. He says the administration hopes to make ACU more affordable for students and encourage them to graduate in four years. The concept of affordability, graduation rate and student debt have been ongoing for years and years, Campbell said. Block tuition benefits the university because it allows for more reliable budgeting and more consistent revenue based on the number of students enrolled. To get a perspective from students on the tuition block, Campbell said he consulted Students’ Association president Connor Best, senior political science major from Sacramento, Calif., and other SA members. see tuition page 4

University

ACU Medical and Counseling Care Center relocates julie coppedge contributing reporter The ACU Counseling Center and ACU Medical Clinic have relocated from their old home in McKinzie Hall to the new Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The new Medical and Counseling Care Center opened with the rest of the Rec Center on Sept. 2. The MACCC is furnished with first-class equipment and technology, said MACCC administrative assistant Cindy Gravitt. “I love it. I just think it’s a more professional environment,” Gravitt said.

“I think the students recognize it as a legitimate medical facility, which it has always been, but it’s nice to not be operating out of a dorm and to have all new equipment.” The new location is much more pleasent for students to visit than the old location was, said Walker Johnson, junior nutrition major from Aledo. “It is completely different,” Johnson said. “The facilities are 10 times nicer.” The MACCC offers services to any ACU student currently enrolled in classes as well as spouses and children of students. Services include the treatment of most minor illnesses, allergy shots, im-

munizations, acute asthma treatment, wound care, orthopedic care, lab services and the diagnosis and treatment of sprains, strains and simple fractures. The clinic also offers psychiatric services. Students can receive oneon-one therapy as well as medication treatment. Additional fees apply for mental health services. The MACCC operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Psychiatric services are offered Monday 2-4 p.m., Wednesday 1-4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. The MACCC is closed during chapel. The MACCC is found at the northwest entrance

of the Rec Center between Moody Coliseum and the Teague Special Events Center. “We loved our home over in McKinzie, and the nurses and doctors worked really hard to make it functional and work,” Gravitt said. “But we feel really blessed to be over here, and we are really enjoying it.” Johnson said the facility is clean and innovative and houses a friendly, helpful staff. “I feel like they want to take care of you,” said Johnson. adrian patenaude staff Photographer

contact coppedge at jac08b@acu.edu

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