The Miami Student Oldest university newspaper in the United States, established 1826
VOLUME 138 NO. 3
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
MIAMI UNIVERSITY OXFORD, OHIO
In 1964, The Miami Student reported the university was spending approximately $17,000 each year on grass repair. The director of alumni relations at the time said, “Miami’s campus is in the worst shape in 18 years.”
Students apply for jobs online On-campus employment system continues to undergo changes By Courtney Day and Mary Kate Linehan
be considered for employment by any university department. In the past, departments had their own hiring processes and at some on-campus jobs students could be hired immediately without filling out extensive paperwork. However, employers had inadequate records of employees, the Office of Human Resources had to read hand-written
For The Miami Student
Student employees and on-campus employers alike are adjusting to a new application process. Starting this semester, students have been required to create an online account and fill out an electronic application in order to
triplicate forms and enter data into the payroll system and students had to make special trips to both their work location and the student employment office. The new electronic process shortens the time between when a student is hired and when they can clock in for payment. “In the past, we’ve normally run several days behind,” Kate
Stoss, director of compensation employment and technology, said. “This year we’ve actually had no delay.” The new process also has the convenience of allowing students to apply at any time of the day and from any location. From the perspective of the
wSee APPLICATIONS, page 9
CAMPUS
FSB energy evaluation surprises officials
By Courtney Day and Eileen Lane For The Miami Student
The Farmer School of Business (FSB), which received a silver status from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Organization (LEED) on March 25, uses about half the amount of energy used by similar buildings on campus, according to Tony Ferraro, energy management engineer at Miami University. Ferraro said FSB uses about 59.7 kBtu per square foot, while the Psychology Building uses 113.6 kBtu per square foot. Partially because it operates 24 hours daily, he said, King Library uses 125 kBtu per square foot. Ferraro cites several factors in the level of efficiency of FSB, including higher quality windows, more insulation, fans that change output depending on the load
wSee ENERGY, page 9
CAMPUS
Task force presents findings to senate
By Adam Giffi Senior Staff Writer
The university senate met Monday, Aug. 30 to hear the recommendations of the Strategic Priorities Task Force (SPT). If these recommendations, designed for implementation over a five-year plan, are followed, big changes are in store for Miami University. S t e v e Markoff, c o m mittee chair of SPT, explained to the senate that, according to findings, Miami can’t continue on the path that it is currently on. The study was based solely on data from the Oxford campus. “We’re recommending a move to a more modified budget model where we’re looking at not only costs and revenue generated, but also building in incentives to encourage departmental programs to offer programs and majors that will actually generate revenue,” Markoff said. What this means for the student body at large is that, under this budget model, programs will be cut. The plan proposes not only
wSee SENATE, page 8
SCOTT ALLISON The Miami Student
COMMUNITY
State encounters rise in bed bugs
By Chelsea Naughton For The Miami Student
Bed bugs, once thought to be an issue of the past, are on the rise in the United States, particularly in Ohio. Also known as the “wall louse,” these tiny bloodsuckers are turning up in beds and clothes, causing quite a stir and raising questions as to why they have returned with such force. Jen House, spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Health, said bed bugs are turning up in the U.S. primarily due to increased travel to places where bed bugs are still prominent.
“We are seeing increased amounts of travel to other parts of the world and country where bed bugs are still around and then bring them back to their home,” House said. The bed bugs have also developed an immunity to pesticides that are safe to use in the home, making their removal much more difficult. House also said bed bugs are not a recent problem, but rather something that has been on the rise for some time. “As more people learn, more people will identify that they have a problem,” House said. The most recent insurgence
of bed bugs is best attributed to the increased public education on the subject, House said. There has not been much issue at Miami regarding bed bugs. In fact, many students knew little about the issue. “I honestly didn’t know anything about it, but that’s disturbing to think about,” junior Sam Maras said. Miami senior David Keys was also not aware of the problem, but voiced a desire for more student education on how to avoid an infestation. Despite the fact that many students may not be aware of
KEEPING THE BUGS AT BAY Educate yourself. It’s the best way to stop an infestation early, according to House. Adult bed bugs grow about 4 to 5 mm long and are brown in color with a flat, oval-shaped body, according to the EPA. Young bed bugs, or nymphs, are smaller and lighter in color. Bed bugs attach themselves to a host and feed on blood and are most likely to be found anywhere they can easily attach to a human. When traveling, check body and clothes for the bugs to avoid bringing them home and keep suitcases off the floor where the bugs can easily get in them. In the home, bed bugs can live in any space that is wider than a credit card. To reduce hiding places, cut the clutter and wash sheets regularly. Bed bugs can also jump from host to host, allowing them to spread further.
wSee BUGS, page 8
THE
INSIDESCOOP
PAINT THE TOWN RED
Cincinnati’s hometown team remains in playoff contention.
SPORTS, page 14
CREATURES INVADE
Miami’s art museum unveils its new exhibit.
CLEAN SWEEP
CAMPUS, page 3
Both the soccer and field hockey teams rocked it this weekend.
GO BRAVES!
Talawanda Schools receive high marks from the state.
COMMUNITY, page 4
CRASH COURSE
GET WARPED
Three bands who performed at this summer’s Vans Warped Tour share their experiences.
FEATURES, page 6
Love our Thumbs section in Editorial? Check out our new interactive Thumbs online and submit your own!
COMMUNITY, page 4
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WWW.MIAMISTUDENT.NET FEATURES: GET WARPED! Check out a photo gallery of the Vans Warped Tour in Cincinnati.
SPORTS, page 14
Bikers will need to pay more attention to obeying traffic laws.
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SPORTS: PROMPT PREDICTING Our columnists provide thoughts about the MAC and the NFL this year.
POLL: EMPLOYMENT Have you used the new online employment system?