2014-10-21 by The Michigan Daily

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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Ann Arbor, Michigan

ACTIVE LE ARNING

ADMISSIONS

Undergrad enrollment increases marginally ‘U’ received recordbreaking number of applications in 2013

SAM MOUSIGAN/Daily

Ann Arbor residents Eva Rosenwald and Jordan Hams and LSA sophomore Anna Garcia perform a skit designed to demonstrate and tackle the topic of learning disabilities in the classroom at an event hosted by the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching in Palmer Commons Monday.

By ALLANA AKHTAR

Outside investors pair with University entrepreneurs

The University’s undergraduate enrollment increased slightly this year, according to figures released early Monday morning. Undergraduate enrollment for fall 2014 totaled 28,395 students, a 112-student increase from 2013. This year’s freshman class is comprised of 6,505 students, 4.5 percent more last fall. The University also received a record-breaking 49,776 freshman applications, which represents a 6.3-percent increase since 2013. Though undergraduate students make up most of the University’s enrollment, totaling about 65.1 percent of the overall student population, 43,625 students are currently enrolled, representing an 85-student drop from 2013. The University enrolled 15,230 graduate students this year, 197 fewer than last year. Underrepresented minority students make up 10 percent

Partnerships aim to increase Center’s role on campus By MICHAEL SUGERMAN Daily Staff Reporter

In an effort to secure a more sustainable cycle of funding and donations, the Center for Entrepreneurship has paired with two different venture capital firms to continue supporting entrepreneurial endeavors throughout

Ann Arbor and Michigan. Seven individuals, five of whom are affiliated with Michigan eLab and two of whom are associated with Pinnacle Ventures, have agreed to donate a percentage of their salaries to the CFE on an annual basis. Those from Michigan eLab will each contribute five percent of their profits, while those from Pinnacle will give “a significant percentage” of earnings, according to a release from the CFE. Michigan eLab, based in Ann Arbor, and Pinnacle Ventures,

based in Silicon Valley, both partner with entrepreneurs and help accelerate their businesses by providing capital funds and mentorship in exchange for company equity. Dean of Engineering David Munson said in a press release that the donations, which have been coined as a “pay it forward” approach, demonstrate an entirely new form of giving. “The ‘pay it forward’ approach has at its core a fundamental and shared value of entrepreneurship,” Munson said. “Its effects

Daily Staff Reporter

will bring students and faculty into that fold, and significantly impact the future of entrepreneurship education at our college long-term.” Sarah Bachleda, who heads marketing and communications for the CFE, said the goal of the Center is providing entrepreneurship experience. “That’s in classroom, out of the classroom, mentorship, networking,” Bachleda said. “(It’s) the whole thing where you’re really getting experimental See INVESTORS, Page 3

of this year’s freshman class, a slight decline from 10.6 percent in fall 2013. However, the number of underrepresented minority students in the freshman class has remained roughly the same because this year’s larger class size caused their percentage to decline. Over the summer, the University appointed Kedra Ishop as associate vice president for enrollment management, a new position designed to increase coordination and communication between the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid, the Office of the Registrar and the Office of New Student Programs. In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Ishop said she attributed the increase in undergraduate enrollment figures to the University’s high ranking compared to other universities, saying many similar institutions have seen a declining number of applicants in recent years. “Michigan has always had this allure for applicants and I think it’s evidenced by the increasing number of applications,” she said. Last year, members of the Black Student Union called on See ENROLLMENT, Page 3

IN REMEMBRANCE

BUSINESS

Student brought energy, spirit to research work

Verbena sets tone for campus clothing

Engineering graduate Derek Tat passed away Friday in traffic incident By EMILIE PLESSET Daily Staff Reporter

Engineering graduate student Derek Tat passed away on Friday in a traffic accident. Tat, 24, came to the University in January to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. He had previously received degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley and had worked in the private sector. Cynthia Chestek, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering, worked closely with Tat in a laboratory setting, researching brain control and prosthetic care. Chestek said she was excited to begin working with Tat even before he arrived, saying he was the strongest applicant she had ever encountered. “I had never seen an application like that,” she said. “I was so excited when he decided to come to my lab.” According to Chestek, Tat was a dedicated and passionate researcher, frequently working overtime in the lab. He also took on demanding course load in addition to his research. Chestek said she was devastated by Tat’s death, noting he

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was a good person and friend as well as an enthusiastic lab assistant. She said his intense focus and minimalist approach to life could serve as inspiration for everyone — to take every minute for what it’s worth. Chestek said Tat planned to graduate early and eventually become a professor focusing on robotic control and prosthetics. He had also written several papers on his research, which Chestek hopes will be published posthumously. “There was no question he was going to be immensely successful,” she said. “We were shocked.” Jennifer J. Linderman, associate dean for graduate education in the College of Engineering, sent an e-mail to inform the college community of his passing. “The community is certainly reacting with shock and sadness over his death,” Linderman wrote. “It was a terrible, terrible accident and our sympathies go out to the family.” The College of Engineering hosted a ceremony to honor Tat’s life Monday evening. Tat’s parents and sister joined the community for the ceremony. A memorial service will also be held in the coming weeks. “He was incredibly talented, incredibly hardworking, and incredibly generous with his time,” Linderman wrote. “People describe him as a real leader. He was really going places.”

Recently opened boutique hopes to appeal to women on campus By HILLARY CRAWFORD Daily Staff Reporter

CHARLES KOWALEC/Daily

William V. Hampton, president of the Ann Arbor NAACP, speaks at the Ann Arbor City Council meeting Monday.

Council to expand city’s nondiscrimination ordinance Changes impact employment protections, living wage requirements By GENEVIVE HUMMER For the Daily

The Ann Arbor City Council unanimously approved amendments to both the city’s NonDiscrimination Ordinance and the Living Wage Ordinance at their meeting Monday. Non-Discrimination Ordinance The Council’s unanimous decision to expand the city’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance drew cheers from those in attendance.

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The amendment, sponsored by the city’s Human Rights Commission and Councilmembers Jack Eaton (D–Ward 4), Sumi Kailasapathy (D–Ward 1), Christopher Taylor (D–Ward 3), Margie Teall (D–Ward 5) and Chuck Warpehoski (D–Ward 5), seeks to improve non-discrimination protections in housing and employment by changing the wording of the existing ordinance to include provisions regarding gender expression and identity, veteran status, victims of domestic violence, political alignment, arrest record and familial status. Kailasapathy, the Council’s liaison on the city’s Human Rights Commission, said it’s important for Ann Arbor to be a leader in ensuring human rights for its citizens, but he said he believes it hasn’t fulfilled that goal.

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“The state of Michigan is lagging behind in many aspects of non-discrimination and the equality of marriage,” Kailasapathy said in an interview with The Michigan Daily. “I feel at least at a city level if we can set the gold standard then we are doing good.” During public hearings on the amendment, representatives from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the University’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, the transgender community and the SafeHouse Center, a support organization for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, urged councilmembers to approve the ordinance. State Rep. Adam Zemke (D– Ann Arbor) also voiced his support for the amendment in an See COUNCIL, Page 3

The Ann Arbor business scene is known for its turnover — and boutiques are no exception. Pink Pump, for instance, closed its East Liberty Street doors in the beginning of 2013 with patrons blaming high prices and inconsistent hours. Chains such as Pitaya, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel are some of the few stores that prosper in the State Street area, as student budgets might not allow for the pricier clothes in local boutiques. When Verbena owner Kate Duerksen opened her clothing store in August of this year, she had her work cut out for her. The business opened its doors at 309 S. State St. on Aug. 16. All About Blue, which sold University spirit-wear, occupied the space until The M Den bought out the business. Duerksen managed All About Blue, which her father owned. According to the property agreement, the Duerksens kept 1,500 square feet of the space. Next door, The Victors See VERBENA, Page 3

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