Tuesday, April 3, 2012

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UOSA eLeCtiOnS 2012 T u E s DaY, a p R I L 3 , 2 012

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Students have fewer election choices CHASE COOK

Managing editor

Students voting for student government representatives today will find the highest number of uncontested spring election tickets since spring 2007, according to election documents. Today and Wednesday’s election features 13 uncontested tickets out of 18 total tickets - two of which have no candidates running for an open seat,

according to documents requested by the Daily. Overall, only 28 percent of available tickets are up for a contested vote. The spring 2012 election is part of an upward trend in spring elections that features more and more uncontested tickets. The spring elections feature prominent campus leaders, such as UOSA president and vice president and Campus Activities Council chair, as well as Undergraduate Student Congress representatives. Since spring 2003, the average number of uncontested tickets on a spring election ballot was 55 percent. These

numbers do not include spring 2005 and 2006 because the UOSA office did not have records available; in fact the office only had 13 of 21 election reports from the academic year 2001-2002 to the present. Since spring 2009, the percent of uncontested tickets has been at least 70 percent or greater, according to documents. Spring 2010 did feature a low uncontested rate of 27 percent, including four presidential tickets on the ballot. Undergraduate Student Congress representatives make up the majority of see UOSA paGe 3

Comparison of voter turnout, uncontested elections 80 Uncontested elections Voter turnout

60 Percentage

Trends show an increase of uncontested elections and weak voter turnout

No data exists for spring 2005 and spring 2006 elections

40 20 0

2003 2004

The last uncontested presidential election

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Spring election

sourCe: uosa eleCtion reports; GrapH By James Corley

inteRSeSSiOn

nAtiVe AMeRCA

41 classes available for May, August Web registration for next session closes May 13 EMMA HAMBLEN Campus Reporter

pHotos By Carey FlaCK/tHe daily

Zoology sophomore Samantha Benton (left) and piano junior Samantha Bachman chat with David Colbert, Native American studies junior and Mr. Indian OU, outside a tepee set up Monday on the South Oval for the American Indian Student Association’s powwow celebration, marking the beginning of American Indian Month.

Students celebrate Indian culture American Indian Student Association erects tepee, performs traditional ceremonies HILLARY MCLAIN Campus Reporter

Molly Shi Boren wears a traditional shawl given to her by the American Indian Student Association during the association’s powwow celebration. The event included a traditional dance, cedar blessings and stick ball.

A tepee constructed on a main university thoroughfare may be a curious sight in today’s world, but 200 years ago it was not such an unusual event. OU’s American Indian Student Association celebrated its heritage Monday by erecting a tepee and performing ceremonies, along with several other Native American student groups. American Indian Student Life, Sigma Alpha Gamma and Gamma Delta Pi members all took part in

the ceremonies. Just as many classes were letting out Monday morning, Native American students, alumni and faculty marched up the South Oval singing and chanting to the beat of a drum. Around 45 people, many dressed in traditional costumes, took part in the event with several onlookers. American Indian Student Life President Corey Still opened the ceremony by recognizing Native American Student Leaders and

eDitORiAL VOL. 97, NO. 129

© 2012 OU Publications Board FREE — Additional copies 25 cents Campus ........................ Classifieds .................. Life & Arts ................... Opinion ...................... Sports .........................

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nOW OnLine At If you’re deciding whether to check out The Ting Tings’ new album, The Daily’s James Corley can help. (Life & Arts)

May intersession: May 14-June 1 August intersession: July 31-Aug. 17 More info: Contact OU Outreach at 405-3252899. Source: intersession.ou.edu

Requested document and purpose

When an uncontested election leaves you with no options, contact the candidates directly to use your voice. (page 4)

A list of all 2012 Big event sites — To compare the number of sites this year to previous years; to gather information about the site locations. the most recent contract between OU and turnitin.com — To learn how much the university pays to use the website and all other terms and conditions of the contract.

SpORtS OU’s ace pitcher became just the eighth person in school history to reach perfection on the mound Friday. (page 7)

AT A GLANCe intersession

The Daily’s open record requests

Bring opinions, concerns directly to candidates

Band’s sophomore album Ricketts throws first career perfect game a solid continuation

see TEPEE paGe 3

Students can now register for 41 approved summer Intersession classes that will run in a May session from May 14 to June 1 and an August session from July 31 to Aug. 17. Registration for May and August Intersession courses began Monday. Intersession courses can be used to gain credit hours needed to ease course loads during regular semesters or complete a general-education requirement, according to a press release. Online registration closes at 11:59 p. m . M a y 1 3 f o r t h e May Intersession and July 27 for the August Inters ession, Intersession director Renee Williams said in an email. Following these dates, students must contact the Intersession Office during normal operating hours to obtain a course spot, Williams said.

Kelsey HiGley/tHe daily

Chris Woon models indigenous attire at Malaysian Night on Monday. Malay, Chinese and Indian clothing were also represented in the fashion show portion of the performance, which aimed to enforce the bond between cultures. (page 2)

non-identifying aggregate data for the number of withdrawals, drops and failing grades for all May and August 2010 and 2011 intersession courses — To look for trends in performance and completion of intersession courses.

Date requested

Wednesday

Friday

Monday

Visit OUDaily.com/openrecords for a complete list of The Daily’s requests


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