I n d ep en d en t
Issue no.
S t u de nt
V o ic e
o f
B o is e
S tat e
Sin ce
1933
60
April
26
2012
Volume 24
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Boise, Idaho
First issue free
Top Stories
Boards
Riders discuss using wheels among walkers on the Quad.
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‘Til death
Check “yes” if you are in support of putting others to death.
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Comm department 40th anniversary Amy Howarth
Draft Day
Check out our pre draft predictions inside.
CODY FINNEY/THE ARBITER
Communication Department Chair Rick Moore gives the auidence a few laughs while acknowledeging a milestone for his department.
Journalist
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Last Saturday evening, 150 communication alumni, faculty and guests gathered in the Stueckle Sky Center to mark the Department of Communication’s 40th anniversary. Communication-rooted courses, like journalism, speech and debate were part of university curriculum in the 1930s, but until 1972, students couldn’t officially major in communication or graduate with a communication degree. “1972 was an important
year in that some of these diverse elements housed in other places on campus were gathered together to form a department devoted to a wide variety of aspects of communication,” Department Chair Rick Moore said. In the past 40 years the department has expanded the areas of study available to students and now offers eight Bachelor of Arts degrees and one Master of Arts degree and one minor. The department has also recently added two certificate programs—one in public relations and the
other in cinema and digital media studies, said Sara Barrett, senior public relations major and member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. The creation and expansion of the communication department helps Boise State compete with other major universities and it attracts potential students who seek communicationrelated fields, Moore said. Moore also said the department provides students with education in communication theory as well as useful, marketable skills that companies in the
community are seeking. “We have students who do internship and community service in intercultural communication, video production, public relations and many other areas,” Moore said. Moore was the evening’s keynote speaker. His speech touched on the growth and accomplishments of the department and he acknowledged current faculty members while lightheartedly poking fun at them. Barrett said Moore’s speech was the highlight of the evening.
“(He) gave a hilarious faculty roast that all attendees seemed to really enjoy,” Barrett said. Those in attendance browsed department memorabilia from the past 40 years and had their photographs taken with the Blue Turf in the background. “The evening was filled with great memories,” Ali McQuain-Hardy, communication major and Public Relations Student Society of America president, said. The Public Relations Student Society of America planned and hosted the event.
Look before you leap
Weather Today
Stephen Percy Journalist
Mostly Cloudy
79º high
20%
chance of precipitation
Tomorrow
Scattered T-Storms
62º high
60%
chance of precipitation
Sunday
Showers
56º high
40%
chance of precipitation
What’s Inside News Briefs
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The Arbiter
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In comments submitted to Boise Mayor David Bieter and the City Council on April 18, Boise Chief of Police Michael Masterson requested more people be allowed to jump off of bridges. The comments were made regarding a revised Boise River use ordinance which would allow jumping from bridges into the river as long as jumpers land at least 50 feet away from rafters, tubers and other floaters. It is currently a misdemeanor to jump from a bridge into the river regardless of where the jumper lands. However, as bridge jumpers are often minors treating the violation as a misdemeanor results in a lengthy judicial process within the juvenile court system. The new ordinance will ensure youth offenders are not saddled with a criminal record for something as innocuous as jumping into a river. At the same time, treating violations as infractions with a fine of $56.60 will allow police to issue tickets to irresponsible jumpers without going through the hassle of making an arrest. Boise City Councilmember Lauren McLean is in favor of the new river use ordinance and intends to vote for it. McLean
savanah irving/THE ARBITER
Current ordinance prohibits jumping off bridges into the river, also commonly known as river jumping. expects the ordinance to pass on May 8 and take effect on May 14. “The proposal strikes a fair balance between safety, fun and responsibility,” McLean said. Along with bridge jumping, the new ordinance will allow the Parks Director to open new areas of the river to boogie boarders and bungee surfers. Blocking bridges and pathways along the Greenbelt will also be treated as an infraction and will
result in the same fine as a jumping infraction. According to Masterson, a warning period will be in effect during the early part of the float season. Officers will focus on warning and educating the public prior to issuing citations. Lieutenant Tony Plott of the Boise Police Department cautions bridge jumping enthusiasts to look before they leap. “Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s safe,” Plott said.
McLean said the ordinance “holds jumpers responsible while making it clear that they jump at their own risk.” If the ordinance goes into effect, signs will be posted in strategic locations to notify cannonballers, jack-knifers and belly-floppers of the regulations and risks involved. River jumpers will be responsible for assessing the safety of their aerial feats. It should be noted that while some bridges
serve as prime locations for taking a refreshing plunge, others just don’t have enough water underneath them. If you are new to the sport of bridge jumping and want to learn more, float down the river on any summer afternoon and stop when you see a crowd of youthful faces peering over the railing of a foot bridge. They will provide you with further instruction. arbiteronline.com