Dance of the Decades photo review
The Vol. 113, Issue 15
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Living, page 9
Living, page 8
BEACON
Thursday February 9, 2012
[ Less drama, more dance] THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER
www.upbeacon.net
Jackie Jeffers | THE BEACON
Sarah Hansell Staff Writer hansell14@up.edu
AC E BE
la Kay
This year’s Dance of the Decades was more tame than last year’s. Public Safety issued five minor in possession citations, one of which was revoked, according to the Public Safety Daily Crime and Fire Log. Also, there were no hospitalizations in connection with the dance at the Crystal Ballroom Saturday night. This is an improvement from last year’s dance, when five minor in possession citations were issued, three students were hospitalized, one was sent to detoxification facilities and the bar at the Crystal Ballroom was shut down after a student stole wristbands intended for students 21 and over. Organizers were pleased at the lack of drama this year.
H g|T Won
Ian Hilger | THE BEACON
“There were a couple of minor issues here and there, which is to be expected of a college event, but overall it was a great event,” CPB director and junior Sean Ducey said. The drinking-related issues during Dance of the Decades included a student having a flask disguised as a camera, one student vomiting on the bus, one
student urinating on the bus and four drunk students over 21 with a blood alcohol level between .18 and .27 being breathalyzed and sent away. “In some cases, they were actually surprised at how much they had in their system,” Student Activities Director Jeromy Koffler said. However, students who were
ON
Dance of the Decades Last year
vs.
• 5 minor in possessions • 3 sent to hospitals • 1 taken to detoxification by police • 3 sent back from the dance to campus • Bar shut down after student stole ID braclets sent away or were refused entry into the dance did not become belligerent, according to Koffler. “All in all, students were very respectful and very compliant, and were there to
This year
• 5 minor in possessions, one of which was revoked • 2 sent back from the dance to campus • 4 students over the age of 21 were sent away because their blood alcohol level was between .18 and .27 enjoy themselves, and they did,” Koffler said. Student Activities and CPB See Dance, page 5
Learning disabilities on the rise ADHD and other disorders require academic accomodations Kate Peifer Staff Writer peifer14@up.edu Sophomore Morgan Wells and her family noticed she was different since Morgan was a little girl. “My mom said she knew something was wrong,” Wells said. “It was difficult for me to do seemingly easy tasks.” Wells was diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety and a visual processing disorder her freshman year of high school, posing new challenges and additional worries when choosing a college.
“I tried to find schools that had the best disabilities programs available which was why I almost went to University of Arizona,” Wells said. “But the problem with the large state schools is the large class size, which posed problems for me.” Wells said UP’s smaller class sizes were the deciding factor in her college decision. According to Health Services Director Paul Myers, there has been a 30 percent increase in students with disabilities at UP since last spring semester. “In the past five years there has been better awareness of students and families of students
with disabilities,” Health Service Coordinator Melanie Gangle said. “Our student population is increasing, thus so too are students with disabilities.” Other reasons UP has seen an increase in students with disabilities include an overall increase in the student population and congressional clarification of the law regarding disabilities. “Congress clarified the ADAA (Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment) to provide access to those who have a disability so they may qualify for accommodations,” Myers said.
“We have a rich, diverse community and a disability is simply a human experience. Everyone knows someone with a disability so it’s a great opportunity to build our awareness and it’s a part of our mission to respect the dignity and learning of all community members.”
Melanie Gangle Health Service Coordinator
The UP population has varying disabilities including visual impairments, cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, ADD and ADHD. “The legal definition has to do with a person having a condition that interferes with daily activities,” Myers said. “To receive accommodations a student must provide documentation stating their condition.” Wells said the accommodations mandated by the federal government help her See Disabilities, page 4