the
Prairie
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012
The sTudenT newspaper of wesT Texas a&M universiTy
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Volume 94, Issue XIV theprairiewt
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Newly-renovated building to open on WT campus
Engineering and Computer Science will have a new home JaCob Cain
sTaff wriTer
A
fter several months of labor, the WTAMU is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly-renovated Engineering and Computer Science
phoTo by JaCob Cain Engineering and Computer Science sign located at the entrance of the building.
building, which is located east of the Agriculture and Natural Sciences building. While the building is not yet finished, it is already being used for a combustion class. Charles Minich, superintendent for Western Builders, has been working on the project since March 13 . “[The building has] a big lecture hall, three classrooms, a couple of labs, a computer lab, and offices,” said Minich. “Of course, in the future, they’ve got the whole second floor to build.” While the building still has some work that needs to be done, Engineering students are excited about having a new building. “I’m so excited about the new building,” Grant Spruell, a junior Mechanical Engineering major, said. “It’s going to be really cool.” ”I think it’s great for advertising if you drive by it,” Erin Cortez, a junior Mechanical Engineering major,
said. “The building should hold more students.” Minich also pointed out the work done to restore the exterior of the building. “It’s pretty much like an all new
building,” he said. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at the Engineering and Computer Science building on Jan. 31 at 11:30 a.m. Those wishing to attend should RSVP by calling 806-651-1990.
phoTo by Lisa heLLier Engineering and Computer Science will be located east of the Agriculture and Natural Science building.
WT transfer students share transition challenges MoniCa GaMberT sTaff wriTer
T
he application process in order to be accepted into a university can be a hassle. However, applying to a university as a transfer student can be an even bigger challenge. “The hardest part about being a transfer student was trying to make friends and get involved,” Kylie Berry, a junior Advertising and
InsIde
Public Relations major, said. “ I got involved in the Mass Communications department from the first day, it helped me make great friends.” Jessica Walters, a junior Graphic Design major, transferred from Collin College. She agreed that transitioning to a new school was tough. “My transition was ok, I was pretty sad at first because it was so new and I don’t make friends easily but I’m glad I’m here,” she
said. WT offers Transfer Services to assist students in making the transition less nerve-racking. They offer scholarships to transfer students as well as provide Transfer Student Orientations at the beginning of the semester. “WT Transfer Services really helped me find myself,” said Berry, who transferred from the University of New Mexico in the fall of 2010. “I went to
transfer student orientation. This was where I found out what I wanted to do with my life. It turns out I had always known what I wanted to do, but my advisor at ENMU put me in the wrong major.” Luke S. Goudy a recent transfer student from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, also found Transfer Services to be useful. “The Orientation helped me schedule my classes, got me
my Buff Gold Card, and made me aware of all the services available to the students,” said Goudy. “My favorite part I’d have to say was the tour of the campus.” Although Transfer Services assist students with transitioning to a new school, some spring semester transfers have faced unique challenges.
Transfer Students continued on p. 5
sporTs:
news:
enTerTainMenT:
CaMpus Life:
feaTure:
Men’s Basketball loses close game at ENMU.
Rick Perry out of the GOP race.
Try your hand at Sudoku, Try Squares, or Crossword!
Recipients of the Killgore Research Center grants have been posted.
WTAMU students react to SOPA.
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