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Satisfaction surveys Once again, students prefer college life to many alternatives
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Absences declining Students head to class even with illness or other distracting circumstances
theTriniphonian Volume 111, Issue 5
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www.trinitonian.com
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Serving Trinity University Since 1902
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September 20, 2013
New walkway bridges academic disciplines Old meets New: Chapman Center hooks up with CSI by Brick Skywalker NEWS REPORTER As the new Center for Sciences and Innovation is perfected, students and staff have been greeted this year with the walkway bridge between the new CSI and Chapman Center. This new walkway lets students easily walk from the second floor of Chapman to the second floor of CSI without having to climb up and down two flights of stairs or braving the ever-changing San Antonio weather. While the convenience of the walkway is wonderful for both students and staff, the symbolism of the crosswalk is what truly makes it, and all of Trinity University, special.
Benefits
Recently ranked as one of the best universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report for the 22nd consecutive year, Trinity has long been considered a progressive and highly academic university. The walkway from Chapman to CSI serves as a reminder to everyone of the important relationship between the humanities and the sciences in a student’s education. “When we decided to connect these two buildings, we wanted to reinforce to current students, faculty and staff, and prospective students that when you come to here, you get an outstanding education that encompasses all of the disciplines,” said Harold Halemouth, director of meaningful gestures. “By making a walkway that joins these two buildings, the relationship between the sciences and the humanities is showcased for all to see.” Not only does this
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Walking
• Maintain a healthy weight • Prevent/manage various conditions, like heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes • Strengthen bones • Lift mood • Improve balance and coordination Source: Health Institute
connection signify the unity between disciplines, it also shows Trinity’s commitment to bridging the past and the present. Chapman is one of the oldest buildings on campus while CSI is the newest. By linking these two buildings together, Trinity can look to the future while reflecting on the past. Since it is both future- and pastoriented, Trinity is able to give an outstanding education to its students. “Trinity prides itself on being both a progressive university, and a university that prides itself on tradition. This walkway is a symbol of that belief,” said Walker Ahlbridge, coordinator of public awarenss in the Office of Image. The five-story building that is the hub of CSI opened its doors to rave reviews from both students and faculty. The walkway is an important symbol for all of us at Trinity.
Disadvantages
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photo by D’Cade Spanner
The walkway from CSI to Chapman connects an old building with a new building and the sciences with the humanities.
Cars
• Pollution • Decrease in exercise leads to serious health problems, death • Expensive to buy • Expensive to maintain • Risk of accidents • Difficult to park • Road rage Source: Tomorrow Society
Bollards improve health while decreasing crime Short polls stand strong against cars, theft, sloth by Gooden Strohl NEWS EDITOR
Due to recently installed bollards--specifically between the football field and the Bell Center--students no longer have to worry about the hundreds of cars that used to whiz around campus, threatening life and limb. The waist-high poles that prevent cars from driving from parking lot to parking lot were installed in an effort to encourage walking. Anty Carrz, director of campus navigation, thinks the bollards do a world of good.
“The bollards normalize campus by turning it into an ideal neighborhood. Everything is within walking distance, and nothing threatens walkers,” Carrz said. The bollards create a safe environment by discouraging unknown cars from driving through campus. Statistics show that installing steel poles in the ground makes it more difficult for cars to drive around campus. One study even suggests that bollard installment reduces crime, specifically theft. With the bollards discouraging unwanted visitors, the Trinity University Police Department can now devote more time to benefitting students in other ways. “In regards to the bollards all I can say is this: since they were installed, we haven’t had to write a single ticket on that road that
runs between the football field and the Bell Center. That’s a fact,” TUPD officer Tick Righter said. Several students have complained about the bollards. “The complainers tend to be out of shape, even lazy,” Righter said. “Most students appreciate what the bollards have done for the campus.” “The bollards seem pretty cool. I don’t have a car, so I already walk everywhere. It is nice to not have to constantly look over my shoulder in fear of being mowed down by a rogue car,”said sophomore Walker Dally. Dally also thinks the bollards encourage and promote money management. “If you don’t have to spend money on car insurance and gas, you can spend it at the movies or on snacks. Really, these bollards are maybe the best part of campus,” Dally said.
Sophomore Thomas Garcia is glad the bollards prompt him to hoof it from his room in Prassel to Mabee Dining Hall. “I just love having to walk across campus all day,” Garcia said. Unlike the first year halls located near the dining hall and other halls closer to academic buildings, Prassel and Thomas halls of Trinity’s Sophomore College program are nicely isolated in the corner of campus. “I pay attention in class and have so much energy,” sophomore Julia Smith, a Thomas resident, said. “I love the long walks to anywhere,” Smith said. A recent Counseling Services survey suggests regular walking improves romantic relationships, and Judy D’heart isn’t surprised. “I am positively overcome and breathless when I climb the steps by the pool,” the junior said.
Dropped wi-fi: symptom or savior? by Gig Abbott While the Trinity computer network is secure and monitored for proper use, overuse can strain Internet connections. Studies suggest a break from the Internet is healthy. Students should get outside and interact with others face-to-face during connection gaps, scientists say. “Being on your computer or the Internet all the time limits your abilities with real-time social interaction,” said Professor of Internet Sociology Vita Mincee. “Taking a break means relaxing your brain.” Mincee pointed to walks, coffee breaks, and meeting up with friends as positive alternatives to connection gap frustration. Studies have shown that frequent Internet users suffer from a condition called “Popcorn Brain,” the expectation that real-time events happen with the same frequency and high energy as what is online. Connection gaps are a natural antidote to Popcorn Brain.
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News
theTriniphonian SEPT.20.2013
Students study abroad, get jobs after graduation Six continents put out their welcome mats mats for Trinity
Most Trinity students who study abroad elect to do so during their junior year. Many Trinity graduates say they learned skills while traveling that helped them get jobs.
by Juanna Visa NEWS REPORTER Trinity University offers diverse and in depth study abroad programs This fall, over 200 Trinity students are not settling into classes on Trinity’s campus. They aren’t adjusting to the heat, and they aren’t ordering a pepperoni pizza bagel from Einstein’s everyday for lunch. Instead, these 200 students are studying abroad. Trinity offers study abroad programs in over 35 countries on six continents, and in addition to the 200 students studying abroad this fall, another 150 will study abroad this coming spring semester. The diversity of Trinity’s student abroad programs and countries attracts a steady stream of students. They are all eager to immerse themselves in a new country and to learn invaluable life lessons. Senior Newt Hings cannot sing praises for his study abroad experience loud
Graphic by Statz Rachet enough. Hings claims that none of it would have been possible without the aid and support of the study abroad office. “I spent the fall of my sophomore year in Paris, France. The experience was incredible,” Hings said.
“Not only was I surrounded by French citizens and their incredible culture, but I learned valuable skills that I will put to use once I leave Trinity. I couldn’t have done it without Trinity and all their resources,” Hings said. Other students have also
had positive experiences with the services provided by the study abroad office. Many call their trips “life changing.” “What was the most amazing part of Trinity’s study abroad program was how the time you spent there was very authentic of your
respondents associated cats with low grades. “Staff and faculty resigning from positions at Trinity often mention that they will miss the cats,” said Kathleen Knipp, a psychologist in Human Resources. Anthropologist John Tigres, Ph.D., explained cats and humans have lived together for a long time with no disadvantage to either species. In fact, the relationship could be mutually beneficial. “I expected college to be difficult. I expected to struggle to maintain the grades for my scholarship,” said a survey respondent living in South Residence Hall. “College has not been as
difficult as I expected. I study, and I remember all of the information so well.” South Residence Hall is home to a favorite Trinity cat, Brother. Many Trinity students interact with the cats every day. Some students are responsible for feeding the cats. Others pet them. The evidence of the positive impact of Trinity cats is overwhelming and continues to pile up every day. “Steve Jobs may have owned a cat named Apple,” said Tigres. “History is full of successful people with cats.” “I have spoken to students who say the Trinity cats decrease their feelings
of homesickness,” said Residential Life Coordinator Jane Simpson. “Animals can be so much easier to interact with. Awkward students find the cats are easy to talk to and these students don’t transfer.” Scientists have visited the campus to study and confirm the various effects of the cats on Trinity students. The overwhelming conclusion is that the benefits of the cats are very real and more universities should consider the strategy. Not surprisingly, Trinity University is at the forefront of this revolutionary concept that may seriously shake up the way we view higher education.
country. You were really living there, you wen’t just a tourist who was taking some classes here and there,” junior Seetha Whorl said. In addition to the student and staff testimonies, Trinity also ranks as the 10th best college study abroad office in U.S. News & World Report. These standings take into account how many programs are offered, the number of students who study abroad, the number of professors involved in the programs and the amount of funding the study abroad office receives. “Here at Trinity we strive to offer all students a chance to study abroad no matter what their financial situations is. Last year 75% of students who studied abroad received some sort of financial aid towards their travels and also all scholarships for the school year can be used for studying abroad,” Trav Mahny, director of study abroad finances, said. Trinity encourages all students to go abroad at one point in their Trinity careers because of all the wonderful experiences gained through the study abroad programs and how they have a positive lifelong impact on all the students who have used one of these programs.
Scientists explore relationships between cats, learning, memory Other institutions may consider programs like Trinity Cat Alliance by Tawny Browne NEWS REPORTER Having cats at Trinity provides a noticeable and tangible difference in student life, student and staff surveys indicate. On a recent Campus Life survey, 76.7 percent of student respondents said cats improved or did not influence how much information they retained on a test. No
Who can resist?
Would Aramark win a contest? -by Hahm Sammies
Some members of the Trinity Community believe Aramark could win awards for its innovative food service programs. “Yes, I believe we could win,” said Aramark employee Jim Turner. “We are so honored people think we could win,” said dining room director Jane Stevens. “We are proud to see that all of our hard work is appreciated.” Trinity University Dining Services renovated Mabee Dining Hall a year ago when it also implemented new dining locations--Einstein Bros. Bagels and a P.O.D. convenience store. This fall, the popular Taco Taco came to campus with a cafe in Coates University Center.