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TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012
FEATURES
SPORTS
LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2012
UCR LOSES CLOSE GAME TO LONG BEACH
ON PAGE 10
ON PAGE 20
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ASUCR meeting update
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C a l i f o r n i a , R ive r s i d e
UCR sees record number of applicants
Statistics indicate an increase of nearly 4,000 freshman applications to UCR for fall 2012.
Andie Lam CONTRIBUTING WRITER
J o n at h a n G o d o y /HIGHLANDER
E r i c G a m b oa SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Last week’s ASUCR meeting witnessed the passage of a UCI 11 resolution within weeks of the controversial incident’s two year anniversary. The majority of the meeting, however, was centered on the public forum as numerous students voiced their grievances regarding ASUCR’s alleged lack of transparency and connection with the students. The discussion period revealed that some senators still held reservations regarding the UCI 11 resolution. One point of contention was a clause in the resolution that called upon the UC Riverside administration to issue a public apology for “wrongly reprimanding” the students involved—a requirement which some senators deemed unwarranted. Senator David Falstein voiced his disapproval with the purpose of the resolution itself, stating, “It’s one thing to have free speech, but it’s another thing to prevent the free speech of others.” Prior to voting for the resolution, senators voted in favor of a motion to change the vote from a closed ballot to an open ballot. Ultimately, all but three senators (two voted against the resolution, one voted to abstain) voted in approval of the resolution. “I’m glad that the resolution was finally passed but I
got a little concerned that it wasn’t passed earlier,” stated Senator Derek Roberts, expressing his relief and alluding to the fact that numerous UC campuses had already passed similar resolutions nearly two years ago. The public comment period at the end of the meeting revealed an impassioned audience who had come prepared to confront ASUCR senators. The public comment period was extended over three separate times, each of which required a separate motion and two-thirds approval by senators in order to accommodate the large audience. ASUCR President Stephen Lee’s involvement in Chancellor White’s task force and an alleged lack of senators’ efforts at communicating with constituents were among the forefront of the public forum. “We do our best to try to communicate with [the student body] through mass emails, tabling sessions and through Facebook even…We’re doing everything on our part, I feel like we’re coming in half way,” said Lee amid claims that ASUCR was not reaching out to students. Members of the audience countered that forms of online communication were insufficient to reach students and that additional efforts should be taken. UC Riverside student Micah Carlson ASUCR CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
THIS WEEK’S EVENTS WED 2/01
RAC DJ and Demon Slayer 8:00pm-11:00pm The Barn
THUR 2/02
One Free Copy
The University of California has released application statistics for the 2012-2013 school year, revealing that its campuses have received a soaring amount of undergraduate applications for the upcoming school year, especially from out-of-state students. Figures released by the UC Office of the President show that the University of California has received a total of 126,300 freshman applications, up 19 percent from the previous year. This number consists of about 93,000 students from California, a 9.8 percent rise from last year, and 33,000 applicants from other states and countries, a tremendous 56 percent increase. The number of applications from international students has rocketed this year in accordance with the UC’s attempt to enroll more out-of-state stu-
L e e n a B u t t /HIGHLANDER
dents who have to pay significantly higher tuition fees compared to in-state tuition. The effort to increase campus funds will require non-Californians to fork over an extra $23,000 on top of regular tuition cost and fees. Statistics show that nonresidents comprise 7 percent of all undergraduates at UC campuses. The UC Regents have discussed capping the amount at 10 percent. In addition, newly minimized testing requisites have also contributed to the trend of increased applicants at the UC campuses. As announced last year, students seeking admission into the University of California system will no longer be required to submit SAT subject test scores. For fall 2012, UC Riverside received 29,879 applications for freshman admittance compared to 26,037 last year. In an interview with the Highlander, UC Riverside Director of Admissions Merlyn UC TRENDS CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Campus holds vigil for hospitalized students E r i c G a m b oa SENIOR STAFF WRITER
UC Riverside students Christopher Lee and Regan Moore remain hospitalized after their involvement in a car accident that occurred on the weekend of Jan. 14. In the aftermath of the accident, the students of UC Riverside joined together to hold a candlelight vigil and numerous fundraising activities, the proceeds of which will be used to support the students’ medical expenses. On Jan. 18, over a hundred students and members of the UC Riverside community,
Women’s Basketbal vs. Cal State Northridge 4:00pm - 6:00pm UCR Rec Center
Men’s Basketbal vs. Pacific 8:00pm - 10:00pm UCR Rec Center
including Chancellor White, met at the Bell Tower for the vigil. Chancellor White shared his reflections in his Friday email, stating, “Hope. Community. Unity. Those three elements were so profoundly visible that chilly Wednesday evening…and when we gather together in really dark moments to provide support and encouragement, it makes me proud to know the strength of our community is genuine and strong.” Bracelets featuring the message, “Don’t Stop Believing,” were sold during the event to raise money. Other fundrais-
In the Blood 8:00pm - 9:30pm Arts 166
FRI 2/03
ing initiatives included events at the Substation and Getaway Café, each hosted by a Greek community. Lee and Moore were both heavily engaged with their campus and local community as part of their involvement with Sigma Phi Epsilon and Gamma Phi Beta, respectively. Regan Moore’s family has set up an account on CaringBridge.org which allows viewers to make tributes, express themselves through a guestbook and remain updated on Moore’s condition via journal entries. Moore’s family has VIGIL CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
UCR Jazz and Wind Ensembles 8:00pm - 9:30pm Arts 166
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Volume 60
Issue 15