Issue 10, Volume 122
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
SAA offers perks for students willing to serve
Study abroad fair offers route to ‘defining experience’ David Cobb Assistant News Editor
• Photo courtesy of Students Alumni Associates
Students Alumni Associates watch a home football game at the press box in Neyland Stadium. SAA will host a Spring Open House for interested future members at 6:30 p.m. at Tyson House on Jan. 24.
Blair Kuykendall Editor-in-Chief For students who have always dreamed of watching games from the presidential skybox in Neyland Stadium, joining the Student Alumni Associates could be a great way to serve their peers while enjoying the perks that come with playing host to UT’s president. “SAA is one of UT’s most premier student organizations, and, with its privileges, come responsibilities,” said Taylor Odle, junior SAA representative. “Externally,
SAAs are the official host of the President of (UT). We network with accomplished alumni ... and enjoy other university and community benefits. Internally, we have the opportunity to work together with some of UT’s most accomplished and promising student leaders to better our campus and community.” Those interested in learning more about the unique set of opportunities open to SAA officers will get their chance at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday during an informational session in Tyson House. “The membership drive kickoff is a great chance to
get a good feel for what SAA is, see what we stand for, and to better understand our membership process,” Odle said. “Potential new members will get to meet current SAAs and our exec board, and get an inside scoop into this year’s membership theme and structure. This is a great opportunity for both those definitely interested in applying and those who are simply considering it — everyone is welcome.” For new students, serving as an SAA officer could be an accessible way to get involved at UT. “SAA is a way to truly
invest in the university,” Becca Keyes, senior SAA representative, said. “Student Alumni Associates exists to serve students ... past, present, and future. ... The experiences in SAA are unparalleled. It truly connects you to the student body in a way that strengthens your love for the university and knowledge of it. It is an amazing experience and an honor to be a part of. If you have a servant’s heart, than SAA is the place for you. That is what we are all about.” See SAA on Page 2
Forum to educate on global climate change Baker Center to host interdisciplinary discussion with geographer R.J. Vogt News Editor While students are bundled up, climate change is heating up public policy across the globe. The Baker Center’s Energy and Environmental Forum begins its 2013 schedule with a visit from Dr. Karen Seto on Thursday. The Yale professor will discuss the methods of developing countries to combat climate change, specifically in China and India. “Her work has been in proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and other top-notch journals,” said Jacob LaRiviere, a professor in economics and member of the interdisciplinary committee that plans the forums. He added, “Academics are more and more looking for opportunities to present their work to an interdisciplinary audience, and she is a great example of that, as a geographer.” Climate change is especially relevant after President Obama’s recent inauguration comments. He made addressing climate change the primary policy objective for his second term. For Kenna Rewcastle, a sophomore in environmental and soil science, the president’s message resonates with the upcoming lecture.
“He’s been one of the first big-time politicians that mentions climate change, and of course, a big player in climate change is developing countries,” Rewcastle said. “Students, especially around UT, seem to be taking an interest in climate change. And having someone from somewhere as prominent as Yale come speak to us about ways that China and India are developing and where they fall. It’s something to get us thinking.” Rewcastle hopes to be excused from her evening’s class to attend the lecture, the first of the 2013 Energy and Environmental Forum. Nissa Dahlin-Brown, the associate director of the Baker Center, explained that the lectures occur four times per semester. “It’s usually packed, probably 80 or 90. It’s really neat, because they’re from all colleges. Students and faculty from various places all have an interest in this stuff,” she said. The interdisciplinary aspect of the forum is especially important to LaRiviere. To the average economics professor, energy and the environment may not rank highly on his list of priorities. LaRiviere, however, considers public policy as something for everybody. “I just think it’s an example
of the Baker Center’s continued commitment to energy and the environment across all disciplines, with the goal of improving public policy,” he said. The lecture is from 3:30
to 5 p.m. on Thursday in the Toyota Auditorium of the Baker Center. There will be 45 minutes of presentation, followed by 30 minutes of mediated discussion.
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See STUDY ABROAD on Page 2
• Photo courtesy of Linda A. Cicero/Stanford News Service
Karen Seto, associate professor of urban environment at Yale University, will share her research on the topic of sustainability in China and India in the Baker Center on Jan. 24.
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Simona Koumtcheva and Mackenzie Higgins enjoyed their time studying abroad so much that upon returning from their trips they began working in the Programs Abroad Office to implore others to take part in what they termed as “defining experiences.” Koumtcheva, a junior in international business major, studied at the University of Nottingham in London and saw over 20 cities in her time overseas. Higgins, a senior in global studies, studied in Buenos Aires, and among her many experiences she saw one of the world’s most revered athletes, Argentinian soccer player Lionel Messi, play in person. Higgins and Koumtcheva are Peer Advisers for the Programs Abroad department and will be among the many representatives on hand at the UC ballroom today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. channeling their passion towards helping other students get on the path — or on a plane — to experiencing the world. “Traveling is awesome, so why would you not want to do that, that’s my first instinct,” Simmons said. “But I’m trying to get other students to see it in that light because, really it’ll change your outlook and perspective on everything.” Higgins and Koumtcheva
agreed that many of the commonly used excuses for why students don’t study abroad, such as finances, academic program requirements being a hindrance, and a fear of classes not transferring back, can be alleviated by simply planning a study abroad trip ahead of time. “We can get everybody abroad,” Koumtcheva said. “But you can’t put off thinking about it. If it’s something you want to do, you have to think about if from the beginning.” The Study Abroad Fair will provide students with the information necessary to begin the process. Those in attendance will learn about semester, academic year, summer and mini-term programs, meet students like Koumtcheva and Higgins who have studied abroad, and learn how to use financial aid and scholarships in their travels. “I think that advice given from fellow students is very helpful to students thinking of studying abroad,” said Programs Abroad coordinator Heather Grigsby, who is overseeing the event. “There may be topics a student thinking about studying abroad would be more comfortable discussing with a peer, and hearing about the benefits of an experience abroad from someone who has just returned can be very encouraging and motivating.”
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