Issue 16, Volume 122
Thursday, January 31, 2013
SGA attends State of the State, lobbies legislature David Cobb Assistant News Editor Tennessee governor, Bill Haslam, outlined his plan for the state Tuesday in Nashville during his third State of the State address. Education was a focal point of his address, including higher education and his hopes of making it more accessible for a majority of Tennesseans. A delegation of more than 20 UT student government representatives attended the speech and also lobbied government officials on behalf of the university. The group, primarily comprised of SGA’s executive board and Government Affairs Committee, met with several senators as well as Haslam’s chief of staff Mark Cate and secretary of state Tre Hargett. Among the topics that UT students presented to the legislators were two issues with the Hope Scholarship, Tennessee’s lottery scholarship program. Headlining that discussion was the belief imparted by the SGA group that students who decide to pursue a double major within a typical fouryear span should be allotted the Hope Scholarship beyond 120 hours, as opposed to the current system which cuts recipients off from the scholarship at 120 hours. The idea was met with open arms by elected officials. “It’s no guarantee at all – but they were very agreeable to that and basically told us not to worry about the issue,” SGA president Adam Roddy said. “So it’s our belief that at
the very least the option will become 120 hours or eight semesters, whichever comes last.” Another issue that Roddy has been researching with the aid of the Provost’s office is the potential effect of the plus/ minus grading system on the Hope Scholarship. Although Roddy does not yet have specific data indicating the effects of the plus/ minus system, legislators showed interest in leveling the playing field across the state for Hope Scholarship recipients. Roddy’s plan would base scholarship disbursement solely on number grades instead of factoring in grades such as an A- or B+. “We have to follow up with them on that,” Roddy said. “I’m going to be sending an email to one of the representatives and he’s going to send that on — I would suspect with his backing — to the Hope committee to let them know it’s an issue.” On the issue of higher education as a whole, Haslam stated an ambitious goal for curing the state’s low percentage of college graduates. Only 32 percent of Tennessee citizens possess an associate’s degree or better. “That’s not good enough,” Haslam said in his address. “Our goal is to move the needle so that Tennessee is on track to raise that number to 55 percent by 2025. Tonight we begin our ‘drive to 55’ – a strategic initiative to have the best trained workforce in America.” See EDUCATION on Page 5
Blair Kuykendall UT works closely with students as they plan their study abroad experience, but not many outlets exist for students to decompress after they return to the U.S. The Study Abroad Alumni Organization hopes to fill this void on campus with innovative group discussions geared at reintroducing students to life at UT. “For returned study abroad students, reverse culture shock is inevitable,” George Cakmes, vice-president of the organization, said in a statement. “We offer students an opportunity to discuss their experiences with people that have been in similar situations abroad.” The organization also hopes to get the word out about postgraduate opportunities to study
Gov. Bill Haslam delivers his State of the State address on Monday.
Fair features student policy groups Claire Dodson Staff Writer
For students looking to connect to campus, the Baker Center will host a student involvement fair tonight from 5:307:00 p.m., showcasing UT’s various public policy student organizations. The inaugural “Baker Center Connection” will feature groups such as the UT Issues Committee, Mock Trial and Baker Ambassadors. Free pizza will be provided. Lisa Dicker, a junior in political science and Asian studies, helped organize the fair. She looks to provide policy-minded students an opportunity to find their niche in one of these groups. “Students who have an interest in policy issues, governance or leadership will be able to find these organizations all in one place at the event,” Dicker said. “Large involvement fairs can be overwhelming, but this will be catered toward students with specific interests.” Each group in the fair will have their own table in the Toyota Auditorium, and abroad. Guest speakers will be invited to speak on international affairs and education. “We stress an open format in which the organization is driven by the members,” Kevin Creason, SAAO president, said in a statement. “Our meetings will be centered on the interests of our members ... (and) will feature guest speakers that will help us translate our experiences into the professional world.” Students who want to learn more about the organization are invited to send inquiries to studalum@utk.edu. The group’s meeting times will vary, but should take place on a monthly basis. SAAO hopes to create more of a social environment that students can relax and enjoy.
SAAO looks to cushion return from study abroad Editor in Chief
AP Photo/Donn Jones
See STUDY ABROAD on Page 5
each will have a few minutes to explain the purpose of their organization. After the presentations, students will have the chance to visit the table that seemed most interesting to them. Nissa Dahlin-Brown, assistant director of the Baker Center, hopes the fair will appeal to a wide range of people. “Even if you have no interest in public policy or law but are passionate about current events, there are clubs for you,” Dahlin-Brown said. “There are so many opportunities and we want students to be aware of them.” Dicker stressed the importance of these organizations that further public policy and service as well as political awareness. “These organizations all bridge the gap between the university and the community,” Dicker said. “The issues addressed or the life skills that can be acquired in these organizations can develop into interests and passions that can affect positive change both during and after a student’s undergraduate career.” Dahlin-Brown thinks the Baker Center’s first ever student involvement fair will
succeed because students genuinely care about many of the clubs’ interests. “I continue to be amazed at just how many students are interested in these issues,” Dahlin-Brown said. “We want to provide a platform where students can learn, as well as expose them to the many organizations we have at UT that fit their interests.” While students can get involved with any of the more than 300 student groups on campus, Dicker expressed the specific usefulness of public policy, service and government student organizations. In these clubs, students are encouraged to get involved because the subject helps transform students into well-rounded and aware citizens. “Public policy and current issues affect every aspect of our daily lives and our future. As students we often forget that we are stakeholders in our community, state and nation,” Dicker said. “We need to be aware of the impact these issues have on our lives, our opinions about these issues and the ways in which we can effect change.”
Tara Sripunvoraskul • The Daily Beacon