To address college affordability, the Obama administration claims to back up promises made in the State of the Union address. In a teleconference with student journalists today, Vice President Joe Biden said the goal is to bring the United States back to the country with the highest college graduation rate in the world.
In an issue devoted to identifying the "Best Schools for Public Service," the National Jurist magazine named the UT College of Law one of the top 20 schools in the country for preparing law students for criminal law practice. The issue looked at employment data, curriculum, standard of living and loan forgiveness programs in evaluating schools.
A new initiative meant to increase involvement from student organizations went into effect at Tuesday's Student Government meeting. The initiative will offer representatives $50 to regularly attend SG meetings. SG was given a grant from the Office of Student Involvement to fund this program.
The first Jail-A-Thon, a fundraiser to sponsor Banned Books Week, will take place in the Student Union Building today. Hosted by the Banned Books Committee, the event is meant to raise awareness about banned books week which will hopefully feature a Mark Twain impersonator.
Marina Schaberg, a junior majoring in human resource management, was selected to become the new business manager for the Independent Collegian Tuesday. "The idea of being business manager was intriguing," Schaberg said. "Having a leadership role has been something that I've been comfortable with and after looking more into the Independent Collegian it sounded like a really great place to start with in the business world and with real experience.
If you were walking around the University of Toledo's campus and found a lost cell phone, what would you do? When Roxi Lemieux, a freshman majoring in psychology, found one, she posted fliers around campus asking for the owner to contact her so the cell phone could be returned.
For students who do not fit the "gender norms" of their sex, sharing a dorm room with someone of the same sex can prove to be difficult. "I know I was harassed when I lived in a dorm by some ultra-masculine guys on my not-so-masculine traits," said David Holtzapple, a fourth year pharmacology student at UT.
From last year to this year, UT's spring enrollment numbers witnessed a slight decrease. According to numbers released Tuesday, Toledo diminished an approximate 2 percent from 21,122 to 20,673 and undergraduate figures show a 1.8 percent fall to 16,108.
In an effort to better address students' concerns when it comes to picking the right professor for a course, Student Government passed legislation which could allow evaluations to be available on the UT website Tuesday. Instead of relying on websites such as ratemyprofessor.
A look at the upcoming events in February scheduled in celebration of Black History
Christopher Scott, president of Student African American Brotherhood, believes Black History Month is a powerful accomplishment. "I think we should celebrate Black History Month because it gives us a moment of remembrance, to remember those who not only fought for justice but those who fought for peace among all nations.
UT's Carlson Library will receive some new improvements, like a new writing center, as part of its recent restoration beginning this semester. Ben Pryor, vice provost and dean of the College of Innovative Learning, said the renovation will consist of a series of projects spread over the next several months.
Neil Horani woke up yesterday morning and needed to quickly look at a periodic table of elements on the Internet. He first went to Wikipedia, only to discover the homepage was blacked out. "I was kind of disappointed because I use Wikipedia to look up facts and information," Horani, a senior majoring in nursing, said.
To Lauren McCafferty, game day parking should be very simple. "If you pay $5 at a basketball game but I pay $20,000 in tuition, that parking spot is more mine than yours," she said. This attitude spurred the junior majoring in biology to take action –— she started a petition on Change.
Shots will fly as five members of UT's College Republicans attend a concealed weapons course this weekend. This day-long seminar will begin with a lecture explaining how to legally conceal and carry a firearm. The students will then demonstrate their shooting abilities with live ammunition at a shooting range.
Although Big Bird usually stays grounded on Sesame Street, students may be able to see him flying through Ritter Planetarium. Ritter showcased several renovations with a children's program called "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure" to a packed house Saturday.
The tension at Tuesday's Student Government meeting thickened as a student discussed his idea for removing the organization and replacing it with a "more effective" model. Jantzen Ridenour, a senior majoring in religious studies and an advocate for reconstruction, made an appearance to discuss his opposing views.
UT football players share experiences from D.C. trip
For many college students, the latter part of December is meant for gorging on various holiday dishes, reuniting with friends and relatives and indulging in the much-anticipated college football bowl season. But in the days leading up to Christmas, it was business as usual for the University of Toledo football team.
As exciting as it was for marching band members such as mellophone player Megan Fraley to witness the Rockets beat the Air Force first hand, the trip itself was an amazing opportunity. "I thought it was a good culmination of the year in marching band," Fraley, a senior and four-year veteran of the band, said.
The 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Celebration will be held at Savage Arena Monday morning. The theme of this year's celebration is "Stand!" which is meant to give the community an opportunity to stand together for a larger cause, according to Bill Stewart, special assistant to Toledo Mayor Mike Bell.
After narrowly escaping the Iowa Caucus with an eight-vote victory, Republican Party candidate Mitt Romney won the New Hampshire Primary by a much larger margin Tuesday. Romney, a Detroit native and former governor of Massachusetts, won approximately 39 percent of the New Hampshire votes, with Ron Paul coming in second with about 23 percent of votes.
Administrators have prioritized not introducing new fees as well as not increasing student fees for the 2012-13 academic year. Larry Burns, vice president for External Affairs and interim VP for Equity and Diversity, said this is an attempt to attract students to UT, ultimately increasing enrollment.
A look at study methods during final exams
Shana Shannon, a junior majoring in communication, uses a study technique that may be unorthodox, but she finds it effective while preparing for her final exams. "I read the material into a tape recorder, and then listen to it while I sleep," Shannon said.
Student Government is moving forward with an initiative which will allow students to utilize the upper floors of the Carlson Library after midnight during finals week. Beginning Saturday, the second through fifth floors of the library will be open until 2 a.
A Timely Warning issued by the UT Police Department alerted the university community Monday of two separate incidents, a robbery and an arson, that allegedly occurred on Main Campus this weekend. According to the email, the alleged robbery took place Saturday night near Parks Tower and the possible arson happened Sunday evening in Carter Hall East causing no damage.
Twenty security cameras will be installed throughout the Student Union Building due to thefts in student organization offices. Student Government passed legislation in November to install closed-circuit TV system cameras, but UT is in the process of "prioritizing areas where the cameras will be installed.
The United States Department of Education announced changes to the traditional regulations of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Saturday. Institutions from K-12 schools to universities across the country will be able to disperse private student records for educational purposes, meaning if student records improve educational standards they may be released to the schools that ask for access.
A look at the social culture surrounding UT’s smoking zones
While it is common to smell cigarette smoke while passing the designated smoking zones on Main Campus, students like Anne Backhaus are responsible for a different kind of scent — the distinctive aroma of marijuana. "There's weed in there every minute of every day," Backhaus, a freshman majoring in English said.
The Ohio Board of Regents established a new provision to keep Ohio students within the state for each level of their education. The "Forever Buckeye" program will offer immediate in-state resident tuition for all Ohio high school graduates beginning spring 2012.
While some college students are finding ways to occupy Wall Street, a group of UT students hope to someday work on it. Student Held Assets Return Portfolio, or SHARP, is a student organization centered on investing. Now in its second year, the organization has already gained national recognition by having their stock pitch featured on Forbes.
The person underneath UT's high-spirited mascot Rocky the Rocket knew something was wrong as they ran across the court during a 2007 women's basketball game. "I didn't feel right," said Drew Matthews concerning the incident. "The next day I got really sick, and a few days later I went to the doctor's and found out I had leukemia.
Naama Shafir walked deliberately, making certain she did not put too much weight on her right leg as she made her way across Savage Arena to address the media Tuesday afternoon. It was the opposite of the free-flowing style of play by which she electrified crowds on the same hardwood court for the last three seasons.
A University Senate that will include students and faculty who discuss issues concerning the university community may be established next year. The University of Toledo Board of Trustees is pushing for the joint senate which would merge Faculty Senate and Student Senate into one.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich appointed John Perez and Gary Thieman to the University of Toledo Board of Trustees last month. Perez will work with the Finance and Trusteeship, Governance and Audit committees until his term ends in July 2020. "I wanted to make a difference; I wanted to focus on education," Perez said.
UT offers free HIV testing for World AIDS Day
The month of December opens with World Aids Day, an international day to educate about the transmission, prevention and prevalence of HIV and AIDS. To raise awareness, the second-annual AIDS gala will take place today in the Student Union Building and the AIDS walk will occur at the track in the Student Recreation Building Saturday.
The University of Toledo is reaching out to non-Ohio students by extending in-state tuition to bordering states beginning next academic year. UT is looking to offer in-state tuition to incoming undergraduates from Indiana, Pennsylvania and Michigan. It has not been decided whether students coming from West Virginia and Kentucky will receive in-state tuition.
Ricky Walker purchased a home at the intersection of Central Avenue and Cherry Street shortly after graduating from the University of Toledo. Although Walker is no longer taking classes, the former political science major still chose to purchase a home in the area.
When an unpopular song starts to play on the radio, the average listener switches stations. What decides who will give the unfamiliar track a shot may be predicted not by individual taste in music, but in handedness, according to a researcher at the University of Toledo.
David Mettert, the UT student who was severely injured in front of Maxwell's Brew on West Bancroft Street, has been released from the hospital and says he is doing well. The senior majoring in sales and marketing suffered a traumatic brain injury as well as a stroke after the impact.
Memorial service announced for former LLSS Dean Alice Skeens
Jamie Barlowe was named the new interim dean for the College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences Tuesday. The professor of women's and gender studies and English, and previous associate dean for the College of LLSS, was promoted after Alice Skeens, the former dean of the college, died Saturday morning.
UT is planning to transform a portion of the mostly inactive railroad track on Main Campus into a bike and pedestrian trail. The university recently bought 4.1 miles of the track leading from Main Campus to the Health Science Campus for $1 from the Toledo Metroparks, according to Matt Schroeder, vice president of Real Estate and Business Development.
College of Innovative Learning aims to make library more "welcoming" to students
Its is not uncommon to see a student eating pizza or enjoying a frosty beverage while studying at the Carlson Library. This is due to a change in Carlson's food and drink policy that allows students to consume freely. Benjamin Pryor, vice provost of Learning Ventures and dean of the College of Innovative Learning, said he chose to eliminate Carlson's food and drink policy since almost all public universities in the country have done the same in their own libraries.
Alice Skeens, dean of the College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences, passed away at the age of 75 Saturday morning. Faith Burress, Skeens' niece, said the cause of death was unconfirmed but speculated to have been caused by either a heart attack or blood clot.
Student who passed out racist fliers attends SAAB meeting
The student who passed out fliers, which questioned Affirmative Action and called for no racist or racial student groups, attended a Student African American Brotherhood meeting two weeks ago with several racially-charged questions. SAAB President Christopher Scott said some of the group members recognized the male student immediately since he approached them with the fliers while they were raising money for Susan G.
Swirls of bright colors and the smell of rich spices filled the Student Union Building Auditorium as the Indian Students Cultural Organization celebrated Diwali, a New Year festival in the Vikrama calendar that is highly anticipated. Also known as the Festival of Lights, the event took place Saturday night.
Issue 2 fails
One of Ohio's most debated issues was settled when voters overwhelmingly rejected Issue 2 Tuesday. Issue 2, which would have eliminated the collective bargaining rights of 350,000 union worker public employees, was defeated 60 percent to 40 percent. Issue 2, also known as Senate Bill 5, would have also caused public workers to pay 15 percent of their healthcare benefits and 10 percent of wages into their pensions.
David Mettert, a senior majoring in sales and marketing, was hospitalized after being dragged from the spoiler of a car in front of Maxwell's Brew on Bancroft Street early Friday morning. Eddie Kanan, the owner of Maxwell's, said he viewed the entire incident on surveillance video around 1 a.
UT alumnus Jocelyn Cruz was picked as the new Face of Fox Toledo. "I wanted to be on TV as long as I can remember and I majored in communication and I see this as an opportunity to let dreams go forward," Cruz said. The position entails doing promos for shows, special appearances and blogging on the Fox Toledo website.
Emily Decker is currently scheduling courses for next semester. Instead of turning to an adviser, the junior majoring in nursing sought help from the website Rate My Professor to create her class schedule. "I use ‘Ratemyprofessor.com' when scheduling, and if a review for the professor shows that they have an excessively rough curriculum or that many students had a terrible time in the class, I'll look for another professor for the course," Decker said.
UT will begin enforcing parking citations next week. The license plate recognition system implemented at the beginning of the semester is now functioning, according to Joy Gramling, director of auxiliary services. The license plate scanner was not functioning because the system needed to be built into the software required to run the program The two-part system is composed of a scanning device and online registration system.
The University of Toledo and ProMedica have partnered to build a new facility that will "help revolutionize health education." Plans for the "Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center" involve constructing a three-story building to house three different forms of learning, including a progressive anatomy and surgical skills center, an advanced simulation center and a virtual immersive reality center.
When Richard Crawford bolted an American flag on his front porch last summer, he secured it tightly to prevent thieves from stealing his flag again. This extra effort was not enough for the Korean War veteran, whose flag was stolen for the fourth time in four years.
Donald Kubicki used to say, "Before I die, I want to go see the memorials." At 90 years old, the former corporal of the U.S. Army Air Corps never thought it would happen. Kubicki, however, did make it to the World War II Memorial at Washington D.C., due to Honor Flight Northwest Ohio, a non-profit organization that flies military veterans to see war memorials.
NIU player suspended after running over Rocket Marching Band members, four injured
Northern Illinois University football players ran onto the football field before Tuesday's game, injuring four UT marching band members. According to Andrew Rhodes, UT assistant director of bands, the team was told not to enter the field until the band had exited.
In a visit to UT yesterday, The Rev. Jesse Jackson urges the community to vote no on Issue 2
The Rev. Jesse Jackson urged bystanders to vote no on Issue 2 on the Student Union Building steps yesterday, saying collective bargaining is the "the American way." Jackson compared his fight for civil rights in the ‘60s to the fight against Issue 2.
An unidentified individual stood in the Student Union Building passing out fliers with Ku Klux Klan symbols and demands for "No African American student groups if there are no student groups for European Americans," last week. One of the fliers called for ending racial discrimination, equal financial aid, no Affirmative Action hiring and no racist or racial student groups on campus.
Increased financial assistance and guidance through the application process has resulted in more students becoming interested in studying abroad, according to Sammy Spann, executive director of the Center for International Studies and Programs. Over 65 students will be involved in the study-abroad program by the end of the fall semester, which is almost twice as much as last fall semester.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has found its way to UT with the recent introduction of two new, student-led organizations. Christians United for Israel and Students for Justice in Palestine were formed this year, independent of one another.
Bleak job market affects students’ ability to repay loans
UT is relying on state assistance in recovering $3.8 million in uncollected student tuition and fees. Tax-supported universities in Ohio are seeking $140 million from state collection agencies in unpaid tuition and fees generated in the last three years, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
In 1945, German Nazis killed two-thirds of all European Jews in their "Final Solution" plot. Irving Roth was one of the lucky who survived. Roth, an eighty-two year old Holocaust survivor, spoke at the Student Union Building last Wednesday night. Roth is the director of the Holocaust Resource Center at the Temple Judea in Manhasset, N.
Empty USA Today newsstands around campus may be refilled if a resolution is passed by Student Government in the coming weeks. Last month, SG surveyed students in the Student Union Building to see if the initiative to bring back the newspaper was worth pursuing.
Students often cheat in creative ways, but for online courses, the cheating can be drastic. Many students believe cheating in online courses is easier to do compared to traditional courses due to a low amount of interaction with faculty members.
After a friend carved the words "fuck up" in her arm with a razor, Jamie Tworkowski began "To Write Love on Her Arms," to raise money for his friends depression treatment. "To Write Love on Her Arms" grew into a non-profit charity designed to spread the message of hope to those considering suicide and to raise money for people in need of treatment.
David Gosser, a Catholic student, said the Center for Religious Understanding is making a difference on campus. He spoke about past experiences in which his faith was challenged by others who are not Catholic. "Situations like that make me lose hope, but it's this center right here… is what does give me hope," Gosser said.
When Omar Subei would perform wudu, the Islamic cleansing ritual before praying, he often felt uncomfortable when other people would walk into a public bathroom on and see him putting his foot over the sink. "You have to raise your foot and put it on the sink and as you're taking your foot off the sink, your leg is dripping water," Subei said, a senior majoring in biochemistry.
Wearing the same outfit a few days in a row is a fashion faux pas for many people, but for UT students, this fashion crime is for a good cause. In order to raise awareness of human sex trafficking, females will be wearing one dress and men will wear one purple shirt for the entire month of October.
One of the primary reasons for the College of Arts and Sciences splitting last fall was for the newly established colleges to develop programs that were more focused on particular disciplines. While the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics announced specific plans to make the college more focused on serving the needs of science and mathematics students, attention has turned to the College of Languages, Literature and Social Science and the College of Visual and Performing Arts and questions have been raised concerning what changes they are undergoing in order to make themselves more focused on particular disciplines.
Every drunken picture or status update about a hangover after a night out posted on Facebook may give insight into who is at risk for developing a drinking problem. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison analyzed over 200 Facebook profiles and found students who posted statuses about drinking, particularly drinking while driving and blacking out, are more likely to be at risk for developing alcoholism and other problems associated with alcohol abuse.
People dressed as corporate zombies eating Monopoly money will roam the downtown streets when the Occupy Wall Street movement spreads to the Glass City on Monday. Toledo residents will have the opportunity to protest in association with the Occupy Wall Street movement on Levis Square, downtown on the corner of Madison and St.
A tiny severed foot drenched in blood lies on the center of a quarter. This is one of the images used by Created Equal, a non-profit anti-abortion awareness organization, to share their views at the University of Toledo yesterday. Most images used by the group were graphic photos of dismembered fetuses laying on top of dollar bills and quarters to compare the size.
The Main Campus Medical Center is about to beat a record — one they are certainly not proud of. Medical Center physicians have reported an increase in gonorrhea incidents at the end of September, surpassing figures from previous years. Physicians have detected 13 cases of gonorrhea this year so far.
The national average of graduation rates among African American males in the United States has steadily increased over the past four years. The opposite has been occurring at the University of Toledo. According to a recent study conducted by the UT Office of Institutional Research, only 10.
Opponents of Issue 2 protest against rally
Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Toledo Mayor Mike Bell rallied supporters for Issue 2 Thursday with one crowd cheering "Go John, go" and another shouting "Our town, union town." Seventy-five protestors stood outside of the Omni Midwest Annex on Bancroft in the rain, opposing Kasich and Bell who gathered supporters to boost moral for Issue 2 after recent polls displayed unpopularity for it.
Toledo is an established hub for sex trafficking and prostitution, but it is also at the center of several initiatives to address and solve these issues. One of these initiatives taking place at UT is the One Dress, One Month Project where students wear the same dress every day for the whole month of October.
Most parking changes made to Lot 25 located near Rocket Hall have been reversed. In order to make the lot become more "student-centered" and allow parking to be "smoother" during the Gateway Project construction, employees with A Passes were forced to park in the north end of Lot 25, the area closest to the railroad tracks and Main Campus Medical Center said Joy Gramling, director of Auxiliary Services.
Malfunction in license card readers cause frustration for students making parking problem ‘worse’
The license plate scanner system implemented this year was meant to make students' lives easier. Students are reporting, however, the new system has made parking more difficult than before. The new license plate recognition and scanning system is not yet working and unregistered cars are not being ticketed, resulting in students parking wherever it is convenient for them rather than in appropriate designated areas.
A debate between two local churches gained national attention after the Church on Strayer displayed nine billboards saying "Being Gay is NOT a Gift from God." These billboards were put into place in response to one put up by Central United Methodist Church with the message "Being Gay is a Gift from God," in April.
UT created a partnership through a sister-city program with Shiwanda, China. This allows two international cities to share one another's culture and understanding according to Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs and interim vice president for equity and diversity.
Students and faculty alike have been expressing frustration with Blackboard, the online learning management system students can access through the MyUT Portal. The testing function of the site has reportedly been prone to freezing up and kicking students off the site before they can save and submit their test results.
Over 12.4 million people across the horn of Africa have been affected by what experts call the worst famine in a generation. Located at the Eastern tip, Somalia has experienced the greatest brunt of the devastation with a dysfunctional government and Al-Qaeda-linked militants blockading aid to victims.
Wynton Marsalis believes this country yearns for an American mythology, a yearning that has grown out of years of rich culture and beautiful music. Marsalis made a plea to Americans to claim their heritage in the presentation "The Ballad of the American Art," where he argued that musical resources in the US are being wasted.
The 3,700-foot stretch of the Ottawa River that runs through Main Campus will have a different look by August of 2012. A $235,000 grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will be used to clean up a large section of the river. This grant will allow UT to clear out some of the dead trees along the river, making a more beneficial environment for the wildlife.
The renovations happening on the second floor of the Carlson Library have left many students, faculty and staff with unanswered questions. According to Benjamin Pryor, vice provost and dean of the College of Innovative Learning, university libraries, and learning ventures, the second floor renovations are in response to the depressing shape the floor was in when he saw it January of this year.
When author Ron Currie Jr. first took the stage at Doermann Theatre, he told the audience, "I am a paid liar," referring to his career. Currie Jr. visited the University of Toledo Tuesday to speak to the freshman class. He discussed his latest book, "Everything Matters," as a part of UT's annual First Read.
The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is proposing changes to its curriculum that will eliminate the foreign language requirement for incoming students. The Faculty Senate still has to vote on the proposal for it to go into effect and may not be approved until next fall.
Students with later class times are more likely to earn lower grades, according to a study done by professors at St. Lawrence University. Psychology professors Serge Onyper and Pamela Thacher concluded students who had later class times generally got more sleep, but also had more time to go out with friends and drink alcohol.
About 400 people showed up to discuss the misconceptions about Islam and Catholicism at the sixth Catholic-Muslim Dialogue last Thursday. This year's dialogue, the Principles of Interpretation of Scripture in Catholicism and Islam, occurred in the Student Union Building Auditorium with UT Professor Emeritus Amjad Hussain and Geoffrey Grubb, dean of the college of arts and sciences and professor of theological studies at Lourdes University as the speakers.
Chaser's on Dorr Street is now only admitting and hiring college students. "People can only come in who are college students 18 and older, and if a person is not dressed right and looks like trouble they are not coming in," said owner Adis Kurtovic. Kurtovic said if a person "looks like" a college student, they will be let in without a college I.
Rally held on campus to defeat Issue 2 and get referendum for House Bill 194
Any government trying to limit its people's voting rights should be condemned. This is what Mark Sherry, associate professor of sociology and member of UT's chapter of the American Association of University Professors, and other union members on campus feel House Bill 194 aims to do.
Total student enrollment for the fall 2011 semester after the 15th day count is 22,610, a decrease from 23,085 last year. A recent newsletter from UT's chapter of the American Association for University Professors called some of the numbers into question, citing that: "The Blade reported a first-year retention rate of 65.
Earlier this year, President Barack Obama called upon universities across the nation to promote interfaith through community service. The University of Toledo is taking steps to answer this call by walking the streets of the North End of Toledo. UT is one of 300 schools in the nation to take part in the President's Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge.
The quality and food service of University of Toledo's dining halls will be reviewed by a group of "secret shoppers." These secret shoppers will go to the dining halls and other food service locations on campus and write a review based on their experience.
UT Community shares memories of 9/11
It started as a normal day in the life for then 13 year-old Adam Burgman. He was running late that morning as he rode the train toward Brooklyn Technical High School. The train suddenly halted and he saw black smoke in the distance. Burgman didn't know what was going on.
Although Sept. 11 occurred a decade ago, the issue of where the attacks fit into the classrooms and history textbooks is still being debated. "These events are, at the time, partial to be landmark crises," said Mark Denham, associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department.
Students continue to smoke outside designated areas
In the month since UT's stricter smoking zone policy has gone into effect, there have been questions asked by the community as to whether it's being enforced adequately. Markie Miller, a senior double-majoring in German and anthropology, has been walking around Main Campus in her spare time picking up cigarette butts left by those who smoke outside of the zones.
By the end of this month, the university core curriculum will be revised to center around five areas of competencies. Instead of enrolling in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics and multicultural studies courses, students will now take courses which satisfy a particular skill they are expected to be competent with upon graduating from the university.
Students at the College of Business and Innovation in Stranahan South will soon be able to have lunch without having to leave the building. A new Provisions on Demand Market, similar to the ones in the North Engineering Building and Carter Hall, will be set up on the first floor of Stranahan South and will open no later than Friday.
Budget cuts to the university library system will result in the cancellation of 37 electronic resources, the most significant cut to resources the university has made in recent years. According to Vice Provost Ben Pryor, dean of the Department of Learning Ventures, UT's library budget is a little more than $2 million, slightly below the median of institutions the university's size in Ohio.
Cupcake shops, coffee shops and sushi restaurants make a city more feminine. A lack of these establishments increase the "masculinity" of an area. This is why Toledo was ranked as one of the manliest cities in the nation in a non-scientific survey funded by Mars Incorporated.
Some students believe a four-year degree holds more value than a two-year degree — at least at UT. Students from across the nation are looking to the different types of career pathways provided by two-year degrees due to a stagnant economy and high unemployment.
Added elements to MCAT, GRE GMAT make tests ‘more rigorous’
Students planning to attend medical, graduate, or business school may need to prepare longer and more rigorously than ever. Major changes are set to occur for the Medical College Admissions Test Graduate Management Admissions Test and Graduates Records Exam in the next four years.
Letter sent out to residents says DNW to stay open for ‘at least’ fall 2011
UT has decided to leave Dowd, Nash and White Halls open after Director of Residence Life Jo Campbell told the Independent Collegian the halls were set to be closed last week. In a letter sent out to Dowd, Nash White residents yesterday, Campbell explained the situation.
UT has installed GPS tracking systems on all campus buses. The bus tracking system will show exactly where a particular bus is located and where it is headed. The system works in real time and can only be accessed via Smartphone. Created by Shepherd Intelligent Systems, it is seen as an improvement over relying on bus schedules.
When you go to bed at night and you have to find your way to the bathroom in the dark, you just have to know where to go. This is how Ashlee Banas, feature baton twirler of the Rocket Marching Band, explains what it takes to be a twirler. "It's all one huge trick," Banas said.
In an effort to make Main Campus more "bike-friendly," UT installed two new air pumps last week. The pumps are located in the bike corrals by the West Parking Ramp and the Ritter Planetarium. "We've been campaigning the idea since the spring of 2010," said Student Government President Matt Rubin.
Students might have noticed the side walk chalk and advertisements on campus for Classiphix.com. This website has been created to serve the students of the University of Toledo as a safe alternative to Craigslist.com. "Classiphix is UT's official market place," said Dane Theisen, the website's creator and business network strategist.
Students to be moved to other residence halls, UT to save $500,000 per year after closing
Dowd Hall, Nash Hall and White Hall will be closed in the next three-to-four weeks, as they are currently being used as temporary, overflow housing. Dowd, Nash White — together with MacKinnon Hall — are commonly known as "the quads." MacKinnon Hall, however, will remain open as usual, according to Director of Residence Life Jo Campbell.
Starting this fall, members of Student Government will approach students all over campus to get feedback and listen to concerns regarding campus matters. On "Whatcha Want Wednesdays," members of SG wearing special t-shirts will be asking students what they would like to see on campus.
The Borders Books and Music at Westfield Franklin Park Mall is littered with bare shelves and deeply-discounted merchandise. The store bookshelves are for sale, and the Seattle's Best Coffee section is closed. The impact of Borders Books and Music closing is being widely felt by the Toledo community.
Students at the University of Toledo no longer need to cross the globe for a study abroad experience. With UT's participation in the National Student Exchange program, students can study at nearly 200 colleges within the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.
Every four years, the women's basketball team chooses one country to travel to. This year's decision was obvious. The UT women's basketball team ventured on a week and a half-long trip to Israel beginning Aug. 7. Point guard Naama Shafir, born and raised in Hoshaya, Israel, was the reason for the trip's location.
When purchasing a latté from a coffee shop, chances are its secret ingredient isn't a mushroom. However, if purchased from the Atmosphere Coffee Lounge, a recently established organic coffee shop in the Rocket Center Plaza on Dorr St., then it's a guarantee.
License plate readers take place of parking passes
A new license plate enforcement system will remove the "hangtags" students used to place on the rearview mirror of their vehicle. The University of Toledo is the first university in the nation to combine both a license plate recognition system and the scanning system in an effort to patrol the parking lots on such a large campus.
With record-high fuel prices, the university is looking for a way to save money on fuel costs for campus buses as well as build a more environmentally friendly bus fleet. UT recently purchased four new biodiesel-powered buses and one new hybrid to start replacing the oldest of 14 campus buses.
UT ProMedica are celebrating the one year anniversary of their partnership. The partnership has allowed UT medical students to practice at ProMedica. The students are then able to meet new people, become established, and ultimately continue their careers in Northwest Ohio.
Two students were physically attacked in the Bancroft Hills neighborhood in late July, leaving one of them hospitalized with his mouth wired shut. One of the victims, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering who wished to remain anonymous, said on July 25 a group of 10 to 20 juveniles approached him and a group of six.
The corner of Secor Rd. and Dorr St. will look different for fall semester 2012, as the groundbreaking for the Dorr Street Gateway Project took place Aug. 10th, 2011. Phase one of this project is a joint venture between the UT Foundation and Fairmont Properties that is expected to bring more foot traffic to the UT campus area of Toledo.
The University of Toledo Medical Center was recently named the best hospital in the region for 2011-2012 by U.S. News and World Report. This ranking is based on seven clinical specialties including ear, nose and throat, geriatrics, kidney disorders, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and urology.
Students wanting to take a smoke between classes will now only have seven locations on campus to do so. The new designated tobacco area policy was implemented on Aug. 1. The previous policy stated students could smoke no closer than 30 feet from the door to any building.
The University of Toledo will welcome a new female mascot to the UT family on Aug. 31 during the second annual Music Fest. The mascot, Rocksy, is a female version of the current mascot Rocky the Rocket, with a ponytail and skirt.. After one month of online voting, 1,779 students and faculty chose the name Rocksy beating out other choices such as Rochelle, Rockelle and Ricki according to the UT Marketing and Communications department.
The University of Toledo introduced a new school that will teach students about green chemistry and engineering earlier this month. According to a press release, the new school will focus on the need for sustainability with the design of products that use renewable raw materials and environmentally safe processes.
In order to cover a $34 million shortfall — $20.5 million of which originated from the state of Ohio — the UT Board of Trustees approved a budget for fiscal year 2012 with increased tuition and other fees to cover UT’s expenses for the upcoming year.
The University of Toledo currently administers a program on domestic violence called the Adults and Children Together Raising Safe Kids Program. The program is geared towards helping provide parents the right tools to raise children to become none violent adults.
Science is not just a field of study for Steven Lombardo, but also his passion. "I have always had an internal drive to study science" he said. "It's the driving force that has gotten me where I am today." Lombardo's passion not only lead him to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of Toledo's College of Pharmacy, but also receive a Fulbright Scholarship for excellence in research and academic achievements.
A recent letter by Linda Rouillard, an assistant professor of French and representing the UT-AAUP, to UT President Lloyd Jacobs, accuses the administration of questionable spending. The letter was written in response to a "Presidential Perspectives" video posted on the myUT website where Jacobs and Vice President for External Affairs and Interim VP for Equity and Diversity Larry Burns, which addresses the issue of two apartments the university owns in Ypsilanti, Mich.
Most students move back in with their parents after graduation
After living on his own for a year while attending the University of Toledo, recent nursing graduate Chris Abbas was forced to move back home with his father. "I had no money and nowhere else to turn but home," he said. "But now I don't have to worry about cooking meals or paying bills.
President Lloyd Jacobs is reorganizing his senior administrative staff. Many of the new positions assigned, announced in a letter sent out to faculty and staff, were to administrators who already had large roles, but now have a new title and slightly different responsibilities.
The University of Toledo celebrated the grand opening of the Center for Excellence in Autism with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. "The opening represents the very best ideal of collaboration and cooperation and persistence in pursuit of a vision," Sherry Moyer, executive and research director for the Center for Excellence in Autism, said.
A new drink out on the market claims to prevent hangovers by ridding the body of the toxins that caused them. Mercy, a carbonated soft drink filled with amino acids, anti-oxidants and B-vitamins was created to replenish key nutrients and "jump-start" the body's natural defenses, according to the drink's website.
Board of Trustees extend UT President Lloyd Jacobs’ contract while negotiating administrator payraises
The University of Toledo will lose $20.2 million in state funding for the 2012 fiscal year if Ohio Gov. John Kasich's proposed budget is approved. In-state tuition will increase close to the state's 3.5 percent cap, from around $8,500 to around $8,800 next school year, while the surcharge on out-of-state tuition will remain the same if the proposed budget is approved by the UT Board of Trustees.
$5000 Grants allows student group to address alternative energy concerns in NW Ohio
The state of Ohio is investing more than $1 million dollars to help fund the research of several University of Toledo students in the sustainable energy field. The Choose Ohio First initiative was developed through a five-year $1.56 million grant awarded to the University of Toledo and other colleges in the region.
A group of Honors College students and a UT Honors professor came together to give back to those less fortunate, passing up pizza parties and trips to amusement parks. Twelve students in the Honors Living Learning Community, traveled to Nicaragua to experience community service at the core of a poverty-stricken country.
Osama bin Laden, leader of the terrorist organization al Qaeda and mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, was confirmed dead by U.S. President Barack Obama Sunday night. Obama said a team of Americans launched a targeted operation against a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, about 60 miles north of Islamabad, where bin Laden was believed to be.
Social media has come a long way since it first caught the attention of Internet users. From the introduction of MySpace in 2003 to the explosion of Facebook shortly after in 2004, sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and other profile builders have become common to many college students.
Student Government President Matt Rubin and Vice President Jordan Maddocks gave the annual State of the Students address on Tuesday night. The 20-minute speech regarding SG's previous academic year was given during the Student Senate session. Both Rubin and Maddocks took turns making points about SG accomplishments.
Printers refuse to print the spring edition of Fusion, a Campus Progress-sponsored LGBT magazine at Kent State University due to profanity and imaging citations. The issue includes an eight-page spread featuring cross-dressing models with the headline “Gender Fuck” written in large print above.
Plants originating in Lucas County to be brought to UT with native gardens
Lucas County has the largest number of rare plant species in the state, and UT students such as Todd Crail are hoping to maintain them. The graduate student majoring in ecology has grown a native plant garden, a garden composed entirely of plants innate to Lucas County, at his home at 2348 Sherwood Ave.
It has been four years since the shooting at Virginia Tech and survivor Colin Goddard has been doing his best to prevent gun violence ever since. As part of the Brady Campaign, the nation's largest nonprofit gun control organization, Goddard's documentary "Living for 32," named for the 32 victims of the Virginia Tech shooting and 32 people killed by guns each day in America, was shown at the Health and Human Service Building last Thursday.
UT professors debate over whether distance learning or tradtional classes are better for students
The modern college student has opportunities today that were not available 10 years ago. It's no secret that the use of technology in the classroom has increased dramatically in the last decade. Online colleges, distance learning courses and online discussion forums such as Blackboard were not as widespread a decade ago as they are today.
Recent changes have been made to the University of Toledo student printing quota. The quota had been adjusted to only charge one page per double-sided paper. The option to print on both sides of the paper is an effort by the university to save paper and have a smaller impact on the environment.
Taco Bell chose to test its newest product, a taco shell made from a Doritos chip with regular beef or chicken taco filling called the Doritos Locos Taco, in a few select regions including Toledo. The product is being tested in select test market locations and will expand to other locations upon approval.
UT will send 2,657 graduates into the workforce and, as always, has selected two separate commencement speakers to inspire students as they set out to start careers. CEO of Chrysler Group Sergio Marchionne will give the commencement speech to the colleges of Business Administration, Engineering and Arts and Sciences while University System of Ohio Chancellor Jim Petro will speak to graduating students from the colleges of Education, Nursing and Health Science and Human Service.
The day began like any other school day for students attending Virginia Tech University on April 16, 2007, the day the media called “the deadliest campus shooting in U.S. history.” After 11 minutes of gunfire, Seung-Hui Cho, 23, had shot and killed 32 students and faculty on campus.
At a young age, Paul Spradley learned people were treated differently based on skin color. "I remember a couple of years ago I was in Washington D.C. and I was passed up by two taxi cabs and [the] guy who finally gave me a ride told me that no one wanted to give me a ride because I was black," the Pittsburgh native said.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education are trying to make sure students are aware of their health care options before they graduate from college. In a conference call yesterday, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Secretary of the Department of Education Arne Duncan explained the importance of students knowing their rights under the new Health Care Act as they approach graduation.
In front of an audience that filled slightly over half of Doermann Theatre, UT President Lloyd Jacobs delivered his fifth annual State of the University address in which he gave a review and his brief vision for UT's next five years. "Universities as we currently know them will be dramatically changed in the next five years," Jacobs said to open his address.
A start-up German solar company decided to put its North American headquarters in Toledo with help from UT. CEO of TecnoSun Solar Peter Fisher signed a lease agreement with UT on April 7. The company will use the Nitschke Technology Commercialization Complex as a training and demonstration site.
For the sixth year, the University of Toledo will host Diversity Week to promote and educate students how diverse the university is. This year, the week will hold events based on the theme of “Unity through Diversity.” The weeklong series of events is sponsored by several organizations including Black Student Union, Disability Studies Program, Disability Studies Student Organization, Office of External Affairs, Office of Equity and Diversity, Office of Multicultural Student Services, President’s Lecture Series on Diversity, Spectrum, Student Government and UT ROTC.
Students at the University of Toledo challenged themselves to stay on their feet and dance for 16 consecutive hours to raise money at Dance Marathon this weekend. Dance Marathon is an annual fundraising event in which students raise money for Miracle Children of Mercy Children's Hospital like Keirstin Timpko, a nine-year-old cardiac patient with four different heart defects from New Boston, Mich.
Roughly 150 students gathered in the Student Union Building Auditorium to create a pizza assembly line to feed the homeless Tuesday evening. Campus H.E.A.T, Hunger Elimination Amongst Toledoans, is an annual event organized by the University of Toledo's Catholic Student Association.
A woman walks to her car with her keys ready and her mace out, ready to fight off any assailant. Though this is the strategy so many anti-rape seminars preach, it is not an effective tactic according to Diane Docis, coordinator of UT's sexual assault education and prevention program.
Much like last year, University of Toledo President Lloyd Jacobs will talk about how UT will stay a "relevant university" in his annual address this morning. Jacobs will outline his plan and vision for UT for the next five years today at 11 a.m. in the Henry J.
Union workers to gather over 200,000 signatures
Since Senate Bill 5 was signed by Ohio Governor John Kasich (R), union members are trying to organize to get the bill up for a vote on the November ballot by referendum. The UT-AAUP held an open discussion meeting Thursday to organize petitioning for the referendum.
Colorful t-shirts covered the walls of the Eastern Community YMCA in Oregon Saturday night while people gathered to remember women who lost their innocence or lives to domestic violence. The shirts' colors may have been bright, but their messages brought dark feelings such as sadness, anger and shock to those who read them.
College students who struggle to find useful sources and write citations for lengthy research papers now have a website to aid them. Citelighter.com is a research website created to help students find and organize information and generate bibliography pages more easily.
The University of Toledo will be ending its "UT Matters" program and advertising campaign in order to save money for the Fiscal Year 2012 budget. The program, which was used to communicate with the community about the different programs, people and aspects UT has to offer, has cost the university $400,000 a year.
Raising money and awareness for the Daughter Project
As dresses come out of the wardrobe as the weather warms up, some women are raising awareness for sex trafficking by wearing their Sunday's best for a month. Erika Lowry, a senior majoring in social work, said the One Dress, One Month Project is an event where women wear one dress for a month to raise awareness about sex trafficking in Toledo.
With imminent budget cuts looming for Fiscal Year 2012, UT's Budget and Reengineering Taskforce is asking faculty, staff and students for cost-saving suggestions that would improve UT. Over 200 suggestions to help fill the more than $30 million shortfall have been collected, including furloughs, outsourcing student services and eliminating bonuses for all.
Recieves second place for best non-daily paper
The Independent Collegian received two Society of Professional Journalists Region 4 Mark of Excellence Awards, which were announced last Saturday. After taking home third place last year, the IC earned second place in the Best All-Around Non-Daily Student Newspaper category while Central Michigan Life won first.
Shafir scores career-high 40 points as Toledo beats USC 76-68
The UT women's basketball team beat USC 76-68 on Saturday to win the WNIT Championship. It is the first postseason tournament title in school history. Junior guard Naama Shafir scored a career-high 40 points, including six free throws in the final 25 seconds, and was named the Tournament MVP along with earning All-Tournament Team honors.
Blue Key National Honor Fraternity and Mortar Board National Honor Society sponsored the 74th Annual Songfest Sunday at Savage Arena. The theme for 2011 was "NOW! That's What I Call Songfest" and featured songs from various eras and hits from 2010. Some of the songs included "Beverly Hills" by Weezer, Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance, "Dirty Little Secret" from The All-American Rejects, and the Backstreet Boys' song "Drowning.
Members of the public have the right to request information from any public institution that utilizes taxpayer money under the Freedom of Information Act. In Ohio, these rights come in the form of the Ohio Sunshine Laws - but does the sun really shine on student journalists? This was the topic of the 12th Annual First Amendment Freedom Forum, which was held Thursday in the Law Center Auditorium.
The mid-term elections of 2010 were groundbreaking for Republicans, who most notably took back the U.S. House of Representatives and several state governorships. Republicans claim the big victories occurred in 2010 mostly due to President Barack Obama's policies, whereas Democrats are quick to point out the elections reflected an anti-incumbent sentiment.
Senate Bill 5 is waiting for Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s signature in order to become law. The Ohio House approved the amended bill yesterday afternoon by a vote of 53 to 44. The senate also approved changes made to the bill by a 17 to 16 vote. Opponents of the bill are determined to gather 230,000 signatures to get the measure up for a vote of the people.
The University of Toledo's Center for Creative Instruction has created an interactive smartphone application for people who want to explore the inside of various fruits. The app, Fruit Expos3D, was developed by a group of graphic designers, software engineers and a medical illustrator at the CCI.
With the women’s basketball team advancing to the WNIT Championship Finals, UT’s second-longest tradition, Songfest, will be pushed back 24 hours to Sunday. Vice President of Student Affairs Kaye Patten-Wallace said the plan to potentially move Songfest was first proposed when the possibility of the final game being held at Savage Arena arose.
U.S. Rep Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) paid a visit to the University of Toledo in honor of Women's History Month. The congresswoman gave an address entitled "History of Women in the U.S. Congress" in the Student Union auditorium Monday morning. Roberta Edgecombe, chair of the Women's History Month Committee, said Kaptur was chosen to be a guest at UT because she is an "excellent speaker.
The Hispanic population in the United States has passed the 50 million mark, making the group the second largest population among ethnic groups in the United States. According to an article on CNN’s website, the sources of growth are still being studied, but the birth rate is the largest contribution to the population boost and in the past 10 years the nation has become more racially and ethnically diverse.
Author, artist and post-op transgender Kate Bornstein visited the University of Toledo to talk about gender, suicide and bullying in her performance piece "Sex, Bullies and You: How America's Bully Culture is Messing With Your Sex Life" this past Wednesday.
A record-breaking 660 students were registered for The Big Event this year. The motto for the morning, "One big day, one big thanks," pumped up the students who willingly sacrificed their Saturday for a few hours of service to their community last weekend.
Community-based clinical worker on the University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus Oscar Linares was terminated from the campus after being arrested for running a prescription pill mill last week. The Monroe Pain Center in Monroe, Mich., which police raided last week, has been run by Linares since 2006.
Though he was laid to rest Friday, the memory of fallen Sandusky Police Officer Andy Dunn still lives with his family, friends and officers from across the country. Dunn, 30, was shot five times while making a self-initiated stop on Tyler Street at 3 a.
When union workers are under attack, what do they do? They fight back. Union workers and members of the working class made it evident they are not giving up the fight to preserve their collective bargaining rights as they gathered on the Student Union steps Monday.
ADS Biotechnology Ltd. is in the process of commercializing a new medical treatment developed by University of Toledo researchers that expands blood volume. The treatment works to expand the blood's volume to keep blood from escaping in certain scenarios where a patient's blood vessels leak due to Capillary Leak Syndrome, a counter-adaptive response to any kind of severe injury.
More than 150 billion pounds of food, which amounts to about $250 billion, is wasted annually in the United States according to author Jonathan Bloom. For almost two years, Bloom researched this growing problem to publish his book titled "American Wasteland: How America Throws Away Nearly Half of Its Food (and What We Can Do About It).
Medical students around the country discovered where they would spend the next three to five years of their lives as they tore open envelopes Thursday afternoon. UT held its 40th annual match day, an event in which fourth-year medical students discover which residency they have been matched with.
Two UT students trying to help out a pair claiming to be kidnap victims became victims of robbery. According to police, the two students were approached by two women at the McDonalds on Reynolds and Ryan Road who said they had been kidnapped from Arizona and needed a ride to the police station.
Students at UT and all across Ohio looking to further their education next fall may want to brace themselves for a possible tuition increase due to a 10.5 percent cut in state funding to universities. Ohio Gov. John Kasich revealed his two-year budget plan for the state last week.
A comparative study of Eastern and Western nations' view on the death penalty was the theme of Friday afternoon's forum hosted by the Asian Studies Institute. The goal of the forum was to educate the faculty and students about how to look at the death penalty across the scale.
Following the news of the fourth worst earthquake since they have been monitored, Mari Sawai called her mother three times – the final time bringing the comforting news that her family in Tokyo was okay. "I couldn't reach her for a couple of times, but luckily I got a hold of her after three times and she was still having trouble contacting my sister and my grandparents saying they are okay," said the senior majoring in math education and president of the Japanese Student Association.
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration along with the Department of Geography and Planning moved their offices to the Snyder Memorial Building during spring break. The political science and public administration, and geography and planning departments can now be found on the third floor of Snyder Memorial with their main offices located in room 3000.
As social networking sites such as Facebook become increasingly popular, potential employers have begun to use them as a way to look into job-seekers' personal lives. For this reason, Priyanshu Harshavat, a Rochester Institute of Technology graduate, developed Socioclean.
Standing behind a decorated podium in Carlson Library Jack Paquette tells his audience he has been a "cheerleader of Toledo" for the most of his adult life, yesterday. Paquette, retired vice president at Owens-Illinois Inc., is the first speaker in the series "Wholly Toledo: The Business and Industry That Shaped the City," an exhibit hosted by UT's Ward M.
Approximately 70 University of Toledo employees on the Health Science Campus may be laid off to help fill UT’s budget gap. UT is in the process of renegotiating the contracts of food service and gift shop workers on the HSC, according to Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs and interim vice president for equity and diversity.
A magnitude 8.9 earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean and caused a huge tsunami in Northeastern Japan on the Honshu island Friday afternoon resulting in blackouts, fires and fears of a nuclear meltdown. Reports have counted the death tolls as being higher than 10,000.
UT has invited the “campus community” to participate in choosing the next Provost for main campus after one provost left the university for a job in Texas and another was admitted as interim through an internal search last year. The five candidates for Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs will be interviewed in an “open forum” style set up in the Student Union Building over a three-week period.
Gov. John Kasich (R-Ohio) delivered his annual State of the State Address last Tuesday. Kasich spoke about issues troubling "our beloved Buckeye State" including joblessness and poverty, and he discussed possible ways to solve those issues. State Rep.
With budget cuts hanging over the university, UT's Office of Residence Life could potentially close one of its residence halls to fill the 20 percent deficit UT faces for fiscal year 2012. Director of Residence Life Jo Campbell said if she had to make the decision prior to Ohio Governor John Kasich revealing the state budget, she would close Dowd Hall, Nash Hall and White Hall.
Public employees may soon see their collective bargaining rights disappear with the passage of Senate Bill 5. The bill was passed in the Ohio Senate by one vote yesterday. It has to go to the Ohio House of Representatives for a vote. The vote on the bill was 17 to 16.
Following last night’s Student Government Election Meeting, the Rubin/Maddocks ticket for presidency was unopposed, giving the duo a second term as SG President and Vice President. According to SG President Matt Rubin, his and Vice President Jordan Maddocks’ presidential ticket was the only one who collected signatures and filled out the election materials.
Kyle Smitley, a third-year law student at UT, was named "Greatest Person of the Day" by the Huffington Post two weeks ago for her eco-friendly clothing line for children, Barley and Birch. In her career, Smitley has many accomplishments. She has been named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs in Fortune Magazine and one of Inc.
In an unprecedented move, President Barack Obama has stopped the U.S. Department of Justice from enforcing the Defense of Marriage Act. The 1996 law, signed by former President Bill Clinton, was put into place to bar the recognition of same-sex marriages at the federal level.
With the Veterans Glass City Skyway Bridge closing last Thursday due to falling ice, a team of researchers centered at the University of Toledo seized the opportunity to test and expand their study of the icing process on the bridge. Through the Ohio Department of Transportation, Director of Intermodal Transportation Institute and University Transportation Center, Richard Martinko leads a team of 31 who are attempting to find the best solution to prevent icing and deice the bridge.
Many students enroll at college each year expecting to be enlightened with information that will help them in their future careers, but many are not actually learning in college as they would expect. In the book "Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses," two professors highlight how students today do not reach their full academic potential, especially in their first two years.
The “Lisa Straub Benefit Fund” has raised $10,000 through events such the fundraiser held Thursday at T.G.I.Friday’s. The fund was created in order to help catch and convict the murderers of Straub and her boyfriend, Johnny C. Clarke, who were found murdered Jan.
As some students grab their sunglasses and head to the beach or lock themselves in a room with video games for a week, others are making their way to impoverished areas to help rebuild communities during spring break. Next week, students participating in the Alternative Spring Break through Toledo Campus Ministries and the YMCA will be going to New Mexico to help the Pewa people who live in a "high violence area.
As the University of Toledo participates in the second annual RecycleMania Tournament, leaders of Student Government are looking for new ways to match and surpass numbers from last year's contest. SG Vice President Jordan Maddocks said in a phone interview, older honors theses were recycled during last year's renovations of UT's libraries, making a dent in the pounds UT recycled during the contest.
Employees fight Issue 5
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The cold air and snowy weather were not strong enough to stop the approximate 5,000 who rallied at the Statehouse prior to Senate Bill 5's fourth hearing in the Ohio State Senate, Tuesday. With collective bargaining at stake for state employees, chants such as "kill the bill" and "O-H-I-O: Gov.
Employees fight Issue 5
"You've created a dictatorship; you've created a system where faculty have no say." This is how Walt Olson, professor of mechanical, industrial and manufacturing engineering at UT, feels about Senate Bill 5, which will strip public employees of all collective bargaining rights.
Former UT football player plans to open restaurant
Former University of Toledo star quarterback Bruce Gradkowski is coming home to partner with Arnie's to open a sports bar called "Gradkowski's" as part of UT's Gateway project. "I consider Toledo home for me, so I'm excited to come back and try to give back to the university and help out any way I can," Gradkowski said.
Though the UT Foundation and Fairmount properties have elaborate plans to make the corner of Secor and Dorr Street into an "Ann Arbor-style" college town, severe safety issues of Dorr still have to be addressed. If approved, several new improvements to the road could be instituted in the next couple of years, including an additional turn lane, pedestrian crosswalks and possibly a lower speed limit.
UT President Lloyd Jacobs admitted to not knowing what the budget scenario for fiscal year 2012 will be several times on Tuesday. "I recognize the huge ambiguity of where we are, that is The University of Toledo, you, and me are right now," Jacobs said at an open forum discussion with faculty Tuesday afternoon.
Legislators, public officials and other elected officials gathered at the University of Toledo to discuss Ohio's sentencing policies Friday. The goal of this year's Law Symposium, hosted by the Toledo Law Review, was to address questions about the pros and cons of the state's prior and current sentencing policies and how spending less on sentencing inmates could be accomplished while still keeping the community safe.
A $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Ashley Phillips as part of the 42nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Banquet Friday. "No matter how hard it gets, [I] keep on trying," Phillips said. Despite having a physical disability and a six-month-old son, the sophomore majoring in speech language pathology is a member of the University of Toledo track and field team and the Health and Human Service Committee.
After last year's UT Student Government President Krystal Weaver broke the rules by peeking at the 2009 election results before they were released, SG struggled to reform their reputation on campus. "We were doing positive things, but they were overshadowed by all the bad things," said SG President Matt Rubin.
After many years of talking and planning, the University of Toledo Foundation is embarking on a multimillion- dollar project to give Dorr Street a "college town" setup. The foundation, in collaboration with Fairmount Properties, is looking to bring restaurants, retailers and services including hair and nail salons to 26,000 square feet on UT's side of Secor and Dorr.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Toledo and the UT Initiative for Religious Understanding sponsored the second annual Chinese Lantern Festival Celebration yesterday. The festival included a lecture on Confucius by Weiming Tu entitled "Listening to Confucius" and several traditional Chinese performances by the Huazhong Normal University Performing Troupe.
The Library Resource Fee on UT students’ bill is not used for buying new electronic resources at the library. The fee is used instead to sustain the current library budget. Many in the Carlson Library administration thought this new fee, applied in 2009, would serve as additional funding to expand the electronic resources offered through library services, but were disappointed to find this was not the case and feel the fee is being wrongly redirected into the general fees inaccessible to the library budget.
Toledo was recently ranked 12th in Forbes Magazine's America's Top 20 Most Miserable Cities, making the Glass City a little more miserable than it was last year. Forbes ranked Toledo as the 15th most miserable city last year. According to Forbes, Stockton, Calif.
Following Egyptian President Hosini Mubarak's resignation Friday, Egyptians are feeling a sense of normality for the first time in almost three weeks. Mina Rizk, a UT sophomore majoring in psychology who has family residing in Cairo and Alexandria, said his aunts and uncles told him that following all of the celebrations in the streets, neighborhoods are becoming safer and people are returning to work and school.
While college students stay warm inside houses, apartments or residence halls during the winter, those without homes seek refuge wherever they are able to find it. While most years there are sightings of homeless finding shelter in buildings throughout the University of Toledo, Tim Day, the night supervisor of building services, said there have been no reports made so far in 2011.
Three new bills being considered in the Ohio House of Representatives seek to place limits on abortion in Ohio. According to a press release by Ohio Right to Life, the bills aim to ban late-term abortions, exclude taxpayer funding for abortions and strengthen parental consent laws for minors trying to have an abortion.
UT student Sarah Mettler woke up one morning to frantic screaming and pounding at her door -- her best friend Lisa had just been murdered. "Wake up, wake up! Tell me this isn't Lisa's house so everybody will stop calling me. Tell me this isn't her," the senior majoring in criminal justice remembers her roommate shouting.
Michigan is no longer giving college students a break when it comes to food assistance. Though Michigan college students can still receive food assistance with a Michigan Bridge Card if they meet other qualifications such as having a child in the home, students will not be able to receive assistance just because they are attending college, starting in April.
Fish have been washing up dead along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair due to a highly infectuous disease called viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a virus that only affects fish. Many fish exposed to the virus do not show symptoms or recover. "However, during specific outbreaks, which are not well understood, large numbers of fish may exhibit visible symptoms of hemorrhage and die in very large numbers, many of kidney or liver failure," said Douglas W.
Bath salts are no longer being used as an aid to help someone's grandmother ease her muscles while she soaks in warm water. At Ivory-Wave.com, gas stations and convenience stores around the country people can purchase "legal highs" being marketed as "bath salts," unless they live in the United Kingdom or Louisiana where the fake bath salts have been banned.
As the budget FY12 season approaches, UT President Lloyd Jacobs has appointed a committee to evaluate ways in which to reduce UT’s budget by 20 percent. In a letter to the university community in early January, UT President Lloyd Jacobs announced the creation of the FY12 Budget Formulation and Re-Engineering Task Force.
Students who find themselves frequently going on late night Taco Bell runs may reconsider eating at the fast food joint as the quality of taco meat comes into question. An Alabama law firm sued Taco Bell for falsely advertising the use of 100 percent beef in their recipes when in fact only 35 percent is used.
After going through a lengthy revision process last semester, UT’s strategic plan has undergone more revisions including a name change to reflect the current year. Directions 2010 was a revision of Directions 2007, a strategic plan document created after the 2006 merger of the University of Toledo and the Medical University of Ohio.
One of the worst snowstorms of the year hit the Midwest, causing a Level 3 snow emergency Tuesday night through Wednesday. Just when students thought they were getting a break, the snow fired back up on Saturday. UT administrators conducted a conference call in order to decide whether or not to close UT and figure out a plan to clean and dig the campus out of the snow.
Piles of blankets covered the gym floor at UT's Student Recreation Center as students awaited instructions for the day on Saturday. Wrap-Up Toledo took place Saturday with about 18 to 20 student organizations participating in a fort building contest to get blankets donated for the homeless.
While sophomore Mina Rizk sat in his residence hall in Toledo yesterday afternoon, his relatives in Cairo, Egypt were falling asleep, fearing the civil breakout that has thrown off the balance of power for nine days. The psychology major at UT was born in Cairo and moved to the U.
Lawrence James, who plead guilty to fatally stabbing University of Toledo sophomore Casey Bucher, has been sentenced to life in prison. James, 24, said in a pre-trial hearing last week he had dreams compelling him to stab Bucher. James will be eligible for parole after 16 years.
The Ohio Third Frontier Program granted the University of Toledo $3 million and a $1 million loan to advance three research initiatives with Ohio companies in hopes of helping boost the local economy. UT will work with three companies to create environmentally-friendly acid batteries, build an ethanol plant in Toledo and create a high-tech heat and power generating system.
Students will have more decisions during dining hours after several changes in campus dining halls take place this weekend. Starting this Saturday, hours of operation will be extended at the Carter Hall Provisions on Demand on weekends while the Palette Café in Ottawa Hall East will only be catering to the late-night crowd.
The recent awards picked up by the Chevrolet Volt are just one indication of a trend by American consumers toward eco-friendly vehicles. The Volt, the first hybrid car to be named one of Car and Driver Magazine's top 10 cars, is a plug-in hybrid that runs partially on a Lithium-ion battery and an internal combustion engine.
The following is the second-part in an IC series about money management. This feature focuses primarily on investing and whether students should start setting up a retirement plan. Average college students have a lot on their minds, and chances are tending to a retirement plan is not one of them.
Almost 90 percent of freshmen who came to the University of Toledo last fall have returned for the spring 2011 semester. This Spring Semester, 3,107 of the 3,550 direct-from-high school students who came to UT in the fall returned to take classes, an 87.
Wes Moore was studying abroad in West Africa when his mother called to tell him the Bronx was papered with wanted posters that had his name on them. The police were looking for four men including ‘The Other Wes Moore' who robbed a jewelry store and killed an off-duty police officer who had been moonlighting as a security guard for the store.
Three electric car charging stations have been installed at various locations on the University of Toledo's campuses. One charger is located on the Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation in Parking Lot 22, another on is on the main campus in the service parking lot behind Carter Field, and the last is located by the facilities building on the Health Science Campus.
Students were challenged to lobby for "real food" in the dining halls at the University of Toledo when the Real Food Challenge visited the campus on Tuesday. According to their website, the Real Food Challenge is a national student-led campaign aiming to "increase the procurement of real food on college and university campuses.
The following is the final article of a three part series on religion in the recession Chaz Boes was 11 when he assembled his first congregation inside his grandparents' garage in Defiance, Ohio, complete with chairs, carpet, an altar and a plastic toy microphone.
The suspect in the fatal stabbing of University of Toledo student Casey Bucher plead guilty to one count of murder on Wednesday at a pre-trial hearing. Lawrence James, 24, will face up to life in prison when he is sentenced for the murder today in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.
America is home to the world's best colleges and universities, "where more students come to study than any other place on Earth," according to United StatesPresident Barack Obama. But America is slacking on educating its children, Obama said in his 2011 State of the Union Address Tuesday night.
Following the UT Women's basketball 66-65 win over Bowling Green, Student Government President Matt Rubin posted on his personal Facebook page a satirical letter directed toward the losing university. "Dear Bowling Green State University, It must suck to suck.
Mortar Board National Honor Society is organizing its first Wrap Up Toledo event at the University of Toledo on Feb. 5. Wrap Up Toledo is an event that brings organizations from around the area together with the blankets they have donated for a fort building contest.
Students were challenged to lobby for "real food" in the dining halls at the University of Toledo when the Real Food Challenge visited the campus on Tuesday. According to their website, the Real Food Challenge is a national student-led campaign aiming to "increase the procurement of real food on college and university campuses.
Students can expect $20K in debt after attending college
The following is a two-part IC Series on student finances. The final part of the series will look at student investments and whether students should invest money. When Adrienne Reyes graduated from the University of Toledo two years ago, she was more than $23,000 in debt.
Students, faculty and staff who made any purchase on the University of Toledo’s campuses in the past four months may experience a sudden change in their bank statements. Computer problems at UT prevented credit cards from being charged for purchases on the Main Campus and Health Science Campus from September to Jan.
University selected to develop application over other schools due to strong technology programs
University of Toledo students could play a vital role in making roads safer by the end of the semester — they just have to win a competition first. OnStar is offering a $10,000 reward for the best application design through the first OnStar Student Developer Challenge that will continue helping drivers stay safe.
Staff in the departments of Campus Police, Safety and Health and Human Resources have all volunteered to participate in a furlough program. “Here are the options,” said Vice President for Human Resources and Campus Safety Bill Logie. “We either have to reduce staff, which in turn reduces resources and impacts customer service and all of the things that normally [having] less staff does, or we could have cut services but that still would have meant cutting back on people.
The Collegian Media Foundation Board of Directors has selected a new editor-in-chief for the remainder of the Spring Semester at their January 17 meeting. Jason Mack, a senior in communications, will take over as editor-in-chief of the Independent Collegian beginning today.
The following is the second article of a three part series on religion in the recession. The third article is a feature on Pastor Chaz Boes, who is a University of Toledo student. When people are hit hard in tough economic times, some turn to places of worship for an outlet.
UTPD community cruiser up for reevaluation
Due to budgeting limitations, the University of Toledo is considering rejecting the 618 cruiser unit, which patrols the Bancroft Hills, Secor Gardens and Old Orchard neighborhoods. The unit, created in 1994, consists of one UT Police officer and one Toledo Police officer.
From her beginnings in the Toledo area to her legacy in the Ohio House of Representatives, State Senator Edna Brown could summarize her career in one word. Altruistic. Brown, who was sworn in on Jan. 3, is the first African American to represent Lucas County and the rest of the 11th district.
The minimum wage in Ohio increased 10 cents for non-tipped employees and five cents for workers who are tipped at the beginning of 2011. The new wages are now $7.40 an hour and $3.70 an hour, respectively. The wage hike affects nearly 270,000 workers across the state, according to the think tank Policy Matters Ohio.
As the election for the next Student Government leaders approaches, current SG leaders consider what initiatives they hope to complete by the end of their term as President and Vice President. SG President Matt Rubin and Vice President Jordan Maddocks said they have high hopes for this semester.
Religious groups in area report slight increase in attendance but a drop in monetary contributions
The following is the first article of a three part series on religion in the recession. The second article will look at the psychology of religion and its mental effects during tough times. The third article will be a feature on Pastor Chaz Boes. In these uncertain times, it is understandable that more people look for spiritual guidance — but that doesn't mean they're willing to pay for it.
UT alum starts own company and product based on alcohol-infused whipped cream
With the first set of spring semester parties on the horizon, expect the product of a former University of Toledo student to be found on the shelf, right next to the vodka. Chris Guiher, president and CEO of Kingfish Spirits, came up with the idea for Cream while studying business and graphic design at UT.
University to add more space for performing arts
Renovations to the Center for Performing Arts will begin at the end of spring semester as the need for more space and newer equipment arises. A refurbished recital hall, additional dressing rooms and additional building space are just some of the things included in the $2 million renovation.
Editor's Note: The following article is based on the Jan. 11 meeting of the University of Toledo Language Literature and Social Science Council. The meeting was informal and open to the public. The contents of this article reflect the thoughts and opinions that were expressed at the meeting — and those sentiments only.
The first semester as a restructured university
Seniors graduating in May will be the last class of University of Toledo students to graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences. The beginning of the spring 2011 semester marks the beginning of the transition period for UT's restructuring plan, which is now in full effect.
Ben Konop shares his experiences in politics
Ben Konop's advice on Toledo politics goes something this: Welcome to local government, don't forget to bring your bat. That is part of a metaphor for what the former Lucas County Commissioner describes as the "alleyway" that is Toledo politics. "Sometimes I describe it as going to work every day with a baseball bat and going out to the alley and just seeing who gets out of there walking by the end of the day.
Due to the slow growth in the state's population, Ohio will lose two seats in the United States House of Representatives come time for the 2012 general election. The number of representatives from each state in Congress is based on the relative number of people in each state.
The University of Toledo is offering students a way to avoid driving while drunk with a new partnership which gives students 24/7 taxi cab access. The partnership with Black & White Transportation provides students with a pre-paid debit card that can be used for cab fares.
Professor receives 100K grant
The University of Toledo's environmental science department has big plans for research involving turf grass, which can be a breeding ground for many different types of harmful bacteria. Last month, the NFL Charities awarded the University of Toledo a $100,000 grant to further an investigation of turf-dwelling harmful bacteria.
Grim financial outlook might mean cuts to programs and majors, according to university administrators
The University of Toledo may be offering fewer courses and majors for students in 2012. In order to balance its fiscal year 2012 budget, UT is looking at cutting some majors that have "less students interested" in them according to Vice President for External Affairs and Interim Vice President for Equity and Diversity Larry Burns.
With the end of the fall semester upon the university, Student Government President and Vice President Matt Rubin and Jordan Maddocks sat with the Independent Collegian on Tuesday to reflect on their platforms and what has been done to uphold promises made to voters.
The University of Toledo received a $377,000 grant from NASA to use over a three-year period for Global Climate Change education programs. UT received the grant from NASA to develop modules on the internet for K through 12 students. To receive the grant, a group of about 10 faculty members put together a 75-page proposal, which was then sent to NASA.
UT awaits full board vote after Monday’s meeting and decision
New deans for the three colleges created from the pre-existing College of Arts and Sciences have been announced. Members of the Board of Trustees Academic and Student Affairs Committee unanimously approved all three of the candidates up for consideration at their Monday meeting.
Ohio State Senate passes legislation to make human trafficking a standalone felony and protect victims of child prostitution
Before the Ohio Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 235 on Wednesday, a child seeking help from authorities after being involved in human sex trafficking in Toledo would be prosecuted for prostitution. Senate Bill 235 has changed that, making human sex trafficking a standalone felony in Ohio.
Nepolitano holds teleconference with national media, urging Congress to pass immigration bill
If Congress passes the DREAM Act, undocumented minors who were brought into the United States by their parents without a choice will be able to gain residency as U.S. citizens by serving in the military or going to college. United States Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano urged Congress to pass the proposed Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act Thursday afternoon in a teleconference with national media.
NEW YORK — A deal between the United States and South Korea should create at least 70,000 American jobs and could be the biggest trade pact since 1994's North American Free Trade Agreement. The newly created agreement, subject to congressional approval, was announced by the White House Friday, a day that also brought a November payrolls report that hiked the unemployment rate to 9.
Venture capitalists back best business plans from community
The University of Toledo’s College of Business and Innovation awarded $22,000 in the first Innovation Enterprises Challenge Business Plan Competition on Thursday. Business plans were pitched by 49 teams from the colleges of business, engineering and medicine to eight judges from Toledo’s business community for a chance to win $10,000 to fund their business.
Food deserts in Toledo’s inner city and what’s being done to solve it
What once was a network of neighborhood "mom and pop" stores that sold locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables to local consumers, Toledo's once tight-knit food market has been effectively dismantled over the years and replaced with a new system — one dotted with big box stores and franchise supermarkets.
Student diets and coping habits during exam week
For many students, final exam week means one thing: stress. Staying up all night and studying for exams or working on papers and final projects can lead to stress, which interferes with the way the body functions. "Stress is part of the whole college scene," said Marcia Guinan, a psychologist at the University of Toledo Counseling Center.
Student orgs. help out Toledo economy by buying local
For nearly 27 years, card games like Munchkin Quest and Magic: The Gathering have helped build the local economy. Over the years, BASH, a student gaming organization at the University of Toledo, has made a conscious decision to stimulate the local economy by purchasing most of their games, such as those mentioned above, at locally-owned-and-operated game stores in the Toledo area.
The University of Toledo’s Center of Excellence in Autism was created earlier this year with one goal in mind: to provide autistic teens and young adults with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in life despite their disability. The center, which is based in the Richard D.
Number of freshmen living on campus to decrease in spring
The Office of Residence Life expects nearly 420 vacant beds across all of the University of Toledo’s dorms next semester. Fewer freshmen are living on campus this semester than last year and administrators expect the numbers to decrease with the spring semester.
The search for deans of the three new colleges created from the former College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Toledo is underway as three candidates for each position are being interviewed by dean search committees this week. The dean search committees for the College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences, College of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics were formed two weeks ago and began interviewing candidates for the positions on Tuesday.
Year after $20 million grant, UT facility creating biodiesel
After receiving a $20 million federal stimulus grant last year, the bio-refinery owned by Red Lion Bio-Industry has been able to make diesel fuel out of many renewable sources. Synterra Fuels, the joint venture between Red Lion Bio-Energy, LLC and Pacific Renewable Fuel Inc.
Next Sunday marks The Women of the Old West End's 21st Annual Tours de Noel, when five different houses throughout Toledo's most historic neighborhood are decorated and put on display for patrons to tour the festive homes. This year, three houses are located on Scottwood Avenue, one is found on Robinwood Avenue and the fifth house is on Collingwood Boulevard.
Professors provide holiday home for international students
For many students, Thanksgiving break means heading home and spending quality time with family over a hot meal. But for international students who don’t have that same opportunity, there is a place they can go that some consider a home away from home.
Demand in college area stays constant, according to realtor
Last week, a press release by Coldwell Banker Real Estate through its College Home Listing Report detailed a ranking of "college towns" in which Toledo and UT were together ranked the ninth amongst the most affordable, and fourth in Ohio after Akron, Kent, and Athens.
Coffee no longer drink of choice for college generation, study says
The distinct difference between a Columbian roast and a bold Italian coffee roast doesn't matter to most college students. According to a recent survey, they aren't drinking coffee anyway. A report recently published by the market research group Mintel shows only 27 percent of the 18-year-old to 24-year-old demographic identifying themselves as regular coffee drinkers, which constitutes drinking at least one cup per day.
Caffeinated malt-liquor beverage under scrutiny
The victim of one sexual assault occurring at the University of Toledo this semester reported the alcoholic energy drink Four Loko had been consumed before the assault took place. Two alcohol transports at UT have also involved the consumption of a caffeinated alcoholic beverage, according to UT Police Department Chief of Police Jeff Newton.
UT and area college offer associates in alt. energy
Students interested in studying alternative energy will now be able to look to the University of Toledo as a possible location to pursue their education. Northwest State Community College is partnering with UT to offer an associate's degree program in alternative energy at UT's Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation.
Bad college eating habits could lead to obesity
The "freshman 15" is the most common term used for the extra pounds that supposedly all college students gain in their first year. The cause of the freshman 15 is attributed largely to the radical lifestyle change that many freshmen experience; eating unhealthy food, snacking constantly, reduced exercise, and drinking alcohol.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy famously declared his support for West Germany with the line "Ich bin ein Berliner," German for "I'm a citizen of Berlin." Legend has it Kennedy botched the pronunciation, instead announcing to the audience that he was a jelly donut.
Three laboratories and the main library were closed down due to a bomb threat that was made Tuesday morning at The Ohio State University. According to reports, William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, McPherson Chemical Laboratory, Smith and Scott Laboratories were evacuated and students were advised to avoid the buildings.
The University of Toledo has a certain something that other institutions are striving for, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, which named UT as one of five universities that are building reputations of “greatness.” In the article, which was published on Sunday, Eva Klein, a higher education strategic planning consultant, points to UT as “one institution that has focused on a few areas, including renewable energy (especially solar), biomarkers in medicine, transportation logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
Toledo mayor looks to build international ties for community
Toledo Mayor Mike Bell spent 11 days in China in September with Deputy Mayor Dean Monske to help form future economic, educational and business relationships between China and Toledo. During an exclusive interview, he shared with the Independent Collegian his thoughts and visions for future relations with China.
The University of Toledo's Initiative for Religious Understanding addressed "Islamophobia" from the angle of an Islamic studies professor, a law professor, a journalist and a pastor last Wednesday at the Law Center Auditorium. The panel consisted of Imam Khattab, Endowed Chair of Islamic Studies Ovamir Anjum, Professor of Law Benjamin Davis, Religion Editor for the Toledo Blade David Yonke and Pastor of Park Congregational United Church of Christ Ed Heilman.
Movies prove an escape for viewers during down economy
The following is the final part of a four-part IC series on the effects of the cinema industry on the local community. Whether it's to get away from the everyday stress or from tough economic problems, the need to escape is a staple reason why people go out to movie theaters.
Maria Diakonova receives $1.5 mil NIH grant
Maria Diakonova, assistant professor of biology at the University of Toledo, works with four graduate students and two undergraduate students to research ways to stop breast cancer cells from moving throughout the body. Diakonova and her team received a grant of $1.
An old man wanders out of his hospital room late at night, wheeling his IV bag around with him, wearing nothing but a hospital gown and exposing his rear end to the other hospital patrons. This a common stereotypical joke involving the revealing nature of hospital gowns.
District’s $38 mil budget gap will force cuts in many programs
The failure of a $7.8 million school levy earlier this month leaves Toledo Public Schools with big problems. Even if the levy had passed, the district would have needed to make huge budget cuts. Currently, the TPS budget deficit is at $38 million. "We can't get there just by cutting back; we need to rethink how we do business," said Interim Dean of the Judith Herb College of Education Thomas Brady.
Bookstore in Student Union to begin rentals next semester
The University of Toledo will soon be offering students the option to rent books at about half the cost of buying a new printed book. The new textbook rental program through Barnes & Noble Booksellers will begin in the Spring 2011 semester, and all students have to do is turn the book in during finals week, which the university hopes will save students time and money.
Four months after tornado, school granted $4.8 million
Four months after a tornado blew through Northwest Ohio, destroying homes, businesses and Lake High School, a new grant has been awarded to rebuild the high school. Five people were killed in the strongest natural disaster to hit Ohio in eight years, rating a three on a scale of zero to five.
A genie wearing a blue silicon mask and a red business suit that reads "Experience Genie" on the back arrived in northwest Ohio and took a local woman on the ride of a lifetime. Instead of a magic carpet, the genie took Trish Williams for a ride in a luxury car and allowed her to fly a private airplane.
Jim Ferris shares his story of coping with scars with audience
While standing in the center of an open space inside the Center for the Performing Arts Studio Theatre, Endowed Chairman of the Disability Studies Program Jim Ferris played his guitar and explained the stories behind his own scars. "Can you imagine your body before life took its toll? Can you imagine your life unmarked, without scar," he asked his audience on Saturday.
HARTFORD, Conn. — To Bradley Spahn, it seemed like a clear case of cheating. The Wesleyan University student was assigned a 24-hour take-home exam. Later, he said, nearly half the class would admit to taking so-called "study drugs" — medications like Ritalin or Adderall — to help them focus during the exam.
The IC gets student reactions to the shift in power in Congress
Tuesday night marked the end of the 2010 election cycle, numerous campaigns and unified Legislative and Executive Branches at the federal level. For many, it represented either a day of reckoning or disappointment for voters, depending on their party.
How 3-D cinema is more money and less artistic integrity
The following is the third part of a four-part series on the cinema industry. The series will conclude by discussing how movie theaters provide an escape for its patrons, especially in economically difficult times. Hollywood executives' decisions to produce more 3-D films have caused some to feel moviemakers are jeopardizing the artistic quality of films.
Founder of MyCollegeStuff.net denied placing signs on campus
After making a verbal agreement with UT for free advertising on campus, the creators of MyCollegeStuff.net claim they were denied advertising and told to remove their ads from the Student Union Building. "After many meetings with [Interim] Dean [of Students] Michele Martinez during the spring and throughout the summer, we were reassured free advertising on campus and that MyCollegeStuff would be treated like a student service," said founder of MyCollegeStuff.
Beta Alpha Psi holds fall fundraiser for Susan G. Komen foundation
As some baby-faced students searched "how to grow a beard" in preparation for No-Shave November, Beta Alpha Psi was wrapping up its fall fundraising with an event at Jo-Jo's Pizzeria on Monroe Street. For every person that placed an order during the Oct.
UT student Sarah Lawrence awarded in honor of Holocaust hero
For the past 20 years, the Raoul Wallenberg Scholar Award has been awarded to a University of Toledo student with a tireless passion for helping those who cannot help themselves. The most recent recipient of the award is Sarah Lawrence, a graduate student of UT’s College of Education.
AAUP’s request for injunction on reorganization plans to be taken in hearing later in month
The University of Toledo's chapter of the American Association of University Professors was denied the temporary restraining order they requested on plans for reorganizing the university in Lucas County Common Pleas Court Monday. Lucas County Common Pleas Court Jugde Gary Cook found the matter to be a labor dispute subject to arbitration and was not convinced the UT-AAUP would suffer irreparable harm if the temporary restraining order was not granted at this time.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The anchormen of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report" — Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, respectively – hosted "The Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear," on the National Mall Saturday afternoon.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Whether they were carrying signs, dressed in costumes or just there to enjoy the gathering of a few hundred thousand people, college students from across the country made their presence known at the “Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear” Saturday.
By decreasing the amount of energy the campus uses and having at least 10 buildings that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, the University of Toledo has earned a B- on its Sustainability Report Card grade for 2011, an increase from last year's C+.
While spending two weeks in two impoverished Latin American countries, Amanda Mure helped combat respiratory problems, earning her a spot as one of 20 students receiving the 2010 American Medical Association Foundation Leadership Award. The Leadership Award is based on the non-clinical leadership abilities of its recipients in medicine and community affairs.
Network holds panel discussion with students in the Student Union
CNN made a special stop at the University of Toledo's Main Campus yesterday morning during which CNN Newsroom Anchor Don Lemon led a panel of UT students in the South Lounge of the Student Union Building as the students shared their thoughts on the midterm elections.
Approximately 1.5 million children below the age of five die from a pathogenic bacteria infection causing fatal diarrhea every year. Hironori Matsushima, a research assistant professor in medical microbiology and immunology along with Akira Takashima, a professor of medical microbiology and immunology, have proposed a plan in order to help these children.
Bikini bar opens; targets college students and working men
Some residents of the Toledo area may not like the idea of a restaurant where waitresses are dressed in bikini tops and short-shorts, but those who have experienced it aren't complaining. Bikini's Bar and Grill is one of the newest restaurants in Toledo.
Since its inception last October, the University of Toledo’s Minority Business Development Center has helped six companies expand their business. Minority-owned businesses pay rent for office space in the development center, located on the Scott Park Campus for Energy and Innovation, and UT provides the companies with business and office resources.
The University of Toledo’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors has asked the Lucas County Common Pleas Court to order no further action on reorganizing the university be taken until the grievance filed by the AAUP in September is resolved.
SG proposes legislation to investigate crime on campus
Student Government passed a new safety initiative last Tuesday which will have faculty, students and staff take a survey about places on campus where they do not feel safe. “The main thing is, we want to know where the students don’t feel safe and concentrate on those areas,” said Patrick Harvey, a senior majoring in human resources who is a member of the SG Cabinet.
Faculty in the council debate whether to have three ‘daughter councils’ and constitutions
Faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences are preparing to make the split into three separate colleges. Since the Faculty Senate constitution calls for every college on campus to have a separate college council and constitution, the Arts and Sciences Council discussed how to make the transition at their last meeting.
The following is the second part of a four-part IC series on the local effects of the cinema industry. The third part looks at a regional comparison of the West coast and Midwest in terms of 3-D cinema. The final part gives insight on how movie theaters provide an escape to its consumers in tough economic times.
How ‘Family Guy’ and ‘South Park’ address racial problems
In the final puzzle of an episode of Wheel of Fortune, one vowel was missing from the puzzle and the category was “people who annoy you.” “I know it but I don’t think I should say it,” the contestant Randy Marsh said, but with 10 seconds left on the clock he solved the puzzle.
Just outside of the Memorial Field House, a student covered in fake blood was pulled outside of a wrecked car while Vice President of Student Affairs Kaye Patten-Wallace rode atop a fire truck and a Life Flight helicopter touched down. No faculty or students were harmed during the mock accident, which was held as part of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week.
The economic future of Toledo could rest in a $23 million federal grant awarded by the United States Department of Energy's Photovoltaics Manufacturing Initiative. The Department of Energy put the grant on the table earlier this year to stimulate growth in the photovoltaic industry.
The economic future of Toledo could rest in a $23 million federal grant awarded by the United States Department of Energy's Photovoltaics Manufacturing Initiative. The Department of Energy put the grant on the table earlier this year to stimulate growth in the photovoltaic industry.
In the past half-decade, the University of Toledo Foundation and many others on campus have begun thinking of ways to transform Dorr Street into a modern off-campus community. Movie theaters, bookstores and retail outlets are just some of the ideas of things to be built on Dorr Street for students and the UT community.
Brighter lights replace figment-based streetlights as a response to campus saftey concerns
LED lights are being installed all around the University of Toledo's Main Campus to address some campus safety concerns by making it brighter at night. The LED, or light emitting diode, lights soon will be in every light post on walkways, parking lots and in front of buildings on campus.
Toledo GROWs plants 40 trees along Ottawa River; youth work to build job skills by gardening
Chrevon Lawrence wouldn’t have been able to tell you the difference between an American chestnut tree and a maple tree on Monday. But on Tuesday, the 17-year-old from Toledo learned every tree is different, even in the subtlest ways. What’s more, he learned how gardening can help him grow into a more responsible person.
The re-roofing of the Carlson Library has been leaving behind a smell that some library workers describe as "putrid." "I began to smell it [Tuesday] and it actually made me nauseous," said Barbara Baker, secretary at the Writing Center in Carlson Library.
UT evaluates TPS finances
The Toledo Public School district is in the red with an approximately $39 million budget deficit for next year, according to the five-year plan presented yesterday at the TPS Board’s finance committee meeting. The $39 million deficit is a decrease from a previously projected $44 million deficit.
How local theaters are preparing for the new age of 3-D and digital cinema
The following is the first story of a three-part series about the cinema industry and its local impact. The second part will feature films made in the Detroit, Mich. area. The final part will be a regional comparison of the West coast and Midwest in terms of 3-D cinema.
Sister Helen Prejean arrived at the University of Toledo and gave a provocative lecture titled “Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues” as part of Thursday evening’s Gandhi Lecture Series. Prejean, the author of several books including “Dead Man Walking,” is also an outspoken anti-death penalty activist.
UT grad Christi Paul delivers keynote address at press club
University of Toledo alumna Christi Paul is using her high-profile career as a tool for making a difference, most notably in locating missing children. "I feel like I do something good," she said. "There are days where we are talking about Tiger Woods and Brett Favre, and you wonder how it is impacting anybody.
Last year, 984 student conduct cases involved alcohol or drugs at the University of Toledo. Twenty-nine of the students involved in these cases were transported to the emergency room for alcohol poisoning. Those sorts of incidents are the basis of new measures taken by the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention committee to reduce high-risk drinking at UT, including the introduction of the Medical Amnesty Policy, The policy allows students to call the campus police for themselves or other students who are in need of medical attention after a night of heavy binge drinking.
University to be reorganized into new colleges and schools; implementation process to begin
The University of Toledo Board of Trustees unanimously approved a proposal that will change the structure of academic affairs at UT during their meeting on Monday. UT President Lloyd Jacobs presented the BOT's Academic and Student Affairs Committee with his proposal for restructuring, which includes dividing the College of Arts and Sciences into three separate colleges, combining the Judith Herb College of Education with the College of Health Science and Human Service, and creating schools that work across colleges.
The University of Toledo Board of Trustees voted to ratify the terms of a contract between UT and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union on Monday. The BOT's unanimous vote settled over a year and a half of contract renegotiations, during which 2,000 members of the AFSCME Local 2415 went without renewed terms to their contracts.
Supporters, protesters and news agencies showed up last Thursday at the University of Toledo's Driscoll Alumni Center to watch incumbent governor Ted Strickland battle opponent John Kasich in their second televised debate. "My opponent is maybe the most reckless man to seek the Ohio Governor's Office," Strickland told the UT College Democrats at a pre-debate rally in his honor.
If the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is to ever be resolved, it will not be through peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, according to Saree Makdisi. He said if peace in that region is to be attained, it will be because people around the world will have advocated it.
COPIAPO, Chile — The 16th man trapped for more than two months in a Chilean mine was pulled to safety Wednesday as the sounds of rejoicing filled the camp in the Chilean desert where hundreds of international media were holding vigil along with family members of 33 gold and copper miners entombed half a mile below ground.
Theft leads in crime categories
Eight out of 10 students at the University of Toledo believe crime is a serious problem on campus, according to an unscientific survey of over 100 students conducted by the Independent Collegian. In September, an attempted robbery, a burglary and an aggravated burglary all occurred on off-campus locations within the span of two weeks.
The following is a first-hand account of a ride-along with two UTPD officers on Thursday, Sept 30. Any opinions expressed by the writer is solely their own and does not reflect the opinions of the IC. The intent of the ride-along is to give readers a firsthand account of what the men and women of UTPD do on a daily basis.
Charles H. Vicinus, a professor emeritus of theater, died Sept. 30 at the age of 80 in his New Hampshire summer home. According to an article from the Toledo Free Press, Vicinus was recovering from open-heart surgery that occurred on Aug. 19. Vicinus was in New York City Sept.
Faculty members at University of Toledo have taken more serious approaches to showing UT President Lloyd Jacobs their dissatisfaction with his plan for reorganization. The Arts and Sciences Council unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in Jacobs’ plan at their meeting on Tuesday.
Faculty in the College of Health Science and Human Service are unhappy with University of Toledo President Lloyd Jacobs’ plan to merge the college with the Judith Herb College of Education. Faculty in the CHSHS voiced their concerns to Jacobs about the merging of the colleges at their College Council meeting on Monday.
With the crucial midterm elections coming up in November, it appears to some students and community members that participation in campaigns has diminished compared to the 2008 general lection. "It's hard to say though," said Steve Fought, Campaign Spokesman for Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.
LGBT Month to raise awareness to promote respect and tolerance
A recent wave of teen suicides among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-gender students has shocked the public, all the way from Rutgers University in New Jersey to middle schools in Texas and California. The tragedies have forced school administrators to question the effectiveness of conventional tolerance and anti-bullying training.
Twenty-two University of Toledo finance students are investing one million of UT's dollars in the Student Managed Portfolio. Students are trained as equity analysts and are allowed to invest the money as part of a course in the Department of Finance.
Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union on the University of Toledo Health Science Campus voted on Wednesday to grant their leaders permission to carry out a labor strike. The vote is the latest development in more than a year of unsuccessful contract renegotiations between the UT administration and AFSCME Local 2415.
Honors students at the University of Toledo will now graduate from more than one college since the Honors Program was changed into the College of Honors. The UT Board of Trustees approved the change from program to college at their Sept. 20 meeting. Director of the Honors program and professor of English Tom Barden said this will not change students’ degrees.
UT’s American Association of University Professors has filed a grievance against UT President Lloyd Jacobs’ reorganization plan, citing the president’s decision was in direct violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The AAUP states Jacobs is in violation of Article 7 of the Tenured/Tenure Track Contract and Article 7 of the Lecturers’ Contract which states, “The Employer will effectively consult with and seek the advice of the Faculty Senate on matters of institutional planning,” and “Decisions made by the administration under this article shall be fully reported and explained to the Faculty Senate in written detail in order to allow the Faculty Senate to understand the rationale of a given decision.
Students and faculty alike congregated for Thursday's Banned Books Vigil in Sullivan Hall to celebrate one's right to think freely. The 13th annual event focused on the overall censorship of books and other types of media. Paulette Kilmer, professor of communication and coordinator of the Banned Books Week Vigil Committee, said about 420 people signed in to the event, and speakers addressed crowds of about 20 to 60 people at a time.
President underscores need for better, affordable higher education
From the Oval Office, United States President Barack Obama addressed college newspapers on everything from the economy to moving America back to the top of the world rankings when it comes to the total number of college graduates. "The key here is, is that we want to open the doors of our colleges and universities to more people so they can learn, they can graduate, and they can succeed in life," the president said.
Jake Sasseville holds concert to raise money for schools
As we walked from Stranahan Hall to the Student Union Building, Jake Sasseville made sure he was the center of attention, whistling at girls leaving their math class and teasing me about my Midwestern accent. The 24-year-old college dropout-turned-entrepreneur from Maine is the host of the television show "Late Night Republic," which airs on MyTV.
University of Toledo’s past homecoming parade route was not enough for this year’s parade. Roughly 10 to 15 organizations have joined the parade this year, leading to a change in the parade route which normally starts on Bancroft Street and goes through Middlesex Drive, Kenwood Boulevard, Cheltenham Road and then back to Bancroft Street.
Second annual S. Amjad Hussain lecture held at Medical Campus
By listening to Beethoven, a physician might be able to listen to his patients better. And if a doctor reads Emily Dickinson and Ernest Hemingway, he or she might better understand a patient's suffering. Joel Howell discussed these ideas yesterday at the second annual S.
UT students will be able to think for themselves and let others do the same at this year’s banned book vigil today. The 13th annual Banned Books vigil will be held on the second floor of Sullivan Hall from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. This year’s theme is “Think for Yourself and Let Others Do the Same.
Jack Nicholson’s award-winning performance in the film “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” was shown Tuesday for students in the disabilities studies program as part of their film series occurring this semester. The film was chosen for UT students to exemplify the importance of learning about disabilities and realizing that it is not all black and white when it comes to mental stability.
If BOT passes plan, university to add schools, more colleges
UT President Lloyd Jacobs recommended to the Board of Trustees on Friday that the College of Arts and Sciences be split into three separate colleges, which will be home to several schools. Under the recommendation, the CAS will be divided into the College of Mathematics and Science, the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Language, Literature and Social Science.
Children bounced around on a giant inflatable alligator obstacle course yesterday afternoon, bringing young life to the almost 200-year-old neighborhood on the outskirts of downtown Toledo. Once home to dozens of Toledo’s most affluent families, including that of glass industry mogul Edward Drummond Libbey, the late Victorian-style homes of the Old West End are finding a newer, younger generation of families to add to its legacy.
Tim Johnson MEXICO CITY — As if Mexicans needed more evidence that criminal groups are trying to hijack the political life of the nation, it came with a ferocious triple-whammy punch in the past 24 hours. Assailants shot and seriously wounded the mayor-elect of a town in the border state of Chihuahua on Friday afternoon, less than a day after commandos in Nuevo Leon state executed a sitting mayor, making him the 10th municipal chief slain so far this year.
REVAVA, West Bank — Thousands of Jewish settlers celebrated the expiration Sunday of a 10-month freeze on new settlement construction in the West Bank, defying the efforts of Israeli and Palestinian officials to reach a compromise on the issue and keep peace negotiations alive.
Students and faculty stepped onto the field at Comerica Park in order to receive a large check worth around $93,000 Friday. Student Government President Matt Rubin, a senior majoring in political science, said himself, Kevin Kucera, Keri Gallagher and Derek Moos were awarded the check 20 minutes before the first pitch against the Minnesota Twins because of the partnership made between UT and the Tigers.
City seeks Chinese funding; UT helps through promotional video
By David Guastella IC Staff Writer After his first stateside news conference, Toledo Mayor Mike Bell was convinced a future in Toledo-China relations would mean more opportunities for students at UT to study abroad, be involved in exchange programs and allow faculty to engage in overseas collaboration.
The telephone rings from inside the garage of his parents’ house off Holland-Sylvania Road. Mike Adams answers the call while rocking back and forth in his wheelchair and explains to the person on the other line why he cannot pay his bills at the moment.
By skipping class for two weeks and never reading the textbook, Denise Liu was able to ace her organic chemistry exam. The junior majoring in bioengineering turned to videos from YouTube channels like FreelanceTeach and Khan Academy that teach the same material from her chemistry course, along with numerous other topics in science and mathematics.
The Initiative for Religious Understanding, a project sponsored by the University of Toledo Program of Religious Studies, is a way to get the community to enhance religious literacy and introduce the idea of interreligious dialogue. Throughout the year, the project will offer a wide range of programs and events that are geared toward raising the awareness of religious literacy and encouraging interreligious dialogue.
Nationally-syndicated radio show host Michael Baisden brings inner-city mentor tour to Toledo
Michael Baisden told a packed crowd at the Erie Street Market on Tuesday how his father would pick him and his siblings up for school, take them to a hamburger joint and then abandon them — something that happened repeatedly, for years. Baisden's "One Million Mentors Tour" visited the Erie Street Market in downtown Toledo hoping to find mentors for inner-city children.
IC Staff Heather Griffin, a junior majoring in recreational therapy, has been appointed to fill the once-vacant spot on the UT Board of Trustees as a student trustee. There are two spots for student trustees to sit on the BOT and Griffin will serve as a board member for two years.
LST hosts Inside Out program for UT students and offenders
No armed guards, or any guards for that matter, watch over the visitor center-turned-classroom of the Toledo Correctional Institute during its procession. None of the undergraduate students in the room have any knowledge of the crimes for which the convicts sitting beside them were sentenced.
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Unknown Fact: “I once tried out for the Wheel of Fortune.” What is great about your position? “I enjoy working with students to improve the undergraduate experience.” How did you come to UT? “I was working on my master’s degree and found a practicum in Bioengineering which turned into my first fulltime job at UT.
Thursday and Friday meetings allow students and faculty to weigh in, criticize planning process
Faculty and students had their last chance to express their concerns on the Committee on Strategic Organization's proposed plan for reorganizing the university at the two final faculty stakeholder meetings on Thursday and Friday of last week. The main concern of the faculty regarded the timeline from which they received the proposed plan and when Jacobs will make his decision concerning how the university will be reorganized this coming Friday.
UT alums open Pan-Asian Grille in Maumee
Supplied with non-genetically modified ingredients, meat from organically raised livestock and plenty of locally-grown produce, two University of Toledo graduates are hoping to change the way Toledo perceives Asian food. Prakash Karamchandani, or PK as he prefers to be called, a 2008 UT graduate, and Ho Chan Jang, who graduated in 2009 and goes by CJ, are co-owners of the Balance Pan-Asian Grille , located in The Boulevard Plaza in Maumee, Ohio.
A chronicle of UT’s 2010 Fraternity Rush Week
I was assigned to go to the Fall 2010 Rush Week events as a student interested in pledging one of the fraternities on campus and keep a journal of my observations. Despite my efforts, I did not receive a bid into any of the fraternities because I diverted my attention into three different fraternities instead of sticking with one.
Nikhil Gudi is one of many students who meet at the Nitschke Hall parking lot every weekend to compete in cricket matches, a British sport similar in nature to baseball. Gudi, a UT alumnus with a master's in electrical engineering, said most of the students found playing on the engineering campus are from different regions of South East Asia, and the sport is a common shared practice between all of the participants.
"Drinking" is a simple word that refers to consuming a variety of beverages — anything from juice to alcohol. Drinking alcohol is something some college students are indifferent about, but the University of Toledo feels that drinking can be a big issue that needs to be dealt with on college campuses.
Cause of fire still unknown
The Original Pancake House on the corner of Secor Road and Central Avenue in West Toledo caught fire late Tuesday afternoon. According to Toledo Fire Department Battalion Chief Christine Davis, the cause of the fire remains unknown and the fire department is still investigating.
Professors develop list of concerns for CSO and President Jacobs
The UT Faculty Senate drafted a list of critiques of the Committee on Strategic Organization’s reorganization proposal similar to the list of questions by the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council at their meeting on Tuesday. The critiques were in response to a letter sent to the Senate by UT President Lloyd Jacobs addressing their concerns and include things such as the data and evidence supporting the need for reorganization and the cost of reorganization.
Project tells sexual assault stories through shirts
Like solemn flags, t-shirts pinned to ropes waved in the breeze Tuesday afternoon on Centennial Mall as students stopped to read the stories written on them. The shirts — red, purple, orange, blue and white —were part of the Clothesline Project sponsored by the Sexual Assault Education & Prevention Program.
Student Senate passed a resolution supporting the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council’s inquiry into the restructuring of the college. The university is about to see something of an overhaul, yet there is still much confusion about the dynamics of the restructuring.
School system struggles with enrollment, difficult economy
In a lecture hall in the back of the Law Center, members of the UT community gathered for a panel discussion on intellectual and cultural property in China yesterday afternoon. The panel, “Kung Fu Panda vs. Mulan: Three Perspectives on Property in China,” was the first event in the Asian Study Institute’s Luncheon Forum Series for Fall 2010 and was composed of three main speakers and an audience discussion.
Unknown Fact: "I once was a milkman. I was also in a garage band known as the Beach Bugs." What is great about your position? "I think the broad array of activities I'm involved in each and every day and the impact that it has on the university and the community at large.
Sitting at the end of a long table inside the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, Emmett Kadri, Ahmed Mohammed and Judy Trautman discussed their different opinions regarding recent controversies surrounding Muslims in America. While Kadri believes the Park51 Islamic Center in New York City should be built close to Ground Zero, Mohammed said moving it to a location farther away from the site of the tragedy would help alleviate the situation.
Events raise awareness for Main Campus river restoration
Partners for Clean Streams kicked off their 14th annual "Clean the Streams" event Saturday morning at the University of Toledo's Main Campus. Over 100 volunteers participated in the event that took place at a portion of the Ottawa River near Carlson Library as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, which takes place throughout the month of September.
Arts and Sciences Student Council hold second meeting to discuss restructuring of CAS
Faculty and students alike continue to discuss their woes about the proposed reorganization of the university as Sept. 24, the day UT President Lloyd Jacobs will make his recommendation to the Board of Trustees, draws near. At their first official meeting of the semester on Thursday, the University of Toledo Arts and Sciences Student Council compiled a list of questions they want answered about the reorganization of academic affairs before Jacobs makes his recommendation.
Administration planned for lower enrollment due to higher admission standards in colleges
Tuesday marked the "Fifteenth Day" for universities in Ohio when official enrollment numbers are tallied and state subsidies are given out accordingly. Three colleges at the University of Toledo, the Judith Herb College of Education, College of Nursing and College of Business Administration, have raised their admissions standards.
UT prof part of philanthropic organization, helps disaster relief efforts in Pakistan after floods
The University of Toledo is collaborating with Friends of Pakistan, a social and cultural organization comprised of Pakistani–Americans, to raise funds to donate to victims of the flooding in Pakistan. Pakistan has been left in a state of crisis since late July, as the floods have destroyed many parts of the country, leaving millions of people injured and homeless.
Leaders from various student organizations celebrated the opening of a new resource center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony last night in the Student Union Building. Located in the former Campus Activities and Programming office, room 3509, the resource room was created to provide every University of Toledo student organization with the supplies they would need for recruitment and for advertising their events free of charge.
CAS to collect $450,000 in student fees to balance budget
Newly instituted fees totaling $450,000 will be collected from College of Arts and Sciences students this year. These new fees include a $100 fee for the Pre-med/Pre-dental program, a $50 fee for Communication majors and a $100 fee for students enrolled in a Developmental Math course which includes Elementary Algebra I, II and Intermediate Algebra.
Dominican Republican factory breaks sweatshop stereotype
Located in the Dominican Republic is the small town of Alta Gracia, the new home of an unprecedented project by Knights Apparel, Inc. The company, which is the largest supplier of collegiate apparel to 186 universities including the University of Toledo, will begin paying their factory workers $3 an hour — three times the Dominican Republic's minimum wage.
Unknown Fact: Jacobs has two sons; one is in Ann Arbor as a general manager of a restaurant and the other is in medical school. He also likes to spend time with his nieces and nephews. What is great about your position? "It is so complex; it requires constant attention and awareness.
UT receives $3.6 mil. NSF grant
Since the College of Pharmacy moved to the Health Science Campus last spring, projects in the vacated wing in the Bowman-Oddy Laboratories have been underway, including a Center for Biosphere Restoration Research. The approximately $8 million project will be done on three biology labs on the second and third floor on the south wing of Bowman-Oddy and will be "dedicated to research and education in science needed to secure an environmentally sustainable future" according to a press release.
SG President shares his weight loss experiences
While sitting down, relaxed in the Student Government Office, President Matt Rubin matter-of-factly explained that by winning the 2010 Student Government election, he was able to save his life. Doctors told Rubin that without a significant change in his weight loss, he would be lucky if he made it to his 30th birthday.
A lesser-known branch of the University of Toledo stands in the sleepy lake town of Oregon, Ohio. The scientists at the Lake Erie Center study, amongst other things, the increase in harmful algae blooms in the past eight years in Lake Erie. The blooms are the result of an increase in phosphorus in the water, the presence of which is conducive to growth of the algae.
Freshmen mentorship program begins it second year and undergoes some changes from last year
The second year of the Rocket2Rocket Peer Mentorship program launched yesterday at a mentor-mentee meet-up event at the peer mentor center in the Student Union building. The R2R program is a peer mentorship program for incoming freshmen who received the Blue and Gold Scholarship as a part of the UT Guarantee Initiative.
Three years after murder, family and friends still remember victim
The third annual Tammy's Walk was held Saturday to raise money for Toledo's Victim Assistance Program as well as raise awareness of domestic violence. Tammy's Walk is held each year in memory of Tammy Macrae, who was murdered by her boyfriend Lawrence Jameson in August of 2007.
UT admin set to renegotiate with AFSCME
The University of Toledo Board of Trustees voted eight to zero to reject the recommendations from the State Employment Relations Board’s Fact-Finding report regarding contract negotiations between UT and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ bargaining unit.
A&S council meeting
The Arts and Science Council unanimously passed a resolution “strongly condemning” the proposed restructuring plan put forth by the Committee on Strategic Organization at their first meeting of the semester last Tuesday. The resolution states multiple reasons for the ASC’s condemnation.
Administrators cite designations as campus progress
UT will implement designated smoking areas effective in August 2011 following a resolution passed by the UT Board of Trustees Academic and Student Affairs Committee at their June 7 meeting. "I think it's a very positive step in the right direction for healthy students," said Director of Residence Life Jo Campbell, who is also a member of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention Committee.
"If you're unhappy I'm the vice president, you can blame General Motors," Vice President Joe Biden told employees at the Toledo Jeep plant on Monday. "I went and applied for a job on third shift. Had they hired me, I'd be a proud UAW member, and I wouldn't be vice president.
Local entrepreneur Zach Bebee brings botique-style clothing shop and unique selection to area
It started with an idea, and the audacity to follow it diligently. Zach Beebe, owner of NEX (Never Ending) clothing supply located on Secor Road, adjacent to the University of Toledo's Rocket Hall, is celebrating his business's first year of production after taking time off college.
Several new changes to enhance UT students' dining experience have been made over the summer including new furniture in the Student Union Building Food Court and upgraded services of iCrave Pizza at the Crossings. Vice President for Student Affairs Kaye Patten-Wallace said 100 additional seats were added in the South Dining Hall and Student Union Building Food Court area, due to complaints on the lack of seating during lunch hours.
Students in attendance of Hollywood Sex Squares can now say what the record number of female orgasms is in one hour. The event, held Tuesday night in the Doermann Theatre, focused on sexual education and prevention. According to Stephanie Gurgol, a junior majoring in criminal justice and president of Resident Student Associaton, the purpose of the event was twofold.
By Vincent D. Scebbi Features Editor "Experience, Leadership, Excitement" was heard throughout the Spring 2010 semester as Matt Rubin and Jordan Maddocks campaigned for this coming year's Student Government President and Vice President positions, respectively.
UT admission plans make for less students living in dorms
The lower amount of freshman enrolled at UT this year has left some residence halls unfilled. UT is also no longer using the Ramada Inn to accommodate students for the first time in three years. Director of Residence Life Jo Campbell said UT has dealt with over capacity since she started working for the university three years ago.
Cocoa Beach Tanning salon to open on Dorr Street
Patrick Culhane, a 2007 UT graduate, decided to pack up his belongings in Florida and settle back in Ohio to diversify his business ideas. He decided to bring some sun with him while he was at it — actually, artificial light, but close enough. "I used to come up with these business ideas when I was 17 or 18 and in college.
Arts and Science students start representative group for students
The University of Toledo Arts and Sciences Student Council — the student-run wing of the university's largest college -- met for their first preliminary meeting last week to discuss their discontent with the restructuring plans proposed by the Committee on Strategic Organization over the summer.
A new style of student parking passes was issued this year that is long, thin and color-coded based on the type of pass. The pass is also marked by a mirror cutout in the shape of the UT crest, according to UT Public Relations Media Specialist Meghan Cunningham.
Senate to begin using microphones at meetings
Students will soon be able to listen in on Student Government Senate meetings due to a partnership between WXUT and SG. The partnership aims not only to reach out to more students by making the meetings more accesible but to also improve the negative image some students may have of SG.
Poet Laureate Rane Arroyo passes away shortly after exam week due to fatal accident; Professor Emeritus and literary critic Wallace Martin dies in late July from unknown causes
The University of Toledo lost two prominent members of its English Department during the summer. Rane Arroyo, distinguished professor of creative writing, passed away on May 7th and Wallace Martin, a retired emeritus professor, passed away on July 26.
Twenty-four members of the national Pi Kappa Phi fraternity rode into the University of Toledo's Centennial Mall on bicycles yesterday morning, led by Toledo Mayor Mike Bell. The fraternity was on one of their stops for their philanthropic Journey of Hope, a coast-to-coast bike expedition to raise money for children with disabilities.
University of Toledo President Lloyd Jacobs "has been dictating from day one" with a "hostile and aggressive style" since he "came through presidency through the back door" in 2006, according to faculty members who participated in the Faculty Senate Performance Review of Jacobs near the end of last semester.
Mary Nyitray recognized for optical work
At the corner of Central Avenue and Drummond road sits Optical Arts Inc., the 32-year home of University of Toledo Alumnae Mary Nyitray. Nyitray was recognized as being one of Vision Monday's 2010 Most Influential Women in Optical. Nyitray said that the recognition from her peers is an honor, but she said she feels the satisfaction from her customers holds more value.
Although the University of Toledo's Office of Student Financial Aid already provides students with an excess of information about student loans, parent loans and scholarships students may be eligible for, there are still many resources out there to help students pay for school.
Ceramics and animal drawings among the event’s many exhibits
Scattered among the white canopies and soft jazz music of UT's 18th annual Art on the Mall were students and alumni whose success stories began at the University of Toledo. One striking example were the colorful original drawings hanging outside of the booth run by Elyse Osborne, a first-year masters student majoring in Art Education.
The alleged murderer in the stabbing of University of Toledo sophomore Casey Bucher pleaded not guilty to one count of murder during his arraignment in Lucas County Common Pleas Court last Thursday. Lawrence Fitzgerald James, 24, previously confessed to police when he was arrested for the stabbing on July 18.
Editor's Note: The following article is based on the July 16 meeting of the University of Toledo Arts and Sciences Council. The meeting was informal and open to the public. The contents of this article reflect the thoughts and opinions that were expressed at the meeting — and those sentiments only.
World renowned leader and expert in alternative energy Sultan Al Jaber was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Toledo this morning in Doermann Theater. Al Jaber is the chief executive officer of the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co., a company that the United Arab Emirates government has charged with cultivating the Masdar Initiative, a project designed to develop efficient ways to produce and market renewable energy technologies.
University of Toledo sophomore Casey Bucher was stabbed and killed last night on the corner of Bancroft Street and Westwood Avenue, near Maxwell's Brew, a coffee house adjacent to UT's campus. The 22-year-old exercise science major was walking home to his Kenwood Gardens apartment after spending the evening at Maxwell's, when he was approached by man demanding money and cigarettes.
UT’s Scott Park Campus obtained Third Frontier grant to fund research in algae, biofuel technology
Professors at the University of Toledo will start working to make biofuels out of algae at the Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation in the coming year. Construction on UT's new Algae Biofuel Lab is slated to be complete by the end of March, according to Sridhar Viamajala, assistant professor of chemical and environmental engineering.
Deborah Krempa's final memory of her son Robert is of him hugging her goodbye saying, "I love you, mom." Robert Krempa was killed in a car crash in April 2007 because a drunk driver hit the car he was in head on. Since his death, Deborah has been a strong advocate against drunk driving through poetry.
State could not find fawn as evidence for case
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has yet to file charges against Toledo Police Sergeant Mark Fry, who broke two laws by possessing and rehabilitating a white tailed fawn in his Springfield Township home in May. According to ODNR wildlife office supervisor Kevin Newsome, no charges will be filed against Fry, as the whereabouts of the fawn are currently unknown.
The School of 21st Century Teaching and Learning, School of the Study of the Human Condition and the School of Earth and Space Exploration could be the future of the University of Toledo if the restructuring plan proposed by the Committee on Strategic Organizations gets implemented at the university.
Feliza Casano IC Copy Editor Most incoming students are not particularly concerned with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of 2015, but Emmanuel Victor Helb is not the average incoming student. Helb, a freshman in the Judith Herb College of Education, is not only concerned with the UN's goals to develop impoverished countries, he's done something about it.
UT and BGSU team up with regional solar energy sector to capitalize on the Toledo area’s resources in alternative energy
Local and state-level civic leaders as well as community members gathered in the main concourse of the University of Toledo's Scott Park Campus for Energy and Innovation yesterday afternoon to hear Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announce the state's plan to establish an Ohio Hub of Innovation and Opportunity in the Toledo region.
Committee consensus: October is too late for the implementation process, given assimilation of colle
The University of Toledo Strategic Plan Committee met this morning at UT's Lake Erie Center for a "Meeting of the Whole," where the co-conveners for each of the six workgroups presented their part of the Directions 2010 Raw Draft. The meeting, which allowed for open discussion among those administrators and faculty members in attendance, produced a motion to amend the strategic plan's implementation timeline.
Book shredding raises concerns among some faculty and staff The renovations at the University of Toledo's Carlson Library have caused some in the UT community to be concerned with the process by which the university is disposing of books, periodicals and journals in order to make room for the planned "ultra quiet study space" being built on the library's fifth floor.
Bill McMillen fills vacancy for Main Campus provost position
In his new position as Interim Main Campus Provost, Vice President for Governmental Relations and Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Bill McMillen will be working longer hours as his responsibilities to the university increase. McMillen will continue to hold his position as Chief of Staff in the office of the president and Vice President for Governmental Relations during his term as interim provost, which will bring his salary to $201,000.
The University of Toledo's Strategic Plan Committee is getting ready to start making the final draft of Directions 2010, UT's Strategic Plan. "At the next meeting, we are going to talk about how the different sections of the strategic plan crossover and if they don't, how they can be intertwined," said Vice President of Facilities and Construction Chuck Lehnert, who is a co-convener of the committee.
NW Ohio tornado survivors and volunteers tell their stories
Most people don't imagine spending their summer working on disaster relief projects in northwest Ohio, but for Courtney Clement it became a reality on last Sunday afternoon. Clement, a senior majoring in nursing at the University of Toledo, went along with her friend to Lake High School to witness the destruction left behind from the tornado that struck Ottawa County early Sunday morning.
In room 1031 of the North Engineering Building, members of the UT chapter of Formula Society of Automotive Engineers are hard at work designing what they hope will be the next world champion racecar. The team takes concepts from their classes and applies it to the production of a formula one racecar from scrap material and takes it to competitions against teams from all over the world.
Part II of a series: Steps college students can take to prevent credit theft and handle fraud
Randiah Green News Editor After an identity theif was arrested for using Joseph Slater's social security number and home address to max out six credit cards totaling $38,000, it took a while before Slater could clear his name and recover his credit.
Fame has officially set in when your autograph becomes tattoo-worthy, something American Idol Top 3 contestant Crystal Bowersox realized during her homecoming on Friday. During an appearance at the AT&T store on Monroe St. that morning, Bowersox encountered Dell Fields and Michelle Bundy who traveled from Cincinnati to see her.
Richard Crawford began flying an American flag on his front porch in honor of the friends he lost in war, but in the past three years, he has had three of his flags stolen from his property. The 75-year-old Korean War veteran and resident of the Bancroft Hills neighborhood, east of the University of Toledo Main Campus, had his third flag stolen on Sunday, May 2, during the evening.
An important factor in determining the educational opportunities an individual pursues is the cost of education. For many students, financial aid and student loans are essential in order pursue higher education and obtain a college degree in their desired field.
The Federal Trade Commission estimates 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. At the University of Toledo, there have been 200 reported incidents of credit card and identity theft of students, faculty and staff in the past year, according to Marge Dell, head teller at UT's Credit Union.
New enrollment program gives eighth graders a savings account to attend UT after high school
The University of Toledo is getting eighth grade students to think about going to college at an early age by giving them monetary incentive to do well in high school with the UT Scholarly Savings Account. Eighth grade graduates of school districts who have partnered with UT will receive a yearly deposit of $2,000 into a personal savings account until they graduate high school, which will go towards the cost of UT tuition for four years.
Free nasal spray mist vaccines administered to students
One day before President Barack Obama officially declared the 2009 H1N1 influenza a national emergency, UT offered free H1N1 nasal mist vaccines to students. The nasal mist vaccines were made available to students ages 18 to 49 in the University of Toledo Student Union Building on Thursday.
Research being conducted at UT may one day eliminate the need for lab animals in the testing of products such as lotions, soaps and ointments. Akira Takashima, professor and chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, received a $1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health last week to create a three-dimensional skin replica that would eliminate the need to use lab animals for toxicology testing.
Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett accepts position as Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at University of North Texas system
The University of Toledo’s Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett announced on Monday morning that she will accept a position as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Centeredness at the University of North Texas system beginning on June 1. Haggett will officially end her $236,385 term as provost at UT by the end of May.
As Toledo and much of Ohio are shedding jobs, and employment opportunities in the state are shrinking, many college and high school graduates are torn between staying in Toledo or looking elsewhere to pursue their education and careers. According to a press release from United States Senator Sherrod Brown, 63 percent of Bachelor's Degree holders and 56 percent of Graduate Degree holders still live in Ohio after graduation.
The Interprofessional Organization of Health Care Students hosted a Health Care Reform Panel Discussion in the Health Education Building on the Health Science Campus Tuesday night. The goal of the discussion was to review how the new national health care plan will affect individuals and the country as a whole.
The University of Toledo faculty is halfway finished with their evaluation of the provosts, UT President Lloyd Jacobs and deans who have held their position for two years or more. The evaluation process for deans has been completed, while evaluations for Health Science Campus Provost Jeff Gold, Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett and Jacobs are ongoing.
Even though the tiny "pancake house" in New York City was actually a Chinatown bakery, Hillary LeMelle's experience there left a lasting impression on her. "I ordered in Chinese and they knew exactly what I was saying, and I was able to understand them," she said.
The University of Toledo’s Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett announced on Monday morning that she will accept a position as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Centeredness at the University of North Texas system, beginning on June 1.
UT Health Science Campus purchases three medical simulators to train students in interdisciplinary medicine and communication
UT students, faculty and community members gathered on the Health Science Campus on Thursday for "The Future of Healthcare Education," an eight-hour event dedicated to medical simulators. Several rooms in the HSC Collier Building showcased a number of simulators including Chris, Pat and Jamie — three human patient simulators that are lifelike in both size and appearance.
UT students in the honors Introduction to Business course painted hallways and taught groups of children the importance of a healthy diet as part of their service learning projects on Friday at the Catholic Club, a non-profit child care and family center.
In an attempt to tear down barriers between often feuding religions, the Religious Studies program housed in the Department of Philosophy at UT held their 10th annual Jewish-Christian-Muslim Interfaith Dialogue Thursday in the Student Union Building.
Students all over campus are preparing for final exams, which will start a week from today and bring an end to the 2009-2010 academic school year. Many students say this is when computer labs and every floor of resource locations, such as Carlson Library, are the most full.
Increases in tuition and general fees among the changes for FY 2011
The University of Toledo's proposed $812 million budget for fiscal year 2011 will leave students facing another 3.5 percent tuition and general fee increase for graduate and undergraduate admission. The proposed budget was approved by the Board of Trustees Finance Committee at Monday's meeting and will be sent to the full board for approval in May.
Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett: it’s time for a transition
University of Toledo administrators have chosen not to renew the contract for Dean of the College of Law Douglas Ray. Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett was unable to provide any specific reasons for why Ray's contract was not renewed, but said, "Sometimes it's just time for a transition.
UT start-up companies receive opportunity from ODOT to install state’s first solar highway
By the Spring of 2011, Toledo's Veteran's Glass City Skyway will be home to Ohio's first solar highway. Through the Ohio Department of Transportation Partnered Research Exploration Program, the University of Toledo submitted a proposal stating they could light the Veterans' Glass City Skyway bridge with solar panels.
With finals and summer vacation approaching, Student Government concluded its 2009-2010 session Tuesday and made way for its next leaders. "I'm not going to say anything bad about the previous leadership, but next year is going to be a big change and students are going to see that," said Student Government President Matt Rubin, a junior majoring in political science.
Legal marijuana alternative gains little interest in UT community as several states continue to push for a ban on ‘synthetic marijuana’
The scent of sandalwood incense and slow-tempo classic rock melodies greet customers as soon as they enter 632 Main St., a charming smoke shop on the East side of downtown Toledo. Aside from glass water pipes, synthetic urine and hemp jewelry, Edward "Wild Bill" Kleppinger's customers can also purchase "Spice" — a legal drug known for its striking similarities to marijuana.
Holocaust survivor reflects on time working for Nazis on the largest counterfeiting scheme in history
In the middle of a dimly-lit, empty banquet hall at the Laurel Hill Swim and Tennis Club, Hans Walter rolled up his left shirt sleeve to reveal the turquoise concentration camp number tattooed on his left bicep. The 88-year-old Holocaust survivor living in Mansfield, Ohio, said he gets a funny feeling when he thinks back on the year and a half that he spent as a slave laborer for Operation Bernhard, a Nazi scheme to destabilize the United Kingdom during World War II by flooding its markets with forged British Pounds — 132 billion British Pounds to be exact.
Jacobs to present recommended budget to BOT today in Driscoll
In an effort to cut costs and create a balanced budget for fiscal year 2011, the University of Toledo delivered several dozen layoff notices on Friday. In a letter sent to the UT community, UT President Lloyd Jacobs outlined several key components of his proposed budget, including “workforce downsizing.
UT to celebrate 40th anniversary of Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day on Wednesday, the Society for Environmental Education at UT will host EarthFest in Centennial Mall. EarthFest will feature tables from several community organizations that support sustainable outreach including women and eco-feminism groups, representatives from the Lake Erie Center and Phoenix Earth Food Co-op, an organic and locally-grown food store.
Local women came together to collectively proclaim they were “taking back the night” for abused women across the country on Saturday night. The 16th annual Take Back the Night was a call to end violence toward women and took place at the Wayman Palmer YMCA.
University of Toledo President Lloyd Jacobs said that UT has begun the process of notifying individuals today that they will be laid off from their positions. Jacobs said he doesn't know the exact number of individuals that will be affected by the layoffs but "it might be in the range of 25 or so, maybe 30.
State leaders propose expansion of green job investment program
A $700 million renewal of the Ohio Third Frontier Initiative, which will expire in 2012, will be one of the main issues on the May 4 ballot. The initiative was created in 2002 within the Ohio Department of Development to help commercialize products and create jobs in technology based fields including photovoltaic and alternative energy.
Two student producers of the UT: 10 News program flew out to Los Angeles, California this weekend and returned with news that the program had won first place for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences best newscast for the 2010 College Television Awards.
UT to focus on several ‘themes’
In his fourth annual State of the University Address UT President Lloyd Jacobs said UT needs to stay “relevant.” “The concept of relevance may be understood by thinking of the rate of change inside our institution and change around it,” Jacobs said. “If outside change is more rapid than change inside, we are becoming less relevant.
In 1944, Raoul Wallenberg saved over 100,000 lives in Budapest, Hungary, earning him the title "lost hero of the Holocaust." While Wallenberg is a hero to the victims of the Holocaust, to Robert Karp, a Jewish community member, Wallenberg is also a humanitarian and a role model.
Winners recognized for 45th annual UT Outstanding Teacher Awards
The five winners of the 45th annual Outstanding Teacher Awards were announced on Tuesday night at the Hilton Toledo hotel on the University of Toledo Health Science Campus. The winners were nominated by students, alumni, faculty and staff and received a $1,500 cash award and certificate of recognition.
Linda Andreoli, a second-year graduate student majoring in clinical nursing, was recognized as the National Nursing Student of the year by StuNurse.com magazine for her commitment to the field of nursing. “Student Nurse goes to every teaching hospital in the country.
Matt Rubin and Jordan Maddocks officially take office of SG president and vice president at the end of April
Matt Rubin, a junior majoring in political science, and Jordan Maddocks, a junior majoring in pharmacy, will be the new Student Government leaders next school year. "I'm incredibly thrilled and honored that we were chosen by the student body to represent them.
UT President Lloyd Jacobs plans to speak about the importance of UT being accountable for the community during his fourth annual State of the University Address this week. “The university should be responsible for their customers: students, patients, people who hire the students,” he said.
Student organizations collectively raise $1,200 for local shelter during the 73rd annual Songfest
The 73rd annual Songfest took the University of Toledo back to the 1980s while raising over $1,200 for a local shelter. Songfest is the second oldest-standing UT tradition and this year 19 different teams took part in the song and dance contest held at Savage Arena on Saturday.
Warm weather brings more thefts of permits
As spring-time temperatures start to warm campus, University of Toledo students are rolling down their windows to enjoy the weather, but due to a recent increase in parking pass thefts this semester students are being warned to roll them back up. According to Sherri Kasper, parking enforcement and event manager, warm weather always brings an increase in parking pass thefts at UT.
Two speakers have been selected for the Spring 2010 Graduation Commencement on May 8. Eugene Kranz, flight director for the Apollo 13 space mission and a native Toledoan, will speak to the 2010 Graduates for the morning commencement, and Elizabeth Snow, an expert in childhood literacy at Harvard University, will speak to the afternoon graduates.
Incoming students to the College of Arts and Sciences for the Fall 2011 semester will now be required to have a high school grade point average of 2.5 or a composite ACT score of at least 20, an increase from the current admission standards for the college.
Nitschke Technology Commercialization Complex dedicated last week
While the $4 million "shell" of a building waits for its first resident businesses to move in, University of Toledo administrators are optimistic about the potential for regional economic growth that will foster from the new Nitschke Technology Commercialization Complex.
The Office of LGBT Initiatives advisory board is pushing for gender-neutral restrooms in each building on campus in order to address the needs of transgender students at the University of Toledo. The gender-neutral restrooms will not replace the current "gender bias" restrooms on campus but will serve as a safe place for students who do not fit into the stereotypical roles of their gender, according to President of Spectrum Bradley McDermitt, a junior double majoring in women's and gender studies and biology.
Gay, African American sports journalist shares his experiences with students for Diversity Week 2010
As a gay, African American journalist at ESPN, L.Z. Granderson faced issues dealing with race and sexuality as well as proving his knowledge about sports. "The most difficult thing was trying to convince people that a gay guy knew what he was doing with sports," he said.
Sylvania man visits UT to tell transition from drug addict to triathlete
From his mother’s suicide when he was 3 years old, to his 13-year battle with drug and alcohol addiction and his eventual success as a triathlete, Todd Crandell said his life has always been one of extremes. “I always want to do things to the best of my ability and to the highest level,” Crandell said.
Future students to see benefits
As final piece to the recent health care reform legislation, President Barack Obama signed a bill into law March 30 that will double funding for Federal Pell Grants and cap a graduate's annual student loan repayment at 10 percent of their income. Vice President for External Affairs Larry Burns said the bill will be helpful to UT since programs such as the Blue and Gold Scholars are based solely on a student's Federal Pell Grant.
Local media professionals discuss the roles of traditional journalism and citizen journalism in a technologically dependent society
With the constant emergence of new technologies with which individuals can receive and send information, some people believe "citizen journalism" has become a new virtual trend within the media industry. A panel of guest speakers discussed the differences between citizen journalism and traditional journalism at the 11th annual First Amendment Freedom Forum on Thursday in the Law Center Auditorium.
Senator Sherrod Brown visits UT to speak with students about the higher education ‘brain drain’
With only 63 percent of bachelor degree holders and 56 percent of graduate degree holders still living in Ohio after graduation, there has been a call for change in terms of offering job opportunities and career advancement within the state. This call to reverse the "brain drain" was brought to UT when United States Sen.
Former Wisconsin-Green Bay head coach Tod Kowalczyk became the 18th men’s basketball coach at Toledo on Tuesday. Kowalczyk held a 136-112 record for the Phoenix in eight years including invites to the College Basketball Invitational over the last two seasons.
Spoken by more than 500 million people world-wide and serving as the liturgical language of Islam, the world's fastest growing religion, Arabic is fast becoming one of the most important languages to learn. In America, especially, the demand for Arabic speakers has increased, particularly due to the presence of American troops in Iraq and the emergence of oil-rich Arab Gulf states as influential actors in the global economy.
With the elections for next year’s Student Government president and vice president rapidly approaching, the candidates participated in a debate Wednesday answering questions about parking and getting more students involved on campus. Matt Rubin, a junior majoring in political science who is running for SG president, elaborated on his plan to institute a bike-friendly campus.
When Michael Leahy was addicted to pornography, porn star Ron Jeremy was his hero, until Leahy said he built a "spiritual" relationship. Leahy said he realized God was the most important thing in his life, rather than sex, after having a conversation with Jeremy while sitting in a hot tub with in Baton rouge, Louisiana before a debate on pornography at Louisiana State University.
Blue and Gold Scholar program now available to the entire state
One day after U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown moderated a student-run forum discussing issues including college affordability, Vice President of External Affairs Larry Burns announced the expansion of the Blue and Gold Scholars program to every school district in Ohio and Monroe County, Michigan.
The Collegian Media Foundation Board of Directors have selected the editor in chief and business manager for the 2010-11 academic year. Hasan Dudar, a senior majoring in political science, will become next year's editor in chief, and Beth Majoy, a junior majoring in marketing, will fill the business manager position.
‘Group effort’ by UTMC health care team leads to top ranking from University Health Systems Consortium in December 2009
The University of Toledo Medical Center was ranked number one for its cardiology services, according to University of Health Systems Consortium’s December 2009 ranking. “This is the top 100 hospitals in the United States; this is Hopkins, Stanford, Michigan, Ohio State, Cleveland Clinic and Brigham.
Three missionaries were inducted into the Medical Missions Hall of Fame on the University of Toledo Health Science Campus on Saturday for their work in Zambia, Jordan and the Congo in Africa. “It is the simple things that we take for granted that can bring hope to nations,” said Aileen Newmyer, a junior majoring in biochemistry.
Michael Leahy travels to UT to address the social impacts of pornography and his personal experiences with sexual addiction
After a 30-year “relationship” with pornography spiraled into the loss of his marriage, family and business partnership, Michael Leahy said he had reached rock bottom and decided to start the recovery process for his sexual addiction. “I had become fully sexually addicted not just to the material, but to sexual acting out behavior,” Leahy said.
National health care overhaul carries changes for college students
After months of debate on Capital Hill, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a national health care plan on Sunday that has been referred to by many Americans as a historic moment for the nation. “A lot of lawmakers and political analyst have compared the health care bill to the Civil Rights Movement,” said President of the UT College Democrats Brad Davy, a senior majoring in political science.
Campaigning for next year's Student Government leaders is officially underway after the three presidential candidates participated in the first debate Wednesdayz in front of roughly 40 students in the Student Union Building South Lounge. Matt Rubin, a junior majoring in political science and SG presidential candidate, said the students are the answer to a better future for SG.
Five University of Toledo students were involved in a car accident near campus early Saturday morning. UT Chief of Police Jeff Newton said around 12:30 a.m., a vehicle traveling south on Douglas Road collided with a vehicle traveling west on Oakwood Avenue towards East Rocket Drive, containing five UT students, who are members of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
Over 120 UT students turned the Student Union Building Ingman Room into a pizza-making assembly line on Wednesday in an effort to help end hunger in Toledo. The students made around 860 pizzas to feed the homeless at the annual Campus Hunger Elimination Among Toledoans event, hosted by the Catholic Student Association.
Data lost on WebCT during two-day server failure
The University of Toledo's Distance Learning Web site, Blackboard, experienced a backup failure on Monday causing all information uploaded to the Web site in the last week, including grades and assignments, to be erased. Assistant Vice Provost of Learning Ventures Ben Pryor, associate professor and chair of philosophy, said a routine backup for Blackboard failed, which caused the data loss.
Rubin and Maddocks
"I had a sick feeling from last year's election with so many rules being broken," said Matt Rubin, a junior majoring in political science, who is running for Student Government President. "Us running is not something that's kind of been cooked up and calculated.
Professor’s fight against cancer inspires students
The voices of her former students rang clear in her mind as Kathy Gilley lay on life support during her battle against pancreatic cancer. Last month Gilley, a part- time instructor of respiratory therapy at UT, celebrated her fifth year anniversary of cancer survival, and on Saturday students raised over $600 to support research of the disease that almost took the life of their professor.
200 turn out to participate in community service projects for UT’s first Big Event
Crowds of volunteers gathered in Centennial Mall early Saturday morning to complete community service projects such as cleaning up local neighborhoods and planting flowers in hopes of forming a stronger bond between the University of Toledo and the surrounding community.
UT students plan to bring irrigation system to Las Sanchez
The University of Toledo's chapter of Engineers without Borders is trying to bring an irrigation system to the small village of Los Sanchez, Honduras. UT Engineers without Borders Vice President of Membership Adam Dellinger, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, said the irrigation system will allow the villagers of Los Sanchez to sell crops and bring in profit, as well as improve their diet.
Former coach not ‘man enough’ to call, ‘disrespected’ his players
After the unexpected resignation of Gene Cross last Thursday, most have wondered why the former men's basketball coach departed after his second season at Toledo, giving up more than $700,000 remaining on his contract. Equally curious is the reason UT will continue to pay Cross his remaining base salary of roughly $100,000 until Aug.
Services committee looks to increase revenue and ease communication
The University of Toledo recently created the Conference Services Committee as an alternative way to generate funds for the university. The committee is a way to encourage faculty and community members to host their personal events at UT. Although it is in its “beginning stages,” Associate Director of the Student Union Building Thomas Trimble hopes in time the committee can bring revenue to UT by encouraging faculty members to host their community events at the university.
Business major creates Craigslist-like Web site for UT students
Dane Theisen, a senior majoring in international business marketing, has developed “the Craigslist for college students” with an online business called MyCollegeStuff.net. Theisen said his idea to create the Web site was fueled by a disappointment with the variety at UT’s Barnes and Nobles bookstore in the Student Union Building and a desire to start his own business.
Panel addresses concerns surrounding the number of high school dropouts that go to prison
According to the U.S. Department of Education, there were over 3 million high school suspensions and over 97,000 expulsions throughout the United States in 2000, which has led some people to question the number of high school students ending up in prison.
Jacobs interviews first candidate up for tenure
The Board of Trustees announced their support for UT President Lloyd Jacobs’ decision to interview all tenure candidates at Monday’s board meeting. Jacobs said he has already completed interviews with some candidates up for tenure and thought that they went well.
Students volunteer their time during ‘alternative’ spring break trips
By Randiah Green News Editor Some students volunteered their time feeding the homeless and helping disabled senior citizens as an alternative to playing video games or going to the beach during spring break. The University of Toledo Campus Ministry along with the Toledo YMCA and Lutheran Campus Ministry sponsored five “alternative spring break” trips this year to Philadelphia, Florida, Mississippi, Jamaica and Louisiana.
By Julie Gollihue IC Staff Writer The results from a recent survey done by Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions showed some college students choose classes based on the "easy grading reputation of a professor." According to the results, out of the 1,229 college students and recent graduates who were surveyed, 45 percent were influenced by comments from online professor-rating Web sites that labeled professors as "easy graders.
By Angelina Ferguson For the IC A spring book sale was held Saturday at the University of Toledo Medical Center in an effort to raise scholarship funds for students in the medical field. Cookbooks, children’s books, fiction and non-fiction books, board games and several household items were available for sale.
By Vincent D. Scebbi Assistant News Editor To most people, Richard Boyer, a retired professor of history at UT who passed away on Feb. 22, had a competitive and gruff exterior, but those who were close to him knew him as a kind and loyal man, according to William O’Neal, professor and chair of history.
UT committee working to ‘recalibrate’ strategic plan
The Strategic Planning Committee is in the process of restructuring the “Directions 2007” strategic plan for UT to improve several areas of focus and calling it “Directions 2010.” “Directions 2010 is the recalibration of the strategic plan that was written in 2007 before I came here,” said Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett.
The Carlson Library on Main Campus and Mulford Library on the Health Science Campus are being renovated to feature "ultra quiet spaces" for students to study, more information commons space, group study rooms and the transition of journals from shelves in the library to an online database.
With spring break only days away at the University of Toledo, many students are packing their bags for a week at the beach in sunny Mexico; however, last week the U.S. Department of State reissued a Travel Alert to update security information for U.S.
RecycleMania, blackout contests and projects at the Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation are not the only "green" initiatives at the University of Toledo. UT is also partnering with a Sylvania company called Affinity Information Management to recycle its old electronics.
According to the Ohio Attorney General's office, the number of concealed handgun license carriers in Ohio increased to a record high of 178,240 in 2009. The number of new concealed handgun licenses has not surpassed the number in 2004 until now, according to the Ohio Attorney General's office.
UT startup company Xunlight Corporation receives $3M in loans from new state-bank partnership
The Ohio Huntington Business Loan Program was formed in May 2009 to help retain and create jobs for small businesses, and has recently benefited the University of Toledo spin-off company Xunlight Corporation. Huntington National Bank CEO Steve Steinour said the goal of the partnership is to offer $1 billion in loans for small businesses and after one year, approximately $450 million has already been lent to businesses.
With the constant emergence of new technology, some experts in the communication field feel Twitter, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are the future of media coverage. According to Paul Hem, web editor and system analyst for the Toledo Blade, newspapers are now utilizing tools such as Facebook and Twitter to help reach a broader audience.
Students who participated in the American Cancer Society's 2010 Relay for Life raised $10,433 to help fight against the spread of cancer. The 471 participants in this year's relay formed 36 teams who were asked to raise at least $500. Their goal was to raise $30,000 for the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research that will help find a cure for the disease.
Students from the Center for Performing Arts approach BOT to push for $2M in renovations
On Monday afternoon, roughly 45 music, theatre and film students from the Center for Performing Arts collectively left their classes and made the 15 minute walk to the Driscoll Alumni Center. With four cameras rolling and microphones in hand, the students filed in to the Board of Trustees Finance Committee meeting to push for the disbursement of $2 million for the renovation of the CPA.
Nearly 200 people gathered Wednesday in Nitschke Auditorium at the University of Toledo's College of Engineering to hear Toledo Mayor Mike Bell give his first State of the City address. Bell, who ran as an Independent candidate in Toledo's 2009 mayoral race against Democratic opponent Keith Wilkowski, focused his address to the city on the theme of inclusion.
Forbes ranks Toledo 15th most miserable city in the nation
The city of Toledo was recently ranked as the 15th most miserable city in the nation for 2010 by Forbes magazine. The magazine ranked the cities based on a wide range of criteria including weather, commute times, unemployment and crime rates in their third annual national ranking.
Construction projects on the Health Science Campus costing a total of $35.5 million include a new College of Pharmacy building that will be open to students for the Fall 2010 semester. "That's what we are promising," said Vice President of Facilities and Construction Chuck Lehnert.
University of Toledo to extend health insurance options for students next academic school year
The 4,600 University of Toledo students who receive health insurance provided by UT will be able to choose from among three different plans for the upcoming academic year. According to Patricia Metting, the vice provost for student affairs on the Health Science Campus, there are three different insurance plans for students and the goal is to convert them into three "tiers," and the students would then be able to chose which plan is the most beneficial to them.
With the approach of the 2010 United States Census, many students at UT recognize the importance of an accurate national headcount to ensure adequate funding is provided to the UT as well as the Toledo community. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the form takes no more than 10 minutes to complete and affects all college students.
Legal experts discuss controversies surrounding the upcoming trial of suspected 9/11 terrorist
Roughly nine years after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the debate continues within the United States on how terror suspects should be tried for their crimes. Experts on the issue discussed the controversy revolving around the rights of detained terrorists in the U.
Board of Trustees approves use of university-wide furlough plan in case of fiscal emergency
The University of Toledo has proposed a new budget-driven furlough plan that will include all eligible employees and will save UT around $1 million a day if the plan is implemented. Unlike UT’s previous plan, which was supposed to be utilized over winter break, the number of days each employee will have to take off will be determined by how much money the university needs to save rather than an individual’s income level.
Rockets football team bowls to raise $3,000 for Haiti relief efforts
The University of Toledo football team hit the lanes for "Bowling for Haiti" yesterday to raise money for the Pierre Garcon Helping Hands Foundation. According to head coach Tim Beckman, the Rockets raised just under $3,000 in the event held at Timber Lanes in Maumee.
The University of Toledo has extended its HIV testing services to Main Campus to make it convenient for any student wanting to get tested for the disease to do so in a confidential and supportive setting. HIV testing will be offered the first Monday of each month from 6 to 8 p.
The Asian Studies Institute and University Studies Abroad Consortium are offering students at the University of Toledo the opportunity to study abroad in China during the summer semesters. The Confucius Institute will provide travel funds and scholarships to help support students in any major who are interested in studying in China, according to Aige Guo, interim director of global initiatives and director of the CI.
Law and Social Thought Program hosts forum to discuss issues and effects of racial profiling
People are often identified by race and although the prevention of terrorist attacks has become an important issue in the United States, racial profiling can be used as a way to stereotype, according to FBI Special Agent Shannon Coats. Coats along with two other panelists led a discussion titled "Through the Looking Glass: Perspectives on Racial Profiling" in the Student Union Building Wednesday, sponsored by the Law and Social Thought Program.
Pancake dinner raises $700 for Haiti relief efforts
The University of Toledo community raised $700 to donate to Haiti through a pancake dinner fundraiser Thursday night. The dinner took place in the dining hall of the Horton International House, from 10 p.m. until midnight and each student paid $4 to attend the midnight dinner.
A Java City Café in the Memorial Field House, additional fast food restaurants in the Student Union Building and a bigger Starbucks are just a few dining options students want, according to the results of the MarketMATCH survey conducted by Aramark, the University of Toledo’s food service provider.
UT community mourns death of former student who died over winter break
A memorial service was held Thursday at Libbey Hall for Faith Amuzu, a former student at the University of Toledo who died in a car accident while driving back to campus over winter break. Amuzu was born in Accra, Ghana, and was a sophomore transfer student majoring in pharmacy.
College Democrats and College Republicans debate issues concerning environmental policies and reform
Members of the College Democrats and College Republicans at the University of Toledo discussed global warming and environmental policies during a debate held Thursday in the Student Union Building. Each organization had a panel of two members to represent their political-based organization.
Faculty member reflects on week-long medical mission to aid Haitians
Millions of people living in "tent cities" made of plastic sheets and tarps along with dead bodies in the streets were among the first things Richard Paat, clinical associate professor of medicine at UT, saw when he arrived in Haiti six days after the magnitude 7.
The UT Information Technology Department has extended the hours of the two walk-in help desks to 24 hours a day, five days a week. They will also be open from noon until 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The extension will allow the help desk to provide students with better technological support whenever it is necessary, according to Vice President for Information Technology Godfrey Ovwigho.
According to the Office of Residence Life, the Blackout Competition last semester contributed to an overall 14 percent energy reduction and saved UT $14,000. Jo Campbell, the director of residence life, said the purpose was to raise awareness for students to help cut excessive energy use.
Sexual abuse against women and embracing the sexuality of women are the themes of V-week at the University of Toledo, where students are educated on the sexual oppression of women through events including the performance of the Vagina Monologues. Diane Docis, coordinator of the UT Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program said V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women.
Enrollment strategy seeks to develop UT’s brand through creative marketing and affordability
From the University of Hawaii to Boise State University in Idaho and Indiana University South Bend, universities across the United States have been experiencing an increase in enrollment. For eight straight semesters, the University of Toledo has found itself among those American universities with growing student populations.
Retention rates from the Fall 2009 to Spring 2010 semester among Blue and Gold scholars were level to the general population at UT. Despite initial concerns from the UT population, the Blue and Gold scholars’ retention rates show they are just as qualified as the general population of students, according to Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services Kevin Kucera.
Though hip-hop is defined by Webster’s dictionary as “a subculture especially of inner city youths who are typically devotees of rap music,” its beginnings were driven by resisting oppression, according to film historian Rob Price. “Hip-Hop culture is a continuation of a legacy of resistance by poor and marginalized peoples,” Price said.
Ben Pryor chosen as assistant vice provost of the newly established Learning Ventures program
Ben Pryor, professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy, is working to help combine technological advancements and the classroom into a full learning experience for students at UT through his new position as assistant vice provost of Learning Ventures.
During his State of the Union address on Jan. 27, President Barack Obama urged Congress to close the “credibility gap” between American citizens and Washington lawmakers. “To close that credibility gap we have to take action on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue — to end the outsized influence of lobbyists; to do our work openly; to give our people the government they deserve,” he said.
Memorial set for sometime next week
The memorial for former student Faith Amuzu, who died in a car accident on his way back to the University of Toledo from West Virginia during winter break, is being scheduled for next week. Amuzu, who was originally from Accra, Ghana, was a sophomore transfer student majoring in pharmacy.
President Barack Obama announced in January a proposed 92 percent increase to the Federal Pell Grant for college students, expanding the available Pell Grant funds to $35 billion. The current Pell Grant program offers a total of $16.6 billion to eligible students.
Students slow to participate in national recycling competition
RecycleMania, a competition that inspires college students across the nation to reduce, reuse and recycle, has made its way to the University of Toledo's Main Campus for the first time. UT is currently ranked 60th in the nation out of 299 colleges participating in RecycleMania for recycling paper, cardboard, bottles, cans and food service organics.
“Power, Progress and Promise” kicks off Black History Month at the University of Toledo
Though African-Americans have progressed towards equality, President and CEO of the Greater Toledo Urban League John C. Jones said African-Americans have more work to do to overcome racial disparities. According to Jones, everyone has become focused on how far African-Americans have come, but seem to forget how far they still have to go.
Two UT professors featured in New York Times for their expertise in radiation therapy
While technological advancements continue to decrease cancer mortality rates, some forms of treatment are not without a potentially high risk factor for patients. “Radiation therapy is a treatment for cancer and there are problems and side effects,” said John Feldmeier, a professor and chair of the radiation oncology department on the Health Science Campus.
MAC on-campus attendance record set during Saturday’s game
The University of Toledo women’s basketball team took over first place in the Mid-American Conference with a 66-63 victory over arch-rival Bowling Green State University in front of a record-setting crowd on Saturday at Savage Arena. The 5,825 in attendance was a new MAC on-campus record.
High school, middle school and elementary students were encouraged to give back to their community after they reach their own goals during TOLEDO EXCEL’s 26th Annual Conference for Aspiring Minority Youth. Activist and philanthropist Malaak Compton-Rock came to speak to students about giving back to the world they are a part of.
Modern-day feminists are now fighting for the equality of all races and classes rather than only both genders. “Feminism is the issue of inequality,” said Diana M. Davis, a graduate student in women’s and gender studies. University of Toledo students and community members gathered at Libbey Hall on Thursday for a meeting on feminism to discuss how the feminist movement is evolving.
Student Senate resolution calls on SG President to appear before senate for impeachment trial
Members of the Student Senate voted 19 to two to continue with impeachment proceedings against Student Government President Krystal Weaver after she read a statement addressing her actions at Tuesday’s meeting. “I feel it’s imperative to explain several things to you.
Roughly two weeks after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake shook the impoverished nation of Haiti, University of Toledo students, faculty, staff and community members collectively raised around $40,400 to assist relief efforts. The money raised by the UT community was collected through cookie sales, poetry readings, musical performances and by asking for donations.
The University of Toledo College of Medicine celebrated the $650,000 refurbishment of the sixth floor of the UT medical center at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday. The ceremony marked the completion of the final phase of the renovations to the UT Mobility Disorders, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation In-patient Center, which is now the “highest quality place for care in the U.
In order to reduce UT’s “carbon footprint” students will only be allowed to print 1,200 pages from university computer labs per semester. “We’re trying to slow down climate change,” said Godfrey Ovwigho, vice president of information technology. “We think of trees; the more trees there are, the better our environment is.
Ottawa House West residents were evacuated late Monday night after a fire, caused by an electric blanket, broke out on the fourth floor. According to David Szuch, a freshman majoring in bioengineering who is an Ottawa House West resident, the alarm went off sometime around 10:45 p.
Retired NASA astronaut visits UT to discuss his career and experiences in outer space
Jack Lousma entered Doermann Theatre Thursday night with a smile as he greeted members of the audience while making his way to the stage through the silenced crowd. As he took his place on stage Lousma urged the audience to “reach for the stars.” Lousma, a natural science and math alumni affiliate, found his way toward the stars as a member of NASA’s Apollo 9, 10 and 13 missions.
Of the roughly 6,200 University of Toledo students, faculty and staff members who participated in last semester’s smoking survey, approximately 58 percent want a more restrictive smoking policy on UT’s Main Campus. Tavis Glassman, an assistant professor in the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, said 22 percent of students and over 46 percent of faculty and staff participated in the survey.
By IC Staff Two off-campus sexual assaults took place near the University of Toledo this week and they are being investigated by the Toledo Police Department. According to the timely warning sent to the UT community by UT Police Chief Jeff Newton on Monday Jan.
College students who are looking for simple part-time and full-time jobs as care providers may have an easier way to access these opportunities through a Web site called Care.com. Care.com is a relatively new Web site that connects people who are looking for simple jobs providing childcare, special needs care, tutoring services, senior care and housekeeping to families in need of those services.
Divided senate fails to override veto; impeachment process comes to an end
Impeachment procedures against Student Government President Krystal Weaver have come to a stop after Weaver vetoed legislation to continue the impeachment process against her at Tuesday’s Student Senate meeting. Senators then voted on whether to override the veto through secret ballot, but did not have enough votes to continue with the impeachment process.
Members of the Latino Student Union sat in the back of Tuesday’s Student Senate meeting with signs that read “Wrong is wrong}Wrong is Krystal” held high as they rallied in support of the impeachment of Student Government President Krystal Weaver. Jocelyn Cruz, a junior majoring in communication who was selected as this year’s homecoming queen, said Weaver ruined her homecoming experience by accessing the homecoming votes before they were released.
President Barack Obama’s words echoed throughout the room as University of Toledo students gathered to view his first State of the Union address at the UT College Democrats viewing party last night. According to College Democrat President Brad Davy, a senior majoring in political science, the event was hosted in order to “foster political culture here at UT.
Student Judicial Council finds SG president was in violation of the Student Code of Conduct
The Student Senate passed a vote of no confidence in Student Government President Krystal Weaver after she was found to be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct for having access to the 2009 SG election results before they were made public. After a two and a half hour hearing and 30 minutes of deliberation on Tuesday, the Student Judicial Council found Weaver to be in violation of the SCC, but did not remove her from office citing that her actions were not un-constitutional.
The College of Arts and Science Forum, a website, which several CAS faculty members use as a way to anonymously voice their opinion and grievances over matters at UT, was the subject of heated debate during Tuesday’s Arts and Sciences Council meeting.
Toledo became the second major city in Ohio to ban texting while driving as of Jan.1, 2010 with consequences of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The law forbids typing, sending, reading or answering messages and dialing numbers on text-messaging devices while operating a motor vehicle.
On Saturday morning University of Toledo students said their goodbyes to the 60 Haitian children and the orphanage they had grown to love over winter break — three days later a magnitude-7.0 earthquake shook the impoverished nation to its core. Mindy King, a sophomore majoring in communication, said she and 36 other UT students traveled to Leogane, Haiti on Dec.
Studies conducted at the University of Toledo have shown victims of abuse in their childhood are more likely to suffer from migraines and other conditions as adults. Gretchen Tietjen, professor and chairperson of the Neurology Department on the Health Science Campus, discussed the links between child abuse and migraines at the Mulford Library on Tuesday.
UT start-up company Xunlight Corporation receives $4.06 million job stimulus loan
With Toledo’s unemployment rate at 10.9 percent, the 181 “green collar” jobs to be created through a recent stimulus loan awarded to Xunlight Corporation could help turn Toledo’s economy around by focusing on alternative energy technology. Xunlight Corp.
The University of Toledo Board of Trustees announced the names of four UT faculty members who will serve as non-voting members on BOT committees. The announcement was made on Friday after several months of trustee discussion on having faculty members involved in board committee meetings.
The University of Toledo’s second annual Blackout Challenge was wrapped up at the end of last semester with the hopes of saving energy as well as nearly $25,000 by having students turn off their lights and unplug their laptops and microwaves when they weren’t being used.
The University of Toledo has received a $61,673 grant from the National Science Foundation for a nationwide cyber-enabled learning community that will discuss and pursue solutions to climate change. The grant was part of a coordination of $1.7 million in grants over three years to fund the learning community, called Climate, Adaptation and Mitigation e-Learning.
Chapter has roughly one week to appeal UT sanctions for hazing violations; specifics of violation remain unknown
Roughly two weeks ago, the University of Toledo and Kappa Delta Rho National Fraternity agreed on sanctions imposed upon UT’s chapter of KDR for violating the national organization’s hazing policies; and now the chapter faces additional sanctions for violating the hazing policy in UT’s Student Code of Conduct.
Gov. Strickland appoints three Toledo community leaders to UT’s BOT; still waiting for official approval from Ohio Senate
One quality the three new members of the University of Toledo Board of Trustees have in common is a strong commitment to education and the community, according to UT President Lloyd Jacobs. “I think that these are all good appointments and all three of them will add intellect and diversity,” Jacobs said.
Phrases such as "opening the floodgates" and "inviting the playground into our classrooms" are used as analogies referring to students being admitted from urban school districts into the College of Arts and Sciences. The use of these analogies by one CAS faculty member has sparked concerns of racism at UT among some students and faculty members.
With the help of a $20 million federal stimulus grant, a local company is working to produce diesel fuel in a way that is less harmful to the environment at the biorefinery on the University of Toledo's Health Science Campus. On Friday, Dec. 4, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, U.
The University of Toledo College of Engineering celebrated the nearly $5 million renovation of the northeast wing of the North Engineering Building Monday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. These renovations will allow the Department of Engineering Technology to join the other engineering programs on the Main Campus.
African People’s Association raises $1,000 at annual AIDS walk
The African People's Association at the University of Toledo is working to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic in Africa. According to an international AIDS charity called Averting HIV/AIDS, Africa is home to 70 percent of the adults and 80 percent of the children in the world who live with AIDS.
Yellow perch fish have lead the way for two graduate students to receive international recognition. Jhonatan Sepulveda Villet and Kristopher Barnswell were the first place winners of this year's Environmental Sciences Division of the 2009 Sigma Xi Scholars' Celebration Student Research Symposium at the University of Toledo on Oct.
The Health Education Building was filled with laughter and camaraderie as students played Wiffle Ball to raise over $750 for the Arthritis Foundation on Friday. The tournament was hosted by Alpha Omicron Pi and consisted of 13 teams of seven to nine players who collectively paid $20 to participate.
Three new additions to the University of Toledo Board of Trustees including Toledo Blade president, an attorney and a farm labor organizer were announced by Governor Ted Strickland on Friday. “These three appointments bring a great deal of intellect and diversity to the university,” UT President Lloyd Jacobs said in a Dec.
Asian faculty express concerns over lack of involvement
The Confucius Institute at the University of Toledo promotes the exploration of Chinese culture through offering non-credit Chinese language courses at UT and providing teachers from Yanshan University in China to teach Chinese in local area high schools.
Community garden outreach program provides fertile grounds for education and recreation
The chickens clucked in their pen and turkeys wandered in and out of the greenhouse as Michael Szuberla and several Toledo youth took a break from the garden and kick around a hacky sac on a windy November afternoon at the Oneida Street Garden. Szuberla is manager of Toledo Grows, the community garden outreach program of Toledo Botanical Gardens.
Students, faculty and staff at the University of Toledo may find some relief due to the decrease of H1N1 cases at UT and around the country, according to Health Science Campus Provost Jeff Gold. “The activity in the main campus, in our emergency department as well as our student employee health clinic on the health science campus has also gone down appreciably,” Gold said during the Town Hall meeting last Tuesday.
The White House has officially announced that it is dedicated to improving math and science education for K-12 students. On Tuesday, President Barack Obama invited the media, junior high students, high school students and pioneers in science, technology and engineering, such as Sally Ride, the first woman to fly to outer space, to the White House where he delivered a speech that highlighted his plans for improving science and math education through his administration’s “Educate to Innovate” campaign.
Community education leaders discuss ways to decrease dropout rates and further higher education among local high school students
According to America's Promise Alliance, a student drops out of high school every 26 seconds, which is the equivalent of over 1 million high school students dropping out per year. The issue of motivating high school students to stay in school and go on to college was discussed at the Toledo Dropout Prevention Summit, a day-long event held at the Dana Conference Center on UT's Health Science Campus on Thursday.
As the global economy evolves to combat poor economic times, the International Exchange Cooperation Panel stressed the importance of study abroad programs at the University of Toledo. The Office of International Student Services hosted the International Exchange Cooperation Panel on Friday in recognition of the 2009 International Student Week.
Students can now help each other develop better studying and note taking methods by sharing their lecture notes through a social networking Web site called Grade Guru. Grade Guru allows students to upload their notes for specific university classes, including those at UT, to share with other students in their class or other students who want to learn better note taking skills.
According to filmmaker Robert Kenner, many of America’s farms are being turned into factories, where workers abuse animals and ultimately spread bacteria through the country’s consumption of meat. Kenner’s film “Food, Inc.,” which explores the unlawful practices of food and meat processing companies, was shown to about 50 UT students and community members yesterday in the Driscoll Alumni Center.
Engineering students learn about the strategic plan for the Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation
Eight acres of solar panels, a 120-foot wind turbine, a gas-fired biomass converter and two underground geo-thermal wells will all help educate students at the University of Toledo, the surrounding community and the world about the emerging industry of renewable technologies.
Some students felt extremist, anti-leftist and anti-Obama agendas were being promoted through Freedom Week, which was meant for UT students and community members to honor veterans. Freedom Week, Nov. 9-13, included the knocking down of the mock Berlin Wall and dedication of the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza.
Toledo has the fourth largest Pedestrian Danger Index in the state with a total of 19 fatalities documented from 2007 to 2008, according to a study by Transportation for America. The city with the largest Pedestrian Danger Index in Ohio is Columbus, followed by Cleveland and Cincinnati.
Although many students may not practice an organized religion, Richard Gaillardetz, a professor of philosophy, said there are ethics and philosophies that they may be able to acquire from religion. Gaillardetz discussed the issues of hunger and destruction of the earth from a religious point of view in his lecture on Tuesday in the Law Center Auditorium.
Ohio State University professor visits UT to discuss the life and work of Charles Darwin
On the eve of the 150th anniversary of the first publication of “The Origin of Species,” Tim Berra, professor emeritus of evolution, ecology and organism biology at Ohio State University, spoke about the life of Charles Darwin. Berra visited UT to give his award-winning presentation, “Charles Darwin: The Story of an Extraordinary Man” on Tuesday.
Several brothers found responsible for violating hazing policies
Roughly three weeks after hazing allegations surfaced at the University of Toledo chapter of Kappa Delta Rho, The National Fraternity of Kappa Delta Rho, Inc. and UT have completed their investigations. According to Joseph Rosenberg, executive director of Kappa Delta Rho National Fraternity, several individual members of UT's KDR chapter were found to be responsible for violating the organization's policies and procedures and they are being "held accountable" by the national organization's judicial process.
A group of UT students protested outside the ninth annual Great Lakes Water Conference on Friday to express their distaste for Democratic U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak of Menominee and his amendment regarding health care coverage of abortion. The group of about 12 protesters gathered outside of the Law Center and held signs that read “Stop the Stupak attack” and “I’m a mama by choice! Protect choice.
Speakers from across the country, including Democratic U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak of Menominee, gathered at the University of Toledo for the ninth annual Great Lakes Water Conference on Friday. The conference focused on addressing issues that greatly impact the Great Lakes region including the Great Lakes – St.
The National Science Foundation has awarded the University of Toledo Department of Chemistry three grants totaling more than $1.5 million to fund professor's research of nitrogen bonds and the purchase of an electron microscope and a mass spectrometer.
Disease and the female heart discussed at seminar
Lucas County is the unhealthiest county in Ohio for a woman's heart and the fifth least heart-friendly in the nation, according to Donna Woodson, the director of women's health on the Health Science Campus. Woodson spoke during Thursday's Brown Bag Seminar hosted by the Catherine S.
The Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, a project that has been in the works for almost four years, was dedicated Tuesday in accordance with Veteran’s Day, which marked the 91st anniversary of the ceasefire that ended World War I in 1918. Though the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza has been in the making for years, construction on the plaza began in September.
Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Nina McClelland will likely receive a contract extension and change in title pending official approval from the Board of Trustees. Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett sent an e-mail to the UT community on Tuesday announcing McClelland’s proposed contract extension through the 2010-11 academic school year and her new position title as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Although UT President Lloyd Jacobs has defended his decision to personally interview all candidates who are up for tenured positions at UT, when the issue was brought up at Tuesday’s Faculty Senate meeting, the senators continued to express their opposition.
Members of Spectrum have been silently protesting outside the Vice President of Student Affairs Kaye Patten Wallace’s office to get a written response concerning the future of the Office of LGBT Initiatives. The students feel their voices are being silenced by the offices of Patten Wallace and Interim Dean of Students Michele Martinez.
During his visit to the University of Toledo on Tuesday, Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner spoke about why students should stay in Toledo and Northwest Ohio after they graduate. “We have a world-class art museum, an outstanding zoo, top 10 public libraries, a terrific symphony, a metropark system second to none, and some of the finest restaurants you can find anywhere,” Finkbeiner said.
The Kappa Delta Rho chapter at the University of Toledo is under investigation by UT and the national KDR organization after hazing allegations surfaced last week. According to Interim Dean of Students Michele Martinez, a KDR pledge approached a staff member in the Division of Student Affairs office last week with the hazing allegations.
Four-year project complete; new Savage and Associates Complex dedicated last Thursday
The University of Toledo College of Business Administration dedicated the new Savage and Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement on Thursday. "This is a historical milestone for the College of Business Administration. Preparing students for business success is the new challenge for the 21st century, and this new facility will ensure that," said Dan Johnson, former president of UT and the current provost of Zayed University in the United Arab Emerates.
While some faculty members expressed concerns about UT President Lloyd Jacob’s decision to personally interview each candidate who is up for tenure promotion, Jacobs and other administrators said they are confident in the new policy. “It’s a decision that has major impact on the university for a long time.
Students and staff reflect on the dangers and legalities behind text messaging while operating a motor vehicle
Text messaging, for most people in today's world, is the fastest and easiest way to stay connected with friends and family; however, texting may also be a dangerous task that can have unfortunate outcomes when used while driving. The issue of texting while driving has now become a legal issue within many states throughout the U.
UT students given chance to vote on three smoking options
Though the debate over UT’s Main Campus going smoke-free seemingly died down last year, the possibility of a smoking ban could soon be realized. Members of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention Committee are planning to allow students to vote on what level of smoking they want to be allowed on UT’s Main Campus.
Though some people find it acceptable to use the word “retard” as a humorous way to insult someone’s intelligence, others find the word to be offensive to mentally disabled people. The Disabilities Studies Program hosted a presentation called, “What’s the Big Deal with the R Word” Tuesday afternoon in the Memorial Field House.
Three days after two students chased a robbery suspect across campus and attempted to restrain him outside of Wolfe Hall, the University of Toledo Police Department filed charges against Cameron Reed. Reed, 20, is a registered student at UT and reportedly lives off-campus.
Incoming freshman for the 2010-2011 school year may be required to attend a diversity workshop to alleviate prejudice and stereotypical notions on UT’s campus. The resolution for the workshop was passed after extensive debate during Tuesday’s Student Government Senate meeting and will include information on the acceptance of people of different ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientation, religion, disability and gender, among others.
New enrollment program gives eighth graders a savings account to attend UT after high school
The University of Toledo is getting eighth grade students to think about going to college at an early age by giving them monetary incentive to do well in high school with the UT Scholarly Savings Account. Eighth grade graduates of school districts who have partnered with UT will receive a yearly deposit of $2,000 into a personal savings account until they graduate high school, which will go towards the cost of UT tuition for four years.
Free nasal spray mist vaccines administered to students
One day before President Barack Obama officially declared the 2009 H1N1 influenza a national emergency, UT offered free H1N1 nasal mist vaccines to students. The nasal mist vaccines were made available to students ages 18 to 49 in the University of Toledo Student Union Building on Thursday.
Research being conducted at UT may one day eliminate the need for lab animals in the testing of products such as lotions, soaps and ointments. Akira Takashima, professor and chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, received a $1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health last week to create a three-dimensional skin replica that would eliminate the need to use lab animals for toxicology testing.
Owens students no longer able to transfer to UT’s nursing program
Students in the Owens Community College two-year Registered Nursing Program may not be able to consider the University of Toledo when choosing a university to complete their bachelor’s degree. Owens’ nursing program lost its accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission in August.
There has been much debate this week between Democratic and Republican members of the Ohio House of Representatives on deciding whether to amend House Bill 318, which is in the House Finance and Appropriations Committee for revision. HB 318 was passed in 2004 and established a five-year, phased-out income tax reduction for Ohio residents, with the last cut of 4.
Jacobs, Gold address cost-saving initiatives
One week after UTMC announced the elimination of 56 positions due to budgetary constraints, UT President Lloyd Jacobs and Health Science Campus Provost Jeff Gold used Tuesday’s Town Hall meeting to discuss financial challenges facing the medical center and initiatives to meet those challenges.
Speaker discusses the hidden lives of LGBT Muslims
Homosexual, bisexual, lesbian and transgender Muslims choose to live their lives invisible from the world according to the founder of Al-Fatiha, an LGBT Muslim support group. Faisal Alam, founder of Al-Fatiha, gave a presentation about LGBT Muslims and shared his perspective on homosexuality in the Islamic religion with UT students yesterday in the Student Union Building Ingman Room.
The Princeton Review put its stamp of approval on UT’s College of Business Administration MBA program, calling it “one of the best in the Midwest,” in the newest edition of “The Best 301 Business Schools.” The list, which was published two weeks ago, specifies UT’s COBA as one that will successfully take business students to the next level of their career.
Mayoral candidates debate at Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation
Democratic Toledo Mayoral Candidate, Keith Wilkowski, called his Independent opponent Mike Bell “pessimistic” at a forum held on UT’s Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation Monday night. “I believe that we’ve got a bright future and we’ve got real opportunities.
AAUP article sparks controversy over the hiring of top administrators’ family members
In a recent newsletter from the UT chapter of the American Association of University Professors, the article titled “Family Pigs at the Public Trough” outlines allegations of family members of top administrators being hired as “highly paid consultants or employees” at UT.
Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Nina McClelland was named as the Interim Dean of UT’s School of Solar and Advanced Renewable Energy last month. “[McClelland] graciously agreed to do this,” said Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett. A national dean search for the School of Solar and Advanced Renewable Energy has been launched, Haggett said, but McClelland will serve as interim dean in the meantime to help figure out the vision and direction of the school.
During the 2009 Homecoming weekend, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender pride flag that hung outside of the Student Union Building was torn down. This was a reminder for Spectrum members of why it is important to honor those who have lost their lives due to hate crimes.
Local nonprofit offers students low-cost services for pets
During an economic downturn, it may be difficult for students who own pets to provide care for their animals while trying to make ends meet for themselves. In hopes of combating the negative economic impacts on animals, Humane Ohio, a local nonprofit spay and neuter clinic, is offering low-cost pet care as well as free canned pet food to Toledo residents.
UT students comment on a new California law that requires nutritional information on menus
Some fast food patrons will be getting a reminder of just how unhealthy fast food can be when chain restaurants in California start putting the nutritional information for all food items directly on their menus. Beginning January 2011, a new California law that was passed on Oct.
Fifty-six University of Toledo Medical Center employees received layoff notices this week, which may save UTMC more than $1 million a year. In an e-mail sent to all UT students, faculty and staff Monday afternoon, UT President Lloyd Jacobs and Health Science Campus Provost Jeff Gold announced the strategic decision to layoff a “significant number” of UTMC employees in order to reduce operating expenses and focus on health care.
2010 sustainability report card grade up one letter from last year
GreenReportCard.org gave UT a C+ on its 2010 Sustainability Report Card — one letter grade higher from last year's D+, but not high enough for some faculty and students. "It's a C+, which is much better than the D+ that we had last year — it's definitely not where we want to be, but it's a big improvement for us I think," said Aaron Baker, governmental relations specialist at UT and member of the Sustainability Committee.
During the hype of tailgating at UT, there are certain students who are working hard at every home game with the intention of gathering data to one day inform students about the amount of drinking on game days. Tavis Glassman, an assistant professor in the department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, has been leading this study.
The city of Toledo is currently fourth in the nation for the volume of investigations and rescue of children from underground human trafficking networks; however, Celia Williamson, a professor in the department of social work at UT, said Toledo is "just at the tip of the iceberg.
Students will be able to create their schedules for the upcoming semester in about six minutes if they use a Web site called Schedulizer.com. Scehdulizer.com creates a variety of the best possible schedule choices for students and saves them the hassle of having to look-up classes through the university’s Web site and write down all the times the classes they want to take are available.
Rockets football legend returns to promote new children’s book
Rockets legend Chuck Ealey returned to campus for Homecoming this weekend to lend his name to the new children's book "Hello, Rocky!" The book follows UT's mascot around campus to various facilities as he makes his way to the Glass Bowl Stadium for a football game, Ealey said.
Thirty-two percent of students report dating violence by a previous partner, and 21 percent report violence by a current partner, according to the Dating Violence Resource Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime. During Thursday’s brown bag seminar, sponsored by the Catherine S.
UT President Lloyd Jacobs writes Anheuser-Busch requesting removal of Bud Light “Fan Cans”
One month after Anheuser-Busch InBev launched its “Fan Cans” marketing campaign to coincide with college football season, UT President Lloyd Jacobs formally requested that all beer cans featuring UT’s school colors be removed from shelves. The “Fan Cans” marketing campaign was launched in August by Anheuser-Busch and puts school colors on Bud Light cans.
Amidst the rolling prairie behind a home in Lafayette, Colorado, 30 solar panels stand as a testament to the future of sustainable energy practices in residential homes. Brooks Martner, a former member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, spoke to UT students last Thursday and shared his unique story of having a residential solar power system installed in the prairie behind his home.
More than 40 researchers, advocates and activists from various countries including Bangladesh, Germany and Nigeria gathered at UT last week to discuss the issue of local, national and international prostitution. Toledo is considered one of the top hubs in the nation for recruiting children into the sex trade and has been ranked as the fourth highest city in the nation with its number of arrests and investigations relating to sex trafficking, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This semester at UT, freshmen will be given the opportunity to participate in UT’s very own reality TV show. The show, named “The Freshmen 15,” in reference to the 15 pounds most people are said to gain their freshmen year of college, will select 15 UT freshmen and place them in various competitions against one another.
Minority Business Incubator opens on Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation
A group of 200 people welcomed the establishment of The Minority Business Incubator, the University of Toledo’s latest contribution to the city’s economy, yesterday outside the Engineering Technology Center on the Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation.
The death of a Cornell University student from the H1N1 flu on Sept. 11, is a reminder that the threat to students on college campuses across the nation is far from minute. According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with the H1N1 strain had an underlying medical condition that made them high-risk.
From the soil of a vacant lot in South Central Los Angeles grew a garden, which fed the stomachs of hundreds of families of Hispanic Americans and healed the hearts of their community, only to be destroyed in the battlefields of bureaucracy. The story of that Hispanic community and their struggle to save the South Central Community Garden caught the eye of documentary filmmaker Scott Hamilton Kennedy and is the subject of his film "The Garden.
Toledo native turned political satirist and journalist visits UT
A political satirist and journalist from Toledo filled UT's Law Auditorium on Tuesday with students and faculty members as he talked about current political affairs. P.J. O'Rourke is the best selling author of 15 satirical novels including "Parliament of Whores," "Eat the Rich" and "Driving Like Crazy," his most recent book.
Apple Tree Nursery School teaches “green concepts” to children
Children at UT’s Apple Tree Nursery School are being encouraged to reduce and reuse at a young age by recycling and using appliances made from reusable materials such as cardboard and tin foil. “It is important to show green concepts to the children because it teaches them how to take care of the planet early on,” said Sherry Roush director of the Apple Tree Nursery School.
Nearly seven months after the H1N1 flu virus was identified, the government is anticipating the first shipment of 6 to 7 million doses of vaccine to arrive during the first full week in October. The federal government has purchased a total of 250 million doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine, and by mid-October the government expects to have 40 million doses of the vaccine shipped to communities across the country, said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius during a conference call with regional media outlets on Thursday.
Pulitzer Prize winning author, historian and editor at Newsweek magazine, Jon Meacham, spoke to UT and the Toledo community about the significance of a liberal arts education in the Student Union Building on Thursday. Meacham’s speech, which was the fifth in the Edward Shapiro Distinguished Lecture Series, was greeted by laughter and applause.
A professor from Northwestern University came to UT to speak to students and Toledo community members about maintaining a lifestyle free of negativity during the third annual Gandhi Lecture for Peace and Nonviolence yesterday. Dipak Jain, professor of entrepreneurial studies at Northwestern University, said he lives his life with Gandhi’s nonviolent principles as an always prevalent factor.
A 3.5 percent tuition increase, changes to the mandatory furlough program and the addition of one faculty member to four Board of Trustees committees were among the resolutions passed at the BOT meeting on Monday. The BOT approved a decision to appoint a faculty representative to the Audit, Clinical Affairs, External Affairs and the Finance Committees.
UT’s Student Activity Committee is reworking the process for recruiting members in an attempt to be more representative of a variety of student organizations. SAC will now be asking for one representative from each category of student organizations including academic, cultural and social, greek, honorary, political, religious, service, special interest and sports clubs.
The Institute for America’s Future, a Washington-based think-tank, hosted a news conference call on Tuesday, which previewed the two-day G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Penn., beginning today. The conference call included IAF President Robert Borosage, economist Jeff Madrick and Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown.
A group of 15 people gathered in the Student Union Building’s Ingman Room to raise awareness about sexual assault through a presentation by the Sexual Assault and Prevention program on Tuesday. The group’s main focus is prevention through education, said Diane Docis, the coordinator of Sexual Assault Education and Prevention at UT and head of Tuesday’s event.
After a hefty splash of half-n-half, several egg beaters, one bowl of sugar and a mound of crushed Oreos were mixed together, the key ingredient was added – negative 312 degree liquid nitrogen. Representatives from Air Products and Chemicals Inc. visited UT on Tuesday to recruit chemical and mechanical engineering students by making them ice cream with liquid nitrogen.
Bell and Wilkowski debate issues concerning UT and Toledo
Toledo mayoral candidates Mike Bell and Keith Wilkowski met on Thursday for a debate outside UT's Student Union Building, attracting around 200 students. The two candidates, who were also high school classmates, answered questions concerning how they plan to advocate for LGBT rights, traffic light cameras and utilizing Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation to bring more green companies to Toledo.
A $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation will fund a learning program called LEADERS to prepare K-12 students for the developing economy in northwest Ohio. The Leadership for Educators: Academy for Driving Economic Revitalization in Science, or LEADERS program will focus on students from Toledo Public Schools, Toledo Catholic Schools, Akron City Schools and Monroe County Schools.
UT’s Student Government has initiated a new way to increase student involvement on campus called the Student Passport. The “passport” appears as a government issued passport, except it lists a host of activities being held at UT with the times and locations.
The annual Break the Silence walk, hosted by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, attracted 800 participants to the Health Science Campus on Saturday. The University to Toledo Medical Center has partnered with the Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition to promote awareness of ovarian cancer for the past five years.
In preparation for a potential H1N1 flu outbreak on campus, UT administrators and faculty are developing a number of new policies and contingency plans. During Tuesday's Faculty Senate meeting, the senate encouraged UT faculty to consider restructuring or adapting classroom attendance policies, assignment deadlines and make-up options in light of a potential flu outbreak.
Some faculty members expressed concerns about the lack of direct communication between the faculty and the Board of Trustees during Tuesday’s Faculty Senate meeting. The faculty members are asking for a “dotted line” directly to the BOT so they have a better relationship and opportunity to express their concerns without having them filtered through the provosts or UT President Lloyd Jacobs.
UT installs the first wind turbine on the Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation
The Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation is one step closer to becoming the center for renewable energy technologies at UT after the installment of the first wind turbine on Monday. “It’s a big statement, it’s a commitment on the university’s part to go green and be green, and demonstrate our leadership in renewables and alternative machines,” said Vice President of Facilities and Construction Chuck Lehnert.
UT now has an emergency medical service team comprised of students who are certified emergency medical technicians. The EMS team consists of six students, including a director of personnel, director of operations, and three emergency medical technician basics.
Scientists at the Mind Research Network in Albuquerque, New Mexico, recently completed a three-month study that indicates playing the video game, Tetris may increase brain efficiency. The study took place in late 2008 to 2009 and was published by Biomedical Central Research Notes earlier this month, said Richard Haier, professor of psychology and pediatric neurology at the University of California, Irvine.
UT breaks ground for new pharmacy building on HSC
To the tune of backhoes and bulldozers, members of the UT community officially celebrated the ground breaking for the new pharmacy building on the Health Science Campus on Friday. The $25 million building is scheduled to be completed by fall semester 2010 and will be located between the Block Health Science Building and the Health Education Building.
In an effort to alleviate some of the parking congestion on campus, UT transit services is bringing back an old bus route called the Gold Loop which will begin running today. The Gold Loop, which was originally introduced at UT about five years ago, was removed due to lack of funding, said Manager of Transit services Steve Wise.
Some students are saving up to 85 percent per semester on textbooks by renting them instead of purchasing them through a Web site called Chegg.com. Chegg allows students to rent their textbooks for a semester and send them back in a pre-paid package.
UT's annual Clean Your Streams attracted 236 volunteers to clean the portion of the Ottawa River running through campus on Saturday. Clean Your Streams at UT is organized by the Partnership for Clean Streams and is apart of the Ohio Coast Weeks Program and the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup Event.
Increase in enrollment this semester allows delay of unpaid furlough days
During Friday’s taping of “A Presidential Perspective” UT President Lloyd Jacobs announced that the furlough plan for this semester will likely be postponed due to an increase in enrollment this semester. “We’ve enjoyed a tremendous increase in enrollment,” Jacobs said.
In addition to celebrating her 80th birthday recently, Nina McClelland has been offered an extension as Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for the third year. McClelland started her two-year term as interim dean on Sept. 19, 2008. While she has yet to accept or deny the offer officially, McClelland said UT President Lloyd Jacobs and Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett offered to extend her contract for an additional year.
Yesterday morning, several war veterans joined UT President Lloyd Jacobs and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Vern Snyder to break the ground for UT's new Veteran's Plaza. The Veteran's Plaza memorial will be located between the Memorial Field House and University Hall and is expected to be completed by Nov.
In an attempt to uphold student-centeredness on campus, the Division of Student Affairs will host a monthly Town Hall-style forum for students called Students Speak. The fourth Students Speak forum, led by Vice President for Student Affairs Kaye Patten Wallace, was held yesterday in the Student Union Building and less than ten students were in attendance.
After the University of Toledo put forth a mandatory, two-day furlough program at a Board of Trustees Finance Committee meeting on Aug. 24, an American Association of University Professors’ newsletter was published listing large sums of bonuses given to UT’s top administrators.
Toledo mayoral candidates push partnership
From social networking and technology to struggles with landlords and off-campus parties, a need for increased partnership and sense of community between the city of Toledo and the University of Toledo was a dominant theme during the mayoral candidate debate held yesterday in the Student Union Building.
As college campuses across the country prepare for the upcoming flu season, the University of Toledo has reported its first verified case of the H1N1 “swine” flu virus infecting one of its students. According to Health Science Campus Provost Jeff Gold, an international student tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus and was treated in the UT Medical Center intensive care unit last week.
The University of Toledo Police Department purchased patrol cars for the 618 Team Policing Unit, which patrols on campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Yaro Kuk, UTPD’s business manager, said UT purchased three Dodge Chargers at the price of $38,000 each.
UT purchases first system of flexible solar panels from Xunlight Corporation
Roughly two years after Xunlight Corporation graduated from UT's Clean and Alternative Energy Incubator, the first shipment of lightweight, flexible solar panels was purchased by the same institution where the technology was first developed - UT. According to Xunming Deng, CEO of Xunlight Corp.
UT College Republicans are compiling a list of liberal professors who they claimed have a bias against conservative students. The list will include professors who students say have let their political views interfere with the way they interact with students in the classroom.
UT increased its alcohol awareness by implementing a two-hour course mandatory for all UT freshmen, beginning this semester. Vice President of Student Affairs Kaye Patten Wallace said educating freshmen on alcohol use and abuse is essential as they make the transition to college from high school.
Following the state of Ohio’s authority to require “mandatory furloughs of employees to achieve spending reductions necessitated by institutional budget deficits,” UT’s Board of Trustees Finance Committee voted to recommend approval for a budget amendment on Monday.
Binge drinkers who also smoke marijuana may suffer less brain damage than drinkers who do not smoke marijuana, according to a recent study done by researchers at the University of California, San Diego and published by Neurotoxicology and Teratology magazine.
Early Monday morning cars were parked in and on every possible parking space near Rocket Hall, where most student affairs were handled, in addition to classes and offices. Students were making their own "custom" spots outside the designated lines, handicapped spaces were taken and some even chose to go "off road" by parking on the grass.
The Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women received an $18,172 grant to start a new tutoring and mentoring program called the Women's Corps. The grant was given to the Center for Women from the Center for Non-Profit Resources and the Toledo Community Foundation.
32 students living at Ramada Inn await on-campus housing
This year's number of students staying at temporary housing has decreased significantly since last year. One — hundred and twenty — six students were placed at the Clarion Hotel on Secor Road last year. While this year, only 32 students were placed at the Ramada Inn on Secor Road, according to Vice President of Student Affairs Kaye Patten Wallace.
One year after UT announced its Guarantee program, the first class of 408 Blue and Gold Scholars will officially begin classes today. Last year, UT promised to cover the cost of tuition and general fees for high school students from Ohio's six largest cities, left over after any federal aid they received through the UT Guarantee.
The vacant student trustee position was officially filled on July 17 after Governor Ted Strickland appointed Treyken Addison, a junior double majoring in sociology, and law and social thought. Addison will be joining the UT Board of Trustees, which is the university body composed of 13 governor-appointed members who are responsible for setting policy, voting on budgetary issues and creating the university's longterm strategic plan.
After more than a month ofbudgetary planning, UT PresidentLloyd Jacobs is will recommend his four-budget adjustment to the Board of Trustees Finance Committee meeting today. "We are already now in anticipation of the board's approval," Jacobs said in an interview on Wednesday.
As they return for fall semester, students will find that the Crossings Dining Hall has been replaced by iCrave Pizza at The Crossings. This new parlor-style eatery, which will operate from 6 p.m. to midnight, Sunday through Thursday, serves pizza, sandwiches and salads.
The long awaited passage of the state's biennium budget came on July 17 as Gov. Ted Strickland signed the document into law. The final version of the budget involves $7.8 million in cuts to the academic enterprise and introduces a $1 million tax on UT's hospital.
College graduates have a new option for paying back their loans, which may lessen concerns about post-college education debt. A new income-based repayment option allows college graduates to repay their loans in amounts paralleling their income levels and family sizes upon graduation.
Beginning in the fall 2009 semester, UT students will have the opportunity to receive a daily, online edition of The Blade through their UT e-mail accounts. “Students are very interested in green initiatives and students should be, and I think for the most part are interested in local, regional, national and international news,” said Vice President for External Affairs Larry Burns.
The days of sitting in front of a computer screen for an hour to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid will soon be a thing of the past. The Department of Education has announced a number of changes to FAFSA to make filing the application easier for students and their parents.
Though his appointment as dean is an interim one, former UT Trustee Tom Brady said he wants to help put the Judith Herb College of Education "on a path to world class" excellence during his tenure. Shortly after Brady's selection was announced on June 19 in an e-mail to students, faculty, administrators and staff, he released an open letter to the faculty and staff of the JHCOE outlining how he plans to make this happen.
Campus Activities and Programming is changing the structure of its staff to offer greater involvement to more students. The reorganization will add four new positions, according to Krystal Weaver, CEO of CAP. “They totally restructured, so all the positions are new,” Weaver said.
One Web site professes to offer students a way to “buy time” to complete their late assignments. Corrupted-Files.com sells, as the name suggests, a corrupted document file for students to submit to professors under the guise of being a bona fide completed assignment.
Students can now create their dorm room before they move in through a Web site called CollegeRoomCreator.com. The site allows students to view an online model of their dorm room and design and construct the room by placing virtual models of their furniture and other belongings in the space.
Linked here is the budget that UT President Lloyd Jacobs presented to the UT Board of Trustees on May 18. The BOT approved it, and it became UT's budget for the fiscal year of 2010. Flanking the budget are two memos by Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Scott Scarborough, which offer significant context to the financial document.
If Ohio’s budget suffers drastic revisions to account for plunging state tax revenues, the UT community may face another painful budget development process, said Vice President for Finance and Administration Scott Scarborough. “We would essentially implement an abbreviated budget process similar to what we did [last academic year] in order to determine what adjustments need to be made,” he said.
Students included in division restructuring
The process of restructuring the Division of Student Affairs is scheduled for completion by July 1, said Vice President for Student Affairs Kaye Patten Wallace. The restructuring seeks to situate about 100 staff members within the division into positions in a way that "maximizes [their] potentials, backgrounds, experiences and resources .
Beginning in the fall, students will receive significant changes to their UT e-mail accounts. Students will be able to send up to 20 megabytes of attachments and will have an added 10 gigabytes of space in their inboxes.* Vice President for Information and Technology Godfrey Ovwigho said the changes were spurred by student complaints about the lack of storage in the current setup.
A new MRI can provide more effective breast cancer screening than previous methods, found a study conducted on UT's Health Science Campus. The results, discovered by Associate Professor of Radiology Haitham Elsamaloty, show that a 3 tesla MRI detects breast cancer more frequently than traditional methods.
After months of budgeting exercises amidst one of the worst economic crises since the Great Depression, the "President's Recommended Budget — FY 2010" will go before the UT Board of Trustees today for final approval. Even though the $781.6 million budget — $517.
Stroke, diseases of the heart and other cardiovascular ailments kill more than 870,000 Americans each year, according to the American Heart Association’s Web site. To help raise money for research and prevention of heart disease and stroke, UT hosted the American Heart Associations’ “Start! Heart Walk” Saturday at the Glass Bowl Stadium.
Since it was launched in 2004, Facebook has become an Internet phenomenon that has grown beyond the initial subculture of college-aged students to include hundreds of millions of members world-wide. In 2008, Aryn Karpinski, a doctoral student in education research at The Ohio State University, began an exploratory survey that found a correlation between Facebook use and lower grade point averages among college students.
Karen Bjorkman, professor and interim chair of physics, has been named a new distinguished university professor for the 2009-10 year. There were six professors selected this year out of 24 candidates. Each professor chosen for the honor will receive a $5,000 grant per year for five years.
Six former University of Toledo athletes were charged on Wednesday along with two Detroit-area businessmen in a 20-count federal indictment for conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery. Between December 2004 and December 2006, the indictment charges that Ghazi "Gary" Manni, 52, and Mitchell Karam, 76, along with the UT athletes "did unlawfully, knowingly, and intentionally combine … to carry into effect a scheme in commerce to influence by bribery various sporting contests.
A meeting between Vice President of Student Affairs Kaye Patten Wallace and staffs from the Division of Student Affairs was interrupted as more than 100 students piled into the Student Union Building room 2592 yesterday at about 9 a.m. Heads turned as students wearing their organizations' T-shirts, holding up signs such as "Retain this," "I would have transferred," "Have you ever been to our meetings? Lori has," and "Would you help us plan Songfest?" walked silently into the room, filling up every corner.
During budgetary discussions at Tuesday's Town Hall meeting, UT President Lloyd Jacobs announced approximately 100 layoffs occurring this week in hopes of decreasing the $16 million budget gap between fiscal years 2009 to 2010. As of yesterday evening, 89 positions have been eliminated.
Faculty Senate President Jamie Barlowe, professor and chairwoman of women's and gender studies, gave her last report to the senate on Tuesday. She said some of her greatest goals as Faculty Senate president were opening communication with the administration and Board of Trustees and bringing the two campuses together.
Students may be limited when choosing their classes for the fall semester if new visiting professors are not hired for the 2009-10 school year. UT has 89 visiting professors in various colleges across the campus for the fiscal year, which began in July 2008 and ends in June 2009.
Two current UT students are planning to make bids for political office soon after their graduations. Terry Biel, a graduate student finishing a master's in business administration, is running for Toledo City Council later this year. Anthony Russo, a sophomore double majoring in political science and economics, plans to run for mayor of his home town North Ridgeville, soon after his graduation in 2011.
After the click of a mouse on the YouTube video, thousands of miles of vacation time and support from unknown people around the world, a sick Algerian boy named Ayoub Hamdi was able to receive the treatment he needed. Dalila Hamdi, Ayoub's mother, said she and her husband were shocked when they found out their son had a rare birth defect known as spina bifida.
UT administrators will announce approximately 100 employee layoffs across all campuses this week, said President Lloyd Jacobs at the Honors Program's Senior Banquet held yesterday in the Student Union Building Ingman Room. In a letter sent to the UT community of Friday, Jacobs addressed the finalization of the budget process for fiscal year 2010.
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland announced appointments to the Boards of Trustees of four area colleges on Friday, including UT. Joseph High of Perrysburg, will serve as the new UT Board of Trustee member. High has served as the senior vice president of human resources for Owens Corning since 2009 and also serves as a board member for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, according to the Office of the Governor’s Web site.
Last Friday, President Barack Obama announced his plans to make higher education more affordable by reforming the country’s student loan system, decreasing the role of private lenders and placing the responsibility on the federal government. “In the end, this is not about growing the size of the government or relying on the free market — because it’s not a free market when we have a student loan system that’s rigged to reward private lenders without any risk,” Obama said.
The tanks have been filled with liquid hydrazine fuel and scientists continue the final checkout procedures while two UT professors wait anxiously for the launch of the world's largest space telescope. Tom Megeath and J.D. Smith, both assistant professors of astronomy at UT, said they are hoping for a successful launch of the Herschel space telescope, which will allow them to further their research on the formation of stars in the universe.
Students can now watch evolution in action on their desktops. A program called Avida-ED allows students to watch a simulated step-by-step evolution through a virtual petri dish. Robert Pennock, a professor of philosophy, biology and computer science at Michigan State University, shared this new program with UT students and community members at the Darwin Anniversary Conference on Friday, which celebrated the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin.
Ronald Cole, who committed aggravated robbery near UT’s Main Campus was sentenced to eight years in jail last Thursday, according to a Lucas County Common Pleas Court clerk of dockets. Cole’s sentencing was originally set for April 16, but was rescheduled at his request, according to the clerk of dockets.
Facebook users now have a reason to reconsider what information they upload to the Web site. Two weeks ago, Facebook published a new document stating the changes to the rights and responsibilities of Facebook users and allowed users to vote either for or against the proposed policies.
New building will feature a rooftop garden
As UT attempts to transform into an institution focused on green initiatives, more buildings on campus are being constructed with an eye to sustainability. The most recent example of this is the Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement.
A bill proposed by Sen. Gary Cates would require mandatory vaccines for meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B for all Ohio undergraduate public university students. Kristopher Weiss, a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Health, said the law requires freshmen living in residence halls to receive information about meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B vaccines.
Director of the UT Student Recreation Center Jeff Witt recently joined the likes of Sen. John McCain by receiving recognition for being exceptionally accommodating to employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve. Witt was presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Award in February by the U.
Five grievances were filed by UT's chapter of the American Association of University Professors against the university, objecting to the term, "research active." Two of the grievances were filed by Associate Professor of Management and UT-AAUP Grievance Chair Don Wedding, one on behalf of the College of Business Administration and the other for the entire Main Campus.
UT is among five universities receiving a $1.5 million grant each under the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program. UT will use the grant for student scholarships that encourage more undergraduates to pursue the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), said Thomas Kvale, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research.
On top of the anxiety that results from final exams and research papers, many students are again struggling to deal with the stress of setting up their living arrangements for next academic year. The Web site WhiteFence.com may aid in easing the stress caused by moving.
During a Student Government meeting last Tuesday, about 40 students from several UT club sports showed up to express their concerns over a lack of funding. There are 19 sport clubs at UT, and about 380 students are a part of those clubs, according to Joe Bendix, assistant director of intramurals, who acts as an adviser to those clubs.
In response to student concerns about the lack of parking on campus, a new temporary gravel parking lot may soon be constructed near the demolished Student Classroom Annex. “One option would be to put a temporary parking lot in the space where the Student Annex and the old power building and the old armory will soon be demolished .
Students could be just a couple clicks away from renting a brand new MINI Cooper Convertible 2009 model for $11 an hour, if a company such as Zipcar were to come to UT. Zipcar users at schools where the system is in place, such as Duke University, the University of Michigan and Yale University, can swipe a card called a Zipcard to use a car for a certain amount of time and then return it.
In the early morning hours on Thursday, Toledo Police responded to an off-campus felonious assault just south of Main Campus on the 900 block of Elysian Avenue, according to a timely warning issued by UT Police Chief Jeff Newton. According to Newton, the male victim is a sophomore with an undecided major enrolled part-time at UT.
Students had the chance to relive the 1920s as they danced to songs by musicians such as Irving Berlin on Friday at UT's Eight-Annual Dance Marathon. Participants of Dance Marathon paid a $50 donation to undergo 16 hours without sitting as a charity event for St.
The UT Board of Trustees passed a resolution to recognize the resignation of Trustee Tom Brady during a special BOT meeting Monday. Brady was asked a month ago to become a candidate for the position of interim dean of the Judith Herb College of Education, and he sent a letter of resignation from the board on Friday to Gov.
The plans for creating a new energy school at UT were finalized on Monday. The resolution for the “Creation of a School of Solar and Advanced Renewable Energy” was passed at a special Board of Trustees meeting. The “shell” of the creation of the school was approved but the specifics have not been solidified, said Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett at a Faculty Senate meeting Tuesday.
Perhaps overshadowed by the current administrative budgetary issues and students preparing for the end of the semester, the month-old dispute persists between some UT constituents on whether the Main Campus should adopt a tobacco-free policy. Despite those who object to the policy, Tavis Glassman, an assistant professor in the department of health rehabilitation services, said "it's not if the University of Toledo goes tobacco-free; it's when.
Two specific colleges and the university's vital role in the community were emphasized in UT President Lloyd Jacobs' third-annual address to the university community on Monday. About 300 people attended the address, titled "The Role of the University in the 21st Century America," and video of it was streamed live on UT's Web site.
While many students avoid the thought of college loan debt until after graduation, students applying for alternative loans next academic year may have to budget their money in order to make payments while they’re enrolled. Sallie Mae, the nation’s leading provider of student loans, is offering a new loan that will require student borrowers to make interest payments while they are in the process of completing their educations, according to the Sallie Mae Web site.
If someone is asked to change his or her name for the convenience of others, it is considered offensive, said Larry Chan, associate general counsel of Bowling Green State University. A panel discussion titled "Asian American Immigration, Equal Opportunities and Civil Rights," was held Saturday in the Student Union Building.
Since 2006, the number of honor society chapters at UT has decreased from 52 to 21, as of 2008. Membership in a student honor society carries with it such advantages as easier access to scholarships, professional networking and also makes an impressive addition to a student's résumé, said Director of the Honors Program Tom Barden.
Lot 10 and the nearby tennis courts were a flood plain that divided campus and blocked students from their cars during heavy rains, and the Ottawa River ran straight through where the Student Union Building now sits when Lancelot Thompson came to teach chemistry at UT in 1958.
College students who are looking for the highs of using recreational drugs but are concerned about the negative effects, such as addiction and risk of prosecution, may have a legal way to get the effect they want thanks to a new online “trip.” A Web site called I-Doser.
Some members of the Arts and Sciences Council expressed concern at Tuesday's meeting over the results of the roundtable discussions for the College of Arts and Sciences led by The Learning Alliance over the last academic year, particularly regarding the associated benchmarking study.
“Sami Drops a Deuce,” “John Put His Head in the Oven” and “The Man Who Hasn’t Seen His Genitals in Years” are just some of the titles of sculptures Bowling Green State University senior administrators deemed “appropriate.” However, roughly two weeks ago, those administrators removed a sculpture from an exhibit on the university’s Firelands Campus titled “The Middle School Science Teacher Makes a Decision He’ll Live to Regret,” sparking a heated controversy surrounding issues of art censorship, freedom of expression and child pornography.
Approximately seven months after a UT freshman was shot in the hand and shoulder during a holdup near Main Campus, the assailant admitted to the crime in court. According to an article in The Blade on March 28, 17-year-old Ronald Cole of 740 Turner Ave.
Although there have been reports linking the economy with the increase of college students donating plasma for monetary compensation, that does not seem to be the case at UT. Lana Thornhill, a freshman majoring in early childhood education, said she has never tried donating plasma.
Every student will have the opportunity to have a personal laptop if UT goes through with a laptop lease program. UT is considering implementing a program allowing students who do not own a laptop or desktop computer to lease one from the university for about $300 to $500 per semester.
U.S. involvement in the Middle East was a topic of discussion during a forum hosted by the International Socialist Organization Thursday in the Student Union Building. Alex Read, a 2003 UT alumnus and a member of ISO, was the main speaker, and his presentation was followed by members of the audience giving input regarding their thoughts on the topic.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 7.7 million Americans experience post traumatic stress disorder each year — a number that may grow as President Barack Obama sends thousands more troops into Afghanistan The UT Health Science Campus is partnering with a host of other universities and institutions to study "risk and resilience factors" for the development of PTSD in members of the Ohio National Guard.
Due to the high cost of education, some students may be resorting to food stamps to pay for their meals. “Students are required to pay such high tuition,” said David Browning, an assistant professor of social work at UT. “It’s getting much more difficult to go to school when you are spending as much money to go to school as it costs just to live.
There were about 19 reported crimes targeting motor vehicles on campus in the last week — nine of which occurred in Lot 25, outside Rocket Hall. "It's been my experience that these [crimes] come in cycles, and you have a bunch at one time, then you catch the one or two people responsible then it kind of goes away again; so that's what we're hoping is going to happen here," said UT Police Capt.
As many hope for the economy to bottom out, the motto seems to be "bottoms up!" Some local bars and carry-outs are reporting an upsurge in their alcohol sales, despite the recession. In addition to the increased sales, carryout owners say there has been a noticeable trend in students purchasing less expensive brands.
The Toledo Early College High School is set to graduate its first class of students at the end of this academic year. The first TECHS graduation ceremony will take place May 21 in Nitschke Hall on Main Campus. Robin Wheatley, principal of TECHS, said she is proud of the accomplishments of the graduating class.
The logos of fashion designers Louis Vuitton, Versace and Chanel are mostly seen on expensive handbags or jewelry, but for a certain subculture of drug abusers these may be the images printed on a tablet of the glamorous party drug known as ecstasy, a trademark of the drug.
Salvia divinorum, a psychedelic substance, became illegal in Ohio yesterday. Gov. Ted Strickland signed the bill on Jan. 9 to ban the substance. The bill was sponsored by former state Rep. Thom Collier after 12-year-old Drew Bush from Loudonville, Ohio, was killed by a friend under the influence of Salvia, according to a publication of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
From O.J. Simpson to Rihanna and Chris Brown, to grade school children "sexting," issues across the country are generating conversations regarding domestic violence. President of the Family Violence Prevention Fund Esta Soler spoke as the Cannon Lecturer at the Law Center Auditorium on Thursday for a presentation titled "From O.
Open records laws give journalists and every citizen the right to request a wide array of information from their government, and Blade investigative reporter Steve Eder said these laws are vital for his job. "I can tell you that I've used the state's open record request laws about at least a half a dozen times in the last 10 days for stories that I've written and some for future stories," he said.
Students in UT's higher education master's program delivered a presentation Thursday about the issues in the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Initiatives and offered suggestions on how to better reach UT students. The students presenting the information were Tyree Pollard, Joshua Drahos, Katherine Ott and Rachel Schipull, all second-year graduate students in higher education.
Among the countless pages of notes from a professor's monotonous lecture, the random caricatures, flowers or squiggles in students' notebooks could play an important role in retaining information. It is a common assumption that doodling is a distraction that diverts attention away from class, but a recent study conducted by the University of Plymouth in England suggests drawing random objects during class may actually improve memory and concentration.
Krystal Weaver and Rachael Wise were announced the winners for the Student Government presidential election at the Student Recreation Center on Thursday night. About 100 students showed up in support of the four presidential tickets, many sporting their tickets' shirts and creating a sea of green, orange, yellow and white.
Six months after an outside academic consulting firm was hired to assess the College of Arts and Sciences, its strategic assessment and benchmarking study was presented to the UT Board of Trustees. On Monday, Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett presented The Learning Alliance summary of the CAS roundtable discussions that highlighted five "Action Areas of Focus," including issues surrounding the definition of scholarship, reconsideration of curriculum, improvements to advising, updating teaching methods, finding better uses for space and strengthening the college's graduate education.
President Barack Obama's news conference on Tuesday outlining fiscal year 2010's budget proposal of $3.6 trillion drew sharp criticism from the Republican Party, due to the concerns of a deficit hike. With similar concerns, the Congressional Democratic Party is working to scale down the budget.
The UT Police Department will collaborate with the Ottawa Hills Police Department this weekend to hold a sobriety checkpoint near UT's Main Campus. The time and exact location of the checkpoint have yet to be released; however, Charles Williams, a lieutenant with UTPD, said the checkpoint will be held somewhere in Dorr Street area near UT this weekend.
In the past year, representatives from the UT Department of Research and Development traveled to China for a solar initiative and to Abu Dhabi for the Second World Future Energy Summit. Frank Calzonetti, vice provost of research and development, organized and attended both trips.
People joke about their supposed caffeine "addictions," but there might be more truth to that than they realize. Though people consume products that contain caffeine to make them more alert, caffeine consumption may have some negative effects. According to the U.
Karbula and Harden Kristina Karbula, the current Student Government vice president and a senior majoring in political science and business administration, is running with Sam Harden, the current SG vice chairman and also a senior with the same major, for this year's SG election.
One year of dialysis costs about $80,000, and to keep one human being alive in America for 10 years on dialysis would cost taxpayers $800,000, said Michael Rees, chief executive officer of Alliance for Paired Donation and a urology professor at the UT Medical Center.
Symbolic of the lives lost throughout the past six years from the U.S. military occupation in Iraq, 160 coffins were delivered this weekend to the steps of four major defense contractors in Washington, D.C. Late Friday night, 46 antiwar protestors from UT, Bowling Green State University and the surrounding community boarded a charter bus headed toward the nation's capitol to join the roughly 10,000 other protestors for the March on the Pentagon, sponsored by ANSWER — Act Now to Stop War and End Racism.
Incoming UT freshmen will have the opportunity to have personal peer mentors to help guide them through the uncertainties and difficulties of the first-year college experience next fall. The Rocket to Rocket peer mentoring program was developed to help increase retention rates among first-year students at UT, said Kaye Patten Wallace, vice president for student affairs.
Amid hoards of eighth graders from a local high school taking a break from their tour to eat lunch, audience members seemingly struggled to hear the SG presidential and vice presidential tickets debate their platforms and opinions Thursday in The Crossings dining area over all the commotion.
Imagine calling UT's Night Watch program, trying to get a ride home, only to wind up in the hot seat of UT's version of "Cash Cab," the game show on Discovery Channel. The "Cash Cab," which looks like a regular cab on the outside, picks up passengers and offers to drive them to their destinations while quizzing them on the way.
Hondurans receive medical aid from UT volunteers
Being up close and personal with scabies, lice and other infectious diseases, not being able to brush your teeth with tap water or consume any fresh fruits or salads, hardly sounds like an ideal spring break to some. But last week, a team of 34 volunteers — some students, some faculty and some alumni — in one way affiliated with UT, got together as a group and headed to Honduras, one of the poorest countries in Central America, leaving the bounds of their comfort zones for a week.
A computer with sensitive student and faculty information was stolen from the office of an administrative assistant in University Hall last month. This week, UT notified the 24,000 students and 450 faculty members whose information was on the computer about the possibility of a breach of their information.
UT President Lloyd Jacobs' emphasis on a business orientation in the search for the new interim dean for Judith Herb College of Education is reflected on the candidate being considered by Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett. COE faculty received an e-mail Monday from Haggett explaining the possible appointment of UT Trustee Tom Brady as the interim dean of the college.
During the first Student Government presidential debate held yesterday at Rocky's Lounge, the four SG presidential candidates were asked questions concerning what they propose to do about the issues of safety, parking and what they hope to accomplish at UT.
"Hope" and "change" sound like words from President Barack Obama's campaign, but those are also the principles that the current Student Government president and vice president said they are hoping to instill within their replacements and all of the student body.
Nearing the end of the semester, it's not only the students hurrying to finish last-minute projects, but professors as well. In addition to grading projects and papers, professors at UT and across the nation are scrambling to get a cut of the money from the federal elements of the recent stimulus package.
Four Student Government tickets for this year's SG presidential election were officially announced on March 4. Throughout the next week, the four tickets will campaign before UT students have a chance to vote for next year's president and vice president from March 23 to 26.
Universities across the country are trying to lead by example in becoming more environmentally friendly, and some have chosen to ban the sale of bottled water on their campuses in this spirit. Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. has banned the sale of water bottles on its campus to reduce plastic usage and cut energy needed to recycle plastics, according to its Web site.
City looks to cut fire truck that responds to Main Campus
UT's Main Campus averaged 40 runs per month from the Toledo Fire Department during the 2008 fall semester, according to Police Chief Jeff Newton. However, not all calls were for fire alarms; rather, a number of runs were for assisting injured or ill people, he said.
Once decoded, the simple symbolic vocabulary would reveal the location of Earth, the cellular and chemical makeup of human beings and a request for a reply from the alien life forms who received it. In the search for intelligent life in the universe, scientists broadcasted a 400,000-character pictograph to four sun-like stars in the Summer Triangle on March 15, 1999.
The editor in chief and business manager of the Independent Collegian for the 2009-10 academic year have been selected. Joe Griffith, a junior majoring in communication, will become next year's editor in chief, and Brooke Tibbits, a senior double majoring in marketing and professional sales, will become business manager.
The discussions of a possible partnership between Higher Education Holdings with UT have been called off, according to an e-mail sent to Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett on Monday. The e-mail, authored by HEH Executive Vice President Tom Evans, said, "It is best to defer our partnership until we have the alignment necessary within the university.
For the past 10 days, students in classrooms, hallways and popular hangouts on UT's Main Campus have been flooded with roughly 2,000 pamphlets titled "Lloyd Jacobs Is A Threat To Your Future." The pamphlets were created and distributed by a group of roughly 15 UT students, said Evan Morrison, a senior majoring in history and the pamphlet's primary author.
Mexico has traditionally been a "hot spot" for students looking to celebrate spring break on sandy beaches under the warm sun; however, this year students may want to rethink their vacation destinations. In support of a travel alert issued by the U.S.
While the Health Science Campus has already joined hundreds of universities across the country by banning tobacco, the debate has officially begun on whether the Main Campus should also join the list. Smoking bans on 260 college campuses have been put into effect within the last three years.
A new methodology was used for the first time to come up with UT's College and Auxiliary Income Statements for Fiscal Year 2008/09. The data from the report was met with skepticism during a Feb. 24 Faculty Senate meeting when Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Scott Scarborough said the Judith Herb College of Education has a deficit of $9 million.
After flying hundreds of miles from home and riding for hours down bumpy rural roads in the back of a pickup, UT students took their five-gallon jugs of water and set out on foot in the 90 degree heat of January in Honduras. Over spring break, the UT Chapter of Engineers Without Borders will once again embark on a trip to Las Sanchez, Honduras.
UT community welcomed to help knock down Annex this week
Its constricting hallways, lifeless paint job and unpredictable climate have made the Student Classroom Annex the subject of student complaints for over 30 years. Now the same students will have the opportunity to vent those frustrations with the swing of a sledgehammer or pry of a crowbar.
In an attempt to reach out to more viewers, UT has introduced a new Town Hall format utilizing a studio-style setting to stream live video of the meeting online. "They're able to watch the Town Hall, when before we always struggled with attendance, and I think this will help get more and more people engaged in watching this meeting," said Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs and host of the Town Hall meetings.
Having four kidneys may sound bizarre to some, but a two-time transplant recipient, Tifiro Cook, lives with one good kidney and three that do not function in his body. Cook, a native of Columbus, Ohio, was invited by the UT Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America to share his experiences with organ donation and the importance of registering as an organ and tissue donor.
Surveillance cells on the surface of the skin ingest bodily fluids and check for the presence of harmful bacteria or viruses, according to Randall Worth, an assistant professor of medical microbiology and immunology at UT. During the third session this semester of UT's "Saturday Morning Science" program, Worth discussed inflammation in the body.
Giving birth is a unique experience and differs for every woman. Whether naturally, by water, with the aid from a midwife or the old-fashioned way, bringing a new life into the world is a story that deserves to be told, said Carolyn Lee, an associate professor in the College of Nursing.
While teaching distance learning courses is not new to UT, the concept of partnering with a private company to contract out two master's programs within the Judith Herb College of Education has met some resistance. Partnership discussed Higher Education Holdings, a private company that partners with public universities to offer courses online, approached UT for a possible collaboration with UT's College of Education to contract out the master's degree in curriculum and instruction and the master's degree in educational technology.
A letter from UT President Lloyd Jacobs to Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett on Jan. 27 sparked concern among some faculty members within the Judith Herb College of Education. The letter was regarding the future of the college and, more specifically, its dean position.
As Americans look to institutions of higher education for help in solving the world's energy crises, future UT students may have a campus entirely devoted to solving those problems. Chuck Lehnert, vice president of facilities and construction, announced a proposal to the UT Board of Trustees' Academic and Student Affairs Committee on Monday to convert the Scott Park Campus into a new Campus of Energy Innovation.
In an attempt to increase UT's visibility and reputation for its alternative energy research, the efforts of some faculty and researchers may soon be combined within a new school devoted entirely to alternative energies. The idea of strengthening UT's research in this field has been a topic of conversation among administrators and faculty for some time, said Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett.
Board members and senior leadership from the University of Toledo, Owens Community College and Toledo Public Schools gathered Tuesday to discuss current and future educational collaboration. About 30 members from the three Toledo-area educational intuitions met at UT's Libbey Hall on Main Campus.
The garbage from a night of boozing could become the makings for recycled products from Owens Corning, officials from the company said. "All that beer that you're drinking, the glass just goes in a landfill. That doesn't need to happen. We want that glass.
Four community "celebrities" will serve dinner tonight at Georgio's Café International to raise funds for the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women. Main Campus Provost Rosemary Haggett will be one of waitresses serving food to faculty, community members and students.
UT professor’s work aids in water sanitation
Since the early 1900s, America has pioneered the disinfection of water, and now, a century later, the research of Isabel Escobar, an associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering at UT, furthers the technology of water treatment. Every year, approximately 4.
Professionals who want to switch their careers to teach math or science can now apply for scholarships through UT's Judith Herb College of Education. The scholarships are funded for 10 individuals by the National Science Foundation each year for the next four years, and each may be awarded up to $17,220, said Charlene Czerniak, director of the Office of Research Partnership and a professor in the department of curriculum and instruction.
The United States spends more per capita on health care than some other industrialized countries but lags behind in major health indicators such as life expectancy and infant mortality, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Even though the U.
Some say finding the keys to a lasting relationship can be as difficult as marriage itself. During a forum Thursday titled "Why Did I Get Married?" sponsored by the Black Student Union, students gathered to share their thoughts on marriage and what it takes to keep one going.
Students from the College of Arts and Sciences can now take graduate-level courses and "double dip" them toward a master's degree at UT. At the Arts and Sciences Council meeting on Tuesday, council members voted unanimously to support this initiative.
In an attempt to decrease the influx of students to Rocket Solution Central at the beginning of each semester, an updated myUT portal will launch on Monday. "I think that students having the need to go to Rocket Solution Central should be the exception rather than the rule," said Sue Shible, the Web development coordinator at UT.
Thousands of light years from Earth, a "cosmic dust fountain" is propelling gas and dust throughout the Milky Way galaxy, astronomers have discovered. The dust fountain, which is actually a binary star system — or two stars orbiting each other — is located 2,300 light years away in the Red Rectangle Nebula within the constellation Monoceros, said Adolf Witt, a distinguished professor emeritus of astronomy at UT.
Technologies such as smart phones, iPods and laptops may be becoming necessities in social environments, but the crossover to the academic setting has sparked debate nationwide. While it is not uncommon for students to bring their laptops to classes, the opinions of professors vary on the use of laptops in classrooms.
UT awarded a student with a Jefferson Award Monday to recognize her efforts in public service. Emily Stinehart, a junior majoring in history, was the first among the UT community to receive this award. The Jefferson Award for Public Service was founded by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.
The Student Government presidential campaigns have kicked off this semester, as some ticket hopefuls met with student organizations last night to push their platforms. The official deadline for the applications of candidacy is March 4, but three ticket hopefuls have already begun campaigning for the election.
Domestic violence has always been taboo, especially in the past when victims were usually put to blame, said Kathleen Trenchik, supervisor of prevention services at COMPASS Corporation for Recovery Services. COMPASS is a Toledo-area organization providing "comprehensive addiction and substance abuse services including information, screening, and placement," according to its Web site.
UT professors looking to go on sabbatical will have a harder time getting their leaves approved during the economic downturn. Rosemary Haggett, main campus provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, asked the deans of colleges earlier this academic year to crack down on the number of sabbatical requests that are approved.
In response to the elimination of the industrial and manufacturing programs* in the College of Engineering, a manufacturing professor recently sent an open letter expressing his concerns to the Board of Trustees. In the fall semester of 2007, the college stopped accepting new students into the two departments, according to Ioan Marinescu, professor of manufacturing in the Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering department, also known as the MIME department of engineering.
UT Faculty Senate unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday supporting higher education-related aspects of the federal stimulus plan and will urge faculty to reach out to state representatives to stress the importance of higher education. Faculty senator Paul Lehman, a professor of medical microbiology and immunology, proposed the resolution in response to a letter sent by the American Association of University Professors General Secretary Gary Rhoades on Feb.
