Letters to the Editor

The Cottage at Blakey Hall provides volunteering opportunity

The Blakey Hall Retirement Community is a popular place for Elon students to volunteer with the elderly in the area.

Freshman appreciates university cultural events

When she arrived at Elon, freshman Sam Mairson planned to complement her formal education with extensive extracurricular participation. What she didn't anticipate was discovering she wouldn't have the money to stay. "It was horrifying not having the financial security I thought I was going to," Mairson said.

International Briefs - Oct. 25

Gaddafi dies after capture, video of last moments goes viral Libyan rebels are rejoicing following the death of their ousted dictator, Col.

Shalit goes home to Israel; 1,000 prisoners return to Palestine

HAIFA, ISRAEL — News of the homecoming of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier in Palestinian captivity for five years, has sparked enthusiastic street parties in nearly every part of Israel.

Immigration Act to provide options for undocumented residents

Amid debt debacles and global financial crises, the DREAM Act on immigration has been forgotten by many.

New initiative to raise young adults' awareness of health care benefits

Before Congress passed the Affordable Care Act in March 2010, the least-insured group in America was adults ages 19-24, according to statistics from the U.S.

Statewide debate over issue of fracking intensifies

The nationwide debate over the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has split the state of North Carolina.

Plan to increase campus diversity still in early stages

One of Elon University's most emphasized priorites is establishing a diversity plan, which is currently in its earliest stages after a summer committee of the Presidential Diversity Council and senior staff members worked to write the first drafts. The plan will essentially expand on the first theme of the "Elon Commitment, which is an unprecedented commitment to diversity and global engagement." Brooke Barnett, the senior fellow for diversity and global engagement in the Office of the President, said she and President Leo Lambert have shared the plan with academic and staff councils and will begin to get feedback from other groups on campus throughout the fall. "This plan builds on Elon's longstanding commitment to community and creating a community that warmly welcomes all fully into the life of the university," she said. While the plan is not fully in place yet, Kenn Gaither, associate dean of the School of Communications and a member of the Presidential Diversity Council, said a number of initiatives are underway and some are already in practice. As part of the plan, the council is not only looking at what other institutions have done, but what it needs to do to increase diversity and ensure it is diffused throughout the Elon experience. One way the council is doing this is through research, surveys and focus groups in order to help them find out what the experience is like for an Elon student. But Gaither said they are looking at diversity in a broad term. "It's not just a black and white issue," he said.

Mind the Gap: Administration aims to increase study abroad participation

"Why did you not study abroad?" This is a question that is being asked by many members of administration of the students who have not done either a winter term or semester abroad during their four years at Elon University. The first point of the Elon Commitment is "an unprecedented university commitment to diversity and global engagement." The administration is aiming for 100 percent of students to have the opportunity to travel abroad during their studies and experience life immersed in a new culture. "We all believe study abroad is very valuable," said Woody Pelton, dean of international programs and director of the Isabella Cannon International Centre.

Despite El Centro's success, demand for more language centers is low

Every weekday at Elon, Carlton 114 is buzzing with people speaking Spanish. El Centro de Espanol, Elon's only language center, serves as both a home for native Spanish speakers at the university and a place for students of the language to come and practice their conversational skills and learn about Hispanic culture. When El Centro was established 13 years ago, Elon students weren't required to take a foreign language.

Financial model restructured on yearly basis

A number of liberal arts colleges across the nation are being forced to reconsider their financial models because of the increasing amount of money universities spend per student, according to a recent report from Inside Higher Ed. Although Elon is considered one of the nation's "Best Value" institutions, it too must constantly revise its financial model in order to ensure long-term sustainability, according to Gerald Whittington, vice president of business, finance and technology. "We rethink our financial model every year," Whittington said.

Changes in Elon application for admission intended to narrow search for prospective global citizens

The Elon University admissions application is getting an update, changes ranging from different essay questions to new scholarships and gap semester programs. "We are deliberate as ever in trying to get to know our applicants," said Greg Zaiser, dean of admissions.

Elon addresses shortage of math, science educators with new master's programs

Elon University officials hope to start a new master's program for science and math education in December 2013, according to David Cooper, dean of the School of Education. The new program is still in the beginning phases of development and Cooper said he thinks a comprehensive proposal will be ready for review by the end of this semester.

News Briefs - Oct. 25

Veteran's Day care package drive Beginning Nov. 1, T.E.A.M. (Together Elon Athletes and Military) Hero will collect donations for a care package drive to conclude on Nov.

Mental health issues increase among college students

Colleges across the country have seen increasing instances of mental health issues and psychological problems on their campuses.

Working with what you've got

'Believe in the struggle,' there's really no alternative

As college students, we see no end to the constant, conflicting messages that make us question whether our personal lives are important or frivolous. There's no better time than the present.

Time for a change

Elon University football coach Jason Swepson’s a nice guy. A good interview. He glad-hands the old-timers as he walks into the weekly football luncheon on Monday afternoons at the Best Western Plus on Huffman Mill Road.

Topics - Oct. 25, 2011

http://stream.elon.edu/pendulum/2011fall/podcasts/opinions/topics_10.24.mp3 Guest Caitlin O'Donnell stops by to chat with Rachel about the DREAM Act in California and counter-productive immigration legislation in other parts of the country.

Reelz - Oct. 25, 2011

Play the episode Zach and Caitlin welcome Chris Bosak, the executive producer of The Swing, to the podcast this week to discuss the box office top five and new releases for this weekend, including: Paranormal Activity 3 Reel Steal Footloose The Three Musketeers The Ides of March Puss in Boots In Time The Rum Diary Anonymous