NEWS
- Alcohol incidents on rise Tami Livingston
- Cafˇ employee dies on the job Tami Livingston
- Clinic offers students after-hours care Sarah Diener
- Phones offer extra safety Tami Livingston
- New Orleans still rebuilding after two years Natalie Pompilio
- Parking congestion thinning out Ashley Beland
- Project encourages pledge against hate Jessica Medina
- Studying in bed might not hurt grades Frank Greve
Alcohol incidents on rise
UPD concerned with increase in alcohol infractions as fall begins
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The University Police Department is increasing its focus on illegal alcohol use on campus, and more students are being reported as a result.
UPD responded to 80 percent more alcohol incidents in the 2006 calendar year than it did during the 2005 year.
There have already been 50 incidents this year as of Sept. 3, and almost 30 of those occurred in the past two months.
"If things keep going the way they are, we will probably see an increase, but we hope people will understand the dangers and get a grip," said UPD Chief
Mark Foxworth.
Foxworth said he is unsure why the number of incidents is increasing, but that it might be because of UPD's more aggressive stance against alcohol infractions and the fact more students aren't tolerating alcohol abuse because it's affecting them.
"We have a good group of students but there's always that small group that makes it hard for everyone," Foxworth said.
Many students are reporting alcohol use because of the other behaviors that are associated with alcohol abuse, such as fighting, arguing, criminal mischief and drunk driving, which can affect more than just the person or persons who are drinking.
Luis Pereira, a sophomore communications major who lives on campus said he knows of underage people who drink on campus, one or two times a week.
However, Pereira said "I've seen people get busted but I've never [had] to complain about anyone."
Students found to be in violation of university alcohol policies can be referred to the Student Conduct Office and/or may
be arrested.
Depending on how much alcohol is involved, any previous incidents, and the student's attitude toward the situation, UPD officers can also decide to charge them with a criminal violation.
Foxworth said the start of the school year is always the most active time for alcohol violations because many students are away from home for the first time and finding their own "boundaries of personal responsibility."
In an effort to combat alcohol abuse, UPD has partnered with the state Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco to crack down on local suppliers of alcohol to UNF students, such as bars, stores
and lounges.
Two UPD residence life officers are also devoted full time to the housing areas to keep an eye on things, Foxworth said.
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Cafe employee dies on the job
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A Chartwells employee at the University of North Florida suffered a heart attack while working on campus Aug. 29, and was later
pronounced dead.
Jeffery Rogers worked in the cafeteria and was checking in products for Chartwells behind Osprey Cafe when he collapsed, said Dave Jordan, Chartwells resident district manager.
While all indications at this point indicate cardiac arrest, the University Police Department is still awaiting final results from the medical examiner, according to UPD Chief Mark Foxworth.
However, Foxworth said he doesn't think the cause of death will change.
UPD officers, Dr. Frederick Beck, and Joseph Allen from Student Medical Services responded to the scene when notified by a university employee.
Beck and Allen performed CPR until an ambulance arrived and transported Edmonds to St. Luke's Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Foxworth said SMS was invaluable in this incident and had a well-coordinated response to the emergency.
Beck could not be reached for comment.
"They [SMS] were true heroes, rolling up their sleeves, getting on the ground and trying to save this guy," Foxworth said. "They made a valiant
effort."
Rogers, 33, had worked for Chartwells at UNF for the past two years.
"He will definitely be missed," Jordan said. "Everyone knew him around here. He was a very outgoing, happy individual and very personable."
He is survived by his wife, Teesha Edmonds, and his 12-year-old son, Derreck.
A donation jar for his family has been set up in the Chartwells business office behind the cafe.
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Clinic offers students after-hours care
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Crucial Care, located on Baymeadows Road near 9A, provides emergency care on a walk-in basis. Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and emergency medicine trained physicians, the clinic treats common ailments such as the flu but also serious injuries like broken bones. |
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Students at the University of North Florida will now have a new option for medical care after Student Medical Services has closed its doors for the day.
Crucial Care is an urgent care center located on Baymeadows Road near 9A that's being recommended for students who need care after hours or an emergency-room type of visit.
The clinic, which opened Aug. 22, can treat minor ailments such as flus, colds and sprained ankles, but can also handle more serious conditions like broken bones and chest pains.
Of the 30 staff members, including technicians and assistants, all doctors at the facility are trained in emergency medicine, which means they must complete a residency in an emergency room.
It is also equipped with the ability to provide CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays and lab work with half the waiting time of a traditional emergency room.
However, the clinic does not accept private or government-issued insurance for visits.
According Crucial Care's Web site, prices range from $125 to $800, depending on the nature of the illness and treatment options.
This is to cut down on costs and keep prices competitive, co-founder Michael Shumer said.
However, the center will offer forms for patients to fill out and send to their insurance providers to request reimbursement.
The Centers for Disease Control report that the average waiting time in a traditional emergency room is 3.2 hours, and once admitted it can take an average of up to 46.2 minutes to be seen by
a physician.
The SMS office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SMS Director Dr. Frederick Beck said this clinic offers a great alternative for students who need urgent care or care after hours.
Beck learned of the center after reading about it in the Florida Times-Union and decided to tour the center to see what it had to offer.
"I was really impressed by the caliber of work they are doing there," Beck said.
So impressed, Beck said, that he referred a student there last week for an ultrasound and hopes that students will use this "incredibly convenient" resource for their health needs.
"I think it's a good thing for freshmen to know about," said Chere Morel, a freshman, "because they don't know anyone in town or where anything is, so
if they get sick they have somewhere to go."
The clinic is located at 11048 Baymeadows Road and is open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
Shumer researched peak hours of activity at emergency rooms and from that data decided on the centers hours of operation.
More information is available by calling the clinic at 854-7911.
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Phones offer extra safety
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A University of North Florida student walks past one of 175 blue emergency phones located on campus. |
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Students at the University of North Florida can now use the blue emergency phones located on campus to request a safety escort from the University Police Department.
By pressing the red button located on the front of the phones, an individual is instantly connected with the UPD communications center. At this time they can report a crime or emergency, and can also request that an officer escort them to their
destination.
"It's a more convenient way for people to contact us," said UPD Chief Mark Foxworth. People can also call for police escorts at 620-2800.
There are currently 175 emergency phones located across campus, including UNF Hall, and seven more are in the process of being put in place on the North South Road.
UPD encourages anyone who does not feel comfortable walking to an on-campus destination, to call and request a police escort.
"I think it's a great idea," said graduate student Rebecca McCarren. "Although I probably won't ever use it because I don't have night classes."
However, Foxworth stresses safety escorts are "for safety, not convenience."
Because the campus has grown since the acquisition of the old AOL building, Foxworth said he encourages students to take the shuttle - especially from the outlying lots if they don't feel comfortable walking.
However, Foxworth suggests anyone coming on to the core of campus from UNF Hall use the shuttle, especially at night.
"Try to take the shuttle, try not to walk if you don't have too," Foxworth said.
Foxworth said he is concerned about students, faculty and employees walking along Kernan Boulevard because of the lack of lighting on the west side of the road, and the high speeds at which vehicles are driving on the four-lane road.
"There's no telling who's on it [Kernan] and what condition they're in," he said.
Foxworth said he feels the shuttle has increased safety on campus because people now have the opportunity to be transported across campus instead of walking.
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New Orleans still rebuilding after two years
When Hurricane Katrina struck Aug. 29, 2005, it was labeled the most destructive natural disaster in U.S. history, killing 1,800 people across the Gulf Coast and leaving more than 800,000 people homeless.
Here is a snapshot of how New Orleans has changed.
Population:
The Greater New Orleans Community Data Center estimates the current population at 294,000, a figure supported by U.S. Postal Service statistics. Other organizations put the figure around 274,000. The pre-storm population was around 450,000.
Demographics:
Hispanic immigrants, many from Mexico, are a growing population. They are the laborers who are rebuilding the city. Their culture is slowly melding with that of this multi-national city.
Crime:
Statistics released this month show violent crime - including murders, rapes, armed robberies and assaults - is up 31 percent, compared with the same period in 2005 before the storm. At the current rate, the city is likely to end the year as the country's most deadly city.
Schools:
The city's public schools were in disrepair long before the storm. Different entities oversee the current system. The Orleans Parish School Board, which once managed all the schools, now has control of 17.
The Recovery School District, now overseen by former Philadelphia Schools Chief Paul Vallas, manages 107 low-performing schools grouped together after the storm. Vallas also has loose oversight over a growing charter school movement. Parochial and private schools attract half the city's student population, estimated at 32,000 this year.
Tourism:
The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau reports the city's No. 1 industry is coming on strong: The convention and meeting business is back to 70 percent of its pre-Katrina levels and overall tourism is at about 60 percent. The French Quarter antique area is thriving with new stores and restaurants.
Levee System:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that the levees are back to their pre-hurricane strength. And federal officials last week announced a plan that would significantly boost the city's flood-protection system by 2011. The proposal includes upgrading the levees to protect against a 100-year flood. Bush administration officials are expected to seek the extra $7.6 billion in funding from Congress next year.
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Parking congestion thinning out
University aims to solve campus parking problems
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Many students - like those who left their cars on the grass by this parking garage (Building 44) - parked illegally during the first week of school, while others used the shuttle to help them make it to class on time. |
The fall semester at the University of North Florida began with a new shuttle and parking system, and people still parking on the grass.
Despite people parking illegally, Director of Auxiliary Services Vince Smyth said this year's parking has started off better than last year.
"There's far less people parked illegally on the grass, in loading zones," Smyth said. "From what I've seen in lots 18 and 53, which are our two biggest lots, they are getting utilized much more than in previous years."
The loss of spaces in lots 3 and 4 for the Student Union's construction have been replaced by additional spaces in Lot 18, and Lot 53 has added more than 1,000 spaces for students, faculty and staff, Smyth said.
"I think the shuttles are going to make it a little bit easier, and people won't complain as much as last year," said Kristyn Junkins, a junior art education major.
To cut down on congestion, housing permit holders are not allowed to park in premium spaces this year, Smyth said.
Also, commuters can only purchase a day pass for premium spaces if they have two or more people in the car.
Otherwise, a single commuter purchasing a day pass must park in lots 18 or 53.
"One of the strategies here is to get people car pooling," Smyth said.
JuanCarlos Villatoro, a junior engineering major, said he doesn't see any problems with parking.
"Compared to universities of similar student capacity, it's not that bad," he said.
The biggest parking problem the first week of the classes has been students at the Crossings parking in the University Center spaces instead of Lot 17, Smyth said.
Ticketing began Sept. 4, and in past years, it has been a significant deterrent to illegal parking, he said.
The increase in the use of Lot 18 and Lot 53 has suggested that the shuttle system has made more people open to parking outside of the inner loop of campus, Smyth said.
"On Monday [Aug. 27] we had a little over 6,300 riders use it [the shuttle], and on Tuesday [Aug. 28] we had over 8,000," Smyth said.
Andrew Traylor, a senior communication major, said he has only ridden the shuttle once, but from his experience it seemed to work well.
The shuttles have been running with about nine-minute headways, but the university is looking for six minutes, Smyth said. Riders becoming acclimated to the new system and asking questions of the drivers often increase the time between stops, he said.
Currently there are no constructed bus stops for the shuttle.
"What are they going to do if it's pouring down rain, and have to stand there and wait?" Junkins said. "They should make a shelter or something."
Students have an opportunity to voice their concerns, Smyth said.
"The Parking Council is a very active committee on campus, and people are encouraged to speak to their representatives about issues with parking," he said.
Despite all the improvements to parking at UNF, Traylor still said, "People shouldn't get mad when I stalk them in my car [to get a space] because it's something you've got to do."
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Project encourages pledge against hate
Students returning for the fall were
greeted with messages from a Holocaust survivor, a Ugandan torture victim and others, forgiving the people who changed the path of their lives forever.
The messages are part of the Hate Hurts Peace Project, a yearlong initiative to promote a more peaceful environment on campus.
Billboards on campus, including the forgiving messages and pictures, are the first part of a series of activities that will ask students to take a pledge to "strive to embrace diversity, love and respect all people, and pursue equality in [their] daily interactions."
The project will employ white boards people may use to write their emotions on, said Joshua Baker, the Student Government student advocacy committee chair.
Project initiators brought the peace project to campus after holocaust survivor Henri Landwirth spoke about how he forgave the Nazis, according to Melissa Bright, program chair and manager for the project.
"Hate isn't a new phenomenon and probably won't be going away anytime soon," Bright said. "We want to continue to put on related events and bring speakers with amazing stories to UNF so that students of future generations can also have these unique experiences."
Landwirth will make another appearance Nov. 19. During that time, pledge walls will be placed on the Green for those willing to take the pledge of forgiveness. Kenneth Westhues, Joan Hecht and the Lost Boys are also scheduled to talk in February and March.
Bright said in October there are plans to introduce Hate Hampers, which will allow students to "write down individuals or groups they hate and rid themselves of hate by throwing [it] away in a box."
More information on the Hate Hurts Peace Project is available at www.hatehurts.org.
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Studying in bed might not hurt grades
Forty years ago, Robert Gifford, a senior at the University of California at Davis, spent a few weeks banging on dorm doors and asking occupants whether they were studying.
Gifford didn't want to party; he just wanted to see whether the students were working at their desks or on their beds. Then he wanted to compare the grade-point averages of the erect to the supine.
Gifford's little experiment was a rare serious effort to answer a question that erupts in millions of households and dorms across the nation: Will I do better if I study in an uncomfortable position?
The answer's certainly yes if you go by published study guides and the venerable experts who write them.
"You need a chair that's not real comfortable, and you certainly don't want to be studying on your bed," said Sherrie Nist-Olejnik, a recent retiree from the University of Georgia at Athens.
And how does Nist-Olejnik know beds are bad for scholars? "There's not a lot written about it, but if you ask students about studying on their beds, they laugh and tell you they fall asleep," said Nist-Olejnik, author of a popular study guide called "College Rules!"
Cultural historian Edward Tenner, author most recently of "Our Own Devices," a book about technology's influence on behavior, agreed. He suspects that the uncomfortable chair theory is rooted in the good-posture movement that flourished between World Wars I and II. It asserted a connection between sitting straight and straight thinking.
Tenner said he also was reminded of the how-to-succeed advice of 19th-century author John Todd. In his best-seller, titled "Index Rerum," Todd wrote these stern words: "Standing is undoubtedly the best method of study."
So what did Gifford discover in his eight-college study habit survey titled "The Bed or the Desk?"
"No difference between them" when it came to GPA, Gifford and his psychology department mentor, Robert Sommer, wrote in the May 1968 issue of Personnel and Guidance Journal. It's the only widely known serious examination of the bed-desk question.
Among the below-average students, 47 percent studied abed and 53 percent studied at their desks.
"There is nothing in these data to support recommendations for studying in a straight-backed chair at a desk," the researchers concluded.
They suggest that students work wherever it comes naturally.Even beds are sometimes just fine.
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