Spring Break
Parking raised its fine-ridden head again in a Faculty Senate meeting Sept. 2 bringing news of rate raises and additional fees. The budget for 2008, distributed by Dennis Cesari, assistant vice chancellor for Business Services, showed $498,621 in revenue from parking violations.
The African Student Culture Organization (A.S.C.O.) held its first meeting on Sept. 4 in Royall Hall. The mission statement of the organization contains four key points: assist in the transition of African students into UMKC, inform and educate the campus about issues in Africa, organize academic and cultural events, promote awareness of African culture and cooperate with other campus-based organizations.
Despite a change in meeting location, the Student Government Association continued with business-as-usual at its Sept. 3 meeting. Originally scheduled as "Senate on the Lawn," the meeting was planned to be held outdoors near the Playhouse in an attempt to reach out to the student body by meeting in a public place where students could see.
The University of Missouri System (UM) Board of Curators issued a statement Sept. 4 against lowering the legal drinking age during its meeting on the UMKC campus. The document noted more than 100 colleges have adhered to a proposal known as the "Amethyst Initiative" (see "The Amethyst Initiative" - U-News 9/3/08).
Complaints from Hospital Hill students and professors about the altered UMKC Shuttle Bus service prompted an appearance at the Sept. 2 Faculty Senate meeting by university administrators. According to Bob Simmons, assistant vice chancellor for Campus Facilities and Management, the bus schedule was changed during the summer for two reasons: the opening of Oak Place Apartments and the planned demolition and reconstruction of the Troost Avenue Bridge.
The effort to generate a more environmentally-friendly behavior at UMKC has now found an ally in the UMKC custodial staff. During the past year, the Department of Campus Facility Management and its managerial team have successfully implemented an effective system to contribute to the protection of the surrounding area by using green cleaners.
Bridgett Johnson is excited to get things done on campus this year. As the new Student Government president, she is ready to promote the SGA in a positive light and show students what Student Government is all about. "Last year, SGA was always put down," Johnson said.
Klassie Alcine's goal to be a politician is reflected in her excitement to serve and represent the student body. She is the newest member of the SGA Executive Board and is ready to push for initiatives students want. "Our biggest challenge is to prove that student government can be effective and serve the students," Alcine said.
Experience is something DaRon McGee and the other Board members have in common. This year they are combining their expertise to make change happen on campus. McGee is serving his third year in the SGA and has a real love for the senate. "I take my job as Chair of the senate very seriously because we truly are the people's house," said McGee.
The rain came down, but the music kept playing at Green Fest Sept. 6. Organized as a fundraiser to send folk band Checkered Past to Turin, Italy for the Terra Madre Conference promoting sustainable farming, the festival blended music events with green education.
Voter registration does not necessarily equal voter turnout. A report by the United States Census Bureau shows many Americans are registered to vote, but many will stay home on Election Day. This finding may dissuade volunteers who spend countless hours registering people to vote.
Retired dean returns for service Four years after retiring from UMKC, Nancy Mills returns as the interim dean of the School of Dentistry. Four years after retiring from UMKC, Nancy Mills returns as the interim dean of the School of Dentistry. During her 30 years at UMKC prior to retirement, Mills served as interim vice chancellor of Research and dean of the School of Nursing.
Aug. 29 3:35 p.m. Injury - A child fell off the monkey bars at the Berkley Child Care Center. He landed on his back and had trouble breathing. The child was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
