Recycled Fashion Show

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Green campus hits the bins

by: Adam Haenlein and Brandy Abraham

 

Last week’s “Go Green” series gave students a chance to make newsprint dresses and dumpster dive in order to promote campus recycling.

 

Garbology

Almost 99 percent of what we buy gets thrown away.

On Thursday, March 22, sociology students took part in the fourth event in the weeklong “Go Green” series.

The “Garbology” event was led by Brian Thomas, assistant professor of sociology.

“The purpose of the event is to examine trash habits on campus,” Thomas said. “Hopefully, we can encourage more students to recycle their garbage instead of throwing it away.”

The student participants were from Thomas’ global cultures and introduction to sociology classes.

Brouckaert appointed Vanguard editor-in-chief for 2012-13 academic year

The Professional Journalistic Practices Committee of SVSU has appointed a new editor-in-chief of the Valley Vanguard for the fall 2012 and winter 2013 semesters.

Justin Brouckaert, a creative writing and English literature senior, will assume duties starting with the Vanguard’s lone summer issue.

Brouckaert has worked for the publication for two years, serving as a staff writer and most recently as the sports editor.

“Justin’s willingness to go the extra mile as a writer, editor and mentor has transformed the sports section into one of the strongest parts of the paper,” said Toni Boger, current editor-in-chief. “We are incredibly lucky to have him, and I look forward to seeing the great things he will do.”

Brouckaert credited the experience he … Read More…

Graduates suit up to head out

The recent streak of warm weather is bringing seniors’ thoughts to May graduation.

To help students prepare for graduation, SVSU held its semi-annual Graduation Fair.

The fair, held at the SVSU Barnes and Noble, takes place six weeks before every commencement ceremony.

Students were on hand to “take care of their graduation needs at once,” said Chris Pawloski, bookstore manager.

“They get their cap and gown, graduation announcements and can order their class ring,” he said.

Gina Moorman, college territory manager of Jostens Rings, was on hand to aid students in purchasing class … Read More…

YouTube becomes teaching tool

As the academic world continues into the 21st century, some educators are starting to realize the advantages and disadvantages of using social media in the classroom.

Professional and technical writing sophomore Aubrey Banning said she sees quite a bit of technology and media used in classes taught by Beth Jorgensen, professor of rhetoric and professional writing.

“It’s easy to use, and I think it will be an increasing trend in education,” Banning said. “Sites like YouTube provide almost limitless digital archive space that make programs like ‘PBS’ and ‘The Daily Show’ are pretty close to timeless, and that really matters when you’re using media as a teaching tool.”

Jorgensen said she uses social media outlets such as YouTube and Facebook … Read More…

Dems, GOP choose policy of partisanship

Religion and politics may lead to unwelcome debates at family gatherings, but for the college Democrats and college Republicans, it’s business as usual.

The college Republicans and the college Democrats gathered in the Ott auditorium on Wednesday, March 21, to debate right to work, tax reform and healthcare.

Republican debaters at the event included Sean Hammond, biology senior; Kyle Harris, political science junior; and Lauren Delzeith, political science junior.

Joshua Roesner, public administration senior; Jacob Hilliker, political science senior; and Hailey Kimball, political science junior represented the college Democrats. The debate was moderated by political science instructor Eric Welsby.

Lucas VanAtta, political science senior, was at the debate. He said he thought both sides did a good job expressing their … Read More…

SA plans annual rally for higher education next Friday in Lansing

Members of SVSU’s Student Association (SA) will attend a two-day event to address such matters as high tuition costs and state funding to public universities this week.

The Lansing Blitz event takes place Thursday and Friday at the state capital. It is put together by the Student Association of Michigan, combining student associations from each of Michigan’s 15 public universities. The universities meet to rally to support higher education.

“It is an annual event established to bring to light issues that matter to college students,” said Ted Goodman, SA president.

Goodman said attending the event is a “way of letting Lansing know that we want our concerns heard.”

Representatives from the student governments attend structured lobbying meetings with state legislators … Read More…

Academic advising clarifies role for students

The Academic Advising Center (AAC) is looking to change common misperceptions about its services.

At the President’s Forum in February, Student Association brought forward concerns from nearly 140 students who were unhappy with what they said was a lack of information on the advising center’s part.  The majority of concerns involved the center not having information on specific degree programs.

According to Daniel Strasz, director of academic advising, students should turn to their academic departments instead of the AAC when they need detailed information about their major.

“If you’re getting into the nitty gritty of your major, you really need to work with your department on those kinds of things,” he said.

He said students should talk with department chairs … Read More…

Cards respond to tough spring schedule

After spending its spring break in Florida, the Cardinals are optimistic about their season.

“We played a tough schedule,” said head coach Walt Head. “Some schools went down and played soft schedules, and come back 8-2 or 9-10.

“We didn’t do nearly as well, but we lost all those difficult ballgames.”

After playing 11 games marked with strong pitching and weak hitting, the Cards returned from Florida with a 3-8 record.

“We seemed a little unfocused, and we came off really slow,” senior outfielder Kyle O’Boyle said. “We did see some bright spots at the end, and it’s a positive that we lost close games and didn’t get blown out of the water.”

Small team looks to build on young talent

The Cardinals have started the year off with a win, and they’re planning for an exciting season.

SVSU managed to secure a win for its first game of the season, beating the University of Michigan-Flint last Friday by a score of 13 to 5.

“So far, the season has gone very well,” said head lacrosse coach and SVSU professor Jason Kahler. “This Saturday we’re playing our second game against Siena Heights, and we’re pretty pumped for it.”

Among the changes for this year’s team is the change from the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association to the National College Lacrosse League. The Cardinals will play in the Midwest North Division.

According to Kahler, this is good news for the Cardinals because it … Read More…