Friday, September 28, 2007

Relying too much on internet might have cost Continuing Ed some students

Enrollment numbers for UVSC's School of Continuing Education are off this year, and it may have been caused by trying to save a buck or two.

UVSC continuing ed enrollment dips
(Daily Herald, September 28 2007)


Instead of mass-mailing their usual booklet that includes a full listing of all classes offered Continuing Ed cut costs by 50 percent by making the class lists available online instead.

Today On Campus: Friday • 9/28/07

GUEST AUTHOR SERIES: "LEAVE TO ENTER: BORDER TRANSGRESSIONS AND TRESPASSES
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Student Center 206ab
Free
Guest Author Series Website

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
10:00am
Student Center 221
Free

SMASHING PUMPKINS CONCERT
Doors open at 6:30pm
McKay Events Center
Ticket pricing and info

AURA OF AUTUMN FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER
10:00am - 2:00pm
Grande Ballroom
$20

AN EVENING WITH JON SCHMIDT
7:00pm
Centre Stage
$12 GA/ $10 UVSC student/faculty/staff
More information

UVSC THEATER: "THE HEIRESS"
7:30pm - 9:45pm
Blackbox Theater
GA $10/$8 children, UVSC staff/$6 UVSC Students

WOODBURY ART MUSEUM: "WOODBURY INVITATIONAL 2007" Last Day
11:00am - 7:00pm
University Mall
Free
www.uvsc.edu/museum/exhibits/

Each weekday during the fall and spring semesters The Pipeline publishes "Today on Campus" which outlines events at UVSC. To notify us of an event send details to uvscpipeline@gmail.com

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Dixie plays the all-too-familiar Name Game


Last year when UVSC was bucking for a promotion there were a few discussions about what to call the damn thing if it indeed became a univeristy. But Sederburg and the legislature settled on Utah Valley University pretty early on, and that was that. And since that time nobody has really made too much noise about it.

But now the Name Game is beginning down south as Dixie State College looks to hook up with the University of Utah. The situation in St. George is a little more convoluted when you consider that the region has been called Dixie since the time of Brigham Young, and that some object to it's Confederate connotations.

If St. George school hooks up with U of U, it may not be whistling Dixie
(Salt Lake Tribune, September 27 2007)

October's Ethics Forum could provide fireworks

Right now in Utah there is hardly an issue bigger than school vouchers. Sure, polygamy is getting all the national attention, but now that Warren Jeffs is headed for the pokey vouchers will be front and center once again. And UVSC's Ethics Center is going to capitalize on all hubbub with a public forum next month.

So if you are on campus the night of October 3, say around seven-ish, swing on by the Faculty Seminar room (LC243) and check out the action. Guests include State Board of Education Chair Kim Burningham, Chairman of the Board & CEO of Overstock.com Patrick Byrne, Former Utah State PTA Education Commissioner Marilyn Kofford, and Paul T. Mero President of the Sutherland Institute.



If Mero's name seems familiar it might be that you caught his recent essay that he paid to put in local papers. Here it is if you missed it:

Vouchers, Vows, and Vexations: The Historic Dilemma over Utah’s Education Identity. (PDF, www.sutherlandinstitute.org)

That's right, it is part 4 of 6. Paul Mero is like the R. Kelly of conservatives and this is his "Trapped in the Closet". Put this guy in a room with a bunch of radical god-less liberal professors and watch the feathers fly! It is going to be fun.

Today On Campus: Thursday • 9/27/07

EXECUTIVE LECTURE SERIES: "ALUMNUS BENJAMIN GOULD"
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ragan Theater
Free
Press Release

WOODBURY ART MUSEUM: "WOODBURY INVITATIONAL 2007"
11:00am - 7:00pm
University Mall
Free
www.uvsc.edu/museum/exhibits/

WALKTOBER SIGN-UPS
10:00am - 2:00pm
Hall of Flags

FREE RUNNER'S CLINIC "HOW TO TRAIN- 5K TO MARATHON"
7:00pm
Center Stage- Student Center



Each weekday during the fall and spring semesters The Pipeline publishes "Today on Campus" which outlines events at UVSC. To notify us of an event send details to uvscpipeline@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Just Loungin'


So we are sure that all you hip kids that "surf the net" have discovered The Lounge, UVSC marketing department's laid back "place for fun stuff". Consider it a digital oasis where weary "students, faculty, staff and others" can kick back and chill.

And check it out dude...you can download wicked cool stuff like UVSC wallpapers, or watch YouTube videos made by students (careful though..."Viewer discretion is advised. Some of these films may contain material which viewers may find objectionable.")

Whoa dude...look at this. The Lounge is sporting a killer listing of blogs about UVSC. No way....they got the Equity in Education blog! SWEET! PARTY!

But where is The Pipeline you ask. Well it turns out they don't like blogs about UVSC if they don't know who is writing them. And we all know The Pipeline prides itself on its anonymity. But come on Lounge...how can you deny us a place on your glorious list when we have enriched the lives of literally tens of people? Do the right thing and add The Pipeline. After all....we link to you.

PS: You can always find videos and all the other UVSC blogs right here, and yes we even have those pimps from Equity in Education!

What the UTA expansion means for UVSC


You might have heard about the Utah Transit Authority's plans for more light rail lines in the Salt Lake valley and commuter rail extending into Utah Valley. Well now those plans have big federal dollars to get the ball rolling.


UTA on track for U.S. funds
Letter of intent says $500 million is anticipated for Utah rail projects
(Deseret Morning News, September 25 2007)


UTA secures federal funds share for 5 major rail projects
(Salt Lake Tribune, September 26 2007)


For those who travel along the I-15 corridor this is great news. And for UVSC this could be a monumental step in truly becoming a regional university. The campus's master plan map has a space for an intermodal hub, seen here:



And this plan matches UTA's plan, seen here:




Now we just have to wait several years, and countless construction cones, until it's built.

Sending a Rusty Valentine to Kyrgyzstan

For years now UVSC has welcomed dignitaries from the developing country of Kyrgyzstan, and now the former soviet country is going to to return the favor. Next week UVSC will be sending (thanks to private donors) v.p. of international affairs Rusty Butler on a five day trip to Kyrgyzstan. Joining him on the trip will be Utah Senate president John Valentine, and Montana state senator Carol Williams.

Valentine, UVSC v.p. going to Kyrgyzstan
(Deseret Morning News, September 26 2007)

Today On Campus: Wednesday • 9/26/07

STUDENT ABSTRACT WRITING WORKSHOP
11:00am - 12:00pm
LC424
Free

WOODBURY ART MUSEUM: "WOODBURY INVITATIONAL 2007"
11:00am - 7:00pm
University Mall
Free
www.uvsc.edu/museum/exhibits/

WALKTOBER SIGN-UPS
10:00am - 2:00pm
Hall of Flags

GENDER STUDIES CLUB FORUM: "ROMANCING ZARATHUSTRA"
4:00pm - 5:30pm
LA 223

PRE-MEDICAL STUDENTS Q AND A
LA 025

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER: "UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEMINAR"
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Squire and Company Building (1329 S 800 E, Orem) Downstairs Training Room.
Free
SBDC website
Each weekday during the fall and spring semesters The Pipeline publishes "Today on Campus" which outlines events at UVSC. To notify us of an event send details to uvscpipeline@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Former UVSC student fights to survive (a television show)


Former UVSC student Todd Herzog is one of the contestants on the latest season of CBS's hit show Survivor. As a self-described "openly gay Mormon" Herzog will surely stir up controversy in the local papers...Daily Herald letters section, we are counting on you!

Todd Herzog's profile
(CBS website)


Culture Vulture: 'Survivor' trots out its latest 'gay Mormon'
(Salt Lake Tribune)

Don't miss this!




Students and faculty will get an opportunity to hear writer Charles Bowden, journalist Scott Carrier, and poet Alex Caldiero read from their works and discuss issues regarding the US-Mexico border.

From the Press release:

Charles Bowden is one of today's premier writers on the American environment and social issues along the U.S.-Mexico border. His recent books include A Shadow in the City: Confessions of an Undercover Drug Warrior; Down by the River: Drugs, Money, Murder, and Family; Blues for Cannibals: Notes from Underground; Blood Orchid: An Unnatural History of America; and Desierto: Memories of the Future. He lives in Tucson, Arizona.

Alex Caldiero was born in Sicily, raised in Brooklyn, attended Queens College, and now lives in Orem, Utah, with his wife, Setenay, and children. Well known for his performance works that integrate poetry with music, dance, and art—and for his appearance in the independent motion picture, Plan Ten from Outer Space—Caldiero has performed at the New School for Social Research, the Pritchard Art Gallery, the Salt Lake Art Center, and on Brazilian TV. Among his collections are Book o’ Lights, From Stone to Star, The Milk of the Mother, Toy Blood, and Various Atmospheres: Poems and Drawings. He has been published both in Italy and the United States, reviewed in Village Voice and the New York Times, is anthologized in Text-Sound Texts, featured in Utah: State of the Arts, and is included in the Dictionary of the Avant-Guards.

Scott Carrier is an independent radio producer and writer who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. His radio stories have been broadcast on All Things Considered, This American Life, and The Savvy Traveler. His print stories have been published in Harper's, Esquire, and Rolling Stone. A collection of his stories, Running After Antelope, was published in March of 2001 by Counterpoint. Some of his radio stories can be heard on hearingvoices.com.


Caldiero is UVSC's lone Artist-in-Residence and teaches in the Philosophy and Humanities Department. Carrier joined the UVSC faculty this year, teaching journalism for the Communication Department.

Today On Campus: Tuesday • 9/25/07

STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS SEMINAR
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Geneva Building - 1410 W 1200 S, Orem GB121
Free (Registration is required, Call Laurie Ann at 801-863-8230)
SBDC Workshops

STUDENT ABSTRACT WRITING WORKSHOP
11:00am - 12:00pm
LC424
Free

WOODBURY ART MUSEUM: "WOODBURY INVITATIONAL 2007"
11:00am - 7:00pm
University Mall
Free
www.uvsc.edu/museum/exhibits/


Each weekday during the fall and spring semesters The Pipeline publishes "Today on Campus" which outlines events at UVSC. To notify us of an event send details to uvscpipeline@gmail.com

Monday, September 24, 2007

UVSC Website gets all artsy fartsy


Last week you may have noticed (especially if you are one of those nerds that notices things) that UVSC's main splash page has added a link that says "The Arts". Here is where it links to:

www.uvsc.edu/arts

This new page puts all of UVSC's arts in one place. Kind of cool. We hear there has already been some grumbling about the change...could it be that Athletics doesn't like giving up valuable real estate?

Today on Campus: Monday • 9/24/07

TURNING POINTS IN HISTORY LECTURE: DR. ATHAN THEOHARIS
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Liberal Arts Building 101
Press Release

OPEN MIC NIGHT
6:30PM - 8:30PM
Student Center 206a

HEALTH RISK APPRAISAL
11:00Am - 1:00 pm
Student Center 206a
$15
Wellness Education


WOODBURY ART MUSEUM: "WOODBURY INVITATIONAL 2007"
11:00am - 7:00pm
University Mall
Free
www.uvsc.edu/museum/exhibits/


Each weekday during the fall and spring semesters The Pipeline publishes "Today on Campus" which outlines events at UVSC. To notify us of an event send details to uvscpipeline@gmail.com

Friday, September 21, 2007

Kidus Yohannes will stand trial on weapons charges


A judge ruled yesterday that UVSC student Kidus Yohannes will face trial for a series of weapons charges,

UVSC student will face trial on gun charges
(Daily Herald, September 21 2007)



One charge dropped in gun purchases
Ethiopian man still facing 3 counts in Orem incidents
(Deseret Morning News, September 21 2007)


Yohannes was arrested over the summer for allegedly providing false information when purchasing a pair of rifles last year. He is also accused of stealing his roommate's check card. It was Yohannes's roommates who tipped off police that the 20-year-old Ethiopian immigrant was stockpiling weapons and seemed obsessed with mass murder. His arrest came just months after the mass shootings at Virginia Tech.

Today On Campus: Friday • 9/21/07

WOMEN'S SOCCER VS. NORTHERN ARIZONA
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Wolverine Field
Wolverine Green

UTAH REGIONAL BALLET: "SOUNDS IN MOTION"
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Ragan Theater
$12 (tickets available at door)
UVSC ballet company sets 'Sounds in Motion'
(Deseret Morning News, September 20 2007)


D.A. POWELL POETRY READING
12:00pm - 2:00 pm
Student Center 206b
Press Release

WOODBURY ART MUSEUM: "WOODBURY INVITATIONAL 2007"
11:00am - 7:00pm
University Mall
Free
www.uvsc.edu/museum/exhibits/

ETHICS AWARENESS WEEK DOCUMENTARY FILM AND DISCUSSION: "STANDING SILENT NATION"
10:00am - 11:00am
Faculty Seminar Room (SC 243)
See the Trailer
PANEL DISCUSSION
Forest Cuch, Utah Department of Indian Affairs (Ute tribe)
Dustin ("Dusty") Jansen, Adjunct Instructor, Political Science, UVSC
11:00am - 12:00pm

Each weekday during the fall and spring semesters The Pipeline publishes "Today on Campus" which outlines events at UVSC. To notify us of an event send details to uvscpipeline@gmail.com

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Hellraising Y. professor receives ethics award from UVSC



David Dominguez is not your typical Brigham Young University professor. Let's face it, the Lord's University doesn't hire too many Berkeley-educated self-described hell-raisers. So it makes perfect sense for UVSC to recognize Dominguez's special place in the community by giving him an award.

UVSC gives ethics award to Y. professor
(Deseret Morning News, September 20 2007)


Dominguez was recognized for his grass-roots community work, particularly within the poorer sections of Utah Valley. I do not let powerful institutions steam-roll the innocent, the poor, the defenseless," he said. "I do not let that happen."

Dominguez hopes that some day all BYU and UVU students will be required to take a course in community justice. Bill Sederburg praised Dominguez's work, and said he wants UVSC's Community of Engaged Learners program to emulate his efforts.

PHOTO BY DON LAVANGE

Even when you don't have a football team, you can still argue about football


If you are feeling a little more socially responsible lately it is probably because it is Ethics Week at UVSC. And with all the contentious ethical issues out there nothing gets people riled up faster than football.

2 UVSC profs deem BCS unethical
(Deseret Morning News, September 20 2007)


Maybe its just UVSC's way of extending an olive branch to all the Cougars and Utes out there, but professors Dennis Farnsworth and Jon Moore say that the schools in the Mountain West Conference should join other disgruntled athletic conferences and file an antitrust lawsuit against the Bowl Championship Series.

PHOTOS BY DON LAVANGE

UCAT president leaves in disgrace


Robert Brems stepped down from his position as president of the Utah College of Applied Technology today, after a state-ordered audit found some, shall we say, suspicious fiscal irregularities.

UPDATE: UCAT president resigns after audit

If you need a refresher on the scandal within UCAT and the Mountainlands Applied Technology Center head here.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

A Hitch in her get along: New VP still has dirty laundry at old job


UVSC's new VP of academic affairs Liz Hitch has barely unpacked her boxes, but a lingering legal issue still hangs over her head at her old job in the Badger State.

UVSC official accused of discrimination
(Daily Herald, September 17 2007)


You gotta love the Daily Herald making it seem like this is relevant by slapping on a headline like that. The incident in question actually happened back in 2006 when Hitch was the provost at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

When Hitch was making her first visit to UVSC she was asked in a public forum about the incident and she seemed quite upfront and honest about what happened, saying that most of the blame was on the school's poor hiring procedures. And even though she was censured by the school's faculty senate she offered to give the telephone number of the senate president to those interested in getting the full story. Most profs we talked to after the incident seemed satisfied.

But Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development thinks the plaintiff in the case has some probable cause for a discrimination lawsuit.

Monday, September 17, 2007

UVSC helps train dental hygienists in Ghana

There was a cool little story in today's College Times about UVSC's Dental Hygiene department's new program that helps provide training for prospective dental hygienists in Ghana.

UVSC professor establishes Ghana's first dental hygiene program
(College Times, September 17 2007)


Second year students in Kristen Kinateder-Mecham's program correspond via e-mail with students in Ghana. "In class at UVSC, we discuss some areas that we want to assess the students in. We'll come up with short-answer questions and give them to the Ghanaian students and see how they are understanding the concepts," said Kinateder-Mecham. "They [UVSC students] are learning the material very well because they're trying to help someone else understand it."

Kinateder-Mecham also travels to Ghana to do training sessions and brings books donated by students at UVSC. She is also working to establish an exchange program with the country.

Regents rank Colleges' wish list for building projects


Last Friday, representatives from Utah's public colleges and universities met with the state's all-powerful Board of Regents and asked for a combined $328 million in construction projects. And while everyone wants something built, chances are only four projects will see funding this year.


Regents pare wish list
Higher ed pitches $328 million in projects; top 4 ranked
(Deseret Morning News, September 15 2007)


No surprise that the University of Utah and Utah State's projects top the list; both schools are looking to replace or renovate buildings that are several decades old. Salt Lake Community College is looking to add a classroom building, and Southern Utah University wants one building to house all of their science departments and programs.

Of course UVSC wants a piece of the funding pie, and they are looking to get the dough necessary to build an addition to the Pope Science building. But the competition between other schools, and the fact that UVSC got the library wanted two years ago, will likely knock the project off the list when it goes to the State Building Board. The remaining projects will then go the legislature, which approved $88 million worth of building projects during the 2007 session.

Masters of their Domain: More students are enrolling in graduate programs

In the last 15 years graduate school enrollment has gone up 38 percent, and as the job market demands more education UVSC is getting ready to enter the master's business.

More students going for master's degree
(Daily Herald, September 17 2007)


It looks like of the three master's programs UVSC wanted to start first (education, business, and nursing) it is education that has the most ducks in a row so far.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Utah college enrollment flat overall

Despite UVSC's positive numbers so far this year Utah overall only saw a meager .8 percent increase in college enrollment over last year's declining figures.

College enrollment shows a decline
(Salt Lake Tribune, September 15 2007)


But the important part of this story is that the Board of Regents anticipate that the state's Higher Ed system will experience an average of 3 percent growth annually over the next 20 years. According to their projections this is just the lull before the storm, and we should see real increase starting in 2013-2014.

So if the state as a whole is experiencing static enrollment right now, while UVSC is still growing, what does that mean for UVU when things really get hopping in a few years? UVU could have the largest student population in the state in just 10 years.

Friday, September 14, 2007

UVSC head baseball coach retires after 18 years


UVSC head baseball coach Steve Gardner announced this week that he will be stepping down after 18 years on the bench.

UVSC baseball coach stepping down
(Salt Lake Tribune, September 12 2007)


Wolverine baseball coach Gardner to retire after next season
(Daily Herald, September 13 2007)


Gardner will continue to coach throughout the upcoming season.

UVSC prof sounds off on the influence of "Community Values"


Ethics Center director David Keller, has published an article in Academe (the journal for the American Association of University Professors).

Academic Freedom vs. Community Values?


While Keller has a few facts slightly skew, and a condescending tone, it does make for fun reading for those familiar with UVSC's struggles with meeting the expectations of the surrounding community.

One part in particular caught our attention came from an anonymous letter that Keller and other "liberal" professors received early in 2006:

“Eventually, people with a strong Left-wing orientation . . . will leave UVSC because the community will not abide them. They will realize that they cannot be happy here. And like it or not, the community—especially this one—calls the shots.”

Porn on a Mountaintop: The Davy Crockett Society's crusade against pornography

Close that browser window, zip up your pants, and put on your coon skin caps, because the Davy Crockett Society wants to put an end to "accidental" internet pornography.

Club rallies against Internet porn
(Daily Herald, September 14 2007)


The UVSC club is gathering signatures to send to Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah pushing for legislation that will regulate internet pornography. Of course no one is defining what porn is...but Davy Crockett would know it if he saw it.

UPDATE:

Found another article about the Davy Crockett Society's cause:

UVSC Club Rightly Rallies Against Porn
(ConservativeFront.com, September 14 2007)

Utah dead last in per-student spending

If you ask people in Utah they will tell you that children are a blessing. But sometimes the little buggers can be a curse, especially when it comes time to educate them. A confluence of forces have kept Utah's education funding in the toilet, and now the Beehive State has come in dead last in per-student spending.

Utah still last on ed funds
(Deseret Morning News, September 12 2007)


Take a state with a monolithic republican legislature that is hell-bent on tax cuts, add millions of acres of federal land that can't be taxed, and add a religion that promotes vociferous reproduction and you have a recipe for anemic education funding.

To learn more on the subject check out the Utah Foundation and check out their latest report

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Wolverines defaulting on student loans in record numbers

More Utah students are defaulting on their student loans, and UVSC students are among the top deadbeats in the state.

More Utahns defaulting on student loans
(Salt Lake Tribune, September 13 2007)


While UVSC's 3.8 percent is below the national average of 4.6 percent, only SLCC students default on their loans at a greater rate. UVSC is tied with Weber State. While UVSC brags about graduating students who make more money, for those who don't graduate and need to start making payments it can be rough.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

UVSC enrollment inches forward

The numbers for fall semester enrollment are being sent in to the state, and UVSC has posted a pretty impressive 2 percent gain over last year. That works out to 728 more students running around the halls of UVSC, for a total 23,750. This is good news as most other public schools in the state are posting flat enrollment over last year's numbers.

Fall 2007 Enrollment Progress
(Office of Institutional Research)


But the big news here is that Full-Time Equivalent enrollment has gone up nearly 3 percent. That means more students are taking bigger class loads, and most importantly, UVSC will see more money from the state.

Happy 66th Birthday UVSC


If you like free cake and soda then you will be happy to know that the Alumni Association, along with the Student Alumni Association, will be handing out refreshments in the courtyard on September 19th starting at 11 am in celebration of Founder's Day.

UVSC Celebrates Founder's Day
(Press Release)

USU drops the spatula


Put down your forks everyone, because Utah's only four-year culinary arts program is being dumped.

Kitchen closed: USU eliminating culinary arts degree
(Deseret Morning News, September 12 2007)


Only 9 students were in the program this semester, and they will be allowed to finish their degrees with classes be offered until 2009.

UVSC's own Culinary Arts program (which offers a two-year associates degree) recently upgraded to a larger facility, moving off the main campus and into the old Novell facility in Orem.

UVSC prof gets book deal with Oxford University Press


UVSC's own Brian Birch, a professor in the Philosophy and Humanities department has agreed to a deal with the acclaimed Oxford University Press to publish his book about the relationship between Mormonism and mainstream Christianity.

Professor's book on LDS faith to be published
(College Times, September 10 2007)


Birch is currently on sabbatical and will take the next year finishing his book, entitled Mormonism and Christian Thought and completing revisions. He expects it to be published in late 2008.

Monday, September 10, 2007

So you want to be a U? Dixie State ponders future




Dixie State College announced last Friday that it is considering hooking its wagon to the University of Utah and becoming a satellite campus in an effort to expand the possibilities of higher education in Washington County.

Dixie says it weighs becoming U. satellite
(Salt Lake Tribune, September 8 2007)



Dixie State seeks partnership with U of U
(The Spectrum, September 8 2007)


Dixie State College Announces Plan to Pursue Enhanced Affiliation with the University of Utah
(From the Dixie State College website)


Essentially Dixie could very well follow the path of UVSC and become a university with a community college emphasis and open enrollment. Which leads us to a very interesting question, will UVSC support this move? Just because Dixie and the U have talked about it doesn't mean it's a done deal...far from it. The proposal will need to get approval from the Utah Board of Regents and the legislature.

And that process could be moved along considerably with the help of UVSC's voices on the Board of Regents (Marlon Snow, Jack Zenger, and Lucille Stoddard) and Utah County's all-powerful caucus (Senate president John Valentine tops the list).

And we might have a little quid pro quo action happening here. You might recall at the signing of SB 70 this past March that St. George representative Dave Clark was not only present, but spoke, and was widely praised by others for his support of UVSC's transition. At the time the Pipeline thought it seemed a little fishy for a St. George guy to be all buddy buddy with Utah County. Our bet is that UVSC and all its cronies will be backing up Dixie's move 100 percent.

And perhaps that is not such a bad thing. One thing is for certain though...the transition is going to cost money.

UVSC combines Cheer and Dance teams


UVSC has combined their Cheer and Dance teams into a Spirit Squad, and according to an article in today's Des News the change has some people's pom poms in a twist.

UVSC combines cheer, dance teams into one
(Deseret Morning News, September 10 2007)


Administrators say the move is precipitated by the move to university status next year, and a combined Cheer and Dance team will more closely resemble teams at Weber State University and Salt Lake Community College.

But appearantly the move ruffled the feathers of Cheer Squad coach Jeannette DeGraffenried, or should we say former Cheer Squad coach Jeannette DeGraffenried. She claims she was fired, while Dean of Students Bob Rasmussuen says she was unwilling to meet the time commitments of the new position. DeGraffenried denies this.

During this transition that took place over the summer some cheerleaders contacted the D News complaining that no one had told them what was happening, or even if cheerleading would continue at UVSC.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

UVSC student ruled competent to stand trial on weapons charges



At the beginning of the summer UVSC student Kidus Yohannes was arrested for various weapons charges. Now the 4th circuit court has ruled that Yohannes,20, is mentally competent to stand trial. A preliminary hearing has been set for September 20.

Court rules that man facing gun-related charges is competent (Daily Herald, September 6 2007)

UVSC student ruled competent for trial in weapons case (Salt Lake Tribune, September 6 2007)

Yohannes was arrested after his roommates notified police that the Ethiopian immigrant had been amassing an arsenal and talking about mass murder. Police say that Yohannes used a false id to purchase some of these weapons, and that two of his guns have never been found. Since his arrest UVSC Police have banned him from campus.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

UVSC Student Spends Summer with First Lady of Mexico



Press Release from UVSC's College Marketing Department:

Melina Jones, a political science major and senior at UVSC, from Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico, was recently given the experience of a lifetime. She had the opportunity to spend the summer doing an internship in Mexico City assisting First Lady, Margarita Zavala de Calderón.

Jones’s duties consisted of assisting the First Lady, translating, attending scheduled meetings and events and organizing and doing office work at Los Pinos, the official residence of Mexico’s First Family and offices of Mexico’s President and First Lady.

The core issues the First Lady focuses on are adoption, immigration, and more specifically, immigrant children.

Jones first arrived in Mexico City at the beginning of July, and was there until August 22. Along with assisting the First Lady in Mexico City doing numerous duties, Jones had the opportunity to travel to Canada with Calderón as her personal assistant to the North American Summit Conference in Ottawa, Canada, which took place from August 18 to 21.

“It was a wonderful experience,” said Jones, commenting on the trip. “I learned so much working with her.”

It was such a great experience, in fact, next summer Jones is planning on returning to Mexico City to do her senior internship at Los Pinos and work with The First Lady once more as her assistant.

Within the next year, Calderón will visit UVSC and speak.

USU investigates renting textbooks

Utah State University's bookstore has found an interesting way to save college students a little moolah.

Beating the high cost of school books (Daily Herald, September 5 2007)

Basically the school rents the book to students instead of selling it to them. A $130 biology textbook can be rented for the semester for just 30 bucks. Not bad.

The service is in its second year of a three year trial. Mentioned in the article is UVSC's Ron Hammond who has essentially given up on assigning texts and instead uses journals found in the library and articles from the internet.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Faculty and Staff asked to pony up once again

UVSC president Bill Sederburg sent out this e-mail today to all campus employees:

Dear Faculty and Staff

September just started and with it our yearly Faculty Staff Campaign. Every employee will receive through intercampus mail an envelope with the address of Institutional Advancement on the outside.

Inside will be a donation form and my letter. Just write your name in the return address and use that envelope to return your donation to Institutional Advancement.

The theme for the campaign is "One Step Closer to Making a Difference." Every donation, even small ones, will take us "one step closer" to creating a great university. Every donation will "make a BIG difference."

Let's make this the most successful campaign ever. I am looking forward to sharing lunch with every department that achieves 100% participation. I hope to see you all there.

President Sederburg


UVSC raising funds from faculty and staff (Deseret Morning News, September 4 2007)

UVSC August Police Beat


Each month The Pipeline will publish the UVSC Police Department's response record for the previous month. You can find an archive of the police beat at http://www.uvsc.edu/police/Police_Beat/index.html.

August 7th- MEDICAL-A 20 year old male crashed on his longboard while attempting to ride it down College Drive. Orem Paramedics evaluated and released the patient on scene.
August 9th- MEDICAL-A 39 year old male was suffering chest pains and shortness of breath in the Liberal Arts building. The patient was treated by Orem Paramedics and then transported to the UVSC Wellness Center for further evaluation.
August 11th- AGENCY ASSIST- UVSC Police responded to the area of 800 S 700 W to assist Orem Police with looking for a suspect wanted for Aggravated Kidnapping and a Violation of a Protective Order. The suspect was not located.
August 11th- AGENCY ASSIST-UVSC Officers responded to 523 N Beverly Avenue to assist Orem Police with a neighborhood party involving alcohol and a large group of people.
August 11th- AGENCY ASSIST-UVSC Police responded to 800 S Main to assist Orem with a traffic accident involving a Orem Captain.
August 13th- SUICIDAL SUBJECT- UVSC Police responded to Remington Apartments to assist Orem Police with a suicidal male subject in possession of a knife. The subject was taken into protective custody without incident.

August 21st- AGENCY ASSIST- A UVSC Officer working a case in North Orem responded to a report of a fight near 400 N 200 E in which a suspect was hitting another person with a baseball bat. As the Officer was arriving, he observed the suspect vehicle fleeing the scene and initiated a felony stop on the vehicle. Two of the three occupants had outstanding warrants with UVSC and Provo Police departments.

August 22nd- TRAFFIC ACCIDENT- There was a traffic accident in the Institute parking lot when two vehicles backed into each other.

August 22nd- AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT- UVSC Police responded to a report of a UVSC plane on landing that had struck a deer at the Provo Airport. Damage to the aircraft was estimated at $30,000. Although the pilot and instructor were not injured, the deer was killed. The runway was closed for some time until the FAA cleared it to reopen.

August 23rd- TRAFFIC ACCIDENT- Officers responded to a traffic accident near the front of campus. A vehicle rear ended another vehicle that had stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

August 23rd- TRAFFIC ACCIDENT- Officers responded to a traffic accident near North College Drive.

August 24th- ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION- A 19 year old male was arrested at the Welcome Back Dance for Illegal Consumption.

August 25th- OPEN CONTAINER- A 22 year old male was issued a citation for Open Container after Officers observed the male get into a truck and grab a bottle of alcohol after the Welcome Back Dance.

August 26th- RECKLESS DRIVING- An off duty American Fork Police Officer observed two vehicles driving recklessly in parking lot N. UVSC Police responded to the scene and made contact with both drivers. The first driver was cited for No License and Reckless Driving. The second driver was cited for Reckless Driving. Both drivers were also given a mandatory court date to appear before a judge.

August 28th- TRAFFIC ACCIDENT- A traffic accident ocurred at the interseciton of parking lot T and parking lot N when a vehicle ran a stop sign.

August 28th- TRAFFIC ACCIDENT- A accident with injuries ocurred at 1200 W McKay Drive when a unlicensed driver pulled out from McKay Drive into the path of a motorcyclist travelling north on 1200 W. The motorcyclist was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for further treatment. The unlicensed driver was issued numerous citations.

August 28th- THEFT- A backpack containing several items was stolen from the PE women's locker room.

August 29th- CRIMINAL MISCHIEF- Officers responded to parking lot D on a report of a male suspect keying cars. Officers were unable to locate the suspect as well as any damaged vehicles.

August 31st- RESISTING ARREST- a 23 year old BYU students was tased after failing to comply with a lawful order by a Police Officer. The suspect was outside of the Institute of Religion during the Institute Dance. Officers were attempting to disperse a large crowd when the suspect became confrontational with the officer. The suspect was told to leave and refused. The Officer advised the suspect he was under arrest at which time the suspect made an agressive move toward the officer. The suspect was then tased and taken into custody. The suspect was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Failure to Disperse, and Resisting Arrest. The suspect's wife and her friend assaulted another officer during the incident. They were both arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

August 31st- MEDICAL- A 21 year old male student suffered a broken leg while playijng soccer near the Education Building. THe student was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.

August 29th- TRAFFIC ACCIDENT- Officers responded to 1000 W University Parkway on a report of a traffic accident with injuries. Officers were unable to locate the accident and cancelled other units responding.