Looking to continue your graduate studies somewhere other than Penn State? The 2011 Graduate and Professional School Week begins today at Alumni Hall, with law schools, medical schools, and graduate programs all showcasing their prospective programs throughout the week.
If you still believe there is no reason for thousands of people to be occupying Wall Street, you either haven't checked the facts or you're that douche bag who brings a 6-pack of Stella Artois to a frat party. Those of you that go strictly Natty, you're my people. Learn why you should check out the #OccupyPennState movement going on in the HUB all this week after the jump.
By now, #OccupyWallStreet has taken hold of the country's collective attention on the internet and on television. As the protestors camp out in Zuccotti Park and receive support from celebrities (one celebrity very notable for never having a shortage of words was speechless) and citizens alike, I think everyone needs to put down the Kool Aid, take a step back, and breathe.
Last spring, the University Park Allocation Committee (UPAC) reviewed and altered how it sponsors on-campus events, allowing clubs and organizations to receive more funds from the Student Activity Fee than they earlier had. This came after groups, such as The Asylum and SOMA, claimed that they could no longer afford to bring in speakers and performers for students. After a four hour meeting, UPAC agreed that change was necessary and tweaked the 80/20 rule into the 90/10 rule. That development means that UPAC will now use the Student Activity Fee to fund up to 90 percent of the total programming costs of any event on campus, provided it meets certain standards.
However, UPAC will deliberate if this new policy suffices tonight at 8 p.m. in the Hetzel Lounge of the HUB. According to Overall Chair, Ryan Kocse, some students are concerned that this modification is still too restrictive. As a result, the committee will hear at least three proposals to amend the 90/10 rule.
"I am here because it seems so hard to make change. And it seems like something is finally happening". As the Occupy Wall Street movement spreads to Penn State, the group held its first General Assembly meeting yesterday evening in the HUB.
I don't envy the Senior Class Gift Committee. Tasked with finding the three best out of more than 120 submitted ideas is no easy task, especially when measured against university concerns and realities. As much as we might have wanted an fully animatronic 80-foot Robocop defending the Old Main lawn, something that awesome simply isn't feasible.