In a surprise motion at last Tuesday afternoon's Student Government Association (SGA) meeting, Student Trustee Winston Rysdahl stepped down from his post. After serving in his position since his inauguration in May of 2011, Rysdahl tendered his resignation to the SGA saying, "This should not in any way reflect on my experience working on the board. I am very grateful for the opportunity afforded to me, but as a student, my academics come first." At the meeting, senators motioned to accept President Araia's appointment of Lakeesha J. Harris.
Dr. Michael T. Kelly touched the hearts of many students; faculty and staff at NEIU. His presence will be missed. Dr. Kelly, known as Dean Kelly to many of his students, went above and beyond his call of a professional in higher education, to the level of friend for many. Students and staff were saddened on Friday when the news of his passing swept through the corridors of our campus. He is survived by his wife, sons, and a host of family members, friends, colleagues, and mentees.
The Student Veterans Club is an official chapter of the Student Veterans of America, and is open to all student veterans and veteran supporters. The goal of SVC is to function as a means for veterans to transition into civilian life, help the community through volun- teer work, and to help support the troops overseas. Established in 2007 the SVC has done many activities to become involved in not only the school, but also the community.
President Barrack Obama has been in the White House for three years. With the 2012 election on the horizon, and President Obama up for re-election, his resume could use some review.
Following a major victory by Newt Gingrich in the South Carolina primary, the state of the Republican Presidential Nomination remains something of a toss-up, What isn't unclear is the long path Gingrich has taken to arrive at his current position.
In a recent trial regarding the validity of blogging, a self- titled investigative blogger, Crystal L. Cox, investigating a case regarding an alleged Ponzi scheme, lost her case due to the assertion that "as a blogger with no other credentials, she was not a journalist and was entitled to no protection," according to PCmag.com.
The judge, recent Obama appointee Marco Hernandez, ordered Cox to pay a $2.5 million fine according to International Sports Examiner Marv Dumon. Hernandez's ruling cited that while Cox wrote in a factual tone, the fact that she had no affiliation with any established media group i.e. a newspaper, broadcast network, or magazine, the validity of her claims were not protected under shield laws, or reporter's privilege. In her blog, Cox refers to plaintiff, Kevin Padrick, of Obsidian Finance LLC, as a "thief," "liar" and "a thug."
One of NEIU's best resources for Math and Science Majors is also one of its least-known. The Student Center for Scientific Engagement (SCSE) in Bernard Brummel Hall (BBH) is a multipurpose study area where all students, not just Math and Science Majors, can go to find free tutoring help or a quiet place to study.
The Black Heritage Committee discussed the lack of awareness of Black History with students at Northeastern Illinois University in a panel entitled "Black History Everyday" on Nov. 8, 2011. The panelists were Dr. Conrad W. Worrill, Director of NEIU's satellite campus Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS), and Professor Ben Levi of CCICS.
Students of Professor Steven Frankel's Ecology 305 class braved 20-degree weather, snow and icy conditions in the nearby LaBagh Woods forest preserve on Jan. 21, to get some first-hand experience in the field. The class observed the site and recorded characteristics such as animal trails, visible vegetation and fungi occurrence. Students then gathered sampling data about the indigenous lichen species present on trees in the LaBagh Woods flood plains. Lichens are symbiotic composite organisms comprised of a fungus and either algae or cyanobacteria, and are an important species for scientists trying to measure the effects of forest fragmentation, air pollution, and other forms of environmental degradation.
If I were to ask anyone about the greenhouse at Northeastern I am pretty sure I would get a lot of confused expressions. While most people would have no clue what I'm talking about, the only ones that I am sure would know are the biology majors, and that can mostly be attributed to having to take a botany class or ecology. But the fact is Northeastern has a green house and a rather nice one at that. The green house holds a variety of flowers and multiple other plants that may interest students.
During the Fall 2011 semester, the Math lab, the Writing lab and the Learning Center came together and formed the new NEIU Learning Center. Through this consolidation, the Learning Center offers students the ability to find all the learning support they might need in one place. Located in the 4th floor of the library, the center is run by Katherine Gleiss, Director with the help of Christine Larsen, acting assistant director. The center has 26 subject tutors, 17 writing tutors, and 10 math tutors. These tutors are highly trained and are handpicked based on their GPA and recommendations from faculty members. The center also has a number of specialists on staff, including reading specialist Ellen Tieran, learning specialist Bryan Brady, math specialist MarkMartindale, and writing specialist Borislava Quaintance.
Dr. Martha Biondi came to Northeastern on Thursday the 19th do give a talk on "Women of the Civil Rights Movement," focusing on female student involvement. She lauded women such as Irene Morgan, Eva Jefferson Paterson, Ella Baker and more. Dr. Biondi focused on activism that women participated and led that was on the ground, grass root orientated and usually unrecognized. Morgan, eleven years earlier than Rosa Parks, refused to give up her bus seat on a bus that was traveling cross state lines. She went to court and eventually Supreme Court, where she won and her case was implemented as the standard.
Paul Harris: I'm in my second year as the NEIU MIG advisor. It has been an honor and privilege to take on the advisory role after several years as a participant. I have especially enjoyed mentoring the student delegates and coaching them throughout the year of preparation and at the simulation. I have benefited personally not only from participating but also enjoyed the learning process and watching students develop a depth of understanding of the state's political structures as well as helping them emerge as leaders and thinkers. The NEIU MIG delegation has a long legacy of producing student and community leaders and I look forward to continued participation in being part of this legacy. Please consider attending a meeting and realizing your own potential as a citizen of Illinois and the U.S.
The staff members of the NPB and the Division of Student Life held a free late night breakfast event last Dec. 12 in the NEIU cafeteria. Tickets were distributed via NEIU email a week prior to this event, and in the Village Commons the day of the event. NEIU Student Media Coordinator, Tasha Neumeister, said "The free tickets were to promote students who would not normally be on campus at this time and also to serve as a reminder for the event." By the afternoon of Thursday, Dec. 8, all the late night breakfast tickets had been given away. There was talk amongst students about skipping the event because they had been unable to get tickets, and concerns over the student turnout. However, on the evening of Dec. 12 there was a strong turnout, resulting in a line tired and hungry pre-finals students running from the elevator to the cutlery and condiments station.
As of January 1st, 2012, all Illinois residents are required by law recycle their old electronics. When a persons cell phone can no longer recover from being dropped on the floor too many times or their PC has finally been taken down by a virus, most people would erase the memory and just throw them out with the regular trash. This is now illegal. Now the item must be taken to an approved drop-off location where it can be taken apart and recycled. This new program is similar to the law against throwing out batteries in the regular trash. Refusal to recycle old electronics can also result in fines. The electronic recycling program is governed by the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) who have begun circulating information about how and where a person can recycle their electronics. First of all, this program requires that electronic items are recycled, not appliances. A few of the acceptable items are laptops, computers, mobile phones, televisions, MP3 players and even video game consoles. Whereas toasters, power tools, and air conditioners are not accepted. They also emphasize that these items be free of hazardous waste, such as leaked battery acid. The entire list is available on SWANCC's website www.SWANCC.org.
With two primaries behind them and the 2012 Presidential election just ten months away, the two front-runners for the Republican nomination are Mitt Romney and Ron Paul. After two primaries, Romney leads with 25 delegates to Paul's ten. There are 2,286 delegates available and a candidate must accumulate 1,144 delegate votes to win. With "Super Tuesday," the day many states traditionally choose to hold their election primaries, which is on March 6 this year, it's still anybody's game. However, what do we know about these guys?
Northeastern Illinois University closed out their Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration Thursday afternoon, Jan. 19, in Golden Eagles with a presentation by Dr. Mark P. Orbe, a professor of communication and diversity at Western Michigan University and author of "Communication Realities in a "Post-Racial" Society: What the U.S. Public Really thinks about Barack Obama. Dr. Katrina Bell-Jordan the communication department chair introduced Orbe to the students...
Often, university faculty members go unrecognized for their expertise, dedication and countless hours of sacrifice. Therefore, Phi Upsilon, NEIU's English Honors Society, conducted the first ever event to recognize the service of the English departments faculty. On Thursday, Dec. 1, the group held their "Letters to the Faculty" event. Students of the English department wrote heartfelt letters to faculty members who have touched their lives. "Dr. Poll is an idealist, who generously provides all of the students of .:Seeds:. with educational pearls as he advises our club. In his day-to-day, I've watched him go beyond the duties of an educator and become a mentor and friend to many students on this campus," wrote Lakeesha J. Harris, Political Science graduate student and Editor in Chief of .:Seeds:. Literary Arts Journal.
Patricia Dalinis – President
Patricia Dalinis is in her last year of earning her English degree. When Dalinis first transferred to NEIU, she helped start a writing group on campus for National Novel Writing Month. Through that group, she was introduced to the many opportunities the English department had to offer. After joining .:Seeds:. Literary Arts Journal and Sigma Tau Delta, Dalinis was eager to create more bonds within the English department. Luckily, one such group was already forming to make that dream a reality: the Werd Nerds. This past semester, she became a Werd Nerd and never looked back. Her time here at NEIU has been incredibly special and life changing and she can't wait to finish out her last semester strong.
Within the English Honors Society, Dalinis now holds the position of President. So far, the club has helped orchestrate such events as The Declaration Party, Reading with Campus Day Care and Letters to the Faculty. Also, they've been running a semester long book drive that has already accumulated around 200 donated books, the proceeds of which will go to the non-profit organization Invisible Children. In regards to next semester, they've been hard at work planning for next year's national conference, which will be held in New Orleans, La. Within the organization, they work not only to forge connections on NEIU's campus but also on a national scale. Joining Sigma Tau Delta opens the door on special scholarships, chances for publication and a huge network of members eager to help recently graduated members. For more information about joining, please contact her at P-Dalinis@neiu.edu
Chicagoans mourn the death of former first lady Maggie Daley who lost her 9-year battle against breast cancer on Wednesday, Nov. 23. She was 68. The outspoken urban arts advocate was the champion of the Gallery 37 initiative, which birthed many renowned afterschool programs for young Chicago teens. The most notable of those is After School Matters.
The Northeastern Illinois University Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer/Questioning Alliance (GLBTQA) has been around for several years. Recently, they have been on a roll co-sponsoring events and holding bake sales. The GLBTQA National Aids Day Fundraiser, held on Dec. 1 in SU-115, was nothing short of great.
The GLBTQA, in collaboration with Latinas in Power, Sigma Gamma Rho, Feminist Collective, Northeastern Programming Board and the Sociology Club, hosted a Feevha class, also known as zumba, for the fundraiser. In addition to the Feevha class, they passed out condoms and ribbons to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and the Asian Human Services performed rapid AIDS/HIV testing. The Feevha class, which went from 1:40 p.m. to 3 p.m. and had a break for giveaways, had several people sweating it out to learn about AIDS. Angela Starr, a freshman art major, said a highlight of the event was her learning more about what HIV/AIDS is and how it affects different cultures. After the Feevha class, the GLBTQA held a raffle and several lucky students walked away with gift cards to several stores including Starbucks and BestBuy, among several other stores and vendors throughout Chicago.
After long, arduous deliberations, NEIU's chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois (UPI) celebrated the contract agreement between the university faculty and administration at Alumni Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 1. The contract negotiations took place over a period of several years, coming to a boiling point at the end of the 2010-2011 academic year. Fortunately for students, and the university community as a whole, an agreement was finally made.
NEIU Sociology Club is a great group comprised of Sociology majors, minors and other interested NEIU students. We get together to collaborate on interests concerning how we are all social actors inextricably placed within a social, cultural, political and economic framework. We tackle these issues through education and activism including debates on chosentopics (Cafe Society), presentations of social research (Brown Bag), volunteering, activism, organizational solidarity and more! Our goal is to discuss and promote social justice and activism on a personal and societal level, while learning and growing from one another. We are open to ideas, suggestions and HAVING FUN! We are quite the social bunch and encourage everyone to join us! Keep an eye out for upcoming Sociology Club events and feel free to share your ideas for future activities.
Winston Rysdahl is the Student Trustee, the liaison between NEIU students and the Board of Trustees (BoT), a group of community leaders, businessmen, civil rights proponents and educators appointed by the Illinois Governor. The BoT is the fiduciary body tasked with ensuring the success of NEIU and its fiscal solvency. Because the BoT has the final say on financial elements, policy matters and maintaining a competitive educational environment for students, to remain in touch with the student body the position of Student Trustee was created. Rysdahl takes his position as spokesperson for the NEIU student body seriously and because he feels he is "never not representing the Board of Trustees in public," Rysdahl always wears dress shirts and suits on campus. You may have seen this sharply-dressed young man bustling around the halls of NEIU.
The second installment of the "Black and…" Brown Lunch Bag series featured Symone Simmons who spoke about being black and GLBTQ, on Tuesday Oct. 25. The discussion centered on the multiple identities with which people associate. The series are interactive discussions offered by the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs and it is aimed to explode the diversity within the Black community.
The Albany Park Autonomous Center (APAC), located on 3460 West Lawrence Ave. (about a mile south of the main campus) opened its doors in September of 2006. Its purpose is to create "a space that constructs horizontal relationships, political consciousness, and unites people in and around the Latino immigrant struggle."
Northeastern Illinois University is among the Illinois universities that will be affected by Public Act 097-0320, House Bill 1503, passed by the Board of Higher Education. This action puts into place performance-based institutional funding for colleges and universities beginning in 2013. Performance-based funding gives more funding to institutions that meet the state goals of increased educational attainment, ensuring college affordability, addressing workforce needs and enhancing economic growth.
For the past five weeks, Chicagoans have taken to the streets to be a part of the "Occupy" movement. Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds; from housewives to small business owners. As with many branches of the "Occupy" movement across the country, this group also contains a large number of college students. Finding NEIU students and faculty among those counted as "Occupiers" is no exception. On the temperate fall evening of Saturday, Oct. 29, Angel Velez, Educational Leadership graduate student and Abhijit Banerjee, Environmental Studies professor were found among the throng of protestors chanting, "We are the 99 percent!"
Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) held a tabling event in the Student Union to raise awareness about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. They hope that students take the knowledge of what's happening on the other side of the world to broaden their horizons on a global level.
While next year's city budget has dominated city politics over the past few weeks, another, equally important, controversy is brewing in the background. According to municipal law, every city ward must have the same number of people, so every ten years the Chicago City Council redraws the ward boundaries to account for population changes. Unfortunately, ward redistricting is not simply a matter of balancing the numbers. The City Council has several different factions, or caucus, and each faction is interested in maintaining and, if possible, increasing its numbers.
December Graduates to be Saluted The Office of Alumni Relations will be hosting a "Salute to Graduates of December 2011" event on Wednesday, Nov. 16 in Village Square at the main campus from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. The featured services provided to graduates at this event will include commencement ticketing, cap and gown disbursement, class ring ordering, graduation announcements and photographs. Programs that will be present at the event include Career Services, Financial Aid, Enrollment Services and the Graduate College. December 2011 graduates who attend do not need to RSVP and are encouraged to visit the Alumni Relations table to enter their name for a chance to win exciting prizes.
Hello to all, my name is Jorge Vargas, current president of the GLBTQA club. What is GLBTQA and what does it represent, one might ask. Well, to start off, GLBTQA stands for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning. The mission statement of our club is simple "Working to ensure all voices in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Questioning/Queer Community are heard and represented with dignity and respect." What we try to do is provide a safe haven to students that identify as a member of the GLBTQA community. We want to make sure that, as one of the many communities at NEIU, we are represented, which is something that hasn't been done until very recently. As a club we have grown tremendously during the past few years. We are working together to improve our numbers and define the club as a support network and resource for the GLBTQA community.
The Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS) is located in the historic Bronzeville community at 700 East Oakwood Blvd. The center offers both a Bachelors and Masters of Arts in Inner City Studies. The program was originally designed to train teachers to communicate effectively with underprivileged minority students in Chicago's urban inner city communities.
Sigma Alpha Pi Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success
Hi, I am Aijana Abdyldaeva, the President of Sigma Alpha Pi, a chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success at NEIU. Since I was very young I have felt drawn to leadership roles where I can empower my peers and awaken their capabilities. NEIU allowed me to start the Chapter of National Society of Leadership and Success. NSLS is dedicated to creating leaders who will strive to make the world a better place. We help students achieve their dreams and motivate them to become stronger people in the future.
Are you undecided and feel like choosing a major is a far more difficult than what you initially thought? Are you bombarded with student loans and don't know when you'll get out of debt? Is registering for classes each semester a splitting headache and a half? How can you take charge of YOUR future? Fear not fellow student because TRIO may be the ANSWER FOR YOU!
Being a student involves many consequences including financial and tax ramifications. I will touch on some points that the student status affects. Being a student usually means you are in a position that you have taken out student loans, received scholarships, grants or other forms of monetary assistance or you may being paying the bill yourself or with the help of family members.
On Wednesday, October 12, Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveiled the proposed 2012 City of Chicago budget during a special City Council meeting. The budget included municipal service cuts and consolidations, increases in fees and fines, and the restructuring of several long-running city programs. The proposal represents the first stage in the budget approval process. The aldermen will hold public hearings over the next two months, and the City Council will meet several times to discuss the budget details. The final budget is not due for approval until December.
College Music Educators National Conference (CMENC) is a national program taking place throughout the country in schools of music, as well as in schools that have an established department of music. CMENC promotes an excellence in teaching music. However, more specifically CMENC NEIU serves as a positive representation of NEIU. The program assists NEIU's music department in any way possible, including organizing and providing service work and other projects throughout the Northeastern community. CMENC NEIU has been an active club at Northeastern for 20 years and was introduced to the campus by former music professor Dr. Connie Speake.
In the midst of the academic semester, students find themselves study-weary and in need of a respite from the pressures. One way to find solace and simultaneously destroy a student's hard work is to resort to plagiarism.
"Not me, I'm not stupid enough to plagiarize", one might say. But are you aware just how easy it could be to accidentallyplagiarize in your paper on mid-17th century religious toleration, or even in your next set of solutions to plotting those coordinates for equations?
A press release by Dana Navarro, Acting Director of Public Relations for NEIU states that the university has held U.S. News and World Report's "most ethnically diverse university in the Midwest" ranking since 1997. The ranking is based on the institution's enrollment numbers, and not any specific diversity initiatives of the university. With the recent opening of the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs, some of the concerns of students are finally being realized. But there are still some anxieties among students, such as the lack of African American students enrolled in the university, covert instances of racism and homophobia, and the lack of academic support outreach for specific demographics of students.
Yes it's true, to my delight Independent is in the pink for breast cancer awareness month. The pink ribbon within our header is in celebration of the many battles won and the beautifull lives lived in spite of this deadly disease. Yet, this pink ribbon is also in remembrance of the many lives lost on this battle field we call breast cancer. Make no mistake about it – millions of women around the world are fighting for their lives, some of them winning and others aren't as fortunate.
When I first started at Northeastern, a little over two years ago, I was elated that there was a venue to publish some of my creative work. As a poet and essayist, I was looking for a place to display my art as well as gather with other students who saw the value in art and its importance within academia. My elation turned sour fast, after my partner Janean and I turned in some of our creative work and didn't get a response from the then literary arts journal known as "American Goat".
The Albany Park Chamber of Commerce is a member-based group that is part of the North River Commission. The chamber is dedicated to strengthening the Albany Park and Mayfair communities by providing support to local businesses. The chamber was started in 1927 and was revived in 1976. The chamber's office is located at 3403 W. Lawrence Ave., suite 201, right by the Kimball brown line station.
Jewel, Youth Outreach Services, Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, U.S. Department of Labor, and Sun-times Media were just a few of the employment and internship opportunities available to students at the Fall 2011 Diversity Community Job Fair.
The Black Heritage Committee sponsored "To Be Black in America…and at NEIU" in the Student Union, on Wednesday, Oct. 5. The event was moderated by Dr. Jackie Anderson, assistant professor of the social work department. The panel consisted of NEIU students; Frank Trigg, Selena Thomas, Roger Byrd and Regina Turner.
Albany Park Community Center ByLluvia Carrisoza - Visual Media Editor The Albany Park Community Center (APCC) is a nonprofit organization that serves Albany Park residents. With its three locations, APCC is able to serve about 9,000 residents per year. The programs provided are separated into three categories: children and youth development, adult education programs and community development programs.
On Tuesday, Sept. 13, a group of student leaders met with Dr. Frank E. Ross, the new Vice President of Student Life, during a meet and greet held in the Golden Eagles. The meet and greet was organized in order to have an open dialogue between Ross and student leaders of various school organizations. It also served as an opportunity for Ross to listen to the concerns of NEIU students, as well as introduce his own ideas for the Division of Student Life.
Hey, good news! Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Public School (CPS) board are working hard to make Chicago kids smarter. They're starting by pushing hard for an extended school day that's 90 minutes longer and two extra weeks of school per year. This was not the first call for an extended school day, the most recent of which was a largely ignored health initiative calling for schools to extend their day by a half an hour to restore much-needed recess breaks. Chicago area schools have one of the shortest school days in the nation and both CPS and Mayor Emanuel seem to believe that having students' butts in chairs longer is the most important contributing factor toward educational excellence.
NEIU Hip-Hop Organization
The NEIU Hip Hop Organization seeks to unify the Hip Hop community, on and off the NEIU campus, in order to experience and learn the proper application of Hip Hop's elements. We focus on Hip Hop as a culture that is experienced through its core elements of breaking, emceeing, graffiti art, deejaying and knowledge. In a society where Hip Hop is associated with excessive consumption and criminality, we are attempting to decriminalize Hip Hop's public image. Hip Hop is NOT rap music. Rap music is simply a product of the greater Hip Hop culture. As cultural pioneer KRS- ONE has stated, "Rap is something we do, Hip Hop is something we live."
Do you hate it when you have to step out of a class at El Centro to check on the meter? What about when you are already late for class and have to drive around the block to find a parking space? It gets worse once the snow starts pilling up. Students, and even faculty, can now forget the woes of the parking meter. There are reserved parking spaces for NEIU faculty, staff and students in three separate parking lots near El Centro campus. All you need to park in any of these lots is a NEIU Level II Parking Permit or a NEIU parking sticker, which are distributed in El Centro.
In a time where college graduates are struggling to find jobs, often times excepting employment that does not even require a college degree. In an unusual move by the Obama administration, President Obama presented a fully drafted copy of the Jobs Plan legislation to Congress to be voted upon. The plan utilizes a combination of tax cuts and spending in an effort to boost short-term employment, while jump-starting the economy towards long-term growth. In light of past debates regarding spending, Republicans and Democrats appeared unsupportive of the bill, which would be accompanied with a $447 billion dollar price tag. So far no congressional action has been taken on the plan and it is yet to be seen if the plan or any part of it will become law.
Writing Workshops Scheduled for Fall Semester
The newly formed Learning Support Center, in tandem with TRIO Student Support Services, will be hosting five writing workshops during the fall semester. The workshops will cover a range of topics essential to good writing, a crucial skill regardless of your major and will run from the end of September through the month of October.
The Student Computer Services (SCS) offers more than just the printing at their labs. SCS offers 3rd-party software downloads for the students, including web browsers such as Safari, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Sea Monkey, File Transfer Protocols (FTP) including,
Fetch protocol and WinSCP. Secure Shell Clients (SSH) software such as JellyfiSSH and Secure Shell, as well as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) which are security wireless clients needed to secure the NEIU wireless network with WPA built-in support and SecureW2 EAP suite.
NEIU’s next door neighbor goes through a completely eco-friendly redesign this fall
"What is Going on with Eugene?"
NEIU's next door neighbor goes through a complete- ly eco-friendly redesign this fall
By Lluvia Carrisoza, Visual Media Editor
Improvements to Eugene Field Park are made to ensure less flooding and a more native habitat.
Eugene Field Park, located on the south side of Foster Avenue between Monticello and Ayers has been going through a reconstruction for the past five months. Eugene Field Park is about two blocks west on Foster from NEIU's athletic field. The Wetland project started in April 2011 and if all goes well, all aspects of the project will be ready for the public by the Spring of 2012. There are two main parts to the project. One is the replacement of non-native trees and plants with those that are native to the area. Secondly, the north bank of the Chicago River that runs through Eugene will be accessible to the public once the project is finished. A ten minute walk from the Student Union will be all that stands between Northeastern students and a beautiful river bank.
Turn On Your Gaming Gears NEIU!
By Syed Ahad Hussain, Opinions Editor
On Tuesday, Sept. 6, Alumni Hall was turned into a gaming arcade, with arcade games, billiards and mini-basketball. The eager students lined up during activity hour and rushed in to play and participate. Even after activity hour a large number of students returned, despite ongoing classes. Some time ago, a gaming system was set up at the Golden Eagles' Nest, which was well received by the students for a month and was taken down suddenly for unknown reasons.
Debt Ceiling Speaks Volumes to Higher Education
By R. Emilio Rivera, Staff Writer
After strong opinions were debated between all sides of the government, the debt ceiling was finally reached with educational funding being significantly modified in the final agreement. In the final days of July 2011, the United States faced the threat of defaulting on its debts and thereby having serious repercussions on the already weak economy. All through July, President Barack Obama, along with several leaders of congress on both sides of the aisle, was in a bitter struggle trying to reach an agreement by the August 3 deadline. The final agreement was reached in the first days of August and finally signed by President Obama on August 2, as the Budget Control Act of 2011.
NEIU Reconfigures Tutoring Services
Around Campus
Jeff Dutton, News Editor
NEIU Reconfigures Tutoring Services
As of this semester NEIU has restructured its tutoring services for students. Gone are the familiar math, writing and reading labs and Learning Center. All of these tutoring centers have been combined and are now part of the newly created Learning Support Center (LSC). According to a memo put out by Katherine Gleiss, Coordinator of the Learning Support Cen- ter, the "consolidation of services will provide a more integrated, coordinated and convenient center for students." Students are encouraged to utilize the LSC to find help they may need for their course work and to become active, engaged learners.
NEIU Ranks Top
Northeastern Illinois University grabbed two top rankings, while holding on to another in U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges 2011 edition. NEIU has been ranked number one in the Midwest for students with the least amount of debt upon graduation and was also ranked number one for lowest percentage of students graduating with debt. The university also main-
tained its long standing number one rank in the Midwest for campus ethnic diversity.
The College of Business & Management (COBM) has chosen Reality Is Broken by Jane McGonigal for its One Book Per Semester reading program for the fall semester. The program includes the reading of a common book by participating faculty and students at COBM, with discussions of the book ongoing throughout the semester. COBM will hold a number of super sessions where students and faculty will exchange and discuss their views of the book. In addi- tion, the book's author, Jane McGonigal, will be on campus Oct. 27 to meet with COBM faculty and students.
The U-Pass received a startling amount of support in fall of 2010 for the SGA student referendum, and in spring 2011, the Board of Trustees (BOT) put a halt on the passing of the FY2011 budget thus putting a halt on the passing of U-Pass. However, on April 20, the BOT held an emergency meeting and at 4:10 p.
Whenever the subject of Gary, Indiana comes up, there seem to be several different reactions. Many people are judgmental, and talk about how scary the city is, and how dangerous the people are. Instances like the two bodies that were recently found in a pile of manure on a farm don't aid in changing this negative ideology.
Palestine is one of today's hottest topics, as it incites passionate responses from both sides of the political spectrum, and from April 19 to April 21, the issue made itself present at Northeastern Illinois University in the Student Union. Flyers, groups of students clad in t-shirts or yelling are common forms of gathering attention on campus, but rather than take these routes, members at Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chose to erect a wall to show students the injustices in the region.
Like many students at Northeastern Illinois University, Daniel McCracken cannot understand why negotiations for a fair contract between administrators and UPI members are still being debated after nearly three years. However, unlike most sign-wielding protesters, McCracken decided to take his activism a step further by going on a hunger strike.
Jennifer L. Pozner, over the span of a year, watched more reality television than she cares to remember. In her discussion entitled Project Brainwash: Why Reality TV is Bad for Women, on Monday, April 4 – she asserts that misogyny is in the DNA of reality television.
The United Greek Council (UGC) arranged fun events like Greek Jeopardy, Greek Athletes, and Greek Talent Show performances during Greek Week. The sisters and brothers of all the major Greek fraternities attended the Jeopardy game, where categories of questions included: history of Greek fraternites, Greek pop culture, movies, TV shows, Greek wits, Greek administration, Greek fun facts, Snapple facts, Greek dictionary, national Greeks, and campus life in general.
Conference attendees at the Woman's Worth Conference on March 30, sponsored by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., were treated to an array of seminars designed to affirm the body and renew the spirit of the women of NEIU's community. Kimberly D. Everett, Director African American Resource Center, provided the Keynote address.
Teachers Push For Fair Contracts, Voice Concerns Over Quality of Education at NEIU Rally
Students and Faculty gathered together Thursday March 17, 2011 to rally in support of the contract negotiations between NEIU labor unions and the administration. The rally began in Village Square, where supporters held signs and chanted loudly. A number of professors spoke to the crowd, urging them to stay together and remain strong.
Many students have the privilege of living without worrying about of things like deportation. NEIU was privileged to get an inside glimpse into the lives of two young women, who aren't as fortunate in the presentation, "Undocumented and Unafraid". For many Chicagoans, living in fear of deportation, of leaving your home and friends behind, is a constant worry.
"This is an annual tradition that resonates with the universities core values," stated Grace Dawson, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, as part of her opening speech at this year's Black Heritage Awards ceremony, where Tim King, founder, CEO, and President of the Urban Prep Academies spoke to a packed Alumni Hall.
In August of 2010 a report reviewing the status of online education at NEIU and providing recommendations for improving online course quality and online learning infrastructure was submitted to the Faculty Council on Academic Affairs (FACAC) and to the Provost.
Tension at NEIU reached a new boiling point on Feb.24 and 28 as dozens of UPI members and student supporters rallied in Village Square. The protests were an effect of prolonged union negotiation agreements, which have been under strict debate for almost 3 years.
"Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.
Janean L. Watkins, Managing Editor
For over a year, the group "Anti-Eviction Campaign" has been working along with residents and community leaders to seek justice in unfair housing practices, evictions, and foreclosure disparities. Now the group calls on university students to join them in their fight for justice.
NEIU Faculties and Staff still without a contract, Board of Trustees of no help.
The ongoing negotiations between the NEIU administration and NEIU faculty and staff union are entering their third year. There is still no agreement on many important issues and faculty and staff, as well as the students, are on edge because of this situation.
Are We Ready For African Sci- Fi?
While introducing Dr. Nnedi Okorafor, Professor of English at NEIU – Dr. Chielozona Eze, described a fierce, and award winning, women writer who grew to love everything in her environment; "…as a girl she wanted to be an Entomologist…her characters are intrinsically connected to talking insects and, of course, the earth".
Northeastern Illinois University may be known as the most diverse university in the Midwest, but now it may be known for something more notorious. Over the past few years there have been students and professors alike who were allegedly retaliated against because of alleged sexual harassment suits they have filed against professors of various departments.
The second and third term payments of 2010-11 Monetary Award Program (MAP) have been reduced up to five percent. According to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission's (ISAC) newsletter, "When the 2010-11 Monetary Award Program recomputed formula was approved by the commission in June, it was not known whether an unexpected 45 percent increase in applications would necessitate a reduction to MAP applicants' awards.
One more Board of Trustees meeting began and ended with tense questions and comments regarding the future of the NEIU community. Students lined up outside Alumni Hall protesting against many of the changes implemented without following the shared governance process and defending their professors' "battle" for pay raises.
Astrophysics is defined as an area of science which applies physical laws discovered on Earth to phenomena throughout the cosmos. Originated by Sir Isaac Newton, the father of physics, this area of Science has been the way in which many meaningful discoveries were made regarding astronomical science.
"When you're a great poet, you can write yourself something that'll make you feel better," says the 63 year-old author of such titles as Cypress Indigo, and for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf: a choreopoem. Ms. Shange read a combination of her older and recent poetry to a packed audience at the DePaul University Student Center last week.
Another year has started with hopes for a better future. However, NEIU faculty and students are still not confident what 2011 will offer them. Negotiations over the faculty's new contract are still in progress, and no confidence votes in the president and the provost carry confusion and distress.
This semester the 16th Annual Asian American Heritage conference is bringing its students a wonderful opportunity to experience and engage themselves in these beautiful dances. The students have a chance to witness an aspect of the wondrous culture of India.
In an age where students are pushed to the brink by their parents' high expectations for achievement, consequences arise in alarming ways: suicide, demanding schedules, and academic dishonesty—all resulting in calloused young people who just don't care.
Since the announcement by Mayor Richard M. Daley that he would not be seeking another term, the stories that have followed by most media outlets consistently beg the question, who would be taking his place? Now with the election coming up on February 22, the final list of candidates has dwindled to Gery Chico, Rahm Emanuel, Miguel del Valle, Carol Moseley Braun, Patricia Van Pelt Watkins and William "Dock" Walls III.
Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challanger Space Shuttle Explosion
Continuing astronaut Ronald McNair's legacy of scholarship and involvement in higher education, NEIU participates in the federally funded Ronald McNair Scholars Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. The purpose of the program is to prepare low-income, first generation and minority undergraduates for graduate study to increase the number of such students who complete their doctoral degrees.
NEIU honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 13 in the auditorium with a tribute to his enduring legacy as a great civil rights leader. The tribute featured heart pounding African drumming by the Logan Heritage Drummers, angelic singing, poetry and heated debate.
The battle in union negotiations reached a new level on Dec 2 when students organized a rally at the Village Square demanding that bargaining come to a close and their professors receive a raise. For the past 2 and a half years, various unions, including UPI, have been in negotiations with NEIU administration, trying to come to a consensus that would benefit both parties.
The NEIU community actively participated in the Hunger and Homelessness week this year once again; the initiative was to engage and inform the students about the hunger felt around the world. As usual, the Student Activities Office organized various events around campus, which included Oxfam Hunger Banquet and Empty Bowl Sale.
Eight months ago the NEIU Independent covered the small upstart of the group T.R.I.B.E. in the Golden Eagles room. The meeting was attended by roughly ten people and the message projected seemed to fall upon deaf ears. It looked as if nothing was going to happen from their time and effort.
In today's current climate where religion divides people and is the source of turmoil for many, the "Interfaith Conference" brought together various religious leaders to show the great similarities of religions to bring us together, as opposed to the minute details that tear people apart.
Just in case some of the students of Northeastern Illinois are unaware and question the fact. Yes, the school does have a radio station, call sign WZRD and broadcasting at 88.3 MHz. WZRD can probably be thought of as an escape form the common radio station.
Staff members in the offices of Independent were surprised when a university staff member entered the office asking if we could write a story about the lack of response to fire alarms that sounded in the university on Monday, December 6th. Official reports say that there wasn't an actual fire, but at about 12:15, Monday afternoon – work that was being done by contractors in the lower levels of the D-Building produced enough dust that it agitated fire sensors setting off the alarms.
Creating a Stairway to a Better World
Food for thought: hunger/homelessness awareness week, November 15-20 is a new annual tradition at Northeastern Illinois University. During this unique charitable event, three cans of food knocked off $5. worth of library fines with donations benefiting the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
As the students lie in the middle of the student union to protest the closing of the Adult and Women Service Program, it is hard to overlook the irony of an institution that boasts diversity, but is closing such a program is hard to overlook. For those not familiar with the term "diversity", Merriam-Webster's Online dictionary defines diversity as the condition of having or being composed of differing elements: variety; especially *: the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization.
Being an NEIU student means access to many services and academic programs. Our school is well known for its cultural diversity and affordable tuition. It's tolerant community committed to providing an excellent education leading the students to future success.
A university wide discussion, organized by the Northeastern Illinois University Professionals of Illinois (NEIU-UPI) membership, about the fate of public education and the future of NEIU was held Thursday, Nov. 11 in Alumni Hall. The event titled, "Visions for Northeastern and our shared future," centered on creating an open forum for faculty, staff and students to reflect and discuss current and future trends, thoughts and feelings regarding the climate and culture of NEIU and education.
One of the great joys of being president of Northeastern Illinois University is meeting alumni. The common theme of the remarkably diverse stories they tell is the gratitude they feel for their education at NEIU and for the faculty who made it possible.
Faculty Senate Postpones Matter Until Next Meeting
Student and faculty senate planned on taking votes of confidence or no confidence of President Hahs and Provost Frank on Tuesday, Oct. 26 during activity hour. However, student senate was the only group to come to a concensus, voting "no confidence" in Provost Frank, but "confidence" in President Hahs.
Darrell Cannon Speaks Out About His Experience
For many, police torture appears as an unrealistic act of a democratic country's police forces. Yet, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) has had a long history of torturing suspects to get confessions, including some given the death penalty. Darrell Cannon is one of the many who had been tortured and forced to admit, and sign a confession on, involvement in a murder and later sentenced to life.
Prepared for an evening of verse, the Northeastern Illinois University community filled Alumni Hall on Oct. 21 for Floetry: an evening of Improv and Poetry. Dwan K. Buetow, Chair of the Black Heritage Committee, which organized the event, welcomed six poets, a stand up comedian and an improv group.
Students voiced their concerns about issues surrounding Northeastern Illinois University directly at a town hall meeting with President Hahs, Tuesday October 21 at NEIU. Questions pertaining to pay raises, tuition rates, campus housing and student life were all raised to President Hahs with great concern.
How The New Food Provider Has Affected The Cafeteria
If one were to look around the campus, disarray would be the first word that would pop into one's mind. The students and staff are preparing the stakes to burn the president and provost, financial aid is disappearing and there are talks of strikes by the staff.
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Rich Whitney is excl
Rich Whitney, Illinois Green Party gubernatorial candidate, and supporters rallied against exclusion from the gubernatorial debate hosted by Chicago's public television station, WTTW, Thursday Oct. 28. The debate aired on WTTW's news program Chicago Tonight and only included Republican candidate Bill Brady and incumbent Governor Pat Quinn, leaving the legally recognized Green Party candidate, Whitney, out.
As one of the current hot topics of discussion, Islam and the social representations linked to it, urged the Sociology Club to schedule and organize a dialogue on Islamophobia. The event, titled "Islamophobia and the Anti-Mosque Protests in the U.S.," took place on Nov.
Revered Reporter Visits NEIU
Andy Shaw, famed Chicago reporter and currently the executive director of the Better Government Association (BGA), visited Northeastern Illinois University on Nov. 4s as part of the Political Science Day events. "I don't think I've ever felt a passion about anything the way I feel about this," said Shaw.
Chicago mayoral candidate Miguel Del Valle was a featured speaker after a tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Unlike Senator Kennedy, Del Valle is scandal-free. Del Valle hasn't quit his job, nor has he made front-page news in a negative light.
Let me tell you about our Energy Conservation Project. In early spring of 2009 the University developed a plan to reduce energy consumption. This is part of Goal Five, Enhanced University Operations, to establish environmental sustainability as a key element of NEIU's identity, as well as Goal Six, Fiscal Strength.
When did this happen and why?
What will happen to students if faculty and staff go on a strike? Raises in administration's salaries disturbed the faculty of Northeastern Illinois University, who haven't had a raise in nearly three years. Along with this, newly accepted freshmen of NEIU will have to pay the severe tuition hike.
After two years of trials and tribulations, Thursday, Sept. 23 marked the ribbon cutting of the Student Center for Science Engagement in SCI -247, which is the center for community in the science department, and brought joy to the face of Stephanie Levi, the center's coordinator, as she began her new journey in helping the students of NEIU.
On September 21st I presented the State of the University Address. I was pleased to provide examples of many wonderful accomplishments over the past year. I am proud of the progress we are making on our Strategic Plan. I encourage you to review the Address on the Northeastern web site.
The web site launch of .:Seeds:. Literary Arts Journal, Northeastern Illinois University's new literary art magazine, was buzzing with nervous excitement on Oct. 14 in SU 214. Friends and family of the club members were there to support the launch and celebrate a stepping stone to future success.
Union Negotiations and How They Are Affecting University Mor
Current negotiations between faculty and administration have cast an underlying haze that is emerging into the foreground of many people's minds in the NEIU community. The exact details and conclusions of such tensions are yet to be seen, however, the immediacy of the situation is being felt as the culture, morale and stamina of some faculty members is being affected.
Guest Speakers at 16th Annual Equity in Action Conference Share Their Stories
Tuesday afternoon, NEIU students were graced by the presence of Rene L. Alvarez, Professor of Educational Inquiry and Curriculum Studies, and Professor Francisco X. Gaytan, of the Sociology Department; the audience sat enraptured in response to the speakers' presentation on the continuous struggle for equitable education in Chicago, as part of the 16th Annual Equity in Action series.
Leading a provocative approach to science and spirituality, Swami Mukundananda, a renowed spiritual teacher and founder of the system of Jagadguru Kripalu Yog from India, held a captive audience during his lecture Wednesday, October 13 in the Golden Eagles room at Northeastern Illinois University.
Professor Ron B. Mace is, without a doubt, one of the greatest professors that Northeastern Illinois University has to offer. Professor Mace has been apart of the NEIU staff for thirteen years, and within that time, he has changed the lives of many students.
Working-class, mystery writer Tim Sheard visited Northeastern Illinois University to share thoughts on publishing and storytelling. Teachers and students enjoyed an evening with him on October 19 in the Golden Eagles room. Timothy Libretti, Professor of English and Women's Studies and also the host of the evening, introduced Sheard to the audience.
State of the University address overshadowed by union bargaining delays
While President Sharon Hahs tried to place a silver lining on NEIU's status in this year's state of the university address, many faculty members continue to express concerns with the lack of progress in union negotiations. The speech, which took place on September 21, began by congratulating various members of the staff as well as several organizations in the school for their contributions to the university in the past year.
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