From The Utah Statesman- Sept. 19, 2008
Where were you when the world as we know it was shattered? What were you doing?
I was sitting in my room on Aug. 14, innocently checking my e-mail when I heard the news that “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” wasn’t going to be released Nov. 21.
In an act that can only be described as purely inhumane, the Warner Brother’s stole all hope for this Thanksgiving. After hearing the news, I went through what any normal fanatic would have, Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ “Five Stages of Grief.”
Stage one:
It couldn’t be true. How could it? Who would do such an awful thing? No, it wasn’t true. Harry Potter has never been unfaithful to me, and after 11 years in my life, never once had I been failed by “the boy who lived.”I didn’t know how to deal with it. I crawled into the fetal position and rocked quietly for several minutes, unwilling to admit the all too true reality that had rudely slapped my face.
Stage two: ANGER
Well, reality set in after about two hours, and when it did, I was ticked off. Harry Potter had deceived me. The one true constant in my life had turned his back on me. I ran out of my room, down the hall, out the door and howled into the night.
No, I am not a werewolf, and it was not a full moon, but I woke up the next morning on my floor without a recollection of the evening. I promptly picked myself off of the floor and began to purge my room of any Potter paraphernalia. I ripped my Hogwarts posters off of the wall, took my Hedwig bedspread to the dumpster and took out my emergency supply of Bertie Bott’s Beans and began pelting them from my third story window at innocent passersby. I grabbed my Harry Potter books, including my rare special edition copies, and thought about ripping out their pages.
However, I couldn’t bring myself to destroy the literary wonders that had breathed life into reading for so many people. Instead, I shoved them to the back of the closet, a swift and relieving repremand. That will teach them to mess with me.
Stage three: BARGAINING
After I had settled down, I realized that I really would miss Harry Potter this fall. I got on my knees and began to plead with God to please change Warner Brother’s minds. If he would do this one thing for me I would change my life around. I would eat Wheaties for breakfast instead of Golden Grahams, I would never sleep through a class again, I would stop making fun of the Utah “poof” hair-do, I would even try to become a Republican if it would please him.
Stage four: DEPRESSION
Alas, it was not meant to be, and that hit me pretty hard. How was I going to make it to next July? It seemed as though the world was collapsing in on me.
I spent the next few days in bed, sheets pulled over my head, wondering if life was worth it anymore. I had loved Harry Potter so fiercly, and now that he was gone, I felt so alone. Nothing sounded pleasing to me. My friends tried to lull me out of bed with promises of sushi, angel food cake and lasagna, but I was numb. I had lived vicariously through the magic world, and now that it was gone, I wasn’t sure if I could survive on my own. Could a mere muggle live for herself?
Stage five: ACCEPTANCE. Sort of.
Well, it’s been more than a month, and I have resigned myself to the fact that this Thanksgiving is going to suck rocks. I guess what hurts the most is that all of the Twilight fans still get to have a fantastic fall. Some people have suggested to me that I cross over to the “Twilight” side.
How dare they suggest such blasphemy. My loyalty does not change so easily, and furthermore, where do you “Twilight” fans come off. You haven’t been around as long, and you think that just because you have been to Forks, Washington, and have dreamt of Edward every night for the last three years your movie gets priority over mine? Well it doesn’t.
I still say Harry Potter should be coming out this Thanksgiving and I refuse to become a “Twilight” fan out of convenience.
So there you have it, five stages, but I would have gone through six if it would change the outcome.
Lindsay Anderson is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. She is issuing a reward for anyone who has seen her Hedwig bedspread at the local dump or on Ebay. For questions or comments send them to lindsay.anderson@aggiemail.usu.edu
Sunday, September 21, 2008
USU scientist studies chemicals in Cache Valley air
From The Utah Statesman- Sept. 19, 2008
USU scientist Phil Silva has spent the last four years studying what conditions and chemicals in Utah’s atmosphere cause air pollution and inversions, in particular, the chemistry behind the pollution, and what sources cause particular chemical emissions.
“We live in this small little bowl,” Silva said regarding Cache Valley’s geographical structure. “It’s the combination of having the agricultural emissions with the urban emissions, and then in winter when we get cold temperatures, the inversion has no place to go. It’s like putting a lid on a pot.”
Silva said he started doing sampling in Cache Valley two years ago to figure out what types of particles made up the bad air.
“We did a couple air samplings during the years when we had really bad inversions, 2004 and 2005,” he said. “The major component is a mixture of ammonium nitrate, which comes from the combination of the ammonia in agriculture and nox from vehicles.”
The state government has drawn from Silva’s earlier work in analyzing the air, and have been using it as a baseline for how to address air pollution, Silva said.
“The state of Utah is now been declared a non-attained and over the next couple years the state and the local body here, the Board of Health, have to come up with plans on how to meet the standards in the future,” he said.
The Board of Health regulates air pollution because there are links between poor air quality and poor health affects, Silva said.
“There has been a lot of work done to try to figure out what the health agent, but there is still a lot of debate as to which compound is the culprit. All we know is that there is a statistical correlation between levels of particular matter and observed affects, not just short-term affects, but things like asthma,” he said.
The first step towards better air is to look at the emmissions from vehicles and try to find ways to reduce harmful emissions from them, Silva said.
The agricultural side is harder to figure out how to reduce, he said, because it is more difficult to address.
Silva said he is working with a team of graduate and undergraduate students, who take regular air pollution samplings, as well as samplings at USU’s agricultural facilities, “so that we can study the chemistry of the chemicals out there and try to understand them better.”
Silva said he is has been collaborating with the University of California the last two years to observe this particular research regarding “some other constituents that are not the main pollutants, but from the standpoint of a chemist, are interesting because the chemistry had not been studied very much.”
“Basically we have been trying to understand the chemistry in Cache Valley, we have a pretty good idea of what the important chemical compounds are, and so that gives us an idea of what issues need to be addressed in order to address pollution levels,” he said. “However, we have gone off in this different direction because the question of some of these agricultural emissions have a broader impact, that these might be important compounds to look at.”
Silva, who has now been researching Cache Valley air quality for four years, said he will be continuing his research because, “as is the case with science, as you try to answer questions, you typically come up with more questions.”
USU scientist Phil Silva has spent the last four years studying what conditions and chemicals in Utah’s atmosphere cause air pollution and inversions, in particular, the chemistry behind the pollution, and what sources cause particular chemical emissions.
“We live in this small little bowl,” Silva said regarding Cache Valley’s geographical structure. “It’s the combination of having the agricultural emissions with the urban emissions, and then in winter when we get cold temperatures, the inversion has no place to go. It’s like putting a lid on a pot.”
Silva said he started doing sampling in Cache Valley two years ago to figure out what types of particles made up the bad air.
“We did a couple air samplings during the years when we had really bad inversions, 2004 and 2005,” he said. “The major component is a mixture of ammonium nitrate, which comes from the combination of the ammonia in agriculture and nox from vehicles.”
The state government has drawn from Silva’s earlier work in analyzing the air, and have been using it as a baseline for how to address air pollution, Silva said.
“The state of Utah is now been declared a non-attained and over the next couple years the state and the local body here, the Board of Health, have to come up with plans on how to meet the standards in the future,” he said.
The Board of Health regulates air pollution because there are links between poor air quality and poor health affects, Silva said.
“There has been a lot of work done to try to figure out what the health agent, but there is still a lot of debate as to which compound is the culprit. All we know is that there is a statistical correlation between levels of particular matter and observed affects, not just short-term affects, but things like asthma,” he said.
The first step towards better air is to look at the emmissions from vehicles and try to find ways to reduce harmful emissions from them, Silva said.
The agricultural side is harder to figure out how to reduce, he said, because it is more difficult to address.
Silva said he is working with a team of graduate and undergraduate students, who take regular air pollution samplings, as well as samplings at USU’s agricultural facilities, “so that we can study the chemistry of the chemicals out there and try to understand them better.”
Silva said he is has been collaborating with the University of California the last two years to observe this particular research regarding “some other constituents that are not the main pollutants, but from the standpoint of a chemist, are interesting because the chemistry had not been studied very much.”
“Basically we have been trying to understand the chemistry in Cache Valley, we have a pretty good idea of what the important chemical compounds are, and so that gives us an idea of what issues need to be addressed in order to address pollution levels,” he said. “However, we have gone off in this different direction because the question of some of these agricultural emissions have a broader impact, that these might be important compounds to look at.”
Silva, who has now been researching Cache Valley air quality for four years, said he will be continuing his research because, “as is the case with science, as you try to answer questions, you typically come up with more questions.”
USU celebrates children and families
From The Utah Statesman, Sept. 15, 2008.
The provost’s office sponsored the first Celebration of Children and Families Friday on the Quad, offering 28 different activities at booths run by every college at USU.
Ann Austin, vice provost of faculty development and diversity, was in charge of the event.
“All of the colleges have at least one act, and they were asked to gear their activities toward children from the ages of three on up to 13,” she said.
“Some of the colleges laughed when I told them it had to be geared for three to 13 year olds, and they said, ‘How do we do that?’ But we consulted with them and told them how it could be done, how to take their specialties and take it down to a three year old level.”
USU Dining Services, the USU Bookstore, the Space Dynamics Lab, the football team and the Merrill-Cazier Library also participated in the event.
“The purpose of today is to kick off the Aggie Care Child Care program. The Aggie Care Child Care program is for the USU community, faculty and students. Aggie Care helps parents find child care for their children, according to the age of the child, the proximity of the day care to the parents work, etc.,” Austin said.
“I’ve been here for 27 years and during that time I raised five children, two of which were born after I came to Utah State, and I just realized how important child care is so you can be professional and carry out your tasks.”
Heather Clawson, freshman majoring in early childhood and elementary education, volunteered to work at the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services’ booth, which offered seven activities, including a dice game and sign language instruction.
“It’s fun,” Clawson said. “I like playing with the little kids. They’re really cute.”
Clawson said she felt activities like the celebration were important because “they involve the community, not just the school.”
Austin said USU is a very atypical school because of its large married population, but there aren’t many activities geared toward families.
“I just think that USU has sort of seen ourselves as part of the typical college crowd, rather than different as per our region, when, in fact, by the time the graduating class comes around, about half of the students are married,” Austin said.
Heather Lorimer, USU alumna whose husband works in USU’s IT department, attended the activity with her family, including her 3-year-old son Noah, who said he liked coloring the food guide pyramid and eating grapes at the USU Bookstore’s booth best.
“Our kids love it, our little boy especially. Every time he sees the Utah State banners he does the Utah State chant, and so he was so excited to come up today,” Lorimer said.
Austin said she was pleased with the way the university’s colleges and departments came together to create the afternoon for families.
Human resources moves to a new location
From The Utah Statesman, Sept. 12, 2008
The USU Human Resources Department’s location has changed from the Military Science Building to their own location on the northwest corner of 1200 E. and 700 North.
“We were really lucky in changing locations. A building became available, and Vice President Hunsaker in business and finance, saw the opportunity to put human resources in a place where it would be much more visible physically,” said BrandE Faupell, executive director for USU’s Human Resources Department.
Faupell said the new location is “fantastic” and much more ideal for the work human resources does.
“We’ve been in Military Science Building for as long as I can remember, and I don’t why. But it was a difficult place for us, we were on two floors, essentially separated work space, it was hard to find each other, hard for employees to find us, it was just a very difficult space,” Faupell said.
The main function of the Human Resources Department is to serve faculty and staff who are on contract and benefit eligible, Faupell said.“We touch everything that happens here,” Faupell said.
Human resources provides a variety of functions, Faupell said, including retirement, life, health, and death insurance plans, short and long term disability, compensation plans and adjustment, and EPAF’s (electronic personal action forms).
“We exist to serve the employees here. If they need an assistance with a personal problem, we can help them. We help people get good benefits, we help them get signed up for things, we lead them through some of the complexities of a large bureaucracy. We have a very active wellness program, to keep employees healthy, let them know what their risk factors are, etc. We really do make it a point to serve the employees of Utah State,” she said.
“Space is such a premium, and by allowing us to find a building that was more appropriate for our needs, we really could show the importance of the Human Resources Department to the rest of campus. For us to get this building was just a real coo, and thank goodness Vice President Hunsaker saw that, and the opportunity,” she said.
The USU Human Resources Department’s location has changed from the Military Science Building to their own location on the northwest corner of 1200 E. and 700 North.
“We were really lucky in changing locations. A building became available, and Vice President Hunsaker in business and finance, saw the opportunity to put human resources in a place where it would be much more visible physically,” said BrandE Faupell, executive director for USU’s Human Resources Department.
Faupell said the new location is “fantastic” and much more ideal for the work human resources does.
“We’ve been in Military Science Building for as long as I can remember, and I don’t why. But it was a difficult place for us, we were on two floors, essentially separated work space, it was hard to find each other, hard for employees to find us, it was just a very difficult space,” Faupell said.
The main function of the Human Resources Department is to serve faculty and staff who are on contract and benefit eligible, Faupell said.“We touch everything that happens here,” Faupell said.
Human resources provides a variety of functions, Faupell said, including retirement, life, health, and death insurance plans, short and long term disability, compensation plans and adjustment, and EPAF’s (electronic personal action forms).
“We exist to serve the employees here. If they need an assistance with a personal problem, we can help them. We help people get good benefits, we help them get signed up for things, we lead them through some of the complexities of a large bureaucracy. We have a very active wellness program, to keep employees healthy, let them know what their risk factors are, etc. We really do make it a point to serve the employees of Utah State,” she said.
“Space is such a premium, and by allowing us to find a building that was more appropriate for our needs, we really could show the importance of the Human Resources Department to the rest of campus. For us to get this building was just a real coo, and thank goodness Vice President Hunsaker saw that, and the opportunity,” she said.
COLUMN: Being single is no walk in the park
From The Utah Statesman- Sept. 8, 2008
The first day of classes is always a meat market.
Whether you intend it to be or not, everyone is checking out who the hottest person in the room is. Some people are brave and seat themselves near the most attractive individual, while others prefer to maintain a very casual relationship, better known as the-staring-at-the-person-when-they-aren’t-looking-and-sloppily-catching-the-saliva-as-it-drips-out-of-your-mouth relationship.
Everyone does it, don’t try to hide it. Being single is practically a plague on a college campus. Those of us who are single, whether we want to admit it or not, are stunted by our relationship status.
However, despite what an amusingly pathetic topic admitting that I am single is, there is another topic that I wish to discuss that is related, but not entirely relevant to the single rant I have been pursuing.
To best open the intended discussion, I need to tell you a few of my own personal stories on the subject.
The first time it happened to me was fall of my sophomore year.I sat down in my Media Smarts class and surveyed the room. There were a few eligible bachelors, but I tend to be attracted to personalities as well as looks, so the final candidates were not quite determined.
Finally, the teacher walked into the room, and for starters, was a total babe. It really was a shame he was not younger; he was a brilliantly designed canvas, a male Mona Lisa, sheltered by advanced security systems that made him completely unattainable.
However, despair was not the feeling of the day, because thirty minutes into the class a person I refer to as “Romantic Boy,” opened his mouth. I was caught after the first sentence. He was perfect. Intelligent, confident, cool, well dressed, tall, dark, handsome.... need I say more? I proceeded to keep my eye on this individual for the next few weeks.
Every time he spoke I would write a plethora of notes in my head on ways to captivate his attention. When we were assigned group projects my little heart wished with all its might that the fates would throw us together.
Alas, it was not meant to be, and my hope slowly faded. Well, after a few months I start dating a relation of his and come to find out he was married the entire time.
Next case. It is the next semester in another journalism class, and I keep my eye on a guy all year. I even let myself think he is interested too. I convinced myself that he was going out of his way to take the same routes I did to class, not letting myself admit the very conceivable, and all too real, coincidence that we just happen to be journalism majors who take very similar classes–duh. Well, obviously, he was engaged.
Same semester I develop a crush on another kid, and guess what, wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles–the guy has two kids.
I have a few other stories like this, I seem to be perpetually attracted to the unattainable.
So time marches on, each semester I get closer to graduating, and each semester the percentage of eligible candidates in my classes goes down.
However, never before, until this semester, had it become so apparent that everyone and their dog was taken. I am one of seven individuals in one of my classes who isn’t married, and four of us are girls. The same pattern has repeated itself in most of my classes but it has not yet stopped me from participating in the meat market ritual. Similar to previous years, but more blatantly, I have failed at the first day dating game.
It is so embarrassing to scam on a married person, I cannot even tell you, and I am sure all of the married men on campus, not to mention their wives, are probably sick of me.
Rings are too small. Some people don’t even wear their rings on a consistent basis, and some people wear meaningless rings on their ring finger, when they are perfectly available. Altogether, its a messy tangle of confusion.
So, I have a few very reasonable solutions that are in favor of everyone, the campus singles and all of the happily marrieds. If we could adapt one of these systems on campus it would save us all a lot of trouble.
MARRIAGE SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
What if all of the married people sat to the left side of the room, and the lonely single individuals could sit to the right side of the room? That way we won’t have the awkward run in I typically get when I try to strike up a conversation and realize that not only are you taken and uninterested, but you are practically terrified that I am smiling in your general direction. I apologize for being way too forward, as smiling in general is such an unacceptable attribute.
COLORED NECK HANDKERCHIEFS
All married people could wear bandanas around their necks, cowboy style for men, Parisian for women. Not only is it insanely fashionable-trust me- but instantly noticeable.
FRAMED PHOTOGRAPHS
This one is a personal favorite. Every non-single individual could carry around a framed photograph of their sweetheart. When you get to a class, simply place the photograph in a decorative position on your desk. This is a bonus for everyone. Not only is it an aesthetic bonus to the white walled classrooms we all have to suffer with, but you get the pleasure of gazing upon your true love’s face during the most boring of lectures.
NAME TAGS
This one is for those of us who are single and looking–desperately–no, I am serious, you need to be pretty desperate to go along with this one. What if we all wore name tags? You could get creative, perhaps add your favorite color or movie as a byline to your John Hancock. This way all of us singles can get to know one another in a more organized manner, and everyone else can have a good laugh at our expense.
Well, I have run out of reasonable ideas, but if you have solutions please let me know.
When all else fails, form a support group. We could bond over our sob stories of love lost before we even had it (long before we even knew the person really), eat Doritos and cream puffs, watch tragic movies like my personal favorite, “Becoming Jane,” cry a little, and form lasting friendships.
This situation is very real, if you haven’t experienced it yet, you will, and trust me, when it does happen, you will wish you had taken my advice.
Lindsay Anderson is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. She can be found sitting on the right side of the classroom with her bright green nametag wishing the attractive guy next to her wasn’t married. Questions and comments can be sent to her at lindsay.anderson@aggiemail.usu.edu
The first day of classes is always a meat market.
Whether you intend it to be or not, everyone is checking out who the hottest person in the room is. Some people are brave and seat themselves near the most attractive individual, while others prefer to maintain a very casual relationship, better known as the-staring-at-the-person-when-they-aren’t-looking-and-sloppily-catching-the-saliva-as-it-drips-out-of-your-mouth relationship.
Everyone does it, don’t try to hide it. Being single is practically a plague on a college campus. Those of us who are single, whether we want to admit it or not, are stunted by our relationship status.
However, despite what an amusingly pathetic topic admitting that I am single is, there is another topic that I wish to discuss that is related, but not entirely relevant to the single rant I have been pursuing.
To best open the intended discussion, I need to tell you a few of my own personal stories on the subject.
The first time it happened to me was fall of my sophomore year.I sat down in my Media Smarts class and surveyed the room. There were a few eligible bachelors, but I tend to be attracted to personalities as well as looks, so the final candidates were not quite determined.
Finally, the teacher walked into the room, and for starters, was a total babe. It really was a shame he was not younger; he was a brilliantly designed canvas, a male Mona Lisa, sheltered by advanced security systems that made him completely unattainable.
However, despair was not the feeling of the day, because thirty minutes into the class a person I refer to as “Romantic Boy,” opened his mouth. I was caught after the first sentence. He was perfect. Intelligent, confident, cool, well dressed, tall, dark, handsome.... need I say more? I proceeded to keep my eye on this individual for the next few weeks.
Every time he spoke I would write a plethora of notes in my head on ways to captivate his attention. When we were assigned group projects my little heart wished with all its might that the fates would throw us together.
Alas, it was not meant to be, and my hope slowly faded. Well, after a few months I start dating a relation of his and come to find out he was married the entire time.
Next case. It is the next semester in another journalism class, and I keep my eye on a guy all year. I even let myself think he is interested too. I convinced myself that he was going out of his way to take the same routes I did to class, not letting myself admit the very conceivable, and all too real, coincidence that we just happen to be journalism majors who take very similar classes–duh. Well, obviously, he was engaged.
Same semester I develop a crush on another kid, and guess what, wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles–the guy has two kids.
I have a few other stories like this, I seem to be perpetually attracted to the unattainable.
So time marches on, each semester I get closer to graduating, and each semester the percentage of eligible candidates in my classes goes down.
However, never before, until this semester, had it become so apparent that everyone and their dog was taken. I am one of seven individuals in one of my classes who isn’t married, and four of us are girls. The same pattern has repeated itself in most of my classes but it has not yet stopped me from participating in the meat market ritual. Similar to previous years, but more blatantly, I have failed at the first day dating game.
It is so embarrassing to scam on a married person, I cannot even tell you, and I am sure all of the married men on campus, not to mention their wives, are probably sick of me.
Rings are too small. Some people don’t even wear their rings on a consistent basis, and some people wear meaningless rings on their ring finger, when they are perfectly available. Altogether, its a messy tangle of confusion.
So, I have a few very reasonable solutions that are in favor of everyone, the campus singles and all of the happily marrieds. If we could adapt one of these systems on campus it would save us all a lot of trouble.
MARRIAGE SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
What if all of the married people sat to the left side of the room, and the lonely single individuals could sit to the right side of the room? That way we won’t have the awkward run in I typically get when I try to strike up a conversation and realize that not only are you taken and uninterested, but you are practically terrified that I am smiling in your general direction. I apologize for being way too forward, as smiling in general is such an unacceptable attribute.
COLORED NECK HANDKERCHIEFS
All married people could wear bandanas around their necks, cowboy style for men, Parisian for women. Not only is it insanely fashionable-trust me- but instantly noticeable.
FRAMED PHOTOGRAPHS
This one is a personal favorite. Every non-single individual could carry around a framed photograph of their sweetheart. When you get to a class, simply place the photograph in a decorative position on your desk. This is a bonus for everyone. Not only is it an aesthetic bonus to the white walled classrooms we all have to suffer with, but you get the pleasure of gazing upon your true love’s face during the most boring of lectures.
NAME TAGS
This one is for those of us who are single and looking–desperately–no, I am serious, you need to be pretty desperate to go along with this one. What if we all wore name tags? You could get creative, perhaps add your favorite color or movie as a byline to your John Hancock. This way all of us singles can get to know one another in a more organized manner, and everyone else can have a good laugh at our expense.
Well, I have run out of reasonable ideas, but if you have solutions please let me know.
When all else fails, form a support group. We could bond over our sob stories of love lost before we even had it (long before we even knew the person really), eat Doritos and cream puffs, watch tragic movies like my personal favorite, “Becoming Jane,” cry a little, and form lasting friendships.
This situation is very real, if you haven’t experienced it yet, you will, and trust me, when it does happen, you will wish you had taken my advice.
Lindsay Anderson is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. She can be found sitting on the right side of the classroom with her bright green nametag wishing the attractive guy next to her wasn’t married. Questions and comments can be sent to her at lindsay.anderson@aggiemail.usu.edu
College of HASS gets new dean
From The Utah Statesman- Sept. 8, 2008
“I’m pretty visionary, and very future oriented,” said Yolanda Flores Niemann, the new dean of the College of HASS, about her plans to bring innovative changes to USU.
“I am one of those people who asks why can’t we do that, and why aren’t we doing that, or wouldn’t it be cool if we did ‘x.’ I think that’s one of the strengths that I bring, I look beyond what is, into what could be,” Niemann said.
“I have asked each of the department heads to do a visioning document, that is due by Dec. 1. Part of what they are supposed to tell me in that document is where they think their field is headed in the next five years, and how we can be sure we are headed toward the future and offering the most cutting edge curriculum we can be offering for students.”
Niemann, who proceeds Gary Kiger, former dean of HASS who died in August from brain cancer, said she loves USU, and wants to ensure that students get the best education possible.
“I have been here since mid-June, and, first of all, it’s a beautiful campus. I have visited many campuses, and none are as beautiful as this campus,” she said. “Second, the students are friendly, but more than anything they are talented, and I am impressed.”
Niemann said one of her first goals is to “share the wealth of our student talent.”
“I want to raise money and have funds available to send students to conferences with faculty. Whether they’re social scientists and want to do a paper, or whether they’re theater performance, musical performance or displaying their art somewhere in an exhibit. We need to let the world know about the incredible talent here,” she said.
Niemann also wants to create a scholarship fund for students who want to study abroad, but can’t afford it.
“Every student ought to get the opportunity to study abroad,” Niemann said.
One of Niemann’s plans to increase funding for programs like study abroad scholarships is to connect alumni back to the university.
“I think it’s important to keep our alumni engaged with the university, and I think the alumni welcome the opportunity,” Niemann said.
“Most of us have really warm memories of our undergraduate college years, so one of the things that I am offering this year is a HASS distinguished alumni speakers series, and that is one way of bringing back our alumni, bringing them back to campus and reminding them of what a great place this is, and what the university did for them.”
Niemann said this speaker series will also help students see exactly what they can become and get them thinking about different ways to apply a college education to the career field.
“You never know how your education is going to affect you,” she said.
Niemann said she is very student oriented, and wants to hear from students on ways the College of HASS can better their education.
“Nobody tells it like students. Students are the ones in the trenches experiencing everything,” she said.
“I think it’s very important that I get advice from students, and stay connected with them, so I am starting two advisory groups, a graduate student advisory group that I will meet with twice a semester and an undergraduate student advisory group. I am very excited about having these groups connect with me.”
Niemann said her love for education was nurtured by mentors who helped guide her from an early age, toward higher education and career aspirations.
“Students ought to find somebody with whom they resonate,” Niemann said. “Students should talk with faculty, and ask them for advice. Say these are my goals, how did you do it, and how would you advise me? I think faculty members are very willing and even eager to help students, but sometimes it takes a student’s initiative to say, ‘Can I meet with you and talk with you about this? I recommend that all students to do that.”
When Niemann isn’t in the office, she said she enjoys reading, gardening, golfing with her husband and spending time with her two children, who live in Washington and Texas.“Those are my joys–being with my family, and when we get together with other couples I love to play cards. I could play spades all night. If there is ever a student card tournament, you will probably see me there if I hear about it,” she said.
Niemann got her Ph.D. in psychology, and after graduation stayed on as a professor for four years.“After four years I realized I really needed to get away from the people with whom I trained, and I went to Washington State University and I was there for 12 years in the College of Liberal Arts, and then I came here, so this is the third institution I have worked at,” she said.
Niemann said she is excited to be a part of USU and wants students to know she is “a really good listener.”
“If you think there is something that we can do better in the College of HASS, I would like to know about it,” she said.
Any students who want to get involved or have ideas are welcome to e-mail Niemann at yolanda.fniemann@usu.edu.
“I’m pretty visionary, and very future oriented,” said Yolanda Flores Niemann, the new dean of the College of HASS, about her plans to bring innovative changes to USU.
“I am one of those people who asks why can’t we do that, and why aren’t we doing that, or wouldn’t it be cool if we did ‘x.’ I think that’s one of the strengths that I bring, I look beyond what is, into what could be,” Niemann said.
“I have asked each of the department heads to do a visioning document, that is due by Dec. 1. Part of what they are supposed to tell me in that document is where they think their field is headed in the next five years, and how we can be sure we are headed toward the future and offering the most cutting edge curriculum we can be offering for students.”
Niemann, who proceeds Gary Kiger, former dean of HASS who died in August from brain cancer, said she loves USU, and wants to ensure that students get the best education possible.
“I have been here since mid-June, and, first of all, it’s a beautiful campus. I have visited many campuses, and none are as beautiful as this campus,” she said. “Second, the students are friendly, but more than anything they are talented, and I am impressed.”
Niemann said one of her first goals is to “share the wealth of our student talent.”
“I want to raise money and have funds available to send students to conferences with faculty. Whether they’re social scientists and want to do a paper, or whether they’re theater performance, musical performance or displaying their art somewhere in an exhibit. We need to let the world know about the incredible talent here,” she said.
Niemann also wants to create a scholarship fund for students who want to study abroad, but can’t afford it.
“Every student ought to get the opportunity to study abroad,” Niemann said.
One of Niemann’s plans to increase funding for programs like study abroad scholarships is to connect alumni back to the university.
“I think it’s important to keep our alumni engaged with the university, and I think the alumni welcome the opportunity,” Niemann said.
“Most of us have really warm memories of our undergraduate college years, so one of the things that I am offering this year is a HASS distinguished alumni speakers series, and that is one way of bringing back our alumni, bringing them back to campus and reminding them of what a great place this is, and what the university did for them.”
Niemann said this speaker series will also help students see exactly what they can become and get them thinking about different ways to apply a college education to the career field.
“You never know how your education is going to affect you,” she said.
Niemann said she is very student oriented, and wants to hear from students on ways the College of HASS can better their education.
“Nobody tells it like students. Students are the ones in the trenches experiencing everything,” she said.
“I think it’s very important that I get advice from students, and stay connected with them, so I am starting two advisory groups, a graduate student advisory group that I will meet with twice a semester and an undergraduate student advisory group. I am very excited about having these groups connect with me.”
Niemann said her love for education was nurtured by mentors who helped guide her from an early age, toward higher education and career aspirations.
“Students ought to find somebody with whom they resonate,” Niemann said. “Students should talk with faculty, and ask them for advice. Say these are my goals, how did you do it, and how would you advise me? I think faculty members are very willing and even eager to help students, but sometimes it takes a student’s initiative to say, ‘Can I meet with you and talk with you about this? I recommend that all students to do that.”
When Niemann isn’t in the office, she said she enjoys reading, gardening, golfing with her husband and spending time with her two children, who live in Washington and Texas.“Those are my joys–being with my family, and when we get together with other couples I love to play cards. I could play spades all night. If there is ever a student card tournament, you will probably see me there if I hear about it,” she said.
Niemann got her Ph.D. in psychology, and after graduation stayed on as a professor for four years.“After four years I realized I really needed to get away from the people with whom I trained, and I went to Washington State University and I was there for 12 years in the College of Liberal Arts, and then I came here, so this is the third institution I have worked at,” she said.
Niemann said she is excited to be a part of USU and wants students to know she is “a really good listener.”
“If you think there is something that we can do better in the College of HASS, I would like to know about it,” she said.
Any students who want to get involved or have ideas are welcome to e-mail Niemann at yolanda.fniemann@usu.edu.
Motorcycles lack sufficient parking
From The Utah Statesman- Sept. 5, 2008
Increased use of motorcycles and scooters on campus has led to a shortage of bike parking spaces, said Casey Chappell, a senior majoring in aviation technology, who rides his motorcycle daily to school.
“Utah State doesn’t have very good motorcycle parking,” Chappell said. “Every day they have bad parking problems.”
Jared Turner, senior majoring in aviation maintenance and management, said he also rides his motorcycle to school because “it’s a heck of a lot cheaper.”
Turner said in previous years parking his motorcycle was more convenient.“I used to be able to park right by all the buildings I wanted to go to,” he said, “but not this year, because there are a lot more scooters.”
James Nye, assistant director for USU Parking and Transportation, said they have added 40 motorcycle parking spots this year, in six different parking lots, in response to the increased use of motor bikes on campus, and are also looking into adding more temporary motorcycle parking stalls.
“They have done pretty good with parking in front of the Technology building, they have added a lot, but if you go down to the Natural Resources building, there is no parking,” Turner said. “You have to show up at 7:30 to get a spot.”
Nye said parking is always looking at changing things, particularly with temporary motorcycle parking stalls.
“The hard thing with additional motorcycle parking is that from November to March and April, we need vehicle stalls, so that’s why we do a lot with the temporary stalls, because come November, everyone will say there isn’t enough parking stalls,” Nye said.
In addition to temporary parking solutions, Lisa Leishman, director for USU Parking and Transportation, said parking has allowed USU faculty and staff to put a hologram sticker on their permits, which helps differnetiate between faculty and staff motorcycles and student motorcycles.
“This helps because it takes faculty and staff out of those motorcycle spots, making them available to students,” Leishman said.
While changes have been made, Chappell said he still struggles to find parking spots for his motorcycle.
“If I can’t find a spot I go park at the toaster church, or you can park in the overflow at the stadium and ride the bus up, but it’s really frustrating when I have paid for a pass and there aren’t any spots,” Chappell said.
Leishman said students can park in the stadium in any regular parking space if they have purchased a $20 motorcycle parking pass.
“It’s a big university. We should be able to park on campus or close to campus, we shouldn’t have to waste time finding a parking spot, or riding the shuttles,” Chappell said. “I think if you pay for a parking pass, you should be able to have somewhere to park, and not have to wonder if you have a parking spot for a pass you paid for.”
Leishman said students can talk to anyone at parking if they have questions, or would like to know more about motorcycle parking options. The Parking and Transportation offices are located just north of the Student Wellness Center and share a building with Campus Police.
Increased use of motorcycles and scooters on campus has led to a shortage of bike parking spaces, said Casey Chappell, a senior majoring in aviation technology, who rides his motorcycle daily to school.
“Utah State doesn’t have very good motorcycle parking,” Chappell said. “Every day they have bad parking problems.”
Jared Turner, senior majoring in aviation maintenance and management, said he also rides his motorcycle to school because “it’s a heck of a lot cheaper.”
Turner said in previous years parking his motorcycle was more convenient.“I used to be able to park right by all the buildings I wanted to go to,” he said, “but not this year, because there are a lot more scooters.”
James Nye, assistant director for USU Parking and Transportation, said they have added 40 motorcycle parking spots this year, in six different parking lots, in response to the increased use of motor bikes on campus, and are also looking into adding more temporary motorcycle parking stalls.
“They have done pretty good with parking in front of the Technology building, they have added a lot, but if you go down to the Natural Resources building, there is no parking,” Turner said. “You have to show up at 7:30 to get a spot.”
Nye said parking is always looking at changing things, particularly with temporary motorcycle parking stalls.
“The hard thing with additional motorcycle parking is that from November to March and April, we need vehicle stalls, so that’s why we do a lot with the temporary stalls, because come November, everyone will say there isn’t enough parking stalls,” Nye said.
In addition to temporary parking solutions, Lisa Leishman, director for USU Parking and Transportation, said parking has allowed USU faculty and staff to put a hologram sticker on their permits, which helps differnetiate between faculty and staff motorcycles and student motorcycles.
“This helps because it takes faculty and staff out of those motorcycle spots, making them available to students,” Leishman said.
While changes have been made, Chappell said he still struggles to find parking spots for his motorcycle.
“If I can’t find a spot I go park at the toaster church, or you can park in the overflow at the stadium and ride the bus up, but it’s really frustrating when I have paid for a pass and there aren’t any spots,” Chappell said.
Leishman said students can park in the stadium in any regular parking space if they have purchased a $20 motorcycle parking pass.
“It’s a big university. We should be able to park on campus or close to campus, we shouldn’t have to waste time finding a parking spot, or riding the shuttles,” Chappell said. “I think if you pay for a parking pass, you should be able to have somewhere to park, and not have to wonder if you have a parking spot for a pass you paid for.”
Leishman said students can talk to anyone at parking if they have questions, or would like to know more about motorcycle parking options. The Parking and Transportation offices are located just north of the Student Wellness Center and share a building with Campus Police.
USU Grows Green
from The Utah Statesman- August 29, 2008
USU landscaping has been remodeled to take environmental sustainability into consideration by improving the irrigation systems on campus and replacing existing gardens with alternatives that conserve water, said Heidi Kratsch, assistant professor and extention ornamental horticulture specialist in the department of plants, soils, and climate.
"Right now it is trendy to go green," Kratsch, said, "but I think we on campus have a responsibility to be role models for students and the community and to set an example by creating beautiful, yet water-sustainable landscapes."
Graham Hunter, research associate for the department of plants, soils, and climate said said they are working on multiple projects.
"We have currently installed two landscapes, and have one more that is mostly completed and a fourth that is in the very early stages of development," he said.
All of these gardens have been designed by USU students enrolled in the "Low Water Landscape Design" class, Hunter said.
Natural resource students also participated in the project by creating interpretive theme panels, said Barbara Middleton, senior instructor in the College of Natural Resources.
"The Ag Sci garden is meant to show many different types of native, water-wise plants as examples to the gardener or landscaper, small or large. It is a diverse 'garden of possibilities' that showcases northern and southern Utah natives. So the theme here is helping a person think about the possible diversity from plants (color, height, shape, blooming times, etc.), to hardscaping (rocks, trails, berms, etc.) and even diversity of textures. Every garden has a topic, but most importantly an interpretive theme," Middleton said.
Roger Kjelgren, professor of horticulture, said many native plant gardens have been added to the landscape, that use less water, including one garden on the south side of the Agricultural Science building, which has only been watered once this season.
"By using native plants, we also make the student population and faculty more aware of the environment of the high desert that we live in," Kjelgren said.
Jim Huppi, USU landscape architect and landscape manager, said using a wide variety of plants is also important when planting one of these gardens.
"We don't want to use a certain plant type regularly, we want to use a variety of plant material so there is a diversity here that people can look at," he said.
Kratsch said this project is intended to show "people that they have options. The look of a water-conserving landscape can range from wild or natural, to quite traditional, depending on the plants selected, and how the garden is designed."
Huppi said the new landscapes are "also beneficial for the university, because we are getting a wider variety of plants, so the students studying plants have greater exposure to all the different kinds of plants here on campus."
Kjelgren said sustainability is an important issue in our state, especially water efficiency, because of the desert climate.
"It's the awareness of a place, that we do live in the desert," Kjelgren said. "You don't typically think that, because it is such a beautiful place to live, but as you begin to irrigate, you do realize that our water is limited."
Kjelgren said with Utah's increasing population rate and steady water consumption, sustainability is an important focus.
"There really aren't any new water supplies, so doing a better job with what we have in terms of using the water efficently for what we do have with landscapes, like alternative landscapes that don't use as much water, simply makes a better environment for everyone," he said.
It's not hard to conserve water, Kratsch said, but people need to learn about what works and what doesn't.
"Education is crucial," Kratsch said. "There is a misconception that water-efficient landscapes are either devoid of plants, or are composed mostly of sagebrush and spikey plants. Some people even think they’re conserving water by paving over their yard. Green plants are important because they cool our cities and prevent evaporation of what water we have into the atmosphere, so replacing your lawn with gravel is not being water efficient. Switching to a low water use type of turfgrass, like Tall Fescue or Buffalograss."Water conservation is important for not only present concerns, Middleton said, but should be considered when looking at the long-term environment.
"This is where we live," Middleton said. "We need to take care of our place, not just for this generation, but for many that follow."
Kratsch said students can help by being supportive of the new gardens and sustainability "by getting involved in campus efforts."
"Volunteering time to help with planting, weeding, and other maintenance issues in these gardens is also great. But most of all, learn what you can from the gardens and pass it on. We need everyone to begin to realize that we live in a seasonally dry climate, and we can’t afford to waste our precious water," she said.
USU landscaping has been remodeled to take environmental sustainability into consideration by improving the irrigation systems on campus and replacing existing gardens with alternatives that conserve water, said Heidi Kratsch, assistant professor and extention ornamental horticulture specialist in the department of plants, soils, and climate.
"Right now it is trendy to go green," Kratsch, said, "but I think we on campus have a responsibility to be role models for students and the community and to set an example by creating beautiful, yet water-sustainable landscapes."
Graham Hunter, research associate for the department of plants, soils, and climate said said they are working on multiple projects.
"We have currently installed two landscapes, and have one more that is mostly completed and a fourth that is in the very early stages of development," he said.
All of these gardens have been designed by USU students enrolled in the "Low Water Landscape Design" class, Hunter said.
Natural resource students also participated in the project by creating interpretive theme panels, said Barbara Middleton, senior instructor in the College of Natural Resources.
"The Ag Sci garden is meant to show many different types of native, water-wise plants as examples to the gardener or landscaper, small or large. It is a diverse 'garden of possibilities' that showcases northern and southern Utah natives. So the theme here is helping a person think about the possible diversity from plants (color, height, shape, blooming times, etc.), to hardscaping (rocks, trails, berms, etc.) and even diversity of textures. Every garden has a topic, but most importantly an interpretive theme," Middleton said.
Roger Kjelgren, professor of horticulture, said many native plant gardens have been added to the landscape, that use less water, including one garden on the south side of the Agricultural Science building, which has only been watered once this season.
"By using native plants, we also make the student population and faculty more aware of the environment of the high desert that we live in," Kjelgren said.
Jim Huppi, USU landscape architect and landscape manager, said using a wide variety of plants is also important when planting one of these gardens.
"We don't want to use a certain plant type regularly, we want to use a variety of plant material so there is a diversity here that people can look at," he said.
Kratsch said this project is intended to show "people that they have options. The look of a water-conserving landscape can range from wild or natural, to quite traditional, depending on the plants selected, and how the garden is designed."
Huppi said the new landscapes are "also beneficial for the university, because we are getting a wider variety of plants, so the students studying plants have greater exposure to all the different kinds of plants here on campus."
Kjelgren said sustainability is an important issue in our state, especially water efficiency, because of the desert climate.
"It's the awareness of a place, that we do live in the desert," Kjelgren said. "You don't typically think that, because it is such a beautiful place to live, but as you begin to irrigate, you do realize that our water is limited."
Kjelgren said with Utah's increasing population rate and steady water consumption, sustainability is an important focus.
"There really aren't any new water supplies, so doing a better job with what we have in terms of using the water efficently for what we do have with landscapes, like alternative landscapes that don't use as much water, simply makes a better environment for everyone," he said.
It's not hard to conserve water, Kratsch said, but people need to learn about what works and what doesn't.
"Education is crucial," Kratsch said. "There is a misconception that water-efficient landscapes are either devoid of plants, or are composed mostly of sagebrush and spikey plants. Some people even think they’re conserving water by paving over their yard. Green plants are important because they cool our cities and prevent evaporation of what water we have into the atmosphere, so replacing your lawn with gravel is not being water efficient. Switching to a low water use type of turfgrass, like Tall Fescue or Buffalograss."Water conservation is important for not only present concerns, Middleton said, but should be considered when looking at the long-term environment.
"This is where we live," Middleton said. "We need to take care of our place, not just for this generation, but for many that follow."
Kratsch said students can help by being supportive of the new gardens and sustainability "by getting involved in campus efforts."
"Volunteering time to help with planting, weeding, and other maintenance issues in these gardens is also great. But most of all, learn what you can from the gardens and pass it on. We need everyone to begin to realize that we live in a seasonally dry climate, and we can’t afford to waste our precious water," she said.
USU Prepares for Emergencies
from The Utah Statesman-August 27, 2008
In response to school shootings and other emergencies, USU has implemented a new program called Connect Ed, a mass notification system that sends out electronic emergency information to students, faculty and employees on campus who provide their contact information.
"Connect Ed allows us to send out messages over telephone, cell phone, text messaging, e-mail and TTY in a quick, efficient manner," said Steven Mecham, USU Police Chief and executive director for public safety.
Mecham said last year's tragedy at Virginia Tech really got the ball rolling.
"It changed the world of public safety on campuses," Mecham said. "We want to ensure that everyone on our campus is safe."
Freshmen who took connections, had the opportunity to fill out a form asking for home and cell phone numbers, emergency contact information and e-mail addresses.
Taylor Wells, freshman majoring in chemistry, filled out a Connect Ed form at Connections.
"I think this is a good program," Wells said. "If there is an emergency, then they can contact your family and get them updated as soon as possible."
Mecham said the feedback at Connections was positive.
"Students and parents mentioned they were happy that we were going to have this kind of system in place," he said.
For students who did not attend Connections, this program will soon be available through Access, Mecham said.
"We encourage everyone to get their information in and be a part of that," he said, "and by using Banner (Access), students and employees will be able to edit their information as is necessary."
During last year's ASUSU elections, Grady Brimley, ASUSU president, said he had spoken with students concerning this matter.
"Our campus is very similar to Virginia Tech," Brimley said. "Before Connect Ed we had no way of notifying students. We need a program like this at Utah State because of the recent phenomenon that we have seen in this country of active shooters."
Mecham said active shooting situations are not the only emergency that would warrant utilizing this system.
"There are several different scenarios I could think of that we would use this. If there is a major storm, or we are closing the campus as we did last year with the snow storm, we can get that information out to everyone. Some people weren't notified we had closed the campus and came anyway," he said.
Mecham said some students have expressed worries about giving out their private information.
"Some students have limited text messages and don't want to be receiving a lot of text messages. Your information is completely confidential. It's not going to be used for spam, it will only be for emergencies," he said.
Mecham said the one exception to this will be a test each semester to make sure that the system is working properly, and to ensure that students have the proper information submitted.
"It's a system we hope that we never have to use, but if there is a major incident, then we need to notify the masses as quickly as possible," he said.
In response to school shootings and other emergencies, USU has implemented a new program called Connect Ed, a mass notification system that sends out electronic emergency information to students, faculty and employees on campus who provide their contact information.
"Connect Ed allows us to send out messages over telephone, cell phone, text messaging, e-mail and TTY in a quick, efficient manner," said Steven Mecham, USU Police Chief and executive director for public safety.
Mecham said last year's tragedy at Virginia Tech really got the ball rolling.
"It changed the world of public safety on campuses," Mecham said. "We want to ensure that everyone on our campus is safe."
Freshmen who took connections, had the opportunity to fill out a form asking for home and cell phone numbers, emergency contact information and e-mail addresses.
Taylor Wells, freshman majoring in chemistry, filled out a Connect Ed form at Connections.
"I think this is a good program," Wells said. "If there is an emergency, then they can contact your family and get them updated as soon as possible."
Mecham said the feedback at Connections was positive.
"Students and parents mentioned they were happy that we were going to have this kind of system in place," he said.
For students who did not attend Connections, this program will soon be available through Access, Mecham said.
"We encourage everyone to get their information in and be a part of that," he said, "and by using Banner (Access), students and employees will be able to edit their information as is necessary."
During last year's ASUSU elections, Grady Brimley, ASUSU president, said he had spoken with students concerning this matter.
"Our campus is very similar to Virginia Tech," Brimley said. "Before Connect Ed we had no way of notifying students. We need a program like this at Utah State because of the recent phenomenon that we have seen in this country of active shooters."
Mecham said active shooting situations are not the only emergency that would warrant utilizing this system.
"There are several different scenarios I could think of that we would use this. If there is a major storm, or we are closing the campus as we did last year with the snow storm, we can get that information out to everyone. Some people weren't notified we had closed the campus and came anyway," he said.
Mecham said some students have expressed worries about giving out their private information.
"Some students have limited text messages and don't want to be receiving a lot of text messages. Your information is completely confidential. It's not going to be used for spam, it will only be for emergencies," he said.
Mecham said the one exception to this will be a test each semester to make sure that the system is working properly, and to ensure that students have the proper information submitted.
"It's a system we hope that we never have to use, but if there is a major incident, then we need to notify the masses as quickly as possible," he said.
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