Officials from the EMU Physical Plant Department released an email to students and faculty on Wednesday reminding the university community of the official severe weather policy. With many of its 20,000 plus students being commuters, the assurance of safe driving conditions is a prominent issue for the EMU community.
The policy states that the university president, in conjunction with the Department of Pubic Safety and the Physical Plant, will make a decision regarding closures when a severe weather situation arises. In the opinion of many, the decision to close the university amidst inclement weather is not made frequently enough.
“They should lower their standards a little bit,” said Matthew Hoover, 23, a Japanese Language and Culture Junior. “Sometimes I can’t get out of my house because we get snow drifts,” he added.
“I commuted from Brownstown last year and there were a couple days that I was in danger driving to school,” said Kate Geary, 23, a Biology and Dance Senior “EMU is a huge commuter school and should consider their students,” she added. Others think that the universities policy is doing just fine.
“I think the university's weather policy is quite good,” said James Stimpson, 28, a Political Science graduate. “If there are any issues, they have predefined times to make decisions, as well as multiple ways to disseminate the information to the university community."
With significant snowfall already this month and a forecast calling for more in the coming days, many students are concerned about the driving conditions already.
“I have a feeling that the weather would have to be much more severe than for normal elementary school closings,” said Hoover. “Colleges seem to have higher requirements in general,” he explained, adding that he has felt pressure in the past to attend class in cases of severe weather.
Students are not the only members of the community affected by severe weather. Many of the faculty and staff also reside in communities outside of the Ypsilanti area.
“The president runs the university, and the public safety people are the closest university equivalent of a road commission,” said James Pinson, 57, a Journalism Professor who drives a little over a half hour to work each day. He adds that they are probably the most qualified people to make the decision.
Pinson agrees that students should not be penalized for missing class during times of inclement weather even if the university remains open. “If the weather was bad on a particular day of my class, I know it and give students who couldn't or were afraid to drive in it an excused absence,” he explains. “Plenty of times I’ve thought the University should’ve cancelled classes and didn’t,” he added.
“No matter how bad the weather was, I've usually tried to make it in,” Pinson explained, “although sometimes I haven't been able to or felt it was unnecessarily dangerous,”
“Do I go to class or do I stay home because I could get in a severe accident?” Hoover ponders aloud, echoing Pinson’s concern. “It has been an issue in the past.”
This raises the point that, regardless of university policy, the students are the ones who decide whether or not having class is plausible. “I’m willing to roll with the punches and deal with a slight decrease in my homework grade if I have to,” said Hoover.
To view the full version of EMU’s severe weather policy, visit emich.edu/univcomm/weatherpolicy.html. To receive text messages regarding weather and other emergencies affecting the EMU community go to emich.edu/alerts. The Department of Public Safety can be reached at emich.edu/publicsafety.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Honoring teaching excellence
During the winter months it’s common to turn to the local television or internet news in order to get information on the latest school closings. Normally these closings are due to inclement weather conditions and things return to normal in a day or two after road crews have had a chance to plow and salt the roads making it safe for busses to travel to and fro.
These days, however, amidst staggering budget deficits and an economic recession that is the worst in many of our lifetimes, these schools aren’t just closing their doors for a snow-day; they are closing them for good. It’s hard not to hear about the latest closure and how it’s going to affect the community. With all of the negativity surrounding the education field, it is especially commendable that some instructors are able to keep a positive attitude and try to make a real difference in students’ lives.
Professor Paul Majeske, of Eastern Michigan University’s College of Technology was recently recognized by the Alumni Association with a very high honor; an Excellence in Teaching Award.
“Several former students got together and submitted the nomination material,” explained Majeske, adding that it felt, “awesome,” to receive such an honor. “I was chosen by students who weren’t solicited,” he exclaimed, adding that, “there have only been a little over 100 of these awards given out in 12 years or so.”
“Originally I didn’t want to go because I was going to have to miss class,” Majeske explained, showing his true commitment to education, “but then I remembered that this is why I do what I do,” he added
The award was presented, along with a commemorative medallion and certificate, at a Saturday breakfast in the EMU Student Center with further ceremonies being held during halftime at the men’s basketball game on February, 4. “It was extremely nice and many people were there. I had my family and close friends sitting with me. I was a little nervous,” Majeske admitted.
Having taught in EMU’s College of Technology for a total of 16 years, Majeske says that his favorite part about the university is its commitment to teaching. “I hope for my students to be better people and to learn,” explains Majeske, adding that his daily approach consists of making sure this happens as a result of his efforts.
Positivity is often hard to find; especially in light of economic trends and the slew of vacant building surrounding our once lucrative towns and cities. Assurance only comes in knowing that certain people are trying to have a positive impact in the world and create a better future for those around them.
“Teaching (at EMU) is the perfect blend of all the interests in my life. I didn’t select it as a career; it selected me,” Majeske explains, laughing that insomnia has been his biggest inspiration.
Asked about the example he hopes to set for his own children, Majeske concludes, “I hope they can also find something they truly love to do, I hope it shows when they see me receive things like this award.”
Nominations for Teaching Excellence Awards are accepted annually with this year’s deadline on March 5. To nominate an instructor or get more information on the award visit http://www.emich.edu/alumni or call the alumni relations office at
(734)487-0250.
These days, however, amidst staggering budget deficits and an economic recession that is the worst in many of our lifetimes, these schools aren’t just closing their doors for a snow-day; they are closing them for good. It’s hard not to hear about the latest closure and how it’s going to affect the community. With all of the negativity surrounding the education field, it is especially commendable that some instructors are able to keep a positive attitude and try to make a real difference in students’ lives.
Professor Paul Majeske, of Eastern Michigan University’s College of Technology was recently recognized by the Alumni Association with a very high honor; an Excellence in Teaching Award.
“Several former students got together and submitted the nomination material,” explained Majeske, adding that it felt, “awesome,” to receive such an honor. “I was chosen by students who weren’t solicited,” he exclaimed, adding that, “there have only been a little over 100 of these awards given out in 12 years or so.”
“Originally I didn’t want to go because I was going to have to miss class,” Majeske explained, showing his true commitment to education, “but then I remembered that this is why I do what I do,” he added
The award was presented, along with a commemorative medallion and certificate, at a Saturday breakfast in the EMU Student Center with further ceremonies being held during halftime at the men’s basketball game on February, 4. “It was extremely nice and many people were there. I had my family and close friends sitting with me. I was a little nervous,” Majeske admitted.
Having taught in EMU’s College of Technology for a total of 16 years, Majeske says that his favorite part about the university is its commitment to teaching. “I hope for my students to be better people and to learn,” explains Majeske, adding that his daily approach consists of making sure this happens as a result of his efforts.
Positivity is often hard to find; especially in light of economic trends and the slew of vacant building surrounding our once lucrative towns and cities. Assurance only comes in knowing that certain people are trying to have a positive impact in the world and create a better future for those around them.
“Teaching (at EMU) is the perfect blend of all the interests in my life. I didn’t select it as a career; it selected me,” Majeske explains, laughing that insomnia has been his biggest inspiration.
Asked about the example he hopes to set for his own children, Majeske concludes, “I hope they can also find something they truly love to do, I hope it shows when they see me receive things like this award.”
Nominations for Teaching Excellence Awards are accepted annually with this year’s deadline on March 5. To nominate an instructor or get more information on the award visit http://www.emich.edu/alumni or call the alumni relations office at
(734)487-0250.
Detroit identity theft case to resume
The hearing of a local identity theft case is set to resume this week after being sent to recess on March 8 by a 35th District judge.
Clifford Thomas, a Detroit man currently incarcerated on an unrelated offense, is charged with 12 counts of using a computer to commit a crime, each carrying a charge between four and five years.
Police arrested Thomas nearly two years ago after Detroit Police Detective Rabson traced the IP address on several phony transactions to 19719 Gilchrist, the Detroit address at which Thomas was admittedly staying at the time of the crimes. The personal information of three individuals was being stored in a shoebox in the basement upon the search of the home. This evidence was, according to Detective Rabson, tagged and retained as evidence.
According to detectives, Thomas claimed that a friend by the name of Kenny was the one collecting individuals’ personal information, admitting that he was only responsible for entering it into the computer. According to the same report, Thomas also admitted to receiving money in exchange for his actions; knowing that the individuals had not willingly surrendered their personal information.
Thomas was not able to give any information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the man he called Kenny, and police were unable to locate him or verify his involvement in the crimes. Shawna Blackman, the owner of the home Thomas was living in, also provided no information.
The individuals whom Thomas is charged with defrauding include Lauren Cogalli, Joseph Campbell, Lois Brown, and Tamara Olson. Each of these individuals had financial documents in their name at the Gilchrist house and claims to have not given Thomas permission to obtain these documents.
The case is set to resume at 8 a.m. March 12 at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in Detroit. Thomas, at the request of his attorney, will be released from incarceration on $10,000 personal bond in order to attend the trial.
Clifford Thomas, a Detroit man currently incarcerated on an unrelated offense, is charged with 12 counts of using a computer to commit a crime, each carrying a charge between four and five years.
Police arrested Thomas nearly two years ago after Detroit Police Detective Rabson traced the IP address on several phony transactions to 19719 Gilchrist, the Detroit address at which Thomas was admittedly staying at the time of the crimes. The personal information of three individuals was being stored in a shoebox in the basement upon the search of the home. This evidence was, according to Detective Rabson, tagged and retained as evidence.
According to detectives, Thomas claimed that a friend by the name of Kenny was the one collecting individuals’ personal information, admitting that he was only responsible for entering it into the computer. According to the same report, Thomas also admitted to receiving money in exchange for his actions; knowing that the individuals had not willingly surrendered their personal information.
Thomas was not able to give any information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the man he called Kenny, and police were unable to locate him or verify his involvement in the crimes. Shawna Blackman, the owner of the home Thomas was living in, also provided no information.
The individuals whom Thomas is charged with defrauding include Lauren Cogalli, Joseph Campbell, Lois Brown, and Tamara Olson. Each of these individuals had financial documents in their name at the Gilchrist house and claims to have not given Thomas permission to obtain these documents.
The case is set to resume at 8 a.m. March 12 at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in Detroit. Thomas, at the request of his attorney, will be released from incarceration on $10,000 personal bond in order to attend the trial.
Board covers 8th Annual Liberty Fest, other calendar issues
The Canton Township Board of Trustees met Tuesday to discuss calendar and budget issues for the upcoming months.
Among the topics discussed was the confirmation of the 8th annual Liberty Festival Parade that is scheduled from 9am-11am on Saturday, June 19, 2010. The board approved the temporary closing of Ford Rd. during these hours along a stretch from Canton Center to Lilley roads. The request came from the Michigan Department of Transportation and was granted via unanimous decision.
Wade Shows has been selected on the basis of a one year contract to provide carnival rides and attractions which have been a part of the weekend long festival since 2007. According to Supervisor LaJoy, a five person panel was formed to score Wade shows and Skerbeck Brothers Inc., which has had the contract for the past two years. “Wade Shows was scored the highest by each independent reviewer, “ said LaJoy, “and we recommend they be offered the contract.”
“This is one of the great ways for us to generate revenue at Liberty Fest,” said Treasurer McLaughlin of the attractions.
Topping the budget was a $73, 480 approval of funds for the township’s IT division. The township will purchase two servers for disaster recovery. “One of the units will be sitting in the library and we will be backing up our system on a daily basis,” said Trustee Anthony. The other will be housed in the Administration Building serving a similar purpose, each acting as a fail-safe for the other.
The Board also granted an additional amount close to $31,000 for the Water Main Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. “Additional costs are mostly for concrete, sod, and other expenses that were difficult to asses with the original estimates,” Director LaJoy explained. “These additional funds still put us below the $500,000 budget we voted on last year,” he added.
Two decisions were made involving environmental waste and energy consumption as well. The township will purchase two solar-powered traffic control arrow boards from a Canton company by the name of Poco Traffic Control Specialists. “It’s nice to see the bid go to a local candidate vender,” said Trustee Anthony. The budget for the two boards, which will replace outdated, diesel run boards, is just under $8,000.
The township will also be purchasing eight self dumping hoppers for the purposes of separating and storing waste material in an effort to make more money selling the scrap. The budget for these hoppers is $6,900.
All issues were decided by unanimous vote with trustee Caccamo absent. The next meeting of the Canton Township Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 7pm in the Administration Building. For more information visit http://www.canton-mi.gov.
Among the topics discussed was the confirmation of the 8th annual Liberty Festival Parade that is scheduled from 9am-11am on Saturday, June 19, 2010. The board approved the temporary closing of Ford Rd. during these hours along a stretch from Canton Center to Lilley roads. The request came from the Michigan Department of Transportation and was granted via unanimous decision.
Wade Shows has been selected on the basis of a one year contract to provide carnival rides and attractions which have been a part of the weekend long festival since 2007. According to Supervisor LaJoy, a five person panel was formed to score Wade shows and Skerbeck Brothers Inc., which has had the contract for the past two years. “Wade Shows was scored the highest by each independent reviewer, “ said LaJoy, “and we recommend they be offered the contract.”
“This is one of the great ways for us to generate revenue at Liberty Fest,” said Treasurer McLaughlin of the attractions.
Topping the budget was a $73, 480 approval of funds for the township’s IT division. The township will purchase two servers for disaster recovery. “One of the units will be sitting in the library and we will be backing up our system on a daily basis,” said Trustee Anthony. The other will be housed in the Administration Building serving a similar purpose, each acting as a fail-safe for the other.
The Board also granted an additional amount close to $31,000 for the Water Main Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. “Additional costs are mostly for concrete, sod, and other expenses that were difficult to asses with the original estimates,” Director LaJoy explained. “These additional funds still put us below the $500,000 budget we voted on last year,” he added.
Two decisions were made involving environmental waste and energy consumption as well. The township will purchase two solar-powered traffic control arrow boards from a Canton company by the name of Poco Traffic Control Specialists. “It’s nice to see the bid go to a local candidate vender,” said Trustee Anthony. The budget for the two boards, which will replace outdated, diesel run boards, is just under $8,000.
The township will also be purchasing eight self dumping hoppers for the purposes of separating and storing waste material in an effort to make more money selling the scrap. The budget for these hoppers is $6,900.
All issues were decided by unanimous vote with trustee Caccamo absent. The next meeting of the Canton Township Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 7pm in the Administration Building. For more information visit http://www.canton-mi.gov.
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