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A step in the right direction

September 5

The expected acceptance to Tufts of 25 Tulane University undergraduates, announced yesterday by President Bacow, is a welcome, commendable, and refreshingly timely show of support to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. However, it is not even a drop in a jumbo-sized bucket in terms of how much more can and must be done by private institutions such as Tufts in the wake of the disaster. The Bush administration's response to the tragedy has been embarrassing. Cuts to FEMA's budget and the cancellation of programs intended to repair the aging levees and rehabilitate the marshes to the south of New Orleans guaranteed that a large hurricane would inflict the kind of damage that it did, and left those in power ill-prepared to respond. Initially, the administration's stance seemed to waver between surprise at the magnitude of the devastation (apparently President Bush doesn't read National Geographic, which a year ago published a fake news article detailing, with frightening accuracy, the effect a major hurricane would have on New Orleans) and disappointment that so many people had not heeded authorities' calls to evacuate (the disappointment was clearly directed at the masses of poor, mostly black New Orleanians who were stranded for days on the streets of the city and in the Superdome). For almost a week, the affected area was not a part of the wealthiest nation on earth, but instead was the planet's newest third world country, and its government was impotent, incompetent, and absent. But incompetence cannot completely be blamed for the gargantuan failure. The President and his Republican-controlled Congress have their priorities, and these dictate that invading a foreign country unprovoked and cutting taxes are more desirable ways of using public funds than feeding the programs that serve as a safety net when disasters occur. In the face of this warped vision of the world, Tufts and other likeminded institutions must band together and provide the services the government should but will not. So this week as the President continues his photo-op tour and Republican Congressmen work to eliminate the estate tax, further undermining the government's ability to protect its citizens, Tufts and its sister institutions must work to pick up the slack. Accepting 25 transfer students is a start. Massive amounts of resources are needed to feed, clothe and house the newly homeless. Tufts should consider instituting a program of matching donations similar to Harvard's. With its wealth of human capital in the field of engineering, Tufts should sponsor trips to the area over breaks to help in the rebuilding of the infrastructure of the Gulf Coast in any way possible. Tufts students did similar work last year in tsunami-affected areas of Southeast Asia. These are only a few ways in which Tufts can bring its resources to bear on the problem of recovering from one of the worst natural disasters in American history. Undoubtedly other opportunities for Tufts to contribute exist, and hopefully will be implemented. In a country run by people whose ideology dictates that government must be shrunk and made incapable of providing services, charity is no longer an option. It is necessary for survival.

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News

In our midst | A ride to remember

September 5

It's late on the rainy night of Sunday, August 14, and senior Priya Sharma has stepped into her off-campus house for the first time in three days. The community health and economics major has been on the go since 6 a.m. Friday morning, when she left Somerville for Pittsfield, Mass. - the starting point of the Mass. Red Ribbon Ride. The Ride, now in its second year, is a weekend-long, 175-mile bike ride put on by organizations which promote HIV/AIDS education and awareness and provide treatment. Sharma spent her summer working with the AIDS Action Committee of Mass to help orchestrate the Ride. The last 72 hours have been the payoff, making sure her pet project runs smoothly. It hasn't been easy. Sharma has gone without a shower for two days, and her clothes are drenched with rain. But the look on Sharma's face isn't one of frustration or disgust. It's one of satisfaction - exhausted, soaking-wet satisfaction. "Without the money these events raise, many of these organizations would have to shut down or cut down on the programs and services they offer to the thousands of people that rely on them," she says. Sharma's not exaggerating: according to HIV Surveillance, a Center for Disease Control and Prevention report, more than 21,000 Mass. residents have HIV/AIDS - only two-thirds of whom are aware that they are infected. Between two and four Mass. residents are infected with HIV daily, and people aged 13 to 24 make up a disproportionately large portion of the newly-infected population. With these statistics driving her, Sharma's commitment to public health remains unshakeable - even when she can count the hours of sleep she's gotten over the past three nights on one hand. "I've always been interested in health and social justice," says the Washington, D.C. native. "I actually started off pre-med but got sick of science and decided to try public health. I'm still dealing with the same issues, just looking at it from a different perspective - a much more interesting perspective, in my opinion!" In her time at Tufts, Sharma has made it her mission to broaden her own perspective - as well as others' - on HIV/AIDS. She is a member of Tufts HIV/AIDS Collaborative (THAC), and she spent last summer at the Institute for National Public Health in Cuernava, Mexico, where she researched "donor funding to developing nations to support their AIDS programs," she says. She presented her findings last fall at the AIDS Cocktail, an event sponsored by THAC. Sharma's AIDS-related activities this summer were less theoretical. "It's a tough sell to try and get someone to raise money and train for a 175-mile bike ride!" laughs Sharma. When she initially decided to work with AIDS Action over the summer, Sharma thought she'd be involved in research and education efforts rather than fundraising ones. "This is definitely not what I had planned when I decided to work at AIDS Action," she says. But Sharma's not complaining. "I learned a lot about putting on an event like this, a useful skill which I'm sure will come in handy," she says. "I also learned how important fundraising events like these are to organizations like AIDS Action." Sharma adds that she "did ultimately enjoy every minute" of her time working with the organization. "I loved the people that I was working with: the staff, the volunteers, the interns," she says. "And," she adds, "the riders, who were some of the most inspirational and dedicated people that I have ever worked with." Riders didn't have to be Lance Armstrong in order to participate. Two-day riders mixed in those doing shorter distances -- including 75 miles on the first day or 50 or 100 miles on the second day. "Virtual riders" could also participate this year. "They didn't have to train and ride, but they agreed to raise a certain amount of funds," Sharma says. Sharma estimates the Ride brought in between $200,000 and $300,000 for AIDS Action and 11 other organizations. She describes her whole internship experience as "amazing and rewarding," but for Sharma, one moment in particular stands out. "Seeing the riders ride out the first morning was probably the most rewarding experience," she says. "That first ride out brought tears to my eyes - not only seeing my three months of hard work come to life, but also to see all these people dedicated to the same cause that I was coming together."

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News

Inside the NL | Wild card race may come down to the wire for league

September 5

Take a look at the National League wild card standings, and you'll likely note a few interesting phenomena. You'll see five teams all within three games of one another, four of which represent the NL East. Also, you might notice that not a single team has made a big push for the "pennant," as each has fared no better than 6-4 in its last ten contests. So, which of the five major wild card contenders will emerge from the pack? Let's break it down. Philadelphia Phillies: Right now amidst a pivotal series with the Houston Astros, the Phillies' only series remaining against a team under .500 comes later this month in a three-game set on the road against the Cincinnati Reds. Other than that, it's contender after contender this month for Philadelphia, although this is a recurring theme for all the wild card combatants. The fact that Brett Myers has been the team's most reliable starter all year long is some cause for concern, but as long as Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell, and Ryan Howard (Jim Thome, who?) keep swinging the bats, the Phillies will have a shot. And there's always that Wagner guy at the back of the pen. Billy is coming off an August in which he gave up zero runs and three hits while racking up seven saves and one win in 10.2 innings of work. Florida Marlins: The offense in Florida hasn't been anything to write home about, especially in August, when the team averaged fewer than four runs per game. With Juan Encarnacion and Jeff Conine the only regulars posting an average above .290 for the month, Florida isn't winning anything at the plate. But when you pitch like the Marlins, who posted a 3.70 team ERA last month, anything is possible. Dontrelle Willis and A.J. Burnett led the way in August, each posting 4-2 records with 1.06 and 2.32 ERAs, respectively. The Marlins run into trouble with the schedule gods, however. With only nine home games and 17 on the road, Florida faces an uphill battle against wild card rivals Philadelphia, Houston, the Washington Nationals, New York Mets, and the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves. Houston Astros: As the only non-NL East team fighting for a wild card spot, Houston, unlike Florida, has scheduling working in its favor. With multiple series against the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs along with one series at the Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston has far and away the softest schedule of the wild card contenders. Offensively, the Astros were nearly as anemic as the Marlins in August, with only Morgan Ensberg and Jason Lane providing any kind of productivity. But with ageless aces Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte (2-2, 1.70 ERA; 4-2, 2.25 ERA respectively, in August), keeping them in games, nobody is counting Houston out. Washington Nationals: With Jose Vidro banged up, and already severely lacking offensive production, the Nationals' "feel-good" story of 2005 might not have a magical ending. The July addition of outfielder Preston Wilson helped, but he, along with Nick Johnson and Jose Guillen, will need to step up in September, especially if Vidro is still sidelined. If the Nats can stay out of trouble in their next three match-ups with the Marlins, Braves, and Mets, relief is in sight - in the form of struggling NL West opponents: the somehow-division-leading San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants. If Washington can take advantage of lesser competition when possible and fight hard against contenders, anything can happen. New York Mets: Coming off a big offensive August, led by David Wright, who batted .378 with six home runs and 27 RBI for the month, the Metropolitans will be nothing if not exciting this month. If Cliff Floyd and Ramon Castro can keep up their solid production, and if Carlos Beltran has a September reminiscent of his 2004 October, the Mets will turn some heads in the NL. The biggest question mark could be our old friend Pedro Martinez, who is 1-3 in his last six outings and is coming off his worst month of the season. The Mets, like the other NL East contenders, have their work cut out for them in the schedule department, but if they stay within even two games going into the final weekend, a season-ending series with Colorado could help elevate New York into the playoffs. The Verdict: There is certainly no lack of talent in the NL wild card race, but it might all come down to the schedule. While the NL East contenders are beating up on one another, look for the Houston Astros to feast on lesser opposition and emerge from the pack as the winner of the National League wild card berth.

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News

Restaurant Review | Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drink

September 5

These days, Kenmore Square seems to be all things to all people. On any given night, sweatshirt-clad BU students mingle freely with stumbling Red Sox fans and high-heeled partiers. It was with this mixture in mind that Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks opened its doors this summer. Luckily for this newcomer, it's not in danger of getting lost in the crowd. Situated next to the entrance of the Hotel Commonwealth, the restaurant is impossible to overlook. Most obvious is its massive red awning, visible from hundreds of yards in either direction. The awning isn't purely form -- beneath the behemoth canvas sits perhaps the hippest sidewalk patio in central Boston. The interior of the restaurant is as visually stunning as its exterior. Dominated on the left by an enormous oak bar with 30 foot high mirrors and columns and sporting absurdly high ceilings, stylish fans, and a wide staircase that leads to the hotel and bathrooms, the dining room feels like the movie set of a 1920s nightclub: in other words, ultra cool. As such, many people will quickly recognized Eastern Standard as one of the coolest places in the city to sip on a gin and tonic, either at the bar or on the patio. Despite its location in the heart of provincial Boston, the place stays packed from early dinnertime until midnight most nights, as Kenmore's various inhabitants wander in and out. Fittingly for a restaurant of such hipness, the owners have a story unto themselves. Teamed with conventional owner-type Garrett Harker, proprietor of No.9 Park and B&G Oysters, is the much less conventional general manager, Gwen Butler. The story of Eastern Standard's inception is almost as breathtaking as its decorating scheme. While bartending one day in 2000 at the Federalist, the restaurant inside the Hotel XV Beacon, Butler struck up a conversation with a foreigner, telling him of her dreams to run a restaurant. The man, who turned out to be a Swiss investment banker, promptly gave her the biggest tip in bartending history: $2.5 million, to do just that. The food, unfortunately, does not quite live up to the rest of the restaurant's aspirations. Befitting the restaurant's "everything for everyone" attitude, Chef Jamie Bissonnette's menu is as diverse as they come. Appetizers range from typical restaurant fare (think salads), to salt-cod fritters, roast bone marrow, and the truly unusual Offal (assorted animal brains and innards). The clear winner among the appetizers is the full raw bar, from which $2-a-piece clams were a solid choice. Entr?©?? were more standard and less interesting. The burgers were good (but at $12 they'd better be outstanding), as were the steak frites. The lamb shank was a definite winner, as was the spaghetti carbonara. The fish, however, disappointed. Both the salmon with mashed potatoes and the gray sole with couscous were a bit bland, and the side dishes too heavily spiced. Sandwiches, meant for the patio, are good but not great. Likewise, dessert options, beyond being limited, are good but not great; among them, the Boston cream pie and chocolate mousse are clearly the best. Not quite a bistro and not just an eatery, Eastern Standard defies simple labeling. Although the food leaves something to be desired, the restaurant is definitely a great place to have drinks, either with friends or a date. Although a little bit pricey, it could be a perfect pre- or post-Sox game treat. And who knows, maybe Ms. Butler will feel the need to pass on her good fortune.

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News

DTD houses grad students

September 5

As a result of the disciplinary violations by the Tufts chapter of the Delta Tau Delta (DTD) fraternity last spring, the fraternity's former house at 98 Professors Row will be used this year to house graduate students. There are currently eight graduate students and one transfer student renting rooms in the house, which has sixteen rooms available. The chapter was already on social probation when, on Feb. 26, then-freshman DTD pledge Ian McPherran collapsed and stopped breathing after he had been drinking at a pledge event. The chapter later admitted to providing alcohol to minors, using alcohol in pledge activities, hazing, violating their probationary status, and violating membership eligibility requirements. The University then closed the chapter for a year, with a one year probationary period after that. The chapter's charter was revoked by the national DTD organization, however so after this year the house will not return to use by DTD. The house is privately owned by the House Corporation of the Beta Mu Chapter of Delta Tau Delta, which is operated by DTD alumni. "Since there will be no undergraduate members of the fraternity living there for some time, Tufts administration has assisted the House Corporation in considering alternatives for residency," Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Todd Sullivan said. Steve Chandler, a representative of the House Corporation, worked with the University and independent contractors to refurbish the house and advertise it as student housing. All of the rooms in the house are being rented as singles at the standard Tufts graduate student housing rate of $3,360 for a two-room suite and $2,970 for a single. This rate includes the period of winter break. According to Chandler, approximately $60,000 was put into the house over the summer, $45,000 more than is usually spent on maintaining the house. Most of the alumni at the House Corporation, "agree that it is unfortunate that we have a break in our 116 years at Tufts University," Chandler said. Under the rules of the national DTD organization, the Tufts chapter can eventually reform. The fraternity must first form a colony, defined by DTD as "a group of 20 or more men working together as Delts to establish the functions of a chapter." Chandler said they hope to form a colony within three years. A colony must operate for a minimum of ten months before it is eligible for chapter status. Not until a colony has been a chapter for two years can it move into its own facility. According to Chandler, the House Corporation will maintain 98 Professors Row for graduate students "until such time as we have an active chapter." The last president of the Tufts chapter of DTD, senior Noah Ornstein, is still upset at the disciplinary process that led to the closure of DTD. "Only in academia could such a...kangaroo court of a system be allowed to exist," he said. The Chi Alpha chapter of the Chi Omega sorority was also involved in the events that led to the closure of DTD. In a press release from the Office of Community Relations, Chi Omega admitted to "participating in the hazing of Delta Tau Delta fraternity pledges." The sorority house will remain open but social events will be prohibited and there will be no pledge class this year.

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News

Tufts accepts Tulane students

September 5

This fall dozens of Tulane University students will be attending Tufts, as part of the University's response to the devastation caused by last week's Hurricane Katrina. Tulane was forced to close at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, as the hurricane was nearing the city. It will remain closed for at least this semester. The decision to accept Tulane students followed advice from American Council on Education President David Ward to offer assistance to "peer schools" with similar academic profiles. The University will not be accepting students from Loyola University New Orleans or any other school that were forced to close. A University press release last Friday said at least 25 Tulane students would be admitted, but according to Dean of Students Bruce Reitman, over 100 Tulane students had contacted the Office of Admissions as of Sunday evening. Tulane students must contact the University by Sept. 9. According to the press release, decisions on acceptance will be made on an individual basis. Reitman said the criteria for acceptance will likely be more conducive to underclassmen. Upperclassmen from Tulane may not be able to fit into the small, upper-level courses they need to take to graduate. "Smaller seminars can't be expanded so Tufts may not be able to meet the needs of [Tulane] upperclassmen," Reitman said. Freshmen and sophomores from Tulane would be easier to accommodate because they would likely enroll in introductory courses, many of which were already expanded to accommodate a large freshman class. According to Reitman, the University will try not to exclude Tufts students from courses in order to accommodate Tulane students. The University does not intend to add any new classes that fit in with the Tulane curriculum but not with the Tufts one. "They have to fit into our schedules," he said. According to Associate Director of Public Relations Kim Thurler, any Tulane students that enroll will be given "guest student" status. Guest students will not be matriculated, in the hope that they can eventually return to Tulane, but they will be given all the other benefits of Tufts students. Tufts will only collect fees for Tulane students if their tuition balances are due. According to Dean for Undergraduate Education James Glaser, no decision has yet been made to hire additional faculty to meet the demands of the added Tulane students. The added expenses of taking on more students than expected this semester may affect other areas of the budget, however. "It is possible that [existing programs at Tufts] may have to be cut into," Reitman said. In the Friday press release, University President Lawrence Bacow called for Tufts students to volunteer to "double or triple up" in their on-campus housing to accommodate Tulane students. Guest students living on campus will be charged for room and board, which is approximately $1,000 more expensive at Tufts than at Tulane. According to Director of Residential Life and Learning Yolanda King, 14 Tufts students had offered to host a student from Tulane as of Monday morning. Reitman also said many members of the community around Tufts have called to volunteer to host Tulane students. "And they may not charge for board," he said. King said University administrators will meet today to discuss and formalize the Tulane transfer student plan and other aspects of Tufts' response to the hurricane. Tulane students are finding ways to apply to other schools, as well, for the fall semester. "The students are pretty resilient," American Council of Education Director of Public Affairs Tim McDonough said. "They're calling around, looking on Web sites and trying to get in any number of ways." McDonough said 100 Tulane students arrived at the University of Miami admissions office, asking to be given admission for the fall. Tulane sophomore A.J. Katz, who will be taking courses at Columbia University, had to find a school for the fall without the help of a home administration or admissions office. "Tulane admissions is non-existent now, so lots of schools seem to be offering space independently," he said. Katz said he had been originally informed of the possibility of attending a different school this fall by letters posted by Tulane President Scott Cowen on the school's Web site. According to McDonough, most other schools that are accepting students from Tulane and other schools in the hurricane-stricken areas are offering students the chance to enroll on a visiting or provisional basis without requesting tuition payments. Two schools in the Boston area are Harvard University and Boston University. A letter on Harvard's Web site from President Larry Summers announced that Harvard will accept 25 undergraduates from schools affected by Hurricane Katrina for the fall semester, as well as 25 law students from Tulane and Loyola University New Orleans. These students will not be charged additional tuition. Harvard will offer financial assistance toward the hurricane relief effort, Summers said. His letter said Harvard will match donations of up to $100 by students, faculty and staff to specified organizations. The admissions department at Boston University has accepted 51 undergraduates as visiting students, without charge, as well as some graduate students. According to Associate Director of the University Service Center Shelley Tregor, Boston University cannot offer housing to any visiting students, but it does not expect to deny enrollment to anyone.See Thursday's Daily for extended coverage of the University's response to Hurricane Katrina.

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News

Inside the AL | Playoff races heating up

September 5

With fall just around the corner, the playoff races are heating up in the American League and a number of teams have a legitimate shot at winning the pennant. The AL East has gone according to plan. The Baltimore Orioles predictably faded, leaving the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees to compete for the top spot (surprise!). Boston and New York, however, are seriously weakened by injuries, so much that they are no longer clear favorites to make it to the World Series. The West has also been predictable. The Oakland A's have made their usual late-season surge, and Billy Beane looks like a genius once again. A number of new young studs like pitcher Danny Haren, closer Huston Street, and first baseman Dan Johnson have helped propel the A's to the top of the division. They will certainly be a team to watch down the stretch. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have also met high expectations and are neck and neck with Oakland. This Angels team has far more potential than last year's squad because of its strong starting pitching. Bartolo Colon, Jarrod Washburn, John Lackey, and Paul Byrd all have ERAs under 4.00, and young phenom Ervin Santana has also shown flashes of brilliance. The biggest surprise thus far in the American League is the Central division. People in Chicago thought this might finally be the year they could crown a champion -but most expected it to be the Cubs. Yet the Chicago White Sox (83-51) hold the best record in the American League. An improved pitching staff and an excellent defense have provided the foundations for the Chi Sox's strong showing. Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, and Freddy Garcia have all had very solid seasons. The bullpen has also been an integral cog to Chicago's success as Neal Cotts, Bobby Jenks, Damaso Marte, Cliff Politte, and Dustin Hermanson all have ERAs of 3.00 or lower. But the White Sox shouldn't be awarded the pennant just yet. They have been coming down to earth lately, and their record outside of the central division is mediocre. Jon Garland's low strikeout rate seems to finally be catching up with him (4.78 ERA in August), and it remains to be seen how speedy outfielder Scott Posednik will come back from his groin problems. And though their bullpen is excellent, some of the pitchers (Dustin Hermanson in particular), simply cannot go on having great success with such mediocre peripheral statistics. Hermanson is striking out only 5.11 batters per nine innings (compared with over seven a year ago). His low ERA (1.64) combined with those types of numbers mean he's getting lucky. "Inside the AL" predicts that Hermanson will cause a collapse for the Sox in the postseason. The other major surprise in the central division has been the play of the Cleveland Indians. The young Indians are just a half-game out of the Wild Card race. Designated hitter Travis Hafner has carried the Cleveland lineup and has proven to be a masher in the last two years, with OPS stats of .993 and .984. The fact that the Texas Rangers traded him to Cleveland for catcher Einar Diaz could eventually go down as one of the most lopsided trades in baseball history. Centerfielder Grady Sizemore and catcher Victor Martinez are both outstanding young players who could be all-stars in future years. Yet the unsung hero of the Indians is their 23 year-old shortstop Jhonny Peralta. In 405 at-bats, Peralta has 20 home runs and an .877 OPS. His defense has also been outstanding, and although Alex Rodriguez may run away with the award, Peralta must be considered one of the top choices for Most Valuable Player this season. The Tribe also has a nice core of starting pitchers. Kevin Millwood, Cliff Lee, and C.C. Sabathia have all put together good seasons. Cleveland, much like Chicago, has received great bullpen production from lesser-known players like Bobby Howry, Scott Sauerbeck, Bob Wickman, and others. Relief pitchers tend to be very volatile from year to year, and it looks like the White Sox and Indians have hit the jackpot. But the big question as October rolls around is whether these two teams will be able to parlay that fortune into a World Series Championship.

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News

High textbook prices a headache for profs, students

September 5

Students like freshman Jeremy Price - who pays for his own textbooks - are feeling the pinch of high textbook prices. He's not the only one. A study from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found the prices of twice the rate of inflation, tripling in cost since 1986. The Boston Herald reported students spend an average of $898 per year on textbooks. "[Booksellers] are making money off of students, who are already paying crazy college tuitions, doing work study and scraping by just to stay in school," Price said. "It's not like jacking up prices of expensive cars that rich people buy _ it's college students." But according to the GAO report, Price's ire is misdirected. Increased prices are caused not by university bookstores, but by textbook publishers, who often package their books with multiple supplements that can sharply drive up cost, such as accompanying CD-ROMs, answer keys and study guides. Frequent revisions of textbooks also drive up prices. According to the GAO study, new editions are released on an average of every three years, often with the only changes being in layout. Russian Professor David Sloane has had difficulty with new editions. When a new edition proved impossible to use in a class he was teaching and the older version was no longer for sale, Sloane illegally copied the older version - at a cost of approximately $500 to himself - to distribute to his class. Sloane also bought the newer edition, which cost $120, back from students who had thrown away their receipts. "I shot a big wad, but it worked," Sloane said. "For me, it was more important that the class went right." Sophomore Dana Peterson, a pre-med student who is paying for her own textbooks, has her own solution to the problems raised by new editions. "This semester, what I decided to do is use the old editions and just update page numbers from the library," she said. "All they do is change the layout, or the orders of the chapters; it's never new information. It's worth the extra $150 to me not to buy a new book." The Tufts bookstore has been working to prevent new editions of textbooks from unnecessarily taking the place of old ones. "We seek out the professors that are changing the editions and tell them that the students have this book in their hands, and if you change the edition, it's going to take half the money away from the students," Tufts Bookstore Manager Ron Gill said. The Tufts bookstore has made efforts to offset the higher prices set by the publishers, Gill said. Since he became manager in 2001, the bookstore has increased buyback options from less than $10,000 to over $300,000. Last year alone the value of books bought back increased 75 percent, Gill said. In order for the bookstore's used-book business to succeed, professors must submit their reading lists for the next semester well in advance. If the bookstore knows a professor will be re-using the same text, it will buy back the text at half-price from the students, and sell it again the next semester at three-quarters of the original price. The bookstore partnered with the Student Center in an effort to encourage more teachers to submit lists of textbooks. The buyback growth "is directly attributable to the student center and our partnering with the professors and the department chairs," Gill said. "It really has been a marriage." Although the number of professors delivering their lists on time has increased, according to Gill, many lists are still not in by the due date. Sometimes the lists are not available when classes begin. Many professors, however, find the deadlines to be unreasonable. For example, in order to be able to buy back books from students to be used in the spring semester, the course reading lists must be submitted to the bookstore by Oct. 15 of the fall semester - and Sloane said faculty members are often too busy to plan that far ahead. "Faculty members are thinking, 'What am I going to do tomorrow in class? What am I going to do next week?,' rather than 'What am I going to do five or six months ahead?'" he said. Philosophy Professor Nancy Bauer agreed. "The reason we don't submit [the reading lists on time] is not because we are insensitive to the students' concerns, but because we genuinely haven't had the time," she said. It is the students, however, who suffer the burden when professors don't deliver their lists in on time. "Until the book has been confirmed by the professor that they're going to use it [next semester], [the bookstore] will give you, like, $3," Peterson said. "I couldn't sell my drama book because the professor hadn't decided what he was going to use yet." Gill acknowledges that there are places to buy books at lower costs than the bookstore, but said that frequently, not enough cheap copies are available for an entire class. "If a professor has a class of 60 students and someone finds a book on Amazon.com for $20 but there's only two copies, it doesn't benefit [the class]," he said. Gill's point is proven by a quick search online. A used copy of "The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the Sun," a textbook used in the Astronomy 10 class at Tufts, sells at the campus bookstore for $45. At Amazon.com, it sells new for only $37.80, but as of Sept. 2, only two copies were left in stock. At BarnesandNoble.com, used copies sold as low as $28.33, but only four copies were available. Another option for professors is using course readers from Gnomon Copy, which consist of separate articles or chapters chosen by professors. Bauer, who uses course readers, does so in an effort to save students money. "If I'm going to have students read at least a third of the material, I'll assign the book, but if it's just an article or chapter, I usually use a course reader," she said. "I ask students to tell me if the cost of a book is prohibitive, and if it is, I try to figure out another way to make that reading available to them." Students often prefer cheap course readers to $130 textbooks. "My community health reader was $35 or 40, and it was all articles that [the professor] wanted," Peterson said. "It was far more helpful than textbooks that I barely use." However useful course readers are textbooks from the university bookstore are still far more prevalent. And although Gill acknowledges that the Tufts bookstore is a for-profit enterprise, he says it is still interested in the needs of students. "It's not the bookstore's fault that the prices are so high, but collectively, we can do something to reduce them," he said.

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News

Fall Movie Preview

September 5

College is all about finding your niche, and as the new semester begins, scads of incoming freshmen will begin the quest to find their place in the social scene here on the Hill. It's a mortifying rite of passage, but these flailing fledglings can take comfort in the fact that they're not the only ones looking to find the right clique. At the same time, the movie industry is bracing itself for the awkward gap between the summer blockbuster season and the end-of-year Oscar rush. With the uncertainty of a freshman entering a frat party, anxious production companies release films hoping to score a genre gem instead of falling into the no man's land of forgettable miscellany. At Tufts, we have the frat guys and the engineers, the drama majors and the international students. And like these generalizations and labels we so quickly employ, this fall's movies can also be sorted into broad categories. First, there are the summer leftovers. These are the films whose flashy special effects and scintillating action sequences are meant to satisfy those for whom "Stealth" just didn't cut it. Then again, Jodie Foster's return to big-budget films might not either; her breathy performance in the airline melodrama, "Flightplan" (Sept. 23), is shaping up to be a mediocre copy of August's "Red Eye." And considering that Book Four was the beginning of a two-novel backslide for J.K. Rowling, only time will tell if "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (Nov. 18) will break the PG-13 boundary with its dignity intact. Action die-hards, however, will surely find more mature fare in "Domino" (Oct. 14), the based-on-a-true-story tale of model-turned-bounty hunter Domino Harvey (budding actress Keira Knightley). The semi-autobiographical "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" (Nov. 11) has rapping sensation Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson playing opposite rising superstar Terrence Howard. We saw in this summer's "Hustle & Flow" that Howard can rap, but it remains to be seen if Jackson can act. Next come the horror flicks, those shock-effect extremists who arrive just in time to coincide with trick-or-treating. When Halloween rolls around, slasher fans usually rejoice, but "Evil Dead" loyalists will face a more intellectually stimulating selection this year. "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" (Sept. 9) kicks things off by probing into the well-traveled territory of theology and the occult, but in a spine-tingling true-story context. Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride" (Sept. 23) will resurrect Burton's flair for clever stop-motion animation, and his fifth collaboration with leading voice Johnny Depp could redeem them for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Finally, "Stay" (Oct. 21) rounds out the bewitching hour with Ewan McGregor, Ryan Gosling, and Naomi Watts melding their talents in a psychological mind-bender that is, oddly enough, scripted by the same writer that crafted "Troy." Like campus politicians, Oscar hopefuls begin to emerge later in the season with a subdued style that focuses more on acting and less on plot. Cameron Crowe's "Elizabethtown" (Oct. 14) features the director's signature insight into the human psyche, but leading couple Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst will likely be too hit-or-miss to live up to the film. Jake Gyllenhaal poses a triple threat with the star-studded "Proof" (Sept. 16), a controversial take on cowboy drama in "Brokeback Mountain" (Dec. 9), and a leading role in "Jarhead." Though it's set during the Desert Storm, this is no Tom Hanks war epic; with "American Beauty" director Sam Mendes at the helm, "Jarhead" is a gritty, stylistic film undercut by Mendes's trademark irony. "Capote" (Sept. 30), a look at the intersection of life and art of famed author Truman Capote, stands to recapture the genius of last year's "Ray," but the biopic that will surely steal the limelight is Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Johnny Cash in "Walk the Line" (Nov. 18). Charlize Theron goes for her second little golden statue with the her turn as a modern-day women's rights crusader along with Frances McDormand and Sissy Spacek in "North Country" (Oct. 14). "The White Countess" (Nov. 23) and "Pride and Prejudice" (Nov. 18) hope to capture the Academy's attention by duking it out for best period piece. Ralph Fiennes comes off a compelling performance in August's "The Constant Gardener," so his portrayal of an American diplomat to Shanghai in "Countess" will likely trump the umpteenth remake of the Jane Austen's nineteenth century novel. Of course, there are always the dark horse fringe-hangers who fit in with no one, but capture everyone's attention. The ensemble cast of "Rent" (Nov. 11) will shatter its chance at an Oscar, but in an era when Broadway remakes tend towards the archaic and nostalgic, this hip film will finally make musicals cool. "The Libertine" (Sept. 16) has received virtually no publicity, but the pairing of onscreen oddities Johnny Depp and John Malkovich in colonial England should create a buzz. And, finally, "Ice Harvest" (Nov. 23) features another promising duo; John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton team up in a dark mob comedy, though their collaboration may be the film's only redeeming quality.

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News

Orientation week begins with matriculation

August 30

The new undergraduate Arts, Sciences and Engineering class arriving on the Medford campus today will begin a week-long orientation program. Scheduled events range from panel discussions with Tufts faculty members, a performance by the band "Harry and the Potters," and a class of 2009 spelling bee.

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News

Arts Briefs

August 30

Tufts a cappella groups start the year off rightThose just arriving at Tufts will probably notice that a capella is less a style of music and more a way of life on campus. According to Alicia Harvie of Shir Appeal, Tufts' co-ed Jewish a capella group, the school has become a hotbed of a capella due to the "inspiration and support the many eclectic groups give each other." These groups range from Essence, an all-female group specializing in the music of the African Diaspora, to groups who put their own a capella spin on today's popular songs, like the Beelzebubs, Jackson Jills, Amalgamates, and sQ! During Orientation, students have several opportunities to catch all these diverse groups together. The annual "O-Show" will feature all of Tufts a capella groups performing together in Goddard Chapel on Monday with shows at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Along with the O-Show, many of the a capella groups will be performing at Hillel's Bagel Brunch on Sunday at 11 a.m. The best part of these two shows is that they're completely free. So take advantage of your chance to see all Tufts a cappella scene has to offer, without even having to open your wallet.Bringing Hogwarts to Tufts If you've finished reading "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" this summer, you probably have your own theories and predictions for the seventh and final book. Luckily for you, the Harry Potter Discussion Group, run by three alums of the Harry Potter Explorations class, meets Saturday after registration is complete, and will give all Potter fans an opportunity to discuss their favorite wizard. The discussion is will be held in the Crane Room and will be followed with a performance by Harry and the Potters in the Alumnae Lounge. Led by Tufts alum Paul DeGeorge and his brother Joe, the Potters have gained national attention with their wizard-themed rock and matching Hogwarts uniforms.Torn Ticket II: For us, by usStudents are the literal heart and soul of Torn Ticket II, the University's only theater group devoted entirely to musicals. Every show is student-directed and produced, with Jumbos also handling everything from light operation to marketing. Every semester, members of the group vote on the major and minor production to be staged. The group's first presentation of the semester will be their Orientation show, "The Music of Avenue Q," directed by senior Maureen Donohue. "It will be a presentation of the songs of the Broadway show 'Avenue Q,' an irreverent comedy that uses puppets similar to those of 'Sesame Street,'" Donohue said. The show will be held in the Balch Arena Theater on Sunday at 9 p.m. and Monday at 8 p.m.Comedian alum to perform in Oxfam CafeEvan Wecksell ('01) never thought that he would become a songwriter and comedian. Yet this Jumbo alumnus returns to his alma mater as just that. Wecksell said he discovered his penchant for comedy during an unusual class presentation, for which he received superb feedback. He decided to continue developing the craft and took a stand-up course in New York, where he gained experience writing and developing routines. In New York, Wecksell worked and joked with some of the city's best comedians, earning their praise and recognition on a national level. He has been compared to Adam Sandler and superstars Jim Carrey and Stephen Lynch, among others. Wecksell's routine is both funny and truthful, but always with the audience in the center. "I'm a big Bon Jovi fan," Wecksell said. "He knows how to connect with an audience and hold their attention. That's what I try to do with my comedy ... the audience is the only true indicator of whether I'm going in the right direction." Wecksell performs at the Oxfam Cafe located in the back of Miller Hall, on Friday at 10 p.m. The show is free.

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News

No theme, no boundaries for the Class of '09

August 30

In the past, the Orientation Welcome Celebrations have been swathed with uplifting-yet-cheesy themes, such as last year's "All Paths Lead to Tufts." This year, however, the festivities in the Gantcher Family Sports and Convocation Center will lack a theme, choosing instead to focus on the Class of 2009. This was a laudable decision from the Orientation coordinators, as any additional hype is superfluous at an event such as this. A theme like last year's bordered on silly and redundant. Shouldn't all paths lead through Tufts - instead of ending at it - if what matters is that we utilize the strong educations we are provided with, and learn how to work with our peers in order to reach our potentials? Taking the simplistic approach and focusing purely on the students - not proclaiming Tufts as the be all, end all institution - makes more sense, as they are at the crux of the University's mission. The drive then continues in the direction of the students, and away from a hollow celebration. The task now is to continue with the energy of orientation and let it stimulate and create an environment where such a diverse and intelligent community can flourish. A new class that has received so much praise brings not just talent, but responsibility. It has become a clich?© ? on the hill that every new class is better than the previous. In addition to the anecdotal evidence of adversities overcome, achievements crowned, and oceans crossed on the way to Tufts, the statistics don't lie. With a record-setting class, Tufts has the obligation to establish such an environment. President Lawrence Bacow has said repeatedly that he wishes to increase the value of a Tufts degree. The only way to do this is through continual evaluation of the University's programs, values, and standards. As Tufts' Vision Statement says, "Our programs will be those that meet our own high standards, that augment each other, and that are worthy of the respect of our students and of scholars, educators, and the larger community." Raising the premium on a Tufts education is a daunting task, and made even more so by the breadth of the community. Everybody who will arrive in the upcoming weeks will have a different agenda for their remaining time at Tufts. The counter starts as soon as one clicks the key into their first residence hall. A better education translates to not simply an increase in academic rigor, but also to a more invigorating atmosphere for extra-curricular lessons. The usual talk about the strength and diversity of this class can be celebrated in no better way than a dynamic heterogeneous education, which lasts the duration. And this is at the fore of the students' presence on campus. Just as with the non-theme for orientation, Tufts should continue to scrap the public relations and save the excessive pomp and circumstance for Commencement.

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News

Sick of the storm

August 30

Back in April, New York Times op-ed writer Paul Krugman attacked the popular notion that American universities are nests of liberals that continually reinforce a system of liberal teachings, pushing out and vilifying all-conservative political thought. Krugman shrewdly observed that the claims of liberal bias almost always focus on the humanities and social sciences, where judgments about what constitutes good scholarship can seem subjective to an outsider. But he points to studies that find registered Republicans in the minority at elite universities and shows that Republicans are almost as rare in hard sciences like physics and in engineering departments as in softer fields. The reason he suggests for this skewed statistic? Today's Republican Party - increasingly dominated by people who believe truth should be determined by revelation, not research - doesn't respect science or scholarship in general. Therefore, he concludes, it shouldn't be surprising that scholars have returned the favor by losing respect for the Republican Party. Tufts is certainly one place in which Krugman's theory pans out. Though the university touts itself as a diverse community where all viewpoints are respected equally, ask any member of the Tufts Republicans or The Primary Source staff if they feel that is the case and you are likely to get a cynical retort. It is not really the fault of the school administration. They select students of a certain academic profile, and I do not recall my political leanings ever being called into question in the application process. If you buy into Krugman's view, it is not the administration's fault at all: the university system is inherently structured to favor liberals, just like conservatives outnumber liberals in the military by a wide margin. But Republicans are indeed marginalized and ostracized on campus, a fact which was never more apparent than during the road to the election last year. As a moderate, I believe that they certainly have valid opinions and the right to be heard, and that their sympathies should not be held against them as people. Moreover, and particularly at Tufts, they are not all dimwitted, moralistic Bible-bangers and military junkies. But there is stark difference between expressing a political opinion, or even a politicized socioeconomic evaluation, and evaluating scientific data based on one's political values. The recent burst of vitriol over the topic of evolution in the classroom and the ever present debate on global warming are the poster children for conservative thinkers attempting to put a political stamp on purely scientific issues. This is not to say that all science is completely impartial. But if research were conducted purely to produce false data to support some vast conspiracy, as some Republican congressman have suggested regarding global warming, the whole scientific establishment would quickly collapse for lack of productivity. As a Floridian, I can provide evidence that strongly indicates the reality of global warming: on Aug. 24, 1992 Miami was devastated by a powerful hurricane named Andrew. Note the date and the fact that, given the name, Andrew was the first storm of the season. It was also notable because it was the first storm of its power to strike Florida in nearly 30 years, and the third category five storm in history, to that point, to strike the U.S. east coast. Thirteen years later, nearly to the day, Miami was again impacted, this time by Hurricane Katrina, the 11th storm of the season. Katrina is the 7th hurricane to impact Florida in only the past two years, many of which have been categories four or five, including Katrina itself as it smashed into Louisiana. You can guess why these storms have become more frequent, and worse, more powerful. Rather than take steps to combat global warming, which would admittedly have a high economic cost, Republicans would rather debate endlessly whether the phenomenon even exists in the first place. It is not a question of having one's opinions accepted; it is a matter of one's opinion being discredited by hard facts. But the modern Republicans, or at least the segment of the party currently in fashion with the executive administration, seem to believe that belief and conviction can trump facts. Krugman is right on point when he says that this, more than anything else, explains why a liberal bias dominates universities. So before we jump into yet another academic year of debate in our school press between the huge left and the tiny right, remember why the dialogue at Tufts, or any other university, seems so one-sided. You can believe all you want that things in Iraq are going well and that temperatures around the earth are just in the midst of an abnormal but natural spike, but no strength of conviction can change the facts. And I for one am sick of the constant tropical storms back home and this awful war overseas. The sooner the Republicans take a more pragmatic approach and let their otherwise valid opinions be supported by objective facts, the sooner you will see ideological balance return to our institutions of higher learning, and perhaps even some logic in our foreign and environmental policy.Carlson is a senior majoring in International Relations and Biotechnology.

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News

Jumbo arts is here for the taking (or making)

August 30

Take a look at your Orientation guide and you'll notice that Tufts is crazy for the arts: this week you'll see a capella concerts, super-abridged Shakespeare, and musical theater, but the Tufts arts scene doesn't end there. The school that gave you Peter Gallagher and Tracy Chapman also has clubs where future Sylvia Plaths and Mikhail Baryshnikovs can get their starts. If you're looking to get inspired (or catch a glimpse of rising stars at work), read on and find your niche.

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News

New IT chief to bridge schools and departments

August 30

After what Executive Vice President Steve Manos called a "long and extensive search," the University has hired Amelia "Mely" Tynan as its new Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. Tynan comes to Tufts from the University of Rochester, where she served as the Vice Provost and Chief Information Officer since 1999. She previously was the Vice Provost for Information Technology (IT) at the University of Arizona. Tynan fills the job held by Bruce Metz. Upon Tynan's arrival on Sept. 12, Rich Papazian, who has been serving as acting Executive Director of Computing Services, will return to his role as Director of Administrative Computing. In addition to overseeing Tufts Computing and Communications Services (TCCS), Tynan will also serve as co-chair of the IT Council (ITC), a group of ten representatives from the University's different schools and central administration. According to the two current co-chairs of the ITC, the coordination of different visions for IT is essential to maximizing the benefits from technology. "Technology evolves so quickly, especially in higher education," Papazian said. "The new CIO will be involved in the ITC and will utilize TCCS to set the strategic direction for IT." Mary Lee, the other co-chair of the ITC, said IT plays an important role in coordinating the University's various schools. "What is key for the IT Council is to understand the strategic plan at every level," she said. "What's critical is the coordination of school IT and central IT." At Rochester, Tynan consolidated six separate IT units into a central Information Technology Services Center. Tynan wants to implement similar collaborations across schools and disciplines at Tufts. "Light speed communications are instrumental in teaching and research, and can blur boundaries between groups, disciplines, and geography," she said. "A good CIO brings people together and defines a shared agenda for what everyone needs. How to mobilize and rally people together on getting things done is what I plan to work on." With Tynan's hiring, Lee wants to enhance the use of IT in three key areas: information management, high speed computing, and collaborative tools. "We're really poised to jump into these areas," she said. Papazian also mentioned the collaboration across different areas of the University. "The new VP for IT will likely be involved in new strategic plans for different schools," he said. "Mely is heavily qualified." Tynan is still tying up loose ends at Rochester, but when she arrives at Tufts, she will survey how her collaboration strategies can be implemented. "As a new CIO, the new vision of IT is never viewed in a vacuum," she said. "As I get to know the campus and visit deans, I'll get a better sense of the University's strategic vision."

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News

Freshmen athletes should make conscious effort to branch out

August 30

As swarms of freshmen descend on campus this week, each will face the same challenge of transitioning to college life. Among the various feats of adjusting to dorm life, dining hall food, rigorous academics, and life away from home is: social networking. The difficult and sometimes awkward task of making friends with complete strangers is often one of the toughest challenges freshmen encounter. For freshmen fall athletes, however, the bonding and friendships automatically created from being part of a team can make social networking easier -- but it also poses challenges of its own. The first upperclassmen freshmen fall athletes encounter are their new teammates on the practice fields. Throughout the rigorous double practice sessions on the field and team bonding off it, freshmen can very quickly develop strong relationships with their teammates. "Being on a team as a freshman introduced me to a whole new group of people in a short time," senior women's soccer tri-captain Sarah Callaghan said. "It was good to be able to come into a situation where I could bond with the upperclassmen and have an automatic group of friends within the team. I would encourage students to just try out for a team even they are not sure they will make it just to have the opportunity to meet so many people." Befriending and networking with upperclassmen -- one of the most useful tools for incoming first-years -- is where freshmen athletes have a unique advantage. Upperclassmen are able to give invaluable advice to first-year students when it comes to adapting to college. Playing on the field with their older peers for three months during the season allows freshmen to bond with the upperclassmen and become that much more connected to the entire campus life. "I thought it was great to meet upperclassmen and become friends with them as a freshman," senior field hockey defender Erika Goodwin said. "They were able to give me tips on what classes to take, what professors to avoid, and what was happening on campus and it made my transition [to college] easier." Being a freshman athlete can also be a double-edged sword when it comes to networking, however. According to athletes, the toughest challenge is meeting people outside of their teams and taking advantage of the other social aspects of campus life that the University provides. Finding the median between athletics and life outside of athletics can be difficult at first. Senior tri-captain Todd Gilbert's experience as a freshman soccer player trying to branch out was challenging. "It's great to have a close group of friends right away and then see them every day, but I found it hard to meet people outside of the team," Gilbert said. "[It was] tough to branch out as a freshman, especially in the fall when I was in season. It was very frustrating at first, but once the season ended, I was able to meet a lot of new people outside the team. I guess you just have to be patient." According to Goodwin and Callaghan, making an effort to balance their lives as athletes and their lives outside their teams helped them gain a broader perspective of college life. "When I wasn't busy with practices and team activities, I was able to meet a lot of new people that lived in my dorm and through my classes," Goodwin said. "There is definitely a trade-off with playing a sport, and it's hard sometimes but I managed to have my in-season friends and my out-of-season friends," Callaghan added. "Some of my closest friends don't play sports, and I think that is true with many athletes here." Many athletes said they find it difficult to balance sports with a social life while in season. Between practices, team meetings, games, and academics there is little free time. "My best advice would be to develop good habits as quickly as possible," Gilbert said. "Sports can be exhausting but can also help you get into an organized routine and be an anchor in your life." "I was exhausted in between double-sessions when everyone was going out and partying the first week of school," Goodwin added. "It can be overwhelming but manageable and I think it's important to have priorities. There is plenty of time in the off-season and throughout your four years to party and socialize."

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News

Sternberg takes over the reins at Arts and Sciences

August 30

Former Yale University psychology professor Robert Sternberg became the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences on Aug. 15. Sternberg replaced Susan Ernst, who stepped down at the end of last school year to concentrate on teaching and research in the biology department.

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News

Five things to love about the NESCAC

August 30

It's not exactly the Southeast Conference (SEC). Bowdoin, Trinity, Tufts, and company aren't quite Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida. Still, the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), which claims 11 of the best schools in the country, including Tufts isn't too shabby. In fact, when you combine athletics and academics, the NESCAC is the best Division III athletic conference in the nation. And only the D-I Ivy League - you know, second-tier schools like Harvard and Cornell that we all could have gotten into if we had wanted to - boasts a better academic reputation. "I like the NESCAC because of the type of player we have, who is so good academically and also so athletic and competitive when they step on the field," Women's soccer coach Martha Whiting said. Indeed, there's plenty to appreciate about the NESCAC, especially if you take pleasure in the following five absurdities: 1. The mascots. How weird are the mascots in the athletic conference we call home? In addition to the Jumbos, the Continentals (Hamilton), Bantams (Trinity), Lord Jeffs (Amherst), and Ephs (Williams, where the mascot is a Purple Cow) are involved in the quirky mascot insanity that we all love. Rule of thumb: if you don't know what war the Continentals fought in, maybe you shouldn't be at Tufts; if you know what Bantams and Lord Jeffs are, maybe you actually could have gone to Harvard. In addition, is it possible to dream up a less intimidating name than the Connecticut College Camels? (Let the "Hey, at least they won't get dehydrated during games" jokes commence.) Yes, actually, it is. The White Mules of Colby have long been striking fear deep into the heart of NESCAC opponents. At least they're not the Rented Mules. Overall, NESCAC mascots are great. None are named for Indian tribes our ancestors destroyed the same way Trinity destroys everyone in squash. And most Tufts students agree that out of all the wacky NESCAC talismans, Jumbo is the most fun. Especially those Tufts students who have drunkenly mounted Jumbo outside Barnum Hall for a 2 a.m. facebook.com picture. 2. No one cheats. No jock classes, no special tutors, no blind eye from admissions. No one cheats. Except Williams. At least that is what athletes and coaches from other schools grumble from time to time. There is no evidence, however, to suggest that Williams doesn't play it by the book. What's not debatable is the school's success: Williams has won seven consecutive Div. III Directors Cups, given annually to the best collegiate athletic program. (Middlebury and Amherst were also in the top ten.) Of course, why shouldn't Williams be the one dominating the league? It's not as if Tufts has 2,000 more students than any other NESCAC school plus Boston as a recruiting draw. 3. The "guaranteed win" team. Every conference has one. In most sports, Connecticut College claims that title, although Hamilton gives the Camels a run for their money in football and baseball. The Continentals' athletic Web site states that the baseball team "enjoyed one of the finest seasons in the 121-year history of the program with 11 wins." It doesn't mention that they lost 22. Additionally, no matter how bad Tufts' football team is, we always have a good chance to beat Bowdoin and master Bates. That alone should be reason enough to love the NESCAC. 4. The traditions. The NESCAC was founded in 1971, and the Camels were allowed to enter in 1982, after 11 years of wandering in the desert. But most of the rivalries and traditions go back more than a century. Williams' and Amherst's football teams will meet in "The Biggest Little Game in America" for the 118th time this year, while the Bowdoin-Bates-Colby pigskin rivalry is nearly as old. At Middlebury, for over 40 years, students-athletes have volunteered to drive a local man with cerebral palsy to football and basketball games. At Tufts, we argue with Rutgers about who had the first football game - we played Harvard back in 1875. And if you want to see the real "athletic" tradition on the Hill, wait until reading period. 5. Your school colors are now brown and blue. Hopefully you're not immediately regretting your decision to go here instead of somewhere with a simple red-and-white or navy-and-gold scheme. Hey, be proud and rock the clashing colors - your school excels at random sports that don't traditionally attract many fans, such as sailing, Men's cross country, women's tennis, and women's fencing. Volleyball and Men's lacrosse, however, are also on the way up, and both basketball teams have had their moments. Usually, students go to games for the same reason they go to a Tufts Dance Collective performance or a play: to see their friends. Sports Information Director Paul Sweeney said he estimates that slightly less than 20 percent of Jumbos play a Varsity sport. There are exceptions: when the Women's soccer team hosted the 2000 NCAA Final Four, athletic director Bill Gehling estimated that 3,000 fans looked on and cheered. Students pack the gym whenever one of the basketball teams makes the NESCAC playoffs. And homecoming is homecoming - our morning to tailgate like we go to Ohio State. But for the most part, Tufts is a school - and the NESCAC is a league - where athletics affect you in less profound ways, like when your roommate can't go out with you Friday night because he has 6:30 a.m. off-season lifting the next morning. That's one of the sacrifices a NESCAC athlete has to make. "We don't give them scholarships; they play because they love the game," Whiting said. "You can tell when you watch them play - they play for pure enjoyment and with pure passion."

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News

Gilliam's fairytale fractured beyond repair

August 30

The summer season draws to a close this week, much to the chagrin of students and moviegoers alike. As flip-flops and sunglasses give way to sweaters and scarves, arty Academy favorites are ready to chase popcorn blockbusters from the screens. And like any beach blanket partier, the film industry is still looking to go out with a bang.

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News

Student-athletes face balancing act between sports, academics, social life

August 30

It's a Wednesday in October, and sophomore Stephanie Viola has already had two classes: a cardio workout, a weight lifting session, and a two-hour volleyball practice. And it's only 10:30 in the morning. There are around 800 Tufts students playing on Varsity sports teams, and - as the NCAA's advertising campaign slogan states - almost all of them will be going pro in something other than sports. Because of this, Tufts' student-athletes must balance a schedule of classes, study time, practices, road trips, workouts, and managing the demands of academics, athletics, and social life. This essential time management poses a challenge for Jumbos on and off the field. Juggling busy schedules is especially challenging for incoming freshmen, who must deal with the demands of athletics on top of the usual transition to life on campus. Even registering for classes, which can be an intimidating and confusing process for first-year students, is more difficult for athletes working around practice schedules. "Time is a huge issue when you play sports in college," Viola said. "I can't have any classes between 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. because that's taken up by volleyball. Playing sports definitely adds an entirely different aspect to your freshman year." Field hockey coach Tina McDavitt holds individual meetings with incoming freshman to try to help them adjust to all aspects of college life. "I encourage them to talk to upperclassmen who've been there before," McDavitt said. "It's about finding that balance with your time, and getting used to having so much freedom. You have to decide whether to go take a nap or go to the library, and at a school like Tufts, you really need to be going to the library." With conflicting academic and athletic schedules, finding time for socializing can be difficult. "Socialization is hard since you have games and practices all week and tournaments on weekends," Viola said. "While other freshmen are having fun and meeting people, you're in a van driving to Maine." But the sophomore commented on the role of the team in creating a social network for first-year athletes. "The team becomes a really close-knit group of friends since you spend so much time together," she said. "It definitely helps you bond and feel more welcome at school." The competitive academic atmosphere at Tufts also presents a challenge to coaches and admissions officers throughout the recruitment process. Coaches face high admissions standards in recruiting high school athletes, knowing that their future star shortstop may compete with some of the nation's brightest students for a spot in the incoming freshman class. McDavitt said she acknowledges the challenges in finding high school athletes that meet both the academic standards of admission for Tufts and the needs of her program, one that is quickly on the rise across the NESCAC and the New England region. "I think it's definitely challenging," she said. "Tufts has established a reputation as a school, and it's getting better and better every year. We're looking for the perfect package - great athletes who were also the top of their class coming out of high school - and that's hard to find." But McDavitt said she relies heavily on the selling points Tufts has to offer incoming freshman during the recruitment process. "Academics are a huge sell, as is the location," she said. "But it's really the people - the student body as a whole - that are great. There's something interesting and cool about everyone you meet, and [recruits] can come and take a tour and meet the girls on the team and get a really good feel for the school. That's the part of recruiting that's easy." Both athletes and coaches point to the balance between athletics and all other aspects of college life that exist at Tufts. "I love volleyball, but I didn't want it to control my life," said Viola, who chose Tufts over Div. I schools Lafayette, Lehigh, and Colgate. "I knew volleyball would be a full-time job for me at other schools; here we're playing because we're passionate about the sport, and I love it more than ever."

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