Archives

News

Take Your Professor to Lunch Week brings student and faculty together

February 5

Cristelle Baskins went to Dewick for the first time this week. The Art History professor was invited to lunch by one of her freshman students during the University's official "Take Your Professor to Lunch Week." "No student has been brave enough to ask me out before," Baskins said. "This is quite nice." "It is difficult to get to know the students in big classes, especially for freshmen who don't usually get the opportunity to meet with professors from such large classes." The event was planned by Dean of the College Charles Inouye so students could get to know their professors outside the classroom environment. The Task Force on the Undergraduate Experience, of which Inouye is a member, mentioned in its interim report that it would like to see student-faculty relations improve. Using money from the Spirit Fund, the University compensates students for their lunch and that of the professor they invite. The money in the Spirit Fund is intended for both students and professors to initiate events with each other in more personal learning surroundings. The fund is open at all times during the school year, but Inouye decided to formalize the event so that students would be more likely to overcome the bashfulness some students may feel about asking a professor to lunch on their own. He also plans on making the week a recurring event. Inouye believes that there are several advantages for students who become familiar with professors. "Tufts faculty is unique in that they are both scholars and teachers," he said. Since Tufts is both a liberal arts institution and research university, Inouye hopes that students are able to connect with professors during this week and broaden their learning experience at Tufts. Inouye also feels that this opportunity will allow students to form relationships that could prove beneficial when applying for graduate schools or other job opportunities. Freshman Meg Simpson feels she has not become close enough to a professor to ask one out. "As a freshman it is sort of unnecessary," says Simpson. "I don't want to feel like a suck-up, come eat lunch with me and give me a good grade." However, she does see that later on _ once she has picked a major _ spending time with an advisor or professor within her major could be valuable. One freshman, Amaya Wilhelm, hopes to find out more about her major and possibly select an advisor over lunch. "This is not an intimidating environment to get to know your professor," Wilhelm said. Junior Gerrett Hansen, an economics major, plans to take advantage of the opportunity to take out a professor from the economics department. Hansen feels there is nothing to feel uncomfortable about. "Professors are here to help and give you more personal attention," he said. The spirit fund has also helped to sponsor similar events in the past, such as "Take Your Professor to Coffee Week" in 1997. Students and professors received a free cup of coffee at Brown and Brew if they came together.

---

News

Democracy and its applications and interpretations

February 5

With a group of 26 students from different nationalities, ethnicity, and socio-economical and cultural backgrounds, it is only natural to anticipate diverse opinions and emphasis on issues with regards to those differences. Even between students from the same university, the Tufts Institute for Leadership and International Perspective (TILIP) class of 2002-2003 has witnessed great discrepancies in terms of ideas and preferences. However, while underlining the diversity within the group, it is equally important to call attention to the fact that it is precisely this diversity that has pushed the group forward and made it possible for any advancement in discussions and achievements. An after-lunch discussion I had with two Tufts students and a Peking University student on the TILIP program revolved around the meaning of democracy and its application to different situations with special attention to the American, Chinese and Hong Kong context. There were primarily two major perspectives _ one of which held that true democracy only comes with formalized institutions such as elections and accountability systems. In contrast, the other sees that democracy may well be achieved even in the absence of formal institutions and that informal channels can be employed to realize real democracy. It was a very heated discussion that sparked off emotions, which makes the debate even more engaging and provoking. By putting the argumentation into our very own social and cultural contexts, the deliberations were eventually of personal significance. The ones who believed in the centrality of elections in the realization of democracy would not settle for any "second-best" means such as public scrutiny. They were of the opinion that elections are the best manifestations of the essence of democracy _ rule by people since representation made possible interest aggregation and articulation. The US of course is a handy example in which democracy depends heavily on the proper functioning of election systems in presidential, congressional and local leader selection. This group felt that institutions like media watch or public scrutiny were merely supplementary devices and could not have replaced elections in the proper achievement of democracy. Some of us believe that democracy can only be manifested in elections while others feel that democracy can also be realized through other means such as media scrutiny and informal representation. This group thought that informal channels aforementioned were equally capable of achieving democracy and therefore, elections, as central and essential as they may seem, are not a necessary element in the assessment. Rather, seeing democratic governments as governing bodies that respond to people's needs and demands, they felt that as long as self-restraint is exercised, self-initiated and non-codified accountability can still make a government democratic even though elections may not even be present. They cited examples from China and Hong Kong, in which election systems are either absent or very far from means of attaining fair-representation. As you might have noticed by now, the crux of the matter is whether democracy describes a situation in which leaders are chosen through formal means or whether it describes a situation in which the government is genuinely accountable and responsive to its people. During the discussion, I was of the latter opinion. Yet, as I now view the issue from a certain distance; I would say that the final answer probably lies somewhere in between. I am still of the opinion that regardless of what institutional arrangements are in place, the spirit of democracy lies in the eventual accountability and responsiveness of the government. The arrangement in which the leader is chosen may not be as much of an issue here. However, as known to men, elections seem to be one of the best ways of keeping leaders in line with respect to the inherent inadequacies in human nature such as tendency to be selfish instead of self-less. In that sense, elections may well be the best generalized solution available. Of course, with attention to different political cultures and circumstances, I still feel that even though elections ought to be in place, it is vital to adopt different modes and pace of election-related reform. Hence, the truth may lie somewhere out there within this context. Ivy Chan is a student at Hong Kong University majoring in Government and Laws.

---

News

US is not quite a model democracy after all

February 5

When I talk to people about my opposition to a war in Iraq, the conversation too often leads them to make a statement about Saddam Hussein himself, that madman whose actions and intentions can not be known or anticipated. I hate to personalize the issue so. Frankly, like most of us I do not know much about his psychopathology, nor am I particularly interested in it. (Nor am I moved by President Bush's own Oedipal dilemma.) As much as I would like to see the ousting of all autocrats who abuse their power to serve the interests of themselves and the privileged elite that coheres around them, and the resumption of a truly rational and democratic government in their place, this is really outside my power. Though as a citizen of the world it is my concern, not my responsibility to prevent dictatorships in other nations (except in the most abstract sense, perhaps). What I can and must do, however, is see to it that I oppose potential abuse of power in whatever form in the country of which I am a citizen, especially when that country prides itself on being the model democracy. Specifically, it is my civic responsibility to criticize and actively resist the actions of a US administration that has ignored the will of millions here and around the world, misrepresented the facts of the matter of Iraq, and replaced one pretext for another in its justification for such a war _ especially a costly and risky adventure like this one. A war on Iraq threatens not only thousands of innocent people like us, but at this time of economic hardship, it takes from the neediest to do it. Furthermore, it crystallizes in the minds of too many people around the world the worst image of the US, the US that puts its own interests before all others without compromise or negotiation, and backs it with military might. The threat to the nation resides here. And until the US can deal with its own huge inequalities and abuses, I do not trust it to administer help to anyone else. Carl Martin is a Graduate Student studying English.

---

News

Portrait of a young artist: Raw Dog

February 5

You may have seen this week's student artists playing at various house parties or frats this year. They are a new campus band aptly titled Raw Dog. The band was formed at Tufts this year with the purpose of "playing solid rock music for all those willing to listen." Its members include junior Adam Wilson (guitar, vocals), sophomore Anthony Dalli (guitar, vocals), sophomore Luke Killion (bass), Adam Sloane (keyboards, vocals), and Noah Rubin (drums). This week, the Daily spoke to Wilson and Dalli. (Note: the questions were answered by Adam Wilson and Anthony Dalli) Daily: Where do you draw musical inspiration from? Wilson: My surroundings: the majestic Mystic river whispering in my ear, the warm smells of Carmichael in the fall, and the seductive eyes of Tufts co-eds as they walk past me on their way to class Ant: I draw inspiration from anyone who has ever picked up an instrument and made me want to go out and do the same. There are just too many people to list. Daily: What song makes you stop and just nod ya head? Wilson: Stevie Wonder's "Livin' For The City." Ant: Anything by Particle. Daily: Where do you write most of your songs? Wilson: I write most of my songs in class when I should be paying attention, or in bed when I should be at class. Being a rock star is all about sacrifice. Ant: I think Wilson nailed that one. Daily: If you could compare yourselves to any Smurf, which would it be and why? Ant, Wilson: Papa Smurf. We don't know any other ones. Daily: How do you feel about Greenspan's economic policy in the 80s? Seriously. Wilson: Who do we look like, Rage Against the Machine? Just because Ant has dreads doesn't mean we know anything about politics. Ant: Legalize it. Daily: When you're playing music, is there any other place you'd rather be? Ant: Absolutely not. Unless of course you threw in a few drugs, and some freshmen chicks, then it would be ideal. Wilson: Hitting on that girl in the front row, or Ant's girlfriend. If you know of a Tufts student artist who should be interviewed for this column, e-mail arts@tuftsdaily.com.

---

News

The best of the comic book films

February 4

Even the greatest comic book heroes are not immune to terrible movie adaptations. Most comic book movies, and there are several, are terrible. Another one comes out in the next two weeks, the Ben Affleck vehicle Daredevil. Not to judge prematurely, but I think the smart money will not be spent on a ticket. However, things were not always that way. True, most comic book films tank big time, like Spawn, From Hell and every Crow and Superman film except the first one. But there have been some big successes. Blade I and II were both very effective as comic book films in different ways. Batman remains the most successful and popular comic book film, even if all three sequels were all spectacular failures in various ways (Batman and Robin deserves a very special place in bad movie hell). Forgotten in this fold, however, is Dick Tracy, a very funny, visually bold, surprisingly musical comic book film that has only gotten better in this age of pixels and green-screen. The criticisms of the film still sting years later: Warren Beatty as Tracy has the right look, but zero character depth; there is little plot to speak of, other than a teeter-tottering between the forces of law and crime; some of the cameos are distracting, as stars inhabit characters with little purpose other than "Hey! That guy's in the movie!" (Dustin Hoffman is a noticeable exception as the hilariously incomprehensible Mumbles.) In fact, you could say most of the movie is simply an excuse for the visuals. But what visuals! Dick Tracy paints an urban cityscape on film that we are likely to never see again. There have been more sprawling cities in other movies, yes, but most of them fail to break out of the Metropolis/Blade Runner sci-fi urban nightmare. Even Batman, with its towering Gotham city, is essentially another city of the damned seeking a hero. The city in Dick Tracy is the "Big City," like the Metropolis of Superman's world. It is unnamed, nostalgic, sprawling and filled with neon signs as far as the eye can see. In one of the first shots, the camera scans the city looking for a warehouse starting from an apartment window. The shot is comprised of clear computer effects, paintings, models, real locations and lighting tricks. Yet even with the scale models and digital buildings, the details suck you in: there is a train plowing through the streets, there is real smoke coming out of that smokestack, and that is a real actor standing in front of the club, not some digital extra. We know the world is fake, but the different elements gel together giving us a world we want to believe. The designers of the film stuck to six colors: red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple, plus black and white. So what, you might say, but watch the movie again and you will realize how specific the world looks. Every gangster at one point wears a coat in a specific bright color, and the cars and buildings all obey this color code. The end result is a world and film as striking as anything a comic book artist could create. Yet, the most important question is: is the movie any good? Many films are visually amazing, but to a certain end, without character and story. In that respect, I'm happy to report that the film remains hilarious, high-energy entertainment. It has five original songs by Stephen Sondheim (sung by Madonna), a career-highlight performance by Al Pacino, and a boggling list of cameos and excellent action sequences. As a movie, it's a lot of fun. As a visual experience, it is unforgettable.

---

News

Renowned war photographer receives 2003 Mayer Award

February 4

Award-winning war photographer James Nachtwey was presented with a Dr. Jean Mayer Global Citizenship Award Monday night, honoring his work in photographing conflict. The award was established in 1993 to honor the work and life of Dr. Mayer, former President and Chancellor of Tufts, and is sponsored by the Tufts Institute for Global Leadership and EPIIC (Education for Public Inquiry and International Citizenship). Nachtwey was chosen as a recipient because of his commitment to "what you see in the life of Jean Mayer," said Heather Barry, Associate Director of EPIIC. Barry describes Nachtwey as "somebody whose work we had long admired and had certainly represented many of EPIIC's themes over the years." For the past 25 years, Nachtwey has covered conflicts in Northern Ireland, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza, Thailand, India, Romania, and even the United States. Now a contract photographer for Time magazine, Nachtwey has received numerous awards, and his work has been shown all over the world. He has been honored six times as Magazine Photographer of the Year, and twice as the World Press Photographer of the Year. "The only way I have remained dedicated to my work for the past 25 years is by seeing some value in my work," Nachtwey said after receiving his award. "I value the opinion of those who see my work." Nachtwey said that he only feels like he has failed when people become indifferent to his photographs. Though he has sacrificed a stable domestic life to pursue his career, Nachtwey has no regrets. "I did what I thought I had to do," he said. "I only have so much attention, and I devote as much as I can to my work." Nachtwey, a Massachusetts native, studied Art History and Political Science at Dartmouth College. After graduating, he worked part-time jobs to cover the cost of photography. He became a newspaper photographer, but quit to become a freelance magazine photographer in New York. His work as a war photographer started after his first foreign assignment in 1981, covering the IRA hunger strike in Northern Ireland. Answering questions about his future work, Nachtwey says he plans to continue in his job as long as he can. With the impending war in Iraq, Nachtwey believes that he may be sent abroad yet again. "I haven't done much work in situations involving the American military, but in recent years it's becoming more difficult to do my job. There are more restrictions on the press in conflict situations than before," said Nachtwey. For many students, the experience to see Nachtwey's work _ and in his words, "the suffering of war" _ was very powerful. After the presentation of the award, the audience honored Nachtwey with a standing ovation. One student in the audience made a point to thank Nachtwey for showing the strife around the world. Freshman Christine Ash was impressed by the documentary and Nachtwey himself, "just because I personally can't comprehend remaining so composed and dedicated to his work over all those years." Ash believes that it is important for other people to see Nachtwey's work. "The fact that he has to see all the misery and poverty; people shouldn't have to see it, let alone experience it," she said. The award was presented after a screening of director Christian Frei's Academy Award-nominated documentary, War Photographer. The film chronicles Nachtwey's experiences with genocide, famine, poverty, and destruction. The Jean Mayer awards have been awarded to eleven people this year including Anne-Marie Slaughter, Richard K. Noble, and Romeo Dallaire. The awards are given out over a month-long period.

---

---

News

Should Tufts be outsourcing more?

February 4

With campus services becoming more and more extensive in colleges across the country, the costs are rising as well. And with many colleges tightening their belts in a time of economic downturn, outsourcing certain student services to outside contractors is an alternative being looked at. However, Tufts is not going down that road yet, and administrators feel that the University must decide what serves the students' needs best, whatever that route may be. The University currently outsources a number of services on campus, including the bookstore, laundry and vending services, telephone, cable TV, and cleaning. One very important aspect to every college student's world that has remained under Tufts' control has been dining services, something that nearly 60 percent of colleges had outsourced, according to a recent survey by the Center for the Study of Outsourcing and Privatization in Higher Education (CSOPHE). However, another vital part of the Tufts campus, the bookstore, is outsourced to Barnes and Noble, as are 40 percent of other colleges. Food service companies have approached the University with their services, but none of the offers were good enough, according to Dining Services and Business Director Patti Lee Klos. "Could things be done cheaper? Possibly," Klos said. She said that bigger companies have the ability to provide many advantages because of their size and focus. But Klos warns against outsourcing as a cure-all to any issues that students find with Tufts dining. "You have to be very clear about the level and quality of service you want available from the contractor," Klos said. "If you want to pay less, where will it come from? What will you be giving up?" Not a whole lot, according to the University of Pennsylvania. Penn has been outsourcing the management responsibilities of their dining services for years, but this summer they gave up all control. The results have all been positive, according to them. "The economics and the services were best served through an outsource contract," said Laurie Cousart, Penn Telecommunications Director. "So far, I've been very impressed." Cousart said that the company, Aramark, will be expanding its services over this year to provide more "flexibility" for students' dining options "in terms of the number and types of locations we offer." The feeling among students, though, is that there is not much to be gained from outsourcing dining services. Tufts is usually ranked highly by college guides like the Princeton Review when it comes to food, and students are not in any hurry to change. Junior Ryan Steeb is one of those students. "People would be excited about having a new dining service if it was outsourced," Steeb said, but the junior also feels that the services would be pretty much be the same. He said that the current dining services provide most of what he needs when it comes to on-campus food. One of the main complaints about the dining services options on campus, though, is the high prices, not the quality. From eight dollar sushi to three dollar juices, and with half the student population being forced into freshman or sophomore meal plans, many students feel that Tufts is taking advantage of its on-campus market dominance. An outside company would probably not be much cheaper to students, though. Penn has found that the costs to students have remained very similar and Penn retained a mandatory freshman meal plan. Cousart did say, however, that services are much improved since Aramark came in. And Klos said that of the offers she has heard from outside companies, the prices that students would be faced with would be very similar. There are no profits in Tufts' Dining Services, only a small amount of extra revenue to help pay for large capital expenditures as they come up from year to year. The Medford campus bookstore is an example of a service that Tufts has had outsourced for years, but it too faces criticisms from students over prices. But Klos said that there would have to be a strong reason to take the step to bring it back under the school's control. Barnes and Noble currently pays Tufts a "guaranteed payment" in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as a percentage of sales. This money goes towards financing the debt created by constructing the bookstore's building. The school looked at taking over the bookstore five to ten years ago, but the enormous start-up costs and capital expenditures necessary persuaded them against that route. "We could do it, but it would have to be important to us," Klos said. This could also work in the case of the dining services, where if the quality slipped too much, the school would have to look into outside companies. In fact, many schools turn to outsourcing because of quality issues. That was the primary concern of Penn when it chose to outsource all of its dining services. Cousart acknowledges that food services may not have been one of Penn's assets so letting an outside company come in allows the University to focus on academics. But what about other services at Tufts, like phone and internet? Tufts Computing and Communications Services (TCCS) chose in 1995 to outsource cable, phone and student networking to PaeTec, formerly CampusLink. The service made over $3.5 million in improvements to the campus for networking, making up those costs in its fees for phone and cable. Nevertheless, last year TCCS took back the student network responsibilities from PaeTec, citing a difference in the school's priorities with recent changes in technology. "Students decided they needed much more out of the network," Associate Director of Data Network Operations Doug Herrick said, citing the growth in peer-to-peer file transfers with programs like Napster and Kazaa. "We felt that the student network was falling so far behind...we had to do something." The University has many different parts that could be outsourced, or already are. According to CSOPHE, only five percent of colleges have full control of all aspects of their institutions, almost half outsource five or more services. Every university has to make its own choice, based on its own individual needs of what should be done, says Klos. "[Dining services are] only as good as the people responsible for it," she said.

---

News

Cable exercises can spice up triceps workout

February 4

My triceps routine is stale. I do overhead extensions, skull-crushers, and press downs. Any suggestions for something new? Here are two neglected cable exercises for triceps that can help you add variation and make your workouts more interesting. >Lying cable French press To perform this exercise, you will need one side of the cable set on the non-athlete side in the gym. You should probably go at a time when the gym is fairly empty. I know from experience that if you try to bring a bench in front of the cables when Gantcher is crowded, you get a lot of dirty looks from guys that want to look at themselves in the mirrors (not that it should deter you). Anyway, bring an incline bench over to the cable stack, position it so the seat is facing away from the stack, and set it on a fairly low incline (just one or two notches above parallel with the floor). Adjust the pulley so that it is just below the top of the bench. Lying on your back, reach behind you and grab the bar (straight or EZ curl, it doesn't matter) with both hands. The motion is very similar to barbell skull-crushers. Keeping your elbows in and motionless, extending your hands until your arms are straight. Squeeze your triceps throughout the movement, focusing on maintaining a strong muscle contraction. Keep your upper arms perpendicular to your torso while doing this, and move only your forearms. Bring the bar back to the top of your forehead, and extend your arms again. Be sure to perform the exercise smoothly, as one of the benefits of cable work is the continuous tension, and smooth, controlled movement _ take advantage of it. >Cable kick-backs This is a good finishing movement. Attach the D-grip and adjust the cable stack so it is about even with your hand (if you're standing). Bending at the waist, lean toward the stack and grab the handle. Bring your upper arm so it is in line with your body, and keeping your forearm at a right angle. Again, the elbow must stay motionless during this exercise to isolate the triceps. Bending at the elbow, straighten your arm, and squeeze at the top of the movement. For an added burn, turn your thumb out at the top of each rep. Perform each rep slowly and deliberately, as form is paramount with all finishing exercises due to the lightweight. My boyfriend says that I have gained a little bit of weight at college. After chastising him for his insensitivity, I did some research on the Internet, and I have devised my own fitness plan that uses a combination of resistance training and cardio (as you recommended in past articles). My question is pretty simple: if I lift weights too often, will I start to develop that blocky, bulky, muscular look? I know a girl at home who lifts weights and she is huge. _ Kristen at Penn State University Well, Kristen, let me first correct you. I am sure by "huge," you simply mean "overly muscular." Secondly, no, I don't think you need to worry about getting overly muscular by following a program that incorporates weights and cardio. Females don't have the genetics to build excessive muscle mass. The female bodybuilders you see on television achieved their massive size through years of hardcore training and steroid abuse. Also, they lead heavily regimented lives, eating almost constantly and devoting each and every day to their muscular physiques. You may see a resulting increase in muscle definition or firmness with weight training, but these are positive results that come with the exercise. Keep the reps high and the weight light if you are truly worried about muscular hypertrophy, but my advice is to ask a trainer in your gym. I am sure a five-minute talk can assuage any fears you have of getting too "diesel."

---

News

Priorities of a Chinese undergrad

February 4

During the past week that I have spent in the US, a country which I am visiting for the first time in my life, I feel sad for Chinese women _ also a first. Chinese women have all the benefits that a civilization could offer, ranging from high-level education to harmonious family life. However, I have found that in comparison with our US counterparts, we have been too spoiled and do not take up our own responsibilities sometimes. If you look into the role of women in Chinese society further, you will discover severe problems. There are definitely fewer female Ph.D. students than male ones in China. Many of my friends, studying at Peking University, have said, "What is the use for a girl to have her Ph.D.? I will just do a masters and then marry someone." They see marriage as an ultimate "stop" in their lives, which is something that I can never understand. Although this may be the right path for some people, when it becomes mainstream thinking in society, I do not see it as a healthy trend. The status of women in academic arenas has been greatly improved in recent years in China, but mostly only in the early years of education rather than in higher educational levels. I think we should have more prominent female scholars in all sorts of fields than we do now. Female students should be trained to think independently and to act in a way that gains respect. Even in the best university in China, Peking University, I continuously see women who firmly believe that it is better to marry a strong husband than to be strong themselves. I cannot say that this point of view is wrong. But most of the time, women who think in this way spend all their time pondering on how to flatter their male friends whom they consider to be of high potential, and the ways these women better themselves are limited to buying cosmetics, learning how to behave "lovely"_ everything except focusing on education and thinking about broader interests. Now let's look at the second issue: family life. More and more people are aware of the new trend of concubines in China. A larger portion of male citizens are becoming rich and display unfaithful behavior toward their family. Some of them, including government officials, even show such behavior publicly. When I say "publicly" I do not mean they receive newspaper coverage, but rather every one of his subordinates around him knows the role of the girl standing beside him and each knows that in order to please their boss they should never show disrespect to this lady. Here the key problem is that a lot of women are left hurt at home, but they do not have the "power" to divorce in the sense that they have no money to live by themselves, and so they go on with their miserable lives: raise the kids, clean up the house, get the money from their husband weekly or monthly, and maybe talk to their friends about how miserable they are. Luckily, more parents today are realizing the usefulness of knowledge, in the most practical sense, and they are urging both their daughters and sons to study hard at school. Above are only two among thousands of examples you can find in current China and almost under every superficial improvement of the female status you can find underlying tragedies. To better the environment of human development I believe that we need women and men to grow both mentally and physically hand-in-hand instead of one dancing around the other. Money and material life do not suffice for intellect, and people enjoy more of the world when they explore. I feel truly sorry for all those who are blind and deaf in front of the colorful world surrounding us, and I want eagerly to see more independent female thinkers in my motherland _ China. Monica Jiayin Sun is a Senior majoring in Finance at Peking University She is participating in the TILIP program.

---

News

EPIIC encourages students to think globally

February 4

Since its formation in 1985 by then-Political Science Professor Sherman Teichman, the Education for Public Inquiry and International Citizenship [EPIIC] program has become highly regarded at the University. Every year, the program, whose motto is "thinking beyond boundaries, acting across borders," explores a pertinent global issue in depth. This year the program, spurred by the terrorist attacks of 2001, has returned to its roots. This year's theme is "Sovereignty and Intervention," a topic similar to that addressed in the very first EPIIC Colloquium, which dealt with international terrorism. "We try to contend with issues we consider prevailing," said Teichman, who in addition to heading EPIIC serves as Director of the Institute of Global Leadership. "[We look for] major trends, major dilemmas in global issues." Past EPIIC topics include "Race and Ethnicity: A Global Inquiry," "The Militarization of the Third World," and "Covert Action and Democracy." The EPIIC program consists of several different facets. First, the students all take the EPIIC core class, offered through the Experimental College. The EPIIC core class encourages students to participate in discussions in the classroom. However, it is the experiences outside the classroom that lend EPIIC its unique character. Each EPIIC participant serves as a member on one or more committees, which go about planning the many events the program undertakes throughout the year. "One of my committees is called 'Special Events'," sophomore Becky Frank explained. "I am specifically working with others to put together a film festival that will show films that have to do with sovereignty and intervention." Additional committees plan the myriad of other activities EPIIC offers, such as guest lecturers, debates, and conferences. The committee system gives students the chance to organize events of personal interest that can engage the entire campus. "In February, I will hopefully have the privilege to organize a concert and panel discussion centered around Hip-Hop as a political movement," sophomore Nikias Stefanakis said. Another major facet of EPIIC is Inquiry, a program that brings discussion and information about international issues to high schools. Participating schools receive reading lists that explore some relevant topics of that year's theme. According to the EPIIC website, over 30 schools from nine states participate. Some schools use the information in social studies classes; others form classes or extra-curricular programs. Each EPIIC student works with one high school as a mentor in preparation for the culminating event, a simulation that occurs on Tufts campus in the spring. High school delegations play roles, either countries or international organizations, and attempt to resolve international issues in committee and meeting settings. Those involved cite EPIIC's guest lecturers as another highlight of the program. "[The students] learn not just from myself but from a whole range of distinguished personalities," Teichman said, noting that eminent scholars from throughout the world have traveled to Tufts. This school year, EPIIC has already sponsored over ten presentations and speakers. Additional events will be scheduled as the semester progresses. The annual symposium is the prominent event of the year for EPIIC. For one weekend, this year Feb. 27 to Mar. 2, distinguished speakers participate in a series of discussions on global topics of relevance to EPIIC's yearly theme. The 2003 symposium will include discussions about sovereignty and globalization, transnational crime, and humanitarian intervention. Recently, the Department of Education gave EPIIC a Fund for Innovation in Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE) grant to study the effects of the program on alumni. According to the EPIIC website, "the evaluation is intended to illuminate impacts of the EPIIC program on students over time, focusing on issues such as leadership development, continuing awareness of international issues, and public service involvement." The website also says that the information obtained through the evaluation will be used "to develop and disseminate a model of EPIIC to other universities that may want to replicate it in part or in whole." Many University alumni have used the networks and skills gleaned through their participation in EPIIC to arrive at careers that make them ideal speakers to come back to talk to current EPIIC members: so far, 87 alumni have already spoken or have plans to speak. The nature of the EPIIC program attracts motivated and focused students who are willing to go through the arduous year of intense study. The fifty or so students organizers look for are "avid, engaged in thinking, and are able to suspend their perceptions," Teichman said. Prospective students should expect long, hard hours and an extraordinary amount of work. Teichman describes EPPIC as "an intellectual team, equivalent to going out for a sport." "The irony of this program is that you love what kind of person you leave the program as, but the work during the semester is quite stressful," Stefanakis said. Most students, however, consider the EPIIC experience well worth the late nights and heavy reading load. "I like the fact that we are being taught to be leaders and that we are given such amazing access to the top people in whatever fiend we are interested in studying," sophomore Nick Chashet said. "It is a lot of work and the class tends to become your main topic of conversation." The benefits of the program speak for themselves. "Opportunities, opportunities, opportunities," said Stefanakis. He also said that "there aren't as many shackles on [EPIIC students] as there are on people in most other programs on campus." "I joined EPIIC because I saw it as a unique opportunity to expand my mind," Stefanakis said. "So many people say that they joined EPIIC to be able to research and whatnot. The way I see it, expanding one's mind and intellect at no risk is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

---

News

Why men love abortion

February 4

None of us can remember a time when abortion wasn't legal. January marked 30 years since the definitive case, Roe v. Wade. We can probably remember the early to mid-1990s, when abortion debates raged, and when we most likely made up our minds one way or another. The public debate since then has cooled. We may have slowly realized that the debate centered not so much on the arguments, but on the very terms of the issue themselves. For what do we call what is aborted? If we say it is a 'fetus' or "cellular tissue," then we are employing obscure, technical language to mask or outright disregard any humanity at all (much like "collateral damage"). Likewise, if we use "baby" or "child," we have already shown our hand, and revealed a commitment to the continuity of human life from beginning through birth. People on both sides either ignored or failed to recognize the impasse, and simply kept debating past one another until the point of exhaustion. I won't try to resolve the debate here. Another subject demands attention. For in all the commotion, few have noticed the omission of a very important contributor: the woman herself. Nowhere is this clearer than with the very "Jane Doe" of Roe v. Wade, Norma McCorvey. Norma has changed her mind on abortion, and now counsels women away from it. Do any of us know why? Have we taken the time to ask? It's easier not to, especially as a man. I found it quite easy to glibly parrot my line, "I've no right to tell a woman what to do with her own body." It cost me nothing to say, and could even reap me gain _ such "sensitivity" works well on a date with said body. A woman's welfare was not my concern. But it should have been. Had it been, I would have actually asked whether abortion, even safe and clean, was her best option. But it was far easier to give cold respect than a warm hand. Little did I know how much my "respect" would limit her freedom. There are several men in the life of a pregnant woman who are quite content to keep abortion unquestioned. When a woman is thrust into the hallway of pregnancy, the ability to abort closes doors quickly. Let's look at those doors. The father, if he is unwed, is likely to slam his shut. He has enjoyed, howsoever gained, the pleasures of her company. She should know (shouldn't she?) that he did not intend to be "so serious." The sensible thing is to "take care of it." We may see the door to her own father quietly close, too. Perhaps he is ashamed, or perhaps she cannot bear to even tell him. It is a private issue. Her school, or her workplace is under no obligation to offer help. It is her "problem" after all, is it not? The politician's door belongs to one more man who'd rather see her resolve "it" quietly. No need to spend effort on equal opportunity, maternity benefits, or education to be elected. He has her vote with two simple words: "reproductive rights." It is little wonder why there have been, in 30 years, as many abortions in America as AIDS infections in the world (40 million). The cold, steel light of the operating table streams from the only door left open. There will be 3,500 abortions today. To the pregnant woman, it is hardly a choice. She is alone. Though not entirely. One tiny companion remains _ the baby. The potentially life-long friend cradled inside her. With her son or daughter the mother enjoys a relationship unparalleled in all of nature. Nowhere is there a bond more finely tuned, more deeply intimate. Not even the best of lovers can get so close. The relationship consummates on that day when the mother holds the child in her arms for the first time. On that day of birth, the mother would be holding a baby with a heartbeat that is eight and 1/4 months old. A baby with six-month-old fingerprints, seven and 1/4 month-old fingers, and seven and 1/2 month-old hands. With seven-month-old eyelids and eight-month-old eyes. A baby with seven and 1/2 month-old brainwaves and a fully nine-month-old set of DNA, completely unique and never before seen on earth. But that day does not come. Abortion robs the mother of that day. By methods of extreme violence, the child is wrenched from the mother. By dissolving chemicals, dismembering forceps, slicing suction tubes, or a well-placed pair of simple closed scissors. Antibiotics, anesthetics, and equipment of the past three decades may have made abortion physically safer, but by no means less violent. The child is gone. And the mother is left with the nightmares. Dreams of children and crying babies haunt many. Anniversaries concerning the never-born can be excruciating. Stories of sexual frigidness, anger, obsession, and depression are common among those willing to share. Not many are willing to listen. The boyfriend is almost assuredly gone. The husband doesn't want to talk about it. The boss expects her at work on Monday. And her parents and friends are mostly glad it's "over." Now she is alone. The clinic protestors turn another unsympathetic cheek in scorn. The clinic waits for her to come back _ 40 percent of the abortions every year are for repeat customers. We've failed our mothers. We've failed our women. From day one we fail them in support for unplanned and tragic pregnancies, and then fail them again, throwing them into an outer darkness of silence once they've "dealt" with their "problem." Of course all men don't love abortion, nor are most even fond of it. But too many enjoy its benefits, its simple convenience, without caring at all for the well-being of the woman. To those who have never given much thought to this subject, who may have all along thought that by supporting abortion they were defending women rather than condemning them, I urge you to think again. For those of us who have had an abortion _ or pressured, pushed, or paid for one _ there is a promise: it is never too late to be forgiven by the God who made you, too. But truthfully, you will never know the freedom of this forgiveness until you are willing to share your story. We all need to be honest. There are people willing to listen. I am one of them. There are many more, particularly at the several crisis pregnancy centers in our area (www.daybreakinc.org and www.pregnancycenters.org). You are not alone. Jack Grimes is a Junior majoring in Philosophy and Peace and Justice Studies

---

News

Men swimmers prevail in back-to-back meets over the weekend

February 4

The regular season is nearly over and the talk around Hamilton Pool has turned to the NESCAC Championship meet. After finishing the non-conference schedule on Sunday at Brandeis, the squad was eager to end a successful season and get into postseason activity. It was only the previous day that the team had taken down Bates on Senior Day at Hamilton Pool to finish undefeated in NESCAC dual-meet competition (4-0). "It was a good weekend for us," senior tri-captain Ryan Lahey said. After a draining Saturday meet, the team had little time to rest before traveling to Brandeis to take on the Owls at Linsey Pool. Though the squad was still coming down from Saturday's five-hour meet, it still came through with a 163.5-119.5 victory. With the win, the team improved its overall dual-meet record to 8-1. Saturday's meet, held in front of a packed crowd of proud parents and Bates faithful, seemed to be a celebration from the beginning. The Jumbos won 163-129, one of the closer meets for the men this season. But the mood at Hamilton Pool was upbeat all afternoon, giving the 11 seniors on the team a fond last impression of the place they called home for the past four years. After honoring the seniors on the Tufts squad, the Jumbos went on to take down Bates Saturday afternoon. The Bobcats came into the meet holding a 2-3 NESCAC record, but their effort to spoil the Tufts perfect in-conference record was thwarted by a solid Jumbo effort. In the first men's event, the 200-yard medley relay, the Tufts 'A' team set the tone for the rest of the competition _ blowing away the competition by nearly four seconds and setting a new Hamilton Pool record (1:38.65 unshaven). Freshman Jonathon Godsey, whose 50-yard backstroke split (unshaven) for the victorious 200-yard medley relay team broke the previous pool record, also starred in the 100 backstroke, winning with a time of 54.91 seconds. Godsey's impressive day was not over though, as he also captured the 200 backstroke in a dominating 2:02.29. "The fast times meant a lot to coach and to the guys, especially for the seniors since it was their last home meet," Godsey said. "Everyone's excited for the championships." In the 400 individual medley, junior Tyler Duckworth never trailed and won handily (4:25.28), earning nine points. "This weekend was fun," Duckworth said. "Everybody's really pumped up for the New Englands." The real stars of the meet, though, were the seniors. The culmination of four years of hard work was finally recognized. Senior tri-captain Ed Edson capped off his Tufts career by winning both the 100 and 200 freestyle events. Tufts claimed the first three spots in both of those events, earning 32 combined points. "It's really sad to see the seniors go," Duckworth added. The real question now is whether this current senior class can lead the Jumbos to the top of the NESCAC standings. There have been murmurs all season that this team was the best Tufts has had in recent years. So far, the team has lived up to the hype, losing only one of its nine dual-meets _ a six-point loss to MIT. Last year, the team finished with a strikingly similar overall record of 9-1, but finished only fourth in the NESCAC Championships. Will this be the year that Tufts breaks into the NESCAC upper-echelon? "We have a good shot to compete for the top spot," Duckworth said. "Our goal is definitely finishing in the top three." Now, the team looks ahead to the Middlebury College Invitational, a notoriously fast meet between various local swimming programs this coming Saturday. The Invitational is considered a tune-up for the more important NESCAC Championships held at the end of the month (February 28-March 2), and will be the deciding factor in finalizing the final New England roster.

---

News

Interest in early decision rising

February 4

Tufts' early decision application process ended last week when the University mailed decision or deferral letters to second-round early decision applicants and posted admissions decisions online. The number of early applications continued to grow this year, contributing to a 24 percent increase in early decision applications over the last three years. As the early decision applicant pool has expanded, the percentage of students who are admitted has declined. In Round I, the percentage of students admitted was eight percent smaller than last year, the smallest percentage ever admitted. But the admissions office did not release applicant numbers or actual acceptance rates. This year's record number of early applicants is not surprising in the increasingly competitive nature of college admissions, according to Dean of Admissions David Cuttino. This year's college admissions season is the most competitive in the nation's history, according to the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA). The NCPA attributes the phenomenon to more students applying to college at four-year institutions and an increase in the population of college-aged students. Students admitted to Tufts early came from 34 states and 17 countries. 15 percent of the students either were foreign citizens, permanent residents or US citizens living overseas. 17 percent of those accepted said English was not their first language. The newly-admitted students have expressed a range of interest in majors, the most common being international relations, biology, psychology, economics, although many remain undecided. The middle 50 percent SAT verbal score for students accepted under first round early decision ranges from 620 to 700 and the math scores range from 640 to 720. Students accepted under the second early decision program had somewhat less impressive test results: the middle 50 percent of scores ranged from 610 to 690 in verbal and 640 to 710 in math. Most students admitted under either program ranked in the top ten percent of their high school class. The majority of the students _ 56 percent _ are from public schools, and 39 percent are from private schools. Religious high schools contributed five percent of the students. Since 1995, the number of first-round early decision applicants has increased by 236 percent. Many attribute Tufts' soaring application figures to the efforts of Cuttino, who will retire at the end of this academic year after 16 years as the dean of admissions.

---

News

Music library: untapped resource

February 4

Down below the stage of the Cohen auditorium, there is a relatively unknown and untapped campus resource: the Tisch Music Library. If you go there, you will find a surprisingly good collection of CD's, LP's, tapes, musical scores and books about music. Unfortunately, most of the library's visitors are either music students who need scores for their lessons or students who come to check out music on reserve for their classes. Not many students go to the library simply to browse the music collection, according to Library worker Jennifer Ko. She says that this is due to the fact that the library's "fairly large" collection of CD and LP stacks has a rather inaccessible location in the basement of Aidekman. Additionally, many people who have not had to check out music from the library do not even know it exists. This is too bad because, according to Library Assistant Abby Al-Doory, the library has nearly 4,000 LP's, 9,000 CD's and 200 tapes. They also have plenty of tape and CD players along with several record turners to allow students to relax and listen to the collection of tunes without leaving the library. Yet, this is not even the best part. According to Al-Doory, if a student comes to the library and requests a book or CD that is not on the stacks, they can fill out an order form and the library will order it. She said orders usually take about six weeks. In other words, when I go to the library and ask for Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti or the new Beta Band album, even if they don't have it, they will order it for me. Sweet. The music library is also working on building an electronic reserve system that would create online accessible RealAudio music files. Basically, this would mean that students could listen to any of the music in the library from the comfort of their own room simply by turning on the computer and going to the Tisch website. Pretty cool, huh? So, the next time you feel like listening to some music in a chill, relaxed environment or want to check out a new CD before buying it, stop by the Aidekman Arts Center and head down to the basement.

---

News

Nachtwey photos capture horrors of war

February 4

Last night photographer James Nachtwey, recipient of the Dr. Jean Mayer Global Citizenship award sponsored by EPIIC, was present for a showing of the film War Photographer, a chronicle of several of his journeys into the worst turmoil in the world. The documentary, made by Christian Frei, follows Nachtwey as he travels to some of the bleakest parts of the world, including Kosovo, Indonesia and the West Bank during some of those areas' most trying times. The film is interspersed with Nachtway's images, both in color and in black and white taken from these and some of the many other locations he has visited. Nachtwey has earned a reputation for his ability to get close to the action. "When it becomes up close and personal, that's Jim," one of his colleagues says in the film. The camera stays close behind Nachtway as he dodges bullets and shrapnel, shields his eyes from tear gas, and struggles to make his way through noxious clouds of smoke at a sulfur mine. "Fear is not what's important. It's not a matter of whether you fear it _ it's how you manage it," says Nachtwey of the dangers he encounters. Yet, he feels the pictures he brings back are worth the danger _ and they are astounding. Anyone who does not believe a picture is worth a 1000 words has not seen a Nachtwey print. They are as shocking, heartbreaking and gut-wrenching as anything I have ever seen. His lens has captures the worst anguish of humanity: a man, nothing more than bone crawls on the ground because he lacks the strength to stand; a malnourished boy searches for his parents with fear in his eyes as rubble smolders in the background; a women with one arm struggles to wash the rags which are the only things she has to clothe her son. Watching the film, there was something deeply frustrating about sitting, well fed, in a comfortable auditorium that is part of an institution that costs tens of thousands of dollars to attend, watching people who have absolutely nothing, who are trapped in misery with death lurking and where hope seems much too far off. But Nachtwey does not want us to feel guilty. Rather he hopes to "give a sense of perspective" so that we remain grateful for the "material things and institutions that allow us to pursue our own "drives," a quality that he says is "something rare" in the world. Nachtwey himself must grapple everyday with his profession, which revolves around others' misfortunes. He is constantly haunted by the tragedies he has witnessed and must reconcile the fact that he can always walk away from them. When Nachtwey speaks, you can hear the compassion in his voice, the sorrow for what he has seen, and the frustration that he cannot to do enough to better the world. He hardly smiles, shocked from a lifetime of having had to combat strong emotions. Nachtwey's work is not anything close to being art _ at least in the conventional sense. It is not pretty, it is not abstract and it is not meant to be hung on walls. What it is is an extremely powerful form of communication, which allows him to sleep better at night. At the end of the film Nachtwey says somberly, "If everyone could be there to see the fear [and the horrors of the inhumanity I have witnessed] just once, they would see nothing is worth it." Unfortunately, not many people will witness these events firsthand to fully understand what he means, but Nachtwey's images are powerful enough communicators that they have helped raise awareness and bring about compassion to those who view them. According to Nachtwey, war is an attempt to negate humanity. He sees his photographs as the opposite of war, and it is his lifelong mission to use photographs to bring about an end to war. Upon accepting his award, he urged students to apply their "intelligence and ambition" to his cause. If you are interested in seeing Nachtwey and hearing him speak, he will be visiting again at the end of February as part of the EPIIC colloquium, which features various lectures on EPIIC's year long topic of Sovereignty and Intervention.

---

News

Women's squash steps it up in busy weekend

February 4

The 25th ranked Tufts women's squash team snapped its five game losing streak over the weekend at the Mt. Holyoke Invitational in South Hadley, MA. The Jumbos earned the victory over 21st ranked Haverford, who the Jumbos beat by a score of 7-2. The next day 18th ranked William Smith fell to Tufts by a score of 8-1. With the upset victories, the Jumbos _ ranked 25th in the latest Collegiate Squash Association (CSA) poll_ revive their quest for the Walker Cup, reserved for teams ranked 17-24 overall. Overall, the Jumbos finished 2-2 on the weekend. Coach Doug Eng's squad first fell to 14th-ranked Middlebury, losing all sets 9-0 on Saturday. A heartbreaking loss to 20th ranked Mt. Holyoke, 5-4, followed on Sunday morning. Tufts regrouped quickly on both days, though, which translated into the two clutch afternoon wins following each loss. Throughout the season the Jumbos lineup has been depleted, but the two straight upsets over the weekend attest to the team's capability to win with a full lineup. "Sunday was the first time with a full team," Eng said. "If we'd beaten Mt. Holyoke on Sunday, we would have won three straight games against higher ranked teams." Undeterred by a tough loss to Mt. Holyoke, the squad responded to crush William Smith 8-1 in their fourth match in two days, moving the team into position to contend for the Walker Cup (teams ranked 17-24). "The win against William Smith was a big highlight of the weekend," senior co-captain Winnie So said. "It was not an easy match and it puts us definitely into Div C." Taking advantage of an injury laden William Smith squad, the Jumbos compiled an impressive 8-1 upset over the 18th ranked Herons. "It was the same thing that'd happened to us all year," Eng said. "They had lots of defaults, so it turned the tables on them." Earlier in the day, a 5-4 loss to Mt. Holyoke tightened the gap for the Jumbos on the heels of a 7-2 loss just two weeks prior. If the two teams encounter each other again, Tufts' marked improvement should renew its hope of a victory. "I was very happy with all the performances," So said. "We definitely have a chance to beat them. We'll be in Div C and have a chance to play them again." Avenging a 3-0 loss just two weeks ago, So, the Jumbos' top player, responded to a 2-1 deficit with three straight wins against Mt. Holyoke's Liz Hughes, to prevail 3-2. "Winnie's match was really close," senior co-captain Abi Cushman said. "She had a really good comeback." Eng entered the Mt. Holyoke Invitiational with a three-pronged objective: assemble a full lineup, and defeat both Mt. Holyoke and William Smith. With a full squad, the team handily defeated William Smith to the tune of 8-1; however, it narrowly missed the proverbial "icing on the cake" of its goal with a heart wrenching 5-4 loss to Mt. Holyoke. Nursing an illness, sophomore Nicole Arens strung together a pair of wins this weekend, including a come from behind victory against Sarah Schoettle of William Smith. Facing a two game deficit (8-10, 1-9) and the prospect of a shutout, the determined Jumbo stormed back to three straight games (9-6, 9-5, 9-7) for a 3-2 triumph capping the Jumbos' 8-1 victory. Eng was pleased by Arens' performance, especially for a player plagued by illness earlier in the tournament. On the heels of a tough 9-0 loss to Middlebury, Tufts halted its skid and gathered momentum with a 7-2 win over Haverford, effectively ending the Jumbos longest losing streak of the season. "We were flat against Middlebury," coach Eng said. "The win against Haverford gave us confidence." The team expects to continue its winning ways against Connecticut College this week, which lost to Haverford 5-4 earlier in the season. Before the Walker Cup, the weekend of Feb 14-16, the team will also play 17th ranked Wellesley. Gearing up to make a run at the Walker Cup at the NCAA Championships, the two victories at the Mt. Holyoke Invitational put the team back in contention to achieve their preseason goal _ to bring home the Walker Cup. In the home stretch of the season the team's momentum has shifted and the squad looks to the season finale NCAA Tournament to reveal its previously unseen capability. "We want to peak at nationals and win our division," Eng said. "We will definitely surprise some teams."

---

News

Women's basketball wins non-conference match

February 4

With a crucial weekend of NESCAC matchups looming in the near future, the women's basketball team began its week of preparation on the right foot routing Lasell College 80-37 last night. Tufts hustled its way to the big win, overcoming a difficult shooting night. The non-conference triumph ups the Jumbos record to 15-3 on the season. Tuesday's game was a track meet from the very beginning; missed shots and Lasell turnovers allowed the Jumbos to jump ahead 14-2 just six minutes in. "We came out much better than we have the past few games," coach Carla Berube said. "We set the tone that we are going to defend and run to try and get layups." In addition to playing quick, turn-around defense, Tufts also was very aggressive after the ball in the opening minutes of the contest. They were almost too intense as the team was charged with four fouls after seven and a half minutes had been played. Lasell helped the Jumbos' cause early on with sloppy passes, many of which were aimed at no one in particular and ended up out of bounds. Tufts frequently jumped in the way of these renegade passes, accumulating seven steals in the first half alone. At times throughout the first frame, the Jumbos seemed in complete control of the game making crisp pass combinations and shooting well from outside. But, the squad mishandled the rock for five turnovers and had trouble making many easy shots. "We were not communicating as well during the first half," Berube said. "We weren't as intense. Sometimes we tended to turn it on and off with the intensity. We can't do that this weekend." As the half wore on and the Jumbo lead increased, outside and downtown shooting became more important as easy layups were not going down. Freshman Jessica Powers had three first half field goals and senior captain Hillary Dunn contributed with two threes of her own. At the end of the half, Tufts was shooting just 37.8 percent from the field, but still had twice as many points as the Lasers with a score of 36-18. The beginning of the second half saw Tufts come out with the same type of energy that it had in the first 20 minutes of play. Lasell was caught on its heels and promptly began hacking at the Jumbo players. In the opening minute alone, Tufts drained four foul shots resulting from the Lasers' violent play. Physical play continued for the duration of the game as both teams spent a considerable amount of time scrambling for loose balls. Just as in the first half, deep shots played a considerable role in the Jumbo point total. Sophomore Erin Connolly had two threes and freshman Julia Verplank contributed one of her own. "After shooting 17 percent on Friday, we wanted to come out and have a good game tonight," Connolly said. The frenetic pace established early on never calmed down. Both teams were running coast to coast up until the final buzzer. "We are a good, conditioned team," Berube said. "We want to sprint up and down on every effort and always work hard." Hard work paid off for the Jumbos as they finished with a 43-point victory, 80-37, over the lackadaisical Lasers. "We worked really hard tonight," Powers said. "We have a big weekend coming up where we want to play well and play hard. We don't want to just win, we want to win doing really well." The Jumbos have two important practices between now and this weekend's games. The team will work on improving its game to ready itself for the stiff competition Bowdoin and Colby will present. "The next two practices need to be focused. That will prepare us for the next two games," Berube said. "We will do the same kind of things, watch tape, figure out what [Bowdoin and Colby] do, and be ready to defend. I'm big on what we do, it's what we're most concerned about." Defense, as always, will play a key role if the Jumbos are to be successful against the top two teams in the league. But it is not what has happened thus far in the season that will determine who will prevail this weekend. "Records don't matter anymore," Verplank said. "Everything is up in the air." "We are confidant and looking forward to this weekend. After a few good practices, we will be ready," Connolly said.

---

News

Final home meet a sweet one for the women's swimming seniors

February 4

For the senior members of the Tufts swimming team, last Saturday against Bates was their final home meet. For the situation, the match could not have been scripted any better. The Jumbos edged conference rival Bates 151-149 in front of a large crowd who came to see the seniors off. "For the seniors it was a perfect way to end our last home meet _ with no regrets," senior tri-captain Rebecca Ullman said. The Jumbos marked the date on the calendar before the season even started. Last year they were a step behind Bates at both their duel meet and at the NESCAC Championships. However they knew that this year the meet would come down to the wire. The team wanted to send a message to the entire conference that they are one of its best teams. "I'm really proud of their effort," coach Nancy Bigelow said. "I think this meet, along with the MIT meet, was the best meet across the board that we have had all year." In a meet this close, every point counted, and the seniors seized the day to get those crucial points for the Jumbos. In the 200-yard medley relay, Tufts took second and third, with seniors Danielle Blaney and Ullman swimming the first two legs of the team that came in third. Sophomore Sarah Ferranti and junior Amanda Bloom were the other two legs. Ullman also won two more points for the Jumbos, with one the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events. Blaney also came back after the first race to score points in a meet where every point was crucial. Blaney swam to second in the 100 backstroke behind teammate, sophomore Sarah Ferranti. Then, in the final relay, the 200 freestyle, Blaney and fellow senior Amy Levin completed one half of the team that came in third in the event. A pair of freshmen, Kyle Pong and Katie Seyboth rounded out the team. "The score difference in the end amounted to the difference between fifth and sixth place in two races," Ullman said. "Everybody knew we needed to get first and third in the last relay to win before it started so there was a lot of excitement." And that is just what they did, as the team also took first with a lineup of Bloom, sophomores Suzi Ascoli and Kate Stevens, and freshman Katie Mims finishing over three seconds ahead of the Bates team that came in second. Earlier in the meet Mims took first in the 50 freestyle. She was also a member of the Jumbo relay team that finished second in the 400 relay. Filling out the team were junior Mika Sumiyoshi, sophomore Katherine Ferguson, and freshman Meghan Wallach. Sumiyoshi once again had an excellent meet, wining all three individual events that she competed in. First she bested Bates swimmer Nicole Sparks in the 200 freestyle. Then, she came back in the 200 backstroke to speed past the rest of the field by over six seconds. Then she took first in the 200 IM over teammate sophomore Erica Weitz. Besides finishing second to Sumiyoshi in that event, Weitz took nine points for first place in the 500 freestyle. She also added another second place finish in the 200 butterfly. "It being senior day added even more motivation," Weitz said. "We had a lot of energy. The excitement of the meet rubbed off on everybody." However, the Jumbos spent so much energy and were at such a high over the win over Bates that they almost let one slip away against Brandies just the next day. They managed to hold on and win by another slim margin, this time 152-148. "We were definitely flat," Bigelow said. "People were swimming their off events." It was a very grueling weekend, but when all was said and done Tufts ended up 2-0, and 7-1 overall. The team's regular season schedule will conclude at Middlebury on Saturday. This week will be dedicated to recovery, and preparation for Middlebury and more importantly the NESCAC Championships.

---

News

Title IX commission proposes quotas

February 4

A commission established by the US Education Department, designed to assess the law banning sex discrimination in collegiate sports, reached few conclusions when it voted several times on the issue last Thursday. The most important of the votes, which hoped to determine how the proportionality of men and women's sports should be divided, was inconclusive. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 forbids sex discrimination at institutions that receive federal funds. While Title IX impacts all colleges, it is specifically geared to Div. I, where there are more athletes, more funding for programs, and money for scholarships. Over the years, Tufts, a Div. III school, has made decisions both to increase the number of women's teams and keep the number of men participating steady. Fencing and lightweight crew were added as women's sports. Women, both nationally and at Tufts, represent 55 percent of the collegiate student body _ therefore, under Title IX, their sports programs should receive more funding than men's sports. The debate surrounding Title IX centers around whether women's sports can be promoted without the exclusion of men who want to play too. "Until very recently we have dealt with Title IX by adding opportunities for women," Director of Athletics Bill Gehling said. "Most recently we have been limiting opportunities for men, and that has been frustrating." The key proposal before the commission _ which includes athletics administrators, professors, a college president, and advocates for women's sports _ was to allow a 50-50 split between men and women's sports, with a two to three percentage point swing. This would not force men's teams to cut spots as more women enrolled, the main problem that Tufts faces. When the time came to vote on the proposal, seven commission members supported it, while seven did not. "I don't see proportionality as a fair test," Gehling said. "I'm not sure what the solution is, but I want to see more flexibility in interpretation." One suggestion proposed by many different sources both in and outside of the commission was to administer a survey of both male and female athletes and determine what percentage of women actually want to play sports. This method raises the question of whether students will be interested in a playing a sport before their university offers it. Assistant Athletic Director Branwen Smith-King criticized the survey plan. "If you don't have proportionality, I think some folks would use that as an excuse," King said. "Universities might say, 'Oh there's no interest in field hockey, we aren't going to do it.' If you don't give the opportunity, you're never going to know if that is true." Title IX has unquestionably improved female representation in college sports. Before 1972, fewer than 30,000 women participated in intercollegiate sports sanctioned by the NCAA; by 2000, nearly 151,000 did. At the high school level, the number increased from 294,000 to 2.8 million. Although many universities fall under Title IX, the commission was made up to deal with issues on a Div. I level. There were no Div. III representatives, although there are obvious differences between the two divisions. "The philosophy of Div. III is inclusion," Assistant Athletic Director and baseball coach John Casey said. "This is much different than Div. I. We're not generating $20 million during games." Another difference between divisions lies in the way teams are made up. In Div. I, the majority of spots are determined through scholarships, and walk-ons play a minor role. At Tufts, on the other hand, there are no athletic scholarships, and walk-on players fill almost all spots. The commission concluded that walk-ons should not be counted in the Title IX total. At Tufts, it does not make sense to count the numbers that way. "Does that mean at Tufts that we don't count anybody?" Gehling said. "Our kids play because they like to play." To comply with Title IX, universities must do one of three things: show that the percentage of men and women participating in sports approximately matches the overall percentage enrolled, show a history and continuing practice of adding women's sports, and meeting athletic abilities and interests of women on campus. Most schools use proportionality to judge whether they comply, because it is the easiest measure to determine. The National Wrestling Coaches Association sued the Education Department last year, claiming that 355 men's wrestling teams, with a total of 22,000 spots, have been eliminated during the past decade to make way for women's teams. However, it is not clear how many of those teams were cut because of a lack of interest. Tufts has not had a wrestling team since the 1970s. The commission's recommendations are non-binding. At the end of February, Education Secretary Rod Paige will receive a written report, and then decide how to proceed. President Bush has previously campaigned against a strict quota or proportionality system. Whatever the final ruling on Title IX is, women's sports will continue to be supported at Tufts. "They could get rid of Title IX today and I don't think that change would do anything," Gehling said. We plan on treating men and women equally."

---

News

UCCPS defends its role on campus

February 4

At a school where community building and public service is emphasized by administrators and faculty, relatively few Tufts students appear to know much about the public service opportunities available through the University College of Citizenship and Public Service (UCCPS). UCCPS was founded in 2000 by President Emeritus John DiBiaggio and Tufts alumni Pierre and Pam Omidyar (LA '89 and LA '90 respectively), who donated $10 million for the program's inception. The program aims to promote leadership and active citizenship through public service. UCCPS funds the Omidyar scholars, students who receive grants for organizing and developing community service programs, which encourage Tufts students, faculty and administration to volunteer. Although the program has existed for three years, many students on campus have expressed a lack of understanding of what purpose UCCPS serves, and why it was created. In an unscientific poll, the Daily asked 100 students whether they knew what UCCPS was and what the Omidyar scholars do on campus. More than three quarters of students (76) said they had never heard of the organization, 15 students said they had heard of it or had a vague understanding of what its purpose was, and nine students said they had a firm grasp of the program and could explain its purpose. Many students felt they had little knowledge of, or interaction with, UCCPS. "I don't know what the classes are about," senior Megan Schwartz said. "I don't know who [the Omidyar scholars] are. I feel like I only read about them in the paper." Some UCCPS representatives agreed that the program could stand to improve its publicity to those who are not Omidyar participants. "I suppose we may spend too much time organizing [events and programs] as opposed to publicizing them, and we ought to be doing better on the latter," UCCPS Dean Robert Hollister said. Omidyar scholar Mitchell Lunn, a junior, disagreed that UCCPS doesn't have enough visibility, but said, "I can easily see where that opinion comes from." UCCPS Director Molly Mead responded by saying that the program's current goal is to provide support and funding to many other organizations on campus, and that UCCPS does not aim to receive direct recognition for all the work it does. "In many ways it is our goal to work behind the scene. We don't necessarily want everyone to know who we are and what we do," she said. For example, Mead said, UCCPS works extensively with the Leonard Carmichael Society (LCS) to support leadership of the program, as well as fund retreats and reflection sessions. UCCPS is comfortable not receiving credit for the assistance it provides to LCS. "We're pleased to have LCS take the credit for what we're doing," Mead said. Emblazoning a UCCPS banner onto every public service project could even have a negative effect on the program's attempts to give support by stealing the limelight from those deserving of the credit, Hollister said. "I think it's essential that we continue to operate with respect for those activities that other people invented and are responsible for," he said. But this approach may prevent many students from knowing that UCCPS even exists. Senior Jeff Malbasa said that the only reason he knows about what purpose the Omidyar scholars serve is because his friends are involved in the program. "I know what they do just because I know [Omidyar scholars]. But I wouldn't know if I were just a regular student," he said. Senior and Omidyar scholar Brad Crotty suggested UCCPS's lack of recognition might be the cause of an apathetic student body. "The only reason that many people don't know much about it is that they haven't taken the initiative to look into it," he said. But Mead said that simply by providing Tufts students with opportunities to participate in community service, UCCPS is promoting leadership and service throughout the campus. "We're on a journey where more and more students are learning about who we are and what we're doing," Mead said. "I'm more interested in what we do and what we help make happen than our name," she said.

---