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Professors placing increased importance on relationships with students

December 8

The sound of Christmas carols filled the air of the annual German Christmas party held at the Wyeth house. Students and professors conversed in conversations that quickly switched between English and German. Such interactions between faculty and students are common in the German department, which sponsors a range of events including immersion weekends and other events in which students can practice their German skills outside of the classroom. Saskia Stoessel, a member of the faculty of the German, Russian and Asian Languages Department sees going to campus social events as part of her role as a faculty member. Faculty should be concerned with learning in the classroom as well as cultivating "strong, close relationships" with students. Stoessel says that she is content with her role as a faculty member. She hopes that students can come to her not just for academic issues but also for any issue in general. "I hope that I can be a mentor for the students whom they can trust on a more social level and academic level," she said. According to a study of 32,840 full-time faculty members at 358 two and four-year colleges done by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles, more and more faculty are starting to share Stoessel's views of trying to connect to students on multiple levels. The study completed every three years asks questions relating to the student-faculty relationship. Findings from the latest study show that faculty are increasingly interested in students' academic and personal well-being. 76 percent in 1989 said that they were interested in students' academic performance and 74 percent said they were interested in student's personal well-being. Those figures have risen today to 83 percent and 78 percent, respectively. Many members of the Tufts faculty reflect this increase by desiring to be closer to their students. Professor Chris Morse of the Chemistry department says he came to Tufts to be integrated into the lives of the students. "I would only want to teach at a place where there is a close, small community where there was no difference in and out of the classroom," Morse said. "For me, it was a choice between a prep school and a place like Tufts, where I could be entrenched in the school." It is difficult to be a teacher without knowing what is happening around campus, Morse said. Active involvement outside the classroom helps him inside. "I like to say I have my 'finger on the pulse of the campus,'" he said. "Those faculty who are the active ones who are around campus often are the ones who stick out in people's minds and the ones who are remembered." At a recent "Meet the President" Tilton event, President Larry Bacow said that he hopes every student will get to know one faculty member really well in his or Tufts career. The Task Force on the Undergraduate Experience was created in part to increase faculty interaction with students. While the Task Force has made people more aware of the issues, according to Morse, the situation has not yet changed. "All faculty on Task Force are all student-oriented but the problem is reaching all the professors who don't get involved," Morse said. Some professors, especially in the sciences and engineering, must juggle teaching and their desire to conduct research. Richard Vogel, a member of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, said he wishes he could spend more time being involved with campus issues but research fills the rest of his free time. "A good faculty member is devoted to research and teaching," he said. "Research is less stressful than teaching, but both are integral to my career," Vogel said. Vogel is an advisor to the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and also advises freshman in a Windows on Research course. While Vogel attends few events on campus, he says there is simply not enough time to do everything. Despite the lack of time, Vogel said that to be a great teacher you have to develop relationships that last a lifetime. "Engaging teachers, the effective teachers, have to have the energy to share their knowledge with students which results in long term associations with students." The most rewarding part of Vogel's career is the satisfaction of knowing students for many years after they leave the Hill.

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News

Possible expansion of Green Line to Medford

December 8

For students without cars, the CambridgeSide Galleria and Museum of Science are a world away even though they are only three and a half miles from the Tufts campus. The journey may become much more efficient in the future, however, as the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) is considering expanding the Green Line train northwards. The Green Line currently ends at Lechmere, but the MBTA's Capital Investment Program has allocated $400,000 for a system expansion project study over the next five years. The study will analyze options for extending the Green line from Lechmere to Medford Hillside, the community surrounding Tufts, and assess the proposal's environmental and economic aspects. Curtis Hall could be used as a train station for the new Green Line since old rail lines are imbedded below the surface of College Ave, according to Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering David Gute. "We're surrounded by the remnants of public transit," Gute said. Bringing more public transportation to this area could revitalize the community, he said. The idea excited many students, who felt the extra transportation options could improve Tufts' image and make students' lives easier. The new line "would give us better access to the city, and it would also be easier for prospective students to have access to Tufts, since it is can be relatively hard to find with a car," sophomore Christina Bernadotte said. Sophomore Anthony Dalli agreed that it would be a big advantage to have another transportation option. "I mean the Green Line here would be tight because then it would be like 'I want to go to the Fleet Center'...done," Dalli said. Although many students like the concept of having easier access to Boston, some wonder whether an expansion is really necessary with the Red Line so close. "Why would they want to have the Green Line go to Tufts?" sophomore Jeffery Martin said. "I haven't heard anyone complain about being able to get into Boston from here." Somerville resident and Tufts physics Ph.D. candidate Elizabeth Heider is supportive of an expansion, however, because she feels expanding the MBTA's service is important for her community. "It would be of great benefit to people who live in my neighborhood," Heider said. "As it is, I have a long commute that would be significantly reduced by a direct route to Tufts." Members of the Tufts community can comment on the plan at a public hearing on the MBTA's five-year Capital Investment Program next week. The meeting will be held at the Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza in Boston next Thursday.

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News

Jumbos squeak past Bowdoin for third straight win

December 8

The women swimmers can concentrate on studying for finals now that the first part of their season has come to a close. And they can do so with a clear conscience, knowing that the first part of the season was successful, after the team posted a 3-0 record. This record included two wins over the past week. First on Wednesday, the Jumbos defeated the Blue from Wellesley. Then on Saturday, they handed Bowdoin its third loss in as many games. Neither victory came easily though. "We swam well and our times are going down," sophomore Erica Weitz said. "I think we were all excited because it was our last meet before break." Although it was the weaker of the two opponents, Bowdoin almost stole the victory from Tufts, losing by just 16 points, 158-142. The meet in fact, could have changed hands in less than a second, .66 of a second to be exact. This miniscule amount of time determined whether the Jumbos got their third win or their first loss. In the 50 yard freestyle, Tufts sophomore Suzi Ascoli edged Polar Bear senior Anna Podore for first place. Podore finished in 20.85 seconds, just .45 seconds after Ascoli. "I don't know if we expected it to be quite that close," Weitz said. "However, we knew by the last relay that we would be okay." Another ten-point swing could have occurred in the 200 individual medley if Bowdoin freshman Erin Turban were just a little faster. Another Jumbo sophomore, Kate Fergusen, came through to just beat out Turban for the win. Fergusen came in with a time of 2:21.49 while Turban managed a 2:21.70. Besides the win in the 200 IM, Fergusen had an impressive meet. She was a member of the victorious 200 IM relay team, and finished second to her teammate, freshman Katie Mims, in the 200 freestyle. The meet was not supposed to be this hard, especially after Tufts' 177-112 blowout of Bowdoin last year. This year was different though, largely due to excellent performances by the new faces on Bowdoin. In the 100 breastroke Bowdoin freshman Katie Eshelman took first place by a slim margin over Tufts sophomore Erica Weitz. Victoria Tudor, another Bowdoin freshman, also stepped up for the Polar Bears, as she twice bested last year's honorable mention All-American Beth Wecksell in the diving events. Tuft's younger swimmers would not be outdone, though, as seven events were won by either Jumbo freshmen or sophomores. Junior Mika Sumiyoshi accounted for the eighth win, a victory in the 100 butterfly. Freshman Meghan Wallach and sophomore Sarah Ferranti finished first and second respectively in the 50 freestyle. Both also were part of the 200 IM relay team. Freshman Katie Seyboth coasted to an easy victory in the 1000 freestyle, besting her next competition by over 20 seconds. The nine points for first place in the 500 freestyle also went to the Jumbos thanks to freshman Beth Lopez. On Wednesday the Jumbos defeated non-conference opponent Wellesley 161-128. The win was the Jumbos' second consecutive victory over the Blue, after they won last year's meeting, 157-143. Tufts won twelve of the sixteen events. They were led by Sumiyoshi, who won three events. She won the 200 freestyle, 200 backstroke, and was on the 200 IM medley team. Sumiyoshi, twice a veteran of the NCAA Championships, has tried to lead the team with her performance. Although she has not been able to practice with the team as much as she would like because of scheduling conflicts, the unity between her and her teammates is strong. "When I am in the pool with the team, I hope that I do lead by example," Sumiyoshi said. "The girls in my lanes push me to my limit and it's encouraging to swim with the team. We all support one another in practice." Besides Sumiyoshi, the team received great performances from an array of swimmers. Mims won both the 100 and 50 freestyle and also anchored the 200 IM relay team. The Jumbos took the first three spots in the one meter diving event, with Wecksell leading the group. Another two-time winner was Weitz, who took both the 500 freestyle and the 200 butterfly. After the break, the Tufts women's swimming season will heat up, as matches against conference rivals Wesleyan, Trinity, Bates, and Williams loom. It will be a good measuring stick for the Jumbos.

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News

Housing lottery numbers to be released this week

December 8

After extensive lobbying by members of the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate, housing lottery numbers will be released this week, possibly today. This is the first year lottery numbers will be released before winter break. The earlier release date is "the result of Senate prodding" of the Office of Residential Life and Learning and other administrators, according to Senator Josh Belkin. "This is something the Senate made a priority," he said. Last year, housing numbers were released in the spring semester, despite early hopes that they would be available by Thanksgiving. Many students prefer an earlier release date to give them more time to find off-campus housing if necessary. "At this point in the year, it's much more of a renter's market than a landlord's market," Belkin said. The earlier release date is "a victory for students" because it gives them more control over their choices early in the year so they will not be subject to the higher rent that landlords charge later in the year. The April date for housing selection will likely remained unchanged. One of several reasons for this is that the amount of housing available is contingent upon the number of students who will be studying abroad next year. Lottery numbers will again be released through WebCenter _ the same website used for registration. Students will receive an e-mail with a link to their number and a letter with information about their options and the number's meaning. To make the letter "as meaningful as possible," it will advise juniors as to whether or not they should seek off-campus housing, Dean of Students Bruce Reitman said. Technicians must "work out the technical details" before the numbers can be released. This fall, the Dean of Students Office surveyed the junior class to determine the number of students who would be interested in living on-campus as seniors, given the options. Using the survey results, administrators were able to gain a rough estimate of how many beds would be available for rising juniors and how many would be required to live off-campus. The Dean of Students Office received over 600 responses to the survey, but several students sent in multiple responses due to a computer glitch. Administrators are investigating, because they want the survey to be as accurate as possible. Reitman would not comment on whether the survey showed a higher or lower number of rising seniors wanting to live on-campus than in past years. Even with the survey results, current sophomores will be unsure about their living arrangements for next year. "It's really nice that they're being released earlier, especially for our class," sophomore Tim Wagner said. "I think if Tufts isn't going to guarantee housing, they at least have to give people enough time to make alternate arrangements."

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News

Jumbo pride: it does exist

December 5

Who needs a tiger, a bear, or a gator? Tufts has the almighty Jumbo, whose name comes from "jumbe," the Swahili word for "chief." In previous issues of The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated, Tufts was listed as having one of the most distinctive college mascots in the nation. Although Jumbo the elephant may not be as ferocious or threatening as other school mascots, Jumbo is indeed unique, and Jumbo pride is far-reaching at Tufts. Both athletes and non-athletes at the University exhibit pride in their school's mascot and incorporate Jumbo into their own identities. Jumbo is as important both to students' collective identity at Tufts as it is to Tufts' reputation on the sports circuit. The Jumbo symbol, a gray elephant, is everywhere: on students' clothing, hats, sports uniforms, and accessories. The fact that Jumbo is not a typical mascot is a positive quality, according to a number of students. Many students recognize Jumbo as a unique University feature, concluding that Jumbo's individuality strengthens school spirit and stirs student support. "Because Jumbo is a peculiar mascot, it distinguishes us from other schools," sophomore Pax Sinsangkeo said. "It doesn't matter if an elephant is ferocious or not, so long as our school spirit is still strong." Sports teams wear uniforms that are very Jumbo-oriented. Their brown and blue uniforms represent the school colors, and the elephant is located prominently on many teams' warm-up outfits. No individual athlete has ever made a negative remark toward Jumbo as a mascot, according to Athletic Director Bill Gehling. "Clearly there is a history behind Jumbo. Jumbo was heroic in his own right: he took one for the team in the ultimate way. To me, Jumbo is a great mascot," Gehling said. He acknowledges, "students are less satisfied with Tufts colors, but there is something to be said for tradition." Junior Joseph Coletti, goalie of the men's soccer team, recognizes that though elephants may not seem fierce, they have strength and staying power. "A Jumbo may not strike fear into many of our opponents, but once they see our grotesque brown warm-ups, they definitely are afraid," Coletti said. "Jumbos are more dangerous in a group, stampeding over other animals, so we are more ferocious than meets the eye." Though Jumbo is often the butt of jokes for a number of other universities, Junior Benjamin Crapser, goalie of the ice hockey team, says that he is proud to be a Jumbo. "Once during a game, the opponents threw mice on the ice, and started chanting 'mice on the ice!' in an attempt to mock our mascot, the Jumbos, because elephants are afraid of mice. That only made us angry and more determined to win, because regardless of how [non-intimidating] elephants may seem, Jumbo is our mascot, and we take pride in that." Several other schools in the University's athletic have interesting mascots as well. Such mascots include Williams' Purple Cows, Amherst's Lord Jeffs, and the Brandeis owl but none of these, students say, compare to the character and stature of Jumbo. Megan McCourt, sophomore goalie of the women's soccer team, honors Jumbo's past. "When you know the history of Tufts, there's a lot of pride," McCourt said. "Our team in particular has a lot of pride in being Jumbos. Besides, it's better than being the 'Purple Cows'." Jumbo's legendary past gives meaning to his role as a mascot. Jumbo was a male African elephant owned by Tufts benefactor P.T. Barnum. Barnum purchased the elephant from the London Zoo and brought him to America in 1882. Jumbo was a huge attraction as part of Barnum's famous circus, but was hit by a train and killed in 1885. After Jumbo's tragic death, Barnum embarked on a lucrative tour featuring a taxidermied Jumbo. After the four-year tour, Barnum donated Jumbo to the University, and the elephant was adopted as its mascot. A 1975 fire in Barnum Hall, where Jumbo was housed, however, left only Jumbo's tusk intact. Now, a larger-than-life statue of Jumbo II stands in front of Barnum, reminding current students of his legacy. Freshmen are becoming acquainted with Tufts' mascot and its symbolic representation of the University. "When I first came to Tufts I was excited about Jumbo," freshman Kristen Highland said. "Although he may not be a traditional mascot, he's a fun one, and he has a lot of spirit and tradition. It seemed like all of the students knew the story and were proud to be Jumbos, so I was excited and proud to be one too." Collectively identifying Jumbo as the University's mascot is an immediate and concrete way for new students to link themselves to the school. "I came from a school where we had a penguin as a mascot, so when I heard Tufts' mascot was an elephant, I thought that was at least better!" freshman Meghan Wallach said. "I didn't understand the whole "Jumbo" tradition until I got here, though. I really like the whole story that's behind it." Wallach, a member of the swimming team, acknowledges Jumbo as a reputable symbol for Tufts' sports teams: "In terms of having Jumbo as a mascot for sports, I think that even though Jumbo isn't ferocious like a wildcat, it is still definitely respectable for different reasons," Wallach said.

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News

Gabra team brings home first place

December 5

In just its first year of existence, the Tufts University Garba Team (a South Asian dance form) was crowned national champion at the second annual "Raas Chaos" Dance Competition last month. At the event, which was hosted by George Washington University in Washington DC, Tufts received a trophy and $1,250 for winning the competition. Georgetown took home second place and a $750.00 award. The team had never participated in a competition before this one, let alone a national championship. But with the help of the Tufts Association of South Asians (TASA) and the enthusiasm of undergraduate students, the team earned the chance to compete for the national crown, and made the best of it. "We didn't know anything about the competition, about what to expect, how the other teams danced, nothing," senior dancer and TASA president Kruti Dharia said. "We had no idea if we would win or come in dead last." The team, led by senior captain Avana Desai, consists of 11 girls: seniors Avana Desai, Dharia, and Sapna Shah, juniors Ronak Patel, Gati Dharani, Milani Patel, Tara Paulose and Kavita Patel, and freshman Aekta Shah, Hiral Shah, and Reena Desai. While traditional garba generally includes both men and women, the Tufts team was the only all-female team at the competition. Because Tufts' Garba team was not coed, it was penalized five points even before the start of the competition. Desai, who has been participating in raas/garba since she was eight, choreographed the entire ten-minute dance, marking the first time she created an entire dance all on her own. She choreographed the dance, created a mix of appropriate music, and helped the team get acquainted with the motions. The women practiced for nine hours every week since late September, upping it to 12 hours a week as the competition came closer. In the week preceding the competition, the girls practiced for 15 hours weekly to perfect the steps and get their timing exactly right. "I've never worked with such a dedicated group of girls before. Every one of them loves garba so much that they were willing to put in whatever it took to perfect the dance," Desai said. "And guess what, it worked; we won." In addition to Tufts and Georgetown, three other schools competed for the title: Rutgers, the University of Maryland, and the host George Washington. These five teams were chosen out of approximately 20 from around the country based on an audition tape submitted in October. Tufts traveled the furthest of any of the five teams to get to the competition, ten hours each way. "It took a lot of work to get there, and to be ready to compete but it was worth it," Dharia said. "We went to bed at 2:30 a.m. Friday night and we were up at 7 a.m. on Saturday. We had to do all our hair and makeup on our own and pack everything for the competition b/c we knew we would not be back until it was over. We took all safety pins, bobby pins, hairspray, food, make-up, anything you can think of, with us." When the emcee announced that Tufts was the winner, the girls did not know what to do with themselves. "I don't think there was anyone there more surprised than we were," Avana Desai said. "We knew we had a great dance and performed perfectly but since we were definitely the underdogs there, we weren't sure if we would be recognized. I think we took the competition to a level it had never been to before, showing we didn't need to have boys to be engaging and lively." In fact, the girls, upon receiving the award, were jumping up and down so intensely that they broke their first place trophy. Dharia found out about this competition through a friend from MIT, because GW actually never e-mailed Tufts about the competition. She brought up the competition at the first general TASA meeting to see if anyone would be interested in choreographing a dance, or participating in it. Because so many people took an interest, she immediately e-mailed GW about the competition. Garba and Raas originated from the state of Gujarat. They are traditional dances performed during Navrati. They originated from the days of Lord Krishna who played Raas with his beloved Gopis near the Yamuna River in India. The Garba team members found the weekend a wonderful experience. "We definitely didn't expect to win, we just went out there and danced our best and showed a lot of expression and enthusiasm," Patel said. "Our hard work and the long drive definitely were worth it. It felt great to be somewhere representing Tufts, and showing all the other DC schools that teams from Boston can't be easily written off." Aekta Shah agreed. "This has been an unforgettable experience," she said. Not only did we win, but in the process I made ten amazing friends."

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News

Shutout of F&M provides bright spot in tough first week

December 5

The women's squash team opened its first weekend of play with a bit of a roller coaster ride. At the Dartmouth Invitational in New Hampshire, the team lost three matches by a combined score of 25-2, but handily defeated Franklin & Marshall 9-0. The squad followed its performance at Dartmouth by losing both of its next two matches by a tally of 9-0 to Amherst and Wellesley. Against Amherst and Wellesley, on Tuesday and Wednesday, many of Tufts' players missed the matches due to other school obligations, causing a lack of consistency in the team's lineup. "We did well and we just need our entire team available in big matches," coach Doug Eng said. "At all of our matches thus far, we were missing key players since many of them are extremely active on Tufts Campus. For example, Zoe Bolesta and A.J. Crane are also on the sailing team." Owing to this factor, the team's lackluster results are not surprising. "For yesterday's match against Amherst, we didn't have the complete line-up because some couldn't attend due to school. The result was kinda expected," senior co-captain Winnie So said. Tufts expects to see stiff competition throughout the year, and this first week of play was no exception. "Yes, we should have beaten Bowdoin last year but this year they got lucky with recruiting and picked up a national Ivy player who should be at number one, so they are tough. Bates is always tough. Dartmouth is probably top five nationally," Eng said. Despite the tough competition, the team did squeak out a few notable victories in the midst of its defeats, such as So's 3-0 win against Bates number one Sara Persing. But playing four matches in two days proved to be too much for the Jumbos, who left the Invitational exhausted and defeated. "I had thought that our match against Bates would be more even," senior co-captain Abigail Cushman said. "For me, part of the problem I had when playing Bates was that it was our third match that day. So by that time, I was exhausted both physically and mentally." Overall however, the team was happy with its performance, especially at Dartmouth, as several of the newer, younger players were able to pick up wins against Franklin & Marshall. "On an individual basis Rhonda (Barkan) and Nida (Ghouse) are our most pleasant surprises this year," Eng Said. Ghouse, a sophomore, picked up a solid victory against Karley Bibbs of Franklin & Marshall, while fellow sophomore Barkan has yet to play in a match. The weekend also provided the team with valuable experience for the Howe Cup, the National Squash tournament, giving the Jumbos something to build upon for the remainder of the season. "We already have more experience than other teams with players just starting out. It will pay back at the Howe Cup. . . . We'll peak at the Big Dance," Eng Said. Early season experience often proves valuable for younger players who have little contact with squash at the collegiate level. "Dartmouth, Bowdoin and Bates are strong teams so it's a good opportunity for the younger players to be a part or even to watch great matches," So said. The team hopes that this experience will translate into wins later on when it has a chance avenge some of its early season losses. "We'll have another chance in January to play Wellesley, and I think we'll do much better then," Cushman said. "We'll have a much stronger team."

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News

Foreign students must register under new government regulations

December 5

Foreign students have been increasingly unsettled this semester by new government rules regulating their presence in the United States. The registration requirements created by the Bush administration have changed several times since their original implementation this fall. Congress mandated the initial registration system in June, calling it the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). The system requires male citizens over the age of 16 of Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Syria, and Libya who are temporary US residents to register with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) upon entering the United States. Registration at legal ports of entry began on Sept. 11, 2002. NSEERS also demands citizens of the five listed countries to check in with the INS 30 days after their initial registration, and again once every year. A Department of Justice Facts Sheet stated that certain aliens from the designated countries who entered the US before the NSEERS took effect would also have to register. The second phase, announced a few weeks ago and effective on Monday, adds Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen to the list. There are 16 citizens of the listed countries attending Tufts (not including the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy), nine of whom are male, according to the Tufts International Center. During registration, the INS fingerprints and photographs the registrant, and questions him extensively. Tufts senior Seif Shieshakly, a Saudi Arabia native, was forced to register upon re-entering the US from Germany. Though Shieshakly had already learned about the registration process from friends and the International Center, he found the questions strange. Among the things Shieshakly was asked was his purpose for being in the US and whether he was a member of al Qaeda. The Tufts International Center is working actively to help students by learning whether they have to register and supplying them with the information and documents they need. The center sent e-mails to all of the students who might fit NSEERS criteria at the beginning of the year, International Center Director Jane Etish-Andrews said. The center will contact students about the new provisions through the Arab Student Association and the Muslim Student Association. But since "[the criteria are] rapidly changing, it's hard to keep up with," Etish-Andrews said. One of the challenges to fully understanding the new rules is that INS officials can invoke "discretionary criteria" to stop almost any alien from entering the US. The INS's criteria is "classified and sensitive," but Department of Justice Spokesman Jorge Martinez said that suspect travel plans could earmark an individual. Additionally, many Tufts students who might otherwise have to register will leave the country before the January deadline. This means that they will register upon reentering the US, instead of going to the Boston INS office. These students may have to report for the 30-day registration check after their return, however. Although they might not agree fully with the procedure, most affected students see the need for heightened security. "I think it's legitimate, there is a reason, as long as it doesn't go out of control," Shieshakly said. "What I find really funny, and iffy, was what the INS calls 'special treatment'... that's how it started with the Jews [under Hitler]." Citing the film The Siege, he said that it would not be a very large stretch to imagine people being rounded up as a result of their citizenship or ethnicity. "It's happened before, it's happened here with the Japanese," Shieshakly said. Failure to register would result in the person's name being turned over to law enforcement officials, a $1,000 fine, incarceration, and possible deportation. But students are not likely to avoid registration, Etish-Andrews said. "I would say that they're nervous but they're going to do it," she said. "Nobody has complained that they've been harassed in any way." The measures, however, have the potential to alienate foreign students. Shieshakly said he would be leaving the United States after his graduation, since it was not worth the trouble of staying. Attorney General John Ashcroft said early in November that since starting the NSEERS, 179 individuals from 112 countries had been arrested. The NSEERS generated controversy with Canada, who pushed for exemptions for Canadians born in one of the affected countries.

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News

Men treat women as sex objects

December 5

This is in response to Drew Shelton's column on Dec. 3, 2002, "Defending Men and Maxim." The column says that women objectify themselves and that it is Cosmo, and not Maxim, that is the root of men's objectification of women. Newsflash: Men have regarded women as mere sex objects for thousands of years, whereas it is only in the last thirty years or so that women became sexually liberated and began reading magazines like Cosmo. It is this attitude, the simplistic "if you don't like being treated as a sex object, don't wear lipstick and high heels" ideology, that refuses to take into account that it is men that propagate the treatment of women as sex objects. But for Shelton to advise readers to teach their daughters not to view themselves as objects is ludicrous. In today's society, the need to be beautiful and attractive to men is ingrained in girls from childhood. Teach your sons not to view women as objects, so that Maxim doesn't affect them. We are not at a place yet where blame can be completely removed from the male sex for the oppression of women. The column insinuates that men's objectification and degradation of women is brought about solely by the actions of women. It is only recently that women have even been made aware that they don't have to treat themselves as objects whose sole purpose is the pleasure of men. But if they don't, they become undesirable to men as sex partners and to women as friends. So the choice about whether a woman should make an object of herself is really no choice at all. Cosmo and Maxim both degrade women. Yet, even though Cosmo features male models with little clothing, you don't see women treating men as sex objects. The root of the problem is men's attitude towards women. Hopefully as time goes on both women and men will realize this and women will be able to achieve true equality not based only on equal pay but on mutual respect and without objectification. Marion Phillips LA '06

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News

Hockey faces tough opponents over weekend

December 5

With three games already under its belt, the hockey team is looking to improve upon its 1-1-1 record. After a somewhat disappointing 4-4 tie at UMass-Dartmouth last Sunday, the squad has its sights set on picking up wins this weekend in two crucial NESCAC/ECAC East games. The team hosts New England College tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Malden Arena and welcomes St. Anselm College to town Saturday at 3:00 p.m. "Against UMass-Dartmouth, we had a few let downs," sophomore forward John Hurd said. "We didn't play 60 minutes of hockey." The letdowns were evident as the Corsairs of UMass-Dartmouth came back to tie the game on three separate occasions. Most damaging however, was a power play goal that came off the stick of the Corsairs' Shawn Sheehan with 1:32 remaining in regulation. Overtime proved fruitless for both teams and the result was a tie. On paper, the Jumbos were outplayed. Out shot 32-24, they went only one for five on the power play, and gave up two power play goals. But statistics don't always tell the whole story. "While we didn't come out as intense as we would have liked, by the time the third period rolled around we were more intense than they were," senior co-captain and team scoring leader Mike Carceo said. While they haven't yet exploded offensively, the Jumbos have been solid on both ends of the ice. The team has scored fourteen goals in three games, an average of 4.3 a game. With Carceo (6 points), sophomore forward Gino Rotondi (5 points), junior forward Jason Boudrow (4 points) and sophomore forward Shawn Sullivan (4 points) leading the way, Tufts has been efficient on offense. Defensively there have been a few lapses, but the team could not ask for much more out of senior co-captain Chris Martin and the rest of the blue-liners. Junior goaltender Ben Crapser has also been steady, with a 3.89 goals against average and a .898 save percentage. The Jumbos will need to play some of their best hockey tonight as they face a powerful offensive force in New England College. NEC beat Tufts last year, 7-5, in a tight, hard fought game. "I feel we should have beaten these guys last year," Hurd said. "It was up and down the whole game and we lost in the last minute." Although the Pilgrims are only 2-2-0, they have scored 22 goals, an average of 5.5 per game. This includes an 8-3 thrashing of St. Anselm's, the Jumbos opponent tomorrow. New England College is led by junior forward Travis Banga, who already has 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists). Also helping the Pilgrims' cause are freshman forwards Jeff Vandyke and Jeremy Koning, who each have 10 and 9 points, respectively. "We'll have to concentrate defensively against NEC," Carceo said. "They strike quick and score a lot of goals. A win against them would make life a lot easier going into Saturday's game with St. Anselm." Though they are only 1-3-1, the St. Anselm is another squad the Jumbos cannot afford to take lightly. One only has to look at last years lopsided 9-0 Hawks win as evidence. "That was one of our worst games last year," Hurd said. "We're going to be fired up to get another crack at these guys." Senior forward Jeff Kuhn and sophomore forward John Cron lead the Hawks offense, each with three points. Sophomore goalie Jim Merola has seen a lot of rubber flying at him, as evidenced by the 159 shots opponents have had on him. He has a respectable 3.96 goals against average and a .881 save percentage. "For these two games, we are going to have to play within the system," Hurd said. "We can't sit back once we have a lead. We have to keep momentum going. And if they score, we'll have to bounce back and regain the momentum." Carceo was optimistic about his team's chances. "If we go out and play as hard as we did two weeks ago [vs. St. Michael's and Norwich], we should come out winners this weekend," he said.

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Jacobs performs many functions as Tufts' legal counsel

December 5

Unbeknownst to many students, the Tufts Office of General Counsel plays a vital role in the University's operation _ despite its having just one employee. The General Counsel employs Attorney Mary Lee Jacobs as the University's first contact for any legal questions that may arise at Tufts. But the role of the General Counsel is not limited to consult solely during the judicial process. Jacobs is available for consultation from any University official, from casual advice to formal hearings. Jacobs works with officials at all Tufts campuses on a range of subjects _ from contract law to employment benefit issues. If the University is subject to any criminal or legal action, the Office of the General Counsel would serve as the basis for the school's defense. All major universities have similar offices _ although some schools employ multiple lawyers. Hiring outside lawyers can be a significant expense for Tufts. During the 2000 fiscal year, the latest for which figures are available, the school spent over $2 million on outside firms. The expenses include firms that specialize in real estate and patent law. The largest amount, $1.6 million, went to the local firm of Nutter, McClennen, & Fish. The General Counsel Office works on an as-needed basis, and begins to look into an issue when contacted. Recent projects have included working with the Associate Provost for Research Peggy Newell on grant and contract procedures. The Dean of Students Office primarily works with the counsel to keep Tufts within current legislation. Each year hundreds of changes in state, national, and local law affect policy at the University. "There is room for interpretation in the statues. What we need to know from counsel is what the absolute mandates that private institutions face and we then work inside those guidelines," Dean of Students Bruce Reitman said. The General Counsel is in frequent contact with the Judicial Affairs Office. The two offices work primarily on issues that arise during the student discipline process. Jacobs takes on a strictly advisory role during the school's disciplinary process, serving on no committees or regularly scheduled meetings in the Dean of Students office. Any information disclosed by the University is protected under Attorney-Client Privilege. An attorney representing the University is present at all hearings where one party has hired a lawyer as their advocate, according to the Dean of Judicial Affairs Veronica Carter. The Dean of Students Office can also request the services of an attorney at any hearing, and has done so in the past during "complicated" or "technical" cases. Attorneys can be hired at the student's expense to consult and help prepare an argument. Their role is the same as any other advocate, with active participation at the hearing limited to a closing statement summarizing their side's arguments. According to Jacobs, attorneys typically are not hired but they can be especially during higher profile cases. The Judicial handbook recommends students consider attorneys when "subsequent action in the court system is a possibility." There has been discussion about the providing students with attorneys, but the University has ultimately decided against it, Carter said. Instead, a revised advocate system has been put into place, where a list of potential student and faculty advocates will be provided among request. These are not "trained advocates," Carter said, but people who are familiar with the Student Judicial Process handbook and are willing to assist someone in a hearing. There will be a screening process of the students and faculty before they are placed on the list. At the hearings, the University's attorney, who can be Jacobs or another attorney from a private firm, serves in a completely advisory role. "I can be asked questions during a hearing," Jacobs said, "I advise the University of the Legal Ramifications of any questions that may arise during a hearing." Other attorneys have been hired by the Office of General Counsel to represent the University in the past. While Jacobs is the sole attorney employed by the Office of the General Counsel, she often employs other lawyers on many cases. The number of consultations forces the University to employ other outside attorneys, Jacobs said, especially given that today's law is growing increasingly complex, especially in real estate and patents. Other schools have different arrangements. The University of Houston has seven attorneys on staff, including ones who handles intellectual property and real estate law exclusively. Harvard's general council is also one of the five vice presidents of the University. Jacobs sees her ability to hire different firms as an asset of the office. Being able to have specialists in many different fields at the same time gives the University flexibility and the ability to deal with any problems that may arise. "I think this is a very good model for us, I've never asked a question and not received an answer either from Counsel Jacobs or someone she employs," Reitman said. "Even those institutions that have multiple attorneys on staff the range of expertise does not cover everything that arises." Despite the accessibility of the General Counsel, the University officials have solved many matters internally. An example of an issue for which the office has not been contacted is File Sharing and recent banning of students off the network for sharing copyrighted materials. The University could potentially be held liable since the material was downloaded off Tufts' servers.

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Double major and minor policy could be revised

December 5

Students may soon be able to graduate with more qualifications on their degrees, as the Educational Policy Committee (EPC) will recommend that the faculty review the policy that prevents students from double majoring and minoring. The move comes in the midst of a national trend of students increasingly declaring more than one major. While a double or triple major allows students to pursue multiple interests, administration and faculty members warn the stress of fulfilling requirements and lack of electives can damage a student's learning experience. The recommendation is meant to deal with the inconsistency of policy which allows students to triple major, but not double major and minor, according to Todd Quinto, a math professor who serves as co-chair of the EPC. The faculty will decide whether allowing a double major and minor would dilute a student's education. Though EPC members' opinions were mixed, "the committee decided to ask that this be brought before the faculty to allow two majors and a minor just because of the inconsistency," Quinto said. An alternative plan to the EPC's recommendation is to ban triple majors, which was discussed but found to be an unviable solution. "There are a lot of faculty majors who don't like the idea of triple majors," Quinto said. "However, there are fields where triple majors can be beneficial." Faculty debate over the policy is likely to be interesting, as many have strong feelings about the recent movement toward double majoring. The number of double majors at Tufts has increased 6.2 percent over the last two years, and now includes almost a third of the student body. The reasons for choosing more than one major are varied, but many students who take enough credits to fulfill two majors find it convenient to declare both. More students are arriving at Tufts with Advanced Placement (AP) credit, which can exempt students from requirements. With enough AP credit, it's possible to schedule more high-level courses that fulfill the requirements of two majors. Other students see a double major as an opportunity to pursue two goals. "I've always had an interest in music, but I also wanted to do law," sophomore Brent Patterson said, a double major in political science and music. With a double major, Patterson wants to study what he needs and what he loves. "I hope I can do something in music as well _ political science is for the career," he said. Some think that a pursuit of two goals doesn't necessitate a double major. "I'm not sure why they do it; it seems to me, if you want to take a lot of courses in a field that isn't your major you can do so," English professor Linda Bamber said. She cautions her students that a double major isn't necessary for success. But, she says, it can be a good way to concentrate on interests outside of the primary major. "It's like they want proof that they've done something they've loved, which is a little antithetical," Bamber said. "On the other hand, if it helps people to focus on something they really care about then it's a good idea." Many students declare more than one major in order to further career goals and to add to a r?©sum?©. There is, however, no empirical evidence that shows a double major can increase job opportunities. "I know of no instance where an employer has specifically indicated preference for double _ or more _ majors," Director of Career Services at Tufts Jean Papalia said. Papalia also sees a multiple major as motivation for the student to pursue more than one area of interest. "The only instance where I would encourage double majoring is to satisfy a student's authentic interest in two different areas," she said. "Real life" experience is just as valuable as time spent in the classroom, according to Papalia. Due to the time and schedule constraints of multiple majors, that real life experience can be lacking as students try to juggle an increased number of requirements, she said. In fact, often the student's schedule itself prohibits him or her from declaring more than one major. "In scheduling classes, you have to choose which [major] is more important when they conflict," Patterson said. Students should be careful about choosing to pursue more than one major for the purpose of a career, cautions Dean of the Colleges Charles Inouye. "People have this sort of r?©sum?© building mentality," Inouye said. "I'm not so sure that that mentality is that successful or effective." According to Papalia, the success comes from a student's interest level. "It's common sense. If you're interested, you'll be motivated," Papalia said. If motivated, "you're more likely to succeed."

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Arts & Sciences embarks on ambitious planning initiative

December 5

Each of the University's departments and programs has begun or will soon begin an extensive self-examination that will culminate with the creation of five-year plans. Recent administrative shifts and the completion of the capital campaign this fall spurred the ambitious planning initiative. It has been several years since the University has engaged in such extensive planning, so it is time for retrospection and self-examination, according to Dean of Arts and Sciences Susan Ernst, who spearheaded the initiative. She explained that the recent of arrivals of President Larry Bacow and Provost Jamshed Bharucha also make a comprehensive look at Arts and Sciences appropriate. The changing nature of many academic disciplines at Tufts has also necessitated a review of the University's progress and future planning, Ernst said. In the past few years, Tufts has added five new majors _ Italian Studies, Community Health, Women's Studies, Peace and Justice Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies _ and other fields are experiencing innovations that make the present an ideal time to plan. Each department or program has been asked to consider a number of factors in formulating its five year plan, including the evolution of the faculty and the discipline, possible alterations to the curriculum, new facilities that might be required, and, when applicable, whether the graduate program is satisfactory. If faculty turnover is occurring, departments must consider not only how to fill the vacated positions, but why the replacements are justified. The five-year plans are not intended to be mere wish lists for the departments. "If the departments say they would like six new faculty and one new building, that by itself is not enough," Ernst said. The five-year plans also require departments to ask "hard questions," since the University's limited funds will prevent some of the faculty's desires from becoming realities. The reports are due to the Dean of Arts and Sciences office by April 1. The planning process will be familiar to some departments, such as chemistry and psychology, that already engage in self-examination on a regular basis. Such departments are likely to simply update previous planning efforts. The planning initiative will complement the work of Task Force on the Undergraduate Experience, which released its interim report Wednesday, Ernst said. Both projects are aimed at studying "how to bring Arts and Sciences to the next level of excellence," she said. Though faculty reaction to the planning initiative has generally been positive, Ernst said some resistance is inevitable when added responsibilities are placed on faculty. Still, the five-year plan is a good model, according to Harry Bernheim, the chair of the Biology Department. Self-examination gives departments direction, he said, and sometimes departments need to be told to undertake such projects. "If it's dictated, that way, you're more likely to do it," he said. Members of other disciplines have also embraced the planning initiative as an opportunity for self-study and introspection. The Department of Child Development will travel to a Concord nature preserve next week to work on the planning document. "The faculty generally agreed that it could be a useful exercise, letting us think about what our future direction should be," Professor David Elkind, the chair of the Department of Child Development, said. As a whole, the five-year plans will allow Tufts to further its reputation for providing "an excellent liberal arts education for undergraduates," Ernst said. "That will remain our focus." The planning initiative will also allow for the development of some graduate programs. Members of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences have occasionally felt slighted by the University's emphasis on the undergraduate school, she said. When all of the departments and programs have submitted their five-year plans, they will undergo a review by Ernst, Dean of Academic Affairs for Arts and Sciences Kevin Dunn, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Robin Kanarek, Dean of the Colleges Charles Inouye and Executive Dean for Finance, Budget, and Personnel Wayne Bouchard. The planning initiative's findings will also be presented to Bharucha, Bacow, and the Board of Trustees. Recent leadership changes within the School of Medicine and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy mean that those schools will likely engage in similar planning in initiatives in the near future. The School of Engineering is also working on plans similar in structure to those of the School of Arts and Sciences. Though universities often participate in self-examination at regular intervals, Ernst would like to integrate the planning process into Tufts' culture. "We want to be ready for a new capital campaign in a few years," she said.

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News

Restaurant guide

December 5

Four students for the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and the Tufts Public Health program have designed a guide of eateries offering healthy and inexpensive food choices in and around the Tufts University Boston Health Science Campus. With the opening of the new Jaharis building on Harrison Ave, this guide is a response to the many requests by Boston-based students for nutritious and inexpensive food options. The list of eateries gives you security that your waistline will not expand and your wallet will not shrink. Guide - Page 1 Guide - Page 2 Guide - Page 3

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Boston-based Averi combines jazz, pop, and country

December 5

So here's a recipe for Averi's music: combine jazz, pop, rock, country and a little dash of a cappella and you've got the band. After four years of hard work, this Boston band definitely has its act together. A mixture of both ages and musical styles shows in both their music and their personalities: the lead singer is just out of college, energetic, and the band's resident joker_ while the rest are in their late '20's, laid-back and thoughtful. They're headed for stardom with their lively pop/rock style and likable lyrics that get people singing along. Chad Perrone the classic rock lyricist, and Mike Currier, an R&B/funk saxophonist and pianist, lead the band, along with Matt Lydon the old country soul drummer, and their other two band members, Chris Tilden and Stuart Berk , who are always up to flashy solos. Factor all of that into songs, and you'll get a taste of the band's energetic and dynamic style: songs that start out as ballads and end up as "monster rock," in Chad's words. They are true entertainers and in concert members will do everything from dance all over the stage to coax an audience to sing back to them in a surprise a capella number. The band even has a local slant with lyrics like, "I'm waiting for the sun to come up over Cambridge. from the band members dancing all over the stage to the Perrone who coaxed the audience to sing back to him in a surprise a cappella number. But the best part, besides the music, is the band's do-it-together spirit. "No one steals the spotlight," said Perrone, Averi's lead singer and lyricist. Their spirit comes in many forms: from Averi's work ethic to just how the band works a song. Some songs get you dancing, while others have you swaying back and forth, recalling romantic moments. As Perrone sings in one of his lyrics, "I feel that it's easier now." After four years of pulling together a cohesive sound, the rest of the band feels the same way. Averi's members laud each other, repeating how each member is a great addition to the band. Perrone emphasizes how impressed he was that Currier learned to play keyboard when he felt some songs called for it, and how "Mike will just make the decision to sit it out or just sing without instrumentation when he feels it's appropriate." So how did it all come together? Their story sounds like a rock fairy tale. Lydon and Currier had both separately attended The Berkelee School of Music and through a strange twist of fate they ended up living next door to each other at Suffolk University. They found they were both music lovers and began playing together. One day at Suffolk's fall fest, Mike heard Chad playing on his guitar and singing. "Dude, you've got to hear this kid on guitar, he's amazing," he said, and they tracked down Chad, who joined the band to humor them. From there the threesome went on to pick up Chris Tilden, the bassist, "cause he's a good kid," and Stuart Berk, their guitarist. They have a fan base that's as dedicated to their music as they are. Just don't mention the word "fan" around them. "I hate the word 'fan,'" says Chad. "Everyone's like friends and family and that's how all bands start out. When you pack a room with 70 people, that's how it is. And when you get 700 people, it's just more friends and family." He's referring to their sold-out concert at the Paradise Rock club in Boston, where they played to an audience of more than friends and family. "The same people showed up in the front row in pictures from three separate shows," says Averi's photographer, affectionately known as "Cheez." Averi's members are even modest about mentioning their sold-out concert at the Paradise, "We weren't just asked by Paradise suddenly to play," Perrone said. "We opened for other bands and worked there doing other [stuff] more than once." Averi doesn't consider the Paradise Rock club their best show, either. For the band members it's much more about the audience response and their dedication to making good music: "Any show that sells out regardless of how many people there are is a good show, or when people sing back, or when there's an encore. There's still something amazing about it," Tilden said. When it comes to songwriting, Perrone may be the lyricist but the entire band contributes their own "appropriate" arrangements. Perrone writes his own guitar parts but everyone else brings in their own knowledge. Although they work a lot ("I need a vacation from my vacation," Perrone said), they also don't manufacture anything - emotions, songs or arrangements, though they could with the genre Averi plays in. Perrone says, "I can't force [a song].Even if we've arranged a song, I'm not going to force the lyrics. It's a natural evolution." It shows: when I listened to their music again on their CD, I could see how they combined the best elements of pop music with a genuine emotion and musicianship. It's easy to figure out the song lyrics and the musicians take their time with the songs, waiting for everyone to come together instead of rushing headlong and screaming (or balladeering) straight through. Many of the songs are about relationships, relating the "me" to "you," an element of so many successful pop songs. But the songs are personal and specific: Chad explains how his song about the sun rising over Cambridge stemmed from a night spent picking up a girl, going to her place and then getting to listen to how she still loved her ex-boyfriend. He found himself wandering around Boston at 5 a.m. wondering what the hell he was doing wrong with his life - and thence the song was created. Perrone doesn't believe in writing vague lyrics that can express a universality: "I write for me," he says, though "it's great if people take away their own interpretations." So where does Averi see itself in five years? "Off the top of my head, I want to be doing what we're doing now, only better," Perrone said. Currier and Lydon agree. Upcoming shows: Tonight, Dec.r 6 at Bell in Hand. 21+, Averi at 7:30 p.m. December 28, The Sad Caf?© in Plaistow, NH with Mr. Vertigo. Doors at 7 p.m. All ages.

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News

6-6 teams still in NFL playoff hunt

December 5

There's plenty of parity in the NFL especially in the AFC. As week 14 rolls around, the best record this conference can boast is 8-4 allowing the conference's three 6-6 teams to hold on to their playoff dreams. The story doesn't look so much better in the NFC either. Though this conference does boast three teams tied for the NFL's best record at 9-3; the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The playoff picture for both leagues is still blurry. It's likely that many of the league's mediocre teams will get a shot at the playoffs this season. The question now remains, which of these mediocre teams will make the playoffs and which ones will be left on the outside looking in. Sitting at 6-6, the Baltimore Ravens still have a chance to make it into the postseason. Granted it's a long shot, but the fact that a team whose roster was overhauled because of salary cap problems, and a team that also has Jeff Blake as its starting quarterback, shouldn't even have a shot at making the playoffs. The rest of the Ravens schedule consists of four games, one each against the Cleveland Browns, the Houston Texans, the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers respectively. Assuming even the Ravens have enough in them to beat the Browns and the Texans, if they can also beat the Steelers, they could wind up as the AFC North Champions. Currently sitting only one game back of the division leading Steelers, Billick's team is holding on to hope by more than just the skin of their teeth. The story is a bit different for the 6-6 and perhaps more talented New York Giants. After starting the season at 3-4, the Giants then went on a three game winning streak that put them smack back in the playoff race. The Giants playoff hopes seemed to gain even more momentum when the division leading Eagles lost Donavan McNabb to an ankle injury which will sideline the QB for six to eight weeks. Little did the Eagles know that losing their most valuable player would put no damper on their roll through the NFC. Even losing their back-up quarterback Koy Detmer didn't stop the Eagles from beating the St. Louis Rams. The Eagles wins paired with the Giants two game losing streak, has pushed the Giants three games back of Philly and their playoff hopes are fading fast. Two more 6-6 teams, the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills have had better luck gaining on their division leader, the Miami Dolphins, who also lost their starting quarterback to injury. Surprisingly, it seems that the Dolphins are much more dependant on quarterback Jay Fiedler than the Eagles are on McNabb, as they've gone 2-4 since his injury. Meanwhile, having compiled winning records of their own since Fiedler's injury, the Jets and the Bills are back in the playoff hunt and nobody knows who will win the AFC East, a division whose leader and bottom dweller sit merely one game apart. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the Dolphins have historically played poorly in December, compiling a 4-4 record during this month over the past two seasons. The playoff picture may become clearer this weekend as the New England Patriots prepare to take on the Bills. With only four weeks left to go, only the Green Bay Packers have secured themselves a playoff spot. Winning the NFC North can hardly be considered a feat, however, as the next best record behind the Packers is the Detriot Lions' 3-9 mark. Though the Chicago Bears began the season at 2-0, and appeared set to challenge the Packers' supremacy, the Bears have not been able to maintain the fast start and currently have a 3-9 record of their own. It doesn't seem as if the picture will get too much clearer by next week either as no team has the ability to clinch a division title going into week 14. The Good In the Atlanta Falcons last three games, quarterback Michael Vick has been unstoppable. Passing for as many yards as he rushed (173) against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Vick's play of late is the entire reason the Falcons are back in the playoff race. Despite struggling against the Vikings, in week 12 against Carolina the QB finished the afternoon with a quarterback rating of 141.7. The Bad Kurt Warner is 0-7 as a starter on the St. Louis Rams. After leading his team to a 0-5 start, Warner sat out for five weeks with a finger injury, allowing Mark Bulger to bring the team back up to the .500 mark. Bulger's efforts to bring the Rams back into the playoff picture went to waste once Warner was healed and regained the starting job only to drive his team back into the ground. The Ugly The Washington Redskins' Thanksgiving day match-up against the Dallas Cowboys was perhaps the ugliest game the Redskins have played this season. Adding to their 12 game losing streak against the Cowboys, the Redskins loss killed all playoff hopes dropping the 'Skins to 5-7 on the season.

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The Cheesecake Factory

December 4

There's a place that's suitable for just about any occasion. What is even better is that it can also satisfy just about anyone's appetite and food preference. If you have not been there yourself, you must at least have heard the name before: The Cheesecake Factory. Even if you have been there before, each time you go it is guaranteed to be as different from the last time as you decide to make it, especially since the menu has over 200 items. The Cheesecake Factory is located in the Cambridge Side Galleria, at the Lechmere stop on the Green Line. If it is your first time going to The Cheesecake Factory, do not be intimidated by the amount of people standing between the door and the hosts. Its reputation is fantastic, and it is no longer a secret. Another thing to not be afraid of is the size. Inside, the restaurant is enormous, despite its small outdoor appearance. As you make your way to the host, look to the left. You will see some of the most spectacular looking desserts, which would make you want to skip the main course if you had not been told of The Cheesecake Factory's mouthwatering entrees. If you are lucky enough to be seated right away, you will be greeted by a cheery, helpful, high-spirited server dressed in white from head to toe. Ordering a drink is pretty standard at most places; a Coke, Sprite, beer, wine, etc. But at The Cheesecake Factory, you will have to a do a little more thinking than usual. Sure, you can get a Coke or a Sprite, but you can also get just about anything, since the restaurant has its own bar that is as extensive as the menu. If you feel lucky, try making a drink with your own ingredients. If you don't feel so inclined, a Coke with grenadine is a great choice. The bread served before the meal just enhances your experience and decreases your patience for the main course and then dessert. You'll get two half-loaves; one sour dough and one pumpernickel. Both will be warm and come with butter. You might even want to get some more... okay, a lot more. As you peruse the menu, you cannot help but notice how big it is. It has about 18 pages, but yet it still remains personal and will not overwhelm you. If the atmosphere, the elegant ambience, service, and menu have not already convinced you that this place is for real, maybe something a little more concrete will convince you even before you really get into your food. How about the fact that there are commercial advertisements within the pages of the menu. The ads range from dry-cleaners to Mercedes-Benz ads, proving that all of these places know how busy The Cheesecake Factory gets and how much good business they do. So, now you are ready to order. You have searched the menu, but there is a terrible problem: you want everything. Here are a few dishes in particular that will satisfy your appetite without a doubt. The filet mignon ($25), possibly the best at a restaurant chain in New England (you never would be able to guess that this place is part of a chain if you based it on food quality alone). It comes with both onion rings and French fries. The filet itself is about ten ounces, and cooked to absolute perfection. It is tender, tasty, and healthier than most steaks since there is virtually no visible fat. Another must-have entr?©e is the Shrimp New Orleans ($18). They are blackened pieces of shrimp served with a mushroom sauce, all surrounding a mound of white rice right in the middle of the plate. Both of these dishes are exquisite. The Cheesecake Factory can serve as a great date venue. Both people are guaranteed to at least enjoy their meals, no matter how bad things get. In fact, The Cheesecake Factory is an ideal place because it can make a lasting memory and be a nice, somewhat classy place to go, and the food will only make the evening more splendid (not to mention taking some of the stress off of choosing a place that might not turn out to be so great). On the other hand, if the date is not going so well, even if it turns out to be a disaster, the food may be your savior, as it will be impossible not to enjoy it. Like all restaurants, there are a few downsides, however. The big one is the wait. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night and you want to eat dinner at 7:00 p.m., you better show up around 5:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.. If you end up getting there for dinner around 8:00 p.m., you might have to wait until 10:00 p.m. or even 10:30 p.m.. Fortunately, if this is the case, it is located in one of the larger malls in the Cambridge/Boston area. All in all, The Cheesecake Factory is a guaranteed good time.

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News

Carmichael rooms sprayed with water, residents' belongings damaged

December 4

The second floor of Carmichael Hall was flooded Tuesday night when a stray ball hit a sprinkler as two students played catch, starting a flow of water that soaked most of the floor. Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) responded just before midnight to the fire alarm that was set off. Although all sprinklers in the hallway are caged, the blow from the ball was strong enough to dislodge the fixture, TUPD Sergeant Doug Mazzola said. The fire doors, which divide sections of the floor and shut off stairways between floors, immediately shut when the system was engaged. Some water still managed to spread throughout most of the second floor, work its way down the stairways, and leak through the floor into first floor rooms. Rooms from the 120s to the 240s in Carmichael sustained damages, as well as the lobby and dining areas, according to a TUPD report. A total property damage estimate has not been released. The dorm was evacuated, and residents were kept outside for about half an hour. Some residents of affected first and second floor rooms were allowed to return to their dorm rooms nearly an hour after being evacuated, but even then, many were only allowed to retrieve clothes and were offered alternative housing options for the night, hall residents said. All students have now been allowed to return to their rooms. For some residents, the flood's affects will linger beyond the cold they endured while waiting outside. Many students, such as sophomore Lexi Schuman, found their belongings soaked. "I got back to my room and it was flooded," she said. "A lot of my books were ruined, which is especially bad now because of finals and everything." Schuman said, the computers and other electronic equipment in her room were unharmed. But other students were not so lucky: furniture and equipment in freshman Jared Fronk's room were damaged when water leaked through the ceiling of his first floor room. "It completely soaked my bed, everything under it, and my roommate's computer screen, mouse, keyboard, everything," Fronk said. "On the floor, our rug must have soaked up about a gallon of water." "We spent all night drying and cleaning everything," Fronk said. The University has not yet determined how it will reimburse students for the damages, Mazzola said. The student responsible for knocking off the sprinkler immediately explained the occurrence to TUPD officers. The Medford Fire Department came to shut off the water flow from the main sprinklers to the second floor. A Facilities department plumber later replaced the sprinkler head and reopened the valve, Mazzola said, and a University electrician ran safety checks in the dorm. Facilities was unavailable for comment. OneSource, Tufts' janitorial service company, helped with cleanup in the residence hall throughout the night. Fans and water vacuums were used to speed the drying process. Second floor Residential Assistant (RA) Gabe Koehhler-Derrick was pleased with the response to the incident. "The damage could have been a lot worse, but everything turned out alright in the end," he said. "OneSource worked really hard and everyone was able to find a place to sleep without a problem."

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News

Task Force releases interim report

December 4

The Task Force on the Undergraduate Experience released its interim report at yesterday's monthly faculty meeting, which presented tentative proposals for change based on three themes: climate, community, and coherence. The report, an expansion of the status report released by the Task Force three months ago, presents the recommendations students and faculty have made over the past year. These proposals originate from almost 50 open forums and meetings, an extensive faculty survey, the senior survey, and the Student Advisory Committee. The proposals included promotion of intellectual engagement, strengthening community and campus diversity, and the creation of a four-college system at Tufts. "The biggest initiative that students suggested at the forum was that of community-building," Task Force Co-Chair Gilbert Metcalf said. "They want to be known by faculty, and they want to know faculty outside the classroom. This led us to the proposal for a four-college system." The four-college system would create four clusters of dorms based on location, each with individual administrators and advisors. The system, as presented in the report, would promote social and academic opportunities in a small community setting. Some proposals for the promotion of intellectual engagement include class renovations, more group-study areas, and annual campus-wide intellectual competitions - though many of the proposals in this area were presented as ideas that need still need to be discussed. To strengthen community and diversity, the Task Force stressed the need for enhancements to the Mayer Campus Center and for a policy of need-blind admissions. Because the Task Force did not present its report until the end of the faculty meeting, some felt that the proposals needed more explaining. "Another meeting is necessary to get a sense of where people stand," Community Health Professor Rosemary Taylor said. "There wasn't much room for discussion at this meeting. We couldn't respond." The purpose of the presentation was to promote community interaction and gain feedback, as many changes to the report still need to be made. "Releasing the report encourages people from the community to improve upon it," President Larry Bacow said. "It's not final yet and just here for fine-tuning." The Task Force, co-chaired by Metcalf, Dean of Students Bruce Reitman, and Dean of the Colleges Charles Inouye, also includes five professors and three students. The purpose of the Task Force is to evaluate current education and college life at Tufts and work on improving the University. The Task Force will present its final report at the end of the spring semester. Students and faculty are being asked to send their reactions and criticisms of the report, which is posted on the Task Force website, ugtaskforce.tufts.edu. More open forums will be held to discuss the report and the Student Advisory Committee will promote student interaction. In addition to a progress report, the Task Force presented proposals for changes and identified the resources needed to make these changes.

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News

Asbestos found in Metcalf bathroom

December 4

Facilities workers recently found asbestos in the basement bathroom of Metcalf during pre-renovation inspections. The process to remove the asbestos will begin on Dec. 21, after students have left for winter break. Asbestos, a mineral that can be used as an insulator or fire retardant, has classified it as a known human carcinogen, and long term exposure can cause a lung disease called asbestosis by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It has been used in many types of building materials, plastics, paper products, and other products. While responding to student complaints about the poor condition of the basement bathroom, Facilities workers found nine inch by nine inch tiles in the sub-floor, located directly underneath the tile floor. Tiles of this size commonly contain asbestos in them and therefore warranted further tests, Facilities Director Ron Esposito said. Asbestos is not dangerous when contained inside tiles or pipe insulation, Esposito said. But once exposed, fine asbestos fibers can be inhaled and cause various health problems. Removal of asbestos from campus occurs on a regular basis. Asbestos has been found previously on campus, typically during summer renovations or in uninhabited maintenance areas. The Metcalf bathroom had been in horrible condition, freshman Cathy Lu said, and should have been fixed before students came to Tufts this fall. Sinks and toilets are often backed up, and there are holes in the ceiling, eroding floors, and malfunctioning showerheads. "They should have done summer inspection before we all moved in and it was clearly uninhabitable," Lu said, saying an inspection may have led to earlier discovery of the asbestos-containing tiles. The abatement process, and subsequent bathroom renovations, will not begin until after finals have ended. "We did not want to create that much of a disturbance because of the seriousness of final exams," Esposito said. Renovations will be completed just before students return from winter break, he said." Massachusetts law states that the asbestos removal process can only last 21 days, Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate Services committee chair Alison Clarke said. "They will get it done as quickly as possible so residents will be totally safe." Metcalf, however, is used as winter housing for athletes over break. In order to make sure that students are not exposed to the toxic material, students will not live in the hall's basement over the break, Esposito said. Residential Life Director Yolanda King spoke with the residents of the Metcalf basement to explain the situation and assuage concerns. "Once we were clearly told what was going, on we were okay with it," Lu said. "We understood that we weren't going die." The EPA and the State of Massachusetts enforce strict guidelines on the removal of asbestos from buildings, called the abatement process. The contractor hired to do the bathroom renovations will be responsible for the abatement. The area around the bathroom must be fully closed off to begin the abatement process, Esposito said. Thick plastic material will be hung from floor to ceiling, and an exhaust system will be installed to draw air from the area. Doing so creates negative pressure, from which airborne mechanisms cannot escape. A special type of vacuum system will create a hepafilter, which will filter out any asbestos particles, Esposito said. An independent asbestos project manager and an independent test firm will supervise the abatement. Tests will be taken before, during, and after the abatement process, which will not be finished until the test results show "zero" asbestos particles in the air, Esposito said. The contractor in charge of the project must be licensed by the state to conduct the abatement process, and the entire project is governed by the EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

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