News
Frat steps up for autism
October 23A group of brothers from the Theta Delta Chi fraternity raised $2,250 for Sunday's "Walk Now for Autism" at the Suffolk Downs Racetrack in east Boston.
News
News
Bergstrom funds new professorship
October 23Joan Bergstrom (J '62) has endowed a new professorship at Tufts' nutrition school focusing on issues of global nutrition and children.
News
Sophomore raises thousands for organization to help African women with HIV/AIDS
October 23Sophomore Meghan Lueders raked in $1,202 for the Health Education Africa Resource Team (HEART) in Hotung Café on Oct. 16. Her Guac and Rock fundraiser brought students together over burritos, guacamole and music.
News
Concussion studies butt heads with assumptions
October 22Despite what Looney Tunes reruns might indicate, in reality, seeing stars is far from funny.
News
Kerry: Obama has better foreign policy judgment
October 22Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) roundly praised Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's ability to handle global problems and questioned the direction in which Sen. John McCain would lead the country, during a Cohen Auditorium speech last night. Kerry garnered energetic applause as he discussed the changing nature of the country's national security concerns and contrasted the two presidential candidates' capabilities to address them in the inaugural lecture of the Fletcher Political Forum. Although he described both men as "honorable" and referred to McCain as a friend, Kerry, the Democratic nominee in 2004, maintained that Obama has the leadership qualities necessary at this challenging juncture in history. "We have to send him to the White House," Kerry said. In the question-and-answer section that followed, however, senior Stephanie Brown told Kerry that with "all due respect," she had come to hear the senator talk about foreign policy, not to attend an "Obama rally." Kerry, who endorsed Obama in January, countered that the speech was not a rally but an articulation of how he viewed the election. An Obama administration represents "the world I want to be working in," he said. Kerry, up for reelection himself on Nov. 4, did not address his own campaign in his prepared remarks aside from acknowledging that a Fletcher alum is on his campaign staff. "So if I don't win, I'm blaming you," he said to all the students in attendance. He focused instead on Obama and McCain, zeroing in on foreign policy at a point when virtually all public discourse about the presidential election seems to revolve around the economy. Kerry cautioned the audience that although "things look pretty good" for Obama in the polls, "no overconfidence … is allowed." In 2004, many exit polls reported on the night of the election that Kerry had beaten President George W. Bush. "You are looking at the shortest administration in history," Kerry said jokingly. He praised Tufts for being "one of the best places in America to prepare for leadership." He compared the global leadership that the university fosters to the qualities he sees in Obama. Kerry also advised that as students look ahead, they should not forget to glance back as well. Exactly 46 years ago yesterday, then-President John Kennedy addressed the country about the Cuban Missile Crisis. Although some were calling at the time for military strikes against Cuba, Kerry said that if Kennedy had taken their advice, it could have led to World War III. Instead, Kennedy spent "13 agonizing days" considering the situation and ultimately avoided a potential nuclear strike. Kerry believes it is this type of "patient, pragmatic, steeling and wise" leadership that the country needs today. "We face a complex and urgent set of challenges," he said. "The very definition of national security is being rewritten." This new definition includes problems that stretch beyond borders, such as terrorism, AIDS and global warming. Kerry argued that at this point in time, the United States faces the greatest need to act but possesses the least power to do so. "Never before in our lifetime has our position in the world — militarily, diplomatically and morally — been so compromised," he said. He mentioned several issues that need confronting, including the global financial crisis, the proliferation of terrorist organizations in the Middle East and the genocide in Sudan. While Kerry said that, especially around this time of year, he tries not to dwell on do-overs, "It is more than important that our country begin a new chapter in foreign policy. "The American people have a real decision," Kerry said. "Both candidates put America first," but their visions for the country differ greatly. Kerry said McCain's envisions a unilateral approach that would involve "defense of judgments that have proven to be mistakes," a reference to the Bush administration's foreign policy. Obama's vision, he said, is broader and involves a greater understanding of all global issues. "Both candidates have promised change. [But] change is more than words," he said. "It's not an exaggeration to say we know what a John McCain administration would look like," Kerry said. If "you strip away the lip service to change," McCain's record of voting in favor of Bush's policies 95 percent of the time remains, Kerry said. Kerry stressed that in order to fight terrorism and cut carbon emissions, it is important to reach out to other world leaders. The senator said McCain "won't even say if he will talk to the prime minister of Spain." Obama, however, understands the importance of reclaiming our "moral authority." This involves shutting down the Guantanamo Bay detention camp and "making it clear that the United States of America does not torture — not now, not ever," Kerry said. Drawing on his own military experience, Kerry, a decorated war veteran, reminded the audience that the rules in the Geneva Convention were put in place in large part "to protect soldiers." Kerry also had harsh words for the Bush administration. "The last eight years have taught us that ideology is not enough to govern," he said. "Judgment is paramount." He discussed several specific global problems that pose a threat to national security, the most significant of which he believes is our dependence on foreign oil. He called on the United States to break the "Gordian Knot of fossil fuels." Advocating for an energy revolution starting right now, Kerry emphasized that it is key to build an infrastructure of renewable resources. "We cannot drill out of this crisis," he said. "We have to invent ourselves out." Again, Kerry distinguished between the two candidates. He said Obama recognizes global warming as a man-made problem and has defined a response that would make America healthier. McCain, he said, voted against renewable energy 23 times in the Senate. In the night's only reference to Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain's vice presidential nominee, Kerry did not mention her by name. He said she "can't see that climate change is man-made but [says] that she can protect America because she can see Russia from her home state." Kerry then turned to the war in Iraq, where he sees important differences between the candidates. "John McCain still thinks it was a good idea to invade Iraq," he said. "One of the war's earliest cheerleaders has really become one of the last … Even President Bush has seen the light." Kerry believes that Obama will be "as cautious getting us out of the war as Bush was reckless getting into it," and that he will turn his attention to Afghanistan and Pakistan after ending the Iraq conflict. "Afghanistan is a country sliding into chaos," he said. While Obama was for sending more troops to the country early on, McCain was "perhaps the last man on earth" to realize that the troops were needed, Kerry said. The situation, however, is more complex than that. "More troops on the ground are vital, [but] if that is all we do, we may not stop the problems; we may make them worse," he said. Kerry expressed the need for the "comprehensive" and "sustained" policy involving NATO allies that Obama would bring to the White House. Policy in Afghanistan is important to Pakistan as well, Kerry said. On Iran, too, Kerry feels that Obama is the best equipped to develop a plan that would include "a long-term strategy for the country and for the region." In his last specific example, Kerry discussed Russia and said that Obama not only saw the crisis with Georgia coming but tried to prevent it, and has demonstrated the type of statesmanship that 21st century leadership needs. McCain, on the other hand, had advocated signing an arms deal with Moscow, Kerry said. "Good luck, John," he said. Using some of McCain's own words against him, Kerry quoted a segment from the candidate's book, "Worth Fighting For," that discussed how the Arizona senator makes quick decisions and is sometimes forced to live with negative consequences. Kerry asked what would have happened if McCain were in the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He questioned whether McCain would have shown the same judgment as Kennedy. Kerry later turned his talk to the problem of the country's intolerance of Muslims. "The world is watching and waiting," he said. "We need to speak directly to our own Muslim communities … There is no ‘us' and there is no ‘them.'" In a personal appeal to his listeners, Kerry said any president needs help in making American stronger. "The world has changed — and not for the better — and we need you to change it back," he said. This could include teaching English in China, helping impoverished countries get clean water, rebuilding American cities or even simply living a green lifestyle. "All of this will make America [stronger], regardless of who you vote for," he said. In his work in the Senate, Kerry has met several world leaders and has found that they are not sure who we are as a country right now. "That's what we get to define in two weeks," he said, calling this election a defining moment in history. "It's up to us what we do with those moments." Kerry believes that this election is a "moment to shatter boundaries and make history. "We need to seize this mom-ent," he said in the conclusion of his remarks. "We need to make Barack Obama president of the United States."
News
Students rally en masse to save tree - but tree does not need saving
October 22About 30 students, apparently called into action by an enigmatic mystery organizer, gathered at noon yesterday beneath the largest tree on the President's Lawn to protest what they thought was the administration's decision to cut it down. But the administration says it was never considering removing the tree.
News
Alum, lecturer happen upon groundbreaking insect fossil
October 22Tufts alum Richard Knecht (LA ‘08) and Geology Lecturer Jake Benner have made national headlines in the last week after happening upon the oldest full-body trace fossil of a flying insect ever found.
News
Faculty gave more to Kerry than Obama
October 22Sen. Barack Obama announced earlier this week that he had raised an earth-shattering $150 million for his presidential campaign in September — the newest record in a fundraising effort that has earned the Democratic hopeful over $600 million over the past two years. But according to public campaign financing information, the candidate from Illinois' fundraising dominance has not quite extended to Tufts' left-leaning campus: Federal Election Commission records show that Tufts faculty and staff members gave more to Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) in his 2004 presidential bid than they have given to Obama in the current election cycle. Through August, the most recent records available publicly, Tufts employees had donated $19,473 to the Obama campaign; through August 2004, Kerry had received $27,400 from the same group. Political Science Professor Kent Portney said the difference could stem from a variety of factors, such as Kerry's local ties as a Massachusetts politician. "I suppose that there are probably a fair number of people at Tufts who have some kind of connection to John Kerry because of his proximity to the university," Portney said. But he also suggested that the long, drawn-out primary battle between
News
TEMS gets authorization to operate ambulances
October 21Tufts Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) acquired a license last month, certifying the group as a classified ambulance operator in the state of Massachusetts, but its members say the group has no plans to actually obtain an ambulance.
News
Chemistry professor works with national academy that advises president, Congress
October 21The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) extended membership to Chemistry Professor David Walt earlier this year, recognizing his development of specialized sensors that can both capture images and perform biochemical analyses.
News
Empty seats at Town Meeting
October 21Administrators and student leaders hoping to open a dialogue about health and wellness issues at Tufts turned out to be virtually the only people in attendance at last night's Town Meeting. Dean of Arts and Sciences Robert Sternberg, standing, convened a panel of administrators. Representatives from the Tufts Community Union Senate and Tufts Emergency Medical Services were also at the meeting.
News
Police Briefs | 10/22/2008
October 21Welcome to the Daily's interactive police blotter map. Click each point on the map to learn about the incident that happened there.
News
University 'tightening the belt'
October 21As the nation's financial crisis has shaken up Wall Street and hurt Main Street, the downturn is leaving administrators on the Hill with their own issues to confront.
News
Norovirus outbreak plagues Georgetown
October 21Touching doorknobs, taking a sip from a friend's drink at a party, sharing a pint of ice cream, smoking a friend's cigarette, giving a significant other a kiss — this is the kind of contact that the college experience entails.
News
While still only having a limited share of the market, Apple starts to close the gap
October 21Macintosh computers are no longer reserved for the artsy-fartsy type — just walk into a large lecture hall on any college campus to find myriad white apple icons glowing on the back of note-takers' laptops.
News
While prioritizing aid, doubts linger about need-blind policy
October 21The current economic crisis has hit home for many college students on financial aid. But Tufts remains committed to meeting the needs of all students currently receiving aid.
News
Harvard Law adopts pass-fail system
October 20Harvard Law School will abandon traditional letter grades and move to a broad pass-fail system next fall, in an attempt to expand intellectual curiosity and improve student learning. The new method will classify students as "Honors Pass," formerly A+ to A-; "Pass," B+ to B; "Low Pass," B- to D; and "Fail," Law School Dean Elena Kagan announced on Sept. 26 in an e-mail to students. According to the Harvard Crimson, the law school's faculty developed the idea for such a system in the spring and chartered a special committee, formed over the summer. In part, the system is intended to encourage intellectual curiosity. Students are more likely to explore academically, the reasoning goes, if they do not fear the effect it will have on their GPAs. "[Pass-fail] is a good option for a course in an area that's really unfamiliar to you. You might think it would be too hard and you're scared, but you really want to learn something," said Robert Sternberg, Tufts' dean of arts and sciences. The move may also curb competition in one of the most cutthroat learning environments in the nation. "If grades are a scarce resource and people are competing for them, then it fosters a very individualistic approach to learning because someone else's success limits your access to success," Tufts Education Lecturer Laura Rogers said. "But when grades aren't rationed, then the success of others doesn't impinge [on yours]. Instead, it enhances your own learning opportunities." Pass-fail classes also augment learning by allowing students to challenge professors and more thoroughly develop unique thoughts. The Harvard Crimson Staff said in an editorial about the law school's decision that letter grades pressure students "to tailor their comments and papers to satisfy the whims of their evaluators more so than their own intellectual leanings." Harvard's grading system will now mirror those of peer law schools at Stanford University and Yale University. Some fear that the setup will not work as effectively at Harvard because of the school's significantly larger size. In Harvard's case, this may lead to a widely undifferentiated student body in which it is harder for employers to distinguish between applicants. But some say this will simply force students to find other ways to bolster their academic portfolios. "There are lots of ways for people to express their areas of competence, their learning, without having to translate it into a grading system that is defined to differentiate students from each other. Students are going to have to find some other way to characterize their strengths. But then it will be more authentic," Rogers said. Others argue that the departure from a traditional grading system may reduce student motivation. The Harvard Crimson editorial mentioned that grades "provide a clear motivation to attend class, do the readings, and engage with the material." But Rogers disagrees. "A lot of times people who are teaching will say that there are multiple purposes of grades, and one of them is to motivate students. But when you really look into that notion, it often falls apart," she said. In a school as prestigious as Harvard Law, students are presumed to have enough self-motivation to succeed without the pressures of letter grades, according to Sternberg. "At the undergraduate level, [a mandatory pass-fail curriculum] is hurtful to students. But you're talking about graduate school. You're talking about Harvard," he said. Students and faculty members alike are waiting to see what the change will mean for the school. In the meantime, Rogers said the bold move is worth the risk. "If there are any unintended consequences, they'll find out. You have to be willing to make those moves," she said.
News
Lost in translation: Foreign essay styles confuse
October 20This is the second article in a two-part series examining the disparities in essay-writing styles in nations around the world. The first installment explored the American model in comparison with those of other countries. This article focuses on how Tufts provides writing support for international students, as well as the difficulties American students who study abroad face when writing.
News
Jessie Borkan | College Is As College Does
October 20It's Tuesday afternoon. You're walking across the quad. You see a familiar face, but not that familiar ... oh, wait! It's that friend of a friend (of a friend?) you met last weekend during a rousing game of drinking-Spoons. It's that girl from your freshman year Creative Writing class. It's someone's boyfriend/roommate/secret crush/wilderness freshman for whom you have a secret nickname that has replaced his real name in your brain. Do you say hi? If you go to Tufts, then the answer is probably no.
News
Visiting the Hill this week
October 19MONDAY "Gregory Botsaris Lecture" Details: Y.A. Liu, a professor of chemical engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, will lecture on the "Fundamentals and Industrial Practice of Water Reuse and Wastewater Minimization." When & Where: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Room 136, Science and Technology Center "Junot Díaz: ‘The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao'" Details: Pulitzer Prize winner Ju not Díaz will speak about his most recent novel "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" (2007). A book signing will follow. The talk is part of the Women's Center's weeklong series on masculinity, "Man Enough?" When & Where: 5:30 p.m.; Room 104, Pearson Sponsors: Women's Center, Latino Center "Media Literacy and Social Change presents Sandy Kessler of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government" Details: Sandy Kessler will make a guest appearance in Julie Dobrow's Media Literacy and Social Change class. Kessler comes from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and is the former brand manager of Proctor and Gamble. When & Where: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Rabb Room, Lincoln Filene Center Sponsor: Communications and Media Studies Program "An Election of Change" Details: Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute will give a lecture entitled "An Election of Change: How Much, What Kind, What Consequences?" When & Where: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Coolidge Room, Ballou Hall Sponsors: Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service, Political Science Department, Pi Sigma Alpha TUESDAY "Men as Allies in the University Women's Center" Details: Jack Kahn, author of an upcoming introductory textbook on masculinity and co-chair of the Boston Chapter of the National Organization of Men Against Sexism, will speak. Lunch will be provided. When & Where: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Women's Center Sponsor: Women's Center "1968: The Year that Shook the World" Details: A panel discussion featuring Political Science Professor Michael Goldman and Tufts alumni will focus on the historical events of 1968 and their impact across the globe and on Tufts' campus. When & Where: 7:30 p.m.; Coolidge Room, Ballou Hall Sponsors: Experimental College, History Department "Reporting a Dangerous World — Dispatches Launch Event" Details: A panel of prominent journalists will speak on redesigning global news coverage for the modern, digital era. Dispatches, a print magazine analyzing current world events, and Global News Enterprise, an online foreign news service, will host the event. When & Where: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Alumnae Lounge, Aidekman Arts Center Sponsors: Institute for Global Leadership; Dispatches, Global News Enterprises, Edward R. Murrow Center at the Fletcher School, Communications and Media Studies Program WEDNESDAY "Presidential Decisionmaking: Military Intervention in Iraq" Details: Ambassador Barbara Bodine, the former U.S. deputy Iraq administrator and State Department counterterrorism coordinator, will speak on military intervention in Iraq during a brown bag luncheon. The luncheon is part of a weekly speaker series on U.S. foreign policy hosted by Ambassador John Shattuck. R.S.V.P. to Sarah.Labowitz@tufts.edu. When & Where: 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.; Terrace Room, Paige Hall Sponsor: Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service "Challenges in a Changing World" Details: Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) will speak at the inaugural Fletcher Political Forum, which is meant to address the connections between international affairs and domestic policy. When & Where: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Cohen Auditorium THURSDAY "Decision ‘08: Brown Bag Lunch with Steve Grossman" Details: Steve Grossman, former chairman of National Democratic Committee and of the Massachusetts Democratic Party will discuss the upcoming presidential election during a brown bag luncheon. This lecture is part of a weekly speaker series on the upcoming presidential election hosted by Alan Solomont. Drinks and fruit will be provided. R.S.V.P. to douglas.foote@gmail.com. When & Where: 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.; Rabb Room, Lincoln Filene Center Sponsor: Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service "Computer Science Distinguished Lecture" Details: Jennifer Chayes, managing director of the Microsoft Research New England Lab, will speak on "Epidemics in Technological and Social Networks: The Downside of Six Degrees of Separation" as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series. When & Where: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Room 111A, Halligan Hall Sponsor: Computer Science Department
Trending
The Print Edition
