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Frat sanctioned for alcohol misuse
An investigation by the Office of Judicial Programs into the Dec. 1 alcohol poisoning of a Kappa Alpha fraternity pledge has resulted in significant sanctions against the chapter.
The UGA KA chapter was found in violation of 10 conduct regulations for student organizations and is placed on two years’ probated revocation followed by two years’ probated suspension.
“This means that if they are found in further violation in the next two years, the fraternity would be closed,” says Victor Wilson, associate vice president for student affairs. “After that, until Jan. 1, 2005, any conduct violations would result in suspension of the chapter’s recognition by the university.”
The investigation revealed the pledge had consumed alcohol with fraternity members at a fraternity event. Additionally, KA members were found to have lied to university officials to conceal their connection to the incident, were found to be including students from Truett-McConnell College in the UGA chapter’s membership and events, and to have initiated students with insufficient grade point averages. The 10 specific violations fall under paragraphs of the conduct code addressing disorderly conduct, alcohol-related misconduct, shared responsibility and falsification of information.
‘Relay for Life’ needs UGA employees
The UGA chapter of the American Cancer Society is signing up faculty and staff teams to participate in Relay for Life, a national event that raises money for cancer research. This year’s relay will take place April 20-21.
Many faculty members are already involved in the Athens-Clarke County relay. “However, the Athens relay is overcrowded,” says adviser Karen Lewis. “We want to make sure that faculty and staff are aware that they can participate in either one of the relays and still benefit the same cause.”
During last year’s relay at the Spec Towns track field, more than 2,500 students raised $120,000, making it the second-most successful effort by a first-time participant.
More than 100 campus organizations already have signed up for this year’s relay. For more information or to sign up a team, contact Tiffany Smith by e-mail (tiffanysmithuga@yahoo.com) or phone (369-6981).
New high-tech lab teaches digital skills
A new high-tech laboratory is being created to train journalism students on the latest computers and software used by journalists nationwide.
“The Digital Journalism Laboratory will be used to teach students how to harness new technology in news gathering, data analysis and multi-media presentations,” says Kent Middleton, professor and head of the department of journalism.
Data analysis skills will be a large focus for the lab, according to Barry Hollander, an associate professor who teaches digital journalism.
“Journalists should be able to look at a spreadsheet and be able to use the data,” he says. “Many journalism students say that they are word people and not math people. That attitude does not work in today’s digital world.”
Hollander doesn’t expect his students to be technical experts, but he wants them to be able to utilize the power of technology on the job.
“We are here to train journalists,” he says. “The technology is just another tool.”
Funding for the lab was provided through a $71,300 grant from the James M. Cox Jr. Institute for Newspaper Management Studies. The money will be used to renovate an old classroom and replace outdated computers with cutting-edge hardware and software. Students also will have access to top-quality electronic databases and the wireless technology used by today’s journalists.
The lab, expected to open in late spring or early summer, will be located on the first floor of the journalism building.
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