Edwards hopeful new tone will continue on Capitol Hill

Despite rumors, senator said his focus is fixed on N.C., not securing 2004 presidential nomination

L. Nicole Tallent - SGA Beat

As the first in the Student Government Association's political-speaker series, United States Senator John Edwards spoke with Appalachian students in a town hall-style meeting Wednesday.

A native of Robbins, Edwards is North Carolina's junior senator, a Democrat and a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumnus.

Edwards emphasized the choices Americans have today and said, "We have remarkable opportunity in front of us." He called for less partisanship and bickering in Washington, and he is currently working on several pieces of legislation with fellow Democrats and Republicans.

Along with Arizona Senator John McCain, Edwards is working to pass a Patient's Bill of Rights. The bill would remove power from insurance companies and HMO's hands and would instead put individuals in charge of their own health-care decisions.

Also with McCain, John Edwards is trying to reform campaign-finance procedures.

"Money is a disease in this country," said Edwards.

In tackling this issue, Edwards recounted one of the main challenges Americans face.

He believes that government is about the people, not the politicians, "who often discourage young people from getting involved."

Edwards said, "We are not in a time of crisis, but a time of extraordinary opportunity. ... We need young people involved in this process."

When asked if he was considering the campaigning for the presidential nomination in 2004, Edwards said that he was "focused on being the best senator of North Carolina for now."

Edwards is against vouchers for private schools and believes all public schools should be up to standards before any funding is given to private schools.

He also believes every American should be able to attend college, and supports programs such as Upward Bound and Gear Up. Edwards wants to boost funding for the Hope Scholarship and Pell Grants as well.

Moreover, Senator Edwards contended that George W. Bush's proposed tax break can be improved and can offer more benefits to middle- and lower-class families.

Instead of a bigger tax cut, Edwards suggested a "moderate tax cut" and wants to use part of taxes and the national surplus to pay off the national debt.

John Edwards is also working with Jo Ann Burkholder, author of "And the Waters Turned to Blood" and associate professor of Aquatic Botany and Marine Sciences at North Carolina State University. Burkholder, who proved that the toxic organism Pfisteria was rampantly killing fish in N.C. estuaries, has advised Edwards on ways to combat the disease and save the estuaries.

President George W. Bush ordered bombing on Iraq last week. When questioned about the United States' global role, Edwards was adamant about the position of the U.S.

Edwards believes the United States has long term importance in maintaining our economic, military and technological superiority.

However, he also admits that the U.S. does have immediate threats -- namely proliferation, terrorism and narcotics.

As a result, Edwards did recommend the U.S. put otherwise hostile countries in a position to "do what we want them to do."

In appreciation for his coming to Appalachian, Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski presented Edwards with a book profiling the history of Appalachian State University.

Child pornography incident sparks concern over computer usage policy

Sarah Sparks - Police Beat

TA personal computer was seized from the room of a male Appalachian State University student in Justice Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 14 after police received a tip that the student's computer contained inappropriate child pornography.

In response to the computer seizure made last week by the Appalachian State University Police Department, students and staff have expressed concern over the university's Computer and Data Communications Policy. The general complaint is that students are often unaware of what rules and regulations are laid out by the campus policy.

According to Judy Haas, assistant director of Student Judicial Affairs, some of the rules are included in the general Student Code of Conduct handbook given to all students upon their entrance into the university.

For example, Article IV, section 4.02q prohibits any "lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct."

Article IV also contains a specific reference to computers and campus networks in section 4.02ae that prohibits "misuse or abuse of computers, computer systems, computer networks, programs, computer resources, and data or violation of any state or federal law or university on the use of computers, computer systems or computer networks."

According to Article VI, section 6.16, the minimum sanction for such a violation would involve a university reprimand, while the maximum sanction could result in expulsion.

More information regarding these policies can be found through the Appalachian Web site at www2.acs.appstate.edu/computer.htm.

This page presents the university's policy on the use of computers and data communications, as developed and approved by the Advisory Council for Academic Computing and the University Council.

The policy starts by stating the purpose of the university data communication system. The university provides computer access for students and faculty in order to "meet operational, financial, educational, and informational needs" with the expectation that the system will "be operated and maintained in a secure environment and in a responsible manner."

The second section of the policy clearly defines the terms that apply to the university system. According to the policy, computer systems that are subject to the policy include any microcomputer (stand-alone or networked), workstation, mini-computer or mainframe computer that is used on the campus or is accessible by way of university networks at other locations.

It also proceeds to define the terms surrounding computer networks, local area networking media, the Internet, and the World Wide Web.

The policy addresses common forms of computer abuse in the third section. The primary form of computer abuse involves confusion between private and open records. According to the policy, "Reading protected files, by whatever mechanism, is considered the same as breaking and entering."

Some of these violations include accessing another user's files without permission, the unauthorized manipulation of Appalachian's computer systems and supplying false or misleading information in order to access another user's account.

Some other computer abuses outlined in the policy are harassment, theft, vandalism, unauthorized business usage and copyright issues.

Harassment includes interfering with the legitimate work of another user and the sending of abusive or obscene messages via computer.

Theft and vandalism include removing any computer equipment without written permission, copying data or software without proper authorization, and damaging or destroying computer hardware or software.

The final category of computer abuses is miscellaneous abuses, which include sending chain letters or unauthorized mass mailings and using the computer for any illegal purposes.

The latter is the rule that applies to the alleged incident in Justice Hall.

The policy outlines specific computer usage guidelines followed by specific penalties that a violator of the Computers and Data Communication policy would face.

According to the specific policy, these penalties include suspension or revocation of computer privileges, reimbursement to Appalachian for resources used, action to recover damages, referral to law enforcement agencies and referral to university officials for disciplinary action.

Students and faculty with questions can obtain a copy of the policy via the Appalachian State Web site or by contacting Student Judicial Affairs with specific questions.

Internal drain scheme cure for leaky roof

University holds Metric responsible; funds being held for repairs

Catherine Quill - Business Affairs Beat

Since the building's debut last semester, the $36 million George M. Holmes Convocation Center has not been without its problems.

Currently, the major dilemma has been repairing the facility's leaky roof.

"It cannot be patched up. That's what the contractor would like," said Clyde Robbins, director of design and construction.

According to Robbins, the solution will come in the form of tapered insulation, which will allow the surface of the roof to divert water into internal drains. The insulation will be placed over the current surface layer and then covered with the same membrane material.

"That's probably the only way to fix it," said Robbins. "That will probably be the final resolution of the roof."

Previously, leaks in the roof have been patched, a standard that Robbins said is not acceptable for a recently completed building.

"We are very hesitant to take a multi patch roof as a new roof."

The university holds the general contractor, Metric Constractors, responsible for the difficulties since Metric was in charge of hiring the roofing subcontractor.

Metric Constructors hired a consultant to submit a report on the roof identifying causes of the problems, solutions and a repair schedule.

"We are still holding a general amount of money that goes to the general contractor," said Robbins. He explained that the amount of money that has been put aside will be enough to cover the repair expenses.

According to Robbins, the university will not cover any costs of the repairs, including the possible use of a helicopter to get materials to the top of the building.

Since the report has yet to be submitted, Robbins said, "I don't know how they're going to do it. It's hard to get materials up there."

He expects contractors to wait until there is a period of sustained warmer weather before roofing repairs take place.

Robbins said Metric is committed to fixing the situation.

"Roofing is a difficult area to get right," he said. "We expect to get what we pay for."

However, the roof is not the only unfinished item of the center. Landscaping too cannot take place until there is warmer weather. Other items, such as tile work and painting, also need to be completed.

Robbins expects these to be finished by May.

Eddie Crawford, director of the Holmes Center, said there was no serious damage to the building because of the leaks, and the building will continue to host exhibitions and performances.

"The university has patched some of the leaks so we can have many events," he said. Crawford said any remaining leaks are minor.

"It's nothing that's hampering our operation. It's more of an inconvenience."

Diverters are in place to prevent any water damage. The diverters are tarps with a hole and a hose that directs water into buckets.

Leaks were located over the arena and not near any seating. Crawford said the arena's floor has not been hurt by the leaks.

"Originally, we thought it did," he said. "The contractor brought out fans and dried it out quickly."

Crawford said the continuing work has been somewhat distracting for students in health, leisure and exercise science (HLES), but the department has been patient.

"They understand it's a new building and stuff is going to happen," he said.

According to Crawford, the ongoing work is primarily cosmetic.

"They're basically trying to make the craftsmanship a little neater."

Crawford said detail work could persist for the next six to eight months.

Despite the repairs and leak, Crawford said the Convocation Center might be featured in a national magazine that spotlights arenas.

"We're planning on booking events around it," he said.

A professional bull-riding event has already been scheduled to take place in March.

SGA takes on telemarketers

Jason Hoyle - Clubs/Organizations Beat

"First of all, they always call my room before 10 o'clock in the morning and their number shows up Ôunavailable' on the caller ID," said Appalachian State University Senior Heather Brown, of Newland Residence Hall.

"They piss me off," said Tom Panepinto, who lives off campus.

"It's real annoying," said Johnny Grub, an off-campus senior.

Telemarketers, or telephone solicitors, call often. Brown said, "They call at least every other day."

What can you do to stop them?

Let the Student Government Association help. Today and tomorrow between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the bottom floor of Plemmons Student Union, the SGA is providing do-not-call forms. These forms will register your phone number with numerous soliciting companies' do-not-call lists.

According to guidelines set forth by the Federal Communications Commission under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 people solicited by telemarketers may request that their number be placed on a do-not-call list. The solicitors are then prohibited from calling that number.

Kevin Lowry was a telephone solicitor in high school for the Pennsylvania State Trooper's Association. He said angry callers did not bother him, "Because if you let it bother you, you won't sell any more that day."

When Lowry is called now he tries to control the conversation by asking an offbeat question or responding with a strange comment. For example, he was recently called by a solicitor for MCI, the solicitor said, "give me one more chance, can't you give me one more chance Kevin?" and Kevin responded by saying, "I'm not your ex-girlfriend, man."

Solicitors don't always give you ample opportunity to respond creatively. Brown said, one time they [solicitor] went so fast getting me to affirm all the information they had about me and then told me I was pre-approved for the credit card and said they would just send it to me in the mail, and asked if that was okay. Heather Brown responded affirmatively, yet unsure and confused, "Yeah, I guess," and got her credit card without knowing anything about what she had just signed up for.

Now she stops them before they get that far by telling them that she is not interested. "I understand they are just doing their job, so I try to not be mean," said Brown.

A few key things to recognize a telemarketer when they call: Ôunavailable' on the caller ID, you say hello twice, voices in the background, the person on the phone wants you to think they are giving something to you for free and they have a comeback for nearly every response you may have, often on a script beside the computer.

You have the right, according to FCC regulation, to request the identification and location of any telephone solicitor.

ACE brands ASU as model of success

Robyn Dailey - Chancellor/Advancement Beat

Appalachian State University was chosen nationally to perform a self-assessment of internationalization because of its outstanding international programs, according to Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski.

The American Council of Education (ACE) is sponsoring a national program to assess eight higher-education schools in the country and use the results as models of successful international and study abroad programs.

"This is an unbelievable opportunity for (Appalachian)," said Robert White, assistant director of international programs and a member of the assessment committee.

"It's a real feather in (Appalachian's) cap."

The schools chosen are each a representative of one of the eight categories of higher- education institutes as defined by the Carnegie Institute, according to White.

Schools include Appalachian State, Missouri Southern State College, the University of Indiana, and Kapi'olani Community College in Hawaii.

The Ford Foundation Grant supplies the funding for the project.

The schools are chosen to model "promising practices" for internationalization.

The university must be finished with the assessment by the end of the semester, said White.

After sending in an application with information about the international programs at the school, Appalachian was chosen in December for the assessment, said White.

Representatives from the eight schools met in Washington, D.C., in December and will reconvene in April.

Appalachian's assessment committee is composed of representatives from every college on campus, the graduate school and institutional planning.

They will be asking questions of every unit on campus, said White.

He said their aim is to get the committee small enough to work together and big enough to do the job.

They met previously and divided into five teams with individual responsibilities.

According to White, after the results are in from the self-assessment, the second step is to create a narrative from the results describing what seems to work in expanding internationalization at Appalachian State.

White said he believes internationalization is not that every student must be sent abroad; it is simply that every undergraduate must be introduced to and presented with the opportunity to study abroad.

He feels this will aid in the growth of the global community.

"It doesn't matter what your major is, from anthropology to zoology, the fact is your life and career will be affected by the fact that we live in a global community. We are tied together," said White.

He believes the world capitalist economy puts new emphasis on education to prepare young people to work in the global society.

Borkowski said the assessment and international programs will make students more understanding of global issues.

Along with the assessment, Appalachian will also receive an outside peer review from two Americans and one European.

These professionals will come for a few days to assess the international efforts on campus.

"This is a huge freebie for ASU," said White.

Appalachian was chosen because of its efforts in international programs within the last 10 years; the average number of students who went abroad every year rose from 1-60 within that period of time.

The number of students participating in summer programs has risen drastically as well, said White.

He said the only negative aspect of the assessment is that people are already busy and it is time consuming to get everyone together.

The assessment is healthy individually and nationally for the university, gives great publicity, and allows Appalachian students and prospective students to have a better profile of the international programs on campus, said White.