Friday, September 4, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 3
Board investigates different bus passes
Jim Culea, Milwaukee freshman, boards a bus. The University has decided to look in replacing the bus-pass reader system with separate picture identification cards. Photo by Joseph Griffin/KANSAN.
By Monica Juarbo Special to the Kansan
Bus drivers don't like the new bus pass system. Students don't like the new bus pass system. Even the Transportation Coordinator for KU on Wheels doesn't like the system.
As a result of complaints from these three groups, the Transportation Board and Provest David Shulenburger on Wednesday afternoon and decided to look into separate picture identification cards to be used as bus passes instead of the new technologically advanced KUID, said Nicole Skalla, transportation coordinator for KU on Wheels.
The new cards, which Skalla said the University had agreed to pay for, essentially would re-implement the old bus-pass system.
In the old system, riders only would have to flash their card to the driver while boarding. Now, to board the bus, students must insert their KUIDs into an electronic reader.
Several students have complained that having to run their cards through the new electronic reader has slowed down the bus boarding process. Also, there have been problems with the readers malfunctioning.
"I know that a lot of people don't like them," said Saranne Lentz, Wichita sophomore. "I don't like them, and I wish it would change." The old system was so much easier."
Skalla said the University would look into ordering new identification cards and that she hoped to have them in two to three weeks. She said that because the card center had the students' pictures on file, new photographs would not have to be taken.
If separate bus-pass cards are implemented, then KU on Wheels would issue these cards at times and locations convenient to students. Skalla said.
"It may be a hassle," Skalla said. "But as far as we're concerned the smart card is not working, and issuing separate bus passes may be the only option at this time."
Lawrence Bus Company officials referred all questions to KU on Wheels. Lawrence Bus Company drivers would not respond to questions about the new system.
But one driver discussed the new system with a student.
"I asked one of the bus drivers what it's like with the new card system," said Patrick Brown, Leavenworth graduate student. "He does not like it at all. They are so slow, and they're running behind schedule."
Skalla said KU on Wheels wasn't allowed to put stickers on the new KUIDs.
"It wasn't our choice to go with the reader system," she said. "We wanted to keep the stickers, but we weren't allowed to put stickers on the smart cards, so we were forced to go with the readers."
"The readers were designed for hotel rooms. I don't know if the readers themselves have the capability to keep up with the amount of work we're putting them through."
Minority enrollment up an estimated 1 percent
By Jason Pearce
Kansan staff writer
The University of Kansas has seen a steady increase in the number of minority students attending class in the 1990s — and this year is no exception.
The Office of Admissions estimated that 10 percent of KU students were minorities this semester, up 1 percent from last fall. The University classifies African American, Native American, Asian and Hispanic students as minorities.
Actual numbers will not be released by the University until Sept. 24 because of the Kansas Board of Regents' 20th-day-ofclass rule. The rule gives the Umi-
versity 20 class days to complete add/drop and late enrollment and to compile final numbers.
Last fall, 2,266 students were classified as minorities. If enrollment remains at the same level as last fall, 25,108 students, more than 2,500 minority students would now be attending the University.
varsity.
Robert Page Jr., coordinator of multicultural recruitment, said faculty had not only focused on minority recruitment but also their retention in school.
"Students have to feel comfortable, have a sense of community and feel like they are going to succeed here," Page said.
To accomplish this goal, he said, the Office of Admissions
sponsors several on-campus multicultural programs each year for students who are considering the University.
Sylvia Chun, Merriam sophomore and Asian American Student Union member, said the University sponsored plenty of minority-based groups and programs.
"If you want to get involved, there is a group for everything," Chun said.
Page said the University emphasized a multicultural campus by using a diverse recruitment staff.
"We feel like anyone can be involved in multicultural recruitment," Page said. "We are looking for a holistic recruitment process that brings in a broad
cross-section of students."
This philosophy, Page said, had led to the use of students and faculty of different ethnicities for these recruitment and retention efforts.
One department that helps new students begin college on the right foot is the Freshman-Sophomore Advising Center, which began this fall.
Kathryn Nemeth Tuttle, director of the center, said that any freshman or sophomore who requested an academic advisor would be paired with one by the end of September.
"We recognize the importance of a diverse staff, and all students should feel comfortable in our office," Tuttle said.
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Academic Computing Services presents: FREE COMPUTER TRAINING for the KU community Week of Sept. 7-12
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Academic Computing Services teaches you the skills to communicate
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E-mail: Advanced—Send & receive attachments, create mail lists, and learn other advanced *Eudora* e-mail features.
Perequisite: E-mail: Introduction or equivalent skills. Tuesday, September 8 10:30 a.m.—noon/Computer Center PC
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Web design and content development—Develop and organize content for your Web site and learn more about the basics of Web layout. Tuesday, September 8 3:30-5 p.m./Computer Center Auditorium
Windows 95 Introduction—Learn how to use your Windows 95 operating system efficiently. Wednesday, September 9-9 a.m.-noon/Budig PC Lab, Room 10
E-mail: Introduction—Learn basic Pine e-mail commands. Wednesday, September 9 11 a.m.-1 p.m./Computer Center PC Lab/Room 202
Web browsing—Surf the Web using Internet Explorer by learning to access, search for, and bookmark Web sites. Friday September 11 10:30 a.m.-noon/Computer Center PC Lab/Room 202
Classes are held in the Computer Center located across from the Dole Center at Sunnyvale and Illinois or Room 10 Buddy Hall across from Anschutz library. Class schedule and assignments: Pick up a Driver's Ed. at the Computer Center online or to: http://www.cku.edu/edu/training