The University Daily Kansan emphasizes the First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
FARR: Judging prospective students based on test scores ignores economic and racial inequalities. Institute 'holistic' admissions See kansan.com for more opinions and Free for All comments
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2006 WWW.KANSAN.COM
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
OPINION
PAGE 5A
》 OUR VIEW
The problems of today become ours tomorrow
As students on a fairly idyllic Midwestern campus, we are generally isolated from the major problems of the world. Sure, we are affected by things like increases in gas prices, but it's safe to say that most of us are not personally touched by events like the war in Iraq, or even by larger orchestrations within the "war on terror."
This placid bubble of solitude is not going to last. The war in Iraq will not only shape policy in the Middle East for decades to come, it will also have a significant impact on U.S. fiscal policy for the duration of our lifetimes. The overarching "war on terror" really is as serious as you are hoping it is not. Say what you will about President Bush's evolving platitudes or evaporating pretexts — the fact is that this conflict really is a clash of two groups that envision a radically different future for the globe.
A recent article by Ahmed Rashid in The Washington Post confirms what we all fear: Terrorist recruiting is stronger than ever; their guerilla tactics are defeating our sophisticated technology; and our political strategy for victory is practically nonexistent. This disturbing story only serves to reinforce the seriousness of what is looming on our collective horizon. This war that seems so distant and intangible now will soon become our war.
Unfortunately, as students we tend to get caught up in the feisty political rhetoric that envelops cable news, rather than focus on the important ideological struggle this war represents. We seem to care more about retroactively debating the cause for war or arguing about the merits of a timetable for withdrawal than we do about discussing the reasons for the war itself.
A university campus may be the best place of all for fresh thinking about the "war on terror." Most of us are so far unencumbered by serious careers or entrenched loyalties, and people in that position can often provide the best ideas. But it is essential that we take that first step: beginning to think about it in very real and pressing terms. The war will affect our lives in measurable ways for years to come, and the sooner we all realize that, the better off we will be. The war presents radical problems that require radical solutions, and the students of today will be the ones forced to provide those solutions. Wed better start paying attention.
Mckay Stangler for the editorial board.
FREE FOR ALL
Call 864-0500
I'm upset all these freshmen and sophomores are blaming Mangino for the football loss. All upperclassman know it was David Padgett's
Free For All callers have 20 seconds to speak about any topic they wish. Kansan editors reserve the right to omit comments. Slanderous and obscene statements will not be printed. Phone numbers of all incoming calls are recorded
fault.
Don't ever tell me what to do.
all their stop signs out of a special metal that is invisible to anyone sitting on a bicycle.
Well, it happened, somebody finally went nuts standing in line at the Underground. I hope you learned your lesson, KU.
Would somebody please tell God to turn up the heater outside?
I discovered how to make a Kleenex dance. You put a little boogie in it.
Just because you plan on having an abortion doesn't mean the whole bus needs to know that. Keep that on the DL.
all their stop signs out of a special metal that is invisible to anyone sitting on a bicycle.
This is to the guy in Watson Library who was looking at porn on the computer: If you could refrain from looking at porn in the library that would be great.
I hate the freshman 15.
图
I have come to the conclusion that the City of Lawrence makes
scored, on average, a 1350, more than 300 points lower than their affluent peers.
To my Philosophy 148 professor:
Could you, like, stop saying 'like'
like every other word because like
if you keep saying 'like' like, like,
going to go crazy.
It is 8 a.m. and I have no positive outlook for the day because there is no Free for All.
scored, on average, a 1350, more than 300 points lower than their affluent peers.
I just broke up with my boyfriend of two-and-a-half years, but I have the best friends in the world.
You are the only reason we read The University Daily Kansan.
What gives? I look forward to reading you every day.
Now I can buy porn at the Jayhawk Bookstore.
If it wasn't for Krispy Kreme, Royals fans wouldn't know how to count to 12.
Hash owns the Free for All.
The food at Mrs. E's is a rip off.
To all freshman who think it is a good idea to cross the street in front of a line of cars: I am buying a cow catcher and collecting all of
图
you
The comic Boy Eats World today
was badass.
I just want to get on somebody.
I dropped out of the University of Kansas ten years ago after posting a horrible freshman GPA and experiencing a slew of personal problems.
As my fellow columnist Cassie Gentry put it last month, I was "that guy" the one who was as ashamed and embarrassed because he couldn't cut it. Gentry uses "that guy" as an example of why the University should raise admissions standards. She argues that with higher standards, the University does "that guy" a favor by locking him out.
Fix ineffective admissions standards
COMMENTARY
The difference between "that guy" and me: I would have blown away any admissions requirements. I was a National Merit scholar with high ACT and SAT scores.
Excellent or slacking in high school doesn't dictate how you will perform at a university.
Beyond that, high school success may have more to do with wealth than ability. The Kansas City Star recently compared ACT scores in metro-area schools to the poverty levels in each school ("Schools still struggle with effects of poverty," 9/11/06). Of the 20 schools with the highest poverty levels, 17 were in the bottom 20 schools for ACT performance.
The organization that runs the SAT, the College Board, notes the dramatic effects family income can have on students' scores. In 2006, the average SAT score of students from families with a total income of more than $100,000 was 1656 out of a possible score of 2400. Children whose families made less than $20,000
"Conversely, 18 of the 20 schools with the lowest poverty levels are among the 20 with the highest ACT scores," the Star reported.
BY COURTNEY FARR
KANSAN COLUMNIST
OPINIONKANSAN.COM
Don't forget about race, either. Whites scored an average of 276 pointsbetterthan African Americans, according to the College Board.
These are all interesting statistics, but none tell us what our University should do about admissions.
Gentry argues that raising admissions standards will help the college break into the top 25 public universities, meeting one of Chancellor Robert Hemenway's goals.
I say follow the example of those on top. Take a look at the admissions standards of the top five public universities.
The University of California-Berkeley, ranked number one, uses six criteria to analyze a student's personal and academic history along with test scores and a personal essay. According to its Web site, "Under no circumstances does Berkeley employ minimum scores or 'cut-offs' of any kind."
Neither of the universities tied for second use minimum test scores, either. The University of Virginia's admissions Web site states, "Students are more than the sum of two numbers, no matter how important those two numbers may be."
UCLA, at number four, is the only school in the top five that has a cut-off based on numbers. However, it uses a formula that assigns a point value to test scores, some high school classes and GPA. Those points determine if you are eligible to apply.
Even the College Board suggests colleges "guard against using minimum test scores" alone.
The top public universities recognize the inequities of depending upon a few numbers to judge who is worthy to attend their schools. I think our new provost, Richard Lariviere, understands this too when he suggests a "holistic" admissions process.
Becoming a top-25 public university will not be achieved with a few changes to admissions requirements. Using an in-depth application process that looks at a student's complete background will result in greater success for students entering our University. It will raise the overall quality of students while giving those who may not have done well in high school a fighting chance to prove they deserve a spot. Flat, arbitrary cut-offs disregard the effects race and family income have on high school students.
Gentry warns that more time and money would need to be spent using a holistic process. Of course more resources will be needed. But we won't improve by playing a numbers game with our admissions. Quick and cheap fixes don't secure you a place at the top.
Farr is a Scott City senior in Journalism
》 LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Surveillance at Wakarusa dishonest
As a music lover, I have attended the Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival for the past three years to take full advantage of the vast array of great music that has been on display there. Being a local to the KU community, I had the chance to read about the measures being taken by law enforcement to maintain a sense of order at the festival as the increasingly large crowds descend
OK, I can understand the need to keep as much drugs and paraphernalia off of the festival grounds because of legal issues and to keep everyone safe, but when I read the editorial expanding upon the lengths that the police went to in order to succeed, I certainly believe that the powers that be went just a bit too far in doing so.
on Clinton Lake for the event.
While I can understand that drugs and other illegal substances certainly don't belong at a place such as Wakarausa for a variety of reasons, I think the visiting public should have a right to know what means are being taken to catch offenders "in the act."
Will Elniff Baldwin City senior
BY ABBY CARTER
KANSAN COLUMNIST
OPINION@KANSAN.CO*
Exercise a good way to improve mind and body
COMMENTARY
Pick a time of day to work out when you have the most energy and it's not a hassle. If you're not a morning person, don't attempt waking up early to get the workout out of the way because you'll end up hating it and stopping within a matter of days. Don't push yourself too hard. Many people get extremely motivated for a short period of time and try too much too fast. I used to have people come to my strength-training class and lift weights that were way too heavy for them. Since they weren't used to being sore, they didn't like the feeling and never came back. You also risk injury and burnout if you push yourself too hard too fast.
If you are serious about coming up with a systematic plan for your workouts, the best idea is to hire a personal trainer. The student recreation center offers sessions for as little as $10. They even have weekly sign-up sessions where you can sign up for a free personal-training session. Whatever form of exercise you choose, just remember, as long as you're moving, you're burning calories.
Carter is a Shawnee junior in health, sport and exercise science.
》TALK TO US
Many people rush to doctors at the first sign of an abnormality. If something's wrong, there's got to be a medicine out there to fix it, right? Sleep problems are cured with a sleep aid. Stimulants are taken to stay awake. Many college students are on antidepressants or anxiety medicine because they're unhappy. Starbucks has groups addicted to caffeine. Many college students turn to smoking, alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, school and other problems.
Jonathan Kealing, editor
864-854 or jeanckandkansen.com
Erick d. Schmidt, managing editor
864-854 or erickdankansen.com
Galilea Sozza, magazine
864-854 or spoordkansen.com
Frank Tankard opinion editor
864-854 or franktankardkanen.com
Jonathan Kealing, editor
864-4854 or jkealing@kansan.com
According to the American Heart Association, these, along with many other issues, can be solved, or at least improved, with exercise.
Many people don't know where to get started when it comes to exercise. The most important thing is to do something, anything, to get your body moving. It doesn't matter how you burn calories, as long as you're burning them. Do things that you enjoy, so that you're not dreading go to the gym. Nobody wants to be a slave to the treadmill or sit on a weight bench and bore themselves to death staring at their reflection in the mirror. Going dancing at a club can be a great cardio workout. Taking a walk on campus and incorporating some simple exercises such as push ups or can be an excellent workout. Change your routine up if you get bored. If you do the same thing day in and day out, you won't stick with it.
When you exercise your brain releases endorphins, which are the body's natural pain reliever. That's why many people get a rush after exercise. It really does boost your mood.
Dave Rezglb, associate opinion editor
864-4924 or drulgh@kansan.com
Fyle Hoedl, business manager 864-4014 or khoedl@kansan.com
Melissa Gibson, general manager, news adviser
864-7167 or mgibson@kansan.com
Lindsey Shirak, sales manager
864-4462 or ishirak@kansan.com
Jennifer Weaver, sales and marketing advice
854-7666 or iweaver@kansan.com
》SUBMISSIONS
The Kansan welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns submitted by students, faculty and alumni. The Kansen receives the right to edit, cut to length, or reject all submissions. For any questions, call Frank Tankard or Dave Rugh at 864-4610 or e-mail opinion@kansan.com. General questions should be directed to the editor at editor@kansan.com
LETTER GUIDELINES
Maximum Length: 200 word limit
Include: Author's name and telephone number;
class, hometown (student); position (faculty member/
staff); phone number (will not be published)
SUBMIT LETTERS TO
111 Safferfell Flint Hall
1435 Jathawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 60045
(785) 864-4810, apollon@kamai.com
GUEST COLUMN GUIDELINES
Maximum Length: 500 word limit
Includes: Author's name; class, hometown (student); position (faculty member/staff); phone number (will not be published)
Alice: The Kansas will not print guest columns that attack a reporter or another columnist.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Jasonathan Kealing, Erick R. Schmidt, Gabriella Souza, Franck Unterkaup,
Dave McIngle, Steve Lyon, McKay Stämmers arcs Linda Mecca