8A THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
NEWS
THURSDAY. AUGUST 18, 2005
BUSINESS
Taylor Miller/KANSAN
Lennea Carty, Andover junior, waits patiently near a sidewalk chalking at the bus stop across from Bailey Hall. The protest-chalking has appeared in several places already, including Watson Library, Stauffer-Flint and the bridge over Iowa Street.
Chalkings criticize bookstore
BY JOHN JORDAN
jjordan@kansan.com
KANSAN STAFF WRITER
This week, someone chalked allegations on sidewalks around campus accusing KU Bookstores of unfair treatment of its employees.
The chalked message that appeared outside Stcottau Flint Hall read: "Boycott the KU Bookstores [Unfair to Workers]. KUBS = KUBS"
It is unknown who chalked the message or even if the person responsible for the chalking was an employee or former employee of KU Bookstores.
Tim Norris, director of KU Bookstores, said that although he had heard murmurs of discontent, he did
not know why anyone would chalk that message.
"I've heard a couple people complain," Norris said. "I'd love to address the issue, but I'm in the dark on it."
Liz Tillmanns, 2005 alumna, worked in the cataloging department of KU Bookstores in the Kansas Union for three years.
Debbie McDowell also worked for KU Bookstores' cataloguing department in the Union and was employed there for nine months.
She said a former employee who was upset with his treatment could have written the message.
She said she enjoyed working for the bookstore but heard students complain that they were not paid enough.
"I wasn't earning enough to support myself." McDowell said.
KU Bookstores is not associated with the University of Kansas, and it does not follow University policies on student pay.
The bookstores' benefits package was too expensive for her income level and she left because she found a higher paying job.
McDowell said she left the bookstore because her income was too low.
KU Bookstores employees have a starting wage of $5.75, according to the Kansas Memorial Uions Web site.
McDowell said, despite a low income level, she had no problems with KU Bookstores and enjoyed her job. She said she left on good terms with the bookstore.
The University recently passed a 50-cent minimum pay increase for student employees, which does not
David Mucci, KU Memorial Unions director, said the managers would evaluate the University's pay increase and explore possible additional compensation for employees at both the Burge and Kansas Union
However, Mucci said the unions offer other benefits, besides pay, to their employees.
affect KU Bookstores employees. The new minimum wage, effective August 28, is $6.50.
For instance, KU Books stores employees receive free textbooks.
GREEK LIFE
Edited by Anne Burgard
Students enjoy unique Greek life
BY MALINDA OSBORNE
mosbore@kansan.com
KANSAN STAFF WRITER
Brittney Swift arrived at the University of Kansas knowing that if she wanted to join a sorority, she had two kinds to choose from: traditional or non-traditional. As a black woman, Swift decided to take the non-traditional route and consider joining an organization that is part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The NPHC is composed of nine Greek organizations whose members come predominantly from multicultural backgrounds.
"I figured if I joined a traditional sorority I would be all about who you know, how pretty you are or how much money you have," said Swift, Oklahoma City freshmen. "I didn't want to get into that because I already dealt with that in high school."
Jennifer King, public relations coordinator for NPHC and member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, said most people first learn about organizations at informational sessions held by the NPHC at the beginning of each fall semester. This semester's will be Tuesday, Aug. 23 in the Big 12 Room at the Kansas Union. Students can also learn more about NPHC organizations by going to events given by the organizations. Victor Aguilar, president of Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO) and member of Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity, said organizations also recruit through campus organizations like HALO. Black Student Union or Asian American Society. Aguilar said Sigma Lambda Beta members recruited him when he became involved with HALO.
"As a young Hispanic in a town where not a lot of people look like you, being in a closeknit organization definitely attracted me. Being wanted is a feeling you can't beat," Aguilar
said.
Aguilar said it is not an easy task to recruit new members because people see his chapter as only Hispanic. While it is Latino-based, members of all ethnicities and races are welcomed, he said.
"We actually are pretty diverse just within our organization. Seeing people from India, Peru, Guatemala, Pakistan and all over makes you see the world in a different way and furthers your sense of pride for the organization." Aguilar said.
Members of NPHC chapters at KU extoll the camaraderie of the governing body at KU. Melinda Benavidez, Topeka senior and member of Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority, said both traditionally black and Latino chapters have made efforts to support each other.
"We are all in this for a common goal and that is to empower all of us as a minority because as a minority we need to band together." Benavidez said.
Benavidez never expected to join a sorority when she came to the University in March 2003. But she became impressed with Greek culture when she attended events like Take Over the Beach during Hawk Week in 2003 and saw the women who were in NPHC sororities.
"I enjoy how tight-knit the chapter is. I can name everyone in the house's favorite food," Benavidez said. "That is saying something because with other houses that have a 100 people, I would probably only be able to remember 10 names. I would say it's much easier to get to know people in your organization and also those in NPHC."
Students interested in learning more about NPHC organizations can contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 785-864-4351.
— Edited by Erin Wisdom
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