KANSAN.COM / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2010 / NEWS
3A
ENROLLMENT
Number of international students rises
BY ANGELIQUE
MCNAUGHTON
mcnaughton.kansan.com
Throughout the past few years, the University of Kansas' international student enrollment has increased, mimicking the national trend.
The International Institute of Education, or IHE, released its 2010 Open Doors Report, representing data from the 2009-2010 academic year. The data reports 2009-2010 enrollment figures for international student enrollment at colleges and universities within the United States.
The University saw a 10.7 percent increase from 1,740 international students in the fall of 2008 to 1,926 international students in the fall of 2009. The Open Doors Report says overall Kansas experienced a 2.9 percent state increase, close to the national average of 3 percent which represents a record high number of international students in the United States, according to the IIE press release. This year, international student enrollment increased 10.9 percent, admissions officials said — an increase of more than 200 students from last year. Out of a student population of about 30,000, a little more than 7 percent are considered
international.
Kansas is ranked No. 22 in number of international students. In Missouri, international student presence increased 18 percent, ranking the state of Missouri 16th in attracting foreign students.
Daphne Johnston, the associate director of International Student and Scholar Services, said the increase is important and says a lot about the University.
Johnston said the quality of a school is evaluated by so many factors and to have a strong international student population adds to the quality of the programs that are available to students.
Hodgie Bricke is the assistant vice provost for International Programs and chairwoman of the International Recruitment Advisory Committee, or IRAC. The committee is responsible for the University's strategies and recruitment efforts for international students.
Bricke said the committee has three main goals: keep international numbers somewhere between 7 and 10 percent, maintain high numbers from specific countries but also recruit other places, and foster a healthy international student population to benefit domestic students.
vide, particularly Kansas students, an opportunity to interact and get to know students from all over the world," Bricke said.
Those friendships and relationships are important in breaking down stereotypes and increasing understanding, Johnston said.
While IRAC seeks to recruit internationally to benefit students' exposure and the quality of the University, Bricke acknowledged there is also a financial component that can't be overlooked.
The Open Doors Report said foreign students and their dependents spent $186 million in Kansas during the 2009-2010 academic year. This $186 million helps feed Kansas' economy.
The majority of students studying at the University come from China, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and the Republic of Korea.
The number of students from China increased from 642 in the fall of 2009, to 866 this fall.
David Chu, a first-year graduate student from Hong Kong, came to the University in 2004 and said he feels like American culture is slowly changing with the increasing international presence.
"I don't feel like I am in the US no, I feel like I'm back home!"
Chu said.
Chu is also suprised about the ease with which international students are admitted.
"it's really easy for them to get in," Chu said. "My friend and I were talking that even a monkey can get it."
Bricke said Chu's inference is a false assumption because international students have to demonstrate an understanding and proficiency in the English language, in addition to standard undergraduate admission requirements.
Sebastian Sanchez, a sophomore from Santa Cruz de la Sierra,Bolivia, said his decision to come to the University was based off of the reputation of higher education in the U.S.
"In my country, higher education is not as good as here," Sanchez said.
Sanchez said he is satisfied with his decision to come to the U.S. because he has met so many people from around the world.
Johnston said the value of those relationships is immeasurable.
"Some of the relationships established on for a lifetime," Johnston said. "We have an extended network of Jayhawks that spans the globe and that is great for KU."
Edited by David Cawthon
CAMPUS
More students complete required alcohol course
BY ALLYSON SHAW ashaw@kansan.com
It's one of the University's most unique classes. It's online, it's mandatory and it's all about booze. This fall a new wave of students graduated from the AlcoholEdu online course. The class is in its second year at the University of Kansas, and so far 94 percent of students required to take the course had completed it.
As of 2010, the class is required for all degree-seeking students coming to the University under the age of 22. The class provides information using quizzes and videos to combat binge drinking in college. In 2006, KU conducted a study to assess the drinking problem at the University. The study found that 56 percent of students reported binge drinking in a two-week period, and 24 percent reported using alcohol 10 to 29 days out each month. In 2008, the University formed an alcohol priority group made up of student leaders, faculty and staff members, and mandatory alcohol education
was one of the suggestions from that group, said Carol Seager, the director of student health services.
This year, completion of the course increased, as in November 2009, 905 students who were required to take the course had not completed it. This year that number has dropped to 259 students. Those who don't complete the course have a hold placed on his or her enrollment.
"The last thing we want to do is block the enrollment process," Seager said.
This year the University shortened the window during which students could finish the first part of the course from four weeks to two, and sent students four e-mail reminders before placing the hold.
Although nearly every KU freshman and sophomore has completed the class, not every student benefited from it.
"I already had my views on alcohol, and I already knew my limits," said Amanda Loner, a sophomore from Overland Park. "I treated it like
an assignment that I needed to get done, and I tried to get it over with as quickly as possible"
Loner suggested that the course could be improved by shortening it. The first part of the course takes approximately two hours. Maggie Young, a sophomore from Overland Park, said the course had some important and helpful information, but she also felt it was too long.
"I was annoyed I had to spend so much time on it," Young said. "It didn't change my drinking habits at all," said Young.
But for some freshmen the information provided in the course changed the way they party. Matt Sugar, a freshman from Sugar Land, Texas, said he didn't know what to expect about the drinking culture at the University. He said he was most surprised to learn through the course that not everybody drinks in college.
Sugar said he considers what he learned through the course when he goes out.
"It's limited the amount that 1
drink, and I learned not to drink in mass," Sugar said. "Also, I'm more aware of the symptoms of alcohol poisoning."
The Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice published a study of the effectiveness of the AlcoholEdu course. The study found that students who completed it experienced a 50 percent reduction in negative academic and personal consequences related to drinking. She said Student Health Services hadn't received any calls complaining about the policy, but did receive a few regarding how to work through the course.
Whether or not the course will affect the drinking habits of the student population remains to be seen, but Seager said the University is committed to continuing the program for at least two more years.
Edited by Abby Davenport
CAMPUS
Students should do more than study to prepare for final tests
BY JUSTINE PATTON jpatton@kansan.com
Next week many students will be spending long hours agonizing over lectures, notes and previous assignment. But those students who aren't keen on studying might be relieved to know there are other ways to prepare for a successful finals week. Frank DeSalvo, the associate vice provost for Student Success, said many students wouldn't do as well if they only prepared academically for finals week, which is why Student Success launched a new website to help students prepare mentally and physically for finals.
The website, www.finish.强.ku.edu, is part of Student
Finish Strong Campaign and provides students with resources to help them in four areas: academic, mental, physical and environmental.
For yoga class schedules stress workshops and other events to help you prepare for finals week, check out www.finish strong.ku.edu.
"I feel like exercising helps relieve stress when you're freaking out about tests," Guthrie said.
DeSalvo said to think of it like a savings account at the bank. If students prepare adequately throughout the semester, particularly during the last few weeks, it's like depositing
"Your brain is like a sponge, and you can only squeeze it for so long."
PATRICIA DENNING Chief of staff
"Certainly there is academic preparation like getting all of your notes together and starting to review, but there is also the mental approach to test taking as well as being prepared physically," DeSalvo said.
Students who visit the website will find a schedule of events for each category. If students click on the "physical" page, for example, they will find a schedule of KU Fit Classes, such as Power Yoga and Yoga Chi, or if they click on the "mental" page they will find a schedule of stress busting workshops.
Caitlin Guthrie, a senior from Chicago, said being physically prepared for finals week as well as academically prepared was helpful. Guthrie said she took advantage of the free classes at the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center during finals week.
$100 dollars per class into the savings account. During finals week, students want to withdraw the full $100, but if they aren't both mentally and physically
prepared, they may only be able to withdraw $60.
Patricia Denning, chief of staff at Watkins Memorial Health Center, agreed that students needed to be more than just intellectually prepared to do well on their finals.
"Your brain is like a sponge, and you can only squeeze it for so long," Denning said. "To give any good performance you have to be healthy both mentally and physically."
The Finish Strong website will operate at other times during the school year as well.
Edited by Lisa Curran
SCIENCE
Proving sibling stereotypes
B MEG LOWRY mlowry@kansan.com
If you are the firstborn child in your family, you are smarter, taller and wealthier than your siblings.
Or at least that is what birth-order studies, such as a report published last month by the Association for Psychological Science, claim.
On average, firstborn children are one inch taller than the next born children and have an IQ score of three points higher. Youngest children are more outgoing and confident.
"When I look at the stereotypes, I feel that my brother and I basically fit
every single one" said Elise Bruns, a senior from Topeka and the youngest child in her family.
Elise's brother, Nate, also attends KU and is the oldest child in their family.
Cassidy Carpenter, a junior from Topeka, is a child psychology major who works with Child and Family Services Clinic Center in the children's language lab at KU and also taught at Hillop Childcare Center. She says the older children are easy to spot.
children are natural-born leaders. Twenty-two of America's presidents, more than half, have been firstborn children, and 21 of the 23 first astronauts in space were firstborns.
"The oldest children in the family tend to stand out right away," said Carpenter. "They are more dominant, and sometimes bossy."
Researchers say that youngest children will be more driven to compete with their siblings, as demonstrated by the Elise's description of herself.
My brother's smarter, but I am smart also," saud Elise. "I would say he cares more about learning, whereas I care more about getting good grades."
"Mv brother is
Psychologists explain this by
"Being the oldest, or the oldest son, there is always a lot of pressure that comes along with it," said Nate. "You have a lot of expectations from your parents about school and careers and everything."
"Being the oldest,or the oldest son, there is always a lot of pressure that comes along with it."
NATE BRUNS Topeka senior
"It's definitely easier to be the youngest, because you can just look at all
pointing out that at some point, firstborn children were the focus of all of their parents attention and energy.
According to the study, firstborn
Youngest children, however, are more social and eager to overcome a challenge. Researchers say they gain confidence from viewing their older sibling's mistakes and experiences.
Elise says she experienced this while attending the same high school and college as her brother.
your older sibling's experiences and mistakes and take those and learn from them," said Nate.
"We went to the same schools, and both played the same sports," Elise said. "It's really hard when everyone just sees you as the little sister."
V
Nate agrees, but says the pressure to set an example is more difficult than the pressure to stick out.
"Some only children really are spoiled," said Mandy Felt, a junior from Wichita and an only child. "But mostly, they are independent. You have to learn to be on your own and entertain yourself."
In the midst of studies centered around first and last-borns, middle and only children can be a scientific wild card.
"She may be worried about making her own name," said Nate, "But I am worried about making sure she has a good name to live up to."
Only-children often are given a bad reputation for being self-centered and self-righteous.
Felt says that only-children and firstborns inherit the same pressures to excel or succeed.
"I've learned in psychology that birth order doesn't have a true influence on personality, it's more situational," said Carpenter. "Just because you are affected by that family dynamic as a child doesn't mean that's who you will be forever."
"You are the focus of your parents world," said Felt. "All of their goals and aspirations are focused on you, and it's hard because there are no other kids to count on."
Despite the behavioral influences birth order may have. Carpenter says that she doesn't think sibling order is something that will shape a person's life.
Edited by Abby Davenport
POTHOLES (CONTINUED FROM 1A)
potholes” and there are 80,000 results. Only Wichita has more Internet pothole buzz with 240,000 results.
Lawrence is infamous for its special winter crop, the pothele, that pops up when winter weather and snow pulls apart asphalt's structure. That reputation has been cemented in recent years when city crews were unable to make long-lasting patches.
"People got frustrated because they saw guys throwing asphalt in a hole, driving over it and pulling away," said Mark Thiel, assistant public works director.
They did that because they only had a cold mix blend of asphalt available, which fixed the pothole for a day or two before it needed repair again. The hot mix asphalt — which is the blend for permanent fixes — can't be used in cold months.
In addition to its two-day lifespan, the cold mix is also limited by road conditions: It can't be used if the ground is too wet or cold.
Thiel said that during last winter — which was particularly snowy and harsh — city crews were patching up as many as 400 to 500 holes a day with the temporary mix.
A new fix
But now the city has a new machine that allows city crews to apply a permanent fix in any month.
It's called spray-injection patching, and it works like this: the crew clears the hole of debris, sprays oil into the hole, fills it with oily rocks, then regular rocks, and then rakes over it to
Not just a bump in the road
D&D Tire, 1000 Vermont St., receives customers with small and big pothole problems. Jason Climer, the shop foreman, said the immediate impact of driving over a pothole can result in a damaged tire, broken rim or problems with the car's allignment.
But there can be long-term effects also. If a driver allows bad alignment to go untreated, then the tires will prematurely wear out and there might be lingering steering problems.
If a driver hits a pothole hard enough, the car's tie-rods end can break or take damage. Climer said, meaning safety issues for the driver.
Report a pothole to the city at:
http://lawrenceks.org/public_works/pothole_report_form or (785) 832-3456
Instead of hours, Thiel expected the spray-injection patches to last months, if not years.
The new machine cost $168,000, which Thiel said was closely comparable to the price tag of the traditional machines the city could have bought.
It can be applied while snow is still on the ground. The wetness doesn't matter, Thiel said, only that the asphalt is above freezing temperatures.
"It was an easy decision." Thiel said.
try to even it out. You can tell a patch is from the new machine if it has reddish-brown rocks.
Thiel said the city would continue to use its older cold mix
Thiel said the traditional process could take five workers 30 minutes to fill a hole, while the new machine takes two workers five minutes, "with the same — if not better — results."
"It's only one machine and we've got 800 miles of roadway to take care of," Thiel said. "We obviously can't be everywhere right away."
technology after storms and whenever the city gets into pothole "crunch time." The old fixes would be needed after storms to provide temporary relief until the new machine can stop by.
But the idea is to reduce the overall amount of potholes "that pop back up after a storm," he said, which should mean easier maintenance and quicker responses.
The city bought the machine in September and has used it since, filling up potholes across town.
"We're trying to get ahead of the winter," Thiel said, like a football coach talking about an old rival.
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Edited by Alex Tretbar