2A
Wednesday, February 28,1996
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
International groups consider merging
By Amanda Traughber
Kansan staff writer
Members of the International Student Association and the International Student Council are concerned that a proposed merger would mean the loss of a Student Senate seat and would cause rifts within the group.
Gerald Harris, director of the Office of International Student Services, suggested merging the groups, eliminating the council and giving the association a broader role. The association deals mostly with the planning of social and cultural events.
The council started in 1990 to provide representation for international students within the University and to discuss and act on issues that affect international students.But issues have changed, and dealing with them through one organization probably would be more efficient.Harris said.
But Shannon King, Olathe junior and association treasurer, said that a merger only would divide the association into factions.
For example, the council explores political issues, such as federal financial aid that often are viewed differently. King said she joined the association for social reasons, and she feared that bringing the council's issues into the association's control would divide students within the group
rather than bring them together.
But Dudu Cohavi, Rehovot, Israel, graduate teaching assistant and member of council, said that everything incorporated politics. He preferred to think of the issues that a broader International Student Association would include as administrative rather than political.
"When you say political, you think coalitions," he said.
But Alvarado said he was concerned about international students losing representation if the council were eliminated.
Gustavo Alvarado, San Ramon,
Costa Rica, senior and council senator,
agreed.
That could mean the loss of the council senator's seat. Then, the association would have to push for a bill this semester or summer to bring back an international student senator elected by the association. A merger would ease the difficulties of retaining the seat. Alvarado said.
Hani Al-A'ali, Aalli, Bahrain junior and association president, said that if the groups were to merge, they would need to decide which political or administrative issues the new group would encompass.
"If we merge, we have to have lines that can't be crossed, certain things we won't deal with." Al-A'all said.
Al-A'ali said that a decision likely would be made in the next two weeks.
ON THE RECORD
A KU student's in-line skates and sleeping bag were stolen from a car between 5:50 and 8:40 p.m. Monday in the 800 block of Naismith Drive. The skates and bag were valued at $140, Lawrence police reported.
An attempted burglary occurred between 5 p.m. Friday and 7:30 a.m. Monday at 1045 Learned Hall, according to KU police reports. Door hinges and a door frame were damaged. The damage was valued at $100.
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Postmaster: Send address changes to the University Daily Kansan, 119 Staufer-Flint Hall, Lawrence, Kan. 66045.
ON CAMPUS
International Student Services and Legal Services for Students will sponsor an income tax workshop for international students and scholars at 3 p.m. today at the Daisy Hill Room in the Burge Union. For more information, call Daphne Johnson at 864-3617.
African and African-American Studies will sponsor an African studies faculty seminar at 3:30 p.m. today at the Governor's Room in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Peter Ukpokodu at 864-4225.
Office of Study Abroad will sponsor an informational meeting about summer study opportunities in Golfito, Costa Rica at 4:30 p.m. today at the Pine Boom in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Ellen Strubert at 864-3742.
KU Karate Club will practice at 5:30 p.m. today at 215 Robinson Center. For more information, call Jon Sides at 832-1771.
- Kansas University Gamers and Role-players will meet at 6 p.m. today at the Kansas Room in the Kansas Union.
For more information, call Isaac Bell at 843-9176.
An eating disorders support group will meet at 7 tonight at the Curry Room in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Ruth Leibowitz at 843-3074.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship will sponsor a manuscript study in the Gospel of Luke at 7 tonight at the Walnut Room in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Jason Brown at 749-2408.
KU Sailing Club will meet at 7 tonight at the International Room in the Kansas Union. For more information, call Eric Stehm at 864-8299
Student Assistance Center will sponsor a research paper writing workshop at 7 tonight at the fifth floor conference room in Watson Library. For more information, call the Student Assistance Center staff at 864-4064.
KU Women's Rugby will practice at 8 tonight at Broken Arrow Park, 31st and Louisiana streets. For more information, call Stacey Stringfellow at 749-3380.
Source: Chian-Wei Chang, KU Weather Service
Technology center helps make professors astute
By R. Adam Ward Kansan staff writer
Professors who want to brush up on technology or just play with the newest teaching software can go to the Academic Systems for Training and Use of Technology in Education Center.
The ASTUTE Center, which recently moved from the Dole Human Development Center to 305 Anschutz Science Library, contains three Apple Macintosh computers, two personal computers and one liquid crystal display projection system.
of the Office of Academic Affairs, was created because some professors at the University were not using technology in the classroom.
Sue Nishikawa, coordinator for the center, said about 10 professors came to the center every day.
Professors can learn about presentation software allowing them to use the LCD projector, which transports information from a computer screen onto an overhead projector, she said.
She said the center, which is part
"It is similar to an electronic slide show," Nishikawa said.
Professors also can try authoring software to design programs for students to use, she said.
The center also has seminars, demonstrations and workshops.
Wilma Holt, instructor in human development and family life, said she didn't know how to use a mouse and had limited computer knowledge before coming to the center.
After receiving training, Holt said she was able to use computers to help time management and lecture preparation.
After professors see the programs that are available for instructional use, they often are disappointed when they try to get the equipment in their classrooms, Nishikawa said.
Media services has only a limited amount of equipment, and the center can't allow professors to use its equipment outside its facilities, she said.
Part of the problem is that one LCD pad costs $2,500, and an overhead projector costs about $1,000, she said.
The money available for technology is limited by the University's
other priorities, she said.
Alfred Lata, lecturer in chemistry, said the University had more work to do to catch up with other universities' larger staffs and computer centers.
Lata, who also is a member of the advisory board for the center, said Johnson County Community College had more Apple Macintoshes than the University.
Professors who win this contest will receive $5,000 to spend on technology of their choice, he said.
To help professors get money to use technology in the classroom, the ASTUTE center will sponsor a "Quest for the Best" contest in which professors develop ideas for integrating new technology in the classroom, Lata said.