The Reporter

wed S-ZJEJSL&JSLM. U_NL.JL-y„^-R_S,I_X-y Caitlin Reagan news writer The FOCUS program at the university has been a part of the orientation process for new students for over 25 years. Beginning in the Fall of 2005, it will be making changes intended to improve the experience of FOCUS Leaders and the future generations of university students. Being a FOCUS Leader will now be a paid position, with a salary of up to $1000. The salary will be split into two payments: the first $500 will be earned by completing training sessions in the Spring of 2005, contacting their FOCUS group members over the summer through postcards, training in August, and participating in FOCUS week. The second $500 is earned through a merit-based system for activities during a period that begins with the end of FOCUS up to Parents' Weekend in October. In order to earn the second amount, FOCUS Leaders must organize activities for the group twice a month. Another option that will be offered will be a method used by other univer sities. It is the combination of being both a resident assistant and a FOCUS leader. Smith Hall will become a more balanced co-ed dorm where the students' resident assistant is also the new students' FOCUS Leader. "We hope to create a livmg-learning environment for the new students," said Rosalie Carpenter, newly appointed acting director of student activities. "Many other colleges use this method and they've found that the students' GPA is higher, the retention rate is higher, and the overall satisfaction is high as well." A plethora of students have already sent in applications, and Residential Life has already held an information meeting. Because of the large amount of applications that have been sent in, the directors of FOCUS are very optimistic about the changes of the FOCUS program. Katie Dearing, first-year elementary education major, plans to apply as a FOCUS leader for the Fall 2005 semester. Not only is she applying to obtain more experience with working with different types of people, but she is also very pleased to hear that if she does get hired, she could make up to prograin $1,000 for her hard work. "I need the money to help pay for my books at the beginning of the year and I thought if I did FOCUS then I'd be learning while also earning some extra cash," said Dearing. Jeff Cara, sophomore biology major, is returning for his second year in the FOCUS program in hopes of* becoming assistant coordinator for FOCUS. "I loved it last year. It's such an amazing opportunity to be one of the first faces the freshman will see at Stetson," said Cara. Contact Caitlin Reagan at creagan@stetson. edu. University to recognize two student activists Brett Henson associate news editor The images of protesters demonstrating throughout the streets during the Republican National Convention in September 2004 reminded many Americans of the polarized political community we live in. While public protest might be one way to show disfavor for policy or administration, activism is often another means for enacting social change and awareness. Two such awards seek to identify and recognize such initiatives among university students: the inaugural Advocate for Social Justice Award, and the June L. Brooks award, both of which will be awarded at the end of the Spring 2005 Semester. The June L. Brooks Award, awarded every semester since 1997, recognizes one student per semester who best represents political and social activism, especially in regard to women and feminist issues. The newly created Advocate for Social Justice Award is the brainchild of a small group of faculty interested in raising the concern of limited participation among students. "Part ofthe problem is there isn't enough [social activism] on campus," said Dr. Michael Denner of the Russian Studies/Modern Languages & Literatures" Department, a faculty member on the award committee. Dr. Philip Dalton of the Communication Studies department and chair of the committee agrees: "the intent of the award is to change the culture of the SC °°' See ACTIVIST, 2A Fire alarms less compared to previous year Lonetta Wilson news writer It seems that this year has been a particularly active one when it comes to the frequency of fire alarms occurring on campus; however Stetson Public Safety sees it a different way. Despite the recent flare-ups in Smith and Emily Halls, this year's fire alarm activities, according to Public Safety Director, J.D. Hess, have been rather tame compared to the past. According to Hess, the most frequent cause of false alarms are burnt popcorn, but include a "rash of things," including hairspray, toasters, and cooking mishaps. One of the more recent incidents in Smith Hall, which occurred on Jan. 23, was caused by burned popcorn. A See ALARMS, 2/4 Ian Wasser and Brett Henson news editor and associate editor On Jan. 28, 2005, Senator Russ Feingold (D—Wisconsin) visited the Rinker Auditorium in the Lynn Business Center to discuss his political agenda with students, faculty, and guests. The prominent political figure is most notable for his efforts in campaign finance reform with Senator John McCain (R—Arizona), his opposition to the Patriot Act, and his public forum approach among constituents in his state, known as 'Listening Sessions.' Dr. T. Wayne Bailey, professor of political science, said that this event has been in the works for the past three weeks. Bailey was instrumental in bringing the senator to Stetson University. The senator began with his view of the political atmosphere in Washington. He noted that with the re-election of George W. Bush in 2004, his party would be in a rebuilding phase, and it was his goal to "listen to the American people—in all 50 states;" he raised this issue as being the most important area for change in his party. He made it clear that everyone from "Alabama to Alaska".should be asked to find "what the best ideas" are, whether they be liberal or conservative ideas. Feingold then continued with the subject of the "fundamental reform" needed in health care and the prevention of job loss and a re-evaluation of free trade policies: we need "Fair trade, not just free trade," said the senator. He also stressed heightened fiscal responsibility through 'pay and go rules,' and the targeting of wasteful programs and tax cuts for those who make over $200,000. Possibly more relevant to students was his support for a repeal of the Patriot Act and the continued refunding of FAFSA for college students. Feingold's criticisms were not limited to domestic policies, but also emphasized a shift in international involvement. He said that the prevention of terrorism still remained a top priority, but a greater emphasis needs to be placed on curbing the influence of the US's global competitors, such as China and Iran, in areas not typically recognized by American foreign policy ob- KATE LIBBY / THE REPORTER Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) speaks in the Rinker Auditorium of the Lynn Business Center about the current political atmosphere among other topics during his January 28th visit. servers. Recent trips to Algeria, and past trips to Mali (both in northwestern Africa) have confirmed a suspicion within the Senator that terrorist influences lie not only within the Middle East, in other countries as well. Feingold said that the goal of current foreign policy should be to sow good decisions, just like the United States is currently reaping the decisions "of wise and thoughtful statesmen in the 1940's", repeating a statement issued by Condoleezza Rice. The Senator made it clear, though, that this is not a war on Islam, but on terrorism. Among other current issues raised by the Senator was the confirmation of Alberto Gonzalez, President Bush's nominee for Attorney General, who the Senator voted against. Also, Feingold discussed the move to privatize social security, which he firmly disagrees with. He also said that recent activities by the Bush administration has caused a "loss of American [respect]" and criticized their "lack of candor." After his speech, the audience, made up of Stetson University members and DeLand residents, asked the Senator their questions. Questions ranged from inquiries of the spreading of US forces, open boarders, and the See FEINGOLD, 2A O ian Billy Perry associate news editor University faculty member Andy Dehnart, a professor in the English and Communication Studies departments, was recently victimized by plagiarism when sections of his MSNBC article were copied word for word by another writer. While researching material, Dehnart came across an article written by Sherita Leslie, reality TV editor for BellaOnline.com, and realized sections of the article seemed familiar. "My words, sentences, and ideas were interwoven between some original, albeit terribly written text," said Dehnart. Dehnart, a faculty lecturer and host of a reality television weblog called Re ality Blurred, also writes and publishes articles on the same subject. He is also a critic of this genre and often consulted by national media. Sherita Leslie is an image consultant who also has a webzine focused on fashion and entertainment. BellaOnline.com is a website containing 17 forums focused on issues related to women, it is not a professional corporation, but a network of individuals who share interest. Neither BellaOnline.com nor Leslie responded to the Reporter's requests for comments on this article. Dehnart said, "When the person took my words and pretended they were her own, it was an act of theft, just as if she'd smashed a window in my house and stolen my television." There are no federal laws against plagiarism; it is generally an academic offense. However, copyright law does protect writers and is considered a felony See DEHNART, 2A Wednesday's Forecasj Scattered showers High 64, Low 49 NEWS 2A CALENDAR 3B NEWSMAKERS 3A LIFE IB OPINIONS 5A MAD CAMPUS 5A REVIEWS 3B METRO REPORT 2A SPORTS 1C STUDENT GOVERNMENT 3A First Hand Account Dr. John Schorr recounts his experience at Phuket during the Tsunami. STORY 1B Super Bow! Parties What are you doing between commercials this Sunday? STORY 1B Movie Review Blair Townley reviews "What the (Bleep) Do We Know?" STORY 3B