NATIA DAVITI - The Spectrum

NEWS

Spirit Week comes to a close

By NATIA DAVITI | Oct. 7, 2005

From automobile vandalizing to wing eating contests, this year's Spirit Week celebration of school pride did its best to prepare students for Saturday's football game in the face of daunting midterms.Monday's Car Cruncher was one of the most anticipated events to take place this week.The ill-fated white sedan, which SA officials said was previously owned by UB's homecoming opponent, the Akron Zips, became the victim of student rage."It felt so good to release the stress of my midterms onto an inanimate object, especially one from Akron," said Rachel Berg, a junior health and human services major.Onlookers also got into the spirit of the car smashing by cheering on friends who participated."Looking at what students did to that car is just a small preview to what our football team will do to the Zips this Saturday," said Giancarlo Alvarez, a senior business administration major.Spirit Week's first event highlighted UB clubs with window painting and decorating in the Student Union through to Knox Hall.

NEWS

Constitution Day comes to UB

By NATIA DAVITI | Sep. 16, 2005

There are many reasons to look forward to this weekend, whether you're a Bulls fan eagerly awaiting the first home game or a holiday-enthusiast excited to celebrate the nation's first-ever Constitution Day.The holiday was born last December when President Bush signed a billed designating September 17 to be the day when the country would remember the creation of its' primary framework for democracy.

NEWS

The long wait

By NATIA DAVITI | Apr. 8, 2005

Anybody who's ever tried to print anything at a UB computer center knows to expect the worst.At their shortest, printing delays are 30 minutes, but more often than not, the delays can last several hours.According to UB officials, most students fail to recognize the print delays result from their own indiscretion over what and how much they print.But starting next fall, UB computer centers on both campuses will set a limit on the numbers of pages each student can print per semester.

NEWS

Getting ready for graduation

By NATIA DAVITI | Mar. 2, 2005

Although many seniors seem confused about what they need to do for graduation, UB officials say that everything a senior needs to know can be found on the Student Affairs Web site.It is the students' responsibility to make sure they get on the path to commencement weekend, UB officials say."With a campus this large, many students have a lot of academic options," said Shelley Frederick, vice provost of student academic processing services.

NEWS

Officials call online apartment applications a success

By NATIA DAVITI | Feb. 28, 2005

After a month of student anticipation and anxiety, on-campus apartment assignments were mailed out Monday as UB officials said the new online application process was a success.In previous years, apartment applications were done in person, on a first-come basis, and students would camp out for hours to secure a spot."The online application process was very successful, we ended up having few problems with it," said Michael Koziej, assistant director for University Residence Halls and Apartments.The only issue, Koziej said, was a technical one.

NEWS

Hardy geologists honor Groundhog Day

By NATIA DAVITI | Feb. 4, 2005

Picnicking with a stuffed woodchuck garbed in UB colors and a pointed hat isn't the way most people usually celebrate Groundhog Day, if at all.

NEWS

Counseling office moves back to Ellicott

By NATIA DAVITI | Jan. 21, 2005

UB's Counseling Services has moved back into Richmond Quad in the Ellicott Complex after a semester-long stay in the Student Union.Though Richmond is further from the center of student life, counselors say the location of the office won't deter their ability to reach troubled students."We're very happy with our newly renovated space," said Sharon Mitchell, the center's program director.The counseling center needed to be moved when health concerns involving asbestos surfaced before last semester.While the center settled temporarily into the Student Union, the Ellicott office suite expanded by three rooms, and its waiting room was expanded with new seating and a redesigned reception area."It's much more professional looking and a more welcoming space for clients as well as people who work there," said Amanda Tyson, a counselor at the center.The counseling staff was spread out into different offices during the renovation, but now that the renovation is done, the counselors will be centralized once again."I'm excited about the fact that we can put previously unused space to good use," said another counselor, Andrea Greenwood.Last semester the counselors reported that 71 more students sought help in their Student Union office.

NEWS

"For Filmmaker, Teaching Is a Long-Distance Affair"

By NATIA DAVITI | Dec. 10, 2004

Elliot Caplan, an award-winning filmmaker, has spent a dozen years visiting family in Buffalo without stepping foot onto UB property.

NEWS

"BSU Stresses Unity, Values at Kwanzaa Teach-In"

By NATIA DAVITI | Dec. 6, 2004

When the Christmas trees and menorahs go up in homes and storefronts every December, few people need to ask what they stand for - such symbols are almost inescapable during the holiday season.When decorations go up for Kwanzaa, however, many people are left to ask what exactly this third December holiday is all about.Saturday night in the Student Union, over 100 UB students, staff and alumni gathered to shed some light on the lesser-known holiday and celebrating Kwanzaa at an annual dinner sponsored by the Black Student Union."For people who don't really understand what Kwanzaa is about, this dinner is a great experience for them," said Christopher Brown, a first year graduate student and BSU member.

NEWS

GSA Fee Increase Passes

By NATIA DAVITI | Dec. 1, 2004

Graduate students voted to keep their activity fee mandatory and increase it by $9 before Thanksgiving break, allowing the GSA more breathing room in their budget to provide services and improve existing programs.The referendum, which comes up for a vote every four years, consisted of two questions.