The importance of a Hispanic-Serving college

I am writing in regards to Dan McGuire's article titled, "Human-Serving Institution." I feel that I am at the forefront of this issue because I work with high school students for Minority Student Recruitment through the UA admissions office. I hope to educate readers on the initiative and to give insight on why it is important.

Mr. McGuire seems to be under the impression that qualified Caucasian students will not be admitted. Speaking for the admissions office, students who are most qualified will be able to attend the UA. The UA also has the goal of raising standards so that they attract the best students in Arizona and the nation.

The UA, being a land-grant institution, has an obligation to do more than "admit and educate." If you look at the UA's mission statement, Dr. Peter Likins recognizes the university's responsibility of "improving the quality of life for people of Arizona, the nation, and the world." That improvement means helping an underprivileged population understand that they have an opportunity to go to the university if they wish to do so.

I believe that the university's initiative of becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution is definitely proactive. The 14 percent Hispanic population at the UA is reflective of the national population. In Arizona, where Hispanics make up more than a quarter of the state, it should be the UA's goal to reflect a higher Hispanic population then other regions in the United States.

The initiative's purpose is not to discriminate but to have a more aggressive recruitment with qualified students in the Hispanic community who do not know their own potential. From my personal experience, there have been more-than qualified, well-rounded students who happen to be Hispanic who are hesitant to apply to the University of Arizona mostly because they do not have the direction or the support system. The university is an intimidating place, especially for first-generation Latino students who have a harder time navigating the education system. I applaud the university for taking the initiative and I hope that that the rest of the UA community shows support.

Emilia Eldridge
pre-business junior

Charcoal better than propane any day

After reading Wednesday's Wildcat, I am deeply offended by comments made by Moe Naqvi.

Hailing from the BBQ capital of the world, Kansas City, I take my barbecue seriously, damn seriously. Arthur Bryant would turn over in his grave if he heard Mr. Naqvi say that he would rather find a propane-powered barbecue than a Victoria's Secret dog.

Come on, Moe, everyone knows that charcoal is the only way to cook. People try to argue that propane is faster, but it is this thought process that contributes to people eating flavorless flesh. Cooking on the grill is not a sprint but rather a marathon.

Take your time, put the coals to both sides, use a drip pan and cook that brisket for a good eight to ten hours. The flavor comes form the smoke. The thought of my KC pride grain-fed beef being cooked with propane heat rather than charcoal smoke makes going vegan seem like a viable option.

Please Moe, don't let these wonderful cows die in vain by cooking their carcasses with flavorless gas.

Brian Danker
alumnus

Comic shows signs of mathematical genious

I read Optimal Stubble Monday morning, as per usual in my daily routine before I stumble to class, and being a constant follower of the fantasy football, I thought this comic was insightful yet hilarious.

It also touched a heartstring, because I did not start "The Bus," Jerome Bettis, and it cost me 18 points and possibly the win, which is all dependent on Monday night's game. However the icing on this literary cake was the last panel of "head equals crotch."

I mean, I go to sporting events all the time and whenever I see some dumb fan wearing number 11 I always think about it being an equal sign. That is amazing that he thought that too.

Of course, if you are unaware of the math signs you will not comprehend the joke, but being an educated or semi-educated mathematics major, I quickly recognize this folly and laugh heartily whenever I see it on TV or in person. I just want to take the time to congratulate Mr. Zahler on thinking like a mathematic genius.

Clarence McDougal
mathematics junior

Likins treats 'college students like children'

Am I the only one on this campus who thinks Likins should be fired? I remember years back when I was a freshman taking a tour with my parents of the beautiful - and under-construction - campus of the University of Arizona.

"This will be the best four years of your life," the tour guide told us. "The UA is a major university who cares about each student as an individual," she said.

Well, its four and a half years later and all I can remember is construction, crowded classes, all greek life being kicked off campus, not being able to get freshman classes until I was at least a junior, departments downsizing, all my professors being adjunct faculty who are impossible to get a hold of and who don't have an office to have hours in, tuition hikes, and now, no graduation.

But hey, at least years from now I will be able to look at some Alumni Plaza and remember all the not so great times I've had here (thanks to Dr. Likins). It's unfortunate when everyone I know has pride in their alma mater and I won't.

So with a few months until graduation and no celebrations planned, I want to thank Dr. Likins because he clearly knows that treating college students like children is the best thing for all of us.

Andrew Stasiak
biochemistry & molecular biophysics senior

Nursing college costing its students unnecessary

I wanted to comment and thank Ryan Johnson for his Sept. 9 column on Jamie Witt, the transferring pre-nursing junior.

I am also a pre-nursing junior and going through some of the same problems. I am taking three classes at UA (seven units), two of which do not count for my major, and a chemistry class (five units) at Pima. None of the Phoenix community colleges were offering a chemistry course that I was academically prepared for.

To be "considered" full-time for financial aid purposes, I had to submit a consortium agreement to Pima and UA verifying the number of units I was taking this semester. This is after spending countless unsuccessful hours on WebReg searching for additional classes at UA.

However, because of the time of my chemistry class, every class conflicted and I had to drop units and settle for being part-time.

In addition, I am planning on graduating in possibly five or even five and a half years because the nursing college is so competitive and they only let so many students in a semester (50).

So, while I am waiting for the nursing committee to make a decision that could affect the next three years of my life, I am accumulating loans and spending time on classes that I truly do not need to take.

If I do not get into UA's nursing school in the spring or fall of 2005, I plan on transferring to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. UNM has the cheapest out-of-state tuition as well as a top-ranking nursing program.

Thank you again for the opinion! I just thought that you would like to know that someone actually reads the opinion columns and sympathizes with you!

Chandra Jennings
pre-nursing junior

Men, beggars in the buff

Last weekend my roommate and I prepared to enter the Tucson Mall, when a truck pulled out in front of us. It stopped and allowed us to pass, but as we walked by, we were slammed by "cat-calls" from several obnoxious men.

For the record, we were not wearing sleazy tops or daisy dukes. I'm not sure when men received the memo that claimed women respond positively to "Hey baby," or "Girl, you look fine."

So in response to a women-bashing article written by Moe Naqvi that appeared Friday, I would like to throw this idea into the void: If women are indeed thieves in costume, men must be beggars in the buff.

Yes, a woman might occasionally benefit from the kindness of a male store clerk; however, at least she is discreet. I have never heard a woman run up to a sales clerk and announce in front of the store, "Hey sweet thang, can you loan me $20?"

Women may accept generosity, but I highly doubt we go out looking for it. Perhaps, before fingers are pointed at innocent bystanders, men might find it valuable to take a second glance at their own crimes.

It can be assumed that at times both sexes want perks from the opposite with minimal input. In that case, I offer a tiny bit of advice. Men, if you have to beg for a second glance, maybe the real person you should be evaluating is yourself. Women, don't take a second look and let the "bird" fly high.

Corey McCafferty
undeclared freshman