The Daily Utah Chronicle

In Depth: Advising becomes mandatory

By By Rochelle McConkie | August 29, 2007

Academic advising will now be mandatory, starting this fall for freshmen and extending to all students by the next school year. The new program, designed by the U Office of Undergraduate Studies, requires students to meet with an academic adviser at four checkpoints throughout their college experiences: the "beginning point" for new freshmen, the "declare point" for undeclared students with 60 or more credits, the "departmental checkpoint" for students with 45 or more credits and the "graduation checkpoint" for students with 95 credits or more to prepare for graduation.

Professors speak on mine collapse

By By Rochelle McConkie | August 28, 2007

Despite the perception portrayed by the intensive news coverage of the Crandall Canyon mine collapse, U professors said mining isn't an overly hazardous profession, although an increased dependance on coal has led miners into deeper, more dangerous territory.

UTA overhaul

By By Rochelle McConkie | August 24, 2007

When Carlos Forcadilla arrived at his routine UTA bus stop on 6th Avenue on Thursday morning to catch a ride to the U, he noticed a bright yellow sign posted at the stop with the words "BUS STOP ELIMINATED." Like many Utah Transit Authority passengers, Forcadilla will have to alter his daily transportation practices to match changes following the UTA bus-route redesign that will be implemented this weekend.

U receives lower ranking for universities nationwide

By By Rochelle McConkie | August 23, 2007

The U didn't make first cut in this year's U.S. News & World Report list of top universities nationwide, dropping from its 120th ranking last year to become a "tier-3 school" in the third percentage quartile. Of the 262 schools ranked, comprising 164 public and 98 private, the U dropped from the bottom of the second tier to the next 25th percentile of schools, which are not placed in any order.

Tuition increase provides benefits

By By Rochelle McConkie | August 22, 2007

Tuition rates aren't likely to decrease anytime soon, U administrators and state legislators said, but they are hopeful that an upward state economy will curb the yearly rise. "It's consistently going up," said Paul Brinkman, associate vice president for budget and planning at the U.

Recycling sees success

By By Rochelle McConkie | August 22, 2007

The campus recycling program is "actually ahead of schedule," student government organizers said, reporting that more than 100,000 pounds of paper have been collected since the program's start in mid-June. Now, their main focus is keeping students involved and keeping contaminants out of the bins.

Students sought for committee

By By Rochelle McConkie | August 22, 2007

ASUU is now accepting applications for students to serve on University Committees, which are subcommittees of the Academic Senate. Every year, about 80 students are appointed to these committees by the Associated Students of the University of Utah Academic Affairs Board to work with faculty and staff, making university policies and working on special projects.

Developer gives back

By By Rochelle McConkie | August 21, 2007

As a first-generation college student, Shontol Torres Burkhalter wasn't always sure she'd make it to the university level. Growing up in the Four Corners area of Utah and Colorado, Burkhalter said she was motivated to make it to college by her family, who came to the United States from Mexico.

Research funds reach record high

By By Rochelle McConkie | August 20, 2007

U research brought in $322.6 million during the 2007 fiscal year, reaching a record high after a short decline in scientific funding in 2006. The amount represents an almost 9 percent boost in funding from the $296.7 million received for research, financial aid and fellowships during the previous fiscal year.

Better advising, communication among top priorities for ASUU

By By Rochelle McConkie | August 6, 2007

Preparing to embark on a new school year, ASUU President Spencer Pearson listed better advising and improved campus communication as high priorities for his administration. At the top of his list is the "Graduation Guarantee"-an advising program that would help students chart a direct four-year course to graduation-and the implementation of more-detailed event calendars on campus and on the Internet.