The Daily Utah Chronicle

Opinions mixed on tuition for undocumented students

By By Rochelle McConkie | February 22, 2008

As the divisive undocumented student tuition debate rages on at the State Capitol, the U campus reflects the state's broad range of opinions about the issue. "I want them to go to school," said Beth Allen, a junior English major. "But if they're living here and getting in-state tuition, they should earn their way.

Students and U staff blast Buttars

By By Rochelle McConkie | February 22, 2008

Shae Sveniker stood on the steps outside the House of Representatives Chamber, his voice resounding throughout the Capitol rotunda, echoing from the dome walls. He clenched his fist as he called the senator by name, speaking of slavery and oppression and directing his words "to you, Chris. Sveniker, a Salt Lake Community College student, read his original poem, "Letter from Saint Martin de Porres to Sen. Chris Buttars," on Friday afternoon as part of a demonstration organized by U professors protesting Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan.

Bill passes to conceal animal researcher identities at schools

By By Rochelle McConkie | February 22, 2008

The House passed Senate Bill 113 this morning, which would modify the Government Records Access and Management Act to classify personal information of researchers who do medical or scientific research on animals at Utah colleges and universities as protected documents.

Bishop condemns the federal government

By By Rochelle McConkie | February 21, 2008

Utah Rep. Rob Bishop advocated state and local government authority over federal government authority at the Hinckley Institute of Politics on Wednesday, saying his mission in Congress is to "lose power" by the time he leaves the House of Representatives. "Justice is only done on local levels," said Bishop, a Republican.

Graduation Guarantee gains support

By By Rochelle McConkie | February 14, 2008

ASUU's Graduation Guarantee advising plan is moving forward after receiving recent stamps of approval from the Academic Senate, Board of Trustees and a number of colleges on campus. The program, which pushes students toward graduation in a timely manner through regular academic advising, will start Fall Semester 2008, depending on the implementation of a new university degree audit reporting system.

House votes to repeal tuition break for undocumented students

By By Rochelle McConkie | February 13, 2008

When U senior Denise Castañeda watched the final vote come up on the screen, she fell silent, with tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't understand why they need to limit someone's -- why they need to limit a child's -- opportunity to go to college," Castañeda said.

House votes to repeal tuition break for undocumented students

By By Rochelle McConkie | February 12, 2008

When U senior Denise Castañeda watched the final vote come up on the screen, she fell silent, with tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't understand why they need to limit someone's--why they need to limit a child's--opportunity to go to college," Castañeda said. "I work with these students every week, and they try so hard. I don't understand it."

House expected to vote on tuition measure

By By Rochelle McConkie | February 12, 2008

U students, faculty and administrators have been holding their breath since the state Legislature tabled a bill that could repeal in-state tuition for undocumented students last week. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Glen Donnelson, R-North Ogden, said he will likely bring the bill up for a vote during today's House of Representatives floor session.

Student support could save KUTE

By By Rochelle McConkie | February 11, 2008

Students have the power to help determine the life or death of the U's student-run radio station KUTE, which has been on a downhill turn since ASUU pulled its funding last year. The Student Broadcast Council is forming a student committee to create a new vision for the future of KUTE, which will include plans to change the station to meet demands and trends in new media.

At the Capitol: Senate approves college funding package

By By Rochelle McConkie | February 8, 2008

The Senate passed a bill Feb. 6 approving more than $20 million in ongoing funding for all state colleges and universities. The money would be used to improve student retention and graduation rates, advance math and science fields, improve faculty quality, promote regional economic development and fund other priorities as set forth by the institution.