The Daily Utah Chronicle

Legislators question timing of U voucher report

By By Rochelle McConkie | November 6, 2007

The timing of a recent U report on school vouchers irritated some Utah lawmakers who said the release left the impression of being a political move to skew voters in the upcoming election. House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, told KUTV Channel 2 that because of the report, "the University is going to create hard feelings with certain members of the Legislature.

Regents predict 4 percent base tuition increase

By By Rochelle McConkie | November 2, 2007

Students will likely see tuition go up again next year, following an annual trend of increasing education costs nationwide. The Utah Board of Regents passed a recommendation to the Utah State Legislature last week asking for a 4 percent tuition increase to cover compensation raises in Utah public colleges and universities.

ASUU passes study-abroad fee

By By Rochelle McConkie | October 31, 2007

Students will likely have to pay a $3 fee each semester to subsidize study-abroad trips, depending on the vote of the U Board of Trustees on Nov. 12. The Associated Students of the University of Utah General Assembly passed a bill in support of the new fee last night, although representatives disagreed on whether students should have to pay for other students' international experiences.

Graduation advising guaranteed by ASUU

By By Rochelle McConkie | October 31, 2007

The ASUU General Assembly unanimously passed the Graduation Guarantee advising plan last night, adding the necessary approval to move the program into action. Through the Graduation Guarantee, students would meet with an adviser every semester to create a course plan depending on their majors and personal circumstances and sign a contract committing them to proceed toward graduation in a timely manner.

Alcohol and the U: School spirits

By By Rochelle McConkie | October 31, 2007

No booze allowed. In accordance to state policy, U sports facilities, which are state-sponsored venues, cannot sell or allow alcoholic beverages at games and school events. During personal tailgating events, however, some U officials said if alcohol use isn't a problem, they won't intervene.

Conan’s drummer brings his act to the U

By By Rochelle McConkie | October 23, 2007

Fans of Max Weinberg, from "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and a member of Bruce Springsteen's the E Street Band, can hear the artist live tonight in the Union Ballroom. At the event, sponsored by the Associated Students of the University of Utah Presenter's Office, Weinberg will leave his drum set behind to put on a free one-man show for U students, talking about his experiences in the music industry and as both an artist and producer.

Call him ‘Dom Miguel’

By By Rochelle McConkie | October 22, 2007

He might not ride into campus on a white horse dressed in shining suit of armor, but it's true: the Portuguese Royal Family recently knighted U President Michael Young. Young said he could now be referred to as "Dom Miguel," a title given to Portuguese knights similar to the Italian "don.

Robotic car drives U to competition

By By Rochelle McConkie | October 19, 2007

To U engineering students, it's known as "Red Rover." There's something different about their Dodge Caravan -- it drives itself. A core of about 15 students is taking this autonomous car to the semifinals of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Urban Challenge next Friday in Victorville, Calif.

Internet on campus: Facebook classier than MySpace?

By By Rochelle McConkie | October 17, 2007

A large percentage of students at the U and nationwide is staying connected through Internet networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace, but personal economic background might influence which service they choose, a report said. Students from the upper and middle classes tend to be more involved in Facebook, but minorities and those from the lower class are more likely to have MySpace accounts, Berkeley doctorate student Danah Boyd said.

Legislators question U’s $28 million surplus

By By Rochelle McConkie | October 16, 2007

State legislators are expressing concern over why the U and all other Utah universities are sitting on millions of surplus dollars. In the 2006 fiscal year, the U had almost $30 million left over in state-sponsored funds, causing lawmakers to question whether or not they are giving schools too much money.