Newspapers / Elon University Student Newspaper / April 16, 2014, edition 1 / Page 1
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THE PENDULUM Eton, North Carolina • Wednesday, April i6, 2014 • Volume 40, Edition 10 www.elonpenciulum.com Elon exceeds ADA obligations CAROLINE OLNEYI Photo Editor Sophomore Shane Dittmar and his guide dog, Cheveiie, spend much of their time together in the Performing Arts Center, but outside passersby pose probiems. Michael Bodley News Editor Nearly one in 10 of the Elon Univer sity students roaming the school’s brick pathways have some sort of disability, a number that is in keeping with the na tional average of college students living with disabilities: 10-12 percent. Under the Americans Living with Dis abilities Act (ADA) of 1990, both pub lic and private universities must make certain accommodations in order to not discriminate against someone living with a physical or mental disability. Though the university is in a state of slow growth under the Elon Commitment, sections of campus like the Historic Neighborhood were built long before the ADA took ef fect almost a quarter century ago. According to Brad Moore, director of planning, design and construction man agement, the university must continue to look back while it plans for the future by renovating previously-existing spaces to accommodate the needs of students liv ing with disabilities on campus. ADA regulations demand 20 percent of tbe cost of a renovation be devoted to improving handicap accessibility, which starts in the parking lot. “Whether we’re renovating an existing space or building something new, acces sibility options start off in the parking lot, with a portion of spaces reserved for handicapped individuals,” Moore said. “From there, we’re looking at everything See DISABILITY page 3 Life after college; New graduates struggle with unemployment Megan Larcher and Jessica Leano Reporter and Senior Reporter College graduates, with freshly printed diplomas in hand, often encounter mixed messages regarding their future employ ment. Headlines blare with dishearten ing messages, including “Unemployment Rate Up For Men and College Grads,” “Twice as Many College Grads in Mini mum Wage Jobs as 5 Years Ago,” and, more bluntly, “Is College Worth It?” According to the Huffmgton Post, the unemployment rate of college graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree is half that of people with only a high school di ploma. The national unemployment rate is currently at 6.7, though it has steadily decreased since peaking in 2010. The threat of unemployment after graduation has a range of effects on Elon University graduates as well as current students. In the midst of papers, projects and exams, future employment may not be at the forefront of most students’ thoughts. However, some students already feel the pressure to take on multiple jobs to stave off future unemployment. “College isn’t really an option for me without having jobs,” senior Kendall Gardiner said, “I pay for my own food, gas, insurance and clothes, so it is critical that I have steady income coming in.” Gardiner switched her major during her sophomore year to Strategic Com munications to increase her marketability. She based her decision to work in public relations partially to ensure future job se curity. Instead of basing their majors on pas sion or chasing dreams, college students like Gardiner change their majors to pre vent future unemployment. A May 2013 See ELON GRADS page 4
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April 16, 2014, edition 1
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