Newspapers / Fayetteville State University Student … / March 12, 2008, edition 1 / Page 11
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Raising The Bar By Sarah Marks Managing Editor The UNC Board of Governors has proposed a new plan for raising the standards at the 16 UNC schools by changing the admissions requirements to admit a more academically inclined student. As a constituent of the Uni versity of North Carolina school sys tem, Fayetteville State University will adhere to these changes when ap proved, which may pose problems to any future applicants. The University has also faced difficulties with meeting the current nursing program require ments not to mention the devastatingly low four-year graduation rates. While a prospective student of FSU will not find minimum numbers for admittance to the University on the school webpage, the admissions de partment will be required to raise the standards and discard applicants that do not meet the new stipulations. At the current time, hopeful high school graduates with a 2.0 GPA and 700 SAT score could be admitted to Fay etteville State University. With the new changes, the standards will be raised to a 2.3 GPA and at least a 750 SAT score. In 2011, the University plans to raise the standards once again for en rollment. The basic applicant will be required to have a 2.5 GPA and 800 SAT score or higher. Some worry that the changes will affect enrollment numbers in a negative light, pushing students away from higher education. Oth ers claim that the requirements have admitted students who are not inter ested in succeeding, but meeting the bare minimum. These statistics could explain why Fayetteville State's four- year graduation rates are below 20 percent. Furthermore, the Fayetteville Observer recently published an ar ticle comparing North Carolina nurs ing program graduates. While Duke University and Chapel Hill placed in the top 90 percent, Fayetteville State was not even ranked. The numbers are shocking and the results are disheartening. A change in enrollment criteria will alter the reten tion rates; this will reflect positively on the University. Studies have shown that students gathered near the bot tom of the GPA and SAT scores are the most likely to drop out of the Uni versity without a degree and with loan debt. The change in requirements has the potential to alter the atmosphere of the University from a 'low expec tations, even lower results' perspec tive, to an 'academically intellectual crowd' intent on a four-year degree. The next concern for UNC system is the number of high school gradu ates that do not meet the require ments, but still will to pursue higher education. The new requirements may be discouraging. It may cause high school graduates to approach college with a "why bother" attitude. Those students should be catered to and not abandoned. A dramatic increase in community college enrollment num bers should also be expected. Ultimately, the idea in heightening standards is that the bar will be raised for a more successful state university system. There will be higher expecta tions and the demand that every single student commit 110% to the comple tion and achievement of a prestigious college degree. Vice Chancellor Otovo; Increase Will Cover Inflation By Alex Scott Editor-in-Chief In September 2007, the Aramark Dining Servic es proposed a free increase for meal plans, which would total 10 percent. Officials of Aramark as sert that because there has been no increase for the past two years increase would help cover the cost of inflation. The proposed increase would mean that all first time residential students would pay $1,100 per semester for the full meal plan. Benson Otovo, Vice Chancellor of Business and Finance explained, "They did not get [an increase] last year, so [Aramark] is asking for one this year. In addition, to that, they did renovations to the din ing hall-that cost money, [and] they have to recover that. That is the reason they are asking for an in crease." Aramark came to the University after Shaw Dining Services. Before Chancellor T. J. Bryan re signed, she renewed the contract with Aramark Din ing Services for ten years. Aramark Officials site the increase in inflation, rise of minimum wages, and increases of other op erational cost a s a part of the projected increase. According to Aramark Corporation, over the past two years since the last increase, the price of food has increased 9.1%. in addition, federal minimum wages will increase 11% from $4.55 to $7.25 in July 2008. Nevertheless, are students happy with Ara- mark's performance? From comments at a Food services Advisory Meeting Otovo concluded,"...a majority of the students state, the service and the food is better this year, than it was last year..."But are students getting what they pay for? According to Director of Business Services, Joe Alston, "On a daily basis students pay $8.37 per day, and that is three meals- all you can eat and they are definitely getting there money's worth." Eddie Jenkins, Aramark Manager claimed, "Anytime you talk about on increase, [students] think of any negatives to not get it, I don't know how whether its a normal thing that students do, but on every account, when you say increase they will do anything to stop the increase." Jenkins ex claimed, " If students have any problems, come to Eddie Jenkins, and they will have it fixed within a couple of hours." Many students had previously ex pressed concerns toward the poor attitudes and cus tomer service with students. Jenkins stated that he has begun a new program that will teach staff mem bers etiquette, and how to be more people friendly. When Jenkins is on duty, he believes staff members work to their fullest, but when he is not, he is not sure what they do, or how friendly they are. Otovoi reinforced, "What should give you an idea that the food here is not bad, is if you look at how many faculty and staff eat here, even retired alumni." The Vice Chancellor maintained that if this in crease is not approved, then Aramark will have to cut back on services offered or go back into their reserves and fulfill the contract. But, even if the in crease is approved, most likely there will be no no ticeable changes for students during the upcoming academic year. Before the increase can take effect in August, it must be approved by the Fayetteville State Uni versity Board of Trustees which meets quarterly. At the Board of Trustees meeting in December, a de cision was not reached; therefore the item will be discussed at the Board meeting in March. The Voice was able to reach Student Govern ment President Clifford A. Parker, who is a board member, but he refused to comment on the issue. The Voice wants to hear what you have to say! Do you think Aramark is looking in the best interest of the students or not? Is the Dining Services offer ing good food? What do you think? Let us know a www.fsuvoice.com. Would you like to see an event on campus? Have a great idea for a new student group? Want to suggest something for the university? SEND US YOUR IDEAS! !! Then look for them either on our website or in the next addition of the newspaper. www.fsuvoice.com VoiceCopyEditor@yahoo.com If you have a story that you want The Voice to cover, submit your press release to: VoiceCopyEditor@yahoo.com Marrh 19 90n« VOTCF,. Per 11
Fayetteville State University Student Newspaper
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