TheBattalion02152012

● wednesday, february 15, 2012 ● serving texas a&m since 1893 ● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2012 student media

thebattalionthebatt.comTech reviewsJoin O’Dell Harmon Jr. in the relaunch of the tech blog as he reviews the Jambox and PLAY 4G by Sony courtesy of AT&T.

The modern ladyBeing a lady is in. Check out our Women’s Issues Wednesday blog.

Food delightsJoin in the pleasures and etiquette of food with Katie Fung in our new Culinary blog as she brings recipes, fl avor and your taste buds to life.

Diamond actionThe No .15 Aggie softball team will play its home opener against SHSU at 4:30 p.m.

Basketball sweepsThe men’s basketball team knocked off Texas Tech, 47-38, while the women beat Missouri, 56-52.

inside

voices | 4Peace and warAmerica’s future in Afghanistan will be playing a major role in the upcoming general election. What future does this hold for 100,000 American troops serving in the decade-long war on terror?

Collegiate meme pages spread across internet

Texas A&M students were recently introduced to a little slice of Internet culture through the Facebook page “Texas A&Memes.”

A meme — pronounced “meem” — is a picture with a caption, usually comedic in nature, that addresses subjects ranging from pop culture to broad generaliza-tions about race, creed, gender or socioeconomic stand-ing. Traditionally created on Internet forums includ-ing 4Chan and Reddit, memes have recently attracted attention through different collegiate meme pages on Facebook.

Kevin Bean, sophomore political science major and creator of Texas A&Memes, noticed this surge in popu-larity and decided to create the page.

“I kind of always had an idea about a funny captions

Owen HerterichThe Battalion

campus

University President R. Bowen Lof-tin will announce his recommendation for designated tuition for the coming academic year during the state-mandated public hear-ing at 3 p.m. Wednesday in room 601 of Rudder Tower.

In an email sent to all University presi-dents within the Texas A&M System, Chancellor John Sharp set a limit on tuition increases at 3.95 percent for next year.

In 2003, the state legislature delegated its power to set tuition rates to university regents. After each university within the A&M System makes its recommendation, the board of regents will set designated tu-ition at its scheduled meeting in May. The System did not increase designated tuition last year, and two years ago increased tuition 2.8 percent.

“Even though we have taken measures with the budget, costs continue to increase in terms of infrastructure cost, benefits cost, and we want to ensure we maintain our competitiveness,” said Jason Cook, A&M vice president for marketing and commu-nications.

One of the University’s major priorities this year is merit raises for faculty and staff members. Texas A&M has not authorized a merit program for faculty and staff since

Trevor StevensThe Battalion

Loftin to address designated tuitionSpeak upUniversity President R. Bowen Loftin will answer questions submitted by students during the hearing. Email your question to [email protected] Tuition on page 5

campus

Tuition increase could reach 3.95 percent for 2012-13 academic year

COURTESY PHOTO

A group of Aggie industrial engineering students will contribute to NASA’s Orion space exploration vehicle.

Students help NASA build Orion simulator for astronauts

Space aspirations

All seniors graduating with a major in industrial engineering are required to complete a comprehensive Capstone project involving industrial management. These five students landed the project of a lifetime, contributing to the Orion capsule project.

“This is a unique opportunity for the students,” said Justin Yates, assistant professor of industrial and systems engineering. “The proj-ect is basically building the lighting system for the mock-up of the capsule. The Orion is the next generation of U.S. space travel. It’s a similar concept to Apollo.”

The group consists of senior industrial engineering majors Chad Cooper, Jay Kapadia, Yaser Alabdulbaqu, Crish Poddar, and senior

industrial engineering and applied mathematics double major Obinna Osuorji.

“We are going to design all the circuitry, and we are also going to have to do all the wiring,” Osuorji said.

NASA provided specifications for the group to follow, but they also want the group to show personality in the project. These stu-dents have the liberty to incorporate their own ideas, as well.

“NASA pretty much has a list of specifications we have to follow, and then we will have our own little touch,” Kapadia said.

Astronauts will use this mock-up to practice flight scenarios. It will be used to simulate rescues and take-offs, and familiarize the crew with their seats, switches and control board. Astronauts will train in this capsule for years until the official Orion is ready for flight.

“The astronauts need something to practice on, and it can’t be the real system,” Yates said. “The astronauts would use the mock-up to practice in a realistic physical environment. The job of this Capstone is to recreate as much as possible the physical environment — the same illumination, same capability — but they are supposed to do it at a significantly lower budget. Its purpose is to mimic the real world,

Haley LawsonThe Battalion

Orion infoThe Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle was originally part of the canceled Constellation Program. NASA kept the design and renamed it the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle.

See Orion on page 6

A group of industrial engineering seniors

will cap their undergraduate careers by

helping NASA send a spacecraft to aster-

oids and possibly Mars.

See XXXXX on page X

See Memes on page 3COURTESY PHOTO

Memes often trivialize campus issues, such as this one satirizing building projects scattered around A&M.

nation & world

U.S. considers nuclear arms cutsWASHINGTON — The Obama administration is weighing options for sharp new cuts to the U.S. nuclear force, including a reduction of up to 80 percent in the number of deployed weapons. The plan is in line with President Barack Obama’s 2009 pledge to pursue the elimination of nuclear weapons.

The Associated Press

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seniors & graduate students | 577

Tracy AshtonAgricultural Leadership and Development

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radley WhelanBradley Wdl WWleBraddleyBr Waddl Wradley WBradley WWBrr dley WhelanleAeronautical Engineeringtical Engineeringical Encal Engineeringngineeritical EnEngineerical Engineeringingineeringtical Engineeringicical EngineerEngineeri gineertical Engineeringin g

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Walk in or schedule an appointment. Go to www.thorntonstudio.com, then go to School Portraits, Scheduling, click New User, complete form with Registration Password: tamu, click submit and login; or call 1-800-883-9449, or see the photographer 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. today in Room 308 of Rudder Tower. There is no charge to get your Class of 2012 section photo in Texas A&M University’s 110th yearbook.

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pagetwothebattalion 2.15.2012

Turn your textbooks into bucks!

THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111.

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Todaythunderstorms likelyHigh: 74 Low: 47

COURTESY PHOTO

The recent rash of rain and thunderstorms was a welcomed relief for most from the drought of the last few months. But on Feb. 3, a few inches of rain quickly turned into flooding, which led to damage in the recently renovated YMCA building.

While several other buildings, including Bolton Hall and the Reed building, experi-enced some minor water damage, none suf-fered as much as the YMCA building.

“On the first floor, there was roughly 3 feet of water that damaged doors, the floor, walls, furniture and office equipment, including the philosophy department’s Logic Lab,” said Karen Bigley, the communications manager for the Division of Administration. Bigley added that the first floor will be closed for the remainder of the semester.

As renovation on the YMCA building re-cently concluded, it was set to be rededicated just days after the flood. The rededication has been postponed indefinitely while the build-ing is cleaned.

One of the biggest losses in the flood was the Logic Lab, a computer lab used by students in the Introduction to Logic course.

“The Logic Lab in the newly renovated YMCA was furnished with 41 brand new computers, all of which were destroyed by the flood, when the water level in that room rose to about 4 feet, several inches above the desk-tops on which the computers sat,” said Gary Varner, head of the department of philosophy.

The damage has robbed the department of more than more than $36,000 worth of com-puters, as the new lab was meant to facilitate increased support for an online learning sys-tem designed to enhance students’ learning.

“Logic is a natural subject for computer support,” said Robin Smith, philosophy and humanities professor. “We’ve had an online logic teaching matching, logic.tamu.edu, built by Colin Allen, a former member of our de-partment, and Chris Menzel, a member of our department, for some years. However, until this semester we didn’t have the level of sup-port we wanted for full in-class computerized

teaching. We were just beginning to intro-duce new forms of assistance when we lost the lab completely because of the flood.”

With the Logic Lab out of commission, administrators and faculty had to act fast so students would be affected as little as possible. Over the course of the weekend, more than 600 philosophy students, in addition to stu-dents in other classes that used the YMCA building, were moved to other classrooms throughout campus. For Varner, that quick action to make sure the students stayed on track with their classes was a ray of light in the otherwise stormy situation.

“The Registrar’s Office and the Office of the Dean of Liberal Arts did a fantastic job finding places for the 33 classes that had to be relocated all over campus when the Logic Lab and three other classrooms on the first floor of the YMCA were damaged by the flood,” Varner said. “They worked tirelessly through the weekend to have that arranged by Monday morning. On behalf of the affected students, I thank them profusely.”

Kelly TuckerThe Battalion

Damage to YMCA building

postpones rededication

Courtesy of Karen Bigley

Thirteen candidates have dropped out of the election or been declared ineligible, including the only candidate for the position of Residence Hall Association president. Write-in candidates are still eligible to run for any position.

Floods cause damage in the Logic Lab of the YMCA building, ruining computers, floors and other equipment.

Rainwater soils indoor benches with mud and leaves.

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thebattalion

news page 3

wednesday 2.15.2012

page for A&M, but the sud-den popularity of the UTexas Memes page made me realize that now was the perfect time for it,” Bean said.

Collegiate meme pages have recently surfaced all over Texas. Pages for the Univer-sity of Texas, Baylor Univer-sity, Texas Christian Uni-versity, University of North Texas and Texas A&M have all been created in the past week. The Texas A&Memes page has almost 8,000 “likes,” and members have posted hundreds of pictures.

Alex Hasen, an administra-tor of Texas A&Memes and freshman economics major, is happy with how the page turned out.

“We’re getting a great response from the student body,” Hasen said. “They’re the ones posting the majority of the content on the page.”

Many of the pictures on the page have hundreds of “likes,” and one specific meme, concerning Long-horn apparel and Wal-Mart, topped 1,200.

Some members of the group, however, are quick to decry the sudden popularity of memes.

“I’ve gotten flak from peo-ple who feel memes should be very exclusive. I can under-stand their frustration, but at the end of the day, the In-ternet is meant to be a place where you share information and have fun,” Bean said.

Despite good intentions, the Texas A&Memes page has had its share of troubles. Internet “trolls” — people who post provocative con-tent — have harassed the site.

The page has had posts in which Texas A&M is bad-mouthed or abused, though administrators work to make sure these pictures are quickly removed.

Hasen doesn’t have a prob-

lem with occasional mischief, though he reserves the right to remove repeat offenders.

“There’s a difference be-tween trolling and being a jerk. Those that push over that line on a regular basis are at risk to be banned,” Hasen said.

The Texas A&Memes Facebook page, though only a little more than a week old, has given students a glimpse into the compli-cated and exclusive world of Internet subculture.

To many, memes re-flect the rapidly moving digital world, and the Texas A&Memes page has provided thousands of students with a way to share and laugh at Aggie inside jokes. Cam-eron Coker, senior visualiza-tion major, thinks the Texas A&Memes page is a harmless and interesting fad.

“It’s not some new paradigm of enlightened thought,” Coker said. “It’s just something for fun.”

MemesContinued from page 1

COURTESY PHOTO

Memes often poke fun at campus figures or common experiences.


thebattalion

voicespage 4

wednesday 2.15.2012

Aggies just want to have fun!

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily refl ect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.

MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNSMake your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The

Battalion. Mail call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous

letters will be read, but not printed. The Battalion will print only one letter per author per month. No mail call will appear in The Battalion’s print or online editions before it is verifi ed.

Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion

(979) 845-3315 | [email protected]

EDITOR’SNOTE

Sami Jabarkhail: Afghan policies require tact

Peace talks

W ar and peace in Afghanistan will be a major

foreign policy challenge in the upcoming

general election. What to do about nearly

100,000 American troops serving in a decade-long war

is one of the biggest decisions for either President Barack Obama, if reelected,

or a Republican presidential candidate after assuming office in 2013.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai feels he is being left out of the role of leading peace negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban. For this reason, the U.S. administration’s efforts to reach out to the Taliban in Qatar are looked upon with suspicion by the Afghan gov-ernment and people. Karzai emphasizes the necessity of having a leading role in

peace talks with the Taliban in order to protect his legiti-macy, while people in Af-ghanistan believe Americans have been exhausted and are looking to find a way out of the war-torn country.

Being excluded from peace negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban will undermine the Afghan government in multiple areas. The shared achieve-

regime in 2001 are at stake. Achievements such as the availability of education, the right to vote, freedom of women, free media and more could potentially be restricted under the terms agreed upon by the Taliban in the absence of an Afghan delegation.

The Afghan govern-ment and people are also concerned about the sudden changes in U.S. foreign policy. These changes range from making an announce-ment to pull out, switching positions on the Taliban (Taliban not the enemy of U.S.) and early withdrawal of combat troops. The lack of resources and human capi-tal make increase difficulty for Afghanis to chase these swift changes in Obama’s foreign policy.

But these complexities in the relationship between Afghanistan and the U.S. could benefit considerably if Mitt Romney were to win the GOP nomination and become president.

“The right course for America is not to negotiate with Taliban while Taliban are killing our soldiers,” said Romney at the Fox News GOP debate Jan. 16, in South Carolina. Taliban are actively involved in fighting against the Afghan govern-ment and international security forces. They commit heinous crimes, engage in barbaric killing, splash acid in the faces of women especial-ly those who choose to go to school, and attack military and civilian establishments.

Romney sent a positive mes-sage to the Afghan people by saying “The right course for us is to strengthen the Afghan military force so they can reject the Taliban.”

GOP front-runner Rom-ney has shared the late con-cerns of the Afghan govern-ment by countering Obama’s approach of peace talks with the Taliban. “Think what it says to the people in Afghanistan and the military in Afghanistan: when we are asking them to stand up and fight to protect the sover-eignty of their people, if they see us, their ally, turning and negotiating with the very people that they are going to have to protect their country from.” To a large extent Romney’s stance on the Taliban is similar to that of the people and government in Afghanistan.

Not invited to potential peace negotiations between the United States and Tal-iban insurgents, the Afghan government is trying to open its own peace talks with Tal-iban rebels in Saudi Arabia, according to Afghan officials. Whether or not the Taliban engage in peace negotiations with the government of Kar-zai is a question that remains to be answered.

Sami

Jabarkhail is Class of 2011.

Osa Okundaye — THE BATTALION

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Word SquareThis word square is a bit different. Each row and column forms different yet meaningful words. Solve the clue and try to fit them

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Tuesdays solution:

E

LLOE

PP I

I

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$395 Available now and prelease1/1, 2/1, 2/2. FreeWiFi/water/sewer. On Northgate,on shuttle. Short-term leases ok.Call Maroon & White Manage-ment 979-422-5660.

1,2,3,4 bedroom apartments. Fur-nished or unfurnished. AvailableMay or August. 979-693-4900.

1-month free rent, no applicationfee! Updated 2bd/2ba with W/Dconnections. Only few left. Readyfor immediate move-in orpre-lease. Renaissance Park Apart-ments. 979-696-9771.

2,3,4 and 5/bdrm. CS duplexes.Very nice, garage, on shuttle, tile,fireplace, w/d, fenced, lawn serv-ice, pets o.k. Available August.Details and photos available on-line.http://[email protected], 979-255-1585.

FOR RENT

2-3/bedroom apartments. Somewith w/d, some near campus.$175-$600/mo. 979-219-3217.

2/1 CS duplex, available May andAugust, pets allowed, privacyfenced backyard, tile floors,blinds and ceiling fans, W/D con-nections, lawncare included,E-Walk shuttle route, $650/mo,979-218-2995.

2/2 duplex. W/D, on bus route,large fenced yard. 308 Bren-twood. $700/mo. 979-690-0384.

2/2 fenced yard, covered deck,pets ok, tiled living and kitchen,hardwood bedrooms, availableJune 1st, 979-204-1950.

2bd/2.5ba unique floorplansw/balcony views of Kyle Field.Brand new luxury apartment con-dos. Fullsize stainless steel appli-ances, W/D, designer ammenitiesgranite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen.www.broadstoneranchat-wolfpen.com, www.aggie-landleasing.com, 979-776-6079.

2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floor-plan, W/D connections, close tocampus. $550/mo.www.aggielandleasing.com979-776-6079.

2bd/2ba unique floorplans w/bal-cony views of Kyle Field. Brandnew luxury apartment condos.Fullsize stainless steel appliances,W/D, designer ammenities gran-ite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36u-nits on Holleman at Wolf Pen.www.broadstoneranchat-wolfpen.com, www.aggie-landleasing.com, 979-776-6079.

FOR RENT

3 rooms available for male stu-dents in 4/4 condo, SouthwestParkway, W/D, pool, on shuttle,$395/room, cable paid, availableAugust, 361-816-1224.

3/3,3/2 Houses, Townhouses&Apartments, 1250-1400sqft.Very spacious, ethernet, largekitchen, walk-in pantry &closets,extra storage, W/D, great ameni-ties, on bus route, now pre-leas-ing, excellent specials.979-694-0320.www.luxormanagement.com

3bd/3ba. Duplexes. Close to cam-pus, Great backyards. Fairly New!979-693-4900.

4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Houses, Town-houses, Duplexes &Fourplexes,1250-1700sqft. Very spacious,ethernet, large kitchen, extrastorage, W/D, great amenities, onbus route, now pre-leasing, excel-lent specials. 694-0320.www.luxormanagement.com

4/4.5, like new. High ceilings,huge closets, large front porch,tile floors, all appliances, manyextras. $1750/mo. Preleasing forAugust. 979-229-6326. See photosand info atwww.texagrentals.com

4bd/2ba house. Close to campus,wood floors, tile floors, ceilingfans, granite countertops, W/D,fenced yards. 979-776-6079.www.aggielandleasing.com

4bd/4ba houses. Brand New,great size, great location, AAF979-693-4900.

August Leasing. 4bd/2ba house.Close to campus, wood floors, tilefloors, ceiling fans, W/D, fencedyards. 979-776-6079.www.aggielandleasing.com

Balcones Apartments, 3/2, avail-able now, fully remodeled, inter-net and water included, $895/mo,979-703-8282.

Brand new luxury condos, granitecountertops, tile flooring, greatlocation. 979-693-4900.

FOR RENT

DON’T MISS! 4/2 House. Great lo-cation, walking distance fromcampus, on shuttle, fenced yard.Rent $1400/month.(979)255-8637.

Duplex, rent 2bd/1ba. Beautiful,quiet! Remodeled, all new, manyextras! New drapes, in CollegeStation. Convenient toeverything! Fenced backyard.One week free. 979-422-3427.Call for specials.

Female needed for 4/4 UniversityPlace condo, W/D, private bath,pool, on shuttle. $300/mo. Call979-690-8213 or 979-422-9849.

Free cable/internet access! Onemonth free rent! Spacious2bd/1ba. Close to campus, onshuttle route. Large kitchen withfull appliances. W/D connections.Front and back patios. Ceilingfans. Hillstone On The Parkway,528 Southwest Parkway.979-693-6102. Open 8:30-5:[email protected]

Free ethernet and cable, paid wa-ter, Campus shuttle. Preleasing,Great Prices.AggieApartment.com,979-693-1906

Furnished Woodlands sublease.1-bedroom of the 2bd/2.5batownhouse. Spring Semester.W/D, cable, internet. $495.713-249-3271.

Gleissner Hall, Northgate area.Walk to campus. Water, sewer,garbage paid. 1/1 $555/mo., 2/1$665/mo. 979-846-8981.

Large 2bdrm/2ba, 3204-CougarTrail, Bryan. Water, sewer, &trashpaid. Everything’s new inside.$675/mo. 5 month special,$100/mo. discount.979-822-1616.

Nice 4/2! Available Aug-1st.$1500/month. 2010-Rayburn.Call/text Scott at 979-229-5007.

Nice! 4/2 2013-Rayburn.$1500/month. Available Aug-1st.Call/text Scott at 979-229-5007.

Northgate. New apartments 3/3,2/2, and 3/2. House for rent.aggievillas.net 979-255-5648.

Now Leasing and pre-leasing forAugust! 4bdrm/2bth houses. Spa-cious floorplans. Great Location.Close to campus, wood floors, tilefloors, ceiling fans, w/d, fencedyards, refridgerator,icemaker,lawncare.979-776-6079,www.aggielandleasing.com

FOR RENT

Oak Creek Condos, high-speedinternet and basic cable.2bdrm/1.5ba. As little as$515/mo. Water, sewer, trashpaid. Fireplace, icemaker, pool.979-822-1616.

Prelease available now! Large2bd/2ba duplex. Walk-in closets,W/D connections, large fencedbackyard, on shuttle. UniversityOaks. $775/mo. 979-693-1448.

Prelease for May or August !Large 2bd/2ba duplex. Walk-inclosets, W/D connections, largefenced backyard, on shuttle. Uni-versity Oaks. $775/mo.979-693-1448.

Spacious 3/2 duplex available inMay. W/D, $895/mo.979-693-0551.

Townhomes 2/1.5+Half, on shut-tle, W/D connections, fencedpatio, $775-895/mo, ask aboutstudent discounts, 979-703-8282.

HELP WANTED

Apartment Clerical/Marketing,part-time, f lexible hours.979-822-1616.

Athletic men for calendars,books, etc. $100-$200/hr, upto $1000/day. No [email protected]

Cleaning commercial buildingsat night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031for appointment.

Direct care provider needed foradult male w/ Autism Sat-Sun,4pm-12am, $10-12/hr, DOE applyat [email protected]

Fish Daddy’s and Cheddar’s nowinterviewing all positions. 1611University Drive.

Little Caesars Pizza nowaccepting applications for pizzamakers. Apply at SW Parkwaylocation.

Little Guys Movers now hiringFT/PT employees. Must be at least21 w/valid D.L. Apply in person at3209 Earl Rudder Freeway.979-693-6683.

Part-time apartment maintenanceand make ready, flexible hours,no experience necessary. Con-struction Science major a plus!979-822-1616.

Sales Reps needed, flexiblearound school, PT/FT bonuses andcommissions paid weekly,979-255-2303, www. jtr247.com

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Sur-vey Takers Needed In College Sta-tion. 100% Free To Join. Click OnSurveys.

Tutors wanted for all ages andsubjects starting at $16/hour.Send resume to:[email protected].

HELP WANTED

Tutors wanted for all subjectscurrently taught at TAMU/ Blinnand Sam Houston State startingat $8.25/hour. Apply on-line @www.99Tutors.com,979-268-8867.

You love to teach, and with Syl-van, that’s just what you get todo. Be a part of the Sylvan team!We are providing after school tu-torials throughout the Brazos Val-ley and need reading and writingteachers, and upper level mathand science teachers. It’s a greatway to do what you love andearn extra money! Give us a callat (979)846-4988.

MUSIC

Peter Block Mobile DJ, profes-sional 22+yrs. experience. Special-izing in weddings, TAMU func-tions. Mobile to anywhere.979-596-2522.http://www.partyblockdj.com

REAL ESTATE

4/4.5, like new. High ceilings,huge closets, large front porch,tile floors, all appliances, manyextras. $1750/mo. Preleasing forAugust. 979-229-6326. See photosand info atwww.texagrentals.com

B/CS. Sell/Buy/Invest! MichaelMcGrann TAMU ‘93 Civil Engi-neering 979-739-2035,[email protected] McGrann 979-693-1851,Town & Country Realty.

ROOMMATES

1 Roommate needed! $350/mo.Call for details. 830-708-2115.

Roommate wanted. $300/mo. Allbills paid. Fully furnished.979-777-4445.

TUTORS

Excellent one-on-one private tu-tors for all subjects. Free Consul-tation. Visit Tutor Doctor at:www.collegestationtutors.com979-694-5306.

For best tutoring in Math/Physicscall Raj. 979-571-8978. (40 yearsof teaching) Or visit www.oneup-tutor.com.

Need a Tutor? Friendly, helpfulone-on-one private tutors for allsubjects at TAMU/Blinn and SamHouston State. Check us out atwww.99tutors.com, 979-268-8867.

the battalion

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wednesday 2.15.2012

fiscal year 2010.Harris said faculty is the single

largest component of instructional cost in almost any institution.

“It can vary in institutions from probably 60-90 percent of their total operating budget,” Harris said.

Harris said three years without a salary adjustment is unusual for a university, depending on the fluc-tuations of the given economy.

In the last three years, the Uni-versity’s state appropriations have decreased 13.4 percent, from $265 million to $229 million. Since that time, the University has reduced faculty salary expenditures by $24 million dollars, non-faculty salary by $9 million and decreased operations and maintenance by $16.9 million.

“In order for us to get a good

education we have to have a great faculty, and in order for us to have a holistic education we have to have a great staff, as well,” said Student Body President Jeff Pickering.

Pickering said Texas A&M has remained affordable in a state that no longer prioritizes higher educa-tion.

While there are multiple sources of funds for a university, there are two principle sources that support academic programs: state appropria-tions and student tuition.

Ed Davis, president of Texas A&M Foundation and former interim president of Texas A&M University, said through much of history the largest source of funds for public universities in Texas was direct appropriations from the state.

“In the mid-point of the last decade, the state had not been able to continue to increase

appropriations at a rate, on a per-student basis, that was keeping pace,” Davis said. “Tuition began to overtake the state appropriations as a funding source; the collective tuition that students pay is actually more than what the state pays.”

Sarah Saunders, international af-fairs graduate student and former student body president of the Bush School, said freezing tuition isn’t a solution because universities will likely raise student fees, which hurts graduate students and students with scholarships the most.

“Educational institutions have to be properly funded,” Saunders said. “I think there should be some kind of national oversight as to how they’re being funded, and that in-stitutions need to be responsible in how they’re allocating their funds.”

This is the first year the Univer-sity is making decisions on tuition and student fee changes together. Before 2012, the Student Fee Re-view Committee and the Tuition Policy Advisory Committee made recommendations for tuition and student fees separately.

Pickering said he was very pleased with the discussions had by the new tuition and Student Fee Advisory Committee, which is made up of eight students and eight administra-tors, though not all members had a vote on the recommendation.

“I can say, and I think it’s good for students to know, there is an ex-traordinarily conservative [mood], in terms of not raising fees or tuition unless it is 100 percent necessary and for the benefit of the student body, directly,” Pickering said.

TuitionContinued from page 1

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Walk in or schedule an appointment. Go to www.thorntonstudio.com. Then go to School Portraits, Scheduling, click New User, complete form with Registration Password: tamu, click submit and login; or call 1-800-883-9449, or see the photographer 9 a.m.–4 p.m. today in Room 308 of Rudder Tower. There is no charge to get your senior or graduate studentsection photoin Texas A&M’s110th yearbook.

CLASS OF ’12:It’s youryearbook.Be in it.

THIS WEEKis your last chance to have your graduation portrait made for the2012 Aggieland

rrrr

not be a real world system.”Jeff Fox, Class of 1984,

and Christie Sauers are the group’s NASA advisers. Fox graduated with an industrial engineering degree, while Sauers studied aerospace en-gineering at Georgia Tech.

“This project could po-tentially be used for many, many years and currently will be used in flight-like scenar-ios,” Sauers said. “It’s been neat to see the students see a project from end to end, the way people at NASA do. It isn’t just a student project you’re working on, it’s a true NASA project.”

Texas A&M is not the only school contributing to the project. As part of the Stu-dents Shaping America’s Next Spacecrafts initiative, students ranging from middle school- to university-level contribute to the Orion project.

The schools work to-gether to finish the Orion project, and use previously completed projects to ad-vance the design.

“The lighting control box

with switches is being built by another school, Friendship High School in Lubbock, Texas,” Fox said. “We have a lot of schools and universities working on a lot of different parts of the project.”

This hands-on experi-ence will serve not only as a standout point on the group members’ résumé, but also as an experience to draw from in their future careers.

“Just the fact that it’s NASA means it’s going to be rewarding,” Cooper said. “I mean, five years or 10 years from now we will be able to say we worked on a high-profile project like this.”

This project is not just us-ing industrial engineering. It is interconnected and multi-disciplinary and uses lots of areas of knowledge, includ-ing industrial engineering, electrical engineering and in-dustrial management.

“This is where engineer-ing is heading, this is where industrial engineering fits in, and this is a really big oppor-tunity to showcase the con-nectedness of education,” Fox said. “It’s interdisciplin-ary and interconnected.”

OrionContinued from page 1

The senior design group tests an LED light that could fit in the light fixtures inside the Orion mock-up.

Jay Kapadia — THE BATTALION


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