TODAY
Hurricane Productions presents the 3 Days Later Music and Much More Festival from 5 to 11 p.m. at the UC Patio. For more information visit www.um-hp.com or call 305-284-4606.

Canes Gone Crazy, UM’s wildest entertainment news show, is going to be having a car wash from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the ZBT house.

This year the Filipino Students’ Association is hosting its annual Cultural Show as part of the closing ceremonies for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn [across campus]. Tickets will be sold in the breezeway for $5 and $7 at the door.

Join the UM School of Education Department of Teaching and Learning children’s literature class for a celebration of quilt showing of the Books and Blocks Project from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lowe Art Museum.

The deadline to enter the Advising Development Center’s two $100 contests is today. For more information, contact Cary Estrada 305-284-2402.

SUNDAY
The UM Mock Trial team is holding auditions. No experience necessary. For more information, contact Don Donelson at umiamimocktrial@hotmail.com.

TUESDAY
The President’s Lecture Series and the Residential Colleges present: An Evening with Maya Angelou at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center. Stop by the UC Information Desk with your ‘Cane Card to pick up your ticket.

The UM Symphonic Band is hosting a FREE concert at 8 p.m. in the Gusman Concert Hall.

Want to become involved? Stop by the Volunteer Services Center in UC 240 to pick up an application for the Up Til Dawn Executive Board. Applications are due at 5 p.m. For more information, stop by UC 240 or call 305-284-4483.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 28
The Cinematic Arts Commission presents “21 Grams” at the Cosford Cinema at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Admission is FREE with Cane Card.

THURSDAY APRIL 29

Come by the Rat from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. as Canes Gone Crazy, UM’s craziest entertainment news show, hosts their annual Duct Tape Fashion Show. Sign up is from 6 to 7 pm.

Last day to tryout for the UM Mock Trial team! No experience necessary. For more information, contact Don Donelson at umiamimocktrial@hotmail.com.

Come watch the talents of several School of Music vocalists as they perform solo “Musical Theatre” selections for your entertainment at 8 p.m. at the Nancy Greene Hall in the School of Music. Hosted by the Musical Theatre Showcase, it’s FREE for students!

FRIDAY APRIL 30
Today is the last day to buy tickets for the Spring 2004 Concert in the Breezeway from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

SUNDAY MAY 9
The Inspirational Concert Choir will be hosting their bi-annual Spring 2004 Concert at 7 p.m. at the Gusman Concert Hall.

The UM Filmmakers Association presents the 2004 ‘Canes Film Festival May 7-9 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Cosford Cinema.

Pick up the paper every Friday to read the Public Safety call log and learn ways to protect yourself and your belongings.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 14

11:08 a.m. 6200 San Amaro Dr.
Theft/Vehicle

THURSDAY APRIL 15

11:10 a.m. 5202 University Dr.
Theft
11:32 a.m. 1211 Dickinson Dr.
Burglary

FRIDAY APRIL 16

10:58 a.m. 1216 Dickinson Dr.
Theft of Automobile

SATURDAY APRIL 17

3:37 p.m. 1111 Memorial Dr.
Theft from structure
7:10 p.m. 1245 Walsh Ave.
Burglary

SUNDAY APRIL 18

11:26 a.m. 1221 Walsh Ave.
Theft

MONDAY APRIL 19

8:24 p.m. 1231 Dickinson Dr.
Burglary

The Hurricane is currently working to improve Police Beat by working with Coral Gables Police Department.
For more information on crimes and crime prevention, contact Public Safety at (305) 284-6666.

“Although we wear different letters, we are all part of the University family,” Cecilia Suarez, president of the Latino Greek Council, said last week at the Greek Apple Polishing Ceremony, an opportunity for Greeks to acknowledge their academic achievement as well as honor the Greek community’s choice of outstanding administrator.

Greek chapters under UM’s four governing bodies – the National Interfraternity Council, the Latino Greek Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the National Panhellenic Conference – were present at the ceremonies to celebrate their academic accomplishments for Fall 2003.

“It’s nice to see a great turn after last year” said Nick Anderson, after accepting the award for Fall 2003 Above All Men GPA on behalf of his fraternity, Kappa Sigma.

“It feels wonderful. I’m glad to see my hard work pay off and I have made my mother proud,” said Myriam Bien-Aime, member of Zeta Phi Beta, awarded for a GPA above 3.5.

In addition to awarding Greek organizations and members for their academic excellence, faculty members were recognized by the Greek community for their involvement on campus and support of the student body.

Dr. Juliet Gainsborough, assistant professor in the School of Business, was awarded Outstanding Professor and Keith Fletcher, Hecht resident coordinator, was awarded Outstanding Administrator.

Myriam Clerge can be contacted at m.clerge@umiami.edu.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION AWARD WINNERS

The 2004 Student Organization Achievement Recognition [SOAR] Awards:

Excellence in Programming – Performance: Indian Students Association

Excellence in Programming – Cultural: Federaci

Last Tuesday, with poise and a sense of urgency, UM creative writing Professor M. Evelina Galang read selections from her works that explore unanswered questions in issues such as teenage pregnancy in American culture. Imploring young Asian-American students to speak out on issues they are traditionally taught to be silent on, she emulated one of the aims of Asian Pacific American Awareness Month [APAAM]: to speak out.

Inspired by last fall’s Screaming Monkeys, a symposium exploring the images of Asians in America, students have been seeking insight on their cultural identity during APAAM. A series of student-led panels gave students the opportunity to debate with faculty and their peers on such issues as the Asian-American identity, affirmative action and the William Hung phenomenon.

Students discussed the identity crisis of many Asian Americans during the first panel, “This is what I stand for: The Emerging Political Voice of the Asian-American Student.”

“I never viewed myself as both Filipino and American – I always chose between being Filipino or American; never both,” Mark Abinsay, freshman, said. “But these events allowed me to grasp the concept of being Filipino-American more, and I realized the identity I’ve been looking for.”

Abinsay’s identity struggle encompasses the month’s goal to increase awareness among Asian Americans of their own identities and how they interplay in American society. Rather than sacrificing one’s unique culture in the pursuit of assimilating, the focus needs to be on redefining the meaning of an American to include the “melting pot” of America.

According to Chris Dy, Screaming Monkeys crew member, the most important lesson to take away from this month is the need for education. APAAM hopes to break stereotypes of Asian Americans and to encourage a more broad and inclusive education.

“[Asian-American] is not a fragmented identity, nor a compromised identity, but a unique and inclusive blend of both Asian and American,” Dy said.

Celebrated scholar Ronald Takaki stressed the inherent need for a more multi-cultural curriculum in his lecture “America in a Different Mirror: Revisioning our History” earlier in the month. He challenged students to ask themselves ,”How do you know what you know?”

The month will end with the Filipino Student Association cultural show on Friday, April 23, at the Holiday Inn.

For more information about APAAM, contact FSA at www.miami.edu/studorgs/fsa.

Cecille Lucero can be contacted at c.lucero1@umiami.edu.

Peace of mind will be available free of charge this month for women who may need it.

Planned Parenthood of Greater Miami and the Florida Keys announced on Monday that six area clinics will provide the “morning after pill” at no cost until May 15.

The FDA-approved pill, first made available by prescription only in 1997, can prevent unintended pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

According to Planned Parenthood President and CEO Joan Sampieri, the limited offer is made possible thanks to a donor’s gift. The contribution was made in response to a Feb. 13 federal government decision to postpone making emergency contraceptives available over-the-counter. The 90-day review of that decision is expected in mid-May.

“It is our hope that making it available without charge will increase the public’s knowledge of this important form of contraceptive, encourage its wider use and help to fill the gap until such a time as the FDA approves the drug for over-the-counter sales,” Sampieri said.

Organizations like National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association attribute the postponement to conservative influences. Some conservative advocacy groups argue that increased access to the pill may lead to more unprotected sex amongst teens.

Plan B, the brand name of the pharmaceutical being considered for over-the-counter status, is the same pill Planned Parenthood will supply for free. Taken in two doses, it can reduce the chance of pregnancy by 89 percent when used correctly. Effectiveness declines the longer a woman waits after intercourse to administer the drug.

Plan B usually costs $61 at area Planned Parenthood clinics, a fee that includes an exam and pregnancy test.

The Student Health Center and on-campus pharmacy supply the drug for significantly less – $10 for a pregnancy test and $20 for Plan B.

“We prescribe it pretty much on a daily basis,” Dr. Howard Anapol, Health Center director, said. “Maybe 20 or so a month, but it depends.”

He believes Planned Parenthood’s offer is a good move that takes away the financial burden of emergency contraception, he said.

“In these situations, we see it as our role to offer it to people, to take down barriers to it,” he said. “But really it’s a very personal decision whether to use it.”

Sophomore Gina Menge thinks the morning after pill is a good alternative for those who are not ready to deal with the consequences of unwanted pregnancy.

“Services like that should always be free,” Menge said. “It could save a lot of future headaches.”

Junior Elizabeth Singh agrees.

“It could prevent a lot of abortions and save girls from that pain if they can get this pill for free,” Singh said.

To make an immediate appointment with Planned Parenthood to obtain Plan B, call (305) 285-5535. For more information on emergency contraception, visit www.not-2-late.com.

Samantha Riepe can be contacted at sriepe@miami.edu.

The spotlight was on women this week, as the Minority Women in Medicine sponsored Women’s Health Awareness Week [WHAW], aimed at raising women’s awareness of their physical and mental health.

“I like that we have activities like this on campus. I think women need to know more about their health,” Mayline Limia, senior, said. “With the amount of stress in society for women, we need something or someone to turn to.”

WHAW kicked off on Monday with a speech and ribbon-cutting ceremony by President Donna E. Shalala, as well as a carnival with free food and games. The positive feedback from students has already motivated organizers to plan the event for next year.

“Because this is the first year that any week of this nature has occurred, our main goal was simply to raise awareness for women’s health,” Kara Brown, WHAW fundraising chair, said. “We also wanted to test the waters, so to speak, and allow this to be a learning experience for us all – that way we can improve next year’s WHAW.”

Activities for the week also included a Mental Health Movie Night at Hecht on Tuesday night, where Girl Interrupted was shown, followed by a discussion led by the Department of Psychology.

“From the range of activities we presented – physical fitness assessment to Mental Health Movie Night – I hope all women realize that we are a complex combination of all these aspects, and we need to nurture each of them to be truly healthy,” Priyanka Handa, WHAW chair, said.

WHAW is collecting toiletries today UC Breezeway from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help abused women in South Florida. The items have been collected throughout the week in various locations on campus, including the residential colleges and administrative buildings. Tomorrow, volunteers will take a trip to the Victim Services Center of Miami to donate toiletries and train to volunteer at the Center.

For more information about WHAW, contact Priyanka Handa at p.handa@umiami.edu.

Vanessa Krause can be contacted at v.krause@umiami.edu.

The first sorority to be established in the United States is coming to campus. UM will welcome Alpha Delta Pi [ADPi], which will be joining the six Panhellenic Association sororities already at the University.

“We are excited with the selection and are confident that ADPi has the experience and support necessary to be successful at UM,” Kara Miller, coordinator for Greek Affairs, said. “The girls here will benefit from having more options when deciding to go Greek.”

ADPi was selected in the final round by a panel of students and alumni, including the Panhellenic Executive Board and the presidents and advisors of each sorority.

“The selection process was extensive to make sure that the right sorority came to campus,” Miller said.

The 20 nationally recognized sororities currently not on campus were invited to apply to be the new sorority in the Panhellenic Association at UM. Of the 13 sororities that submitted applications, ADPi, Alpha Chi Omega and Chi Omega were chosen to come to UM to give presentations during March. All three had been on campus in the ’60s and ’70s and, if chosen, would only need to be recolonized.

“We looked for the sorority that would best match those already here in important areas including philanthropy, overall themes and social events,” said Megan Shepter, vice president of Panhellenic executive board and a member of the selection panel.

ADPi, the oldest secret society in the world for college women, was founded nationally in 1851 with the motto “We live for each other.” According to Robyn Meyer, president of ADPi’s UF chapter, it was the first sorority founded at UF and continues to be the largest, with 196 members.

“I am excited that UM is going to have an ADPi chapter, and I know that they will continue the motto of ‘First, finest, and forever,'” Amy Popper, member of ADPi at UF, said.

ADPi will have a special recruitment process this September. It will participate in the open house rounds with other Panhellenic sororities for only the first two days, and girls wishing to be a part of ADPi will then rush for it exclusively, after match has completed for other sororities. ADPi will seek a diverse group of new members and current campus leaders not affiliated with the Greek system. It will have the potential to accept 90 women, allowing many more girls to become involved in sororities.

“I am very excited about ADPi and hope to be a part of it next year,” Katie Reid, sophomore, said.

In addition to ADPi, the historically black sorority Delta Sigma Theta is coming to campus. UM will have eight of the nine National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. International Greek letter sororities and fraternities available on campus.

For more information on Greek life, visit http://www.miami.edu/greeklife.

Vivek Kalra can be contacted at v.kalra@umiami.edu.

Library open 24 hours for finals

Beginning this Saturday, April 24, the Otto Richter Library will be running on a 24-hour schedule until the end of final exams. Student Government and the Honor Council will be giving out snacks and pencils at the entrance of the library on Sunday, April 25 at 6 p.m. to kick off the opening.

UM receives study grant
on secular Judaism
The University of Miami received a $50,000 grant from the Center for Cultural Judaism located in New York with support from the Posen Foundation. The grant will fund the study of secular Judaism as a necessary component of a comprehensive Judaic Studies program. The aim of the Center for Cultural Judaism and the Posen Foundation is to support the teaching of new courses designed specifically to examine the phenomenon of Secular Judaism in its own right, as its own topic. The Center for Cultural Judaism is dedicated to supporting programs on behalf of this large, under-served population. For more information on the Center for Cultural Judaism visit their website at www.culturaljudaism.org.

Duke ditches 8 a.m. classes to help students sleep more

Duke University is getting rid of 8 a.m. classes in an effort to help sleep-deprived students. According to some national surveys, lack of sleep among college students is an old problem that is quickly getting worse. In the 1980s, college students were recorded to have slept about seven to 7.5 hours. However, the current college student only gets an average of six to seven hours of shuteye. When campus planners at Duke looked over the schedule, they realized that students had been avoiding 8 a.m. classes, making classes between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the popular choice. Many departments even stopped offering 8 a.m. classes.
Administrators worked out a new schedule for the fall in response to the complaints of students regarding availability of courses. Spreading classes more evenly throughout the day and week resulted in many classes beginning at 8:30 a.m. rather than at 8 a.m.

UM Canterbury has several positions available for students looking for work. Contact Phyllis Bochman, executive director, at pbochman@miami.edu or Michelle Klein at 305-284-5437 for more information.

Learn about salsa, danz

“With this Ring Pop, I thee wed.” OUTspoken, continuing its mission as the progressive political branch of SpectrUM, the GLBTQ (Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender-Queer) organization on campus, held “symbolic weddings of love” on the Rock last Tuesday. Everyone, regardless of gender, race, religious persuasion or sexual orientation, was invited to come out and participate in the mock wedding ceremony, complete with marriage certificates, faux reverend and traditional wedding cake with the word “yippee” sprawled across it.

Approximately 40 couples were wed in the ceremony, performed by a “justice of the peace,” with an exchange of vows and Ring Pop wedding rings.

The first couple to get married, Sara Ward and Tiffany Papadonis, said, “We feel absolutely fabulous. It’s ridiculous to say [only] certain people can marry certain people.”

Claiming that marriage is not only a human right and a civil right, but also a legal right, the event protested the Federal Marriage Amendment, the constitutional amendment proposed by President Bush to outlaw gay marriage.

“This event is a symbol of actualizing equal rights under the law – same-sex couples should reserve the right to get married.” -JENNIFER HULL,

OUTspoken co-chair”

“This event is a symbol of actualizing equal rights under the law – same-sex couples should reserve the right to get married,” Jennifer Hull, OUTspoken co-chair, said. “This was not a religious statement and it did not by any means mean to trample on any religion sanctity. It is merely an expression of individual right.”

OUTspoken member and marriage participant Shree Chahuan, junior, commented on the “beautiful setup,” which included flowers, streamers, bouquets, an altar and wedding aisle. Many watched the ceremony from the UC picnic tables in support of the event.

However, some students were in opposition of the “marriage,” and many students declined to comment.

Hull addressed the issue of same-sex couples receiving a “civil union” versus “marriage.”

“Under a marriage a couple may receive some 1,500 rights or privileges, whereas in a civil union, the rights number a regrettable 500.” Hull said. “There needs to be equality,”

Sophomore J.B. Cosby had a different take on the demonstration.

“The proposition for a constitutional amendment is absurd, but the large scale of such oppositions and gay-right support is unnecessary,” Cosby said.

OUTspoken hopes to continue its mission of encouraging political demonstration of equality under the law with the underlying premise that “love is love.”

For more information about OUTspoken, e-mail OUTspokenUM@yahoo.com or call 305-284-5520.

Shelly Garg can be contacted at s.garg@umiami.edu.