Ever wished you could grade your professor on how well he teaches?

A new college website, www.MyProfessorSucks.com, lets students from all over the U.S. and Canada evaluate and grade their professors online.

“The site’s purpose has always remained the same: to provide students with a resource to make informed choices about which professors you should avoid and which ones you’d be a fool to miss,” said site founder Kasey Kerber.

Kerber, a graduate student at the University of Nebraska, began the site last year when he took a course with a “terrible professor with an incomprehensible textbook.”

According to Kerber, he wished he would have been warned about the class, so he created MyProfessorSucks.com to prevent others from going through the same experience.

Schools are organized by state and size. There are three categories of sizes: “Big Daddy,” “Medium’s More My Style” and “Hey, Size Doesn’t Matter!” (UM is medium).

Besides teacher evaluations, the site offers a page of humorous posts such as “She, like a shag carpet, should never have left the 70s.”

The site also has an on-staff columnist who writes a humorous Q & A. Example: Q – “I’m in the marching band, am I a total geek?” A – “Since geek implies high intelligence, I’d classify you as a ‘dork.'”

According to the site’s founder, he also posts a more serious column on college life, and students can send humorous e-cards, take a weekly survey and read the “Quote of the Moment,” which at press time was: “If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?”

Once the school has been selected, students can type in the name of the professor for whom they’d like to read evaluations. If the teacher’s name isn’t there, the professor can instantly be graded in terms of “ease of class,” “coolness,” and “worth of class.”

Currently, more than 3,000 colleges and universities are included on the site, and over 200,000 students have visited it.

Despite its negative name, some of the evaluations are good. “The A+ Club” section of the site features all teachers who scored a B+ or better.

“We grade on a curve,” the site claims.

As of press time, five UM professors had been evaluated, two of which received A averages.

But how reliable are the opinions of our peers?

“I take teacher evaluations very seriously,” sophomore Adria Francani said. “It’s important to see what other people thought of [the professors] I’ll be spending a semester with.”

However, many of the evaluations are negative, with no comments provided.

“Students need to vent, and this website is a non-destructive way of venting,” said English professor Gina Maranto, who was given an A on her evaluation. “A lot of professors don’t like being evaluated, but who is our primary target? Our students. So that’s who we should listen to for feedback.”

Some are skeptical of the site.

“If an evaluation is very different than all the others, I read over it carefully, then decide whether it is legit, or just a student venting,” Tim Brent, teaching assistant, said. “Mostly though, I look for repeated comments.”

“I don’t even know if those students took my class or not,” physics professor James Nearing said. Nearing scored poorly on his overall average.

The educator’s page of the website addresses Nearing’s concerns.

“We do not advocate administrative action based on evaluations, nor do we advocate professors to find critical students and challenge them,” the site claims.

All students must agree not to post libelous, defamatory, or profane material on the site.

According to many students, despite the fact that evaluations may be biased and not necessarily helpful, the site is amusing.

According to students and administrators, UM offers student evaluations of professors on the EASY system but does not include student comments or feedback.

Kerber is aiming for the site to be one of the top five most popular sites for college students.

“We can be a great academic resource, entertainment destination and place for financial information,” Kerber said. “Those three things are pretty important to college students: school, fun and money. Dating’s also up there, but hey – we can only do so much.”

The UM School of Education graduate program, one of the top 50 in the country according to Newsweek, has recently received funding from the U.S. Department of Education to enact Project GRACIAS [Gaining Readiness and Achieving Competency for Instructing All Students], a program that offers 95 percent tuition support for students who enroll in a masters program.

“This program focuses on preparing children for a lifetime of learning and success,” said Ana Pachon-Reboredo, UM School of Education professor and bilingual program coordinator for Miami-Dade County Public schools. “It ensures that children acquire the fundamental skills they need to enter school ready-to-learn, which is Goal 1 of Florida’s State Education Goals.”

Project GRACIAS allows graduate students to receive certification in varying exceptionalities for grades K-12 and endorsements in TESOL [Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages] and pre-kindergarten disabilities.

In Miami-Dade county 58 percent of pre-schoolers with disabilities are Hispanic and speak primarily Spanish. There are currently 157 classrooms for preschoolers with disabilities throughout Miami-Dade County.

According to those involved with the program, out of 145 schools that applied for funding, only 24 were accepted to receive funding.

“We look for students with diverse backgrounds,” Diana Valle-Riestra, Co-Director of Early Childhood Special Education Graduate Program, said. “We look for individuals with experience in teaching and learning, diverse experiences, an interest in working with young Hispanic children and proficiency in Spanish.”

“Students receive tuition support throughout their education assuming that they follow the course sequence laid out for them,” Valle-Riestra said.

Students also receive a book stipend every semester as well as a travel stipend to attend a conference.

The School of Education is trying to inform prospective students and students currently enrolled at UM of the grant.

“We have sent personalized letters to the principals of all public schools in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties,” Valle-Riestra said.

“For 95 percent of tuition at UM and a guaranteed high-paying professional job when I graduate, I will seriously think of applying for the program,” Lourdes Costanza, an education student at Miami-Dade Community College, said. “I know there is a strong need for specialized educators in this particular field, and I feel as though this tuition incentive will really encourage many people to consider the program.”

Currently there are 10 students receiving tuition support through Project GRACIAS.

Organizers warn that students have a service obligation upon completion of the program.

“For every year of funding” Valle-Riestra said, “you must work two years in special education or a related field.”

Valle-Riestra also said that if someone drops out of the program or fails to complete their service obligation they must repay all of the money they have used.

Many professionals feel the program will be beneficial to the level of education for all students within the U.S.

“Recognizing that all children are capable and competent learners, high-quality early childhood education is important,” Pachon-Reboredo said. “Young children who are literate in English, who have a good vocabulary and who are taught early reading skills before they start school are more likely to become good readers and achieve academic success throughout their school careers.”

TODAY
Applications are due for Alternative Spring Break. Help with issues such as HIV/AIDS, animal rights, domestic violence and youth issues. For more information call 284-GIVE .

OJU will be selling Jamaican patties from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the UC Breezeway

Happy Hour at the Rathskeller is from 4:30 – 9 p.m.

OCTOBER 26
Today there is a Rally against U.S. War in Iraq for the Day of the National March of Protest in D.C., San Francisco, and other cities around the U.S. The rally is from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Torch of Friendship in Downtown Miami, Biscayne Boulevard and NE 3rd Street. Speakers will include clergy, community leaders and activists opposed to the U.S. War in Iraq. The rally is sponsored by the Concerned People Opposed to War in Iraq and the Miami Coalition Against the War. For e-flyers or info, email oct26rally@yahoo.com or call 305-544-0303.

The Department of Multicultural Student Affairs will offer a free practice test for the MCAT, LSAT, GRE or GMAT. RSVP by calling 800-2Review.

Warm Water is showing at the Cosford Cinema at 5:30 p.m. Japan’s everyman Koji Yakusho stars as Yosuke, a recently laid-off businessman whose personal life is in shambles. Following the advice of a homeless wanderer, he heads to a small fishing town in search of a Golden Buddha Statue but instead finds romance with a mysterious kleptomaniac whose orgasmic “water” has the power to make flowers bloom out of season and to draw fish out of the sea.

OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 2
QuantUM Entertainment will present the Rocky Horror Show at the Hillel Center. Call 786-262-3779 or visit www.gotoquantum.com for ticket information.

OCTOBER 27
Come cook and share with Miami Food Not Bombs today at the Fischl’s Apartment in Pearson Residential College.

OCTOBER 28
Sign-ups will take place this week for the UM Idol competition. Anyone interested in participating must fill out and return a registration form to ‘Cane Records before they will be permitted to sign up for an audition time slot. Time slots will come on a first come, first served basis. You will be asked to show your UM ‘Cane card. Sign up in the UC Breezeway from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., today through Nov. 1.

Today begins Guns ‘N Violence Awareness Week, sponsored by LINK. For more information call 284-GIVE.

OCTOBER 30
Looking for adventure, international work, travel and a challenge? Come learn about the Peace Corps, in an information session and video presentation, from 12 – 1 p.m. in UC 233. For more information contact Erin Seiler at 305-284-5398.

NOVEMBER 8
Want to work and study at the Cannes International Film Festival or learn the Hollywood terrain one on one? Be part of The American Pavilion/Kodak Student Filmmaker Program or The American Pavilion’s L.A. Intensive Program. For more information please come to the meeting at 11 a.m. in Wolfson Studio 1008A. Representatives from The American Pavilion will be discussing student programs and answering questions. You may also visit the web site at www.ampav.com, then link to Student Program or L.A. Intensive.

NOVEMBER 11
It’s almost time for academic advising for the spring semester. Undergraduates should make appointments to see their faculty advisors Nov. 4 – 15. Even if you use the EASY system, you should consult an academic advisor.
Registration for the spring semester will begin on Nov. 11. Courses for spring 2003 are already listed on the EASY system, so you don’t have to wait for the printed books to come out.

If you are an Honors student planning on a December graduation this year, you are required to complete an Honors credit check between now and Nov. 1, 2002. If you fail to complete this check it may delay your graduating with general honors. Please telephone the Honors Program Office at 305-284-5384 and schedule an appointment to meet with Ms. A. DuPuch.

Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) classes are available from Public Safety. Contact the Crime Prevention Coordinator at 305-284-6666 for more information.

On Oct. 14, 2002, at approximately 7:45 PM, an unknown white male allegedly attacked a female student while she was walking home. The victim claimed she was dragged into bushes and sexually assaulted, yet fought the suspect, who fled the scene. The suspect is described as a heavy-set white male with an unshaven face, tan shorts and white sneakers, with a tribal style tattoo on his right wrist.

The deadline for nominations for the 2003 Excellence in Teaching Awards is Monday, Nov. 25. All full-time faculty members who teach undergraduate or graduate students and have been teaching at UM for at least three years are eligible. There will be seven awards, each consisting of a $4,000 honorarium plus $2,000 for faculty development related to teaching. Nomination letters should be sent to the Teaching Awards Committee, Instructional Advancement Center, 249 Merrick Building. For more information contact the Instructional Advancement Center at 305-284-2008.

For approximately 3 weeks, a portion of Dickinson Drive will be closed from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, for construction work. Police will be routing the traffic through the Wellness Center parking lot. Dickinson Drive will be open as usual during all other hours. If you have any questions, contact Jose H. Becerra at 305-284-6860.

The School of Communication has begun live Webcasts and archiving of previously aired shows from UMTV. You can now catch NewsVision, UMTV This Morning and SportsDesk right from your own desk. All shows are offered in a dual feed; either 56k or 256k bit rates.
Live Webcasts and archived shows can be viewed at http://www.miami.edu/com/umtv/videos.htm.

The Entertainment Coupon Book is now available at the Counseling Center for $25 (plus tax). For purchases and information contact the Counseling Center at 305-284-5511.

Four UM Travel Courses will be offered during Intersession, Spring Break, Summer I and Post-Summer II, open to students of all majors and levels: Puerto Rico, Grand Tour of Europe, Gran Peru Tour (Machu-Picchu!) and London to Paris Tour. Call 305-284-5253 for more information.

For some students, this year’s spring break means more than just a week lounging at home or on the beach. The participants in the Alternative Spring Break program will be hitting sites throughout the U.S. in hopes of serving others and educating themselves about important social issues.

“This program allows students to travel across the country and work with a specific topic in community service,” said Minal Ahson, Alternative Spring Break publicity chair. “It’s really a week to immerse yourself in service.”

The program will take place during spring break from March 8-16 and includes sites involving domestic violence, HIV and AIDS, animal rights, environmental issues, youth violence and children’s issues.

The actual locations have yet to be disclosed, but cities visited last year included Providence, R.I., Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, PA and Turtle Cove, LA.

Jesse Hanson, a site leader for the upcoming year, got involved two years ago for a change of pace. Hanson worked with youth violence in the 2001 program and was leader of the welfare rights site last year.

“I just wanted to do something more important during break,” Hanson said. “I wanted to get something done instead of just laying on the beach for a week.”

According to program chair Danielle Miller, Alternative Spring Break offers students another option for their week off.

“The goal is to take students on a trip that totally immerses them in a particular topic. Hopefully, it will foster growth in them and make them more active citizens,” she said. “They don’t just work for a week; they really become more educated.”

Miller has participated in the program four times, twice with domestic violence in the National Indian Reserve and twice in Detroit with the issues of youth violence and urban renewal.

“I could give a million and one reasons why this is a great program,” Miller said. “The reason that I love Alternative Break is that it has helped me be a better person and leader. It taught me a lot about my own strengths and weaknesses and helped erase a lot of the stereotypes that I already had.”

“This is definitely an experience that changes your life,” Andrea Sauerteig, a member of the executive board, said.

Applications for the spring 2003 program are available in the Volunteer Service Center in UC 240. They are due today.

Cost for participation is around $250 for the week, which includes the student’s flight to the site, accommodations and food. Volunteers must pay their own way.

For more information about Alternative Spring Break, call the Volunteer Service Center at 305-284-GIVE or visit the program’s website at www.miami.edu/UMAlternativeBreaks/UMAB.htm.

Ten innocent people are dead, brutally assassinated by an unseen predator.

Since Oct. 2, residents of Washington, D.C. and surrounding suburban areas have fallen into a steadily increasing panic. Recess is canceled and cars sit in garages. People are afraid to leave their homes. Nearly a thousand miles away at UM, these terrifying events are hitting some students uncomfortably close to home.

Sophomore Stephanie Cochran’s family lives in McLean, VA, and for them, a small change in plans resulted in no less than a miracle.

“The Home Depot shooting was really, really close to my house. My mom was actually supposed to go to that Home Depot, that same night, but for some reason, she didn’t go,” Cochran recalled.

Freshman Josh Frank’s family lives minutes away from the Rockville line. His concerns stemmed from the immediate proximity to his family and friends, explaining that one of the shootings occurred right down the street from a relative’s apartment.

“It’s particularly uncomfortable that every time I turn on the TV I see my town and my police chief talking. . . I don’t expect to see that over a thousand miles away,” Frank said.

Frank remembered the local news reports on the first day of the shootings. “The police chief said our homicide rate for the year just went up 25 percent.”

Senior Courtney Dilallo from Silver Spring, MD explained that, while her parents hadn’t expressed their anxiety to her, she could tell they were still very apprehensive.

“When my dad goes to the gas station, he makes sure there’s something between him and a possible bullet,” she said. “The other day he went to the [military] base for gas because he felt safer there.”

As obscurity surrounds the motives of the sniper, confused students can only speculate about the purpose of these seemingly random attacks.

“He’s crazy, but I think there may be a political reason behind it or I think he would have gone somewhere else,” senior Mary Clark said. “It’s just a few weeks before the election in the most political area in the country.”

“He’s someone’s next-door neighbor,” sophomore Denisa Canales, a native of Rockville, MD said. “I think he woke up one morning and just decided to kill people – this guy definitely thinks he can be in control.”

“I think he’s probably trying to mess with the community as a whole,” freshman Jacob Penniman from McLean, VA said.

Senior Alina Massey from Richmond, VA returned last Sunday from visiting her boyfriend in Fairfax, VA for the weekend.

“We felt like sitting ducks [at the gas station],” Massey said. “I fear that it’s terrorist-related, because if there is an organization behind it, this way makes it easier to get away.”

Part of the shock surrounding these devastating events revolves around the fact that the murders have taken place in such suburban vicinities.

People tend to associate violent crimes with major metropolitan areas, but according to students from the targeted neighborhoods, they don’t fit the profile for crimes of such a massive scale.

“People think of D.C. as a metro area, and it’s not,” Clark explained. “D.C is not like New York or Miami – people are lulled into a false sense of security.”

“For a community like Montgomery County, it’s really strange,” Frank said. “It’s suburbia – you don’t think about things like that happening.”

Many concerns seem to center on the inability of the authorities to locate the sniper.

“I think this whole situation is really terrifying, not that there is a sniper in particular, but that he hasn’t been caught,” said Angela Henry, a student from Essex, MD. “He apparently knows what he’s doing well enough to get away with it 13 times now – that’s pretty scary.”

“What disturbs me most is that they can’t find him, or even narrow it down,” Dilallo said. “I have little faith in the Montgomery Police.”

Despite the anxiety that already surrounds the case, many are worried about the repercussions of future events if police do catch the perpetrator.

“He’s risking his own life to hurt so many others, and it seems like he doesn’t care what it takes,” Angela Henry said. “I think his own passion and the fact he doesn’t care about his life will get him caught in the end.”

“I don’t think he’s going to go peacefully,” Frank said. “If he is doing this for publicity, he’ll probably want to go out in a blaze of glory.”

Many are trying to remain positive.

“Kids from the area are really grouping together here,” Frank said. “Unfortunately, something like this has to happen to bring people together.”

“The chances of actually getting shot are pretty slim, despite the overall number of shootings,” Massey said.

“Most of the people I’ve talked to don’t seem too concerned because it’s such a slight chance,” Penniman said.

“I don’t really know what precautions you can take when you don’t know what to look for,” said Cochran, who will be visiting McLean, VA, during Halloween.

“If they don’t catch this guy, I’m not looking forward to going home,” Canales said.