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Hurricane soccer defeats Hokies

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Coming into Sunday’s game against Virginia Tech, Britney Butcher, the Big East Player of the Week, in the first week of the season, said that, “the team felt a sense of urgency,” after coming off of three straight losses.

“We were also motivated by the fact that it was our first conference game of the season,” added Butcher. The team responded to that urgency as they came together to beat winless Virginia Tech 2-1. UM improved to 4-3.

The Miami Hurricanes Women’s soccer team came into the 2002 season with a bang, winning their first three games under first year coach Tricia Taliaferro. Unfortunately, after opening the season strong, the ‘Canes sort of fizzled out. They outscored their first three opponents by a margin of 13-1, but in their next three games, Miami got outscored 8-3.

This weekend’s Miami Invitational tournament provided a great opportunity for the team to grab a couple of wins at home, however; they dropped their first game 5-2 to the undefeated UNC-Charlotte 49ers.

“The team was not pleased with their effort in Friday’ game, and they knew they had to make some improvements against Virginia Tech,” Taliaferro said.

The team made those improvements and kept Virginia Tech from getting their first win of the season.

As a generally uneventful first half wound down, the ‘Canes failed to take advantage of several scoring opportunities. When it looked like the teams would go into half time with the score tied at 0-0, Lisa Gomez came down the left side of the field with a defender close on her back. The Virginia Tech defender tripped Gomez in the penalty box, and sent her diving on the grass.

Miami’s senior defensive leader made the most of her penalty kick, tallying her first goal of the season and putting Miami up 1-0.

As the second half opened, the teams battled back and forth for control of the game. Virginia Tech got the spark they needed to shift the momentum in their direction as Jessica Myers scored a breakaway goal to tie the game.

Six minutes later, it looked like Tech would strike again as a wide-open player headed toward an empty Miami net, but Gomez came out of nowhere to block the shot and save the game.

After taking seven shots on goal in the first half, Miami managed only one in the second half. Luckily that one shot won the game for them.

With just 15 minutes remaining, Miami’s two leading goal scorers, Butcher and freshman prodigy Lindsey Yach connected on a beautiful give-and-go as Butcher cut for the goal and drilled Yach’s pass into the net to give the ‘Canes a 2-1 lead and the win. The goal gave Butcher her team leading seventh of the season, and her first since she scored consecutive hat tricks in the first two games of the season. Yach recorded her first ever assist as a Miami Hurricane.

Senior goalie Rachel Elsby also had a solid game in goal making four saves.

The Hurricanes continue their Big East schedule this Friday at 7 PM when they host the Eagles of Boston College.

You can reach Nate Johnson at NPJ44@aol.com.

Hurricanes sleepwalk past Owls sleepwalk past Owls

The Miami Hurricane
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With all of the Heisman talk in South Florida focused on Ken Dorsey, another Miami Hurricane decided to enter his name in the race Saturday.

Running back Willis McGahee, vaulted into the starting lineup after the spring ACL injury to Frank Gore, tied a Hurricane record with four rushing touchdowns, leading Miami to a 44-21 victory over Big East foe Temple at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. McGahee, who gained 134 yards on 21 carries, picked up a bundle of tough yards and a pair of touchdowns in a second hallf that saw the Hurricanes run away from an Owl club that trailed by just a touchdown late in the second quarter.

After the game, head coach Larry Coker was impressed, but not surprised by the performance of the sophomore tailback.

“Four touchdowns and 134 yards? That’s a good day,” Coker said. “Willis is that type of player.”

As for the rest of the Hurricane players, the same praise can’t be rendered. Dorsey had his best game of the 2002 season, completing 20-35 passes for 314 yards and a pair of touchdown passes, all without the help of Andre Johnson, who did not make the trip after shoulder surgery.

However, Dorsey, like many of his Hurricane teammates, wasn’t happy with his team’s performance.

“When we had an opportunity to put the hammer down, we didn’t,” Dorsey said. “You want to put a team away when you can.”

The worst performance on Miami’s side came from special teams. Todd Sievers, perhaps the nation’s most accurate placekicker, misfired on two field goals and an extra point. Plus, a bad snap by long snapper Joe Fantigrassi and a drop by punter Freddie Capshaw began a 14-point swing for the Owls.

The shift in momentum came late in the second quarter, after a pair of McGahee touchdowns and a nine-yard strike from Dorsey to junior Kevin Beard. With a 21-0 lead and a fourth down punting situation, Fantigrassi came up short on his long snap attempt to Capshaw. The senior punter then dropped the football at the Temple 21-yard line.

Seven plays later, running back Tanardo Sharps scored on a one-yard plunge for the Owls first points. On the ensuing Miami drive, tailback Jason Geathers coughed up the football at the Miami 16. The Owls recovered the fumble, and a Sharps run and an extra point later, it was suddenly 21-14.

With the Hurricanes up 24-14 entering the second half, McGahee came back into the picture. After a Tanardo Sharps fumble, McGahee capped off a five play drive with a one-yard touchdown, his third of the game. Later in the third quarter, Miami put together a 70-yard drive. McGahee’s four yard score gave Miami a 37-14 lead, sealing the victory for the nation’s top ranked team.

After the game, McGahee was not thinking about his four touchdowns.

“I didn’t know I had four,” McGahee said. “I just put my head down and try to make plays.”

On paper, the Hurricanes dominated one of the Big East’s doormats as expected. The Hurricanes 477 yards of total offense more than doubled Temple’s output. In addition to McGahee’s performance, Miami’s receiving core stepped out without their leader. Beard, who entered the contest without a reception on the season, caught six balls for 65 yards. Roscoe Parrish picked up 77 yards receiving, and tight end Kellen Winslow added another touchdown catch to his productive 2002 season.

However, Saturday’s game unleashed some of Miami’s defensive vulnerabilities for the first time this year. The ‘Canes gave up 112 yards rushing, including several missed tackles. Temple coach Bobby Wallace was proud of his program’s effort.

“We played a tremendous team,” Wallace said. “I’m proud of our players when we fell behind 21-0. Our offense played as well as they can. That was our smartest game plan to move the ball against them.”

Saturday’s contest marked the third straight game Temple has played the Hurricanes tougher than expected. This time, many people will attribute some of the Hurricanes sluggish play to a letdown after the team’s 41-16 victory at Florida last Saturday. Coker, though, says that’s not the case.

“We didn’t have a letdown, but we lost a little of a mental edge,” Coker said.

Jeremy Marks-Peltz can be reached at jmp310@hotmail.com

Love it or leave it: not in America as it should be

The Miami Hurricane
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In the aftermath of September 11, Americans expressed their sorrow and loyalty the best way they knew how: by decorating their cars with flags and patriotic bumper stickers. These signs of patriotism were wonderful and showed the great spirit of Americans. However, it seems many are sadly mistaken about the American spirit and have taken patriotism to un-American levels.

There is one bumper sticker in particular that makes me furious. It reads, “Love it or Leave it,” with bold letters in red, white, and blue. This sticker implies that one in America has two choices, a: love America, or b: leave America. Many Americans might see nothing wrong with this sentiment and even agree with it.

Let me tell you why those Americans are wrong. First, I ask you to remember, if you will, a document known as the Constitution. You may have learned about it in school. This wonderful document is in fact founded on the belief that America should be a country where the citizens are free to dislike it if they so choose.

Moreover, another document called the Bill of Rights allows those citizens the freedom to speak out against that country (and here’s the crux) while still living in it. Yes, the founders of this great country did not simply make a mistake in the drafting; they actually meant for American citizens to have that freedom.

And what’s more, they believed that freedom would be precisely what would make this country great. They were tired of living under regimes where the government could not be challenged, so they invented a system where if you didn’t “love it,” you could actively work to change it instead of having to “leave it.”

In fact, the slogan “Love it or Leave it” belongs more to communist China or Nazi Germany than to America. Indeed, it is one of the most un-American things ever to masquerade as pro-American sentiment. So to those who proudly display this bumper sticker, I suggest you take a history course to remind yourself what country you call home.

Travis Atria is a junior majoring in English literature.

RUNOVER HERE

Stay sober and dance all night long

The Miami Hurricane
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I recently visited Level in South Beach and had one of the best times of my life. And believe it or not, it did not involve a drop of alcohol or any kind of substance.

It was all about the music. True, that’s a testament to resident trance DJ George Acosta, who happened to be spinning this particular night. But it was also about the people, the atmosphere and the energy pulsating in the club.

People go out dancing to have a good time, but when you’re lucky enough to find a place with music so intense and loud, you start to go crazy and lose all your inhibitions. Sounds familiar, right?

I’ve heard about the phenomenon that music can have on people; how it can stir up this primitive and emotional response in us which people have compared to intoxication. It’s that elusive thing we all know as the “natural high,” and I think I discovered it that night. Nothing else mattered the whole time. I didn’t care who was around me, or about not having enough money to buy drinks, or how much of an ass I was making of myself on the dance floor.

I closed my eyes, threw my hands up, and let the music flow. My whole body ached after awhile, but I didn’t care.

I remember thinking that night that this is what it’s all about. Life should be all about this intensity and complete sensory overload.

Of course, that was then, and I know there are many more important things than that, but I still think everyone should strive to have something like this at least once in his or her life. It doesn’t have to mean dancing all night at Level. It could be anything that makes you feel like you’re so alive and you could never go to sleep.

If you’re someone who loves any kind of music, then you know what I’m talking about. Whether it be hip-hop, trance, Latin, house, rock, retro, or any of the abundant types of music that you can find in South Florida, seek out your favorite. Even though your body will be hurting, your soul will thank you in the morning.

Derek Bramble is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism and theater.

The state of knowledge at UM when grades inflate

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Where does knowledge stand at UM? It is our central preoccupation here and we should desire it with a passion and guard its pursuit to any ends. We pay for it and so expect it as is the duty of any institution of higher learning.

This basic right has proven to not always be the case at Miami and it may be that our administration is starting to be sold on some less pure ideals. I am a senior at this school and I offer here not just unfounded opinion but the facts of specific cases from which the truth shall burn forth. Grade inflation has been found at UM.

How did we get here? We’ll start simple: The GPA, the total worth of your assessed intelligence in one easy number, 1.0-4.0. Its purpose is understood, to rank our progress and as problematic as assigning a number to one’s knowledge is, the system is the best we have-when that system is not manipulated.

I present Chemistry 111, 112 and 201 as case studies-courses which 988 students currently attend, not including honors sections. These classes offered grade scales designed to help students pass, but this scale has gotten out of control and taken on the likes of grade inflation. The most dramatic scale occurs in Chem 201 where a 70 now constitutes an A, a 60 a B and so on down the line. This is obscene. Since when are professors allowed to get away with only letting us understand 70% of the material at best?

Is the other 30% of Organic Chemistry useless? Somehow I doubt this and can only feel as though my pursuit of knowledge has taken a back seat to passing students with higher GPAs.

Has this been done for our sake? Do not fool yourself, my fellow seekers of truth. The more of us who pass with higher GPAs means better statistics for the school to attract more students. It is bragging in the form of business. Some of you, who wallow in mediocrity and are short on character, revel in the idea of earning an A while cutting corners. You will look on this essay with contempt, for it may make things a bit harder for you or rather make you do what should be expected of a student. I dare you to write a rebuttal to me and show your true character!

But for the rest of us, the proud students, aware and eager, knowledge is our gas, our purpose here. The fact that the administration is allowing students to walk out of courses with only a 70% understanding is unacceptable to us.

What can be done to restore order to UM’s Chem department?

Adjusting the scale so that 90% is an A certainly will only serve to fail just about every student out of school! We are in the position we are in because professors took the easy route of increasing the scale instead of addressing the real problems with their courses. We don’t understand you!

I offer several ideas to improve the current situation. One: Assess the course material; maybe it was too much or not taught in the best order for students to build on. Two: Take a hard look at the method of teaching done here, and try something different (with a bit of energy, please). We might respond to alternate means of presenting material or styles of teaching, or dare I say grading. Three: take a look at your faculty. Sure they know what a Kreb cycle is, but can they teach it effectively? If not, urge them to attend education programs, get them active about teaching, and get them excited.

In conclusion I have offered examples of only several courses and I believe that they set a dangerous precedent, virtually a virus for the pursuit of knowledge.

To my fellow students: take a hard look at your own courses; maybe the seed of inflation has been planted there as well. To end, I give a call to our administration: read OUR mission statement, take a hard look, and dust it off and make it shine again.

Ryan Driscoll is a senior majoring in environmental science.

Diversity essential to graduate schools

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(U-WIRE) ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The often overlooked matter of affirmative action in the nation’s graduate programs received an infusion of attention from academia this week. The members of the Association for American Medical Colleges published a report in the September/October edition of Health Affairs identifying affirmative action as “critical to achieving a diverse health care work force.” Indeed, affirmative action is essential not only for admission to medical schools, but throughout professional schools.

Although much of the debate concerning affirmative action has centered around its role in undergraduate admissions, graduate-level programs are dependent on diverse environments to prepare students for their careers. The challenges of interacting with a wide variety of individuals in both professional circles and clients require that students develop an understanding for others.

The often homogenous professional workplace can fail to adequately serve minority communities. Professionals are urgently needed in minority neighborhoods. Minority professionals are necessary since they will increase the options for vital services such as health care and legal assistance within their communities.

A February, 2000 study from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that approximately 30 percent of Hispanics and about 20 percent of African Americans did not have a consistent source for their health care needs. These disturbing statistics can only disappear through aggressive affirmative action policies that bring equal opportunity to all.

Particular to the public health community, increasing minority enrollment will increase the level of health care services provided to underprivileged areas. People may feel more comfortable going to a doctor of the same ethnic background as them. If there are more trained professionals opening offices in minority neighborhoods, more people will get the medical care they deserve.

Creating an ethnically diverse learning environment benefits everyone. Students can learn from each other’s backgrounds and experiences. The professionals available to the public will more accurately reflect the demographics of the population the United States. We do not live in an ethnically homogenous society.

War with Iraq not justifiable

The Miami Hurricane
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In recent weeks, President George W. Bush has taken his “responsibility era” of government down yet another irresponsible road. His fervent push to declare war on Iraq has found opposition from many Americans and indeed from much of the world that does not buy the dramatic pleas to the United Nations or the recently “found” evidence that Iraq is developing weapons of mass destruction.

Admittedly, there is no hard evidence available for the American people to look at and decide where they stand on the issue. Thus we must turn to analyzing the arguments for and against war. And with everyone from members of Congress to members of the United Nations disagreeing with a United States attack, the opposition is quite widespread.

Perhaps the most convincing argument against war, however, was made by the former weapons inspector of Iraq who, after spending five years in that country, stated that there is no possible way that it has the means to create weapons of mass destruction. Furthermore, the facilities that are needed to create such weapons are so large that they would be literally impossible to hide.

As if five years of intensive monitoring were not enough, the Iraqi foreign minister invited Congress to inspect any site thought to be developing weapons. Speaker Sadoun Hammadi promised that a delegation would be allowed to “thoroughly inspect any plants and installations allegedly producing, or intended to produce, chemical, biological or nuclear weapons.” America declined, calling the invitation a trick.

Our refusal begs the question, if past inspections have turned up negative, and we will not even attempt to inspect the country again, how can the Bush administration state that Iraq is developing weapons of mass destruction?

The answer to this question is not easy to find, but the best place to look is in the rhetoric of those who support the war. While the following inferences are entirely speculative, they are based on some logical connections that might help explain why George W. Bush is so intent on warring against a country that most of the world agrees is not a threat.

First of all, the events of September 11 made the ensuing “War on Terror” quite possibly the most supported war in American history. Although Iraq is not, and never was, our greatest worry in that war, public opinion is such that the Bush administration needs only to categorize a nation as “terrorists” to gain widespread acceptance of war. But what will war with Iraq accomplish?

First, Bush wants to oust Hussein (and perhaps finish what his father could not). Second, the Bush administration finds itself right in the middle of the worst economic landslide since the Great Depression. As the old equation goes, war always helps big business, and big business helps the economy. And if big business puts a candidate in office, it is not unthinkable that that candidate would have some obligations.

These accusations are not meant to masquerade as truths. Instead, they are meant to show that the President and his administration have very powerful reasons for taking personal interest in this war. After all, it is hard to trust an administration’s motives when the best excuse for pursuing the war against Iraq’s assertions that they have no weapons is, to quote Donald Rumsfield, “They’re lying.”

Rock stars, movie stars and you:

The Miami Hurricane
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As you step past the doorman and the red velvet rope, it feels like entering a time period when genuine class reigned supreme. The rich, wooden floors and the bright stained glass and mirrored walls surround you with a touch of elegance and class that is unparalleled in Miami. For over 70 years the Forge has provided service of utmost quality – a tradition that it continues to honor.

The Forge was originally a blacksmith’s forge in the 1920s (hence the name) where horses were fitted for metal shoes, and gates were cast for a number of the exquisite mansions sprouting up on South Beach at the time. In the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, the Forge transformed into a white tie and martini casino frequented by Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and the infamous Rat Pack. From 1969 to the present, it has operated as an acclaimed restaurant offering ‘the creme de la creme’ of fine cuisine, rare wines from around the world, and a very diverse crowd.

Owner Shareef Malnik has overseen the Forge, located on 432 41st Street, since 1991, when he took over for his father. When Malnik, a UM and Miami Law graduate, isn’t perfecting the formula for success in the restaurant business, he’s racing sports cars in the Le Mans. Malnik desires to heighten the Forge experience by “offering the best food possible and by always trying to give the customers what they want.”

The Forge may seem particularly focused on catering to the rich and famous, and with good reason. Their A-list clientele includes celebrities ranging from artists like Gloria Estefan, Julio Iglesias, Madonna and Edward Norton to championed athletes like Sammy Sosa and Oscar De La Hoya. Malnik is delighted that the Forge lures stars of such caliber away from their cozy penthouses, but he also strives to please everyone who dines there.

“There are some people who come here often and can afford that, and there are people who save up money for the special occasion – both are an integral part of the Forge,” he says.

The Forge is not concerned about how much money a customer makes or spends; it simply wants to make them happy. On any given night, the crowd reflects the cosmopolitan aspects of this city.

About a decade ago, the Forge began a successful Wednesday night party that still attracts lively crowds. On this weeknight, the old fashioned bar turns into a crazily eclectic mix of people and music, with their DJ staple, Roberto Costa, spinning ’80s to current hip hop, and exotic music that will charm your inner belly dancer. The bar at the Forge will mix you any delicious concoction for around $10 – which is well worth it, considering the name-dropping quality.

After the party on Wednesday night, Forge regulars hop next door to Jimmy’z, the restaurant’s night club. Jimmy’z was formerly a cigar lounge called the Cuba Club, where Oliver Stone, Bono and Michael Jordan, all owned private humidors. After the cigar craze passed, Malnik collaborated with Regine, the legendary, club “Queen of the Night” to create Jimmy’z. Thursday nights are Brazilian nights, Fridays are Latin stylings, and Saturday is filled with a European house blend.

The Forge is open every night for dinner, and reservations are an unwritten law. If you go there on a Friday or Saturday night, you will get wrapped up in the rhythm and blues, as it bounces off the main dining room’s high ceilings.

Their “super steak” ($32.95) was voted the “#1 Steak in America,” by Wine Spectator magazine. Other original favorites include the “Forge chopped salad,” often requested via telephone for charity events with the words “just send over the salad.”. The individually baked chocolate souffle will make you moan with satisfaction.

The Forge boasts a robust wine cellar containing over 300,00 bottles, starting at $21 and up. This includes the world’s largest collection of Jeroboam, as well as numerous, classical rare wines. A note worthy addition is a bottle of Chateau Lafitte Rothschild, Pauillac from 1822 that is currently valued at $150,000.

This type of dining experience is a rarity in our fast-paced world. The elegant dining style mixed with a modern blend of culture and professionalism is what keeps the Forge at the pinnacle of Miami’s competitive restaurant industry.

Rachael Henrichsen can be reached at rachluv@aol.com

UM celebrates new parking

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In celebration of the 20 percent increase in parking on campus, President Shalala, along with the department of Parking, held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Pavia Garage on Friday.

The event served as the official inauguration for all of the parking improvements around campus: the new Pavia commuter lot, located opposite the Daystar Health Center, and the Mahoney/ Pearson residential lot, adjacent to the residence hall, as well as the two new floors being added to the Ponce de Leon garage and additional perimeter parking spaces along San Amaro Drive.

“The scope of this project takes a tremendous amount of work,” said Chuck McConnell, Director of Parking. “Many separate departments throughout the University have worked together with the City of Coral Gables to make our parking plans a reality.”

The Parking Management and Parking Implementation committees, which are both made up of faculty, staff and students, were responsible for the new garages.

“From thoughts to paper to brick, the new garages represent a team effort amongst the entire university community,” said Alan Fish, Associate VP of Business Services.

The two new garages have added approximately 1188 additional parking spaces. They are both 24-hour high-security facilities equipped with closed circuit television monitors, information booths and blue light emergency telephones, according to the Parking Management Committee.

These new garages will improve parking on the core of the campus for faculty, staff and students and provide needed parking for visitors to the campus. The location will improve parking for School of Business and Student Union customers and will indirectly improve parking in the Allen Hall parking lot, organizers said.

“I think the new Pavia lot is a great idea,” said Sam Havener, commuter student. “I like the fact that the spaces are a nice size; I can actually get my truck in there.”

As part of the inauguration of the Pavia garage, President Shalala gave a speech in which she mentioned how thrilled she was that she has received many compliments concerning the new parking facilities on campus.

Student government President Mike Johnston thanked all those involved in the implementation of the garages and acknowledged the fact that the student body was collectively pleased with the improvements and with the fact that steps were taken to alleviate concerns over parking issues.

“The response has been great from employees, students and visitors to the University,” Sandra Redway, Associate Director of business services, said. “Everyone seems very pleased with the improvements we’ve made.”

“The addition of these new garages is just another indication of the dedication of the University to the needs of our students and community,” Fish said.

“I remember that parking was always an issue,” said Juan Rodriguez, a former student of the University. “I remember student government would always talk about fixing the problem, but nothing much ever really happened.”

“I wish I was still a student. I’d park at a different garage every day of the week,” Rodriguez said.

Construction on the Ponce de Leon garage continues as two additional floors are being added. Once completed, the entire Ponce Garage will be converted from standard to discount pricing, as will the existing Scodella lot.

Summit trains student leaders

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The 2002 Leadership Summit, hosted and organized by The Department of Student Activities and Leadership Programs took place on Saturday, September 14 at the UC. Chartwells, the Wellness Center, The Leadership Institute and Multicultural Student Affairs provided sponsorship for the event.

This year’s theme, “A World of Leadership Opportunities,” emphasized the importance of culture and diversity in leadership.

“The cultural aspect is a huge selling point of UM. It allows people to get oriented to diversity,” said Cie Chapel, Graduate Intern for Department of Student Activities and Leadership Programs.

“We’re a diverse campus and we were able to get to know each other and gain leadership skills,” said freshman Rafael Evans, vice president of UM Hip-Hop club and public relations chair for B.O.N.D.

“The summit helped you to familiarize yourself with the opportunities and resources on campus. If you want to play a leadership role in anything you want to participate [in the Leadership Institute] because you get different aspects and topics and see the world from other perspectives,” Evans added.

Students from Freshmen Experience (FEX) classes, sponsored by the Academic Development Center, encouraged students in the class to attend the summit.

During the event, eight session topics were presented and discussed.

A presentation on event planning and programming was lead by Heather Lancin, Assistant Director of Student Activities and Leadership Programs. Webb Morgan, Assistant Director of Orientation and Commuter Affairs, had a discussion on decision-making and ethics.

Other topics covered included money management and processing paperwork at UM.

“I think that developing interpersonal skills helps create a total well person,” said Chris Locke, Wellness Director, who will be presenting workshops this semester.

“New students were able to see the diversity and resources at UM, and returning students were able to polish up their skills,” Chapel said.

“It’s a great networking tool to meet campus leaders,” said senior Joe Fernandez, Treasurer of Omicron Delta Kappa.

The keynote speaker, Doug Cureton of CreativiTEAM, gave an interactive presentation about cross-cultural communication. Cureton covered issues ranging from active listening and first impressions to identity-based humor.

“The day was very informational, it gave me insight on things I already thought I knew. The speaker was awesome; he was able to open the hearts and minds of the ‘Canes,” said Terri-Ann Bennett, freshmen delegate for S.A.F.A.C.

All participants received a bag courtesy of Hurricane Productions, and raffles were held for t-shirts, banners, books and gift certificates to the Wellness Center.

Three students received $50.00 gift certificates to the bookstore and two students received vouchers for their spring semester books.

Aside from the Leadership Summit, the Leadership Institute holds workshops throughout the semester.

“The workshops allow students to develop personally. Even if they aren’t involved on campus the skills can be brought into the job force in the future,” Chapel said.

Upcoming workshops include Goal Setting and Women in Leadership.

Interested students can sign up in UC 209. The afternoon workshops also provide students with free lunch and are open to anybody who is interested.

Islamic Society to host discussion on Islam

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The Islamic Society of UM [ISUM] will hold a panel discussion featuring UM students as well as Muslim leaders from the community in order to answer questions and dispel misconceptions about the religion tomorrow.

“A lot of people think most Muslims didn’t mourn September 11. That is totally untrue. We were angry at what happened and had to justify our religion at the same time,” said Minal Ahson, ISUM President.

“We want to show what American Muslims went through,” Ahson added. “People have come up to me with questions about Islam and have been like ‘wow, I didn’t know that’ when they learned the answers.”

“I feel that it’s very important to focus as an organization on educating the public about some of the misconceptions about Islam,” Ramy Gali, ISUM treasurer, said.

ISUM has conducted panels to educate the UM community about the Islamic faith and interfaith discussions where speakers and representatives from different religions share perspectives on many topics.

The panel will feature two local Muslim leaders to represent the Miami community: Dr. Abdul Samra of the Miami Gardens Masjid and Imam Khalid Salahuddin of Masjid Al-Ansar. A Masjid is a Muslim place of worship.

Three American Muslim students at UM, Sahar Ullah, sophomore, Najia Hussain, senior, and Fawwad Siddiqui, a recent UM graduate, will be representing student perspectives on the issues discussed.

Each panel member will be given three minutes to discuss a topic relating to Islam or their experience as an American Muslim. Following that, the floor will be open for a question and answer session.

“Students should attend if they are curious about the true religion of Islam. It’s an opportunity to learn a little bit about the world’s fastest growing religion,” Ahson said. “We are proud to be American Muslims. People who go will see that.”

“We welcome students of all ethnic and religious backgrounds to join ISUM or sit in during the meetings and events we host,” Gali said.

The panel discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the International Lounge on the second floor of the UC.

StormSurge Cafe in store for improvements

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The University Center [UC] is a hub where students can go to grab a bite to eat, check e-mail between classes or simply relax.

Slight changes are already under way, however, to make this meeting place even more appealing and accessible to students.

Since its opening last January, students have flocked to the newest area of the UC, known as the StormSurge Cafe, to take advantage of the facility.

“I go to the cafe because it’s a fun and useful place on campus,” sophomore James Richards said. “I can pick up something to eat and hang out with friends between classes.”

The new area features new Brunswick pool tables, ping-pong tables, a cafe and an e-center.

The e-center in particular has become extremely popular. Students can easily check their e-mail, search the net or send instant messages to friends.

The convenience of the e-center, however, has often resulted in long lines just to access the one of only eight computers currently available in the center.

“The wait is a deterrence, but it’s good having them. It makes it easier to check e-mail or quickly send an instant message,” senior Gilbertson Cuffy said.

Plans to install additional computers are already under way.

“The e-center is always busy. We originally started out with six computers and added an additional two computers,” Dan Westbrook, associate director of the UC, said. “We’re currently in the process of adding an additional two computers as well as two more by the information desk bringing the total number to 12 computers.”

Recently, guidelines have been posted to regulate the usage time for each student.

“We’re relying on students to police themselves. It’s obviously unacceptable for students to play computer games when other individuals are waiting to use the computers. Discretion should therefore be considered,” Westbrook said.

The StormSurge Cafe, whose menu features brewed coffee, bagels, pastries, sandwiches and soups, has also made changes to their line-up and hours.

“The cafe is catered by Chartwells and the food service company is constantly tweaking their menu to offer new choices,” Westbrook said. “The response has been overwhelming.”

“We review our menus each month and make decisions on changes based on popularity,” Greg Moran, director of Retail Operations, said. “We also do guest surveys to solicit suggestions from students and faculty.”

“So far the feedback has been good, especially comments regarding the quality of the panini sandwiches and the to-order salads,” Morgan said.

Additional plans are also in the works to improve the cafe’s decor and to install a quality sound equipment.

“We’re already moving forward with decor plans. We’re hoping to upholster the hard stools to make them a bit more comfortable,” says Westbrook. “We’ll also be installing a professional sound system to host possible events such as open mike nights.”

In addition to these suggested plans, the Force Five Convenience Store is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to better accommodate the needs of students.

“We are always open for suggestions or ideas because the UC is first and foremost available for the students,” Westbrook said.

Hours of operation for the game room and e-center are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.- 2 a.m.; Friday 8 a.m- midnight; Saturday 11 a.m.- midnight; Sunday 11 a.m.- 2 a.m.

The StormSurge Cafe is opened Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.- 2 a.m.; Friday 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.- 2 a.m.

All of the proposed changes are scheduled to be completed by the end of the semester.

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