Students come to live on campus from all over the country, and it can be a nerve-wracking experience.

If worries about money, stereo equipment and refrigerators weren’t enough, there is, of course, the roommate: a person with whom to share the same 20 cubic feet of living space for an entire year (not to mention the bathroom).

Some institutions such as Kennesaw State University and University of Tennessee are trying to make things easier on students and themselves.

Using online systems like WebRoomz, students who are accepted into the school fill out a detailed survey and are matched with potentially compatible roommates.

“It makes sense,” Tara Shane, a sophomore film major, said, “because I know a lot of people who had really bad experiences with roommates their first semester.”

Control is given to students which could potentially save universities a great deal of time and money.

All rooms could be filled without having to do any paper work, and if students already know who their roommates are, it could potentially reduce the number of room changes and complaints.

Although the system appears beneficial on the surface, Dr. Robert Redick, Director of Residence Halls, explained that UM tried out a similar approach 15 years ago with little success.

“When I first heard about this system, I was very interested; however, upon closer examination, there is no proof that it works any better than random selection.,” said Redick. “How do you determine how many questions have to add up for there to be a match?

“No matter how compatible someone seems on paper, there are always variables,” he said.

Financial aspects can also be handled through WebRoomz. Students can pay their room and board online with a credit card as well as purchase meal plans and parking decals.

This raises the question of equity. Not all incoming students have access to the same resources.

“Not only would this program obligate freshmen to do more things and fill out more paperwork that UM can do for them, but it also assumes that all students have internet access, which they don’t,” Mike Johnston, Student Government President, said. “You have to think globally. There are 140 countries represented at UM, and not all people have access to, or can afford the Internet.”

College life is full of diversity and new experiences, and some believe that picking a roommate from a compatibility list would spoil that aspect.

“People don’t have to be alike to get along,” Redick said. “If this were truly a good system, people would fill out surveys to get married. Here at UM, people are free to change rooms, but it is a much more adult and humane way of dealing with problems.

“People are diverse and changing, which is the beauty of being human. By trying to match people on a 30 question form denies that.”

The battle to unseat Florida Governor Jeb Bush has heated up dramatically in the past few weeks with Democratic gubernatorial candidates, Janet Reno and Bill McBride, in a statistical tie according to a poll commissioned by The Miami Herald and the St. Petersburg Times.

Once seen as unbeatable, the comfy lead held by Miami native Janet Reno began to erode after the three gubernatorial Democratic candidates (including Senator Darryl Jones) participated in a televised debate on Aug. 28.

Political pundits all over the country are closely following the contest for Florida’s gubernatorial seat. Florida, once just another quiet southern state, began to enter the national limelight in the 1990’s with its burgeoning multi-ethnic population and was thrust under media scrutiny because of its pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the 2000 presidential election.

The immense influence the next governor of Florida would have on the national political scene has not been lost on the White House.

President Bush has visited Florida several times in the past year for fund-raising events to help his brother Jeb get re-elected.

The Washington Post reported in June that a White House document listed Florida as a “possible Democratic pickup” for the statehouse.

The reason is former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

Reno’s combination of having a strong political background and being a pop-culture icon thanks to “Saturday Night Live” offers a powerful double-punch against Governor Bush’s hopes to be re-elected.

The Miami Hurricane chatted with Reno in an exclusive interview about her goals as the would-be governor of Florida, her stances on important issues, and her past as the longest-serving Attorney General of the United States.

Hurricane: Your campaign speeches boast knowing what Floridians want – as governor, how are you planning to keep in contact with your constituents?

Reno: As [Miami-Dade County] State Attorney for 15 years I was constantly going out to the community’s public schools and events to explain my positions to the people. I wanted to be accountable and to keep in touch. It’ll be more difficult covering 16 million people in Florida, but I want to do everything I can to be as accessible as possible.

Hurricane: Why do you think you make a better gubernatorial candidate than McBride and Jones?

Reno: I am the only who has had experience operating a large public agency and doing things like managing a budget, avoiding deficit financing, making hard personnel decisions and making critical decisions that influence so many people. My record is one of public service and I would like to use it for the people of the state of Florida.

Hurricane: What are your plans for protecting Florida’s natural resources and wildlife?

Reno: I want to address the issue of water quality and quantity. We don’t have an overall water policy or budget in the state, and we’ll have a crisis in our hands if we don’t take steps to manage water in the interest of all Floridians and not just in the interest of developers and other corporate entities. I’d make my appointment to the water management board my highest priority, and it would be someone that does not represent special interests but all people.

I would put efforts to save Lake Okeechobee on track by taking steps to limit runoffs from ranches and farms and areas north of the lake, and proceed with construction of various infrastructures to get a level of phosphorous out of the lake that would be consistent with keeping it healthy.

By purchasing critical state lands we can preserve the mosaic that makes Florida beautiful.

Hurricane: What can you do to stop the urban sprawl that is devastating to the quality of life in places like Dade County?

Reno: I want to provide full enforcement of the growth management act, while giving citizens the opportunity to be heard. We can curb urban sprawl in a reasonable way, and do everything we can to develop transportation systems that give people the opportunity to get places they need to in time without having an automobile.

Hurricane: What is your stance on Bush’s “One Florida” plan? Would you bring back affirmative action in the case of college admissions?

Reno: It’s important to diversify our schools and universities, to utilize affirmative action to reverse historical patterns of racial discrimination, and use every effort we can to have a student body that is representative of the state in backgrounds and experience.

SAT scores are not the only measurements of life. We need to take steps up front in early childhood and in the K-12 level to level the playing field so that children born in poverty have a chance to compete in every level.

We need to use affirmative action if we see it as necessary to reverse historical racial discrimination.

Hurricane: What is your stance on the U.S. embargo on Cuba?

Reno: Castro must take a big step toward democracy, with real evidence of a move in that direction, before we repeal the embargo. The shootdown of the [Brothers to the Rescue] airplanes is an example of Castro’s disdain of a democratic government.

Hurricane: Can you explain in just a few words why you felt that Elian Gonzalez had to be returned to Cuba?

Reno: I didn’t decide to return him to Cuba. I made the decision to return him to his father. According to Elian’s mother, his father had made an important contribution to his life, and I thought the boy should be with him

Hurricane: How do you feel about all of the hostility that many Cuban-Americans feel toward you because of the role you played in the Elian Gonzalez case?

Reno: I regret that they feel so hostile about it, because they believed I was in league with Castro. Castro had nothing to do with the decision; it was about reuniting him with his father.

Hurricane: Do you feel that your hands were tied by the law?

Reno: My hands were not tied by the law. I made the decision on everything I knew, and the court agreed with me and held that the boy should be with his father. I can’t imagine the boy being raised by other people and not being with his father

Hurricane: I read that you have a photo of Elian and his dad in your house. Even though it’s part of your house, something personal, don’t you think that’s rubbing it in when it’s such a touchy issue among many of your fellow Floridians?

Reno: It’s not rubbing it in, it is a picture of a little boy being reunited with his father, and the look on both of their faces is one to cherish with love, it is so beautiful.

Hurricane: What is your stance on Florida’s banning of gay adoptions?

Reno: I think the court should be able to decide. I would want to get the ban repealed.

Hurricane: What is your stance on Capital Punishment, and Florida’s “Old Sparky” [Florida’s notorious electric chair] in particular?

Reno: I am personally opposed to the death penalty, but I have asked for it as Attorney General and I will sign death warrants if I am satisfied with the evidence and decision by the court. We should use the most humane procedure possible for the death penalty.

Hurricane: What is your stance on using vouchers for private schools?

Reno: We shouldn’t take public money away from public schools and give them to private schools.

Hurricane: What do you think about grading schools according to FCAT scores?

Reno: I don’t think schools should be graded by FCAT scores. The FCAT is a good diagnostic, but they don’t reflect the school’s ability to educate children. The FCAT hasn’t been implemented correctly, some scores are taken in and others are taken out.

There are other initiatives that can be used. We need to give schools the resources they need, give them time, and hold them accountable

Hurricane: What would you like to say to people who are concerned about the effect your Parkinson’s Disease will have on your ability to govern the state?

Reno: Before running for governor, I went to two different doctors and asked them about the effect Parkinson’s would have on my ability to govern. They both said that it would not have a debilitating effect on my governing, and said that they would be available to field any questions. They advised me to be straightforward and honest about it.

Hurricane: What do you plan to do if the effects of the disease begin to hinder your ability to govern?

Reno: I would do what I would do if I had any other disease. I would talk to doctors, see what can be done, and make proper judgments.

Hurricane: You haven’t spoken much, if any at all, about any religious beliefs you have that will allow you to be a good governor. You are not outspoken like Bush on your religious values. What moral virtues do you possess that will serve as a good foundation for your governorship?

Reno: I have a deep faith and commitment in doing the right thing. I try to be honest, caring, and to reach out and help others that cannot do things for themselves. I have a deep faith in people.

Hurricane: What do you think about Governor Bush’s nomination of Jerry Regier as head of the Department of Children and Families?

Reno: I don’t think he did his homework before naming Regier. While he served Oklahoma the child welfare system seemed to fare worse than Florida’s. We need someone that can motivate state employees, get the best out of them and bring them together. I know that we can do a lot better

Hurricane: How is your relationship with UM President Donna Shalala, since you both served on Clinton’s cabinet?

Reno: She was a great colleague. We still keep in contact.

Hurricane: Unlike other politicians that served under Clinton’s administrations, you have not done anything to distance yourself from your past with him. Yet, there have been reports that Bill Clinton listed you as one of his least favorite aides serving in his administration. What do you think about that?

Reno: I would let the president speak for himself.

Hurricane: What is your favorite color?

Reno: Blue!

Reno says that she is considering a wide range of possible candidates to be her Lieutenant Governor running mate if she wins the primary, but chose not to list any names. Reno also chose not to name her most important professional accomplishment to date; she said she would rather have other people cite one.

As the primary date draws near and McBride closes in on Reno’s lead, she will continue to tour the state with her folksy Little Red Truck tour.

The primary election will be this Tuesday, Sept. 10. The general election will follow on Nov. 5.

The upcoming football game between Miami and Florida has become one of the most widely anticipated confrontations of the entire season.

For many dedicated Hurricane fans, to attend the big game would be a dream come true.

Luckily, the chance to witness college football history has been made possible with help from Category 5, a spirit-oriented sub-section of student government.

This Saturday, instead of watching the game at the Rathskeller, 94 lucky UM students will view the Florida game up close from the stands of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.

The football pilgrimage actually begins Friday at 1:30pm when the fans will load buses headed for Gator Country. The travelers will then spend Friday night in a hotel and prepare for an exciting day of cheering for their beloved Hurricanes.

This will all lead up to the experience of a lifetime Saturday afternoon when Miami squares off against Florida in the Swamp.

The entire weekend will be one that will not soon be forgotten for these lucky fans.

The experience of traveling to such a momentous game was all made possible by the spirit booster organization known as Category 5.

Born out of a referendum set forth by UM Student Government, Category 5 has spread orange and green across the campus with their uplifting, spirit-filled activities.

“We’re trying to build a bridge between athletes and students,” says co-chair Kim Racciato, “We’re all about spirit and pride!”

Category 5 is responsible for numerous spirit-based projects at UM including the recent Freshman Walk at Miami’s opening game as well as trips to such football games as the Sugar Bowl and the Rose Bowl. The recent Florida game project is just another example of what the group is trying to accomplish.

It was not easy for the ‘Cane fans to be able to go to the big Florida game.

Interested students received an e-mail from Category 5 containing information regarding the sales and distribution of the ticket packages.

On August 29 at 7 a.m. the packages that included transportation and hotel accommodations, as well as incredible seats for the game, went on sale to an eager crowd.

Even though the packages cost upwards of $100 per person there were still plenty of people willing to buy.

“There were a few kids who arrived at the 2nd floor of the University Center in the middle of the night just to get in line,” according to a source from Category 5.

Unfortunately, about 30 students were denied ticket packages after they had sold out.

For those who will not be making the trip to Gainesville, all is not lost. There are plenty of activities taking place on campus geared towards the upcoming game much like Thursday’s outrageous pep rally which featured the stars of the “Best Damn Sports Show Period,” which also happened to be sponsored by Category 5.

The Student Government pep club continues to make a difference around campus and thanks to them the UM cheering section at the Swamp will be that much louder.

Elections for Student Government are just around the corner. Campaign to become a Senator and help improve life at UM for all undergraduate students. Elections are September 23rd-September 25. Mark your calendars and VOTE!
To find out more about Student Government, available offices, and the election process, visit www.miami.edu/student-activities and click on Elections Commission.

TODAY
Optional SAFAC Budget Workshop for club treasurers at 12 p.m. in UC 245

Applications for COSO and SAFAC membership due at 5 p.m. in the STIC

Optional SAFAC Budget Workshop for club treasurers at 3 p.m. in UC 245.

If you have a voice with a rock edge and no shame, then Quantum Entertainment is looking for you. Come audition for the Rocky Horror Picture Show any time during 5 – 10 p.m. at the UC 2nd floor on Fri Sept. 6.

11:30 a.m., Ferris Wheel Junkies @ UC Patio

SEPTEMBER 7
The Wellness Center is sponsoring a free Studio Cycling class between 10 and 11 a.m., for members to try the class without purchasing a pass.

Listen to Elastika Beat at 9 p.m. @ UC Rock. Join us for an evening of fun and music.

4:00 p.m., “Tailgate” @ Rat

SEPTEMBER 9
Be a fan on the field! Come try out to be a University of Miami Cheerleader! If you are enthusiastic and athletic, we’ll love to have you as a part of our team. Try-outs will be held at the Knight Sports Complex on Sept. 9th and 10th at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to contact Heather Aimaguer at 305-718-8335 with any questions. We’ll see you there!

The University Chaplains’ Association will have a mini-Info Fair on the UC Patio from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. highlighting the diversity of religious life on campus and providing information about the various chaplaincies at UM. Free lunch will be provided while supplies last.

SEPTEMBER 10
Starting today at 12 p.m., ‘Cane Cards will no longer be issued at the Registrar’s Office. Students must go to room 110 Allen Hall at the School of Continuing Studies to ‘Cane Cards. Hours of Operation will be Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Be a fan on the field! Come try out to be a University of Miami Cheerleader! If you are enthusiastic and athletic, we’ll love to have you as a part of our team. Try-outs will be held at the Knight Sports Complex on Sept. 9th and 10th at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to contact Heather Aimaguer at 305-718-8335 with any questions. We’ll see you there!

SEPTEMBER 11
President Shalala will lead a convocation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gusman Concert Hall to commemorate last year’s attacks, followed by a series of panel discussions with faculty from International Studies, Political Science, Arts & Sciences, as well as the Schools of Medicine, Law, Business and Architecture. Topics include security, the U.S., and the world after 9/11.

“Remembrance: Let the Light Shine,” will be held 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the University Green, the lawn between the Otto G. Richter Library and the University Center. This is a candlelight service with testimonials from student speakers sharing their experiences of the events of September 11th.

SEPTEMBER 14
The annual American Heart Association (AHA) 5K Walk will be held on the Coral Gables campus, to raise funds for fighting heart disease and stroke. To join Team UM, call Janet Tiberian at 305-284-6524.

SEPTEMBER 15 – OCTOBER 15
The Hispanic Heritage Month Committee and the Department of Multicultural Student Affairs is pleased to bring you National Hispanic Heritage Month. As part of the celebration, we have planned a month long calendar that promises to have something for everyone. Join the University of Miami community in recognizing and exploring Hispanic culture and achievements. Opening Ceremonies are on Monday, September 16th at noon, on the University Center Patio. All events are free to the University of Miami community. Hope to see you there! For more information visit www.miami.edu/msa

The fight begins.

As the Hurricanes and the Gators prepare to square off on the field tomorrow, Hurricane fans are doing a little preparation of their own.

Bags are being packed by the few going to Gainesville, and plans are being made by the many who will watch the game from campus.

Anticipating what is considered the first “real” game by most of the student body, tensions are mounting and spirits are high.

Unlike last week’s game against FAMU, freshman Lindsey Hanlon anticipates “a very physical game, with the ‘Canes, of course, coming out on top.”

“It’ll be difficult, but I’m positive UM will triumph,” freshman Jamie Songer said.

Freshman Rachael Burg is also optimistic although she wishes the game was a home game.

“Out of all the games I had to miss,” she said, “it had to be the UF game. I know it’ll be a great showdown and the Gators don’t stand a chance.”

The ‘Canes and the Gators haven’t met each other on the field for a seasonal game since 1987 and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams.

Not only is the win a toss-up, but quarterbacks Ken Dorsey and Rex Grossman are competitors for this year’s coveted Heisman trophy.

This competitive factor will only add another ingredient to this already flammable mix.

“Grossman vs. Dorsey?” said junior Jason Warsaw. “Only one can be the best. My money’s on Dorsey.”

“We’ve beat them before and I’m confident we’ll beat them again,” said freshman Drew Kelly. “The Gators got nothing on us.”

“Amazing! After all this time, they still think they can beat us!” freshman Gina Licciardi said.

The rivalry between the Hurricanes and the Gators has gone on for what seems like forever.

This Saturday will be their 51st meeting on the field.

For many students, however, the rivalry goes beyond just football.

Senior Richard Rand III cautioned, “Watch out ’cause the Hurricanes are gonna blow their trailer park away.”

Junior Taylor Graham joined Rand in saying, “Those trailer-trash Gainesville people don’t stand a chance.”

“I expect a complete, total shutdown,” said sophomore Alexander Cardenas, “a scoreless competition.”

Sophomore Aldo Berti said he expects “the same results as two years ago at the Sugar Bowl without the blood.”

Victory has become the battle cry of UM.

“All I’m saying,” said freshman Randi Melton, “is that the Gators should feel honored to be beaten by such a worthy team like the ‘Canes.”

Hurricane pride is rampant. Everyone is confident that Saturday will be another claimed victory by the Canes.

“After all, it’s not a question of who will win,” said sophomore Ricardo Maristany. “The question is, what’s the score gonna be?”

“I mean, come on,” followed freshman Alyssa Gross. “Were we or were we not National Champions last year? What’s there to discuss?”

For the second year in a row, the University of Miami is temporarily housing students in the Holiday Inn near campus, on US-1.

Approximately 140 students, compared to only 30 last year, are residing in hotel rooms across the street from the university.

Jon Baldessari, Assistant Director of Residence Halls for Marketing, Assignments and Conference Housing, gave several reasons for the University’s need to turn to the Holiday Inn to temporarily house students.

Not only has the University done a better job of retaining students recently, said Baldessari, but record numbers of continuing students reapplied for on-campus housing during the March and April sign-ups, leaving the Department of Residence Halls with more people than they can accommodate.

The freshman classes of the past two years have also been much larger than normal, with more and more students coming from across the country and world rather than from within Miami-Dade County, Baldessari said.

Three years ago the University also lost 350-400 beds when apartments were demolished at the new arena construction site.

No freshmen students have been placed in the Holiday Inn. However, nearly 80 are temporarily living in double rooms with resident assistants.

These students will soon be placed in permanent assignments, and most should be relocated within the next week, according to the department of Residence Halls.

Those living at the Holiday Inn are mostly continuing students whose previous living arrangements fell through or domestic and international transfer students.

Baldessari stressed that these are temporary assignments and that students will be brought back on campus in groups. The University’s contract with the hotel lasts only through the fall semester.

This temporary solution is “costing us much more than the students’ contributions,” Baldessari noted.

The costs of running a shuttle service from 7 a.m. through 12 a.m., providing local telephone service and dial-up connections to Holiday Inn students and renting the rooms at a corporate rate comprise a “pretty significant investment, but our best alternative,” he said.

Two Resident Assistants also live at the Holiday Inn, and programs have been provided to the students just as if they were housed on campus.

Other benefits, like daily maid service, access to the hotel’s outdoor pool and laundry service lead some students to feel that this quick-fix is a blessing in disguise.

“I really like living there,” said sophomore psychology major Liz Ariniello. “It’s not as social as the dorms, but I have my own bathroom that gets cleaned, and I definitely don’t want to move back to the towers.”

A few transfer students commented that they might not be getting the campus living experience that they would have if they lived on UM grounds.

Although the displaced students are enjoying their dormitory vacation, they anticipate moving onto campus and moving back into campus social life which they feel they have yet to experience.

To accommodate the extraordinarily large number of on-campus residents, study lounges in the Stanford and Hecht towers have been converted into permanent dormitories, at least for the next several years.

“We went ahead and made some significant modifications,” said Baldessari, “and added benefits, like moveable new furniture, desks, carpeting and cable modems.”

These changes were based on student feedback.

The University is planning construction of new off-campus apartments between San Amaro Drive and Red Road and should be breaking ground later this year.

These apartments will add about 1000 new beds within two to three years.

Students prepare for a victory
in Saturday’s game against the
University of Florida