One week ago, the stress of icy streets, freezing temperatures, and high winds were too much for Ferris State and campus operations.

While some on-campus students enjoyed their day off, commuter students were not so lucky and did not get notification of the closing until they arrived at an empty classroom. Why did this happen?

A lot of consideration has to be taken when the university decides to close. “Even if the university closes, it cannot shut down,” commented Elain Kamptner, executive secretary for the president. “Students in the residence halls rely on meal service from the university at all times.”

According to the current inclement weather policy, the responsibility to make this difficult decision rests on the shoulders of the president or an appointee.

The president makes the decision based on information from the Department of Public Safety. The chain of information then goes to the University Advancement and Marketing Office, which gets the word out to the students.

University officials met last week to discuss the current inclement weather procedures and the protocol for relaying a university closing. “It was a very productive meeting with a number of positive outcomes,” Shelly Armstrong said, associate vice president of marketing and communications.

According to Armstrong, the reason for the delay in notification had to do with the nature of the weather. Since the conditions did not worsen until early morning, officials had to wait for the roads to be assessed to make the decision to close campus. “It was not until around 7 a.m., when the official decision was made to cancel and then we had to begin our notification process,” Armstrong said.

To get the word out to students, the university employs many methods. A phone fan is set up that includes residence halls, members of the Emergency Response Team, and other members of the university community. The university also uses MyFSU, the FSU homepage, University- Wide Notices and the information hotline to broadcast news of a closing.

Externally, the university utilizes a web-based system called GRAIL Web that notifies local media outlets and informs them of the university’s closing. Local TV and radio stations who do not subscribe to GRAIL are usually called and notified individually.

“While all of these systems can be very effective, they do require that we rely on technology to deliver the messages so there are going to be cases where we are going to have technological difficulties so we have to keep that in the back of our mind,” said Armstrong.

During last week’s meeting it was decided to make the call to close campus at 5:30 a.m. This way, notification processes would be completed by 6 a.m., and commuters would be able to stay off the roads.

“We learned a lot from our discussions on Friday and are confident we are in a better position now to inform the campus community in a timely manner about a campus closure. Our team is working well together and will continue to have regular meetings and training sessions where we can continue to learn how to handle a multitude of crisis situations that could occur on the Ferris State University campus,” assured Armstrong.

The Student Government General Assembly was called to order again last week on Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. in the Centennial Room.

The major issues before the body of student representatives included current concerns, the approval of the minutes from two previous meetings, allocating funds, an update on the technology task force, and fundraising.

It was once again a full room, with only a few spare seats once everyone was sitting.

Before the regular meeting was fully underway, visitors to the group were allowed to introduce themselves. Some were there representing other campus groups, while others were just visiting. One guest in particular was there to discuss an issue she wanted Student Government to address.

The Student Government body agreed to pursue the issue of preventing “slip and falls” on campus after a student guest explained all of the pain and hassle she had to go through after a recent incident on the ice. The Torch’s Leslie Gilbert was there on a different kind of business. She came to the meeting to make her complaint.

Gilbert, a photographer with the Torch, called the way that snow and ice is handled on campus “unacceptable, if they expect us to get to class on time.” And many members and guests raised their hands when Student Government President Joe Viviano asked for a show of hands for anyone else who has similarly fallen because of the weather.

Lizz Kelly relayed a story of how people in her residence hall had made a game of watching for people to fall over on the sidewalks. Kelly said it has to be bad if people are making a game out of it. Other students told their stories and stories of friends who had gotten hurt.

After discussion ended, Viviano explained that they would try bringing someone in from the Physical Plant to talk. They would possibly set up a forum so they can address questions to that person about what is being done and what could be done in the future.

Next, the minutes of two previous meetings were looked at for approval. A few minutes were given for every member to go over the minutes and make corrections. And after a few corrections were noted, Viviano slammed his gavel and made the announcement that the minutes would “stand as approved.”

Dr. Burcham was at home getting over some kind of sickness. Only one of Student Government’s advisors could be there.

Dr. Michael Cairns was there to talk to the students. He spoke a little about the things that Student Government was working on for the future, and then addressed the snow and ice issue himself. Cairns said “please be careful.”

As a parent, Cairns said that the most important thing is that the young people of the campus be extremely cautious in the snow. He also said he would help to get things done in regards to making the open forum to take place.

The agenda showed that the executive reports were next, with the director of finance first on the list.

The representative for the director of finance brought up three requests for funds from campus RSOs.

The first one was the allocation of almost $4,000 for YBBW’s yearly fashion show. A large chunk of that money would go to hiring a performance artist to draw a bigger crowd and get more participation than they have had in the past couple years.

Voting passed unanimously in favor of the resolution. The event will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, at Williams Auditorium.

The second representative from YBBW talked about why $2,658.80 is needed for an upcoming women’s conference. The conference, titled “Claiming Your Throne” will be held at the Holiday Inn later this year. This also passed unanimously.

Finally, representatives from MIMA were there because they want to get funding for Ferris State University’s first ever Rap Battle. They were asking for almost $7,000. Their costs, it was explained, would probably include the price of a professional entertainer and an MC for the event. Any funds not used on the event would be returned to Student Government.

The last request was passed, once again unanimously.

Guidelines for a new Student Government president were discussed. The outline of things that need to be done to achieve that high office follows the entire semester.

A candidate for a seat as a representative for the College of Education was nominated and elected. Iris Everett said she wanted the community of Ferris to be fully represented.

Robbie Rankey talked a little about his discussions with Dr. Pilgrim about “diversity at our university” and a letter of gratitude from the Manna Pantry for Student Government’s Holiday Food Drive.

A good amount of time was then given to explain what happened during the first meeting the Technology Task Force had with Ferris tech support. The information gained from the Technology Assistance Center (TAC) was little to none.

There were “a lot of people we weren’t able to talk to,” said Viviano.

Charles Peirce simply said “there wasn’t that much to go over.”

A lot of discussion was given to the matter of how to fix the problem students are having with Cisco Clean Access Agent and the filters loaded on their computers.

The issue is far from being resolved since nothing has changed since the meeting with TAC. Student Government is sure to continue to try to come up with something that can be done to help students.

A couple of ideas were to try to get a user guide to every residence hall front desk or convincing TAC to do sample testing before they change the entire Ferris computer system.

Before the meeting was over, fundraising was brought up. The options facing the group are raising funds for the Ferris Foundation or for the Jim Crowe Museum.

The institutional scholarships that Ferris awards students for academic excellence are funded through endowments organized by the Ferris Foundation. Those endowments are in the millions of dollars, but the total amount awarded to students only member accounts for three percent of all tuition each year.

Ferris State’s Jim Crowe Museum wants to have $1,000,000 for a total revamping. The official discussion of what to do and for what organization was tabled until the following week.

Ferris State University invites students seeking employment or apprenticeships to Ewigleben Sports Complex as it hosts its annual Spring Job Fair from noon to 4 p.m. on Feb. 14.

A complete list of all of the businesses that will be recruiting this Valentine’s Day is available on the Ferris Student Employment & Career Services web site. Also available on the web site is on-campus interview information, an employer recruiting top ten, and a tutorial on how to succeed at this and other job fairs.

Barbara Renne, assistant manager of student employment and career services, has worked for Ferris for nearly 22 years. Renne got her job after working in Career Services as a recruiting coordinator and earning her masters degree.

Renne could not give any numbers of how many students actually find jobs through Ferris job fairs. “We do not do any follow up,” she said, “so [I] couldn’t say.”

However, on its web site, Ferris boasts to future students that the university has a 98 percent job placement for graduates.

“The reason to come to [a] university is a job, right?” asked Renne in a similar vein.

Spring Job Fair organizers are pushing for student volunteers as well.

Renne explained that volunteers are needed for everything from helping set up and tear down to helping employers get settled in. And finally, help is needed with getting student attendees ready with name tags, job fair guidebooks, and raffles.

The web site for the event offers information on how to sign up for volunteering and the application to fill out. The information also explains how community service hours are earned, what to expect and has a volunteer schedule of events.

In addition to students actively looking for a job, students who will some day be looking for a job can also benefit.

Students can use this event, said Renne, for “career development.” She explained that students can “see how one is run for future reference” right now, and “make note of how the students are making the best use of the fair, so they can do the same when their time comes.”

Both participants and volunteers are reminded to dress appropriately. Participants need to be prepared, indicated Renne. To do this she said to come dressed professionally, go to the Career Services web site and check out who’s coming, practice their handshakes, and practice answers to questions. “So tell me about yourself,” is just one question Renne said might be asked. “Bring that smile!” said Renne.

For more information email Renne at renneb@ ferris.edu or call her at x2658.

“Get Engaged Week” at Ferris State University was the brainchild of Matthew Eickhoff, interim director of Student Leadership and Activities. The series of events promotes the university’s mission to be an engaged campus and give students opportunities to be involved with the Big Rapids community and beyond.

One of the events, the Gift of Life Challenge, is a competition between Ferris and other universities and colleges to register the highest number of new prospective organ donors via the Gift of Life Michigan organization.

“We’ve had the challenge since the beginning of ‘Get Engaged Week,’” said Eickhoff, who is a registered donor. “This is the first year we have invited a speaker from the Gift of Life organization to campus.”

Dianne Longo of Fountain, Mich., a Gift of Life volunteer area leader and heart recipient, spoke yesterday morning in the Rankin Center Dome Room on the importance of organ donation and how many lives one selfless act can touch.

“I had my heart transplant on July 19, 2006,” said Longo.

“I started as an area volunteer leader for Gift of Life about six months ago. I contacted them because I found myself all alone in my situation. I had been hospitalized at the Cleveland Clinic for six months, waiting for a heart. I began reaching out, looking for something, and I found Gift of Life. Then I learned the reason I hadn’t found a support group in my area was because there wasn’t any. The closest group was twoand- a-half hours from my home. So I started one.

“I began researching the process of organ donations and, with Gift of Life’s help, started giving presentations at women’s clubs and men’s clubs, and now churches and universities. The fact that I am a recipient really helps. People can see what their gift can really do.”

Longo sees a distinct difference in her audiences.

“College students are much more open-minded than older adults. The students have no fear of dying. They think, ‘Oh, that’s years and years down the road – and of course, we all hope it will be – so they think it’s a good idea.

“Some people still associate organ donation with closed-casket funerals, which is not true. College students mostly have questions about how brain death is declared and want to be reassured that doctors will continue to do everything they can to save them.”

Longo’s transplant made her strong enough to take part in the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day 2007, just 13 months after her transplant surgery.

“The bridge was my first big event after the surgery. My husband said, ‘Honey, you can’t do this,’ and I said, ‘I can.’” And she did, meeting Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm in the process.

Longo’s bridge walk was covered by TV 9&10’s news reporter Kristen Nelson and photojournalist Aaron Smith. To view the video clip, visit 9and10news.com.

“One of my volunteers, Crystal Dykema, is a ‘donor daughter,’” said Longo.

Dykema’s mother died at age 51 in October of 2006.

“She was two weeks away from her next birthday,” said Dykema. “Her heart went to a Gift of Life volunteer. We know this because after a year has gone by since the surgery, the donor family can meet the recipient if both agree. We exchanged letters, and then met at a Gift of Life ceremony that was held in East Lansing’s Kellogg Center.”

Despite shyness and a fear of public speaking, Dykema would like to expand her volunteer role within the Gift of Life organization.

“I don’t see myself talking in front of people but there are other ways I can help. My sister and I made a quilt square in our mother’s honor. We decorated it with sequins and teddy bears. When it becomes part of a quilt, the quilt goes ‘on tour’ as part of Gift of Life presentations,” Dykema said.

Gift of Life is a nonprofit organization, and Longo does not receive a salary. “There is no monetary compensation other than travel and postage,” she said.

“I just really believe in the cause. I’ve met so many people, donor families, recipients, people still waiting for transplants… everyone has a story.”

One of those stories involves a woman waiting for a new liver. “This woman was a firefighter for 30 years, an early responder, and an American Red Cross volunteer,” said Longo. “Her name is Shirley Chancelor and she lives here in Fountain. We did a benefit for her medications because her insurance doesn’t cover the drugs she needs. They’re very expensive.

“Shirley got the call that a liver was available and on its way. She went to the hospital and was prepped for surgery. Then the liver was found not viable enough to use. So she continues to wait. “Some people find me and want to tell their stories to someone who’s been there and have that kind of support. I know a man who was blinded at age seven. He received two corneas when he was 71 and he said, ‘Everything is so beautiful to me.’”

A new project on Longo’s horizon is authoring a book, tentatively titled, “Calvin and Me.”

“Calvin was the name of my donor, and I want to honor him and his family. I’ve been in contact with Calvin’s mother, sister and aunt. I love to travel to Europe – France and Italy are my favorite places to visit – and Calvin’s family recently told me, ‘All he ever talked about was wanting to travel. I’m so glad he’s able to see the world through your eyes.

"I hope the book will encourage people to understand how much their gift could mean, not just to the recipients but also their own families.

"Crystal and I both have been blessed, I as a recipient and Crystal as a member of a donor family who has given the gift of life through their loss.”

Longo believes she is doing the work for which she is intended. “The Lord just seems to clear my way.”

She is a registered organ donor. “And yes, they can use my heart. Medicine has come a long way. It’s always changing.”

So are the laws surrounding organ donation. “A new program where living donors can be compensated for travel, meals and lodging is being introduced into the legislature through the National Living Donor Assistance Center,” she said. “By next year, I would like to start getting involved in that part of it.”

Volunteer Center employee Kevin Walsh commented on the benefit of Longo’s visit. “Before this year, we only had a table where we handed out information. Having a speaker here to answer questions allows students to make a more informed decision for themselves. One of the most important parts of her message was dispelling some of the myths surrounding organ donations. I hope the students will be impacted by hearing her story,” he said.

“We have three computers in the Rankin Center lounge where students can get on the Gift of Life site (giftoflifemichigan.org) and register to be donors. We have a volunteer on hand to assist them. Of course, you can register online from your own computer,” he added.

Registration will take place 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 6 and 7. Walsh said he will be signing up as a donor.

“As a small thank-you, we are giving away pens, candy, and color- changing cups to registrants,” said Eickhoff. “The cups are pretty cool.”

“Get Engaged Week” offers participants who attend four out of the five events the opportunity to win an iPod Nano. For details visit the FSU volunteer web site at ferris.edu/htmls/studentlife/activity/ SVC.htm.

To see how Ferris students compare to other Michigan colleges and universities, visit the Gift of Life web site and click on “Current Standings” on their home page.

Who Needs Headlights?
On Jan. 27 at 2:10 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle in lot 3 for driving without headlights. The driver was found to have a suspended driver's license and was ticketed.

Just Go Home
On Jan. 26 at 2:30 a.m., officers assisted hall staff at Taggart hall with a disorderly person. Two people were found to be under the influence and were given MIPs.

No Officers It’s A New Cologne
On Jan. 25 at 11:45 p.m., officers assisted hall staff at Pickell hall for the suspicion of marijuana smell. Two subjects were identified and referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

This Is Why We Have Mirrors
On Jan. 24 at 1 p.m., a Ferris snow plow backed into a parked car in lot 1 near a dumpster, leaving damage.

Grow Up; Who Does This Anymore?
On Jan. 23 at 6 p.m., officers received a report of harassment at McNerny hall. A female reported being harassed on the phone. The investigation continues.

This One Might Be Trouble
On Jan. 23 at 10:30 p.m., officers contacted a subject in Pickell hall who was found to be in possession of marijuana. Investigation into the matter continues.

Unpaid Tickets
On Jan. 22 at 11:30 p.m., a vehicle was impounded from lot 27 for having unpaid parking tickets.

We Need Lockers Out Of The Locker Room
On Jan. 22 at 10 p.m., there was a report of a theft from the student recreational center. The theft was of a coat containing a Ferris ID and a cell phone. The coat was taken from the gym floor.

Make Some Money
There is a $250 reward being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people involved in the Ferris campus hall thefts. Anyone with information is asked to please call x5000.

Ticket Totals
From Jan. 22 to Jan.29, public safety identified 448 violators. Each violator was ticketed for a total of $7,910. Actual amount depends on whether the ticket was paid, voided or reduced.

Make a Wish
Today, Feb. 6, the Ferris Stars will have a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation at Bob Evans. Twenty percent of the bill will be donated to Ferris Stars when you eat there from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Slips are needed but will be available at the restaurant. For more information, contact Valerie Willyard at willyav@fsuimail.ferris. edu.

Bowl the Night Away
Today, Feb. 6, at 9:15 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Ferris Idols and the Muskegon River Big Brothers Big Sisters invite you to Bowl-4-Kids Sake at Striketown bowling alley. Stop by the Office of Student Leadership and Activities to schedule a time to bowl. For more information, contact Nichole Wheelock at x8501 or whee26@fsuimail. ferris.edu.

International Students
On Thursday, Feb. 7, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in FLITE 135 accountants will hold a workshop to to help international students complete their taxes. For more information, check MyFSU or contact Shana Beisiegel at x2824.

Diversity on Campus
On Thursday, Feb. 7, from 11:00 a.m. to noon in Star 136 there will be a discussion about interactional diversity on a university campus. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. For more information, contact Jessica Mills at x5632.

Site Visit
On Thursday, Feb. 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Business 310 there will be a discussion on what to expect for the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs that takes place from March 3-5. For more information, contact Elies Kouider at x3166.

Muslim Student Association
On Friday, Feb. 8, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Rankin 109 the Muslim Student Association will hold its weekly meeting. Join and learn about different cultures, Islam, and expand your perspectives. For more information, contact Shayrgo Barazi at 224-627-5732.

Parenting
On Saturday, Feb. 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran church there will be a parenting workshop held for parents with children from ages 0-12. It will teach the skills and values needed in today’s society. Childcare is available and lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Susan Truog at 231-796- 8782.

Valentine’s Day
On Monday, Feb. 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Rankin Atrium, Bulldog Radio will help you send love to your friends. For $1 you can send dedications and shout-outs. Proceeds will go to the Vagina Monologues. For more information, contact Autumn McClellan at x8349.