News

RPI bond rating dropped

Department focuses on communication

Ed/Op

Staff Editorial
Easy solution exists for midterm reporting issue

Editorial Notebook
Be wary of signing leases

Editorial Notebook
Do not cut freshman programs

Top Hat
Tuition becomes national concern

Derby
Athletic funding increases

The Barstool
Enjoy the bumper stickers

Independent Council
Explore weekend Freakout! events

Features

African-Americans celebrate their heritage

Words to Drink By
Notty Pine strives for comfort

RPI band exposes their flair for the unusual

Dave Barry
New sports ideas replace boredom

Words to Eat By
Salsa impresses skeptics

Cirque du Soleil: Raising music to new heights

Sports

Red Hawks soar as Schneider scores

RPI drowns Hamilton, preserves perfect year

Women’s hockey sweeps Sacred Heart

Track & field keeps pace with D-I’s best

Dutchmen dominate Route 7 rivalry

One-Timers
Injury bug clouds Engineers’ talent

RPI splits last road trip

Steelers claim big Snore Bowl

Rensselaer in Brief
Handbooks supported
At Monday night’s meeting, the Student Senate adopted a resolution “[urging] the Division of Student Life and the Dean of Students Office to continue to sponsor and distribute print copies of the student Handbook of Rights and Responsibilities to the entire incoming class.” Senator Bob Fishel ’07, chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and Student Rights, raised concerns that impending budget cuts could prevent widescale printing of the biannual update of the handbook for 2006-2008. In previous issue years, upwards of 12,000 copies of the document have been printed, given to incoming students, and left in strategic locations around campus. Discussions centered on whether electronic publication was sufficient to offset decreased printing. The Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities outlines Institute policies and procedures relating to disciplinary issues and judicial action, along with academic integrity.

Jackson awarded
President Shirley Ann Jackson, an MIT alumnus who has received large numbers of honorary degrees over time, will add to her collection on February 11 at The College of William and Mary. February 11 marks the 313th anniversary of the awarding of William and Mary’s Royal Charter from King William III and Queen Mary II of Great Britain. Jackson, newly inaugurated Virginia governor Timothy Kaine, and broadcasting pioneer Virginia Forwood Pate-Wetter will all receive degrees.

According to William and Mary President Gene R. Nichol, “Shirley Ann Jackson has served as a leader in the field of physics and as an inspiration to our nation’s young minds.”

Prosecution avoided
According to a 530-page report released Friday by Warren County Sheriff Larry Cleveland, no criminal charges should be filed in the case of a ship which capsized on Lake George last October. Shoreline Cruises’ Ethan Allen, a 40-foot-long tour boat, capsized at the hands of 74-year-old Richard Harris with 47 senior citizens aboard. The National Transportation Safety Board will release its conclusions on the accident in March.

According to Cleveland, a contributing factor in the capsizing of the Ethan Allen was that the number of people on the ship may have exceeded its capacity. Alcohol use has also been suspected, but Harris indicated that he had not consumed alcohol in the three days before the accident.

Rathskellar celebrates
The recently renovated Rathskellar will hold it’s official grand opening on February 13 at noon. Over the winter break $475,000 was invested in the ground floor venue of the Union. Improvements include an ambience upgrade, new seating arrangements, ethernet ports, and a variety of new food items. After the grand opening ceremony, the Student Life Committee will host Pizza with the President in Mother’s.

Policies proposed
Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian gave his third State of the City address Thursday night and proposed several new policies.

The brunt of the proposal to improve rundown buildings in Troy lies in preventing landlords from renting to government-subsidized tenants until ever code violation in the buildings is fixed.

The proposal to provide housing to moderate- and low-income government tenants is focusing on providing grants to pay for bringing new homes up to code as well as contractors to do the work. The city will also identify city properties to sell at reduced rates to those eligible for the program.

Nominations called for
The Trustees’ Outstanding Teacher Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in classroom instruction and includes a $5,000 prize. Selections are made based on student evaluations, peer evaluations, and letters of support from interested students, colleagues, and alumni. The committee evaluating nominations include cabinet members, Professor Charles Malmborg (last year’s Outstanding Teacher Award winner), and Grand Marshal Max Yates ’06.

Faculty and students may submit nominations for the award to the Office of the Provost. Nomination letters and letters of support from others may be included.