New undergraduate, exit requirements to be implemented in the fall semester

Beginning in the fall 2009-10 semester, incoming freshmen and outgoing seniors will be held to new education requirements. In an effort to improve undergraduate education, the USF General Education Improvement Committee (GEIC) began developing the Foundations of Knowledge and Learning Core Curriculum (FKL) in 2003 to include more inquiry-based learning and critical thinking in USF curriculum, said Janet Moore, associate dean of Undergraduate Studies.

USF narrows provost search

When former Provost Renu Khator left USF to become president at University of Houston, Provost Ralph Wilcox was appointed for the remainder of Khator’s term. That term has ended, and USF is looking for someone to fill the position again. Rhonda Hendrix, a special assistant in the Office of Research and Innovation, which is conducting the search, said the office has received 50 applications.

Decision on SG executive branch budget lingers

The Student Government 2009-10 executive branch budget, which was passed through the senate May 19, still awaits the decision of Vice President of Student Affairs Jennifer Meningall. Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Khalid Hassouneh told the Oracle on June 17 that Meningall had until June 19 to come to a decision on the budget. 5 comments

College degrees still valuable

Despite the unemployment rate reaching nearly 10 percent, some students are certain their college degrees are still worth pursuing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a 9.4 percent unemployment rate last month, and many recent graduates are taking lower-paying jobs in less desirable places instead of going unemployed. 1 comment

Documenting art

A man stands behind a camera in the west wing of the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM). Using a large reflector board, he adjusts the light hitting “Torso,” a ceramic sculpture by artist Lynda Benglis. Peter Foe, the curator for the CAM, is doing regular museum maintenance as part of the new interactive exhibit, Museum at Work.

In the steps of Sousa

John Carmichael, USF director of bands, upholds an American tradition

A campus-based wind ensemble wants to be a part of an American tradition throughout the year, starting with an Independence Day concert of patriotic compositions such as John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.” The roughly 50-member Florida Wind Band will play a concert at 8 p.

Champion joins USF golf

USF NOTEBOOK

David Griffin, who won the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Men’s Golf National Championship in May, has signed with USF and will play for the Bulls in the fall, USF coach Jim Fee announced Tuesday. Griffin previously played two years at Rend Lake College in Illinois, where he was also named 2009 Male Scholar Athlete of the Year after earning a 3.

Other USF sports need support, not just football

USF’s athletic programs are undoubtedly on the rise — especially football. In its 12 years of existence, the football program has boasted four straight bowl appearances, a No. 2 national ranking and brought household names such as George Selvie and Matt Grothe to the national stage.

Amazon's textbook technology will save money, environment

Amazon is now in the process of testing a Kindle prototype that will be adequately equipped for textbooks. For those who don’t know, a Kindle is a hand-held digital reading device created by Amazon. It is designed to be lightweight, portable and read like a book.

Congress should pass new energy plan

The Waxman-Markey Bill, also known as the American Clean Energy and Security Act, passed the House of Representatives despite stiff opposition Friday. The ambitious bill has yet to pass the Senate, but if it does, it will set a new code for residential and commercial construction and institute a cap-and-trade program for pollution emissions.