Small-Town Hosts Big City Event

Bemidji Bicyclists Participate in Critical Mass

By: Amy Borgman

 “No Comply,” the solo skateboard shop in town, promoted the event.

Critical Mass originated in San Francisco in 1992, but has found its way to smaller communities since. The event is often portrayed by news media as a radical protest, but participants generally view it as a celebration. It was created to remind drivers to share the road with cyclists by forcing them to yield to a giant mass of bicyclists commuting through the city at once. The event has become popularized all over the world. For instance, Budapest hosts two Masses a year and in one 2008 ride participation reached an estimated 80,000 cyclists.

        Bikes available to rent for students in the Sustainability Center of the lower Union.

Although the media covered the event as a protest, riders generally share the feeling that they are participating in a socially unorganized celebration - a party, if you will. It’s an opportunity to exercise the rights granted to all cyclists and to obtain the power inherent in numbers. 

            Bemidji, Minnesota, is a small city on a global scale, yet its appreciation for riding and cultural phenomena is large. Bemidji bicyclists took notice of the event about fifteen years ago, according to past participants, and have been organizing Critical Masses on the last Friday of each month since. This year, R. Graham Beyer, a Michigan native and avid cyclist, posted fliers around town and the Bemidji State University campus promoting a ride on Friday, August 27.

            The ride started at 5 p.m. The meeting spot was obvious as R. sat five feet above everything on his "tall bike" in front of Paul and Babe.  A tall bike is one bike frame welded on top of another frame. The single-speed chain is rotated down in order to reach the rear hub of the wheel. R. worked at the German camp at the Concordia Language Villages all summer and saw the bike frames hanging out of a dumpster at the end of the season. He explained, “I’m a crafty person, so I figured I should do something with them.” Thus, his Beetle Juice-inspired tall bike was born. The bike definitely turns heads, but R. still rides around town with pride and with a helmet.

        R. is no stranger to posing for pictures with his bike, as many bar-goers become intrigued. 

At the stroke of 5, ten people gathered at the triumphant statues of Paul and Babe and R. communicated with everyone about how the ride should be done. He explained how the rides he had participated in were usually approached with a “go with the flow” attitude but needed to be safety-conscious as well. The group decided to ride two abreast, and would not pull any tricky maneuvers like “corking,” when the bikers stop in the middle of an intersection, halting traffic.

The crew included a preschooler, a comic book storeowner, and a man from Minneapolis who moved to Bemidji recently to seek out his small-town soul. All the other riders had participated in Critical Mass events in the past in Bemidji and were anxious to hit the road again on that hot and windy day. The commute went from Paul Bunyan Dr. to Anne St. then rounded back to Paul and Babe. The venture was approximately 5 miles long and was replete with honks from angry and intrigued drivers. More inspiringly, at least five bicyclists joined the Mass throughout the voyage.

             Bemidji encourages people to ride with the addition of a bike lane.

                 598 words

By:Luke Landgraf

 

This is the Beaver Bookstore that is located off campus at 107 23^rd NE Bemidji, MN 56601.  Students can buy and sell their books here or sell their books on campus.  This store also provides online book services.

Amazon.com is an online bookstore that allows students to buy books at a more affordable price.  Buying books on this online site is cheaper, than it would be buying them online on the campuses’ book store.

The Bemidji State University bookstore is located on campus.  The things you will find here differ from each end of the store.  On one side you will find books and the other side you will find ether net cords and clothes. 

Textbook too expensive

Publishers Raise Prices On College Textbooks

By: Luke Landgraf

The US Government Accountability Office said “the annual rate of inflation of college textbooks was at an annual six percent.”  They said “the inflation is due to the demand from the publisher and book writer.”   Along with the high book prices, how much of the textbook do you actually use?

Brady Scott a BSU sophomore worked all summer long leading up to his freshman year to pay for books. “I spent about $400 on books,” he said “I used most of them but I didn’t use one book at all and used another once or twice.”   Why are books so expensive when students have to buy so many?   “I don’t know why they are so expensive,” said Scott Borcher a BSU philosophy professor.  “If we don’t use most of the book I usually tend to make photo copies.”

BSU students have two options when buying their textbooks. The Bemidji State University Book store is located right on campus, and the Beaver Bookstore is Located right off campus at 23^rd NE Bemidji, MN 56601.  Both bookstores allow you to buy their books online.“ Our bookstore and the book located on campus prices are slightly different,” said Jane an employee that works at the Beaver Bookstore located off campus. “Our bookstore has two other store locations just like this one.”  At the end of each semester bookstores have a window of opportunity for students to sell their books back. “When we buy the books back we pay a little more because we have two more stores in different locations.  So when we bought the books back the demand for those books is greater,” Jane said.

There are a couple ways around the high book prices. At both bookstores you have an opportunity to buy used textbooks.  The books are not that much cheaper than the brand new books but it adds up when buying a cart full of textbooks.   A newer way to buy textbooks isn’t buying them, its renting them.  This is a cheaper way to have textbooks in your possession without buying them.  To be able to rent the textbook you have to order your books early because the rentals go fast.  “I encourage students to buy their books online, said Borcher “It is much cheaper this way,” says professor Borcher.  There are many online companies that sell books online to students.  Such as Amazon.com,  halfs.com, Buy.com etc.  Books online tend to be a lot cheaper at these type of sites rather than online book store that the school provides. 

Word count: 571

Easing into Education at Bemidji State University

                                           Easing into Education at Bemidji State University

                                           Helpful Resources to make the college life less stressful

By Tara Hjermstad

The transition into college life is often very hectic and at many times confusing. Bemidji State University offers a variety of resources to answer any questions that may come about, whether it may be about living arrangements, meals, clothing, health care, parking, tuition, class schedules, professor’s hours, or anything else having to do with campus life.

The Help Desk, located in the Upper Union, has answers to almost any question about campus, and if they are unsure, they know where to direct students. This is where students come to get their photo id, which will get them into the library, super lab or any campus events.

Each dorm has a help desk located on the main floor at the front entrance of the building. There is someone watching the desk around the clock, to make sure that the needs of each student are met, no matter what time of the day or night. Students can learn about dorm happenings, giving the opportunity to meet other new students, thus making the transfer into college-life more bearable.

Books are available at the on-campus bookstore, located in the Lower Union. Here, they often hire students to help with assisting other new students with questions on books and other supplies. Nicole Borwege, a student at BSU that works in the bookstore 2 days a week, says, “It’s always busy for the first couple weeks of school, but it’s a lot of fun working there, because I often recognize people from class and on-camps. It’s a good way to meet people and make new friends.”

Any questions about meal plans can be answered in the Union by one of the helpful lunch servers. There are certain lunch id’s needed to charge meals, so it is a must that these needs are met before expecting a meal.

Being far from home is also tough with health care, not having the familiar health care physician available. BSU offers an on-campus nurse that is highly qualified in any medical emergency. It is here that students can find comfort even in an unfamiliar health care facility.

Parking can be impossible at times, given the limited space, and it is important to find a spot that works best for each schedule. The Cashier’s Office is available to purchase parking tickets, the cost may be spendy, but it’s better than getting a parking ticket. When purchasing a parking pass, you will need your student ID ready, to make sure that the parking lot is being used for students only, since that’s what it’s for. Also available in the Cashier’s Office is tuition payments, student employment information, and any other billing questions. Pam, a secretary in the Cashier’s Office says, “It is important to pay all bills as soon as possible, to make that the fee doesn’t grow.”

The Admissions Office has maps available; to make sure that every student knows where to park to be closest to the building that their classes are in. Also in the Admissions Office, Joe Sunderman, a sophmore studying criminal justice, works 3-4 days a week under the student employment plan, says his job in the Admissions Office is basically “giving tours and answering phones.” The Admissions Office is in charge of just about everything from receiving applications, giving tours and handling scholarships.

Tuition questions are popular in many students, and the Financial Aid Office is available to offer any guidance when filing for student aid, grants or loans. This is a big step in a student’s college career, and the financial aid staff is trained in guiding a plan for each budget. Lori, a secretary in the Financial Aid office advises, “Get in touch with the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible, to make sure that all bills and payments are ready to go for the new semester.” Falling behind in payment could cause cancellation of credits, or even postponement of enrollment.

Class schedules are often very confusing the first few weeks of school. New buildings, new professor’s, new classmates are all part of this experience. It is important to get to know each professor as best as possible, to make certain that both the student and professor are on the same page when it comes to academics, being as this is the reason for college in the first place. Knowing which classes are in which building will keep schedules gliding smoothly. Each building offers a map or a staff that is familiar with campus and can guide anyone to where they need to be.

Professor’s schedules are often listed on their office doors or in the class syllabus. It is important to know each professor’s schedule, in case of any questions.

Every class that is offered at Bemidji State University has a help lab with certain hours to make sure each student is completely comfortable in every class. These help labs are often guided by upper-class students that excel in that certain subject, often times chosen by the professors.

Any other questions can be answered by the Admissions Office at Bemidji State University.

It is important that every student feels comfortable on campus, and does an excellent job of this, offering many resources to answer any questions it’s students may have.

State and Local Candidates Want Students to be Aware of Who They Are

and Why Students at Bemidji State University Should Vote for Them


By Casey Dainsberg (STORY #1)

It’s not always easy to know who is running in local and state elections, much less what they stand for. Still, most candidates want you to know what they stand for, and what they can do for you if they’re elected. Following are some of the state and local electoral candidates who will be vying for your vote on November 2.

DFLer Mary Olson has been State Senator of District 4 for the last four years. In a telephone interview Sen. Olson said she would like to see the development of a scientific research facility that allows a hands-on environment for children and young adults to develop interest in the sciences. She also envisions a “multicultural component” that would welcome all ethnicities to work together.

John Carlson is Sen. Olson’s Republican opponent. According to his campaign website, Carlson is a Bemidji State alumni and adjunct professor in the Business Department. When asked by e-mail how he will help students at Bemidji State he replied, “It disturbs me that tuition continues to rise.” His proposal upon reaching office would be to put a “two-year freeze in tuition rates,” so that MNSCU schools learn to “do more with less.”

Richard Lehmann is currently the mayor of Bemidji and running as the Republican candidate for State Rep. for House District 4A. Also a Bemidji State University alumnus, Mayor Lehmann has been mayor of Bemidji for ten years. In an interview with Lehmann, he said that if elected to the Minnesota House, he hopes to use his experience as mayor to: “create an environment that encourages job growth” by putting an emphasis on education and families.

John Persell is the Democratic candidate running for re-election for Minnesota State Representative for House district 4A. According to his campaign website, Persell believes it is important to “champion Minnesota’s education system, including adequate funding for all education levels—early childhood, K-12, and higher education.”

Bemidji’s mayoral race has been whittled down to two candidates. Ron Johnson, currently a council member representing Bemidji’s Third Ward; and Dave Larson, a local Bemidji small-business owner. According to an article in the Bemidji Pioneer, Larson points to his experience as a small business owner, who has “worked with budgets and personal issues,” as qualifying him for mayor. According to the same article, both candidates have been active members of the community and have participated in several different committees.

Also closely contested is the run for Beltrami County Sheriff. Phil Hodapp is the current Beltrami County Sheriff and is serving his first term. Since taking office, Sheriff Hodapp has worked very hard at advancing technology and the image of the law enforcement departments he oversees. In a phone interview Sheriff Hodapp said he envisions a “progressive department” that other agencies can look to as a “leader in the field.” Sheriff Hodapp feels it is important for the students at Bemidji State to feel safe, and they work very closely with Bemidji State to ensure just that.

Also running for Sheriff in Beltrami County is lifetime resident Bill Cross. In an e-mail Cross pointed to his knowledge of the area and county as basis for why he should be elected saying “I learned through hard work and dedication how to best serve the people of Beltrami County. Getting to know the needs of the great citizens of Beltrami County has taken me a lifetime in local Law Enforcement.” In response to a question regarding why students at Bemidji State should vote for him, Cross replied “Voting for me helps bring common sense, respectfulness and the understanding of diversity back into law enforcement.”

Another election to watch is the race for Ninth District Judge, Seat Sixteen. The incumbent is Paul Benshoof who is being opposed by Darrel Carter. According to his campaign website, Judge Benshoof began practicing law in the Bemidji area immediately after law school, eventually being appointed to the Bench in Beltrami in 1997 where he has been serving ever since. Carter is an experienced lawyer who has been practicing law in Minnesota for the last twenty-three years. His campaign website lists his Admitted Jurisdictions, which include: Minnesota and Arizona Bars, Supreme Court of the United States, the District of Minnesota, as well as the District of Arizona.

WORD COUNT: 739

John Carlson (R) is Running against Incumbent Sen. Mary Olson (D)
For State Senate District 4.
(Photo From John Carlson's Campaign Website)

John Persell (D) State Rep. for House District 4A running for
Re-Election against Richard Lehmann (R)
(Photo from John Persell's Campaign Website)

Money and Space Equals Parking

BSU is has a Parking Issue.
Natalie Reque

           Evaluate the situation. Bemidji State University does not have enough parking for their students. Within the past couple of school years, Bemidji State University has seen an increase of students enrolling. In 2009-2010 school years, the school saw a 4.2 percent increase of freshmen enrollment according to BSU Today-News and Update. With this increase of students there will be a decrease in space either in the dorms, class rooms, or parking. However, parking has been an issue that has been brought up numerous times. According to David Long, the chief security guard for security who has worked for Bemidji State University since 1988 remembers the day when freshmen and sophomores were not even allowed to have a vehicle on campus, only the juniors and seniors. This was a way that allowed the school to regulate parking more efficiently. Also, there were certain parking lots that if a student bought a pass for that one, they could not park in any other parking lot. “When I started, there was a permit strictly for the Maple Lot and the permit in the Maple Lot was called a G permit. They could not move to Bangsberg. They could not go to Birch or Linden. They had to stay in their lot.” All the lots had their own passes, including the academic lots. 
         When asked, criminal justice major Ejay Seiler said that we should go back to this method. “I’m a senior now and doing this old method where if you bought a permit for just the Bangsberg lot or the Decker lot would help greatly with our parking issue. When that student went to buy a permit for that particular lot and there were only fifty spaces in that lot, well, then he would know every day that he would get a guarantee spot.”

            However, it was the parking committee that decided because of too many complaints they had to make the passes more versatile. “And so then with time, instead of these various different lots that had letters,” said David Long, “they came up with a G2 permit which was general parking which was for all of these lots which weren’t specialty lots.” The parking committee is made up of faculty and staffs that make recommendations send them through for the vice president to decide the final decision. Some of the issues covered are maintenance done on the lots; the maximum minutes of the meters; and the students favorite-the price of the parking tickets.
             A very simple and realistic thought process is used to determine the prices of the tickets. In order for the school to pay back some of the projects around campus and to keep the maintenance up, they need to get money from somewhere. All the projects around campus (like the new water fountain) cost the school a great amount of money. The money from the tickets and passes go straight back to the school for some of these purposes. That is the reason parking passes and ticket prices have gone up over the years.

            So is the parking situation improving? According to David Long it is. “Over the years, people have looked at our parking situation and they have tried to figure out ways of making it better, trying to help the little different groups that have their problems.” He reminisces how when he was a freshman he had to park sometimes all the way on the west side of Bemidji Avenue. Now students complain when they have to park two blocks away from campus. To improve the situation, the school came up with meters, parking cards that work with most of the meters, seven -day passes, and the fourteen- day passes.

            However, according to one disgruntled student, the parking problem and space problem is getting worse with so many new students. “There aren’t’ enough parking spaces, especially since the class behind us had so many extra students,” he said. “It’s a battle every day to just find a spot. People who have passes are even trying to find spots on the streets,” said business major Tyler Johnson who is now a junior at BSU. He has had his car up here since moving in the dorms freshman year. When asked if he thinks parking is the main downfall to living off campus he flatly stated yes. And no to more shuttle services. When asked why he said, “probably because not a lot of people would actually ride it, because the shuttle would only come hourly or so, people need to be places at a certain time.”

            One student, Rachel Schwankle, put it the best way. “I truly think that with more time and everyone working together including students that this problem will be fixed. Let the records show, the problem over the years has been improving and I think it will continue that way….”

Word count: 831

Childcare Center Can No Longer Stay Open

 After this year students will not have the services of the Bemidji State University Campus Childcare Center

by Rhea Sandra Wawrzyniak
Semptember 14, 2010
Word Count: 662
Story #1



Photo by Rhea Wawrzyniak

The Childcare Center has well-equipped playgrounds in safely contained areas.

The kids go outside daily if weather permits, and infants are taken for walks in strollers.



A day filled with activities inside and outside, quiet and loud, meals, snacks, and a learning environment with qualified staff. At 7:30 in the morning preschoolers, toddlers, and infants come to Pine Hall at Bemidji State University while their parents are at work or attending school.

The Campus Childcare Center will be closing at the end of this school year. The Campus Childcare Center is not closing on lack of quality but simply for economic reasons said Lisa Erwin.

The University is very interested in finding a partner to come in and lease the space, said Erwin. The University hopes the partner would continue to operate a childcare center so they can continue to have the childcare service for the students.

Photo by Rhea Wawrzyniak

Campus Childcare Center staff knows the importance of learning through

play and the set up of the classrooms, according to the Bemidji State

University website. The picture above is the preschool reading center.

“The value of the center to students, faculty, and staff is tremendous,” Erika Bailey-Johnson said. “I hope that all options are considered before closing.”

The University used to contribute $50,000 a year to the Childcare Center, said Erwin, but over time the $50,000 was not enough to sustain the center. Now, she said, the difference between the amounts it cost to run the center and income from the users of the center is $150,000.



Last year there were 52 children using the center, said Erwin, and 21 of those children were children of students. The center is mainly supposed to serve the students at Bemidji State University, but that doesn’t really seem to be the primary focus, and that was a concern for us as well, said Erwin. The $150,000 is only not supporting the students, but supporting the people in the community as well, and that is problematic.



Photo by Rhea Wawrzyniak

The Campus Childcare Center is located in Pine Hall at Bemidji State University, and the front

 is facing Lake Bemidji. The Childcare Center is open 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the school year.



“There aren’t many good childcare centers in Bemidji,” said Rena Nipp. “Campus Childcare Center is almost the only one that has consistent and qualified early childhood teachers.”

“I’m able to drop my daughter off and feel she’s safe, and will be taught things during the day.” Yolonda Davis said.



 When asked her opinion on the best thing about the Childcare Center Erwin responded, “It is hard for me to pick just one.” First, the quality of the care is excellent. “I think very highly of the staff,” said Erwin. Another part of the center Erwin said she really likes is students that are in education, both at BSU and NTC, can do teaching experiences. One more thing she said that is great about the center is that there is a lot of student work there, and provides a student employment venue. Erwin hopes all these things can continue with whatever partner the University has.  

“It is truly the best job I have ever had,” Genevieve Radniecki-Hayle said. “Financially, it will be a huge loss; we have a lovely home that I’m not sure we will be able to keep.”  



Photo by Rhea Wawrzyniak

Lisa Ann Erwin, Vice President of Student Development and Enrollment, has been

in this area for three years and hopes to be able to keep providing the childcare service for

the students here at Bemidji State University.



“It is a great center and I really hope that we can continue to have the service,” said Erwin. “I am focusing on the positive at this point and we will be working hard this fall in identifying partners for the future!”

















Green Fee is Growing at Bemidji State

SFE says Fee is Underutilized

By Nick Jelacie and Andrew Pooch

            Bemidji State University generates about $40,000 per semester for environmental activities with the Green Fee.  The fee is a $5 per semester student fee created by students in 2008 to promote campus sustainability of the environment.  This fee was initiated to encourage environmental leadership among students at Bemidji State.

            A student lead organization called Students for the Environment stakes claim as the founders of the Green Fee. "We got the ball rolling, said Co-Leader of SFE,” Senior Crystal Rayamajhi. “We started a survey that asked how much students would spend on their Green Fee.  Some people voted all the way up to $20."

            Once the idea of the Green Fee became reality, BSU needed a coordinator to manage the fee and activities.  In August of 2008, BSU announced the hiring of Erika Bailey-Johnson as the sustainability coordinator.  The fee will fund student projects and will support 50 percent of the initial salary for the sustainability coordinator. Beginning this fall, the Green Fee will pay for a quarter of the salary and the university will cover the rest.

            The sustainability coordinator is responsible for managing the green fee.  “People are always coming to me with ideas,” said Bailey-Johnson.  “I just try to listen and then follow through.”  She was excited about the way the green fee was handled as well.  The green fee carries over each semester.  Everyone involved wants to save up for a big project on campus that will become an educational demonstration of sustainability.

            Students have the opportunity to take advantage of green fee project while they are attending BSU.  Students can apply for a Green Fee Mini-Grant or Sustainability Employment.  The mini-grant has the possibility to supply a student with $500 to use on a project to promote sustainability on campus. SFE board members explained that the application needs to be approved by a green fee board consisting of Erika Bailey-Johnson, Pat Welle, and students of SFE.  Some examples of past project were purchasing cloth bags, constructing wood duck houses and reusable bowls for the Festival of Nations.

            Students seeking work study can apply for employment paid by the green fee.  "They just need to find a faculty advisor," said treasurer of SFE Aly Holland.  Students can only work ten hours a semester for their time promoting campus sustainability. "Unfortunately, there haven't been too many employment projects that have come about."  A few project ideas have been researching recycling signage and composting options.

            The green fee has paid for include “Do it in the Dark,” which is a challenge between residence halls to see who can reduce electrical consumption by the most per resident.  Rayamajhi said, "On earth day we used the green fee to pay for the buffalo burgers." This year, freshmen were encouraged to get free water bottles and mugs paid for by the green fee to save on bottled water consumption on campus.

            The SFE board was excited to share future plans that consisted of bringing organic food to campus, replacing lawn space with gardens, and solar power lighted bus shelters on campus to help encourage the use of public transportation, such as Paul Bunyan Transit.

            SFE encourages students to practice money saving techniques that benefit their environment and pocketbook.  These can be simple ideas such as turning off all electronics when not in use, washing clothes in cold water, use reusable dinnerware and use both sides of the paper.  According to SFE, energy saving practices saved the residence halls $913 last year during the Do it in the Dark competition.

Word Count:  618

BSU student Nick Jelacie talks with Sustainability Coordinator, Erika Bailey-Johnson last week about the “Green Fee” students pay each semester.  Photo Taken By: Andrew Pooch

The Native Garden, located between the Upper Union and Sattgast, is an environmentally friendly practice that not only looks good but also helps BSU movement towards going green. Photo taken By: Andrew Pooch.  

 This newly built water fountain located outside Sattgast Hall, has some members of SFE frustrated. Photo taken By: Andrew Pooch.

Title IX

BSU, Title IX in The Northwoods

Beaver Track interferes with Title IX compliance

By:Jake Kelly and Zuzka Tomcikova


story #1

            In recent years BSU has been under scrutiny from the NCAA [National Collegiate Athletic Association] for violating the Title IX policy. The men's track team made the man to woman ratio uneven. Because of that the NCAA would not fund the men's track program at BSU in accordance with the law. The law existent since 1972, states that an equal number of men and women athletes must be enrolled at BSU proportional to the student body. The purpose is to prevent discrimination among the sexes and incorporate an equal level of competition.

            The biggest issue in recent years with the compliance of the law was the men's track and field team, which was almost dropped. Brian Leonhardt, a thrower at BSU, said, "When i heard that track might be dropped my first thought was that I was going to transfer."

           However, because the NCAA was no longer provided financial support to the men's track team, fundraising was the only means to finance the program.  Due to that fund raising and outstanding community support, BSU was able to hang on to its men's track team. Beau Wakefield, a sprinter and receiver for the football team, said "I thought it was awesome when we raised enough money to keep the track team. It was great to see everyone working to keep something we love to do."         

 The biggest obstacle concerning Title IX at BSU is having enough female athletes to compensate for the football team, by far the largest roster of any other sport. Football accounts for almost twice as many athletes as any women sports team. Sara Levesque, Associate Athletic Director, said, "Football is our biggest issue but we're trying to keep the balance with the number of participants. We also require each sport to have a cap on the number of athletes it may carry."       

            The cap for the teams is concerning to some people who are on some of the more populated rosters such as football. The set cap requires cutting a few players every year. Beau Wakefield doesn't sound too concerned. "I'm not too worried about getting cut," he said," I've been on the team for a few years now and I feel I've proven that I belong here."

            Scott Christenson, a freshman, expresses his thoughts as well "I'm a little worried, i don't think I'll get cut but it always sits in the back of your mind that if you're not running or doing something right that your name could come up on the chopping block."

            BSU's Title IX compliance for this year is still under review. Levesque explained the process of maintaining eligibility. Every year an NCAA administrator reviews rosters for BSU athletics, financial aid, and gender equity among the student body. Once this person gets what they need there is a three week waiting process to see if the university complies.

            The steps that BSU took in making our athletic programs to better comply with Title IX. The BSU Title IX compliance committee is made up of our athletic directors, administrators and coaches who re-wrote the mission statement and various reports of BSU's sports teams. This will make The University's athletic programs more organized.

            Although the law is being followed Levesque explains the down side, "Even though it was great for women's athletics its down side is keeping the teams smaller and not letting everyone reach their full potential."


577 words

Story # 1 - Bemidji State University Hockey to Open the B.R.E.C October 15th - Eric Story

By Eric Story

Bemidji State University Hockey to Open the B.R.E.C October 15^th

Will it be ready?

Published: September 14, 2010

Bemidji, Minn.

The cancelation of an exhibition game October 2 has raised some doubts about the BREC being ready for the Bemidji State men’s and women’s hockey opener October 15.

The game was contingent upon the BREC being ready in time to host the game. “It was just cutting their deadlines to close,” said Brad Folkestad, athletic media relations director for Bemidji State University. The good news is that BREC is currently on schedule for and set to be ready to open on time for the home openers for the men’s and women’s hockey teams. “So far everything is on schedule. It’s going to be tight but we’re planning on having two hockey games there on October 15th,” said Folkestad.

“It has to be finished on time… right?” said Bemidji State student Ashley Commerford when asked about her thoughts any possible delay.

Two nights have been set a side for potential season ticket holders and fans to get sneak peak of the BREC and the men’s hockey team.  The first opportunity will be for anyone interested in purchasing season tickets. They will have the chance Oct. 5 to what seats are available for the 2010-11 season. 

The second chance will be during Fan Appreciation Night Oct. 7. The BSU men’s team will hold its green and white intrasquad game at 7 p.m. The game is free and open to the public, with a chance to meet the BSU players after the game. “It’s a chance for Beaver hockey fans and people in the community to get their first look at the BREC and 2010-11 Beaver hockey team,” said Folkestad.

According to a press release by Bemidji State, the BREC will seat about 4,500, which includes all 15 suites and the club level. Bemidji State will pay the city of Bemidji $9,500 for every men’s hockey home game. BSU will owe a minimum of $190,000 each year. BSU will have 2,000 square feet of office space, along with 2,000 square feet for a weight room.

BSU will receive 100 percent of ticket sales for university hockey games, along with naming rights for exclusive BSU areas and university apparel.  

The city of Bemidji and BSU will share revenues from suites and club seating for hockey games with BSU receiving 90 percent. They will also share revenues from permanent advertising sold by BSU with the city receiving 90 percent. The city is responsible for all maintenance and repair of the events center and arena. BSU is responsible for all game day operation expenses such as the public address announcer, scorekeeper, and security for game days.

According to the Bemidji city counsel, if Bemidji State were to cancel its hockey program anytime during the 20-year lease the university signed with the city for use of the BREC, the school would be responsible for paying an annual fee of $230,000 for the remainder of the lease.

Over looking the arena from the pressbox

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Looking Deeper into the Dorm Sweet Dorm

Many students contemplating whether to live on or off campus creates a nuisance

By Caley Jorgensen

September 14, 2010

            Students attending Bemidji State University have to decide whether they want to live on campus or not. Opinions about living on or off campus range from both extremes and anywhere in between. Whose opinion is most valuable? It can be a dilemma trying to consider everyone’s opinions and comments.

Living close to each other makes it easy for
students to get together. Sophomores Tom
Alexander, Ross Williams, Brandon Buske, and
Corey Black get together to play video games.

Heather Veenhuis, a sophomore living in Tamarack, explained why she returned to living on campus. “I like people and I wanted to meet more,” she said. “I like being able to walk to class in five minutes. If I’m going to walk to my car, might as well walk to class.” Living on campus provides plenty of social opportunities, including the FYRE program that Oak Hall set up for incoming freshman. FYRE, first year residential experience, helps freshman adapt to college life by having new students live together and support each other. Nick Henseler wanted to be a part of this because he knew there would be plenty of people to meet and interact with.

Amenities, such as cable TV, internet access, heat, on-campus security and escort services, are included in the cost of dorm living. The most popular dorm room is a double costing at $2,040 per semester at Bemidji State University. Other options include double as a single, single with or without a bath, or a two person suite costing around $2,480 per semester. With the newest remodeled residential hall, Linden seems to be the more popular option for those who want the advantages of living on campus, but want to feel they’re living off campus.



Sharing a bathroom with the floor is something
students have to get used to while living in the dorms.

           "It may cost more in the short run, but you don’t have to worry about paying for electrical and rent. It’s all included,” said Lindsey Longendyke, a student who lives in a Linden Suite. Longendyke decided to pay the extra cost to get more privacy as if she was living on her own, but still gets the benefits of living on campus. She has her own room and shares a bathroom with two other students, versus an average of 40 students in other residential halls.

           

      No matter how nice the residential halls are, some students, including sophomore Emily Roberts, were sure they wanted to live off campus. The sophomore explained, “Being on campus and being close to everything is convenient. However, living off campus was more for me.” One year on campus was plenty for Christine Bauer, another student attending BSU. “I like the freedom of it and how I’m not treated like I’m at summer camp with the RAs always on your back.”

            When looking for local apartments and houses for rent, financial issues, proximity, and availability need to be considered by these bold students. Unlike the dorms, monthly payments need to be paid and on time. A residential assistant of Oak Hall, Nick Ross, explained how it’s no longer one lump payment per semester, but students have to worry about monthly rent payments. However, there are a lot of options off-campus that, overall, are cheaper.

Sophomores, Kelsey Brandt and Rachelle Cameron, realized it was a better option financially. Brandt lives in a three-bedroom apartment with three other girls about two miles off campus and pays $225 a month. Cameron lives in a house next to campus that costs $1100 a month plus $80 to include cable and internet. Since three other students are also contributing to rent, they each pay around $300 a month.

            Students are spending time weighing options and doing more research. Still, a student is not defined by whether they live on campus or not. Randall Ludeman, BSU’s Associate Director of Residential Life, “There are many reasons students may choose to move off campus,” he said. “Interestingly, we have a number of students each year that move off campus only to return to the residence halls at some future point.”