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Show THE THUNDERBIRD SUSC THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1989 PAGE Bond package passes; will bring renovations BY LYNN HOLT Utah lawmakers kept an anxious public waiting last night, delaying a vote on a $52 million bonding package until minutes before their y session came to a close at midnight. Legislators ultimately passed the bonding package in its entirety. That and other legislation will ensure that SUSC receive planning funds for the new library, $3.7 million for renovations to the' old student center, planning funds for the Science Center renovation project, a 3 percent salary increase for faculty and staff members and funding to allow a enrollment increase. to been a very good year, said Compared previous years its 45-da- 372-stude- nt . Michael D. Richards, vice president for college relations, who has served as SUSCs lobbyist at the State Capitol throughout the session. Richards pointed out, however, that we have not come away with everything weve asked for. SUSC received less than its requested allocations for salary increases, library acquisitions and enrollment growth funding. Overall, Richards expressed pleasure with the legislative outcome. Comparatively I think its turned out fine, he said. It will make a great difference. SUSC Director of Development Vaughn McDonald said the funds appropriated by state legislators yesterday will greatly benefit SUSC and its students. The Academic Service Center, which will be located in the renovated old student center will allow SUSC to host larger conferences and workshops as well as providing' students with an acoustically improved Great Hall. The facility will add to every dimension of the college. Theres absolutely no question about that, McDonald said. Faculty and staff raises have been the presidents highest priority, McDonald said. The salary increase will close the gap between ourself and other institutions nationwide, he said. McDonald praised SUSCs representatives at the state Legislature, labeling SUSCs Richards a very unsung hero. He also complimented Sen. Dixie Leavitt and Rep. Haze Hunter, who sponsored the $52 million bonding package. We can take great pride in our legislators up there, McDonald said. McDonald said the Legislatures late decision on crucial funding issues was true to tradition. Its a witching-hou- r deal, he said. Primary election determines roster BY NATALIE COOMBS Wednesdays primary election dropped three potential contenders for ASSUSC Senate positions from the general election ticket. The preliminary election effected the School of Business, Communication, and Technology, and the School of Arts and Letters. Six of seven ASSUSC Senate candidates from the School of Arts and Letters will continue to campaign for office. Members of the Just Say Yes party, Penny Anfinson, Crystelle Bahr, and Michelle Dutson will all advance to the general election along with Focus party candidates Patti Esplin, and Robert Johnson, and Independent candidate Jason Clark. Gia Andrus of the Focus party did not advance beyond the primary election. From the School of Business, Communication, and Technology prospective candidates from the Focus party, Dave Duce, Mark Drawe, and Kirk Nielson all made it to the final round. Also continuing to compete are Vance Broadbent, Aaron Daley, and Ceci Williams from the Just Say Yes party. Independent candidates Jeff Adams and Darren Dials did not advance beyond the primary election. Success in ASSUSC elections doesnt usually depend on party affiliation, according to Tony Pellegrini, director of student , . . activities. It is fairly common for Independents to win, he said. However, only three independent candidates chose to compete in ASSUSC senate elections this year. The number of independent candidates this year was fewer than it has been in past years, said Pellegrini. Candidates may choose to run as independents because they choose not to be affiliated with a party, said Pellegrini. Other times, candidates run as independents because party tickets are full, he said. Marlynn Smith, SUSCs senior admissions officer, reviews 1989 scholarship applications. Returning students must have submitted all scholarship information by Feb. 1, while new or transfer students have until March 1 to apply for scholarship awards. Officials consider scholarship requests BY JODI REINARD With hundreds of prospective SUSC students requesting financial aid from the institution, Admissions Office employees are poring over scholarship applications. Officials note that before modern conveniences like computer systems and electronic transfers, application consideration was a lengthy process. Weve come a long way, said Marlynn Smith, senior admissions officer. Criterion hasnt changed, but methods have. Students applying for scholarships are broken up into three categories, those students who are returning, are new, or are transferring. Returning students must have submitted all forms by Feb. 1, while those new or returning students have until the March 1 deadline. After the applications are received, scholarship officials begin the reviewing process. Returning students applying for full or half tuition scholarships are catagorized by computer. Those students with an average GPA of 4.0 to 3.85 will receive a full scholarship, and those with a 3.65 will receive a half scholarship. The eligibility cut-of- f point falls at 3.46. Officials note that scholarship competition among SUSCs returning students is stiff. The value of a full scholarship is $870, or $290 spread out over three quarters. A half scholarship is worth $435, or $145 spread out over three quarters. It is estimated that of the 300 returning students that apply for scholarship aid, only 141 receive a financial award. These scholarships are tuition scholarships and pay for tuition only. Officials send notification letters following the GPA evaluation and ask that the student sign and return the letter accepting or rejecting the funds. Its the students themselves who make the ultimate decision, said Smith. There is a limited number, and we have to be selective. Those students who receive a half scholarship may acquire additional funding from other sources. We send applications over to the departments of those who have received scholarships. They meet, and make a decision, said Smith. If we awarded a half, they may award the other half. Applications received from new and transfer students must go through scrutiny before a decision is made. Officials figure an adjusted academic record report by combining ACT scores and the students cumulative GPA. Those students applying for a scholarship award must have above a 3.46 adjusted GPA. However, officials note that this is not the only criterion used in evaluation. We go through files and look for sterling scholars and student body presidents, said Smith. Smith pointed out that students are coming to college better prepared. As the college changed, applications changed, and I am impressed, she said. There are better and deserving students. This goes along with the growth, and we love it. in-dep- th 3 |