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Show PAGE A5 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2005 UVSC goes to Capitol Hill UVSC Student becomes first from school to intern at the State legislative session Richie Wilcox Grant Dickinson is currently the Student Ombudsman on campus. He helps students solve many of the problems they face during their education. Come visit him in SC107 or call him at 863-8665. To post a question for his column, e-mail him at ombuds@uvsc.edu. Mediating Factors Mediation is a free service offered to the students of UVSC and is a powerful tool in dispute resolution when compared with small claims court. Mediation is usually faster, more productive, it's free, and when you finish the mediation you can still maintain a relationship with the other party. Whether it's a dispute with your landlord or just a seemingly unsolvable fight with your roommate, mediation can help. Mediation is a simple process that brings the two parties together to talk about a dispute. The mediator is a neutral third party that in most cases hasn't heard the details of the dispute. Mediations are voluntary and confidential. The parties meet with the mediator and both have the opportunity to tell their story. The mediator then helps the parties identify the main issues at the heart of the dispute. Once those issues are identified, it is up to the parties to determine how to deal with it. Once they have come up with some options, the mediator will help them discuss their options and come to a solution. An agreement will be drawn up to help the parties stand by what they have agreed to. The parties will sign the agreement and abide by it. It sounds like a pretty simple process. It really isn't too difficult at all. The mediator is only there to facilitate resolution to the dispute. The mediator won't force the parties to agree or force options on the parties; the mediator is only there to facilitate the process and to assure that it is a safe a comfortable place to discuss the dispute. As mentioned before, all discussion is confidential; the mediator won't be telling anyone what went on in the mediation. The only time the mediator can disclose information from mediation is if there is a case of elderly or child abuse. The only thing that leaves mediation that is permissible in court is the written agreement. Mediation is a great way to solve any problem that may present itself. If you have a problem with someone and can't figure out how to address it, come to the ombudsman office and find out how mediation can help you. TTie Your Campus Editor When Tyler Cloward signed up for the job, he was told his hours would be Monday through Friday from eight to five. The incessant flow of work and the demanding tasks of the legislative process however, require him to arrive at 7:30 a.m. and often not get home until eight, nine, or sometimes ten o'clock at night. Cloward is interning for Senator Curtis Bramble (R-Provo) during the current legislative session. Although the hours are long and the work is hard, he loves what he is doing. "It's the most hectic, craziest experience of my life," Cloward mentions above the noises and bustle of the chaotic Utah State Senate building, "but I've learned the most out of this experience. I would definitely do it again." The chaos at the building is the result of a horde of protesters who are upset with a piece of legislation that Cloward has been working on. Senate Bill 227, as it is known, would not allow an undocumented immigrant the privilege of having a driver's license. Instead, they would be given a driving privilege card that could not be used for any other identification purposes. The opposition to the bill is such that hundreds of protesters descended on the capitol and Senator Bramble, the bill sponsor, had to be escorted by Highway Patrol Troopers to and from committee meetings. While schools like the University of Utah, BYU, Utah State, Weber State, and SUU have had a strong presence of interns at the capitol, Cloward is UVSCs first. In the future, the political science department hopes to build on Cloward's experience and send more. A typical day for Cloward includes keeping Bramble's schedule, researching bills, helping to write bills, getting information to and from lobbyists, responding to constituents, hobnobbing with the governor, and anything else Senator Bramble might need him to do. For his troubles T^ler recieves a modest paycheck. He also will receive 12 credit hours through the political science and history Richie Wilcox/NetXNews UVSCs Tyler Cloward spends his days making sure things go right for Senator Curtis Bramble during the legislative process. "It's the most hectic, craziest experience of my life. I would definitely do it again." weekly to political science professor Jay A. DeSart. With all the different political voices on the hill, Cloward sees one of the biggest challenges as being able to stay on top of the myriad of information. "You'll be talking to one lobbyist, butting heads with, them, really in depth with a controversial issue one -UVSC Legislasecond," Cloward said, "and then half a second later you'll turn and tive Intern Tyler there'll be another lobbyist, comCloward pletely opposite subject, and you have to be right on top of it, and act like their issue is the number one issue." Cloward's favorite part of the department. Along with his legis- job is seeing all his hard work pay lative duties, Cloward is required off. For him, the reward is in "Seewrite several papers and keep ing things I've actually worked a daily journal that he turns in on take effect, [and] actually having my opinion count." He also says he enjoys the fastpaced environment and the connections galore he is making. "If you want to get in the business world, and you want to get in with people, and you want to learn plow to work] in a fast-paced environment, come do this," he said. Cloward already has his pick of several jobs he can choose from after the session is over. Cloward says he would recommend this experience to anybody. "If you're not a political science major or a history major and you can do this somehow, do it," he said. Those interested in interning at the capitol can contact the Political Science/History Department or your local legislator. Come This Week's Club Events: Sub-4Scholarships Sponsored by the Student Alumni Association and Student Government Wed. Feb. 23 11-2 Hall of Flags Get a Sub and Drink for $2 Procedes go to scholarship fund LDSSA Hip Hop Club (Institute) Dedicated to Educating People about True Hip Hop Breakdancing, DJing eMCeeing, and Writing For More Call Mito @ 360-3502 or Travis @ 427-3990 •Morning Leadership Every Wed. @ 6:59 a.m. Everyone is welcome Devotional and free breakfast For those living or supportive of an alternative lifestyle •Spanish Speaking fireside Sun, Feb 27 @ 7 p.m. •Noon Devotional Fri. Feb. 25, Steve Linford Director of seminary teacher training North Chapel Munch & Mingle After http://groups.vahoo.com/ group/UVSCGSA Running Club Gay-Straight Alliance For more info, go to Want to Run a 5k, 10k, Marathon? Runners of all Skill Levels Welcome Call 863-6292 for more Information Become an Intramural Champion Compete in: •Ping-Pong •Chess •Bowling •Mini-Golf Go to the Intramural Office across from the Bookstore to sign-up Fencing Club Beginners to Experts Welcome Meetings Every Wednesday at 7 p.m. 728 S. State Street Orem. For More Info. uvscfencing@dextertown.com Flying Wolverines Aero Club •Sergei Sikosrky discusses his world famous father and aviation pioneer, Igor Sikorski. March 16 12 noon, Ragan Theatre •Movie Night Top Gun. March 9 SC213b@6p.m. RSVPbyFeb. 18 Santiago @ 671-6609 Law Society Gilispie Waldron Retired Sergeant with L.A.P.D. and S.W.A.T Wed. Feb. 23 5 p.m. BU 126 Entrepreneur Lecture Series Brad Wright, Pres. andCEOofZorch Software Tues. Feb. 22 noon LA 101 Raquetball Club Tournament March 5, 9 a.m. UVSC raquetball courts Beginning and Advanced Welcome $15 Registration fee More Info Call Shawn @367-1687 Red Cross Club Run for the Red 5K race and 1 mile run/walk Sat. March 12, 10 a.m. Register at www.runforred.org $15 registration Procedes go to local disaster relief To Advertise Your Club Events, Email info to wilcoxri@uvsc. edu |