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A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University Vol. 24, Issue 83 www.fiusm.com Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Low-key graduation ceremony for ‘invisible’ students SIMONE GARVEY-EWAN nity. The Medical Student Gay Straight Alli- Contributing Writer ance is an organization who is in the process of becoming more involved with the ceremony, FIU’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender according to Vega. and Queer Allies Organization is going further “LGBQTA students face a lot of discrimina- than just changing their profile pictures. tion and bullying. At times they are disowned by They’re hosting a Lavender Graduation for their family and alienated by colleagues. Living students of the LGBTQA recognized for their with such a burden is a huge weight on an indi- academic achievements, leadership and volunteer vidual’s shoulders and graduating from college is work to the general and FIU community. very admirable,” said Stonewall Pride Alliance’s “LGBTQA students are invisible here on President Andrew Becerra-Mendheim, a junior campus,” said Gisela Vega, associate director of political science and international relations major. LGBTQA and organizer of the Lavender Gradua- Becerra-Mendheim said LGBQTA students tion. “We want them to know that we care.” deserve recognition for their accomplishments Vega said that it is important to have a celebra- since general student activities do not usually tion that will recognize individuals outside of the acknowledge them. regular graduating class for their achievements. “This way, they know that they are special and Charkivia Lovett, a graduate student and that they are accepted,” said Becerra-Mendheim. assistant for LGBTQA, said that students need June is typically the nationwide Gay Pride a support system and the Lavender Graduation Month but since school is not in session at this ceremony provides students with the perfect one. time, FIU has decided to denote April as being the “I recommend every LGBTQA student to month where LGBTQA events will take place in participate in this ceremony,” said Lovett. honor of gay pride. The ceremony is sponsored by organizations The ceremony will take place Thursday, April ALFONSO YEC/THE BEACON including the Stonewall Pride Alliance, Advocacy 11, 2013 at 4 p.m. in Graham Center Room 243. Coalition and Delta Lambda Phi -- a predomi- Freshman Justin Santoli, a GLBT advocate, recruits Denielle Alto as a supporter on nantly gay, bisexual and progressive male frater- [email protected] ‘National Coming Out Day.’ University provost welcomes fourth faculty fellow JOSEFINE GYLLENSPORRE She came here as director of the help explain it to the faculty and “This would give her the Wartzok. Contributing Writer School of Music. She has also obviously within that they do a lot University-wide experience in Wartzok said that although served as president of UFF,” said of projects. The biggest thing is to academic administration, which Wilson will serve an essential On Aug. 12, 2013, the Provost’s Wartzok. make sure that on both sides we I think will be beneficial for her role as a linking device between Office will welcome Kathleen Wartzok sees the transition recognize what the other group is personally and for when she goes University administration and Wilson as its new Faculty Fellow. in a positive light, where a new doing, ” said Wartzok. back to the faculty and takes faculty, he will also look to her According to Provost Douglas professor will get the opportunity The University has seen three that perspective with her,” said for advice. Wartzok, Wilson’s professional to understand the inner workings previous fellows. The Faculty Wartzok. “There are always several background makes her an excel- of the administration on campus Fellow program accepts only one University administration tradeoffs and decisions one has lent candidate for the position. and cascade down this informa- professor per three-year term. -- in particular the Office of the to make between what we would Wilson is a senator at the tion to faculty colleagues. “I think it’s been very Provost -- is engaged in efforts like to do and what we can actu- United Faculty of Florida and Wartzok said Wilson’s new successful. It’s helped me to improve the rate and speed of ally do with the money that’s associate director of the FIU’s position will ease communication immensely but I also think that college graduates. available and so I will look to her School of Music. She has bache- between the administration and it’s helped relationships with the “Everyone in this office has for advice,” said Wartzok. lors, masters and doctoral degrees faculty. faculty,” said Wartzok. that as a very important focus. Wilson was unavailable for in music related fields. “The other side of it is for Wartzok said that although the We also have goals for improving comment as of press time for this “She brings a lot of experience the faculty fellow to understand fellowship is an administrative our research profile and she will story. to the table already because she more of the operations of the role, it will be beneficial when the help us out as we think of other has served administrative roles. Provost’s office so that they can candidate returns as faculty. ways of supporting faculty,” said [email protected] Health fee to increase by 2.84 percent next year ALYSSA ELSO Services asked for a present at the meeting services will include a rise “In order to meet the uation time. Staff Writer 2.84 percent increase, as provided positive feedback in nurses’ salaries, around- accreditation compliance, “They will by adhering opposed to the 5 percent prompting the committee to the-clock clinical service, we will contract out an to the national best prac- The health fee increase they could have approve the increase. increased physician hours at after hours service that will tices standard of 300 committee passed an 2.84 asked for,” said Andrew “Ten dollars isn’t much the Biscayne Bay Campus, provide students with 24/7 students to each disability percent health fee increase Black, assistant director of of an increase for all of funding to provide Health health service,” said Oscar consultant ratio as opposed on March 28 to assist student affairs for Recre- the new services that they Campus 20/20 Suicide Loynaz, director of Univer- to the current 400 to 1,” Student Health Services ational Services and are going to provide,” said Prevention along with sity Health Services. Black said. in providing better health- member of the committee. Ashley Aguiar, sopho- threat assessment planning, Students with disabil- This is the first time in care to students. The new “The 2.84 percent increase more architecture major. piloting an emergency fund ities will benefit from three years that the health services will be offered in will approximately amount “I’m usually on campus for students with psycho- the increase because the fee is being increased, the summer semester with to $10.50 per student, per until really late, and having tropic medication needs and Disability Resource Center helping to fund many new another $10.50 tacked on semester.” the option to get 24/7 an additional wellness coor- will be hiring an additional services to further benefit to the health fee students The Committee passed care would be extremely dinator position that will disability consultant to help student health care. already pay. the increase in a 6-0 unan- beneficial.” focus on strategic program track student academic “University Health imous vote. Students According to Black, new planning. process and improve grad- [email protected] 2 The Beacon – Wednesday, April 10, 2013 NEWS www.fiusm.com 2012-2013 SGC-MMC SENATOR CANDIDATE PLATFORMS College of Arts & Sciences College of Business Honors College funding; graduate funding is paramount for most students at this level. ----Desmond Gustavo Petit ----James Harden ----Raul Alvarez I want to attract more students to One of the biggest issues continues to The most pressing issue in the Honors ----Saman Sargolzaei other majors within the college, be a voice for those with online classes;I College is the lack of funding from the One of the most important issue facing bring more internships/career fairs created activity and service fee. In 2012, the graduate students is to find an ideal job for Arts and Science majors, bring a committee in my first year in SGA and Honors College received only $8,000 to follow with their interests and skills. more advisers to over selected would like to see it function in helping out of its requested $20,650. I, as the We aim to facilitate the tools and skills majors, and to promote more student resolve online class issues. Also, Honors senator, made a full plea and required for graduate students to better student involvement with different meeting with local business leaders to presentation during the budget hearings fulfill their future career requirements. organizations on campus. have opinions on how the real world on why the Honors College is such a works is something that students look for.