Study Abroad Program put on hold due to SARS

By Kelly O’Neil
Staff Writer

The University has ended the study abroad program a month early for three students studying in Asia because of the SARS outbreak.

The students, who were studying at Nanjing University in China, will return on Friday, about a month early, said Dr. Pedro Martinez, assistant vice president for academic affairs. The students will be reimbursed for the portion of the trip that was cancelled and will be assisted with finishing their academic requirements in the United States.

Although there have been no reported cases of SARS in Nanjing, which is the capital of the Jiangsu Province in eastern China, the University pulled the plug on the trip as a precaution.

“The students feel comfortable, but the parents are concerned,” said Martinez. A month ago the students were asked to not attend teahouses or theaters where they would be in close contact with others. An upcoming trip for the students to Beijing was also cancelled.

The students have been asked to quarantine themselves at home once they return, monitor their temperatures, and contact their medical doctor just to be safe. Those who are exposed to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) typically develop a fever greater than 100.5 ºF or respiratory symptoms (dry cough, difficulty breathing) within 10 days of exposure.

Tuition and fees 'likely to go up'

By Tanya Drobness
Staff Writer

Tuition and fees are “likely to go up” for the 2003-2004 school year, William Paterson University President Arnold Speert said at an open tuition hearing held Tuesday in the Atrium auditorium.

The administration, however, still does not know how much tuition and fees will increase next semester. Because 50% of the university’s funding comes from the state, the final appropriation for the budget will not be determined until June, according to Stephen Bolyai, Vice President Administration and Finance. So it will be a few weeks longer until students will be able to determine the impact of the increase.

The state has slashed $5 million from the university’s proposed budget of $41.1 million for funding for the 2003-2004 school year. By next June, the university will only have received $36.1 million.
“It’s immense,” said Speert, adding that although putting the extra cash may be, in some cases, “devastating” for students, increases are necessary. “We still have seen increases in enrollment, as well as more services and all around improvement,” he added.

Graduation ceremony set for May 20

By Lori McCurley
Staff Writer

The CEO of Pathmark, an internationally renown photographer and the director of a group that encourages corporate responsibility will receive honorary degrees at the 177th commencement exercises on May 20.

Eileen Scott, a 1976 graduate of WPU and CEO of Pathmark, will deliver the commencement address and receive the President’s Medal.

George Tice, a native of Newark, will be presented with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at the ceremony. He is an internationally known photographer and his photographs are widely collected and have been included in major public collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Sr. Patricia A. Daly, a member of the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, will be awarded with an honorary doctor of laws degree. She serves as the executive director of the Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment.

Seniors celebrate with annual cruise around New York City

By Lori McCurley
Staff Writer

WPU seniors are experiencing their last hectic, fun-filled days of college as graduation looms around the corner. While tests and papers weigh heavily on their minds, they are also taking time out of their busy schedules to get together and relax with close friends. Many seniors felt that the Senior Dinner Dance Cruise was the perfect opportunity to forget about their cares for one night and just have fun.

On Thursday, May 1, seniors and their guests boarded The Spirit of New York cruise liner at Port Imperial in Weehawken for a four-hour cruise against the backdrop of New York City’s skyline.

The evening started with a free picture taken of each senior and his/her guest upon arriving on the boat.

A variety of musical genres was played throughout the night with a DJ and dancing on the first floor of the cruise liner. A musical floorshow, featuring old popular hits like “Be Our Guest” and “New York, New York,” was performed on the second and third floor for guests while they ate dinner.

Despite a cool breeze, the night was crystal clear, which only helped to enhance the spectacular viewing experience.

Erin Sambataro, a senior nursing major, was glad that she had the chance to see New York City from such a different perspective.