College Shorts

Author: Michelle Constant

CU implements intramural code

The University of Colorado at Boulder has adopted a new policy this fall season for intramural sports leagues in an attempt to reduce profanity and verbal abuse while encouraging safe, responsible play. Annie Mulvany, CU's new IM coordinator, devised a four point grading system to rate each team's level of sportsmanship. A score of zero implies absolute disrespect toward the opposing team and officials, while a four indicates commendable sportsmanship.

IM teams with average ratings of less than a three are prohibited from appearing in playoff games, offering teams the incentive to adhere to the rules of respectable play. In post-season games, if a team receives a score of a zero in a single game, they are immediately eliminated from further games.

CU's athletic staff tested this system for IM Men's Basketball last spring and, after meeting with much success, implemented the policy for all teams this school year. Students' only problem with the ruling is the belief that officials should be graded as well - they are discouraged by referees who make bad calls and, after argument from players, reduce the teams' scores.

-The Campus Press


Bowdoin looks to expand campus

The Brunswick Naval Air Station, a 3,300-acre military base in Maine, anticipates closing by 2011. Last Thursday evening, Bowdoin College publicized its desire to obtain 450 acres of this land, thus tripling its campus size. The college hasn't yet specified its development plans, but President Barry Mills stated that Bowdoin will consider using the land for athletic fields, as well as administrative and academic buildings.

The college's plans must first be approved by the Brunswick Local Redevelopment Authority, the navy and the Department of Education. Bowdoin will begin immediately to develop a detailed blueprint with the influence of trustees and current students. This proposal will consist of evidence that the land is necessary for the improvement of the college, an environmental analysis, a design on anticipated buildings and the financial means through which construction will occur.

While Bowdoin College hopes to acquire this property to improve the school for future generations, Maine State Representative Stan Gerzofsky plans to use the land to construct a new 1,000-acre Brunswick town commons, which may conflict with the college's plans.

-The Bowdoin Orient


Boston colleges aid local education

Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, Northeastern and Tufts are collaborating with the city of Boston in a new program, called "Step UP," to advocate learning in Boston Public Schools. Though Harvard has previously offered educational support to local Boston schools, this program will uniquely group major universities together to work towards a common purpose.

The universities are investing close to $10 million in this program in hopes of helping students to reach their full academic potentials. College scholars will provide learning support specific to the needs of individual schools including tutoring, mentoring, developing teachers' skills and classroom curriculums, addressing family involvement and tackling student health and wellness.

Kathleen McCartney, dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, hopes that this initiative will set a precedent for future education programs in other urban areas.

- Harvard University Gazette