A banner on the South Oval congratulates upcoming graduates. Commencement will be held Friday May 15. (Photo by Adam Greenlee)

Effects of the Job Market Hit Some Graduating Sooners.

As graduation nears, University of Oklahoma students are beginning to feel the impact of the vicious job market.

For the past year, seniors have focused their sights on graduation, but the looming job market continues to be on the side of their vision. While many students keep a sense of optimism, others show signs of worry.

The job market forced students like Letters Senior Stephen Rasbold to attend law school in order to wait out bad economic times. Rasbold graduates this year and says he understands how scary the market can be, especially for students in his major.

"There are jobs out there; however, they are going to be difficult to find for some students," Rasbold said. "Part of the reason I chose to go to law school is to wait out the market and hope it's stable in a few years."

The bad job market has even had an effect on internships for some majors.

Petroleum Engineer Major Ronald Tong said it has become more difficult to obtain an internship. Tong said that businesses now have much higher expectations in whom they give internships to.

"They're basically looking for round students with ridiculous grades," Tong said. "It's pretty much impossible for normal students to get these positions."

Tong said he believes he has one of the more competitive majors due to the fact it has the largest average salary offer than other disciplines. Tong said he applied for multiple internships, but instead chose to wait and take summer classes.

Some industries, however, have witnessed a growth in employment. Industries like marketing and accounting are experiencing positive employment forecasts

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown that education and health care industries are relatively immune to the current job market, and can be considered recession-proof.

Whitley Graham is an associate director at career services and helps students on campus with post-graduation opportunities. Graham says that internships and hiring are slightly down; however, students can still obtain jobs, regardless of their degree.

"Regardless of what your major is, there are job opportunities in whatever industry you want to get into," Graham said. "I wouldn't let students get discouraged about what their major is because in reality they can do anything they want with it."

Graham said that most students do not go into the exact field they major in, unless they are majoring in a technical degree.

One example Graham gave was a business major working in the health care industry.

Graham said that employers are looking for well-rounded students with vast amounts of experience in their field. Graham said that in this competitive job market a student must differentiate his or herself to employers by obtaining internships and becoming heavily involved on campus.

Architecture major Bryce McCarthy said the competitive market is nothing new for his major, but said he feels this year is much more difficult than previous years.

"It's very competitive to get into the architecture industry," McCarthy said. "I need a job after all of this hard work, but it sucks when I can't even get an internship to just get my foot in the door."

Even with the bad job market, some students like Rasbold still possess a sense of optimism.

"It's a hard market to get into for some students," Rasbold said. "But if a student is determined and works hard they can get what they want."

Career services is located on the third floor of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Graham said that those who are looking for more information about career services or future job fairs may visit the official University of Oklahoma Career Services' Web site.

Commencement will be May 15 at the Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Click here to listen to McCarthy discuss his attempt at obtaining an internship as an architecture major...

Students Plan to Stay to Work on Campus This Summer

Although some students are anticipating going home this summer, others plan to stay to work on campus.

Students like Maria Engles, international business senior, said she chose to stay to make extra money. Engles is not alone, other students, especially those in IT, have chose to stay over the summer to work on campus. 

Engles said she likes her job due to the faculties understand student life. Campus employers work leniently with student schedules. 

"On dead week it's optional for me to come in," Engels said. "But not all jobs are like that"

Engels said she plans to work the same position next semester and that anybody who wishes to work this summer or next semester may apply at the jobs Web site.

Watch Engels explain what it's like to work on campus. Please excuse the long load time...

Students from the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship stand by a large earth ball. The group held an earth ball tournament as part of their campaign against human trafficking. (Photo by Adam Greenlee)

Student Organization Helps Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking.

The student organization InterVarsity Christian Fellowship held an earth ball tournament Thursday to help raise awareness about human trafficking.

The tournament was held Thursday on a little field just north of Adam's Towers despite ferocious winds. Earth ball is a game similar to both soccer and ultimate frisbee where teams try to get a single ball down the field to score a point. The difference lies in the fact that an earth ball is about the same height as a human being. The tournament started at 4 p.m. 

The tournament was part of the groups campaign for the International Justice Mission to help free modern day slaves around the world. Early this week the group set up a table on the south oval. Journalism Senior Stephen Carradini is part of the group and helped referee for the event.

"Last week we raised over $500 in donations just from people giving their spare change," Carradini said. "We called it 'Loose Change to Loosen Chains'."

Carradini said he expects the tournament to be larger next year when it comes back. 

During the interview, Carradini explained where the idea of earth ball came from, when a wind,unexpectedly,  picked up and took the ball rogue. Click here to hear what happened. 

Courtney Gatlin (right), Housing Fair coordinator, and Whitney Cox (left), vice chair of Parents' Weekend, hand out pamphlets to students as they pass the housing fair in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Parents' Weekend allowed students to meet up with their families. (Photo by Adam Greenlee)

Families Rush to Norman to Take Part in Parents' Weekend

Friday April 3 marked the first day of CAC's Parents' Weekend, where students and their families were welcomed with an array of activities and events on campus.

Lindsey and other major streets around the University of Oklahoma's campus witnessed a plethora of cars packing the narrow roads Friday as parents traveled in to see students. The weekend of events were officially kicked off at 8 a.m. on the south oval where a tent was located. The weekend involved sporting events, free movies, Sooner Scandals and much more. 

This was the third annual Parents' weekend. Besides witnessing a successful weekend, CAC also witnessed a newly elected chair. Tyler Nunley received the majority of votes last week in the election for CAC chair and will take the place of Megan Bebb. Courtney Gatlin, international business and accounting major, said that much effort has been put into making Parents' Weekend possible. Gatlin said they started the committee in early November but the chairs have been working since last August. Gatlin also expressed how Parents' Weekend has something for everyone. 

"The great thing about Parents' Weekend is that Exec Committee makes sure that there is an event for everyone," Gatlin said. "I does not matter if your parents were here or not, every student can find a free event to enjoy."

For more information on Sooner Scandals, Parents' Weekend or any other CAC event, visit their official website.

Contestants wait to hear which one of them will be crowned Miss Hispanic OU. The pageant was just one of  many multicultural events held this week. (Photo by Adam Greenlee)

OU Celebrates Diversity

The University of Oklahoma experienced many multicultural events this week's celebrations.

Students walking to class noticed a large tipi on the south oval. This was to mark the beginning of Native American Heritage Month. This celebration was just one of many on campus. Throughout the week, OU hosted many different events celebrating different cultures.On Tuesday, for example, Vietnite was hosted on the third floor of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. The night was filled with performances, education and food.    

On the second floor around the same time, The Miss Hispanic OU was being held. Five female students competed for the scholarship and title of Miss Hispanic OU where they performed and were judged based on their knowledge of the country they represent. Chinese/International Business Sophomore Bevon Rogers attended Miss Hispanic OU to cheer on his girlfriend Katherine Schober. He said that although he himself is not Hispanic, he enjoys events like these on campus. 

"It was pretty interesting to see each culture represented," Rogers said. "I'm not Hispanic, but I found it enlightening."

Native American Heritage month will continue throughout April. India Nite Live will be held Sunday April 5. 

Click here to hear Rogers opinion about Multicultural events on campus and the benefits they possess....

Marketing Sophomore Travis Shepard watches two news pundits discuss the stimulus package while doing his Spanish homework. Although the legislation was crafted in Washington D.C., it's impact may soon affect him and others in Norman. In the audio below, Senior Economist Keith Leggett discusses the purpose behind including education in the stimulus package.

Stimulus Package Coming to Sooner Country

Oklahoma schools may receive a piece of the stimulus package goodness, which may stop tuition and fee increases for higher education.

Pres. Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Feb 17, in hopes of stimulating and stabilizing the current condition of the economy, according to the bill's text. Part of the package designates a large amount of money for k-12 education to upper education.

The package targets multiple investments on the state level including $288 billion towards tax relief and $58 billion towards education and training.

Obama's Federal Stimulus Package will provide $287 million to education in Oklahoma, some of which may end up in the hands of the University of Oklahoma.

Keith Leggett, senior economist for the American Bankers Association, said the purpose behind giving the states part of the package is due to state budgetary problems causing a cut back in their funding of higher education.

"The view was this was going to be a drag on the economy in the short run," Leggett said. "This would also harm long term economic growth because by cutting resources in education we are really reducing our investment in the American people making us less productive going forward."

Leggett said the package will give $40.6 billion, $17.6 billion to increase student aid and $200 billion to work study programs. This bill also contained $14 billion in educational tax credits. Leggett said work study programs are part of it because many students depend on it.

Prior to spring break, the presidents of all publicly funded colleges in the state, including University of Oklahoma Pres. David Boren, met with Gov. Brad Henry. Henry asked the group of presidents that tuition not be increased next year at public universities.

Leggett, however, said he believes tuition and fees will be unaffected due to the fact tuition is driven by other factors and basic supply and demand forces. Leggett said he doesn't see this as a factor that will cut the rate of growth in tuition and fees.

Keri Dennis, congressional staffer for Tom Cole, said after Congress passed a bill with total figures, the education portion was handed over to the Federal Secretary of Education. The numbers and rules are still being worked out by the Federal Secretary of Education.

"From visiting with my contacts at the State level, they know what the total amount will be, however are just in a waiting game until March 31st," Dennis said. "I have also been told that schools are being advised to treat these dollars as "one-time funding" to possibly put in geo-thermal air units, or put on a new roof, or something of that nature."

Most of the money, however, will go towards lower education, but higher education, such as the Univerisity of Oklahoma, may apply for the money.

Higher education may end up receiving roughly $31 billion, according to Leggett. The states will allocate the money to state universities allowing them to maintain faculty and staff and continue to provide resources to meet student body needs.

Higher education can also apply for funding from different portions of the package. Universities, such as OU, may be able to receive money from the energy and environmental portions. Pres. David Boren's $260 million initiative with OG&E to mold OU into a university ran entirely by wind-energy, may be valid for for the energy and environmental sections of the stimulus package.

Leggett said parts of the package allocates resources to alternative energy making grants available that OU may be able to tap into.

The bill also gives $98 million in Pell Grants for Oklahoma. This will increase the average grant by $500.

Nationally, the Pell Grant Program will receive $17 billion from the package. The Pell Grant Program gives low income students the ability to receive need-based grants. Grants are available to both undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students.

Leggett said that the point of the stimulus package is to provide long term commitment to the economy.

"Without this commitment you would see Universities scale back programs. You would also see some students not be able to afford," Leggett said. "Therefore, this would reduce their productivity and in the long run may reduce the standard of living for these individuals."

Dennis said that nobody in education, at the moment, knows exactly how the package will impact education because they do not know the guidelines of implementation. Dennis said it will become clearer March 31.

Those wanting information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 may visit the official Web site.

Listen to what OU Sophomore Monica Woods says when asked where she thinks the money should go if she were in charge....

University of Oklahoma Sophomore Adam Engel waits to pick up a friend from class in the cold rain. Engel, like many other students, was planning on participating in the Big Event Saturday before hearing its postponement. (Photo by Adam Greenlee)

Weather Forces Big Event to be Postponed

On Thursday The University of Oklahoma's large joint community service event was postponed to April to 18th due to the chance of bad weather causing student organizations to reschedule.

The Big Event is OU's official day of service and happens around the same time every year. Big Event Chair Amanda Holloway said that close to 5,000 students have signed up to participate in The Big Event. Holloway said that a lot of work has gone into making the event possible.

"I think that when people think of the Big Event, they only think of the day of," Holloway said. "We started planing and getting everything together in early spring. It's a lot of work."

The Big Event was scheduled to kick off Saturday March 28; however, fear of bad weather forced the event to a later time.

The Big Event is now scheduled for April 18.

Despite Warnings, Some Students Still Consider Mexico as their Spring Break Destination.

Universities across the U.S., including The University of Oklahoma, have warned students about the dangers of going to Mexico; however, some students can not resist the thrill.

Over the past month, Mexico has been receiving intense coverage over drug war along the border between. The Oklahoma Information Fusion Center issued a safety alert Feb. 26, warning Oklahoma students about the rise in crime in border towns, such as Tijuana. Students like Microbiology Sophomore Kevin Buck, however, say that the stories are not keeping them away.

Buck said he plans on going with friends to Rosarito Beach, which is roughly 20 minutes south of Tijuana. Buck said his reasoning for going to Mexico lies in its cheap expense and beautiful beaches. Buck said he has taken the news into consideration but put much thought into his decision. 

"It worries me a little bit, but i have done a lot of research online with the news most of the killings are dealing with people associated with the drug cartels, or just drugs in general," Buck said. "I believe everything is going to go smoothly and I will have a blast."

The U.S. Department of State has also issued a Travel Alert for citizens who plan on visiting Mexico. Spring break for most Oklahoma colleges begins the second or third week of March. 

Students Rush to Purchase Scandals Tickets

Students packed Molly Shi Boren Ballroom in Oklahoma Memorial Union Wednesday in hopes of purchasing tickets for this year's Scandals.

The tickets went on sale 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, and were met with a large crowd. Seperate tickets were sold based on the day of the event, certain days being more expensive than others. Out of all the groups that tried out, only six were chosen to perform in the show. The theme for this year is "One for the History Book." 

For the past couple of months, fraternities, sororities and other student organizations have been vigorously preparing for Scandals try outs which were held Feb. 15. Mark Salvie, energy management senior and Scandals director, said that this year was extremely competitive.

"It's extremely competitive," Salvie said. "We had to be very fair in how we do all the scoring and production points."

Salvie said they will sell the remaining tickets on April 2 before the Thursday show. The show will be part of parents weekend. 

Listen to Salvie's description of  this year's Scandals....

SoundSlides Test

Junior Ronald Tong diligently studies for his Calculus test. (Photo by Adam Greenlee)

Oklahoma Students Prepare for the Midterm Blues.

The proximity of spring break signals in the dreaded midterms for some students at the University of Oklahoma.

It may not be as detrimental as finals week, but the pressure of midterms still packs much anxiety for some students. The library becomes a popular choice for students to study at. Bizzel library offers many study areas, as well as group study rooms.

Some students decide to pull all nighters to cram for their exams the night before, using energy drinks and coffee to give their focus a special boost. Other students, like Freshman Lexie Kinion, however, said they choose to study days before the test. Kinion says she makes use of her dorm's study lounge over the library due to close convenience. Kinion said she chooses to start  studying days before the test.  

"I usually just sit down and read my notes and reread the chapters in my textbook a couple of hours a night before the test," Kinion said. "I just use the study hall in my dorm, or me and some friends may get a group together so it's fun and not all studying.

Midterms officially end Friday for some students. Finals week will begin May 11 and end May 15.

Click here to listen to what Kinion had to say about energy drinks and studying all night. 

The Oklahoma State Capitol is where the senate honored both the Flaming Lips and the Oklahoma Football team Monday. In 2007, Oklahoma City honored The Flaming Lips with their own alley way in Bricktown. (Photo by Adam Greenlee)

The Oklahoma State Legislator Honors The Flaming Lips and the OU Football Team.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma State Senate announced Monday March 2 that the Flaming Lips' song "Do You Realize??" will be the official rock song of the sooner state. The Senate also honored the University of Oklahoma football team. 

Oklahoma Sen. Mike Schulz presented The Flaming Lips with Oklahoma's Official Rock Song Monday for their 2002 single "Do You Realize??" The decision was made after a year long selecting process that started in 2008 when legislatures started a process of selecting the song by leaving it up to Oklahomans. The song had to either be written or performed by a person from Oklahoma, according to official Web site. The songs ranged from the catchy "Heartbreak Motel" by Elvis Presley to the upbeat "Move Along" by The All American Rejects. 

The State Legislator also honored OU's football team the same day. The football team was aloud to sit on the senate floor; however, the Flaming Lips were forced to sit in the gallery, and stand when their song was presented with the title. Michael Beavor, a legislative control clerk for the state senate, was present at the ceremony and said it was odd the band was asked to sit in the gallery rather than on the senate floor. 

"I asked a couple of people what that was about and I never got a for sure answer because usually they escort them onto the floor to do it," Beavor said. "I thought it was because they are notorious for being outlandish. I never got a confirmation on if that's why or not, but I've been there three or four, and that was the first time they ever had somebody sit up in the gallery." 

The official song will be part of the rock exhibit "Another Hot Oklahoma Night," which will open sometime in 2009.

Listen to who Beavor chose as his pick for the official rock song of Oklahoma...

Buchanan Hall is where OU students pay their tuition and fees, and receive advice about scholarship and student loans. (Photo by Adam Greenlee)

Obama's 2010 Budget Proposal Calls for Direct Federal Funding of Student Loans.

In his 2010 budget proposal, Pres. Barack Obama said he plans to end government-guarenteed loans and to implement more direct government loans. Obama also said he wants to tie the Pell Grant to inflation.

According to his budget proposal, Obama hopes to make it where federal student loans come straight from the government rather than using a program that pays government subsidies to private student loan. The Obama administration said it is doing this to save taxpayers money. This proposal may hurt private student loan organization. The budget also outlined plans to tie the Pell Grant to inflation in order to combat tuition and fees. 

Currently, students at the University of Oklahoma have access to multiple student loans, and some students may even apply for Pell Grants. With the announcement of fee increases Jan. 28 by University of Oklahoma Pres. David Boren, the proposal may come as good news for students eligible for Pell Grants.  Students with an Expected Family Contribution lower than 3850 are eligible to receive a Pell Grant in the state of Oklahoma. Obama also stated on his Web site that he hopes to make the 

"A good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity. It is a prerequisite,"  Obama said in his speech to Congress. "We will provide the support necessary for all young Americans to complete college."

If passed, the budget proposal will go into effect Oct. 1. Obama said he hopes his plan of cutting out loans from private industries will save the nation billions of dollars in the next year. 

William Dembski and Michael Ruse debate intelligent design to a packed at Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall. The debate allowed two prolific philosophers of science a chance to share their arguments. (Photo by Adam Greenlee)

Intelligent Design Debate Allows Students to Hear Both Sides of the Argument.

The gloves came off Friday night at Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall between two prolific philosophers when each debated the validity of whether intelligence design is science or not. The debate allowed students and attendees to hear both sides of the argument. 

The purpose of the debate was to present both principles and allow people to decide.The debate was between Michael Ruse, author and founder of the journal Biology and Philosophy, and William Dembski, professor of philosophy at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dembski took the side of intelligent design while Ruse argued against.  The two philosophers were each given 20 minutes to argue their points. They were then each given a rebuttal and asked questions from a split audience. The tone between them were civil and professional. Each complemented the other, and added in playful jokes about the other's ideas. 

The event was one of many events relevant to the theory of evolution on the University of Oklahoma in celebration of Charles Darwin 200th birthday. For the entire month of February, OU hosted many lectures on campus pertaining to the english naturalist. On Feb. 12, the University kicked off the celebration of Darwin at the Sam Nobel Oklahoma Museum of Natural History where multiple professors from an array of disciplines gave lectures on how evolution is relevant to their study. Stephen Olson, Energy Management junior, said he appreciates the university hosting these functions. Olson said bringing figures like Ruse and Dembski opens needed discussion.

"I think it is a good thing OU is inviting famous researches to hold a dialogue and debate," Olson said. "A lot of people that I know disagree with such figures like Michael Ruse and Richard Dawkins that it's good to for them to hear points-of-view different from their own." 

Olson said he believed these forums will benefit OU students; however, he is concerned about how much the University is paying these figures during times of tuition increases. The celebration of Darwin will continue to Mar. 6 when Richard Dawkins, world-renowned zoologist and evolutionary biologist, will speak at OUs campus.

Listen to what Olson had to say about the university hosting the lectures.

MP3 Audio test

Oklahoma students simply type the name of their school into the search. The new gossip site College Anonymous Confession Board boasts of boards pertaining to college campuses across the country. 

New College Gossip Web Site Allows Oklahoma Students to Create Anonymous Posts

Although JuicyCampus dried up earlier this February, a similar site plans to take its place, allowing Oklahoma students, once again, to post gossip under anonymity about their university.

The Web site Anonymous Confession Board, or CollegeACB.com, allows students to create accounts with university email addresses and post anything, just like its defunct predecessor JuicyCampus.com. Topics on the sites range from current events to personal attacks. The website, however, does bear noticeable differences than Juicy Campus. CollegeACB allows user moderation, something missing from JuicyCampus. Registered users can also be banned from the site. 

Students across campus are beginning to take interest in the site, and have already posted many discussions relevant to current issues around campus. The site redirects students from the JuicyCampus's old URL and already contains an array of posts from OU students on a whim. The site seeks to provide college students with a place to discuss issues relevant to their university's atmosphere, according to the Web site's mission statement. Although the site already proves popular among Oklahoma students, some students voice dissidence to the new sites and others like it. Talon Christian, international business sophomore, said he believes the site takes away from the uniqueness of college life.

"The whole purpose of college is to reinvent yourself, and any spiteful person with a keyboard can ruin it," Christian said. "There's no validity in sites like this. They're worse than Wikipedia."

Christian said he plans to never visit the site; however, others say they may give into temptation. CollegeACB's blog stated it plans to use the recent shutting down of JuicyCampus to become its replacement. 

Students receive packets with information before entering the fair. The fair provided students an easier way of deciding a major.

University of Oklahoma Hosts Minor and Major Fair

The colleges that make up the University of Oklahoma came together Wednesday to hold the Minor and Majors allowing students find a major and minor that fits their interest of study.

Students poured into the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom on the third floor of the Oklahoma Memorial Union where they are met by representatives from an array of colleges. Every college from the College of Arts and Sciences to Michael F. Price College of Business presented booths covered in information and freebies. The event also sports a theme each year, this year's being "Explore New Worlds." Lisa Portwood, director at Center of Student Advancement, put the fair together and said it grows every annually since its starting five years ago.

Portwood said that freshmen do better academically if they know what their major is. Bringing representatives from each college together gives students an easier means of weighing their options and obtaining information. The fair also gave away two scholarships and a $250 book voucher to students.

"The Committee and I applaud everybody's willingness to make this happen," Portwood said. "It's stressful when we begin, but it always ends up beautiful."

The Major and Minor fair happens every February. On Thursday, Construction Science will host a career fair in the same room at 4 p.m.

The Whitest Kids U' Know are Coming to Norman

The comedy troupe Whitest Kids U' Know will stop by Norman Feb. 17 to give a free premiere of their new film Miss March to OU students.

Shagah Zakerion, Public Relations/Political Science major and CAC Film Series chair, said the troupe will come to the campus as part of their campus tours where they perform at different universities. Since movie release coincided with the tour, Film Series was able to premiere the film as well. Trevor Moore and Zach Cregger, two of the members in the group,  will be present at the screening and will take questions after the movie.

Zakerion said they regularly premiere film at the campus theater, but due to a booking conflict they were forced to move the film to Hollywood Theaters. Premieres are free, but students must obtain a pass which can be printed off from the events Facebook page. Zakerion said this is a unique event for OU students and encourages everybody to attend.

"Moroch Entertainment in OKC is helping promote the film and since we often work with them on campus premiers, they couldn't resist bringing them to Norman again," Zakerion said. "Things like this don't happen in Oklahoma very often and if you love film, this is an opportunity you cannot miss."

The film will start at 6 p.m.; however, Zakerion said due to overbooking, those interested should show up early to ensure a seat. A synopsis of the film can be found on the Facebook page.

Free condoms, lubricants and information packets lie on a table in the OU student union to celebrate National Condom week. OU Women's Outreach Center and Planned Parenthood sponsor the event. 

OU Students Celebrate National  Condom Week

Planned Parenthood and the OU Women's Outreach Center teamed up to host the annual National Condom Week at the University of Oklahoma by handing out free condoms and information promoting safe sex to students.

Every year universities across the United States celebrate National Condom Week in order to educate students about safe sex. The event started at the University of California-Berkley in 1978 and made its way to OU in the mid-1990s. Terry Dennison, director of education services at Planned Parenthood, said he has participated in National Condom Week ever since it made its way to OU's campus. Dennison said National Condom Week happens every February prior to Valentines Day and its purpose is to inform students.

Dennison sets up a table in the student union that offers students an array of information, lubricants and, of course, condoms. University of Oklahoma sexperts hand out condoms on the south oval to students passing by. Political Science major Nick Beckworth helps out by offering students information at the table set up in the student union. Beckworth said he decided to participate in the event because he feels it offers students vital information.

"Safe sex is the best sex," Beckworth said. "I do this to spread awareness. Condoms are important." 

Dennison said he plans on participating in Condom Week next year at OU. 

Students for Concealed Carry on Campus comes to the University of Oklahoma

The national student organization Students for Concealed Carry on Campus is planning on bringing its cause to the University of Oklahoma. 

Ethan Israel, Energy Management Sophomore and president of the Oklahoma chapter of SCCC, said the group registered as an official Student Life organization and currently bears over 50 members, according to the group's Facebook page. The national, grassroots organization is composed of over 36,000 college students, professors and faculty from all over the nation, according to the official Web site. The group believes that licensed handguns should not be prohibited from college campuses. 

Oklahoma, like the majority of other states, bans licensed handguns from college campuses. The organization said it hopes to remove this prohibition, according to the official Web site. Israel said there has been much demand by fellow students for the organization to come to the OU campus.

"Police can't stop a school shooting," Israel said. "I think responsible people should be able to protect themselves." 

Israel said he hopes to hold the first meeting this semester and students interested can visit the Facebook page for more information and updates.

JuicyCampus Plans to Shut Down

JuicyCampus.com's founder said in his blog Feb. 4 that he plans shutting down the controversial, college gossip site.

Founder and CEO Matt Ivester said in his blog Wednesday that he will close down the Web site due to a mixture of outpaced growth and economic downturn. The site claims to have expanded to over 500 college campuses, including the University of Oklahoma.

Over the past year the site has made its mark at OU with some post views ranging in the thousands. Posts include everything from reinforcing Greek stereotypes to unfettered personal attacks -- all uncensored and anonymous. Some universities have tried to pass resolutions blocking the Web site; however, universities like OU continue to allow students to post. But even its massive appeal to curious college students was not enough to keep JuicyCampus alive, according to Ivester's blog.

"While there are parts of JuicyCampus that none of us will miss -- the mean-spirited post and personal attacks -- it has also been a place for the fun, lighthearted gossip of college life," Ivester wrote in his blog. "I hope that is how it is remembered."

Ivester said he plans shutting the Web site down Feb. 5, just a day after his announcement.

Some Students Show Dissent to Fee Increases

The OU Board of Regents approved fee increases Wednesday that will only affect certain colleges; however, some out-of-state students view this increase with scorn.

The approved fees include $3 per-credit hour addition to both the College of Arts and Sciences' and Michael F. Price College of Business' enrichment fees, as well as a $5 per-credit hour addiction to the Gaylord College of Journalism. The regents said this increase is necessary to expand instructors in the affected colleges. Some students, however, dislike the idea of more tuition increase.

Michael Heineman, Advertising Sophomore, said he feels the fee increase is unfair to out-of-state students who already pay more than other students. Heineman also said he feels the increase in fees is an addition to students' money woes due to the already rise in living expenses.

"It may not sound like a lot of money, but it adds up over time," Heineman said. "It stresses my parents out. I think it will push out-of-state students away from OU."

Heineman said that he does not pay for college, but others like him say they may consider getting jobs to support the rising fees.