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State bill stresses degree plans, could mean some free classes

A recent state bill could require state universities to offer free classes for some students in order to improve four-year graduation rates. Under House Bill 1348, Ball State would have to provide students a class without charge when they are unable to register for the class needed to graduate in four years. There are stipulations for the opportunity of a free class, however. The class in question must be offered at the same time as another class required under the degree plan, already full or not offered.


Seven students attended a meeting Jan. 15 to speak to the Board of Trustees about the search for a new Ball State president. Wayne Estopinal, leader of the search committee, said the feedback from the small group was helpful. DN PHOTO RACHEL PODNAR

Seven students take part in forum, offering opinion on president search

A total of seven students seized the opportunity to offer opinions Wednesday regarding the search for a new university president. The students spoke to the Board of Trustees and school administrators during the one-hour meeting, sharing their opinions as a representation of the student body. Wayne Estopinal, leader of Ball State’s search committee and a board member, said they received good feedback despite the low numbers.


Destinations less than 90 minutes from Muncie

During the semester, some Ball State students feel trapped by their studies and campus commitments. They don’t venture away from Muncie unless it’s a campus-closing break. Entertainment of all types is scattered throughout Indiana, and some of the best places are within a 90-minute drive from campus.


Health Center fills two positions, looks to add another

Administrators have hired two people at the Amelia T. Wood Health Center, and they are still looking for a third. On Feb. 24, Amy Fong will begin work as a physician, filling a position that opened after Ball State received approval for a new hire to balance the ratio of students to medical directors, staff physicians and nurse practitioners.



Police say N.M. student planned Tuesday attack

ROSWELL, N.M. — The 12-year-old boy who opened fire in a U.S. school gym warned some students away just before the attack, police said Wednesday. New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas said the attack at Berrendo Middle School in Roswell was planned in advance. But he said it appeared the boy’s victims — an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl — were chosen randomly.


Muncie greenhouse moves past fire

MUNCIE, Ind. — A longtime local business burned over the weekend, but its owner vowed Tuesday that his business will not go up in smoke. “We’re up and running,” said John Davis, whose Davis Brothers Greenhouse burned Saturday. “I’m delivering orders today.” Davis told The Star Press that he’s working out of a temporary location until he can move back into undamaged space at the scene of the fire at 14th and Gharkey streets.



Senior forward Chris Bond dunks the ball in the second half against Akron on Jan. 8 at Worthen Arena. Bond scored 18 points in the game. DN PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ball State drops road game to Ohio

After taking steps forward, Ball State seemed to take a step backward Wednesday night. The Ball State men’s basketball team fell 51-71 on the road against Ohio. Many of its offensive possessions in the first half were spent trying to beat the 35-second shot clock.


Players from the men's volleyball team celebrate after winning a point during the match against Sacred Heart. Ball State won the Jan. 11 match in three sets. DN PHOTO EMMA ROGERS

MEN'S VOLLEYBALL: Breaking down a serve

A volleyball cut through the air, barely rotating as it tipped the top of the net and fell backward. Senior Larry Wrather frowned and shook his head, unhappy with the result. “One more,” he said quietly to his teammate next to him toward the end of Tuesday morning’s practice.


Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN/6th). (MCT)

Vote on gay marriage in Ind. could come next week

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma says lawmakers are taking their time deciding how they’ll vote on a proposed amendment that would ban gay marriage. The Indianapolis Republican said Wednesday that a vote by the House Judiciary Committee could happen next week. Members of that panel had planned a vote Monday, but delayed it following hours of emotional testimony.


Search committee members outnumbers students in presidential forum

Students were able to speak their mind today on the search for a new university president. Seven students attended the presidential search student forum in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Cardinal Hall. They spoke to the Board of Trustees and school administrators during the one-hour meeting, sharing their opinions as a representation the student body.