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Articles by Ashley Tarr
  • Construction revamps campus
    By Ashley Tarr
    Binghamton University officials have come up with some solutions to accommodate students in the fall as campus undergoes a facelift — including two major construction projects and a few smaller jobs. After commencement in May, the beginning phases of the University Union renovations began, including the removal of equipment from…
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  • Headlines make history in 2007-08
    By Ashley Tarr
    BU announces plans for law school President Lois B. DeFleur confirmed during a November press conference that University officials were in the early stages of planning a law school at Binghamton University. In April, state legislators announced that $3 million would be set aside to cover the initial design and…
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  • Local jobs available through Web
    By Ashley Tarr
    For students looking for work around Binghamton University, there’s no shortage of resources to help them find the position they’re looking for — whether it be a part-time job or an internship. BU’s Career Development Center offers an online tool designed to help students pinpoint exactly what kinds of opportunities…
  • Driver in deadly crash waits for court date
    By Ashley Tarr
    The driver of the car in an accident that killed Binghamton University student Willie Poon Saturday, May 3, is awaiting the date of his next court appearance. Rolyden C. Liu was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated, after the 2001 Acura MDX he was driving went off the…
  • Frat grieves loss of brother after weekend crash
    By Ashley Tarr
    A single-car accident resulted in the death of a Binghamton University student this weekend. The driver of the car, who was the victim’s fraternity brother, was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated. Willie Poon was one of four passengers in a vehicle that went off the road at…
  • Ceremony unveils symbol of peace
    By Ashley Tarr
    A new symbol of peace will stand in the Memorial Courtyard at the Fine Arts Building next fall. During a ceremony Wednesday afternoon Student Association members, administrators and City representatives joined for the unveiling of a Peace Pole inscribed with the message “May peace prevail on earth” in eight different…
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  • BU’s Services for Students with Disabilities struggling to provide for growing campus
    By Ashley Tarr
    Wedged in the basement of the Lecture Hall is an office that often goes overlooked by Binghamton University officials, according to its director. Services for Students with Disabilities, which had nearly 300 students registered last semester alone, is having difficulty providing even the services the office is legally obligated to…
  • Sen. locks $3 million for law school
    By Ashley Tarr
    State politicians have guaranteed $3 million to fund initial design and planning stages of a proposed Binghamton University law school, Sen. Tom Libous announced Wednesday. Libous and Donna Lupardo, assemblywoman for the 126th district, secured the money from the 2008-2009 state budget because they say the proposal would benefit BU’s…
  • TKE to salute brother
    By Ashley Tarr
    When Lt. Louis Allen was painting his parents’ home years before he died, he wrote the words “Lou rules” across the front of the house and left it there for a few days. Allen painted over the words within a week, but nearly three years after the Binghamton University alumnus’…
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  • Construction for dorm forces students to find new parking spots
    By Ashley Tarr
    The beginning stages of construction for the East Campus Housing project are underway, according to Binghamton University officials. Workers began fencing off the construction site Monday while specific parking areas moved offline. Once the fencing component of the project is completed, the excavation will begin, according to Physical Facilities spokeswoman…
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  • Campus revs up for America East
    By Ashley Tarr
    For the third time in four years, the America East Men’s Basketball Championship will hit Binghamton University, and both campus and the surrounding area are gearing up for the weekend’s festivities. The tournament, which is set to kick off tonight in the Events Center, will feature nine teams competing over…
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  • Referendum to decide on student activity fee
    By Ashley Tarr
    Students will have the opportunity to vote this week on whether the student activity fee, which funds the majority of student groups and events on campus, should remain mandatory. Every two years the State University Board of Trustees requires that each SUNY campus hold such a referendum to determine if…
  • Multicultural committee moved under EVP’s office
    By Ashley Tarr
    The campus’s Intercultural Awareness Committee was absorbed Monday into the Student Group Council — even though ICA members had unanimously opted against it in an opinion vote last semester. The Student Assembly passed the amendment which moved the once-independent committee into the council. The amendment, which was initiated by Financial…
  • Youths nearly drown in nature preserve pond over break
    By Ashley Tarr
    Two boys were rescued from the Nature Preserve pond last week, after the ice they were playing on gave way and they fell into the water. Harpur’s Ferry and Vestal Volunteer Fire Department were notified to respond to the call around 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, according to Binghamton…
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  • Grad student sues BU over racism, stolen work
    By Ashley Tarr
    Four Binghamton University professors, and the University at large, are facing a lawsuit alleging a range of charges — including copyright infringement, discrimination and civil rights violations — filed by a former graduate student. Charles O. Ogindo filed the suit on Dec. 19 against BU and faculty members John J.…
  • Foo Fighters tix on sale Monday
    By Ashley Tarr
    The Foo Fighters — who were nominated for five Grammy Awards yesterday morning — will be performing at Binghamton University next semester, said members of the Student Association University Programming Board Thursday evening. The Friday, Feb. 22 concert, which includes two opening acts that have yet to be announced, will…
  • Online housing a possibility for next semester
    By Ashley Tarr
    Returning on-campus Binghamton University students may find housing registration to be less stressful and more convenient next semester if officials are able to get all of the kinks worked out on time for a new online system. According to Chris Cullinane, associate director of Residential Life, the office is working…
  • Student group holds 24 hour vigil for North Koreans
    By Ashley Tarr
    This morning marked the conclusion of a 24-hour vigil on campus in an effort by one student group to reach out to their brothers and sisters across the globe. Members of Binghamton University’s Think: Liberty in North Korea, a student group dedicated to increasing awareness about the plight of citizens…
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  • Admins to present East Campus plans
    By Ashley Tarr
    Last week’s referendum revealed student opposition toward parts of the current renovation plans for the East Campus, and the administration’s plan for a meeting Monday is just another reason for students to be dissatisfied, according to Student Association President David Bass. An information meeting open to the public is scheduled…
  • SUNY Kids: reaching out
    By Ashley Tarr
    Freshman Marisa Campbell has made some unlikely new friends over the past few weeks — foster children from around the area who, she says, just want to share their stories with someone. On Saturdays throughout the school year, local foster children meet up with members of SUNY Kids, a group…
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  • BU staph case is non-lethal strain
    By Ashley Tarr
    The staph infection that has been garnering national attention in recent weeks has surfaced at Binghamton University, as a male student was diagnosed with a non-invasive strain of the bacteria this Wednesday. BU officials notified students and faculty via e-mail that a student living on campus was diagnosed with MRSA…
  • Assembly approves group suspension
    By Ashley Tarr
    The Experimental Media Organization has been barred from using their office for the next two weeks, following a Student Assembly vote on Monday. The group, which was accused of violating their constitution and Student Association protocol last week, were originally in danger of being de-chartered and completely evicted from the…
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  • Until next vote, Wal-mart halted
    By Ashley Tarr
    A decision which would issue a special construction permit for a new Wal-Mart in Johnson City — the second in the area — is set to be made one week from today. Village board members will vote on whether to issue a necessary permit that would sanction the construction of…
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  • VP VanVoorst gives construction updates
    By Ashley Tarr
    Over the next few years, students and faculty at Binghamton University can expect to see major renovations on existing buildings and the construction of several new ones in an effort to better the campus, according to James VanVoorst, vice president for administration. BU will begin construction on a number of…
  • David Redbord elected VPMA
    By Ashley Tarr
    After a resignation in June left one Student Association executive board position open, David Redbord was named the new vice president for multicultural affairs after yesterday’s elections confirmed his victory by almost 100 votes. Redbord was one of three candidates contending for the office after VPMA-elect Rabeel Patoli resigned, citing…
  • PIPE DREAM EXCLUSIVE: MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR THE VPMA ELECTION
    By Ashley Tarr
    Following Rabeel Patoli’s resignation from his position as Vice President for Multicultural Affairs, Binghamton University students can vote Wednesday and Thursday to fill the open Student Association executive board position. Students living on campus can vote in their respective dining halls, with the exception of students living in College-in-the-Woods, who…
  • New policy to crack down on underground fraternities
    By Ashley Tarr
    Underground fraternities may have a more difficult time recruiting pledge classes this year following a policy change made to the 2007-2008 version of the Rules of Student Conduct handbook. The current policy allows for individual students to be prosecuted if they join or try to recruit members for a fraternity…
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  • BU welcomes its ‘most competitive’ class thus far
    By Ashley Tarr
    As the class of 2011 entered the residence halls of Binghamton University last week, boasting some of the best credentials the University has ever seen, U.S. News and World Report named BU as one of the top institutions in the country. The latest version of “America’s Best Colleges” hit newsstands…
  • Web sites can assist in your job search
    By Ashley Tarr
    Monster.com The Web site’s motto reads, “Today’s the Day.” The company offers free memberships, and allows its members to apply to jobs online, create and post their resumes, meet other professionals and “get expert career advice.” Monster also allows its users to further their careers with tips on how to…
  • Students to Summers: ‘It’s our Union’
    By Ashley Tarr
    While the goal of the Student Group Council is to facilitate interaction between organizations and the Student Association, the first session, held last night, focused mainly on creating cohesion and a common message about the Old University Union renovations from student groups to the administration. SA officials began the meeting,…
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  • briefs
    By Ashley Tarr
    BU magician to perform tonight Jeff Kaylor, the winner of “Binghamton’s Got Talent,” will be performing his magic act at the Binghamton Mets doubleheader at NYSEG Stadium this evening. Tonight is “Toga Tuesday,” and anyone wearing a toga will be admitted for free; otherwise, tickets are $4. There will also…
  • BU maintains ranking as one of best value public universities in country
    By Ashley Tarr
    Among public colleges, Binghamton University has been named one of the 165 best-value schools by the Princeton Review in its 2008 edition of its book, “America’s Best Value Colleges.” The book was released last month and presents profiles of different schools throughout the country based on low tuition prices, academic…
  • How do you know what comes after Harpur?
    By Ashley Tarr
    For many liberal arts-minded Bearcats, the decision of whether or not to pursue a graduate degree may be one that leaves them feeling that they have few places to turn to for advice. Students who still have to decide what the next step after Binghamton University is may feel lost…
  • Fraternity rolls keg for charity
    By Ashley Tarr
    Tau Kappa Epsilon’s 25th Annual Keg Roll will take place this Friday, as fraternity brothers roll an empty keg from Syracuse to Binghamton University along Route 11. The fraternity is set to leave Binghamton around 5 a.m. Friday morning and arrive in Syracuse an hour later. The keg will be…
  • Briefs
    By Ashley Tarr
    AIDS awareness group to hold free HIV testing event The AIDS Prevention, Awareness and Care organization will host a free campus-wide HIV testing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, in room 324 of the New University Union. APAC is currently looking for volunteers to help out…
  • BU’s procedures for dealing with troubled students
    By Ashley Tarr
    Eight days after the news of the Virginia Tech shooting hit college campuses across the nation, there are still concerns as to how the red flags exhibited by Cho Seung-Hui passed by professors and faculty members, and whether the same red flags would pass by staff members of other universities.…
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  • How to get into: Medical school
    By Ashley Tarr
    Every year Binghamton University seniors face graduation with unnerving anxieties over the next step in their lives — a career. But when Ilana Price received her bachelor’s degree in psychobiology more than three years ago, she knew exactly what the next four years of her life would consist of: medical…
  • How to apply to: Law School
    By Ashley Tarr
    Binghamton University students have long been known to follow their undergraduate educations with impressive secondary degrees, many doing so in the law field. The pre-law students at BU, who make up more than 20 percent of liberal arts majors, surpass the law school acceptance rates throughout the country — perhaps…
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  • Library utilizes new search tool
    By Ashley Tarr
    Binghamton University is setting out to change the standards for research tools with a recent acquisition: a device called Grokker. Glenn G. Bartle Library’s new research program organizes search results in a system of topical circle maps. Grokker is a product from the Groxis Company which allows students and faculty…
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  • BU applications continue to increase
    By Ashley Tarr
    Binghamton University’s increasing number of applicants year after year is helping to maintain its reputation and popularity, according to University faculty and staff. The additional attention has resulted in the school not implementing its policy of rolling admission this year. “We manage the applicant poll in such a way that…
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  • BU professors question Wikipedia’s validity as a source
    By Ashley Tarr
    Online encyclopedias and research sites may be making it easier for college students to procrastinate, but with the recent controversy surrounding the popular reference site, Wikipedia, it’s not surprising that opinions are widespread here at Binghamton University, too. Wikipedia.org is an open encyclopedia in which virtually anyone with an Internet…
  • Campus examines BU’s Princeton Review rankings
    By Ashley Tarr
    With a few clicks or flips of a page, it seems that high school seniors, transfer students and other academic faculty are able to get a sense of what a particular college is all about with the help of The Princeton Review. Binghamton University is no different, except for the…
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  • Newing and Dickinson plans soon to be unveiled
    By Ashley Tarr
    Renovation plans for Newing College and Dickinson Community — which are both going to be entirely demolished and rebuilt — are still in the works after a meeting this past Friday with the Planning and Steering Committee of the project. The project, which is not set to begin until either…
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  • Civil rights leader speaks on MLK
    By Ashley Tarr
    During an evening dedicated to commemorating the accomplishments and beliefs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., students, faculty and community members gathered in the Mandela Room to listen to the words of a woman who has fought for civil rights from Washington, D.C. to South Africa. Dr. Mary Frances Berry,…
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  • Paying the textbook bills
    By Ashley Tarr
    Traces of hemorrhaging credit cards and unwrapped — and therefore nonreturnable — textbooks can be seen strewn around Binghamton University’s campus as the book buying rush got underway this week. But the price of books — estimated last year at $900 a year per student by The Associated Press —…
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  • Academic steroids? Finals on Adderall
    By Ashley Tarr
    With the pressure of finals week, college students throughout the nation have turned to prescribed stimulants to aid their studies and, at Binghamton University, the pressure is no different. Abuse of the stimulant Adderall, perhaps the most widely-used drug on college campuses, has been identified all over the country, from…
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  • Brand New, Dashboard ticket sales continue
    By Ashley Tarr
    As the University Programming Board faces a slew of budgetary concerns as a result of accrued debt from previous years, the pressure is on for Thursday’s concert featuring emo bands Dashboard Confessional and Brand New to be a success. As of last Friday, Dec. 1, a total of 3,206 tickets…
  • International awards: not out of BU’s league
    By Ashley Tarr
    Binghamton University is often considered the “Ivy of the SUNYs,” and with that comes the notion of outstanding, competitive students who take advantage of the finest academic opportunities. Why then, are administrators like the assistant deans of Harpur College, Donald Blake and Janice McDonald, concerned that the number of students…
  • Pipeline: campus briefs
    By Ashley Tarr
    BU SCHOLARS HOLD PROJECT KIDCARE PHOTO ID DAY This Sunday, Nov. 19, Binghamton University Scholars will host a Project Kidcare Photo ID session in Room 111 of the Appalachian Collegiate Center from 1 to 4 p.m. The event is open to the public, and admission is free. Children that attend…
  • Honors society: Resume friend or foe
    By Ashley Tarr
    College students across the country are faced with hundreds of options when it comes to getting involved outside the classroom, from clubs and competitive team sports to volunteer organizations and academic groups. Honor societies specifically bring a certain reputation with their name, usually known for their elite standings, community service…
  • Briefs
    By Ashley Tarr
    COURT STREET BRIDGE CLOSES FOR DAY Today the Court Street Bridge will be closed off to vehicles from both directions so it can be re-paved, according to Binghamton City Mayor Matt Ryan. City officials expect both lanes will be usable by Nov. 17. Commuters should plan accordingly. EXPANDED STREET PARKING…
  • Evolutionary studies cut from federal grant list
    By Ashley Tarr
    The evolutionary studies department at Binghamton University, as well as departments at other colleges across the country, may be impacted by a new federal grant program that has neglected to include evolution in its allocation of funds. According to an article published by The Chronicle of Higher Education in September…
  • PIPELINE: Your campus briefs
    By Ashley Tarr
    STUDENTS TO MEET BU OFFICIALS On Wednesday, Nov. 1, Binghamton University students will have the chance to meet with some of the school’s administrative officials to ask questions and voice concerns. The officials include Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mary Ann Swain, Vice President for Student Affairs Rodger…
  • Elements of the “hooking-up” survey
    By Ashley Tarr
    SIDE BAR: “THE HOOK-UP SURVEY” The survey is broken up into parts: General Information Sexual Proclivity After My Typical Hook-Up During My Typical Hook-Up During My Ideal Hook-Up After My Ideal Hook-Up Experience with Relationships Relationships and Decision Making Modified Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire Impulsivity Measure After the survey and DNA…
  • Campus study seeks to define the “hook-up”
    By Ashley Tarr
    For some Bearcats, “hooking-up” is a weekly State Street activity — but for a team of professors and undergraduate students at Binghamton University, the phrase itself is the focus of research that seeks to define the abstract and awkward concept, and to determine what contributes to variations in students’ personal…
  • Google seeks new tech: Bearcats wanted
    By Ashley Tarr
    With the Google Gadget Awards now open to college students throughout the country, it comes as a bit of a surprise that Binghamton students from the Watson School of Engineering are not rushing to get their ideas completed first. That’s probably because they weren’t aware of it until recently. The…
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  • Hispanic Heritage celebrated at BU
    By Ashley Tarr
    With two weeks left to Hispanic Heritage Month, a national commemoration of Latin American and Caribbean history and culture, campus and local events have been organized to highlight the annual events. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. — and at Binghamton University, the Latin American…
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  • Racist graffiti found in Cleveland Hall
    By Ashley Tarr
    Last week residents of Hinman Community’s Cleveland Hall discovered that hateful speech had been scribbled across several of the building’s doors. The scrawlings targeted Jews and African Americans in the building, with swastikas and other graffiti strewn throughout one of the floors. “As a staff, we’re taking the incident very…
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  • Forum on Israel draws angst from some in crowd
    By Ashley Tarr
    This past Monday a panel forum drew crowds of attention as three professors spoke about the Israeli-Lebanese conflict in the Old University Union’s Mandela Room. The forum began at 7:30 p.m. Approximately 200 to 250 people, both students and Binghamton residents, attended throughout the night. According to audience members, the…
  • Grade definitions: how Princeton does it
    By Ashley Tarr
    Officials at Princeton University redefined their grading scale, clarifying what it takes to get each grade. A+ — Exceptional, significantly exceeds the highest expectations for undergraduate work A — Outstanding, meets the highest standards for the assignment or course A- — Excellent, meets very high standards for the assignment or…
  • High grades in Harpur a cause for concern?
    By Ashley Tarr
    Binghamton University is often lauded as the “Ivy of the SUNYs.” With the prestige, it seems, come some of the afflictions: grade inflation is an issue here at BU, and admnistrators don’t have a plan to stop it. In the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, at least, grade inflation…
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