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Articles by Max Chao
Students bring forward proposals on campus safety reform
In a push toward law enforcement reform following the killing of George Floyd, students presented proposals to disarm, defund and monitor the University of Minnesota Police Department at a Senate Consultative Committee meeting Thursday. The four proposals were authored by members of student government and student groups. The meeting offered members of the SCC to ask questions and hear feedback which will be used to inform the agenda for the next University Senate meeting June 29.
Students seek to create UMPD advisory board
As calls for police reform and abolition have grown louder following the police killing of George Floyd, students and faculty are seeking oversight over the University of Minnesota Police Department. Student leaders are in the preliminary stages of drafting a University Senate resolution to create the UMPD Community Police Accountability Board, which would adopt rules and regulations for the department and review investigations and complaints against it, among other responsibilities.
UMN leaders weigh COVID-19 financial strategy options
As the University of Minnesota is projecting to lose hundreds of millions of dollars due to the COVID-19 pandemic, University leaders are considering ways to soften the financial blow in the coming year. On Friday, members of the Finance and Operations Planning Work Group presented several cost-cutting recommendations to the University Senate.
UMN adjusts relationship with MPD following death of George Floyd
Following the death of 47-year-old George Floyd, which occurred after a Minneapolis Police Department officer knelt on his neck and filmed in a video which has since gone viral, President Joan Gabel announced Wednesday that the University of Minnesota would change its relationship with MPD. In a campus-wide email, Gabel announced that the University will no longer contract with MPD for law enforcement support during large events or for specialized services such as explosive detection.
UMN adjusts relationship with MPD following death of George Floyd
Following the death of 47-year-old George Floyd, which occurred after a Minneapolis Police Department officer knelt on his neck and filmed in a video which has since gone viral, President Joan Gabel announced Wednesday that the University of Minnesota would change its relationship with MPD. In a campus-wide email, Gabel announced that the University will no longer contract with MPD for law enforcement support during large events or for specialized services such as explosive detection.
Robberies reported on campus, continuing December trend
A robbery and an attempted robbery were reported near campus on Saturday, according to an all-campus alert. The attempted robbery took place at 3:25 p.m. near 6th Street Southeast and 15th Avenue Southeast. The robbery took place at Mariucci Arena at 3:36 p.m. These incidents are the fifth and sixth robberies or attempted robberies reported through SAFE-U alerts in December. The alert lists two teen male suspects in a dark SUV. On Dec.
Armed robbery reported in Dinkytown
A robbery was reported in Dinkytown on Monday night, according to an all-campus alert The robbery took place at 10:08 p.m. near University Avenue Southeast and 10th Avenue Southeast. The two suspects wielded firearms and wore masks in a dark-colored SUV, according to the alert. The incident is the fifth robbery or robbery attempt reported through the SAFE-U system in December. This is a breaking news report. More information will be added as it becomes available.
Sexual misconduct reported on UMN campus
A victim was sexually assaulted by five suspects on the University of Minnesota campus Saturday evening, according to an all-campus alert. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Washington Avenue Southeast and Harvard Street Southeast. The victim was "slapped and pinched on the behind" by five suspects between the ages of 10-16, according to the alert. One of the suspects was described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall and wearing a multicolored backpack, according to the alert.
UMN student government votes to rename Coffman as 'Memorial Union'
The Minnesota Student Association unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday proposing a new name for Coffman Union — an effort started last fall. The resolution recommends that Coffman be renamed “Memorial Union,” intended as a neutral name while memorializing students who were discriminated against in the past, said Emma Dunn, co-author and MSA representative from Minnesota Hillel. “To us, not naming it after one individual or one donor or one administrator [reflects] ...
After Andersen Library exhibit, student body president hopes Coffman Union will be renamed
The University of Minnesota student body president recently voiced support for changing the name of Coffman Memorial Union. After a new campus exhibit drew attention to racial segregation in the University’s history, Student Body President Trish Palermo called for the renaming of the campus staple through Facebook and Twitter earlier this month.
671,000 political ads were broadcast in Minnesota during 2018 election
If you started watching every political ad aired in the run-up to the November election in 2018 on New Year’s Day, it would take you until somewhere around Labor Day to see them all. And that’s just the ads for Minnesota’s eight congressional, two U.S. Senate and statewide races such as governor, attorney general and secretary of state. It doesn’t include legislative elections or local contests.
UMN announces new vice president for equity and diversity
The University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler announced that Michael Goh will take over as its new vice president for equity and diversity Thursday. Kaler announced the decision through an email statement to the University community after Goh was announced as one of two finalists for the position earlier this month following a four-month search process.
Kaler eager for start of first year as U president
Eric Kaler, the University of MinnesotaâÄôs 16th president, woke up at 5:30 a.m. Thursday. By 9:05 a.m. in his Morrill Hall office, he proudly brandished the maroon and gold âÄúClass of 2015âÄù temporary tattoo on his forearm âÄî a tribute to the UniversityâÄôs incoming freshman class, which he was due to greet in minutes at the convocation ceremony in Mariucci Arena. ItâÄôs a fresh start for both Kaler and the class of more than 5,300 new students.
One dead after altercation near TCF Bank Stadium
A campus-area altercation between two men left one dead and one in custody on Sunday night. At 11:02 p.m., the Minneapolis Police Department responded to a report of a physical altercation around University Avenue SE and Oak Street. The two men involved are believed to have met earlier in the night at Sally's Saloon in Stadium Village before fighting near TCF Bank Stadium. One of the men was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center before dying from his injuries.
Research becoming priority for higher salary
Associate professor of piano Paul Shaw recently learned, much to his surprise, that his salary is much lower than the average of others at his rank. "I always thought that my salary was on the low end," Shaw said. "But I didn't know it was that low." The Minnesota Daily's analysis of salary data for University faculty and staff has shown great variations among the teaching faculty and staff on campus.
How much do professors make: A brief overview of faculty salaries
The American Association of University Professors released its annual report on faculty salaries today. The report, titled "Where are the priorities?" touched on the widening gap between salaries at public and private universities, as well as the differences in salary between high-ranking athletics and faculty personnel. University salaries are in the bottom third among top-30 research universities, University Chief Financial Officer Richard Pfutzenreuter said.
Light rail may challenge bicyclists
Bicyclists at the University of Minnesota could face new challenges along Washington Avenue when the Central Corridor light rail starts running in 2014. Bicyclists turning left from Washington Avenue will have to pay attention to buses, cars, trains and the tracks, said Steve Sanders, the University’s alternative transportation manager. He said he’s concerned bicyclists will face a steep learning curve adjusting to the new layout.
Frey wins DFL nod for University area seat
Jacob Frey won the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party’s endorsement for Minneapolis City Council on Saturday, but the former Team USA runner’s path to City Hall isn’t without hurdles. Frey grabbed the 3rd Ward DFL endorsement after incumbent Diane Hofstede withdrew from consideration, citing flaws in the caucus system and vowing to continue her campaign.
UMN student government wraps up year; looks to fall semester
The University of Minnesota student government is finishing up an active year and shifting its focus to the fall semester as new leadership moves in. The Minnesota Student Association began numerous campaigns and policy initiatives this year and hopes to continue pursuing them in the 2018-19 school year. At the beginning of the year, MSA President Trish Palermo and Vice President Erik Hillesheim laid out an agenda based on their campaign platform promises.
UMN law professor Richard Painter to run for U.S. Senate
University of Minnesota law professor Richard Painter, an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, will run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Tina Smith, according to a Federal Election Commission filing. Painter will run as a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party in the November midterm elections, a departure from his past Republican party alignment.
University of Minnesota LGBT collection curator to retire
The curator of one of the country’s premiere archives documenting LGBT history is retiring. In April, Lisa Vecoli announced her retirement after six years of expanding and organizing the University of Minnesota’s Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection. The Tretter Collection sits over 80 feet under Andersen Library, consisting of millions of books, magazines, DVDs and other historical LGBT pieces.
Editorial: The importance of student newsrooms and how you can help
In January, Southern Methodist University announced it was combining the independent student newspaper with its journalism school. While alumni are now making a considerable effort to raise $125,000 in funding to ensure the newspaper's continued printing and independence, the announcement is troubling. Since then, editors at The Independent Florida Alligator, which covers the University of Florida, started the Save Student Newsrooms initiative.
UMN College of Biological Sciences to offer new major this fall
The University of Minnesota’s College of Biological Sciences will offer a new major for students this fall, adding new classes and faculty to the college. The new major, Cellular and Organismal Physiology, was approved by the Board of Regents in February, and will be open to current and transfer students this fall and to freshmen in fall 2019. Faculty say the major could aid student recruitment and help prepare students for graduate and professional schools.
City of Minneapolis looks to implement dockless bike sharing
A new system of bike sharing could allow Minneapolis residents to use shared bicycles without dropping them off at sparsely located designated docks. The City of Minneapolis will likely implement a dockless bike-sharing model on May 1 if a proposed ordinance gains support from the Minneapolis City Council. While traditional bike sharing methods cost around $50,000 to create, the cost-efficiency of dockless stations can allow for a wider bike-sharing initiative.
Review: 'I Feel Pretty' lacks confidence and depth
In “I Feel Pretty,” Renee Bennett, played by comedian Amy Schumer, struggles with a lack of confidence — all she wants is to look and, more importantly, feel beautiful. After falling off a spin bike at SoulCycle, Renee wakes up believing she is the most beautiful woman in the world. In her eyes, despite not undergoing any dramatic makeover, her appearance has entirely shifted, and her outlook on life reflects that — she is now unabashedly confident.
UMN students work to combat library laptop thefts
After Forrest Casey learned 20 laptops were stolen this semester at University of Minnesota libraries, he decided students should be made aware of the thefts. Casey, a communications junior, said he learned of the high number of thefts earlier this semester, which inspired him to create a humorous video alerting students to the issue for a class assignment. “I didn’t know a lot about the statistic, but it shocked me,” Casey said.
Online sexual assault reporting program could come to UMN
A program that changes how victims report sexual assault could be coming to the University of Minnesota. On April 10, the Minnesota Student Association passed a resolution in part calling for the University to implement Callisto, an online sexual assault reporting system spreading to campuses around the country. At most universities, students reporting sexual assault must submit a formal report to a Title IX office.
2020 roadmap lets Minneapolis readjust neighborhood oversight
With revenue sources for Minneapolis neighborhood organizations shifting in 2021, the City is asking for the organizations' input on how the funding should be allocated over the next decade . Currently, funds from the city's Consolidated Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing District support the organizations.
UMN research words toward early diagnosis for rare developmental disorder
When Minnesota resident Dayna Klein’s twins were about three years old, she knew something wasn’t quite right. The toddlers weren’t speaking, and some of their developmental skills lagged behind their peers’. Teachers and specialists suggested the twins had autism or an intellectual disability, or that nothing was amiss. Finally, a doctor diagnosed them with fragile X, a rare developmental disorder similar to autism.
A&E’s guide to Spring Jam
The University of Minnesota will host Lil Yachty, Cashmere Cat and tons of other attractions this Saturday for Spring Jam. Parking lot 37, where the event takes place, can be hectic at times and hard to navigate. A&E is here to make sure you make the most of your student services fees. What to listen to Headlining this year is Lil Yachty, and whether he opens with “Minnesota” or closes with it, or plays it on repeat for his entire set, it will make an appearance.
Q&A: Julia Courter talks Hamline men's tennis turnaround, coaching three teams
The Minnesota Daily sat down with Julia Courter of Hamline tennis. Courter, a Gophers alumna, now coaches men's and women's tennis at Hamline. She also coaches Mahtomedi girls' tennis. Courter finished her collegiate career 81-42 in singles play, a mark that ranks 10th in the program's history. What made you decide to get into coaching so soon out of your tennis career? I studied sports management and did my masters my last year playing tennis at the U of M.
UMN partnership looks to beer and nuts to preserve the rainforest
After nearly 20 years of researching the Ramón nut, Dave Wilsey had an idea: use the protein-rich Central American seed to brew beer. He contacted Urban Growler Brewing Co. in St. Paul to set up a partnership last year. Now with a grant from the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment’s mini-grant program, the brewers and conservationists hope the brand-new brew will raise awareness about rainforest conservation efforts.
UMN student organization provides a hands-on approach to composting
A University of Minnesota student organization put on a large-scale trash audit on campus Thursday, sorting through 780 pounds of waste. Minnesota Public Interest Research Group poured trash from the Coffman Memorial food court onto the ground at Williamson Hall's Plaza, in coordination with Earth Day. The organization redistributed compostable and recyclable waste to educate students about recycling different materials and the University’s zero waste goals.
Twins in blogging, Instagram and zero waste living
Twin sisters Geevie and Sophia Wood are both students at the University of Minnesota. Although they have followed zero waste lifestyles for about a year, the two have always aspired to live sustainably. “When we were little, we used to take a little wagon around the block and pick up garbage,” said Geevie Wood, a sophomore studying interior design. “We just thought it was fun.
Mehvish Safdar remains strong suit in doubles
It seems as though every tennis player has their own unique game. Senior Mehvish Safdar does not normally play in the singles portion of the dual, but she is considered one of the top doubles players on the team and has played in the No. 1 position for the Gophers all year long. Sadfar said she is comfortable playing doubles because she had been working on it prior to college.
Gigi Berry's Cherry Moon Press, which makes Prince-themed pins, turns one-year-old
One year ago this Wednesday, Gigi Berry officially made her hobby an “actual thing.” The hobby? Pin collecting. The actual thing that came out of it? Cherry Moon Press — a local Prince-themed enamel pin company. Today, Berry will celebrate Cherry Moon Press’s one-year anniversary with a collaboration and special edition Record Store Day pin release party at the Electric Fetus. The fans, of course, will flock. Right now, Berry owns two pin companies — Cherry Moon and newer venture The Minnesota Pins.
Student-athletes set goals for law enforcement group
A class at the University of Minnesota brought together two student-athletes, sparking an unlikely passion and leading to the creation of a new student-led organization. The group, called Future Law Enforcement Leaders of America, was created in March and aims to establish connections between law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels with students at the University.
Crisp & Green set to open in Dinkytown
Crisp & Green, a casual restaurant that sells nutritious food, will replace the space that was once home to Espresso Royale in Dinkytown. Construction will begin sometime this week, according to a press release. The restaurant is expected to open this summer before the 2018-19 school year.
Alex Boxwell recovers from wrist problem, remains consistent on defense
Outfielder Alex Boxwell's senior season was getting off to a good start. He had a .357 average through the first eight games, with seven RBI for Minnesota. In that eighth game against North Dakota State, Boxwell ran down a shallow fly ball hit to center field and made a diving play. He recorded the out, but hurt his wrist in the process and exited the game. "It's been a bit of an adjustment coming back from the wrist injury," Boxwell said.
University of Minnesota professors use their free time to write free textbooks
Over the past few years, several University of Minnesota faculty members have spent hundreds of hours creating free online textbooks for their classes in lieu of traditional print ones. The free textbooks, which have been used by students in Minnesota and around the world, are written by professors compassionate about students who may face financial barriers. “When I was graduate student, I had to buy a book for basically $200 and then use it for one semester and then [never use it again].
Five UMN regent candidates under consideration by the Legislature
State lawmakers are looking to elect a new member to the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents before the end of the legislative session. Lawmakers must elect a candidate to replace Regent Patricia Simmons — who announced her resignation last month — before the Legislature adjourns on May 21. If the Legislature doesn't choose a replacement, DFL Gov. Mark Dayton will temporarily appoint a regent until legislators can do so next session. Rep.
Meet the contenders for UMN's 2018 Battle of the Bands
On Friday, after four rounds of preliminary battles that took place throughout spring semester, five bands will compete to perform at Saturday’s Spring Jam. A&E spoke with each group still competing in Battle of the Bands — here’s a glimpse of what the showdown has to offer. Last Import describes themselves as “a surf-punk-alternative indie group,” according to lead vocalist and guitarist Emily Bjorke.
The Tower prepares to launch with its biggest edition yet
The Tower art and literary magazine has been publishing works created by University of Minnesota students since 2006 and debuts its 2018 edition Thursday at the Weisman Art Museum. Jayme Oberman, a nonfiction editor and managing editor for the magazine, said narrowing down the submissions was no easy task. With 630 submissions to review this year, Oberman said there were crucial elements they looked for in each work.
After several stops, Sydney Smith finds 'good fit' with Minnesota
University of Minnesota pitcher Sydney Smith is well-traveled with trips abroad and across the country. Smith just recorded her third victory with the Gophers in the series finale Sunday over Iowa, clinching a sweep for the weekend. For Smith, it was a long journey to find herself pitching for Minnesota. "Once I came on a visit to Minnesota, I realized that [it's] the best place for me," Smith said.
Sabrine Garrison closes out collegiate career; looks for medical schools
Gophers senior Sabrine Garrison will play in her last Big Ten Championship this weekend. In her head coach's words, Garrison is the epitome of what a student-athlete represents. Garrison has flourished in both realms — school and sports — in her college career. “She is what a student-athlete is all about,” head coach Michele Redman said. “She does everything really well in the classroom. She does everything I ask her to do and not only that.
Lexy Ramler heads to NCAA Championships as lone Minnesota qualifier
Freshman Lexy Ramler was anxious heading into her first NCAA Regionals on April 7. "When I get nervous, you have to breathe through it and focus in on what you need to do," Ramler said. Her nerves, however, didn't get in the way of her performance. She qualified for the NCAA championships in the regionals for the all-around, as the only Minnesota gymnast to qualify this season. The freshman heads to St. Louis this weekend after earning a score of 39.500 in the all-around at the Minneapolis regional.
Korean fried chicken restaurant coming to Dinkytown
A new Korean fried chicken restaurant is moving into the heart of Dinkytown this summer, taking over the previous location of Vescio’s Italian Restaurant. Bonchon is an international Korean fried chicken and Asian fusion restaurant that is opening two stores in Minneapolis in late summer: one in Dinkytown and another in Uptown. Marshall Nguyen is the real estate adviser for Sam Zheng, owner of the Dinkytown Bonchon and several other restaurants in the region.
First-gen students and faculty connect over waffles and advice
Over plates stacked with warm waffles, a panel of University of Minnesota faculty and staff members recalled their experiences as first-generation college students Tuesday evening. A group of around 20 students attended the First-Generation Panel and Waffle Bar in Bruininks Hall, an event encouraging discussion and advice-sharing between faculty, staff and students with similar backgrounds.
New Prospect Park housing projects bring questions from residents
As Prospect Park approves new large-scale housing projects, some residents are concerned about a lack of consideration by the neighborhood association. Prospect Park Association has approved new housing projects like Prospect Park Properties’ Green on Fourth, Vermilion Development’s Arts and Architecture Building and Aeon’s new affordable housing unit in past years. The neighborhood has received some backlash from residents, who believe the rapid development could have unintended consequences.
UMN student government campaign partners with Gophers football
The giant screen at TCF Bank Stadium flashed footage of University of Minnesota students, athletes and coaches sharing their thoughts on campus sexual misconduct as hundreds of fans looked on Thursday night. The video was featured at the April 12 spring Gophers football game as part of the It Ends Here campaign, which was launched by the Minnesota Student Association on Tuesday.
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