It's my favorite time of year at UCCS

Spring is absolutely my favorite time of year at UCCS. And, I'm not talking about the cold, icy wet Spring that comes and goes as it pleases here in Colorado, but the warm sunny days with cool breezes and cold nights. When the weather finally begins to turn as it is now, everything bursts to life. This is especially true at UCCS.

This time of year, the UCCS landscape blossoms with green grass, beautiful flowers and lots of lively activities. The first in a series of events that will be occurring on campus this spring is happening this Sunday, April 15th on the West Lawn: Family Day. This event meets the unique needs of nontraditional students. It has always been great fun. I hope to see you there!

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BTW I am in love with the West Lawn.

Here is what it looked like when I first came to UCCS as an undergraduate:

And here it is in all it's beauty today:

It really is one of the best features of the UCCS campus. And, when I was an undergrad in English, it was one of my favorite spots to enjoy the warm spring weather and a good novel.

HR07 Update

The resolution passed in the House today with an 8-4 vote and 1 abstention. It was passed with the verbal, yet unwritten understanding that additional work is needed to recognize all other cultural and ethnic heritage months.

As it is not legally required by this resolution or any other guiding document and as good intentions are often forgotten over time, I suggested to Steve Collier, author of HR07 and President-Elect, that efforts be taken before the end of this semester to recognize all other cultural and ethnic heritage months.

If we don't want SGA to appear inconsistent and unfair, it is necessary to pass a resolution that lists all the cultural and ethnic heritage months.

Is Selective Recognition Discriminatory?

Below is a copy of a last minute resolution that was added to the April 6th UCCS SGA House of Representatives Agenda. This document is titled "SGA Formal Recognition of National Arab American Heritage Month." If approved, it has the Legislative Council declaring April 2012 as Arab American Heritage Month and officially recognizing the contribution of Arab American students, staff and faculty. While I believe that Arab Americans are more than worthy of such a month and of such recognition, I have a few problems with this resolution.

Take a read, then I'll fill you in. 

HR07 Arab American Month

Problem #1: It's superficial.

The first "WHEREAS" clearly states that "The University of Colorado Colorado Springs recognizes April as National Arab American Heritage Month." Additionally, the UCCS SGA Constitution Preamble reads "We, the students of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS), according to the authority granted by the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado and the Office of the Chancellor of UCCS, in order to give the students an effective voice in the shared governance of the campus, to provide the students an enriching and fulfilling university experience and to promote the general welfare of the student body, do ordain and establish this constitution of the Student Government Association (SGA). We do so in accordance with the Student Bill of Rights, the Laws and Policies of the Regents of the University of Colorado and the Constitutions of the State of Colorado and the United States of America."

If the University has already declared and recognized April as National Arab American Heritage Month, the SGA, by the laws of their own Constitution, also recognizes April as National Arab American Heritage Month. This is yet another superficial document.

Problem #2: It's limiting

It limits the recognition to contributions in "science, academics, education, business and social justice." Although this does include a wide spectrum, it does exclude a large amount of the Arab American population at UCCS.

Problem #3: It could be considered discriminatory.

Below is a list of all the national history and heritage months I could find. There are 15, yet this is the only such resolution, recognizing a specific heritage and population, presented this academic year. As a result, passing such a resolution could call into question SGA's viewpoint neutrality and could be considered discriminatory by members of other populations at UCCS.

February:
African-American History Month

March:
Greek-American Heritage Month
Irish-American Heritage Month
Women's History Month

April:
Arab-American Heritage Month
Tartan (Scottish-American) Heritage Month

May:
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Haitian Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month

July:
French-American Heritage Month

September:
German-American Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month

October:
Filipino American History Month
Italian-American Heritage Month

November:
American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month

I appreciate the effort by the author and sponsors of this resolution. However, when leading a large and diverse population, we need a dynamic viewpoint, a complete understanding of the laws that guide us and an overwhelming respect for grammar, syntax and the definitions

Reason #101 Why I Appreciate Our Chancellor

Okay, so the number is arbitrary, but the sentiment is true.

Last night, I spoke to Chancellor Shockley-Zalabak about the proposed "Long Bill" and the reduction in proposed cuts to higher education. I asked her what the passage of this "Long Bill" (as is) would mean for next year's proposed tuition increases. She told me that if the bill is approved as is that she would use that money that wasn't expected to be in the budget towards decreasing next year's tuition increase. She was very adamant that she wants to keep tuition increases as low as possible. Right now, we are sitting at a proposed tuition increase of 7%; however, if this "Long Bill" is approved (as is), she believes she might be able to lower it by a whole percentage point.

This good news for all of us in the CU system and for higher education institutions across the state.

The "Long Bill" is being heard in the House tomorrow. Check back soon for more updates.

Colorado Springs is smart!

The recently revealed new logo for Colorado Springs.

According to Good Magazine, the Lumina Foundation recently crunched the numbers to find out which cities in the United States have the most educated populations.

Colorado Springs measured up at #16! WTG!

"What's the Most Highly Educated City in America?" Good Magazine.

Post Spring Break: CO Budget Update

The CU flag flies outside the Colorado State Capitol building during the 2012 University of Colorado Advocacy Day in the Colorado State Capitol building. (Photo by Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado) 

Welcome back! I hope you had a great Spring Break. As you may have noticed, I took the week off from blogging to catch up on all those chores and fun times I've been putting off since January. Now, it's time to refocus and end the semester strong. 

Over Spring Break, some great news came out about the Colorado budget. More specifically, the cuts to higher education. The original proposed cuts to higher education funding was close to $30 million which would have meant $11.8 million in cuts to CU. Last week, the budget commission finalized the "Long Bill" with a proposed cut of only $6-7 million in higher education funding (CU Advocates reports $7 million in cuts while CBS Denver reports just under $6 million in cuts). This means a much lower cut for CU, $4.6 million. While it would be better to receive no cuts, the proposed "Long Bill" shows that Colorado is making some progress in coming out of the recession. For the first time in many years, the bill proposes no cuts to K-12 education funding. 

The "Long Bill" goes before the House on April 4th. Hopefully, if passed as is (or with even lower cuts to higher ed), we may finally see some relief in tuition increases. Either way, I'll be here keeping you informed.

Springs Nightlife

Earlier this week, I told you how to Avoid a Busted Spring Break, but only included daytime activities. Although a midnight hike would be beautiful, I wouldn't recommend it since this is wake up time for all those hibernating animals. Instead, check out one or more of my favorite nightlife spots below. 

Clubs & Bars:

The Mansion - This one comes first because it is  my absolute favorite club in town. There is a bar in nearly every corner of this club, so there are no long lines for drinks. They have a large dance floor on the main floor with a DJ that plays today's popular music, and upstairs, they have a Disco Room featuring music from the 70s, 80s and 90s (complete with light up dance floor) and a Karaoke Bar with a huge selection of music. Thursdays are Ladies Nights with Free Cover and Free Drinks from 10-12. If you have the cash to spend, or can pool some money together with your friends, I recommend bottle service which is 1/2 price on Thursdays. Beware they have standards, so dress to impress. 21 and Up only. 

Meadow Muffins - This bar in Old Colorado City has great music, karaoke, drinks and food. It is a more relaxed atmosphere and great for those nights that you want to hang with your friends and avoid the creepers at the club. They also have some regular unique events. 

Red Martini - This bar has a much more formal atmosphere, but has the best drink in town, the Berries N Cream Martini. It's $12, but worth it. I am not ashamed to admit that I often find myself cleaning the glass with my finger. Stop by for the drink, relax a bit then move on. Dress to impress. 21 and Up. 

Ritz Bar & Grill - You might have stopped by here for lunch or dinner during the day, but did you know that it turns into an extremely packed club at night? Be prepared because with all those bodies, it gets hot, hot, hot. 21 and Up. 

Honorable Mentions:

Blondies

The Thirsty Parrot Bar & Grill

The Black Sheep

Cowboys Night Club

Late Night Munchies:

Pita Pit - I don't know why, but it never tastes as good during the day as it does at 2:30 in the morning. 

King Chefs Diner - Named Tastiest Breakfast in Colorado by Food Network magazine. Great prices and everything comes large, so bring your friends and split. (Extra clean plates are $3). If you are really adventurous, try the full size "Thing" or the 5lb. "New Mexico Stomper." 

Don't Drink and Drive: Plan accordingly.

Designated Driver of Colorado Springs - Call ahead, visit one of their sponsors and they will drive you and your car home. Free service, but tips highly encouraged as this is a volunteer service.

Yellow Cab of Colorado Springs - Even though the number is super simple to remember, program it in your phone and plan ahead to save money for the ride. (719)777-7777

Have fun & drink responsibly!