I still remember the confusion, anger, and frustration I felt the first week of school when I tried to watch "Evolution of Dance" on YouTube, only to find it was blocked by the BYU Network. Outrage seeped through me even more, when I tried to log on to MySpace, and realized that, also, had been unfairly taken away from me. What was going on with this school? After cooling off from those first terrible experiences, I started to think about why they were blocked, and slowly came to the realization that maybe BYU knew what they were doing. I remember back home, I would spend mindless hours on YouTube watching monkeys throwing their own feces, and people popping zits in mirrors. Is this a valuable way to spend your time at college? This also applies to MySpace; the amount of time lost on this site can be significant. Now, the question still remains, should MySpace and YouTube be unblocked? Are we mature enough to be able to choose which websites we would like to spend our time on, and strong enough to resist the temptations of those websites?
When thinking of YouTube, one might think of funny accidents, amazing feats, or disgusting videos. What people usually fail to think of is the time wasted watching these videos. Even watching only ten minutes a day will add up to over an hour of watching these videos in one week. That is being conservative; usually a YouTube session will go longer than ten minutes. Your time here at college is precious, and far too important to be spending time on this mind-numbing activity. Putting this into perspective, here is a quote by President Spencer W. Kimball:
“Jesus also taught us how important it is to use our time wisely. This does not mean there can never be any leisure, for there must be time for contemplation and for renewal, but there must be no waste of time. How we manage time matters so very much, and we can be good managers of time without being frantic or officious. Time cannot be recycled. When a moment has gone, it is really gone. Wise time management is really the wise management of ourselves.”
MySpace also applies to this quote, we all know hours can be lost on this site, and also bad habits can be formed, which brings up my next point. We, or at least I, have been warned by our Stake Presidents and Bishops to delete our MySpace accounts. The reason for this warning is due largely to the rabid plague of pornography that is sweeping through our youth. We have been warned countless times about this filthy addiction, especially by our beloved Prophet, the late Gordon B. Hinckley. Here is a quote from him on the matter:
“Pornography is like a raging storm, destroying individuals and families, utterly ruining what was once wholesome and beautiful… We do not have to sit at the computer and play with pornographic material found on the Internet.”
YouTube and MySpace are both sanctuaries for pornographic material, and BYU is heeding the Prophet’s warning by keeping these sites off limits to students. Some students might be under the impression that they are being treated like children. After all, college students should make their own decisions in regards to the websites they visit, right? Does BYU not trust us enough to let us surf the web at our leisure? Let me answer with a quote from a High Priest from my old ward: “We trust you. It’s the people on the other side who we can’t trust.”
This relates to pornography, and also to the evil men who track young girls through this website. I have heard of more than one instance where older men have been able to find out more about a young girl then they ever thought was possible.
Are we, as college students, not in danger of the risks of these websites? Do we have enough willpower, and resolve to avoid the pitfalls and addictions these websites may cause? As quoted earlier, we can be trusted, but it’s the people on the other side who can’t be. BYU is doing the right thing by keeping these websites blocked, and students should observe the Prophet’s words as well. I know it can be a pain not being able to see kids flying off trampolines, or a college kid stapling a paper to his forehead, but hey, worse things have happened right?
Showing posts with label OE Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OE Draft. Show all posts
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Greek Life
Undergraduate Greeks (students in fraternities and sororities) perform more than 850,000 hours of community service and raise approximately seven million dollars for charities each year. People too often make unfair judgments from stereotypes that fraternity brothers are beer guzzling jocks and sorority sisters are superficial snobs. What better place than Brigham Young University to prove that those negative aspects do not have to be incorporated into Greek life? Fraternities and sororities create bonds and ties that last long after graduation. Greek life promotes service, high expectations, school involvement, leadership, and future professional connections. As director of fraternity and sorority affairs of University of Rochester, Monica Smalls explains,"It's about choices. Some fraternities and sororities - some people - make the right choices, and some make choices they will regret later on." Let the BYU students make a choice to go Greek and create lasting bonds while enhancing their college experience.
Brigham Young University is a prestigious school in which the majority of students continually strive to be the best of the best. Fraternities and sororities give students more opportunities to do this. Greek life provides leadership positions within each chapter and many members also hold leadership positions on campus. Positions such as president and treasurer look impressive on resumes and they set you apart from the other students. All but two presidents of the United States since 1825 (when fraternities and sororities were first established) have been members of fraternities. Their commitment to Greek life by maintaining high GPA’s and holding difficult and demanding leadership positions has helped these men achieve the unimaginable. Students involved in Greek life can also be involved in other clubs that interest them and are encouraged to. However, they will not gain the same connections and will not benefit as much by only being involved in clubs provided at BYU. Fraternities and sororities have members interested in different majors and involved in different clubs which builds students’ networks and provides countless opportunities in countless fields. The doors that will be opened to students in fraternities and sororities will help them exceed in college and later in a profession. Greek life also provides many service opportunities for its members. Brigham Young University puts emphasis on serving and sororities and fraternities would increase opportunities which also help students succeed. Members of sororities and fraternities will benefit from doing service and the majority graduated Greek life students continue to serve others even after college.
Fraternities and sororities have the stereotype of being organizations that promote drinking and immoral behavior. However, cheerleaders have a similar stereotype.. Does this mean that Brigham Young University shouldn’t have cheerleaders? No, because BYU is a school based on morals and standards that carry into all clubs and organizations at this school. This too would be true with fraternities and sororities. The students who choose to come to BYU know that they must sign the honor code and abide by it. It comes down to individuals and their choice whether to obey those rules or not. Whether a Greek life exists at BYU or not, some students will break the rules and others will follow them. Having fraternities and sororities will not increase misconduct on campus. Instead we can look at this organization as being a support group that encourages each member to abide by the honor code. Having a “family” of close friends constantly being exemplars of righteous people will make it hard for students to go of the strait and narrow path. The backbone of these organizations will still be high standards while also promoting beneficial functions such as service projects and mixers. BYU is a place where students from around the world strive to be the best. We need to give the students a chance to prove that having Greek life (where everyone doubts the students’ ability to uphold high standards) will be beneficial to Brigham Young University.
Students leave their families, friends, home, and everything they are familiar with to go to college. The transition can be extremely difficult and lonely, but fraternities and sororities can make it much easier. During rush week, students become familiar will all of the different fraternities and sororities and what the members are like and what they focus their charity and service hours on. Students can see which organization they would best fit into and most relate to. Brigham Young University provides Freshman Academy that gives students a sense of security and the same students in their classes that they can study with and become friends with. However, because sororities and fraternities focus on having individuals with many similarities, each house often acts as a family. Freshman Academy is good for study groups and class purposes but strong ties and relationships are not typically formed from it. Greek life creates a home away from home. Students love being around their “brothers” and “sisters” and create lasting bonds with them. Strong friendships make college easier and a lot more enjoyable. Creating strong relationships is an important aspect of life that Greek life provides. This organization also helps students mingle. Students are encouraged to participate in intramural sports and attend school functions. Sororities and fraternities also have mixers and fun events that give students the opportunity to have fun and meet members of other “houses.” Relieving stress from college and giving students opportunities to love their social lives is important. Greek life gives students the social life they need with the friends they have always wanted while still pushing for excellence.
Despite the stereotype of Greek life, fraternities and sororities enhance the college experience for students. They push students to achieve more and participate in service. Students are expected and required to maintain good grades while holding leadership positions that will help them grow. Fraternities and sororities create special friendships that last and give students a home away from home. Greek life will provide students with connections that will benefit them and their families long after college. Brigham Young University is the perfect school to show the world that the honor code can too be upheld in Greek life and that the students will contain to be the best of the best.
Brigham Young University is a prestigious school in which the majority of students continually strive to be the best of the best. Fraternities and sororities give students more opportunities to do this. Greek life provides leadership positions within each chapter and many members also hold leadership positions on campus. Positions such as president and treasurer look impressive on resumes and they set you apart from the other students. All but two presidents of the United States since 1825 (when fraternities and sororities were first established) have been members of fraternities. Their commitment to Greek life by maintaining high GPA’s and holding difficult and demanding leadership positions has helped these men achieve the unimaginable. Students involved in Greek life can also be involved in other clubs that interest them and are encouraged to. However, they will not gain the same connections and will not benefit as much by only being involved in clubs provided at BYU. Fraternities and sororities have members interested in different majors and involved in different clubs which builds students’ networks and provides countless opportunities in countless fields. The doors that will be opened to students in fraternities and sororities will help them exceed in college and later in a profession. Greek life also provides many service opportunities for its members. Brigham Young University puts emphasis on serving and sororities and fraternities would increase opportunities which also help students succeed. Members of sororities and fraternities will benefit from doing service and the majority graduated Greek life students continue to serve others even after college.
Fraternities and sororities have the stereotype of being organizations that promote drinking and immoral behavior. However, cheerleaders have a similar stereotype.. Does this mean that Brigham Young University shouldn’t have cheerleaders? No, because BYU is a school based on morals and standards that carry into all clubs and organizations at this school. This too would be true with fraternities and sororities. The students who choose to come to BYU know that they must sign the honor code and abide by it. It comes down to individuals and their choice whether to obey those rules or not. Whether a Greek life exists at BYU or not, some students will break the rules and others will follow them. Having fraternities and sororities will not increase misconduct on campus. Instead we can look at this organization as being a support group that encourages each member to abide by the honor code. Having a “family” of close friends constantly being exemplars of righteous people will make it hard for students to go of the strait and narrow path. The backbone of these organizations will still be high standards while also promoting beneficial functions such as service projects and mixers. BYU is a place where students from around the world strive to be the best. We need to give the students a chance to prove that having Greek life (where everyone doubts the students’ ability to uphold high standards) will be beneficial to Brigham Young University.
Students leave their families, friends, home, and everything they are familiar with to go to college. The transition can be extremely difficult and lonely, but fraternities and sororities can make it much easier. During rush week, students become familiar will all of the different fraternities and sororities and what the members are like and what they focus their charity and service hours on. Students can see which organization they would best fit into and most relate to. Brigham Young University provides Freshman Academy that gives students a sense of security and the same students in their classes that they can study with and become friends with. However, because sororities and fraternities focus on having individuals with many similarities, each house often acts as a family. Freshman Academy is good for study groups and class purposes but strong ties and relationships are not typically formed from it. Greek life creates a home away from home. Students love being around their “brothers” and “sisters” and create lasting bonds with them. Strong friendships make college easier and a lot more enjoyable. Creating strong relationships is an important aspect of life that Greek life provides. This organization also helps students mingle. Students are encouraged to participate in intramural sports and attend school functions. Sororities and fraternities also have mixers and fun events that give students the opportunity to have fun and meet members of other “houses.” Relieving stress from college and giving students opportunities to love their social lives is important. Greek life gives students the social life they need with the friends they have always wanted while still pushing for excellence.
Despite the stereotype of Greek life, fraternities and sororities enhance the college experience for students. They push students to achieve more and participate in service. Students are expected and required to maintain good grades while holding leadership positions that will help them grow. Fraternities and sororities create special friendships that last and give students a home away from home. Greek life will provide students with connections that will benefit them and their families long after college. Brigham Young University is the perfect school to show the world that the honor code can too be upheld in Greek life and that the students will contain to be the best of the best.
Black Gold for Black Hearts
Picture in your mind your most prized possession. Now imagine your mother sneaking into your bedroom in the middle of the night, snatching it and taking it apart, saying, "We can put this to better use." In essence this is what the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is trying to do to nature-loving Utahans and Americans alike. Without the full consent of the National Park Service, they sold leases to several oil companies to start drilling as close as four miles from our beloved Delicate Arch. There are thousands of acres of land that have been leased surrounding various other national parks as well. This could mean severe air and water pollution, marred landscapes, disrupted peace and tranquility, as well as possible collapsing of these irreplaceable wonders of the world.
I myself am an avid visitor of Arches National Park. It is one of my favorite places in the entire world because you can go there and forget about all your worldly cares and just reflect on all the miracles that God has blessed us with. There is nothing like it in the world. Within a few square miles you can reach tens of nature-made arches and bridges of red rock, surrounded by enormous sandstone walls shooting up on either side of you. You can be hiking between these giant fins of rock with your shoes off in the cool sand when suddenly an arch will appear out of nowhere on your right, the result of thousands of years of erosion. It is truly majestic. Now imagine you are sitting underneath one of these towering creations, a slight breeze blowing in your face, trying to ponder one of life’s deepest mysteries and¬¬ bzzzzzzz! Ching! Ching! Ching! Bzzzzzz! According to Franklin Seal of Wildland CPR, "If you're standing at Delicate Arch, like thousands of people do every year, and you're looking through the arch, you could see drill pads on the hillside behind it.” Not quite so majestic anymore.
Supporters of the leases might say that Utah needs the extra economic boost. But how much of a boost will it actually give us? According to a recent analysis of Utah oil and gas production, leasing, and future resources, “Utah's known petroleum reserves have been estimated at little more than 1 percent of those in the entire United States. Its natural gas reserves are estimated at 2.5 percent of the country's. Cast another way, ‘the total amount of oil and gas in or near the existing areas of large-scale production is estimated at 912 MMBO and 10.68 TCF respectively -- enough oil to supply the country for less than seven weeks and enough natural gas to supply the country for about five and a half months.’” Another point to consider is whether or not Utah will actually see all that oil that we are hauling out. Kurt Repanshek of the National Parks Traveler brings up a good point. He said, “After all, just because oil and natural gas come out of the U.S. reserves doesn't necessarily mean it will be consumed within this country.” Also all revenues are shared equally between the federal government and the State of Utah. So is it worth it to drill in for only a minute percentage of the country’s oil reserves when it might not even be consumed within the United States? Maybe we aren’t as directly affected as the BLM wants us to think.
To the supporters’ credit, “according to a report by the Utah Energy Office, the drilling of a typical well in the Uintah Basin adds approximately 15 jobs and $360,000 in additional personal income.” Although this may be true, there is a risk. This is all dependent on whether or not we can sustain these jobs by future development. Also there are a myriad of costly tests that the land would have to undergo before we even know whether or not it can be capitalized on. So what happens if we spend the money to administer all these tests and we find that all that land isn’t drillable?
I also recently heard the argument that the profit that we receive from tourism alone doesn’t quite suffice. But that doesn’t automatically mean that we should jump to conclusions and think that our only other option is to start ripping up the land in a mad rush to find black gold! There are other options. What about better advertising our parks? We have more of them than in almost any other state. And how often do you see a commercial on TV advertising the beautiful vistas and magnificent landmarks that are unique to our beloved state? I lots of people that would love to explore the secrets that these parks have to offer, but they may not have known that they even exist. Or if they did know, they just didn’t realize what was in store. I bet if we invested a little more time and planning into our parks, we could see an increase in revenue from tourism. We could offer incentives for the family to come and visit. I have had many bonding experiences with my family on trips to Arches that I don’t think I could’ve had any other place. There is a certain appreciation for the sacredness of nature that is felt there, but would be ruined if the land was scarred by these oil wells.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) said that they would “provide administrative protection for these natural areas” and that they would work closely with the National Parks Service when it comes to selling oil and gas leases near the borders of national parks, but they went ahead and announced on Election Day that they would sell leases on more than 360,000 acres around several Utah national parks. And what’s worse, they didn’t even consult with the National Parks Service before announcing it. When asked why the Parks Service wasn’t allowed to defer the parcels, the BLM staffers kept silent. In my opinion, this is a breach on our rights as Americans. These arches are a symbol of the American dream. Settlers walked across the Great Plains looking for something better. They found more than that. America is a special land, and we need to do all we can to preserve it. Government’s role is to protect what we hold most dear, not to take it away from us. Let’s not allow greed and love of money to lead to something that we cannot take back and that we will regret.
So what can you do about it? In 2007 was proposed the America's Red Rock Wilderness Act, which would permanently protect these natural wonders. You can look up more about it, and find out how you can support it. Here’s one way: go to http://www.savebiogems.org/redrock/ and send a letter to the government to let them know that you care. Or you can write your own feelings directly to the BLM at http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/feedback.html. Let your voice be heard. That’s what America is all about.
I myself am an avid visitor of Arches National Park. It is one of my favorite places in the entire world because you can go there and forget about all your worldly cares and just reflect on all the miracles that God has blessed us with. There is nothing like it in the world. Within a few square miles you can reach tens of nature-made arches and bridges of red rock, surrounded by enormous sandstone walls shooting up on either side of you. You can be hiking between these giant fins of rock with your shoes off in the cool sand when suddenly an arch will appear out of nowhere on your right, the result of thousands of years of erosion. It is truly majestic. Now imagine you are sitting underneath one of these towering creations, a slight breeze blowing in your face, trying to ponder one of life’s deepest mysteries and¬¬ bzzzzzzz! Ching! Ching! Ching! Bzzzzzz! According to Franklin Seal of Wildland CPR, "If you're standing at Delicate Arch, like thousands of people do every year, and you're looking through the arch, you could see drill pads on the hillside behind it.” Not quite so majestic anymore.
Supporters of the leases might say that Utah needs the extra economic boost. But how much of a boost will it actually give us? According to a recent analysis of Utah oil and gas production, leasing, and future resources, “Utah's known petroleum reserves have been estimated at little more than 1 percent of those in the entire United States. Its natural gas reserves are estimated at 2.5 percent of the country's. Cast another way, ‘the total amount of oil and gas in or near the existing areas of large-scale production is estimated at 912 MMBO and 10.68 TCF respectively -- enough oil to supply the country for less than seven weeks and enough natural gas to supply the country for about five and a half months.’” Another point to consider is whether or not Utah will actually see all that oil that we are hauling out. Kurt Repanshek of the National Parks Traveler brings up a good point. He said, “After all, just because oil and natural gas come out of the U.S. reserves doesn't necessarily mean it will be consumed within this country.” Also all revenues are shared equally between the federal government and the State of Utah. So is it worth it to drill in for only a minute percentage of the country’s oil reserves when it might not even be consumed within the United States? Maybe we aren’t as directly affected as the BLM wants us to think.
To the supporters’ credit, “according to a report by the Utah Energy Office, the drilling of a typical well in the Uintah Basin adds approximately 15 jobs and $360,000 in additional personal income.” Although this may be true, there is a risk. This is all dependent on whether or not we can sustain these jobs by future development. Also there are a myriad of costly tests that the land would have to undergo before we even know whether or not it can be capitalized on. So what happens if we spend the money to administer all these tests and we find that all that land isn’t drillable?
I also recently heard the argument that the profit that we receive from tourism alone doesn’t quite suffice. But that doesn’t automatically mean that we should jump to conclusions and think that our only other option is to start ripping up the land in a mad rush to find black gold! There are other options. What about better advertising our parks? We have more of them than in almost any other state. And how often do you see a commercial on TV advertising the beautiful vistas and magnificent landmarks that are unique to our beloved state? I lots of people that would love to explore the secrets that these parks have to offer, but they may not have known that they even exist. Or if they did know, they just didn’t realize what was in store. I bet if we invested a little more time and planning into our parks, we could see an increase in revenue from tourism. We could offer incentives for the family to come and visit. I have had many bonding experiences with my family on trips to Arches that I don’t think I could’ve had any other place. There is a certain appreciation for the sacredness of nature that is felt there, but would be ruined if the land was scarred by these oil wells.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) said that they would “provide administrative protection for these natural areas” and that they would work closely with the National Parks Service when it comes to selling oil and gas leases near the borders of national parks, but they went ahead and announced on Election Day that they would sell leases on more than 360,000 acres around several Utah national parks. And what’s worse, they didn’t even consult with the National Parks Service before announcing it. When asked why the Parks Service wasn’t allowed to defer the parcels, the BLM staffers kept silent. In my opinion, this is a breach on our rights as Americans. These arches are a symbol of the American dream. Settlers walked across the Great Plains looking for something better. They found more than that. America is a special land, and we need to do all we can to preserve it. Government’s role is to protect what we hold most dear, not to take it away from us. Let’s not allow greed and love of money to lead to something that we cannot take back and that we will regret.
So what can you do about it? In 2007 was proposed the America's Red Rock Wilderness Act, which would permanently protect these natural wonders. You can look up more about it, and find out how you can support it. Here’s one way: go to http://www.savebiogems.org/redrock/ and send a letter to the government to let them know that you care. Or you can write your own feelings directly to the BLM at http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/feedback.html. Let your voice be heard. That’s what America is all about.
Does the Spirit Really Go to Sleep at Midnight?
“The Spirit goes to sleep at midnight.” I’ve heard this proverbial phrase time and time again—especially since coming to BYU. In all actuality, I don’t think that anything that happens past 12:00 is particularly wicked or entirely immoral merely because it occurs after midnight. However, we have all promised to obey the visiting hours outlined in the Honor Code and we need to stay true to that promise. Respecting living standards shows that we will honor and respect other aspects of our lives. By upholding the visiting hours we show that we have respect for ourselves, respect for others, and, most importantly, respect for our commitments.
From personal experience I can tell you that things get considerably louder when members of the opposite sex are around. I’m sure you can all relate to this. It is hard to get to sleep so that you are able to wake up for an early class with so much noise. I have often taken comfort in knowing that boys will be out of my apartment at eleven and out of the lobby at twelve because I know it will be much quieter once these times hit. I know that because of the visiting hours, I am able to get to sleep at a decent time. If it were not for the visiting hours there would be no designated time for things to start quieting down. Who knows if they ever would. When people honor the set visiting hours they show that they are thinking about others instead of just themselves. The visiting hours foster as sense of respect for the other people you live with and their different schedules.
BYU goes to great lengths to ensure that its students have an opportunity to live in an environment conducive to their learning. The visiting hours are designed to aid in this effort. While it is true that visiting hours are not a bedtime or a curfew, they do gently guide students in a certain direction. This gentle nudge helps students get more sleep and have more time to study. Thus, honoring the living standards can help you achieve your academic goals. This shows that obeying visiting hours is a reflection of the respect you have for your long term desires: the respect you have for yourself.
Many people think that the visiting hours are too strict and that they place unnecessary restrictions on students; this is hardly the truth. In general, BYU trusts students to make the right decisions when it comes to obeying the living standards--especially in off-campus apartments. This trust should encourage a respect amongst students for honoring their commitments. Also, the visiting hours are not the be-all-end-all; people can be outside or in public places. In actuality the living standards are fairly lenient.
The Honor Code outlines the living standards for the Resident Halls as well as off-campus apartments. Helaman Halls does not allow members of the opposite sex in bedroom areas except on designated open house times; they allow members of the opposite sex in the lobbies from 8 a.m. to midnight on Monday through Thursday and until 1:30 a.m. on Friday. Heritage Halls allows members of the opposite sex in kitchen areas from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and in the lobbies from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday nights. Off-campus apartments allow members of the opposite-sex in apartments 9 a.m. to midnight and 1:30 a.m. on Fridays. These visiting hours allow ample time for socialization. They are not overly strict or completely overbearing.
As a resident of Heritage Halls, I often hear others complain about the rules. When eleven o’clock rolls around, many people don’t feel it is necessary to go into the lobby. They think that there is no difference between being in an apartment kitchen and being in a lobby because they would abide by the honor code no matter their location. However, obeying this simple rule shows that we have respect for honoring our word. We promised to obey the visiting hours and, if nothing else, respecting visiting hours shows that we will be true to what we have promised to do. It is an exercise and test of our obedience and integrity. Being responsible for checking the clock shows that you want to follow through with what you have said you would do. It shows that you are a person of honesty and truthfulness.
Perhaps the most important reason to honor the visiting hours is also the simplest one—we promised to adhere to the standards. When we signed up for housing, whether in the dorms or off-campus, we all knew what the visiting hours stated and we agreed upon those terms. Whether you agree with them or not, you gave your word to follow them. Keeping your word alone should be enough. Simple as that.
Obeying visiting hours shows that we have respect for ourselves, others, and for our commitments. The spirit may not exactly go to bed at midnight and we don’t have to either, but we do have a responsibility to follow through with what we have promised to do.
Draft 2
Brigham Young University is a unique college. It has always been different from any other campus nationwide. One of the main differences between BYU and other schools is the student invoked “Honor Code.” All students at the beginning of each year sign this document agreeing to uphold the standards of the church. As a result, students are trusted more and expected to maintain their integrity. However, when it comes to church attendance, the school has an actual role sheet that you must sign every week to prove you were there. If you miss too many sundays you can be suspended from the University. Although I and most students would agree that church attendance is important, I feel that receiving actual “credit” for church is a policy that sends the wrong message to those attending this college.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is something that we all must learn of and know for ourselves. Up until this point in our lives many members were forced to attend church with their families or just went because that was what they were supposed to do. At this time in our lives we all need to decide for ourselves. There should be no pressure to attend church because of a policy or the threat of being kicked out of school. If members don’t go to church it is their loss and they will endure the consequences. The whole idea of credit for church doesn’t seem logical. This is not a reform University. When a student is applying to this school the admissions department requires an ecclesiastical endorsement from each person’s bishop. If the bishop doesn’t feel that a particular person will do well and add to the environment of a religious campus the admissions department tosses the application out without even looking at the rest of it. Now it used to be that parents would make their kids go to BYU in order for them to meet good people and be surrounded by the gospel. Admissions were not as strict with the ecclesiastical endorsements and tried to work in students that maybe could be changed with this opportunity. Like I said earlier this is not the case anymore. The goal of this University is to get as many good latter-day-saint members as possible in the same place. That being said, credit for attending church seems almost absurd. Every single LDS member of the church wants to be here. There aren’t any more kids forced to attend. Why keep track of attendance when really church attendance is between each person and the Lord?
People often refer to BYU as the Lord’s University. I like to think that this is true. If it is I do not think that Christ would have a roll sheet that had to be signed in order to stay at the school. Students here love the gospel and they love the different atmosphere BYU offers. There is no need for attendance sheets to be passed around on Sundays. One particular problem that arises with this is that church becomes more of a burden than a choice and responsibility. It isn’t satisfying to me to be at church and then be handed a role sheet. I wish we as students of integrity could come to church because we want to and because we love the gospel of Jesus Christ. That would benefit the students. That would be more motivating than any attendance record could ever be. As college students it is nice to know that we are doing things that we want to do simply because we know they are right.
I understand that the administration wants to make sure that students go to church and that is why they enforce mandatory attendance. That is completely understandable and a good goal. However, a role sheet each and every week isn’t the way to go about it. As I have talked about earlier, something the school has been very good about recently is keeping kids out that don’t absolutely want to be here 100%. As I spoke with brother Skousen recently, the dean of admissions here at BYU he talked to me a little about the whole process. As I have also indicated earlier he told me the first thing they do is look at the ecclesiastical endorsement. If it doesn’t strongly recommend the potential student they toss the application. He told me that they don’t want this establishment to be a reform school where wayward kids are sent to be completely turned around. He told me that they would rather have a student less qualified academically attend this University than a more qualified non-active member of the church. I believe that this alone should give enough consolidation for the administrators to trust their students to attend their sunday meetings. After all, we did sign the honor code that stated we would keep the sabbath day holy and attend all our church meetings.
Receiving credit for church is not the way to get students to go to church. The students here are motivated and excited to be at this University. We have all signed an honor code agreeing to do what is right. This includes going to church on sundays. A circulating role sheet does not make students feel like they are doing what’s right they feel like they are doing what they are forced to do. One’s church attendance is not the schools problem, it’s between the student and their Heavenly Father.
Making a Difference with Trash
With seventy vending machines strategically scattered across the BYU campus, the Cougar Eat containing a plethora of bottled beverage choices, and of course having access to dirt cheap pallets of bottled water found at the nearest Wal-Mart, students at BYU generally do not have any difficulty finding, locating, and consuming a most likely delicious bottled drink of their choice. One might find this a positive thing. After all, we are supposed to keep hydrated. The problem with this picture, however, is that once that student is done drinking, the only place for the person to dispose of the bottle is in the trash. BYU needs to establish a recycling program that in addition to recycling paper, cardboard, and aluminum cans, also recycles plastic bottles. If effectively started, by bringing about awareness through advertising, providing easily accessible recycle bins, BYU can help benefit the environment, be an example to the community, as well as help introduce recycling to students so that they can make it a personal habit to continue even after graduating.
Why exactly is recycling so important? In our busy schedules we often wonder if our efforts can really make a difference. However small our own personal attempts of recycling are, on a large scale we see that recycling absolutely makes a difference. Picture an overflowing landfill. These produce and release harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses. When we recycle, we reduce the content found in those landfills and can thus reduce the amount of pollution. Also, by recycling we reduce the amount of raw materials needed to produce goods. This means we can preserve rainforests as well as reduce deforestation. Recycling also reduces the use of natural resources because recycling requires much less energy when producing materials. Moreover, Recycling is beneficial to the economy because it is less expensive to produce materials from recyclables and not raw materials. With a combined effort, we can obtain these benefits through recycling.
BYU can do its part to help the environment by establishing a more involved recycling program. With its current recycling program, BYU has recycle bins located in less than two places on average per building. Although this is a good start, there is room for improvement. One problem is that most students are not aware of where these recycle bins are located. With a better program, BYU could offer recycle bins on every floor of each building, and twice or more for highly congested or large buildings like the Wilkinson Center. With these added recycle bins, students will see and know where the recycle bins are located and be more likely to recycle. Students will not have to make a special trip to a recycle bin when they are located on every floor. BYU currently recycles paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles. However, recycling bins for plastic bottles are not found with every location of recycle bins. With a new recycling program, recycle bins for plastic bottles could be found at every location. This will make it so much easier for students wanting to recycle plastic bottles but who could never find them.
To receive the most benefits from a recycling program, students would be involved and participate. Together as a community, we can make the difference. To ensure the most participation, we should bring awareness about the new program. Advertising with recycling posters across campus is one way to bring about awareness. With bulletin boards in every building that students pass, low-cost posters advocating recycling could be easily distributed. An article in the Daily Universe could also bring knowledge about recycling to the many students who read it. Bringing a knowledge and awareness of recycling to the BYU campus will help remind students to recycle and can help introduce the idea of recycling to students who have no strong prior knowledge of it.
There would be many long lasting positive effects from enlisting a better recycling program on the BYU campus. One such effect would be the environmental benefits from recycling. With how large the BYU campus is and considering the many number of students, the items recycled would be a substantial amount. With the items recycled, BYU could do its part to help the environment. Also, BYU would be an example to other Universities and to Utah in general. In time, other Universities and communities in Utah could see the example set by BYU and hopefully espouse for a similar program. Perhaps most importantly would be the effect it would have on the individual student. If students were introduced to a successful recycling program, they would learn the benefits of recycling and be in a better habit of recycling. Students of BYU could incorporate recycling into their daily lives and continue to recycle even after graduating, and continue to make a difference in the world.
Although such a program would have financial costs, from purchasing recycle bins, and distributing posters, the benefits would be worthwhile. The benefits of this recycling program are not that far out of reach and with some effort, BYU can accomplish this goal. BYU could do its part to help the environment, be an example to others, as well as help its own students become habituated with recycling so that they can continue to recycle and make a difference.
Why exactly is recycling so important? In our busy schedules we often wonder if our efforts can really make a difference. However small our own personal attempts of recycling are, on a large scale we see that recycling absolutely makes a difference. Picture an overflowing landfill. These produce and release harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses. When we recycle, we reduce the content found in those landfills and can thus reduce the amount of pollution. Also, by recycling we reduce the amount of raw materials needed to produce goods. This means we can preserve rainforests as well as reduce deforestation. Recycling also reduces the use of natural resources because recycling requires much less energy when producing materials. Moreover, Recycling is beneficial to the economy because it is less expensive to produce materials from recyclables and not raw materials. With a combined effort, we can obtain these benefits through recycling.
BYU can do its part to help the environment by establishing a more involved recycling program. With its current recycling program, BYU has recycle bins located in less than two places on average per building. Although this is a good start, there is room for improvement. One problem is that most students are not aware of where these recycle bins are located. With a better program, BYU could offer recycle bins on every floor of each building, and twice or more for highly congested or large buildings like the Wilkinson Center. With these added recycle bins, students will see and know where the recycle bins are located and be more likely to recycle. Students will not have to make a special trip to a recycle bin when they are located on every floor. BYU currently recycles paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles. However, recycling bins for plastic bottles are not found with every location of recycle bins. With a new recycling program, recycle bins for plastic bottles could be found at every location. This will make it so much easier for students wanting to recycle plastic bottles but who could never find them.
To receive the most benefits from a recycling program, students would be involved and participate. Together as a community, we can make the difference. To ensure the most participation, we should bring awareness about the new program. Advertising with recycling posters across campus is one way to bring about awareness. With bulletin boards in every building that students pass, low-cost posters advocating recycling could be easily distributed. An article in the Daily Universe could also bring knowledge about recycling to the many students who read it. Bringing a knowledge and awareness of recycling to the BYU campus will help remind students to recycle and can help introduce the idea of recycling to students who have no strong prior knowledge of it.
There would be many long lasting positive effects from enlisting a better recycling program on the BYU campus. One such effect would be the environmental benefits from recycling. With how large the BYU campus is and considering the many number of students, the items recycled would be a substantial amount. With the items recycled, BYU could do its part to help the environment. Also, BYU would be an example to other Universities and to Utah in general. In time, other Universities and communities in Utah could see the example set by BYU and hopefully espouse for a similar program. Perhaps most importantly would be the effect it would have on the individual student. If students were introduced to a successful recycling program, they would learn the benefits of recycling and be in a better habit of recycling. Students of BYU could incorporate recycling into their daily lives and continue to recycle even after graduating, and continue to make a difference in the world.
Although such a program would have financial costs, from purchasing recycle bins, and distributing posters, the benefits would be worthwhile. The benefits of this recycling program are not that far out of reach and with some effort, BYU can accomplish this goal. BYU could do its part to help the environment, be an example to others, as well as help its own students become habituated with recycling so that they can continue to recycle and make a difference.
We Believe in Being Honest, True...and in Doing Good to All Men
Imagine being a student who lives right off campus and is getting ready for a new semester. You have no car because you are a poor college student with a low-paying job. You head out with your book list and your handy credit card to the bookstore and go up the ominous stairs to brave the mass chaos of students and books and pushing and shoving. You find the correct books, stand in line for over ten minutes, and then the nice lady at the checkout counter scans all of your books. The total is completely outrageous! If you use your credit card for your books you will not have enough money for groceries for the month. Yet what other choice do you have? Looks like your parents will get a phone call asking for money. The Brigham Young University Bookstore is just as much part of BYU as any other building on campus. Yet the Bookstore is not trying to help students. In fact, the Bookstore is punishing those with honesty and those trying to use their resources. The Bookstore is manipulating students as well as causing them to have to choose between saving money and being true to the teachings of the church.
Most college students are relatively poor and cannot waste their money or they will not have enough money for other necessities. Students have been counseled to be aware of the amount of money they have, and to live accordingly. It is a growing trend for students to order their books online instead of buying them from the bookstore in order to save money. There are numerous websites dedicated to ordering books from stores and students across the nation. There are also general shopping websites online like eBay or Amazon where books can also be located. The only problem with using these websites to order books at a cheaper price is the time it takes for the books to get to the student. Generally students need to read the books for a class during the first few weeks of that class in order to get good grades from the very beginning. This is a problem, however, because BYU and the BYU Bookstore do not post the book list for each student early enough for the books ordered online to reach the student before classes begin. In order for the Bookstore to be fair to the students at BYU, the booklist needs to be posted at least several weeks before classes begin. This also would give the students who do not have a car enough time to go to another store to compare prices to make the best deal. This way, the students would be able to save money if they so chose, even though the school could potentially make less money.
When used clothing is sold to a second-hand store, the well-kept and gently used clothes are taken for more money than the clothes which appear worn and damaged. This is because shoppers will be willing to pay more for the nicer clothes than for the worn clothes. This same idea should be implemented when selling books back to the bookstore. Books kept clean and in good condition should be given a higher price when they are sold back to the bookstore. Books which have highlighting and writing in them should be bought back for a lesser price, and in turn, should be sold back to students for a cheaper price. I talked to several students, and while some would definitely buy the cheaper books regardless of the writing in them, there were also many of them who could not stand the writing in the cheaper books and so they would rather spend more money for the nicer books. Plus, if all the cheaper books have been bought, students will feel alright paying more because they are getting a better quality for the higher price. This gives incentive to take care of books; it also allows students to decide if they would rather pay more money for a nicer book, or pay less money for a book with writing in it.
Does this seem impractical perhaps? Actually, it would be very simple to implement this new method. There would be only two possible prices; those who buy the books back would merely have to skim through the pages and decide if the book was nice enough for the higher price, or if it deserved the lower price. What is a moment lost when students’ lives are blessed? It is simple, yet efficient.
The honor code was created to promote unity and the teachings of the church which, when followed, bless people’s lives. It is also a way for each individual student to be able to have stewardship over themselves; we have our free agency, and the honor code is a way for us to act upon this agency by being honest and showing our dedication to following the counsels of the church. However, because of the policies in the bookstore, students end up paying more money for being honest and following the honor code. It is against BYU’s honor code to buy a book at the bookstore and then return it when the same book, ordered online, comes in the mail. This problem hearkens back an earlier problem discussed. The booklist is posted too late. Students who want to buy books for less money but also want to be able to read them for the first few weeks of class cannot buy them from the bookstore with the intent to return them and still feel like an honest person. BYU can either allow this to occur and decide that it is not against the honor code, or post the booklist sooner so that students do not even have to risk potential dishonesty.
I am one of those poor college students who tries to get books at a cheaper price so that I can afford to attend college and gain a higher education, as our general authorities have counseled us. I feel that BYU, as a church school being supported by the tithing of members of the church, should be doing all they can financially to help students gain an education. BYU should also be following the honor code by helping its students get the best education possible. Yet the way the bookstore is set up, it is nearly impossible to get books for classes for a decent price. There are many solutions to these ridiculous and upsetting policies which, if adopted, may cause many of the students who have lost their faith in the bookstore to begin to support it again. Personally, if the bookstore did implement these policies, I would not be upset about deciding to buy many of my books from the bookstore. I would try to buy some from other sources, but I would also be happy if it was more convenient to buy them at the bookstore because I was given the opportunity to try to save money. Therefore, it is with the best interest of the bookstore that I recommend these changes.
Most college students are relatively poor and cannot waste their money or they will not have enough money for other necessities. Students have been counseled to be aware of the amount of money they have, and to live accordingly. It is a growing trend for students to order their books online instead of buying them from the bookstore in order to save money. There are numerous websites dedicated to ordering books from stores and students across the nation. There are also general shopping websites online like eBay or Amazon where books can also be located. The only problem with using these websites to order books at a cheaper price is the time it takes for the books to get to the student. Generally students need to read the books for a class during the first few weeks of that class in order to get good grades from the very beginning. This is a problem, however, because BYU and the BYU Bookstore do not post the book list for each student early enough for the books ordered online to reach the student before classes begin. In order for the Bookstore to be fair to the students at BYU, the booklist needs to be posted at least several weeks before classes begin. This also would give the students who do not have a car enough time to go to another store to compare prices to make the best deal. This way, the students would be able to save money if they so chose, even though the school could potentially make less money.
When used clothing is sold to a second-hand store, the well-kept and gently used clothes are taken for more money than the clothes which appear worn and damaged. This is because shoppers will be willing to pay more for the nicer clothes than for the worn clothes. This same idea should be implemented when selling books back to the bookstore. Books kept clean and in good condition should be given a higher price when they are sold back to the bookstore. Books which have highlighting and writing in them should be bought back for a lesser price, and in turn, should be sold back to students for a cheaper price. I talked to several students, and while some would definitely buy the cheaper books regardless of the writing in them, there were also many of them who could not stand the writing in the cheaper books and so they would rather spend more money for the nicer books. Plus, if all the cheaper books have been bought, students will feel alright paying more because they are getting a better quality for the higher price. This gives incentive to take care of books; it also allows students to decide if they would rather pay more money for a nicer book, or pay less money for a book with writing in it.
Does this seem impractical perhaps? Actually, it would be very simple to implement this new method. There would be only two possible prices; those who buy the books back would merely have to skim through the pages and decide if the book was nice enough for the higher price, or if it deserved the lower price. What is a moment lost when students’ lives are blessed? It is simple, yet efficient.
The honor code was created to promote unity and the teachings of the church which, when followed, bless people’s lives. It is also a way for each individual student to be able to have stewardship over themselves; we have our free agency, and the honor code is a way for us to act upon this agency by being honest and showing our dedication to following the counsels of the church. However, because of the policies in the bookstore, students end up paying more money for being honest and following the honor code. It is against BYU’s honor code to buy a book at the bookstore and then return it when the same book, ordered online, comes in the mail. This problem hearkens back an earlier problem discussed. The booklist is posted too late. Students who want to buy books for less money but also want to be able to read them for the first few weeks of class cannot buy them from the bookstore with the intent to return them and still feel like an honest person. BYU can either allow this to occur and decide that it is not against the honor code, or post the booklist sooner so that students do not even have to risk potential dishonesty.
I am one of those poor college students who tries to get books at a cheaper price so that I can afford to attend college and gain a higher education, as our general authorities have counseled us. I feel that BYU, as a church school being supported by the tithing of members of the church, should be doing all they can financially to help students gain an education. BYU should also be following the honor code by helping its students get the best education possible. Yet the way the bookstore is set up, it is nearly impossible to get books for classes for a decent price. There are many solutions to these ridiculous and upsetting policies which, if adopted, may cause many of the students who have lost their faith in the bookstore to begin to support it again. Personally, if the bookstore did implement these policies, I would not be upset about deciding to buy many of my books from the bookstore. I would try to buy some from other sources, but I would also be happy if it was more convenient to buy them at the bookstore because I was given the opportunity to try to save money. Therefore, it is with the best interest of the bookstore that I recommend these changes.
Sustaining State Gun Laws
When I tell people that I served my mission in Brooklyn, New York, their initial reaction is almost certainly a chuckle, and a question about how dangerous it was. I now reside in Provo – close to the BYU campus. As most people would guess, FBI crime statistics show a huge difference between Brooklyn and Provo. One of those two cities has a per-capita rape rate that's 3 times higher than the other – putting it above the national average. What most people wouldn't guess, however, is that it's Provo. Residents of New York City live under some of the strictest gun laws in the country, but even New York City recognizes state-issued concealed weapons permits. BYU, situated in a city with similarly disappointing statistics for larceny and burglary to it's name, refuses to recognize such permits, or even allow it's residents to keep a firearm in the home.
Because BYU is an academic campus, the decision to prohibit all weapons is not a surprising one – but I do believe it's the wrong one. In no way do I intend to portray BYU's administrators as poor decision makers or tyrants, nor do I believe they make uninformed decisions. I am, however, a firm believer that there is sufficient statistical evidence to prove that BYU's students would be considerably less vulnerable to violent crime if these policies were changed. As valid and well-meaning as the arguments in favor of gun control are, statistics show that the presence of firearms actually reduces crime. Furthermore, the safe and secure environment that prevails at BYU would still be protected under state laws that are already in place.
Most people naturally believe that crime will increase if the general populace is permitted to have weapons, and although this is theoretically sound, reality does beg to differ. Generally speaking, counties in the United States that have looser gun laws have lower crime rates. It may be thought that those counties might have looser gun laws as a result of already low crime. However, the National Rifle Association (NRA), recently published an unmistakable study that compared crime rates in locations where uniformed, armed personnel were present with locations that had no obvious security. They concluded that over 5,300 crimes were prevented each day in the United States by the mere presence of a firearm. On a larger scale, compare the resistance encountered by Nazi storm-troopers invading Poland, where weapons were banned, with the fight put up by the well-armed American Revolutionary militia. If dictators and oppressive governments can beat their victims into submission easiest when they're unarmed – the same goes for an assailant. As a first-hand witness of the near-civil war that occurred in South Africa, I know from experience that there is a direct link between strict gun-laws, violent crime, and a disregard for human rights. The peace of mind criminals now have as they roam through Provo easily explains the abnormal crime statistics.
Not only does BYU's unconditional ban on weapons leave it's alumni vulnerable to crime, they do nothing to create a safer environment than state regulations already offer. What generally makes people nervous about guns is the potential for accidents and intimidation. Obviously, they're valid concerns, but state laws already do plenty to prevent an accident. If a family chooses to keep a firearm in the house, they are required to keep it locked, away from children, and store ammunition in a separate place. Firearms stored in a car are subject to similar regulations. Virtually every accident or school shooting occurs when these laws are neither followed nor enforced. Storing firearms unsafely, or in a way that puts them at risk for theft, is against state law – regardless of school policy. Concealed Weapons Permits are even safer. Every person who is issued one is required to undergo a background check on both their criminal record and mental health history. They must pass a weapons safety training course, and they are forbidden from carrying the weapon unsafely or using it for intimidation. Most concealed weapons are built with integrated safety features. For instance a standard double-action semi-automatic (the most popular choice for concealed carry) cannot be fired unless the slide is pulled back, the safety lever is clicked, the handle is gripped, and the trigger intentionally pulled. While these actions can be done very fast in an emergency, they are exceptionally hard to do accidentally. Moreover, the mere act of showing the weapon to another person, telling them you have it, or carrying it unsafely is grounds for losing your permit and being fined thousands of dollars. If a student were willing to risk all that, what difference would a school policy make? State laws are already sufficient to protected against virtually all accidents. By enforcing additional laws, BYU is only putting at risk those who would otherwise be able to protect themselves.
Criminals will always be able to obtain weapons, even when law-abiding citizens can't. As is the case with correlation between crime and weapons bans, a general trend of illegal arms dealing is indicative of what happens in smaller towns, like Provo. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union pumped an enormous amount of funding into revolutionary groups and terrorist organizations world-wide. The United States responded by spending just as much money combating the spread of Soviet arms. When that war was finally over and the Soviet Union was out of money, an equally big hole opened up in the Belgian black market, becoming the center for illegal arms dealing for another decade. Restricting weaponry was a massive waste of money showing almost no progress. To give a smaller example, I recently purchased a bird-hunting shotgun. It's designed to fire up to two light-weight shells through a long barrel. In short, it's designed to kill a duck while causing as little damage as possible. It is quite possibly the worst gun to execute an assault with. Buying it cost $300 and used up most of a Saturday for background checks and documentation. Every part of the gun, even ammunition used in the gun, can be traced to me. Conversely, a former acquaintance of mine obtained a Romanian-made AK-47 for $400 through a personal sale that required no documentation. It was later found that the weapon was unmarked, making it untraceable. It was also equipped with a highly-illegal post-market trigger that made it fully-automatic. Although the gun was later turned into police, it's easy to see the difference between a safe, legal weapon, and an unregistered illegal weapon. The government has almost no control over the situation. Again, statistics prove this to be a universal problem: generally speaking, countries that permit and regulate the supply of personal arms have much smaller black markets. Encouraging the safe use of firearms is simply more effective than banning firearms altogether.
Certainly a high school is no place for a handgun, but then no state will issue a concealed weapons permit or sell a firearm to a high school student. BYU is not just a school. It is a community – a place where people live, and a place where people raise their families. It's a place with rising crime rates and a need to be prepared. By focusing more on enforcing state laws instead of making it's own rules, BYU could lower crime rates in Provo and still maintain a safe environment for it's students. Perhaps BYU is worried about the liability it would face if a gun-related accident occurred on campus; I would ask if they feel responsible for the rapes that already occur by not allowing it's students to protected themselves.
PI BETA PHI
Calling all those that want adventure, want to expand their social life, and those that are bored for the majority of you time during the day! The thing that can give you more adventure, a bigger social life, and rid you of your boredom is being held back from you and you do not even know it. Brigham Young University does not allow students to start up or join any fraternities or sororities, and I do not agree with this. Yes we are allowed to join different clubs of our choice; however fraternities and sororities have things to offer that the simple club cannot. Clubs meet no more than once a week if not less than that. Yes these activities can provide one with a sense of excitement, but on the flip side fraternities and sororities meet every day since most of the members live in the same little area, if you will. BYU should allow individuals to set up fraternities or sororities as long as the members adhere to a set of rules that the university complies, including the Honor Code.
A fraternity is a home away from home for people. They are there so that students and members can have fun and forget about the struggles they are facing while away from their parents. Yes most of the times when you hear about fraternities you hear about the parties that can get out of control. For example, at parties there is usually alcohol present, and we all know that when alcohol is involved nothing good will happen. Another example of fraternity parties getting out of hand can be when the fraternity chooses to hold a party at a place that is not available, i.e. breaking and entering to have a party. These problems usually happen because the university does not have a set of rules that they [fraternity and sorority] are required to live by.
When fraternities live by certain rules they can help students take a break from studying or whatever is troubling them at that time. They can accomplish this by going on camping trips or participating in other activities that the members agree on. Since members will have something in common these activities will be easy to decide on. You may argue that these activities can get out of hand. This may be true, but if we really think about it, even without the fraternity sponsoring an activity the same group of individuals could get together and do the same thing. However, once you put a set of rules that they must abide by then the activities will stay under control, more often due to the fact that the students do not want to face the consequences. Yes there are people out there that break rules, to minimize this you can say that if these rules are broken, then the fraternity or sorority will be shut down by the university and the individuals involved in the rule breaking activity will be placed under probation.
The rules for the fraternities are really simple ones to make. Since Brigham Young University already has the Honor Code in place you can issue that same rule, if you will, to the fraternities. Some additional rules can vary depending on the type of fraternity. If it is an academic one you could set the rule that all members must obtain a certain grade point average. If the fraternity is a sport one, it could be required that the student be in at least one P.E. class a year or semester, while a member of the fraternity. Since BYU was ranked as the #1 Stone-Cold Sober Schools in America by the Princeton Review, I feel that if we accept the fact and let students start up fraternities that the university will not have a problem with alcohol.
Another aspect of fraternities that can be somewhat questionable is the initiation process. To make sure that these do not get out of hand, they can be overseen by a representative of the university to make sure the rules are being adhered to. If need be the university could have an individual present at all initiation ceremonies. Since this job, if you will, can be very complicated, a full-time employee may be needed. Only one will be needed since he or she could preside over all the fraternities and sororities that are at BYU.
Now that the basic rules have been set let us look at some of the different opportunities that fraternities and sororities provide for the individuals that consider themselves lucky enough to be able to belong to a fraternity or sorority. The leadership positions in frats are to be taken very seriously. These positions help individuals acquire the necessary skills that they will need in their futures. Whatever they choose to do for a career, leadership roles will greatly increase their ability to perform; whether it is a professional sports player or an employee of a highly accredited business. Leadership skills will help him/her to persuade others using ethos to change the way that they do things, or whatever it may be. For example, when Beth, a former secretary of a sorority, is asked in a business meeting, what a good way to manage the company’s money would be, she could use her knowledge that she used while in the sorority to help choose a good way to manage money. Yes BYU clubs have these same kinds of positions, but I not everyone that wants to be a leader is elected, and if we have more positions available then more people will get what they want.
With fraternities and sororities having a reputation for behaving in unruly and an illegal manner it is hard to realize the good and potential that they have for individuals. Here are just a few members of some fraternities; Carter D. Womack, executive of the Blockbuster Entertainment Group, and Scottie Pippen, famous NBA player, were members of Phi Beta Sigma (Williams). Bob Barker, ex-host of Price is Right game show is a member of Sigma Nu (Sigma Nu). This being said I think that it is a little easier to see the bright side of frats. Do you really think that Blockbuster would let their executive be somebody that was consistently getting in trouble while in college? These people went on to be great leaders, and we can relate that to the time that the spent in their respective fraternities.
In conclusion I would like to argue my case one more time that fraternities and sororities; although they have a bad reputation they can be a great addition to any college. They provide a sense of unity for a group of individuals. They can help shape us into the leader that one day may run a big company. Finally, with the right rules all things can be good, even a fraternity or sorority. Brigham Young University should take a deeper look at the great benefits of having a campus where fraternities and sororities are available for the college students.
Works Cited
"Famous Members of Sigma Nu Fraternity." 2007 21 Jan 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
BYU vs. Caffeine
If I tried to light up a cigarette in the middle of class, the professor and other students surely would make me stop right there on the spot. However if I come to class with a Mountain Dew, no one would make a peep about it. The Church has no "official" policy on the issue of whether or not caffeine is against the Word of Wisdom, but has left it to each to decide for him or her self. BYU has made it their decision to not offer caffeinated drinks on campus. The Administration most likely decided this because it would rather not risk offending parties with contradicting interpretations of the spirit. Yet, despite BYU’s policy, students will continue to purchase these beverages and bring them onto campus and in their classes without consequence or second thought. BYU does nothing to bar their presence on campus, so why even have this policy to begin with?
The concern of many who agree with BYU’s policy is that caffeine is an addictive substance and we have been cautioned against it. The Brethren have cautioned against its use and anything containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Caffeine can be addictive and harmful in excess, but there are many other substances that can be also. While BYU is not the Church, they have judged it prudent to not offer caffeine and thus avoid the temptation and possible addiction to caffeinated drinks.
I do not wish to justify the consumption of caffeine simply because nothing has expressly been stated about it in the scriptures. We know from the Word of Wisdom and the prophets that we should live healthy lifestyles, get proper nutrition, and avoid some things. We were all born with our agency and are all entitled to the guidance of the spirit as we live worthily. Furthermore, most of us have some common sense and our consumption of not only caffeine but all things should be based on our knowledge of what is best for our health and what the spirit tells us on the matter. That stated, I do not feel that a Coke every once in a while is harmful. However, the control and choice lies within each individual over how much, if any, is consumed.
Although BYU does not sell colas with caffeine, they do sell a drink called Guarana. Caffeine is not listed on its ingredients; however, it does contain guaranine, a well known synonym for caffeine. Dr. Jennifer Nielsen, a BYU faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry who specializes in organic chemistry confirms this and goes on to say, “No one does research on guaranine, because they don't call it that. It is caffeine.” When asked why they sell this drink she replied, “In the name of providing an authentic cultural connection with Brazil as well as maintaining solid and friendly international relations with 185 million Brazilians, we do. We also carry it because of numerous requests by returned missionaries from the approximately 28 missions in that country.” This seems like a rather arbitrary reason to break policy. According to Dr. James Duke, author of Handbook of phytochemical constituents of GRAS herbs and other economic plants, a single seed from the guarana fruit contains approximately five times the amount of caffeine as coffee beans. Clearly this beverage contains a comparable amount of caffeine to that of a can of cola. So why is this sold to appease the requests of some RM’s if it clearly breaks the policy to not sell caffeinated drinks? I served my mission in Peru and the national drink of Peru is Inca Cola which contains caffeine. BYU should also sell this despite its caffeinated content so that I and the other Peruvian RM’s can reminisce with a glass of that golden goodness over lunch at the Cougar Eat. In order to be fair and just, BYU would have to break policy and sell it so that Brazilians and Peruvians can enjoy their beverages of choice.
There are many who do not drink sodas for their caffeinated content. Many caffeinated sodas are also offered in a non-caffeinated alternative. I personally fall into this category and do not drink Mountain Dew or Dr. Pepper because they contain caffeine but rather because I like the taste as I’m sure many would agree. Caffeine free Coca-Cola is offered on campus and I know that there are non-caffeinated versions of Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, and many others so the question is begging to be asked; why are these not included on campus also? If these alternatives were provided I believe many of us would actually prefer them to their caffeinated counterparts. This would allow students to enjoy their favorite sodas without having the effects of caffeine thus helping the student and in turn the atmosphere of BYU.
I appreciate the concern the administration has over the students here at BYU and for the atmosphere that exists on and around campus because of it. The issue of caffeine is not one that is black and white, but as heretofore shown there exist inconsistencies and alternatives that are not acknowledged nor considered. Caffeinated beverages are already sold on campus; therefore BYU should sell more caffeinated drinks, or the non caffeinated alternative, to those who so desire it. I personally feel the latter to be the stronger and better alternative of the two and am sure that many would be joyed to find a non caffeinated version of their favorite sodas available on campus and thus eliminating the want for these caffeinated beverages on campus.
The concern of many who agree with BYU’s policy is that caffeine is an addictive substance and we have been cautioned against it. The Brethren have cautioned against its use and anything containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Caffeine can be addictive and harmful in excess, but there are many other substances that can be also. While BYU is not the Church, they have judged it prudent to not offer caffeine and thus avoid the temptation and possible addiction to caffeinated drinks.
I do not wish to justify the consumption of caffeine simply because nothing has expressly been stated about it in the scriptures. We know from the Word of Wisdom and the prophets that we should live healthy lifestyles, get proper nutrition, and avoid some things. We were all born with our agency and are all entitled to the guidance of the spirit as we live worthily. Furthermore, most of us have some common sense and our consumption of not only caffeine but all things should be based on our knowledge of what is best for our health and what the spirit tells us on the matter. That stated, I do not feel that a Coke every once in a while is harmful. However, the control and choice lies within each individual over how much, if any, is consumed.
Although BYU does not sell colas with caffeine, they do sell a drink called Guarana. Caffeine is not listed on its ingredients; however, it does contain guaranine, a well known synonym for caffeine. Dr. Jennifer Nielsen, a BYU faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry who specializes in organic chemistry confirms this and goes on to say, “No one does research on guaranine, because they don't call it that. It is caffeine.” When asked why they sell this drink she replied, “In the name of providing an authentic cultural connection with Brazil as well as maintaining solid and friendly international relations with 185 million Brazilians, we do. We also carry it because of numerous requests by returned missionaries from the approximately 28 missions in that country.” This seems like a rather arbitrary reason to break policy. According to Dr. James Duke, author of Handbook of phytochemical constituents of GRAS herbs and other economic plants, a single seed from the guarana fruit contains approximately five times the amount of caffeine as coffee beans. Clearly this beverage contains a comparable amount of caffeine to that of a can of cola. So why is this sold to appease the requests of some RM’s if it clearly breaks the policy to not sell caffeinated drinks? I served my mission in Peru and the national drink of Peru is Inca Cola which contains caffeine. BYU should also sell this despite its caffeinated content so that I and the other Peruvian RM’s can reminisce with a glass of that golden goodness over lunch at the Cougar Eat. In order to be fair and just, BYU would have to break policy and sell it so that Brazilians and Peruvians can enjoy their beverages of choice.
There are many who do not drink sodas for their caffeinated content. Many caffeinated sodas are also offered in a non-caffeinated alternative. I personally fall into this category and do not drink Mountain Dew or Dr. Pepper because they contain caffeine but rather because I like the taste as I’m sure many would agree. Caffeine free Coca-Cola is offered on campus and I know that there are non-caffeinated versions of Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, and many others so the question is begging to be asked; why are these not included on campus also? If these alternatives were provided I believe many of us would actually prefer them to their caffeinated counterparts. This would allow students to enjoy their favorite sodas without having the effects of caffeine thus helping the student and in turn the atmosphere of BYU.
I appreciate the concern the administration has over the students here at BYU and for the atmosphere that exists on and around campus because of it. The issue of caffeine is not one that is black and white, but as heretofore shown there exist inconsistencies and alternatives that are not acknowledged nor considered. Caffeinated beverages are already sold on campus; therefore BYU should sell more caffeinated drinks, or the non caffeinated alternative, to those who so desire it. I personally feel the latter to be the stronger and better alternative of the two and am sure that many would be joyed to find a non caffeinated version of their favorite sodas available on campus and thus eliminating the want for these caffeinated beverages on campus.
Cannon Center Chaos
Lines extending out the doors. Scarce amounts of food. Limited available seating. Problems such as these exist in the Cannon Center on the weekends. The Cannon Center is open from 6:30 in the morning until 8:00 at night, on the usual weekday. However, on Saturdays and Sundays, the popular food spot for freshmen closes at 6:00 P.M. The concern increases though, when you take fast Sundays and firesides into consideration. On fast Sundays, the Cannon Center does not open until 3 P.M. and closes at 6 P.M. and on nights of firesides; it closes at 5:30 P.M. These hours do not provide enough time for a person to eat at a leisurely pace and allow them to enjoy the food. On days like these, it often takes a long to time to even enter the dining center. The lines can be excruciatingly long, especially on fast Sundays. In order to solve the problems, I believe the Cannon Center should extend their hours on the weekends in order to allow everyone to enjoy a refreshing, unstressful meal, especially on the Sabbath day.
This topic is important to many freshmen because it is the place where they go to get all of their meals. However, on the weekends it is difficult to find a good time to go to dinner. Sunday dinners are important because the quality time it provides people to spend with others. At dinner, students are likely to be engaging in pleasant conversations, rather than returning to their computer after church. Leisurely Sunday dinners allow students to discuss with their friends what they learned in church that day. In turn, this will allow others to be lifted up and enlightened. Longer weekend hours for the Cannon Center would also benefit the families that come to partake of the food on Sundays. It is important for family dinners to be relaxing and enjoyable, in order to become closer as a family. With the thought of family and friend unity, longer hours at the Cannon Center would benefit the quality of conversation within the groups.
A second problem pertaining to the weekend hours of the Cannon Center is the lack of food when masses of people are all trying to get the same food. Students and family only have a limited amount of time to get their food on the weekends which creates a problem with the ratio of food they decide to make. One Sunday, 15 people made it into the Cannon Center with only five to ten minutes for it to stay open. When they entered, there was practically no food for them to eat. They were forced to just grab a bagel and other quick foods because that is all that was left. Extending the hours on the weekends would give the workers enough time to make the correct amount of food. There are only a certain number of appliances in the Cannon Center and when there is a large number of people that come to get their food at one time, there are not enough ovens and other appliances to make the amount of food necessary. However, with less people coming in at once, there would be plenty of room to make the right amount of food.
Although extending the weekend hours of the Cannon Center would solve many problems, it might create some as well. One particular problem that must be addressed is that of employees working on Sundays. In the Mormon religion, members are taught to keep the Sabbath Day holy, which includes not working on Sunday. However, if a student takes a job at the Cannon Center, they know they will occasionally have to work on Sundays. With the short weekend hours, the student employees only have to work a couple hours on the Sabbath Day. One problem presented with lengthened hours is the fact that the students would have to work too much on Sundays. However, one solution to this problem is if the Cannon Center uses different employees. The students could work the same hours as now, but other students could work the shifts of the extended hours. This would end the concern of students having to work more hours on a Sunday. Also, the extended hours would help the student employees with the level of stress they experience as they work. At the present moment, employees are faced with crowds of people all wanting food on Sundays. If one were to observe the workers on this day, they would see an employee struggling to fight through the maze of people in order to change the juice, or to add clean plates to the pile. They have looks of frustration on their countenance as another student cuts in front of them to snag the final burger. If the hours were extended, student employees could relax while they were working, creating a more relaxing Sabbath Day for them.
Another issue at the Cannon Center is the issue of limited space to sit. After waiting in a long line, then finally scavenging for food, a person needs a place to sit and eat. However, due the crowds of people, there are often no places to sit. As has happened to many students, sitting on the ground becomes to only available place to sit. When people are sitting on the ground, that provides too many opportunities for accidents. People on the floor must also be against the fire code. If there were less people cramming into the Cannon Center in a short period of time, people would not have to sit on the floor; therefore, saving any fire hazards that might be present with masses of hungry students eating on the floor.
In conclusion, administrators should extend the hours of the Cannon Center on the weekends. It would solve many problems that students and families experience while visiting the popular food spot on the weekends. No longer would there be lines extending through the opposite side of the Cannon Center, nor would there be scarce amounts of food due to the mass amounts of people that shuffle through the door. These problems may seem pointless, but they truly cause issues that the administration needs to deal with. When students are not getting enough food, or when students are sitting on the ground eating their dinner, and also creating a fire hazard, something needs to be done. Although it would affect the student employees that work at the Cannon Center, there are particular ways to allow the student workers to work the same amount of hours on a Sunday. They could have more students working on Sundays but have them work shorter shifts. With the many freshman and families that venture to the Cannon Center on the weekends, it is not only beneficial, but crucial to extend the weekend hours for everyone’s convenience.
This topic is important to many freshmen because it is the place where they go to get all of their meals. However, on the weekends it is difficult to find a good time to go to dinner. Sunday dinners are important because the quality time it provides people to spend with others. At dinner, students are likely to be engaging in pleasant conversations, rather than returning to their computer after church. Leisurely Sunday dinners allow students to discuss with their friends what they learned in church that day. In turn, this will allow others to be lifted up and enlightened. Longer weekend hours for the Cannon Center would also benefit the families that come to partake of the food on Sundays. It is important for family dinners to be relaxing and enjoyable, in order to become closer as a family. With the thought of family and friend unity, longer hours at the Cannon Center would benefit the quality of conversation within the groups.
A second problem pertaining to the weekend hours of the Cannon Center is the lack of food when masses of people are all trying to get the same food. Students and family only have a limited amount of time to get their food on the weekends which creates a problem with the ratio of food they decide to make. One Sunday, 15 people made it into the Cannon Center with only five to ten minutes for it to stay open. When they entered, there was practically no food for them to eat. They were forced to just grab a bagel and other quick foods because that is all that was left. Extending the hours on the weekends would give the workers enough time to make the correct amount of food. There are only a certain number of appliances in the Cannon Center and when there is a large number of people that come to get their food at one time, there are not enough ovens and other appliances to make the amount of food necessary. However, with less people coming in at once, there would be plenty of room to make the right amount of food.
Although extending the weekend hours of the Cannon Center would solve many problems, it might create some as well. One particular problem that must be addressed is that of employees working on Sundays. In the Mormon religion, members are taught to keep the Sabbath Day holy, which includes not working on Sunday. However, if a student takes a job at the Cannon Center, they know they will occasionally have to work on Sundays. With the short weekend hours, the student employees only have to work a couple hours on the Sabbath Day. One problem presented with lengthened hours is the fact that the students would have to work too much on Sundays. However, one solution to this problem is if the Cannon Center uses different employees. The students could work the same hours as now, but other students could work the shifts of the extended hours. This would end the concern of students having to work more hours on a Sunday. Also, the extended hours would help the student employees with the level of stress they experience as they work. At the present moment, employees are faced with crowds of people all wanting food on Sundays. If one were to observe the workers on this day, they would see an employee struggling to fight through the maze of people in order to change the juice, or to add clean plates to the pile. They have looks of frustration on their countenance as another student cuts in front of them to snag the final burger. If the hours were extended, student employees could relax while they were working, creating a more relaxing Sabbath Day for them.
Another issue at the Cannon Center is the issue of limited space to sit. After waiting in a long line, then finally scavenging for food, a person needs a place to sit and eat. However, due the crowds of people, there are often no places to sit. As has happened to many students, sitting on the ground becomes to only available place to sit. When people are sitting on the ground, that provides too many opportunities for accidents. People on the floor must also be against the fire code. If there were less people cramming into the Cannon Center in a short period of time, people would not have to sit on the floor; therefore, saving any fire hazards that might be present with masses of hungry students eating on the floor.
In conclusion, administrators should extend the hours of the Cannon Center on the weekends. It would solve many problems that students and families experience while visiting the popular food spot on the weekends. No longer would there be lines extending through the opposite side of the Cannon Center, nor would there be scarce amounts of food due to the mass amounts of people that shuffle through the door. These problems may seem pointless, but they truly cause issues that the administration needs to deal with. When students are not getting enough food, or when students are sitting on the ground eating their dinner, and also creating a fire hazard, something needs to be done. Although it would affect the student employees that work at the Cannon Center, there are particular ways to allow the student workers to work the same amount of hours on a Sunday. They could have more students working on Sundays but have them work shorter shifts. With the many freshman and families that venture to the Cannon Center on the weekends, it is not only beneficial, but crucial to extend the weekend hours for everyone’s convenience.
Our Signature: A Code of Honor
Our Signature: A Code of Honor
Brigham Young University is a wonderful campus where the Spirit of God can be felt. On the surface, the easy going and pleasant atmosphere is inviting to students from all around the world. There is no doubt that BYU is a cut above the rest when it comes to campus cleanliness, not only physically, but spiritually as well.
On the average, BYU students are wholesome individuals who desire to gain a fine education and fully intend to respect the Honor Code. However, on occasion, these well-intentioned people may find themselves naïve to the specific guidelines laid down in the Honor Code, thereby breaking it unknowingly. Personally, I know I didn’t read all of the Honor Code before signing it and I know I can’t recite all of its statutes. These instances are innocent mistakes that are easily handled and corrected.
However, there is a difference between unknowingly breaking the Honor Code and being indifferent to its values. As students at BYU, we need to be mindful that if we know the rules, we need to follow them. Additionally, we can’t claim innocence if we break the Honor Code “unknowingly” but put no previous effort into finding for ourselves what the document states. The Honor Code as we know it today was adopted in 1940 and was designed to deal with cases of academic dishonesty and cheating. President Ernest L. Wilkinson, in 1957, increased the scope of the Honor Code to encompass many of the values we honor today. Morality, dress and grooming standards, drugs, and alcohol are all included within its text, as are many other standards that are in line with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As students, we were required to sign this document upon applying to the university. Many of the “standard” components of the Honor Code are well known and easy to follow. However, there are some discrete parts of the rules which may not be as obvious to all students. For example, do we all know that the Honor Code “standards expressed above apply to students at all times whether on or off campus”? After Christmas break one of my friends said that he had obeyed all of the aspects of the Honor Code while at home. I thought this was a tad bit extreme but in the end he was correct in his actions. No matter where we are or what we are doing, the Honor Code that we have signed to attend Brigham Young University still applies.
One facet of the Honor Code, which most certainly applies to LDS and non-LDS students alike, states that students will “participate regularly in church services”. In order to carry out this aspect of the Honor Code, students must “fulfill their duty in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, attend Church meetings, and abide by the rules and standards of the Church on and off campus”.
One way fulfill our duties in the church is to magnify our callings. In my ward, I have yet to see our Sunday School President or our Activities Committee Chair at the weekly ward counsel. It is no surprise then that these are the two committees within the ward that are struggling.
Another sad reality in our ward is the dwindling attendance, especially to Relief Society and Elder’s Quorum. Our parents are no longer by our sides to continually nag us to wake up and go to church. Yeah, nine o’clock church is tough and we’re all tired, but I guess we need to ask ourselves how much we truly value taking the sacrament, renewing our covenants, and feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost.
If being too tired or too exhausted are our “reasons” (cough, cough, I mean “excuses”) for not attending out meetings, we need to step back and examine our choices. Could we possibly get in bed earlier on Friday and Saturday nights? I know I can. I know the social atmosphere at BYU is tough to ignore, but if we choose to embrace it, we have no reason to stop fulfilling our callings and going to church. After placing our signature on the Honor Code, we have a duty and obligation to fulfill all of its requirements. Refusing to do so will jeopardize our current status and future goals with Brigham Young University.
As a human being and as a student at this wonderful university, I understand if some of the rules are not totally understood by every single student. However, rebellion and disregard for our school’s policies is unacceptable and takes away from the magnificent atmosphere on campus.
A few months back, I went with some friends of mine to the Power Tumble Gym. We were with another group of kids who were also BYU students. One individual’s hairstyle clearly did not meet the dress and grooming requirements of the Honor Code. I overheard this individual squabbling that his or her parents had forced him or her to attend BYU and to demonstrate his or her apathy for the situation, decided to “screw” the Honor Code. I couldn’t believe the attitude of this individual towards a document he or she had signed, symbolizing his or her agreement to live by its standards. Attitudes such as this are inexcusable. If you sign it, you live by it. That is just how it goes.
No matter the reason behind our defiance and disobedience, nobody has the right to regard the Honor Code as being invaluable or not worth living. The Honor Code is one of, if not the, largest factor that sets BYU apart from other universities. As such, it is mandatory that all students uphold its standards and guidelines.
America was founded upon the ideals of the pursuit of happiness, equality, and freedom. Time has molded our society into a very different shape today than what it was in 1776. Some changes have been for the better and some for the worse. Back then, your signature meant something.
The signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign the document planning on taking it back if the British ever laid hands on them. John Hancock did not sign the Declaration of Independence in such a bold fashion because it was something worth living for, but because it was something worth dying for.
The signatures of those men held their honor and integrity, something not even the royal crown of England could take away. Except when questioned under law, our personal integrity no longer seems to be attached with the name we sign, as seen by those who sign the honor code, but give no regard to obeying all of its components. We do not have the right to pick and choose which aspects of the honor code apply to us. We all signed the document. We will obey all of its statutes. That is it. No more, no less. It's final. We gave our honor to live up to its standards and nothing less will be accepted. Our signature is our word, our promise, our honor.
Brigham Young University is a wonderful campus where the Spirit of God can be felt. On the surface, the easy going and pleasant atmosphere is inviting to students from all around the world. There is no doubt that BYU is a cut above the rest when it comes to campus cleanliness, not only physically, but spiritually as well.
On the average, BYU students are wholesome individuals who desire to gain a fine education and fully intend to respect the Honor Code. However, on occasion, these well-intentioned people may find themselves naïve to the specific guidelines laid down in the Honor Code, thereby breaking it unknowingly. Personally, I know I didn’t read all of the Honor Code before signing it and I know I can’t recite all of its statutes. These instances are innocent mistakes that are easily handled and corrected.
However, there is a difference between unknowingly breaking the Honor Code and being indifferent to its values. As students at BYU, we need to be mindful that if we know the rules, we need to follow them. Additionally, we can’t claim innocence if we break the Honor Code “unknowingly” but put no previous effort into finding for ourselves what the document states. The Honor Code as we know it today was adopted in 1940 and was designed to deal with cases of academic dishonesty and cheating. President Ernest L. Wilkinson, in 1957, increased the scope of the Honor Code to encompass many of the values we honor today. Morality, dress and grooming standards, drugs, and alcohol are all included within its text, as are many other standards that are in line with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As students, we were required to sign this document upon applying to the university. Many of the “standard” components of the Honor Code are well known and easy to follow. However, there are some discrete parts of the rules which may not be as obvious to all students. For example, do we all know that the Honor Code “standards expressed above apply to students at all times whether on or off campus”? After Christmas break one of my friends said that he had obeyed all of the aspects of the Honor Code while at home. I thought this was a tad bit extreme but in the end he was correct in his actions. No matter where we are or what we are doing, the Honor Code that we have signed to attend Brigham Young University still applies.
One facet of the Honor Code, which most certainly applies to LDS and non-LDS students alike, states that students will “participate regularly in church services”. In order to carry out this aspect of the Honor Code, students must “fulfill their duty in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, attend Church meetings, and abide by the rules and standards of the Church on and off campus”.
One way fulfill our duties in the church is to magnify our callings. In my ward, I have yet to see our Sunday School President or our Activities Committee Chair at the weekly ward counsel. It is no surprise then that these are the two committees within the ward that are struggling.
Another sad reality in our ward is the dwindling attendance, especially to Relief Society and Elder’s Quorum. Our parents are no longer by our sides to continually nag us to wake up and go to church. Yeah, nine o’clock church is tough and we’re all tired, but I guess we need to ask ourselves how much we truly value taking the sacrament, renewing our covenants, and feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost.
If being too tired or too exhausted are our “reasons” (cough, cough, I mean “excuses”) for not attending out meetings, we need to step back and examine our choices. Could we possibly get in bed earlier on Friday and Saturday nights? I know I can. I know the social atmosphere at BYU is tough to ignore, but if we choose to embrace it, we have no reason to stop fulfilling our callings and going to church. After placing our signature on the Honor Code, we have a duty and obligation to fulfill all of its requirements. Refusing to do so will jeopardize our current status and future goals with Brigham Young University.
As a human being and as a student at this wonderful university, I understand if some of the rules are not totally understood by every single student. However, rebellion and disregard for our school’s policies is unacceptable and takes away from the magnificent atmosphere on campus.
A few months back, I went with some friends of mine to the Power Tumble Gym. We were with another group of kids who were also BYU students. One individual’s hairstyle clearly did not meet the dress and grooming requirements of the Honor Code. I overheard this individual squabbling that his or her parents had forced him or her to attend BYU and to demonstrate his or her apathy for the situation, decided to “screw” the Honor Code. I couldn’t believe the attitude of this individual towards a document he or she had signed, symbolizing his or her agreement to live by its standards. Attitudes such as this are inexcusable. If you sign it, you live by it. That is just how it goes.
No matter the reason behind our defiance and disobedience, nobody has the right to regard the Honor Code as being invaluable or not worth living. The Honor Code is one of, if not the, largest factor that sets BYU apart from other universities. As such, it is mandatory that all students uphold its standards and guidelines.
America was founded upon the ideals of the pursuit of happiness, equality, and freedom. Time has molded our society into a very different shape today than what it was in 1776. Some changes have been for the better and some for the worse. Back then, your signature meant something.
The signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign the document planning on taking it back if the British ever laid hands on them. John Hancock did not sign the Declaration of Independence in such a bold fashion because it was something worth living for, but because it was something worth dying for.
The signatures of those men held their honor and integrity, something not even the royal crown of England could take away. Except when questioned under law, our personal integrity no longer seems to be attached with the name we sign, as seen by those who sign the honor code, but give no regard to obeying all of its components. We do not have the right to pick and choose which aspects of the honor code apply to us. We all signed the document. We will obey all of its statutes. That is it. No more, no less. It's final. We gave our honor to live up to its standards and nothing less will be accepted. Our signature is our word, our promise, our honor.
Gratitude mk II
As I relate how it is beneficial to be thankful for being able to attend Brigham Young University, I do so by first establishing where it is that I am coming from. I am the second oldest of five in a family of seven. Due to our family’s unique situation, we have been struggling to find our financial stability for about four years. Because of this, our family has gone through many ordeals that, as I reflect on them now, I would never wish upon anyone. Be this as it may, it is because of these experiences that I have been able to gain an appreciation for the little things. Being able to attend BYU has never been a little thing for me. This in turn, has provided me with a two part system of beneficial resources that would be helpful to anyone who is attending this great university. They are as follows; a greater drive of determination and a better out look on life.
I can remember a talk that President Thomas S. Monson gave entitled Finding Joy in the Journey. I remember he said something that helped with the topic of gratitude. It was, “Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.” This is especially true when it comes to our gratitude for being able to attend BYU. When we can see what it is that we really have, we are more apt to increase our efforts to be successful. We are also more ready to do more and be there for others. Great examples of this fact are members of the church who live in countries stricken by poverty and who have very little but insist on serving and giving to others. This is only possible due to their testimony and deep gratitude for that which they have.
Realizing what a blessing it is to attend Brigham Young University does not only help increase determination, but also one’s out look on life can take a turn for the better. It is interesting to see the domino effect that ensues once one come to grips with a suddenly obvious reality. Trials become a lot easier to bear. The world seems like a much more tolerable place to live in that ever thought possible. I remember how after having a conversation with my father, which I will relate later, I was a lot more tolerant when it came to trials, people’s shortcomings, and negative experiences in my life in general. It’s interesting to see how a lot of things that would normally cause one to stress out, can be taken as mere reminders of what it is we have to do. It also increases our capacity for compassion, love and care.
I can remember the first time I took a test in the testing center; the ominous walk to the place of reckoning, the repeating of freshly memorized facts and strategies that would, due to my inaccurate preparation, soon prove to be useless on the exam. All this and more was the cause of great worry and nervousness that would all soon be over once I completed my test. As I did so, I waited anxiously in front of the monitor, looking for the last four digits of my student ID. As the score flashed on the screen a deep seeded sinking feeling consumed my inner self. Realizing my worst fears had come to pass, I walked out of the building and head down the long path that led to my home. It was during this walk that I had time to think about what had just happened. Because the failure was so fresh in my mind, I couldn’t help but feel like a failure and that nothing was going for me. As I reached my, home I called my dad and shared the news of my unsuccessful attempt at the test that I thought I had prepared well for. As I went on in a rather pathetic manner, my father stopped me in mid conversation and told me something that I would never forget. He said, “Mijo, you need to realize what it is that you have. You are at Brigham Young University, the Lords University. There are thousands of people who would give anything to be in your place right now. You need to realize that being there is not a right; it is a privilege and an honor. Don’t waste the opportunity for a great education by not doing your part when it comes to studying and working hard.” It was at that point that I began to step up my studying to that which surpassed my previously mediocre study habits. From that point on, when ever I got down on myself, I would just think back to what it was my dad told me. After doing so, it was hard for me to not to be determined to increase my efforts when it came to my school work.
I know that after reading this it may all seem relative. I know that it is wrong of me to tell you that all of what I have experienced is the only way for someone to boost their determination and outlook on life. But I do know this; I have been able to use the benefits of being grateful to my advantage when it comes to college life. This has been especially true when it comes to finals and midterms. Just as gratitude has blessed my life and it can most definitely bless yours.
I can remember a talk that President Thomas S. Monson gave entitled Finding Joy in the Journey. I remember he said something that helped with the topic of gratitude. It was, “Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.” This is especially true when it comes to our gratitude for being able to attend BYU. When we can see what it is that we really have, we are more apt to increase our efforts to be successful. We are also more ready to do more and be there for others. Great examples of this fact are members of the church who live in countries stricken by poverty and who have very little but insist on serving and giving to others. This is only possible due to their testimony and deep gratitude for that which they have.
Realizing what a blessing it is to attend Brigham Young University does not only help increase determination, but also one’s out look on life can take a turn for the better. It is interesting to see the domino effect that ensues once one come to grips with a suddenly obvious reality. Trials become a lot easier to bear. The world seems like a much more tolerable place to live in that ever thought possible. I remember how after having a conversation with my father, which I will relate later, I was a lot more tolerant when it came to trials, people’s shortcomings, and negative experiences in my life in general. It’s interesting to see how a lot of things that would normally cause one to stress out, can be taken as mere reminders of what it is we have to do. It also increases our capacity for compassion, love and care.
I can remember the first time I took a test in the testing center; the ominous walk to the place of reckoning, the repeating of freshly memorized facts and strategies that would, due to my inaccurate preparation, soon prove to be useless on the exam. All this and more was the cause of great worry and nervousness that would all soon be over once I completed my test. As I did so, I waited anxiously in front of the monitor, looking for the last four digits of my student ID. As the score flashed on the screen a deep seeded sinking feeling consumed my inner self. Realizing my worst fears had come to pass, I walked out of the building and head down the long path that led to my home. It was during this walk that I had time to think about what had just happened. Because the failure was so fresh in my mind, I couldn’t help but feel like a failure and that nothing was going for me. As I reached my, home I called my dad and shared the news of my unsuccessful attempt at the test that I thought I had prepared well for. As I went on in a rather pathetic manner, my father stopped me in mid conversation and told me something that I would never forget. He said, “Mijo, you need to realize what it is that you have. You are at Brigham Young University, the Lords University. There are thousands of people who would give anything to be in your place right now. You need to realize that being there is not a right; it is a privilege and an honor. Don’t waste the opportunity for a great education by not doing your part when it comes to studying and working hard.” It was at that point that I began to step up my studying to that which surpassed my previously mediocre study habits. From that point on, when ever I got down on myself, I would just think back to what it was my dad told me. After doing so, it was hard for me to not to be determined to increase my efforts when it came to my school work.
I know that after reading this it may all seem relative. I know that it is wrong of me to tell you that all of what I have experienced is the only way for someone to boost their determination and outlook on life. But I do know this; I have been able to use the benefits of being grateful to my advantage when it comes to college life. This has been especially true when it comes to finals and midterms. Just as gratitude has blessed my life and it can most definitely bless yours.
The Meal Plan Scandal
College life can be a very exciting time for many upcoming freshmen. A brand new environment, many new friends to make and no more constant supervision by parents means teenagers can finally become the responsible adults they have waited so long to become. However, this new life also comes with many new expenses. Tuition, boarding costs and the issue of food are just a fraction of this list. Many of these expenses have probably never been a worry for most students because they have always expected their parents to pay for everything. New students living in on-campus housing have an even bigger predicament: which meal plan is right for them? With these students mandated to own a meal plan, many fear they will either not have enough on their card to eat or just simply will be wasting the hard, earned money of their parents. Living on your own can be difficult at first to know how much money you need to have ample amount of food. It is hard to judge how much one will use because it varies from person to person. Thus meal plans should not be mandatory for on-campus students, but be strongly recommended by the university for them to buy. If students feel that it will benefit them by relieving stress, then they can purchase a plan, but if they deem it an unnecessary expense then they need not be required to buy such a plan.
Freshmen year can be a difficult time for many students because busy schedules can be hard to manage and making time to buy and eat food can be put on the back burner. With a fixed amount on one’s meal plans, a lot can be unused. Meal plans can become back logged with twenty to even 70 plus dollars of unspent money. What makes these plans have even more of a downside is that if the balance goes over a specified amount, the continuing accumulation of money is lost and will never be refunded. The result can be the unnecessary and wasteful spending of money by students who don’t want to lose this money because they didn’t spend enough. A possible solution to this problem if meal plans are not removed would be to have the accumulated money not have the possibility of being lost. If this dilemma was solved, then meal plans would be a beneficial option for students and there would be nothing negative about the plans.
However, because meal plans are still mandated by the university for on-campus students and losing money is still a problem for all dining plans, these plans don’t seem cost efficient enough to be required to use. A better option would be to simply use some sort of debit card. This money would be coming from essentially the same source. It wouldn’t matter if you are using a meal plan or debit card; the money is coming from the same bank account. The only difference would be that with a debit card you would not be required to spend a certain amount of money; you only have to spend how much you need to spend. With these similarities and differences in mind, having a meal plan is not as cost efficient as a debit card.
A lot of students see these meals plan as great way to manage money. With them, the issue of food money becomes less stressful because you know how much you will be paying per week. What students don’t realize is that if you are not spending your entire plan on necessary food, then money is being wasted that could be saved. College is the time for young adults to learn to be become frugal with their money; yet, many seem to allow themselves to use far too big of meal plans causing them to never learn this valuable life principle. If students never learn this, then their livelihood could be in grave danger of unnecessary spending and possibly even debt. Heritage Hall residents are the main victims of these meal plans. They have a kitchen that allows them to make meals in their dorm. They can save a lot more money by making their own meals and not needing to go eat out at places like the Cougareat, Legend’s Grille and the Cannon Center. With a kitchen at hand, students have no need for a meal plan and can make less costly meals, saving money.
Helaman Hall’s residents are the only students that can truly benefit from the use of a meal plan. They have no kitchen, so they cannot cook their own food. The Cannon Center is the only close place they can get a well balance meal. Also, with the Dining Plus meal plan, they can get a greatly reduced rate on food than that of other plans and debit cards. With this reasoning in mind, meal plans should therefore not be completely removed from campus use. This is why plans should only be strongly recommended for students, but not required for on-campus freshmen. There are a few benefits to the plans, but if you can cook and need to save money, then going without a meal plan makes a lot more economical sense.
Therefore, if the mandatory rule of meal plans was removed, but highly recommended for students use, then those with no money worries could acquire a dining plan and not have to worry about the possibility of losing money if they don’t spend the necessary amount on their plan. Those students who do have money worries would thus not have to buy a plan that could mean wasteful spending and even the potential of losing money. This recommendation would help out the whole student body. No matter your circumstances, a dining plan could be used, but not mandatory. Students living in Helaman Halls would still benefit because they would still be able to have the reduced rates at the Cannon Center by using a plan, but also frugality could be learned by many more. Without the requirement of a meal plan, many would thus learn to spend money more wisely and not spend money on things that are not completely necessary. This would help bring people future economic benefits because they would learn early to spend money wisely and then not be tempted to go into unnecessary debt.
In closing, the mandatory meal plan requirement for on-campus students is completely unneeded. It gives students a false sense of security to know that they don’t have to manage one part of all their financial endeavors, but really if students could see the cost efficiency of using a debit card, they would see that they could save more money without a meal plan. Therefore, meal plans should be highly recommended for students, but not required. If students desire a plan or not should not be the question, it should be if the student can afford to buy a meal plan that will make them spend more money. If the answer is no, than students should rethink their meal plan and live on a debit card for all their spending needs. There is no reason to have two cards that do practically the same things. The only way to make meal plans beneficial would be to have no limit on how much money could be acquired on an account. If the university would allow this, than having a meal plan would make food buying less stressful and not a waste of money. If the limit is not removed than students should just use their debit card that does essentially the same thing as a meal plan
Freshmen year can be a difficult time for many students because busy schedules can be hard to manage and making time to buy and eat food can be put on the back burner. With a fixed amount on one’s meal plans, a lot can be unused. Meal plans can become back logged with twenty to even 70 plus dollars of unspent money. What makes these plans have even more of a downside is that if the balance goes over a specified amount, the continuing accumulation of money is lost and will never be refunded. The result can be the unnecessary and wasteful spending of money by students who don’t want to lose this money because they didn’t spend enough. A possible solution to this problem if meal plans are not removed would be to have the accumulated money not have the possibility of being lost. If this dilemma was solved, then meal plans would be a beneficial option for students and there would be nothing negative about the plans.
However, because meal plans are still mandated by the university for on-campus students and losing money is still a problem for all dining plans, these plans don’t seem cost efficient enough to be required to use. A better option would be to simply use some sort of debit card. This money would be coming from essentially the same source. It wouldn’t matter if you are using a meal plan or debit card; the money is coming from the same bank account. The only difference would be that with a debit card you would not be required to spend a certain amount of money; you only have to spend how much you need to spend. With these similarities and differences in mind, having a meal plan is not as cost efficient as a debit card.
A lot of students see these meals plan as great way to manage money. With them, the issue of food money becomes less stressful because you know how much you will be paying per week. What students don’t realize is that if you are not spending your entire plan on necessary food, then money is being wasted that could be saved. College is the time for young adults to learn to be become frugal with their money; yet, many seem to allow themselves to use far too big of meal plans causing them to never learn this valuable life principle. If students never learn this, then their livelihood could be in grave danger of unnecessary spending and possibly even debt. Heritage Hall residents are the main victims of these meal plans. They have a kitchen that allows them to make meals in their dorm. They can save a lot more money by making their own meals and not needing to go eat out at places like the Cougareat, Legend’s Grille and the Cannon Center. With a kitchen at hand, students have no need for a meal plan and can make less costly meals, saving money.
Helaman Hall’s residents are the only students that can truly benefit from the use of a meal plan. They have no kitchen, so they cannot cook their own food. The Cannon Center is the only close place they can get a well balance meal. Also, with the Dining Plus meal plan, they can get a greatly reduced rate on food than that of other plans and debit cards. With this reasoning in mind, meal plans should therefore not be completely removed from campus use. This is why plans should only be strongly recommended for students, but not required for on-campus freshmen. There are a few benefits to the plans, but if you can cook and need to save money, then going without a meal plan makes a lot more economical sense.
Therefore, if the mandatory rule of meal plans was removed, but highly recommended for students use, then those with no money worries could acquire a dining plan and not have to worry about the possibility of losing money if they don’t spend the necessary amount on their plan. Those students who do have money worries would thus not have to buy a plan that could mean wasteful spending and even the potential of losing money. This recommendation would help out the whole student body. No matter your circumstances, a dining plan could be used, but not mandatory. Students living in Helaman Halls would still benefit because they would still be able to have the reduced rates at the Cannon Center by using a plan, but also frugality could be learned by many more. Without the requirement of a meal plan, many would thus learn to spend money more wisely and not spend money on things that are not completely necessary. This would help bring people future economic benefits because they would learn early to spend money wisely and then not be tempted to go into unnecessary debt.
In closing, the mandatory meal plan requirement for on-campus students is completely unneeded. It gives students a false sense of security to know that they don’t have to manage one part of all their financial endeavors, but really if students could see the cost efficiency of using a debit card, they would see that they could save more money without a meal plan. Therefore, meal plans should be highly recommended for students, but not required. If students desire a plan or not should not be the question, it should be if the student can afford to buy a meal plan that will make them spend more money. If the answer is no, than students should rethink their meal plan and live on a debit card for all their spending needs. There is no reason to have two cards that do practically the same things. The only way to make meal plans beneficial would be to have no limit on how much money could be acquired on an account. If the university would allow this, than having a meal plan would make food buying less stressful and not a waste of money. If the limit is not removed than students should just use their debit card that does essentially the same thing as a meal plan
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