WVUP Library

By Robert Walling
Barbara Marquess has joined the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Library staff. After working last year at the West Virginia University downtown library, she transferred this past summer to WVUP to be closer to her family. Barbara enjoys working at the Parkersburg campus because our smaller staff allows her a “greater variety of duties,” she says.

When returning students walk into the library this fall, they will immediately notice the 18 new computers and 2 printers at their disposal. However, students are doing more than browsing the Internet in this newly upgraded facility. There has been an upsurge in the number of library cards issued.

Several new services have been added to the library’s electronic resources. The Oxford Reference Online premium service is a new addition to the online book-search engines. This tool gives students access to about 200 reference works in a wide range of academic fields.

Students studying history will find the American Council of Learned Societies' History E-Book Project. This site provides access to over 70,000 books, recounting human history from the time of the Neanderthals to the current conflict in the Middle East.

The music search engine Naxos Music Library provides links to about 80,000 music titles in classical, folk and many other genres. Students can access the service by clicking the Naxos link on the library home page and typing “WVUP” as both a user name and password.

If students wish to use the Internet on their own laptops, the library provides a wireless network. The service extends throughout the library and the nearby student lounge.

To answer student’s requests, library hours have been extended. The library is now open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Financial Aid

By Betsy Curry
As the new school year begins, students are paying out a lot of money for tuition, books and school supplies. Many students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg breathe a sigh of relief when their financial aid arrives.

Thanks to August Kafer, director of Financial Aid at WVUP, many are feeling a little more at ease this school year. More scholarship and Financial Aid letters have been sent out prior to the school year than any year before. Normally only six to seven thousand dollars have been received by students at this time, but this year the total has soared to 1.6 million. Kafer credits this large increase to his amazing staff. Not only did his staff have such an improvement but this year there were no computer problems. Last year 385 files were lost.

According to Kafer, his staff normally spends 12 weekends during the summer trying to get everything together. This summer no weekends were spent, and while a few people might have been upset when they arrived to school to see closed doors it all worked out and everyone should be thankful for such an improvement.

This marks the first year the Financial Aid department had waited until the second week of school to disperse money. It made for an easier transition back to school for Kafer and his staff. They were able to get more done the first week so when the second week came more aid was given to a larger number of students. The bookstore set up a type of credit for those receiving scholarships, grants, etc. so the students could still pay tuition and get books for the year.

WVU Ranked Highly

West Virginia University and West Virginia Institute of Technology undergraduate Engineering programs and WVU’s undergraduate Business program are ranked among the best in the nation in U.S. News & World Report’s 2006 edition of “America’s Best Colleges.”

WVU’s undergraduate Engineering program is among the top 116 schools offering doctoral degrees. This marked the sixth year WVU Tech’s Engineering program has made the list. Tech was among the top 78 of institutions offering bachelors or master’s degrees. The rankings were based upon peer evaluations by university deans and senior faculty.

The College of Business and Economics ranking comes as the college begins the school year with new Dean Stephen Sears, whose goals include attracting national attention. The College is among the top 116 undergraduate business programs.

WVU’s College of Engineering and Mineral Resources Dean Eugene Cilento states, “While we’re delighted to be among the top 100 or so programs, our goal remains to be in the top 75 programs in five years.”

WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. said, “We are very proud to be a significant national public university. Students are choosing WVU in record numbers.” He also stated, “Our students are getting good jobs upon graduation. Some programs have 100 percent placement rates.”

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Mountaineers Ready

By Heath Bloxton
The feeling of West Virginia Mountaineer football is back in the air! Leaves are beginning to change and that fall-time buzz has returned to Morgantown. The players will be lead by a familiar-faced coach, Rich Rodriguez. Rodriguez and his staff will call the shots as they battle for the title of “Best in the Big East”.

On offense, a strong group of linemen should lead the way behind some of the best running backs in the land. An inexperienced receiving core will look to their quarterback to show them the way. Taking the snaps for the Mountaineers will be a combination of two quarterbacks: sophomore drop-back passer Adam Bednarik and the speedy freshman Pat White. Put all of these factors together and you get a group of young men who are ready to “Spot the Ball” for Coach Rodriguez!

On the other side of the ball, the defense will look to improve on last year’s mark. A strong secondary will be lead by senior defensive backs Mike Lorello and Jahmile Addae. Together, they combined to make 113 tackles and four interceptions in the 2004 season. Assisting the secondary will be a fierce group of linebackers and a solid defensive line.

On special teams, the Mountaineers will start freshman place-kicker, Pat McAfee and senior punter Phil Brady.

The Mountaineers seem to be a promising team for the 2005 season. They will open their season facing a tough Syracuse team. Looking down the road, the games don’t get any easier. Nonetheless, it’s time to tune in your radios, fire up your barbeque grill and bring on the West Virginia Mountaineers!!!

Ken Griffey Jr.

By Heath Bloxton
When you think of Cincinnati Reds baseball, you will think of the Big Red Machine of the 70s, and names such as Pete Rose and Johnny Bench. Fans from today’s generation may even bring up names such as Barry Larkin or Adam Dunn. However, the 2005 superstar for the Reds is a name fans have not been used to seeing in the everyday lineup in the last few years. The sad thing is that this guy has been with the club for six years now. When you hear this player’s name, a single word may come to mind: injury! Yes, this player is Ken Griffey Jr.

Ever since Griffey arrived in Cincinnati in a trade from Seattle, Jr. has been injury-prone almost every season. He has become more of an uppercut hitter, and doesn’t drive the ball to all parts of the field. However, 2005 seems to be Griffey’s “rejuvenation year”. His 500-plus home runs have been overshadowed by his injuries and this year, Jr. seems to be back to where he was before he was traded…healthy!

As of August 31, Griffey has hit 33 home runs and is batting .301 with a slugging percentage at .575. Should Griffey continue this consistent streak, Cincinnati fans could be looking not only at future hall-of-famer, but maybe even another World Series Trophy!

Bookstore Deals

By Rachel Nowery

Are you ready for the West Virginia football season? The Campus Bookstore has lots of clothing and spirit gifts available with the flying WV logo for the avid Mountaineer fan.

In addition, Jansport hooded sweatshirts are on special this month and available in hot pink, aqua, green and gray. Traditional tees and sweatshirts with the WVUP logo can also be found in school colors.

A reminder that all third party financial aid recipients (i.e., WIA, TAA, Voc Rehab, and VA), have until September 22 to charge books and supplies that are needed for the fall semester.

Full refunds are no longer available for books at this time. During the first week, students were permitted to attend class, see what was needed and purchase or return materials at that time. Since the first week is now over, the bookstore assumes that you have used the book and all textbook sales are final. This policy is stated on the back and bottom of your receipt. However, if you drop a class simply bring in a drop slip along with your receipt and a full refund will be given in the original form of payment.

There are many things happening at the Campus Bookstore this month. Please stop by and take advantage of the great opportunities and deals.

Fright Night

By Trina Barber
Prepare yourself for a spooky good time as West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Student Government Association sponsors Fright Night, Oct. 15, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.

Music will be provided as old horror flicks are played on the walls. A tarot card reader will be present for fun for those wanting to gaze into their future. Light refreshments will also be available.

Price of admission is $3.00 with a costume and $5.00 without a costume.

Campus Organizations

By Jasmine Delane
West Virginia University at Parkersburg has many clubs and organizations that students may join. Some examples are the Campus Christian Fellowship, Outdoors Club, Judo Club, and three new organizations. They are the Student Health and Wellness Association, Reading Association, and Campus Democrats. WVU-P also has a fraternity, known as Zeta Kappa Omega and a sorority, known as Delta Zeta Phi. For more information about the fraternity contact Jeff Holland, and for more information on the sorority contact Connie Cadle. If you would like to know more about a specific club or organization please read the brief descriptions of them in your Student Handbook.

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Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

SGA Sponsors Troops

By Trina Barber
West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Student Government Association will be sponsoring “Troops Week” Sept. 19-22. Also, dog tags will be made on campus Sept. 15, in front of the Multipurpose Room, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost for each dog tag is $2.00 with a limit of one per student.

Recruiters from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and the National Guard will be on campus during the event. There will be military vehicles on site such as a Black Hawk helicopter and military boat.

Monday, Sept. 19, will kick off the week of activities with a new flag induction on the front lawn with Color Guard in attendance.

Monday has also been dubbed “Yellow Ribbon Day.” Student Government members will be selling yellow ribbons for $.25 and ask that students wear yellow shirts to show their support for the troops.

Tuesday, Sept. 20, has been named “Camo Day.” Students are encouraged to wear camouflage clothing.

A barbecue sponsored by Student Activities and Student Government will be held Wed., Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the backyard. The barbecue is free to students and $2.00 for staff and faculty. Students who bring their dog tags made the previous week will receive a free can of soda.

Wednesday will also be “Red, White and Blue Day,” with the opportunity to purchase t-shirts to be died red, white and blue. T-shirts may be purchased for $5.00 or you may bring your own from home.

In the backyard that day, the National Guard will be bringing their Black Hawk helicopter for students to see and they may also have a climbing wall. Military Police will also perform a hand-to-hand combat show and the Parkersburg High School Drill Team will perform a demonstration.

Also on Wednesday, WVUP education major Adam Canter and his band, Deadline, will be performing live on the backyard during the barbecue.

Students are encouraged to wear their red, white and blue tie-dyed t-shirts on Thursday.

All activities are open to the public and all proceeds from each event will be used to purchase phone cards for soldiers stationed in Iraq.

Welcome Back Week

By Erika Westbrook
Many new and returning students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg took part in Welcome Back Week, sponsored by Student Activities and Student Government.

The events began Aug. 22, with two days of giveaways. Items such as drinking glasses, colorful highlighters, discount cards, valuable coupons and personal hygiene samples were given to students in the hallway next to the Multipurpose Room and other areas of the campus. Many of the items were donated by consumers hoping to encourage students to purchase their products.

Activities continued on Aug. 25; students were treated to ice cream sundaes from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the courtyard. Music played through loudspeakers provided entertainment.

Jackson County Center students were also given the chance to participate in Welcome Back Week activities Aug. 30 – 31.

On Monday Sept. 6, Student Activities also held Movie Pass Sale, in which students could purchase matinee tickets at discount prices.