Inside the news briefs

New budget focuses on construction, expansion

by Tim Rink, Reporter

Elon's Board of Trustees approved a new budget on March 1 that will bring tuition and fees to $20,441 and the cost of room and board to $6,795. This will make the total cost $27,236.
In an open letter, President Leo M. Lambert said that "students will enjoy immediate and substantial benefits from the cost increase." The most significant project is a seven-tiered campus expansion project.
The jewels of this expansion project are the Ernest A. Koury Sr.
Business Center, the Oaks Apartments and the Elon University School of Law.
The Koury Center is a $10 million project that will add 16 classrooms and three computer labs to Elon's campus. It will also include a digital theatre and a high-tech finance center. It is scheduled to open in fall 2006.
The Oaks are currently under construction to replace Jordan Center.
The state-of-the-art complex will offer single bedroom apartments to students. Its construction should add approximately 300 beds to Elon's campus. The first three buildings of the six building complex are scheduled to open next fall, with the last three buildings opening shortly after.
The School of Law will open in fall 2006 in downtown Greensboro.
There are also plans to remodel and expand the Stewart Fitness Center, open the Long Psychology building, move the Art department into new facilities at Elon West and remodel the Center for the Arts.
College Coffee honors basketball coach, women by Jessica Frizen, News Editor Tuesday's College Coffee honored National Women of Color Day and men's basketball head coach Ernie Nestor, who was named Southern Conference Coach of the Year.
The Multicultural Student Council and the Diversity Emerging Education Program set up a table selling t-shirts and handing out flyers and purple ribbons to remind students of National Women of Color Day. The flyer announced a women of color reception to be held from 4 - 5:30 p.m. later that day. Guest speakers included professors Christine Cotton, Monique Lyle and Dr. Sirena Hargrove-Leak, who were scheduled to discuss their experiences, obstacles and achievements as women of color.
Sophomore Justine Davis said this day was important to Elon students, staff and faculty because there are a lot of women on this campus.
"Today recognizes women and all they go through," she said. According to Davis, it recognizes all women, not just those with ethnic backgrounds.
Director of Athletics Alan White used the steps of Alamance as a stage to recognize athletes like Kitara McMoore, who led the women's basketball team in rebounds and points, and Brett James, who made the all-freshman team and led the team in blocks.
White introduced the seniors and brought Nestor to the front. He announced Nestor as the SoCon Coach of the Year, and pointed out that the team started out the season with a 2-9 record, but ending up winning 13 of the last 18 games.
Nestor concluded by thanking the fans, especially the Phoenix Phanatics, for "developing a solid home court."
"Our fans are vital to the success of the basketball team," he said.
"You should take every opportunity to support your school."

Students can vote for favorite staff member

by Jessica Frizen, News Editor

Students can nominate staff members for the Staff Member of the Year Awards. The awards have three different categories: physical plant staff, office staff and administrative staff. The deadline for nominations is March 31, and the winners will be announced on Staff Appreciation Day. Nomination forms can be obtained by calling the Office of Human Resources at x5560.
Last year, Wendy Williams was voted as Physical Plant Staff Member of the Year, James McCall was Office Staff Member of the Year, and Mike Magoon was Administrative Staff Member of the Year.
Staff Appreciation Day was held on May 24, and included a tour titled "Strangest Places You've Never Been," which took staff members to places around campus that are rarely seen by people other than Physical Plant staff.
Hypnotist Tom Deluca also worked his magic on some of the staff members, and Tammy Shubert led a workshop titled "Beta in a Bowl and Other Office Decoration Ideas."