News

News

Environmental film festival advocates social responsibility

By Laraine Weschler | March 23

The 14th Annual Environmental Film Festival showcased 100 films in D.C. this week, including four at American University. The festival "celebrates the beauty and significance of our environment while promoting advocacy for its responsible stewardship," according to the program.

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Mortar round found in Spring Valley

By Lauren Gardner | March 23

A three-inch stokes mortar round was unearthed fully intact on Quebec Street during arsenic soil removal at a home in Spring Valley, according to Shawn Walleck, spokesperson for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District. A post-blast analysis confirmed the round was empty or partially sand-filled, Walleck said.

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Visa troubles affect AU foreign students

By Ashley Bleimes , Natalie Toomey and Hiromi Murashige | March 23

Five years after September 11, foreign policy and costs of education continue to keep international students at home. After September 11, international student enrollment dropped for the first time since the 70s. Not only do foreign students have a harder time getting student visas, U.

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No more free soda for students at Chipotle

By Lauren Gardner | March 23

The Tenleytown Chipotle ended its free drink with an AU ID deal earlier this month, according to a member of the management team there. The promotion began about five years ago and was supposed to last only for the first month of school for AU students, said the employee, who asked not to be identified.

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Campus calendar

By Kate Oczypok | March 23

Thursday, March 23 An Evening with Dr. Abdullah, Foreign Minister of Afghanistan 9:30-10:30 a.m., Ward 1. Dr. Abdullah, foreign minister of Afghanistan, will discuss Afghanistan's strategic objectives for the next five years as outlined in the Interim Afghanistan National Development.

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National briefs

By Ryan Grannan-Doll | March 23

Iraqi minister was paid CIA informant Former Iraqi Foreign minister Naji Sabri was a paid informant of the CIA in the run-up to the Iraq war, according to the New York Times. Sabri, whose contact was established through a French intelligence intermediary, gave the CIA critical information about Iraqi WMD programs.

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Metro Brief: District budget to increase

By Ryan Grannan-Doll | March 23

The District's new budget includes $62.2 million in new taxes according to The Washington Times. The increase comes from an increase in residential and recordation tax, from 1.1 to 1.5 percent. Mayor Anthony Williams proposed the new increase. Williams, who is not seeking re-election, previously proposed a .

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Expert promotes tae kwon do

By Tiffany Heimbuch-Maybee | March 23

The Korean Student Association presented 74-year old Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, the "father of American tae kwon do" before Spring Break to speak to AU students. Jhoon Rhee, a 10-degree black belt, the highest rank in tae kwon do, is said to have brought tae kwon do to American culture.

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Demonstrators mark year three of war in Iraq

By Dave Colon | March 23

On the third anniversary of the United States' campaign in Iraq, marches and demonstrations took place around the world to protest the war. International ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and Racism), an organization devoted to civil rights and social and economic justice, put together "Global Days of Action" from March 18 to 20 to protest the American presence in Iraq.

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Public Safety emphasizes discretion with Facebook

By ERICA LEMASTER and Samantha Tyrka | March 23

AU students must educate themselves about the risks that accompany membership on profile sites such as Facebook.com, according to Michael McNair, director of Public Safety at AU. McNair warned students that they must be wary of the type of information they post on their Facebook profiles.

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Fraternity hosts Miss Wheelchair '05

By Laraine Weschler | March 9

Miss Wheelchair America 2005 spoke to the AU community on Monday about overcoming her disabilities to become an advocate for others. Juliette Rizzo spoke as a part of Pi Kappa Phi Push America campaign to raise awareness and help people with disabilities.

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SIS Career Center holds advising meetings in Dav

By Kendra Garstka | March 9

In an effort to reach more students, the School of International Service Career Center is now holding weekly advising hours at the Davenport lounge. The program, which started Feb. 9, has become so successful that it is being extended from March 16 to a later undecided date, said Olya Vinnik, SIS career advisor.

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Professor promotes book on Sri Lankan conflict

By Rachelle Douillard-Proulx | March 9

Student and faculty gathered in the Battelle-Tompkins atrium to hear SIS Professor John Richardson speak about his book, "Paradise Poisoned," about Sri Lanka's civil war on Tuesday. The night included a panel, moderated by SIS Dean Louis Goodman, which discussed Richardson's book.

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National briefs

By Kate Oczypok | March 9

DeLay wins renomination in Texas Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) won the Republican nomination in his House reelection bid Tuesday, beating three challengers in his first election since he was indicted and forced to step aside as majority leader, according to The Washington Post.

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On-campus room draw begins this month

By Brian Kalish | March 9

Students can either live in their current room next year or move to a new hall of their choice, as the 2006 room draw process which began March 6 and will continue through March 31. The steps necessary for room draw are available online courtesy of Housing and Dining.

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Park B. changes affect hundreds

By Kate Oczypok and Brett Shear-Heyman | March 9

Many AU students are unhappy with the rising prices and changing lease terms of Park Bethesda, AU's off-campus apartment building that was recently handed over to a private management firm. Students will still be allowed to lease apartments through Housing and Dining Programs but terms will change.

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AU: No divestment policy for companies tied to Darfur

By Lauren Gardner | March 9

AU does not have a policy on divestment from companies with ties to the Darfur region of Sudan unlike some universities that have recently implemented such policies, according to David Taylor, chief of staff to Interim President Neil Kerwin. The finance and investment committee of the board of trustees oversees and works with the office of finance and the administration on the university's investment portfolio.

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