Wednesday
October 1, 2003
Vol 1, No 13

1. More students declare majors
2. Metro class helps correct Capitol's mile-high mark
3. Culinary students volunteer at Project Angel Heart
4. Metro hosts college fair
5. Auraria Blood drive next Thursday

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1. More students declare majors

Metro State students are becoming increasingly more decisive, judging by a sizable decrease in students without a declared major. In fall 1999, 32 percent of the student body hadn't declared a major as compared to just 22.9 percent this fall.

"That's good news because students who haven't decided on a major are at greater risk of dropping out," said Lisa Ransdell, director of the Academic Advising Center. While not choosing a major isn't necessarily a bad thing and often indicates that a student is simply exploring different options, waiting too long can become an issue. "It becomes problematic during the sophomore year, after a student has completed a good number of credits," she said.

To read more, go to
http://www.mscd.edu/~collcom/@metro/tw@metro_vol1/undeclared_twv1100103.htm

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2. Metro class helps correct Capitol's mile-high mark

Over the last year, Metro State Mapping and Surveying Professor Herb Stoughton and several of his students worked with volunteers of the Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado and surveyors from the Colorado Department of Transition to identify the actual mile-high altitude on the grounds of the Capitol.

Since the 1990s, surveyors have found several areas across the United States to actually be higher in elevation. Using the new national vertical datum they determined the 13th step of the capital to be mile high, not the 18th step, which held the marker since 1969.

On Monday, Gov. Bill Owns placed a brass marker on the 13th step of the Capitol, declaring it the exact spot that is 5,280 feet. This was the third-time the official mile-high marker has been moved because of surveying adjustments. To view photos go to http://www.mscd.edu/~collcom/@metro/tw@metro_vol1/capitol_twv1100103.htm

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3. Culinary students volunteer at Project Angel Heart

A group of culinary arts students earlier this month staffed the kitchen for Project Angel Heart, a nonprofit that provides meals for people with cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. The group of 10 students - from Michael Wray's cooking classes - is the second Metro State group to work in the kitchen. After the first students volunteered earlier this month, Wray had to turn away volunteers for the second stint.

"My initial intent was to expose the students to the idea of being philanthropic," said Wray, director of culinary arts program. "But it's turned out to be an incredible learning experience as well. It's a very professionally run kitchen and so many of the clients have special needs." The Metro students, directed by the Project Angel Heart chef, prepared meals to meet clients requirements, including low-sodium, high-protein or pureed meals. "Plus, they're learning to cook in bulk, which is a very valuable skill." To view photos go to
http://www.mscd.edu/~collcom/@metro/tw@metro_vol1/angelheart_twv1100103.htm

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4. Metro hosts college fair

Students from 150 high schools along the Front Range who are interested in a teaching career attended a college fair last Wednesday on the Auraria Campus. Sponsored by Metro State, Kappa Delta Pi and the Colorado Education Association, the event featured addresses by Associate Dean of Education Barb Baker, elementary education Professor Leslie Swetnam and Metro State graduate Deborah Johnston, who was named the 2002 Colorado Teacher of the Year. To view a photo go to
http://www.mscd.edu/~collcom/@metro/tw@metro_vol1/edfair_twv1100103.htm

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5. Auraria Blood drive next Thursday

To meet patient needs, Bonfils must collect more than 4,000 units blood each week. To accommodate this need representatives from Bonfils will be at the St. Francis Atrium on Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome or call Corrie Santos at 303-556-6791 or Kelly Young at 303-556-6273 for an appointment.

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@Metro is an electronic news bulletin distributed every Wednesday to all faculty, staff and administrators at Metropolitan State College of Denver.
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