The Los Angeles Loyolan, Volume 74, Issue 2 - September 6, 1995

L О A n 1 LOYOLAN VOL. 74 • NO. 2 LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY September 6, 1995 New ASLMU Constitution Passes in Student Election Over 87 Percent of Voters Approve; Only 25.5 Percent of Students Cast Ballot By Mia Shanley Assistant News Editor The Associated Students of Loyola Marymount voted by an overwhelming margin to junk the old ASLMU constitution in favor of a revised version, with 87.4% of those voting in favor of the revision. In order for the new constitution to pass, 25% of the student body had to participate in the voting pro¬ cess. After ballots were counted, 25.5% (995) of the student body had voted. There were 870 yes votes and 1 25 no votes, surpassing the 50% plus one majority vote needed to enact the revised consti¬ tution. The new constitution will be put into effect immediately. *7 tt Чйдие... Campus Life Career Development & Placement Serves You! •page 5 [Perspective I That’s Not A Duck! •page 12 Arts & | Entertainment | Ben Harper •page 14 Sports W. Volleyball Wins 2 of 3 at New Mexico •page 20 Some of the changes in the con¬ stitution include the altering of elec¬ tions, the creation of a Bill of Rights, a new Club Allocation Board, a Public Relations Team and an $1 1 increase in the membership fee. Although the last revisions to the constitution were executed in March of 1 994, that overhaul was done without any major changes. The new constitution, which was revised to four pages from its’ original twelve pages, replaces what Matthew Parlow, President of ASLMU, de¬ scribed as an “illogical argument with loopholes and inconsisten¬ cies.” The major change which brought about the most controversy was a section in the constitution that al¬ lows the President of ASLMU to appoint each of the five vice presi¬ dents who will overlook Club Re¬ lations, Activities Programming Commission, Finance, Commu¬ nity Service and Public Relations. This replaces the old version in which the student body elected the five vice presidents in the spring elections. “I applaud them for wanting to go through with it and for doing it as extensively as they did,” com¬ mented senior Monica LaBelle. She disagreed with the section on appointments, however. “For the United States govern¬ ment, the President better look over his cabinet, but LMU has a population of about 3,800, so you don’t want an Executive Board continued on page two Liberal Arts Wins Lip Sync Pftttto By James Keane Marco A iello starred as Jesus Christ Superstar in Liberal A rts ' Lip Sync victory last Thursday. Greeks to Adhere to Strict Alcohol Policy By Jennifer D’Andrea News Editor Traditional fraternity keg parties are now a thing of the past at Loyola Marymount as student presi¬ dents of LMU’s Greek system re¬ cently voted to adhere more strictly to the Greek Community Alcohol and Social Functions Policy, in accordance with the laws and poli¬ cies pertaining to alcohol of the International fraternity/sorority or¬ ganization. Until last spring, fraternities and sororities at LMU were lax about following rules that Greek organi¬ zations at other universities follow adamantly, according to Shelli Herman, Associate Director of Stu¬ dent Life. Rules regarding the purchase and distribution of alcoholic bever¬ ages at fraternity/sorority spon¬ sored parties, especially when the events involve minors, are now being re-evaluated. The re-evaluation is occurring both for the safety of the LMU safe,” Herman said. “I think this policy allows them to set a standard for themselves that’s a lot higher thainithasbeen. The policy does not say that you cannot drink, but it asks that groups drink in ways that are “It’s not the carefree days of old where you just decide to have a party.”— Tim . Russell, Sigma Chi President community and to insure that Greek organizations keep up with the list of expectations they are required to follow by the Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group in order to remain covered by insur¬ ance. “I have a duty to inform chap¬ ters that their practices are un¬ responsible and safe. “I don’t think asking the groups to follow the law is too much — it’s a basic standard.” The major components that are included in the Greek Community Alcohol and Social Functions Policy are that no alcoholic beverages may be purchased through the chapter Temporary Entrances Designated for Malone By Jennifer D’Andrea News Editor With the-renovation of Loyola Marymount’s Lorenzo Malone Student Center comes the inherent challenges of creat¬ ing efficient entrances and exits that can be easily accessed throughout the construction pro¬ cess. As the construction continues throughoutthe planned 1 8-month period, there will be different en¬ trances and exits, according to Director of Facilities Planning Linda Lang. To facilitate access to various areas of the building, clearly visible signs will be posted when necessary along with a pic¬ ture of the completed building, Lang said. “I would appreciate it if (every¬ one) would pardon our construc¬ tion,” noted Lang. “I understand that it’s inconvenient but I’m trying my best to make it as livable as possible. I know it’s going to be tough, (but) I hope we can all get through it.” Currently, the Bookstore and student mailboxes can be ac¬ cessed through the stairs near Campus Ministry. The building’s ventilation system was improved last Wednesday to allow for better circulation in the Bookstore and the Terrace Room. Fans were placed both in the ceiling and on the ground to help reduce the cir¬ culation problem that the recent summer heat has intensified, Lang further commented. ASLMU can be entered by the door on the east side of Malone at Ignations Circle Street. This door was formerly the back door but has now been temporarily turned into the main ASLMU entrance. continued on page three treasury; kegs are allowed only when controlled by a third party vendor; chapter members cannot serve or sell alcoholic beverages to minors; and all social events will be “B.Y.O.B.” Other important rules are that events cannot be co-sponsored with an alcohol distributor, charitable or¬ ganization or tavern; alcoholic bev¬ erages are prohibited at rush events; social events with unre¬ stricted access to non-members are prohibited; and a limit of three guests per member or 200 people will be allowed at social events. LMU’s eight Greek presidents are generally positive and support¬ ive of the policy. Most feel that LMU has been far behind other universities in implementing a strict and safe alcohol policy. “A lot of people equate drinking and partying with fraternities but there’s a whole different side to it that (makes up) 95 percent of (fra¬ ternity life),” said Greg Berini, So¬ cial Chair for Alpha Delta Gamma. “It might narrow down the numbers (of people seeking entrance into fraternities), but in a way it might improve the quality of people. It makes people see that it’s about more than just a party.” Sigma Chi President Tim Russell is in favor of the new policy be¬ cause he is hoping it will improve the image of fraternities. “For the most part I like it be¬ cause, traditionally, Greeks have a bad rap,” Russell commented. “It’s not the carefree days of old where you just decide to have a party. We’re hoping it will eliminate some of the stereotypes that go along with the negative Greek image... I don’t think the party scene will be affected in any way.” A concern that will be addressed continued on page three