Western’s students have been given the opportunity to voice their opinion about a plus/minus grading scale policy. A mass e-mail was sent out to students by the University’s Academic Quality Committee on Feb. 4 asking them to give their suggestions, comments and concerns about the plus/minus grading system proposal.

Gamers who look forward to showcasing their skills at Halo and Guitar Hero 3 at Western’s Gameathon will still be able to play, despite fears of cancellation. Rent-A-Center, who has provided the Gameathon with equipment in the past, has agreed to cover the basic expenses of event after the U.S. Army stopped sponsoring the event.

People parking in front of Western’s meters are paying more for their minutes. Before winter break, a quarter put 30 minutes on the parking meter. Now, meter prices have been increased, and a quarter only buys 15 minutes. Meter rates were increased to increase revenue of the parking services department and decrease abuse of meter parking, said Ginny Griffin, operations manager of the department.

The lobby of Pearce-Ford Tower underwent huge renovations last summer. Concrete walls were covered with drywall and a colorful, geometric pattern faces the entrance. The floors were re-covered with new tile and carpeting. Also, all the old furnishings were replaced by new furniture.

A brand new Health Services building opened on Jan. 7 at the corner of Normal Drive and Regents Avenue. The new facility, which was completed over winter break, will provide Health Services with 20,000 square feet, according to the 2008 Capital Construction Project Status Report.

The University Farm will no longer pay $3.34 a gallon for diesel fuel after May 2008. The senior project for a group of mechanical engineering stuents is to design, build and test a bio-diesel facility by the end of the spring semester. The bio-diesel fuel created by the facility will be used to run Western’s agricultural vehicles, such as the tractors and off-road vehicles used on the farm.

Students grouped around a turntable in the middle of DUC Theater as a disc jockey was spinning records. Some people stood, nodding their heads. Others grouped together, their individual dances merging into one. All were promoting the cause of the Invisible Children.

The 2006 Homecoming Queen will make her way back to Western tonight to give away her crown on Saturday afternoon. BryAnn Roth will be back at Western for the Homecoming game to pass her title on to this year’s queen. “I’m not sad about giving my crown away; I am more excited for the next girl,” she said.