An anonymous donation of $5 million was made recently on behalf of TAMIU students to help finance the University Student Center. The students will pay for one-third of the total cost of the building. The referendum for the students to agree to finance their remaining amount through an increase in student fees was held on Dec. 2nd. Of the approximately 7% of the students who voted, the majority voted overwhelmingly in favor.
Arturo Sanchez, Student Government Association Senator, spoke with Dr. J. Charles Jennett, President of TAMIU. The results of their discussion was a one-year freeze on the increasing of student fees pending the positive outcome of the referendum.
The facility will provide for food services, an expanded bookstore, break areas for students, meeting and seminar rooms for students and faculty.
By State Statute, Texas Universities may not build Student Centers with state funds. A Student Center must be supported through student activitiy fees or private donations.
The donation requires that the building be built as soon as possible, must not be named after any one individual, and must contain some facility or service for Child Care.
The building will be about 80,000 square feet at the expected cost of $11,200,000 plus move-in fees, equipment and furnishings which will total approximately $15 million.
Laredo can provide many examples of the modes of transportation that international logistics students study to gain knowledge about the way that particular system interacts with other systems to provide the complete supply chain. But when it came to visiting a sea port, the students of Dr. Berg-Andreassen's International Maritime went to Houston to tour one of the largest and most active ports on the Gulf of Mexico. It is one thing to learn about ships, and ports, and facilities in the classroom. It is something totally different to view these in person. At Barbours Cut, the Container terminal for the Port of Houston, the presentation of what was to be seen on the tour was excellent. The manager and operations manager covered the managerial aspects of what the port controls, what the shipper pays, what the ship owner pays, capabilities of loading and unloading, turn-around time, and competition with other ports. They provided a guided tour of the facilities. A container is a steel box measuring 8 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 20 or 40 feet long, which has revolutionized cargo carrying since its inception in the 1960s. It is the standard method of transporting items other than bulk items such as coal, grain, cement, oil, etc., that are imported by sea, and then quickly transferred to rail or motor carrier by huge cranes. Containerization has been an immense labor saving system; now, one skilled operator in a crane costing 15 to 20 million dollars can do the work of hundreds of longshoremen, and in much less time. The container is picked up from the ship by the crane and loaded directly on to a truck trailer. Then the truck drives off to its destination, be it a factory, a warehouse or the railroad terminal located some twenty miles away. The Port of Houston is working the railroad issue to provide direct-to-rail service instead of the current drayage system.
It is easy to do the math, but being able to visualize a ship built to carry 1,500 or 3,000 containers is difficult at best. However, many ports in third world countries still use manual labor because it is so much cheaper than rebuilding the port piers and buying the cranes. Some of the ships still have deck-mounted cranes to load and unload cargo.
The next stop was the Port of Houston Authority for a complete presentation about the facilities at the port. Along with the Barbours Cut Container terminal, the Port of Houston Authority has breakbulk, bulk liquids, cold storage, RO/RO and grain storage facilities. At this point the group boarded a ship to tour around these facilities from the Houston Ship Channel. Dr. Berg-Andreassen and Darryl Goodman pointed out the significance of various ships and pieces of equipment. The Port of Houston has been one of many businesses taking an interest in the students of international logistics. The students greatly appreciate their time and effort, and special thanks to Dr. Fatemi, Dean of the School of Business and International Trade, for helping to make this trip possible.
M.S. Carriers, Roadway, and Burlington Air Freight invited Dr. Giermanski's International Land and Air Transportation class for a guided tour and a detailed question and answer session. Most students considered this trip an extremely worthwhile experience.
It is ironic that, at a university with "International" as its middle name, foreign students pay more than three times as much as residents to attend. Fortunately, Mexican students living in Nuevo Laredo can qualify for in-state rates if they adequately demonstrate financial need. But if a Mexican citizen chooses to live and work legally in the U.S., they suddenly do not qualify for this waiver, because, we are told, they are earning strong American dollars instead of weak pesos.
Of course, they are also paying U.S. income, property, and state taxes, rent,
house payments, and they are buying U.S.
goods. So, the reasoning goes, they must also be able to pay more tuition.
This doesn't seem fair. Mexicans living in Mexico can demonstrate financial
need, but if they legally get a job and reside in the U.S., their financial
needs don't disappear. Why assume that financial need is fundamentally a
matter of which side of the border you happen to live and work on?
While they may not be U.S. citizens, they have made a real commitment to this country through the very dollars they earn. But even as they attempt to better themselves through education and their economic conditions through working and living in the U.S., they are penalized because of a bureaucratic rule.
If they simply quit their U.S. jobs and moved back to Mexico, then they would be considered in the same category as Texas residents and would cut their tuition bill by two thirds. This doesn't make sense. Someone struggles for a good-paying job to make that TAMIU degree (and a better future) a reality, and when they succeed, the degree becomes much more expensive. This means that students have to work full-time to afford foreign rates. This is more time-consuming, and a normal four-year degree can become a ten-year struggle. Tuition is harder to pay for and time for studies becomes minimal when accompanied by a full day's work.
In at least one case, a Mexican student legally living and working in the U.S. was advised by a university staff member to lie — to falsely document their residence in Mexico — in order to qualify for the Mexican tuition waiver. This shouldn't have to happen. There should be some less shady options for students in this category.
The Mexican tuition waiver was, and still is, a necessary program. But as the labor force becomes more international and the student population at border universities increases, something more needs to be done. This problem won't go away by itself. If you or someone you know is in this situation, please email The Bridge at journalism@tamiu.edu or write to this newspaper in care of ESFA Dept., 5201 University Blvd., Laredo, TX, 78041. Let's organize!
Name Withheld Upon Request
If feel that the other schools are not being paid attention to in The Bridge. The Business school is getting two pages in the newspaper and that is not fair for the other schools. The business school is not the only one here on campus -- then why are the other schools not getting the attention they deserve. As a English major I want to read about what is going on in that department. The only persons that can open the paper and read something about their school are the Business people.
Name withheld by request
Editor's Response:
Thank you for expressing your concern. This university as a whole is represented
in the Bridge.
Each College can submit articles concerning their discipline and activities. Students, organizations, staff and faculty are encouraged to write articles about what interests them.
If it is important enough for you to doi, then share it with others in The Bridge.
I make the decision as to what is placed in this paper. I have been known to be liberal on occassion. So send in your articles on 3.5 inch disks or email and tell people what you are doing.
Timothy J. Kennedy
Editor in Chief
Rumor has it that an anonymous Letter to the Editor was submitted about a problem between students and a professor at this university.
This is true. The person or persons submitting the letter did so by E-mail, and took great effort to insure they could not be identified.
Please note the enlarged section provided below which explains the Bridge policy toward Letters to the Editor.
I, as the Editor, will not publish an anonymous letter. I have the final decision as to what goes in this newspaper, and I am not going to jeopardize myself or this newspaper for any person or group who will not identify themselves to me and request anonymity, if necessary.
I do not care to publish complaint letters that request the name be withheld. The issues should be dealt with face to face, and students have Dean of Student Affairs Stephen Brown to assist if necessary.
by Debbie Russell and
Vanessa Heath
Have you ever known anyone that seemed depressed all the time? Have you ever thought that, that person might be suicidal? Depression is a major contribution to suicidal feelings. Well, you might be asking what would make them so depressed. There are several factors that could contribute to these feelings.
1. A major life change could be one. The person might be lonely because he/she
has moved to a new town, or just broke-up with their boy/girlfriend, or they
may have lost a loved one.
2. The person may feel hopeless or helpless. They feel like no matter how
hard someone tries to help them that it won't help or that they really do
not care.
3. The person may feel worthless and like a failure. They feel like they
can't do anything right so what's the use.
4. They feel overwhelmed by their problems. They cannot handle the unbearable
pain or pressure anymore.
5. The use of alcohol and drugs can also contribute to suicidal feelings.
When the person is abusing alcohol and drugs they may impulsively engage
in suicidal behavior.
Along with the things that are mentioned above if you notice the following behavior you might want to take notice. These can be verbal or non-verbal.
1. The person is giving away things that have always meant a lot to
him/her.
2. The person either is not sleeping or all the person wants to do is
sleep.
3. The person has no interest in how he/she looks.
4. Social activities or friends which the person had a lot of interest in
before does not matter to them now.
5. The person's grades in school are falling.
6. The person cannot find things that keep him/her interested they seem bored
all the time.
7. The person verbalizes any of the following: "Nobody cares," "Everybody
would be better off without me," "Nothing ever goes right for me, it's not
worth it anymore," or "I don't need this anymore".
You may be wondering at this point well, what can I do about it?
1. You could talk to the person openly about whether or not they are
suicidal.
2. Take all threats seriously, and don't make them feel more guilty by saying
something like "don't be stupid!"
3. Do not leave the person alone!
4. Try to get the person to get some help from either a pastor of their church
or a professional counselor.
5. If the person refuses to get any help get them some help immediately.
Keep yourself and friends safe this holiday season.
by Debbie Russell and
Vanessa Heath
During this busy and festive time of the year, people like to participate in many activities. Many holiday activities include drinking of alcoholic beverages and eating rich foods, which people have a tenacity to over-indulge in. The tenacity to over indulge in alcohol beverages caused 30,188 alcohol related accidents in Texas alone during 1995 and the death rate from those were 17,000. Is drinking and having a "good time" at holiday parties worth the risk? Here are some ways to avoid the pain of "having too good of a time" at holiday parties this year.
1. Assign a designated driver. Even though this seems to be old news and used again and again in "Don't drink and drive" messages, it works! Find someone who will refrain from drinking, and let that person take everyone else home. Better to be home in bed then in the hospital.
2. Call someone for a ride home or call a friend or family member to come and take you home.
3. Call a cab. This is a safe way home and well worth the money for cab fare.
4. Try not to let other people who have been drinking, drive. Do not try to take away their car keys, people who have been drinking can be mean and will start fights. Try to talk to them and persuade them to not drive and find a ride home. If that doesn't work, get help.
Please play it safe during the holiday season when it comes to alcoholic beverages.
Another thing to think about during this season is the food that is traditional for the season that is fast approaching. People do tend to overeat during Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is a great time to gain unwanted weight. Here are a few tips on avoiding weight gain during the holidays.
1. If there is a large quantity of food around the house or at social functions, eat small quantities. Try not to eat everything even though it all looks "wonderful."
2. Do not go back for seconds. Only eat what you take the first time around, going back just gives you permission to eat more than you should.
3. Don't let your eyes become bigger than your stomach. Take average or small portions of food. Eat what you would normally eat during other times of the year.
4. Eat slowly and chew throughly. Eating too fast does not give your body enough time to get the message to the rest of the body. A person, who eats fast, tends to eat more than was intended.
Follow these tips and have a safe and happy Holiday season.
by Timothy J. Kennedy
Editor-in-Chief
In a season of thanksgiving, it is fitting to give thanks to those who most deserve it.
Thank you, TAMIU students, for showing everybody that your opinion does not count. Thank you for surrendering your rights, for showing that they are not important. Thank you for demonstrating that you are effectively unable or unwilling to be a responsible adult.
What are you doing here? There is more to getting a degree at any college or university. Do you not clean your home? Do you not lock your doors to protect what is yours? Do you do nothing to continue growing in body, mind, and spirit?
How many of you, who can not afford a computer system at home, were frustrated when trying to use the computer labs on campus only to find that several students were playing Solitaire? I, for one, say take those games off the computers while others would say that those game playing students have the right to play those games because they pay labs fees too. My response to that is two fold: First, the Macintosh computers are not used as much as are the Pentiums - we students need to learn to be flexible and use both types of computers - it is not that difficult. Second, I am adamate about removing the games for the Pentiums. This is a University, not a video arcade. If you want to play games, go to the store and buy a deck of cards. Your right to play games on the computer is second to the rights of others to be productive in their school work. Are you selfish to request that you be allowed to use these tools as they were intended? Do you really think CP&L donated those computers for individual entertainment? I think not. If you have this unfortunate situation occur, there are a few things you can do: In the short-term, ask the lab assistant to ask the game player to either do school work or allow others to use the computer. In the long term, get vocal, make the effort to inform the Student Government of the situation - they are your voice to the administration, inform the Dean of Student Affairs and the Management Information Systems personnel of this situation. It is strange that MIS responded to the students requests for longer hours - we did get longer computer lab hours - did they charge more? No, they were able to extend hours by rescheduling personnel, instead of two lab assistants, they went with one lab assistant - and when the scheduled person failed to arrive, thus causing the lab to be closed early one Sunday evening, everybody raised hell - because they could not finish their assignments for the next day. MIS has taken action to insure this situation does not reoccur, but the point here is everyone took the extended hours for granted are you willing to pay for the additional services? And just what would you have done if you had been in those shoes? Really? Honestly? C'mon, Santa Claus is watching - you would have closed the lab to do what you wanted to do.
Our collective behavior is less than adult. That Administration and professors have to strongly encourage attendance to special events is reprehensible. We have graduated from the public school system where we were under control of the teachers - except for this current generation where it seems that some parents want to hold the public school system accountable for their own failings as parents, parents who can not control their own children, but that's another editorial - we have the freedom to choose what we do, we have the right to choose what we do as individuals, right or wrong - run a stop sign, exceed the speed limit, get caught and you pay a fine. Special events and guest speakers are not as well defined as getting a speeding ticket. And yes, these events need to be better publicized - not only when and where, well in advance, but also why should you attend. What is this event? Who is this Guest Speaker? I can not attend all of these activities, so without knowledge of the importance to me, I will not attend. I have attended a variety of guest speakers, from IBA to SHS to Women's Studies to a German professor discussing GAAP. There are two downsides to these events. The first is that most students will not attend unless the two "F" words are involved - Free Food. Oh yes, even I will consume the refreshments provided, but that is not the reason I attend these events, yet the events with the best eats are usually standing room only. What a novel concept, right up there with "I'll work for food" - now where have we seen those signs? And going beyond refreshments is the behavior of some select individuals whose rights affect us all. The second issue here is individual behavior. You may have your individual rights. You have the right to dress as you please, have a beeper, have a cellular telephone, have a conversation and use the restroom. I and everyone else in attendance have the right to attend and enjoy a lecture, by a professor or guest speaker, without being interrupted by you. Many responsible adults adjust their personal communications devices so that they will not interrupt others. Many responsible adults will write notes or even whisper to others if they missed an important idea or concept of the discussion. You do not have the right to interfere with my education. You paid for your education and I paid for my education. I would expect others who value their time and education to stand up and chastise those who interfere with their education.
Jerry Garza, president of the SGA, said it succinctly at the legislative hearings, "TAMIU students want everything and we want it now" and this is true. Yet how many students showed up? We need everything that the other state schools have had for years. If I had my way, this campus would have been completed years ago, and we would have all the classes scheduled for everybody's convenience, with a vast selection of professors from which to choose. Well, we don't. Everything is based on student enrollment. The number of professors, the number of and type of classes, the number and size of buildings, the amount of state money...if you want these things for future generations, your brother and sisters, nieces and nephews, if you want this university to grow, and the diploma you receive from this university to be in demand by prospective employers, then you want to start working towards improving this university, your university. Figure out for yourself what is a legitimate problem that needs to be resolved, and what was your own fault. If you are not happy with this that or the other thing then raise the question to those who can remedy the situation. Unhappy with financial aid? Then tell them, and Dean Brown, and your SGA. Tired of waiting in line to register? Then preregister. Tired of getting parking tickets? Then park your car in a parking spot. Yeah, I have been focusing on the problems that involve students, because we have a problem and it is us. Do we want these people, who have the power to make things happen, Legislatures and CEO's, to have the perception that TAMIU students don't give a damn, that we are ill-mannered and irresponsible? These are the people who not only determine the growth of this school, but whether we, you and I, have opportunities for employment based not on our individual capabilities, but that we graduated from TAMIU, the school of the rude. We need to get our respective acts together and show these people some basic courtesies, and show each other some basic courtesies. Many of us do go out of our way to help and assist others, and we need to let those few individuals know that we will not tolerate unacceptable behavior because it reflects upon us all. Until we make significant changes in our behaviors, until we, as a student body behave as mature adults, then we do not have the ability to address any issues as a student body, the administration will have to act on what they think we want and we will have to take what is given.
By Jose Luis Egremy-Hernandez
Biology Club President
I am writing to express my outrage and disgust with TAMIU's carelessness with the environment.
A year ago when we first moved to this campus you could smell the wildflowers as you walked through the parking lots. Furthermore, you could see the beautiful wildflowers blooming in the little green islands in the parking lots. Well, they removed the wildflowers and in some cases planted a few native bushes and a few trees.
That was just the beginning; I do not know if the TAMIU community is aware that we have a nice little pond in our premises. The Iron Pasture Tank, a man made pond, has been here since the sixties. The Killam family built it to stock water for cattle and wildlife. Well, in the spirit of habitat degrading, TAMIU will build the dormitories in the vicinity of the pond. TAMIU is not to disturb the pond, and they assured me that it will not be disturbed. However, I believe that is hard to accomplish. All the bulldozing and construction materials will have an immediate effect on the water quality and biodiversity of the tank. Furthermore, the wildlife that drinks water from this source will be dramatically affected. In other words, no more free roaming deer on campus (so much for our Alma Mater!)
If that was not enough, the New Tradition to destroy the environment is still rampant. Just last week, the little creek next to the East Parking Lot got bulldozed and river stones were dumped in the creek. The creek used to have hundreds of frogs that gave a nightly concert. Frogs help in the regulation of mosquito larvae. The number of mosquitoes in campus may increase drastically as a consequence of such senseless habitat degradation. In addition to frogs, the creek provides shelter for other insectivores that feed on mosquitoes. The degradation of the Iron Pasture Tank will result in an increase in breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The degradation of the pond and the destruction of the creek will have a negative synergistic effect.
The pollution and the destruction know no limits! The nature trail or jogging trail located near the East Parking Lot shows signs of pollution. The other day a friend and I were hiking along the trail and we found chemical containers dumped in the middle of the Tamaulipan scrub. You could easily see the area was extirpated of life and a necrotic halo surrounded the containers. As we kept walking, we saw the remains of all those trees that were bought and never planted (or planted but never made it).
It is extremely disturbing to think that an institution that plans to educate future generations sets up a terrible example regarding environmental issues. I strongly believe that progress and environmental responsibility have to coexist to assure a better future for our children.
by Hugh Elmore
Why do we need campus police officers? What do they do all day? Why did they pull ME over? To answer these questions I spent an afternoon on patrol with Officer Jaime Rios.
Texas A & M International University currently employs 4 police officers, and the department is headed by Chief Harry Stege. As any of the officers will tell you, the campus police department exists to serve and protect the students, faculty and staff of this university as well as their property.
Though you might think that they spend all their time trying to catch you running a stop sign, most of their time and effort is spent helping students and employees with auto related problems. On our afternoon patrol we unlocked two cars, one for a student and one for an employee. It is interesting to note that both of these people are "repeat customers".
The campus police also keep materials on hand which could help a stranded motorist at the university. Officer Rios informed me that they do offer the use of fix-a-flat tire sealant, jumper cables, and fuel containers, and if anyone has a problem, the officers are here to help.
The campus police do issue citations, both on and off campus, because they are real police officers. We stopped nine drivers on our afternoon patrol, all for failure to come to a complete stop at stop signs. Although I waited in the car while Officer Rios spoke to the drivers, I was able to listen to their colorful excuses through a recording device. You might want to make a note of this; most violations are recorded on videotape.
Most violators of this law claimed they either did not see the sign or that they slowed down and thought it was good enough. This was the first time each of the drivers had been stopped, so they all received a verbal warning; however, lists are kept and the next time they are stopped, they will be cited.
Stop signs on campus are just like stop signs everywhere. You must come to a complete stop at all stop signs and observe the speed limit at all times.
"Parking" on our campus at night will be anything but romantic; you will be interrupted by a flashlight in your window and an officer asking exactly what you are doing. Finally, learn where you may park your vehicle legally.
Approximately three thousand parking citations were issued last academic year. Failure to display a parking permit and students parking in the faculty lot each carry a fine of ten dollars. After receiving five citations, the vehicle will either be booted or towed until all fines are paid. Any students with unpaid violations will not be allowed to register until their citations are paid and the hold removed from their record. Anyone receiving a speeding citation in or around campus from TAMIU police will need to visit Judge Oscar Martinez at precinct 4 place 1. Monies collected from citations go into the general budget.
In addition to keeping our avenues safe from our own driving, the campus police patrol the land surrounding our campus. At least once, our police department was forced to apprehend and press charges against armed trespassers. The offenders were apprehended in the brush behind the campus. Evidence suggests that they were poaching deer or javelina. They also had stolen property in their vehicle.
Remember that the campus police is here to help. If you need help, you'll be grateful that they are here. If you see someone vandalizing university or private property, please report it to 326-2100. Officers are on duty between the hours of 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, and security guards between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am and throughout the weekend. TAMIU police will be receiving five to eight new officers by January of 1997. Officer Rios also stated that the east parking lot is being expanded to accommodate more vehicles for phase two and more parking is on the way for the new student housing area.
Our TAMIU police force members are certified by the state of Texas. They are required to undergo 40 hours of training every two years.
Officers Peter Bak and Jaime Rios started the running trail out in the back forty to be used by all the members of the TAMIU community - runners, joggers, bikers, and walkers. Contact them for the days and times of organized runs through the Dusty country.
It was 6:30 pm on a Friday night, the campus was pretty much deserted. There were no students in sight. People dressed in business attire were entering Bullock Hall. Another presentation was in progress no doubt. And what would it be this time? The Border Trade situation? School funding?
The presentation was various consulting agencies proposing their best efforts to use information management systems, computers, bar code readers, magnetic strip decoders and software to customize a system that would provide increased customer service and free managerial brain power from deciphering confusing status reports to focus on the business at hand - the best possible service to the customer. The consultants had several options available for the business, from supporting the basic requirements to various add-on capabilities to the top-of-the-line systems. The actual business was a regional videotape rental company trying to compete with the nation-wide retailers. The proposals were in such detail that few questions were asked by local business owners. And why was this event held at TAMIU?
It was Dr. Lunce's version of realistic education. "Students know from day one that they will have to present a proposal, and this adds to the overall effect of learning, this is another reason for them to work hard," said Dr. Lunce. "This presentation is truly exciting for me, [because the students] have to communicate." One of the biggest problems faced by business today is communication. The best plan in the world can not be sold if the owner can not adequately communicate the idea to another person. The students are encouraged to invite members of the local business community to attend in this all to real simulation.
Armondo Soto Jr., CPA, a 1989 graduate of LSU (Laredo State University) and one of the guests, commented that "It's very important for the students to communicate, this is an experience the students will value."
Many other business classes have role playing and simulations which are very important in today's business world. The mixture of academia and the business world adds much to the realism. This form of interaction between the students and business people provides for the students to learn what business is looking for in an employee and just as important, shows business the level of knowledge and many creative abilities of TAMIU students.
By Florence D. Flores, Associate Director
Institute for International Trade, Office of International Business
Programs
This coming summer, the College of Business Administration (COBA) will be organizing several four-week programs in Germany and France. The courses represent an excellent opportunity to experience more about the French and German cultural and business environments, while also visiting some of the most famous European resorts: Berlin, historic German capital; ChambÇry, in the heart of the French Alps; Brest, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean; and Montpellier, near the legendary French Riviera.
Each program is based on a common structure, including course-work in Laredo in the Spring semester prior to departure, and, most importantly, lecture series and field trips in Germany or France in the summer. Field trips include guided visits of manufacturing operations and/or corporate headquarters of some of the largest European corporations. Past program participants indeed shared experiences and thoughts with corporate executives from Volkswagen and Siemens (Berlin program), NestlÇ (ChambÇry program), and many more.
The courses are scheduled to take place back-to-back from Mid-May to Mid-June for ChambÇry and Berlin; from Mid-June to Mid-July for Brest; and from Mid-July to Mid-August for Montpellier. Participating individuals are allowed to enroll for up to 3 courses for a maximum of 9 credits.
Each course carries 3 semester credit hours and counts as an elective. The registration process is just as easy as for any other TAMIU class. Graduate students, as well as undergraduate seniors of all colleges and majors may enroll no later than January by contacting the professor(s) in charge of the program(s) they are interested in. (Berlin: Dr. Kurt Jesswein; ChambÇry: Dr. Kamal Fatehi; Brest and Montpellier: Dr. Alain Genestre).
In an attempt to make the courses affordable for everyone, several TAMIU departments are currently working on supplying funds aimed at supporting these programs. For more information, please also come by the Office of International Business Programs, KL 334, ask for Florence Flores.
The following documents (from the Center for Transportation Research at AT Austin) are on Reserve (see Donna Goda, Reference/Gov't. Documents librarian) at the Circulation Desk in Killam Lilbrary:
Texas-Mexico Toll Bridge Study
Texas' Role as a U.S. Mexico Trade Gateway: Measurement & Analysis of Traffic Loads Across the Texas-Mexico Border
Overview of the Texas-Mexico Border: Capacity, Demand, and Revenue Analysis
Overview of the Texas-Mexico Border: Data Base
Transborder Traffic & Infrastructure Impacts on City of Laredo Texas
Overview of the Texas-Mexico Border: Assessment of Traffic flow Patterns
Overview of the Texas-Mexico Boarder--Background
Truck Traffic in Laredo, Texas: A Case Study of Issues and Remedies
Effect of the NAFTA on the Transportation Infrastructure in the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo area
Donna Goda210-326-2118
210-326-2010 FAX
dgoda@tamiu.edu
On behalf of the International Logistics students, thank you Donna Goda for taking the time to keep us informed of these new arrivals to the library.
The TAMIU-APICS Group has been in a planning stage this year and looks forward to being very active in the Spring semester. In the mean time, here are a few article summaries taken from: The Performance Advantage.
October 1996 - Volume 6 - No. 10
Making it in Mexico: Five Steps to Success.
By Paul Karon
Many companies are looking offshore to acquire a competitive advantage. Some are enjoying greater success than others.
The Manufacturing Game: Thingamajigs Teach MRP.
By Suzanne Zolnick
A game developed at the House of Seagram teaches an ambivalent workforce the real- world intricacies of manufacturing.
July 1996 - Volume 6 - No. 7
My Saga to Improve Production.
By Eliyahu M. Goldratt
The story behind the Theory of Constraints.
March 1996 - Volume 6 - No. 3
Dixie Reengineers Scheduling... And Increases Profit 300 Percent.
By Gerard Danos
Dixie Iron Works boosted profit using software based on the Theory of
Constraints.
Scheduling: A Question of Balance
By Julie Fraser
Manufacturing synchronization systems can make the trade-offs to match market demand and business goals. The Seven Key Elements to Selecting a Successful Production Scheduling System. By Sunny Marche, CMC, Ph.D
Which scheduling software system is best suited to managing the peculiarities of your business?
Can Process Flow Scheduling Help You?
By Sam G. Taylor and Steve F. Bolander
Are you a flow manufacturer and having problems fitting MRP scheduling logic to business?
Delivering on Every Promise.
By Monte Zweben
"Intelligent agents" sift through mountains of data to ensure that sales and marketing makes only promises that can be kept by the production department.
Go Configure! Planning in a Configure-To-Order Environment.
By Julie F. Riess, CPIM
Configurator software can be a powerful tool for dissecting market data, and providing a foundation for improved forecasting and planning.
Manufacturing in the 21st Century
By Richard Titone, CPIM
Computer and communications technology are revolutionizing the world of manufacturing. Is the American work force up to the task of thriving in this new environment?
Join APICS and receive much more information about production scheduling and inventory control!
Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) can give you the opportunity to develop your communication, teamwork, and leadership skills through community involvement.
SIFE is a partnership between higher education and business.
Through your involvement in SIFE, YOU will teach others about how market economies and businesses operate, and help them use this knowledge to better themselves, their community, and their country. This unique experience will enable YOU to acquire stronger communication, teamwork, and management skills. Because of these skills, SIFE donors, such as Wal-Mart, Western Auto, Radio Shack and others, actively recruit SIFE students for employment.
For more information: Attend an informational meeting (to be held later this week and again next week), or see Michael Crilly, Mandi Molina, Roxanna Ramos, Olivia Canales, Dr. SAM Smith, Dr. Henry Smith or Dr. Paul Herbig.
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Marketing Associates, the TAMIU American Marketing Association (AMA) student chapter, had entered into a joint endeavor with Boing Beverage Corporation (a Mexican based corporativa or employee owned company.)
TAMIU Marketing Associates will gain hands-on real world marketing experience by working to introduce their line of fruity beverages into the Laredo market in conjunction with the Boing Beverage Corporation through their exclusive local distributor Astro Vending of Laredo Incorporated. TAMIU Marketing Associates will assist Astro Vending with sales calls, consumer product preference surveys in retail outlets, in product promotion, and advertising tactics.
Boing Beverage Corporation has agreed to serve as American Marketing Association (AMA) student chapter national sponsor by donating products to be used for student fund raising activities. In April 1997 American Marketing Association (AMA) student chapter representatives will present the result of the joint endeavor with Boing Beverage Corporation at the national convention of American Marketing Association in New Orleans.
by Yu Lee Wu
That is the question!!
It stands for Association of International Students!!
It's an association that belongs to all the international students, international staff, international faculty, and ALL other students interested in joining us as a big international family.
What are our main objectives? Basically, there are two. First, to TRY to make the foreign students, who are thousands of miles from their lovely countries, feel closer to home. I used "TRY," because I know it's such an impossible task, but at least we try to bring the gap closer. Second, to enrich the TAMIU students, and hopefully the Laredo community by exposing them to this unique world. There is definitely more than Laredo only, but it's a fascinating world out there. This fascinating world is full with wonderful different people, cultures, customs, foods, etc. It is my pleasure to state that there are 28 nations representing our TAMIU campus this semester; we have had a total of 54 countries represented here before. This is one of the unique factors in naming our campus Texas A&M INTERNATIONAL University.
Since September 29, 1996, a new tradition has begun (the first was at Dr. Yoko Sugihara's house), where we try to set up a birthday party every month to celebrate all the birthdays of the members for that month to show that at least we care for each other. It is a potluck party where everyone brings a dish, and any foods are welcomed, but of course any national dish would be great, so that we can have an international table of cuisine. For the first party, we had Japanese Sushi, Chinese fried rice, Malaysian curry chicken, Indian nan, Chinese dumpling, California rolls, and more. It was fabulous! Again, anyone who is interested in trying new things is welcomed. We as a AIS family always have open arms. We try to meet at least twice in a semester by working around with everybody's heavy schedules.
Another thing we are working on to accomplish is making the AIS officers' and sponsors' information available on a letter that can be sent out along with the I-20 by the administration office. Telling future students more about what they need to know about Laredo, the dos and don'ts before coming, etc. They are welcomed to call or write us about any doubts they have or even if they need a ride to come to Laredo. Along with the letter, there is another slip, which states a couple or at least one of the students' information that from whichever particular country or region of the potential student, will be enclosed too. Hopefully it will make them to feel more comfortable in Laredo by assisting them in the moving transition.
Also, during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, etc, we will try to survey what foreign students have planned, and try to coordinate some activities that will gather them together sometimes, to get rid of the boredom and loneliness. For example, for this Thanksgiving weekend, we have offered a chance for the foreign students to experience another aspect of United States, the capital of Texas, Austin.
For the second objective, as most of you probably had noticed, the AIS organized an International Festival on November 1, 1996, as one of the significant programs of the Presidential Inauguration. It was represented by ten countries: Brazil, China, France, India, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Thailand, and Venezuela. Each country had worked very hard and enthusiastically. Here, I would like to give them all a salute and a big hug, and thank you for the cooperation. Also, thanks to everyone who participated or visited us. Congratulations everybody! And thanks!
Another thing that we could contribute to the student body and Laredo community is to start up a speaking bureau, for example, a couple of foreign students went to the Girl Scout group in our Laredo community to talk about our countries and cultures. And now, we just received another project from one of the Geography teachers from United High School, who needs nine foreign students from nine different countries to talk to the 6th graders about our countries. It will be a fun and meaningful task to accomplish.
Actually, one of the ways that we can contribute to TAMIU students is by providing materials from certain countries that you might need for class presentations. For example, flags, maps, posters, of a particular country. We might tell you we don't have them sometimes, BUT there is no harm in asking; you might be surprised by what we have for you.
Additional to those two main goals, we as an association are in the process of getting an AIS T-shirt, which will be in either melon or silver colors. Whoever is interested in getting one can order through our e-mail account: ais@tamiu.edu . Also, if you have any comments or concerns about us, please feel free to drop us a note. Thank you.
Here, please allow me to take this opportunity to recognize a few faculty who have been very helpful to us, AIS: Mr. David VerMilyea, Dr. Yoko Sugihara, Dr. Jim Chen, Dr. David Herlington, Dr. Cecilia Garza, Dr. Sushma Krishnamurthy, Dr. Sanjay Rai. We appreciate all of your help.
Following are the sponsors and officers of AIS for year 1996-1997.
Mr. David VerMilyea -- Sponsor, Texas; Dr. Sanjay Rai -- Sponsor, India; Muzzafar Hussain -- President, India ; Yu Lee Wu -- Vice President, Malaysia; Javed Iqbal--Secretary, Bangadesh; Padma Thiruvengadan -- Treasurer, India
by Carlos A. Guardiola
A new organization on campus is rejecting the pat phrases and classic nonresponses of two-party politics in favor of new solutions to important issues.
Dr. Michael Yoder, Assistant Professor of Geography, has initiated the effort to draw together this collective of concerned individuals. The first meeting of the Progressive Alliance recently yielded thirteen students, six faculty, and two staff members who are interested.
"I felt that [TAMIU] needed an alternative political organization to the College Republicans," said Yoder, "especially considering that their party has been rather anti-education of late."
Yoder describes the Progressive's slant as rejecting traditional conservativism. He added that the membership of the Progressives espoused ideologies such as moderately liberal, liberal, green, socialist, "and everything in between." Shared views among the members include anti- scapegoatism, pro-human rights, and pro-environment.
"[Members] at the first meeting seem disgusted with the way scapegoats are created by the media, talk show hosts, conservative politicians, et cetera, for the purpose of placing blame on ‘others' for social problems," said Yoder.
Yoder added that at this stage the group is interested in promoting awareness of alternative political viewpoints through discussion only, with no plans to engage in activism. But that possibility did exist. "It's still too early to tell," said Yoder.
The Progressives plan to have a different speaker at each meeting, and there are suggestions that only a Treasurer be an elected office in order to promote collaboration within the group.
Yoder was also involved in a similar group at Louisiana State University, which gave him the idea for the Progressive Alliance at TAMIU. Yoder stated that he senses feelings of frustration that there is no outlet on campus for discussion of progressive viewpoints.
"The group will probably get off the ground, and possibly grow as the word gets out," said Yoder.
Anyone interested in joining the Progressive Alliance may contact Dr. Michael Yoder at 326-2634 or Dr. Norma Cantu at 326-2529.•
Reviewed by: Mr. X
The TAMIU Drama Club performed its first play entitled "Play On!" from the 15th through the 17th of November. Directed by Tom Moore with Sandy Martinez as assistant director, the play was well received by the Laredo community. Total attendance for all shows was close to 200 theater goers.
The play was about a local theater group performing a play by a local author, Phyllis Montague (Ericka Esquivel). The theater group decided to do a show by a local author to bring the budget of the theater in the black for the first time in a long time. The only problem with this was the local author kept changing the play, right up to the last rehearsal! This made it difficult for the cast because they were always cramming and could never complete a full rehearsal.
Plus, Polly (Giovanna Salazar) kept inviting Phyllis over for supper to get her part fattened (not like she needed any).
What finally ends up happening is the actors and actresses are so confused by all the changes that they really bomb during the regular performance.
This part had the Laredo audiences laughing so hard that some mentioned that they hurt from laughing afterwards.
Outstanding performances were delivered by Ericka Esquivel in her role as Phyllis Montague. She really had the audience glued into her character and played the part well. Smitty (Fredo Saldana III) also received many laughs in his portrayal of a science geek performing theater arts. Henry Benish (Felix Esquivel) and Violet Imbry (Veronica Hernandez) did a fine job of bringing down the house in Act III when Violet forgets almost all her lines and Henry rescues her by feeding her lines throughout the act. Finally while the play is bombing, Dr. Rex Forbes (Duane W. Burdorf) and Stephen Sellers (Martin Sanchez), get all tanked up to make a bad situation even worse!
The TAMIU Drama Club did an outstanding job putting this play together. They constructed their own sets, bought their own costumes, printed their own programs with pictures thanks to Florence D. Flores and did the decorating of the set from things they could borrow from home. The TAMIU Drama Club will be performing a Shakespearean play next semester called "Twelfth Night" under the direction of Dr. Peter Kratzke. The TAMIU Drama Club hopes to see you all at their production next semester.
Attention all Faculty, Staff, and Students:
The Choir Club is looking for anyone in the University interested in joining the choir. Practice sessions will begin Spring Semester.
The goals for Spring Semester are to perform a spring concert and to perform at any other events throughout the semester. There will be a gathering for all those who are interested the first or second week of the Spring Semester. Flyers will be posted around campus with more information about the event.
Please remember to keep and eye out for them when the semester begins. If you would like more information about the Choir Club, please contact the President of the Choir Club, Pearl Garza, at e-mail address qkxh40a@prodigy.com.
The Choir Club wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hope to see you soon!
Thank you,
Dr. Ray Keck, Sponsor
Pearl Garza, President
By: Jaime F. Alvarado
Haven't you ever been in a situation where you know you have to do something very important, yet somehow, somewhere there is something even more important to do? What that thing may be you don't know, but it's out there! As a result of this, you put off your important "something" until later. Hours, days, weeks, and maybe even months pass until finally you decide to do it, and when you do, it is already too late. This scenario may seem just a bit too familiar for most of us. The desire to put off something until later has become a routine in our everyday lives. It has taken grasp of our inner souls and turned them inside out to reveal its weaknesses. Well, maybe this is going a little too far, but it is true. Those people who have taken a hold of this philosophy have been introduced to the art and joy of procrastination. When people make that "important" decision to procrastinate, it is hard to turn back. It is extremely easy to postpone work, especially when you don't want to do it. This is the point where this "disease" takes advantage. Psychologically, it invades your common sense thinking and directs it to believe that work may be done tomorrow, and that it's okay. You then take time off and relax, maybe take in a movie; oblivious to the fact that you have a major test the following morning. The sluggish behavior that procrastinators feel at this point is the peak of the disease's destruction. When you have killed all the time you possibly can, the "slug bug" recedes and you come to your senses. At this point, you enter a state of panic and shock, realizing that you cannot possibly study ten chapters of biology in less than a couple of hours. As you may very well conclude, procrastinators are not very successful people. If you are one, don't worry it only takes one event to change your way of thinking. You can get help by calling the Procrastinators Anonymous; well actually, this doesn't exist but just pick up your telephone and talk to the dialtone. This really helps! Not that I have done it, though!
I am not admitting here that I am a procrastinator but I will say this: if there were a town called Procrastinatorsville, I'd be mayor.
Many people from all walks of life procrastinate. It is a really bad habit because you lose sight of things that have to be done.
However we are all human, and error in our thinking can and shall be found. The final judgement on whether or not something needs to be done is up to us. Only we can learn from our mistakes and act upon them ......sooner or later!!!