Quarters to Semesters: A Faculty Perspective

by Megan Tyler and Mollie Welly

Ohio University has made it very clear that they are trying to make the transition from quarters to semesters as painless as possible for students, but what about faculty and staff?  Curricula are changing to meet the needs of semesters, causing professors to change the courses they have taught for years.  Some faculty and staff are embracing the switch from quarters to semesters, while others aren’t thrilled with the changes that are happening.  Many students have strong opinions as to the effects of the transition on the faculty, as well.

"Fracking is Fracking Ridiculous"

Eric Schafer is a senior at Ohio University. He's a member of the Athens community and is concerned about how hydraulic fracturing may be affecting Athens and OU. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a controversial method of extracting natural gas from the ground. It can potentially contaminate ground water in communities. Currently, there are 100,000 acres in Athens County being considered for. Parts of Ohio University's campus are also under exploration as potential land to be sold for fracking. Benefits of fracking include economic growth for the community such as the addition of new jobs.

By Kate Loveless, Paige Perigo, Chelsea Simmons.

Privately Owned Exotic Animals

By: Ryan Dentscheff and Heather Wilson

Owning animals privately has become a very controversial issue in the recent months. In the fall of 2011, a little over 50 miles north of Athens, a Zanesville resident released all 56 of his exotic animals to roam among the everyday citizen. 

This has lead to the pursuit by numerous organizations to get legislation passed, making it illegal for the “Average Joe” to be able to own “exotic” animals. We will be getting expert insight and civilian opinion on the matter, leaving it up to you to decide whether you support or oppose this important issue.