1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Tuition increase will prevent disadvantage

By Jason Silver | Mar. 4, 2008

Within the past two semesters on campus, I experienced my second UF professor close to tears when it comes to the budget cuts. The most recent 6 percent cut that departments must meet makes matters even worse at a school that is trying to become a top 10 institution. I want UF to be that top 10 school, and I'm confident that the only way that will happen is tuition is increased to similar rates of other public schools. One can take a look at the University of Michigan. According to its Web site, tuition and fees for in-state students are currently $10,448 for students in their first two years, and $11,776 for students in their third and fourth years. In comparison, UF's tuition and fees are $3,370. UF is an amazing institution, and I'm afraid that without an increase in tuition, The Gator Nation will be at a severe disadvantage in the future.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Marine should be dishonorably discharged

By SHIVANI PATEL | Mar. 4, 2008

The actions of the U.S. Marine shown throwing a puppy off a cliff in an Internet video are shameful and denounced by the Animal Activists of Alachua. That a person could take pleasure in the abuse and suffering of an innocent animal is appalling and cannot be justified. Animal cruelty is a felony in many states, and the Marine should be dishonorably discharged and serve prison time if the video is depicting reality. He should not be shown leniency in this matter based on the fact that he is a Marine. In fact, members of the military should be held to a higher standard.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Campus buildings evacuated after bomb threat, flooding

By ILEANA MORALES | Mar. 4, 2008

Hundreds of UF students, faculty and staff were forced outside during stormy weather Tuesday after the Florida Gym was evacuated due to a bomb threat and Library West was cleared out because of a plumbing problem.

NEWS

Get a Grip

By Rayiaz Khan | Mar. 4, 2008

Feature Photo

NEWS | CAMPUS

Pulitzer winner speaks on importance of writing

By LIA GANOSELLIS | Mar. 4, 2008

David McCullough, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning historian for the books "Truman" and "John Adams," spoke to a sold-out UF audience Tuesday night about the importance of writing.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Police handled bomb threat poorly

By Jennifer Meyerson | Mar. 4, 2008

When the alarm went off in the Florida Gym Tuesday, it was chaotic. There were no direct instructions other than the standard fire alarm the building is equipped with. All the message said was to evacuate the building. Students and faculty lingered because no one was given instructions.