Common reading program writing contest

First-year students who participate in the Common Reading Program are invited to write a short essay (700 to 1000 words) about Ishmael Beah’s, “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier.”

The writing prompt asks students if they had the chance to meet Mr. Beah, what would they discuss with him and why.
Students are to explain in detail what was most memorable to them about the book.

Essay should include a cover sheet with the student’s name, student ID?number, campus address, telephone number, and MU email address. Essays should be double spaced and between 700 and 1000 words in length.

The deadline for submission is September 4 at 4 p.m. and may be handed in to the English Department at 108 Chryst Hall c/o Dr. Steven Miller. Essays will be judged anonymously by a faculty panel based on how interesting, engaging, clear, original, and carefully revised (for typing, spelling, etc.) the writing is.

Four prize-winners will be awarded $250 gift cards generously provided by the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU), redeemable at the University Bookstore.

MTV and Greek Life host Decision 2008

An open forum discussion will be held Friday, Sept. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the SMC MPR. Hosted by MTV, Rock the Vote, and several other organizations reaching out to college students about the upcoming presidential election, the event will encourage students to become informed and vote for their chosen candidate. Students will also be able to register to vote at booths set up in front of the University Bookstore throughout the week of Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pizza, policy and politics
On Monday, Sept. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Lehr Ballroom of Gordinier Hall students will have the opportunity to meet with former members of Congress. There will opportunities for students to meet with the congressmen, win prizes and enjoy a free pizza buffet.