Maroon

              THE MAROON VOL. 79, NO. 06 Loyola University New Orleans FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2001 MAROON.LOYNO.EDU Student robbed at gunpoint By Curie V. Jones Staff writer A Loyola student was robbed at gunpoint on the corner of Maple and Carrollton in early September near Madigan's, a popular bar for university students. Erin Clark, marketing sophomore, was getting out of a car with friends when two men approached them from behind and held them at gunpoint, Clark said. According to Clark, the men ordered them not to turn around as they grabbed the students' wallets, and purses. One woman turned around to hand them her belongings, and one of the robbers said, "I'm going to f bust a cap in your head," Clark said. In addition to the robbery outside of Madigan's, nine other armed robberies occurred during the month of September on Broadway, Freret Street and St. Charles Avenue, according to The Times-Picayune. Students at Loyola and Tulane universities were the main victims of these attacks. Lt. Angela Honora of university police said this number of armed robberies is not unusual for this time of year. "When school starts | there is usually a rise in crime during] the first three to four weeks and at the end of the semester for about two weeks," Honora said. Some students said they may not know what to do if they become the victims of armed robberies. "If I was in that situation, I'm not sure how I'd react," said general business sophomore Jasna Sulejmanagic. Honora said students can be prepared should they encounter an armed robber. "Always ask the robber if they are armed, and do not resist the robber unless he or she is trying to get you in a car," Honora said. The rise in crime in the university area does have some students concerned. Sig Ep's former house to be demolished Residence in poor condition with holes in walls, owner says; Sig Eps say they are not necessarily to blame By Latoya Simons Assistant News Editor The former Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house at 7113 Freret St. will be demolished this month at the request of the owner, Tommy Gennusa. A new house will be built as a double and leased to local college students, Gennusa said. The Sig Ep alumni board, which financed the house, had to sell it in order to have enough equity to buy a new house, said James Anderson, Sigma Phi Epsilon president and finance senior. "It was a money pit," Anderson said. In April, the Sig Eps sold the house to Gennusa, who said he received it in bad condition. According to Gennusa, the building was old, but there were also holes in the walls and broken windows, as if someone had "busted up the place." Anderson said that there were a few holes in the walls and minor problems, but that he is not sure where to place the blame for the house's condition. "Other people outside the fraternity could've done it, because in April the frat doors could not lock. It could've been anyone," Anderson said. According to Anderson, the damage was probably from a combination of outsiders and those in the fraternity who may have been upset about losing the house. "There's going to be a few hotheads and drunkards.,.|it| doesn't give them the right to do that, but that's life," he said. STAFF PHOTO BY LANE COTTON WINN Pieces of the roof of the former Sigma Phi Epsilon house at 7113 Freret St. lie on the ground. The residence will be demolished this month, and a double will be built in its place. Business policy may make laptops mandatory By Lauren Carter Contributing writer Loyola's School of Business is considering requiring its entering freshmen to have laptops. It may even go a step further and require its present undergraduates to have laptops as well. J. Patrick O'Brien, dean of the business school discussed the policy and answered questions concerning the issue at a referendum Sept. 27. O'Brien said the purpose of the policy would be to get students used to using computers because they will need to do so when they get jobs. / "By implementing this new policy, the business school hopes to include more students in the knowledge of computer technology, something that will be a requirement when they enter the work field," he said. Another reason for the policy is that the business school's computer lab does not have enough computers for students to use. The lab now has 20 computers. O'Brien said that the school is still working out details of the policy. Some of the issues include whether students would have to purchase a laptop or lease one and if the curriculum really requires (he use of a laptop. There is also concern that the policy may deter students from applying to the business school, and whether the faculty would be willing to attend seminars to leam more about the laptops and the programs on them. Some students expressed concern about the cost of the computer, which could range from $1,800 to $2,000, not including the cost of insurance policies, maintenance or specialized software. O'Brien said that the school is in contact with computer companies such as IBM. Dell and Gateway and is considering a lease program. IBM has a program that provides a two or three-year lease. Nearly 30 students attended the meeting, and STAFF PHOTO BY LANE COTTON WINN The business school computer lab in Miller Hall has 20 computers available for student use, including five added this year. A new policy would make laptops mandatory for all freshmen. 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