Maroon

              THE MAROON A Loyola Tradition Since 1923 "For a greater Loyola" I V 01.90, N0.3 www.LoyolaMaroon.com 201 1 ] Smoked  By KELSI ALLENBACH Staff Writer Residential Life trains RAs to detect drugs Resident Assistants are trained in drug detection, specifically in detecting the presence of marijuana in residence halls. Although drug usage is an issue on college campuses, Loyola has taken some steps to ensure that its residence halls are as free from illegal drugs as possible. As a standard part of training, all RAs are trained each year in drug detection. "We burn a synthetic material that is designed to smell like burning marijuana, so that RAs are aware and know how to distinguish marijuana from incense and other burning materials," said Craig Beebe, director of Residential Life. RA training in drug detection has not changed from previous years, and has remained the same for the duration of his four years at Loyola, Beebe said. Loyola University police officers conduct a training program for the RAs on illicit drugs each year. If given probable cause, Residential Life personnel can perform an inspection of a student's room. Though drug detection policies and enforcement in residence halls are meant to protect students, some remain unsure of the effectiveness of this system. "I've watched multiple drug raids and they didn't do anything, and I knew where the weed was, behind the printer," said Rose Santos, theater communications sophomore. Residential Life officials, however, understand that RAs are not substitutes for the police. "We do not expect RAs to SGA adjusts allocations process By KAMARIA MONMOUTH Staff Writer Last * semester, campus organizations over-requested funds for the Student Government Association budget allocations, resulting in a 47 percent drop in funding from fall 2010. This semester, the SGA Budget Allocation Committee expects to amend the process through a three-bracket system and SGA's judicial branch, which will aid in sufficient allocations. The allocation process is the process by which organizations apply for and are granted part of the SGA budget for the current semester," said Brian Gibbons, finance senior and SGA's director of finance. "Traditionally, $75,000 is made available during the allocation process with $10,000 more made available during post allocations." Gibbons also said that this semester, the overall amount is expected to increase and will be made available during or before President's Council, where the process of budget allocations is explained to representatives of all clubs and organizations. Too many funding requests from organizations caused budget problems for allocations and resulted in cuts that short-sided full funding, Gibbons said. Phase II begins with Monroe Hall renovations By KRISTEN DIAZ Staff Writer iTa Mi. t, e) ■.*, 11 With the newly renovated Thomas Hall under wraps, phase II of the university's master plan is now in effect with the start of the construction of Monroe Hall. "The building is undergoing a total renovation. All departments will be affected," said Ann Moss, director of Facilities Planning. Planning for the renovation is still underway, but the basic changes have been stated in Loyola's master plan. In order for Monroe Hall to look similar to the rest of buildings on campus, the construction will involve a complete makeover of the exterior. Inside, there will be 114,000 additional square feet for larger classrooms. Monroe Hall will also have two additional floors. Other expected changes include technology updates and upgraded meeting spaces. This particular project is the largest of phase 11, which includes the creation of a new student center and residence hall, alongside small changes in existing residence halls. Monroe Hall holds 37-5 percent of all classrooms on campus. As each phase of construction begins, classes will be reassigned to new places such as Marquette and Bobet halls. The departments that will be affected will include biological sciences, chemistry, mathematical sciences, environmental biology, political science, sociology and physics. In addition to being the home to many departments, Monroe Hall also holds the Academic Resource Center, which offers tutoring to students. GEENA ACEVEDO/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Nunemaker Hall, located in Monroe Hall, will undergo changes as part of renovations. Dates are still tentative. see DRUGS, page 4 see FUNDING, page 16 see PHASE 11, page 16 * ACE! Meet Loyola's newest weapon on the court. See Page 5 WH!i» I e- *• mmJ Ul