Maroon

              THE MAROON A Loyola Tradition Since 1923 "For a greater Loyola" www.LoyolaMuroon.com Friday, December 2, 201 1 | | V 01.90, No. 12 H V By JAMIE FUTRAL Assistant News Editor As New Orleans honors World AIDS Day this week, Dominic Clust cannot help but reflect on how his life was turned upside down last year after he was diagnosed with HIV. Clust, theater communication junior, found out he was infected with human immunodeficiency virus after a routine screen testing at Student Health last September. A year later, Clust is optimistic about his future. "We found it early, and I am going to live a normal life," Clust said. HIV is a virus that harms the immune system. If the virus is left untreated, it can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. AIDS, the final stage of the HIV virus, damages the immune system cells, T-Cells, to the point that a person's body cannot fight against any viruses. Though HIV and AIDS can be treated and prevented, there is no cure for either. Clust first turned to Student Health to get tested for any sexually transmitted diseases. Clust said that every member of the Student Health staff' was very helpful when he was first diagnosed. "We offer as much physical support and as much mental support as possible," said Alicia Bourque, administrative director for A student reflects on his eocperiences as an HIV-positive member of the Loyola community Counseling and Student Health Services. Bourque said Student Health offers discounted screen testing, referrals on insurance and services, and free counseling for students diagnosed with HIV. After his diagnosis, Student Health sent him to NO/AIDS Task Force, a nonprofit organization that provides education, counseling, financial support and assistance with prevention and spread of HIV. Clust regularly visits NO/AIDS for blood tests, medication and support. Former law professor fills judge position By HANNAH lANNAZZO Editorial Assistant Former Loyola law professor Stephen Higginson has been confirmed to a position on the United States Court of Appeals for the sth Circuit, which is one step under the Supreme Court Higginson filled a position on the U.S. Court of Appeals for sth Circuit, which is located in New Orleans and handles appeals from the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. "His appointment is a phenomenal accomplishment," said Kathryn Lorio, law professor. "I don't think many people realize that the Court of Appeals is one step under the Supreme Court" Higginson said the appointment process, which began in May, was long and complicated. Sen. Mary Landrieu recommended Higginson to President Barack Obama, who Ut——*  wiw^wn Former College of Law professor, current U.S. Court of Appeals for sth Circuit judge then nominated Higginson for the position. The vote was brought to the full Senate, where Sens. Mary Landrieu and David Vitter of Louisiana endorsed Higginson. He was voted into the position 88-0 on Oct 31. Tatiana Mouton, J.D.11, said she is proud to say Higginson taught hef. "He is incredible. He is really great at putting things into perspective, and I definitely applied the methodologies he taught us to other classes," Mouton said. "He is also so genuine and so Common curriculum changes get approved By CHERIE LEJEUNE The Maroon The Loyola freshman class of 2017 won't take Introduction to Philosophy; they 11 take Philosophy of the Human Person. Nor will they take Critical Reading and Writing; instead, Argumentative Writing. Although these changes may seem minor, they represent a bigger shift—the implementation of a new common curriculum in the fall of 2013. Since 2009, a task force has met regularly to form, work on and perfect this new curriculum. A science lab, a new ethics course and a difference in the required hours of religion and philosophy are several changes that the working model shows. "I have noticed that students sometimes seem unconcerned because the changes will not affect the classes they have to take," said history senior Garrett Fontenot, student member on the Common Curriculum Implementation Task Force. "But their future peers see HIV, page 16 see COURT, page 4 see COURSES, page 16 WOLF M magazine Happy holidays from tba WoH See page 7 Zumba! BHH| Cheating at 44 Far too often we overlook the -mlane student finds Y . . * UMy °f H,V/AIDS flnd her step leading *** '"1 Conunumty members ourselves immune or unconditionally fovoiaclaSSat 1 with protected from its influence. J J j finals Corrections: In "Group removes interactive board," published Nov. 18, comments about the interactive txferd were incorrectly attributed to John Puma. The headline for "Doctor of nursing program receives accreditation," published Nov. 11 is incorrect as the Doctor of Nursing program has not yet received accreditation. In "Some students unhappy with one voice," published Nov. 18 Kylee Mclntyre was given the wrong title. She is the co-president of Loyola Life. In "University hires athletic consultants," published Nov. 18, the comments provided by Brett Simpson were meant as a response to a reporter's questions, not as a letter to the editor as printed. We at The Maroon regret these errors.