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              The Maroon A Loyola Tradition Since 1923 • "For a greater Loyola" | V 01.90, No. 16 www. LoyolaMciroon. com m Friday, February 3, 201 2 Student loan interest rate scheduled to double in July By SCOTT O'BRIEN Senior Staff Writer The interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans are expected to double in July, an increase that could heap thousands of dollars on top of an undergraduate student's debt. President Barack Obama addressed the issue in his Jan. 24 State of the Union speech by urging Congress to prevent the increase from happening. Obama's proposal would extend the current rate for one year. Cathy Simoneaux, director of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, said the interest rate on subsidized Stafford loans for undergraduate students is 3.4 percent. "Congress, a couple of years ago, cut the interest rate on student loans for undergraduate students, and so if Congress does nothing, the interest rate goes back to the statutory maximum of 6.8 percent in July," Simoneaux said. Sociology sophomore Mary Cassibry said she is paying for college on her own with the help of financial aid and federal loans. She said her biggest fear is that the PRECIOUS ESIE/THE MAROON Online program receives top national ranking By HANNAH lANNAZZO Assistant News Editor The U.S. News and World Report Education ranked the best online graduate programs in the country, and they named Loyola's School of Nursing online program one of the top in the nation. The online program was ranked number one in student services and technology, second in faculty credentials and training, and seventh in student engagement and accreditation. According to a Loyola press release from Jan. 16, Loyola was one of five nursing schools in the country and the only Jesuit university to be honored with this ranking. Loyola ranked ahead of Loyola University Chicago, Duke University, Arizona State University, University of Florida and St. Louis University. Luis Miron, dean of the College of Social Sciences, said the ranking is a benefit to the university. To my knowledge, few, if any, degree programs at Loyola have achieved a top-five national ranking as measured by U.S. News and World Report," he said. Thus distinction benefits not only the College of Social Sciences, but indeed, the university." Ann Cary, director of the School of Nursing, said the ranking brings recognition to the program s faculty. "I know the faculty arc delighted that the program acknowledges the reputation of the school, college and university," Cary said. "It reinforces our vision of excellence here at the school and our commitment to student learning." University President the Rev. Kevin Wildes, SJ., said being University cuts two frat pledge seasons By HANNAH lANNAZZO Assistant News Editor The university has canceled recruitment efforts of its two largest fraternities after university officials say they violated the rush policies. Phi Kappa Psi and Sigma Phi Epsilon will not be allowed to invite new members to join their fraternities this semester in a process known as rush. Pledge season will continue as planned for the Beggars and Sigma Alpha Kappa, the two other fraternities in the Inter Fraternity Council. Mass Comm professor accepts Dux Academicus By MARY JAMESON Staff Writer Robert Thomas has a new addition to his collection of jarred turtles in formaldehyde, stacks of environmental books and maps of Louisiana on his office wall: the Dux Academicus award. Each year Loyola recognizes one staff member "for excellence in teaching and scholarship. Recipients demonstrate an ability to impart knowledge and wisdom of the humanities, sciences, or the professions to students in a manner consistent with the unique philosophy of Loyola as a Jesuit institution of academic excellence." It is the highest honor a faculty Robert Thomas Mass Communication professor see PLEDGE, page 7 see DEBT, page 4 see NURSING, page 7 see DUX, page 7 Her identity A was stolen. See Life & Times page 5 Crime Watch For updates, Ioyolamarcx3n.com and follow maroon unwarranted. Editorial 10 on Twitter 1 Corey Gray becomes top player M Volunteering enlightens students 1 editorial iu and like The Maroon ■Tl BBMkv - mHfIHHHHHHHHH on Facebook u Corrections: In the Feb. 3 issue, we misrepresented the Monroe Library dean selection in the headline. We at The Maroon regret this error.