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By Shawn Smith

Fashion show benefits low-income workers

Proceeds from the event benefitted Dress for Success and CareerGear, organizations dedicated to providing business professional clothing to low-income men and women, said Sowmya Banda, president of Lambda Kappa Sigma. “We want to help people in professional aspect, and everyone can benefit from something like this. It’s one of our favorite events,” said Banda, an Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy fourth-year student.Nov 26 2013

Students show appreciation for Rutgers workers

Students are usually polite when boarding or exiting a bus, swiping into a dining hall or getting an event prepared at the local student center. Rutgers United Students Against Sweatshops are hoping to extend and emphasize this courtesy during the week of Nov. 25 for “Worker Appreciation Week.” The event runs from today until Wednesday, said Jose Sanchez, a member of RUSAS.Nov 25 2013

NASA astronaut discusses future of space travel

Living in a tent for six weeks in the Arctic, NASA astronaut Serena Auñón said it very closely resembles living in space. Each environment is desolate and contains dangers capable of killing a person in a moment. Living in the Artic, though, revealed certain significances of life for Auñón. “Coming in after working in negative 30 degree weather and seeing two text messages on my [satellite] phone, really brightens your entire day,” she said.Nov 22 2013

Water utility operator files false test results

Edward O’Rourke, the now-suspended licensed operator for the New Brunswick Water Utility, allegedly filed false reports for various water quality tests, submitted incorrectly calculated test results and failed to notify the public when standards were not met, according to a statement from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.Nov 20 2013

Grease trucks see business losses after move

The grease trucks have started working on new ways to bring in revenue after they were forced to move from Lot 8 Aug. 15. The R U Hungry? Truck, for example, is going to begin a delivery service, as well as offering catering. Beginning this week, Ayman Elnaggar, owner of the truck, said they will start delivering fat sandwiches to all campuses as a way to try and recover lost revenue after moving off Lot 8 more than two months ago. Rutgers moved them off the to build a residence hall.Nov 8 2013

Embrace Kids Foundation explains donation process

Rutgers University Dance Marathon raised more than $500,000 last year for Embrace Kids Foundation, an organization that provides free services for children who have been diagnosed with cancer, sickle cell disease or some other blood disorder. Matthew Mednick, director of finance for RUDM, said when funds come into RUDM, they are not collected and given all at once, but rather they are distributed to the foundation as soon as they are donated.Nov 7 2013

Oliver, Cenac talk life before fame

John Oliver discovered what best represents the younger generations’ legacy: T-shirt cannons. He said nothing excites them more than a free T-shirt. “People have died falling out of arenas, reaching for T-shirts fired their way. And yet, we still have T-shirt cannons,” he said. “I don’t recall any discussion of T-shirt cannons getting banned. It’s as if collectively we decided, ‘You know what? It’s not that bad a way to die.’”Oct 28 2013

Breaches in Rutgers residence hall security raises eyebrows

Every now and then, various menus from local eateries appear underneath doors in residence halls. But what is stopping these people from knocking on the door to tell occupants about their “specials,” or even going into unlocked rooms? How do they get in the building in the first place? The Daily Targum visited various residence halls Saturday night to see how accessible they actually are, and the results are unsettling.Oct 24 2013

US shutdown still impacting Rutgers researchers

The U.S. government is officially back open for business. But while the national parks, museums and Panda Cam are getting back to business, some people and organizations are still feeling its effects. According to an article by CNN, President Barack Obama signed a bill early Thursday morning that ended the 16-day shutdown.Oct 22 2013

Egg-sclusive

How free are Rutgers' cage-free eggs? It took two years, but Rutgers students have gotten the University to switch to cage-free eggs. Beginning this semester, all students with a meal plan will notice a small increase to the cost, as the eggs are more costly then years past.Oct 14 2013

Rutgers Clery report finds 21 percent increase in burglary

The numbers are in, and Rutgers has reported burglary as its most common crime of last year — with a 21 percent increase from 2011 to 2012. But Rutgers passed another year without any manslaughter charges, according to the 2013 Clery Report.Oct 8 2013

Dining halls to return to original 9 pm closing time

Beginning tonight, Livingston Dining Commons will be open until 9 p.m. The other three dining halls will follow suit Oct. 14 onwards, and will remain open for an extra hour. Joseph Charette, executive director of Dining Services, said the decision to reopen the halls until 9 p.m., was made due to a variety of factors. On Livingston, the dining hall has a line out the door at 8 p.m. almost every night.Oct 7 2013

Professor, alumnus discuss award-winning research

What would you do with $625,000? University Professor Julie Livingston is one of 23 recipients of the MacArthur fellowship, a five-year, unrestricted stipend of $625,000, due to her research in Botswana. She looked at the care and treatment of the sick in the southern parts of Africa.Oct 4 2013

US government shutdown affecting research grants

Student Volunteer Council launches service program for Homecoming

During Homecoming Week, there is an increased sense of pride throughout the University. This year, the Student Volunteer Council teamed up with the Homecoming Council to begin a new tradition — 1,766 hours of community service.Oct 1 2013

Livingston Dining Commons uses paper plates due to lack of steam

Going to the Livingston Dining Commons over the weekend felt more like a picnic than a trip to a cafeteria. Students ate from plastic foam plates, with plastic utensils and cups. Kelly Tierra, a dining hall supervisor at LDC, said a part broke on the establishment’s steamer, and they could not properly sanitize the dishware and silverware.Sep 30 2013

Tillett Hall sees renovated space for smart classrooms

With its faded grey stone and the missing grout between bricks, Tillett hall looks the same as it has for the past few years. Once entering the building, however, it is easier to see where $13.6 million was spent. Earlier this year, renovations began inside Tillett hall, as the mailroom shrank in size and was eventually moved.Sep 26 2013

$187,000 sculpture finds home on Busch campus

A new sculpture entitled “Synergy,” featuring a protein called collagen, has found a home on Busch campus. The sculpture, installed Friday morning, features three strands interwoven in a vertical braid. It lies in the middle of the courtyard in front of the Center for Integrative Proteomics Research.Sep 23 2013

Dance Marathon to move to Louis Brown Athletic Center

During last year’s Rutgers University Dance Marathon, head football coach Kyle Flood commented to staff that the venue was a little crowded. That comment led to big news, as RUDM officially announced last night they will be moving the event to the Louis Brown Athletic Center on Livingston campus.Sep 19 2013

Former University student indicted by state grand jury

Students agitated over dining hours change

After a long day of classes during the first week of school, Yessid Ceballos tried to go into the Busch Dining Hall one night at 8:05 p.m. and was told it was closed. Ceballos, a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore, said he was told the dining hall hours had been changed this year, and all the halls would be closing at 8 p.m. every day.Sep 16 2013

Livingston campus sees vendor openings, renovated buildings

Amid the sounds of people talking and children laughing, a crowd waited in line, each person anticipating his or her chance to grab one of 16 cold, metal handles. The frozen treat they received was free, and for most, worth the wait.Sep 10 2013

U. begins College Avenue redevelopment initiative

Many changes have occurred at Rutgers University, but none is more obvious right now than the construction on the College Avenue campus. While the famous grease trucks have relocated from their 20-year home at Lot 8, what is replacing them will radically change the look of the campus.Sep 3 2013

University vows to challenge any changes to governance structure

University increases tuition by 2.4 percent

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg dies

The last World War II veteran in the Senate, Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), passed away early this morning. He was also the oldest living member of the cabinet at the time of his passing. A statement sent out from his press office said Lautenberg passed away at 4:02 a.m. today at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell. Lautenberg was a leader on envJun 3 2013

Professor analyzes role of ethnicity in business

The three largest groups of people to immigrate to the U.S. in 2010 were Chinese, Mexican and Indian, said Alejandro Portes, a professor of sociology at Princeton University. May 3 2013

Rutgers developers create Targum mobile app

After Adidas, activists turn to T-Mobile

After two years of working to get Adidas to pay severance to workers in Indonesia, Rutgers United Students Against Sweatshops announced last night at the Center for Latino Arts and Culture that they have won. “We won, and they are going to pay the workers finally,” said Nida Ahmed, a School of Arts and Sciences first-year student. Apr 26 2013

UNITE?Half Marathon winners shy of Olympic qualifications

On a cold, brisk morning yesterday, beneath a cloudless, sunny sky, about 6,000 people stood in silence before the fourth annual UNITE Half Marathon and 8K. During the moment of silence for the Boston Marathon, the only sound was that of thousands of flags rustling in the breeze. Then with a bang, the runners were off. Apr 22 2013

Professor tells history of reproductive medicine

Former U. president dies at 75

Fourth annual TEDx talks spread ideas, intend to inspire

University professor Larry Jacobs told an audience at the Cook Campus Center yesterday to put their hands on their throats and say, “I’m inspired.” “That vibration you feel is how I learned to talk,” said Jacobs, a deaf man. Jacobs was one of many speakers who gave a talk at the fourth annual TEDx event. Taha Najam, organizer of the TEDx conference, said the talks are all about spreading ideas. Outside of the University, the best forum for discussion is TED talks. Apr 15 2013

Students compete for ‘Iron Chef’ title

Lunch became a competition for some students on Friday afternoon as they vied for the title of Iron Chef Brower Commons. Participants had 20 minutes to create a meal using only items in Brower Commons on the College Avenue Campus. Andrea Ficarra, a member of the Rutgers University Healthy Dining Team, said the competition, in its 5th year, takes place in all four dining halls over a two-week period. Apr 15 2013

Student volunteers restore the shore

When Hurricane Sandy slammed into the Jersey Shore last October, four-year-old Jake Lazar and his family, residents of North Caldwell, New Jersey, lost power for about two weeks. For his birthday in January he asked for donations, in lieu of toys, that he planned to give to shore restoration efforts — with help from his mother, Karen Lazar. Apr 15 2013

Study finds impulsive smokers have harder time quitting

A new study finds that impulsive people who smoke have more difficulty quitting than non-impulsive smokers, said Danielle McCarthy, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology. McCarthy discussed her study yesterday at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research in New Brunswick. She said the study was conducted because according to the Centers for Disease Control in 2011, 69 percent of smokers want to quit annually, but only 52 percent actually try to quit. Apr 12 2013

Dance Marathon raises record-breaking funds

Everyone knows 24 hours make up a day, but for the volunteers of Dance Marathon, 32 hours can change a life. For first-time dancers like Kimberly Difranco, the idea of dancing for 32 hours was really exciting. “This is all for an amazing cause and a great organization,” said Difranco, a School of Arts and Sciences senior. “I volunteered last year, and this year I wanted to get more involved.” Apr 8 2013

History of U.’s Dance Marathon

In its 15th consecutive year, the Rutgers University Dance Marathon continues to be one of the biggest events at the University. It may surprise some to know RUDM originated in 1971 and benefitted the American Cancer Society, said Andrea Poppiti, constituent liaison for recruitment for RUDM. According to marathon.rutgers.edu, RUDM is the largest student-run philanthropic event in New Jersey. Apr 4 2013

Alcohol usage reported low, still widespread health problem

Outlets provide spots for students to recharge cars

Glistening in the sun on a warm spring afternoon, a small tower stands erect between two parking spaces in a parking lot on Busch campus. Looking like a futuristic gasoline pump, it is sleek, with a small handle protruding from the side. But this pump does not dispense gas — it is used for charging electric vehicles. Dunbar Birnie, a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, said the chargers’ hardware was provided at no cost, but the University had to pay the companies ChargePoint and Ecotality for installation. Apr 2 2013

Professor analyzes morbid obesity mortality rates

Most professionals agree that people who are overweight have higher mortality rates. Health Policy Researcher Paula Lantz disagrees. David Mechanic, director at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, introduced Lantz at yesterday’s Brown Bag seminar, highlighting some of her achievements and expertise in the field of morbidity and obesity. Mar 29 2013

Church offers prayer space for Muslim community

While the University considers itself a diverse community, some students have felt left out of the equation — until now. The Second Reformed Church, located at 100 College Ave., will now offer a place for practicing Muslims to go for their Friday worship, Pastor Doug Shepler said. “The decision was a natural outcome from the church,” he said. “The reformed church has had a strong relationship with the Muslim community for a very long time.” Mar 13 2013

Junior shares five ways to be happy

Before she passed away, Georges Richa’s grandmother taught him five ways to live a happy life. “They were all based off experiences from her life,” Richa said. Richa, a Rutgers Business School junior, said his grandmother was a powerful influence on his life, and he values her lessons every day. When searching for potential students to present at last month’s Mark Conference, Richa said organizers looked at students who have left marks on others. Mar 12 2013

UPenn director analyzes obesity research

While conducting studies about obesity and incentives for participants to lose weight, Kevin Volpp concluded that people lose weight and then gain it back because they don’t really plan on keeping it off. While introducing Volpp yesterday during the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research’s “Behavioral Economics and Health seminar, Gretchen Chapman, a professor in the Department of Psychology, said Volpp uses certain tactics in his research on obesity. Mar 8 2013

Facing facts: Organs include the face

Many drivers choose to become organ donors when applying for a driver’s license. They may not realize that their face is now considered an organ that can be harvested after death and worn by a stranger. With developing research in the medical field, face transplants are becoming more commonplace. Potential donors need to be aware of what exactly they are signing away when they check that box. Dr. Arthur Caplan, head of the Division of Bioethics at New York University, spoke about face transplants last night in a presentation at the Busch Campus Center. Mar 5 2013

NYU professor questions psychiatry, recent manual

Sorority to close before fall 2013

College and Greek life go hand-in-hand for many students, and getting accepted to a sorority is a dream come true for some members of the University. For the sisters of the University chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, the dream will end after this semester. Cassandra Kotsolakis, president of AXO, said the sorority will remain an active sorority at the University for the spring semester, but will close before the start of the fall. Natasha Marchick, a member of AXO, said she was upset the chapter is closing after she joined last semester. Feb 28 2013

Incarceration affects health care

The effects of the United States’ high incarceration rate are spilling over into health care, affecting those who have and do not have insurance. Professor Jason Schnittker from the University of Pennsylvania addressed the issue and its consequences at yesterday’s “Brown Bag Seminar Series” held at Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research. He said as rates of incarceration rise, so does the chance that ex-convicts will not obtain health insurance. Feb 22 2013

Mark Conference speakers, students advocate leadership

Dawn Fraser grew up with the aspirations of becoming an Olympic runner, but never achieved her goal. Her twin brother Dwayne, who has mild Down syndrome, made it to the Special Olympics. Fraser told this story as part of her speech at the first annual Mark Conference, Saturday, at the Busch Campus Center. She, along with numerous other speakers, came to talk about leadership, both in professional and personal life. Feb 18 2013

Initiative looks to end violence against women

Strike, dance and rise were the names of the three strategies used by activists across campus to fight gender violence as a part of yesterday’s One Billion Rising movement. People across the world celebrated the movement, which works toward ending violence against women, said Laura Luciano, assistant director for the Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance. “We want to raise awareness of violence against women,” she said. “Our main goal is to eventually not work in this field. Feb 15 2013

N.J. legislators push to educate on cardiac arrest

Ezekiel Emanuel draws attention to lack of innovation in health care

The United States has the highest health care spending in the world, but by 2020 the cost of health care may drastically decrease. Ezekiel Emanuel, one of the principal architects of Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, spoke to members of the University community yesterday afternoon about health care reform at the University’s Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research. “I’m an optimist when it comes to health care reform,” he said. Feb 8 2013

Students dedicate day to show appreciation for U. employees

Students sponsor week for people who effect change

The Student Volunteer Council plans show the University how a shoe, a pencil, a ball of yarn or a smile can initiate positive changes over the upcoming week.Feb 1 2013

Rutgers Student Union fights for equal tuition rights, funding

The Rutgers Student Union plans focus this semester on campaigning for legislation that would allow children of undocumented immigrants pay in-state tuition and qualify for financial aid. “There is a group of people being discriminated against for [an unjust] reason,” said Marios Athanasiou, a member of the Rutgers Student Union. State Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-29, chair of the Senate Education Committee, said Senate bill S2479 and Assembly bill A3509 represent opportunity. State Sen. Nellie Pou, D-35, and State Sen. Sandra Cunningham, D-31, are co-sponsors of the bill. Jan 30 2013

U. contract with debt collector focuses on defaulted payments

Transportation director talks parking on campus

While the prices for parking passes on campus have remained the same for the past few years, any University student with a car knows that parking tickets can add up fast. “When students park in the wrong lot, on the wrong campus and at the wrong time, they will receive multiple tickets,” said Jack Molenaar, director of the Department of Transportation Services at the University. “The parking enforcement is trained to give tickets for everything they see and then we sort them out here.” Jan 22 2013

Student looks to inspire others with Post-it notes

While Daniel Munoz gets ready for the day, he also takes a minute to go online and search for inspirational quotations. Once he finds a few he likes, the School of Arts and Sciences sophomore writes them on Post-it notes to take with him on his way to class. As he boards buses or walks into student centers, he places the notes in high traffic areas where many students can notice. Munoz, creator of a Tumblr and Twitter account “RU Post-It Anonymous,” said he integrates social media while trying to motivate his fellow students around campus. Dec 11 2012

Engineers present designs for real world use at science fair

Imagine a machine that makes custom chocolates or one that simulates the movements of a fully functional elbow. These are just two of the projects that senior industrial engineering students at the University created and presented Friday at the 13th annual “Design of Engineering Systems” fair in the Busch Campus Center Cove. Kwabena Agyemang, a School of Engineering senior, said her group’s project, created as an assignment for her “Design 2” class, is a culmination of four years of learning applied to a real-world scenario. Dec 10 2012

USAS continues initiative to cut Adidas contracts internationally

The University has paved a path for administrators at other New Jersey schools to review their contracts with sports apparel company Adidas. Word has spread to other state universities about the contract cut, and now Princeton University and Montclair State University are reviewing their contracts with Adidas, said Anna Barcy, Northeast Regional Organizer for the United Students Against Sweatshops. “We rely not only on one school’s [contract] cut, but many schools to cut [their contracts],” said Barcy, a member of the organization’s chapter at the University. Dec 5 2012

Teach-in educates students on debt

The Rutgers Student Union held a teach-in yesterday to let the University community know about student debt, rising costs of tuition, and what they can expect after graduation when loans are due. Private student loans provided by Sallie Mae are being referred to a secondary company, General Revenue Corporation, which the University pays to collect student debt, said Marios Athanasiou, an RSU member. David Bedford, an RSU member, filed an Open Public Records Act request in October to see what contracts the University holds with Sallie Mae. Dec 4 2012

Barchi cuts Adidas agreement

Just nine days after members of the Rutgers United Students Against Sweatshops protested in the University’s bookstore, President Robert L. Barchi announced yesterday he would cut the University’s contract with sports company Adidas. In a letter sent to RUSAS, Barchi said the organization’s hard work and dedication to bring up concerns about Adidas — a company that has not paid proper severance to Indonesian workers at supplier, PT Kizone — have not been ignored. Nov 28 2012

Livingston Plaza set for January open date

The sounds of cranes and bulldozers buzzing about Livingston campus are not for nothing. Construction is underway to open the Livingston Plaza — a retail center that will include a movie theater, nail salon and a host of restaurants — in time for the spring semester. “Our vision is to transform Livingston campus into the model of the 21st century college campus, where state-of-the-art academic living and learning is seamlessly integrated into a robust economic and environmentally sustainable community,” Henry Velez, executive director of Business and Administration Services for Housing and Residence Life said. Nov 27 2012

Protesters ask bookstore to stop carrying Adidas apparel

Armed with bullhorns, protest signs and a choreographed routine to Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” members of the Rutgers United Students Against Sweatshops asked those working at the University’s Barnes and Noble College bookstore to stop selling Adidas apparel yesterday. Stoni Tomson, a Brown University sophomore who visited the University this weekend to participate in the protest, said the group finds fault with the sporting goods brand because of its factories’ standards overseas. Nov 19 2012

Director employs map technology to ease gas ration

Aside from the tremendous damage Hurricane Sandy spread throughout the Northeast, commuters in New York and New Jersey in particular felt another post-Sandy impact at the pumps. As power became restored all over New Jersey and New York, lines formed at gas stations and people waited hours to fill up their tanks. Two days after Sandy hit, local geographic information system users utilized Mappler, a program aimed at sharing knowledge of station information, as well as wait times, said Joel Wattacheril, director of operations and community engagement at Vertices, LLC. Nov 15 2012

Bond to fund research laboratory

University President Robert L. Barchi has said the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology ranks No. 1 in the nation in terms of federal support for its research. But the outdated chemistry laboratories weigh down the department’s progress, according to students, faculty and researchers. Eric Garfunkel, chemistry professor, said the Wright-Rieman Labs on Busch campus are long overdue for repairs, with their last renovation dating back to 1987. Nov 14 2012

Volunteers seek holiday gifts for preschool students

The Student Volunteer Council hopes to make some New Brunswick preschool students’ wishes come true this holiday season. Members will table in student centers throughout the week to seek gift donations for the fifth annual Winter Wishes event Dec. 8. Stephanie Buco, director of the SVC, said the program is a great way for the community and the University to come together for the holiday season. “We work with the Puerto Rican Action Board, who oversees all of the preschools in the area,” said Buco, a School of Arts and Sciences senior. Nov 6 2012

Superstorm stirs up campus

With winds spanning more than 1,000 miles and traveling as high as 89 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Sandy devastated shoreline areas of the New Jersey and prompted President Barack Obama to personally survey damage in its wake. Water and gas lines were compromised during and after the storm, which left 2.7 million people without power across the state, according to nj.com. Along the shore, new inlets have popped up in spots where homes stood one week before on the barrier islands. Nov 5 2012

Student strives for career in sports media despite disorder

Obama, Romney clash on tax plans

Students advocate for bond

GLASSBORO — New Jersey United Students met Saturday at Rowan University to discuss final voter registration numbers and the importance of raising awareness for the Building Our Future bond act ballot question.NJUS, formed in February 2011, is an organization made up of students from 10 of New Jersey’s public universities and three community colleges that aims to educate, advocate and provide a collective voice for all New Jersey college students. Oct 15 2012

Students advocate for bond

Livingston Dunkin Donuts boasts record hourly sales

Students might think business at the Livingston Student Center’s Dunkin Donuts is booming from observing the long line that accumulates in front of the kiosk every day. Those students are right. The small location edges out competing franchises in the area by touting the highest grossing sales per hour on the East Coast. “We serve between 1,100 to 1,200 customers per hour,” said Matt Ward, dining services manager. “That’s about $3 per customer, the cost of a coffee and a donut.” Oct 12 2012

Group begins plans for boot camp event

The Rutgers University Students Against Sweatshops began planning a November boot camp to be held at the University that would teach students all over the East Coast how to be effective organizers and leaders in their crusade for fair labor.The boot camp is meant to empower students to stand up against German sports clothing manufacturer Adidas, which recently had a factory shut down because of unfair labor practices, said Hannah Roe, RUSAS organizer and School of Arts and Sciences sophomore. Oct 10 2012

Future of grease trucks still unknown

The fate of the University’s beloved grease trucks is uncertain as their home in Lot 8 is entwined with the first new construction project for College Avenue since the 1960s. Jack Molenaar, director of the University’s Department of Transportation Services who participated in a request for proposal process last year that explored alternatives to the trucks, said construction could begin in less than one year. Oct 9 2012

Greek life presidents say ‘no hazing’

Hazing is a practice that may come to mind when thinking about new member initiation for fraternities and sororities on campus. But this year, the University has taken steps to stop hazing before new members enter by enforcing stricter policies and promoting awareness through National Hazing Prevention Week. Hazing is associated with drinking, doing drugs, physical exertion and physical abuse, but can include anything a new member does not feel comfortable doing, said Matthew Ruffe, Interfraternity Council president. Oct 4 2012

RU?Democrats discuss polling before election

The Rutgers University Democrats met last night to discuss the upcoming election. The meeting featured a guest speaker, David Redlawsk, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling, who educated students on how the polling system works. Jalal Ansari, secretary for RU Democrats, said the organization will support Democratic candidates in the upcoming weeks. Sep 25 2012

Students volunteer in city for service day

More than 400 students lined up at the Rutgers Student Center early Saturday morning to go out and volunteer during the Scarlet Day of Service. The University’s Student Affairs department sent the volunteers to 19 different locations around New Brunswick to help with everything from painting fences to packaging food, said Matt Zielinski, a Residence Hall Association program coordinator. Students volunteered alone or as part of a group. Sep 24 2012

US News ranks U. 68th in country on ‘Best Colleges’ list

U.S. News and World Report released its rankings last week for the Best Colleges 2013, with the University’s New Brunswick campus coming in at No. 68 in the overall “National Universities” category. The top three schools ranked were Harvard University, Princeton University and Yale University. The report takes a number of factors into consideration when rating schools. Tuition for both in- and out-of-state, enrollment figures and accepted admission percentages all factor into the ranking. Sep 19 2012

U. receives class action lawsuit over fundraiser

Lukoil raises gas prices to more than $9 per gallon

In an attempt to send a message to their corporate office, about 50 Lukoil gas stations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania raised their prices yesterday to more than $9 per gallon during a one-day protest.Girish Patel, owner of the Piscataway Lukoil station on Old New Brunswick Road, said he is tired of corporate offices forcing stations to pay extra costs because of where his station is located — a practice called zone pricing. Sep 13 2012

Bath salt use decreases after ban

Incidents involving the use of over-the-counter designer drugs, known as “bath salts” and synthetic marijuana, have fallen by more than 66 percent since a ban made sale of the substances illegal, according to a report from the New Jersey Attorney General’s office. The report notes that the measure, known as Pamela’s Law, made it illegal to purchase or possess products containing narcotic substances, New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa said in a statement. Sep 11 2012

City plans bike lanes to ensure safety for riders

After a long debate between cyclists and city council members, New Brunswick no longer allows bikers to ride on city sidewalks. Those in violation face fines up to $100, according to the ordinance, which was passed in January. Russell Marchetta, New Brunswick city spokesman, said the township is now beginning to put the ordinance into action. The city will put up signage as well as painted stencils along sidewalks where riders can and cannot go, he said. Sep 6 2012