Slight improvement

Although the football and men’s basketball teams’ graduation rates are still last in the SEC, we give the teams some props for their increasing rates since 2007′s report. We just hope all the money the Athletic Association is funneling into tutoring pays off soon. Whether it’s athletics or academics, no one likes coming in last.

Rock the vote

Now that the presidential debates are over, it’s time to hunker down and make a decision before Nov. 4 – and don’t forget about those local and state elections. For those of you who are registered in counties other than Athens-Clarke, be sure to apply for an absentee ballot. No matter your political persuasion, be sure to make an informed decision and rock the vote.

Cheater, cheater, big fat eater

The University’s annual academic honesty report was released earlier this week, and it had alarming results. The study showed that about 40 percent of students said it was OK to fake a bibliography. Twelve percent of teachers agreed. We hope the University takes action to address the discrepancies in the numbers.

A spoonful of sugar

The Medical College of Georgia in Athens hired a dean to lead the new partnership. It is exciting that the medical initiative is progressing and the University will soon have a medical campus. But in these trying economic times, we hope the University is responsible with the money it spends.

It’s raining cats and dogs

The faculty sponsor of Cats on Campus has been selected as a finalist for Animal Planet’s Cat Hero of the Year Award. Also, many students are working with the Athens area Guide Dog Foundation to train puppies for a year before they work as seeing eye dogs. We applaud these two organizations for their service to the community and remind students about the numerous service opportunities around Athens.

Meet me at the MLC?

The University renamed the Student Learning Center this year, christening it the Zell B. Miller Learning Center. We’re glad the University is honoring a former Georgia senator (and University alumnus), but does it really think anyone’s going to call it that? Why change one of the most well-known acronyms on campus?

Avoid getting Vandy-lized

After a close call in Nashville last year and a homecoming loss to Vandy in 2006, we can’t help but be a bit apprehensive of the No. 22 team. This year, the Commodores have garnered national attention, and after losing to unranked Mississippi State last weekend, they’re sure to be good and angry. Coach Richt, Stafford and Co.: Please, don’t let us get Vandy-lized.