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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 20, 2010

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The OU Men’s basketball team went on the road to face Texas A&M, see page 5.

Find out what apartment complex will under go renovations this summer, see page 3.

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Check out who the Daily thinks is the best late night host, see page 8.

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Winter weather damages library clock tower Replacement expected in two months, says Physical Plant official GREGORY MAUS Daily Staff Writer

A combination of freezing rain and strong winds damaged the western face of the Bizzell Memorial Library clock tower Dec. 24. Students Holly Dyer and Alex Crosby said that, while on their way to the library during intersession, they saw the shattered remains of the clock tower’s face “scattered everywhere” all over the plaza. While most students and faculty said they don’t use the tower to tell the

time, they almost invariably noticed the missing face upon walking by it. Many said they considered it a landmark, or at least an important part of the campus landscape, due in part to its visibility on much of the campus. Norman business owner Steve Wilson noted the absence of the clock face as he was walking by, and referred to the clock tower as “traditional.” The tower is the site for many campus events, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations scheduled Thursday. Repairs are on the way, Amanda Hearn, Physical Plant spokeswoman stated in an e-mail. “It will take significant time to manufacture and ship the much-needed replacement; however, we expect to complete the repair in approximately 60 days.”

CAMERON MASINGALE/THE DAILY

The study abroad office has created a new online program which will make applying for study abroad programs easier on students and advisors.

New system in the Education Abroad office provides efficiency, speed AUDREY HARRIS Daily Staff Writer

The Education Abroad office launched a new online system for study abroad applicants Dec. 17 that will make the application process easier for advisers and students. The new application system allows students to search a database of available programs, request required teacher recommendations and watch informational videos online. Students can also apply for a program and check their

application statuses without picking up the phone or scheduling a meeting. These developments will allow the office to devote more time to individual students, said Alice Kloker, assistant director of Education Abroad and project manager for the new system. The old application system required students to attend an information session in the Education Abroad office before they could apply. Now applicants can get the same information from watching several short videos online. The virtual information sessions will allow the office to reach more students and parents who want information, Kloker said. Jessica Mitzner, an English and French sophomore, learned about the new application system over the weekend.

Mitzner used the database to search for programs available in France next fall. “Some of my professors recommended studying abroad to me and recommended the programs, so then I just used the database to start learning more information about those programs,” Mitzner said. Steven Dixon, University College freshman, said he used the system to apply for a three-week exchange program this summer in South Korea. “If people are pretty aware, just in general, and know what they’re looking for, the online exchange guide is pretty simple to follow,” Dixon said. “I didn’t find it difficult.” The new system uses a software called Studio Abroad that helps university study abroad offices run more efficiently. ABROAD CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Student named Miss Kansas Title inspires winner to get involved, be more aware DANIELLA MCCORMICK Daily Staff Writer

PHOTO PROVIDED

Bethany Gerber is all smiles after winning the Miss Kansas USA competition Sunday night. FREE — ADDITIONAL COPIES 25¢

The shock industrial engineering junior Bethany Gerber has felt since winning Miss Kansas in 2009 still lingers in her voice. She said she feels like the title hasn’t changed much for her,

Local man impersonates OU employee in scam attempt Charity director uncovers hoax after investigating suspicious claims RICKY MARANON Assignment Editor

but that depends on the day. One thing that has changed is that her time now tends to be spent utilizing her new title. “My parents work in the school district where I live,” Gerber said. “I’ve been contacting teachers and offering my services.” Unlike Miss America, Miss USA pageant winners aren’t obligated to have a platform,

A No r m a n m a n i s a c c u s e d o f pretending to be an employee of the OU Athletics Department in an attempt to scam a newly formed charity. JORDAN Amber Gregg, founder and executive CHILES director of the Kelsey Briggs Foundation, said Robert Jordan Chiles offered to raise money for her organization by claiming he was working with OU head football coach Bob Stoops and former OU head football coach Barry Switzer. “He really just came out of nowhere, and started saying that he was setting up all of these fundraisers in the name of my foundation,” Gregg said. “He originally asked us for

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