Kathryn Rosenbaum 
Editor-in-Chief
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Campus police will begin to restrict bicycle parking
By Monica Laco
Asst. Campus News Editor
Newswire Photo By Danielle Meiners
Cyclists will no longer be able to leave their bicycles on lawns, in buildings, or "in a way that would block or impede access to a building"
Campus Police has instituted a bike policy in response to campus-wide concerns about the use of the increasing number of bicycles on and around Xavier.
There are now bicycle operating and parking rules, and there will be a fine structure similar to that of the one for motor vehicles. Until now, there was no bike policy in place.
The policy says that students may not park their bikes on lawns, inside buildings or “in a way that would block or impede access to a building.”
“We want people to be cognizant of obstruction and what it does for others,” Xavier Police Chief Mike Couch said. “The policy is really about education,” Couch said.
“The last thing we want to do is give students tickets,” Officer Michael Long, who headed the policy, said. For now, Campus Police is issuing warnings.
Campus Police estimates between 60 and 100 students ride their bikes to campus every day. They are aware the lack of bike racks is a major problem for students.
“We have talked to Student Government Association and Physical Plant about the fact that we need more,” Sgt. Ken Grossman, crime prevention specialist, said.
“When more funds become available, we will get more.”
In determining the right policy for Xavier, Long researched other universities’ bike policies. Many universities require and charge students to register their bikes.
Campus Police felt that was not necessary at Xavier, but students are encouraged to register their bikes for free with Campus Police.
“The benefit of registering your bike is it creates information on your bike so that if it gets stolen, you will get it back more quickly,” Grossman said.
Students who register their bikes before Sunday, Nov. 15 will be entered into a raffle to win a Kryptonite U-Lock bike lock.
All students can also purchase U-Locks for $20 at Campus Police.
Endowment climbs back to $100 million
By Andrew Chestnut
Managing Editor
Xavier University’s endowment has climbed to a value of $100 million as of Sept. 30, after experiencing a loss of around $35 million between the fiscal years (ending May 31) 2007 and 2009.
The endowment is funded mostly through “restricted” gifts to the university, meaning these funds are only used for specified purposes intended by the donor.
Each year, between 4 and 5 percent of the endowment is used for these specified programs, while the remainder is invested in a diversified portfolio, Thomas Cunningham, assistant treasurer, said.
“The university’s operations were not heavily affected because only about 3 to 4 percent of the operating budget relies on the endowment,” he said.
After peaking at $124.9 million in 2007, the endowment reached a low point in late 2008 of around $80 million following the recession and decline of the stock market.
“The endowment lost value primarily because the value of its investment portfolio declined about 27 percent,” Cunningham said. “We did not see a significant decrease in donations.”
Since that time, the endowment’s value has increased in step with the recovery in the stock market. The fund has increased $12.6 million dollars since May 31, 2000, and around $80 million since the early ‘90s.
“We should see additional growth as outstanding donation commitments continue to come in,” Cunningham said. “The endowment is certainly looking better than last year,” he said.
Alexander out as women's coach
By Doug Tifft
Sports Editor
Photo Courtesy of GoXavier.com
Former head coach Alvin Alexander
Xavier women’s soccer coach Alvin Alexander vacated his position on Tuesday afternoon following a 3-15-1 2009 season, Xavier Athletic Director Mike Bobinski said in a statement.
Alexander, the only African-American head coach of a varsity sport in Xavier history, compiled a 24-62-8 record after taking over in 2005 for Dr. Ron Quinn, who had coached the team part-time for 12 seasons.
After starting off 16-17-4 in his first two seasons, Alexander’s Musketeers have only managed seven victories over the past three years, including a 1-16-2 campaign in 2008.
“I want to thank Alvin for his five years of dedicated service to Xavier University,” Bobinski said in his statement.
“We wish him well as he prepares for a new chapter in his professional career.”
Before coming to Xavier to become the first full-time head coach in the women’s soccer program history Alexander spent two seasons as an assistant at Notre Dame University, including the Fighting Irish’s NCAA National Championship season in 2004.
A noted recruiter, Alexander maintained strong support from his team throughout difficult seasons in recent years.
“I think the recent decision to let him go was one of pure business,” senior goalkeeper Kelly Farrell said. “Coach is a good man, but I think the program was due for a change. I wish the best to him.”