Vanderbilt's humor and satire magazine, The Slant, recently relaunched its website, theslant.net.

Looking back, the signs were there. Chancellor Gordon Gee has a history of moving from one academic institution to another, having presided over more universities than any other American. He had had squabbles with the board of trustees over oversight this past year. Gee, who had enjoyed astronomical popularity with the students, for the first time faced strong criticism over the living wage, his salary, and the Commons. Few people would enjoy the idea of working at the same institution as their recently-estranged spouse. (That is not, of course, to imply that Constance Bumgarner is at fault for Gee's departure; rather, if the divorce truly did have an influence on his decision, it would indicate Gee's failure to cope with such an awkward situation.) Gee was president of Ohio State University from 1990 to 1997. OSU had made him an offer. Perhaps we believed we could will him to stay, or we naively believed that a person's word still means something in the higher education business, or maybe we just dismissed the possibility of Gee leaving with laughter. But he left Brown after a startling brief stint, reportedly lured by money and a more welcoming board. Why couldn't he do it to us?

I've been wondering this for a long time now: where is the black and gold on InsideVandy? If this is "Vanderbilt University's online student community," where is the acknowledgment of said community? Yes, the blue looks nice, but it does not signify our beloved university. I say, change the colors to Vanderbilt colors! If InsideVandy is going to keep the blue, it should at least display some black and gold prominently. (Perhaps in the form of a link to vanderbilt.edu?)

*Note: I brought this subject to the attention of Cara Bilotta shortly after posting this blog. the response was quick and favorable, and I have been told that VSG will seek to publicize its budget in the fall. The timing of my complaint made it difficult for VSG to take the necessary actions before its last meeting of the spring. I commend VSG for its commitment to openness with students.

Have the new SGA freshman senators been elected yet? Really? Then why are their campaign posters still up? Everywhere I turn I see old, weathered posters clinging to trees. Candidates really should remove their their signs in a timely manner.

Talented Tenth, a new campus publication focusing on black Vandy students and their experiences will begin publishing in September. I am thrilled at the addition of another (probationary) VSC publication for me to read during class.