University President Michael Rao is bringing speakers from diverse backgrounds for his last commencement at Central Michigan University.

David Michael Brown, an education specialist with California’s Deaf-Blind Services who has given various lectures and training programs around the world, will speak at the 9:30 a.

Ashley Mitchell sometimes gets funny looks when she walks through Finch Fieldhouse.

That’s because instead of the usual green fatigues most Central Michigan University Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets wear, the Trenton sophomore wears Air Force blue.

Students on the third floor of Herrig Hall found out last week everyone on the floor will have to share the cost for the damage caused by a minor arson fire on Jan. 24.

Several papers on the wall in the third floor hallway were set on fire, causing $170 worth of damage, said Herrig Residence Hall Director John Johnstin.

The push for more Native American-oriented courses at Central Michigan University will have some help in the fall.

New interdisciplinary graduate courses within CMU’s Master of Arts in Humanities degree program hope to provide a better understanding of Native American culture and issues.

To returning students and staff, the holiday break may seem longer than usual.

But what looks like a late start is actually right on schedule, said Registrar Karen Hutslar.

“It really isn’t a late start; we always begin the Monday after the university reopens,” she said.

Central Michigan University Police Chief Stan Dinius said the university is prepared in case of a campus crisis.

“We have a Crisis Response Team with a number of individuals from various key areas around the campus, and we work together to come up with a plan that would respond to emergencies such as power outages, tornadoes, school closures and fires,” he said.

What requires ketchup, mustard and liability waivers?

A hot dog-eating contest, of course.

The ‘Top Dog Challenge’ was hosted by a group of five Central Michigan University students Wednesday evening at the Pixie, 302 N. Mission St.

It started as a charity project for RPL 430: Recreational Programming and it led to a hungry gathering of brave contestants.

Hip Hop Week will be kicked off when comedian Rodney Laney rolls into town and brings a slice of the urban life with him.

Program Board is hosting his performance from 8 to 9 p.m. today in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.

Program Board President Matt Burza said Laney was a last-minute addition.