School Rocks
Platinum-seller Lit, Del tha Funky Homosapien are among the acts invading Hahn Plaza on Saturday/ 7
DM TROJAN
Student newspaper of the University of Southern California
THURSDAY
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April 4, 2002
Of interest...
Debate rages over whether California’s "three strikes" law serves or denies justice / 4
News Digest	2	Opinions	4
Lifestyle	7	Springfest	7
Roundup	IS	Classifieds	16
Crossword	17	Sports	20
vol. CVL, no. 52 www.dailytrojan.com
Most students can avoid ATM fees
By RENEE HASLETT
Staff Writer
Casey Hernandez is willing to go out of her way to avoid the extra cost of using another bank’s ATM.
Like most students, the sophomore majoring in communication has not noticed the 2 percent average increase in surcharges since last year. But with the many options of ATMs and banks on or near campus, including Bank of America, the Union Bank of California, Wells Fargo, Washington Mutual and USC’s Credit Union, most students are able to withdraw money without surcharges and fees.
However, when students are off campus and not near their bank’s ATM, the student must choose whether or not to accept the average
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YOUR MONEY
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surcharge of $1.47 for using another bank’s ATM, as well as the average fee of $1.38 that the customers own bank charges, a Los Angeles Times article reported. These fees are for an optional service which covers the cost of the ATM, the technology infrastructure which makes the service possible, maintenance and the cost of keeping the ATM stocked with cash, Bank of America spokesperson Harvey Rad in said.
“When you provide the service at no charge, that is part of the value of
the relationship with the customer," Radin said. “When it is a person who does business with another institution, that is where you need to price that service.’'
Jackson Federal only has a few branches, so Joey Donelson, a junior majoring in business administration, often finds himself paying $2.25 to use other ATMs.
“If you need the money, 1 guess you have to bite the bullet and pay the fee,” said Michael Lee, a sophomore majoring in philosophy. However, as a Bank of America customer, he said he usually doesn't have a problem finding an ATM.
Some banks do not charge customers to use ohther ATMs.
The fee for the added convenience of using another bank’s ATM is necessary because Bank of America
I see ATM, page 15 I
Fast Cash.
Ivan O'Neill, a sophomore majoring in international relations, uses the ATM near Commons on Wednesday. Because there are so many ATMs near or on campus, many students do not have to pay extra fees to get cash or deposit money.
Weather welcomes unwanted rodents
Pests: Cold conditions and old buildings have left many students, staffers sharing space with rats and mice
By REMA CHRISTY
Contributing Writer
Walking into the Office of Residential and Greek Life in the Student Union building, glue traps are scattered under desks and along the walls. Staff members regularly hear scuffling and scratching in the walls and ceiling. The rat problem has become so bad that personnel can only chuckle and shake their heads when the subject is brought up.
“A rat jumped out of the plants on (a secretary’s) desk and ran out our door into the hallway just
(Wednesday) afternoon,” said Shaaron Davis, an administrative assistant in the Office of Residential and Greek Life.
Several rats died in the office walls a few months ago and had to be removed by knocking down the paneling, Davis added.
“Maybe it’s because of the renovations that have been going on in the buildings next to us,” Davis said . “We’ve noticed that the rat activity has picked up since renovation (on Student Union) was completed (during winter break).”
And it hasn’t been just Davis’ office. Rodents, driven by unusually cold weather into the nooks and crannies of old campus buildings, seem to have invaded campus.
On the fourth floor of the building, a trap baited with cheese snared I see Rats, page 17 I
“We've noticed that the rat activity has picked up since renovation (on Student Union) was completed (during winter break)' —♦— SHAARON DAVIS assistant Residential and Greek Life
Officials to discuss possible financial aid for summer
Academics: Lack of funds prevents USCfrom offering money to enrolled students By KRISTEN BABIRACKI
Contributing Writer
Although USC does not have enough funds to offer financial aid for the summer term, officials are looking into the issue, said Assistant Dean of Financial Aid Catherine Thomas.
Because federal and state grants are only available for the fall and spring terms, USC does not have the
money to provide financial aid for summer classes, Thomas added.
Up until recently there was not a great demand for summer school, so this was not as big of a problem, Thomas said.
Thomas said one of the reasons why USC does not receive federal and state grants for the summer term is because instead of going to school, students should work.
“However, since there is more interest on the part of the students, (providing financial aid in the summer) is something that we are looking into,” Thomas said.
I see Money, page 15 I
Ride em cowboy
Mason Poole I Daily Trojan
Buckin’ bronco. Joshua Kornblum, an undeclared freshman, tests his skill on a mechanical bull at "Chevrolet Road Trip USA” in McCarthy Quad. A Marketing 406 class presented the event.
“f... Providing financial aid in the summer) is something we are looking into"
—♦— CATHERINE THOMAS assistant dean Financial Aid