The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most complicated aspects of the college application process. With a slew of required documents and extremely labor-intensive questions, applying for this federal funding is an ordeal. But it doesn't have to be this way — the application process can and should be simplified. While FAFSA was designed to...

From Bernie Sanders’ populist socialism to Donald Trump’s sensationalism, the crowded presidential field is encouraging a wide range of creative campaign strategies. One candidate, however, is going above and beyond: he is campaigning against the campaign system itself. As a critique against the influence of money in politics, Harvard professor Lawrence Lessig is running as a one-trick Democrat balanced precariously...

Last year, when former Ravens running back Ray Rice knocked his then-fiancée (now wife) Janay Palmer unconscious in an elevator, the National Football League (NFL) had an opportunity to improve their reputation with women. They could have made a statement on domestic abuse involving players and their significant others. Instead, the NFL only sanctioned Rice with a two game suspension,...

While a large portion of Occidental's student body probably doesn't agree with Marco Rubio's conservative stance on social issues, he does have a notable idea for reforming higher education financing. In contrast to Hillary Clinton's narrower approach to tackling the problem of student debt (i.e. cutting costs), he plans on implementing equity financing. How does equity financing work? A student...

As I rule, I try not to wake up before the sun has risen; it's one of my least favorite things to do. But when I'm up before the sun to journey to the Amazon, I can make an exception. At about 5:15 a.m. we all trudged on to a bus with sleep-filled eyes, heavy bags and rubber boots to...

First, I want to preface this blog series by saying that if you're looking for commentary on Cuban politics, this is not the place to be. I am only going to be writing about things I see and notice during my time here abroad. Here are some of my first impressions: I've never seen buses drive so fast in my...

Thirteen Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) squad cars and a helicopter converged on Yosemite Drive Wednesday night after spotting a stolen vehicle. According to the LAPD, officers pulled the car over between Avoca St. and Ray Ct. after running its plates and learning that it was stolen. Police approached the vehicle, which was parked askew against the curb, with firearms...

Members of Bike Share are reaching out to the community for information on the growing number of on-campus bicycle thefts in order to encourage Campus Safety to implement more comprehensive surveillance measures. Bike Share sent out an anonymous email survey Sept. 6 asking victims of bicycle theft to provide details of their experiences. Bike Share's survey addresses information such as...

One of the biggest problems that I have faced growing up is figuring out who I really am. I am Indian by ethnicity, but somehow come off as Persian or Hispanic. Through my eyes, I seem to be the same as any other Indian. Apparently this was not the case to others, as I am quite fair-skinned compared to other...

Witt/Kieffer, the search firm hired to compile a pool of applicants for a Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) position, has finished research on campus and constructed a candidate profile, according to Ella Turenne, assistant dean for community engagement and CDO search committee member. Meanwhile, debate still continues between students and administrators on the role and scope of the CDO position. Marsha...