Dorms on campus will be battling eachother to see who can recycle the most through the month of February. At the same time, Wartburg will be in competition with other colleges across the country.

By Jacqueline Schutte With Valentine’s Day coming up, some might be thinking about their relationship status and asking questions, or one really big question.  A class here at Wartburg doesn’t focus on career skills but life skills and that big step - marriage.  According to the national center for health statistics, 60 percent of marriages for couples between the ages of 20 and 25 end in divorce. Pastor Ramona Bouzard teaches a class for those interested in learning more about relationships and creating better relationships.  “There’s always wondering about what do I do when we have differences or how do we work through financial problems and often times people are afraid to talk to people in their families about it.  It’s great opportunity when they sit down with the panel and ask them questions, so it’s just a good time to explore,” said Pastor Bouzard. As part of the marriage class, students have the opportunity to learn about each other as well as themselves.  The topics include finances, personal expectations, family planning, relationship goals and traditions. “For me the goal of the class is to give them an opportunity to talk with other people about the important parts of marriage.  That provides the opportunity so when they do get married its not a big deal to discuss that with other people who might be able to help them,” said Pastor Bouzard.   One couple has learned more about themselves already.  “I’m taking this class to get a better understanding of where I’m at in my relationship, areas that I can grow in and areas that I’m doing well in,” said Tyler Winkey. “I think it’s really important that people get to know each other and understand each other and take classes like this to make sure they’re with the right person and do communications skills and work on all that kind of stuff,” said Kelsey Sherven.  Pastor Bouzard says there is no secret to having a successful relationship.   “There’s no guarantees any way around you cant say here’s the perfect marriage couple, but the bottom line is lifestyles, important values.  If you don’t ask those questions it can be a big surprise and it’s harder to work through,” she said.  The class is four weeks long and is welcome to people of all relationship statuses.  It is offered by spiritual life and campus...

By Jacqueline Schutte A new semester means new classes and new textbooks.   Those books don’t come cheap.  The price of college textbooks has increased twice that of inflation. The great book debate; buy new, used, rent or go online? According to MSN money.com, college students spent an average of $534 on textbooks in the 2010-2011 school year.  This leaves many wondering where to find a good deal.  Wartburg bookstore manager Arlene Schwarzenbach says there are many reasons why students choose to purchase their texts on campus, “They know they get the right book with all the right materials that go along with it and that’s what the professors are asking for.  It’s convenient and they can charge it to their tuition.” If simple and fast is what you need, then the bookstore is your best bet.  “I buy books at the bookstore because its more convenient, it’s right here on campus and then you have all the additional materials you need and you're sure it's going to be the right book,” second year Chelsea Keninger. Renting was a new option offered this year at Wartburg.  In order to rent, you need a credit card and student id.   “We’ve seen a large response to our textbook rentals this past year, there is no risk if you don’t get money back at the end of the term,” said Schwarzenbach.  “I think renting is a really good idea, I looked it up online and renting at the bookstore is about the same price as getting a book from a place like chegg,” Keninger said.  Good deals can be found online.  Be sure to use IBSN numbers to get the right books.  “I buy my books online because the bookstore sometimes is a little outrageous with their prices.  It’s more cost effective,” said second year Sammi Bruett. There are several places you can go to find books and compare prices: Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, eBay, efollet.com, CengageBrain.com, chegg.com, book.ly, SwoopThat , and BestBookBuys.com. 25 percent of students nationwide use online editions of books.  Ebooks are cheaper and still allow students to write in the margins and highlight.  Check out libraries for textbooks.  Many campus and public libraries offer interlibrary loans and all books are checked out for free.  Consider older editions of textbooks.  The differences between new and old editions can be very small.  If you still end up paying more than hoped for a textbook, then sell the books online, to classmates, or back to the...

One of many financial literacy meetings was held last Tuesday and covered the basics of banking.

Vogel Library is a place of peace for studying students but how often do they use the many resources available to them?