Loyola one of the safest schools

Reader’s Digest named Loyola as one of its safest schools in the United States. In the March 2008 issue, Loyola is ranked 27th out of 291 colleges and given an “A” for its safety record.

The survey began last fall, when safety conditions were evaluated. The evaluations included residence hall camera security and emergency plans throughout campus. The Digest ranked schools nationwide on their degrees of preparedness and gave schools an “A,” “B” or “C.” Loyola’s emergency alert system is tested twice a year. The university held the latest test on Jan. 31, when students, staff and faculty received a total of 949 messages.

– Rosie Dao

Phishing reels in Loy-mail

According to Information Technology, a “phishing expedition” has been occurring through Loy-mail. Phishing is the attempt to acquire sensitive information such as passwords and social security numbers through computing. The subject of the suspect e-mail is “Confirm Your E-mail Address,” and the body of the message asks for Loy-mail users to authenticate their accounts by sending a reply message relaying their passwords. In response to the phishing threat, IT sent out a university-wide message warning students to not send their passwords via e-mail. IT advises those people who have replied to the mass message to change their passwords immediately.

– Rosie Dao

Loyola’s bond rating raised

Standard and Poor raised Loyola’s bond rating from stable to negative. This will lower bond interest rates when the university borrows money. S&P also affirmed Loyola’s “A+” rating, which reflects the university’s strong fiscal management and return to break-even finances by implementing recovery and financial plans. S&P’s outlook for Loyola is dependent on an increase in enrollment trends. The 2008 freshmen applications increased 35.5 percent since last year.

– Katie Urbaszewski