The Independent Collegian

Meghann Smith's bill totaled roughly $700, and all she bought was books. Smith, a freshman majoring in computer and engineering science, like many UT students, pays steep bills each semester to cover textbook costs. But a new program in Ohio is offering discounts on electronic textbooks as an alternative, cheaper option.

A new policy has been implemented this semester to ease parking congestion on the UT Main Campus, but freshmen commuters may be forced to park farther from classes as a result. Before this new policy was implemented, "K" permits, which are for freshmen commuters, allowed parking anywhere the "C" holders could park, which is the permit for non-freshman commuters.

Pink-colored water on the Health Science Campus was not safe for drinking last week, warned UT Health and Safety officials. There was a ban on drinking water on the parts of the HSC until Saturday. Water in the Block Health Science Building was reported to be pink by an employee, which led to an immediate sampling of the water, according to Gary Jankowski, associate vice president for health and safety.

It's hard enough to balance between schoolwork and a job. But Dave Rigotti, a senior majoring in entrepreneurship and marketing, finds the time after classes to run his own company. He manages Freezing Hot, which offers internet marketing services. It started after he wrote a business plan for an Introduction to Entrepreneurship class, when he decided to make his plan a reality.

A newly-completed safety measure at UT aims to aid firefighters, the Toledo Police Department and other emergency responders in reaching emergencies on campus quickly. Specific names and addresses have been added to each of the 110 buildings on the Main, Health Science and Scott Park Campuses, and certain names of streets have been changed.

UT's hopes to become a leader in solar energy will be aided by a grant recently received from NASA. "First of all, it secures our reputation as a key leader in solar energy, so this adds a real diamond to our crown," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Kaptur, D-Ohio, and member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced at a news conference on Aug.