To the Editor:

Re: “Undergrads May Teach FWS to Reduce Cost,” News, Sept. 21

I am writing to provide some clarification to my quotes in this article. I feel that, through no one’s fault but my own, my quotes may have been slightly misunderstood. I now realize that I was unclear in expressing my sentiments aptly during the interview.

Cornell graduate and fiction writer Manuel Muñoz M.F.A. ’98 was recently awarded a Whiting Writers Awards for his fiction writing.

The annual award is given to 10 exemplary writers. It has existed since 1985, rewarding writers with $50,000 for their work in fiction, nonfiction, poetry and plays. Recipients of the award are selected by a nomination process and do not apply themselves.

The awards are given “to writers of exceptional promise and talent in early career,” Barry Lopez, the keynote speaker at the Whiting Awards Ceremony, said.

The music was turned off at Benchwarmers Bar on the Commons; the volume on the television sets was raised, and all eyes turned up to look as Tom Brokaw, the moderator of the second presidential debate, introduced Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

As the debate began, activity around the pool table died down. Conversation at the bar was kept at a minimum. Those seated at tables neglected their food and drink to crane their necks up at the televisions above them. Bartenders and waiters took extended pauses to watch as the two presidential candidates discussed the economic situation.

“During this academic year, we have more total international students than we have ever had in history,” said Brendan O’Brien, Cornell’s director of the International Students and Scholars Office.

Though over a third of the nation is seeing a significant decline in international graduate student applications, Cornell appears to be dedicating itself to diversity, with an above-average number of applicants.

With approximately 7,800 students enrolled in graduate programs and professional schools at Cornell, the cost of the University’s health insurance plan can pose serious problems to not only students, but their families as well.

According to student-elected trustee Mao Ye, there are at least 1,200 dependents of students at Cornell; a dependent is a lawful spouse or same-sex partner of an enrolled Cornell student, or any unmarried child under the age of 19 who is not self-supporting and who resides with, or is court-ordered to receive insurance by, the enrolled Cornell student.