Let’s face it: Drinking is a part of the college experience. Most students do it, and if done responsibly, drinking with your friends can be a lot of fun.

There has recently been a great fuss within our student government about a strange thing known as the Nevada Open Meeting Law (OML). Since there’s only one student I’ve ever known that lives for OML, I thought it’d be helpful to shed some light on this horrendously boring yet necessary concept.

Say the word “appeal” around any University official, and wait for the inevitable shudder they always give. While it’s easier for those in charge to have their decisions go unchallenged, it’s not always in the best interest of students.

Many students don’t even know what issues they can appeal. Here’s a quick guide to some of the appeals processes on campus that may come in handy.

Credit cards can be handy, especially when you’re living paycheck to paycheck and need just a little extra to get you through.

The problem is that most of us don’t pay off that little extra the following month — we add to it. We then add more and more to it until we’re neck deep in credit card debt that seems impossible to pay off. Your monthly minimum goes up, and soon you can’t even pay that.

Like many college students, I have a part-time job in order to pay for my pizza and beer on Fridays. Since many of us here at the university have jobs, it’s important to understand both employer and employee responsibilities in Nevada.

First and foremost, if you’re not making at least $5.30 per hour, you’ve got a real problem. Effective July 1, 2007, the Nevada minimum wage is $5.30 if your employer offers benefits. If your employer doesn’t offer benefits, the minimum wage is $6.33 per hour. Make sure you’re getting paid at least this much, even if you’re making tips!

As college students, it’s difficult to let it slide when someone owes us money. Luckily, for anyone facing this problem, the court system offers a solution. It’s called small claims court, and whether you let your friend borrow a couple hundred to buy a Nintendo Wii or your landlord isn’t returning your $1,200 deposit, small claims court can help.

Whether you screwed up during your apartment rental and your landlord is withholding the security deposit, or a slightly underage friend finds himself/herself at Parr Boulevard with a Minor in Possession, chances are you will encounter some kind of legal…