COURTBOUILLON 19 November 2009
A DILLARD UNIVERSITY student production
www.ducourtbouillon.com
Education major in jeopardy
Scaling the heights at DU
NEWS
Provost says trends, cost point to change
Smokeout event planned in lower Kearney next Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.
Angelica Boyd
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Stephawn Spears | Courtbouillon Craheem Connor, 13, of Edna Karr High, climbs a rock on the Kabacoff Quadrangle during the 2009 Family Health Fair on Nov. 7. The health fair was hosted by Dillard University Community Development Corp. in conjunc-
Dillard leadership has begun discussions with the Division of Education about possible elimination of the undergraduate education major, according to a release dated Nov. 14 quoting Dr. David Taylor, provost. The release, distributed at 1:43 p.m. Saturday, was sent to faculty, staff and students after a “silent protest” by students and their “informal meeting” with members of the DU Board of Trustees, Student Government Association and Taylor on Friday, Nov. 13. Questions from the Courtbouillon directed to Dr. Patricia Morris, dean of the Division of Education, and Dr. Phyllis Dawkins, associate provost, were referred to Taylor, who also is senior vice president for Academic Affairs. Taylor was said to be out of town Monday and had not responded to written questions by the Courtbouillon printing deadline Wednesday. In the release, Taylor said that because of Dillard’s ex-
such as tennis, golf and basketball.
See Major on Page 2
ETOUFEE Being late will cost you: Late registration fees to be enforced aggressively
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SPORTS
DU basketball at home kicks off with success for women, loss for men
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EDITORIAL Columnist isn’t happy with how administrators at Dillard represent
INDEX
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Campus news ............................................ 2-3 Etoufee ................................................4 Sports ................................................5 Opinion ............................................ 6-7
Campus policy allows smoking 20 ft. from building
‘Smoke-Free’ initiative seeks change Contrary to popular opinion, Dillard University is not smoke-free; rather, campus policy allows smoking 20 feet away from buildings. However, a movement on campus is encouraging a change to a completely smoke-free campus, according to Dr. Wodajo Welldaregay, assistant professor of public health and principal
investigator for Smoke-Free Campus Initiative at Dillard. Today is the Great American Smokeout, a national campaign of the American Cancer Society held annually to provide information on the dangers of smoking and to encourage smokers to quit or begin to plan to quit smoking. The “Smoking policy”
on Page 165 of the 2008-09 Dillard University Student Handbook states, “Smoking is prohibited in University buildings, including residential units, and within 20 feet of a building or window.” Despite the rule, Welldaregay said, “You see people sometimes just coming out of the building and smoking.” Welldaregay said Dillard was the pioneer school in Louisiana for the Smoke-
Free Campus Initiative, for which he has received a grant since 2005. Now 14 universities in the state participate, including Grambling State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana State University, Louisiana State University at Eunice, Southeastern University, Nicholls State University, Our Lady of the Lake College, Northwestern State
See Smoking on Page 2
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COURTBOUILLON
DILLARD UNIVERSITY
COURTBOUILLON Volume 73, Issue 5
To smokers: ‘Pick a date, save your life’
DU to hold Smokeout event Nov. 24 Yolanda Quartey
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-chief .................. Charley L. Steward Managing editor .................... Jeannine Cannon Sports editor ............................Mario Martin Photo editor .................... Stephawn Spears Faculty adviser ..................Cleo Joffrion Allen, Ph.D., APR
BUSINESS STAFF Advertising manager .................... Kandyce Franklin
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19 November 2009
“Quit smoking” kits, a “Tobacco Jeopardy” game, a bake sale and rap battle about healthy living will be part of the DU Great American Smokeout event from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, in lower Kearny. Prizes for the rap battle include a ticket to the Bayou Classic, which pits Southern University against Grambling State University in football on Nov. 28 in the Superdome. Sponsored by the DU Public Health Club and the SmokeFree Campus Initiative, the event was scheduled the week after the actual date of the na-
tional Great American Smokeout, which is being promoted nationwide today by the American Cancer Society, to avoid a tivities. Lynell Hankton, president of Public Health Club, said the aim of the event is to bring awareness to smokers on the hazards and seriousness of smoking. For smokers, a “quit smoking” kit will be offered, including brochures about smoking and medication options for quitting along with small gifts such as mints and lipstick. Hankton said club members hope for a good turnout to pro-
mote a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Wodajo Welldaregay, assistant professor of public health and principal investigator for Smoke-Free Campus Initiative at Dillard, said the focus for smokers is to “pick a date and save your life.” Each year, the Great American Smokeout encourages smokers to use this date as a day to quit smoking or to begin a plan to quit smoking. The American Cancer Society uses this event to inform people about the downfalls of tobacco use. About one-third of cancer deaths are attributed to tobacco, with secondhand smoke accounting for 3,400 deaths in non-smoking adults each year.
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ABOUT US The Dillard University Courtbouillon is produced by mass communication students at Dillard University. The Courtbouillon publishes six issues per semester. Publication dates for fall 2009 are Sept. 24; Oct. 8 and 22; Nov. 5 and 19; and Dec. 10. If you have a story idea, news tip or calendar event, contact us at the numbers or e-mail addresses provided above. To advertise, contact our business and staff members.
“D-Day” (“Don’t Smoke Day). In 1976, the American Cancer Society had a statewide day. The campaign went nationwide a year later. For more information on how to quit, go to www.cancer. org.
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News ..............dunews1@gmail.com
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Research shows that when smokers quit, life expectancy increases, and heart rate and blood pressure decrease. It is also a fact that 30 percent of cancer deaths are attributed to tobacco. The Great American Smokeout started in 1971, when Massachusetts resident Arthur Mullaney asked people to give up smoking for a day and donate the money saved to education.
protest” over discussions to eliminate majors in the Division of Education.
Major FROM PAGE 1 penses, low enrollment and recent changes in Louisiana versity is considering offerstudents who have an undergraduate major in a subject The release said the idea would be to phase out the major “with the intent of transitioning to other education program offerings in demand both regionally and nationally.” As Taylor explained in tion programs in the metropolitan area and across the nation are experiencing declines. He said the trend now master’s level and/or a cer-
education major. “Now that the state of Louisiana has decided to offer licensure only at the master’s level, it would make more sense for small programs liked ours to refocus on a niche in the market,” Taylor said in the release. The release said an “ongoing, deliberative process” would be undertaken over the next few months, including reviews by the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee, the Faculty Assembly, students and the University’s Board of Trustees. Taylor said in the release that during the transition, he expects some faculty will be “retained, reassigned or released.” He added that current education majors will be “accommodated in completing their degree programs if they are close to completion”
while new majors “will be assisted in exploring other options.” How many majors the division has is in question. The Courtbouillon could not get a tally of majors nor of faculty within the division. Other questions for which the newspaper sought answers include the number of graduates last year; how tion exams; and which options within the division still remain after the recent elimination of two programs – special education and secondary education in biology programs. Another question related to whether DU’s possible “intent to refocus the nature” of teaching training would mean a new master’s degree program. (Jeannine Cannon contributed to this report.)
University, Louisiana State University at Alexandria, McNeese State University and Southern University (Baton Rouge). Nearly one-third, or 28.2 percent of college students participating in a survey, indicated using tobacco in the past 30 days, according to the Tobacco Free U website, www.tobaccofreeu.org. rette smokers on campus who would admit to the vice and speak on the record, although some can be seen outside of buildings – sometimes next to doorways. One staffer, who asked not to be named, said she began to smoke three years ago as a way to cope with the death of her mother. The woman, 35, called herself a “social smoker.” Brandon Finlay, a 21-yearold urban studies major from Los Angeles, said he smokes on campus, but nowhere near any of the buildings. He said he didn’t plan to quit for the Great American Smokeout because “I like it [smoking].” According to the Louisiana Tobacco-Free Living Web site, the state passed a law effective Jan. 1, 2007, prohibiting smoking in most public places and workplaces, including all restaurants with or without attached bars. Smoking is allowed in stand-alone bars and casinos. (Kandyce Franklin contributed to this report.)
19 November 2009
Campus&Local
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COURTBOUILLON
Homecoming events Today 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: “Go Green” activity on the Oaks. 7 p.m., social for Miss Dillard, Kearny West Wing. Friday, Nov. 20 Coronation Ball for Miss Dillard Carmelita Foster, 8 p.m. W Hotel. Theme: “1869: The Genesis of Excellence
Radio station silent awaiting equipment order
Kristi Coleman
Dillard University radio station WDUB is not operating because of current server and software problems, according to Kandon Haynes, student manager. Nevertheless, Haynes said he is looking for people to join the station to prepare for when the stations is back up and running by semester’s end.
Kevin McLin, associate professor of mass communication and co-chair of the department, said the department is in the process of ordering a new server and once it comes in, the station will be back in operation. WDUB has been in operation on campus since 1987. McLin said the station has made many changes and is now fully automated, using the same equipment as local
stations Q-93 and WYLD. He said that he hopes to have the station back in operation by next month. McLin said it’s important that majors continue getting hands-on experience by working in the radio station. Once the station is up again, students can hear it live on the university’s Web site. For more information, contact McLin at kmclin@dillard.edu.
Club may sponsor more salsa nights
DU performance at UNCF luncheon
attire requested).
The campus response to its cultural events has the Language and Culture Club considering expanding its events schedule, according to Rocio Astorga, club event planner. In particular, Astorga said, the response to the club’s Salsa Night in Cook Hall on Nov. 3 has members considering holding the event on a monthly basis. The decision is pending. The club has held four events this semester to foster greater awareness of diverse customs around the world, Astorga said, including movie night, game night, a night focusing on Europe and Salsa Night, which featured dance lessons from Honduran dance instructor Roy Dibent. Salsa, a mix of African, Spanish and European dance
Saturday, Nov. 21 10 a.m., Homecoming Parade through the Gentilly community, starting at the DU gates in front of Cook Hall. Between the parade in the morning and the games that afternoon, block party at Stern Hall. Basketball women’s and men’s games 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Dent gymnasium. Sunday, Nov. 22 Chapel, 10:30 a.m. in Lawless. A rededication ceremony of Lawless Chapel is planned, but details have not been provided. Convocation, 4 p.m., Lawless Chapel, featuring Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook, for whom Cook Hall is named. Cook led Dillard for more than two decades, from 1975 to 1997, after having served at Southern University, Atlanta University and Duke. He will celebrate his 71st birthday on Nov. 21.
Stephawn Spears | Courtbouillon Mister Dillard Michael McField and Michael Kelley, a junior art major from Atlanta, perform during the Second Gov. Bobby Jindal last Thursday.
Spanish-speaking people from torga said, only a few students showed up for events, but participation increased to 15. (David Pittman contributed to this report.)
Non-profit offers new graduates grant, pay to teach for two years Charley Steward
Editor-in-chief First-time college graduates who teach for two years in rural and urban public schools can get a $10,000 loan forbearance through Teach for America. Brandon Sammut, who visited Dillard recently as manager of HBCU and emerging markets outreach, cational inequity by enlisting the “nation’s most promising future leaders in the effort.” Representatives will visit Dillard once a month until the second week of February. For more information, e-mail Sammut at Brandon.sammut@teachforamerica. org. The concept originated in Wendy Kopp’s senior undergraduate thesis at Princeton University and began in 1990 with 500 recruits and a $2.5 million start-up budget. More than 7,300 Corps members serve in 35 urban and rural regions. It has more than 17,000 alumni.
Sammut said the Corps looks for the “best college graduates from all majors” to train and support to become effective classroom teachers “in some of the most under-resourced communities in our nation.” He said Teach for America seeks students “who, like us, believe that every child deserves access to a good education and believes that he or she can make a difference.” at Teach for America’s summer institute in one of eight cities, including Atlanta and Houston, during which members are paid and housing and food is covered. rectly from the school to which they are assigned. In addition, each member is given an AmeriCorps grant and forbearance on federal student loans, meaning a member doesn’t have to make payments or pay interest during those two years. The pay range is between An applicant can state his or her preference on where
they’d like to teach and at what grade level. Sammut says 95 percent of Corps members get to teach in one of their “highly preferred” regions. “We realize that it’s important for students to go somewhere that they’re going to be successful and happy with,” Sammut said. “All we ask is that candidates be open-minded in their selections.” The non-binding application process includes a free online application, a 30-minute phone interview and one interview in person. Once an offer is made, the applicant generally has three weeks to decide. Sammut said the summer between the two school years provides an opportunity for Corps members to teach summer school, travel or take on internships in For example, Sammut said, companies like Google and OpenFax offer special internships just for Corps members. After the two-year commitment, members can be-
4 Probates presented
Etouffee
19 November 2009
COURTBOUILLON
Stephawn Spears | Courtbouillon Neos show their stuff during the 2009 Neophyte Show on Saturday. In top left photo are Deltas Ahynel Jones and Arielle Calloway. In top middle photo Brandon Adams and Chris Stewart, an alumnus. In bottom right photo, from left in front, are Kappas Terrence Morreau, Chad Jenkins and Travis Demely.
Officials say DU will enforce late-registration fees more aggressively Being late will cost you: With registration under way for spring semester, ofthat late registration will cost students a fee of $400. Online registration started Monday, with advising scheduled for the week before. “Holds” have been placed on all students until each documents he or she has been advised. Once the advising hold is lifted, continuing students may register online. Continuing students who have not registered by next semester will face a $400 fee. Dr. Carla Morelon-Quainoo, director of undergraduate studies, said that while the fee is not new, the university intends
to enforce the policy more aggressively. A memo circulated Nov. 6 to all students, faculty and staff from MorelonQuainoo, provided the steps students should take to be advised and register in a timely manner, along with a copy of “Students’ Rights and Responsibilities.” Morelon-Quainoo said pre-registration and advising offers several benyou want at the time you prefer and the opportunity to get advice not only on classes, but about goals and summer/ post-graduation employment opportunities. That way, students know they’re ready
to Morelon-Quainoo. On the university side, Associate Provost Phyllis Dawkins noted that pre-regning for class and faculty needs. Shondra Clements, director of transcript and records management, emphasized the importance of advising to be assured to getting into the proper classes and to get questions answered. She also noted other registration includes more than being advised and scheduling classes. Students must be nizations up to date. She cautioned that a student who fails a class in the fall is responsible for adding and dropping to compensate.
Admissions processor Peggy Jackson said registration for transfer, new and readmitted students will be held Jan 7-8, 2010, with placement tests on Jan. 8. These students must go through S.O.A.R. to register. Residence halls will open on Jan. 7. Jackson said students should doublecheck at that time to ensure that all “holds” are off their accounts. Classes will begin Jan. 11. That’s also the date when late registration begins with the accompany $400 fee; it will end Jan.15, the last day to add classes. Jan. 22 will be the last day to drop classes withport.)
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Sports
19 November 2009
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COURTBOUILLON
Stephawn Spears | Courtbouillon game Saturday against Columbus State.
Women win, men lose first home basketball games Mario Martin Sports editor
The Dillard women forced 17 Lady Cougar turnovers, scoring 26 points off MCU miscues. Senior guard Alrieon Blevins led Dillard with 15 points, two three-pointers, three rebounds and three assists. Sophomore Lai’Ana Gill added nine points, seven rebounds and three assists. The record for Dillard’s men’s team fell to 0-3 after the loss. Dillard trailed the Cougars for most
Band performed.
home game of the season against Mid-Continent 77-64 on Saturday while the men’s team suffered a loss to Columbus State 63-64. Dillard’s men will host Talladega College at 4 p.m. Saturday for Homecoming while the Lady Bleu Devils will host Allen College at 2 p.m. Both games will be in the Dent gym. The home openers of the 2009-2010 basketball season was preceded by a second line led by the Rebirth Brass Band. The Lady Bleu Devils remain undefeated with the win over Mid-Continent. Their current record is 3-0 after previously defeating Texas College and Wiley College.
Stephawn Spears | Courtbouillon Lauren Daniel, a sophomore guard from New Orleans, hustles for the ball during the game Saturday against Mid-Continent College.
Stephawn Spears | Courtbouillon Mico Sjerkloca, a sophomore forward from Yugoslavia, protects the ball while being guarded by a Columbus State player. The men’s team lost 63-64 for a total win-loss record to date of 0-3.
Stephawn Spears | Courtbouillon J’Ashala Haynes, a freshman guard from Baldwin, and Jamie Elliott, a freshman criminal justice major from New Orleans, second-line to Dent Hall
Senior Cornice Wingate was fouled with 3.7 seconds remaining while shooting a three-pointer, giving DU a chance to tie the game. Wingate made two of three, and DU fell short by a point to CSU. Senior James Burkes led Dillard in scoring 21 points, and Chris Telesford’s 20 points led CSU in its victory over Dillard.
Opinion&Editorial
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COURTBOUILLON
Start job search early Since the recession began in 2007, many companies have cut back on new hires, and millions of people have lost their jobs. What does this mean for college seniors and recent graduates? According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, as of Nov. 6, the unemployment rate rose to 10.2 percent, the highest in 26 years – since April 1983. According to the National Association of Colleges and
graduates who applied for a job landed one (19.7 percent), compared with more than one in four in 2008 (26 percent) in 2008 and more than half in 2007. Not reassuring at all, is it? This year, it seems many new graduates will face their tough-
cities, including New Orleans, and several countries. Average pay: $50-55 per hour. -- PricewaterhouseCoopers, an assurance, tax and advisory service with branches in approximately 70 cities, including New Orleans. Average pay: $50-55 per hour. -- KPMG, a global network providing audit, tax and advisory services in 145 countries: $50-55 per hour. -- The U.S. Department of State, responsible for its international relations. Average pay: $60-65 per hour. -- Goldman Sachs, a global investment banking and secu-
in a recession with more than $22,000 in average debt, according to the College Board’s student aid statistics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industries that will create the most new jobs are health care, biosciences and technology industries as well as education, customer service, retail, hospitality and sales. Business Week listed the Top 10 places to launch a career, with the majority (including the top four) preferring business/ economics and accounting majors. The companies include: -- Deloitte, an international
countries. Average pay: $60-65 per hour. Although the number of openings has declined, and hiring is expected to be down from last year, the college association said many companies still plan to hire college graduates, and more than two-thirds of those surveyed expect the job market to be “fair.” However, the group said, employers will be very selective, seeking more experienced workers who are focused and have high GPAs and leadership capabilities. For college students in search of a job, Career Builder suggests: -- Start your job search as early as possible.
with branches located in more than 80 cities, including New Orleans, and several countries around the world. Average pay: $55-60 per hour.
apply. -- Consider an internship, especially if you don’t have experience. Consider volunteering in
offering assurance, tax, transactions, advisory services, with branches in approximately 80
-- Get connected by utilizing professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn.
Letters to the editor Questions, comments or concerns? Voice them!! Letters to the editor should be no longer than 250 words. Send your letter along with your name/title, address, e-mail address, phone number and classification/major if you are a student to: duopinions@gmail.com or mail to: Dillard University, 2601 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70122 Room 146 Cook Center. Deadlines for fall issues are Sept. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 15, Oct. 29, Nov. 12 and Dec. 3. Letters must be signed and will not be returned.
Our policy
19 November 2009
The Courtbouillon is published by the students of Dillard University. Views expressed on the opinion pages are those of the individual writers, and not those of the administration, faculty or student body. The Courtbouillon reserves the right to edit all writings for space and libel.
My smile doesn’t mean I’m happy with Dillard Jeannine Cannon Managing editor
As a graduating senior and as a student who loves this institution, I have to say I am disappointed and frustrated with the lack of communication here at Dillard. It seems administrators don’t think students are worthy of knowing what is going on and that they can treat us any kind of way. I’ve heard over and over that my time in college is the best time of my life, but I must say I had better days in high school. Here are some of the issues that my peers and I have discussed as problems here that should be addressed. Advising Student Orientation, Advising and Registration Week, known as SOAR, was very embarrassing. Extremely late registration and poor advising equaled a very poor lard” for freshmen and their parents. For my freshman orientation, I had someone sit down with me with the catalog and go over it with me. However, this year’s incoming students did not have a catalog while they were being advised.
campus security would have improved this year. Wrong. Case in point: People without proper ID can enter through an unlocked turnstile, but students have trouble getting on campus. Example No. 1: I still don’t understand the reason for a turnstile gate that does not lock. While students living in the DUALs can come off- and on-campus more easily, so can anyone else. This is unsafe. Example No. 2: One night Jeannine Cannon a few weeks ago, three feSome students were placed male students tried to return in the wrong classes. Some to campus in a car with a unistudents were enrolled erro- versity parking decal. neously in a second-semester However, when students failed to show campus IDs, part. And some were advised the security guard on duty to take classes that weren’t told the students they would even in their major. As a re- have to get out of the car and sult, some new students fear WALK back on campus. they will end up behind. Are you serious? Why is it I overheard a parent say that a person in a car with a during SOAR that she was decal cannot get on campus, having second thoughts but guards are willing to let about enrolling her child. It anybody walk on campus? was very disheartening to Dillard, we really need to hear; I know we have one do better. Students depend of the best HBCUs, but we on administrators to do the aren’t putting our best foot right thing. Get organized. forward. Provide adequate safety. Security I know the picture accomWith incidents of robber- panying this column shows ies and weapons on campus me smiling, but I am far last year, you would think from happy.
Opinion&Editorial
19 November 2009
COURTBOUILLON
WORD ON THE AVE:
Do you smoke? If yes, will you try to quit for the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 19?
William O. Holmes: Sophomore physics major Baton Rouge
“No, I’m not a smoker. I am an athlete, so I want to stay fit, and smoking will hinder me in sports and my extracurricular activities.”
Sheida Meltone: Freshman international business major San Francisco, Calif.
Branden Finley: Freshman urban studies major Los Angeles
“Yes, I’m a smoker. I guess I can stop for the Great American Smokeout because it seems like a good cause.”
“Yes, I smoke. I don’t plan on stopping for the Smokeout. I don’t see any reason. Quitting one day isn’t going to kill my habit.”
18 QUESTIONS The column “18 Questions” is a popular one with many Dillard students, who may ask questions serious or facetious, insightful or inane. It is named after the year the university was founded,1869. The following questions were compiled by writer Jeannine Cannon from the offerings of various students recently. If you have a question, send it to Cannon at ducourtbouillon@ gmail.com . 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Why is the Thanksgiving holiday so short? Is it worth going home for Thanksgiving? “Who dat talking about beating them Saints?” Why doesn’t Dillard have any Iotas or Alphas on campus? What are the odds of the Saints going to the Super Bowl this year? Why aren’t we having Midnight Breakfast this year for Homecoming? Is the Kappa who fell on his face okay now? Is Greek life on campus going to be better now that there are more of them
here? 9. When is New Orleans going to get below 70 degrees? 10. If the new parking lot behind Rosenwald is for everybody, why do they keep blocking it off? 11. Why are some people so fake? 12. Can the men’s basketball team please win the Homecoming game since they lost the last game? 13. Why are there always so many Q’s on campus, but only two actually attend Dillard? 14. What did that “silent protest” really resolve? 15. Why are the guys in Collegiate 100 Black Men so cocky? 16. What is up with Residential Life trying to write everybody up for things we don’t even do? 17. Why does a security guard wear gloves and sunglasses at night? 18. What’s going on with cable at Dillard?
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