TRUTH
The ugly about registration fees Tuition no longer absorbs state cuts Students worried about housing security deposits
ASHLEY WOLF Editor-In-Chief
page 2
SGA talks about last semester’s parking bill page 4
Scholars’ student shares best study spots page 7
The Fall 2016 semester did not begin with a “bang,” but with a $25 increase in registration fees per credit hour, which some might call a “blow.” This “blow” was not softened by a warning. MyNSU delivered the harsh news to students when they paid their bills, and the Student Concerns Page sent Facebook into a flurry of notifications. NSU policy does not require that Business Affairs inform students of increased fees. However, Bursar Daphne Sampité said there was no time to notify students since the state did not make budget decisions for the 2016-17 academic year until the end of July. “We have no control on the timing of that,” Sampité said. “Literally a week before the pre-bills went out was when we got approval.”
The Elevate Louisiana Initiative Results of the FY 14-15 Fiscal Health Analysis
Sampité said that legislation in House Bill 152 of the 2015 Regular Session allowed NSU to increase fees, but restricted increased tuition. NSU is funding 100 percent of TOPS at last year’s rate, but full-time students will pay approximately $300 more in registration fees than last year. However, NSU President Jim Henderson said that NSU is “investing dollars in the right things.” NSU’s budgetary records are disclosed on the Business Affairs website, but Henderson, Sampité and the Vice President for Business Affairs, Carl Jones, explained, in plain terms— without spreadsheets or math jargon—how the increased registration fees will be used:
1.Accumulated reductions in state funding
The accumulated budget declines since 2008 is the primary reason, Jones said, that fees have increased. Since 2008, tuition and fees have gone up almost 120 percent at most Louisiana universities. Jones said NSU students are now funding 78 percent of their educations, while the state funds 28 percent in the operating fund alone.
2.Thirty new faculty members and added resources to the sciences and languages
The registration fund pays for “the right things” by feeding into the general operating fund, an unrestricted fund used for university operations. Faculty salaries and educational resources come from this fund, but it does not cover job salaries related with food service and non-educational fees. Jones said the general operating fund is “purely educational.”
3. Unfunded mandates
The general operating fund not only pays for faculty salaries, but for related benefits. “Related benefits, like to pay the matching part of insurance—they’re called mandates— which you’re required to do,” said Sampeté. “It’s like a company…As you know, health insurance has gone up, and we’re not getting reimbursement from the state to offset those costs.”
4. Fee exemptions and scholarships
Fee exemptions for financially eligible students are also state-required mandates, and with NSU’s growing enrollment rate, exemptions and scholarships increase as well. Fee exemptions and salaries may come from the general operating fund, but certain student fees are still reserved for other NSU services that benefit the students. “Our building use fee is a restricted fund that students pay as a part of their registration fees,” Sampeté said. “That goes toward doing repairs and maintenance on academic
“
You’re hitting a very, very soft spot for me,” said Henderson. “This—it kills me.” buildings.” Despite the recent increases, Jones said that NSU is in good fiscal health and ranks third in the UL system category. Additionally, Henderson said that NSU foresees no increase in tuition or fees in the Fall 2017 semester and is “extraordinarily sensitive to the cost of higher education.” “You’re hitting a very, very soft spot for me,” said Henderson. “This—it kills me.”
news
2 The Current Sauce
Editorial
Board Ashley Wolf Editor-In-Chief Meg Denny Managing Editor Jordan Reich Copy Editor Jessie Gabor Copy Editor
Jacob Farnsley News Editor, Distribution, Online Editor Josh Fontenot A&L Editor, Online Editor, Social Media Coordinator An-gel Samuel Opinions Editor, Assistant Visual Editor Jacob Hicks Sports Editor Steven Sheerin Visual Editor, Designer Alec Horton Public Affairs Manager, Designer Elizabeth Perez Ad Sales Representative Advisors Paula Furr Department Head Daniel Thiels Student Media Coordinator
If you would like to submit pitches, stories, photos or illustrations to The Current Sauce, email us at thecurrentsauce@ gmail.com
TheCurrentSauce
@thecurrentsauce @thecurrentsauce
Demons provide aid to flooding victims AN-GEL SAMUEL Opinions Editor
N
SU student Ryan Ware worked in the flood dama ed home of an year old woman who didn t ha e flood insurance. Her dau hter was with them in aton ou e dele atin work to the many olunteers of the First United Methodist Church. e sent three roups on different days to o down to aton ou e and achary are said addin that they worked on se eral homes at a time. tartin the week of u . different roups includin lpha hi lpha i ma u and the cholars olle e worked to support ouisiana flood ictims. unior osh ilkins a mem er of lpha hi lpha said his fraternity set up a tent outside of al art in atchitoches to collect supplies and accept donations for those in need. e had people come in and out of al art ... i in us water and clothes pillows food and e en food
for the animals ilkins said. The cholars olle e tra eled to aton ou e durin a or Day weekend to help re uild homes. Two cholars alumni a cholars parent and iolo y professor Dr. hifer and his wife joined the team. Senior Kirsten Fontenot said that there is still so much ital work to e done. The flood ictims need people to just e with them and show them they aren’t alone and help them clean out their homes where they lost e erythin in three days the pre med major said. cholars teamed up with peration lessin an or ani ation that or ani es olunteer work projects. Dr. Holly ta e rs. rancis onine and all donated to peration lessin . The olunteers helped mo e de ris clear out drywall and work on floorin . t’s completely heart reakin and de astatin to see how much these people lost ontenot said. t is an awful thin oin on down here."
Phifer partnered with Operation Blessing to bring Scholars’ students to Baton Rouge. The volunteers cleared out homes during Labor Day Weekend. Photos courtesy of Deanna Lovejoy
Students still missing deposits from spring semester JACOB FARNSLEY News Editor Sophomore nursing major Mariah Hester isn’t the only student who hasn’t received her on-campus housing security deposit back for the 2015-16 year. Several students on the Students Concerns Facebook Page reported having the same problem as Hester. After a few attempts to contact housing after the spring semester, Hester called again in June. “I was transferred through several departments until I was told I should be getting my deposit in two weeks,” Hester said. “Two weeks came and
went.” Hester said she posted on the Concerns Page in mid-July, a month after notifying housing of her issue. In August, housing informed Hester that she would not receive her deposit back at all due to her name not being on the security deposit list. She later received an email from housing saying that housing would not refund the deposit due to unpaid fees, of which Hester says are “false.” Hester appealed this issue, and her appeal was granted. She said housing told her they would cut the check last week. “I am still waiting on the remainder of my security deposit,”
Hester said. “I want to use the money to buy my stethoscope for clinical.” No Facebook responses were discovered from Campus Living Villages (CLV) until the Current Sauce publicized an upcoming article on the subject. Director of Operations for Residence Life at CLV commented on students’ posts telling them to contact CLV with their concerns. The CLV Director of Resident Life, Stephanie Dyjack, responded to the Current Sauce’s questions in an email saying that the refund process relocated from the local office to a corporate office in Houston. Dyjack said that flaws in the
corporate office resulted in the students who were overlooked and that they did not know the local office’s process. The corporate office will not handle security deposits starting next year, and the process will return to the local office. Dyjack said that they are currently auditing for the students who were supposed to receive their deposits back, and she is working to fully refund them. Students who have not received their security deposits back from last year can contact Stephanie Dyjack at stephanie.dyjack@clvusa.com or 318-214-5400.
arts & living
4
On a scouting trip for a study abroad program, Scholars’ director Bartels visited a zoo in Sydney, Australia. She fed a wallaby. “I love wallabies,” she said. Photo submitted by Kirsten Bartels
Natchitoches welcomes new Scholars’ director MEG DENNY Managing Editor
T
he new Scholars' College Director, Dr. Kirtsen Bartels, believes that NSU students "can and should change the world." In her new position, Bartels plans to raise the quality of education at NSU by encouraging faculty to incorporate student feedback and to experiment in their work. “A really good honors college is a place where you take risks, and you try new things,” Bartels said. “And if they work, then you bring them to the university as a whole.” Bartels said she hopes to make the Louisiana Scholars’ College (LSC) a worldwide premier honors experience by focusing on why a liberal arts degree sets students apart.
A student studying liberal arts gains a taste of many different fields. Bartels said that this kind of education adds variety to a student's history and resumé, which is beneficial in the job market. Bartels is not new to the concept of a diverse background; she has a B.A. in Geology, an M.A. in Classics and a Ph.D. in Contemporary Holocaust Fiction for Young Adults. Whether “someone wants to go to medical school, go to grad school, start a business, have a career, or take a gap year and work on a sheep farm in New Zealand,” Bartels said that she aspires to prepare LSC students for whatever they pursue after college. The recent generations of students, Bartels said, receive an overload of information because they grew up with the accessibility of the Internet. Deciding what content is valuable can be difficult for students.
“So how do you know?” she said. “How do you decide what to get involved with, what to be excited about, what to be passionate about— where you want to go?” Bartels said that a liberal arts education can teach students the decisive skills they need to answer these questions authentically. “She is a dynamo, a force of nature,” LSC Professor of English Dr. Holly Stave said. “She is also one of the kindest people I have ever met. She greets everyone, regardless of what that person’s position is, with warm and affection.” Before coming to Natchitoches, Bartels spent three years at the University of Illinois working as the director of the honors program for the college for liberal arts and sciences. "I've never lived in the South before," Bartels said excitingly. "My husband was obsessed with finding gators, so we've been on multiple gator excursions."
Bartels chose LSC “based on the people” and said she loves the South, but she refuses to say “y’all” in conversation. Bartels felt welcomed by Natchitoches community. "I get stopped on the street and welcomed," she said. "It's awesome. I can't go to the grocery store in sweats anymore, but the people care so much, and the students are amazing." "She's what we needed," said Stave. "She's been in touch with honors education and how it has evolved in the last couple decades, and she can lead us to be even better than we already are." The questions Bartels always aims to ask in her classes are, "Why does this material matter?” and, “What are you going to do with this information?" Bartels pushes her students to find answers with the hopes of inspiring them to achieve their goals.
SGA to amend previous parking bill AIRROL ANGELLE Reporter NSU’s parking system may be revised by the Fall 2017 semester. Last semester, SGA introduced a parking bill that introduced brought forth parking stickers to the corresponding color-coded lots on campus. The purpose of the bill was to create clearly visible parking lot signs to reduce parking
tickets. SGA President John Pearce previously served on the traffic appeals committee and saw students fined for accidentally parking in the wrong lots, a mistake he attributes to poorly labeled parking lots. “$35 could break someone for a month,” Pearce said. “It does not serve the students to get tickets when they did not know where to park in the first place.” Pearce gave the example that most oncampus residents are unaware that they are not
allowed to park in commuter lots. Dean of Students Frances Conine vetoed the bill last year because she thought the language in the bill was too ambiguous to be effective. “We need to make it as easy as possible as we can let to students know where to park,” Conine said. The new bill will focus on educating students, faculty and staff on their designated parking areas. Reworking the campus police’s current
parking system costs money to purchase the new signs and stickers. Even if the bill passed this semester, the current parking system is paid for until the end of this academic year. Pearce said that students are welcome to come by his office in room 102 of the Student Union if they have any questions about parking. The current Campus Parking and Driving Regulations are on the NSU website, and students may also contact the campus police at 318-357-5431, or at their office located in the Infirmary Building.
sports
6
NSU loses season opener to Baylor The Demons played against the Bears at Baylor University on an away game.
JACOB HICKS Sports Editor
D
emon football lost to Baylor on Friday with an ending score of 55-7. The Bears dominated the Demons in the first half with a 48-0 lead at halftime, and they kept the lead for the rest of the game. “A game like this will help us,” said Demons running back De’Mard Llorens. “Baylor has a lot of great players... But we did some good things, and we saw a lot that we can do better.” At the beginning of the first quarter, the
Bears were in the lead by 24 points. NSU found its rhythm in the second half of the game with the Demons keeping Baylor to seven points for the entire second half. In the third quarter, NSU scored with quarterback Brooks Haack’s 3-yard-run into the end zone on an 8 play, 45 yard drive. “That Baylor team’s a load,” said Demons Head Coach Jay Thomas. “But our guys didn’t fold. I was proud of our effort and how we played much better in the second half.” Baylor was strong on defense, keeping the Demons at zero points in the first half and
Photos by Alec Horton
notching 15 tackles for loss of 67 yards. “We’ll go through this tape, find a lot to fix, learn from it, and get ready for a big ballgame next Thursday at home—a Southland Conference game, against a team that beat us last year, said Thomas. “This is a good teaching tape. We had a lot of guys who got their feet wet tonight, and that will help us next week.” Northwestern State’s next game will be the White Out game, their home opener against the University of Incarnate Word from San Antonio, Texas. The game is on Thursday, Sept. 8 in Turpin Stadium.
Success fuels Gonzalez’s game JACOB HICKS Sports Editor The last two successful games for the Lady Demons soccer team gave Esdeina Gonzalez, or Ezzie for short, confidence to continue through the season. The player made a goal and two assists in the games against Jackson State (JSU) and Texas Wesleyan (TWU). As a main striker for the team, Gonzalez believes that the Demons can finish the season with many more wins based on their recent performance. “We might have gotten to a slow start, but we’ve had a really good outing against JSU and TWU,” Gonzalez said. “After these next two
games, the rest of the schedule will be played against the Southland Conference, where we can catch even more ground and make into the [Southland Conference] tournament.” Gonzalez explained that her early struggles in the season with Southern Methodist University and Ole Miss involved lack of skill when passing the ball. “We’ve been working a lot on our attacking,” she said. “If we can get out to an early lead, we can build off that momentum, and we’ll be more likely to win,” Gonzalez said. At the last two home games, NSU dominated against the likes of JSU and TWU, winning 3-0 and 6-0, respectfully.
These games were played in Shreveport and Alexandria because the Demon’s home turf in Natchitoches took in too much water. Gonzalez played hard against both teams, tallying an assist against JSU and contributing both a goal and an assist against TWU. She shot the ball three times against TWU, with two of them being on goal. The forward player is not new to the ups and downs a soccer season can bring. Gonzalez hopes to finish the season strong and sees the possibility of soccer in her postgraduation plans. “I’ve been playing soccer for 13 years now, and I still love playing the game,” Gonzalez said.
Disc golf course constructed at NSU DANIEL THIELS Student Media Coordinator
T
he NSU campus is now home to a 9-hole disk golf course as the result of a partnership between NSU and the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts. According to Director of the NSU Wellness and Recreation Center Patric DuBois, plans to build the course were developed after requests from students, faculty and community members. LSMSA already had four disk golf poles on its campus after Instructor of Physical Education, Jacob Speilbauer, obtained a grant for them four years ago. DuBois and Speilbauer agreed to combine resources and make a larger course that students on both campuses could utilize. "We looked into it, got in touch with
Spielbauer and decided to partner," DuBois said. "We got the other five holes approved through [the WRAC] budget and walked the grounds to make up a solid nine-hole golf course." After the additional equipment was purchased to complete the course, the NSU Physical Plant installed the hardware. "We put it on paper; Then the physical plant did a great job in terms of all the heavy lifting— putting it in the ground and making it look really nice," DuBois said. Currently, the disk golf course is open for free play, but DuBois said it may host an
“intramural sport down the line.” The beginning of the course is located between Morrison Hall and LSMSA and is open to all students. Four disk golf sets are available to check out at the WRAC service center with a current NSU/LSMSA student ID.
opinions Sierra Seemion Junior
Gregory Massey Junior
“Yes. For one, I’m in SAB, so I have to go. We work part of the tailgates, but whenever my hour is done, I go socialize. I go to the tailgates to start getting pumped up for the football game.”
“I go for the experience and to meet new people. Hopefully, I’ll see smiles and creative things when I go. Of course, you’ll see food but I would also like to see positive vibes.”
7
Junior Scholars’ student Jordan Reich recommends benches on campus as a tranquil study location. Here she sits outside of Morrison Hall.
Photo by Valentina Perez
Scholar reveals studious locations
NS’U’ Voice: “Are tailgates the place to be?”
Kirsten Sander Freshman
Brittany Hagan Junior
JORDAN REICH Copy Editor
W
ith two weeks down and 14 to go, class work is starting to pick up. Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a seasoned pro, studying is simply a part of college. College degrees require work outside of class, and while we may struggle on the way, NSU provides every type of study space that a student can ask for. After surviving NSU and Scholars’ for two years, I like to think that I know my way around the study scene. If you’re a student looking for the best study spots on campus, consider these hideaways underutilized by the student population.
NSU Watson Library
Try the library; it may surprise you. Most study spots on campus are never crowded until midterms and finals, but Watson has some of the best study resources and silent nooks. Now equipped with Café DeMon and longer hours than it did my freshman year, Watson tends to be my favorite quiet space where I can focus without the distractions of home.
Campus Benches “I’m an incoming freshmen, and I plan on going to the tailgate. I just want to have a good time with a big group of friends. They say tailgating is what people with the Northwestern spirit do, so I want to go and cheer on the Demons.”
“I like to watch football and hang out with my friends. I’m usually having a good time with my Alpha Omnicron Pi (AOII) sisters, but at the same time, I like messing with the away team.”
Benches found outside of CAPA and Morrison Hall aren’t there just for decoration and are a great break-away from the walls of classrooms. I’ve used them plenty of times to sit outside and study during breaks in my schedule. According to USA Today College, studying outside
has positive effects like reducing stress, increasing concentration, and improving your health with Vitamin D exposure.
University Place I & II Study Rooms
If you prefer the comforts and proximity of your dorm, and live in either building, find out where the study rooms are on each floor. These are a huge convenience and work well for large study groups. As much as I hate to admit it, I’ve spent quite a few all-nighters in here working on papers and assignments that I procrastinated on. No one is perfect! You also don’t have to walk across campus to reach these spaces.
The WRAC
A healthy lifestyle is just as important as that GPA you’re trying to maintain, so if you’re searching for a place to multitask, look no further than the WRAC. According to an article by the New York Times, research actually shows that taking part in a light exercise routine while studying is beneficial to memorization of new material. Instead of jamming to a workout playlist, find audiobooks and make the most of your time. Amazon, Watson library and Barnes & Noble all carry popular literary works in audio form. Every student studies in different ways and in widely different environments. Any location has the potential to be an awesome study spot if you turn it into one, and it’s important to create or find an area to help set yourself up for academic success.
arts & living
5
Letter from FMLA president MEG DENNY FMLA President In 2016, the Louisiana Legislature passed over a dozen anti-choice bills; seven bills became law, including Act 97, which requires women to wait an unprecedented 72 hours before an abortion. That’s why the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance is stepping up to take action and demand an end to political interference in our healthcare decisions. We are the majority, and we will be heard. FMLA works hard at NSU to raise awareness about a few different issues: access to abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, etc. I hope you’ve noticed our efforts. If not, then we aren’t doing our jobs right. Our “Demon family” suffers from the realities listed above. Students experience racial inequality, discrimination for their gender identity or orientation, and lack of resources for reproductive health. When you recognize this, you might understand why we exist as an RSO on campus.
On Aug. 10, FMLA will host a livestream concert in partnership with the New Orleans Abortion Fund (NOAF) and the national coalition, All Access. The live concert is in Cleveland, OH, and features performances from SIA, Leslie Jones, and Natalia Lafourcade; Actor and comedian Jessica Williams will MC. The livestream is one of over 30 local events across the nation that will take place this weekend to celebrate reproductive rights. Natchitoches is one of the few small towns on this list, which is something I’m proud to say. We want to make this a celebration for all local supporters of reproductive freedom. Thanks to All Access and NOAF, we will provide food and resources for the attendees. Our national organization, the Feminist Majority Foundation, is traveling to us to meet the Natchitoches community. Louisiana Trans Advocates will also be present along with a few NSU organizations. Join us at this gathering full of community support. Let’s dance, eat and celebrate the right to reproductive freedom together.
Kopacetic is DEAD
Suni Nelson is one of the University Police Department’s new hires. NSU hired Photo by Alec Horton four police officers before the start of the semester.
University hires new officers JOSH FONTENOT A&L Editor
S Former band members declared Kopacetic “dead” in a YouTube video on Aug. 21.
Photo submitted by Prag Ma
MADDIE FRY Reporter The former alternative funk band known as Kopacetic, started by NSU graduate Breanna Collier, split up last semester. Kopacetic released a 5-track EP called “Stages” in January 2016 and performed in the Natchitoches area, including NSU’s DemonFest in the spring. Three former Kopacetic band members and NSU students Sheldon Busby, Jacob Bryant and Chuck Gallaher recently started Prag Ma, which the band defines as a multi-genre music project leaning towards funk. “It was difficult to keep a bigger group, and we just wanted to try something different,” said Busby, referring to the original band’s split.
The three plan to co-produce music for their new YouTube channel. Busby said that although Prag Ma is geared toward funk, they do not fall into a specific genre. He said their inspirations range from hip hop and funk to jazz and instrumental, and artists such as Chon, Polyphia, Usher, Kanye West, Odd Future, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. “We three have been playing [together] ever since high school, and we’re seniors in college now,” Busby said. “It feels like maybe this was the way it was meant to be.” Busby says Prag Ma will be playing live shows, uploading Youtube covers and releasing an original CD. For more information, follow the Prag Mag Facebook page for upcoming music and events.
uni Nelson, one of the newest editions to the NSU University Police Department, is one of three female officers on staff with the university. Nelson received her master’s degree from NSU and says she chose to take her position with the UPD because of her strong connections to the university. "Well first off, there was a job opening," Nelson said. "I just really enjoy being able to help people, honestly." As an officer for the University Police, some of Nelson’s duties on campus include handling traffic incidents, injuries and parking violations. "It's pretty quiet here, which is good. It's a very safe campus," said Nelson. "I actually responded to a call earlier this afternoon to remove a salamander from a dorm room... Needless to say, the suspect was detained." Nelson and Rachel Head, another new police officer, served as reserve officers with the sheriff's office before joining the NSU family. The two will attend the Police Academy next year to further their training in law enforcement. When asked if she has experienced any resistance as a female in law enforcement, she replied, "Not at all." "Sometimes a female can have a more calming effect on someone," said Nelson. "I
don't go into it thinking I'm a female; I go into the situation as a police officer." She encourages students interested in law enforcement to get involved in any way they can. "There are certain ways to get involved without becoming a full-time officer," Nelson said. "I think it's good to see all sides of law enforcement." NSU's UPD offers students positions as office attendants and officers, which they are currently taking applications for; Nelson encourages criminal justice students, in particular, to apply for officer positions. Nelson says that no call is unimportant and that the University Police are more than happy to help out in any situation they can. In the case of an emergency on campus, please call the UPD at 318-357-5431.
news
3
New degree added to curriculum JACOB FARNSLEY News Editor
O
n Aug. 24, NSU became the only Louisiana institution to offer a degree in Applied Microbiology after the Louisiana Board of Regents approved the new program. After its termination in 1970, Professor of Microbiology, Dr. Michael Land, revived the program. Land said that the new program will not require additional funding since two newly hired biology professors specialize in microbiology. The new Bachelor of Science degree will prepare students for careers specializing in the public and private sectors of environmental compliance, water and air quality, food and safety, public health, organic farming and gardening, and homeland security. “Our program will provide students with the critical thinking, problem-solving and applied academic skill set necessary for success in the workforce,” said Acting Director of NSU’s School of Biological and Physical Sciences, Dr. Francene J. Lemoine. The new degree offers two concentrations: environmental and applied microbiology and medical and health profession, both of which will allow students to explore microorganisms’ role in food and environmental issues. They will also focus on findin scientific solutions to the problems caused by population growth. For more information, contact Dr. Michael Land at 318-357-5343 or Dr. Francene J. Lemoine at 318-357-5805.
The new kiosks on campus will offer students an outdoor distribution option for newspapers.
Photo courtesy of Signal Campus
Illustration by Rachael Coyne
Outdoor newsstands on the way DANIEL THIELS Student Media Coordinator The Current Sauce partnered with Signal Campus to bring new exterior newsstands to campus at no cost to NSU. The expected installation date for the stands is Friday, Sept. 23. Six purple aluminum stands will be
placed in hi h traffic outdoor areas y the Iberville Cafeteria, Watson Library, the thletic field house ourtyard Kyser Brickway and the Student Services building. Current Sauce Distribution Manager, Jacob Farnsley, said he hopes that the new stands will make the papers more easily accessible to students. "In some buildings, racks are hidden,"
Farnsley said. "These are large, purple and they stand out. Hopefully, students will be more likely to pick [the papers] up" The new stands are weather resistant and will also feature a recycling slot where students can place old papers. "What's the use of a newspaper if students don't even read it?" Current Sauce Editor-in-Chief Ashley Wolf said. "Read, re-read, recycle is my motto."