The DA 10-06-2015

Page 1

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

“Little good is accomplished without controversy, and no civic evil is ever defeated without publicity.”

da

Tuesday October 6, 2015

Volume 128, Issue 35

www.THEDAONLINE.com

WVU appoints director of Greek life by caity coyne city editor @caitycoyne

West Virginia University has appointed Roy W. Baker to fill the new position of director of Greek life, as well as to serve as an associate dean of students starting on Oct. 30, according to a press release from University Relations. Baker has experience serving as the director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and associate director of HUB-Robeson

Student Union and Student Activities at Pennsylvania State University, the press release read. “Dr. Baker has a track record of success that he will be bringing to WVU,” said Dean of Students Corey Farris, in the press release, “including setting high standards and holding organizations accountable. And his ability to build relationships with students and alumni is truly outstanding.” The University launched a nationwide search for the

Director of Greek Life position on June 24, 2015, after President of Student Life Bill Schafer announced several changes he wanted to make within the Greek system this school year, including the addition of the position, at a faculty senate meeting. “...I look forward to working with Dr. Baker and our students,” Schafer said, “to develop a Greek community at WVU that will serve as a national model that others look to for inspiration and guidance.”

The University hired a firm to conduct the search for the director of Greek life, but top candidates were interviewed by a committee of WVU faculty and Greek student leaders when they visited campus earlier this semester. Baker’s position will become active about a month after formal fall recruitment for both fraternities and sororities. In an earlier interview with The Daily Athenaeum, however, Schafer said he does not believe the performance of who-

STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY

ever would fill the position would be hindered by missing the first few months of school. “We’ll be able to translate for (him) some of these early semester actions,” Schafer said. Baker will oversee the new Greek life division of the University and will report to Farris, according to the press release. In his new position, Baker will be responsible for providing advising for Greek life, training Greek leaders and supporting fra-

ternities and sororities on campus. Baker will not serve as a disciplinarian, however. All disciplinary action regarding Greek life will go through the Office of Student Conduct. “I really want (the Director of Greek Life position) to be more of an advocate and an educator for the Greek system, versus the disciplinarian,” Schafer said in an earlier interview with The DA. “This last year was a

see greek on PAGE 2

WVU hosts the revival of Tent City, receives some negative feedback

KYLE MONROE/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Tyler Cook, a junior multidisciplinary studies student, sets up his Xbox and TV outside his tent located in Tent City on the Mountainlair Green Monday afternoon.

Westley Thompson Associate A&E Editor @westleyT93

President E. Gordon Gee addresses his audience at his State of the University speech on Monday afternoon.

Askar Salikhov/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

President E. Gordon Gee talks culture change, state issues and student life By Jordan Miller Correspondent @dailyathenaeum

West Virginia University community members gathered Monday afternoon at the Erickson Alumni Center to hear President E. Gordon Gee deliver the State of the University Address. Gee spoke about WVU moving forward to change the campus culture, working together to combat state issues and forming plans to positively affect student life. “We nurture hope in the hearts of our students,” Gee said. “We open doors of opportunity, and by helping them build a culture that puts learning first, we give them the keys to fulfilling lives.” In his opening remarks, Gee said the University was moving forward. For the past year, the public has seen the words “Let’s Go” transformed from a sports cheer to a mantra heard in numerous settings around campus. Gee also spoke of his plans for WVU’s outreach across the entire state of West Virginia and the potential effect the University could have statewide. “By working together,

78°/57°

WALKING ON EASY BEATS

INSIDE

SOJA to perform at Metropolitan Theatre A&E PAGE 4

MOSTLY SUNNY

News: 1, 2 Opinion: 3 A&E: 4, 5 Sports: 8, 9, 10 Campus Calendar: 6 Puzzles: 6 Classifieds: 8

Askar Salikhov/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

Attendees listen to President E. Gordon Gee giving his State of the University speech inside the Erickson Alumni Center Monday afternoon. the midst of tragedy. we reverse the course land-grant institution. In a video that preceded “It is time to go big or go of our state and rise to a place of opportunity,” he the speech, attendees home, we are ready to take said. learned about the rebuild- action. We are one UniverThrough finding power ing of Harper’s Ferry, West sity… We are one West Virin partnership, Gee be- Virginia after a fire this ginia. And for the future lieves WVU community past summer destroyed 30 of us all, we are here tomembers can work to- percent of the town’s busi- gether,” Gee said. The surge in enrollment gether to find innovative ness district, according to solutions that honor West WVU Today. in the Honors College is a The video illustrated sign of intellectually cuVirginia’s culture and history. Gee called for WVU how WVU was able to use rious people seeking out community members to its resources in assisting what the University has to harness the University’s with relief efforts as the offer them, Gee said, alinfluence and help WVU University pushed forth see gee on PAGE 2 fulfill its obligations as a the idea of hope, even in

THE DA’s HIRING WRITERS Inquire about paid positions at The Daily Athenaeum at DA-editor@mail.wvu. edu or pick up an application at our office at 284 Prospect St.

CONTACT US Newsroom 304-293-5092 or DAnewsroom@mail.wvu.edu Advertising 304-293-4141 or DA-Ads@mail.wvu.edu Classifieds 304-293-4141 or DA-Classifieds@mail.wvu.edu Fax 304-293-6857

REPRESENTING ALL RACES Minority literature important in education OPINION PAGE 3

The clouds of last week dispersed, and the sun blessed West Virginia University with its presence this week to welcome the second annual Tent City. Tent City began as a spotaneous event last year. Due to the Mountaineers’ stellar football season, ESPN’s College Game Day decided to travel to WVU for one of its shows. Excited by the prospect of having their college featured on television, dedicated students set up tents on the Mountainlair Green a week in advance in preparation for College Game Day. More and more students added their tents to the mix, and soon, WVU had a veritable city on the Green. Local businesses took notice and began supplying the students with food and gifts. Tent City was considered a success by the school, students and the nation. It showed the country that despite the Baylor riots only a few weeks before, WVU students could gather together and celebrate in a peaceful and constructive manner. The University decided to make Tent City a yearly occurence and took the lead in setting up this year’s event. Tent City becoming school-run has caused some dissension among the student body. According to posts on social media apps such as Twitter and Yik Yak, some students feel the event is

cheapened and comes off as forced. Students argue WVU earned Tent City last year because it was able to bring in College Game Day. Furthermore, some students have expressed that having Tent City lead up to the Homecoming game, which was planned during Fall Break defeats the event’s purpose even more. “I think it’s going to be less fun because not everyone is into it,” said Allysa Gaither, sophomore speech pathology student. “(Last year), there were so many people here, and they were so hyped for Game Day.” Gaither did express that she was personally excited for this year’s Tent City, however. Another concern students have expressed is

“Last year was more of a party. This year may be more strict.”

Ryan Austin

Sophomore history student

the strictness the school may bring to Tent City this year. “Last year it was more of a party,” said Ryan Austin, sophomore history student. “This year may be more strict.” Not everyone is against WVU’s sponsorship of the event. For some students, the fact that the University is

see tent on PAGE 2

TROUBLE BREWING WVU has weaknesses exploited against Oklahoma SPORTS PAGE 9


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.