Driftwood Volume 58 Issue 7

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DRIFTWOOD The community newspaper of the University of New Orleans

Volume: 58 Issue: 7

October 1 , 2014

driftwood.uno.edu

On what issues/ policies would you like to the SGA take action?

Student Power Student Government aims to put more power in students’ hands Anna Gowin Driftwood Staff Things as basic as providing free scantrons as well as things as complicated as changing university policy all fall under the Student Government umbrella.

It is the role of Student Government (SG) to work hand-inhand with administration to benefit the wellbeing of University of New Orleans’s students.

This can include cooperating with other committees and student organizations to best serve student needs.

SG provides a number of services students may not be aware of including free legal services and travel reimbursement for conferences and workshops that fall under a student’s field of study. In fact, many student organizations are unaware of the fact that SG has an operating budget every semester that can be distributed to fund events in exchange for community service hours.

However, according to current SG President David Teagle, there is still a long road ahead in order to be most effective. This road begins with Teagle’s vision of transforming the current SG system into a Student Government Association (SGA) similar to that of Delgado. Teagle served as president of Delgado’s SGA before coming to UNO. Teagle says that an SGA would help to better protect the rights of the students by putting more power directly in students’ hands. “SIL (Student Involvement and Leadership) is doing a great job right now,” Teagle said, “but this could help us work towards a more student-driven school.”

Teagle said currently there is absolutely nothing in place protecting student organizations. However, with an SGA, the constitution they draft would become a state-mandated legal document. This would mean being able to put a system

Nicholas Carbo Sophmore, HRT “I’d like to see them have more support for abstract clubs like gaming or board games.”

Dylan Hanks Junior, Film/History “Improvement in food quality at the Cove - it’s disgusting.”

Cynthia Brecka Sophmore, Film

“I would like more options for breakfast. I miss Chickfil-A breakfast.”

SG panel( Abby Diez, Jessica Willis, Don Reyes) convenes at weekly Tuesday meeting. of protection for students and student organizations in place, should an issue ever arise.

The beginning step, which SG had hoped to accomplish by this point in the semester, is drafting a new constitution.

Unfortunately, Teagle said there were a lot of bumps going back to the very beginning of his term as president including several resignations by members the executive board.

Program cuts are always a concern on campus. Recently, SG tried to work with the women’s golf team after the university cut the program.

“They came to us all the way

back in May to see what we could do about it,” said Teagle.

While Teagle and the rest of the executive board tried their hardest over the summer to save the women’s golf team, it fell out of SG jurisdiction. This is something Teagle hopes to never see happen again.

Teagle is no stranger to operating within the state’s bureaucracy. While serving on Delgado’s SGA, Teagle worked on a committee to protect financial aid for Louisiana students through programs like the Pell Grant. He also worked with SG senators to draft a resolution to the school’s Smoke Free policy

Christy Lorio/ Driftwood

that would prevent the banning of e-cigarettes.

“We actually managed to sway one instructor’s opinion with our resolution,” Teagle said. The instructor said he would have to “go with the students on this one,” a sentiment echoed by President Fos when he signed the resolution.

It is clear that Student Government will continue to ‘go with the students’, and serve the community at UNO as effectively as possible, even if this means changes may come down the road.

Jasmine Crawford Sophomore, Marketing “The parking decal - I don’t have enough money to get a decal because I’m paying tuition. Or maybe a shuttle from off campus parking.”

Tamar Walker Freshman, English “There should be more promotion for social events.”

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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

3rd Wednesday returns Bernel L. Davis Contributing Reporter The University of New Orleans English Department recently held the first in its fall series of “3rd Wednesday” discussions.

According to Dr. Patricia Roger, spokesperson, coordinator and moderator for the event, “3rd Wednesday” and its related event, “Yeah, You Write!,” are held each spring and fall semester as part of the department’s on-going efforts to connect with the university’s general population.

“These events were created to give students a glimpse into the writing life, and to help people know about how writing affects life,” said Roger.

The theme for September’s presentation, “books that changed my life,” was an attempt to encourage people to share their literary experiences through an interactive format.

Roger introduced three panelists: Christy Lorio, an undergraduate and Editor-in-Chief of the university newspaper, Driftwood, Ben Sines, a graduate student, and Catherine Loomis, professor of English.

Each panel member related highlights of his/her reading experience to a diverse audience.

For Lorio, David Foster Wallace’s “A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again” helped her appreciate how much literature applies to real life. “It features fun things; it

continues to inspire me,” she said.

Sines told the audience, “I live the books that I read, and I learn from their [characters’ or author’s] mistakes.” He also said that he continues to reread and learn from John Irving’s “The World According to Garp,” The audience listened intently as Catherine Loomis related how Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” helped her find her way out of an impoverished childhood. “This book lives inside me,” she said.

At the end of the panelists presentations, Roger invited the audience to engage more fully, to ask questions of the panelists and to also share reading experiences.

Loomis encouraged the audience to examine the multiple layers of fiction; “they play off one another,” she said. She also reminded the audience of two tools which must be employed in both the reading and writing of literature: reason and imagination. “You have to have imagination,” she said; “reason would have never invented the cell phone.”

There will be additional 3rd Wednesday events as the semester continues.

Each semester, the theme of the first discussion is fixed; the theme of subsequent sessions is open for suggestion. For further information or to participate on a panel, contact the English Department.

NEWS

How to reduce student debt Liz Trahan Driftwood Staff Student loans are a generational icon, a sign of the times, but if done right, a borrower could avoid the dangerous pitfalls into which many students fall. Ann Lockridge works as the Associate Di-rector of Financial Aid and Scholarships gives her advice to first-time borrowers and well-seasoned borrowers.

First make sure you actually need it. Counselors encourage students to supplement with a part time job.

Exhaust all other options before attempting to borrow.

Only borrow what you need.

Conservation is key. Students are awarded the maximum amount of the loan, but it is not mandatory to take the maximum amount.

A student should only borrow the amount of money to cover the necessary costs. Simply put, pay for school not shoes.

Federal loans versus Private loans.

Although it IS possible to escape paying back Federal loans, it is very rare. Loan dischargement is reserved for specific cases like death, or bankruptcy, and is determined by the Federal court. Private loans usually require a cosigner, and can legally go after the cosigner if the borrower defaults. The specifics of a Private loan are agreed upon by both par-ties.

Keep a copy of the Master Promissory Note. The MPN contains the terms and conditions of your loan(s), how interest is calculated, and what deferment and cancellation options are available.

Pay the interest while in school if possible(see Image below).

Keep track of the debt.

Online a student can check the balance of their debt student-loans. gov.

Make payments on time! Defaulting on a loan can lead to bad credit. Help is available through UNO. Contact your counselor with any questions 504 280 6603.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program waves the remaining balance of government employees after 120 payments. These positions included: ■Emergency management ■Military service ■Public safety ■Law enforcement ■Public interest law services ■Early childhood education ■Public health ■Public education ■ Public library services

■School library or other schoolbased services ■AmeriCorps or Peace Corps Lockridge leaves all students with the reminder to be smart about loans, “Live like a student today, so that you can live like the professional you will be when you leave.”

OPINIONS

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

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#UNOProud @UNOPrivateers #PrivateersPersonalities continues today with @Privateers_ VB’s @AshMarieEve! #NewO #SouthlandStrong @bLoNd_bAlLa Colemanite #1989 SGE UNO Mineral Auction #unoproud #mineralz @UNODeltaZeta Had so much fun at swampball today #timetogetclean #UNOproud @HebaMerica DIRTY SHMONEY WE IN HERE #swampball #unoproud @CoachSless Great night with @UofNO & @ UNOAlum event on the Northshore awesome to meet so many of our world class alums #unoproud @UNOPrivateers @IrvinMayfieldJr Excited about my lecture tonight @UofNO, 6pm Ed Bldg 103: “IMAGINATION & KNOWLEDGE: ENGINEERING JAZZ” #UNOproud #STEM @UNOorientation Congrats to OA @amfuselier for winning the 2014 UnSung Hero Award!! Well deserved Ashley! #BNOL #UNOproud #OLlove @spazmonkeu whenever there’s an awkward moment w/ me and girls a decade younger on campus. I offer them breath mints and run away #unoproud

OUR VIEW

Get Your Act Together There are many times when we reflect upon where we are in life – graduations, marriages, divorces, career changes, becoming a parent…

But for most college students, that time is the midterm. While some are breezily sailing through their classes with A’s, others are struggling, cramming for exams and hoping to pull out a miracle before the end of the semester.

Midterm is a time to reflect. It may be that you are on the edge of success (or failure) and need to make a decision.

First of all, make an appointment with your instructor. You may be able to learn better study methods. Also, getting a little face time can increase your credibility, showing your professor you care and are willing to go the extra mile to earn a passing grade.

Maybe you goofed off the first few weeks of classes and realize it’s time to make a change. Now is the time to ask your professor what (if anything) can you do to earn bonus points and make up for your mistakes.

And if passing is completely out of the question, the last day to drop a class is October 15.

Lights & Sirens

Charles Nicholson Driftwood Staff

treated for minor injuries and the driver was issued a citation.

• On September 12 at 8:30 a.m., a student left her bicycle at the Privateer Place apartments and returned on September 16 at 5 p.m. to find it was stolen.

•A victim parked her car at the North Main Parking Lot on

•On September 12 at 11 a.m., a complainant had a box of tools in the Central Plant Facility and returned on September 17 at 10:30 a.m. to find it missing.

•A vehicle driving down Milneburg Rd. struck a cyclist as he was crossing the crosswalk near Alumni Dr. at 3:50 p.m. on September 18. The victim was

September 22 at 12:10 p.m. and returned at 3:55 p.m. to find the door handle on the driver’s side damaged. The exterior key

cover was dislodged and damaged as if someone attempted to make entry.

•On September 24, a UNO employee was investigated jointly by the US Postal Inspector’s Office and the UNO Police Department for theft of mail and was found in possession of .60 grams of marijuana. A summons was issued for 1st offense possession.

•On September 26 at 6:30 a.m., a person reported two large rocks outside of the Geo/Psych building were missing from the north entrance. He’d last seen them on September 25 at 7:30 p.m.

THE DRIFTWOOD UNODriftwood UNODriftwood

UNODriftwood The Driftwood is the student run official publication for the University of New Orleans. It is published weekly and distributed at 24 newsstands on and off campus on Wednesdays.

The newspaper does not publish editions the week of midterms, finals, Thanksgiving and fall break.

All submissions are subject to editing by Driftwood Staff.

The driftwood office is located in room 252 of the University Center, 2500 Lakeshore Drive University Center 252 New Orleans, LA 70148 Staff may be reached by phone at 504-280-6377 or email driftwoodeditor@uno.edu or online at www.driftwood.uno.edu.

Ad sales inquiries should be directed to driftwoodads@uno.edu

Staff Christy Lorio Editor in chief Kristi Martin Managing Editor Abraham Thacker Business Manager Pawan Aryal Layout Editor Ashley deBaroncelli Visuals Editor Aviayna Thomas Copy Editor Kerry Leigh Pittenger Office Manager Willie Marsalis Distribution Manager Vickie Kennedy Faculty Adviser

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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

FEATURES

Puppy Love: Students make furry friends

Money raised from Rent-a-puppy helps the Transfer Student Organization (TSO) create more opportunities to make transfer students feel welcome.

FEATURES

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Sorority women volunteer to mentor Potential New Members Krystal Dumas Driftwood Staff Sorority women give up their Greek families to help potential new members (PNMs) find a home. Every year, women from Delta Zeta, Alpha Xi Delta, Zeta Tau Alpha and Sigma Kappa volunteer to become a member of next year’s group of Sigma Rho Chis.

Rho Chis, also known as recruitment counselors, represent all of the sororities on campus. Since they hold the task of explaining all of the rules, procedures and schedules to the PNMs in order to make the recruitment process as easy as possible, Rho Chis are some of the most important women that a PNM will meet.

Rho Chis go through an application process in which they are interviewed and eventually handpicked by Greek Advisor Dale O’Neill. Recruitment counselors are chosen based upon their care and commitment to the Greek System. They work 6 months out the year in order to prepare for the two weeks of recruitment in September.

During this six month process, they

are not allowed to affiliate with other members of their sororities.

Those interested in becoming the Recruitment Chair, who acts as O’Neill’s right hand and is a step higher than a Rho Chi, also complete an application. The Panhellenic Council Delegates and Executive Board then fill the position through a vote. The Recruitment Chair is responsible for planning and organizing the sorority recruitment.

This year’s selected group of University of New Orleans Sigma Rho Chis consisted of Alyssa Aleman, a member of Delta Zeta; Adrianna Lochner, a member of Sigma Kappa; Leah Vickman, a member of Alpha Xi Delta; and Gaby Sabillon, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. Alpha Xi Delta’s Tiffany Willis won the vote to become this year’s Recruitment Chair.

Willis said she has never regretted accepting the position as Recruitment Chair because she “get[s] the opportunity to meet and talk to all women that are going through recruitment or even potentially interested.” Willis also stated, “You gain so many friends, whether they go Greek or not, and it’s so reward-

ing to see all the women running up the hill to their new sororities.

It’s like watching little birds leave the nest.”

Aleman added that one of the greatest benefits of choosing to become a Sigma Rho Chi is “great friendships with girls you wouldn’t have talked to before because they become your only friends.” Meagan Riche, a freshman International Studies major who later pledged Alpha Xi Delta, said Aleman “offered availability for help at any time, and her priority was to make sure we went through our process smoothly.”

Riche had no idea what a Rho Chi was before going through sorority recruitment. Now that she knows who they are and has experienced what they do, Riche said, “I would love to be a Rho Chi one year.”

According to O’Neill, UNO’s Greek System is currently moving away from the term “Rho Chi” and turning to the title of “recruitment counselor.” Even though the name is changing, the quality of the selected recruitment counselors remains the same.

O’Neill also stated that Greek

life has grown by 30% in three years, and the recruitment counselors have played a major role in its growth. Her advice for women interested in potentially applying for a leadership position is “for them to understand that the recruitment counselor position requires a lot of hard work. However, the rewards are invaluable. Through this position, the counselor can not only serve as a mentor to a peer, but also make a major impact on the growth of campus life.”

Willis and Aleman also wanted to give potential Rho Chis a few words of advice. Willis stated, “The best advice I could give is go into the position with an open mind and remember you are helping these women find their homes and lifelong sisters, so never feel stressed or that what you do isn’t worth it because through it all, it will all pay off and be so rewarding on bid day.”

Aleman said she wants the new Rho Chis to know that “the position is more stressful than people think. It’s really hard work, and you should really prepare yourself to disaffiliate with your sorority sisters.”

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Campus Events OCTOBER 2

SAC Silent Disco Student Activities Council hosts Silent Disco from 7 - 10 p.m. at The University Center.

UNO Theatre Plays The University of New Orleans Theatre Department begins its 2014-2015 season with Rajiv Joseph’s award-winning play, Bengal Tiger at the Bagdad Zoo, directed by David W. Hoover. The play runs from October 2-12 in the Robert E. Nims Theatre and is for those 17 and over. For more information contact David Hoover, Dept Chair at 504-280-6317 or dhoover@uno.edu OCTOBER 3 Charity Thrift Sale for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) The University Honors Program will host a thrift sale to support NAMI from 10 a.m.

- 4 p.m. at the UC. Donate slightly used clothing, books, electrics, gadgets, etc. to Library 301 where the items will be sold. For more information contact honorsprogram@uno. edu.

Anime Club Meeting The UNO Genshiken Anime Club hosts its weekly meeting from 4:30 - 6 p.m. in Kirschman Hall room 214.

For more information contact gdrichar@uno.edu.

OCTOBER 4 Lambda Chi Alpha Watermelon Bust This sorority field day event takes place 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on The Quad. For more information contact bkincade@uno. edu OCTOBER 5 New Orleans Civic Symphony Concert The New Orleans Civic Symphony performs its annual fall concert from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. All are welcome and admission is free. For more information contact the Music Department at 504-280-6381.

OCTOBER 7

Swampball Students get dirty to raise money for the Ambassador Scholarships. photos by Aravinth Yayathi

Student Government Meeting The Student Government holds its weekly meeting from 4:30 - 6 p.m. in UC 208. All students are welcome.

Volleyball: Nicholls

Privateers

vs.

The Privateers play Nicholls from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the HPC. Free admission.

OCTOBER 8 Jazz at the Sandbar with Cindy Scott The Jazz at the Sandbar fall series has its first performance from 7 - 10 p.m. at The Cove.

For more information call 504-280-6381 or visit music. uno.edu.

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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Sports

European duo team up on and off court Emmanuel Pepis Contributing Reporter

From two different countries in Europe to the University of New Orleans, a strong bond has been formed on and off the volleyball court. Junior setter Sara Hammoutene and freshman outside hitter Cara Sander have combined to rack up the assists and kills, respectively.

The duo is also part of another team that’s growing in number and popularity: #TeamEurope.

Hammoutene, who hails from Paris, France has come to the states and made an immediate impact on the court. Currently eighth in the Southland in assists per set, Hammoutene has shown an initiative that helped her con-

nect with Coach Millicent Van Norden and subsequently suit up for the Privateers. “I read a lot about Coach V and was really inspired by her so I called her directly,” said Hammoutene of her path to New Orleans. “She saw some footage of me so I’m here.

I’m really glad to work with her and the team and to be at UNO.” Every ball that goes up on a set from Hammoutene has a hitter waiting for the spike.

A lot of times that’s been Sander who leads the team in kills and is ninth in the Southland in kills per set with 3.11. A native of Weisbaden, Germany, Sander has made an instant impact this year after missing most of 2013 due to injury.

credit/Driftwood Staff Sara Hammoutene and Cara Sander came from France and Germany

“At first, everything was new for me last year. It’s a different climate, different people and at first that was a little hard,” said Sander. “The language barrier, if you ask my teammates at first I asked them “What does this mean.” But now I’ve adapted, and it’s a lot of fun having a new culture around you. It’s special.”

Sander was found through a program in Germany that sends young kids to the U.S. After being requested to come to New Orleans, Sander wound up choosing to continue her volleyball career in silver and blue.

Together, Hammoutene and Sander have helped energize the Privateers who are now in the midst of conference play, which includes a fivematch conference home stand that kicked off on Tuesday night against in-state foe Southeastern and spans the next 14 days.

Off the court, the European duo spends countless hours going over strategy. “We talk to each other about volleyball a lot, even off the court in our room,” said Sander. “We talk about what we can change so it’s really convenient.”

In this age, social media has shown how powerful it can be, and that is the source of how this inseparable bond started. Hammoutene also garnered some friendly advice from Sander who has been in New Orleans for a year longer. “We started messaging each other on Facebook, and she was really helpful.

At first didn’t know what clothes to bring because of the weather. She’s like a little sister and a great teammate.”

Both ladies were also attracted to the city of New Orleans, and have had glowing reviews of the city, which is heavily influenced

by French culture. “It’s highly cultural and has huge French history so before coming here I learned as much as I could about how France influenced New Orleans. Everybody says New Orleans looks like France, but it’s not. It’s a special city on its own,” said Hammoutene.

Along with several members of the tennis team, current women’s basketball center Mathilde Fogelstrom, and former Privateer guard and current graduate assistant Mirjam Sipos just to name a few, Team Europe has welcomed the two newest members with open arms. What do the ladies think about the hash tag that is poised to spread its collective Twitter wings?

“I’m honored. It’s great and I’m really excited about it. I’ve never gotten this much attention before,” said Sander.

Added Hammoutene, It’s awesome. We know the tennis players, Mirjam, and everybody are Team Europe.”

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

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FEATURE

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Creative costumes enhance Halloween experience Christy Lorio Editor in chief

Thomas Fewer

Fanciful costume can be made at home with a little planning and imagination.

Halloween is creeping up on us. While it’s tempting to head to a costume store for a last minute, mass produced costume in a bag, it’s much more satisfying to create something one of a kind.

Hands down the best way to create a costume is to break out a sewing machine. If that isn’t feasible, there are a few tricks most anyone can use to come up with a real treat of a costume.

Make a plan. This should be obvious, but it’s easy to just to go out and start shopping, which could lead to a shopping cart full of mismatched fabrics and notions. Figure out what the costume is going to be, but remain open to ideas. If the plan is to roam the streets as Edward Scissorhands, seek out stills from the movie to get the look just right.

However, be on the lookout for the interesting accessories.

Thrift stores are treasure troves for Halloween costumes.

Be sure to check out the formalwear selection; old prom dresses can be transformed into just about anything with a little imagination.

Think about what supplies

will be needed ahead of time.

A Hot glue gun is definitely the cheap, easy way to go, but it doesn’t hold up very well. Use one only if the costume just needs to last through one night.

Safety pins can also fasten things together. Hem Tape is a godsend if a pair of pants or a skirt needs to be shortened on the fly; hem tape can be ironed on in minutes.

Details can make or break a costume. False eyelashes, gloves, a wig, a pocket watchthese are all accessories that can make a costume stand out, even if it isn’t completely homemade.

Most importantly, opt for practical footwear. Unless there’s guaranteed seating at a house party, err on the side of comfort. Spray paint and glue can be great ways to make an old pair of sneakers match the rest of the costume; keep in mind leather will absorb spray paint better than PVC. If hitting up Frenchman Street is on the agenda closed toe, flat shoes are the only way to go. Stiletto heels might vamp up Elvira, but come 2 a.m. there won’t be anything sexy about hobbling down the street to hail a cab.

Places to shop Tried and True Thrift Stores Bloomin’Deals Thrift Store. 4645 Freret St., 891-1289 Bridge House. 1160 Camp St., 5224476 extension 16; 7901 Airline Drive, Metairie, 737-4752 Goodwill.3400 Tulane Ave., 4562622; 123 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 286-1858; 9323 Jefferson Highway, 737-7838 Salvation Army. 4526 S. Claiborne Ave., 899-4569 Fabulous Fabric Stores Broadway Bound. 2737 Canal St, (504) 821-1000 Jefferson Variety. 239 Iris Ave., Jefferson, 834-5222, (800) 474-7407, JeffersonVariety.com Hancock Fabrics. 4310 Waverly St., Metairie, 455-911; Westside Shopping Center North, Suite 21, Gretna, 367-5761; 195 W. Gause Blvd., Slidell, (985) 641-4103 Can’t Miss Costume Shops Buffalo Exchange. 3312 Magazine St., 891-7443, www.BuffaloExchange.com Funky Monkey. 3127 Magazine St., 899-5581, www.funkymonkeynola.com Miss Claudia’s. 4204 Magazine St., 897-6310, www.MissClaudias. com Fun Rock’n. 3109 Magazine St., 895-4102,; 1125 Decatur St., 5241122 Fifi Mahony’s. 934 Royal St., 5254343, FifiMahony.com Uptown Costume. 4326 Magazine St., 895-7969, www.uptowncostume.com New Orleans Party & Costume.

705 Camp St., 525-4744, PartyandCostume.com Southern Costume Company. 951 Lafayette St., 523-4333, http://sccnola.com

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

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House of Shock patrons more sad than scared by finale Christopher A. Kirlin Driftwood Staff After 21 years of giving New Orleans tricks and treats every Halloween season, House of Shock, the nationally recognized haunted attraction located under the Huey P. Long Bridge, will close its doors permanently at the end of this season.

“It just doesn’t make sense to keep it going,” co-founder Ross Karpelman said. “We may return in some new incarnation but House Of Shock is being laid to rest.”

Started in 1992 in a backyard

by Ross Karpelman, Jay Gracianette, Steve Joeseph and Phil Anselmo, Shock has grown to become “the number one haunted attraction in the nation” according to Haunted Attraction Magazine.

It is an annual pilgrimage for hundreds of horror and Halloween fans from across the country. It’s been featured in several television shows and sits atop numerous “best haunted house” lists. The House Of Shock has also stirred up protest and political rhetoric from local politicians and concerned citizens who found the satanic themes and interactive setup to be offensive.

The massive pyrotechnic stage show, starring Karpelman

as Lord Belial, invites all who dare to enter the House of Shock to leave their souls behind. The volunteer cast within the house then get their chance to torment and terrorize those who take the dare. Those who stay outside still have a full service bar and grill to keep them occupied, as well as members of the cast who aren’t satisfied with just tormenting the victims that enter. Nightly performances by local bands, as well as nationally recognized artists, keeps the crowds entertained.

What makes the House of Shock so intense is the cast. “The family of people who put in the blood, sweat and tears; that’s [who] makes us what we are,” Karpelman said. “It’s a lot of hard work.”

“I don’t know what I am going to do for Halloween now,” cast member Chad Laneri said. “it’s like a part of me is going to be missing.” Chad has been working at House Of Shock since the early days and for the last three seasons his kids, a set of 13 yr old twins, and an 11 year old, have joined him in his crusade to scare those who dare to enter. “They just keep saying ‘This sucks’, and I have to agree.”

When asked what Halloween be like without the haunted house under the bridge, perennial visitor Alton Plaisance

Wendy Alexander

House of Shock is scary, good and fun! responded, “It’s gonna suck! I mean, there are other haunted houses around, but none are as intense as Shock. None of the others have the music and stage show. They may charge the same ticket price, but at least at [with] Shock you always got

your money’s worth. It’s like Halloween fest!”

The warehouse at 319 Butterworth St will rise in horrific flaming glory one last time as The House Of Shock every Friday and Saturday through October. There will be additional

shows the week of Halloween and one last scream on November 1. Tickets are available online or at the gate if you dare.

College night is thursday, October 30. Students receive $5 off admission with a college ID.

Expanded library hours long overdue and temporary UNO library open until midnight during mid-terms Coreyiel Ellis Contributing Reporter The Earl K. Long Library offers many services to accommodate the success of students, yet library hours don’t always serve a full-time working student’s schedule.

Even if students aren’t on campus during library hours, they still can take advantage of online resources such as e-books and digital journals. “[The library] provides electronic resources to students,” Lora Amysberryaugier, Associate Dean of Library Services and Research and Technology Support, said. “It provides journals and e-books as well as print journals and books. The proxy servers allows students to get access to electronic resources from off campus even when the library is closed.”

Amsberryaugier noted that extending the library’s hours is something that the administration is trying to figure out. “We’re always in discussion with campus administration. We did a survey asking [students] what are you doing in the library, trying to measure what kind of services are needed during the late hours.”

One reason the library isn’t open later is there aren’t enough students enrolled. “Campus en-

rollment continues to be kind of low so we don’t service as many students,” said Amsberryaugier. “As we continue to make the push for improving enrollment

have to work within the staff that we have. It’s a tough one because you want to work with the students to give the best hours that we can. And then we

the day.”

Though the hours are extended until midnight Monday through Thursday during midterms and finals week, the

Earl K. Long Library hours: Midterm and Final Exam Weeks: Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m.-midnight Regular Hours: Monday through Thursday 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Sunday: noon- 8 p.m.

Willie Marsalis

Kendrick Thompson(HRT), Amy Nyugen(Biology), and Katie Garrison(Biology) prepare for midterms. there will be more demand for later hours. The more people on campus there [are, there] tends to be more demand for that.”

In addition to the lack of demand, there isn’t enough staff to cover the late hours. “We also

can also use whatever day that we can to get gathered to see if we’re open this late. Will there be students in this building?

Because the hours that we have somebody here, then we can’t have them working earlier in

normal hours are not very convenient for students who work during the semester.

“When we have longer hours for midterms and finals that just means we don’t have people to do other things but we

make that trade off,” said Amsberryaugier. “We’ve moved a lot of people around. We work to make sure that service is the highest priority.”

Amsberryaugier pointed out that staff staff presence is crucial to police the building. ”We can’t just leave it untended. There’s inappropriate activity that happens when there is no supervision. There’s graffiti here and there. We’ve had some furniture walk away……So it’s important if we have the space open later that we have some way of making sure of that.”

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FEATURE

Global Perspectives

Long way from home: Nepalese student adjusts to life at UNO The Driftwood would like to introduce its weekly international feature. Each week, we will be interviewing students from different countries in an effort to learn about their experiences on campus and in New Orleans. If you would like to participate in an interview and share your unique cultural perspective, please contact Sidhant Mahat at smahat1@my.uno.edu.

Sidhant Mahat Contributing Reporter “The University of New Orleans may not be your first choice of schools, or your second. It might have been your last choice, but obviously it was your best choice or you would not be here,” said David Teagle, Student Government President, at the New Student Convocation on August 19.

As Teagle said this, I felt a rush of pride just by being here at UNO. Fact is, I can relate to his words. UNO was not exactly my first choice for a school; I did not know much about the university apart from a good word from a fellow Nepalese student studying at UNO. Of course, I heard quite a bit about the city. “You are going to New Orleans? Cool!” everyone who had been to the United States would exclaim. Their excitement

Pratik Poudyal/ NSANO

Nearly 50 students from Nepal are currently enrolled at UNO. These students travelled almost 8500 miles to come to New Orleans. uate. I guess some might call me greedy, but I want to be everything.

There are so many possibilities; I am unsure of what subject I really want to major in. I am a biology major right now, but I have an artistic side and want to minor in film as well. This is definitely not a choice I have back home. Most of the students from Nepal are here for the very same reason- the flexibility of the United States’ education system. “I am majoring in computer science right now, but I am planning to major in film and theatre as well”, says Bikesh Pandey, a freshman computer science major. He hopes to use his skills in

the globe would help me become a more mature and worldly personsomeone capable of making good decisions and sticking with it.

While UNO seems promising and exciting, we do miss Nepal, especially the food. American food has been the biggest culture shock so far. We do not consume as much meat in Nepal. In fact, meat is a delicacy, a cuisine of comfort and privilege. An average Nepali family consumes meat four times per week. When we do eat meat, we eat with compassion. In fact, we eat everything with passion back home, with all our families, with our fingers. There is a wider vari-

Vice President Pratik Poudyal welcomes incoming Nepali freshmen during orientation week. also had a lot to do with why I chose to study at UNO. My ultimate deciding factor, along with many of my fellow nationals from Nepal, was the generous scholarship provided by UNO. “I received a really amazing scholarship that covers basically everything that makes me able to afford education here,” said Prakash Joshi, an international student from Nepal. Joshi and most of the students from Nepal received the Homer Hitt Scholarship, the most prestigious scholarship provided by the university.

When people ask me why I decided to come to the United States, I hesitate to respond since I am not sure what I want to do after I grad-

electronic gaming one day.

Most students have ambitious reasons for being here that they hope to achieve through studying hard. Gaurav Gyawali, a freshman engineering major, tossed a full scholarship to study in India and dropped out of the Institute of Engineering of Nepal, the most competitive college of Nepal, to enroll at UNO. Gyawali aspires to one day go to an elite research graduate school like Massachusetts Institute of Technology; he saw UNO as a better bridge for his future plans.

Some students, on the other hand, might have more vague and personal reasons in addition to the obvious one for being here. I, for one, assumed that traveling across

ety of food in the campus dining than we would find at home, but the food here isn’t great, nor is it healthy.

We don’t have to eat salads in Nepal; our food consists of cooked vegetables that are spicy and edible, not raw green plants. One day as I was complaining about having to eat my salad to a friend from Honduras. He grinned and said, “You know, not a day passes when a guy from Nepal does not say ‘We give these green leaves to our cattle.’”

Food is not the only culture shock that I had in the United States. During the first weeks, I had to train myself not to stare; the USA is definitely more liberal

Shaswot Kharel/ NSANO

Nepalese students observed Dashain last year in traditional dress.

NSANO invites all to celebrate Dashain on October 3 at UNO

Hemant Sah/NSANO

when it comes to dressing, among many other things. Some people fare better in these things than others. My friend was very embarrassed when a UNO staff, in conversation with him, felt the need to pull the helm of her sweater across her chest. “I did not mean to stare,” he said earnestly.

So far UNO has been amazing.

I could definitely spend four years here. I am meeting different people here; the university is so much more diverse in its student population regarding age, ethnicity and student’s ideals. I learn everyday by stepping outside of my comfort zone. Of course, this is not always easy and at times I get overwhelmed. But then again, that’s college for y’all.

The Nepalese Student Association of New Orleans (NSANO) at UNO will observe the festival of Dashain on October 3. Observed

by Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal, Dashain is the longest festival on the Nepalese calendar.

NSANO has invited students, faculty and staff to its celebration to learn about their culture and celebrate with Nepali students at UNO at the event scheduled on Friday, October 3 at 5 p.m. in LA197.

Dashain occurs in September or October, and essentially celebrates the victory of good over evil. There is much religious significance and symbolism involved in Dashain festivities. It is celebrated for 15 days, with first, seventh, eighth, ninth and the tenth day considered most important.

The festival includes family and community gatherings with people traveling to visit relatives throughout the country. Government offices and schools are closed during the festival period.

Different kinds of fairs and celebratory events are organized during the festival. Usually small fairs are held in the villages with rides for children and other forms of entertainment for adults.

Tickets for the NSANO Dashain event will be available at the door for $15.There will be a raffle for prizes. Nepali food and drinks will be served celebration.

For more information contact Pratik Poudyal at ppoudyal@ uno.edu.

LAGNIAPPE

Fashion Forward

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

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Thank you wifi, for never being there when I need you. Just like my father… me: did you study for the exam? girl? I have a boyfriend me: okay that makes two things that can be cheated on Why doesn’t UNO have a soccer team? With all the students who play weekly on the field it seems like it’s a no-brainer.

I got a sorority for all the white girls: Mocha Kappa Frappuccino 90% of my socks are single and you don’t hear them complaining Never before has that spongebob episode where he spends all night writing an essay for 0 results been more relevant I dream one day a woman will look at me with love in her eyes as intense as the gaze of the rented dogs today when they saw those treats You like sodium? Or Na

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Cover Squirrel Show the redheads some love.

They may not have souls but they do have feelings.

Love is in the air at UNO, wait no that’s just E-cig vapor.

Rants & Raves

Glenn Sylvan

Sophomore, Engineering Major Image by Willie Marsalis

When you look good, you feel good.

Our roving photographers are documenting students with a unique sense of style.

Everybody hates 8 a.m. classes, but what sucks even more than an 8 a.m. class is not having somewhere to cram for that dreaded 8 a.m. test or print out a paper before the class starts.

As a commuter, it’s hard to find a place to sit on campus and study early in the morning since the library is not open until 8.

I also don’t have a printer at home, so every time I have to

print a paper for my 8 o’clock class, I end up being late to lecture. Another thing I find weird about the library hours is how early it closes on Fridays. I understand that the university is making a bunch of budget cuts, but isn’t the administration supposed to consider what’s best for the students when they make these cuts? I think the budget needs to be reconsidered, and more money needs to be given to the library fund so that they can supply adequate staffing for longer hours.

Submit your rant or rave at driftwoodeditor@uno.edu. Please put rants in the subject line and not whether or not you would like to remain anonymous. All submissions are subject to editing for length and content.

I hate it when I mentally undress someone but then my OCD kicks in and I find myself folding her clothes.

I follow more cats on Instagram than people…this is a bad omen for my future.

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