Driftwood Volume 58 Issue 14

UNO pays tribute to Dr. Michael Mizell-Nelson, Page 4 June 19, 1965- December 1, 2014

DRIFTWOOD The community newspaper of the University of New Orleans

Volume: 58 Issue: 14

No confidence

Uncertainty looms amongst faculty and students Christy Lorio Editor-in-chief On Dec. 5 the University of New Orleans Faculty Council gave a Vote of No Confidence in President Peter Fos, the day after he announced the discontinuance of seven degree programs and the Department of Geography.

A faculty committee submitted its suggestions for academic restructuring to Fos this fall; Fos added the discontinuance of the geography program as well as the termination of four library staff positions, which were not a part of the committee’s original suggestions. At the Dec. 5 meeting, a member of the Faculty Council stated “the Department of Geography was never discussed.”

Provost Hansen’s initial report to President Fos recommended keeping geography as a minor. Another faculty member said “this faculty doesn’t trust President Fos…he’s been lying to us continuously…we don’t trust him” Doreen Piano, an associate professor of English and women’s studies, said “The Vote of No Confidence for me was about preserving the integrity of the university’s mission which is to serve both global and local populations and to be a resource for the community. Some of the policy changes occurring and the particular cuts in academic programs that were recommended by the president did not appear to support the mission statement.”

James Lowry, associate professor and chair of the Geography Department, said the Vote of No Confidence “is largely symbolic and only carries weight if the person in whom no confidence has been expressed responds or if that person’s boss responds. As far as I know the UNO Faculty Council vote has been ignored.”

UNO has suffered from low en-

January 21, 2014

driftwood.uno.edu

rollment and statewide budget cuts to higher education over the past several years. Piano thinks the current administration is also contributing to low enrollment.

“Last year, students in my tech writing class were asked to write a proposal to solve a campus issue or problem,” Piano said, “They come up with great ideas and solutions, but I was surprised to discover when one group reported that the university has lost nearly 1,000 students since the president started his job. Many of us who have weathered the ups and downs of enrollment since 2005 were hoping to find a leader who could engineer more stable enrollments but so far that is not the case. Why are we losing students?”

Piano also pointed out that the English Department has lost 49 percent of its faculty since Hurricane Katrina.

“If you look at the low enrollment figures, this spring hovering around 8,000, the loss of faculty in English is commensurate with the loss of students,” Piano said. “I understand the difficul- ties of his position; at the same time, I don’t understand the reasoning behind the recommendations he made.

Many of them were not based on the Faculty Governance Committee Report from what I have heard.”

Still, there is hope for at least one of the programs slated for termination- the Master’s in romance languages. The program was originally slated to be terminated due to low enrollment, but the addition of an online program has boosted numbers.

Juliana Starr, chair of the romance languages program, contested Fos’ decision and was able to have the discontinuance postponed pending a review after the fall 2015 semester to reassess the program’s enroll-

in Fos Program Cuts Timeline

ment numbers, according to a Dec. 17 statement from Interim Provost Richard Hansen.

Starr said “The president wasn’t even aware we had an online master’s degree….it’s one of only two master’s degrees available online campus wide and the only one in

Phase 1 immediate discontinuation of academic programs “which affects fiscal health.”

Phase 2 spring 2015 identifies “opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of program operation.”

Phase 3 “will focus on all remaining programs of study at the University of New Orleans” in fall 2015 to “improve effectiveness and efficiency of these programs.”

liberal arts.”

While the postponement will allow time for the online program to reach its projected student enrollment, Starr noted that her department was not given specifics of what a viable program entails.

“I haven’t been told what those numbers are...benchmarks have not been specified,” Starr said. The decision also resulted in the rescinding of three Spanish instructors’ terminations, scheduled for May 2015. The instructors were sent letters informing them of their resignation but, according to Starr, they have only received verbal confirmation of the rescindment.

Starr is certain that without instructors the foreign language department would “most definitely cease to exist.” UNO would need to fill those instructor positions with six adjuncts,

and “they just don’t exist in our city,” according to Starr.

Faculty members and the local press have expressed their concerns regarding the decisions being made at UNO. Richard Goodman, an associate professor of English, expressed his concerns about how these changes might affect students in an op-ed for the New Orleans Advocate on December 26 and spoke on the Jim Engster podcast on Jan. 16.

Jarvis DeBerry, columnist for Nola.com/The Times-Picayune wrote an essay titled “Saying goodbye to the University of New Orleans” on Dec. 9 and James Carville, an esteemed political commentator in New Orleans, also expressed his concerns about the future of higher education in New Orleans as part of UNO’s Fall 2014 commencement speech.

The Driftwood will provide coverage of the UNO program cuts and state funding issues throughout the semester.

Illustration by Amy Nguyen

Programs on the chopping block College of Education and Human Development: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Master’s and Doctorate in Special Education Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction College of Liberal Arts: Master’s in Political Science Master’s of Arts in Romance Languages

Had you known about the program cuts, would you still have chosen UNO? Natalia Calderon Senior, Biology

“ believe that education comes first before everything. I think UNO’s program cuts like early childhood education, might discourage the students who made a valuable decision to pursue a career in childhood education..”

Logan Toupes Freshman, Business

“I would have still attended UNO knowing about the program cuts. However, I don’t agree with the cuts because it could be very detrimental to the students and their degrees.”

Carla Allen Junior, English

“No, I would’ve gone to Southeastern for my program like I originally planned. UNO seemed much more appealing before the program cuts, now students are concerned about their degrees that they’ve been working so hard for. It seems unfair.”

Ayhem Al Senior, Engineering

Ebony Oguinn Sophomore, Chemistry

“I would have still chosen UNO because my program is one of the best known programs in the university. Inquiring minds, who pay tuition, might wonder where their money is going now.”

“No, if I would have known about the cuts, then I would’ve chosen another school with much more educational security.” photos by Willie Marsalis

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

UNO Book Exchange offers alternative for buying and selling texts Charles Nicholson Driftwood Staff

The UNO Book Exchange is a Facebook group designed to allow students at the University of New Orleans an alternative means of buying and selling textbooks outside of bookstores and other retailers.

Members can post the names of their books along with the desired selling price directly to the page.

Members can also request books they’re looking for.

The founder of the group, junior Penny Metzger, said the group is “more efficient” for students.

“When I’m looking up books, I make an Excel spreadsheet. So at the bookstore it’s this much, on Amazon it’s this much, on Chegg, it’s this much….and I compare prices that way,” said Metzger.

But buying and selling books online wasn’t quite cost efficient.

“It became kind of ridiculous. I pay $200 for an unbound, looseleaf book that I can’t even sell back to the bookstore because it’s unbound. Or I’ll buy a book for at least $100 and they’ll only sell it back to me for $30,” said Metzger.

Metzger started the group on Jan. 4 and since then it has already accumulated over 200 members, many of whom are already buying and selling their books.

“Because a lot of my friends are

in the same classes as me at the same time, I can’t sell to them.

But I’m sure that their friends who aren’t taking the same classes at the same time need those books.

So I figured if I start a Facebook page and everyone’s friends get together, hopefully somewhere in there people will save money,” said Metzger.

Metzger spread the word about the Book Exchange through a small group of friends and managed to get 100 members in under 24 hours. The page is now active with students selling books of many subjects, with some people even selling iclickers. Students are able to negotiate prices and then meet on campus to exchange.

Gabrielle Raedish, a student who has successfully used the exchange, said the Exchange provides a great place to network with other students. “This page also allows students to purchase at discounted prices since saving money is essential”, Raedish said.

Metzger admitted that paying a lot for books and not using them takes its toll. “Sometimes I buy a book for like $150 because the teacher would say ‘You need the book for this class’ and I’m like ‘Okay, I guess I need this book.’

But then I never end up using it as much as I thought, so I get frustrated with that.”

NEWS Knife attack on campus between officer and student ends in gun fire, no injuries sustained Rebekah Bell

Driftwood Staff On Jan. 8, a uniformed University of New Orleans police officer was attacked on campus with a knife by a former university student.

According to the New Orleans Police Department records, the incident took place around 5:30 p.m. when officer Joshua Rondeno walked up a staircase leading to the campus police station. He spotted 18-year-old Jonathan Peterson standing by the door when Peterson suddenly rushed him.

Brandishing a knife, Peterson held it to the officer’s neck telling him to not move. A struggle followed and the officer managed to push Peterson away, creating a distance between the two, and radioed for help.The officer commanded Peterson multiple times to not move, which Peterson disobeyed.

Peterson charged Rondeno again with the knife still in his possession. Fearing for his life, Rondeno reportedly fired his weapon at his

Jan. 11, 2:56 a.m.: UNOPD officers responded to a drug use complaint in Privateer Place. Officers found a resident and two guests in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Jan. 11, 9 p.m.: A resident of Privateer Place reported stolen property from his apartment. Items included a UNO ID, $40, a Louisiana ID and a belt.

assailant four times from about 15 feet away causing Peterson to drop his knife and fall backwards onto the steps.

Peterson was detained shortly thereafter and booked on charges of attempted first degree murder with a bail set at $75,000. It was not immediately known if Rondeno intentionally missed while firing at his attacker; however, police said that neither Rondeno nor Peterson was injured.

Upon investigation, NOPD detectives learned the two had reportedly crossed paths hours earlier when Peterson had come to the station to inquire about a parking pass.

Peterson allegedly confessed to the detectives that he initially considered attacking the officer then but changed his mind.

He instead stalked the officer and waited to approach him again at a later time. While it is not clear why Peterson targeted Rondeno, police believe Peterson’s intention was to steal the officer’s gun so he could

Lights & Sirens

Jan. 13, 6:20 p.m.: A disturbance was reported at Privateer Place caused by a resident and her livein ex-boyfriend.The incident was resolved by the police.

Jan. 13, 7 p.m.: Multiple vehicles were reported broken into outside the Lakefront Arena. All items stolen were in plain view.

Jan. 14 , 4 a.m.: A distrbance was

commit other crimes.

University of New Orleans President Peter Fos said in a public written statement that campus safety is a high priority: “The safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors is our top priority. We are proud of the work that the men and women of the UNO Police Department perform every day, and that’s especially true given the bravery demonstrated by one of our officers last night.”

In reference to the incident, Fos praised the officer’s actions: “We are thankful that he was unharmed and that the suspect was apprehended.”

Public Relations Director for the university, Adam Norris, said that standard protocol has been followed by assigning the officer to desk duty for the duration of the investigation. He further expressed to the public that this incident was highly unusual and that the campus is normally very safe.

reported at Privateer Place. The ex-girlfriend of the resident caused a disturbance and was issued a ban letter.

Jan. 15, noon: A student reported his UNO ID had been removed from the counter of the Galley when he left it as payment for breakfast.

His ID was later used to purchase $26 worth of various merchandise. compiled by Coreyeil Ellis

EDITORIAL

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

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Our view

Students depend on professors to start semester postively Spring is associated with rebirth and renewal. With the new semester we have a fresh start; some of us will continue to excel academically, others will hope to do better this semester after a rough fall. Or maybe this is your first semester at UNO and you’re excited for a new experience at a new school. Teachers expect students to come to class refreshed and ready to conquer a new semester the first day of class. Most students have the best of intentions; they want to succeed, but it makes it difficult for us to get back into the groove of being a student when teachers don’t post the required readings until it’s too late to get them for the first day of class, or when the bookstore runs out of books.

As students we have so many distractions already; morale on campus is at an all time low.

Some teachers are barely able to hide their disdain for our current academic climate: program cuts, faculty terminations and a potential $300 million statewide budget cut leaves teachers and students wondering what’s to come.

But we are still here to learn; when course materials aren’t posted in time for students to get books, it may be a minor set back in the first week or two of school, or it could be a rough start to the semester, especially for students that are financially struggling and seeking cheaper alternatives for books instead of buying them through the bookstore. When stu-

dents ask their professors openly in class if UNO will be shutting down, it sends the message that the faculty aren’t the only ones that have made a vote of no confidence in Fos. While most professors are willing to help students by posting initial readings on Moodle, or through email, some still have unrealistic expectations about how early students can gain access to course materials. If the book store is lacking, or has run out of a book from a full class, students are left scrambling to find alternatives while the syllabus flies on without them. What may seem like a small issue can set the tone for success in a class for the remainder of the semester. If all professors could finalize syllabi (as some do) before the first class day, then students could research every option before struggling with assignments is even an issue.

This is a plea to the professors.

When situations become like the ones at UNO, it can be undeniably important to form a strong sense of community. Your students trust you, and have every reason to. You are working hard under conditions that are unpredictable and uncomfortable, understand that students are going through the same. Students want to succeed. And through clearer communication between professors, students, and the bookstore, success can happen.

THE DRIFTWOOD UNODriftwood

Staff

The Driftwood is the student run newspaper of the University of New Orleans.

We publish every Wednesday with the exception of mid-term and finals weeks and official holiday breaks.

Christy Lorio Editor in chief

All submissions are subject to editing by Driftwood Staff. The Driftwood office is located in room 252 of the University Center, 2000 Lakeshore Drive University Center 252 New Orleans, LA 70148

Anna Gowin News Editor

Staff may be reached by phone at 504-280-6377 or email driftwoodeditor@ uno.edu or online at.driftwood.uno.edu.

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

Aviayna Thomas Managing Editor Veronica Mansell Features Editor

Willie Marsalis Photography Editor Kerry Leigh Pittenger Business Manager Pawan Aryal Layout Editor Amy Nguyen Visuals Editor Ashley deBaroncelli Cartoonist Willie Marsalis Distribution Manager Vickie Kennedy Faculty Adviser

Rants & Raves Dear Driftwood, After my bio teacher told a class of about 180 people about the supposed budget cuts I had to do my research. I found that it was true; a $300 million budget cut plan that may or may not (unlikely) take place in the summer. As it has been said and I will say again, this will hurt an already harmed University. Our Science, Education, and Political Science departments

are suffering enough as it is. The worse part is that it will most likely happen if us as the students don’t rally together and protest against this. I for one will not let UNO fall in shambles and hurt our future students of UNO. We should not let them take our schools, and potentially take our great city with it.

A frustated student, Ernijah Carter

You’re not at UNO until you see at least one hipster shoeless or with a trench coat on.

It’s sad, only 4 days into the semester and I’ve almost used up all of my privateer bucks

I want to start a club for people with social anxiety but then no one would show up and we’d all be back at square 1

What’s the point of coming to class on Friday if the teacher spends 10 minutes taking role and let’s us out of class 10 minutes early? I spend more time commuting than I do in class.

“Boys will be boys” is the lamest excuse in the book. You might as well say “I don’t know how to parent, but I vaguely understand gender.”

Shout out to the thinnest toilet paper of all time courtesy of uno Goal: keep gpa higher than these gas prices

What kind of demon goes over a syllabus for over an hour?

Just got a huge speech from my bio professor about uno being shut down...I think we’re #$%&?!

Alphabet soup = Times New Ramen

Have something to rant and rave about? The Driftwood welcomes words of praise and gripes about issues affecting the UNO community for publication in Rants & Raves. Send correspondence to driftwoodeditor@uno.edu.

Letters may be edited for grammatical errors and space considerations. We accept rants and raves from students, alumni, faculty and staff. Please note if you wish to remain anonymous.

I just heard some guy’s mom say “let’s go my little privateer” UC Bookstore: Sorry punks I’m closed today and every Sat/Sun from now on except for special occasions. Oh and Monday too!

Need a book for Tuesday? Ha good luck! Amazon: It’s okay bae I gotcha.

Nothing against our athletes and the effort they put into their sports but it seems stupid we cut funding to our academic programs before getting to them. Academics is kinda why we are here.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

NEWS

International Center Global students get space for resources, amenities Veronica Mansell Features Editor

After ten years of funding and planning, the University of New Orleans’ international department has found a home on campus.

The International Center officially opened Tuesday, Jan. 20 for all university students. The center is located across from the University Center in the former children’s center building.

“We are thrilled about the new center, because all things international at UNO now have a home,” said Center Austria Director Dr. Günter Bischof, “the center unites all of the international departments providing students one cohesive place to bring any questions or concerns.”

The center provides a space for students to address any questions about the university or international programs, visas and general information about studying abroad.

“Students are encouraged to come to the center for information on programs. The space also provides a social atmosphere for international students. The lounge is equipped with a large television for student use, so students have a place to watch a soccer game. Students also have access to a grill and kitchen, where they may cook some dishes they might be missing from home,” Bischof said.

The open-

ing of the International Center came at an appropriate time, as UNO celebrates its 40 year anniversary with the University of Innsbruck this summer. The two universities have been providing programs for student and faculty exchange since 1976, when the UNO first launched the UNO-Innsbruck International Summer School, which administered UNO’s Division of International Education.

“In terms of European-American university partnerships, it’s probably a stellar relationship as there is between two universities. We call it a model partnership, certainly in terms of US-Austrian academic relations, there is probably no program that has more activities,” Bischof said.

President and cofounder of the Global Mentor Program, Jahi Mackey, attended the orientation to welcome international students to join the program. The purpose of the program is pairing international student with current UNO students to enhance and cultivate interpersonal relationships between students of various cultural backgrounds to generate an environment for multicultural engagement. Both Bischof and Mackey highly recommend the program.

“Our program pairs incoming international students with current, continuing students here at the uni-

versity,” said Mackey, “the purpose of the program is getting people to network with each other and exchange their cultures. International students tend to come here and just get in, where you fit in. We created a program for students to better network and connect with each other.”

Center Austria has been collecting funds for an international building for the past ten years. The initial plan was to construct a new building on campus for all international affairs.

The closing of the Children’s Center, due to financial reasons in December 2013, provided a space for the new center. With President Fos’ approval and the help of a large endowment, Center Austria was able to remodel the building to support all of UNO’s international programs.

“It’s a good moment for UNO to open the center, because there has been much negativity on campus,” Bischof said, “it’s good to see something positive happen, particularly in terms of UNO’s international image.

The city has a considerable foreign student body.”

The opening of the center encourages more students to explore international programs, while providing a unified space for the participating students.

“This building is intended to increase the surface friendliness of the university to international students,” Bischof said, “the center’s main function to make all international programs more accessible.”

Homecoming 2015

“All That” and a bag of chips Carlee Lauve Driftwood Staff

Homecoming 2015 is a weeklong event filled with activities for all students, faculty and alumni to participate in, which leads up to the men’s and women’s basketball games on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Organized by the Student Activities Council (SAC), homecoming week activities started on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m. with the grand opening of the International Center and will end with the men’s and women’s basketball games on Saturday followed by a 1990s themed dance.

Throughout the week, the SAC will host events that pay tribute to the 1990s, including a throwback carnival and dance. The UNO SAC Facebook page announced, “The class of 1990 graduated 25 years ago! In honor of them, homecoming promotes that UNO is ALL THAT!” Grant Hebert, a senior music studies major and Orientation Leader, said he is really looking forward to Homecoming week and all the ‘90s themed events. “The ‘90s theme is a great choice for homecoming. Most of the students are ‘90s kids, so it’s fun to think back to our childhood and we’re able to relate to it,” Hebert said.

Both basketball teams will compete against the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders in the homecoming games hosted by the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Saturday at the Lakefront Arena. The women’s game will start at 4 p.m. and the men’s game will follow around Wednesday, January 21 All day Pick-a-Privateer Noon - 1 p.m.

Pep rally in the UC lobby Thursday, January 22 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

1990s Throwback Carnival in the UC Lobby 7 - 9 p.m.

Trivia Night in the UC Ballroom Friday, January 23rd Noon - 1 p.m.

Lunchtime Bingo at the UC deck

6:15 p.m. The SAC and Alumni Association will host a tailgate in the parking lot of the Lakefront Arena before the games.

Any full-time enrolled student will be admitted for free into the games with the presentation of a valid student ID upon entrance.

Tickets for each game cost $10 for any non-student wishing to attend the games.

The homecoming court will be presented after the women’s basketball game and before the men’s basketball game on Saturday. The announcement and crowning of the homecoming king and queen will take place during halftime of the men’s basketball game.

The 2015 homecoming court includes the following UNO students: Bridgette Blunt, a junior biological sciences major; Michelle Butcher, a junior urban planning and anthropology major; Anna Gowin, a sophomore English major; April Gremillion, a senior psychology major; Jessica Hogan, a senior hotel, restaurant and tourism major; Jordan Fontenot, a senior film major; Moe Labbe, a sophomore theater major; Devonte Spencer, a senior business management major; Garret Stapp, a senior marketing major; and David Teagle, a senior international studies major.

Nominations for homecoming court were submitted in late November, and the court was announced on Dec. 8, 2014. Voting for king and queen began Monday, Jan. 19 at 8 a.m., via electronic ballot, and will end Friday, Jan. 23 at noon.

Saturday, January 24 2 - 6 p.m Tailgate at the Lakefront Arena at 4p.m.

Women’s Basketball game Between Games Presentation of the Homecoming Court Approx. 6:15 p.m.

Men’s Basketball game; Halftime of the Men’s Basketball game Coronation of the Homecoming King and Queen Postgame-10 p.m 1990s Dance in the Lakefront Auxiliary Gym

Remembering Michael Mizell-Nelson: Historian, professor, friend Christy Lorio Editor-in-chief

The teacher and the class that set me up for success when I returned to the University of New Orleans in 2013 was Dr. Michael Mizell-Nelson’s History of New Orleans. The material was fascinating by default, but it was Mizell-Nelson’s obvious passion for the subject and tireless commitment to answering students’ questions that really made me feel welcomed back at UNO. Sadly, our university and our city lost a great historian, teacher and friend to cancer on Dec. 15, 2014.

Mizell-Nelson was 49 years old.

The final research project for my History of New Orleans class was anything we found interesting about New Orleans. Projects ranged from interviews with daiquiri shop bartenders, Mardi Gras Indians, drag queen performers to the history of aviation in New Orleans.

While I was working on my own project on Freret Street, I discov-

ered a double murder that took place next door to my house in the 1960s. The house was razed shortly thereafter to make way for the adjacent bank’s teller lanes (it’s a coffee shop parking lot now) so the crimes committed by Joyce Carpenter, a schizophrenic woman, inside this mystery house that “ain’t dere no more” was that much more intriguing to me. I popped into Mizell-Nelson’s office and sent him countless emails about my findings; he bent over backwards to help me get in touch with key people for my project and provided the resources needed to satisfy my curiosity and the project requirements.

“No one else would have told this story,” he assured me. At the time, I wasn’t sure if he meant I was obsessing over a project that was not that important outside the confines of an undergraduate research project, or if he meant that was the reason I should be doing the research.

Anyone who knew Mizell-Nelson would know it was the latter. He

empowered his students to document what they felt was important to them; no one’s story was unimportant to him.

At Mizell-Nelson’s memorial on

Jan. 11 at the Homer L. Hitt Alumni Center, Kevin McQueeney, a history graduate student, said “You not only wanted to take his class but you wanted to be him.” McQueeney said he “saw potential in every project and every student...he loved

working with students and looked at us as colleagues and friends.” I kept in touch with Mizell-Nelson after that class was over; he continued to assist me with projects and often pitched ideas for the Driftwood when I became Editor-in-Chief last semester.

In lieu of a floral arrangement at his memorial service, there was a French bread display, comprised of loaves from three historical bakeries: Gendusa, Leidenheimer’s and Binders Bakery, a nod to Mizell-Nelson’s extensive research on the poor boy, New Orleans’ ubiquitous sandwich. His 1996 documentary “Streetcar Stories” chronicled streetcar workers’ stories that would have gone without notice if he hadn’t shed light on the subject. Matt Martinez, a filmmaker and collaborator on the project, said “We got to meet a lot of people who we never would have gotten to meet...we never would have heard those stories if it wasn’t for Michael.”

Mizell-Nelson was also a pioneer in the digital humanities.

Kevin Graves, Interim Dean of UNO’s College of Liberal Arts, said Mizell-Nelson was an “early leader of online public history…he realized the importance of reaching students in the digital age.”

He also showed students that studying history isn’t just memorizing facts to pass a class needed for general education requirements. He put emphasis on the human part of the humanities; history is a way to connect to our communities and the people, places and events that were important to our parents, our grandparents, and their grandparents.

It’s a way to learn about ourselves while learning about the people that helped shape our current world.

After Hurricane Katrina, I found comfort in a Helen Keller quote: “All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Michael Mizell-Nelson, you will always be a part of New Orleans.

FEATURES

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

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New Orleans artists and masters of the art community shine, inspire and enlighten at UNO St. Claude Gallery Krystal Dumas Driftwood Staff

The UNO St Claude Gallery is a representation of the creativity of University of New Orleans students, alumni, faculty and locals as well. The St. Claude Gallery was donated to UNO in 2012, by Dr. Al Merlin, who belongs to the UNO Foundation and as its Chairman since 2011.

Due to Dr. Merlin’s donation, Master of Fine Arts students, alumni and faculty have been able to display their art as well as sell some of their pieces. Students are asked

Veronica Mansell Marching Band uniforms display a recognizable Katrina symbol as part of Echo in the Bones.

to donate to the foundation if any of their art that was displayed at the exhibit is later sold.

UNO showcases many of Prospect New Orleans’ exhibitions at the St.Claude Gallery. Prospect.3, the third exhibition stemming from Prospect New Orleans, is an art festival that displays works by different artists from around the United States, as well as the world, in various venues around New Orleans.

The festival takes place from Oct. 25-Jan. 25.

Just last year, an exhibition by The Propeller Group, which aims to create bold, original art through the use of a cross-disciplinary structure, was named the number two exhibition in the U.S. by the Hyperallergic art forum, garnering national attention for The Propeller Group as well as for the gallery.

UNO is currently hosting another exhibition at the gallery with Prospect New Orleans. The exhibition featured is called “Shrine” by The Propeller Group and Christopher Myers. “Shrine” is made up of two art exhibitions.

One exhibition is a film by The Propeller Group titled The Living Need Light, And The Dead Need Music. The film documents the funeral traditions of Vietnam and New Orleans, two completely different places worlds apart that share the tradition of funeral marches.

The second “Shrine” exhibit is Echo in the Bones by Christopher Meyers which showcases the installation of instruments. The instruments are not playable, but they

do, however, make sounds. The exhibit also displays images of a New Orleans high school marching band wearing instruments embroidered with the “X” symbols that were painted on buildings by search & rescue teams during Hurricane Katrina.

Overall, the inspiration for “Shrine” was the theory of “nonlocality,” which refers to the identical traditions that exist in two different disparate places, a community link. This exhibition will be displayed until Jan. 25 during the gallery’s hours of operation, which are currently 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wednesday-Sunday. Those hours will change after Jan. 25 to 12-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Kathy Rodriguez, Manager and Director at UNO St. Claude Gallery wants to encourage students to come out to the gallery and see what their peers and professors do.

Rodriguez described the St. Claude Gallery as “the visual presence of not only the Fine Arts Department, but the creative face of the university.”

Rodriguez also stated that “people (tourists) should be encouraged to come closer to the campus or come closer to the lake after viewing the talent and hard work inside the gallery.”

Other upcoming events at the UNO St. Claude Gallery are: The Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibitions by Bradford Willingham and Nora See from Feb. 14-March 8.

The exhibitions during Society

for Photographic Education Conference - The Do Good Fund and Southerly Gold from March 14 April 5. Ariya Martin of Southerly Gold is a UNO faculty member in Fine Arts.

The Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibitions by Brad Stire and Craig Branum from April 11 - May 3.

The Society for Photography Education is an annual conference that takes place all over the U.S..

Veronica Mansell Echo in the Bones displays funerary instruments in an unorthodox way.

Student Spotlight

Nailing it: Student entrepreneur brings class and color to campus Veronica Mansell Features Editor

University of New Orleans‘ senior Keondra Young is combining two of her passions on campus; one is psychology and the other is nails.

When Young is not attending

class or studying, she is booking appointments and accepting newclients for her pop up salon, Nail Candy. Young’s professional set up is located in the North Hall on campus, quick and convenient for the students and staff of UNO. “I‘m set up for every kind of nail service, except pedicures, anything from a standard manicure to gel and acrylic sets,” Young said, “My collection of polish is always growing. I currently have over 100 colors ranging from simple nude shades to wild, thick glitters.”

Professional and certified, Young successfully completed 600 hours of manicuring course instruction at My-Le’s Beauty College, located in Gretna, LA, last year.

“It all started as a one time thing when I brought my kit to campus one day, but then it turned into me really wanting to do nails professionally. I never thought I would go to a beauty college, but once I did, I realized how much I enjoy it and figured what better place than campus to set up?”

With over a year of experience,

Young is a certified nail technician that enjoys stepping outside of the box when it comes to nail color and design. While standard manicures and sets are no problem for Young, she appreciates the opportunity to do something new and creative with her clients.

“I like to do really crazy nails, I’ll settle for a plain set, but I love, love, love, when people Veronica Mansell come to me with really crazy ideas Keondra Young’s impromptu nail salon has all the luxuries of a full service salon. for their nails, and I sics, from coffin nails to crystal covStandard prices for Young’s nail make it happen,” Young said. ered to the standard short, full set. services range depending on the set Young is looking forward to this “Lately, everyone has been in- and style, but her blanket prices inMardi Gras season where she hopes terested in trying the coffin nails, clude: $20 short, full set / $13 refill to get more interesting and chalthey’re a little edgier, so I find some / $13 manicure. lenging nail requests. clients debating them,” Young said Although Young has a full class “I’m hoping to get a lot of cuson current popular styles, ”but ev- load this semester with 18 hours, tomers for Mardi Gras and Valeneryone seems to be happy with she is eager for new clients and tine’s Day because I really want them. It’s a look where the nail is a more appointments. Check her to do crazy, wild and fun nails for squared style at the base and tapers schedule, current specials, and look everyone during the season,” Young in at the tip. Another newer, unique for nail inspiration on her Instasaid. style is the crystal covered nails, gram @phene_of_nails, or contact With the ever-evolving world which goes with any set, but adds her directly at keondrayoung@yaof nails, Young stays on top of the a touch of extravagance to your hoo.com for an appointment or gengame with new styles and old clasnails.” eral information.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

NEWS

Students encounter holiday holdup with Campus Mail during semester break Anna Gowin Driftwood Staff

Receiving packages from Campus Mail during the holidays is a problem for students who live on campus, and is the result of previously unknown delivery policies concerning university closure.

Yolande Sears, spokesperson from Campus Mail, revealed that UPS, Fed-Ex, and DHL all have pre-existing agreements in place not to make deliveries during the campus-wide closure over winter holidays, in spite of Campus Mail remaining open.

Sears said that this is because of an inability to place a hold on only certain P.O. boxes.

“UPS and Fed-Ex both make deliveries to other buildings on campus, like the Math Building.

They can’t pick out different P.O. boxes, so when those offices are closed they just don’t make deliveries to the university,” said Sears.

This issue caused an inconvenience for students who were unaware of the policy, like Karie Cooper, a Privateer Place resident. Cooper said that no one in Campus Mail mentioned the pre-existing policy until after

Jan. 2, when she mentioned she had spoken to both UPS and the post office downtown. “That is when they told me UPS would not deliver until Jan. 5,” Cooper said.

For Cooper, “the consequence was a lot of distress over the holidays.” Cooper said she was unable to receive money from her parents, as well as food she herself had ordered on Amazon; however, Cooper said her largest concern lies elsewhere.

“What would happen if a student receiving medication through the mail were to suffer the same non-delivery of packages? The consequences could be fatal,” said Cooper.

Cooper suggested that if the policy itself cannot be overturned in the future, “the least they could do was post some kind of notice so students can be aware in the interruption of services”.

Sears said she has held her position with Campus Mail for 15 years, and the policy has been in place since before that time.

“We want students to be able to receive their packages, and if they were in our possession we would never intentionally hold them,” Sears said.

While Cooper herself has said she has “lost confidence” in Campus Mail, she hopes that by making more students aware of this policy in the future, they can avoid a similar level of distress from “the not knowing, and time spent trying to track down these packages.”

Sears stated that Fed-Ex and UPS deliveries will not be accepted unless someone at Campus Mail has signed for them, so delivery confirmations should always be correct.

Sears wants students to know that while UPS, Fed-Ex and DHL suspend delivery during campus closure, United States Postal Service (USPS) mail is still received by Campus Mail over the holidays; however, it may also be more delayed than students realize.

“Most people don’t know that USPS mail comes through two different post offices [in New Orleans] before it ever gets to us,” Sears said. So if students receive a confirmation email from USPS, it may be an additional day or two until their package is delivered to Campus Mail.

Cooper said that neither of her two USPS pieces of mail were received by Campus Mail.

Campus Calendar

JANUARY 21

A pep rally will be hosted by the SAC in the UC Atrium from 12-1 p.m. There will be performances, and the basketball team, UNO cheerleaders and dance team will be there to help energize the crowd.

JANUARY 22 The SAC will host a 90s Throwback Carnival in the UC Atrium from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be food and activities.

The SAC will host Trivia Night in the Innsbruck Suite in the Ballroom from 7-9 p.m where attendance and spirit points can be earned by answering trivia questions correctly.

A panel discussion will be held in LA 236 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. with Walter Lane, PhD; Paul Salles; and James Diaz, MD on whether doctors should care about the cost of healthcare.

JANUARY 23 The SAC will host lunchtime bingo at the UC deck from 12-1 p.m. where UNO spirit items can be won.

The Honors Program student council meeting will be held in the Earl K. Long Library in room 407 from 1 - 2 p.m.

The Department of Fine Arts is presenting artist Andrea Fraser in its Visiting Artist Series in Kirshman Hall 137 from 3-4 p.m. For more information contact finearts@uno.edu or 504-280-6493.

James Chressanthis, ASC will screen his documentary, No Subtitles Necessary in the Nims Theatre from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

JANUARY 24 The SAC and Alumni Association will host a tailgate at the Lakefront Arena from 2-6 p.m.

Complimentary food and beer will be provided.

The UNO vs. Texas A&M-Corpus women’s basketball game will be held at the Lakefront Arena at 4 p.m.The UNO Homecoming Court will be introduced between the women’s and men’s basketball games.The UNO vs.

Texas A&M-Corpus men’s basketball game will be held at the Lakefront Arena at 6:15 p.m.

The UNO Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned during halftime of the men’s basketball games.The SAC will host a 90s Throwback dance in the Auxiliary Gym from postgame 10 p.m.

A free writing workshop for educators will be held in room 407 of the Earl K. Long Library. Educators will learn about creating effective writing assignments. compiled by Coreyeil Ellis

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015