Online courses popping up on student schedules, page 10
DRIFTWOOD The community newspaper of University of New Orleans
Volume: 58 Issue: 4
September 10, 2014
www.driftwood.uno.edu
Getting to know UNO
Ten statistics that support diversity claims
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ith around 8,000 students hailing from not only the greater New Orleans area, but from across the state, country and all corners of the world, the University of New Orleans’ officials have good reason to boast about campus diversity. The following stats (unless stated otherwise) are based upon the Spring 2014 semester as posted on
listed as other. Liberal arts has the most graduate students with 582.
3. Minority students make up nearly half of the student body at 44 percent. Of those, African Americans account for 15 percent. Other minority races are Hispanic, ten percent); Asian, eight percent; American Indian, less than one percent; no race association, four percent; other, four
8. UNO awarded 1,430 undergraduate degrees in the spring 2014 semester, 447 from the college of business administration. The number
How long did it take you to get from home to UNO? Ann Hackett Graduate Student, Creative Writing “I am from Chicago, and I drove in from New York. It was supposed to take 20 hours, but it took me longer – like two days.”
Chelsey Zeringue Junior, Marketing
“I commute daily from St. Rose, it’s 30 minutes, give or take.”
Diego Castellanos Junior, Film “I drove from Guadalajara, Mexico. It took three days because we rested. It shouldn’t have taken more than two.”
students with 80. Others include China with 51; Nepal with 32; Saudi Arabia with 28; and Honduras with 22.
the UNO Office of Institutional Research’s website. 1. A total of 8,355 students were enrolled in spring 2014 — 6,402 undergrads and 1,953 graduate. That number has declined by about 800 per year. In spring 2013, enrollment was at 9,015. In 2012, it was 9,825. 2. The ladies outnumber the men on, campus but not by much. In spring 2014, 4,353 females (51 percent) were enrolled as compared to the 4,002 males (49 percent).
percent; Hawaiian/Pacific islander, less than one percent; and two or more races, three percent. 4. Louisiana students make up most of the UNO population, but from other states, Texas leads with 57 students, followed by California with 47; Florida with 46; Mississippi with 39 and Alabama with 33. 5. Nearly six percent of the student body calls places other than the United States home. Of the 469 nationalities, India claims the most
6.Age-wise, UNO is just as diverse. Eighteen to 24 year olds account for 4,685 students (56 percent of the student body). Twenty percent of the student body is 25 to 29 and 14 percent are 30 to 39. The under 18 crowd includes 186 students while 81 students are 61 and older. 7. For undergrads, sciences accounted for the most enrollment per college with 1,807 students. Business administration totaled 1,620 followed by liberal arts with 1,279. Education had 339; interdisciplinary studies had 375; and 221 were
of degrees awarded included education, 68; engineering, 141; 346, liberal arts; science, 291; and interdisciplinary studies, 137. 9. Instructors make up the majority of the staff. In 2013, 420 instructors, including eight post-doctorate researchers, accounted for 27 percent of staff. Management included 229 positions. Graduate assistants held 386 spots. 10. Incoming freshman for the fall of 2014 had an average high school grade point average of 3.42 — up from 3.14 in fall 2013. Official enrollment numbers for fall 2014 were unavailable as of press time. Compiled by Kristi Martin
Tevin Broyles Sophomore, Undecided “I drove from Gautier, Mississippi. It takes an hour and 25 minutes” in a heavy Cobalt.
Laura Digiovanni Freshman, Film
“I drove from Houston, Texas. It took seven hours, I think.”
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NEWS
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Freshmen urged to make commitment to ensure university success Hannah Crisp Contributing Reporter
The University of New Orleans enrollment staff collaborated with the First-Year Advisory Council, a group of underclassmen who aim to bridge the gap between high school and college. Now, thanks to the Privateer Promise, there is a guiding statement by which new students can set intentions for success. The Privateer Promise is described as “philosophies that all UNO students should adopt in order to have a successful and meaningful college experience.” The initiative is being implemented in all areas of the new student immersion process, such as orientation, Privateer camp, and the mandatory University Success course. Privateer Plunge plays a big role in carrying out the Promise; it is a vehicle for getting involved. Some students, however, are reluctant to trust a code put in place by the administration, like freshman Dustin Foret. “I don’t really take the oath seriously. I don’t think being a great UNO student
is defined by a handful of words. People should learn what makes them a good student themselves, in a ‘Dead Poets Society’ way. Robin Williams’ purpose in that [movie] was to get the kids to think freely and learn who they were instead of being what their parents and school wanted them to be” Foret said.
Christy Lorio/Photo Illustration
Privateer Promise offers students a way to commit to academic success, but some students question its effectiveness.
Junior Joshua Call does not believe in the new direction this leads the university. “I came to UNO because I love the city of New Orleans. I feel it is a special place with a special history. I feel it is populated with people whose outlooks are mostly
University president predicts enrollment surge Kristi Martin Managing Editor Enrollment numbers may have been on the decline for several years, but that trend is projected to have an upward change over the next year, University of New Orleans President Peter Fos said during the annual Founders Day Luncheon held Friday, September 5. Since Fos took over the helm of the university in 2011, enrollment has dropped about 800 students per year due to various changes in enrollment requirements, including not accepting remedial students. “We’re recruiting students who are better prepared,” Fos said, noting the average incoming freshman high school grade point average increased from 3.14 in 2013 to 3.42 in 2014. Campus housing is also full, “Like hotel full,” Fos said. The president also touched on state budget cuts, citing a $14 million loss over the last three years. However, no additional cuts were made this year. “This university has taken some blows – Hurricane Katrina, the economic recession, BP hurt a little as well – three or four big punches,” Fos said. “But we stood up, caught
pragmatic, forward thinking and realistic. Privateer Plunge and Promise, with all of its hopeful rhetoric and superficial freshman advocacy, seems to me to be in direct opposition with the spirit of the city. UNO wants to pretend that we are like LSU or any other state school, like we have this community that is rewarding and interesting. W e
our breath and are fixing to start running.” More than 100 faculty and alumni attended the luncheon. The Founders Club was established to remember the founding of the university and evolved from an organization composed of faculty and staff employed prior to June 8, 1962, to include current faculty and staff with more than 20 years of service and alumni on the 20th anniversary of their graduations.
Kristi Martin
President Peter Fos speaks at the Founder’s luncheon
do, but it isn’t on campus, it’s in the city” Call said. With time, the staff hopes to see the Privateer Promise adopted campus-wide. Students who take this promise to heart should be well adjusted not only academically, but socially, physically and
culturally as well. The team is staying busy spreading the word on campus and online. Posters bearing the five tenets can be seen across campus, and the UNO events app is available to track all Privateer Plunge activities. Though some students find the promise unnecessary, there are those who feel it was made custom for them. “I take it as seriously as I can because I want to ensure I have the best college experience I can, as well as stay at the top of the class,” Courtney Alexander, freshman, said. “By making this promise, I make sure I do well in class and stay prepared and focused, stay healthy and active, make sure to always treat everyone with the utmost respect and always see them as someone, and stay involved on campus and try to meet new people to break out of my shell.” Students interested in signing up for the Privateer Promise can do so at http://www.uno.edu/privateer-promise/.
PRIVATEER PROMISE We are... ACADEMICALLY SUCCESSFUL Go to class prepared and on time Adhere to the principles of Academic Integrity Utilize appropriate resources to achieve academic goals RESPONSIBLE Treat all members of our community with respect Follow through with commitments and adhere to expectations Accept responsibility for our actions CARING Understand and maintain personal wellness Care about the people around us and in the world Nurture a clean, safe, litter-free environment HEALTHY Maintain a tobacco-free campus Develop and promote consistent and healthy habits Find a balance between all aspects of life PROUD Get involved, are school spirited, and stay connected Appreciate the diversity as seen on our campus and in our community Get engaged and invested in the city of New Orleans.
NEWS
Limited coffee options inconvenience students
Campus Calendar Swampball Warm-Up The Ambassadors will host Swampball from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Wednesday, September in the Quad. Registration packets will be available. Resumes and Cafė au Lait
Veronica Mansell Driftwood Staff Where is the joe? With coffee shop closures and limited hours, students are left with few options for caffeine on campus. A black tarp hangs over the previous library coffee shop, Java City, which closed at the end of the Spring 2014 semester. Speculation on the re-opening has circulated around the library for months. Library staff has been told a range of dates from Labor Day to late September, but the “opening soon” is looking less promising. Senior Claudia Duran has noticed a halt in construction since the beginning of the Fall semester. Duran knows the popularity of the coffee shop from the year she’s worked at the library and questions the current lack of construction noises. “I don’t think students would mind noise in the library; everyone wants a coffee shop there. It’s the most convenient location on campus,” said Duran. The limited hours at the Cove and the mysterious closing of the coffee shop in the math building add to the inconvenience of on-campus coffee. Senior Alex Read admitted to her coffee addiction as she surveyed the coffee options at the Cove in the afternoon. The self-serve station has four thermoses with different blends, but only one actually has coffee. “They took the cappuccino machine out, so these are your only options on this side of campus. As a psychology
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 3
Alumni professionals will provide assistance with resumes from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Wednesday,September 10 at the Homer L. Hitt Alumni and Visitor Center. Make sure to register at www.UNOAlumni.com/Resume, and stop by Career Services in UC 250 to get help updating resumes before attending. For more information, contact alumni affairs at 504-280-2586 or alumni@uno.edu.
Coming .... when? Library coffee options still in limbo. major, I don’t have time to go to the UC between class,” Read said. The only current on-campus coffee shop is Brewed Awakening, located in the University Center. Serving Starbucks coffee, the location was already popular among students like Junior Caroline Morrison, who
Veronica Mansell
Josh Spradlin is not satisfied with campus dining options.
Veronica Mansell
doesn’t mind the trip to the University Center. Morrison was unaffected by the library location closing; “all of my classes were closer to the library but I would walk to the UC because I find the quality is better,“ Morrison said. Luckily for Morrison, the new library coffee shop is projected to be another Brewed Awakening. The UC location has seen a noticeable increase in business since the closing of Java City. Students have reported wait times of 10 to 30 minutes. Brewed Awakening employee of two years, Javon Farria, noticed the increased volume of customers and reports changes to scheduling for customer service. “To address the longer lines, we added two members to our staff to ensure that we have three employees working at high-traffic times,” said Farria. Employees hope the library location will open soon to help with customer traffic. When asked about the opening of library location, Farria said “it’s looking like sometime in October now.” The wait is not a problem for some students, as long as the product is high quality. Junior Kerry Leigh Pittenger juggles her iced au lait, celery sticks and workbag on her walk from the UC to Kirschman Hall. The no-
lists, and a job search handbooks in UC 250 on September 11 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Honors Program Back BBQ
Welcome
A BBQ will be held for all Honors Program members in the courtyard between the north and south Pontchartrain hall dorms on September 11 from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. For more information contact honorsprogram@uno.edu. Genshiken Anime Club meeting The Anime Club will hold a meeting in Rm. 214 of the Kirschman Hall on September 12 from 4:30 until 6 p.m. For more information contact gdrichar@uno.edu.
Fight the 15
Phi Kappa Sigma Kickball
A UNO staff member from Enrollment Services will be available to join for a 15 min walk at noon, Wednesday, September 10 at the Earl K. Long Library to fight the “freshmen 15” and meet new people.
Phi Kappa Sigma will host kickball on September 12 from 7 until 8 p.m. on the Quad. For more information,
Taiwanese Culture and Language at UNO
IFC Fraternity Recruitment will begin on September 15 through September 19 on campus.
The Taiwanese Student Association at UNO will hold the Program of Taiwanese Culture and Language from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m., Wednesday September 10 at Milneburg Hall. This is a weekly program consisting of ten courses (two hours per week) that includes Mandarin Chinese learning and topics on Taiwan. For more information contact Mr. Dai at sdai@uno.edu. Sorority Recruitment Sorority recruitment will begin on September 11 through September 13 on campus. For more information visit http://www.uno.edu/greek-life/. Career Services Toolkit Career Services will offer sample resumes, career prep check-
ticeable increase in prices at the coffee shop should mean better quality products and more options, according to Pittenger, who has noticed a decline in quality of salads and sandwiches sold at the coffee shop. “My main complaint is the change of packaging that now hides the quality of product.” Pittenger is also concerned with healthier options; “I’m here everyday, I’m willing to pay the inflated prices, I don’t have a choice, but I would like to have more of a choice with what I put into my body, which is not Sysco, Aramark food.” Freshman Josh Spradlin shares the same concern, as he waits in line at the cove for his $8 sushi covered in spicy mayo. “As far as coffee, I haven’t had it on campus since the library
contact Uno@pks.org. Fraternity Recruitment
Student Meeting
Activities
Council
The student Activities Council will hold its weekly meeting on September 15 from 4 until 5:30 p.m. at the University Center, room 208. Sigma Kappa Ultra Violet Volleyball Sigma Kappa will host its annual Ultra Violet Volleyball Tournament on September 16 from 7 until 10 p.m. at the Human Performance Center. Entrance is $5 per person and all proceeds go to the Sigma Kappa’s philanthropy, Alzheimer’s Disease Research. For more information, contact Kathryn at kernst@uno.edu or visit the Sigma Kappa-Epsilon Beta Chapter Facebook page.
shop closed. I’m more concerned with the fact that I just paid $3 extra for this mushy sushi because my Privateer Bucks ran out in less than two weeks. We’re encouraged to eat on campus, actually forced with the Privateer Bucks, but the food blows,” Spradlin said. Between the lack of options and the cost on campus, many students try opting for a home brew and lunch. Unfortunately, the commuters who spend all day on campus have no storage option for meals from home. On home brew, and the limited hours at the Cove, Read said, “I make coffee at home in the morning, but I have to rely on the Cove in the afternoon, which is why I think they should stay open later.”
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Wednesday, September 10, 2014
EDITORIAL The DRIFTWOOD
DriftwoodUNO UNODriftwood UNODriftwood Christy Lorio Editor in chief
Staff
Kristi Martin Managing Editor Abraham Thacker Business Manager Pawan Aryal Layout Editor Ashley deBaroncelli Visuals Editor Aviayna Thomas Copy Editor Kerry Leigh Pittenger Office Manager Willie Marsalis Photographer Vickie Kennedy Faculty Adviser
Our View
Put away the #$%&*@^! devices The buzz of a text message. The clacking of a keyboard. The glow of a tablet screen in a dimly lit room. These are all a part of our daily lives as students, but there comes a time when these devices need to be put away out of respect for professors and fellow students. Note taking for some classes may be easier on a laptop or tablet, but studies show people who hand write notes retain more information than those who use electronic devices. For professors who allow laptops in class, we believe those students utilizing them should sit at the back of the classroom. It’s distracting when students are updating their Facebook or shopping on Amazon instead of taking notes. Then there are the tablet peckers. We all know someone who doesn’t gently touch the screen of a tablet, but instead pecks it, causing a loud thud to echo from the gorilla glass. Or maybe it’s not the thump of an index finger, but the tap from a manicured fingernail. We’ve all had cellphones long enough to get into the habit of turning them to vibrate, but vibrate isn’t silent. We believe students should put their phones in the confines of their book bags for the duration of class. Some professors do not tolerate cellphones in class and have threatened to confiscate devices not being used for classwork. It seems others may have just given up the fight. As students we all have enough stress of hearing our instructors and noting their lectures, it is our view that we should eliminate any possible distractions out of respect to both fellow students and professors.
#UNOProud Kappa Sigma UNO @KappaSigmaUNO Great win today! Way to go girls! We had a blast! tailgating again soon! @Privateers_VB #UNOProud #UNO #Athletics £N @heylyrichere I swear I am so proud to see my school participating in the “don’t shoot” movement . #UNO18 #UNOproud Lakeisha Vance @LakeishaV So stoked to have Friday and Saturday off, books here I come! #workallweekend #unoproud
#UNO18 Bound 4 Somewhere @bound4somewhere Sweet! Just got a memo from the university president telling me I’m NOT getting a raise again this year. #notsurprised #unoproud #worktweets Leroy Johnson @leroy_unoOL Yay! I just joined the steel bridge team! Looks like I will be making a bridge as a civil engineer sooner! #UNOproud
Driftwood is the student run community newspaper of the University of New Orleans. Driftwood Newsroom 2500 Lakeshore Drive University Center 252 New Orleans, LA 70148 Newsroom: 504-280-6377 www.driftwood.uno.edu Letters to the Editor: driftwoodeditor@uno.edu Press releases, general information: driftwood@uno.edu Ad Sales Inquiries: driftwoodads@uno.edu
Rape education should be more about prevention Anna Gowin Driftwood Staff
Okay, ladies, if you’re going out this weekend, make sure you complete this checklist first: date rape drug detection nail polish, special anti-rape underwear, pepper spray, a skirt that won’t give anyone any ideas, and of course, your friend beside you who is doing her own checklist because you know better than to go out alone, right? Well, I say, enough is enough. Any female over the age of twelve, maybe even younger, is surrounded by advice regarding what she can do to prevent her own assault from happening. Women have been holding their keys in their fists for decades. There is no question that being able to stop an assault is an incredible thing and can make anyone feel safer when going out at night. At what point, however, will we recognize that there is a bigger issue here? In 2012, the rape case of Steubenville, Ohio, left the nation in a tailspin. Two high school football players documented their rape of a fellow student and posted it on various social media platforms. When they were eventually convicted, the two rapists received sympathy from every direction. People cooed about how their lives were going to be ruined now that they had been convicted of rape. The sympathy for the girl they assaulted was minimal. It was her fault that she got so drunk, people said. Her fault for wearing that outfit, people said. No one seemed concerned about how ruined her life was, this 16-year-old girl. Fast forward to these past
couple of weeks when celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Ariana Grande had their nude photos leaked all over the internet. While there is some level of outrage over the invasion of privacy, there is also the assertion that women shouldn’t take “photos like that” in the first place because you never know what someone might do with them. Whether that someone is an internet hacker or a jealous ex-boyfriend, you can never be too careful. We live in a culture that teaches girls they have no right to their own bodies and it is their responsibility to prevent themselves from being violated. Our only solution to this increasing problem seems to be coming up with more ways in which females can keep themselves safe, rather than teaching people (boys especially) from a young age that there is no such thing as sex without consent. Sex without consent is rape. This way of thinking is a fundamental flaw in the way our society looks at sexual assault. We are constantly telling people how not to get raped rather than teaching people not to rape. We are teaching young boys that they are allowed to objectify a woman’s body, and they have a right to look at a woman’s nude pictures without her consent because it is her fault she took them in the first place. We turn women into sexual commodities through media, teach them they are no more than their bodies, then say that it’s no wonder men want to use them. Songs like “Blurred Lines” turn consent into a non-issue when it is in fact one of the biggest issues society faces today. We teach girls that if they report their rape they’re a bitch. We accuse them of lying because sexual assaults don’t re-
ally happen that often, right? We leave rape kits untested because we have more important things to do. We diminish the problem until women feel guilty that they ever turned it into a problem. We teach young boys that if they ever get sexually assaulted, then they better not say anything to anyone. That’s what women do. Boys should never be weak enough to talk about it because they should never have been weak enough to let it happen in the first place. Well, I am done. I recognize that we currently live in a society where things like date rape do happen, and being able to detect date rape drugs with nail polish is incredible. Sometimes, preventative measures can stop someone from being assaulted, but what about the next girl who isn’t wearing the nail polish? Is it her fault if she gets sexually assaulted? Many of you may say no, but that’s what we are teaching girls by placing the responsibility (and the blame) on them. I want to see more boys being taught that they have no right to a female’s body. I want to see harsher punishments for people who get convicted of rape and no level of concern about their futures. I want to see a world where we take care of victims of sexual assault rather than accuse them. I want to see a world where we recognize whose is really at fault when a rape occurs. Because yes, odds are I will buy a bottle of that nail polish, I will always hold my key within my fist when walking alone, and I will never leave the bar without telling a friend first; but I shouldn’t have to. And maybe if we change our fundamental education about sexual assault, soon it will be a world where you won’t have to either.
NEWS
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 5
UNO now provides services to commuter students Liz Trahan Driftwood Staff Steven Wattingney commutes to the University of New Orleans from the West Bank and spends time before and between classes doing homework. “I usually avoid getting food because of the long lines [and] usually end up going to the math lab and doing homework. I think a place to do homework before class would be great,” the sophomore mechanical engineering major said. Like Wattingney, commuter students are making their needs known, and the university is listening. LeeAnne Sipe, Student Involvement and Leadership (SIL) advisor, and Chris Heroman, A Tulane alum and UNO graduate student, are spearheading the changes. In her years working with commuter students, Sipe has become aware of the numerous challenges, such as traffic, limited parking and a need for places to eat, nap and await classes, commuter students face daily. “The struggle is real,” Sipe said. “The root of our job is to get students connected on campus, and joining SAC or any
other student organization isn’t high on their priority list.” Commuter students are far from being the minority group on campus, Heroman said. “UNO does have a huge amount of commuter students, so it’s important to reach those students and make them feel welcome on campus and make sure they know about all of the resources on campus,” Heroman said. Just three weeks into the job, Heroman has hit the ground running using primarily social media, to reach commuter students. “It’s like craigslist for UNO, [but] still has that university feel,” Sipe said. The “ride sharing” page is a tool for commuters to form carpools to and from school. On the “roommate finder” page, UNO students can find roommates that will fit their personal interests and financial budget. The “yard sale” page allows students to post anything they need to sell, from furniture to kitchenware. Heroman has also added on and off campus resources to UNO’s SIL website. Students can find the closest banks and groceries stores, the hours of availability for the comput-
Commuter students are offered resources to help them feel more connected to campus. er labs and other information. Heroman wants to add more features to the website, like a spreadsheet that rates the different landlords in the area. “It’s kind of like ratemyprofessor.com,” Sipe said. “So they know what they’re walking into.” A commuter student orga-
nization, which would do everything from planning events that would cater toward commuter students, to advocating for commuters’ needs and concerns, to implementing a mentorship program to help incoming commuter students is also in the works. There is also early talk of a
Christy Lorio
lounge dedicated to commuter students. Sipe and Heroman are asking for student feedback and support in the process of specializing the lounge for commuters’ needs. Any student with feedback or an interest to get involved is asked to email them at commuters@uno.edu.
Rural community is changing.... Rachel Friedman Driftwood Staff Two students at the University of New Orleans have received grant funding allowing them to implement service programs in small rural communities. Brett Spencer, a graduate student in history with a focus in international and global stud-
ies, and Lacey Cunningham have started an international nonprofit organization called Everything Grows. This initiative taking place in smaller rural communities is working to improve locals’ quality of life and income through small scale projects mainly focused on farming and agriculture. In doing so, some projects are providing jobs
and affecting the business and economy of these communities through this work. Everything Grows has already begun work in two South American countries, Honduras and Ecuador. “I was given the Latin American studies grant to do research in eastern Honduras, and I ended up working with a small NGO (non-governmental orga-
photo provided by Brett Spencer
Brett Spencer cleans up drug trafficing plagued community, replaces junk with gardens.
nization) that introduced me to the communities we work with there,” Spencer said. “Some of these places have recently been destroyed by drug-trafficking,
and they have been trying to get some projects off the ground to make life easier to deal with. It was really eye-opening for me, and by the time I left I knew that this is what I needed to do.” The project relates to ecotourism in Honduras requiring coastline cleanup of an area that was once plagued by drug trafficking, leaving the youth in that small community jobless. The community leaders also plan to offer English language courses and a hospitality and tourism management training program for unemployed youth as well. “Right now our focus is on building close relationships with who we work with,” Spencer said. “We regularly talk with community leaders in Honduras about their ultimate goals and we are working on getting students involved with our project in Ecuador. Our work in Ecuador has been really exciting. We are planting new foods that have never been grown there, including a lot of Asian varieties. Once we started harvesting them everyone
was really excited about food diversity and how they can grow these things in their own backyard.”
One of their first projects will include taking a group of students to work in a small Ecuadorean village to plant new foods and build a public library for the local school. In the future, Everything Grows may also have the opportunity to become involved overseas in Bangladesh and Myanmar, conducting research on the tea market and the growers in the industry. “We also plan to make social justice a more active aspect of our work,” Spencer said. “Many of the places we go are conflict zones that have pressing issues unfolding as we speak. Being an outsider, it is important to address these issues and hear what these communities have to say about the problems that are changing the way they live.” To support Everything Grows or to find more information go to http://www.everything-grows.org/.
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Wednesday, September 10, 2014
CAMPUS EVENTS
Campus Collage Students donate blood during last week’s blood drive. Upright Citizen’s Brigade keeps the laughs going during the SAC Improv show. Elaine Brooks, academic director, and Jennifer Archibald, graduate assistant, scoop ice cream for the Interdisciplinary Studies ice cream social event.
CAMPUS LIFE
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 7
Making tiny spaces work
Dorm residents get creative Christiani Nix Driftwood Staff
A dorm room is more than just bed space, it often becomes a study room, the gossip hot spot, and a therapist’s office all wrapped up in the tiniest space imaginable. So of course, decorating a dorm room to fit individual taste is essential. Taylor Berry, a junior film and theatre major, says that her decorating scheme is based
especially since it will most likely be used just for that semester. I get a lot of wall decals from Amazon, just to make my walls more attractive to the eye.” Another student who kept her budget in mind was Lauren Levy, a junior exercise physiology major. “My budget was to keep it cute but cheap if I have to say, it was under $50 at Target and Amazon.”
like it to have an edge to it.”
PHOTO BY CHRISTIANI NIX
Cute but chic dorm designs add character to a small space.
PLACES TO SHOP: TARGET AMAZON BED BATH & BEYOND JC PENNEY SEARS K-MART EBAY
was $70, but each individual item I tried to keep to $20 or less, and I make sure to keep it in good condition so that I can reuse it over the years.” Finding the right atmosphere is an important aspect to any living space. Levy wanted to keep a sense of home when arranging her room. “What inspired the look is I like for my dorm room to feel at home so there are pictures of my friends and family, and quotes. This all adds to my room décor. Making it cute gives life to my dorm room.” Both room decorators agree that the atmosphere of their living spaces is the most important component to making the space personal. Levy says, “I go off of how I’m feeling for the year, what kind of vibe and I always
PHOTO BY CHRISTIANI NIX
Pictures of friends and family give dorm a sense of home. on her personality. “I am really into clean cut, very chic but warm living areas, so that kind of influenced how I decorated my room.” Berry purchased decorations from a number of stores. “Hobby Lobby and Target are definitely great for simple dorm room accessories because they are very affordable,
Decorating dorm rooms can be very exciting, but can also be very expensive. Finding items that fit decorating schemes can seem like a hassle when limited to a budget. Berry said that although she did not necessarily have a specific budget, she did try to keep practicality in mind. “I will say that I did splurge on my bedding by Martha Stewart and it
Hanging shoe rack allows for more floor space.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIANI NIX
PHOTO BY CHRISTIANI NIX
Pictures above study area brightens up an otherwise dull wall.
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Wednesday, September 10, 2014
SPORTS
Privateers volleyball improved from last season Emmanuel Pepis Contributing Reporter Under Coach Millicent Van Norden’s tutelage, the University of New Orleans Privateers women’s volleyball team has already surpassed their win total from last season. The team has gotten off to a fast start in the program’s second season in the Southland Conference with a 4-2 record, their quickest start of the season since 2009, through the first six matches. The ’09 season had another caveat in common with this year: a win in the home-based UNO Invitational. Van Norden joined the Privateers after 13 years of coaching experience, mostly in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Van Norden has had a history of turning programs around and has already seen improvement in the Privateers. “I think they’re working really hard to play together and develop chemistry that usually teams have year after year,” said Van Norden in regards to how her team has progressed in the early stages of the season. “With a new staff as well as new personnel, it’s going to take some time to develop the trust we need, but I think they are committed to doing that and working hard to accomplish our goals together, so I’m
happy with that.” The team has been fueled by a mix of returning players and several newcomers who have already made an early impact on the court. Celeste Ramirez has operated at setter and libero this season after playing exclusively at setter in ’13. Ramirez was honored as the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Newcomer of the Year and has been a key defensive team member for the Privateers. On the front line, Cara Sander returned after missing most of her freshman year due to an injury and led the squad in kills the first five matches. Rondolyn Bryant and Mikayla Sellers-Wiebe are two outside hitters in their first collegiate seasons who have contributed in different facets of the game. “We’re just excited. We can only imagine what we’re going to do with this much improvement only in a couple of weeks and what we’re going to look like once conference play starts,” said Bryant. “I feel like we’re blending in because everyone has a key role and everybody knows what that is. We worry about what we’re in charge of.” Junior, Taylor Berry, a returner who has been through the transition back to a full-time Division I team, was the leading blocker on the team last season ago. Berry and Lauren Levy are the two players on the squad who are currently in their third
photo by UNO athletic department
Lady Privateers huddle before the big game. season with the program. “It has been a journey. I think over the two years we have grown, but I think [since] bringing Coach V in, we’ve grown defensively and offensively. Coach V is working us a lot harder than we’ve worked, and [strength and conditioning coach], Coach Pete [Longoria], is working us really hard. I think this year, being in the Southland, we’ll have a better showing than we did last year,” said Berry. Berry also has noticed some similarities in the younger players from when she and Levy started out at UNO: “I think a
lot of the freshmen are playing very aggressively. They remind me of me and Lauren our freshman year. They’ve come in and are playing better than most freshmen, so I think, as a team, this is going to be exciting going into conference.” Van Norden has had the task of getting a program competitive at the Division I level after being in a state of transition for the better part of four seasons, but the returning players have taken on a leadership role. “I think they have and they’re ready to win. They came here with the intent to be suc-
cessful. Ultimately the goal was to come to University of New Orleans and win, and now they see the opportunity is there for us. The more dynamic players we add to the roster, the better it is for the team. I thought they bought in as well as sold that mindset,” said Vincent. New Orleans will hit the road for two straight weeks to participate in tournaments at Louisiana Tech and Central Arkansas. The next home match for the Privateers will be on September 23 against in-state and Southland foe, Southeastern.
Getting to Know a Privateer
Musically Inclined Volleyball Player Talented on and off the Court Celeste Ramirez is a junior on the New Orleans Privateers volleyball team. In her first season as a sophomore in 2013, Ramirez was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) Newcomer of the Year. Q: Do you have a nickname and how did you get that nickname? A: I’ve gone by many names… Lester, Celester, C, Snickers, RC, Celly on the Telly, Celery, Celestial, C-Money, but let’s get it straight…my real name is actually Celesté (pronounced “Sel-est-eh”). Q: Did you have a favorite sporting team growing up and why was that your favorite team growing up? A: All I can say is, “Not one… not two…not three…not four… but five championships!” GO SPURS GO! Q: Before a game do you have a pre-game routine? A: I think it is important to visualize yourself succeeding before competitions so that you can be mentally prepared. It really makes a giant difference in my
performance. Q: Do you have any connection to your jersey number? A: Here at UNO I am number eight, but to be honest, I am number two at heart, so the relationship I have with my jersey number now is fairly new. Q: What is the funniest thing that ever happened during a game/event? A: My teammates and I in high school were known throughout the city for being weird, so at games, we would embrace our weirdness and do air guitar moves, chest bumps, ninja poses and cat walks after points. Shout out to ACP Volleyball!
Those were experiences that I continue to carry with me, and I learn from them every day as I continue my volleyball career in college. Q: If you didn’t come to UNO, where would you be right now? A : If I
Q: What is your best non-athletic talent? A: Yes…I am actually a professional at ultimate Frisbee. Just kidding, I am very musically inclined, so I love to sing and play guitar and some piano. I write and produce my own songs, and it’s a strong passion of mine, so hopefully y’all get to hear them sometime! Q: What is the last book you read and how was it? A: If you’ve seen the preview of the movie “Gone Girl” with Ben Affleck, there is actually a book and I am reading it right now! It’s about a husband who finds that his wife has gone missing, and you hear from both the husband’s POV and the wife’s POV.
Q: If your team/you win the Southland Conference, the first thing you will do is? A: Go to DISNEY WORLD...or Cane’s (don’t be mad Coach V.) Q: Which was your best game/ event? A: My most beloved memories of volleyball have come from my back to back state championships and the journey to those victories in 2009 and 2010.
career] as I am right now being a student athlete.
wasn’t at UNO or playing college volleyball, I think I would definitely spend my time focusing on music. I would be just as ambitious with pursuing [a music
Q: What is your favorite sport? A: Well, it would be a little awkward if it wasn’t volleyball, so good thing it is. Q: Are you a cat or dog person? A: *lame pun alert* I seri-
ously get “dogged” for being a cat person, but I LOVE cats, and don’t need to explain why. Q: What is your favorite movie trilogy? A: I am a DIE-HARD Hunger Games fan, so expect to see me at the midnight premiere on Nov 21st…even if I’m by myself. Peeta for life. Q: What is your favorite song to listen to over and over again? A: “Latch” got me feeling some type of way. Q: If you could date an athlete, who would it be? A: I have a boyfriend so I’d probably get into the dog pound if I said somebody like…*insert big time professional athlete.* Q: If you travel with a time machine, would you go back to the past or into the future? A: Although I don’t regret anything that happens in life, I would enjoy going back in time to spend a day with my best friend who passed away in fifth grade so I can really appreciate the friendship we had, and make it known to her.
FEATURE
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 9
Rushing to be Greek Krystal Dumas Contributing Reporter The Panhellenic sororities have been encouraging incoming freshman and transfer students to “go Greek” since August 18. Each sorority has been hosting events since the summer in an attempt to get female students to sign up for the up coming recruitment process, which starts on September 11 and ends September 14. The PHA’s stand out event was “Late Night With the Greeks,” which took place in the university center on August 27. Brittany Rush, a junior dental hygiene major, was not originally interested in Greek life, but said this event was her favorite. “Everyone was there, it was a ton of fun, I could let loose and have a good time.” The PHA sorority girls welcoming smiles and bubbling personalities is why she is now thinking about going Greek. Rush said talking to PHA was like, “talking to a friend whom
you haven’t seen in awhile but was really excited about seeing you again.” Eboné Canty, a freshmen English and HRT major also said “Late Night With the Greeks” was her favorite event because all the girls were “cool people” and she was able to talk to all of the sororities in one place and get the information she needed about Greek life. As a result, Canty was convinced to sign up for the upcoming recruitment process. The PHAs recruited at almost all of the school functions. Jaelyn Culliford, a sophomore special education major, said that “Fresh Fest” was her favorite event. Culliford came in with the intentions of joining a sorority, so she was excited when she saw the sorority girls at her first school event. When asked about the PHA’s upcoming intake process Culliford said “I’m pumped and excited. I hope it’s a great experience.” Social media played a major role in the PHA’s recruitment
Photo by Christy Lorio
Greek banners around campus promote fraternities and soroities. process. Many students said they heard about the sorority and school events through UNO’s Guidebook App, the PHA’s Facebook page and their
Twitter account. Social media not only allowed students to see all of the scheduled events, they could also find out which students were planning on par-
ticipating. This helped put the students at ease and made them feel comfortable before they even showed up to the events.
It’s all Greek to me: Recruitment process made clear Jana McConville Contributing Reporter For anyone interested in joining University of New Orleans Greek Life, now is the time to learn more as sororities and fraternities begin formal recruitments. The Panhellenic Association (PHA) will be recruiting September 11 through 14, and the Inter-fraternity Council (IFC) recruitment is September 15 through 19. PHA is traditionally known for its sororities, which, on the UNO campus, include Delta Zeta, Sigma Kappa, Alpha Xi Delta and Zeta Tau Alpha. IFC fraternities at UNO are Lambda Chi Alpha, Kappa Sigma and Phi Kappa Sigma, the newest fraternity colonizing this semester. UNO also has the National Panhellenic Council’s (NPHC), consisting of historical-
ly black fraternities and sororities. NPHC fraternities include Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma and Omega Psi Phi while sororities include Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho. New members are usually brought into NPHC organizations through a process called member intake. For more information on recruitment or any questions, email unogreeklife@uno.edu or ask anyone wearing their Greek letters on campus. The following are Greek terms from UNO’s Panhellenic Association website that may help decrease s o m e of the confusion that s o m e t i m e s occurs during recruitment. •Bid - An
invitation to membership into an organization. During recruitment bids are extended on “Bid Day,” the last day of the process. •Brother - A term used to refer to another member of one’s fraternity. •Chapter - A chartered undergraduate or alumnae unit of a national sorority. •Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (also known as “Preference Card”) - A document each potential new member completes immediately following the Preference Round of
parties stating her membership preferences. The potential new member ranks the sororities she would accept a bid from, listing the one which she most wants to join first and the other(s) in preferential order. This is a binding agreement, stating that the potential new member is willing to accept a bid from any sorority she lists. •New Member – A member who has accepted a bid from a sorority or fraternity but not yet been initiated into full membership by that group. •Potential New Member
(PNM) - A member who is interested in becoming a member of a sorority or fraternity. •Recommendation (“Rec”) - A written letter or statement, usually from an alumna of a sorority, recommending a potential new member for membership. •Sigma Rho Chi (Sorority Recruitment Counselor) - A neutral representative of the Panhellenic Association who temporarily leaves her sorority to guide and support potential new members through Recruitment. The Sorority Recruitment Counselors’ most important function is to answer questions and address the concerns of PNMs about Recruitment and sorority life. PNMs will meet their Sigma Rho Chis at Potential New Member Orientation, but feel free to contact one of them now if you have questions. •Sister - A term used to refer to another member of one’s sorority.
10 Wednesday, September 10, 2014
FEATURE
Class differences: For many, online classes provide needed flexibility Charles Nicholson Driftwood Staff As students seek flexible alternatives to the traditional classroom experience, online classes have grown in their appeal. About one-third of college and university students nationwide have taken an online class, and University of New Orleans students are no exception. Online classes are taught by the UNO faculty and are available to both undergraduates and graduate students. Students can register through WebSTAR, and should note that online classes have a capacity limit, so it’s best to sign-up quickly. Online classes provide an option for students with tight schedules. There are even degree programs available solely online. Degrees in Organizational Leadership, Philosophy, Romance Languages and Hospitality and Tourism Management are available online. Even more courses are offered through departments such as English, History and Education. UNO film major, Jonathan Wood, said he finds online courses to be “tremendously helpful,” since he works at least 60 hours a week on films. Wood said the problem he has with the classes is the method instructors use. “Many teachers treat the class as though it is physical, with
nonsensical quizzes 2-3 days a week” said Wood. “It is very difficult to try to keep up with work this way, as opposed to other teachers that seem to understand this plight, and make you answer a weekly or bi-weekly discussion board question as a check-in and give you quizzes four, five, six times a semester.” Wood also attends classes on campus, but only pre-requisite classes that aren’t offered online. “In fact, I’d much prefer that many more classes were offered online, as being on campus has no effect of my ‘connection’ to the university...I’m 30, so that aspect isn’t too important to me” said Wood. However, Jonathan Wood isn’t the only person who values the convenience of online classes over campus life. But single mom and Political Science major, Cherice Suer, also finds that UNO’s online classes are very limited. “I would love to take only online classes” said Suer. “I feel overly connected to UNO. I’m an unconventional student and just here to learn what I need to get my degree, not attend ‘ice cream socials’ or ‘luaus at the Cove.’” Suer also doesn’t like that her online English class has video lectures that are necessary for completing assignments in limited turn-around time. “This is extremely challenging
Christy Lorio/ Driftwood Photo Illustration
Online classes provide the convenience of completing coursework from home. Self-motivation and working in a distraction free environment are some of the challenges that come with Internet based courses. to me. I have successfully completed a previous online literature class that was not set up this way and had zero difficulty in meeting the obligations” said Suer. “My point is clearly the necessity of a video requirement is superfluous and defeats the advantage of the online flex-
ibility. Now I am required to do all of the additional online work and ‘attend’ a lecture.” The university is still improving its online learning with Interdisciplinary Studies, English and Arts Administration soon to have their own online degree programs.
“Oftentimes UNO feels painfully geared toward the 18/19 year old set” Suer said. “I would like the university to remember that students like myself attend and need a little more flexibility and a little less ‘free candy’ functions.”
LAGNIAPPE
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 11
Privateer Puzzle ACROSS
2 .Aided in Romeo’s suicidal desires 5 King of Antioch in Pericles 7 Hamlet’s Homeland 8 “Et tu, ____?” 9 Petruchio’s servant in “The Taming of the Shrew.” 14 Murdered by Macbeth, at Lady Macbeth’s urging. 15 Heap, but also appears in “Cymbeline.” 17 Father of Desdemona in “Othello” 19 Tybalt’s killer 20 Bassanio won her heart in “Merchant of Venice” 22 “There is nothing either good or bad, but _____ makes it so.” 23 Shylock’s daughter 24 The very statuesque queen in “A Winter’s Tale.” 25 “Screw your _________ to the sticking place.” 26 Required a pound of flesh
App of the Week: YikYak Writing on the bathroom wall is so last millennium. Download Yik Yak, a social networking app that allows college students within a three-mile radius to interact with each other. The app functions as an anonymous bulletin board for students to post their rants and raves. Check out other college “yaks” around the country with the peek option, or browse top yaks in the area. Yik Yak has a zero tolerance policy on posting phone numbers and has rules against bullying or specifically targeting other yakkers.
Yak Attack
I can’t wait for winder when I don’t have to do my laundry every 5 minutes because I’m sweating out of all of my clean clothes. Just checked my grades I guess it’s normal in Nola to be below C level. $900 for an iPhone 6???? Airplane mode better take me on vacation. I had a dream that all the squirrels on campus came to
live with me.
Next door neighbor is singing at the top of her lungs & I ain’t even mad at her…Today was rough for me too girl.
DOWN
1 “The better part of valour is ________.” 3 “Friends, Romans, ____________, lend me your ears.” 4 “It is the east, and _____ is the sun.” 6 Married Bertram against her will, but all’s well that ends well. 10 Main character in “Much Ado About Nothing” 11 “I am dying, Cleopatra, dying.” 12 Betrayed by all his daughters, less one 13 Hamlet’s closest friend 16 Hamlet’s drowned lover. 18 Met three witches with Macbeth 21 Murderous Moor
Answers revealed in next week’s issue.
ed longer than 2 minutes with my room mate? Bobby pins are like bad friends, they’re everywhere until you need them.
When you have to work out in your Sperries because you forgot your gym shoes….
The people from Burger King making chicken fries are doing God’s work.
*Stares longingly at people with friends.*
You think I’m just an unwitting squirrel but I’m actually watching your every move.
Is it weird that I still haven’t had a conversation that’s last-