The FAMUAN: 11-16-2011

The Student Voice of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Since 1900

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011

VOL. 114 ISSUE 17

Audit VP abruptly resigns Jason Lawrence Managing Editor

Florida A&M’s Vice President of Audit and Compliance Charles O’Duor resigned via a letter dated Nov.5 for unspecified reasons.

O’Duor was responsible for leading institution-wide audit and compliance plans, which in

O’Duor

turn propagate the university’s mission.

According to the university’s Chief

Communications Officer Sharon Saunders, O’Duor was over the DAC,

which was key in ensuring that FAMU is in line with internal and external regulations.

“Mr. O’Duor oversaw an office that has the responsibility of making sure the university was in compliance with all regulations and policies that govern the university, as well as those from the Board of

Governors and other state entities,” said Saunders.

The Board of Trustees established the DAC in 2005 as a way to improve the internal governance of the university.

“The Division of Compliance & Audit provides insight on the mitigation of business risk to assist the BOT and management

in the effective discharge of their responsibilities as they relate to the University policies, processes, programs, information systems, internal controls, and management reporting,” states the FAMU website.

The website also indicates

VP 3

athletes Shoppers return Four face suspension Royal Shepherd Sports Editor

Karl Etters/The Famuan

CEO of the Florida Retail Federation Rick McAllister speaks at a Tuesday morning press conference in Governor’s Square Mall.

Karl Etters Staff Writer

The main focus of the holiday season in Florida is “jobs, jobs, jobs,” said president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation Rick McAllister.

McAllister addressed a crowd at a press conference at the Governor’s Square Mall on Tuesday morning as he spoke about the holiday shopping forecast for 2011.

One in four Floridians work in the retail industry, and the Federation estimates that 35,000 seasonal jobs will be created in the weeks leading up to the busiest shopping period of

the year.

The state stands to see an increase in sales between 3 and 3.5 percent higher than in 2010, while the national average increase is estimated at 2.8 percent. McAllister took note that the numbers were looking better following recent years of recession that Florida and the U.S. have experienced.

John Fleming, director of communications with the Florida Retail Federation, attributes Florida having a higher percentage increase than the national average to the number of people who visit the state.

“The fact that Florida has a strong

Florida A&M alumnus and award-winning rapper Common will be a guest lecturer on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium as part of the Lyceum Series. Tickets are on sale at the FAMU Ticket Office and ticketmaster.com for $5 to $20. Tickets previously purchased for Common’s visit will be valid.

This Thursday, the City of Tallahassee is hosting a public meeting to continue discussion of Moving Tallahassee: Cars Optional. The meeting will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center located at 438 West Brevard Street.

ST. JOHNS (AP) - A couple is suing their northwest Indiana school district, claiming school officials failed to protect their son from prolonged bullying over his Middle Eastern backgroud that culminated in an attack this month that left him with a brain injury.

Lifestyles pg. 6 FAMU Green Coalition and Environmental Sciences Student Organization encouraged students on the Set to recycle yesterday. Tuesday was America Recycles Day, a nationwide initiative sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

Sports pg. 8 The Florida A&M football team is gering up for its final contest of the season against Bethune-Cookman University. The teams are vying for a second-place finish in the conference and a possible playoff birth.

seasonal traffic is part of what drives sales,” said Fleming. “When you look at how we compare nationally, it’s always a little bit higher.”

McAllister said the factors that have gone into making this year’s shopping season a success. He said that, over the past 18 months, consumer spending in Florida, and nationwide, has been up.

“Forty-two percent of those Christmas shopping will be doing so with price being their first consideration. The good news is that 48 percent are not shopping just because of price, but for service

Retail 3

The men’s basketball team of Florida A&M have to find alternate ways to score buckets with its leading scorer now on the bench.

Amin Stevens, along with three of his teammate, will miss the team’s next 11 games due to academic ineligbile.

Stevens, along with guards Brandon Hosely and Christopher Watson as well as forward Daryll Demps, has been deemed ineligible for the remainder of the fall semester.

Stevens, the 6’6” guard/forward, was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder from last season. Hosely was a major contributor on offense with his outside shooting and Watson was on of the team’s primary facilitators.

Demps, a junior college transfer and Tallahassee native, was one of the recruits head coach Clemon Johnson brought in to help with the Rattlers interior play.

Johnson said the team will have to find other ways to score without the

aid of two starters.

“A lot of these guys are looking for places to pass the ball now that Amin isnt on the court,” Johnson said.

The team will rely heavily on senior center Yannick Crowder and sophomore guard Avery Moore to carry the scoring burden.

“All this does is give us the opportunity to give other guys a chance to play,” Johnson said.

“What we have to do now is find more creative ways to get our guys who can score the ball cleaner looks at the basket and easier shots.”

The team will travel to Providence, RI to face Providence University in its next contest.

Johnson said his team will have to maintain until the others return.

“We will come together whether those guys are there or not,” Johnson said. “This will just make the team stronger.”

All updates for this story will be posted on thefamuanonline. com.

Royal Shepherd

famuansports@gmailcom

Students question green growth in fountains Brittany Buchanan Deputy Photo Editor Florida A&M students may be surprised to find out that the greenish residue coming out of the water fountains in Coleman Library isn’t there for decoration.

But, according to the university’s custodial services and a professor of botany, the greenish residue is nothing to worry about.

Swenson Anioce, a 22-year-old senior psychology student from Miami, said he always thought the water tasted funny on campus.

“I thought it was part of the school colors,” Anoice said jokingly.

James Muchovej, a botany professor at Florida A&M for 20 years, took a sample of the residue and tested its solubility with isopropyl (rubbing alcohol).

His findings showed that the residue is actually a product of copper sulfate, a salt, and that the residue was due to the calcium in our water.

“In actuality, copper sulfate is going to keep the algae from growing, “ Muchovej said. “Copper sulfate is often used as a herbicide for aquatic plants.”

Muchovej also tested actual algae found from pipes that water the plants in the greenhouse. He found a mass of filaments indicating living bodies in the algae versus the

Britney Buchanan/The Famuan The water fountains in Coleman Library have a questionable green residue coming from the spout.

salt crystals found from the water fountains.

Ron Darron, assistant director of custodian services, said the water fountains are not cleaned on a daily basis, but are based on their staffing level, which correlates with Association Physical and Plant Administrators Five Levels of Clean.

APPA is a clean energy standard used throughout the U.S. “APPA tells you based on the staffing level what it takes to maintain every aspect of cleaning.

When you’re not at that level, you make conscious decisions on what you don’t do and you can back down to any level of cleanliness based on your staffing level. As a manager I

make those decisions,” Darron said.

Although the residue poses no bodily harm to the student body that choose to drink it, some students still feel the fountains should be cleaned daily and would make the campus look more welcoming without residue.

Tory McGriff, a freshman from Jacksonville said fountains should look more presentable for students.

“For people to want to eat something or drink from something it should look presentable. If it doesn’t look presentable then nobody’s going to use it,” said McGriff.

Britney Buchanan

famuannews@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011

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Events and Announcements Announcements Nov. 16, 2011

ate Students (SWAGS) is currently collecting canned goods and non-perishable items to make baskets to hand out to those in need in the communities surrounding the Florida A&M University campus.

Bins have been placed at the following locations: In Tucker Hall on the 1st floor, in the SBI Building on the 1st floor, the Social Work Building on the 3rd floor, in Foote-Hilyer on the 1st floor, the Pharmacy Building, and in the Library by the snack room. Items will be collected until Nov. 18.

The FAMU Chapter of the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources & Related Sciences (MANRRS) will be hosting an all day “Dining for Donations” event at Applebee’s on Apalachee Parkway today. Donation fliers will be place at various campus locations. Fliers must be presented at time of purchase.

Additional donations are welcome. For more information on MANRRS or this event, please contact Saundra Wheeler at saundra_wheeler22@yahoo.com.

PRodigy PR Firm is inviting students from all majors and disciplines to audition to be the next host of J-School Journals.

Auditions will take place on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication Lecture Hall. A 2.5 GPA is required. The preferred audition attire is business professional but appropriate dress is acceptable. For more information, please contact PRodigy’s faculty adviser Professor Gina Kinchlow at gina.kinchlow@famu.edu.

November 2011 MANRRS will be holding a food drive in the College of Agriculture, until Nov. 18. Canned food and other nonperishable items are accepted. Boxes have been placed at the following locations throughout Perry Paige: In the Dean’s office, Room 217; in the Division of Agricultural Sciences office, Room 306; in the Office of Cooperative Extension, Room 213; in Academic Programs Room, 204E; and in Navy ROTC, Room 200. For additional information on MANRRS or this event, please contact Saundra Wheeler at saundra_wheeler22@yahoo.com.

The PRodigy Public Relations Firm is challenging the entire FAMU community to participate in a campus-wide holiday “GET CANNED” Food Drive. On Monday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. -noon, students, faculty and administrators may drop off canned goods and non-perishables at the

The Social Work Association of Gradu-

Journalism Gallery (temporary parking directly in front of the Journalism Building and helpers on hand to help donors unload their goods). All donations will be taken to Second Harvest Food Bank on Tuesday, Nov. 22. For more information contact PRodigy Faculty Adviser Professor Gina Kinchlow at 850-412-5389 or gina.kinchlow@famu.edu.

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Family Worship & Praise Center “Bring Them In...Build Them Up...Send Them Out!”

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MON 7 p.m - 8 p.m. held at Gibbs Hall and the Sanctuary

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Greater Blessings Tabernacle of Praise “The Church Where Love Lives”

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Religion Directory ADDRESS Elder Joseph Manning 2122 Poppy Street (850) 574-5605 www.cofmcogic.org Pastor Cyrus F. Flanagan 1609 Branch Street (850) 656-9378 www.fwpcministries.org Rev. O. Jermaine Simmons, Sr. 2333 Lake Bradford Road (850) 574-3150 Rev. Dewayne K. Harvey 684 W. 5th Ave. (850) 656-5934 or (850)241-3589

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011

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3.news

SGA wants to lower GPA requirement

Marie Eustache Staff Writer

requirement should not serve as a barrier to students who are still obligated to pay tuition fees and A&S (activity and service) fees.

“This is not a great representation of our model, which is excellence with caring. It’s not exemplifying opportunity,” he said.

After participating in three elections on campus, Siders said he realizes that elections have turned more into a popularity contest instead of judging the merit of a candidate’s platform.

The senator said any student who is in good academic standing with the university should be qualified to serve with SGA. “I believe that SGA itself does an injustice to the students when it sets up higher GPA requirements than what the university sets,” McMiller said.

According to McMiller, every major presidential ticket that ran last year for the positions of president and vice-

New legislation may improve the election prospects of many Florida A&M students.

Senators Anthony Siders, a thirdyear political science student from New Orleans, and Marquise McMiller, a second-year political science student from Gary, Ind., proposed the bill to make restricted positions more open and accessible to the average FAMU student.

Within the 11 schools in Florida’s university system, the highest grade point average required for each university is 2.5 for any position, with the lowest being a 2.0.

This makes FAMU’s GPA requirement the highest in the state.

“This is an example in its minimal form of taxation without representation,” said Siders.

He added that such a high GPA

president were disqualified because of the GPA constraint.

The senator said this proves that SGA’s requirement does not represent the average FAMU student.

In an effort to provide documented facts for this claim, Siders and McMiller have requested data from the registrar’s office that will confirm the average student’s GPA in attempt to reform the criteria.

Student Relations Committee Chair Monet Fraser, a fourth-year public relations student from New Rochelle, N.Y., opposes the legislation.

Fraser said having the current GPA requirement prevents students from losing focus.

“This legislation lowers our standards of leaders academically,” she said.

According to Siders, the student body shares the same sentiment on the issue.

“Students feel that if they are average

enough for SGA to spend their A&S fees, then they are average enough to serve in the positions that will allow them to shift where those fees can go,” he said.

“SGA should follow the school’s GPA requirements instead of making their own. It seems as though they’re trying to weed out people,” said Reynald Blanchard, a fourth-year biology student from Miami.

McMiller is not certain the bill will pass, but if the bill fails, he plans to take it to the elections and appointments committee the following Thursday for review.

The legislation will also be taken to the Judicial Branch and then placed on the ballot as a referendum in February to give students the final decision.

The final vote for the bill will be cast next Monday.

Marie Eustache

famuannews@gmail.com

VP that the university president is responsible for hiring the VP of audit and compliance.

O’Duor’s abrupt resignation, however, appears to have occurred just days after an investigation was concluded by Sniffen & Spellman law firm.

The investigation documents, released by the Office of Communications, revealed that the DAC had no quality assurance and improvement plan in place as required by the Institute of Internal Auditor and the division’s charter and operation procedure.

The firm’s investigation also found that the DAC’s Chief Audit Executive O’Duor never informed the BOT of this fact.

In addition to not having an audit and review plan in place, O’Duor’s division was also cited for never having submitted 15 final audit or review reports to the BOT Audit Committee and the Chief of Staff of the university.

Rather, abridged executive summaries

Retail

STATE

and quality merchandise,” said McAllister.

The average adult shopper is estimated to spend approximately $700 on holiday gifts for others, and also deviate from their set “to buy” lists and spend $130 to $150 NEWS HEADSTAND ARTWORK on themselves.

were submitted instead.

Finally, the investigation found that because O’Duor had constructive knowledge that this happened, the DAC contradicted the principles outlined in its charter and the IIA standards.

President James Ammons stated that the university is shocked by the allegations, and that he and his team are working to find an interim.

“These are very serious allegations because the Division of Audit and Compliance is the university’s principal organization for assisting the University in maintaining university-wide external and internal compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, processes and internal controls,” Ammons stated.

O’Duor came to FAMU in 2007 as a part of Ammons’ leadership team. The 59-year-old received a $191,000 salary.

“The university will do whatever it takes to sustain the highest ethical standards of professional conduct and integrity and will focus on making sure that we correct any areas of concerns

that have been identified in the report.”

Saunders said Ammons wants to be clear in specifying that the audit investigation is not directly related to any state audits.

“The audit referred to during the investigation are internal audits of areas the university wanted review and not the annual audit conducted by the state auditor general. Since the 200708 academic year, FAMU has received clean unqualified audits from the auditor general,” Saunders said.

Saunders said O’Duor’s position was especially key when FAMU received stimulus dollars as part of the President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “He was very instrumental in ensuring that work was completed on several external audits involving federal dollars that the university received,” she added.

O’Duor could not be reached for comment.

The Florida Retail Federation offers a number of tips that would make for smoother holiday shopping.

They include planning a budget and a time to shop in order to coincide with incoming wages. The Federation also advises consumers to take advantage of large shopping days such as Thanksgiving

and Black Friday. They also advise finding sales in the extended time frame that most retailers will be open, and to not wait when crossing paths with an item that piques DATE: shopping interest.

Jason Lawrence

famuannews@gmail.com

11.08.11

Karl Etters

famuannews@gmail.com

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011

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4.news

Assessment program seeks funds Airiayana Sullivan Correspondent

Facing a restless, disengaged and tired crowd at the Nov. 7 SGA meeting, DeAnna Burney sought more funds for the university’s assessment program.

As Burney, chair of the Institutional Level Assessment Committee, made her plea, many senators and students were puzzled about why the university assessment program is underfunded.

“Everyone has been affected by budget cuts,” said Burney.

“We are simply trying to close the loop. Assessment is geared toward meeting the student’s needs, that’s why our committee petitioned SGA as an avenue of funding.”

The assessment program allows the faculty and administration to evaluate students’ needs and growth.

After the students have been admitted in the university, they take an entry-level assessment test and an exit survey before graduation to measure their growth. Each degree program establishes an assessment plan detailing its expectations for

improvement from students.

The assessment program looks at how well the students have been able to demonstrate critical thinking, communication skills and quantitative reasoning.

“Critical thinking is an area of challenge that we are working on,” said Uche Ohia, director of university assessment.

According to Ohia, his office uses a six-step assessment approach to measure growth, including formulating statements and outcomes, ascertaining criteria for success, measuring student and

service performance, observing and analyzing results, using results to effect improvement and strengthening university programs.

“You are constantly engaged in assessment throughout your matriculation here,” said Ohia.

While a student is enrolled, he or she should acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to find a job, Ohia said.

“Motivation is a critical part in getting the students to engage in the assessment process,” said Ohia. “Most students do not take these types of test seriously because they are not

being graded. However, you are being compared with students from other universities.

“We would like to see them take this test more seriously.

We try to give out incentives to the students who scored high.”

If denied funds by SGA, the next step would be to increase interest levels in ILAC. Their next meeting is today at 2 p.m. in the architecture conference room 211.

Airiayana Sullivan

famuannews@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011

WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM

FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM

SGA should strive for As Kristin Broner Deputy Opinions Editor I support all students being involved on campus and serving our fellow Rattlers in whatever way possible.

But if you think a student who can’t keep a B average GPA should decide where A&S fees should be allocated and

everything else, then you’re crazy.

Two student government senators are proposing a bill that the requirement GPA for students to be in SGA should be lowered from a 2.8 to a 2.0.

Absurd? I know.

According to Senators Anthony Siders and Marquise Miller, who are proposing the bill, they believe that any student should be allowed to be in SGA as long as they are paying tuition and are in “academic good standing” with the university.

Seriously?

What happened to students coming to school and getting an education? What graduate school is going to accept a

student with a 2.0 GPA? take. Then, you could have a 2.5 Harvard, Yale, Princeton, GPA and, if you continue this FAMU? I think not. Having a throughout your college career, maybe you could even have a 2.0 is not helpful in any way.

Besides, how are they going to 2.8.

Shocking, right? lead me?

I understand some students Most students in SGA represent the school on trips, are working full time, support meetings and recruiting events. I families and may even have don’t want some average student children to take care of. I am with only a 2.0 representing me. not discouraging anyone who I want the best and the brightest has 2.0. I am saying strive to do better. working on my behalf.

If you proclaim to be a student I understand it is hard to maintain a 3.0 GPA. However, a leader, lead by example in 2.0 should be a walk in the park. everything you do. That includes All a student has to do is make having a great GPA. Cs in every class. So it takes just a little more effort to get an A or a B in one of those simple Kristin Broner elective classes we all must famuanopinions@gmail.com

Editor-in-chief thefamuaneic@gmail.com Clarece Polke Managing & News Editor: famuan.metro@gmail.com Jason Lawrence Deputy News Editor: famuannews@gmail.com Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez Opinions Editor: famuanopinions@gmail.com Angie Meus Deputy Opinions Editor: Kristin Broner Lifestyles Editor: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Winnie Moime Deputy Lifestyles Editor: Roscoe Thompson Sports Editor: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd Photo Editor: famuanphotography@gmail.com Keenan Doanes Deputy Photo Editor: Britney Buchanan Assistant Photo Editor: Alvin McBean Visuals Editor: jeffrey1.morris@yahoo.com Jeffrey Morris Multimedia Editor famuanlive@gmail.com D.A. Robin PR Coordinator: famuancalendar@gmail.com Chakiara Tucker Program Coordinator: Valerie McEachin

Don’t blame me, I’ve got senioritis: Brian Fairrington Cagle Cartoons

The journey to graduation was like an episode of ‘Nature’ on PBS

Jason Lawrence Managing Editor A couple of weeks ago, I finally saw my “candidate for graduation” hold on my iRattler, as a result of completing the new graduation process.

Once the excitement of posting a picture of the hold to my Facebook died, and humility took over.

I knew I had survived a fourand-a-half year trek through the jungle we call Florida A&M. Looking at university’s graduation rate, it’s clear that a timely matriculation on the Hill can be compared to the evolutionary concept of “survival of the fittest.”

FAMU’s four-year graduation rate is about 11 percent; nearly 30 percent of students who are retained graduate in five years, and 39 percent graduate in six years.

And yes, there are a few those brave souls who can stomach spending more than six years surrounded by pretentious and ironically materialistic young adults. The eight-year graduation rate is also about 40 percent.

Again, these rates are for those who came to FAMU as first-year freshmen and stayed until and throughout their fourth-year and beyond. The proportion of first-year freshmen who stay until their fourth-year is about 64 percent…not bad.

I’ve crafted a bit of evolutionary pseudo-science to explain our perceptually low graduation and retention rates.

When the typical FAMU freshman, taxonomically referred to as “fresheus meatus,” hatches from its shell of parental protection and arbitrary high school traditions, it is forced to survive on a campus where several predatory species roam.

One the first predators,

Adviser: andrew.skerritt@famu.edu Andrew Skerritt Fax 850.561.2570 Editor in Chief 850.561.2569 Secretary 850.599.3159 Newsroom 850.599.3011/ 561.2569

The Famuan, an Associated Collegiate Press Association non-daily finalist, is published on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions do not reflect the administration, faculty or staff of the University. The editorials are the expressed opinions of the staff and columnists. The Famuan is funded partially by activities and services fees.

freshius meatus, will encounter happens to be of the lowly predators on campus, the party promoter, taxonomically identified as homo-aggravatus.

Party promoters will use their natural aggravating instinct of cheaply crafted event fliers and an insistence that you take one and consider attending (as if studying isn’t more important).

The freshman is instinctively behooved to cross the street when they see these predators, usually males. Otherwise they are doomed to develop into the dreaded, weaker subspecies “homo here-foreverus,” better known as the student who never leaves.

If the freshman is able to avoid the party promoter, then they will find time to venture to FooteHilyer to turn in their finanicial aid paperwork to a financial aid counselor, taxonomically designated as “homo perplexusdiscombobulus.”

They are classified as such for their unique ability to lie to students with a straight-face.

They are further distinguished by their ornery dispositions and tendency to ruin lives.

Freshius meatus must follow their instructions carefully at the beginning of each semester, or

again, they risk developing into the feeble-minded irresponsible student.

By successfully conquering the predators in Foote-Hilyer, the freshman can now venture into an open campus only to be met by larger more experienced students, who are identified with a number of student subspecies.

The first of these student subspecies, of which the freshman must escape becoming prey, are the SGA members, or “homo deceitus.”

SGA members are very likely to develop into money-grubbing turncoats, known in society as politicians. They appear to be both phenotypically and genotypically attractive.

But the freshman shan’t be fooled. For under their suits, polo shirts, name-tags, catchy introductions and perceptually high GPAs, they are really just robots trained to take orders from themselves.

The second student subspecies to avoid would be the Greeks, or “homo-lameus.”

Upon hatching from its shell, this species begins life at FAMU as a student who just wants to fit in, or “homo desparatus.”

Once they are granted their

perceived brother- or sisterhood at a toll, they sometimes develop into another student subspecies, “homo here-foreverus.”

By avoiding pointless group associations, one saves money and reduces the risk of becoming a campus fixture.

The task of surviving on the Hill and graduating in four years is not a difficult one. But the freshman must gain the ability to avert the predators roaming FAMU’s campus.

If the freshman is successful in fighting off these predators for three more years in its habitat, it will develop into the strongest subspecies of them all, “homo indifferentus.”

After four years of fighting for survival, “homo indifferentus” is ready to graduate. It’s instinct is to “not-give-a-crap” about anything or anyone it encounters on the Hill.

Check out Jason’s column Senioritis in next week’s issue. For more columns from Famuan staff members, visit www. thefamuanonline.com.

Jason Lawrence famuanopinions@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011

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6.LifeStyles

Students urged to recycle Shanica Johnson Correspondent Coca-Cola, along with the FAMU Green Coalition and Environmental Sciences Student Organization, handed out T-shirts, flyers and gave away prizes to students passing by to educate them about the movement of being “green.”

Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day, a nationwide initiative sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, Inc. Florida A&M students flocked to the Set Tuesday to participate. Trash bins were filled with recyclable goods and gently worn clothes that will be donated to local charities.

Students were being asked to sign a petition to request a campus recycling program. The program will add $0.75 to $1 to students’ tuition to build solar panels around campus.

“There is no price to great to keep our environment cleans,” said Logan McDonnell, a senior criminal justice student. “The way our ozone layer is looking, it couldn’t hurt. I’m all for it.”

In addition to the petition, students Alvin McBean, Britney Buchanan/The Famuan were asked to take a pledge separated Recycling containers make its way to female dormitories, encouraging students to recycle. Tuesday, FAMU Green in two parts: “Act” and “Pledge.” The Coalition and Environmental Sciences Student Organization participates in America Recycles Day. purpose was to learn about recycling “With us being an HBCU, most T-shirt made from seven Coke bottles. options in the community, what correctly answering trivia questions “We hope that students become more people think blacks don’t care about Recyclable goods like plastic bottles, materials are collected for recycling and how to reduce personal waste by aluminum cans, paper, cardboard, educated on the affects of recycling,” the environment,” said Green Coalition Parliamentarian Ashli Doss. “We are recycling. The pledge lists a variety of printer cartridges, cell phones and said Wharton.

Every month, Americans throw out here to show that we do and inform the batteries which will be shredded and everyday products that can be recycled.

Coca-Cola vehicles were parked on burned to create more plastic bottles or enough glass bottles and jars to fill up students the importance of going green.” a skyscraper, Keep America Beautiful the corners, decorated with interactive even FAMU paraphernalia.

Coca-Cola marketing representative reported, and 80 percent of the materials games and recycling displays. Students Shanica Johnson had the chance to win computer bags for Eric Wharton wore a fully recycled thrown away can be recycled. famuanlifestyles@gmail.com

Full-time mother, student worries about lack of time

Keenan Doanes The Famuan Chakiara Tucker struggles to manage her time with school and her son, Sevin.

Chakiara Tucker Staff Writer The end of the semester is quickly approaching and I am pressed for time. Between Sevin and school I don’t know if I am coming or going. I am asking myself the same question every day, “How am I going to cook, give Sevin all the attention he needs and study for my final exams?”

Having good time management skills is critical to the success of a college student. Those skills are even more crucial to a student who is also a parent. Unfortunately, I have not yet mastered those skills and am ready to scream.

Thoughts of homework and group projects

dance through the back of my brain when I try to hang out with my son. On the other hand, if I have my face buried in a book I can only think about my son not having a good time with me.

One of my colleagues suggested I let him live with his father until I graduate. Needless to say, my response was extremely unladylike. I can’t imagine not tucking my little booger in bed every night.

It bothers me when I have classmates that also have children, and they don’t live with them. I am not a believer in parenting from a distance.

Allowing someone else to raise my child seems extremely dysfunctional, lazy and unstable to me.

I am certainly not trying to be judgmental, it’s just my opinion.

“ChaKiara, your situation is only temporary.

You are working toward a better life for you and Sevin.”

Whenever I think about quitting, which is more often that I would like to admit, I think about those words my father spoke to me earlier this semester. After repeating that statement and a couple of positive self-affirmations, I usually get it together.

Through constant prayer and hard work, I know that I will do just fine on my final exams.

I will also try my hardest to be the best mother I can be.

I don’t need to give someone else custody of son. What I need is an awesome babysitter or nanny.

Do I have any takers?

Chakiara Tucker

famuanlifestyles@gmail.com

Old media tries to attract readers born in digital age

Danielle Avitable Correspondent

The Newspaper Association of America launched its new advertising campaign to create a message that reading the newspaper makes users sexy.

The organization is using the tagline “Smart is the New Sexy” to catch reader’s attention.

The campaign is trying to gain national acknowledgement for the importance and timelessness newspapers play in everyone’s lives, according to NAA. Brandon Smith, a firstyear business administration student at Florida A&M, said he would love to see more women reading the newspaper.

“I really admire women who read the paper and who are up to date on current events,” said Smith. “It makes a lasting impression on me and it definitely makes them more attractive to me.”

Cheryl Sadowski, vice president of communication for NAA, said local newspapers outrank all other media sources as the most trustworthy, credible and reliable source for news. Sadowski said most young adults still prefer to turn to social networking sites such as Twitter or Facebook to get their news.

Brittany Demarest, a thirdyear business student, said she

realized the world is changing due to all the technology available.

“I honestly think that it is sad that I rely more on Twitter and Facebook to tell me what is going on in the world rather than the newspaper,” said Demarest.

Sadowski said to come up with a slogan was an arduous process.

“We tried all different slogans and themes out to see which ones would grab the reader’s attention and, not to our surprise, this one stuck,” said Sadowski.

The University of Southern California, University of Texas and Oklahoma State University are just a few of the schools helping to launch the campaign in the schools’ newspapers.

“We just hope to spark a conversation with this campaign,” said Sadowski.

“We aren’t looking to expect anything in return.”

The campaign will run for six weeks with more than 1,000 newspapers nationwide, digitally and in print, displaying the catch phrase--“Smart is the New Sexy.”

Danielle Avitable

famuanlifestyles@gmail.com

Set Friday goes international with music Ashley Kiah Correspondent

Friday morning, starting at 11 a.m., the set will echo music, but not top 40 hits by Drake and Rihanna.

It will be International Music Day, so DJ Rasheed will spin cultural music from places around the world.

With the help of Felicia Barnes in student affairs and under the leadership of Joseph Jones, international research and development coordinator this event will be the close of International Education Week. The theme this year is “Reshaping the global landscape through advocacy and education.”

Jones said this week will introduce a creative and diverse climate of embracing various cultures.

It will also provide students with information regarding different international opportunities ranging from educational seminars to internships.

“This week will be very helpful for students, being that we are now in a very global economy,” said Jones. “FAMU students are not only competing with other HBCUs and universities, but with people from all around the world.”

The first International Awareness Week was in 2003. Since 2007, the Office of International Education and

Development has hosted the event annually.

Jones said that not just FAMU students, but many students in the United States lack cultural knowledge and acceptance.

“Students need exposure to a cultural understanding of people around the world in order to be able to effectively compete in the job market,” said Jones.

Barnes said they hope to see just as many students as usual, if not more, on the Set on Friday to listen to different types of music. They also suggest students bring international music with them that the DJ will play upon request.

“We must be receptive to other cultures here at FAMU, especially with such a diverse student body,” said Barnes.

The department said they will host the event every year until they see the same interest in other cultures as they show in American culture.

“Students in other countries are eager to learn about the American heritage,” Jones said. “Why is it that American’s do not wish to learn about other people?”

Ashley Kiah

famuanlifestyles@gmail.com

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011

7.Lifestyles

Local artist paints night life Chelsey Wallace Correspondent

Who would have ever thought of the idea of painting an artistic design on a human being?

Graceyy Mayer did.

The name of her business is Tallahassee’s Painted Ladies.

Mayer was young when she discovered her passion for finger paint.

“I always had a face paint set as a child,” said Mayer. “In my high school years, I was always drawing on myself with paint markers.”

She started off painting just her two best friends, fully nude in just pasties and a thong, for events like Menace Beach, Diplo at 20/20, and other Engine Room concerts.

Mayer’s business was getting bigger than what her and her two best friends imagined – having fun on the weekends.

“I never thought it could be anything more than just a fun thing to do once in a while on the weekend and maybe get into the concert for free,” Mayer said. “I was just so proud and happy that people were positively recognizing my artwork and encouraging it.”

“I feel that it is an expression of art through the process of using the body as a canvas, however I do believe it should be presented in a private area,” said Randy Bailey, a senior fine art student from Panama City.

Painted ladies consist of women being nude under the paint.

“It is not only for ladies.

I have painted many males (faces, torsos, arms, legs) for events, but I have yet to come to a satisfied conclusion as to

Keenan Doanes/The Famuan

Graceyy Mayer, founder of Tallahassee’s Painted Ladies, started her entertainment company with just a few of her friends at small club events and local concerts. Now, the business has grown in popularity. what to do about nudity with males. I guess it really just depends on the environment and the person,” said Mayer.

Mayer said her mission is to spark people’s interest by the movements of living works of art. It is also clear that these women are not erotic dancers; some are trained, but most are spontaneous regulars of the party scene who want to participate.

Each girl works individually with Mayer to come up with

creative designs and themes to make them feel comfortable and pretty in her own special, paint-covered way.

“My favorite is the psychedelic swirly eyeball.

I am drawn to this symbol almost inherently, and when I paint it on a girl’s stomach, chest, or back, I don’t even consciously think about what I’m creating,” said Mayer. “It’s almost like it flows out of my hand, onto her skin, from my unconscious.”

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Tempest Williams, a thirdyear graphic design student from Gainesville, said the idea is brilliant and should not be looked at any less than art.

“I don’t feel like using the human body as a canvas is degrading,” said Williams.

“We all come in this world naked so it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Tallahassee Painted Ladies host The BASSment every Saturday at Floyds.

“It’s actually an amazing

night because it incorporates local talent (DJs Mark Starr and Taylor Shockley) and the crowd is really a melting pot,” said Mayer.

For more information on Tallahassee Painted Ladies contact Graceyy Mayer at 732-829-9094 or visit www.facebook.com/ tallahasseepaintedladies.

Chelsey Wallace

famuanlifestyles@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011

WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COMFAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM

8.Sports

Case of the missing mascot Shari Karesh Staff Writer

Where, oh where has Venom gone? Oh where, oh where could he be?

Florida A&M has been without a mascot since the beginning of the season. The story behind the reason varies with each person.

With the mascot being absent, the football team lost a tradition.

The former mascot Curtis Ford, who spent three and a half years in the mask, said he tried to create a new culture for the mascot and the football team.

“I tried to start a few things like leading the football team onto the field every game, or even running a flag if the cheerleaders didn’t do it,” Ford said.

Ford said he was passionate about representing the school as its mascot.

However, when he came into Angela Suggs’ office for a routine chat, he was told he was no longer Venom.

“They told me my eligibility was up.

That’s how they said it. I went to the office and I had no idea what was going on until I asked,” Ford said.

“They told me they are having tryouts. I said I wanted to tryout and they said ‘You can’t try out because you have a letterman jacket.’”

Being Venom has a maximum time of four years. According to Ford, Suggs said when he got the jacket he was no longer eligible for the position.

“I had no idea that getting a letterman jacket did that,” Ford said.

“I wasn’t happy about it but there was really nothing I could do. It was something

I was really passionate about. It was something I really loved doing because you represent the entire university.”

Ford said he was fired from the position.

Brandy Tatum, the cheerleading coach and trainer for Venom, said the eightyear-old suit wasn’t safe.

“There is no way to fully clean it. So therefore the sweat residue that comes off of a person is permanently in it. If you haven’t been able to clean that for eight years, then we are putting somebody at risk,” Tatum said. “So, in order to make sure that we have something that is sanitary and that our mascot is in a safe condition with the Florida heat, we needed to get a new one.”

Angela Suggs, the marketing director of FAMU, had no comment when asked about the new mascot.

Tatum said it will take up to nine months for the new Venom costume to arrive. Tryouts and an arrival date for the uniform are unknown.

Coach Joe Taylor said he didn’t notice that Venom wasn’t on the sideline.

“I am so locked in on what’s going on, on the field I really haven’t noticed. I would hope that would be remedied. You just appreciate the work that goes into the compassion for your school,” Taylor said.

“When I hear the band or hear the cheerleaders I always think that person is there as well. Just like the cheerleaders and the band, to me, the mascot’s role is just as important to having school spirit.”

Shari Karesh

famuansports@gmail.com

File Photo Venom has been absent from the sidelines at games the whole season.

Seniors ready for final Florida Classic Victor Young Staff Writer

Keenan Doanes/The Famuan The Florida Classic is the last chance for seniors to leave their mark on FAMU football.

The final showdown of the season will pit the Florida A&M Rattlers against the BethuneCookman Wildcats.

FAMU seniors will play their last Florida Classic at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando Nov. 19.

Senior wide receiver Kevin Elliot will return to his hometown to try and defeat archrival BCU for the fourth consecutive season.

“This is a homecoming for me. A lot of family and friends will be in the stands cheering me on,” Elliot said.

The Rattlers will have to prepare for an offense that features three mobile quarterbacks for the Wildcats. Senior free safety Greg Harvey said the defense will have to stay on its toes.

Harvey said numbers eight and five are the Wildcats’ two main quarterbacks.

“They are both run threats, so we have to stay up on them,” Harvey said.

FAMU (7-3, 5-2 in the MEAC)

Basketball team loses in home debut Tyrone Law Staff Writer Florida A&M’s men’s basketball team added a second loss to its record on Monday against the Stetson Hatters 78-60.

Senior forward Yannick Crowder, ending the game with 13 points and five rebounds, led the Rattlers.

“In the first half, we came out with intensity and at halftime got a little satisfied. Basketball is a game of runs and we didn’t bring that energy,” Crowder said. “As soon as we took a step back, they took over the game.”

FAMU’s defensive edge resulted in six steals and one block in the first half. The teams’ defensive pressure also caused 15 turnovers in the first half.

FAMU head coach Clemon Johnson said the team lost simply because it couldn’t make high percentage shots.

“Look at the game stats. It’s not that Stetson’s defense was stellar, we just weren’t making open shots,” Johnson said. “What’s puzzling me is that in practice and in shoot-a–rounds, we are making everything. I hate to say it’s the lights, but we started out shooting okay and suddenly couldn’t make

Keenan Doanes/The Famuan any open shots.”

Johnson said Rattler defense was another cause of the team’s loss.

“When we stop making baskets, you see our defense getting softer and softer,” Johnson said. “When we let the other team score, that leads to frustration on offense.”

Sophomore guard Avery Moore, the Rattlers second leading scorer, ended the game with ten points

and two steals.

When asked to evaluate his team’s performance, Moore said (the team) could have played much harder and, with a little more effort, could have won the game.

“All my shots felt real good, and they just weren’t going in,” Moore said. “I really don’t know what happened. We tried our best to get ready for them. We watched film and we practiced hard…I just think they wanted it more than we did tonight.”

The Hatters shot 45 percent from the field in the first half of their 18-point victory.

The team continued offensive success from the floor in the second half, shooting 55 percent from the three-point line.

Stetson was led by 6’9” junior center Adam Pegg, with a gamehigh 15 points.

The Rattlers are preparing to take a four-game road trip, beginning with the Providence Friars. The next home game will be Dec. 5 against the Allen Yellow Jackets.

Tyrone Law

famuansports@gmail.com

shares an identical record with BCU (7-3, 5-2 in the MEAC). The victor of the Florida Classic will be in the driver’s seat of the at-large bid for a Football Championship Series playoff berth.

Head coach Joe Taylor joked that some families aren’t talking this week because of their affiliations with the two universities.

“Neighborhoods from different cities will be in Orlando. The game will be on a stage in which real men will enjoy. The winner will have an extended season,” Taylor said.

The Rattlers have won the Florida Classic every year since Taylor took over the program in 2008. Each year, the Rattlers have gone on to an 8-3 overall record, but just narrowly missed the playoffs.

If the Rattlers beat the Wildcats this year, they will most likely not miss that coveted spot in the postseason.

This senior class has not lost to the Wildcats in their careers, but will be led by a freshman quarterback for the third consecutive season.

The Rattlers said they are not concerned about Damien

Flemming’s inexperience in a game this big.

“Flemming will keep looking good as long as we do our part and catch whatever he throws at us,” Elliot said.

In order to win, the Rattlers will have to stop an offense led by sophomore quarterback David Blackwell. Blackwell is coming off a 350-yard total offense performance that landed him National and MEAC Player of the week honors. That included 203 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

He even scampered for an 80yard touchdown that was one of three rushing touchdowns against Savannah State.

The Wildcats beat Savannah State 59-3 on Nov. 12 and amassed 625 yards of total offense for the day. The Rattlers’ defense will have to try and bottle up BCU. “The ratio of run to pass for BCU is 65 to 35. If we can stop the run, we can stop the offense,” said senior linebacker David Williams.

Victor Young

famuansports@gmail.com

Lady Rattlers eager to begin process to return MEAC title

File Photo FAMU volleyball players are hungry to return the MEAC championship to the university.