SINGIN’ SISTERS PAGE 1B Aug. 27, 2015
Volume 83, Issue 2
www.FlorAla.net
Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama
SAFETY
What Would You Do?
Survey results show students feel campus disconnect ANNA BROWN
6M_[ -LQ\WZ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\
While students might have difficulties locating a certain building on campus, knowing where to get help after a sexual assault should not be a concern. About 50 percent of respondents said they “agreed” or “strongly agreed” with statements indicating they knew where to get help on campus if they or a friend were sexually assaulted, according to results from the Students Campus Climate Survey conducted last fall.
”
IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO
THEM OR THEY KNOW SOMEBODY WHO WAS ASSAULTED, THEY DIDNʼT KNOW WHAT TO DO. THAT WAS THE
BIGGEST PROBLEM.
TAMMY JACQUES
TITLE IX COORDINATOR “If something happened to them or they know somebody who was assaulted, they didn’t know what to do,” said Title IX Coordinator Tammy Jacques. “That was the biggest problem.” While 79 percent of respondents “agreed” or “strongly agreed” with statements indicating they felt valued and connected to the university and its faculty, over 61 percent of students “disagreed” or “strongly
INSIDE
this week’s paper
disagreed” with statements indicating the university does enough to protect students’ safety and provides a good support system for students who experience difficulties. However, over 67 percent of survey respondents indicated they would be moderately to extremely likely to engage in active bystander behaviors. “I was encouraged that most students said they would actively engage, but we still have work to do,” Jacques said. Seven percent of survey respondents indicated they believe it is their responsibility to learn more about sexual assault and do something about it, according to survey results. “That tells you we need to continue to do more education,” Jacques said. “It happens on every college campus. I think it would be naive to say that it doesn’t happen at UNA. Sometimes you just don’t know about it.” Jacques said the results of the survey include recommendations on how to make students more aware of their reporting options on campus and better educate students on active bystander behaviors. One of those recommendations includes incorporating active bystander training and education on sexual assault into the First-Year Experiences courses required for freshmen. Jacques said all first-year students taking an FYE course must complete the online training program, “Haven,” to receive credit for the course.
NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A IMAGES . . . . . . . 4A VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7A
Administration also added a 50-minute session on Title IX in the FYE courses. She said this session is focused on consent, alcohol and incapacitation. “ F i r s t - Ye a r Experience gives us an opportunity to speak to a large group of students and set a tone,” said Director of the FirstYear Experience Program Matthew Little. “We hope to establish a culture where students are protected, feel safe and know what to do if something were to happen to them on campus.” He said presenting this information through FYE also gives students a chance to ask questions as they go through the Title IX presentation. The Haven program emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships and consent, and teaches students active bystander procedures. Active bystander training teaches students how to safely intervene if they see signs of abuse or a potential assault happening. Jacques said she also sent an email to new transfer upperclassmen and graduate students encouraging them to complete the Haven program.
49.8%
would not know where to get help if assaulted
61.3%
said university does not do enough to protect and support students
79% feel connected to university administration
;MM ;=:>-A XIOM )
LIFE . . . . . . . . . 1B SPORTS . . . . . . . 4B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 7B
SIGNEES REACH SENIOR SEASON...4B
information gathered from the UNA Student Campus Climate Survey
Please recycle your paper.
2A NEWS
Aug. 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
FACILITIES
photo by SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer
Freshmen Shawn Hicks (left), Nick Wsueul (middle) and Zackary Turner (right) laugh in Towers Café during the extended dining hours. Towers Café is now open from 7 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Late-night dining options available at Sodexo locations ANNA BROWN
6M_[ -LQ\WZ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\
This summer Sodexo dining services announced new late-night dining options and adjusted service hours for many oncampus Sodexo dining locations. Previously, late-night dining on campus was not available to students. New hours and options are available to students starting this fall. “We made these changes due to student requests,” said Sodexo General Manager Gwen Burney. “The changes we’ve made cater more to the students.” Sophomore Bria Paschal said she thinks UNA should offer later dining to students who stay up studying. “I think Towers should have later hours because it is very difficult to go eat before they close,” said senior Meridith Ginn. Towers Café, located between Rice and Rivers Halls, now offers continuous dining from 7 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Previously, students were only able to eat at Towers during certain times of the day. Towers now offers late lunch and dinner options. Previously, the café closed between each meal to reset. Sodexo Unit Marketing Manager Gabrielle Borden said there will still be a meal transition at Towers, but instead of Towers closing the doors, students can eat anytime. Weekend dining hours at Towers remain the same, she said. The Smart Market, also known as the C-Store, is now open on Fridays from noon until 6 p.m. “It was inconvenient for the Smart Market to be closed on Fridays because
if I needed something on the weekend, I would have to make a late night Walmart run or just deal without,” Ginn said. Pizza Hut and A&W Express teamed up with the Lion’s Den Game Room to offer late-night dining to students in the GUC. Students can eat at the restaurants between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students may eat while using the game room, but they must keep food away from the computers, gaming systems and playing surfaces, according to UNA’s website. The newest dining addition to UNA’s campus is the Lion’s Den Café, located inside the new Science and Technology building. The Lion’s Den Café offers Simply To-Go items like ready-made sandwiches, yogurt and fruit cups, snacks and microwaveable hot items, Borden said. She said these are the same Simply To-Go items available in the GUC. The café serves Nestle coffee and sodas. The Lion’s Den also sells basic school supplies like pens, pencils and notebook paper, Borden said. “We’re taking a risk by making these changes,” Burney said. “If students like the changes and take advantage of the new hours, we’ll keep them. If students don’t like it, we will rethink things.” Senior Kahri Bolden said he wishes the new hours were advertised more throughout campus because they are helpful for students. “I also think the new hours at Pizza Hut and A&W will provide students another late night food option besides World of Wings,” Bolden said. “Some people would rather have a burger or a pizza over wings as a late night snack.”
NEW LOCATIONS
AND
HOURS
• TOWERS CAFE 7 A.M. -- 8:30 P.M. CONTINUOUS
DINING AVAILABLE
MONDAY — FRIDAY.
• SMART MARKET NOW
OPEN ON
FRIDAYS
FROM NOON UNTIL
6 P.M.
• PIZZA HUT & A&W EXPRESS 8 P.M. -- 11 P.M. MONDAY — FRIDAY
• LIONʼS DEN CAFE 7 A.M. -- 5 P.M.
INSIDE
SCIENCE
AND
TECHNOLOGY BUILDING
photo by SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer
First-year students Deondrea Taylor (left), Tyia Carr (middle) and Jalayah Hackman (right) enjoy a late-night dinner while playing on their phones. Pizza Hut and A&W Express are now open from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday.
NEWS 3A
Aug. 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
ENROLLMENT
Numbers indicate more freshmen on campus JOHN ED DEARMAN ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ RLMIZUIV(]VI ML]
Reports indicated the number of freshmen enrolled at UNA is the highest it has been in recent years. There are 1,170 freshmen enrolled this year. This time last year there were only 912 freshmen enrolled, according to reports from the office of admissions. Temporary Admissions Coordinator Kim Mauldin said there are many reasons why the number of freshmen increased this year. “This freshman class is a freshman of firsts,” she said. “What that means is that we have a new president, new science building and new residence halls.” Mauldin said all three engage freshmen in some way because the president is going to teach a class and all freshmen are now required to live on campus. Most freshmen also take a science course, she said. She also said the admissions department improved their recruiting techniques. “We traveled more, and we covered a larger territory by going to schools in other states to talk about UNA,” she said. Mauldin also said another key factor that contributed to the increase in
freshmen was campus tours. “One of the biggest pushes that we make when we’re out recruiting is emphasizing tours,” she said. “We can talk to students all day long, but you really need to come experience it.”
”
ONE OF THE BIGGEST PUSHES THAT WE MAKE WHEN WEʼRE OUT RECRUITING IS EMPHASIZING TOURS. WE CAN TALK TO STUDENTS ALL DAY LONG, BUT YOU REALLY NEED TO COME EXPERIENCE IT.
KIM MAULDIN
TEMPORARY ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR
She said the number of students who visited campus this summer doubled the number who visited last summer, which only had about 450 people. “Over 800 people came to visit this summer from 21 different states,” said Associate Director of Admissions Julie Taylor. Taylor also said more people are visiting earlier, as sophomores and juniors in high school, which helps get the word out about UNA. Mauldin said another reason for
higher freshman enrollment is due to House Bill 424, which allows incoming out-of-state students who receive an institutional scholarship to pay in-state tuition. The board of trustees adopted the bill during the summer 2014 meeting, she said. She said this helped pull in students from other states. Taylor said another reason more freshmen came to UNA was a different scholarship structure. “We used to start scholarships at a 25 ACT score and a 3.0 high school GPA,” she said. “We lowered it to a 20 ACT score and a 2.75 high school GPA.” Taylor said more students were able to receive scholarships which may have led some students to come to UNA. SOAR numbers were up as well. This year 1,089 incoming freshmen attended SOAR, compared to only 893 freshmen last year. “I think these numbers say a lot about the opportunities available and the affordability of UNA,” said sophomore Jessica Rice. Freshman Paige Lewey said she thinks the number of freshmen increased because UNA is a good school. Freshman Daniel Wooten said he thinks UNA’s academics caused the freshman enrollment increase.
Mauldin said there are different reasons why the number of actual freshmen is higher than the number who attended SOAR. “Many of them have been out of the country or working during the summer,” she said. “Several had mission trips, and some of them had military commitments. “We had no extra funds or staff, but there is just some kind of new excitement. We were delivering the message in newer territories, but even we were excited about the message.”
FRESHMAN ENROLLMENT AT A GLANCE • 28
PERCENT INCREASE IN
NUMBER OF FRESHMEN ENROLLED COMPARED TO FALL
• 22
2014
PERCENT INCREASE IN
NUMBER OF FRESHMEN WHO ATTENDED SUMMER
SOAR 2014
COMPARED TO
STAFF
Gillilan brings fresh ideas, experience to police department ANNA BROWN
6M_[ -LQ\WZ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\
Kevin Gillilan brings 20 years of diverse law enforcement experience and a passion for campus safety to UNA as he begins his first semester as the chief of police this fall. Gillilan said he has many ideas to increase campus safety and educate students on preventing campus crime.
“I’m thinking some regular interaction and meetings with the students might increase the level of security on campus,” he said. With campus safety in mind, he said he plans to continue UNA’s student education programs such as A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) and R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense). He also said he is interested in starting a campus watch program similar
photo by KATLYN SHANNON I Staff Photographer
Chief Gillian answers his daily emails and fills out paperwork for the beginning of the year. He said he wants to hear the concerns of the students, faculty and staff.
to Neighborhood Watch. College is an educational experience and Gillilan said he believes this educational component should be part of campus policing. “Instead of opting to prosecute someone, we might send them through student conduct and try to correct behavior in a way that’s more rehabilitative than punitive,” he said. Although patrolling is part of campus policing, he said he thinks campus officers should provide more “customer services” to students. “We try to provide many services that you won’t find in a municipality,” he said. “For example, if you call a municipal police department, they’re not going to come out and help you get your car started. A lot of our population is made of students who are mainly young and there’s a lot of things they haven’t experienced yet.” He said professionalism within the department is important even for campus police forces. He said he wants to continue professionalizing the police department by seeking accreditation through the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). “That’s the national standard for professionalism for police agencies and I think we can do that,” he said. “That would be a staple for not only the department but for the university to show students, faculty, staff and parents that we are an accredited police agency.”
”
INSTEAD OF OPTING TO PROSECUTE SOMEONE, WE MIGHT SEND THEM THROUGH STUDENT CONDUCT AND TRY TO CORRECT BEHAVIOR IN A WAY THATʼS MORE REHABILITATIVE THAN PUNITIVE.
KEVIN GILLILAN CHIEF OF POLICE
Through his experiences working on a college campus, Gillilan said he found greater purpose in pursuing his own education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and police science from Samford University, a master’s degree in criminal justice and law enforcement administration from Faulkner University and only lacks completion of his dissertation to finish his doctorate degree in criminal justice administration. “I don’t want to just follow other people’s lead, I want to base my decisions on current, best practices and I want to be able to back it up with my research,” he said. “By relying on those two things, you make a more sound decision. I not only understand what I need to do, I understand why I need to do it.”
;MM +01-. XIOM )
4A IMAGES
Aug. 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
▶
SHARING S PA C E S
photos by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer
Longtime Roommates
Twins Jeremiah (left) and John Moore realize they need more space. After sharing everything down to appearances over the years, they prefer to have their own areas in their room.
Do:
KAITLIN DOUGLASS
Early Research
▶
A student uses social media to research a new roommate. Students often use social media to introduce themselves before meeting in person.
Hanging Out
Josh Meza and Clark Greer play “Call of Duty.” Being roommates evolved into a friendship for them.
Just thinking about college can stress you out. The financing, the curriculum, the 10-mile walk to Bibb Graves Hall which results in you crawling up flights of stairs just to get to class (until that elevator though, turn up). As if that is not enough to think about, some of us are fortunate enough to have a roommate, a chance to live with someone with whom you have never associated with before! This experience can either be interesting or horrifying, depending on your take of it. Some of us have no idea what exactly we could be getting into, so with some prior knowledge on this particular topic I have made a small list of Do’s and Don’t’s to help you survive having a college roommate. Hopefully, by following the guide, you’ll have a great experience sharing a space with someone else on or off-campus.
▶
▶
+PQMN 8PW\WOZIXPMZ SLW]OTI[[ (]VI ML]
•
•
•
•
•
Keep your side of the room clean. No one wants to walk into their room and think they are on an episode of “Hoarders.” Be respectful. Do your roommate’s classes start later than yours? Try to keep your noise level at a minimum while getting ready. Keep your boundaries. Although you may absolutely adore your stuffed animal collection, your roommate might not share your enthusiasm. Discuss your habits beforehand. If you sleep-walk it might be best to warn your roommate so they will not freak out completely when you unconsciously decide to take a late night stroll. Communicate. If there is some type of hostility or animosity between your roommate and yourself the best way to deal with it is to talk about it.
Donʼt: •
•
•
•
•
Eat your roommate’s food. Do you have a death wish? ‘Nuff said. Use his or her belongings without permission. It is just disrespectful. Judge your roommate before you meet them. It is easy to turn to social media to find and stalk our soon-to-be roommates, but that does not mean you should. Social media will not tell you everything you need to know about a roommate. Expect to become BFFs. Although being friends could be nice, it does not always turn out that way. Become a recluse. It is fine if you spend the day inside having “me” time, but do not make it a habit. Your roommate probably enjoys their alone time as much as you do.
Sharing Space
A shelf shows belongings of two different individuals. Roommates often have to share space with others who have different personalities.
NEWS 5A
Aug. 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
FACILITIES
Department lacks single location, seeks permanent home OLIVIA HARTUNG/ANNA BROWN ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ 6M_[ -LQ\WZ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\
There is no space dedicated to the Department of Human Environmental Sciences in the new Science and Technology building. Human Environmental Sciences is currently spread across Florence with part of the department located in the bottom floor of Floyd Hall and the other half at East Campus on Tune Avenue. “I do know there are a lot of discussions going on and the administration is working very hard to determine what options are available so that we can choose the best option,� said Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences Donna Lefort. The lower level of Floyd Hall has a computer lab, sewing lab, drafting lab and a gallery where the students display their work and projects. However, officials said demolition of Floyd Hall begins at the end of the fall 2015 semester. “I do not think there has been a decision, but I do know there are a lot of folks actively investigating any options for them,� Lefort said. Assistant Vice President for Facilities Administration and Planning Michael Gautney also said the Human Environmental Science has not been
designated to any area yet. “Once we move out, we will have the Department of Human Environmental Science somewhere to go,� Gautney said. Lefort said the new Science and Technology building is designated for College of Arts and Sciences. Human Environmental Science is an academic department in College of Education and Human Sciences.
�
THERE WAS NO POSSIBILITY OF MOVING INTO THE NEW SCIENCE BUILDING. (HUMAN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES) WAS OBVIOUSLY HOPING THAT FLOYD WOULD BE RENOVATED AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT ONLY STAY, BUT EXPAND.
Floyd Hall. She said she thinks the Human Environmental Science Department is overlooked by the university. “They also have a portion of their department at our East Campus so that Department is actually split,� Lefort said. “We are just looking at relocating part of the department.� “I’m OK with Floyd Hall being torn down since it is kind of old and needs to be rebuilt,� said junior Human Environmental Sciences major Andrew Vaughn.
DONNA LEFORT DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SCIENCES “There was no possibility of moving into the new science building,� Lefort said. “They were obviously hoping that Floyd would be renovated and that they would not only stay, but expand.� Junior Human Environmental Sciences major Carrie Mitchell said she does not like her classes being held in
photo courtesy of Shannon Wells
Jane Wilson, chair of the Department of Human Environmental Sciences assists a student at a sewing machine in one of the sewing labs on the lower level of Floyd Hall. The department must relocate after Floyd Hall is demolished this spring.
+01-. KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Gillilan said he thinks his experiences in both types of police work helped him learn important training skills, law enforcement technologies and the ability to connect with civilians on a personal level. “Through the combination of both sides, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about emergency management and mitigating risks,� Gillilan said. Gillilan previously served as chief of police at three universities including Samford University, Talladega College and the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. He also served as the Police captain at Southside Police Department
He said he thinks it is a good thing the Human Environmental Sciences Department was not moved into the new science building so they can be separate. Senior Zachary Gaylen said he is worried the Human Environmental Science Department is “getting the short end of the stick� due to all the new construction. “I think it is really unfortunate that the Department is not placed in the new science building,� Gaylen said.
in Southside and as an investigator at Moody Police Department in Moody. Senior Administrative Assistant said she is already impressed with Gillilan’s performance at UNA. “I have been very impressed with the innovative ideas he has to advance the police department,� Michael said. “He has excellent communication with the students and he is very conscientious about the way he responds and answers to questions and complaints.�
Lauderdale Lanes Lauderd
;=:>-A KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) “We’re hoping that they’ll complete it, but we don’t have a system in place yet to confirm that they do it,� Jacques said. “We’re just encouraging them to do this because we want to make sure they’re knowledgeable about this information.� Current non-transfer upperclassmen may complete the Haven program if they like, but it is not required, she said. “Some current sophomores completed the Haven program last year as freshmen, but the response was not as strong,� she said. “We’re going to do more bystander intervention programming with the current upperclassmen in a one-on-one environment.�
• 978 STUDENTS • 49.8 PERCENT
The survey administered during the fall 2014 semester provided critical information about campus resources, student experiences and campus climate. This is the first of a series of four briefs containing information about students’ perceptions of campus leadership, policies and reporting practices pertaining to sexual assault, active bystander awareness and rape myth acceptance. Nine hundred seventy-eight students completed the survey, with 73 percent of respondents identifying as female, 26 percent as male and one percent as transgender or other.
SURVEY RECAP TOOK THE SURVEY OF RESPONDENTS SAID THEY WOULD NOT KNOW
WHERE TO GET HELP IF THEY OR A FRIEND WERE ASSAULTED.
$2 Stud Student Deal! $2 Shoe Rental
$2 Games
Monday through Thursday 12pm-4pm. Monday through Thursday 7pm to close. Must show current college ID. Limited lane availability, first come, first served. Not valid with any other coupons or offers. Prices do not include tax.
• 61.3 PERCENT OF RESPONDENTS SAID THEY “DISAGREEDâ€? OR “STRONGLY DISAGREEDâ€? WITH STATEMENTS INDICATING THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM DOES ENOUGH TO PROTECT STUDENTSĘź SAFETY AND PROVIDES A GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR STUDENTS WHO EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES.
• 79 PERCENT OF RESPONDENTS SAID THEY “AGREEDâ€? OR “STRONGLY AGREEDâ€? WITH STATEMENTS INDICATING THEY FELT VALUED AND CONNECTED TO THE UNIVERSITY, FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION.
6A NEWS
Aug. 27, 2015• The Flor-Ala
FINANCE
State legislators consider performance-based funding model ANNA BROWN
6M_[ -LQ\WZ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\
ll
e eg
“When you were previously in 13th place out of 14, any sort of change in a funding model is positive,” Carter said. A report from the National Conference of State Legislatures found 32 states currently use a performance-based funding model. The report also indicated Alabama’s four neighboring states use, or are transitioning into, a performancebased funding model for their community and 4-year institutions.
;MM .=6,16/ XIOM )
A GE MIN
IS
h
t
g
it
ies
states using performance-based funding
TERRI COLLINS
CHAIR OF EDUCATION POLICY COMMITTEE
U nity
S
T
R
e
WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL! find out more: Cross Point Church of Christ, 1350 Cox Creek Pkwy Florence, AL 35633 UNA _ Campus Cross Point Campus UNA _ Campus campus@crosspointcoc.org World Bible School http://bit.ly/1IQj1Mx
14 universities
out of
THINGS OR IT MAKES IT HARDER TO IMPLEMENT.
n
s
il
13th
TO FIND A MODEL THAT FITS OR HOW YOU DO
RY
Po
ib
was ranked
WEʼVE BEEN LOOKING AT OTHER STATES AND HOW THEYʼVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL. YOU HAVE
CAMPUS s
In 2014,
”
T
Co
As complications with the state education budget sparks interest within the legislature, talk about alternative higher education funding models runs among legislators. Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, said the legislature is looking at a performancebased allocations model for universities in Alabama. Rep. Collins chairs the education policy committee and serves on the education wage and means committee. “We’re looking at other states and how they’ve been successful,” she said. “You have to find a model that fits for how you do things or it makes it harder to implement. We want to make sure we don’t hurt something we’re trying to help.” A performance-based funding model looks at metrics such as graduation rate, retention rate and the number of students with Pell grants and determines the university’s performance based on these numbers, said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter. Carter said Alabama legislature currently decides how much money goes to each university each year based on the amount the university received the previous year. He called it a “modified budget model.”
“In essence, they don’t really have a ‘model,’” he said. “This is problematic.” Last year, UNA ranked 13th out of the 14 state-funded universities in Alabama. Carter said this low ranking was the result of UNA’s distance from — and lack of university presence in — Montgomery.
32
legislature approved
$6m $4.1m
4.3%
$1.5m
HIGHER ED
saw
K-12
increase for 2016 fiscal year
VIEWPOINTS 7A
Aug. 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
College media loses advocate, inspiration
REVIEW EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KALI DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR JASMINE FLEMING NEWS EDITOR ANNA BROWN LIFE EDITOR MELISSA PARKER SPORTS EDITOR MIKE EZEKIEL ONLINE EDITOR EMILY KAZUNGU BUSINESS MANAGER JORDAN BYRD GRAPHIC DESIGNERS PEYTON LAWLER MICHAEL MEIGS KELSEY WEATHERS CIRCULATION MANAGER ALAN KIMBREL CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KAITLIN DOUGLASS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS AMANDALYN DORNER KATLYN SHANNON SHAY REDD ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS
JASMINE FLEMING
5IVIOQVO -LQ\WZ UIVIOQVO(NTWZITI VM\
While at The Big Deal Aug. 20, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my Facebook News Feed. I instantly regretted the decision when I discovered one of my biggest inspirations in journalism, Dan Reimold, died at age 34. Reimold was an assistant journalism professor and student media adviser at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, but I knew him as the public speaker I had the opportunity to hear twice. Both times, he made me feel what I and my coworkers at The FlorAla do is infinitely important. During my year as online
Content is determined by the student editorial staff of The Flor-Ala and has not been approved by the university.
The staff strives to maintain the integrity of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call 256-765-4364 or email editor@florala. net.
Letters Policy Letters to the editor should be emailed to editor@florala.net or mailed to: The Flor-Ala UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632 Letters must include name and telephone number for verification. Please limit letters to 400 words. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.
his life to student media and helping students understand it better. What I admired most about Reimold was the importance he placed on college media. It is often a steppingstone for reporters and media professionals, but Reimold saw it as its own important entity to expose truths and inform readers. A College Media Association release said it best: “He covered the students who were covering their campuses, and he consistently legitimized an often-overlooked area of journalism. When collegiate media was facing budget cuts, publication thefts and other threats, he shed light on their struggles.” The second time I heard Reimold speak was this summer at the Management Seminar for College News Editors in Athens, Georgia. I did not know he would be a presenter, and I was excited to hear him speak. Very few instructors can make you laugh
and learn at the same time, but when they do, you cannot help but listen. To lose someone I did not know personally but admired professionally has been confusing. However, like any difficult situation, the best I can do is learn from it, and I think there is a lesson we can all embrace from Reimold’s inspiration. No matter your passion, you have the opportunity to share it with someone. Take that opportunity whenever you can to show others why you do what you do. Although Reimold died at 34, he already did so much for college media, which is why such a large journalism community respected him. There are times when I think about my future and how unsure it can be. But I know now it does not matter where I end up, so long as I put pen to paper every day to get there. Writing is my passion, and life is truly about embracing your passion.
Social media encourages unhealthy comparisons
Editorial Policy Corrections
editor, I attended the fall College Media Association conference in Philadelphia where I heard him speak for the first time. By the time he was finished, I had two pages covered front to back with story ideas to share with our staff. Even better, I left with the renewed feeling of having an important job to do: Help our publication produce important stories that people truly care about and want to read. I got the chance to meet him later, and I told him I attend UNA. He instantly spoke of The Flor-Ala and asked what I liked and disliked about my job. I was impressed that he knew about our publication, but looking back, I am not surprised. Reimold ran a website called CollegeMediaMatters.com, where he constantly analyzed the state of college media to give meaningful advice and success stories to campuses all over the country. He dedicated
ANNA BROWN
6M_[ -LQ\WZ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\
Social media. It is the magical place where all spare time and energy goes to die. Self-esteem and satisfaction can also disappear in the pages of wall posts and tweets. A study conducted by the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found “social comparison” leads to increased rates of depression and discontent. Social comparison is “making comparisons, often
between our most humdrum moments and our friends ‘highlight reels’ – the vacation montages and cute baby pics,” according to the study. The results of this study do not surprise me. People young and old around the world are obsessed with the perfect “selfie.” We mull over clever things to post on social media each day. I spend too many lunch breaks and late nights scrolling through posts and photos about people’s happy or unhappy lives. I often find myself comparing my relationship or my job to others because of what I see on social media. I see posts about people’s accomplishments and I feel a deep envy rise. I think, “why can’t I look that good in a party dress?” or “I wish I could have a good job like he does.” Since I was a preteen, I
have struggled with insecurity. Due to struggles with my weight, I developed a selfimage problem as a teenager. Even though I am now very active and a healthy weight, I still have insecurities about my appearance. It would be ignorant to think social media made no contribution to my continued struggle with my image. All of these comparisons are a waste of energy. If we are constantly absorbed with beating other people’s accomplishments and appearance to prove our worth, we will never do what we are supposed to do. I think we all need to realize social media is not always reality. Another Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin study found couples who posted the most gushy, positive
IJ NTERESTEDʼ IN WRITING ? S 4 .. OIN OUR WEEKLY WRITERS MEETINGS UNDAYS AT IN THE STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
OFFICE
WILLINGHAM HALL 643 N. WOOD AVE.
BEHIND
PM
information about their relationships actually have the most relationship problems. So, do not feel badly about your relationship status when you do not have the same mushy feelings as your Facebook friends. I firmly believe each person was born to be a unique individual, not a copy of someone else. If we continue comparing ourselves to others on social media, how will we discover who we are supposed to be? As a woman determined to leave my mark on the world, I refuse to compare myself to other people around me. My life goal is to live this quote by the great poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK! Spencer Brooks and Katlyn Shannon
8A NEWS
Aug. 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
EMPLOYMENT
Officials say social media may affect job possibilities ANNA BROWN
6M_[ -LQ\WZ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\
Professors and friends warn college students to keep their social media pages free of racy material and drunken photos, but can social media affect someone’s chances at getting a job? Assistant Director of Career Planning and Development Jennifer Smith said many people lose jobs or miss a job offer due to the content of their social media pages. “Employers will not tell you that they are screening your social media sites, but you can be certain they are,” Smith said. Because each employee is an extension of the company, employers keep a close watch on employees’ social media sites, she said. “It’s OK to have an account and post photos of family vacations and such, but constant negative posts do not look good,” she said. Some companies even make employees sign an agreement that they will not post negative comments about the company on their social media sites. First Metro Bank Education and Training Director Alana Parker said First Metro views every social media account
a potential employee holds before the interview. “I go talk to high school classes and tell them we are keeping up with what they do on social media,” Parker said. Parker said most of the time they find good things about potential employees because of the increase in social media awareness. “Five to seven years ago, you would interview someone and find bad stuff on their social media,” she said. “That’s not as big of a problem anymore.”
”
FIVE TO SEVEN YEARS AGO YOU WOULD
INTERVIEW SOMEONE AND FIND BAD STUFF ON
THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILE. THATʼS NOT AS BIG OF A PROBLEM ANYMORE.
ALANA PARKER
FIRST METRO BANK EDUCATION AND TRAINING DIRECTOR She said First Metro views potential employees’ Twitter accounts first, then moves to Instagram and Facebook. “Most young people don’t use Facebook anymore so we usually view it
last,” she said. Parker said sometimes she knows someone who is on potential employees’ friends’ list. If so, she said they might talk to that person to get their opinion. Sophomore Briana Thorn said she thinks students must be careful about what they post on social media. “If a potential employer sees ugly stuff on your social media page, they won’t hire you,” she said. Junior Amber Morrow said she understands why employers view potential employees’ social media profile. “They don’t want to hire somebody who might misrepresent their company,” Morrow said. Smith said using profanity, posting photos of alcohol and lots of “selfies,” and posting while at work send a red flag to potential employers. “Please, don’t ever post ‘I’m bored’ while you’re at work,” she said. “This could get you in trouble with your current employer and keep you from getting other jobs.” Smith said one way college students can “put their best foot forward” on social media is to use a LinkedIn account. LinkedIn is a professional social networking site. “LinkedIn is a great way for students
.=6,16/ KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Collins said the state of Alabama does not give universities enough money for the state to prescribe how the money is used. “This (performance-based funding) is a way to require schools to give measurements back to us to see if the school is moving in a good direction,” she said. “It will hold everyone accountable to what their mission statement and goals are.” Alabama legislature approved a $6 million education bill this spring. $1.5 million of those dollars went to higher education and $4.1 million to K-12 education. UNA saw a $1 million increase in state appropriations for the 2016 fiscal year following the latest legislative session, moving UNA to third out of the 14 public universities in Alabama, Carter said. Carter said this was a 4.3 percent increase in funding for UNA compared to 2015.
”
THIS (FUNDING) IS A WAY TO REQUIRE
SCHOOLS TO GIVE MEASUREMENTS BACK TO US TO SEE IF THE SCHOOL IS MOVING IN A GOOD DIRECTION.
TERRI COLLINS
DECATUR REPRESENTATIVE Carter said a number of different metrics are used to determine which
universities perform best. He said basing performance solely on graduation rate is too isolated to determine how well the university is doing. He said the graduation rate metric does not consider students who transferred to other universities, causing the freshman cohort to be skewed. “In some ways, UNA serves as a twoyear school for many local students who then transfer to larger universities like Alabama or Auburn,” Carter said. “The same goes for students who transfer to UNA from other public 4-year schools in Alabama.” Carter said he thinks schools should be given credit for the students who graduate in six years, but transferred to another university before graduation. He said this is a problem because it appears the university did not contribute to the student’s degree. “I think the transfer students should be subtracted from the freshman cohort or both universities should get credit for that student when he or she graduates,” he said. Carter also said that the amount of students on Pell grants should be considered if Alabama moved to a performance-based funding model. Senior Jake Rodgers said he thought the state of Alabama already followed the performance-based funding model. “Having heard that it’s not performance-based, I’m taken back,” Rodgers said. He said he thinks changing to a performance-based funding model will alleviate some of the problems, but it might not fix the problem.
to search for employment and show employers what they are capable of doing by posting resumes and projects,” she said. “Our department uses it as a screening tool.” Smith said Google Dashboard allows users to choose which social media accounts show up first in Google searches. If people are concerned about what an employer might find on their Facebook pages, they can choose for their LinkedIn account to show up first in the search results.
THE DOʼS AND DONʼTʼS SOCIAL MEDIA
OF
DO • SHARE • SHARE • POST
POSITIVE IMAGES AND MEMES PHOTOS FROM FAMILY VACATIONS
GOOD INFORMATION ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS
DONʼT • SHARE CRUDE IMAGES OR POSTS • POST NUMEROUS “SELFIES” • POST PHOTOS SHOWING YOU WEARING
REVEALING OR
PROVOCATIVE CLOTHING
• USE
CURSE WORDS OR PROVOCATIVE LANGUAGE IN
POSTS
• INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT A RECENT JOB INTERVIEW • POST WHILE AT WORK • POST NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT YOUR JOB OR EMPLOYER
LIFE S B SINGINĘź SISTERS ECTION
Aug. 27, 2015• The Flor-Alaa
photos by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer
Vocal performance majors Gabby Fuqua (left) and Jessica Bailey represented the university this summer. Fuqua competed in the National Association for the Teaching of Singing (NATS) and Bailey was asked to perform in two operas with the Opera Festival in Rome, Italy.
Fuqua takes third place at competition Bailey performs in two Italian operas CHLOE ALLEN
;\INN ?ZQ\MZ KITTMV (]VI ML]
Born and raised in Florence, senior Gabby Fuqua has been singing since she was 3 years old. What began as a hobby and an act of church choir participation soon blossomed into a passion. At Florence High School, she participated in show choir and theatre, but she said it was not until she came to UNA that she really started to get serious about her singing. “It’s not just singing anymore, there’s an art form to it,â€? Fuqua said. UNA student and Fuqua’s fiancĂŠ William Wade said she is always ready to offer a helping hand and a smile. “Gabrielle is just like the average joe that has all these classes and little time to herself, but she knows when to flip that switch and kick into gear
Gabby Fuqua’s love of singing earned her third place in a national singing competition earlier this year.
IN THIS SECTION
to get where she needs to be both as a student and a performer,� he said. Fuqua’s major is vocal performance, but she specializes in classical music and opera. “I never imagined I would be singing opera,� she said. The less-thancontemporary genre has served her well, though. Over the summer, Fuqua competed in the National Association for the Teaching of Singing (NATS) competition in Greensboro, North Carolina. Not only did she make it to the national level of the competition, but she also took third place in the of Women’s Musical Theatre category. Her praise for the UNA Music Department was high as she commented on the staff as well as Tiffany Brown, her mentor. Brown has worked with Fuqua for three years now, and her feelings for her student are just as admirable. “Music and singing comes easy to Gabrielle,� Brown said. To read the rest of this story, visit florala.net.
MELISSA PARKER 4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\
When she applied to the Opera Festival in Rome on a whim in March, senior vocal performance major Jessica Bailey never believed she would spend six weeks of her summer in Italy performing in two operas. She sent an application and two short performance videos to the program in March and heard back from them in April, she said. Senior Rachel Miller said many apply for programs like this, but for Bailey to apply and get it right away was wonderful. “We were all very excited to have one of the members of our opera representing our school on such a large scale,� she said. Director of Choral Activities Ian Loeppky said everyone in the choral ensemble was proud and excited for Bailey. “Opportunities like this are offered to only the best young singers,� he said. Bailey traveled to Italy in May with the chamber choir. When the choir left she spent the next week in her hotel room preparing for the operas.
LIFE Choreographer launches dance crew See page 2B
She was scheduled to perform in two operas, “Le Nozze di Figaro,� (“The Marriage of Figaro,�) by Mozart and “Suor Angelica,� (“Sister Angelica,�) by Puccini, she said. While studying and trying to learn the pieces she would perform, old doubts and fears came back to her, she said. Growing up, Bailey struggled with reading and learning words and was put in different classes in school to help her learn. “I was put into reading and math classes when I first started to read,� she said. “I remember playing computer games that were catered to learning. I guess that’s what really started the songs for learning and how I understood things more.� To read the rest of this story, visit florala.net.
Jessica Bailey performed in two operas in Italy this summer. She hopes her story inspires others to follow their dreams.
SPORTS Events on- and off-campus See page 7B
2012 signees approach senior season See page 4B
Who is Melanie Leonida? See page 5B
2B LIFE
Aug. 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
FEATURE
Self-taught dancer, choreographer launches campus crew
MELISSA PARKER 4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\
photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer
As a 5-year-old boy growing up in Tuscaloosa, LaDarius Prince watched his mother dance in the car to songs by artists such as Janet and Michael Jackson. He copied her moves and dreamt of being a dancer one day, he said. “I’ve always told my mom that I wanted to be a dancer,” he said. “Every
LaDarius Prince practices choreography on campus. He credits one person with his passion for dance. “It all started because of my mom,” he said.
time we tried to have the money to take dance classes, it was never enough.” Prince said he watched music videos and YouTube videos of his favorite dancers and taught himself how to dance. Prince said he has studied many types of dance on his own, including jazz and ballet, and also has a background in martial arts that has helped him in his dancing. Determination and desire have helped him pursue his dream of becoming a dancer. Prince said he is working to build his portfolio and hoping one day he will get to audition in Los Angeles. He has gathered a group of 17 students at UNA who dance together and began posting YouTube videos in July. “It’s all my choreography,” he said, “everything I’ve dreamed of and written about.” Senior Tori Patterson, who is part of his group, said they started practicing at the YMCA of the Shoals this summer in preparation for launching the videos. Patterson said she first met Prince when she took his Zumba class at the Student Recreation Center her sophomore year. She said his energy and the way he taught drew her in. “He always managed to have 30 or more people in his classes,” she said. “I think that speaks so highly of his
character.” Prince said, when he dances and choreographs, he watches the people around him for inspiration because even the simplest moves can become part of the choreography. There is more to dancing than just the movement, he said. “Every dance I do, I want there to be a story and emotion behind it,” he said. Senior Ashlyn Richter, former UNA cheerleader, said she met Prince about six months ago when he approached her and her fiance to help him with his portfolio. Richter, who has a background in dance, said Prince’s choreographies are smooth and easy to follow. “It’s different than anything I’ve ever done before,” she said. “He really knows how to make things flow with the music.” Now a fitness management major, Prince said he wants to own his own dance company one day. “That’s my dream job,” he said. “I love choreographing and dancing.” He said he often begins his day at 4 a.m., headphones in and music on, and continues into the night, whether it is teaching classes or working on his own choreographies. Prince’s dance portfolio really began when he was 7 years old. To read the rest of this story, visit florala.net.
HOUSING
Resident Assistants share common student concerns
Q&A
Q:
What is the question you get asked most frequently?
GABBY JOHNSON
;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ ORWPV[WV (]VI ML]
Kelso said, “‘What’s the password to the wifi?’ Every day we get calls on the duty phone asking that question. It’s a good question and a lot of people don’t know the answer to it. We’re glad we can provide that.”
Student writer Gabby Johnson sat down with Senior Resident Assistants Kate Partain and Drake Vaccaro, and Resident Assistant Katie Kelso for a brief chat about dorm residents’ biggest concerns.
Q:
How do you handle personal issues, such as emotional issues, when your residents bring them to you?
Vaccaro said, “One big thing is to start off out the gate with really good relationships, letting them know, ‘Hey, I’m the R.A. of the floor, so just let me know if you need anything at all because that’s what I’m here for’. You just really have to build those strong relationships from the beginning.”
Partain said, “There’s also the aspect of liability, so that if we’re told certain things, we either have to handle it the way we’re given by procedure, or we have to take it to an area coordinator kind of thing. There are multiple people who like to work and solve the problem as best as they can.”
A: A:
Q:
A:
Any interesting concerns you have heard or gotten this year?
A:
Kelso said, “In the new hall (Mattielou), the shower knobs don’t turn 180 degrees. They turn 90 degrees. Girls were freaking out because the knob did not turn all the way. It’s a new hall, and everyone is trying to figure out new things. There are a lot of changes they are adjusting to.
Q:
What is the funniest fear you have heard from the incoming freshmen, or is there anything that sticks out to you from any year?
Partain said, “The fear is ultimately, ‘am I going to hate the person I’m going to be living with because I don’t know them?’ We do our part to help them out one-on-one and we figure out what we can do to make them feel comfortable.”
Vaccaro said, “I always tell people going into my freshman year I met my roommate at SOAR. We didn’t even know each other until then, and it really worked out best. They’re not the first to go through it and they’ll make it. They’ll be alright.”
A: A:
LIFE 3B
Aug. 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
LIONS PLACE, LLC re e i m e r P The lege Col y t i n u Comm www.lionsplace.net 256-760-8873
4 Bedroom 4 Bath Duplex with 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Minutes from UNA Your own bedroom and bath Individual leases Free cable & Wifi Appliances including Washer & dryer Front Porch & patios
Duplex with 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Nightly drive thru-security Two water heaters in each 4 bedroom Annual Court House Racket Club membership w/$29.95 initiation fee Lawn Maintenance Large yards Ample parking Quarterly Pest Control
4B SPORTS LION SPORTS FALL 2015
Aug. 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
FOOTBALL
Football Sept. 6 at Miles College (Sunday) Sept. 12 vs. Mississippi College Sept. 26 vs. Florida Tech Oct. 3 at Valdosta State Oct. 10 at Western Oregon Oct. 17 vs. North Carolina-Pembroke (Homecoming) Oct. 24 at West Georgia Oct. 31 vs. Delta State Nov. 7 at Shorter Nov. 14 vs. West Alabama
Volleyball TONY BANNER INVITATIONAL CLARION, PENNSYLVANIA Sept. 4 vs. Indianapolis (9 a.m.) Sept. 4 vs. Ashland (3 p.m.) Sept. 5 at Clarion (11 a.m.) Sept. 5 vs. Hillsdale College (3 p.m.) UNA VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC FLORENCE, ALABAMA Sept. 11 vs. Kentucky Wesleyan (1 p.m.) Sept. 11 vs. Montevallo (7 p.m.) Sept. 12 vs. Southern Wesleyan (1:30 p.m.) Sept. 12 vs. Quincy (6 p.m.)
Soccer Sept. 3 at McKendree Sept. 5 vs. Belmont Academy Sept. 11 at Nova Southeastern Sept. 13 at Palm Beach Atlantic Sept. 17 vs. Alabama-Huntsville Sept. 20 vs. Lee University Sept. 23 at Shorter University Sept. 27 vs. Cumberland
Cross Country Sept. 5 Sewanee Invitational (Sewanee, Tennessee) Sept. 12 Early Jacoby/UAH Charger Invitational (Huntsville, Alabama) Sept. 26 Rhodes College Invitational (Memphis, Tennessee) Oct. 9 Watson Ford Invitational (Clinton, Mississippi) Games continued at roarlions.com
photo by SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer
Members of the 2012 North Alabama football team pose for a picture before practice Aug. 20. These players were a part of coach Bobby Wallace’s first team since returning to UNA for his second stint.
Initial signing class reaches senior season MIKE EZEKIEL
;XWZ\[ -LQ\WZ [XWZ\[(NTWZITI VM\
When North Alabama made the decision to rehire head coach Bobby Wallace in 2012 after his successful stint in the ‘90s, Wallace knew he needed to make an impact right away. The past three years of success UNA has experienced started with the 2012 recruiting class. Heading into 2015, the Lions have 15 players returning from its 2012 recruiting class, including 12 lettermen. “We were very fortunate to sign some of the players we signed,” Wallace said. “We have 10 starters out of that group. This is a great group with a lot of leadership and camaraderie.” UNA signed 37 high school players and four transfers in 2012. Wallace said the philosophy of recruiting high school talent helped lay a foundation for the future. “This group was the backbone of the fact we were able to not have a losing season the first year and win the conference the last two years,” he said.
”I
FELT LIKE I GREW UP WITH ALL OF MY TEAMMATES FROM FRESHMAN YEAR UNTIL NOW. TO SEE WHERE WE ARE NOW IS A GREAT FEELING.
STEPHEN EVANS RIGHT GUARD Wallace, being rehired in January 2012, had one month to put a coaching staff together and recruit players before National Signing Day. “We had a late start,” Wallace said. “I didn’t have a coaching staff in place until probably two weeks into January.
All of this happened in about a month so we are very fortunate.” While many of the lettermen from the 2012 class signed into the program, others — such as offensive lineman Stephen Evans, tight end Grant Lake and fullback Hayden Henderson — came in as walk-ons. While most of the high school recruits were within a two-hour radius of Florence, Evans, a red-shirt junior, ventured all the way from Boston, Massachusetts. “My passion brought me here,” Evans said. “I just needed some change from being in Boston. I wanted to try something new and UNA has really become my home.” Evans, who has family in Livingston, where rival school West Alabama resides, said his family told him about UNA. “(Florence) is a different environment,” Evans said. “I really don’t think about it now that I’ve been here for almost four years. I like it here and it’s been my home ever since.” UNA granted Evans a scholarship in 2013 after his redshirt season. “My first season, Coach (Scott) Harper told me to keep working hard and something good will come my way,” Evans said. “I went home that summer and found out I got scholarship money which made me and my mom happy.” Evans said the guys he was recruited with made him feel at home. “Since it was Coach Wallace’s first year back it was new for all of us,” Evans said. “I felt like I grew up with all of my teammates from freshman year until now. To see where we are now is a great feeling.” Senior Khyle Jackson said he felt like many teams overlooked him as a high school recruit from state champion Madison Academy. “I really didn’t have any offers until UNA offered me,” Jackson said. “I liked the coaching staff and I really gelled with the players from the freshman class all the way up until our senior year.”
PLAYERS FROM THE 2012 TEAM SENIOR • • • • • • • • • •
KHYLE JACKSON FLOYD JONES GRANT LAKE LEE MAYHALL JALEN REEDUS DIAMOND SIMMONS LAMONTE THOMPSON MARKELDON WASHINGTON LUKE WINGO ROD WINSTON
JUNIOR • • • • • • • • • • • • •
TREVOR BROOKS STEPHEN EVANS TYLER GRIGSBY EDDRICK HARRIS DEANDRE HARRISON HAYDEN HENDERSON KAMARINE KING WILL MINOR BRAXTON PITTS JAMES RIVERS BEN THOMAS JACOB TUCKER BRAYDEN WILLIAMS
SOPHOMORE • HAROLD SWOPES JR. Jackson said he thinks the 2012 class “is up there” as one of the best in UNA history. “We weren’t sure how we would turn out,” Jackson said. “We grew together and we got better together and personally I got better as a player at UNA.”
SPORTS 5B
Aug. 27, 2015• The Flor-Ala
CHEERLEADING
Squad conquers division at competitions, nationals await MIKE EZEKIEL
;XWZ\[ -LQ\WZ [XWZ\[(NTWZITI VM\
A commonly debated topic is whether or not cheerleading is a sport. As 20 UNA cheerleaders participate in numerous workout sessions and compete against other universities in cheer competitions, all while supporting other UNA sports on the sidelines yearround, the cheer squad feels it deserves respect. “Some people just don’t realize the hours that go behind putting routines together,” said UNA head cheer coach Kim Bailey. “Since the beginning of the summer, they have worked out two days a week and have tumbling for two hours each week.” The squad spends its summer preparing for cheer season, which lasts the remainder of the year, unlike most sports which have an offseason. Bailey said in July her team practiced every day for one week, on top of workouts, in preparation for a tryout to receive a bid from the
National Cheerleading Association’s national competition at the University of Louisville. “These girls are working on a big goal,” Bailey said. “Not only are we preparing for nationals and focusing on our own goal, but we also have to prepare for football season and basketball season.” Prior to October 2013, UNA had two separate cheer squads: The competition squad and the squad that cheers for athletics during games. “When I came into UNA athletics with the cheer program, we wanted to bond the two squads,” Bailey said. “With them being separated, the unity wasn’t there. When we brought them together, we wanted to remind them we are a family and it’s been nothing but a positive experience since bringing them back.” Bailey said one separating aspect of cheer from other sports is the lack of depth for replacing injured cheerleaders. “If we have a girl out, we have to shift stunt groups and that’s huge,” Bailey said. “It’s not like we have a second
string person ready to go. The whole routine changes and that can become taxing on the girls.”
”
WE WANT EVERY SINGLE SPORT TO BRING HOME A CHAMPIONSHIP. WITH US COMPETING THIS YEAR, WE NEED THAT SUPPORT, TOO.
NATALIE FLANAGAN SENIOR
Natalie Flanagan is the only senior returning to the cheer squad this season and said she would like to go out with a bang. “A successful season for me would be team bonding,” Flanagan said. “I just want 19 best friends. I would like to go out being able to walk off that mat for the last time knowing I gave it my all.” Flanagan said she believes cheerleading should be taken seriously
as a sport. “I feel like people need to walk in our shoes for a day,” Flanagan said. “I don’t think people from the outside actually see the work that we put in. We get hurt like any other athlete and have pain like other athletes go through. We have a passion for cheerleading and we love UNA.” Flanagan said she would love to see other sports teams support the cheer squad, just as the cheer squad supports them. “We want every single sport to bring home a championship,” Flanagan said. “With us competing this year, we need that support, too. It’s good to know that when we come home, someone will be proud of us.” Sophomore Hailey House said it takes a positive attitude to make it through a long season. “Of course this takes a lot of skill but a lot of this has to do with attitude,” House said. “Having a positive attitude is important because if you’re going to be negative, you’re not going to get anywhere.”
PROFILE
Senior soccer player takes vocal leadership role KADIN POUNDERS
;\INN ?ZQ\MZ SXW]VLMZ[(]VI ML]
photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer
Defender Melanie Leonida runs hard to get the ball during the girl’s soccer practice. Leonida is a senior and will be going on her fourth year as a UNA Lion Soccer player.
Melanie Leonida has had a productive and successful career as a member of the UNA soccer team, to say the least. The defender from London, England, has 36 career starts and is one of two seniors on the squad. Leonida takes pride in her leadership role and says helping others is not just a benefit to them but to herself. “I’ve just always been a leader,” Leonida said. “I just like to take it upon myself to help other people and take them under my wing. It helps me a lot. “Even when I’m stressed, just as long as I know I’m helping someone else and I’m leading other people it makes me feel a little better about myself.” Leonida is one of seven UNA soccer players from overseas and one of three players from England. One may wonder how a talented footballer from the U.K. ended up all the way in Florence. “It basically started when I started playing for Chelsea Ladies, a football club back home, and then I joined (England College team) and that’s kind of how I made my connections here,” Leonida said. “The head coach was
Graham (Winkworth) when he was here and he was the one that asked me to come here.” Leonida is a talented player, but she says talent is not all it takes to be a great soccer player.
”
IʼVE JUST ALWAYS BEEN A LEADER. I JUST
LIKE TO TAKE IT UPON MYSELF TO HELP OTHER
PEOPLE OUT AND TAKE THEM UNDER MY WING. IT HELPS ME A LOT.
MELANIE LEONIDA SENIOR
“You have to know a lot about the game and the way the different positions work,” Leonida said. “Even if you’re a goalkeeper you need to know how the forward and midfield operates. And you need to be confident. If you don’t believe in yourself then you’ll never be a good player.”
;MM 4-761,) XIOM *
6B SPORTS
Aug. 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
WEBSITE
Athletic department modernizes internet page SPENCER BROOKS
;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ [JZWWS[ (]VI ML]
The UNA athletic department updated its website, roarlions.com, this month to give the page a more modern look. UNA partnered with Sidearm Sports, who powers the athletic websites of over 800 collegiate programs. Athletic director Mark Linder said he was pleased with the updated site. “It was time for us to provide our fan base with more video content and the ability to connect,” Linder said. “We believe the new design is more userfriendly and provides a great website for our fans to remain connected.” UNA Sports Information Director Jeff Hodges said, with the help of Sidearm Sports, he and his assistant Shane Herrmann recreated the website. “We basically redid and rebuilt the entire website from scratch,” Hodges said. “Sidearm showed us how to do it and then we did all the moving of it. It
4-761,) KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * On the field, players know who to look to for guidance. Leonida was a team captain for her national championshipwinning high school team back home as well as for the Chelsea Ladies FC and England Colleges. Now she is a team captain for UNA and is also a member of UNA’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Head soccer coach Chris Walker sees leadership traits in Leonida as a player and as a person. “Mel is a hard working team captain,” Walker said. “She is one of the most vocal players on the team and is constantly encouraging all of the players around her.” Walker said he believes Leonida will finish her soccer career at UNA successfully, as well as in the classroom. “We are looking forward to her having a successful senior year and finishing her college career with a great experience both on and off the field.”
was a lot of work, but it was enjoyable creating something new that you hope people appreciate.” According to Hodges, UNA used ShoalsWeb as its company to power the website for over a decade before making the update. “ShoalsWeb had done a great job for us for about 17 years back when people first started having websites,” he said. Hodges said he thinks the website does a great job of focusing on the athletes. “It really gave us the opportunity to showcase our student athletes a little better with more video content and photos,” he said. The desktop version provides information relating to the university’s sports programs including data about players, ticket prices, sports news and a live feed of their social media outlets, which allows viewers access to all venues without leaving the main site. Hodges said while ease of navigation was one aspect of the new website, the athletic department’s main goal was to
make a website the fans could enjoy. “We want it to showcase our department and our university, for one, but you want it to be something everybody is going to like and appreciate,” he said. “Hopefully that is what we accomplished.” The website’s new look is wellreceived by many of UNA’s students “I really like the way it’s implemented in showing you a live feed of what’s going on their social medias,” said junior Quint Glover. “ It feels like a better, smarter route to gain more followers and subscribers.” Glover, a computer science major, said he appreciates the info is accessible, unlike many websites. “It’s very well thought-out with all the relevant information right there for you and easy access to the rest of the site,” Glover said, “I didn’t have to hunt for anything on the site.” The mobile version, offering access to the entire site, puts more focus on news, events and results, those being the primary tabs on the page.
Teammate Susan Lang said Leonida has all of the qualities it takes to be a great leader. “She is a very composed and calm player on the pitch,” Lang said. “She is not afraid to put in a challenge. She gives it everything she has both in practice and in games.” Lang said Leonida’s maturity helps lead her teammates on and off the soccer field. “She is the oldest on the team and is very mature,” Lang said. “She is very vocal on and off the pitch and knows the game well.” Leonida, an Exercise Science major, hopes to further her education at UNA and make a difference after she hangs up the cleats. “I’m looking to go to grad school, hopefully here at UNA,” she said. “Cardiac rehab specialist is what I want to do, primarily, but if that doesn’t work out then I don’t know. I’ll keep an open mind but I want to go to grad school, definitely.” During the fall, between soccer and school, Leonida does not get much free
time. Her schedule, like most college students, is pretty hectic. But, during the little off time she does get, she just likes to relax and with her teammates not too far away. “Honestly with our schedule, between classes and practices, we don’t really have a lot of free time so (we are) just chilling out when we get the chance to,” Leonida said. “(The team) is like a big family so we pretty much hang out with each other even in our spare time.” This season will likely be Leonida’s last to put on a UNA uniform. She has been playing the game since she was five years old and although she has been a part of a lot of great teams and created countless memories, Leonida is hopeful this season at UNA will be the best yet. “Last year was our most successful year I’ve had here. The team cohesion was the best it’s ever been and I really enjoyed last season,” she said. “Maybe this season will be my best, best memory hopefully. Leonida will begin her senior season on the road against McKendree University Sept. 3. in Lebanan, Illinois.
“When someone goes to a mobile version of a website, they don’t want to have to search for an event schedule,” Glover said. “Looking for it takes away the ease of what a mobile site should provide and it’s a real pain. “On the mobile version, you literally just scroll down and there is the information. That’s all anyone cares about with a mobile version.” Senior Michael Phraner said the update has an appealing look and helpful information at the same time. “It looks really sleek and is very user-friendly,” Phraner said. “It’s definitely an upgrade.” Junior Jonathan Barnett said the new website has the total package. “Personally, I like it. It seems easy to navigate and pleasing to the eye,” Barnett said. “It also seems to have anything and everything that a person might be looking for on the website.” For anyone interested in viewing the site, visit roarlions.com either from your desktop or mobile device for more information.
MELANIE LEONIDA • POSTITION: DEFENDER
• CLASS: SENIOR • HEIGHT: 5ʼ 8ʼʼ • HOMETOWN: LONDON, ENGLAND
CAREER STATISTICS • GAMES: 42
• STARTS: 36 • SHOTS: 18 • GOALS: 2 • ASSISTS: 1 • POINTS: 5
EXTRA 7B
Aug 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
SEPTEMBER 2015 SUNDAY
MONDAY
1
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
Singin’ River Brewery Running Club 5:30 p.m.
2
3
4
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
5
Sustainable UNA Soccer vs. Differences at the end. Belmont Abbey 7 8 p.m. p.m. Big Joe & the Catfish Junkies at Champy’s 8 p.m.
6
7
8
9
100
111
12
13
14
115
16
17
18
19
20
221
22
23 2
244
25 2
226
27
28
2299
300
UNA Football University closed Singin’ River @ Miles College for Labor Day holiday Brewery Running (Birminghham) 6 p.m. Club 5:30 p.m.
The Geek Gathering Sheffield Recreation Center 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. UNA Soccer vs. Lee 7 p.m.
Singin’ River Brewery Running Club 5:30 p.m. UNA Volleyball @ West Alabama (Livingston) 6 p.m.
UNA Football vs. Mississippi College 6 p.m. UNA Volleyball Double-header: Southern Wesleyan 1 p.m. Quincy 6 p.m. XC (Huntsville)
The Geek The Shakedown UNA Soccer vs. Gathering Sheffield Kings at Champy’s UAH 7 p.m. Recreation Center 8 p.m. UNA Volleyball 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Doctor Who Series vs. Shorter 7 p.m. 9 Premiere Party Florence-Lauderdale Public Library 6 p.m.
Rape Aggression The Wildwood Oktoberfest at Defense (R.A.D.) Ruminators at Singin’ River Brewery Training 6 p.m. - 10 Champy’s 8 p.m. p.m. 2 p.m. UNA Football vs. Florida Tech 6 p.m.
Singin’ River Brewery Running Club 5:30 p.m. Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Singin’ River UNA Soccer vs. A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Running Cumberland 1 p.m. Lockdown, Inform, Brewery Counter, Evacuate) Club 5:30 p.m. UNA Volleyball Training 8 a.m. to 11 vs. West Georgia 1 a.m. p.m.
The Midnighters at Champy’s 8 p.m. UNA Volleyball Double-header: vs. Kentucky Wesleyan 1 p.m. vs. Montevallo 7 p.m.
8B EXTRA
SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK
Aug. 27, 2015 • The Flor-Ala