August25issue

Summer Recap p. 2 Roadwork on Wood Avenue p. 5 Back to School p. 7 Renewed Rivalry p.10

August 25, 2016 Vol. 85, Issue 1

2 SUMMER RECAP

Spending more, smoking less

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JASMINE FLEMING MANAGING EDITOR MIKE EZEKIEL NEWS EDITOR KAITLYN DAVIS LIFE EDITOR MONDAY SANDERSON SPORTS EDITOR ANDREW FULMER ONLINE EDITOR MADI WINKLER BUSINESS MANAGER JUSTIN BLANCHARD GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MICHAEL MEIGS DAVID SAN MIGUEL JACQUELINE WILLIS CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE HODGES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS SIERRA HILL HILLARY TAYLOR

The board of trustees approved an increase in tuition rates for the 2016-17 school year by 3.9 percent June 13, and the executive committee moved for a smoke free campus by fall 2017.

That means tuition will cost an additional $10 per credit hour, making the new rate $264 per credit hour for undergraduate students, due to a decrease in state funding.

The motion carried, and even with this increase, tuition and fees for UNA

The UNA football team will be short one key offensive weapon heading into the 2016 season.

Florence Police Department arrested former junior wide receiver Dajzon Dukes, 20, of Louisville, Kentucky, on charges of first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary July 12. If convicted, the charges are Class A felonies and punishable by 10 years to life.

Dukes is accused of robbing a man at Alpine Village apartment complex in May, according to the police report.

The Lauderdale County Detention

COVER PHOTO BY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE HODGES Courtesy of UNA Police Department

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.

Center held Dukes on $100,000 bail.

The UNA football team indefinitely suspended Dukes immediately following the arrest, according to Sports Information. Dukes is no longer listed on the team’s roster.

Dukes played all 11 games in his freshman year at UNA, catching six passes for 90 yards and one touchdown.

His lone touchdown came off a fouryard pass in his collegiate debut against Mississippi College.

The case is still pending, according to the Lauderdale County District Attorney Office.

Courtesy of Florence Police Department

Custodian helps police recover stolen textbooks

ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS

Corrections

motion for the purchase of the property and historic home at 629 N. Wood Ave. “We looked at it twice before, once about 15 years ago (and) once about five years ago when it sold previously,” said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter. “We were interested, but for some reason didn’t pull the trigger.”

This home will provide additional office and parking spaces as UNA continues to expand.

Police arrest football player for burglary

VIDEOGRAPHER DAVID MONTGOMERY

The Flor-Ala is published biweekly on Thursdays at 111 locations on campus and off.

remain lower than the median rate among other universities in the state of Alabama.

During the fall 2016 and spring 2017 transition year, the university will restrict smoking to designated outdoor areas. An educational program dedicated to quitting smoking will be available in preparation for the policy coming in fall 2017. See page 13 for more details.

The board of trustees also carried a

Police recovered stolen textbooks from Tennessee resident John Beaumont Jones June 16.

A member of the custodial staff alerted police of suspicious activity in the Science and Technology Building.

After responding to the call, the police discovered around 50 stolen textbooks in Jones’ car. Jones was charged with trespassing, possession of burglary tools and theft of stolen property.

“We were alerted by one of the custodial staff that there was a person

in the science building that they did not recognize,” said Chief of Police Kevin Gillilan. “Sgt. Ed Rhodes and Officer Jessie Pollard responded to the building and encountered a male suspect who was leaving the building quickly and trying to get out of the parking lot.”

Most of the textbooks came from the Criminal Justice Department and the Communications Department, Gillilan said.

Gillilan said this arrest could provide the answer to other textbook theft cases.

University receives, responds to court summons The Northern District of Alabama U.S. District Court issued a court summons July 22 for the University of North Alabama involving alleged employee discrimination.

Plaintiff and Director of Environmental Services and Housing Facilities Management Audrey Mitchell initiated the summons regarding the case of Mitchell v. the University of North Alabama.

In the case, Mitchell’s claims include race-based employment discrimination and harassment from fellow university employees. Mitchell began reporting claims of harassment

and discrimination in 2010, according to the lawsuit.

“I have been subjected to differential treatment in the form of harassment, coercion and degrading remarks,” Mitchell said in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Charge of Discrimination form.

The university responded Aug. 10 to the court summons.

The response asks for Mitchell “to provide a more definite statement of her complaint.”

If a complaint is “so vague or ambiguous that the party cannot reasonably prepare a response,” the

defendant can “move for a more definite statement and ask the court to require the plaintiff to restate his claims with the required specificity,” according to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(e).

The university’s response also claims it is unclear whether all “asserted facts” in the lawsuit relate to the counts of race discrimination and retaliation or if Mitchell intends to pursue additional counts.

In the case, Josh Harrison of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. in Birmingham represents UNA.

SUMMER RECAP 3 All we do is win, win, win

The Flor-Ala file photo

Hey, batta, batta swing Over the summer, former UNA baseball player Kevin Hall received a call that few others have: a call from a professional baseball team.

Hall was contacted by the New York Mets organization in the weeks following the 2016 MLB Draft in June.

“It was so surreal and shocking when it was actually happening I almost could not believe it,” Hall said.

“I got a little teary eyed, and I’m sure I had one of the biggest smiles ever on my face. I instantly called my parents to share the news with them. After that I was probably on the phone for three straight hours with all of my friends telling me congrats and best of luck.”

Hall played two seasons at UNA from 2015-16 as a catcher and outfielder where he was a first team All-Gulf South Conference selection in 2016.

Despite possessing the physical characteristics that many schools would find attractive, Hall was not heavily recruited out of junior college.

“Kevin had impressive physical skills” said UNA Head Baseball Coach Mike Keehn Hall was a talented player and could play five different positions, Keehn said.

“UNA called and asked me to come on a visit,” Hall said. “The campus is beautiful along with the entire city of

Florence. It is a great town to live in and seemed to be a fun school to attend.

It just felt like a good fit for me.”

Hall would go on to have a stellar career for UNA, especially in his senior year in 2016 where he had a .390 batting average, 8 home runs, 41 runs batted in, scored 49 runs and stole 16 bases.

“He had a tremendous impact on our team,” Keehn said. “He’s a hard worker that played a tremendous year both on the field and in the classroom.

We are all pulling for him.”

Hall is currently playing rookie ball in the Gulf Coast League for the GCL Mets in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Kicking bass at Lake Guntersville The UNA Bass Fishing team continued their tradition of dominance in Collegiate Bass Fishing by finishing behind The University of Alabama in the standings for the CABELA’S “School of the Year Award” for the 201516 season.

UNA had one the strongest showings of the season at the Fishing League Worldwide Southeastern regional at Lake Guntersville May 21.

Triston Crowder and Lake Blassingame were the cornerstone of UNA’s dominant performance.

The two freshmen won the

tournament with a weight of 27.6 pounds.

Crowder and Blassingame were followed by the 4th place duo of seniors Hunter Haney and Andrew Tate with 22.4 pounds, along with the boats of 12th place finishers, freshman Caleb Dennis and freshman Sloan Pennington and 19th place freshmen Koby Littrell and Martin McCravy.

“After the practice days we had at Guntersville, I was feeling good about our chances of doing well,” Blassingame said. “It’s been a goal of mine to win a tournament at the college level.

“To win at Guntersville and at Lake

Tohopekaliga, Florida, in my freshman year gives me motivation to do well in the years to come.”

This gave UNA four boats in the top 25 standings, more than any other school.

UNA bested teams at various events such as Mississippi State, Auburn, LSU, Clemson and Georgia to achieve their second place finish for the “School of the Year” award.

“Beating larger and maybe more known schools is something most people don’t get to do very often, and it’s a great feeling,” said senior, Andrew Tate.

While many in the campus community relaxed over the break, some students and staff were winning big for the university.

In May, senior Marlena McDaniel won the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language scholarship to study Korean in Gwangju, South Korea.

“I was so excited,” McDaniel said.

“I got the email at 9 o’clock at night, and I was dancing around my room.

Every step of the process has made the possibility of going seem more real.”

The scholarship allowed her to study abroad from June 16 to Aug. 14.

McDaniel said she chose to study this language because she wants to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

McDaniel is the third UNA Student to achieve this award.

In June, English Professor Lesley Peterson won an editing award from the Editor’s Association of Canada at their annual awards banquet in Vancouver, Canada.

She received the 2015 Tom Fairley Award for Editorial Excellence for her work on “The Little Third Reich on Lake Superior: A History of Canadian Internment Camp R” by Ernest Robert Zimmermann, Michel S. Beaulieu and David K. Ratz.

“The energy that drove this project, from first to last, was the enduring vitality of the author, the late and much-missed Ernest Zimmermann, whose voice, even from beyond the grave, made him a kind of ghostly Pied Piper whose call it was futile to resist,” said Peterson in her acceptance speech.

The award came with a $2,000 prize.

In July, senior outfielder Amy Carden received an Elite 90 award which the NCAA presents to 90 athletes, one from each championship sport on every level.

The awards go to athletes on a championship team who excel academically. Carden maintained a 4.0 GPA while helping the softball team win its first national championship in 2016.

“When I started looking at all the other athletes that got the award, I realized this is bigger than I thought it was,” Carden said.

Carden was also a finalist for the Elite 90 Fan Favorite Contest, where fans voted for the favorite Elite 90 winner.

What’s the point?

Campus members earned diverse awards this summer. Their accomplishments ranged from a foreign language scholarship to a prize for editorial skills.

4 SUMMER NEWS RECAP

Softball wins Division II championship Fresh faces

on campus

Courtesy of Sports Information For the first time in school history, the UNA softball team brought home a national championship trophy, defeating Humboldt State 10-1 and 4-1 May 21 in Denver.

The Lions broke or tied 30 school records and set 16 single-season records in 2016 en route to the championship, including the school record for wins with a 60-7 overall record.

UNA won the Gulf South Conference regular season and tournament

championships, then advance to regionals, where they avenged a loss to Alabama-Huntsville and won on the verge of elimination. UNA then went on to beat Rollins in a double header to make the World Series.

While in the World Series, UNA took down Southern Arkansas twice, Adelphi University and came back from a 1-0 series deficit in the championship round against Humboldt State to take the crown.

The national championship was the school’s seventh in all sports, with two coming in men’s basketball, three consecutive in football and one more in volleyball.

The volleyball team was the last to win one before softball, dating back to 2003.

“This team is just amazing,” said UNA coach Ashley Cozart following the game. “All year long they have really done it all.”

Honoring the ‘Father of Muscle Shoals Sound’

Courtesy of Shannon Wells President Kenneth Kitts and board of trustees president pro tempore Marty Abroms presented FAME Studios owner Rick Hall with plans for an honorary doctorate degree at Rogers Hall July 23.

Hall will receive the degree during this midyear’s commencement ceremony Dec. 17.

The board of trustees created the plans after their decision to honor the celebrated Muscle Shoals record producer for his contributions to UNA through the entertainment industry program and the Shoals area.

“Rick Hall’s legacy is no secret to those of us at UNA,” Kitts said during his speech. “The impact that he’s had on our region as a record producer, music publisher and the owner of FAME Studios cannot be overstated.”

Hall’s achievements include Billboard’s Producer of the Year, a Grammy Trustees Award and “a publishing catalog that has rewritten the American songbook,” Kitts said.

Hall cut records for artists like the Osmonds, Mac Davis, Paul Anka, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Reed and many other artists in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

“Once I started having hit records it became synonymous with, if you came to Muscle Shoals you’d automatically have a hit record,” Hall said during the Q&A session. “So, we tried to uphold that.”

Hall’s success did not come without struggle though.

“I couldn’t get anything going in Nashville, Tennessee,” he said. “So I decided ‘Well I’m going to build a recording studio in Muscle Shoals’ and I was working at Reynolds Metal Co. at the time making tinfoil.”

UNA hired three faculty members over the summer who plan to make changes in their department.

The Department of Communications hired Butler Cain as the new department chair.

He said he plans to build relationships between the students and teachers and help students find success in academics.

“My first goal is to simply get plugged in, learn as much as I can about the Communications Department as quickly as I can, and get to know the faculty members better,” Cain said.

The Art Department hired photography professor Robert Rausch.

Rausch said he wants to add more fun classes to the photography program and provide students the chance to experience the birthplace of Paris.

See page seven to learn more about Rausch’s passion for photography.

The Executive Counsel hired Vice President of Enrollment Management Ron Patterson.

Patterson said he plans to continue to increase enrollment by growing the university’s social media presence, boosting advertising and visiting more high schools and college fairs to reach a greater amount of students.

Turn to page six to find out what sport Patterson played in college.

the end. Theatre reaches an end The end. Theatre left its 106 S. Pine Street location in Florence in search of a new home July 1.

The theatre, which The The FlorAla’s readers voted the best live-music venue in the Shoals in our April 14 issue, had to leave when the building’s owner decided to sell the space.

The end. owner Scott Long, who rented the space, said he is looking to purchase a home for the end. The location he has in mind costs $350,000.

“I need (a location) to replicate what makes the end. work, and that is the comfort level that feels safe or (like) home,” he said.

The end. hosted concerts as part of its closing, and Long plans to fundraise for a new venue.

Improvisational group Sustainable Differences, which normally met at the end., has met at 116 E Mobile since the closing.

Boxcar voices, a biweekly spoken word group which began at UNA and hosted its events there, has not met since, according to their Facebook page.

Although the venue is no longer active, it’s Facebook page is.

Long said although the end. is relocating, he is “not giving up.”

“The end has been my pride and passion for the last nine years, and I truly believe that our work is just beginning,” he said.

Check the end.’s page for more information on fundraising efforts and promotion of local music events.

Roadwork downtown causes delays for the UNA students would also be Wood Avenue, and I think with both of these projects ongoing at the same time, the delays in and around campus may be more than what the students are expecting,” Bailey said.

The initial plan is to have the areas on Wood Avenue completed by Sept.

1 until then, the roadwork will be an “inconvenience,” said City Engineer Bill Batson.

The construction is sometimes troublesome, said sophomore Mikayla James.

“If it’s making Florence nicer, I guess it’s a good thing,” James said.

This project is addressing aesthetics SIERRA HILL | Staff Photographer as well as safety.

Construction equipment lines Wood Avenue Aug. 21.

“At the same time, we’re adding in Students should use Pine Street instead of Wood Avenue, some safety elements like new lighting, said City Engineer Bill Batson. new traffic signals and hopefully also slowing the traffic down just a bit,” Bailey said.

Boulevard.

The project will visually MADI WINKLER These new changes are challenging tie Tennessee Street into the rest of Social Media downtown, said Florence City Planning to work around, said freshman Michael Coordinator Director Melissa Bailey.

Zimmerman. online@florala.net “It makes it definitely a little bit There may be delays if students harder (and) more time consuming,” are using Tennessee Street to access Roadwork on Wood Avenue and the Streetscape Project on Tennessee campus, but there are other routes, Zimmerman said.

Although incovienient, the Street continues as students return to including western entrances, she said.

Bailey said she anticipates the Streetscape Program benefited other UNA’s campus this semester.

Project’s completion areas of Florence in the past and helped Florence City’s Streetscape Streetscape improve the economy downtown, Project on Tennessee Street ranges within the next few weeks.

“One area of concern, really for me, Bailey said. from Seminary Street to Dr. Hicks

Police Department opens new Transportation Services area JASMINE FLEMING Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net When students head to collect their new parking decals this fall, they will need to bypass the UNA Police Department and visit the Guillot University Center instead.

Transportation Services will now be on the first floor of the GUC at the desk next to the elevators and Einstein’s Brothers Bagels, and the office is open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Transportation Services will cover vehicle registration, permits, parking enforcement and eventually bus routing, said Chief of University Police Kevin Gillilan.

Students and employees will need to stop by the new location before Sept. 2 to receive a new parking decal, regardless of the expiration date, Gillilan said in an email. They can register their vehicle beforehand at una.edu/transportation, the new Transportation Services site.

One of the biggest reasons for the relocation was a security concern, Gillilan said. “(We had) folks that came in that had inquiries about police cases, open cases that they have,” he said. “And (we had) people come in about parking issues.

We wanted to separate those things for a myriad of reasons, one being that we want to protect confidentiality.”

HILLARY TAYLOR | Staff Photographer

Transportation Services Director Hollon McCullar assists Hannah McKinney at the transportation services desk in the Guillot University Center. Students will have to pick up their parking decals in the GUC this fall.

Another goal for the relocation is to have a more convenient space, said Hollon McCullar, Coordinator of Transportation Services.

“We have a centralized area that’s convenient for all students, commuters and residents, and faculty to be able to find us and come take care of their parking needs and questions,” McCullar said. “It’s been really easy to find and an easy location for everybody.

I think this will work out great for the students.”

Senior Casey Wright said she is excited about the move because it will be simpler for everyone who needs to interact with Transportation Services.

“Some people don’t even know

where Keller Hall and the Police Department are,” she said.

When she first needed to go to the UNA Police Department, Wright said she struggled to find it and had to ask people for help.

Gillilan said he also hopes the move will help clarify misconceptions with the role of UNA police.

“One issue that we were battling against too is folks with parking issues had the perception that the UNA Police Department was writing all these parking tickets,” he said. “In actuality, they’re not. The folks that do the parking enforcement are not police officers. They’re civilian employees.”

To read more, visit florala.net.

NEWS 5 The Flor-Ala moves to bi-weekly STAFF REPORT The Flor-Ala Staff editor@florala.net Like many areas of campus life during a new school year, The FlorAla also undergoes changes, such as adjusting to a new staff, or even experiencing a redesign.

This year, The Flor-Ala is making an ever bigger change: going biweekly.

Since its establishment in 1931, The Flor-Ala has been a weekly newspaper. The change to go biweekly came because of the need to reduce printing costs and to place more time and energy into producing a modern, digital edition of the paper for web and mobile readers, said Student Media Adviser Scott Morris.

“As is the case in commercial news media, much of our readership has moved online,” Morris said. “At UNA, we are enjoying great readership for our online products. That means our student staff and volunteers need to spend much of their energy producing more timely content for florala.net and our social media channels.”

Although there will be less print copies this year, The Flor-Ala’s staff still plans to bring thorough news coverage, lifestyle topics and the latest in sports news every week, along with videos, photo essays and a continuation of our campus culture blog.

“Even though readers will see less print copies, we will be able to share even more information with them,” said Editor-in- Chief Jasmine Fleming.

“Because of this change, we’ve gained a less restrictive way of thinking. I also think our readers will appreciate us focusing on bringing them their news in the ways they want to receive it.”

The staff will also launch a biweekly newsletter this year that we be available for non-print weeks.

“The newsletter will allow you to get your campus news anywhere, while being eco-friendly and saving paper,” said Social Media Coordinator Madi Winkler. “It’s the same content but with a new and improved platform.”

Although the print schedule has changed, there will still be plenty of options for advertising with The FlorAla, Morris said.

“Advertising in the student newspaper and on our website are still the best ways to reach thousands of students, employees, alumni and UNA supporters,” he said. “We can reach a niche market more efficiently than any other local media can.”

Overall, the staff and The Flor-Ala’s executive board are confident in this decision and the benefits it will have for the 2016-17 year.

“The decision to become a biweekly newspaper was a difficult one to make, but it was necessary,” said Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel. “This move not only makes sense financially but also helps us focus on our online presence.”

6 NEWS New Vice President explains enrollment goals KAITLYN DAVIS News Editor news@florala.net Last year, UNA saw its biggest increase in enrollment, and Vice President of Enrollment Management Ron Patterson does not plan on losing that momentum.

The former college basketball player is determined to continue this winning streak by recruiting a variety of students.

He plans to do it by implementing some of the values he learned through his old sport like communicating effectively and working with a team.

“I emphasize communication and team because to be successful and score the ball in the basket consistently, five people had to develop a level of communication and understanding that surpassed all others,” Patterson said in an email. “We had to know what our teammate was going to do before he did it.”

Strong communication and teamwork translates into success in the workplace. When UNA’s faculty is communicating and working together effectively, students will benefit, he said.

“In order for the (Enrollment Management) division to meet and/ or exceed our goals, we have to be

committed to the university, each other and our students,” Patterson said.

Patterson plans to increase the university’s social media presence, boost advertising and visit more high schools and college fairs to reach a greater amount students, he said.

President Kenneth Kitts believes Patterson is the right person for the job, he said in an email.

“Ron will ensure that we are strategic in our brand marketing and recruitment activities,” Kitts said.

One such strategic recruitment activity of Patterson’s is creating a process that allows potential students to take their applications to an on-campus workshop, Patterson said.

Students could have their applications reviewed and earn admission immediately, he said.

He also wants to expand recruitment efforts outside of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee, Patterson said.

“I believe we can connect with students from Georgia and nationally,” he said.

Strategies in recruitment are not the only item Patterson is bringing to the table. He will also create ways to retain students, said Admissions Counselor Bishop Alexander,who was a part of the hiring committee.

“I think that he’ll continue to build off the pride that he has for the

MICHAEL MEIGS |Graphic Designer

Vice President of Enrollment Management Ron Patterson discusses his career leading up to UNA. He said he plans to continue to increase recruitment efforts at UNA. university and what we can offer not only prospective students but the current students who live here,” Alexander said.

“So, he’ll be able to recruit but also work with the university in finding ways to retain students.”

With experience working in universities and three degrees under his belt, the Corinth, Mississippi, native is passionate about education.

This passion will drive Patterson to do his best in recruiting students locally and nationally as well as reaching out to their families, Kitts said.

Creating a more family-friendly

campus is another goal of Patterson’s.

To attract more students and their relatives to UNA, Patterson plans to “increase (the) number of on-campus events,” he said.

Patterson and his own family are excited about joining the campus community, he said.

When he is not golfing, biking or reading a good book, he is spending time with them, Patterson said.

To find out how Patterson stood out to Kitts in his interview, read the rest of this article at florala.net.

Anderson family donates millions to nursing program

The Flor-Ala file photo

Nursing Student Assistant Shelby Mayhunt (right) walks senior Gabby Kroeger through the procedure for drawing blood.

Nursing students will attend a program with a new name this semester.

MIKE EZEKIEL Managing Editor managing@florala.net Many recognize UNA as one of the top nursing programs in the country, and this fall will only add to the hype.

After a $3 million donation to the nursing program, officials decided to change the program’s name to the Anderson College of Nursing, starting this fall.

The Anderson family, well-known in the Shoals for holding majority stock in Books-A-Million among other endeavors, donated the money as part of the “Build the Pride” comprehensive campaign, UNA’s crusade to encourage the community to donate to the university.

The UNA Board of Trustees approved the renaming of the nursing program at their last meeting June 13, said Vice President for University Advancement Deborah Shaw.

“The Andersons have been long time supporters of the university and the Shoals area,” Shaw said. “They are a very important member of our family and our community. We are fortunate they live in this area.”

The $3 million will go toward the construction of the new nursing building, which will replace Floyd Hall after its demolition, Shaw said.

The university has not yet released a timeline for the project.

While making the donation, Shaw said the Anderson family was hesitant about putting their name in the program’s title, but the university wanted to recognize them.

“They are very humble people and extremely charitable,” she said. “I told them we wanted to honor them and recognize them for what they have done, and they really had to think about that.”

Shaw said the deciding factor for the family to include their name was to encourage others to support UNA. “Joel Anderson, who is on our board of trustees, came to me and said, ‘If our coming forward can possibly help someone else support this great university, then we need to do it,’” she said.

The Anderson College of Nursing is excited about its rebranding and thankful for the support, said Linda Austin, the Associate Dean of the Anderson College of Nursing.

“It’s exciting to know that we have support from alumni and our community,” Austin said. “We like being the Anderson College of Nursing.

I know that they care about nursing and care about our community.”

Austin said the only substantial changes for the nursing faculty and students is the new building and the name itself, as the program’s main objective is maintaining its high reputation through the name change.

“It’s no secret that there are students who do not get into our program,” Austin said. “That’s a nationwide way of doing business in nursing. It’s our obligation to admit students that we feel will be successful.

“That obligation continues into educating them so that they will be successful through the program and meet the benchmarks. When it comes time to graduate and take the exam, they will become nurses.”

Junior Hannah James said she starts the Anderson College of Nursing program this fall, and the Anderson support motivates her to succeed.

“I think it’s really special that they wanted to give specifically to the nursing program,” James said. “Our nursing program has done well, and its something that draws a lot of students to the school. For them to help us get this new building will do a lot of good for us.”

BACK TO SCHOOL 7 Professor creates plans for photography program MONDAY SANDERSON Life Editor life@florala.net Photography celebrated its 177th birthday Aug. 19, and it has gone through many developments. Robert Rausch, the new assistant photography professor, plans to bring some of the changes from the recent years to UNA. “There are so many things that can be done with photography, and I want my students to experience all of them,” Rausch said. “Currently, the program is film-based. I want to update that.”

Rausch said while he teaches photography at UNA, his primary job is design. He has had a design company in Tuscaloosa for the past 20 years.

He said after five years of design he decided to find a way to do both.

“I realized how much easier it was to take the photographs for certain projects I designed,” he said. “I managed to combine my two loves, and I am happy that I made the decision.”

Rausch said he decided to teach at UNA because the opportunity presented itself.

“I really didn’t think that I would get the job because I don’t really come from an academic background,” he said. “Even though I’ve been teaching adjunct for a while, the other candidates that they had were probably stronger in structures and had more credentials in academia than I did. So, it was a long shot, but I felt really passionately about photography and the arts, and about our community.”

Rausch said he has been teaching as an adjunct professor at UNA since 2001.

“My heart has always been in Alabama, but I moved to Alabama when I was 8 and moved away when I was 13.,” he said. “So from 8 till 13 i lived here and have always called Alabama home.”

He said he was glad to have the chance to teach in Alabama.

Sophomore Anfernee Mainer has taken photography classes before. He said his first class was with Rausch.

“I honestly don’t know too much about (the program), but I can say that (it) is in good hands because the instructors are really passionate about

photography and know their stuff for sure,” he said in an email.

Rausch said he has many ideas for the program, but he does not know what he can and cannot do since he began work Aug. 22.

“I do know that I want to change classes and add some fun classes,” he said. “I would love to teach a cellphone class. It would be a photography class focused on a smartphone’s camera.

“I would also like to branch out into the community and pull from the talent we have into the photography department.”

Rausch said he hopes to take a select number of students on a trip to the birthplace of photography, Paris.

“I want them to experience photography there because photography in Paris is different than in America,” he said.

Paris is where it began, so new styles and techniques tend to crop up, he said.

Mainer said these plans sound interesting.

“I think it’s a good idea because there will more to learn so students can sharpen their skill in photography,” he said.

Junior Graci Berryman is not a photography major, but said she wishes she could take one of Rausch’s classes.

“I’m not that great at working with a camera, but I’m interested in learning how to take good photos with my (phone) camera,” she said.

Rausch said these plans will help him achieve his goal of helping students choose their academic direction.

“So if any of my students love photography, I would welcome that, and if they hate photography, I think that’s great,” he said. “They’ll be finding out what they have an affinity for and what they don’t.”

Rausch said all of his life experiences have led him here, and he is thankful for it.

“I live in this community, I’ve been a part of (it), and I think that it is a wonderful opportunity for the department to really integrate with the arts (locally),” he said. “I’m grateful that I have the chance to make that happen.”

“

I live in this community, I’ve been a part of (it), and I think that it is a wonderful opportunity for the department to really integrate with the arts (locally). I’m grateful that I have the chance to make that happen.

Robert Rausch | Assistant Professor of Art

photo courtesy of Robert Rausch

Assistant Professor of Art Robert Rausch works at his computer at his design company GAS Design Center in Tuscaloosa. “I realized how much easier it was to take the photographs for certain projects I designed,” Rausch said.

“I managed to combine my two loves, and I am happy that I made the decision.”

8 BACK TO SCHOOL

5 websites to buy cheap textbooks the order is over either $25 or $49. The lower price depends on if the items are available through Prime.

3

MONDAY SANDERSON Life Editor life@orala.net Every semester brings a new round of classes requiring textbooks. Some students are lucky enough to not have a mandatory one, but others have to search for cheap textbooks.

I searched 10 websites and bookstores to find the best deal for textbooks. I took one textbook from each basic subject and found them and their prices at these locations. The result for the top five list comes from this search.

1 Valore Books is in first place because it offers some of the lowest prices for textbooks. After looking at multiple books between this website, Amazon and others, the prices, both with renting and buying, tend to be cheaper here.

Students can find a majority of the textbooks they need for school on this website. If students are unable to find a specific edition, they might be able to find a previous version.

Valore Books does not offer a free shipping deal.

2 Amazon is number two on the list because students can find any textbook they need at different prices within the website. While other websites have this feature, Amazon tends to have more options.

Amazon is a good starting place to find a cheap textbook for renting or buying. However, they do not always have the cheapest option.

Amazon offers college students six months of Amazon Prime for free. The Prime account allows students to get free two-day shipping on all purchases.

So, if students need their textbooks within a couple of days, Amazon Prime is the best option.

The shipping for books is $3.99.

Students can receive free shipping if

Chegg comes in third place because the website offers average prices for books compared to other sites.

Students can find any textbook on the website, but the prices tend to be higher than Amazon or Valore Books.

However, some textbooks are cheaper here.

The shipping is $3.99. However, if a student has an order $50 or over, they can receive free shipping.

4 The Facebook Exchange Group is number four on the list because while it has cheap prices, students might not be able to find the books they are looking for. Students can ask if others have a certain book, but some never get a response. In order for students to join, a student already in the group must add them.

The prices are fair here because other students are willing to barter.

Some of the students want the book gone and do not care about the price, as long as it is not too low.

There are no shipping costs involved in buying books here. Most students meet with the buyer in person to exchange. Students tend to sell their books directly after finals, so people can purchase the book from the buyer on campus. This also allows the students to see the product in person before they hand over the money.

5 Abe Books comes in fifth place because students might not be able to find the textbook they are looking for, but when they do, it will be at a low price.

This website is better for students who want to buy textbooks which are not the current edition. Students can only find old editions of books here.

The shipping for books here depends on where the book is from. Some places might have free shipping, whereas others can be $3.00.

While these websites offer good deals, students should always do their own research. These places can be a starting point.

BACK TO SCHOOL 9

5 tips to make campus comfortable consuming to transform the residence hall space, with a little effort, it can be a place students will not mind calling home. Here are a few tips to make that happen.

JASMINE FLEMING Editor-in-Chief editor@orala.net As a new student, or even a returning one, entering a new residence hall for the first time can be daunting.

The bare walls, lackluster colors and matching furniture mirroring each half of the room usually does not help any pre-semester nerves. For that reason, and also to give the rooms a less sterile and more homelike feel, many campus residents decide to decorate their dorms.

Although it can be a bit time

1.

Stick with what you know.

Think about favorite items from home, and if they did not make it into the car on move-in day, pick them up on the first visit back, or ask a family member to bring them. Those photos from a favorite family vacation two years ago? Hang them up. Posters and other trinkets that decorated the walls back home will fill the new space with the same memories.

2.

Color theory.

Another way to make sure the room feels cozy is to pick furniture and items with a color theme. The best bet would be to look for a favorite color or colors, especially when purchasing bedding, lamps, chairs, baskets or storage containers. That way, all the items in the room have that connection that makes it a favorite place to be.

3.

Consider Collaboration.

Using decorations that go from

one side of the room to the other, such as banners, or decorative lights, adds a playfulness to any residence hall.

However, it is important to talk these ideas over with a roommate first, especially before making any purchases.

Another option which is usually available in the halls is bunking the beds to make room for more furniture or extra space for guests to hang out.

This also gives more room for bringing in small furniture, like beanbag chairs or ottomans.

4.

Find a standout item.

Many impressively decorated residence hall rooms have a common feature: A major item that catches people’s eyes and starts a conversation.

Examples range from a simple hammock under a lofted bed to a life-size character cutout from a favorite TV show. The items make the room unique so that it might feel less like a res hall room and more like a bedroom.

5.

Fill it with friends.

The best way to make a dorm room feel like a home is to fill it with people who feel like family. Going to a Mane Month activity and meeting someone

who turns out to be a neighbor down the hall, or striking a conversation in the midst of teeth brushing are common ways to meeting new friends. They might later end up hanging out in your room during Netflix binges or group studying. They could also be the ones sitting next to you at graduation as you move your tassels to the left.

WHATĘźS THE POINT? Adding decoration can be the difference between having your space feel like a residence hall or feel like a home.

10 SPORTS Soccer team enters postRichards era

UPCOMING 2016 FALL SCHEDULE

MIKE EZEKIEL Managing Editor managing@florala.net

FOOTBALL Sept. 1 at Jacksonville St. Sept. 17 vs. Valdosta St. Sept. 24 at West Alabama Oct. 1 vs. West Georgia Oct. 8 at Florida Tech Oct. 15 vs. Shorter (HC) Oct. 22 vs. North Greenville Oct. 29 at Delta St. Nov. 5 vs. West Florida Nov. 12 at Miss. College

VOLLEYBALL

UNA Volleyball Classic Sept. 2 vs.

Martin-Methodist and Northwood Sept. 3 vs. Tiffin and Trevecca-Nazarene

SOCCER Sept. 2 at Columbus St. Sept. 4 at Eckard Sept. 9 vs. Nova S.E. Sept. 11 vs. Tampa

CROSS COUNTRY Sept. 2 Jacksonville St. Invitational Sept. 17 Rhodes College Invitational Games continued at roarlions.com

Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Former UNA linebacker Brion James pummels a Jacksonville State receiver Sept. 14, 2013, at Burgess-Snow Field. The Lions and Gamecocks will renew their rivalry on Sept. 1 at Jacksonville.

Lions commence season against former rival ANDREW FULMER Sports Editor sports@florala.net When UNA football opens the 2016 season, their opponent might be unfamiliar to some current players, but most likely not to long-time purple and gold faithful.

UNA will begin their quest to another conference championship against a renewed rival, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks Sept. 1 in Jacksonville.

UNA head coach Bobby Wallace said he knows all too well how important this game is.

“My first game against JSU was 1988,” he said. “When I was hired, Dr. (Robert) Guillot told me and (then UNA men’s basketball) coach Gary Elliott that we don’t have to win the conference every year, just don’t get beat by the three teams in red: Jacksonville State, Troy and West Alabama.”

During Wallace’s first stint at UNA from 1988-97 was the climax of intensity in the rivalry, as both teams found success in the early 1990’s.

“At one time, the rivalry between UNA and Jacksonville State was just as vicious as the Auburn-Alabama rivalry,” Wallace said.

The last time these two rivals met was in 2013, when Jacksonville State nabbed a double-overtime victory against the Lions on a missed field goal.

“I remember there was a lot of hype around campus for the 2013 game, and I didn’t know what to expect going into that game,” said senior guard Stephen Evans. “But the fans at Jacksonville were loud and close to the action so it

WHATʼS THE POINT?

UNA and JSU played in a rivalry series nonstop from 1949-1992 as well as meetings in 2003 and 2013.

They play another edition on Sept. 1.

was a crazy atmosphere. “ Evans said he is aware of how important this rivalry is to UNA fans.

“Coach Wallace stressed the importance of the game to us, and you can’t take anything for granted,” Evans said.

RIVALRY | 11

Without Division II National Player of the Year Chloe Richards, UNA women’s soccer fans might question if the team will repeat the same success as last season.

Despite losing his cornerstone, UNA head soccer coach Chris Walker said this year might be his best one yet.

“I think player for player the group we have this year is the best group I’ve had since I’ve been here,” Walker said. “Going back to the spring, we went undefeated in all 11 games we played. Scoring goals wasn’t a major issue.”

The defending Gulf South Conference champions rank third in the preseason polls, with Lee and West Florida receiving the first and second place votes. After being picked third last season, the Lions look to once again prove doubters wrong.

“I think that we are going to use that to our advantage,” said sophomore midfielder Paige Porter.

“I really don’t think we read into a lot of the rankings. We just do our thing.

We definitely have a chance to win conference, but this year, we want to go further than we did last year.”

Although the No. 18 Lions lose the nation’s top scorer from last season, Walker returns nine of 11 starters and six other players. Four of the nine returning starters are seniors.

The team’s primary strength may come from the back line, as seniors Alyssa Bova, Susan Lang and Samantha Parrish, along with junior Abby Cavitt, make up what many believe to be the best defense in the conference.

SOCCER | 12

The Flor-Ala file photo

Senior midfielder Ele Costello races toward the net against Tampa last season. The Lions open their season at Columbus State Sept. 2.

SPORTS 11

Preview: Volleyball in position for GSC repeat MIKE EZEKIEL Managing Editor managing@florala.net Coming off a dramatic Gulf South Conference championship victory last season, the UNA volleyball team seems to have a number of reasons to feel confident heading into 2016.

The defending GSC tournament champions return five of six starters, plus junior libero Ashtyn Kapovich.

With 10 total returnees and six newcomers looking to compete right away, head coach Stephanie Radecki said that a conference repeat is possible.

“I think every year the players are becoming more confident and getting that desire to win,” Radecki said. “I think that we have a great team, and I’m excited about what we can achieve.”

The Lions return 2nd-team AllAmerican senior outside hitter Natasha Fomina who led the team in kills last year with 451. Juniors Lexie Bradley and Jessica Austin bolster an attack line, as each contributed over 300 kills each in 2015.

Seniors Peyton Lang and Sarah Ann Tillery also return as starters from last season, as both were second and third on the team in digs with 290 and 236 respectively.

Kapovich led the team with 466 digs and 102 assists. Radecki said she expects the junior libero to be the team’s nucleus.

“Ashtyn is a huge player for us because she’s so consistent,” Radecki said. “I think a lot of people don’t realize

“

how many balls she gets to target.”

Despite establishing herself as a starter last season, Lang said she still feels a sense of competition during the preseason.

“There are going to be battles for every spot,” Lang said. “Out of all of my three years here, this is the biggest amount of people we’ve had at each positions. We have good depth.”

The only hole to fill for UNA is former setter Andrea De Leon, who graduated from the team as an honorable mention for the 2015 All-American team.

“Andrea was such a huge player for us with her passion and her leadership,” Radecki said. “I think we have some great candidates on our roster that will hopefully be able to fill her shoes and help us at setter.”

The three players Radecki expects to compete for the setter role are returning junior Abby Winkler, transfer sophomore Jayden Davila-McCrary and incoming freshman Emma Ellis.

Other key returners include senior right side hitter Victoria Quintanilla and sophomore defensive specialist Ava Carnley.

Despite not being a regular starter, Quintanilla played in 119 sets last season, tied for the most on the roster and finished with 213 kills and 68 team blocks. Carnley added 152 digs in 115 sets last year.

Quintanilla said her goal heading into her senior season is to not only compete for a full-time starting spot, but to compete with her teammates and help them improve.

“I think it makes everybody work

I think every year the players are becoming more confident and getting that desire to win.

Stephanie Radecki | Head Coach

The Flor-Ala file photo

Junior outside hitter Lexie Bradley tips a ball over the net during a volleyball game at Flowers Hall during the 2015 season. The GSC coaches picked the Lions to finish second after winning their conference a season ago. even harder knowing that nobody’s spot is safe,” Quintanilla said. “It’s good every year to have people come in and make each other work harder. That makes us even stronger as a team.”

UNA adds junior outside hitter Ana Gabriela Pacheco from Brazil, along with freshmen Genny Cruz (OH), Destiny Harrison (MH) and Libby Jump (DS/S) to round out its 2016 recruiting class.

“I think the players we have coming in are really strong and will push our returners,” Radecki said. “We definitely have the potential to be better. I think our girls have really set a standard.”

The Lions open the season with the “UNA Volleyball Classic” in Flowers Hall Sept. 2-3, as they host Martin Methodist, Northwood, Tiffin and Trevecca Nazarene.

RIVALRY, continued from page 10 That passionate hatred for one another is mutual on both sides, said Sam Houston, Jacksonville State class of 1995 alumnus.

“JSU played in the national title game in ‘91, won it in ‘92, then UNA won it from ‘93-‘95, so there was a stretch where one of the two schools was in the title game for five straight years,” Houston said.

To add even more fuel to the fire, many high school teammates became rivals on the college level, as some made the decision to play at UNA, while others donned the red uniform, Houston said.

Now, the schools have only met sporadically since JSU moved from Division II to Division I Football

Championship Subdivision (FCS) in 1993, but still evoke dormant feelings of an intense rivalry when they agree to meet on the field, Wallace said.

“The fact that Jacksonville State played in the (FCS) national championship last year, our players are aware we are playing a great team,” Wallace said.

Senior defensive back Levi Fell said the coaches have stressed the importance of the rivalry to UNA’s football history, but he plans to put all of his focus to finding an opening victory.

“We’ve only played them one time since I’ve been here in 2013,” Fell said.

“I really don’t know much about the rivalry, but I know football will be played in between the lines. I’m going to

be there, and we’re going to try to win.”

Fell said if the rivalry were ever to renew permanently, he wants to help lay the foundation for future battles.

“The coaches have talked about how there used to be a rivalry and how we went back and forth between winning and losing,” Fell said. “I would like to turn it into a winning tradition over here this year. Hopefully next year, if UNA tries to play them again, it would just continue on.”

When UNA travels to Jacksonville on Thursday, Sept. 1, the game will serve as a reminder that football rivalries in the state of Alabama run deeper than crimson and navy.

Rivalry Facts All-Time Record: JSU 24-18-3 Last Meeting JSU 24, UNA 21 (2OT) in 2013 Beginning of Rivalry: 1949

12 SPORTS Football team seeks 4 straight conference titles MIKE EZEKIEL Managing Editor managing@florala.net The Gulf South Conference seems to get tougher with each season, and the UNA football team must do the same in 2016.

The Lions look to win their fourth straight conference championship in 2016. No other GSC team has accomplished this feat. West Georgia, who shared the GSC title with UNA last season, is the preseason favorite to win the conference this year.

The GSC coaches picked UNA to finish second, which is nothing unusual to the Lions in recent years, said UNA head coach Bobby Wallace.

“West Georgia deserved to be picked first,” Wallace said. “We haven’t been picked first in the last three years and won in each of those years, at least a share…If you look at all those polls, you’ll realize not to put a lot of meaning into it.”

Wallace said losing marquee players such as quarterback Luke Wingo, running back Lamonte Thompson, safety Floyd Jones, and others raises some questions. But Wallace said he thinks there should be nothing to worry about.

“Those are names that everybody knows, which is what you like,” Wallace said. “But at the same time, when you have 17 starters back, 43 returning lettermen and eight retuning allconference players, we have a chance to have a good team.”

Arguably the biggest storyline heading into 2016 is senior quarterback Jacob Tucker stepping in to take the starting job after spending three years as a promising backup.

“Jacob is going to be our quarterback,” Wallace said. “There aren’t enough words I can say to show how much he means to this program.

He’s a great leader and has all of the qualities that we would look for in a quarterback.”

Without Thompson, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, the Lions will look to a “running backby-committee” style run game, said offensive coordinator Steadman Campbell. Damon Cox and Terence

The Flor-Ala file photo

UNA head football coach Bobby Wallace looks on during a practice last season at the UNA practice field. With 17 starters and 43 lettermen returning, the Lions hope to win its fourth consecutive conference championship in 2016.

Humphreys appear to be early favorites for carries.

Other key offensive starters returning to the team are junior wide receivers Dre Hall and Julius Jones, along with senior tackle Stephen Evans, senior center Cody Vaughn and senior guard Jordan Brooks on the offensive line.

“I feel like this offensive line is going to bring everything to the table to protect Tucker and our running backs,” Evans said. “We have brought in some guys who have experience and are tough.”

Defensively, the Lions have eight returning starters including a strong senior cornerback duo in Philbert

Martial and Levi Fell, both of which finished 2015 on the All-GSC team.

“We have a lot of veterans and some players coming in that should help us a lot,” Martial said. “I think Coach Wallace was right when he said this should be one of this best defenses we’ve had in awhile.”

Up front, UNA returns seniors E.J. Parnell and Tyler Smith, junior Freddie Reed and sophomore Eddquerion Harris. Senior Barron Miller will make the move from defensive end to linebacker this season.

Along with Miller, senior Eddrick Harris returns at middle linebacker.

Arguably one of the biggest transfer signings this offseason is former East

Carolina player Darius Wright. Wallace said he expects the 6-foot, 225-pound senior to step in the weak side linebacker role right away.

The Lions return all three key members of its special teams unit in 2016, including senior punter Jeb Millender, junior kicker Kevin Henke and junior long snapper Wil Lovelace.

UNA’s first half of the season might be the toughest they’ve had in recent memory, as all five opponents won at least seven games last season. Seven of the Lions’ 10 opponents had winning records in 2015.

The Lions open up on the road against FCS runner-up Jacksonville State Sept. 1. at Burgess-Snow Field.

SOCCER, continued from page 10 “Our defense is pretty strong right now,” Bova said. “ In my four years at UNA, this might be the strongest year we’ve had. We have so much talent on this team, and I feel good about it.”

The athletics department released a statement from Walker Aug. 14 that former junior goalkeeper Shelby Thornton, who made the 2016 preseason All-GSC squad, will not be returning to the team for undisclosed reasons.

With a hole to fill at goalkeeper, returning sophomore Kate Webster and incoming freshman Savannah Stewart will compete for the job.

Although Richards scored most of the team’s goals, the Lions return senior midfielder Ele Costello and sophomore forward Kylie Huey.

Walker said he expects incoming freshman forward Shelby Wall to step in straight away and contribute to the scoring. Wall was the Class 7A state Player of the Year last season.

“Shelby Wall actually scored 32 goals and had 15 assists for Auburn high school last year,” Walker said. “She was actually one of the late pick-ups we got, and we’re really impressed with her.”

The Lions open the season on the

road in Columbus, Georgia, against Columbus State Sept. 2 and Eckerd College Sept. 4. The following week, UNA hosts the “Lion Shootout” beginning Sept. 9 vs. Nova Southeastern.

Many believe UNA has Sept. 11 circled on their calendars, as the Lions host Tampa, the team that knocked UNA out of the playoffs last season with a goal in the final seconds.

“That’s the game the girls are really looking forward to,” Walker said. “It should be a good game. We have a real tough schedule to start off with, and we’re really excited.”

Returning Starters Alyssa Bova JR. Abby Cavitt JR. Ele Costello SR. Beatriz Fernandez JR. Kylie Huey SO. Susan Lang SR. Samantha Parrish SR. Paige Porter SO. Margarida Sousa SO.

OPINIONS 13

Tobacco policy ignores studentsʼ decision

JASMINE FLEMING Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net Students returning to campus have likely seen signs posted near parking lots that say, “Welcome to UNA. Thank you for not smoking,” a message that once again shows the university’s lack of consideration for what students want.

The board of trustees voted June 13 to work toward making the university smoke free by fall 2017.

Vice President for Student Affairs

David Shields, in a campus wide email, said President Kitts asked the shared governance committee, made of the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and SGA Senate, to give feedback on the tobacco use policy in the 2015-16 year.

At the time, the policy banned tobacco use in all university buildings and within 30 feet of all entrances, exits, open windows and interconnected breezeways. Tobacco use included all use of smoking tobacco, as well as smokeless tobacco products like snuff and chewing tobacco. In June 2014, the board decided to include electronic cigarettes as well.

The Faculty Senate and Staff Senate supported a smoke-free campus, according to the email.

But anyone who attended SGA Senate’s meetings last year, or followed The Flor-Ala’s coverage, knows their decision was not the same.

SGA worked with the Department of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment in fall 2015 to develop a survey asking students for their opinion on the policy.

Senate had a minimum number, 364 responses, that they required before examining results. After analyzing the data, they discovered most students who

Designated Smoking Areas

took the survey didn’t want a smoke-free campus. Instead, they wanted a campus with designated smoking areas to appease both smokers and non-smokers.

Senate sent the survey again in spring 2016, and the results showed more of the same. For that reason, during a Feb. 11 meeting they voted to pass a resolution restricting smoking to designated areas on campus. “(SGA) wrote the resolution according to the results from the survey, discussions with students and polls at SGA events,” said then Chair of the Student Welfare Committee Mollie Schaefer in a Feb. 25 article.

“As SGA, we are here to serve the students, so we didn’t want to write something that the students couldn’t get behind.”

A concern many of the Senate discussed in the meeting was that of campus residents. For residents who smoke, a ban asks them to leave their homes when the need arises, which some members voiced they felt was an unfair request.

But, regardless of the desires of the students, the Executive Council of the university asked the board of trustees to vote on a completely smoke-free campus.

The decision names the 2016-17 year as a transition year, giving seven areas on campus where the community can smoke. The year will also include “an educational and verbal communication approach” to inform the campus of the transition, Shields said.

Although two of the groups in the Shared Governance Committee did prefer a smoke-free campus, faculty and staff are also paid employees.

In contrast, the students at UNA, who experience rising tuition and fees, are the paying customers. At some point, those who pay for a product should receive some of what they ask for, and for UNA students, that includes decisions about the campus environment.

The board has already made the decision to become smoke free. But the students of UNA have the next year to make sure their voice, which they gave last year to SGA Senate, is not ignored.

Contacting members of the Executive Council, which includes President Kitts and Vice Presidents John Thornell, Evan Thornton, David Shields and Ron Patterson, is one way to do so.

Starting a dialogue with those in the positions to help amend this decision is the first step to seeing a change.

1

1. Mane Market

2. Science Bldg.

2

3

3. Wesleyan Hall 4

4. Guillot Univ. Center

5

5. Willingham Hall 6. Music Bldg.

6

Not Shown: East Campus

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.

14 PHOTOS

Take a chance ▶

Bring it in Sisters from the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority embrace their newest addition with excitement at Bid Day 2015. There are an infinite number of priceless moments, just like this, that being a photographer at The Flor-Ala allows you to be a part of.

Rocking out

▶

From coming within inches of one of the greatest pop punk stars of all time, to witnessing history in the making as UNA’s softball team carried home the title of “champion,” the job of a photographer at The Flor-Ala provides students with some of the most unforgettable experiences.

There is truly no better way to become involved at UNA than through the opportunities volunteering as a photographer creates. Photography opens a door for involvement across all areas of campus life. Whether it’s photographing concerts and sports

events or documenting our everchanging campus and community, volunteers get the chance to show the world through their eyes and connect with new people all across the community.

Volunteering with The Flor-Ala is the perfect way to gain experience as a photographer. Even if you have never worked as a photographer before, The Flor-Ala provides a platform for students to learn and showcase their work. If photography is something that interests you, consider volunteering with The Flor-Ala. For more information about getting involved in photography, contact me using UNA ext. 5183 or email at photo@ florala.net.

Brendon Urie, the frontman of Panic at the Disco, performs at UNA’s spring concert April 30. Volunteering with The Flor-Ala leads to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and truly unforgettable experiences. ▶

MELANIE HODGES Chief Photographer photo@florala.net

Batter Up

Former UNA catcher Jess Smith makes contact with the ball at Mike Lane Field April 16 against Mississippi College.

Getting close to the action is one of the many perks of becoming one of our photographers.

CALENDAR 15 Thurs., Aug. 25

What: Coffee and Doughnuts When: 8 a.m.

Where: Memorial Amphitheater What: The Big Deal When: 6 p.m.

Where: Memorial Amphitheater What: Jana Kramer and Jarred Pierce concert When: 8 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

Fri., Aug. 26 What: outdoor Adventure Center Open House/ Archery Tournament When: 3-5 p.m.

Where: OAC What: Lion Night When: 4 p.m.

Where: Downtown Florence What: Dale K. Comedy Hypnotist, Ty Barnett Comedy Show When: 8 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center

Sat., Aug. 27 What: Movie Night When: 9 p.m.

Where: Memorial Amphitheater (rain site: GUC Performance Center)

Sun., Aug. 28 What: The Flor-Ala’s writers’

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Musician and former UNA student Jordy Searcy serenades the audience during a free performance at Lion Night 2015. Lion Night 2016 will be Aug. 26 at 4 p.m.

Tues., Aug. 30 What: CSIS Welcome to Campus

What: The Flor-Ala’s writers’

When: 4 p.m.

Campus

meeting

Where: Keller Courtyard

When: 5 p.m.

When: 4 p.m.

What: Student Engagement Open

Where: Memorial Amphitheater

Where: Student Media Building

House

What: International Tea

Mon., Sept. 5

When: 6 p.m.

When: 3 p.m.

Where: Student Engagement Center

Where: Stone Lodge What: Lions at the Lanes

What: Welcome Back Karaoke

When: 6 p.m.

Tues., Sept. 6

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Lauderdale Lanes

What: The Mane Event

What: UNA Football Game

When: 9 p.m.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: GUC Atrium

Where: GUC Dining Area

Wed., Aug. 31

What: Convocation for freshmen

and new transfer students

When: 4 p.m.

When: 9 a.m.

Where: Student Media Building

Where: Norton Auditorium What: Wind Down Wednesday

Where: Jacksonville State

Fri., Sept. 2 What: First Fridays When: 5 p.m.

Wed., Sept. 7

What: The OAC 5th Annual Camping on Campus When: TBD

What: UNA Volleyball Game

When: 6-9:30 p.m.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center

When: Noon Where: Memorial Amphitheater (rain site: Baptist Campus Ministries)

Where: Memorial Amphitheater

What: Culture Fest

When: 5 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 3

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Memorial Amphitheater

What: The OAC Moundville Day

Campus

Day

What: PRancing with the PRide

When: 11 a.m.

What: Annual Camping on

What: University closed for Labor

Where: Downtown Florence

What: Dogs with the Top Dog

Where: Memorial Amphitheater (rain site: BCM)

Sun., Sept. 4

What: Annual Camping on

meeting

Mon., Aug. 29

Thur., Sept. 1

Where: Flowers Hall

Trip

Check online for more Mane Month activities.

When: TBD

In addition to allowing students to submit topics for the calendar, the 2016-17 paper will allow students to purchase classified ads for a small fee — no more getting lost in the pages by the mailroom! Contact editor@florala.net for questions.

16 EXTRA

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK