Dec. 1 - D-I Changes, Holidays, and Immigration Law changes

December 1, 2011

Volume 80 No. 12

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

Now what?

The future of Division I athletics See pages 5 & 9

photo by Malisa McClure

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News

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Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

News Briefs New law requires officers to investigate citizenship New speed bumps installed on campus In order to provide a safer environment for the UNA community, the campus police department, in conjunction with SGA, have installed additional speed bumps on the driveway between LaGrange Hall and Rice and Rivers halls.

The driveway leads to the parking deck and has been a place where drivers typically speed through, officials said.

SGA’s Freshman Forum and UNA Police have been working since last year to have these speed bumps installed.

For more information on pedestrian safety, contact UNA police at 256-7654357 or members of SGA at 256-7654207.

Meeting set for Kilby discussion The Strategic Planning and Budget Study Committee will meet Dec. 7 to discuss reports from the Kilby ad hoc committee, according to Kilby PTO President Carol Maynard. The Strategic Planning and Budget Study committee is charged with looking at the feasibility of the lab school on campus and whether it is central to the mission of the university.

The Kilby ad hoc committee presented its report on Kilby School at its last regular meeting Nov. 9.

Kilby School currently has 147 students enrolled and approximately 20 university employees on its payroll.

The Strategic Planning and Budget Study Committee will report its decision and findings to the UNA board of trustees at their Dec. 12 meeting.

• Alabama immigration law mandates officers to ensure drivers are legal citizens )VV 0IZSMa

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Alabama drivers should be aware that driving without having a physical copy of a driver’s license could mean spending some time in jail.

As part of the new immigration law, people who are pulled over by the police for traffic violations must be able to prove they have the legal right to a driver’s license.

This could mean presenting a physical copy to the officer or having the officer pull up the driver’s license status on his patrol car computer.

While driving without a license is in itself illegal, the new law requires an investigation of citizenship if the license status cannot be proven.

Florence police Chief Rick Singleton explains the law in more detail.

“The law mandates that if we stop somebody without a driver’s license, we must make a responsible effort to find out if they have a valid license,” he said. “We can look them up on the computer, but if they don’t show up or the computers are down, they will be taken to the nearest magistrate, where they have to prove citizenship.”

He said to prove citizenship, one must present the same documents presented to acquire a driver’s license, such as a birth certificate, social security card and some type of photo ID. If unable to present such documents, the police will contact customs.

“We have to determine legal status by contacting legal customs,” Singleton said.

“If they are here illegally, they will be deported.”

Customs has 48 hours to find out the status of citizenship. If they are unable to determine if someone in custody is illegally in the U.S. within that time frame, the person must be released.

Singleton also explained that police officers can’t profile on the issue of driver’s license deportation. That means an officer can’t suspect a person is driving without a license and pull them over. Officers reserve the right to responsible suspicion, but they cannot pull over someone because of ethnicity alone.

UNA police officers will have to follow the new law’s requirements.

“The main purpose (of the law) is to make sure the information provided is accurate,” said Sergeant Terry Parker, deputy

director of UNA police.

He explains it is to prevent someone from posing as another resident.

Some UNA students are not receptive to the new law.

“I think making sure you have the legal capacity to drive should be the extent of it, not whether or not you are a citizen,” said Chelsey Elrod, a political science major at UNA. “I don’t think any part of the immigration law is good. I just question their intentions on whether or not it’s saving American jobs or an issue of racism.”

She believes it is giving the police too much power and pushing away foreign business.

Recently, a total of four people have been detained and deported as a result of the new immigration law.

Campus police could change parking procedures on Pine Street

Board of trustees to meet soon The UNA board of trustees will meet Monday Dec. 12 in the GUC loft at 9 a.m.

All news briefs are compiled by News Editor Josh Skaggs.

Look to The Flor-Ala for complete coverage of the December board of trustees meeting on our website, social media and live blog. www.florala.net

photo by Malisa McClure

Officer Kristi Colburn of the Florence Police Department makes a traffic stop in Florence Sunday afternoon. Florence Police, along with police departments across the state, are charged with verifying citizenship of drivers they stop.

photo by Kayla Sloan

UNA student Mack Cornwell crosses Pine Street, one of the popular streets UNA students cross to get to class every day.

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In the interest of increasing pedestrian safety, SGA might remove approximately 20 parking spaces from Pine Street. SGA and campus police hope to make the right changes to make Pine Street safer, after hearing reports of several close calls this year.

“We are still in the process of analyzing

the best course of action in regards to what to do on Pine Street,” said SGA President Ralph Akalonu.

SGA has been working all semester to identify the cause of the unsafe conditions on Pine Street and how to remedy them, according to Akalonu.

“One of (SGA’s) main goals this semester has been to increase pedestrian safety on Pine (Street),” he said.

Taking into account the already-strained parking conditions on campus, SGA has considered several other options for increasing pedestrian safety, Akalonu said.

“We’ve looked at several options, such as decreasing the speed limit on Pine Street or adding speed bumps,” he said. “But those options are not really feasible. So we’re left with the question of what to do to increase safety for both pedestrians and drivers.”

Reducing the speed limit on Pine Street would do little to help the safety situation because there is already such a big speeding problem, according to UNA police Chief Robert Pastula.

“The real problem is that students are not crossing where they’re supposed to,” he said. “The crosswalk is just a short walk away, but they choose to cross in front of Kilby (School).”

While SGA is deliberating over what to do with Pine Street, one definite change is going to be the addition of speed trailers, according to Akalonu.

“Speed trailers give a visual incentive not to speed,” he said. “And they will also help us to collect data to help us make a decision on what to do.”

Akalonu and Pastula believe the decision to remove Pine Street parking will be met with some student opposition.

“I believe there will be some (opposition), but the Senate will ultimately be the

”Weʼve looked at several options, such as decreasing the speed limit on Pine Street or adding speed bumps.”

-Ralph Akalonu deciding factor,” Akalonu said. “We don’t want a hit to materialize just because students wanted to keep their parking spaces.

“The good thing about people is they learn to adapt to new situations. Students will work out their individual parking situations.”

Pastula, though he does believe students will oppose painting the Pine Street curbs yellow, does not see why students won’t just park in the Darby Drive parking lot and ride the bus to school.

“People will have to find alternatives,” he said. “Darby is the best alternative. You just have to drive to one spot, and you don’t have to risk your life.”

Pastula said he will support whatever SGA decides is best.

“I’d prefer to see the curbs painted yellow, but I wouldn’t do it unless SGA voted on it,” he said. “The only way of fixing the problem that I see is to take parking off of Pine Street.”

Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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QEP team holds sessions • Plan focuses on success, research literacy in UNA students *Ta\PM ;\MMTUIV

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Building Success through Discovery will be the theme of UNA’s quality enhancement plan (QEP) during the next five years.

University officials held two student-focused meetings Nov. 16-17 in the GUC Performance Center. Dr. Lisa Keys-Mathews, director of the QEP, addressed students about what the QEP is and what it is going to do for the university.

The focus of UNA’s QEP is going to be research literacy, which was defined by the Development and SACS Leadership teams as “the specific writing, research and critical thinking skills required to pursue a career in any given discipline.”

The QEP will be implemented at every level of the undergraduate’s college career during the next five years. The baseline courses for Level I of the QEP will be English 112/122, where basic research skill

development will take place. Level I will begin in the fall of 2012.

Lowic Dimithe, a senior economics and finance major, is a College of Business ambassador and has been working closely with the QEP development team.

“This is going to bring about several good opportunities for students, including chances to get undergraduate research published,” Dimithe said. “One of the shortterm goals with the QEP is developing an

”The QEP is only making an

emphasis on what we already do.Itʼs taking research and learning how to do it better.”

-Lisa Keys-Mathews interdisciplinary student research journal on campus.”

Keys-Mathews also feels that the QEP is going to be beneficial for students.

“The QEP is only making an emphasis on what we already do,” she said. “It’s taking research and learning how to do it better. Research is something that you never stop doing. If you’re not researching,

photo by Kayla Sloan

Director of the QEP Lisa Keys-Mathews discusses the university’s quality enhancement plan with students, faculty and staff members in November. The information sessions were held to inform the university community of what changes the QEP will bring to campus.

you’re not learning. If you’re not learning anything new, you’re not advancing.”

Both student meetings were well attended, and there was a high level of student feedback and interaction during the question and answer time. Keys-Mathews and other QEP team members are encouraging

students and faculty to learn more about the QEP by visiting the Facebook and Twitter pages, where information is routinely added and updated.

Anyone with further questions about the QEP can contact Keys-Mathews at qep@ una.edu or 256-765-4640.

Campus Crime

Fraternity works toward safer campus Alleged robbery at house helps bring awareness to campus safety

Reports are taken from UNA police’s crime logs

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Members of Kappa Sigma and UNA Police are urging students to continue to take safety precautions after an attempted robbery Oct. 29.

Kappa Sigma and other fraternities on Greek Row have stepped up security and safety measures since the incident occurred. According to Bishop Alexander, the chapter’s public relations director and chaplain, the chapter is looking into installing a security system at the house.

Alexander also has addressed the IFC presidents and Student Government Association, advising both groups to advocate for better safety precautions on campus.

One of SGA’s long-term goals is campus security.

“This incident really has helped bring awareness to campus,” Alexander said.

“Students sometimes get complacent, and

FYI...

SNAP: (256) 765-4357 UNA Police: (256) 765-HELP

Nov. 3 Burglary, Auto- Appleby Hall- $210 Nov. 4 Theft of property- Pine St.- $250 Nov. 5 Possession of Drugs - Pine Street Arrest made Nov. 6 Domestic Incident- Rivers Hall Nov. 6 Criminal Mischief- SRC Parking Lot Nov. 11 photo by Kayla Sloan

Members of the Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol check doors to make sure they are locked on campus at night. SNAP also transports students to locations on campus safely after dark.

it’s easy to forget to be careful until we’re blindsided with something like this.

“Students should also be aware of how to stay safe with the upcoming holidays.

With the economy like it is and the holidays coming up, robberies are on the rise.

People in desperate situations do things that they never thought they’d do.”

UNA police Chief Bob Pastula said that one of the biggest things students can do to stay safe is always be aware of the surroundings.

“Pay attention to your surroundings,” Pastula said. “Walk or stay in groups of two

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or more, and always have someone watching your back.”

Pastula also said for students to be aware of the Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP) team, which can be called at night for students who need to travel across campus, and the Lion Alert system.

Alexander said that because of the occurrence, more brothers and friends of the fraternity have taken the initiative to use these two options.

The attempted robbery with a small, black, semi-automatic handgun, took place around 2:30 a.m. Oct. 29. Pastula said the city of Florence has arrested someone who is possibly connected with the crime.

@UNAFlorAla

Theft-$1,550- Flowers Hall Nov. 11 Theft- $65- SRC Nov. 12 Minor in Possession550 N. Cedar St Nov. 14 Theft- $150- Collier Library Nov. 18 Assault- Rivers Hall Nov. 6 Burglary- Auto- $300- Oakview

For assistance or to report a crime, call UNA Police at 765-HELP.

Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Viewpoints

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PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama LUCY BERRY EXECUTIVE EDITOR JOSH SKAGGS NEWS/MANAGING EDITOR ANDY THIGPEN LIFE EDITOR TOMMY BOLTON SPORTS EDITOR ALEX LINDLEY COPY/OPINION EDITOR JORDAN BRADLEY ONLINE EDITOR DEVIN KENNAMER AD MANAGER SAVANNAH COMER GRAPHIC ARTIST EVAN KING CIRCULATION MGR MALISA McCLURE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KAYLA SLOAN BARRY MINOR DARRICK DAWKINS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REBECCA WALKER ADVISER

EDITORIAL BOARD: LUCY BERRY ALEX LINDLEY

Letters Policy The Flor-Ala welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor.

• The deadline for submitting letters is 10 a.m. Monday, the week of publication.

• Letters must not exceed 400 words.

• Letters must be accompanied by the writer’s name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail.

• The Flor-Ala prefers to publish your letters exactly as written, but reserves the right to reject slanderous or libelous material.

• The publication of any letter is left to the discretion of the Editorial Board.

• Priority is given to letters critical of The Flor-Ala, or written in direct response to an editorial, a column, or a news story.

• When the editors deem it necessary for ease of understanding or to clarify facts, an Editor’s Note may accompany a letter.

• Address correspondence to The Flor-Ala. UNA Box 5300, Florence, AL 35632.

E-mail: florala@una.edu.

Letters may also be submitted through our website at florala.net.

• Phone: 256-765-4364

Copyright © 2011 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved.

First copy free.

Additional copies $1 each.

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Calling it like we see it at UNA, in the Shoals, across the state and around the world

Students shouldnʼt fail for absences

It’s 8:13 on a cold November the professor stumbles over words, morning and all you can think about tinkers with the state-of-the-art is how warm your bed felt before educational equipment in our variyou catapulted yourself out of it in ous classrooms, rambles on about a vain effort to get to class on time. something that could have been Teeth unbrushed. Unshowered. said in 10 minutes or, my personal Unshaved. Unconscious. favorite, reads out of the book we It’s a miracle you’re wearalready bought. ing pants.

I’m not getting at the While you sit uncomfortidea that we, as students, ably blank, picking sleep should skip class all the out of your eyes or smoothtime. However, should ing down your bed head, we really fail a class there’s that guy lecturing you because we missed too about—wait, what the hell many days? Why should is he talking about? “Why )VLa <PQOXMV we even have points am I here?” you may ask 4QNM -LQ\WZ taken off? I paid for XI\PQOXMV(]VI yourself. this course. If I want You’re there because you’ve to show up and learn and get my missed too many classes. One money’s worth, I will. more and you fail.

Enter here the old argument: Which brings me to the topic Our professors have already of the week: attendance policies. cashed their checks. Regardless of Personally, I stay pretty busy. our attendance, our educators get There’s always something I could paid. So why do they even care? I be working on/reading/writing/ honestly want to know. editing/etc. If there’s one thing I I’m not asking for allowance can’t stand, especially during the to be a “bad student,” because, school year, it’s wasting time. Yet honestly, I go to class because I here I sit in class for an hour while usually like to. I’m curious and

interested and a nerd. But sometimes I just really don’t want to go sit in a stuffy room and fake it when I could sleep in or—Lord, help us—get ahead on my work.

Before graduating high school, someone said to me about college and life, “Ninety percent of life is showing up. If you show up, things will happen.”

He was very right. We, as students, should have the maturity and intellect to show up to class, participate and earn the education that we want. But I want it to be my choice. I want to cultivate my own maturity. I want to succeed or fail based off my own performance, not because I missed too many lectures.

So, to professors: don’t fail or pass us because of attendance. Let us do it ourselves.

To students: responsibility.

Or, hey, let’s keep it like it is and get a few bucks back every time a professor misses or shows up late. After all, we paid for it.

No? Well, it was worth a shot.

How, where to buy formal wear in Florence I admire any man who takes the piece. A three-piece suit can be effort to put himself together and an extremely versatile addition to wear a suit to any sort of function. any guy’s wardrobe. It gives the Although most consider a suit a opportunity to wear the suit without piece of formal fashion, wearing a the jacket for a slightly more casual suit the wrong way can make you look, or go all out and really jazz stand out in the wrong way. it up with all three pieces Your dad’s hand-me-down together. It’s hard to make a won’t do. Here are a few tips: vest look bad.

Be sure to wear pants Know where to shop. that fit snugly. They don’t If you want to look outdated have to be so uncomfortable and 20 years older, then that you’re damaging your shop at the suit stores that chances of having children, advertise older businessmen but they also don’t need to ,M^QV 3MVVIUMZ in the windows. be so loose that it looks like .I[PQWV +WT]UVQ[\ But if you want you’re wearing a parachute. LSMVVIUMZ(]VI ML] to look your age Be sure to pick a pair of in a suit that fits pants that fit snugly on the waist, like it should, check out stores like don’t leave too much excess in Express and H&M (I got a suit the inseam and are hemmed to an there in Atlanta over the weekend appropriate length. for only $100). I’ve also heard that Know your suit size. Working Gap now carries a men’s suit. Buy with costumers in theater, it was at stores that cater to your age. very disheartening to realize that K-Swiss by Billy Reid most young men did not know their Just a few blocks from UNA suit size. Don’t just throw on a suit on Court Street is the flagship jacket and claim it fits because store of the man that GQ named it doesn’t fall off your shoulders. “best new menswear designer in Your suit should fit in a very tai- America” in 2010. Billy Reid’s lored manner, broad at your shoul- store offers a fantastic collection ders and slimmer near your natural of items for both men and women waistline. that are not only fashionable, but Don’t be afraid of the three- stick with the Southern class and

charm of Florence. Although many of the items at Billy Reid are out of the college budget, the clearance section and a 15 percent discount to UNA students help make Billy Reid’s designer fashion more affordable. Earlier this year, Billy Reid, along with K-Swiss, released a line of tennis shoes perfect for UNA students.

The shoes are available for both men and women. The shoes look fantastic on everyone that I’ve seen wearing them. They are a perfect casual shoe but also work for semiformal occasions. They’re available in two different colors for women and three for men.

They’re affordable. With the 15 percent student discount, the $95 shoes cost a little more than $80.

For a pair of designer tennis shoes that have a connection to your college town, they’re a great buy.

They’re comfortable. I’ve had mine for around a month now and have worn them as much as possible. They’ve made it through a Civil Wars concert, a few UNA football games and many days of going to class.

K-Swiss by Billy Reid are available at Billy Reid – 114 N. Court Street or at www.billyreid.com.

Data collected by the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations shows that more than 1,000 more workers than last year were employed in the Shoals this October. The Shoals metropolitan statistical area unemployment rate this October was 8 percent, which is 1.2 percent better than October one year ago.

Many groups on campus, including adminstrators and constituents, have allowed The Flor-Ala easier access this semester to information available in public meetings at UNA. This has benefited the entire staff immensely, as well as the student body that is more informed as a result of it. We hope this cooperation continues in the years to come.

Students, who are the bread and butter of the university, will only benefit from the information.

The Lions lost to Delta State last Saturday, ending their season. The second loss of the season to the Statesmen represented the worst loss in UNA playoff history. Coach Terry Bowden said the Statesmen’s victory over the Lions was undeniable and that they beat UNA “on both sides of the ball.”

Check florala.net to see a humor video produced by student Juan Estrada with collaboration from student Mack Cornwell.

Congratulations to Orrey Bolton for writing last week’s story of the week!

Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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Sports officials in bind after OVC rejection ruary,” Linder said. “I don’t know if expansion will be on their agenda.”

The OVC includes one of UNA’s oldest rivals, Jacksonville State, and they are excited about the opportunity of possibly playing the Lions in the future.

“We think UNA would be really good for us and for the conference as a whole,” said Jacksonville State Athletic Director Warren Koegel. “I definitely would like to bring back that rivalry.”

Just because UNA was turned down by the OVC doesn’t mean that the OVC will not take it at a later date. Jacksonville State was actually turned down on its first attempt, making it regroup and fix its image.

“We tried to build our facilities, and increase our fundraising,” Koegel said.

“As far as UNA is concerned, they need to continue to raise money, add a women’s photo by Malisa McClure sport as soon as possible and continue to The Lions play Delta State University during the final game of the season Nov. 26. talk to people, and maybe the OVC will conference. open back up.” <WUUa *WT\WV “The report from the OVC was that UNA The next choices for UNA if the OVC ;XWZ\[ -LQ\WZ \JWT\WV(]VI ML] did everything correctly, and we are a fine is set in stone with their position are the university,” said Athletic Director Mark Southland Conference, Southern Confer` Due to the recent event of the Ohio Val- Linder. “It was more a decision that they ence and the Atlantic Sun, but those leagues ley Conference choosing not to expand, were not in expansion mode.“ give UNA a geographic disadvantage.

Ever since the decision was made to UNA is left in a bind on what direction to “We have started dialogue with the Southmove to Division I, the OVC was clearly ern, the Southland and the Atlantic Sun,” take next in the move to Division I. On Nov. 16, presidents of the OVC uni- the No. 1 place to go to, and there is still Linder said. “The Southern Conference has versities came to an agreement not to ex- some time for the university to change the some natural rivals and is a very strong athpand their league, leaving UNA wondering minds of the OVC members. letic conference. The Southland presents “The OVC presidents will meet in Feb- some geographic concerns but is a very what it did wrong in trying to impress the

strong league.”

While all this is going on, the current conference UNA is in, the Gulf South Conference, is hoping UNA reconsiders its plan of moving up to Division I. “Obviously we want UNA to stay; we think they are a key member in this league, and we hope there is some rethinking in the athletics program about this,” said GSC Commissioner Nathan Salant.

Salant said that the GSC has made efforts to keep them, including letting the Lions play in the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and adding schools that are strong academically and athletically.

“There is nothing to be gained by pushing forward with an extensive adventure that will hurt the community (when) they have a good home in the GSC,” Salant said.

“Student athletes deserve an opportunity to play for national championships. In a low tier Division I conference, they would never play for any except, once in a while, in football.”

photo by Josh Skaggs

Members of the Ohio Valley Conference visit UNA officials in mid-August.

Read more about the Division I transition and what students think on page 9

Holiday season inspires students to volunteer )TM` 4QVLTMa

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In the giving spirit of the holidays, some students might feel compelled to give back.

Many opportunities are available to UNA students looking to get involved.

According to Jennifer Brown, director of Student Engagement for Leadership and Volunteerism, UNA’s Office of Student Engagement is available to help students get in touch with the volunteer opportunities that are right for them.

“We post tons of volunteer opportunities on the new Student Engagement website,” she said. “Or you can just make an appointment with us. We’ll help you get involved in the place that’s right for your needs.”

Brown said it is important for students to get involved.

“There are some people who would love to have your bad days,” she said. “Volunteering helps keep us grounded. It helps put a face on what’s really going on out there.”

Though many volunteer opportunities are available all year, many more become available during the holidays, Brown said.

UNA junior general biology major and service chair of the University Program Council Jori Chatman is leading one holiday volunteer opportunity.

“Angel Tree is a program that the Salvation Army has where parents who may not be financially stable can provide their children a great Christmas,” she said. “So, they sign up their children, including clothes

size, shoe size, wish list, etc., with hopes that people in the community, or even outside the community, can help bring their child joy.”

Chatman believes that students will get something for themselves through volunteering to help others.

“I am so blessed to be able to live a good life,” she said. “So, my question is ‘Why not spread happiness and do what is right?’”

Students who want to get involved with Angel Tree can contact Chatman at jechatman@una.edu. Angel Tree gifts are due by Dec. 8.

Another Christmas volunteering opportunity comes from Hospice of North Alabama, an end-of-life care provider for terminally ill people located in Russellville and serving 17 counties in North Alabama.

According to volunteer coordinator of photo by Darrick Dawkins Hospice of North Alabama Carrie Jordan, Student Olivia Hill takes part in volunteering at the holiday display in Regency Square Adopt a Stocking is a program that enables Mall in Florence. Many volunteer opportunities are available to students this season. terminally ill patients to receive stockings that have adopted stockings to fill.” including a tree lighting ceremony Dec. 5, filled with personal care items or toiletries UNA students can get involved with the a Christmas arts and crafts event Dec. 7, and other types of Christmas goodies.

Adopt a Stocking program by contacting an in-house shopping spree Dec. 9 and an “This will be our fifth year (organizing Jordan at 256-332-7001 or carriej@hospi- afternoon New Year’s Eve party Dec. 30. the Adopt a Stocking program),” she said. ceofnorthalabama.com.

For more information on the events list“Our program has grown over the years.

Director of Resident Services at Mitch- ed above or other volunteer opportunities This year, the company has given out a to- ell-Hollingsworth Nursing and Rehabilita- available at Mitchell-Hollingsworth, contal of 200 stockings to be filled.” tion Jerolyn Herron said students are wel- tact Herron at (256) 740-5461.

Jordan said everyone is welcome to get come to help out during the holidays.

One benefit of volunteering that Herron involved.

“Our residents adore young people,” she points out is gaining a new family.

“We usually have students of all ages said. “We can always use help with the “We would love to become (students’) involved in this program,” she said. “This nursing home events.” family,” she said. “Any time you help othyear, we have elementary, middle and high Herron listed several opportunities avail- ers, you’re helping yourself, too.” school students, as well as college students, able to students over the holiday season,

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Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Hispanic Culture Groups work toward AIDS A wants t to t make k Saylor said the GSA group hosts march • Organizations hope people sease affects the aware that the disease community as a whole, but theree are to bring awareness, ways to prevent it. for understanding otal of 93 As of Oct. 1, a total 4]Ka *MZZa

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i s sexually acti t ve to active “know their status”—that is, get tested to know if you have HIV/AIDS or any other STDS. She said they also need to know their part partner’s status.

Students interested in getting tested for HIV can go to the Lauderdale County Health Department in Florence. The Bennett Infirmary also offers STD testing that does not include the HIV test. rg

a table set up in the GUC today, where they will be passing out condoms and sharing information about the disease.

“We just want to let everybody know that it’s something everybody has to look out for,” said Jerry Saylor, public relations officer for the GSA.

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Today is World Aids Day, and people across the world are working toward “Getting to Zero”— this year’s theme for the event.

According to worldaidscampaign.org, the goals of “Getting to Zero” are zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

UNA’s Gay-Straight Alliance will have

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Want to keep up with what’s going on around campus over the break?

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auderdale cases were reported in Lauderdale ph.org.

County, according to adph.org.

A senior Jamie Brooks, a UNA ontestant, and Miss Alabama contestant, has seen the disease firsthand.

Brooks began working with the treach proBirmingham AIDS Outreach gram when she was a freshman in high school. h AIDS he While working with tthe ks develoutreach program, Brooks oped a crush on a fellow volunteer. He was older, cutee and old had a car—a 15 year-old d girl’s dream. He moved away and Brooks laterr found out that he was HIV positive. y “I always tell his story because he was such a ks ‘normal’ person,” Brooks said. reHIV/AIDS awareorm ness is Brooks’ platform when she competes in pageants.

Brooks will also be at the G S A table today.

Tia Gilbert, registered nurse at Lauderdale County Health Department and Area 1 HIV coordinator for the Alabama Department of Public Health, recommends abstinence as the best way to be protected

f th di from the disease. H However, she said, anyone who is going to have sex needs to wear protection.

“If anyone is going to do anythe h y need thing, they to protect themselves,” Gilbert said.

G lbert Gi Gilbert administers HIV tests at the Lauderdale County h Department Health buildiing located loc ocated oc building Chii sholm on Chisholm Road in Floren nce.

Florence.

Gii lbert Gilbert u r g e s anyone who ph

Amanda Hernandez, president of the Hispanic Culture Organization, believes most students and community members have been misled by lawmakers regarding the new Alabama immigration bill, which inspired her student group to debunk the misconceptions that are out there.

The organization will host a studentled march toward understanding Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to educate and inform others about how the bill affects the Shoals community and future of residents in Alabama.

“Students are the people we’re aiming to reach,” Hernandez said. “They need to look at the other side of the issue and educate themselves from all directions. It’s one thing to get information from the TV, but, a lot of times, that information is vague and broad. Students that are planning on living in this area and starting a family here need to educate themselves and participate regardless of their stance.”

The march will begin at Wilson Park in downtown Florence, proceed to Court Street and end at the Memorial Amphitheater on UNA’s campus. Hank Sherrod, a civil rights attorney with the Alabama chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, will speak and host a Q&A session about the immigration bill at the amphitheater.

Speakers from the Alabama Coalition of Immigrant Justice, Alabama Dreamers for the Future, Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama and Dr. Scott Infanger, assistant professor of Spanish, will also educate participants about the new bill.

“If students have never really taken time out to participate in other events, this is the one event that will really affect their life,” Hernandez said. “This is the one thing students really need to educate themselves on and participate in.”

Hernandez said the student-led march toward understanding on Alabama’s new immigration bill is the first of its kind in the Shoals area since the law was introduced this past summer. She said students with a variety of opinions are encouraged to take part in the event to demonstrate both sides of the illegal immigration issue.

inform students

awareness

University remembers MLK with march 2WZLIV *ZILTMa

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UNA will be hosting a program and march in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 13 for all students, faculty and staff.

The program will start at noon Jan. 13 at the Guillot University Center performance center, and at its conclusion the attendees will march across to the Baptist Campus Ministries for a free lunch in remembrance of King’s famous peace marches.

“It’s a celebration for what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for,” said Tammy Jacques, director of the Office of Student Engagement, one of the major sponsors and coordinators for the event. “It’s a program and luncheon for us to reflect on what MLK Jr. said and how it can be used today.”

After the march, students, faculty and staff can stay at the Baptist Campus Ministries for a free luncheon and a time to socialize and reflect with other members of the university, Jacques said.

“It’s a little different from last year,” said Allison Ray, student adviser for the Student Multicultural Advisory Committee, also known on campus as SMAC, another major organizer of the event. “The theme of the program is based off our theme for the year, Aim for Change. “(Our goal is) seeking to advocate, integrate and motivate students toward racial and international awareness through multicultural education and programming.

That’s our set goal for 2011/2012. All of our programming will be aimed to incorporate back to that main goal.”

SMAC, which was in charge of hosting the event last year, is inviting students to attend the programs to reflect on the message Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of and to support organizations that will be performing

photo by Malisa McClure

Students, faculty and staff members take part in last January’s remembrance march. The march starts at the GUC and ends at the Baptist Campus Ministries buidling.

at the program, according to Ray. “Ascending Voices, the Chinese Student Organization and Collegiate Singers are for sure performing, and we have other groups we can confirm at a later date,” Ray said.

Other organizations, like the Black Student Alliance, and other possible performers will be in attendance of the program, which should last from 30 to 45 minutes, The march will follow immediately after the program with the walk to the Baptist Campus Ministry and should last approximately 15 minutes.

During the march, the Ascending Voices vocal group will lead the marching group to the song “We Shall Overcome,” while other members of the march will carry the traditional banner to the Baptist Campus

Ministries.

According to Ray, a guest speaker is also planned for the opening program, though who will speak has not been decided yet.

If you go...

• Where: GUC • When: Jan. 13 • What: Rememberance march for Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Life

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Students, professors celebrate diverse holiday traditions cause of the oil. They also enjoy many fried foods, such as donuts and latkes, which are potato pancakes.

Assistant Professor of History Jeffrey Bibbee, who has been at UNA for four years, concurs with Carter and Boeck that it does not get any better than Christmas food, especially with the smells of sugar cookies and fudge that Bibbee’s mother makes every year.

Besides desserts, Bibbee’s family has its own unique tradition—buying ornaments from the different places they travel and adding them to the photo by Kayla Sloan Christmas tree each year.

Fir trees, nutcrackers and reindeer all bring up specific images in Christmas traditions, but everyone celebrates the holidays in different ways.

The ornaments tend to be interestfrom their parents every Advent (the four ing. In this year alone, Bibbee’s parents 3I\MTaV 2IZZMTT ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ Sundays leading up to Christmas). have visited Canada, his brother has been SRIZZMTT(]VI ML] When asked what they like most about to Germany and South Africa, and Bibbee While it is the general consensus that Christmas, students and faculty quickly himself has brought home ornaments from the holidays can sometimes be stressful, broach the subject of food.

Spain, Greece and England.

“Instead of making one Christmas dinstudents and faculty of UNA are still more “Probably the biggest tradition is our than ready for Christmas time. With such ner, my mom makes a ton of appetizers that Christmas tree,” he said. “We always have a diversity of people on campus, it is not morning, and we literally do nothing but sit to compete over who has the greatest orsurprising that being out of class seems to around and eat all day,” said sophomore en- naments.” Bibbee believes his niece, who be one of the few things students and fac- tertainment industry major Michael Carter. visited China and brought back a dragon Some students at UNA will be eating ornament, will win this year. ulty will have in common over this break.

Everyone has his or her own plans, tradi- foods for altogether different celebrations To add to their uniqueness, apart from tions and stories to tell when it comes to this winter break. Freshman marine biol- buying presents for the younger children, ogy major Hailey Boeck celebrates Hanuk- Bibbee’s family has ceased traditional gift the holidays.

For freshman interdisciplinary studies kah as a Jewish cultural tradition. Boeck giving, opting for making donations to major Alyson Berry, the period between said that Hanukkah is the celebration of a charities instead.

Thanksgiving and Christmas is the best historic miracle God performed by provid“I get sick of all the presents,” Bibbee ing oil for light for eight nights when they said. “I also get annoyed with Christmas time of the year.

The day after Thanksgiving, Berry’s had only enough for one. To symbolize music being played in October.” family sets up their Christmas tree, and to this, it is Jewish tradition to light one candle Junior exercise science major Abril get further into the Christmas spirit, she and each night of Hanukkah to symbolize the Agnew agrees that some Christmas tradiher two younger sisters receive little gifts light that was maintained in the temple be- tions are less festive than obligatory. While

some tend to get caught up in the stress of activities and preparations, she believes that spending time with family is the most important part of the holidays.

“People are seeing (Christmas) as a rushed thing and not taking the time to see it for what it really is,” Agnew said.

Her family’s traditions include giving each other gifts on the 12 days leading up to Christmas and then baking cookies for Santa Clause on Christmas night “because he exists.”

Bob Hendren, who has been a communications professor at UNA for 10 years, is among those at UNA who do not take the positive atmosphere of Christmas for granted.

Hendren related that part of the reason hemappreciates Christmas today is because of his time in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He said that Christmas was a difficult experience, being cut off from his family in a foreign country—especially during a time with so little technology.

“It’s always a very lonely time for servicemen,” Hendren said.

UNA holds a host of foreign exchange students who will be spending Christmas break away from home. These students face the unique challenge of finding things to do through the holidays.

The winter break will be too short to enjoy visiting home, said Chinese study abroad student Jing Shi Zhang, or “Alvin,” who is here to get his master’s degree in business administration. As they did during Thanksgiving, he and his friends will be traveling within the States for the break.

“We are going to fly to New York to know more about American culture and to know how Americans celebrate Christmas,” said Chinese study abroad student Lei Xiao Lei, who is working toward his master’s degree in criminal justice.

According to Lei, while some Chinese young people like to celebrate Christmas, it is not a part of their culture.

“Almost all Chinese know Christmas, but they do not celebrate it—but they like the presents,” Lei said.

Early classes donʼt necessarily Time management plays vital promise higher college grades role in stress, grades, health )VV 0IZSMa

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A study performed by a pair of St. Lawrence University professors suggests that earlier classes may lead to higher GPAs among students.

The study shows a slight drop in GPA for every hour later that a class starts.

It suggests that early classes encourage students to go to sleep earlier, perform more efficiently and stay sober.

“When I have taught the same course in different sections, I generally found the 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. classes performing better than afternoon classes,” said Dr. Jeffrey Bibbee, a history professor at UNA. “It’s not an enormous difference in GPA—by one thousandth of a point.”

He said, however, that more organized students make higher grades in general.

Students who schedule their classes earlier in the morning have a more structured life-

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photo by Barry Minor

Despite recent studies, waking up early for class may not actually be the ticket to good grades.

style.

“It’s about finding what works best for the individual student,” he said.

This may come as harsh news for students who argue that later classes are preferred.

“I tend to do better in afternoon class-

;MM 57:616/; XIOM

College can be a great time to try new things and step out of one’s comfort zone to find their place in the world. However, with so many campus and community clubs and organizations, it’s easy to q u i c k l y become overwhelmed when students find their to-do list outweighs the amount of time they have to actually complete it.

An article by USA Today lists two simple but important pieces of advice on

coping with a busy schedule. First, students need to learn to simplify and decide what is most important to them. When choosing clubs and organizations to join, students should choose those that have something to do with their major or ones that they are passionate about.

Student Government Association President Ralph Akalonu knows all about busy scheduling and the importance of planning.

Akalonu is a senior at UNA double majoring in biology and photo by Barry Minor history and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

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Images

Fizzling out

By Malisa McClure - Chief Photographer - msmcclure@una.edu The Lions suffered a big loss at the hands of the Delta State Statesmen this Saturday in Cleveland, Miss.

After losing to the Statesmen first in the regular season, this loss was a heartwrenching one.

When DSU scored a touchdown in less than a minute in the first drive of the game, I remember thinking, “Uh oh, this is not the way to start it off!” But UNA was able to answer back with a touchdown, giving the Lion fans hope.

The Lions continued to play well through the first quarter, but by the end of the second quarter they were looking a little shaky.

At the end of the third quarter, the Statesmen were winning 35-14. A touchdown in the first drive of the fourth quarter gave them a 42-14 lead, and the Lions seemed to be coming apart at the seams.

To view more photos from this series, visit our site at www.florala.net

The Lions fans, true as ever, cheered into the fourth quarter. But as the fourth quarter wore on, I saw more and more worried faces on the sidelines and in the stands.

The players were yelling, “I didn’t come this far to lose!” and “Let’s go, O!” I overheard Robbie Burdine giving another player a pep talk, because that player didn’t want to go back on the field.

In the last minute or so of the game, the chaos on the sidelines turned to a quiet disdain. Players bowed their heads, some cried and even the coaches looked exasperated. The same was true of the fans in the stands.

Delta State won 42-14, knocking the Lions out of this year’s playoffs. It was clear how badly the Lions, including myself, wanted this win. I only wish we had gotten it.

Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Feature

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Students express concerns about D-I transition )TM` 4QVLTMa

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After UNA’s recent rejection from the Ohio Valley Conference in its quest to transition to Division I, many students have voiced their opinions about the rejection and the transition in general. Since this past summer, the UNA board of trustees has been heavily focused on entering the OVC, so the rejection came suddenly for many students.

“The rejection was a huge surprise to me, as well as a lot of students,” said SGA President Ralph Akalonu.

Most students expressed surprise in regards to UNA’s rejection, but their opinions on whether or not UNA should continue searching for available conferences vary.

“I was a little disappointed (about UNA being rejected),” said UNA senior Ethan

UNA student Allison Ray rallies against the Division I transition in March. The trustees voted in favor of the Division I move at its June board meeting.

Cagle. “But it will probably work out for the best.”

UNA junior Jesse Faulk was disappointed by the rejection.

“I hate we’re not going into that conference,” he said. “I hope it works out the way it needs to –Division I or Division II.” Akalonu said he hopes UNA will continue to seek out other conferences because of the moves they have already made to raise money.

“I can’t really say why the OVC rejected UNA, but, whatever their reason, it very well may be a reflection of their view of our university,” he said.

According to Akalonu, many students are unsure of the future of the Division I move.

“There has been a lot of mixed feelings from students, especially since both the photos courtesy of University Photographer Shannon Wells university and SGA began educating the Students protest Division I in March before the trustees voted in favor of the transition. student body on the move,” he said. “I have championship in 15 years,” Akalonu said. heard students ask the question ‘What’s out knowing where our place will be.”

Akalonu said he will support the stu“The recent GSC titles this year show our next?’ and also other students express posidents. competitiveness in other sports, but (foottive feelings about the rejection.

“Based on my position as president of ball) is still not showing that level of com“I think students are waiting to see what SGA, I will stand with the majority of petitiveness. the university’s next step will be.” students, who voted in opposition to the “So, in all, the rejection hasn’t altered Some students think the rejection is a move,” he said. “The university needs to my opinion, but I think it could serve as an signal to UNA. “I think this is a sign we should stay Divi- continue to engage UNA and the Florence indication of how we are viewed.” community in the process, which they are Other students have concerns that do sion II,” said UNA senior Taylor Pickens. not involve athletics.

Other students believe UNA planned doing.”

Some students have other concerns re“I haven’t heard anything that’s going poorly before initiating the application progarding the transition. to benefi t students, and I think we should cess to the OVC. “I also think another aspect with respect focus on academics,” said UNA senior Deb “We shouldn’t have gone into Division I to being competitive in a Division I conferBailey.

“Why would we raise money for without knowing what we’d be doing,” said ence, especially in the sport of football, is Division I but not academics? I’m glad they UNA sophomore Michael Thaxton. “It’s the fact that we have not won a Division II got rejected.” kind of dumb to leap into something with-

Pierce: ʻWe need to be the leader, not the followerʼ with D-I 4]Ka *MZZa IVL 2W[P ;SIOO[ .TWZ )TI -LQ\WZ[ NTWZITI(]VI ML]

UNA President Dr. Bill Cale said it is important to keep a balanced point of view and to remember the university is embarrassed, but not harmed, after being rejected by the Ohio Valley Conference Nov. 16.

He said he was disappointed and surprised to learn UNA would not receive a conference invitation because he thought the university had satisfactorily addressed all questions and concerns the OVC had in previous months.

Since the rejection, Cale plans to dig deeper into why UNA did not receive an invitation from the OVC as the university continues to pursue the transition to Division I athletics.

“I plan to reach out to as many presidents as I can,” he said at an athletics subcommittee meeting for the board of trustees Nov. 22. “I plan to start with talking to the commissioners face to face and gather as much information as I can. I want to look into the issues that drove their decision.”

Josh Woods, university spokesman, said UNA will continue to work on all facets of the move, despite rejection from the OVC. “(Director of Athletics) Mark (Linder) is still going to be advancing the athletics program to those same D-I standards,” Woods said. “We have to be D-I ready when a conference invite comes along, whether it’s from the OVC or any other conference.”

Vice President for University Advancement Alan Medders said the university has to continue to raise funds and move forward

with the transition. So far, the university gained $233,000 in pledges and secured $183,000 in cash toward the $500,000 annual goal and $1.408 million toward the overall $3 million goal.

According to Medders, the university is on track for success and to meet the benchmarks set forth by the UNA board of trustees’ resolution, which was passed in June of this year.

“The goal hasn’t changed … the resolution by the board said nothing about which conference we have to join,” Medders said.

“It is just saying that UNA needs to move forward with a plan to transition to Division I athletics.”

Trustee Ronnie Flippo said he was shocked to learn the OVC rejected UNA from entering its conference. He believes photo by Malisa McClure UNA should take immediate action in con- Billy Don Anderson, Harvey Robbins, Libby Watts-Jordan, Rodney Howard and Bill sulting with the OVC to learn the reasons Cale discuss Division I at the board of trustees meeting in June. behind the rejection.

Division I when all of its rivals, such as year ago? I would dare say no. They have “For two years, they have said they want- Jacksonville State and other institutions been given the information they should ed us in their conference,” he said. “We’ve comparable to UNA’s size made the move, have been given a long time ago.” been proceeding along those lines, and then Watts-Jordan said.

Steve Pierce, president pro tem of the they pulled the rug out from under us when “This is where we should have been last board of trustees, said UNA needs to conthey knew how important that decision was year,” Watts-Jordan said. “Next year is go- tinue working to meet its designated benchto us.” ing to be the bad year … as far as the games marks in order to successfully transition to Trustee Libby Watts-Jordan told the ath- we play go.”

Division I. letics subcommittee she was not pleased Rodney Howard, a member of the board “We need to stay in touch with the OVC, with the university’s response to the OVC of trustees, said one thing the university get our affairs in order and continue fordecision, and that the board, university has succeeded in during previous months ward with whatever conferences are there,” administration and community should be is keeping students, faculty, staff and com- he said. “We need to be the leader, not the more respectful of the OVC’s decision. She munity members better informed about the follower. We need to get everything in orsaid questioning their decision is not the Division I transition. der and meet on a regular basis. We are well proper thing for the university to do at this “We’ve corrected those weaknesses we on the way to Division I. This is a speed time. have had,” he said. “Do the students feel bump, so let’s get past this and move on.”

UNA missed its chance to transition to today the same way they did six months, a

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Player of the week

Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Lions fall to Delta State in playoffs <WUUa *WT\WV

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The UNA football team’s season came to an end when the Lions fell to Delta State in the second round of the Division II playoffs.

The Lions got the rematch they had been waiting for ever Beaumont Beasley since the heartbreaking loss earlier in the season to Delta State Hometown: Kansas City, MO. in overtime, but the Statesmen Major: Finance proved too much as the Lions fell Position: Guard in a rout of 42-14.

Stats: Beasley had 26 points and “It was an undeniable win three assists in the win against for Delta State, as they beat us Montevallo. in all phases of the game,” said head coach Terry Bowden. “They just played well on both sides of the ball. We got the momentum early, but once they got going, we couldn’t contain them.”

The Lions had no answer on defense, as Delta State for the game finished with 466 yards of When: Saturday, 1 p.m. total offense, allowing 252 on the ground and 214 through the air.

“They came out with a differWh Where: Away ent change in their offense, and it W Who: Paine really caught us off guard,” said senior linebacker Tommie Westbrook. “I knew they were big up front, but I was surprised on how they beat us in the front seven.”

Delta State jumped on the board first as Micah Davis completed a 60-yard pass to Chance Dennis to put the Statesmen up 7-0 with 14:02 left in the first.

Week At A Glance

Women’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball When: Thursday, 7 p.m.

Where: Away Who: Ou Who: Ouachita Baptist

photos by Malisa McClure

Senior linebacker Jonathan Byrd makes a tackle during the second-round playoff game against Delta State. The 42-14 loss ends the season for the Lions, leaving the team with unanswered questions going into next season.

The Lions answered back with a score, tying the game up at seven with a two-yard touchdown run from Antwan Ivey.

Later in the quarter, the Lions had a third-and-ten on their own 16-yard line when Lee Chapple found Jason Smith for an 84-yard touchdown to put the Lions up 14-7.

After that point, the States-

men put a pair of scoring drives together to give the Statesmen a 21-14 lead going into the half.

The first came from a Davis eight-yard touchdown run and the second a touchdown pass from Davis to Jacob Sesma from three yards.

The Lions received the opening second-half kickoff but could not get back in the game by going three-and-out.

The Statesmen then added to their lead the following drive as the defense still could not contain the DSU offense.

Davis completed his second touchdown pass and third touchdown of the game with a 20- yard pass to Avery Horn, making the score 2814.

The Lions then started to move the ball on offense until Chapple was hit while he was throwing, fumbling the ball, and DSU returned it to the

UNA 20.

DSU took advantage of the turnover by scoring another touchdown and ending any hope of a comeback, as Richard Freelon raced it in from ten yards, making the score 35-14.

Delta State then got the final score of the game in the fourth quarter, following a short punt by the Lions with a Brant Botill 19yard touchdown run, making the final score 42-14.

Chapple was 20-of-38 for 238 yards for the Lions, and Tristan Purifoy caught nine passes for 103 yards. Davis, for DSU, was 17-of-24 for 214 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for a touchdown.

The Lions finished the season with a 9-3 record and the second time in two years that the Lions were elimnated by Delta State.

Box Score UNA DSU Total Yards: 298

466

Passing:

238

254

(Lee Chapple)

Be Sure to follow @FlorAlaSports on Twitter for live updates on UNA sports.

(Micah Davis)

Rushing

102

266

(Chris Coffey)

40

(Brant Botil) 67

(Wes Holland)

37

(Richard Freelon) 42

(Antwan Ivey)

17

(Micah Davis) 48

(Tristan Purifoy)

103

(Chance Dennis) 88

(Jason Smith)

93

(Avery Horn) 48

Receiving Senior running back Antwan Ivey races into the endzone to give the Lions an early lead against Delta State. Despite the score, the Lions were unable to stop the Statesmen’s offensive attack.

Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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Mastin looks to play big for Lions this season 4I]ZMV -[\M[

Q: “You really impress th h the th dunk du crowds with dunkn you ing!

When did Warrick Mastin, a senior guard from start?”

Muscle Shoals, graduated from Muscle Shoals High School in 2008. After playing rted when I A: “I started at Northwest Shoals Community college ninth ggrade was in the for two years, he transferred to UNA to S at Muscle Shoals.

It finish his junior and senior years wearing ne of those was just one purple and gold and playing Lion basketh myy things with ball. s seeteammates Q: “Who was your role ing who could uld d model growing up?” do it. One of guys A: “My dad … he was al- the threw the ways doing the right thing, ball and I telling me to stay out of d just jumped trouble and do the right up and thing.” jammed it.

We were Q: “How did you get just playstarted playing basketd ing around ball?” seeing whoo dunkk A: “I kinda started play- could d.” it, and I did.” ing basketball on my own.

I watched it on TV and DonDon Q: “McDonwatched my dad play when ald’s or Burger I was little. I’ve been play- King?” rger ing since I was five, and I’m 21 now.” ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ TM[\M[(]VI ML]

A: “McDonald’s … it’s the Golden Arches.”

What are your Q: “What goals after UNA?” U goals A: “When I get done playing y g here playing here, I will get my degree g in sports my manageme g management and try p to pursu pursue my professio career fessional in bbasketball in and go as far and as it will take as me With my me. de degree, I want to be involved to w schools with an kids and and b able to be c coach.”

Q: “What is a team, col college or profe pro professional, that you y loved that to watch wa play to grow growing up?”

A: “The Chicago Bulls.”

Q: “Your answer led me to my next question … Kobe or Lebron … or Michael Jordan?”

A: “In the league now would be Kobe. All-time, though, would be Michael.”

Q: “If Hollywood was going to make a movie about you, who would producers cast to play you in the movie?”

A: “Mike Epps … from the Friday movies, because he is funny and is kind of the way I am.”

Q: “What’s your favorite UNA basketball memory?”

A: “This year, starting off 4-0 is my favorite basketball memory.”

photo by Malisa McClure

Athletes try to find time for school while playing +PZQ[ 8MVVQM

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Students are responsible for maintaining a good standing on and off the field.

With daily practices and training, many student athletes may find it a little difficult to manage their time for academic reasons.

The athletic department has academic guidelines for its athletes. The department also sends out grade checks to every athlete’s instructor to evaluate the students’ grades and provide feedback on how they are doing in the classroom.

According to the NCAA, students must have a GPA of at least 2.0 to remain in good standing. They also need to have a minimum of 12 hours of classes. Should athletes fail a class or be under the six-hour rule, they may have a hard time being certified to compete the following semester.

“The average GPA of athletes in UNA is a 2.8,” said Athletic Director Mark Linder.

“Our current goal is to push up to a 3.0.”

The athletic department is very considerable of its athletes in terms of academics.

Athletes also have academic advisers in the department who will guide them for any academic support. An athlete can miss practice for any reason regarding academics.

“There can be a number of reasons why an athlete may not do so well in class,” Linder said. “It can range from time commitments to preparations before coming out of high school.”

According to Linder, students may also have trouble managing academically, depending on the type of sport they play.

A student playing football will have a bit more time to study than a student playing golf, who has variety of long tournaments throughout the year.

Sophomore Jennifer Osmond is doing well in her classes but understands the dif-

ficulties of what athletes may go through on the field and in the classroom.

“I came here to play soccer but to also acquire a degree and get things done,” Osmond said.

Attendance is always an issue in college. But coaches do the best they can to enforce that their players go to class.

Student athletes are allowed to miss class only if they have an excuse concerning an away game; however, the instructors may want them to turn in an assignment beforehand since the athlete will not be present to turn it on the due date.

“It adds a little more pressure,” Osmond said. “Some assignments may need a little more time to study and research over, but considering photo by Kayla Sloan I have a short period of time to turn it in, I may have to Football players, as well as all other athletes, try to fit in some time for academics. Due to schedules, athletes have to be pulled out of school for games during the week. rush a bit.”

The forward soccer playOsmond is doing great in class and rareOsmond still believes that students and er also knows that when an athlete is given leisure time, he or she will ly misses a day unless she has a valid reason. athletes have their good days and bad days; “I think freshmen students—especially however, she also agrees that athletes have need to be extremely productive with that the athletes—may have a hard time getting to maintain a good balance between grades free time.

“Our coach may give us a day off on used to managing because they generally and games.

“If an athlete does badly on an assignMonday after a Sunday game,” Osmond do not know what to expect,” Osmond said. said. “I would utilize most of the free time “Whereas a higher classman is more sea- ment, they need to push themselves to do their best on the field that same day even if that day to clean my house and study for a soned at managing their time.”

Just like any other students, athletes also they feel down about that grade,” Osmond few hours.” have social needs. said.

According to Osmond, the most impor“Getting time to meet new people is one “It is important to find a good balance tant initiative a student needs is to be orgaof the hardest things to do as an athlete,” between the two so that the next day they nized.

“Being organized may be a hard thing Osmond said. “And it’s hard to participate will succeed in class as well as on the field.” to do, but once you are, life gets easier,” Os- in non-athletic events and other student organizations when we are so connected to mond said. the game.”

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Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Recent scandals in sports question ethics 5ITQ[I 5K+T]ZM

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Recent allegations against former Pennsylvania State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky have caused a media frenzy across the United States.

Sandusky has been accused of sexually assaulting underage boys, and members of Penn State faculty have been accused of covering up the alleged crimes.

Due to the scandal, head coach Joe Paterno has been fired, while President Graham Spanier has been forced to resign.

“It appears that the power structure associated with athletics at Penn State might have—and the money involved—may have influenced some decision making, but we don’t have the information at this point to make that kind of assumption or draw that kind of conclusion,” said Janet McMullen, associate professor in the communications department at UNA. McMullen said she is concerned about the media coverage of the scandal because it appears many people are jumping to conclusions quickly. She also said the coverage has been mostly based on leaked grand jury records. She said the story has turned into what she called a “feeding frenzy” and has become sensationalized.

After Paterno was fired Nov. 9, more than

1,000 Penn State students rioted in the streets around campus, according to csmoniter. com. The students flipped over a media van.

“They looked very stupid,” said David McCreary, a student at UNA. McCreary thinks that the fans and the media have made Paterno’s firing more important than the alleged crimes.

“You don’t really hear more about the scandal; you hear more about the coach,” McCreary said.

McMullen said she can understand the fans’ reaction. She said that the loyalty and affections of the fans are likely to make them want to protect Paterno’s image. She points out that the very next night, the students held a candlelight vigil for the alleged victims.

“I think we need not rush to judgment (of the fans and their reaction),” McMullen said.

Paterno and Spanier are not the only people who have been affected by the scandal. Tim Curley, the Penn State athletic director, is on administrative leave while Gary Schultz, head of the Penn State police department, has resigned. Mike McQueary, who testified about an alleged assault during the grand jury trial, has received threats and been put on administrative leave. Sandusky is banned from Penn State’s campus.

“The college in general did the right thing by firing and cleaning out the house, because the longer those guys are there, the longer (the drama is) gonna last,” McCreary said.

Photo by Associated Press

Due to the recent scandal at Penn State University, students have shown the nation that they care about the victims involved

McMullen points out that the entire institution has been blackened by the allegations and the negative media coverage surrounding them. She said it isn’t fair to the students, faculty or athletes that the university is getting such negative publicity.

“There are staff and faculty and students and alumni of that university who believe in the goals and the values and the traditions of that university, which were set at a very high standard,” McMullen said. “When we paint

with a broad brush because a few individuals did some egregious things or are accused of doing some egregious things, that’s not fair.”

McCreary said the victims and their well-being are more important than the university’s reputation.

“They have to understand that the kids are the most important thing about the whole thing,” McCreary said.

UNA sports provide excitement, winning seasons

photo by Barry Minor photo by Malisa McClure

Senior midfielder Jamie Takala pushes the ball down the field in a game earlier this season.

photo by Barry Minor

Freshman midfielder Danielle Scanlon prepares to avoid a tackle during a game earlier in the season.

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This fall semester, UNA athletics has brought loads of excitement and disappointment.

Each team had moments of promise, picking up big wins along the way, but ended with early defeats in post-season play.

There were also historical achievements along the way, with Chloe Roberts becoming the new goal-scoring queen in UNA history. We also had volleyball head coach

photo by Darrick Dawkins

Senior quarterback Lee Chapple scrambles out of the pocket against Delta State earlier in the season.

Members of the volleyball team discuss a strategy during a game earlier this season as Lions finished the season with a tournament berth.

photo by Malisa McClure

Senior runningback Wes Holland races down field against West Georgia earlier this season.

Stephanie Radecki pick up her 200th win of her career.

The soccer team ended up winning the Gulf South Conference, but was defeated in the first round of the playoffs. The volleyball team also reached post-season play, but was also defeated early on.

The football team reached all the way up to No. 1 in the rankings, but lost two consecutive games and was recently defeated in the second round of the Division II playoffs.. Leaving the question of whether or not the team under performed this season.

If next semester is anything like this semester, then the spring semester is going to be a lot of fun to watch.

photo by Darrick Dawkins

Volleyball head coach Stephanie Radecki looks on during a volleyball game.

Life

Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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Donʼt be SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder causes moods across country to change with seasons 5I\\ ?QT[WV

;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ UL_QT[WV (]VI ML]

photo by Malisa McClure

Those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can feel a lot of the same symptoms found in depression, such as feelings of isolation, overeating or oversleeping.

Well, it is that time of the year again. The days are shorter, the weather is often nasty, and, for some people, this is the recipe for a trying and lonely few months.

Call it the winter blues, the holiday blues or seasonal depression. Call it what you like, but if you suffer from this mood disorder, then you are familiar with the debilitating effects it can have.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a specifier of major depression. People who have normal mental health throughout the year experience depressive symptoms during the winter or summer seasons. In the winter months, those suffering from SAD tend to oversleep, overindulge and have low levels of energy. In the summer, the symptoms are reversed and one might feel anxious or nervous.

The French psychiatrist Jean Esquirol first noted this mood disorder in the early 1800s, and in 1984 it was described by Nor-

Professor Profile: Dr. Robert Adler the people in front of you will let you ahead of them!”

Dr. Robert Adler is known among the foreign languages department for cracking jokes like the one above. A self-proclaimed “street kid” at heart and a man who truly does it all, Adler has been teaching Spanish at UNA since 1994.

He was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. Adler’s father was a Holocaust survivor from Vienna, and his mother was a native of the Dominican Republic.

From a very young age, Adler was exposed to foreign languages. His cousin’s family, who photo by Kayla Sloan lived down the street from him, Dr. Robert Adler stands in his spoke German, and Spanish was office sporting his trademark the primary language in his own Hawaiian-themed button-up shirt. home. He spent several summers of his childhood living with fam*Ta\PM ;\MMTUIV ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ ily in the Dominican Republic, J[\MMTUIV(]VI ML] where he learned more Spanish.

Adler began attending “Where’s the best place to Queens College at the age of 15, study your Spanish flashcards?

In the checkout line at Wal-Mart after skipping several grades. … if you take them out and start When he was 20 years old and in practicing out loud, the people his final year of school, Adler parbehind you won’t talk to you, and ticipated in a study abroad trip to

Spain for an entire year.

“When I was there, I felt at home for the first time in my life,” Adler said. “That year completely changed my life.”

Once he returned to the states, Adler began graduate school at Washington University in St. Louis. He only completed one year before enlisting in the army for three years.

Before Adler left for basic training, he took a 120-day deferment and went to Spain, where he bought his first motorcycle and learned how to ride.

His time in the army took him to several places, but he spent the majority of his enlistment in Vietnam and Heidelberg, Germany.

During his time in Heidelberg, Adler would use his three-day passes to visit Spain. By the end of his two-year stay, he had visited Spain over nine times.

Adler returned to the states and finished graduate school and began to interview for teaching positions at colleges in the U.S. He has taught at the University of

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man Rosenthal of the National Institute of Mental Health. By 1987 the DSM gave us the current classification of seasonal pattern as a qualifier for mood disorders.

Despite early uncertainty, experts now recognize this as a common disorder.

According to UNA Professor of Psychology Dr. Larry Bates, there are a few theories for the causes of SAD. “The prevalence increases as one approaches the poles and is much less prevalent toward the equator,” he said. “Hence, the lower levels of light are often blamed for this disorder. There are exceptions to this rule, as researchers have found that SAD is not more likely in northern Norway than in other parts of the world.”

“Sleep patterns differ between those with SAD and major depressive disorder,” Bates said.

“Those suffering from SAD have phase-delayed patterns, meaning they go to bed later and get up later. This corresponds with delays in the normal body temperature fluctuations during a 24-hour period.”

Some theories point out the

natural habit of hibernation in many species during the low-light months. Perhaps this is a remnant of human behavior from a distant ancestor.

Treatment for this disorder is similar to other depressions. The standard anti-depressant medications and cognitive behavioral therapies are used, but, in addition, light therapy is specifically used to treat seasonal depression.

The light is very bright—usually 750 watts concentrated on you— and can be effective within one week.

“If I had this disorder, I’d probably opt for getting as much sunlight during the day as possible, just in case it turns out that low light levels are the cause,” Bates said.

Just as the exact cause of this disorder is still openly discussed by professionals, so too is the exact number of people who suffer from it.

“It is problematic to get good estimates from professionals giving diagnoses and those in research labs because some do not differentiate between those with a seasonal pattern and those without,” he said.

Workin’ for the

Weekend

Here’s a look at the event forecast for the weekend. Be sure to look for a calendar in next semester’s Flor-Ala! Friday, Dec. 2nd The Lovelution Presents... “Hip Heart” the end. Theater 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.

bluebirds Rivertown Coffee Company 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Beer Pong Tournament Smokehouse 7 p.m.

The Late Blumers

Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” Florence Lauderdale Public Library 6:30 p.m.

The Trees of Christmas Tennessee Valley Museum of Art

On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 3rd Max Russell DP’s 9:30 p.m.

Second Hand Saints On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

DJ Nate Slaughter Smokehouse 9:30 p.m.

You Ain’t No Punk You Punk - Fest!

JD’s Bar and Grill 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Page

News

14

Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Semester in review: whatʼs happened so far • UNA sees reunions, deaths, protests, new businesses, bomb threats Kilby School hosts first reunion

Students mourn death of Haley Mauldin

Bomb threat

photo by Kayla Sloan photo by Malisa McClure

Kilby Lab School, an on-campus laboratory school established in 1872, held its first-ever reunion this year.

The reunion was held the weekend of Sept. 29 on Kilby’s campus. The reunion was for former students, current students and their parents.

Occupy Florence

Students, faculty and staff evacuated campus after a bomb threat was called in to UNA Police Aug. 23.

UNA Police worked in conjunction with Florence Police, Lauderdale EMA and other agencies to evacuate campus. photo by Darrick Dawkins

UNA student Lauren “Haley” Mauldin died suddenly Oct. 7. Her father said she died from a brain hemorrhage. She was remembered by her family and friends at Colbert Memorial Gardens (above).

New business move in

Einstein’s Bagels to campus

photo by Darrick Dawkins

The Occupy Wall Street movement made its way to Florence Oct. 18. The movement has sprung up smaller protests around the country. The movement started at Wilson Park and made its way down Court Street.

Stay Bold Custom Tattoos photo by Malisa McClure

specializing in quality

1213

n. wood ave. flor ence, al 35630

256-275-3392 Owners/Artists: Matt Gr een + Stephen Gilchr ist Body Piercing:

photo by Kayla Sloan

New businesses moved into downtown, including Makadoo’s Fresh Yogurt and Treats (above). Other businesses include Jos. A. Bank, FloBama and Cupcake and Co.

Einstein Bros. Bagels made its debut on campus this fall. The restaurant, run by Sodexo, UNA’s food service provider, held a grand opening Oct. 20. President Bill Cale, Mayor Bobby Irons and Sodexo General Manager Alan Kinkead cut the ribbon to the new eatery (above).

Vance Bishop Over

25 years combined exper ience.

Call or come by for an appointment.

Walk-ins welcome when available.

Hours:

Tues. - Thurs.

Fr i. - Sat.

12pm

12pm - 8pm - 9pm

Visit us online at florala.net to get up-to-date stories and info.

We’re moving!

The Flor-Ala and Diorama staffs will be moving offices over the winter holidays.

Behind Willingham Hall in the old Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences building on Wood Ave. Come by and see us!

Life

Thursday, December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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15

MW3, Skyrim offer different gaming experiences )[PTMa >QKSMZ[

Two popular games that came out recently are “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” and “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.”

Many people waited patiently, or impatiently, for the two games to come out, and the question is: which one do gamers enjoy playing more?

The two games are complete opposites. “Modern Warfare 3” is a first-person shooter game, which means, for all those unfamiliar with video games, all you see is the gun that you are shooting.

“Skyrim,” a role-playing game, on the other hand, has to do with going on quests and journeys while fighting with magic, swords and other medieval weapons. Role

),4-: KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM Alabama at Birmingham and Montevallo University, and has spent six months teaching at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil.

While teaching at UAB, Adler got involved with a local Flamenco dancing company, now called Corazon Flamenco, which he is still active in. He travels weekly to meet and practice with the company, and they have performed shows all over North Alabama.

In addition to Flamenco dancing, Adler is also a member of three different ballroom dancing clubs and spends his Thursday nights donning his cowboy

<15- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM “As I became more involved on campus, it was pretty much forced on me to figure out how I had to delegate time to these organizations,” Akalonu said. “Figure out which is most important—which is school work—and everything else falls under that … allocate your time accordingly to the level of importance.”

Second, be truthful. Most college students don’t realize you don’t have to please everyone. Be honest. It’s OK to admit you’re overwhelmed. If someone reaches out to you for a favor and you just simply do not have the extra time in your schedule, it’s OK. The end of the semester is here and final exams begin next week. For many

into the games to get the satisfaction of getting a killing shot like in “Modern Warfare 3” or setting someone on fire with magic, like in “Skyrim.”

“I don’t always play video games, but when I do I prefer ‘MW3,’” said Tyler Former, a freshman exercise science major.

Some people described the game they preferred into simple terms.

“I have two words for you: photo by Darrick Dawkins Boom, headshot!” said Caleb A student battles a dragon on “Skyrim,” the latest Lawler, a junior and CIS major. installment in the Elder Scrolls series.

“MW3” is also a multiplayer then the single player game, Skyrim, is the game for those students who have Internet access. Some people like playing game that you will most likely enjoy playon teams, but if you prefer to game alone ing more.

The only important question that now As if Adler’s weeks are not alneeds to be answered is: which weapon will ready busy enough, he is a member of you take up—guns (lots of guns) or swords the Shoals Dance Theatre, the Florence (and magic, bows and arrows and axes)?

Rotary Club, the Alabama Holocaust Commission and the Shoals Interfaith Council. He is a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army every Christmas, and he is a translator for courts in the North Alabama area.

Adler enjoys riding motorcycles with one of his good friends, Dr. Terry Richardson of the biology department, who he claims gave him “Hawaiian print shirt disease.”

Adler loves to travel and teach, and he has been leading study abroad trips to Spain for more than 20 years.

“Spain changed my life,” he said.

“It could do the same for someone else.”

playing is just a fancy way to say that you take the role of the character you are playing.

“I like ‘Skyrim’ better because you put more into it (and) ‘Skyrim’ has better graphics,” said Jimmy Ransom, a junior business and CIS major.

Other students prefer “Modern Warfare 3.” “‘Skyrim’ is a role-playing game, and I don’t really care about role-playing games, so I prefer ‘Modern Warfare 3’ over ‘Skyrim,’” said Charlie Jones, a sophomore Secondary Education major.

These games are so different that it is really just a preference of which game you would enjoy to play more, and to play these games you don’t have to be a hardcore gamer. However, you have to put some time

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photo by Kayla Sloan

Dr. Adler’s workspace is a shrine for cultures from all over the world.

boots and hat while line dancing at the Sundance Saloon in Muscle Shoals.

“I really love that dancing involves both exercise and coordination; it’s much better than just pumping iron at the gym,” Adler said. college students this brings on a sense of panic. A good tip is to go ahead and fill in a calendar with test dates and schedule study times; that way, students don’t overschedule themselves and commit to too much during these already stressful times.

“I think students, especially new students, go to classes a few hours a day with a lot of time in between and don’t take advantage of that time,” said Heather Unger-Robertson, learning support coordinator and academic adviser with the Center for Advising and Retention Services. “In all my workshops, I tell students they have to study a little each day.”

Robertson teaches study skills workshops on time management at UNA. Using your time wisely takes skills and practice.

Robertson has the following tips for managing study time to ensure students have enough personal time as well.

“Start now, don’t put it off. Use class time as study time,” she said. “Reviewing your notes after class is a huge time saver. Make it a priority to review your notes within 24 hours of writing them. Research shows that, doing this, you are more likely to store that information in your long-term memory. Finally, write it down and plan. It’s important to schedule everything and prioritize.

“I think this is the secret of a successful student,” Robertson said.

“I think, as students, you can only improve; you can’t be perfect at it,” Akalonu said. “Even today, I am still improving on how to manage my time well.”

57:616/; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM es,” said David McCreary, a junior public relations major at UNA. “I am more awake and aware of what the teacher is saying, and I can take in all the information better. My later classes are the classes I do better in.”

Some UNA professors suggest that a student’s performance depends solely on the type of personality each student possesses.

“We know from studies there are two types of people: owls and sparrows,” said Dr. Bill Huddleston, a communications professor at UNA. “The owls are the people who function better at night, and the sparrows function better in the day. There is even a physiological scale to test that in people.”

Huddleston suggests that when students match their schedules with their personalities, they will do better in that class. He

also suggests a teacher’s performance may depend on whether the teacher is a day or night person.

More classes at UNA are available during the morning hours, dwindling toward the afternoon. Night courses are also available for certain classes. Students who do better in afternoon classes may be forced to sign up for morning classes because of limited availability.

Students who work might also be forced into taking earlier classes.

While the study may have found some evidence linking higher GPA to earlier classes, it seems the best fit for students depends on what the students themselves prefer.

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December 1, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Tweets of the week

START PUSHING YOURSELF.

START CHALLENGING YOURSELF. START DEVELOPING SKILLS. START BUILDING CONFIDENCE.

START RAISING THE BAR. START TAKING ON CHALLENGES. S

START MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

START EARNING RESPECT.

START STRONG. SM

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Make Army ROTC part of your University of North Alabama experience and be eligible for a full-tuition scholarship, fees for books and a monthly stipend. When you’re finished, you’ll earn the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Register for an ROTC elective today.

ASK ABOUT OUR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND SIMULTANEOUS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM! Visit our office at Wesleyan Hall Annex Room 142. Contact Major Leslie Nelson at (256) 765-4458 or lnelson@una.edu or visit our web site at www.una.edu/rotc ©2008. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

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