Feb. 11 issue

LOVE ISSUE SECTION B

Feb. 11, 2016

Volume 84, Issue 20

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

photo courtesy of Robert Altman /Invision/AP

Panic! at the Disco performs at the Pandora Holiday 2015 Concert at Pier 36/Basketball City Dec. 10, 2015, in New York. The University Program Council extended a bid to the band for spring concert, said Vice President of UPC Adam McCollum. “It has not been accepted yet, (but) we feel really confident at the moment that they will accept.”

UPC offers spring concert bid, plans festival KALI DANIEL

Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net

The University Program Council is writing sins, not tragedies, as the impending spring concert leaves students in hysteria, frenzy and above all: Panic.

“We’ve extended a bid to Panic! at the Disco,” said Vice President of UPC Adam McCollum. “We feel really confident at the moment that they will accept. It has not been accepted yet, so it’s not official,

INSIDE

this week’s paper

but we’re very positive they’re going to accept it.”

The pop rock band released its fifth album, “Death of a Bachelor,” Jan. 15, 2016, and will play some new hits as well as their classic tunes at the spring concert April 30.

“Panic is way more mainstream now than I think some people give them credit for,” said Live Acts Committee Chair Alex Hughes. “People hear that name and they’re like, ‘Oh, 2005, I was so emo, such a scene kid.’ They’re pretty pop now, if not all pop.”

NEWS . . . . . . . . 2 VIEWPOINTS. . . . . 4 LIFE . . . . . . . . . 5

”

IʼVE SEEN PANIC PERFORM. THE

SUCCESS OF THEIR NEW ALBUM AND THEIR FIRST NO.

1 ALBUM EVER — ITʼS GOING TO BE SOMETHING NEW,

SOMETHING FRESH THAT WE HAVENʼT SEEN.

ALEX HUGHES

CHAIR, LIVE ACTS COMMITTEE The Live Acts Committee created a list of artists who were

SPORTS . . . . . . . 7 SPECIAL . . . . . . . 9 EXTRA . . . . . . . . 16

in their budget and encouraged student feedback throughout the process, McCollum said.

UPC offered $85,000 for the pop rock band, with an additional $23,000 for production costs, Hughes said.

They have not yet determined who the opening artist will be.

“We could not look for anybody else until we knew exactly how much money we were going to be spending,” Hughes said. “I sent my agent a list of people, and she also sent me (names) that she thought would be a good fit, so we have

a list of people we’re looking at.”

During Homecoming elections, UPC asked students whether they would rather have a headliner concert or a local acts festival. For those who voted, their choice got picked — UPC will host both.

Hughes said UPC had originally hoped to host the festival on the practice turf the day of the concert. However UNA has a scheduled baseball game.

See CONCERT, page 3

NEW SIGNEES ............ 7

FLOR - ALA The

Please recycle your paper.

2 News

Feb. 11, 2016• The Flor-Ala

ATO claims third consecutive Step Sing victory ANNA BEAHM/KAITLYN DAVIS News Editor/ Associate News Editor news@florala.net

Norton Auditorium filled with the songs of eight student organizations as they competed to raise money for charity in the annual Step Sing show Feb. 5.

All proceeds from ticket sales go to United Way of Northwest Alabama, and each year Step Sing raises around $12,000 for them, said Director of Student Engagement Tyler Thompson.

The overall winner of Step Sing 2016 was Alpha Tau Omega with their performance of Justin Timberlake hits, titled “#JTΩ.”

“Step Sing is one of ATΩ’s favorite events, and we are very proud of our brothers efforts each year,” said ATΩ Step Sing Captain Brody Atkins. “United Way is such a great cause. We are honored to come away with a victory in this event, but it’s truly a privilege to work alongside other Registered Student Organizations on campus for this event.”

This is the third consecutive year Alpha Tau Omega won the title. Last year, the group took home the title for their “Mafia Men” routine.

Any RSO can participate, said Director of Student Engagement Tyler Thompson.

However, he said participation in Step Sing is limited to the first 16 organizations that sign up.

The theme of this year’s Step Sing show was, “The Roar Factor.”

Alpha Tau Omega also won first place in the men’s group, followed by Kappa Sigma in second place with their performance of Kanye West hits.

“I think our favorite aspect is getting to perform for everyone and work along side our brothers during the process,” Atkins said. “It’s always great to accomplish something beneficial to others while having fun at the same time.”

See SHOW, page 3

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Alpha Tau Omega Step Sing Captain Brody Atkins performs the fraternity’s routine of Justin Timberlake hits called, “#JTΩ.” The group won first place overall for the third consecutive time at Step Sing.

Alpha Tau Omega member Brady Lunsford shows off his dance moves at Step Sing 2016. The group’s routine won them first place for the men’s division along with the overall victory.

Alpha Tau Omega member Kahri Bolden takes his turn at the mic at Step Sing 2016. The group performed Justin Timberlake hits.

News 3

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala SHOW, continued from page 2 First place for the women’s group was Alpha Gamma Delta for their performance of Britney Spears hits, titled “Britney Kitts,” followed by Phi Mu in second place for their performance of Miley Cyrus hits.

“Not only do I get to bond with my sisters of (Alpha Gamma Delta), but we get to realize that, in the grand scheme of things, we are doing something to well represent our organization and to help others in need,” said AΓΔ member and sophomore Sabrina Samano.

The coed winner was the Honors Student Organization with their performance of Taylor Swift hits titled, “Party Like It’s 1989.”

“I mean obviously (Step Sing) is a

good place to put your money,” said HSO member and senior Zach Swiatocha.

“It’s a good way to be a part of the school community, and it’s fun.”

Raising over $1,019.81 for United Way, Zeta Tau Alpha took the People’s Choice Award with their performance of Michael Jackson hits titled, “King of Pop.” Students should continue supporting the event because it is more than a show, Atkins said.

“I think it’s incredibly important for students to support our student organizations in Step Sing and Step Show because this event is bigger than any one RSO on the stage,” he said.

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Alpha Gamma Delta member Morgan Mathis performs in the group’s routine of Britney Spears hits titled, “Britney Kitts.” The group won first place in the women’s division.

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Honors Student Organization member Kat Elizabeth Eubanks performs in the group’s routine of Taylor Swift hits titled, “Party Like It’s 1989.” HSO won first place for the coed division.

Critical language partner returns to classroom ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

A previous article in The Flor-Ala stated critical language partner Abdullah Al Wafi was fired, but he was only suspended while charges for his arrest were pending.

Director of the Center for Critical Languages Craig Christy said the Student Conduct Board does not hold Al Wafi responsible for the charges he was arrested for.

“I was advised that (Director of Student Conduct Kim) Greenway said that he had been found not responsible, and he was therefore freed to resume his job as a student worker, which had been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation,” Christy said. “My overall understanding of the situation was that it was a misunderstanding from A to Z.” University officials two weeks ago removed Al Wafi from the classroom following his arrest on a domestic violence charge last month, officials said.

Christy said between finding a replacement and Al Wafi’s clearance, only one class meeting was held.

“I was sleeping when the police came,” Al Wafi said. “My wife did not

have a key to our new house. I was sleeping inside, and I didn’t wake up when she called. She got upset and called the police. The police came and arrested me. I did not know what was going on.”

Al Wafi said he thinks the arrest occurred from a misunderstanding.

Municipal court officials said Al Wafi’s court date is March 15. There the court will decide whether or not to uphold or drop his charges.

For updates on this story, visit florala. net.

Al Wafi

CONCERT, continued from page 1 They are hoping to schedule the festival for April 29, the day before the spring concert.

UPC has confirmed five artists for the festival, including OLDSPORT and The Bear and The Bride, but Hughes said he hopes to have 10 to 12 local acts, with each performing a 45-minute set.

“I would love to get local vendors out there, food trucks and, just like they sell stuff for First Fridays, make it like a big, community event,” he said.

“I want to make sure the community is involved — the whole community, not just UNA showing up. I want it to be something the community as a whole could get behind, and I want to make sure that all of the different varieties of music in the Shoals are being tapped into.”

For both the concert and the festival, UPC will ask students to show their Mane Card at the door.

“In the past we haven’t done it that way because, in my philosophy, it’s their ticket, and they can do what they want to with it,” said Director of Student Engagement Tyler Thompson.

He said the Office of Student Engagement has made student tickets and public tickets different colors to prevent students selling tickets. However, ticket selling still occurs.

“If we have ‘x’ amount of tickets sold, and only half of those are actually students that came, how are we supposed to know how actually successful (the concert) was with the student body?”

Hughes said. “We can say, ‘Oh, we sold 1,700 tickets, that’s really great,’ but if only 800 of those are students, that sucks. It’s our job to most responsibly spend their money. It follows that it’s most responsible to help us know what they actually like.”

The Office of Student Engagement sold 2,400 tickets for last year’s spring concert headliner, T.I., with about 1,700 tickets sold to students, Thompson said.

“It’s their ticket, but at the same time, there are people that complain continuously about how we spend their money,” Hughes said. “If they give us false data, it’s hindering how we spend their money.”

Requiring students to show Mane Cards with their tickets and hosting a local festival fits into the theme of starting something new, Hughes said.

“The concert is going to be incredible,” he said. “I’ve seen Panic perform. The success of their new album and their first No. 1 album ever — it’s going to be something new, something fresh that we haven’t seen, and that’s exciting.”

Hughes said he encourages local acts interested in performing at the music festival to contact him at shughes2@una.edu.

“We have so much great local talent that’s going to come and pour their hearts out, and I just think it’s going to be a really cool taste of what the Shoals has to offer,” he said. “I ‘d love to see it grow from this small festival-like thing out by Flowers (Hall) to a big music festival that encompasses the spring concert and becomes a big boom for the area as a whole.”

Tickets are not yet available, though McCollum said he encourages students to mark their calendars.

“It’s something that brings the big town atmosphere to our little, small town,” he said. “We don’t get to have much, but this is something we get to have.”

4 Viewpoints

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Communication key in healthy relationships

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kali Daniel MANAGING EDITOR Jasmine Fleming NEWS EDITOR Anna Beahm ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Kaitlyn Davis LIFE EDITOR Melissa Parker ASSOCIATE LIFE EDITOR Monday Sanderson SPORTS EDITOR Mike Ezekiel ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Xavier Wherry ONLINE EDITOR Emily Kazungu BUSINESS MANAGER Jordan Byrd CIRCULATION MANAGER Justin Blanchard GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Peyton Lawler Michael Meigs Kelsey Weathers

EMILY KAZUNGU Online Editor online@florala.net

Effective communication was lacking the last time I was in a relationship. From simple words like, “Good morning,” to major conversations like, “Where do you see yourself in at least five years?” Granted, we liked each other and wanted to be together, so we ignored the unhealthy communication.

Communication helps to build relationships in that the

more you talk to someone the more you learn about that person. The understanding created from communication complements the growth of the relationship.

Relationships are usually never perfect, but when communication is absent, moving forward is like asking Beyoncé to perform at the UNA spring concert.

From my experience, I learned that inadequacy of communication in relationships can breed misunderstanding, assumptions, hurt, failure to grow and eventually a breakup.

Not talking about issues that arose in my relationship was like sweeping dirt under a mat and covering it. We walked on the mat everyday to the point we could not walk over it. It was easier to walk away from the relationship than to fix it.

Communication is a two-way street. If one person is always initiating communication, the relationship loses balance.

We need to understand how we communicate is equally as important as what we communicate. This could be incorporated both in verbal and nonverbal communication.

In addition, listening is part of communication. We should work more to listen to understand as opposed to listening to reply.

“Most of us listen passively and subjectively, taking in every word, filtering it through our own experiences and sometimes reading unintended meaning into a word or how it’s said,” according to an article

by West Virginia University.

“Miscommunications often begin this way.”

I learned my lessons.

Among other important factors, I will make sure communication is top of the list in the relationship. You will be setting yourself up for failure if your partner is not an effective communicator.

When you speak, let it be meaningful. Most importantly, let it be something that is going to build and not tear down.

In the words of psychologist Rollo May, “Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.”

I encourage you all to communicate effectively and with purpose. It takes 21 days to form a habit, so get started today. Let us make the world a better and peaceful place by assuming less and communicating more.

Congratulations to our 2016–2017 staff!

JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jacqueline Willis CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Kaitlin Douglass STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Amandalyn Dorner Shay Redd Jackson Townsend ADVISER Scott Morris

Editorial Policy

Jasmine Fleming Editor-in-Chief

Mike Ezekiel Managing Editor

Kaitlyn Davis News Editor

Xavier Wherry Sports Editor

Monday Sanderson Life Editor

Michael Meigs Graphic Designer

Jacqueline Willis Graphic Designer

Justin Blanchard Business Manager

Jackson Townsend Chief Photographer

Content is determined by the student editorial staff of The Flor-Ala and has not been approved by the university.

Corrections

The staff strives to maintain the integrity of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call 256-765-4364 or email editor@florala. net.

Letters Policy

Letters to the editor should be emailed to editor@florala.net or mailed to: The Flor-Ala UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632 Letters must include name and telephone number for verification. Please limit letters to 400 words. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

Congratulations to our Photographer of the Week! Amandalyn Dorner

LIFE 5

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Achieve

Inspiration Black History Month events

Change Believe

Support Peace History Together CommunityLove Freedom

Help

Impact

Culture Society

Future Kind

Unity Education Proud

World

Remembrance Recognition Past Difference Strong Dream

design by PEYTON LAWLER I Graphic Designer

encourage unity, awareness MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

Students and community members have several opportunities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Black History Month.

The Office of Diversity and Institutional Equity, the National PanHellenic Council, the Black Student Alliance, the Department of English and the Music Department host several events this month to raise awareness about Black History and its impact on the world we live in today.

ODIE presents the free event, “Food Soldiers: Class of 1964” film screening and discussion with the Rev. Alvelyn Sanders, Feb. 16 in the Guillot University Center Loft, said ODIE Director Joan Williams.

The independent, award-winning documentary about the 1964 class at Spellman College, a prominent and predominantly African-American institution for women in Atlanta, is not just about learning about that point in history, but connecting those events to our lives today, she said. “(It’s about) how they led one of the first and most significant student activism marches and protests from freshmen and women during the Civil Rights movement in 1964,” Williams said. “Really, it ties in with student activism and the strategies that students need to let their voices be heard and how powerful students’ voices are when they’re unified.”

Next, the Music Department presents the Walk With Me Foundation’s “Walk With Me,” a lecture and recital based on Carolyn Maull McKinstry’s memoir, “While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement.”

Members of the department will perform at the Feb. 18 event at 9:30 a.m. in Norton Auditorium. Admission is $3.

The Office of Diversity and Institutional Equity hosts, “Alabama Civil and Human Rights: The March Continues” Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the GUC Loft.

Outreach Director for the Southern Poverty Law Center Lecia Brooks will discuss history and current issues with civil and human rights in our state.

“When we talk about Black History, it’s important to understand those contributions and the impact, but then it’s also important to understand how that impacts the landscape of where we live today,” Williams said.

The monthlong celebration ends Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. with “Writing Our Legacy.”

NPHC, Ascending Voices and BSA come together to present this program, said Greek Life Adviser for NPHC Tammy Rhodes.

“We’re the ones molding the future,” said Sophomore and Black Student Alliance President Rahsaun Fletcher.

“When it comes to writing our legacy, we’re in control of that.”

It is important to leave something behind for future generations, he said.

“It’s something everyone can identify with. We can’t know where we’re going if we don’t know where we’ve been.”

The program will include AfricanAmerican culture through song, dance and poetry, he said.

”

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT BLACK HISTORY, ITʼS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS AND THE IMPACT, BUT THEN ITʼS ALSO IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND HOW THAT IMPACTS THE LANDSCAPE OF WHERE WE LIVE TODAY.

JOAN WILLIAMS

DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND INSTITUTIONAL EQUITY “It’s going to be a fun event to just celebrate our culture as a whole,” he said. “That’s kind of what BSA stands for. Not only our culture but everyone’s culture.”

These programs are a beneficial for bringing people together, said junior Brianna Henderson.

“It’s not just about Black History, it’s about everyone’s history,” she said.

“We’re all in this together, and including everyone is important.”

Bishop Will Boyd spoke last year and will speak again this year, Fletcher said.

Earlier this month, UNA’s Department of English presented “Prisoner-turned-poet.”

Alabama native Randall Horton shared his story of incarceration.

Joan Browning, Dion Diamond and the Rev. Reginald Green, three Freedom Riders who risked their lives to become part of the civil rights movement in 1961, shared their stories at an event titled, “Get on the Bus: An afternoon with three Freedom Riders” that took place at Lesley Temple C.M.E. Church. Feb. 6.

“One of the missions that we had as a goal was to be a multiculturally competent community, and one of the ways that we do that is raising awareness,” Williams said. “That helps us to have a better understanding and appreciation and to be able to respect each other better and have stronger communities where we can understand where we all come from and the different cultures and the different experiences and perspectives that we all bring to the table.”

6 LIFE

Feb. 11, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Students behind the podium

Restaurant serves generous portions, low prices JASMINE FLEMING

Managing Editor managing@florala.net

A series on critical language partners

SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer

Junior Abdullah Karaman teaches an Elementary Russian class of one student. Karaman is a computer science major who is interested in creating apps.

Karaman tackles teaching task MONDAY SANDERSON Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

Junior Abdullah Karaman accepted the challenging job of teaching a foreign language to students.

Karaman said he discovered the Critical Language Partner position on LionJobs and started working his sophomore year.

Karaman fits all of the requirements needed to become a Critical Language Partner, said Director of the Center for Critical Languages Craig Christy.

“Abdullah Karaman is one of the best embodiments of all those desirable qualities: energy, affability, outgoing personality, socially engaged across campus and, of course, a native speaker,” Christy said in an email.

Karaman said he became a Critical Language Partner to challenge himself.

“I feel like there is more to teaching than just making sure the student knows the subject,” he said.

He said the true challenge comes when explaining a topic to someone who does not know it.

“It forces you to find different ways to explain the material easier,” he said. “I like it when a student finally understands the topic. It makes me feel more confident about my teaching.”

Abdullah slows down the lessons until I understand them, said junior Rebekah Manley, who decided to study

Russian to prepare for a job with the FBI. “He starts out trying to make it really easy for me,” she said. “It’s hard, but I’m doing better than I thought I’d be doing.”

Students can learn more if they are taught by a teacher who lives the language and culture, said junior Marissa Phillips.

“I am not taking a class taught by a Critical Language Partner, but I would like to because it will help me,” she said.

“Tourists who learn from one of these partners won’t have that much trouble in a foreign country.”

Christy said students have said good things about Karaman.

“Students have consistently told me how much they appreciate that Abdullah really cares about them learning his language and that he goes out of his way to help them, both inside and outside the classroom,” Christy said.

Karaman said his classwork is 70 percent from the book.

“The other 30 percent is me providing activities not found in the book for the students to do outside of class,” he said.

Christy said Karaman’s personality helps him in the classroom.

“His overall happy demeanor and winning smile exert a positive influence on the classroom environment,” Christy said.

Karaman said his inquisitive nature is his driving personality trait as a teacher and as a student.

”

I FEEL LIKE THERE IS MORE TO TEACHING

THAN JUST MAKING SURE THE STUDENT KNOWS THE

SUBJECT.

ABDULLAH KARAMAN JUNIOR

“I have liked computers since I was a child,” he said. “That is why my major is Computer Science. I want to know ‘what is under the hood’ of the computers.

I also do research, so I can teach my students better.”

Karaman said his main focus is school, but he makes time for other activities.

“I hang out with my friends,” he said.

“Sometimes I go and play soccer with another group of friends.”

He said he was on UNA’s intramural soccer team last year, but decided not to this year.

“I hope to eventually join the soccer team again,” he said. “I would love to play for the school again.”

Karaman said he is glad he came to UNA. “I like it here very much,” he said.

“The campus is small, so everything is close by. The people here are nice and friendly. The city also makes it easier for me to study. There’s not much to do, so I’m less distracted.”

As I walked into Peacock Express, I didn’t know what to expect. It was my first visit, and I decided to go since the new Chinese restaurant is so close to UNA. Graphic Designer Michael Meigs, Student Designer Jacqueline Willis and I entered around 8:30 p.m., and I was pleasantly surprised by the bright colors, modern atmosphere and decor.

Like the neon lights on the sign outside, certain counter tops and wall panels also emanated blue and green lights. The restaurant was spacious and clean, but I was surprised to only see two other parties dining.

A friendly waitress seated our group and explained the process: Guests can either order from the dinner menu or the bar. I chose the bar, where customers typically pick three food items. With so many choices, it was difficult, but I selected rice, Kung Pao chicken and seafood delight.

Since I ordered that way, I had my food immediately, which isn’t the same for the other Chinese restaurants I have frequented in Florence. Jackie, who ordered sushi from the menu, waited less than 10 minutes for her meal.

My plate was piled high with food, and I first tasted the Kung Pao chicken.

It was a little spicy, which I expected, and it had an odd mixture of very small and medium-sized pieces. However, the peanuts it contained gave a nice crunchy texture, and the sauce on the chicken was flavorful, if only a little sparse. I did wish, though, that it had been warmer.

Next, I tried the yellow fried rice. I don’t think I have ever eaten fried rice with as much flavor as Peacock Express’.

Not only was there more on my plate than I expected, but the seasoning was superb, and the rice seemed more like a main dish than a side.

To read the rest of the story, visit florala.net.

JASMINE FLEMING I Managing Editor

Generous portions, low prices and close proximity are good reasons to visit Peacock Express. The Chinese restaurant is on Pine Avenue, just minutes from campus.

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

SCOREBOARD FEB. 4-7

SPORTS 7

National Signing Day

Feb. 4

Womenʼs BB at Shorter 71-69 Loss Menʼs BB at Shorter 86-85 Win

Feb. 5

Alabama

Softball vs. Miles 12-0 Win Softball vs. Lindenwood 11-0 Win

Feb. 6

Baseball vs. Miles (DH) 6-1 Win, 8-2 Win Womenʼs BB at Lee 75-73 Loss Menʼs BB at Lee 110-97 Loss Softball vs. Midwestern State 3-2 Win Softball vs. Tuskegee 8-0 Win Softball vs. University of Mobile 6-0 Win W. Tennis vs. West Georgia 9-0 Win

Feb. 7

Baseball vs. Stillman (DH) 17-2 Win, 12-1 Win Softball vs. Young Harris 5-0 Loss Softball vs. Simon Fraser 8-3 Win

UPCOMING Basketball

Feb. 11 vs. Mississippi College Feb. 13 vs. Delta State

Softball

Feb. 13 vs. Valdosta State (DH) Feb. 14 vs. Valdosta State

Baseball

Feb. 13 at Spring Hill (DH) Games continued at roarlions.com

Norway

= Football Freshmen = Football Transfers = Soccer Freshmen

design by PEYTON LAWLER I Graphic Designer

Football, soccer signs new talent MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

The UNA football and soccer teams participated in National Signing Day Feb. 3.

Eight soccer signees and 15 incoming football players hope to lead their respective teams to Gulf South Conference championships in 2016. Both sports won conference titles in 2015 and will need to replace key seniors.

For the football team, 15 athletes make up a shorter class than the Lions are used to. In previous classes, the signing total eclipsed 20, but UNA coach Bobby Wallace said he went with quality over quantity this season.

“We have what we think are some impact players,” Wallace said. “When I say that, I mean players we expect to come in and play right away. Most of those are the transfers, but there might be a high school player or two (in that group).”

The Lions recruited heavily at the offensive line position as they hope to replace seniors Jalen Beavers and Rod Winston.

Ethan Orr, a 6’6’’ 325-pound junior, will come from East Mississippi Community College.

”

WE HAVE WHAT WE THINK ARE SOME IMPACT PLAYERS. WHEN I SAY THAT, I MEAN PLAYERS WE EXPECT TO COME IN AND PLAY RIGHT AWAY. MOST OF THOSE ARE THE TRANSFERS, BUT THERE MIGHT BE A HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OR TWO (IN THAT GROUP).

BOBBY WALLACE HEAD COACH

Incoming freshmen Wes Alexander, Ben Berry, Lance Kephart, Noah Stern and Colton Wadkins each come from Alabama high schools as offensive linemen.

“We’ve got 14 (offensive linemen) on the roster right now, and six of them are seniors,” said UNA offensive line coach Scott Harper. “We’ll lose almost half of our group after this following season, so we wanted to find some good young guys we can develop over the next year.”

The Lions lost senior running backs Lamonte Thompson and Diamond Simmons and returned two transfer running backs. The football team also brought in two defensive backs and a wide receiver. Three of the six transfers come from the Division I level.

With the graduation of senior quarterback and Harlon Hill finalist Luke Wingo, UNA expects Jacob Tucker and Blake Hawkins to compete for the starting spot. To help prepare for the future, the Lions added two freshmen quarterbacks from local high schools.

Muscle Shoals signal caller Landon Smothers and Colbert County quarterback Tyler Jeffreys each signed with the Lions to build depth at the position.

“We’ve got a couple of holes to fill on defense, but we wanted to sign more young guys on offense,” Harper said. “We wanted to make sure we restocked the shelf (offensively).”

As for the soccer team, UNA coach Chris Walker signed eight new players to the team, most of whom are from the

United States. Caroline Naess, a midfielder and defender from Hamar, Norway, is the lone international transfer.

The soccer team brings in one forward, two true defenders, one goalkeeper and four players that can play the midfield.

“They all have a great chance to come in and compete straight away,” Walker said. “It’s a great athletic group.”

The Lions hope to replace seniors Chloe Richards and Melanie Leonida. Richards leaves the Lions as the second leading scorer in UNA history, while Leonida leaves as the team’s vocal leader.

“Chloe obviously scored quite a lot of goals,” Walker said. “Mel did a lot of defending for us and brought leadership.

We have two big holes to fill.

We hope we do it.”

Midfielder Shelby Wall represents the lone signee from Alabama. Haley Yarber and Lindsay Hale each represent Tennessee. Forward Tay Cavett and goalie Savannah Stewart come from Mississippi, Sarah Ashy signs from Kentucky and Kayla Baum comes from Illinois.

8 SPORTS

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Softball team starts season strong XAVIER WHERRY

Associate Sports Editor sports@florala.net

The UNA softball team is on a roll and does not plan to slow down anytime soon.

The Lions opened the season with a 12-2 win over defending national champion North Georgia. UNA is 11-1 and has not played a home game.

The team is focused on the positives in their hot start, said UNA head coach Ashley Cozart.

“It feels great at the beginning of the year,” she said. “I was really happy with how we approached this weekend. We did a bunch of things right.”

Cozart said the pitchers are one of the key reasons for the early season success.

“Our pitching staff kept us in every game,” she said. “We only gave up five runs in four games. I’m really proud of that.”

The best way to support dominant pitching is good hitting, and Cozart said the players have been swinging the bats with efficiency.

“We came out that first game hitting well,” she said. “Brooklynn Clark came out and hit a two run home run against North Georgia in the first inning. Right out of the gate, we were hitting the ball well. We were aggressive, and I loved

our mentality.”

Winning games early on helps build team chemistry, said sophomore shortstop Reagan Tittle.

“The atmosphere is good in the locker room,” Tittle said. “It felt good to go out there, take care of business and get all the nerves out.”

After a loss in the NCAA regionals ended last year’s season, UNA had to make improvements right away in order to succeed. Tittle said the improvements are visible early on.

“We hit the ball better this year,” Tittle said. “We struggled sometimes last year, but we do a better job now of getting consecutive hits. We also scored a lot of runs this weekend.”

As the team continues progression, the individual players notice some improvements of their own, said junior pitcher Hilary Carpenter.

“I know it’s still the beginning of the season, but the past two games I pitched, I didn’t hit anybody,” Carpenter said.

“That was a goal of mine. I cut down a lot of my walks and hits so far.”

Carpenter said looking ahead during the softball season is impossible.

“Right now, I’m just thinking about tomorrow,” she said. “I like to take it day-by-day. I always have something to work on, and that keeps me from never getting bored.”

AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Junior utility player Amy Carden prepares to swing against West Alabama last season. The softball team is 11-1 so far this year.

Bench players crucial to men’s basketball team MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Junior Da’Shaun Griffin pulls up for a shot against Alabama-Huntsville Jan. 16.

Griffin, who made the go-ahead basket with 1.4 seconds to go against Shorter Feb. 4, is part of UNA’s successful backups.

The Gulf South Conference standings continue to take shape in men’s basketball.

With teams battling for one of the eight coveted conference tournament births, the squads with the most depth and healthiest roster will survive the cut, said UNA coach Bobby Champagne.

Champagne said the Lions have a depth advantage over many of their conference opponents.

“We’re playing nine guys just about every game, and some teams are only playing seven,” he said. “Other teams really rely on their starters for the bulk of their scoring. We’re kind of an equal opportunity (team). Our scoring is kind of spread out.”

Four of UNA’s five starters each have at least 10 points per game. The nonstarters are not far behind that average as the Lions’ bench outscores its opponents’ subs a majority of the time.

Freshman Tavaras Tolliver leads the bench with nine points per game and has taken on a six-man role. Junior Da’Shaun Griffin, who averages almost seven points per game in a similar role, made the game-winning layup with 1.4 seconds to go against Shorter off the bench.

The Lions also rotate junior DeAndre McKinnie and freshman Dakota Holtzclaw regularly, while redshirt freshman Jetani Hunter plays limited minutes.

The Lions split two conference road games last week, defeating Shorter 86-85 Feb. 4 and falling to Lee 100-97 Feb. 6.

“We’ve had bench players step up and help us out all season,” Champagne said. “(Coming off the bench) is a hard job. Sometimes you have to come off the bench after sitting there awhile, and you have to be ready to go.”

Similar to a reliever in baseball, the UNA bench players considers themselves part of the rotation instead of a “substitution.”

“You can’t win a championship without a bench,” McKinnie said. “You can’t depend on your five starters to win you a championship. You have to have the next guy come in and take the same responsibility the starter had (if he gets in foul trouble).”

McKinnie, a transfer from Southwest Tennessee Community College, has played off the bench his entire collegiate career.

“I’ve really learned how to accept my role, coming off the bench and being that spark for the team,” he said. “My junior college coach told me just to make the most of my minutes. To me, getting the win is more important than my minutes.”

Tolliver said the starting five need the bench to play well in order to win, but the backups rely just as much on the starters.

“If we both combine together and do our jobs, it’s a wrap,” he said.

The second place Lions finish the regular season with a four game home stand in Flowers Hall, followed by a road game against Alabama-Huntsville.

LOVE 9

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

The

L

e v o Issue

10 LOVE

Love is Love ”

I respect her religion and beliefs (Christianity), and she respects mine (Islam). It makes it easier to not argue about religions.

Ghanem Aldossari

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala The melting pot of America is ever-broadening its understanding and acceptance of diversity. Not only are these topics discussed in terms of education, class and social justice, but also in relationships.

We interviewed three couples to discuss the diversity in their relationships and to hear their views on accepting diversity in terms of love.

”

Her family doesn’t make it seem like it’s an issue at all. I feel like I’m really part of her family.

Trevor Brooks

”

I believe in God and I’m a Christian, but it’s not really an important factor in our relationship right now. You should consider religion maybe if you’re thinking about marriage and having kids.

Bianca Hernandez

”

I have high expectations, so that’s why I never dated someone before. I met him, we got close and he met all my expectations.

Macie Pringle

”

(Our friends and family) are waiting for us to get married.

They’re excited for us.

Holly Brakefield

”

We have to worry oftentimes when we go out whether we can display our affections. On this campus, we haven’t faced a whole lot of judgment. This campus has been very welcoming.

Averie Van Antwerp photos by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer and MICHAEL MEIGS | Graphic Designer information gathered by KALI DANIEL | Editor-in-Chief MIKE EZEKIEL | Sports Editor and MONDAY SANDERSON | Associate Life Editor

LOVE 11

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala Home

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Match.com offers slim options during free trial sites I’ve used in the past, however, I am generally left feeling desperate, lonely and incredibly self-conscious; therefore, no dating sites for me.

When the story was pitched, though, I thought it would be an interesting experiment. So here I am, editor extraordinaire, giving you the play-byplay for Match’s three-day free trial and whether or not it’s worth continuing.

Day 1, Hour 1

1 of 3

See all 3 photos

SEE PHOTO

SEE PHOTO

KALI DANIEL

Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net

“The things I do for this job,” is all I could say to myself as I signed up for a profile on Match. Dating sites are not for me, but I can understand why people would use them. With dating

My account is set up. I used the most accurate photos of me (shoutout to Jason Pangilinan’s COM 243 class since I’m sure that’s the reason we got headshots), and I winked at two people. All is calm on the digital front.

Day 1, Hour 13

All North Alabama has to offer me is either men who love “huntin’, fishin’ and bein’ on the water,” guys named “TheOne” and “TheFinesseGuy” or 35-year-olds. I am quickly realizing this is not for me. Every profile has an income range for the guy (which I don’t care about), with what he expects his ideal lady to make. Nine times out of 10, he doesn’t want you making more than him. This is a problem.

Day 2, Hour 2

As the second round of matches crosses my screen, I am seeing only guys

that don’t fit my most basic requests: they aren’t within my ideal age range (20-27), and they’re not Christian. This is disappointing. I’ve had four profile views, all of whom are over the age of 27 (one is 55). I am now not only disappointed, but uncomfortable. I’ve also begun looking in the city I’m from, Murfreesboro, Tennessee. These results are much better. To experiment, I’m changing my profile photo to something more “attractive.”

Day 2, Hour 12

I have had seven page views since I changed my profile picture (as opposed to four in an entire 24 hours). I also got a wink. Granted, they are all still out of my selected age range. I’m not sure what Match is going for, but they really want me to be with someone 10 years older than me.

Day 2, Hour 16

I’m up to two winks and 15 views.

One of the winks is from Virginia. That’s a long commute.

Day 3, Hour 17

Here lies the conclusion of my escapade. I have 23 views and I am canceling my account before the free trial ends.

Ultimately, I have learned a number of things:

• • • •

•

Dating sites are not for me.

Three days is not enough time to find “The One.” I’m apparently meant to be with someone 10 years older than me.

Match can be perfect for you if you buy a ton of upgrades to get noticed by someone you’re even remotely interested in.

It seems about the same as OKCupid, honestly, except these people are paying $20 a month to talk to you.

Relational Status: Single Ethnicity: White/Caucasian Age: 22 Drink: Occasionally Smoke: Not at all Have kids: No Want kids: Maybe possibly Occupation: Student Salary: Nonexistent Faith: Christian Pets: Yes. I love all animals.

Singles Awareness Day gives alternative celebration idea MONDAY SANDERSON Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

With Valentine’s Day lurking around the corner, many single people are frantically scouring the university for a date. What if they discovered there were other ways to celebrate this day?

Singles Awareness Day offers an alternative to Valentine’s Day. Individuals celebrate Singles Awareness Day the day after Valentine’s to show others it is OK to be single, according to singlesawareness.com.

People used to celebrate it on Valentine’s Day, but this changed to make it more of a celebration.

“People who don’t have a significant other would want to celebrate it just because they want to celebrate something,” said sophomore Kierra Burgess.

She said single people just want an opportunity to have fun.

Singlism, or the stigmatizing of single adults, is the reason why the current

culture created Singles Awareness Day, said Associate Professor of Sociology Amber Paulk in an email. “(Singlism) presents coupling as the gold standard for intimacy and fulfillment,” she said. “More adults are single today than ever before, and many are very happy and fulfilled.”

Burgess said people should do antiValentine’s activities on this day.

“Go out and do something fun and crazy,” she said. “Go out and get a box of chocolates and throw it at couples. I’m just joking, but do something that people normally don’t do on Valentine’s.”

Junior Trevor Kurzhal said he will not be participating in this unofficial holiday.

“There’s no need to celebrate my singleness,” he said. “What’s the point if I just end up celebrating by myself in the end?”

Galentine’s Day is another alternative to Valentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day is a creation of the TV show “Parks and Recreation,” said sophomore Jordan Tolbert.

“It is celebrated Feb. 13, and it’s just

a day where us girls are celebrating each other,” she said. “There is nothing more fun than hanging with your gal pals.”

Kurzhal said it sounds like a Singles Awareness Day for girls.

“However, I guess any female can participate whether she’s hitched or not,” he said.

”

(SINGLISM) PRESENTS COUPLING AS THE GOLD STANDARD FOR INTIMACY AND FULFILLMENT. MORE ADULTS ARE SINGLE TODAY THAN EVER BEFORE, AND MANY ARE VERY HAPPY AND FULFILLED.

AMBER PAULK

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY

Burgess said Galentine’s Day is a great idea.

“It seems to be more fun than being on a date,” she said. “With your friends,

you can let loose. With a guy, you’re constantly worrying about how you look.”

Paulk said this holiday shows the double-standard for singles.

“Women are more likely than men to receive the message that in order to truly be fulfilled they need to be in a relationship,” she said. “Therefore, women who are not currently in a relationship may feel more (of) a need to gather social support if they are single around Valentine’s Day, which is a holiday that celebrates couples.”

Kurzhal said there is no male version of this day because guys do not need it.

“Not that the girls need Galentine’s Day, but there’s no reason for it to exist aside from making people feel appreciated for whom they are,” he said.

“I guess it will come around, if it ever does, when someone tries to revolutionize the world with it in the name of equality or when another show decides to take up the gauntlet as well.”

12 LOVE

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Counselor: Helping others relieves single sadness KAITLYN DAVIS

Associate News Editor news@florala.net

Cupid does not shoot everyone with his arrow of love on Valentine’s Day. The holiday can cause some to feel down.

Feelings of sadness around the holiday are an unnecessary stressor, said Student Counseling Services Mental Health Counselor Carmen Richter.

“We superimpose this on ourselves, and we put too much stock in the media and what the media says Valentine’s Day is,” Richter said.

Richter said she thinks students should focus on showing care for others instead of thinking about a date on Valentine’s Day. “What I would love for students to do is love themselves every day and to love others around them, and they can make that their Valentine’s Day,” she said.

In the past year, Student Counseling

”

Services has noticed an increase in students seeking help with stress and depression, Richter said.

“I think (the increase) was more of an influx of freshmen coming in and not having the stigma of mental health issues,” she said.

Students experiencing depression around holidays is common, she said.

“So many students are away from home, and they don’t have the

support, so what’s happening is they’re having to reach out,” she said.

Richter said students can improve their mental health by getting enough exercise and sleep, eating healthier and practicing self-love and selflessness.

“Get out of yourself and do something for someone else,” she said.

Feelings of sadness are common during the winter months when people

WHAT I WOULD LOVE FOR STUDENTS TO

DO IS LOVE THEMSELVES EVERY DAY AND TO LOVE

OTHERS AROUND THEM, AND THEY CAN MAKE THAT THEIR VALENTINEʼS DAY.

CARMEN RICHTER

STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

are not exposed to enough sunlight, do not exercise and are eating unhealthy foods, Richter said.

She said Student Counseling Services sees more freshmen and seniors than other students because they are in a transitioning period.

Richter said students coping with stress and depression in general or around holidays should work on loving themselves.

“Self-love isn’t something you achieve,” she said. “It’s something you do for yourself every day for the rest of your life.”

Sophomores Sabrina Samano and Emily Stricklin said they plan on throwing an anti-Valentine’s Day party for anyone who wants to come.

“We’re not really mad about Valentine’s Day, but it’s going to be funny,” Stricklin said.

Freshman Tyrone Yarbrough said he plans on celebrating the holiday with his mom and his friends. “(Valentine’s Day) really doesn’t matter to me as long as I make people happy,” Yarbrough said. “So I don’t really find it depressing. I just find it another time to make a happy moment.”

Sophomore Michael Davis said he hopes to spend the holiday more romantically.

To read the rest of the story, visit florala.net. design by MICHAEL MEIGS | Graphic Designer

Long distance relationships require communication, trust EMILY KAZUNGU Online Editor online@florala.net

Relationships require work. Trying to work on them from a distance requires three times the effort.

Statistics show about 14 to 15 million people in America consider themselves to be in long distance relationships, according to statistics from The Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships. Over 30 percent of these relationships are college relationships.

“Research shows it is difficult to continue long distance relationships because of many factors,” said Professor of Sociology Alex Takeuchi. “You cannot physically see your partner, interact with the person and ‘out of sight out of mind,’ is true.”

Takeuchi said communication is a major factor if students want to maintain a long distance relationship. Technology has eased the process, he said.

“Communication is probably the most important thing,” Takeuchi said.

“What you can do is avoid temptations.

If you are a very sociable kind of person, you are more likely to have opportunities to interact with somebody else, and that can create opportunities where you may get tempted.”

Freshman Karina Cisneros said she has been in a long distance relationship for seven months. Moving to America from Nicaragua was a major decision that involved sacrifices like being away from her loved one.

“There is no way to be physically together,” she said. “I can’t see (my family) physically, but with him it’s

different because we are in a relationship.

I can’t even hug him or go to the movies.”

Cisneros said the long distance relationship has both ups and downs.

She feels bad when they cannot celebrate important dates like their birthdays and anniversaries.

“There are a lot of problems that you don’t really think about when you’re physically together,” she said. “But I think if a relationship is strong, even the worst parts, (you) could definitely go through them. You just have to be honest with each other.”

Knowing you are going to see this person eventually feels good, Cisneros said. And when you finally get to see them you really value the time you spend together.

“It is going to be very hard,” Cisneros said. “I’m not going to

lie, but if the person is worth it then you should definitely do it. There is going to be a time when you are going to be together again, and that time is going to be worth all the other days you were not together. You have to want to do it, and you have to want to give up a lot, and the other person should do the same.”

Cisneros said she and her boyfriend are going to have breakfast or dinner together via Skype on Valentine’s Day. Freshman Zarif Shadman has been in a long distance relationship with his girlfriend, who is in Bangladesh, for seven months.

“Well, I don’t have to take her out on dates anymore,” he said. “The phone calls are all you do.”

See DISTANCE, page 13

LOVE 13 Editor names top 5 sugar rush selections Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

JASMINE FLEMING

Managing Editor managing@florala.net

5. M&M’s Although M&M’s are available all year, and the Valentine’s versions taste the same as the original M&M’s, the red, pink and white versions add a colorful element to the holiday that most other chocolate candies cannot. Add this to their easy affordability as a Valentine’s candy, and this treat earns its place in the top five.

Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to spend time with friends or significant others. But, it is also a time to eat an almost unlimited amount of candy, all in the name of love.

For this Valentine’s Day, I have listed the top five candies available. Hopefully, this will make the selection easier when deciding what to buy for friends or a private Singles Awareness Day celebration. Hint: This article can also be used as a guide for the marked down goods available Feb. 15, as it can be dangerous to enter the holiday candy aisle without a plan.

4. Assorted chocolates Many receive their first box of assorted chocolates from family as Valentine’s Day gifts.

Over the years, chocolate lovers may come to look forward to the wide variety of treats a box of chocolates offers. Assorted chocolates, usually in a heart shaped box, make the top five because one box can contain milk chocolate truffles, caramels and strawberry or orange cremefilled dark chocolates.

3. Reese’s hearts As with most major holidays, Reese’s has a Valentine’s candy, which are packs of heart-shaped peanut butter and chocolate singles. Although this candy tastes exactly like their Christmas tree and pumpkinshaped candies, they do not need a unique flavor to stand out. The higher amount of peanut butter here compared to a regular Reese’s cup makes this one of the top Valentine’s candies.

2. Ghirardelli Valentine’s chocolates The Ghirardelli brand generally costs a little more than the average Hershey’s or Nestle’s chocolates, but the price is worth the higher quality. For Valentine’s Day, the brand offers a variety pack of chocolates.

They also have an Impressions chocolate product, which is milk chocolate squares with white chocolate hearts inside them. Regardless of which type someone buys, gifting them can be a nice way to show someone appreciation.

5 best love songs of all time MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

5. “You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago Chicago is one of the most, if not the most successful bands of all time, selling over 100 million records in its history. This love ballad will give anyone goose bumps. If it does not, see a doctor immediately because you might be a robot.

4. “I Swear” by John Michael Montgomery and All-4-One This song was so powerful, a country artist and pop group both performed the song. It made the US Billboard Hot 100 at 42 and was number 1 on the country charts in 1993. Not to mention, one of the songwriters is Gary Baker, who resides in Sheffield.

3. “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston The Whitney Houston rendition earned the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks for good reason.

Although I’m partial to the screaming goat version on YouTube, all versions of the song tend to be good (if the high note is hit on point).

2. “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” by Chicago Obviously, I’m a huge Chicago fan, so this band made the list twice. This song has been stuck in my head for about a week, and I am totally OK with that. Go listen to it and see what I am talking about. The proof is in the love-filled, heart-shaped pudding.

1. “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge If you ask anyone from the Shoals what song they most associate our area with, many say this song, as Sledge recorded it in both FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals and Norala Sound Studio in Sheffield. Plus, Rolling Stone ranked it 53 in the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It gets my vote for No. 1.

1. Conversation Hearts As one of the most traditional candies for this holiday, conversation hearts share messages of love and affection that purchasers can use to show their feelings to someone. They have even grown with current technology to display phrases like, “Text me,” or “IM me.”

Although they aren’t the most delicious options, the chalky candies are usually one of the first that come to mind when someone thinks of this day, and for that, they deserve the top spot.

DISTANCE, continued from page 12 “We don’t have eBay, so I’m still not buying her gifts, and we are not sending much, so I’m saving a lot of money,” Shadman said.

He said the time difference makes the relationship even harder, because it is difficult to find a good time to talk with a 12-hour time difference. “(With long distance relationships), jealousy is one thing that happens,” he said. “You are not paying enough attention, you don’t talk to her much or you are hanging out with people she doesn’t like.”

Shadman said he has to talk to his girlfriend all the time and reassure her everything is fine. He said trust is very important.

“Hang in tight,” he said. “If you guys can get through (long distance relationships), you can get through anything.”

Shadman said he and his girlfriend do not have any plans for Valentine’s Day, but they might watch Deadpool.

“It is very hard when you don’t see the person that you’re dating with because you cannot do the same things that you used to,” said junior Sofia Martinez.

“You have to try and keep in contact. I think that is the most difficult part.”

Martinez said she and her boyfriend try to use special things, such as exchanging photos with each other, to keep their long distance relationship alive.

“It is fun to send each other pictures,” she said. “You use a lot of creativity to keep it going.”

14 LOVE

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Cut out these cards and share with your Valentine! designs by JACQUELINE WILLIS I Junior Graphic Designer

EXTRA 15

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Thurs., Feb. 11

8 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Wesley Foundation Bake Sale Amphitheater

11 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

ROTC Bake Sale GUC Atrium 3:30 p.m.

SGA Senate meeting GUC 200 4 p.m.

Circle K Meeting Stone Lodge (Upper) 6 and 8 p.m.

UNA Basketball vs.

Mississippi College

Fri., Feb. 12 Noon — 10 p.m.

Ice Skating Rink GUC Parking Lot 8 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Wesley Foundation Bake Sale Amphitheater 11 a.m. —12:30 p.m.

ROTC Bake Sale GUC Atrium 7 p.m.

UPC Film Fridays “Crazy, Stupid, Love” GUC Performance Center

Sat., Feb. 13

10 a.m. — 10 p.m.

Ice Skating Rink GUC Parking Lot

photo courtesy Artificial Ice Events

New Jersey students enjoy an ice skating rink their university planned. UNA students will be able to enjoy a similar ice rink this Friday and Saturday in the GUC parking lot.

11 a.m.

UNA Tennis vs.

West Florida 1 and 3 p.m.

UNA Basketball vs.

Delta State 2 and 4 p.m.

UNA Softball vs.

Valdosta State (DH)

Sun., Feb. 14 VALENTINE’S DAY 1 p.m.

UNA Softball vs.

Valdosta State 4 p.m.

The Flor-Ala Writers’ meeting Student Publications Building 8 p.m.

ENCOUNTER Stone Lodge (Upper)

Mon., Feb. 15 1 p.m.

“Movement” George S. Lindsey Theatre 5 p.m.

College Democrats Meeting Commons 307 6 p.m.

Chinese Student Organization meeting GUC Performance Center 8 p.m.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Commons 330

Tues., Feb. 16 4:30 p.m.

Hispanic Culture Organization Stone Lodge (Upper)

6:30 p.m.

UNA Swim Club GUC 200 7 — 9 p.m.

Second Chance Prom GUC Banquet Hall B 7 p.m.

“Food Soldiers: Class of 1964” film screening by Office of Diversity and Institutional Equality GUC Loft

Wed., Feb.17 4:30 p.m.

SAFE Meeting Stone Lodge (Upper) 4:30 p.m.

SGA Freshman Forum GUC 200 8 p.m.

ENCOUNTER Stone Lodge (Upper)

16 EXTRA

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

Feb. 11, 2016 • The Flor-Ala