Jan. 15 Issue

Harlon Hill Trophy Page 1B Jan. 15, 2015

Volume 83, Issue 17

www.FlorAla.net

Chick-fil-A to provide breakfast on campus ANNA BROWN

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As the hype about the addition of Chick-fil-A and Starbucks wears down, a new feature sparks fresh excitement.

Chick-fil-A will begin serving breakfast at UNA starting spring 2015.

“We just recently got permission to do breakfast (at Chick-fil-A),” said Sodexo general manager Alan Kinkead. “Now it’s a matter of hiring the staff and getting everybody trained properly for the breakfast items. We hope to have that going in February.”

Junior Luke Stokes said he does not eat at Chick-fil-A often because

INSIDE

this week’s paper

he rarely visits The Commons.

“Plus, they don’t do combos so it costs me more to eat at the Chick-fil-A on campus instead of going down the street to another Chick-fil-A,” Stokes said. “But, I like Chick-fil-A’s breakfast and will probably eat breakfast at Chick-fil-A on campus.”

The Sodexo team expressed their excitement about the breakfast addition to UNA’s Chick-fil-A. “I think breakfast will do us well. People really like Chick-fil-A overall,” said Sodexo operations manager Gwen Burney.

Junior Grace Ratliff said she usually eats breakfast on campus one to two times per week.

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NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A PHOTO ESSAY . . . 4A VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7A

SPORTS . . . . . . . 1B LIFE . . . . . . . . . 5B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 8B

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

EAT EVEN MORE CHICKEN POLICE BRUTALITY...5B

Please recycle your paper.

2A NEWS

Jan. 15, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

CRIME

What causes

RAPE? Short Skirts Alcohol Poverty Absence of “no”

Rapists

“Causes” based on most frequent excuse for rape by defendents. Information courtesy of National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

NEWS 3A

Jan. 15, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

TITLE IX

Officials, students discuss university handling of sexual assault ASHLEY REMKUS

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Title IX has become a major talking point when it comes to university policies, especially those that involve handling sexual misconduct.

Students may have noticed syllabi for some of their classes include the UNA Title IX policy that stipulates all faculty and staff are now required to report all incidences of Title IX violations.

Several schools across the country, including the Harvard University School of Law, have been under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights for improperly handling Title IX cases.

These investigations have prompted discussion about the way UNA handles sexual assault cases.

“If it’s a severe situation of sexual assault or domestic violence and the student is found responsible, they’re not going to be a student here anymore,” said Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator Tammy Jacques. “It can be for a certain amount of time; it can be expulsion, or it could be permanently. The factors of the case would play a role.”

Junior Rachel Cole said she thinks the sanctions handed down for sexual assault cases should include counseling

and other treatment that would prevent future issues.

“Just kicking somebody out of school isn’t going to solve the problem,” Cole said. “Obviously something’s wrong if a person is doing something like that.

Getting them help is important.”

”

IF ITʼS A SEVERE SITUATION OF SEXUAL

ASSAULT OR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND THE STUDENT IS FOUND RESPONSIBLE, THEYʼRE NOT GOING TO BE A STUDENT HERE ANYMORE.

TAMMY JACQUES ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS, TITLE IX COORDINATOR Director of Student Conduct Kim Greenway said counseling can be a stipulation for a student who seeks readmission after a suspension.

“If someone is suspended, we can require they go through counseling before coming back, and even then, they have to go through evaluation before they can even reapply for admission,” Greenway said. “We have to bee 100 percent sure

they aren’t going to do something again.”

Jacques said other cases, which involve “lower level” violations could result in probation or a warning; however, the difficulty is defining a high- or lowlevel case.

“A lower level case could be a case where some people are at an apartment, someone thinks things are going a

Title IX includes: • Sexual violence (rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse) • Sexual harassment • Domestic and intimate partner violence • Stalking • Gender-based discrimination • Discrimination against pregnant and parenting students • Gender-based bullying and hazing

certain way, and they touch someone else inappropriately, thinking they have the go-ahead,” Jacques said.” But the other person hasn’t given permission, and they feel uncomfortable.”

She said if the situation stopped at that point, an investigation could continue, or the victim could request only mediation.

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Student conduct lingo • Complainant – alleged victim • Respondent – accused individual • Sanctions – actions taken to remedy case

CRIME

Student arrested on felony, misdemeanor charges in assault case ASHLEY REMKUS

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A UNA student was arrested Jan. 13 in connection with an assault and strongarm robbery that occurred two days earlier, authorities said.

Interim UNA Police Chief Mark Parker identified the male as Joshua Jones, 22, of Florence.

Jones is charged with a third-degree assault misdemeanor and third-degree robbery, a class C felony, Parker said.

”

THIS CASE IS ACTUALLY AN ASSAULT THAT TURNED INTO A ROBBERY. IT ACTUALLY STARTED OUT AS A BEATING, BUT ENDED IN PROPERTY BEING TAKEN.

MARK PARKER INTERIM UNA POLICE CHIEF

“This case is actually an assault that turned into a robbery,” he said. “It actually started out as a beating, but ended in property being taken, according to the reports.”

The incident occurred in the area of Lion Drive and Circular Road around 2 a.m. Jan. 11.

The victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance for nonlifethreatening injuries, including cuts, bruises and abrasions, officials said.

A Lion Alert sent to the campus community Sunday afternoon indicated

the incident was not suspected as a danger to other students.

Parker said because the two parties are acquainted, the attack was likely directed specifically at one person.

“We don’t believe there’s a credible threat to campus,” he said. “We believe this was an issue between two individuals that got out of hand.”

The victim noticed his cellphone and wallet missing after the attack, according to reports.

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Your Ad Here For more information call 256-765-4427

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4A IMAGES

Jan. 15, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

HOME AWAY FROM HOME ▶

Suitemates Osman Ahmed (right), of Kenya, and Yiming Wang, of China, watch a video on Ahmed’s computer. Ahmed and Wang have few problems sharing their room in Covington Hall despite their cultural differences.

KALI DANIEL

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I lived in Tianjin, China for one month in 2013. I did not have to cook for myself or spend a long time adapting to my environment. I was there for one month, and have no concept of how difficult living in another country longterm can be.

International students’ rooms become

their home. They decorate with pieces from their countries, or even cities, and adorn their walls with photos to remind them of their loved ones seemingly so far away.

As I interviewed students and invaded their personal spaces long enough to snap photos, I was interested to see amid the images of families, friends from their hometowns and local scenery, they had far more images of their friends at UNA.

▶

Counting the Days Dayeon Jang of South Korea marks her calendar in Covington Hall. Jang hangs photos of her family on the wall to remember who encouraged her to study in America.

The Office of International Affairs emphasizes how important it is to make friends with international students, not only to get them acclimated to the new environment, but to build lasting friendships.

As I took photos of graduate student Yogyata Batra, she explained to me the story of a tiny elephant in one of her cubbies on the wall.

Some UNA students she befriended actually traveled to her hometown of

New Delhi, India, and Batra showed them around. They stumbled upon handcrafted elephants, and each UNA student purchased one to signify their friendship.

This story reminded me that even after international friends return home for the summer or after graduation, they are not gone forever. These friends are waiting to welcome us into their homes abroad and show us the kindness we once showed them at UNA.

▶ International Pride Freshman Zakaria Alibrahim (center) plays video games with his roommates, ESL students Abdullah Buhuwayd (right) and Omar Alkhamis. All three are from Saudi Arabia and proudly hang the national flag in their living room off campus.

▶ Home Sweet Study Graduate student and LaGrange Hall resident adviser Yogyata Batra of India studies in her room.

Like other international students, she hangs photos of family and new friends on her wall.

NEWS 5A

Jan. 15, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

ENROLLMENT

Study shows students choosing two-year colleges ASHLEY REMKUS

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After five years of declining enrollment, university officials set out to discover why 893 admitted students chose not to attend UNA. A telephone survey conducted by the Office of Institutional Research indicates UNA’s biggest competition for students is community colleges.

Director of Institutional Research Andrew Luna said he and his team contacted 646 students with a 37 percent response rate.

“It’s not as strong as we would like, but it’s about as strong as you can get on that type of a population where they have no vested interest,” Luna said. “A lot of the phone numbers were nonworking.”

The survey indicates 43 percent of the respondents opted to attend community college, with a large portion choosing Northwest-Shoals, Calhoun or Bevill State.

Luna said many students who chose to attend a community college named cost as a determining factor, as 25 percent of respondents — 85 percent of whom enrolled at a community college — said cost deterred them from attending UNA. Shoals Scholar Dollars, a program run by the Florence and Sheffield Rotary clubs to help young adults continue their education after high school, was cited as a driving force for many students to attend Northwest-Shoals.

Of the 34 students who said they enrolled at Northwest-Shoals, 44 percent indicated they received Scholar Dollars

assistance.

“We clearly showed Shoals Scholar Dollars had some affect,” Luna said.

“If you can get the first two years of your college absolutely free, that’s free money. And you can’t fault anybody for doing that.”

Students who attended community colleges said they saw no reason to attend UNA when they could get the first two years of their degrees completed for less expense, according to the study.

“Higher education costs a lot of money any way you look at it,” Luna said. “Students are being careful in how they’re selecting colleges.”

The survey reports 32 percent of

”

HIGHER EDUCATION COSTS A LOT OF MONEY ANY WAY YOU LOOK AT IT. STUDENTS ARE BEING CAREFUL IN HOW THEYʼRE SELECTING COLLEGES.

However, the study indicates Vanguard Scholarships were not as effective as officials had anticipated.

Mauldin said she attributes the low effectiveness to the late introduction of the scholarships.

“Students and their parents often begin really looking at colleges the summer after their junior year,” Mauldin said. “We didn’t get the scholarships marketed to students early enough this first year.”

She said some students had likely

committed to attending another college or university before they were notified they were eligible for a Vanguard Scholarship.

Vanguard scholarships are meant to reach students who achieved an average ACT score but excelled in their core classes, Maudlin said in an earlier interview.

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Where did they go?

4% te Baccalaurea

25% Masters/ Comprehensive *36% chose a private institution.

ANDREW LUNA

43% Community College

DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH respondents said they did not receive a scholarship from UNA or the scholarship offer was not sufficient.

In an earlier interview, Director of Admissions Kim Mauldin said the university hoped a new scholarship initiative would increase enrollment.

28% Research

information courtesy of the Office of Institutional Research

MAN ON THE STREET

Students respond: Why did YOU decide to come to UNA?

”

I WANTED TO GET AWAY FROM HOME BUT BE CLOSE ENOUGH TO GO BACK.

”

THERE WERE A LOT OF FACTORS, BUT THE MAIN ONE WAS HOW BEAUTIFUL THE CAMPUS IS.

”

BECAUSE I LIVE IN HUNTSVILLE, AND ITʼS CLOSE TO HOME.

”

BECAUSE I HAVE AN ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP.

MARSHELLA RAY

SAM SATTERFIELD

YASMIN CARTHEN

AUBREY HUDSON

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

JUNIOR

SOPHOMORE

photos and information compiled by ASHLEY REMKUS I News Editor

6A NEWS Day of Service offers volunteer opportunities ASHLEY REMKUS

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The UNA and Shoals communities will have the chance to serve others on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The MLK Day of Service begins at 8 a.m. at the Harrison Plaza fountain where students, faculty and community members will complete various service events around Florence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better way to honor Dr. King than to do exactly what he wanted us to do â&#x20AC;&#x201D; serve others,â&#x20AC;? said junior Nick Lang, an organizer for the event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a great opportunity for UNA and the community to come together and serve others.â&#x20AC;?

Participants will return to the fountain at noon to march to Shoals Theatre where guest speaker Kobee Fitzgerald of Ekklesia Ministries will make an address.

Lang said Jimmy Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s box lunches, free T-shirts and service site transportation will be provided to all participants.

He also encouraged students to register prior to the event to participate in service activities.

The application can be found on the Leadership and Volunteerism page at una.edu/orgsync.

Jan. 15, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala <1<4- 1@ KWV\QV]ML NZWU Coordinator, Greenway said.

Jacques said a trained pool of staff XIOM ) â&#x20AC;&#x153;The complainantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wishes come into play when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at these types of cases,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If a student has been sexually violent, or sexually assaulted or raped somebody, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to a probation or a warning. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be at our institution.â&#x20AC;?

Greenway said the safety of the campus community also comes into play when determining what sanctions will be handed down.

She said if the person is deemed a threat to other students, faculty and staff, suspension or expulsion are the sanctions handed down.

She said some â&#x20AC;&#x153;lower levelâ&#x20AC;? cases, which can include miscommunication about boundaries between intimate partners, can result in mandatory counseling for the respondent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes the complainant chooses to go to counseling with the person if they were in a relationship or something of that nature,â&#x20AC;? Greenway said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen really good results. Most of the time both partners say it helped them understand the way the other thought.â&#x20AC;?

University Bookstore Employee Chelsea Phillips said she feels counseling is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;step in the right directionâ&#x20AC;? for preventing Title IX violations in the future.

Phillips and Cole said they think students with pasts that include sexual misconduct should be identified by the university before they come to UNA. Any time a report comes in that could possibly be a Title IX case, it automatically goes to the Title IX

and faculty are chosen to conduct investigations.

Investigators are thoroughly trained based on national standards, Greenway said.

â&#x20AC;?

SOMETIMES THE COMPLAINANT CHOOSES

TO GO TO COUNSELING WITH THE PERSON IF THEY WERE IN A RELATIONSHIP OR SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE.

MOST OF THE TIME BOTH PARTNERS SAY

IT HELPED THEM UNDERSTAND THE WAY THE OTHER THOUGHT.

KIM GREENWAY DIRECTOR OF STUDENT CONDUCT Investigators determine whether a violation of Title IX occurred and determine the sanctions based on details of the case, Jacques said.

Other student conduct cases are presented to a board of students, faculty and staff, but Greenway said the privacy granted to parties involved in Title IX cases not only ensures confidentiality, it also makes investigations more accurate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we moved to this model, this was a real concern of mine,â&#x20AC;? Greenway said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m used to boards making these decisions. But I have found it is a lot less traumatic on all individuals involved. And, we get more information

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2015

because the complainant, witnesses and respondent are more comfortable answering questions.â&#x20AC;?

Senior Brett Barnes said he thinks the system makes cases more comfortable for complainants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rare enough for sexual assault victims to report to authorities,â&#x20AC;? Barnes said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And having a hearing among fellow students could be a deterrent.â&#x20AC;?

Greenway said both parties have the opportunity to appeal the outcome of the case if they feel due process was violated, all evidence in the case was not heard or the sanctions are not consistent with past decisions.

If an appeal is made, a conduct board will make the final call, but will rule only on the grounds of the appeal, she said.

Phillips and Cole said they think the most important aspect of improving the student conduct and Title IX systems at UNA is transparency.

Cole said because students never learn anything about the systems until something â&#x20AC;&#x153;finally comes out in the newspaper,â&#x20AC;? people probably assume others are not getting punished.

Phillips said she thinks the results of conduct cases should be released so students know the university is addressing sexual assault. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These things need to be more public,â&#x20AC;? she said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How else can people know they will be punished if they do something like this?â&#x20AC;?

Greenway said cases are confidential to protect the privacy of all parties involved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We never release the outcome of student conduct cases except to the parties involved,â&#x20AC;? she said.

VIEWPOINTS 7A

Jan. 15, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

Free speech should apply to all people EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANNA GRACE USERY MANAGING EDITOR KALI DANIEL NEWS EDITOR ASHLEY REMKUS LIFE EDITOR MARI WILLIAMS SPORTS EDITOR DUSTIN POLLARD ONLINE EDITOR JASMINE FLEMING BUSINESS MANAGER UNDREA RANDOLPH II GRAPHIC DESIGNERS JOHN BAVIS SHILO CUPPLES JORDAN FERRELL CIRCULATION MANAGER LORI BLANKENSOPP CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KATLYN SHANNON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS KAITLIN DOUGLASS DEANNA KAMPMEYER ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS

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As a human being who strives to find solidarity in a world full of violence and obvious disconnect, I support freedom of speech, even if it makes me uncomfortable.

I am like many other Americans in that I think everyone reserves the innate right to express his or her thoughts and opinions…until they make me uncomfortable.

At this very moment the human race is facing a dire issue that will ultimately

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

DUSTIN POLLARD

Letters must be accompanied by the writerʼs name, mailing address, phone number and email.

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

“With the Lakers down by two late in the fourth quarter, Kobe Bryant pulls up for the three annnddd boo-yah! Just like that Kobe puts the Lakers back up. Just call him butter cause he’s on a roll.”

This is what a typical SportsCenter game recap sounded like with Stuart Scott behind the desk.

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 Editorʼs Note may accompany a letter.

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

Email: florala@una.edu.

Phone: 256-765-4364

#JeSuisCharlie (I Am Charlie) was trending on Twitter, it was accompanied by #KillAllMuslims. BBC reported this hashtag was tweeted 100,000 times by the following day.

While many of these tweets were criticizing the hashtag, even now it is easy to find tweets under the hashtag calling for the murder of all Muslims.

While I stand behind freedom of speech, I question if everyone really does. Many claim to stand behind Charlie Hebdo, and more than likely do. But whether they stand behind Freedom of Speech is something else entirely.

Let’s close our eyes and replace those cartoons of Muhammad with Jesus Christ.

How many still support?

The world is at a crossroads and the way we treat this tragedy will determine the

direction of the future. Most people will not agree with this editorial and may even publicly share their opinions. I do not care.

While it is good to continue discussing the horrifying brutality of this event, I hope this editorial sparks a conversation encompassing not only a cartoonist’s right to freedom of speech but also that of those who make us uncomfortable.

American lawyer Alan Dershowitz once said the following on this topic, “Freedom of speech means freedom for those who you despise, and freedom to express the most despicable views. It also means that the government cannot pick and choose which expressions to authorize and which to prevent.”

Sports anchor changed game by being himself

Letters Policy Letters must not exceed 400 words.

shape history.

It was a miserably cold morning on campus Jan. 7, the day 12 cartoonists were brutally massacred at the French satirical newspaper, Charlie Hebdo. I sat in my first class of my fourth semester at UNA horrified by the tweets displayed on my feed.

As a journalist, but much more so as a human, I was dsigusted. I have never seen a drawing that warranted murder and I am not sure I ever will.

Immediately after news of the slayings broke, people around the world wasted no time showing their support for those killed.

‘Solidarity rallies’ popped up all over the globe.

When I saw this I thought, “Wow, this is beautiful, we are moving forward.”

This feeling of progressivism was short lived.

On the same day

I woke to the heartbreaking news the longtime ESPN anchor died at the young age of 49 Jan. 4.

He did not lose his battle to cancer. He won it by being the best father, friend and sports anchor he could possibly be.

As a lifelong sports fan, I grew accustomed to hearing Scott breakdown the night’s biggest games by blending his hip-hop style into the broadcast.

He described the game highlights just like I would to my friends.

Whenever he was on set, I felt like he was in my living room.

He would make sports references to rap stars, which at the time was as unheard of as an enjoyable Kidz Bop

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song.

He brought his personality to the studio with so much emotion and use of catchphrases. Never before had a sports journalist talked as he did.

An African-American from Chicago, he appealed to the urban youth like no anchor on SportsCenter had. He appealed to me like no anchor on SportsCenter had.

He let his emotions out on live TV. This guy was different.

This is exactly why he was so popular among sports fans and why many sports fans hated him, too.

I bet he drove to work everyday reciting, “What’s up?

What’s happenin’? All you haters can get at me.”

Because he did not care what other people thought, he was just himself on TV. By not conforming to the “norm” of sports broadcasting he was a true pioneer and succeeded in his field even further than if he had conformed.

I know this sounds corny, like a Christmas movie starring Tim Allen, but Scott did a heck of a job of just being himself.

He did it by being a true professional in his field.

Stuart paved a way for aspiring sports journalists like myself. And for this, I thank him.

Rest in peace Stuart Scott.

Tonight I’ll make sure I flip my pillow over to the cool side.

Positions Available News Editor

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Apply by Feb. 28.

8A NEWS

Jan. 15, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

SGA in Review â&#x20AC;˘ UPC - Unanimously approved spending $3,500 for its Jan. 30 movie night featuring â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Hero 6â&#x20AC;? at 7 p.m. â&#x20AC;˘ UPC - Announced its Feb. 13 movie night will feature â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mockingjay.â&#x20AC;? photo by ASHLEY REMKUS I News Editor

Students gather at Starbucks in The Commons Jan. 13. Sodexo general manager Alan Kinkead said since Starbucks and Chick-fil-A opened on campus, food revenue in the GUC has declined but overall campus dining revenue increased.

+01+3-6 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) â&#x20AC;&#x153;I usually eat breakfast at Starbucks or Einsteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, but I will definitely add Chick-fil-A to the mix,â&#x20AC;? Ratliff said.

The Sodexo team said they are pleased with the revenue from The Commonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first year of operation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We all are pleased with both implementation and execution on campus,â&#x20AC;? said Sodexo District Manager Brad McNeely.

Revenue for UNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus dining are up overall, but the GUC has been affected by the addition of Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. GUC revenue is down 32 percent, but sales are up 20 percent overall when you add in the Starbucks and Chick-fil-A sales, Kinkead said.

Burney said any further advancements to the dining offerings in

+:15- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) But, Parker said the cellphone was recovered near the scene.

Parker said Jan. 12 the department had interviewed the victim and the offender, then he advised the victim to file charges with the Lauderdale district attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office.

Director of Student Conduct Kim Greenway said when her office received reports from the University Police Department, a Student Conduct investigation would begin, regardless of what happens with the case outside the university. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The outcome of the legal system generally has no effect on the university conduct process, except that the student, if charged with a felony, would be allowed to have an attorney present as an adviser, not as a participant, during the hearing process,â&#x20AC;? Greenway said.

She said the results of conduct cases are confidential and only released to the parties involved.

the GUC are to be determined. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hoped we could get more business in the summer but summer school is not well-attended on campus,â&#x20AC;?

Kinkead said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We did actually have a lot of non-students here, which is good.â&#x20AC;?

Sodexo plans to continue to broaden Chick-fil-Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu as they are able, but ice cream will likely not become an addition to Chick-fil-A due to Frostbite, Kinkead said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Starbucks has everything that any full-fledged Starbucks would have,â&#x20AC;? said Kinkead. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anything that they come out with, we will hopefully do for the most part.â&#x20AC;?

Kinkead said Starbucks and Chickfil-A, â&#x20AC;&#x153;both great companies,â&#x20AC;? are valuable additions to campus.

He said he expects the success of The Commons will remain on track with continued student support.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact UNA police by phone at 256-765-4357 or in person in the basement of Keller Hall.

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: Stick with The Flor-Ala as this story develops.

â&#x20AC;?

THE OUTCOME OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM

GENERALLY HAS NO EFFECT ON THE UNIVERSITY CONDUCT PROCESS, EXCEPT THAT THE STUDENT, IF CHARGED WITH A FELONY, WOULD BE ALLOWED TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY PRESENT AS AN ADVISER, NOT AS A PARTICIPANT DURING THE HEARING PROCESS.

KIM GREENWAY DIRECTOR OF STUDENT CONDUCT

-6:7445-6< KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Luna and Mauldin said they expect the scholarships will have a greater positive effect on enrollment in the coming years.

Of the remaining accepted students â&#x20AC;&#x201D; those who chose not to attend UNA or a two-year college â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 25 percent said they attended a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s/comprehensive university such as Jacksonville State University, Troy University or the University of Montevallo.

Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s/comprehensive universities, like UNA, lack doctoral programs but offer bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees.

The remaining 32 percent attended doctoral-granting research institutions or schools offering baccalaureate degrees, according to the study.

Luna said students seemed to see UNA as a lower-value option.

The survey concludes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;UNA should strengthen its branding and messaging by focusing on the unique benefits it offers to students who enroll at its institution.â&#x20AC;?

Luna said those benefits include 80 percent of courses at UNA being taught by full-time faculty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something where we can compete with the private universities,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just have to show these students what we offer here at UNA.â&#x20AC;?

Big Communication advertising firm visits campus today to present a plan for combating declining enrollment to the university administration and board of trustees. The board approved allowing Interim President John Thornell to enter a contract with the firm at its September quarterly meeting.

Follow @UNA_Flor-Ala on Twitter for live updates throughout the meeting.

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: This is the first in a periodical series of articles about enrollment at UNA. Check next weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue for a full story detailing Big Communicationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation and the responses from university officials.

â&#x20AC;˘ UPC - Announced a Painting the Paws service project for Feb. 28. â&#x20AC;˘ Senate - Announced applications for new senators will open soon. â&#x20AC;˘ Senate - Reported discussions continue with Facilities Administration and Planning about adding maps to improve navigation on campus. â&#x20AC;˘ Senate - Reminded students to send comments to sgafeedback@una.edu.

SPORTS

SECTION B

Jan. 15, 2015• The Flor-Ala

AWARD

photo courtesy Joe J Romans

Ferris State University quarterback Jason Vander Laan speaks at the Harlon Hill Trophy banquet in the Guillot University Center Jan. 9. Vander Laan became the first player from his school to win the award.

Trophy signifies tradition, pride in Florence area DUSTIN POLLARD

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Strike a pose Jason Vander Laan.

The 6’4” 241 pound quarterback from Ferris State University took home the 29th Harlon Hill trophy during a ceremony held at the Guillot University Center Jan. 9. The Harlon Hill trophy is given annually to the best player in D-II. “I’m very honored to win this award and I’m proud of the way our school is coming along,” Vander Laan said. “I feel great about our team and the accomplishments we had this year, and to cap it off with this is special.”

The dual-threat quarterback threw for 2,381 yards and 30 touchdowns and rushed for 1,466 yards and 20 touchdowns.

“We just have a phenomenal option team,” Vander Laan said.

“We have so many weapons out there it’s hard to defend us. We have a great offensive line and receivers, so it all works out well.”

Vander Laan said he was only focusing on winning games this season and not the prestigious award. Vander Laan

IN THIS SECTION

led the Bulldogs to an 11-1 record and the first round of the playoffs.

“Obviously everybody knows what the Harlon Hill trophy is, but I really wasn’t focused on it,” he said. “We returned a lot of guys and it’s the third year we’ve had this coaching staff so I knew we were going to have a lot of success this year.”

The Harlon Hill trophy ceremony was previously held the night before the D-II National Championship game, but with Florence no longer hosting the game, the banquet’s future was in question.

“We created it here so I went through every scenario on how to do the ceremony here,” said Jeff Hodges, chairman of the Harlon Hill Committee and UNA sports information director. “With the championship game being gone, everything was kind of new to us this year. The trophy is ours, so even though we created it to coincide with the game there was no doubt we’d make sure it stayed here.”

Before 1986 there was no player of the year award for D-II, so Hodges contacted the NCAA and wrote the proposal for it.

“I felt we needed to honor

some of these great athletes that were playing at this level,” he said.

And Harlon Hill was one of those.

Hill played at UNA, known as Florence State at the time, from 1949-53. Hill was named NAIA All-American in 1953 and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 15th round in 1954.

“Hill was just a natural fit to name the award after,” Hodges said. “We were all familiar with him and he was a national figure.

He was one of the very first small college players to make it in the NFL, and he also had the connection with the area.”

Hill would go on to make an immediate impact in the NFL by being named rookie of the year in 1954. His success continued as he made three Pro Bowls with the Bears. He retired with the Detroit Lions in 1962 and returned to the Florence area.

Hill passed away at the age of 80, March 21, 2013.

“Knowing Harlon Hill and what a great person he was, I’m very proud that the trophy is from here,” said UNA football head coach Bobby Wallace. “It’s a great thing for the university because we are always mentioned at the ceremony. The

SPORTS Menʼs and womenʼs basketball midseason report See page 2B

trophy bring a lot of pride to this area.”

Athletic Director Mark Linder said even though Hill was a former NFL star he was always so humble and unassuming.

“Humility is one of the keys to success and even we can all have the spirit like him we can accomplish great things,” Linder said.

UNA has two former players to win the Harlon Hill Trophy:

linebacker Ronald McKinnon (1995) and quarterback Will Hall (2003).

Vander Laan said he is honored to be the first Ferris State player to win the award and is marveled at the accomplishments Hill made at the next level.

“Coming down here and meeting with Harlon’s son and seeing all the accomplishments (of Harlon Hill) has made a big impact on me,” he said.

photo courtesy Joe Romans

Vander Laan said meeting with Harlon’s son and seeing all the accomplishments (of Harlon Hill) was honorable. “It has made a big impact on me,” he said.

LIFE Meet the UNA PA announcer See page 4B

Students discuss police brutality See page 5B

“Unbroken” review See page 7B

2BSPORTS

Jan. 15, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

BASKETBALL

Lions hope victory starts second half turnaround DUSTIN POLLARD

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If there is one thing the men’s basketball team has been consistent on, it is being inconsistent.

UNA (6-9, 3-6) suffered a 13-point loss to Mississippi College Jan. 5 only to turn around and pull out an impressive 84-63 victory over Union University Jan. 12. The Bulldogs were tied for first place in the Gulf South Conference coming into Flowers Hall, but after the Lions tied it at four at the 17:13 mark, Union never recovered as UNA dominated the scoreboard the rest of the way.

“Together was the difference tonight,” said junior forward Jere Vucica.

“Finally everybody played hard, finally everybody played for the guy next to them. We locked up on defense and everybody helped.”

Vucica posted a career-high 25 points and 13 rebounds for the Lions.

“That’s the best I’ve seen Jere play since I watched his highlight video when he was in junior college,” said head coach Bobby Champagne.

Senior forward Calvin Dade also had a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds. Senior guard Nathan Spehr put up 19 points, while connecting on three shots from behind the arc.

“I thought Union was playing as good as anybody in the league,” Champagne said. “I’m happy for the guys — they

get rewarded for their effort. We didn’t get rewarded for the second half against Delta State and we didn’t get rewarded for our effort against Christian Brothers.”

The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Lions.

“I think this win means a lot and I think it is going to get us going,” Vucica said. “We’ve been having team meetings with just the players with everybody talking and trying to figure out what we’re doing wrong and I think we finally clicked.”

The Lions are currently ranked No. 10 in the conference standings but are confident they can move up before season’s end.

“I hope we can continue playing like we just did,” Vucica said. “I know we will because we have to, with just 13 games left I’m focusing on getting that third straight NCAA tournament bid.”

UNA now faces a four-game road trip before returning to Flowers Hall Jan. 29.

“We’re halfway through the season and there’s a lot of stuff that can happen,” Champagne said. “Everybody is a sprained ankle away from not being very good.”

The Lions will first visit the University of West Georgia Jan. 15.

“West Georgia is who I think is the most talented team in the league,” Champagne said. “They have two really good guards from last year back. They lost one big kid inside, but I think they are better this year.”

photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Staff Photographer

Junior guard John Fletcher defends a Christian Brothers University player Jan. 10.

The Lions lost 62-61 but turned around and defeated Union University Jan. 12 to close out the four-game home stand. The Lions plan to carry the momentum on the four-game road trip beginning Jan. 15.

HEALTH

Injuries pile up as women look to pick up wins DUSTIN POLLARD

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The women’s basketball team doctors and trainers have been busy this season taking care of the Lions.

UNA (8-5, 5-4) has suffered injuries to four of its point guards, and it caught

up to the team Jan. 12 as the Lions fell 8864 to Union University. The short-handed Lions started three freshmen against the Gulf South Conference standings leader.

“I challenged our upperclassmen at halftime,” said head coach Missy Tiber. “I said, ‘our freshmen are out there playing like freshmen but upperclassmen you

photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Staff Photographer

Senior guard Delisa Madry puts pressure on a Christian Brothers University player Jan. 10. The Lions won 53-46. UNA looks to compete on a four-game road trip without key players due to injury.

guys are out there playing like freshmen in the first half and that can’t be.’”

The Lions trailed at the half 51-27 as the Bulldogs shot a scorching 71 percent from the floor.

“The first half was just ridiculous,” Tiber said. “Some of the players had no idea of how good that team is, there is a reason I voted them No. 1 in the GSC. They are very skilled and they are very smart.”

Tiber said players must learn from the loss and take something from the game.

Senior forward Makena Randle said she is not using the inexperience of some players as an excuse.

“I think the freshmen have adjusted well,” Randle said. “Mentally, physically and ability-wise they’re just as good as all of us, if not some of them even better.”

Senior Lauren Faris and sophomore Rabun Wright are out for the season with a torn ACL, junior Janae Lyde is sidelined with a broken pinky finger and freshman Jaclyn Health is out with a broken ring finger.

“If you would have told me four months ago that we would lose four point guards and still be where we’re at right now, I would take it in a heartbeat,” Tiber said. “But it has been for a coach and a team disheartening that you lose so many kids, but at the same time as a coach you have to figure out a way to manage it and make it work with what you do have.”

Tiber said despite the loss to Union she is pleased where the team is at right now at this point in the season.

The Lions finished the four-game home stand with two wins and two losses.

“It’s just disappointing because we just don’t play well at home this year,” Tiber said. “A couple of the teams we lost to this year at home are really good, but at the same time our approach on the road just seems like we’re so much more ready to play.”

UNA has a four-game road trip starting Jan. 15 against the University of West Georgia.

Tiber said the team will try to get a split out of the upcoming away schedule.

“I’m not too worried because for some reason we play better on the road,”she said.

Randle said the team is confident they can bounce back against the Wolves.

“I feel like after we lose a game we came back into practice the next day with a mental readiness to learn from our mistakes,” she said. “We’re holding our own right now but I know once we get our full team back we’ll be even better.”

Randle said the team has yet to fully reach its potential.

“The coaches tell us all the time about how we can do so much better and it’s true,” she said. “Once we finally tap into what we can do and stay consistent with it, we’ll be a good team.”

SPORTS 3B

Jan. 15, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

PROFILE

SCOREBOARD Jan. 8-14 Jan. 10, 2014 Womenʼs Basketball

Vs Christian Brothers

53-46 Win

Jan. 10, 2014 Menʼs Basketball

Vs Christian Brothers

62-61

Loss

Jan. 12, 2014 Womenʼs Basketball

Vs Union

88-64

Loss

Jan. 12, 2014 Menʼs Basketball

Vs Union

84-63

Upcoming

Win

Jan. 12, 2014 Womenʼs Basketball

@ West Georgia

4:30 p.m.

Jan. 12, 2014 Menʼs Basketball

@ West Georgia

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 17, 2014 Womenʼs Basketball

@ UAH

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 17, 2014 Menʼs Basketball

@ UAH

8:00 p.m.

Back For More Senior forward returns after missing a year MATT SULESKI

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After taking a year off from playing basketball to become a mom, Mekena Randle is back on the court for the Lions.

As a junior in 2012-13, Randle was named first-team all-conference after putting up 11.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game to lead the Lions. This season she is picking up right where she left off, averaging 11.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

Randle said having her son, Bryce Clark II, has helped her mature not only off the court but on it as well.

“It’s not about you anymore,” she said. I really became selfless. It is really strenuous on me because you have basketball, class and you have a baby.

And they don’t always sleep through ugh the night so even if I am tired can’t d I ca an’t go to sleep at night because I may have h homework to do. But it’s a sacrifi ifice that t I’m making right now so I’ll be able to o provide for him in the future.”

Randle is playing under der second-year head coach Missyy Tiber for the first time.

“It’s been hard for Makena because she didn’t play a year ago,” Tiber said. “So you’re asking her to learn a new style and playing with me for the firstt time, so it’s an adjustment for her. r.

But I think for the most part she he is coachable. She works hard and nd I think the underclassmen listen to her.”” o her.

Adjusting to a new system under m un nder the Tiber regime has had its diffi culties, fficultties, but Randle said she has been up p for the challenge.

“I feel like I’m pretty coachable oachaable so it hasn’t been too tough,” Randle Ranndle said. “Adjusting from Fowler to Tiber Tiiber hasn’t really been too hard. Thee biggest bigggest adjustment has just been getting ng back bacck into basketball. Having not played d for a whole year the problem hasn’t asn’t necessarily been getting back in shape more than anything but just getting my quickness back, k, finishing layups and getting intoo the grove of playing.”

Randle, with thee responsibility of a child, now w faces even more challenges than n the typical NCAA athlete.

“It’s a challenge. You take a year off and you have a baby aby and a then you come back and have so many many responsibilities,” Tiber said. “She’ “She’ss a single mom and she does give some help, me he elp, but she’s a single mom most of the time. tim me.

She gets up she goes to class, she takes taakes her kid to day care, she goes to pick him h back up and finds someone else to wa watch atch him and then comes to practice.

”

THE

PROBLEM HASNʼT NECESSARILY

BEEN GETTING BACK IN SHAPE MORE THAN

ANYTHING BUT JUST GETTING MY QUICKNESS BACK, FINISHING LAYUPS AND GETTING IN TO THE GROVE OF PLAYING.

MAKENA RANDLE SENIOR FORWARD It’s tough, but she makes it happen and she’s mature enough to handle it.”

Randle makes no excuses for being away from the game for a year and has new found fortitude after having a child.

“I just love the game of basketball,” Randle said. “Being away from it hurt me but at the same time I have the mental strength so when I came back I was not

photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Staff Photographer

Senior forward Makena Randle focuses on sinking in the free throw against Christian Brothers University Jan. 10.

Randle returned to the Lions after missing the 2013-14 season.

going to give myself the excuse of ‘oh well I was off for a year so I’m not doing this or that.’ I felt from day one had my mind toward coming back so I need to at least try to do better than I was when I left.”

Quitting basketball was never an option for Randle as she could still follow her desires even though she was now a mother, she said.

“There wasn’t any question I wanted to come back and it was just if (Tiber) wanted me to play,” she said. “She asked me to, so I knew I would then.”

Randle said seeing her son after the game helps cope with a loss.

“My son is at every home game,” she said. “When he’s at the game he’s always sitting right behind the bench. It helps after a loss to go and see him. It still hurts to lose but there’s more to life than just basketball.”

4B SPORTS

Jan. 15, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

PROFILE

photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Staff Photographer

UNA public address announcer Jerome Gafford calls a basketball game against Christian Brothers University Jan. 10. Gafford has served as the football, basketball and volleyball announcer for the past six years.

Visit any of our Lauderdale County locations: • 1155 North Wood Avenue, Florence • 101 Highway 72 East, Rogersville • 306 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence • 1001 Highway 72 East, Killen • 3138 Cloverdale Road, Florence • 1505 Florence Boulevard, Florence

FREE Egg McMuffin Breakfast Sandwich ®

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FREE Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich With purchase of same at regular menu price.

Expires 11/30/2014. Valid for product of equal or lesser value. Valid only at participating McDonald’s locations in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Prices may vary. Not valid with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Tax may apply. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, auctioned, sold or duplicated in any way or transmitted via electronic media. Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. Void where prohibited. ©2014 McDonald’s

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Big Mac Sandwich

With purchase of same at regular menu price.

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Expires 11/30/2014. Valid for product of equal or lesser value. Valid only at participating McDonald’s locations in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Prices may vary. Not valid with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Tax may apply. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, auctioned, sold or duplicated in any way or transmitted via electronic media. Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. Void where prohibited. ©2014 McDonald’s

Expires 11/30/2014. Valid for product of equal or lesser value. Valid only at participating McDonald’s locations in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Prices may vary. Not valid with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Tax may apply. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, auctioned, sold or duplicated in any way or transmitted via electronic media. Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. Void where prohibited. ©2014 McDonald’s

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Southern Style Chicken Sandwich With purchase of same at regular menu price.

Includes Medium Fries and Medium Soft Drink or Tea Expires 11/30/2014. Valid for product of equal or lesser value. Valid only at participating McDonald’s locations in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Prices may vary. Not valid with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Tax may apply. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, auctioned, sold or duplicated in any way or transmitted via electronic media. Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. Void where prohibited. ©2014 McDonald’s

PA announcer provides multiple services for UNA KADIN POUNDERS

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UNA fans know his voice but may not know his name.

Most sports fans take the public address announcer for granted, but Lion fans can thank the man behind the microphone for never having to wonder who made the last tackle, who hit the game-tying three-pointer, or who served the ace that gave one lucky fan a free T-shirt.

PA announcer Jerome Gafford, announces UNA football, basketball and volleyball games, and has for the past six years. But announcing games is not the only service Gafford provides at UNA. “I started teaching at UNA back in 2007 in the marketing department and I’m now the director of the UNA Center for Professional Selling,” he said.

Gafford is a local, graduating from Bradshaw High School — now Florence High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from UNA in 2002 and his M.B.A. from UNA in 2003.

“I worked in sales for about 20 years before I started teaching,” Gafford said.

“When I came back to school to finish my degree, it was to advance my career in sales. Then some opportunities opened up for me to be a professor.”

Gafford has much experience in sales but was no stranger to the microphone before joining UNA. “I’ve been involved with other schools around the area for seven or eight years, but I’ve been in announcing and radio work for over 20 years,” he said.

Gafford succeeded his “good friend” Steve Harrison as the PA announcer for UNA football games, but said he credits

UNA head basketball coach Bobby Champagne with his start announcing for the Lions.

“I was doing some work for Florence High School and coach Champagne asked me to come do basketball one season. So, I did that. The next season they asked me to do basketball and volleyball,” Gafford said. “You get involved and people call you and ask you to do different events.

It was just a matter of getting involved, networking, and knowing the sports.”

Gafford said he has watched countless games and matches over the years, so coming up with one favorite or most memorable moment was tough.

“It’s always exciting in basketball when you have a last-second shot for a win or the last play in a football game or volleyball game when there’s a big win in the final set,” he said.

Game-winning shots and comeback victories are fun, but the one thing Gafford said he enjoys most has nothing to do with the final score.

“The thing that’s so great about having this (job) is I get to do games for kids from seventh grade all the way up to college. It’s exciting to watch the ones that start out at a young age and watch them come up in a sport,” he said. “They start playing on Saturdays and some even in the pros. That’s the exciting part for me — watching them grow up on the basketball or football team.”

Although Gafford is a salesman and a businessman, he said you could not sell him on going anywhere else.

“My plans are to stay at UNA as long as they’ll have me. I enjoy my job as a professor in the marketing department and the sales program,” he said. “One of the biggest honors is doing some of the graduation announcements.”

LIFE 5B

Jan. 15, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

POLICE

ENFORCING THE LAW Students discuss use of excessive police force MELISSA PARKER

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Police brutality. Excessive force.

These words have been plastered in media around the world recently. One event in particular was the case of Eric Garner, who died after suffocating while he was put in a chokehold by a New York police officer. Incidents like Garner’s have Americans questioning if police take things too far, too often.

Sophomore Leslee Tank said she straddles the fence when it comes to police brutality and believes it is a case-by-case question.

“Some cases are absolutely disgusting, like infallible cases of a power-hungry officer exerting his or her position over a citizen,” she said. “It’s actually one of the most hypocritical and cowardly things that can be done. On the flip side, it’s the officer’s job to uphold the law and sometimes by force.”

Police officers follow a protocol referred to as force continuum when they are tasked with deciding what actions to take in a situation, said Shequanda Jenkins, UNA police officer.

“It’s something that we’re taught from the time we go to the academy, and every year we work through different things on the force continuum,” she said.

The first step of force continuum is officer presence, Jenkins said.

“You coming on the scene is sometimes enough to change the situation,” she said.

Officers begin with verbal direction and move up the steps of the force continuum. They must stay one step above a person being noncompliant, Jenkins said.

“Sometimes you can simply talk through the situation,” she said.

An officer can go from the first step to the last step, deadly force, in three to five seconds, but every situation and every officer is different, she said. Some may pull a Taser, and

some may pull their weapon if they feel in immediate danger.

“I think in some cases (police) are using excessive force,” said freshman Stephanie Smith. “I think there are other ways to take down a suspect.”

Smith said she thinks officers should use their own judgment in situations.

“You only have three to five seconds to make a decision, but a person has a lifetime to critique what you decided to do,” Jenkins said.

Sophomore criminal justice major Ally Judd said she believes excessive force was used in recent cases.

”

YOU ONLY HAVE THREE TO FIVE SECONDS TO MAKE A DECISION, BUT A PERSON HAS A LIFETIME TO CRITIQUE WHAT YOU DECIDED TO DO.

SHEQUANDA JENKINS UNA POLICE OFFICER “I understand excessive force more than I did before because they’re trying to protect themselves first,” she said. “That’s everybody. You always try to protect yourself first. If you see someone reaching into his or her pocket, it could be a cell phone or it could be a gun. You never know.”

Senior Elliott Hacker said he likes to see both sides of the story before making a decision.

“When you look at the way they’re using force in some ways it does seem excessive, but at the same time I think they have a right to,” he said.

“I don’t think you can know unless you’re actually there to see what’s happening.”

UNA police officers participate in law enforcement training at the Public Safety Institute, on UNA’s East campus, Jenkins said.

The training involves but is not

limited to: learning how to exit the vehicle at a traffic stop, female officer survival training, officer survival and what to do if your partner gets shot.

“It’s hands-on,” Jenkins said.

“One day (of training) is in class room, the next two days are usually all hands-on.”

Officers, including those at UNA, log hundreds of hours in training every year, Jenkins said.

“I’ve got somewhere between 100 and 150 hours,” she said.

Sophomore Brianna Coleman said one of the biggest problems is an officer having the right to use excessive force in most situations.

“I don’t see the good in having officers trained in shooting to kill,” she said. “I understand self-defense and keeping others safe, but ending lives should not be taken as lightly as it is when a police officer does it in the name of justice.”

Sophomore Shaquielle Shoulders said there should be a limit to how much force is used to bring a person down.

“Pulling a gun is only necessary when the situation gets to the point where the other person pulls their gun and is going to harm somebody and you don’t have anything that’s going to reach them,” he said.

In addition to the force continuum, there is a code of ethics in place for all officers. The code describes what an officer should and should not do publicly, Jenkins said.

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics states, “With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.”

“I think here at the university it’s pretty much your decision to make, but in all reality, at the end of the day it comes down to that officer — no matter what,” Jenkins said. photo courtesy of Morguefile.com

6B LIFE MARRIAGE

Jan. 15, 2015• The Flor-Ala

s e t a R e c r o v i D

Study shows decades-long decline in failed marriages MONDAY SANDERSON

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Aside from being celebrities, Kim Kardashian and Britney Spears have little in common, except for their failed marriages. Kardashian’s marriage to Kris Humphries held on only 72 days, while Britney Spears’ marriage to Jason Alexander lasted 55 hours.

These celebrities and others like them have given the impression divorce should be common and the rates extremely high. However, this is not the case.

The divorce rate as of 2010

was 65 percent. This is less than the 77 percent it was in 1960. There are many factors that contribute to this decline, age being one of the most prominent, according to the Pew Research Center.

“We know now that one of the strongest predictors of divorce is the age in which you get married,” said Amber Paulk, professor of sociology. “It does seem like the younger the age, the higher the likelihood.”

Freshman Maria Sullivan said she believes people should wait until they are older and more mature before they get married.

Another reason for the decline in divorce rates is because of people staying married longer, Paulk said.

“There are some spikes where divorce happens,” she said. “Four years is one, seven years and 14 years

are others. So, more people are making it past those benchmarks. That’s why they’re saying divorce is on the decline.”

Despite the decline that is seen, Paulk recommends being cautious.

”ʼ S ,

O WHILE THINGS ARE LOOKING UP,

IT S LIKE LOOKING AT A CAKE IN THE OVEN

CURRENTLY BAKING AND SAYING THATʼS GOING TO BE A GREAT CAKE.

AMBER PAULK PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY

“I think that we have to look at those statistics with a little bit of caution,” Paulk said. “What they’re really doing is examining marriages that

are still ongoing. So, while things are looking up, it’s like looking at a cake in the oven currently baking and saying that’s going to be a great cake. Some of these marriages could potentially still end.”

Although junior Jay Liles said he agrees with this, he also adds a different perspective to the cause of this decline.

“Due to the recent legislation that allows gay people to get married, with gay marriage comes gay divorce,” Liles said. “I see marriage and divorce rates increasing. It’s just a logical expectation due to the parameters of marriage opening up.”

Not only have divorce rates gone down, but marriage rates have too.

Marriage rates were at 72 percent in 1960, today they are at 51 percent, Pew reported.

;MM ,1>7:+- XIOM *

MAN ON THE STREET

STUDENTS: DO YOU THINK MARRIAGE CAN LAST? ”

ITʼS VERY SUBJECTIVE. IT REVOLVES AROUND MONEY, AND THE ECONOMY TODAY MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THAT.

ANDY PAGE JUNIOR

”

I THINK SOCIETY TODAY DOESNʼT SEE MARRIAGE AS IMPORTANT AS IT SHOULD BE. WE LIVE IN A VERY SELFISH, WE WANT IT NOW, WE WANT IT HOW WE WANT IT MENTALITY.

”

I DONʼT SEEM THEM AS LASTING. INSTEAD OF LOVING EACH OTHER THEY GET MARRIED FOR FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, LONELINESS AND DEPRESSION.

MADISON YOUNG FRESHMAN

”

MY GENERATION IN GENERAL HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE THEY DONʼT WANT TO TRY TO FIX A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP.

DANIEL DEAN SOPHOMORE

KAYLA HURT SENIOR

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I THINK IT DEPENDS ON WHAT KIND OF HOUSEHOLD YOU GREW UP IN AND WHAT WAS KNOWN TO YOU AS A CHILD.

KYLE HUBBUCH FRESHMAN

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MARRIAGE TAKES WORK. ITʼS NOT JUST ABOUT LOVE, ITʼS ABOUT COMMITMENT AND MORE THAN THAT.

LESLIE CLEGG SENIOR

LIFE 7B

Jan. 15, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

REVIEW

“Unbroken” rises above audience expectations

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For a film with a plain, mundane title such as “Unbroken,” I really expected a cinematic letdown.

Unfortunately, I feel pangs of skepticism each time I enter a theater to watch a movie “based on true events.”

The fact is, movie adaptations are rarely accurate portrayals of the pages giving it life. “Gone With the Wind” might be the only exception of an accurate depiction of book-to-screen characterization, but normally I stay away from the theater based solely on this reason.

The beginning monologues and scenes of “Unbroken” shifted into my reassuring skepticism, but when the characters picked up the actual story, I could not have been more wrong about a movie.

The flick, produced by Angelina Jolie, raked in a few decent reviews from moviegoers young and old. My verdict?

Simply put — phenomenal story, decent movie.

The story follows the life of Louis “Louie” Zamperini, an Italian immigrant and World War II soldier battling for his

life on domestic (U.S.) and foreign land.

As a child misfit-turned high school track star, Louie advances to a spot on the prewar U.S. Olympic team. The games are held in Germany amid a tension-filled Nazi-German crowd. He races to the finish line a winner in the eyes of the U.S. and soon becomes an athletic sensation, until his civic duty interrupts his dream.

War is calling.

The cinematic appeal is grappling, nonetheless. However, the timeline of events seemed too structured. Though Louie’s sparse flashbacks give the audience a taste of his hidden pain, the scene length is extensive. I caught myself shifting my legs and contemplating the thought of popcorn and gummy worms during the prolonged parts.

After enlisting and taking assignment to the bombardier position on a tin can of a plane, Zamperini and his crew crash into the Pacific Ocean after faulty engines collapse. Three survive, including him.

With several survival tactics up his sleeve, Zamperini singlehandedly keeps the men alive for 47 days saying, “If I can take it, I can make it.” Actors Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson and Finn Wittrock enthrall and disgust audiences by eating “fresh” seafood and keeping their minds anew spouting baseball facts.

Zamperini and his cohorts are finally rescued from insanity and sharks…by Japanese Naval forces. Thus, the prisonerof-war struggle begins. For a guy who cannot catch a break, Zamperini’s spirit is about as red, white and blue, and resilient as they come. His emotions never

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his family and the radio agents offer him another session, only if he reads the propagandist script. Zamperini refuses and is transferred back to the POW camp under “The Bird’s” reign.

The war finally ends and Zamperini returns home to his proud Italian family brandishing the Purple Heart and an array of other medals.

Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.

Marriage Rate declines Over Time 80

Percentage of married adults

Freshman Derrick Perry said he believes the marriage rate was high because people had to leave home earlier.

In order for people to get security, they had to get married.

Liles said he thinks American dating rituals have an effect on marriage rates.

“I would say that now a days the way we date is a factor of the marriage rate,” Liles said. “It’s a lot less personal.

We’ve found it a lot easier to live behind a screen as opposed to live with someone else.”

Despite this decline in marriage, students remain hopeful.

“Whenever I do meet somebody who I think is right for me, then I’ll see,” said freshman Maria Sullivan. “Seeing those rates and just thinking about it, people are working things out more than they have been.”

Students are not the only people who are hopeful.

“This generation – coming from the largest divorce rate that we ever had – report being very hopeful and thinking that marriage is really important,” Paulk said. “People still report believing in marriage and going into marriage with the best of intentions.”

embraced fear, only bravery, courage and heroism. Upon arriving at a POW camp, Imperial Japanese Army sergeant Mutsuhiro “The Bird” Watanabe tries to break Zamperini’s unrelenting spirit.

Zamperini is consistently picked on with the use of torturous techniques, yet his spirit never dies. Once knocked down, he rises up again. Zamperini’s popularity gives him a chance to speak his condolences to the U.S. after accusations the U.S. track star is dead. He addresses

72.2% 70.3%

70

68.6%

66.1% 65%

65.8%

62.3%

58.5% 57.4%

60

53.2% 53.1%

52.5%

51.9% 51.4%

50.8% 50.5%

50 1920

1930

Years

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Information gathered from pewresearch.com

8B EXTRA

Jan. 15, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

Victoria Roose

Alexis x Aday d y

Lauren Blue l

Holloway y

Meredith Hamner

Jovonne Baker k

Ruby y Villalobos

K y Kayla Land

Rachel Wammack k

Alyssa ly Baldwin ld

Miss UNA 2015 “Miss UNA’s Winter Wonderland” January 24, 2015 Norton Auditorium

Jocelyn ly Barns

Mary y Katherine h

7:00pm Doors Open at 6:00pm Tickets: Online at www.una.edu/boxoffice $12 At the Door: $15 Free to Students with a Mane Card from the Office of Student Engagement Sponsored by

Sarai Ingle gl

Whitney y Brown

McKell Ferguson g