Jan. 9 Issue

MEN’S BASKETBALL

HOLIDAY GAME REVIEWS SPORTS 1B

Jan. 9, 2014

Volume 82, Issue 16

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

MEMORIAL

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Trustees postpone freshman live-on mandate Community remembers deceased student

PACE HOLDBROOKS 6M_[ -LQ\WZ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\

“We are not going to actually gain any parking spots or get all of the ones we lost to the construction back,” Pastula said.

“We will actually be about 55 spots short of what we had before the construction began.”

The parking area affected by the construction will be repaved before the exact number of parking spaces back in use can be determined, Pastula said.

“After the construction is

Although friends and family gathered to honor the life of Brioni “Bree” Rutland in a memorial service on Dec. 7, his impact on the Shoals community lives on.

“Bree didn’t have a clue how much he impacted people and how much he truly helped people,” said Morgan Presley, Rutland’s girlfriend of three years. “If he said he was going to do something, he did it no matter what. You never had to question if he was going to do something he said because he would not let you down.”

This impact was reflected in the high attendance numbers for Rutland’s memorial service.

1, 200 attended the gathering in the Deshler High School gymnasium, Presley said.

Rutland served the Shoals community in several ways: as a diligent student at UNA, a caring volunteer coach of students at Deshler High School and a loving father to his son, Presley said.

The job that was most important to Brioni was being a good father to his 8-year-old son, Jalen Bowens, said Rutland’s sister Cynthia Michelle Hurley, who is also a UNA alumna.

“He once told me ‘I want to be the best father I can be’ and up until his death he was the best daddy he could be,” Hurley said.

Rutland was in the process of trying to graduate from the university to become an educator, said Felecia Harris, director of clinical experiences and assistant professor of education. “(As a student) He was very eager to please, he wanted to make sure he had all of his ducks in a roll and was doing everything he was supposed to

;MM 8):316/ XIOM )

;MM :=<4)6, XIOM )

photo by DALLAS MOORE I Sports Editor

Trustee Rodney Howard and UNA President William Cale discuss the agenda during the Dec. 16 Board of Trustees meeting. The Board reviewed the freshman live-on requirement, which will now coincide with the opening of a fall 2015 new residence hall.

KALI DANIEL

4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\

The UNA Board of Trustees reviewed the proposal for the freshman live-on requirement, which will now be implemented when a new residence hall opens on campus, at their Dec. 16 meeting.

The new residence hall is

projected to open in the fall 2015.

Vice President of Student Affairs David Shields presented the draft of the Freshman Residency Requirement policy, which requires “all first-time, full-time freshmen and ESL students to live on campus for up to one year.”

The policy offered exemptions, including if the first-year student lives with his or her

guardian, has a spouse or children, is at least 20 years on the first day of classes, is a veteran or has a medical necessity that requires special housing or accommodations.

Campus officials initially announced the residency requirement in September 2012 and set the implementation date for fall 2014. In light of plans to build new residence halls, the requirement’s start date has been

moved.

“The freshman residency requirement would be implemented consistent with the opening of our new (residence hall),” Shields said. “So, if our new building opens in fall 2016, then it will be fall 2016. We’re not going to do it beforehand.”

The residence hall is projected to house over 700 beds,

;MM *7):, XIOM )

CONSTRUCTION

Commons construction restores 34 parking spaces ASHLEY REMKUS

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ IZMUS][(]VI ML]

photo by DALLAS MOORE I Sports Editor

Completion of the Commons construction will result in the restoration of about 34 parking spots that have been out of use since fall 2012.

About 90 parking spots were lost when construction began, so after the 34 spots are back in use, the net loss will be approximately 55 parking spaces, said UNA Police Chief Bob Pastula.

The Commons is set to open Feb. 1 with 34 restored parking spots.

INSIDE

this week’s paper

NEWS................2A PUZZLES.............5A VIEWPOINTS.........7A

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

BLUE COAST BURRITO REVIEW ...5B

Please recycle your paper.

2A NEWS FINANCE

Skipping class could financially harm students KAITLYN TEW

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ S\M_(]VI ML]

While skipping class can be tempting, many students do not realize it can not only hurt them academically but also cost them financially.

It costs a student around $18.39 per class meeting for a three-hour course, said Steve Smith, former vice president of financial affairs.

“When you look at that (price), that’s what you’re paying that professor to teach you,” Smith said. “Which is not a bad price because when you have a plumber come into your house you’re going to pay him $7,500 and he may only stay 30 minutes.”

”

IF YOU MISS A CLASS, THAT PUTS YOU BEHIND. AT THAT POINT, YOUʼRE HAVING TO

STRUGGLE TO GET CAUGHT UP AND SO IT MAY BE MORE THAN JUST THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS.

STEVE SMITH Kati Haynes, a sophomore, had never considered the act of class-skipping as a waste of money, she said.

“I am surprised that it costs that much to skip class,” Haynes said. “I never put into thought about the money aspect.

College makes you realize the value of a dollar and it amazes me that skipping class makes it so easy to waste money.”

Rachel Persall, a freshman, believes that, though she normally does not skip class, the amount of money it could potentially cost her discourages her to skip, she said.

“I guess I didn’t realize that you lost money when you skipped a class,” Persall said. “Now that I have heard this it makes perfect sense.”

Haynes believes the information about class meeting costs will definitely keep her from skipping classes in the future.

“This information definitely changed my outlook,” Haynes said. “I rarely miss class anyway, but knowing that it could be looked at as a waste of money makes me think twice about not skipping class.”

Emily Jones, a freshman, said she believes that more students should know that skipping costs them money.

“I would think if more students knew about (the cost) then more (students) would not skip,” Jones said. “I think it would be a huge improvement to the attendance in the classes if more students knew that they were kind of throwing their money away.”

If a student continues to skip it will cost him or her a lot more than just $18, Smith said.

“If you miss a class, that puts you behind,” Smith said. “At that point, you’re having to struggle to get caught up and so it may be more than just the financial implications. Let’s say that you cut several classes and all of a sudden that

;MM ;318816/ XIOM )

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

NATIONAL

Why should students care about...

HAZELWOOD? BLYTHE STEELMAN

5IVIOQVO -LQ\WZ UIVIOQVOMLQ\WZ(NTWZITI VM\

Censorship — it is an often-used word, but it can be difficult to understand the wide-reaching effects and consequences of the court cases that lead to present-day circumstances and why censorship occurs.

It is easy to throw out the First Amendment and “freedom of speech,” but there are several other factors to take into consideration, officials say. One such case to consider is known across the United States as Hazelwood, and it affects students all over the country.

What is Hazelwood?

The United States Supreme Court made a landmark decision in January 1988 that held public school student newspapers that were not forums for free expression could be subjected to a lower standard of First Amendment protection.

The case stemmed from a studentrun newspaper at Hazelwood East High

School in Missouri. The newspaper was produced and published by students in a journalism class, and stories set to run in the paper were consequently censored in 1983 for containing elements deemed inappropriate by the principal for the high school audience, according to the Student Press Law Center’s “Guide to Hazelwood.”

While the District Court ruled in favor of editor Cathy Kuhlmeier, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the decision on the grounds that the justices did not believe the students’ First Amendment rights were violated by the censorship.

How does Hazelwood affect students?

Association, LoMonte said. Hazelwood permits the regulation of student government officials’ speech on the basis that the regulation is reasonable.

“Alabama has been subject to these strict Hazelwood laws ever since,” LoMonte said.

Alabama is one of 15 states with the strictest Hazelwood laws in the country — college students are not protected from Hazelwood’s effects, according to the SPLC’s website Cure Hazelwood.

It doesn’t stop with student government, though, LoMonte said. Religious free speech and disagreements over a university’s curriculum and course content have also been hot topics for Hazelwood censorship.

Some students, like junior Erin Mcallister, said they can see where the government is coming from with these laws.

“I guess they want to keep things as pure as they can,” Mcallister said.

“Maybe they just want to see that it’s a comfortable environment for everyone.

I think they just want to regulate things to make the environment as equal as they can for individuals on the campus.”

However, the Hazelwood laws don’t seem ethical, Mcallister said.

“I think that we should all have out First Amendment rights, but I do think it depends on the context in which somebody is speaking,” Mcallister said. “I think for the most part, everyone’s rights should be respected.

Hazelwood’s censorship effects are not limited to student journalists, said Frank LoMonte, director of the SPLC. “In fact, relatively few of the First Amendment cases that end up going to What can students do to court involve journalism,” LoMonte said. combat Hazelwood?

One of the first tests of Hazelwood “The first thing students need to do is at the college level involved the Univer;MM 0)B-4?77, XIOM ) sity of Alabama’s Student Government

SAFETY

Police evaluate low RAD class attendance PAIGE SHEFFIELD

;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ M[PMNNQMTL(]VI ML]

Despite being endorsed by campus safety officials, weekly Rape Aggression Defense classes have received a low turn out so far this school year.

UNA safety officials are not sure why attendance to the free classes has been so low, said UNA Chief of Police Bob Pastula.

“The average attendance at these classes are usually five or fewer students,” Pastula said. “I’m not sure why attendance is low. It [RAD] is a very effective, national program. The class is free and gives students new skill sets that they can carry with them throughout their lives.”

The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques that are offered to students on campus. The RAD System is dedicated to teaching students defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault, Pastula said.

“We are looking for suggestions for ways to bring in more people,” said Officer Shequanda Bradford, the course’s

regular instructor.

The classes are taught by certified RAD instructors and provide students with a workbook/reference manual, Bradford said. The RAD System of defense guarantees it will provide an individual with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance.

The RAD System of Physical Defense is not a martial arts program and is currently being taught at many colleges and universities across the United States, Pastula said. The growing, widespread acceptance of this system is primarily due to the ease of the material.

“I was aware of this [RAD] from my different activities on campus and being an advocate for these types of classes available to students,” said SGA President Laura Giles. “Due to class schedules and SGA meetings, I have not been able to attend these classes in the past, but I plan to this semester due to more time in my schedule.”

The course is regularly advertised at UNA events like SOAR, Res-Life meetings and online, Pastula said.

Dalia Gerardo, a freshman, believes that the classes would be valuable to ev-

eryone, she said.

“I was not aware these classes were offered on campus,” Gerardo said. “I would attend a class because I think everyone needs to know how to protect themselves in case of an attack.”

The course begins with teaching awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, Pastula said. The course then progresses on to the basics of hands-on defense training. The manual outlines the entire physical defense program for reference and continuous personal growth.

“I am by myself most of the time so I would be able to better protect myself on and off campus,” said freshman Ali Cohn.

Matt Jones, a senior, believes that campus authorities could utilize social media to advertise the course to students.

“All social media is a good form of publicity, definitely Twitter,” said Matt Jones, “I would stay away from emails, students like myself tend to disregard emails.”

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

NEWS 3A

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

ACADEMICS

Collier staff aims to replace outdated books JASMINE FLEMING

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ RNTMUQVO (]VI ML]

There are currently rows upon rows of books in Collier Library with yellow tags protruding from them.

The yellow tags identify books that will be gradually removed from the library to make room for new books, said Amy Butler, assistant professor and librarian.

“Right now we’re going through a withdrawal project to remove books that are outdated and no longer needed,” Butler said. “We’re running out of room for our news books, and we don’t really have any room for any new things.

We’re pretty much at capacity as far as the shelves go.”

The number of books being removed is the result of a newer approach to replacing books, Butler said.

“The reason we’re doing such a large-scale withdrawal process right now is because we haven’t done a lot of systematic withdrawals in the past,” Butler said. “Part of that is because older library standards had formulas, and it was a lot about quantity more than the quality at times, and a lot of the standards have changed.”

The Collier Library student employees marked the books for replacement, said Kathleen Franks, a senior who works in the library.

“We (marked withdrawal candidates)

photo by JOSHUA BROOKOVER I Student Photographer

Yellow slips protrude from books lining the shelves of Collier Library’s upper floors. These books are scheduled to be gradually replaced as updated, more relevant volumes are added to the inventory, said Amy Butler, a librarian at Collier.

not this past summer, but the summer before that,” Franks said. “The little slips had call numbers on them, and we would match (the books) with the call numbers and put them in that book. That probably took about six months to a year, I would say.”

SAFETY

Officials work to keep residence halls secure JASMINE FLEMING

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ RNTMUQVO (]VI ML] With modern technology like keycard access to enter buildings, the residence halls are considered sufficiently safe and secure. Still, threats such as unaccompanied or unwelcome guests wandering the halls can be frightening. We at The Flor-Ala thought it would be interesting to test the reality of this threat.

In order to see just how easy it is to get into residence halls that we don’t live in, another student and I timed ourselves entering both Rice and Rivers residence halls. In both instances we were let in, either by knocking or waiting until someone else opened a door, by students that we didn’t recognize.

It took only 10 seconds for me to gain entrance to Rice and 33 seconds to enter Rivers. In retrospect, it took 14 seconds for the other student to enter Rice, and 26 seconds to enter Rivers.

UNA takes many precautions to keep the residence halls safe from outsiders, said Kevin Jacques, director of residence life.

“We’ve got signs posted on every one of our doors that state that you must either be a resident of that building or be escorted by a resident of that building,” Jacques said. “We also have doors that are on mane card access for 24 hours a day, so only the people that live within

RES HALL TIME TRIAL

• JASMINE WAS ABLE TO ENTER RICE HALL WITHOUT AN I.D. IN 10 SECONDS. • HER FRIEND ATTEMPTED THE SAME IN 14 SECONDS. • JASMINE WAS ABLE TO ENTER RIVERS HALL WITHOUT AN I.D. IN 33 SECONDS. • HER FRIEND WAS ABLE TO GAIN ACCESS QUICKER WITH A TIME OF 26 SECONDS.

that building and staff of the residence halls, whether it’s housing, residence life or UNA police, have access to those buildings. We try to do our best from having multiple layers of security and then also having cameras in the main lobby areas as well.”

Clay Oden, sophomore, admits to letting people into his residence hall that he doesn’t know, Oden said.

“I do it to feel polite,” Oden said.

“Sometimes I know they live there, but sometimes I don’t. It would be impolite not to hold the door for others.”

Students have to play their part in keeping the residence safe, Jacques said.

;MM ;-+=:1<A XIOM )

There are many criteria for determining which books to remove, Butler said.

“Depending on the subject area, we look at a variety of different things, such as the ages of materials (and the) currency of the information,” Butler said. “We also look at past circulation, but we con-

sider things such as (whether or not) it’s listed in recommended sources such as ‘Books for College Libraries’ or ‘Needed Resources for College Libraries.’ We remove things that are considered poor titles from the list by comparing it to that

;MM *773; XIOM )

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

4A IMAGES

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

Photographer gets close to campus, explores icons DALLAS MOORE

;XWZ\[ -LQ\WZ LJUWWZM(]VI ML]

It is easy to identify some of the more well-known locations on campus, and if you are a full-time student, even some of the more obscure ones. It is also easy to identify the amphitheatre or fountain or the George Lindsey Theater.

But how easy is it to name off the colors, materials or individual textures that make up these iconic UNA places?

One of the best parts of photography is getting a closer look at the photos after they are taken. Reliving the moments that often pass us by, photographers get a glimpse at some of the more minute details while processing photos.

Whether it’s an expression on someone’s face — my favorite — or even a random object flying through the air, I notice out-ofplace things in my photos on a daily basis.

These are often things I would have never taken the time to notice had I not taken the photo.

How many times have you walked past the fountain but not paid attention to the type of stone in its foundation? How many times have you walked through the GUC but not noticed the windows to the loft upstairs?

See if you can identify some of the images here, all of which are icons embedded deep within our lives at UNA. It may be harder than you think! And to find the full images, check out our photo gallery online at www.florala.net.

NEWS 5A

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala *7):, KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Shields said.

“We are on track to do that (open the new residence hall in fall 2015),” Shields said. “One of the things that is important to us is that we do it right so if it does take us a little longer to do it and we have to open the building in the spring or in the fall (of the following year) or if we have to wait a year, we’re going to do that. I think the important thing is to do it right, not just to do it.”

Board members also approved two name-change resolutions during their meeting.

A resolution to change the name of the College of Nursing and Allied Health to

8):316/ KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) done, we’ll have to wait until Lot H is repaved and painted before we can really be sure how many spaces will be there,” Pastula said.

The construction is scheduled to be complete by Feb. 1, he said.

Some students, like Keri Winchester, a junior, and senior Jason Smith, had different opinions regarding the loss of parking spaces.

“I definitely thought we would get more spots back than what we are getting,” Winchester said. “I think that parking is way more important than a new commons building—the GUC is just fine and serving its purpose.”

However, Smith said that he did not really have any certain expectations in mind. He thinks parking is going to be a campus issue regardless, he said.

Students like Cody Herring, a senior, thought that having more dining options in the Commons would benefit the university by keeping students on campus more.

“I think the loss of parking spaces is worth it for us to get the Commons Building because it will have stuff in it to keep people on campus more since they’ll have more options for places to eat and to hang

:=<4)6, KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) so that he could start student teaching,” said Felecia Harris, director of clinical experiences at UNA. “He had a true passion for teaching and working with students.

He really wanted to help those students.”

His job as a volunteer coach at DHS was not a required part of his curriculum, but something he chose to do to go above

the College of Nursing, effective at the start of the spring 2014 semester, was approved unanimously by trustees.

The new student commons building has officially been named “The Commons,” and Director of Facilities Administration and Planning Michael Gautney said plans are on-track for the spring opening.

“We are on schedule for the building to be completed at the end of this month,” Gautney said. “The departments all want to be able to deal with the upcoming semester and get students in place and get them acclimated to everything they need.

We’re looking at the third or the last week of January to begin that move-in for each of the departments that are coming in.”

The planned opening date for The Commons is Feb. 1. out,” Herring said.

Construction of the new science building has also affected parking on the other side of campus, Pastula said.

“Once the new science building is done, we’ll get parking at Lot O back, too,” he said.

Junior Molly Van Oss thinks campus parking an issue that is outrageous, she said.

“I think that limited number of parkphoto by DALLAS MOORE I Sports Editor ing spots on campus is ridiculous because Trustee Rodney Howard reviews documents at the Dec. 16 Board of Trustees of the number of commuters that attend meeting. Board members postponed the freshman live-on requirement to 2015.

UNA,” Van Oss said.

Students have the option to park at off-campus locations and ride shuttle buses to campus, Pastula said.

“All I can really do is encourage students to use the off-campus parking sites because parking is crazy around here,” Sponsor The Flor-Ala crossword for as little as $40 a week.

Pastula said.

Find out how: businessteam@florala.net or 256-765-4427 Sophomore Paris Creed said that she tries to get to campus really early to find a parking spot.

“I usually get here about an hour or more before my first class is supposed to start, Creed said. “I think we need to spend more time and effort on getting more parking on campus because parking at Darby Drive and the off campus parking garage are really inconvenient for the majority of the people.”

Using the off-campus parking prevents the hassle of trying to find a spot, making it easier on everyone, Pastula said

See your ad in this space!

and beyond expectations, Harris said.

“He was doing things on his own to make sure he grew as a teacher and an educator in a positive light,” Harris said. “He was a very positive individual, he always had a smile on his face. I never saw him when he was not smiling, and that motivated others.”

Editor’s note: To continue reading this story, please visit www.florala.net.

6A NEWS

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

RSO

OAC, SGA partner with Florence Recycling Center DERRICK FLYNN

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ LNTaVV(]VI ML]

The UNA Outdoor Adventure Club (OAC), the Student Government Association and Florence Recycling Center are teaming up this year to improve recycling around campus.

The OAC’s Director McKenzie Martin, is glad to help be a part of this momentous change around UNA, she said.

“I’m so glad to see people from both the UNA and Florence community giving their efforts to increase recycling participation,” Martin said. “I enjoy being involved with the re-cycling committee as it shares a common philosophy with my Outdoor Adventure program at UNA.” These improvements have made the OAC a key hub for recycling in Florence, said Sarah Beth Simpson, a junior and member of the OAC. “I think people from the community can come and get a recycling bin from the OAC now,” Simpson said. “We really try to make sure every classroom on campus has a recycling bin and a trashcan.”

The OAC has some big plans lined up for this year to promote recycling, Martin said.

“This committee is focused on influencing people’s recycling behaviors and inspire action through awareness and education campaigns,” Martin said.

photo illustration by NICOLE GALLUPS I Student Photographer

A recycling bin rests on the floor of a residence hall, filled to the brim with paper. The UNA Outdoor Adventure Club and SGA have partnered with the Florence Recycling Center to strengthen recycling efforts around campus.

“In Fall 2014, we plan to put on a weeklong recycling campaign to encourage the UNA community to become more aware of common recyclable items, the recycling process in the Shoals, and sus-

LOCAL

Nightlife application connects students with local businesses EMILY ALVES

;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ MIT^M[(]VI ML]

A UNA alumnus recently released a new website and mobile app that notifies students and community members about nightlife entertainment and deals by partnering with companies in the Shoals community. UNA alumnus Kyle Cornelius and his current roommate Esco Satchfield have become entrepreneurs by creating the website and mobile app, Dealz After Dark.

The nightlife application partners with businesses like On The Rocks, FloBama, Swampers, the Rattlesnake Saloon and the End Theatre. The most current deals within a 15-mile radius of one’s phone are displayed when an area code is searched for, Cornelius said. An array of nightlife entertainment from bar specials to poetry readings can be found on the application.

The first target demographic of Dealz After Dark is college students because Cornelius and Satchfield thought that those would be the people who would get the most immediate use out of it, Cornelius said.

While other applications contain biased reviews that reflect badly on businesses, Dealz After Dark is strictly fact-

”

WE JUST WANTED IT TO BE ABOUT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HAVE FUN, WANT TO GO SEE A

SHOW AND GET CHEAP DRINKS OR GO TO SOME

KIND OF SPORTING EVENT.

KYLE CORNELIUS based, Cornelius said.

“We just wanted it to be about people who want to have fun, want to go see a show and get cheap drinks or go to some kind of sporting event,” Cornelius said.

Because anyone can create a Dealz After Dark profile and download the app for free, Cornelius and Satchfield make a profit from the amount of traffic the site and app generates. Although the app will always be available for free, advertising or “premium placing” will eventually become an option, Cornelius said.

“It’s always going to be free to be on the app… but if you want your business to be featured most prominently, you’d pay a little something extra,” Cornelius said.

“We are a lot more concerned with people having a good time than we are about making a million dollars.”

UNA Student Government Association President Laura Giles said she feels

;MM ,-)4B XIOM )

tainable practices.”

Along with SGA, they will be giving away multiple prizes and freebies during the recycling campaign, Martin said.

“Recycling booths will be set up with

information and give-a-ways including a ‘bottle swap’ where plastic bottles can be exchanged for reusable Nalgene water bottles. Post-consumer recycled paper

;MM :-+A+4- XIOM )

VIEWPOINTS 7A

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

Bucket list essential for final semester STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA CORINNE BECKINGER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BLYTHE STEELMAN MANAGING EDITOR PACE HOLDBROOKS NEWS EDITOR KALI DANIEL LIFE EDITOR DALLAS MOORE SPORTS EDITOR ANNA GRACE USERY ONLINE EDITOR LAURA IVIE BUSINESS MANAGER KEVEN RIVERA-ORTIZ GRAPHIC DESIGNER LELA AARON-VICENTE CIRCULATION MANAGER WALTER HARTLEY KAYLA STINNETT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ALLI OWNBY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER SARAH HOLLIDAY ROGER WANG STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REBECCA WALKER ADVISER

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

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

• Letters must not exceed 400 words.

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

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

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

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

• When the editors deem it necessary for ease of understanding or to clarify facts, an 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 Copyright © 2013 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved.

First copy free.

Additional copies $1 each.

PACE HOLDBROOKS 6M_[ -LQ\WZ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\

And...we’re back. What up, spring of 2014?

I know we are just getting started, but I can’t help but look forward to wrapping this school year up.

For me, the end of this semester will mean graduation (assuming I get to graduate), as it will also mark my first steps into the “real world.” With that in mind, I’ve been thinking on some things that I’d like to do to finish out my college career.

When I pair these tasks with my new year’s resolutions, it makes for one interesting (and hopefully practical) bucket list.

1. Get in shape. I’ve let my

job as news editor go to my gut, it’s time to put the beaten up athletic shoes back on and care about what I eat and drink (craft beer will always be a staple in my diet, but maybe not so much, eh?).

2. Hit my stride. I know it’s hard for all of us to get back in the swing of things after the holidays have been so chill, but I know I can be more proactive in transitioning into a disciplined mindset for school and work.

Maybe I’ll use my planner — I’ll probably have to buy a functional planner first though.

3. Exceed expectations. This Flor-Ala job is not the easiest, but when you work hard and a plan comes together well, it can be one of the most rewarding.

Like most jobs, you get out of it what you put in to it, so why not put in a little extra?

4. Make new friends. Each semester brings new classes and new opportunities to meet people that could be of great value and significance to you. I await these new friendships, and, who knows, one of them could be with you!

5. Do something that I don’t want to. I could technically cross this off during some of my days as news editor, but I’d rather hold out for something new, adventurous and scary. It could be as simple as learning to play baseball or as terrifying as taking down a wasp’s nest singlehandedly (God forbid that actually happens).

6. Pay attention in class.

I’m the king of poorly executed “multi-tasking” in the classroom and I’m regularly amazed at what I can learn when I’m actually engaged in class. I’m actually taking some measures to ensure this one happens (like taking independent study courses and class-sections where I won’t have any friends).

7. Read in my spare time. I read four, maybe five books last semester. This number is considerably low in comparison to the amount of Netflix I watched or time I spent goofing off on social media…which leads me to my next goal.

8. Work on audience awareness. As news editor of this paper, and an intern with a campus

ministry, I should be very conscious of the things I say, and don’t say, on social media and in the public eye. Maybe I can calm down just a little on the obscure 90s hiphop references.

9. Be grateful. I’m the natural cynic. I’d like to make sure that our university’s administration, faculty and staff know that I’m appreciative of their work to make my experience at UNA a great one, as it has been over the past three and a half years.

Amidst the craziness of a job, an internship, responsibilities to my church and planning my next career move, it will be very easy to lose sight of the things and people who really matter. So, the most important goal for me this year is to be “all there” and grateful for the folks who are always there for me.

I’ve written a lot this year on loss and struggle, and I think it’s safe to say that valuing my time here and not wasting my life (taking any time for granted) are still the most important things to me. May we all strive to finish this semester out with efficiency and class.

SGA encourages student opinion, feedback

LAURA GILES

;/) 8ZM[QLMV\ TOQTM[(]VI ML]

SGA would like to welcome you back for the spring semester. This past semester was full of events and opportunities for students to be involved in provided by the members of SGA,

who are your representatives on this campus. They worked very diligently to provide activities that would make UNA a place you could call home and enjoy every minute of your college experience. Our main purpose is to reach out to all types of students and not just a few select groups. We all hope that we have served you well, but we also understand that not every desire of our students can be met in one semester. This is why we would like to challenge the student body to work with us in the coming months to ensure the students are being represented as much as possible.

SGA is one of the largest organizations on campus that

is tasked with providing for the entire student body, and we all enjoy this opportunity to serve you in this way. With our various branches, we are able to have hands and faces in nearly all other groups around UNA. Utilize these students to make your voice heard to us so that you feel represented on issues important to you.

I would love to see more students participating in the events that SGA plans and provides for you all. Our University Program Council provides opportunities to get involved nearly each week in some fashion, so please stay up to date on these activities by following our different types of PR, such as Facebook,

Twitter, The Flor-Ala, and posters on campus. Senate is more concerned with the relationship between administration and the student body. Senators are always looking for new ways to provide legislation to make UNA a more student-focused campus in all aspects. Freshman Forum has done great work in creating a new home for our freshmen, but there are always new ideas that can be brought to the table. This is what we ask from the students: to help us help you make UNA a home for you in all ways.

Have a wonderful semester, and I look forward to seeing you at our events and around UNA’s campus! Roar Lions!

Congratulations to our Writer and Photographer of the Week!

Ashley Remkus and Alli Ownby

8A NEWS

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

;318816/ KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM )

;-+=:1<A KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM )

drops your letter grade down to an F, you’ve got to retake it and it’s going to cost you again.”

Travis Dykes, a sophomore, does not mind the amount of money each class cost, because he makes a point to have perfect attendance, he said.

“Seeing how much money I am losing from missing a couple of classes doesn’t really affect my decision to skip class a couple of classes,” Dykes said. “I don’t really believe it matters how many how much money you lose if you skip a class, but how much you take from the class is what really counts.”

All things considered, it is best to just go to class, Smith said.

“Don’t skip class,” Smith said. “First of all, it does cost you money. Second of all, if you do get behind, there’s more than just the financial part of it.”

“We try to educate the students greatly from the standpoint of being mindful of your surroundings, but that also doesn’t mean that someone can just hold a door open,” Jacques said. “As with every residence hall on every college campus, safety starts with the student. From that standpoint, if a student is letting someone in, then they’re the ones that are putting a residence hall at risk of any potential issue.”

One of the biggest security issues results from students being too kind, Jacques said.

“Students need to take precautions just as they would at they’re own house,” Jacques said. “Don’t let someone into the building that you don’t know. It may seem like it’s rude, but that perceived rudeness helps prevent something bad from happening.”

Oden believes the residence halls might be unsafe for other reasons, he said.

“I don’t really think Rivers is safe, just from living there last year,” Oden said.

“There’s a lot more going on in Rivers, like drinking, and the freshmen don’t really know how to take care of themselves.

I haven’t seen a fight in Rice, but last year there were fights in Rivers, which makes it seem more hostile.”

Some students like Tyia Wilson, a freshman, are bothered when strangers enter the residence hall without accompaniment.

“It looks kind of weird for boys who aren’t with someone to walk through (LaGrange) alone when it’s an all-female dorm,” Wilson said. “You never know what they could be in here for. You could let them in thinking that they are going up to see one if their friends when they could

0)B-4?77, KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) get that story on the record,” LoMonte said. “The only way you make change is to let the public know what’s going on. A lot of censorship goes unreported.”

Many of the reported free-speech controversies end up being resolved before they go to court, though, with the help of allies, LoMonte said.

“I think that we need to get to a point where student free speech rights are a consumer issue,” he said. “Students choose their college based on a lot of things, but not their rights. You should know your rights before choosing a school. But nobody anticipates getting into trouble, so you don’t consider those rights.”

Those in charge assume that students don’t take their words seriously, said James May, sophomore.

“I feel that (students) don’t speak like (administrators),” May said. “We’re more open. I guess they think that we don’t think about what we say.”

Censoring what students can say isn’t fair, May said.

“We’re supposed to have freedom of speech,” May said. “We supposed to be able to think and say whatever we want.

It goes against our amendment rights.”

Campuses should be clearer about what you can and cannot say, May said.

What is the university’s free-speech policy?

UNA’s free-speech policy can be found online in its entirety, but restricts any number of things, including “fighting words,” “hate violence” or anything that “disrupts or obstructs educational and other activities of the university.”

“The University of North Alabama is committed to fostering a learning environment where free inquiry and expression are encouraged,” reads the opening statement of the policy.

The campus speech policy shouldn’t be easily amended, Mcallister said.

“It leaves the door open to what’s right and what’s wrong, and it leads people to question what they can say,” Mcallister said. “I think there should be more awareness about (the campus speech policy) because a lot of people don’t know about it. People are going to end up saying things, and then one day they’ll get caught in whatever they (said) and not realize that they did anything wrong.”

:-+A+4- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) bags will be given out to encourage collecting recycling products within their own home — and they are encouraged to sign a pledge to recycle dai-ly,” Martin said. “We are also currently working on putting posters near the green recycling bins in each classroom to distinguish which items can be recycled.”

Martin believes that the community of Florence has shown enough promise to help fuel the week-long recycling program and encourages other organizations to help push the need for recycling on and around campus, she said.

“The success of these programs is

,-)4B KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) the recently released app has the potential to enhance the college experience of many at UNA, depending on the amount of advertising catered to the student body.

“We wish for all students to get involved not only with UNA but within the community as well,” Giles said. “This will help get our students off campus and involved in new ways.”

Miriam Wilson, an 18-year-old UNA student, said she had not previously heard of the app but predicts that its future success among UNA students will not remain stagnant.

photo illustration by NICOLE GALLUPS I Student Photographer

A student allows an individual into a dormitory without asking for proper identification. Students being too kind to strangers outside of the dorms is one of the biggest security issues, said Kevin Jacques, director of residence life.

be coming for the wrong reasons.”

She usually makes sure to follow the residence hall rules when allowing people in and out of the building, Wilson said.

“I only hold doors open for people

that I know,” Wilson said. “If I see someone walking towards the door with their key out, and I’m standing by the door, I’ll hold it open then, too. I never let people in that I don’t know.”

community-driven,” Martin said. “I’ve been im-pressed with the UNA Facilities crew, Student Government Association, Freshman Forum, Outdoor Adventure Center and Florence Recycling Center who have already been working together to support these efforts. I invite organizations who support ideals to build a more sustainable and vibrant community to help with these initiatives.”

The SGA Senate plans to impact recycling on campus as well by funding the pro-ject, said Rules and Regulations Chair Heather Fields.

“The Florence Recycling Center applies for grants each year,” Fields said.

*773; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM )

Editor’s note: To read the rest of this article, please visit us at www.florala.net

“I think many UNA students are interested in supporting and attending local shows and events,” she said. “The app creates an easier way to find out about what is happening, so I imagine the app will be quite successful if local businesses and venues will keep their information updated.”

The first target demographic of Dealz After Dark is college students because he and Satchfield “thought that those would be the people who would get the most immediate use out of it,” Cornelius said.

Editor’s note: To read the rest of this article, please visit us at www.florala.net

standard bibliography.”

Books that are retired will still be made useful, Butler said.

“We’re actually working with Better World Books, which is a company that will try first to sell the materials,” Butler said. “If they’re able to sell them, we will get a portion of the profit. They also donate things that they can’t sell or recycle so that hopefully nothing ends up in a landfill.”

Suggestions for new books come from many different areas, Butler said.

“A lot of that is driven by request from faculty members because every academic department does have an allocation from within the library’s budget that they may spend on materials,” Butler said. “They request the materials through us, and we find the best price for those materials. Librarians also select materials from different review sources.”

Removing so many books at one time shouldn’t be a problem, Franks said.

“I think as long as we bring more relevant books back in to balance out (the large withdrawal) it will be a good thing,” Franks said. “If we just got rid of hundreds of books at a time without refurbishing, I don’t think that would be very smart. I think it will be good to get more relevant, up-to-date books on different subjects.”

SPORTS S Over The Break Saturday, Dec. 7

ECTION B

Jan. 9, 2014• The Flor-Ala • Sports Editor: Dallas Moore 256-765-5098

BASKETBALL

Lions break even during holidays

MENʼS BASKETBALL UNA vs. Fisk University 113-83 Win

Monday, Dec. 9

MENʼS BASKETBALL UNA vs. Martin Methodist College 98-91 Win

Saturday, Dec. 14

MENʼS BASKETBALL UNA @ Union University 85-80 Win

WOMENʼS BASKETBALL UNA @ Union University 75-82 Loss

Wednesday, Dec. 18

MENʼS BASKETBALL

UNA @ University of West Georgia 72-74 Loss

photo by SARAH HOLLIDAY I Staff Photographer

No. 11 Nathan Spehr and No. 14 Wes Long defend against Lee’s No. 23 Valentino Thomas at the game on Jan. 4. The Lions won the game 76-69.

WOMENʼS BASKETBALL UNA @ University of West Georgia 84-66 Win

Friday, Dec. 20

MENʼS BASKETBALL UNA @ Shorter University 72-90 Loss

WOMENʼS BASKETBALL UNA @ Shorter University 54-61 Loss

Saturday, Jan. 4

MENʼS BASKETBALL UNA vs. Lee University 76-69 Win

WOMENʼS BASKETBALL UNA vs. Lee University 82-77 Win

IN THIS SECTION

photos courtesy of SHANNON WELLS

Junior forward Calvin Dade lunges for the ball during the Jan. 4 game against Lee University. Head Coach Bobby Champagne, pictured at the right, coaches from the sidelines during the game.

JAMES DUBUISSON

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ RL]J]Q[[WV(]VI ML]

The men’s basketball team suffered two losses over the holiday break while picking up two wins. All four games were Gulf South Conference games.

The Lions played Union University in Jackson, Tenn. on Dec. 9. UNA won the game 85-80.

There were 12 lead changes and 12 ties during the close

game. Nathan Spehr led the Lions in minutes and points with 35 and 23, respectively.

The Lions trailed 44-40 heading into the second half.

UNA’s three-point shooting in the second half made the difference as they shot 5-8 from behind the three-point line.

Bruce Adams was the only Lion player with double-digit rebounds, as he secured 11 during the game.

The Lions traveled to the

University of West Georgia to which contributed to them shootplay the one-loss Wolves on ing 28.1 percent in the first half.

The Lions shot better in the Dec. 18. UNA lost 74-72, despite outscoring UWG 43-24 af- second half, shooting only three three-pointers and outscoring ter the first half.

Rashaun Claiborne led the UWG 48-31.

UNA lost their second Lions in points and rebounds.

He scored 23 and had nine re- straight GSC game against Shorter University 90-72 in bounds.

UNA was 0-10 in the first half from the three-point line, ;MM *);3-<*)44 XIOM *

Baseball Previews

Division II leaves Florence

See page 2B

Great burritos, high prices

See page 3B

See page 5B

Pressure to say ʻyesʼ is not consent See page 6B

2B SPORTS

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

BATTER UP PREVIEW

Lions fill holes in lineup, prepare for upcoming season JAMES DUBUISSON

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ RL]J]Q[[WV(]VI ML]

The 2014 baseball season is right around the corner and the UNA Lions are ready to hit it full swing.

The Lions hope to improve on their 28-21-1 regular season record, 16-10 in the Gulf South Conference, from last season and make it back to the conference tournament.

UNA lost both corner infielders Josh Cyr and Andrew Almon to graduation and other players due to injury. The Lions have had to replace three starters in the infield. Brett Guzay, a transfer from Calhoun Community College, is expected to take over at shortstop. Dylan Bos-

ton will man one of the two open corner infield spots.

Defense and pitching are the two areas that the Lions will have to excel in this season to compete with the rest of the league.

“The GSC is so deep in baseball and it will all come down to how well we pitch and play defense,” said head coach Mike Keehn. “If we can stay consistent in those two phases and have some solid offensive numbers, we should be able to compete.”

The Lions will have plenty of competition for roles on the pitching staff.

All-GSC pitcher Cade Medley will be expected to take over the No. 1 spot on the mound, but the remaining roles have

yet to be determined.

“We have several returning pitchers that had good summers and good falls and will all be competing for positions this spring,” Keehn said. “Juniors Brantley Claunch, Ben Seabrook and Jacob Westerhouse, along with sophomore Riley Sanderson, have all pitched in our program and should bring quality depth to our staff.”

Newcomers Kyle Stephenson, Austin Carpenter and Bradley Bailey will get looked at in possible starting or relief pitching roles as well.

More than just a few fresh faces will get the chance to compete for playing time and make an immediate impact.

Kyle Conkle, a transfer from Barton Col-

lege in Georgia, will get the chance to fill in on the mound and be the designated hitter. Transfer Jake Smith will get a shot in the outfield while transfer Brett Moore and freshman Payton Thomas will get a chance at catcher.

When the season starts the goal is to have every player performing at his highest level, but there are three players in particular that need to play consistently well for the Lions to be successful this season.

“We will need Jake Ward, Dylan Boston and Josh Carpenter to have solid, consistent performances,” Keehn said. “All three were all-conference and we will

;MM *);-*)44 XIOM *

2014 Home Baseball Schedule Date

Opponent

Time

Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 15 Feb. 16 Feb. 22 Feb. 23 Feb. 25 March 4 March 5 March 8 March 9 March 12 March 18 March 22 March 23 April 5 April 6 April 16 April 18 April 18 April 19 April 22 May 2-6

LeMoyne Owen (DH) LeMoyne Owen West Florida (DH) West Florida Delta State (DH) Delta State Trevecca Nazarene Maryville (DH) Maryville Valdosta State (DH) Valdosta State Stillman Selma University Union University (DH) Union University West Georgia (DH) West Georgia Montevallo Stillman Lander (DH) Lander Alabama A&M Gulf South Conference Tournament

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

3 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

3 p.m.

5 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

6 p.m.

10:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

5 p.m.

TBA

file photo by MICHAEL REDDING | Senior Staff Photographer

Former third baseman Andrew Almon makes contact with the ball during a spring 2013 game against the University of Alabama -Huntsville.

SPORTS 3B

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

NATIONAL

Division II Championship leaves Florence after 28 years JAMES DUBUISSON

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ RL]J]Q[[WV(]VI ML]

The Division II National Championship game between the University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of North Carolina-Pembroke will be the last National Championship game held in Braly Stadium until at least 2018.

The NCAA announced on Dec. 11 that Kansas City, Mo. will be the host of the championship game from 2014 to 2017.

“It was always our goal to showcase the student athletes and provide them with a true championship environment and provide them with life long memories,” said Mitch Dobbins, chairman of the Shoals National Championship Committee.

Florence has hosted the National Championship since 1985. It is the sec-

ond longest period during which one city has hosted any NCAA championship in any sport. Omaha, Neb. is the only city to host a championship longer than Florence.

“We will always remember the thousands of lives that we have been able to touch, all across this country,” Dobbins said.

The Shoals area will continue to host the Division II Football Hall of Fame and the presentation of the Harlon Hill Trophy, which is presented to the Division II Football Player of the Year.

“We do plan to continue both programs in some fashion, but will need some time to determine how we will proceed,” said Jeff Hodges, the chairman of the D-II Hall of Fame and the Harlon Hill Trophy committee.

file photo by ALLI OWNBY I Chief Photographer

Mitch Dobbins, chairman of the Shoals National Championship Committee, speaks during a press conference on the Division II championship game. The press conference was held at the Shoals Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Aug. 29, when the Shoals entered the bidding process to keep the game in the area.

UNA HOME BASKETBALL SCHEDULE MEN When Jan. 9 @ 8 p.m.

Jan. 11 @ 3 p.m.

Jan. 23 @ 8 p.m.

Jan. 25 @ 3 p.m.

Jan. 30 @ 8 p.m.

Feb. 1 @ 3 p.m.

Feb. 4 @ 8 p.m.

Feb. 20 @ 8 p.m.

Feb. 22 @ 3 p.m.

March 6-9 @ TBA March 15-16 @ TBA March 18 @ TBA

WOMEN Opponent Valdosta State West Florida West Alabama UAH West Georgia Shorter Union Delta State Christian Brothers Gulf South Conference Tournament NCAA South Region Tournament Regional Championship

When Jan. 9 @ 6 p.m.

Jan. 11 @ 1 p.m.

Jan. 23 @ 6 p.m.

Jan. 25 @ 1 p.m.

Jan. 30 @ 6 p.m.

Feb. 1 @ 1 p.m.

Feb. 4 @ 6 p.m.

Feb. 20 @ 6 p.m.

Feb. 22 @ 1 p.m.

March 6-9 @ TBA March 15-16 @ TBA March 18 @ TBA

Opponent Valdosta State West Florida West Alabama UAH West Georgia Shorter Union Delta State Christian Brothers Gulf South Conference Tournament NCAA South Region Tournament Regional Championship

4B SPORTS *);3-<*)44 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * Rome, Ga. on Dec. 20.

Shorter scored 54 points behind nine three-pointers in the first half. The Lions went 0-9 in the first half from the threepoint line, scoring 26 in the first.

UNA struggled again shooting threepointers in the second half of the game, going 1-8.

The Lions were unable to overcome their poor three-point shooting in their loss.

Claiborne led the team, scoring 21 in the game.

UNA returned to Flowers Hall on Jan. 4 and defeated Lee University 76-69 to move to 8-4 on the season.

Lee led the game 38-32 heading into the second half and extended their lead to 11 with 16:58 left in the game, their largest of the game.

The Lions were able to get to the freethrow line 39 times compared to Lee’s 15.

The team took extra free-throw shots after each practice following the Shorter game, said head coach Bobby Champagne.

“We made 100 free throws as a team after practice,” he said. “We have a good free throw shooting team and I wanted them to get back to that. I think it showed tonight.”

Bruce Adams and Claiborne each had doubles in the game. Adams had 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Claiborne had 20 points and 13 rebounds.

The Lions will play Valdosta State University in Flowers Hall at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 and the University of West Florida at 3 p.m. on Jan. 11.

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

STAFF

Flor-Ala hires new sports editor, former staff photographer BLYTHE STEELMAN

5IVIOQVO -LQ\WZ JS[\MMTUIV(]VI ML]

The Flor-Ala’s newest staff member is not someone new to Student Media at all — Dallas Moore, a former staff photographer, has taken over as The FlorAla’s new sports editor for spring 2014.

A Spanish major and avid adventureseeker, Moore began volunteering in the Office of Student Media with the photography staff early last year. Over the summer, he was offered a permanent position as a staff photographer. Through taking assignments and tackling sports photography for the first time, Moore said he found a new love in — and on — the field. “(Sports photography) came to be my favorite photography subject,” he said.

Editor-in-Chief Corinne Beckinger is pleased with the way the staffing change has worked, she said.

“He will be a great asset to our team,”

she said. “He has a great personality that fits in well with everybody else.”

Moore’s semester plans for the sports section include covering spring sports while making the section something enjoyable for everyone on campus, sports fan or not.

“I want it to be something everybody will flip to when they pick up the paper on Thursday, regardless of their interest or knowledge (of sports),” he said. “I want it to be something that gets the campus excited about being active.”

Though he admittedly has no prior photo by ANNA GRACE USERY | Online Editor experience with sports, Moore has al- Former staff photographer Dallas ready dived headfirst into his position Moore will serve as sports editor for the and has tackled learning the ropes of the spring 2013 semester. sports section. He brings a background in design, and Beckinger said she thinks his member of UNA’s Outdoor Club. He also abilities will add to his section. enjoys studying languages and will be While he still plans to volunteer with spending a month of the impending sumthe photography staff, Moore said he has mer in Peru with the university’s Foreign many interests outside of the Student Me- Languages department. dia realm. Being outside is one of his biggest interests, and he said he is an active

This week on campus . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jan. 9

..........

Jan. 10

Jan. 11

TRX

Ab Attack

SRC 12:00 p.m.

SRC 3:30 p.m.

Chili Cook-Off and Open House

..........

Ab Attack *);-*)44 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * need to see them make the necessary adjustments throughout the season.”

Keehn and the Lions know that the year will not be easy, especially in a tough conference like the GSC. Despite that, the expectations are high for the 2014 season.

“Like all teams in the GSC, our expectations are high,” Keehn said. “We know we will have to stay healthy and continue to make progress throughout the season, as well as get some breaks, but we hope to compete for the GSC, regional and a national Championship. It is a long season and a lot will depend on how well we execute in close games.”

INTERESTED IN WRITING ABOUT SPORTS?

Come to our writerʼs meeting Monday night at 6 p.m.

OR contact DALLAS MOORE at sports@florala.net

..........

OAC 10:30 a.m.

SRC 3:30 p.m.

Kayak Polo Flowers Hall 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 12

..........

Jan. 13

..........

Jan. 14

Ab Attack

TRX and Ab Attack

TRX

SRC 4:00 p.m.

SRC 3:30 p.m.

SRC 12:00 p.m.

Zumba and Xfit

Ab Attack

..........

SRC 4:00 p.m.

SRC 3:30 p.m.

Tabata

Knot Tying Clinic

SRC 7:00 p.m.

OAC 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

Zumba, Xfit and Cycling

TRX and Ab Attack

Kayak Polo

SRC 4:00 p.m.

SRC 3:30 p.m.

Flowers Pool 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 15

..........

..........

Muscle Works

Zumba and Xfit

SRC 6:00 p.m.

SRC 4:00 p.m.

Tabata

Tabata SRC 7:00 p.m.

SRC 7:00 p.m.

LIFE 5B

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

SAFETY

No

Means

No photo illustration by DALLAS MOORE I Sports Editor

Consent means there is no pressure involved at any point during the sexual activity, said Women’s Center coordinator Emily Kelley. If at any point the person voices or displays discomfort, they are recanting their consent, she said.

Consent defined as explicit ʻyesʼ without pressure KALI DANIEL

4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\

While discussions of sex safety, both on and off campus, have been numerous, there have been few talks of a regular definition for the most basic principle: consent.

“Consent is between two adults, first of all,” said Coordinator of Women’s Studies Emily Kelley. “It can never be between an adult and someone below the legal age of consent.

It has to mean that they’re not only sober, but that neither one has been pressured in any way, obviously or subtly, to answer in

the affirmative or to give way to sex. That’s consent.”

According to a study done

by University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, on behalf of the UMatter program, 55 percent of college students said unwanted sexual contact was the largest issue on campus. “[Consenting] should make

you both feel closer and more connected, more respected,” according to the UMatter site. “If the mood can be ruined with a question, it probably wasn’t so hot to begin with. The mood is really ruined when your partner feels uncomfortable, disrespected or unsafe.”

In scenarios where two peo-

ple are in a relationship and one is being pressured into sex, any pressure at any point means the sex is not consensual, Kelley said.

“Denying the advances is denying the advances,” she said.

“If you don’t want to have sex,

;MM +76;-6< XIOM *

REVIEW

Blue Coast Burrito serves delicious food at high prices

MARI WILLIAMS

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ U_QTTQIU[ (]VI ML]

If I had to describe Blue Coast Burrito using only a fourword phrase it would be “slightly overpriced Tex- Mex (Mexican-inspired American food) delight.”

Blue Coast Burrito is a small chain restaurant on Florence Boulevard. While it is the only restaurant in Alabama, there are

several other locations in Tennessee and Arkansas.

I brought two friends to the restaurant and we were all fairly hungry and eager to break the Towers Cafeteria cycle.

Blue Coast’s ordering system works similar to its burrito counterparts (Chipotle, etc.). A burrito assembly line starts at the front of the restaurant and ends at the cash register where you’ve successfully completed your own personalized burrito heaven.

Even though we were in line during an obvious dinner rush, it really didn’t feel like much time had passed before I was forced to hand over the only Alexander Hamilton left in my wallet and some change. As I said before I’d use the phrase ‘slightly

overpriced,’ which I stand by.

Though I do believe if you compare Blue Coast to its competitors the chain would fare well, price-wise. But, in my opinion, shelling out almost $2 for an order of guacamole only a tad bit bigger than a gumball and $3 for one and a half inches of queso is just not rational.

However, I will admit I’ve been told on numerous occasions that I am cheap — my budget just does not allow me to spend over $10 on what could be termed ‘fast–casual’ food. But I will say at the end of my meal I wasn’t hungry, so I guess I did get my money’s worth.

Now if you were just reading this article to find out whether or

;MM *=::1<7 XIOM *

photo by ALLI OWNBY I Chief Photographer

Blue Coast Burrito, located on Florence Boulevard next to Five Guys Burgers and Fries, offers Tex-Mex food with a heftier price tag than its competitors.

6B LIFE

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

SAFETY

Society uses sexual terms interchangeably, inaccurately “The terms can get confusing since each state often uses different words to mean the same thing or use the same words to describe different things,” Bryant said.

In a study of sexual violence conducted by the Center for Disease Control and prevention, 19 percent of undergraduate women experienced attempted or completed sexual assault since entering college.

“As a society, we allow sexual assault and rape to happen,” Bryant said. “We all have a responsibility to take action to change our culture and eliminate this ‘enemy’ from society. On average some people feel that the more sexual partners they have, the more popular their peer status will become. This can be acceptable as long as it is consensual sex.”

People on campus know what rape and sexual assault are, but they don’t know much about it, said freshman Karkethia Gamble.

“I think of rape and sexual assault is like HIV and AIDS,” Gamble said. “You know about it, but you don’t really know about it.”

If you educate people on what exactly rape and sexual assault is, they would start to realize they should say something about it when they see it or even try to stop it, Brasfield said. photo by KALI DANIEL I Life Editor Many colleges have begun campaigns Many colleges have begun campaigns raising the awareness of rape culture. against rape culture and sexual violence.

MARI WILLIAMS

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ U_QTTQIU[ (]VI ML]

The difference between rape and sexual assault is often confused by college students.

“The definition of sexual assault is very broad and includes rape. However the laws differ from state to state,” said Sharon Bryant, sexual harassment/assault response prevention program manager and certified sexual assault coordinator.

Alabama state law classifies rape under sexual offenses, according to the Criminal Code of Alabama.

“Sexual assault is a crime defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by the use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent,” Bryant said.

“Consent is the permission for something to happen or an agreement to do something. Consent should not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the victim to offer physical resistance.”

There are several different types of sexual assault; nonconsensual sodomy, indecent assault and rape are all categorized under sexual assault, he said.

“I think some people get sexual assault and rape confused, I also think a lot of people don’t understand that it is a serious offense,” said sophomore Zachary Brasfield.

People use the terms synonymously, which leads to confusion, Bryant said.

;MM );;)=4< XIOM *

January Events ............

Boxcar Voices the end. Theatre 8:00 PM

Jan. 11

......................................

Jan. 9

Caligulove, Cheap Thrill DeVille, Bikini Atol and Jesse Hunter the end. Theatre 8:30 PM

Jan. 15 The 5 Browns Norton Auditorium 7:30 PM

Jan. 23 Boxcar Voices the end. Theatre 8:00 PM

Jan. 25 Miss UNA Pageant Norton Auditorium 7:00 PM

Have an event you’d like to share? Send the time, place and event name to life@florala.net

This poster, found on the bridge over Circular Road, encourages the understanding of rape and sexual assaults.

LIFE 7B

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

not the food at Blue Coast Burrito is tasty, I’m sorry I’ve wasted so much of your time. But I will make up for it by guaranteeing that you will absolutely enjoy your meal. If you don’t fall in love with the food you ordered, then feel free to send me the angriest email attacking my character and credibility.

Blue Coast is easily the best Tex-Mex that I’ve had while living in Florence. If you love Taco Bell, but you’re tired of

+76;-6< KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * you still have to make sure your wishes are known. It just depends on who your partner is and how that person takes rejection, because basically that’s what you’re doing. You’re rejecting that person’s advances.”

Consent is dependent on the state of a person’s consumption of drugs or alcohol, said sophomore Rachel Cole.

“In my mind, consent is the explicit ‘yes’ statement that determines whether or not the action or activity can continue,” Cole said. “An intoxicated no is still a no, and if the individual is highly intoxicated, then they, in my opinion, cannot effectively consent.”

Situations involving drug and alcohol use mean that the person who is under influence cannot legally consent, Kelley said.

“In a case like that, the person has evidently passed out so the assumption is that they were so inebriated or stoned that they couldn’t possibly have given consent,” she said.

In the event where a woman (or man)

);;)=4< KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * “Spreading of information is always the way to educate people,” said Emily Kelley, coordinator for Women’s Studies.

“You have to go on a pretty all inclusive campaign to educate people. It can’t just be a spot here and a spot there.”

There is a mandatory alcohol education course for freshmen called AlcoholEdu, but there is no program at this time that requires the understanding of alco-

spending your evenings in the drive-thru line, then Blue Coast will fill your weird desire for fake Mexican food. Their tacos satisfy even the pickiest eater, and their giant burritos are more than filling.

In terms of aesthetics Blue Coast is pleasing to the eye. The entire restaurant is designed to look like a modern beach shack. When I ate at Blue Coast it was also very clean, especially considering how busy they were.

I would give Blue Coast Burrito a four out of five stars based on cleanliness, taste and price. The restaurant was clean and the food was great — but overpriced.

says no repeatedly and later enjoys it, it is still rape, Kelley said.

“If she went to press charges later on, that’s considered rape,” she said.

Verbal protest is not the only way to describe that you don’t want to have sex with someone.

“I think the most clear-cut definition of consent is a verbal affirmation from both parties,” said sophomore Andrea Shipley. “However, it usually doesn’t happen this way. Realistically, consent would be something more along the lines of a lack of protest from the people involved, whether it be verbal or not.”

When it comes to protesting a sexual act, it does not matter whether the protest is verbal, physical or even in the shape of obvious discomfort, Kelley said.

“Consent is really easy to define,” she said. “It’s yes. The old line of ‘no means no’ is really where it is. Even if you don’t say it, if you just push the person away or if you give signals or sometimes even if you don’t give signals [and] you just don’t want it to happen, it’s still no. No is no - it’s just that simple.”

Students questioning how to recognize consent should see organizations such as consentissexy.org or visit UMatter’s website.

hol’s effects on rape and sexual assault.

“The same way incoming freshman are required to take the Alcohol Edu class, they should also have to take a class about rape and sexual assault,” said freshman Chelsi Marshall.

A great way to help stop rape and sexual assault on campuses is to provide sexual harassment and sexual assault training that is relevant and relatable to the student population, Bryant said.

UNA offers empowerment-based selfdefense courses called Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) through the UNA police department.

Interested in Campus Life, Food and Drink?

Check out our new blog at flor-ala.tumblr.com

photo by ALLI OWNBY I Chief Photographer

The Blue Coast Burrito location on Florence Boulevard is the only location in Alabama. The nearest locations outside of the state are Arkansas and Tennessee.

Half

of all college students’ sexual assaults involve the use of

alcohol 90 percent

knew their attackers personally

25 percent

who are assaulted will be assaulted again in their life

infographic by KALI DANIEL I Life Editor

information courtesy of National Criminal JusticeReference Service

*=::1<7 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM *

8B EXTRA

Jan. 9, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

Tweets of the week

DISCLAIMER: The tweets below are public tweets found on Twitter by searching hashtags and keywords involving UNA, Florence, Shoals and other university-related topics. Want to see yours on here? Be sure to hashtag UNA and Shoals in your tweets.

UNA UN NA Deals!

Dea De eals eal alls lss!! $4.99 $4.99 $4 9 Daily Dail Da ily il ly

ALL LL SPECIALS SPE SP PEC ECI CIA IALS IAL ALS INCLUDE INC IN NCLUD NC C CL LUDE UD DE FRIES DE FRI FR RIE RI IES ES OR SIDE SID SI IDE ID DE CHOICE CHO CH HOI HO OIIC ICE C CE

Mo Monday onda ay Fresh Fre res re esh Chicke Chicken ke Te ken Tenders enders rs Co Combo bo

4UFBLT t 4FBGPPE t $IJDLFO 1BTUB t 4PVQT t 4BMBET 3JCT NPSF

Tues Tuesday es sday sd 1/2lb Chee Cheeseburger eese eseburg ese rger Combo rg Co bo Fresh Fre res re esh Gro Ground round Daily ro Da ly y

Wed We Wednesday ednes es sday sda Fried Fr ried ried d Shrimp Shrrimp ri Basket Baske Ba ke ket et Com et Combo Co bo

Thurs Thursday rs sday sda Boneless B o es ss Fried ss Frried ried d Pork Por Po rk Chop Combo rk Co bo (VOTED (VO (V VOT VO OT TED E #1)

Frida Friday ay )UULHG )ULHG &DW¿VK &RPER ULHG G &D DW¿VK &R DW W¿ &R &RPER ER

Saturd Sa Saturday rda rd ay 3UR 3U 3URXGO\ 6HUYLQJ 6LQFH URXG URXG GO\ GO O\ 6HU HUY UYYLQ UYL LQJ QJ 6LQ LQFH LQ

201 North Seminary St. Florence, AL 35630 (256) 766-5072 Sunday to Thursday: 11 am - 9 pm Friday & Saturday 11 am - 10 pm

LegendsSteakhouse.com

Wing Basket Wi Baske Ba ke ket et Combo et Co bo

Includes FREE Drin k Get Somethingg Besides Fries!

B A K E D P O TAT O S W E E T P O TAT O STEAMED VEGGIES GREEN BEANS S M A S H E D R E D P O TAT O E S SPINACH CASSEROLE

Get Ge et It to Go o!

CALL CA ALL 256-766-50 256 566-7 -7 766--507 72 OPEN OP PEN DA DAI DAILY AIL ILY LY AT 11: 11:00 1::00 0 AM A