October 13, 2011
Volume 80 No. 8
www.FlorAla.net
Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama
Still in recovery @UNAFlorAla
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@FlorAlaSports
A LOOK INSIDE
See page 2 Officials announce progress of the Division I move.
photo by Darrick Dawkins
See page 11 According to officials, it has become a new normal for college students to finish school in more than four years.
See page 5 First Fridays in Florence offers a showcase of art, music and culture for the downtown area.
Immigration bill causes turmoil in Alabama
(From front to back) UNA students Payton Edmiston, Bert Pena and Katelyn Jarrell of Alternative Break Board help chop wood from damaged trees from the April tornadoes during fall break in Harvest Oct. 8.
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Nearly six months after deadly tornadoes ripped through north Alabama, residents in local communities continue to piece their lives—and homes—together one day at a time, according to volunteers with Alternative Break Board. UNA junior and volunteer Amanda Dillingham said area tornado victims continue to reach out for help from volunteers months later due to the devastation of the April 27 storms. Dillingham, along with 19 other UNA students, took part in a disaster recovery trip during fall break with Alternative Break Board Oct. 6-8 in
the Harvest and Limestone County areas. Although the service students provided during the trip was much needed, Dillingham said there is more work that needs to be done in those tornado-damaged areas before victims can fully recover from the disaster. “(Friday night), during our reflection, we were talking about how the stuff we’re doing here only puts a tiny dent in what needs to be done,” she said. “Everyone still needs to know that people still need help out here.” Students wired houses, shingled roofs, moved lumber, removed debris and garbage, painted houses and took part in numerous other tasks to help residents living in the Harvest area.
Jennifer Brown, assistant director of student leadership and volunteerism, said the students who participated in the trip came away with a new awareness about the needs of other human beings. “On a trip like this, you have to be flexible to the needs of the community and the different projects taking place,” she said. “The students (took) away a good bit and didn’t realize how much work still needed to be done. Even though they are making a small dent, they are still making a big difference.” Casey Dugger, a UNA sophomore, has family who live approximately 20 miles from Harvest. Her family’s home was slightly damaged
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The new immigration bill in Alabama, HB 56, has caused much turmoil and confusion across the state since it was signed two weeks ago. This bill, which has undergone various modifications and appeals since its original signing in early June, is now requiring educators to check the documentation of their students to determine citizenship. According to Rex Mayfield, superintendent of Russelville City Schools, this is nothing new. “We’ve been collecting most of this info already,” Mayfield said. “(In STI), there is a category for your citizenship. We’ve been marking it since (STI) been around. It’s all in there but it’s something you only occasionally needed.” STI, or Software Technology Incoporated, is a provider of data management systems which records everything from gender, race and citizenship to whether or not a student gets reduced lunches or rides the bus. Mayfield said citizenship will not play a role in the education of a child born to an illegal immigrant. “They will not be denied access,” Mayfield said. “We will go ahead and enroll them, but they will need some sort of letter from where they are born.” Dr. Joy Brown, assistant professor of education, echoes the same statement, but with
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Campus mourns after sudden death of UNA student See page 8 The Deadwood Hollow corn mazes are offering plenty of chills and thrills for the Shoals.
See page 9 A battle between the two top teams in Division II will square off Thursday night. Check out the preview.
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Moonlight and candlelight lit the grounds of Colbert Memorial Chapel Monday night as students, family and friends of Lauren “Haley” Mauldin remembered her life and what she meant to them. The graveside vigil Mauldin followed her funeral, which was earlier that day. Mauldin passed away Oct. 7 of natural causes, according to Colbert County Coroner Carlton Utley
According to UNA spokesman Josh Woods, Mauldin, of Muscle Shoals, was a sophomore seeking an undergraduate degree in psychology at UNA. “I don’t have a bad story to tell about her,” said Emily McCann, a close friend of Mauldin. “(There was) never a hateful word, never a distasteful comment (from her).” McCann and Mauldin met in kindergarten, and had attended school together since that time. “She was always helpful, and that was kindergarten, and it stayed that way throughout her life,” she
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photo by Darrick Dawkins
Loved ones of Mauldin at the candlelight vigil Oct. 10 in Tuscumbia.
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Thursday, October 13, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
Minor in Officials announce progress of D-I move possession Advisory board raises 12 percent of monies required to meet benchmarks charges on rise 2W[P ;SIOO[
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Minor in possession charges on campus were higher last month than they have been all year. During September, a total of five MIPs were given out by campus police. According to UNA’s crime log, one MIP was given at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house, three were given at the Pike house, and one was given at the Twin Oaks apartment complex on North Cedar Street. Two of the three charges given at the Pike house resulted in arrests and one student was referred to the Office of Student Conduct. The student charged on North Cedar Street was also referred to that office. UNA police Chief Bob Pastula said the Office of Student Conduct is the internal judicial system for the university. When a student is referred to that office as a punishment, that person will have to go before the university officers. The circumstances of the situation determine whether a student will go to jail or receive student conduct, Pastula said. “If they’re trying to hide something, or are being unruly or dangerous, they will
”If theyʼre trying to hide something, or are being unruly or dangerous, they will go to jail.”
-Chief Bob Pastula go to jail,” Pastula said. “If they are wellbehaved or show remorse, they could get student conduct.” Pastula said the best way to keep from getting an MIP charge is not to drink underage. “It’s not worth the risk,” he said. “It’s not worth the penalty. Just wait until you’re 21.” According to Pastula, campus police can also patrol the outskirts of campus, which they share with Florence Police. When students begin going off campus to drink, Florence Police get involved. If a student gets caught by Florence police, they will go directly to jail, said Pastula. “I understand that need to experiment, but it causes big problems,” he said. Students have mixed opinions on the matter. “I think if you get caught the first time and go to jail over alcohol, it’s ridiculous,” said UNA student Katie Threet. Threet said that not all minors were drinking to be “plastered on the floor.” She said some people just want to drink socially. “If a person is just holding it or not hurting others, I don’t see what the problem is,” she said. Megan Marks has a different opinion. “I think that if you’re making the choice and you’re underage, on campus or not, you know what the law is, and if you don’t abide by it, you’re risking going to jail,” she said. Pastula said although there has been an increase in MIP charges, he hopes it will settle down.
UNA officials announced Tuesday that 12 percent of the overall money needed to meet the institution’s self-imposed goal of $500,000 by Dec. 1 has been raised. UNA spokesman Josh Woods said $60,000 has been raised to date and $300,000 has been pledged to finance the move.The official deadline to raise the money necessary for meeting the benchmark is June 1, 2012, according to officials. “We had to push getting things started back about a month,” said Vice President for Advancement Alan Medders. “We are actually on schedule, if not ahead of schedule.” UNA officials have set up an advisory council called the “Circle of Champions” charged with raising the money necessary for financing Division I athletics at UNA. The 26-member council met recently and verbally committed to securing $525,000 annually, according to Woods. Bobby Bowden will serve as honorary chair of the group, Medders said. Bowden is the father of UNA head football coach Terry Bowden, and well-known former head coach of the Florida State University Seminoles. The advisory committee was set up by Medders and Director of Athletics Mark Linder after the board of trustees voted to transition to Division I. The board approved a resolution of intent at their June meeting to pursue the move in athletics. Medders asked each member of the group to provide names that would contrib-
ute to the move financially. The advisory council will meet monthly to discuss the process of transitioning to Division I athletics, and what they can do financially to pay for the move. “This is going to be an ongoing group,” Medders said. “They will be with us throughout this seven-year period.” Each individual on the committee is responsible for raising $25,000 to help fund athletics annually, Medders said. “They’ve given us a list of individuals that we could go and meet with them about the transition,” Medders said. Linder is working with Medders to improve areas of Braly Stadium for donors to use. Linder has set up an “Endzone Club” for donors to the athletics department to enjoy at football games, Medders said. The athletics department plans on adding more hospitality options to donors at other sporting photo by Malisa McClure events as well, he said. “Our goal (for rais- Running back Chris Coffey runs the ball down the field ing $500,000) is by Dec. for the UNA Lions. 1,” Medders said. “Having The advisory council will hopefully these dollars secured will tell the OVC that have people stay on the council and conwe are serious, and hopefully they will see tinue to serve, Medders said. that as a positive thing.”
Student Publications to move, parking lot to be built 4]Ka *MZZa
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The Student Publications house and two other UNA properties on Irvine Street will be removed from campus later this semester in exchange for additional parking spaces, officials said. Michael Gautney, director of facilities, said the Student Publications house used for both The Flor-Ala and The Diorama staffs will be removed and students working in that building will be relocated to the former forensic science building, which closed in late summer. Gautney anticipates officials will break ground on a new parking lot with more than 30 spaces within the next three months after The Flor-Ala and The Diorama move out of their current location at the end of November. Tearing down the three properties on Irphoto by Darrick Dawkins vine Street will cost the university approxi- The Student Publications Office located at 116 East Irvine St. will soon be demolished mately $26,000 from the UNA capital fund, to make way for new parking spaces on campus. The office will be moving to the old forensic science building located on Wood Avenue. according to Gautney. “The main benefit will be when we start vations at the forensic science building, loDavid Shields, vice president of student construction on the new academic center,” cated across from the Baptist Campus Min- affairs, said officials are still determining he said. “The (new parking lot) will offset istries on Wood Avenue, beginning Nov. 1. whether the lot will be for commuter stuthe loss of parking spaces there.” Workers will repaint walls, renovate floors, dents, faculty, community members or a UNA owns the Student Publications remove lab equipment and fix other prob- combination of all three. property, as well as two other houses next lems within the building before the staffs “The (new location) puts Student Pubdoor, on Irvine Street. Gautney said the relocate. lications a little closer to campus and gives university has discussed ways to use those The new parking area is still in the them more space so they can grow,” he properties since they purchased them sev- planning stage and has no projected cost said. eral years ago. of completion at this time, officials said. This is the second relocation for StuThe forensic science building, which When the new academic and student com- dent Publications in recent years. The Florclosed June 30 after Alabama legislators mons center breaks ground next year be- Ala and The Diorama staffs moved from were unable to secure the $850,000 needed tween Rogers and Keller halls, Gautney Keller Hall to the house on Irvine Street in to run the labs, was first opened 37 years hopes the new parking lot on Irvine will Dec. 2007. ago. Workers at the lab prepared for the provide relief to drivers who lost parking move through the end of the summer. due to the new construction. Gautney said UNA plans to begin reno-
Thursday, October 13, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
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Officials: Accreditation can Gas prices lower than usual affect federal funding • SACS reaffirmation proccesses important to UNA, students 2WZLIV *ZILTMa
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In 2012, UNA will enter the reevaluation year of its 10-year accreditation cycle through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, also known as SACS, which will determine if UNA meets the standards set by the association and other institutions of higher learning. UNA has been continuously accredited since 1934, and according to several people involved in UNA’s reaffirmation process, UNA is not at risk of losing accreditation this time. “We’re not going to lose accreditation,” said Dr. Phil Bridgmon, chair of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan, also known as the QEP. “We have been very conscientious in our approach to reaffirmation. Many people across campus have devoted much time to reaffirmation.” Bridgmon said that for UNA, the accreditation process is more than just signing up with an association, but a chance to improve the entire university. “It’s a 10-year chance to have a check to make sure our priorities, values and practices are aligned,” Bridgmon said. If the university did somehow lose its accreditation, though, not only would it lose its membership with SACS, but also a series of other benefits that would damage the university. “If an institution loses their accreditation, they will lose financial aid through the federal government,” said Celia Reynolds, assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for SACS Reaffirmation of Accreditation. “That will affect various loans and Pell grants. And with that, enrollment would be sure to fall.” According to Reynolds, if something did go wrong in a university’s attempt at accreditation, it is unlikely that they would completely lose it. “For an institution, (the worst case scenario) would be losing accreditation completely,” Reynolds said. “It would be quite rare for a university to lose accreditation completely, unless something completely
horrendous happened. There is a level, like an A-to-F grade, and SACS will give a specific amount of time and advice to the institution.” Universities that lose their accreditation usually lose it because the university is in financial trouble, is holding an arrogant opinion of itself or just doesn’t pay attention to the process, according to Bridgmon. “In terms of the report, they just don’t take it seriously,” Bridgmon said of universities with an overly arrogant attitude. “And incompetence comes from just not knowing the requirements.” In terms of how UNA fairs in the financial, prepared and informed sense, Reynolds believes that the university is fine, even if the last 10 years have had serious changes. “In the course of the 10-year process, state appropriations have dwindled and funding had to come from other sources,” Reynolds said. “The administration has been very prudent, and UNA is on steady financial ground. “The administration is well-informed and involved in the process. As new policies are approved by the SACS board, I try to disseminate information about it.”
”The administration is wellinformed and involved in the process. ” -Celia Reynolds According to Bridgmon, UNA has already submitted its Compliance Certification for the reaffirmation period, and will receive feedback by mid-November on the state of certification. When the university receives the score, it will have a chance to respond to it before the actual on-site visit in February 2012. The on-site visit usually lasts three days, with the first day dedicated to documentation and one-on-one interviews on campus, the second day focusing on the QEP and a few hours of the third day spent doing exit interviews. Though the university is focused right now on accreditation, according to Reynolds, it’s a constant improvement process. “There are two small but annual reports we have to submit,” Reynolds said. “There is something to keep us on our toes. You’d like to think you’d be doing those things anyway, but it helps to go through these processes.”
photo by Barry Minor
The Chevron station on Court Street in Florence boasts $3.24 for regular gas. Gas prices have taken a slight dip in the past few weeks. Gas prices, as of Oct. 3, were at a national average of $3.43, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Thursday, October 13, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
Viewpoints
Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama LUCY BERRY EXECUTIVE EDITOR JOSH SKAGGS NEWS/MANAGING EDITOR ANDY THIGPEN LIFE EDITOR TOMMY BOLTON SPORTS EDITOR ALEX LINDLEY COPY/OPINION EDITOR JORDAN BRADLEY ONLINE EDITOR DEVIN KENNAMER AD MANAGER SAVANNAH COMER GRAPHIC ARTIST EVAN KING CIRCULATION MGR MALISA McCLURE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KAYLA SLOAN BARRY MINOR DARRICK DAWKINS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REBECCA WALKER ADVISER EDITORIAL BOARD: LUCY BERRY ALEX LINDLEY
Letters Policy The Flor-Ala welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor. • The deadline for submitting letters is 10 a.m. Monday, the week of publication. • Letters must not exceed 400 words. • Letters must be accompanied by the writer’s name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail. • The Flor-Ala prefers to publish your letters exactly as written, but reserves the right to reject slanderous or libelous material. • The publication of any letter is left to the discretion of the Editorial Board. • Priority is given to letters critical of The Flor-Ala, or written in direct response to an editorial, a column, or a news story. • When the editors deem it necessary for ease of understanding or to clarify facts, an Editor’s Note may accompany a letter. • Address correspondence to The Flor-Ala. UNA Box 5300, Florence, AL 35632. E-mail: florala@una.edu. Letters may also be submitted through our website at florala.net. • Phone: 256-765-4364
Copyright © 2011 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved. First copy free. Additional copies $1 each.
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PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN Calling it like we see it at UNA, in the Shoals, across the state and around the world
Weʼve got a great game coming up This week the No. 1 ranked the only time we see these teams UNA football team will square meet up this year. We met up off against the No. 2 team in the with them twice last year, but country, Delta State, at Braly Delta State got the win Stadium with conference title where it mattered most implications on the line. in the playoffs and ended To me, this game feels up going all the way to like more than just another the championship game, regular season game, more which they lost. than just a rivalry game Some would say that we play each year on whoever has the a Thursday night and more <WUUa *WT\WV most experience in than just an ordinary Top 25 ;XWZ\[ -LQ\WZ big games will be \JWT\WV(]VI ML] matchup that everyone gets the winner. Yeah, excited about. like I said, they did play in the To me, this feels like a nation- championship game last season al championship game where you with a lot of players returning have the top two teams in the from that squad, but this is a new country trying to show which team year. is the team to beat in Division II. UNA has played in a big game Keep in mind the D-II national this year and won in the biggest championship is played every stadium in the country (Cowboys year in Braly Stadium, so it’s Stadium) against traditional powkind of like a tune up of what’s erhouse No. 5 Abilene Christian to come. in its own back yard. So, logic Who knows, this may not be would tell you we have the edge
in the experience department for this year. Also, some of the biggest stars in Division II will play, so there will definitely be some fireworks on display. You have two of the best quarterbacks in the nation with UNA’s Lee Chapple and Delta State’s Micah Davis playing in the game. Not to mention the best player in Division II and a future firstround draft pick Janoris Jenkins will show his talents in shutting down the Delta State passing game. Like I said earlier, it feels exactly like a national title game where all the news media will be at the game and all of the Division II will be keeping an eye out on who will end up the winner. It should be a very exciting night. Let’s just hope the game itself will be just as good as the buildup going in.
Devin’s style tips: suspenders and TOMS
-Don’t let them get twisted. It’s easy for your suspender straps Larry King, James Bond, Dr. Jim Martin: What do these three to get all twisted up and it can leave you looking like a hot mess. men have in common? If Be careful to make sure you guessed that they’re all this doesn’t happen. immortal heroes, you’re right, -Be creative. Don’t but that’s not what I had in be afraid to try somemind. They all have another thing edgy. I have a pair thing in common: their pants of two-toned black and are held up by suspenders. white suspenders that These handy cloth or work perfectleather straps may have once ,M^QV 3MVVIUMZ ly with formal been looked on as someattire; they thing that only your weird .I[PQWV +WT]UVQ[\ LSMVVIUMZ(]VI ML] also pair perUncle Alvin wore, but are now great compliments to many fectly with casual outfits. As a simple addition, suspendoutfits. ers will set your outfit apart from Men and women can wear susthe rest of the crowd at any occapenders either up around their shoulders, or hanging below the sion. Oh God, please don’t. waist. There are a few important Five years ago, a company tips to keep in mind, though: that was founded with good inten-Make sure your suspendtions but with bad fashion swept ers aren’t too thick. If you have on to the scene. TOMS Shoes is a fairly small figure, keep your suspender width proportionate to one of the most successful foryour body. Otherwise, it will look profit philanthropic businesses in like you’re being eaten sideways the world. The company prides itself on an image of service and by the suspenders. -Don’t wear a belt! Even if donation. The shoe itself has you wear the suspenders off your almost become a symbol of charshoulders, their purpose is to hold ity. Unfortunately, those shoes, your pants up, so you don’t need a while a symbol of donating to a belt. Be sure your pants can hold great cause, are one of the most themselves up if you’re wearing hideous trends on the market, and here’s why: them off the shoulders.
Please do.
-Unless you are a very petite person with very small feet, TOMS make your feet look gigantic, and also do nothing to slim your figure. -TOMS don’t go with every outfit (as it seems that some tend to believe). They are a very select few outfits that TOMS pair nicely with. I’ve seen a few UNA students able to pull these off, but they also wear the shoes about once every two months, if that. -TOMS don’t look good on any guy (period). -TOMS have become a trend, and not a good one. There are lots of trends that come and go, but when a piece of trendy fashion becomes so popular that nearly everyone is wearing them, it loses its sense of originality. Now, with all this said, I cannot hate on the company’s charity work. TOMS has donated thousands of shoes to people who need them. But, if you’re buying the shoes just to be charitable, I’d recommend buying a cheaper and more attractive pair (or wrapping a burlap sack around your foot) and donating the leftover money to charity. Do your research, and I can guarantee you can find much more ‘bang for your buck’ elsewhere.
Al.com’s UNA football schedule has not been updated since 2007, even though the Lions are the No. 1 ranked team in the Division II conference. As a well-known local news source, Al.com needs to update their records. Coca Cola trucks have been spotted several times near the back of the GUC blocking handicapped parking spaces during busy times at UNA when students were trying to find parking spots. D V D and instant streaming giant Netflix dropped its unsuccessful plan to split the company into Qwikster, a streaming business, and Netflix, a mail-order DVD business. The intersection at Pine Street and Sherrod Avenue has been blocked off due to construction for around two weeks now, inconveniencing students who use that route to travel to Seven Points and other popular college spots in the Florence area.
The Alabama Center for Aquatic Biodiversity released Alabama lamp mussels into Alabama’s Bear Creek last Thursday in an effort to preserve a species that was thought to be on the verge of extinction 10 years ago. According to the center’s director, Paul Johnson, the Alabama lamp mussels are some of the rarest mollusks in the world, with only 50 or 60 found in the wild in the last 50 years.
Congratulations to Malisa McClure for writing last week’s story of the week!
Thursday, October 13, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
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Belly dancers strut down Court Street--not an uncommon sight to see on First Fridays.
photos by Kayla Sloan
The streets of downtown Florence are filled with blues, country and rock and roll on First Fridays.
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Businesses opened their doors, artists set up tables, musicians gathered and belly dancers danced in the streets of downtown Florence for First Friday last week. First Friday takes place on the first Friday of every month starting in March and ending in December. Artists of all types are invited and encouraged to set up on the sidewalks of downtown, where live music can be heard in all directions. People from different businesses also hand out cards and flyers to bring in new customers from all over the Shoals.
Gary Wright, from Snow Masters, produced foamy bubble Jack-O-Lanterns and spiders that floated over the heads of the event goers, while children played in a bounce castle to the music from “The Cadillacs,” an oldies-style band. Jed Perry could be seen dressed as Tony Stark to promote House of Heroes comics. People dressed in medieval attire, accented with swords and staffs, promoted the arrival of the upcoming Renaissance Faire Oct. 22-23. “The round table is an all-volunteer group that runs the faire,” said John Givens, one of the members who helped promote the faire. “We have people who really go all out.” This year will be the event’s 25th an-
niversary, and people can expect reenactment duels with real weapons and plenty of booths to explore. First Friday also brings out the philanthropic side of people. Many artists and businesses donated a portion of their earnings to different fundraisers. Jennifer Burns made stuffed owls, cats and elephants to help her earn money to surprise some local families with children who have Diamond Blackfan Anemia. This illness requires lifelong blood transfusions and steroids until families can find a bone marrow match. The “Football Nuts” table was run by The Kudzo Queens, a group of women who wore matching green wigs and T-
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TOMS releases new eyewear line causes, has decided to expand its philanthropic venture and offer a new product: eyewear. After a compelling trip to Argentina, Blake Mycoskie, founder and CEO of TOMS was inspired to develop a shoe company with a simple iniphoto by Malisa McClure tiative: for every For every TOMS shoe bought, a pair is given to someone in a pair of shoes sold, less fortunate country. Now TOMS is giving prescription glasses a new pair would for every pair of eyewear purchased. be donated to a person in need. )ZQMT ;\MIZVM[ Now, Mycoskie is taking his patented ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ One for One concept a step further by I[\MIZVM[(]VI ML] producing more than just footwear. TOMS, the charitable business TOMS is partnering with “Sight Givknown for combining style and good ing Partner,” the Seva Foundation, which
will administer the actual eye programs. After traveling the world, Mycoskie discovered that many people are visually impaired or blind. He decided to tackle sight as his second project for helping those in need due to the lack of care for eyesight in many places. TOMS eyewear comes in a range of styles, with wayfarer or aviator frame options. If you are not sure what pair of shades to choose, there are a variety of choices that range from $135-$145. Your purchase will help the disadvantaged in one of three ways: medical treatment, prescriptive eyeglasses or sight-saving surgery. Ashley Musgrove, a UNA freshman, was excited when she found out about the new eyewear. Musgrove had on a pair of TOMS and mentioned that she would love to buy a pair of sunglasses just to help a person in need. “If the quality of TOMS shoe wear
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Sign up for 2012 study abroad trips starts now *Ta\PM ;\MMTUIV
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The school year is in full swing, and students all over campus are beginning to sign up for study abroad trips. Study abroad opportunities are plentiful this year. Dr. Craig Christy, chair of the foreign languages department, strongly encourages every student to take advantage of the study abroad programs offered at UNA. “The best time to study abroad is right now,” Christy said. “While you’re in your college years and you’re not tied down. You’re only limiting yourself if you don’t see other parts of the world.” Dr. Keith Lindley is leading a trip to Paris March 23-31. The trip includes visits to the Louvre museum, the Royal Palace of Versailles, and a bus tour of Paris, as well as several other tours of the city. Students can earn up to six credit hours in FR 352 (French Culture and Civilization) and IE 499 (Intercultural Experience). The approximate cost of the trip is $2,500, plus tuition. Students looking to earn credit during the May Intersession period can apply to participate in the Peru travel study program. Dr. Scott Infanger will be leading a group of 25 students through several major cities and places of interest in Peru. The program costs approximately $2,600, plus tuition, meals and incidentals. Dr. Robert Adler will be taking a group of 20 students to spend six weeks traveling across parts of Spain. Students will spend four weeks studying at the university in Salamanca and the last nine days will be spent touring different cities and sightseeing. Students will stay with host families and get to experience much of the nightlife and festivities of Spain. The program
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Images
Learning to heal By Darrick Dawkins - Staff Photographer - darrickdawkins@yahoo.com The tornadoes that tore through north Alabama and my hometown of Harvest occurred nearly six months ago on April 27. Although the drama was horrific those first 24 hours, the event was not just a day, but a week from hell, with no home and no power. It was a warzone and it affected family and neighbors for miles. We were numb. Our community came together during those first critical days and weeks and the cleaning up process was therapeutic. But as unprepared as I was for the fear and trauma that happened that night, I feel as challenged by the emotions that are occurring even now. There is the odd feeling of living in a new house and the strangeness of looking for something that you no longer own. There are pictures on the fridge,
which are now my momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trophies because they were found miles away and posted online for her to reclaim. There is that continual concern over the mental well being of everybody else in my family because we are all struggling, coping and working through what happened. We go back to the lot in our neighborhood, which once had 30 homes and now has six in various stages of repair. The others are just gone and the owners unwilling, or unable, to return. As much as she thinks she can handle a trip through that neighborhood, my mom always cries. The days are fewer when tornadoes are what I think about before bed and first thing when I wake up. That can only be good.
Check out more from this series at florala.net
Thursday, October 13, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala
Thursday, October 13, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
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photos by Darrick Dawkins
Volunteers with Alternative Break Board participate in the fall trip Oct. 8 in Harvest. On Saturday, students helped chop wood from trees that were damaged in the storms. Volunteers will sell the wood and use the proceeds to rebuild the local playground that was destroyed by the tornadoes. Payton Edmiston carries a piece of chopped wood with other volunteers of Alternative Break Board Oct. 8. Edminston told The Flor-Ala he learned how to wire and shingle the roof of a house that was damaged by the April 27 tornado as a result of his volunteer experience during the fall break.
<7:6),7 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM by the storm, but she said the generosity of the people living in that area was enormous after the tornado. Dugger said she enjoyed representing UNA and giving back to the Harvest community with fellow students during the Alternative Break Board trip. “There were people who lost everything who came and helped us put shingles back on our roof, when they had nothing,” she said. “Limestone County is a big place, and all the county schools have put in a lot to help (the area). I’m happy UNA is doing this and can still be
a part of it.” Kaylie Watts, president of Alternative Break Board, said the trip was unique compared to other trips the group has taken in the past. She said approximately 600 homes still need to be rebuilt from the ground up in the 16 affected counties of north Alabama. “I thought I had seen the (tornado damage) on the interstate, but I didn’t realize before that there was so much work that still needed to be done,” she said. Alternative Break Board is a service-
oriented group that provides unique volunteer opportunities to students during designated breaks and holidays at the university. The fall break experience in Harvest helped put things into perspective for UNA junior Jasmine Morris. “It’s been six months and there’s still a lot to do,” she said. “We helped one lady who reminded me of my mom—in starting over and rebuilding your life. Not once did she complain. That was a definitely an eye opener.”
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*144 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM concern. “Federal law mandates that all students must be allowed to attend school, regardless of immigration status,” Brown said. “My biggest fear is that parents will choose not to send their children to school and we will have uneducated populations in our communities.” Some concerns of Amanda Hernandez, president of the Hispanic Culture Organization, are a rise of racial profiling and what the bill might tell the children. “The issue is not supposed to be about racial profiling,” Hernandez said. She said her husband, a Puerto Rican, has already been questioned at his work about how the new bill affects him, despite the fact that his is already a citizen. “What kind of message does this send to the children?” Hernandez asks. “Racial profiling is what’s going on in this state and the nation in a time when we should be united. This bill may be written in black and white, but real life is not black and white.” Hernandez doesn’t deny the need for reform, however. “We know there needs to be reform,” Hernandez said. “The problem is in this country, and state specifically, we don’t need to point fingers at one
Bert Pena works to chop wood during the Alternative Break Board fall break trip Oct. 8.
group for the problems.” According to Chief of Florence City Police, Rick Singleton, racial profiling won’t be an issue while officers are on the job. “When we have a new law, the supervisors go the extra mile to make sure their guys are well trained,” Singleton said. “They’re not allowed to use race, color, or ethnic origin in investigating citizenship. There has to be a legal reason.” “Officers are human,” Singleton continues. “And they bring their attributes to the job. There’s a learning curve where you’re feeling your way out.” Singleton and Captain Rolando Bogran both express concern about the federal, and state, government’s ability to deal with the immigration issue. According to them, when an officer stops a driver that they assume is an illegal immigrant, they still have to take the issue through the federal government. Many times, the issue of individual illegal immigrants gets dropped. “We have trailer parks here that are 95% Hispanic. Some are legal. Most are illegal,” Bogran said. “There are only six places for housing illegal aliens in the country.” “This is a political issue, not a law enforcement issue,” Singleton said.
Ever thought about writing for The Flor-Ala? We meet every Monday at 5 p.m. in the GUC Loft. Check florala.net for the online version of our paper and follow us on Twitter at @UNAFlorAla.
said. Mauldin had a tattoo that said “Live Free” and she truly lived by that motto, according to McCann. “Whether we were talking every second or we hadn’t talked in a month, Haley always made me feel at home,” McCann said. McCann said she was blessed to even have met Mauldin, or to be able to call her a friend. “All of us at UNA are deeply saddened by the death of Lauren Haley Mauldin,” said Vice President for Student Affairs David Shields. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and her many friends.” She touched the lives of many people and was a remarkable young woman, Shields said. “She was dedicated to helping others and was pursuing a career to become a doctor of psychology,” Shields said. “We will remember her and strive to follow her example to live life to the fullest.” Friends and co-workers remember Mauldin for her ability to always smile and make everything fun. “She was very opened minded and nice to everybody,” said Zach McMasters, a UNA graduate and former co-worker of Mauldin’s. “She was very cheery,
photo courtesy of Emily McCann
Emily McCann, Sara Beth Lambert and Haley Mauldin.
easy going and fun to work with. She was so beautiful. I actually remember having a crush on her. “I was very, very shocked (to hear of her death),” he added. “She was always very beautiful and very much fun to be around. I rarely saw her in a bad mood.” Mauldin’s death was a shock to Caroline Edwards, a UNA student and former boss to Mauldin at PacSun from 2007-2009. “Haley was goofy,” she said. “She always made work go by quicker and was a very hard worker and someone you could rely on.”
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Thursday, October 13, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
Deadwood Hollow
Cornmazes in Killen offer intense psychological thrills ;PMTJa *WUIV
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Consisting of alarming zombie-like characters and a psychological, yet frightening, environment, Deadwood Hollow, the larger entity of two corn mazes, is unlike your average haunted attraction. Created in large part by The End theatre, the two mazes, “Stalk” and “Maze of Darkness,” differ immensely. As attendees walk through “Stalk,” they can expect to encounter scares from an assortment of zombies. “The characters aren’t just mindless zombies out to get you, they try to tell you a story of how their life was before and how they are trying to reconcile it,” said Christine Fink, talent director of The End. The intensity from “Stalk“ comes from the interaction with the characters, whereas in “Maze of Darkness” it comes from get-
ting lost in the stalks. “Maze of Darkness,” unlike “Stalk,” does not have any scary characters or startling inanimate objects throughout it, but rather numerous pathways to venture. There is only one way in and one way out. The organization believes that attendees will get frustrated and anxious from the thought of never escaping the ongoing cornstalks. According to Fink, “Maze of Darkness” is extremely intense because of the many similar looking twists, turns and dead ends, leaving attendees doubtful of which path to take or which path they have already taken. Due to the hard work of several individuals, the two corn mazes were created in just three months. The process of getting the attraction ready consisted first of a layout. J. Scott Long, artistic director of The End, designed the mazes on paper and then decided the
;<=,A )*:7), KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM costs $2,100, plus roundtrip airfare. The Costa Rica travel study program will be taking place July 7-27. Dr. Claudia Vance will be leading the trip. Students will spend three weeks living with host families and attending Centro Panamericano de Idiomas, a SACS accredited Spanish language school. There will also be weekend excursions. The maximum enrollment for the trip is 15 students. July 1-28, Drs. Jeffrey Bibbee and Lesley Peterson, of the history and English departments, will lead a group of 20 students to London. Participants will earn six hours of course credit in either History or English after completing an in-depth, capstone-style
research project. Students will have free time to explore the city, as well as travel to surrounding areas such as Oxford, Canterbury
”The best time to study abroad is right now.” -Dr. Craig Christy and Stonehenge. The total cost for the trip, including airfare and tuition, is approximately $5,700. UNA students who have studied abroad in the past would strongly encourage other students to do the same. Allison Ray, a senior sociology and international studies
placement of the scares. “Nowadays, people are exposed to so much gore and shock in horror films,” Long said. “We worked really hard to keep the elements of terror simple by using natural foundations and creating a psychological feel.” After the layout of the mazes was completed,The End worked on creating character development for the zombies throughout “Stalk.” After finalizing the acting and costumes, the attraction was ready to open. The Deadwood Hollow staff encourages everyone to get in the spirit of the season by coming out to the corn mazes. Deadwood Hollow opened last Friday and will be available for people to come check out every weekend from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. until Nov. 6. The mazes are located in Killen, and the photo by Kayla Sloan prices are as follows: “Stalk”Around every twist and turn in the “Stalk” cornmaze, there awaits $13,”Maze of Darkness”- $10, someone ready give patrons a scare. combo ticket, $20. major, has had the opportunity to study abroad twice while at UNA. “The most interesting and challenging part for me about studying abroad is finding a balance,” she said. “That balance between immersing yourself in this new culture and not losing who you are.” Geography major Cynthia Martel felt the same way. “I was really looking forward to something new,” Martel said. “I think when you travel and study abroad, you really gain a new perspective and it changes your life and who you are. The culture is so different (in another country) and it makes you appreciate ours a little more.” Students can contact the foreign languages department at 256-765-4390 for more information about studying abroad.
.:1,)A; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM shirts promoting their fundraising for the American Cancer Society. Everything they make goes to the society, according to Jeannie Rhea, a member of the Kudzo Queens. The Late Blumers, a local band, set up outside the doors of Makadoo’s frozen yogurt shop to draw in the customers to support their fundraising for St. Jude’s. Craft booths make up the majority of First Friday. Aaron Glass, a local artist and instructor for aMuse, a non-profit organization affiliated with the KennedyDouglass volunteers, set up his hand-painted creations on photo by Kayla Sloan Mobile Street. He also paints Local art vendors line the streets of projects for The Grownfolks, downtown on First Fridays. a local band. first time, where all departments UNA is trying to be more involved in First Friday. During and students are encouraged to Purple Reign Week, Oct. 31-Nov. participate. UPC will also host 4, UNA will encourage complete Step Show in Flowers Hall Nov. campus involvement, and the 1, from 7-10 p.m. All proceeds University Program Council will will go towards the United Way of partner with First Friday for the Northwest Shoals.
<75; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM is outstanding, I know that the sunglasses will be phenomenal,” she said. TOMS will continue its tradition of goodwill by offering assistance to people in need of ocular surgery, reading glasses, or sun-
glasses per every pair purchased. The eye care assistance is said to begin in Nepal, Cambodia and Tibet. The eyewear will be available on TOMS.com and at 70 retailers nationwide.
Sports
Thursday, October 13, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
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Lions prepare for big showdown vs. No 2 Delta State 4I]ZMV -[\M[
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Team Leaders
The Lions will host a blackout game Thursday, Oct. 13 in Braly Stadium against Gulf South Conference rival Delta State. North Alabama, ranked No. 1 in Division II play, and Delta State, ranked No. 2, will battle head to head at UNA’s first GSC rivalry game of the season. This game will begin a stretch of four straight league games for both schools. “We will have to come out hot,” said linebacker Tommie Westbrook. “We will have to have the same intensity that we had at Cowboys stadium. This is a big game. Our goal is, of course, to beat Delta and start right, being 1-0 in conference play.” Delta State, 6-1 for the season, grabbed a loss early in a nail-biting game with Northwestern State 24-23 Sept. 1. UNA remains a perfect 6-0 after defeating the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech Saturday 44-10. North Alabama leads the all-time series against Delta State 30-22-1 and has won seven of the 10 meetings. “Against Delta State, we’re going to have to play good ‘ole UNA football,” Westbrook said. “As for the purple swarm, that’s what I play, so that’s what I usually talk about— we’re going to have to get after it with relentless effort.” Westbrook provided an analogy to de-
Passing: Lee Chapple - 1711 yds., 13 tds., 6 ints. Rushing: Antwan Ivey- 259 yds., 5 tds. Wes Holland- 223 yds., 1 touchdown Recieving: Tristan Purifoy- 484 yds., 6 tds. Mo Milliam- 433 yds., 3 tds. Jason Smith- 291 yds., 1 touchdown scribe the way UNA will have to “stay after” Delta State: shutting down its offense, and keeping its flawless quarterback, Micah Davis, (he has thrown for 2,024 yards and 15 touchdowns this year), off the field, giving running room for the Lions Offensively. “When I talk about being relentless, I think of Freddie Krueger,” Westbrook said. “You know—the guy who will come after you in your sleep. You cannot close your eyes without him trying to hurt you; that’s the kind of competitive play we need Thursday against Delta in order to be successful.” Turnovers have played a huge role with Delta state in recent years. UNA won seven of the last nine meetings before last year’s
photo by Darrick Dawkins playoff game. Delta State lost 32 turn- Senior receiver Tristan Purifoy celebrates in the endzone after overs in those nine scoring a touchdown against Glenville State. The Lions are games, and the Lions in a matchup this week against one of the top teams in the were able to pick off country. 22 passes and recover 44-10. Delta State will have a full week to 10 fumbles. prepare, having played Oct. 6, beating ArUNA only had six turnovers in those kansas-Monticello at home 34-20. nine games, four of which had no turn“We will have to get some rest after this overs. However, in last year’s playoff game, game and get everyone focused on the plan,” UNA had two turnovers, while Delta State Bowden said. “We will do the best that we had zero. The Statesmen were able to seal can do, and we will see what the victory 47-24. happens.” Head coach Terry Bowden said they Can’t make it to the will have a short week to prepare for DSU, game on Thursday? Follow having just beaten Arkansas Tech Saturday @FlorAlaSports on Twitter.
Menʼs basketball adds new players for this season 7ZZMa *WT\WV
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With less than a month left, UNA’s recruiting class could play a big role this season in getting the Lions back to Gulf South Conference power. UNA added five players to the roster for the 2011-2012 season that includes a mix of Division I talent, international and also local products. UNA was one of the top offensive teams in the conference, averaging 78 points per game. Each of the additions seems to be highlighted by offensive ability, which could be scary to the rest of the conference. “Overall, I think we have a nice blend of high school, junior college and Division I,” said UNA coach Bobby Champagne. “Also a nice blend of international and local players with a little bit of size and the ability to shoot the basketball.” Tyler Richardson played at Lee High School in Huntsville, averaging 19 points and eight rebounds per game. He played two years at Wichita State with limited action that included one red-
shirt season. Theron Jenkins, also a Division I transfer who recently played at Texas Tech, could add some flexibility with his 6’6” frame and 42 percent shooting while at Texas Tech. Richardson will have three more years of eligibility for the Lions, and Jenkins will have just one, with plans to graduate in May. “(Jenkins) is a very talented player and works hard and leads by example,” Champagne said. “He gives us some versatility with his size and shooting ability. (Richardson) was very good coming out of high school. He is also a guy who can shoot the basketball and has very good size for a guard.” UNA added three international players that could also be beneficial to the team: Lazar Petrov of Kocani, Macedonia, Luke Corkery from Napier, New Zealand, and Nathan Spehr from Adelaide, Australia. Spehr, a 5’10” guard, was a member of the junior national team that won gold in Germany, averaging 10 points and three assists per game. Corkery, a 6’7” forward, averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds per game. Petrov, a 6’11” center, also has some experience prepping for the Macedonia Na-
Player of the week
Week at a glance Volleyball When: Friday - 3:30 p.m. m. Saturday - 9 a.m.
Chloe Roberts
11:30 a.m. Where: Carrolton, GA
Hometown: Plymouth, England. Major: Health and Physical Ed. Position: Forward. Stats: Three goals and an assist gives her 71 goals and 32 assists for her career.
tional team. The local product, Corey Ricks, played his high school ball at Florence High School. He averaged 19 points per game and lead the Falcons to a 23-8 record. He was also named the Times Daily player of the year and the school’s all-time leading scorer. “(Corkery) and (Petrov) were here in the spring and were photo by Malisa McClure able to get their feet wet Senior guard Beaumont Beasley returns this season. He and a little bit,” Champagne the new recruits hope to rebound from last season’s record. said. “(Spehr) has had the opening of the 2011-2012, each of the some good international experience on the additions can make their lasting impresjunior national team. All of our freshmen sions on the coaching staff before an exhibiare going to be beneficial to our team.” tion game against Ole Miss Nov. 3. The incoming players could play a big “Do they live up to their head lights or role in re-establishing conference power their press clippings is the question,” Chamthis season for the Lions, who are hoping to pagne said. “The recruiting class always improve from last season (13-16). looks good on paper, but the real test will be With only a couple of weeks left until when the competition starts.”
Who: UWG Regional Crossover
Soccer
Football
When: Oct. 17
When: Thursday y - 7 p.m p.m. m.
Where: West Alabama maa
Where: Braly Stadium tadium
Who:West Alabama
Who: No.2 Delta ta State
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Thursday, October 13, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
Jennifer Osmond delivers as second leading scorer +PZQ[\WXPMZ 8MVVQM ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ KXMVVQM(]VI ML]
photo by Malisa McClure
Sophomore forward Jennifer Osmond has become an impact player this year.
Forward Jennifer Osmond currently is second leading scorer for the UNA girls soccer team. In regards to Osmond leading her team to numerous victories, she remembers her time playing the sport in which she is most passionate. Osmond is one of the eight players on her team who arrived from England. Osmond, alongside her twin sister Julia, were raised in South Hampton, England. Both were introduced to sports when they were around seven years old playing in the backyard with their father. Osmond played for two English colleges, earning three caps. One of Osmond’s favorite accomplishments in England was when her team entered a tournament in Denmark as the underdogs and won the entire competition. By early mid-2009, Jennifer and Julia were recruited by UNA head coach Graham Winkworth to play for the UNA Lions. “My dream was always to play for an
American team,” Osmond said. “And I loved the campus.” Osmond and her new teammates worked diligently to improve their skill preseason. With Osmond playing as a forward for UNA and her sister playing defense as a center back, both have contributed to leading their team to many wins. “It’s nice to have a twin sister playing with you,” Osmond said. “We may butt heads on the field sometimes, but we overall have a mutual understanding.” Osmond has little experience in regards to severe injuries on her UNA team. A bad casualty she remembers was during freshman year when she received an anterior crucial ligament (ACL) tear when trying to tackle another player on the opposing team. Osmond, not being benched much, does her best to take advantage of the chances she receives to get a score for her team. “I practice a lot and have good formation, so that may contribute to me being on the field more and scoring a lot”, Osmond said. Although well acquainted with her
American team, Osmond can still see the differences between playing for England and America. “Well, the adapting to the southern heat, of course, and considering that American soccer seasons are a bit longer, we tend to practice more,” she said. Majoring in Sports Marketing, Osmond sees herself working in the sports industry; however, she does not predict playing for the national team. “If I were to play national, it would definitely be England, but the possibilities for playing for a national soccer team are very low in general,” she said. Osmond continues to keep her leading numbers on the scoreboard and hopes for promising wins with her UNA team. “I enjoy playing for my team, Osmond says, we are like a family unit.” The Lions are currently ranked second in the Gulf South Conference Standings. Osmond and the rest of the Lions soccer team will be back in action Oct. 17 travelling to West Alabama with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
Soccer team looks to rebound this week following loss 7ZZMa *WT\WV
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The UNA Lions hope to improve from last Sunday’s loss to Valdosta State on the road against rival West Alabama at 7 p.m. The Lions (10-3, 3-1) rallied in the second half behind Chloe Roberts’ three-goal half to defeat West Georgia 4-1 and were prime to stay undefeated after last Sunday’s game against Valdosta State, but a goal in the 79th minute gave the Lions their first loss in Gulf South Conference play. “It hurts, but we are not devastated,” UNA coach Graham Winkworth said. “We created a lot more chances than Valdosta State but credit Valdosta State for playing good defense. I’m proud of the way we played; it was just a lucky break, and that’s the kind of things that happen in soccer.” UNA was down one goal in the West Georgia game last Friday late in the second
half. The Lions were able to score four goals in nine minutes to seal the deal for the Lions. Roberts continues to improve on her school record, pushing it to 71 career goals, and Nikki Brown also increased her career record for assists to 42 for the Lions. “We really struggled in the first half of the West Georgia game, and we talked about things at half time,” Winkworth said. “We made a couple of adjustments to be more aggressive, and we really fought hard in the second half.” UNA was held scoreless for the first time all year and fell behind Valdosta State and West Florida in the GSC standings. It makes the game against West Alabama that much more important as the end of the season nears closer. West Alabama (6-6,1-2) is under the first year of the program and coached by a former UNA assistant Graeme Orr. West Alabama averages 1.58 goals per game, led
by Nicki Gears with seven goals on the season and Natalie Perry with four goals. UNA’s offense could come up big in the game, as West Alabama gives up two goals per game. “I have no question in my mind that the girls are going to be able to bounce back,” Winkworth said. “Most of all, we have winners on our team and are very capable of getting back on track. photo by Malisa McClure “West Alabama could Senior forward Jennifer Osmond pushes the ball down the be very dangerous for us, field. given the fact that they will GSC Standings, hopes to rebound this know what we are doing, and they have two really good forwards. It Monday at 7 p.m. and stay on track in the standings with only three conference games should be a very interesting battle for us.” UNA currently ranked second in the left until the GSC tournament.
UNA Sports Center
Intramurals in full swing for fall 3I\MTaV 2IZZMTT
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Although it is too late to sign up for golf and flag football, there are remaining sports available to sign up for this semester, including baggo, three-on-three basketball and darts. “I think intramural sports are a great social avenue in college,” said Dexter Shorter, coordinator of intramural and club sports. Shorter encourages anyone interested to look up the UNA Intramural and Club
Intramural sports are in full swing at UNA. Last week, UNA held the playoffs that wrapped up the intramural volleyball season, which means flag football and golf are right around the corner. The sports are hosted by the Student Recreation Center, and anyone who wants to play can sign up through the UNA website. “You can get a group of friends together, or if you don’t have a team, you can sign up individually, and they’ll put you on a team,” said Beverly Love, who has been involved in the intramural community for two years. Joining intramural sports is a great way to get to know people and get involved in friendly, and sometimes intense, competition, said Love. “Oh, I love it,” Love said. “I would play every sport if I could.” photo by Malisa McClure Her co-ed volleyball team, Legacy, Students compete in women’s volleyball to see advanced to play in the champion- who has the best volleyball team on campus. ships Thursday.
GSC Football Standings
GSC Soccer Standings
Team UNA
Team Conf. Valdosta State 4-1 UNA 3-1 West Florida 3-0 UAH 1-1-1 West Georgia 1-3-1 West Alabama 1-2 Christian Bro. 1-2 Delta State 0-4
Conf. 0-0
All 6-0
Delta State 0-0
5-1
Valdosta State 0-0
5-1
West Alabama 0-0
5-1
West Georgia 0-0
3-2
GSC Volleyball Standings All
8-3 10-3 8-2-2 3-7-2 3-7-1 6-6 4-5-2 2-8
Team Conf. West Florida 7-0 UNA 5-1 Christian Bro. 4-2 West Alabama 4-3 UAH 2-3 Valdosta State 2-4 West Georgia 1-6 New Orleans 0-7
Your ad could be here. Gain exposure to thousands of college students.
(256) 333-0386 floralaads@una.edu
All 12-7 15-3 16-4 13-7 7-11 11-7 6-15 2-10
Thursday, October 13, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
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New norm: college takes longer for average UNA student Tradition of four-year degrees something of past in most cases 2IKWJ ?ITTIKM
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It is no longer uncommon for students to finish their degree in four years, according to Dr. Thomas Calhoun, associate vice president for academic affairs at UNA. Calhoun said even finishing in six years is not behind schedule, according to recent studies. “Students are taking advantage of a multitude of opportunities they have in ed-
”It may seem like a lot of time
when you are young, but in the grand scheme of your life, a few years longer in school are not going to make a difference.”
-Thomas Calhoun ucation,” Calhoun said. He also said students in a multitude of majors are finishing in more than four years, and there are a number of different reasons for that. Calhoun states internships, co-op and study abroad are all reasons students may have to take longer in their education. All these opportunities, however, contribute to the “experiential learning of the
student,” Calhoun said. He spoke on how actions such as learning another language or studying in another country are only going to benefit the student, even if it does take a little more time. “It may seem like a lot of time when you are young, but in the grand scheme of your life, a few years longer in school are not going to make a difference,” Calhoun said. “There is no question, though, that anything that gives students a global perspective is going to increase the job trajectory of that student.” Calhoun said that being comfortable in a global setting can only benefit the student. “The business of rushing through learning is misguided,” Calhoun said. If the reason that a student feels rushed to complete in four years is a four-year scholarship, then he suggested asking for an extension or looking for alternative funds. He said if one does not ask, then the answer is definitely no. photo by Malisa McClure “The music degree programs here at Students await walking across the stage in Flowers Hall during spring commenceUNA vary from 128-136 semester hours ment excercises this year. for graduation,” said Dr. David M. McCullough, chair of the music and theatre still be an option to graduate in four years. cations department, said that a communi“I knew entering UNA that getting my cations degree at UNA is different from a department. “It is possible to accomplish degree would take longer than four years,” music degree in terms of length. that course work in four calendar years, alsaid Christian Clark, a UNA sophomore “Communications is one of the easiest though students frequently take longer for various reasons. The problem that many majoring in eusic education. “I was very degrees to complete in four years,” he said. Pitts said that the number of hours taken students encounter is with the degree pro- displeased, though, that I didn’t realize there was no plan of which classes to take for each individual student might be a facgrams that lead to teacher certification.” tor in how quickly they graduate. Some students feel that there should at what time during my years here.” Dr. Greg Pitts, chair of the communi-
Check out www.florala.net for more stories that could not fit in our print edition.
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Tweets of the week
October 13, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala
DISCLAIMER: The tweets below are public tweets found on Twitter by searching hashtags 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.