November 30

UNA military friendly p. 3 UniversityĘźs $5 million grant p. 4 Social media updates p. 8 End of football era p. 11 November 30, 2017 Vol. 86, Issue 7

2 NEWS

Senate candidate faces sexual misconduct allegations CODY CAMPBELL Student Writer ccampbell11@una.edu A total of nine women accused Alabama Republican Senate nominee Judge Roy Moore of making inappropriate sexual advances toward them decades ago.

“The Washington Post” reported Nov. 9 four women came forward to allege Moore sexually assaulted them. Three of the four women were high-school students at the time of the alleged assault, while Moore would have been in his 30s.

Since the story broke, five more women made similar allegations against Moore.

The women accuse Moore of making several unwanted phone calls in an attempt to solicit a romantic relationship, as well as inappropriately touching and kissing them.

Moore’s campaign denied the accusations in an official statement to “The Washington Post.”

“If you are a liberal and hate Judge Moore, apparently he groped you,” the statement said. “If you are a conservative and love Judge Moore, you know these allegations are a

political farce.”

Many prominent figures from both sides of the political spectrum publicly denounced Moore, including Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and current House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan.

Both McConnell and Ryan openly stated they believe Moore should step down from his candidacy.

Graduate student Emily Malone said it is too soon to draw any conclusions.

“The law says that you are innocent until proven guilty, and I am a very big proponent of that,” she said. “I’m still going to vote for (Roy Moore), and I would encourage anybody who was going to vote for him to go ahead and vote for him because these allegations have not been proven to be true.”

Several Republican organizations also pulled their support for Moore’s Senate candidacy, including the Republican National Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Graduate student Todd Erickson said he agrees with this decision.

“I think that if you have several allegations against you, you should not be allowed to run for a political office,” he said.

Courtesy of Judge Roy Moore’s for U.S. Senate Facebook

Judge Roy Moore continues campaigning despite nine women accusing him of sexual advances. Moore is currently running for U.S. Senate.

Democrat Doug Jones took the lead over Moore in the bid for the open Alabama Senate seat by a margin of eight points, according to a Fox News poll released Nov. 16.

A special election for the seat is set to take place Dec. 12. Acting Attorney General Jeff Sessions vacated the seat earlier this year.

Despite these allegations, and

the shrinking support from his own party, Moore made it clear he has no plans to withdraw from the race.

Kayla Moore, Roy Moore’s wife, confirmed this in a statement she issued Nov. 17.

“After all the attacks against me, against my family, against the Foundation and against my husband, he will not step down,” she said.

Alabama governor’s popularity surges CODY CAMPBELL Student Writer ccampbell11@una.edu After six months in office, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is ranked the fourth most popular governor in the U.S., according to a poll Morning Consult released Oct. 31.

Her accomplishments include the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, which prohibits the removal of historical monuments, and the Definition of Moral Turpitude Act, which restored voting rights to many non-violent felons in Alabama.

Senior Lynda Hilliker said she is not

Courtesy of Gov. Kay Ivey’s Facebook

Gov. Kay Ivey became governor April 10. After six months in office, a poll placed Gov. Ivey as the fourth most popular governor in the U.S.

sure of the results.

“Well, I’m not from Alabama, and I don’t know who she is,” she said. “If she is popular, she must be doing something right, but I personally can’t see what would make her the fourth most popular (governor) in the U.S.,” she said.

Ivey assumed the position following the resignation of ex-governor Robert Bentley who resigned and pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors earlier this year amidst allegations of sexual misconduct involving his former adviser.

The Morning Consult conducted a similar poll in May 2016, just as the Bentley scandal became public, which placed Bentley’s approval rating at 46 percent, one of the worst ratings in the U.S. at the time.

In a statement Oct. 31, Ivey highlighted the values that led to her ranking.

“Alabama is strong and united again,” she said. “Our state has faith in its leaders again, because there’s more accountability, more transparency and more job opportunities.”

This ranking comes after she announced Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September dropped to 3.8 percent. Alabama’s unemployment rate has not been that low since April 2007, and that figure matches the lowest unemployment rate in Alabama’s recorded history.

Senior Viktoria Piepke said she has not seen the change.

“I haven’t really noticed a change in Alabama at all since she has taken office,” she said. “(The ranking) makes me wonder how crappy the rest of (America’s governors) must be.”

The Morning Consult’s Governor Approval Ranking survey polled 255,120 registered voters from July 1 to Sept. 30.

The poll set Ivey’s approval rating at 62 percent.

Ivey’s disapproval rating sits at 12 percent, according to the poll. Ivey maintains the lowest disapproval rating of the governors the survey listed.

Senior Ruby Alcala said she approves of the poll’s rankings.

“Gov. Ivey seems to be making big moves in office,” Alcala said. “I imagine a woman in office always has to try twice as hard. I believe her approval rating is mostly due to the momentum she has taken to strengthen the state, such as keeping lobbyists off state boards.”

Ivey is the second of two female governors in Alabama’s history. The other was Lurleen Wallace, wife of former governor George Wallace, who died in office after one year of service.

Ivey announced in early September she would run for a full term as Alabama’s governor in 2018. Ivey plans to join the race as a Republican and will face competition from many Republican figures involved in Alabama politics, such as Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and State Sen. Bill Hightower.

NEWS 3 University top ranked for military friendliness TAYLOR SIMPSON Staff Writer tsimpson4@una.edu

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Military Friendly, a national organization which ranks colleges on their veteran accommodations, ranked UNA the No. 1 public school in the country with fewer than 10,000

students.

“I treat (the veterans) like I’m going to remember their name when they come in,” said UNA’s Veterans Affairs specialist Michelle Dailey.

This is the first year UNA made the list of Military Friendly schools.

The organization ranks schools on six categories: academic policies

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and compliance, admissions and orientation, culture and commitment, financial aid and assistance, graduation and career, and military student support and retention, according to the Military Friendly website.

Director of University Events Bret Jennings said UNA prioritizes veterans because “it’s the right thing to do.”

“The university as a whole understands the needs of our military students,” Jennings said. “There is a home for them here at (UNA).”

Dailey, who is also a Navy veteran, oversees the Military and Veteran Service Center and credits its recent addition to campus as a reason for the school’s ranking.

The MVSC houses resources for veterans, including a professional dress closet, a textbook exchange program and a computer lab.

“It’s a place where you can come together and relieve your stress,” Dailey said. “We let them know that there are options here and things that we can do for them.”

Jennings said the MVSC is a place where veterans can come to feel like part of UNA’s military family.

“Military backgrounds as a whole are family-oriented,” he said. “The military family sticks together, and this gives them an opportunity and a place where they can be around likeminded students.”

The MVSC also keeps a pantry of donated food for veteran students.

“They can always find a meal, or they can find somebody to assist them,” Jennings said.

Jennings said UNA prioritizes the needs of veterans like it does the needs of every other student group.

Junior veteran Darrien White said he has benefited from the military friendliness of UNA. “Every time I come in the MVSC, I see friendly faces,” he said. “We have snacks, we have resources for our education and Ms. Dailey is the best.”

Jennings said the ranking contributed to Veterans Affairs’ recent inclusion in campus recruiting.

“We’re being included in a lot of the admissions talks (and) in registrar talks,” Jennings said. “In (Student Orientation, Advising and Registration) and preview days, we’re being included, whereas before we weren’t.”

Dailey currently sees more than 300 veterans, dependents, active duty and reserve members who are using their G.I. Bill for tuition.

She said there are more veterans on campus, but not everyone knows about the veterans resources and how to take advantage of them.

“If any of our veterans aren’t being counted in that number, we’d love for them to come see us,” Jennings said.

Senior Ashley Turnage said she is proud of UNA for their high rank.

“It’s really great to feel like a priority because of my service,” she said.

Veterans Affairs specialist accomplishes goals CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net When Michelle Dailey became the Veterans Affairs specialist in August 2015, she said she had big dreams for the program. Less than two years later, most of those dreams are a reality.

Executive Director of Student Affairs Bret Jennings said when Dailey started, the program resided in a small area and did not have many active members. Veterans Affairs currently serves more than 300 students.

Now, students can find the Office of Veterans Affairs in a large area on the second floor of the Guillott University Center houses. This area is equipped with a lounge and study spaces for students.

Sophomore Sebastian Motley said Dailey is responsible for a lot of growth in the program.

“To be honest, I don’t think we would be where we are today without her contributions,” Motley said. “She is hardworking, dedicated and very caring. She is willing to help where she can.”

Motley said since Dailey came to UNA, more individuals joined the program and there are more activities for members.

Dailey said she tries her best to make every member feel like they have a place.

Dailey also took on the task of turning UNA into a military friendly college. Her recent project is pushing for freshman veteran parking on campus and allowing military credits to transfer.

“We are proud of where we are, but we are still growing,” Dailey said.

“Basically, we want to make sure that we are able to check all of the boxes (of requirements to be classified as a military friendly university).”

Sophomore Harley Miller said Dailey is a pleasant person to talk to about anything happening in life.

“She is a valued resource among the Veteran Alliance at the university,” Miller said.

Dailey said she is proud of the accomplishments at her time at UNA. She said if she were to leave UNA today, she would feel like she left her legacy.

Caleb Cole | Staff Photographer

President of Veterans’ Affairs Ryan Newton (left) and Michelle Daily, Veterans Affairs specialist, pose in front of their office’s awards. In her two years at UNA, Dailey turned UNA into a military friendly university and added a dedicated space for veterans.

4 NEWS

CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer

The Engineering Technology department teaches students proper use of equipment, including a device to measure voltage. The department will receive $1,500,000 toward buying new equipment and developing a chemical engineering technology program.

University adds $5 million toward economic development programs CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net After years of UNA giving to the Shoals area, the Shoals Economic Development Agency is giving back.

UNA will receive $5,000,000 toward programs which are economically beneficial to the Shoals area.

The Engineering Technology Department will receive $1,500,000 toward adding a chemical engineering technology program to fill current employment positions in the area. This is only the Engineering Technology Department’s second year at UNA. Department Chair of Engineering Technology Peter Rim said this will be the first chemical engineering technology program in the U.S. “When starting at UNA, it was clear that the university and community were committed to building a beneficial program,” he said. “My past corporate experience was in managing growth programs, and I am enjoying this growth experience immensely.”

UNA Human Resources posted a

position Oct. 27 for a chemical engineer to lead the chemical engineering technology program. Rim said he hopes this professor will start fall 2018.

The chemical engineering technology program will be located in the same area as engineering technology.

Rim said he believes the program will make students marketable because of the hands-on experience the program offers.

“The experiential and applied curriculum the students experience combined with Co-Op opportunities prepares them to be more immediate contributors to their organizations,” he said.

Freshman Andrew Garrison said it is impressive the department is already growing.

“They have seen a lot of success,” Garrison said. “Any chance to grow the program is great.”

Rim said he believes the program will benefit existing companies and be an asset in recruiting new industry to the area.

“One cannot grow a new program

without many people throughout virtually all aspects of the university being very responsive to our requests,” he said. “We are truly appreciative of those efforts.”

A total of $2,000,000 will go toward the Anderson College of Nursing. This will help pay for a simulation lab and aid in the construction of Laura M. Harrison Hall, the future home of the nursing program.

The Anderson College of Nursing was originally set to move into Laura M. Harrison Hall fall 2018, but contractors appraised the design at $7 million over the estimated budget.

Michael Gautney, assistant vice president of facilities, administration and planning, said he hopes contractors

will complete construction by fall 2019, a year after the original estimated completion date.

Junior nursing student Katherine Dennis said it is great to see expanding programs receive monetary help.

“The nursing program is growing, and we need more space to work from,” Dennis said. “We don’t have enough rooms for lecture, we only have three labs for the entire program and our faculty deserve bigger offices.”

The College of Business will also receive $1,500,000 to fund the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development.

SEDA is in the process of sending UNA the money for these programs.

Planning will begin immediately.

CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer

Junior Ben Ragan measures voltage in an experiment in an engineering technology class. The Engineering Technology Department received a grant to add a Chemical Engineering Technology program.

NEWS 5

Officials consider extending holiday break TAYLOR SIMPSON Staff Writer tsimpson4@una.edu The Student Government Association passed a proposal to abolish fall break in favor of a weeklong Thanksgiving break. The change would go into effect for the fall 2019 semester.

“Hopefully, this change will give students that have to travel long distances more time to spend with their families,” said SGA President Hugo Dante.

Since SGA passed the proposal, the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and the Shared Government Executive Committee look to approve it, Dante said.

Upon approval from all organizations, President Kenneth Kitts has the power to put the policy into action.

“I think they will approve it,”

Dante said.

If the organizations find issues with this draft of the proposal, the vote will be postponed, he said.

“If there are issues brought forward, it will have to come back for revisions before it can be voted on,” Dante said.

Dante said he has heard very little student opposition to the change so far.

The proposal was approved after, “not a whole lot of debate,” Dante said.

“I think everyone was pretty much in favor of it,” he said.

SGA student senate passed the proposal unanimously at their meeting on Thursday, Nov. 16.

Sophomore Elicia Springer said she is in favor of the potential policy change.

“One day for fall break really isn’t enough to make a difference,” she said. “A full week out of class for

Thanksgiving will give more people an opportunity to spend time with their families.”

Dante said he could think of a reason some students might not like the change.

He said some majors, like science majors who have mandated Friday classes, might have enjoyed fall break.

“Sometimes it’s a useful study break,” Dante, who is a chemistry major, said.

Some potential benefits to a longer Thanksgiving break include more time to prepare for final exams and more travel time for out-of-state students.

Dante said some staff complained because they did not get a real fall break while others faculty members did.

“Some students don’t even have classes on Fridays, so, fall break didn’t really affect them,” he said.

“This change will affect every student,

teacher and member of staff.”

He said SGA members gathered student feedback on the idea before a proposal was made.

“They were tasked with reaching out to students and finding out their thoughts,” Dante said.

He said the idea of a longer Thanksgiving break was an initiative started by SGA several years ago.

“They received a lot of student feedback about the proposal,” he said.

Junior Casey Borden said he wishes the change could go into effect sooner.

“I have to go to Huntsville for the holidays,” he said. “I don’t travel for fall break, so I wouldn’t miss it anyway.”

This change to the school calendar could also impose changes in other areas, such as students losing one day of registration prior to the start of the semester, according to the current proposal.

Kitts family opens their home for the holidays CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net Despite Christmas break beginning Dec. 21, the elves at UNA are already preparing for the holiday season with the first annual Santa Party.

UNA President Kenneth Kitts and his family are extending their home as a way of giving back to the UNA faculty and staff, said Dena Kitts, President Kitts’s wife.

“This event is about honoring

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families, being together and creating memories,” she said. “I hope to look out on the front lawn the afternoon of Dec. 6 and see happy children running around and squealing with holiday delight.”

The event will take place from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the president’s house and is open to all UNA faculty, staff and their children.

She said the idea for the Santa Party began as a way to say “thank you” to all of the UNA faculty and staff for their hard work at UNA. Kitts said this event is unique to the campus because most events on campus are not child-friendly.

“When my husband was hired, UNA got something relatively unique to the higher education landscape: a first family with two little boys who are growing up on a college campus,” she said. “We place high priority on family, and so many of our faculty and staff have young children, so this event is the perfect blend of those two sentiments.”

The President’s Office is funding this event. Kitts said they eliminated a party the president’s office typically hosts in the summer to repurpose the money for the Santa Party.

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President Kenneth Kitts and his family celebrate their first holiday season at UNA in 2015. This year, the Kitts family is extending their home to the UNA faculty, staff and their families for the first annual Santa Party.

Junior Suzanne Berry said this event will promote the “home atmosphere” of the campus.

“It’s important to let every family here know that they do matter,” Berry said. “UNA is a family and has a bond that cannot be broken.”

Kitts said this event will include holiday crafts, sugar cookie decorating, face painting and pictures with Santa.

The LaGrange Society, College

of Education and Human Sciences student ambassadors and the UNA cheerleaders are volunteering to help with this event.

Kitts said planning for this event began early in the semester, but she said she looked ahead to funding the event beginning fall 2016.

Berry said she hopes this event will be a tradition so faculty and staff know how much the university appreciates them and their families.

6 NEWS

Eco-challenge receives positive feedback TAYLOR SIMPSON Staff Writer tsimpson4@una.edu

Two hundred and three participants took part in the Engineering Change Order Challenge.

UNA finished 31 out of 639 teams in this two-week challenge, which included 83 countries.

The top 100 team participants won a T-shirt, which is available for pick up in the Science and Engineering Tech Building in room 433.

Senior Jennifer Avery said the ECO Challenge started by providing a list of challenges to choose from.

“Some challenges were daily, and some just had to be met once,” Avery said. “There were many different categories, that vary with difficulties.”

UNA earned around 12,000 total points in the challenge.

“The challenge was a great way to start thinking about the effects

of my activities on the environment and connect with a group who wanted to do the same thing,” Avery said.

“Teammates would log in everyday to document which challenges they completed for that day.”

To earn points in the challenge, participants had to complete tasks such as minutes of additional sleep, gallons of water saved, whole food meals, more servings of fruit and vegetables, plastic bottles not sent to the landfill, miles traveled by foot, pounds of paper saved, miles traveled by bike and phone calls made to public officials.

Senior Chandon Hines said this two-week challenge was established to raise awareness of tasks that could be hindering to the environment and our overall health, and change these tasks into positive and stress reducing behaviors.

“My first week, I chose to focus on water conservation,” Hines said.

“The three tips that I chose were shorter showers, using reusable water containers instead of the waste that plastic bottles cause, and since I am guilty of leaving the water running on occasion while brushing my teeth, I committed to turn it off.”

In addition to these tasks, the team collectively saved 131,909 pounds of CO2, traveled 9,262 miles by carpool, consumed 5,435 organic meals and sent 416 letters and emails to public

“

officials.

“Team members were able to log in to their ECO account and check off actions that were completed well that week,” Hines said.

Director of UNA Center for Sustainability Amanda Coffman said she would like to thank the UNA Environmental Services Staff for assisting the ECO Challenge Team in meeting their individual challenge goals by performing their daily tasks.

The challenge was a great way to start thinking about the effects of my activities on the environment.

Jennifer Avery| Senior

Juniors work behind the scenes of SGA JESSICA LVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer jlivingston2@una.edu

While they may not be front and center in the Student Government Association, two juniors work behind the scenes to ensure every event runs smoothly.

Becca Bush serves as Pro-Tempore of the University Program Council. She said she is thankful for the roles she plays on campus.

“It has taught me endless leadership skills,” Bush said. “This position has given me the amazing opportunity to truly serve our university and my fellow students.”

Freshman Danielle Lund said Bush is a kind and helpful person.

“I worked with her for step show, and she was more than accommodating when I had questions and needed help with my job,” Lund said.

Junior Nikki Matthews said Bush is involved in many different activities on campus.

“She’s caring, loving, hardworking and many other great qualities,” Matthews said. “I have worked with her for the last three years and I would not change it for the world. She always gets the job done, no matter what she must do. She’s so hardworking. She’s tough, yet sensible.”

SGA would not be the same without her, Matthews said.

Assistant Director, Leadership & Volunteerism Bethany Green said Bush is one of the most diligent, hard-working students that she knows.

“She doesn’t shy away from challenging herself to be the best woman she can be, and I admire her for that,” Green said. “Her willingness to be proactive is one of my favorite things about her, and I can honestly say that I have learned so much from Becca through her openness to others and genuine

kindness.”

Sophomore Sarah Hand said she worked security with Bush at the spring concert and had a “crazy” security situation arise.

“Bush handled it calmly and joyfully like she does with everything else,” Hand said. “She is one of the busiest people I know, but, whenever someone asks her to do a task, she does it and gives it all she has.”

Bush is majoring in human environmental science with a concentration in child development and a minor in family studies.

“My goals after college are to obtain a master’s degree in child life and go on to become a Certified Child Life Specialist to help children cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness, injury and treatment,” Bush said.

“Serving as a Consultant in the Office of Student Engagement has given me a wonderful opportunity to be able to work with numerous organizations on an administrative level.”

Although senate may not have as many events as UPC, Senate Pro- Tempore Blake Polson works to ensure projects such as the SGA Angel Tree have success.

Polson serves in his fraternity, SGA and as a Student Orientation, Advising and Registration counselor.

Junior Luke Huckaba said Polson represents leadership.

“Blake always gives 110 percent when he is leading an event,” Huckaba said. “He is a strong leader, and we all know he will get the job done.”

Polson said none of his accomplishments would have been possible without the faculty and staff of UNA and his colleagues.

“Hugo Dante is really the first person that got me involved with campus activities,” Polson said. “Along with the

constant encouragement from Justin ‘Bishop’ Alexander. I think very highly of both individuals.”

Admissions Counselor Bishop Alexander said he is Polson’s campus adviser and mentor.

“It has been a blessing to see him evolve into a great student leader with a bright future ahead of him,” Alexander said. “I serve as campus advisor to the IFC Greek organization that he is currently a member of (Kappa Sigma).”

Polson represents his fraternity

for multiple events, such as the Long Lewis Drive-One event, faculty and staff luncheon and Puppy Palooza “Polson is great at planning campus wide events and tries to make sure everyone involved in the planning process has a voice and role,” Alexander said.

Polson has a very bright future, Alexander said.

“Like so many talented students on campus, Blake reflects love of the University in all that he does,” Alexander said. “I am truly proud of him.”

LIFE 7

Alabama ranks high among unhealthiest states TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net It is no surprise obesity and other health-related issues are common throughout the U.S. However, according to the website WalletHub, Alabama is one of the worst.

WalletHub recently conducted a survey ranking Alabama as the seventh fattest state of 2017.

Factors contributing to the ranking include Alabama having the third highest percentage of obese adults, second highest percentage of adults with Type 2 Diabetes and highest percentage of adults with high cholesterol.

Lee Renfroe, associate professor of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, said the ranking is not surprising, as health problems are already common in Alabama and the rest of the Southern U.S. “We’ve been having overweight and obesity issues in the South for many years, and, unfortunately, we’ve been seeing them rise consistently from year to year for the most part,” she said.

She said chronic diseases are becoming more common for children, including Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 1 results in the body’s immune system destroying insulinreleasing cells, while Type 2 causes the body to not be able to properly use

insulin.

Around 30 million Americans have diabetes, while 84 million have prediabetes, a precursor to diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Renfroe said one reason Alabama has become unhealthier is because of the decrease in farming, which had people staying active by working in the fields.

Florence is lacking in health food stores, but instead offers several places to buy fast food, said senior Ben Abroms.

“The amount of fast food places that are convenient makes it easier for people to get more unhealthy foods,” he said.

Abroms said Southern cooking is another contributor to Alabama’s health problems.

“I’m not saying that we should just get rid of Southern cooking culture, because that’s Alabama, but I think we need to start looking at the bigger picture and seeing what (is) healthy and what (is) not,” he said.

Sophomore Summer Patrick said eating healthy requires watching one’s diet rather than eliminating all of one’s favorite foods.

“It’s really important to pay attention to what you put in your body,” she said. “It’s not that you have to eat salads every day. A lot of people think that’s what health is, but it’s really not.”

Renfroe said when starting to diet,

a small change to one’s eating habits every week can make a noticeable difference. She said she also believes physical and health education courses should become more important in school systems.

“The habits that (college students) have now will be or not be their chronic diseases in the future,” she said. “Now is the time to change your behaviors and focus on creating a healthy lifestyle and continuing that.”

DAVID SAN MIGUEL | Graphic Designer

Campus discusses Hollywood’s history of sexual assault MONDAY SANDERSON Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net Sexual assault and sexual harassment occur every year. However, this year, several of the most-discussed cases are coming from Hollywood.

Since the allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein in October, the public is becoming aware of more high-profile instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment.

People are becoming tired of the system in Hollywood, said Jason Pangilinan, assistant professor of film

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and digital media production.

“You got this power structure that’s there, and this power structure feeds off the weakness of people,” he said. “That’s how this system works. Now, we’re seeing people are done with (this). They want to change it, and they should. So, that’s what we’re getting to now.”

Pangilinan said the weakness the system is feeding on is people’s need for attention.

“All of us have the basic human condition to be recognized,” he said.

“How you go about (it) is particular to the individual. Hence, some people gravitate toward this because you end up on the

(Celebrities) are powerful, they’re in the business, and they can make a difference, but they don’t. Your heroes let you down.

Jason Pangilinan | Assistant Professor of Film and Digital Media Production

large screen all over the world, and you get the admiration of fans. For some people, that’s what they need, and the system knows it.”

Senior Karli Hill said these cases of sexual assault are not startiling.

“It wasn’t surprising because I had always heard about it,” she said. “No one really talked about it, but we all knew.”

Other Americans agree with Hill.

Fifty-nine percent of the U.S. believe sexual assault is a large problem in the entertainment industry, according to a Politico/Morning Consult poll.

However, only 1.61 percent of the 41,250 filed sexual assault cases came from the entertainment industry between 2005 and 2015, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Pangilinan said even though there are few cases filed, the knowledge of sexual assault in the industry is not shocking for people anymore.

“It’s what is known as the open secret,” he said. “You suspect it’s happening on a subconscious level, but you never think it’s your heroes. When you figure out that your heroes are trash, that’s what (is) shocking. Then, you hear about people like Matt Damon and George Clooney who know about the situation, but they didn’t say anything, but you perceive them

to be good, stand-up guys based on the characters they play. They’re powerful, they’re in the business, and they can make a difference, but they don’t. Your heroes let you down.”

Pangilinan said Hollywood has been like this since the industry began.

“The system itself is sick,” he said.

“For a long time, people have known. The idea of a casting coach is there in every industry. Obviously, it’s really prevalent in the entertainment industry, and it goes back to the beginnings of film.”

Pangilinan said these allegations will have long-lasting effects on Hollywood.

“Most of the people who have been accused will have their careers ended,” he said. “The culture, hopefully, will change.

We’ll find more respectable people in posts of power who make decisions.

Unfortunately, what will happen is that somebody who is innocent is going to get their career ruined. I just feel sorry for that person it will happen to.”

Sophomore Jake Skinner said the allegations will not deter him from pursing an acting career.

“I still want to work alongside people I’ve looked up to over the years,” he said.

“Yes, there are bad ones out there that hide it, but not all of them are bad, and I can’t accuse them of being so.”

8 LIFE

Social media updates platforms with new features

TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net

DAVID SAN MIGUEL | Graphic Designer

If one were to list the most popular crazes of the 21st century, chances are social media would be a contender for first place.

More than 3 billion people around the world use social media, according

to a report from We Are Social and Hootsuite.

With this popularity, it seems likely each platform would bring new features to appeal to a wider audience.

Facebook users are familiar with using the Like button, a common staple of the site. In February 2016, their reaction options increased by five, with the worldwide release of the Love, Haha, Wow, Sad and Angry Reactions.

For the last two years, Snapchat has added multiple selfie lenses, which allow users to add unique designs to every selfie they take.

While some updates are seen as fun new features, others, such as Twitter increasing its tweet word count earlier this year, have received mixed reviews. Some people also discuss the rivalry between different platforms in trying to win over users by creating features similar to each other.

Nevertheless, social media is here to stay, and, even though every new feature does not receive universal praise, there is no denying the platforms are always finding new ways to become more unique.

How do updates affect your social media use?

CHASE EVANS - FRESHMAN

JULIE JOHNSON - JUNIOR

PEYTON TACKETT - JUNIOR

“I definitely start using it a lot more. I don’t think they make as big of a difference as people think, but you definitely notice them.”

“I don’t really use (social media) all that much. (For others), it probably is really significant to them, because they have more variety and can express themselves more.”

“It doesn’t affect my use personally, but, overall, everybody uses social media differently. I would say it’s made a moderate impact.”

JARRETT MCMEANS - FRESHMAN

SHONNA BROWDER - JUNIOR

LEXI CHANDLER - SOPHOMORE

“I don’t know if it affects everything in the long term, because, in order to keep attention focused on (social media), you have to continue to update it.”

“New (features) that are interesting make me use (their platforms) more.

They definitely compete with each others, and that makes consumers use them more.”

“It doesn’t affect my use, because it doesn’t really bother me, but a lot of people have expressed (opposition), like ‘don’t fix something that’s not broken.’”

Cody Campbell | Volunteer Photographer

Information compiled by TYLER HARGETT | Life Editor

9

LIFE 9

The Flor-Ala staff shares personal secrets TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net Like the others featured in the paper’s Uncovered Secrets series before, the current Flor-Ala staff has its own stories to share. Here are facts from five staff members.

1. Managing Editor Hannah Zimmer is ambidextrous.

Zimmer said she uses each hand for different tasks, including writing and throwing with her left and eating and batting with her right.

“When I was learning these skills as a child, I think I chose a random hand just to be difficult,” she said.

Zimmer said nobody in her immediate family is left-handed or ambidextrous.

“It’s definitely a conversation starter,” she said.

2. News Editor Ciera Golliver has a passion for rescuing stray animals.

“All animals are just looking for a lovely home and a family to love,” Golliver said. “I love any opportunity to be that family.”

Golliver said her passion for rescue started at the age of 14, when she took in two one-week-old kittens she found on the side of a road. The two cats, Dobby and Val, still reside with her.

While these are the only animals she has officially adopted, Golliver said she hopes to one day have a house

CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer

The Flor-Ala staff works every week to provide the UNA campus news, sports and life articles. Just like all other students on campus, each member has a personal secret to share. full of stray animals.

“Like people, sometimes, animals (that) have been through the most have the most to give,” she said.

Golliver said some members of her family also rescue stray animals.

3. Sports Editor Jacob Cole won a $5,000 writing contest when he was nine-years-old.

Cole entered the Briggs and Stratton writing contest in 2006 to win money for his Dixie Youth baseball program.

The contest required a three-page essay. Cole said he wrote about how a tornado had damaged his field and what needed to be done. “(The money) was used for upgrades to the field so we could play baseball without worry,” he said.

Cole said despite winning a prize pack that included sports apparel and four MLB tickets, he did not enter the contest for personal gain.

“I loved to write and wanted to help,” he said. “I was happy I was able to help my baseball program with things they desperately needed.”

4. Graphic Designer Dylan Baker played on a school tennis team that went to the state tournament each year.

Baker played from eighth to 12th grade at Douglas High School in Marshall County.

“I started in the lowest of positions and rose through the ranks as the years went on,” he said.

While his team never won at the

tournament, during his senior year, he and his doubles partner tied for third place in the two seed doubles category.

Baker said he has continued to play after high school, but not competitively.

5. Videographer Hillary Taylor was born without the ability to smell.

Taylor was born with congenital anosmia, which results in a lifelong inability to smell. It also affects her taste, making it impossible for her to differentiate between flavors.

“The closest thing I have to smelling is when I’m around strong chemicals, like Clorox, and I can feel a burning sensation in my nose, or maybe I’ll get a headache, but I don’t smell it,” she said.

She said she discovered her lack of smell while at a gas station at a young age.

“My sister pointed out the smell was strong, but I wasn’t affected,” she said. “I breathed in really hard through my nose, but nothing was changing.”

Despite this, Taylor said she compares her inability to smell to “a hidden superpower.”

“I can’t smell foul smells that everyone is complaining about all the time,” she said. “I do (also) believe my other senses are heightened.

I’ve always had exceptionally good eyesight and hearing.”

10 SPORTS Scoreboard

Nov. 11 - Dec. 2 Volleyball Nov. 11 vs. Miss. College Win, 3-0 Nov. 18 vs. Lee Win, 3-1 Nov. 19 vs. West Florida Loss, 3-0 Nov. 30 vs. Saint Leo

Men’s Basketball

Nov. 12 vs. Saint Leo Loss, 82-77 Nov. 16 vs. Oakwood Win, 76-75 Nov. 19 vs. Cumberland Win, 97-75 Nov. 20 vs. Carver Win, 95-77 Nov. 28 vs. Virgin Islands Nov. 30 at West Alabama Dec. 2 at Montevallo

Women’s Basketball Nov. 11 vs. Lynn Win, 93-81 Nov. 14 at Lane Win, 74-48 Nov. 20 at Kentucky St. Win, 71-44 Nov. 25 at Trevecca Naz. Win, 85-54 Nov. 30 at West Alabama Games continued at roarlions.com

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

North Alabama head coach Missy Tiber talks to a referee during the Lions’ win against Lee Jan. 19. Tiber is leading UNA to an early 5-0 record with two Gulf South Conference games in the coming week.

Tiber starts 5th year with Lions MACIE PIGG Staff Writer mpigg@una.edu After a five-win 2015-16 season, North Alabama head coach Missy Tiber bounced back with a 19-wins season last year.

Tiber is in her fifth season at UNA, and its her 26th season of coaching basketball at the college level. Tiber is in her 17th season as a head coach. She said the chance to help college students grow was a big part of coming to UNA. “I came to UNA because of the opportunity to coach and mentor young women at a terrific university,” Tiber said.

Tiber is from Bellaire, Ohio. She said her passion for the sport started at the age of nine.

Tiber is the youngest of six children and credits basketball for giving her the opportunity to attend college.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity and how college athletics has played such an important part in my life,” Tiber said. “It basically

has given me everything that I have, and I share this with my players and recruits.”

Having her team members value the opportunity they have been given is important to Tiber, she said. As a coach, she said her goal is to make sure her girls earn their degrees and then go on to have successful careers.

She said one of her greatest accomplishments is that every student athlete who has finished their eligibility playing for her has earned a degree.

“As a head coach, I take great pride in having the opportunity to mentor young women and to make a positive influence in their lives,” Tiber said.

As an assistant and head coach, Tiber has been a part of 10 championship teams and has coached many All-Conference and All-American players.

Tiber has made an impact on redshirt junior Savannah Stults.

Stults joined the team as a walk-on redshirt freshman in 2014.

Stults said it is because of Tiber that she is getting to live her dream

of playing college basketball.

“Coach Tiber gave me a chance,” Stults said. “She saw something in me that most people did not think I was capable of. She has pushed me since day one to be not only the best basketball player I can be, but also the best ‘me’ I can be.”

Stults said Tiber is a coach that will push and challenge her players to be the best they can be.

“She’s not just a basketball coach,” Stults said. “She’s someone who will do anything she can for her players and the people around her.”

For Tiber, she said UNA and the community around Florence have given her a steady place to live.

“I feel fortunate to call Florence home,” Tiber said.

Tiber and her team have a 5-0 record so far this season and will be back in action in their first Gulf South Conference game.

The Lions will face instate rival West Alabama Nov. 30 followed

by Montevallo on the road before coming back to Florence for two non conference games. The Lions will play against Lane University and

Soccer

SPORTS

11

Football finishes time in Division II Lions beat JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net North Alabama football will transition to Division I after a difficult season.

The Lions had large expectations coming into its last season in the Gulf South Conference with the team earning preseason first place honors.

Injuries derailed the Lions’ season, and first-year head coach Chris Willis said the season did not turn out like he wanted.

He said he is ready for the new challenge that Division I holds for his team and coaches.

“This win was a lot for the history of the program,” he said. “It’s not the season we wanted, by no means, but I’m not sure how we could have done much more with what we had. I’m proud of the way the team battled and proud to get these seniors a win.

Now, we can get ready to start a new adventure in Division I.” The Lions won their season finale 16-7 over Mississippi College to end the season 5-5 overall and 3-3 in GSC play.

For many UNA seniors, this was

their last game as Lions. Senior defensive tackle Freddie Reed said he was happy to finish his career with a win.

“To get a win like this in my last game is a great feeling,” Reed said.

“It was tough for our offense with all the injuries, so we had to weather the storm just like we’ve done all season.

We just had to execute and finish the game strong.”

The Lions began the season with three losses in four games. The beginning of the season doomed the Lions in the long run.

With a 1-3 overall record and a 1-2 GSC record, the Lions needed a boost.

UNA went 3-1 in the next four games to give the Lions a shot at the GSC title.

The Lions won three straight conference wins in the four-game span.

UNA made its record 4-4 overall and 4-2 in the GSC after the resurgence.

The Lions title hopes ended with a loss to West Florida and a West Alabama win in the same week.

UNA finished the year with a .500 record to avoid UNA’s first losing season since 2002 where the Lions went 4-7 under former coach Mark Hudspeth.

Willis said the feeling walking off the field for the last time brought up memories for him.

“It is bittersweet for me because I’ve spent 19 years in the GSC,” Willis said. “I think about all the great memories on this field. I remember coming here as a kid and watching one of the Division II championship games.”

UNA placed seven players on the All-GSC football team list.

The Lions had six players on the first-team All-GSC list with five of the selections coming on the defensive side of the ball.

Freshman Christon Taylor is a first-team linebacker, but also the GSC Defensive Freshman of the Year.

Taylor became the ninth player to receive GSC football freshman of the year honors and UNA’s eighth on defense.

Among the others selected were senior defensive lineman Freddie Reed, senior defensive back Maurice Carnell, junior defensive lineman Maurice Burton Jr. and junior defensive back Chris Johnson.

FOOTBALL | 12

CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer

Senior cornerback Maurice Carnell jumps up to secure an interception against Texas A&M-Commerce Sept. 1 in the season opening loss. The Lions finished the season with a 5-5 overall record and a 5-3 Gulf South Conference record in their last Division II season.

Choctaws in last DII game

CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net The Division II chapter for North Alabama football ended Nov. 10 with a win against Mississippi College.

The Lions will begin Division I play next season, but before the transition the Lions won one more game.

“There’s a lot of history right here in Braly Stadium,” said UNA head football coach Chris Willis. “This is for every single guy who came before us.”

The Lions played a defensive game by holding the Choctaws scoreless in the first half. The Choctaws scored late in the fourth quarter to put the game within reach at 13-7.

A field goal from Chandler Carrerra with two minutes left sealed the game for the Lions, with a ninepoint difference proving too much for the Choctaws.

“It’s great just to come off the field with a win,” Willis said. “I don’t care what the score is. A win is a win.”

This game ended UNA’s time in Division II, which included 17 conference titles and three national championships.

“Emotions were high,” Willis said.

“I’m proud of these guys.”

UNA finished this season with a 5-5 record. The Lions will play next season with no conference in preparation for the Big South Conference.

The Lions will travel to the Fargo Dome In North Dakota to face North Dakota State for the Lions’ first division I game.

Along with facing former five-time FCS national champion North Dakota State, UNA will play their former instate rival Alabama A&M for the first time since the Aggies moved to Division I. UNA football will lose 16 seniors to graduation, and the Lions will sign their first Division I signing class in February 2018.

Senior defensive tackle Freddie Reed said there is no better way to end his career.

“To get a win like this in my last game is a great feeling,” he said.

Senior wide receiver Dre Hall said ending his career with a win is special.

“It feels really good to leave on a win,” Hall said. “I’ve got great teammates and great coaches. I wouldn’t want to play with anyone else.”

12 SPORTS

Senior starts last season for Lions MACIE PIGG Staff Writer mpigg@una.edu The North Alabama men’s basketball team is starting the 201718 season with one experienced, fifthyear senior guard Jeff Hodge.

Hodge is playing after being a redshirt freshman his first season at UNA. The five feet 11 inch, 175-pound player is from Birmingham, where he played at Center Point High School before coming to UNA. Hodge graduated from Center Point in 2013 and helped lead his team to the state championship for the first time in school history. Along with that accomplishment, Hodges was named MVP of Jefferson County Tournament and was on the AllTournament team for State.

“I’ve been playing basketball since I was seven-years-old, and my father played ball, so it kind of made me want to follow behind him,” Hodge said.

Hodge said he overcame many obstacles, one being working hard to become a player that the coaches wanted to recruit. Injuries and grades plagued Hodges journey as well.

Head coach Bobby Champagne

gave Hodge an opportunity, and Hodge said when he visited UNA, he felt like it was the place for him to be.

Champagne said Hodge’s attitude, work ethic and selflessness is what stands out about him.

“Jeff is very mature,” Champagne said. “He represents our team, the university and his family in a very positive way both on and off the court.”

Hodge said he has always been a guard because of the size and that even if he was taller, he would still be a guard because of his ability to shoot.

Champagne said Hodge is the type of athlete coaches appreciate because he maximizes his talents.

“He has worked hard each offseason to eliminate his weaknesses and improve upon his strengths,” Champagne said.

Hodge is a sports management major. He said he likes to record music, play video games and hang out with his friends in his free time.

His plans after college are to play basketball overseas, start a recording label with his friends and continue building a clothing line he and his best friend started.

No matter what Hodge does after

college, he said he knows basketball has brought him friends for life.

“My favorite part of basketball is building a bond with people that I will know for the rest of my life,” Hodge said. “Everyone I’ve met because of ball are like brothers to me, and it means a lot.”

Hodge has led the Lions to an early 3-2 record in non conference play, with Gulf South Conference play looming for the Lions in the future.

The men’s basketball team had not played vs. Virgin Islands Nov. 28 before designs were printed for the upcoming paper.

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Senior Jeff Hodge throws the ball to a teammate in North Alabama’s loss to West Florida Feb. 16. Hodge enters his fifth year in a UNA uniform as a senior leader.

FOOTBALL, continued from page 11 Senior wide receiver Dre Hall was the Lions’ only offensive player chosen. It was Hall’s third AllGSC selection in four years at UNA including breaking multiple UNA receiving records.

Junior linebacker Joshua Amanfo was UNA’s lone second-team selection.

The Lions will open up at North Dakota State next year in its first season as a Division I FCS team.

The Lions will also face old rival

Alabama A&M next season with a host of other Division I schools on the schedule in the coming year.

Without a conference for 2018, the Lions will have to add more games to complete the schedule for next season.

The Lions will join the Big South Conference following next season’s schedule finishes.

UNA can start playing FBS teams in 2020, but until then UNA will play Western Illinois and more starting next season.

OPINION 13 Classes should start later to ensure success

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MONDAY SANDERSON MANAGING EDITOR H ANNAH ZIMMER NEWS EDITOR CIERA G OLLIVER LIFE EDITOR TYLER H ARGETT SPORTS EDITOR JACOB COLE SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR NATALIE B EE BUSINESS MANAGER KARA D UCKETT CIRCULATION MANAGER ALLEN CHILDERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS D YLAN B AKER D AVID SAN MIGUEL CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE H ODGES

HANNAH ZIMMER Managing Editor managing@florala.net Just because young adults tend to sleep late does not mean they are lazy.

Science proves that 18 to 24-year-olds require more sleep because they have different circadian rhythms, according to Everyday Health’s website.

A circadian rhythm is an eternal process often referred to as a body clock that tells people when to sleep, rise and eat.

Young adults need seven to nine hours of sleep every night, according to

VIDEOGRAPHER H ILLARY TAYLOR ADVISER S COTT MORRIS COVER PHOTO BY MELANIE H ODGES

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

Naturally, when students apply for classes, those scheduled at later times are usually full because few students prefer earlier classes.

By the time freshmen apply for classes they must choose what classes remain, which, more often than not, are the earliest classes available.

In the past, UNA officials have proven to be in the business of helping students succeed. Perhaps they should consider these proven facts, according to The Sleep Doctor.

Benefits to starting class later: • Sleep amounts rise.

• Young adults get better grades.

• Fewer students seek help from counselors and nurses.

• Sick days and tardiness decrease.

• Car accidents decrease.

Students should not feel guilty for taking naps or sleeping late. After all, it is our natural response. I implore campus officials to consider pushing first classes back to 9 a.m.

Even now, as we suffer sleep deprivation, the student body is successful in the classroom. Consider how much more successful we could be after a good night’s sleep.

Food choices too expensive for college students

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDREA B ELK CALEB COLE

The Flor-Ala is distributed biweekly on Thursdays at 70 locations on campus and off.

Everyday Health’s website. In addition, young people tend to stay up later because that is their natural response, according to The Sleep Doctor. Therefore, I propose classes start later to ensure students’ success.

To be considered a full-time student at UNA, one must take at least 12 credit hours. Even if a student only takes the minimum requirement, they are still facing hours of study time that push bedtimes back later and later.

Classes start as early as 7 a.m. at UNA. These early start-times can cause negative effects. In short term, a lack of adequate sleep can affect judgment, mood and ability to learn and retain information, according to Harvard’s medical website.

Furthermore, sleep deprivation is a common occurrence among young adults.

This condition occurs when people do not have at least seven hours of sleep. With the pressure of school, work and social lives, a good night’s rest is harder to achieve.

Collier Library stays open until 1 a.m. during weekdays, therefore UNA faculty members expect us to stay up late to study. Yet we still have classes starting at 7 a.m. Students need more time to sleep in between study-time and class-time.

CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net The stereotype associated with most college students is people working a minimum wage job living off of ramen noodles and McDonald’s because all of their money goes toward school. UNA Dining does not cater to these students.

Beginning fall 2016, UNA signed a new contract for their food provider. Chartwells, UNA’s current provider, gave UNA a better price and received the contract over longtime UNA partner, Sodexo.

Despite many students remaining unsatisfied with Sodexo, at least Sodexo understood that a college student lived off a quick grab and go pizza for $3. If someone

CONGRATULATIONS WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK!

was to look on campus two years later, they would not find such wallet-friendly options.

The average price of a meal on campus is $7. Students can expect to pay around $10 for an average meal portion and a drink from the majority of campus dining locations.

The cheapest options for food on campus are at 256 Burger, Einstein’s and Chickfil-A. These options are not considered cheap, but they are cheap in comparison to the other restaurants on campus aimed at the working middle class.

As a college student who eats on campus at least twice a day, I go through approximately $80 a week eating on campus. Because I work a minimum wage job, this takes up the majority of my check.

It is cheaper to walk to McDonald’s or Taco Bell and pay $5 for a decent size meal.

Why would a dining service catering to college students offer dining options the majority of students cannot afford to eat on a regular basis?

At UNA, the best option for paying for food is with a meal plan. The best value for student money is at Mane Market where students can eat a variety of options and have as many drink refills as they want for $10.

The meal plan with the best value

includes five meal swipes at Mane Market a week and $255 dining dollars. This option costs $835 a semester for a 15-week semester.

This puts students paying $55 a week for food on campus.

UNA Dining should not have so much of a monopoly over food options that students are almost required to buy a meal plan to save money. The university should offer dining options for students at every price range.

This is not a problem specific to college students. Food prices affect every department on campus because of catering contracts.

UNA Dining currently has a survey to receive student feedback on their dining options. This includes efficiency of specific dining locations and overall satisfaction with UNA Dining.

I encourage all students, faculty and staff to take this survey on UNA Dining options. Let UNA Dining know the group they are catering to is a group of college students. Remind them that students have a voice in how much money ends up in their pocket. We are not required to accept what we are given.

If someone is unhappy with UNA Dining, I highly recommend taking the food survey. I know I will.

Letters Policy

Letters to the editor should be emailed to editor@florala.net or mailed to: The Flor-Ala, UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632

CODY CAMPBELL

Letters must include name and telephone number for verification. Please limit

CALEB COLE

letters to 400 words. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

PHOTOS 14 PHOTOS

Capstone Projects MELANIE HODGES Chief Photographer photo@florala.net

While many spend this time of year focused on finals, those who are graduating in the fall are focused on capstone projects. Capstone projects are the final project some majors require in order to graduate. Students learn about their future careers while completing the projects.

Senior entertainment business major Tanner Lynn has spent the entire semester planning for his capstone project. Because Tanner is also part of the film department, he felt a natural choice for his project was to create a music video. Lynn chose to pair up with fellow senior entertainment business major Austin Motlow and create a music video for Motlow’s capstone project. Motlow’s project is a single

he created, recorded and produced himself.

From the beginning, Lynn said there was a ton of planning involved.

Though, he said the hardest part was was honing his vision for the video and finding the right balance between matching his creative vision with the artist’s ideas.

“It’s about knowing boundaries, knowing limits, knowing where to contribute, and knowing where to take a back seat,” Lynn said.

For students, these projects can be a valuable learning experience and a chance to finally get a taste of what their careers will be like. It gives them a chance to be creative and collaborate with their peers. Though these projects can be strenuous, for students like Lynn and Motlow, these projects give students an opportunity to build a portfolio and prepare for the future.

The show goes on Senior Tanner Lynn enlisted the help of classmates for his capstone project, filmed in Turbo Coffee. He said he prepared for the project all semester to get the details right.

Ray Bans and the man Lynn is one of many students working on the project required of seniors before they graduate. He decided to make a music video for senior Austin Motlow, who produced a song for his capstone project.

CALENDAR 15

Thurs., Nov. 30 What: Trumbauer Theatre Festival When: All day Where: Music Building/Norton/ GUC

Fri., Dec. 1 What: Trumbauer Theatre Festival When: All day Where: Music Building/Norton/ GUC

Sun., Dec. 3 What: A Sinfonian Celebration When: 6 p.m.

Where: Music Building 146

Tues., Dec. 5 What: A Night of Improv When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Music Building Recital Hall What: Open Mic Night When: 7 p.m.

Where: Singin’ River Brewing Co.

Wed., Dec. 6 What: Departmental Recital When: 12 p.m.

Where: Music Building

What: Gilmore Girls Trivia When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Singin’ River Brewing Co.

Thurs., Dec. 7 What: Study Day

What: Dead Day Concert When: 6 p.m.

Where: 116 E. Mobile St.

CALEB COLE| Staff Photographer

International student Raine Chen marks her hometown on a map of the world at the Passport to the World event Nov. 16 in the Guillot University Center Banquet Halls. This event was part of International Education Week Nov. 13-17.

Sun., Dec. 10

Thurs., Dec. 14

Tues., Dec. 19

What: Shoals Symphony: Agnus Dei When: 3 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

What: UNA’s Men Basketball vs.

Shorter When: 8 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

What: Ugly Sweater Run When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Singing River Brewing Co.

Thurs., Dec. 21 What: Cinema Sunday: ELF When: 3 p.m.

Where: Singin’ River Brewing Co.

Mon., Dec. 11 What: Semester Examinations

Fri., Dec. 8

What: Shoals LGBTQ+ Support Group When: 6 p.m.

Where: Shoals Diversity Center

What: First Day of Semester Examinations

Tues., Dec. 12 What: Semester Examinations

What: Florence Christmas Parade When: 7 p.m.

Where: Court Street

Sat., Dec. 9 What: UNA Men’s Basketball vs.

Martin Methodist When: 3 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

What: Beer & Carols When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Singin’ River Brewing Co.

Wed., Dec. 13 What: Last Day of Semester Examinations

What: Christmas Farmers Market When: 3 p.m.

Where: College Street

What: UNA Closes for Holiday Break

Thurs., Jan. 4 What: A Little (Holiday) Variety Show When: 8 p.m.

Where: 116 E Mobile St.

Sun., Dec. 17 What: Holiday Market When: 1 p.m.

Where: 116 East Mobile St.

What: Holiday Break Ends

Sat., Jan. 6 What: UNA Men’s Basketball vs.

Union When: 3 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

Mon., Jan. 8 What: Cinema Sunday: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation When: 3 p.m.

Where: Singin’ River Brewing Co.

Mon., Dec. 18 What: UNA Men’s Basketball vs.

Lee When: 8 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

What: UNA Men’s Basketball vs.

Christian Brothers When: 8 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

Wed., Jan. 10 What: Regular Classes Begin

Check una.edu for more events and activities.

16 SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

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