SOAR Paper Part 2

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News

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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Ever wonder where your student fees go? ;aLVMa <PZMM\ ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ

Students at UNA are not only required to pay for classes, books and possibly a dorm room, they are also required to pay several fees covering various activities and services available on campus. As of May 13, 2011, the total cost of fees

for a student enrolled in 12 hours was more than $500. For the estimated $500, a student gets a wide variety of services. Steve Smith, vice president of Business and Financial Affairs and Aleah Clark, bursar, explained what each fee a student pays for actually means. The fees are listed below in order of cost, from most expensive to least expensive.

Student Health Fee $50/semester. The Student Health Fee provides students with free access to the Bennett Infirmary. The infirmary provides students with access to healthcare, counseling and other services. In addition, the infirmary provides students with medicine at a low cost. Students who visit the infirmary do not have to file with their insurance.

Technology Fee $12/hour. The technology fee is what keeps online programs, like UNAPortal and ANGEL, up and running. Because of this fee, students can pay bills, register and view grades online. Students have access to several computer labs on campus, and Wi-Fi is provided across the entire campus with this fee. The technology fee was used to pay three to four staff members when proration set in, but it is not used to pay employees under normal circumstances.

photo by Malisa McClure

photo illustration by MorgueFile.com

Facilities Fee $10/hour. The facilities fee helps renew and replace buildings on campus. Because of this fee, the university was able to renovate Keller and Willingham halls last year. This fee allows the university to patch leaky roofs and fix other problems with buildings. This fee is constant, even if there are not current projects, in order to save money in case proration sets in. If proration does come about, the buildings at this university will not deteriorate because of the facilities fee. photo by Susan King photo by Phillip Holcombe

Student Recreation Fee $120/semester. The Student Recreation Center and the parking deck on campus are paid for with this fee. Because both facilities are fairly new, there is still debt on them. This fee repays the debt on the structures. The fee also pays for upkeep of the facilities, employees of the facilities and other operational costs like utility bills.

Transportation Fee $22/semester. The transportation fee provides students with vehicle registration, a parking decal and access to the UNA shuttle buses. These buses can take students to various places on campus and throughout the Florence area. The fee puts gas in the buses, and it pays the bus drivers.

photo by Barry Minor

Student Activity Fee Athletic Fee $12/hour. The athletic fee provides students with free admission to non-championship games, and at each game, the fee provides each student with one free concession item. This fee also provides the prizes, like iPods, iPads and T-shirts, that are given away at many games.

$25/semester. The Student Activity Fee provides students with activities and programs through University Program Council. UPC gets its budget through this fee. With this fee, UPC has provided concerts, programs, speakers and other activities free of charge to all students. Various organizations can also use money provided by this fee to host events open to all students free of charge.

photo by Ashton Lance

photo by Susan King

There are other fees, like the Distance Learning fee and special course fees, that students only have to pay if they are involved in classes that require these fees. These special fees pay for supplies that are necessary for the class the student is taking.

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SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Feature

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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Where should you live?

START

Take the quiz!

I don’t like being by myself. I need my friends too!

I want to be close to campus!

Please, I need my space!

I don’t care.

Definitely, gas is expensive!

That’s so me

No way! My pet is coming with me, no matter what!

Definitely, I’m not leaving them behind!

I need a big place to put all of my stuff!

Not really, just the bare minimum

I’m responsible enough to handle my own bills.

Oh yeah!

I don’t even have a pet! Oh yeah, I’m ready!

I’ve got to have my friends over whenever I want. It’s college! No rules!

I don’t mind visiting hours

Not even close.

I love working in the yard and around the house. It’s so much fun!

My friends and I stay up all night!

Oh yeah, that’s totally for me!

I’ll pass on that

Quiz compiled by Lauren Abroms and Owen Whitehurst

Dorms

For incoming freshman and transfer students, UNA offers residence halls, also known as dorms. UNA has added many new residence halls, as well as updated existing ones. Hawthorne, Covington, and Applebee East and West are the new dorms recently added. They include newer features such as communal cluster rooms, but are farther from campus and a bit more expensive. Rice and Rivers offer a more affordable alternative and are located next to Towers Cafeteria. Lagrange Hall is located near the parking deck and is also co-ed. Both Rice and Lagrange have computer labs which include both PCs and Macs. Lafayette Hall is reserved for leadership and honor students. All dorms have 24-hour security, free basic cable, broadband Internet access, and local phone service. Contact Residence Life for more information.

Apartments

If dorm life is not for you, Florence offers many apartment options. If you still need to be near campus, the university has on-campus apartments. For off-campus apartment choices, pick up an Apartment Guide that is available in numerous gas stations and stores around Florence, as well as the Shoals Chamber of Commerce (located at 20 Hightower Place). UNA’s housing webpage (www.una.edu/housing) also offers an off-campus apartment search guide. One way to find an apartment is to walk or drive around the campus area looking for apartment complexes that you like, as well as “For Rent” signs. Many of the larger houses that are located around UNA have been converted into apartments also. When thinking about renting an apartment, there are more considerations to keep in mind: length of the lease you are signing, what will the utilities cost and will costs (if any) be included in rent, restrictions on painting and decorating, and the landlord’s pet policy.

Houses

Rental houses are located around the Florence area, many of which are within walking distance from UNA. If you have a group of roommates in mind, this is a nice option to consider. The TimesDaily’s classified ads often have rental houses listed, but like apartments, one of the easiest ways to locate one is to drive around town and look for signs. When renting a house, at least one roommate will have to pass a credit check, so find a financially responsible person to be included as one of your possible roomates. As with apartments, check landlord restrictions on decorating and pets. Also check lease lengths and whether your landlord will write separate leases for each roommate or one lease for everyone. Unlike apartments, you and your roomates will be responsible for yard work, so either invest in a lawnmower or find a mowing service.

Brink Apartments Florendale Apartments Hensley Properties Humphries Properties Lions Gate (UNA) Lions Place Time Rhodes Properties University Housing 766-8387 766-1823 764-0731 766-9064 765-4124 335-5541 764-3137 765-4124

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SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

News

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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Meet the SGA executive officers SGA, a year in review Uchenna Akalonu

Emily McCann

Will Riley

photo by Kayla Sloan

SGA hosted its first-ever Fountain 5k this year. The run started and ended at Harrison Plaza’s fountain. The goal of the run was to raise money for SGA’s endowed scholarship.

President of SGA

Vice President of Senate

Vice President of SGA for University Program Council

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria

Hometown: Muscle Shoals

Hometown: Tuscumbia

SGA Experience: -SGA Vice-President of Senate -SGA Senate Pro-Tempore -SGA Sec. for International Affairs -SGA Senator

SGA Experience: -Freshman Forum Member -SGA Secretary

SGA Experience: -Freshman Forum Member -Live Acts Comittee (UPC) -PR Chair, UPC

Campus Involvement: -Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. -African Student Organization

Campus Involvement: -SOAR Counselor -Lagrange Society Member -Vice president College Republ icans

Campus Involvement: -SOAR Counselor -Lagrange Society Member -Student Conduct Board Member

“Increase SGA awareness, reach out to UNA student body more to solve the problems they face.”

“I would like to see every greek organization, college and RSO have a seat in Senate.”

“I want to be able to program more sucessful and larger events.”

Rachel Gandy

John Ledgewood

photo by Phillip Holcombe

Higher Ed Day was on SGA’s agenda this past year. SGA sent students to Montgomery to rally for lower tuition rates at the State House.

The branches of SGA: - Legislative - SGA Senate - UPC - Freshman Forum

photo by Ashton Lance

SGA was involved in state political races last fall. They invited Governor Robert Bentley and gubernatorial candidate Ron Sparks to campus to speak to students.

SGA Secretary

SGA Treasurer

Hometown: Tuskegee

Hometown: Florence

SGA Experience: -Freshman Forum Member -Freshman Forum Secretary

SGA Experience: -Past SGA Treasurer -UPC delegate

Campus Involvement: -Resident Asistant -Member, Ascending Voices -Presidential Mentor’s Academy

Campus Involvement: -Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity

“My vision for SGA this year is to make students aware that they are the voice, and their voice matters in all of SGA endeavors.”

“[My goal is] to help fundraise the SGA endowed scholarship.”

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SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

News

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Another fee, more food options in the GUC

photo by Malisa McClure

The GUC is one of the many places Lion Loot is accepted. A new $75 fee will be charged in the fall to students for them to use at on-campus eateries such as the GUC food court, Towers Cafeteria and the Smart Market Convenience Store.

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To help support new food concepts at UNA, all full-time, non-meal plan students will soon be charged a $75 declining balance on their MANE cards each semester as the university works to bring more restaurants to campus. The $75 charge breaks down to students spending $5 per week, or $1 per day, on campus dining over a 15-week semester period. Alan Kinkead, general manager of Sodexo Dining Services, said the decision to implement the $75 charge was made after

numerous surveys, focus groups and meetings were organized or distributed. “The results showed that UNA was very interested in becoming a bigger, better school and that people expect a lot and are excited about bringing new brands and foods to campus,” he said. “Everybody demands so much more, but we need the support in order to propel the university to a whole new level.” Kinkead said the $75 charge will apply to full-time students only and will aid the university in its vision to offer more diverse food options in the future. Einstein Bagels will take the place of Jazzman’s Café in the

fall, alongside the addition of Moe’s Southwest Grill next spring in the GUC Atrium. The charge will also go toward supporting new restaurants in the Academic Center and Student Commons, which is a part of UNA’s new master plan and is expected to begin construction next year. Kinkead said Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks and Frostbite are lined up to come to UNA in late 2012. Other state universities require nonmeal plan students to pay similar charges in order to sustain campus growth, according to David Shields, vice president of student affairs. The University of Alabama and Auburn University both require off-campus, non-meal plan students to pay a minimum $300 toward dining, while students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham must pay a $225 charge. “I think it’s a good idea for me because I’m already paying money for food on campus anyway, but I don’t know that it should be so forced,” said UNA sophomore Katie Birth, an off-campus student who spends at least $10-15 per week on campus dining. “If you’re living on campus or are a fulltime student, it’s not that big of a deal, but if you’re a non-traditional student, I just don’t think that’s fair.” Students will be charged $75 each semester beginning in the fall, and can use the declining balance card like cash or a debit card at any campus restaurant or vending machine. Funds that are left on a MANE card will automatically roll over to the next semester, officials said. Officials have not yet determined whether distance learning students will be required to pay the charge. Shields said the university will work to make more campus dining options available at night for stu-

dents who attend evening classes after the charge is implemented. “Food service providers come to universities today not inclined to add new things, and need to help retain their investment,” Shields said. “Students expect and deserve new things on campus, but food services expect business. Like anything we do, it’s not free. The benefits that are coming and the sense of community that will be developed outweigh the negative of paying the 75 bucks.” Shields and Dr. W. Stephen Smith, vice president of Business and Financial Affairs, hope the new dining additions throughout the next two years will help to ease parking issues on campus, as students will be less likely to leave the university for lunch or dinner and lose their parking spot in the process. “I like the idea that the $75 charge is bringing more restaurants on campus,” said Patrick O’Kelley, a UNA freshman who does not have a meal plan. “If they could find a way to determine who would benefit the most from it, then they could charge it to them. I don’t normally eat on campus, but if I am going to be charged $75, I would.” UNA and Sodexo will meet at the Board of Trustees meeting in June to discuss the $75 charge further and determine final details about the declining balance. Smith said students will likely have mixed feelings about the charge but that UNA will continue to push its food service provider to be more current and modern for students. “If you look at how UNA was and how it is now, you will see more change on campus in the next five years than you have in the last 20 years,” Smith said.

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SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Theater construction set to be complete soon Performance space will provide new seating arrangements, staging, opportunities for students ;QWJPIV /MPZ[ ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ

Construction for a black box theater on the corner of Seminary and Irvine is set to be completed by February of next year. The theater will be home to a variety of productions as students leave Norton Auditorium to enhance their studies. “I want it to be a safe environment for students to explore their craft,” said theater professor Dr. David Ruebhausen. He said that it’s important for students to feel secure during the early phases of their training.

photo by Phillip Holcombe

UNA’s new theater will house a new performance space with the ability to change the audience and the staging arrangements.

The department has set plans to have student one acts in April to test out the new facility. The first large production to take place in the black box will be during summer 2012. The production is currently projected to be “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Ruebhausen said that it will be directed by a twice-nominated Tony director and may feature a well-known Hollywood actress. Both names have yet to be released as the department is currently working on the final details. Ruebhausen said that in 1996, when he

first started to work at UNA, he had considered moving his department to the Shoals Theater, but the cost of renovation was out of the budget. During the next 10 years, he looked at dozens of locations in the Shoals area. He decided that it would be best to add on to Norton Auditorium to avoid duplicating necessary equipment that was already available. UNA President Dr. William Cale is committed to the development of the new theater, said Ruebhausen. He said Cale has an appreciation for the arts and the academics that theater classes offer. “We are so thankful to him,” said Ruebhausen. The main classes that will use the black box are acting, directing and movement. With other events taking place in Norton, the scheduled classes are often interrupted. The new theater will allow the students to focus primarily on their skills without disruption. Several other students will be able to put their knowledge into practice photo by Phillip Holcombe such as those in the lighting class. Construction has closed down the westbound lane of Irvine Street behind Norton AuditoAuditorium Technical Adviser Alice rium. The new venue will take up the area behind Norton Auditorium between the auditoGross and her student employees are rium and Irvine Street. responsible for the lighting and other the actors. ductions departments. aspects of stage preparation at Norton. “This past spring we did three shows Harlan said he is excited about the new Once the black box is open, Gross will where the audience was on stage with us,” opportunities that the black box theater will assist in the beginning but the theater stu- Harlan said. “It was a little nerve-racking bring to the department. dents will later be in control. at first having people right there, but it was “I want it to be our home,” Ruebhausen The size of Norton Auditorium requires cool.” the students to shout their lines and to overMultiple other seating arrangements ”Itʼs the piece that has been missact to allow the full room to understand the will be used. Ruebhausen said it will help play. “Norton isn’t built for our type of per- the students be better prepared in their ing from the department.” formance,” said junior theater major For- training for when they graduate. rest Harlan. -Dr. David Reubhausen Norton will still be used for large muThe new theater will have multiple sical or Shakespearean productions. Ruebseating arrangements based on the type of hausen said hopefully the theater depart- said. “It’s the piece that has been missing play and will reduce the need to overact. ment will expand to crossovers with both from the department.” The seating could be set for a thrust the musical and film and digital media prostage in which the audience is on stage with

Have a Twitter account? Follow us on Twitter at @UNAFlorAla for breaking news and updates about UNA! Like us on Facebook for updates about campus events, and what’s going on in the Shoals.

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Art exhibits

campus tour: UNA’s unique offerings

photo by Shannon Wells

The UNA Department of Art hosts numerous student and faculty art shows throughout the year. Many graduating seniors have their own exhibits displayed each semester.

Recording Studio

Bibb Graves Hall

photo by Susan King

Students Luke Johnson and Ben Skipworth work in the recording studio at UNA in fall 2010. The Department of Entertainment Industry provides the studio space to students who have completed the survey of audio recording course.

photo by Ashton Lance

Ghosts on Campus

Many students dread taking classes in Bibb Graves because of the steep climb up three flights of stairs.

Free Flu Shots

photo by Kayla Sloan photo by Malisa McClure

The UNA Health and Wellness Center offers free flu vaccinations to any student who has paid the $50 health fee. In addition to flu shots, registered nurses also offer vaccines for sexually transmitted diseases.

Rumor has it that a confederate general’s son drowned in Cypress Creek while the army was occupying Wesleyan Hall. Over the years, people have reported seeing wet footprints on the carpet and the elevator running by itself at night.

Feature

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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Culinary Arts

Too Much Junk in the Trunk

photo by Kayla Sloan

Students take part in the 2011 Too Much Junk in the Trunk event. The event is a canned food drive where organizations compete to gather the most cans.

photo by Malisa McClure

The culinary arts program, which was formed in 2007, allows students to work in a state-of-the-art kitchen to gain experience while earning a four-year degree.

Game Room

Musical Instruments

photo by Phillip Holcombe

The new game room in the Guillot University Center now offers free access to students who present their MANE card. Video games, ping pong and pool tables are available for use. photo by Kayla Sloan

The Department of Music has an open room with musical instruments for students to use in their free time.

Campus Police

Student Recreation Center

photo by Kayla Sloan

UNA Police give students two weeks to adjust to parking on campus before issuing tickets. If you are a commuter student, park in the white lines, and if you live on campus, park in the red lines to avoid getting a ticket. Don’t assume that taking your decal off and parking in a visitor’s spot won’t get noticed.

photo by Barry Minor

The SRC at UNA offers a number of fitness activities for students, including weight lifting, group exercises, outdoor trips, yoga classes and intramural sports.

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Local

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Places to see, places to be in downtown Florence )TM` 4QVLTMa 2IZML 5K+Wa ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ[

The Route of Art Gallery 218 N. Court St. This upstairs loft looking right over Court Street opened its doors in the fall of 2010 and has since become an artistic hub for the community. If you are an artist, art collector or a supporter of the arts, the Route of Art is the place to go in Florence. The gallery collects and sells artwork from the wide diversity of Shoals area artists, as well as works from outside the Southeast. The art offered is diverse itself, ranging from paintings to sculptures to jewelry to combinations of the different media. Aside from its art wares, the Route of Art also lends itself to special interest groups such as a yoga class and a poetry reading group. The Route of Art’s hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Pegasus records offers a huge collection of CDs, DVDS, and vinyl records.

Pegasus Records 612 E. Tennessee St. As you enter Downtown Florence from Florence Boulevard, one of the very first buildings to catch the eye is the legendary Pegasus Records. Music lovers, this is the one-stop shop for music in the area. Whether you have a taste for Waylon Jennings or Pink Floyd, Snoop Dogg or Beethoven, this place has what you’re looking for. This staple of the Shoals area has been part of Downtown Florence for 30 years now, according to its Facebook page. Its massive music collection includes new and used CDs and LPs with an impressive selection to satisfy any vinyl enthusiast. Also, as a supporter of local artists,

Pegasus sells the music of undiscovered talent and occasionally will host in-store performances by local bands. Pegasus Records is open from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rivertown Coffee 117 Seminary St. There is a jumbled stack of chairs, each one barely balancing on the one below it, in a corner at Rivertown Coffee Co. that truly illustrates the coffee shop’s bohemian atmosphere. It’s hard to tell if the chairs are art or just a convenient place to store extra furniture, but it photos by Malisa McClure doesn’t Luke Phillips and other students attend a local poetry reading at the Route of Art. matter; it looks unique business in downtown Florence. the game section. The Smokehouse has cool either The Asian grocery and gift store offers a enough way. wide selection of Asian products for UNA pool Riverstudents and the Shoals community. tables town is a For the adventurous UNA student, Orito keep favorite ental Pearl offers exotic selections such as even the for UNA Hwang Ryh Shiong, fermented bean curd, biggest students Luscious Soy Paste and canned ChrysanFriday because Ashton Lance at Rivertown themum tea. All of these products offer night it has tastes the average UNA student has never billiards the quintessential college atmosphere, experienced, and college is all about trying crowd complete with hipsters, java heads and new things, right? happy. students. One must-try staple for college stuStuThe shop offers the typical coffee shop dents at Oriental Pearl is Sapporo Ichiban, dents can spread (coffee, lattes, frappes, mochas, otherwise known as legit Ramen. These expect teas and sodas) along with lunch weekprepackaged Japanese noodles are the real a wide days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The prices are deal—the legendary forefather of Ramen display on par with most other coffee shops, but noodles. of live UNA students get 10 percent off all coffee UNA students looking for Asian Smokehouse Billiards and music on drinks with their Mane cards. Grille on Tennessee Streets weekend groceries or to try something new can The music changes, but students can check out Oriental Pearl 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. nights. typically expect something they’ve never Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and According to J.J. Jennings, the new owner heard—from ambient folk techno to Saturday. The store is closed Sunday and of the Smokehouse, the venue looks for all dub-step remixes of ‘80s hits to live, local Wednesday. genres of live music, from rock to reggae music. Along with a wide array of music, to rap. Rivertown uses the blank space on its The Smokehouse Jennings encourages UNA students to heavily decorated walls as an art venue, 118 E. Tennessee St. hang out at the Smokehouse with free pool displaying the work of local artists. for students every Sunday and various colRivertown is open from 7 a.m. to 11 A typical venture through the doors of lege nights. Watch out for upcoming Mane p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. the Smokehouse meets UNA students with card specials, too. Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday and is “The Ace of Spades� blasting over the raThe Smokehouse offers burgers, beer closed on Sunday. dio, slicing through the dim haze hovering and billiards 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Mondayover neon signs and pool tables. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Oriental Pearl UNA students of age can enjoy the Saturday, and is closed on Sunday. 111 E. Tennessee St. well-stocked bar, but anyone can appreciate the Smokehouse’s low-priced bar Oriental Pearl is possibly the most food. Behind the bar and seating area is

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Finding something interesting to do on a Friday night in Florence can be difficult for newcomers. This is why going to First Fridays is a unique option for everyone who is new to Florence or UNA. First Fridays is an event held in Downtown Florence on the first Friday of every month. Local vendors come from all over and line the streets, selling their handmade goods. There are also all kinds of bands playing. One of these bands—which has played at First Fridays over 10 times—is Planet Ink. According to lead guitarist James Sherrill,

the band describes itself as “heavy funk, or Motorhead meets James Brown� and loves playing at the event. “This event is a great way to reach a new audience,� said Sherill. “We love going to the festival. We always end up buying all kinds of food and art. I always come out of there with some kind of banana or zucchini bread. It’s such a unique thing; you never know what you’ll find.� Besides bands and shopping, there are also various performances going on, like hula-hooping and belly dancing. A belly dancing enthusiast, Linda Folkerts, absolutely loves performing at First Fridays. She dances with the Rainbow Dancers, who have been in Florence for 20 years. Folkerts

photo by Malisa McClure

First Fridays downtown offers student entertainment remembers the first time she saw a belly dancer at First Fridays. “I love the diversity and variety of things going on all at once during First Fridays,� said Folkerts. “I come here anytime I want to feel spontaneous and in the moment.� UNA junior Cody Cabaniss has been going to First Fridays since its earlier days. He thinks that the festival gives students the opportunity to get to know other students. “It’s a great way for students to get to know the downtown area,� said Cabaniss. “It gives students something to do in a town that doesn’t offer much for college students. I have so much fun walking around downtown and listening to music. I think that everyone should go at least once.� Michael Carter beasting a saxophone.

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Spring Concert

photo by Ashton Lance

UPC organizes a music festival each spring. This year’s headliners were Lee Brice (above) and Gloriana.

Miss UNA

Life UNA Traditions: What students have to look forward to all year long on campus Homecoming

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Step Show

photo by Susan King

In the fall, Greek and non-Greek student organizations show off their best dance moves during Step Show.

Step Sing

photo by Ashton Lance

photo by Malisa McClure

Student Brandi Lewis (above) takes the Miss UNA crown in January.

UNA mascots Leo and Una gear up for the 2010 Homecoming festivities last October. During Homecoming week, students get to take part in a variety of activities.

photo by Susan King

Like Step Show, Step Sing involves various student organizations who choreograph songs to help benefit United Way of the Shoals.

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Life

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SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Fearsome 15 can slow new students down 3IQ\TQV +PIXXMTT

college presents. “You have to make wise choices in Towers and in the GUC,” she said. “Also, getting a trainer from the Student Recreation Center is encouraging. They help if you want to lose weight or just maintain where you are. They also encourage you to keep a food journal to track your progress.”

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The dreaded freshman 15 is a nationwide epidemic among college students. With changes in diet, sleep patterns and daily schedules, it is easy to get off track on healthy eating habits. “College is a critical time for people to create good or not good eating habits,” said Sherrie Delinsky, a psychologist and eating disorders expert at McLean Hospital. Towers Cafeteria is an all-youcan-eat dining service that offers fries, pizza and ice cream. However, students can make healthy choices by eating deli sandwichs or salads from the other side of the cafeteria. Also, the Guillot University Center offers Pizza Hut, Rice Box, A&W, the Sandwich Shop, salads, cereal and yogurt. With all these choices, it is possible to make a healthy decision. Senior UNA student Jeff Bolger gives freshmen advice on preventing the freshman 15. He suggests working out regularly, refraining from consuming food four hours before sleep and eating 30 minutes after waking up. Junior UNA student Betsi Boutwell is a resident assistant on campus and is accustomed to the stressful situations that

Ways to Beat the Fifteen • • • • • •

Don’t eat before sleep Exercise Get plenty of sleep Take the stairs Develop a healthy routine Stay stress free College often presents stressful situations, which can cause students to eat more to calm themselves. Also, many students stay up late studying for tests and eating junk food to stay awake. Caloric intake, along with an unhealthy lack of sleep, causes weight gain. Weight gain can also be blamed on a large amount of

alcohol intake. Having a schedule for each day helps students to keep routine eating habits. Also, waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends, regulates the body and the mind. Cramming the night before a test can lead to a lack of sleep, making students less likely to retain information. Sophomore Katie McGill said that stress is a big factor in the freshman 15. “When I get stressed out about a test or about anything in general, I tend to eat more,” she said. Some tips for beating the freshman 15 are: find something that relieves stress for you, make time to exercise each day, get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and make healthy decisions on a daily basis. College presents new experiences, but gaining weight does photo illustration by Kayla Sloan not have to be one of them. A student takes the stairs in Bibb Graves Hall.

Every human being is the author of his own health or disease - Buddha

Preparing for college: essential to health )VLa <PQOXMV 4QNM -LQ\WZ

College is a special time filled with brand new adventures, long nights, cups of coffee, self-identification and diseases. Make sure to be

prepared for college by having all the right supplies and health records so that you can take care of yourself past the appointment at the Bennett Infirmary. Be prepared. It’s for your health.

Bennett Infirmary 501 Circular Rd. Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Healthcare Checklist • • • • • • • •

Thurs: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. photo by Malisa McClure

Student Carmen Timmons checks in for care at the Bennett Infirmary.

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• • • •

Basic first aid kit Antibacterial wipes Lysol spray for room Extra toothbrushes Tissues Flip-flops or other “shower shoes” Digital Thermometer Over the counter meds such as: Tylenol, ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines, antibiotic ointment/ creams, and hydrocortisone cream. Immunization records: UNA does not require immunization records. We do recommend the Meningo coccal vaccine, Hepatitis B series, and a booster of Tetanus, diph theria, and pertussis if indicated. List of any current medications with dosages. List of any allergies to medica tions or foods. List of any past medical problems/ surgeries/hospitalizations. Proof of health insurance, have the insurance card with you. Know what type of plan it is, what is cov ered, and how to file claims (List provided by Patty Bergeron, clinical nurse.)

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Rockin’ Out

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Muscle Shoals music still alive and kickin’ They don’t call it the Singing River for nothin’

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ricting to it too const ne genre.” o write from also insted d la e n b b a e b ri b e sc h e to T d t Pitts on In trying to d, words ers mean indows down th a n des N an anjo and w u lu e c so th s h r’ it a e w .A als, b The B nglasses on guitar, voc en Tanner die and B like folk, in -Americana- and su range of moods l, e e st d pedal y whole o g s, piano an s pop-countr t-not-the rd le a y o b st y l e a c k si n k u o u c m -b in d M finbluegrass umford-and- an ssion, Kyle ercusear and de u B rc e e h p T M rto o p r in s and Avettsrd—even fo ler on drum n Stedman to dominate ing it is ha mbers. e Sons tend t on really B d e sion, an u the band m urray, lead the mind. B he Bear, d “extra M r e b on bass an claps.” T m A to g o in n n e ia list not ar and p ial hand confused k singer, guit iving it one spec sure to catch a and in the ls, there’s g e id B be at player, sa too easy. of genre la way to dein Florence Riverst w ju o is sh t e u c m a ra n s, no cle ecord ly y to do Pegasus R Co. or other y are simp “We just tr ach fine it. The e ff r o fo C ee what’s best urray. “We town enues. their own. and’s first, M local v song,” said cord an On the b e re th , to try lbum self-titled a s in extremes don’t sound; it’d make ll e g ra n e v ra o sound t hit like a a th s g n so with

photo courtes Rosedale chu y of Andy Keen rns out southe um rn-psych-rock out of the Sout born straight h.

Rosedale

A brand new ba with some famili nd Keith Richards and ar the Allman Broth faces, Rosedale er was as some of his m s born straight out ajor influences. He is of Muscle Shoals also ’ co mpletely in love history and soun d. with the blues an What could best d all be th ings southern. described as psyc he“I just love the delic rock filled with raw emotion in th the spirit of the bl e ues, blues and Rosedale’s soun how univerd is sal it is,” said Sm guaranteed to ca art. use a “T he fact that Sout good time everyw hhere ern Amer ica created it goes. this phenomenon Billy Smart, a that is heard all over th Huntsville nativ e e and world is amazin the guitarist and g.” singWith the release er for Rosedale, cites of their first albu m

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“Woogie Boogie” in June, Rosedal e is making its nam e known. The band is comprised of Bill y Smart and Heath Simmons on vocals and guitar, Jacob Lo vell on bass and voca ls and Trent Owen on drums. Be su re to check them ou t at venues like Th e Smokehouse, Big Ed’s, La Fonda’s an others in the area d .

Ignite the Skies photo courtesy of Ignite the Ski delivers a soul-c es rushing sound tars and a kille with screaming r beat. guiurtesy photo co

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ls. scle Shoa nd of Mu u so e th ing re redefin lia Devil a o n g a M y and Doc Daile

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il v e D a i l o n g s,” in Old Friend ey and Ma

and and Doc Dailey set country r, t e o b n to e c ’r O e “W people evil have for country Magnolia D at’s to come ste of som h g ta u a o t n e e g o h T d, ’ roll a tone for w ctions. thern soun not rock ‘n people,” u o d n S a e in ri u st n ge k furwith no re mbers ugh for roc ople like need to go nd o n o e n ’s e re m e th a . “Pe Band , Jon oc Dailey said Dailey e all know Doc Dailey , Kyle ther than D vil. Dailey e d w lu c d n in a e boxes rk out Stedman Magnolia D and raised doesn’t wo Berry, Ben athan Pitts and st ju rn o t a b th n e e N has has b ” Minckler, Be sure to ls area, and sometimes. is concerned g. in in the Shoa ced by all the K n y sa e ing , Su n If Dail x e o u b fl a in shows com f n o e in e t e r m u b u o o so p g h in tc rd y a a a c ut st as he . music he h the South. All abo ouldn’t be. With the up this fall sh ss t e ro rs h c fi ’s d ln a ra from a b tu the ations na release of mies, those inspir e ambiguity ictims, Ene V “ , m m u so lb a se u a ly c nd. in their sou By Life Editor Andy Thigpen

Ignite the Skies

Florence, despite for their metal co its roots in blues ver hanging out with and of Lady G the aga’s “Pasoul, has develope crowd is great.” d a parazzi.” thriving metal scen Ignite the Skies e. With the demo One of the sevfe at ures Chad fo r a new album eral up-and-comin Etheridge and Dyl g co m in an g out soon, bands is Ignite th Weber on guitars e Ignite the Skies is , Skies. Luke Oliver on climbing in local Ignite the Skies, vo cals, Wes Bevis on popularity. now having played ba ss , Alan Hensley Chad Etheridge, just over a year, on drums and ocgu ita rist, feels the has a sound that is casional screamin energy at the show g straight metal and s. vo cals by Roxanne “T he best part is hardcore with a Bowles. watching everyone splash of Lamb of Check out Ignite jump around an ge God and Slipknot t the Skies next fall for into the mus ic,” said at venu a deep gory color. es like The Etheridge. “The The darkness mak Smokehouse and es en er gy you get from it perfect, however Seven-Points Soun , playing and just d.

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Life

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Shoals celebrates 30th annual W.C. Handy Music Festival sented by the Music Preservation Society Inc., lasting approximately 10 days during the last week of July. It is presented and celebrated by three counties in the northern peak of Alabama. This will be the 30th annual festival that commemorates William Christopher Handy, the famous Shoals composer and musician who lived from 18731958, more commonly referred to as the “Father of the Blues.� His legacy has become a major landmark and memorial in North Alabama. “The festival brings musician to the Shoals and draws in a combination of musicians and music,� said Nancy Gonce, head of the festival offices. Gonce suggested that many of the photo by Luisa Oswalt events of the festival Brandon Archer of Johnny Law Justice rocking out at The Trowill be as they were jan House during Handy Festival last year. in the past, with live bands performing *ZIVLWV )VLMZ[WV near restaurants, parks, churches, stores and ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ other locations that will last from morning to night for 10 days. In the past, there have been a number of 2011 is designated as the Year of the Alabama Music. There is no better way headliners known nationally, regionally and for the Shoals community to celebrate the locally to the community including Dizzy occasion than with the W.C. Handy Music Gillespie, Ellis Marsalis, Ramsey Lewis, Bobby Blue Bland, Taylor Trio, the Great Festival on July 22-31. The W.C. Handy Music Festival has Guitars and more. At present, Gonce waits been held annually since 1982, first pre- for contracts to be received before she is

able to give names of artists and bands that may appear for entertainment in the Shoals. There will be a wide variety from 300 activities for tourists and locals that involve areas other than music. Some of these include events that have been done similarly in the past such as car shows, art exhibits, theaters and recreational activities as well that include the Century Bike Ride, golf and fishing tournaments, a five kilometer race known as the Da Doo Run Run, a one mile run and walk and more. There are other events that may be available at the festival as well that are designed for child entertainment such as the ABC’s of Jazz and the Musical Jazz Spelling Bee. Another unique event to take place this year will be a special educational program called “Making Music with Trash� where kids will be exposed to how to make instruments out of recyclable objects The festival has grown increasingly famous over the years through the recognition of different organizations rating tourist attractions and awarding festivals and events.

Some of these accolades include recognition in the Top 20 Event in the Southeast by Southeast Tourism Society every year since 1986, Top 10 Event in Alabama by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, a featured site on the National Geographic, one of the 50 must-see festivals in Alabama this year, and one of the top 100 events in North America by the American Bus Association. One representative of the American Bus Association noted how the festival is effective in bringing in tourists and the importance of visiting attractions in America today. “The attractiveness of the W.C. Handy Music Festival as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such distinction for the Shoals,� said ABA’s president and CEO Peter J. Pantuso. “The real news here is that the W.C. Handy Music Festival has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy.�

photo by Doug Richardson

The Midnighters get funky on the North Court Street median.

Famous actors to perform in summer theater program 4]Ka *MZZa )VLa <PQOXMV

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The UNA Department of Music and Theater is featuring several well-seasoned actors and designers who will be taking part in Arthur Miller’s timeless play “Death of a Salesman� as a part of the summer theater program June 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and June 26 at 2 p.m. The play promises to be an event that is not to be missed, as the actors are well-established in their fields and will be taking on the daunting task of performing Miller’s well-known play. “We have made a decision and commitment to present a series of productions that come from the canon of American theater,� said Charlton James, assistant theater professor. “People should come out and support this play to show that they care and that they want to have the experience that only theater can give.� “Death of a Salesman� won the Pulitzer Prize in 1949 and focuses on the demise of lost and confused character Willy Loman.

Myk Watford, a Russellville native, will serve as the director of the play. His roles in movies such as “Spiderman,� “No Country for Old Men,� and “The Hoax,� along with television shows like “Private Practice,� “Justified� and “The Closer� have solidified his acting career. Playing the deluded Willy Loman is actor Paul Hebron. Hebron has been an actor at the widely known Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Denver Center Theater Company and Quintessence Theater Group. Connie Cooper, an courtesy of Amazon.com actress most famous for The cover of Arthur Miller’s 1949 clas- her roles in “Friday Night sic “Death of a Salesman.� Lights,� “Miss Congeniality,� and “Field of Dreams,� Loman is a 63-year-old traveling salesman who struggles with will be playing Linda Loman, situations in his life, his failing Willy’s consoling wife. Cooper job and his adult sons’ undeter- has also been featured in “Walker, Texas Ranger� and “Criminal mined futures. As the story progresses, Lo- Minds.� For additional information, man’s physical and mental health slowly decline with the weak re- contact the Department of Music lationships he has with his family. and Theater at 256-765-4375.

2010-2011 UNA Theater

photos by Susan King

Performance of “Psycho Beach Party� on Nov. 4-6, 11-13, 2010. Chicklet, a 1960s surfer girl, starts running with a crowd of surf bums who feel all the sides of her multiple personalities.

UNA students perform “Doubt� on March 17-19. After a priest is accused of molesting a student, the head nun’s doubt causes division in the parish. A performance of “Master Harold and the Boys� on Feb. 24-26. Set in South Africa, it is a powerful look at racial relations during the apartheid period.

Life

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Advice for freshmen from graduating seniors Should I go to class? Yeah I’d go to class. When it comes down to it, I liked going to class more than sitting in my room studying.

Chase Mitchell Professional Biology major

What should I do with my free time?

How much fun can I have in Florence? There are tons of things to do in Florence. You can go camping and kayaking. There’s a lot of free or inexpensive concerts in Florence.

We took to partying when I was a fresh man. I stayed gone all the time.

How much sleep do I really need?

How much sleep do I really need?

Six hours of sleep. When you’re younger, I feel like you can go with less sleep. Plus your class es aren’t too hard so you can sacrifice sleep.

I’d probably say a good six hours.

Some final words of wisdom— I wish I would’ve known about study abroad. If I could go back and do one thing, I wish I would have studied abroad. Don’t stress over grades. There’s more to life that going to school all the time and stressing about grades.

Ashley Kennedy Elementary Education major

Join a school organization. Get a job. Take a nap.

How much fun can I have in Florence?

I’ve never eaten Ramen in my entire life.

Yes. You get your basic GPA by going to basic classes. A lot of people ruin their GPA by not going to their basic classes. It sets up good hab its for later.

What should I do with my free time?

You’ll have plenty of free time fresh man year. Don’t do school stuff. You’ll have plenty of time to do school stuff for the next four years. Hang out with friends and have a good time.

How often should I eat Ramen?

Should I go to class?

”If I could go back

and do one thing, I wish I would have studied abroad.” -Chase Mitchell

How often should I eat Ramen? Once a day. Just kidding. I don’t really like Ra men that much. I ate a lot of cereal. I ate it at least once a day. Sometimes twice. Or three times.

Some final words of wisdom— Don’t take student loans just because you can. Take advantage of the infirmary. It’s better to go when you’re not very sick than to go when you’re really sick and can’t get help. Don’t go home every weekend.

”You get your GPA

by going to basic classes. A lot of people ruin their GPA by not going to their basic classes.” -Ashley Kennedy

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Life Singer, songwriter to teach classes

SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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photo by Zach Wiginton

Overlooking Rice Hall dormitory and Towers Cafeteria, spring time on the UNA campus offers an array of colorful flowers and vegetation.

Nashville songwriter, musician and record producer Walt Aldridge, a 1978 UNA alumnus who has written 56 top 40 songs on the Billboard country music charts, recently joined the UNA Department of Entertainment Industry faculty as a visiting associate professor. Aldridge, who studied commercial music at UNA, has worked in the music industry for more than 33 years as a songwriter, producer, recording engineer, music publisher and recording studio owner. Country music artist Brad Crisler and Civil Wars member John Paul White are two of his songwriter signings. He worked for 17 years as a staff engineer with Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, as well as 15 years in Nashville. With more than 200 records under his belt, he has collaborated with artists Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, Jo Dee Messina, George Straight, Lonestar, Billy Ray Cyrus, Marie Osmond, Darryl Worley, Alabama, Lou Reed, Mac McAnally and more. “He has a record of success in doing a lot of different things,” said Dr. Bob Garfrerick, chair of the Department of Entertainment Industry. “He has practical experience that he can bring to the classroom. He operates at such a high level. You don’t get many opportunities like this for students to work with a faculty member who is a practitioner while in the university setting.” Aldridge assisted in the recording and remixing of the “Brotherhood Outdoors” television series and the 2011 “Footloose”

remake. He has written hit songs for Conway Twitty, Travis Tritt, Reba McEntire and Tim McGraw. Garfrerick said Aldridge has received more than 20 gold and platinum RIAA certifications in recognition of outstanding sales, been awarded seven no. 1 CMA certificates and taken more than 30 performance awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

”You donʼt get many

opportunities like this for students to work with a faculty member who is a practitioner while in the university setting.”

-Dr. Bob Garfrerick His song “No Getting Over Me” was ASCAP’s most performed country song, while “Holding Her and Loving You” received a Song of the Year award from the Nashville Songwriters Association International. He is also the recipient of a bronze star on the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Aldridge, who is the pro-mentor for two chapters of NSAI, conducts a dozen songwriting workshops each year in the United States and Canada. He has also performed in more than 1,000 shows throughout his career.

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Finding rest, relaxation is never too far away

photos by Kayla Sloan

Diebert Park is located right off of Cox Creek Parkway and features over two miles Wildwood park lies off the beaten path and is a great place for a picnic or some canoeing. of walkways.

MacFarland Park is a popular place for boating, camping and special events dur- Veteran’s Park has an extensive disc golf course and is perfect for some rest and relaxation. ing the summer.

Escape stresses of college life by visiting local parks )UIVLI 5K/W]OP ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ

After attending class or studying, many UNA students like to go to one of the area’s many parks to relax and enjoy time with friends. The Shoals area has some beautiful scenery not far from UNA’s campus. Wildwood Park is very close to UNA’s campus and is more nature-oriented for those looking to get away. It offers plenty of places to go on a nature hike, mountain biking, fishing in Cypress Creek and picnics. This park is nestled into the woods and a little more off the beaten path than others, and further into the woods from the highway. It’s also a great location for canoeing and kayaking and provides a concrete access ramp for people choosing to do so. “Wildwood is my favorite park because it’s a great place to find peace and quiet, enjoy the beautiful nature scenery and to hike” said UNA sophomore Grace Oaks. Deibert Park is a little more urban than

Wildwood since it is located at the intersection of Cox Creek Parkway and Darby Drive near the heart of Florence. Along with the Children’s Museum of the Shoals, the park has a playground, picnic area, plenty of parking, ponds and walking trails. “I love Deibert because of the walking track and all the grassy places where you can hang with friends, study or have a picnic,” said UNA junior Jordan Jones. Deibert has a 2.85 mile concrete walking track which winds through open areas and woods in the park. The trail splinters off in different areas, allowing guests to use it for either short or long walks. Veteran’s Memorial Park is located on Veteran’s Drive close to the Marriott hotel. Resting on the riverbank, Veterans is a prime, out of the way place for people to come to for relaxation. Veterans is expansive and features several baseball fields, a soccer field and a nice disc golf course to enjoy. There are also several open-air buildings and plenty of tables to host any type of occasion. With mostly wooded scenery,

Veteran’s is a great place to escape the summer heat and chill out in the shade. Spring Park is just over the O’Neal Bridge in Tuscumbia and, like the parks in

”I love Deibert because of the

walking track and all the grassy places where you can hang with friends, study or have a picnic.”

-Jordan Jones Florence, has plenty to offer. The park is designed for events and celebrations and has several areas set up for anything from family cookouts to wedding receptions. The pond in the center of the park gets plenty of attention since many ducks decide to call it home, and people are free to feed them bread or just watch the wildlife. During warmer weather, nighttime guests will get to see a water and light

show at the pond honoring Princes Im-MiAh-Key, the wife of the Chickasaw Indian Chief the city was named after. For Carleigh Brown, UNA freshman, it’s a great place to get away from campus for a while and chill. McFarland Park is one of the larger parks in the area and is located on the Tennessee River underneath the O’Neal Bridge. It offers several playgrounds, walking trails, campsites, boat marina, floating restaurant and much more. During the summer, it is the site for Florence’s largest July 4 celebration, along with fishing tournaments, festivals and even the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride. It is a great spot for anglers, boaters, campers, joggers, bikers, nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and even UNA students. It’s a favorite of Andrew Harper’s, a UNA sophomore, since the park often hosts blues performers during the city’s Handy Fest weeklong celebration every summer.

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SOAR Edition, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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