Vol. 80 No. 21

Morris Chestnut Q&A : Actor talks playing cop and smooching Halle Berry

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VOL. 80 | NO.21

lecture: too old school?

L SIGNA | THE BSON O R M A GRAH

e m o d a i g r o e g

N O I T A

N R HE

n ons o i n i p eir o rena. h t e r sha rts A t o n p e S artm gia State p e d s etic the Geor l h t a f the ome and o s r e memb Georgia D d n a letes n both the h t a , , fans mpeting i s t n e Stud g and co in work

T N PA

a n e r a s t r o sp

An overall look at lecture halls reveal factors of its effectiveness

news| PAGE 3A

tenure faculty rises Georgia State continues to give tenure to professors despite a dip in the national average.

news|PAGE 4A

Miss GSU is here Tattoos didn’t stop Emily Diamond from getting the tiara and a shot at Miss USA.

A&L | section b

online exclusive sports

Sunshine state sensation PATRICK DUFFY | THE SIGNAL

PLUS Comparing and contrasting : . The facilities . Game day experiences of players and fans . Possible futures of each . Advantages and disadvantages of being in Downtown Atlanta

Sports | 9a

Daily news at www.georgiastatesignal.com

News 3a

Opinions 7A

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Freshman Katie Worley brings national reputation, pitching prowess to the diamond

Arts & Living section b

2A

NEWS

blotter

last week...

Local

The Waffle House restaurant at Underground Atlanta has started adding surcharge to all checks to pay for the surveillance of the restaurant by an offduty police officer. The restaurant began adding the 20 percent charge to customers’ orders in December. No specific incident caused Underground Atlanta to hire this officer. However, the location of the restaurant is in a high-crime area.

Ten metro Atlanta police officers were recently charged with taking bribes and payouts from drug dealers in exchange for street protection while they sold cocaine. Two former DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office jail officers were also involved in the scheme.

Several of the charges the officers are facing are drug trafficking, illegal payouts and using firearms in the commission of a crime.

Scarri McNeal, 20, died in a house fire early Saturday in southwest Atlanta. Twenty firefighters responded to the blaze and arrived at the home just before 3 a.m., where they found McNeal unresponsive. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

National

A vocal band of supporters, through social media and protests, have surfaced from the recent events surrounding the death of former Los Angeles police officer Chris Dorner, 33. Dorner, accused of a killing spree in revenge of his dismissal from the Los Angeles Police Department in 2009, perished in a cabin fire after a standoff with police at a cabin in

the San Bernardino Mountains. Saturday dozens of reporters gathered outside LAPD headquarters in support of Dorner’s claim or racism in the police department. Facebook pages, such as “I Support Christopher Jordan Dorner,” have surfaced the Internet, as well as supporting tweets on Twitter.

Adults working towards their GED are being urged to finish their studies for the current high school equivalency diploma this year. A new version of the test, which will be introduced nationwide on Jan 1, 2014, will involve computer testing that correlates with the Common Core curricula to increase college and career readiness. The $120 computer-based version is twice the cost of the current testing system.

Global

Family and friends say they believe Paralympic gold medalist Oscar Pistorius shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp by accident after mistaking her for an intruder in their home. Pistorius was charge with premeditated murder on Friday and could possibly face at least 25 years in jail. He will remain in jail until his bond hearing next Tuesday.

Pope Benedict XVI made one of his first appearances since announcing his resignation when he blessed a crowd of thousands on St. Peter’s Square from his window on Sunday. This blessing was one of Benedict’s last Angelus blessings before leaving papacy. The pope did not directly reference his resignation but encouraged the faithful to pray for him and the next pope.

Weather WED 53/34

source: weather.com THURS 55/35

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

FRI 55/31

SUN 43/30

SAT 42/26

February 11

Arts & Humanities

A Georgia State faculty member stated that an art DVD was stolen from the DVD player. She said that the last time she saw the DVD was on Feb. 7 and when she returned on Feb. 10 it had been stolen.

There was no entry. This case is being handled by investigations.

University Commons

A report was filed for an odor of marijuana. When officers responded to the complaint, a student admitted to smoking marijuana. None was found in the room and no charges were filed. This case is being handled by the Dean of Students’ office.

College of Business

A Georgia State student stated that is laptop and wallet were stolen from his backpack. He said that he left his backpack unattended for approximately 30 minutes. The wallet contained credit cards, a debit card, Georgia Driver’s License

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February 14

Commons Parking Deck

Commerce Building

A Georgia State student stated that she parked her car and when she returned she discovered scratched on her roof.

This case is being handled by investigations.

Police responded to a call regarding a suspended employee being on the property. Officers made contact with the individual and he was issued a CTW and escorted off campus.

Education Building

February 12

Sparks Hall

A report was filed for theft.

A staff member stated that a Georgia State Mac Pro Laptop, Panasonic Camera, a Computer Mic, Tripod, USB Cord and Chargers were signed out to a student. There were several unsuccessful attempts made to contact the student for the return of the property. This case is being handled by investigations.

A Georgia State staff member stated that his wedding ring accidentally slipped into a drain pipe, while he was washing his hands. No further information was provided.

A Georgia State staff member stated that she discovered 15 Georgia State iPads had been stolen fro a resealed UPS box. The officer was informed that the boxed were left unattended in an unsecured area.

The case is being handled by investigations.

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A Georgia State student stated that is laptop and wallet were stolen from his backpack. He said that he left his backpack unattended for approximately 30 minutes. The wallet contained credit cards, a debit card, Georgia Driver’s License and a Panther I.D. This case is being handled by investigations.

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February 13

ASHIA GALLO | THE SIGNAL One Billion Rising organized a Valentine’s Day flash mob to raise awareness about violence against women.

gallery of the week

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NEWS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/news

Lecture halls: beauty or beast?

A look at why we have lecture halls and their effectiveness

GRAPHIC BY ANNA YANG | THE SIGNAL

THe effectiveness of lecture halls depend on variables such as the students’ learning style and the instructor’s teaching methods.

ASIA THOMAS

A

News Editor

s a result of technological advances and a rapidly changing generation, lecture halls may not be as abundant and relevant at other colleges and universities as they once were. However, at Georgia State, they are still present and resourceful.

Like several schools, Georgia State offers both lecture halls and smaller classrooms for students, varying majors and courses.

Throughout their college career, students encounter their fair share of both types of classroom settings, but has the need and effectiveness of lecture hall classrooms in general ever crossed the minds of students? “[The effectiveness of lecture halls] is another empirical question that has not yet been tested out,” said Peter Lyons, Ph. D., Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and professor in the School of Social Work.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a lecture as “a discourse given before an audience or class especially for instruction.”

A lecture hall at Georgia State is defined by the classroom seat capacity of 98 to 334 students.

The general inventory, defined as the number of general classroom space at Georgia State

by University Registrar Shari P. Schwartz, lists 232 classrooms at the university, 14 of which serve as lecture halls.

The teaching style of Andrew Clancy, senior lecturer in the Biology department, and most lecturers and professors parallel Merriam-Webster’s definition.

“I’m a little old school and agree with the philosophy that the professor lectures and the students take notes,” Clancy said.

According to Lyons, classes that require lecture halls act as methods of informational delivery and could even been taken online.

“If it is just the transmission of knowledge, then online classes or 300 to 500 student auditoriums are efficient as well,” Lyons said.

Powerpoints, overhead projectors and now

“

Your professor that you have never met walks in and talks at you for an hour and fifteen minutes...I try not to do that.”

- Marina Wheeler, psychology professor

Prezi presentations are most commonly utilized in lecture halls in order to extend information easily to students.

“Lecture halls are generally classrooms that don’t need specific equipment, such as laboratory equipment,” Schwartz said. “It’s really broken down by needs.”

According to Schwartz, the decision of a lecture hall class setting is determined by several factors, such as scheduling, enrollment demand, equipment needs, course format and class instructional needs.

“Certain classes can be taught by lecture,” Schwartz said. “Certain classes need computer and hands on interaction.”

Large lecture halls are commonly utilized for introductory level classes and core classes in higher demand, while smaller classrooms adhere to courses that focus on students’ majors and require more classroom interaction.

“It gives the advantage that in higher demand courses, more students can get into those courses without being closed out,” Schwartz said.

Although lecture halls give a great amount of information to students, the interaction between lecturer or professor and student is sometimes jeopardized by such large settings.

“Your professor that you have never met walks in and talks at you for an hour and fifteen minutes,” said psychology professor Marina Wheeler. “I try not to do that. I try to have a lecture that increases discussion and feedback from students.”

In addition to the abundance of presentations and note-taking in lecture halls, Clancy said that lecture halls offer a “more formal interaction.”

To enhance instructor-student interaction in courses that involve lecture hall sizes, Clancy

tries to “makes sure office hours are available for students.”

Clancy teaches both lecture halls and smaller classes, but he uses the “same lecturing appeal” for both.

“My smaller classes have more opportunity to answer questions in class and offers more interactions between students and me,” Clancy said.

For professors, the separation between lecture halls and smaller classrooms bring different types of students. “[Lecturers] have to inspire students in larger classes,” Clancy said. “Sometimes the students in these classes are less motivated.”

Clancy said that his higher level biology courses that usually have about 40 to 50 students are not only more “intimate,” but also includes students who “know [biology] is what they want to learn.”

Wheeler agreed that interaction in lecture halls bring forth “more of a challenge” but she tries to help by finding use in technology such as iClickers.

“The use of technology helps students to engage more,” Wheeler said.

Although Clancy believes that smaller class sizes exert more motivation, Wheeler believes lecture halls do the same.

“These classes are much more energetic,” Wheeler said. “In a larger setting, students are more confident answering questions.”

To make up for the larger classes, most science department courses offer large lecture halls accompanied by separate labs of 24 students.

“There are opportunities for students to get to know other students in science labs,” Clancy said.

Freshman student Steven Escobar’s litera-

ISMAEL SUAREZ | THE SIGNAL

HOW ARE LECTURE HALLS DETERMINED? SCHEDULING: Scheduling conflicts sometime determine the utilization of lecture halls to make the specific course accessible to a large number of students.

ENROLLMENT DEMAND: Lecture halls are commonly used in courses that acquire large enrollment demand.

EQUIPMENT NEEDS AND COURSE FORMAT: Courses formatted to convey information and do not require specialized equipment for instruction are sometimes use as general lecture halls.

CLASS INSTRUCTIONAL NEEDS: lecture halls and general classrooms are determined by specific needs of the course and instructor.

ture class includes 15 to 20 students, but he says that “[he] does the best in that class because the teacher is more accessible to help.”

However, sophomore student Bianca Wood disagreed.

“I like lecture halls,” Wood said. “There are more students that can help each other if they need it.”

Schwartz said the effectiveness is “based upon the method of teaching and learning styles of the student.”

Professors and students agree that in the examination and debate of the resourceful of lecture halls in today’s colleges and universities, varies upon the student, the instructor and ultimately the subject.

NEWS

4A

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

Increasing visibility:

The Second Century Initiative and tenured faculty

KEY

TENURED FACULTY IN GEORGIA SCHOOLS (2013)

How professors become tenured (slightly abridged) Candidates turn in records of research, teaching effectiveness, service, et cetera.

Colleges hold a meeting for tenure candidates.

President reviews, makes decision and notifies the dean. The dean notifies candidates.

The advisory panel provide recommendations to the provost to consider. Provost prepare recommendations for president.

Colleges assess candidates’ service to respective departments and colleges, as well as the university.

Provost reviews all materials forwarded by the dean and consults with an Advisory Panel to the Provost on Promotion and Tenure.

Emory: 541 UGA: 1148

Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State plans to hire more tenure track faculty while the national average lags behind.

According to John Curtis, director of Research and Public Policy for the American Association of University Professors, American universities as a whole are hiring fewer tenure-track faculty.

“The overall number of faculty members has been increasing.

There’s been a continuing shift to part-time faculty members and full-time faculty members who are not on the tenure track,” Curtis said.

However, this is not the case at Georgia State.

“President Becker and the Pro-

“

I’ve noticed that it’s harder to understand material that some of my graduate student professors try to explain.”

- Student Bobbi Smith

to “enhance a research culture [as] the vitality of a university’s research and scholarship is dependent on the leadership of the faculty and the quality of graduate programs.”

Though Georgia State is working toward hiring on a substantial amount of tenure track faculty, the ratio of tenured professors to students per capita has decreased.

According to the university’s IPORT, the online university data warehouse, we have hired 28 percent more non-tenure track faculty since Fall 2005, while the number of tenure-track faculty has re-

mained relatively static, only increasing by about 5.8 percent since Fall 2005.

Dr. Lyons said that “in the 1990’s the previous provost was concerned about the number of part time people, so they created the permanent lecture position. Growth in nontenure track faculty keeps up with growth in the student body.”

Essentially, this translates to more graduate teaching assistants instructing courses.

With this information, students are concerned how this affects the value of their education.

Miscellaneous

Only assistant professors, associate professors, and professors are eligible for tenure. This does not include honorific appointments, such as adjunct appointments.

1. Superior teaching; Demonstrating excellence in instruction 2. Academic achievement, as appropriate to the mission 3. Outstanding service to the institution, profession, or community 4. Professional growth and development ANNA YANG | THE SIGNAL *As identified by the Board of Regents Policy Manual, section 8.3.6.1 vost have the Second Century Initiative (2CI) that has set out to hire several hundred tenure track faculty to increase our research profile, the federal dollars and the visibility that comes to the university,” said Dr. Peter Lyons, associate provost for Institutional Effectiveness.

As stated by the Second Century Initiative’s Preamble, “Over the past few decades Georgia State has grown and advanced at a dramatic rate due to the creative efforts of individual faculty across disciplines as well as collaborative undertakings in our emergent areas of focus. The University is committed to supporting and rewarding ongoing faculty achievement, as all faculty accomplishments contribute to the excellence and reputation of the institution.”

In its strategic plan, the Second Century Initiative states that it aims

Georgia Tech: 616

The dean evaluates all records and recommendations. The dean prepares and additional recommendation to be forwarded to the provost.

Tenure Requirements*:

DOMINIQUE MOSES

Georgia State: 445

Candidates submit five external letters and department committee prepares recommendations based off candidates’ records.

Kennesaw: 252 Georgia Southern: 366

“I’ve noticed that it’s harder to understand material that some of my graduate student professors try to explain,” said student Bobbi Smith.

On the contrary, Dr. Lyons said that “[the effectiveness of graduate student professors] is an empirical question that we haven’t yet tested.

We have a wide range of instruction here but the quality of that instruction doesn’t necessarily come from tenured faculty. We have some really great graduate instructors as well.”

“I know some students are concerned about their teachers’ competence, myself included,” student Alex Basinger added. “But if the Second Century Initiative is as effective as it’s supposed to be, it should bring a better wealth of instructors to the university with time.”

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

5A

NEWS

‘It really won’t affect me’ As the pope resigns, the local Catholic community shows independence ANDRES CRUZ-WELLMANN

Associate News Editor

P

ope Gregorius XII resigned on July 4, 1415, in an attempt to end the Western Schism within the Catholic Church.

Almost 600 years later, it has happened again.

When Pope Benedict XVI announced on Feb. 10 that he was to step down, the decision shocked the Catholic world.

Benedict said that he had “come to the certainty that [his] strengths, due to an advanced age, [were] no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry,” according to the official Vatican press release.

“It caught us all by surprise,” said Father Stephen Lyness of the Catholic Student Association at Georgia State.

“Normally, this is a job taken for the rest of the pope’s life.”

Though Benedict’s resignation shocked the Georgia State and Atlanta Catholic community, many agreed with his decision.

“Ninety five percent of the people that I have talked to believe that it was a good decision,” said Father Henry Gracz of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Downtown Atlanta.

Most also believed that the pope’s position as the leader of the Catholic Church gave him a stronger connection to God and allowed him to make better decisions.

“Seeing him as a high servant of God, I think his reasons for stepping down must be legitimate,” said Georgia State student Jonathan Luna. “If he was not feeling capable of handling the position then I think God has a successor already picked out and it is the best option.”

Despite the monumental event, a large number of Catholic students felt that Benedict’s resignation would not change much for them or for the church as a whole. “[The pope] is the leader of the church, but the position doesn’t have the power it used to,” said Georgia State student Rebecca Statham. “His resignation might be right, but it really won’t directly affect me or anyone that I know.”

However, what has become important about his resignation is not the fact itself, but what will come after.

“Lawyers have been discussing precedents in common law and people are asking, ‘where do we go from here?’” Lyness said. “[In the election process] there will be a lot of negotiations and politics behind the scenes, but done in a very nice way.”

The traditional ritual that requires the confirmation of the pope’s death will be skipped. However, the rest of the process will still be adhered to.

In the 2000 year history of the church, only nine popes have resigned.

The first was Saint Clement I, who led the church though the first centu-

ry. The second was Celestine V, who only six months into his term, decided to resign because he thought he was inadequate for the position.

Celestine’s resignation gave way to the Canon Law, which gave popes the right to resign on their own free will.

The third pope to resign was Gregorius XII. Benedict, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, was ordained as a priest in 1951 and established himself as a highly regarded university theologian by the late 1950s.

After a long academic career, he became Archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal by Pope Paul VI. Benedict was also named Perfect of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and Cardinal Bishop of Velletri-Segni.

At 70, Benedict asked Pope John Paul II for permission to leave the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith to become an archivist in the Vatican Secret Archives and a librarian in the Vatican Library, but his request was rejected.

On April 19, 2005, Benedict was elected pope.

While his resignation might not have much of an effect on the local Catholic community, it can be seen that each papal resignation brings about some change to the laws or traditions of election.

What Benedict’s effect is, is too soon to tell, though many have speculated that he will have no role in electing the new pope.

THE PAPAL ELECTION PROCESS

OTHER POPES THAT RESIGNED Nine popes have resigned in total.

Saint Clement I resigned in 99AD

Celestine V resigned on December 13, 1294

Gregorius XII resigned on July 14, 1415

Benedict XVI resigned on February 10, 2013

1

The process begins with the Conclave, the sequestering of the voting members of the College of Cardinals so that they have no contact with the outside world. The conclave begins no earlier than 15 days and no later than 20 days after the pope’s death—though in this case is will be after the pope’s official resignation.

2

Once 120 voting members of the College of Cardinals have cast their votes, three Scrutineers are chosen to count the ballots.

3

After the votes have been tallied, the ballots are burned to create the famous white smoke that signifies the election of a new pope.

NEWS

6A

Campus Briefs

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

Pinching pennies

The next Aspiring Leaders Institute session will take place on Feb. 20 in the College of Education building from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The $1,000-program comprehensively builds leadership skills and tools for school leaders who desire in the future to advance in positions as principals and other school leaders. For more information, visit http://www.principalscenter.org/programs/connections.asp.

Georgia State’s ‘The Singers’ raise money to travel to France

The General Classroom Building was recently renamed Langdale Hall in honor of former Georgia State president Noah Noel Langdale Jr., who served the university for 31 years.

Atlanta participants of the One Billion Rising organized a flash mob that danced to raise awareness of violence against women and girls on Valentine’s Day. Georgia State dancers and students participated in the awareness event as well.

The Spotlight Programs Board and Georgia State Campus Events recently announced this year’s headlining performer at Pantherpalooza as rapper Kendrick Lamar. Tickets can be purchased at Campus Events.

The Lunchtime Learning Performance Arts Series, held at the Rialto Center for the Arts, explores different artists and speakers revealing an inside look on his or her artistic representation.

This month the series will be exploring the history of dance on Feb. 20 with Feed Your Senses: History of Dance: A Tribute to Dance Pioneers. Participants may bring lunch or purchase box lunches for $5. Admission to the series is free and open to the public every month.

The Players of GSU will perform “’To_____’: A Celebration of Edgar Allan Poe,” a play featuring stage adaptations of Edgar Allen Poe and dance performances, from Feb. 21 to Feb. 24 at the Dahlberg Hall Theatre. General admission is $15; however adults dressed in costume will only pay $5. Admission for children 12 and under is $5, and children in costume will be admitted for free. For reservations, visit www. gsuplayers.com.

Face-to-Face: Meeting Your Professors, a program designed to discuss with students proper questions, etiquette and expectations when meeting with professors, will be held on Feb. 21 from noon to 1 p.m. at 248 Sparks Hall.

DEANNA JOSEPH, DIRECTOR OF THE SINGERS | SUBMITTED PHOTO The Singers have been invited to represent the U.S. in the Florilége Vocal de Tours International Choral Song Competition in France.

ASHIA GALLO

Staff Reporter

A

fter receiving an invitation to compete in the Florilége Vocal de Tours International Choral Song Competition in France this summer, the Georgia State University Singers, also known as “The Singers,” are trying raise the money for the trip.

The Singers will be representing the United States in the competition, as they have been the only U.S. chorus invited.

The international festival features choral talents from around the world over three days of competition.

Director of Choral Activities, Deanna Joseph, said that this opportunity is her “dream come true” and something she hopes the mem-

bers of the chorus will “remember their whole life.”

The Singers are looking to raise around $80,000 for the trip, which is scheduled for May 2013. The threeday room and board is covered by competition. Flights, which will cost around $1,500 per student, and other traveling expenses have to be raised through donations and fundraisers.

“We’ve been doing tons of fundraising,” said Laura Massas, member of The Singers and Vice President for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) at Georgia State.

Massas talked about the talent show recently held which raised hundreds of dollars, as well as an upcoming bake sale and a commercial the chorus has auditioned for. The will host upcoming concerts that Massas predicts will raise thousands.

The Singers will also be hosting a concert on Tuesday, March 5 at the

Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Buckhead to help raise funds for the competition. There will be an upcoming concert in April or May to raise funds as well.

“It is a very prestige honor for us to be representing the US,” said ACDA President Chris Massie when asked what this opportunity means to him and The Singers. “This is some of [the members’] first time leaving the country and it will truly be an unforgettable experience.”

Massie is also thankful for the positive publicity the School of Music has been receiving lately.

“There was a lot of attention with the band, and now we are also bringing light to [a part of] campus many don’t know about,” he said.

Massie said he has “no doubt” the money will be raised in time.

The Singers have also been reaching out to many alumni and faculty members for donations.

They are also planning to sing Carmina Burana with the Atlanta Ballet.

Joseph, who has been the choral director at Georgia State for the last three years, has had a goal of getting The Singers to an international competition.

She said she talked to the School of Music department head about Florilége Vocal de Tours and got approval for recordings of the choir to be sent to the competition.

“After that,” Joseph said. “A panel of judges listened to a blind, acapella [recording] of us.”

Massas sees the trip to France as an “amazing opportunity and a huge honor.” She credits Joseph and her hard work for being the reason the chorus is a part of the competition.

For more information on The Singers, their travels abroad and how you can help donate, please visit: http://www.music.gsu.edu/

Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality celebrates 40th anniversary PAUL DEMERRITT

Staff Reporter

T

he Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration is celebrating its 40th year of nationally renowned academic excellence this semester.

“We’re very excited to be celebrating a very special year during such a great year for our university,” said Dr. Debra F. Cannon, head of the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration.

“Our celebration will be including a number of events that will bring industry leaders,” Cannon said.

One of the many events that will headline industry leaders will be the Distinguished Lecture Series.

The series will feature lectures from some of the most successful CEOs within the hospitality business field, including Cinnabon president Kat Cole and Capella Hotel Group chairman Horst Schulze, who established the lux-

ury giant The Ritz-Carlton Hotels.

Since its inception in 1973, the program has become the oldest and most expansive hospitality administration program in Georgia and has been consistently ranked in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Education‘s top 25 hospitality programs in the U.S. The program gained its namesake from the late Cecil B. Day, who founded the successful motel chain, Days Inn. In 1988, David Kenney, a former president of Days Inn, helped to convince Day’s wife, Deen Day Smith, to donate $900,000 to Georgia State.

Day’s astute business intuition and outstanding ethical leadership remains at the core of the hospitality program’s philosophy.

The Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration began with only an Associate Bachelor of Science in Hotel-motel Management and has since expanded to include a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Hospitality.

“We have experienced tremendous growth over 40 years,” Cannon said.

“

Since its inception in 1973, the program...has been consistently ranked in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Education’s top 25 hospitality programs in the U.S.

Starting this fall, the school will offer a one-year “Fast-Track” Master’s degree in Global Hospitality Management program, the only master’s hospitality program provided in Georgia, at Georgia State’s Executive Education Center located Buckhead.

The program was integrated into the J. Mack Robinson School of Business in 1996, and changed its Bachelor of Science into its current Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

The faculty of the program has combined experience of over 375 years and teaches a comprehensive curriculum including aviation management, tourism, resort management, and restaurant management.

Now, the program has over 750 undergraduate students currently enrolled

and a community of over 1,600 alumni who help keep the program thriving.

Asia Thomas also contributed to this article.

Upcoming Events:

Spring Career Expo, February 22, 11-3, Georgia World Career Center Distinguished Lecture Series with Kat Cole, March 7, 2-3:30, Rialto Center for the Arts Hunter Hotel Conference, March 2022, Atlanta Marriott Marquis Distinguished Lecture Series with Horst Schulze, April 15, 3-4:15, Student Center Ballrooom

OPINIONS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions

Why should budget cuts affect education?

S MITCHELL OLIVER Columnist Mitchell Oliver is an Eagle Scout studying Finance at GSU and hopes to one day become a top financial consultant or financial adviser His influences for writing include Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner of Freakonomics fame.

Follow him @madmoneyATL.

o the 2014 Fiscal Year Budget is out for Georgia, courtesy of the non-profit think tank ‘Georgia Budget and Policy Institute’ and it is sure to raise a few eyebrows for those who give it a close read.

According to the analysis, Georgia is now ranked 32nd in job growth in America, with a loss of roughly 387,000 jobs since the recession in 2007.

Shocking numbers to say the least, but what’s worse is what the budget is doing to fix this.

So the obvious solution to regaining these lost jobs would be to change the infrastructure of our state. This includes rebuilding what makes Georgia ‘work’, from an educated workforce to efficient routes for transporting goods and commuting around the state.

The budget for 2014, however, does none of these things.

The word of the decade in Georgia’s budgets seems to be ‘cuts’. Cuts here, cuts there, but when you cut down a budget too much, it ceases to be a helpful contributor of job growth.

The vicious cycle of politics, especially in a Republican-heavy state like Georgia, is that if the voters don’t see budget cuts, less spending, less taxes and more jobs they become angered—not realizing that doing those four things at once is something that can never be achieved.

What concerns me most is the heavy cuts to education in Georgia since 2009 and for the future, specifically K-12 education. The analysis states, “K-12 education alone is being supported at a level more than $1 billion below what the state formula calls for.”

Even a third grader knows our education system isn’t working when we’re $1 billion short of where we need to be. Furthermore, the University System of Georgia is down 17 percent in funding since 2009, which has led to the recent change in HOPE scholarship amounts awarded (down to roughly 93 percent versus the original 100 percent) and rising cost of tuition.

These changes affect almost every student.

“

Before you groan about higher taxes, just take note: Georgia taxes have not increased hardly at all in the past 30 years (as a ratio of personal income) so for once I would just like to see someone stop being so afraid of proposing new taxes.

Two last slivers of hope found in the analysis include Governor Nathan Deal’s proposal to increase the HOPE grant payout by 3 percent due to recent increases in state revenues. Along with this proposal he is starting a $6.5 million ‘Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant’ for HOPE students to pursue “high demand diplomas”.

This sounds like an interesting new type of grant, but I feel it may lower the quality of graduates earning these diplomas as well as a shortage of jobs for graduates who flock to these “high demand” diplomas.

I can only hope that the minds behind the Georgia budget will put their political ties aside for just once and think about balancing the budget effectively. The most obvious option would be to undertake a comprehensive tax reform in the state.

Before you groan about higher taxes, just take note: Georgia taxes have not increased hardly at all in the past 30 years (as a ratio of personal income) so for once I would just like to see someone stop being so afraid of proposing new taxes.

This may just be a pipe dream ever since the political suicide of George Bush Sr. proposing new taxes, but a boy can dream.

Lecture halls don’t have to be boring and useless

U

AMI DUDLEY Columnist Ami Dudley is a junior English major and one of The Signal’s premier staff critics. She was recently published in “The Underground” literary journal.

Follow her @amidudley

nless you’re taking a course with a narrow focus, chances are you have a lecture-hall course.

These stadium-seating classes are wide enough to hear a faint echo and call for a lot of patience as numerous chatters, coughing and the balling up of chip bags can be likened to a terrible orchestra.

But I’m sure you’re all too familiar with these.

What’s become more problematic than the humancreated orchestra is the established lecture-teaching method.

On the surface, lecturing is a one-way communication via the lecturer of information. You are at best supposed to take notes and give a timely nod in agreement.

At some point, we’ve all found ourselves surfing Facebook or nodding off during these lectures. While I find that most people feel this is a consequence of the lack of interaction during lectures, I feel the fault lies in the delivery of the lecture. Think about the following: When you go to the movies and see a film, there is no interaction between yourself and the film playing.

You simply watch and listen. Whether bad or good, you walk away from that film with a plethora of information, so much so that you can recite lines from it months later.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what a lecture should be like. So a lecture doesn’t have the surround sound of a theater or screensaver visuals.

It’s not about what’s being seen, it’s about what’s being heard.

A lecture should be a story, with a plot, climax and resolution. It should have characters, fictional or not, and should include humor and drama. Any subject can be constructed into a story.

Take gymnosperms in biology for instance. Unless you’re a bio major, who wants to hear about gymnosperm? In fact, what in the world are they? But what if the lecture began as follows: “There are some species where the woman is not only bigger but takes the lead role in the bedroom…”

Tell me this wouldn’t capture your interest. What the professor will go on to say is that conifers, a type of gymnosperm, have a larger female gametophyte that is the conducter in the process of fertilization.

Don’t be mistaken, small interactive classrooms are great and have their benefits. The use of laptops and tablets as modes of teaching and learning has benefits as well.

But we must not brand the lecture-method as “old” and “useless.” If done right, lecturers can tastefully incorporate technology such as projectors into their lecture, or “stories.”

Steve Jobs was an awesome lecturer but I’m sure he never made you feel as if you were listening to a lecture.

He knew how to deliver information and convince you that it matters.

It’s really quite simple and all it takes is a little more effort on the part of lecturers and a little less doubt on ours.

From the Editorial Board

Pope, schmope.

I

n a landmark resignation, the head of the Catholic Church will step down from his position as patriarch. Pope Benedict XVI is the first pontiff to vacate the papal seat in over 600 years.

So how does this affect Georgia State? Not much.

It may affect the lives of some Georgia State students though. Despite common stereotypes of the know-it-all college atheist abound on campus, there are many devout students who practice their religion openly here.

Religion plays an important role in many people’s lives at Georgia State. It can be faith that helps students study for hard exams, guides them on the way to school and helps console them if they get a bad grade.

It may not be for everyone but religion can be a powerful tool for a college student.

A study done by researchers at UCLA did find that students tend to become less religious between their freshman and junior years, but also determined that as many as 25% of college juniors still regularly attend religious services. If you extrapolate that statistic and apply it to Georgia State, that means that there are potentially thousands of practicing religious students here at Georgia State, and that’s no small chunk of our student body.

Popes come and go, as do Imams, Lamas and Gurus. Religions themselves may change over time, but the idea stays fundamentally the same.

Religion is a community and a set of tools.

With the Catholic Church in transition and embroiled with pending investigations, Muslim extremists taking center stage for the world’s vision of Islam and the seemingly neverending conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians, it is easy to lose sight of the role religion plays in society.

Ultimately, who the Pope is should not change how students see religion. There is so much bad press these days concerning various faiths, and it is up to us as students to make sure we cultivate a tolerant and educated society.

Soon most of us will leave college and enter the workforce as ambassadors of our university. It is our job to take it upon ourselves to keep the events that we see in the news from influencing our impressions of religion.

While all the cardinals are meeting in Rome to elect a new pontiff, there will probably be a lot of debate and speculation in the media about who the successor will be and he will be about. There are already people making guesses about the identity of the new pope, and the motivations for the previous patriarch for stepping down.

And that’s not adding to the conversation at all.

If anything, it is taking away the more important issues that we should be concerned with: our morality in the face of an ever-changing society.

At the end of the day it is important to realize that religion is not a cult of personality, nor is it defined by it’s worst moments—it is defined by its believers. And as we know, believers can fall into a couple of categories. So which do you fit in?

FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD reflects the majority opinion of the editorial board of The Signal, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors

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just for laughs

Molly, the new black

JABARI KIONGOZI Resident Humorist Jabari hails from outside the 285 perimeter. He’s thought of as short, kind of cute and theoretically rich. He’s a comedian, so go to his shows.

Follow him @JoeBraxton

8A

OPINIONS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

M

ost college students are at least aware of Molly by now. If you haven’t heard the notorious line “Popped a Molly I’m sweatin’, Whew!” by Trinidad James in his hit single “All Gold Everything,” you’ve been living under a rock with no Wi-Fi. First, let’s consider the background. MDMA, a type of ecstasy, has been dubbed the street name “Molly.” That is agreeably more attractive.

I took this trending topic to my peers in what turned out to be an amusing discussion about Molly.

Initially, I approached mostly smokers on campus. Some of their responses were quite comical. One, a classmate of mine, responded, “Do I look like I do drugs?” after taking a drag of her cig. We amusingly both laughed. Then she suggested, “Instead of directly asking people what they know, why not ask ‘Have you seen Molly?’” I took her advice, and things only got more interesting.

When I asked the next passerby, I could tell this wasn’t the first time he’d been asked this question. Looking up, off into space, he lingered on the word “no” while trying to jog his memory. Unable to pinpoint her, he proposed, “But I might be able to find her.” That’s what I’m talking about! Even though I had no real intention of making a transaction, I appreciate when students look out for each other.

Another person I later approached appeared, in my opinion, an unlikely candidate to have any knowledge of Molly’s whereabouts. And even though I was right, you know what they say, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” When asked, the studious book wielder responded “No, but have you seen Adderall?” Unfortunately for them, I had not, but courteously passed on the earlier response I received: “No, but might be able to find her.”

I asked several other people, even put up a post on Facebook. Eventually, like the Colts, luck came through.

But, what they all had in common, was the reason behind doing it. Yes, their music of choice did influence their decision.

Now, Is this true for all users? Probably not.

Molly is definitely in the limelight right now. Will she stick around or will this just be her 15 minutes of fame?

(Jabari has more Facebook replies, so check out the full column at www.georgiastatesignal.com)

The Weakly Comic by william miracle

YOUR VOICE • YOUR OPINIONS A paper released by the National Bureau of Economic Research argues that students are attracted to universities that provide amenities such as dorms, recreation centers and extra curricular activities for students.

As a student do you think that Georgia State is doing a good job using student fees to provide services like this to students, or would you like to see your student fees used in a different manner?

Name: Cemile turan Major: biology “To be honest I don’t use the recreation center too much. I’m not sure if it’s really effective because I’m not too aware of it. I noticed that students feel happy about it. It looks like people are happy with it. Maybe it could be more decorated or interactive, Georgia Tech just redesigned the recreation center. That could be a great idea.”

Name: evan hill Major: real estate “I think Georgia State does a really great job at how they handle our money. We have one of the nicest gyms around.

All the technology we have on campus is pretty great. I went to Kennesaw before this and they had the same setup – I just think they handle it here a little better than they did there. It’s a good thing. There are some fees that I’m not too happy with and I think the whole parking issue needs to be handled. The whole athletics fee – I guess that’s not for everybody – I enjoy athletics and I know that a lot of people are upset that they pay for something that they don’t really have passion for but other than that I think Georgia State does a really great job.”

Name: Bridgett Marzett Major: criminal justice “I think that having a recreation facility is very good. What I can see and from what I’ve experienced so far – its that the funds are being used very positively. I can’t speak for all the students, but it is certainly a plus that you have amenities and things students can do. […] As a matter of fact at 5 o clock I’m going to Cinefest. I think that kind of thing is a plus for us.”

Letter to the editor In response to last week’s “Proposed bill could allow guns on campus” I am taking a moment out of my day to comment on what I think is a form of severely biased reporting. The first three paragraphs are the only part of the article that comes close to being impartial. The bias starts right after that, and gets piled higher and deeper with every sentence.

“If every student and professor on a college campus possessed a gun, they would be more equipped to handle themselves in a life threatening situation.” [Italics and emphasis mine] The above is presented as the goal of the bill. It is not. In effect, only those who already have legal weapons and permits, or are eligible to get a weapon and permit, concurrent with state and federal laws, would be allowed. Not the entire student body. The fresh-faced high-school graduate would still not be allowed to carry a handgun. One would have to be 21 or older regardless.(I know that rifles - legal age 18- are firearms too, but handguns are the practical application here). The irrational fear-mongering of that statement, coupled with a severe lack of opposite opinion, is unprofessional. The writer then continues for the next two thirds of the piece disregarding any pro-bill sentiment. They say students speak out on the bill, but include only one person who agrees with the law. Did they interview people during a lunch break? Or, was it not important enough to find the

full arguments on both sides? If this had been an Op-Ed, I would not care, but this is being showcased as an unbiased and balanced report of news, not personal preference. I will not comment too much on all of the actual quotes, I am assuming that they are presented as said, though I am far from convinced to trust your writer.

However, I will say this. The fact that our Georgia State University Police Department(an attention to detail that I think should be included in the article, to clarify that they are not talking about the Georgia State Patrol, as I thought they were when first reading it) thinks that because a person, regardless of background, age, prior training, level of maturity, and disposition is inherently incapable of learning or knowing how to operate a weapon, for no other reason than that they are a College Student, is disgraceful to the service and insulting to the Student Body. Do they really think we are so irresponsible and incapable that we cannot possibly learn how to operate a firearm? I do not care to be protected by a group that holds the Student Body in such contempt. I would place my life in the hands of another student any day, than an officer who thinks about us so scornfully. I guess that we should give up on our education and self-improvement. There is no possible way we could ever learn how to be responsible citizens who make morally correct choices, and contribute to society.

submit letters to the editor to signalopinions@gmail.com.

Jacob Mellard, Junior, English. more details on page 2A

Name: Lesly Lonoh Major: political science “I am in an exchange program, but I think that this college is better than mine in France. I think it is a good use of [student fees]. But since I don’t pay the same [fees] I’m not really sure.

Maybe if I paid that much, I’d be more concerned about how it’s used.”

Name: Sullivan Keel Major: hospitality admin.

“I don’t necessarily think that they are spent in the most efficient way, but at the same time I do enjoy all the amenities that come from them. That being said I have definitely heard of fund allocated in odd ways, to say it best. So I don’t know the whole story behind it but I am definitely interested in it at a minimum.”

SPORTS

www.georgiastatesignal.com

Panther pride has found its home T he Georgia Dome and GSU Sports Arena, both located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, serve as the hubs of Georgia State University athletics. Each are unique facilities in their own rights and offer players, fans and alumni different game day experiences as the root for the Panthers.

The Signal recently spoke with several members of the athletics department, Georgia State stu-

dent-athletes, students and fans about each venue. We asked them what they liked, disliked, would like to see change and how feasible are the possible changes.

The following is a small portion of the information that The Signal was able to acquire and shows that the Georgia Dome and Sports Arena are both unique, special to the Georgia State community and ever evolving. For the full story, please visit www.georgiastatesignal.com

GSU SPORTS ARENA

GEORGIA DOME

The Georgia Dome, owned by the state of Georgia and operated by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, is an internationally known sporting facility with an overall capacity of more than 70,000. It first opened in 1992. Its primary tenant is the Atlanta Falcons, but its high status also allows it to play host to many other sporting events including the SEC Championship Game and this year’s NCAA Men’s Final Four.

The Georgia State football team played their first game in program history inside the Georgia Dome on Sept. 2, 2010 in front of a crowd of 30,237. The Panthers have an 8-11 home record in their three seasons of existence.

The Georgia Dome can make for a raucous atmosphere during a Falcons game, but slightly less so for Georgia State football as the capacity is just under 30,000 (the upper bowl is not open for use during Georgia State games).

Even so, the simple fact of sports being played in a venue such as the Dome is more appealing to some.

“I like the Dome,” freshman Cody Marthaler said. “It’s just the feeling of being in the Dome. The energy and just how big it is.”

In order to play any sport, a program needs the most important element—players to play in an arena.

Each venue offers contrasting experiences for players as well. For football players, having the opportunity to occupy the same turf played on by the Atlanta Falcons is exhilarating. But given the infancy of the program, that added element to Georgia State football games may be daunting for the roster.

“The Dome is a nice arena for Atlanta, maybe. But it’s too big right now for the football team to play in,” junior basketball guard Devonta White, who attends every Georgia State home football game, said.

“The support isn’t there right now. It will be in a couple of years. But, they’re not going to pack it up right now, so it seems to be tough on them.”

The big issue that has many talking, both around the Georgia State campus and throughout the rest of Atlanta, is the Atlanta Falcons’ possible move to a new stadium. The new stadium is still in the planning stages but there appears to be a strong consensus that the deal will get done and that Arthur Blank, owner of the Falcons, will get his new, Downtown stadium.

A new Falcons’ nest would also mean a new Panthers’ den for the football team.

“We are ‘grandfathered’ in with the GWCC and the new stadium as an official tenant,” said Charlie Taylor, Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Communications at Georgia State. “So, if a new Dome is built in 2017 or 2018, we move along with the Falcons, just like things are now. Then, we’d really be playing in one of the nicest stadiums of any college team in the country. Love that for recruiting.”

ND U O R G BACK

PATRICK DUFFY | THE SIGNAL

PATRICK DUFFY | THE SIGNAL

GRAHAM ROBSON | THE SIGNAL

The GSU Sports Arena opened in 1973 and houses men’s and women’s basketball, court volleyball matches and is the future home of the sand volleyball team. All of the university’s athletic offices are also based in the fourth floor of the Sports Arena.

“It’s an amazing situation where you can jump on an escalator down there at the corner of Collins and Decatur, ride it up to the third floor and then you’re in the lobby of a basketball arena,” said James Greenwell, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director. “It’s a very unique situation.”

It too has some international significance as it was the home of badminton when Atlanta hosted the 1996 Olympics.

The Sports Arena, with a seating capacity of around 4,500, may be smaller than the Dome, but is not short on energy when a game is taking place. Its intimate nature can provide for a more electric atmosphere than a Georgia State game at the Dome, but sporting preferences give it an edge in some fans’ opinions.

“I prefer the Sports Arena over the Georgia Dome because I like basketball over football,” sophomore Torrie Wilson said.

FAN E C N E I R EXPE PATRICK DUFFY | THE SIGNAL

“I like the Sports Arena because it’s small and it seems like when more people come and it’s packed, it just looks better,” Devonta White said.

When fans do come, they’ll likely take a seat in one of the sections of seats rising upwards from the sidelines towards the ceiling of the building. The majority of larger basketball arenas have seats circling the entire circumference of the stadium, but this common feature is not currently present at Georgia State’s Sports Arena.

“We can’t really sit behind our goal like you want to and distract the opponent’s shooters,” White said. “Our gym is bigger to the side. Most schools have seats behind the goal, almost like a dome. We only have two rows, so it’s different.”

ER PLAY CE IEN R E P EX

FILE PHOTO | THE SIGNAL

PATRICK DUFFY | THE SIGNAL

Georgia State recently unveiled its “Master Plan” to relocate most of their athletic facilities at Panthersville, located in Dekalb County, within walking distance of the main campus. The university says the project will cost $80 million, will be funded through private donations and the facilities will be built when the funding is available.

“The beauty to that Master Plan is we’ve created a plan that doesn’t require all of the money to do everything at one time,” James Greenwell said. “It’s somewhat like an Erector set because you can do small projects to work toward the great goal which is an entirely renovated arena.”

The Sports Arena renovation plan includes a new Ticket Plaza, Walk of Fame, Team Store and increased seating that will stretch around the court.

E R U T FU

FILE PHOTO | THE SIGNAL

AKIEM BAILUM Senior Reporter

PATRICK DUFFY | THE SIGNAL

SPORTS

10A

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

golf profile

2012-13 Scorecard*

UK Star lighting up Georgia leaderboards

*As of Feb. 15

Tournaments: 5 Rounds played: 15 Stroke average: 72.00 Relation to par (season total): +6 Low round: 67 (two times) Low 54-hole score: 206 (Mason Rudolph Championship) Rounds in the 60s: 4 Rounds below par: 6 Wins: 2 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 5 Golfweek national rank: 65

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

Freshman Jonathan Grey stares down the competition.

HUNTER BISHOP Associate Sports Editor

E

ngland native Jonathan Grey has been tearing up the competition since he arrived at Georgia State, winning two tournaments in the fall, posting the team’s lowest stroke average (72.00) and lowest round score (67).

“I think a big part of it was, firstly no one knowing who I was, so there was no pressure on me, and me not knowing who anyone else

was, because then I don’t feel intimidated by anyone,” Grey said. “Also, I like playing for a team. The pressure is sort of dispersed throughout.”

Like many players Grey picked up the game through his family, and had strong role models coming out of the gate.

“My mom and dad played,” Grey said. “My mom used to play for national team at home; the Welsh team. And my granddad plays a lot as well.”

He’s a relatively late

starter, having begun to seriously pursue the game when he was 11 years old.

A sports-filled childhood may have contributed to the later start. Like many kids his age, he picked the sport he was best at. “[I played] football, which is soccer for us,” Grey said. “Rugby, hockey, cricket--those are probably the main ones I played. Golf was the one I was best at the time.”

Grey was lured to Georgia State by head coach Joe Inman, a former PGA Tour

and Champions Tour golfer who has been at Georgia State since 2008.

The 19-year-old from Kent, England, also listed the city of Atlanta and the weather as being deciding factors in his coming over to the United States.

“Coach, mainly. He’s a good person to have on site,” Grey said. “He has played professionally, very successfully. He played Walker Cup, and stuff like that. It was nice. It was a change of pace to be in a city. I’m used to living in villages at home.

So, that was another thing.

And the weather was a big deciding factor also.”

Coach Inman is a good role model for what lies ahead for Grey, who has aspirations beyond collegiate golf, setting his sights on the professional tours.

The road ahead is long but Grey isn’t looking too far into the future.

“Yeah, that’s the big aim,” Grey said. “Obviously, it’s a difficult thing to get on to.

I want to try and get Walker Cup, but we’ll see what happens. I got to get a de-

“

...I don’t feel intimidated by anyone.”

-Jonathan Grey

gree, first. So, hopefully after that, I’ll be able to give it a go.”

The Georgia State golf team began their spring season on Feb. 4, at the SeaFood SeaBest Invitational, and have their next match on Feb. 18 to 19, at the Wexford Plantation Intercollegiate in Hilton Head, S.C.

spring sports

Va l e n t e said he is not necessarily superstitious but he does have a specific pregame routine, depending on whether he is getting ready for practice or

a match.

“If I do the same things I do in practice that I do in the match, my mindset would not be for the match,” Valente said.

“Most of what I do is stretching and warm up exercises, different from what the team does,” Valente said. “I do some awkward [stretches]...the guys all make fun. They say ‘are you playing tennis or doing yoga?’”

Valente also has one ritual designed to keep his mind in check.

“I go to the bathroom and think...‘I’m not just playing for

myself.’ I have family from Brazil...even if I’m not in a good mood, I sit down and say it’s not about me.”

RASHAAD RICHARDSON Rashaad Richardson has a pretty standard routine he sticks to before every basketball game.

He first has to make 100 shots in individual warm-ups before the team warms up together and his freethrow ritual requires him to bounce the ball three times to find his rhythm. Then, he rotates it on his left hand and takes the shot.

Richardson does have a slightly off the beaten path pregame routine that he never goes without.

PATRICK DUFFY | THE SIGNAL

T

he moments leading up to game time can be sluggish and anxiety-filled. As the clock ticks closer to game, time seems to decelerate as if it was coming to a complete stop.

In these critical moments an athlete must do whatever it is that keeps he or she fresh and feeling prepared.

Players are not always superstitious, but many like to keep a set pre-game routine that will allow them to retain the right amount of focus and fervor and one misstep in that routine could knock off a player’s mentality entirely.

The Signal caught up with a few athletes willing to share their private pre-game routine and a few pre-game secrets.

VICTOR VALENTE GRAHAM ROBSON | THE SIGNAL

ALEC MCQUADE Staff Reporter

“I eat a bag of Sour Patch Kids, it’s a must,” Richardson said.

Whether Richardson is on the road or in the locker room in the Sports Arena, he has to “chew on those Sour Patch.”

This simple routine gets Richardson ready for any opponent.

“I put my two pairs of socks on, [and] I’m ready to go,” he said.

THE MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM Richardson let us in on a few secrets that the entire men’s team does before every game.

Of course, there’s a lot of communication before the game, but Richardson told The Signal that before the game, the team likes to get in a huddle and talk about the opposing team.

On the other hand, Richardson said that head coach

Ron Hunter stays mostly to himself before the game.

“He’s already an emotional coach and up until the ball tips, he is a little antsy. . . he’s so ready to coach the game,” Richardson said.

But when it is all said and done and the buzzer goes off signaling that it is time for tipoff, the team yells one last phrase before going to play: “Beat their ass!” Richardson said.

This ritual signals that the team is fired up and ready to win.

RICHARDSON’S PRE-GAME PLAYLIST: 1) “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” – Green Day 2) “Rockstar”- Nickleback 3) “Nacho$” –Rocko

TYLER GAMBLE’S PREGAME PARADOX Gamble takes all of his individual pregame shots

PATRICK DUFFY | THE SIGNAL

The calm before the storm: Sour Patch Kids, soy sauce, key to players’ routine

and free-throws left-handed, according to Richardson.

VALENTE’S SECRET ELIXIR

A spoon full of soy sauce (it helps reduce cramping because of all of the sodium)

11A

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

PANTHER Of The Week

Sports Calendar Tue., Feb. 19 MGLF Wexford Plantation Intercollegiate At Hilton Head, S.C. All Day (final round)

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

MANNY ATKINS Manny Atkins was a driving force behind the Panthers’ 61-43 victory over the Hofstra Pride on Wednesday, Feb. 13.

The redshirt junior poured in a team high 13 points to go along with nine rebounds. The Tucker, Ga. native also contributed three steals in helping Georgia State hold the Pride to a mere 43 points.

Atkins continued his solid play during the Saturday defeat of George Mason. He recorded his second double-double of the season, contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Atkins first doubledouble of the season came back on Jan. 26 against Drexel when he notched 15 points and 10 rebounds, both team highs for the game.

As of Feb. 16, Atkins is averaging 14.2 points per game and a team best 6.4 rebounds per contest on the season.

Tue., Feb. 19 BSB Georgia Tech At Atlanta, Ga. (Georgia Tech) 4:00 P.M. Wed., Feb. 20 SB Auburn At Auburn, Ala. 6:00 P.M. Thu., Feb. 21 WTEN Georgia Tech At Atlanta, Ga. 2:30 P.M. Thu., Feb. 21 BSB Alabama A&M GSU Baseball Complex 4:00 P.M. Thu., Feb. 21 WBB

Five qs with... *CONFERENCE GAMES

Northeastern* At Boston, Mass.

7:00 P.M. Fri.-Sun., Feb. 22-24 Phyliss Rafter Memorial (five games) At Woodstock, Ga. Fri., Feb. 22 MTEN South Alabama Blackburn Tennis Center 2:00 P.M. Fri.-Sun., Feb. 22-24 BSB Grambling State (three game series) GSU Baseball Complex

Year: Junior Major: Sociology From: Charleston, S.C. Sport: Basketball

12:00 P.M. & 1:30 P.M. Sat., Feb. 23 MTEN College of Charleston Blackburn Tennis Center 1:00 P.M. Sat., Feb. 23 MBB James Madison* At Harrisburg, Va. 4:00 P.M. Sun.-Mon., Feb. 24-25 WTF & MTR Sun Belt Indoor Championship* At Jonesboro, Ark. All Day

Sat., Feb. 23 WTEN Eastern Kentucky Blackburn Tennis Center 9:00 A.M.

Sun., Feb. 24 MTEN George Washington Blackburn Tennis Center 10:00 A.M.

Sat., Feb. 23 WSOC South Carolina & College of Charleston At Columbia, S.C.

Sun., Feb. 24 WBB (Senior Day) George Mason* GSU Sports Arena 2:00 P.M.

H I G H

Rashaad Richardson

@freeshev25 RHETT LEWIS | THE SIGNAL

Buzzer beater versus Tennessee State (Nov. 20, 2012)

“Hope I got it off in time. Manny [Atkins] made a great pass from out of bounds and I just caught and my main thing was just get it up in time so it can have a chance to go in.”

Transitioning from high school to college

“Staying mental confidant and staying strong as yourself. You can’t come here and lose confidence in yourself because things aren’t going your way. If you stay mental strong and know you’re good at what you’re doing and continue to strengthen that craft, then you’ll be fine.”

Road blues- worst road venue

“I would say when we went to Towson. Their locker room was probably about this size, like this room in half. And we were all in there just squeezed up and it was terrible.”

Who I look up to

“I look up to my aunt Zelda. She’s probably the best role model I’ve had in my life, the way she works and makes sure everything’s in order. If I had to pick a person I want to be like it would be her.”

Funniest thing I’ve seen lately

“I hate to say it, but when LaRon [Smith] kind of got injured. The way he fell was kind of funny when we saw it on film. It was pretty funny because we were giving him a hard time about it.” *To read Rashaad’s take on the lottery, his hidden talents and Charleston’s culinary fare, please visit our website, www.georgiastatesignal.com.

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART ATLANTA

FRIDA & DIEGO EXHIBITION TOURS

BODY PAINTING SALSA & TANGO LESSONS

CRAFTS WITH INDIE CRAFT EXPERIENCE DANCE BY HELEN HALE & EMORY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

SOUNDS BY REE DE LA VEGA

& SANTIAGO PARAMO College Night is made possible by Presenting Sponsor

$7 STUDENTS FREE FOR MEMBERS $5 FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE Tickets and information: visit high.org or call 404-733-5000.

For group sales, call 404-733-4550.

This exhibition is co-organized by the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, and the Museo Dolores Olmedo, Mexico City, in association with The Vergel Foundation, The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection of Mexican Art, and Galería Arvil. The exhibition is made possible by the Forward Arts Foundation and The Sara Giles Moore Foundation with additional support from the Televisa Foundation and the Friends of Frida & Diego. Funding also provided by the Eleanor McDonald Storza Exhibition Endowment.

Spanish language programming is made possible by the MetLife Foundation. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

Image: Nickolas Muray (American, born Hungary, 1892–1965), Frida on White Bench, 1939–1946, giclée print, 16 x 20 inches, courtesy of Nickolas Muray Photo Archives. © Nickolas Muray Photo Archives.

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Cinefest Film Theatre

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All shows free for GSU students, faculty and staff with ID. Guests $3 before 5 p.m. and $5 at 5 p.m. and after.

February 18-24

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The Master

Monday-Friday: 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6 p.m.

Supported by Student Activity Fees

For details, visit www.gsu.edu/cinefest.

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SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS BOARD www.gsu.edu/spotlight

Spotlight Programs Board 2013-14 Applications Now Available!

Committee Director Applications for Concerts, Graphic Design, Membership, Panther Prowl, Public Relations, Special Events and Traditions are due Monday, February 25 by 4 p.m. All applications are available in 380 Student Center.

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CAMPUS EVENTS

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Campus Events in Library Plaza

Tuesday, February 19, Noon-1 p.m., Library Plaza Black History Month Celebration

Open Mic Night

Wednesday, February 20, 7-9 p.m.

Courtyard Stage, Student Center, First Floor

Whether itʼs poetry, comedy, playing an instrument or singing your heart out, any and every talent is welcome in our show! Cash prizes will be given for the top three GSU student winners. If you are interested in performing, stop by Campus Events in 370 Student Center to apply or visit our Facebook Page.

Friday, February 22, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

Student Center, Speakerʼs Auditorium

Are you having relationship problems? Do you need better pick-up lines? Come to an open session with David Coleman, the real love doctor! Coleman is known worldwide as The Dating Doctor. He has been honoured 13 times as the National Speaker of the Year — 10 times by Campus Activities Magazine and three times by the National Association for Campus Activities — and he was honoured as the 2011 National Entertainer of the Year. He is a highly sought after speaker, author, entertainer and radio and television personality. Donʼt miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to solve all of your relationship woes!

There will be a reception afterwards to mingle and enjoy light refreshment.

Amateur Night

Wednesday, February 27; Doors open at 7 p.m.

Rialto Center for the Arts.

Come enjoy singing, dancing and MORE! Watch your fellow Panthers compete for prizes and bragging rights!

This event is FREE for students and $3 for guests.

As always, there is a one-guest-per-student policy.

Good Morning Commuters Monday, March 4, 8-10 a.m.

Aderhold Learning Center and General Classroom Building

Stop by the Spotlight Programs Board table in Aderhold or the General Classroom Building for some free breakfast and to find out details about upcoming Spotlight events.

Moulan Bleu

Thursday, March 7, 8 p.m.-Midnight Student Center Ballroom

Save the date for our Student Centennial Ball brought to you by Spotlight Programs Board. More info to come!

For more information, call Spotlight at 404-413-1610.

Campus MovieFest Finale

Thursday, February 28 Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Rialto Center for the Arts

GSU students had five days to write, direct, shoot and edit a short film. Now we reveal the best of the best. Come to this red-carpet finale event, dressed in your best style.

Top winners will be announced from Georgia State University, and they will advance to the CMF Grand Finale in Hollywood, California, in June 2013. This event is a collaborative effort between Campus Events, Spotlight Programs Board, GSTV, the Student Government Association, the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and the Rialto Center for the Arts.

Campus Events in Library Plaza

Tuesday, March 5, Noon-1 p.m., Library Plaza Womenʼs History Month CelebrationPantherPalooza Styles

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www.gsu.edu/spotlight

PANTHERPALOOZA featuring

KENDRICK LAMAR and ELLE VARNER Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

GSU Sports Arena TICKETS ON SALE NOW! GSU Students: $10 General Admission: $20 Day of Show: $25

Tickets can be purchased at: Campus Tickets and Sports Arena Box Office (service fees apply). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com (service fees apply).

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