WELCOME HOME UNC Charlotte Center City campus becomes new home to Carolina Humanities Council. p. 3
OP-ED: Anti-feminist comments promote victim blaming
Recent public comments from Cardinal Raymond Burke blames feminism for pedophilia, assault and more. p. 8
N.C. Dance Festival comes to campus
Get to know two of the dancers who will be visiting Robinson Hall on Jan. 24 with the N.C. Dance Festival. p. 12
Make this semester your best one yet
Eight simple tips to help you make Spring 2015 your best semester of college yet, whether you’re a freshman or super senior. p. 15
A PRODUCT OF STUDENT NINER MEDIA • THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE • VOL. 27, ISSUE 15 JAN. 20 - 26, 2015
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NORTH CAROLINA HUMANITIES COUNCIL SGA UPDATE STEVEN SERIO PROFILE
ADDITIONAL STAFF Nick Cropper, Salina Dickie, Amanda Duke, Alex Passannante
ADDITIONAL STAFF
STUDENT UNION
Louis Aiello, Chris Crews, Scott Gordon, Jessica Hubbard, Kalyn Kisiah, Scott Mullich, Warren Pettee, Benjamin Robson, Taylor Welsh
OP-ED: ISLAMOPHOBIA OP-ED: FEMINIST COLUMN HILLARY SIGMON PROFILE MEN’S BASKETBALL FRESHMEN
MARKETING STAFF Katelyn Ford, Malik Francis, Kayla McCall, Dylan Robison, Tia Warren Promotions Coordinator: Sean Grier
Street Team: Natalie Chan, Amanda Duke, Morgan Richards
BASEBALL
SALES OFFICE: 704.687.7144 CIRCULATION BY STUDENT UNION LOADING DOCK TEAM
N.C. DANCE FESTIVAL DORMTAINMENT REVIEW SAVING MONEY SEMESTER SURVIVAL GUIDE
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
COVER PHOTO BY SARA CARSON • INSIDE PHOTO BY CHRIS CREWS
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Center City campus, new home to North Carolina Humanities Council headquarters NCHC excited for endless opportunities upon relocating headquarters to the heart of the city
Sara Carson
NEWS EDITOR After working out of Greensboro since its inception in 1972, the North Carolina Humanities Council (NCHC) has decided to move its headquarters to UNC Charlotte’s City Center campus. NCHC is “a statewide, non-profit agency that provides advocacy, grants and activities to support understanding of the humanities, especially in literature, history, art, music and philosophy,” said Neva Specht, chair of NCHC’s Board of Trustees. The organization strives to
encourage residents throughout North Carolina to fill their entire lives with learning, to not just stop upon graduation from high school or college. They do this by trying to create a common understanding of the different humanities among North Carolinians. Although the organization has offices located throughout the state, they believe the new location of their headquarters will further facilitate their organization’s mission by giving the council additional access and visibility
UNC Charlotte Center City building in Uptown Charlotte. Photo by Sara Carson
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to current and potential partners within the community of Charlotte. “Charlotte is the state’s most dynamic metropolitan market, increasingly cosmopolitan and home of vibrant business, education and cultural sectors,” said Specht. “We are excited about being there and having access to its ample resources and opportunities.” In regards to the headquarters’ previous location, Specht said the council values the long and joyous relationship it had built with the Greensboro community, and rather than sever the ties it has with that region, it hopes to maintain those ties and form more throughout the state. NCHC will remain a statewide agency and continue to provide human initiatives in all 100 counties throughout North Carolina. The official move date from Greensboro to Charlotte was on Jan. 2. Although currently only the executive director has relocated, NCHC plans to hire new employees who either currently reside in Charlotte, or would be willing to make the move. The other four staff members who worked in the headquarters department declined offers to relocate, and no longer work with the organization although they will receive severance packages. “The staff has been great to work with and have been wonderful advocates for the council,” Specht said. “I applaud each of them for their work, which has brought great benefits to our state and its citizens.” Although the organization does not currently have any type of partnership with UNC Charlotte other than sharing property with
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As a part of their mission statement, the Humanities Council is committed to the following: • • •
• • • •
An interdisciplinary approach to the humanities Dialogue Discovery and understanding of the humanities--culture, identity, and history Respect for individual community members and community values Humanities scholarship and scholars to develop humanities perspectives Cultural diversity and inclusiveness Informed and active citizenship as an outgrowth of new awareness of self and community
them, they do have hopes to change that in the future. “We look forward to growing our relationship with UNCC,” said Specht. “The university has been very welcoming.” Work at the organization’s headquarters mostly consists of working with grants, administration, communications and development. One plus side to the new location is the elevation of these everyday tasks. NCHC will now be able to host events, panels, invite keynote speakers and host their quarterly board of trustee meetings. The staff will additionally be able to meet with project directors, donors and teachers.
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POLICE BLOTTER JAN. 10-16
ACCIDENT JAN. 13
• Cameron Blvd., driver of vehicle one stated her foot slipped off of the brake causing her to hit vehicle two causing damage to the bumper of vehicle two.
JAN. 16
• West Deck, subject reported that vehicle one hit vehicle two while vehicle two was parked and unoccupied. It was reported that vehicle one left the area after the incident.
ARREST JAN. 10
• Robinson Hall, officers noticed subject known to have active trespass. Officers made contact and placed subject under arrest.
ASSAULT JAN. 13
• Fretwell, officer took a report regarding a female assaulted by a male. No injuries were reported.
LARCENY JAN. 14
• Reese Building, subject reported that hubcaps were stolen while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied. For more information on Mecklenburg County arrests, visit arrestinquiryweb.co.mecklenburg.nc.us
weather.uncc.edu UNC CHARLOTTE METEOROLOGY PROGRAM
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ASST. NEWS EDITOR Senators of the UNC Charlotte Student Government Association (SGA) gathered for the first Student Senate legislative meeting of the 2015 spring semester on Jan. 15. Position open for Academic Affairs Chairperson Since many leaders of SGA graduated last semester, there are several openings in key positions. One of these spots is the position for the Academic Affairs Chairperson. With the position for the Academic Affairs Chairperson now open, members of SGA will be nominating candidates for the position until it is time to vote. Senators can choose to nominate themselves or a fellow senator. Nominees are not required to accept their nomination and can choose to decline if they feel so inclined to do so. Nominations are being accepted throughout the week. Once the nomination period is over, SGA will vote on who they feel will best represent the Academic Affairs Committee. Voting will take place at the next legislative meeting on Jan. 22. Making the push for more legislation Last semester, senators were
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unable to pass many pieces of legislation, producing only a single one, the Student Ticketing Allocation Act. This legislation was approved during one of the final meetings of the semester, held on Sept. 20. This semester, SGA members hope to be able to vote on and pass more legislation based upon the ideas and foundations they built last semester. SGA expects to put out new legislation soon, possibly as early as their next meeting. Publicity and Outreach Committee Members of the Publicity and Outreach Committee took time over winter break to visit several high schools in the Charlotte area and promote UNC Charlotte to the students. They talked about the university and the surrounding area, the student body and getting involved with one of the organizations on campus. Academic advising changes For the past several months, the Academic Affairs Committee has been working on ways in which the process of receiving academic advising can be made easier and more time efficient for both students and the advisers. However, the committee has FRIDAY JAN. 23
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hit a wall and is currently brainstorming and reevaluating some ideas. Disc golf course progress Both the Student Affairs Committee and the Organizational Ways and Means Committee have made progress towards the approval of a disc golf course located on campus. They have been working together with the disc golf club to further their goal. Student Affairs Committee Along with the progress that is being made on the disc golf course, Student Affairs is also taking a deeper look into the monitoring system for the gyms on campus. This program would install cameras in the gyms and allow students to check the current capacity before going to the actually facilities. This will allow students to plan ahead and make better decisions regarding when the best time to go to the gym might be. Student Affairs expects to see more progress soon. New Student Organization The Spike Ball Club brings the rapidly growing sport to UNC Charlotte. This club is open to anyone who would like to join. SUNDAY
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GETTING
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Taylor Welsh INTERN
Driven. Optimistic. Goofy. These that will take a little extra effort words describe Student Body and student input,” he said. “What President of UNC Charlotte Steven we want to see is the student Serio. But who is he really? government reaching out and trying Currently, the senior business to grasp what the students want to major serves the student body as a happen and change.” member of the Board of Trustees. He Serio said he is working with other describes himself as a manager or members of student government figurehead. to determine how they can better Serio was born in Baltimore and engage with the student population his family moved to Boston just and increase their visibility on a few months later, then again to campus. Sarasota, Fla., where they lived for “Ruthie’s (student body viceseveral years. The family moved one president) and my goals are to do more time when Serio was in the more vote tables across campus and second grade, settling in Charlotte. be more active within the student “My dad was a hard-working body population and show them that man,” he said. “He worked for a we are actually doing stuff that SGA food and beverage company as an (Student Government Association) executive. He was a very important is there to do for them because not a person for his company, so traveling ton of students even know what SGA was almost a necessity.” is,” Serio said. “My father is definitely the person I look up to the most in life,” he said. The light side of Serio “If I ever have a problem, I call him Serio said he enjoyed growing up and try to work it out with him, or if on the beaches of Florida, but little I need some advice I always will go did he know at the time, to my dad.” it would also shape his Serio said he believes his father future career endeavors. has been a mentor for him in the “I lived right on the field of leadership. beach, so you could “He was involved in his fraternity imagine all the fun a as president, not to compare with kid can have with the student body president, but that,” Serio said. he was a leader and he is also the “I played executive in companies, so I definitely take his advice,” Serio said. “I get my drive from him more than anything. We have the same tenacity for success.” Serio uses these skills to excel as the student body president and hopes to accomplish goals that have yet to be reached in his position. “There are a good NT File Photo number of projects
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a lot of baseball so I was busy doing that also. I was the kid that had a lot of friends and no enemies. Oh, and I went to Disney World all the time. That’s the best backyard a kid could ever ask for.” At the mention of Disney World, a glow came over Serio’s face and his words flowed as if he were talking in rhythm to Disney tunes in his head. “I love Disney,” Serio said. “The movies are great; I grew up going to Disney World. I just love what Walt [Disney] stood for and the creativity behind it, and even when people said ‘no’, he said, ‘I am going to do it.’ I love him for his perseverance and the imagination he had when creating Disney. I think it is a diverse company. You have media in the parks and branding everywhere; it’s the perfect business that provides nothing but happiness, which is what I want to achieve.” When asked if he views himself as a Walt Disney-type, Serio said humbly, “I can’t put myself on the same pedestal as Walt. He’s ... No. I can see my drive and determination like him but no.” Serio said his dream job is to become the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, combining his love of business and the amusement park. In addition to Disney and his dad, Serio says his other childhood idol is Cal Ripken, Jr. “He played the longest consecutive streak for baseball games and that says a lot about him,” Serio said. “He was doing what he loved. Even if he was sick or hurt, he would still play the game and do his job and that is something I value and try to live out every day.”
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UNC Charlotte’s Student Union ranked sixth best in nation According to bestcollegevalues.com, the Union is superior to 24 other universities in its food options, architecture and sense of community
Kalyn Kisiah INTERN
Student unions can certainly be considered the central hub of any university, bringing many diverse groups of people together. This is so, especially if the student union is as eloquently designed as that of UNC Charlotte, which was recently ranked sixth out of 30 student unions in colleges across the nation on bestcollegevalues.org. Within UNC Charlotte’s “state of the art meeting, gathering, office, community, and study space” as stated on studentunion.uncc.edu, you can find the rotunda, a round sitting space with an open floor area in the center of the first level, which is often used as a venue for live bands, drawing crowds of students to listen. The first level of the Union also features a variety of entertainment options for students to enjoy including an art gallery featuring some of UNC Charlotte’s students best work, a movie theater where students can view current movies at no cost and Norm’s pool hall, which is a great place to gather with fellow students to watch the big game. In addition to offering a variety of entertainment options, the union is also home to a variety of dining facilities. On the first floor is a Starbucks and Outtakes Quick Cuisine, which is much like a quick stop for frozen foods, drinks and candy. Union Square, also located on the first floor, is comprised of Mamma Leone’s, Einstein Bagel Brothers, Freshens and Wendy’s. The second floor’s dining options include Crown Commons, a buffetstyle eatery offering a wide variety of options, and Bistro 49, a higher-
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scale restaurant. For the convenience of students who don’t want to leave campus for a trip to the salon is Union Station, which has highly trained hair and nail professionals. Beside the salon is the ID card office where students can go to obtain new or replace lost student identification cards. Adjacent from the salon is both the Charlotte Metro Credit Union and the Niner Tech computer store, which offers Apple technicians and products for students. The first floor of the Union is also where students can find Barnes & Noble at UNC Charlotte, the campus bookstore. The offices of the Student Government, Student Organization Resource Center, Campus Activities Board, Niners on the Weekend, Multicultural Resource Center, Religious and Spiritual Life, Center for Leadership and Development as well as other student organizations and meeting rooms for students are all located on the third floor. Aside from the Student Union’s vast list of amenities, another attribute is visual appeal. The union is high-tech and neatly designed with its tile floors and stairs, Ninercolored hues on the walls to bring out school spirit and balconies looking out just off of the cafeteria on the second floor, which are also equipped with outdoor seating. To view the complete list of top student unions from universities around the nation, visit: http:// www.bestcollegevalues.org/studentunions/.
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DEFINITIONS UNCLEAR When people misuse or misunderstand the word “Islamophobia,” it impedes important discussions
Louis Aiello
STAFF WRITER Nothing can divide people like a misunderstood or misconstrued word. For example, what does the word “Islamophobia” refer to? It depends who you ask. For some, it’s used to quickly label and discount those critical of Islam. However, there should be a distinction between those who refer to Muslims in general and those who refer to the actions of jihadi. In a past paper, I discussed the differences between jihadi and Muslims. Jihad in modern definition means holy war or a crusade – one act of these crusades we now know as 9/11. But in the Quran, there is another important definition: the struggle of self or self-identity. This isn’t the only time that sort of struggle is mentioned. Even in the Torah, the same meaning is called by a different name: Israel. Israel stems from its origins
in Genesis, when Jacob is about to encounter his brother Esau in battle. But the night before, this imperfect patriarch has a physical struggle with a mysterious being. The being isn’t able to overtake Jacob, and the next morning, he declares that Jacob will now be referred to as Israel. In the Torah, names are important, like the name “Adam” meaning ground or earth. Therefore, this change in Jacob is very significant. As dawn approaches, the creature goes away, and instead of fighting his brother, Israel and Esau end up embracing each other. Israel realizes that he wasn’t as innocent as he had always thought; he had a part to play in his brother’s desire for vengeance, and he could no longer solely blame Esau. As with jihad, there are many definitions for Israel – it all depends on what or who you’re referring to.
For example, it could refer to the person Jacob, the people known as the Israelites or the state of Israel. Each and every definition is different. But jihad as defined in the Quran is the same type of self-struggle that was the key to establishing the state of Israel. However, the definition has been misrepresented and misconstrued to mean nothing more than holy conquest. The term “Islamophobe” is itself misleading. It has been used to label another form of racism, and while those people do exist, they are relatively few and far between. The overall form is far more complicated because the vast majority of individuals killed by the Islamic State (ISIS) are Muslims. Because they disagree with the caliphate, they are cleansed from this plane of existence by a holy barrage of bullets.
Regardless of whether ISIS is recognized internationally as a sovereign state, its very existence is enough to satisfy many jihadi. Many Muslims fear jihadi, but it is seldom discussed because people fear being quickly labeled as an Islamophobe. Fear in this world is often due to ignorance, but a phobia is considered to be an irrational fear. But is the fear of the Islamic State and its desire for conquest not credible? An attack on Islam is very real, and those who understand the Islamic State best fear it the most. Therefore, I submit to you that even though a great many individuals are ignorant of Islam, a great many are very knowledgeable of the religion. Their fear of jihad is not a fear of Islam. Instead, it’s those who accuse others of Islamophobia through their own naivety who are the real Islamophobes.
Hundreds of refugees wait in hopes to leave part of Iraq under Islamic State control. Photo courtesy of Tribune News Service
EDITORIAL POLICY Niner Times is written and produced by students at UNC Charlotte. All unsigned editorials are the expressed opinion of the editorial board and do not represent the views of the University. Views expressed in signed editorials are solely those of the author. Niner Times is published on Tuesdays during the regular academic year except during holidays and exam periods.
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Cardinal Raymond Burke blames pedophilia, assault and more on feminism Eden Creamer
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Good news, fellow feminists! Feminism causes pedophilia and abuse to significant others. Or at least that’s what Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke said earlier this month. Burke, the highestranked American Cardinal during the previous pope’s tenure, says that when women in the Church are feminists, it creates a “man crisis” and pushes men toward reclaiming their masculinity in other ways, like sexually abusing children, peers, strangers and themselves. And his opinions on the LGBTQ community’s involvement in feminism? Equally guilty of harm, especially to children. Yes, the empowerment of marginalized groups causes all sorts of manly issues. Burke, who spoke with The New Emangelization (NOT a typo, my friends), said that in the mid1970s, men began to express fear of marriage because their prospective wives had “radicalizing and self-focused attitudes … These young men were concerned that entering a marriage would simply not work because of a constant and insistent demanding of rights for women.” In fact, feminism as a whole is chipping away at the Catholic Church, as Burke said, “the radical feminist movement strongly influenced the Church, leading the Church to constantly address women’s issues at the expense of addressing critical issues important to men.” Burke says that while the Church continues to debate birth control and contraceptive options, men’s moral education falls to the wayside, destroying manhood education and making men more likely to harm others. Throughout the entire interview, which was actually a fascinating read despite its antifeminist undertones, Burke stays very true to many classic tenants of the Catholic Church - the importance of family, of God in the home and of a healthy individual spiritual life are all evident in the transcript, none of which was surprising or arguable, especially considering it’s a Cardinal we’re talking about. However, from my understanding he strays from classic Catholic tenants, as the entirety of his argument perpetuates victim blaming, or at the least casts blame away from the men causing harm. Women get hurt because they want rights, children get hurt because their mothers want rights or because their same-sex parents want rights. The men who hurt them? Eh, all those rights of others emasculated him. It’s justified. Of course, straight men aren’t the only ones who hit, or rape. Women and members of the LGBTQ
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Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke in 2006. Photo courtesy of Tribune News Service
community are guilty, too, but proportionately less than straight male counterparts, and here Burke is only focusing on straight males. On the other side of Burke’s argument, he blames women for taking the masculinity out of faith. He noted that women become active in the Church, and feminine the place up. “The activities in the parish and even in the liturgy have become influenced by women and have become so feminine in many places that men do not want to get involved,” he said. He later notes that female altar servers in the Church cause boys to be less interested in participating, again turning boys away from the Church, making them bad, immoral men and forcing them to hurt others. The slippery slope mentality creates ill-feeling toward women becoming active in their place of worship. I’m not Catholic, and I certainly won’t pretend to be. Identifying with Judaism, I see the same type of apprehension when at worship. When my cousin Genna got married in 2013, the cantor at the wedding was a woman. The night before JAN. 20 - 26, 2015
the wedding, I sat in the synagogue Genna’s inlaws attended for the aufruf, and I heard a gasp beside me when the cantor came out. My poor grandmother, not prepared for a female cantor, reflected her generation’s perception of women participating in the synagogue and leading services. Even worse for my grandmother was when the cantor modernized the service, and instead of all the women throwing treats at the bride and groom to wish their marriage sweetness, my cousin and her husband-to-be threw candies to all the children in the audience. But of course, my grandmother didn’t make the leap that the advancement of women in the secular world was the reason for assault and rape. Apparently only high-profile Cardinals make comments like that. What do you think? Does feminism hurt religion, or is there room for religion and feminism to blend together cohesively? Tweet us @niner_times with #FeministFriday to join the discussion! Also make sure to check out Feminist Friday on NinerTimes.com every Friday this semester.
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Sigmon in 2012. Photo by Chris Crews
COURTSIDE WITH SENIOR SHARPSHOOTER Scott Gordon
HILLARY SIGMON
STAFF WRITER The Charlotte 49ers women’s basketball team is 7-10 overall and 3-2 in Conference USA (C-USA) action this season. After starting the conference season 0-2, the 49ers have responded with wins over Marshall, North Texas and Rice to get back into contention for the conference title. Charlotte is ranked eighth in offense in C-USA, and a big part of that offense is senior sharpshooter Hillary Sigmon. The 49ers are a much better team when Sigmon is making contributions on the offensive side of the floor. Sigmon averages 10.4 points per game on the year and the 49ers are 4-3 in games in which she scores double figures and 4-4 when she makes multiple shots from downtown. She dropped 27 in Charlotte’s home-opener this season in a loss against N.C. State, which is still a season-high for the 49ers. Sigmon, a native of Hickory, N.C., is one of the best 3-point shooters the Queen City has ever seen. She is sec-
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ond on the list of Charlotte’s all-time career 3-pointers made and has the potential to be at the top before her career is over. She is on pace to pass 1,000 points in her career at Charlotte and should meet that goal in the not-so-distant future. “I started playing when I was seven,” said Sigmon. “I got recruited through the lunch line. The lunch lady was an assistant coach for my rec(reational) team and she wanted me to play basketball. I was probably the tallest girl at my school.” Sigmon, who was recruited by former Charlotte head coach Karen Aston, was drawn to the Queen City because of the campus and atmosphere. “I’ve met a lot of difference people and it’s opened my eyes to a broader world sense,” Sigmon said of her time at Charlotte so far. Sigmon is a psychology major with a minor in biology. “I’ve enjoyed getting to learn more about the mind and how it works and the body also.
It’s kind of interesting to me,” she said. Sigmon also enjoys the sport of swimming and her favorite hobbies outside of basketball are shopping and artistic activities like painting and drawing. Since coming to Charlotte, Sigmon has started in 94 of the 104 games she’s played in, including 18 starts as a freshman. She has improved her scoring every year since joining the 49ers despite playing less minutes over the last three years. “On the court it’s been a rollercoaster ride,” Sigmon said. “I’ve gotten used to the fast pace and I can make decisions a lot quicker. My shot’s been a lot better.” Sigmon netted a career high 32 points in her junior season, which is a tie for 11th on the school’s single-game scoring list. She has shot almost 40 percent from behind the arc over her career at Charlotte, making her a threat to opposing defenses. She also played a role in Charlotte’s
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team GPA of 3.31 last season, which was a program-record. This season she was named to the All-Triple Crown Cancun Challenge Mayan Tournament team in Mexico. Sigmon is a great decision-maker both on the court and in the classroom. She is a vital part of the Charlotte offense and will have to continue to put up big numbers if the 49ers want to keep up the momentum they have going right now after winning their last three conference games. Charlotte is one of only 12 programs nationally to make some sort of post-season tournament in each of the last 12 years, and Sigmon will play a major role in extending that streak to 13. The 49ers play seven of the final 13 games at home where they are much more comfortable. Look for the senior guard to knock down 3-pointers and continue her consistent scoring down the stretch to lead the 49ers the rest of the way as they climb the C-USA rankings.
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49ERS FRESHMEN Keyshawn Woods.
FIREPOWER TRUE FRESHMEN KEYSHAWN WOODS AND TORIN DORN PROVIDE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR CHARLOTTE BASKETBALL
Alex Passannante
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
When the Charlotte 49ers signed their 2014-15 recruiting class, fans knew that they were getting some talented players; not many expected how much of an impact they would have though. Through transfers and injuries, Keyshawn Woods and Torin Dorn were thrust into the second rotation, and one time, even the starting lineup. Woods and Dorn both played their high school ball in the Charlotte area and want to restore prominence to the city at the collegiate level. Woods, from Northside Christian Academy, is the point guard of the future for the 49ers. He’ll face the daunting task of taking the reigns from senior floor general Pierria Henry after this season, but the reigning North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year appears more than capable. Woods has provided a spark off the bench this season, averaging 8.5 points per game. Dorn, who played his high school ball at Vance, has already shown the potential to be the go-to man offensively in Charlotte. He leads the team in scoring at 12.4 points per game, although he has only cracked the starting five once this season. Dorn’s freakish athletic ability is often on display, and he dazzled fans with a 26-point performance on the road against Western Kentucky. They both have integral roles on the team with each playing more than 25 minutes per game. At o ne point last week, Woods was 10th in the nation in 3-point percentage. These aren’t just freshmen taking the court for the 49ers; these are high-motor players with
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tremendous upside. The best quality about them may be how well they get along with each other and love Charlotte. As roommates on campus, they have spent every moment together since August. “It’s been fun, just meeting a bunch of new people from different places and seeing their culture,” said Woods. Dorn agreed on that point, perhaps more emphatically. “I absolutely love college. I love the city and campus. It’s been fun so far,” Dorn said. When it comes to the hardwood, Dorn said that there are stark differences between their old home and Charlotte. “The speed of the game and the size is the biggest one. In high school, I was the biggest one on the court.” Despite the differences, Dorn went on to say that he isn’t surprised with his success so far. “We put in the work to be consistent. I know that Keyshawn puts in the work because I see him in the gym all the time. I wouldn’t expect anything less from him.” Woods said that their high school contributed to what they have now. “We both came from good high schools with good coaches, so that matters a lot too.” Woods has thrived on 3-point shooting, currently shooting 50 percent, but he said that deep-range hasn’t always been his best attribute. “They (3-pointers) haven’t always been my strong point, it was more mid-range. The more you work at it though helps, and me being shotready is always a plus.” Charlotte fans are no strangers to freshmen having success; two years ago, Darion Clark and Willie Clayton had a similar impact, with Clark JAN. 20 - 26, 2015
Torin Dorn.
Photos by Benjamin Robson
even starting the majority of conference games. While those two had success, Woods and Dorn are arguably even better, and provide a nice glimpse into the next few years of 49er basketball. One thing that is unknown about the near future is when head coach Alan Major, who recently took his second leave of absence, will return. Interim head coach Ryan Odom has taken over and has seen a 2-2 record since. “We’re just trying to play for Coach. We know he’s sick and hurting, so we want to let him know we’re working hard for him,” Woods said. Major, who had eye and heart surgery last summer, told athletic director Judy Rose that he came back too soon. After a tough two months of traveling to away games and the Charleston Classic, Major thought it was time to step away. “Coach Odom has done a great job. He’s picked up right where Major left off. We’re missing Coach a lot and I love him to death. It’s tough to see him struggling, but I just want him to be healthy,” Woods said. With a start to the season that people didn’t expect, both Woods and Dorn assured me that everything would be fine moving forward. “Defend and rebound. Defense is key,” both Woods and Dorn said. “Offensive will take care of itself; we have a lot of guys that can score the ball.” Charlotte (8-8, 2-2) will face the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Thursday, Jan. 22 and Middle Tennessee State University on Jan. 24.
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Photo by Chris Crews
PLAY BALL The Charlotte 49ers baseball team will take the diamond this spring amid offseason hazing controversy
Matt Chapman
SPORTS EDITOR UNC Charlotte Chancellor Phillip L. Dubois released a statement last month regarding the hazing allegations surrounding the Charlotte 49ers baseball program. Dubois announced that he has authorized Athletics Director Judy Rose to reinstate baseball activities after previously halting all team activity on Nov. 21. 49ers head coach Loren Hibbs has dismissed five players from the team in response to the situation. Although there has been speculation about the players involved, the university has not officially released any names at this point in the investigation. “Based on what we know today, I have authorized Athletics Director Judy Rose to reinstate baseball activities for the rest of the team, effective immediately,” said Dubois in the statement. Dubois included that the investigation being conducted by UNC Charlotte’s Student Affairs Division is still ongoing. “The university stands firm in its resolve that there is no place for hazing, bullying or misconduct
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at UNC Charlotte,” said Dubois. “If any evidence of additional misconduct, as defined by the University Code of Student Responsibility, becomes known, additional measures will be taken.” Charlotte struggled through a mediocre 19-31-1 season in 2014 with a roster loaded with talented, but inexperienced underclassmen. Despite last season’s difficulties, baseball fans in the Queen City were looking forward to big things in 2015 prior to these allegations. The 49ers scheduled a three-game series against the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Ga. to open the season, but Georgia has since removed Charlotte from their schedule because of the uncertainty surrounding the program. The Bulldogs are debuting a brand new stadium this season and have replaced Charlotte with Eastern Illinois to open their new ball park. Charlotte will now open the season with 18 consecutive home games at Robert and Miriam Hayes Stadium, and they will also host the N.C. State Wolfpack uptown at BB&T Ballpark, home of the
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Charlotte Knights. The 49ers won’t make their first road trip until Friday, March 20, when they travel to Florida for a three-game series against their Conference USA foe Florida International Panthers. Coach Hibbs has enjoyed great success in Charlotte, but he has been oddly silent entering his 23rd season at the helm of the program. He has averaged 31 wins per season and enters the 2015 season ranked 43rd among active coaches in wins in the NCAA. Hibbs is currently under contract through 2018, and it is unclear whether or not he had any knowledge of the accused hazing taking place on his team. Hibbs has been unavailable to speak with the media since the announcement of the investigation surfaced nearly one month ago. He will remain silent on the issue until later in January according to the 49ers sports information directors. “We remain in close contact with members of the team and their families and are listening closely to their concerns,” said Dubois.
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N.C. Dance Festival Leanna Pough
A&E EDITOR
The North Carolina Dance Festival (NCDF) is a touring production featuring dance companies from across the state. Each season, N.C.-based professional choreographers are chosen in a blind adjudication process to participate in the annual NCDF statewide tour. Featured dancers Diego Carrasco Schoch and Leah Wilks share their early experiences with dance before NCDF comes to Charlotte, Saturday, Jan. 24 at Robinson Hall. Name: Diego Carrasco Schoch Age: 48 Home town: Southern California Years Dancing: 30+ Dance Style: Modern
Photo courtesy of N.C. Dance Festival Press Page
“When I was really young, my dad and I remember when I got up in the I would go see movies a lot. morning to go to school, the night Some of those movies were musicals. before my dad and I had gone to see a So a lot of my early experiences with musical and while I was in the kitchen dance were seeing it on film, the getting breakfast, I was just stomping Nicholas Brothers, Gene Kelly and Fred away, “tap,” but it was mostly stomping. Astaire, the MGM greats. The idea of That was definitely a manifestation of male dancing definitely came out of my ‘Oh, this stuff is pretty cool!’” experience watching old musicals.
Photo courtesy of Steve Clarke
Name: Leah Wilks Age: 27 Home town: Hillsborough, N.C. Years Dancing: Since age 3 Dance Style: Modern Photo courtesy of Leah Wilks Facebook Page
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“I don’t remember first falling in love with dance. I don’t remember not loving dance. I don’t recall a moment of infatuation, or a time when I knew this is what I would do with the rest of my life. I don’t know. I guess it was just never really a question for me. I always loved it. It’s what made me feel alive. The stage let me be the big, huge personality that I am without having to
apologize for it the way I sometimes did in normal day-to-day interactions. I recall moments of losing myself in dance, in class or while performing that completely swept me away. I recall the moment of realizing I was actually making my life doing this ... that this could actually be real. But I don’t remember falling in love with dance. I mean, I love music too ... I could have gone that direction too I suppose, but maybe dance just got to me first?” JAN. 20 - 26, 2015
Photo courtesy of Justin Cook
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DORMTAINMENT BRINGS DOWN THE HOUSE
Dormtainment at McKnight Hall. Photo by Benjamin Robson
Scott Mullich INTERN
The show began an hour late. In an audience as large as the one present Friday evening, Jan. 16 at McKnight Hall, I would have expected the sizable delay to spark some anger or at least some frustrated impatience. Instead, there was a sense of growing excitement. I obviously had no idea what I was in for. I wasn’t sure what to expect since all I had seen from them beforehand was some of their YouTube videos. They were funny, no question, but I wondered how comedy in that format could be successfully transferred from the screen to the stage. There was no need for concern. Dormtainment owned the space and electrified the audience from the second they stepped – or rather, danced – out from behind the curtain. The show was incredibly fastpaced with Cam, Chaz, Mike, Rome, Tay and Amanuel grouping together and splitting up so rapidly that transitions between routines were nearly seamless. The routines themselves were quite diverse. Dormtainment seemed to successfully combine the pre-written sketch format of “Saturday Night Live” with the spontaneity and audience interaction of “Whose Line is
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it Anyway?” Music, videos and props were utilized very effectively, adding new dimensions to their routines and creating an unpredictable mix of comedy elements that kept the audience guessing and laughing until the end. Response from the audience was some of the best I’ve ever witnessed at a live show. Enthusiastic volunteers jumped at the chance to participate in some of the sketches, and the entertainers seemed to not only welcome, but thrive on interruptions. Some of the most hysterical moments of the night spawned from interaction between audience members and the comedians. The material was topical and relatable. The comedians themselves were college students not too long ago and weren’t afraid to open up about their backgrounds, humble or otherwise. These aspects combined certainly seemed to endear them to the audience. Overall, the show was two hours of loud, crazy, unapologetic fun and definitely worth the wait. Visit dormtainment.com or youtube.com/DormtainmentTV to see more of their comedy, and be sure to follow them on Twitter at @Dormtainment.
ACROSS 1 Pod used to thicken gumbo 5 Moonshine containers 9 “24” superagent Jack 14 __-chef 15 Jacob’s twin 16 Happen next 17 Military bed-making features 20 Rose pest 21 Pimply breakout 22 On the __: precisely 23 Civil rights activist Parks 26 Chancellor von Bismarck 28 Classic jazz vocal group originally composed of four siblings, with “The” 33 Financial claim 35 Sport __: versatile wheels 36 OB/GYN test 37 Goof 38 Comic strip with Snoopy
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41 Md. neighbor 42 Pierre’s “There it is!” 44 Bigheadedness 45 “Should __ acquaintance ...” 46 “Special” lobbying faction 50 Mideast strip 51 In the mail 52 Magazine fillers 55 Intravenous process 57 Ride without pedaling 61 UN organ ... or what the first words of 17-, 28- and 46-Across comprise? 65 San Antonio battle site 66 Cookie added to a McFlurry 67 Banned fruit spray 68 Make into confetti 69 Enjoy a Kindle, e.g. 70 Printed goof
DOWN 1 Fed. workplace monitor 2 Surgeon general under Reagan 3 Make haste 4 Pain-relieving pill 5 Jumbo __ 6 Stars and Stripes land: Abbr. 7 Black-tie party 8 Relief 9 Italian pistols 10 Cape NNW of Cod 11 Second-hand 12 Franc replacement 13 What’s leftover, with “the” 18 Revered star 19 Not hoodwinked by 24 Revolve on an axis 25 Nick and Nora’s dog 27 Electrical unit 28 Be worthy of 29 Poet Stephen Vincent __ 30 Turn out to be 31 Cambodian currency 32 Happy sign for a Realtor 33 Jeans maker Strauss 34 Crease remover 38 Send down using chutes, as supplies 39 Fleecy footwear brand 40 Injured, as a ligament 43 Table support 45 Quaint coin-op eatery 47 Poet Pound 48 Crew member 49 A single time 52 Lab gel 53 Pastrami purveyor 54 Lose it 56 Remove, as a peel 58 With skill 59 High-five, e.g. 60 Rookie 62 Outback bird 63 Mediterranean __ 64 Clump of turf
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No money? No problem AS COLLEGE STUDENTS, IT MAY BE HARD TO SAVE AND BUDGET MONEY AS MORE AND MORE BILL ACCUMULATE HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO HELP GET BY
Jessica Hubbard INTERN
I will be 21 years old this week. That’s 21 years of life experience I have to offer the world, which in the grand scheme of things, is only about one-fifth of my entire life. Have you ever stopped to think that 21 years old today isn’t the same as 21 years a decade ago? Five days before my 21st birthday, I applied for my first car loan. That’s when it hit me. I am not even considered legal yet, and I have more responsibilities than my mother had at the age of 30. A year ago I began renting my own apartment. With that comes power, Internet, water and so many other things that I never had to care about before. On top of all of those new bills,
I pay monthly for my phone, I pay UNC Charlotte for my health insurance and just recently I left my mother’s car policy to receive my own. That’s not to say I am grateful for my life and being able to handle myself in an adult setting, but it’s 2015 and it is turning out to be an expensive year. Whether it’s buying the iPhone 6 or a new Michael Kors watch, as a female in her 20s, I am expected to be up-to-date in the latest fashion trends and technology. So what is that like? Being a self-supporting 21-year-old in 2015? Life is an adventure, a hard adventure, but nevertheless, there is never a dull moment.
NT File Photo
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Because I cannot just have a random shopping spree and buy whatever I like, I have found some secrets to maintaining a “fun” lifestyle while being responsible at the same time. To start, I work in retail. Picking a part-time job that works with your lifestyle can be really beneficial. A part-time job in retail, fast food or a grocery store can be really rewarding. Most part-time jobs in sales also offer a decent discount for employees that can save you a bundle. Another great tool to use is buying non-name brand items or shopping at thrift stores or consignment shops. As you are buying groceries, grab the Harris Teeter brand shells-ncheese instead of Velveeta. Not only does it save you money, but tastes better too. Also sign up for the saving card many grocery stores offer. At Harris Teeter, you save money every time you buy something. Using discount cards like these even save you money in the future by sending special coupon deals right to your email. Other than buying food, there are ways to save money to buy yourself something special for getting an A on that exam you studied over a week for. If there is a “must-have” on your list, such as a new purse or pair of shoes, consider saving your money gradually. Saving money a little bit at a time will not only be easy on your wallet, but you’ll feel a sense of pride when
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you purchase the item you have been saving up to buy. Ever heard of the 52-week money challenge? It is so simple and rewarding, you will be mad that you haven’t already started saving this year. You start at week one by putting only one dollar in your jar. At the beginning of week two you add two dollars. You add another dollar at the beginning of every week and go on from there. By the 52nd week you put in $52. If you do this for a year, by the end of the year you will have around $1300. Another way to save some cash here and there is by using coupons. Some people may think that using coupons makes you cheap, but once you see how much money you are saving by using coupons on things you already buy, you will wish you started using them earlier. I may not be having a huge bash for my 21st birthday, or going on an extravagant trip, but I have never felt more accomplished in my life. Being self-sufficient at a young age as well as a full-time student, can be hard and overwhelming, but if you follow some of the tips it’s not impossible. Growing up is a hard thing to do and as college students, we have many responsibilities as it is so adding more responsibilities into the equation, it can get a little hard sometimes. As you take on more adult responsibilities, you will be able to come up with tips of your own that will make your life, as well as others, a little bit easier.
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SEMESTER SURVIVAL GUIDE:
MAKE THIS SPRING SEMESTER THE BEST ONE YET Now that the add/drop period is over, it is time to get in the swing of things. Whether you are in your first or last year here at Niner Nation, use some of these tips to make this semester your best
Michelle Carpenter
LIFESTYLE EDITOR Join a student organization Feel like you haven’t found your niche here on campus yet? No worries. With over 300 student organizations ranging from Greek life to academics to sports to hobbies, you are sure to find one that fits your interests and schedule. Whether you want to volunteer or miss being on a soccer team like you were in high school, there are plenty of ways to get involved on campus.
Photo by Chris Crews Photo by Chris Crews
Make or join a study group It’s still early enough in the semester that you may not need it yet, but go ahead and start talking to some other students about forming study groups for classes you can tell may be a struggle. That way when midterms roll around, you already have some relationships established and can call on those people for help. You don’t want to be struggling to find someone to help you the night before your big test or paper is due. Who knows? Suffering through organic chemistry together could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Take advantage of the library The library has so many great resources to help you ace even the toughest of classes. From study rooms to computers to books and reference materials, Club Atkins isn’t a bad place to go when you’re feeling stuck on an assignment. Plus, it is probably much quieter than your dorm lounge or the Student Union. If complete silence in studying isn’t your thing, head to the basement where the environment is more relaxed yet conducive to studying. There’s no reason not to get an A on that midterm paper this semester.
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SEMESTER SURVIVAL GUIDE, cont. Try new dining options Have you found yourself frequenting one dining establishment on campus? Venture out of your comfort zone and try something new this semester. The new dining hall in South Village just opened this semester and has numerous eateries. If you find yourself frequenting the cafeterias in Prospector or constantly hopping in the Wendy’s line, try a trip to Cone next time hunger strikes. You don’t want to leave campus without having tried all of your options. You never know, you may find a new favorite.
Photo by Benjamin Robson
Bond with your roommates
Start working out
Set a specific goal
Feel like you never hit bestie or bro status with your roommates last semester? Not everyone does, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make an effort to get closer now. Take this semester as an opportunity to get to know them better and make lasting friendships. Have a movie or a video game night to unwind. Haven’t tried out SoVi yet? Invite your roommates to come with you. You have to live with them for at least another four months so why not make the best of it?
The beginning of a new year means New Year Resolutions. Many people put “workout” on their resolution list. The Student Activities Center offers many different types of fitness classes. There are classes that range from yoga to body sculpting. The SAC offers a class for everyone. Since Spring Break is just around the corner, get a head start on working out and attend one or more of the classes offered. You can also take advantage of the gym on campus. There are weights, treadmills as well as many other types of workout equipment to help you get fit and stay healthy. If you do not like running on a treadmill, there is an indoor track that is available for students. There are also basketball courts for your use also. When the weather is nicer, be sure to try working out on the green way or even the Front Fields.
Sure, everyone wants to “make good grades” this semester, but what does that mean to you? Clearing by with all Cs? Making the Dean’s or Chancellor’s list? Writing down the specifics of what you want to accomplish this semester can help you reach your goals and give you something to focus on during the cold, rainy days of winter. Your goal doesn’t have to be academic either. Whatever you wish to accomplish, make a plan and it’s sure to be your best semester yet.
Photo by Benjamin Robson
Photo by Chris Crews
Explore the city Charlotte itself has so much to offer, but many students just stay in the area around campus. Look up some cool restaurants in other parts of the city or make a day of exploring uptown with your friends (or roommates if you are looking for more ways to bond with them). There are some great museums and attractions all over the city. When it gets warmer later in the semester, you may want to check out some of the great parks such as Freedom Park or Reedy Creek Park.
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View of Uptown Charlotte from Romare Bearden Park. Photo by Amanda Duke
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