Niner Times - September 1, 2011

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

CHECK OUT WHO YOU SHOULD VOTE FOR IN 2012

PROMOTING AWARENESS OF A CULTURE

Get an overview of each Republican candidate for the 2012 presidentital race. See what they think about the umemployment situation and the healthcare debate.

The Latin American Student Organization works to raise awareness for their culture and other diverse groups on campus.

FEATURES

OPINION

NINERONLINE.COM

See what their campaign plans for the upcoming election are, if they receive the Republican candidate nomination. p.6

PAGE 1

Their event “La Explosion Cultura” helped them raise awareness on campus.

p.10

NINERTIMES Thursday, September 1, 2011

Published twice weekly and online at www.nineronline.com

A product of Student Niner Media • The University of North Carolina at Charlotte • Partially funded by Student Fees • Breaking News? Email us at editor@nineronline.com or call 704.687.7148

New on NinerOnline.com: Check out a review of the Two ‘Til Tailgate event hosted by Niner Traditions.

Student’s outlook on construction

Police host campus safety month

Asa Yoel REPORTER

The long anticipated renovations of Prospector and the new dorm, Spruce Hall, are now complete, but not without mixed opinion.

Prospector is primarily a dining area but also offers several auxiliary services to students and staff. The two new restaurants offered are a full menu Chick-fil-A and Feisty’s Franks+Fries, which serves hotdogs and bratwurst. Prospector also includes a copy center called Repros, the relocated mail services center and a “First Amendment area,” where ideas may be communicated openly and freely.

Sophomore Megan Philbeck says that she loves Prospector as “it has been made into a more centralized area for students and creates a good community and fellowship feel.”

Other students such as psychology major Peggy Camp, wish for more on campus dining options. “I think it’s great they put in a full Chick-fil-A because I know my peers enjoy eating there, but I wish they had thought to put something healthier in than a hot dog place,” said Camp.

Spruce Hall, which is located directly behind C.F. Lynch and Laurel Hall, is the newest residential hall at UNC Charlotte.

According to the Housing and Residence Life webpage Spruce Hall is the first LEED certified facility, meaning “the design, construction and use of the building have met independently established criteria for eco-friendliness. From recycled steel in the building’s core to advanced heating and cooling systems.”

“I’m living in Spruce this year and I really love it, the rooms are huge, the bathrooms are really nice, the dorm itself has awesome study rooms, lounges and plenty of kitchens, and I love that we have wireless throughout the whole dorm,” said Camp.

While there are some areas in which students may feel are lacking, many students are pleased with the additions. “All in all I think they have improved the campus and be a positive plus to the social and student environment,” said Philbeck.

OPINION

The Mobile Command Center helps campus police keep students safe on campus. They added the command center to their forces earlier this year.

Photo by Oleg Kigalenko

Lauren Dunn REPORTER

National Campus Safety Awareness Month begins this week as UNC Charlotte.

Police and Public Safety begin their series of events and informational booths to help promote campus safety.

Students will have the opportunity to delve into the daily workings of the campus police during these events to see how they strive to keep the UNC Charlotte campus as crime free as possible. “[These events] range from everything from many different types of campus safety from drinking and driving, from securing your valuables to tips for parking on cam-

A&E

pus. It covers the whole gamut of safety on a college campus,” said Lt. Josh Huffman of campus police.

All events are free to students and cosponsored by various UNC Charlotte organizations like the Student Health Center.

“We’re trying to involve the campus as much as possible,” said Officer Jerry Lecomte.

Some of the tables and information booths the police department will set up in the Student Union lobby include a Rape Aggression Defense (RAD), Operation I.D. and drunk busters table.

All tables will be open to students from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m and will be free for everyone that participates.

SPORTS

FEATURES

TV Shows: Check out how the

feel about it.

Niner Times staff rated some of the most popular shows on television.

CHARLOTTE N.C. TEACHING BEATS COASTAL FELLOWS CAROLINA The Teaching Fellows is being phased

See how the views of pornography

Preview: See what the new

Charlotte beat Coastal Carolina in a soccer match this past Mon. Aug. 29, 2-1.

POR•NOG•RA•PHY See what Naughty Niner A. has to say this week about pornography and how UNC Charlotte students

have changed since the 1920s and the double standards that come along with watching it.

p.6

Amelies Review: Need a

place to study? Check out Amelies in NoDa.

Rachel Zoe Project has in store for this season. p.11

Next they take on the UNC Wilmington Seahawks at home on the Transamerica field, Sun. Sep. 4.

out within the next four years as a result of recent budget cuts.

See how the current Teaching Fellows are staying hopeful despite these changes.

p.11

p.11

The RAD table will be set up on Sept. 7, 9, 16, 19, 22 and 29. This women-targeted program will teach students different techniques to be used to defend themselves.

There will also be a special RAD training course offered in the police training room on Sept. 17, 2011, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Operation I.D. tables will be available on Sept. 2, 8, 15, 21, 23 and 28 where students will learn how to properly secure their valuables.

The drunk busters table will feature specialized drunk goggles that give the illusion of a being under the influence of alcohol. This table will be available Sept. 6, 14, 20, 26 and 30.

Campus police say they are working on holding a crash course for students to utilize the drunk goggles on the road.

On Sept. 17, 2011, students looking for a chance to show off their cars are able to register for a spot in the campus police’s car show.

Teaming up with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and the Charlotte Fire Department, the UNC Charlotte campus police will be showcasing vehicles and emergency equipment in lots 4, 4A and 5 from 1 until 6 p.m.

More information about the safety month can be found online at http://rmss. uncc.edu/police-public-safety.

PAGE 2

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

NEWS BRIEFS First CAB Interest Meeting Eden Creamer

A S S T. N E W S E D I T O R

UNC Charlotte Urban Institute to receive grant for new website

UNC Charlotte professor to give speech on N.C. economy

Ciera Choate

Ciera Choate

NEWS EDITOR

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) will be hosting two interest meetings to allow students to become more aware of how to become a leader on campus. The first meeting will be on Thurs. Sept. 1, 2011, from 7 until 9 p.m. in Multipurpose Room AB in the Student Union.

All students interested in leadership opportunities around campus are invited to attend.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Scholarship Banquet Eden Creamer

A S S T. N E W S E D I T O R

Sigma Phi Epsilon will be holding a scholarship banquet on Thurs. Sept. 1, 2011, at 7 p.m. A total of $2,100 will be give out to five students, and the top 20 candidates for the scholarship will be in attendance with their families in formal attire, as well as various staff members from the Dean of Students office.

All students are invited to attend.

Sherrie High to return to budget office Ciera Choate NEWS EDITOR

After a year of reassignment to the Personnal Budget Management Team, Sherri High will return to the University Budget Office, where she will resume her position as director in association with the Research Administration Project.

The budget director while High was gone, Trey O’Quinn, will remain in the University Budget Office until November. He will hold the position of senior executive budget analyst in order to help the transition and exchange of information go more smoothly, according to High.

Resistance and Survival: Children’s Narrative Ashley Dorrell INTERN

UNC Charlotte Spanish professor Ann González will be discussing her book “Resistance and Survival: Children’s Narrative from Central America and the Caribbean” with students in the Halton Reading Room in J. Murrey Atkins Library on Tues. Sept.

6, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m.

During the discussion González will talk about children’s stories that originate in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as talk about narratives during which González will offer her research experience and insight.

The discussion is a part of the Personally Speaking series.

To register call 704-687-0085 or email clas-event@uncc.edu.

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation recently awarded the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute with a two-year grant for their new website that focuses on urban and regional growth.

This $85,000 grant will help the instituete start their third website and will help people in the Charlotte region find information about land planning, the environment, transportation and development.

The Urban Institute is a nonpartisan applied research community outreach center, one of many at UNC Charlotte, and was founded in 1969.

Former Charlotte Observer Associate Editor, Mary Newsom was hired as associate director of urban and regional affairs and is in charge of creating and managing the new website.

Niner Nation Bingo Eden Creamer

A S S T. N E W S E D I T O R

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) will be hosting Niner Nation Bingo on Wed. Sept. 7, 2011, from noon until 2 p.m. Students in attendance will have the opportunity to win UNC Charlotte-themed prizes while meeting peers.

The event is open to all students and is free to attend.

Gerontology Club/SPO Meeting Eden Creamer

A S S T. N E W S E D I T O R

The first Gerontology Club/SPO Meeting of the fall 2011 semester will be held on Wed. Sept. 7, 2011, in Barnard 244. The meeting will be from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Students are invited to learn more about Gerontology and meet peers who share an interest with the study of aging. The meeting is free to attend and open for all students.

Contact Elizabeth Reep for more information by calling 919-801-5856 or by emailing ereep@uncc.edu.

Free Project Management Information Session Ciera Choate NEWS EDITOR

The UNC Charlotte Center City building will be hosting a free information session for anyone interested in the Project Management Certificate Programs on Wed. Sept. 7, 2011, from 6 until 7 p.m.

The director and one of the instructors involved in the program will be at the session to answer any questions that potential students may have.

To register for this information session call 704-687-8799 or email CEregistration@uncc.edu.

NEWS EDITOR

UNC Charlotte economist, John Connaughton, will deliver the N.C. Economic Forecast, Wed. Sept. 7, 2011, at noon, in the Westin Charlotte in Uptown Charlotte.

Connaughton has closely monitored the state’s economy for the past 20 years and is the Babson Capital Professor of Financial Economics.

The forecast presentation is free and open to the public but seating is limited.

Second CAB Interest Meeting Eden Creamer

A S S T. N E W S E D I T O R

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) will be hosting two interest meetings to allow students to become more aware of how to become a leader on campus. The last interest meeting will be on Wed. Sept. 7, 2011, from 7 until 9 p.m. in Multipurpose Room AB in the Student Union.

All students interested in leadership opportunities around campus are invited to attend.

UNC Charlotte geologist on media’s most wanted list after earthquake

UNC Charlotte professor finalist for Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence Ciera Choate NEWS EDITOR

UNC Charlotte professor, Yogendra Kakad was nominated for the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence and is among the top 5 finalists.

The winner will be announce Friday, Sept. 16, 2011 at a reception.

Kakad has been teaching at UNC Charlotte in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for many years and has been in the department longer than any other professor. He teaches at least one undergraduate course a semester but for the last 30 years has worked in the graduate program as well.

Root Bear, Wings and Game Night Eden Creamer

A S S T. N E W S E D I T O R

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) will be hosting Root Beer, Wings and Games night. The event will be on Thurs. Sept. 8, 2011, at 7 until 9 p.m. in Norm’s in the Student Union and is free for all students to attend.

Norm Tryouts Eden Creamer

Ciera Choate

A S S T. N E W S E D I T O R

After the 5.9 magnitude earthquake last week, UNC Charlotte’s Andy Bobyarchick from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences spent five hours in interviews with various media organizations on the day of the earthquake.

The following day the interviews continued.

All UNC Charlotte students are welcome to audition to become Norm the Niner, the Charlotte 49ers mascot. Auditions will be held Thurs. Sept. 8, 2011, in MiltimoreWallis ATAC Charles Hayward Memorial Practice Gym at 7 until 9 p.m.

Students must register in advance to audition by sending an email to norm@normtheniner.com.

NEWS EDITOR

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

PAGE 3

Stadium construction underway Ciera Choate NEWS EDITOR

Photos by Michael Stennett and Oleg Zigalenko

The construction crews working on the new football stadium began building the foundation this past Mon. Aug. 29, 2011, after working to clear the land and shape the bowl of the stadium.

Due to the design on the stadium and how it will be in the ground, the crews had to carve the ground to fit the bowl of the stadium. “When you go into the stadium you will walk down to your seat,� said John Nielson, the construction manager for the football stadium.

The construction costs for the stadium will total around $34.5 million. Ehen completed the stadium will hold 15,000 people, according to Nielson.

In addition to the stadium there will be two practice fields located behind the new Kulwicki Motorsports Building. One field will be 80 yards long and one will be the full 100 yards.

Construction for the stadium began with the groundbreaking ceremony on April 28, 2011, at the old intramural fields located by Duke Centennial Hall and Grigg Hall.

In the fall of 2013 UNC Charlotte will welcome their new 49er football team at the inaugural game against Campbell University on Aug. 31.

PAGE 4

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

NINERTIMES

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

OPINION Expansions coming to campus

PAGE 5

NINERTIMES Volume 24, Number 3 A PRODUCT OF

LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE STUDENT UNION NINER TIMES • RADIO FREE CHARLOTTE SANSKRIT • MEDIA MARKETING • NINERONLINE

T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F N O RT H C A R O L I N A AT C H A R L O T T E

NINER TIMES STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Corey Conner

editor@nineronline.com NINER TIMES MANAGING EDITOR

Dana Nigro

managing@nineronline.com NEWS EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

LAYOUT EDITOR

A&E EDITOR

FEATURES EDITOR

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Ciera Choate

Karen Pierce

The construction of the new football stadium is underway where the old intermural fields used to stand. Photo by Eden Creamer Eden Creamer A S S T. N E W S E D I T O R

UNC Charlotte has been rapidly growing over the past few years. In the fall of 2010, 5,452 new students joined the ranks of the 49ers, according to the Office of Institutional Research’s fact book from that year.

In 2000, only 10 years earlier, only 3,834 students came to UNC Charlotte for the first time. As the student population continues to rise, new buildings and facilities are required to maintain the increasing student body.

Capital Projects, the group in charge of the construction around campus, are making many changes to the physical appear-

Students should have the right to not attend classes they pay for

ance of our campus. Some of the construction around campus that they are currently engaged in includes work on the football stadium, the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center, and the new motorsports building.

Over the summer, the group also completed work on Spruce Hall, which is now open for residency. The new residence hall includes all single bedrooms.

These rooms may either have a living room, bathroom and additional single bedrooms, or they may be on their own. Residents were selected on a first come, first serve basis.

Sophomore Ryan Wiggins turned in his application during the first week of its availability. “I love Spruce,” said Wiggins. “I live

on the top floor corner. It’s awesome.”

Construction on the football stadium is scheduled to be finished before the first game in August 2013.

In the meantime, students with classes in Bioinformatics, Duke Centennial Hall, Grigg Hall, and Kulwicki motorsports building are blocked from getting to class using the path off Cameron Blvd.

Students who would normally take this shortcut must now fine alternate ways to get to class, at least until construction on the stadium is complete.

Many people feel that change is a bad thing or view it as an inconvenience. At UNC Charlotte, the changes are campus are necessary to provide more resources to the rapidly increasing student population.

Taking full advantage of the drop/add policy

Gwen Shearman OPINION EDITOR

The UNC Charlotte’s course catalog stipulates that attendance policies are left up to the professor’s discretion. This practice is hit or miss for students.

Some teachers don’t have one at all; some teachers are strict about their policies and will drop letter grades for a small number of classes missed.

It’s understandable that absences are unacceptable on test or presentation days, but the rest of the time it should be up to them.

The age-old arguments that since students pay for their education, it should be up to them whether or not they attend class. Teachers always proclaim that attendance, whether part of the policy or not, is essential to success in class.

While this may be true, sometimes there really are unexpected things that come up that hinder attendance. A flat tire, family emergency, serious illness, or hangover can keep students from class, but deducting points for not coming? It seems a little extreme.

If a student is putting forth their best effort and feels they have a good grasp on the material, there’s no need to waste time listening to a teacher repeat what was assigned reading from the textbook.

We are all supposed to be adults here, isn’t it up to the student whether they attend class or not?

Joel Hanel REPORTER

Remembering to read academic polices is one major to-do for every student on campus at UNC Charlotte.

Whether you are a returning student, a freshman, or a transfer student, these policies might come in handy during the semester.

These policies can be found many ways, but the easiest is on the Academic Advising website, or through the course catalog.

One scenario that might boost a student’s semester outcome very likely will involve some of these policies, and the one that any student can use this week, while it is still in effect is the drop/add policy.

Many students come across situations where they feel like they will not have the opportunity to succeed in a specific class.

Though there are many reasons for these situations, it may be in the best interest of students to drop the class.

At this point before the deadline, which is August 31, any student can then add another class or lower their course hours depending on their specific situation.

One major reminder in these situations is to act cordially when entering a class that you have missed because of recent registration.

Many students are unprepared in these situations, but getting into the swing of the

class will most likely boost their overall success in the class.

Drop/add is just one of the options that students can use when they are feeling they need to leave a class, but doing so is best before the drop/add period because it is not seen on students transcript.

Adding and dropping classes during the first week is also a good option for students who are unsure of which classes they want to take.

Finding out more about the class and professor by actually attending can help students later on in the semester. Instead of being stuck in a class you know is a nightmare from the first week, students are able to change around their schedule and find which options work best for them.

To drop or add a class, instructions can be found on UNC Charlotte’s Registrar website, or students can log into 49er Express and use the Drop/Add function.

Dropping and Adding can also be useful if a student could not previously get into a closed course.

As many students use the function, they may find that their section has opened up, and can finally attend the class they need to graduate.

For more detail into some of the options described in the academic policies, visit their website, advising.uncc.edu, or even talk to an advisor in the specific department.

Cheyenne Owens

OPINION EDITOR Gwen Shearman

Ed Niser

Haley Twist

Aaron Cress

COPY EDITOR

Morgan Kernodle

ASSISTANT EDITORS Natalie Houck, Christian Billings, Eden Creamer ADDITIONAL STAFF Lauren Dunn, Barry Falls, Iris Hunter, Alan Kelley, Sarah Obied, Eden Creamer, Ryan Pitkin, Lee Pham, Asa Yoel, Joel Hanel, Gwen Shearman, Ashley Smith NEWSROOM: 704.687.7149

NINERONLINE.COM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Erika Metzger

noeditor@nineronline.com

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Corbin Peters community@nineronline.com

MEDIA MARKETING MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sarah Jones

mktdirector@uncc.edu CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Karen Pierce

Mandy Blackburn

PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR

SENIOR SALES COORDINATOR

Chase McBride

Nathan Heatherly

SALES TEAM Dana Boone, Dalton Mitchell, Alex McGrail SALES OFFICE: 704.687.7144 CIRCULATION STAFF Amanda Guidi, Ryan Jenkins Niner Media Adviser: Wayne Maikranz Marketing Adviser: Kelly Merges Graphics & Production Adviser: Pete Hurdle Business Manager: Ginny Jones Office Manager: Mark Haire

SUBSCRIPTIONS Students are entitled to one free copy of Niner Times per publication date. Additional copies are valued at $.35 and can be obtained from the Student Niner Media Offices.

Subscriptions to Niner Times are available for $40.00.

Submit payment and mailing address to: Media Marketing, Student Union LL Room 042, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223.

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 during the regular academic year on Tuesday and Thursday except during holidays and exam periods.

GIVE US SOME FEEDBACK NinerTimes welcomes letters. Feedback should be under 200 words, legibly written or typed and should include the author’s signature, year in school, major and telephone number. Faculty and staff should include title and department. Unsigned, anonymous letters will not be printed. All letters are subject to editing for space and style.

SUBMIT LETTERS TO:

Niner Times Student Union, Charlotte, NC 28223 OR E-MAIL TO

editor@nineronline.com

PAGE 6

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

What the GOP can offer students Gwen Shearman OPINION EDITOR

The Republican Party is desperately trying to find a candidate strong enough to face President Barack Obama in the 2012 elections. This effort has seen numerous candidates come to the table, 16 declared candidates to be exact.

Most of these candidates promise to bring the relief that the United States is in desperate need of, but what makes these candidates stand out for college students?

After all, it’s a unique demographic of people who are the future leaders of this country.

It seems everyone is considering throwing their hat into the 2012 Presidential race, including former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani and 2008 vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Even wildcards like Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain, flight attendant Tom Miller, and even gay activist Fred Karger.

The front-runners who seem to be gaining the most support from the Republican Party are Mitt Romney, Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann.

Aside from bashing President Obama and bringing to light all that is wrong with our legislative system, what do these candidates have to offer?

The early favorite, former governor of

Massachusetts, Mitt Romney does have the most experience and detailed approach to America’s problems, but his personal ideology and track record might rub some voters the wrong way. Romney began his career as a Democrat and has switched his stance on abortion and gay marriage.

According to the latest Gallop Poll, Rick Perry jumped to the top of the pack. The governor of Texas has been gaining attention from Republican and Tea Party voters since he entered the race two weeks ago on a platform centered on job creation.

The most traditional of the bunch, Michele Bachmann, calls herself a constitutional conservative.

The Minnesota congresswoman is in favor of downsizing the role of government and cutting expenses. The financially savvy former tax attorney has been criticized for her frequent flubs on historical facts, like her most recent one where she got her dates wrong concerning Elvis Presley.

On the healthcare front, all contenders are strongly opposed to ‘Obamacare’. All are adamant that if they are elected, their first priority is taking steps to repeal it.

Creating jobs is also a major issue for the American people, especially those in college hoping to find jobs upon graduation.

All of the possible Republican contenders promise to give tax breaks and other incentives to businesses that create jobs.

The problem with all these promises is that they are rarely, if ever, supported by a plan on how they are going to deliver. All candidates, including President Obama, will reveal their plan for creating jobs on Sept. 6. Hopefully, then it will be easier to distinguish which candidate has the most staying power.

When talking to students, it seems that most are unaware or undecided on the political situation; other students feel that it’s just too soon to tell which candidate will prevail.

Chris Niles, a junior studying public relations said, “I don’t really pay a lot of attention to it, I’ve seen it on TV mostly. So I don’t really have a favorite.”

College students, and the American people in general, are sick of hearing lawmakers argue over things that seems irrelevant to solving our problems. With the unemployment rate still at 9.1 percent, it would do the candidates some good to stop talking about President Obama or what the other candidates can’t do, and start cutting into the meat of the real issues.

The Republican nominee won’t officially be named until August of next year, and the only indicators thus far have been straw polls in battlegrounds states.

Though it is clear that the rhetoric that is notorious in Washington stays intact, it’s still anyone’s game.

Divorce mommy and daddy Harrison Card REPORTER

Students sometimes expect and refer to the four, five, or six years spent at a University as the best years of their lives.

Modern college students possess a perplexing sense of entitlement when it comes to their first glimpse of independence.

If an individual existence peaks in college, the American way of life is in a great deal of trouble.

For a fair amount of students, it’s not really independence anyway. Mommy and Daddy still pay for the rent, the tuition, the car, the car insurance, the parking pass, the food, the power, the gas, and perhaps even the frivolities.

If Mommy dearest isn’t paying, Uncle Sam is probably helping.

Financial aid and help from parents is great, as it means students can go to college, which generally a good thing. Still, the college attitude of many Americans is greatly misshapen.

College, depending on the degree, should

not take any more than the normal allotted amount of time.

Most degrees can be finished in less than four years, while others, due to sheer credit requirements, need more.

There is a huge difference however, in taking 18 credits a semester and needing an extra one or two credit hours, and taking that long because of sheer laziness.

If the best years of an individual’s life come in college, they’ve peaked too early.

If so, they are unlikely to achieve the standard of living provided by their parents, and will forever be relying on inheritance rather than their own work.

While having Daddy buy a car in college may be nice, it’s not so nice if that same car is still yours fifteen years down the line. In other words, name means nothing.

Capitalism has an interesting sort way of rewarding talent and hard work. It helps to have both, but work can make up for many talent deficiencies.

In other words, no one in college is overwhelmed to the point that they cannot

complete their education. Failing grades result from complete lack of effort or disinterest.

UNC Charlotte’s four-year graduation rate is around 26 percent. The 6-year rate is only 54 percent.

Half the students enrolled don’t graduate at all and only a quarter can do it in the sensible allotted amount of time.

These numbers are about average for American Universities, and they’re pretty pathetic.

On the other hand, living off Daddy’s job can be fun. But if you’ve wasted the best years of your life in your early twenties, you will be the laughingstock of your friends for the rest of them.

If you even have friends with jobs in ten years.

College isn’t that hard. Go to class, do the work and grow up.

Sure college is fun, but anyone who thinks they must live out their youth in college is going to have a very dull and probably substance addicted remainder of existence.

Por·nog·ra·phy When you think of porn what comes to mind?

Maybe the word men, beautiful women, computers, and of course sex.

Porn, which seems hard for people to even pronounce, is still very taboo in our society and across the globe.

Despite the fact that it is growing over the Internet and in culture, many people do not want to mention the word.

Over the last few days I conducted several interviews to see what people would really say to me when I asked them about porn.

A few had something to say. Take Harrison, a business major, said, “porn is slightly artistic and is just basic biology.”

On the other hand, three UNC Charlotte English major girls said “no one should look at other person in that way unless they are married.”

Note that these girls did not even say the word porn.

Porn has changed a lot over the years, for example, in the 1920’s pin up girls was all the rage, but now pornography has exploded.

In the late 80’s and 90’s porn moved to more engaging forms not just pictures but film too.

VHS tapes became the quickest and easiest way to see individuals involved in sexual acts.

But people watching pornography still had to go to sex shops to purchase this type of media.

The invention of the Internet changed everything.

According to toptenreviews.com

by Jerry Ropelato, $3,075.64 is being spent every second on Internet porn.

Isn’t that shocking? Not to mention 28,258 Internet users are viewing pornography in that same second.

As one of the male responders to the porn question put it, “technology makes porn very easy to access.”

As Harrison the business major put it, “college students seem to be more likely to look at porn because it’s more acceptable in the college atmosphere.”

In 2000, seven UNC Charlotte girls posed in Playboy Magazine. The photos covered the “Women of Conference USA,” but did not involve the University directly.

Many had a hard time with the issue, and several weeks after the magazine was released, a letter to the editor in the University Times highlighted students who were angered by the issue.

They believed the pictoral painted the university in a bad light.

Interestingly, J. Murrey Atkins Library also has Playboy Magazines that date from the early 50’s- late 70’s in the special collections area.

When conducting interviews several different questions were asked to a random variety of men and women.

Is there a double standard for men and women when it comes to watching porn?

“Yes,” said Harrison, “it’s a double standard.”

Most women replied more men watch porn than women, but when it came to men they general thought it was pretty equal.

Some male students interviewed said that they would enjoy watching porn with their significant other, while females said no way!

-The Naughty Niner A.

NINERONLINE.COM

A&E

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

LIVE MUSIC:

Frankie Beverly September 3 6:30 p.m.

Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre

LIVE MUSIC:

Jonathon Hughes etc.

September 3 8:00 p.m.

Milestone Club

PAGE 7

NEW IN THEATERS: • • • • •

The Debt Apollo 18 Gainsbourg Love Crime Shark Night

Clothing meets charity at campus bookstore Lee Pham

A S S T. A & E E D I T O R

Barnes & Noble now carries UNC Charlotte apparel made by Alta Gracia, a clothing brand from Knights Apparel that provides its workers in the Dominican Republic with a living wage.

Based in Spartanburg, SC, Alta Gracia caters to over 350 colleges and universities in the United States by selling college apparel. It is a for-profit label, but much of the proceeds go to paying its factory workers a living wage.

The Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), an independent labor rights watchdog, verifies that Alta Gracia provides a safe and healthy workplace with safe labor practices and is upholding their promise to pay workers a living wage.

The WRC defines a living wage as “the amount it costs to feed, house, clothe, and support a family of average size, at a reasonable standard of security, comfort, and dignity.”

Alta Gracia’s production factory is located in Villa Altagracia in the Dominican Republic, a small rural village an hour away from the country’s capital.

According to the CIA World Factbook, 42.2 percent of the Dominican Republic’s population lives below the poverty line.

Villa Altagracia, in particular, has a high unemployment rate.

With the company providing a living wage, Alta Gracia’s workers receive a monthly salary of about $510 - three times the $150 per month of minimum wage that many families in the country live off of.

The high wage allows workers to afford basic necessities for their families, which include food, shelter, water, electricity, clothing, healthcare, transportation, education and even a fund for savings.

Joseph Bozich is the CEO of Knights Apparel, the parent company of Alta Gracia. He founded Knights in 2000 and has secured licensing deals with more universities than Nike, thus becoming the number one college supplier.

Bozich is an outspoken advocate against sweatshops, and believes that “doing good can be good business,

Sweatshirts and t-shirts made by Alta Gracia hang on a side wall in Barnes & Noble, varying in price from $18.98-$39.98. Photo by Oleg Zigalenko they’re not mutually exclusive.”

Karen Natale, UNC Charlotte Licensing & Bookstore Contract Manager, is a supporter of Bozich and Alta Gracia.

She has met Bozich and is inspired by his motivation to use his entrepreneurial talents for helping mankind.

She said, “His factory in Alta Gracia has improved so many people’s lives, giving them for the first time the means to house and educate their families, and to provide health care where they had none before.”

Alta Gracia has certainly made an impact on the lives of its workers. Several testimonials from employees prove that Bozich’s vision is possible.

Yolanda Simon is a factory worker at the Alta Garcia workshop.

“Every time you buy a garment from our factory, you don’t just support us,

but our whole families,” said Simon.

“For my family this job means so much for us. First of all, it will enable my kids to have a better education.

Also, I can take care of and give back to my mother who gave so much to me.

With a living wage, I know I can afford to go to the doctor and get medicine when my family is sick.

With every purchase, you are supporting a better life for our community.”

UNC Charlotte students who are familiar with Alta Gracia are more inclined to pay the few extra dollars for apparel that go to the charitable cause; however, few are familiar with Alta Gracia at all.

Nicole Cajuste, a junior at UNC Charlotte, is one of the many students asked whether or not they have heard of Alta Gracia. Similar to most of the other

Rachel Zoe returns Season 4 of “The Rachel Zoe Project” premieres on Bravo next week debuting the pregnant stylist for the first time Lee Pham A S S T. A & E E D I T O R

Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe working with a model. Photo MCT Campus

Season four of Bravo’s “The Rachel Zoe Project” airs next Tuesday with a new twist. This season features a pregnant Rachel Zoe, one of Hollywood’s most successful fashion stylists, as she attempts to balance her pregnancy and marriage with her fast-paced career.

Rachel Zoe styles several high-profile clients, including Anne Hathaway, Demi Moore and Eva Mendes.

Brad Goreski, Zoe’s former styling director, will not be returning this season. Goreski was a fan favorite known for his flamboyant fashion and strong work ethic.

In late 2010, rumors circulated that Goreski and Zoe could not reconcile differences, causing Goreski to leave the

company on a sour note. Both camps denied animosity, but in one preview of the upcoming season Zoe admits that she felt used by Goreski, who began contacting Zoe’s clients after quitting.

In the meantime, Zoe and her husband/business manager, Brad Berman, are expecting a baby after struggling to make time to have children, as played out on during season three of the show.

Zoe gave birth to Skyler Morrison Berman on March 11, 2011, but it is unclear whether season four will cover it.

Viewers should expect the show to feature A-list celebrities, humor, fashion and plenty of drama. It will be “banan-nas.”

“The Rachel Zoe Project” season four premieres Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 10:00 p.m. Bravo is channel 37 on UNC Charlotte campus cable.

students, her response was, “No.” Once she learned about the company’s mission, she said, “I think that’s great. Usually the company doesn’t take into consideration what the workers need. They usually just get paid, take it or leave it. I may, you know, buy a sweatshirt.”

Despite several common sentiments, regional manager of Barnes & Noble, Joel Kriner, says that Alta Gracia is selling well at UNC Charlotte. Furthermore, there is an effort being made to promote Alta Gracia.

“At the UNC Charlotte Bookstore, sales of the Alta Gracia line have exceeded our expectations. We are planning to expand our offerings to include more body styles and colors, as well as different graphics,” said Kriner.

Read more at Nineronline.com

PAGE 8

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

Venice International Film Festival opened yesterday at Venice Lido Haley Twist A&E EDITOR

Wednesday Aug. 31 marked the beginning of the 68th Venice International Film Festival. The event, organized

by La Biennale di Venezia, will run at Venice Lido through Sept. 10 and will show 65 feature films.

According to the festival’s website, Marco Muller is the director of the event and has been heading the Venice Biennale’s Cinema section since 2004.

The festival’s kickoff on Wednesday was George Clooney’s new movie, entitled, “The Ides of March.” A drama centered on politics involving a presidential candidate, “The Ides of March” also features an array other of well-known actors such as Ryan Gosling, Evan Rachel Wood, Paul Giamatti and Marisa Tomei.

The festival is made up of three main sections: Venezia 68, Out of Competition and Orizzonti.

Venezia 68 is a competition of feature films presented as world premieres in Venice. Director Darren Aronofsky presides over the jury as president of this competition. At last year’s film festival he was highly esteemed for his hit “Black Swan” which went on to receive multiple Oscar nominations including Best Picture.

There will be 22 films shown in the Venezia 68 section, including the opening film, “The Ides of March.”

The Out of Competition section includes 32 films, all works from directors who have been established in previous years at the festival. Included in the film premieres is Steven Soderbergh’s new action-thriller “Contagion” which comes to our theaters Sept.9.

The third main section is Orizzonti.

These are the new trends and experiments in cinema, some of which are documentaries, animation or experimental films. James Franco will be presenting his experimental film, “Sal” under this category, which is about teen actor Sal Mineo and the final hours of his life.

The president of the jury for the Orizzonti section is Chinese film director, producer and writer Jia Zhangke.

According to his biography on the festival’s website, Zhangke won the Leopard of Honor, a prestigious award, in the 63rd Locarno Film Festival last year.

He was the youngest person to have ever received this award. Perhaps it was winning it that helped make him a viable choice for jury president.

There are two other sections of the festival that deal specifically with Italian films. The Controcampo Italiano features the newest trends in Italian cinema, and the Orizzonti 1960-1978 section is retrospective and shows experimental Italian films made in the 60’s and 70’s.

There are only four international juries and jury presidents at the 68th edition of the festival. Besides the ones mentioned above, the only other two are for the Controcampo Italiano section and for a highly-esteemed award called the Luigi De Laurentiis Venice Award for a Debut Film. The few jury members for this award represent Italy, Russia, France, Turkey and the United States.

The festival’s website explains what the Venice International Film Festival is all about.

“The aim of the Festival is to raise awareness and promote all the various aspects of international cinema in all its

forms: as art, entertainment and as an industry, in a spirit of freedom and tolerance,” it reads.

“The Festival includes retrospectives and homages to major figures as a contribution towards raising awareness of the history of cinema.”

To prepare for the 68th edition of the festival, there was a pre-inauguration held in the Arena of Campo San Polo on Monday Aug. 30.

It featured a variety of films and previews to ready audiences for the days to come.

One of the hits was a preview shown of “Impardonnables,” a film written and directed by a member of this year’s festival jury, Frenchman Andre Techine.

Muller, director of the festival, released an online statement on the same website introducing this year’s festival and explaining its importance.

He explained that the entire viewing process from earlier festivals was evaluated to improve the flow of the films.

“We wanted to offer a new pace at which to view cinema and stimulate a return to the adventures of the eye and to the various trajectories of a global, yet not indiscriminate, vision.”

He went on to describe the ideal experience of attending a Venice Film Festival.

“When cinema is understood as a force, an ensemble of energies, it gathers and directs a way of feeling and perceiving. This is why we can sometimes say that a director and a film are our contemporaries – because they correspond to the way we feel and chime with our contemporariness.”

Tickets for the festival can be purchased online.

Thursday Shows premiering soon: Parenthood Ringer The Playboy Club The Secret Circle Revenge Unforgettable

Popular TV Shows Quick TV reviews from the Niner Times staff

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS

The summer season of Pretty Little Liars has been quite suspenseful with a shocking season finale! We give it five stars!

MMMMM

AWKWARD

Awkward went for the obvious laugh in the beginning but has shown some real character development. Three stars!

MMMMM

WILFRED

From the very beginning Wilfred has shocked us with its crazy boundary-pushing one-liners and has only grown more hilarious by the episode!

Five stars!

MMMMM

BACHELOR PAD

In its second season this combination of Survivor and The Bachelor brings new tears, laughter, love and money. We give it four stars!

MMMMM

JERSEY SHORE

Poor Florence! This season the guidos and guidettes are bringing their drama oversees! Of course it’s fun to watch their drama unravel though!

Three stars!

MMMMM

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

‘Modern renaissance man’ sparks campus interest Barry Falls REPORTER

“Childish Gambino” probably isn’t a name you might recognize, but it should be. Childish Gambino is the penname that Donald Glover raps under.

You might be familiar with Glover’s work as an actor on NBC’s “Community” as Troy Barnes, a writer and actor for “30 Rock” and the NYU Internet sketch comedy group, “Derrick Comedy.”

Still, the “actor-turned-rapper” brand is a mislabel. While Glover only started taking rapping seriously under Childish Gambino these past four or five years, he has been writing rhymes since grade school.

Glover cited racial slurs and his highpitched voice in his youth as enough reason to discourage him from pursuing hip-hop in his teenage years.

Fast forward to 2011, three years after the release of his debut album Sick Boi, his most recent release showcases some of his most infectious beats to date. This five-track EP entitled EP, features his most well-known track “Freaks & Geeks.”

With the tremendous amount of talent that Gambino demonstrates on his six-album catalog, one might be surprised to find that Glover releases most of his music for free on his website (iamdonald.com).

As Gambino said in the closing track of Culdesac, “labels want me to hurry and cash my check in/ but I keep my s--free ‘till the last possible second/ ‘cause God knows that I don’t need the money/ you get your clothes free when you rich, ain’t it funny?”

It’s hard not to compare Childish Gambino’s style to that of Kanye West’s.

In fact, Glover has cited Kanye on several instances as an inspiration.

Though Donald Glover proves to be one of the more intelligent and forwardthinking artists out there, he has also fallen short in a several areas associated with most mainstream rappers.

Hip hop is still notoriously bipolar.

Listeners of Jay-Z or Eminem will hear the rapper bragging about a jet setting life on one track and then whining about relationship problems on the next.

Childish Gambino is not an exception to the rule, especially when it comes to way Gambino talks about women.

Childish Gambino’s work can often be immaturely crude. While he makes several references to more sophisticated subjects, they are often transitioned into less refined references and sexual double entendres (some involving the use of “E.E. Cummings” and “The Big Bang Theory”).

Still, in an industry that does not always showcase the English language at

Donald Glover performing at Rock the Bells in August 2011. Photo from Facebook its finest (see: “I live by two words: ‘f--you, pay me’,” from Kanye West’s debut album), Childish Gambino is a positive sign of a possible change in the right direction for fans of the genre.

Other key differences between Childish Gambino and his peers are the music behind the lyrics. Gambino uses real instruments such as pianos and guitars instead of computerized sounds. Instead of having guest vocalists sing the choruses of Gambino’s songs, he sings the chorus quite well.

Especially in 2010’s Culdesac , fans of the young rapper really get to dive into the life of Donald Glover when they hear his CDs. Listening to a Kanye West album, you will quickly learn what Kanye holds sacred: money, sex, and power.

Those who give Childish Gambino’s album a spin will find more depth.

He struggles between conflicting worlds. He wants to live the lifestyle of a successful rapper, but he is conscious of the responsibility of a role model.

He is bothered by the critics who might label him “a rapper for white kids,” but he does not let that change the way he makes music.

He has become successful as a comedian, but he wants to keep that part of his life separate from his music. He fears the comedy might make people take his music less seriously.

It is this sense of potent honesty that makes Gambino one of few rappers with enough redeemable traits to remove some of the stigmatic connotations associated with modern rap music.

Underground music fans are not the only ones to notice it. Aaron Lucas, a Mechanical Engineering major at UNC Charlotte, has been hard at work trying to get Childish Gambino to make a stop at UNC Charlotte to do a show.

Upon contacting Gambino’s booking agent as well as the vice president of CAB, he created a group/page on Facebook to spike interest in the idea.

“The idea came when I was on his site and under contact it said ‘If you would like to book Donald Glover for an event, stand up, music or general dopeness, please contact Greg Walter....’ and it was a kind of a ‘why not?’ moment,” Lucas said.

“I think he is a great artist. His songs are very good and completely his own.

His albums right now are free. I have four of them at the moment. He is very multitalented.”

To those who might not think that such Facebook groups are capable of sparking bona fide results, you should be reminded of a group of dedicated Donald Glover fans who created a Twitter campaign called, “Donald for Spiderman.”

This crusade gained enough momentum over time that Glover was given the opportunity to audition for Marc Webb’s “Ultimate Spiderman”.

While the role was eventually given to Andrew Garfield of “The Social Network” fame, Childish Gambino sent a shout-out to his supporters in EP’s closing track when he raps, “couldn’t see me in Spiderman, but now I’m spitting venom.”

Childish Gambino is not currently one of the better known rappers, but he is quickly making his way to the top.

With the third season of Community premiering this September and the fourth studio album also set to be released this September, Donald Glover is modern entertainment renaissance man who is sure to become more of a household name over these next few years.

Whether or not Glover will be able to perform on UNC Charlotte’s campus in the near future is uncertain.

However, based on the reaction and support of the Facebook group aimed at persuading Glover to do a concert on campus, what is certain is that if Childish Gambino were to do a show on our campus, he is sure to be met with a mob of eager fans.

NOW PLAYING FINAL DESTINATION 5 Directed by: Steven Quale

Starring Nicholas D’Agosto, Emma Bell, Miles Fisher

MMMMM If you have seen the previous four films in the series, you know what to expect. And you probably won’t be too disappointed.

Final Destination 5, like its predecessors, is a genre film whose sole purpose is to find newer and increasingly disturbing ways to kill off its characters. However, the tension-filled plot is at the expense of story and character development.

The fifth installment of Final Destination is a genre film made for the fans.

MCT

With its impressive use of 3D technology, the Final Destination franchise redeems itself for the previous two films.

The film takes its audience on a twisted journey, even if the ‘destination’ is ultimately nowhere.

PAGE 9

A delicious getaway Olivia Stott R E P O RT E R

Amelie’s…A French Bakery and Café has been serving faithful customers since May of 2008 in NoDa, the arts district outside uptown Charlotte. Known for its French chic atmosphere with quirky, artsy décor, Amelie’s boasts its gourmet bakery experience for a reasonable price 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

The atmosphere sets the perfect stage for late night study groups or just hanging out with friends on the cozy seating that wraps around the restaurant with an occasional live musician playing in the background.

Adorning the walls are quirky art pieces, oversized Parisian murals, and artsy décor.

If the weather is nice, kick back and enjoy your food outside or opt for the cozy indoor seating that spans the perimeter of the bakery. Chic chandeliers cast light upon the intimate, laid-back seating areas surrounding the restaurant.

Amelie’s is known for their exquisite desserts including a wide array of gluten-free bakery items and the notorious salted caramel brownie.

Other bakery menu options include crème puffs, éclairs, mousse cups, pastries, croissants, tea cakes, napoleons and fruit tarts.

Though everything in the bakery is delicious, I find myself always returning to the bestselling salted caramel brownie, a scrumptious blend of a rich chocolaty brownie and sweet caramel with salt layered in between the two.

The gluten free menu includes almond tea cakes, coconut macaroons, large and mini chocolate mousse cups, crème brule and meringue cookies.

They also serve gourmet sandwiches and soups including a daily vegan soup option. Although they are known for their desserts, the soups and sandwiches are also worth trying.

Amelie’s has two locations, both close to the uptown Charlotte area.

The more convenient location, which is open 24 hours, is located off of Tryon in NoDa. The other location is slightly farther from UNC Charlotte and has more limited hours of operation. Of the two, I would recommend frequenting the location in NoDa as it is more convenient for Charlotte students.

Sit down and kill a few hours relaxing on a comfy couch studying for your Psychology exam. Enjoy playing board games and talking with friends, or swing by to pick up an online order.

Convenience, comfort and an unforgettable experience is what Amelie’s is all about.

It may be a little pricier than a box of Twinkies and a longer drive than McDonalds, but these decadent, rich desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and your aching to get off campus for a couple hours.

They offer no student discount, but nevertheless the quaint atmosphere, take-out options, group seating and delectable desserts keep the crowds coming 24 hours a day at Amelie’s.

PAGE 10

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

FEATURES

Students learn more about the Latin American culture at La Explosion Cultural outside of the highrises. The event was free and open to the public. Photos by Oleg Zigalenko

LASO promotes cultural awareness Jessica Arenas REPORTER

Year after year, UNC Charlotte continues to become a university that is rich in culture by striving to bring all kinds of diverse groups together.

According to the Minority Presence Report Council on University Community in 2007, “Among racial and ethnic minority groups, the Hispanic student population has experienced the most dramatic growth in the last decade.”

LASO (Latin American Student Organization) is a Hispanic-based organization that has emerged from the growing number of Hispanic students at UNC Charlotte.

With over 60 members, the organization hopes to “promote educational and cultural exchange in all matters related to Latin America and the Caribbean.”

“LASO is the biggest Hispanic-based organization on campus. We strive to promote awareness and knowledge about the Hispanic culture by creating and participating in various events and programs designed to build a better bridge between our

culture and all others on campus and in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area,” said LASO president Marco Campos.

Some of LASO’s events that build a bridge toward educating students and the community are the International Festival (IFest), Latina Women’s Banquet and the LASO Gala.

“For LASO, IFest is one of our biggest events of the year. At the International Festival, we showcase a Latin American country and then sell food from this country and showcase crafts and other items. IFest is also our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Campos.

“The Latina Women’s Banquet is held in March. It is our biggest event for the spring semester. At this event, we pick Latin women who have succeeded in the community and have had a great impact on the community. We recognize them for all they have achieved and for what they have done for the community. At this event we have dinner, a ceremony filled with fun acts, followed by a social at the end of the night.”

To top off the busy semesters, the LASO Gala is a dinner as well as a social that is

held to thank all of the members for their hard work and contributions made to the organization, campus and community.

With these events, the Hispanic culture at UNC Charlotte continues to grow as well as enhance socially, culturally and academically. Other diversities at UNC Charlotte are exhibited as well. LASO and Diversified Greek Council (DGC consisting of: Chi Upsilon Sigma, Lambda Theta Phi and Psi Sigma Phi) teamed up to produce La Explosion Cultural.

“This event (La Explosion Cultural) will be great because it will be the first time that the Diversified Greek Council and the Latin American Student Organization have collaborated to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for freshmen and upperclassmen,” said sorority president Shirley Hsueh. “We hope for this event to be an annual program during the first week of school.”

La Explosion Cultural is an event that brought together not just Latin-based organizations, but multicultural organizations as well.

It gave students a way to express inter-

est in getting involved as well as being more culturally aware.

“La Explosion Cultura is an event that is geared to highlight the Latino and multicultural organizations on campus,” said Katherine Tomey, sister of Chi Upsilon Sigma “It is also a way to promote campus involvement and have students engage in positive, healthy, creative and purposeful extracurricular activities in college.”

Events such as La Explosion Cultural help show students how much Hispanic culture and other cultures at UNC Charlotte continue to grow, as well as create an educational trend on campus.

“This event was a great way to unify and display the many Latino and multicultural organizations on campus,” said president of Diversified Greek Council, Adrian Rodriguez.

“Seeing as the minority population is growing at UNC Charlotte, we feel the need to reach out and provide students the opportunity to learn as well as become involved with culturally-based organizations.”

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

The senior class of Teaching Fellows pose with Norm near the entrance of campus. Courtesy of UNC Charlotte’s Teaching Fellow Program

Teaching Fellows stay positive as legislators phase program out Alanna Estevez REPORTER

Teachers are a vital part of a child’s education, something the North Carolina General Assembly realized in 1986, when they created the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program. Since its implementation, the program has provided 500 high school seniors who were looking to pursue a career in education a heafty 4-year scholarship.

Recent budget cuts have put an end to the funding of this program, leaving current high school seniors without the opportunity to participate and benefit from it.

Expressing her disappointment, Morgan Pollard, a senior attending South Mecklenburg High School, said, “I had been looking forward to applying for Teaching Fellows ever since last October when former seniors at my old school were going through the application process. It’s a shame that North Carolina is doing away with such an awesome scholarship program.”

The Teaching Fellows Program was created to encourage high school seniors to enter the teaching profession and to improve the overall quality of teachers in North Carolina.

The program is currently on 17 of North Carolina’s campuses; UNC Charlotte is one of the original universities to offer the program.

Here at UNC Charlotte, there are a number of Teaching Fellows who are experiencing the programs benefits and are disappointed that others will not get a chance to experience it themselves.

Josh Gardner, a senior and Teaching Fellow, explained that he applied for the scholarship after hearing about it from his high school counselor because he had always had a passion for teaching.

When asked to express his opinion about the state legislature’s decision to phase out this program, he said, “It’s very unfortunate because it’s going to hurt the state drastically.”

Dr. Misty Hathcock, UNC Charlotte’s third director for the program, also shares this concern.

“It breaks my heart that those seniors in high schools that have been looking forward to this year to apply for Teaching Fellows are not going to have that opportunity,” said Dr. Hathcock.

She also mentioned that the impact of the phase-out would not be felt right away.

Hathcock said, “It’s going to be felt four years from now when our students graduate and there are no more Teaching Fellows.”

This rigorous teaching preparation program is not for everyone, according to Dr. Hathcock.

High school seniors underwent an extensive application process and only the “best of the best” were chosen as actual recipients.

Since 1986, well over 47,000 applications have been reviewed, 18,193 regional final-

ists have been selected, and only 10,799 students were actual recipients.

Each of the 17 institutions has deigned a specific program for their Teaching Fellows to pursue.

UNC Charlotte’s ‘Four Year Plan’ allows its students to get into the classroom setting and observe as soon as their freshman year.

Teaching Fellow recipients also get a chance to travel.

After their freshman year, students from all 17 campuses are taken on a statewide trip, which allows them to become familiar with a range of cultures and schools throughout North Carolina.

During the next summer as rising juniors, Fellows are able to choose from about 30 different summer camps and other programs that last anywhere from one to six weeks.

Some of the programs even allow the students to study abroad. Such experiences allow for these future educators to learn about diversity.

In a recent research conducted by Dr. Gary Henry of UNC-Chapel Hill, it was noted that North Carolina Teaching Fellows were less likely to leave their profession after the first three years of teaching, and were more likely to stay in North Carolina public schools longer than five years.

The study also notes that scholarship recipients have higher SAT scores than any other groups of teachers; in fact, the average SAT score of the 2011 recipients was 1175, and those students’ GPAs averaged out to a 4.3 unweighted.

Most of the Teaching Fellow recipients were at the top 10 percent of their class, indicating a high potential for success in their future careers.

Despite of all the good that has come from this program over the past 25 years, state legislators have decided that phasing out the program is a good decision because it will save the state close to $3.5 million.

Jo Ann Norris, the Executive Director of the Public Schools Forum, administers the program.

“Those 17 campuses that offer this program are going to lose some of their most talented scholars as a result of the phaseout,” said Norris.

Although the program is being phased out, there is still hope.

Dr. Hathcock said; “I would really like to see legislature reconsider the decision they have made this year.”

Teaching Fellows students, their parents, faculty and alumni have all asked what they can do to help save such a useful program.

“The answer is write your legislators, call your legislators and tell them the benefits of this program and why they should reconsider their decision,” said Hathcock.

Many would agree with Dr. Hathcock when she said, “This program is so deserving to be around for at least another 25 years.”

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

NINERTIMES

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

PAGE 13

The university endeavors to be an environmentally friendly place Students can participate in the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling’s many activities on campus Cheyenne Owens F E AT U R E S E D I T O R

UNC Charlotte’s Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling collected 1.5 million pounds of materials last year.

Considering that cans were the only items recycled when the program first launched in 1990, recycling endeavors on campus have accelerated along with the expansion of this department.

The Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling is more commonly known as UNC Charlotte Recycles to the Niner community.

Recycling in the residence halls: While students may not realize it, they are introduced to the undertakings of this group when living on campus.

Witherspoon Hall became the first residential area to participate in the program’s effort back when it first began.

Today, almost all residence halls are involved with the green movement on campus.

Most living environments provide students with one 18-gallon bin per dorm room, apartment or suite. Students should recycle bottles, cans, chipboard and paper in these crates, but they must personally empty them into the larger containers located in the designated places for their buildings.

Some students strongly support UNC Charlotte Recycles’ efforts.

Kelly Hughes is a junior and secretary of Earth Club at the university; Hughes said, “I think it would be helpful to get our students more involved, and it would help the community. I think it’s important for students to recycle, because it would make a difference on our campus.”

Recyclable items on campus: Over 40 items are now recyclable at the university.

These materials include but are not limited to, aluminum drink cans, all plastic and glass bottles except number 6 plastic and Pyrex glass, steel drink and food cans including vegetable, soup and tuna cans, newspaper, envelopes, slick brochures, sticky notes, manila folders, block styrofoam and packaging peanuts, books, toner cartridges, batteries, CDs, and much more.

Students may also recycle cardboard at UNC Charlotte.

Broken-down cardboard should be left by the large indoor bins for participating residence halls or in the cardboard dumpsters in locations without containers.

All students should note that pizza boxes cannot be recycled at the university.

All office-holding staff and faculty members receive blue paper recycling bins.

They too are required to dump the contents in a larger recycling container located within their facilities.

Programs: Green changes are being made in build-

ings tended to by facilities management housekeeping. Offices in these buildings will receive smaller trashcans that hang saddle-fashion inside of the blue recycling bins.

These mini-trashcans will further encourage faculty and staff members to recycle all items possible.

This new program has been implemented in Reese, Facilities Management, Foundation, Grigg and Atkins Library for the past two years. According to the campus’s Environmental Educator, Devin Hatley, recycling increased by 20 percent in these office locations!

Plus, this new project will save the university $13,000 in liners, because the smaller trashcans do not require bags.

This department facilitates two other programs in addition to collecting recyclables: composting and construction and demolition recycling and reuse.

Composting: During this process, organic materials such as food, waste, manure, leaves, paper, wood and much more is biodegraded into organic fertilizer.

UNC Charlotte reuses food by mixing it with sawdust in a composting bin located behind Crossroads Café.

The mix is relocated to storage behind the “J” building after a couple of weeks and will remain there for around two years. It takes the mixture a lengthy time to cure because of the high salt content.

The compost then benefits the campus in areas that require mulch.

Construction and demolition reuse: UNC Charlotte also has a well-known construction and demolition recycling program.

This operation involves salvaging construction and demolition (C&D) debris from renovations and construction on campus instead of taking them to a landfill; many of these supplies can be transformed into other building materials.

Among C&D debris are carpet, ceiling tile, concrete, insulation, shingles, wood, drywall and sheet rock, metal and PVC pipe.

Asphalt, dirt, rock, trees, brush and stone are also recovered materials with the C&D recycling program.

For example, the university recycled more than 500 tons of concrete and metal during the Student Union Deck Construction project.

Rodgers Russell, T.K. Browne, Granite Construction, MV Momentum and Blythe Construction are contractors who made notable recycling endeavors during their projects at UNC Charlotte, according to the office’s website.

UNC Charlotte Recycles tries to pair trash cans on campus with recycling bins, such as these outside of the College of Education. Photo by Cheyenne Owens

Ways for students to get involved: Environmental education is one of the many ways that UNC Charlotte Recycles encourages students to engage in green initiatives.

Channels such as advertising, social media, speaking to classes, tabling around campus and various events raise awareness about the importance of sustainability.

UNC Charlotte Recycles hosts several events throughout the year that gets students active in their endeavors.

The “Take it or Leave it” tour occurs several times throughout the year on campus.

According to Hatley, the recycling crew will give away donated items such as notebooks, appliances, clothes, books, magazines and reusable items they find on campus to students for free.

Hatley views the tour as “a way of extending the life of useful items.”

Environmental tours are another way the office demonstrates the eco-friendly choices being made at UNC Charlotte.

A 16-passenger van shuttles people around to show them areas that operate in a sustainable manner on campus.

The shuttle stops at the new LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings.

“Recycling at Charlotte is an easy way to get involved in keeping our campus beautiful.”

Laly Gibby

These buildings “are built with efficiency and lifecycle costs in mind,” said Hatley.

Bioinformatics, Phase Nine residence hall and the Center City building are each LEED certified.

Stops are also made at the two composting bins, C&D recycling bins, the Susie Harwood Garden, McMillan Greenhouse and the storm water management system leading into Toby Creek.

Tour guides illuminate the environmental importance connected at each stop and also elaborate on programs that deal with them.

These tours currently function by request.

Other events like Campus Sustainability Week in October and Earth Day in April both help advocate for the importance of living in an environmentally-safe fashion.

49er students should never have any difficulty recycling with over 1,000 bins on campus.

Hatley commented, “We are making it a priority to always pair a trashcan with a recycling bin. Many times, convenience is the priority so if it’s ‘easier’ to throw away, that’s what happens. These are the things that we are addressing.”

Reasons to recycle: Students have endless reasons to get active in green efforts at the university. First and foremost, recycling saves the Earth!

Lily Gibby, a junior, said, “Recycling at UNC Charlotte is an easy way to get involved in keeping our campus beautiful.”

Recycling conserves resources by lowering the demand for new products.

Energy is saved, while recycling also protects the environment by minimizing pollution.

Furthermore, recycling and reusing lowers the amount of trash accumulated at landfills.

The Niner community also has additional incentives to recycle. For instance, the university must pay a “tipping fee” for every ton of trash delivered to the landfill.

Some companies even pay UNC Charlotte for waste such as paper, cardboard and metal.

All funds received benefit the general fund at the college.

Recognition and awards: The Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling, or UNC Charlotte Recycles, is making an impact on campus, and they’re also receiving nation-wide attention.

The Association of Physical Plant Administration presented the office with the Effective and Innovative Practices Award for the “Take it or Leave it” program last April.

Because a plethora of materials can be recycled at the university and there are conveniently located recycling bins on campus, it is easier than ever for students to become active in the green movement without even overworking themselves.

Students that want to get more involved with UNC Charlotte Recycles can add them on Facebook, contact Hatley or scope out their website.

PAGE 14

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

DOWNTIME Thursday

International Coffee Hour 4 pm - 6 pm Prospector

Movie: Thor 8:15 pm Student Union Movie Theater

02

Friday

Women’s Soccer: Charlotte 49ers vs.

UNC Wilmington 7 pm Transamerica Field

03

Saturday

Movie: Paul 5:15 pm Student Union Movie Theater

04

Sunday

Women’s Soccer: Charlotte 49ers vs.

ECU 4 pm Transamerica Field

05

Monday

LABOR DAY: NO CLASSES!

06

Tuesday

Personally Speaking Series: “Resistance and Survival: Children’s Narrative” 6 pm - 8 pm J Murrey Atkins Library Halton Reading Room

Men’s Soccer: Charlotte 49ers vs.

UNC Wilmington

UNC Charlotte Spanish professor, Ann González, will discuss her book

7 pm Transamerica Field

FOR RELEASE AUGUST 20, 2011

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 They’re dirty pool 11 WNBA positions 15 Muse of sacred music 16 Brest milk 17 Does a bit of informal polling 18 Paquin of “True Blood” 19 Note 20 Puzzle (out) 21 Model born Lesley Hornby 23 Equinox mo.

24 Accepted 25 “GoodFellas” Oscar winner 28 Reckon, in the boonies 30 OR abbr.

32 One who’s done stretches?

33 Texas Rangers CEO 35 Leap on blades 36 Story writer/poet Grace who studied with Auden 37 Classic Leontyne Price role 38 Honey Ryder and Xenia Onatopp, e.g.

40 Out of line 41 Inseparable 42 Some rectangular bars 43 Feinting spells?

44 Ore.’s highest point 46 Broker’s advice 47 Any regular on “The View” 48 Numbers for closers 50 Cone head?

53 __ Bacon: “East of Eden” character 54 Got at 57 Structure on piles 58 “When pigs fly!”

59 More than asked 60 Safari sights DOWN 1 They’re no. experts 2 It may wind up around the house

8/20/11

By Doug Peterson

3 Paul’s “The Prize” co-star 4 Bard’s interjections 5 Introduce by degrees 6 Stack sweetener 7 GP gps.

8 Weight 9 Can across the pond 10 “I’m afraid the news is not good ...”

11 One may be filed 12 It merged with Zanzibar in 1964 13 Gangbuster’s target 14 Inn time 22 Singer of complex songs 23 Baste 24 Phrase of emphasis 25 R&B singer Bryson 26 Dow 30 company 27 When, in Act Two of “Macbeth,” the Porter knocks at the gate 28 Caught 29 Taquería meat 31 Irritates, with “at”

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

(c)2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

34 Far from mellifluous 36 At the helm of 39 Nursery sounds 40 Like much business?

45 Put away 46 Wedding announcement 47 Stupefyin’ Jones creator 48 First-year Spanish verb

8/20/11

49 Mexican waterways 50 Persian for “place of” 51 One needing social work?

52 Confucius’s “Book of __” 55 Bergen’s home: Abbr.

56 Org. working on bridges

The answers: See the answer to the sudoku puzzle by scanning the code with your smartphone.

01

NINERONLINE.COM

SPORTS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

PAGE 15

SPORTS SCHEDULE Volleyball @ Lipscomb

Women’s Soccer vs East Carolina

Fri. 7:30 pm, Nashville, TN

Sun. 4 pm, Charlotte, NC

X-Country @ USC Upstate

Men’s Soccer vs UNC Wilmington

Fri. all day, Spart., SC

Sun. 7pm, Charlotte, NC

Cross Country looks to stride towards A-10 title 49ers look to start the season off on the right foot in Spartanburg, vS.C. Ed Niser

SPORTS EDITOR

James netted his fourth career game winner on Monday in Conway, S.C. File Photo

Evan James takes home Atlantic-10 player of week James led Charlotte with two goals in their 2-1 win over the Chanticleers Ed Niser

SPORTS EDITOR

The Atlantic-10 conference has announced the first player of the week of the fall sports season, Charlotte soccer standout Evan James. James has been named player of the week two times before,both coming in the 2009 season.

Hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, James got on the board twice in the 23rd ranked 49ers win over Coastal Carolina Monday evening.

His first tally came in the 59th minute off a splendid cross from Donnie Smith and then netted the game winner off a brilliant

cross from Anthony Perez with four minutes remaining in the match.

James headlined the Charlotte offensive with three shots.

The 49ers went on to topple the Chanticleers 2-1 on the road.James has revieved preseason All-Atlantic 10 honors and has accumulated 19 goals and 12 assists as a 49er.

James isn’t shy of the limelight, he has had the golden foot a total of four times in his career.Charlotte opens up the home slate against UNC Wilmington at Transamerica Field come out and support James and the rest of the 23rd ranked Charlotte 49ers.

Charlotte outlasts Coastal Carolina in season opener Joel Hanel

REPORTER

Evan James and the Charlotte 49ers opened their season up with a win Monday against Coastal Carolina.

The game had been postponed due to Hurricane Irene, was the first match since the lighting shortened North Carolina game last Sunday before classes w Senior Evan James led the team, scoring twice to give the Niners a 2-1 victory over the Chanticleers.“It was a great way to start the season.

It was a good overall performance by our team. It was a wonderful come-frombehind road win against a quality foe,” said Coach Gunn, in his fourth season as coach of the men’s soccer team.

Last preseason, the Niners tied Coastal Carolina at Transamerica field, yet this year the home opener against the same foe gave the Niners a win.

The Niners, who are ranked 23rd in the nation, were scored on first by the Chanticleers in the 25th minute, off of a free kick.

James responded in the 59th minute, as he and junior Donnie Smith beat the Coastal Carolina defenses and were able to put a shot in back of the Chanticleer’s net.

With a tied up match, the Niners and the Chanticleers battled it out until the 86th minute when James scored a second time.

With a cross from redshirt sophomore Anthony Perez, James was able to place the ball into the left corner of the net. After the game, Coach Gunn said, “Our first goal came off a fantastic volley by Evan off a great cross by Donnie.

We were rewarded for all of our hard work.”

Looking at the game’s statistics, the Niners had the advantage on shots on goal, outshooting Coastal Carolina 9-5.

Niner goalkeeper, Klay Davis blocked two shots, and both teams had three yellow cards.

Issac Cowles and the 49ers open the home season against UNCW on Sunday at 7 p.m. File photo

The winged feet Charlotte 49ers are getting set to take to the trails for the third year under head cross country coach Ed Schlicter. Charlotte is seeking to compete for an Atlantic 10 title, as is the goal every year. Schlicter is enthusiastic about the 49ers chances in achieving their goal at reaching the postseason in 2011.

Charlotte has a lot of depth and veteran leadership this year and the added upper hand that the cross country championships will be hosted by the 49ers.

The 49ers are on the heels of a runner up finish at the Atlantic-10 Championships last fall, the women come back with a bitter taste in their mouths following their shortfall in 2010.

In their history the 49er women have never captured a conference title and with this year’s returning depth they may have the tools needed to get the job done.

Amanda Goetschius a National Title runner-up in the 5000 and 10000 meters and she has also garnered All American honors throughout her illustrious career at Charlotte.

Junior Hana Suchar emerged as the 49ers second place finish a year ago at both the NCAA Regional and Atlantic 10 championships.The junior/senior tandem

of Maria Ruiz and Aurora Trujillo bring back tested leadership qualities having showcased their talents at Regionals last autumn. Charlotte gains eight freshmen in en Mole, Jenna Christiensen, Chelsea Matson, Krisen Stout, Taylor Carcella, Jasmine Abreu, Tiana McHenry and Rachel Miller.

Schlicter pointed out that Christiensen, Molke and Stout are the key three popping up on the radar screen as they have the potential to develop into top runners at the NCAA level.

Looking at the 49ers men side from a glance Charlotte aims to climb out of the Atlantic-10 cellar from a tenth place finish last season. Junior Daweet Dagnachew is the leading runner from the men’s squad last season, Charlotte is projected to finish 8th in the field of 12.

Ross Roberson looks to come back from an injury last season but feels confident about his return. Returning seniors Dakota Lowert and Brian McGuire are expected to give the 49ers an extra push to excel in the later grueling stage of the long arduous season.

Charlotte opens their 2011 slate tomorrow when they travel to Spartanburg ,S.C. to partake in the USC Upstate Eyeopener. Just a week later the 49ers host the Charlotte duels being raced in Concord, N.C.

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

NINERTIMES