Issue 2, Volume 1 by Michele Boyet

Owl Times Issue 2, Volume 1

In Brief... PROVOST PRITCHETT IS STEPPING DOWN He was provost. Then he was president. Now he’s going on personal leave. When he returns in a few weeks, John Pritchett will spend fall semester on a “special assignment” – preparing FAU for its Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) reaccreditation process. The 68-year-old Prichett became provost in 2004 and interim president after Frank Brogan left and before Mary Jane Saunders took ofﬁce. Saunders has named associate provost Diane Alperin the interim provost in the meantime.

HAVE A HEART AND WALK THE WALK The 2010 Heart Walk of the Palm Beaches isn’t until Oct. 2, but FAU has already started assembling its team. This popular event in downtown West Palm Beach beneﬁts the American Heart Association, and FAU has always ﬁelded a huge team – and raised a heck of a lot of money. This year’s goal is a whopping $25,000. If you’re interested in walking, email Stacy Volnick at svolnick@fau.edu.

The Good News at Florida Atlantic University

August 19-26, 2010

WE’RE

BACK Welcome to the 2010 school year. If you’re a new student or a transfer – or even a grizzled senior – here are some helpful hints for surviving and thriving at Florida Atlantic University...

FAU has got your back, but you have to know where to go

Beat the deja vu blues: How to stay sane when coming back

I’m going into my last year at FAU and I learn something new about this place every day. It has some excellent resources, a lot of very supportive people and a few pretty cool secrets. So here’s my list of tips and tricks, bound to help you save money and enjoy your time at FAU...

I was 10 minutes late and almost in tears. It was my second day at FAU, and I couldn’t ﬁnd the education building. A guy named Mick, a senior, had some fun by pointing me in the opposite direction of my ENC 1001 class. Six years, one bachelor’s degree, and two jobs later, I headed to that same education building (this time in the right direction) to begin my ﬁrst week at FAU – again. Here’s what I’ve learned...

Have some fun You visited the Student Union when you got your Owl Card, but did you notice the game room, pool tables, and video games? The Student Union also houses FAU’s only on-campus computer store and hosts many social events. see MICHELE page 6 >> MICHELE BOYET is a Humanities senior starting her ﬁfth year at FAU.

Don’t get mad, get glad Don’t get angry when the lanky 18-year-old sitting in the back of your macroeconomics class asks where to see RACHAEL page 6 >> RACHAEL JOYNER has one degree from FAU and has come back for another.

It’s $ea worthy FAU wins $250,000 for underwater windmills Can FAU researchers power the entire state of Florida with propellers it places in the swirling waters of the Gulf Stream? That’s the plan. It may sound far-fetched to you, but it’s impressed the U.S. Department of Energy. The DOE is giving FAU’s Center for Ocean Energy Technology $250,000 in research money and designating it as a “national center for ocean energy research and development.” Only two other such centers exist, and they’re far away – in the Pacific Northwest and in Hawaii. What is this thing? For the past three years, FAU marine researchers have been working on the complex technology involved in producing what are essentially underwater windmills. Officially, they’re called “20kW multi-use research turbines.” (pictured above) The center’s executive director Susan Skemp says the goal is “advancing research and development of open-ocean current and ocean thermal energy systems.” Researchers have already built “ocean current observation systems” so they can determine how to best capture the sea’s energy. In the future, they’ll field test full-sized prototypes of the turbines and see if they’re commerically viable. “This is a very proud day for our University, our state and the nation,” FAU President Mary Jane Saunders said. “This prestigious, national designation of our Center for Ocean Energy Technology is a testimony to the expertise of our researchers and staff and their commitment to provide a viable source of clean, renewable energy for Florida citizens and beyond.” 2 OWL TIMES | AUG 19-26, 2010

In Brief... SIGN UP NOW FOR LIFELONG LEARNING The Jupiter campus has announced its fall lineup of Lifelong Learning classes. These non-credit classes are popular with retirees and professionals who want to learn at a university level without pursuing a degree. The offerings this term include... ● “Hollywood Takes on Florida Authors,” taught by Frank Eberling, an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker. Review Florida novels that have been adapted into feature films. ● “Experiencing Theater with a Critical Eye,” taught by Hap Erstein, freelance theater and film critic for The Palm Beach Post. Analyze and discuss South Florida productions. ● “The Media: The Inside Story of Press, Presidency and Politics,” taught by S. William Scott, professor of broadcast journalism and media in the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies. Examine how government and business use media. For more information or to receive a free course catalog, call 561799-8667.

TRI-RAIL OFFERING FREE BIKE LOCKERS FAU sudents and staff who commute via Tri-Rail can join the train service’s first-ever Bicycle Locker Program. These perforated steel lockers are now available at most Tri-Rail stations – 600 in all, making it the fourthlargest such program in the country. Each locker can hold two bikes, and they’re free, although you must put down a $30 refundable deposit. For details, log onto www.tri-rail. com/bikelockers.

Owls Who Give a Hoot

Every week, we proﬁle FAU students, faculty, and staffers who do good deeds. Know an Owl who gives a hoot? Email editor@theowltimes.com.

He works the The Owl Card guy graveyard shift makes his move

Robert Loane’s internship is over, but he won’t leave. The FAU senior is helping survey Moore’s Cemetery, a neglected black burial site in the city of Stuart, near the Treasure Coast campus. The historic site contains 300 graves from the early 1900s to as late as 2005. “It is so interesting to read the inscriptions that are still legible,” Loane says. “There are soldiers, children and families buried there. Many stones and aboveground crypts are so old that the inscriptions have worn away, so we just have to mark them ‘unknown.’ ” Loane is one of three surveyers who study each grave marker, record the information, and map the cemetery’s boundaries. They’ll turn over the ﬁnal map and survey to city and county ofﬁcials, who will hopefully use the data to repair and maintain Moore’s Cemetery. “My internship is over, but I will continue to help with this project until it is complete,” Loane says. “It has become a personal interest.” Loane will graduate in the spring with a degree in geomatics engineering, which is the study of gathering and modeling geographic information.

Owl Times Issue Two, Volume One | August 19-26, 2010

If you got your Owl Card on the Boca Raton campus in the past 13 years, you most likely met Bill Rinaldi. He’s the guy in the red shirt with the big smile on his face. “I’m a strong believer in making eye contact,” says the 64-year-old Rinaldi. “If you pass someone walking by, you should smile, nod or wink. Being acknowledged is important.” Rinaldi has been smiling at FAU since 1990. “I love meeting all the different people and learning about the students,” Rinaldi says, reﬂecting on his 20 years at FAU. “I really just enjoy what I do.” Before heading to the Owl Card Center, Rinaldi served as FAU’s assistant postmaster for seven years. And starting next month, he’s making another change: He’s moving to the Davie campus. “It’s not an inconvenience but it will be an adjustment,” he says. “Davie will offer me a few more things to do and more personal attention with students — I’m looking forward to it.” Rinaldi will continue issuing Owl Cards but will also be more involved with parking decals. He’s excited to meet new people. When it comes to taking photos of student’s smiling faces, Rinaldi says he’s “very liberal.” “I like for everyone to have fun,” he says with a laugh. “As STAFF Michele Boyet Rachael Joyner Michael Koretzky

Bill Rinaldi’s advice for new students: ● Always keep your ID in

your wallet.

● If you’re living on campus,

keep the balance low in case you lose the card. ● Remember to hit the blue button to remove your card from a copy machine. ● Replacement cards cost $15, so hang on to yours!

long as I can see their eyes and their face, I can roll with it.” Despite the move, Rinaldi says not too much will change — he will still wear his red shirt and always don a smile. His favorite student moment? “I know a student who is on a 30th Owl Card. The student is a senior now but has paid $15 to replace it each time.”

NEWSROOM: editor@theowltimes.com ADVERTISING: lew@theowltimes.com Read us every Thursday on FAU’s campuses or at www.theowltimes.com OWL TIMES | AUG 19-26, 2010 3

Calendar WOW!

Weeks of Welcome At the beginning of every school year, FAU asks its clubs, agencies, and associations to throw a party. And do they. It’s known as Weeks of Welcome. Below are some of our favorites. The rest are at www.fau.edu/wow.

FRIDAY, AUG 20, 9 PM-1 AM What: Casino Night, Rec Center on the north end of campus Lowdown: It might not be for money, but how can you turn down gambling on campus? Try your skills at the carnival-style game night and you could go home with a few prizes.

SATURDAY, AUG 21, 8 PM What: Bingo on the Lawn, the Housing Lawns in front of HPT Lowdown: Whoever said bingo was just for old people clearly hasn’t played at FAU. Get in on the old-school game, win prizes, and meet your neighbors.

MONDAY, AUG 23, 4-9 PM What: Back to School BBQ, Housing BBQ Pavilion Lowdown: Members of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity will serve hot dogs and hamburgers while a DJ takes your requests. There will also be football, volleyball, and Frisbee games.

TUESDAY, AUG 24, 8 PM What: Comedy Show, Student Union auditorium Lowdown: FAU’s Program Board knows after the first two days of classes, you’ll need a laugh. Be sure to get their early for a good seat and bring your Owl Card.

WEDNESDAY, AUG 25, 11 AM-2 PM What: The Breezeway Takeover Lowdown: Join FAU’s Program Board as they turn the Breezeway into an Owl spirit zone. Get free Owl gear and get ready for Thursday’s bonfire.

SATURDAY, AUG 28 , 9 PM What: Movie on the Lawn, on the Housing Lawns Lowdown: Bring a blanket and some popcorn and watch an outdoor movie on the big screen with your buddies. No word yet on the movie, but word is it’ll be a comedy.

AUG 26

Feel the

BURN!

What better way to end your first week of class than to watch something burn? The third annual bonfire is sponsored by the Student Alumni Association and Graduate Student Association and features live music and the chance to chat up head football coach Howard Schnellenberger. WHERE: Northeast Corner of the Track and Filed Complex WHEN: starts 8 p.m. COST: Free BBQ, T-shirt CONTACT: Mike Burdman at cburdman@fau.edu

AUGUST 19 Below: Last year’s bonfire burned bright. Left: This year’s is getting ready to light.

9-26, 2010

GET YOUR GAME ON!

Want your FAU-related

event posted here? Email editor@theowltimes.com

AUG 27 Good Clean Fun Besides a home football game, you’ll never see more FAU students in one place at one time than you will at the annual Foam Party. But what makes this event so popular is only partly due to the foam. Sponsored by FAU’s Program Board, there’s also buckets of glow paint, live music, and a slip-n-slide tunnel. As a DJ pumps out the dance music, two machines pump out the foam, which is kept on the dance floor by a huge inflatable ring. Heed these two warnings, though: Don’t wear any clothes you really like, and get there early. Last year, there was a long line out the gate by midnight.

FREE Video Game Exhibit & Tournament: • Test Your Skills on 17 Video Gaming Stations • Play More Than 30 of the Newest Games • Watch the Action on 26” & 42” HD Flat Screens ivERsiTY FlORidA ATlANTic UN ices student Housing serv Tuesday, August 24 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WHERE: Outdoor stage, behind the

Student Union on the Boca campus WHEN: starts at 10 p.m. COST: Free with your Owl Card DETAILS: www.fau.edu/wow IGX AD 5.7x10.indd 1

8/12/10 10:08:08 AM

Michele

Find quiet time

>> from the front page

Get free stuff

Get a ride

When it’s time to take your fi rst big test and your professor says you need a scantron, walk over and visit the people in Student Government for a free one. Located upstairs in the Student Union, SG leadership also has school spirit goodies during football season. Visit www.fau.edu/sga for more info.

If you’re taking night classes and rather not walk to your car or dorm in the dark, you can call the NightOwls for a ride. A staff member from the student escort service will swing by in a golf cart and take you anywhere on campus. Program their number in your phone: 561297-6695. Stay healthy

Pull an all-nighter The library may close, but the 24-hour study lounge next door does not. Sponsored by Student Government and located inside the Paul C. Wimbish Wing, the lounge has private booths, tables, computers and a printer.

Since FAU strives to be your home away from home; Student Health Services can meet just about all of your healthcare and wellness needs. The clinic, located above the south end of the Breezeway, also offers free condoms and free HIV testing. Read more about their services at www.fau.edu/shs.

Work out If you’re worried about that infamous “Freshman-15,” don’t fret. The Rec Center, on the north side of campus, houses a state-of-the-art gym that rivals LA Fitness, a basketball court and leisure and lap pools. There are also group fitness classes and a wide variety of intramural and club sports. The best part: It’s all free when you ﬂash your Owl Card. See the fitness schedule at www.fau.educampusrec.

Rachael

Besides nearly a million reference books, the WIMBERLY LIBRARY also has many general education textbooks. That’s right, you can borrow your textbooks! The ﬁvestory building also has a computer lab, private study rooms and a large collection of CDs you can rent just like the books.

Buy drugs Need to fill a prescription? Do it at the FAU Pharmacy. Located inside the Student Services hallway above the Breezeway, the full-service pharmacy

Talk it out When things get tough and you need someone to talk to, the experienced staff at the Counseling Center is ready to help. They offer free, confidential counseling and psychological services as well as peer mediation and support

groups. Find out more at www.fau.edu/ counseling or call 561-297-3540. Save money When putting your money under the mattress isn’t the way to go, BankAtlantic operates a full-service branch on campus. Find them at the south end of the Breezeway or stop by one of their four ATM machines on the Boca campus.

>> from the front page

ﬁnd a copy of the syllabus – and the teacher explains it for a third time in ﬁve minutes. Be thankful that your attention span is now longer than that kid’s.

computer-packed trading room and study areas with lush seats. Clearly, my 18-yearold self was deprived back in 2004.

Appreciate the little things

As you get into upper division or graduate classes, university life becomes all work and no play. Find your inner freshman and make time to attend some schoolspirit-boosting events. The Annual Fall Bonﬁre (starts at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 on the Boca campus) or the Foam Party (starts at 10 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Boca campus’ outdoor stage), are good places to start.

If you have been around FAU for a few years, you’ve probably noticed a lot of improvements. There are better places to eat, new buildings and old buildings with new paint. There’s a sweet new gym and even Harvard-style road signs marking where buildings are (I couldn’t misdirect a FAU newbie even if I wanted to.) I recently had a class in the business building (I guess it’s called the “business complex” now), which has high-tech projection equipment in the classrooms, a 6 OWL TIMES | AUG 19-26, 2010

can fill most orders within 24 hours and offers discounts to students. Call 561297-0072 for hours and pricing.

Pretend you’re a freshman again

Use and abuse FAU The university has a lot of services to offer, and over the years it’s easy to forget

about them. Take yogalates classes at the fancy new gym. Get your prescriptions filled for cheap at the pharmacy. Play pool in the Student Union. Go to a free concert in the auditorium. Watch a football game at Lockhart Stadium (students get in free). Join the diving club. All you have to do is flash your Owl Card. Share the wealth With so many years at FAU under your belt, you probably know a lot about how to maximize your time here. Share that valuable knowledge with the newbies at FAU. They’ll appreciate the help, and it never hurts to have a little good karma coming your way around finals week. (Hear that, Mick?)

COMING NEXT WEEK: The Owl Times’ ﬁrst annual Football Fan Guide. Questions? editor@theowltimes.com

In Brief... MONEY TIGHT? STILL STUDY ABROAD! Anyone who’s done a Study Abroad program will tell you how life-changing they are. But they’ll also tell you how expensive it can be. That’s where The Gilman Scholarship Program comes in. It offers cash for undergraduates who receive Pell Grant funding at a fouryear university – like FAU – to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. The fall deadline for programs next spring is Oct. 5. For more information, email FAU’s Gilman Scholarship advisor Dr. Catherine Meschievitz at cmeschie@fau.edu.

hoy, new students: A Learn about FAU the pirate way. Pick up this week’s issue of the University Press in the bright red bins.

SUMMER GRADS A DIVERSE GROUP On Aug. 10, FAU’s summer commencement conferred more than 1,500 degrees in three separate ceremonies in the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium on the Boca campus. Those grads represented 39 countries, and 54 of them were over the age of 50 – with the oldest graduate being 64 and the youngest being 20.

HEY, FACULTY: EAT BEFORE YOU TEACH

The Center for Teaching and Learning is hosting a faculty brunch on Sunday, Aug. 22, to celebrate the new academic year. Reconnect with colleagues and learn about faculty programs for the semester. Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Student Union’s Majestic Palm Room. Following the brunch is the fourth annual Freshman Convocation at 1 p.m. in the Carol and Barry Kaye Auditorium. The faculty procession begins at 12:50 p.m., and academic regalia is encouraged. Questions? Email Dr. Deborah Raines, Director of the Scholarship of Teaching, at draines@fau.edu.

CALL FOR STUDY ABROAD IDEAS The Ofﬁce of International Programs wants faculty for new or recurring Study Abroad Programs for the 2010-11 academic year. The deadline for proposals is Friday, Sept. 10. Guidelines and details are at www. fau.edu/goabroad/SAP_ Guidelines.php.

SUPPLY KIDS WITH SCHOOL TOOLS As you buy your school supplies this semester, FAU’s Student Florida Education Association asks you to get some extra for local schoolchildren who can’t afford their own. FEA is hosting its first annual School Supply Drive through Sept. 17. You can drop off donations at spots on each FAU campus. For more information, email FEA president Dennis Burnham at dburnha1@fau.edu.

Faculty...

READ WITH THE FRESHMAN CLASS

w w w.u p re s s o nli n e.co m

The 2010 freshman online community and freshman reading discussion are now open. This year’s selection is Finding Mañana by FAU alumna and award-winning writer Mirta Ojito. If you teach a freshman course or are leading a freshman community, you can post a welcome to your students. Email Dr. Deborah Raines at draines@fau.edu.

OWL TIMES | AUG 19-26, 2010 7

Start unbreakable friendS friendShip hipS.

START TAKING CHARGE. Start HIGHEr. Start out on top.

START SHOWING THE WAY. Start getting ahead of the game.

START LEADING.

Start making a mark.

START STRONG. SM

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. By enrolling in Army ROTC at FAU you will develop leadership skills and earn an Army Officer’s commission after graduation — two things that will help ensure you succeed in life. Army ROTC also offers full-tuition scholarships up to $24,000/year to help you pay for your college degree. With a start like that, there is no limit to what you can achieve. To get started, contact Major Harris at 561-297-7682 or email kgharris@fau.edu or armyrotc@fau.edu.

ADD 1 HOUR OF LEADERSHIP TO YOUR FALL SCHEDULE! REGISTER FOR MSL1001 (CRN 82871), FOUNDATIONS OF OFFICERSHIP, 1 CREDIT HOUR. ©2008. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved. FAU Cadet 4C Ad 9.5x10.indd 1

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