The Edge: Vol. 4, Ed. 4 by The Pendulum

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SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS RENNOVATION PLAN

THE MAGAZINE OF THE PENDULUM

VOL. 4 | EDITION 4 WINTER 2013 ELON, N.C.

ELON VOTED MOST BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS

BRIAN WILLIAMS ON NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

ELON ACTING NAMED IN TOP 6 BUDGET-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS

LOVE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS EXPANDS MASTERS PROGRAMS

BROBIBLE COVERS FESTIVUS

ATHLETICS ATTENDANCE CRITICIZED

STUDENTS NETWORK WITH ALUMNI

ELON IS GAINING RECOGNITION ON A NATIONAL SCALE, BUT AT WHAT COST? >> PAGE 12

ELON STUDENTS WIN SPRITE FILM COMPETITION

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR As the cold weather creeps in and settles around Elon, we brace ourselves for the final stretch of exams and papers until winter break is upon us. But, before we are whisked away to home life, this semester’s final edition of The Edge brings you some holiday cheer to inspire you for the season. From winter fashion and holiday playlists to ways to unwind in the midst of a season of stress, we’ve got you equipped to enjoy this time of the year to its fullest. For this edition’s cover story, we investigate Elon’s growing recognition on a national level and how those outside the university perceive Elon. This story made me realize how every action of mine on this campus, no matter how small, impacts how I represent my university to the outside world. To recognize the momentous importance of our behavior on this campus should inspire all of us to reach our potential during our time here. Before you begin your reading, I want to thank you for supporting The Edge during my term as editor-in-chief. This has been the most invaluable experience thus far at Elon and I, along with the rest of the staff, am endlessly grateful for the support we’ve received from students, faculty, and the university. I encourage you to continue to support the diligent staff of this magazine and hope you are inspired by our cover story to become an exemplary student of Elon. Happy reading!

Alison Ryncarz | Editor of The Edge

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12 23 26 IN THIS ISSUE

5 10 12 20 23 26

Elon’s Kayaking Professor trades in pencils for paddles Twins Danielle and Chanelle are a dynamic duo on the court Elon is growing - how is that affecting its reputation? Easy and sweet recipes any dorm student can pull together An FDA ban has caused controversy at blood donation centers Elon programs that allow students to venture outside the bubble

THE EDGE

Editor of The Edge Alison Ryncarz Design Editor Madison Margeson Features Editor Katie Kolls

Check out all the exclusive Edge content online at elonpendulum.com/edge The Edge LV (ORQ 8QLYHUVLW\·V only general-interest magazine, SXEOLVKHG TXDUWHUO\ E\ 7KH 3HQdulum student news organization. Students of all years and majors are encouraged to contribute.

Entertainment & Travel Editor Lindsey Lanquist

Fashion Editor .DWLH 2·+DQ

Health & Wellness Editor .DWKOHHQ +DUSHU

Opinions Editor Erin Valentine Sports Editor Rajat Agarwal Photo Editor Katy Canada

Contributing Writers Morgan Abate John Bowden Mary Katy Brogan )UDQNLH &DPSLVDQR &RXUWQH\ &DPSEHOO Kaitlin Dunn Becca Evans Caoline Fernandez Amanda Garrity Kyra Gemberling 7KRPDV +DP]LN Katie Kolls Rachel Lewis Lindsay Lodge Chris Mench Shayna Nash Elizabeth Sheehan Nathan Smith 3HWHU :DOSROH

Contributing Designers Caroline Fernandez Taylor Mitchell Miranda Siwak

Sophomore Ingrid Frahm and Senior John Molloy show off some of this winter’s most popular fashion trends on page 15.

Photographers Rajat Agarwal Katy Canada Ashley King Alison Ryncarz Tara Wirth

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FEATURES

CELEBRATING our DIFFERENCES Morgan Abate

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES & PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM

lon’s once predominantly Christian campus is starting to look a little bit different. Groups of students who identify themselves as Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist increase every year. They hail from the States, but also represent other countries such as Syria, Cameroon and Brazil. Elon recognizes the changes in its student population. It has been trying to make these students feel at home by commemorating some of the holidays they may miss while being away at school, like Eid al-Adha or Diwali. Elon’s efforts allow students to celebrate these holidays and to learn about and experience them alongside their friends. Many members of the community come out to celebrate too, like during Elon’s first Eid alAdha holiday held on Oct. 22. The holiday remembers Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to Allah. “Having people from the community here is great,” said Shahd Hawsa, a sophomore from Jordan. Eid al-Adha is all about spending time with family and giving, she said. Families make special

desserts, visit each other — and kill a sheep. Hawsa said that families usually give one-third of the meat away to those who cannot afford it. “Eid is about embracing people with love, showing them affection… To reunite with family and friends,” said Toorialey Fazly, a senior from Afghanistan. Throughout most of the Muslim world, Eid is celebrated with prayer and family gatherings; but Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, looks different depending on where you are. Diwali for all Hindus celebrates the return of Ram and Sita, the beloved characters of the Ramayana, one of the great Hindu epics. In Nepal, Diwali worships Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who represents Sita. On that day, families draw footprints with rice flour that lead the way to their wealth. Nepali Hindus pray for success in their studies and work. Candles light streets and shine through windows. Children run from house to house and sing for money, like carolers do during Christmas. “I love that [Elon] is trying to create something they don’t

understand,” said Leena Dahal, a freshman from Nepal. “Just the idea that Elon is hosting something for a group that isn’t really large is amazing.” The states of India celebrate Diwali a little bit differently from Nepal and each other. Firework displays light up the night sky in Mumbai. Students have the equivalent of Elon’s winter break around Diwali. Weddings are abundant and henna decorates many hands and arms. This is the second year that Elon has planned a Diwali festival for its Hindu students and those interested in understanding the significance of the holiday. “It shows a real commitment toward being diverse,” said Ameya Benegal, a sophomore from Singapore. Celebrations like these, along with other traditions like the luminary ceremony and President Lambert’s holiday party, make Elon a festive place in the wintertime. Despite students’ growing differences in traditions and celebrations, we continually have the chance to come together to share our common values of family and friendship during the holiday season.

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Everything we were doing wouldn’t make a dime’s worth of difference if I didn’t get people to care about the environment.

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We’re almost like pimps, but what we’re pimping is nature.

PHOTOS BY ALISON RYNCARZ

UP A RIVER WITH A PADDLE ents with nature

ct stud Elon's kayaking professor aims to reconne Chris Mench

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

ow many times do people really notice the sun come up, or the birds fly around?” asks Joe Jacobs. To him, this is what’s really important in life. As the founder of the kayaking and canoeing program at Elon University and owner of the Haw River Canoe and Kayak Co. in Saxapahaw, N.C., Joe (as his students affectionately call him) is more in tune with nature than most. He views paddling as a form of therapy. “It’s my ‘in’ to being connected to the rhythms of the earth,” he said. Joe’s love of paddling dates back to his childhood in Louisiana. “Wilhelmina Williams,” he recalls. “She lived on the other side of the Mississippi River from me when I was 8 or so.” One day he decided to try and paddle an old drifting telephone pole across the river with a 2-by-4 to meet her. “Naturally, I didn’t get very far. Telephone poles tend to roll a lot.” Nonetheless, after a trip downstream and a wet bus ride back home, he found himself drawn to the water. He was enrolled in a canoeing course the next week. Nowadays he has a real boat (quite a few of them, in fact) and a real commitment to help preserve the environment. He’s starting by trying to dispel the “environmentalist” image. “In my town growing up, if you cared about the environment you had to be a pot-

smoking hippie from California,” he said. “I’m trying to show people that good conservation is good business, and good business is good conservation.” Joe’s goal has always been the same: to instill in young people a love for the outdoors. “We’re almost like pimps,” he claims with a chuckle. “But what we’re pimping is nature.” It was for this reason that he partnered with Elon University. “There’s such a sense of potential in the students. They find something they’re passionate about and they just go for it,” he said. Joe hopes that for at least a few students, that passion will be for the natural world. This is indicative of Joe’s approach to environmentalism. A marine biologist and the former Head of Science for the Nature Conservancy’s Southeast Region, he realized a long time ago that “everything we were doing wouldn’t make a dime’s worth of difference if I didn’t get people to care about the environment.” From this revelation came both his business and his classes, with their main goal being to help reconnect people with nature. “I just love being around [the students] and sharing something I love to do; getting out into nature and getting there in a boat.” For Joe, the natural world is a lot more than just a business opportunity. “I’m not religious,” he claims, “but I think I’m spiri-

tual. I view creation as a continuum, and you can either be a part of that life force in a conscious, respectful way, or an unconscious, disrespectful way. I’m trying to get people to understand that.” He’s already succeeded with Jake Matheny. A guide at the Haw River Canoe and Kayak Co., Alamance County native, and one of Joe’s former students, Matheny said, “Joe has taught me some of the most valuable lessons in life, one that stands out more than any: Show yourself and everyone around you how amazing our natural world is.” It’s clear that Joe’s worldview has rubbed off on him. “Joe gave me the tools I needed to really find myself,” Matheny said. “Many people are very concerned with being comfortable, too comfortable. Get uncomfortable, and start doing it immediately. Leave from the trailhead with nothing. Everything you need is within your soul, on the ground, or in the water. That is all there really is to it.” For Joe, hearing answers like this is a validation of his life’s work. “My father never even graduated high school,” he said. “But he always told me one thing. He said to do what you love, to love what you do, and to deliver more than you promise. There are more currencies in life than money.” For Joe Jacobs, the outdoors may just be the greatest currency of all.

BREATHE IN stress out Caroline Fernandez PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM

Photographed by Alison Ryncarz

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Japanese Zen garden with flowing water, a sandy beach on a warm Sunday morning or the fresh brisk air of the awe-inspiring North Carolinian mountains: Simply by envisioning yourself in these peaceful and majestic places, you probably already feel a little more at peace. And as we all know, finding a little peace is essential with the stress of finals right around the corner. Although visiting a calming location is challenging amidst the hectic chaos that surrounds finals week, there is a simple and easy fix, one that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have to leave your dorm room for. That fix is meditation, and it can take as little as two or three minutes. Better yet, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scientifically proven to calm and relax your mind and body as well as improve your overall personality and demeanor. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have to be limited to your dorm room to meditate, either. Elonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student organization Iron Tree Blooming Society meets as a group to decompress and meditate every Thursday at 4:15 p.m. in Belk Pavilion 208. If you want to try it out on your own, follow these simple steps to incorporate meditation into your life.

Step 1: Allot Time Enough with the excuses, you do have enough time. I promise. Think about it; if you have time to online shop for a new winter wardrobe or play the latest Xbox game, you have time to set aside a few minutes in order to reenergize yourself.

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Increased immunity Emotional balance Get to know yourself better Lower blood pressure Anti inflammatory Calm demeanor Better nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep Improved test grades Decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol

benefits of meditation

First year student Rebekah Richin, who is a member of Elonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Iron Tree Blooming Society, always makes time for the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekly meditation session, especially when sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stressed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No matter how much work we have, my roommate and I always make it a priority to go, especially when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re stressed. After the sitting is over, we never regret it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so amazing,â&#x20AC;? Richin said. Learn from Richin and motivate yourself to add Iron Tree Blooming to your extracurricular list.

Step 2: Find Space Seek out a relaxing spot where you know there will be no interruptions. Try your room while your roommate is in class. If you find solace in being around others, Iron Tree Bloomingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group meditation is the perfect quiet environment to feel that sense of community.

Step 3: Get Comfortable The proper position is key to a successful meditation, so relax and get cozy.

Step 5: Check in with yourself and your surroundings Maintain your upright posture. Observe your breathâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;counting as you breathe will help. Develop a pattern: one in, two out, three in, four out, etc.

Step 6: Be open to a thought free mind Acknowledge your environment and the senses that surround you, but try not to be distracted. If your mind wanders, let it wander, but slowly bring it back to your mantra.

Rest your hands in your lap or on your knees.

Step 7: Slowly awaken

Keep your back straight by maintaining a relaxed neck and slightly tucked-in chin.

A gong or soft alarm is the best way to alert that your meditation period is over. When that rings, take a few minutes to slowly re-enter the room.

Step 4: Let the meditation begin! Start with five deep breaths. On your last exhale, close your eyes and begin deep breathing. If you feel you will easily get distracted. choose a single word or mantra to repeat after each breath, such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;relaxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;no worriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I am strong.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

As you end your mediation, focus on three things that you are truly grateful for and ease your way back into your busy schedule. Take this newfound calm and relaxed state of mind with you as you transition back into daily activities.

SPORTS

THE START OF S O ME TH I N G

NEW FIRST-YEAR ELON WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM SEEKS TO GAIN RECOGNITION Thomas Hamzik

PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM

Photographed by Tara Wirth

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

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women’s lacrosse by the Numbers ME

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SENIORS (2) SOPHOMORES (2)

tarting a new program can be a daunting task at any university, especially adding a new Division I sports team to the athletic department. But for Josh Hexter and Elon University, creating the women’s lacrosse team has been more fun than anything. Hexter, the team’s head coach, has teamed up with assistant Virginia Crotty to lead the Phoenix as the squad prepares for its inaugural season this spring. Both say this particular group of girls has exceeded expectations, making it an enjoyable experience thus far. “Honestly, Virginia and I are trying to have a lot of laughs and smiles,” Hexter said. “And teach the kids how to work like a Division I athlete. Nobody really complains. They just get out there and play, and play hard.” Crotty’s main concern was the team’s competitiveness, but her concern has been needless so far. “The challenge I was nervous about was whether they would want to compete or not, and they do,” Crotty said. “That’s all we can ask right now. They work hard every single day and they’re not scared of anything.” The team will consist of two seniors, two sophomores, and a whopping 21 freshmen. The seniors, Emily Bishop and Tierney Guido, have been named team captains. The recruiting process for the extremely large freshmen class was a bit atypical. Since recruiting for women’s lacrosse is a process that begins fairly early in the players’ high school careers, Hexter and Crotty faced a bit of a challenge in persuading athletes to come to Elon. The coaches ended up recruiting the current freshmen class and next year’s class at the same time because of it. Yet, so many of the girls were intrigued at starting up a new tradition at Elon that it made the process so successful for the team. “They will all tell you that it’s part of why they came here, to start something new,” Hexter said. “You don’t get to do that every day. These kids were really excited about that opportunity.” The Phoenix played in three

competitive fall tournaments this October, traveling to Coastal Carolina University, High Point University and Duke University. “I think (the fall) went great,” Hexter said. “We really focused on just a few things, having fun, keeping it loose and keeping the competitive work ethic up there. Elon will play its home games inside Rhodes Stadium in 2014, opening against Longwood University on Feb. 14. The Phoenix will compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference this year before moving to the Colonial Athletic Association in 2014/2015. Some conference opponents for the upcoming year include University of Detroit Mercy, Kennesaw State University and Jacksonville University. Elon opens the regular season at national power Duke, where Hexter coached for eight years and Crotty was a letterwinner for four years. The Phoenix will also play Virginia Tech University and defending national champion University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014. “The schedule is tough, but that’s how we want it,” Hexter said. “Every game, we want to go out and see how good we can be. We want to try to schedule the best competition that we can. Hopefully next year we can bump that schedule up even more.” Among many goals for the year, one is getting things started on a good note and leaving a mark for future years. The team is refusing to accept being young as an excuse and hopes it will leave a lasting impression on its opponents. “For them, building the strongest foundation in this first year for girls coming in and leaving a mark on teams,” Crotty said of the team’s goals. “We don’t want to be that team like, ‘we’re new, we’re all freshmen.’ Our goal is to attack and be aggressive.” The 21 freshmen Coach Hexter and Coach Crotty have brought in are accustomed to winning and achieving great success. Time will tell if they will be able to begin a winning tradition for Elon women’s lacrosse.

phrase “It’s a twin thing.”This has become commonplace among the Elon Volleyball team the past few years thanks to the dynamic duo Danielle and Chanelle Smith. The identical twins, juniors from Fayetteville, Georgia, are twins in every sense of the word. They have been best friends since birth and do everything together. “People think it’s weird because you usually get tired after being around someone all the time, but we never get tired of each other,” said Danielle, described as the more aggressive one of the twins. All through their childhood they played the same sports, from t-ball and basketball when they were younger to cheerleading and volleyball throughout high school. When it came time to select a college, the twins had their hearts set on going together. “A lot of schools offered us together, but a lot of schools [that recruited us] didn’t realize we were twins,” said Chanelle. “So when one of us would get a letter, my mom would email them back and say ‘she has a twin sister.’” Elon offered each of the twins, but at the time of their visit, only one full scholarship and one partial scholarship were available. Thankfully, by the end of their visit, another full scholarship

became available, which was important to the two sisters who simultaneously stated that they “always wanted to go to school together.” Self-described as loud and goofy off the court, the relationship between the two intensifies on the court, as Danielle and Chanelle get on each other more so than their other teammates. As Danielle explained, “We say stuff to each other and can get away with it because we’re sisters.” Although they get on each other, when the sisters play, their gameplay and footwork are completely identical. The twins didn’t notice it until they watched their recruiting videos in high school, but they noticed that even though they play different positions, their footwork was the same. “It was just like we were in-sync,” said Danielle as Chanelle nodded in agreement. As with all sets of twins, especially identical, Danielle and Chanelle are often caught up in all sorts of instances that can only be described by using the phrase “it’s a twin thing.” When being interviewed before the season, the girls had identical answers for virtually every question they were asked. If someone were to play them in a movie, who would play them? Gabrielle Union. If they could be on any reality TV show? Basketball Wives. When

sister act Identical twins Danielle and Chanelle Smith discuss their dynamic duo on the court. Nathan Smith

PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM PHOTO BY ASHLEY KING

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People think it’s weird because you usually get tired after being around someone all the time, but we never get tired of each other. asked to imitate a coach, they each imitated Assistant Coach Tina Readling in the exact same way. And even though they have known their coaches since they were recruited as juniors in high school, they still fall victim to the problem that all identical twins have: being called the wrong name. In a recent game, Chanelle mis-dug a ball and subbed out, and Coach Mary Tendler went over to Danielle and talked about the play that she thought Danielle had made. They have separate numbers, they play separate positions, but it still happens. This is one of the many things they have to deal with, but if you ask them, they love it. It is definitely a twin thing, and Danielle and Chanelle Smith wouldn’t have it any other way.

Christmas. <<

It’s the one time of year when miracles happen.You can ask for almost anything, and with a little luck, you might find it sitting under the tree on Christmas day with a big shiny bow on it. But Elon University’s sports teams are all asking Santa for gifts that won’t exactly fit under the tree. Kaitlin Dunn

PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PENDULUM

Women’s Lacrosse: ”As a new program, the main thing women’s lacrosse needs this year is support. We’re going to be making history out there in the spring and we want everyone to be a part of it!”

Track & Field:

“My Christmas wish for this team will always be that these young ladies realize just how special this University and this team is, and their efforts to do their very best both on and off the track is so important.”

-Head Coach Mark Elliston “An injury free team who is ready to compete in full force.”

-Megan Kirschling, Sophomore

-Tierney Guido, Senior

Volleyball: Women’s Basketball:

"For Christmas this year, Elon volleyball needs a private place for all our travels...or ice cream after every win!"

-Cali Estes, Senior

"I think our team needs football pads, UnderArmor pads, ANY kind of extra padding to help us protect from any more injuries this season!"

-Kelsey Harris, Senior

Softball: Men’s soccer: “My wish is simple. I want a chance to compete for the NCAA National Championship.”

-Coach Darren Powell “For Christmas, our team wishes for good health, academic excellence, and rings a plenty.”

-Jason Waterman, Junior “To enjoy a relaxing Christmas with our families after a record breaking soccer season alongside continued collective success in the classroom”

“A healthy new year for our Elon Softball family including the team, coaches, support staff, alumni, player families, and friends.” and “A 2014 SoCon championship”

-Jess Kohut, Assistant Head Coach “For Christmas the Elon softball team ULLKZ V\Y UL^ ÄLSK OV\ZL [V IL JVTWSL[LK as the last step on our journey to becoming a softball program in North Carolina, which will in turn generate a winning atmosphere at Hunt Softball Park.”

-Lauren Oldham, Senior

-Nathan Dean, Junior

COVER STORY

WHERE DOES ELON STAND? the good, the bad T & the ugly Katie Kolls

PRINT & ONLINE OURNALISM

wenty years ago, if you told someone you attended Elon University, they would probably tilt their head, raise their eyebrows curiously and politely ask you where that was. Twenty years ago, Elon wasn’t exactly on the radar. A lot has changed since then. In 2001, Elon College became Elon University. Since then, it has gained numerous recognitions and awards, including the top spot on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Southern Regional Universities. As stated on Elon’s website, Elon is one of only seven private universities in the nation with accredited schools of law, business, communications and education along with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, which promotes the liberal arts and sciences. Elon has also been recognized by both Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and the Fiske Guide to Colleges as one of America’s “best value” private institutions. As many accolades as Elon has under its belt, an increase in recognition is bound to be met with an increase in criticism. Elon recently landed on The Daily Beast’s list of colleges with the worst return on investment rankings. The list was created by comparing the starting and mid-career salaries of graduates to what they paid for tuition, and Elon placed seventh. However, the list was only comprised of institutions that successfully graduated at least 75 percent of undergrads within six years. Elon’s six-year graduation rate was listed as 82.1 percent, and average starting salary was over $43,000. Every student, professor or faculty member can praise the university for its beauty. We have ample Instagram photos to prove it. As a botanical garden, Elon’s campus has received plenty of notice as one of the most beautiful in the nation. One of the most common websites students cite as a source for the ranking, thebestcolleges.org, has had Elon at the top of the Most Beautiful list since 2011. But these sorts of rankings must be taken with a grain of salt, as a recent story by Elon Local News revealed that website is run for profit by one man, and no legitimate ranking methodology is used in composing the list. Praises and criticisms are thrown left and right around campus. The second you hear something wonderful about the university, a

complaint can be heard not far in the distance. So where exactly do we stand with our image to outsiders? As Elon begins to gain recognition on a national scale, do individuals outside of the university see us as a bang-for-your buck school or overpriced for what is offered? Are we the most beautiful campus in the nation, but lacking in important academic fields? At what cost are we becoming a more recognizable, small, private university? WE’RE A SMART BUNCH. Let us again rewind to about twenty years ago. If you were speaking to someone who did know of Elon, most likely a North Carolina resident, they might tell you it was a great place for average “B” and “C” students. This was a common stigma surrounding Elon back in the day. Not anymore. “We’re trying to establish Elon as a prestigious university,” said Vice President of University Communications Dan Anderson. “I think the core message is that the style of learning is engaged learning. The quality of the programs is excellent.” Admissions statistics will support the notion that Elon no longer falls under the category of an ideal school for “B” students. The most recent admissions stats for the class of 2017 show an average SAT score of 1830 and GPA of 4.0. In addition, 87 percent of students complete internships, 47 percent participate in leadership programs, and 25 percent partake in undergraduate research. It is evident that our student body is above average in academics, but what about the resources available to us in furthering our education? Grades and test scores only go so far without the proper tools to continue enhancing our knowledge and skills. How attuned is Elon to students’ needs? As far as our faculty goes, Anderson claims, “We have a world class faculty and staff.” Our faculty is definitely qualified – of the 394 full-time faculty members at Elon, 88 percent have earned a Ph.D. Paul Parsons, dean of the School of Communications, agrees. “I believe, because I’ve heard many students say so, they think we have a really good faculty here,” Parsons said. “We have teachers who care about student learning.”

Both Anderson and Parsons cite engaged learning as a staple of an Elon University education. Small class sizes and an emphasis on ensuring classes are more than just lecture contribute to Elon’s commitment to engaged learning. Let’s also not forget that because of this commitment, Elon sends more students abroad than any other masters-level university at 72 percent of undergrads. WHERE DO WE STAND OUT MOST? The School of Communications Any student who finds joy in reporting the news, producing video or creating unique media projects is bound to feel at home in Elon’s School of Communications, along with about 1,100 other undergrads. The program and its students and faculty have received plenty of awards and recognition over the past few years, competing against other top programs in the country. With a national advisory board consisting of members like Brian Williams of NBC and Michael Radutsky of 60 Minutes, the communications program already has an impressive reputation on a national scale. Big plans are taking shape for the future of the school that will skyrocket its reputation even further. Parsons outlined the proposal for a new curriculum that could potentially be in place by next fall. It would include two new majors, Media Analytics and Communication Design, as well as changes to the current journalism sequences. “In the past we’ve always had a print/online sequence in journalism, and a broadcast news sequence,” Parsons said. “We don’t want to completely do away with that … but we want to reduce the walls. We want to talk in terms of a common journalism major.” Similar changes will be occurring among the Cinema and Television sequences of the Media Arts & Entertainment major, which is also being renamed. Along with these new changes to the school’s curriculum come massive changes to its facilities. Parsons revealed a construction plan that includes adding a new building where the McEwen faculty parking lot is, featuring a traditional Elon brick face along with large walls of glass for a more modern aesthetic. There will also be an Emerging Media Pavilion and the graduate program will be housed in its own building, Long. This

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My hope would be that anyone visiting here would see that we’re a ‘with it’ school. Sometimes I say to prospective students that we are going to be preparing you for jobs that don’t even exist today. -DR. PAUL PARSONS,

Dean of the School of Communications impressive new layout will be known as the Communications Commons, and will allow for student media organizations to be located on the same floor in what is the current McEwen building. Needless to say, the School of Communications is a prime example of how Elon is striving to improve upon current programs while also thinking ahead to what students will need in the future. “My hope would be that anyone visiting here would see that we’re a ‘with it’ school,” Parsons said. “Sometimes I say to prospective students that we are going to be preparing you for jobs that don’t even exist today.” This expansion of the school has allowed Elon to gain credibility for its communications department. With a strong network of alumni in the cinema, broadcast and journalism industries, Elon is gaining recognition from employers as a cultivator of highly trained and experienced young professionals. The School of Communications has emphasized preparing students for their futures outside of the university, which has translated into highly successful and reputable adults in the professional environment. The School of Business The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business (LSB), home to the largest percentage of Elon undergrads, has also received its share of recognition on the national scale. It made the Princeton Review’s list of top 295 Business Schools in the country and placed number two on the list of best-administered programs. Bloomberg Businessweek named the program among the top 50 in the nation, along with the MBA program as the nation’s #1 part-time program. With such varying rankings it might be

hard to understand exactly what the status of our business program is and what criteria it is being judged on, but one thing is certain: The LSB, like all other departments at Elon, is dedicated to ensuring students receive the quality knowledge and experience they need to succeed in the real world. From the Business Fellows program to the option of completing a dual-degree by studying at prestigious schools in Germany and France, undergraduate business majors have no shortage of opportunity. Another way the LSB is currently working to expand opportunities for students is by building upon graduate programs. The business and communications programs will be partnering to create a Master of Science degree in Business Analytics. An M.S. in International Business will also be offered, reflecting Elon’s commitment to global engagement. …And Everywhere Else Elon is, first and foremost, a liberal arts college. And just like with professional studies, it excels in the arts and sciences as well. Fortytwo percent of undergrads partake in research alongside faculty members, and Elon is one of about 10 percent of colleges and universities in the nation that has a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the most prestigious academic honor society in the country. One department at Elon that has been gaining a highly respected reputation is its Performing Arts program. The department was recently recognized by Backstage.com as one of the top six best programs for college actors on a budget. With an impressive faculty roster and commitment to engaged education, it is only fitting that Elon also produces the next top-notch generation of educators. The School of Education prepares students for careers in elementary, secondary and special education and takes the national Teaching Fellows program a step further by requiring all fellows to spend a semester abroad in London or Costa Rica. These are just a few examples of how Elon places the highest of importance on a fulfilling and enriched undergraduate experience, which has brought the university much deserved national attention. Elon’s students have done plenty to earn individual praise as well. STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT You might have seen a certain YouTube

clip floating around on just about every social media and university communication outlet at the end of the last school year. A group of communications students recreated the intro to the classic TV show Friends. You might also have noticed that the clip was featured on websites such as The Huffington Post, ABC News, Yahoo and many others, along with Good Morning America Live. If the rest of America (and other parts of the world where the clip was broadcast) were not aware of the skills fostered at Elon University, these communications majors caught their attention. And even if they didn’t, maybe Elon’s first place award in the national Sprite Films contest did this past summer, which granted graduate Dean Coots ’13 a $30,000 contract to work with Sprite and Coca-Cola executives to develop content and an invitation to the American Film Institute Festival in Los Angeles. Elon alumni stretch from the west coast to the east, where you can catch a few in Broadway shows such as Newsies, Anything Goes, Wicked, West Side Story and Mamma Mia, just to name a few. Other Elon alumni in the acting world include Grant Gustin on Glee and Arrow and Lisa Goldstein on One Tree Hill. Elon also takes pride in students like Delaney McHugo, a junior who recently gained recognition for herself and the university when she submitted a video project to a contest sponsored by the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network. Her winning PSA was later featured on RAINN’s networks as well as MTV. McHugo represents the many Elon students dedicated to advocating and bringing about positive change. STUDY HARD, PARTY HARDER? Accolades and achievements are by no means the only prominent factors comprising Elon’s growing image and reputation. As we are all well aware, academics is not the only area people pay attention to when passing judgment on an institute of higher education. Recently Elon earned a bit of national attention in another prominent component of college life: partying. The popular website Brobible.com featured Elon in multiple articles, including an entire story on “Festivus,” the infamous end-of-the-year mud party that usually falls around the time admitted students come to visit with their parents. The article recognized Festivus as one of the best college parties in the nation, and the website itself refers to the story as one of the best ever posted. Brobible also featured Elon in its “How We Party” column, which ranks universities on various categories that make up an ultimate score on how wild the school is. Elon scored an impressive 7.3/10 after being judged on factors such as house parties, Greek life and annual events (such as “syllabus week,” Homecoming and Reading Day). While its understandable that a university

“

Most Elon students are ignorant to the fact that Elon has fun teams to watch. Not only are they fun to watch, they’re pretty good. -JOE BRUNO, Senior

develop a culture around its social life, how has Elon’s recognition as a “party school” affected its overall reputation? While articles such as Brobible are out of the university’s control, are we aware of what perceptions are built surrounding this sort of acknowledgment? SO WHERE DO WE FALL SHORT? As much as Elon excels in its academics and student programs, there are still aspects of the university that have been criticized. Athletics While our athletic programs may not be where we gain the most attention, it could be argued that where we fall hardest in this aspect of college is student interest. Compared to our neighboring schools in the Triad region like UNC, NC State and Duke, Elon has been criticized for its lack of student enthusiasm when it comes to sports. Senior Joe Bruno, who announces the volleyball and baseball games, is an avid supporter of the Phoenix. He believes that although student attendance at sporting events has been steadily improving, it could still get better, especially with football. Despite the team’s losing season, Bruno says, “I’m still at every game rooting for them because they’re our team, and I wish more students would realize that and come together and support them.” Bruno also points out that by not bothering to attend the games, students may not realize what they’re missing with Elon athletics. “Most Elon students are ignorant to the fact that Elon has fun teams to watch,” he said. “Not only are they fun to watch, they’re pretty good.” Bruno cites the women’s volleyball team and men’s soccer team — the latter of which just won its third straight conference title — as examples of under-supported teams. One team that may not be experiencing a lack of support this season is men’s basketball, which has seen a significant showing of interest. “I think that we’ll sell out every single game, mostly because the players are good,” Bruno said. “It’s easy for students to get behind a team when they’re winning.” Like the academic programs and campus itself, Elon athletics will also be experiencing some major changes. Come 2014, Elon will be moving to the Colonial Athletic Association, which consists of east coast schools like James

Madison University, University of Delaware, William and Mary and College of Charleston. Both Anderson and Bruno said this move will be beneficial in terms of generating more awareness for Elon’s name, as we’ll be playing within the region most of our students come from. “I think it will definitely be a growing period for our sports teams,” Bruno said. “A lot of teams in the [CAA] are stronger than the teams that we face right now in the Southern Conference, and that’s both a good and a bad thing. We’re just going to have to adjust and learn their style of play.” Graduate Programs Although Elon offers over 60 programs of study for undergraduates, only six degrees are offered at the graduate level. While Elon has risen drastically among national ranks over past years in undergraduate study, we are not yet competing at the same caliber in terms of our graduate study offerings. But that, too, is changing. In terms of where Elon will be experiencing the most growth in the next few years, Anderson said graduate programs would be a main focus. “The university is following a strategy to grow undergraduate enrollment slowly, but to expand graduate programs,” he said. By doing so, Elon will be putting itself on the map to a greater extent for an entirely different audience, which will in turn only fuel it’s already rising national reputation. SO… WHO ARE WE? We know Elon, because we are Elon. Every student has built a personal connection to the university because every student has walked the brick paths and sat in the classrooms. But how do other universities, prospective students, alumni and people across the nation and globe perceive us? From an outsider’s point of view, all it takes is one article or ranking (positive or critical) to form a perception of the university they have never set foot on. The way others view Elon begins with how we view ourselves. Our behaviors and actions are what ultimately shape Elon’s image. The way we represent our university and the way we interact with others determine the way we are viewed as a whole. We, as students, faculty and staff, are the ones responsible for marketing the positive image of Elon to everyone outside of the school. “I think there’s this feeling that somehow advertising or marketing is not being honest, or it’s trying to create an image that isn’t true, and that’s not our intention,” Anderson said. “We try to tell Elon’s story accurately, and it’s a great story to tell. We don’t need to hype Elon.” Everyone else will most likely come to think of us as we think of ourselves. So as far as the question of who we are goes, that depends. How do you see us?

COLD WEATHER // HOTTER TRENDS

FASHION

he weather outside may be frightful, but your winter wardrobe shouldn’t be anything less than delightful. Though it can be hard to focus on looking your best in the midst of ÄUHS L_HTZ OVSPKH` NPM[ ZOVWWPUN and ugly Christmas sweater parties, you can refer to this list for trendy winter essentials (for girls and guys) [OH[ ^PSS H\[VTH[PJHSS` W\SS HU V\[Ä[ together and make you stand out among the crowd.

Kyra Gemberling JOURNALISM

Photographed by Alison Ryncarz STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

GIRLS

GUYS

This season’s big trend is all about oversized sweaters that feature unique textures or prints. A standout piece like this should be paired with a simple leggings or jeans and boots, or aim to be edgier by layering it over a stripped long sleeve top.

knitted scarf

There are few things more attractive than a man who can work a scarf. Knit wool fabrics in black, brown or gray are your best bet for staying warm while being fashionable simultaneously. If you’re in the mood to splurge, a classy cashmere scarf is the perfect combination of comfort, practicality and luxury (and it’s super soft!) or a rich seasonal color such as forest green, deep red or dark plum. Complete the look with a pair of loafers or oxfords.

oversized sweater

GIRLS Just because the weather may be NSVVT` KVLZU»[ TLHU `V\Y V\[Ä[ has to be. Add a pop of color to any dark ensemble by sporting a brightly colored purse in a jewel tone such as ruby red or bright blue sapphire. This bold accessory can IL JVTWSLTLU[HY` [V `V\Y V\[Ä[ `L[ dynamic and dramatic at the same time. Plus, do you even need an excuse to shop for a new bag?

bright bag

GUYS Corduroy isn’t just for the ladies. Channel this smart, casual look for your next holiday party by trying on a pair of corduroy pants in a neutral color (like tan or brown) or a rich seasonal color such as forest green, deep red or dark plum. Complete the look with a pair of loafers or oxfords.

corduroy pants

bold tights Let’s face it — you’re basically going to be living in leggings or tights this December. You might as well have fun in the process by experimenting with eye-catching patterns (like these dotted ones) or trendy materials like velvet and faux leather. Burgundycolored oxblood tights are also popular this season as a great layering tool to wear underneath your favorite flouncy dress or skirt.

GIRLS

More online at elonpendulum.com/edge

ONLINE SHOPPING SITE?

SAY

elon

47%

FASHION STATS AT A G L A N C E COMPILED BY ALISON RYNCARZ AND KATIE O’HAN

HAIRDO GO-TO? BEACH CURLS

PIXIE CUT HIGH BUN

31% MESSY BRAID

64%

SAY

47%

FALL/WINTER FOOTWEAR?

RIDING BOOTS

WARDROBE STAPLE?

FAVORITE ACCESSORY?

LETTER SHIRTS

LILLY PULITZER

38% GYM CLOTHES

DESIGNER SHOES

44%

SAY SCARVES

9% 9%

MAJOR WITH THE MOST STYLE? COMMUNICATIONS

61% *BASED ON SURVEY OF 132 ELON WOMEN

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Avery Lucas is a graduate of the class of 2013. She currently works as an account executive with Behrman Communications and manages her own fashion blog, Exes and Eyes. With aspirations of working in fashion public relations, Avery Lucas knew that both fashion experience and good writing skills were required to secure a position. That is why she created her fashion blog Exes and Eyes less than a year ago. For Lucas, blogging is a way to showcase her styling talents and keep up an online presence that can be viewed by potential employers in the industry. Lucas said that the biggest names in the fashion industry started small just like her, so she is optimistic of where her blog will take her. Lucas said it is essential to find a way to make herself marketable to set her apart until big name employers take notice. She works on her blog outside of her full time job as an account executive where she represents beauty and health care clients. When looking for a job in the fashion industry, Lucas said, there are many other areas including beauty and talent development that can help get your foot in the door. It is important that these opportunities are not overlooked. In the end, you will get where you want to be if you are passionate and willing to work your way up.

“If you’re passionate about it, then it’s worth it.” - Avery Lucas

Fashion Blogger, class of 2013

S P OT L I G H T O N

Amanda Garrity

the fashion industry

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Carly Walko is a graduate of the class of 2001. After working in fashion retail, Walko founded Thirty Something Fashion, a blog and personal styling business. After graduating from Elon in 2001, Carly Walko realized that she wanted to take her love of fashion to a professional level. Her first positions in retail at Neiman Marcus and Nicole Miller gave Walko a foundation in the fashion business. It was there that she learned about the unglamorous business of fashion: the numbers, the mounting pressure of meeting and passing increasing sales goals. Walko attributes much of her fashion expertise to her experiences in retail. She encourages students interested in fashion to work at stores or showrooms because this is where you will see what is behind the flashing lights at fashion week and recognize how the industry survives. Walko’s time in retail reaffirmed that her love of fashion was worth the hard work and thus every job experience that she had perfectly positioned her for the next one. Now, Walko is working at her own personal styling business where she helps working women and busy moms find their sense of style.

>>>

Elon graduates share their experiences outside of the bubble.

“If you’re doing it because you think it’s the easy, fun, fluffy type of industry, it’s not. It requires a lot of hard work and time. It’s not as glamorous as it is believed to be.”

- Carly Walko

Founder of Thirty Something Fashion

HEALTHY N O - B A K E

dorm food at your fingertips Courtney Campbell PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM

NATURAL CHOCOLATE DIP When those late night sugar cravings get the best of you, it is better to reach for a handful of sweet ILYYPLZ YH[OLY [OHU H IHY VM JOVJVSH[L @V\ ^HU[ [V ÄSS your body with natural sugars and antioxidants rathLY [OHU YLÄULK Z\NHYZ HUK WYLZLY]H[P]LZ /V^L]LY PM `V\ Z[PSS ULLK H JOVJVSH[L Ä_ KPW [OL MY\P[ PU H OLHS[O` chocolate dip. Blogger Chef In Training has a skinny brownie batter dip that is perfect for dunking fruit. INGREDIENTS: Brownie Mix 2 cups fat free plain yogurt 2 cups lite cool whip

This pick is a healthy alternative to store-bought cookies because you can control what you put in them. Dark chocolate adds antioxidants and oats make these cookies filling, so you won’t be tempted to eat the entire batch. These cookies also contain a bit of coffee for that extra energy boost.

Eating well without your parents’ refrigerator can be KPMÄJ\S[ LZWLJPHSS` ^P[O Z[HJRZ VM KLZZLY[ VW[PVUZ Ä]L Z[LWZ H^H` PU [OL KPUPUN OHSSZ /V^L]LY ^P[O or without a kitchen of your own, no student has to fall victim to the freshman (sophomore, junior VY ZLUPVY ÄM[LLU ;OLYL HYL [VUZ VM OLHS[O` YLJPWLZ available that are quick, easy and better yet, require no cooking or baking. Next time you get a sweet tooth craving, instead of reaching for that stack of cookies in Nades, try these tasty no-hassle snack and dessert recipes.

NO-BAKE COOKIES

INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons cocoa powder ¾ cup quick oats ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons oat flour ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ cup sugar 1 ½ teaspoon instant coffee granules ¼ chocolate chips ¼ cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons water ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. In a mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients. 2. Add liquid ingredients and stir fully. 3. Transfer to a plastic bag and mash into a ball. 4. Roll into smaller balls and store in the freezer

INSTRUCTIONS: Combine ingredients together in a large bowl. Stir until completely combined, chill. Stir in mini chocolate chips if desired

NOURISHING ENERGY BALLS Satisfy your mid-day hunger cravings by making your own energy balls. These bite-sized snacks are similar to granola bars in that they have nutritious HUK ÄSSPUN JHYIVO`KYH[LZ [OH[ RLLW `V\ ZH[PZÄLK before your next meal. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup dry oatmeal J\W [VHZ[LK JVJVU\[ ÅHRLZ ½ cup peanut butter ½ cup ground flaxseed ½ cup chocolate chips 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 teaspoon vanilla extract INSTRUCTIONS: Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Roll into 1-inch-diameter balls. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated.

More online at elonpendulum.com/edge

PHOTO BY ALISON RYNCARZ

I D NOT

(and you only have to pee)

THE

TRUTH ABOUT

STIs Elizabeth Sheehan

irty, sick, gross, nasty – words to describe the experience of stepping in dog poop? Wrong. Students tend to use these words to describe sexually transmitted infections that affect 25% of college students and 50% of the general population. Why are we so grossed out by STIs, but not by runny noses or strep throat? What can we do to lessen the negative stigma around STIs and eliminate these attitudes and beliefs? If you follow these simple steps, we’ll be well on our way to creating a culture where STIs are viewed in a more realistic way. I, NOT D Are you more familiar with the term sexually transmitted disease? No worries, STD is the most prevalent term used to describe infections like HIV/AIDS, herpes, genital warts, HPV, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Diseases are often synonymous with lengthy treatment and dire consequences for your body, so using that word can seem a little daunting. Infections, however, have a less severe connotation. Keep in mind that all STIs are curable or treatable and will not end your sex life. YOU ONLY HAVE TO PEE Have you heard horror stories about penile swabs or painful pap tests in order to get tested? Cringe no more at the thought of getting tested! For the most commonly occurring infections in college students, gonorrhea and chlamydia, you only have to supply a urine sample. HIV is also a fairly easy test to take; it only requires an oral swab and you’ll get results within the hour. One student recalled getting blood work done at LabCorp for STI testing. While blood work will provide an accurate diagnosis of the infection, testing doesn’t have to be elaborate or painful. Alamance Cares provides free walk-in HIV testing every Tuesday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at their office and free HIV and syphilis testing on the 2nd and 3rd Thursday of the month at the Ellington Health Center from 3-5 p.m. The Ellington Health Center does provide STI testing for a fee, but you can also be tested for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease, trichomonas, monilia infections, herpes, pubic lice, venereal warts and HIV at the STD clinic of the Alamance County Health Department for free. TALK TO YOUR PARTNERS, PEOPLE Are you engaging in sexual activity? If so, you are agreeing to an action that carries a level of risk. To lower your risk and engage in safer sex, talk to your partner or partners about what precautions you both can take to have a more pleasurable experience. If you’re in need of safer sex supplies and you or your partner have run out, you can grab male condoms, female condoms, dental dams and lubricant from the Ellington Health Center or the SPARKS Peer Educators office, as well as from the anonymous request form found on the SPARKS website. SUPPORT, SUPPORT, SUPPORT It’s easy to feel embarrassed or ashamed about getting tested, so if you know someone who may be interested in finding out more about their sexual health, offer support! It can be as easy as making the appointment for them, or getting tested at the same time. Remember that STIs are common and every infection is curable or treatable. Make it a priority to provide whatever support a person needs in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

ENGLISH/TEACHER LICENSURE MAJOR

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER This has been a brief overview of just a few STIs and testing resources, but I challenge you to learn more. Look into testing centers in and around your hometown, consult with your doctor about ways to protect yourself, and speak with partners about the risks involved in sexual activity. Communication is crucial in reducing the use of words like “dirty” and “gross” to describe sexually transmitted infections. Go out, and spread the word.

Beat winter hibernation

Engage in athletic activities around Elon this winter Shayna Nash

OLU [OL [LTWLYH[\YL KYVWZ HUK ÄUHSZ HWproach, it’s easy to go into hibernation mode. However, unlike bears, winter is the time when most people pack on the pounds instead of drop them. According to the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center, the average person NHPUZ Ä]L [V ZL]LU WV\UKZ LHJO ^PU[LY )LSV^ are some fun winter activities, all within about a thirty-minute proximity to Elon, which will keep you in shape this season.

Sledding When the snow starts falling and classes are cancelled, grab your sled (or leftover Pandora’s boxes) and OLHK V]LY [V [OL PU[YHT\YHS ÄLSKZ MVY some old-fashioned sledding. According to the Famers’ Almanac, sledding burns a whopping 450 calories per hour. So go ahead and race your friends down that hill. Missing your summer tan? Sledding is also a great way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D as well as add some color to your face – but don’t forget your sunscreen!

Bowling

If you’re looking for a fun group activity with a little friendly competition, bowling may be up your alley. Grab a group and head down to Country Club Lanes right around the corner featuring a Wednesday night special of $1.50 per game! Tired of lifting at the gym? According to perfectbowling.com, the average bowler uses a 16-pound ball. Bowling is an excellent way to tone up those arm muscles and increase your strength and balance while having a ball with friends.

For more information on prices, hours, and fun check out www.cclbowling.com.

0M HSS LSZL MHPSZ HUK `V\»YL Z[PSS [Y`PUN [V Ä[ PU H little physical activity to your short winter days, leave for class a little bit later. Sleep in and walk fast-pace to your 8 a.m. Increase your sleep time and reduce your time in the cold!

Swimming Although the beach isn’t an option in the winter, you can still hit the pool! The Greensboro Aquatic Center has a $5 daily admission and special discounts for groups over 12. According to Discovery Fit magazine, swimming is a great way to strengthen your heart muscles, burn calories fast and lower your cholesterol. The Greensboro Aquatic Center is an inexpensive way to make a splash this winter. Visit www.greensboroaquaticcenter.com for more information.

Skating

This classic winter activity is great way to build both endurance and muscle. Take a trip to the Greensboro Ice House for a fun day of skating and exercise. At less than $10 for admission, the Greensboro Ice House is a cool place to have some winter fun. Grab a group of 10 or more for a special group discount.

Added bonus: Love ice hockey? The Greensboro Ice House has $7 pickup games. Visit www.greensboroice.com for more information on admission, a complete schedule and special offers. Don’t like the cold? Head down to the Roll-A-Bout Skating Center right here in Burlington for some indoor roller-skatPUN >P[O [OL ZHTL OLHS[O ILULÄ[Z HZ PJL ZRH[PUN YVSSLY ZRH[PUN PZ HUV[OLY M\U ^H` [V PTWYV]L `V\Y Ä[ULZZ +VU»[ SL[ [OPZ VWWVY[\nity roll away from you! Visit www.rollaboutskating.com for more information.

Laser tag

Want to combine your favorite childhood games of tag and hide-and-seek in a dark, futuristic atmosphere complete with a fog machine, maze and suspenseful music? If you answered yes than LazerX right here in Burlington is the place for you! An intense game of laser tag carries the same ILULÄ[Z HZ Y\UUPUN 9\UUPUN PUJYLHZLZ `V\Y OLHY[ YH[L HUK PTWYV]LZ `V\Y HLYVIPJ Ä[ULZZ (JJVYKPUN to Runner’s World magazine, running prevents a slew of unpleasant health conditions, and improves your emotional and mental health. LazerX is a great place to beat the winter blues (and your roommate). For more information visit www.lazerxburlington. com.

OPINIONS

Blood Donation Ban Defies Science John Bowden

BROADCAST JOURNALISM

very month I get a phone call from the Red Cross asking me to donate blood. And every time, I donate. I have O-positive blood – the type that can be donated to almost everyone in the country. Luckily, for those who need blood, I also have another advantage – I’m straight. Since 1983, any man who’s had sex with another man any time since 1977 has been barred from donating blood. 1977 was the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, but the ban prohibits any donations from men who’ve proven that they don’t carry the deadly disease. A ban on anyone with HIV makes sense. This extremely transmittable virus has vexed the U.S. for decades, and there’s no reliable cure. Here’s the problem – gay sex doesn’t increase your risk for HIV any more than straight sex. There’s no evidence to support that idea. Both gay rights groups and the medical community have rejected it. The Human Rights Campaign called for an end to the ban earlier this year, and they were joined by the American Red Cross and the American Medial Association. The FDA, the government organization that

enforces this ban, isn’t a homophobic organization. But the ban itself is – it plays on fears of gay sex and the stigma that it is hazardous to public health. Gay men account for more than half of new HIV infections, but this is a result of unsafe sexual contact, not any scientific reason behind sexual methods. Even so, with new advanced HIV testing methods, there’s no reason why a gay man shouldn’t be able to donate. If all blood is tested after it’s donated, someone whose blood is perfectly healthy shouldn’t be turned away. I understand the FDA’s position. They are in charge of regulating a substance that can save lives but also has the possibility of dooming patients to deal with horrible diseases like HIV. If America’s blood supply became tainted, it could mean thousands of new infections. But a ban on a group of people simply due to sexual preference goes too far. The idea that there are serious blood shortages across the U.S. while thousands of healthy men are turned away from blood donation centers is absurd. Some critics of the policy take a more apologetic stance. There’s a push for a shortening of the ban – a policy that would turn

“

Gay sex doesn’t increase your risk for HIV any more than straight sex. There’s no evidence to support that idea. away donors who’ve had gay sex within the past year – that’s been growing in popularity. But this policy doesn’t make sense either. If a man is healthy, he’s healthy. It doesn’t matter what he’s done in the past year. The newest versions of HIV tests allow the virus to be detected two days after infection. If it can be proven that blood is healthy, that’s the only factor that should be considered. There’s no excuse for our current policy. There’s no excuse for following a draconian ban when lives are at stake. The FDA needs to get with the times and understand that the science isn’t on their side. Replace this ban with more sensible policy, and help organizations like the Red Cross save more lives across the country.

STUDY ABR AD: YES: Burst out of the bubble M

an Mary Kate BrRNog ALISM PRINT & ONLINE JOU

any people talk about the Elon bubble enveloping students for the time they’re here, but few think about the bigger bubble we live in, one that most of us have probably been living in for most of our lives: the United States of America. The U.S. is great, don’t get me wrong, but there are a lot of things you’ll never know about the U.S. until you leave it, and just as many things you won’t know about the rest of the world until you explore it. That is why studying abroad is perhaps the most worthwhile college experience you can have. In a study released last year by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 3.6 million students studied abroad in 2010, up from 2 million in 2000. Studying abroad is clearly a growing international trend, but some students are hesitant to leave the comforts of home for a variety of reasons.

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Living in another country teaches you greater self-discipline and independence because you’re a real adult, fending for yourself in a new place. Here are the reasons studying abroad is doubtlessly one of the best decisions you can make in college from someone who’s been there and back: It will give you an entirely new perspective on the U.S. Seeing your home from the outside will make you so much more aware of the things you miss, like Lucky Charms or public bathrooms that don’t cost money, and more aware of the things that are pretty annoying, like Congress or how much it costs to go to college here as opposed to the country you’re studying abroad in. Speaking of costs, this is often a factor that deters people from studying. It shouldn’t. There are plenty of scholarships for students looking to enrich themselves

abroad. The Global Education Center (GEC) at Elon is a great place to start and a quick Google search of “Study Abroad Scholarships” can give you a lot of leads for scholarships. You don’t have the obligations of a family or a full-time job tying you down. Or maybe you do. But if you don’t, your college years are the best years to study in another country because you get massive discounts on just about everything. Museums are typically free to students and some travel companies offer students discounted trips to various destinations. You will learn a ton about a new culture and a lot about yourself. Immersing yourself in a new culture is the best way to learn about it, and living in another country teaches you greater self-discipline and independence because you’re a real adult, fending for yourself in a new place. This may seem daunting, but in my experience, it may be the most exciting way to get a taste of the real world before graduation. You’ll make long-lasting friendships with people from all different countries, most likely not just students from the country you study in but other international students as well. You may even build close relationships with potential future employers. You’ll develop a whole new palate for the cuisine from your country. In fact, you may have some of the best food you have in your life while abroad. You might even fall in love … with the country you’re in and want to live there forever. Or maybe you won’t. At least you’ll know one way or the other. Most importantly, you’ll take more risks, make more mistakes and get more messy. Going abroad is the ultimate field trip. Ms. Frizzle would approve. Elon’s mission is all about global citizenship. According to the GEC, 73.4 percent of the student body studies abroad before graduation. Sure, there’s the argument that “everybody’s doing it and you should too,” but there’s also an argument to do it for yourself. Burst the bubble you’ve been living in and see the world now while you have the chance.

is it worth it? NO: Make yourself the minority W

ith 30 programs during Winter Term and nearly 70 semester-long programs, Elon has a lot to offer as far as study abroad goes. If you go to Elon, it’s likely you have at least one friend who has gone abroad or will go abroad, and you may even be planning on it yourself. Though I can definitely see strong pros of going abroad, after years of thinking about it, I’ve decided to stick to campus. Why? Because I am confident that it is possible to become a better global citizen by staying at Elon – that is, as long as you take advantage of what Elon, and its surrounding area, has to offer. Some argue that study abroad makes you a more well-rounded person. Elon sophomore Miranda Romano says that this is not always the case. “People go abroad and say, ‘I went abroad and I changed so much,’” Romano said. “It doesn’t necessarily make you more worldly.” Other students echo this opinion. “In the Winter Program you don’t really get submerged in the culture,” Elon junior Autumn Spriggs said, who studied abroad in New Zealand this past Winter Term. Spriggs emphasized the risk of students going abroad for such a short period of time only focus on the differences between themselves and the native people. “In the pre-departure class we learned about how not to contribute to the ‘othering’ of the people of New Zealand,” Spriggs said. “But because we were there for such a short amount of time, we were still a part of it.” It may take a longer amount of time for students to realize the similarities between themselves and the people living in the places they visit. Elon students are all about global citizenship. We have it drilled into us from the moment we step onto campus.

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What does global citizenship mean if we do not even understand and actively appreciate the diversity on our very own campus? But what does global citizenship mean if we do not even understand and actively appreciate the diversity on our very own campus or in our neighborhood? According to the Elon University website, Elon students come from 48 states and 48 countries. We are culturally and ethnically diverse. We have so much we can teach each other. How often do you actually explore the places around campus? Have you been into Burlington? What do you know about the people who live right outside of campus? Study abroad in Burlington. Volunteer at Allied Churches, the local homeless shelter. Travel to the $3 million dollar Hindu temple in Cary. Visit the Islamic Center of Greensboro. Make yourself the minority. What do you know about your fellow Elon students? Go to events on campus even if you have to go alone. Go to club meetings where you do not know anyone. Spend your free time hanging out in El Centro, in the Multicultural Center or in the new Gender and LGBTQIA Center in Moseley. Drop by the Lumen Numen Pavilion. Venture outside of the bubble, within the bubble. Immerse yourself in the varied cultures that surround you every day. I promise you’ll learn and develop as a human, maybe in a different way than you would have had you traveled to another country, but you will develop nonetheless.

Rachel Lewis

ENGLISH

TRAVEL YOUR OPTIONS TO EXPLORE THE WORLD:

Elon’s ample abroad opportunities Lindsay Lodge

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

ith 65 semester programs, 30 winter term programs and 25 summer programs, it’s no surprise that 72 percent of Elon students study abroad. Even though the programs are abundant, many students are unable to participate in study abroad programs due to financial constraints, time commitments and course scheduling conflicts. But did you know that your abroad opportunities don’t end at study abroad? Thankfully, Elon provides plenty of other ways to go global during your time at school. STUDY ABROAD:

Semester of Study Abroad

Alternative Break

Periclean Scholars

A great opportunity for Elon students to get a taste of study abroad without spending an entire semester away is to participate in a winter term program. These courses are each four credit hours and allow you to experience 3-4 weeks in another country, or, depending on the itinerary, multiple countries. This is a great opportunity to experience life in another country with the comfort of being with fellow Elon students and faculty members for the duration of the trip. For students who don’t have flexibility in their course scheduling during the school year, summer study abroad programs are a great choice. Affiliate programs are offered in many different countries, and you can even participate in programs that are more internship-based than study-based. Luckily for Elon students, there is an excellent staff dedicated to study abroad that can help you find the program that best suits your needs and guide you through every step of the process. The Global Education Center located on the first floor of Carlton has all of the resources and information you could possibly need to make your study abroad dreams a reality. Attend one of their weekly advising sessions, which are offered from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, to learn more about your study abroad options. ALTERNATIVE BREAK PROGRAMS:

The Kernodle Center offers Alter-

native Break programs to all students. These trips are offered during fall break, fake break, spring break and summer break, and are different from study abroad because they focus on community service instead of academics. Themes of the trips include youth development, community initiatives, education, affordable housing and poverty. Trips are offered at both domestic and international locations and are low-cost in comparison to other international experiences, which is great for students on a tight budget. The Kernodle Center aims to keep trip costs at $1200 or under for all international trips, and there are scholarships available on a limited basis. Alternative break destinations for spring break 2014 include Jamaica, Honduras, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua and the Summer 2014 trip is to Malawi, Africa. PERICLEAN SCHOLARS Periclean Scholars is a program dedicated to increasing civic engagement and social responsibility among the Elon University community. The program consists of four different cohorts, one from each graduating class, and each class focuses on a different country. Periclean Scholars students take a course together every year that focuses on a project devoted to global social change. Applicants should be willing to work well with peers, promote change in global issues and be leaders in acting on social and environmental problems, among other criteria. Students in each class have the opportunity to travel to their cohort’s country during winter term. Each new class is selected during the spring of their freshman year, but that doesn’t mean that it’s too late for everyone else. Anyone is able to apply for Periclean Scholars through a lateral entry application. No matter if your interests lie in long-term study abroad and cultural immersion, short-term travel, community service and civic engagement, or an internship, Elon University offers plenty of opportunities for you to go global and spread your horizons.

ENTERTAINMENT

AN EXTRA AWESOME CHRISTMAS

ative Altern ALTERNATIVE

Becca Evans CINEMA

“Don’t Shoot Me Santa”- The Killers

“Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)” The Ramones

“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”Death Cab for Cutie

“I Wish It Was Christmas Today”Julian Casablancas

“Please Come Home For Christmas”Charles Brown

“The Christmas Song”- The Raveonettes

“Mistletoe”- Jukebox the Ghost

“Father Christmas”- The Kinks

“Sleigh Ride”- Fun

10.

“All I Want For Christmas Is You”- Mariah Carey

MUSIC for the

HOLIDAYS Three holiday playlists for those looking for a little more than the classic “Deck the Halls”

CHRISTMAS IN HARLEM Hip-hop

Peter Walpole

BROADCAST & NEW MEDIA

PUNXMAS

Frankie Campisano

punk

CINEMA

“Bad Santa Intro”Jim Jones and Skull Gang

“Christmas in Harlem”- Kanye West (feat. Cam’ron, Jim Jones, Vado, Cyhi Da Prynce, Pusha-T, Musiq Soulchild, Teyana Taylor, Big Sean)

“Maybe This Christmas”- Fireworks

“All I Want for Christmas is You (Mariah Carey Cover)”- My Chemical Romance

“Ludacrismas”- Ludacris

“I Won’t Bea Home for Christmas”- blink-182

“Christmas at 22”- The Wonder Years

“Santa Baby”- Run DMC (feat. Mase, Diddy, Snoop Dogg, Salt N Pepa, Onyx & Keith Murray)

“Christmas Means Nothing Without You”Matt Brasch

“I Tried”- Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (feat. Akon)

“Yule Shoot Your Eye Out”- Fall Out Boy

“Coldest Winter”- Kanye West

“Christmas Card”- Jimmy Eat World

“Forget December”- Something Corporate

“Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto”Snoop Dogg

“Little Drummer Boy”- Bad Religion

“Deck Da Club”- Ying Yang Twins

10.

“The Island of Misfit Toys”- The Premiere

“All I Want For Christmas Is You”Mariah Carey & Justin Bieber

10.

“Home For the Holidays”- J. Cole