The Print Edition 2-28-2012

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Athletic Dept., MMP liven up spring game

SA SHOWDOWN

Sugarland to perform in stadium

BY EMMA CRAWFORD Contributing Writer

Super Bulldog Weekend 2012 will feature the first concert ever to take place in Davis Wade Stadium. Grammy Award-winning country duo Sugarland is scheduled to perform after the Maroon and White spring game, April 21.

Sugarland’s visit to Mississippi State University is going to be a showcase of the hard work of MSU’s athletic department and Music Maker Productions.

Chad Thomas, assistant athletic director of marketing, said a stadium show in Davis Wade has been in discussion for about two years.

“We got to the point of what can we do next?” he said.

Thomas said the athletic department is excited about doing something different for the spring game this year.

“We’re all about trying new things,” he said. “It will be cool to start with Sugarland this year, and then next year, get another big name.”

Thomas said this year’s Super Bulldog Weekend is really about bringing people to MSU. “We want to encourage people to become MSU fans,” he said. “Those people will see this beautiful campus and get to experience MSU, and then maybe, they will come back in the summer for a guided tour.”

Although people who are already MSU fans usually attend the spring game, Rhett Hobart, Student Association president, said he believes the addition of this concert will attract Sugarland fans who are not MSU fans to Super Bulldog Weekend.

JAY JOHNSON AND ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

Elections for executive positions online today

BY HANNAH ROGERS Editor in Chief

Editor’s Note: The online voting process for Student Association executive officer positions and a referendum on senate redistribution opens at 7 a.m. today and students can vote through their myState account.

Ballots will be available until 7 p.m. through sa.msstate.edu/vote. Candidates for the other executive positions are profiled on page three.

SEE SUGARLAND, 2

Bill 8 could redistrict SA Senate

BY MEGAN MCKEOWN Bill 8 will accompany Student Association executive candidates on the online ballot today. The bill calls for a revision of the SA Constitution, changing the composition of the senate to include students representatives from their respective colleges.

If passed, this bill will make the senate smaller, basing the size on a ratio of 650 students to one senator.

Halston Hales, SA vice president, said the referendum must pass by 60 percent today.

Bill 8 passed unanimously through SA Senate on Jan. 31 and was signed by Rhett Hobart, SA president, on Feb. 1, but the bill’s fate will be determined by the students.

The bill will read: “This amendment changes the content of the SA Senate. The group will become 33 seats, instead of the current 48 seat size. This would be accomplished by representing colleges according to size instead of housing and colleges. Freshmen will be guaranteed four seats. Graduate students will be guaranteed three seats.”

Few schools have student government senates that are represented by geographical regions, like MSU’s current senate.

While only a small portion of students live on campus, on campus students make up a majority of the senate. The new senate composition will better represent the student body.

Hales said students with questions can email him at vp@sa.msstate.edu.

CAMPUS CALENDAR..................2 BAD DAWGS..............................3 OPINION...............................4 CONTACT INFO......................4

Marketing Junior Indianola, Miss.

Management and Finance Experience: Executive Council: Chief Administrative Officer (2011-2012) Junior Cabinet: Director of Academic Affairs (2010-2011) Cumming, Ga.

Committee Member: History and Traditions Committee (2009-2012)

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BALIUS

MCDOWELL

Experience: Director of the Bulldog Interest Group (2011-2012) Director of the City of Starkvil e Relations Committee (2011-2012) Member of SEC Exchange Comittee (2011-2012)

Shelby Balius said she believes many students feel disconnected from the Student Association, and, through that, students feel disconnected from Mississippi State University as a whole – that is something she wants to change. By increasing transparency and using public relations resources to communicate with students, she said she hopes to serve them by being a voice for the students to the administration.

“The Student Association is an overarching student organization; every student is a member of it,” she said. “The things we try to initiate and implement are for the students.”

Having worked with academic affairs for the past two years, Balius said she has built relationships with the administration that will help her initiate her platform.

This year, Balius has worked with administrators to reform the teacher evaluation process.

She has tried to get the process moved online — the proposal has passed through associate dean’s council and still needs to go through dean’s council and faculty senate.

“If everything goes well, teacher evaluations will be online in the fall,” she said. “But my ultimate goal is to have at least part of those evaluations public for students to see. They would log in with their net ID and net password and see either the ratings or some of the comments.”

Morgan McDowell said this year’s administration will be a tough act to follow but every president brings something different to the table and, if elected, hopes to cultivate the new programs started by the Student Association.

“Hopefully, the relationships I will build will bring as much to the table as Rhett (Hobart)’s programming aspect. This is going to be a building year for the Student Association with all the new programs Rhett has implemented,” he said.

The programs he said he hopes to continue are the Cowbell Yell, the Respect the Bell campaign and the new third party book sell back website that is currently in development.

“There’s no reason to lose all that progress we’ve already made,” he said. “Cowbell Yell is on my platform. Rhett started this last year; there’s no reason we can’t fill up at least the visitor’s side of the stadium. That was one of the greatest traditions Rhett has started here.”

One of the biggest needs on campus, he said, was the student relief fund. He said he wants to create an account in which students could donate their unused block meals. This account would be used to provide block meals to students in need. He said he has already met with Tabor Mullen, assistant dean of students, to discuss the program.

SEE BALIUS, 2

SEE MCDOWELL, 2

CROSSWORD.............................5 CLASSIFIEDS..........................5 LIFE.....................................6 SPORTS..................................8

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My ultimate The goal is to have Sanderson at least part of Center is still those (teacher) state-of-the-art, evaluations public but it needs to for students to be expanded. see.

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POLICY

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THE REFLECTOR

SA ELECTIONS, REFERENDUM VOTING TODAY BALIUS

continued from 1

She said Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Florida have “Noble Calls is a fresh, new idea that we have.

(When we began Cowbell Yell), starting from the processes online.

“We would be catching up with the SEC, but I scratch, getting to throw all this energy into a think that’s something that’s necessary,” she said. new project was really encouraging … it wasn’t Another academic affairs policy Balius said she something we had to fix or revamp,” she said. “It wants to implement would be dead week. Dead was something we got to make our own thing. I’m week would consist of the five calendar days really excited to do that with Noble Calls.”

Balius said many past SA presidents have been leading up to exam week and instructors would be kept from administering tests or graded class very programming heavy, and she saw a need to assignments worth more than 15 percent of the work with the policy side of the job. course’s overall grade. However, some exceptions “I’m most excited about putting out programs would include classes that only meet once a week that students are going to enjoy and get a lot of or a project assigned through the syllabus within benefit out of but more so serving as a voice to the first two weeks of class. the students to ensure that I represent them at a university level,” she said.

“It would allow us to have enough As the current administration, time to force instructors to divvy out their time wisely; it would give which Balius said she sees as us a bit more time to study for our one of the most productive in finals,” she said. a long time, comes to an end, it is important to build on the As an orientation leader this sumpast before moving on to new mer, Balius said she had the opportunity to meet transfer students and programs or events. hear their concerns.

“As small as our budget is, it’s “It’s amazing to see the differvery important we use it effecence of experience they’ll have vertively and use it in the best intersus someone who comes in as a est of the students,” she said. freshman,” she said. “I think it’s She said from a personal side, although the position of presimportant to make sure we have ident is important and a big a really great communication line SHELBY BALIUS, responsibility, she finds so much with them.”

By adding a cabinet position for SA PRESIDENTIAL enjoyment and passion in being able to help others, it’s almost a transfer student representative, it CANDIDATE would open a clear way for transfer second nature to do it. students’ voices to be heard, she “It’s amazing for me to see the said. impact MSU has had on my life, I just want to do Noble Calls, a baseball spirit event that would be everything I can do to give back,” she said. “I’ve similar to Cowbell Yell in that it would celebrate found a home here. More than anything, why I’m the beginning of the season, is something Balius running is to give back to Mississippi State because I love the university so much.” said she would be excited about beginning.

“Iʼve found a home here. More than anything, why Iʼm running is to give back to Mississippi State because I love the university so much.”

MCDOWELL

continued from 1

“(The Dean of Students Office) can allocate (stu- increase relationships between students and busidents in need of) block meals, but it’s coming out of nesses is a program he has been working on for money they’re using for other things,” he said. “So the past year called the Bulldog Business Bureau. they’re pulling funds away from something else that He said if the students participating wear maroon needs that money. I think it would apparel on Maroon Friday and go not be easy (to create the account), into a business in the program, they but it’s very feasible.” will receive 15 percent off. He said some businesses already participate He also said the Sanderson in a similar program that gives Center needs to be expanded.

He said the facility is supposed 10 percent off maroon and white to have so many square feet per apparel, but he wants to make it student and since 2010, when more formal. enrollment began to jump, it has “(The businesses) are seeing lacked. In order to begin plans for rewards from students coming into their stores, and we’re seethe expansion, he said he would ing rewards by getting a discount meet with the officials in charge of the Sanderson and look at the when we go in,” he said. “It makes expansion plan. it so much easier for the business “The Sanderson Center is still owner and student to interact.”

He said another relationship he state-of-the-art, but it needs to be MORGAN MCDOWELL, hopes to continue to build is that expanded,” he said. “I’m pretty SA PRESIDENTIAL sure they’ve drawn up the expan- CANDIDATE between MSU and the legislators sion plan, we’re just waiting on in Jackson. the funding. (The funding) would “That’s our funding. That’s have to come from the state or from the president’s where grants and scholarship money is coming office. It’s what they see as important, and, if stu- from,” he said. “We need to keep Mississippi State dents stress that, they will put it on their priority students on their minds.”

He said MSU was looking to take a 15 percent list.”

McDowell also said he wants to continue to budget cut, but it has been cut down to either 5 improve the relationship between MSU and the city or 8 percent because of students lobbying to keep of Starkville. that money at the university.

He said it is important for all students to vote “I’m a big believer in that Mississippi State would not be here without Starkville, and Starkville would and encourages students to learn about the platnot be the town it is without Mississippi State,” he forms of all the candidates. said. “It’s extremely important to keep that rela“Everything is going to make the university bettionship with Mayor Wiseman and the Board of ter,” he said. “This is an exciting job. It’s for no Alderman because we collaborate with the city on other purpose but to serve the students. No one so many events, especially Bulldog Bash.” should get into it unless they are there to strictly A way McDowell said he believes could help serve the students. It’s not a resume builder.”

“Iʼm a big believer in that Mississippi State would not be here without Starkville, and Starkville would not be the town it is without Mississippi State.”

SUGARLAND He said he thinks the concert will help expand MSU as a university, bringing in potential students who may have otherwise never visited MSU. It will also open doors for big events like this in the future.

“An event like this will help us be on the cutting edge of making those things a reality,” Hobart said.

“We have a chance here to set a precedent.”

Brice Lambert, senior and student director of MMP, said he thinks all of the SEC will be watching MSU because no other school has put on a stadium show before.

continued from “Other schools are definitely paying attention,” he said.

Lambert said the scale of this show is enormous.

The stage will be in the end zone and is as wide as the field. Setting up the stage will begin mid-week before the day of the show, and the spring game will be played on only 60 yards of the football field.

He said this event will be three times the size of Bulldog Bash. The total budget for concerts during Super Bulldog Weekend in the past has been around $60,000. This year, that amount covers only operating costs.

“This show costs 10 times as much as shows in the past,” he said.

One of the main reasons athletics was open to having a concert in the stadium is because the field is being re-done afterwards, making it hard to be repeated.

“This may be the first and last Davis Wade show ever,” Lambert said.

This concert has been the cause of some complaint. In order to attend the spring game, people will have to buy a ticket. A ticket includes both the concert and the spring game.

For several years now, the spring game has been free. However, Hobart said he wants to make it clear that the spring game did require a ticket in the past. He said he hopes people will understand that buying a ticket this year that includes both the game and the concert is necessary.

“The spring game has not always been free, only in recent years,” he said. “In order to make this a

one-of-a-kind event, we have to charge.”

Members of MMP and the athletic department are encouraging students to take advantage of this opportunity to see one of the top touring acts in the country for such a low price.

Until March 2, tickets to see Sugarland are $15 each for students. Students can buy two tickets with their student ID. “(Student seating is) literally going to be right next to the stage for this event,” Thomas said. “The cheapest seats in the nosebleed sections of (Sugarland’s) last tour were $59.50; our most expensive is $50 on the field.”

After March 2, the ticket price will rise to $25 for students.

So far, around 10,000 tickets have been sold.

Tickets will be on sale in the Colvard Student Union Feb. 28 through March 1 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. They can also be purchased at any time in the Bryan Building.

Two NPHC girls selected as Gamma Chis for recruitment WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF THE VOLUNTEERS & JUDGES WHO CONTRIBUTED AND HELPED TO MAKE THE UPPER REGION V SCIENCE FAIR SUCCESSFUL INCLUDING:

First time for NPHC members to help with NPC rush

Erin Anderson

K. Bandara Gajanayake

Audrey Sheridan

Scott Rowland

Henk Arnoldus

Nirathi Keerithi Govindo

Cade Smith

Tyler Shook

BY LAUREN CLARK

Chris Ayers

Joshua Heatherly

Mary Kate Smith

Tinsley Colmer

Staff Writer

Brian Baldwin

Lisa Henderson

Renotta Smith

Joseph St. Columbia

Ajay Bandi

Bill Henry

Bekah Sparks

Shelby Tapp

Daniel Barnes

Mary Hetrick

James Stewart

Seth Wedgeworth

Cindy Bethel

Federico Hoffmann

Jake Straub

Cody Bell

Manikanthan Bhavaraju

Lorraine Hughes

Angelle Tanner

Matthew Bratton

Jenny Bibb

John Jones

Erin Thead

Robin Cox

Susan Bowers

Billy Kingery

Chris Vanlangenberg

Jeremy Dixon

Hannah Brakin

Rocky Lemus

Jamie Varner

Chance Ervin

David Brand

Andrew Londo

Gregory Wheeler

Ethan Fayard

Sonni Carlisle

Evita Lopez-Gourley

Joshua Winter

Chris Forrest

Bradley Carlock

Maria Earle

Kyle Johnson

Cody Garrison

Jennifer Carruth

Mark Novotny

Erin Colebeck

Josh Hall

Maria Cebada-Ricalde

Holly Martin

Barry Stewart

Cecelia Bowden

Two members of National PanHellenic Council sororities at Mississippi State University will serve as members of National Panhellenic Council’s Gamma Chi program during 2012 fall rush.

Palara Grant and Jefflyn Wallace, both members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an NPHC sorority, were chosen to work with NPC sorority members as Gamma Chis, a group of women that assists with recruitment for the NPC sororities. This is the first time NPHC members have been a part of the Gamma Chis at MSU. Casey Arbuckle, NPC president, said women chosen for Gamma Chi should be able to be a mentor for students participating in NPC recruitment.

“We are looking for women

Lavanya Challagundia

Shana McCormick

David Wilson

Sam Shannon

Jiguo Chen

Cheryl McLaurin

Alexander Carrubba

William Harris

Toni Copeland

J. Elton Moore

Matthew Clemons

Drew Hammack

Courtney Crist

KC Morrison

Brandon Cox

Matthew Hoffman

Nischal Dahal

Jeff Parrish

Dustin Cushman

Melinda Josey

David Dampier

Myrtle Prewitt

Randy Ford

Zack Lehtola

Hondamuni De Silva

Lindon Ratliff

Chad Galloway

Yan Li

David Deschamp

Chinthaka Ratnaweera

Sandra Givson

Andrew McMahan

Chris Doffit

Donna Reese

Ryan Griffin

Nan Niu

Thomas Donaldson

Sam Riffell

Stacy Jones

Todd Phillips

Edward Enstminger

Blair Schumacher

Tim Jordan

Allison Quick

Matthew Essandoh

David Schweitzer

William Keel

Totsonat Rattanakaew

Jonathan Frisch

Ramdeo Seepaul

Channing McCreary

Cathy Rogers

Chander Sharma

Chad McDaniel

To Advertise with The Reflector, call 325-7907

who can help these girls have a good time and enjoy the week but also help these girls if they are experiencing different pressures or emotions,” she said. “We also look for girls who have a sense of Greek unity, who are excited for the Greek community as a whole.”

Heidie Lindsey, associate director of Colvard Student Union and head of the Office of Greek Life, said Grant and Wallace went through the same process as other applicants for Gamma Chi and no rules or policy changes were made for the NPHC women.

“Any woman who is a member of a sorority can try out for Gamma Chi. We were very excited to see interest from NPHC this year,” she said. “They went through the same selection process as every other sorority woman, and they excelled and were selected.”

Arbuckle said after completing training with other Gamma Chi members, Grant and Wallace will each lead a group of potential new members through the process of NPC rush during the fall recruitment week.

Grant said she thinks she and Wallace will bring the same traits and values as the other women to Gamma Chi. “We are caring, dependable, outgoing and personable,” she said. “Both councils share a common bond: our love for being Greek and the realization of the value and importance of new members.”

She said she hopes this experience will help NPHC members and NPC members to respect each other and interact more as a Greek community.

“The more we identify the similarities and understand the differences, the more we will learn

to appreciate and respect what each council does for MSU and the Starkville community,” Grant said.

Arbuckle said she, along with Interfraternity Council President Taylor Reed and NPHC President Tabora Cook, have been working toward a goal of Greek unity at MSU. “We are extremely excited this year to have interest from NPHC women,” she said. “Tabora, Taylor and I have had this interest as presidents to bridge the gap between all three councils.”

Grant said she hopes her involvement in Gamma Chi will act as a stepping stone for more integration between the Greek councils.

“We hope to serve as a liaison between the councils, and perhaps more collaboration will come from this experience,” she said.

Arbuckle said she is hopeful the involvement of NPHC women in Gamma Chi will help the two councils learn more about each other and work together in the future.

“We think this is an awesome step forward to bridging the gap by bringing NPHC and NPC women together and working together for one goal and purpose,” she said.

Lindsey said while there are other ways the councils have worked together, they have generally been on a smaller scale, such as buying tickets for one another’s events.

“The fact that the collaboration can happen when it comes to recruitment, it just feels like we’ve taken it to a new level,” she said.

The University of Southern Mississippi has also had NPHC members participate in Gamma Chi in the past, and Arbuckle said she is excited MSU will also have this experience.

“I think it’s huge for MSU, and I am very proud to be of this group who is making history here and to be one of the first few schools to do something like this,” she said.

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REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

Gavin Barnett

Running for: Vice president Major: Philosophy and political science Classification: Sophomore Hometown: Hoover, Ala. Platform: - Work with the Department of Transportation to buy more shuttles and shuttle stops on and off campus, as MSU gains a possible transit grant to connect campus with the city.

- Improve and expand the Difference of One Campaign to encourage student involvement by hosting a forum with campus organization presidents with the goal of improving outreach and inclusion techniques for incoming freshmen.

- Improve communication between SA and Faculty Senate by working to incorporate joint briefings between the two bodies and delegate senator interaction with specific Faculty Senate members - Provide more appealing academic forgiveness options for students by looking to pass a resolution detailing the improvements that students desire, increasing from eight to nine hours.

- Work to improve the football student ticket sales process by exploring with the athletic office the best long-term system for ticket sales, while revising the current structure of our ticket sales locations and time availability.

- Improve Maroon Madness and model the program after premier basketball programs, such as “Midnight Madness,” and incorporate what works for those programs into our event.

- Promote senate and student body interaction by establishing a “Meet Your Senator Day” in which senators will be available to meet with their constituents and discuss potential needs.

- Work for a comprehensive election reform with senators to evaluate concerns on campus with our election system using experience as former elections commissioner.

Donny Banerjee

Sunday, February 26

• 3 citations were issued for disregard for a traffic device.

• 16 citations were issued for speeding.

• 1 citation was issued for expired tag.

• 1 citation was issued for driving the wrong way on a one way street.

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@reflectoronline

Running for: Treasurer Major: Accounting Classification: Junior Hometown: Decatur, Ala. Platform: The largest goal in my platform is to continue improving transparency between the Student Association and the student body at MSU. The most visible step I will take to ensure this is carried out is moving the SA budget onto the SA website so that everyone can see where their money goes. This system will allow all students to stay informed and hold the entire SA accountable for the decisions it makes. It is imporLight tant to keep the senate fully involved with the SA financial situation to make sure the best decisions for the entire population of MSU are Lunch made in a fair and effective manner. I will see to it that the senate has Provided the constitutionally-required financial oversight of all SA appropriations for that reason. To further the goal of transparency, I will present the budget to the senate on a monthly basis to ensure I am in line with the constitution. These reports will allow the senators to make the best and most informed decisions possible as they introduce legislation to improve the quality of life at MSU. My platform hinges Wednesday, 02/29/2012 on my experiences at MSU, which have allowed me to gain valuable experience in not only creating budgets but also how the treasurer interacts with the SA senate.

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Shelby Sims Running for: Secretary Major: Political science Classification: Sophomore Hometown: Hattiesburg, Miss.

Platform: - My goals for the student association can be summed up in three words: communication, transparency and organization. As secretary, it is my job to inform cabinet, senate and class council representatives of all activities happening within SA. Also, I will work to improve the overall transparency of SA to increase participation among students.

Lastly, I am organized, creative and logical. I want to use these skills to help the SA executive council in any way that I can. I will motivate all members of SA and keep them active throughout the year.

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VOTED BEST PIZZA IN STARKVILLE 2011

Running for: Treasurer Major: Accounting Classification: Junior Hometown: Tchula, Miss.

Platform: -Money Matters: The MSU student body deserves to have their funds directly appropriated into activities that are going to benefit them. As a representation of the student body as a whole, SA should use its budget in ways more beneficial to students.

-Academics: The current policy of holding students from registering for classes if they have holds on their accounts is in dire need of change.

Alternative methods, such as a small additional fee, would serve the same purpose without restricting student access to desired courses and professors.

-Responsibility: This position requires maturity and flexibility. In my experiences in Day One, Montgomery Leadership, Orientation Leaders and Alpha Phi Alpha, I have learned to manage budgets and act responsibly.

-Communication: There should not be a communication gap between the student body and the Student Association. I want to be as transparent as possible in communicating SA expenditures to the campus and wish to implement an income statement listing revenue, expenses and any income to give the student body a sense of ownership.

The other two will know someone who is.

DAWGS

Citations:

Running for: Attorney general Major: Finance Classification: Junior Hometown: Starkville, Miss.

Platform: - Promote availability of legal counsel to MSU students with our new student attorney: On Jan. 30, Whit Waide was appointed as the student attorney. This position benefits all of students at MSU. Current students and upcoming freshmen need to be informed on what legal advice can be given.

- Student government is for everyone and I will promote inclusion and participation from students. All students need to be encouraged to join organizations to get involved around campus. The entire student body makes up the student government, and the executives just represent them.

Organizations need to recruit and reach out to all students.

- Promote athletics. MSU basketball has been my passion since I was born.

Forming the ideal “Dawg Pound” is a work in progress. The student body should come together to emphasize our current cheers and to create new ones.

- Raise students’ awareness of services offered on campus and in the Starkville community. Many restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses offer discounts on certain days to students who show a student identification. It is ideal to work on an effective advertisement to stimulate businesses in Starkville and help students save money.

- Encourage students to prepare for their future through Career Center advising or through study abroad experience - Advocate the MSU Constitution by practicing the constitution and interpreting it with high honor and integrity. I would revise sections and make changes that would be in the best interest for the student body.

Larry March

Blake Shepherd

3

• 1:50 a.m. A student was arrested for driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license on Miss. Highway 12 in Starkville.

• 8:21 a.m. An officer was dispatched to Rice Hall for suspicion of the sale of marijuana.

• 9:25 a.m. A student was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana in Rice Hall. Justice Court citation and student referral was issued.

• 12:40 p.m. An officer reported a fire near the brick bathroom building at Dudy Noble Field. Starkville Fire Department was called.

• 11:46 p.m. A student reported she has been receiving harassing phone calls at South Hall from an unknown subject.

Rob Franklin

Running for: Attorney general Major: Biochemistry Classification: Sophomore Hometown: Ridgeland, Miss.

Platform: - Advocate a new academic forgiveness policy by working with students and faculty. The current policy allows a maximum of eight hours, and I would like to see it increased to nine. This would allow students to retake up to three, three-hour courses or two, fourhour courses and a one-hour lab.

- Improve communication with class councils. They are responsible for raising money for their respective class’s senior gift. I would ensure they follow the new statutes passed in senate which would have them communicate better with the Student Association and student body as a whole. I would like to make the councils more accessible to the students and allow them to give their feedback on what their class gift should be.

- Encourage continued collaboration between senate and cabinet. During my time on SA cabinet, both cabinet and senate benefitted from joint meetings. Transparency between these two organizations will help with implementing effective legislature and programs.

- Promote the campus master plan: The master plan outlines the future development of MSU. This includes new academic buildings, new residence halls and new parking options. I would like to publicize the proceedings of the committee because it is relevant to each student’s college experience.

- Uphold the integrity of the SA constitution. It is the backbone of the Student Association and should be revised and updated in order to accommodate the current needs of students.

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BAD

Park Wynn

Running for: Vice president Major: Chemical engineering Classification: Junior Hometown: Hoover, Ala. Platform: - Have an openly publicized senate meeting once a month, so the student body can see what their senators are doing for them. Invite The Reflector to come to any senate meeting that has important issues, so it can run an article detailing the changes that are being made for the benefit of the students.

- Create a system of representatives within each college who meet regularly with a senator. This will help alleviate the disconnection senators have with their constituents. Create requirements for freshmen who want to run for senate in the fall in order for a standard to be set in place for them as it is for upperclassmen.

- Improve communication between Student Association and the student body as a whole by using social media to alert the student body when legislation is passed in the SA Senate that directly affects them.

- Improve The Drill in the fall semester into an event more people want to attend. It is a tradition that we as students should commit to not just freshman year but every year.

- Improve the Bully Bike system. I want to create a bike rental program similar to that at the University of Kentucky.

- Improve football student ticket sales by taking segments of other programs throughout the SEC and working with athletics and the Division of Student Affairs to determine the quickest and most beneficial system for students.

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TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 28, 2012

We want to be a free resource of information and support to students, staff or faculty that have been touch by cancer as a survivor, care giver or athinking friend.

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The Department of Relationship Violence and Outreach Henry Meyer Media Center, Mississippi State, MS 662-325-2090

PAPAJOHNS.COM MEN’S MARCH TO END SEXUALIZED VIOLENCE MONDAY, MARCH 5TH, 2012 4:00– 6:00 P.M. AT THE JUNCTION Better Ingredients.

Better Pizza.

Please contact the Department of Relationship Violence and Outreach @ (662)325-2090 for registration and shoe Limited Time Only size information!

VOTED BEST PIZZA IN STARKVILLE 2011

“This project was supported by grant No. 2010-WA-AX-0002 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in the publication are those of Relationship Violence & Outreach and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women.”

4

TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 28, 2012

OPINION |

EDITORIAL

Votes for platforms, not affiliations vital

THE REFLECTOR

T.J. VAUGHT

S

tudent Association elections bring out a lot of discussion on campus about voting, the fair representation of the student body and the question of what SA actually does. There is a lot of debate on campus about whether voting in SA elections is even important; some people pass out stickers and wear T-shirts on the Drill Field promoting candidates while others mutter that the elections are merely a Greek-fueled popularity contest. So which group of students is correct?

The truth of the matter is, SA officers do matter. SA serves as a liaison between the faculty and students and have successfully executed accomplishments such as BullyMail, Tents for Tickets and Cowbell Yell. Since SA has the power to implement important programs that directly affect the student body, it is important to elect officers based on their platforms, not the stickers passed out and shoved into your hand in between classes.

But how much does the average voter really know about the candidates’ platforms? One of the criticisms of SA elections is that voters don’t really know what each candidate wants to achieve while in office.

Not only that, but many students on campus don’t even know what SA does. Regardless of this, every year, candidates vow to increase the “transparency” of SA; they want the students to know what SA works so hard on every year. But, every year, confusion returns because the students are still ignorant of what SA does.

Every single student is technically a member of SA, and SA wants to represent fairly the student body.

The elections undoubtedly have the unfair aspect of being a popularity contest. Many voters are uninformed and vote for whichever candidate is affiliated with the same club, fraternity or sorority. Perhaps the central platforms of the candidates could be displayed on the voting screen as students vote, and it would serve well for students to remember that we need diligent, creative and bright individuals heading our SA. Additionally, SA cannot force non-Greeks to run.

Some complain the candidates are all Greek, which does not accurately reflect the demographics of the student body, but SA does not have control over who runs. If the non-Greeks want to be heard, someone who is not Greek should run, and not everyone who runs is Greek. All students should vote based off a person’s platform, not out of loyalty to a particular organization.

Although there are inevitable flaws in the voting system, Mississippi State University students should remember we are voting for the voice of our school.

Each vote holds the same amount of potency, so use your vote wisely and remember we are choosing those who will mold MSU into a better and safer institution. *** The Reflector editorial board is made up of opinion editor Wendy Morell, news editor Micah Green, news editor Megan McKeown, sports editor James Carskadon, life editor Kaitlin Mullins, photo editor Jay Johnson, copy editors Kaitlyn Byrne and Mollie C. Reeves, multimedia editor Eric Evans, chief designer Zack Orsborn, managing editor Julia Pendley and Editor in Chief Hannah Rogers.

Editor in Chief Hannah Rogers

Multimedia Editor Eric Evans

News Editor Micah Green News Editor Megan McKeown

Sports Editor James Carskadon

Life Editor Kaitlin Mullins

Opinion Editor Wendy Morell

Copy Editor Kaitlyn Byrne

Photography Editor Jay Johnson

Copy Editor Mollie C. Reeves

CONTACT INFORMATION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editor in Chief/Hannah Rogers

Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector.msstate.edu.

Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

325-7905 editor@reflector.msstate.edu Managing Editor/Julia Pendley 325-8991 managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Micah Green 325-8819 news@reflector.msstate.edu News tips/Megan McKeown 325-7906 news@reflector.msstate.edu Opinion Editor/Wendy Morell opinion@reflector.msstate.edu Sports Editor/James Carskadon 325-5118 sports@reflector.msstate.edu Life Editor/Kaitlin Mullins 325-8883 kmullins@reflector.msstate.edu Photography Editor/Jay Johnson 325-1584 photo@reflector.msstate.edu Advertising sales/Emily Moak 325-7907 advertise@reflector.msstate.edu

efore we leap into March and prance towards springtime, let’s take stock of the rare 29-day month that is February 2012.

Whitney, a Madonna Superbowl, Mardi Gras, the return of “American Idol” and “The Voice.” Don’t forget the addition of another musical TV show, “Smash.” The Oscars, Grammys and about 2,304 other award shows made it to the airwaves.

Throw in any Adele song (What did radio ever play before we had her?) and that Kelly Clarkson car commercial that plays non-stop.

Is it safe to say February 2012 may have been the gayest month ever for the U.S.?

Probably so but not for any of the reasons already mentioned.

In just one month, two states (Maryland, Washington) have paved the way for gay marriage to become legal. One (New Jersey) is placing it on the ballot alongside the presidential election in November and another (California) recently had its ban on gay marriage overturned.

If each of these territories jazz run towards the same-sex finish line, that will make 20 percent of the nation’s states where your uncle and his “roommate” can tie the knot.

This doesn’t even take into account Washington D.C. or the handful of states where civil unions occur.

It doesn’t take a fashion major

embrace another ideal: equality for all.

We have always been slow in deciding just who deserves equal protection, but we seem to always get to the right result. After women and African Americans, you cannot help but think homosexuals are the next to break through that color-coordinated, very fashionable ceiling.

Democrats and even some Republicans are realizing they do not want to be seen as the generation that stood idly by while a minority group was ostracized.

As Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said to his state legislature as he presented the bill for same-sex marriage, “We are going to be successful in this legislative session by recognizing the dignity in one another, by recognizing the common humanity that all of us share... we choose to be bound together by a common thread. That common thread is human dignity.”

It’s human dignity that always wins out in the end.

My uncle and his partner have been together for almost 40 years and currently reside in Maryland. A real marriage was a pipe dream just 10 years ago, but now they are contem-

Patrick Young is a graduate student in public policy and administration.

He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu. to show that marriage equality is about to strut its stuff down the runway and work it like the rent is due tomorrow.

Is traditional marriage becoming queer?

Yes. And it’s about damn time, Mississippi.

More people from both sides of the political spectrum are beginning to see marriage between two consenting adults has little effect on anyone but those involved in the nuptials.

For the first time in history, polls are starting to show a majority of Americans show favor toward our fellow Homo sapiens, with those under the age of 40 significantly supporting same-sex recognition.

Now you may want to blame this on the “Will and Grace” or “Glee” effect and say the media is glamorizing homosexuals as witty, chic and “born this way,” and you may be right.

Us writers like to generalize and use broad strokes, but perhaps Americans are starting to

plating taking the plunge.

They have remained with each other for decades and even though there is plenty of love, they could never legally declare it. In a world of Kardashians, and Elizabeth Taylors, it is hard to imagine why anyone would be against two people in love wanting to make it official.

If you are fortunate enough to have that ring on your finger, then you know how important marriage is to your relationship.

Let’s make sure that everyone can share that feeling.

It is free to join the cause, and think of all the weddings you can attend that will actually be done in good taste. Oh — it’s also the right thing to do.

While the rainbow may be growing, marriage equality has a long way to go. Twenty-nine states have bans on same-sex marriage with only interference from the courts or ballot initiatives capable of overturning such regulations.

Even though Mississippi will most likely bring up the rear in recognizing samesex unions, that does not mean you have to go along with it.

Speak out.

After all, it’s what Adele would want.

“It is free to join the cause, and think of all the weddings you can attend that will actually be done in good taste.”

Western medicine not only option

Reflector Chief Designer Zack Orsborn

Gay marriage on rise across U.S., Miss. next B

THE GINGER SNAP | REBECCA KELLUM

The

Managing Editor Julia Pendley

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM | PATRICK YOUNG

EDITORIAL POLICY The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff.

The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.

W

hen you think of a typical doctor’s visit, what do you imagine?

I bet it’s long waits, impersonal men and women sporting long white coats, and confusing medical jargon.

Yet the majority of patients, especially in the deep South, consider a conventional Western medicinal doctor’s visit their only option. Now, envision what a naturopathic doctor’s visit would be like. Only a year ago I would have said I see a hippie in a head-wrap and long skirt telling me the solution to my symptoms was “freeing my spirit;” however, I now realize it’s ignorant social stigmas like this that are preventing naturopathic medicine from being considered a viable option for the common man.

Before I continue any further, I should specify exactly what I am referring to as naturopathic medicine and Western medicine.

Naturopathy literally means, “natural cure.” Western medicine is referred to as “allopathy” which means, “the treatment of a disease by conventional means.”

From my understanding, it all comes back to the ethnocentric ideals of many Americans.

Ethnocentric views thrive on the idea that what we normally do is the correct way, and anything deviating in the slightest from our own practices obviously can’t be right.

This, in turn, applies to our societal views on modern medicine. Most Americans have seen a traditional Western medicine doctor all their lives and probably will continue to do so until they breathe their last breath.

Any alternative is only sought in dire circumstances, and even then some patients are initially skeptical of the results. The fact that Western medicine, is deemed “allopathy,” which refers to its normality, only further confirms our society’s idea that natural medicine is anything but natural.

However, if a patient would actually take the time to learn the the differences between naturopathy and allopathy, I’d dare to say there would be a dramatic increase in naturopathic patients.

Although it’s clear that natur-

“It all comes back to the ethnocentric ideals of many Americans.”

Rebecca Kellum is a freshman majoring in elementary education. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. opaths generally prescribe natural supplements and treatments compared to allopathy’s prescription drugs, there’s a fundamental difference in thought between the two practices. Dr. Brett Smith explained it simply when he stated, “The biggest difference between naturopathy and allopathy is that the allopathy physicians tend to view good health as a physical state in which there is no obvious disease present. In contrast, naturopathic doctors recognize true health as an optimal state of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The key differences between naturopathic and an allopathic physician are apparent if we look at how each doctor view both health and disease.”

Though all naturopathic treatments are side-effect free, many patients still fear or don’t believe that a naturopath’s treatments will promote their own health.

Really? What’s there to be cautious of? If anything, I’d be cautious of man-made, synthetic drugs with numerous known and unknown sideeffects rather than completely natural, God-made, complication-free treatments that work just as well if not better than typical prescription drugs.

I’m not saying that there aren’t some wonderful drugs that treat many different illnesses and save people’s lives; however, if the natural options were available to you, why not at least give them a chance?

The only drawbacks of trying naturopathic methods of treatment are the lack of naturopathic doctors and sometimes spotty insurance coverage of naturopathic services. For a few more dollars and a little inconvenience of finding a naturopath in your area, why not be adventurous and try it out?

The worst that could happen are the side-effects.

Oh, wait, there are none.

CORRECTIONS

The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call 325-7905.

Yes, I haven’t seen “The Artist.”

No, the awards were on-point.

I don’t know.

ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

tuesday , february 28 , 2012 | 5

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

AN IN-CLASS DISTRACTION ...

Across 1 Professional org.

6 Like bachelor parties 10 Slightly open 14 Gift from an oyster 15 Old El Paso product 16 General principle 17 Motto of 50-Across 19 Whodunit hint 20 Org. for mature audiences only?

21 “Small” allegations 23 Climbs 27 Common takeout cuisine 28 Seats at the bar 29 Hot-platter stand 30 State flower of Indiana 31 Argentina neighbor 32 Sunbather’s goal 35 Invisible or indelible fluids 36 Practiced, as a trade 37 Video game giant 38 Show with regional spinoffs 39 Epic 40 Pastrami peddlers 41 Donkey of kiddie lit 43 Giant among Giants 44 Actor Armand 46 Clean up, as one’s toys 47 Pure as the driven snow 48 Capitol topper 49 Easter bloom 50 Organization that held its first troop meeting 3/12/1912 56 Vicinity 57 Airline that serves only kosher meals 58 Patty Hearst’s nom de guerre 59 Pigsty, so to speak 60 Hardwood trees 61 Enjoyed Aspen Down 1 Police dept.’s “Be on the lookout!” alert 2 Observe 3 Sticky trunk stuff 4 Bobby of hockey 5 With no mistakes 6 Red carpet interviewees

7 Rain delay roll-out 8 Expert 9 Baby sponsored at a baptism 10 Mysterious 11 Founder of 50-Across 12 Reunion attendees, for short 13 Witherspoon of “Walk the Line” 18 Walks on little cat feet 22 In real time 23 Fancy-shmancy jelly 24 British submachine guns 25 Popular funding source for 50-Across 26 Eternities, seemingly 27 Shed some tears 29 Yours of yore 31 Saint of Assisi 33 High anxiety 34 Objectionable, as a habit 36 Eliza Doolittle, to Henry Higgins

2-28-12 Solutions for 2-24-12

37 “The Fugitive” actress Ward 39 Ibsen’s “Peer __” 40 Picks up on 42 Courses taken to boost one’s GPA 43 Many-petaled flowers, familiarly

44 Happy as __ 45 British county 46 Surveys 48 Wee bit o’ Scotch, say 51 Under the weather 52 Tree on the Connecticut quarter

OCTOPUzzLE Directions: Place the numbers 1 to 8 in each of the octagons such that the numbers are not repeated in any octagon, row, column, or diagonal. The sums of the minor diagonals (diagonals that contain either four or six numbers) are provided at the beginning and end of each minor diagonal. The sum of the four numbers that border a diamond are provided in that diamond. The numbers that border diamonds do not have to be unique.

Solutions for 2-24-12

2-28-12

BULLETIN BOARD CLASSIFIEDS POLICY The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; the deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Classifieds are $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are $3 per issue, prepaid. Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost. for sale Ziggy’s Buy & Sell. Don’t throw it away! Get cash for your used furniture and other items. We sell everything from furniture to antiques to music. 434 Miss. Highway 12 West, look for the orange sign with Ziggy’s picture, or call 312-8895.

Faculty investment opportunity.

Enjoy benefits of retirement now, as you teach. Live in your five-plex on Oktibbeha County Lake, and let rentals pay your mortgage. 340’ waterfront, five-plex, dock, ski-boat. $342,000 firm. 418-2790. for rent Canterbury Townhouses. 990 Old Mayhew Road. 2012 lease special (12th month free with 12-month lease). One, two and three bedroom newly-remodeled townhouses. Call 323-9216 for details.

“Lodge at the Lake.” Great one bedroom, waterfront, dock, appliances, washer/dryer, free cable and fast-access Internet.

See now. Available May 1 for 15 months. $525/month. Pet friendly.

418-2790.

Two bedroom, one bath cottage.

Kitchen, dining area, living room.

Completely furnished, in the country.

Four miles from campus. Perfect for graduate students. $450 per month.

769-2542 HelP WanteD Bartending. Up to $300 / day. No experience necessary. Training available. Call 800-965-6520 ext.

213.

Attention students: $15 starting pay. Flexible hours around class.

Customer sales and service. No experience required. Call 2685097. Collegeincome.com.

Please respond ASAP. Resumes are currently being evaluated.

PHP Web application development and Python programmer needed ASAP to work independently with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines. Thorough knowledge of PHP, Python, Drupal, MYSQL and experience in Unix command line helpful. Great position for student needing practical business experience. Send resumes & inquiries to The Reflector, Classified Ads, Programmer, P.O. Box 5407, MS State, MS 39762.

Please respond ASAP. Resumes are currently being evaluated.

Graphic artist needed & ministryminded programmer needed to

write the ending for a women’s ministry video blog and website.

Excellent opportunity for class project &/or practical experience.

Send resumes & inquiries to The Reflector, Classified Ads, Ministry Opportunity, P.O. Box 5407 MS State, MS 39762. miscellaneous Do you have textbooks that you need to sell? Get the most money for your textbooks. Leave a message at 5461067 or send an email with ISBN numbers to moneyfortextbooks1@ gmail.com CLUB INFO The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info.

Information may be submitted by email to club_info@reflector. msstate.edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector.

All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability.

BaPtist stuDent union The BSU at Mississippi State invites all students to our weekly worship service, PRIORITY, on Tuesday nights at 6:15 p.m. You are also invited to a $5 home-cooked meal, called NOONDAY, on Wednesdays at noon. The BSU Center is located directly across the street from Campus Book Mart. All students are welcome. Visit msubsu.com for more information. camPus BiBle stuDents Intensive Bible study Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. in room 324 of the Union.

All are welcome. Email tns54@pss. msstate.edu for more information. catHolic stuDent association The CSA invites you to join us each week at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Student mass is on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. Good food and fun fellowship can be had at $2 dinners on Tuesday at 6 p.m., followed by weekly/Bible study at 7 p.m. Come to one of these events and learn more ways to get involved! For more information, simply “like” our Facebook page: “Mississippi State Catholic Student Association.” faamsu Come join us for lively discussions.

Believers welcome!

Every Thursday, starting Sept. 8, in the Union room 226 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Twitter: @SAUCEFORALL. We are the Freethinkers, Agnostics and Atheists of MSU.

female GraDuate stuDents New group for female graduate students in science, engineering and mathematics: Please email msu.gwise@gmail.com liGHt Bearers Yeah! We Bear The Light! Come join us for fellowship, dynamic worship and inspirational devotions every Thursday at 7 p.m. Union 3rd floor, room 329. msu canterBurY ePiscoPal felloWsHiP “Spiritual but not religious?”

Spirituality and home-cooking at the Episcopal Church (“Canterbury”).

Free dinner, activities each Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. Canterbury Lodge, 105 N. Montgomery St., Starkville. For more information, contact Chaplain Carol Mead at 6941178. Sponsored by Canterbury Episcopal Fellowship. msu sHootinG sPorts cluB Looking for all kinds of competitive shooters. Rifle, shotgun, pistol and multigun competitors needed.

Contact Tyler Tharp at 601-6185137 or Mike Brown at mike. brown@msstate.edu.

PHilosoPHY cluB Tuesdays at 5 p.m. in Union 226. ruf Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) is a campus ministry that has been on State’s campus since 1976. Our large group Bible study meets Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. in Dorman Auditorium. For further information and for upcoming events, visit msstate.ruf.org. All are welcome to come. silver WinGs There will be a silver wings interest meeting on March 8 at 6 p.m. in Middleton Hall (by Burger King) on the second floor in the cadet louge.

We will discuss Silver Wings’s purpose and its community service activities. stuDents for a sustainaBle camPus Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. Union room 227. triatHlon cluB Learn more about MSU’s new Triathlon Club by visiting MSUTC.com or on Facebook @ Mississippi State Triathlon! terPsicHore & starliGHt Dancers Please support Terpsichore and Starlight Dancers in their spring production entidtled “Deadly” held in McComas Theatre on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Admission is $5 and a portion goes to the American Heart Association.

Unhappy with your living situation?

Start fresh with us for Fall!

Greentree Apartments on Lynn Lane University Towers on University Dr. Colony Apartments on North Montgomery

Free, Confidential Online Screening for Alcohol Abuse Visit

Come Try Us Out! 662-323-2430

http://www.health.msstate.edu/scs/

325-2091 Student Counseling Services

The Department of Relationship Violence and Outreach Henry Meyer Media Center, Mississippi State, MS 662-325-2090

Cancer Care 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer in his or her lifetime.

The other two will know someone who is.

Cancer affects everyone.

Light Lunch Provided

Wednesday, 02/29/2012 12 Noon Longest Student Health Center 3rd Floor Classroom

For more information: 662-325-2306 or jsmith@saffairs.msstate.edu

We want to be a free resource of information and support to students, staff or faculty that have been touch by cancer as a survivor, care giver or a friend.

MEN’S MARCH TO END SEXUALIZED VIOLENCE

MONDAY, MARCH 5TH, 2012 4:00– 6:00 P.M. AT THE JUNCTION Please contact the Department of Relationship Violence and Outreach @ (662)325-2090 for registration and shoe size information!

“This project was supported by grant No. 2010-WA-AX-0002 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in the publication are those of Relationship Violence & Outreach and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women.”

6

|

LIFE

TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 28, 2012

THE REFLECTOR

The Avett Brothers to perform in Tupelo

BY MARY KATE MCGOWAN Staff Writer

The brothers are back. The Avett Brothers are returning to North Mississippi to play at Tupelo’s BancorpSouth Arena for “An Evening with The Avett Brothers” on April 14 at 8 p.m.

Todd Hunt, director of the BancorpSouth Arena, said this is the first time the band will play at this venue.

“We have been pursuing the band for nearly a year due to their increasing popularity,” he said.

According to the event’s press release, tickets ranging from $29.50 to $39.50 are available to the public.

The chameleon folk-rock and country-alternative music group headlined last fall’s Bulldog Bash in Starkville, and in Oxford, The Avett Brothers have been showcased at The Lyric and played at the Double Decker Arts Festival in 2008.

Kevan Kirkpatrick, director of marketing for the BancorpSouth Arena, said The Avett Brothers

have a little bit of everything and appeal to different age groups from high school students to people in their 30s and 40s.

“What’s not to want and like?” he said. “The show is on a Saturday night, so there’s nothing stopping people from coming.”

Because of Tupelo’s almost midpoint location between Starkville and Oxford, the folks at the BancorpSouth Arena are taking advantage of the opportunity.

“We anticipate a strong turnout based upon the success the band has had in both Starkville and Oxford,” Hunt said.

After playing at Bulldog Bash on The Avett Brothers’ fan base has grown significantly and previous fans’ loves have strengthened.

Landry McMillan, a junior marketing major, said The Avett Brothers brought a huge crowd to Bulldog Bash.

“There’s obviously a huge fan base in Starkville and Oxford,” McMillan said. “It’s going to be great for them to come to Tupelo and attract students from both schools, especially since they can-

celed a show in Oxford scheduled for mid-March.”

Formed in 2000, The Avett Brothers consists of Scott and Seth Avett, Joe Kwon, Bob Crawford and Jacob Edwards.

Utilizing the banjo, guitar, stand-up bass, cello and other instruments, the ensemble’s sound, according to the event’s press release, “defies pigeonholing but might be described as a rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock and pop – even a jab of punk-style dynamics here and there.”

“Their music appeals not just to Mississippi but regionally, and soon nationally,” Kirkpatrick said. “This performance is a big opportunity for Tupelo and North Mississippi because there’s not a lot of options for a big event and a band like this.”

The BancorpSouth Arena show is the first musical showcase for The Avett Brothers in Mississippi in a big, traditional venue setting.

“For this particular concert our capacity will be around

COURTESY PHOTO | THE REFLECTOR

Folk-rock band The Avett Brothers are returning to the area on April 14 at the BancorpSouth Arena.

5,000 people,” Hunt said. “We can set the capacity anywhere from 3,000 to 9,500 depending on the artist’s needs.”

Even though this event will

not take place until April, fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets ahead of time. Tickets are also available online.

“This is not going to be

like Bulldog Bash and Double Decker; there’s a limited number of tickets,” Kirkpatrick said.

“This event has taken off and has taken a life of its own.”

Resources exist for students on the job hunt

BY JESSE ROBINSON Staff Writer

Finding a job while being a student in Starkville may seem overwhelming at first glance, especially considering the number of students to compete with, but there are many places to look and plenty of people willing to help.

One of the many things the Career Center on campus does is to aid students seeking parttime jobs. Scott Maynard, the director of the Career Center, described the center as one of the means for students to find jobs on and off campus.

One of the ways the Career Center can help is through its “Connections” page, where stu-

dents are able to filter through job postings.

“The jobs can be anything from shipping clerks at the UPS to sales staff at Newks,” Maynard said. “Departments can range from student jobs to research assistants or even dining services.”

The Career Center also offers help by offering tips on finding jobs, helping put together resumes and even conducting mock interviews to help prepare students better for trying to get the job they want.

“Any student can be successful in finding a part-time position,” Maynard said. “But they have to be persistent in continuing to look where opportunities are.”

For students who are just now seeking jobs for this semester, Maynard said, the best thing to do for finding a job would be to talk to friends that are working to find out if there are any available positions where they are employed. Another option is for students to check with their affiliated department for any open positions.

“A lot of the individual departments just advertise on their own, or just fill their needs on their own from word of mouth,” he said.

Maynard also suggested checking with the largest employers on campus, which includes dining services, the Sanderson Center, the library and athletics department for

any available positions.

He said off campus, students should keep an eye for new businesses opening throughout town.

“The city is still growing and adding new businesses constantly,” Maynard said. “As they open, there’s always a flurry of job openings.”

Once a student has found a position they would like to apply for, one of the most important things they need to remember is to wear proper attire and to have their resumes prepared.

“While they may not necessarily need to be in a coat and tie, they certainly need to be dressed nicely and wellgroomed,” Maynard said.

FOR THE '90s KIDS

“They need to be prepared, with their resume ready, and know what their class schedule is, along with having their available work times printed on the resume.”

For students planning on getting a job next semester, do not wait until the semester starts to go job hunting. Now is the time to start looking.

“If you think you want a parttime job next fall, begin talking to graduating seniors that you know that are working on campus for a recommendation to their current employer so that you can go ahead and interview now for a position that will start next fall,” Maynard said.

Alhough the thought of getting any job is important, one

thing students need to consider is trying to find one that fits with their major.

“It’s important for students to gain experience in their field of study prior to graduation,” Maynard said. “It not only helps supplement your income while you’re in school, but it’s also giving you practical experience that’s going on your resume for when you graduate and start seeking a full-time position somewhere.”

JOB HUNT

More information on the Career Center can be found at career. msstate.edu or can be contacted at 325-3344.

CAMERON MCMASTER

VISIT

THE REFLECTOR (ONLINE)

@reflector-online.com The Department of Relationship Violence and Outreach Henry Meyer Media Center, Mississippi State, MS 662-325-2090

Cancer Care 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer in his or her lifetime.

The other two will know someone who is.

Cancer affects everyone.

Light Lunch Provided

Wednesday, 02/29/2012 12 Noon Longest Student Health Center 3rd Floor Classroom

For more information: 662-325-2306 or jsmith@saffairs.msstate.edu

We want to be a free resource of information and support to students, staff or faculty that have been touch by cancer as a survivor, care giver or a friend.

MEN’S MARCH TO END SEXUALIZED VIOLENCE

MONDAY, MARCH 5TH, 2012 4:00– 6:00 P.M. AT THE JUNCTION Please contact the Department of Relationship Violence and Outreach @ (662)325-2090 for registration and shoe size information!

“This project was supported by grant No. 2010-WA-AX-0002 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in the publication are those of Relationship Violence & Outreach and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women.”

SPORTS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 28, 2012

THE AGITATOR | MATT TYLER

Left Field Lounge represents the best of MSU

W

illiam Faulkner once said, “To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.� Well, in order to understand Starkville and Mississippi State University, you must first understand the Left Field Lounge at Dudy Noble Field.

Starkville is a quaint town in the deep South. Mississippi State is “The People’s University.� It is the Left Field Lounge that best personifies this.

Take a stroll through the Lounge, a motley collection of remodeled cotton trailers, rusted Chevrolet pickup trucks and a host of other homemade platforms and contraptions which have to be seen to be believed, on a warm, spring day, and you will see families and students engaged in the most American of activities: grilling, drinking cold beverages and watching baseball.

It is in the Lounge where you can find prominent businessmen, inebriated students, colorful Starkville residents and perhaps even your favorite professor. All are there for the same reason: to watch their Bulldogs play baseball in one of the most hallowed venues the college baseball world has to offer. In a sport often lacking fan support and tradition, the “Dude� and the Left Field Lounge are a bright spot; a place where the romanticism of the major leagues can be found at the college level. Dudy Noble is to college baseball as Wrigley Field and Fenway Park are to Major League Baseball.

The Lounge has not always been the way it currently is.

Like most good things in life, it came about rather organically, Starkville resident and “Lounge Lizard� Dennis Everett explained. “They were out here in the mid-60s or so,� he said. “It was just a pasture, and when they opened the field here in ’65, I think kids started coming out here. At one time it was called the Beer Gardens, up until ’73 or ’74. We started out with a truck. We would back the truck up to the fence with a piece of plywood on the back of it and put chairs on across it. Then we had to buy a car and park it at the fence to leave it there for the weekend. Actually, we bought a junk car and left it there for the whole season. More and more people wanted to get on the car

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WEEKEND

SCORES Baseball: Kansas 0, MSU 1 MVSU 5, MSU 13 Kansas 1, MSU 3 MVSU 1, MSU 5 Basketball: Alabama 67, MSU 50 Softball: Louisiana 6, MSU 3 South Florida 1, MSU 0 So Georgia Tech 3, MSU 5 DePaul 3, MSU 2 Michigan 3, MSU 1 Men's Tennis: Cornell 0, MSU 4 Boise State 0, MSU 4 Texas Tech 0, MSU 4 Women's Tennis: Tulsa 6, MSU 1 Southern Miss 0, MSU 7

JAY JOHNSON | THE REFLECTOR

The Left Field Lounge Lizards have been enjoying MSU baseball games the 1980s on a refurbished cotton trailer.

Matt Tyler is a senior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at reflectorsports@ gmail.com and there was not any room, so we got this trailer in ’84. It has been rebuilt several times since ’84, but this basic cotton trailer has been here since then.�

Stories such as this are the norm in the Lounge, where many regulars have been attending MSU baseball games for decades, like Tchula resident Brock Marett. “I’ve been coming out here since ’91; just hooked,� he said. “In the early ’80s you could get a $25 pass and drive in whatever vehicle you wanted. That is kind of how it started. The deck was

not out here, so you were actually looking through the fence.

They built the deck after Will Clark had built a fence for us, and we could not see through it.

By the next ballgame they had built us a deck. They started getting lots out here in ’86,� Marett said. “The buggy has been out here since ’87. We rebuild it every year, but it has been here since ’87.�

Lounge regulars such as Everett and Marett are not the only ones who appreciate the uniqueness of the Lounge. Caleb Carlson from Minneapolis, Minn. sat in the Lounge during Friday’s baseball game against Kansas and said he enjoyed it. “I think it is pretty freaking brilliant,� Carlson said. “You have a whole section out here,

but it is all a collage of different styles of trailers, but the purpose is the same: everyone is coming to grill, have a few beers and watch baseball. I enjoy it. I love the smell of grilling. It is one of the most nostalgic smells out there: grill smoke and baseball.�

It is the Lounge’s lack of pretension and easy, carefree atmosphere that have made it endearing to Bulldog fans of all ages and make it the perfect representation of Mississippi State as whole. For all its complexities, Marett sums the Left Field Lounge up best with a simple statement. “It is the best place to watch college baseball in America. I think Sports Illustrated and ESPN said it best. It is that simple,� Marett said.

NEWS & NOTES - Head basketball coach Rick Stansbury said Monday freshman guard Rodney Hood is "very doubtul" to play in Wednesday night's matchup with South Carolina.

- Senior track and field athlete Favian Cowards won the SEC Champtionship in the 20-pound weight throw on Sunday, breaking an MSU record with her throw.

- MSU is still projected to make the NCAA Tournament field, acco according to ESPN bracket expert Joe Lunardi. He has the Bulldogs playing as a 12 seed against UNLV in Portland, Ore. - MSU women's basketball will begin play in the SEC Tournament on Thursday when the Bulldogs take on Vanderbilt at 1:30 p.m. in Nashville.

ZACK ORSBORN | THE REFLECTOR

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MONDAY, MARCH 5TH, 2012 4:00– 6:00 P.M. AT THE JUNCTION Please contact the Department of Relationship Violence and Outreach @ (662)325-2090 for registration and shoe size information! “This project was supported by grant No. 2010-WA-AX-0002 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in the publication are those of Relationship Violence & Outreach and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women.�

SPORTS

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TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 28, 2012

THE REFLECTOR

ON THE TUBE:

STAT OF THE DAY :

1.29 – THE COMBINED ERA OF THE MSU BASEBALL PITCHING STAFF OVER THE WEEKEND

MISSISSIPPI STATE VS. USC

7 P.M. WED. SEC NET.

Bulldogs sweep weekend games over Kansas, MVSU

BY JOHN GALATAS Staff Writer

JAY JOHNSON | THE REFLECTOR

MSU freshman Wes Rea, weighing in at a healthy 296 pounds, has been among the Bulldogsʼ leading hitters so far in 2012. Rea hit a walk-off double on Friday night to lift the Bulldogs over Kansas.

The Mississippi State baseball team swept its weekend tournament to improve to 6-1 on the season.

In the weekend finale MSU completed the sweep as they defeated MVSU 5-1. Daryl Norris began the scoring with a two-RBI single in the first inning to take an early lead. The Delta Devils plated a run in the third before the Dogs extended their lead in the sixth on Adam Frazier’s RBI double.

C.T. Bradford and Wes Rea each collected an RBI single in the eighth to seal the victory for MSU. Freshman Will Cox earned his first win in his first collegiate appearance as he threw seven innings giving up one unearned run on three hits and fanned eight batters.

Head coach John Cohen said he was pleased with his team’s performance this weekend, especially from his pitching staff.

“We like our freshmen, and they have really developed,” Cohen said.

“They also have some older guys that really help them get better. We have older guys on our pitching staff who are tremendous leaders and help the young guys get ready to pitch at this level.”

On Saturday, the Bulldogs returned to the diamond and swept a twin bill over Mississippi Valley State and Kansas. MSU began the doubleheader on an offensive surge as they collected 13 runs and 13 hits in a win over Mississippi Valley. The Delta Devils jumped out to an early 3-1 lead through three innings before the Diamond Dogs responded with a rally. Brent Brownlee and Mitch Slauter each collected RBI hits to highlight a five-run fourth inning to give MSU

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its first lead of the game.

Bradford and Rea also ripped two RBI hits each to cap a sevenrun fifth inning to extend the MSU lead to 13-3. Two runs in MVSU’s eighth inning set the 13-5 final.

Freshman Trevor Fitts earned his first win in his first appearance in maroon and white as he threw four innings, giving up two runs on five hits while striking out five in relief.

In the nightcap, the Dogs found themselves in a similar position after trailing 1-0 going into the seventh inning. With two runners on base Frazier began the rally with an RBI single, scoring Taylor Stark to tie the game. Two batters later Bradford reached on an error allowing Matthew Britton to score and give MSU the lead.

The Bulldogs added one more run in the eighth as Daryl Norris drove in Sam Frost on an RBI single to give MSU the 3-1 win.

Cohen said he was pleased with the win and his team’s endurance.

“We’re playing against quality competition, and they know what it’s like to play in an environment like this,” Cohen said. “This is like Southeastern Conference baseball, and that’s what we want. That’s why we scheduled these guys.”

Freshman Jonathan Holder earned his first save of the season as he retired all six batters he faced in the final two innings while striking out two.

The Dogs began the weekend with a thrilling 1-0 victory against the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday night. In a game that saw just eight hits combined, it came down to the final at-bat for the Bulldogs to clinch the win.

Bradford drew a full count walk to open the bottom of the ninth inning before freshman Wes Rea ripped the first pitch in his at-bat to the left -field wall scoring Bradford from first base. Rea’s RBI hit was the first walk-off win for the Dogs this season.

“They thought I was bunting, so I expected a fast ball,” Rea said.

“I just shortened my stroke and made an adjustment. Even though I walked it off, they gave me grief for it not going over the fence.”

Ben Bracewell started on the mound for MSU allowing just two hits in three innings. Out of the bullpen, Chris Stratton earned the win as he threw six innings allowing just one hit and struck out eight batters.

The Dogs seek to carry their momentum into Wednesday as they play Memphis at 4 p.m. at Dudy Noble Field before hosting Lipscomb and Connecticut this weekend.

BETH NEWMAN | UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Dogs fall in home finale

BY KRISTEN SPINK Staff Writer

Sunday afternoon marked the final regular season game and home game for Mississippi State women’s basketball head coach Sharon Fanning-Otis. After 17 years running the program at State, Fanning-Otis will retire at the end of the season. While the Bulldogs fell 76-40 to the No. 10 Kentucky Wildcats, the meaning of the game went beyond just the play on the court for Fanning-Otis.

The loss gave Fanning-Otis a record of 281-231 as a Bulldog, the most wins of any coach in MSU women’s basketball history. After the game she was honored and received roses from her players while watching a video highlighting her career at MSU. An emotional Fanning-Otis could only describe her time here as a blessing.

“I have been blessed to be able to enjoy the process and be around great people like the staff and players,” Fanning-Otis said. “I don’t want to get emotional, but it’s been a blessing.”

It was an emotional game not only for Fanning-Otis but also for the six Bulldog seniors who made their final appearance at the Hump.

Fourth-year Bulldog Danielle Rector and transfer Judith Tabala saw action in their final games, while Ashley Brown, Catina Bett, Diamber Johnson and Porsha Porter all remained in the starting role and played significant minutes as they have done all season.

But on a day that honored the seniors, the Wildcats’ defense did not return the favor. Bulldog seniors were a combined 1-14 in the first half, with the lone made shot coming from Bett on the first possession of the half. Combine this with a Kentucky team that shot 40.3 percent from the field, and it quickly became a long afternoon for the Dogs.

State committed 33 turnovers and shot just 26.4 percent from the field. Leading scorer Johnson did not crack the scoreboard until the second half and finished with only eight points. Johnson, who averages 14.9 points per game, has not reached double digits in her last five games.

Johnson said although she

has been in a slump recently, she knows the kind of player she is and is not trying to press anything too much.

“I’m not forcing anything and still trying to let the game come to me and at the same time get my teammates involved,” Johnson said. “Even if I was hitting, it would be the same way — just trying to feed off them and knock down shots, and, hopefully, it comes back for the SEC Tournament.”

The Dogs hardly get a chance to catch their breath before tournament time hits. MSU will open up the tournament as the 10 seed taking on Vanderbilt, who is seeded seventh.

Kentucky clinched the SEC Championship with Sunday’s win, finishing 14-3 in league play. Junior guard A’dia Mathies is an SEC Player-of-the-Year candidate as she has led her team and been second in the conference with an average of 15.4 points per game.

Although Kentucky’s defense is one of the toughest in the nation, head coach Matthew Mitchell was impressed with the Bulldogs’ guard play. He said that will be the key for them making a run in the Tournament.

“The thing that makes them tough is they have some very explosive guards, and, if you don’t do a great job defending them, they can get on a roll,” Mitchell said.

“You better be ready to defend them because any time you have strong guard play and your guards get hot in the Tournament, I think you have a chance.”

Fanning-Otis said it will be important for her team to take it one game at a time. It takes four wins to come out first in the Tournament, but it cannot happen all at once. Johnson said the team is not ready to go home after the first game.

“We’re not doubting ourselves; we’ve been playing a lot of games and had a lot of energy coming down the stretch, and in these last games, we’ve been struggling,” she said. “But at the same time, we look at what’s going on, and I don’t think there’s any team here that we can’t be in ball games with.

We still feel that we can go in there and shake some things up.”

The Department of Relationship Violence and Outreach Join us in the Burgundy RoomStarkville’s only Henry Meyer Media Center, Mississippi State, MS 662-325-2090 downtown bar that still serves drinks the “Old Fashioned Way”

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“This project was supported by grant No. 2010-WA-AX-0002 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in the publication are those of Relationship Violence & Outreach and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women.”

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