SPARTAN ECHO STAFF SAYS GOODBYE TO "THE KING OF POP" MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON
Swine flu remains a threat to campus community by Lauren Lea
Swine flu, also called the H1N1 virus, first appeared in the news at the time of its first U.S. out-break in April. The media frenzy over the disease may have died down since, but the rate of infection has remained steady. Unfortunately, many people are still unaware of the causes and symptoms of the illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swine flu is spread through person-to-person contact
via coughing and sneezing. The illness can also be contracted through contact with infected pigs; although, people don’t need to worry about eating or preparing pork. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. Symptoms of swine flu are the same as seasonal flu, including: body aches, chills, cough, fatigue, fever, headache, runny nose and sore throat. Diarrhea and vomiting may occur as well. Though the symptoms between the two
types of influenza are the same, the viruses that cause them are different. “The only way to distinguish which flu you have is by taking a blood test,” says Dr. John Anderson, medical director of the Spartan Health Center. “The seasonal flu usually affects older people and babies. As far as swine flu, young people don’t have the antibodies to protect them against it,” said Anderson. Children and adults under the age of 24 are especially susceptible to the H1N1 virus. Older persons are more resilient to this particular strain of influenza because they have been exposed to similar viruses in the past. As of Sept. 3, the CDC documented 593 deaths and 9,079 hospitalized cases in the U.S. In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, and severe or persistent vomiting. Emergency warning signs for children that need urgent medical attention include: fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, fever with a rash, or flu-like
Increase in enrollment causes problems in housing by Latiece Brown Swinefluremainsasathreattocampuscommunity
The student population at Norfolk State University has continued to grow over the past few years. In the spring, Office of Residence Life and Housing received far more applications for oncampus housing than it could fulfill. RLH at NSU was unable to place a large number of students in residence halls this semester. With 6,325 students enrolled this semester, 1,636 were new students, not including graduate students. On-campus housing can only
accommodate 2,400 spaces in the dormitories; therefore, not everyone who applies for housing can be accommodated. This year 1,209 freshmen enrolled, compared to 1,188 in 2008 and 995 students in 2007. The hotel accommodations are used for those students who paid the $300 deposit close, on, or after the application deadline. Because these students paid the deposit, they had to be placed somewhere. Those that didn't pay were placed on a waiting
SPARTAN ECHO
list. Currently there are about 530 names on the waiting list for housing. Various student and faculty accomplishments have garnered the school much attention. Prospective students coming to First View and events such as Homecoming have helped spark growth. “The web is our number one recruiter, that and college fairs,” said Terricita Sass, interim executive Director of Enrollment EMail:
Sen. Creigh Deeds makes appearance during Labor Day Classic by Jevonya Hughes
With the gubernatorial election less than three months away, Sen. Creigh Deeds, the Democratic candidate for governor, took the opportunity to introduce himself to the Norfolk State community. During the annual Labor Day Classic, Deeds shook hands and greeted the public in hopes to inform potential voters about key points of his platform. The stop was the last of several including Old Dominion University's home opener football game and Afr'Am Festival during the Senator’s two day visit to the Hampton Roads Area. During Deed's visit, he addressed his plan on education with much emphasis on higher education and job training. “Students shouldn't be blocked from college because of money,” said Deeds who has implemented a higher education plan, a 'four year plan' that will allow any student who completes four years of high school the opportunity to go to college. Since 2000, state funding per student at Virginia colleges and universities has declined $4,000 per student. Deeds has established several ways in which students will be able to afford college, some of these include
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The Spartan Echo Staff
Jevonya Hughes Editor in Chief
Danielle Coley Managing/Online Editor
Lauren Lea News Editor
Josh Houston Sports Editor
Nicole McGloster Entertainment Editor
Joe Cook Sports Editor
Candace Shoates Multimedia Editor
Andre Tillman Design/Layout Editor
EDITORIAL Expect page turners from The Spartan Echo
by Jevonya Hughes | Editor-In-Chief Another school year means you love to read. Our website is another year of great game footage, updated daily, to ensure you are online reports, investigative getting the latest, most current reporting, entertainment and information. breaking news from around the This year marks some new world. changes for The Spartan Echo. This year, expect the best in news Aside from our new office in the from The Spartan Echo and new student union building, we SpartanEcho.com. plan to become a more interactive Our print edition, which comes newspaper. out once every two weeks will be We are interested in what you filled with news from around our want to read. We want to give you campus and the surrounding more of what YOU really want community along with features, from your student newspaper. editorials, columns, special events The Spartan Echo is the "Voice of and more. the Spartan Community," and we Be sure to take note of some want to continue to be your source design changes and action packed for news on and surrounding the photos that will appear regularly in NSU campus. our print edition. Be on the lookout Have an idea that you want to for more articles that make you share? Do you like writing, taking think, laugh, take action, or simply pictures/video or designing? entertain you. Then join us every Tuesday and You can also check us out on the Thursday from 12:30-1:30 at our web at SpartanEcho.com for new office in the University Center reporter packages, Associated Press room 344, or email us at updates, and the juicy spartanecho@nsu.edu. We would entertainment news that many of love to hear from you!
Michael Jackson leaves us with great music, memories
by Nicole McGloster Entertainment Editor
Michael Joseph Jackson, The King of Music, died June 25 at the age of 50. Not just Michael, but music died that day as well. I will always remember where I was, what I was doing, and what I was wearing- everything. Like many, that day is a moment in history that will forever be etched in our minds. So many people have memories that were created by his songs or have immersed themselves in a craft because of his inspiration. Personally, he was the unbelievably priceless and talented force that fueled my love for music. His talent was unmatched on all levels, and there will never be another artist to even come close to doing what he did. His performing abilities, his vocal abilities, his style... everything he was could never be duplicated. He touched countless lives through his lyrics, melodies, performances, and most
followed him throughout his life. Even still, he remained kind and loving. He was met with much adversity because of his soft-spoken tone, child-like mannerisms, and eccentricities; nonetheless, many were able to see through that and he was revered beyond measure. His music was the soundtrack for the lives of those born in the 60's and 70's. And for the 80's babies like me, we listened to our parents, did our research, learned the lyrics, grooved to his melodies and grew to love the man in the mirror.
importantly, his humanitarianism. I pray that one day I will be just half as influential as he was to the entire world. He was able to break barriers that most blacks never believed could be broken, especially by a black man. All people, all cultures, and all ethnicities-- everyone adored this smooth criminal. He truly dedicated his life to us-- the world, the same world that turned its back on him when he was at his lowest. In 1993 and 2005, Michael was faced with child molestation charges that stained his reputation and
There's nothing left to say, but thank you. Music will never quite be the same.
FLU continued from FRONT
symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough. Fortunately, the vast majority of swine flu cases have been mild, with infected persons. The staff at the Spartan Health Center report that the onset of symptoms can take up to three days after contact with an infected person has been made. Most cases will be so mild that a doctor’s care will not be needed. Although, faculty, staff and students are advised to stay at home, or in their room, if they develop flulike symptoms until 24 hours after they are fever free. According to WebMD, chances of contracting swine flu can be reduced by covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your arm -- not your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Also, stay at least six feet away from people with flu-like illness. HOUSING continued from FRONT
Management. With the increase in the amount of students wanting to attend NSU, the school has to find a way to comply. Currently, there are 160 upperclassmen staying in a hotel, with two students per room. Because of the large number of applicants, NSU was not able to give everyone who applied for housing a room. The University did make it a point to get all the freshmen out of the hotels. “Staying in the hotel kept me away from my friends and other facilities on campus and taking the shuttle made me late for classes,” said Jamar Jones, sophomore business finance major. “The hotel makes the commute to class difficult, but besides that the hotel isn’t that big of an inconvenience,” said Barbara Okeke, sophomore bioneurology/pre-med major Some schools just serve students on a first come, first serve basis. If a student applied after the deadline or the spaces were full, the student would have to go elsewhere. Phyllis Wheatley residents complained that they were told they were getting a triple suite when, in fact, they received a triple room, giving the inhabitants limited amount of space, in a room originally made for two. The big question now is will the university take building a new dormitory into consideration? In the upcoming semester, meetings will be held regarding a budget for a new
NEWS 3 The CDC recommends that all students get Flies cause problem in student dining halls vaccinated for the seasonal flu. The Spartan Health Center is administering this vaccine for students, faculty and staff at the cost of $22. This vaccine is not effective against swine flu. The CDC has deemed pregnant women, children and persons under 24 top priorities for the H1N1 vaccine which is scheduled for release in October. Governor of Virginia, Timothy Kaine, will supply the vaccines to Norfolk State. “The H1N1 vaccine will be free and there will be enough for all interested students,” said Anderson. If a significant outbreak occurs on campus, the president and/or provost will make any decisions regarding the cancellation of classes. Any decision to cancel classes or activities will be announced to faculty, students and staff through the Spartan Edaily, email, NSUalert.com and the university’s emergency alert system.
by Latiece Brown | Echo Correspondent
Something is buzzing in NSU's West Dining Hall and its driving students crazy. Charles Berry, senior music education major, stated that he no longer eats at West Dining Hall and hasn't eaten there since fall 2008 because of the fly problem. Sharron Williams, food service director of Thompson Hospitality, was not aware of the current fly problem at West Dining Hall but had received complaints of fly problems over the two year span that she has been food service director. "I feel I shouldn't have to eat food that could potentially make me sick. I'm an outof-state student and I have to share my food with flies," said Berry. The fly problem was blamed on the constant opening and closing of the doors during the meal periods of the day. Williams also said that the fly problem is usually seasonal and does not last into the colder months of the year. dormitory. Housing also plans on putting One fly can carry over 33 million together a discussion group for students to disease-causing microorganisms according let housing know exactly what they want to The National Association of College and to see and any ideas for improvement. University Food Services. “Get started early on paying the housing For every fly seen, there are an fee; folks who miss the deadline are not estimated 19 more hidden from view. This guaranteed housing,” said Faith Fitzgerald, means humans don't even see 95 percent of director of Residence Life and Housing. flies present at an infestation. “There is only so much the school can A fly can infect food by merely landing do for students, some people just have to on it and are carriers of Staph, E.Coli and learn how to be responsible and get on their job as soon as possible. If students need help, they should not be afraid to ask for assistance.” DEEDS continued from FRONT
Guarantee Loans for Virginia community colleges, increases in need-based tuition assistance by at least $40 million and a “Virginia Promise Find,” a 'rainy day' tuition fund that can be tapped into to help curve tuition increases during tough economic times. Not only does Deeds want to make higher education available to every Virginian, but he also plans to create 70,000 additional degrees within the next 10 years, with hopes of bringing more jobs to Virginia. “The education at Norfolk State is second to none,” said Steve Shannon, democratic candidate for Attorney General, who is running on the same ticket as Deeds. “We want to put money into NSU to attract the type of students we want to lead Virginia,” said Shannon.
Salmonella. Flies feed and reproduce on filth, decaying matter, and water. They can also enter a building that has openings not mu ch larger than the tip of a pen and one successful hatch can result in well over two million flies. E. coli causes an estimated 73,000 illnesses and 61 deaths each year, and Salmonella causes approximately 1.5 million illnesses and 600 deaths each year, according to the Center for Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention. Williams, who claimed she was unaware of a problem indicated that the only solution currently and in the past has been to call pest control. They place bait around the building and to also limit the constant opening and closing of the doors. Tania Weaver, a senior accountant major feels that students should receive a refund for their money. "This has been an on-going problem for the past two years and it's time for a permanent solution rather than a temporary fix,” said Ashley Maclin, junior music media major. Williams promised to call pest control to put students’ minds at ease.
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ENTERTAINMENT
A SUMMER'S RECAP BY TRACIE PAIGE
F.A.S.H.I.O.N List 1701 One word. Seven letters.
Hey there self-proclaimed Fashionistas and Style Junkies! We’re on the prowl for all models and the fashion mishaps this fall. Don’t fall short, or you might find your fashion mishaps making our fashion d-list! XoXo your fashionistas, Red Bottom Bandits.
BY MICHEAL JEFFRIES & JULIA JESSE
Maxwell flew back into lives with the release of “Pretty Wings” from his new album "BLACKsummer'sNight." The R&B crooner returned to the music world proving not only that he still had it, but he’s better than ever. I give Maxwell’s return our highest rating of five echoes.
Beyonce gave us great music Beyonce, as usual, released the songs that got major air time all summer, but weren’t her music videos a bit repetitive? It seemed that every time “Bey” premiered a new video it was her and two girls dancing in a vacant room. She gets five echoes for music and one echo for creativity.
New Boys jerked their way to the top...for now The New Boys had every one jerking this summer, but is it me or haven’t we seen this before? A new group promoting their new dance to the world and we never hear from them again. I’m not claiming their failure, but this looks all too familiar. I’ll give New Boys two echoes for making us dance.
Bruno left audiences all across America with their jaws dropped. Instead of people being astonished by a great performance, they were left shocked that many of the scenes made it to the big screen. Much to be expected after the movie’s star, Sacha Baron Cohen's, encounter with rapper Eminem at this summer’s MTV awards; where Cohen’s crouch landed in the rapper’s face after a dramatic intro. Even though some didn’t enjoy the film, Bruno still brought home a pretty penny, taking in $60 million. I’ll give Bruno three echoes for just making it into theaters.
Model: Mariah Frazier Style Inspiration: She looks to upcoming designers like Kesh a citizen of Du Monre and shops her local thrift store for unique styes to incorporate to her wardrobe. Fashion Mishap: [Women] not blending their eyeshadow colors. Style Tip: “Spray your metallic jewelery with clear enamel spray. It will help the jewelry not turn as fast.”
G.I Joe was half way there G.I Joe was one of this summer’s heavily anticipated films. Too bad the movie couldn’t live up to hype. Many arrived excited to see the show, but left feeling cheated of a great performance. The major issue with the film was the sub par acting delivered from several cast members. The action was there, the dialogue was there; all the film needed were actors to deliver a proper performance. We give G.I. Joe two echoes for fooling us all.
The Premiere of HawthoRNe Jada Pinkett Smith gave a convincing performance in the new TNT series “HawthoRNe”. Smith played a Chief Nursing Officer at a Richmond hospital balancing her personal life along with the responsibilities of leading a nursing staff. The show received such a good response, it was picked up for a second season to premiere in 2010. HawthoRNe gets four echoes
We all learned who wendy is A loud mouth radio show host made her way to day time television. The Wendy Williams Show, while a bit unorthodox, kept the attention of many viewers through out the summer. Many said the show wasn’t good but returned each day to see what Wendy was talking about. The Wendy Williams Show gets three echoes for keeping her viewers watching
Transformers 2 Revenge of the Fallen, as anticipated, did major damage at the box office, earning nearly $400 million in the U.S alone. Although the show ran a little long, it was worth the time to watch. Revenge of the Fallen gets five echoes for keeping us on the edge of seats.
Celebrities are always inspiring new trends in the fashion world. Veteran fashionista, Rihanna, cut her long locks in 2008 (some was weave but you get the point), sending woman running to their stylist for this edgy crop top look. Senior, Quesandra James says, “ I was actually inspired by Brook from the reality show Harlem Heights. I loved her short cut, but Rihanna does set the tone for my sense of style.”
STUDENT LIFE
The future of Midrise comes sooner than expected
BY SHERREL LEWIS | Echo Correspondant
Norfolk State University is trying to improve campus life and control retention rates by changing its appearance campus-wide. There are massive modifications being done to the first floor of Mid Rise, which takes on the new name of Mid Rise Honors College. Mid Rise was chosen because it has the best features for the changes that the Honors College wants to implement in a new residential honors housing facility. “It is one of the nicer traditional dorms,” said Kendall Pete, hall coordinator of Mid Rise. “It seems that this hall is perfect for the kind of resources that will be located in the dormitory.” Some of the added changes include various study rooms, a small conference room, kitchenette area, live-in staff quarters for a faculty member, and an all new multi-purpose room, for student organization meetings. There will also be an Honors College Perpetual Film Festival, special lectures and an Honors Café where Honors College commuter students can relax between classes. Midrise will also have a fully equipped computer lab which will be surrounded completely by glass. The funds for these changes were provided through Title III funding, a federal government grant. Though the changes are making for an updated residential hall, there is some discourse among fellow students who are not able to stay in Mid Rise.
Some students feel that there are not enough people in the Honors College to stay within the dorm. This raises the question of whether the
Page Laws, director for the Honors College, believes that the modifications will enhance the image of NSU and place value and emphasis on academics and
space being used for the Honors College is being used effectively, but Pete said that the dormitory is filled to capacity. There are 195 students enrolled in the Honors College, including 76 entering freshmen. There are also DNIMAS students who make up 131 of the remaining students in the Honors College, making it a total of 326 students occupying Mid Rise. As a whole, students and faculty alike see the positives of making such a drastic change to the dorm. “The technology will be better for new students, said sophomore biology major Mailene King.
pro-intellectualism. “The changes will increase awareness about the Honors College and the new amenities to the dorm will work as a type of student motivator, said Pete. “Honors students deserve certain privileges and maybe other students will work harder to be a part of the Honors College once they can see the special benefits.” said Alecia Weaver, senior psychology major. The hopes are that with better incentives, more students will be willing to take an honors course and become a member of the Honors Program.
I'VE JUST GOT
21 QUESTIONS
DISCLAIMER: THESE QUESTIONS DO NOT REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE SPARTAN ECHO!
-Which pest control agency do you think Sharon Williams will actually call? -These 2013s are fresh..you know what I mean? And we are not talking about clothes.. -Is AKA an application requirement to work in Housing? -Do you think MJ is more revered more now than before? -Is Twitter the new text message? -Does security get paid for naps? -When did Just For Me stockings become leggings? -What's up with The Sterile Crew and the tight jeans? -Does NSU not know basic math? 6,325 students + 2,400 spaces in dorms = not enough room! -Admit it! Didn't you attempt the jerk? -Who even remembers the UPS workers' party at the “secret location”? -Who putting condoms on the doorknob in Towers this year? -Weren't you waiting for the “elephants” to “pick it up” at the Freshman Hop-Off and Pep Rally? -Really..how impressive can a second first impression be? -Are the “poodles” the new “pearls”? -What's up with this guys and purse phenomenon? -Is Phi Mu Alpha gong to give some competition to Omega Psi Phi at this year's step show? -When are the Kappa's coming back? -Is QUE GROUPIE a major at NSU and it happened to be missed on the curricula? -Is Bowswer a storage place for phonebooks? -Why do girls wear ponytails with NO length? I know your neck is cold! -By the way...do you like the new Student Center?
Loss of Cladwell Riddick saddens NSU students and faculty A beloved administrator. An avid Spartan. A helpful friend. These are just some of many kind words that pay homage to Cladwell Riddick, the late audio/visual technician who passed away in his home on Sept. 4 Riddick, who hails from Virginia Beach, VA, was an admired and well liked member of the NSU faculty, whose legacy here spans over 30 years. Wanda Brockington, Associate Professor and chair for the Mass Communications and Journalism Department, counts among the many who were saddened. “Mr. Riddick was a kind and generous man whose loss will be deeply felt for some time to come,” Brockington said.
It’s no surprise that Riddick was considered a very likeable individual. The naturally jovial administrator made longstanding impressions on his colleagues and his peers as well. As an undergraduate at NSU, Riddick played baseball and became very close friends with Marty Miller, Athletic Director and
former baseball coach. The two, who first linked up as Spartan baseball teammates from 1966 until1968, shared a deep love of the game which bridged a friendship between the two. “He was a very good baseball player who enjoyed the game of baseball. He was likeable and an excellent teammate,” Miller said. After college, Riddick even did a brief stint with the Norfolk City Leagues, playing baseball during a time where recognition in sports was very daunting for African Americans. “I would go and watch him in city ball games with my family,” Professor Stanley Tickton said. Even some of NSU’s students are baffled
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and upset at the loss. Courtney Smith, a senior Optical engineering major and Akeem Caffee, a junior Mass Communications were few of many whose hearts broke behind the loss. “Even on the gloomiest days, he was cheerful and always seemed to be on an important mission. He will be a face that I will miss,” Smith said. “The first time I met him, he spoke to me and I didn’t even know who he was. He was a very nice guy,” Caffee said. Riddick made a lasting impact on NSU. “We will miss him. I think that he added a little sunshine to everyone’s life at NSU each day. He was a great teammate, a great colleague and a great friend,” Miller said.
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ENTERTAINMENT
NSU Players sets the stage for a brand new season by Oyebola Ande |Echo Correspondent After ending last season with The Wiz, the NSU Players decided to kick-off their 2009-2010 season with a thought provoking and controversial piece. Criticized for refusing to step out of his comfort zone, Clarence Murray, Director ofTheatre, answers his detractors with a contemporary classic, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”
“I chose the play because of the emergence of the African-American culture as well as other minority cultures into the mainstream, indicative within the play,” said Murray. Ashley Johnson, a member of the NSU Players, expresses his feelings about bringing the play to life. “I feel it is different, creative and bold because it is an all white show and we are doing it with an all black cast.” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” was written by Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright Tennessee Williams. The show has been performed numerous
Brick’s family-Big Mama, Big Daddy, Mae and Gooper, in relation to themes such as love and sex, trust and betrayal, greed and death. A literary piece of such magnitude requires the best talent to not only bring the characters to life, but to tell the compelling story. According to Murray, the cast involves the best thespians from the NSU Players. English professor, Dottie Perry is a great theatre enthusiast and supporter of the NSU Players. “I am looking forward with great anticipation to the upcoming production of times on and off-Broadway since it the award-winning play, Cat on a Hot Tin premiered in 1955. However, it was not until the Hollywood Roof.” She also adds how unprecedented the past performances of the theatre adaptation of the play in 1958, starring Elizabeth Taylor and the late Paul Newman department have been and is very optimistic about their interpretation of that the play gained worldwide notoriety. William’s work. The play tells the story of a southern Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is presented at family in crisis, focusing on the turbulent Wilder Center for Performing Arts on Sept. relationship of a wife (Maggie) and her husband (Brick) and their interaction with 29-30, and Oct. 1-4.
SPARTAN ECHO?
STUDENT LIFE
NEW UNIVERSITY CENTER OPENS WITH EVEN GREATER EXPECTATIONS
BY JOSHUA HOUSTON |STUDENT LIFE EDITOR
Expectations were high as the University Center had a “soft” opening on Monday, Sept. 14. While the facility was not running to its full capacity, students, faculty, and staff were able to provide themselves with a walk through of the building. The University Center is home to the Office of Student Activities and Leadership, Student Government Association, Board of Visitors, Barnes and Noble Bookstore and eateries such as Chick-Fil-A and Pizza Hut. It is also equipped with offices for student publications, such as Spartan Reflections, and The Spartan Echo. The University Center has a two level fitness center, several meeting rooms, student lounges and a game room. The meeting rooms and student lounges
are in various locations in the building. Board of Visitors, along with Student Government Association, and Office of Student Activities and Leadership will have a suite on the third floor of the student center. The Board of Visitors will have a suite that includes a board room, kitchenette area and several meeting areas. Students 'responses seemed positive about the new building. “I love it! It's beautiful and much needed!” stated junior mass communications major Braxton Beaty. The sentiment seemed to be shared amongst students who entered the building for the first time. “I like it! The food could be more organized, but you can tell it is going to be used quite frequently,” spoke freshman nursing major Marquetta White. "The New Student Center will allow our students to engage in diverse programs, cultural events, and gathehr to build life long relationships and experiences. It is the heart of the unversity for our students" says Terrayle Venable, Director of Student Activities
New policies require students to shape up or move out
NATHICHKA RAMZEY | ECHO CORRESSPONDENT
With the start of the 2009-2010 school year, a great deal of changes have taken place on the campus of Norfolk State University. Some say it’s for the better, but others feel the complete opposite. One of the biggest modifications that have been put in place is regarding visitation regulations for freshmen. Due to past behavior problems, which include multiple pulling of the fire alarms and academic standings of previous freshman classes, visitation rights have been revoked until spring semester. “It’s not right that we get our visitation taken away because the previous freshman class did not know how to prioritize their time,” said Terrell Lee, freshman music media major and current resident of Babbette Smith South. As far as campus housing, a new policy has been put into effect. All students who wish to reside on campus must have an accumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Students who do not meet the 2.0 GPA requirements are entitled to an exemption.
In order to be considered for exemption, a completed Application for Exemption must be turned into the Office of Residence Life and Housing. Once the application is reviewed the student will be contacted via email notifying them of the decision. Not only are the new policies affecting students who reside in the residence halls but also students who reside in the Spartan Suites. All guests are to be signed in/out at the front desk and leave a valid ID. Although many ignore this policy any student who is caught will be fined $250. Due to the rising number of uninsured residents causing damage to the Spartan Suites, all students are now required to show proof of Renters Insurance prior to signing their lease. Renters Insurance is mandatory and no waivers will be allowed. The coverage should include no less than $50,000 for personal liability and at least $1,000 in medical coverage. This policy is to keep overall building maintenance cost down.
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WHEN THE CAFE GOES GREEN THE TRAYS DISAPPEAR
BY JALIZA BRAXTON | ECHO CORRESPONDENT
Where are the green trays? This is one question that has swirled across the cafeteria for the first few weeks of the semester. In case you missed it, Norfolk State University announced that its cafeterias would be jumping on the bandwagon and “going green.” Teresa Jones, manager for Scott Dozier Dining Hall, says that NSU and Thompson Hospitality Contract Food Services teamed up last year to give the tray-less system a try. “We started at West [Dining Hall] for a test round last year, this year we went full force with Thompson Hospitality,” said Jones. This means that instead of students carrying there plate, drinks and utensils on a tray, they will now carry everything in their hands. All of the dining facilities around campus have unanimously adopted the tray-less system. These facilities include Scott Dozier Dining Hall, West Dining Hall and the faculty dining hall attached to Scott Dozier Dining Hall. According to the university’s website, going tray-less is completely beneficial to the environment stating that the absence of trays will “save water and electricity” and “reduce wasted food.”
James Gorham, a junior marketing major, has mixed feelings on the new tray less system. “I feel that the decision was inconvenient because students have to make more trips back and forth to get more food, but I also believe that it benefits the cafe’ workers who do the dishes because it makes their job easier.” Many students do not agree with the new system and admit that it was inconvenient but the dining staff see it being beneficial to the entire program. Wanda Turner, faculty member of the Scott Dozier Dining Hall, fully supports being tray-less. “It’s faster, takes less time to clean and makes some students be more responsible (for their mess) because I know they don’t live like that at home, said Turner. NSU is not the only university that has adopted the tray-less system. According to Concordia College’s website, New York University, the University of Minnesota, and Virginia Tech are just a handful of universities that have gone tray-less and in one case saw a 40 percent reduction of waste. Although most students saw the trays as a convenience, Scott Dozier Dining Hall manager Teresa Jones said that the principle purpose of going tray-less is to save the Earth and that’s the bottom line.
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR SGA PRESIDENT, SHAYLA SHAFFER
It is an honor to serve as your Student Government Association President for the 2009-2010 academic school year. This year, the SGA has many student leaders with common goals for the entire student body. This SGA plans on continuing the good, improving the bad, and engineering the unthinkable. We want more student involvement, including undergraduates and graduates, more faculty and staff involvement, alumni involvement, community service projects, school spirit, and lastly starting traditions here on campus at Norfolk State University. We are inviting all students to become
involved with the Student Government Association because there is an organization or committee out there for you! Now we have invited you and it's your choice to accept the invitation. Hope to see you soon!
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SPORTS
DENNIS BROWN:
A SECOND IMPRESSION
BY JOE COOK
Jay-Z, one of the most celebrated and hip hop icons of all time has an intro at the beginning one of of his popular songs that says “allow me to reintroduce myself my name is….”. Like Jay-Z Norfolk State University quarterback Dennis Brown wants to reintroduce himself to Norfolk State and the MEAC, using his senior season as his platform. After a season of adjusting to a new school, a location change and being thrust into a starting role of a revitalized football program, Brown admits that transferring from Connecticut to play quarterback was difficult. “That was my first time really going through a full season in college. It was my first year in the system, it was kind of crazy. There were a lot of things I had to get used to,” said Brown. His first season was a bit of a mixed bag. He was a running threat. Brown was fourth in the MEAC in total offense at the end of the 2008 season. He ran for 466 yards in 2008 which is one of the highest totals ever for a NSU quarterback. In one game against Florida A&M, he ran for 131 yards. That was the most for an NSU quarterback in a single game. His passing stats weren't as eye popping. Brown’s 12 interceptions were fourth in the MEAC. He only had nine touchdown passes and a mere 50 percent completion. Passing is something Brown knew he had to improve in during the off-season. He practiced it daily and watched hours of film to get better as a quarterback. “I try to do as much as I can but, at the same time, work smart. I’m out here everyday throwing the rock to my receivers and just trying to get used to the boys and what not. I love hard work. Hard work pays off,” Brown said. His receiving stats have changed significantly from a year ago. Big target Jamar Johnson and the speedy Dario Walker graduated. However, Brown has some very athletic group of wideouts that include Jeremy Wicker, P.J. Hayden and Chris Bell from Penn State. “He is actually the reason why I came
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here,” said Bell. “ I have a lot of confidence in Dennis. He is a great quarterback, strong arm, scrambling ability, all of that. He is a great leader,” said Bell. A trait of a great leader is the ability to adapt to change, a characteristic Brown is familiar with. A version of the spread was implemented in the middle of the 2008 season after a slow start to the season. Brown again had to get used to another ripple in the offense, however; after some success late in the season, it was clear that the spread would be used in 2009. The spread offense that the coaching staff has unveiled this season allows the quarterback to exploit running lanes and gives him multiple options in the passing game. This offense has made Brown more comfortable. “When I’m in there, I don’t have to worry. My five guys up front make me feel comfortable. Then I got other guys out at wide-receiver so I don’t have to worry about much,” Brown said. The comfort Brown enjoys on the field parallels with the comfort he has found off the field. As a native of Miami, Fl, Brown has grown fond of the close-knit 757 community. He likes the quick accessibility of the beach and the countryside. It has all helped Brown grow as a person. “I grew intellectually, spiritually, physically and everything. Just by meeting a lot of different faces and learning about people, about life,” Brown said. “I learned how to love a little bit more around here because a lot of different people take you in and show you around. I really just learned how to love, be peaceful and just live life, said Brown. With his new offensive strategies, weapons on offense, year of experience, and maturation as a young man, Dennis Brown is hoping that his second first impression will be a memorable one for Spartan fans.
NSU VOLLEYBALL:
BY JOE COOK There were a lot of lessons learned and tumultuous obstacles that had to be overcome from last season for Spartan volleyball. The team won only 10 games last year out 23 and one of their teammates was dismissed after criminal charges were brought against her. After all of that, the team has reloaded. They have a mix of youth, experience, a determined coach and a new focus. The Spartans went through some rough times competitively in 2008. Getting the new recruits acclimated to the team and finding that chemistry was a task of enduring The volleyball team had two wins in the first two months of the season. Pretty rough. But like all Spartans, at some point the resiliency trait activates. The team regrouped and went 7-3 in the last ten games of year. Those wins included a four game win streak; three of those wins were on the road and within two days of each other.shock of a Just as the Spartans had something to build on during the off season, the team was blindsided. Starting libero, freshman Jourdan Ellison, was arrested and charged with involvement in a robbery ring. The news hit harder than an adrenaline fueled spike in a final set. “She was one of my better friends on the team, so I was like, 'whoa', you had no idea that that was going on…right underneath you, like you had no idea,” sophomore outside hitter Breanna Allums said. “She was this person doing that and a whole different person when she was with me, so it was a real shock.” “She was able to keep her whole personal life off the court. So me and my staff had no clue this was going on, I mean none,” head coach Jennifer Fry said. “And then I get a phone call at 3 a.m. saying she is in jail and I’m like... What?” Despite the turmoil, relationships became solid. “After that happened, everyone became closer. We we’re all there for each other,” senior Solange Honore said. “We have to watch what we do, where we go with who and stuff like that.” Coach Fry implemented a leadership system that makes the players accountable for each other. The team doesn’t want another Ellison episode to occur in the program and the ladies have already taken the steps to do that. The team has their own team meetings even before meeting with the coaching staff. Most of the time when the coaches want to touch on certain topics, the team has already discussed the item. The
Bethune-Cookman (Fish Bowl Classic) Norfolk, Va. South Carolina State (Youth Day) Norfolk, Va. Hampton (State Farm Battle of the Bay) Norfolk, Va. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla. Howard (Homecoming) Norfolk, Va. Morgan State Baltimore, Md. Delaware State Dover, Del. Winston-Salem State (Military Appreciation Day) Norfolk, Va.
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SPARTANS SPIKE BACK
players even discipline each other when necessary. New recruits, like freshman Ellica Morris (Bedford, Tx.), have benefited from the team’s communication and closeness. “They’re introducing me to new people so I’m not the loner of the team. I have a lot of friends now. I’m really happy because I probably wouldn’t have made it through anything without my teammates,” said Morris. This “in-touch” Spartan team has had some early success compared to last year. The Spartans were at .500 after beating rival Hampton on Sept. 2. Another win came against Texas Southern in a tournament at UTEP. The Spartans didn’t win any tournament games last season. The Team only has three seniors, five freshmen, and a new transfer on the team’s 13 player roster. Senior Angie Clewis led the Spartans in blocks and sophomore team captain Nicole Kessner led in the assist category. They will have help from sophomore Elayne Greer who has excellent length and athleticism at the middle back position. Senior Aurelia Isham (Lancaster, Tx.) has a knack for scoring in the crunch time of sets for the Spartans. Newcomers Charlotte Armstead (Williamsburg, N.C.), Kristen Burt (Ashburn, Va.), and Tracey Copley (Virginia Beach Va.) have shown promise early on. Along with the leadership core Coach Fry is trying some new things on the court. A quicker offense is being implemented as well as a different form of blocking. No one on the team will give a projection on how many wins the team will get this year. However, they do want to be known for what is NSU volleyball. “Norfolk State Volleyball is consistency, ball control, and just having a lot of fun,” said Fry.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE LADY SPARTANS GAME AGAINST NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL ON OCT. 3 AT 3PM!