60.5 Spartan Echo by Spartan Echo

Spartan Echo The Voice of the Spartan Community

Vol. 60, I ssue 5

SpartanEcho.org | 700 Park Avenue. Norfolk, Va. 23504

HRT survey says riders want Tide

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Stories Inside

extended

STUDENT LIFE • NSU students share tips and ideas on fashion as the season changes. See what they had to say. See page 3.

OPINION • Is the Student Accounts office not satisfying students? See page 6. • Ever notice the green and gold notices that display each department’s friendliness rating in the student services building? See page 7.

11.7.12

By Ashley Clarke

Photo Credit: This vacant building has been talked about being constructed on for some time and now it coming about. Photo Credit: Brittany Elmore | S partan Echo

Construction at NSU:

A strong majority of Hampton Roads residents favor extending the Hampton Roads transit (HRT) light rail, the Tide, to Virginia Beach. HRT conducted a customer survey which found that 30 percent of all riders board at Newtown Road, and 61 percent of the ■ See Tide Extended p. 2

Congressman big changes and big price tags Scott Rigell discusses debt, President Obama, and job seeking By Gregory Perry

Located directly beside the Norfolk State University police station is an old hospital building. The building has not been fully used for over a decade. Both NSU students and neighborhood residents are wondering what the university plans to do with the building. “Our program is one of the largest at NSU. We deserve a new building. We’re in Brown, which is falling apart. We’d become better nurses with a better building,” said sophomore

nursing major Jasmine Jordan. Nursing students are hopeful that a new building means better equipment as well. “We go to the CINE lab and it’s tight in there. There’s like 50 people in the room at once,” said junior nursing major Corasha Dent. “Compared to TCC, the simulated mannequins are outdated. I’m excited about this new building.” In Oct. 2012, Facilities Management began a demolition

process to bring the building down. Plans for constructing a campus parking lot are scheduled to begin as soon as the area is fully clear. The new parking lot will not serve as extra parking for the university. Instead, it will be a relocation lot for Lot 5, which is located between the New Student Center and the Lyman Beecher Brooks Library. The new replacement lot then will be partially removed as the

■ See Construction p. 2

By ashley clarke Republican Virginia Congressman, Scott Rigell of the second Congressional district, visited Norfolk State to speak on his concerns for our state and to answer the questions of NSU students. He greeted NSU students with generous smiles and handshakes before ■ See Regell at NSU p. 2

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan News

Construction ■ Continued from front page

Rigell at NSU ■ introducing himself to his audience. “I’m in my first term, and I’ve learned a lot,” said Rigell. “It’s been quite the journey for my family and me.” Rigell described himself as being one of the least partisan Republican members of the House of Representatives. According to Rigell, he is number 300 out of 435 in the level of partisanship in the House of Representatives. He said that his priority is the American people, not a Republican agenda. “This is a very challenging time in our country,” said Rigell. “It’s not about a particular outcome to a particular election; it’s far deeper than that. It’s about who we are as American people.” Rigell prides himself in saying the same thing, without bias, to every group of people he addresses. Rigell also said that he believes in respecting the Presidential office, regardless of

university begins construction on a housing project to extend the Spartan Suites into the area where the old hospital is located. The university feels that the number of students attending Norfolk State will continue to grow, eventually requiring more space for housing. A portion of that lot will remain after the extension of the Spartan Suites and it will serve as extra parking. Lot 5, between the New Student Center and the library, will be used to build the new nursing facility. Facilities Management plans to begin construction on the new nursing building in March 2013. Once the building is complete, the university plans to reconstruct Brown Memorial Hall. Some of the demolition

process on Brown Hall has already begun, but construction workers are limited to what can be completed because classes are still in session. Facilities Management estimates that the cost of the new nursing building and Brown Hall together will be about $50 million. The estimated cost to extend upperclassman housing into the old hospital’s original location is around $57 million. The addition of the nursing building and a revamped Brown Hall signify the end of a master plan for a diamondshaped quad consisting of the library and the student center at opposite ends and the new nursing building and a new Brown Hall across from each other.

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Tide Extended

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riders who board at Newtown Road are Virginia Beach residents. Of all the Tide riders surveyed, a solid 60 percent responded that the most needed improvement to the Tide is an extension of the light rail to Virginia Beach. A similar study, “Life in Hampton Roads,” conducted by the ODU Social Science Research Center found that 80 percent of responders are supportive of extending the light rail. When given a choice, responders listed the Oceanfront, Virginia Beach Town Center and Norfolk Naval Base as top choice extension destinations.

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Continued from front page

what party is in occupancy. Although Rigell does not agree with the President on some of his policies, he said that he does not disrespect President Obama. “I always say ‘President,’” said Rigell. “I never use the term ‘Obamacare.’ It unnecessarily personalizes the act.” Rigell noted the extreme isolation of the two parties in Washington D.C., saying that it was hard to get to know even four or five members of his own party, let alone the other party. It is for this reason, according to Rigell, that our country is in such distress. “Where we’re headed is not good as a country,” said Rigell. Rigell explained that a lot of the problem has to do with the past spending habits of the U.S. “It’s not fair for one generation to consume and pass it on to the next generation as debt,” he said. Rigell believes that to get the country back on the right track, the U.S. must “responsibly

lower expenses and gradually increase revenue.” “Federal spending has to come down in a wise way,” said Rigell, “or it’s going to go broke in about eleven years.” In answering a student’s question about finding jobs in a tough economy, Rigell suggested that students “expand your personal network” and “be deliberate in getting out into the community.” “I’m an introvert on the Myers-Briggs test,” said Rigell. The Myers-Briggs test is a personality test that was developed during World War II by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers. Rigell explained that his results do not keep him from being outgoing when necessary, such as when he visits college campuses. “Just ask [potential employers] for fifteen minutes, be prepared and have a list of questions,” said Rigell. “Get to know a lot of folks. It’s fun.”

■ Continued from front page

Exact costs for extending the light rail are currently unknown, but Hampton roads citizens remain concerned about the inevitable costs. Virginia Beach public safety officials, including police officers and firefighters, protested the proposed light rail extension, according to the The VirginianPilot. They feared that light rail extension costs will cut into Virginia Beach’s public safety budget. The light rail’s contemporary appeal attracts more riders under the age of 30 who have the option of driving. Over 80 percent of workers in Hampton Roads commute to work alone,

according to goHRT.com. This adds to the number of vehicles on the highways and promotes morning and evening road congestion. More light rail riders means less cars on the roads and less congestion on major highways and tunnels. The “Life in Hampton Roads” survey indicated that the public suggests that the city of Virginia Beach pay for the costs of light rail extension. Increasing taxes was the answer of over 22 percent, and borrowing money and increasing the fuel tax were slightly less popular ideas.

The Tide service began on August 19,2011 and a little over a year later, riders are wanting an expansion. It starts at Fort Norfolk/ Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMC) and ends on Newtown Road. This length of 7.4 miles doesn’t seems to be enough for the 60 percent of riders that believed the most needed improvement was an extention. Photo Credit: DeVanique Riley | Spartan Echo

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

11.7.12

Spartan Student Life

NSU students share fashion tips Article and photos by Rae Corbo Great fashion can always be spotted when walking around NSU’s campus. From unique, decorated platform shoes to patterned, yet subtle flannel tops coupled with feminine circle skirts, the student body has definitely got an eye for fashion.

Krissy Parker models print pants with a white blouse and accessorizes with a satchel bag from a thrift store.

As the temperature begins to change, many of the most popular winter fashion trends spotted during New York’s Fashion Week are beginning to surface at NSU. Bold fabrics, the comeback of the strong pantsuit and funky footwear make it easy for any young lady or mature woman to be totally fashion forward this winter. One downside to these high fashion styles is that

Tyisha Bridges shows off two of the hottest trends. On the bottom left, she displays geo-patterned black and white top. On the right, her short shorts are splashed with tons of sparkle and sequin. She adds some more fun with the blazer. Tyisha bridges steps out on cool, sunny days with her floral sundress and timeless denim jacket.

not everyone can afford the expensive designs of Marc Jacobs, Sam Edelman and the many other designers whose creations were featured at New York’s Fashion Week. Junior psychology major Rachel Gordon said, “As the weather gets cooler, I love wearing my combat boots with a nice cardigan. I usually find cheap, quality items from Urban Outfitters and Pacsun.” Junior mass communications major Kristian Parker said thrifting is the key to adding distinctive characteristics to clothing while maintaining the vintage look. Thrifting is shopping at thrift stores for slightly used garments. “I love to go thrifting when-

ever I need to find a piece that will definitely turn heads and allow me to remain the center of attention,” said Parker. Some great grabs for the winter such as thick, cable-knit sweaters and faux, red leather pants can be found at thrift stores. “Winter fashions are my favorite fashions of the year because they allow me to express myself in an array of colors and fabrics,” said senior mass communications major Tyisha Bridges. NSU students can visit the Salvation Army Thrift Store or the CHKD Thrift Store, both on Virginia Beach Boulevard, for trendy, inexpensive fashion finds.

Tyisha bridges steps out on cool, sunny days with her floral sundress and timeless denim jacket (left). NSU Student Rachel Gordon shows off her brown combat boots that can be accessorized with many pieces, including denim pants(right).

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

Spartan Sports

BEYOND THE BALL WITH

AJ ROGERS

AJ Rogers, a Spartan Echo correspondent and a forward on the NSU men’s basketball team, details NSU athletes’ lives once the clock stops.

One of the newest members to the men’s basketball team is a seven-foot-one-inch powerhouse from Švencioneliai, Lithuania. Paulius Vinogradovas, also known as Paul, came to NSU with hopes of improving his chances of becoming a dominating force on the court. For Vinogradovas, playing basketball at NSU is more than just a college sport; it is an international adjustment. “It’s difficult because in Europe there’s one style of basketball and here there’s another style. I have to adjust. I’ve played American basketball for three years so I think I can adjust quickly,” said Vinogradovas. Not only does he have to adjust to the court, but he has to keep focus in the classroom. “It’s hard because you have to do well on the basketball court and in the classroom. I struggle in the classroom because my English isn’t that good,” said Vinogradovas. Some question his decision to come to the United States just to play basketball, but Vinogradovas sees greater prospective opportunities. “I came to the states because I love basketball. I love to do this and I hope to play professional ball. If not, I will have a really good education and find a good job in the future.” Vinogradovas knows a bit of English so language is only a small barrier. “I’m used to the language so I can understand, but my vocabulary is low. If I knew better English I could do better in my classes.” The language barrier has not hurt Vinogradovas’ social life. “I get a lot of attention from girls. I like it!” Vinogradovas has a younger brother who is a kick boxer. “I think my brother may want to come to the United States because he asked me about it.” By following his dreams, Vinogradovas might be opening doors for his family to pursue their own.

Men’s tennis team continues to build success By: Mariah Goodrich

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11.7.12

We need to be tougher mentally...

Men’s tennis team may have gotten off to a rough start, but they continue to strive as they go through the season. Photo Credit: DeVanique Riley| Spartan Echo

The men’s tennis team’s season had an inconsistent start. However, the team is not letting this discourage them. Their successful matches have taught the team how to

really compete, and the guys use their losses to learn their weaknesses. “We need to be tougher mentally, especially for tight matches,” said junior, Kent

Austin. Austin and his teammates, like many other less celebrated teams on campus, would appreciate more support from the student body.

-Kent Austin

“It would be nice if more people showed up,” said Austin. “There is a big difference when you have supporters backing you up.”

Tackling tough obstacles:

NSU’s football team aims to finish strong By Mariah Goodrich

Unlike last season, the 2012 season for the NSU football team has been rough. The team recently had a tough loss against rival Hampton University giving them their first MEAC win of the season. NSU also gave Delaware State their first MEAC win this season. The Spartans had a chance to make history by winning against South Carolina State, but they fell short. They also took a hard hit when the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats gave them their sixth straight loss.

Sophomore Jake Basmagian and redshirt senior Takeem Hedgemen agree that losing hurts no matter who it is against; however, losing against Hampton hurts a little more. “Any loss is bad, but we have to see Hampton players and hear about the loss at other things like basketball games,” said Hedgemen. Although the team may not have a chance for a MEAC championship repeat, these two players are still ready to work hard to win some games. “Even though there is no

more championship for us, we can still spoil someone else’s season,” said Basmagian. “There are seniors on this team that still have dreams of playing football, so we have to keep fighting and keep the young motivated,” said Hedgemen. The Spartan football team knows what its weaknesses are; now they just have to strengthen them. “We can’t go out against two opponents, ourselves and the other team,” said Basmagian. “We have to focus on the

other team so we don’t defeat ourselves.” Hedgemen and Basmagian make good points. Now they need to win so they can remember how it feels, preserve that feeling and finish out the season strong. A winning season would have most certainly promoted those players who are striving for NFL dreams but in this case, the saying “it is not how you start, but how you finish,” will apply to those Spartans trying to reach the next level.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

11.7.12

Spartan Sports

International athletes: struggle to transition By Leonard Fairley

NSU’s population has become more diverse, especially in athletics. With the increase in international student-athletes, there has been an improved effort to make them comfortable in the classroom and around campus. While sports such as track, tennis and volleyball have been able to bring in international athletes for many years, this year has seen international faces in other sports, most notably men’s basketball. Paulius Vinogradova is Lithuanian and Grant Hefeng is Chinese; however, their nationalities are not the only reasons they stand out. Vinogradova and Hefeng stand at 7’1” and 6’8” respectively. In order to adhere to NCAA transfer rules, Hefeng, a Fresno State transfer, will sit out this year. Like the many other international student-athletes, this year’s new faces have had their share of difficulties in transitioning from life in their homeland to college life in America. “Sometimes I have problems with the language and classes are a bit harder,” said Vinogradovas. Beatriz Ferreira, a senior on the volleyball team, is one of the many student-athletes that can relate to Vinogradovas’ transition difficulties.

Paulius Vinogradova stands over seven feet. Photo Credit Roland Drew| Spartan Echo

“I had trouble understanding some of the language and concepts in class,” said Ferreira. “I knew English, but I had trouble with the slang and other details in the language. I also had a

little bit of trouble in class because the teachers spoke fast while they were explaining things.” The transition struggle for international student-athletes has been made easier thanks to people around them that are willing and able to help. “Basically, we make sure that all transcripts are translated to English, the proper tests are taken, documentation is completed, they understand NCAA inquiries and that they are NCAA certified,” said Derrick Coles, Director of Compliance at NSU. “My junior college coach, Tyrone Mushatt, helped me find NSU, and Coach Evans helped me find everything around campus and understand how everything on campus works,” said Vinogradovas. As the athletics department continues to expand and improve, NSU will see an increase in international studentathletes. “I would encourage other international student-athletes to come here,” Ferreira said. “It is a great test of hard work and dedication being away from home, but you make some lifelong friends and it’s a great overall experience.” Want to know what Ferreira and Vinogradova had to say about campus life at NSU as an international-athlete? Check out the rest of their interview at www.spartanecho.org.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

11.7.12

Spartan Opinion

Good help is hard to find in NSU’s student accounts office By Ashley Clarke It’s a never ending conversation about the poor service students receive in the Student Services building. Financial aid and registration are guilty of this lack of service being talked about. However, it is student accounts that raises havoc with trying to reach somebody. Photo Credit DeVanique Riley | Spartan Echo

The number one rule to getting any help with financial aid, registration and student accounts at NSU is to go directly to the source. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 and whatever you do, do not call any of these offices expecting to get help. Nine times out of ten, you will be asked to explain your problem to a few people in the office before being forwarded to another office. Then you can expect to repeat the process. Heaven forbid you have a question or concern during the summer months or winter break. If so, you may as well give up hope. Although Norfolk State holds classes during the summer months, it would appear that no staff members are on campus until August.

The office telephones will ring several times before sending you to a voicemail box which seems to be a black hole of messages. In order to maintain a thriving campus, students need to be able to communicate with the people who will assist them in planning their education. Concerns about grades, registration, and finances come about during the summer and school holidays for many students. It is inconvenient and unprofessional to have constant lapses in communication between school offices and students, but it is especially unprofessional to have lapses in communication during the heart of the school year. Communicating is not that difficult. Simply having a

knowledgeable person within reach of a telephone should not be this big of an issue. Perhaps the student body has become so accustomed to the problem that it has become indifferent. Less of a fuss is being made about this problem because students expect not to receive answers. Unfortunately, dilemmas such as a lack of communication between university personnel and students hurt the quality of our university. Our standard of excellence should be about more than building new facilities and hosting presidential campaign events. Norfolk State will truly be the “University of Choice” when it gets back to the basics. This includes having personnel who are ready, willing and able to assist students when they need help.

The Spartan Echo believes that President Barack Obama should be re-elected for a second term A S taff E ditorial While we would love to say it is because he was the first Black president, and as an HBCU we have been privileged to be a part of making history by helping place him in office, there are more qualities in this president than the color of his skin. We would also love to say that he deserves a second term because the economy is booming and everyone is employed. Sadly, that isn’t true either. However, as a university, employment conditions are important to us. The preventative measures taken by the Obama administration make four more years seem promising. The facts are plain and simple: while we might not be “better off” as a country since 2008, we could have been in a worse condition. The amount of job loss could have been much worse without the very helpful, albeit imperfect, stimulus package. Increases in unemployment cannot be blamed on the government; there were simply not enough companies willing to hire and consumers willing to spend. Now, with unemployment below 8 percent, there is hope for the future. And, yes, many students certainly believe that Obama has

the interests of college students at heart, especially given his work on student loans and Pell Grants. Evidence of the same in Mitt Romney is lacking, to say the least. Romney and running mate Paul Ryan have both contradicted each other on pulling troops in 2014. Romney has contradicted himself on his stance on Planned Parenthood and Obamacare. And, of course, his words about half the country not taking responsibility for their own lives cannot be forgotten. Those were words he did not believe would become public, and show obvious lack of integrity regardless of their intention. As a result, we support President Obama in his re-election bid and hope Spartans will turn out in force to vote for him.

President Barack Obama speaks to supporters Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, (AP Photo/Tom Lynn)

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

11.7.12

Spartan Opinion

ratings in student services center are product of student surveys By Tanzania Trout Any Spartan who has visited the second floor of the student services center has seen the bright, green and gold notices that display each department’s friendliness rating. After Norfolk State University students wait countless minutes in line for the financial aid, registrar, cashier, admissions and student accounts offices just to be unfulfilled with the service, surveys are used to help students voice their opinions. The green and gold notices are the results of surveys filled out hurriedly by students as they leave the offices. Junior psycology major

Tyler Dudley said that the most frustrating part of the school year is trying to get things handled with financial aid. “I’ve been sent [to the] back and front, don’t get phone calls answered and the people working can be rude,” said Dudley. Lack of communication causes difficulties for students during the enrollment process so the customer care center conducts surveys for students’ benefits. “Student assistants from [the] customer care office survey students and parents face to face after they are done getting serviced,” said customer care

director Michelle Marable. “The high ratings on these offices are based off of the students’ feedback.” The surveys have up to six basic survey questions with ratings from poor to excellent about the quality of service. The questions are simple so that the survey does not deter people that may be in a hurry, but students should still be sure to give efficient feedback on the survey. When asked how the rating method worked, Marable said that the customer care office came up with the questions on the surveys. The ratings get updated quarterly after

being sent to the assistant vice president of the enrollment office, Terricita Sass. Criticisms and feedback are then shared with the supervisors of each office and possible concerns are considered. Spartans are encouraged to visit the student services center’s customer care office to fill out a student consultation form. To obtain a form, ask to speak with Mrs. Marable. Students can visit www.nsu. edu/customercare to fill out the customer care concern form online and give any opinions or suggestions on how to make visiting the student services center a fulfilling experience.

nsu students unhappy with healthy selections By Brittany Elmore Obesity is on the rise in America and some Norfolk State students feel the campus is doing more to contribute to the problem than to find a solution. Soul Food Thursdays, Pizza Hut and Chick-fil-A are among the popular dining choices of NSU students, but the university does offer some healthy options. Chick-fil-A’s salads, the soup and salad bars in the cafeteria and Tropical Smoothie are popular choices for students who wish to have a healthier dining experience. “I think nutrition is pretty poor on campus. There is definitely a weight problem at NSU, and I think [NSU] should offer diet plans/ options

at the café as well as different places to eat on campus that are more nutritious,” said junior accounting major Kenton Austin. Some students recognize the healthy options on campus, but do not think they can compete with the unhealthy eateries. “Nutrition on campus could be better. At the café they are always serving pizza and fries. Yes, they serve other things such as fish and salads, but obviously students are going to choose the food that tastes better,” said Gillian Giarizzo, a senior kinesiotherapy major. “As for the union, there is Pizza Hut, Chick-fil-A and Tropical Smoothie—two unhealthy restaurants to one healthy.”

Senior nursing major Krystal Anderson agrees that unhealthy options are more available than the healthy choices on campus. “I feel like campus does not have a lot of options. As a commuter I am always on the go, and I’m stuck grabbing unhealthy, sugary smoothies. I feel like there should be a salad bar in the union or more options in the union that are healthier,” she said. Other students think that more healthy alternatives are not the only solution. Physical activity is also an issue among students. “Although they are not the most popular, healthy options are available for students. For example, the soup and salad

bar in the cafeteria. I think students should get involved and start their own health and fitness clubs or organizations,” said Maranda Hall, senior English major. It seems to be pretty unanimous that students want more appealing, healthier dining options on campus. A simple solution may be for students to take matters into their own hands. There may not be tons of choices, but the fact of the matter is that healthy options exist. Choosing salads and chicken wraps coupled with an exercise regimen is a good start until NSU sees an increase in healthy options.

editors Krysta Ricks Editor-inChief

Bethany Cartwright Managing Editor

Ashley Clarke News Editor

Brittany Elmore Student Life Editor

Marian JonesBrooks Sports Editor

Keith Offutt Multimedia Editor

Briaun Rooks Entertainment Editor DeVanique Riley Graphic Design/ Layout Editor

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

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