61.11 Spartan Echo

04.11.14

Vol. 61, I ssue 11

Top

Stories Inside

The new SAT format could affect incoming freshmen See SAT drops maximum score to focus on math and critical thinking Page 2

Increase in tuition to improve university

By Danielle Kirsh To mitigate the drop in enrollment and improve the university’s budget, Norfolk State University’s governing board voted and approved a tuition increase.

In total, in-state undergraduate students will see an increase of $576. Annual tuition and mandatory fees will increase by $326 and undergrads will have to pay $7,552. Room and board will also see an increase of $250, raising the cost of living on campus to $8,624 annually.

Out-of-state students will see an increase of $250, putting their total at $29,320 annually.

During the Board of Visitors meeting on Mar. 21, Interim President and CEO of Norfolk State Eddie N. Moore Jr. said Norfolk State is “not charging in-state students enough,” while they are “over collecting for out-of-state” students.

Moore said they are within the state law when it comes to set-

ting tuition rates.

Currently, in-state undergraduate students pay 32 percent of the cost of education while out-of-state students pay 144 percent, but NSU’s tuition remains the lowest of the Virginia’s public four-year colleges.

The majority of Norfolk State students are in state and the university is trying to expand their market to bring in more out-of-state students to change the falling trend. Currently, only 16 percent of Norfolk State’s incoming freshman class is out-of-state.

The drop in out-of-state students isn’t the only number falling. As reported earlier in the semester, Norfolk State is projecting 500 less students to attend the university next semester. The drop in enrollment affects the budget and faculty employment.

Norfolk State’s budget will increase $6 million for next

Penny eyes future in the NBA

By Jason Gill

Students should prepare for the EWC test ahead of time.

See Don’t get held back by the EWC Page 7

Senior Pendarvis “Penny” Williams has certainly finished his NSU basketball career with a legacy unlike most.

Williams has played a huge role in bringing many memorable moments to the basketball program.

“My greatest memory would for sure be going to the NCAA tournament and knocking off Missouri in 2012,” said Williams. “It was great to be at the NCAA tournament, but to knock off a team that a lot of people though was going to the final four was great.”

Men’s Basketball star Penny Wil- The 2013 MEAC player of the liams continues to aim for his year will surely go down as one chances in the NBA. Photo credit of the greatest Spartans to ever

by Tykhari Coles wear the uniform.

Continued on page 5

The Board of Visitors has approved to raise tuition, leaving a bigger hole in the wallets of in-state students.Photo by Donte Hayden and Tykhari Coles

year, bringing the budget to $175 million. The university hopes to use the additional funds to bring more employees into student services such as financial aid and academic counseling.

However, if the enrollment doesn’t change, Norfolk State could risk building closures and faculty firings.

Professor of Chemistry and Norfolk State faculty senate president Dr. Suely Black said the faculty would like to work

closer with the administrative part of the university. Black said the faculty hasn’t had clear information throughout this process.

“Let’s work together,” Black said.

The university currently employs 400 instructors, both fulltime and part-time. For every 500 students, there are to be 25 faculty members. If the university projects 500 less students next semester, this could mean 25 less faculty members.

Newly-elected Bethea and Barner have big plans for SGA

By Worship Chaleka Quashawn Bethea and Tory Barner are the newly-elected Student Government President and Vice-President, respectively, for 2014-2015. Even though the pair will not be able to take office until May 11, they are already working toward closing the communication gap between students and Norfolk State University’s administration.

“Tory and I want to build a more accessible administration than what we have had over the

past few years,” said Bethea.

“We want everyone form our e-board to our class representatives to be visible and accessible so any concern or issue can be heard and dealt with as swiftly as possible.”

This duo even has plans in the works to improve upon communication between students and the offices of financial aid, the registrar

Continued on page 2

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

Spartan News

2

04.11.14

Continued from Page 1, Big plans for SGA

and student accounts over the summer and ultimately the whole year.

“We often hear complaints about unanswered or delayed responses of phone calls and emails between these offices and students, and we are already in the process of trying to figure what needs to be done to make things better in this area,” said Barner.

“No Spartan should have to worry about their financial aid approvals or any other paperwork because it keeps them from learning and enjoying their college experience.”

Both Bethea and Barner are

part of two well-known Greek organizations on NSU’s campus.

Bethea is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Barner is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. They plan to work with their respective organizations, as well as other student organizations, in order to raise the male retention rate here at Norfolk State.

“With the current male-to-female (ratio) at 4-1, it is important to even the playing field,” Bethea said. “We want others on board to help raise the male retention rate by being mentors and role models to motivate the males that attend NSU to graduate.”

Decline in federal deficit could affect student pell grants

By Danielle Kirsh and Brittany Stanley The government’s federal deficit is set to drop to $514 billion this year. This decline is a tremendous drop from last year’s deficit and the lowest since President Barack Obama took office five years ago.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report, the reason for the drop is the higher tax revenues from the rebounding economy and sharp curbs on agency spending.

It is predicted that the economy will continue to rebound and grow at a 3.1 percent rate this year and by at least 3.4 percent next year.

Even with the budget deficit dropping this year, the CBO predicts that in the coming years it will increase by $100 billion a year because of the slow growth in the economy. \The government has many options available to help reduce the deficit. One of the options they are looking at is reducing the amount of Pell grants being administered and giving it to only the “neediest students”, as reported by the CBO. The Federal Pell Grant Program is one of the largest sources of grant money for lowincome students in colleges and universities.

The CBO said that lowering grant amounts or raising the eligibility requirements could help reduce the deficit.

The CBO is considering

taking away the Pell grants from students who exceed $3,850 in the expected family contribution (EFC). In this situation, only 6 percent of recipients would lose their eligibility. The CBO estimates the government would save a total of $6 billion from 2014 through 2023 if they used this option.

The other option they are considering is allowing only those with an EFC of zero to get the Pell grant. If they administer this, the amount of students losing their eligibility would rise to 35 percent. With this option, the CBO predicts the total savings to be $97 billion through 2023.

A federal deficit consists of the amount of money being spent by the government that exceeds the total receipts for the fiscal year. This means the government is spending less money than what they owe.

The decline in the deficit came after the government shut down in October 2013. Politicians had to agree on a budget in order for the government to reopen in what was nearly the longest government shut down in United States’ history.

During President Obama’s term, the federal deficit exceeded $1 trillion in 2010 because of the Wall Street bailout in 2009. Since then, the federal deficit has been steadily declining.

Barner went on to explain, that by the next fall semester, some of the organizations and committees currently under the Student Government umbrella will no longer be connected with SGA , making it more vital for their support on their new initiatives.

“NSU should expect our SGA administration to be more accessible and we want students to see us as a bridge between them and the university’s administration,” Bethea said. “We even want to make the Spartan experience more interactive other than just Homecoming and Spartan Fest. SGA’s presence should be felt year round.”

SGA President elect Quashawn Bethea (right) and Vice-President elect Tory Barner (left) prepare for their future in spartan student government. Photo courtesy of Norfolk State University’s Student Government Association

SAT drops maximum score to focus on math and critical thinking

By Danielle Kirsh The SAT test that most colLaunched in 1929, the SAT ing and writing” section will lege students have come to know test has undergone a few name become the new critical reading when applying for college has changes and curriculum over- section. This section will focus lowered their standards. By hauls during its time. on expanding the reading comeliminating the essay portion, When the test was first ad- prehension of science, history offering practice tests and more ministered, the SAT was known and social studies passages. clear expectations for prospec- as the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

Each test will also have extive college students, the test is In 1994 after the word aptitude cerpts from documents that now substantially easier. was no longer favorable to use, have been monumental to This is just the second time the name changed to the Scho- American history, such as Dr. since the test was released 88 lastic Assessment Test. A few Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I years ago that it has been rede- years later, it became just the Have a Dream” speech. signed. letters SAT. With the maximum score of The current SAT test that most In 2005, the College Board 2400, 57 percent of students are familiar with contains math, added the essay section to the who take the SAT test score a critical thinking, and essay sec- test and made 2400 a perfect 1550 or lower. A score of 1550 tions, each with a maximum score. or below is known as the “colscore of 800 totaling 2400 for a With the elimination of the lege readiness benchmark.” perfect score. essay section comes more focus To eliminate the low test In the redesigned version of the on the math and critical reading scores and take the stress off of test, the essay is taken out, leav- sections. some students, the perfect score ing a math and verbal section.

The math section will focus will be lowered to 1600 with In addition to eliminating the more on algebra, problem solv- the essay section becoming opessay section of the test, the host ing and data analysis with cal- tional. A 50- minute time frame of the test, the College Board, culator use being limited. to complete that portion of the announced they would be offerThe “evidence-based read- test will be afforded. ing new incentives to high school students who will be taking the test during their college application process.

The College Board plans to offer new SAT-preparation tutorials online for free rather than having students take costly classes to prepare for the test.

The SAT vocabulary words that have plagued college-bound students will also be filtered through to include words that are used only in college and future careers.

The quarter-point deduction for each wrong answer on the multiple-choice sections of the The change in format for the SAT scores may have a positive or negative effect on the incoming freshmen of NSU. Photo credit by Tykhari Coles test will also be eliminated.

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

Spartan News

04.11.14

3

April is transfer month at NSU

By Antonio Garland April, for Norfolk State University, is transfer month.

Its goal is to create a “Transfer Receptive Culture” by assisting both future and current transfer students to apply, enroll and earn their baccalaureate degree successfully and in a timely manner. Though the events’ main focus is on transfer students, all students are welcome. April’s events are an opportunity to learn more about the university from faculty members, alumni and transfer students who are currently enrolled. Many of the

programs will also include on-site admissions, financial aid assistance, both military and veterans affairs services, and provide an opportunity to talk about program curriculum requirements.

Some of the events include the following.

April 1st: There will be an official transfer month KickOff Celebration in the TransferMation Center. In Harbor Park, there will be an NSU/ Tides baseball game.

April 8th: Transfer Student Mixer at the student center

from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. is for current and prospective students.

April 9th: Career Coffee Coaching will be co-hosted

by NSU Career Services and located in the student center, room 138A, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

April 15th: Transfer Student Awareness Day, located in the student center, room 138A, allows transfer students to get help in completing their FAFSA, assistance on the NSU Evaluation and receive EWC training. It’s

co-hosted by the Spartan Success Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

April 18-19th: The HBCUCommunity College Initiative Meeting will be hosted

by THE LINKS, Inc. April 24th: TCC/NSU Links Scholars Career Etiquette Dinner April 28-May 2nd| Majors Week will highlight a different school/college in the TransferMation Center each day.

May 3rd: Transfer Expo

is where faculty, alumni and current students will share important information about programs at Norfolk State University. It will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP before April 30th to the TransferMation Center by phone (757 4517745) or email at cshall@ nsu.edu to reserve your seat for this special premier event.

Please see a complete list of events on their website: www.nsu.edu/transfer.

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Interested in joining Army ROTC and becoming an Army officer? If you are a Freshman or Sophomore, it's not too late.

Visit us in Echols Hall, Room 101 for more information. Or contact us at (757) 823-9296 or goldbar@nsu.edu. ©2008. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

Start out on top.

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

Spartan Sports

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04.11.14

Clark feels adjustments are key to turnaround

By Jason Gill NSU’s baseball’s struggles to start the season can be attributed to a variety of issues.

Choosing to play a tough nonconference schedule to prepare for MEAC play may be at the top of the list.

The Spartans suffered close losses early in the season to Quinnipiac University, Villanova University, and Xavier University.

“We’ve chosen to play an extremely tough schedule; a lot of those games were close, but a loss is a loss,” said Head Coach Claudell Clark. “We wanted to challenge our guys on the mound, especially our new guys…things did not go as we wanted early on, but we still have plenty of our conference schedule ahead of us. We’re looking forward not backwards.”

Clark believes minor tweaks to the pitching rotations will be the key to turning things around.

In five of the team’s early 16 losses, the team has given up 11 or more runs. The most came in a home loss to first place Delaware State University who beat the Spartans 18-8.

“We’ve been able to see by way of wins and losses who is ready to start and who is ready to relieve,” said Clark. We’ve also seen who is ready to be

our number one starter, who is ready to be our mid-week starter and who is ready to come out of our bullpen.”

Clark continued, “In some of those instances the game was close in the fifth or sixth inning then it got away form us. Some errors on the mound or in the field made the difference. Then there’s some instances where we just didn’t perform on the mound.”

Offensively, the Spartans could use a boost of production as well. Near the midway point of the season, the team has a combined batting average of just .235 and has been outscored 162 to 80. They have also given up 224 hits compared to their 151.

“They’ve been challenged at the plate, but at the same time we do feel they have seen some pitching that they can hit,” said Clark. “The term I’ve used is we’re just ‘keeping the blinders on’ at this point and making sure they believe in their hitting ability to go out and get it done.

We do have good players who have proven on the college level in the past that they can hit at .300 or above.”

Junior second baseman Killian Strenn—who led all Spartans last year with a batting average of .400—is hitting just

Spartan baseball hopes bats will come alive during the second half of the season. Photo By Frank Selden

.167 at the halfway point.

“I feel the drop in batting average for me is not attacking my pitches early in the at bat and taking advantage of pitchers mistakes,” said Strenn. “As a team we’ve been hitting the

Spartan Sports Schedule Baseball:

Softball:

Track & Field (M&W):

4/12/14 | 12 p.m. at Maryland Eastern Shore (DH)

4/11/14 | 6 p.m. vs. Howard

4/11/14-4/12/14 Joe Hilton Invitational (Chapel Hill, NC)

4/13/14 | 12 p.m. at Maryland Eastern Shore

4/12/14 | 1 p.m. vs. Morgan St. (DH)

4/15/14 | 4 p.m. vs. Longwood

4/13/14 | 12 p.m. vs. Morgan St.

4/16/14 | 6 p.m. at VCU

4/18/14 | 12 p.m. at Delaware St.

4/18/14 | 6 p.m. vs. Coppin St. 4/19/14 | 1 p.m. vs. Coppin St. (DH)

4/19/14 | 1 p.m. at Delaware St. (DH) 4/26/14 | 1 p.m. vs. North Carolina Central (DH)

4/18/14-4/19/14 Morgan State Legacy Meet (Baltimore, MD) 4/24/14-4/26/14 Penn Relays (Philadelphia, PA)

ball hard, but unfortunately it’s been right at people.”

Redshirt senior first baseman Ross Cardwell leads the team at the halfway point with a batting average of .344 to go along with 22 hits.

As the Spartans begin conference play, let’s hope their challenging schedule early on has given them the experience they need to make a run.

NSU men’s basketball coach earns contract extension

By Jamel Fuentes

As a reward for his success in the face of adversity, Norfolk State has given men’s basketball coach Robert Jones a three year contract extension to stay at the helm.

Jones took over as an interim head coach last spring when the Spartans lost Anthony Evans.

Evans went to Florida International University and Jones stepped up to take charge of the squad.

Results were positive for Jones during his first season as head coach. NSU finished with a 19-15 record overall and made it to the semifinals of the MEAC tournament before falling to North Carolina Central University.

This was quite an impressive accomplishment when you consider that 11 different players saw key playing time in at least

11 different games due to injuries.

With this being the case, Norfolk State announced on Feb. 19 that the school and Jones had come to an agreement on a contract extension through the 20162017 season, while also removing the interim tag.

“I’ve been very pleased with Coach Jones’ performance as a head coach on the Division 1 level,” Norfolk State Athletic Director Marty Miller said in a press release. “He’s done an excellent job of getting our team to be competitive both within the conference and in non-conference play, despite having to deal with a number of injuries to key players.”

“Growing up in the situation that I did, I never thought that this would be possible” said Jones, “but when there is a will, there is a way. And God is great.”

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

04.11.14

Spartan Sports

5

Track and field, back in action for outdoor season

By Derald Frazier

The men’s track team taking it to the track and making sure that they stay motivated throughout the season, in practice and competition.

Photo by Tykhari Coles

The Spartans opened the outdoor track and field season competing at Coastal Carolina and Virginia in early March.

Having solid performances early on is key to setting the tone for the rest of the season.

Although it is early in the season, Head Coach Kenneth Giles feels confident in the team heading forward. Giles attributed the team’s performance to its youth.

“They are progressing well,” said Giles. “I like what I see so far.”

Sophomore Kiara Howell kicked off the season with two consecutive strong performances for the women. Howell finished with three top-ten fin-

ishes at Coastal Carolina and she improved on her times in the discus and javelin the following week at Virginia.

Howell wasn’t the only one to start the season off on the right foot. The team as a whole has been training hard in preparation for the outdoor season.

“I wouldn’t single one or two individuals because we have a very young team and I think everybody is progressing well and they know the standard that we live up to,” said Giles.

The women’s track and field team placed fourth in the indoor MEAC Championships in February while the men saw their run of eight consecutive MEAC championships

Moving forward with positive mindset is key for Lady Spartans

By Jazmin Sherard The NSU softball team has struggled to meet high expectations early on, yet are eager to finish their season in an improved fashion.

Amid their rough start, losing nine of their first 11 games, they’ve remained optimistic about their team’s chances.

“We definitely, day by day, have been switching our lineups around, trying to see who is going to produce for us and

who’s going to step up,” said Head Coach Heidi Cavallo. “It’s tough when you are not winning games, but the second half of our season is so important, it’s obviously conference.”

Cavallo continued, “We have to keep them working hard and staying positive; that’s what we’re really trying to work on.

Conference is what matters the most, so we have to keep them moving forward.”

Of course this team has that burning feeling to get back to the MEAC championship game, particularly after last year’s loss to Hampton University.

“They’re tough in a lot of different aspects; they are tough on themselves. When they play well, they’re a tough team to beat. “We’re not all the way there yet and I think they’re going to keep fighting. They

Softball team is still searching to live up to everyone’s expectations. Photo By Frank Selden

want it more than anyone and they want the season to turn around,” said Cavallo.

When you have a group of athletes who are willing to learn from losing and come together when faced with adversity, it displays tremendous growth.

Sophomore Heather Dunning—who was named MEAC Rookie of the Year in 2013 along with teammate Whitney Williams—is determined to play even better than last year.

“I did have a good season last year with my hitting and I just wanted to come back better this season,” said Dunning.

“I know they talk about the sophomore slump, but I was just trying to get pass that and not allow that to happen at all.

I’ve just been really focusing on my mechanics and when I go into the game, just to put it all out there.”

This team’s chemistry, on and off the field, is one of the important factors that can steer this team in the right direction.

Sophomore Whitney Williams expressed, “being close has definitely been something that has helped us a team. We joke and laugh on and off the field and we are able to mesh, which was a big factor toward the end of the season last year”.

snapped by rival Hampton.

The men were unable to defend their title due to being declared ineligible for postseason competition. Coach Giles has strong belief that the postseason ban will not deter the team from their goals.

Last year, the University of Connecticut faced a similar situation with the basketball team receiving a postseason ban.

The Spartans will travel to Chapel Hill, NC on April 11 to compete in the Joe Hilton Invitational.

Continued from Page 1, Future NBA

Williams—along with the schools all-time leading scorer Ralph Tally—are the only Spartans to record at least 1,600 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 100 steals and 50 blocks for a career. Williams finished his career 15th all-time in scoring at NSU. “It’s great as far as history goes, but I just want to be remembered as a winner more than anything,” said Williams.

His basketball career as a whole has not necessarily come to a complete halt. Williams is preparing to join the Orlando Magic’s Kyle O’Quinn as the only NSU alumni currently in the NBA. “I’m still working hard everyday. I’m working on finding an agent now and we’ll see how everything goes,” said Williams. If not the NBA, I’m willing to go overseas as well.

Since Williams was just five years old, he dreamed of one day being in this position. At NSU he was able to pursue his dream as well as his back up plan.

“I always said growing up that I wanted to be an accountant or play in the NBA. I came here and was able to pursue both of those dreams,” said Williams. “It’s a surreal feeling knowing that I’m this close.”

Scouts from Oklahoma City, Orlando, Washington, Boston, Phoenix and New York have been courtside at some point this season to watch the 6-6 guard play.

From now until the NBA draft on June 26, Williams will continue to work out and prepare for what could be his dream finally being realized. At the same time, he doesn’t want to lose focus on what he came to NSU for.

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

Spartan Lifestyle

6 Be stronger than peer pressure

04.11.14

Learn to get healthy with the Nutrition Club

By Ciara Simmons

By Ra’Chel Crider With summer slowly apWhen making the transition from high school to college, proaching, the topic on many one can become nervous due people’s mind is getting healthy. to the drastic change. You want Everyone is starting a new diet, to fit in with your fellow classexercising more, or even taking mates and eventually make life the time to change their lifelong memories. styles to include healthier eatEven though you may not, ing habits. these new friends might party Many may not know that a lot, drink, or even smoke. there is a group on campus that They may look at you funny just may be able to help you or tease you because you don’t achieve some of your healthy do the same types of things. As many times as you’ll say no, living goals. you may one day find yourself The Nutrition Club has a misgiving in to the constant peer sion to “provide nutrition and pressure from friends. wellness to Norfolk State stuOr maybe not having as dents as well as the public,” as many rules or no one to watch stated on their Facebook page. over you to make sure you do Founded in September of 2010, the right thing may have an the club provides nutrition eduaffect. You may now be more cation and counseling to all. susceptible to persuasion into Advisor, Ms. Jill Comess doing things you normally wants students to know anyone wouldn’t.

Tyla Reed, Sophomore Poof any major can join. litical Science major feels that Although it is a small organization on campus, NSU’s Nutrition Club plans “The Nutrition Club has been she has been affected by peer for a larger future. Photo from facebook.com/ groups/127449333973263/ pressure since being at NSU. “I participate in more activities now that I’m in college than I did at home. It’s because of the freedom and I’m older.”

Here are some tips to avoid peer pressure:

By Danielle Kirsh 1. Stay in your room. This will help you stay on track Both students were study- murdering Kercher. Knox and tem can charge her for the secwith what’s really important: your grades. If you stay inside, ing abroad in a country unlike Sollecito were tried together, ond time, a decision that came there is less of a chance that their own. Both were having convicted and sentenced to 26 again on Jan. 30 of this year.

Once again, Knox was conanyone will easily invite you the time of their lives. Both of and 25 years in an Italian pristhem would leave Italy with on. victed of slander and murderanywhere.

The fight wasn’t over. In ing Kercher and sentenced to 2. Choose your friends their names plastered all over 2011, after spending four years 28 years in prison; however, wisely. If you have friends that the media.

The Amanda Knox trials and in prison, Knox and Sollecito she still has time to appeal this pressure you into doing things that you don’t want to do, they re-trials have been in the news were acquitted and their con- sentence.

From the time of conviction, probably weren’t your friends since that fateful day in 2007 victions were overturned. The where Knox’s roommate, Brit- evidence that was provided in the presiding judge has 90 days in the first place.

3. Think about your future. ish exchange student Meredith their first trial was tampered to write his arguments about Everyone’s goal in college is Kercher, was found dead in with and there wasn’t adequate the jury’s ruling. From there, evidence to tie Knox and Sol- Knox’s lawyer has 90 days to to graduate and work in a field their shared Italian apartment.

On Nov. 1, 2007, Kercher, lecito to the murder. appeal her conviction. of their choice. You’re not goKnox was released from prisThe United States has a law ing to get that far if you’re side 21, was found dead on the floor tracked with partying and skip- of her bedroom and Knox was on in a joyous occasion and was that says no one will be subject the prime suspect after she re- finally able to go home. During to being charged twice for the ping class with your friends.

4. Just say NO! If you’re not ported there was an apparent that time, Knox was trying to same charge. It’s better known interested then say no. It’s that burglary. When the police ar- get her life back to normal and as the Fifth Amendment to the simple and you’re the only one rived, they concluded that the wrote a book titled Waiting to Constitution—often referred to Be Heard: A Memoir. In it, she as Double Jeopardy. that can make decisions for break-in was staged.

Rudy Guede, an Ivory Coast details her experiences from Since the US law says that a yourself.

Learning to do things out- native raised in Italy, was ac- her arrival in Italy, through her person cannot be tried twice for side your comfort zone helps cused of committing the mur- imprisonment to her release the same charge, it is unlikely that Knox will be returning to you learn more about yourself, der alongside of Knox and her from the Italian prison.

Knox’s story shook up a lot Italy to serve her term. but that doesn’t mean you have then-boyfriend Raffaele Solleof mixed feelings in America.

When studying abroad, stuto lose yourself. Don’t let peer cito.

Guede was found guilty in Some of the debate was related dents are expected to follow pressure control who you’ll be2008 of sexually assaulting and to whether the Italian court sys- the country’s laws, as well as come.

doing different types of events and activities to teach the campus about making good food choices,” said Comess.

They have just completed Nutrition Week in conjunction with the dining facilities on campus. This was to help support National Nutrition Month, which was in March.

The Nutrition Club meets every other week either on Thursdays in the Student Center, room 307 or Fridays in Bowser, room 207, at Noon. For any additional information you can contact the Nutrition Club President, Rebecca McCandless, by email at R.J.McCandless@spartans. nsu.edu or the group advisor, Jill Comess, at JComess@nsu. edu.

You can also visit and like their Facebook page by searching NSU Nutrition Club.

Study abroad gone awry: The Amanda Knox story uphold the rules from the university.

Norfolk State University’s policy states that “if the student participates in illegal activity while abroad he or she will be solely responsible for any legal action that may be taken by local governments and authorities, for which neither Norfolk State University nor the US government or agencies is obligated to provide assistance.”

If students find themselves in legal trouble while studying abroad, they should call the US Embassy who will in turn provide contact information for local lawyers and interpreters, if needed, as well as other services that might be crucial.

While studying abroad, students should also avoid being a victim by making sure they know the laws and customs of the country they are studying in because what may be proper in the US could land you in jail in a foreign country.

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

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

04.11.14

Spartan Lifestyle

Don’t get held back by the EWC

By Ciara Simmons You’ve just signed up for the last of your undergraduate classes. You can see the light at the end of the graduation tunnel and then suddenly something stands right in your way.

You haven’t taken the EWC! Hopefully that will not be you, but sometimes life just gets in the way. You may feel you don’t have the time or the exam just may be the last thing on your mind.

Joie Johnson, a junior Interdisciplinary Studies major, says she hasn’t taken her EWC yet just out of procrastination.

The EWC is the Examination of Writing Competency. “It is a three-hour proc­ tored exam in which students write an essay that responds to a question from a general category,” as explained on the EWC website. Unable to do any research on the topic, the exam is a measure of how well you can use your current knowledge to explain your view on a given topic.

This is a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students.

Though this exam may hold the fate of you crossing the stage, don’t be too alarmed.

NSU provides students with all the necessary tools they will need to be successful.

Along with tutoring sessions used to brush up on your writing skills, there is also an EWC prep packet where you can find sample essays and scoring.

There is still an EWC tutoring session available that will be held on April 22 and April 24, 2014 (Two dates equal on session). The session is held in Madison, room 111 from 2pm to 4pm.

For more information, contact Mr. Michael Cotter, Director of the ENFL Writing Center, at 823-2828/2836 (mcotter@nsu.edu) or Mrs. Dottie Perry, Asst. Director, at 823-2998 (ddperry@nsu.edu).

DeVanique Riley Online/ Managing Editor

Danielle Kirsh News Editor

The EWC is a writing test that the students must to take in order to graduate, and the earlier taken, the better. Photo By Donte Hayden

You’ve got mail doing is checking their emails.

On top of that, this semester alone I’ve had different teachers on different occasions neglect to send an email when class was cancelled, having driven from Virginia Beach just to show up, sign an attendance sheet brought in by a department secretary, and return home. But that’s just the added bonus of being a commuter student right?

Zahory Jones, senior, is a commuter student from Grassfield, out in Chesapeake. “I have to leave thirty to thirty-five minutes

Some of the faculty and staff neglect to check their emails, often times at the expense of the students. Photo credit by Tykhari Coles

editors Brittany Elmore Editor-inChief

By Kallie Gould I was absent one day in early February. Trying to be a good student, and not fall behind, I emailed my professor to find out what I missed in class and what homework was assigned.

That was early February; I’m still waiting to find out what that homework assignment was.

On every syllabus handed out at the beginning of the year, the professor includes his or her email, office telephone number, and office hours. Yet, evidently, while they are in their office for those hours what they are not

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prior to a class starting just to be on time.” She went on to say, “Just like some professors want a legit reason for you missing a class, or an email to let them know why you are not present, I think they should be required to email at least an hour in advance when class is cancelled.”

Who decided that the professor’s time is more important than the students who this past spring have driven from separate cities on icy road conditions.

Not all professors are so neglectful of their inbox. I’ve had plenty of positive experiences with professors, sometimes quickly responding to questions or even responding after regular business hours. I appreciate that these professor’s acknowledge that my time is just as valuable as theirs, and that sometimes you just have a quick question you forgot to ask in class or need clarification on an assignment.

Darmani Paramore, senior, Health Service Management major, said “I have actually had a really good experience with

my teachers and emails or any other online communication but if my teacher’s weren’t that tech savvy they always inform me of their preferred ways of contact.”

Also guilty of ignoring emails are faculty and administrators.

Yes, some advisors are responsible for over three hundred students, but doesn’t answering a few emails with quick questions make more sense than having over half a dozen students waiting in your office for two hours to get a quick response to an easy question?

I have literally heard faculty say, “I don’t do emails.” Well, that’s pretty ironic being as NSU requires not one but two computer science classes to make sure we are proficient in technology. As for NSU, they did not return repeated requests (via e-mail) for comment concerning any existing policies on faculty and emails. I guess maybe I’ll hear back from NSU about that about the same time I hear about that homework assignment from February.

Ciara Simmons Lifestyle Editor

Jason Gill Sports Editor

Robert Hayden Multimedia Editor

Trenton Fouche’ Entertainment Editor

It’s not too late to get involved with the Echo!

We meet every Tuesday and Thursday in room 344 at 12:30 pm. ALL majors welcome.

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

Spartan Entertainment

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04.11.14

Spartan Spotlight: Bucky Malone

by Trenton Fouche’ NSU senior Bucky Malone made a name for himself last semester when he performed at Norfolk State’s 2013 homecoming concert. Opening for Juicy J, August Alsina and Kstylis, the Manassas, VA MC gained notoriety.

“It definitely was a cool experience, but it’s a learning experience too. That was my biggest crowd. It was a few thousand people there so it definitely kind of opened me up as an artist.”

After the experience, Bucky would later release his album L.I.F.E. 2: THE RISE OF LITTLE TOKYO. “All of my songs have subliminal meaning, even with titles and how I name them.” He continued, “I don’t have a favorite song or any of that because they all have meaning.”

With an abundance of artists on campus looking for their big break into the music industry, Bucky Malone shared why he feels NSU students should give his music a chance.

Bucky Malone’s second album Photo from www.facebook.com/ derren.clements

50 Cent’s new album, Animal Ambition, gets released this summer.Photo from www.facebook.com/50cent/photos/

50 Cent plots comeback

By Trenton Fouche’ After spending some time away from music, 50 Cent is looking to make an impact this summer. The rapper is planning to release his latest project, Animal Ambition.

In preparation for the album’s release, 50 dropped two videos online, “Hold On" and "Don't Worry Bout It.” During a backstage interview after a concert the rapper expressed optimism about the new album.

"This album is prosperity.

It's the positive and negative effects of prosperity. If I'm doing too good, it's actually not good in front of people.

Prosperity makes them think you're doing better than them; that brings envy and jealousy which then brings negative energy," said 50.

This will be the rapper’s first release after his departure from Interscope Records. The label had released all of his albums since his debut Get Rich or Die Trying in 2003. In a statement released by Interscope, ViceChairmam Steve Berman wished 50 luck with his future endeavors.

“50 Cent is, and always will be, a marquee artist for us,” said Berman “We respect his decision to pursue this new venture and the next chapter in his career, and wish him nothing but the best. He will always be a part of our family.”

Animal Ambition is expected to release on June 6, followed by his next project Street King Immortal.

The Boondocks returns to Cartoon Network for it’s final season on April 21 Photo from www.facebook.com/TheBoondocksTV

The Boondocks returns for Season 4

by Trenton Fouche’

The Boondocks returns to Adult Swim on April 21 for its fourth and final season. The controversial cartoon, created by Aaron McGruder, focuses on issues in the black community.

After starting as a comic strip, The Boondocks would go on to become one of Adult Swim’s highest rated shows.

Similar to other Adult Swim cartoons like Family Guy and Robot Chicken,

the show was hounded by some critics for its vulgar and offensive language, but praised by others due to its honest reflection on issues.

Although many have expressed excitement about the return of the critically acclaimed series, some are questioning the fact that the show’s creator, Aron McGruder, had no involvement in its final season; especially since the show has always been a spoof of how McGruder views the world.

Although McGruder could not be reached for comment, Sony Pictures Television, which produces the show, released a statement stating the show “was produced without the involvement of Aaron McGruder, when a mutually agreeable production schedule could not be determined."

Although the series will be without the involvement of its creator, expect the show to continue to tackle controversial issues.

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