63.11 Spartan Echo

Vol. 63, Issue 11

04.08.16

Spartan Echo Exclusive: Interview with President Moore on tuition, fees, and costs

by Shareen Nicholson and Tiana Allen In an exclusive interview with the Spartan Echo on Monday, March 28, President and CEO Eddie N. Moore, Jr. discussed the increases in tuition and fees for the upcoming school year.

On Mar. 18, the Norfolk State University Board of Visitors voted to set tuition and fees for the 2016-17 academic year.

The board approved a $156-dollar increase in tuition and a $216-dollar increase in mandatory fees for resident undergraduate students. The total tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students will be $8,738 dollars. The tuition for graduate students in-

creased to $846 dollars, and mandatory fees increased $216 dollars.

The state supplies just more than half of the funding for Norfolk State and the university has to make up the rest. President Moore emphasized that NSU is not trying to make up lost ground from previous in-state tuition freezes imposed by the Commonwealth; they are just taking care of bills.

The increase in tuition will primarily be used to comply with a state-mandated raise that will affect full-time faculty and staff. It will also be used to help maintain several buildings on campus, including the student center, student services

building, and nursing and general education building.

Earlier this semester, the BOV decided to move forward with a decision that will make it mandatory for all freshman students to reside on campus, excluding those who stay within a certain radius from campus.

According to President Moore, the increases to room and board will help generate revenue to help aid upcoming renovations and improvements that are scheduled for the residence halls.

“Unfortunately, not all of those are above ground, or behind doors.

So, while everyone may not see $9 million dollars’ worth of improvement,

Photo from Norfolk State University. some of it is replacing boilers and pipes and things that are behind closed doors or behind walls,” said Moore.

NSU was one of the

first institutions in the Commonwealth to set its tuition and fees; however, NSU expects to remain one of the most affordcontinued on page 2

Cast of “A Different World” is coming to NSU

by Shareen Nicholson The cast of the 90’s hit television show “A Different World” will be coming to Norfolk State’s L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center on Saturday Apr. 16, 2016. They are coming to discuss the importance of higher education and the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

This event will be the first time the cast has ever visited a college campus.

This event will be

sponsored by SunTrust Bank and is titled, “It IS A Different World: College Changes EVERYTHING!” The event will benefit ACCESS College Foundation and Norfolk State’s Honors College.

They will connect themes from the show to real-life situations in what will be entertaining and educational dialogue.

A Different World has been cited as being a defining reason as to why many African American

college students decided to attend a historically Black college or university.

The event will feature actors Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne), Jasmine Guy (Whitley), Cree Summer (Freddie), Charnele Brown (Kim) and Darryl Bell (Ron).

This event will also serve to recruit prospective students. NSU will also offer guidance through the college application continued on page 3

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

04.08.16

spartan news

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Interview with President Moore

continued from front able four-year public institutions in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In addition, Norfolk State will continue its flat-rate tuition policy.

President Moore hopes that the increase in tuition will strongly encourage students to take 18 credit hours per semester.

“We need all the students to understand that financial aid only covers five years of their education. Both the federal and the state financial aid end at five years. I do appreciate that my predecessor put the 15-to-Finish flat rate in,” Moore said. “But I think students should take full advantage of the eighteen hours and, if they aren’t doing well in a course, then they could consider letting it go... and they’ll still have the fifteen.”

President Moore also encourages anyone who is financially struggling with a GPA of a 3.0 or above to look into the Presidential Achievement Award, which has generated a lot of positive

by Tyeka M. Bailey

feedback since he began the program.

The primary reason in this early decision to increase tuition and fees was to increase enrollment.

“The sooner we can get out your award letters, the sooner you’ll make the decision on whether you’re coming back to NSU,” Moore said. “We wanted to set fees early….Our goal is to get our award letters out as soon as possible, so students and prospective freshmen would know what they were awarded. We still expect to be extremely competitive in terms of total cost of the institution.”

In fact, the university is anticipating an increase in enrollment, perhaps even a dramatic one.

“We are way ahead on applications. We are way ahead on acceptances, and we’re hoping that we can actually increase our yield,” Moore said.

As well as increases to in-state undergraduate students, graduate students will also face an

increase in tuition and fees. With these increases, President Moore still expects NSU’s graduate programs to be among the most affordable in the region. That’s because certain programs are receiving research grants, which offer stipends to graduate students who participate in these programs. The state has also increased graduate financial aid as well.

This will be the third year in a row that out-of state students will not face an increase. While schools can charge outof-state students whatever amount they choose, President Moore felt that out-of-state students were shouldering too much of the financial burden when he came into office and he’s been trying to level that burden out. He also feels this will help in recruitment of outof-state students, who could be a larger piece of the enrollment pie in the future.

The increase in tuition and fees will generate some operating capital,

but there are other financial obligations. “It will generate operating capital, but it will probably all go to addressing existing costs,” Moore said.

President Moore is trying to keep the costs away from students and more on alumni and friends of the University, like corporations.

In his 25 years working at higher education institutions, President Moore has grown to accept that the state only takes responsibility for bare necessities of a university: “the meat and potatoes” he said. Everything else is left in the hands of the university and the parents. Unfortunately, less than 12 percent of alumni make contributions to Norfolk State.

“Alumni need to place Norfolk State in their budgets. If we’re raising just under 3 million a year with 11 percent contribution, what would we raise if we could get that to 55 percent or 77 percent? We just need to do a better job of reminding our alumni and friends of

the current sacrifices our students are making,” Moore said.

“We’ve made appeals to our alumni, faculty, and staff to make contributions through investment or giving to the university. The financial aid at NSU we would like to see increased. Last year, we were able to do a Presidential Achievement Award that was just based on academic GPA; if it was above 3.0, you received an award.

We’re hoping that we can find the private lending to continue that,” Moore said.

One idea that President Moore is considering is raising ticket prices for games and events in order to lighten the burden on current students, whose attendance at events is already paid for through their fees. Moore said increased student participation at those events could help justify such an increase on nonstudents through basic supply-and-demand.

“At this Spartan Fest, I plan to see a lot of competition and a lot of enthusiasm in all of the students and faculty members,” said NSU junior Tristan Butler.

be able to go to before graduation, but he food and live entertainment will cheer them up.

Spartan Fest has always been a tradition at Norfolk State University. The bonds and memories that are created could and usually last a lifetime.

The motivational speeches never fail to inspire and the comedy shows will never leave you with a dull moment.

Between school work and the on and off nice weather, Spartans are looking forward to enjoy-

ing a week filled with laughs, hugs, dancing and maybe even a little tears. This year’s Spartan Fest is expected to be a great and memorable one.

Graduating seniors will always look back and remember the good times at Norfolk State University. They’ll remember the smell of the smoke from the grill, the sound of the drums, the smiles and support from faculty and fellow Spartans. Most importantly, they’ll take with them never ending memories.

It’s not just a fest, this is tradition

It is almost that time of the year where NSU’s amazing Spartans can participate and be a part of Norfolk State’s upcoming festivities. Spartan Fest is near and everyone is excited.

There will be many events held, but the majority of our fellow Spartans are over the edge about NSU’s concert.

They are anticipating the headlining artist. Norfolk State’s Spartan Fest is so popular that people even

buy new outfits for that week.

People are marking off their calendars and counting down the days to Spartan Fest. Spartan Fest is during the second week of April, it will be here before you know it.

“At this Spartan Fest, I plan to see a lot of competition and a lot of enthusiasm in all of the students and faculty members,” said NSU junior Tristan Butler.

For seniors, Spartans Fest is bitter sweet. This will be the last fest they’ll

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

04.08.16

spartan news

LiveSafe App helps safety measures on campus

by Tyeka Bailey With temperatures rising it is important that students remain aware of what’s going on around them. Students need to remain well informed with what’s happening on campus as it relates to campus safety. With Norfolk State being an “opencampus,” that means that anyone can walk onto the campus at anytime.

The residence halls on campus provide policies and guidelines to facilitate an atmosphere conducive to the safety and welfare of all residents.

When going out at night, students should always walk in groups and make sure they are traveling in well lit areas. For those who choose to walk

alone, make sure that someone is aware of your location at all times.

The Norfolk State University Police Department offers programs to students, faculty and staff to discuss a variety of topics that promote safety measures such as information on critical safety and security measures. It is encouraged that anyone who sees any suspicious activity reports it to the University Police Department as soon as possible.

Mobile technology has become the new way to communicate, and the NSU police department understands that. Norfolk State has partnered with LiveSafe, a safety application where students can receive and share safety

Cast of “A Different World”

information directly with campus police through their mobile device.

Users can also initiate Safewalk, a tracking feature that lets police and followers know where a student is located—at the user’s discretion—if they walk to class or attend sporting events in the evening. SafeWalkers can simultaneously chat with one another to maintain constant contact. The students can also use the application off-campus. The students can anonymously report disturbances, suspicious activity, theft and more serious crimes directly from their mobile device.

Norfolk State is the first HBCU to utilize the LiveSafe app.

continued from front process, the ability to meet with NSU faculty and students, participate in a registration fair, and tour NSU’s campus. The registration and campus tour is free and open to the public and will begin

LiveSafe empowers students to help keep themselves and their campus safe by enhancing communication. Photo from www.facebook.com/LiveSafeApp. at 9 a.m.

The cost is $15 for students and $20 for adults.

To purchase tickets, visit http://nsuspartanstickets.universitytickets. com and click “Special Events Tickets”. For more information about the event contact Marissa

Our President’s Schedule Wednesday, April 13, 2-5 p.m.

Student Office Hours (Student Center room 331) Friday, April 15, 2-5 p.m.

Faculty & Staff Office Hours (Student Center room 331) Wednesday, April 27, 2-5 p.m.

Student Office Hours (Student Center room 331)

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HOW TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT TO MEET WITH THE PRESIDENT Appointments to meet with President Moore can be requested by completing the APPOINTMENT REQUEST FORM 2015-2016 form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ BLH9CZY. Identify at least two (2) dates and times at least three (3) business days in ad-vance of your preferred date and time. The request will be forwarded to the President’s Office for review and scheduling. Reason-able efforts to provide a confirmation of the appointment date/time or an alternate with-in 48 hours of the request will be made.

Nihill at Norfolk State University at 757-8238323. For information on group ticket sales, contact ACCESS College Foundation at 757-962-6113 or info@accesscollege.org.

Student Office Hours: Current students can request a 30-minute appointment with the President in his satellite office at the Student Center.

Faculty and Staff Office Hours: Current employees can request a 30-minute appointment with the President in his satellite office at the Student Center.

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

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spartan entertainment

04.08.16

Is cable T.V. dying among young audiences?

changed their focus from spending larger amount For almost the past of money on cable boxes, six years, On Demand to paying a small monthservices for Fios, Cox, ly fee to watch shows and several other cable companies used to be the with little to no commercial breaks as many times main source for someas they want. one to catch up on their Many find these servicfavorite television shows. es to be a more practical Following up after that way to stay current with was the DVR box that allowed viewers to record their television viewing. shows so they’d be avail- The younger demographic seemed to have adable to watch at a later time. Currently, there are opted streaming services first, but now households new streaming services all over have made the that have taken over in choice to “cut the cable many households. cords” and stream. BeNetflix, as well as sides smartphones and Hulu and other streamlaptops, there are other ing services, have been streaming devices such around for a while, but just recently have become as Roku, Fire Sticks, and Apple T.V. that all propopular with many peovide numerous movies ple. Many people have

by Aegious Perkins

Want to join the Echo?

and current television shows for viewing.

For newly independent students and frugal adults alike, steaming services are proving to be the way to go for shows and movies. Instead of paying almost 200 dollars for hundreds of channels you may not even watch, it seems more sensible to many to pay only about ten dollars a month to see endless movies and television shows with limited commercial breaks.

Not only have these apps been provided for viewers, but networks such as HBO, STARZ, and ShowTime have started to participate in streaming their services.

More and more millenials are yanking out the cord from Cox, Comcast and other cable providers in favor of Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services. Photo by Tyra Whitney.

Any major going into any field can work for the Echo and build a portfolio of their writing, photography, and/or graphic design work.

Just come to one of our staff meetings on any Tuesday or Thursday of the academic semester at 12:30 p.m. in room 344 of the Student Center. Introduce yourself and get involved!

It’s not too late!

Norfolk State’s Theatre is presenting to the students and local community a series of one act plays. They will take place in the course of three days beginning on April 18 and continue through April 21. The series is a group of shows that the students in the directing classes are presenting.

There are 14 Norfolk State student directors who are working toward putting their own works together and presenting them to the public with

16 shows. Acting is not limited just to NSU students, so there will be people who are a part of the community sharing their skills with Norfolk State University.

Not only are the one act plays giving students an opportunity to create something fresh and new for the student body, it is also giving talented locals a chance to show off what they can do as they exercise their talent.

“It will be fun, but scary,” said Bria Daniels The students are more

than elated to put their skills to the test and on display for the public. For most of them, this will be their first time putting together an entire piece. All throughout the semester, students have been working hard to balance working in the theatre’s plays and coming up with ideas for their personal show, as well as maintaining high scholastic grade point averages.

The one act plays are free, open to the public, and a great opportunity.

NSU Theatre Company presents one act play series

The 2016 One Act Play Festival will be held Apr. 18-21 at 7pm. Photo from www.facebook.com/nsutheatre.

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

04.08.16

spartan entertainment

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Netflix reboots 90s sitcom “Full House”

After 21 years, the highly anticipated spin off was met with great reviews, and has been approved for a second season” Photo from www.facebook.com/fullerhouse.

by Aegious Perkins After all the rumors and memes circulating the internet, many Full House fans wishes came

true. On Feb 26, 2016, Netflix premiered a spin off of the 90’s hit T.V. show “Full House.” The new show titled “Fuller

most of all funny and memorable punch lines.

All of the characters return to the show except the Olsen twins who played Michelle Tanner.

However, the writers did a great job capturing the essence of their character without them.

Considering that “Full House” was such a big show towards the end of the 80’s and straight into the 90’s, the decision to premiere the show on Netflix was a great idea.

The show did so well that on Mar. 2, 2016, the show was picked up for a second season.

All in all, ‘Fuller House’ is a great watch. It brings to viewers a sense of nostalgia, of years passed.

House,” has received mixed reviews since its premire.

The show begins twenty years after the end of Full House, with Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) getting ready to move out of the family home, but then deciding to ultimately leave the house to D.J. (Candice Cameron Bure).

D.J. is a widowed mother of three boys, who is left to raise her sons on her own.

Creator Jeff Franklin, was sure to incorporate the nostalgic emotion by bringing in actors Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner), and Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibler). On the pilot, almost every character from the old show had returned. This episode provided view-

ers with background stories on what everyone had been doing for the last twenty years. The pilot episode featured old catch phrases, and awkward looks into the camera with references toward the old show.

While watching the show, it may be hard to wrap your mind around the youngest characters of “Full House” being older and experiencing the more mature aspects of life.

The creaters did a wonderful job at keeping the old school feel, but still able to keep up with the modern shows such as “Black-ish”, “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Modern Family.” All of these shows showcase family values, life lessons and

tion of students, faculty, and staff is encouraged to help bring out the spirit of this event.

“I love fashion shows because they give you a chance to unapologetically express yourself. You need confidence to be able to go walk in front of hundreds and stand tall and strong. I prepared for this two months in advance by practicing my walk and monitoring my weight loss, because I wanted to look my best.

It was always a dream of mine to be in a fashion show as a model because I haven’t always had confidence in my body.

Now that I do, it feels so good to be accomplishing a goal that I’ve had for years,” said senior psychology major Jordan Woodard.

In collaboration with the Student Government Association, this year’s show is being directed by Devon Jackson and Mike Ricks. Both are alumni of the university, and were the masterminds behind the fashion show in 2012.

“We’re just grateful for the opportunity, and we just want to bring something to the school that they’ve never seen before. This is an opportunity to allow students to break out of their shell and step outside of their comfort zone,” said Jackson and Ricks.

Spartanfest 2016: The return of the fashion show

super excited. It’s exciting to see regular people Spartanfest is around you see on campus evthe corner and, the most eryday up on that stage talked about event this modeling and slaying! I year, is the return of can’t wait,” said senior the “Spartanfest Fashpsychology major Desiree ion Show.” The Student Government Association Thompson.

Auditions were held hasn’t hosted a fashion for several weeks at the show since homecombeginning of the semesing 2012. For those who ter, allowing all students remember that show, it quickly reached capacity. who were interested to It is easily one of the most come out and audition.

There was a call for stutalked about campus dent models, designers, events to this day. and make up artists. The The Student Government Association is bring- show will feature origiing back the fashion show nal designs from current NSU students, alumni, on Thursday, Apr. 14. and designers from Doors will open at 6:30 throughout the Hampton p.m. and the show will Roads area. begin at 7:00 p.m. Early Like many of the other arrival is suggested.

“The last time there was events, this one brings out the pride in the Spara fashion show I was a tans of Norfolk State freshman, and now I’m about to graduate, so I’m University. The participaby Shareen Nicholson

In collaboration with the Student Government Association, this year’s show is being directed by Devon Jackson and Mike Ricks. Photo by Simeon Nimely.

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

spartan lifestyle

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04.08.16

The Finals Guide: 101

You can get more final exam study tips at the Social U. http://thesocialu101.com/10-study-tips-for-final-exams/

by Meleah Holmes It’s almost time for finals! Some of the most hectic times of your undergrad career. Hectic, because you’ll have to pass all of your finals and complete all of end of semester work, before you can enjoy your break.

Either way the time will pass and you will have

to take your final exams.

You’ll either be able to start your summer with excitement or you’ll be bummed about not doing too hot on your exams.

We don’t want anyone to start their summer bummed out, so below are some tips that will guide you in the right direction to get a super

by Meleah Holmes Preparing for graduate school can be a very stressful time for any graduating senior. In the midst of trying to prepare for graduate school you are now also faced with grad school application fees, entry test, financial aid ( if applicable) and a plethora of other task that you must complete, all while trying to maintain a high enough GPA to get into your school of choice. Yes, applying to graduate school can be stressful indeed, but only if you allow it to be. Making the decision to attend graduate school means

that you are embarking on yet another journey to further your knowledge and hopefully land your dream career. Stress could be a huge road block in any situation, but these tips will for sure make the process of applying to graduate school a lot easier: Tip # 1: Research!

One of the biggest and most important tips to follow when applying to graduate school is to do your research. Make sure that the schools you are applying to definitely offer what you want to study in full! The description of the degree you are

sunny start to your summer!

Tip #1: DO NOT Procrastinate Procrastination is a common denominator amongst college aged students. Procrastination is what also gets in the way of success for many of us. If you start to study and compile the information that will be on your final, weeks before finals week, then you’ll already be ahead of the game!

The key to success in college is to always do more than your professor asks of you. Go above and beyond to get that A. Tip #2: Go meet with your professors Set up an appointment with each of your professors individually. This meeting gives you the opportunity to look at your current grades and make sure that everything is correct. Professors are hu-

mans too, and they make mistakes. Keep all of your work throughout the year so that you have proof of your grades if your professor ever forgets to put an assignment grade in the grade book. During this meeting you may also have an opportunity to inquire about extra credit opportunities.

Tip #3: Get to know your professors Creating a relationship with your professor though out the year could help your grade and performance in the class. No one likes going to a class where they don’t like or agree with their professor. Getting to know your professors gives you the opportunity to see their perspective and understand their teaching style.

Professors are chalk full of knowledge. Make sure your professors know who you are so that

The Grad School Guide: 101 looking to obtain should include everything you are looking to gain form your grad school experience. Look at all requirements, deadlines, housing arrangements, traffic, weather, and even the crime rate in the area of your prospective school.

Don’t leave anything to chance when applying, research it all!

Tip #2: Do not procrastinate Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles that college students face. Waiting until the last minute to apply to Graduate school could continued on page 7

you’re not just another face in the class room.

Tip #4: Study Studying is not an easy task for everyone. There are many methods you can use to study. Flash cards, games, and study guides are just a few ways you can get the job done. Whatever method that you use, just make sure that you take the time out to study. Studying could be the difference between an almost passing grade and a passing grade.

Tip #5: Don’t quit When the going gets tough, do not give up.

It takes hard work and dedication to get to where you want to be, so don’t let hard times determine your future. Get your work complete as soon as your receive it and then look over your materials for that course. Work smart, not hard.

Students can go to http://www.gre.org and find out more about taking the Graduate Record Examination test, get a test prep, or even practice taking the test.

Photo from GRE.org.

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

04.08.16

spartan lifestyle

Can tattoos affect your employment?

The size of a tattoo can turn employers away if it is visible. Photo by Tyra Whitney.

by Tiana K. Allen Tattoos have become increasingly popular over the years, with many people getting one as young as sixteen.

According to a recent study done by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 40 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo. Studies have shown that over half of people who are in their twenties have a tattoo and that number is steadily rising.

The question many students want to know is,

“How do these jobs affect employment?”

In a survey done by CareerBuilder.com, 31 percent of hiring managers said that visible tattoos can have a negative impact on their decision to hire someone. Many may think that hiring policies against body art is discriminatory. It’s not. Companies do have a right to implement dress codes, and they can choose to implement a code against tattoos.

According to Salary.com, 76 percent of

people with tattoos, feel as though it hurts their chances of getting a job.

39 percent of employers say employees with tattoos reflect poorly on their employers.

Majority of the individuals who make hiring decisions are between the ages of 45-to-70-year-old crowd. For many people within this age range they believe that tattoos are associated with negative actions. According to a Harris poll, 32 percent of adults without tattoos believe that those with tattoos are likely to do something deviant.

For those without tattoos, consider the risks to your future career if you do decide to get one.

If you decide to get one, make sure its done in a place that can be covered up for work. If you already have one, consider a company’s dress code before choosing to apply.

Never go into an interview with your tattoos

showing.

Tattoos, especially visible ones, have been proven to make employers give job applicants the side eye or even turn them down for a position. However, the popularity of tattoos has grown to the point that they have gone from a sign of a gang, biker, or delinquent indicator to a form of self-expression.

This ideology is evident through employers now finding themselves more accepting of employees with tattoos. According to STAPAW, only 4% of tattooed or pierced people say that they have actually faced discrimination in their current job. In fact, the government is known for having the most lenient tattoo policies.

Although the workforce has made progress with accepting tattoos, there is still a way to go before it may be fully accepted for all employers. Millennials are known for being the

7 EDITORS

Shareen Nicholson Editor-in-Chief

Mahogany Waldon

Online/Managing Editor

Tyeka Bailey News Editor

Meleah Holmes Lifestyle Editor

Grad School Guide continued from page 6 that everyone wants to ensure their resume potentially place you on is looking up to par a waiting list, or make it for prospective graduso that you have to wait ate schools. However an additional semester to this does not mean you apply .When applying to should try to take on evgraduate school there are ery task and opportunity deadlines that you must that is presented. Somemeet. Make sure that you times it is okay to say no. are aware of all the dates It is better to do a few when applications and things well, than to do fees are due. If there is many things subpar. a checklist available on Tip #4: Stay organized your prospective schools Everyone has a different website, including dates definition of what orgaand requirements, print it nization is to them, so in out and follow it strictly! your own way please try Tip #3: Do not spread to stay organized. Don’t yourself thin senior year! just go to the store and Senior year is the year

buy a divider or two and never use them. Actually map out task for yourself to complete. Keep all of your grad school information in one binder/ notebook so that you know where everything is when it’s time to use it.

Keeping your room and environment clean can also be a huge asset to your sanity while going through this time. A clean space will make your life appear to be less cluttered, which in essence will aid in keeping your mind focused on the task at hand.

Tip #5: Remain focused When the going gets tough, remind yourself of all the reasons you decided to attend graduate school in the first place.

The process will not be a cake walk but with discipline and diligence you will reach the finish line!

There will be days when you may not feel like you want to move forward in the process but nothing in life worth having comes easy. As long as you remain focused and keep your eyes on your end goal, you will be successful.

Aegious Perkins Lifestyle Editor

Tyra Whitney

Multimedia Editor

Sarah Jefferson Deputy 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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04.08.16

spartan sports

Spartan Football determined to rebuild

by Jaquan Anderson Norfolk State University’s football team has had their share of losses in the past couple seasons. Finishing with a record of 4 – 4 two years in a row has left a need for redemption in the program. Latrell Scott is serving his second year as the program’s head coach. New coaches, graduating seniors, and new schemes characterize NSU’s football team as a “building program.”

A newly released opponent schedule has NSU’s

football team training more vigorously than ever before in this 2016 off season. The Spartans prepare to take on a new year without former defensive stand out Dion King and graduating offensive lineman Mike Phillips. New additions to the team include coaches such as Defensive coordinator Matt Dawson and Freshman Quarterback Tyree Gilvis Wilson.

There will also be the return of a few players who were injured in the

previous season.

Agility and weight training has begun already for the Spartans under the supervision of strength and conditioning Coach Chris Neff. Spring results and performance will determine the front line of the Spartans this upcoming season.

Head Coach Latrell Scott is known for winning records in his past few coaching roles and looks to win his first MEAC division championship this year.

The Spartans practice 15 times from March through April, culminating with the annual Green & Gold Game on Saturday, April 16 at 3:30 p.m. at Dick Price Stadium. Like last year, the Green & Gold Game will be played in an offense vs. defense format using a modified scoring system to award points to the defense for turnovers gained, sacks, punts forced, etc.

Admission is free. Photo from NSUSpartans.com.

NSU Bowling Team offers up surprising season for Spartan fans

Senior Carrie Hickey closed out her career by being named to the All-Tournament Team. Photo from NSUSpartans.com.

by Jessica Toliver Starting off the spring season, competing at the Lady Bulldog Classic at Bowie State, Norfolk State sophomore Briana Gardner was named the MEAC Bowler of the Week. Gardner rolled a 289 on the first day of the match against Virginia State. She topped the pre-

vious school’s best of 280 set by Sheila-Marie Smith on Jan. 24, 2009.

The No. 20 Spartans went 8-5 at the tournament that was hosted by Bowie State at the AMF Lanes in Laurel, Maryland. It also marked the second time this year an NSU bowler received the weekly MEAC award af-

ter freshman Alexa Rodriguez earned the distinction in late October.

In the February poll of 2016, the Norfolk State bowling team ranked 18th in the National Tenpin Coaches Association top 25 poll. Norfolk State was also one of five teams from the MEAC that had a spot in the poll, which moved to a top-25 ranking this year after previously naming just the top-20 teams.

In February, Senior Carrie Hickey of the Spartans was named the MEAC Bowler of the Week. The native of Palm Harbor, Florida rolled a careerhigh 277 and finished as the MVP of the two-day Trojan Classic hosted by Virginia State. Hickey had the highest pinfall total of all players, tallying a score of 1,052 in five games, four of them official. Hickey became the third different Spartan

bowler to win the award after freshman Alexa Rodriguez and sophomore Briana Gardner.

The No. 18 Norfolk State bowling team began the quest for a MEAC title on Mar.26 with the qualifying round of the 2016 MEAC Championship at the AMF Lanes in Chesapeake.

NSU advanced to the finals at last year’s championship, its second ever title match appearance.

The Spartans held a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series before UMES rallied to win the last four games for a 4-3 win and the championship trophy.

Ending the season, for the second year in a row, the Spartans were unable to come away with the win in the championship match as the No. 6 seed.

DSU, the No. 1 seed, won its first title since 2010 after finishing with a 9-0 record at this year’s tour-

nament.

Senior Carrie Hickey and freshman Alexa Rodriguez were named to the all-tournament team.

Rodriguez had the highest individual average on Friday of the qualifying round.

“The season started out looking good,” said Mrs. Wright-Harrison, the coach of the women’s bowling team. “We ended up losing two of our players that were recruited at the beginning of the year, so we only had 5 instead of 7 players. On that note, the injuries held us back, but we still managed to make it to the championship and that was a great accomplishment for our team.”

NSU will return its other four regular-lineup players for next season and add an undetermined number of newcomers.

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