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Jump around: Trampoline park to take over Marsh building
Passion for poli-sci: Senior took on experiment, ran for public office
FC fun facts: Minar shares 10 things you probably don’t know
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Once the construction of the city is done, it’s going to be an even better place. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 | TheFranklinNews.com
– Molly Frische, owner of Brick Street Boutique
Businesses face difficulties with Jefferson Street construction LEIGH DURPHEY
leigh.durphey@franklincollege.edu
PHASE 1
W MONROE ST
closed until December 2016
E COURT ST
JEFFERSON ST
W COURT ST
N MAIN ST
of the nine-phase construction plan
“We’ve noticed a slowdown in the amount of customers that are just walking through town,” said Molly Frische, owner of Brick Street Boutique, located at 34 E. Jefferson Street. Construction began on Aug. 29. The nine-phase plan is scheduled to last until November 2019. The slowing down of business is forcing owners to take creative measures to alleviate hardships. Brick Street Boutique is revamping its website to offset the lower number of customers walking in the door. Frische is also planning several offsite events for the holiday season— more than the business typically does. Fred Paris, co-owner of Triple Play BBQ located at 186 W. Jefferson Street, said business is down in comparison to pre-construction numbers. WATER ST
If you think avoiding Jefferson Street to get into town is frustrating, imagine owning one of the businesses located in the heart of that construction. Several local businesses are located in the midst of the Jefferson Street construction project, and some owners said they are experiencing struggles because of it. Although sidewalks remain open for pedestrians, the road closure essentially leaves some businesses with no driving access.
Matt Thomas | The Franklin
Jefferson Street in downtown Franklin is currently under a multi-phase construction project, planned to conclude in 2019. The project started in August 2016.
However, the restaurant has implemented promotional plans to lessen the negative impact, such as a loyalty program that rewards regular customers with points and an NFL-pick contest. “The first few days were really rough because nobody really knew how to get to us, and our regular customers weren’t really sure how to get here,” Paris said. “But after a few days, it seemed like our regular customers started bouncing back, and it appears like even now some of our out-of-town customers are beginning to find us.”
One of Frische’s major concerns is most of the construction—which will, in total, last three years—will be done during Brick Street’s fourth quarter, which is where most of her sales occur. “It would be less detrimental to us if the construction was during any other quarters, but fourth quarter for sure hits us the hardest,” she said. In April, CrossRoad Engineers President Trent Newport said that he wanted to work around the businesses’ schedules and “minimize the impact” of the construction. See “Construction” page 3
A+E
GRIZ ON THE MALL:
ARTS + ENTERTAIN MENT
OUT
& ABOUT
9/23 IMS @ Food Truck Friday The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is hosting Food Truck Friday on Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis. Take the drive to enjoy lunch and race-related games at the event, which lasts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 9/24 Yoga at the IMA Start your weekend with a little downward dog at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. All skill levels are welcome. The class begins at 10 a.m. Tickets are $15 on imamuseum.org. 9/24 Josh Kaufman concert Jam out to the soulful, jazzy tunes of Josh Kaufman—an Indy-native who recently won The Voice—at Hi-Fi in Indianapolis. The show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 on ticketfly.com.
FRANKLIN
THE
Issue 2, Volume 113
Executive Editor Leigh Durphey Opinion Editor Christina Ramey News Editor Ashley Shuler Sports Editor Megan Powell Copy Chief Shelby Mullis Photo Editor Zoie Richey Web Editor Nicole Hernandez Ads Manager Jonna Kauffman Adviser Chelsea Schnieder Adviser, Publisher John Krull
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@TheFranklinNews
The Franklin
The Franklin aims for accuracy and clarity in all articles. We take errors seriously and regret any mistakes. If you find an error, please send an email to thefranklin@franklincollege.edu.
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016
WHAT’S ON YOUR FRANKLIN COLLEGE BUCKET LIST? LAURA OLIVO
maria.olivo@franklincollege.edu
AJ Barner, senior
“I would like to go one semester with a 4.0.”
Jordon Fox, freshman
“Get more involved with some of these clubs and follow through with Brother to Brother and Black Student Union.”
Megan Laugle, sophomore and transfer student “One thing I’m excited about at Franklin is the Riley Dance Marathon. I would like to go every year.”
Makenna Mays, junior
“Making the Dean’s List one semester.”
Andrew Hendricks, coordinator of student employment and head swim coach “I would like to start a triathlon club at Franklin College.”
Judy Yarnell, assistant to Student Activity Center and Career Services “I would love to sing with the women’s choir sometime, even if it’s just practice.”
New trampoline park to jump into Franklin ADRIANNA PITRELLI
adrianna.pitrelli@franklincollege.edu
A new indoor trampoline park could soon bounce into the city of Franklin. Nichole and Anthony Rains, of Martinsville, are in the process of securing the location for an Urban Air trampoline park. If business negotiations go as planned, the park will be in the former Main Street Market grocery building at 1172 N. Main St. The new park will be similar to the popular trampoline park, Sky Zone, which is opening more locations on the south side of Indianapolis. Urban Air trampoline parks have wall-to-wall trampolines and typically offer dodge ball, a trampoline runway, a foam pit and more, according to Urban Air’s website. A new Urban Air location recently opened in Bloomington, and one is expected to open in Carmel by the end of the year. Nichole and Anthony Rains are still early in the business process and have yet to officially secure the location. But according to documents filed with Franklin’s redevelopment commission, the family is asking for a tax break.
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@THEFRANKLINNEWS
Matt Thomas | The Franklin
The former location of Franklin’s Main Street Market supermarket lies vacant with plans of becoming Franklin’s newest recreational attraction – a trampoline park. The Franklin location, as well as seven others around the state, were all permanently closed by late January 2014.
Ticket prices for nearby locations start at $12.99 for an hour of trampoline jumping. For $16.99, park goers can receive a one and a half hour all access pass to both the trampolines and the Urban Warrior Course. The Urban Warrior Course is an obstacle course, similar to courses on the popular NBC show, American Ninja
Warrior. Runners who achieve top times will receive a free t-shirt and their name on the leader board, according to Urban Air’s website. The Rains’ do not have a timeframe as to when the Franklin location will open its door, but said they are currently working on business negotiations.
Student Congress gets new members, sets goals ASHLEY SHULER ashley.shuler@franklincollege.edu
Student Congress added eight new members following fall applications. Four vacant positions were filled by placing those who applied without an election, including: At-large representatives: freshmen Jeremy Engle and Jackson Shepherd. Hoover/Cline representative: freshman Alex Tichenor. Sophomore representative: Brady Powers. Junior representative: Devon Joray. Three freshman representatives were selected through popular myFC voting: Taylor McDaniel, Emily Roberts and Cameron Stewart. Following the election, The Franklin sat down with Student Congress president and junior Taylor Williams to discuss the organization’s top three goals for the fall semester.
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Get back to the Student Congress mission statement.
As The Franklin reported in the Sept. 16 issue, the college’s low freshmen enrollment numbers this year—about 25 students less than expected— caused a fluctuation in the amount of student activity fees rolling in. Each Franklin College student pays a $185 activity fee every year. With 25 less students, Student Congress is missing out on $4,625 this semester—money it could use to divvy up to student organizations on campus. That’s why Williams said Student Congress is taking a step back and doing away with some of their programming to get back to their function as a service organization. This year, the congress is cutting its annual J-Term Jamboree and Senior Citizen Prom programs to save money
from their budget to give to other organizations. “[We are] getting back to the roots of our mission statement and just truly being there for the students,” Williams said. “And whether that’s allocating [activity fees] fairly, or whether that’s giving our service back to orNicole Hernandez | The Franklin ganizations if they need that—I think Students voted in Student Congress elections Sept. 13. that’s good.” Student Congress’ mission state Add a diversity chair. 3 ment says the organization serves to represent the student body, acts as a By this time next year, Williams wants channel of communication between to see an appointed diversity chair sitthe students and the administration, ting on the Student Congress board. regulates and allocates student activThe idea came from Student Conity fees, and is a means for students to gress’ previous president, senior Erika voice their concerns. Brock. “We can work with this,” Williams Williams’ vision for the position is said. “This will kind of allow organiza- an appointed member who sits alongtions to do what they need to do and side the Interfraternity Council and less of what they want to do. … It kind Panhellenic Council members, comes of makes us all really get in touch with to Student Congress meetings and our frugal side and spending money votes in Student Congress decisions. where it will be the most beneficial Even new Student Congress freshand not just willy-nilly.” man representative Taylor McDaniel sees the need to concentrate on diver Gap the bridge between sity. In her freshman representative 2 organizations. personal statement, she touted her experience at a diverse high school and One of Student Congress’ ongoing being exposed to different types of goals is to bring campus organizations people as a reason she should be electcloser together—a goal Williams said ed—and she was. only Student Congress can get done, The discussion for a diversity chair as it acts as a liaison between students is timely. and the administration. College president Thomas Minar— “I would like to see more of a commu- who began his position this time last nity on campus,” Williams said. “Not year—plans to expand the college’s to sound super cliché, but spreading horizons through different types of positivity—that’s what we need to do people. this year.” The need also follows a recent camAs part of this goal, Student Con- pus scandal, where a student was gress has met with all organization suspended one semester over sendpresidents on campus to discuss and ing inappropriate and allegedly racist plan homecoming events together. Snapchats—a story The Franklin reported on May 6.
CONSTRUCTION continued from page 1
But Frische said she isn’t aware of any measures the city is taking to help her boutique. “I don’t know of anything the city’s doing to boost our customer base or to promote Franklin other than saying businesses are open during construction,” she said. “I have had some people come in that work for Franklin and say, ‘How are things going?,’ but I haven’t been notified of anything special
that they’re doing. But that’s not to say that they aren’t.” Despite the difficulties it poses now, Frische said that the construction will be worth it in the end. “Once the construction of the city is done, it’s going to be an even better place,” she said. “It will look like a place you want to get off if you are unfamiliar with the area, and I think that will draw people off [Interstate-65] to
see what Franklin has to offer because of our close proximity to the interstate.” Paris said he thinks the construction ultimately will improve the image of Franklin as a valuable place to dine and shop. “I think the whole town of Franklin is just getting better and better every day,” he said. “In a couple years, the town will just be phenomenal.”
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IN BRIEF: COLLEGE ANNOUNCES CONVOCATION LECTURE SERIES Franklin College released this year’s six-speaker series, which range in topics from the Black Lives Matter movement to modern day journalism. A summary of some of the upcoming lectures is below. • Richard Lugar: “Is National Unity Possible?” on Oct. 13. Lugar was Indiana’s longest-serving member of Congress and is a former Indianapolis mayor. • Walter Robinson: “Death of the Watchman?” on Nov. 10. Robinson’s journalism at the Boston Globe was highlighted in the recent Oscar winning movie, “Spotlight.”
PROFESSOR INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME After 33 years of teaching in high school classrooms, journalism professor Diana Hadley was inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame. Hadley teaches journalism and nonviolence classes at the college and is also the executive director of the Indiana High School Press Association, headquartered at Franklin College. The ceremony recognized her work as a journalism educator, as well as founding the annual First Amendment Symposium for high school journalists across the state.
JCFA ART EXHIBIT SHOWCASES GLAZED CERAMICS Artist Adam Egenolf’s work is the college art department’s newest display. His exhibit—named “Crystalline Glazing: 15 Years and 10 Minutes”— showcases his passion for crystalline glazed ceramics, which mixes chemistry and art techniques. Egenolf graduated with a studio art degree from the University of Southern Indiana and received his fine art master’s from East Carolina University in 2008. His work will be on display until Nov. 3 in the Johnson Center for Fine Arts atrium.
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016
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Sodexo receives permanent liquor license QUINN FITZGERALD elizabeth.fitzgerald@franklincollege.edu
A large, orange slip of paper hangs in the dining hall. In big, bold letters, it reads: “Public notice of application for alcoholic beverage permit.” For 10 days, this slip hung on the dining hall wall, grabbing the attention of students. It’s a notice of Sodexo’s application for a permanent liquor license. Last April, Sodexo’s Director of Operations Mary Harvey started the process that led to that orange slip on the wall—a move from the company holding temporary alcohol permits to a permanent license. After no objections to its application, Sodexo’s permanent liquor license was granted on Sept. 12. Sodexo has always been able to serve alcohol at campus catering events. But now, they don’t have to apply for a temporary permit every time they serve alcohol at an event—cutting down on the time, hassle and money Sodexo previously spent. Sodexo General Manager Les Petroff said the company caters alcohol at up to 40 events a year. “It’s much easier [with a permit],” Petroff said. “When you have four
[permits] in three weeks, that’s four times you have to drive to the police station and get the police chief to sign off on it, and send it to the excise police. Plus, it costs money every time you do that.” With the permanent license, Sodexo can also have companies deliver alcohol to campus instead of going off-campus to purchase liquor, Petroff said. Even with the new license, the company still has to go through the same steps of applying for permission to serve alcohol at all events. Any Franklin College organization can request Sodexo to cater alcohol at their events, as long as they have approval from the college first. Although the Student Entertainment Board has never worked with Sodexo to cater alcohol at an event, S.E.B. President Hanna Ballard said the organization has discussed it in the past. “We were planning on bringing a concert to campus, and with that, we wanted to have alcohol served on Dame Mall at the outdoor concert,” Ballard said. “Time kind of caught up with us, and we didn’t have time to
plan it or get the correct permits.” Ballard, a senior, said S.E.B. is considering catering alcohol at upcoming events, but is concerned about safety situations. “The biggest concern … we would have as S.E.B. members is that whatever happens—if people get drunk or something like Kristen Bailey | The Franklin that—then we’re r e s p o n s i b l e , ” Sodexo displayed a public notice of applicaton for an alcoholic beverage permit for Ballard said. “If 10 days when school started. The dining service has always been able to serve students do it on don’t have an I.D., we will not serve their own, it’s not as much the campus’s responsibility.” you. … If it’s an event with anybody But Sodexo’s Director of Operations there who is under 21 years old, then Mary Harvey said the protocol for any the ones that are over 21 will have to of Sodexo’s events with alcohol—on have a wristband.” Petroff said he doesn’t expect any campus or off—will follow state law for change in the amount of events Sodexo safety. “If you’re under the age of 21, we will caters now that they have a permanent not serve you,” Harvey said. “If you license.
Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay comes to Johnson County LAURA OLIVO maria.olivo@franklincollege.edu
Today is your chance to see the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay in action as it stops in Franklin this afternoon. The bicentennial torch, which honors 200 years of Indiana history, is traveling from county to county with the help of nominated torchbearers representing each Indiana county. According to Johnson County Coordinator Dana Monson, torchbearers had to meet a variety of qualifications, including being nominated, being a current or former resident of the county or contributing to the county in some way. Based on the population and size of the route in Johnson County, there are 18 torchbearers participating in Friday’s festivities. Two people being honored for their contributions to Johnson County and the state of Indiana have a connection to Franklin College—Ruth Callon and Richard Gotshall.
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016
Ruth Callon—who died of in 2015— to a Daily Journal article. will be honored through her two Dan Callon and Cathy Pieratt will children, Cathy Pieratt and Dan Callon, bear the torch at 4:30 p.m. today, a Franklin College beginning at mathematics the intersection professor. of U.S. 31 and Ruth Callon Hospital Road taught and and ending at the coached at corner of South Franklin College Street and U.S. 31, from 1962 to 1991. next to Greenlawn – Richard Gotshall, Cemetery. As a distinctive former Franklin College journalism professor member of the R i c h a r d Indiana Collegiate Gotshall, a Women’s Sports retired journalist Organization, she helped establish and former journalism professor at the rules for intercollegiate women’s Franklin College from 1979 to 1985, is competition in Indiana. also a bicentennial torchbearer. She was later recognized with an “I was pleased and honored [when honorary doctor of science degree I was chosen],” Gotshall said. “It’s a from the college in 2011. chance to be part of history.” Callon is a 2005 inductee of the Gotshall recommends citizens of Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, and Johnson County to come to the county’s was named by Indiana Fever as one of bicentennial celebration because it’s a 15 inspiring women in 2009, according chance to have a good time and also be
THEFRANKLINNEWS.COM
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It’s a chance to be part of history.
@THEFRANKLINNEWS
a part of history. The bicentennial celebration in Franklin begins at 5 p.m. with a torch presentation and torchbearers’ introduction, followed by the Johnson County community ribbon cutting. From 6–6:45 p.m., the Franklin Community band will host a “BicenTUNEial” concert. From 7–10 p.m., the Indianapolisbased “Tastes Like Chicken” band will perform live. Food and beverage vendors will line the courthouse square from 5–10 p.m. By the end of its journey, the torch will travel 3,200 miles through all 92 counties. The torch will arrive to the Indiana Statehouse, its final stop, on Oct. 15 where Hoosiers from across the state will celebrate Indiana’s 200th birthday at the new Bicentennial Plaza, located outside the west entrance of the Statehouse.
10 things you didn’t know about Franklin College MATTHEW BROWN
matthew.brown@franklincollege.edu
To those new and to those old, Franklin College is full of mystery in its history, from past to present. The Franklin sat down with president Thomas Minar—who is getting into the swing of things for his second year at the college—to discuss the college’s history. Below, Minar shares 10 facts that many Franklin College students, faculty and staff—both new and old—may not know. 1. Franklin College hasn’t always been named Franklin College. The college was originally named the Indiana Manual Labor Institute. When the land was chosen for the college in 1835, the college planned to combine manual labor with studies, which was called “liberal studies,” with a focus on mathematics and writing. In 1844, when the name was changed to Franklin College, the college’s directors sought for its standards to be those of the best liberal arts colleges of the east. “In the Midwestern United States, that was pretty progressive,” Minar said. “One might say that, educationally, we have a progressive history. And we are continuing that today with all of our focus on engage and experiential learning.” 2. Franklin College was the first Indiana college to allow women. In 1842, Franklin College admitted 28 new students to the women’s department, becoming the first co-ed educational college in the state. This is notable because, at the time, the college was located in a particularly rural area and was making a pro-
gressive step in allowing women to be taught amongst men. 3. The college isn’t directly named after Benjamin Franklin. Franklin College was not directly named after Benjamin Franklin. Instead, it was named after the city of Franklin, where it’s located. But the city of Franklin did, in fact, get its name from Benjamin Franklin, an important intellectual inspiration to many. 4. Our colors have been the same for nearly 120 years. In 1899, the college declared its official colors to be old gold and navy blue. 5. Athletes used to be the “fighting Baptists.” The first Franklin College athletics teams were known as the “fighting Baptists.” The name was changed to “grizzlies” in 1929 to honor Coach Earnest Bishop Wagner, who went by the nickname “Griz.” He was a member of the class of 1912. 6. The first black man graduated from Franklin College nearly 115 years ago. In 1902, Arthur Wilson became the first African-American graduate from Franklin College. He went on to become a medical doctor. 7. The Ben statue wasn’t originally Franklin’s. The Benjamin Franklin statue standing guard at the intersection in front of Old Main, at Branigin Boulevard and Monroe Street, stood for more than three decades outside the headquar-
ters of the Indianapolis Typographical Union. It was given to and installed at the college on the anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s 257th birthday in 1963. 8. The road at the front of campus has only been there for 12 years. Branigin Boulevard, the street that serves as the gateway to the college, did not exist until 2004. The project was a collaboration between the college and the city of Franklin. It’s named in honor of Roger Branigin—a Franklin native, a Franklin College graduate and Indiana’s 42nd governor. “That’s just fun because, to today’s students, it’s a modern Jordan Brodner | The Franklin part of campus President Thomas Minar, in his second year in the position, shares some interesting that exists,” Mifacts about the college. nar said. “Those gates that are the entrance to the college didn’t exist pre- three outdoor track and field nationviously. So that didn’t exist as a formal al championships to become the first national champion in Franklin College entrance.” history. In doing so, she missed her own 9. An alumni went on to direct Hollywood commencement in 2015. films. Robert Wives, who graduated in class of 1936, directed the movie “The Sound Minar said learning facts like these of Music,” which earned five Academy help us shape our personal history Awards in 1965, including best picture with Franklin College. “It’s by learning these interesting, inand best director. tricate facts—that are from the corners He also directed the widely known of our existence instead of the center of films “West Side Story” and “Star Trek: our existence—that sort of weave our The Motion Picture.” story,” Minar said. “It’s important for “You can’t see ‘The Sound of Music’ students to learn some of that story, too many times,” Minar said. because as you’re here for your years, 10. A recent alumna won a track and field you become a part of that story too.” national championship. In May 2015, Anna Murdock won the 800 meter run at the NCAA division @THEFRANKLINNEWS
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016
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POLLOCK 2016 HOW A J-TERM PROJECT BECAME A CAMPAIGN
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am Pollock proves it doesn’t take a college degree “I major in political science,” he said. “I’ve worked in different parts to run for a political office. of government politics, and I had never done anything local—no The senior, who currently serves as a field local elections, no local political classes. This was a way to see if I operations director for U.S. Rep. Todd Young’s liked it, and I found out I really do like it. As I keep on going, I find campaign for U.S. Senate, kicked off his junior that I like campaigns way more than actual government office work.” year spring semester with an experiment. But no matter what field he enters, Pollock He wanted to know what would happen if a said there are two important lessons he has college student ran for political office. learned over time that could help him in all If everyone, 18 to 22, But how could he answer his question? aspects of life. would go vote, we would “You have to be able to talk to people and be Well, by running for office himself. Pollock entered the race for a Vigo County see a lot of issues solved honest with them,” Pollock said. council at-large position in late January. With a goal of 4,000 votes for the May and become more of a What stemmed from a J-term project with Dr. primary, Pollock reached between 3,500 and Randall Smith, a political science professor, forefront. 3,600, a number he could be pleased with. And became a nearly four-month long venture. – Sam Pollock. senior he said this was just one example of stepping Pollock is no novice to politics. Kicking off in the direction of making a change. his career in 2012, he started volunteering for Now, Pollock wants his peers to know it local campaigns, working the polls on Election Day and eventually doesn’t take a campaign to make a change — it starts with people earned an internship with Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb last spring. like him. It was during the 2012 election that Pollock discovered his passion “If everyone, 18 to 22, would go vote, we would see a lot of issues for politics. But despite that admiration, he is still undecided on how solve and become more of a forefront,” Pollock said. “Until we do he wants to spend his future. that, we’ll be ignored.”
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STORY + DESIGN: SHELBY MULLI FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016
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PHOTO: JORDAN BRODNER @THEFRANKLINNEWS
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016
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Too much emphasis put on college degrees EDITORIAL
OPINION
#FCCribs Winning dorm room Sophmore Chaz Hill is the winner of the first ever #FCCribs dorm room contest thanks to the “Watkins-Hill Cinema,” which is fully carpeted, features a futon, a 50-inch TV, surround sound and 250 movies.
Almost everyone can agree on the importance of a college degree. Going to college gives us the opportunity to further our knowledge and gain experience for our career. Face it: college is a great way for us to broaden our horizons through a variety of courses, internships and experiences. But is there too much emphasis placed on earning a college degree to ultimately land that decent job to live how you want to? Essentially, yes, we do put too much emphasis on it. From the beginning of middle school to the end of high school, the college lecture became more and more common. All throughout high school, teachers always talked about the importance of college. By showing us scholarship sites, explaining the process of filling out a college application and encouraging us to schedule college visits, it became a mission for teachers to ensure we went to college. In all reality, what good does a college degree do for us? In theory, it’s supposed to help us get a job that pays above minimum wage, and honestly, we need to make more than the average $7.25 if we want to pay off the thousands of dollars in debt
we’ve accumulated over our four years of college. It’s hard to live the life you want comfortably if most, or all, of your paycheck is going to Sallie May. The harsh truth is that many college graduates are not getting the decent jobs they expected, despite their college degree. As of 2014, there were
OUR POSITION We believe that there is too much emphasis on getting a college degree when it doesn’t always equal getting a decent job. 260,000 people with a bachelor’s degree or higher, working a job that paid minimum wage or less, according to Next City. Isn’t a college degree supposed to get you a job that pays at least a little above the minimum wage, not below it? That number increased by almost 120,000 graduates since 2004. And don’t forget the 200,000 workers who hold associate degrees. The total number of Americans with a college degree working a job,
earning $7.25 an hour or less stands at 460,000, according to a 2014 study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s 460,000 people who spent several years in college, moving their way into more debt and building their education, only to get a job that may pay minimum wage. Why are we putting so much emphasis on getting a college degree when getting one doesn’t always promise a decent paying job? The unemployment rate is still lower among college students, which stands at 3.8 percent, than those without a degree—7.3 percent. Maybe instead of encouraging high school students to earn a college degree immediately after high school, we should encourage getting a job first, then going to college.
OUR BOARD The editorial board represents the opinion of The Franklin and its staff members. Opinion editor Christina Ramey moderates the board and its members, including Brittney Corum, Marissa Hendricks, Adrianna Pitrelli and Ashley Steeb. Leigh Durphey, the executive editor, sits on the board. If you have an issue you would like the board to cover, email christina.ramey@franklincollege.edu.
NUMBER OF COLLEGE GRADS WORKING MINIMUM WAGE JOBS: Bachelor’s degree or higher Associate’s degree
IS IT WORTH IT? A college degree is continuously losing its worth in the employment and salary spectrums.
260,000 200,000
= 460,000 people holding college degrees working minimum wage jobs
AVERAGE SALARIES OF PEOPLE HOLDING COLLEGE DEGREES:
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
2009: $61,245
with a degree
2014: $48,127
without a degree
3.8% 7.3%
reportingtexas.com | time.com | nextcity.org | usnews.com
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016
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Paying tuition online: A step forward or too much hassle?
MARISSA HENDRICKSON marissa.hendrickson@franklincollege.edu
ASHLEY STEEB ashley.steeb@franklincollege.edu
Out with the old and in with the new—Franklin College is going paperless. The college will no longer issue paper billing statements in the mail. The school is entering the 21st century with a system called franklincollege.afford.com. Students can now access their financial aid information, make payments and view their balance all on one website. Personally, I approve of the new electronic system. I don’t have to worry about losing a paper statement or calling the business office every time I have a question about my bill. All I have to do is log onto the website to find my answers. Everyone I know doesn’t like the new system because it became more difficult for them to track their account. They want the school to stay with the old paper system and not the electronic system. I’m not quite sure why they find the new system harder when we practically do everything in a one-stop-shop. Think of all the other things Franklin College makes accessible via the internet. I applied to the school online. I applied for financial aid online. Professors use Moodle for homework assignments. It only makes sense to have my school bill accessible online. Almost everything we do in our daily lives is online. However, in their defense, I completely understand that remembering passwords can be brutal. I forget mine all the time, but it’s not too difficult to write it down. Despite this reason, the new system is very user-friendly. Now, I can access my college bill, pay other bills and maybe do a little bit of online shopping—all at the same time.
As a senior, it was more annoying than anything to set up a new online account to pay my tuition after just having the bills mailed to me for three years. And don’t get me started on explaining the long process to my mother. Don’t get me wrong—it is extremely convenient now that everything is set up, but the set-up process was more painful than it was anything else. It is yet another account that I have to keep up with and remember the password for. I’m very fortunate to have parents that help me pay for my education, but it can be frustrating for other parents who help pay their child’s tuition to change their traditional payment habits. When I started my first year at Franklin College, my mom didn’t understand why the college had not already implemented online bill payment. She, unlike many parents, became acquainted with online bill payment through previous experience with Indiana University. However, once I received the email over the summer asking me to create the new account, my mom was not happy with changing her ways. For the parents who aren’t quite adapted to technology and online billing like my mom, it may be a long learning process for them. Many parents may also find the process to be frustrating because, and let’s be honest here, parents don’t like change. Other than the set-up process, I do think paying your tuition online is a more efficient way of bill payment.
HOW TO PAY TUTION ONLINE 1. Create an account on franklincollege.afford.com 2. Log on with your Student Creditionals
From your account you can view how much you own and create a payment plan. You can also make payments through your account.
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BRITTNEY CORUM brittney.corum@franklincollege.edu
Quick and easy ways to save money in college Face it—you’re probably a broke college student. I’m a broke college student, and I’m not afraid to admit it. No matter how many hours you work a week, it just seems impossible to have a lot of money. And when we finally get that paycheck on Friday, it’s hard to save with the overwhelming costs of textbooks and food and gas. Unfortunately, Grandma’s $50 donation to our college fund seems more like $10 when it comes down to it. But fear no more, I’m here to tell you how to make the most of your money. 1. Dollar Tree, where “everything’s $1” It’s time for the Dollar Tree to become your best friend. Need a notebook or folder? A poster board or staples? Don’t waste your money on a pack of five pencils for $2 at Walmart when the Dollar Tree has everything you need for less. 2. Prioritize the first Saturday of every month in your calendar: Goodwill Saturday Have an upcoming job interview? Need a black blazer? Visit the local Goodwill on the first Saturday of the month for 50% all items. You can find gently used clothing and shoes, all for a discounted price. 3. Don’t waste money on a $200 textbook Before you resort to purchasing a textbook from the college bookstore or online, ask your friend if they have the book you need from a previous class. They’re sure to loan it to you or sell it at a discounted price. It’s worth a shot.
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016
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Cross country, track coach resigns
SPORTS
ASHLEY SHULER ashley.shuler@franklincollege.edu
Volleyball ready for conference JESSICA KAISER jessica.kaiser@franklincollege.edu
The women’s volleyball team has their eyes on conference play starting tomorrow afternoon. Overall, the team in 8-6 on the season. Although the record isn’t ideal, players are optimistic for the season. “We are working through the kinks right now to better prepare for conference play,” said junior Sarah Labra, team captain. “We are a very talented team.” The players are using fundamentals they learned this summer. “We have improved in foot speed and endurance,” Labra said. “We all ... complete these summer workouts, so we can pick up where we left off in the fall.” Not only were the women able to increase their knowledge of the game, they were also able to introduce new members to the team. “Preseason was challenging, being an incoming freshman,” Nico Morris said. Morris said the rest of the season should go well if her and her teammates stay dedicated to the sport. “There is definitely a ton of potential for this season,” Morris said. “Our team gives a lot of effort, and if we keep working hard to get better and learn to finish we should have a very good chance in being one of the top teams.” Having the dedication and motivation to play volleyball helps when it comes to putting in the work, but Labra said the team’s bond helps to drive each member do their best. “We all support and love each other,” Labra said. “Which is something incredibly special and rare to find in women’s sports.” Students and community can catch the team in action at their next home game Wednesday.
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016
Business as usual. Kerry Prather, athletic director and head men’s basketball coach, had a meeting scheduled with Paul Sargent, head men’s and women’s cross country and track coach. They met. They discussed. But by the time the meeting was over, Prather was out a head coach. Sargent resigned—a complete surprise to Prather. Prather said Sargent’s resignation comes at an “inopportune time,” as both teams are in the initial stages of their season. “It was awkward timing,” Prather said. “But I thanked him for good service and a long time here. And that was it.” Prather declined to comment on whether Sargent’s resignation was for a personal or professional reason, saying he was “not at liberty” to discuss Sargent’s personnel information—but he did speculate on why he left. “Coaching is an interesting vocation,” Prather said. “You wake up every day and can’t wait to get here. Or, you decide it’s time to go do something else. As a matter of conjecture, I think that’s just kind of the point that Paul came to.” After the meeting, Prather scrambled to get a new head coach in line, working his way from the college’s human resources department to president Thomas Minar—eventually appointing Demetrius Bailey as an interim. Less than 24 hours after Sargent resigned, Bailey officially had the job. Sargent declined to comment for this story, saying he wanted to “aid in the
closure of [his] time at Franklin College” and assist in the transition of Bailey as the new coach. All of the cross country and track students The Franklin reached out to either declined to comment on Sargent’s resignation or did not reply. As of last Friday, Sargent’s campus email address was deactivated. When this story went to print, his biography was still live on the Franklin College athletic website. The site touts the various championships Sargent led his teams to, including the success of 2015 graduate Anna Murdock as the first-ever Franklin College champion in the 800-meter run. In an all-campus email, Prather spoke to the fact that most of Sargent’s time at the college was spent bouncing around from high school to middle school to practice, as the track team didn’t have a campus facility until Grizzly Park was built. “The track program remained viable all those years we didn’t have a track [under Sargent],” Prather said. Demetrius Bailey—who, up until last week, was an assistant coach for both the track and football teams—is serving as the interim until May. Under Bailey, the teams’ schedule won’t change. Prather said there’s potential for the athletic department to do a national search for a permanent coach, but the details of the hiring process won’t be worked out until spring semester. Bailey said he’s interested in becoming the permanent coach. “This is a place I’d like to be for a while,” Bailey said.
2015
1992
Prather hires Sargent as a part-time coach.
A TIMELINE: PAUL SARGENT’S FRANKLIN TENURE
1991
Sargent graduates from Franklin College.
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Sargent coaches Anna Murdock to a NCAA title.
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2003
Sargent becomes a full-time coach.
Zoie Richey | The Franklin
Sargent’s name is removed from the nameplate outside his office in the Spurlock Center. Sargent suddenly resigned from his coaching position—without notice—last week. Bailey moved into his office the next day.
In the meantime, Prather said choosing Bailey as interim was a “natural” decision. “The most important thing for me was to make sure that the student athletes had a seamless transition with someone that they would be comfortable with,” Prather said. “And I feel pretty good about that. And I think they feel pretty good about that.” After 34 years working at Franklin College, Prather said a sudden resignation without explanation isn’t unusual. “Life circumstances change,” he said. “Sometimes they happen on very convenient schedules with plenty of lead time and all that. But sometimes they don’t.”
SPRING 2017 The athletic dept. considers a national search for coach.
SEPT. 13, 2016 Sargent resigns. Bailey becomes interim coach.
St. Jude to hold run, walk to end childhood cancer LAURA OLIVO maria.olivo@franklincollege.edu
Weekends are saved for sleeping in, watching football, and possibly going apple picking with friends. But for some, this weekend will be used to help end childhood cancer. Every year, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital hosts its St. Jude Run/Walk to End Childhood Cancer during the month of September— childhood cancer awareness month. This year, the location changed and will take place at the Indianapolis Canal by the White River State Park at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning. The participation fee is $10 and parking is an additional $5. Junior Brooke Kistler, Delta Delta Delta philanthropy chair, made a Franklin College Students & Friends’ team for tomorrow’s event to include all students – including those involved in Greek life, athletics and commuters. “I think [Franklin College students] should sign up to learn more about St. Jude Research Hospital,” Kistler said. “It’s based in Memphis, but once they get to know St. Jude, they are going to want to support it forever.” St. Jude promotes the event each year to raise money to help fund the $2.2 million expenses the hospital sees everyday. “Supporting St. Jude is important because almost everyone has been affected by cancer in some way and it’s a way to give back to others,” Kistler said. Tomorrow will be the third time she will participate in event. “I’m going to participate in the St.Jude walk on Saturday because I want to support St. Jude in every way I can,” Kistler said. “If that means getting up early after a long night of recruitment, then I will do it, because
that is nothing compared to the long nights and struggles the patients of St. Jude and their families go through. It’s also a really fun event and it’s awesome to be around people who love and support St. Jude as much as you do.” While visiting St. Jude this summer, senior Savannah Blevins said she experienced the struggles patients and their families go through while on their campus. “If you think you’re having a bad day with tests, papers and projects, you don’t know what a bad day is,” Blevins said. During Blevins’ time at the hospital, she met Olivia, a 7-year-old girl who has brain cancer. She is now a pen pal with Olivia, and Blevins sends little packages to her frequently. “I know she is excited to get mail just as I am excited to get hers,” she said. Senior Sam Pollock, Tau Kappa Epsilon president, said he encourages all students to take part in the fundraising event in Indianapolis tomorrow. “St. Jude has made me realize that there is something bigger than Franklin College and my career there,” Pollock said. “The times I have had fundraising for St. Jude has been a blast because I get to spend time with friends and fight for a great cause.” @THEFRANKLINNEWS
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016
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What do you hope to do after graduation? I want to go to grad school, either University of Indianapolis or IUPUI. So I major in Psychology. I have to get a certain GPA, so I’m going to work harder at school.
Rachel Smith, freshman
Daphne Ng | The Franklin
What makes you stressed out recently? “Homework. Teachers will assign homework, and I forget to turn them in. They don’t accept late work, so I lose points. It’s really difficult. I guess it’s [time spent on homework] not a lot for you, but it’s a lot for me.”
Hudson Nichols, freshman Daphne Ng | The Franklin
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016
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