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Thursday, August 29, 2013
Inside News Constable: Deupty acted accordingly southern pulls out welcome mat for freshmen
Sports JAGAURS SEEK FRESH START IN 2013 ODUMS ERA OF SU FOOTBALL OFFICIALLY BEGINS DOSS FOCUSED ON GAME PLAN UH DEFENSE SEEKS TO IMPROVE FROM 2012
Culture Natural Hair club debuts on campus students learn about student organizations at fair goodie mob reunion worth the wait
Commentary SGA President bray welcomes #Teamsu stay on the positive side of the college stats
Photos of the week scenes from The 50th anniversary of the march on washington
www.southerndigest.com
Volume 61, Issue 1
SU begins reorganization Christie Carral
The Southern Digest The plan to academic reorganization of colleges and schools at Southern University has kicked off in hopes to increase program enrollment, graduation rates and future growth and development of programs. The plan is said to be a representation of the merging and/ or realignment of existing schools, colleges and academic departments and for some, the termination of some academic programs. With the new reorganization plan implemented, the university has moved from nine academic deans to six academic deans and from 39 academic chairs to 21, with a total reduction of 18 academic chairs. Verjanis Peoples, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs stated that the colleges and schools that were merged together shared commonalities and the purpose of the merging was to share different teaching methods. “We are looking for efficiency in our programs and we’re looking for growth,” said Peoples. Chancellor James Llorens said that the previous academic structure had been in place for more than 30 years and that it was not conducive to collaboration between departments and disciplines with similar academic components. “What we’re doing is a design to create a more efficient academic delivery system,” Llorens said. “We want to start getting the faculty and the departments to communicate with each other instead of just staying in silence.” He said the reason for merging the colleges was for realizing reduction revenues and need to become more efficient to expenditures and other reasons are because it just makes sense academically. Llorens said in an example,
COLL. OF EDUCATION, ARTS & HUMANITIES
Interim Dean: Luria Young; Interim Associate Dean: Joyce O’Rourke Department of Curriculum and Instruction —Diana Kelley, Interim Chair Department of Education Theory, Policy and Practice (Ed. Lead & BHVS) —Joycelyn Harrison, Interim Chair Department of English, World Languages, History and Mass Communication —Mahmoud Braima, Interim Chair Department of Visual and Performing Arts —Erma Hines, Interim Chair
COLL. OF ENGINEERING AND COMP. SCI.
Dean: Habib Mohamdian; Associate Dean; Patrick Carriere Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering —Huey Lawson, Interim Chair Architecture —Lonnie Wilkinson, Coordinator Department of Mechanical Engineering —Dwayne Jerro, Chair Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronic Engineering Technology —Hamid Majilesein, Chair Department of Computer Science —Ebrahim Khosravi, Chair
COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND AGRICULTURE
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Dean: Donald Andrews; Associate Dean/Director of Graduate Programs: Ashagre Yigletu Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics —Ghrimay Ghebreyesus, Chair Department of Management and Marketing —Jose Noguera, Chair
COLL. OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Dean: William Arp; Associate Dean: Murelle Harrison Department of Behavioral Sciences (Psychology, Sociology & Social Work) —Reginald Rackley, Interim Chair Department of Social Sciences (Political Science, Criminal Justice) —Stephone Addison, Interim Chair Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy (Graduate Programs) —Revathi Hines, Chair
that it would make more sense to have one general statistics than to have three separate ones that are teaching the same information. To transition into the newly arranged colleges and schools, Peoples said she drew out a chart to map each college out. “What I’m trying to get is openness and transparency so that we can move through these areas effectively,” Peoples said. Although Peoples has the arrangement of colleges and schools mapped out, she estimates the transition time to take up to a year. The College of Education and the College of Arts and Humanities was merged and the new college consists of only four academic
Dean: Robert Miller; Associate Dean; Doze Butler Department of Agricultural Sciences and Urban Forestry) —Calvin Walker, Interim Chair Department of Biological Sciences, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry —Pushpa Samkutty, Interim Chair Department of Mathematics, Physics and Math/ Science Education —Diola Bagayoko, Interim Chair Department of Family and Consumer Sciences —Grace Namwamba, Chair
COLLEGE OF NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH
Dean: Janet Rami; Associate Dean: TBA Undergraduate Programs (School of Nursing) —Jacqueline Hill, Chair Graduate Programs (School of Nursing) —Edna Hull, Chair Speech-Language Pathology/Allied Health Programs —Elaine Lewnau, Chair Rehabilitation Counseling, Coordinator of Therapeutic Recreation/Allied Health Programs —Madan Kundu, Chair
departments; the College of Engineering will add the Computer Science Department to its program offerings and combine two existing programs, Electrical Engineering and Electronic Technology Engineering; the College of Business will reduce its number of department chairs by one by combining accounting, economics and finance into one department; College of Social and Behavioral Sciences will combine all of the behavioral and social sciences and the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy into one college with three chairs; the College of Sciences and the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences will be combined into one college with four academic department chairs;
the College of Nursing and Allied Health has added three programs in Allied health. “All these programs are based upon current research and current happenings at other universities across the nation,” Peoples said. Peoples said that the reorganization plan is deeply embedded in research. Although the reorganization plan promotes growth and development of colleges and programs, there were 27 academic programs identified as low completer programs and were terminated by the Board of Regents. Some of those programs that were categorized as low completer were combined with other programs.
University adjusts to Affordable Care Act Felix Cunningham III The Southern Digest
Southern University Baton Rouge’s Baranco-Hill Health Center has experienced significant changes to the Southern University Student Health Insurance Plan, such as an increase in payment, benefits and extended hours at the health center. These changes are due to the reformation of the Patient Portability Affordable Care Act. Derylle Spears, sophomore mass communications major, discussed
his knowledge of the Southern University Health Insurance Plan. “I did not know that we were insured with Southern University and as a student with minor concerns, it would be nice to be insured and have insurance with your university,” stated Spears. The Director of Baranco-Hill Health Center Nurse Practitioner Shirley Wade states that historically students approximately paid $125 annually for health insurance fee with a $15,000 annual limit. “It was mandatory for all students
to pay approximately $60 Health fee per semester, approximately $62 per semester for visits as a patient to the Health Center, and optional $30 for the summer,“ stated Wade. Wade also stated that insurance for domestic (in-state/out-of-state) Southern University students is voluntary and international students under the J-1 Visa automatically are covered in SHIP. A J-1 Visa is admittance for a non-immigrated international student to come into the United States for an intended period of time.
the official student newspaper of southern university and A&m college, baton rouge, louisiana
“If insurance was mandatory, students would pay $780 annually. If a student has a co-insurance with a parent, they should pay $960 annually. International students under the J-1 Visa pay $2,126 for insurance,” stated Wade. PPACA most commonly known as Obama Care or ACA (Affordable Care Act) is a health reform act carried out through President Barack Obama’s presidency that expands health care
See SU Obamacare page 3
Campus Life southerndigest.com
Page 2 - Thursday, August 29, 2013
Campus Briefs
for credit has been extended to Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013. The Attendance Reporting Period will end on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. Students who do not report to classes during the Attendance Reporting Period will have their classes removed and financial aid reduced or cancelled. Faculty members are urged to continue to update the reporting of SH attendance in Banner. The posting of NS reports should commence on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013.
today Eastside Parking Lot of Mumford Stadium Director of Bands Lawrence Jackson is asking the SU family to please move their cars parked in the Eastside Parking Lot of Mumford Stadium by 6 p.m. daily so that the Human Jukebox can use the entire area to practice. BRAABJ Mentoring Program BRAABJ will launch its year-long mentoring program on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Southern University in the Stewart Hall Auditorium. Media professionals and students are invited to attend to meet their mentors and mentees and kickoff this wonderful partnership. The mentoring program will pair Southern University and LSU journalism students with local media professionals to help guide their careers. It will run from September to May. There will also be a panel discussion featuring media professionals talking about how to make the most of the mentoring program and giving tips on how to succeed in the business. The deadline to sign up for the program is Friday, Aug. 30. For more information on how to get involved, go to our website www.brareabj.org or contact Cheryl Stroy at 318.820.9284.
Freshman Convocation 2013 The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and The Office of Academic Affairs present Freshman Convocation 2013 Thursday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. The event is mandatory for all Southern University freshman students. Freshmen are asked to wear white tops and black/dark bottoms to convocation. Kenneth Cobb of Mentors on Wheels will serve as the motivational speaker. For more information, call 225.771.4040. Southern to honor ‘93 team at Sept. 14 home opener Southern University athletics will commemorate 20th anniversary of the 1993 Black College and SWAC champions during pregame of the Sept. 14 home opener against Prairie View at A.W. Mumford Stadium. In conjunction with the game’s Alumni Day/Unite in White promotion, Southern is providing two free tickets to each member from the 1993 team and support staff along with a special pregame tailgate hosted by the Southern University Football Alumni Association. For more information about the pre-game festivities, contact SUFAA President Darryl Hurst at Darryl.Hurst@yahoo.com. Former players, coaches and supports staff including trainers, equipment managers and strength coaches are required to contact Southern Athletics Director Will Broussard at 225.771.5930 or email him at will_broussard@subr.edu for verification purposes and to receive their tickets. Individuals wanting more than the allotted two tickets can purchase additional tickets for $30 in Sections 5W and 6W. The 1993 team produced four All-SWAC first team selections including Sean Wallace, the SWAC’s
Tuition Increase Hardship Waiver forms Tuition Increase Hardship Waiver forms are available at www. subr.edu. The deadline to submit paperwork is Friday, Aug. 30. Intensive Acting Workshop How many parts have you played? Do you have a desire to be an actress or actor? Would you like to learn more about stage and screen acting? Are you shy or timid, and ready to crack your shell? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then this workshop is for you. Come to the John B. Cade Library and Bentley’s House of Fame’s Intensive Acting Workshop Thursday, Sept. 5 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. in Classroom A of the library’s third floor. Critical Fall 2013 Deadlines Extended The deadline for adding courses
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926 Defensive Player of the Year. Pete Richardson was also named the conference’s coach of the year in 1993, the first of five awards the former coach received during his 17-year career at Southern. Ambassadors Needed The Office of Excel is looking for Jag and Vice Ambassadors. Ambassadors must be looking to serve the university and community, have a positive personality, work well with others, be a full-time SU student, be in good academic standing with the university and be willing to work. Please e-mail a completed resume, fall class schedule and an interest statement to SU@subr.edu by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18.
Hey! Want to get your event in Campus Briefs? It’s very easy to do! Just e-mail you event information to digest@subr.edu or southerndigest@ gmail.com. Please make “Campus Briefs” the e-mail subject.
Who’s Speaking Out?
How has your experience at SU been so far? “My experience at su has been good, i met alot of new people and had alot of sun so far. I’m really enjoying myself so far and hope this yearcontinues to be good.” CARY HENDERSON Freshman MECHANICAL ENGINEERING WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.
“So far my southern experience has been verY rewarding. I enjoy the new environment and meeting people from different walks of life.” MARKELLE LINDON FRESHMAN SOCIAL WORK LAFAYETTE, LA.
“So far it has been a very memorable experience very interesting i’ve met alot of new people. I’ve gotten familiar with the campus and learned a lot of new things.” Anthonavia Antoine Psychology Freshman Lafayette, LA.
“My experience at southern University has been fun so far. I have had some new experiences and I have met all types of new people. I am very excited to see everything and experince everything that involves the ‘college life’.” Sedric Blakes Jr. Business Management Freshman Baton Rouge
Also, you can fax your information to 225.771.5840. Please send in your event information at least 3-5 days prior to your event.
ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2013 by The Southern University Office of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College. All articles, photographs and graphics are property of The Southern DIGEST and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in Chief and Director of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is published twice-weekly (Tuesday & Thursday) with a run count of 5,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters. The paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every Tuesday & Friday morning on the SUBR campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located on the first floor of T.H. Harris Hall, Suite 1064. The Southern DIGEST is the official student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body. Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Southern University and A&M College, an Historically Black, 1890 landgrant institution, is to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to achieve a high-quality, global educational experience, to engage in scholarly, research, and creative activities, and to give meaningful public service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world so that Southern University graduates are competent, informed, and productive citizens. Website: www.subr.edu.
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Thursday, augusT 29, 2013 - page 3
The senTInel of an enlIghTened sTudenT body sInCe 1926
Constable: Deputy acted accordingly treVor James
The Southern Digest Students and faculty looked on as student Taikian Brooks was “body slammed” by Deputy Constable Anthony Collins in a video at WBRZ.com. The incident occurred between Southern University student and constable late Friday evening August 16. Students who missed the incident were notified of this activity by way of a video recorded by a student who was present during the time. When asked about the incident, Media Relations Specialist Edward Pratt for the university referred to the press conference from Maj. Reginald Brown, the constable’s supervisor. “The student was involved in a conversation with one of his constables who alleged that Mr. Brooks was moving from line to line,” Pratt said. Pratt stated that the campus police were not involved. “We have a situation at Southern University where because there are
Southern welcomes freshmen
so many events on-campus, this was one of the cases where we paid the constables office to provide security in Seymour Gym,” Pratt stated. The number of events oncampus can sometimes require the university to use off-campus officers for security with different venues. Brown said, “the incident was reported to me by the office, whenever there’s any types of occurrence out side of the norm, they are to notify me.” Upon notifying Major Brown, the incident was passed on to the authorities on campus. When asked was the constable too aggressive with handling the situation, Brown responded, “when I saw the longer video, the matter of the constable having contact with this individual took place for possibly 30 minutes.” Brooks was advised to either go into the bleachers until he was called down or leave the building. Brown said, “Brooks said he had a letter from the counselor to get to the front of the line. The deputy asked for the letter and he was never able to produce the letter. This may
have caused an issue if every student had said they had a letter but was unable to produce one.” Upon attempting to remove the student from the line where the incident occurred, bystanders claim to have seen the constable “body slam” Brooks. Brown called it a “soft-hand takedown,” a move deputies are taught. There were no physical punches passed nor did the constable use an intermediate weapon. The
constable was simply trying to remove the student from the building, when he jerked away, resulting in the take down. “It was only one person handling the situation until after taking him down he continued to resist.” Brown said, “the deputy constable was still attempting to be as accommodating as he could because he could have taken him to jail, instead he didn’t feel the need.”
Medicare providers. The federal government will pay the increase but their goal is to make sure there are enough doctors to care for the large amount of people on Medicaid. States will get two more years of funding for the Children Health Insurance Program. CHIP provides insurance to low-income children who do not qualify for Medicaid. Providers must tell patients in writing if they will make money from a drug or treatment they recommend to patient: this includes doctors, hospitals, pharmacists, other health care providers, and those who make and distribute medical supplies. The Supreme Court decision complied regulations with Obama Care for the 2013-2014 school year. It raised the premium from a minimum of $100,000 (2012-2013) to $500,000 and increased the essential
benefits such as: ambulatory patient services, prescription drugs, maternity and newborn care, diagnostic tests, wellness/preventive care, rehabilitative services, hospitalization, and emergency services. To cover additional costs associated with additional services and expanded hours at the health center, students pay $150 per semester health center fee that is already in effect. It is also keeping the health center open on Monday-Friday from 8am-7pm and on Saturday-Sunday 1pm-7pm which is an increase from the 2012-2013 year. The following services that are available for all students are campus physician office visits for routine acute and chronic illnesses, diagnostic X-ray and laboratory, allergy injections, medications stocked by the pharmacy,
health education, confidential HIV testing, reproductive consultation, mental health counseling, wellness/ preventive care, and accidental death and dismemberment coverage. However, if students do not have health insurance, these services will not be available such as: hospital emergency room, inpatient hospital, outpatient medical expenses, ambulance services, specialist consultations, surgery/anesthesia services, and outpatient therapy. Students with health concerns should sign up for insurance and get its many benefits because it is very inexpensive to get needs that benefit any students concerns. To sign up for insurance go on www. studentassurance.com or www. subrstudenthealthcenter.com. The deadline to sign up for insurance is Sept. 16.
marChanDrea seals The Southern Digest
Image Courtesy of WBRZ-TV Amatuer video shows Deputy Constable Anthony Collins subduing Southern student Taikian Brooks during registration.
su obamaCare from page 1 coverage. ACA benefits the American citizens abroad as well as college students at many institutions around the U.S. According to Interact For Health, the new changes that started in 2013 to ACA are as followed: The Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) will award grants to establish nonprofit health insurance companies such as Louisiana Health Cooperative. State Medicaid programs that cover preventive services such as mammograms, flu shots, pap smears, pelvic exams, HIV screening, immunization vaccines, alcohol misuse screening and counseling at little or no costs will get more federal funds. Their goal is to increase the number of people who get preventive care and to keep citizens healthy. States must pay Medicaid primary care providers at least as much as
Southern University Baton Rouge’s first Welcome Week for incoming freshman and transfer students engaged in many activities, and a taste of college life for the 2013-2014 school year. Welcome Week was held from August 12 to August 16. Welcome Week is full of events and festivities for freshman and transfer students to gather first hand experience of college before classes begins the following week. The time helps students get comfortable with the campus, roommates and registration. Some of the events that occurred during Welcome Week were: an Instagram SUBR photo challenge; talk of upcoming SGA elections and meeting members of SGA; an I Love SU rally; a talent show; Zumba with Miss Southern University Ayanna Spivey; safety night with police departments from Baton Rouge, Baker, Zachary and SUPD; girl code with the Association of Women Students and guy code with Men’s Federation; a carnival; a block party and a senior class cookout sponsored by the Southern University Alumni Federation. The organizations that helped out for Welcome Week was SGA, JAG Ambassadors, Community Outreach Program, various Greek organizations and others. Taylor Williams, a freshman, business management major from Natchitoches said, “Welcome Week was good, met a lot of new people. Just wish they had better DJ’s.” This was SGA President Simone Bray’s first Welcome Week. “It was really fun,” said Bray. “I was really nervous because it was my first SGA event as president because everything falls back on me. Everyone enjoyed themselves, happy the students enjoyed themselves and I had a great first Welcome Week.” Jasmine Lewis, a freshman English major from Lake Charles said, “it was a great experience and I’m finally glad to be at Southern.”
Sports southerndigest.com
Page 4 - Thursday, August 29, 2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Jaguars seek fresh start
Doss focused on game plan
Morris Dillard III
All-SWAC receiver concentrating on fulfilling preseason hype; avoiding doubleteams
The Southern Digest
The practice snaps on Tuesday indicated that senior quarterback Dray Joseph has now assumed the starting job without question. That means the workload has increased and now he has to prepare for upper echelon talent. Joseph will lead Southern into Reliant Stadium Friday night to begin his final season against the University of Houston. Still, the focus remains on his mechanics. Joseph said he spent the offseason working on his mechanics, throwing passes to wide receivers after practice and watching film. “I’m trying to get better,” Joseph told reporters after practice. “Its just a lot of things that I did off the field that’ll help my game on the field.” He’ll have the daunting task of playing against an angry group of Cougars, who were picked to finish sixth in the American Athletic Conference. UH was upset at home by Texas State in last year’s season opener and finished 5-7. Former coach Kevin Sumlin had the Cougars on the national radar before taking the head coaching position at Texas A&M. Joseph said as a senior leader it’s important that he cut back on mistakes and be sharp mentally. “We do a good job of moving the ball against our defense,” he said. “Come Friday we have to be discipline, cut down on the mistakes, and protect the football.”
Morris Dillard III The Southern Digest
after replacing Stump Mitchell, following a 6-0 home loss to
SU quarterback Dray Joseph told reporters after Tuesday’s practice that he thinks receiver Lee Doss is football savvy. Although teams may double him this year, Joseph still says Doss can make the adjustment. “He led the SWAC in receptions last year,” Joseph said. “For the most part guys are going to key in on him for the first couple of games. That’s when the other guys are going to step up and make big plays.” Doss, 6-foot-2 180 pounds, has excellent speed and hand-eye coordination, a blend of talent that gives defensive coordinators headaches and a big reason why he’s ready for SU’s season opener against the University of Houston this Friday. Doss said he’s been preparing for the Cougars since last season, while helping SU average 23.8 points and 328.1 total yards. “My brother plays for Tulane and they played Houston last year,” Doss added. “I’ve been watching the techniques of the DB’s.” Though most of the hype surrounding the offense is centered on Joseph, the most promising position is likely the tandem of wide receivers. Doss clearly benefitted from having Joseph behind center last season, hauling in 65 receptions for 698 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago, earning him first-team All-SWAC selection honors. “I know in the history Southern they’ve had great receivers that came through the program,” Doss said. “I’m very happy about being a part of that list, but at the end of the day I feel like we need to win SWAC.” Juniors William Waddel and Bradley Brown and sophomore Willie Quinn create a stable of receivers poised to propel SU’s offense. SU’ offense averaged 248.5 yards passing last season, ranking sixth in the SWAC, and produced an NFL prospect, Charles Hawkins, who signed a free agent deal with
See Odums Era page 5
See Savvy Doss page 5
Norman J. Dotson Jr./DIGEST FILES Southern quarterback Dray Joseph escapes Alabama A&M’s Corey Hart during a 2011 SWAC game. The Jaguars open the 2013 season Saturday on the road against Houston. The senior quarterback has been through a lot of adverse times at Southern, and this year, he’ll begin his final season at SU with a new head coach. His career at SU began at the Florida Citrus Bowl for the SWAC/ MEAC Challenge against Delaware State in 2010, the Mitchell era. At the time, Joseph was a freshman playing back-up quarterback. By the end of the game, he was a hero. He came off the bench to lead SU from an 11-point deficit and 10-point victory. This established a familiar pattern, as Joseph would battle to be a starter each year after. Once he shared playing time with a freshman. “I think he’s comfortable in knowing it’s his team,” quarterback coach Chad Germany told reporters
before practice. “I’m excited about having him back for a third year.” Joseph finished in the Southwestern Athletic Conference with 2511 and led the league with 25 touchdown passes, but now faces one of his toughest challenges in UH’s defense. The Cougars were young last season at most spots but lose a lot up front on defense, including three of their top four tacklers. “I think they’re probably the best team on our schedule,” Odums said. “When we look at the film after this football game, we’ll be able draw some conclusions about what kind of football team we have.” The Cougars return 10 starters from an offense that averaged 32.4 points and 480 yards per game in 2012. The Cougars will need that unit to compensate for the holes
on defense. Junior quarterback David Piland is entering his third season as a starter after passing for 2,929 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Furthermore, 10 of his top 13 receivers from last year are back. Houston also will be without its top running back from last year, Charles Sims, who transferred to West Virginia “to play in the Big 12 to be able to increase his draft stock,” Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen said in July at Big 12 media days. “Because of them being number one (on our schedule), because of their new coaching staff and because of lack of film on them it’s been about Houston. Our plan is to go and execute offensively, execute defensively, execute in the kicking game and do the things that we have to do to win football games regardless of our opponent.”
Odums era officially begins at Southern Morris Dillard III The Southern Digest
Southern formally introduced Dawson Odums, as its head football coach December 18. Odums takes over a program at a university that is “weeping” from the Stump Mitchell era and that has been under investigation by the NCAA for failing to meet the NCAA’s academic progress rate requirements. But for the immediate future, replacing a coach who served a program with great tradition is a daunting task. Given SU’s 10-23 record over past three seasons, Odums enters a situation that is challenging as well as unprecedented. “Most of the coaches that have come here have ultimately won,” Odums said during his first press luncheon at A.W. Mumford Stadium. He added: “I
want to be one of those coaches that are remembered at Southern University for a long time.” The most impactful moment for Odums and Southern last season was three signature wins over rival programs. They were enough to remove the interim tag Odums carried by for nine games. That test has been completed, and Odums has proven to be the right man for the job. He knows more will be asked of him now. He’s had more than seven months to prepare for this moment. “When you’re named the interim you’re pretty much doing everything that a head coach would be doing,” Odums said. “I had nine games to get myself prepared.” The Southern University System Board of Supervisors removed the interim tag Dec. 13 and approved unanimously, rewarding him for
Trevor James/DIGEST Southern head coach Dawson Odums talks to players after the final fall scrimmage. Odums leads the Jaguars into Friday’s season opener at Houston. “accomplishing much with little,” says athletic director William Broussard, who recommended that Odums stay. SU went 4-5 under Odums
Thursday, August 29, 2013- Page 5
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Odums Era from page 4 Mississippi Valley State. Broussard said Odums proved to be a capable leader through adverse times for Southern. He joins what was already an impressive roster of coaches at Southern (A.W. Mumford, Robert Smith, Pete Richardson) defeating three rival schools in the same season (Jackson State, Florida A&M and Grambling). Odums and Southern will have the daunting task of playing against an angry group, the University of Houston, who were picked to finish sixth in the American Athletic Conference. The Cougars were upset at home by Texas State in last year’s season opener and finished 5-7. Former coach Kevin Sumlin had the Cougars on the national radar before taking the head coaching position at Texas A&M. “We know we’re going to be over-matched,” Odums said during Tuesday’s press luncheon. “We’re looking at it as an opportunity. Everybody is tired of seeing the same color jersey’s in practice and what better opponent than the University of Houston.” Both teams have met once before, in 2008, when the Sumlin and the Cougars pushed around Southern in a season-opening 55-3 victory in front of 26,555 fans at Robertson Stadium. So far, Odums has been pleased with his team’s mental focus this month and expects it in Friday’s season opener.
Lackluster defense leaves Cougars with much to improve Christopher Shelton The Daily Cougar
Junior linebacker Derrick Mathews needs a new nickname. As a baby-faced freshman, the veterans on the team called him “Pup;” however, Mathews was anything but a baby on the field. He started all 14 games and was selected as a freshman All-American during the Cougars’ historic 13-1 season. Although Mathews is still clean-shaven, he is one of the veteran leaders on the team. Former linebacker Phillip Steward, a defensive leader on last season’s squad, began preparing him for the moment when he would have to step up. “I think a lot, ‘Man, I was just a kid not too long ago,’ and now I’ve grown up to fill the shoes of the Marcus McGraws or the Phillip Steward or Sammy Browns… (Steward) always told me, ‘Big Dog, this is going to be yours,’” Mathews said. “It just came faster than I thought.” Mathews didn’t inherit a Ferrari though — the Cougars had one of the worst defenses in Conference USA last season. They surrendered 36 points per game and were statistically the worst pass defense during conference play. Since legendary coaches Bill Yeoman and Jack Pardee last patrolled the sidelines, UH has been known more for its Air Raid offense than its defense, a fact that is not lost on new defensive coordinator David Gibbs. “Down through the history, Houston hasn’t played very good defense,” Gibbs said. “I think the key for us is to build on what we started in the spring. Have good two-a-day practices, start with Southern and play some decent games and build some confidence
as we go.” The Cougars also have to replace two of their best defensive players, Steward and former cornerback D.J. Hayden, to the NFL. UH returns only four starters from last season’s squad, but Gibbs said the squad’s youth may be a good thing. “They don’t listen to when people beat them up, and when their confidence is shaken,” Gibbs said. “So they don’t remember last year. They don’t remember that they aren’t supposed to be very good on defense. That works to our advantage.” If the Cougars want to improve their pass defense, it will begin with the defensive line. When UH got pressure on the quarterback, many times the team had to blitz an extra linebacker, which put the secondary in more one-on-one situations. The Cougars’ top three quarterback sackers were linebackers. Their leading defensive lineman was Zeke Riser with three, and he transferred to Maryland this offseason. The coaching staff is expecting junior defensive lineman Joey Mbu to add pressure to the middle on opposing signal callers— an element the Cougars didn’t consistently have last season. Sophomore defensive end Eric Eiland, though slightly undersized at 236 pounds, should bring pressure from the outside. In the secondary, sophomore safety Trevon Stewart, a freshman All-American last season, along with senior cornerback Zachary McMillian are established returning starters, but senior defensive back Thomas Bates performed when Hayden was injured last year. Against the run, the Cougars didn’t fare much better. They were ranked No. 92 in the nation after giving up 192 yards per game.
Savvy Doss from page 4 the Arizona Cardinals in May. Expectations for Southern will be high this season. Even with some powerhouses on the schedule, Friday’s matchup against the Cougars still is the number one priority. Their most experience on defense will be in the secondary with senior Zachary McMillian, who has five career interceptions. Sophomore Trevon Stewart will play along-side McMillian after garnering freshman All-America honors. “It’s just another football game to us,” Doss said. “We feel like we have the same type of athletes they have and the same type of speed.” In 2012, SU took a major step forward. The Jaguars closed out the season winning the Bayou Classic for the first time since 2008. Joseph connected with eight different receivers in the game, which included Doss, who finished with seven catches for 80 yards and one touchdown. Head coach Dawson Odums said that he couldn’t wait to see several of his players compete against “upper echelon talent”, including Doss and Joseph. “We know it’s going to be a challenge,”Odums said. “We think we have a pretty good football team. We at least have to go down there believing we have a chance.” By turning last season around after a 0-2 start, SU takes plenty of momentum into 2013.
50 years later ...
Charles Dharapak/AP Photo With Trayvon Martin parents, Sybrina Fulton, and Tracy Martin, and Mark Barden, father of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim Daniel Barden, Peter Yarrow, left, and Paul Stookey, right, of the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, perform at the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington where Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke, Wednesday in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.
Susan Walsh/AP Photo
Dave Martin/AP Photo
People gather around the reflecting pool, looking toward the Washington, Monument, near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Wednesday to listen to President Barack Obama speak during the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. President Barack Obama led civil rights pioneers Wednesday in a ceremony for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech roused the 250,000 people who rallied there decades ago for racial equality.
People of mixed races hold hands during a prayer outside the Dexter Ave. King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala., Wednesday. Members were holding a bell ringing ceremony to honor the 50th anniversary of the “I Had a Dream” speech by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who was pastor of the church in 1954.
Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo File/AP Photo In this Aug. 28, 1963 file photo, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, addresses marchers during his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. (AP Photo/File)
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga. speaks at the Let Freedom Ring ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Wednesday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was 50 years ago today when Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the memorial.
Evan Vucci/AP Photo President Barack Obama talks with Yolanda Renee King, 5, granddaughter of Martin Luther King Jr., her mother Arndrea Waters, and Martin Luther King III, right, after speaking at a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. The president was set to lead civil rights pioneers Wednesday in a ceremony for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech roused the 250,000 people who rallied there decades ago for racial equality. From left are, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., former President Jimmy Carter and former President Bill Clinton.
... We Still Dream
Culture southerndigest.com
Page 8 - Thursday, August 29, 2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Students pour out for organizational fair Courtney Jacobs
The Southern Digest Southern University Baton Rouge held its annual Organizational Fair Wednesday in Seymore Gym. From Greek organizations to University clubs, over 50 organizations were present with refreshments, music, games, and prizes. The purpose of the organizational fair is to expose students to organizations that they may not have known about and to build their individual organizations with people who can carry on their torch. Alicia Archie, a senior mass communications major from Miami, Florida, said that this was one of the best organizational fairs Southern University has had. “In order to make a difference and to have a voice, it is extremely important to get involved in the university as much as possible,” Archie said. Archie works with the athletics department, and their main goal for being at the fair was to encourage students to get active and come to various games to support the school’s players. John Ford, a freshman music education major from Jackson, Mississippi, said he gained
knowledge about the university and what it has to offer. “I wanted to get a different experience and explore away from home,” Ford said. Andrea Wells, a junior mass communications major from Baton Rouge was another of the many students that attended the fair. When asked, she said that she heard about the fair on the Instagram, a social networking site that communicates by pictures and videos. She said that she expected to learn more about the university and its many different organizations. Dhiyaa-Ud-Deen Abdullah, a senior nursing and sociology major of Raceland, La., , is a part of the Black Executive Exchange Program. The organization’s motive is to promote leadership throughout its members. It enables them to interface and network with business professionals to prepare for careers in corporate America, helping college students understand the work world and its expectations, and how they can be prepared for it. “We are one of the top leadership organizations on campus and our main goal is to give Southern University students perspective to be active
Ariana Triggs/DIGEST Baton Rouge native and senior Urban Forestry major Christopher Todd Smith explains the purpose and mission of the Collegiate 100 to sophomore Social Work major Devon Janice of Lafayette at teh Organizational Fair that was held in Seymour Gym Wednesday. while being great leaders,” Abdullah said, also stressing the importance of being involved on campus. Marcus Coleman, dean of Southern University students, was impressed at how successful the fair was turning out.
“If one student finds that there is no organization for them, they have an opportunity to start one,” said Coleman. It is extremely important for students to get involved, whether it be as a member of Student Government Association, or
Natural hair club debuts on campus Meagan L. Williams The Southern Digest
Southern University’s newest addition to its organizations on campus “The Natural Hair Club” had its first meeting Wednesday in Higgins Hall. The purpose of the Natural Hair Club is to provide motivation and techniques for all individuals who are natural, transitioning, and finding inspiration to become a “curly girl”. “Why not get together with other naturals and start a club?” said Kristiana McGraw. “My friend and I went natural around the same time and made a list of people who’d recently transitioned to natural hair styles and thought it’s be cool to get together with other to talk about it.” It was the vision of McGraw, along with her friend and Vice President Chantell Landry to develop the organization and host its first meeting this fall. It didn’t take long to put the idea into action when the club’s Public Relations Manager Jessica Jackson created a draft flyer. From there, the trio jump-started their idea and began preparations for the fall. The central goal for the organization is to reach out to the Southern University Community and promote the Natural Hair Movement. The club acknowledges females as well as males to get involved. “We reach out to people who like naturalness.” We welcome males because they typically have the same problems and questions about keeping their hair moisturized and other concerns.” At yesterday’s meeting, the executive board and prospective members got
a part of many of the Greek organizations here at Southern. Coleman said he hopes to see many new faces getting involved in different organizations and programs, using their voice and making a difference on the campus.
Goodie Mob return is good Ariana Triggs
The Southern Digest
Meagan L. Williams/DIGEST President Kristiana McGraw introduces mission statement of the newly-created Natural Hair Club.
acquainted and welcomed guest, Aevin Dugas. Dugas is an SU alumnus who has been natural for 14 years. She was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records 20122013 for her 4-foot-4-inch afro. “I wanted to see all of the beautiful naturals here at Southern University.” Dugas promotes patience as the key to growing healthy hair. “It is not the length that is important,” Dugas said, “but whether or not your hair is healthy. Length will come with time.”
The remainder of the meeting was spent answering questions and discussing hair regimens along with welcoming its newest executive board members who were voted in at the end of the meeting. This year’s Natural Hair Club will be filled with events including fundraisers and finding new ways of promoting. Those who are interested in keeping up with the club’s latest ideas and weekly meetings may follow its Instagram account at @SouthernUsNaturalHairClub
Since the 90s, Goodie Mob has always owned a spot amongst the best hip-hop artists of all time. The Atlanta-based quartet that includes Cee-lo, T-Mo, Khujo and Big Gipp made a memorable entrance into the hip-hop game with their debut album Soul Food, which peaked at number eight on Billboard’s U.S. Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums. After years of being incognito as a whole unit, the Mob released its first album in 14 years with all four members Tuesday, Age Against the Machine. It is Goodie Mob’s first album in 14 years as a complete group (Big Gipp, Khujo and T-Mo released the album, “One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show” — a diss to Green — in 2004). The long-awaited reunion album includes futuristic and groovy beats and dares to be different, proving that Kendrick Lamar isn’t the only artist that knows the true meaning of real hip-hop. The classic Goodie Mob sound can be heard like a 90’s flashback and
See Goodie Mob page 3
Thursday, August 29, 2013 - Page 9
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Goodie Mob from page 1 reminds people that they are a forced to be reckoned with. Goodie Mob’s messages are thought-provoking and insightful throughout their fifth album. They touch on topics from bullying (the Janelle Monae-assisted “Special Education”) to artistry in music (“State of the Art (Radio Killa”)) to race (“Kolors”). Production wise, there are some missteps: Some of Goodie Mob’s sonically-enriched tracks lack their signature Southern sound, including “I’m Set” and “Come As You Are.” The album opens with “U Don’t Know What You Got” featuring Big Rube that shows that the group is still nice. The album has a different tone from most of the rap albums today, simply because the lyrics are more realistic. Goodie Mob clearly isn’t a group that raps just to sell or raps just because it’s the “cool” thing to do; they rap because they care about putting out great music that people can relate to. Age Against the Machine also includes tracks like “Special Education”, which features the soulful sound of Janelle Monet and “Pinstripes”, which features self-
proclaimed “King of the South” T.I., in which the Mob raps about their place in the game. There are also tracks like “Power” in which the Mob breaks down what it is to have “power”. When breaking down the track “Balls” in an interview with Billboard’s Track-by-Track, Cee-lo Green said “Hiphop had balls at one time, it’s like it’s been emasculated, if you will. Now it’s like, when we were talking about music being cinema, it’s like a chick flick. It’s like say anything with John Cusack.” It’s apparent that the state of the current hip-hop industry has not impressed Goodie Mob one bit, and if anything, inspired them to come harder and stronger. This album reminds people why they were fans in the first place and shows that they have much more to accomplish. Age Against the machine is the perfect listen for fans who wants to hear classic Southern hip-hop that they can vibe to, get live to, or just simply feel instead of the usual mainstream rap.
Page 10 - Thursday, August 29, 2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
NOLA on the rebound
Too few seek loan forgiveness
Stacey Plaisance
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — Eight years after Hurricane Katrina, the Ferris wheel at the former Six Flags amusement park in New Orleans sits idle. “Closed for Storm” signs are still posted and the abandoned, weed-choked site remains a thorn in the side of officials leading one of the most extensive city-rebuilding projects in U.S. history. Proposals to revitalize the 150-acre site in New Orleans have ranged from restoring it to a working amusement park to turning it into a retail mall. The land has been controlled by the city since 2009, when an agreement was struck with Six Flags Inc., for the tract. So far, the city hasn’t been able to seal a development deal. For New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, such eyesores are a lingering distraction from the enormous rebuilding effort that has followed since the day the levees broke under Katrina’s fury on Aug. 29, 2005. Now optimism is rising as a rebounding city approaches the 300th anniversary of its 1718 founding. “The city is a much better place than it was eight years ago. The biggest challenge we have is blight,” Landrieu said, adding that 10,000 blighted properties have been removed from the cityscape. A thriving downtown and newly vibrant neighborhoods contrast starkly with the city’s appearance eight years ago. When Katrina hit, thousands of people who couldn’t escape New Orleans in time were trapped in homes as levees broke and floodwaters rose. Helicopters plucked the desperate from rooftops as chaos spread. The damaged Superdome became a refuge of misery for thousands as temperatures and tempers soared. Days afterward then-President George W. Bush promised the nation’s full attention. But federal authorities were sharply criticized for their early response and local and state authorities as well. And though billions of federal dollars have helped to rebuild a strengthened levee system, many
WASHINGTON — More than 33 million workers qualify to have their student loans forgiven because they work in schools, hospitals or city halls, but too few take advantage of the options because the programs are overly complicated and often confusing, the government’s consumer advocate said Wednesday. Roughly a quarter of the U.S. workforce could take advantage of federal rules that give favorable loan repayment options to those in public service fields, including the military, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The agency recommended Congress review the loan forgiveness programs and encouraged employers to make sure their workers know they are available. “Teachers, soldiers, firefighters, policeman — public sector careers invariably involve some effort, some inconvenience or some sacrifice. People give up higher incomes to serve their city, their state or their country,” said Richard Cordray, director of the CFPB. “We believe that people who contribute part of their talents, part of the benefits of their education, to society as a whole should not be mired in debt because they stir themselves to the calling of public service.” Student loan debt has topped $1 billion, the consumer advocate estimates, and has been a drag on the economy as recent graduates are forced to choose between paying down their loans and buying a house or a car. That sends millions of dollars to lenders instead of keeping that cash in the local communities. For many graduates, there are multiple programs in place to ease the financial burden of taking lowerpaying jobs to help their communities. But the system is fraught with complications and competing options and a firm number of how many graduates could benefit is hard to come by. “The data is quite weak in this area. We don’t have a sense of how much money is left on the table,” said Rohit Chopra, the CFPB’s student loan ombudsman. “But we suspect it’s a substantial sum.” The consumer advocacy bureau knows how many people qualify because they work under the broad umbrella of public service. “We estimate that one in four working Americans has a job that meets the definition of public service under this program. Many of these teachers, health care workers and other public servants could be eligible to have their college loans wiped out after ten years,” Cordray said. The definition is broader than that, though. For instance, clerks at the state department of motor vehicles office, secretaries at city hall and accountants at non-profit arts groups also qualify for the loan forgiveness programs — positions not typically seen as public service jobs.
Phillip Elliott
The Associated Press
Gerald Herbert/AP Photo The closed entrance of the former Six Flags Amusement Park is seen in New Orleans, Wednesday. The park closed for Hurricane Katrina and never reopened. Thursday is the eighth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. locals remain bitter with the Army Corps of Engineers for the failure of the levees. Landrieu said he’s intent on moving forward. “I think that we have successfully done the most important thing, which was to think about building the city back the way she should have always been and not the way she was,” he said. Landrieu said rebuilding has even meant re-organizing government operations, streamlining finances, curbing waste and fraud and reorganizing the city’s education system — even adding new fire and police stations, parks and libraries. Gov. Bobby Jindal praised the progress, calling New Orleans “America’s Comeback City,” in a statement Wednesday night. “Hurricane Katrina was a terrible and devastating storm that brought us to our knees, but it didn’t shake our resolve,” he said. Landrieu said he planned to attend a ceremony Thursday at a cemetery for those who died. The hurricane was blamed for more than 1,800 deaths, mostly in the New Orleans area and along neighboring Mississippi’s Gulf coast. “We’re going to commemorate the anniversary of Katrina by doing the thing that really is important, just remembering those that lost their lives,” Landrieu said. Despite somber memories, the city leaders are buoyed by new figures. Information compiled by the Greater New Orleans Community
Data Center shows about 80 percent of the pre-storm population has returned, retail outlets are reopening and new ones emerging. Investment in a major medical corridor and an influx of technology companies offer new hope for a city long dependent on tourism. Direct damages have been estimated at about $108 billion, but the overall cost of rebuilding raises estimates as high as $150 billion. Katrina greatly topped the estimated $50 billion in damages caused by superstorm Sandy during its East Coast rampage in 2012, according to the National Hurricane Center. Billions of dollars in federal aid has built a new and stronger flood protection system, adding pumps and more concrete storm surge walls. Many neighborhoods have been restored, though there are vacant lots where houses once stood. A way of life is showing changes, though the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebration and zest for good food, music and the NFL’s New Orleans Saints had remained intact. Bike lanes have been added, linking outlying neighborhoods with the French Quarter and downtown while a post-Katrina expansion of a streetcar service is another sign of progress. Some lifelong residents talk of relishing renewed normalcy. Stephen Assaf, a musician whose raised cottage was pushed off its foundation when a levee gave way, took payouts for the property
and invested in repairing another house blocks away. He didn’t want to leave his neighborhood. Sipping coffee at his parents’ home, he recalled the scene there after Katrina: several feet of muck all over with a car in the backyard pool and a tree running through the front doors. Eight years later, the home has been renovated, relandscaped and many neighbors are also back in their renovated houses. “It’s looking nice here,” he said. The city is not without its trouble-spots. A crime problem predating Katrina remains. And there are questions whether post-storm reforms have really improved schools. Many scattered far and wide when the city was abandoned. Those who came back talk of weighty decisions. In 2008 at her rebuilt home in the city’s Lower 9th Ward, Valeria Schexnayder drew praise from U.S. Rep Nancy Pelosi as an inspiration for others to start anew in a neighborhood that had been all but wiped out. Now years later, Schexnayder said, she couldn’t have imagined how slow recovery would be. “We’re still living in a jungle,” she said, seated on a porch with friends. She took in a view that included rebuilt homes but also vacant lots overgrown with weeds. Linda Rhodes, who lives nearby, said she doesn’t regret returning. “This is home,” she said. “This is home.”
Fast-food strikes set for cities nationwide Candice Choi & Karen Matthews
The Associated Press NEW YORK — Fast-food customers in search of burgers and fries on Thursday might run into striking workers instead. Organizers say thousands of fast-food workers are set to stage walkouts in dozens of cities around the country, part of a push to get chains such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Wendy’s to pay workers higher wages. It’s expected be the largest nationwide strike by
fast-food workers, according to organizers. The biggest effort so far was over the summer when about 2,200 of the nation’s millions of fast-food workers staged a one-day strike in seven cities. Thursday’s planned walkouts follow a series of strikes that began last November in New York City, then spread to cities including Chicago, Detroit and Seattle. Workers say they want $15 an hour, which would be about $31,000 a year for full-time employees. That’s more than double the federal minimum wage, which many fast food workers make, of $7.25 an hour, or $15,000 a year.
The move comes amid calls from the White House, some members of Congress and economists to hike the federal minimum wage, which was last raised in 2009. But most proposals seek a far more modest increase than the ones workers are asking for, with President Barack Obama wanting to boost it to $9 an hour. The push has brought considerable media attention to a staple of the fast-food industry — the so-called “McJobs” that are known for their low pay and limited prospects. But the workers taking part in the strikes still represent a tiny fraction of the broader industry.
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Welcome Home Jaguars, I hope summer has been rewarding to each of you, but now as we reconvene I want you all to get prepared for an amazing school year to come. As we begin to unpack our belongings in our dorms and apartments, as we gather our books and supplies, and as we gear up for a dynamic Jaguar football season, I charge each of us to obtain the true Jaguar Spirit. What are your passions jaguars? Music? The Arts? This is the year to stamp your legacy here on The Bluff. Join clubs and organizations, attend games and events, and volunteer and reach out. There are no limits to where we can go as an institution and as a family. This school year, your Student
Simone R. Bray SGA President Government Association will aim to involve students in our decision process as much as possible as well as make ourselves available to assist our fellow
Jaguars in all their needs. SGA represents the voice of the student body, and we strive to promote our general welfare in every way. We will work to upgrade our campus as well as increase our communication with you. Our goal is to create a transparent SGA that you can believe in. We will work tirelessly to “Reunite the Vision of a Bigger, Brighter, Better, Southern University”. I hope you’re ready Jaguars, because the time is here. Please feel free to visit us on the second floor of the Student Union, Suite 227 or call our office at (225) 771-2585. Yours in the Gold and Blue, Simoné René Bray
Stay on the Positive of the College Stats As a college student people tell you statistics and all about what you can be after college but, what they don’t tell you is how to handle if you graduate and don’t have that dream job or obstacles stand in the way. According to a survey by Accenture, “About 41 percent of college graduates from the past two years (2011-2012) are stuck in jobs that don’t require their degrees.” Which could mean fast food and retail. Or even worse, The Associated Press reported, “More than half of America’s recent college graduates are either unemployed or working in a job that doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree.” College graduates are becoming the new faces of the underemployed. Those with the newest educations, newest technology experiences and critical thinking skills are not enough. So, with this facing you upon graduation how do you stay out of the statistic? Below are ten things that most told me when I was in college that helped me to keep me employed and employable. Live purposefully. The days of “YOLO” are over with your childhood. College is that transition from a dependent on a support system to an independent supporting others. You have to be in the position to live on your own and be able to provide for yourself after you graduate. Trust me your parents do not love you so much they want you in their house until you are 30! Work for free while you can. Most of the students of today have debt that they acquired getting their education but for those whose parents paid for their education or they were on full scholarship, they graduate with only the bills to pay that they signed up for. Intern/work for free or college credit and volunteer your skills for your benefit. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t get paid; experience at ABC is experience at ABC. Build bridges don’t burn them. The relationships you build now will help you later. What other time in your life will you have to experience almost everyday for a ten month period with new people with different interests, backgrounds, and cultures? Take advantage of it. Barter by sharing things that you have in common and build on that.
You graduated from high school at least a year ago it’s time to let that mean girl/boy mentality go. Read everyday. Read things that can elevate, educate and inspire. Read fiction as a release or get a way but, read information for comprehension and don’t be afraid to share those things that you understand and those that you have questions about. When you become an information junkie, you are comfortable with what you know and what you don’t. Take a lesson from major brands in developing yourself. How do major brands advertise themselves? Do they show up to an interview with jeans and a t-shirt? Think of those you encounter as a marketing meeting of your brand. You are your brand and everything you wear, say, do and get involved with becomes part of it. Have a 30 second pitch that you share with everyone about who you are, what you do and how you can help solve a world problem. Then when you are sitting across from a recruiter or manager you will feel be just as comfortable as you were with your friends. Social media can make or break you. Watch those posts you have on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin and Pinterest. (And all the ones I didn’t name) If you don’t know what to share and what not to share, you should go ahead and deactivate your account. Retweets, Likes, friends and pins are not endorsements of all those ways that others misuse social media but it does tie you to them in your digital footprint. Be careful to keep things in context and know when you to post your opinion and when to have your conversation offline with close friends. Always be ready to show off your goods. In the world of smartphones, tablets and laptops if you are prepared you can show or send your resume, portfolio, or links to the world at the click of a button with the power of the internet. But all this will go to waste if you don’t have your resume, portfolio and links to your best work bookmarked on your devices, in your email or even available offline on a flash drive. Keep your resume updated and get it edited by those in your industry or career services and keep your
best work near at all times. Save, Save and Save. It’s tempting to go get that new phone, new outfit, go to the club, throw a party or go on vacation when refund checks post. Remember they are a refund check which means they may be tied to an overpayment of loan money… you are obligated to pay that back when you get your degree. Why not save some now and then once you graduate you can make one big payment to Sallie Mae and she will be on your back less years in the future. If you live off of 25% and allow the same amount for expenses, 50% can go directly to savings. Plus you can’t predict the future you may need that money after graduation for housing or more. Have a mentor and accountability partner. Having a mentor you are comfortable asking questions, who can vouch for your skills/ work, and who can lead you in the right direction is beneficial. An accountability partner can be your best friend, co-worker or classmate who will motivate you and be brutally honest (even when you don’t want to hear it) about your progression, regression and even stagnation. Choose people who you look up to or want to be like and reach out. The worst that could happen is they say no, then you can select someone else. Just remember when things get tough that they both want to see you succeed. Decide where you are going and stick to it. Recognize you are in college for one major reason to get a degree and get the skills you need to be successful in a career. Don’t leave school without those skills and experiences you paid for. Realize that you may not get there immediately and that delayed gratification is ok and getting discouraged is normal. When things get the way, act like a GPS and reroute yourself, no matter what keep your eye on the destination but be aware of the lessons on the journey. ——— Evan Taylor is a Southern University alumnus and former Editor-in-Chief of The Southern Digest. She is a freelance writer and print/web designer in Houston. For more follow her on Twitter @Mz_EvanTaylor.
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