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Tuesday, OcTOber 22 2013
www.southerndigest.com
VOLume 61, issue 11
SUPD Chief Stevens revamping department LAUrEn JOHnsOn
The Southern Digest The Southern University Police Department is currently being improved and revamped to make the university a safer environment for all students on and off campus. Ronald Stevens, chief of SUPD accepted the position two years ago after turning down the offer four times. He stepped in and revamped the entire department and made it his goal to include his cops in all decisions including shift work, uniforms and leave. Stevens said to lower crime rates, investigators were recently added to the department. “We beefed up enforcement with respect to drug activity and we put undercover agents out and amongst student body,” Stevens said. Stevens said with the implementation of more enforcement, it has become more effective because it was their goal to make the university a safe environment for everybody. “Before I got here the investigations were done by the police officers as well, but with investigations it takes proper equipment and skills to properly investigate,” Stevens said.
Currently SUBRPD has 21 filled positions and 10 available positions in which Stevens along with his staff are in the process of interviewing and hiring persons to fill those positions. “Until those slots are filled we supplement them with outside agencies such as EBR Sheriff Department, Baton Rouge City Police, Baker and Zachary,” Stevens said. Stevens said that although he only has seven officers patrolling the campus, outside agencies could be contacted within minutes. “We have the ability to pick up a radio or telephone and all of those outside agencies in the area will be on the campus in less than two minutes,” Stevens said. Stevens said that shift work consists of 12 hour shifts, working two 12 hour days, then off two days then come back and work three days giving each cop every other weekend off. The 12 hour shifts allow more security coverage in the 24 hours. During each 12 hour shift patrollers are assigned to drive and get out of cars, patrol dorms, walk apartments and check buildings. “During the day most students are going to class, leaving personal items in their dorms and usually where and when thefts take place,”
Meagan L. Williams /DIGEST Southern University Police Department deputies handle a situation outside in front of Smith and Brown Memorial Student Union. So to cut down on number of thefts police patrol the housing area more in the day and there is someone at that checkpoint, but at night someone is at the Harding Blvd. checkpoint, because that is the only open access to the campus at night.” said Stevens. When asked about funding for
outside agencies help for football games and other extra activities. Stevens replied that the athletics department pays each cop $40 per hour to patrol during those functions “We encourage every student and faculty and staff on campus to sign up for first call, so that
any emergency on campus will be reported to first call then a mass message is sent out to all persons.” said Stevens .To sign up persons should go to subr website click on first call and register.”
Southern launches new online degree programs MArCHAnDrEA sEALs The Southern Digest
Southern University launches new Online Degree Programs that are starting this fall. The programs include Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and Master of Business Administration. The online degree programs were made to help give students a better chance to get a college degree. It is beneficial for students that work, that have a complex schedule, and for students that did not finish school, they now have a second chance. The online degree programs are only available for off-campus students only and last eight weeks of a semester. If you live on-campus and moving off campus later, you have to wait for a year to apply for the online degree programs. Ebrahim Ehosravi, professor and chairmen of the department of computer science said “The online program is the same course and materials from our regular classes here at Southern. Right now, we have 4 students registered for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, one from
See OnLine page 3
DIGEST GRAPHIC The Southern University System now offers 100 percent online programs, with the newest addition being Bachelor of Computer Science. The program also has Associate programs in Business Management and Applied Science in Health Information Technology.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
Campus Life southerndigest.com
Page 2 - Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Campus Briefs THE 83RD MISS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY CORONATION AND GALA This is the ceremony for the crowning of Miss Southern University. Hosted by the Chancellor of the Batwon Rouge Campus and joined by the former Miss SU’s (The Miss Southern Sisters Organization), the Committee, Faculty Students, and Staff, Miss Southern University is honored and officially crowned as our Queen. This event takes place October 23.
Student Union lakefront. The reception reunion is for Alumni and students to network. The event is free and open to the public. HOMECOMING PEP RALLY The rally is October 24. Free and Open to the Public we will be rallying up our Jaguar Nation for the Big Game! We will host performances and appearances by the SU Human Jukebox Marching Band, Cheerleaders, Gold’N Bluez Dance Team, SU Football Team, Fall Sports teams, and More with Special Guest Performances. The rally will be at Seymour Gymnasium from12:00 PM 2:00 PM.
5TH ANNUAL HOMECOMING ART EXHIBITION This annual event is free and open to the public! The opening reception will be during homecoming week Monday, October 21, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Visual Arts Gallery in Frank Hayden Hall. For More information contact Robert Cox, Gallery Director at 225771-4103 email: robert_cox@ subr.edu
ALUMNI OPEN HOUSE & REGISRATION On Thursday October 24, The Southern University Alumni Associaiton will host an open house for all SU alumni to register for the Association. The event will be held at the SU Alumni House from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
SUBR STUDENT MEDIA/ MASS COMMUNICATIONS REUNION
BAYOU CLASSIC ALERT
Mass Comm/Student The Student reunion is Media Alumni Association October 23 at 7 p.m. at the is giving YOU the chance
Who’s Speaking Out?
to enjoy the 40th annual Bayou Classic in style! We have TWO PLAZA LEVEL seats in the dome for the game and TWO Battle of the band tickets. Your chance to win is only $10. All proceeds go to the Southern University Mass Comm/ Student Media Scholarship Fund. We were able to aid a young man last year, and he’s now in grad school! Send a message to this inbox with your name, email and how many chances you want to win! <www.facebook.com/ BayouClassic74?directed_ target_id=0> 3RD ANNUAL SUGSI IN CHINA This 4 week summer research program hosted by the Southern University Global Sustainability Initiative is an opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in a sustainabilitybased cultural and academic learning experience at Guizhou University in Guiyang, China. Submission deadline is November 1st. Program details are available at http://www.subr.edu/ index.cfm/page/1208. For more information contact Bronwyn Dickson at bronwyn_dickson@subr.edu or 225-771-2810.
Hey! Want to get your event in Campus Briefs? It’s very easy to do! Just e-mail your event information to digest@subr.edu or southerndigest@ gmail.com. Please make “Campus Briefs” the e-mail subject. Also, you can fax your information to 225.771.5840. Please send in your event information at least 3 to 5 days prior to your event. Read the Digest at www.southerndigest.com or www.ISSUU.COM
What do you think about the Grambling State Football team protest? “They did the right thing. the practice, facility and uniforms was molded. they must protect the players health. thats a must” Emanuel Cooper Business Freshman Marrero,LA
“I think that the football players wanted their old coach back, but they shouldn’t have did it exactly like that. They should have told the directors how they felt. Darrius Williams Civil Engineering Freshman New Orleans,LA
“It sucks, I mean it can happen to any other school. I just hope this gets resolved because I wouldn’t want to be in their situation” Nanay Sales Mass com Junior Dallas,Texas
“I think its unfortunate that they are going through all of those issues but its really affecting everyone and not only them so I hope they find a way to resolve it and get back out on that field to see us at the Bayou Classic” Jacquelyn Almendaren Accounting Junior Dallas, Texas
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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PAGE 2 / CAMPUS BRIEFS All submissions must be received by 3 p.m. each Friday prior to Tuesday’s Issue and by 3 p.m. each Monday prior to Thursday’s Issue. PAGE 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, Southern University Departments. All briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number. Submit announcements to: The Southern DIGEST - Suite 1064 Harris Hall, Attn: PAGE 2 CORRECTIONS Fact and accuracy is our goal and our job. As the voice of the Southern University student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. In the event of an error we will make all corrections on Page 2. Bring corrections to The Southern DIGEST office located in Suite 1064, Harris Hall.
News
southerndigest.com
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 - Page 3
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Southern ROTC ranks tops among HBCUs Southern Media Relations It’s all good news from Southern University’s Army ROTC program. The SU AROTC is now top ranked among Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the AROTC’s 6th Brigade, topping units at schools including Grambling State, Florida A&M and Jackson State universities. And, the Southern unit has jumped 17 spots in the overall rankings, rising from the bottom of all 39 schools in 2012-2013 in the 6th Brigade to 22nd place in just one year. The announcements were made in late September from the headquarters of the 6th Brigade District in Savannah, Ga. The 6th Brigade District includes schools in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The other HBCU schools in the 6th Brigade include Tuskegee University, Alcorn State University and Alabama State University MSG Ramon Martinez, one of the new cadres (leader) responsible for moving the program forward simply, said the new leaders “came in and did our job.” “The biggest thing for me was we are not going to be associated with last place. It is unacceptable. It was a
sense of pride we were instilling in the cadets. We are better than this and can do better,” said Martinez. LTC Brian Bissonnette, who joined Southern’s program in the summer, says the new cadres “put in a lot of effort to make sure these kids were physically fit because that is a big portion.” Last year Southern welcomed new cadres to the program: SFC Spencer Lewis, SFC Les Miller, CPT Allarick Hawkins, and MGS Ramon Martinez. Also on staff is: Lionel Hamilton, logistical tech; Christine Walker, human resources; and Mia Douglas, recruitment officer. Bissonnette said that with a bigger cadre they were able to have the proper ratio of cadres to cadets and they were able to “train for land navigation portions and the tactical piece properly.” ROTC programs are ranked every year based on the overall performances of the junior class cadets during their summer Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) held in Fort Lewis, Wash. The tests include physical training, land navigation, confidence training, field leader’s reaction courses, maneuver training and more. LDAC is a 29-day course that
starts with individual training and leads to collective training, building from simple to complex tasks. This building-block approach permits integration of previously learned skills into follow-on training. This logical, common sense training sequence is maintained for each training cycle, according to LDAC information. “The biggest problem over the last few years involved the cadets going to LDAC and they didn’t have a firm grasp of land navigation and tactics. The cadres (this year) made sure they (cadets) understood and practiced what they needed to go to LDAC,” said Bissonnette. At LDAC, Southern is one of 273 schools participating at the assessment. The large participation gives SU cadets a chance to interact with cadets from larger schools. Bissonnette says they prepare their cadets by instilling confidence in them that “they are not going to be intimidated by the larger schools. We still have knowledge and skills to be successful.” With the new ranking and new leadership for the Army ROTC program at Southern, Bissonnette and Martinez agree that they have seen a change in the cadets. There was a big motivational shift and more unified connection
Meagan L. Williams /DIGEST ROTC Cadet Dallas Fort, a Senior Pre-Med major from Baton Rouge, loads up the cannon during a home game in A. W. Mumford Stadium. among the old and new cadets in the program, said Bissonnette and Martinez. Bissonnette notes that with Col. Brent E. Barnes, commander of the 6th Brigade, providing Southern’s program with more resources and scholarships, the SU AROTC program was able to make a huge leap in progress. SU’s Army ROTC hopes that with
the jump in ranking, the number of cadets in the program will continue to rise and that the SU unit, once a prestigious program, will return to the days of glory that produced nine generals in the United States Army. Martinez says making Southern ROTC number one has always been number one on their agenda. “We have 22 more spots to go,” said Martinez.
Visual Arts department hold annual exhibit Ariana Triggs
From Online page 1
The Southern Digest
Southern University’s 50th Annual Art Exhibit jumpstarted in a major way, starting with the opening reception in Frank Hayden Hall’s Visual Arts Gallery Monday night. Beginning an hour before the homecoming fashion and comedy show, students, faculty, staff, alumni and others came out to support the work of Southern’s own talent. The Art Exhibit, which will be viewable to everyone during the days of homecoming week, translates strong words into powerful images of black culture, political and social issues. Featuring work from 29 different artists from Southern University alumni of the classes of 1964 through 2013, the artwork sends significant messages to all who view. At the start of the reception, Nathaniel A. Landry said he is blessed to have Robert Cox, professor of Art at Southern, as his mentor as he presented him with a piece of artwork created especially for him. “Mr. Cox has honored us for the last 5 years he put us in a position to be successful. He’s brought me on TV with him and radio shows. I graduated from Southern, but I got my Master’s from The Savannah College of Art and Design and that school has about 8 galleries, and the students can’t even show there. This is one of the only schools in Louisiana that allow alumni to come back a show our work.” Antoine “Ghost” Mitchell, who graduated from Southern with a Bachelor’s degree in Art, designed “A wall that can be broken down”, a portrait which is dedicated to Assata Shakur, former Black Panther, revolutionary and national fugitive. Shakur first made headlines in 1973 when she was accused of murdering a
Ariana Triggs /DIGEST Southern University Police Department deputies handling a situation outside in front of Smith and Brown Memorial Student Union.
police officer on the New Jersey Turnpike. Shakur fled to Cuba, and with the support of their government, have been there ever since. The notorious aunt of the notorious lyricist Tupac has recently been spotted by CNN, still living in Cuba. “I try to capture the beauty of black people, black women specifically. Most of my artwork, about 85 percent of it, you’re going to find black women either directly or indirectly, so I’m trying to find that balance and focus on the beauty for a period of time because its stressful doing a lot of serious issues.” Forty minutes into the opening
reception, some of the artists also performed spoken word during an open mic that accompanied the exhibit. Shariece Pinkston, a first semester Criminal Justice graduate student from Detroit, Mich. said that she didn’t know that there would spoken word, but she was excited that there were performances. “I’m actually a big fan of poetry so I think its really important that they continue to have events like this at school so people can support them. I think the Art Department did something great by putting on the poetry show.”
Mississippi and other three from Louisiana. In the next three years, we are hoping for a big turnout, pretty soon the country would be available to take the online degree programs”. Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is another online degree program that has been going strong for two years at Southern University. One of those students is expected to graduate this year. Another online degree programs that have been at Southern University are the Executive Master of Public Administration that helps leads to a degree of Master of Public Administration that started in Spring 2013 and Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies that started in Summer 2013. “We hope to boost our graduation rates,” said Murelle Harrison, Chairperson of department of psychology. “I am excited students now have an extra accessibility to be able to get a degree”. Liza Ariza, a junior Mass Communications major and Accounting minor from Alexandria, La., said she think online degree programs is a great idea and convenient for working students. “This can allow a more flexible schedule for students, and for students who live out of town but want to study the program from home. I would definitely consider studying a master of business administration online,” said Ariza.
Page 4 - Tuesday, OcTOber 22, 2013
The senTineL Of an enLighTened sTudenT bOdy since 1926
Southern parking permints increase BriTTAnY PATTErsOn The Southern Digest
Southern University students must pay a new fee of $45 to register their vehicles on campus in order to park. Students are encouraged to obtain an official vehicle permit for the school year at the beginning of the semester. Regine Williams sophomore psychology major from Shreveport, La. said she think the parking on campus is fine. “To me, the traffic isn’t a problem,” Williams said. Kelvin Johnson director of Traffic and Parking said that the university realized that the students pay a lesser fee than other universities. “We found that Southern University parking permits were the lowest of all the public colleges in the state of Louisiana,” Johnson said. Last school year students were only paying $25 for their parking permits. Within a semester the cost of parking permits were raised $20 more than their original price. “The other schools are much higher than us. We didn’t put it to the top the price, but we put it in the middle of the other schools,” Johnson said. Johnson said that the university did not put the new cost of permits to the top price. “We put the price in the middle of the other schools,” Johnson said. Johnson said SU students pay an average
fee amongst other universities for their parking permits. Although students are encouraged to register their vehicles, Johnson said one of the main reason traffic tickets are issued is because of non-registered vehicles oncampus. “Most of the tickets that were given out last semester were due to commuter cars not being registered,” Johnson said. Johnson said that tickets are given between the hours of 7 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Cars are allowed to park freely on-campus after 5 PM. “All vehicles that come on-campus must be registered,” Johnson said. Johnson said if students have any concerns about a ticket, they could come to the Office of Traffic and Parking where they can talk to the field supervisor for the department. “We have a chain-of-command. Once they talk to everyone in the chain-of-command here, if they are not unsatisfied with the results, then they could go to the Appeals Committee,” Johnson said. He said if students are unsatisfied with the results of the Office of Traffic and Parking, the next step is the university appeals committee. According to SU’s traffic and parking regulations, students are given five days after the first day of class to register their vehicle. Registration of student vehicles can be done on-line and permits are picked up at the University Police Headquarters
Ariana Triggs/DIGEST Southern University students park their cars in between A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse and the F.G. Clark Activity Center on campus, creating parking spaces and rows that aren’t official spaces because of the lack of parking on campus close to the classes that students during regular business hours 7 AM to 5 PM. Students that register their cars at the beginning of the school year have the option of applying the permits to their billing statements. The University Appeals committee is separate from the traffic and parking department. The Appeals form is located
online at www.subr.edu/assets/StudentLife/ TrafficAppealForm. If students have any questions or concerns, they are urged to contact the Southern University Police Department’s Office of Traffic and Parking at 225.771.2253 or via email at police@subr.edu.
Voucher program grows by 1,800 students this year
Dispite the growing number of lawsuits funding concerns and questions, Gov. Bobby Jindal’s voucher program continues to grow. MELinDA DEsLATEE The Associated Press
Lawsuits, funding concerns and questions about quality haven’t stopped the growth of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s voucher program. The program added more than 1,800 students this year, according to the first official tally for the current 2013-14 school year released Monday. The state Department of Education said 6,751 students are enrolled in 126 private schools across the state with taxpayer dollars. Another 24 students have switched to a highperforming public school through the voucher program, for a total of 6,775 enrollments. That’s a 37 percent increase, up from 4,944 students using vouchers at the same point last year, in the first year of the statewide program. “We feel good about the program. We do expect it to continue to increase year after year,” said education department spokesman Barry Landry. Taxpayer-financed tuition through Louisiana’s voucher program, called the Louisiana Scholarship Program, is available to students from low- to moderate-income families who otherwise would attend public schools graded C, D or F in the state’s rating system. Forty percent of voucher students are in New Orleans, where vouchers began as a pilot program five years ago and more than 2,750 students are at private schools with state tax dollars. Nearly 1,300 voucher students are in East Baton Rouge Parish. The program is estimated to cost the state $36 million in the current budget year. The
price tag is down from initial estimates. About 8,000 students were approved for state-funded tuition to private schools, but enrollments fell short of that number. Landry said some students chose to stay in their public schools after they didn’t get into their first or second choice voucher schools. Also, he said seven schools weren’t allowed to enroll new students because of poor student performance. Another school was kicked out of the program. Vouchers have been the subject of multiple lawsuits since lawmakers in 2012 backed Jindal’s proposal to expand a New Orleansbased program to cover the state. The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled vouchers were unconstitutionally funded through a formula meant for public schools, so lawmakers had to rework the payment for the program. Another lawsuit still pending in federal court was filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, seeking to bar Louisiana from awarding future vouchers to students who otherwise would attend public schools under federal desegregation orders — until getting federal clearance. Jindal has pushed the voucher program as offering more choices to parents and students trapped in low-performing schools. Critics have raised concerns about the quality of some of the private schools taking voucher students, and the incomplete test results that have been released showed mixed results about the performance of students in the program.
Tuesday, OcTOber 22, 2013- Page 5
The senTineL Of an enLighTened sTudenT bOdy since 1926
Grambling players end boycott, have no regrets DAViD BrAnDT
The Associated Press GRAMBLING — Naquan Smith and his Grambling football teammates have no regrets about a nearly weeklong boycott that forced the university to forfeit its game against Jackson State on Saturday. Grambling players stood behind Smith Monday during a press conference outside of the Eddie Robinson Museum on campus. Smith said the entire team was present and that the vote to return to the field was “100 percent.” “The football team took a stance on what we thought was right,” Smith said. “We did not quit on our university. There are many problems that exist and if no one says anything, nothing will become of our institution. We hope coach Eddie Robinson and his legendary players appreciate we took a stand and thought we were right.” Grambling’s players staged the boycott because of many issues with university leaders, including the school’s rundown facilities, long bus trips to road games and personnel decisions. Grambling President Frank Pogue said Monday night that players would not face any repercussions for the boycott, and that the national attention would help publicize the funding plight for historically
black colleges and universities like Grambling. Pogue said work is already scheduled to be done to improve conditions in the football team’s weight room. “We will continue to support our football team — our players,” Pogue said. “We will pay attention, obviously, as much as we can financially to enhance all the athletic facilities including those in football. My concern now is we move forward together. The students have expressed themselves, their opinions.” Smith said players decided end the boycott after reaching out to several Grambling greats, including former coach Doug Williams, who advised them to, “Go out there and play football.” Williams also put them in contact with Baton Rouge businessman Jim Bernhard. Smith said Bernhard told players he has their “best intentions at heart and that he would ensure we had updated facilities, but we had to agree to being back practicing Monday ... and finish the remainder of our season.” Smith said although the team will play, “We have not forgotten the situation and how we’ve gotten here.” Players refused to travel to Saturday’s game at Jackson State, a forfeit, because of issues with university leaders.
Grambling players returned to the practice field on Monday, going through a light workout that was almost completely conditioning. The Tigers host Texas Southern on Saturday. Grambling athletic director Aaron James said that the school could face a $20,000 fine, according to the Southwestern Athletic Conference bylaws. But he said a fine had not been issued as of Monday night and he wasn’t sure if the SWAC would penalize the school at all. Smith said the players were eager
to return to the field. “Everyone on the team wanted to play, but to get what we feel is right, we had to take a stand and make sure our voice was heard,” Smith said. Smith said he had no comment when asked if there had been any pushback from university officials because of the boycott. No athletic administration officials were present at the players’ press conference. The athletic department was asked to cut $335,000 this year from its overall department budget of $6.8 million. Sutton said football was cut
by $75,000 to about $2 million. ESPN reported Saturday that it had obtained a letter detailing player complaints, which included mold in the locker room and improperly cleaned uniforms contributing to an increased likelihood of staph infections. Sutton said that local health department inspectors, acting on an anonymous tip, recently visited Grambling athletic facilities and recommended changes to improve conditions, but did not deem those facilities a health hazard.
KICKING OFF A
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HOMECOMING
A.) Chancellor James Llorens makes a special appearance at the homecoming art show opening reception Monday night in Frank Hayden Hall. Ariana Triggs/DIGEST
B.) The Jaguar basketball team prepares posters to be signed during the autograph signing in the F.G. Clark Activity Center Sunday night during the kickoff to homecoming, Jag Pandemonium. Aristide Phillips/DIGEST C.) The Southern University cheerleaders chant and perform with Jag Pride at the Jaguar Pandemonium, the kickoff to homecoming Sunday night in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Aristide Phillips/DIGEST D.) Joseph W. Walker III, Bishop-elect and Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., gives his sermon to the students, faculty. and staff who attended the Homecoming Ecumenical Service in Smith-Brown Memorial Unions’ Cotillion Ballroom Monday morning. Meagan Williams/DIGEST
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E.) Lady Jaguars basketball player Jasmine King, sophomore guard from Layafette, comes out onto the court and waves to fans during Jag Pandemonium, the kickoff to homecoming, in the F.G. Clark Activity Center Sunday night. Aristide Phillips/DIGEST F.) Nathanial Landry, one of the 29 alumni artists whose work is being shown in the homecoming exhibit, presents a piece of artwork to his mentor Mr. Robert Cox during the opening reception in Frank Hayden Hall Monday night. Ariana Triggs/DIGEST G.) Students come out in support of domestic violence awareness in ‘Take Back the night’, to show unity against domestic violence Sunday evening. Meagan Williams/DIGEST H.) Miss Southern, Ayanna Spivey, addresses the attendees of the Homecoming Ecumenical Service Monday morning in the Cotillion Ballroom in Smith-Brown Memorial Union. Meagan Williams/DIGEST I.) Trelun Banks, freshman guard from Baton Rouge, attempts a basket in the three-point shoot out during the Jag Pandemonium Sunday night in the F.G. Clark Activity Center to kick off homecoming. Aristide Phillips/DIGEST
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J.) Gunny Rose, Southern Alumn, spits out his poetry flow during the open mic during the SU homecoming art show opening reception in Frank Hayden Hall Monday night. Steven Goodman/DIGEST K.) One of Southern University’s alum performs his poetry during the open mic that was held during the opening reception for the art exhibit Monday night in Frank Hayden Hall. Steven Goodman/DIGEST L.) Southern University’s Gold-N-Bluez perform a stunning routine during the kickoff of homecoming, at the Jaguar Pandemonium Sunday night in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Aristide Phillips/DIGEST M.) Both members of the Scotlandville community and Southern students came out to the ‘Take Back the Night’ Domestic Violence Walk Sunday night on campus to show their support in the fight against domestic violence. Meagan Williams/DIGEST N.) Southern University basketball players signed autographs for anxious fans during Jag Pandemonium in F.G. Clark Activity Center Sunday night. Aristide Phillips/DIGEST
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Culture southerndigest.com
Page 8 - Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
The SU experience; International Students Caesar: Where are you from? Wagner: I’m from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (southern state of Brazil)
Caesar: Where are you from? Pedro: I was born in Mimoso do Sul, ES, Brazil. Caesar: What are your parents and the community where you grew up or currently live? Pedro: My father’s name is Jose Antonio Guizardi and my mother’s name is Adelir Guizardi. I grew up in Mimoso do Sul, is one small town, basically the economy revolves around agriculture (coffee production). However, I moved to another town called Vitoria, just for study.
Pedro Guizardi
Caesar: What are your hobbies or favorite sport? Pedro: This question is easy, I love Brazilian soccer! During the week I stayed in Vitoria to study, there I passed all day in the college, where I have one group for automation machine development. On weekends, I returned to my hometown, went to my farm with my parents and brother, it is a very beautiful place. Caesar: How do you like Southern University? Pedro: I’ve never seen a place with people so polite and friendly. Caesar: What is your major? Why did you choose it? Pedro: I do Engenharia ElÈtrica (Electrical Engineering), my father have a Auto Parts in my hometown, I grew up there in the Auto Part and I learned some things there while I was playing. I talked about what I would do since I was a child. INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY:
Caesar: What are your parents and the community where you grew up or currently live like? Wagner: I live in a southern part of Porto Alegre City, it is a locality that has many “natural beauties” and things to do in parks or public places... My parents are Alceu Fagundes and Juini Fagundes, both of them grew up there as well. Caesar: What are your hobbies or favorite sport? Wagner: I like reading, going out with friends, going hiking and through trails…
Wagner Fagundes
Caesar: How do you like Southern University? Wagner: Southern is a nice place to make friends. Everybody here is very friendly and always ready to help. I think that the people here are very similar to Brazilians in many aspects, mainly in personality. Caesar: What is your major? Why did you choose it? Wagner: My Major is Biological Science and I chose this because I like so much the nature and like understand the processes of nature and how it reflects on us. INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY: CEASAR SMITH JR.
CEASAR SMITH JR.
Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Students Kayla Foster
The Southern Digest
Every ideal college lifestyle contains young adults living in dorms, going to classes, studying and partying on the weekends after studying, but this is not the image for all students though. All colleges have two different types of students: traditional and non-traditional. The difference between the two types of students is that traditional students usually range between the ages of 17 and 25. Traditional students come fresh out of high school and their parent’s homes and don’t necessarily have any responsibility for anyone or anything except keeping their grades up. Most of the time traditional students are more active in the school because of the excess time they have on their
hands in comparison to the non-traditional students. Generally from the age 26 and up, non-traditional students may have gotten a late start, have previous college education or may be back to finish and receive their degree when coming to college. Non-traditional students may not be in class full time because they have other necessary responsibilities to cover such as raising a family or working full or part time. In fact, brighthub.com states the Department of Education reports that nearly 13% of the non-traditional students are single parents. Non-Traditional students are in college strictly for education. “Non-traditional students have more things to do. They don’t have time to go to football games all the time and
all that extra stuff because they’re so busy,” Deja Johnson, a senior Nursing major from Baton Rouge said Non-traditional students are not supposed to be treated any differently than traditional, but sometimes that happens. “I don’t think they should get any special treatment because they’re older. Unless they’re getting military benefits or something like that, non-traditional students pay the same priced tuition as everyone else here and they also have to go through that awful financial aid process like us too,” Brandon Robins, a freshman Criminal Justice major from New Orleans said. “We all came to school with the same idea in mind and that is to get an education to get a degree and work to earn a living.” Non-traditional students may also be
more serious about their classes than traditional students. “The younger students in the class are very social. Some may be too social but I understand wanting to make friends especially in your first semester and more important ones that can help you in your classes.” Diana Butler, a non-traditional student majoring in Psychology from New Orleans said. “I guess we older students take classes more seriously because our fees literally came from our pockets and not our parents and besides I personally think I’ve wasted enough time from dropping out of school the first time.” All students come for the same thing but just with different priorities mind. *Might be redundant.
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 - Page 9
Carrie hits, but could be better Ariana Triggs
The Southern Digest
Carrie was one of America’s favorite horror movies. Released in 1976, Carrie tells a popular tale that is all too familiar with a lot of people. Carrie is a story about an abused young girl who takes revenge out on the bullies at school who picked on her. The new 2013 rendition of Carrie opens with Margaret White (Julianne Moore) giving birth to a baby girl. Once the baby girl is born, she doesn’t cry. Margaret now believes her baby is cursed and attempts to kill the child, but once the child began crying, Margaret’s gut doesn’t allow her to go through with killing Carrie. The modern day version of the hit movie includes a few twists that weren’t originally a part of the 1976 version. As a young, shy girl, Carrie faces challenges both at home and at school. Carrie’s home life is nearly as excruciating as her life at school. Carrie’s mother Margaret still believes her daughter is cursed, and forces her to pray alone for hours in a closet at a time.
Even though Carrie (Chloe Grace Moretz) is a social pariah, she has found that she can do certain things, have certain powers that no one knows that she has. When she discovers her powers, she begins her research into the paranormal, using Google for the first time. Inconsistency runs rampant in the crescendo of Carrie’s life, and it sucks the life straight out of the grand finale. The movie was powerful in its efforts to recreate the scenes from the original that made the movie what it is. One of the most memorable moments from the original version of the flick was when Carrie experiences her (AP Photo/Sony Pictures) first period in the worst way This photo released by Sony Pictures shows Chloe Moretz in a scene from the horror film, “Carrie.” possible. Throughout the movie, Gym teacher Ms. Desjardin to light the consequences of just about completely mimic ence much better. Carrie, in (Judy Greer) tries relentlessly to someone’s actions and be devthe original film, such as the 1976, was a great movie for its stop the bullying of Carrie from astating. Chloe Grace Moretz shower scene, but overall this time because people weren’t as going even further, but when brings the character to life, but movie was only slightly better used to extremely gory imagSue forces her boyfriend to take her performance was dull at than the classic Carrie. This ery as they are now. In order the lonesome girl to prom, a some points where it should was Moretz chance to own the for the movie to be completely mean prank forces Carrie into a have shown through. Julianne role of Carrie and she fell short revived, it needed to be more violent rampage. Moore channeled the character by a few inches. Overall, it’s gory, with a few more twists, Carrie creates a unique viof Margaret White awesomely, only so much that a director not just straight through with a sual of what life can be like somewhat overshadowing the can change in the Stephen King low body count like in 1976. in someone’s shoes that gets performance of Moretz. There classic, but a few more twists bullied. The movie also brings are scenes in this movie the would have made the experi-
See Big Sean page 9
Page 10 - Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
“Take Back the Night” Brings out supporters Meagan Williams The Southern DIGEST
Southern University’s Violence Against Women on College Campuses Program received support from both males and females Sunday evening for their first domestic violence walk “Take Back the Night”. The Violence Against Women Program partnered with Men’s Federation to join in for the cause. Students and faculty met in front of The Southern University Museum of Arts Sunday evening at 6 p.m. and walked together to the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. Mary Joseph, coordinator for Violence Against Women on College Campuses said, “The purpose of our grant-funded program here at Southern is to not only bring awareness, but provide information to prevent these sorts of things from happening. “Today’s event is to raise awareness on campus because even students can be victims of domestic violence, and one of the problems is that students don’t like to report it so they remain a silent victim for quite some time. ” Joseph continued. Supporters made posters and
signs, and wore purple clothing and accessories as a way to indicate to others what their mission was. Natarsha Nelson, a junior nursing major from Baton Rouge, La. said, “I had a friend who was a victim of domestic violence and no matter how much I wanted to her let him go, she has to be the one to decide when it’s time to let him go, so being more of a good listener and support system is a good way help out. ” Other supporters included Wanita McCray, an outreach advocate at the Iris Domestic Violence Center, also known as The Battered Women’s Shelter. “Spreading awareness is what’s most important,” McCray said. “I think a lot of Universities and a lot of young people between the ages of 20 and 24 are where we are trying to target and that is the basis for these events,” McCray continued. McCray, along with other supporters, supported the cause because of their experiences. Twahna Harris, guest speaker for the evening and survivor of domestic violence from Arnaudville, La said, “Today’s event is very influential and
EDWARD PRATT/ S.U. PUBLIC RELATIONS
Students gathered in front of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Sunday evening for the Domestic Violence Against Women Program. The domestic violence walk “Take Back the Night” welcomed Twahna Harris as the guest speaker for the evening who is a survivor of domestic violence.
very educational. We want to really make an impact on our community in order for others to recognize the signs and know what they look like.” Her base quote for the evening was by Tony Dungy who said,” the commitments of your heart will write the legacy you leave to the world.” A candle light circle formed as Harris told her story and shared experiences and warning signs from domestic violence while
she was a student at Southern University. Some male students were truly inspired by what Harris said and knew that there is always a better solution to handling problems. Mark McGee, a junior psychology major from Amite, La. said, “ I admire the fact that women and men are coming together for the cause and standing up against these type of males. Where I come from, I’ve seen a lot of domestic violence
among women and one way I could advocate is to just treat a lady the way she is supposed to be treated. It is our job.” For information on how to get involved with Violence Against Women on College Programs, visit The Center For Social Research under the direction of Dr. Alma Thornton in Higgins Hall room 212, or contact Mary Joseph at Mary_Joseph@subr.edu.
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Tuesday,October 22, 2013 - Page 11
with Caesar Smith Jr. Louisiana “ The state we’re in ” Part One Southern University chief hopes funding holds steady in 2014 Southern University President Ronald Mason struck an optimistic note Monday to the Baton Rouge Press Club, saying he’s been told that rising state revenues might spell the end of chronic state budget cuts to higher education. Mason said he’s been told by Gov. Bobby Jindal that there’s a “good chance for stable funding” next year after five straight years of deep cuts in state support for colleges and universities. Legislators have cut more than $1 billion in state general fund support for higher education since 2008 - making up part of the shortfall with steep tuition hikes and one-time dollars. The rising tuition, combined with higher admission standards, has caused enrollment to plummet at Southern in recent years. But Mason said things have begun to stabilize and fund-raising is picking up. When I read Mason’s comments in the Advocate, I could agree with him. The governor has said many things in the past about the cuts to education. He like myself is not too sure that these cuts are over. He also expressed what he found
disturbing regarding two-year schools. According to the Advocate, “Mason also addressed whether any tension exists between Southern and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. In higher education circles, LCTCS and its president, Joe May, are widely believed to have more political clout than the state’s other systems. Mason said tension is too strong a word but added “clearly there is a policy afoot to drive new students into the two-year schools. Joe May has done a very good job convincing people that for workforce development you don’t need a four-year degree. That’s not true. “There’s a misplaced notion that all we need are welders and electricians,” Mason continued. “I don’t think that’s the type of economy we want to build.” Charity hospital system is no substitute for private health insurance Governor Bobby Jindal has turned down federal money to help low-income Louisianans buy private health insurance, instead doubling down on the charity
hospital system. However, as LBP points out in a new blog entry, the governor’s own health department understands that episodic care through a safety-net system is no substitute for actual health coverage. The reality is that these safety-net hospitals only care for the uninsured after they are already sick, where individual coverage empowers people to obtain the preventive care that can improve their health in the long-run. Louisiana Colleges have fallen behind on maintenance When state budgets fall on hard times, one of the first things that usually get cut is money for routine maintenance to state buildings. And when budget shortfalls become chronic, the result is a $1.8 billion backlog of repairs at Louisiana’s public colleges and universities. The Advocate’s Koran Addo notes that the Legislature added $76 million to the construction budget, which was subsequently excised by Gov. Bobby Jindal and replaced by $10 million in cash for each of the four college systems. A new $48 per student fee authorized by the Legislature also will help chip away at the backlog.
What’s Next? Today, October 22 “Jack in the Box Movie Night” Residential Life Circle 7-11 p.m. Free to all S.U. Students Food vendors will be available with options to purchase. Movies and coupons provided by Jack in the Box
S.U. HOMECOMING
2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 - Page 12