Today
88/70
Wednesday
90/64
Thursday
Friday
91/66
90/70
Exclusive content
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Volume 61, Issue 6
www.southerndigest.com
Registration process not smooth Christie Carral
The Southern Digest
Some students at Southern University were purged out of their classes at the beginning of Fall 2013 semester due to flaws in their registration process. According to some of the students that were registered this fall, their financial aid was not completed which resulted in the purging of their classes, forcing them out of the system. Kourtney Sanders sophomore criminal justice major from Alexandria, La., said she was registered for six classes which totaled to more than 15 hours that purged her out of the system. “My mom forgot to fill out a loan and all six of my classes were purged for this semester,” said Sanders. Sanders said because of the purging of her classes, she was forced to only schedule 14 hours because she could not get back to the classes she was originally enrolled. Emerly Freeman sophomore mechanical engineering major from Bogalusa, La., said she was also registered for six hours that the university purged out this semester. “I had six classes this semester and my financial wasn’t showing up on my banner account,” said Freeman. Freeman said after going to financial aid, she was told to go to an advisor to get back to her classes she had been enrolled.
“I went all over campus to get help and found out I just had to press one button in my account,” said Freeman Freeman said she had to go to about three offices to find out she had to only accept her information to register in her classes. According to Ursula Shorty, director of financial aid, if a student is selected for verification and they have to bring additional documents, or if a student is not meeting satisfactory academic progress or a student has some other issues that they have to resolve, those things cannot process aid for those students. “If a student is relying completely on financial aid, then those students are going to be in a situation where they have to either get a deferment with the university,” said Shorty. Shorty said that students could also pay out of pocket until the department of financial aid can determine that they are going to need some eligibility requirements. “Now for the students who are PHOTO BY TREVOR JAMES/DIGEST submitting information, we go ahead and give them receivables,” said Shorty. Students wait in line while other students are processed by financial aid advisors According to Shorty students are during the first week of school in Seymore Gym. given receivables to reserve their spots in classes so that they cannot be purged out submitting tax return information, or Shorty went on to say, “If a student can’t of the system. if their department is in the process get to that point, and many students are “They use that receivable to go to the of doing a correction on a student’s actually getting receivables, then you are cashier’s office to pay their fees,” said application, they issue receivables also either not meeting satisfactory academic Shorty. so that students would not have to wait progress and your decision has not been Shorty said that if students are just to for the information to come back. made yet.”
Water in Boley Hall shut off for leakage Christie Carral
The Southern Digest
More than 200 on campus students were affected by last Friday’s water shutoff in Allice Almira Boley Hall due to leaking pipes in one of the suites. For more over an hour, students were unable to use water in the dorm rooms between the hours of 10 AM and 11 AM Friday. Kamal Pickens business management major from Houma, La., said he made preparations for the water in Boley Hall to go off. “Since the water was going off, I got up earlier and did what I had to do before the water was off,” said Pickens. Tiara Hughes business management major from Baton Rouge said with the water being off, she had some issues. “It was difficult to wash my hands,” said Hughes. Delby Nicholas undecided major from Los Angeles said the first time the water was cut off he did not know and he had been gone the entire day.
“I couldn’t use the restroom and had to go somewhere else the use the restroom,” said Nicholas. Tracie Abraham director of residential housing said students are to submit work orders online for problems such as water leaks and any other problems occurring in their dorms. “We’ll respond to it within a 24 hour manner but if it’s an emergency, we’ll respond to it immediately,” said Abraham. Abraham said with repairs affecting students, they notify them of the work to be done so that it would not inconvenience the students. “We put notices up and students will be notified,” said Abraham. Abraham said that their job at residential housing is to accommodate the students because they are paying to live on campus. “We need to make sure the accommodations are adequate for the students,” said Abraham. Abraham said that nearly 1900 students are housed on campus.
“If anything, we must make sure the students are taken care of,” said Abraham. According to Owida Martin, director of Boley Hall, students were notified 24 hours in advance before the repair began on Friday. “They came in here and they were suppose to turn it off at nine that morning,” said Martin. Martin said by 10 AM Friday morning, the water was off and by 11:30 AM the water came back on. “I let them know the water was going to be turned off,” said Martin. Martin said the only students that were affected by the water shutoff were the students in their rooms. “They had a chance to take their showers and everything so that it would be an inconvenience,” said Martin. Although Martin said Boley Hall is one of the oldest buildings on campus, ARIANA TRIGGS/DIGEST she reported that it is one of the sturdiest buildings on A trash bin is placed to keep water from leaking on the floor as water leaks through the ceiling in Alice Almira Boley Hall. Notices were put campus. up for students to be notified of the water shut off. “You can ask the two directors before me,” said Martin.
Campus Life southerndigest.com
Page 2 - Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Who’s Speaking Out? What are you looking forward to the most for this Jackson State game weekend?
Campus Briefs TODAY BON FIRE
Southern vs Jackson State Tiger roast bonfire sponsored by the SUFAA September 26 at 8 p.m. located in between the museum and the ROTC office on the Bluffs special guest SU football team, SU administration and more.
I’m looking forward to another “W”!
Read
RAFAEL COTTON MASS COMMUNICATIONS JUNIOR DALLAS, TEXAS
the Digest at WWW.
SPIRIT DAY
Spirit day is October 21. Students are asked to dress up in blue and gold for the day. Hosted by the AWS and MENS FEDERATION The Department or Organization that sells the most wins the Spirit contest and an Office Party.
southern digest
FASHION AND COMEDY SHOW
.com
Student Admission with Valid I.D. Card. Students are asked to donate $1.00 to Benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. General Admission is $15.00 with an 18 years of age and older ID card. Featured Comedians and Models & Special Guest Host Tickets available for purchase on October 1, 2013 at SU ticket office located at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.
and at
ISSUU. COM
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 Baton 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.
Follow the Digest on social media Twitter Instagram Facebook
HOMECOMING PEP RALLY
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.
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.
The excitement of the Jags. I’ve never been to a J-State game and I’ve heard a lot about it, so I’m looking forward to the hype! SAMANTHA SMITH MASS COMMUNICATIONS JUNIOR TOPEKA, KANSAS
I’m looking forward to seeing the excitement from the crowd, great energy, and just a fun atmosphere to see and enjoy. JAILA FONTENOT CRIMINAL JUSTICE FRESHMAN LAKE CHARLES, LA
I’m looking forward to a really nice game that is full of excitement. I know the atmosphere will be crazy and both the football teams and the bands will be prepared to give it their all. OLUSEGUN ADETOBA ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SENIOR NEW ORLEANS, LA
Please send in your event information at least 3-5 days prior to your event.
@Southerndigest
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.
PAGE 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS & PAID CLASSIFIED INFO
GET 36 ISSUES FOR JUST $40 Name:
ALL CLASSIFIED MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE BY CASHIERS CHECK OR MONEY ORDER. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED. Students must have proper ID and phone numbers to get student advertising rates.
Address: City/State/Zip: Daytime Phone: (
CLASSIFIED The Southern DIGEST is not responsible for the contents, promises, nor statements made in any classified and reserve the right to reject any ad request with explanation. No classified ads will be accepted or processed over the telephone and must accept the type font sizes of The DIGEST.
)
For more information call 225.771.5833 or mail your subscription payment of $40 to: The Southern Digest Subscriptions, PO Box 10180, Baton Rouge, LA 70813. Business, cashiers checks and money orders accepted only. No personal checks or credit card orders accepted. Make all payments to The Southern Digest.
Rates do not apply to students who are representatives & employees of the company. In the event an error is made in a classified ad, immediate claims and notice must be given within 15 days. The DIGEST is only responsible for ONE replacement or run in the next publication. Classified are due ONE WEEK prior to run date. Paid Classified can be ordered by contacting the Student Media Advertising Manager at 225.771.5833.
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, September 24, 2013 - Page 3
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Freshmen seminar serves purpose for students Kayla Foster
The Southern Digest
Freshman seminar is a class to help incoming freshman transition from high school to college with the help of teachers. Here at Southern University Freshman Seminar 110 and Freshman Seminar 111 are mandatory, one-credit hour, engaging courses that are part of the First Year Experience Program for Southern University first-time freshmen. “Freshman seminar is where they tech you to get your schedule straight and not partying all the time, and about the history of the college and stuff like that.” Jennifer ray spencer said, “We have assignments like making a copy of our resumes. We have to know the three different campuses, where southern started in New Orleans and stuff like that.” Although the class is a graduation requirement some freshmen have different opinions. “No, I don’t think freshman seminar should be a graduation requirement,” Jale’a Drexler said, “I guess depending on your teacher some would feel that it’s a required class but I don’t.” Jil Massucco is the Coordinator for first-time freshmen and their first year experience. She has assigned them to a new textbook for is entitled, Keys to Success: Building Analytical, Creative, and Practical Skills, and has already been implemented. Massucco said that, “Freshman Seminar courses are instituted at SU and are designed to help students prepare for the transition from high school to college,
and even serve as a gateway to academic interests and majors.” Some departments such as Engineering (Seminars 120 & 130) and Nursing (Health Science Orientation to Nursing 120) have their own, personalized introductory seminars to fit the students specific majors. Shante Washington said, “freshman seminar is another class to replace our introduction to nursing” “I don’t mind having two freshman seminar classes. They’re both easy classes and I could really use the extra hours. Plus its more training to help me become a better nurse” says Christina Johnson. “All Freshman Seminar courses have smaller class sizes to give students a break from large lecture courses, and are geared toward promoting faculty-student interaction and student-to-student interaction with assignments focusing on writing, presentation and public speaking, successful communication and discussions, critical thinking, campus field trips, and talks from guest speakers,” Massucco said, “Our instructors genuinely want to get to know their students and help them learn about resources that support student success at SU.” Massucco discussed the fact that due to an abundance of freshmen this semester, and an overwhelming number of students selecting Nursing as their desired major, Nursing students are currently offered the option of enrolling DIGESTFILE in both Freshman Seminars 110 and 111, simultaneously, to fulfill the 2.0 credit Freshmen are are at the annual Freshmen convocation, and the very same freshmen hour Health Science 120/Orientation to are required to take freshmen seminar which is a required course for the first time students. Nursing requirement.
Obama phones Kenyan president after attack The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has phoned Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to express the United States’ condolences after a terrorist attack on a Nairobi shopping mall. The White House said Sunday that Obama also told Kenyatta the United States supports his country’s effort to bring the al-Shabab network of Islamic extremists to justice for the deadly attack. Al-Shabab is Somalia’s al-Qaida-linked rebel group. It attacked an upscale shopping mall on Saturday, killing 59 people, and
remains holed up with hostages a day later. The attackers said the strike was retribution for Kenyan forces’ 2011 push into neighboring Somalia. The White House also says during the morning call Obama reaffirmed the United States’ partnership with the East African country. Obama: Kenyan mall attack a ‘terrible outrage’ NEW YORK — President Barack Obama says the United States stands with Kenya against the “terrible outrage” of a shopping mall terrorist attack. Obama says the United States is providing
law enforcement assistance and all the help it can to deal with the tragedy. More than 60 people have been killed by members of the Somali terrorist group al-Shabab. The attackers say the strike was retribution for Kenyan forces’ 2011 push into neighboring Somalia. Obama made his first public remarks on the attack while meeting with Nigeria’s president on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday. Obama had called Kenya’s president over the weekend to offer condolences and support. - DARLENE SUPERVILE (AP)
State & Nation southerndigest.com
Page 4 - Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
BP renews bid to suspend settlement payments Micheal Kunzelman The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS— BP on Monday renewed its request for a federal judge to temporarily suspend settlement payments to Gulf Coast residents and businesses following its massive 2010 oil spill, citing a scathing report on alleged misconduct within the courtsupervised program. In a court filing, BP attorneys said the report issued earlier this month by former FBI Director Louis Freeh shows the settlement program is plagued by problems that need to be fixed. U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier already has rejected two previous requests by BP to suspend settlement payments, but both rulings preceded
Freeh’s Sept. 6 report. Freeh concluded that top members of claims administrator Patrick Juneau’s staff engaged in conduct that was improper, unethical and possibly criminal, but said he didn’t see a need to shut down settlement payments. BP lawyers questioned whether Barbier would have authorized Juneau to begin processing and paying claims more than a year ago if he had known the settlement program would be “riven by conflicts of interest,” lacked adequate antifraud controls and operated in a “grossly inefficient and overcostly manner.” “While BP does not presume to know for certain, it submits that the answer most likely would have been an emphatic ‘no,’” company lawyers wrote.
“Instead, the Settlement Program would have been instructed to fix its problems first, before being allowed to open its doors to the claims of class members.” On Aug. 28, Barbier rejected BP’s second request to suspend all payments to businesses and residents who claim the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico cost them money. The judge said an internal probe by Juneau’s office didn’t find credible evidence of fraud involving employees of the settlement program’s Mobile, Ala., claims center. Barbier also ruled that BP’s separate complaints about alleged conflicts of interest inside the settlement program didn’t warrant a halt in the claims process. Freeh’s report said two
private attorneys — Glen Lerner and Jon Andry — used Lionel Sutton, a lawyer on Juneau’s staff, to expedite a claim by their firm for nearly $8 million. In return, Sutton received more than $40,000 in fees from payments on claims he had referred to their law firm before joining Juneau’s staff, according to the report. Sutton resigned from Juneau’s staff in June. BP also noted that Freeh’s report said BrownGreer, a vendor for the settlement program, has resisted efforts to control its costs. BrownGreer has averaged more than $15 million per month in fees for its work on the program. “BrownGreer appears to be part of the problem, not part of the solution,” BP lawyers wrote.
Freeh’s report said his work is “ongoing” and will result in recommendations for strengthening the settlement program’s operations and anti-fraud measures. BP urged Barbier to suspend all settlement payments until Juneau and Freeh can reform the program, “bringing a satisfactory resolution” to the problems Freeh uncovered. Juneau has said Freeh’s report validates his team’s work, calling his staff’s alleged misconduct an “isolated situation.” “The Freeh Report specifically recommended we continue to process and pay claims. That is what we have been doing and we will continue to do so,” Juneau said in a statement Monday.
Builders, soldiers hustle to reconnect Colo. towns Dan Elliott
The Associated Press
LONGMONT, Colo. — State highway crews and National Guard troops worked furiously Sunday to repair highways to Colorado mountain towns cut off by unprecedented flooding. Other teams were assessing how much damage needed to be repaired on Colorado’s eastern plains before trucks begin hauling in the fall harvest. “They’re really humming,” said Jerre Stead, the corporate executive chosen by Gov. John Hickenlooper to oversee the state’s recovery from the catastrophic floods, which killed seven and wreaked havoc across 17 counties and 2,000 square miles. Stead and Don Hunt, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation, said they were optimistic they can meet a Dec. 1 target to complete temporary fixes to at least some roads, if more bad weather doesn’t interfere. Quick repairs are critical because winter weather will make highway work more difficult and force the closure of the high-elevation Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park, one of only two routes still open into Estes Park, a small town at the park’s east entrance. Also looming are the harvests from Colorado’s $8.5 billion-a-year agriculture industry, which relies on trucks to get cattle and crops to markets. Officials said it’s too early to know how much time and money it will take to make permanent repairs, but they say it will cost more than $100 million. Some 200 miles of state highways and 50 bridges were destroyed. On Sunday, Stead and Hunt drove up flood-battered U.S. 36 northwest of Denver until they reached a point where floodwaters had obliterated the roadway. Then they got out and hiked. Holding his hands about shoulderwidth apart, Stead said, “You’re on paths this narrow where the roads used to be.” Residents who chose not to evacuate
BRENNAN LINSLEY/AP
National Guard soldiers man a checkpoint on a closed canyon road, which is washed out in places by recent flooding. With snow already dusting Colorado’s highest peaks, the state is scrambling to replace key mountain highways washed away by flooding. More than 200 miles of state highways and at least 50 bridges were damaged or destroyed, not counting many more county roads.
aboard National Guard helicopters gave them a lift at one point, Hunt said. Those isolated residents can drive along unscathed sections of highway but can’t reach either Estes Park on the north or Lyons on the south. Hunt said residents of Pinewood Springs had built makeshift trails along highway washouts and planned to escort some children along those paths to waiting vehicles on Monday. He didn’t know how many children were making the trek or how far they would have to walk.
Stead said the devastation was worse than he expected, but Hunt was more optimistic. “It’s maybe not as bad as I thought,” he said. “The damage is severe, but it’s highly concentrated” in a few areas, mostly where roads share a narrow canyon with a river. Hunt said the biggest difficulties will be getting construction materials into damaged areas and protecting workers and travelers from falling rocks loosened by days of heavy rain. Colorado will award several contracts for emergency repairs to
construction companies on Monday. State employees and National Guard soldiers are already on the job and making quick progress, Stead said. The federal government will reimburse the state up to $100 million for road repairs, CDOT spokeswoman Amy Ford said, but Colorado officials are pushing to raise that to $500 million, which she said was the cap for mid-Atlantic states rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy in 2012. “It is critically important that we get this relief,” she said.
Culture southerndigest.com
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Tuesday, September 24, 2013 - Page 5
S.U. Alumnus introduces his new book Meagan Williams The Southern Digest
SU alumnus and Author Curtis J. Johnson introduced his book “Glimpses of Black Life along Bayou Lafourche” to an audience at the Southern University Museum of Art for a book signing Thursday. Many Louisianians have seen or experienced or lived life in rural and swamp areas. The southern way of life can often be misleading. It is one that can only be an experience, that is, until a person find a story teller who gives vivid accounts of his childhood and remembrances of life with his family as they experience memorable moments in the history of Bayou Lafourche. Johnson’s niece and promotional assistant, Terrye Braden opened the short program by giving attribute to the author. “Curtis J. Johnson’s reflections on different elements that make up the rich and colorful history and culture of Bayou Lafourche including the Great Depression, cuisine, folklore, family life, music and the revered “hometown heroes” capture the region’s uniqueness, “ Braden said.
Curtis J. Johnson was born in 1931 in Port Barrow, which is modern day Donaldsonville, Louisiana and is a graduate of Southern University class of 1954 in Industrial Arts and Technical Education. “Writing wasn’t always an interest of mine,” Johnson said. “It was in 1985, with the help of my siblings who wrote a book; a family history that included biographies of family, and even extended family which is information contained in this book.” During a brief introduction to the book, Johnson said “Children’s social lives and how different they were back; something as simple as a toy couldn’t be bought in a black community. We were so inventive because we had to be; it’s all we knew.” Columbia Talbert, a member of the Southern University Alumni chapter in Hampton Roads, Virginia and a graduate from the Southern University College of Engineering Class of 1972 from Sorrell, Louisiana said the book is easy to connect with. “The book is definitely relatable. We would take two old broken bicycles and we would come up with one running
MEAGAN WILLIAMS/DIGEST
Curtis J. Johnson, author of “Glimpses of Black Life Along Bayou Lafourche” autographs books at the Southern University Museum of Art last Thursday.
bicycle so we found ways to amuse ourselves through our own creativity. That era was an era where you actually had to be creative to amuse yourself,” Talbert said. Visitors, family members, students, and friends attended and showed support. “I came out to support my friend Curtis Johnson, who’s the author of the book,” said Talbert. “The book is definitely informative for anyone who
might be interested. The books is very graphic, it’s informative and paints a good picture of what life what like fifty and sixty years ago.” Talbert continued. “Glimpses of Black Life along Bayou Lafourche” contains three sections: Life on the bayou, the importance of family, and military protection. College students can benefit from this book in many ways. When asked which section would benefit students most,
Igeek Jaguars Open 7 days a week Free Online Database Free Computer Classes Free Books and Magazines Free DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, and Audiobooks Free Downloads and E-media Free Programs, Workshops and Storytimes Business and Career Resources and much MORE! www.ebrpl.com (225) 231 - 3750 COMPUTERS FREE INTERNET & WIRELESS ACCESS MEETING FACILITIES HOMEWORK HELP FREE CLASSES
Johnson replied, “the book in its entirety can be beneficial to young people, but part two, the family part features education, music, holidays, everything that families can relate to.” “It would definitely be an eye opener,” Talbert said in response to college students taking heed to the book. “If students are interested, the book can be used as a stepping stone to do further research on what life was in that era,” Talbert continued.
Page 6 - Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
The Fight of Obesity Alanie Fernandez The Southern Digest
Obesity has become a major issue in America’s society. Obesity does not have a specific age or gender; it affects men as well as women, adults as well as children, teachers as well as students. According to research by the Houston Chronicle, America has become the second country in the world for obesity. Also, Louisiana has the fourth highest percentage for obese children, said Melinda Southern, licensed clinical exercise physiologist at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Obesity is a fight of self-control; learning what foods are healthy for you, and picking those foods instead of the rather unhealthier ones. Students deal with this fight every day when it comes down to what they will eat that day. What is more convenient and quicker to get is not always healthier. There are so many students that will choose the convenient route. “It’s so much easier to go to Popeye’s and get a three piece tender and head to my room, than to walk all the way to café,
DIGEST ART FILE
and walk back to my room.” said Ashton Jacobs, a sophomore Mathematics major from Dallas, Texas. However, there is a portion of the students that will choose to go that extra mile just to stay healthy. According to the CDC’s Division of Nutri-
‘Prisoners’ A gripping, smart revenge saga
Jocelyn Noveck
AP National Writer
Parenting involves countless mundane decisions — dozens a day. But as any parent knows, the potential
for tragedy stemming from a wrong decision is never far from the surface of the mind. What if they go out and get hit by a car? What if I look away and they drown in the current? What if they get kidnapped? No wonder the movies get so much mileage out of missing-children tales. But few — very few — handle it with the skill that director Denis Villeneuve and a terrific cast led by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal bring to “Prisoners,” a suspense thriller that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Jackman, we all know, is not only talented but so darned likable that it’s hard for him to break out of that ever-charming persona. But here, in some of his best work to date, he manages it — and surpasses last year’s Oscarnominated performance in “Les Miserables” — as a griefstricken, panicked father who succumbs to his basest impulses in a race to find his young daughter’s captors. And Gyllenhaal, in a less flashy but just as compelling performance, brings new depth to the well-worn role of brooding, driven detective. To the film’s credit, we don’t get much backstory on this character. A few small hints are all we need; the actor’s textured performance does the rest. Jackman is Keller Dover, a carpenter in a Pennsylvania town, and a survivalist who believes diligent preparation is the key to avoiding disaster. His basement is packed with supplies. But that won’t
tion, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO), there is a difference between being overweight and being obese. When a person is overweight, it simply means that one suffers from condition where the person weighs more than what is considered normal for their age and sex
help him on the cold and gray Thanksgiving evening when his young daughter and her friend go missing. It’s one of those quick parenting decisions — OK girls, you can go outside. Later, when no one can find them, mild concern on the part of two happy families celebrating the holiday escalates into fear, then full-blown panic, as an older sibling recalls that an RV had been parked, creepily, on the street, and there was someone inside. As Dover and Detective Loki pursue their separate tracks, both know the odds of a happy outcome are fast dwindling. Meanwhile, two mothers grieve in their own way. Dover’s wife Grace (an affecting Maria Bello) retreats into a medicated sleep; Nancy (Viola Davis, moving as ever) tries a more pragmatic approach. A third mother figure rounding out the cast is Alex’s oddball elderly aunt, Holly (Melissa Leo, suitably quirky.)
and that their body mass index is between 25 and 29.9. As defined by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), the Body Mass Index provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems and is calculated from a person’s weight and height. “I don’t mind taking the walk to and from the café at all. I try to eat as healthy as I can in the café with the salads and the grilled foods. However, when you have burgers, fries, and pizza in the café surrounding you every day it becomes a very hard fight to choose the healthier foods,” said Gerianne Jones, a freshman Accounting major from New Orleans, LA. She also added, “The thought of taking in all that unhealthy food inspired me to begin running twice a week around campus!” Besides choosing healthier foods, there are other things that a person can do to prevent or reduce obesity. Jones said that running around campus twice a week is one way to stay healthier. Other things are to attend the Zumba classes provided on campus, playing basketball on the newly installed basketball courts in the residential part of campus, or getting involved in some extracurricular activities. and sports. The fight against obesity is not impossible, just eat right and exercise!
In less talented hands, the story could lapse into the maudlin. But Villeneuve, director of the Oscar-nominated “Incendies,” seems to know just how far to go; only one moment feels less than authentic, but it would be a spoiler to mention it. Kudos to cinematographer Roger Deakins, whose evocation of a chilly late fall in Pennsylvania will leave you instinctively searching for a blanket. Even the moody music by Icelandic composer Johan Johannsson will make you shiver. Just try getting it out of your head as you leave the theater. “Prisoners,” a Warner Bros. release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for “disturbing violent content including torture, and language throughout.” Running time: 153 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four.
commenTary southerndigest.com
The senTinel of an enlighTened sTudenT body since 1926
Tuesday, sepTember 24, 2013 - page 7
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SUITE 1064 T.H. HARRIS HALL POST OFFICE BOX 10180 BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 PHONE: 225.771.2231 FAX: 225.771.5840 ONLINE @ www.southerndigest.com
STUDENT MEDIA OFFICE
Director .............................. Heather Freeman Publications Asst.............. Jermaine Proshee Business Manager .............Camelia Jackson
CONTACTS (area code 225)
Student Media Newsroom............771.2231 Advertising Office ......................... 771.5833 Student Media Services ................771.5812
Fall 2013 STAFF
Editor-in-Chief ..................... Aristide Phillips Managing Editor .................... Christie Carral Copy Editor ............................................... TBA Website Manager.......................Jessica Sarpy Photo Editor ..............................Ariana Triggs Sports Editor ....................... Morris Dillard III Staff Writer .................................... Jade Smith Staff Writer ...................... Taylor Washington Staff Writer ........................... Lauren Johnson Staff Writer .....................Marchandrea Seals Staff Writer............................Megan Williams Staff Writer ...................Felix Cunningham III Staff Photographer ............Courtney Jacobs Staff Photographer .........Brianna Matthews Staff Photographer ..........Steven Goodman
SUBMISSIONS POLICY
The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mailed to digest@subr.edu.
EDITORIAL POLICY
Staff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern DIGEST Student Editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. The Southern DIGEST provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.
PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS
The Southern DIGEST is a member of the Black College Communications Association (BCCA), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), University Wire Network (U-Wire), Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), College Media Advisers Association (CMA), Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), Full member of the Associated Press (AP) and the Louisiana Press Association (LPA).
Faculty, Staff, Students: Welcome back for the 2013-14 academic year. We are well into the semester, but are still confirming our final enrollment numbers. We do know that this semester has been successful with the dramatic increase in First- Year Students. This year’s freshman class consists of over 1,100 students. This growth represents a 40 percent increase in our freshman enrollment over Fall 2012! Congratulations to the Divisions of Student Success and Student Affairs for their joint effort in reaching out to students interested in Southern University. We firmly believe the potential is there to continue at this level of first year student enrollment. Next year, however, will be a little more difficult as we face increased admissions criteria. Our overall enrollment is up approximately 1%. Without the dramatic increase in first time freshmen, we would have continued the trend of enrollment declines of several hundred students a year. The answer is obvious: RETENTION. For many years this University has given little more than lip service to the issue of retention. If we are to grow, we have to face the issue of retention head on. In January, 2013, we created the Division of Student Success within Academic Affairs. This new entity combined the offices of Recruiting and Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, Student Success, Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, and the SUSLA Connect program. The objective of this move was to offer a more cohesive and cooperative effort from those offices most closely aligned with tracking a student’s progress from recruitment to graduation. As we move forward this year, the Division of Student Success will take the lead in student retention, but the effort will, and must be, a University-wide effort. Faculty must be an integral component of any retention initiative. We must identify early in each semester those students who are experiencing academic and financial difficulties. Individualized action plans must be developed to address and resolve those issues in order to ensure a student’s satisfactory progress toward a degree. Communication at all levels is paramount. We cannot solve a problem unless we are made aware of it in a timely manner. Please be prepared to focus on retention and on adhering to the forthcoming retention plan this year. Administratively, we must address customer service as this can impact retention in a positive or negative manner. We will be working with Human Resources to provide training for all personnel in customer relations. Secondly, as we proceed with the implementation of electronically-based processes, we will become more efficient and productive. Finally, I have directed Mr. Flandus McClinton, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration to begin anew the policy of identification badges for all administrators and staff. However, the bottom line will be how we respond personally to those whom we serve--students, faculty, staff and the public. The 2013-14 academic year is a critical year in our academic reorganization plan. Our need is to implement an academic structure that is effective, efficient, productive, adaptive, flexible, and responsive to the needs of our students and the demands of an increasingly competitive and global workforce. The new colleges must establish a culture of cooperation and collaboration within and across disciplines and other colleges. No longer can we afford to remain in isolated educational silos, safely ensconced in our ignorance of other disciplines. We will be asking the colleges to reassess their curricula and explore opportunities for new courses and new collaborative degree offerings. Some colleges and departments can prepare themselves to implement revenue-generating initiatives such as certificate programs, contractual services, and training programs. Administratively, we will be developing and revising policies that create revenue- sharing incentives for those colleges and departments responding to this challenge. We know that this transition will not occur overnight and that we will likely encounter obstacles and setbacks. But if we are all of one accord and with one objective: a New SU, we can prove all skeptics wrong. The characteristics and needs of our students are dynamic. The impact of technological changes in how we communicate, how we teach and how students learn demands that we respond to this dynamic. Even as we begin to slowly recover from our fiscal crisis, we must be creative in developing a University that responds effectively to this new student. We will also work closely with student leadership to solicit input and request their assistance in communicating to students their very personal benefit in committing to a strong work ethic towards their studies. A college education is an investment: financially and emotionally. This is an opportunity that should not and must not be wasted. I commit to you that we will listen, we will respond, we will communicate. I know that it will require commitment on your part and confidence that your commitment will be rewarded. We all know that without this collective effort, we will continue to struggle. Together we can continue our journey towards a New SU. Thank you.
ADVERTISER MEMBERSHIPS
The Southern DIGEST subscribes to the American Passage, Alloy M+M, 360 Youth, Zim2Papers, All Campus Media, Ruxton Group and College Publishers On-Line services.
The Office of Student Media is a division of the Office of Student Affairs.
James L. Llorens, Ph.D. Chancellor
get online @
www.southerndigest.com
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Tuesday, September 24, 2013 - Page 8
What do you geek? Want to download FREE ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and music? All you need is your library card! www.ebrpl.com (225) 231 - 3750 COMPUTERS FREE INTERNET & WIRELESS ACCESS MEETING FACILITIES HOMEWORK HELP FREE CLASSES