Aug 26 2009 The Battalion Print

thebattalion ● wednesday,

august 26, 2009

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2009 student media

Myths and legends Dispel the rumors you’ve heard about Texas A&M. inside | 3a Things you should know Find everything from important phone numbers to recipes you can cook in your dorm. lifestyles | 6a-8a Gameday in Aggieland Read about changes to gameday activities with the MSC closing. sports | 1b Meet your leaders Read guest columns from leaders at A&M. opinion | 3b-6b

Osa Okundaye — THE BATTALION

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thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893

Amanda Casanova, Editor in Chief Mattie Williamson, Managing Editor Matt Woolbright, Mng. Editor–News Meagan O’Toole-Pitts, City Editor Jill Beathard, Lifestyles Editor

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Timothy Durham, Sports Editor Calli Turner, New Media Chief Evan Andrews, Graphics Chief Nick Badger, Photo Chief

THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111.

News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com.

Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classiďŹ ed advertising, call 979-8450569. Advertising ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and ofďŹ ce hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678.

Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979845-2613.

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Creating a Budget that works for You, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Rudder Tower, Room 501 This seminar will discuss how to create a budget that works for you while in school.

Ice Cream Carnival, 11 a.m. 1 p.m., Academic Plaza Join the Aggie Orientation Leaders as well as campus representatives and enjoy free ice cream and great games.

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Pizza Taste-Off, a.m. - to 1 p.m., We make 11 it easy eat...

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Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Ashley Alexander, a water management and hydrological science graduate student and camp volunteer, bends over backwards in a limbo competition Aug. 13 at the first annual Grad Camp. Similar to Fish Camp and T-Camp, Grad Camp introduces incoming graduate students to Aggie traditions. More than 50 students attended the two-day camp held at Messiah’s Ranch north of Bryan.

Make the Grades You Want: Study Like an Aggie, 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m., Rudder Tower, Room 301

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Aggieland Market, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Academic Plaza Come browse booths of businesses from the Bryan-College Station area and Texas A&M departments, purchase merchandise, get coupons and pick up giveaways. Bring your Texas A&M ID. A&M Soccer vs. Purdue, 8 p.m.

Aggie Soccer Stadium TheWe nationally-ranked Aggie to... soccer make it easy team will take on Purdue. Wear your Fish Camp shirt and get in free.

ExCEL 90s Block Party, 6 p.m. - 12 a.m., The Zone Plaza, Kyle Field Join ExCEL, Aggie Orientation Leaders and the Class of 2013 for dancing, games and great music.

Submit rÊsumÊs and letters of application to Ms. S. Breaux Daniel Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Services Heat Transfer Research, Inc. 150 Venture Drive • College Station, TX 77845 SBD@HTRI.net • www.HTRI.net

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Saturday Texas A&M Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m., Academic Plaza Join the Class of 2013 on a campus scavenger hunt.

Free one-time climb, 1 p.m.

- 7 p.m., Student Rec Center Freshmen are invited to try rock climbing at the newly renovated Indoor Climbing Facility and the brand new Bouldering Facility at the Rec center.

Aggie Volleyball vs. Northern Iowa, 12:30 p.m., Reed Arena

Sunday Freshman Convocation, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Reed Arena Freshman convocation provides students with an opportunity to gather with their classmates in a major campus event that parallels the Commencement ceremony that will mark their graduation.

A&M Soccer vs. UTSA, 1:30 p.m. Aggie Soccer Stadium for a complete Gig ‘Em Week calendar, visit http://studentlife.tamu. edu/nsp/GEW.html

Off-Campus Aggies connects students to campus Patrique Ludan The Battalion For many students, the transition from oncampus to off-campus living is difficult. The Off-Campus Aggies work to make it easier. “Our mission is to first and foremost connect off-campus students to the campus,� said OCA president Daniel www. villagefoods .comSpringer.

Around 48,000 students are enrolled at A&M, and out of that number 38,000 live off campus, Springer said. “This is a pretty large population, that may or may not be exposed to the same information readily available to on-campus students through their residence hall,� said Springer.

Significant changes are taking place in OCA, with a completely new executive council and a new outlook on how the organization runs, Springer said. “We want to make ourselves more available to those off campus,� said OCA public relations chair Kyle Bryson.

There are a number of opportunities currently on the drawing board for OCA. “We are currently working to create an Aggie-based, easy-to-use cookbook that will allow students not familiar with the kitchen the option to cook for themselves rather than relying on fast food for survival,� Springer said.

The cookbook will be filled with recipes contributed by Aggie Moms.

OCA is working on a survival guide for students living on or off campus, said OCA vice president Amanda Daniels.

The cookbook and survival guide will help raise funds and give the organization

more exposure.

This semester, OCA plans to host events around apartment complexes to help off-campus students.

OCA provides a springboard to get offcampus students involved in on-campus student organizations, Springer said . “We plan to use different leadership techniques to teach students different aspects of being an effective leader,� Springer said. “Off Campus Aggies will also provide an opportunity for students to get involved in intramurals and help plan and participate in community service projects.�

With the largest freshman class set to descend upon A&M this fall, the OCA has planned a number of activities to welcome the Class of 2013.

According to Springer, members of the executive council are also part of such organizations as Aggie Orientation Leader Program, the Corps of Cadets and Greek Life. “The range of knowledge and experience enables Off Campus Aggies to effectively reach and assist new students to the community,� Springer said.

The OCA plans to take part in Gig ’Em Week Events as well as the MSC Open House this fall.

Additional ideas are being brainstormed within the organization to help OCA move forward into the future. “All members will have the distinctive opportunity to help mold the organization to leave a lasting impression for years to come,�

Springer said.

Gov. Perry says Texas prepared for swine u SAN ANTONIO — Texas Gov. Rick Perry and other state ofďŹ cials said Monday that while swine u still poses a risk, they’re better prepared for any outbreak as traditional u season nears and students return to school. Local school ofďŹ cials in Texas, which reported some of the ďŹ rst U.S. cases and the ďŹ rst deaths attributed to the virus, can decide to close a school if students or staff become ill, but schools will not automatically

be closed as they were last April when the virus ďŹ rst emerged. Texas has 2.5 million courses of anti-viral medications on hand. It has requested another 800,000 from federal health ofďŹ cials as the traditional u season nears. The medication can be used to treat both illnesses, though a swine u vaccine won’t be available until mid-October.

Associated Press

00.10.28

It’s hardly what you’d call joining the rat race “Life is what happens while you’re busy working,â€? doesn’t apply to Deloitte’s Cedric Nabe. He’s able to work in risk consultation and toward his dream of running the 100 m dash in the 2012 Olympic Games, simultaneously. All thanks to Deloitte’s belief in career-life ďŹ t. Catch up with Cedric at www.deloitte.com/yourfuture. It’s your future. How far will you take it?

As used in this document, “Deloitte� means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

Copyright Š 2009 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

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wednesday, august 26, 2009

Texas A&M has a dark side “Because very few students and staff actually know what’s underneath the school it has prompted many legends and stories.

The steam tunnels that run throughout campus do exactly what the name indicates.”

—Logan Nichols former campus relations chair of Traditions Council, senior agricultural economics major

“I think that what attracts people is the history that is down there. Students have heard stories from family members that went to A&M, so it’s something you know is there. There’s a sense of exploration.”

— Logan Westerman senior political science major

Chris Griffin — THE BATTALION

...and it’s right beneath your feet Rebekah Skelton The Battalion Let’s admit it: after months of nail biting and hair-pulling, anxiously awaiting your acceptance letter to the university of your choice, you probably jumped up and down and clapped your hands a little when you received your letter from Texas A&M. You most likely chose to come to A&M for the outstanding academic programs, the Corps, the traditions or one of the other many reasons that make A&M a world-renowned university.

However, A&M isn’t as “Howdy” as most would like to think. The school is full of bonechilling mysteries that haunt its past and present.

The oldest and most mysterious of these stories lies right beneath your feet. The steam tunnels at A&M have long been rumored to host secret society meetings and store weapons.

However, adventurous students who have been lured out of bed in the wee hours of the morning know that these stories are full of hot air.

“I think because very few students and staff actually know what’s underneath the school, it has prompted many legends and stories,” said Logan Nichols, the former campus relations chairman of the Traditions Council and senior agricultural economics major. “The steam tunnels that run throughout campus do exactly what the name indicates: they contain boilers and pipes that produce and deliver steam to buildings throughout campus.”

Originally used to provide heat for the dorms in the winter, the tunnels are still used to send steam to various places around campus, as well as store Internet and phone cables.

“I think that what attracts people is the history that is down there,” said senior political science major Logan Westerman. “Students have heard stories from family members that went to A&M, so it’s something you know is there. There’s a sense of exploration.”

That sense of exploration can lead to trouble if pursued. Since the steam tunnels can be dangerous to both the student and the University if something is tampered with, students who are caught trespassing in the tunnels can face criminal offense charges from Brazos County, and suspension or even expulsion from A&M. “It’s fun and exciting, but being caught and having to do 200 hours of community service…

I would advise students just not to go down there,” said Westerman, who was arrested in 2007 for trespassing.

As for artillery being stored in the tunnels under the Trigon, there is a shooting range in the basement of the building, but it is used by

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the ROTC to qualify basic target training.

“The only live rounds we use down there are .22 caliber rounds,” said Mark Mickens, logistics technician of the Army ROTC. “It introduces cadets to basic rifle marksmanship.”

For students who would like to scratch their proverbial adventurous itch without breaking any rules, you can always take a stroll through the Animal Industries building.

The building students know to host classrooms and offices today wasn’t so quaint back in 1965, when the basement was used for slaughtering animals. One night meat laboratory manager Roy Simms was finishing up his work when the electric saw he was using slipped. Unfortunately, Simms was not wearing his meat-cutting apron and the saw cut into his femoral artery. As legend has it, Simms was able to drag himself to the elevator but bled to death while waiting for help.

“He couldn’t get out in time,” said Will Hankla, Class of 2006, who graduated with a degree in food science and technology. “Now supposedly you can hear doors open and close and footsteps in the hall.”

According to Nichols, there are files tucked away in Cushing Library to prove this supernatural phenomenon.

“While I have never seen the folders, I am told…there are many recorded unexplained sightings and noises that happen in the building,” Nichols said. “Many people have tried to look and figure out exactly what happened there. Some swear it is haunted, some say it is legend, but there are definitely some unanswered questions.”

Another unanswered question is whether or not A&M is home to at least two secret societies, the True Texans and the Stikas. Some believe that you can identify members because they wear their Aggie Rings on their left hands, but there does not seem to be a basis for this claim.

“The way the members wear their rings is in fact a legend people have thought would identify a Aggie’s membership in a secret society,” Nichols said. “While the ring legend may or may not be true, supposedly there are signs that members can identify other members in the secret society.”

There is proof that two secret societies existed — and possibly still do exist — on campus, but the last evidence of their existence was collected in the 1950s when football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant was informed that four of his top players would be among 17 students expelled from the University for being involved in a secret organization.

“There’s no proof [that these societies still

exist],” director of the Cushing Memorial Library and Archives David Chapman said.

“There’s no written evidence, per se. Since they existed for so long, though, you would think they still exist.”

The April 4, 1952, issue of The Battalion announced that the True Texans had disbanded for good the previous day. However the group was also supposed to have split up in 1950 but continued to meet.

Over the years, many Aggies have tried to stamp out the True Texans and the Stikas for fear that their secretive nature means they’re up to no good.

Chapman is less convinced. “I think they got together and had a beer and told stories,” he said.

Getting together is something Aggies have always loved to do, but when Lt. Charles Sessums, a senior in the Corps, was beaten to death at the 1926 Baylor vs. A&M football game, students were outraged by the events of that social gathering. Sessums, who was beaten over the head by Baylor fans after Corps members charged the field during halftime, died the next morning in Waco.

It is rumored that outraged Corps members stole a train and commandeered a cannon, taking it to Waco to open fire on the school.

However, Texas Rangers discovered the plot and knocked trees over the track to stop them.

This legend must be taken with a grain of salt, though, as the evidence — or lack thereof — doesn’t add up.

“There’s no evidence. Show me the police report. Show me some pictures. You couldn’t go by train back then. You would have to go by bus,” Chapman said. “I think that story originated when the Aggies stole a train to steal the Rice owl… that was in 1916.”

A&M is a school that is rooted in traditions, myths and legends. However, now that you’ve been informed of some of the more chilling tales surrounding the school, you might be biting your nails, pulling your hair and clapping your hands over your mouth for different reasons than you were while awaiting your big envelope. Rest assured, though, that each and every one of these stories only add a bit of playfulness to our beloved University.

“Our deep roots in history and tradition fuel many of these legends, as they are passed down from generation to generation of Aggies,” Nichols said. “Stories like the steam tunnels and Animal Industries building…and many more make A&M the unique school we all know and love.”

More tall tales ■ Rumor has it that former Texas governor and A&M president Sul Ross’ Ku Klux Klan paraphernalia is housed in the YMCA building.

Ross’ membership in the KKK is subject to debate; therefore the resting place of his alleged belongings is, as well. David Chapman, director of the Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, said that there is no evidence that Ross was in the Klan, but that there are Klan robes in Cushing Library.

■ The topic of much debate, Reveille I, was not run over and brought back to live on campus as some think. According to Sam Netterville, Class of 1955, Reveille I was brought to campus in 1932 after being found in a ditch by Corps member George Comnas.

■ The first football game A&M played was against the University of Texas, not against Galveston Ball High School.

It was the second game, on Thanksgiving Day, that was played against Galveston Ball.

■ The myth that freshmen Corps members were forced to polish the dome of the Academic Building holds no truth.

According to Chapman, the only time the dome was polished was in the 1960s or 1970s when some cadets snuck up and polished a Playboy Bunny symbol on the side, still faintly visible today.

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A&M has many little-known traditions Kalee Bumguardner The Battalion Texas A&M is famous for its traditions: the Twelfth Man, Silver Taps, Muster and Reveille to name a few. But there are some traditions that few have heard of, and others no longer even in practice. Here We make easy to... are some of themitthat might pique your interest.

Spirit of ’02 The cannon that the Parsons Mounted Cavalry fires every time the Aggies score has humble beginnings. It is a 1902 field gun once used for artillery practice by the Corps. The cannon was discovered in a ravine in 1978 by cadets who were cutting wood for Aggie Bonfire and was refurbished for use by the cavalry.

The Aggieland yearbook Texas A&M’s yearbook wasn’t always known as the Aggieland. From 1903 to 1949 this yearly record of Aggie events was called the Longhorn.

The name was changed in a controversial student vote in 1949 to the more fitting name.

For the record, however, the University of Texas didn’t adopt their mascot until 1916.

Kyle Field turf This tradition, which said

that only players, coaches, officials and band members could walk on the Kyle Field grass, was the source of much controversy. Aggies went to great length to protect the tradition, and got into no small amount of trouble because of www. villagefoods .com it. An officer of the day in the Corps once pulled his saber on an SMU cheerleader who ignored repeated warnings to stay off the field, and in 1995 there was a “melee� when students from the University of Texas at Austin refused to stay off the field. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back for this tradition.

Sul Ross Plenty of Aggies put a pretty penny at the feet of Sully for good luck, but it’s the freshman class that is given the task of making the famous statue pretty, especially before football games. Over the years, enthusiastic fish have been so vigorous in their polishing that some of the wrinkles in Sully’s coat have been ironed, and his hairline has receded.

Quadding This tradition is when students in the Corps would take a trash can, fill it with water, drag it to the second

story window and dump the water on a struggling victim below, held spread-eagled on the ground. There were rules — the water had to be clean, without objects in it, but it could be warm or cold. Those especially susceptible to attack were commanding officers, anyone celebrating a birthday and anyone whose friends just really liked them.

“In 1973 the Aggie Sweetheart contest was abolished, based on the reasoning that Texas A&M now had more than 2,000 sweethearts.� t.u.

Aggies didn’t appreciate that other school in Austin having the name of THE University of Texas, so instead always referred to it as “Texas University,� or t.u., and the letters are always lowercased. The distaste goes further, however. The Aggie band doesn’t play an instrument called a tuba; instead, they play basses. Albritton Tower doesn’t have a Roman numeral four on it. Instead, it has IIII, because students thought IV looked too much like t.u.

Parsons Mounted Cavalry has a wheelbarrow used to collect horse droppings, and they painted it orange and wrote “t.u.� on the side.

War memorials Meditation Garden, originally placed in front of Duncan Dining Hall but later moved to the front of the Quadrangle, is dedicated to Aggies who have died in military conflicts since World War I. A war memorial on the west side of Simpson Drill Field commemorates Aggies who died in World War I, listing 52 names.

Women at Texas A&M A defining point of A&M’s history is the fact that women weren’t allowed to enroll in the University until 1963.

However, women — or the lack thereof — have been influencing this University since the very beginning.

In 1925 Mary Evelyn Crawford received a diploma from A&M, even though women weren’t officially allowed to enroll until 1963. Hundreds of other women attended unofficially, or in the summertime, but were not allowed to pursue degrees.

In the early 1900s, stag dances were popular at A&M because most girls lived away from the school. The band members supplied the music, and cadets were split up into two groups. Those who could follow were the “girls,� and tied a white handkerchief around their arm to prevent confusion. The other cadets were the leaders, and sometimes fought to dance with the “girl� who was the best at following.

The Aggie Sweetheart dates back to 1938 and was originally chosen from the girls at Texas State College for Women, later Texas Women’s University, known as Tessies. Each year Aggie cadets would make the trip to Denton, Texas, and choose an Aggie Sweetheart from the finalists to represent TSCW at the annual joint Corps Trip between the schools. By 1968, the sweetheart competitions were flourishing. Sweethearts for each class year were chosen, as well as an Aggie Band sweetheart, Civilian Sweetheart, Combat Cutie and even a Mrs. Texas A&M. In 1970, the Aggie Sweetheart contest was changed to include women who actually attended Texas A&M, but in 1973 the contest was abolished altogether, based on the reasoning that A&M now had more than 2,000 sweethearts. The other sweetheart competitions continued into the 1990s, however, and expanded to include dorm sweethearts — for the all-girl dorms a male sweetheart was chosen — and sweethearts for different organizations around campus.

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Apartments popping up Eat Organic in Aggieland despite economy

‘™ ’”‹…‡• ‘Â? ‘—” huge assortment ‘ˆ Â?ƒ–—”ƒŽ ƒÂ?† organic ˆ‘‘†•Ǥ Č‹On green shelves in every aisleÇ¤ČŒ

Christen Beck The Battalion With apartment complexes like Wave Z Islander, the Lofts at Wolf Pen Creek and Texas A&M University Apartments popping up across College Station and Bryan, apartment development in Aggieland is growing despite the national economic climate.

Real estate growth can be attributed to the Bryan-College Station area’s sound economy, and the steady economy can be credited to the University, said Picket Fence Properties President Don Lewis. “A&M is the 800-pound gorilla,� Lewis said. “As long as it’s healthy, the jobs created in this community are stable and that trickles down from grocery stores to automotive services.

As long as A&M continues to be healthy from a fiscal standpoint, I think that’s the stabilizing factor.�

The market is strong because of the record number of incoming A&M and Blinn students and the number of health professionals moving to the area, Lewis said. With the growing

number of residences, new industries are moving in, as well. “In some aspects, we are insulated by the Bryan-College Station area,� said Bryan-College Station Apartment Association Executive Director

“The college experience is totally changing. If you don’t have the latest and greatest amenities, you’re pretty much dead in the water.� — Cody Janicek associate property manager for Wave Z Islander

Sharon McCauley.

It is difficult to estimate how well apartment complexes across the region are doing. However, the occupancy around the Bryan-College Station area is probably at 90 percent, McCauley said. The busiest complexes are older properties, but newer apartment complexes will succeed.

Many of the latest apartment complexes offer high-end apart-

ment living with amenities such leasing director T.J. Chambers. as dog washes, car washes and Wolf Pen Creek began exflat screen televisions. amining A&M and Blinn Col“This generation of college lege enrollment statistics, as well students is geared toward ame- as the Bryan-College Station www.villagefoods.com nities,� McCauley said. “Prop- market, five to seven years beerty underestibreaking ground.

Weowners make have it easy to drinkfore better... mated the disposable income Although he agreed that enof parents. What you’re finding rollment has increased, Chamis that students tend to have a ber said the amount of apartment little bit more money than we development around College thought they did.�

Station is unnecessary. Newer The economy has affected apartment complexes lack the business at Wave Z Islander, proper research essential to ensaid associate property manager sure full occupancy, he said.

Cody Janicek. Wave Z Islander, “[Businesses] think enrolla new high-end apartment com- ment is going up,� Chambers plex in Bryan, has an occupancy said, “so they build.� level of just under 50 percent.

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8/25/09 10:55 PM

news

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wednesday 8.26.2009

thebattalion

13

things you need to know

Steps to healthy living Megan Ryan The Battalion Rhonda Rahn, health education coordinator with Student Health Services, suggests 13 steps to staying healthy in college.

1. Sleep It’s important to get six to eight hours of sleep to feel refreshed. The average adult gets about six hours and 40 minutes. The average college student probably gets less.

Lack of sleep has been linked to obesity, increased stress, high blood pressure and other health issues.

2. Nutrition Our college health assessment data states the average Texas A&M student eats less than one serving per day of fruits and vegetables. The recommended daily amount is three to five servings. Unprocessed foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are the way to go. Base your diet on these, and you should be great.

3. Exercise Exercise helps reduce stress, control weight, maintain a healthy body image, increase energy, sleep better and has many other benefits. Rahn recommends exercising 60 minutes per day, five days per week.

4. Time management The key to success in college and in life. Talk with your professors at the beginning of the semester. Create a calendar with important due dates and schedule in sleeping, eating and exercise.

5. Dealing with stress – Find what works for you to deal with your stress, and do

it. Pick something you enjoy that is unrelated to academic life. Stress is the No. 1 impact on academic success, according to the American College Health Association.

6. Building healthy relationships Get to know your professors, develop peer networks with people of similar interests, keep a healthy relationship with parents, establish a mentor and avoid unhealthy relationships.

7. Avoiding risky behaviors Establish health beliefs about sex, alcohol and other risky behaviors. Prepare for risky situations; for example, being at a party with alcohol is not a good time to decide whether or not you’re going to drink. Decide before you get into the situation.

8. Personal safety Keep doors locked. Don’t walk across campus alone at night; instead utilize the escort service.

9. Safe sex Talk to your partner about birth control and STI protection before engaging in intercourse. Get tested. Consider vaccinations.

10. Body image Establish a healthy relationship with your own body. Ignore media and social extremes about the ideal body.

11. Tobacco Don’t smoke tobacco, not even hookah.

Quit smoking if you do.

12. Financial health Use credit cards wisely. If you don’t have the money for it, don’t buy it.

13. Health abroad Get immunized and do your research about the locations you travel abroad to.

Religious Organizations Editor’s Note: This list includes student organizations that are associated with a center of worship and have contact information posted on the Student Activities Web site.

For a list of other religious student organizations, go to studentactivities.tamu.edu.

Adventist Christian Fellowship 1350 Earl Rudder Freeway S. http://acf.zebrazebra.org Baptist Student Ministry 203 College Main http://aggiebsm.org Catholic Students’ Association 603 Church Ave. http://aggiecatholic.org Chabad Jewish Student Group 201 Live Oak St. http://jewishaggies.com Episcopal Student Association 902 George Bush Drive http://episcopalaggie.org Hindu Students Council

Pg. 6a-08.26.09.indd 1

Tips and Tricks 1. Pack an umbrella in that backpack.

2. Get to know your adviser.

3. Don’t turn down free food.

4. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

5. Keep track of spending.

6. Develop something of a nap and sleep schedule.

7. Set aside time for yourself.

8. Set realistic academic goals.

9. Keep a campus map.

10. Find a regular place to study.

11. Wage war on the freshman 15, daily.

12. Get involved with on-campus organizations.

13. Say “Howdy” and smile to fellow Aggies and strangers.

Compiled by Jason Staggs

Useful numbers Emergency — oncampus 9-911 Emergency — offcampus 911 Student Counseling Services Helpline 979-845-2700

23300 State Highway 6 S. http://hindu.tamu.edu

Dial-a-Nurse 979-458-8379

Latter-Day Student Association 100 Dexter Drive http://ldsces.org/collegestation

Corps Escorts 979-845-6789

Lutheran Collegians 1007 Krenek Tap Road www.beautiful-savior.net

University Police Department 979-845-2345

Lutheran Student Fellowship 315 College Main http://lsf.tamu.edu Muslim Students’ Association 417 Stasney St. http://msa.tamu.edu Orthodox Christian Fellowship All Faiths Chapel 972.989.0954 Texas A&M Hillel Foundation 800 George Bush Drive http://tamuhillel.org Wesley Foundation 201 Tauber http://tamuwesley.org

CARPOOL 979-693-9905

Student Counseling Services 979-845-4427 Student Health Services 979-845-1511 Career Center 979-845-5139 Financial Aid 979-845-3236 Computing Services Help Desk Central 979-845-8300 Student Activities 979-845-1133 Compiled by Jill Beathard

8/26/09 12:29 AM

news

page 7a wednesday 8.26.2009

thebattalion

Preventative safety: How the Class of ‘13 can make its own luck Lorelei Willett The Battalion It’s that time of year again — time for books, football games, new friends and the making of memories, but with it comes the all-nighters, the after-parties and the sometimes-creepy “friend of a friend.” No matter what your plans are for this year, freshmen and upperclassmen alike should take a refresher course on how to stay safe on and off campus.

“Theft is more prevalent in our community than crimes against person; however, everyone still needs to be aware of their surroundings no matter where they are in the Bryan-College Station area,” said Sgt. Allan Baron of the Texas A&M University Police Department.

Baron suggests locking vehicles and not leaving valuables visible in the vehicle to help prevent burglaries. Students should keep a log of property with each item’s make, model and serial number, which will help law enforcement in the recovery of stolen property and arresting suspects.

Baron encourages students who live off campus to get to know neighbors and find out what is normal in their neighborhood so they can report any suspicious activity to the police.

“Students that inquire about locations they are interested in living are encouraged to contact their local police department and inquire as to what crimes have occurred in that neighborhood,” Baron said.

While it is important to watch out for your physical surroundings, safety on the Internet is another step students can take to ensure a safe college experience.

“Limiting the amount of personal information on cyber network sites such as Facebook and Myspace [will] help guard against stalking and harassments, as well as identity theft,” Baron said.

“Being aware of the local frauds and scams occurring in our area will better protect those coming in contact with such individuals.”

Although there are many protective measures one can take, the best weapon students can have is their instincts and common sense.

“Stay alert and be aware of [your] surroundings,” Baron said. “Avoid isolated areas. Don’t take shortcuts through dark areas or parking lots.

Listen to [your] instincts. If someone feels uncomfortable about a person, place or situation, [you] should create some distance or leave the area. There is safety in numbers.”

These tips are helpful in any situation, wheth-

er it be going home from a late night at the library or going out for a night on the town. Of course, when alcohol is involved you should take extra measures to ensure the safety of yourself and your friends.

“Students who choose to drink alcohol should consider these safe choices: designate a driver — or two — or use CARPOOL; make major decisions about your night before you start to drink such as how will you get home, who you go home with,” Baron said. “Know the people you’re with, watch out for yourself and your friends [and] watch your drink at all times.”

However, the best way to deal with a dangerous situation or potential crime is taking steps to prevent it from happening. To help with just such a program is Master Officer Kristi Hosea of the UPD Crime Prevention Unit.

“The Crime Prevention Unit at Texas A&M University Police Department has joined the Department of Residence Life in creating C.O.P.S. Program, which stands for Community Oriented Police Services in which the crime prevention officers spend four hours, two evenings a week, in and around the residence halls as a resource for residents,” Hosea said.

The Crime Prevention Unit is available to faculty, staff and students, as well as off-campus groups, for educational safety programs.

Tips and advice on preventing a dangerous situation, though helpful, can only go so far. Once one is in the middle of a potentially dangerous encounter, one needs to know where to turn to for help.

“We remind students that campus is relatively safe, but it’s only as safe as they help us make it.

It is our job to educate and remind students to follow standard safety guidelines, but it is up to the students to limit the opportunities for crimes to occur and utilize their safety resources such as CARPOOL, Corps of Cadets Escort Program, on-campus bus service and the Student Recreation Center’s jogging path,” Hosea said. “A&M also has 120 Emergency Blue Light phones located throughout campus, which allows anyone to make a 3-minute local phone call.”

College is a time for growing and learning, and by remembering these protective measures and utilizing the campus programs, students will be able to experience university life safely. Unfortunately, crimes and dangerous situations may still occur, but do not forget to keep your wits about you, have your cell phone and utilize the campus programs.

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8/25/09 10:54 PM

sports

Soccer moves up The Texas A&M soccer team moved up in the national rankings to No. 6 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll. The improvement came after the Aggies defeated the USC Trojans 3-0 Saturday.

thebattalion 8.26.2009 page1b

Season for firsts MSC closure will shuffle gameday traditions Brett Sebastian The Battalion

File photo — THE BATTALION

©2009 ERNST & YOUNG LLP. =jfkl Qgmf_ j]^]jk lg l`] _dgZYd gj_YfarYlagf g^ e]eZ]j Õjek g^ =jfkl Qgmf_ ?dgZYd Daeal]\$ ]Y[` g^ o`a[` ak Y k]hYjYl] d]_Yd ]flalq& =jfkl Qgmf_ DDH ak Y [da]fl%k]jnaf_ e]eZ]j Õje dg[Yl]\ af l`] MK&

Members of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band saw ‘em off at a Texas A&M football game.

Pg. 1b-08.26.09.indd 1

Six days out of the week the Texas A&M campus is a place of academics where the only loud sound is often the chants of the Corps as they do afternoon runs.

Then, on Saturday, Texas A&M shuts the books and opens the gates to Kyle Field as thousands of Aggies pack campus for gameday. For years the lead to any given Saturday’s big game would focus on the stadium itself and the Memorial Student Center. Starting in fall 2009 until 2012, the MSC will be closed for construction and the routine will be shuffled around.

The closure of the MSC will move around some amenities, most notably restrooms. Portable facilities and the restrooms in Koldus will remain open. The construction will also force Joe Routt Boulevard to be closed, which is the street along which the Zone entrance of Kyle Field is located. While the road is closed, it should not affect any gameday activities occurring in the plaza in front of the zone.

Tailgating should not be affected at all by the construction occurring at the MSC. Open Access Sites at Spence Park and the Reed Arena grass will remain the same. RV lots and other tailgating sites will remain the same.

Tailgating before the game has become another Aggie tradition. Many Aggies enjoy tailgating before the game in their own unique style. It is not uncommon to see many tents with class years dating back to the 1940s.

For many, tailgating is a personal tradition that dates back to when they were students at A&M. Tailgating areas come in all shapes and sizes. Some are simple setups, a tent, some chairs and a grill. Others are more complex, including generators, specially designed buses, and large grills that can be towed. The University is accommodating to tailgaters, in that generators and elaborate setups are allowed in some places, and proper coal disposal bins allow tailgaters to safely dispose of coals.

For many Aggies, the food and camarade-

rie that one can be a part of before the game is the prime appeal of tailgating.

“The food is amazing, eating before the game and being with friends, that’s what makes it so fun,” said senior biomedical science major Jessirae Frerichs. “There are tents everywhere and some even have TVs in them watching all the different games.”

While tailgating is a fun tradition at Texas A&M, the experience of gameday at Aggieland peaks with the game itself.

“My first game I was so overwhelmed with the atmosphere of tradition and spirit. The stadium was so big and so loud, it was amazing.”

— Michelle Tiano junior accounting major

“It was exciting,” Frerichs said of her first gameday experience at Kyle Field. “It was a great experience and very fun. I went to the very first football game my freshman year against The Citadel. Every year I look forward to the start of football season again.”

Tradition at Kyle Field is rampant, with the largest student section in the nation, the Spirit of the ’02 cannon, which fires after every Aggie touchdown or field goal, the Corps block, Reveille and the Yell Leaders on the sidelines.

“My first game I was so overwhelmed with the atmosphere of tradition and spirit,” said junior accounting major Michelle Tiano. “The stadium was so big and so loud it was amazing.”

Kyle Field seats 83,002 people, though it routinely breaks that record, and is considered by many experts to be among the loudest stadiums in college sports.

“The rush you get with your friends up in the stands after the wrecking crew has a successful goal line stand, nothing tops that,” said senior engineering major Ross Maha.

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Go to a football game Sure this is a no brainer, but you would be surprised how many people go to one or two football games in their entire student career, if that.

Even if you are not football fan, I’m www.villagefoods.com willing to bet that a big reason you chose A&M was because of the atmosphere and tradition. There is no place more full of tradition and Aggie atmosphere than Kyle Field on a Saturday. I’m also willing to bet you will have a blast regardless of the product on the field. Also, don’t forget to experience the atmosphere before game. Tailgating.com with www.avillagefoods friends is much more fun than sleeping in.

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Start an intramural group A&M is a haven to those who enjoy taking to the field, the diamond or the pitch in their spare time. You will quickly find that two of the

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4 steps to enjoy Aggie sports C oming to campus can be a little much when one does it for the first time.

Separated from home, sometimes by hundreds of miles, with your friends scattered across the nation, you can get overwhelmed quickly. The good news is, you chose the best University in the nation with which to start your new phase of life. The hard part is finding a way to be a part of Texas A&M, and not being left behind in the dust.

Thankfully for you, my college career and myself are riding off into the sunset while yours is just beginning. So here are four simple steps to making the most out of your Aggie experience.

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Brett Sebastian

College can be overwhelming, so don’t forget to play hardest things in college are meeting people and staying in shape; intramurals counteracts both.

Attend other sports A&M offers sports beyond football. Basketball has been an amazing ride over the past few years, and Reed Arena is quickly making a name for itself in the college hoops world. But there are also sports like tennis, track and softball that are world class in We make it their easyown to... right. One of the best assignments I ever had with The Battalion was a women’s tennis match against Texas where the crowd actually got into the head of one Longhorn who told the crowd at one point to “be quiet” in a less than PC manner.

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Patterson back to defense Lucas Patterson, junior A&M lineman, was switched back to his position on the defensive line after being slotted as starting left tackle on the offensive line at the beginning of camp.

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Find your niche This has less to do with sports, but it is We make it easy to... arguably the most important thing one can stress when going to college. Find something you enjoy and go for it, that’s Register how you grow as a person Registration for and meet new people. A&M the fall semester offers everything and then indoor soccer, some. The Corps, Freshman the kickball Leadership Organizations, retournament and ligious associations, Men’s and women’s clubs, Greek Life and football pick many more. Sure you’re here ’em will be open to go to school, but you’re Monday through also here to make friends that www. villagefoods .com Sept.

7. willWe last amake lifetime, and it’sto eat... it easy through finding your group compiled by Brett that you accomplish that and Sebastian and get the most out of your Aggie T.D. Durham experience.

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8/25/09 9:42 PM

voices

page 3b wednesday 8.26.2009

thebattalion

GUESTCOLUMN Howdy, Ags! Throughout the summer I’ve had the pleasure of addressing most of you and/or your parents at our New Student Conferences. As most of you are on campus and beginning your incredible experience in Aggieland, I’d like to take the opportunity to summarize and reinforce some of the advice I offered when speaking to you earlier from the podium in Rudder Auditorium. I emphasize “advice” because that’s all it is. You can take it or leave it.

It comes from a former student, a parent of former students, and most of all from a vice president for student affairs who is not only passionate about the school you have chosen to attend, but passionate to see you find your place within the Aggie family — both inside and outside of the classroom.

The primary reason you are here is to graduate. You won’t graduate if academics and the achievement of academic excellence are not somewhere near the top of your priority list. If you blow your grades your first semester, it will take two to three semesters to repair the damage, and you won’t have time or opportunity to do much of anything else. As quickly as you can, find the balance between your academic and social life. Staff and faculty can help you with this. We have the best and most committed teachers and professors in the country — take advantage of them. Seek out their counsel, advice and the extra instruction opportunities they offer earlier rather than later.

With respect to the Aggie Honor Code and Aggie core values — don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk. The treasured values and standards the Code and our core values impose will serve you well in achieving your goals and aspirations throughout your lifetime, both as a student and as a former student. The reputation of our University and its pre-eminence as a world-class institution of higher learning depend upon your acceptance of, and appreciation for, its uncompromising ethical values and high standards.

Traditions never graduate.

Learn them, understand them, appreciate them and practice them as you see fit. Just as the Corps of Cadets are the “Keepers of the Spirit,” all of you are the “Keepers of Tradition.”

Tradition and Spirit are huge in making this student body unique. I challenge you to be just as excited about Aggie traditions and spirit four years from now as you are today.

Join and participate in organizations. Staff, faculty and administrators at A&M expect you to depart this campus with the ability to be a good follower as well as a good leader.

Everything the Division of Student Affairs has to offer is intended to complement what you learn in the classroom and to give you the social skills and confidence required to succeed in the real world — and to assist you in making our communities, state, nation and the world better places to live.

Sign up, volunteer, lead and organize, take a chance, think out of the box; if you fail or fall then get right back up and try again. If you do so, and take your studies seriously, you’ll understand and appreciate the answer to, “What do you call an Aggie five years after graduation?” “ Boss!” The true success and reputation of our University will continue to flourish on the noteworthy accomplishments of you, its graduates.

Get to know your fellow Aggies who are different from you. We have Aggies from all over the state, country and the world. They have different colors of skin, eat different foods, practice different religions, express different views with respect to sexual orientation and promote and demonstrate their own political ideologies. You can learn as much from them as they can from you.

Whether you agree with their views or not, always respect one another, both as Aggies and as human beings.

Especially, take advantage of the presence of our international students on campus. Develop relationships with them that will provide both you and

Pg. 3b-08.26.09.indd 1

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My advice: take it or leave it

Lt. Gen. Joe Weber them with a better understanding and appreciation of each other’s customs, courtesies and cultures. Your diploma will be your ticket to see the world, so use the resources (people, programs and dollars) available to you in preparing you for the global environment in which you will work and live.

Support your fellow student athletes and attend athletic events to the greatest extent possible. They are fun! Sports are a big deal in Aggieland.

The excitement, enthusiasm,

camaraderie and spirit generated throughout the entire campus after a big win is contagious.

You are officially part of the Twelfth Man! As such, make an effort to support our Fightin’ Texas Aggie teams.

Take care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually.

These are key to both knowing and feeling good about yourself while at A&M. By maintaining your health and fitness, you’ll be better prepared to handle the academic rigor and demands soon to be placed on you. Stress is the enemy. If and when you feel you’ve met this enemy and you’re being overrun, seek help and assistance immediately. No problem is too difficult to solve, and many dedicated counselors and advisors within the Division of Student Affairs are here for you — 24 hours a day.

Finally, have some fun!

The next four or five years as an Aggie will be some of the best times of your life. You’ll meet and bond with other Aggies you’ve never known or thought you would ever come to know…they will become your classmates and friends for life. Enjoy your experiences and camaraderie together and always remember: We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we, true to each other as Aggies should be. So take care of each other and in having fun together realize that if something can go wrong it will and plan ahead for it. Aggies always take care of Aggies — utilize good judgment at all times and be safe!

Again, welcome to Aggieland!

Lt. Gen. Joe Weber, Class of 1972, is the vice president for student affairs.

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Texas A&M Football 12th Man Meeting If you are interested in trying out for the 2009 Texas A&M football team, you must attend this MANDATORY walk-on meeting. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 1 at 6 p.m. in Hagner Auditorium inside the Bright Football Complex. To be eligible to walk-on you must be a full time student who is enrolled in at least 12 hours and be in good academic standing with the university. All other necessary information will be presented at the meeting.

Feed your future See how more than 29,000 people are working together to help inspire change.

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© 2009 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (a Delaware limited liability partnership) or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity. We are proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

8/25/09 9:32 PM

EDITORIALBOARD The Battalion’s editorial opinion is determined by its Board of Opinion, with the editor in chief having final responsibility.

Editor in Chief Amanda Casanova editor@thebatt.com Managing Editor Mattie Williamson battcopy@thebatt.com

thebattalionasks What advice would you give to incoming freshmen and why?

Q:

“If you’re a full-time student, I would recommend getting a job. It adds more rigid structure to your schedule. Don’t get a job in a bar because you won’t make it to class, even if they’re in the afternoon. It’s the truth.”

Danielle Dean junior agricultural leadership and development major

Managing Editor for News Matt Woolbright opinion@thebatt.com

voices thebattalion 8.26.2009 page4b

EDITORIAL

Tradition, spirit lead the way

W

e are a University that boasts tradition and spirit. We have the car decals and T-shirts, the rings and the yells. And we are counting on you, the Class of 2013, to pick up and carry out these traditions.

After spending a few sweltering afternooons at Kyle Field, you will memorize the yells. In a matter of weeks, you will add a few more words to your vocabulary, and you will put pennies on Sully’s feet.

However, A&M has a tradition of service and spirit that goes far beyond that of the emblazoned baseball cap or maroon T-shirt. You will hear it in the “Howdy” greetings on campus or in the echoing gunshots at Silver Taps. You will see it in flickering candles at Muster in April and at Big Event in the spring.

As freshmen, you have the opportunity to participate in not only all these amazing traditions, but also to get involved in one, two or more of the slew of student organizations — all of which are a testament to A&M’s tradition of unity.

Unfortunately, you will not get to experience the Memorial Student Center.

However, understand that Texas A&M is a changing campus.

As this University continues to push the standard, it is imperative we remain connected to each other and former Aggies through tradition.

Congratulations, Class of 2013, you are an Aggie now. And that is something that will never change.

Pg. 4b-08.26.09.indd 1

GUESTCOLUMN

We should be looking toward the future while remembering the past

H

owdy!

Fall in Aggieland — my favorite season in one of my favorite places. I hope you are as excited as I am to be here. I’d like to share some thoughts with you as we look ahead to another exciting year at Texas A&M University.

A Year of Transitions. If you have been on campus over the summer, then you are well aware that we have experienced a great deal of change. I won’t go into detail, but I do want to remind you that our University is incredibly strong and resilient, and our future is bright.

In fact, today’s Texas A&M is a virtual sea of tranquility compared to some of the turmoil our predecessors faced. As interim president, for example, I pledge that I will not “dismiss” everyone associated with the University, as happened back in 1879.

I also remind people that our Galveston campus, where I am CEO, has successfully withstood unprecedented and mind-boggling challenges during the past year alone, with the tragic sinking of the S/V Cynthia Woods and the devastation brought by Hurricane Ike. Galveston is back on track, just as we are here at the flagship campus in College Station.

Legislative Session. Texas A&M and higher education overall fared well in the 81st legislative session, which ended in May. Our appropriations for fiscal years 2010 (which begins Sept. 1) and 2011 total $530 million, for a net increase of $41 million over the current level. About $29 million of this increase is a result of formula funding based on enrollment gains, and $15 million is from the Competitive Knowledge Fund, which will help us support our academic master plan and major research initiatives.

What Lies Ahead. We have been fortunate that so far we have escaped many of the financial challenges that our higher education counterparts elsewhere are now enduring.

R. Bowen Loftin Our state’s economy is still strong, but experts tell us that the downturn will eventually affect Texas. Our goal, as always, is to be the best stewards of your tuition dollars, as well as the funds entrusted to us by the taxpayers. We have always done a good job in this area — in fact, we have long had the lowest administrative cost ratio of any university in the state and are recognized by several prestigious national publications for being a “best value.”

Our Board of Regents has initiated a proactive process for identifying areas where we can leverage our expertise to share programs and services and thus cut costs. Several task forces have been established to focus on various areas. Their reports on where we can realize cost savings and increase efficiencies will be ready next month.

Keep in mind, however, that we will never sacrifice quality to achieve cost reductions.

Our Bright Future. Despite the challenges endured over the summer, this is an exciting time to be a member of the Aggie Family. We are beginning to reap the benefits of a major fiveyear initiative — a first in all of American higher education — to hire nearly 450 new professors, bringing our total faculty to more than 2,900.

Research and development funding by A&M and its affiliated agencies rose to a record $582 million for fiscal year 2008, an increase of $38 million over the previous all-time high set in 2007. In addition, a record $800 million in campus construction is either under way or in the planning stages.

We anticipate the largest freshman class in history this fall, with more than 8,100 students, as well as record numbers of African-American, Hispanic and first-generation students. This gain is expected to push overall enrollment to a record as well, above the record of 48,039 students in 2008.

Furthermore, we are succeeding in these areas without losing the qualities that make Aggies special. Our Corps of Cadets is strong. Our traditions are very much alive. Our core values are relevant today more than ever. The Aggie Network that creates such special bonds throughout each Aggie’s life now has more than 330,000 members worldwide.

The Importance of Communication. I pledge that I will keep all members of the campus community up to date on key issues. I have held two open forums to date and plan to schedule more. In addition, I will host a forum just for graduate students next month. I look forward to meeting with as many student and faculty groups as possible this fall, and continuing a regular dialogue with your representatives — Student Body President Kolin Loveless and Graduate Student Council President Husameddin AlMadani.

Texas A&M is outstanding by virtually every objective measure. I believe that it’s time to tell our story — to let the rest of the world know what’s going on here. We can do this not only through traditional avenues, but also through social media. In fact, the Texas A&M Facebook page now has more fans than that of any other university in the country.

By working together and keeping each other informed, we can expand and strengthen the culture of excellence that already exists at Texas A&M. I believe that we are up to the challenge.

I am looking forward to seeing you around campus this fall.

Gig ’Em Aggies!

R. Bowen Loftin, Class of 1971, is the interim president of Texas A&M University.

8/25/09 9:23 PM

page 5b

voices: GUESTCOLUMNS thebattalion

wednesday, august 26, 2009

Make connections in student life H

owdy Ags! And a special welcome to the Class of 2013.

On behalf of Student Life, I want to alert you to opportunities just for you, especially as new students.

Hopefully, you are still in touch with some of those you met during your New Student Conference or can reconnect and meet others through Gig ’Em Week activities that showcase programs and services to support your success, like the pizza taste-off, ice cream carnival, Aggieland Market and more.

Also, new student programs just for you include: Amplify, a brand new centralized listing of programs, services and resources for you to connect to, offered especially with you in mind; the First Year Photo Project, a way in which you can participate in documenting your first year experience at Texas A&M University; and, while you are making new connections, look to ATMentors — faculty and staff who are here for you.

If you are living off campus, know that Off Campus Aggies is making a special outreach to new students so that they can extend that sense of a residential campus community, and should you have issues related to off-campus living, including landlord-tenant issues, please visit with staff in Adult, Graduate and Off-Campus Student Services. Also, Student Legal Services provides an attorney with whom you can consult about legal issues (at no charge to you) in Cain Hall.

One of the most vulnerable times for alcoholrelated incidents is the first 90 days of a college

SGA Representing Student Opinion Diversity Commission, Election Commission, Judicial Court, Legislative Relations Commission, the Student Body President and his or her Executive Council and the Student Senate Targeted Programming and Service Alternative Spring Break, Aggie Recruitment Committee, The Big Event, CARPOOL, the Conference on Student Government Associations (COSGA), Development Commission, Environmental Issues Committee, Parents’ Weekend, Replant and Texas Aggies Making Changes Maintenance of Tradition Muster Committee, Parents’ Weekend, Replant and Traditions Council Leadership Development Fish Aides, Gilbert Leadership Conference, GUIDE and High School Leadership Conference

Pg. 5b-08.26.09.indd 1

Carol Binzer student’s career, and the Student Conduct Service sees about 1,200 cases per year, a large percentage of which are alcohol (or drug) related, so take time to learn more and become familiar with the Student Conduct Code at student-rules. tamu.edu/rule24, and if you need information or feel that alcohol is impacting your life, Alcohol and Drug Education Programs is there for you.

Student Life also hosts the GLBT Resource Center (for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Aggies and their straight supporters), connects with Student Outreach and Welfare Services (to assist students with medical and personal emergencies, and in the event of hospitalization) and provides staff to the Critical Incident Response Team, which assists students in serious situations. Student Life strives to provide a personal connection to Aggies and their families, especially when they most need the support of the University.

Additionally, Student Life provides a Web site for parents, and hosts a listserv with updates about relevant deadlines, the academic calendar

and programs and services for students through parents.tamu.edu. And, this fall, for the first time, we are hosting a New Student Family Weekend (Sept. 26-27) in conjunction with the Athletics Department to offer ticket opportunities for visiting family members. The schedule and other details about this event will be made public as they become available.

Student Media is also a part of Student Life, and I thank The Battalion editors and staff as the independent voice of the students for all of their work in bringing information to you and for their invitation to include my advice in this early Gig ’Em Week issue for you. The Battalion writers, editors and photographers (and the Aggieland yearbook staff) earn their way and gain valuable experience while helping to keep the Aggie community in touch. Read the paper—in print or online, contribute ideas, stories or photos and support those who advertise in the paper.

We are all glad that you are here in Aggieland and hope that your experience brings out your best! Student Life, a part of the Division of Student Affairs, is committed to outreach education and support — a real Aggie connection. If we can be of assistance to you as you create your place and start your legacy, please just call on us at studentlife@tamu.edu, 845-3111 and studentlife. tamu.edu. For us, it is all about you!

Thanks and Gig ’Em!

thebattalionasks

Q:

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen and why?

Megan Forman graduate student in agricultural leadership, education and communication

“Meet as many new people in your classes as you can. Get to know your professors.”

Nick Halcombe sophomore aerospace engineering major

Carol Binzer is the director of student life.

“Whatever [you] do, don’t get behind in [your] studies. I spent time doing fun things when I should have been studying.”

Student government offers leadership skills

H

owdy! I’d like to extend my most heartfelt welcome to our newest group of Aggies, the Class of 2013, a new group of graduate students and all the transfer students starting classes this fall. I hope the life lessons and coursework (hopefully more of the former) over the next few years helps you develop into the person you came here to become.

I, like many of my fellow Aggies, came to Texas A&M University looking for a chance not just to learn in the classroom, but also to develop my skills working with people and building a network. So, allow me to talk a little bit about one

Kolin Loveless of the many organizations that provide that opportunity — the Student Government Association. SGA exists “to serve Texas A&M University by representing student opinion, addressing campus needs through targeted programming and the maintenance of tradition and providing opportunities for leadership development in order to enrich the quality

of student life,” and we do so through three branches, four commissions and 15 committees.

To be honest, I could not be more proud to work with a group of organizations like the ones found in SGA. Each of these groups is known for their hard work, fun times and good people. I encourage any students, new or otherwise, to go to sga.tamu.edu and take a closer look at what we’re up to in Koldus. Also, feel free to contact me or our advisers if you want to know more.

Kolin J. Loveless is a senior mechanical engineering major and the student body president.

Path for Success SGA will be having a brick dedication ceremony for the Path to Success endowment campaign Sept. 25.

After the ceremony, SGA organizations will be showcasing work in Rudder Exhibit Hall. Just before midnight, the group will go to Kyle Field for Midnight Yell.

Go to bricks.tamu.edu to RSVP.

John Kim accounting and finance graduate student

“Get involved. Get out there — activities on campus. I stress that because I didn’t and a lot of my friends did. A lot of people coming here don’t have a lot of people they know, so it’s a good way to meet friends and older people that can advise them with problems, school-related issues and cool things to do around College Station.”

8/25/09 9:27 PM

WE AR THE STYLE. UNT. ROC K THE DISCO

thebattalionasks What Logan Free advice accounting graduate would student you give to incoming freshmen and why?

“You aren’t as smart as you think you are. When I came — I was top of my class in high school — I thought it was going to be a breeze, but it’s a lot harder than I thought. You have to come to class and you have to study harder than you did in high school.

You’ll be ahead of the game.”

Q: page 6b

voices: GUESTCOLUMNS

wednesday 8.26.2009

thebattalion

‘We’re one big family’ H

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owdy! My name is Rebecca Demeter and I’m the proudest member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 1975.

Yes, I’m old, older than your parents. I’m also a parent of two Texas Aggies: Christopher, who finished at another university, and Ethan, who is the proudest member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2008.

I am also the president of the Federation of Texas A&M Mothers’ Clubs. I was asked to write a column on what you, as an incoming freshman, can expect at Texas A&M University.

First, you can expect to notice the sheer size of the place. People run from place to place at all hours of the day and night— so many people that even those of you from large high schools will feel “lost in the crowd.”

You should remember that Aggies are one big family, so don’t feel shy about asking for help. You may need a bike to get from one place to another on campus. Walking is another method, but if you schedule classes too close together, you won’t have time to get from one to the other. Check “Picka-Prof,” but don’t place too much importance on getting your first choice.

Second, you can expect to find studying difficult. Most of us, me included, didn’t know how to study. I breezed through high school and then placed out of many of the freshman classes. Coming face to face with professors who lectured on one subject but tested from the textbook was a real shock. Do what both of my sons did. Go to the advisers

Rebecca Demeter and ask for help. If that corrects your problem, fantastic. If not, there are several great tutoring companies in College Station.

Sign up for one. Those people can help you prepare for your tests, labs and finals.

Do not be too proud to ask for this help early; you don’t want to wait until you feel like you are drowning and can’t see the shore.

Third, you will hear the word “Howdy” so many times that you’ll begin hearing it in your sleep. Be glad! This is one of the things that makes Texas A&M the place it is. It’s also a way to make you feel at home, part of that big family I mentioned. Remember to reply “Howdy!,” smile and then get ready for the next “Howdy.”

Fourth, you’ll note that traditions play a big part in your life. If you went to Fish Camp, you’ll already be aware of many of those traditions. You’ve already gotten your first transfusion of Aggie Maroon Blood.

Be proud that in this day and age, what came before is still important, but also remember that Texas A&M isn’t just the old, it is also the new. You are a part of a growing 21st century research and teaching institution. Get involved — they let undergraduates do research.

You might just find a passion that will take you on a different

path than you’d planned. Keep your mind open.

Fifth, there are many organizations on campus. You can become involved in as many or as few as you like. Please consider joining something, since you want your college experience to be fun, fulfilling and meaningful. There is an organization for everyone.

Sixth, you might want to plan on international study.

Texas A&M has several campuses in other countries. Do what you can to broaden your horizons and study abroad.

Finally, you’ll see Aggies everywhere; at football games, Midnight Yell, Silver Taps and at other events. You are part of the Aggie Family. You will see Aggie Moms (I hope your mom joins our organization) during dead weeks and at Parents’ Weekend. These ladies will bring “goodie packages” to remind you that you are loved.

You’ll be the envy of all the other fish (yes, you’ll get used to being called a fish) when you return with the loot the moms packed. The ladies, your moms, will want to keep in touch with you. If you are the first child to go away to college, expect to call or be called by your parents; they are just as new at this as you are. If your parents have been through this experience before, then just remember to call them to say hi, not just to ask for money.

I’ll end with this: Be the Proudest Member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2013!

Rebecca Demeter, Class of 1975, is the president of Federation of Texas A&M Mothers’ Club.

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