The Daily Reveille — November 18, 2009

RIDLEY’S TIME

CRIME Man almost hits pedestrians with car, page 4.

Running back gets opportunity to play after Scott’s injury, page 7.

THE DAILY REVEILLE WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM

Volume 114, Issue 60

Woman stabs self; lies to cops

By Ryan Buxton Staff Writer

A woman who claimed she was stabbed by a man on campus Saturday confessed to fabricating a story about the incident, the LSU Police Department said Tuesday.

Dale M. Noel, a 47-year-old Baton Rouge woman and security guard, was taken to the hospital Saturday after she claimed she was stabbed by a Middle Eastern man following an argument when she denied him entry into the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. But after additional interviews, Noel revealed the wounds were self-inflicted.

“Detectives also began to observe a lack of physical evidence to support the story given by the victim, such as fingerprints and DNA work conducted by the crime lab,” according to a Nov. 17 LSUPD news release.

Police interviewed Noel several times following the incident because of her “hysterical nature,” said Sgt. Blake Tabor, LSUPD spokesman. But the lack of evidence led to another interview with Noel on Monday, in which she changed her story several times and eventually confessed.

LSUPD obtained a warrant for the woman’s arrest for charges of criminal mischief and terrorizing and is “in the process of attempting to execute the warrant,” the release said.

CLICK HERE

Clickers engage students while raising attendance said.

By Ryan Buxton Staff Writer

Most University students are familiar with the credit card-sized student response clickers used by professors attempting to fully engage a class. Now University faculty are evaluating these clickers and searching for ways to make their use more widespread and effective academically.

The Faculty Technology Center hosted a presentation on clicker use Tuesday by Steve Pomarico and Saundra McGuire, two faculty members who use clicker technology.

Pomarico, a biological sciences professor, has used the clicker technology since it first came to the University in 2005. Pomarico’s students answer questions about lectures by using the clicker and receive participation points for being in class and answering.

Pomarico said clickers draw students into the class and keep them engaged during lectures.

“The more they stay connected to the process, the more they end up learning,” Pomarico

Attendance is up in Pomarico’s classes since he began using clickers, he said.

“Before clickers ... average attendance in a class of 250 would be anywhere from 50 to 60 percent on a good day, 30 percent on a bad day,” Pomarico said. “This semester, I haven’t had less than 65 percent. It really does draw people.”

Sarah Chaisson, elementary education sophomore, said clicker use in her biology class encouraged her to attend class and helps her remember clicker questions that might pop up on an exam.

CLICKERS, see page 15

photos by BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille

[Top] Steve Pomarico, biological sciences professor, reveals the results of a clicker question Monday in Dodson auditorium. [Left] (From left) Shannon Yancovich, Erica deVeer and Ross Freeman, biological sciences freshmen, answer a question with their clickers in Pomarico’s class Monday.

Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com

ACADEMICS

Commission examines, may cut programs

By Kyle Bove Senior Staff Writer

In its second and final meeting for the month, members of the Louisiana Postsecondary Education Review Commission approved four recommendations regarding academic programs in the state.

The Louisiana Board of Regents presented information on the number

of students in certain degree programs across the state to the Commission on Tuesday. The Board of Regents eliminated 100 programs last year because of low completion levels, said Commissioner of Higher Education Sally Clausen, and 30 more programs are on the chopping block next month.

The Commission is charged with evaluating the efficiency of

ADMINISTRATION

Vice Chancellor finalists to visit

By Sarah Lawson Contributing Writer

Three finalists for the position of vice chancellor for Student Life and Enrollment Services will tour the University separately and participate in open forums beginning today.

The position, which reports to the executive vice chancellor and provost, controls the fiscal and personnel workings of the Division of Student Life and Enrollment Services, serves as a liaison between University administration and Student Government and aids in enrollment and Log on to retention, ac- see PDF’s cording to the of the University job finalists’ announcement. résumés.

The new vice chancellor will replace Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Life K.C. White, who will continue as Dean of Students, and the position encompasses Jim McCoy’s post as vice provost of Enrollment Management, Planning and Policy, according to Vice Provost and search committee chair Chuck Wilson.

McCoy will depart for a job opportunity at the end of the semester, and the University will choose a vice chancellor as soon as possible, Wilson said. More than 275 staff members report to the new position, and the division controls a budget of about $41 million, according to the announcement.

Finalist Dean Bresciani comes from Texas A&M University and will visit today through Nov. 21, and Kurt Keppler of Valdosta State University will visit from Nov. 22 to 25.

Theresa Powell of Temple University will visit from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2.

The finalists will give presentations on the topic “Moving Forward with LSU: Challenges and Opportunities,” and the first forum will be held Thursday with Bresciani at 2:45 p.m. in Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex.

lsureveille.com

CRIME

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

public colleges and universities in Louisiana after a rocky 2009 legislative session left institutions battling for state funds, and the Commission report with its recommendations is due to the Board of Regents by February.

The Commission is studying ways to ease budget strains because higher education cuts are expected to total about $150 million next fiscal

year.

“We have 3,000 programs [in the state], and we’re going to be looking at every one of them,” Clausen said.

“We are not here to make ourselves popular.”

The Board of Regents, in consultation with management boards, will review academic programs COMMISSION, see page 15

Contact Sarah Lawson at slawson@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009

Nation & World

INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL

Palestinians, US, UK critcize Jerusalem plan

Gay couples blast federal Defense of Marriage Act

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel moved Tuesday to approve a plan to build 900 more housing units in a Jewish neighborhood in the part of Jerusalem claimed by Palestinians, drawing harsh criticism from the United States.

The Jerusalem district planning commission officially deposited the plan, opening it to comments, objections and appeals from the public. Jerusalem city spokesman Gidi Schmerling said final approval was “many months” away.

BOSTON (AP) — Gay married couples suing the government over a federal law that doesn’t recognize same-sex unions say there is “no legitimate or plausible” reason for having a federal definition of marriage that excludes gay couples.

The lawsuit was brought by seven gay couples and three widowers, all of whom were married in Massachusetts after it became the first state in the country to legalize gay marriage in 2004.

Critics say UN anti-hunger summit wasteful, ineffective ROME (AP) — Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, blamed for plunging his people into starvation, used his platform as Tuesday’s opening speaker at the U.N. anti-hunger summit to decry what he called his neocolonialist foes.

Fort Hood slayings prompt full Pentagon review WASHINGTON (AP) — Worried that the Army may have missed red flags about the alleged shooter in the Fort Hood massacre, the Pentagon will likely launch an inquiry into how all the military services keep watch on other volatile soldiers hidden in their ranks, officials said Tuesday.

The probe, still in the planning stages, would be a broad examination ranging beyond the specific case of Army psychiatrist Dr. Nidal Malik Hasan, officials said.

The inquiry, they said, could look at personnel policies and the availability of mental health services for troubled troops.

Woman pleads guilty, apologizes in Smart abduction SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Seven years after she was abducted at knifepoint, Elizabeth Smart finally has an apology — and a guilty plea — from one of her kidnappers.

“I am so sorry, Elizabeth, for all the pain and suffering I have caused you and your family,” Wanda Eileen Barzee, 64, said Tuesday. “It is my hope that you will be able to find it in your heart to forgive me.”

The appeal came minutes after Barzee pleaded guilty to federal charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor in U.S. District Court.

PAGE 2

STATE/LOCAL

Thousands in La. eligible for storm grants (AP) — Thousands of Louisiana residents are eligible for grants to pay for storm shutters and other hurricane protection improvements to their homes.

This week, the state is mailing out applications to more than 100,000 victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita for storm mitigation grants of up to $7,500.

The forms are going to residents who already have applied for grants from the state’s Road Home program for rebuilding and repairing homes damaged by the 2005 hurricanes.

Swine flu deaths hit 35; more vaccine available (AP) — The state Department of Health and Hospitals says two men died last week from swine flu complications, bringing the total number of swine flu-related deaths in Louisiana to 35.

TODAY ON

lsureveille com

Health officials said Monday one of the victims lived in the 11-parish area that includes Monroe, and the other victim in the five-parish area that includes Lake Charles.

DHH will not release any additional information regarding the victims, citing federal privacy laws.

The Advocate reports the state has received 464,000 doses of swine flu vaccine.

Funeral held in La. for D.C. sniper Mohammad (AP) — Friends and relatives of executed Washington, D.C., sniper John Allen Muhammad gathered in his hometown Tuesday for his funeral.

Muhammad was put to death last week in Virginia for killing Dean Harold Meyers at a gas station during an October 2002 shooting spree.

It left 10 people dead and terrorized Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., over a three-week period.

7:20 a.m.

Find The Daily Reveille on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lsureveille.

8:20 a.m.

Noon 3:20 p.m.

4:20 p.m.

5:20 p.m.

Follow The Daily Reveille on Twitter @TDR_news, @TDR_sports and @lsureveille.

TODAY

Weather 65 39

PLENTY OF SUN

THURSDAY 71 47 BSU AND EA SPORTS PRESENT: “Above the Influence” Drunk Driving Awareness November 18, 2009 @ 7:30p.m. in the AACC

SOWING SEEDS

SATURDAY 66 45

FRIDAY 66 47 SUNDAY 68 48

LAST BSU COMMITTEE MEETING November 18, 2009 5:30p.m. in145 Allen Hall

JASON BORDELON / The Daily Reveille

Log onto lsureveille.com to see photos of acorns around campus.

ONGOING IN NOVEMBER BESO SWEET POTATO AND RICE SALE!!

On the corner of Highland and S. Stadium Nov. 16-20 and 23-25 from 8:00am-6:00pm STUDENT REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION Meeting Thursday, 19th 6:30pm Patrick F. Taylor room 1112 Jill Newton of ARGUS GROOVIN’ IT INTERNATIONAL STYLE Cultural Dance Event with incredible performers Free food and drinks. Hosted by ISA At the ICC, 3365 Dalrymple Drive Friday, Nov. 20, 6p.m.-9p.m.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

In the Nov. 12 article “The Elements of Style,” the photograph on page 11 shows clothes from Frock Candy on Corporate Boulevard.

The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-34 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semi-weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Secondclass copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.

THE DAILY REVEILLE B-16 Hodges Hall • Baton Rouge, La. 70803

NICHOLAS PERSAC Editor JERIT ROSER Managing Editor, Content GERRI SAX Managing Editor, External Media ELLEN ZIELINSKI Managing Editor, Production J.J ALCANTARA Production Editor LESLIE PRESNALL News Editor ROBERT STEWART Sports Editor CASEY GISCLAIR Deputy Sports Editor MATTHEW ALBRIGHT Opinion Editor MEGAN WILLIAMS Photo Editor JAMES HARALSON Reveille Radio Director LAUREN ROBERTS Advertising Sales Manager

Newsroom (225)578-4810 • Advertising (225)578-6090

wednesday, november 18, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 3

UNION

Phase II of construction to be completed by January Tiger Lair updates to begin in December

By Steven Powell Contributing Writer

Starting next semester, students will see changes to the Student Union after living through renovations to the second and third floors.

Shirley Plakidas, Student Union director, said the first part of Phase II — the second floor west lobby, meeting rooms and administrative offices — is nearing completion, while the second part of Phase II — the Tiger Lair food court — is set to begin at the end of the semester.

Plakidas said the Cotillion Ballroom is scheduled for completion in January.

Contractors are redoing the ceiling and adding sprinklers, new air vents, duct work and light fixtures, Plakidas said. The next task is to work on the wall paneling system by replacing some panels with aggregate or painted walls, she said.

The final job before reopening will be to finish the oak floor, which has water damage in several places, and repair the source of the water, she said.

“After we improve the lighting, refinish the floors and clean the drapes, the room will have a new, improved look,” she said.

Plakidas said the administrative offices on the third floor are scheduled to be finished by January and should be occupied no later than February, depending on furniture arrival.

After the Union staff moves out of their temporary offices — located on the forth floor of the completed wing of the Union — the space will be available for student organizations to rent.

“There will be an application process for organizations, though the only cost will be the deposit,” she said. “They will be available on either a semester or yearly basis.”

Most of the third floor meeting rooms — the Ouachita, Orleans and Catahoula rooms — are completed and available for use, Plakidas said.

The Louisiana room is still under construction, but it will be ready soon, she said.

Plakidas said the second floor west front lobby should be completed by January. She said the lobby will be used for temporary food service after completion while the Tiger Lair food court is renovated.

“After that side is completed, the construction wall will move to the east side, and renovations for the Tiger Lair will begin,” she said.

“Though it will be completed, it won’t look like a lounge until Summer 2010, when we move the temporary food service out and the furniture in.”

David Heidke, LSU Dining and Concessions director, said though Dining Services and Union officials are still working on logistics, the temporary food service will include Papa John’s Pizza, sandwiches, drink coolers and other grab-and-go items.

He said the tables and chairs currently in front of the Tiger Lair will be moved to the west side lobby for the temporary food service.

Plans for the renovated food court include a Quiznos instead of Blimpie Subs and a Panda Express, and the other food options will remain the same, Heidke said. However, Dining Services is discussing including a Mexican food line in place of the pasta line, he said.

“Student feedback from the Mexican line has been good,” he said. “But no final decisions have been made.”

Plakidas said the new food court will feature stand alone counters and registers for each dining option. The stand alone counter concept will help traffic flow and allow Dining Services to close certain counters during slow periods to save money, she said.

Plakidas said the Union Art Gallery — which closed Oct. 25 — is undergoing ceiling work and mechanical touch-ups, as part of the required building code updates.

During renovations, the Union Art Gallery is housed in the LSU School of Art Foster Hall Art Gallery. Despite the move, the docket features a full schedule of exhibits.

Judi Stahl, Union Art Gallery director, said the gallery didn’t have

any problems with the transition but is seeing fewer visitors.

“We didn’t anticipate the same volume of visitors, but we’re doing our best to make people aware of the new location,” she said.

The LSU School of Art is dealing with budget cuts and is unable to run the Foster Hall Gallery, Stahl said. The Union Art Gallery agreed to finance the school’s required student exhibits in exchange for using the space for the Union Gallery exhibits the rest of the time, she said.

“The Foster Hall Gallery is a beautiful gallery,” she said. “I hope more visitors will come to the gallery and see this beautiful area.”

Plakidas said the Union Theater is scheduled for occupancy in May, which allows events to resume, though it won’t be completed for a few more months.

“The theater is coming along,” she said. “You can start to get a feel for what it’s going to look like.”

Contact Steven Powell at spowell@lsureveille.com

MEGAN J. WILLIAMS / The Daily Reveille

The LSU Student Union’s construction progresses as Phase II is expected to be finished by January and the Tiger Lair is set to begin renovations in December.

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 4

Campus Crime Briefs STUDENT ARRESTED ON sobriety tests, Rogé said.

Williams was arrested for ASSAULT CHARGES A 19-year-old University stu- driving while intoxicated and was dent was arrested Nov. 9 at about booked into East Baton Rogue 9:30 p.m. for simple assault after Parish Prison.

He refused to take a Breathahe allegedly threatened a Herget Hall resident who had previously lyzer test at LSUPD headquarreported him to police for posses- ters, Rogé said. sion of marijuana.

ARRESTED FOR LSU Police Department of- MAN ficers arrested William Charbon- BURGLARY TOOLS A 19-year-old man unaffilinet, of 1520 Palm St., Metairie, after he reportedly threatened to ated with the University was arharm another student who report- rested Nov. 14 at about 8:30 p.m. for illegal possesed his possession sion of burglary of marijuana to tools. police, resulting Officers saw in his arrest on Log on to see a map of Eric Downey, Oct. 26, according to Capt. Ruswhere crime happened of 10165 Gersell Rogé, LSUPD on campus this week. ald Drive, Baton Rouge, walking spokesman. through UniverCharbonnet was charged with simple posses- sity parking lots and looking into sion of marijuana then, and he is cars, Rogé said.

When officers stopped now charged with simple assault.

Charbonnet signed a state- Downey and asked him to empty ment confirming the incident and his pockets, they found a window was issued a misdemeanor sum- punch — a device used to break the glass of car door windows, mons and released.

Rogé said.

Downey was arrested and MAN ARRESTED AFTER booked into EBR Parish Prison.

DRIVING INTO TREES A 19-year-old man unaffili- He was previously arrested on ated with the University was ar- campus for theft. rested at about 2:30 a.m. Nov. 14 for driving while intoxicated.

Witnesses said they saw Contact The Daily Reveille’s news Matthew Johnson, of 3140 Texas St., Kenner, drive into a tree near staff at news@lsureveille.com University High on Dalrymple Drive, Rogé said.

Johnson was transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital for minor injuries.

Blood samples were taken at the hospital, and Johnson was issued a misdemeanor summons for driving while intoxicated, Rogé said.

lsureveille.com

MAN ARRESTED FOR DWI DURING FOOTBALL GAME After driving on a sidewalk and nearly hitting several people, a 64-year-old man unaffiliated with the University was arrested Nov. 14 at about 8 p.m. for driving while intoxicated.

Rogé said witnesses saw Curtis Williams, of 2750 Tecumseh St., Baton Rouge, drive his car on a sidewalk near South Stadium Drive. Witnesses told police he nearly hit several people, Rogé said.

Officers stopped Williams, who then failed several field

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009

STATE

Group votes to study hospital Charity Hospital, Medicare on table

By Adam Duvernay Senior Staff Writer

The Louisiana Commission on Streamlining Government met Tuesday afternoon to discuss the uncertain future of the New Orleans Charity Hospital and to consider recommendations for cutting costs to state government.

State Treasurer John Kennedy, chairman of the committee, said the commission voted seven to three to contract an independent study of the hospital, which has been closed since it was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina.

“Everything would be on the table,” Kennedy said. “There has never been a truly objective study of the hospital’s impact, in my opinion.”

Kennedy said the study would look at different options for reviving the hospital — from purchasing an existing hospital to remodeling the destroyed site.

Kennedy said building a brand new hospital could cost the state at least $1.2 billion. He said refurbishing the old site would save the state from $400 million to $500 million.

The commission also voted unanimously to cut costs to state Medicare services by limiting the number of prescription drugs covered by Medicare and opting

to use more generic drugs.

Kennedy said the decision would save a minimum of $40 million and could potentially save the state $100 million.

The commission also discussed reducing the administrative costs of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals by 20 percent, which would achieve an annual saving of $50.4 million.

Goals for restructuring and consolidating several state government agencies were also laid out and planned.

Tuesday was the first of a two-day meeting of the Streamlining Commission. Committee members met to discuss these issues in two sets of sessions which lasted from 9 a.m. until almost 6 p.m.

Commission members will meet again today to continue discussing money-saving

recommendations for Gov. Bobby Jindal and other state agencies.

The commission last approved recommendations to cut state spending Oct. 26.

In that meeting, the commission agreed to advise the state to limit the number of emergency room visits for treatment of nonemergency medical conditions for Medicaid enrollees to two trips annually.

They also approved a recommendation to keep state prisoners who have not passed the General Education Development test from being eligible for probation or parole until they pass the test.

The state was also advised to prohibit state appropriations for all non-government entities and charities.

Contact Adam Duvernay at aduvernay@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009

VET SCHOOL

PAGE 5

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

LSART rescues horse from flood GIT student video Univeristy affiliates contest lacks entries help with revival

By Kyle Bove

By Sarah Eddington

Senior Staff Writer

Contributing Writer

The Louisiana State Animal Response Team rescued a 25-year-old geriatric horse Nov. 9 from the rising flood waters of the Ouachita River in West Monroe.

Tess Cooper, the horse’s owner, asked her veterinarian for assistance in moving her horse to dry ground before the water rose too high, according to Rebecca McConnico, LSART Equine Branch Director and associate professor of equine medicine at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. photo courtesy of REBECCA MCCONNICO Cooper’s veterinarian, Jay “Doc,” the geriatric horse, awakens from his anesthesia after being rescued Wharford, contacted McConnico, and revived by the Louisiana State Animal Response Team on Nov. 9. who coordinated a plan to rescue the horse using a pontoon boat Mirza said the team was able smoothly. provided by the Louisiana Depart- to finish the entire process in two “I don’t think it could have ment of Wildlife and Fisheries. hours, and because the vet school been better organized,” WoodThe team was composed conducts large animal emergency ward said. “We couldn’t have of Mustajab Mirza, University rescue training, working with done it without Wildlife and Fishassistant professor of equine horses in disaster situations is be- eries.” surgery; Michelle Woodward, coming routine.

Mirza said horses who require equine medicine “ A n y t i m e rescue is a seasonal occurrence. and surgery intern “Natural disasters are posiyou put a horse at the University; under general an- tively correlated with these reUniversity equine esthesia, there are quests,” he said. technician CinMcConnico said Hurricane complications,” dy Meeker; and Woodward said. Katrina was the catalyst that LSART Deputy “Especially with made the nation take notice of the Director Becky the waking up importance of animal planning in Adcock. times of emergency. part of it.”

The fam“For us, we don’t want it to Wo o d w a r d Michelle Woodward ily built a fence equine medicine and surgery intern, said the horse ever be that way again,” she said. around the high LSU School of Veterinary Medicine could have frac- “Every time there’s a disaster, we area of its proptured a bone, wo- are more ready and better preerty where they thought the horse ken up while still on the boat or pared.” would be safe, but the water con- possibly not have woken up at tinued to rise, and they felt they all.

Contact Sarah Eddington at needed to move him, Meeker But Woodward said the horse said. seddington@lsureveille.com was healthy and everything went “If she had waited, it would have been very dangerous to try and go get this horse standing in water,” Meeker said.

This was the first large response mission since the LSART unit’s ribbon cutting ceremony in September, Mirza said.

Mirza said the horse was given general anesthesia and then loaded onto a glide, a large aniMellow Mushroom mal stretcher. The team then used The Offi ce Trivia @ 8PM. Karaoke @ 10PM. a ramp to lower the horse onto the 3-10PM $5 Bud and Bud Light Pitchers. boat, and he was taken to safety.

Mirza said because the horse Plucker’s Wing Bar underwent an intravenous cathMonday: $14.99 All you can eat wings and eter, the team had to race against $3 Plucker’s Lemonades the clock.

Tuesday: $2.50 Mexican Beers and Margaritas “You have an hour to pretty Wednesday: Trivia at 8PM. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs much wrap up everything,” he Thursday: $15.99 All you can eat wings. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs. said. “You don’t want to go past $3 Margaritas and Plucker’s Lemonades it if you can help it.”

‘‘

‘Anytime you put a horse under general anesthesia, there are complications.’

9-10:30 AM Underworld Evolution 12-1:30 PM Interview with a Vampire 3:00-3:30 PM Manship Show

4:00-5:30 PM The Forsaken 8:00- 9:30 PM Blade Trinity 1:00-2:30 AM Underworld Evolution

Despite the Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute’s push for student involvement, no University students entered Stanford University’s 2009 Global Innovation Tournament.

Jarett Rodriguez, SEI associate director, said a few student groups registered in advance for the contest — which challenged students to make a video about “making saving fun” — but didn’t follow through.

He said about 700 videos were submitted around the world.

“The theme this year was to ‘make saving fun,’ so it wouldn’t have made a lot of sense to spend a ton of money on promotion,” Rodriguez said in an e-mail to The Daily Reveille. “Next year, we will try some new ways of getting the word out and stirring up some excitement.”

The competition is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, in which more than 75 countries participate through activities and challenges like the Global Innovation Tournament.

The competition runs from Nov. 16 to 22.

In the past, the competition has challenged students to create the greatest possible value from common objects like rubber bands and sticky notes. This year the challenge involves students submitting YouTube videos that attempted to solve a global issue, like the economy. Winners will be announced Dec. 3.

SEI, a branch of the Business College, tried to organize the tournament locally. University students’ videos were originally going to be judged Nov. 17 by SEI. “We had hoped that there would be more interest in winning lunch with a celebrity entrepreneur, digital video cameras and more,” Rodriguez said about the local prizes.

“We intentionally didn’t publish the prize list because we wanted teams to compete simply for the title of being the best.”

The Global Innovation Tournament is in its fourth year of existence.

This is the first time University students were challenged to participate.

“We want to challenge this campus to think more entrepreneurial,” Rodriguez said. “For us to survive this recession in a strong way and to build a great future for our community, we must look at our challenges through lenses of innovation.”

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 6

IN OTHER NEWS ...

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT

French class hosts cabaret for final project New to feature York man Show local and student art attacked ‘It’s a beautiful by buck language. I enjoy the

By Mary Walker Baus Staff Writer

By The Associated Press

MOIRA, N.Y. — A northern New York man is recovering after being attacked by a 10-point buck while he was loading firewood.

Authorities said Gerald Dabiew, 56, was cut and bruised from head-to-toe by the buck outside his house in Moira, 200 miles north of Albany.

“He got me down on the ground, and it was then I knew that he really wanted to kill me,” Dabiew told The Watertown Daily Times.

Dabiew’s house is surrounded by woods, so he didn’t think twice Friday when he saw the buck crossing the road — until the animal charged and knocked him down.

Dabiew wrapped his legs around the animal’s neck and held onto its antlers as it battered him.

Every time Dabiew tried to wrestle himself loose, the buck would ram him again, he said. The attack on Friday lasted several minutes before the buck ran off.

“I don’t know why he came around. All I was doing was throwing wood,” he said. “I’m not even a hunter.”

He said wood he was dropping into a bucket could have sounded like the antlers of jousting deer knocking together, a noise hunters often mimic to lure deer during rutting season.

Deer attacks are uncommon, but not unheard of, said wildlife biologist Ed Reed of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

“This is breeding season for whitetails, and they get pretty aggressive, usually with other bucks,” Reed said. “They have been known to attack people. If he sees something moving, he feels like it’s somebody encroaching on his territory.”

Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com

“Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir” is a common phrase associated with famous cabarets like the Moulin Rouge, but the Le Chat Rouge, a cabaret event organized by University French students, will have more of an artistic emphasis.

The Department of French Studies’ French for Business class will host Le Chat Rouge, a literary and musical cabaret, in the Grand Salon of the French House on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Jean Brager’s advanced level French for Business class organized the event as part of its final project.

“Every semester I give [the French for Business students] a group project,” said Brager, French instructor. “It’s an opportunity to put into practice their theoretical knowledge on public relations,

advertising, marketing and event Brager said this class added planning.” the musical aspect to the cabaret to Brager said the students in his “make it more entertaining.” class made the advertisements and Christine Pyle, English and posters, contacted the local artists French senior, said Le Chat Rouge who will perform is a “great alterand offered to native to a final perform their own exam.” acts as well.

“It’s a night of Nawsheen French culture and Golam Hossen, music with an LSU French and psyflavor,” she said. chology senior, “We’re showcassaid as part of her ing our students contribution to Nawsheen Golam Hossen and local talent.

French, psychology senior Le Chat Rouge, It really gets us to she will perform think about what is French poems at the cabaret. involved in putting on an event.”

“I usually write, so I have poBrager said Le Chat Rouge is ems [to read],” Hossen said. “It’s a inspired by French cabarets of the beautiful language. I enjoy the idea 19th century, specifically the Le of bringing it to a larger audience, Chat Noir in the bohemian Montespecially some who may not un- martre neighborhood of Paris, derstand it.”

France.

Brager said another part of the Hossen said the class changed class’s final project and grade is to the name to Le Chat Rouge to increate a Francophone literary jour- corporate the Francophone world, nal to showcase French writers for undergraduate French students. He said the local artists who will perform at the event will be featured in the literary journal.

‘‘

idea of bringing it to a larger audience.’

KLSU

is giving away a

FREE TURDUCKEN SU

KL

Mike the Mic will announce 5 Trivia Questions a day November 16th-20th

TURDUCKEN GIVEAWAY NOVEMBER 20TH 2nd prize:

T-Shirt

3rd prize:

www.klsuradio.fm 225-578-5578

Bumper Sticker

which includes areas of French influence like Louisiana, Canada and areas of Africa.

Hossen said cabarets like Le Chat Noir allowed artists to gather and share their musical and literary works, but Le Chat Rouge will not have the French can-can dances seen in cabarets like the Moulin Rouge.

Brager said he wants his students to use the event to practice their French language skills in the business and mass communication fields. He said he wants the cabaret to act as a multidisciplinary event, mixing literature, music and theater.

“It’s a true artistic gumbo,” Brager said. “We wanted a production where people would interact, interject and improvise to get connected.”

Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Sports

wednesday, November 18, 2009

PAGE 7

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

LSU seeks revenge against MTSU

By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer

beat. Obviously, they return the nucleus of a team that was a basket away from going to the NCAA tournament,” said LSU coach Trent Johnson. “It’s a good win for us, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend Thanksgiving than going to New York.”

For the second-straight night, sophomore forward Storm Warren carried the Tigers’ post game, as he fought his way to 20 points and 11 rebounds on the night.

The LSU women’s basketball team tied a record for the lowest number of points allowed in program history when Centenary scored just 19 in LSU’s 92-19 victory to open the season.

But the No. 7 Lady Tigers (1-0) will have a much tougher test tonight against No. 24 Middle ‘[Tonight’s Tennessee (1-0) at 7 p.m. in the game] will PMAC. be like the LSU coach swamplands Van Chancellor said the inten- of Louisiana sity between the landing on Centenary game and Middle the moon.’

Tennessee will Van Chancellor undoubtedly inLSU women’s crease. basketball coach “It will be like the swamplands of Louisiana landing on the moon,” Chancellor said. “That’s about the same amount of jump. We’re going from a team that couldn’t score on us to a team that’s going to score every time you turn around.”

LSU faced Middle Tennessee in its fourth game of the 2008 season and let a 10-point lead evaporate.

Middle Tennessee, led by guard Alysha Clark, converted seven 3-point shots in the second half to win by four points, 79-75.

NIT, see page 11

REVENGE, see page 11

photos by JASON BORDELON / The Daily Reveille

[Top] Western Kentucky junior forward A.J. Slaughter, center, tries to get past LSU defenders Bo Spencer (11), Dennis Harris (15) and Storm Warren (24) during the Tigers’ 71-60 win Monday against the Hilltoppers in the PMAC. [Bottom left] LSU sophomore forward Warren tries to shoot the ball Monday night. [Bottom right] LSU junior guard Spencer goes for a jump shot. With the win against Western Kentucky, LSU will head to Madison Square Garden in New York City for the NIT semifinal.

OFF TO THE N.Y.C.

Spencer, Warren lead LSU past WKU in 71-60 win; head to NIT semifinal

By David Helman Sports Writer

It might be considered a rebuilding year or a young team, but the LSU men’s basketball team is going to play on one of college basketball’s biggest stages.

LSU (3-0) downed Western Kentucky, 71-60, on Tuesday night, earning the Tigers a trip to the Preseason NIT Tip-Off semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York City during the Thanksgiving holidays.

“That’s a good basketball team we

FOOTBALL

Ridley helps to fill RB void during Scott’s absence Sophomore began career on scout team

By Amos Morale Sports Contributor

Football is a fast paced, high intensity sport — but Stevan Ridley sees it differently.

“It’s really a game of patience,” LSU’s sophomore running back said. “You have to stay patient, and when the opportunity presents itself, you got to be ready to roll.”

Patience is a word that describes Ridley’s career in Baton Rouge. He’s had to wait for his chance to shine, but now he finally has the opportunity and is hoping to make the most of it.

“He’s waiting his turn,” said senior offensive lineman Ciron Black.

“Once he gets the ball, he’s just going to do what he supposed to.”

Ridley redshirted his first season at LSU in 2007.

In his redshirt freshman season in 2008, he was on the scout team until one day at practice when he lined up with the punt return team.

“He ended up getting through and blocking a kick,” senior defensive back Daniel Graff recalled. “So we put him on the real punt return team with us, and it was good to have him.”

Ridley rewarded his coaches with 15 tackles on special teams that season. He also saw the field at running back, although most of his carries came with the outcome of games well in hand.

The following spring, Ridley tore his ACL and had to wait again.

“He’s really had to battle back from that ACL tear,” said senior offensive lineman Lyle Hitt. “It shows a lot of character on his part to come back like he has done. It shows what kind of competitor he is and what kind of man he is.”

Ridley was ready for the start of the season but last season’s leading rusher, Charles Scott, opted to return for his final season, and Ridley knew he would have to wait again.

“We’ve just got so many backs who are capable of playing,” Black said.

Ridley once again spent a lot of time on special teams this season, where Graff says he’s made a big PATIENCE, see page 11

KIM FOSTER / The Daily Reveille

LSU sophomore running back Stevan Ridley (34) runs the ball Saturday during the Tigers’ 24-15 win against Louisiana Tech. Ridley, along with senior Keiland Williams, have taken over rushing duties in senior running back Charles Scott’s absence.

PAGE 8

THE DAILY REVEILLE

wednesday, november 18, 2009

FOOTBALL

Tiger defense will attempt to stop ‘Wild Rebel’ formation Team looks to change fortune against Nutt

By Luke Johnson Sports Contributor

Second-year Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt has historically designed game plans centered on his best athletes, and those plans have translated into offensive success against LSU in past years.

Nutt-coached teams have averaged 427 yards of total offense and 35 points per game against the Tigers in the last three seasons, which turned into two wins for Nutt.

Both wins — last season’s 3113 Ole Miss victory at Death Valley and 2007’s triple overtime victory when Nutt coached Arkansas — came when LSU was favored in the game.

But 2009 has been a different story for an LSU team looking to turn its fortunes against Nutt-coached offenses.

The defense, under the tutelage of first-year defensive coordinator John Chavis, has allowed a scant 13.7 points a game compared to the 24.2 points a game allowed by the 2008 squad.

The LSU defense also recorded its first shutout since September 2007 when the Tigers defeated Tulane, 42-0, on Oct. 31.

“The biggest [difference] I see

RYAN MOORE / The Associated Press

Ole Miss wide receiver Dexter McCluster finds his way around Tennessee linebacker Herman Lathers Nov. 14 during the game. LSU plays Ole Miss on Saturday in Oxford, Miss., where the Tiger defense will try to stop the Nutt-coached offense. is they’re not giving up very many position to create confusion on the Tennessee. The performance garplays over 15 or 20 yards,” Nutt said opposing defense through misdirec- nered him Southeastern Conference about the LSU defense at his Mon- tion by sending several players who Offensive Player of the Week honors day press conference. “You think could all get the ball in different di- for the second time this season. things are open, and then it closes up rections at the snap.

“He’s the type of guy you’ve got real fast.”

Senior wide receiver Dexter to know where he’s at at all times,” Many of the yards racked up by McCluster runs Ole Miss’ version of LSU junior safety Chad Jones said of Nutt’s teams have been through the the Wildcat, called the “Wild Rebel” McCluster. “He could line up at runuse of the Wildcat formation, which and has had success in the formation ning back and motion to wide receivhas been made popular in the NFL this season. er, then they just automatically shift by the Miami Dolphins.

Last weekend, McCluster mas- and he’ll be the quarterback. He’s The Wildcat utilizes an ath- tered the Wild Rebel formation to definitely the guy to watch. We’re letic playmaker in the quarterback the tune of 282 rushing yards against going to keep our eye on him.”

McCluster is one of several examples of Nutt’s prowess for finding the best ways to utilize his athletes.

During his tenure at Arkansas, Nutt used two-time Heisman trophy runner-up Darren McFadden often in the “Wild Hog” formation. McFadden gouged the LSU defenses for 388 rushing yards in the 2006 and 2007 games.

“Coach Nutt does a great job preparing them,” said LSU coach Les Miles “I think their offense with Dexter McCluster, [quarterback] Jevan Snead and [running back] Brandon Bolden is a very talented offense.

They can run it and throw it. They’re very balanced.”

Snead picked the LSU secondary apart last season thanks in part to the Wild Rebel formation.

The Tiger defense, which was focused on stopping Ole Miss’ vaunted rushing attack, allowed Snead to throw for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Snead averaged 17.1 yards per completion.

Snead has been the focus of some criticism this season, however.

He has thrown 14 interceptions this season, which tops the SEC. “You definitely want to turn up the pressure,” Jones said. “Once you see him getting a little rattled, see things not going so good, you know you want to turn it up a notch.”

Contact Luke Johnson at ljohnson@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009

SOCCER

Senior players look toward future on, off playing field

By Rowan Kavner Sports Contributor

The best team in the LSU soccer program’s history was full of senior leaders who are now set to embark on different career paths as their time in Baton Rouge winds down.

The Tigers had a losing record before the current seniors arrived in 2006. Since that class began donning purple and gold, the team progressively did better each season in terms of wins and turned LSU into a top-25 national program.

LSU’s senior class set a school record by breaking the 50-win career mark, and the Tigers tied a school single-season record with 15 wins.

LSU coach Brian Lee said the seniors are largely responsible for turning the LSU soccer program into a national powerhouse.

The seniors were visibly disappointed following an emotional 4-2 shootout loss to Texas A&M in the second round of the NCAA tournament. But their futures look bright as they begin new chapters in their lives after finishing careers at LSU. Two-time Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year Malorie Rutledge is one of the sure bets to continue her soccer career.

“The [professional] draft is in January, so hopefully I’ll enter that, and I’ll take the next semester off and play in the Women’s Pro League,” Rutledge said. “Then I’ll come back and finish my last semester in the fall.”

Rutledge led the Tigers in goals and assists for the second straight season with 13 and 12, respectively.

“These four years have been a great experience,” Rutledge said.

“I think our senior class has grown and matured so much since our freshman year.”

Lee said Rutledge and Melissa Clarke are the team’s most likely candidates for the draft, but Rachel Yepez and Chelsea Potts could have the same opportunity.

Yepez said she would love to keep playing, despite being plagued by an ankle injury toward the end of the season.

“If I do want to play, I’ve got to get my ankle better,” she said.

Yepez said she would play wherever possible if the ankle heals to her satisfaction.

“There’s always overseas,” she said. “I’d like to continue to play — I’m just not sure where. If I can make a team here, that would be great.”

Other Tigers plan to pursue careers off the field. Katherine Lagow said she will start a law career after she graduates in May. “I’m applying right now to a

‘‘

bunch of different for teachers. Then law schools,” she I start teaching in said. “Hopefully, the fall.”

I’ll be going to The Tigers LSU — that’s my say goodbye to first choice.” eight seniors and The Plano, six consistent Texas native said starters, but Lee she is also looking expects LSU to at schools closer continue the winKatherine Lagow to home such as ning tradition next LSU senior midfielder Southern Methseason. odist and Texas.

“We’re exLagow has been a member of the tremely excited about the future Southeastern Conference Academ- with some of the kids already in ic Honor Roll every year at LSU. the program and the ones that are Nikki Bush plans to reverse coming,” Lee said. “I think we will roles by going from student to do more in the NCAA tournament teacher. in coming years, and the seniors “I plan on graduating next deserve a lot of credit for getting December and starting a teacher’s us to this point.” program the following summer for Teach for America,” Bush said.

“It’s a summer program for eight Contact Rowan Kavner at weeks, and I learn and go to classrooms, and I just kind of shadow rkavner@lsureveille.com

‘Hopefully, I’ll be going to LSU [law school] — that’s my first choice.’

On your mark...

Get the fast track to an awesome career with Student Media Advertising.

“

Starting my career with LSU Student Media was one of the best decisions I could have made. Not only did I get real world experience, but I also developed many relationships with clients and brands that continue to help me today.

Student Media also taught me a valuable lesson in time management skills. If you succeed in having a job like this while also being a full-time student, the real world will be much easier for you to dive into.

“

Rutledge, Clarke to pursue pro careers

John David Robbins, ‘07

former Print Sales Representative currently: Creative Director for RunningWithHeels.com

NOW HIRING! Training Starts Dec. 14th.

Applications available in B34 Hodges Hall.

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

THE DAILY REVEILLE

VOLLEYBALL

Seniors to play final home match Group helps bring LSU to new heights

By Rob Landry Sports Contributor

The LSU volleyball season is quickly winding to a close, with just three regular season matches remaining.

Sunday’s final home match against Alabama will mark the last time LSU’s four seniors — middle blocker Brittnee Cooper, setter Sam Dabbs, middle blocker Lauren DeGirolamo and outside hitter Marina Skender — will play in the PMAC. “This group of seniors has probably left the strongest legacy in terms of success in the program,” said LSU coach Fran Flory. “The other kids have built and built and built, but these kids built and actually got to reap the rewards.”

The senior with the shortest tenure at LSU is Dabbs, who transferred to LSU after spending two seasons at Louisville.

Since the move to Baton Rouge, Dabbs has made an enormous impact on the team. She played in all 28 matches during the 2008 season and was selected as the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Newcomer of the Year.

This season, Dabbs has kept the beat going and has 197 digs and 102 kills. She was also named the American Volleyball Coaches Association Player of the Week earlier in the season.

“I so much wish we could have had Sam Dabbs for four years,” Flory said. “Look at the impact she had on the program in just two years.”

The Tigers also boast a pair of fifth-year seniors in DeGirolamo and Skender.

DeGirolamo has had an impact on the team from the moment she stepped on the court.

In 2006, following her redshirt year in 2005, DeGirolamo was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. She was named College Volleyball Update Player of the Week once and earned ESPN Academic All-District first-team honors in 2007.

But 2008 was a setback year for DeGirolamo. After playing in LSU’s first 12 matches, she tore her ACL, which ended her season. But

DeGirolamo’s 2009 return has led kid who wasn’t sure how to take to 237 digs and 123 kills. advantage of the chance to play,” Skender, nicknamed “The Cro- Flory said. “But out of the group of atian Sensation,” four, she has come was a second-team the furthest personAll-SEC player ally in terms of deas a freshman in veloping.”

2005. Skender was Now that the named to the Allfearsome foursome SEC First Team in is wrapping up its 2006. illustrious careers “[DeGiroin the PMAC, there lamo] and Marina are plenty of mixed [Skender], first feelings. off, have been “I’m sad cause Fran Flory here through all it’s going to be our LSU volleyball coach five years,” Flory last time to play at said. “They trusthome,” Dabbs said. ed us early, when “But I’m excited we were on the cusp and not quite because after four years of playthere and needed a push to get us ing, your body takes some wear and through.” tear.”

Then, there’s the superstar But the group wants to make Cooper. sure that the legacy they leave is Cooper leads the team in kills one of excellence. with 339 and has an attack percent“I hope we are the team to fiage of .388 on the season. She also nally take LSU to the Final Four spent the last two summers playing and actually accomplish the goal of the USA National A2 team, which winning a national championship,” competes internationally.

Cooper said.

But Cooper did not always have the swagger that she carries Contact Rob Landry at now. “[Cooper] was a young, shy rlandry@lsureveille.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009

DRAGONS VS. PIRATES

‘‘

‘This group of seniors has probably left the stongest legacy in terms of success in the program.’

MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille

LSU freshman infielder Beau Didier bats Tuesday afternoon for the “Purple Pirates” against the “Golden Dragons” during LSU’s scrimmage at Alex Box. The Golden Dragons beat the Purple Pirates, 5-2.

THE DAILY REVEILLE

wednesday, november 18, 2009 NIT, from page 7

“I’m just coming out ready to play and staying prepared,” Warren said. “I’m not underestimating anybody and just bringing my all to the floor.”

Warren did just about everything for a young Tiger team that has yet to find consistent production from senior forward Tasmin Mitchell. He has finished with a doubledouble in every game of the Tigers’ young season — production Johnson said must continue if LSU is to be successful.

“Storm is improving every possession in front of our eyes,” Johnson said.

Of course, Warren wasn’t the

PATIENCE, from page 7

impact.

“He gets double teamed a lot,” Graff said. “So if he can’t make a tackle, we know he’s letting someone else go free by taking on two blocks.”

Injuries this season have thinned the depth chart at running back and Ridley’s number was called against Tulane.

“When they threw me in there against Tulane, I just went in there and played ball,” Ridley said. “I took advantage of the opportunity.”

Ridley got his first touchdown of the season in that game against the team he rushed for his first career touchdown in 2008.

Ridley was called again when Scott went down with a collarbone fracture against Alabama. Ridley

only standout on a night that saw junior point guard Bo Spencer lead all scorers with 28 points. Spencer improved drastically on a 4-of-20 shooting performance against Indiana State, as he shot 47 percent from the field against the Hilltoppers.

“A lot of you made the comment about our shooting. Like I said, I don’t worry about Bo’s shooting,” Johnson said. “He did not necessarily do a good job running the team, but he shot the ball well and made some big plays when we needed them.”

Spencer made several of those plays late in the second half. He put a close game out of reach by scoring nine of the Tigers’ last 14 points and helping LSU outscore Western Kentucky, 11-3, in the game’s final two came in the game and scored from eight yards out on his first carry.

Scott is out for the rest of the regular season, and with his injury, comes an opportunity for Ridley.

“It’s kind of a sick feeling,” Ridley said. “We hate that because Charles decided to come back.”

Ridley and teammate senior running back Keiland Williams became the offense’s top running backs.

“I know I’m in the game plan from here on out,” Ridley said. “Me and Keiland have to fill that load that Charles was carrying. Now I just have to keep my head and stay focused, stay humble and stay hungry also.”

Contact Amos Morale at amorale@lsureveille.com

minutes.

“I had a bad day shooting yesterday so my coaches told me to let the game come to me,” Spencer said.

“Toward the end tonight, I started shooting the ball with confidence, and it just went in.”

Spencer’s four 3-pointers helped improve LSU’s shooting percentage, if only slightly. His 44 percent shooting from behind the arc lifted the Tigers’ team percentage after an abysmal 0-of-15 performance against Indiana State on Monday night.

“I thought they were going to stop the game and give us the game ball when we hit our first perimeter jump shot, considering what happened last night,” Johnson said.

LSU’s only other deep shot

REVENGE, from page 7

Chancellor said the LSU defense needs to contain Clark, who led the nation in scoring last season and accumulated a game-high 37 points in the last matchup between the teams. “[Clark] will be one of the top three players in the draft,” he said.

“She shoots the 3-ball extremely well, she puts it on the floor and she is as good a low post player as there is in the country ... We’ll probably be happy if we hold her to about 30 [points].”

Chancellor said the Lady Tigers have a better grasp of the defensive scheme now as opposed to a year ago, when LSU had six freshmen players on the roster.

“We know how to spell defense this year,” Chancellor said. “Last year, I had a team that couldn’t spell

PAGE 11

came from the unlikeliest of places, as redshirt freshman forward Dennis Harris hit a fall-away 3-pointer with four minutes remaining to surprise and delight the crowd of 8,220.

Western Kentucky junior forward Sergio Kerusch provided most of the Hilltoppers’ offense and scored 25 points on the night. Kerusch shot an impressive 7-of-11 from the field for 19 first-half points.

“That wasn’t the kids’ fault. We had a bad matchup in the first half,” Johnson said. “There were a couple of situations where I put Storm in, and I moved Dennis over … when I probably should have had Dennis on Sergio.”

The Tigers once again did well in the paint, as LSU won the rebound

battle, 40-31, and finished with 28 points in the paint to Western Kentucky’s 22.

“We were going hard and trying to keep them off the boards and from rebounding offensively, but they just picked up their aggression level, and we didn’t respond,” Kerusch said.

LSU will play No. 13 Connecticut (3-0) in New York City on Nov. 25 in the tournament’s semifinal round.

“It’s me and [Connecticut coach Jim] Calhoun going one-on-one in the parking lot,” Johnson said. “Do you like my chances? I don’t.”

it and couldn’t play it. We had freshmen come straight out of high school where every time you touched somebody it was a foul. In the [Southeastern Conference], nothing is a foul.”

The Blue Raiders return all five starters from the 2008 season, when they finished 28-6 and lost to Michigan State in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

LSU senior guard Allison Hightower scored 19 points and played all 40 minutes against Middle Tennessee last season, both team highs.

Chancellor described Middle Tennessee as “vastly underrated,” and he said LSU might even be slightly overrated.

“I’m not saying we should be the 27th team in the country,” he said. “We’re probably somewhere between 12 and 14. We’re still going to start two sophomores, so we’re

just not the most experienced.”

Hightower outscored the entire Centenary team Sunday with 20 points and went 4-of-4 from 3-point range.

A player who has made a splash in the Lady Tigers’ lineup this year is freshman Adrienne Webb. The Madison, Ala., native had two steals and five points, including one shot from behind the arc, against Centenary.

“In her first live game, she shoots a 3-ball the first time she touches the ball on offense,” Chancellor said.

“Most freshman who come in here, there’s a shot they don’t want to shoot anymore and you want to challenge them but they go into a shell — not Adrienne Webb.”

Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com

Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 12

wednesday, november 18, 2009

OUR VIEW

Faculty should try to maximize effectiveness of clickers We understand students can be a hard bunch to please.

In an age of iPhones and Facebook, instructors sometimes face a difficult task in trying to keep students interested. Faculty often try unconventional methods to try to engage students, encourage participation and increase learning.

One proven method of engaging students is to use “clickers,” small remotes instructors

use to take participation, conduct quizzes and increase student participation in class. Clickers are effective, easy to use and a way to introduce some novelty into what can otherwise be a snooze-inducing lecture.

Faculty and students both benefit greatly from using clickers in the classroom. But LSU’s clicker procedures need some work.

First, there is more than one

brand of clicker students may be required to purchase. Students may be required to use either the Turning Point brand clicker, the small rectangular version, or the iClicker, the larger device. Students might very well be required to have both devices during a single semester, as different professors require different versions.

Such a system is redundant, and since the clickers can cost as much as $40 a unit, expensive.

If it is at all possible to standarize the University’s clicker requirements — officially dictating use of only one version — such a system would greatly benefit the students.

Second, professors often have problems operating the clicker receiving devices. Sometimes clickers are mis-registered, and attendence checks and quizzes go unrecorded. The University should provide instructors with

the necessary training to fully utilize the clickers’ capabilities, and provide them with knowledge of how to troubleshoot should the system glitch.

Clickers are useful teaching tools. And the University should ensure these tools are used to maximum effect.

Contact the Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com

THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

Improve education system, tax liberal art degrees American higher education is a lot of bark with a soft bite. I can only think of three benefits it brings to society.

First and fuzziest are the civil gains. A more educated electorate will theoretically make better decisions at the ballot booth and give us all better government. Dispassionately observing the health care debate, I imagine these effects are negligible.

Second, college education brings skills to society. We need engineers, accountants and statisticians to crunch our numbers. If college teaches you how to speak

French, Spanish or international finance, than the world just got that much smaller.

When universities teach skills, they are doing an unquestionably good thing. If only the third were as beneficial.

We live in a universe where certainty is expensive and information comes at a high price.

Companies need to know how well potential employees can work, learn and deal with stress.

Prospects have incentives to lie, so asking about skills at the interview doesn’t help. The third function is to provide a way for employees

to signal their ability. As long as there’s a correlation between work ethic and holding a diploma, an employer will pay more for college graduates — even if their education is unrelated to their job.

Knowledge is expenDaniel Morgan sive, so you’re Columnist squandering four potentially productive years watching PowerPoint presentations on (insert your least favorite

BEST AND WITTIEST

cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board NICHOLAS PERSAC JERIT ROSER ELLEN ZIELINSKI MATTHEW ALBRIGHT

Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, Production Opinion Editor

ERIC FREEMAN JR.

Columnist

MARK MACMURDO

Columnist

subject here).

There’s nothing wrong with signaling. You play that game every time you update your Facebook or espouse a political belief.

Hummer and Prius drivers signal their testosterone levels.

Lovers signal their commitment with engagement rings. Parents signal social status by sending their kids to the Ivy League.

After passing his stimulus bill, President Barack Obama called on all Americans to “commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training … Every American will need to get more than a high school diploma.”

If America’s higher education system were providing skills useful in the workplace, I’d definitely agree.

But for the majority of degrees, college is just a signaling game. Increasing enrollment erodes the value of diplomas for those who have them. Certification inflation means people have to waste even more of their life in graduate school to send the same signal.

More distressingly, certification inflation puts those who can’t go to college on even worse footing. Rather than lacking a signal saying, “I belong to an elite group,” those without a college degree now lack a signal saying, “I managed to sit through a gradeinflated snooze-fest.”

Diluting the value of signals hurts those with and without the signal.

As economist Bryan Caplan put it: “Going to college is a lot like standing up at a concert to see better. Selfishly speaking, it works, but from a social point of view, we shouldn’t encourage it.”

Stories are more interesting when there’s a villain, but there are

EDITORIAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author.

Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

no bad guys here. The government made college attendance a priority, and individuals followed their incentives to the current disaster.

In economic lingo, we need to correct for positional externalities, or at least not exacerbate them.

I’m morally against government subsidizing and taxing to change behavior, but if not, I’d support eliminating all scholarships and putting a sin tax on degrees without calculus.

Liberal arts professors, don’t process this as an attack on your statuses. Think of this as a way to ensure only the most committed and intelligent students attend exciting class discussions.

Disinterested students, you shouldn’t have to get a degree.

Imagine what a better position you would be in if it were more respectable to not have a diploma because instead, you spent the last four years interning in your field. We should be celebrated, not shunned, autodidacts (look it up).

For those who value traditional education, imagine if all society shared your respect. Ending state education subsidies and taxing liberal arts degrees would make a university education worth something again.

If that’s too jarring, perhaps we could compromise and merely privatize the university system and take government distortions out of education decisions.

We can all agree, the status quo bites.

Daniel Morgan is a 21-year-old economics senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_dmorgan.

Contact Daniel Morgan at dmorgan@lsureveille.com

QUOTE OF THE DAY “It’s dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.”

Voltaire French essayist and philosopher Nov. 21, 1694 — May 30, 1778

THE DAILY REVEILLE

wednesday, november 18, 2009

BURNS AFTER READING

Opinion

PAGE 13

Fraternity should never undermine individuality The other day I witnessed an unusual phenomenon here on campus.

I was walking through the quad with a friend of mine, and we were talking about the “fraternization” of society. In particular, we were trying to figure out why so many young college students embrace collective identities at the expense of their individuality.

While we were speaking, a hoard of young men raced past us wearing only camouflage pants, combat boots and a dog tag collared around their necks. Leading the way was their stern commander, who assembled the group right outside Free Speech Alley.

Standing over them, his massive shadow towering above their blind subservience, the commander barked out a set of commands. The apparent soldiers immediately fell into line as their master roared out an incoherent strand of orders. Dog tags rattled against their chest as they hustled into place.

The shirtless general howled yet again and, like well-trained sled dogs, the hungry soldiers reverberated their master’s husky growl. Their faces bore no sign of thought or hesitation. Not a hint of insecu- Scott Burns rity swept across Columnist their wide white eyes. Only the laser-like focus of blind, unquestioning obedience.

Over time a large crowd gathered, intently watching their fellow students grovel at the combat boots of their leader. They watched the progression in silence, confused and amazed. Only the soldiers unified chant could be heard, echoing the words of their shirtless general as if they were preparing for war.

But as I mentioned, this was no battlefield. It wasn’t even some sort of military training facility. This

event took place on our campus last week, right outside the Union.

Even more surprising, this ritual had nothing to do with battle arrangements. As it turns out, it was an initiation for a fraternity. The group of young men draped in camouflage weren’t soldiers preparing for war — they were pledges. Rushees.

For those in attendance, the event was nothing more than cheap entertainment. But it also served as a sociological case study, of sorts.

It was a prime example of how far some people are willing to go to gain a sense of acceptance and camaraderie.

Tragically, as seen in the mindless chants echoed by feigned warriors, the price tag for this type of “acceptance” often amounts to the price of one’s individuality.

Very few campus organizations take their initiation to such extremes.

Nevertheless, there are some who promote this delusional kind of conformity, or “groupthink.” They focus

on the importance of the collective group, or “brotherhood,” rather than stressing the immeasurable value of the individual.

The fact that so many people use collective labels to signal their personal values and beliefs to others shouldn’t come as a shock. We encounter various forms of this sociological signaling daily, whether on Facebook or in real life. People often reduce their identity to a mere religious affiliation, political party or ethnicity to portray themselves in a certain light.

Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with joining any groups in these categories. The problem only arises when someone discards their uniqueness to gain the approval of others.

It’s vital that people realize what they’re actually signaling — or, really, what they’re forfeiting — when they invest their entire identity in their particular fraternity, sorority, athletic team, political party etc.

College campuses are meant to foster creative thought and introspection. But they all too often serve as human assembly lines for collective groups — sucking in young, vigorous individuals and spitting out generic replicas of one another.

If our college years teach us anything, it should be that individuality should never take a back seat to conformity and groupthink.

Individual identities are far too important to leave in the hands of other people.

The more people try to devote their entire identity in some external group or organization, the more and more lost they’ll inevitably become.

Scott Burns is a 20-year-old economics and history junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_sburns.

Contact Scott Burns at sburns@lsureveille.com

NIETZSCHE IS DEAD

Catholic Church objects same-sex marriage bill

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — the Catholic Church needs better PR managers.

The church is once again coming under fire for its policies, this time over a hotly debated same-sex marriage bill currently under discussion in the Washinton D.C. metro council. The bill, intended to prohibit discrimination against married gays, obviously upsets the church, and its opposition to the proposal would hardly be newsworthy.

But in this particular case, religious objections to gay marriage have much higher stakes, given the church’s unique relationship with the D.C. area.

Currently, the Church, through the organization Catholic Charities, is contracted by the city to provide social services for the poor and homeless. The organization received a total of some $8.2 million last year, in addition to the privately-raised $10 million it uses to provide assistance with adoptions, health care and homeless shelters. All in all, the Church serves approximately 68,000 people in the city, and is responsible for care of more than one third of the city’s homeless.

Now the Church has announced it will withdraw its services from the state if the bill passes — which is likely.

Many are outraged by the announcement, and the press has variably labled it “black-mail” and “interference with secular affairs.”

They see the “threat” of withdrawn services as holding the city government hostage.

As easy as some may find it to label the move political strong-arming, the reality is less easily defined.

Catholic Charities isn’t threatening to leave the poor out to dry

as a way to aggresively influence policy. The objection is to exactly how the bill’s passage would alter the relationship between the Church and the city.

While the bill would not force churches to marry homosexuals or in any way alter their doctrine, it mandates that all organizations contracted by the state provide the same health benefits and adoption rights Matthew to gay couples Albright Opinion Editor as straight couples. Since the Church receives government funding, it would have to comply — which Catholics claim compromises their religious beliefs.

One thing is clear — the Catholic Church isn’t blackmailing anybody. But after that important distinction is made, things get pretty fuzzy.

The most likely outcome is that the bill passes and the Church withdraws its services. This isn’t really a solution — while the Church can certainly continue to provide charitable aid with its own money, it obviously will have to decrease its operations. And while the more ferevent supporters of the bill’s passage claim other charities will rise to take over those left unhelped, this seems risky — and unlikely.

Few secular organizations can match the fund-raising and volunteer capabilities of the Catholic Church — indeed, the Church is second only to the government in terms of scope of charitable aid. If another organization (or coalition of organizations) does appear, it seems unlikely that it

will be able to provide an equivalent level or quality of support.

Instead of an all-or-nothing battle — either the city drops the bill or the Church drops it’s aid — a compromise might better serve both parties and the citizens they are supposed to be assisting.

First, Catholics could accept the bill under protest. Catholics providing gays with assistance would not only fulfill a sacred obligation to help the disadvantaged, but could help polish the badly-tarnished image many secular citizens have of Catholicism.

But the belief that homosexual

marriages are immoral is deeplyheld by most Catholics, and it’s certainly legtimitate to feel uneasy about furthering such relationships.

And it’s highly unlikely that the Church would accept it.

A more feasible solution would be to allow the Church to continue receiving government subsidies, while gay spouses are directed to secular sources for help.

But whatever the solution, it should be a solution rather than a confrontation.

Under the right circumstances, the social gospel can combine with government resources to work

wonders. The Church isn’t evil — in fact it’s a source of great help to millions of poor and sick people worldwide. It seems obvious that government put some effort into making a relationship with such an organization work.

Matthew Albright is a 21-year-old mass communication junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_malbright.

Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com

BEST AND WITTIEST

cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Classifieds

PAGE 14

To place your ad: Visit www.lsureveille.com and click on classifieds

Announcements

Help Wanted CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIV 20 hours per week e-mail resume to jobs@aum1.com STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue. 100% Free To Join! Click On Surveys.

PART-TIME CASHIER/STAFF $8H convenience store close to Louisiana Mall. Applications at powertrackllc@ gmail.com SURVEY TAKERS NEEDED: Make $5-25 per survey. www. GetPaidToThink.com FLEXIBLE HOURS - Environmental Consulting and Engineering Firm seeking student proficient in excel and word to answer phones, file, and perform light office work. Flexible 15-20 hours/ week. Competitive salary.

Located on Jefferson Hwy. off Highland Rd. Great opportunity for accounting or engineering student. E-mail resume to humanresources@compliance-sg.com or fax to (225) 754-0406.

EARN EXTRA MONEY Students needed ASAP. Earn up to $150 per day being a mystery shopper. No Experience Required Call 1-800-722-4791 P/T RECEPTIONIST / File Clerk needed for small BR law firm. Must be mature, dependable, responsible, able to get along with others, and MUST be able to work AFTERNOONS. Salary DOE. Prefer undergraduate, long-term worker (at least one year), not just one semester. Interest in law or law school goal desired.

Email Resume’ and availability to LadyJayne@aol.com or fax: 756-5676 PT STUDENT EMPLOYEE needed for Communications Office. Journalism, Mass Comm or Graphic Arts majors preferred. Email inquiries to plaborde@corrections.state.la.us.

WINDOWS AND LINUX Want to use your Windows and Linux skills? We’re looking for a Windows and/or Linux sysadmin intern or part-time employee. Send resume and hours available to jobs@puryear-it.com.

WEISER SECURITY Now hiring for Security Officers in the Baton Rouge area. Extra holiday hours available.

Need Bike patrol officer. Must be 21 years or older.

Were located at 4845 Jamestown Ave., Ste. 101. You can reach us at 923-0757 M-F 9AM to 4PM. E. O. E. MD TECHNOLOGIES INC. a BR based medical technology co, is seeking a highly energetic & motivated person for a P/ T Telemarketing position. Must have the ability to control a conversation professionally as well as have a professional phone manner with a clear speaking voice. Email resumes to ahenderson@medtopia.com or fax 225-408-1805 - TELEMKTG/ SKILLS DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! Now hiring for all positions at the following locations: JEFFERSON 7615 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge 70809 PERKINS ROWE 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge 70810 “Flexible schedules & Benefits for Full Time Associates” Please apply in person during regular restaurant hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer WWW.LOUIESCAFE.COM THE SCHOOL OF ART is now taking applications for life drawing models to pose nude for spring semester art classes. Start $12/ hr., 3 hours in studio, twice weekly. Alternates also needed. Models must be fulltime students, highly reliable, and disciplined. Apply in person at the School of Art, 123 Art Building. For a job description, please email art@lsu.edu. No phone calls.

Cost: 35 cents per word a day Personals Free for students

Employment CAREGIVERS NEEDED St. James Episcopal Church Nursery is seeking dependable people for Sunday mornings 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $10/ hour Please send resume’ to stjamescare@yahoo.com LAW CLERK (second or third year law student) needed for small BR Law Firm. Interest in Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation law a plus. Must be dependable, have excellent legal writing and research skills. Salary DOE. Email LadyJayne@aol.com or fax to: 756-5676. ►►BARTENDING UP TO NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. TRAINING PROVIDED. AGE 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 ext127 MATH EXPERTS WANTED Mathnasium is hiring afterschool K-12 tutors who have great math skills and experience working with kids. $12/hr. batonrouge@ mathnasium.com 225.753.6284 BEFORE/AFTER SCHL SITE COORD. YMCA seeks Before/After School Site Coordinator @ Magnolia Woods Elem. Must be able to work M-F, during the hours of 6:45ñ8:00 am and/or 3:00-6:00 p.m., drug test and b/g check. Dependable, dedicated individuals contact Lindsey Seals @ (225) 767-9622.

GIFT WRAPPER positions available at The Royal Standard during Nov & Dec. Apply in Person at 16016 Perkins Road or Call 225.751.0009 HELP WANTED: P/T GIFT WRAPPERS Fun atmosphere, flexible schedule. Apply The Backpacker, 7656 Jefferson Hwy. or send resume to info@backpackerbr.com NOW HIRING!!

Child Care Center near LSU hiring Afternoon Teachers for Spring Semester. 2:30-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 766-1159 WE WANT YOU! *Hard Workers* *Awesome People Skills* *Looking for “real world” business experience* Work on campus for LSU Student Media! Sales experience a plus but not required. Apply in B39 Hodges Hall or send resumes to salesmanager@lsureveille. com

For Sale TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. UNITS READY FOR SPRING 2009!! Reserve now! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for sale starting at $124,900. Ask about our Guaranteed Buy-Back Program!! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055 www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living.

HOUSE 4 SALE $132,500 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, 7 min. from LSU located off Burbank on Pecan Tree Drive 225-803-537

For Rent 5252 BRIGHTSIDE VIEW 3BR 2 BATH W/D $950 avail now/spring 955-6480southlandpropertiesinc.com BRIGHTSIDE PARK TOWNHOMES 2 br 2.5 bath on S. Brightside View. $850-$900. $500 dep. All appliances plus w/d, pool. now/spring.southlandpropertiesinc.com. 225-955-6480 WALK TO CLASS 1BR at 3265 Carlotta $395/mth 379-8653 APTS FOR RENT 2br & 3br units aval. Zero Dep from Nov to Dec 1. Baker, La. www.greenwoodllc.net 877.824.7565

Housing

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009

Deadlines: 12 noon two school days prior to the print publication date

Merchandise

TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. UNITS READY FOR SPRING 2009! Reserve Now! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today! Walk to class! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055. www.tigermanor. com Location. Location. Location... Start Living.

CHATEAU DU COUR IN TIGERLAND Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..772-2429 mckproperties.com 3BR/2.5BA 1500SQFT $1125/MONTH South Brightside View Drive: On-Site Manager, Flexible Leasing Terms, Washer & Dryer, Ceiling Fans, Central A/ C, Near Bus Stop, Small Pets Allowed, Master Bedroom has it’s own Bathroom and Walk-In Closet 225.978.7400 CONDO FOR RENT 2Br/2.5 Ba condo for rent. Near Bluebonnet & Perkins. $970/month + utilities. Call Erin. 225.288.4506 225.288.4506 WALK TO CAMPUS 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes. Starting as low as $400.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789 LSU, TIGER PARK APT, 1&2BR Townhouse & flat, woodfloor, pool, busline, move-in special, $450-625/ mo., 225.615.8521 1BR APARTMENT 175 Burgin Ave, $545$589rent/$400 deposit, located Highland and Lee. 225.252.3163 3BD/2BA HOME OFF BRIGHTSIDE @ 5037 AMBERALYNN DR $1550.00/ MONTH 5 MIN TO CAMPUS 225.276.0393

Roommate Wanted ROOMMATE NEEDED @ Campus Crossing- Brightside for Spring 2010! $424/mo. 4 BR/ 2 BA, email kjudd2@gmail.com or call 504.298.9494 ROOMMATE NEEDED @ BRIGHTSIDE ESTATES 3bed / 2 bath $450 + 1/3 utilities. needed for spring 2010. call 504.259.7186 or 504.232.6165 ROOMATE NEEDED ARLINGTON PLANT $500/mo plus utilities (usually $65) 3Bed/3Bath. Near Campus, Bus-Route, Preferably Male. Darren 504-382-5603 UNIVERSITY VIEW CONDO female roommate for spring semester 2010. rent $450 +share of utilities. call Katie 281.468.7237 $400/MO INCL. UTILITIES 2 Fully furn. rooms in a quiet 3bed/1bath house 3 blocks off campus. Avail.

Jan. 1st. Pets welcome. 225.330.2305 $400 SIEGEN X PERKINS 4Br/2Ba. 3 Guys. Start Dec ’09. No pets. No smoking. jskinn04@yahoo.com.

Personals SASSY (3RD CHEERLEADER FROM the right/your left) You are my favorite cheerleader. Your fantastic moves at the game this weekend and sassy attitude warm my heart. There’s room for 2 in my LSU snuggie ;) Email me: snuggiewithmelsu@gmail.com ARACHIBUTYROPHOBIA? Let me help. I see you at the climbing gym, the dining hall and bio review. Tell me: do you see me too?

You can see me by the bike racks Tuesday after bio review.

LET’S PLAY! Fit/very active male, 22. Looking for a Female to run around with! (running the lakes, tennis,

Transportation

basketball, etc) No need to be a super athlete, willing to teach, but must have a positive attitude, good sense of humor, and be comfortable getting a little sweaty. Email: ilikerunaroundmuch@gmail.com when you’re ready to play

Services

Miscellaneous

ARE YOU A REDHEAD GIRL? A guy looking for a cute / sexy redhead to spend time with. Email - NeedARedhead@live.com FREAKISHLY TALL GUY WANTED : Well endowed 20 yr old is tired of wearing flats. Facial hair is awesome but not necessary. Must like football. Send a message to blueeyedsaintsfan@yahoo.com 18 YR OLD CHRISTIAN FEMALE looking my angel. Must be able to hold an intelligent conversation and make me laugh. No creeps please. cat_rawr@hotmail.com 19 YR. old male teddy bear looking for a female to relax with. Must love movies. No weirdo’s need respond. bemyteddybear2009@gmail.com

DON’T SETTLE FOR B’S Grad Schools & Employers Look at Transcripts. Visit www.mmwritingconsultants. com.

OXFORD, MS WEEKEND RENTALS Going to Oxford for the game? www.oxfordtownhouse.com 662.801.6692 ADOPTION IS AN OPTION! Loving, secure family hoping to be blessed with a baby. Visit www.bradandjennaadoption.com OR call 225-305-5482

wednesday, november 18, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE COMMISSION, from page 1

statewide for unnecessary duplication of efforts and excess hours required for degree completion, according to the Commission’s first recommendation. The Board will then, according to the resolution, eliminate such duplications and excess hours accordingly.

James Wharton, former University chancellor and Commission member, suggested the recommendation. He said the recommendation will look specifically at courses and not at restructuring, merging or eliminating campuses.

CLICKERS, from page 1

“It motivated me to pay attention and write [questions] down,” she said.

Victor Uno, biology sophomore, said he took a biology class in which the instructor used clickers only to take attendance, which did not make him any more interested in course material.

But Pomarico said using clickers solely to take attendance is the worst method. Using clickers to engage students with questions is effective for not only students’ benefit, but professors’ as well, Pomarico said.

“If I ... ask a question and only 30 percent of the class gets the question right, I’m aware that whatever I did ... wasn’t enough,” he said.

Clicker use is now used by 40 to 45 faculty members, said Barbara McManus, educational technology consultant with Academic Technology Services.

McGuire, a chemistry professor, used clickers in her class for the first time this semester. Despite being a “self-described technophobic dinosaur,” McGuire said she learned the technology quickly and wouldn’t want to go back to teaching without clickers. McGuire said asking ques-

PAGE 15

“I’m not thinking mergers or closures at this time,” Wharton said.

“I am thinking in terms of schools working more closely together.”

Wharton also suggested the second recommendation, which charges the Board of Regents, along with colleges, universities and their individual management boards — like the LSU Board of Supervisors — to evaluate each institution’s role, scope and mission. The review will allow the different institutions to better define themselves and the purposes they serve, Wharton said.

The Commission also recommended the Board of Regents con-

tinue to conduct regular reviews of degree programs, taking into consideration cost effectiveness, program quality and other factors. The fourth recommendation charged the Board of Regents to establish a funding formula for all associate degree programs in the state and to have that formula in place by the beginning of the 2010-11 academic year.

The next Commission meeting is Dec. 14 and 15 to cover higher education finance.

tions to the class with clickers and discussing the answers afterward helps students identify mistakes they may make on exams.

“If students can get the incorrect thinking out on the table before they go to the test, they can make mistakes before, so on the test, they don’t [make mistakes],” McGuire said.

Pomarico and McGuire agreed getting an accurate picture of how students are doing in the course is one of the most valuable ways to use the technology.

Students and professors alike can also use the technology to evaluate the “gaps” in student performance, said Diane Mohler, learning strategies consultant at the Center for Academic Success.

“We all have a different skill set or knowledge set, so you’re bound to have gaps along the way,” Mohler said.

Mohler said clickers can impact various learning styles in different ways. Visual learners, for example, may respond to seeing a question and graphical breakdown of answers during class, while kinesthetic or multisensory learners benefit from going through the motions of submitting an answer, she said.

In addition to learning styles, students’ personality traits are another classroom variable clickers can address, Mohler said. Introverted learners are more likely to participate in the anonymous clicker questions than speak out in class.

“We talk about learning styles, but as far as personality traits, that is one of the factors that comes out a lot [in learning] — introverted versus extraverted,” she said.

Pomarico said as clickers become more common, the technology is changing to become more accessible to students by incorporating laptops or cell phones.

“You won’t have to buy a clicker anymore,” Pomarico said. “You can use other electronic objects you might already be bringing to class.”

Although students may no longer have to buy clickers, the companies who produce the technology will still explore ways to make money, Pomarico said.

“You would pay a licensing fee to use your cell phone with a data collection Web site that reports it to your professor,” he said.

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com

wednesday, november 18, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 16