Wednesday, April 4, 2018
The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
The Official News Source of Sam Houston State University Volume 129 | Issue 22
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PARKING CONUNDRUM
Construction dents campus parking BY RYAN REYNOLDS Editor-in-Chief Sam Houston State University lost 300 parking spaces Sunday due to the construction of a new building. Parking lot Z2-07 located at the corner of Bearkat Boulevard and Bobby K. Marks is now closed for Ryan Reynolds | The Houstonian construction as it will be the new home of the $27.5 million, 71,500 CAN’T SPOT A SPOT. The parking problem has been a problem for a while, but it seems to be getting worse with even more construction. square foot Art Complex.
“It is always unsettling to see a large parking lot being repurposed for an additional building especially when we are unable to recoup the same quality and quantity of spaces in another location,” Deputy Chief of Parking and Transportation Matthew McDaniel said. This has been a familiar trend on many campuses that are fortunate to see the growth and expansion that we have been feeling for some time now.”
Parking was already an issue at SHSU and the closure of lot Z2-07 puts more pressure on students to arrive unnecessarily early and hunt for any remaining spots. According to McDaniel, parking lot Z2-07 will eventually reopen once the Art Complex is complete. However, parking near the building will be tailored more towards motorists and at a lower total number of parking spaces. “The parking situation is Parking continues on page 2
SAAM Protest puts brakes on SGA election Sammy takes Awards SHSU sure to by storm with excite awareness events BY TESLA CADENA Asst. Campus Culture Editor
Lindsey Jones | The Houstonian
I DEMAND A RECOUNT. Students recently voted for their Student Government Association officers, but a questionable campaign and a protest has put the results on hold. The consequences are currently under review.
BY EMILY DAVIS News/Viewpoints Editor Photo courtesy Nicol Ruiz
“The results will not be official [Tuesday] because there is a pending protest,” student body President Briauna Augustus said. After election results were tabulated, the winners were David Eller for president, Alexus Hardy for vice president, Jaidyn Wilkerson for secretary, Christian Wolford for treasurer and Amanda Lee for chief-of-staff. However, all five of these students were found in violation of an SGA Election Commission code on March 28 when a cam-
The Sam Houston State University Student Government Association (SGA) held its annual election last week in which the student body elected a new executive board and judicial senators. BY EMILY DAVIS The SGA planned to announce News/Viewpoints Editor the finalized election results April 3, but this announcement is now April is Sexual Assault Aware- postponed due to a pending disness month (SAAM). Sam Hous- qualification. ton State University SAAM committee and Not on My Campus are joining forces to raise awareness. Organizations including Not on My Campus, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Program Council, Of- Learn the history of the fice of Health Promotion, Student Legal Mediation Services, HKC Rec Center, Lambda Alpha Epsilon, National Organization of Hispanics in CJ, Crime Victim Service Alliance and Montgomery County Women’s Center have planned for several events throughout the month to spread the awareness around campus. The slogan for this year’s SAAM is “Your Voice Has Power.” “We are really using this slogan to motivate everyone on campus, students and staff, to use their voice to raise awareness,” said Nicol Ruiz, Not On My Campus “Advokat” and Student Assistant in the Office of Equity and Inclusion/Title IX. “We really want SAAM continues on page 3 NOT ON MY CAMPUS. April is sexual assault Awareness month. Not On My Campus hosted a lunch on Monday at General’s Market to raise awareness.
paign yard sign was left in front of the Newton Gresham Library with all of their faces on it. The Election Commission code states that during elections there should not be any form of campaigning. “I gave them an hour and a half to take it down, and I was pretty lenient about it,” Augustus said. “So, at the latest, the campaigning materials should’ve already been down around 1 p.m. Someone was on campus around 6 p.m. and still SGA continues on page 2
Origin of the Bearkat at SHSU university mascot - STORY ON PAGE 4
What’s happening at SHSU?
FACEBOOK, P. 2 Students need to know their rights to privacy when dealing with social media like Facebook.
RITA B. HUFF, P. 3 The Rita B. Huff animal shelter is a no-kill location, but that may be detrimental in the run.
HOLOCAUST, P. 4 SHSU is putting on an event to honor and remember those who fell victim to the Holocaust.
DO YOU NEED HELP?, P. 7 Going to counseling is not a weakness. Find out the warning signs and benefits of talking to someone.
Student Activities is hosting the 24th annual Sammys on April 11 in the Gaertner Performing Arts Center’s Payne Concert Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. to recognize exceptional student leaders and organizations. There are three award categories: individual awards, organizational awards and individual college awards. The nomination period ended Feb. 2, and committee members have selected the winners that will be announced during the ceremony. In total, there are seven individual college awards that recognize a faculty-nominated student from each college, 17 individual and organizational awards nominated from the SHSU community, a Sam Houston Cane Award which may honor a department, entity or campus initiative and the four Sammy Awards presented to four graduating students and faculty/ staff members for their contributions. Winners will receive a trophy for each award, but the recipients of the Sammy Award and Creager and McDermett Memorial Awards will also receive a lifetime membership with the SHSU Alumni Association, courtesy of Student Activities. Program Coordinator Kelly Patterson, who has been planning the Sammys for five months, discussed what to expect at the Sammys as the entertainment is different each year. “This year, the Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre will perform a piece from Pippin,” Patterson said. “We are also very excited for Jared Doster and Joel Rivera to perform ‘Umbilic’ on behalf of the School of Dance. Sammys continues on page 3
ON PAR , P. 8 SHSU men’s golf posted a first place finish. Find out all the details of Jake McCrory’s performance.
Keylon Scott | The Houstonian
APPRECIATE THE ARTS. Andrew Pena and Ahdrllah Khar Graphic created by Ryan Reynolds | The Houstonian appreciate artwork by senior SHSU students at the Studio Art and STARS COME TO SHSU. The 2018 Sammypalooza lineup was announced on Feb. 23. Get to know the