First-year Block Party pg.4
Peru welcomes Houston nursing student
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Open Mic hotspots in denton pg.5
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015 | VOL. 102, NO. 1
NEVER A DULL MOMENT
Guns to be allowed on Campus News
New legislation will allow for weaponized campus community
Matt Olson Reporter molson3@twu.edu Earlier this year, a majority of the Texas Legislature voted in favor of allowing citizens to openly carry firearms in public places and individuals to carry concealed firearms on college campuses. Both bills were approved and signed by Governor Greg Abbott. While the bills have been signed, the law will not go into effect until later dates – January 1, 2016 for the “open carry” law and August 1, 2016 for “campus carry.” Despite minor amendments to the bills, many gun rights activists considered the move a victory. The “campus carry” date is not without historical significance. On August 1, 1966, a mass shooting took place at the University of Texas – the first instance of both a campus shooting and a mass shooting to take place in the nation. Charles Whitman entered
the campus clock tower and began shooting at students, staff, faculty and civilians, some of whom returned fire. By the time he was gunned down by police, Whitman had shot 48 people, 16 of whom were killed. The new law will enable students to carry firearms on campus on the exact date of that mass shooting, 50 years later. Gun rights activists and supporters of the bill have not addressed this issue in any notable manner. College faculty, staff, students and visitors over the age of 21 will be allowed to carry concealed firearms, meaning that the weapons must not be visible, even in a holster. Universities will be able to designate certain “gun-free zones” – a provision put in by the bill’s opponents – but this amendment does not allow... Continues pg. 3
Graphic by Chuck Greenslade
Campus
This is not the destination, only the journey
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Campus
New student regent speaks for TWU students Neftali Gomez looks forward to serving
First-Year Commencement offers more than just a new beginning. Emily Nickles Page Editor enickles@twu.edu First-Year students officially began their college careers as recognized during the First-Year Commencement Ceremony last Friday, August 21 at 9:00 a.m. In addition to learning about the symbolism of the ceremony in connection to graduation from Provost Dr. Robert Neely and Student Government President Rebecca Montoya, students heard from several prominent members of the university as well as students and faculty. President and Chancellor Carine Feyten spoke, following a welcome by Senior Associate Vice President of Student Engagement Heather Speed. In her address, Feyten specified a few duties that she considers most important while emphasizing: “We’re all in this together.” Feyten suggested that student involvement paired with the chancellor’s would be a positive partnership for the campus. She quoted the famous German poet and philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “At the moment of commitment, the universe starts to assist you.” She added: “If you really commit to your education here, things will start to happen, but it’s only if you make that decision.” Feyten also advised that students begin to make “Big Hairy Audacious Goals,” another way to say that students should challenge themselves in order to grow and learn about themselves and the world around them during this journey.
If you really commit to your education here, things will start to happen...
Student Regent Neftali Gomez was the second-to-last to speak to the audience, but her speech received a sincere reaction from the audience, with a standing ovation at the end. Gomez began by sharing three pieces of advice that her mom had given her. The first was, “‘Dale tiempo al tiempo,’ or, in English, ‘Give time, time’…I was miserable my first semester…It wasn’t until the summer after my first year that I knew I was supposed to be here.” Gomez stressed that students
should try new things and be open to new experiences, because that was how she ultimately made her transition — and had fun doing so by taking huge steps, like flying for the first time to a conference even though she was terrified of flying. ` Gomez encouraged students: “Share your story. That’s something I’ve learned here from some of the faculty and staff. Your story could be a source of motivation to others. Don’t let your background limit you. Enjoy the journey and have fun.”
Photo by Sierra Taylor
Chancellor and President Dr. Feyten addresses first-year students at last Friday’s commencement ceremony.
Photo by Sierra Taylor
Student Regent Neftali Gomez speaks to the crowd at First-year Commencement
Nadiyah Suleiman Page Editor nsuleiman@twu.edu
A new student regent was appointed to TWU by Governor Greg Abbott this July. One student regent is selected every year to serve a one year term on the Board of Regents while also using their abilities to serve on special commissions, task forces and committees as needed. This year’s student regent is Junior Business Administration major Neftali Gomez. Gomez is a first generation student who has been involved in many campus activities, such as serving as an Orientation Leader, a team leader for G-Force and a Resident Assistant. Student regents act as a member of the BOR with the exceptions that they may not vote, second any motion, or count in determining if the quorum is met for a meeting or for the outcome of voting. Gomez remarked: “In my own words, the student regent is a student voice for all undergraduate and graduate students on the Dallas, Denton and Houston campuses and represents them at quarterly board meetings. But I want to do a little bit more than that; I want students to be aware about what their university is doing for them.” Gomez attended her first BOR meeting as the new student regent August 13-14. She shared: “I spent
most of my time taking it all in; I did a lot of listening and trying to just get a feel of what it means to be on the BOR. From now on I plan to address students’ concerns and tell the regents exactly what the students want and give them that perspective since they’re not really on campus.” She added: “It’s a very exciting time here at TWU. You can feel it in the air – change is coming. I thought being on the front end of that [change] would be incredible, and I want to make sure students feel the same way by trying to spread that [feeling] throughout campus.” Gomez encourages students to get involved by asking questions or joining one of the many organizations available on campus. Once her term is up, Gomez also encourages other student to apply, sharing: “Just go for it. The worst that can happen is they say no.” She wants more students to be aware of the position and what it can do for them. She concluded: “I try to be as approachable as possible. The students should know that I’m here for them in every shape, way and form. If they ever need, want or would like to talk to me about anything, I would love to sit down with them. If you need something, just let me know.”