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WEDNESDAY, November 12, 2014 | Vol. 101, No. 26
Campus | Technology
You’ve got mail: Gmail coming to TWU
Following student’s input, TWU will switch university email clients from Outlook to Gmail in spring Alex Ancira Managing Editor aancira@twu.edu TWU will be transitioning campus email addresses to Google mail in the spring semester, with a projected launch date of Jan. 5, 2015 currently earmarked. The Students Advisory Committee for Technology was previously tasked with determining the need and desire for a new email provider on campus, with students overwhelmingly showing support for Gmail and the associated Google Apps for Education. Moving from Microsoft’s Outlook Web App service that many universities
Graphic courtesy of TWU’s Office of Technology
Graphic courtesy of Kalpesh Ajugia from Vector Icons Download
utilize, such as the University of California at Los Angeles and Samford University, students’ current email address will be part of Google’s mail web app. Currently used email
addresses will remain intact, as will students’ current passwords associated with their Outlook logins. However, according to the press release from TWU’s Office of Technology, storage
available for students’ email inboxes will be increased in the transition to 30 GB of space, which is a noticeable jump in size from Outlook’s 100 MB restriction. That is roughly 300 times the storage space currently offered with Outlook’s Web App, as there are 1,024 MB in a single Gigabyte. Additional services that will come packaged with
the transition include the use of Google Drive for file storage on any computer and the use of apps such as Google Hangouts, Google Forms and Google Calendar. According to the press release from the Office of Technology, Google Apps for Education will boast “improved navigation and responsive design superior to older email systems
— such as Outlook.” As provided in the press release and at http://www.twu.edu/ google, the service will be implemented on the go-live date of Jan. 5 for students, while faculty and staff may choose to forward email from their existing email and use Google’s apps.
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News | Administration
Dr. Carine M.Feyten: 11th President, 2nd Chancellor Photo by Tammi Paul
Four months after moving in, Dr. Feyten formally takes office at her inauguration in a historic TWU moment Shelby Baker Editor-in-Chief sbaker3@twu.edu Yesterday marked the inauguration of TWU’s second Chancellor and eleventh President, Dr. Carine M. Feyten. The inauguration was titled “Moving Beyond the Inflection Point: Pioneers for a New Era.”
The inauguration ceremony was broadcast live online and watch parties were set up in both the Student Union and Fitness and Recreation Center for viewing. Classes between 12:30 and 5 p.m. were cancelled so everyone could attend the event. Held in Margo Jones Performance Hall, Feyten was welcomed by colleagues,
government officials and members of the TWU community to her post. Feyten herself gave an address, explaining the title of the event and looking forward to TWU’s future. Her fourth point was her appointment as chancellor and president, and how that is a tipping point for TWU that will lead to a new future. In her speech, she
mentioned that “TWU has a long tradition of refusing to sit still.” Feyten talked about areas of TWU that are important, the most loudly agreed on example of this being a new student union. She also spoke on the veteran population on campus and first generation students, that TWU is a place for everyone. In addition,
childcare is something that she brought up, and how it affects a parent’s performance in the classroom.
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Local news
Denton celebrates Veterans Day Dentonites brave the cold to join in honoring veterans in the community Amanda Clark Page Editor aclark9@twu.edu Yesterday, Nov. 11, Dentonites of all ages gathered around the Square to commemorate and celebrate Veterans Day. The cold weather didn’t affect the turnout to the event as there were about one hundred people gathered around to take part in the Veterans Day Program. The Denton County Veterans
Service Office, TWU and the UNT all sponsored the event. Director of Commuter Services Amy O’Keefe, who has been a voice for veterans on the campus of TWU helped with the set up for the event. When asked what she enjoys about the event, O’Keefe said: “It’s a great community event. I know that may sound generic or bland, but it’s unique to see people of all ages as well as different communities to come out and work together for one event.
We had Sam Houston Elementary School, Denton and Ryan High Schools, TWU, UNT, Denton County and many organizations partake in this event.” The event kicked off with music from the TWU Brass Ensemble followed by the Sam Houston Singers performing a song. After a welcome by Paul Bastaich, a Veteran’s Service officer, a moment of silence was held followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
One of the more touching moments of the program was the invocation led by Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart holder Virgil Aldag who prayed in remembrance of all those who have made the sacrifice to serve, as well as their families. Many of the speakers to follow him mentioned how moved they were by his prayer.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Opinions
Daylight Saving Time....................2
News
Fracking ban................................3
Community
Denton homelessness.................4
Lifestyle
Fall fashion..................................5
Sports
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Basketball predictions................6
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Opinions
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
twulasso.com
Opinion | Politics
With Wendy out the show must go on Despite Wendy Davis’ loss in the gubernatorial race, voters are actually showing interest Alex Ancira Managing Editor aancira@twu.edu When done right, democracy is a race where no one loses. To some of you out there, that probably sounds a bit strange — but I can explain, trust me. Democracy is a system where the public collectively comes together to determine who will be representing different people’s interests
nationally, locally and statewide. And everyone vies for their choice of candidate, hoping to get the representation most tailored to their specific needs. The beauty, though, lies in the fact that the candidate coming out on top ostensibly represents the entire public voting pool. That’s the kicker: not just everyone who voted for them. Everyone in general. Every. One. That last part cannot be stressed enough.
Recently, Congress became entirely GOPled and Greg Abbott beat out Wendy Davis for Texas Governor. Before I continue, I would like to stress that I do not support Greg Abbott nor do I support the GOP in any way, shape or form. Abbott is just about the last candidate you would catch me voting for in any election ever. But having said that, I do not believe that democracy is dead or that political
activism should fall back to political apathy in the wake of Wendy’s monumental loss. Waking up to the election results and the Abbott announcement, I was showered with the usual gloom and doom pessimism that I’ve come to expect from Twitter activists on the losing side. Some claimed the election was rigged, some called into question the district lines (an associated, welldocumented phenomenon called gerrymandering) and some criticized the democratic process in general. Friends and family members on Facebook were so saddened by the loss that they felt the Texas Democratic Party might not ever have a shot at winning the gubernatorial again. Basically everyone was Chicken Little-ing. - Alex Ancira, Lasso Managing Editor Of course, all of this is
“Yet all of this crumbles if voters put
too much into this election and become disillusioned about upcoming — more local — elections that affect day-to-day life.”
good. Sure it’s all classic, grade-A wallowing, but it means that for the first time in a long while voters care. And it is incredibly promising that more voters than usual came to the polls in Denton for a non-Presidential election. Yet all of this crumbles if voters put too much into this election and become disillusioned about upcoming — more local — elections that affect day-to-day life. According to reputable sources such as the New York Times, Texas had lower turnout than the 2010 midterm elections, but the nation on the whole did too. Denton County, however, proved to be the little district that could by coming out in droves larger than the state average to vote on the proposed fracking ban and the Denton First proposal,
offering hard alcohol for sale in the county again. Both bills passed and voters’ voices were collectively heard. Change is alive and well. One failed goal does not undermine the entirety of American politics. Young democrats and distressed Texans in general need to continue to take part in the democratic process. Do not skip voting, depressed Wendy supporters. Greg Abbott, like all candidates who won in spite of crowds of dissenters, cannot shipwreck Texas. No one person can kill something that large and driven by the people. But if only a fraction of voters continue tuning in at midterm and presidential election times, if at all, it will not be one person who slays the ballot’s best efforts.
Opinion | Voting
Opinion | Seasonal
A cynical generation focuses more on living than changing
Clocks fall back, people fall into backwards routines
Too cool to care: Apathy’s active lie Tiffany Lam Copy Editor tlam6@twu.edu
Apathy is a known affliction in our generation. It’s a known affliction in every generation, but apparently it’s hitting us especially hard. Don’t worry, this isn’t a call to action or a guilt trip. I’m one of those “disinterested youths of America,” so you’re in good company. You’ve heard it all by now: we don’t care about politics, we don’t vote, we’re lazy, we’re selfabsorbed and we spend too much time on the internets. The world is going to shambles around us, and we’re too busy updating our profile pics to care. To be fair, some of us are updating them to increase awareness about the cause-of-the-week. (Though to be brutally honest, slacktivism is slightly more contemptible than apathy. At least we don’t pretend that we’re contributing to the solution.) Still, the outcries are adamant: we are squandering the rights and privileges given to us as
American citizens. “These darn youngsters are just ruining everything by refusing to exercise their right to vote and taking all those selfies,” is basically what those people sound like. This kind of rhetoric does little to sway people into action. Hurling accusations is not a good conversation starter and will hardly be a slap in the face to the apathetic. The whole point of apathy is that we don’t care, after all. I commend those people who can juggle their daily lives and problems with the global crises that arise seemingly every hour and not lose hope — those people who actively respond to the shifting face of the world rather than idly scroll past it in their Twitter feed. It isn’t that apathy is excusable, but I think that it is at the very least understandable. Many of us are bitter cynics when it comes to politics, and we think that history has only proven us right, not wrong. Many more of us have other things to occupy our attention: school, work, family, friends.
There are still more reasons, or excuses, as to why we haven’t put our bodies upon the gears. Whatever they are, we need to acknowledge that refusal to participate means that we don’t exactly have a soapbox to stand on. I can read about the Umbrella Movement until my eyes bleed, debate about whether the fracking ban being passed is a good or bad thing, discuss the social inequity that we live in the midst of, but at the end of the day, I must know that I and my apathy are part of the problem. The easy road is to claim to have no opinion even though the truth, more often than any of us would care to admit, is that we don’t know enough to have a well informed opinion. In this way, it becomes easy to pretend that these problems will never touch us. Much as we would like to think so, however, even the apathetic don’t live in a vacuum. I lied; it turns out this was a little bit of a guilt trip after all.
The Lasso editorial staff Editor-in-Chief
Shelby Baker • sbaker3@twu.edu
Managing Editor
Alexander Ancira • aancira@twu.edu
Reporters
Designer
Toi Ferguson • lferguson2@twu.edu
Page Editors
Emily Nickles • enickles@twu.edu Amanda Clark • aclark9@twu.edu
Monica Alcaraz • malcaraz@twu.edu Matt Olson • molson3@twu.edu Sarah de Schweinitz • sdeschweinitz@twu.edu
Copy Editors
Photographer
Advisor
Tammi Paul • tpaul1@twu.edu
Daylight Saving Time for no reason or rhyme Savannah Peer Copy Editor speer@twu.edu I am sick and tired of changing my clocks to spring forward an hour and fall back an hour just to do it all over again the next year. Adjusting to the time change is terrible, and it boggles my mind that we still change the time since society has evolved tremendously. Is it really necessary to continue changing back and forth between daylight saving time and standard time? I think not. Many people believe that we change our clocks because farmers preferred daylight saving time for agricultural reasons, but in reality, this is a myth. Farmers actually disliked the time change completely. If this were the case though, it would still not make sense to change the time back to standard time. Daylight saving time was initially adopted because of World War I. With one less hour in the morning and one hour extra in the evening, soldiers and
citizens involved in the war had extra time for war production that would also allow the conservation of energy. After World War II ended, states were free to decide if they wanted to keep daylight savings time or not. From 1945 until 2007, there was an extreme inconsistency with keeping daylight saving time or just having it during the summer. But finally in 2007, the system that we have now was finalized; however, Arizona, Hawaii, territories in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam and America Samoa do not participate in the time change each year as it is optional. Over the years, studies have been performed that resulted in daylight saving time conserving energy. Therefore, we should adopt daylight saving time year round instead of changing back to standard time, so that more energy is conserved. Society needs consistency, and we cannot have consistency with the repetitive alteration of time. There are enough things in life that people have to
All rights reserved. The Lasso is a weekly student publication of Texas Woman’s University, written and produced by students and printed at DFW Printing. Editors develop their own editorial and news policies.The presentation of news and editorials and the personal opinions expressed in The Lasso are those of Lasso staff and writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, staff, students, administration or the Regents of Texas Woman’s University.
This week’s issue Vol. 101 No. 26
deal with on a day to day basis without also adjusting to a time change. There is no need to throw in another factor that results in more fatigue. As it is, we have to familiarize ourselves all over again with the early morning light popping into our windows at 7 a.m., and more accidents are said to occur with people driving home from work during dark hours. This is a major disturbance to our daily routines. The world has evolved from 1918, and it is time for change, Texas. We as a society need to make it known that the time change plays an unnecessary role. By sticking with daylight saving time and not changing back to standard time, we can conserve more energy and continue on with our routines without those awful adjustments. To end the time change visit the website and sign the petition at https://petitions.whitehouse. gov/petition/end-daylightsavings-time-pick-standardtime-or-daylight-savingstime-and-leave-clocks-alone/ JZvpnFc8.
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Email lasso@twu.edu Website twulasso.com
Savannah Peer • speer@twu.edu Tiffany Lam • tlam6@twu.edu Rhonda Ross• rross7@twu.edu
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News
twulasso.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Chancellor’s inauguration
Email upgrade
At both the inauguration ceremony and luncheon, many people spoke about Feyten, including U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, State Representative Myra Crownover, TWU Faculty Senate speaker and Dental Hygiene Clinical Associate Professor Lizabeth A. Spoonts and Student Government Association President Landon Dickerson. Each person who spoke of Feyten had nothing but praise for her and her time here at TWU. Chancellor and President of the University of Houston Dr. Renu Khator has been a friend and colleague of Feyten for the last 20 years. The two have known each other since Feyten came to this country and worked together at the University of South Florida, where Feyten served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the College of Education. Khator remarked in her keynote that Feyten “has confidence. Confidence not just in her ability to do things, but in the ability of others to get things done. She has the vision and the courage to follow that vision. She has the passion, and once she starts, she won’t let go. She has the humility to know she needs partners.” Khator also left Feyten with some words of advice to help her as TWU’s
According to the press release, the upgrade from Outlook was spawned from feedback made available to the Office of Technology due to StudentsACT, a committee formed last spring semester to determine the student need associated with a new email service. Having offered a survey in the spring semester and multiple information sessions across TWU’s Dallas, Houston and Denton campuses, StudentsACT suggested that Google Apps for Education be used on the grounds that of the 1,459 student respondents to the survey made available online, 60 percent indicated a preference for Gmail, beating out competing services Microsoft Exchange (the currently implemented option, purposed to have a larger storage space made available) and Microsoft365. Chair of StudentsACT Marissa Johnson spoke positively about the change and how it is likely to be responded to: “I think the student body will appreciate moving over to Google mail. Our committee will work hard to ensure that the students are given the information needed to adjust. This will be a great change, and I am very excited to see this moving forward.” StudentsACT will continue to explore technology changes that students need and want, starting in Spring 2015 with information sessions, eLounges and surveys about TWU’s open
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chancellor and president, the most notable of which was that Feyten needed to learn the Texan language. Feyten has worked in higher education since 1981, where she was a part-time instructor at the Universidad IberoAmericana, Mexico, teaching French and English classes for beginners. From there, she continued up the career ladder, holding a variety of positions at the University of South Florida, including Interim Chair and Chair for the Department of Secondary Education as well as the Associate Dean. Following her time at USF, Feyten took the position of Dean of the School of Education and Allied Professions, Miami University in Ohio and is now at TWU. Feyten has filled the position left by Chancellor and President Emeritus Dr. Ann Stuart, who retired after 15 years. During her time at TWU, Stuart saw an increase in enrollment by 85 percent and was able to raise over $220 million for the improvement of resources available to the university community. Many who visit the campus will see the Ann Stuart Science Complex, which has added additional laboratories and classrooms for students pursuing careers in the science and mathematics fields. Attending the
Photo by Tammi Paul
Above: Dance students line Redbud lane during the processional, performing flamenco dances on the grass, sidewalks and brick walls.
luncheon was Eighth President Emeritus Dr. Shirley Chater, who served as TWU’s leader from 1986 to 1993. At the time of her arrival, the Select Committee on Higher Education was proposing a merger or consolidation of TWU and UNT due to the decrease in state funding. Once she had taken office,
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Chater visited Austin along with 600 members of the TWU community and made a case for the continued autonomy of the university. Many people who are considered to have made waves were present during the activites yesterday to greet and welcome in Feyten’s era at TWU.
computer labs and related open spaces. Associate Provost for Technology and Chief Information Officer Dr. Robert Placido spoke of the StudentsACT efforts to improve technology on campus: “I am so proud of our StudentsACT members for participating in this project with such passion. The project was originally conceived as an option for email. The StudentsACT members engaged their peers, listened and realized that email was a low priority compared to tools that provide students with a means for collaboration.” Information sessions will be made available throughout the end of the Fall 2014 semester to allow for an easier transition to the new email service. A Commuter Services eLounge session will be held on Friday, Nov. 21, from noon-1 p.m. at http://www.twu.edu/commuter, followed by a Google Apps Tech Talk for students on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in ACT 301 with videoconferencing to Dallas and Houston in Dallas 8201 and Houston 5305 respectively. Following those sessions, TWU will host a StudentsACT Tech Talk for faculty and staff on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 2-3 p.m. in ACT 301 with videoconferencing available to TWU’s other two campuses in Dallas 8201 and Houston 3322.
News Feature | Fracking
Denton passes fracking ban, faces backlash in courts Residents voted in favor of banning fracking, the city prepares to fight a legal battle to protect their interests Matt Olson Reporter molson3@twu.edu When the votes were finally counted last Tuesday, Denton became the first ordinance in Texas to pass a ban on the process of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, within city limits, with roughly 59 percent for the ban and 41 percent against it. The City Council will certify the election on Nov. 18, and if they approve the ban without interference, then it will be enacted on Dec. 2. However, the progress made by the vote may well be short-lived. On
the following Wednesday, the Texas Oil and Gas Association and the Texas General Land Office challenged the ban with lawsuits while Texas politicians began working to effectively ban Denton’s ban and to prevent other cities from placing similar sanctions against fracking. According to a Fort Worth Star Telegram article, Denton, Fort Worth, Arlington and Mansfield have attempted to prevent fracking within certain boundaries, mainly concerning communities. Regardless of these limitations, oil and gas
companies have continued drilling alarmingly close to residences. This year, the pro-environment Denton Drilling Awareness Group collected almost 2,000 petition signatures from residents, allowing those who took issue with fracking to take to the polls and voice their opinions. Pro-fracking groups accuse their opponents of using alarming information in their campaigning to win the support of voters. Denton Taxpayers for a Strong Economy leader Randy Sorrells said in a Star Telegram article: “They preyed on their emotions.
Kids having nosebleeds and not being able to play outside. It has been an emotional bandwagon.” In the same article, Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter referred to pro-environment groups’ campaigning as “scare tactics and mischaracterizations of the truth” and stated: “Texas is a global energy leader and has the best job climate in the country because of our fair, even-handed regulatory environment. Bans based on misinformation — instead of science and fact — potentially threaten this energy renaissance and as a result, the well-being
of all Texans.” Porter did not address the notion that science and fact do not support his ideas that fracking does not affect public health. Texas Railroad Commission Chairwoman Christi Craddick presumably has the authority to override the fracking ban. In a Think Progress article, she stated: “It’s my job to give permits, not Denton’s. We’re going to continue permitting up there because that’s my job.” Like Sorrells and Porter, she referred to the legitimate health and environmental concerns as “misinformation.”
Despite the Texas Railroad Commission’s claims that the ban is unconstitutional, Denton mayor Chris Watts said in a CNBC interview: “The citizens exercised their right of self-help through the Denton city charter. I’ve vowed then, and even in my oath I’m vowed to uphold the ordinances and the charter of Denton. So we will certainly be defending our ordinance.” The ban may well be upheld or dismissed. Denton, its residents and Texas will have a more definite answer than its current one after Nov. 18 and Dec. 2.
Texas Woman’s University
Campus Blotter Theft On Nov. 4, a report of theft was made on Bell Avenue that did not result in an arrest. Fire Alarm On Nov. 6, a fire alarm went off at Bell Avenue, but there was no fire or property damage reported. Criminal Mischief A call was made to DPS on Nov. 6 regarding criminal mischief at the MCL Building. Attempted Assault On Nov. 9, a report was made to DPS about a criminal attempt at assualt and a threat of bodily injury at Jones Hall. The actual threat was made between Nov. 6 and 7. Criminal Trespass A report of criminal trespass was made at Lowry Woods Community on Nov. 9 that resulted in personal injury and arrest of the trespasser.
CAB Coffee House Matt Olson Reporter molson3@twu.edu Tuesday, Nov. 11, TWU’s Campus Activities Board hosted Coffee House, an event designed to engage students with student-led performances. The event took place in the Student Union Purple Lounge, starting at noon. CAB Concert’s Chair and Health Studies major Jennifer Talavera said via email: “The goal for these events is to entertain the students while they take breaks from their daily routine such as homework and studying. It gives the students an insight on what TWU can bring to all of the students and help them be more intrigued with the campus itself.” Attendance for this event ranged from 30
to 50 students at a time while CAB’s previous Coffee House event found an audience of around 240 students. Talavera elaborated: “Location, time and the performer affect the amount of people who are able to show up to the event.” Talavera expressed hope that the students who participated found the event engaging. She said: “Sometimes students forget that TWU can be a place to unwind and enjoy. CAB brings us these types of events to help students take a break from any stressful situation and entertain them with useful events like the coffee house concerts and make it more of a fun and exciting environment.” CAB’s next event, Get Outta Your Mind, will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 9 p.m. in Hubbard Hall.
Ending the Silence 2014
A presentation on reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. November 19, 2014 7 PM ASB 101
For more information, please contact APhillips11@twu.edu
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Community
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
twulasso.com
Campus | Veterans
Lest we forget: Honoring student veterans
A group that only represents an eighth of the TWU population, they still have experiences and unique needs Emily Nickles Page Editor enickles@twu.edu Veterans Day is a day when citizens of the U.S. honor our soldiers, our protectors — the men and women who took an oath to guard this country and lay down their lives. About 2 percent of TWU students are veterans, and because that is a small percentage, they represent a minority that can be overlooked. TWU student veterans have a unique experience and bring the campus different perspectives; they are therefore deserving of our attention. Veteran and President of the Student Veterans Association on campus Christopher Craig started
attending TWU last spring and shared his story: “I enlisted as reservist in the U.S. Navy in 2005 and am still going at it. I took a strange route. I started out going to college, but I was unmotivated. I decided to join the reserves because I knew I wanted to do something with the military eventually ... I ended up spending a lot of time on orders, so much so that school took a back seat. So, now I am here at TWU ready and motivated.” Director of Commuter and Non-Traditional Services Amy O’Keefe works with many of the veterans on campus and hears first-hand accounts of experiences. Based on the needs and desires of her non-traditional veteran students, O’Keefe was able to open
the Veterans Center in Jones Hall with the donations of local veteran and business owner Jason Weir. This was in response to a request from vet students wanting a place to relax and meet other veterans. O’Keefe shared what she has seen as important to veteran students: “Some of the things that are important to veterans are also important to other non-traditional students. For example, in general they value punctuality, they value preparedness, they value competence. So when they’re in a class that’s operated in that way, that’s a good fit.” Senior Registration Services Analyst and veteran Alex Alvarado transitioned to college after being in the military for twenty years. He said: “You’re going to
be usually older than the average student when you come into the classroom. I can tell you I was nervous, didn’t know what to expect, didn’t know how I was gonna do. The benefits that we live on at the time, before I got the job [in the registrar] was all that we had. ... A lot of veteran students rely on their education benefits.” Although the campus has made strides in support of veterans, there are other small things the university can do to make the transition easier. Alvarado stated that it would be nice “to see more faculty and staff come to some of these vet meetings and learn more about the vets, understand what they’re doing. You know, kind of get an understanding how they are in the classroom, what they expect
Community | Feature
Local news
Coming to know the people we all ignore
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in the classroom, what concerns they may have in the classroom.” It helps to know that the professors will have a better understanding of vets and what types of environments student vets excel in. Also an orientation for vets when they first begin attending TWU, like the Freshman Orientation, in order to inform veterans of their benefits and resources on campus. Craig shared that the SVA is open to any military friendly student. Anyone interested in a military career after college or just seeking information can join the association during their weekly meeting on Tuesdays at 12:20pm in the Veterans Center in Jones Hall.
Helping Denton’s homeless Veterans Day Program Sarah de Schweinitz Reporter sdeschweinitz@twu.edu You may have seen him holding his handwritten cardboard sign on the side of the road that says “Anything will help.” His name is Jerry. He walks the streets of Denton day-to-day, getting what he can. He has a family and is one of many homeless people much like him living in this area. Last May, I split my Chick-fil-A with him on the corner of University and Carroll. When I approached him, he greeted me with a crooked smile and a welcoming look in his bright blue eyes. He was wearing clothes that looked like they hadn’t been washed in at least a few weeks if I had to guess. I awkwardly introduced myself and asked him if he’d like to share my lunch with me. “What will you eat?” he asked. I told him I would have the other half and he accepted. He put down his sign on the grass and we sat there in the blazing sun, quietly eating our food. He didn’t once ask me for money and seemed grateful just for the company. Truthfully, I was
grateful for the company as well. Usually, I am wary of lending a helping hand because I am prone to assuming I already know their story. I have also been taught to fear people who are unlike me. Society has taught me that homeless people are lazy bums who choose not to live a stable life. In politics and in mainstream media, stories about homelessness often focus only on personal responsibility rather than structural issues. The whole “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” ideology doesn’t take into account that differing opportunities and large unexpected expenses can financially drown just about anyone. “A lot of these people were just like you and me before they got hit with massive medical bills or sudden deaths in the family. They didn’t expect to end up here,” TWU graduate Art student Angelia Ford said. Ford has personally interviewed and based her art on more than 40 people. One of her goals as an artist is to share the real stories of homeless people she has met and show us that they may not be who you think
they are. The problem with this is that citizens will assume, based on that mentality, that people without homes deserve to be on the street and that if we do decide to give them money, they will just blow it irresponsibly. In reality, the majority of homeless people do not want to be there and try to get back on their feet as soon as possible. “Eighty percent of the people I have interviewed are none of those things,” Ford said when I asked her about the drug-addicted, lazy bum stereotype. I think this is a worthy cause that we can all pitch in for — not only to make this city a better place but also to break down barriers between people of different classes. I am sure that with a little awareness, we will come to see that people who are down on their luck are more like us than we think, and that everyone needs help at one point or another in their lives. In part two of this story, I will share with you some of the backgrounds of homeless people in Denton and surrounding areas, right from their own mouths.
Photo by Tammi Paul
Flag leaders from Sam Houston then came on stage and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, both to the U.S. flag and the Texas state flag. On Hickory Street, like in years past, two fire trucks suspended a large American flag throughout the duration of the event. Before the different speakers began, there was a fly over helicopter seen from the square. Present on stage were a wide variety of representatives from the local government as well as representatives from both universities. Both Congressman Dr. Michael Burgess and Representative Myra Crownover shared brief remarks about the government’s work with veterans. UNT Student Veteran Association President
Jeremy Buchanan introduced UNT Provost Dr. Warren Burggren, who spoke about the 2,500 veterans present on UNT’s campus and the importance of serving those students. TWU SVA President Christopher Craig introduced TWU Executive Director of the Leadership Institute Retired U.S. Airforce Major General Mary Saunders who made the comment to “be brief and be gone” due to the chilly weather. Saunders spoke about all that TWU is doing to support student veterans and also spoke about how “freedom is not free,” thanking those in the audience profusely for their sacrifice and service. Craig remarked about the event: “I was just pleased to see all the veterans who came. If you get a chance
to talk to even one of them and get a story out of them, it will quite possibly change your life.” First-year TWU student veteran Bryanne Paschall shared some of her story and her experience as a veteran and non-traditional student. Paschall said: “It’s difficult for me being a veteran and a non-traditional student, but the staff and faculty are great at taking care of us [veterans] and our issues.” The main speaker for the event was Lieutenant Colonel Jim Wheeler. Wheeler served 21 years in the army, retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel. Wheeler now works in the Department of Veteran Affairs as the VA North Texas Healthcare Consumer Affairs Officer. Following Wheeler’s speech, there was bagpipe presentation by Denton Fireman Chuck Howell, an honor presentation of the wreath by the Junior ROTC of Ryan High School, a rifle volley by the Denton Vietnam Veterans of America and Echo Taps performed by Larry Crossman and Doug Ebersole of the Denton Vietnam Veterans of America. Even with the cold weather, it was evident that it was necessary to pay tribute to the many who serve. As UNT Provost Burggren remarked: “Not only should Veterans Day be today, but every day.”
Lifestyle
twulasso.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Fashion | Advice
Column | Food
Fashion during the cold season is all about comfort and warmth
Vegetarian and Page Editor Emily Nickles outlines the green life
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Fall into Fashion Veggie Tales: More than a diet
Shelby Baker Editor-in-Chief sbaker3@twu.edu Face it: fashion falls too far to the wayside this time of year. We’re removing family gatherings and friendly outings from the equation because we all want to look our absolute best then, but for the remainder of the time, we should practically live in our comfy clothes. Fall and winter is when you are supposed to wear whatever you want. It’s cold. You’re stressed. The food you eat over the holidays is going to leave you so full that you don’t want to even think of putting on those jeans. The weatherman says it’s going to be a cold one, with Icepocalypse 2: Electric Boogaloo right around the corner. That means freezing. That means if you leave the house, put on your warmest clothes and don’t match your coat to your boots. Better yet, stay home. Relax, drink a cup of your favorite hot beverage, your warmest flannel, penguin-printed PJs. And yes, I did say flannel.
AGENDA1 TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS COMMITTEE MEETINGS ACADEMIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Board of Regents Room, 10th Floor TWU Institute of Health Sciences – Houston Center 6700 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas Thursday, November 13, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. Academic Affairs Committee: Regents Farias (Chair), Paup (Vice Chair), Bancroft, Chriss, Henslee, & Tonn I. Call Meeting to Order II. Consider Approval of the Minutes of the Committee Meeting of August 14, 2014 III. Adjourn to Executive Session2 IV. Agenda • Report Item 1: Creation of the New Center for Faculty Excellence • Report Item 2: TWU Faculty Senate • Report Item 3: College of Nursing Study Abroad Trip to Japan • Report Item 4: Differential Tuition Increases in Selected Academic Programs • Report Item 5: Go Center Update V. Presentations and Recognitions VI. Adjourn AGENDA1 TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS COMMITTEE MEETINGS FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE Board of Regents Room, 10th Floor TWU Institute of Health Sciences – Houston Center 6700 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Finance & Audit Committee: Regents Wilson (Chair), Farias (Vice Chair), Bancroft, Gibson, Scanlon McGinity, & Schrader I. Call Meeting to Order II. Consider Approval of the Minutes of the Committee Meeting of August 14, 2014 III. Adjourn to Executive Session2 IV. Agenda • Action Item 1: Consider Recommending Approval of the Personnel Report • Action Item 2: Consider Recommending Acceptance of Grants • Action Item 3: Consider Recommending Approval of the Denton Municipal Electric Contract • Report Item 4: Preliminary Consideration of an Increase in Board Designated Tuition • Action Item 5: Consider Recommending Approval to Begin the Planning and Design Process for a 600-Space Parking Garage on the Denton Campus • Action Item 6: Consider Recommending Approval of the American Restoration, LLC Contract • Action Item 7: Consider Recommending Approval of an Increase in the First-Year Orientation Fee • Report Item 8: Receive the Housing and Student Union Update • Action Item 9: Consider Recommending Approval of Residential Security Cameras • Report Item 10: Receive the TWU Fundraising Report • Action Item 11: Consider Recommending Acceptance of Gifts to TWU • Report Item 12: Receive Informational Items on
including the TWU Special Event Update • Report Item 13: Pulled by the Administration on November 4, 2014
During the committee meetings a majority of the Board of Regents may be present. Each committee reserves the right to go into executive closed session for real estate, litigation, or personnel matters under V.T.C.A., Government Code Sections 551.072, 551.071, and 551.074, respectively, at any time for any item listed on the Agenda.
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Emily Nickles Page Editor enickles@twu.edu Peace-loving, tree-hugging hippie. If a vegetarian can be described in a few small phrases — that would be the stereotype. Aside from the few jokes of being compared to a cow (because all they eat is grass) and categorized as an herbivore, like some sort of dinosaur, vegetarianism is something that is claimed personally as a positive way of life. Just because “-ism� is in the phrase doesn’t mean it is a religion or a cult, although some might argue that’s the case. Vegetarianism is the decision to choose a healthier lifestyle that doesn’t include the processed sugars, fats and oils that most Americans eat on a daily basis. It is the decision to value animal life over factory line chickens being fed growth hormones while living in tiny cramped cages in a dark warehouse. It’s the choice to pick a better life for oneself — a life that doesn’t include tempting heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood-pressure. That’s the life I chose two years ago for myself. According to the MerriamWebster online dictionary, a vegetarian is “a person who does not eat meat.� It sounds simple enough, but for people living in America, meat is everything. Other than French fries, meat is what the fast food industry is based on. Not only that, but our culture is
• Report Item 14: Receive the Fall 2014 Enrollment Update • Report Item 15: Receive the Quarterly Status
• Report Item 16: Receive Informational
Administration, including the HUB Report and the Project Status Report V. Presentations and Recognitions VI. Adjourn AGENDA1 TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS MEETING BOR MEETING AGENDA Board of Regents Room, 10th Floor TWU Institute of Health Sciences – Houston Center 6700 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas Friday, November 14, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. Full Board Meeting: Regents Bancroft (Chair), Wilson (Vice Chair), Chriss, Farias, Gibson, Henslee, Scanlon McGinity, Paup, Schrader, & Tonn I. Call Meeting to Order II. Adjourn to Executive Closed Session: Real Estate, Litigation, or Personnel Matters, under V.T.C.A., Government Code Sections 551.072, 551.071, and 551.074, Respectively III. Reconvene into Open Session and Take Any Possible Action Regarding Matters Discussed in Executive Closed Session IV. Consider Approval of the Minutes of the Board Meeting of August 15, 2014 V. Consideration of Public Testimony on Full Board Agenda Items, If Any VI. Consent Agenda • Action Item 1: Consider Approval of the Personnel Report • Action Item 2: Consider Acceptance of Grants • Action Item 3: Consider Approval of the Denton Municipal Electric Contract • Action Item 4: Consider Approval to Begin the Planning and Design Process for a 600-Space Parking Garage on the Denton Campus • Action Item 5: Consider Approval of the American Restoration, LLC Contract • Action Item 6: Consider Approval of an Increase in the First-Year Orientation Fee • Action Item 7: Consider Approval of Residential Security Cameras • Action Item 8: Consider Acceptance of Gifts to TWU VII. Full Board Agenda • Action Item 9: Consider Approval and Acceptance of Tenure for Chancellor and President Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D. • Action Item 10: Consider Approval of the University Ambassador Policy and Position Description • Action Item 11: Consider Approval and Adoption of the Administration’s Recommended Edits of Certain Board of Regent Bylaws • Action Item 12: Consider Approval of the Appointment of Mr. Chad P. Wick as the University Ambassador • Action Item 13: Consider Faculty Member Dr. Bob Beck’s Request for a Final Tenure Appeal Hearing and Take All Necessary Actions Related Thereto VIII. Board Chair’s Report: A. Regents’ Remarks IX. Chancellor and President’s Report A. Vice Presidents’ Reports X. Adjourn 1 The Board reserves the right to go into executive closed session for real estate, litigation, or personnel matters under V.T.C.A., Government Code Sections 551.072, 551.071, and 551.074, respectively, at any time for any item listed on the Agenda.
metabolism and transpose fats. Vegetarians can get protein from many different sources such as tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, cashews; beans like kidney beans, black eyed peas, soy beans, garbanzo beans, lintels; natural grains like quinoa and oats; not to mention the wild cards like peas, soy milk, almond milk, and tofu; seeds and roots like poppy seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds and, believe it or not, hemp. When you put those options on the line next to pork, beef, fish, chicken, lamb, duck, deer and turkey, there doesn’t seem to really be a comparison. Vegetarian options far outweigh those of meats, unless you want to get creative. Personally, I’m not one for eating bugs or rats. I’m not here to convince you that you need to become a vegetarian, but I do want to share a bit of the facts Graphic by Toi Ferguson so the next installments of focused on the idea that to be this column will be dedicated healthy the best way to do so to sharing vegetarian tips, is to eat protein, and accord- tricks, struggles, stereotypes ing to doctors, one of the best and myths, anything that will sources of protein is in meat. impart my vegetarian wisdom Despite what many people upon you. Welcome to the think, there are more fatty journey folks. Read on! proteins in meat than lean proteins that will strengthen muscles, speed up the
Veggie
Tales
Feature | Student
Pioneer profile
Meet mother and student Shannon Andrews
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Photo by Alex Ancira
Next order of business: Dead week and finals. This is time dedicated to studying and praying to every deity out there that you can pass that one class. I have a dedicated sweatshirt for winter comfort, and it is the ugliest thing I have in my closet. It’s white with a gaudy Mardi Gras mask on the front. But it’s warm and comfy, and when I can’t understand why the answer on the test is 32 purple dancing ducks, at least I’m prepared for a long study session. Once the holiday breaks are here, who are you trying to impress every day? If it’s your family or partner, they love you no matter what you look like (hashtag truth bomb). Trust me, they have already seen you at your best and worst. Chuck the skinny jeans and jewelry aside, kiss the high heels and make-up goodbye. Odds are, you are going to unwind by watching Netflix, maybe “Orange Is the New Black� for the fifth time. Wear whatever you want, nobody’s watching. Those who need an example of comfort clothes should read this very carefully. As I write for you, my dear, fashion-forward readers, I am sitting in the comfiest clothes I own. Prepare to be disillusioned. Yep, I give you advice while wearing tattered old sweat pants and holey T-shirt two sizes too big. So let’s recap: wear whatever you want. You don’t need to impress anyone. Dress warm and in comfy clothes for a session of cold studying. And if you don’t know what’s comfy, look in the bottom drawer of your dresser, where you stuff all those school T-shirts and old clothes.
Sarah de Schweinitz Reporter sdeschweinitz@twu.edu I am sure all who participated in the student raffle last week at The Lasso 100 Celebration are dying to know who won. Congratulations go out to our winner: junior Sociology major Shannon Andrews. I met Shannon at the fountain outside of the library on the first truly chilly afternoon of the year. She was rocking fashionable black boots, black pants, and a maroon TWU sweatshirt. She greeted me with a warm smile that defied the cold, and although she claimed that she didn’t have much to say, I learned some intriguing things about our fellow Pioneer. Shannon is one of many people who enroll in college later in life. A non-traditional student, she came to TWU after already establishing a career and raising her two kids. An artist most of her life, Shannon focused on dance. She is versed in multiple types of dances, but clearly mentioned Middle Eastern and ballroom. She previously spent 16 years performing with Trup Oryantal and is currently part of Banaat Masri.
Photo by Shelby Baker
She has two adult kids. She transferred to TWU from El Centro Community College in Dallas, where both she and her two children previously attended at the same time. Most parents have a hard time imagining going to school with their kids, but Shannon knows firsthand. “Both of my kids are young adults. It is kind of bizarre that we are all students — my daughter, my son and me. It was kind of neat,� she said. As a Sociology major, she said she wanted to learn in a diverse environment. For her, TWU was the opportunity to apply what she learned in the classroom to her surroundings. “Diversity is a big part of me,� she said. “I think that there is a lot of diversity here — that’s one thing I like about it.� As an accomplished dancer, mother of two and relatively new student, she is letting life take her where she needs to be. “That’s the thing when you talk to an artist: nothing is absolute,� Shannon said. “But whatever paths open up to me in the future, I hope to use my past and my gifts in helping the community.�
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Sports
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Sports | Volleyball
twulasso.com
Sports | Basketball
Pioneers advance Basketball battles expectations The TWU volleyball team prepares for the LSC Championship Sarah de Schweinitz Reporter sdeschweinitz@twu.edu This season for TWU’s volleyball team has been impressive. Their current score sits at 18 wins and nine losses. As for home games, they have won all but one. Head volleyball coach Shelly Barberee told me how proud she is of her team and recognizes that some challenges were faced coming in, such as welcoming seven new players to the team. “Last year we had five seniors, so we had to replace a third of our team. Saying that, we got a good recruiting class and preseason. We were predicted to be third but finished second. We had a great season. I think we surpassed expectations people had this year,” Barberee said. Barberee is looking forward to the awards anticipated in the upcoming Lone Star Conference, with a special mention to first-year player Elizabeth Pennington, who is leading the Pioneers in four categories. “We are eager to go compete,” Barberee said. “We have worked all year long to get to this point, and we want to go and represent TWU well.” Senior outside hitter Jaqueline Santos spoke about her experience this semester and playing her second year on the team: “My favorite thing about this season is that we had seven new girls coming in this year, which is hard to build the connection to play together with so
many new girls. And I heard many people saying that the volleyball team will not be good this year, but we overcame it. We are number two in the conference and [today] we are leaving for the LSC Volleyball Championship Tournament.” Santos spoke about how close the team is and that her teammates even surprised her this year with a plane ticket home to Brazil to see her family for Christmas. “I am very thankful because I couldn’t afford it, and I am missing my family a lot. This vacation will make me feel renewed to finish my last semester in school this spring,” said Santos. The LSC Volleyball Championship will begin tomorrow against the Cameron University Aggies in Canyon, Texas. The Pioneers expect to go to the semifinals on Nov. 14 and end with the finals on Nov. 15. If the Pioneers keep up the good work, they will go on to the NCAA South Central Region Volleyball Championship for the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals from Nov. 20 to Nov. 22. The last stop for the Pioneers will hopefully be competing in the NCAA Division II Volleyball Elite Eight competition for the quarter finals, semifinals and national championship from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6. For more information on the TWU volleyball team and to keep up with the LSC Championship, visit http:// www.twuathletics.com.
High standards set by head coach for basketball next season
Photo courtesy of TWU Athletics
Above: So. guard Kenesha Saygo played last year in the LSC Championship and returns to the court this season.
Amanda Clark Page Editor aclark9@twu.edu The TWU Basketball team was recently picked fourth in the Lone Star Conference’s preseason poll. When asked about her thoughts on the poll, head basketball coach Beth Jilson said: “I don’t really look at it because it doesn’t mean anything to us. We have our own goals and our own expectations. That’s what other people think, not what we think. Last year, we finished in second. We don’t want to be fourth. We do have high expectations.” Jilson has been head coach for eight years. She takes a lot of pride in the basketball program and how they’ve grown and raised the bar. Sitting down with Jilson, it was evident that she intends to raise the bar again this season. Jilson shared the
dynamics of the team this year with 10 players returning to the court from last season and five new players rounding out the team. Some goals for the team this season are to do well in the LSC and have the opportunity to win a championship and the opportunity to travel to the regional tournament. Jilson spoke about returning players and her confidence in their abilities. One returner is sophomore point guard Kenesha Saygo who was named LSC Freshman of the Year. Jilson bragged on how she just keeps getting better and better. Jilson continued to brag on her team by sharing about each of her seniors including: point guard Barbara-Scott Kolb has started the past two years; Ashley Salazar, a great defender; Toree Mason, who is also a great defender; and Ria Pateraki
from Greece, who is a great offensive presence. With a core group of returners and fresh players, Jilson seemed excited about the dynamic of the team this season. The TWU basketball team signed five new players this season including two transfer students and three first-years. Sophomore Emily Spector came from Northwestern State and Sophomore Erin Maxwell from Abilene Christian. Jilson also commented on how impressed she’s already been with the three firstyears new to the team. Jilson spoke of her outlook for the season: “It’s a process. We’re getting used to playing together, and there are a lot of kinks we need to work out and things we need to get done, but we’re excited about starting the season and seeing where we’re at really early.” The main kink for the team to work out will be chemistry. It’ll take the
team playing and then evaluating the first couple of games to see how their chemistry evolves. Jilson spoke of their excitement to play and their disappointment of not advancing to the NCAA tournament last season. The Pioneers are anxious to get back out on the court and play again. Right now the team is really focusing on getting better every single day. The TWU Basketball team has been regularly practicing since Oct. 15 and has even had a couple of scrimmages and an exhibition game. On Friday, the Pioneers will play nationally ranked No. 7 Emporia State at 5 p.m. in the Midwestern State Archbrook Classic. Jilson believes this game will be a great assessment of where they are at as a team. The following day in the same tournament, TWU will play Adams State at 5 p.m.