The Murray State News March 12, 2015
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Vol. 89, No. 24
55.2 PERCENT
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of 437 reviewed colleges have policies that infringe on protected speech, including
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MURRAY STATE
Ben Manhanke
Chief Videographer bmanhanke@murraystate.edu
Every day, Murray State students, faculty and staff exercise their freedom of speech in classrooms, the residential colleges and walking across campus: a right granted to them by the First Amendment of the Constitution. Every day, these same constituents are in danger of being unconstitutionally silenced and punished by the University for using protected speech, according to a new study by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, or FIRE. FIRE’s 2014 study, published in their “Spotlight on Speech Codes 2015,” found that of the 437 private and public universities and colleges they reviewed for First Amendment violations, 55.2 percent had policies infringing on protected speech, including Murray State. “That doesn’t surprise me,” said Presi-
dent Bob Davies. “We require, for instance, if someone is going to protest that there is a registration process. FIRE would look at that as censoring. We’re looking at that from the perspective that we need to be aware of what is going on on-campus so that we can, if necessary, be responsible for the safety of our students, faculty and staff.” The University’s policy regarding the use of outside space is only rated by FIRE as a “Yellow Light” policy, however. In total, the University was reviewed to have three “Yellow Light” polices and two “Red Light” policies, those which “both clearly and substantially restrict freedom of speech.” However, the University was also reviewed to have two passing “Green Light” polices.
Davies said while FIRE and Murray State agree that universities should provide the best environment for students to speak freely, it is the definition of “best” that has caused tension. “I think one of the most amazing components of an American university is that we are the marketplace of ideas,” Davies said. “If we impinge on that freedom, on that personal security, we’re not going to advance great ideas; we’re not going to advance new theories to deal with issues that befall us.” Murray State’s failing “Red Light” ratings are based upon the Murray State Women’s Center Sexual/Peer Harassment policy and the University’s Internet Usage Policy, both of which were found by FIRE to be overly broad in their defining of harassing and inappropriate behavior. Dana Howard, social media marketing
manager, said students’ posts have been removed from Murray State’s social media accounts in the past, but only if they contained offensive language or were slanderous to the University, staff or faculty members. “We have never deleted negative comments just because they’re negative,” Howard said. “Anyone who wants to censor like that shouldn’t be on social media because that’s the whole point. We have a policy that if you have something you want to complain about, we’re going to be OK with that within bounds.” Azhar Majeed, director of FIRE’s Individual Rights in Education Program, said their rating system is based purely upon the policies a school has, not how they have been
see SPEECH, 2A
Tuition increases continue to mount across Kentucky
Zachary Orr || Staff writer
zorr1@murraystate.edu
Murray State Board of Regents approved a 3 percent tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students for the 2015-16 academic year, as well as a 2.5 percent increase for out-of-state undergraduate students. This increase was the second part of a twoyear plan approved by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), which allotted for an 8 percent increase over a two-year period, provided that the University did not increase tuition by more than 5 percent in any year. The Board of Regents approved an increase of 5 percent last year for the 2014-15 academic year, meaning that this year’s increase reached the maximum amount allotted by the CPE. The tuition increases are a direct result of lack in state appropriations, said Murray State’s Assistant Vice President of Branding and Marketing Catherine Sivills. “Since 2007-08, Murray State has experienced an approximate total of $8.8 million in cuts to its operating base appropriated from the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Sivills said. During a forum on the proposed tuition increase to the University Feb. 25, President Bob Davies spoke on the same subject. “The biggest driver of tuition at public universities is state appropriations, time and time again,” Davies said. According to the CPE comprehensive data-
Online evaluations arise as a discussion point WHAT’S
INSIDE
Tuition increases over 10 years
Kentucky University of Eastern Murray State Louisville Kentucky KCTCS State 64 percent 72 percent 86 percent 107 percent 109 percent base, Murray State has averaged a 5 percent increase in tuition and mandatory fees every year since 2002. Murray State averaged a five-year increase of 24 percent and a 10-year increase of 86 percent. Murray State’s numbers are considerably conservative, coming in at the third lowest increase of all public universities in the state, with Kentucky State University at 72 percent and Kentucky Community and Technical College System at 64 percent. Eastern Kentucky University averaged the highest 10-year increase at 109 percent and Uni-
Lucy Easley || Staff writer leasley@murraystate.edu
The Student Government Association discussed the possibility of online course evaluations instead of the paper system currently in use in its Feb. 24 meeting. The possibility is no more than a talking point right now, said Jeanie Morgan, SGA adviser of student activities. This is not the first time this topic has come up. Discussions of professor evaluations produced controversial outcomes in the past, Morgan said. In 1998, former SGA President Todd Earwood gathered data for professors across every department of the university. This document, called The SGA Source, reported average percentages of letter grades professors gave students in each course taught by that professor, Morgan said. The SGA Source caused contro-
versity of Louisville had the second highest at 107 percent. During both the forum for students on the proposed tuition increase and the Board of Regents meeting in which the increase was voted on, Davies presented information as to just how much the increase will affect students’ pocketbooks in the upcoming semesters. According to the presentation, an in-state undergraduate student can expect an increase of $108 per semester, counting both tuition and mandatory fees. “As pointed out to the students, a semester
versy on campus, as some professors felt their privacy was violated, she said. The publication was intended to help students understand how each professor graded and give an indication of their difficulty level, much like modern systems such as RateMyProfessor.com, Morgan said. Carrie Jerrell, assistant professor of English, said evaluations are important for professors, but especially important for the University as a whole. “Maybe what would be better is for us to have a larger conversation about what we think evaluations really are for students and teachers,” Jerrell said. An issue discussed with online evaluations is whether or not students would take the time to complete them. Joshua Hitz, senior from Staunton, Ill., said the University could do a number of things to encourage students to share their opinions outside of paper surveys.
is 16 weeks,” Davies said. “This is $6.75 a week. That’s a venti mocha latte a week.” CPE does not regulate tuition increases for out-of-state undergraduate students and in-state and out-of-state graduate students. For these students, the increases projected are a little more expensive. An out-of-state undergraduate student can expect an increase of $300 per semester. In-state graduate students can expect an increase of $14 per credit hour, meaning that a student taking 15 credit hours in a semester would experience a $210 increase. Out-of-state graduate students can expect an increase of $40 per credit hour, meaning that a student taking 12 credit hours in a semester would experience a $600 increase. Regional discounts are being factored in to these increases, but there are no solid numbers yet, Davies said. Although many states have committed to reinvesting in higher education in recent years, Kentucky was not one of them, Davies said in a previous interview with The Murray State News. Kentucky lawmakers consider a college education an investment a student makes into their own future, and it is not the state’s job to assist. Davies strongly disagrees with this stance. “… it’s beyond that,” he said. “The power of education is not teaching you facts and figures for you to regurgitate: it’s enabling you to have critical thought and to have new ideas and communicate those.”
“I think it would be a good change to move the evaluations online,” Hitz said. “People may be more inclined to fill them out since they are on the Internet, but I think students would forget to fill them out without some kind of incentive.” Jerrell said she takes time to explain to her students how seriously she takes the feedback, but has never given extra motivation for students to fill them out. Other universities currently utilize the Internet to gather students’ responses. University of Louisville and University of Kentucky use online systems, and each university deals with their own system of rewards for student comments. According to the university’s website, evaluations at Louisville are only accessible online. The university encourages students to participate by
SGA RESULTS
OUR VIEW
The results are in ... and they’re on page 2A
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2A
March 12, 2015
Combs wins SGA presidency in close 3-way race Mary Bradley Editor-in-Chief
mbradley9@murraystate.edu
Clint Combs is the newly-elected president of the Student Government Association after winning Wednesday with 38 percent of the vote in a close three-way race. Combs beat out Luke King, who had about 33 percent and Michael Mann, who had about 28 percent of the 1,485 votes cast over two days. Combs’ running mate Nathan Payne won the vice presidential election with 44 percent of the votes, defeating Chantry Carroll (23 percent), Kendrick Settler (26 percent) and Robert Gomez (7 percent). “Nathan and I – we campaigned together, and we did the best that we could,” Combs said. “There’s nothing I would’ve changed about that. But I am so grateful to Murray State for believing in us. We’ve got a lot of great ideas for the SGA. It’s been in great hands the past several years and I’m just excited to keep that momentum going forward.” Rachel Ross, who ran un-
opposed, was elected the SGA treasurer. Heather Raley claimed 58 percent of the votes for secretary as she defeated Jamie Nuckolls. The results were announced Wednesday night in Winslow Dining Hall – a popular area for students to gather. Jeanie Morgan, adviser for SGA, said Winslow typically has between 800 and 1,000 students visit the during the weekly wild wing Wednesday late night hours. Winslow was a new venue for SGA election announcements. The election results used to be announced in the Quad during All Campus Sing in mid-April, but SGA moved the election up this year. “There’s not enough time to transition,” Morgan said about the earlier election date. “You have to elected a judicial board, senate chairs and we have to have our activities board selected. You can’t get it all done in one week.” Morgan said all other Kentucky public schools, and now Murray State, hold their student government elections before Spring Break.
Michael Dobbs, SGA president for 2014-15, said the elections this year were a success. “I think all of the candidates we had we very, very well qualified,” Dobbs said. “I’m not just saying that, I truly believe that.”
FULL RESULTS: President
Clint Combs
Vice President Nathan Payne
Secretary
Heather Raley
Treasurer
Rachel Ross
Residential College Association President Paula Jaco
Residential College Association Vice President Chris Wright
Senator At-Large Patrick Hooks Connor Jaschen
Christian Barnes Carter Hearne Dylan Baker Emily Baker Jaclyn Whoberry Jordan Maberry
Business Senators Mounika Nalluri Amie Jones Taylor Futrell
Education and Human Services Senator Tanelle Smith
Humanities and Fine Arts Senators Chynnique Ross David Crittendon
Science, Engineering and Technology Senators Vislias Ankatha Clayton Sparks Anh Ngo
Agriculture Senators Connor Moore Hunter Easterling Leah Cline
Nursing and Health Professions Senators Paige Buckner Becca Spraggs
Jenny Rohl/The News
Nathan Payne (left) embraces Clint Combs (right) after the election results were announced.
Resident discipline in residential colleges lagging Abby Siegel || Contributing writer asiegel@murraystate.edu
Murray State residential college residents say disciplinary action needs to be further enforced to increase respect on the residential side of campus. Each of the eight residential colleges are composed of hundreds of students. Within the residential colleges, issues resulting from intoxication, roommate incompatibility and irresponsibility create a community of upset residents when dealing with the inappropriate behaviors of others. For instance, on Feb. 23 the second floor of Hester Residential College was found to have a hole in the wall that was created by an unidentified resident. After Facilities Management filled the hole, the same spot was damaged twice more. No individuals have come forward. Hester resident Brendon Shepard, freshman from Duquoin, Ill., said there is no way to regulate residents’ behaviors, especially while intoxicated, and that residents need to “grow up.” He said those who break policies don’t care about the consequences regularly enforced by the Housing staff. “Unless you kick them out, there’s no way to deal with them,” Shepard said. “People who break state laws don’t care about a warning or talking to the (resident director).” “I’m really going to be mad if I have to pay for that,” Shepard said. Other Hester residents feel similarly.
“It’s terrible,” said Charley Lattus, junior from Fulton, Ky. “There is a clear lack of control and since there was no punishment now anything goes.” The punishment for residential college transgressors should fit the crime, said Jessica Newton, sophomore from Paducah, Ky., who also lives in Hester. “Serious action means serious consequences,” she said. Residents living within the University’s residential colleges said they believe a lack of respect for others coupled with immaturity are the roots of the disciplinary problems. The Murray State Student Life Policies, Rules, and Procedures handbook states that the University Judicial Board has the authority to impose consequences such as expulsion, suspension, restitution and probation amongst others on residents who do not follow University rules. If a student is removed from Murray State housing for disciplinary reasons, the student is responsible for their housing charges without reimbursement. Despite this, consequences for misconduct often end with a warning rather than further action. “(I have my staff) call Public Safety a lot, or need to talk to a resident to address an issue, but the actual consequence is minimal, so people don’t take it seriously,” said Vanessa Barrientos, sophomore from Boston and resident adviser in Springer Residential College.
EVALS
SPEECH
From Page 1 offering the chance to win $250 in credit toward books if completed by a certain date. University of Kentucky offers both paper and online evaluations. Rebecca Clements, junior at Kentucky, said some professors give students extra credit points for filling out surveys. “I’ve personally never had a teacher give extra points for filling out evaluations, but I’ve heard of some teachers that do,” Clements said. Morgan said the current system will likely remain untouched, something professors like Jerrell would not want. “It’s not that I don’t think students don’t have a right to evaluate their classroom experience and professors,” Jerrell said. “I’m just not sure bubble sheets are the right way to do it.”
From Page 1
Jenny Rohl/The News
Jeff Wylie, senior lecturer for the College of Education and Human Services, speaks to students in his class who will later evaluate the course.
violations. Patrick Hooks, junior from Owensboro, Ky., said one reason for minimal violations is the community that has been built through the combined effort of Residential College Council members and resident advisers. Hooks said that the strength of the community has influenced residents to address noise complaints themselves rather than filing a complaint with their resident adviser. “Building community just happens because the RAs and RDs are friends and can be found in the lobby often just hanging out,” said Little. “That’s how residents see them, so they respond to the rules better.” Little said he believes the close community also helps with the sense of security within the residential colleges. “The fact that you know everyone helps with safety,” Little said. “That’s kind of lacking off campus.” Murray State students seem to be in agreement that they feel safe living on campus. Catherine Hunt, junior from Cincinnati, said she believes others “breaking rules doesn’t change safety” within Elizabeth Residential College. Thomas Wang, sophomore international student from Taipei, Taiwan, and resident of Hester is glad to feel safe within his residential college while being so far from home. Although rowdy residents annoy Wang, he would choose safety over a quiet residential college. “Of course I choose safety,” Wang said.
Barrientos suggested a “three-strikes-you’reout” policy: after three offenses involving Public Safety, a resident would be forced to move off campus. “This gets the message through that there are other people living here and that you have to respect that,” Barrientos said. Katie Haefner, senior from St. Louis, said she wishes the University took more action when residents break policies. “When there is a problem it is treated as a slap on the wrist, and so people are willing to break the rules,” Haefner said. Haefner suggested a financial penalty as a deterrent. It would generate respect for the rules, similar to that of fining for parking violations, she said. Haefner lives in Hart Residential College, where vandalism on elevators has been common. “It’s always a game of what you will find in the elevator,” Haefner said. However, previously this semester, residents played cards at a pop-up card table in fancy attire in the elevator, leaving residents amused in this instance rather the annoyed. “This is what makes Hart a home, not when boards and decoration are being pulled down,” Haefner said. Residents of Lee Clark Residential College report few problems within the college, said Jon Little, senior from Cape Girardeau, Mo., a former resident of Lee Clark Residential College who now lives off campus. He said most of the issues have been instances of theft and visitation policy
applied in the past or any specific legal cases that have been brought up. He said “Red Light” policies are still dangerous to the students, faculty and staff members’ rights even if those policies have never been enforced. “What we see over and over again is that when universities have these types of unconstitutional speech regulations in place, they inevitably will apply them against a student or a faculty member’s speech simply because it’s controversial, it offends somebody or it represents the minority viewpoint on campus on a particular issue,” Majeed said. Harmon Wilson, senior from Hazel, Ky., said there
have been situations in her classes where she has been afraid to openly express her opinion. “I’ve had science classes where if your argument has any sort of religious tones, it’s automatically wrong and I’ve had liberal arts classes where if you take a more conservative view, you’ll be asked to leave,” she said. “It’s kind of a slap in the face.” Taylor Jenkins, sophomore from Bowling Green, Ky., said she has never felt as if her speech or writing was limited or censored in her classes or on campus. “If you say something you believe in, some people may not feel the same way and may get offended,” Jenkins said. “But (free speech) is important. It allows people to learn more if they can express what they think about a topic and can hear others’ opinions without being shut down.”
The number of “Red Light”-rated universities has dropped approximately 25 percent since 2007, most into the “Yellow Light” category, as FIRE has worked with those universities to change the wording of their polices so as not to violate the First Amendment. Majeed said unfortunately Murray State has not responded to FIRE’s concerns and communications in the past attempting to bring to Murray State’s attention the failings of their policies. “I do understand students’ level of surprise or perhaps confusion with where this rating comes from,” he said. “But we are talking about public institutions that are taxpayer-funded and fully bound by the First Amendment. So for them, there really is no justification for having these policies that clearly are going after speech that’s protected.”
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March 12, 2015
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POLICE BEAT March 5
7:51a.m. p.m.Racer The Murray Police Depart6:51 Patrol advised Murray mentPolice reported that a person smelled State of an abandoned golf cart smokethe at Lowry the Price Doyle Fine Arts outside Center. Officers were Complex. Centralreport Heating notified andOfficers, an information was and Cooling Plant and Murray Fire taken. Department were notified. It awas 11:42 p.m An officer conducted trafdetermined smelland wasColdwater coming fic stop at 121the North from a A damaged box to outStreets. citationelectrical was issued the side and from building. driver foraway failure to the wear a seatbelt. 10:39 p.m. A caller Hart on Res-an The passenger was from arrested idential College reported a medical outstanding warrant and was taken to emergency. Officers, Calloway County Jail. Murray Ambulance Services and Studenta Affairs 8:20 a.m. A caller reported residenwere notified. person wasHousing transtial college flagThe missing. The ported bynotified. EMS. Office was
March 6
11:24 a.m. A caller requested for the CFSBp.m. Center to be unlocked they 11:22 A caller reported so a motor could retrieve property. Officers andat vehicle accident with no injuries the building coordinator wereOfficers notiWhite Residential College. fied. notified The building unlocked and were and awas report was taken. then secured. 7:17 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic 8:37atp.m. A caller Building from College stop the Business parking Courts 700 block reported smellingon lot. A citation was issued for driving Officers were notified. amarijuana. suspended license. An information wasthe taken. 8:51 p.m. A callerreport reported smell of
March 7
12:44 p.m. Officers reported a vehigas Hart Residential Officers, cleatparked in the dormCollege. circle with its Murray Fire Department, Central Heattrunk open. The owner was notified. ing andp.m. Cooling Plant, Murray Gas and 8:38 Racer Patrol advised of the Fire Marshall were notified. an State unlocked door at Facilities Man-A report was taken. agement. Officers and the building 12:01 p.m. A were callernotified. reported a sparkcoordinator The door ing outlet inand thethe 300building block of College was locked secured. Courts. Officers, the Murray Fire De-
March 8
5:25 p.m. A caller from College Courts 700 block reported parking partment, Central Heating aand Coolcomplaint. were ing Plant andOfficers the State Firenotified Marshal and five parking citations iswere notified. A report waswere taken. sued.p.m. The Murray Police De4:57 10:03 p.m. Racer Patrol of advised of a partment was notified a medical suspicious vehicle in the Roy Courts. Stewemergency at the Volleyball art Stadium parkingAmbulance lot. Officers Officers and Murray Serwere were notified. vices notified. The patient was
March 9
7:46 a.m. Officers reported unauthorized people in thewas Hamilton transported and a report taken. Fielda.m. parking lot. Officers asked the 3:46 Officers conducted a check to leave Murofunauthorized a person on people North 12th Street. The ray State person wasproperty. arrested and transported to 11:37 a.m. A caller reported disCalloway County Jail for alcohola intoxabled in vehicle in place. the road on 16th ication a public A report was Street. Officers were notified. taken.
March 10
1:24 p.m. An officer advised Public 9:09 p.m. caller reported smoke Safety of A a vehicle with thea headdetector activated at Springer Residenlights left on. The owner was notitial College due to a hair dryer. Officers fied. notified and no threat of fire was were 4:03 An p.m. A caller report from Franklin found. information was taken. Residential College requested 4:42 p.m. A caller reported a thefttoof speak with an officer about being property from a vehicle from Alexanharassed. Officerswere werenotified notified and and a der Hall. Officers repor$500 by unlawful a report was taken. tale. 6:12 p.m. A caller reported the smell
3A
SGA investigates cost of online Brittany Risko || Staff writer brisko@murraystate.edu More than 70 percent of seniors
who participated in the senior survey reported taking at least one online course while at Murray State. About 470 seniors completed the senior survey. The survey is conducted annually by the Office of Institutional Research. Online classes are something many students are interested in, because of the flexible class schedule, but students stray away because of the price. Online courses at Murray State are $388 per hour for undergraduate students compared to traditional classes which cost $308 per hour for undergraduate students who are Kentucky residents. Michael Dobbs, Student Government Association president, said SGA is actively investigating the prices of online classes. He said SGA doesn’t have the power to directly change class prices, but it is able to bring students’ concerns to the attention of University officials. SGA has already formed a small committee of interested members to look over online course costs. “Depending on the work of the committee and what their findings are, it could be presented to key people in the administration for further information and clarification,”
Nicole Ely/The News
Students taking online courses use computers across campus to complete class assignments and exams. Dobbs said. He said at that point SGA would discuss any future action they would like to take, depending on the interaction with administration. In coming weeks the committee
will meet to review the pricing system at Murray State and compare it to other universities. Online courses at the University of Louisville are 20 percent more expensive than at Murray State and
online courses at Western Kentucky University are 16 percent more expensive. Clint Combs, SGA senator and creator of the committee, said the comparison will give a better understanding of why administration is set on this pricing. Haley Wyatt, freshman from Calvert City, Ky., said this price is ridiculous. “All classes should be the same price, whether online or not,” Wyatt said. For some majors, students pay for required courses only given online. Nutrition 230 is a course requirement for the nursing program. Last semester it was only offered to students online. Heather Raley, senior from Henderson, Ky., said this posed an issue for nursing students who had to pay the extra money to take an online course because no other choices were available to them. Taylor Davis, senior from Metropolis, Ill., said she chose to pay the higher price to take a course online she didn’t want to sit through in person. “I decided to take an online class because it was very similar to another required class,” Davis said. The goal of the committee is not to change the prices of the classes, but to ensure the prices are fair and competitive with what other universities are offering.
Math club to celebrate Pi Day with pie Nneka Maduewesi Contributing writer
nmaduewesei@murraystate.edu
Amanda Grau News Editor
agrau1@murraystate.edu
The annual Pi Day celebration, organized by the Euclidean Math Club, will kick off Thursday March 12 in the Ross Center on the first floor of Faculty Hall. Typically, the irrational number is celebrated on March 14, the date matching the first three digits of pi:
Call of Fame March 8, 1:36 p.m. Officers conducted a traffic stop in Tumbleweed’s parking lot. Burl’s Wrecker Service was notified. Multiple citations were issued to the person. The driver was then arrested and taken to the Calloway County jail.
Motor Assists: 9 of marijuana at Hart. Officers were noRacer Assists: 4 tified and an information report was Arrests: 1 taken. Mari-Alice Jasper, Assistant News Editor, Beat 2:47 p.m.compiles A caller Police reported an from unaumaterials providedselling by Public Safetyon thorized company products and Emergency Management. Not The all campus at Winslow Dining Hall. caller was referred Student Affairs. dispatched calls aretolisted. 6:12 p.m. A caller reported the smell of natural gas at the Old Fine Arts Building. Officers, Central Heating and
3.14. This year Pi Day falls on the first Saturday of Spring Break, so the Euclidean Math Club moved the celebration up. Physicist Larry Shaw organized the first Pi Day celebration at the Exploratorium in San Francisco in 1988. In 2009 the United States House of Representatives supported the designation of Pi Day. The best way to celebrate Pi Day is up to the individual but most versions include
pie– the food and the number. Participants eat pie, throw pie and discuss the significance of the number pi. Colleges and museums, like the Museum of Mathematics in New York City, will hold competitions to see who knows the greatest amount of pi’s digits. Traditionally, Massachusetts Institute of Technology mailed its application decision letters to prospective students for delivery on Pi Day.
However, three years ago they decided to change the announcement date and put their decisions online. At Murray State, Demi St. John, president of the Euclidean Math Club, organized the day to include a pie-eating contest with snack cakes and the club’s own pi-digit competition. She said they usually celebrate Pi Day with food and drinks, but they also have games and other entertainment prepared. “We have a digit of pi con-
test to see who knows the most digits of pi,” St. John said. “And a final trivia contest.” St. John said the contest is traditionally between members of the Honors Student Council and members of the Euclidean Math Club, but this year it will be between students and math professors. She said the event was advertised for the entire math department, students and faculty, but anyone interested can attend.
Six delicious ways to celebrate Pi Day Wear a pi T-shirt, get a temporary pi tattoo, or make pi designed jewelry to show off your affection for the irrational figure.
Have a pie-eating contest with your friends! Your stomach and your tastebuds will thank you.
Organize a “pi mile” run out in the warm spring weather, by running 3.14 miles with your friends. This is a great alternative for pi fans who are into exercise.
Have a baking party and make different flavored pies with your friends. The pies don’t all have to be just fruit – meat pies work too!
Compete with your friends to see who can recite the mosts digits of pi. You can up the ante by completing tasks while reciting.
Re-design a board game to honor pi. It’s easy to alter the cards in Cards Against Humanity and trivia games to be more pi-related. Let your creative juices flow! Graphic courtesy of PrioryFinePastries and TechHive
EverFi courses raise sexual harassment awareness Julia Mazzuca || Staff writer jmazzuca@murraystate.edu
The Coalition for Alcohol Risk Education (CARE) is bringing the people of EverFi, a group providing sexual harassment awareness and alcohol education to campus. EverFi is a leading education technology company, used to teach, assess and certify students in critical life skills including financial literacy and student loan management, according to its website. EverFi will discuss results from the last year over the Haven and AlcoholEdu programs. Haven is an online program preparing students for instances they may encounter while on campus regarding sexual assault. AlcoholEdu is a survey distributed to freshman to help them understand the impact their alcoholic use can have on their future. Judy Lyle, associate director of Health Services, started CARE in 2000 when she received a small grant. With a small group of faculty and staff on
her side, along with one or two students, Lyle stepped in with hopes to make a difference. “I am interested in making life better and easier for college students,” Lyles said. “I want campus to be a more responsible, safe place, and not to stop alcohol, but to reduce it.” The gap between sexual harassment and alcohol among young adults is shrinking. Alcohol was involved in about one-half of the instances of sexual assault against American women, according to the National Institute on Abuse and Alcoholism. The Haven and the AlcoholEdu program were first given to Murray State incoming freshmen in fall 2012. The program surveyed students about alcohol usage and gave facts and tips on how to avoid sexual assault. Murray and Calloway County high schools also give the AlcoholEdu program to their freshman. Morgan Douglas, freshman from Cincinnati, Ohio saw the strengths of these courses even though it took time and effort to receive the
grade that was required. “I know that the courses on EverFi we had to take were time-consuming, but I also understand that we should be aware of sexual assault and alcohol use as,” Douglas said. In the past semester, Lyle has seen more sexual assaults reported than ever before, she said. “Students are more aware of sexual assault and I think they are comfortable with saying something about what has happened,” Lyle said. Lyle said she understands how alcohol affects students she comes in contact with on a weekly basis. As she becomes more educated about the effects of alcohol, the more driven she is to make a difference on campus. Her dream is to have a professional counselor equipped with knowledge about alcohol education and other issues to educate and coordinate alcohol programs at Murray State, Lyle said. On March 30, two representatives will come to Murray State to talk about the 2013 results from EverFi. The college representative Kimberley Timpf
Graphic courtesy of EverFi
and high school representative Robin Smalt will both present those results to the community. All are welcome to come to the meeting at 4 p.m. on March 30 in the Curris Center Theater.
4A
March 12, 2015
The News
Opinion
Opinion Editor: Carly Besser Phone: 270-809-5873
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TheNews.org Mary Bradley
Editor-in-Chief • 270-809-6877 mbradley9@murraystate.edu Amanda Grau News Editor • 270-809-4468 agrau1@murraystate.edu Carly Besser Opinion Editor • 270-809-5873 cbesser@murraystate.edu Breanna Sill Features Editor • 270-809-5871 bsill@murraystate.edu Mallory Tucker Sports Editor • 270-809-4481 mtucker11@murraystate.edu Adrienne Vititoe Chief Copy Editor • 270-809-5876 avititoe@murraystate.edu Elizabeth Leggett Online Editor • 270-809-5877 eleggett@murraystate.edu Allison Borthwick Advertising Sales Manager • 270-809-4478 msunewsads@gmail.com Alex Hilkey Advertising Production • 270-809-5874 shilkey@murraystate.edu Fumi Nakamura Photography Editor • 270-809-5878 fnakamura1@murraystate.edu Ben Manhanke Chief Videographer bmanhanke@murraystate.edu Joe Hedges Adviser • 270-809-3937 jhedges@murraystate.edu
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Katie Wilborn/The News
Career Fair neglects most majors The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board. Murray State advertises the All Majors Career Fair as a valuable networking opportunity and a way to begin the post-graduate job search. However, the term “all majors” needs to be revised. A list of employers participating in this semester’s Career Fair indicated that of the 145 majors and areas of study offered at Murray State, 95 majors were not listed as being sought after directly by employers participating in the event. Exceptions to this were employers like Wal-Mart and the Marine Corps, who were seeking applicants from all educational backgrounds. To be fair, Career Fair recruiters come by choice. There is only so much the University can do to include more major representation. But professors teaching senior seminar and capstone classes tend to make the Career Fair a requirement, and it is questionable how much value their students
will get from the experience. The most sought after major for this semester’s employers is occupational safety and health, which constitutes about 15 percent of all employment opportunities represented. According to Psychology Today, Post Commencement Stress Disorder is real. PCSD is a condition that affects graduates who face the task of choosing, changing or pursuing a career beyond the protected bubble provided by college. Recent graduates commonly feel anxiety and amplified stress from the fear of the unknown, and the current state of our Career Fair does little to help. Such an underrepresentation of majors adds to the fear that our degrees are losing value. We understand that the amount of success we have after graduation is largely up to us. We join extracurriculars, apply for internships and do as much as we
can to make ourselves marketable. We don’t expect the Career Fair to do all the hard work for us, but we want to know that our hard work will get us somewhere. When universities recruit students, they mention that the average salaries and career opportunities for someone with a bachelor’s degree is greater than someone who doesn’t go to college. It’s not an easy transition from college to a career. According to a 2010 study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, only 27 percent of college graduates land jobs in their field of study, but we’re reassured that going to college is a step in the right direction, and that we shouldn’t minimize the importance of our degrees. The Career Fair has good intentions of establishing relationships between job-seekers and employers, but the lack of variety doesn’t give students the oppor-
tunities they need to get the career they studied for. Since The Atlantic reported that Murray State art majors have the lowest net return for their degrees last year, we have something to prove. The article didn’t do much to spark student confidence in their futures, so it should be our obligation to uphold the message that all majors matter. We need the reassurance that our time at Murray State can be translated to success, and the Career Fair would be a good place to start. According to a 2012 report about the Career Fair, approximately 320 students showed up to the event, much lower than the approximately 700 students that attended in the previous year. This lack of enthusiasm isn’t a coincidence. The waning attendance rates could indicate low confidence in the Career Fair. Why would students go if there aren’t employers who want them?
The Captain’s Log
Garrison: #SAEHatesMe I have been in a fraternity for the better part of four years. I pledged the first semester of my freshman year and I’ve never been embarrassed to wear my letters. In the past, I’d been upset about how fraternities were portrayed by the media. Zac Garrison They never Senior from seem to reflect on our philanFranklin, Ky. thropy, our values we were created upon or the bond we share as brothers But this weekend, I wholeheartedly agreed with how Greeks were portrayed in the media. Writing about the Greek community in anything close to a negative light is the quickest way to get nasty emails and a plethora of pitchforks waiting for me outside my door, but this is something we all need to hear. Monday, a video was released showing the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at the University of Oklahoma chanting a song that was racist and disgusting. I would transcribe what it said for you, but I don’t think The News’ copy editors would be too happy about printing the horrible things that were said.
The video is terrible, but something that needs to be discussed. Fraternities have a long list of stereotypes and stigmas that come along with the letters. This situation only makes that worse. If I were a parent sending my child to a university after seeing this video, I would tell my son to stay as far away from the Greek system as possible. I wouldn’t want my son to partake in an organization that accepted such crass and intolerable things. These young men have a lot to learn and they will suffer the consequences. Don’t think that these young racists are the only ones to be affected – not by a longshot. This is one step back for the Greek system as a whole. We preach the values we were founded on but allow this kind of behavior to come from our brothers and sisters. How can we preach the good aspects of Greek Life while evidence of racism and misogyny is plastered all over the evening news? I will, however, applaud the University of Oklahoma and the public for how they have handled the situation. The video was released, and by midnight on Tuesday, the chapter was kicked off campus by its national headquarters, publicly humiliated on the Internet and lost their house. Within 24 hours of this disgraceful video being released, the situation had been addressed, and the guilty parties got what was coming to them; kudos to the University of Oklahoma and SAE Nationals for their swift response. These guys deserved to be made an example of. I even wrote about the “viral wall of shame” in my last column. This will open eyes about just how quickly something can spread
once it hits the Internet. They deserved to be held accountable and it lets the world know that universities won’t stand for this kind of behavior. I’ve seen situations like this swept under the rug too many times and it’s refreshing to see that the guilty parties will be held accountable for their actions. This situation is a hot topic in the Greek community. Most people know about it and have seen the video. I hate to see a fraternity removed from campus because of my personal bond with my brothers, but these gentlemen deserved their punishment. How long the fraternity was singing this chant is still a question, but according its official website, SAE was comprised of confederate soldiers in Alabama during this Civil War. This kind of news report only fuels the generalization that all fraternities are racist and exclusionary and ruins our credibility when we try and argue against it. I am a fraternity man. My fraternity was not founded on or taught the virtues of racism and misogyny. We preach the values of learning, leading and serving. I wear my letters with pride and I know for a fact they do not stand for hate and bigotry. You may generalize the Greek system because of the media, but I will stand by my creed and my mission statement. I will never abandon the virtues and values instilled in me because they make me better than the man I used to be. To SAE brothers at the University of Oklahoma: Make sure and taste your words before you spit them out. You might not think they’re nearly as funny then.
The News
Opinion
March 12, 2015
Letter to the Editor Last week, The Murray State News, the best university newspaper in the country, in my mind, ran a cover story titled “Major discrepancies” and highlighted the fact that at the annual Career Fair the prospective employers only listed 50 majors of the 145 majors offered by Murray State. This headline does not surprise me. As a University leader, I am frequently asked about the majors we offer and, often followed by the question, “Do they lead to a good paying job?” I will admit there are reports that some majors have higher job placement rates and salaries than others. This should not be a surprise to anyone. We live in a market economy, and the market is for your talents and skills. But, is that a reason to choose one major over another? In the end, nobody is hiring a “major.” They are hiring a person with skills, talents and other attributes that will yield value to their enterprise. In answering this question of the value of a university degree, I start with the proposition that a university degree, regardless of major, is an invaluable asset that will provide lifetime benefits, private benefits (i.e., financially) as well as public (i.e., benefiting society as a whole.) The private benefits you will receive are well numerated – the most commonly cited is the increased earning potential ($1.7 million, on average, over one’s lifetime) and the likelihood of continued employment. For example, as reported at the height of the Great Recession, unemployment for those with a college degree was 8.9 percent compared with 22.9 percent for those with only a high school diploma. Currently, the respective rates are 2.7 percent college graduates compared with 5.4 for those with a high school diploma. Therefore it is not surprising that a community with a high average level of educational
attainment is more likely to have a prosperous and growing economic base. As a result, it will not have as dramatic of a decrease during recessions and will rebound quicker – and higher – when the economy is growing. Furthermore, educational attainment also leads to the public good of a more engaged citizenry as measured through philanthropic activities, volunteerism, civic leadership and the expansion of cultural opportunities – as the inscription over Pogue Library states, “The hope of democracy depends on the diffusion of knowledge.” And, interestingly, healthier communities are positively correlated with educational attainment. In short, you will go out and do great things for others and you will make a difference in your community! At the foundation of this is that an undergraduate degree, regardless of major, is about instilling in the individual an intellectual curiosity for the search of truth and wisdom that will lead to new answers and solutions to lasting and perplexing problems as well as new ideas and advancements in many fields. To achieve this, the process of earning a university degree is based on developing critical thought processes; creating a sense of logic and reason; strengthening communication skills; exposing and creating an appreciation for culture and beauty and their role in keeping us human; and exploring cultures – new and old. The experience of earning a university degree is not about just imparting “transactional skills” and assisting you in getting your first job. Rather, it is about developing your mind and soul for a plethora of opportunities by encouraging you to be a lifelong learner so you will be able to welcome change, embrace ambiguity and collaborate with others who
Did she really say that? My beef with Hillary As a strong women’s rights advocate and one of few women to serve in a national public office, Hillary Clinton had a halo on her head in the eyes of democrats, and especially Carly Besser females. Opinion Editor Her stance on social issues are congruent with mine, so I was always ready to defend her when someone made a sexist joke about her ability to work in government. It wasn’t until recently that I knew my devotion was a problem. Clinton is now under scrutiny for exclusively using a personal email address during her time as Secretary of State, while also operating her own email server traced to her residence. To dodge the Freedom of Information Act, she never used the email address issued by the State Department while in office. Her homebrew computer server bypassed the government servers that all political correspondence goes through. As a journalist, I try to remain skeptical about how transparent politicians are. Personal email addresses have gotten lawmakers in trouble in the past, so they rarely use them. I am a young woman who looked up to Clinton as a vehicle of positive change, and I genuinely feel duped. I’ll admit I was distracted by the veneer of the pantsuit aficionado, just as so many other people were and still are. I admired her tireless efforts to Bob Davies make government a woman’s game University President just as much as a man’s game. My tunnel vision was on full blast. She could do no wrong in my eyes. While I could take the time to bash Clinton, I deserve a bashing as well. I made a mistake in believing that Clinton was ethically untouchable. I considered her a hero. I was wrong about her motives, so I see this as a learning opportunity. Her attempt to Gatsby.” find a loophole in free information Second, universities began to demand attenwas condemnable and my hope is dance on campus in order to increase the size of that this information still has relthe crowds at sports venues. During the time of evance during her campaign. She which we speak, popcorn and lemonade sales at hasn’t officially announced her intenbasketball games were a significant part of school tions to run for president in 2016, but budgets. let’s be real: it’s implied. This stunt Even though this revenue source was later reshows how unwilling she is to be a placed by parking stickers and parking fines, big transparent servant of citizens and is time college basketball had made its mark right more concerned with saving her own in the middle of the traditional season of Spring skin. Break. The knowledge of her unorthodox The impact of this phenomenon actually created practices is now on our plates and a boom in the American economy as inventors we should use it as a lesson – now leapt at the chance to capitalize on this opportuand during the glamorous campaign nity. It was Henry Ford who put the final nail in period. We get distracted by politithe coffin of tradition by building an inexpensive cians who attempt to be relatable. automobile capable of carrying sun-starved bathPeople liked President Barack Obama ing beauties to the warm shores of the Atlantic and because he appeared on Ellen DeGegulf coasts. It only remained for Georgia and Alaneres and Saturday Night Live (who bama to build the necessary highways for use by has jumped the gun already by makstudents at schools without one of the 2,087 teams ing fun of Clinton’s email scandal). who qualified for one of the 38 national tournaPeople like Clinton because she manments. ages her own Twitter account. From That is why, to this day, as this newspaper is past experience, we should all know being dropped at stands all over campus, 55 perby now that the campaign politician cent of the students will have already taken flight isn’t the same as the politician in acon a vacation celebrating their sincere promise to tion. “take all my books with me and catch up on my We overlooked the fact that the studying while I’m soaking up the rays.” Obama Administration prosecuted Right. more government whistleblowers than any other administration in pres... Sigma Alpha Epsilon. idential history because we liked him. He seemed like a cool guy. Through The University of Oklahoma public image, politicians often skate chapter was removed from past any scandal they wish, and this is campus after a video surfaced largely our faults. No matter how relatable or humble of its members singing a racist a politician seems, it is up to us to chant. Their actions reflect remember the issues that matter. We should demand an answer from Clinpoorly on what it means to be as to why she deceived people in a brotherhood. Live by your ton who entitled to this information. values, guys. cbesser@murraystate.edu
do not look like or act like you, all in effort to develop solutions to the most vexing of problems. Because of advances in technology there is unparalleled access to information and data. This has allowed for the body of knowledge, as we know it, to double at the astronomical pace of every four years and it is shortly begin doubling every two years! Think about that. What we know is the world is expanding at an exponential rate AND you have access to this new knowledge at your fingertips. Therefore, it is no longer about what you know today; rather, it is about how you continually learn and what can you do with new knowledge. Potential employers want to know how you assess data and determine the worth of information and is it applicable to the problem at hand. They want to know what new insights can you provide by linking together ideas that no one else has AND can you communicate these to individuals with a diverse background with perspectives and beliefs that are dissimilar, if not outright contrary, to yours. They need to know that you are able to adapt to change, if not create your own dimension of change. You must add value in all of these areas and that is what employers are looking for in their next hire. Don’t ever let a potential employer discount you because your major doesn’t match their list – show them why you are of value to them by what you can do by not regurgitating a set of facts or truisms but showing them you think, you create, you motivate and you are person with vision. This is what will set you apart from the field. This approach is why employers are looking to graduates from universities that emphasize logic and reasoning throughout its entire cur-
I’ve Got a Story for You
5A
riculum. For this reason, nationally ranked universities pursue a culture of academic rigor and require undergraduate research projects and demand extensive writing and presentations. This is why group projects, enhancing your ability to work in teams with others who are “different” than you, is emphasized and a critical component of your programs. It is not a coincidence that recognized universities provide global experiences – not only through study abroad but also through an extensive international student population and opportunities for global studies. All of these activities are intentional to develop a lifelong learner and are here for you at Murray State – regardless of major – these experiences separate you from the rest. To conclude, instead of making your final goal as a Murray State student to “go find a job” that fits your major, let me offer a different challenge. Go forward with your Murray State degree and begin to chart your life. Your years at Murray State do not define you by merely allowing you to list your “major” on a line on a job application. It is much more than that and you worked too hard to be defined solely by it. A degree from Murray State is a step in providing you the opportunity to do so much more. Therefore, go out and envision yourself! Go out and create your career; define how you want to advance your community; conceive how you want to be known; design how you will change the world! It is up to you to establish your own personal value to the equation – and in doing so you and your community will be richly rewarded.
The history of Spring Break Spring Break has come. This long-standing seasonal event is actually a relatively new arrival on the list of University traditions. We rarely pause to think about its origins. So happy are we to hit the snow-lined trail to the Tennessee border that points south. Very, very south. Robert Valentine In fact, paleoSenior lecturer lithic man (and of advertising woman) did not indulge in this annual sun worship. There is no written record of any paleolithic Spring Break, probably due to the absence of any paleolithic colleges and universities. In those days, education was restricted to very simple forms of training such as gathering berries, hunting for elk, moose and Rotarians and writing legislation for the congress. The medieval university featured long, boring lectures, uninteresting food and excessive drink-
Cheers and Jeers
Comic
ing. Since that time, however, a few things have changed, to wit: professors now take attendance. In fact, medieval students like Prince Hamlet of Denmark (see Shakespeare’s laugh-filled madcap comedy about a misunderstood undergrad) might not go home once in a four-year period. Hamlet is obviously a work of fiction because he was always popping back to the house to kill some old servant, attend a girlfriend’s funeral or go to the theater. When you’re going to school in Paris (France – not Tennessee) and they don’t take attendance, why go home? It is not until the democratization of college in the early 20th century that we encounter a holiday set in the first semiwarm months of March and April. The reason is found in the agricultural base of the North American economy: in planting season, we need all hands on deck (or, “in the dirt,” as may be). Students who were not princes or trustfund babies would take time off from diligent study to go home to help plant and then check out the local farm girls before heading back to college. Two important developments freed the college student from this annual trip to serve as unpaid farm labor: the invention of the motorized tractor and big time college basketball. First, parents found they could get more done with a tractor and without the interference of students who a) needed to do two months of laundry in five days, and b) thought they knew more than their parents because they had read “The Great
Cheers to ... Spring Break. With all the class we’ve missed, it feels like we’ve been on Spring Break already. Be safe, have fun and relax. If you’re going to Panama City Beach, try to not to get arrested. You’re a Murray State representative 24/7.
Jeers to
Spring breaks the Internet By Katie Wilborn
The News
News
6A
March 12, 2015
The cost of studying abroad: Saudis willing to pay the price Mari-Alice Jasper
Assistant News Editor mjasper1@murraystate.edu
More than 7,000 miles away from Murray in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a young man left his home in the pursuit of a higher education and to make his family proud. Alghamdi Abduirhman, sophomore from Saudi Arabia, began his education in Malaysia. He then transferred to the University of Dayton and later enrolled at Murray State to complete his civil engineering degree. Steven Guns, education abroad adviser for the Institute of International Studies, said 330 students study abroad from the U.S. annually. Bill McKibben, director for International Enrollment and Recruitment, said more than twice as many international students come to Murray State. About 934 international students and more than 300 additional international students studying English as Second Language (ESL) are enrolled for spring 2015, McKibben said. The University urges students to travel abroad to experience different cultures, but students like Abduirhman bring their culture to Murray State when they are studying abroad in the U.S. About 36 percent of international students at Murray State are from Saudi Arabia, and 84 percent of those are male. Any student attending Murray State that doesn’t have U.S. citizenship is considered an international student. To apply to Murray State, international students are required to submit their high school transcripts, a high school diploma or graduation certificate, proof of financial support, proof of language proficiency and a copy of their passport with their application. Based off scores from the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), students earn language proficiency scores indicating their level of English proficiency and if they require extra help. Abduirhman said the IELTS is one of the most challenging requirements international students face when applying to schools in the U.S.
Prospective students are required to take the IELTS to test their knowledge of the English language through reading, writing, listening and speech. The test costs $285 – or in Abduirhman’s case – 1068.72 Saudi riyals, each time it is taken. The Saudi riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia. Abduirhman said students usually have to take the test multiple times to get a score high enough to apply to schools in the U.S. Universities across the Commonwealth have different expectations when it comes to IELTS scores. Murray State requires international students to score at least a 5.5, whereas the University of Kentucky requires
students to have a 6.0 and Western Kentucky University only requires students to have a 4.5. The test is scored on a nine-point scale. To prove they have financial support, international students can either submit a scholarship letter or a bank statement issued within six months of their application showing a balance of at least $26,024, the cost of tuition for one year, to the University. If the bank statement is not in the students’ name, they have to complete the statement of financial support. International students at Murray State pay the same tuition as out of state students, which is cheaper than international tuition for University of
Kentucky by 28 percent and Western Kentucky University by 27 percent. Also, any full-time international student receives a Global Outreach Tuition Waiver, unique to Murray State. Undergraduate students receive a $5,000 discount per year and graduate students receive a $6,000 discount per year. “I picked Murray State because of the low cost of tuition, “ Abduirhman said. “And the low cost of living.” Most international students also receive financial aid from their home country. Abduirhman said Saudi Arabia pays for students to go to American universities because it is an investment in their future. He
Hannah Fowl/The News
Algahtani Abdulaziz, sophomore from Saudi Arabia (left), and Alghamdi Abduirhman (right) left Saudi Arabia to experience university life in the U.S.
said they want the students to bring a wealth of knowledge back to their country to help improve it, because the quality of education in the U.S. is much higher. “We are the next generation of leaders,” he said. Murray State isn’t the only university welcoming international students with open arms. Abduirhman said he was contacted by Pennsylvania State University and Northern Kentucky University, but he picked Murray State because he wanted to get the most out of his education. “Murray State has a strong atmosphere for studying and a better engineering program,” he said. He said representatives from Murray State came to Saudi Arabia to recruit students while he was there, but he became familiar with Murray State when his brother-in-law suggested it to him. He also said the staff at Murray State’s Institute for International Studies were friendly and made the process easier to navigate. “Murray State communicates with international students very well,” he said. “They don’t make you wait long to get a reply.” He said other universities he applied to insisted he mail them all of his original documents, even though they were still in Saudi Arabia, but Murray State allowed him to submit scans of the documents which made the process more manageable. “Sometimes it felt like other universities were asking for my neck,” he said. “They were asking for something I couldn’t provide.” Once international students arrive in the United States, he said Murray State still reaches out to help them plan their route to the University. Abduirhman said the Saudi Student Organization at Murray State University sends members to the airport to pick up new students and drive them to the University if they need it. He said the organization also contacts Saudi students and acquaints them with Murray and the University. “When you are in a new county it’s nice to see a familiar face,” he said. “You have something in common and it gives you something to talk about.” Graphic courtesy of Pixabay
March 12, 2015
Section B
The News
Sports
Sports Editor: Mallory Tucker Assistant Sports Editor: Kelsey Randolph Phone: 809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews
The Racers reel in support as they make themselves known to the NCAA Selection Committee Fumi Nakamura/The News
Head Coach Steve Prohm contests a call during the March 7 loss to Belmont at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.
Jenny Rohl/The News
Sophomore point guard Cameron Payne is interviewed on-air after beating Morehead State 80-77 March 6 at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu
Men’s Basketball Head Coach Steve Prohm and his team have been making a passionate plea to the NCAA Selection Committee for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament as they prepare for Selection Sunday. Much of their lobbying has been done over social media, but the content is of the utmost importance to players, coaches and fans alike. “It isn’t a game for me,” said sophomore guard Justin Seymour. “This is our life. We put endless time in this. I was straight business. I want to be heard about the situation and I want people to know that we are deserving of a bid.” With #RacersDeserveABid trending on Twitter and Seymour’s series of tweets landing him a guest spot on ESPN radio with Jemele Hill and Michael Smith of ESPN’s His and Hers, the Racers refuse to be overlooked. “I basically did it for the sake of the team,” Seymour said. “I just feel like we’re getting the short
end of the stick and people are overlooking what we did. We’ve won 25 games in a row. How are you just going to take that from us because of a fadeaway 3? That’s just not fair to us as a team.” As of Tuesday night, Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology listed Murray State as third on the Next Four Out, ranking the team as the 79th pick to play into the tournament. Fans, coaches and players think the Racers are more than deserving of a bid, despite falling off both the AP and USA TODAY Coaches Polls this week. An undefeated regular conference season, a 25-game win streak and Naismith Trophy semifinalists for Player of the Year and Coach of the Year are just a few of the accolades the Racers have racked up during their 27-5 overall season. “That’s what the committee has to sit down and say at the end of the day when they’re evaluating us,” Prohm said. “Look what they’ve done. Can the 10, 11 and 12 seeds that we’ve got – these bubble teams or these last teams in – can they do the same thing?” Supporters and critics alike are voicing their
Jenny Rohl/The News
Senior guard T.J. Sapp plays with his daughter outside the locker room after the Racers’ OVC Championship loss March 7. opinions online and on-air. College basketball analyst for ESPN, Dick Vitale, tweeted Tuesday that the Racers have a legitimate case, while CBS Sports bracket expert Jerry Palm spoke in a less positive light about Murray State on CBS Sports Radio’s Tiki and Tierney Monday. “They won’t get more than about 30 seconds of discussion (from the selection committee),” Palm said. “There’s just absolutely nothing to talk about there.” Palm, however, devoted more than 30 seconds of discussion to the Racers, adding to the media storm that has risen since their March 7 loss to Belmont. RPI rankings and strength of schedule are two main points criticizers are stating to argue against the Racers’ at-large bid, while supporters say Murray State is reminiscent of the 2006 Virginia Commonwealth University and 2011 George Mason teams, both of which advanced to the Final Four after receiving at-large bids to the tourney. RPI rankings are just one of the tools the 10-person NCAA Selection Committee uses to
make their final verdict, however. According to the NCAA’s website, it is up to the committee members to determine if the at-large teams have played their way into the tournament. “If you do your research and you’re diligent in the process, I really can’t see us not getting in,” Prohm said. “In my heart, I just can’t see it. We’ve got to stop punching numbers. You’d have never heard of Cardale Jones if they were punching numbers in football.” The team does not plan to watch the NCAA Selection Show together when it airs Sunday at 4 p.m., but they will meet after to celebrate their selection or watch the National Invitation Tournament Selection Show together. With so much up in the air, Prohm is sure of one thing: People would love to see the story. “You love to see it,” Prohm said. “Whether we get in and win, or whether we get in and get beat by nine or 11, or we go to the Sweet 16, it doesn’t change whether you were deserving or undeserving. We are deserving. Whether we get in or not, I don’t know.”
Racer fans gather for food, festivities at Tequila Cowboy Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu
Jenny Rohl/The News
Cheerleaders form a tunnel outside Tequila Cowboy March 7 in Nashville, Tenn., to welcome Racer fans to the Alumni Association’s pregame event.
WHAT’S
INSIDE
Racer Nation took over Nashville, Tenn., this weekend, and the Alumni Association brought all the blue and gold to one location Saturday night before the championship game against Belmont. Before the heartbreaking loss, fans were hopeful as they crowded the upper level of Tequila Cowboy Bar and Grill to eat, drink and enjoy live music from the Racer Band. Rachel Foley, the Racer to Racer Coordinator of Alumni Affairs, was pleased with the turnout. In years past, the Alumni Association has held similar events at Bailey’s Sports Grille in downtown Nashville, Tenn. The Tequila Cowboy is kid-friendly and offered the chance for whole families to attend. Free items such as rally towels, Koozies and Dunker signs were handed out, and the $10 cover charge covered the cost of pizza, salad and drinks. A signed basketball was also given away to one lucky fan in a drawing. Foley said she thought the snow combined with the Racers’ successful season is what brought so many Racer fans to Nashville, Tenn., for the weekend. “Even though we had the snowstorm, with it being sunny and everything and the great season that we’ve had, I think that this is a far bigger crowd than we’ve ever had in the past,” Foley said. Alumni and current students packed the balcony and the bar at Tequila Cowboy as they came together to celebrate the regular season
and prepare for the final game of the tournament. Murray State alumni Chris and Lacosta Hays of Murray were also celebrating their 11th wedding anniversary March 7. “These events are great,” Lacosta said. “It’s really great to get everybody together to come kind of rally and get ready for the big game. It’s just a great experience. With lots of fun things going on in Nashville, anyways, when Murray comes to Nashville it just brings it all together and makes it that much better.” Win or lose, many Racer fans travel to watch the tournament every year. Aimee Graves, a second-year graduate student from Murray, has attended the OVC Tournament almost every year since her first time in 2001. “I grew up doing it,” Graves said. “My grandparents used to have season tickets back in Racer Arena, so I was kind of indoctrinated very young into being a Murray State fan, and it just kind of stuck.” Foley said that fans, such as Graves, are what make the basketball program and the University in general so special. Gathering to reminisce the past and support the future is what events like this pregame party are all about. “I think that as Racer Nation, we’re a community and we stick together through everything,” Foley said. “And I think that whether our team does good or bad, we’re always there to support them. I just think that the crowd at tonight’s event goes to show the commitment that the community has to supporting the University and the team.”
RED’S REPORT
PLAY BALL
HELP HOTLINE
LOCAL THEATER
Kelsey gives her take on the Racers’ NCAA hopes, 3B
Baseball opens OVC play with 2-3 series win, 4B
Spring break destination hospital/police contact info, 6B
Playhouse in the Park to perform classic story, 6B
The News
Sports
2B
March 12, 2015
#RacersDeserveABid THE FACTS BEHIND THE TREND: RANKINGS, WINS, STATISTICS AND HISTORY
NCAA APPEARANCES
Jenny Rohl/The News
Junior forward Jeffery Moss dribbles during the OVC Championship game against Belmont.
TALK OF THE TWITTERSPHERE
SEYMOUR’S PLEA GAINS NATIONAL ATTENTION
TED A E N DEF EASO N U IN LAR S S WIN REGU C OV
C WI ONS NN ING ECUT SE IVE AS ON S
“I must say congratulations to Belmont on winning the OVC conference tournament and receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. I’m sure that anyone who is a true college basketball fan can appreciate the level at which we both played. I’m sure that many will agree that our game vs. Belmont was one of the best games this year. We left all we had on the court. 2nd, I’d like to congratulate my teammates on winning the OVC regular season championship. And on having the 2nd longest winning streak in men’s basketball this season with 25 consecutive wins. Proud of the fact that we put our heart and soul into accomplishing something that few have EVER done in the history of college basketball. We will carry that with us for a lifetime and no one can take that away from us (not even the NCAA.) Speaking of the NCAA...I won’t use this space to appeal to our almighty governing body as to why we should appear in the NCAA tournament. I mean, if you’ve watched us at all, that should be a no brainer. We actually earned and deserve any opportunity to participate in the NCAA tournament based on merit alone...but for some reason most of the national media have already abandoned the concept of merit and accepted the have’s vs. have not’s narrative. At around 6pm Sunday March 15, The NCAA will be given the perfect opportunity to stand on America’s core values of equality and fairness. Will the NCAA continue to speak up for the have’s while minimizing the have not’s? Will the NCAA treat us as equals or show us that we’re anything but equal? I chose to ask these questions and write my closing arguments today, a week before deliberations begin and the verdict is due.” Editor’s Note: Some content edited for grammar.
MI COL DMA LEGE JO I R P NSID OL ER L
IN T
NCAA WINS (2010, 2012)
HE
NO .
TOP 100 WIN THIS SEASON
S SE UARY OS F L EB R # O ER-F MB CE DE
3 2 1 0 15 16 25 28 STRAIGHT WINS
Do you think the #RacersDeserveABid? Take a photo with this page and tag @TheMurrayStateNews on Instagram to tell us why.
Jenny Rohl/The News
Sophomore guard Justin Seymour reacts to the Racers’ March 7 loss to Belmont.
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The News
Sports
March 12, 2015
3B Red’s Report
Sitting on the sideline
Intramural standings
Volleyball Men
Jenny Rohl/The News
INTRAMURAL VOLLEYBALL BEGINS: (Above) Hart Ravens player, Kaitlin Budnick senior from Manchester, Mo. spikes the ball over the net in the north gym of Carr Health Building. (Below) A member of the Regents Girls’ team sets the ball back to the Hart Ravens Tuesday night.
Women
Fraternity
1. Lambda Chi Alpha 3-0 2. Alpha Sigma Phi 2-0
Independent A
Sorority A
1. Tri Sigma A, ADPi, AGD tied 1-0 2. AOII Pandas, Kappa Delta A Team, and ASA Ladybugs A Team tied 0-1
1. Hart Squad: B, The Expendables and Sso Sorority B tied 1-0 1. ADPi Diamonds, ADPi Lions, Tri Sigma 2. Phi Mu Alpha 0-1 B and ASA B Team! tied 1-0
Residential College
Independent
1. Hester A 1-0 2. White Sharks 0-1
1. ASSE tied with Soccer Chicks 1-0 2. Omega Mu tied with Thoroughmeds 0-1
Residential College A 1. 2.
Residential College B 1. 2.
Results are as of Monday. Standings courtesy of IMLeagues. NOTE: Not all teams have begun playing.
Golf tournaments cut short Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu
Both men’s and women’s golf were forced to cut their tournaments short this week due to inclement weather. The women, who played one round of the Southern Mississippi Lady Eagle Invitational in Hattiesburg, Miss., Monday placed eighth overall in a field of 14 teams. The men squeezed in two rounds at the UT Martin Grover Page Classic in Jackson, Tenn., tying for fourth place out of 12 teams. Senior Jordan Smith led the men as the tournament medalist while sophomore Jacklyn Van Meter led the women in fourth place overall. “This past tournament really helps me be a little more optimistic about the team,” Smith said. “My goal would be to win the OVC Championship. It’s my senior year and it’s something I’ve always wanted. That’s our goal. We’ve just got to work hard.” The Racers fielded five men in team play while junior Brock Simmons and sophomore Myles Morrissey played individually. Simmons placed 36th with scores of 74-76=150 and Morrissey placed 48th with rounds of 82-71=153. After placing 11th out of 17 teams at Loyola University’s Snowman Getaway tournament in Goodyear, Ariz., Feb. 22-24, a second bout of snow and ice prevented the men from practicing outside during their two weeks off. Smith hopes that the team will see better weather and be at Frances E. Miller Memorial Golf Course every chance they get as they prepare for their next tournament.
The Racers will travel to Sevierville, Tenn., March 16-17 to take part in Tennessee Tech’s Bobby Nichols Invitational. The women haven’t played since October and have had trouble with the weather as well. Kicking off their spring season with just one round of golf, Head Coach Velvet Milkman was glad that the team got two practice rounds in before tournament play began. “I was OK with what we did this weekend, because the weather has really put us behind,” Milkman said. “We’ve never gone into a tournament without being able to play a round. I think that’s very tough to do mentally.” Milkman had predicted that the team’s short game would be where they’d struggle, but she said they were better than she had expected. “We weren’t really tournament ready, but I’m not discouraged by how we did by any means,” Milkman said. Five women participated in team play during the tournament while two more, sophomore Minta Yin and senior Gina Nuzzo, played individually. The two scored rounds of 83 and 84 taking 62nd and 65th place, respectively. With two tournaments over Spring Break, the women are excited to get a few days of play in at the course before joining the men in OVC play at Tennessee Tech’s Bobby Nichols Invitational. “It’s still early,” Milkman said. “What we can’t do is hit the panic button. They haven’t, and they know that they just have to continue to work hard. And any day that it’s pretty, they have to get out and play.”
Photo Courtesy of Dave Winder
A golf player competes in a tournament last fall.
Seven seconds left on the clock, Racers are up by two points, Belmont has the ball and a 3-pointer is made. Racer fans are silent; Kelsey Randolph Steve Prohm Assistant hangs his Sports Editor head and Jarvis Williams’ jaw drops in shock. You know the Racers lost the OVC Championship, but did they really? Just because I believe they deserve a bid doesn’t mean the statistics add up and they’ll get one. As a reporter sitting on press row, we have to be unbiased. As a Racer fan sitting on press row we want to scream, shout and throw a fit. The Racers are ranked 71 on the BPI with a 68.2 percent below average score; which is the basketball power index. Looking at the bubble, we’re not in the last four byes, the last four in, and not even in the first four out; the Racers are in the next four out ranks below Illinois State and above Iona College. There are players on the team that are in the top 10 for number of free throws made, players with a shooting average that puts them on the lookout for NBA scouts and almost half of the team has received an award or honor of some kind throughout this season. The Racers succeeded in having the second longest win streak in the country, broke records, made unbelievable shots and have seen numerous NBA scouts sit in on their games. Justin Seymour tweeted about his thoughts and I agree—you shouldn’t let one game define your season. They lost on a fade away 3-pointer by Belmont. Just because there is one loss doesn’t mean you let it define your whole perception of the team. Though I sat on the sidelines and clenched my fist waiting for the final three-second shot, I’m not sure the NCAA will see all the work I’ve seen this season. The NCAA only allows 68 spots on the bracket, and most of those spots are taken by conference champions and big major schools. We are a mid-major school that doesn’t get the option to play schools like the University of Kentucky, Duke, Michigan State or the University of Louisville. It just doesn’t happen and we can’t compare ourselves to how we would match up, if we can’t play them. Selection Sunday comes with angst for both players and fans alike. We’ll all watch around the TV or computer screen hoping our beloved Racers receive a bid to the NCAA. Either way our start of Spring Break this year will be the start of a postseason tournament. My hope is that the Racers graciously accept a bid into the National Invitation Tournament. Even if we don’t receive a bid to NCAA, that doesn’t mean our momentum should stop or our Racer pride deplete. There is no doubt the Racers have the resume to be in consideration for a bid into the NCAA Tournament; however, I can’t say I agree they will make it. We have to weigh the idea that we could get into the NCAA Tournament and fall in the first round or we could potentially go all the way to Madison Square Garden and win the NIT. Then again, we could win the NCAA or fall in the NIT. The thing to remember is that we are Racers, we have pride, respect and love of our athletics and we shouldn’t let any loss bring us down. krandolph3@murraystate.edu
Results from the golf tournaments
Women
Plays
Player
Round
4 T37 T48 T48 T57
Jacklyn Van Meter Moa Folke Sydney Trimble Sophie Hillier Abbi Stamper
43 79 81 81 82
Total 43 79 81 81 82
Men
Plays
Player
Round
1 T10 T17 T28 T61
Jordan Smith Jared Gosser Duncan McCormick Preston French Matt Zakutney
71+70+0 70+74+0 74+72+0 73+76+0 80+78+0
Total 141 144 146 149 158
The News
Sports
4B
March 12, 2015
OVC play looms for tennis teams Blake Bernier || Staff writer dbernier@murraystate.edu
In its final preparation match before starting conference play, the men’s tennis team traveled to Lexington, Ky., Sunday and extended their losing streak against the University of Kentucky Wildcats. Earlier in the day the Wildcats lost a close match to the University of Tennessee 4-3, but this had them primed for the Racers. “We ran into a buzz saw,” said Head Coach Mel Purcell. “They had just lost a really close match so they were warmed up and ready to go and they just had this extra level of emotion that they were playing with.”
The Racers (0-9 overall) lost 6-0 in singles matches with only one match being a close call. Will True, freshman from Bowling Green, Ky., lost 6-3, 6-4, and was the only Racer to win at least three games in a set. “I think Will played outstanding,” Purcell said. “He was up against a really good player from Kentucky and he really hung in there so it was great to see him competing.” Both the men’s and women’s teams will open up OVC play in their next matches. The women’s team (6-2) will play Southeast Missouri State 2 p.m. Friday at home on the Bennie Purcell Tennis Courts.
“It doesn’t matter what our record is up to this point. We start with a clean slate in conference so we just need to start stringing some matches together.” –Mel Purcell Men’s Tennis Head Coach It will be their first match since Feb. 15 when they beat Southern Illinois 5-2. Their last three matches were canceled because of weather. The Racers are the OVC Champions and hope to keep their reign. “It’s a little bit of pressure,” said Head Coach Jorge Caetano. “I told the girls the hardest thing is staying (in the top spot) and winning it again
because every match we play they are going to be ready to take us out. Everyone wants to beat you once you are the best team.” The men will open conference play against Austin Peay State Tuesday at the Bennie Purcell Tennis Courts. The time is to be decided at a later date. Doubles play remains a focal point for the teams. Doubles points are the
Baseball wins first series of season Blake Bernier Staff writer
dbernier@murraystate.edu
Sophomore right fielder Matthew Johnson, knocked in four Racer runs Sunday in the series-clinching 4-2 win over the UT Martin Skyhawks. It was Murray State’s first series win of the season. Over the weekend the Racers (5-10, 2-1) took two of three games from UT Martin (2-9, 1-2) in Edwardsville, Ill. to open up OVC competition. “I think we did a good job of competing as a group,” said Head Coach Kevin Moulder. “Our pitchers came out and threw a lot of strikes, and all three of our starters gave us quality starts.” Saturday featured a double-header with senior pitcher Brock Downey getting the start in game one. Junior catcher Dalton West put the Racers up 1-0 with a double that scored junior outfielder Taylor Mathews. West finished the game with all three runs batted in (RBI). Downey took the loss after pitching seven innings and allowing eight hits and four earned runs as the Racers lost 6-3. In game two, errors by both teams allowed runs to score. Junior pitcher Brad Boegel gave up one unearned run and six hits through 5.2 innings. With two outs in the sixth inning, junior pitcher Cody
Maerz came in to relieve Boegel with runners on second and third and the Racers trailing 1-0. Maerz pitched out of the jam and didn’t allow any hits through 3.1 innings to earn the win. The Racers won 2-1. Downey, in right field for the game, scored both runs for the Racers with RBIs going to junior infielder Nick Moore and sophomore outfielder Tyler Lawrence. “Brock is one of our, if not our most, dynamic athletes,” Moulder said. “We try to get him on the field as much as possible, and he’s a great competitor. He brings a spark to our offense when he’s in there.” The rubber match or last match of the series featured the most viral leg kick in college baseball when sophomore pitcher John Lollar got the start. A picture of Lollar’s unorthodox leg kick during his windup, was tweeted by Jeff Drummond, publisher for AllWildcats.com on the Fox sports/Scout network. Other sites such as Bleacher Report, Huffington Post and CBS Sports picked up on it. Lollar earned the win allowing two earned runs and 11 hits in 5.2 innings thanks to Johnson’s 2-3 performance with two doubles and a sacrifice fly and red shirt freshman pitcher Brandon Hicks collecting his first save of the season.
first points earned in each competition and often can set the tone for the rest of the matches. “We’ve really just got to keep working on our doubles teams,” Purcell said. “Most of these guys didn’t play any doubles before they got here so it’s really the hardest thing that any college coach at any level in tennis has to teach.” Regardless of their winless record now, the men’s team can compete for the OVC title by winning its conference matches. “It doesn’t matter what our record is up to this point,” Purcell said. “We start with a clean slate in conference so we just need to start stringing some matches together.”
Swinging Racers bring sharp look to Murray State Da’Sha Tuck || Staff writer dtuck@murraystate.edu
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Drummond
Sophomore pitcher, John Lollar winds up a pitch against University of Kentucky on March 3. “Any time you can get a quality start from your pitchers you are putting yourself in a position to win,” Moulder said. “We certainly didn’t play our best baseball and we could’ve played better but we won the series and that’s
something we can be proud of.” The team will play another three-game series starting at 6 p.m. Friday in Edwardsville, Ill. against OVC opponents Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Most athletes wear cleats and uniforms, but not the members of the Murray State Swing Dance Club. Their uniforms have just one requirement, to look sharp and turn heads. The team said it’s a classy look with heals, pearls, and suits. Most of the students said they are involved because it is a great pasttime that still brings enjoyment to people. Uniformity is not in the vocabulary for this club. The dancers focus on having fun and building their skills. The club’s primary focus is on East Coast Swing and the Lindy Hop. These guys and gals are bringing a new meaning to dance in the 21st century. Swing dance originated in the 1920-1930s and has stood the test of time. There are teams all across the world that are still dancing competitively. The club at Murray State is still young and growing with only 25 members, but there are hopes for them to compete soon. “We aren’t competing right now, but it is my goal to try to compete in coming years,” said President Ryan Limpus.
Limpus leads a different lesson every time the club meets. He says that a lot of the members are at the beginning level and are working on basic skills and knowledge of the dance. “One thing I think people need to know about swing dancing is that it is a very welcoming form of dance that is accessible to people of all skill levels and can be just as much fun for a professional dancer as someone who has never heard of it before,” Limpus said. The team meets every Saturday from 5-7 p.m. in Carr Health Building Dance Lounge. There are no requirements to become part of the swing dance club other than showing up to a meeting and wanting to learn. Limpus said that they eventually want to get to the point where they can have large dances every week. He said as the club progresses they will become more strict about attendance and skill level but for now they are just teaching and gaging interest in club. “Starting up the Swing Dance Club again has been one of the more rewarding experiences of my college career,” Limpus said.
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March 12, 2015
5B
The News
Features Editor: Breanna Sill Assistant Features Editor: Madison Wepfer Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures
Features
Spring Break or bust Spend Spring Break having a ‘staycation’ at home
How to have fun on Spring Break...
Tiffany Whitfill || Staff writer twhitfill1@murraystate.edu
As if students haven’t already missed more than a full week of classes, Spring Break is here to grant them more relief from their taxing schedules. Some will spend their Spring Break afar but most will probably have a “staycation” at home. Some will choose to sleep in late and some will choose not to sleep until the sun comes up; however, for those planning to vacation at home for their break, make the most of the “staycation” with these tips.
APPLY FOR INTERNSHIPS OR JOBS
College is a time for classes, fun and socializing, but if students are staying home for break, they may want to take the opportunity to apply for internships or jobs. Deadlines are approaching quickly for internships and the application process may be lengthy. Take time during Spring Break to proofread a resume and cover letter, and begin filling out applications to make extra money or gain experience this summer.
on a budget!
BINGE WATCH NETFLIX
Entertainment has to come in at some point, so why not catch up on the newly released episodes of “House of Cards” while staying at home? For those students who have not yet purchased a Netflix subscription, Spring Break is the perfect time to begin a free, one-month trial. With thousands of episodes of television and movies to watch than there is time in your spring break, students can find a new television addiction or continue their preexisting obsession.
COMPLETE PROCRASTINATION PROJECTS
Spring Break is just a reminder that the end of the school year is drawing closer. Some of students’ biggest projects are due following Spring Break. During the staycation, use time to be productive and get caught up on tasks that may have already been waiting on the procrastination list for weeks. When students return to school with all future work finished, there will be no reason to stress and finals will approach with ease.
Hannah Fowl/The News
WATCH THE RACERS PLAY IN POST-SEASON TOURNAMENT ACTION
After a heartbreaking loss in the championship game of the OVC Tournament, the Racers have secured a bid to the National Invitation Tournament and have a chance for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Racer basketball team will play regardless of which tournament they are accepted to during Spring Break with NIT games beginning Tuesday and Wednesday, and NCAA games Thursday and Friday. Be sure to watch the NCAA selection show Sunday at 6 p.m EST and the NIT selection show Sunday at 8:30 p.m. to see where the Racers will continue postseason play.
Tiffany Whitfill || Staff writer twhitfill1@murraystate.edu
Spring Break is upon us. Trips, however, may come with a price tag larger than a student’s bank account. The following list combines discounts from Spring Break “hot spots” and tips for general money saving throughout the week. Grab your piggy bank and a pencil and start taking notes. The first Spring Break “hot spot” is Panama City Beach, Fla. Thousands of college students travel to Panama City Beach every year to enjoy their break. Adventures at Sea is an outlet that provides pontoon and jet ski rentals, as well as parasailing and Shell Island tours. Visit their website for a 15 percent off coupon with a student ID. Check out more details and great discounts at www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/things-to-do/spring-break. Although its biggest party of the year has passed, New Orleans, La. also has a lot to offer students on Spring Break. Spend your Spring Break with drink deals every night of the week at The Boot Bar & Grill in New Orleans. These specials include three-for-one select beers and $2 drinks for women on certain nights. New Orleans also has some fun St. Patrick’s Day specials with Tracey’s St. Patty’s Day Party where visitors can enjoy green
GO TO DINNER AND A MOVIE
Spring Break is the perfect time to reconnect with some friends from home and enjoy a dinner and movie night. With added free time, students can drive to find restaurants they don’t get to enjoy often and watch a movie without having to worry about waking up for an 8 a.m. class the next morning. For those wishing to bring back their childhood memories, the movie “Cinderella” comes out Friday and will be an experience different than the typical fairytale. Also releasing during Spring Break is the highly anticipated sequel to “Divergent: Insurgent.” Students can watch this film in theaters March 20.
ENGAGE IN EXERCISE
For students staying in Murray for their Spring Break, getting exercise may be a way to pass the time. With many students gone, the Wellness Center will be close to empty and “the loop” will have fewer people jogging the trail. For those competitive runners, the Lucky Dam 5K run will take place at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park on Saturday. The race costs $25 for pre-registrants and $30 on the day of the race. Registration will be from 2-4 p.m. and the run begins at 4:30 p.m. With a paid entry fee, participants will receive a T-shirt, after party events, gifts, prizes and more. To register for his 5K visit www.active.com or call (270)527-3128. Whether you’ll be catching up on lost sleep from Daylight Saving Time or going spending time with old friends, Spring Break is finally here.
drinks and traditional Irish favorite foods on St. Patrick’s Day. Who says Mardi Gras is the only holiday in New Orleans? The third Spring Break “hot spot” is Orlando, Fla. Although not on a beach, Orlando provides students with warm weather, theme parks (including Harry Potter, Transformers and Disney themes) and the Atlanta Braves spring training games. If an adventure is what you are seeking, look no further than Universal Studios Orlando where visitors can buy two days and get the third day free. This rate includes admission to both parks at Universal Studios for a price of $194.99 plus tax. Watch the Atlanta Braves take on the New York Yankees, Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals at ESPN Wide World of Sports for as low as $18. No matter where students are vacationing, there are many ways to save money on the trip before getting to the beach. Check out Groupon.com. There are goods and local deals for the majority of top Spring Break destinations online. These deals include restaurants, shopping, lodging and more. Rates for hotels tend to change if rooms are not filled in
see BUDGET, 6B
Shark sighting: A great white shark was spotted off the coast of Panama City Beach, Fla., in January. To see where registered sharks are in the area you are traveling to, download the Ocearch Global Shark Tracker app from the App Store and learn about the shark’s’ names and travel patterns.
Alcohol safety on Spring Break Kayla MacAllister || Staff writer kmacallister@murraystate.edu
Kory Savage/The News
Nearly half of all college students traveling for Spring Break vacations will take part in binge drinking during their trips. Most are influenced by crowds and their peers.
Nearly half of all college students binge drink, according to 2014 data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Binge drinking is loosely defined as having five or more drinks in two hours for men, and having four or more drinks in two hours for women. “1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each school year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries,” according to Robert Glatter, a contributing writer for Forbes. The majority of students taking trips over the break will be surrounded by crowds of their peers, many of who in will be drinking heavily. If students do decide to drink, Sergeant David Howe of the Murray Police Department urges students to stay with a friend who will stay sober, or drink slowly enough so their bodies can metabolize the alcohol. “Your body can generally process one drink an hour, depending on body weight, so having only one drink per hour would be advisable,” Howe said. If students are arrested for disorderly intoxication in Florida, a popular destination for Spring Breakers, they could be charged with a second degree misdemeanor. see , 6B
ALCOHOL
Signs of alcohol poisoning: If a friend is unresponsive, semi-conscious or unconscious, students need to start checking for other signs of alcohol poisoning, which are below as listed by the University of Texas at Austin’s Health Services website.
• Cannot be roused and are unresponsive to your voice, shaking or pinching their skin. • Skin is cold, clammy, pale, bluish and/or blotchy. • Breathing is slow - eight or fewer breaths per minute. • Experience lapses in breathing - more than 10 seconds between breaths. • Exhibit mental confusion, stupor or coma. • Have seizures, convulsions or rigid spasms. • Vomit while asleep or unconscious and do not awaken.
The News
Features
6B
The week ahead... FRIDAY
THURSDAY
SATURDAY
March 12, 2015
If you would like an event to appear on the calendar here or on TheNews.org, email Features Editor, Breanna Sill, at bsill@murraystate.edu. Please submit events by noon Wednesday for consideration.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
12
13
14
15
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6:45 p.m. “The Great Gatsby,” Carson Center, Paducah, Ky.
8 p.m. Paducah Writers Group, Etcetera Coffeeshop and Student Art Gallery, Paducah, Ky.
6 p.m. An Evening with the Gaither Vocal Band, Lovett Auditorium
2 p.m. Writer’s group informational meeting, Calloway County Public Library meeting room
All day Spring Break begins
All day St. Patrick’s Day
10 a.m. St. Patrick’s Day Dinner, Homeplace 1850’s Working Farm and Living History Museum, Land Between the Lakes
Local theater performs classic story
Playhouse in the Park to perform ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ beginning next weekend in Central Park Kayla MacAllister || Staff writer kmacallister@murraystate.edu
Actors rehearse for Playhouse in the Park’s upcoming production of “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
BUDGET From Page 5B time. If students have already booked a hotel, check with the hotel website to see if there is any availability at a lower cost. Rebooking can save money as long as there is not a cancellation fee on the original reservation. One of the major costs of any vacation, including Spring Break, is from food. When choosing a hotel, select one that has a kitchen inside or a grill outside for cooking meals. This can save money when late night meals and expenditures starve your wallet. It is also important to indulge in a continental breakfast. There is no better way to jump-start the day than free breakfast. Another added cost of Spring Break is travel. If going on vacation with a group of friends, consider using the car with the most room and splitting the cost of gas between all members. The payments will be smaller by adding more people and the adventures on Spring Break will be shared with more friends. Getting out of classes for a week is exciting, but saving on Spring Break may be an even better feeling.
ALCOHOL
From Page 5B
“No person in the state shall be intoxicated and endanger the safety of another person or property, and no person in the state shall be intoxicated or drink any alcoholic beverage in a public place or in or upon any public conveyance and cause a public disturbance,” according to the Florida Statutes. While statistics and statutes may not influence students to not binge drink, then knowing the signs of alcohol poisoning, at the very least, is vital to Spring Break safety. The crowds of peers, and thus peer pressure, will most likely be filled with many students who are unaware of the signs of alcohol overdose they should be looking for in their friends. Responsibility and moderation are the names of the game on Spring Break. Students should take a line from alcohol commercial narrators and enjoy responsibly.
Students on the prowl for out-of-the-ordinary weekend activities should look no further than the Murray-Calloway County Playhouse in the Park’s upcoming showings of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” The production is a new adaptation of the diary kept by historical icon Anne Frank during the Nazi occupation of Norway in World War II. The production will run for two weekends, from March 20-22 and March 27-29, in the Murray-Calloway County Park. The Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7 p.m. and the Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. Student tickets are $9. “Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit and determination,” according to the Playhouse in the Park’s website. “An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, (the play) captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence – their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief.” Wendy Waltrip, the Murray High School student who will portray Frank, is excited about the opportunity because the role seems like a natural fit, she said. “I love Anne because she’s a lot like me in a lot of different ways because she loves to write, and I love to write – I write books – and she loves to act and I love to act, and a weird one is that she loves Greek and Roman mythology, and I do, too,” Waltrip said. “I found a lot of similarities between us and I’m really looking forward to bringing her to life and portraying her for other people.” Hannah Fowl/The News Waltrip, a 16-year-old sophomore, will take on the part of Frank, who ages two years
throughout the story, under the direction of Donald Fleming. Fleming is well-acquainted with directing, as this will be his 14th production. He’s excited over his most recent project because the audience already knows the characters. “When you’re reading the script, you kind of hear in your head what you think the characters might sound like, but then when the actual actors are reading it, it just opens up this whole new dimension,” Fleming said. “It’s really wonderful.” Waltrip is also no stranger to the stage. She started acting when she was 3 years old, and has had roles in more than 25 plays so far, including several leading parts in plays like “Aristocats” and “Best Christmas Pageants,” which was also performed for local elementary schools. Playhouse in the Park has an ongoing relationship with local schools, as it has put on shows that are based on books that are often used in course curricula, such as “Charlotte’s Web” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” “The Diary of Anne Frank” was initially only booked to be performed for Murray and Calloway elementary schools in addition to its public performances, but once rehearsals started, Graves and Lyon county schools jumped on the bandwagon and will also attend showings of the production. Waltrip and Fleming urge students and community members not to be discouraged from coming because of the ending. “It’s built as a story of hope and it really is,” Fleming said. “It has that upbeat tone all through the play that makes it kind of a feel-good thing which is also kind of a set-up for the end. But it’s a good look at life – the struggles they go through, the happy times and they have the bad times and the tensions, the relaxed times and just the fact that these eight people are all living in this one small space and literally tripping over each other.”
Spring Break help hotline We at The News have compiled a list of local police departments and hospitals in six of the most popular Spring Break destinations. If you are visiting any of these locations, please feel free to cut this section out and keep it with you on your trip in case of emergencies.
Local police departments:
Local hospitals/clinics:
Panama City Beach Police Department
Bay Medical At the Beach
17110 Firenzo Ave. Panama City Beach, Fla. (850) 233-5000
11111 Panama City Beach Pkwy. Panama City Beach, Fla. (850) 636-3175
Daytona Beach Police Department
Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center
Myrtle Beach Police Department
South Strand Ambulatory Care Center
South Padre Island Police Department
South Padre Island Clinic
510 Harvey Ave. Daytona Beach, Fla. (386) 671-5380 1101 North Oak St. Myrtle Beach, S.C. (843) 918-1300
301 Memorial Medical Pkwy. Daytona Beach, Fla. (386) 231-6000 5050 Hwy 17 Bypass South Myrtle Beach, S.C. (843) 839-1000
4601 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, Texas (956) 761-5454
3808 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, Texas (956) 761-3996
Gatlinburg Police Department
Pigeon Forge Medical Clinic
Aspen Police Department
Aspen Valley Hospital
1230 East Parkway Gatlinburg, Tenn. (865) 436-5181
506 East Main St. #102 Aspen, Col. (970) 920-5400
3342 Parkway Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (856) 453-1924
0401 Castle Creed Rd. Aspen, Col. (970) 925-1120
The News
Features
March 12, 2015
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FEATURED TWEETS
Pop Culture Corner
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Karlie Kloss @karliekloss The # of countries with a woman leader has only risen by 6 in 20 yrs. We’re #NotThere yet. NotThere.org #NoCeilings 12:11pm 8 Mar 2015
Katie Couric @katiecouric What’s 5% of 500? 25. Also, the number of Fortune 500 CEO’s who are women. Let’s change this. Learn more: Not-There.org #NotThere 10:32am 8 Mar 2015
Clinton Foundation @ClintonFdn “While we’ve made great progress over the last 20 years, we’re just #NotThere yet when it comes to gender equality.” - @ChelseaClinton 1:37am 9 Mar 2015
Jessica Alba @jessicaalba We #women deserve #equalrights #equalpay #equaleducation #equalopportunity we are #NotThere notthere.noceilings.org #IntlWomensDay 6:12pm 8 Mar 2015
OKLAHOMA SHUTS DOWN FRATERNITY The University of Oklahoma chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was shut down due to a racial video that went viral. Members of the fraternity posted a video on YouTube stating that black students will never be accepted to their fraternity. The organization apologized for the video.
‘ZOOLANDER’ SEQUEL IS IN THE MAKING The Valentino fashion show in Paris got a little surprise when Zoolander stars Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson strutted their stuff down the runway. The duo announced that there will be a “Zoolander 2.” It will show in theaters Feb. 12, 2016.
Photo courtesy of slate.com
Vince Vaughn and Dave Franco star in the comedy“Unfinished Business,” which was released in theaters Friday.
Business trips redefined in new movie ‘Unfinished Business’ sets a new standard for the regular business trip with some big name stars John Gruccio || Contributing writer jgruccio@murraystate.edu
TIM BURTON BRINGS ‘DUMBO’ BACK The 1941 Disney classic Dumbo will return to the screen. The live-action film will be directed by none other than Tim Burton, director of 2010’s “Alice in Wonderland.” A date for the film has not been released.
Soundbyte “In London I received these cupcakes that were shaped like breasts. I didn’t eat them!” -Matthew Morrison on the strangest gift he ever got from a fan
No matter the comedy, there is always a film dealing with the ultimate work related adventure of business trips, “Unfinished Business” is one of the most recent underrated comedies to truly not hold back. Despite some unneeded drama, it succeeds as one of the most if not the most unholy business trips in all of cinema. A small business owner and his two associates take a trip to Europe in order to close one of the biggest deals their company has ever seen. However, what began as a routine trip soon becomes the most crazy, and unimaginable wild ride of their lives. With unplanned stops at a sex fetish event and a global economic summit, they must pull together and close this deal before they lose themselves in this crazy world. “Unfinished Business” stars Vince Vaughn, Dave Franco, Tom Wilkinson, Sienna Miller, Nick Frost and James Marsden. Ken Scott directs the film with a script by Steve Conrad. Vaughn is one of those comedic actors that you always see stick close to his brand of humor. Instead of trying to do children’s mov-
ies or a horror film, he sticks with the adult comedies. In this film as the leader of these crazy suit-ladened musketeers, he ultimately has to play the straight guy while his cohorts get the majority of the craziness free reign. It is weird to see but there are many scenes throughout the film where you seriously think to yourself, “this is why I love Vince Vaughn.” I will be the first to admit the fact that I am have never been a fan of either Dave or James Franco, but Dave does have his shining moments in the film. As the young and gullible business party, his role will make you want to cry from laughing so hard. Even with Dave channeling a child-like innocence throughout the film it is really hard not to laugh at his moments. The great dramatic actor Wilkinson is one of the biggest surprises in this film. With so many great performances in other films, Wilkinson is crude, lewd and very intense in this film. Don’t get me wrong. It is hysterical to watch. He wins the battle of the craziness in this unrated comedy. It is just weird to see someone of his acting stature along for the ride. However, that just shows you that comedy is hard; drama is obviously easy. Besides the fact that the film tries
desperately to give you deep dramatic aspects (such as divorce and cyber bullying) on each character to make you understand why they need this trip, it is a wildly hilarious and incredibly raunchy film. I recommend that you go see it.
Quick Facts Title:
Unfinished Business
Rating: R
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Dave Franco, Tom Wilkinson, Sienna Miller, Nick Frost and James Marsden
Similar to: Neighbors Delivery Man The Watch
The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. As much as I hate gender stereotypes, especially Madison Wepfer those about women, there Assistant is one particuFeatures Editor lar stereotype that I believe in: a woman’s ability to know her way around a kitchen. For decades, and probably centuries, a woman has been measured by how well she can maintain a household by cooking, cleaning, reproducing and supporting her husband. In fact, early scientists believed that women were incapable of learning and retaining information and that education would hinder a woman’s ability to reproduce. Somehow knowledge affects our reproductive organs. Right, that makes sense. I digress. As a woman, I am proud to see how far we’ve come over the years. I agree that women should have the right to be the CEO of a company and they should be given the choice whether or not to marry or how many children to have. However, I believe that a woman should know how to maintain a household. That means cooking, ladies. There is nothing degrading about being able to make your man’s mouth water when you pull a fresh lasagna out of the oven. There is nothing degrading about being able to talk on the phone, whip a meringue into submission and watch HGTV at the same time, all while looking fabulous. It seems that people have gone so far right on the spectrum of gender equality that many people believe staying home to take care of your house and your children is something to be ashamed of. Every woman should be given the opportunity to excel in school and in the workplace, but that does not mean taking care of a family is for weak, idiotic women. It’s a tough job to be a mom and take care of a family, judging by my mother and grandmothers. You don’t get paid to be a parent, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less difficult than running a Fortune 500 company. Hence, every woman should know how to cook a meal, shop for groceries, create a budget, clean a house, keep her children in line and keep her husband happy. I realize that these ideas are a little misplaced in today’s day and age, but what can I say – I’m an old soul. To all the women out there who claim they burn water, make friends with the Food Network and always have a fire extinguisher at the ready. Trust me, when you reach the skill level to bake a perfect pie and a man-catching lasagna, you’ll thank me. Don’t get me wrong, women should still get an education and strive to get a career. But ultimately, they should learn self-confidence and do what makes them feel fulfilled as a woman. Women, keep dreaming and keep following those dreams until you reach them, but don’t ever be ashamed of wanting the simple things in life, because there is nothing, and I mean nothing, wrong with winning a man’s heart with a freshly-baked pie. mwepfer@murraystate.edu
Out this Week
Read It
“NYPD Red 3,” by James Patterson and Marshall Karp
See It
“Accidental Love”
Hear It
“Eclipse” by Twin Shadow
Rent It
“The Penguins of Madagascar”
Play It
“Battlefield Hardline”
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The News
March 12, 2015