First HBCU to hold the statewide contest
WSSU to host student media conference
FINALLY:
County inspects eateries Jennifer Rooks Staff reporter
jrooks109@rams.wssu.edu
Photo by Jamal Bell
This is one of the awards that The News Argus has won at a North Carolina College Media Association Conference. The Argus staff has been participating in the conference competitions since 2009 and has won eight awards. Victoria Staples
Online News Editor
vstaples107@rams.wssu.edu
Winston-Salem State will add another ‘first’ to the list of accomplishments as we become the first Historically Black College and University to host the North Carolina Collegiate Media Association 2012 Conference, Feb. 18. More than 125 students and their advisers are expected to attend. The NCCMA supports and encourages college media operations on public and private university and college campuses. The association offers a one-day conference on a different campus each year. “We are very excited to join the WSSU
Black History began weekly Former NAACP leader Carter G. Woodson founded “Negro History Week” in 1926 as a way to honor African Americans in United States history. He chose a week in February because it was the birth month of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, Negro History Week was changed to Black History Month. Source: www.naacp.org
students and faculty, and especially grateful to Dr. [Lona D.] Cobb for making it all possible,” said Monica Hill, director of NCCMA. Cobb is a mass communications professor and adviser of the student newspaper, The News Argus. The opening panel discussion will focus on the theme for this year’s conference, “Election Coverage.” Philip Jeter, chair of the Mass Communications Department, will be a member of the panel. He and other mass communications faculty members will be conducting workshops. The News Argus staff will be assisting with facilitation of the conference.
Give Back: Jeans for Teens
Drop off your gently used jeans in the Office of Student Activities on the third floor of the Thompson Center to support Jeans for Teens. Donations will be accepted until Feb. 7. Jeans will be donated to homeless teens. Source: Campus Committee
Life
Marketing
All the NCCMA activities will take place in the Thompson Center. Highlights of the conference will include resume’ critiques. There will also be critique sessions for student-produced publications including yearbooks, literary magazines, and printed and online newspapers. The student media advisers will meet for a roundtable discussion in The News Argus office in Carolina Hall. One of the most anticipated events of the conference is the awards luncheon, where the winners of the 2011 competition will be announced.
Media
continued on Page 2
Bunce Island Exhibit
A British Slave Castle in Sierra Leone will be at the Delta Fine Arts Center in Winston-Salem Jan. 28 through Feb. 10. The event is free and open to the public. The event is co-sponsored by WinstonSalem State and the Winston-Salem Chapter of Links, Inc. in celebration of Black History Month. Source: www.wssu.edu
Forsyth County’s Department of Environmental Health finally inspected Winston-Salem State’s two main dining areas. In two separate visits this past month, WSSU’s Kennedy Dining Hall and Ram Food Court [The Ram Shack] were given their overdue county inspections. The New Argus reported in its December issue that WSSU's last inspection for Kennedy Dining Hall was April 29, 2010, and June 14, 2010. Kennedy’s recent inspection took place Dec. 6. The area received a score of 94, a downgrade from its previous rating of 95.5. The Ram Shack was inspected Dec. 7 and received a 96 -- 2 points less than its previous score of 98. Doris Hogan, the county inspector assigned to WSSU, reported the University’s dining areas for various infractions. According to her report, both dining areas were not properly sanitizing prep areas, utensils and cooking equipment. The Ram Shack and Kennedy employees were reprimanded for improperly handling and disposing garbage.
Inspections continued on Page 2
News & Features Page 2
The News Argus
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Media continued from Page 1
Students from public and private institutions in North Carolina submitted contest entries that they produced January through November 2011. Their entries will be on display at the luncheon. The keynote speaker for the luncheon will be Roxanne
Inspections The Ram Shack employees were cited for improper hand washing when one employee was caught washing hands in a sink used for food preparation. The cooking equipment in The Ram Shack was cited because it needed additional cleaning to remove food debris. Hogan cited Kennedy for food storage violations. She cited them also for food maintenance surfaces for not being in good repair. Kennedy was cited for a bathroom infraction. Hogan reported that the walls in one of the bathrooms near the Red Room Lounge
Jones. Jones is a founding editor of ESPN Magazine and former Vice President at ESPN. She created programs across media platforms, including television, print and online. Jones will also be speaking in the R.J. Reynolds Business Center Feb. 17 to the WSSU
community. The event, open to the public, is sponsored by The News Argus and The Office of Student Activities. “The location [of WSSU] will work well for many campuses in the area [participating in the conference],” Hill said. “We expect a really good
continued from Page 1 needed repair. In her report, she penalized both dining areas due to cooking equipment such as grills, ovens and fryers not being properly sanitized. Both dining areas are listed as Risk Category IV because they use multiple areas to make complex meals, and to cool and reheat food. Risk Category IV dining areas also serve a diverse population, including people with susceptible immune systems like the elderly and children. As a result, Risk Category IV eateries must be inspected at least four times a year or every
The Campus Incident Report is a concise summary of the up-to-date incidents that affect the Winston-Salem State campus and community. Certain incidents may lead to News Argus articles. Monday, Jan. 2 At 1:14 p.m. Campus Police took a report that basketball shoes and ankle braces were stolen from the men’s locker room at the C.E. Gaines Center. According to the report, there was no evidence of forced entry. The theft is under investigation. Sunday, Jan. 8 At 9 p.m. Campus Police conducted a security check in Atkins Hall and reported smelling marijuana odor coming from one of the rooms. They located the room but were unable to find marijuana. They did find paraphernalia and marijuana residue. They destroyed the paraphernalia and reported the students who were in the room at the time to Judicial Affairs. At 11 p.m. Campus Police responded to a call about drugs and alcohol in a Wilson Hall room. When the officers entered the room, they found 11 students engaged in using drugs and alcohol. All the students were reported to Judicial Affairs. Monday, Jan. 9 At 5:17 a.m. Campus Police filed a report about a student who pushed a residence hall staff member in Wilson Hall. The student was charged and issued a citation. At 8:25 a.m. Campus Police were called when a student caused disturbances and threatened staff in the Office of Financial Aid. The student was reported to Judicial Affairs.
three months. Salem College, a private women’s institution, not far from WSSU’s campus, was given a 95.5 on Sept. 8 for its secondary eating area and a 95 on Nov. 17 for its cafeteria. The UNC School of the Arts’ snack bar, The Pickle Jar, was given a 96.5 on Sept. 19 and a 95 on its cafeteria on Nov. 1. Forsyth Technical Community College received a 95 for its sole dining area on Oct. 10. Salem College, UNC School of the Arts, and Forsyth Tech were not inspected by Hogan.
Tuesday, Jan. 10 At 8:08 p.m. Campus Police took a report from a WSSU employee in Parking Lot M. The employee had parked his car on the parked lines making it difficult for others to park near his vehicle. The employee said that he found a note placed on his car, stating he had parked incorrectly. The employee reported that the note was harassment. Campus Police did not take the case any further. The case was closed.
Note from Argus Staff:
All information provided in the Campus Incident Report was provided verbally by the Campus Police. These were the most updated reports available before The News Argus deadline. According to the The Jeanne Clery Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose certain timely and annual information about campus crime and security policies. Disclosure of Crime Log Information requires campuses that maintain a police department are required to maintain a daily crime log that contains specified information about any and all crimes that occur within the patrol jurisdiction of the campus police and that are reported to the campus police department. The campus must make the crime log for the most recent 60-day period open to public inspection during normal business hours, while crime logs containing material more than 60 days old must be retained for seven years for public inspection upon two days’ notice. Source: WSSU Department of Police and Public Safety Compiled by Daniel Braswell, Staff Reporter
conference [turnout],” Hill said. NCCMA was formed in December 2007. Its initial one-day conference in April 2008, was offered in the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication at UNCChapel Hill, which birthed the association.
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“The department [mass communications] is glad to do what we can to make the event a success,” Jeter said. “Dr. Cobb’s success in getting it [NCCMA Conference] here shows her dedication in student media.”
Students, organizations make a difference at MLK Read-In event
Kanesha Leak Staff Reporter
kleak108@rams.wssu.edu
More than 68 children and 98 volunteers participated in the third annual “Martin Luther King Jr. Read-In” event at Wake Forest University, Jan. 21. The Read-In promotes Dr. King’s messages of service and literacy. The 2012 theme was “Follow the Leader, Become a Leader.” WFU was this year’s lead organizer. Other partners included Winston-Salem State; HandsOn Northwest North Carolina; Salem College; Big Brothers, Big Sisters; My Sisters Keeper, Inc.; Wiley Middle School; Forest Park Elementary School, and Mutter D. Evans. Evans, the emcee of the day’s event, is the founder and chief organizer of the Annual Noon Hour Commemoration. Amy Lytle, executive director with HandsOn Northwest North Carolina, said that the Read-In was created as an “intergenerational”event. The Read-In featured 10 stations where pre-registered children learned about King’s ideals by engaging in community service projects. The children were paired with volunteers to help them travel to different stations. Each child was given three books: two donated ageappropriate books and one new civil-rights themed book. Salem College students had collected more than half of the 800 books donated. In previous years, the children were given one ageappropriate book.
But this year, the organizers were able to give two books. “We had no idea there was going to be such a huge [response] book donation,” said Morgan Owen, a Neighboring VISTA. Children who were enrolled in various programs including Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Forest Park Elementary School performed community service projects. The projects included writing letters to U.S. troops and community mentors; creating Valentine’s Day cards for clients of Meals On Wheels programs and local retirees; and making place mats, which included quotes by King. The mats will be sent to homeless shelters in WinstonSalem. At the healthy eating station, the children were instructed on healthy snacks, nutrition, and good eating habits. The children also participated in a discussion about anti-bullying with Wiley Middle School students. Zuo Reeves was one of the volunteers from WSSU. Reeves is a junior mass communications major from Washington, D.C. “It is important for WSSU students to give back at events like the Read-In,” Reeves said. “We are here to learn and volunteer and give back to the community that our school is located in, not giving back to the community is a crime.” The children were shown an animated version of a book written by King’s older sister, Christine King Farris. They also watched a video by Evans about her visit to the MLK Memorial Monument in Washington, D.C.
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News & Features Page 3
The News Argus
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
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WSSU students get 'SAP'ed Bianca Pender Copy desk chief
bpender107@rams.wssu.edu
As Winston-Salem State students returned to campus from the holiday break, they were surprised to see their financial aid was not posted on their Banner Rams account. They were informed that they have not made Satisfactory Academic Progress. SAP is a federal and state requirement students must meet. The federal government requires financial aid to monitor student progress under three conditions: a 67 percent completion for graduation; a minimum GPA of 2.0 per semester; and no more than 180 hours completed. “Federal and state government are now looking more stringently at students’ rates of progression when it comes to financial aid,” said Robert Muhammad, director of financial aid. An email was sent Dec. 16 to all students that informed them to check their email and Banner Rams account over the holiday break. The SAP policy was attached to the email which informed students that their progress is monitored
every semester. in a warning or a probation“They [students] have to ary status must complete an understand we can’t run SAP Academic Plan for Success and until grades a SAP appeal are posted,” form. said Katrenna The Academic tudents Rogers, assisPlan for Success tant director of know they have became a fedaccounting. eral requireto keep their “We had to see ment July 2011. if students were The academic GPA up to be meeting the plan allows stucompetitive in requirements for dents to meet federal aid.” with representhe job market Another email tatives from and to get into was sent Dec. 23 University to remind stuCollege, their graduate prodents to check a c a d e m i c grams. ” their [financial adviser, or any aid] status on other faculty or Banner Rams. administrator The due date to help them — Stephen Williams, for the papercreate a plan mass communications work was for the semesmajor from Charlotte extended until ter following Jan. 17. the warning or “I was pretty probationary upset when they took away status. my grants,” said Brian Davis, a If students do well the folsophomore history major from lowing semester, they are Philadelphia. removed from probation. If “This was the first semester I students do not do well, they was able to get a grant.” have another opportunity to If students do not meet the be on probation. Students who requirements, they are placed have continuous issues with in one of three categories: meeting the requirements will warning, probation, or suspen- have their financial aid sussion of financial aid. pended. Students who are placed To appeal a suspension,
“S
students must write a letter and provide documentation to explain why they have not met the requirements. The results of the appeal determines if a student can be placed back on probation. A student has more than three opportunities to meet the requirements. “Always check your WSSU email account. That’s how we [financial aid] communicates with students,” Rogers said. “At least check Banner [Rams] once a week to make sure nothing has changed.” As of Jan. 20, the Office of Financial Aid is no longer reviewing SAP appeal forms. Steven Williams, a mass communications major from Charlotte, said he thinks the SAP policy is functional and it serves its purpose. “Students know they have to keep their GPA up to be competitive in the job market and to get into graduate programs.” Payment arrangements must be made with Billings and Receivables for those whose financial aid has been suspended. “My advice to students would be to get familiar with the SAP policy,” Muhammad said.
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Cameron SChool of BuSineSS ‘Red Tails’ send viewers flying to theaters Grace Anderson Contributor
ganderson208@rams.wssu.edu
After much anticipation and scrutiny, especially among AfricanAmericans, the new movie, Red Tails, was released Jan. 20. It surpassed the projected ticket sales, raking in $19 million in its opening weekend. “Red Tails” provides an account of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first all-black World War II fighter pilot squad. The squadron, sent to North Africa and Italy to escort white bomber pilots, consisted of some of the best fighter pilots in the Air Corps. Their roles in the war have gone unrecognized for some time. Executive producer George Lucas and director Anthony Hemingway presented a star-studded cast, including Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr., Oscar nominee Terrence Howard, David Oyelowo and recording artist Ne-Yo. The film opens with the words, “Blacks are mentally inferior to the white man, by nature, subservient, cowardly and therefore unfit for combat,” an actual quote by the 1925
Army War College. I wouldn’t say that the movie is action packed, but there are some intense moments. The aerial scenes are exhilarating. The intense situations that daredevil character “Lightning” [Oyelowo] puts himself in gives viewers moments of breath holding and rejoicing, from his frontal attack on a Nazi train to his final dogfight with a Nazi jet. The line that probably drew the loudest laugh from the audience is when Ne-Yo said, “When y’all get mad, you turn red. When y’all turn envious, you turn green. When y’all turn cowardly, you turn yella. And you got nerve to call us ‘colored’. Corny-cliché one-liners were abundant, and they were interjected in what otherwise would have been great scenes. In a fighting scene, a line like, “Let’s give those newspapers something to write about!” take away from the intensity of the scene. What is undeniable is that the Tuskegee Airmen who provided inspiration for the movie did a great service for the United States in World War II. Overall, the movie did a great job. I give this film a B+.
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Opinion Page 4
The News Argus
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
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Last of a dying breed The last loss of the 2011 college football season was not by the Louisiana State University Tigers, but it was in the coaching ranks. Former Penn State Head Football Coach Joe Paterno died Jan. 22 from complications from lung cancer. With 409 wins, Coach Paterno had the record for most wins by any coach in Division I college football. He is second all-time behind John Gagliardi who has the most wins with 484 at Division III Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn. He also coached the Penn State Nittany Lions to three Big Ten conference titles and two National Championships in 46 years. His legacy shouldn’t be defined by how his career ended but rather how it impacted the Jordan world of coaching in college football and at Holloway Penn State. Sports editor He was more than a coach. He was a philanthropist, and to some, a father figure. To show the appreciation for his acts of kindness toward the University, Penn State erected a statue of Paterno on campus and named the student library after him. Injuries in 2006 and 2008 couldn’t keep him from coaching his team. In 2006, he was involved in a collision on the sideline with University of Wisconsin linebacker DeAndre Levy that fractured Paterno’s shin bone and damaged ligaments in his knee. In 2008, he had his hip replaced because he sprained his leg as he attempted to demonstrate an onside kick. These two instances did not stop him from his duties; he used an electric motor cart to get around the field during practice. On Saturdays he coached from the press box and remained there until he was healthy enough to come back and patrol the sidelines again. There aren’t many coaches that when you say the school name you think of the coach. When someone says Alabama football you think Paul “Bear” Bryant, Florida State, you think Bobby Bowden, and Grambling, you think Eddie Robinson. Robinson has the most wins as a coach at the Division 1-AA level with 408. But one name that will always remain attached to Penn State football is Joe “Joe Pa” Paterno. The days of those types of coaches are now long gone, but their legacy will always be remembered. Let’s not let the University’s mishandling of a scandal overshadow how many great things that Paterno did.
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As a matter of policy, The News Argus will publish corrections for errors in facts. The corrections will be made as soon as possible after the error has been brought to the attention of The News Argus at
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Joe Pa 1926-2012
The News Argus is a student publication of Winston-Salem State University. The News Argus encourages written comments to the editor and guest columns, but some rules apply: q A signature, address and phone number must accompany all letters. Letters should be double-spaced and no more than 250 words. q Letters will be verified by The News Argus by a phone call prior to publication. If The News Argus is unable to contact the writer of a letter, the letter will be held until contact is made. Letters intended as advertising will not be published. q The News Argus does not publish “form letters”or letters sent to multiple newspapers outside the Triad unless the issue discussed in the letter is of importance to the WSSU community. q The News Argus reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for clarity, length and libel. The News Argus will edit letters that are grossly inaccurate or cross the boundaries of good taste. q The News Argus allows readers to reply to someone’s response to any earlier letter only once. q Guest columns may be no more than 400 words. The News Argus will accept endorsements of candidates, but only one per writer per candidate. The letter may challenge a candidate’s record, but no intensely personal attacks will be printed. The News Argus permits candidates to write letters to the editor to specifically respond to another letter. Photos and Interviews by Corbin Bradford and Jordan Holloway
WSSU students, faculty and staff are selected randomly to answer a provocative question from The News Argus. Comments do not represent the opinions of the Argus staff. To hear the complete responses visit www.thenewsargus. com and listen to the podcasts.
ALESIA CALHOUN SENIOR, IDS FOREST CITY, N.C. “They should have healthier food choices.”
With the Ram Food Court (Ram Shack) having new hours, a new floor plan and more meal choices it is clear that the management is looking to improve its efforts to serve the Winston-Salem State community.
BRIA BOLER SOPHOMORE, NURSING FAYETTEVILLE “They should bring back breakfast and make the weekend hours longer.”
Even with these modifications there are still many things that can be done to improve the service and quality of the Ram Shack. This issue’s Campus Crew asks...
What should be done to improve the Ram Shack?
ORLANDO SELLERS SENIOR, MARKETING BURLINGTON, N.C. “They need to stop closing early and get some faster cooks.”
ANTHONY MELCHOR FRESHMAN, UNDECIDED CHARLOTTE “They should take numbers to reduce the clutter, and they should open the other subway line.”
TANEISHA WHITE SENIIOR, MIDDLE GRADES DURHAM “They should have more lines open during the rush hours.”
Opinion
www.thenewsargus.com Tuesday, January 31, 2012
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Journalism and the First Amendment
“Who do you think will win Super Bowl XLVI ?”
New England Patriots
40%
Many journalists rely on the freedom of the press portion of the First Amendment as a support to publication, but lately it seems that those in authority use it conditionally. Take East VICTORIA Carolina STAPLES Online News Editor University for example. The publication of a series of nude photos in the newspaper’s Nov. 8 issue brought national attention and controversy to the University. A man was arrested for streaking during a halftime military appreciation ceremony at a game, Nov. 5. Coincidentally, two months following, Paul Isom, adviser to the student newspaper and director of student media since
2008, was terminated, with a vague explanation. In recent reports, ECU officials declined to comment on the reason for the termination, calling it a “personnel matter,” but according to a Jan. 5 interview with Isom, he has only had “positive ECU job evaluations.” According to the latest updates on the controversy, an attorney of the Student Press Law Center calls it ECU [officials’] “Plan B” because they cannot “retaliate against the editor.” Other journalists and supporters have been expressing their opinions against the controversy. One organization, The National Press Photographers Association, is fighting to regain Isom’s position. NPPA President, Sean Elliot, sent the chancellor of ECU a letter, hoping for a change of heart.
The role of an adviser has always been to do just that -advise. The definition that I know for advice does not involve control or domination. An adviser’s role for a student newspaper is no different. Ultimately, it is the editor’s decision of what does or does not go out to the audience. The staff of the ECU newspaper had valid reason to publish the photos. In previous statements, editor Caitlin Hale said that the paper’s audience, primarily students, should have access to them, and I agree. I recall a time when our staff almost ran into a similar situation. Towing has always been a hot topic on the WinstonSalem State campus. We were in the office on a production night when someone ran in yelling, “Someone’s
getting towed!” Immediately, we filed out, reporters notebooks and cameras in hand. A picture was taken of the operator of the tow truck, and once realized, he extended his middle finger right as the next picture was taken. After the picture was placed online, our office was contacted by the tow truck operator, stating that we printed false information, and that he was waving. As journalists, we should not have to worry about having our resources taken, being relocated, having faculty changes due to “dismissal” or anything of that sort as it relates to freedom of the press, but instead focus on informing, educating, and even entertaining our general public. We should be able to publish without “prior restraint.”
Valuable lessons best learned in college New York Giants
60%
To participate in the poll, register online @ thenewsargus.com
The final semester of your collegiate career is finally here. You have all the classes needed to graduate, preparations for graduation are underway and BIANCA you are PENDER Copy Desk Chief also thinking about future endeavors. Do you still find yourself asking “What did I learn all this time?” It is normal to think about some of the things you have learned while in college. Everything you learn will not be taught in a classroom
or in a book. Certain lessons are important to learn before you take on life after graduation. When you were a freshman, if someone were to ask you about some of the things you will learn during your time in college, you probably would talk mostly about your major. Any major will teach you more than just the discipline. When working in any field, you have to have thick skin. You can’t take everything someone says personally because it can affect your working environment. Being in college will teach you to handle all business in a timely and mature manner. Yelling, cursing and not having everything in order on your part will not make a situ-
ation better. Knowing how serious the matter is, you still have to respond calmly and come prepared with everything that needs to be turned in. Anything that teachers reiterate constantly is only to help you. We often think of teachers as “the enemy.” They have been in your shoes before and only want to see you succeed. Some things that they do might seem unfair now, but when you look back, it will be a lesson that will reappear later in life. Teachers are hard on students when they see that students have the potential to do great things in the future. Self reliance is one of the
most important lessons you can learn in college. Everyone around you wants to get to the top to be successful and some are willing to step on a few people to get there. Use good judgment when making decisions and trust your abilities in anything you do. When you always depend on others, you will find yourself not making progress. Before you walk across that stage at graduation, take time out to reflect on your college career. There are things that you have learned well on your own. Some were taught to you and others you can always improve on.
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The News Argus
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
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Financial aid service under construction
Kanesha Leak Staff Reporter
kleak108@rams.wssu.edu
In the continuing effort to improve and enhance service to Winston-Salem State students, the Office of Financial Aid has implemented new procedures and has been working on ways to improve communication. Robert Muhammad, director of financial aid, said he has a direct phone line and an open-door policy. The office is also working on a new website to provide students with better insight of the financial aid process. The financial aid verification begins March 1. “The first [financial aid] award will be posted no later than April for new and current students,” Muhammad said. Often a delay with students’ financial aid is the verification process. “One out of every three students makes a mistake on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid,” he said. “One small thing done on the FAFSA can cause a student to be selected for verification.”
Muhammad said that students need to apply early and provide accurate, truthful information to FAFSA. Muhammad said that the information provided by students [during the verification process] determines how long it takes the student to receive an award package. He said getting prepared for the academic school year is a year-round process. “Communication with the [Office of Financial Aid] department is not the best, but it is improving,” Jonathan Watson said. Watson is a junior birth to kindergarten education major from Raeford, N.C. Erika Tillman said she has had problems this year with her financial aid. “I turned in all my paperwork for verification. I was there and I asked the lady if she could tell me if I was missing anything,” Tillman said. “A week later, financial aid called me and told me I needed something else.” Tillman is a senior special education major from Asheville.
Financial aid information is sent to students by email, “snail” mail, and through Banner Rams accounts. Muhammad said that the staff has found through the one-stop shop [early semester student support services process] and talking with students that they [students] are unaware of what they are missing because they fail to check their email or do not know where to find information on Banner Rams. “We are rethinking ways to communicate with students,” he said. “Part of our mission is to begin to educate students on what we can do for them.” “The WSSU Financial Aid Office is not perfect, but we are working to ensure that all students’ needs are met,” Muhammad said. “Students should be assigned to a financial aid adviser like classes,” Watson said. “So you [students] stay with the same person and they know what is going on with your financial information.” Students complain about their documents being lost or misplaced by the office. “They lost my papers after I faxed them and handed them in their hand,” Watson said.
$24,000 average debt for college grads
Mallory Green Staff Reporter
mgreen107@rams.wssu.edu
When Mark Holley, a senior from Detroit, graduated from Winston-Salem State in December 2011, he was $24,000 in debt. Holley, an interdisciplinary studies graduate, says that he plans to pay his loans off in 10 years. Like Holley, nationally, two out of every three graduates have an average of $24,000 in student debt, according to a 2011 report in the Southern Illinois University student newspaper, The Daily Egyptian. More than one in four college students between the ages of 18-29 say they will delay repaying their student loans due to lack of income. Since the financial crisis in 2008, every other form of debt has decreased, with the exception of student loans. Student loans have grown larger as college tuition and
fees have increased. “This year, student debt has eclipsed consumer debt,” said Robert Muhammad, director of financial aid. “We now have more money owed to loan debt than we have for credit card debt.” Students take out loans because their financial aid or scholarships are not enough to cover the cost of tuition. “I took out loans because my financial aid awards were not enough,” said Jarrett White, a mass communications graduate from Raleigh. According to a new study by College Board.com, a website for future and current college students, the increase in average tuition and fees at public four-year institutions has outpaced increases at private nonprofit institutions for the fifth year in a row. The study indicates the increases exceed inflation rates, and at public and community colleges, costs rose
more than 8 percent for the 2011 academic year. “In the last 15 years, there has been a marked increase in state schools, primarily
“ We now
have more money owed to loan debt than we have for credit card debt.” — Robert Muhammad,
director of financial aid
because state and federal funding was cut, which leads the cost to be passed onto the consumer,” Muhammad said. “Every year tuition and fees increase on average about 6.5
to 9 percent throughout the country.” In 2011, the cost to attend WSSU as an in-state student, including tuition and fees, books, supplies, housing and a meal plan, is about $19,000. “This means being more creative when you are looking for housing; look for a cheaper place to stay,” Muhammad said. Another way students can save money is by accepting part of the full amount of a loan. “If you have to borrow money, borrow what you need for the time you need it,” he said. Students are often offered subsidized loans, which are “need based.” A subsidized loan does not require interest payment while a student is enrolled in school. During that time, the federal government pays the interest. But after the student graduates, the grace period ends,
and loan and interest payment begins. An alternative is an unsubsidized loan, that requires a student to repay the loan and interest while in school. Most private loans are unsubsidized. Students can lower monthly loan payments by requesting a plan which would extend the payments from 10 to 20 years. President Barack Obama proposed a new bill to eliminate student debt. The “Pay As You Earn” proposal is a program that would allow college graduates to cap federal student loan repayment at 10 percent of flexible income. The proposal could benefit up to 1.6 million student borrowers and reduce their payments by as much as hundreds of dollars a month.
Sports www.thenewsargus.com Tuesday, January 31, 2012
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With 17 new additions to roster, Rams baseball looks to repeat Jamal Williams Staff Reporter
jwilliams210@rams.wssu.edu
The reigning CIAA Champion Winston-Salem State baseball team may have added new players, but the team’s goals remain the same: another conference title and a College World Series run. The 2011 Rams baseball season ended with a record of 30-25 overall, and 19-7 in the conference. They won the CIAA Championship and earned a trip to the regionals with a fifth seed. At the NCAA tournament at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster, Pa. the Rams came up short with two losses, 7-2 to Mercyhurst and 11-3 to Concord. Rams second-year Head Coach Kevin Ritsche added 17 new players to his 13 manroster of returning players. The new recruits include seven freshman and 10 transfers from junior colleges and universities. “Bringing in these new guys equals starting from scratch with my system, but we also have increased the talent level,” Ritsche said. Ritsche said he plans to build on the championship season from last year by splitting the season in four parts. He said that each part contains attainable goals for his players to reach their maximum potential, so they are
Jordan Holloway
peeking by end of the season. “We are looking to win around 41 games this season en route to a CIAA championship, regionals and College World Series,” Ritsche said. Ritsche began implementing his system when practice began Jan. 10, in the C.E. Gaines Center gym. The players worked on batting, pitching and other strategies. There is no locker room for the team, but that but does not bother the players one bit. “Honestly, it’s cool because I like to keep my equipment with me in case I want to work on my own somewhere,” Quashawn Fulton said. Fulton, a junior business major from Winston-Salem plays second base. He transferred from Guilford Technical Community College. Even without a locker room the players are still continuing to gel as a team. “We are very busy with practice, but we get along well and no guys on the team have egos,” Travis Moore said. Moore, is a junior rehabilitations studies major that plays the outfield. Moore transferred from Surry Community College. “I like the HBCU experience. It is very different from Surry Community College,” Moore said. The pitching staff for the Rams has the highest increase in depth. The team lost one pitcher but reloaded with two
from last year. The team had limited pitchers that could be called in for games, but this year the Rams are anticipating that they will have two or three pitchers they can go to. “We have gone from seven pitchers last year to 16 pitchers in depth,” Ritsche said. One of those pitchers is Sheldon Johnson a senior New Jersey native. Johnson has participated in the College World Series at Mount Olive College in Mount Olive, N.C. “It was an amazing feeling and experience to play in front of so many fans,” Johnson said. Johnson said he grew up in a rough neighborhood in Northwoodbury, N.J. and says that he brings determination and a will to win. “We have the talent, but the challenge is for the team to remain focused all season with the right mindset.” The coaching staff has high expectations for Johnson and the role he will play for the team. “He is a guy that brings leadership and experience to help out our younger guys,” said Kentaus ‘K.C.’ Carter, assistant coach. Johnson said he is excited about the prospect of making history with his teammates this season. “We will win another championship and we will make a World Series run,” he said.
Jordan Holloway
Tyrah Winfrey
Sports Editor
Fayetteville native Tyrah Winfrey was selected by her track coach, Inez Turner as the Game Ball recipient because of her heart and determination. “She is an extremely good worker,” Turner said. “It is a great feeling for me to be chosen by my coach as the recipient,” said Winfrey, a junior marketing major. “She is a rock on this team, and her effort motivates the team,” Turner said. Winfrey, a distance runner, said that she will work hard and doesn’t want to lose favor with her coach. “I want to continue to do well and stay in the good graces of coach and not let my team down.”
Rams ‘Shock’ingly defeat WAU, 100-84
Sports Editor
jholloway106@rams.wssu.edu
In front of an extremely rambunctious C.E. Gaines Center audience the Winston-Salem State Rams (152, 7-0 CIAA) took the charge out the Washington Adventist Shock (7-11) 100-82 on Jan. 24. This is the second time WSSU scored 100 points and the fourth time they have scored more than 95 points. All four games that the Rams scored more than 95 points have been against non-conference opponents. The Rams relied on a strong second half effort to push themselves to victory. After the first half that saw the Rams miss their first 10 shots from the field, Head Coach Bobby Collins was still confident the team would pull out the win. Collins said that he wanted to attack the basket early. “We just didn’t start off well. We were missing too many shots,” Collins said. “But the fans really stayed behind the team and continued to push them and I think that is what it was that gave us the boost we needed to pull off the victory tonight.” The Rams defense kept them in the game in the first half forcing nine turnovers. WSSU went into the half trailing by one 38-39. The Rams started the second half by going on a
20-10 run to give them the lead for good. “We just believe in coach and doing what he tells us,” said Wakefield Ellison, a forward. “Things came together once things began to click.” Ellison shot 6-for-9 from the field scoring 18 points and pulling down five rebounds and four steals. “I knew I could take advantage of their size tonight since they were a smaller team,” Ellison said. The Rams took advantage of plenty of trips to the charity stripe shooting 31-for-43 from the free throw line. “We work on that [free throws] every day in practice,” Ellison said. “We spend 20 minutes on it and the coaches do a good job preparing us.” Junior guard, Justin Glover took advantage of the trips to the foul line hitting 10-12 free throws and scoring 17 points. “I need Justin [Glover] to be a scorer for us when he does that we are a tough team to beat,” Collins said. The Rams fed the post early and often in the second half. Freshman forward WyKevin Bazemore continued to be a force in the paint pulling down 12 rebounds and scoring 13 points. “I just wanted to come out and assert myself on the glass and help my team to a victory,” Bazemore said. Fellow big man, junior forward Joseph Thompson, turned in a good performance as well.
Thompson scored 16 points and sparked the team’s run by scoring 12 points in the second half. “Their big men [Shock] were in foul trouble and we wanted to attack their interior and put pressure on them,” Collins said. “Thompson capitalized on his chances and was really leaving the floor. I can’t remember the last time he did that so much.” This was the first non-conference game since the Tampa Classic when the Rams lost both games against Eckerd College and Tampa Spartans, in late December. “It was a little difficult coming out of conference play to play a non-conference game,” Collins said. “I believe that this game will get us ready to face our upcoming conference foes that have good guard play.” Coach Collins said that the team didn’t play well and he continues to give all of the credit to the fans. “Our fans energize us and really make the team play harder,”he said. “This was the most fun that I have ever had coaching a game in my career.” The rest of the Rams season is conference competition with visits to Johnson C. Smith and Livingstone quickly approaching. “Playing against a team that has a good guard like the one we faced tonight will prepare for our games aganist JCSU.”
Sports
www.thenewsargus.com Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The News Argus
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Lady Rams peaking at right time Daniel Braswell Staff Reporter
dbraswell110@rams.wssu.edu
The Lady Rams basketball team started 2012 CIAA conference play dominating with winning their first seven games. Their wins in conference play included an impressive victory on the road against Elizabeth City State 60-56 on Jan. 14, and a blowout victory at home against Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, 94-44 on Jan. 16. These wins are coming after the Lady Rams started their regular season schedule with a 5-5 record. Head Coach Stephen Joyner Jr. said he believes that his team’s struggles early on have helped prepare his players to play well in conference. The team began the season with tough losses on the road against UNC-Asheville and Radford University. Both are Division I schools. “Playing against that Division I competition showed us the level that we need to be playing at to compete for a CIAA Championship,” Joyner said. “There were losses that at the time I don’t think the team could understand why we had them on our schedule, but I think now with the level that we’re playing at [the team] understands why we scheduled those games.” Joyner said that having more concentration in practice has also helped his team play much better. “At the beginning of the year, we had a team that really just wanted to play basketball games and not practice,” he said. “I think that it was the leadership of Courtney Medley, Jasmine Newkirk and LaQuanda
Williams who decided that they were going to bring a certain level of energy and intensity to practice.” All three players Medley, Newkirk and Williams are upperclassmen and are three of the top four scorers. Newkirk, a junior from Raleigh, said that she focuses on leading the team by bringing constant effort daily. “I just try to stay consistent and work to make each of my teammates better every day,” Newkirk said. Players believe coming together more as teammates has been very beneficial. “There’s more chemistry now so everybody’s talent is really starting to show,” said Schatavia Gray, a junior guard averaging 2.8 points and 2.7 rebounds. “The team has finally started to come together.” As the Lady Rams continue their season, they are confident that in the postseason they can compete for both the CIAA and National Championship. Newkirk said that although the team’s approach is taking games one-step at a time, they truly believe that they can achieve their team championship goals. “We’re definitely trying to accomplish the CIAA Championship and also Regionals,” Newkirk said. “And then after Regionals we can talk about a National Championship.” While the players feel a responsibility to win a championship, Joyner said that the ultimate responsibility falls on him and his coaching staff. “We’ve always said as coaches, if we don’t win it, then it’s on us.”
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The Lady Rams leading scorer Courtney Medley is on pace to surpass her point total from last season of 364 points. She is averaging 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.