Student safety the priority on MLK Direct loans ease aid Jordan Howse Editor In Chief
jhowse106@wssu.edu
Photo by Brandon Wainright, Staff Photographer
A new wrought iron fence stretches through campus from Cromartie Street to Reynolds Park Road along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The city of Winston-Salem started installing the fence during the summer and completed it the first week of classes. It was built to facilitate the use of crosswalks.
WSSU correcting four SACS cites
Jaye Cole
Winston-Salem State has taken steps to correct the areas that were cited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accrediting agency in March. The eight-member team examined the University in several aspects to determine its accreditation status.
WSSU was cited in four areas: not publishing information in the undergraduate catalog; two issues within financial aid; and faculty competence. The administration has taken note and already begun to address these issues. Correcting them include placing the SACS logo and the five general education outcomes in the undergraduate catalog, ensuring that the courses professors teach are within their discipline and a full report
from the Financial Aid Office. “We have taken actions to comply with all SACS requirements,” said Senior Associate Provost Merdis McCarter. In terms of academe, WSSU fared well, even garnering a mark of distinction for Rams Write, a program implemented
Constitution Day celebrated
Flu shots available on campus
WFU reports bed bug issue
Assitant Editor
jcole109@wssu.edu
Winston-Salem State will be celebrating Constitution Day Sept. 23. In observance of Constitution Day, instructors are asked to engage their students in any discussion, project or activity that relates to the U.S. Constitution. Source: www.wssu.edu
WSSU has partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC and Maxim Health Systems to give Flu and Pneumonia vaccines Sept. 21 and Oct. 18-19 at F.L. Atkins for faculty and staff and their families. A BCBSNC card and photo identification are required for shots. Source: www.wssu.edu
SACS continued on Page 2
Wake Forest University reported a bed bug infestation. University officials said as of Sept. 10, all rooms identified as having evidence of bed bugs have been treated, either by conventional or heat treatments, including a few rooms in upper-class residence halls found during canine inspections. Source: www.bedbugger.com
Most Winston-Salem State students, as well as students all over the state agree that financial aid is the most tedious part of college. In March, President Barack Obama signed a health care bill that included education reform. In that bill, private lenders were eliminated and the U.S. Department of Education became the sole provider of financial aid to students at state colleges and universities. “The process is more seamless after procuring the federal government as your lender,” said Tomikia LeGrande, assistant vice chancellor of enrollment management. “The money comes to the institutions on a much more rapid basis. “Because the money comes faster, and the interest rates are lower with a more flexible schedule payment, students seem excited about the benefits and the change to direct lending,” LeGrande said. Some students do not agree. “This is my fifth semester at WSSU, and it’s the first time I haven’t gotten my refund check during the first disbursement,” said Julisa Fields, a junior business administration major from Hickory. Students that completed all paperwork before July 15
Financial Aid continued on Page 3
News & Features Page 2
The News Argus
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
www.thenewsargus.com
Preschool gets Headstart
Child Development Center to re-open
Jaye Cole
Assistant Editor
jcole109@wssu.edu Grace Anderson
Argus Contributor
Due to popular demand, the once defunct day care center and student research lab at Winston -Salem State tentatively plans to re-open as the Child Development Center at the end of this month. The day care, which initially opened in 1975, shut its doors Aug. 21, 2009, largely due to budget cuts. The abrupt closing brought to an end a legacy of the five-star rated child care facility. Chancellor Donald Reaves and the administration made the decision to shut down the day care specifically because operating costs were too exorbitant. “Our current budget will not allow us to spend money on the center when there are other alternatives available in the community for our students,” Reaves said in the Winston-Salem Journal June 30, 2009. There were many people — which included alumni, students and faculty — who were not pleased with the closing of the facility, which eventually led to its inclusion of a protest on campus. Eventually lawmakers and other community leaders got involved, and, after budget adjustments and collaboration with the Child Development Division of Family Services, Inc., the administration found the resources to re-open the child care facility.
With the re-opening of the facility comes new purpose and direction. It is no longer classified as a day care and research lab; it is a Headstart Child Development Center with the Family Services of Winston-Salem on campus. The Center accepts children ages 3 to 5 years. The staff screens and evaluates each student and keeps meticulous records of the child’s development. In addition to faculty and students, parents living in surrounding neighborhoods such as Happy Hill and Morningside who are at or below the poverty line have an opportunity to enroll their children as well. Child Development Center manager Sheila Ebrahim says the Center uses a ‘creative curriculum’ to teach the children. “This is more than a day care,” Ebrahim said. “It is the task of the Center to get the students ready for the next level. The classrooms are outfitted with several learning tools, not just toys. “We are preparing our students for elementary [school],” Ebrahim said. The Center also accepts children with learning disabilities. Many students with learning disabilities may receive priority based on the needs of the child. Ebrahim said the children go through assessments and ongoing observations. “If there is a concern in either developmental speech or hearing, then we provide additional services through community resources.”
The staff is ready for a Sept. 30 start date. Nearly every classroom has been completed. Angela Roberts, a pre-kindergarten teacher from Brooksdale, Fla., said she anticipates a productive grand re-opening. “I’m looking forward to a new year, a really good year,” Roberts said. The Child Development Center began accepting applications for WSSU faculty and students Sept. 1. The applications are being taken on a first-come, firstserve basis. Associate Director of Adult and Graduate Admissions Victoria Hanchell, a mother of a fouryear-old, was on the waiting list at the old facility for over a year. Her daughter was enrolled at the day care for two weeks before she learned of its closing, she said. Hanchell said she remains optimistic and hopes to get her child into the new Child Development Center. “The WSSU Child Development Center has a history of instilling good foundations in reading, writing and mathematics. Also, the children aren’t just playing all day but rather are learning and building developmental skills. It is truly a preschool and not a day care,” Hanchell said. Spaces at the Center will also be available for families in the community, with a special focus on providing services to families who need financial support for child care. Additionally, the Center will be available to meet WSSU student training needs, faculty research and grant-writing opportunities.
SACS The Campus Crime Blotter is a concise summary of the upto-date incidents that affect the Winston-Salem State campus and community. Certain incidents may lead to News Argus articles that discuss them at great length. Tuesday, Aug. 10 A bookstore employee admitted to stealing $2,000 worth of textbooks. The employee was escorted to Campus Police to be interviewed. The employee was read his rights, transported to the Winston-Salem Police department and placed under arrest for larceny. He was given a secured bond with a preliminary hearing date Aug. 27. Friday, Aug. 20 At 8:30 a.m. a staff/director entered his office to find pornographic material on his computer screen. Staff from IT was notified of the situation and assisted with the investigation indicating this type of problem is campus wide. They are working to correct the problem. There being no further information, the case is closed. Monday, Aug. 23 Approximately 12:30 a.m. an individual who was with other subjects gave a female student his number. Red Sea of Sound members congregating nearby said the individual was being disrespectful to the female. An altercation ensued, and a student was punched in the face. A gun was pulled out and the statement was made, “I will shoot one of y’all.” One shot was fired in the air. No one was hurt or injured.
Tuesday, Aug. 24 At 12:20 a.m. a student was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint of money, dorm and house keys, jewelry and a cell phone. The student had been dropped off when a car pulled up carrying four males. Two males, one with a gun, jumped out of the car and demanded the student to empty his pockets. No further information at this time. Tuesday, Aug. 31 At approximately 1:05 a.m. two male nonstudents were involved in an altercation that resulted in gunfire. A female student was a passenger in the vehicle that one of the male non-students was driving. The other male non-student fired two rounds of a small caliber handgun into the vehicle shattering the glass, giving the occupants non life-threatening injuries. According to the report, the injured male non-student may have been under the influence of narcotics. A BB gun was found under the driver seat. Charges to the shooter and the victim are pending. No further information at this time. Thursday, Sept. 2 At 9:45 a.m. an officer was dispatched in reference to a shuttle bus being on fire. There were no passengers and the driver said that there have been problems from the bus before. The brakes may have overheated, causing a leak in the brake line and smoke to come from the rear tires. No further information at this time.
Source: WSSU Department of Police and Public Safety Compiled by Myiesha Speight, News Argus Contributor
continued from Page 1
by the University’s Quality Enhancement Program. “We will not know what action SACS has taken on our response to the areas of noncompliance until the annual meeting in December 2010.” The Financial Aid Office staff was unavailable for comment. The areas which received citations were just a portion of what the SACS representatives were looking for.
QEP: Rams Write
In 2007, the University was introduced to Rams Write, a five-year plan to improve writing in the majors. This initiative was originally set forth by the QEP, and after two years of training faculty and staff, 2010 marks the genesis of Rams Write's five-year journey. Pamela Simmons, the new QEP director, and her staff have worked to get the students involved as much as possible. Their achievements are reflected through the high marks received from SACS. “There are very few [HBCU’s] reaching this level of achievement,” Simmons said. Rams Write’s goal is to remain compliant within the SACS as well as assist in WSSU’s reaffirmation process.
QEP is targeting both junior and senior levels of writing, but would eventually like to implement the program at the developmental level. “Everyone has the ability to write,” Simmons said. During the spring semester, the administration made efforts to promote Rams Write as much as possible. This included posting advertisements around campus, giving out gifts for students who actively participated, and even erected a banner in the breezeway of the Thompson Center. Their efforts have not gone in vain. According to the assistant QEP director Tanya Walker, there have already been signs of positive results. “I have seen improvements in student's writing, particularly because of the clarity of the assignment sheets the students are now receiving, clarity in instruction, and a better grasp of the content,” Walker said. She also said that the outlook of the five year plan is “optimistic” and encourages all majors to utilize the new writing center. Students who have difficulty with their writing skills may visit the Language Arts Center, located in the Hauser building, for assistance.
News & Features www.thenewsargus.com Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Financial Aid
continued from Page 1
received their refund Sept. 7. The Financial Aid Office was audited because the information collected was insufficient and did not provide proof to the federal government that some students were eligible to receive funds. “The goal this year is to provide our students education,” LeGrande said. “About 90 percent of students receive financial aid in some form, so we want the student population to understand three things: why it is so important to get your FAFSA in early; the things that prompt the federal government to select a student for verification; and, the paperwork to provide to prevent the need for verification.” Chancellor Donald Reaves sent an e-mail to students Aug. 27. It stated those who had not paid their tuition because they hadn’t received their financial aid would be allowed to continue attending classes.
About 350 students would have been purged if Reaves had not made this decision. Approximately 4,000 students did not submit the information by the deadline set by the federal government and the University. Many students were selected for verification because of this. Verification, according to the WSSU financial aid web site, is the process to confirm a student’s application data. Alishia Grant, a sophomore nursing major from Durham was a student that was selected for verification. “It wasn’t as big of a deal as I thought it would be,” Grant said. “When I was told I had been selected for verification I thought it was going to set me way back from getting my financial aid. “I just didn’t know that I had to sign a new promissory note and do that entrance counseling.”
Grant said after she completed her documents, her financial aid package was back on track. Amanda Colfield, a senior biology major from Greensboro, said she didn’t find the verification process so easy. “I turned in all my paperwork before the end of last [spring 2010] semester,” Colfield said. “I’ve had financial aid problems before, and I was determined to not have them again. “Then at the very end of the summer, I got an e-mail and checked my banner account, and it said I had unsatisfied requirements,” she said. During this transitional year, Financial Aid Office is advancing technologically. LeGrande said the Office is getting a new document and facsimile imaging system that can scan and archive documents that have been sent.
James Jackson
the Happy Hill area as it was during the 60s, 70s and 80s. “Pride and Dignity” extracts the most positive elements out of that community. The exhibit features artwork done by many local artists, including Glen Johnson who lived in the community for 14 years. “It was exciting to be able to paint and draw and express my memories,” Johnson said in an interview with the Winston-Salem Journal. He said his experiences are invaluable to events such as these and allows people that may not be familiar with the area to see what he saw so
many years ago. Lining the perimeter of the gallery is an array of artwork that spans from sports memorabilia to life-sized figurines meant to portray a certain element of African-American culture. There are also religious mementos representing the popularity of spirituality in the African American community. The exhibit shows the rich history of the Happy Hill community, serves as a visual reminder of how far it has come at the same time preserving the memories of everyone that grew up there.
Art exhibit honors Happy Hill
Argus Contributor &
Jarrett Dawkins Argus Chief
photographer
jdawkins106@wssu.edu
More than 1,500 people have visited Diggs Gallery since June 26 to view 16 artistic presentations including paintings, photographs and video documentation of Winston-Salem’s oldest African-American community. The “Pride and Dignity from the Hill” art exhibit was created by Diggs Gallery with the help of community members. Available through Feb. 26, the exhibit offers a snapshot of
The News Argus
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Releford assumes interim position for student affairs Bianca L. Pender
Argus Staff Reporter
bpender107@wssu.edu
Michele B. Releford assumed the position of interim vice chancellor of student affairs May 17 and is determined to lead the Rams in a more structured direction. Releford has served as the Dean of University College for two years. She said taking the position of vice chancellor of student affairs was not a hard transition. Releford has already instituted changes in her new role. For one, she is requiring all student organizations to have one coordinator. Beginning this year, students who live on campus were provided with a new free washing and drying service in the laundry rooms. Releford served on the Strategic Plan committee as Dean of University College. According to the WSSU web site, the Strategic Plan outlines goals, processes and timetables of what needs to be improved at the University. She began the Ramdition program for freshmen in 2008. Ramdition is a week-long program that puts students in academic settings and gives them a welcoming ceremony at the end of the week. “Ramdition was created out of a meeting I held in October of 2008,” Releford said.
Releford said she plans to have a week dedicated to seniors in the spring. She also wants to incorporate more academics in student activities. She said her personal relationship with the staff is very important to her. “There is never a dull moment in Student Affairs and no two days are ever the same,” said LaVon Gray, special projects manager for Student Affairs & University College. “The new leadership has been refreshing,” said Bridgette Hazelwood, administrative support associate. “She puts the needs of students first.” Releford said she would like for students to get what they paid for when they graduate. “They paid for an education that will allow them to seek graduate study, handle the work force as a productive member of society and to want to give back to the institution.” Releford said she wants the students of WSSU to know that she is approachable. Janae Williams, a junior music business major said Releford is one faculty member who is easy to talk to. “Though I’ve had little interaction with her personally, it doesn’t take long. She doesn’t give you long to warm up to her bubbly, youthful aura,” Williams said. As of now it is unknown if Releford will remain vice chancellor of student affairs.
Opinion Page 4
The News Argus
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
www.thenewsargus.com
A breath of fresh air Hello Winston-Salem State community, my name is Jordan Howse and I am the editor in chief of the News Argus for the 2010-2011 school year. It’s really ironic that I am working on a newspaper because I have not always been interested in working in media. In 2008, I returned to WSSU and became a mass communications maJORDAN HOWSE jor and began contributing articles Editor In Chief to the Argus. After I completed my internship at The High Point Enterprise this summer, I knew the newsroom is where I wanted to be. I got a lot of experience as a writer and I hope to get a lot of editing experience this school year. The News Argus is an award-winning newspaper. And my goal, like my predecessors is to keep bringing home the prizes. I am more than confident that my hardworking staff and I will do our best to make WSSU proud. We will present news that is relevant, accurate, fair, balanced, informative and entertaining. I hope to get students more interested and knowledgeable about the activities, events and issues that happen on campus and in the nation. Not only are we working hard to make both the print Argus a good news source, but we are also adding some exciting new additions to Argus online. It’s undergoing an upgrade and soon we will become more interactive and feature more multimedia. As a new campus leader, this will be a learning process and I appreciate anything students, faculty and alumni can teach me. I am looking forward to receiving suggestions and news tips, so please come to my office G005 in Carolina Hall or send e-mail to jhowse106@wssu.edu. Rumor is journalists are a dying breed,but I intend to resuscitate.
Argus Letter Policy
As a matter of policy, The News Argus will publish corrections for errors. The corrections will be made as soons as possible after the error has been brought to the attention of the Argus Editor In Chief at
thenewsargus@yahoo.com
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 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. Interviews and photos by Jarrett Dawkins
Forum of comments from WSSU students, faculty and staff 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.
MARY IBEL MARTINEZ FRESHMAN, EDUCATION YADKINVILLE, N.C It’s good; it’s just a little slow, so they would have to speed it up a little bit, but you will save a lot of money.
Rent-A-Text is a new renting service provided by the WSSU bookstore and university bookstores across the country. It allows students to rent textbooks in the bookstore or online.
This method helps students save money. It’s also convenient because students can pay with cash, a credit card or their Ram card. This issue’s Campus Crew asks…
What do you think about about renting textbooks from the bookstore?
STEPHANIE NESMITH JUNIOR, CLINIC LAB SCI FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. I like it a lot. It helped me to save money this year.
DENISE BAUCOM FRESHMAN, ELEM ED. WEDDINGTON, N.C. It means more to me to purchase the book than to rent it, so I can go back to the book if I need to.
JACOB GREEN JUNIOR, MATH GASTONIA The rental policy is really good. Everything was pretty simple, and I’m enjoying it.
ETHAN STANG GRAD STUDENT, PT CHAPEL-HILL It’s a great idea to save a lot of money. I wish the grad school would allow us to rent books.
Opinion www.thenewsargus.com Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The News Argus
Page 5
HBCUs struggle to compete with white institutions athletically
Do you support the plans to build a 13-story mosque (an Islamic place of worship) and a Moslem community center two blocks from ground zero ?
Yes. Despite what happened on 9/11, the Muslim community has religious freedom.
58%
No. It’s offensive and disrespectful. They should build their mosque some place else.
29%
I don’t care.
13%
To participate in the poll, register online @ thenewsargus.com
Before integration, black athletes were rarely recruited by predominantly white institutions so they had little options but to enroll and play at HBCUs. Then in Sept. 1970, Sam Cunningham's historical performance against the University of Alabama changed college football recruiting forever. Soon after that, many white schools began to heavily recruit black players. University of Alabama offered a scholarship to Wilbur Jackson, the first African American in Tide history to receive a scholarship from the school. Predominantly white institutions are able to pamper their recruits with state of the art facilities, dormitories, huge football stadiums and nationwide exposure to NFL scouts. HBCUs have struggled to sign the best recruits because they are lacking in these categories and many of their schools’ football programs are not funded like larger schools,
such as the University of Florida or the University of Southern California (USC). The main difference when comparing football programs such as Howard's and University of Florida is that one is a private institution and the other is public. “The obvious difference between HBCUs and PWIs, is they have a considerable amount of more scholarships to give out, which naturally adds more depth, which makes it hard for HBCUs to compete because it’s a numbers game," said Donald Ware, who hosts the nationally syndicated sports show "From the Press Box to Press Row." Public Universities receive millions in funding from the state for their football programs and other aspects of their school. They apply this money towards physical facilities, academics, better dorms and
classrooms and quality labs. Also, the alumni base between a private and public institution varies. A private institution is not as large, so its disposable income for giving back is not as high. “ Financial support is almost non-existent compared to the other large division one schools in athletics field. It’s unfortunate we don’t get the same opportunity as those other athletes that attend the neighboring schools," said Chatman Young, senior right guard. PWIs offer more seats for fans and onlookers than other schools. The biggest football stadium for an HBCU belongs to Norfolk State University, which can seat up to 30,000 people. The University of Michigan stadium can seat up to 100,000 people. Howard's Green Stadium can only seat up to 10,000 people.
Op-Ed
“Overall, the HBCU does not have financial resources that predominantly white institutions have because the HBCU funding has been put into the physical plant of the university, to renovate dorms, class rooms and laboratories, as opposed to the emphasis in athletic venues," said Newton Jackson, PhD, former athletic director at Florida A&M University. Although Cunningham's performance will forever be remembered as the day that broke segregation among college football, it was also the day that HBCU's lost key recruits and the ability to compete with predominantly white institutions.
Karim Alammuri Sports Editor The Hilltop, student newspaper at Howard University Published: Aug. 30 Updated: Sept. 2
Vets at WSSU suffering financially due to incorrect online catalog information
The veterans attending Winston-Salem State have yet to be awarded their government stipends. Students — vets —who fall under Chapters 30, 31 and 33 (Montgomery GI, Vocational Rehabilitation and Post 9/11 Veterans) are entitled to receive financial compensation as long as they are enrolled in school. Their funds are usually dispensed at the beginning of each month. However, the students did not get their money because of “errors included in the WSSU online course catalog.” University officials say they are working on the corrections. But, how did this mistake happen in the first place? As a student, I appreciate my school and have an understanding for administrative woes under a massive early fall semester workload; even upperclassmen need time to
re-adjust following a threemonth hiatus from school. As a veteran, I cannot fathom how my school would allow us to go this far into the semester without formally ensuring us that they are making a concerted effort to rectify the problem. The fundamental legal principles passed down to us by our nation’s founders was written at a time of both turmoil and trepidation, yet the delegates that gathered in Philadelphia possessed unparalleled optimism. They seemed to not only depend on God, but also on the strength of the country’s newly formed armed forces. That’s how much the Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard mean to America; they are entities placed at a level scantly beneath divin-
ity. Time and again, we have celebrated the military for the defense of this country and all that it stands for. Their presence is constant and uncompromising, hence the appreciation shown for their service is continual. America is indebted to the sacrifices made by those who gave up life and limb. That is why it’s so hard for me to understand why it seems that WSSU has not made a stalwart attempt to help keep its veteran student population financially secure. We have altered our lives, oftentimes putting personal, family, and career affairs aside so that the many unsung liberties can continue to be enjoyed by all Americans. There are many aberrations that can be made while processing paperwork; however,
Op-Ed
the errors that were made, whether it directly or indirectly affected our veterans, came at a great cost. The stipends that are awarded each month are the source of many veterans’ livelihood. The stress of making the grade in school — in addition to making sure that rent or mortgage is paid, power stays on, the children are fed, and the car tank is filled — can often prove to be overwhelming for any student. These financial conditions are unfair and inadequate for any student-veteran at any school. I love Winston-Salem State, but in the words of Chancellor Donald Reaves, “We can do better; we will do better.” It is my sincerest desire that this issue is resolved with urgency and immediacy.
Jaye Cole Argus Assistant Editor
News & Features Page 6
The News Argus
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
www.thenewsargus.com
Mr. Senior selection decided with 56 votes Ebony S. Smith
Argus Staff Reporter
esmith109@wssu.edu
After numerous rounds of applicants and interviews, and weeks of deliberation, the Senior Class Council and SGA announced that JaEric Brooks- Shoffner is Mr. Senior 2010-2011. This past April, e-mails were sent to the students stating that SGA elections were soon to be underway. Immediately after the deadline for applications, the campus saw a profusion of signs, posters, buttons and pins. When the results came in, both the student body president and vice president were elected, a number of secretarial offices were filled, and a senior class president was chosen, but the Mr. Senior position was vacant. SGA proceeded with business as usual, as the new members adjusted to their titles and offices. “The only logical choice of action was to abide by the constitution and appoint individuals for the rest of the council, so I accepted and reviewed applications and letters of intent, and promoted the vacancies on the council,” said Lauren J. Waters, a social work major, and this
year’s Senior Class President. “The students of the class of 2011 are incredibly resilient, and intelligent; however, it was very disheartening to learn that there were not any men within the class who desired to run for not only Mr.
JaEric Brooks- Shoffner Senior, but any position on the council.” Waters chose the candidate she said was most qualified. However, with new Student Affairs administration implemented over the summer, it was discovered that the candidate chosen did not meet the requirements to hold a senior position.
“The [SGA] constitution states that the senior class president holds the rank to make a decision in these types of situations, but an eligible candidate was required to have 90 hours by the end of the spring semester,” Vivian Spencer said. Spencer is the Senior Class Adviser. After a second upset with another candidate, the SGA executive board voted to have special elections during the fall. E-mails were sent to the Senior Class notifying them that the opportunity was available to run for Mr. Senior. Three candidates on the ballot were JaEric Brooks-Shoffner, Joshua Chavis, and James Walker. And with a total of 56 votes, Brooks-Shoffner won. Out of 1,462 seniors eligible to vote, about 9 percent participated in the voting, with 125 ballots cast. “We were excited to finally be finished with the selection process, and to have someone serve as Mr. Senior, but the fact that the student body didn’t really take part was disappointing,” said Amilca O’Connor, a rehabilitation studies major, and Miss Senior 2010-2011.
JaEric Brooks- Shoffner As Mr. Senior, BrooksShoffner, a political science major from Durham, says he has plenty to offer. He played on several different sports teams last year, but dropped his athletic endeavors for a heavier academic load. “My goal as Mr. Senior is to serve as an everyday role model to other males around campus, no matter what classification,” he said. “Now that I am a more visible member of the student body, I want to work to change the attitude and mind sets of my classmates, especially the males, about getting involved on campus.” Brooks-Shoffner said he plans to use his experience as the vice president of the Pre-Law society, a legacy leader, a resident assistant, and a member of the Talented Tenth Brotherhood to invoke initiative within the student body.
Education Department undergoes re-organization Natalie D. Davis Assistant Editor
ndavis107@wssu.edu
The Education Department at Winston-Salem State has re-organized and added new sequences. “The changes are meant to reposition the entire teacher preparation programs at WSSU,” said Madu Ireh, assistant professor of education and human performance. “It is a welcomed reorganization and meant to improve instruction, learning, and services to students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.”
Cynthia Williams-Brown, chair and associate professor of secondary education, said the Education Department offers math, English and physical education sequences, and is working on developing a sequence in science. The sequences will focus on teacher education at the high school and middle school levels. Physical education is taught in grade schools. Williams-Brown said that the re-organization took a lot of planning. Faculty were transferred from different departments, including math, science, and physical education, into the
Education Department. “We [Education Department] are having a majors meeting to explain the makeup of the new department and how they will have to do business now,” Williams-Brown said. Edwin Bell said that he is optimistic about what the department will be able to accomplish, and that the students he has talked to seem pleased that they are getting more attention. Bell is the professor and interim chair of educational leadership, counseling and professional studies. “I feel pretty good about the
new additions,” Bell said. “We could have done a better job planning the reorganization, but the new organizational structure provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen teacher education and rehabilitation counseling at WSSU.” Students are required to apply to the department after their sophomore year, and after they complete their general education requirements. They must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, pass the Praxis I [teacher certification exam], pass a written essay and personal interview. They must also submit a recommendation
from a professor. Ireh said that the decision was made by higher authorities, with some consultation with faculty and staff in the two existing departments. Williams-Brown said that each sequence has a coordinator who is responsible for monitoring the curriculum and ensuring that the sequences are updated. The coordinators are Cedric Bass for English, Pamela Moses-Snipes for math, Donna Spinks for physical education, and Sandra Ingram for science.
News & Features www.thenewsargus.com Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The News Argus
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Social work program moving Students, faculty offer different viewpoints closer to accreditation Natalie D. Davis Assistant Editor
ndavis107@wssu.edu
The Social Work program at Winston-Salem State is closer to being an accredited program. Isiah Marshall, an associate professor and coordinator of social work, said that the Council on Social Work Education visited in February. The results were reported to the program in June. Representative James Adams, a commissioner from the CSWE, conducted the site visit. Based on the program’s documents and a review brief, he recommended a second view of candidacy. During the visit, Adams met with the social work faculty to discuss the curriculum and the administrators regarding accreditation. He also met with the majors to get their opinion about the program. Adams gave a preliminary report to the social work program to continue candidacy. Marshall said that everyone is pleased with the outcome of the visit. “The students reacted very positively to Dr. Adams,” Marshall said. “They were very excited and felt comfortable in letting him know what the program was doing.”
Lauren Pointer, a junior social work major from Burlington, said that she was excited about the commissioner’s visit. “I, personally, am not worried about accreditation,” Pointer said. “They [faculty and administrators] are doing what needs to be done to ensure that our program gets their accreditation.” The next visit will be between November and February 2011. The outcome of this visit decides whether they will be scheduled for the full initial accreditation site visit next fall. If so, they will have to prepare for another visit in four years. Site visits must be conducted every eight years. Marshall said that graduates of the now unaccredited program are working in the field, and attending graduate schools of Wake Forest Law School, and UNC-Charlotte. WSSU does not have a graduate program for social work. Marshall said that it would be a good idea to catch students on their off years because most schools take graduate applications for social work every two years. “Yes, it [a graduate social work program] seems to be an area to be explored,” Marshall said.
RAMS WALK: A way to stay fit at WSSU Brittany McEachirn Argus Contributor
Winston-Salem State is offering a campus-wide initiative called “Rams Walk” to bring awareness to the students about the importance of physical activity and its relevance to overall health. The new program, created by Cynthia Williams-Brown, began Sept. 20. “Rams Walk is designed with all people in mind, something simple, yet a great way to get in shape and stay healthy,” said WilliamsBrown, chair and associate professor of secondary education. “Some main areas the program is targeting are weight loss, high blood pressure prevention and control, increased levels of good cholesterol, and reduction in the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.”
It is a walking program that works with all schedules and accommodates every fitness ability. Rams Walk will include a nine-month walking series in which participants will be asked to log their daily steps. A pedometer will be provided to all student participants. “At first, when I read the fliers, I thought it was going to be easy and something I would get bored with very fast,” said Arthur McIllwain, a junior education major from Charlotte. “Then when I logged on the web site on the flier I saw it had more to offer the participants.” The program offers two types of walking groups. There are walking groups for participants who want to take part in a structured program; these groups meet twice a week. There is also a program for
participants who do not want to walk with a group. All walkers will be asked to log their daily steps and weekly sessions. All participants will be encouraged to walk at least 10,000 steps per day. “Physical fitness is a huge part of band, if I had more time I would definitely join this program,” said Leigh Taylor, a junior management information systems major from Greensboro. “When I heard about Rams Walk, I told my mom to come join, and with no hesitation she said ‘yes.’“ Along with the walking program, there will be two seminars focusing on the importance of physical activities and nutrition. Registration is required and is available online, or in person at the Department of Secondary Education in Anderson C131 .
for online classes
Dawn Swinnie
Argus Contributor
Returning students are finding ways to decrease their work load, increase their GPA, and make more time for studying. They have turned to taking online classes, but not everyone is taking them. “Online classes cause more stress,” said Steven Logan, a junior business management major from Forest City, N.C. Online classes give students the ability to work at their own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by the workload. Students who have chosen online classes are trying to find a new method to pass classes, but for others, it has turned out to be the contrary. “I have heard a lot of bad things about online classes, most of my friends have failed them,” said Kelsey Mobley, a junior mass communications major from Gastonia. Instructors of online classes are as available to the students taking their course online just as they are for students taking classroom courses. “Some are more determined to understand the information since they do not have a classroom to attend. If I had to estimate the percentage of online students that I actually
have contact with it would be approximately 8 percent,” said Jeremy Lane, a mathematics professor. “I like online classes, but I would rather be in a classroom for classes like math,” said Tiffany Walls, a junior biology major from Shelby, N.C. Others have different opinions about online classes. “Online classes would be great; I won’t have to walk up all these hills every day,” said Bianca Smith, a junior molecular biology and biology technology major from Fayetteville. Lynette Wood, an accounting professor, does not conduct any online classes and does not plan to in the future. She said she believes that students learn better in a classroom. “They [online classes] are manageable for any student, non-traditional students as well,” said Aisha Martin, a junior health care management major from Lexington. Martin has two online classes this semester. “Most online students tend to be non-traditional students. Older students often take a different interest in their work than traditional aged students,” said Sonya Miller, an English professor.
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Sports Page 8
The News Argus
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
www.thenewsargus.com
Perfect debut for Ram football
For the first time since 1991, the WSSU Rams are off to a 3-0 start on the gridiron. Jaye Cole
Assistant Editor
jcole109@wssu.edu
The 2010 Rams football squad, which has been re-appointed to Division II CIAA Athletics, has already turned the tide of last year’s losing season. The Rams only managed to put up a single win during their 2009-10 run. During the offseason, the Rams underwent a number of administrative, personnel and coaching transitions. WinstonSalem State brought in veteran coach and Fayetteville native Connell Maynor as head coach, offensive coordinator and the quarterbacks coach. Maynor engineered the 2009 CIAA Champion Fayetteville State University Broncos offense. The Rams won their first game of the season 47-13 against conference rival Virginia Union on Aug. 28 at the A.J. Simeon Stadium in High Point. “People didn’t expect us to win…but we did,” Maynor said. WSSU outscored the Virginia Union Panthers every quarter, and dominated nearly every aspect of the game. Maynor used a balanced attack on offense, with his team accumulating 207 yards in the air and 186 yards rushing. A couple of touchdowns on the
ground from running back Nic Cooper, a junior business administration major from Clinton, N.C. helped to solidify their victory at the inaugural Furniture City Gridiron Classic. Sept. 4, their next contest, in Greensboro, pitted the Rams against the Aggies of N.C. A&T. The fierce rivalry, also known as the ‘I-40 Showdown,’ would give WSSU an opportunity to show the world of college sports how they would fare against a Division I-AA team. The WSSU football team did not disappoint. In front of a near capacity crowd, the Rams displayed what Coach Maynor described as “intestinal fortitude.” “With A&T, we had to come from behind and won in the fourth quarter, and that shows that these guys aren’t quitters,” Maynor said. Defensive back Alton Keaton, a junior accounting major from Fayetteville, and fullback Tyrone Goldston, a freshman accounting major from Goldsboro, turned in solid performances to aid in the Rams victory. However, it was the efforts of quarterback Kameron Smith, sophomore economics major and a transfer from the U.S. Naval Academy that secured a win for the Rams. Smith mustered up a 78-yard
game winning drive that included a 13-yard pass, and finally a 7-yard scramble into the end zone. His scoring drive and the point after touchdown put the score at 21-14, leaving the Aggies 41 seconds to answer. “We didn’t have to win the A&T game. That’s not a conference game for us,” Maynor said. “But that was big for them, for bragging rights for the student body, for the community and for Ram pride. That’s what that ‘W’ did.” Sept. 11, the Rams marched into the NCCU O’KellyRiddick Stadium where they extended their streak to 3-0. They ousted the Eagles 34-27. A host of Rams displayed their physical prowess as WSSU mounted a come from behind victory that stunned yet another Division I-AA football team. “Our goal is to get better every day, and every drill that we do, individually so that we can get better as a team so we can win games,” Maynor said. Maynor said he implements that philosophy when it comes to winning football games. “We can’t look ahead trying to go 10-0 and we’re in week five. “We gotta stay focused and take it one day at a time, one game at a time, and respect all and fear none.”
After 38 years, baseball returns to WSSU Jordan Holloway Sports Reporter
jholloway106@wssu.edu
Let’s Play Ball! Baseball fans wait every spring to hear those words. Now Rams fans only have to wait until the spring to hear those words. For the first time since 1973 Winston-Salem State will have a baseball team. WSSU is now one of eight schools that have a baseball program. The CIAA requires colleges and universities to have a baseball program to join the conference. The Rams will be led by Kevin Ritsche, interim head men’s baseball coach. He is no stranger to WSSU. Ritsche has served as assistant professor of exercise science in the Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences since 2006. Ritsche was also a standout player on the diamond where he played catcher and was also a two-time Academic All- American while playing at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn. in 2003 and 2004. He is working on his doctorate in Exercise Physiology. According to a recent WSSU press release, Chancellor Donald Reaves is excited about a WSSU baseball team. Having played baseball as a little leaguer Reaves said baseball is a great game. Reaves said he hopes a WSSU baseball team
will generate more interest in the sport. “We took 10 guys from the 40 that came out [for tryouts],” Ritsche said. “Out of the 40 people only a dozen had high school baseball experience.” When WSSU returned to the CIAA, the conference had to revise the schedule it had originally planned to use. “Even though the schedule isn’t done yet we are preparing our players as if they are going on the field tomorrow,” Ritsche said. The season opens with a conference game against Shaw University Feb. 9, 2011. One of the biggest challenges that the Rams baseball team will face during the season is keeping the interest of the student body. “Everybody loves to win, so I feel that if we win then we will keep the attention of the school and be able to compete with the basketball and football teams when it comes to being a popular sport on campus,” Ritsche said. The new baseball team will face another challenge. “We have been using the old practice football field below the C.E. Gaines Center. “Even though we cannot use the field for hitting or outfielders practice it’s better than not having a place at all,” Ritsche said. The team also needs a field for home games. “Athletic Director Bill Hayes is working very hard to find us a quality place to practice and play our home games,” Ritsche said.
Awarded to Alton Keaton
Pamela Manneh Argus Contributor
Fayetteville native Alton Keaton was selected as the Coach’s Game Ball recipient because of his outstanding performance Sept. 4 during the “I-40 Showdown” against NC A&T. Keaton forced one fumble and assisted in five tackles. “The returning player is no stranger to big games,” said Rams defensive coordinator Kienus Boulware. “He really drove the defensive line into momentum,” Boulware said. “His ability to lead vocally and physically really contributed to the big win. I am completely honored and if it were not for his dedicated teammates the big win wouldn’t of occurred. No team is perfect. We still have glitches to iron out, but it feels good to know that the campus is recognizing individual and team success.” An essential key defensive player, Keaton a junior accounting major, was the Most Valuable Player at Douglas Byrd High School. Keaton is a cancer survivor.