the
news
argus
WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY
WWW.THENEWSARGUS.COM
Wednesday
Sep 25
2013 Vol.52, Issue 2
Not so ‘Grand Opening’ for student center Da’yona Mclean Copy Desk Chief @dmclean_109
Photos by Alexis Hall
View of incomplete salon and restaurants in the DJR Student Center.
Students continue to spend their declining balances on their Ram Card elsewhere, while the Donald Julian Reaves Student Activities Center eateries and salon remain unfinished. DJR has been open to the public since Ramdition week, Aug. 12-17, but had its official grand opening Sept. 6-7. The Center was scheduled to have a salon and four new restaurants: Popeye’s Chicken, Subway, Burger Studio and Toppio’s Pizza Place. Theo Howard, assistant vice chancellor for campus life, said the restaurants were not ready in time for the grand opening because WinstonSalem State’s food contract ended with Aramark food services in 2012. “The University had to conduct a formal bid process to identify what food service provider would obtain the contract for the next cycle,” he said. “Unfortunately, the process took longer than expected while representatives of the University worked to obtain the best situation possible in the interest of the students.” Howard said Aramark secured the contract again and is working to get the restaurants up and running. All of the eateries are expected to be opened Sept. 25, excluding Popeye’s which is scheduled to be opened a week later.
Aramark could not be reached for comment. Because the new restaurants are opening in the Center, the Ram Shack will close. Howard said the use of the Ram Shack’s space is “to be determined.” As far as the space for the salon he said, “Additional funding needed to be identified to complete the build-out for the salon as it was not included in the original construction budget.” Howard also said the University is working to revise a bidding process to identify a service provider for the salon space. “The University has tweaked a plan that will require them to complete the design for the space,” he said. Howard said the salon will be responsible for finding licensed barbers and beauticians. Students will be able to use their declining balances in the salon. He said the University decided to go through with the opening of the Center because they wanted students, faculty and staff to have the opportunity to utilize the spaces that are available. “This is an amazing facility that has been highlighted in several magazines, and has been visited by several schools such as Elon, Pembroke, UNC Charlotte and A&T,” he said.
DJR CENTER continued on Page 2
Greeks stroll into Wilson Hall Avoid the fine, watch your step Chelsea Burwell Editor-IN-CHIEF
@TheChelseaBWell
The Greek housing initiative started slowly as only a few participants from fraternities and sororities moved into Wilson Hall. As The News Argus reported in the April 30 issue, the offices of Greek Life and Housing and Residence Life collaborated to jumpstart Winston-Salem State’s first housing program
for Greeks. According to housing staff, Moore Hall was the designated Greek hall. However, the construction of Martin-Schexnider Residence Hall, interfered with those plans. “The best thing was to give Greeks housing in something more permanent and because they are returning and not first-year students, we went ahead and filed them into a second-year hall,” said Abeer
Mustafa, director of Housing and Residence Life. As of this semester, only 12 participants live in Wilson under the Greek housing program.
GREEK HOUSING
continued on Page 2
WHERE OUR MONEY GOES: North Carolina HBCU meal plan fees Institution
Meal Plan (freshmen plan)
Meal Plan (commuter plan)
Winston-Salem State University
$2,962 (650 meals w. 300 DB)
$1,818 (100 meals w. 900 DB)
A & T University
$2,800 (unlimited meals w. 150 DB)
$1,275 (100 meals w. 450 DB)
North Carolina Central University
$3,258 (3 meals/day w. 400 DB)
$538 (100 meals w. 100 DB)
UNC Chapel Hill
$3,740 (unlimited meals)
$974 (100 meals)
NC State University
$3,200 (unlimited meals)
$1,500 (1,500 DB)
UNCG
$2,998 (unlimited meals w. 200 DB)
$2,720 (120 meals w. 1,700 DB)
East Carolina University
$3,600 (70 meals w. 500 DB)
$1,230 (80 meals w. 600 DB)
DB- declining balance All calculations were made for the fall and spring semesters combined. Summer semesters were not included. **Please note that some institutions offered special allowances i.e. guest passes or additional dining venues, these factors were not added above.
Jennifer Bruinton Staff Reporter
jennb109@rams.wssu.edu
Students who unlawfully cross intersections on campus could pay a hefty price with the proposed jaywalking plan from Winston-Salem State’s safety committee. Jaywalking is the practice of illegally or recklessly pedestrian crossing a roadway. This includes crossing outside a designated safe walk area, neglecting to yield to drivers and not waiting for a permissive indication to be displayed by a traffic signal. Lt. Henry Gray, a campus police officer, said students are usually not paying attention when they cross the street because they are wearing headphones or texting. “The students think that we just want to harass them [by issuing citations] when really we’re just trying to prevent anything that can harm them,”
Gray said. This spring, Patricia Norris, chief of campus police, sent an email regarding the proposed jaywalking policy. Chief Norris said that if students receive a jaywalking citation, they would have to pay a court fine of $213. According to Capt. Amir Henry, receiving a citation or verbal warning will depend on what action the student takes when crossing the street. “It’s up to the officer’s discretion and it depends on what you [students] do. “That’s why you see more officers at the intersections to slow down the traffic. It’s a good law to have in place because of the safety of the students,” he said. Each campus intersection
JAY WALKING continued on Page 3
Page 2
The News Argus
News & Features
CENTER INCOMPLETE “They have all commented on the greatness of its design and construction. We wanted students to begin taking advantage as soon as possible.” Plans for DJR included a bowling alley, but now that the Center is completed there is not a space for one. “As the planning process for the Center evolved, there became a need to cut back on some of the programs to meet the construction budget,” Howard said.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
continued from Page 1
An email was sent to all schools within the UNC system, asking how many of them would add a bowling alley again if they could start all over. “All but one school said that they would not add a bowling alley if they could start all over.” He said the main concern was that bowling alleys are popular when they first open, but traffic quickly reduces. “In addition, they are very expensive to maintain.
“We would need a technician for the equipment, floor upkeep, shoes for rental, etc. With all of these concerns, we decided that it may be better to continue the monthly bowling trips hosted by UREC.” The Center also includes: a game room, five meeting rooms, student organizations and administrative offices, lounge/study space and a multi-purpose Campus Hall that seats up to 600.
GREEK HOUSING continued from Page 1 However, according to Martrese Meachum, senior English major from Savannah, Ga., the Greek housing initiative has other participants who live in other halls. Meachum is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America. Meachum said that a disadvantage of this year’s Greek housing is not having an exclusive area to convene with other organizations. While it may seem they
missed their target, Housing said the number of participants for the first year of Greek housing was a “good starting point.” Jeremi Cheeks said, “I wouldn’t say this is a flop. It allows us to redefine how we would like Greek housing to look..” Cheeks is an area coordinator for Housing and Residence Life. Cheeks said the new program will also show Housing
The Campus Incident Report is a concise summary of the upto-date incidents that affect the Winston-Salem State campus and community. Incidents may lead to News Argus articles. Sunday, Sept. 1 Motor Vehicle Theft At 5:02 p.m., campus police responded to a female student reporting that a 1990 red moped was stolen from parking Lot CC. The student said she left the vehicle unsecured and noticed it missing the next day. There are no leads. The case is open. Disturbing the peace At 2:25 a.m., campus police conducted a security check on the main campus and observed a small crowd in front of Brown Hall. As a campus police officer arrived at the scene, he noticed a male student yelling profanity at another male student. The officer approached the aggressive student, who admitted to having a confrontation with the other student earlier at a local night club. After receiving statements from both students, campus police advised them that if anything transpired, both would face criminal charges. The students were referred to Student Affairs for a code of conduct violation. The case is closed. Friday, Sept. 6 Larceny At 10:04 a.m., the construction site supervisor at Hill Hall filed a report for stolen copper. The supervisor said around 9:30 a.m. he noticed a five-gallon bucket and a cardboard box full of copper fittings missing from the site. The case is open.
how to help Greeks with leadership development, organizational management and Greek life exposure to other students. Hall director of Dillard and one of the planners for Greek housing program, Jessica McClain, said one of her main objectives is to increase Greek presence at WSSU. “At the end of the day, we hope that this initiative will bring more to Greek life and become a premiere program at Winston-Salem State.”
Saturday, Sept. 7 Criminal Damage to Property At 3:24 p.m., campus police responded to a call in reference to a dispute on campus. The female student said she was in her vehicle in front of Foundation Heights when her boyfriend, a male student, opened the car door and threw her clothes and a glass ashtray on to the ground. The student advised campus police that the boyfriend had a pending assault charge from assaulting her earlier this year. The female was advised by campus police of her rights to file a restraining order. She was also given a Safe-on-Seven pamphlet, which is a local resource to protect women from abuse and sexual assault. The incident was referred to Student Affairs. The case is closed. Monday, Sept. 9 Hit and Run At 3:31 p.m., a female student filed a report that she had been struck by a car. The student said as she was crossing the intersection at Rams Drive, a vehicle struck her. She said as she entered the crosswalk the vehicle, a light blue Chevrolet, made a right turn striking her. She said it caused a bruise on her left leg. Campus police took photos and attached them to the report. The student refused transport by EMS, stating her aunt would take her to a physician for assessment and X-rays. An accident report was taken by campus police. The case is closed.
Source: WSSU Department of Police and Public Safety Compiled by Da’yona Mclean
www.thenewsargus.com
STEM program sprouts growth in pre-majors Maurika Smutherman Entertaining Diversions Editor @MaurikaX
Winston-Salem State has begun its first Provost Scholars Science Immersion Program, which will focus on recruiting and retaining students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “We wanted to increase the number of students pursuing STEM degrees,” said Jill Keith, department chair of life sciences. Keith and other faculty members assisted in getting the program started. SIP was created with grants from the National Science Foundation and the American Association of Colleges and Universities. Incoming freshmen attend the six-week Summer Bridge Academy and receive two years of personalized instruction from STEM professors. Students also receive guaranteed housing, a book voucher, research opportunities and the chance to be paired with current WSSU students. They also visit local businesses, museums and conferences and are given an in-depth career development plan. Participants must be incoming freshmen with a minimum 2.5 GPA, 900 SAT or 16 ACT score. Quartney Ross, a freshman chemistry major from Fayetteville, began the academy during the second session of summer school. “I got involved with the program through my roommate,” Ross said. Ross said she enjoyed the Summer Bridge Academy because it gave her a taste of the college lifestyle and helped her decide on a major.
“At first I was undecided but this helped me choose chemistry [as a major],” she said.
“We wanted to increase the number of students pursing STEM degrees.”
— Jill Keith,
department chair of life sciences The students took courses in biology, chemistry, precalculus and trigonometry. They were also introduced to study-skill sessions, math and science labs and supplemental field trips. SIP team leaders include Keith, Tennille Presley, assistant professor of physics, and Denise Johnson, associate professor and coordinator of the Master of Arts in TeachingMiddle Grades program. Cheraton Love, interim freshmen dean, was chosen to direct SIP. “The Provost and Dr. Keith proposed the grant and then asked me to direct the program,” she said. “Our main goal is to encourage confidence in STEM students and hopefully that confidence will spread to the rest of the freshmen class.” Love said the SIP students are taking three core classes, including biology and math, as part of the program. Ross said Love and Keith have gotten the participants involved with the Women in Science Program.
All New Mattress Sets In Manufacturer’s Plastic & With Warranty Twin Sets Start at...................$89 Full Sets Start at....................$99 Queen Sets Start at..............$109 King Sets Start at.................$191 25% Student Discounts off list prices, Delivery, and Free Layaway Available upon request.
Mattress Outlet: 336-402-7145
Located only minutes from WSSU campus.
Page 3
The News Argus
News & Features
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
‘Top 50 most influential marijuana users’ named WASHINGTON, D.C. — A list of the “Top 50 Most Influential Marijuana Users” in the United States was released Sept. 18 by the nation’s largest marijuana policy organization. The Marijuana Policy Project’s annual list is topped by President Barack Obama, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, former President Bill Clinton, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and television show host Stephen Colbert. They are followed by television show host Jon Stewart, entertainer and entrepreneur Jay-Z, Secretary of State John Kerry, business magnate George Soros and comedian Bill Maher. “The goal here is to dispel the myth that marijuana users are ‘losers’ who lack motivation and highlight the fact that they are typically productive and oftentimes quite successful,” said Mason Tvert, director of communications for the Marijuana Policy Project. “As this list demonstrates,
many of our nation’s most successful citizens have used marijuana.” The list is composed of Americans who have used marijuana at least once during their lifetimes, including some who speak openly about their current marijuana use. They were selected based on their “power to influence cultural and social attitudes, political clout, individual wealth and … media profile,” which is the criteria used by Out Magazine to select its “Power 50” list of LGBT Americans. The list includes known supporters and opponents of marijuana policy reform. “We hope this list gets people thinking about the fact that marijuana prohibition laws cause more harm than the substance itself,” Tvert said. “Some of these folks might not have made it to where they are today had they been arrested for using marijuana.” Read the entire list at thenewsargus.com.
Maurika Smutherman
Entertaining Diversions Editor
@MaurikaxS
Award-winning actor Robert De Niro is back on the big screen, returning to his roots with mafia tale The Family. That’s right, De Niro is playing a mobster again, but this time his movie leaves much to be desired. The film has received mixed reviews, with the AP Press calling it “…oddly paced, overly violent, sometimes amusing but sometimes jarringly unfunny.” The Family opened Sept. 13 with $14.5 million in revenue. De Niro is joined by actors Michelle Pfeiffer (Scarface), Dianna Agron (Glee) and Tommy Lee Jones (Men in Black). Newcomer John D’Leo plays the role of his son. The plot is simple. A hit is placed on the family of mafia boss, Giovanni Maznoni (De Niro). Fearing for his life and the safety of his family, Maznoni snitches, landing him a short stint in prison until he is released into the witness protection program. After six years, the family relocates to a small town in Normandy, where somehow all of the townspeople speak perfect English. The Maznonis are known here as the Blake family and are a bit dysfunctional. Fred Blake, also known as Giovanni Maznoni, is the head of the household. He misses his life of crime and takes out his anger in true mafia fashion — breaking every bone in his enemies’ bodies. Maggie Blake (Pfeiffer), Fred’s wife, has a few anger management issues. She takes a liking to explosives and
www.thenewsargus.com
JAY WALKING continued from Page 1
Photos by Jennifer Bruinton
WSSU student runs across the intersection of Cromartie and MLK Jr. Drive as the traffic signal counts down. has a crosswalk that requires you to press a button and wait for a signal to safely cross the street. Christopher Miller, a senior sports management major from Durham said he never presses the crosswalk button because he does not have time to stand and wait for the signal. “I don’t want to be late for class, so if the coast is clear, I’m taking it,” he said. Pedestrians are supposed to wait for the safe signal to cross the street-- a white-lit image of a person walking.
entertaining criticism The Family
blows up any supermarket that stands in her way. Belle Blake (Agron) is 17-years-old and much like her mother. Although instead of exploding things, she prefers to hit them with her fists or the first blunt object she can find. Warren Blake (D’Leo) is the youngest at 14. He may be scrawny, but he fights back against bullies with his quick wit and manipulation skills. The Blake family is supervised by FBI agent Robert Stansfield (Jones) and his team. Although the cast presents an endearing performance, The Family falls apart due to its disjointed background story and fragmented sub-plots. A bunch of misplaced flashback scenes do nothing to explain the many holes in the Maznoni family past. But let’s get to the worst part of the movie — the unnecessary violence. While Maznoni is charming and loves his family, he hasn’t changed one bit since his days as a Brooklyn mob boss. He brings body bags wherever he goes, just in case he has to bludgeon someone to death for disrespecting him or interrupting his conversation. Some of the scenes are so brutal, you have to watch them through your fingers. The New York Times called De Niro’s character “lethal,” “[someone who] loves inflicting pain and misery.” The film scored a meager 33 percent on movie-rating site, rottentomatoes.com, which is unexpected for such a star-studded flick. If only the writing and foundation of The Family was up to par with the talent of the cast, the film would have been a success.
Despite the frequency of jaywalking on campus, not all accidents are the fault of pedestrians. Last year, The News Argus reported in the March 26 issue that two students were hit at the intersection of Cromartie Street and MLK Jr. Drive. According to Chief Norris, the driver was trying to find a radio station when the students were hit. “We don’t want anybody getting hurt; that’s the biggest thing,” Henry said. The jaywalking proposal is still under review.
‘Electric Lady’ review Martrese Meachum Contributor @sANKHofa
Janelle Monae’s The Electric Lady satisfies any and every itch for good, eclectic art. Her second studio album sold 47,000 copies after its first week of release on Sept. 10. Monae told The New York Times she wanted to create a diverse rhythm and blues album “showing and showcasing how incredible R&B music can be.” She continues the story presented in her Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase) EP and her fulllength debut The ArchAndroid, fleshing out her otherworldly concepts of Metropolis and the Wondaground with skits and introductions of new characters. “There’s nothing that I will not try,” Monae said. The Electric Lady is laden with upbeat singles, including “QUEEN,” “Dance Apocalyptic,” “Electric Lady” and the sultry “Primetime.” There is also an abundance of high-caliber features from the likes of Prince, Solange Knowles, Erykah Badu, Esperanza Spalding, Miguel, Cee Lo Green and Big Boi of Outkast. “Suite IV” is a fun, funky track that won’t disappoint
fans of Monae’s first album. “Suite V” is slow and soulful but definitely not bereft of
Photo courtesy of grapejuice.net
Album artwork for Janelle Monae’s recent release.
Monae’s originality. Jazzy tracks, “Dorothy Dandridge Eyes” and “Ghetto Woman” paint a picture of Black female beauty and empowerment, while “Victory” and “What an Experience” are classic ballads delivered in true Monae fashion. The deluxe edition includes remixes of “QUEEN” and “Electric Lady,” with a stunning cover of Michael Jackson’s “I Want You Back.” The Electric Lady offers seamless track transitions; listeners will get the most rewarding experience from listening to the project from start to finish. Give it a second listen and The Electric Lady will change your life.
Page 4
The News Argus
Opinion
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
www.thenewsargus.com
“Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
Where’s the Argus? When I applied to be Editorin-Chief of The News Argus, I thought I knew what I signed up for: working late evenings and even weekends, chasing stories, traveling Chelsea Burwell to student EDITOR -IN- CHIEF media conferences and winning awards. I had no idea that the first item on my agenda was to begin packing because my staff and I were being evicted just weeks after returning to campus. This was definitely not a part of my plans for the newspaper. The News Argus has been relocated from Carolina Hall to the Old Nursing Building, a building that was once scheduled to be condemned. We were informed about the imminent eviction this spring from our adviser -- not by our department chair or the interim dean. Our adviser was told Carolina was never supposed to be a permanent home for the Argus. Our new offices are inconveniently located in a space with lackluster furnishing, low hanging pipes and a loud makeshift air-conditioning system. Some staff members in the College of Arts and Sciences tried to be encouraging, saying “Aren’t you happy that you guys have your own space?” Who could possibly be
happy about being evicted? It was not until Sept. 16, in the middle of our production week, that our office was moved – a decision that the Argus staff had no say on. We weren’t even given an option to where we’d like to be moved. We were all kept in the dark. I’m extremely perturbed about the lack of advocacy on the part of the chair of my department and the dean of the college; their administrative roles are to assess the needs and concerns of students in the department. Yes, they have checked in on us after the move.The dean insisted that the senior staff meet with him to address our concerns -- something the chair did not do. During this meeting, when we discussed the Argus budget, office supplies and equipment, the dean and his assistant began making phone calls and taking notes as if they would resolve the problem. Now they have taken up a “hands off” policy, leaving us with many unanswered questions. Why move us to Old Nursing? Why are the phones in our office not connected? What happened to our request list for supplies that you promised? The Argus is not a puppet and no one is pulling the strings for us to speak. As a student journalist and the editor of this award-winning paper, I have a voice. It’s a shame that this is how I had to get people’s attention, but maybe now they’ll listen.
Argus Letter Policy
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
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’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 Jada McElrath and LaToya Sifford
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 listen to the complete responses visit www.thenewsargus.com.
DARA GREEN SOPHOMORE, EX.SCIENCE CHARLOTTE
Yes. It’ll make them think before they get in their car and start driving.
This past May, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that N.C. and all other states reduce the legal alcohol limit from .08 to .05. While many believe that this proposal could reduce
DOMINIQUE ROMAR SENIOR, BIOLOGY CHARLOTTE
I think it will make sense because it would reduce the number of deaths related to drunk driving.
the number of drunk driving accidents and fatalities, others feel lowering the limit could still be too high or even too low for some drivers depending on their weight and tolerance level.
This issue’s Campus Crew asks...
Do you think that N.C. should lower the legal alcohol limit?
ELIZABETH CHERRY SOPHOMORE, MASS COMM. DURHAM
No. I don’t think they should lower the limit because we’re not thinking about that when we’re drinking.
KATIE MCDANIEL SOPHOMORE, CHEMISTRY LEXINGTON
Yes. Even though it doesn’t directly affect me because I don’t drink I think it would promote safer driving.
ORLANDO SELLARS GRAD. STUDENT, MBA BURLINGTON
It’s not going to make a difference whether they lower it or not. A person’s alcohol consumption is not going to change.
Opinion
www.thenewsargus.com Wednesday, September 25, 2013
The News Argus
Page 5
To the 7-year student: Is it worth it?
Should employers have the right to ban employees from wearing locks, braids and afros? Employees should have the right to wear their hairstyle.
76% Employees should follow company policies.
12% Businesses have to maintain a certain image.
College can be tough. When I first got here, my main goal was to make a 4.0 GPA and graduate with honors. While I was focused on studying, some of my classmates were more concerned with makMaurika Smutherman ing it to college Entertaining night at the Diversions Editor local club. Now, many of these students are facing the reality that they will have to stay at Winston-Salem State for an extra semester or year to complete their education. By no means am I saying this is a completely bad thing; many people take several years to earn their degree. Perhaps you decided to change your major as a junior or a major life event deterred you from graduating on time. Maybe you simply couldn’t afford four consecutive years of college education; it is pretty expensive. But it becomes a problem when students with no other priorities can’t seem to make it out of their four-year program because of procrastination, skipping class or ignoring the demands of their paradigms. A few days ago, I was sitting on the Yard when I witnessed a professor greeting her former student. “It’s so nice to see you; are you gradu-
ating this year?” the professor asked. “Yes, I’m finally getting out of here,” the student replied. When they said their goodbyes, the student joined her friend and I overheard her say, “She asked me if I was graduating this year.” Her friend replied, “Girl, you better be graduating this year. You’ve been here for seven years!” I wasn’t shocked to hear this, but it defi-
Fly
hour completion rate, minimum cumulative credit hour completion rate and completion of a degree within a maximum time frame. According to the WSSU website, while most undergraduate academic programs require 120 earned credits to complete, the maximum timeframe provided to a student pursuing their first bachelor’s degree is 180 attempted credits. Exceptions are made for programs requiring more than 120 credits to complete. If it is determined that a student cannot earn a degree within the maximum timeframe, financial aid is suspended. Nothing is wrong with taking your time to earn your degree, but if you’re taking your time because you didn’t do your work and failed your classes, there is no excuse. I get it; some classes are difficult, and it may take a second time to finally pass. But why are you in the same course for the third and fourth times? I’m sure your professor likes you, but not that much. To the seven-year undergraduate student, I have one thing to say: Get it together! Buckle down now before it’s too late. Freshmen year is exciting, and it will be hard to turn down party invitations, but at the end of the day, you’re here to learn. Study now or you will regret it later. That’s my advice, but who am I to tell you what to do? I’m just a fly on the wall, minding my own business…
n the wall
nitely hit a note with me. I recall meeting several students during my freshmen year that proudly proclaimed themselves as ‘graduating’ seniors. Imagine my amazement when I saw these same students this year still claiming their status as graduating seniors. And let me say that the students I’m talking about are no strangers to the club scene. I remember walking to my dorm room late at night and seeing many of them dressed to impress, headed to a party. Maybe if they had skipped those parties on Thursday nights, they wouldn’t have to fork out extra tuition money now. Students who don’t meet the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress face possible elimination of financial aid. Is it worth it? SAP is assessed based on a minimum GPA, minimum semester credit
8% It doesn’t matter.
4% To participate in the poll, register online @ thenewsargus.com T h e
N e w s
Senior Staff
Junior Staff
Chelsea Burwell Editor-in-Chief
Jennifer Bruinton
Da’yona McLean Copy Desk Chief Maurika Smutherman Entertaining Divesions Editor Matt Parmesano Sports Editor Alexis Hall Graphics Artist
*Dr. Lona D. Cobb Faculty Adviser
A r g u s
S t a f f
David McCoy Katrina Robinson Sheridan Watkins
Contributors Angelik Edmonds Chasmon Gatewood Jada McElrath La Toya Sifford Brandi Smith
THE NEWS ARGUS OFFICE 103 Old Nursing Building 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr Winston-Salem, N.C. 27110 Newsroom Advertising FAX Production
336-750-2327 336-750-8701 336-750-8704 336-750-8703
thenewsargus@yahoo.com www.thenewsargus.com
f a l l
2 0 1 3
The News Argus, the official student newspaper of Winston-Salem State University, is produced in conjunction with two classes in the Mass Communications Department. Any full-time WSSU student is eligible to join the staff or become a contributor. The Argus is published and circulated twice monthly on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters. The Argus is not published during holidays or University breaks. The News Argus online (www.thenewsargus.com) is updated regularly throughout the fall and spring semester. The newspaper is not published during the summer sessions. The News Argus affiliations include: Black College Wire, College Publisher, College Media Advisors, Society of News Design, North Carolina College Media Association, Southern University Newspapers, Associated Collegiate Press
Page 6
The News Argus
Sports
Ram Sports Preview Sept. 26 Volleyball Pfeiffer vs. WSSU 7 p.m. C.E. Gaines Center Sept. 28 Football WSSU at Virginia Union 1 p.m. Richmond, Va. Sept. 28 Cross Country Greensboro XC Invitational Sept. 28-29 Volleyball CIAA Round-Up Oct. 3 Volleyball Shaw at WSSU 6 p.m. C.E. Gaines Center Oct. 5 Football Bowie State at WSSU 1:30 p.m. Bowman Gray Oct. 5 Cross Country HBCU Championships Cary, N.C. Oct. 7 Volleyball WSSU at Johnson C. Smith 7 p.m. Charlotte
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
www.thenewsargus.com
COACH’S
GAME BALL By Matt Parmesano Sports Editor
Tehvyn Brantley
Winston-Salem State’s Head Football Coach Connell Maynor chose wide receiver Tehvyn Brantley as the recipient of this issue’s Game Ball because of Brantley’s leadership and production. “This is his fourth year in the program and he really understands what we’re trying to do,” Maynor said. “Our receiving corps is very young and they need somebody to show some guidance and step up and make some plays, and Tehvyn’s done that so far this year.” Brantley, senior mass communications major from Queens, N.Y., had five catches for 139 yards and three touchdowns in the Rams’ bounce-back win over Virginia-Lynchburg in the second game of the season Sept. 21. “He had a big game,” Maynor said. “He’s leading on and off the football field and that’s huge for the team. This offense needed a spark and Tehvyn gave us that spark in game two to get us back on track.” Though small in stature at 5 feet 9 inches and 165-pounds, Brantley has been very productive with his play. Coach Maynor also likes the attitude he brings to the team. “He’s very confident. I’m a confident coach and he’s a confident player. He really believes in his talent, the team, his quarterback and his teammates. That’s really what we’re all about being confident in everything that we do. We don’t want to be negative; we want to be positive, and he brings that to the table.” Q: When did you start playing football? Brantley: I’ve been playing football since my sophomore year in high school. It really just came from me realizing that basketball couldn’t take me where I wanted to go, so I figured the next best thing would be football.
Photos by Garrett Garms & Kevin Manns
Brantley makes diving touchdown catch against Virginia-Lynchburg on Sept. 14. Q: What’s your favorite part about playing football? Brantley: The fans.
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? Brantley: Me and my cousin Carlos Fields [senior linebacker] always do a little dubstep before we go out. And when we finally get out there, I run to my mom, give her a kiss and tell her I love her. Q: What NFL player do you admire most? Brantley: DeSean Jackson [Philadelphia Eagles WR]. That guy is high profile. He loves to make plays, he talks junk and he backs it up. He’s really confident and I like the swag. Q: What are your plans after WSSU? Brantley: There’s only one goal, and that’s the NFL.
Sports
www.thenewsargus.com Wednesday, September 25, 2013
The News Argus
Page 7
Lady Rams have a ‘ready-to-win attitude’ David McCoy
Staff Reporter
dmccoy109@rams.wssu.edu
Photos by Alexis Hall
Senior Avoni Seymour (No. 7) and Junior Darissa Jones (No. 3) block a shot against Fayetteville State.
Winston-Salem State’s volleyball team didn’t get off to the kind of start it wanted to, but has bounced back nicely by winning its last six games after an 0-4 start. The Lady Rams are 5-0 in conference play; their most recent victory against St. Augustine Sept. 23. The team is led by first-time head coach Andi Henderson. Henderson said she is excited about the team’s winning streak and happy the team didn’t get discouraged after losing its first four games. “We have a ready-to-win attitude now,” she said. However, Henderson does have some concerns about the team. She said getting the team to play at a high level every game has been a challenge. “Each game, each practice, we need to raise the bar.” She said the team just needs to gain more experience, keep working hard each day and keep each other motivated. “I’m excited about this group of girls; this is a special group.”
Cross country sprints for CIAA Matt Parmesano sports editor
@mattparmesano
The Winston-Salem State cross country team is on its way to a winning season according to Head Coach Inez Turner. “The season is going very well, as planned,” she said. The team has had three meets to this point and is looking forward to the rest of the season. There are both men and women on the team, and each group has different expectations moving forward. The men’s team is inexperienced in cross country because most of the runners are coming from track, which was was cut in 2012. “Six of the seven guys are transitioning from track where they were sprinters and now we’re asking them to run up to an 8K, which is no joke for them,” Turner said. Turner is looking for returning seniors Lewis Benjamin from Winston-Salem and Marquise Staton from Williamston, N.C. to lead the men’s team. She said it will be tough for the men to win a CIAA championship this season, but she believes the women have a real shot. “As I said, it comes with hard work and they’re putting the work in. We’re hoping and praying that it will pay off with a championship.” The women’s team has a lot of strong
runners including senior Kristi Baptiste from Greensboro who returns as one of the best runners in the state, junior Aquila Jones from Pennsauken, N.J., sophomore Danisha Wiggins from Winston-Salem and freshman Micalyne Zimmerman from Charlotte. “Those four have their job cut out for them because they’re going to lead the team.” Coach Turner said that despite being a freshman, Zimmerman has the chance to have a great season and become one of the top runners. “She’s determined and has lots of guts. She’s not afraid to go out and stay up there with the seniors.” Zimmerman said she is excited about how the team has looked to this point and the possibilities of a championship. She said there is still room for improvement, for herself especially. “My best mark so far this year is a 19:44 in the 5K, which is good, but I want to try to get down to 18 or 17 minutes so that I can help the team as best I can,” she said. “We just have to run our hardest every meet and encourage each other to go further.” The Rams next meet will be Sept. 28 at the Greensboro XC Invitational. After that they have just two more meets before the CIAA championships Oct. 24 in Cary, N.C.
Jocelyn Mills, a freshman mass communications major from Clinton, Md., said playing collegiate volleyball is very different from playing in high school. “The game is much faster, communication is much more important and college volleyball requires more knowledge of the game,” Mills said. “My first collegiate game, I was very nervous. I kept thinking I was going to mess up on everything I did, but my team helped me calm down.” Mills said the team’s goals are to play with heart every game and win the CIAA and regionals. As for herself, she just hopes to improve every day and help the team any way she can. “I expect myself to only get better from here and to continue being the best teammate I can be,” she said. Katelyn Sigala, a senior healthcare management major from Douglas, Wyo. and one of three captains of the team, said she feels that the team is progressing with each game.
“It starts being a lot of fun when you start winning and you really enjoy your team,” she said. “The biggest win so far this season came against Virginia Union. We started off slow and had to make a big comefrom-behind victory,” she said. “The team morale right now is great, and I expect it to keep climbing. The main reason behind our early struggles was trust issues. As one of the captains and a senior on this team, I feel I have a lot more responsibility. I try to be perfect with everything so I can set good examples for the younger players on the team.” Her approach seems to be working thus far. She leads the team in attacks and kills. The other captains are seniors Katelin Wensley from Advance, N.C. and Avi Seymour from Nassau, Bahamas. They will also be counted on to provide leadership and help the young team win games as the season progresses Read entire story with pictures at thenewsargus.com.
41.37222° -72.0956° We’re here giving juniors and seniors full tuition, a monthly salary, and benefits for up to 2 years. Where are you? The Coast Guard’s College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) is right where you are. This scholarship is available to sophomores and juniors at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions. You’ll get skills and training in leadership, management, marine science, and much more. Additional benefits include: • Up to 2 years’ paid tuition, books and fees
• Guaranteed job after graduation • Starting salary of approx. $60,000**
• Approx. $3,600 monthly salary* Upon successful completion and graduation, students will be commissioned as Coast Guard officers, with a commitment to 3 years of active-duty service. Visit GoCoastGuard.com/CSPI for more information.
*As a Coast Guard active-duty member while serving as a full-time student. **Upon graduation and successful completion of Officer Candidate School.
13181 CG_CSPI Print_Winston Salem State_10.25x15.indd 1
8/20/13 1:58 PM