T
E
X
A
S
W
E
S
L
E
Y
A
N
U
N
I
V
E
R
S
I
T
Y
The Rambler
The students’ voice since 1917
Fort Worth, Texas
September 5, 2007
Vol. 99, No. 1
NEWS BRIEFS
$2 million grant to add technology, improve courses
Welcome back! The Rambler welcomes all students, faculty and staff back for another great semester. Make sure to read The Rambler for all the latest in news, features, sports and events.
News Briefs
Refund checks Undergraduate financial aid refund checks were issued Aug. 29 but will be available in the cashier’s office until Sept. 12, when they will be mailed to students directly. The cashier’s office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. See you at the chapel Chapel is held at free period every Tuesday in the Chapel of Polytechnic United Methodist Church, followed by a free lunch. Chapel services this month include Dr. Bruce McDonald (Sept. 11), youth pastor Russell Clark (Sept. 18) and Jerry Chism, pastor of Arlington Heights UMC (Sept. 25). Baptist Student Ministry TWU’s BSM invites you to come hang out and share a meal with other Wesleyan students. Baptist Student Ministries participates in ministry activities on campus, in the community and around the world. Come see what Wesleyan’s members are doing this semester. Meetings with free lunch are Wednesdays at noon in the Carter Conference Room, on the second floor of the Sid Richardson building. Do You Think You Can Dance? The Wesleyan Showstoppers dance team is holding annual tryouts from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 in the gymnasium. The team performs a variety of dance styles including jazz, hip hop, lyrical, pom and thematic, performing at every other home basketball game and in Metroplex competitions. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 hours at Wesleyan and have had at least two years of formal dance training to be eligible. Contact Carolyn IkensOwen as (817) 507-5898 for more information including required tryout uniform and skills to be demonstrated. SGA wants you! Texas Wesleyan University’s Student Government Association is resuming regular meetings every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. in the Carter Conference Room. Free food is provided. Make your mark now The Rambler is now hiring writers and photographers. Get paid and have fun helping produce Wesleyan’s oldest news publication. Regular meetings are at 12:15 p.m. every Thursday in the lobby of Stella Russell Hall. Get paid, get experience and get a chance to make your mark in Wesleyan’s history.
SHAMEKA HYATT CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Welcome Back! Wesleyan students, faculty and staff are once again back for another great year of higher eduaction. As usual, the tried and true traditions of the fall semester brought in droves to campus. Above, sophomores Melinda Garza and Marquita Guyden look on as incoming students participate in the many festivitites at Ram Camp. On right, sophomores Olivia Delasantos and Kristen Potter run into each other at the annual President’s Picnic. Below, senior Brooke McNabb and Dr. Pam Rast, associate professor and chair of the kinesiology department, represent TWU’s scuba culb, also at the President’s Picnic. Photos by Kevin Keathley
After getting turned down last year, Texas Wesleyan University has been awarded the highly competitive Title III grant this year by the U.S. Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions program. Amounting in nearly $2 million dollars, this grant will be funded to TWU over a five year period, guaranteeing TWU around $400,000 a year starting Oct. 1. This summer Rep. Michael Burgess’ office informed administration that Wesleyan was one of 20 recipients of the grant. Moreover, Wesleyan is the only university in the state of Texas to receive the grant. Very excited about TWU’s accomplishment of receiving the grant, President Hal Jeffcoat envisions a greater Texas Wesleyan University for students as the grant money is utilized for acquiring instructional technologies, remodeling the advising process and establishing academic programming incorporating the Learning Community model. “This grant will help us better serve students, especially freshmen and sophomores,” said Jeffcoat. With the funds Wesleyan will also aim to develop better programs to prepare students in core academic areas like math and English through an upgrade in the institution’s technological infrastructure. With the implementation of more “smart classroom technology” (interactive white boards with projectors) and wireless Internet capability on campus, students, primarily first and second year students, will reap the benefits of increased student success because of upgraded technology. “We will be able to get students more engaged academically through technology,” said Debbie Roark, director of grants and research. “Along with a guarantee of increased success through more advanced technology, students will greatly flourish because of the Learning Community model that will help be enforced by the grant.” This academic model, similar to “the buddy system,” will allow students who have classes together to connect more often, work together and study together. Along with working together to ensure success academically, students will also get the opportunity to bond with one another in the model. “The Learning Community model will help students, especially first year students new on campus, build relationships,” said Roark. “With the implementation of the Learning Community model, students will also see new faculty members as some of the grant money is also utilized for hiring and paying specialists in certain academic areas.” Although the grant money primarily is going to be utilized to increase the success of students, administration also has the primary goal of increasing retention and graduation rates among the students. “Students tend to leave TWU after their first and second year,” said Jeffcoat. “This grant will help us do a better job for first and second year students so they will stay longer and have a better chance of graduating. With the help of the grant, our goal is to improve the retention rate by five percent.” TWU’s current student retention rate is roughly around 65 percent. Honored that TWU received the grant, Jeffcoat and Roark know first-hand the difficulty TWU went through to receive it. After being informed that they met the eligibility requirements, TWU submitted a proposal and faced stiff competition. Its proposal and many other institutions’ were judged and scored based on certain criteria by a peer review panel, which consisted of three individuals from other universities and colleges. These individuals turned in their comments and score after each proposal evaluation.
School of business obtains accreditation Wesleyan faculty was praised for finding just that. The process of obtaining accreditation was not an easy task, and it required the help of the university administration and staff. “We had to document to standards, how we meet a certain level of In the world of business, a name can mean everything. That’s why the faculty and staff in the school of business decided to dedicate two years of quality, so the faculty were highly involved,” said Vaidya. “The support of effort and energy working through the strenuous process of obtaining the school administration allowed us to spend our time and resources to get the accreditation.” Association of Collegiate Business Schools accreditation. According to Provost Allen Henderson, the Founded in 1988, the ACBSP “was created by its accreditation is a positive step for the university as a members to fulfill a need for specialized accreditation by “The focus is improvement whole. institutions of higher education with business schools and and higher quality education “It is a way of confirming that our business staff programs,” according to the ACBPS Web site. for our students.” and faculty are quality and that the kind of school we “The focus is improvement and higher quality educa– Dr. Sameer Vaidya tion for our students,” said Dr. Sameer Vaidya, associate Associate Dean of Business School offer has been recognized by a peer group.” According to Vaidya, this was the first time that dean of Wesleyan’s school of business. According to Vaidya, ACBSP offers business schools at smaller liber- the school of business had ever had someone from outside the university al arts based schools a chance to be judged not on a standard of research, judge what was taking place in the classrooms. “It gave us a unique opportunity to have our peers look at the instituas does the more widely known American Assembly of Collegiate Schools tion and give us feedback on how we are getting things done,” said Vaidya, of Business (AACSB), but by the university’s mission. “Research is not our focus,” said Vaidya, “our focus is to teach excel- who is looking forward to the benefits of having done so well. “This is very important for our alumni, students and future students,” lently, rather than have a TA in the class room while we are in our offices he said. “It is a symbol of Wesleyan being a provider of high quality busipublishing papers.” While research is not the main criteria for ACBSP, according to the ness education.” Web site, there should be a balance between teaching and research, and the
COLLEEN BURNIE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
See Business, page 2
News
2 September 5, 2007
The Rambler
New faculty introductions Biology Department Maggie Camperlengo Maggie Camperlengo received her first degree in political science from the University of Illinois with aspirations to change the world. After a real world experience in a law office setting, she decided against political science and law as a career, deeming it "empty and heartless." Scorning a life of comfort and financial stability, Maggie Camperlengo went back to school earning a bachelor's degree from her alma mater and then a master's from Texas Women's University and University of Texas, both in biology. She said she followed her heart and found out who she really was. Her love of biology led to quite an uproar in her quiet Fort Worth neighborhood after she zeroscaped her lawn. Zeroscaping is the use of drought-tolerant plants and rocks for landscaping, which Camperlengo did to conserve water and pay tribute to Texas plants and wildlife. In a neighborhood of Chemlawn-green lawns and automatic sprinkler systems, her yard's innovative grassless design has ruffled more than a few feathers, attracting positive and negative attention from the Fort Worth StarTelegram. Despite the attention, Camperlengo has followed her own heart and inner voice, and it has led her to a happy life as a mother, a teacher and active conversationalist. Education Department Joe Dryden Born in Lubbock, Texas, Adjunct Education Professor Joe Dryden was raised practically all over the country while his father served actively in the Air Force. Dryden holds two bachelor's degrees in physiology and biology from Texas Tech University, a master's in education from Texas Christian University and a juris doctorate degree from California Western School of Law. Continuing to pursue higher education, Dryden is now working on obtaining a doctorate degree in educational administration from the University of North Texas. Coming to Texas Wesleyan University, Dryden hopes to contribute to the campus by assisting the school of education in the preparation of effective school administrators and teachers. Prior to coming to TWU, Dryden was an assistant principal at Weatherford High School and Aledo Middle School. Along with this, Dryden was a science teacher and a boys' sports coach in Grapevine-Colleyville school district. Outside of work and school, Dryden loves to play golf, cycle and be with family.
Another year at Wesleyan, and although summer was a nice change from coursework and deadlines, the faculty of Wesleyan has also changed. This semester marks the arrival of more than a few new professors and instructors,, so take a moment to get to know a few of Wesleyan’s new faces.
Photos by Shameka Hyatt
Don Spinks
Sell your soul Or you could just sell ads for The Rambler. Get paid commission and gain valuable experience. twurambler@yahoo.com www.txwes.edu/rambler
Lori Dunn Accompanying new Visiting Assistant Professor Gary Bierschenk (see story on page 6) is Lori Dunn, accompanist. Dunn, who hails out of Winchester, Kan., has an extensive list of accomplishments attached to her name. Notable ones include: the founding member of the Orenunn Trio, a group that toured the Midwest in 2004, and commendable honors at national competitions such as the Naftzger Competition, funded by the Naftzger Fund for the Arts. Dunn is a graduate of the University of Kansas where she earned a bachelor of music in piano performance. She followed with a master of music in piano performance from Texas Christian University in 2006. Counseling Department
English Department Steven Rizzo The lineup that the English department at Texas Wesleyan served up last year just got bigger. With a returning cast and two fresh new faces, the department is growing. The first of two is Steven Rizzo. The Texas A&M graduate is excited to be here after fate seemingly landed him at Wesleyan. "It chose me," he said. After a couple of chance meetings with Department Chair Dr. Linda Carroll at seminars across the country, Rizzo learned of the opening, and, he said, everything fell into place from there. Influenced by his love for music, Rizzo brings an elaborate and enthusiastic passion for writing and literature. His favorite aspect of TWU thus far, he said, is the warm, amiable campus where "everyone is very personable." Dr. Carol Lattimore The other addition to the English department isn't as newly minted as Steven Rizzo, for she has served on the staff as a part-timer for some years now. Wesleyan also proved the right fit for Dr. Carol Lattimore as she joins the staff as a full-time visiting assistant professor for the 2007-2008 scholar year. Making all English majors better writers this year will not be such a daunting task for Lattimore, for her reputation precedes her. "Lattimore is one of the best [at] working with students individually," said Dr. Stacia Neeley, associate professor of English. Lattimore's boldness and devotion to the study of language and literature make her a valuable asset for the department to have, colleagues said.
Business, from page 1
Need some money? You could always...
Joe Dryden
Music Department
Don Spinks Born in Rome, N.Y., and raised outside of Waco, Texas, Assistant Professor of Graduate Counseling Donald Spinks is an alumnus of Texas Wesleyan where he completed his undergraduate studies. He later received a master's degree in theology from Southern Methodist University and a doctorate in marriage and family therapy from Texas Woman's University. Now back at Wesleyan, Spinks plans to contribute abundantly to his alma mater. His planned contributions include increased alumni love of the institution, a rich history of life experiences and a deep passion for individuals. Spinks also plans to concentrate on enabling graduate school students the best preparation, maturation and experiences to flourish in the counseling field by contributing in the classroom, the new clinic and research. Spinks said he plans to do this by making information applicable and accessible to the growing student and making the new clinic a research-based clinic in order to get Texas Wesleyan noticed by the counseling community. This will add on to the knowledge already existing in the counseling world, and students can research and publish what they have accomplished. Before coming to TWU as a faculty member, Spinks was a Methodist minister for several years and then ventured into the private sector in business and counseling. If not indulging in his most adored pastime of reading, Spinks loves to be outdoors, fishing, golfing and spending time in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado. -Faculty profiles by staff writers Martin Garcia, Shameka Hyatt and Courtnie Keeling
“I’m really excited that Wesleyan achieved this accreditation,” said Richelle Mitchell, junior business major. “But, I really want to see us earn the AACSB.” “The accreditation process creates an environment of followup and continued improvement,” said Henderson of the result of the ACBSP and the work being put toward the AACSB program. According to Vaidya, employers may or may not see that Wesleyan has earned this accreditation, but the effects reach far-
Recent alumna Meredith Wallace Smith, who was invited to sit on a panel this spring when the accreditation committee was on campus, feels that the ACBSP seal of approval is not only a positive step for the university, but also an addition to her degree. “We praised the small class sizes and personal care and attention given to students,” said Smith. She is currently employed with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and is a student at the University of Texas at Arlington earning a master’s in accounting, a degree not offered at Wesleyan. “The truth of the matter is that accreditation does matter,” said Smith, “especially at the graduate level.” The business school faculty have not basked in the glory of their ACBSP accreditation for long, as they are already planning to obtain accreditation from the AACSB. “We are working on it and heading in that direction,” said Vaidya. The AACSB was founded in 1916 and awarded its first accreditation in 1919. The Association “represents the highest standard of Photo courtesy of the school of business achievement for business Dr. Sameer Vaidya (second from left), associate dean of the school of business, and Dr. Hector schools worldwide. Quintanilla (middle), dean of the school of business, were key figures in the business school’s quest for Institutions that earn accredi- accreditation. tation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous ther than just the certificate in the office. and comprehensive peer review,” according to the AACSB Web “The focus is on improvement and high quality, real world site. teaching, which in turn gives students a better education, which “Corporate-wide there is a very big push for continuing edu- makes them better employees and earns Wesleyan a reputation cation, represented by programs such as tuition reimbursement,” based on this excellence,” he said. said Smith. “However, Lockheed, for example, will only pay for While the accreditation is a wonderful stamp of approval degrees earned at AACSB accredited universities, thus demon- from a peer group, those who have seen the quality of work strating the perception of non accredited universities by the cor- being performed in the school of business are not surprised. porate world.” “Accredited or not,” Smith said, “after seven months in the According to Henderson, the work toward the AACSB, working world, I can honestly say that the professors in the which will take a minimum of five years, will do a lot for the school of business and the knowledge that I gained in my three master’s programs that the school of business offers. accounting classes prepared me well.”
Opinions
“I was in a paintball war and came away with colorful scars.” “I sheared a sheep.”
Colleen Burnie Senior Writing Major
“I went skydiving and touched a cloud.”
Shawn Poling Senior Writing Major
“I moved four times in three weeks and ended up in the same spot.”
What was the craziest thing you did over the summer?
Tiara Nugent Junior Writing Major
Zainah Usman Junior Art Major
The Rambler
September 5, 2007
America, welcome to the permanent campaign I
t is likely news to many tial election. readers that, although the As part of this unceasing electoral campaign, presidential election is still the Democrats have had 28 debates and candimore than a year away, the date forums at last count. This surfeit of what campaigns for the nomination Washington Post columnist and long-time politiof the Democratic and cal pundit George Will calls “parallel press conRepublican parties have been ferences” serves little real purpose. The events going strong for some time. It mostly give the candidates yet another opportunimay further astonish the ty to preen and posture for the cameras and to ZACH reader to learn that there are repeat the same lines that they have carefully DAVIDSON already presumed front runcrafted with their consultants and advisers to ners and that candidates have appeal to targeted constituencies. begun and ended their bids to become president Furthermore, nobody is watching. To give … and we’re still more than a year away from just one example, according to a June 12 posting Election Day. on “The Caucus,” the New York Times’ political The 2008 presidential election will have had blog, only 2.1 million viewers watched a debate the longest campaign preceding it in American sponsored by CNN. And these were numbers political history. More flabbergasting than all from early June, when there had only been five these facts, though, is the fact that the prospective Democratic nominees have participated in almost 30 debates or forums. I contend that this superfluous speechifying alienates potential voters by bombarding them with excess information and, in general, has a deleteriPhoto courtesy of Googel Images ous effect on the Hilary Clinton and Barak Obama have it out at a CNN debate held July 23. electoral process. The campaign for the 2008 Presidential elec- debates. The trend line in late August, some 15 tion in many ways began the day after the events or so later, can only have receded further. Democratic victories in the 2006 Congressional So why do the Democrats have so many events? election, yet candidates announced their possible The answer has to do with the nature of the intention to run even before this. Campaign 2008 party and how it differs from the Republican has already seen the demise of the prospects of Party. The Democratic party is a heterogeneous George Allen, the former Republican Virginia hodgepodge of interest groups. The candidates senator who lost his seat to Jim Webb in an upset therefore often believe themselves obliged to go that was likely the most closely-contested senato- before labor, African American, Hispanic and rial election in 2006. Allen’s loss was the result women’s groups to attempt to garner the support of a monumental misstep on the campaign trail of these crucial cohorts. Also, this year the captured and posted on YouTube, but there is no Human Rights campaign and LOGO, a network need to rehash old “macacca.” owned by Viacom that caters to the lesbian, gay, For financial and other personal reasons, bisexual and transgender community, sponsored a Democratic Governors Mark Warner of Virginia debate devoted exclusively to LGBT issues. and Tom Vilsack opted not to vie for the party’s Then we add the CNN YouTube debate in nomination. After the Iowa straw poll, a quaint which anyone who wanted to was able to post a event that is a story in itself, the former video on the popular site asking the candidates Republican governor of Wisconsin and secretary questions (but in which CNN chose which quesof health and human services in President Bush’s tion to air, thereby reasserting its corporate prefirst term ended his bid citing lack of funds. The rogatives!). Then add the myriad of DNC sponpoint of all this rehash is simply to demonstrate sored events and you have a confusing cacophohow active the primary election has been in what ny of consultant-approved campaign speeches will almost certainly be a billion dollar presiden- that detract from the public discourse. The prac-
tice of running from group to group to give a specially honed message also reeks of pandering, which both parties are too often guilty of. So what is a prospective candidate to do with regard to this woefully overloaded schedule of debates? One possibility is to do what Barack Obama is doing. An Aug. 18 posting on Marc Armbinder’s atlantic.com blog reported that from that period forward, Obama would only agree to DNC sponsored events. The Obama campaign posted a memo on its Web site stating that “Obama has already spoken at 19 different candidate forums and has participated in seven full debates and is committed to attending a total of 15 debates.” While I applaud Obama for saying “enough is enough,” giving the party preference over the wishes of the interest groups that support it is somewhat elitist. It is also politically dangerous, as he is voluntarily opting out of face-time in front of the cameras that the other candidates, especially the more obscure ones, relish. This said, I understand that Obama is a bit tired of spilling the same platitudes over and over again. He wants to keep as much of the bloom on the rose for as long as possible. And frankly, I am a little sick of hearing Obama and all the candidates rehash the same shopworn themes. The same applies to the “Fred McRomliani” campaign on the right. Another more desirable alternative is to radically change the way America does politics. Before you scoff, consider that European elections typically garner 80 percent of the electorate, as opposed the hardly 50 percent who come out in American presidential elections … even less when the top office is not up for grabs. What do I mean by a radically different kind of election? For starters, we should move to publicly financed campaigns. This means each candidate receives the same amount of funding and airtime, thus ending the “money race” that is at the root of many of our problems. Second, we shorten the entire process to no more than a few months, ending the saturation coverage that turns off so many would be voters. Finally, we make Election Day a national holiday, meaning nobody has to work that day and can vote at his or her leisure. Isn’t it time we honored our voters the same way we honor veterans and workers? All of these ideas are unlikely to come to fruition in the near future. Americans are averse to sudden change. But given the crisis of civic disengagement, is there any harm in proposing a radical solution? More pertinently, can incremental change really fix our broken system? Zach Davidson is a senior political science and history major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.
I sent you a Facebook fish, but your tank is full P
oke.
It’s 8:53 a.m. You have class in seven minutes. But, whatever, John and Katie have suddenly decided to end their “complicated” relationship, and look at that picture of them, he’s really cute…and single now. Oh, Facebook: the online community that lets you ask that one guy you ZAINAH met that one time at a party if he will USMAN be your “friend.” Indeed, Facebook is a fun and easily accessible method of keeping in touch with friends, colleagues and coworkers. But where does communiqué end and stalking begin? Do I really need to know that at precisely 5:53 a.m., that one kid from high school has decided he was looking for “random play?” For that matter, what does random play even mean? With the annoyingly specific news feed and other recently installed features, a user is automatically fed volumes of the whereabouts, thoughts and interests of people they may or may not know. In addition to following a person’s every move, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerburg opened the Web site to thousands of developers this past May, allowing them (and the occasional hacker) to upload endless new applications directly to the Web site. From sending gifts to being able to slap, poke, prod, maul or hug anyone in the network, the Facebook addiction is taking a chaotic turn.
Zainah Usman is a junior art major and is the photo editor for The Rambler.
Rambler Ratings
The Rambler Founded in 1917 as The Handout Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Zainah Usman, photo editor Jack Walker, sports editor
I constantly find myself getting invitations to set up a virtual fish tank or join a team of ninjas to duke it out against the pirates. Sure, at first I was intrigued; it sounded like an exciting catalyst to the fatal Internet addiction. But it is just too exhausting to be a zombie and a vampire and a ninja and take care of Larry the virtual frog, while maintaining a whole wall of graffiti to boot. “It’s getting too complicated,” junior Spanish major Xochitl Villalpando said. “What are you supposed to do with a fizzy drink on Facebook?” (I, for one, would also like to know what to do with virtual toilet paper.) Despite the ridiculous complexity surfacing, it hasn’t stopped Facebook from attracting more than 1 million users a week, 1,200 of those from Wesleyan (and counting!). According to Newsweek, Zuckerburg Photo courtesy of Google Images claims that while the trendy socializing aspect of Facebook is targeted towards the younger crowd, he intended the site to be a “utility, a tool to facilitate the information flow.” The information is definitely flowing, if what you want to know is that Fred from Dartmouth wrote on Tom from Baylor’s wall, saying he really likes Sheryl, but only as a friend, and that they are totally still hanging out this weekend. Long-term addicted or first time user, Facebook has definitely fixated itself into the online and social structure … for better or worse.
Shawn R Poling, editor-in-chief Tiara Nugent, managing/college life editor Colleen Burnie, entertainment editor Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.
Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual author only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole. Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication, welcomes all letters. All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature; however, confidentiality will be granted if requested. While every consideration is made to publish letters, publication is limited by time and space. The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for space, grammar, clarity and style. Letters to the editor may be subject to response from editors and students on the opinions page. "We are not afraid to follow the truth...wherever it may lead." -Thomas Jefferson Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University, The Rambler, 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, TX 76105. Newsroom: 531-7552 Advertising: 531-7582 Fax: 531-4878 E-mail: twurambler@yahoo.com
Thumbs up to the music department for placing a snazzy electronic marque sign outside Ann Waggoner.
Thumbs down to the broken marque signs outside Dora’s and the Sid Richardson building . . . and the letters that fall off all the time.
Thumbs up to the friendly and extra-mile-style service in the SUB.
Thumbs up to Wesleyan security for getting real cars to patrol campus with.
College Life
September 5, 2007
The Rambler
State schools implement restrictions on dropping classes JULIE DAVIS
“Dropping classes is not a healthy thing to do because it may be frowned upon by future employers as a student not having the ability to follow through.” Williams also said that the drop limit also eliminates extra course work. She added that Dropping a class is one of the ways college students customize their schedules, but it “the monetary consequences of taking extra classes are so severe” it was necessary for the comes at a price. At Wesleyan, the consequences vary, but at a state institution, it now has a state to step in and make some changes. literal price tag. The state of Texas recently set limits on how many classes students can drop In order to avoid being charged tuition at a higher rate, students have no choice but to at a state institution. carefully design their degree plan. Suzette Rangel, senior liberal studies major, has been a According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, “Senate Bill (SB) 1231 student at Wesleyan for five years and is happy that there is no limit to dropped classes. was passed by the 80th Texas Legislature in May 2007. This bill proRangel changed her major vides that, except for several specific instances of good cause, underafter a few semesters, and, graduate students enrolling as first-time freshmen at a public institution had she been at a state school, of higher education in fall 2007 or later will be limited to a total of six her tuition would have gone dropped courses during their entire undergraduate career. The new law up because of the extra courswent into effect as soon as it was signed in June 2007. Beginning with es on her transcript that entering first-time-in-college freshmen fall 2007, it affects all students at weren’t even needed for her Texas public colleges and universities.” new major. What this means to incoming freshmen as they work toward graduThe Texas Statues ation is that their degree audit must be carefully monitored so that they Education Code, Chapter 54, can graduate on time/in a timely fashion, their tuition stays at the resiSection 54.014 states that “a) dent rate and they do not go over the number of hours it requires to earn An institution of higher edua degree. cation may charge a resident Although Texas Wesleyan does not currently have a limit on coursundergraduate student tuition es dropped, Roberta Marley, assistant registrar, believes that students at a higher rate than the rate need to be aware of the downfalls of dropping a class. charged to other resident “We make it too easy for students to drop,” she said. “They don’t undergraduate students, not work as hard when they know they can drop.” to exceed the rate charged to Marley encourages students to plan their schedules carefully and nonresident undergraduate remember that faculty is not required to drop a student from their class. students, if before the semesShe emphasizes that students should not depend on the faculty to drop ter or other academic session them from a class and that failing to do it themselves might result in an begins the student has previCourtesy of Rambler Archives F on their transcript. ously attempted a number of Twyla Williams came to Wesleyan in July 2007 after serving as an A common reason for dropping a class is too much stress caused by a lack of suffi- semester credit hours for cient time for an overloaded schedule, resulting in the pulling out of hair. academic adviser for University of Texas at Arlington. Williams is now courses taken at any instituthe new student academic counselor for Texas Wesleyan and feels that tion of higher education while classified as a resident student for tuition purposes that limiting the number of dropped courses for students “is necessary because the state of Texas exceeds by at least 30 hours the number of semester credit hours required for completion of is making it much more difficult to keep the benefit of state tuition rates and gearing students the degree program in which the student is enrolled.” toward attaining graduation.” For an entire description of Senate Bill 1231, visit the Texas legislature Web site at Although Williams believes that students attending private universities do not drop class- www.capitol.state.tx.us. The last day to drop a Wesleyan class this semester without affectes as frequently as those in public schools, students at Wesleyan still need to be careful. ing GPA is Nov. 20. STAFF WRITER
Spend at your own risk. . .
Welcome to college, living money not included M
aking the transition from high school to college is a major change for freshman students, especially if that means moving away from mom and dad and shacking up by yourself or with some new roommates. For those of you in such a situation, let me share a secret with you: Life on your own isn’t everything teen dramas SHAWN R. make it out to be. It sucks. That’s right kids, a life of freedom sucks the money POLING right out of your wallet. Back when I was in high school slinging scoops of ice cream at a local Marble Slab Creamery, money was just something to throw around. I didn’t drive and my parents refused to take any money from me, so I had nothing but spending money. Over my junior and senior years, my CD and DVD collections went from nonexistent to pouring from full-sized bookshelves. Friends and I made regular trips to downtown restaurants and bought more clothes than I could ever wear. As soon as I received my acceptance letter from trusty Texas Wesleyan, I moved out of my childhood home and into a house with roommates. I knew I would have to chip in on rent and utilities, and I was prepared to do so, but I had no idea how much living would cost me. Rent was only the beginning. I was awarded a decent financial aid package, but I still had to buy books, supplies and the odd blue book or scantron here and there. After living with parents, you never quite realize everything you need around the house. I’m not sure how, but I
forgot to pack sheets, socks, soap, cleaning supplies and without money is when you will need it most. numerous other household staples, all of which I had to buy When confronted with the question “discount or full immediately. price,” it’s always better to spring for the discount. And if you think that’s scary, take some time to think Let me stress that last point. It doesn’t just mean to about how much remember to whip out your student ID at the food you actually movie theater. Discounts aren’t an option; diseat. You might try to counts are a lifestyle. follow that ancient Do some research and you will find that there three meal a day a many things you can get for free or cheap. rule, but if you want Many restaurants and entertainment venues in the to be realistic, it’s Metroplex offer student discounts. Even better, more like four of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram offers a free disfive. count card to subscribers known as the Press Pass, Think grabbing which can get you a discount (20 percent or higha Coke before class er) at hundreds of businesses in the area. or some snacks for a But even more important than finding a dislate-night study sescount or free handout, saving money is simply sion won’t impact about making the choice to spend less money. your financial situaSmart money choices can make all the difference tion? If you’re realto a college student. ly honest with yourDo you want the free barbecue on campus, or self, not many colseafood from your favorite sit-down restaurant? lege students have Do you want to buy the new season of LOST at sufficient finances full price, or wait until you can get it used? Do Courtesy of Google Images to survive the typical you want a brand new Dell computer, or do you college lifestyle. want to spend a few dollars in gas and hang out at the camWhile you still have a chance, here are a few important pus computer lab? tidbits to keep in mind: Spending less and saving more isn’t easy, but it’s much Every dollar adds up. No purchase is too small to affect harder once your bank account is empty. you budget. Shawn R. Poling is a senior writing major and is the editor-in-chief Bad things happen. The one time you decide to deal for The Rambler.
Stand up and be great S
ince 1890, Texas Wesleyan University has opened its doors to provide an unprecedented college experience to those who desire to further their education. This semester, there are students who are preparing for their December graduation, others who are just beginning their college career and the faculty and staff who often fill the role of more than just what their job titles suggest. Whatever your role on campus, it is my hope JULIE that each member of the Texas Wesleyan family DAVIS discover their inner strengths and the courage it is going to take to stand up and be great. Let the accompanying “I have a premonition that soars on poem serve as Silver wings. an encourageIt is a dream of your accomplishment ment to you as Of many wondrous things. we begin what I do not know beneath which sky could possibly Or where you'll challenge fate. be one of the I only know it will be high best times in I only know it will be great.” our lives. Anonymous
Julie Davis is a senior writing major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.
Photo by Kevin Keathley
Ram Camp a blast for all parties Incoming freshmen and counselors alike made the most out of the 2007 Ram Camp activities spanning Aug. 2021. One segment of fun in the gym, pictured above, invovled a trio of blow up bounce houses and other games. Other activities included painting oars in colors true to Wesleyan spirit and attending a one hour segment in which campus organizations introduced themselves.
The Rambler
Quick Quotes “A player who conjugates a verb in the first person singular cannot be part of the squad; he has to conjugate the verb in the first person plural. We. We want to conquer. We are going to conquer. Using the word "I" when you're in a group makes things complicated.” ~Wanderley Luxemburgo 1999
Upcoming Events 9/4 -- VB @ Oklahoma City/3 p.m. VB @ Mid-America Christ/5 p.m. 9/5 -- WS @ TX Woman's/4 p.m. 9/7 -- WS vs. Mid-America Christ/ 5:30 p.m. VB vs. Houston Baptist/7 p.m. MS vs. Mid-America Christ/ 7:30 p.m. 9/8 -- VB vs. UT-Brownsville/4 p.m. WS vs. Mary Hardin-Baylor/ 5:30 p.m. MS vs. Mary Hardin-Baylor/ 7:30 p.m. Home games in bold.
Sports
September 5, 2007
Accurate aim yields a ‘pole hole’ in one Wesleyan forms new sports league over the summer, thanks to Whaley ing for something different to do with his buddies. “My friends were tired of basketball and pool all the time, so we CONTRIBUTING WRITER A perplexing new item popped up around campus as students played about five times at the end of the summer,” Jacobi said. returned from summer break. Disc golf shares the common goal of traditional golf: Get from “I had no idea what it was. Something for Ram Camp, I fig- tee to green in as few strokes as possible. Rather than a ball and ured,” said junior Chris Tham. “My brother had to tell me what it clubs, however, players throw a flat disc towards the odd-looking was for.” “pole holes.” “It” is known as a “pole hole” and is part of a very popular interThere are several styles of discs that fly different distances. It is national sport that has arrived at Texas Wesleyan to expand the similar to a golf bag that contains a driver, fairway woods, irons and opportunities for intramural activities. a putter. All are necessary to execute different types of shots. Whether it’s played in a heated international tournament or just Instead of a traditional “cup” that is dug into the ground, pole for fun at a city park, disc golf (also known as frisbee golf) has holes are above-ground metal frames with an attached basket and arrived and is sure to gain popularity. flag. “I will probably try to play and see if I have fun,” Tham said. Traditional golf holes can range anywhere between 100 and 600 According to Jenny Houze in the student activities office, stu- yards, but disc golf is more condensed with holes ranging from 150 dent activities coordinator Aaron Whaley came up with the idea to 500 feet. after noticing the sport’s growDisc golf was invented in the 1970’s, and the ing popularity. Professional Disc Golf Association was estab“Aaron came up with the lished to monitor and help promote the game, as it idea of creating a course on camhas gained popularity world-wide. pus,” Houze said. “He saw that it There are more than 16,000 members of the was popular at other schools and PDGA, mostly diehards that are passionate about wanted to bring it here.” the sport. Whaley designed an official Thousands more play casually at local park course map this summer, which courses, or in backyards. Public courses are usuoutlines all 18 holes. ally free to play, making it a cheap alternative to Beginning Sept. 11, there pricy golf courses. will be an official league held on The PDGA Tour employs the best players in Tuesday and Thursday afterthe world, and tournaments are held in places like Photo by Kevin Keathley Germany, Finland, Sweden and all over the noons. Money, T-shirts and a troMany “pole holes” now dot the Wesleyan campus as United States. phy will be up for grabs. Those who are not quite disc golf gains popularity. Inexpensive equipment is one of the perks to ready for a competitive league disc golf. There are many discs for sale on the can check out discs in the student activities office and practice their Internet that are priced below $10. skills. For more information, contact Whaley or Houze in the office of Sophomore Ryan Jacobi picked up disc golf last summer, look- student activities, located next to the bookstore.
BRYCE WILKS
Rams continue to achieve glory after school lets out all-conference honors: Jason Diaz, Josh Conference’s All Sports Award for the secVander Hey, Ryan ond time in a row. According to the SPORTS EDITOR and RRAC Web site, the honor is handed Despite the end of the academic school Riddle down to the member university of the year in late April, a handful of determined Hayden Lackey conference that performed best in all Wesleyan teams and athletes either carried were named to of the conference’s sanctioned sports their season further into the summer, cap- the All-Region Lackey programs in an academic year. tured individual success or made moves dur- team. To continue, many of Wesleyan’s ing the summer break to better themselves capped a majorleague season by most accomplished athletes graduated and the program. in May. Most notably, the men’s varsiLeading off, the men’s baseball team being selected as ty basketball program, which won a saw a stellar season that was highlighted an All-American. Also, notably national title in 2006, watched three with its first conference title in 28 years, starters from the championship squad come to a heart-breaking conclusion after on the women’s receive their degrees. Looking to they were dispatched late in the 9th inning side of the ballBrooke ‘reload’ during the off-season, they by Red River Athletic Conference rival park, Courtesy of Wesleyan Athletics and Junior Ryan Riddle signed on signed two prolific standout guards Houston Baptist in the NAIA Region VI McNabb Ariel Raley with the Cardinals over the from across the continents, Australians final. All- summer as a free agent. Martin Vahalla and Matt Barnes. By no means a disappointing season, the achieved Possibly looking for some more squad racked up its most wins since 1980 Region honors for the lady Rams softball team. power from the outback since Ben Hunt and gave up its lowest numMoving on to another pro- joined the professional ranks overseas, ber of losses in a year since gram deep in tradition, the Wesleyan welcomes the two from down 1973, according to men’s golf team made its 46th under in addition to the rest of a stealthy Ramsports.net. appearance in the 56-year histo- recruiting class that is anticipated to make an “They believed and they ry of the NAIA National immediate impact on an already talentnever gave up,” said managTournament. The unit of five stacked roster. er Mike Jeffcoat. finished 18th after firing a final “We are always happy to add another The team finished the round 312 at Indiana National versatile athlete to the team,” said Terry season with a national rankGolf Club. Their performance in Waldrop. ing of 13. They also accuthe season finale kept alive a So, now that the summer break has mulated more than 40 wins, streak of 46 consecutive tourna- eclipsed, many Wesleyan teams and studentfinishing with an overall ments without missing a cut. athletes are getting back into the swing of record of 41-10. Junior Ariel Raley also led As a whole, Texas Wesleyan things and preparing for their opportunity to To polish things off, a the Lady Rams batting University finished the school represent and compete for the college, an select group of players average last spring. year up strong enough to finish institution that not only accomplishes triearned esteemed postseason hardware. In addition to earning first team second overall in the Red River Athletic umph seasonally, but year-round.
JACK WALKER
Don’t forget to check out www.txwes.edu/athletics for the latest game information
First annual Wesleyan-Hughes Volleyball Classic Sept. 14-15 marks a special time for Texas Wesleyan Volleyball as the first annual Wesleyan-Hughes Volleyball Classic gets underway. The tournament, held in support of the Beck Hughes endowment, will kick off with the Volleyball Alumni Reunion on Saturday and close out with the Annual Alumni Match. Hughes, an inductee of the Wesleyan Hall of Fame, served as head volleyball coach from 1979-1991. During her tenure, the Wesleyan volleyball teams made nine appearances at the NAIA National Volleyball Championships. Her overall coaching record of 364-189 and winning percentage of .655 are still Wesleyan’s record-best today. Hughes still contributes to Wesleyan, the volleyball program and national volleyball communities’ success. Any donations -- monetary support, concessions, trophies, awards, raffle prizes or gift certificates -- are greatly appreciated. Recognition will be given to all donors giving $25 or more on a “Banner of Appreciation” hung in competition gym. For more information, contact Christy Clawson at cclawson@txwes.edu. For scheduled game times, visit the Wesleyan Athletics homepage.
Slam dunk your sports story to twurambler@yahoo.com
Can’t you see your name here?
Looking back . . .
Photos by Kevin Keathley
Wesleyan hosts summer basketball camp for kids A slew of youngsters turned out early last June for Wesleyan’s summer basketball camp. Participants were afforded the opportunity to learn from assisstant coach Brennan Shingleton and Aaron Whaley, current players and alumni. Campers, all ages 6-15, also received National Championship T-shirts and balls, besides chances to compete for other great prizes.
Entertainment
September 5, 2007
The Rambler
Wesleyan welcomes Beirshenck AMANDA MAY STAFF WRITER
Don’t let the name throw you. Dr. Jerome (Jerry) Bierschenk is an outstanding gentleman, even if his name is German for “beer server.” “I guess there were a lot of bartenders in my family,” he joked. Although Bierschenk is a new member to the full time Wesleyan staff this fall, he is not exactly new to the Wesleyan community. He taught at Wesleyan part time during the 1995-1996 school year. “I love the small and intimate environment of Wesleyan,” he said. So when the job as director of choral activities was offered, he took it. “It allows me to stay in Fort Worth with my family, my wife, Marilyn, and my daughter, Kristen.” Bierschenk is a native to Fort Worth, and his wife is an elementary teacher for the Fort Worth Independent School District. His daughter is a graduate of Oklahoma University and is considering Texas Wesleyan for graduate school. Bierschenk’s resume is very extensive. He began in his musical career under the direction of his high school band leader, Henry Schraub. Schraub was a great influence and encourager of Bierschenk, who now is playing trumpet under Schraub’s direction once again in The Greater Fort Worth Community Band that practices here on Wesleyan campus once a week. Bierschenk received his undergraduate degree from University of Texas as a trumpet player majoring in music education. As a requirement for his major, he needed to take
a voice class. It was in this class that he met Dr. Eldon Black observe our students responding positively to his personal who inspired him to switch to an emphasis on voice, which warmth and his vision of excellence.” he considered a rather bold move. Bierschenk is taking the place of Wesleyan’s former He then went on the get his master of music education choir director, Mark Stamper, and will direct several choral and a muscial arts doctorate in choral conducting from the classes including Wesleyan Singers, Wesleyan Choral and University of North Texas. It Chamber Singers (formerly just goes to show, he said, that Trouveres). He said he is very required classes should never be excited and looking forward to underestimated because you the new semester and the great never know where they may concerts he has lined up. take you. “I’m always on the lookout The current music deptartfor new recruits,” he menment faculty seems to have weltioned. “So if anyone is intercomed Bierschenk with open ested in coming by and talking arms. Dr. John Fisher, departwith me, my door is always ment chair, and Julie McCoy, open. Unless it’s closed, and associate professor of music, then it’ll have a sign on it that agree that is a pleasure to have says, ‘Knock’.” Bierschenk as a part of their Wesleyan Singers is open team. to music and non-music majors “Dr. Bierschenk brings a alike and meets Monday wealth of talent and experience Wednesday Friday from 11 a.m. to his role as visiting assistant to noon. Wesleyan Choral is Photo by Amanda May professor,” said Fisher. “His Dr. Jerry Bierschenk, whose name is German for “beer open to Wesleyan students, facrange of skills and ability makes server,” also taught on campus from 1995 to 1996. ulty, staff and others from the a fine fit for the music departcommunity and meets Monday ment. We are very pleased to have him with us.” nights at 5:45 p.m. McCoy concurs. “And,” he said, “if you play an instrument, stay for band “He is widely respected for his distinguished career as practice! We meet on Monday nights, 7:15 to 9:15 in the a musician and music educator,” she said. “It is exciting to same place.”
Downtown’s 8.0 celebrates Texas music FREE That word always catches people’s attention. However, most of the time it’s some sort of gimmick used to entice you into thinking you are receiving a better deal than what you really are. But the word “free” describes precisely the 95.9 The Ranch Texas Music Series at 8.O in Sundance Square. That’s right, ANDREW your “hometown” station puts on a conCARVER cert every Wednesday night on the patio of 8.O during the summer months. The only catch: you have to be 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license to get in, and, of course, you have to pay for their tasty fare and ice-cold beverages. If you are a Texas music aficionado like I consider myself, then a Wednesday evening at 8.O is tailor made for you. The series has played host to some of the biggest acts on the Texas music scene, including Reckless Kelly, Bart Crow, Cory Morrow, Roger Creager, Max Stalling, Eli Young Band, Brandon Rhyder, Wade Bowen, Ryan Turner and many, many more. Now, I may a bit partial after interning for the station and becoming a part time employee in the promotion’s department. However, I have been attending these concerts since long before employment with the organization was ever sought. After all, what better way to break up the monotony of the week than going out on a Wednesday night? “It’s great to have a place to go to get your dose of Texas Music during the week,” said 8.O patron Britney Owens. “I can’t wait for Wednesdays to roll around.” According to www.959theranch.com, the series, now in its fifth year, is one of “this season’s hottest concert series featuring your favorite Texas singers and song writers every Wednesday night under the Fort Worth stars.” The concerts, which are held every Wednesday evening starting in the spring, go through the end of September. The evening kicks off around 5:30 p.m. with the Pickin’ Party winner from the Railhead Smokehouse and then another Texas artist takes the stage, followed by the headliner around 9 p.m. No joke, you get to see three great artists for the price of none. I was able to attend a few concerts myself this past summer and were they ever a treat. I saw Aaron Watson,
T HE W EEK A HEAD
Wednesday On Campus:
5
Thursday Off Campus:
Reckless Kelly, Bart Crow and a few others. “I want to thank you guys for putting diesel in the bus and diapers on the baby boy,” said Watson to a Texas music-thirsty crowd at the beginning of his May 30th performance. Watson, a native of West Texas, said he does not really like the big city but if he had to live in one, it would be Fort Worth. “The only thing wrong with Fort Worth is it’s too close to Dallas,” he said. Watson put on a show worth writing home about and his Orphans of the Brazos Band picked out tunes such as Reckless, All-American Country Girl and Off the Record. Speaking of records, each October The Ranch releases a compilation CD featuring artists that performed during that year’s concert series. According to The Ranch Radio Group Director of Promotions Molly Prince, the money raised from selling the CDs goes to local charities. “Net proceeds from the sale of the CD benefit The Ranch Children’s Charities-a consortium of charities that help kids including, but not limited to: The Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate and others,” said Prince. Regardless of your taste in music or entertainment, however, 8.O has something for you. “Dinner, dancing and pretty people. 8.0 serves up a great lunch, a rocking dinner and late night schmoozing. 8.O offers a unique and flavorful menu, wine list, as well as a special drink menu to satisfy your every palate. Combine all that with the best live music in Fort Worth and 8.O becomes the place to be.” That’s all according to www.eightobar.com, but I concur. In addition, the Web site also claims that the venue was named the “best place to meet someone of the opposite sex.” If you plan on attending one of the Wednesday night concerts, you better get there early. With the popularity of the series, the place fills up fast! The concert finale is Sept. 26 with the Kyle Bennett Band and will resume again next spring. 8.O is located at 111 East 3rd St. at the intersection
6
Friday Off Campus:
7
* Fort Worth Cats: champi* Methodist Student * Movie Releases: 3:10 to onship series, La Grave Field, Yuma, The Brothers Solomon, Movement meeting: Poly UMC, noon, free lunch served. 7:05 p.m. and Shoot ‘Em Up * Baptist Student Ministry: Sid * The Rambler staff meeting: Lobby of Stella Russell Hall, Richardson Building, noon, 12:15 p.m. free lunch served
* Fort Worth Cats: championship series, La Grave Field, 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)
To submit an event for the calender, e-mail twurambler@yahoo.com.
Saturday
8
Off Campus: *Fort Worth Fall Gallery Night will features art displays at various Fort Worth galleries, bars, restaurants, hair salons and offices. Check www.fwada.org and www.fortworthsouth.org for venues and times.
Sunday
9
Monday
10
Tuesday
11
Off Campus:
On Campus:
On Campus:
* Texas Rangers vs. Oakland A’s: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, 2:05 p.m.
* Tryouts for the “Wesleyan Showstoppers” dance team: Sid Richardson gym, 5:30 to 7:30
* Student Government Meeting: Carter Conference Room, noon
*Cowboys vs. the New York Giants: Texas Stadium, 7:15 p.m.
* DVD releases: Grey’s Anatomy: Season 3, Charmed: The Final Season and The Starter Wife
of Commerce. An up-to-date schedule is available at www.959theranch.com. Andrew Carver is a senior mass communication major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.
Photo courtesy of www.959theranch.com
Downtown radio station The Ranch is responsible for the weekly Texas Music Series at the nearby 8.0 restaurant and bar.
from the office of...
The Rambler We at the Rambler are always on the lookout for new writers, photographers and advertising sales staff. Get paid, gain valuable experience, and get to know all the ins and outs of a weekly newspaper. email: twurambler@yahoo.com web: www.txwes.edu/rambler