Back to School Issue - The TSU Herald

THE HERALD | December 1, 2011

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THE TSU

The Official Student Newspaper of Texas Southern University

THE TSU HERALD | August 28, 2012

Vol 65 | Number 01

CAMPUS NEWS SWAG YOUR WAY TO SUCCEES

Students learn what it takes to survive in school

LIFE & STYLE BEHIND THE LETTERS Scholarship and service

FROM THE TIGERWALK TO THE CATWALK 5 things you should and shouldn’t wear to class

SPORTS New year, new coach, new stadium

Welcome Back,

TIGERS

TSU FOOTBALL TEAM REMAINS OPTIMISTIC Photo Credit: Dominique Monday

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Welcome Back Letter From The Editor “All roads lead to Texas Southern, paved with the light for one and all.”

Every time I shuffle my feet down the Tigerwalk, that line from our dear university’s alma mater plays in my head.

After seeing all of the wonderful things happening with TSU, I am overwhelmed with excitement and hopeful for our future. From our football team finally getting its own place to call home at the BBVA Compass Stadium to our university being recognized for having an 87 percent AfricanAmerican graduation rate, the largest in the state of Texas, according to a recent “Diverse Issues in High Education” survey released earlier this summer.

To our incoming freshmen and transfer students, I would like to formally welcome you to TSU. We make every ef-

fort to live up to our motto of “Excellence in Achievement” and surpass the accomplishments of our distinguished alumni.

To my fellow returning students, welcome back for another semester in Tigerland. You can catch up on what happened at the “Swag vs. Success” and “Miseducation of the Greek Xperience” seminars during Freshman Week, get a few style tips on what you should wear to class and so much more.

As editor-in-chief of The TSU Herald, my staff and I work to give the campus of TSU a newspaper that covers as many facets of student interest as possible. We work hard to make newsworthy campus events and topics relevant to the general public of TSU. In addition, we provide newsworthy information in an accurate, balanced and fair manner.

Furthermore, our student newsroom is also a classroom. Within our staff, we seek to

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief AMEENA RASHEED Managing Editor MECOLE HAYES Copy Editor DWAYNE ADAMS Campus News Editor SIJOURNEY PORTER Life & Style Editor KENNETH WARE, JR. Sports Editor BUCK BEDIA

The TSU Herald is published by the students of Texas Southern University. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration. The newspaper is printed biweekly, except during holidays and examination periods.

For additional information, call (713) 313-1976.

Lead Photographer DOMINIQUE MONDAY Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER Advisor SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER MICHAEL BERRYHILL

All Rights Reserved 2012 Office of Student Publications

increase the journalism expertise and writing proficiency of our student body, improve teamwork skills and develop a strong work ethic.

The TSU Herald is here to ensure that there is an open forum for the student body to discuss various events and issues on the campus of TSU.

If you ever have any comments, concerns, story ideas or questions about anything happening on campus or in this publication, feel free to stop by room 221 in the Student Center. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read The TSU Herald.

Sincerely yours, Ameena Rasheed Editor-in-Chief

www.tsuherald.com THE HERALD | December 1, 2011

Campus News New loan legislation puts burden on graduate students

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BY BUCK BEDIA Sports Editor

Congress passed student loan legislation this summer that kept interest rates from doubling, but the law creates new pressures on graduate students.

The new legislation prevented current interest rates of 3.4 percent from ballooning to 6.8 percent. But Congress eliminated the sixmonth grace period after graduation, in which government pays the interest on student loans.

In addition, graduate students are required to continue to pay interest on their loans while in graduate school.

Graduate students are concerned, as they will be feeling the pinch the hardest.

“That’s tough for law students because after we graduate we need to spend six to eight weeks to prepare for the BAR exam,” said Armin Jezari, a third- year Thurgood Marshall law student. “I think something like this is going to be hard for any graduating student who has to take a state certification test to get hired.”

Some graduate students feel that since they have already been enrolled in school, the legislation should apply for those who are incoming first-year graduate students.

“I think it’s unfair to the current grad students,” said Jonathan Everhart, second-year Thurgood Marshall law student. “If someone cannot pay the interest on their loans, then they can’t be in school. What are they going to do with a partial degree?”

Another part of the law requires that the students be informed in a timely manner, in the form of an e-mail sent before and during the school year. Also the legislation requires that emails sent to the student must be written in a language students can understand, not in the legal jargon.

TSU has opened offices in the Bell Building to guide students through this new obstacle.

Linda Ballard, Director of Student Financial Assistance, and her office are leading

the charge to inform students on what options they have in order to rein in their debt.

“We have the default office here at TSU, with the tools to plan for the future,” said Ballard.

“If we teach you how to be a smart borrower, even if you don’t have six-month grace period, but you know everything available to you to get a deferment, so you can manage your debt properly.”

The Loan Default Office has developed online modules to help students with debt literacy, offers information on credit scores and any financial questions one my have.

Latisha Marion, Default Prevention Coordinator, is eager to help current and former students with their financial questions.

“We want to teach students they do not have to borrow more than what they need,” Marion said. “And give them core knowledge that what they do now, will affect them later on down the future.”

Swag your way to success

BY SIJOURNEY PORTER Campus News Editor

As incoming freshmen prepare for their first semester of college, the Tau Epsilon chapter of the chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., the Student Government Association and the Collegiate 100 Black Men of America sponsored a leadership seminar entitled “Swag vs. Success.”

“I chose the name, ‘Swag vs. Success’ because it’s catchy and it kind of puts you in a dilemma of which side to stand on, whether it be swag or success,” said SGA Comptoller Leon Spencer.

Spencer began the seminar with students having a dance off to show their “swag.” He then

showed a video of students at a North Carolina A&T block party dancing and giving their definitions of swag.

“Now-a- days, especially with the youth in this generation, everyone seems to have swag and isn’t too much worried about success,” Spencer said. “Everyone’s more worried about popularity other than being successful or getting a degree.”

The night was filled with skits, poetry, music and power point presentations on topics ranging from networking to making the right decisions.

“Networking is key, build a relationship with your advisors and professors,” Tsalta Baptiste said. “Keep in mind what the true

goal is and that’s to multiply your degree after graduating.”

There was a panel of faculty, staff and students offering opinions on various topics. The panel consisted of the 2012-2013 Miss Texas Southern University Olivia Turner, 100 Black Men Chairman Darnell Joseph, Academic Advisor for Student Services Michara DeLaney and Graduate Assistant Timothy Moss.

“Everyone knows what’s right and what’s wrong, if you feel guilty before making a decision you probably shouldn’t be doing it,” Turner said.

Drugs and alcohol, inappropriate pictures on social networks, the advantages of being social, how to dress on campus

and how to keep yourself on the right track, were among other topics discussed.

“The overall seminar was really good, it helped me find out information about things that I didn’t know about and it showed me people who I need to talk to,” freshman Chiara Lock said. “The biggest thing was networking; networking will get you far in college.”

Throughout the night DJs played music and the freshmen were given the chance to mingle amongst their peers.

“I hope the students learn that you can actually be successful and have swag and not just have swag and just call it a day,” Spencer said.

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Life & Style

BY MECOLE HAYES Managing Editor

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5 Things You Should Wear to Class

Slacks Slacks can give any outfit a business casual touch. Pairing one’s slacks with a blazer or cardigan gives the impression that a student is prepared for class and ready to produce quality work. You may also dress up your favorite pair of slacks with a camisole, a statement necklace and minimal arm pieces to complete your look.

Flats Flats require little to no effort when that morning class comes earlier than expected. They are easy to slip on and can be worn with anything from summer dresses to jeans.

Watches There is nothing more timeless than a man wearing a nice watch. The right timepiece can be a great accessory to any outfit and is essential in time management. Get prepared for class and stick to your busy schedule as a college student with the perfect watch.

Oxfords Oxfords can add an instant update to either khakis or jeans and come in an array of colors.

Button-downs Button-downs are the alternative to one’s everyday t-shirt or polo. Give your style a little pick-me-up by adding a nicely fitted button-down shirt.

Other items to wear or bring to class:

www.tsuherald.com THE HERALD | December 1, 2011

Life & Style

BY MECOLE HAYES Managing Editor

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5 Things You Shouldn’t Wear to Class High heels You are running late to your class in the Science Building from the Urban Academic Village and your six-inch heels do not allow you to run as fast as you had hoped. While trying to look cute, you end up falling down the stairs and tripping all over the Tigerwalk.

Short shorts You know that your shorts are too small when they are annoying you in places that they should not. Tugging on your shorts every five seconds is not only irritating, but also unattractive. When your favorite pair of shorts begins to look more like undergarments, it may be time to throw them away.

Sagging pants If your pants do not fit, please invest in a belt.

There is nothing attractive about seeing a young man’s boxers.

Pajamas We have all had that eight o’clock class that we dread waking up for, but it only takes a few minutes to put on a comfortable pair of jeans and a t-shirt that offer a more casual look.

Socks and sandals This is just wrong. Swap out those sandals for a comfortable shoe that will offer you a look that is more chic.

Other items NOT to wear or bring to class:

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THROUGH TH

Photos by: Herman Shelton, Dominique Monday and Tiyosha Turner

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HE EYES OF OUR TIGERS

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Life & Style

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Behind the Letters: Scholarship and Service

BY KENNETH WARE, JR. Life & Style Editor

Over 250 bright-eyed students filled the Tiger Room to distinguish the stereotypes from the truths surrounding fraternity and sorority life on Texas Southern University’s campus.

The event was intended to enlighten unaware students about the ins-and-outs about Greek life on campus.

When many students attend college they are only familiar with the entertaining step shows and racy parties that Greek organizations host. Attending only these events will cause many students to form a one-sided opinion on these historic organizations.

Karl Uba, president of TSU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. because of “brotherhood, scholarship and service.” He wants to ensure incoming freshmen students understand what all the organizations in the NPHC have to offer.

“I felt like this event was informative to all the incoming students,” Uba added, ”their absurd questions were definitely answered.”

The host for the evening, Rasheed Al Cromwell, Esp., did not miss a step in his interactive “miseducation” presentation.

Moreover, he encouraged students to engage in the laid-back conversation utilizing social media.

“Please tweet your questions to me and participate in the text polls,” Cromwell said.

Cromwell presented a slideshow presentation that broke down the basics of Greek life in the African-American culture from 1906 to present day. His presentation was a crash course for Greek dummies.

Sophomore communication student Amanda Roper thought the presentation was “well put together” and entertaining.

While other wet-behind-the-ear students were dubious, Roper says that Greek organizations are a “collective group of individuals that have a common goal to help the community.”

Rasheed Al Cromwell delivers a powerful presentation to the students of Texas Southern University on the true meaning of what it is to be Greek.

“His [Cromwell] presentation was informational and it broadened my perspective on various Greek organizations,” Roper said.

Graduate student Lindsay Seymour is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and when she is not listening to soft jazz, she is inspiring students at the Urban Academic Village.

“I support all the Greek organizations on campus and I admire their goals,” Seymour said.

Seymour encourages all students to remain focused on why they decided to attend college before considering a membership with any organization on campus.

“Keep your education in mind at all times and do your research,” Seymour said.

Freshman student Ndid Chiedu came to “learn about sororities.” Her mother graduated from TSU in 1984, and she is ecstatic to follow in her mother’s footsteps by earning a college degree.

“Greek organizations are families

outside of your immediate family,” Chiedu said.

Although her mother did not join a Greek organization, Chiedu “wants to see what all the organizations have to offer.”

Terrell Washington is senior at TSU majoring in Kinesiology. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc..

Washington was a freshman in high school in Huntsville, Ala. when he knew he wanted to become an “illustrious Alpha man.”

“The Project Alpha program came to my high school and they discussed sexual awareness,” Washington said.

Programs like these are ones Cromwell discussed throughout his presentation.

“Back in the day, Greek members were ‘grown men and women’ who had families and were focused on making a better life for Black people,” Cromwell said.

Washington agrees with Cromwell.

“It is about community service and scholarship,” Washington said.

www.tsuherald.com THE HERALD | December 1, 2011

Optimism and expectations remain high for football program

BY BUCK BEDIA Sports Editor

The Tiger football program is licking its wounds from another tough offseason, but for new head coach Darrell Asberry, a fresh start is a welcome start.

Asberry brings his winning reputation to Texas Southern from Shaw University in North Carolina, where his teams won three CIAA conference championships in five years.

Undeterred by TSU’s recent run-ins with the NCAA, Asberry is looking forward to a new season at a new program.

“We’re trying put the past behind us,” Asberry said. “I want help the program to improve from now on, on and off the field, and if we can do that, we will be a very successful football team.”

Athletic officials are awaiting word on additional sanctions from the NCAA for having too many academically ineligible players in past years.

Ironically, the Football Championship

Subdivision Athletics Directors Association gave the TSU football program an award for having the most improved Academic Progress Report for the last two years.

“It sounds weird that we are getting awards for the same thing that we are being punished for, but the main thing is that we are improving,” said Senior Associate Athletics Director Micheal Moleta.

The Tiger’s offensive captain, senior quarterback Dantavious Parker, is focused on the new season.

“The stuff with the NCAA is out of our hands, all we can do is do our job as students, and perform on the field,” Parker said. “Everybody is locked in and buying into the new system, we are anticipating good things this season.”

This year the Tigers will be hosting opponents at their new home downtown at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The man leading the charge, senior middle linebacker Billy Parker, is happy to officially call a place home.

Texas Southern University Registered Campus Organizations *

100 Collegiate Black Men

100 Collegiate Black Women Administration of Justice

African Pharmacy Student Association African Student Association

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Alpha Lambda Omega Christian Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. American Pharmacist Association

American Marketing Association Association for Childhood Education International Association of Muslim Students Association of Texas Professional Educators Baptist Student Ministry Boxing Club

California Club Campus House of Prayer

Catholic Student Organization Chemistry Club

Chi Sigma Iota Chinese Student & Scholar Association Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dietetics Club

Divine Unity One

Environmental Health Science Club Epsilon Gamma lota Inc. Gay Straight Alliance

Golden Key International Honor Society Graduate Student Association

Habitat for Humanity Health & Kinesiology Club

Health Occupation Students of America Hispanic Student Association

Institute of Transportation Engineers Intelligent Transportation Society International Students Organization Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc.

Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity Inc. Kappa Psi Omega Fraternity, Inc. Lambda Iota Tau

Latin Dance Club Life Change

Living Testimony Gospel Ministry League of United Latin American Citizens Council #4821 (LULAC)

Maritime Student Association Men's Basketball Club

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People National Association of Black Social Workers National Association of Black Engineers National Society of Collegiate Scholars National Pan-­‐Hellenic Council – TSU Chapter Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity

Phi Lambda Sigma National Pharmacy Leadership Society Pi Alpha Alpha, The National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration Pi Delta Phi, The National French Honor Society Political Science Club

Power Lifting Club Pre-­‐Alumni Association

Pre-­‐Health Professions Club Pre-­‐Optometry Professional Society Public Affairs Club Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society

Rho Chi Psi, Recruitment & Retention Organization Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. Sigma Lambda Gamma International Sorority, Inc.

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Sports

“Its exciting to finally play in a place we can call our own,” Parker said.

“We’re going to play hard to get the students and alumni spirit back in our new home.”

With a total of 38 upper classmen on the roster, leadership is going to play a big role this season with a younger base.

“The upper-classmen are stepping up and taking the younger guys under their wing,” Parker said, “making sure they’re where they’re supposed to be on and off the field. They know we got their back when a problem arises, but we are all responsible for being a successful football program.” *

Sigma Pi Alpha Forensic and Dialectical Symposium (Debate Team)

Social Work Organization

Society of Urban Mathematicians Sociology Scholars Association

Sports Studies and Leadership Association Student Health Executive Association Students in Free Enterprise Student National Pharmaceutical Association Student Planning Organization Student Psychological Association

Student Society of Health-­‐System Pharmacists Studio TSU

Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc. TSU Art Club

TSU Counseling Association TSU Dance Company

TSU Dancing Tigers TSU Hip -­‐ Hop Society

TSU Men’s Soccer Club TSU Spirit Crew

University Players Theater Organization Urban Financial Services Coalition

Wesley Foundation Women’s Basketball Club

Young Republicans of TSU Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

* These are the registered campus organizations as of spring 2012. All campus organizations must register again for the fall 2012 semester by September 17.

*These are all of the registered campus organizations as of spring 2012. All campus organizations must register again for the fall 2012 semester.

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Monday - 8/27

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on campus and around town

Tuesday - 8/28

Wednesday - 8/29

Pool Party 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Recreation Center

TSU Hump Day 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

The Circle

Student Leadership Summit* 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

PAB McCoy Auditorium

Money Talks 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Education Auditorium

*Professional Dress Code

Monday - 9/3 NO CLASSES!

Tuesday - 9/4 Volleyball Huston-Tillotson vs. TSU 7 p.m.

H&PE Arena

Wednesday - 9/5 Campus Organization Workshop* College of Education Auditorium 6:00 p.m. *One officer and advisor from each org MUST attend this workshop. Registration packets can be picked up in the Student Center rm. 215 before or doing the workshop.

Thursday - 8/30

Organization Showcase 3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

The Point

Friday - 8/31

TSU Ultimate Pregame 6:27 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Football Field

Freshman Rock The House 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

After Party 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Sawyer Auditorium

Thursday - 9/6

Friday - 9/7

The Weekend 9/1 & 9/2 9/1 Labor Day Classic - TSU vs. PV 7 p.m.

Reliant Stadium

The Weekend 9/8 & 9/9 9/9 Tiger Soccer vs. St. Mary’s 1 p.m.

Durley Field

The deadline to submit the registration application packet is 9/17.

Our calendar is reserved for the advertisement of on and off campus events. If you are interested in having your event placed on our calendar, then please stop by room 221 of the Student Center or call us at (713) 313-6710.