Vol. 68 No. 1

Vol 68 | Number 01

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CAMPUS NEWS

THE TSU HERALD | August 19, 2015

page 3

GETTING ACTIVE & STAYING HEALTHY ON CAMPUS

OPINION page 6

THINGS TO AVOID ONE’S FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE

Culture

SHOCK at Texas Southern University

FAQ page 8

10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS MADE BY NEW STUDENTS

SPORTS page 5

2019 Class of

FRESHMAN EDITION EIGHT MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE ACHIEVE HALL OF FAME STATUS

2

Campus News Do You Know Your Dean?

Letter from the Editor

BY LENZI CAUSEY Editor-In-Chief

Welcome, Class of 2019!

It is an honor and privilege to serve as the new Editor-In-Chief of the only student publication here at the illustrous Texas Southerm University. By way of my tenure here at the newspaper, it has allowed me to see a side of this institution that many do not. It is my joy to do something I love, that not only informs others, but challenges the way students think and develop ideals for an ever-changing world and work force. I hope that during your time here, you make time to read the voices that speak through this publication, and, in addition, create a voice that expresses your own thoughts, hopes and identity.

Since 1948, The Herald has been a prize to the university, an influence and a showcase of what our students are capable of doing and believing, and I hope to keep it going in a positive direction!

EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LENZI S. CAUSEY CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR AMBER VERNON SPORTS EDITOR JONATHAN DAVIS OPINION EDITOR LINDSAY GARY STAFF WRITER TYLER DOGGETT Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER Advisors SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER MICHAEL BERRYHILL

If there ever comes a time when students reach a problem that they either can;t solve alone or with the assistance of an assigned advisor, it is best to visit the designated Dean of the School/College from which they belong.

Listed here is contact information for each of the Schools’ and Colleges’ Deans: Jesse H. Jones School of Business Dr. Ronald A. Johnson JHJ 3rd Floor Room 306 713-313-7215 Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs Robert D. Bullard Public Affairs Building 415 F 713-313-6849 bullardrd@tsu.edu

This academic year, the staff and I will work diligently to keep students updated on school events and community happenings, in addition to world news and emphasizing the influence of the upcoming 2016 Presidential Election. As young, educated, forwardthinking, people of color, it is vital that we keep up with such events that have the power to change our T h e T S U H e r a l d lives and the lives of our is children. I believe that it p u b l i s h e d b y t h e is my power and my duty students of to educate and put forth Te x a s S o u t h e r n information in the most U n i v e r s i t y. professional way, just as I Opinions exp r e s s e d a r e t h o s e have been taught.

of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration.

The newspaper is p r i n t e d b i w e e k l y, except during holidays and examination periods.

For additional information, call (713) 313-6710.

I hope that the students and faculty alike are receptive and open to the product we work hard to create and put forth with the utmost respect and effort. Thank you in advance for your support!

Respectfully Yours,

Lenzi S. Causey Editor-In-Chief

College of Education Lillian B. Poats ED240 College of Education 713-313-7978 poats_lb@tsu.edu College of Science, Engineering & Technology Lei YU TECH 408 713-313-7007 yu_lx@tsu.edu College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences Dr. Nikki Taylor BJMLB 315-F 713-313-4287 taylorn@tsu.edu College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences No assigned dean.

School of Communication Reza J. Poudeh 713-313-7758 poudeh_rj@tsu.edu Thurgood Marshall School of Law Dannye R. Holley 713- 313-1071 dholley@tmslaw.tsu.edu Thomas F. Freeman Honors College Dr. Elizabeth Brown-Guillory 713-313-1180 brown-guillorye@tsu.edu

3

Campus News Getting Active and Staying Healthy on Campus

BY AMBER VERNON Campus News Editor When it comes to health, college students have a notorious reputation for tossing caution to the wind. With busy schedules and exams weighing down on their shoulders, healthy habits can get lost on their priority lists.

Fortunately for students at Texas Southern University, the campus has two centers that can help Tigers stay vigorous and strong.

Recreation Center The recreation center is the hub for activities and programs outside of academics. Program director Iisha Voltz oversees the entire facility and the programs within it. It is the goal of the rec center to get students active.

Voltz shared some of the activities and programs the center has to offer.

“We have different areas that we focus on,” She said. “We have our rig sports which includes intramurals, club sports, and outdoor recreation. Intramural sports are sports that students and members can sign up to participate in. Includes five-on-five basketball, seven-on-seven flag football, and six-on-six volleyball. Club sports is a studentrun organization. Most of the clubs are sports related, but clubs can consist of activities NEAL like dance. With the outdoor

BY TATYANA recreation program, Contributing Writerfor a small fee, members and students can sign up to go paint balling, hiking, canoeing, camping, and skating. This program offers activities that are done outside the recreation center. We also have our aquatics area. We have a 25-meter heated, indoor pool that is available all year round. We offer free learn-to-swim classes for all students. We have a water aerobics class. We also have lifeguard training classes as well.”

For students that that want to focus on fitness, Voltz said the fitness and wellness program would be of interest.

“We have our workout weight room that consist of weight, cardio, and muscle endurance machines,” She said. “We also have certified personal trainers. We have group exercise instructors that teach zumba, kickboxing, step aerobics, and yoga just to name a few. We also

have our rec sports kinesiology lab where we do special testing. We can test your cardio and agility. We do the fitness assessment to make sure you are on the right track. We also do rehabilitation in the lab where we have a state of the art treadmill called the AlterG. It’s an antigravity treadmill. So if you have any joint issues, or if you’re overweight, the machine lifts off a percentage of your weight so the joints don’t feel so much pressure.”

To gain access to everything in the rec center, students must be enrolled and must bring their Tiger One Card every time they enter the facility. For the first visit, students have to fill out a liability waiver. After the 12th class day, key tags are issued and can be used to register for classes and programs at the rec and check out equipment.

To find out more information about the recreation center, students can download the Texas Southern Recreation Center app on iTunes and Google Play and check out the rec Facebook and Instagram page at @txsurec.

Student Health Center The Student Health Center is committed to providing quality health care, health promotion and health education programs to students. Similar to an acute clinic, students can visit the health center for things like an upset stomach or the pink eye. The center has two medical doctors on staff, three nurses, and one nurse practitioner.

Project coordinator Danielle Taylor said the health center has a fully equipped pharmacy.

She said some of the services provided include

care for illness or injury, asthma management, HIV and STD testing on Wednesdays, seasonal flu shots, and health education.

“Most of our services are free for students,” Taylor said. “We offer the flu shot at no cost for students and the meningitis shot for $90. The flu shot is given out on a first come first serve basis. If a doctor prescribes them a medicine that we don’t have here, then they would have to go to the local pharmacy. We also offer discount cards for students who may not have insurance.”

When students come to the health center for a service, they will need to bring a photo id, proof that they are a student, and will need to know their T-number to sign in. If a student comes in for the first time, they will have to fill out a medical history form before they can see a doctor.

Taylor offered tips to help students stay healthy in school.

“I know a lot of students take advantage of the meal plan, but instead of going to pizza bar, go to the salad bar,” She said. “Substitute for things you know would give you more energy throughout the day. As a college student, you’re always on the go so always carry snacks and water. Liquids are very important, especially since we live in Texas. Preparing the night before is a huge deal. Students can put a water in the freezer so they can have cold water when they go to class the next day. Walking up and down the tiger walk can be exhausting so having snacks like granola bars, almonds, and fruits can help give you energy.”

Taylor said she wants students to take advantage of the services at the health center.

“In college a lot of students don’t consider being healthy the norm,” Taylor said. “Just because you may be a freshman in college and you’re free to do things that you may not normally do, I don’t think they should take it out on their body. Everyone has that day where they want to eat pizza and hamburgers, but constantly eating those types of foods are not good for your health. I think they should come here and take advantage of the things that we offer and the programs we have.”

For more health related advice, Taylor writes health articles for the health center on Instagram at @txsushc.

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Cover Story

Culture Shock at Texas Southern University

BY TYLER DOGGETT Staff Writer as the Ocean of Soul serenades it’s listeners.

What was once a junior college for negroes that held classes at Jack Yates High School due to racial oppression, is now one of the leading universities in Pharmacy and Law. Welcome to Texas Southern University: not only home of the fighting Tigers, but also home of some the world’s greatest athletic, academic, political and entertainment icons today. As you transition from high school to the 4th Largest Historically Black University in the nation with over 9,500 students enrolled and rising since 2014, some of the experiences and customs may seem new to you, (while others will feel right at home). Understanding key aspects of this fresh cultural adjustment will change your fate from walking on campus nervous to fit in, to in the stadium dressed proudly in maroon & grey singing “I’M SO GLAD I GO TO TSU!”

before every football game. Now, being in the center of this expanding campus and the cen“HBCUs host a different kind of energy tral focal point of social activities, the Student contrary to other kinds of universities. The way center is the host to various administrators and the teachers have a little parenting in each lec- student leaders as well as most events on camture, band’s notes hold a little more funk, every pus from the Student Government Association hump day, every event and every rally just feel and University Program Council meetings to right,” Andre Wagner the Residential Coordithe always entertaining hump day events and nator of one of the on campus dormitories said campus parties. when asked what makes HBCUs so special.

The Student Center also contains the Game To understand this new culture, you first Room where students go to kick back; enjoying have to know your environment. Unlike other time in between classes with a game of pool, major universities and HBCUs, TSU is not a ping-pong, bowling or various tournaments on “college town.” For our institution, being minthe PlayStation or Xbox. Besides the cafeteria, utes away from downtown of one of the biggest there are 2 separate restaurants that accept cities in America plays a heavy influence on tiger bucks within the student center; World of our campus. Houston is the number one in the Wings (W.O.W.), which serves wings, quesadilcountry for job creation harboring 26 forlas, burgers and an assortment of other dishes tune 500 company headquarters as well as the and the recently added “Express” Chick-Fil-A. country’s largest medical city; great for intern- HBCU livelihood is built around academic ship opportunities and jobs upon graduation. excellence and a thunderous beat to step to and Houston, also, is now the most ethnically and although the student center is the heart of the racial diverse city in the nation, opening opcampus, the mighty Ocean of Soul Marching portunities to blend views and ideas for a more Band is the steady beat that keeps the bloodnon-biased, professional environment. line flowing. Playing hits like Neck, Drunk in “You always hear about other schools being Love, Happy and Choppa Style, our band is the fun because their small city supports them but complete package that’ll have you on your feet they’re commuting an hour to go to their infrom sun rise to sun down. ternships. Here, it’s different; the city is in our Although the culture may be different from backyard and we can definitely capitalize on your ideal environment, the same principles that,” senior Nicolas Malveaux a current said. will always remain. Balance your time and you In prior years, the Sterling Student Life Center will thrive here at Texas Southern University. was the heart of the campus; decorated by the greek trees symbolizing and identifying each organization and social gatherings in “The Pit”

5

Sports Eight Members of the National Football League Achieve Hall of Fame Status

BY JONATHAN DAVIS Sports Editor On Saturday August 8th, 8 retirees of the National Football League were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of fame, headlined by Jerome “The Bus” Bettis and deceased linebacker Junior Seau.

The 2015 class included RB Jerome Bettis, WR Tim Brown, DE Charles Haley, Bill Polian, LB Junior Seau, G Will Shields, C Mick Tingelhoff and Ron Wolf. Polian and Wolf were members of the front office of their respective teams, not players.

Seau, who committed suicide with a gunshot wound to the chest in 2012, was presented at the ceremony by his daughter Sydney.

However, due to a NFL policy that was created in 2010, Sydney wasn’t allowed to give a speech that she had prepared on her father’s behalf.

Instead, a 5 minute video was shown highlighting the Hall of Fame career of Junior Seau. “It’s frustrating because the induction is for my father and for the other players, but then to not be able to speak, it’s painful,” said Sydney Seau.

“I just want to give the speech he would have given. It wasn’t going to be about this mess.

My speech was solely about him.” Studies by the National Institutes of Health concluded that Seau suffered from CTE, a form of chronic brain damage that has also been found in other deceased former NFL players.

On a brighter note, Jerome Bettis was arguably the most celebrated player in this year’s class. Nicknamed “The Bus” for his relentless running style, Bettis is world-renowned for his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I could never stand here and accept all the credit for my success” Bettis said. “Please understand this night isn’t about me, but it’s about all of those who impacted my life.” The Bus currently is ranked 6th all-time in rushing with 13,662 yards and 91 touchdowns. Bettis retired at the pinnacle of his career, announcing his retirement after winning Super Bowl XL in his hometown of Detroit, MI. Other notables were Tim Brown, who end-

ed his career with 1,094 receptions for 14,934 yards and 100 touchdowns. Charles Haley, the only player to ever win 5 super bowls, racked up 100.5 sacks in his 12-year career with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. Bill Polian led the Bills and Colts to a combined 5 super bowls. Will Shields never missed a game during his 14 year career and played in 12 straight pro bowls. Mick Tinglehoff started every game for 17 seasons after being signed as an undrafted free agent. Ron Wolf spent 23 years with the Raiders, with winning seasons in all but 6 and later won a Super Bowl with the Packers.

The 2016 Hall of Fame class will be one to look out for with player such as Brett Favre and Terrell Owens being eligible for the first time.

Other big names that were snubbed from the 2015 class include Kurt Warner, Orlando Pace, Terrell Davis and John Lynch.

Tigers suit up in full pads during first day of two-a-day practices Courtesy of tsusports.com The Texas Southern Tigers football team hit the field August 10th for their first day of two-a-day practices at Durley Field.

The Tigers wore full pads during the morning session and plan on wearing helmets and shoulder pads for the afternoon session.

“We continued to improve out here today,” TSU head coach Darrell Asberry said. “Right now for us the focus is on showing up to practice ready to get better and learn. Our guys have really bought into that mentality and it shows with their effort and eagerness to improve on a daily basis.”

Texas Southern football will take the practice field this evening for their second practice of the day. The Tigers have two weeks of training camp remaining after todays’ sessions.

For updates on sports schedules, visit tsusports.com.

6

Opinion Things to Avoid One’s First Year of College

BY LINDSAY GARY Opinion Editor

With both the excitement of leaving home and the anxiety of embarking on a new journey, college is already challenging and confusing enough. Thankfully, there is a key to unlocking the perfect first-year experience, and it is something you can attain.

Balance. It is the difference between passing and failing, loving college and hating college, making friends and being lonely. Do not let the thrill of being out of your parents’ house or the fears of failure or the unknown become the demises of your college career.

Instead, heed to the advice below. Trust me, it will not only make college much easier and a lot more fun, but it will also ensure your first semester will not be your last.

1.

Starting college on the first day of class Whether you are overwhelmed with the idea of college or just lazy, do not avoid preparing yourself for the big step. The last thing you want to do is be in the financial aid office or the registrar’s office when you should be in class learning or on the Tiger Walk meeting new people. Thus, you will need to handle your enrollment and financial aid before you start. This means, making trips to the school before the actual first day. Yes, this is annoying but get used to it because you will be doing it for the next four years. Plus, doing it before school starts is always better than getting behind on your assignments and missing out on events because you were stuck in a long, stuffy line for hours. You will also want to research your professors.

Ask around during your first week or go to ratemyprofessors.com. Getting stuck with a

not-so-good professor is not ideal so nip it in the bud early on. However, if you cannot manage to change professors, no worries.!It will add to your character. Lastly, read your syllabi as soon as you get them, even if you receive some via email before the first day (yes, this means you need to get in the habit of checking your email). This will help you determine the professor’s style as well as what is expected of you as a student.

2.

Buying every single book on the syllabus While some people (your parents) will advise you to buy your books early, I would suggest waiting until your first day of class. I know from personal experience that this is not always the best decision for your pocket book.

My first year, I spent almost $1,000 on books, about $800 of which I did not even need. If you will be receiving a book stipend along with your financial aid, disregard this. If you do not know if you will, it is time to figure that out. For the rest of you, buying books can be extremely expensive and sometimes unnecessary. Talk to your professors and other students to determine if you will actually need the books on the syllabus. Sometimes, they are not mandatory. There are also times when you will not need certain books until later in the semester. Be sure to clarify this because it can help you avoid being broke. None of us want that. Finally, consider borrowing books from others (once you meet people), renting books, or purchasing cheaper versions of the books on your eReader (if you have one), on websites like amazon.com, or buying the electronic version.

3.

Poor scheduling Scheduling can and will be the death of you if it becomes or remains an absent practice in your daily life. While you should not become obsessed with sticking to your schedule—having a meltdown when one thing does not go as planned is not cool plus leaving a little time for spontaneity is always good—you should have time designated for the important things.

Make time for going to class, doing homework, studying, hanging out with friends, talking to your parents (because they will miss you), working, and participating in extracurricular

and social activities. Oh and don’t forget to make time for getting to and from class, parking, and eating. I failed to make time for the smaller things my first semester which left me with no time to eat lunch or mingle between classes. I literally had to sneak and eat during class. Not fun. Or satisfying. Oh! You will also want to make time to sleep. It sounds excessive but sometimes we book ourselves for so much that we do not have time for sleeping. Getting four hours of sleep every night will give you bags under your eyes. Not cute.

4.

Developing horrible eating habits As mentioned before, eating on the go is not only annoying but it is not satisfying. Take the time to enjoy your meals. I guarantee you will meet interesting people and maybe even some of your best friends in the process. Remember to eat healthy too. I know college restaurants are exciting and having access to snacks in the bookstore is enticing, but don’t overdue the junk food and fast food. Eating these things sporadically along with trying your best to eat healthy and work out will be the difference between a fine spring break body and the infamous freshman fifteen. I doubt you want to gain fifteen extra pounds, especially if they are in all the wrong places.

5.

Taking on too many responsibilities I struggled with this a lot my first year. I was eager to do it all so I went after everything at once. Yes you are only a freshman once but you have four years to experience all that college has to offer. You do not have to join every club, work five jobs, or have two internships. Become acquainted with the basics before taking on extra responsibilities. Have something to look forward to. You do want to go to interest meetings but becoming an officer in six clubs may prevent you from making the grades you want to make. Joining two organizations, and perhaps becoming an officer in one is probably better, especially if you want to make good grades, keep up with your friends and family, have fun, eat, and sleep. Get involved but do not spread yourself too thin.

Continued on page 7

7

Politics Students share reactions to Clinton’s college affordability plan COURTESY OF USATODAY COLLEGE from Bernie Sanders and get more young votes back.”

On August 10th, Hillary Clinton unveiled her $3 50 billion plan to make college more affordable. Her plan — titled the New College Compact — aims to help students pay to attend public universities without taking out loans for tuition.

Naturally, Millennial college students had a lot to say about Clinton’s new proposal.

Things to Avoid One’s First Year of College Continued from page 7 6.

Partying too much Whoever called partying bad was probably crazy or boring. In fact, a healthy social life is an essential part to maintaining a balanced college life. But, you do not want to party excessively. Prioritize. Do not go out Wednesday night when you have an exam Thursday morning at 8 a.m. Feel free to go out on Thursday night if your Friday class does not start until 1 p.m. I went out twice a week my freshman year and was still able to make the Dean’s List.

Keep in mind, however, that I only went out on weekends, studied hard during the week, and made it a point to clear my schedule of important duties on the days after I partied. Don’t be boring. Go out and have fun. But be smart about it. After all, your freshman year is about enjoying yourself. Get it out of your system now before you begin taking the really difficult classes in your major and before you get a re-

Brian Cohn, a student at Brown University, says Clinton’s plan is more nuanced compared to other presidential candidates. Bernie SandBrad Streicher, another student from the ers, for example, is advocating a debt-free, University of Southern California, thinks tuition-free higher education system.

Clinton has good intentions about decreasing student loan debt, but may be going about it “It makes substantial changes, but gives the wrong way. states authority over their own colleges,” says Cohn, “I also like how her plan addresses the “Rather than trying to go about the problem current student debt of $1.2 trillion and not by raising taxes, I think a better focus might just the debt of future students. The problem be to attack the institutional problem,” says Stcertainly cannot be fixed while leaving the reicher, “College education is just way too high already affected untouched.” in general. Try to focus on lowering the price of tuition, even lowering the prices of books, Other students, like Giovanni Moujaes from where students are paying anywhere from $300 the University of Southern California, believe to $500 per semester.”

Clinton was motivated to create a plan to appeal to young voters that may be swayed by Bernie Sanders.

“Is this something she’s really prioritizing? I’m not really that sure,” says Moujaes, “I think it’s a political move to separate herself

ally demanding job.

7.

Being anti-social No, you do not want to party too much and flunk out of college but you also do not want to be in your books all day every day. Join clubs, got out on the town, go to events on campus, meet people, and talk to your roommate. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone you meet but college is about new experiences so have new experiences. Leave shyness at the door and do things you would not have done before. Think about it: most of these people do not know you so be who you want to be and be yourself. And I know Drake said no new friends but please get out and meet new people. You will meet some of your best friends in college. Your high school friends will understand your new friendships as they will be doing the same. If they do not, they are probably jealous and who needs friends like that anyway?!

8. THOTism!

Have fun but do not be fast. Meet new people but do not go after everyone you see. Have

respect for yourself and for others. Meet guys or girls but don’t be that thirsty or promiscuous girl or guy that everyone talks negatively about. A college reputation is hard to fix once tarnished. Have fun but lay low and be safe when it comes to college dating.

Remember, college is all about balance. Take the time to maintain the balance between going to class, doing your homework, studying, getting your sleep, working, eating, saving your money, having fun, and being outgoing, and you will surely have a successful and memorable freshman year.

8

What’s Happening on campus & around town

Monday - 8/17

Tuesday - 8/18

Wednesday - 8/19

First Day of Freshman Orientation Week

Thursday - 8/20

Friday - 8/21

The Weekend 8/21 & 8/22

International Student Orientation SSLC 207 A 9:00 a.m.

Freshman Week Monday - 8/24

Tuesday - 8/25

Wednesday - 8/26

Thursday - 8/27

Friday - 8/28

Fall Clases Begin

The Weekend 8/29& 8/30 KTSU Concert GSA Auditorium 8:00 a.m.

Meet the Tigers SSLC Game Room 5:00 p.m.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions Courtesy of tsu.edu.

1. What does my Tiger One ID card used for?

-Your ID will give you access into your residential community; meal plan dining services in the cafeteria or on-campus eateries, and for library usage.

2. Do you assist with roommate selection?

-Yes, if a student has a roommate selection, please email tsuhousing@tsu.edu with your request. The applicant’s roommate selection must have all requirements for housing completed in order for the request to be recognized. If the roommate selection is not granted, changes can be made after the 12th day of class.

3. How big are the beds in the rooms?

-Beds at Texas Southern University are extra-long twin sized beds.

4. What amenities are available in my residence hall/apartment?

-Each residence hall is equipped with such amenities as high speed internet access, cable, computer labs, vending machines, laundry facilities, and lounge areas. All apartments include kitchen appliances along with the available amenities for residents.

5. Where can I do my laundry?

-Each residential community has laundry facilities on property. Students must purchase a laundry card in order to do laundry throughout the school year.

6. Is there a visitation policy in the residence halls?

-Visitations hours for the Residence Halls are established by the Office of RL&H. Visitations are not designed for overnight cohabitation.

During certain times visitation is suspended, (i.e. Thanksgiving, Final Examinations, and Spring Break).

7. Can I have overnight guests?

-Yes, but approval must be given by the Quality Control Manager.

8. Can I have a pet?

-No pets are allowed in the Residence Halls.

9. Can I bring my car?

Yes, all students that reside in TSU campus housing must register their vehicle with TSU Department of Public Safety. Vehicles registration must be completed within the first ten (10) days of the start of each academic semester. All students who have vehicles must purchase a decal. All housing communities have designated parking for all residents and visitors.

10. Will TSU take responsibility for burglary or thefts in the residential community?

-No, it is recommended that all students acquire rental insurance for all personal property of value.

The TSU 20 Questions will resume in the August 26th issue of The Herald... Stay Tuned!