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VSU receives Child Care Assistance Grant

Kameko Coleman Staff Writer

Virginia State University is one of four schools that will receive funds from the Department of Education’s Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant.

Over the next four years, VSU will receive $1.45 million in grant money for childcare assistance for parent students.

Regina Barnett Tyler, Associate Vice Provost & Chief Student Officer here at VSU, considered writing for the grant a few years ago, and it didn’t work out due to COVID. She thought of other grants, but this one opened earlier this year, and then decided to apply.

The CCAMPIS Program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education by providing campus-based childcare services.

“The number of students the CCAMPIS grant will be able to serve is based on the childcare costs for each student,” Barnett Tyler said. “Some students may receive services from Social Services that cover upwards of 100%, and others may not have any financial assistance.”

Goals have been set on how many students can apply per semester.

“The goal is to be able to support a minimum of 20, but we really won’t know until seeing actual costs,” Barnett Tyler said.

There will be eligibility and GPA requirements to receive this assistance.

“Student parents must be enrolled at VSU full-time, be Pell-eligible, in good academic standing and have a need for financial assistance for childcare,” Barnett Tyler said. “Parents must have their child enrolled in a licensed daycare and before or after aftercare services.”

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The CCAMPIS Program will have multiple benefits, and Barnett Tyler expressed that childcare is expensive.

“With financial assistance to help offset childcare costs, a working student parent will have less outof-pocket expense for childcare and more money for household bills, creating savings, etc,” Barnett Tyler said. “It will relieve student parents from worrying about childcare and offer them the freedom to focus on school.”

When speaking to other administration members regarding this grant, they shared that student parents disclosed their issues with attending classes. They did not have childcare.

Rose B. Coley, Department of Mass Communications Office Manager, and Student Services Coordinator, shared what student parents have expressed to her regarding hardships with finding childcare to attend classes.

“Having this grant will allow students to focus on their academic blueprint knowing that their children are in a safe and affordable environment that they do not have to struggle to provide,” Coley said. “School can be stressful. Having the additional responsibility of parenthood is a financial burden.“

Coley recalls when she witnessed two different professors who allowed a child to accompany their parent during class on two separate occasions.

“I was blown away by their empathy,” Coley said.

One of the professors was Dr. Zoe Spencer. When asked if she remembers that day with that parentstudent, she did. Spencer shared that she has empathy for nontraditional students and students that are parents because she was once in their shoes.

“I was pregnant and gave birth to my son while I was a junior at Howard University,” Spencer said. “This was in the ‘80s, and it wasn’t

VSU hosts Fall Commencement in December

Virginia State University will host the Fall 2022 Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. in the Multi-purpose Center. Cap and gown regalia is required dress for all graduates. Participant and guest information is available at: https://www.vsu.edu/ graduation/commencement-instructions.php

popular then. Most students who got pregnant while in college left.”

Spencer feels she is obligated to assist the students in any way she can.

“For me, it is my responsibility, and I owe it to support them,” Spencer said. “Childcare expenses are far more expensive than when I was coming up, so affordability is an issue.”

Spencer wants to ensure that they make it to graduation.

“When they walk across that stage, it is a win for me too,” Spencer said.

According to national data, college students with children are ten times less likely to complete a bachelor’s degree within five years than students

73 candidates for citizenship sworn in

On Monday, Nov. 14, Virginia State University hosted a Naturalization Ceremony on campus for 73 candidates to become sworn citizens of the United States of America. This is the first time a Naturalization Ceremony has been held at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

who do not have children, even though student parents have higher GPAs on average.

Student parents will be able to select a childcare provider of their choice. According to the Virginia Department of Education, the CCAMPIS staff will only verify licensure.

Students needing this assistance can apply right before the winter break of 2022. The goal is to enroll student parents into the program by January 2023, before classes start.

Interested student parents should email dsse@vsu.edu, and information will be emailed with additional instructions.

Exams administered virtually

Starting on Wednesday, Nov. 30 all fall semester exams will be administered virtutally. Students will not return to campus following Thanksgiving break. Residence halls will close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 23 for the semester.

Sociology and Criminal Justice Professor Zoe Spencer holds baby Kailani, daughter of VSU student Tyanah Brooks, as Brooks does a class presentation. Contributed photo..

Upcoming artists on The Hill

Alika Benjamin-Elliott Staff Writer

Virginia State is no stranger to talent.

From talent shows, karaoke, freestyle battles, and the P.R.E.P Apollo, the student body is always amazed and entertained by their classmates and friends.

Many of these artists have gone past the stage in Anderson Auditorium and have made music videos, uploaded their songs on streaming platforms, and produced for wellknown musicians off campus.

Davin Jackson, professionally known as JDonThaBeat, is a music producer here at VSU. He has producing credits with artists such as Luh.Fam, Lil Lo, Q Da Fool, BRM Honcho, and many more. Jackson got into music early in life.

“Most of my family members are the reason why [I got into music],” Jackson said. “I started playing the drums when I was three, then got into producing when I was a junior in high school. In 10 years, I see myself financially stable and traveling the world, producing for even bigger artists.”

Jackson has also produced for another student on campus, Jordan Kelly. Kelly, professionally known as JeytheVillain, is a junior from Woodbridge, VA. He has performed on campus at Black82 performances, Center Stage shows, and the SGA Talent Show. He is a singer, rapper, and engineer and can be found on Apple Music and Spotify.

In 10 years, he hopes to perform at the BET awards, and he credits all his inspiration to his little brother and his love for music from growing up in the church.

“Balancing school and music is very difficult but it’s all about consistency,” Kelly said.

Another student that has collaborated with both Kelly and Jackson as well is James Barbour.

Barbour, also known as Mixedby007, is a junior from PG County, Maryland and is both an engineer and producer.

He has produced for P.A.N.I.C 2000, RunitupTahj, Luh.Fam and many independent artists off campus. He started making music around December 2019 with one of his closest friends and by 2021 he started taking his skill seriously.

He attributes all his success to his friend who sadly passed away not long after they started their new career together. In 10 years he sees himself working in the music industry as an A&R and becoming a Grammy award-winning audio mixing engineer.

“I only have myself. I didn’t have anyone to look up to or push me to get myself out there when making music, so I’m my biggest inspiration currently,” Barbour said. “It’s very hard to balance work life and school life. I’m very active on campus and super busy off campus so I find it difficult to deal with time management but I’m making it.”

All three of these students can be found on Instagram @JDonthatbeat, @JeytheVillain and @ Mixedby007. They also can be found on all streaming platforms under the same name.

Graduate Student Association seeks to increase enrollment in graduate school

Terry Jackson, Ph.D Staff Writer

The Virginia State University Graduate Student Association (GSA) intends to have a greater impact on the recruitment and retention of students into graduate school. GSA President Chiwale Farrow believes the first step begins with graduate student involvement.

“I would like to see more graduate students participate as much as possible,” Farrow said. “As graduate students, we have to take action.”

Virginia State University offers two doctoral degrees, thirteen master’s degrees, and two certificate programs. As the university celebrates record undergraduate enrollment, graduate student enrollment remains roughly 10 percent of that number. The graduate schools want to decrease the ratio between these degreeseeking students by increasing the total number of VSU postgraduate students.

One method the graduate school seeks to grow is by targeting VSU undergraduates interested in graduate studies. GSA President Farrow has contacted Senior Class President Phil Neubia and Dr. Michael Rainey to execute a strategy. Farrow wants to first survey the student body to get useful data that can be translated into an action plan.

“We need numbers to see how many students are interested in attending graduate school. How many students are interested in continuing their education at Virginia State University?” Farrow said. “If they are looking at other universities, what is the reason for that?”

Student retention is a key to building the graduate school. GSA President Farrow wants to know what more can be done by the university to target a pool of students interested in remaining at VSU for additional educational development.

The University does provide incentives for students to seek additional degrees here. Often, requirements for graduate programs include letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and additional documents. The Trojan Squared program provides VSU undergraduates with a 3.0 GPA or higher, automatic acceptance into participating graduate programs, and the GRE is not required.

VSU students are needed here to continue to build the university, to accomplish its goals of excellence in education, as well as ready students to be functional in a global economy.

External recruitment is the second method necessary to grow the graduate student ranks at VSU. To do so, the university allocates resources to promote the graduate school on a regional, state, and national scale. Furthermore, the university attracts a variety of international students consistently.

President Farrow wants the GSA to engage in external recruitment on a consistent basis. More graduate students should be asked to travel to universities and conferences for recruitment purposes. The students are the best spokespersons of the VSU graduate school education and experience.

The Math and Computer Science Departments offer 12-month M.S. degree programs as well. Qualified applicants must have a 3.2 GPA or greater to be accepted. Each provides a monthly stipend and must be African American or from a low-income background.

President Farrow also made it clear that it is her responsibility to act as “a liaison.. with the higher powers at the university because that’s where the real change will be present. That’s where the real power is.” Therefore, she hopes to connect with faculty and staff leaders to affect changes in policies that affect graduate student enrollment.

“GSA is here,” President Farrow said. “We are here, we would like to be recognized, and we would like all to participate and assist us. We will provide assistance to the [university] body as well.”

(From left to right) Davin Jackson, Cameron Davis, James Barbour & Jordan Kelly. Contributed photo.

supports student achievement

Anjel-Ali Ormond & Helaina Ballou Executive Editor & Writer

Housed in the Johnston Memorial Library on the 2nd floor, the Academic Center for Excellence allows for students at Virginia State University to thrive. Reporters sat down with several of the staff of ACE to find out more about what the center offers students.

Can you explain what the ACE department is and what it offers to the students?

ACE seeks to empower students to find everything that they need to be successful at the university. We are geared around student success and whatever we can provide to help a student be successful. This could deal with academic coaching, academic mentoring, it also could be tutoring. But it is our mission to help students and make sure that they are successful and can achieve their academic dreams.

- Alexis Brooks-Walter, Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management

If I was a student and wanted to receive academic coaching, how would I reach out to receive that?

Students can reach out in a number of ways. They can do a drop-in on the second floor. When students arrive on the second floor, there are two outreach liaisons that are present and can receive drop-in students. They can also send emails to the individual staff members that they know. But the most popular and effective method is the use of the Navigate Student App. That provides on-demand opportunities for students to schedule an appointment in real-time, from anywhere in the world. - Delano Douglas, Academic Intervention Coach

Why should students go to the ACE department? What would students gain from utilizing ACE services?

We realize that many students come to campus and are unsure. They want to go to college and they think about higher education but they are unsure of what they want to do, or if they are in the right major. A lot of the times they are a little unsure about how to be academically successful while they’re in school, and really trying to navigate their transition from high school to college. ACE provides all of those touchpoints. We have tools and surveys they can utilize to figure out if they are in the right major and if they are doing something they are passionate about. A lot of times they

have questions about how to study for a certain class. ACE can provide study skills, help them identify how to write notes, connect them to a peer tutor that can actually help them, or connect them to our online 24-hour tutoring services, SmartThinking. As far as advisement goes, there are a lot of questions about how internships can fit in, how certain classes fit in, should they take a summer class, should they take a winter class, and actually being able to talk to an academic advisor can help them. We help students figure out how to navigate and put their classes in the right semester to make sure they are able to matriculate and get out of school in four years. - Alexis BrooksWalter

One analogy that I like to use to describe our process is what athletes and/ or fitness enthusiasts may get from a personal trainer. ACE can provide that. Athletes of course have their programs and coaches that they are accountable to, but we like to provide that individual touchpoint interaction that may clarify any questions that they may have. So take a proactive outreach standpoint, whereas in some areas, departments of support say “come to us,” we try to be a little more forthcoming. We try to anticipate and get out in front of the students to provide some of the things they may need to be successful. A lot of it is datadriven. Not only do we use research on some of the current trends in higher education, but also we use the actual data in real time from the classes to figure out what needs to be done. For example, Ms. Ellenwood uses a lot of the student data on a daily basis to figure out where there is help needed in the university and what classes/students need attention. It’s a very systematic approach that utilizes both the student input and the data and some of the current higher-educational trends to meet students needs. - Delano Douglas

What is the SmartThinking tutoring service and how can students use that to get help?

SmartThinking is one of our online platforms that students can use via Blackboard. All enrolled students from freshmen to seniors have access to ST and are able to search by course availability (not necessarily their VSU course) and by topic as it relates to what they may need assistance in... It is a 24hour service where tutors can give you immediate feedback or it may be a 24hour return feedback for papers. It is definitely a resource that students are able to utilize if they are unable to come in for a peer-tutoring service session. Our writing center is also housed in

ACE on the 2nd floor. It is available to students across the university to assist them with their writing needs. We have a full-time professional writing tutor.Joyce Ellenwood, Associate Director for ACE

Are students able to be tutored by other students? What is peer-tutoring?

We typically have students that have already passed that class with an ‘A’ or perhaps even a ‘B’ available, and a lot of times they are honor students or work study students. They make themselves available via their schedule to tutor courses. We do have a list of courses that we offer tutoring for, and they are usually the courses that first-year students would take. We do have some upperlevel math and science courses, but the courses are typically first-year student courses. - Delano Douglas

Where is the writing center located?

It is located in the Strategic Learning section of the 2nd floor. There are four sections of the library on the 2nd floor that are demarcated by different columns. So Strategic Learning would house that.

We want to be inviting students to study in a framework that is relatable to them. Sometimes everybody taking notes and reviewing in silence is not always their learning style. That is why we are open to invite students in to the 2nd floor of the library. And every now and then, depending on the day of the week, it’s pretty busy. Students are here. They are identifying their ownership of spaces. They are bringing their friends, lunch, groups, etc. just to corral up on the 2nd floor. And as the staff gets to know the students, it becomes a spot where students realize that I’m here to study, but “I can also get help with this too.” So we want to offer ACE to be a central hub where students can come to get help. - Delano Douglas

Any advice you may have for students?

Manage your time well. There is time to get your work done and have fun. Utilize the daytime hours to your advantage. - Delano Douglas

Support is here. We are students to know that help is here, even if it is just to ask a question related to their class, we want to be able to point them in the right direction. We want students to know help is here. Just show up so that we can determine exactly what your help might need to be. - Joyce Ellenwood

Study abroad program aims to enhance student development

Terry Jackson, Ph.D. Staff Writer

Blaise Davenport, a senior VSU Honors student, has spent most of the Fall 2022 semester studying at “arguably the best university in the world,” Oxford University in England.

Davenport is an academic superstar who majors in computer information systems and minors in cyber security and forensics.

“It was just about the learning, the exposure, and honestly, taking advantage of the opportunity to travel the world, and getting a different frame of mind at, either, a fraction of the cost, or somebody else’s dime,” Davenport said.

Every Trojan’s academic focus may not include having tea and crumpets at Oxford - exhilarated by code and detective work. Fortunately, every student is able to add studying abroad during their enrollment at VSU to their bucket list.

All students are eligible to study abroad after their freshman year and must have at least a 2.5 GPA. There are also opportunities for graduate students as well who have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

It should be a no-brainer. Students can travel to fantastic destinations, with a huge discount. Nevertheless, the study abroad office on the second floor, north wing of Foster Hall, is underutilized despite the advantages.

Currently, VSU only sees three percent of its graduating students studying abroad. Dr. Daniel Roberts, Executive Director of the Division of Global Leadership, Academic & Talent Development, wants to increase student enrichment through international education to 20-25 percent.

Davenport credits Dr. Roberts with piquing her interest in studying abroad when he spoke during an orientation event for honors students when she was an incoming freshman. That was the fall of 2019, and then COVID-19

severely limited international travel for the next two years.

Despite missing four of her eight semesters of student life at VSU, Davenport refused to let the opportunity escape her completion.

“It seemed like a once-in-alifetime opportunity, and I’d be a fool not to take it. When it presented itself, I [knew] it was made just for me,” Davenport said. “I’m an academic, a highly performing student. Not only will I be able to study abroad, but I can study at a place where I’m being challenged. I can walk away with the experience of learning a different culture and enhancing my academic abilities.”

The Dr. George H. Bennett Office for International Education offers students opportunities to study in any region of the world. The programs come in multiple forms. There are options for shortterm experiences, usually led by faculty, and more extended stays that can cover an entire semester.

For instance, Davenport selected a program where she is abroad for a few months (12 weeks) during the Fall 2022 semester. Dr. Roberts pointed out that Mr. 1882 Jordan Daniels went to Barcelona, Spain, during Summer 2022. In his program, Daniels was the only VSU student in the group. Daniels’s

experience also included a faculty advisor from a different university.

VSU does have study abroad opportunities where a VSU faculty advisor leads a group of VSU students on international educational undertakings. The University began a new Freshman Studies course this year. International Education is a module covered during a week of the Freshman Studies class.

Next summer, faculty members teaching the course will go to Morocco. The purpose is for all of the professors teaching the course to have a firsthand understanding of traveling to another country for education. The faculty experience will translate in the classroom to inspire students to seek international education opportunities.

“Faculty are incredibly important drivers of student behavior,” Dr. Roberts said. “We’ve [advised] students to take a minor, take a second major, or do an internship. I’d like our faculty to see studying abroad as an important part of the education issue.”

Many undergraduate students are reluctant to study abroad. Academic issues such as a limited GPA or failure to map out eight semesters of courses, activities, and goals make studying abroad inapplicable to some students. Another major hindrance is the financial obligations despite the reduced out-of-pocket burden.

Fear of safety discourages many students from traveling internationally. Racism and crime are not exclusive to the U.S. Students are also dissuaded because they may miss something, like friends and family, while they are gone. Others came to an HBCU for an immersive, exclusive HBCU experience. So why leave?

“I feel like some students are scared about going abroad,” Davenport said. After a moment of reflection on her presence in the moment of living the study abroad experience, she said, “But I still feel like the longer [you are away], the better!”

Senior VSU Honors student Blaise Davenport stands in a guard post station while visiting Buckingham Palace in England. Contributed photo.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Nov. 11th Millersville W 72-63

Nov. 12th Shippensburg W 76-71

Nov. 16th West Chester

Nov. 22nd Bluefield State

Nov. 26th Carolina Univ

Nov. 27th UNC Pembroke

Dec. 2nd St. Augustine

Dec. 7th Fayetteville St.

Dec. 10th Bluefield State

Dec. 15th St. Augustine

Dec. 17th Fayetteville State

Dec. 19th Claflin

Dec. 31st Edward Waters

Jan. 1st Winner Tusculum/Fisk

Jan. 2nd Championship Game

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Nov. 12th Seton Hill L 57-71

Nov. 13th Lock Haven W 58-49

Nov. 16th Chowan

Nov. 18th Benedict

Nov. 19th Edward Waters

Nov. 27th Virginia UofL

Nov. 29th Salem

Dec. 10th Mt. Olive

Dec. 15th St. Augustine’s

Dec. 17th Fayetteville St.

Dec. 19th Claflin

Dec. 31st Barton

Jan. 5th Winston-Salem St.

Jan. 7th Livingstone

Early registration vital to students

Lately, important emails have been sent out to VSU students about Spring 2023 Registration. A head start on spring registration allows students to lock in their spot and not have to be put on a waiting list.

The benefit of early registration is that students are able to have a plan for the next semester. Students are able to determine their schedules based on the time and day of their preference.

Joyce Ellenwood, Interim Ace Director (ACE), shared what students should do if interested in certain professors for their upcoming courses.

“Students should look for professors they are interested in ensuring that they can take their separate classes before classes close.” Ellenwood said.

In addition to students registering for Spring 2023 courses, it is important to see your advisor. Students should consider making an appointment with their advisor before the registration begins. Students should not wait until the first day of registration to see their advisors because it reduces the open availability in classes.

Speaking with the ACE Director, Ms. Ellenwood stated her opinion on how reaching out to your advisors in advance is better than waiting until the last minute.

“Reaching out to your advisor as early as a month or two before the registration cycle begins is recommended,” Ellenwood said.

While students may feel it is difficult to contact their advisors, the process

is actually quite simple. Ms. Ellenwood suggested that students should check their emails from department chairs or advisors.

Although, Ms. Ellenwood quoted “that students who are still unsure who their academic advisor is can check with the department chair of their major.”

Apart from contacting your academic advisor, there are a few resources students can use to figure out their class schedules which Ms. Ellenwood explained.

“Students who attend VSU have access to the academic catalog on the VSU website. After accessing the academic catalog on the website, students can simply scroll through the catalog and see what their major curriculum requires them to take in the future. Another resource to figure out your class schedule is meeting up with your advisor and reviewing your major curriculum.

Students can also log onto the VSU banner, click on student, and then scroll down to the end and click on degree

works. Degree works will populate a worksheet that will show students what their requirements are, and what classes they are required to take for their major. If students are using degree works, it must be used in conjunction with an academic advisor.” Ellenwood said.

However, discussing the importance of checking emails, contacting advisors, and accessing VSU banner for class schedules is valid but in order to make sure you are good to go for next semester is having your registration pin number.

A registration pin number is an access code that allows you to log on to the VSU banner and add your classes for each semester. However, the registrar’s office provides returning students with a pin number that is released by the academic advisors office.

The reason for this process is to ensure that students have met with their advisors and have discussed plans for their future classes before adding them to the schedule.

‘Wakanda Forever’ is cultural must-see

Anjel-Ali Ormond Executive Editor

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is a movie that every person should go watch, especially if you are a young black student. While the movie has all the appeal of a classic Marvel action film, it is unique in how it features a majority-black cast and gives a sense of pride in your own skin.

In it’s opening weekend, the Black Panther sequel made an estimated $180 million and was the “second highest movie opener” of 2022, according to CNBC (the first being Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness). Theaters all across the country were filled with people of all ages. In my theater, I saw the youngest of children all the way to senior adults watching the movie.

Plenty of people were dressed in Black Panther outfits and traditional African attire.

Virginia State University even held a raffle for an opening night showing of the film. The university bought out the entire 7:50 p.m. viewing and gave tickets to students, free of charge. Students that attended said the theater was packed, and that they enjoyed their experience.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s” majority-black cast is led by black director Ryan Coogler, who also directed the first “Black Panther” (2018), “Creed” (2015), and “Fruitvale Station” (2013). When the first “Black Panther” came out, it was a unique and interesting film that left an impact like no other.

With the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, “Black Panther’s” T’Challa, from colon cancer in 2020,

many felt sadness. Boseman had brought a remarkable feel to T’Challa’s character, and serves as a role model for many. Boseman also delivered stellar performances in many other hit movies, like “Marshall” (2017), “Get On Up” (2014), and “21 Bridges” (2019). In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the movie doesn’t gloss over Boseman’s passing, but treats it with care. The entire movie has an element of grief towards Boseman’s passing and the loss of T’Challa. It evokes emotion in the audience, and inspires events throughout the film.

“Wakanada Forever” is a film that all should go see, especially Black audiences. It treats African culture with pride and inspires comfortability in our own skin. Whether you are young or old, this film is something that any audience can learn from.

ANJEL-ALI ORMOND EXECUTIVE EDITOR

GIBRAN GODFREY MANAGING EDITOR

NEEDED NEWS EDITOR

TREASURE HARRIS FEATURES EDITOR

NEEDED OPINIONS EDITOR

STAFF WRITERS

HELAINA BALLOU KAMEKO COLEMAN

TREASURE HARRIS TERRY JACKSON

ISAAMAR KIRBY MYILES SPANN

ALIKA BENJAMIN-ELLIOTT NAKHII YOUNG

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

ADVISER

POLICY

The Virginia Statesman and www.TheVirginiaStatesman.com are the independent student newspaper and student news website at Virginia State University.

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