Campus Quotes
Controversial Film
Dr. Jerel Cowan
Black History Month
Students answer: Do you think global warming is real? Why or why not?
A movie,shown on campus, supposedly debunks climate change.
A feature on Cowan, his conservation efforts and his lime green bike.
A preview of February events sponsored by several student organizations and Multicultural Student Services.
student voice since 1903.
From Tulsa, Okla. (AP)
uco360.com twitter.com/uco360
THE VISTA
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA’S
FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
JAN 26, 2010
Crime
BANK ROBBERY HITS CLOSE TO UCO
An analysis of Department of Education data shows that Oklahoma’s 532 school districts are spending almost $51.3 million in salary and benefits for school superintendents. The analysis by the Tulsa World shows the average superintendent in Oklahoma earns nearly $97,000 per year. Records show Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard receives $256,000 in total compensation, the highest in the state. He is followed by Kirby Lehman at Jenks, whose package is worth about $240,000. Ponca City Superintendent David Pennington ranks third at $227,000, followed by Cathy Burden at Union with $207,000 and Karl Springer at Oklahoma City with $200,000.
From Jones, Okla. (AP) New equipment has been installed by the U.S. Geological Survey to measure earthquakes in Jones, where several quakes have been reported recently. The most recent temblor was a 3.7-magnitude quake reported early Sunday near the town in eastern Oklahoma county. Its epicenter was about six miles below the surface. Hundreds of people from Arcadia to south Oklahoma City reported feeling quakes that measured 4.2 and 3.8 on Jan. 15. The NetQuake accelerometer, which is on loan from the U.S. Geological Survey, was installed last week in a science classroom at Jones High School. More devices are being placed in Oklahoma as scientists try to figure out why the number of earthquakes is increasing in eastern Oklahoma County.
WEATHER TODAY
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A member of the Edmond Police department’s Bomb Squad prepares A police officer puts the police department’s bomb robot back into the to search the Oklahoma Fidelity Bank in response to a probability of Bomb Squad van after determining there were not any explosives left explosives in the bank. by the suspect.
By Elizabeth Hillin / Contributor Around 10 a.m. on Friday Jan. 22, the Edmond Police dispatched a call to UCO about attempted bank robbery at Oklahoma Fidelity Bank. The suspect fled toward the UCO campus and Edmond Police dis-
patched to UCO Police he was headed their way. As he fled the scene a security ink pack exploded, and the money was discarded in a field. The suspect was apprehended by Edmond Police in the northwest corner of a parking lot south of the Liberal Arts building.
The suspect is Mark Eugene Johnson, a 52-year-old transient from Texas. He was fleeing from Oklahoma Fidelity Bank near Second Street and Bryant Avenue, Assistant Chief Ted Jones said. Johnson used what he said was a “detonator” to rob the bank.
Shortly after the suspect was in custody, Edmond Police evacuated the bank and sent in the police department’s bomb robot to secure the area. There were no bombs found in the building.
Student News
SIXTEEN MONTHS IN THE MAKING: STUDENT COMPLAINT ACTION TEAM Started in Sept. 2008, the team is still ironing out ways to receive feedback from students, faculty, parents and campus visitors. After researching other universities, those in charge of the student complaint action team found other institutions did not have a system in place. By Amy Stinnett / Staff Writer In Sept. 2008, UCO commissioned a team of faculty and administrative members to address student complaints. Although the system they developed is not ready for implementation, it has undergone many changes since its conception. “They asked us to look at what other universities were doing in terms of tracking and following up on complaints at the university level,” Dr. Cheryl
Frech, professor and chair of the chemistry department said. What she and the team found was that no other university had a consistent procedure for handling student complaints. “We looked … and nobody was really doing anything. We didn’t find anything that was a systematic way to look at complaints,” Frech said. In response, the Student Complaints Action Team created a Web site as UCO’s system for managing complaints, not only by students, but faculty
members, parents, visitors and community members too. The mastermind behind the original Web site is Cari Roberts, the systems librarian at the Chambers Library. “We made a Web site with a database behind it, just as an idea so that we could actually see the things we were talking about,” Roberts said. The team began by brainstorming all the possible areas on campus that people might wish to ... continues on page 5
International Student News TOMORROW
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WHY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CHOOSE UCO An international student pays approximately $4,550.60 for 12 undergraduate credit hours. In-State students pay approximately $1,929, according to the UCO Tuition and Fee Estimate Calculator.
DID YOU KNOW? “Halibut” comes from the Middle English ‘haly’ and ‘bute’, meaning “holy flatfish”. The term came from halibut consumption on holy days.
Chantal Robatteux/ Staff Writer There are many faces and many nations at UCO, and there is lots of cultural diversity. Jay Shacklett, an international admissions adviser who has been working here for four years, said there are approximately 1,000 people attending UCO from about 70-80 different countries. These international students are attending UCO for the opportunities that come with an education outside of their home countries. Corinna Feidt, a German student who has been in Oklahoma for 2.5 years, said there are advantages to studying abroad. “Advantages are learning a foreign language fluently, and becoming more competitive and flexible
in a globalized world, which I hope will give me an advantage when I get a job.” There are also disadvantages, though. “Disadvantages are the cost, uncertainty of what it’s going to be like, and having to be away from my family and friends from home,” she said. It may be more expensive to attend a college or a university here in America, especially since an international student pays approximately $4,550.60 for 12 undergraduate credit hours instead of $1,929, according to the UCO Tuition and Fee Estimate Calculator. Shacklett said the reason for this is the value of the student’s education, and that Oklahomans get “discounts” since their parents are paying taxes.
Anuj Karmacharya from Nepal has been here for 4.5 years. “It is lot cheaper back home, but the form of education is different,” he said. “As the education over here is practical while (it’s a) more theoretical education. (I’m also here) because of the political situation back home.” International students are not allowed to work off campus in America because they have student visas, not work visas. Shacklett said this is a federal law and doesn’t just concern UCO. In order to be able to afford studying here, international students are allowed to work on campus, baby-sit, mow lawns, etc. ... continues on page 5
OPINION
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THE VISTA 100 North University Drive Edmond, OK 73034 (405)974-5549 editorial@uco360.com The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, semi-weekly during the academic year except exam and holiday periods, and only on Wednesdays during the summer, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained. EDITORIALS Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO. LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, with a maximum of 150 words, and must include the author’s printed name, title, major, classification and phone number. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters. Address letters to: Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 730345209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be e-mailed to vistauco@gmail.com.
STAFF
Editorial
Laura Hoffert, Editor In Chief Kory Oswald, Managing Editor Elina Golshani, Copy Editor Chris Wescott, Sports Editor
Amy Stinnett, Staff Writer Tiffany Brown, Senior Staff Writer Tiuanna Harris, Staff Writer Jenefar De Leon, Staff Writer Ryan Costello, Staff Writer
Advertising Kris Graham
Circulation Stephen Hughes
Adviser Mr. Teddy Burch
Photography Byron Koontz Garett Fisbeck
Editorial Comic Prakriti Adhikari
Administrative Assistant Tresa Berlemann
POLITICAL CLIMATE CHANGE Will the fallout from the east coast cloud the political skies for Oklahoma’s only democrate in the House? Are there any lessons for politicos in Oklahoma from the “Miracle in Massachusetts?” Oklahoma and Massachusetts are 1,665 miles apart but the message sent by mass voters shouldn’t be ignored. As the Tea Party movement showed months ago, voters are fed up with politics as usual, and they have proven they will replace you if you are representing a special interest agenda rather than your constituents. If it can happen in Massachusetts, you have to know that it can happen anywhere. There are 19 U.S. Senate seats currently occupied by Democrats who are up for re-election this year. Every single one of them hears footsteps behind them. Democrats didn’t get that message even after losing governorships in New Jersey and Virginia in November. That message is loud and clear now. But is it just for Democrats? Did Scott Brown blow in on winds of a voter climate that demanded change regardless of party affiliation or was his electrifying victory a result of his populist appeal? A year ago, a country demanding change elected President Obama. The winds of the current political climate seem ever shifting. Locally, how much will party affiliation affect the Dan Boren re-election campaign? Time will tell. Oklahoma sends seven elected officials to Washington, five to the House of Representatives and two to the Senate. Boren is currently the only Democrat in the group, a reflection of Oklahoma’s conservative values. But Representative Boren votes with the Republicans often. He was one very vocal holdout on the House version of the health care plan. Is he conservative enough? Will it take an electrifying candidate like Scott Brown to unseat Boren? Or will being a solid Republican be enough? The 2nd District Boren serves covers Miami, Claremore, Muskogee, Okmulgee, McAlester, Durant, Eufaula and Checotah, and everything in between. So far, Boren has three Republican opponents, two of whom are also named Dan; Dan Arnett and Daniel Edmonds. The one non-Dan in this race may have the best chance to put up a respectable fight. Howard Houchin from Hugo is a small business owner, and has actually raised a little money to start funding his campaign. The incumbent Dan, Rep. Dan Boren has a huge war chest, exceptional name recognition, and continues to score big points with conservatives by standing strong with the Republicans in the face of increasing pressure from within his party to vote for the health care bill.
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Management
By Prakriti Adhikari/ Cartoonist
CAMPUS QUOTES
Do you think global warming is real, why or why not?
KATHRYN LONG
STEVEN PAMPLIN
KRISTEN COLLIER
Freshman-Undeclared
Freshman-Undeclared
Senior-Community health
“I believe it’s a hoax, because this winter has been really cold.”
“It’s not real. It’s been going on for years. If you look at a graph going back more than 100 years, climate change will show up.”
“I think it’s real because I’m taking an environmental health class and we’re learning about the greenhouse effect.”
BOB LEARN
BRIAN DAVIS
JERRY BRANDON
Freshman-History ed.
Sophomore-Psychology
Senior-Management
“I think it’s a hoax, no reason, I just think it is.”
“It can be real. It’s possible, but I don’t really know that much about it.”
“I think it’s just natural things happening as the planet evolves.”
DID YOU KNOW: THE TERM CLIMATE CHANGE IS OFTEN USED AS IF IT MEANS THE SAME THING AS THE TERM GLOBAL WARMING. HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, “THE PHRASE ‘CLIMATE CHANGE’ IS GROWING IN PREFERRED USE TO ‘GLOBAL WARMING’ BECAUSE IT HELPS CONVEY THAT THERE ARE [OTHER] CHANGES IN ADDITION TO RISING TEMPERATURES.” CLIMATE CHANGE REFERS TO ANY DISTINCT CHANGE IN MEASURES OF CLIMATE LASTING FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. IN OTHER WORDS, “CLIMATE CHANGE” MEANS MAJOR CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE, RAINFALL, SNOW, OR WIND PATTERNS LASTING FOR DECADES OR LONGER. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/fq/science.html#q1
NEWS
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Campus Police
Film
FILM SHOWN ON CAMPUS QUESTIONS CLIMATE CHANGE
UCO POLICE: HOW AND IF THEY KEEP STUDENTS SAFE
A P P H O T O B Y K A T E D AV I S O N
By Elizabeth Hillin / Contributor
This July 8, 2009 photo shows Greenpeace climbers on Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, S.D. unfurling a banner that challenges President Obama to show leadership on global warming. Eleven Greenpeace members were sentenced Monday, Jan. 4, 2010 in federal court in Rapid City for hanging a banner on Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
By Tiffany Brown / Staff Writer The notion of global warming has not yet passed a complete trial by fire. Some students and organizations are questioning whether global warming is really a serious issue and whether laws should be passed to limit its effects or not. This includes University of Central Oklahoma’s College Republicans and Americans for Prosperity. The two organizations partnered to hold a screening of Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer’s “Not Evil Just Wrong” at UCO in Pegasus Theater on Jan. 20. It is a documentary that refutes claims made by Al Gore in “An Inconvenient Truth.” One point in particular discussed at the event was the information many environmentalists use to link climate changes to global warming. The documentary suggests global warming is a natural phenomenon. Many critics believe global warming is a manmade disaster produced from gases such as carbon dioxide by companies who use fossil fuels. Proponents of global warming also believe the habitats of plants and animals are being destroyed, which may lead to the deaths of several species. Environmentalists cite melting glaciers and the increase in droughts and severe storms as evidence for global warming. This has led the government to become involved. According to Stuart Jolly, the director of Oklahoma’s AFP organization, the Environmental Protection Agency has deemed carbon dioxide a pollutant even though it is a natural by-product emitted by humans in the breathing process. When people say the government is going to tax the air you breathe, their literally going to tax the air you breathe, Jolly said. Less than a year ago, the American Clean Energy And Security Act of 2009 bill was introduced in the House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Rep. Henry Waxman and co-sponsored by Rep. Edward Markey in June 2009. The bill includes a cap-and-trade plan that would limit the amount of gas emission produced by companies. State representatives who support the bill believe gas emissions could be reduced 17 percent by 2020, and global warming would be reduced as a result. Companies who exceed that limit would be fined by the government. Also, the bill would require companies to find alternative renewable energy sources and new measures to capture car-
bon dioxide produced. Grants and other incentives would be made available to those who comply with government standards. Just how much the bill would cost taxpayers if it becomes law is up for debate. The government has said it would cost each family about $175. Others believe the cost is much higher. The cap-and-trade bill narrowly passed the House of Representatives, but failed in Senate. It has not yet been reintroduced. Other issues such as the economy and health care are taken as top priorities. “The bottom line is ... this debate on cap and trade and global warming is about control and who is going to control your life,” Jolly said. According to Jolly, if the cap-and-trade bill were passed, it would cause a $1 trillion tax hike. For Oklahoma, the new law would translate into a loss of 18,000 jobs the first 10 years, Jolly said. “It doesn’t do anything to help prosperity,” he said. “Our businesses are going to leave our country if the cap-andtrade bill passes.” The documentary used the DDT ban as an example of what could happen if the government passed the cap-andtrade bill to limit the use of fossil fuels. DDT is a pesticide that was heavily used in the United States and around the world. It was used to reduce diseases such as malaria. Rachel Carson, a biologist, publicly criticized the use of the pesticide. Some scientists believed it caused cancer in humans and had negative effects on wildlife. Eventually it was banned over the globe in the late 1960s. In Africa, the number of children who have died from malaria has steadily increased since the ban of DDT. Today, some are campaigning to get the ban on DDT overturned to help places such as Africa that are suffering without it. Opponents against the global warming theory believe negative consequences similar to those in Africa would result if a cap-and-trade bill were passed. Currently, Europe has a cap-and-trade system in place, Jolly said. It cost him $8-$10 per gallon to refuel his vehicle while visiting Europe, Jolly said. Many critics against global warming believe the quality of life for millions of Americans would drastically decrease. Also, some believe environmental activists, such as Gore, do not realize just how much the lives of everyday people
With classes well under way for the spring semester at UCO, students and faculty are staying busy with their daily work. However, they are not the only ones staying busy on campus. The UCO Police Services have several programs in place to keep the campus, students and faculty safe. In 2001, the police services at UCO started the community beat system. In this system the campus is divided into six sections or beats, each assigned to an officer who is responsible for that area. The beats cover the whole campus from Hamilton Field House to The Commons and the Suites throughout campus, stretching to the Nigh University Center, and Math and Computer Science building. The officers that cover each beat perform daily checks and relay any important information or emergency notifications back to the police department and the university. UCO Police Services also conduct random lighting surveys of all campus properties. It is important to keep UCO well lit and avoid potentially hazardous situations. Students are encouraged to report any faulty lighting on campus property. If you left your car lights on and your battery died while on campus property, no worries. The UCO police can help you out. They are equipped with a battery jump box. Just call the police station, give the dispatcher your name and location, and the police will help get your car back in action. Another way the police are keeping us safe is the free service of fingerprinting. The service is offered to all staff, faculty and students of UCO. To get your fingerprints taken, you must schedule an appointment with UCO Police Services. The Safe Walk program allows anyone on campus, including visitors, to be in contact with UCO police 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are around 20 systems on campus, and they can be seen on black-and-white signs that say “OPERATION SAFEWALK.” Many of the systems are located inside the main hallways in buildings. There is a button to push connecting you to the police services, similar to a phone line. If someone feels unsafe about walking to his/her car or another building, that person can request an escort. The system may also be used to report any suspicious activity. These programs along with the call of duty for UCO Police Services help to maintain UCO as a safe campus. So no matter where someone is located on campus, help can be on the way within minutes. will be impacted if fossil fuels were eliminated from society without a viable alternative. “I really don’t see what (Gore) is trying to accomplish,” Jolly said. A participant at the event criticized Gore for the lifestyle he leads. The energy used in the home Gore lives in and the private jets he uses is derived from fossil fuels. A few people pointed out how Gore has earned nearly a billion dollars from promoting global warming. Global warming has consistently been a one-sided issue, Jolly said. “No matter which side you’re on, you need to know both sides,” he said. “AFP is trying to give a fair assessment of both sides of the issue.” AFP chose to show “Not Evil Just Wrong” because it is hard for students to get information unsupportive of global warming anywhere else, Jolly said. One thing individuals should take away from this documentary is the value of human life, Jolly said. We’re not the problem, he said. Jolly suggested the global warming debate is not just about the environment; it’s about human rights. “This issue is about life, this issue is about jobs, this issue is about people,” Jolly said. “We have to find a balance.” Vista Writer Tiffany Brown can be reached at tbrown@uco360.com.
ACCORDING TO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: • Average temperatures have increased by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius) around the globe since 1880. • The rate of warming is increasing. The last two decades of the 20th century were the hottest in 400 years. • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report in 2007, which suggested, humans were the cause of most if not all of global warming. • If Carbon dioxide were completely eliminated today global warming would not end, since it lingers. • If gas emissions, such as Carbon Dioxide were eliminated today, it would not immediately stop global warming. • Scientist conclude climate changes in places such as the Arctic could lead to extreme food and water shortages for several species of animals, including Polar Bears. • At least a million species have to contend with the possibility of extinction from ecosystems changes, disappearing habitats and acidifying oceans.
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FEATURE Close to Campus
Library
ANCIENT AFRICAN ART ON PHOTO BY GARETT FISBECK
OUR CRIME DISPLAY IN CAMPUS LIBRARY FIGHTING NEIGHBOR By Tiuanna Harris / Staff Writer
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, neighbor to UCO for two years in March, houses some of the real masterminds of crime scene investigation. The OSBI is a state law enforcement agency and has jurisdiction in all 77 counties of Oklahoma. It’s largely an assist agency and helps other law enforcement agencies with criminal investigations. The OSBI takes in evidence from federal, state, and city law enforcement agencies to help with investigations into criminal activity. The agency does a range of tests from drug analysis and blood alcohol testing, to fingerprint work and firearm examination, as well as DNA testing. With heavy security measures the OSBI has to keep close tabs on any evidence brought in to the agency. Another exciting aspect of the job The Baga Mask (left) is from the Kirkpatrick Center. The Akan Grave Marker (center) was a gift from Perry and An- is even after the report is done on the evidence analyzed; the OSBI agents may be subpoenaed to come testify on the gela Tennison. The Baule Goli Mask (right) is on loan from a private collection. back to 500 B.C., which are some of the oldest pieces shown findings. By Tiuanna Harris / Staff Writer The majority of the work is done in the labs, but there are here at UCO. According to Hommel, UCO has the largest colagents who are specifically trained as crime scene agents. The UCO library helps shine a light on the African collec- lection from that particular culture in the United States. The These agents go out to crime scenes to collect evidence. One tion from the Kirkpatrick Center Affiliated fund. other major collection of the Sao people is in France. of the groups that may be called out to a crime scene is the According to Dr. William Hommel, a UCO African art proUCO’s African art collection is the largest in Oklahoma; the fessor, when interest in the collection started to dwindle at the next closest collection is in Dallas, Texas, and primarily foKirkpatrick Center, UCO was more than happy to provide a cuses on one or two specific cultures. The collection has been new home to the collection for educational purposes. a big draw for the community, and the university has received “The students can actually see the objects we are talking donations and loans from Edmond residents as well as other about in class rather than just looking at them in pictures,” communities. Hommel said. “I have the students look at the pieces before The NTU Society, meaning essence or creativity in Bantu, a we talk about them in class. It helps them see the size and tex- central African language, was a big supporter of the collection ture of the pieces, and see it in three dimensions.” while at the Kirkpatrick center and has donated several pieces The pieces are divided up into the second and third floors. as well. On the second floor students are able to see art from West “I think it’s important for people to get a basic understand- group of agents that work with fingerprint analysis; they Africa, and on the third floor students are able to see art from ing of people from different parts of the world,” Hommel said. sometimes need to get fingerprints directly from the scene. Central Africa. The university did have other pieces on display “The way we have it set up, it gives you an idea if how these They will also collect tire track impressions as well as shoe before receiving the Kirkpatrick Collection. The Tennison Col- people lived, and gives you a snapshot of the various different imprints. According to Steven Brookman, criminalistics administrator, the agency has come a long way from the ‘80s lection was donated by Perry and Angela Tennison, residents kinds of cultures in Africa.” of Guthrie, Okla. The collection does contain some written information on the when everyone, no matter their disciplines, would go out “I wanted to have a representative group of objects from all history and background of the pieces. The collection can be and collect evidence from crime scenes. “Over the years we have gradually tried to change that the different areas of Africa, instead of just concentrating on seen in the Chambers Library during regular business hours. and tried to emphasize more work being done in the laboone or two cultures in Africa,” Hommel said. Vista Writer Tiuanna Harris can be reached at ratory, and the crime scene stuff is specialized to a certain The library showcases pieces from the Sao people that date tharris@uco360.com. group,” said Brookman. “Some of the crime scenes we have been involved in in the past are those involving a controlled Faculty and dangerous substance such as meth. We can still do that, we just try not to.” Brookman, who has been with the agency for 25 years, recalls even before the agency’s move from N.E. 36th and Martin Luther King Blvd., the agency had a strong working relationship with UCO. One of the benefits that the OSBI By Shawndra Ward / Staff Writer provides to the university is with the Forensic Science InstiRecreation is the second largest industute. An option of the Institute’s curriculum is a practicum try in the world behind energy. When in a working forensic lab, which through an application Dr. Jerel Cowan gets students asking, process, students have the opportunity to work with the “What can I do when I graduate?” They OSBI. The university also offers training for law enforceget the response “What do you want to ment agencies, which is very convenient for the agents at do?” the OSBI to attend. Early in the morning, when the cam“Quality is one of the biggest parts of what we do,” said pus is almost deserted, students can spot Brookman. “If the product we put out is not right, that is a man riding a lime-green road bike to bad news.” According to Brookman a lot of agencies depend the Health and P.E. building. Cowan is on the information they report, and it can cause a lot of a professor at UCO and coordinator for problems if it is not correct. Central’s Outdoor /Community RecreThe OSBI also works with the Institute and Dr. Dwight ation program. Adams by providing a training laboratory for research by He brings both education and experigrad students. One of the research projects students perence to the classroom. Along with beformed was to find out what household products can be ing a fan of the outdoors, Cowan works used to easily start a fire, to aid with arson research. The hard to conserve the nature that he enagency does give preference to UCO and Oklahoma stujoys dents to their practicum program to encourage students to “Our students have the opportunity stay in Oklahoma. to experience community-based activities. We talk about working the Hershey Vista Writer Tiuanna Harris can be reached at track meet and working the Special tharris@uco360.com. Olympics–things beyond the classroom.” Cowan connects with his students. He takes pride in being able to point out and identify them. He can tell you where they are from, what their interests are, and strives to inform them when opportunities are presented that would suit them best. “What I provide is just information; it’s not an end-all. I guide them through the process,” Cowan said. “I want them to get knowledge and information out of the class. I think that the application Jerel Cowan rides his lime green road bike across campus in the morning when of the information is more important.” Cowan received a bachelor’s degree campus is desolate. Cowan is a professor and coordinator for UCO’s Outdoor/ Community Recreation program. from UCO in recreation management and a master’s in therapeutic recreation “That sort of struck a chord with me from Oklahoma State University, as well Trails Advisory Board, is part of a forming biking coalition for the state of Oklaas a kid,” Cowan said. as a doctorate in environmental science. homa, as well as a part of the Edmond For students who are interested in He is more than educated enough to Land Conservancy. getting involved in conservation, Cowteach the courses, though he does not He is very active in the outdoors. an offers simple solutions. see the degrees as his qualifications. One of the changes he would like to Walk if you are in a five-to-six block Cowan has been an activities director see around town is putting actual bike radius, buy reusable water bottles, refor a special needs camp, a camp direclanes on the major roads in Edmond for cycle, and cut down car usage. tor for an adventure-based camp, a boy’s people to ride safely to and from class “I know all of these are so cliché, but camp director, and a program director or work. we look at everyone else to do it. You’d at a wellness center. Cowan’ s interest in conservation bebe amazed if you’d just do it yourself. Set “I just don’t tout the sign. I actually gan long before his college education. your own example.” Cowan said. get out there.” he said, “My background Growing up in a small rural town, he “The term ‘conservation’ is wise use, is that, how do we utilize what we have saw a lot of the farmland being sold and not waste. Use what you have, and don’t in a judicious manner that is fair for all.” developed. use more than is necessary.” He is the chairperson for Oklahoma
“Quality is one of the biggest parts of what we do. If the product we put out is not right, that is bad news.”
PHOTO BY BYRON KOONTZ
COWAN’S CONSERVATION CONCERNS
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Do the right thing. Recycle this issue of The Vista, Go Green!
NEWS Campus Events
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Wellness Center
PREPARATIONS FOR BLACK SPRING 2010 HISTORY MONTH UNDERWAY INTRAMURAL By Amy Stinnett / Staff Writer Central’s Multicultural Student Services office, along with several student organizations at UCO, has several educational events planned for Black History Month. “The majority of the programs that are put on are presented by student organizations. … We have so many organizations that focus on African-American culture. … So (they) basically run this month,” Lindsay Echols, coordinator of Multicultural Student Serves, said. They have a few items on the agenda that have been there in previous years, such as the always-exciting “Essentials of Swag” step show and the Miss Black UCO Pageant. There are, however, several new events for UCO students and a new approach to talking about what it means to be black in America. The events, which have been mostly organized by the student organizations and are co-sponsored by Multicultural Student Services, consist mainly of forums Echols compares to “town hall meetings.” “This whole month is geared toward learning,” Echols said. “One of the things we looked at is that black history encompasses so much … and the history that you’re taught in school–you’re going to get to see something totally different.” This education will be available to all UCO students, without regard to race. “Nothing that we put on here at UCO,
Campus Events
especially in this office, is segregated,” Echols said. The month will be full of opportunities for UCO students to explore black history, as well as the role African-Americans are playing in America today. “One of our sororities, Zeta Phi Beta, is having a couple of programs. … One of the ones they’re doing is basically light-skinned versus dark-skinned, the problems facing the African-American race with skin color that traces back to slavery,” Echols said. This forum is titled “Light-Skinned vs. Dark-Skinned Breaking down Barriers” and will be an open discussion about how this matter has come to the forefront of debate within the past year. This will be held in Nigh University Room 300 at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10. The UCO Black Student Association will be hosting a forum on relationships in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8. It has invited YouTube sensation Lewis Williams to host this event. “One of my favorite ones will be the forum about the black church. A lot of people (consider it) a totally different experience,” Echols said. “The Black Church,” sponsored by BSA, Impact Christian Ministry, Ebony Gospel Choir, and Beta Sigma Chi, will present the traditions of the AfricanAmerican church and how they’re holding up today. Pastors from Oklahoma City will be present to take questions and give their
definitions of the black church. Just like other heritage months (Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month, American Heritage Month), the Multicultural Student Services office will be having “Brown Bag Specials.” Students will be able to bring their lunches and watch a movie in the office. The movies that will be shown include Soledad O’Brien’s “Black in America,” “Black in America 2,” and Spike Lee’s documentary “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.” Another provocative event is the NAACP’s Hip Hop Forum. “This is a phenomenal forum that they’ve been doing for years,” Echols said. DJs come to UCO for the Hip Hop Forum to discuss whether hip-hop has stayed true to its form, if it has sold out commercially and if it respects AfricanAmerican culture. The “Are You Positive You’re Negative?” event will educate students on the statistics involving HIV among different racial groups, and provide free HIV testing to any interested students. The BSA-sponsored HIV testing will be available from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17 on the third floor of the UC. The discussion is at 1 p.m. on the same day in Room 201 of the UC. These are only a few examples of what the students and Multicultural Student Services have planned for Black History Month.
BILLIONS AVAILABLE IN LOANS By Rachel Williams / Contributor As work opportunities become more difficult to find, it’s commonly believed a college degree will land a nice paying job straight out of school. Every year, more than $83 billion is available to students through a variety of federally funded programs, according to a government publication on federal student loans. Susan Prater, director of UCO Student Financial Aid, encourages students to take advantage of federal loans for several reasons. Federal loan interest rates hover around 6 percent, compared to much higher private loan interest rates. Federal student loans, unlike private student loans, do not require a credit check. If a federally funded loan is subsidized, the government pays interest on the loan
while the student is still in school. Dr. Randal Ice, chair of finance at UCO, said although student loans can become excessive, UCO students generally avoid racking up debt they can never repay. “Obviously, you should borrow as little money as you have to,” he said. Because student loans are nondischargeable on bankruptcy, “The only way to get out is to die,” Ice said. He warned students against taking out loans beyond their needs, saying, “They borrow money not because they need it, but because it’s readily available.” As a general rule, Ice believes a student should not borrow more money than he/she plans to earn in the first year of his/her career. Likewise, Prater advises students to “only borrow if they need a loan, and don’t take out any more,” Prater said.
In his 26 years as a professor of finance at UCO, “the environment has become risky,” Ice said, and the consequences for poor financial choices higher. Ice pointed out that with the legalization of gambling and the popularity of casinos, students have more opportunities than ever to lose their money. “Know what you’re getting into,” he said. When asked how students at UCO can take responsibility for their own financial futures, Ice said, “Take my Personal Finance class.” Personal Finance offers students an early opportunity to receive a wide overview of financial management in their lives. The course objectives touch on everything from student loan payments and investments, to retirement funds and wills.
PREVIEW By Ryan Costello / Staff Writer
As bitter cold gives way to the crisp air of winter’s waning weeks, students again begin to stroll the grounds of UCO. Yes, the 2010 spring semester is under way on campus and with it as always is the spring intramural season. The next handful of months will see students of UCO showcase their athletic prowess in a variety of different arenas. Of course, there’s the standard fare of basketball, outdoor volleyball, tennis, wrestling, table tennis, badminton, racquetball and soccer, but there is also a selection of competitions that differs slightly from the norm. Students in search of a less traditional competitive affair can try “noodle” water polo, which uses the same rules as water polo, but has students float on “noodles” as a safety precaution; dodgeball, for those longing to relive memories of junior high gym class; and sitting volleyball, which has competitors sit while volleying a ball over a lowered net. While most contests are held in the wellness center, some championship games are held at two of UCO’s varsity teams’ homes, Hamilton Field House and Wantland Stadium. Cody Ham, the coordinator of intramural and club sports at the university, regards the benefits of intramural sports as crucial elements to students enjoying the full experience at UCO. “Aside from the exercise, it’s fun to get out there and compete and meet new people,” Ham said. Of UCO’s 11 spring semester sports, Ham said basketball has historically seen the most registered participants, and anticipates that this semester will be no different. After having 30 teams compete last spring, Ham expects there could be as many as 35 teams in the upcoming season. With each team bringing a roster of up to 12 players, this year’s spring basketball participation could potentially feature more than 400 amateur athletes competing against one another. For those who do put in the time and effort needed to participate in intramural competition, Ham believes they could reap the rewards beyond the duration of their tenure at UCO. After all, it was partially Ham’s experiences in intramural sports while working toward his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and minor in health studies at Sam Houston State University that inspired him to seek a career in fitness management. “One thing that drives me is student development. (Intramural sports) open up other doors for career choices,” Ham said. Though Ham did have preferences in intramural activities, those didn’t keep him from broadening his own athletic horizons. “Flag football and softball were the two I was best in, (but) I pretty much did everything,” Ham said. Some registration deadlines are fast approaching for the spring catalog of intramurals. Dodgeball, badminton, and table tennis, all of which begin play on the day of registration, have sign-up deadlines of Jan. 26, 27 and 28, respectively. Basketball’s registration deadline is Jan. 29, and play begins Jan. 31. All sign-ups are done online at the wellness center’s Web site, and have fees that span $0-$50 per team, depending on the sport.
Continued from page 1 give feedback on, such as safety and transportation services, information technology, academic advisement and several more. As they have continued work on this project and consulted other members of the UCO community, they have made numerous adjustments to the system. When the Web site is ready for use, anyone who has any comments regarding almost any area at UCO will be able to choose a department and fill out a form, whether they have positive or negative feedback, or even just a suggestion. The feedback is then stored in a database and sent to whichever administrator is responsible for that department. Action is then taken and recorded for future use to assess successfulness. Frech and Roberts emphasized that the system so far is very fluid, and the team is open to suggestions from other groups on campus. “Even after it’s deployed, we expect that it will be continuously updated,” Frech said. Just last week the Student Complaints Action Team appeared before the Faculty Senate with their prototype and welcomed any comments, even using one suggestion by a faculty member. “One of the things they suggested was adding suggestion or neutral feedback. … The idea of a neutral comment … we hadn’t thought about,” Frech said. With this method of seeking out advice, as well as the diverse makeup of the team, the Web site thus far is pretty comprehensive. The Action Team includes an assistant dean, professors from various colleges, several library staff members, an administrative assistant, a vice president, a conduct officer and a department chair. “That’s how the university does it. When they have something they want people to look into, they’ll put together an action team,” Frech said. After some more consultation and tweaking of the Web site, the team will hand over their idea to information technology to replicate the product with the necessary protection. “I made this just so we as a group could test it and have something to actually look at in our meetings instead of just writing down our notes,” Roberts said.
Dr. Cheryl Frech shows Cari Roberts the layout of the Student Complaint Action Team website. Frech and ROberts work together to facilitate the process of campus complaints.
“When they (the administration) approve a final design, IT will design the Web site.” Although IT will own the website, a team will remain to actually handle the feedback submitted, and all that information will be stored in the database alongside the actions taken in response to those. In this way, the university will be able to more effectively handle complaints and suggestions, and look to the past to see what has worked best. “We’ll have a team that will … look at the patterns of complaints that we’re getting on a systematic level,” Frech said. The team plans to present their ideas to students soon, “so
that they can provide input,” Frech said. The team will continue looking for suggestions and making changes to the system throughout the spring semester. Frech and Roberts said although there is no deadline, it is “feasible” that this be put in place in the fall semester. The administration will have the final say in the implementation of this system. Until then the Student Complaints Action Team will continue tailoring it to fit the needs of the UCO community.
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Conveniently located on the UCO campus, offers English as a second language classes for international students/individuals. NOW FEATURING a specially designed program with: With Strong emphasis in listening /speaking, highly interactive classes , and new and improved TOEFL program. Enjoy small classes and the campus facilities. Contact us at (405) 341-2125 or www. thelanguagecompany.com
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Senior Services of Oklahoma is looking for students to fill part time positions. Several 9 a.m.-1p.m. shifts and 1:30p.m.-5:30p.m. shifts are available for Monady- Friday. We pay $10.00 per hour for energetic phone work educating senior citizens on healthcare issues. No experience is neede; We will train. Business is located at 1417 N.W. 150th St. in Edmond. Call 879-1888 to set up interview. Ask for Megan Parris.
Reporters Needed The Vista is looking for reporters to help cover campus news. Ten hours a week at minimum wage, plus invalucable experience gathering and writing news, which will result in classy cutlines for your portfolio. Stop by The Vista office, room 131, in the Mass Communications bldg, or inquire at 974-5548.
NO PETS! 1-1/1 blk from UCO. 1107 E. Campbell. NO PETS! $1125/mo, plus deposit. Tenant pays all utilities. 641-0712
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5. “Field of Dreams” setting 9. Heartily outspoken 14. “Mi chiamano Mimi,” e.g. 15. Hinted at 16. Hindu queen 17. Christmas gift 20. Go up and down 21. Tater 22. Lent’s start, e.g.: Abbr. 23. Backstabber 25. 1969 Peace Prize grp. 26. Balaam’s mount 27. 24/7 33. “___ and the King of Siam” 34. Victorian, for one 35. Call for 37. Kind of chop 38. Bucolic 41. Again 43. Clash of heavyweights 45. Quip, part 3 46. Brand, in a way 47. Dizzily 51. “Bingo!” 53. ___ v. Wade 54. ___ lab 55. Affranchise 56. Brio 58. Whaling vessel 63. Big bang creator 66. Double-reed instruments 67. ___-friendly 68. **** review 69. Electronic instrument 70. Released 71. Organic functional group
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Down 1. Tail motions 2. Ashtabula’s lake 3. High-pitched flute 4. Makes lace 5. Summer cooler 6. “___ Gang” 7. Dampens 8. Type of acid 9. Bit resembling a snaffle 10. Anita Brookner’s “Hotel du ___” 11. Asleep 12. Elaborate parties 13. Provides nourishment to 18. Diamond, e.g. 19. Complete 24. By way of, briefly 27. British rule in colonial India 28. ___ probandi 29. Wavy appearance 30. A Judd 31. Our “mother” 32. “Cut it out!” 36. “Agreed!” 39. Blown away 40. From one language to another 42. Crooked 44. Monstrous 48. Publisher Henry 49. Destroy 50. Author Roald 51. Countertenors 52. Abounding in grass 57. Barely beat, with “out” 59. Halo, e.g. 60. “Laughable Lyrics” writer 61. “Men always hate most what they ___ most”: Mencken 62. Casting need 64. After expenses
65. Athletic supporter?
SUDOKU
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SPORTS
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Men’s Basketball
BRONCHOS PUSH WIN-STREAK TO ELEVEN
Chris Rhymes saves the day with over-time buzzer beater to lift UCO to their eleventh straight victory By Ryan Costello / Staff Writer UCO’s basketball men extended their winning streak to an even 10 games on Wednesday, behind sharpshooting and opportunistic defense, and then 11 on Saturday with a little bit of overtime magic.
The Bronchos handed a floundering Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldog team their third straight loss, and seventh in the last 10 games, on Wednesday by a final score of 96-76. On Saturday, UCO defeated the Aggies of Cameron University on Chris Rhymes’
clutch layup at the end of overtime buzzer. Wednesday night’s game featured a 20-point win in favor of the Bronchos that looked early to be headed toward a much more lopsided final margin. After a SWOSU jumper in the opening moments gave the Bulldogs
their only lead of the game at 2-0, UCO used an 18-4 run by way six treys to gain a 12-point advantage just five minutes into the contest. The early three-point volley was lead by seniors Eric Cazenave and Keith Marks, who each drained two shots from behind the arc in the
run. Head Coach Terry Evans said the early three-point shooting was all part of the plan. “They’ve got (senior Matel Mrkic), who’s 6-foot-9, 225. He usually stays in the paint, so we knew our shooters would be open,” Evans said
UCO’s first-half lead bulged to 20 at the five-minute mark following yet another Broncho three, this one by Junior Dauntae Williams. SWOSU managed to battle back, cutting the lead to 14 at intermission and scoring the first four points of the second half to bring the lead down to 10 at 48-38. But the Bulldogs couldn’t manage to overcome their own mistakes, turning the ball more than 21 times leading to 33 of UCO’s 96 points. The rest of the second half saw the Bronchos shoot a scorching 65.4 percent from the floor en route to tying a season high with 14 threepointers. Saturday night’s game against Cameron was nowhere near as easy a feat. UCO and the Cameron Aggies battled back and forth throughout the entire contest, which would end up having eight ties and nine lead changes. Cameron refused to let UCO run away with the game, fighting back from several double-digit deficits, including a 40-30 hole at intermission. UCO held a seemingly safe eight-point lead at 6254 with just more than two and a half minutes remaining in the second half, but again Cameron closed the gap with an 8-0 run to force overtime. Cameron quickly established a three-point lead early in overtime, but a Rhymes free throw and a Blake Livingston layup tied the game again at 67. A jump shot by Eric Cazenave just 30 seconds later gave the Bronchos the 69-67 lead, but the Aggies had one last gasp. A Cameron layup with just under six seconds remaining seemed sure to force a second overtime until Rhymes took an outlet pass from Dauntae Williams, streaked down the floor, and put up the final layup that dangled on the rim before falling through as the final horn sounded, giving the Bronchos the heartpounding 71-69 victory. “Chris made a great play at the end of the game to save us,” Evans said. Williams served his usual role of spark plug in both games, scoring 15 points to accompany four rebounds and seven assists against SWOSU, and dominated the Aggies, scoring 29 and snatching 10 rebounds. Cazenave scored 18 points and pilfered four steals for UCO against SWOSU. The 15-4 Bronchos will next face their two greatest rivals in the Lone Star Conference North. UCO’s streak will be tested against the likes of Texas A&M Commerce (15-4, 4-0) and Northeastern State (13-5, 4-0). The upcoming pair is one that Evans sees as crucial to the Bronchos’ chances of winning a third consecutive LSC North title. Before the game against Cameron, Evans knew what sort of challenge was to come for his team. “We’ve got to win these next three and get a good start if we’re going to have a shot at the (LSC) title again,” Evans said. “We just need to go out and execute our game plan.” One down, coach. Two to go.
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SPORTS
Hockey
BRONCHOS FIGHTING FOR PLAYOFF SPOT PHOTO BY GARET FISBECK
UCO, trying to make the postseason, faces the high-powered offensive attack of Colorado State this weekend
Jonathan Cannizzo [18] lines up a slap shot in UCO’s 6-1 win over Texas A&M last Friday night at Arctic Edge Arena in Edmond. The Bronchos have put an emphasis on the offensive side of the puck as of late, putting up a greater number of shots than they have all season. UCO needs to carry this momentum into the next few weeks as they face tough opponents and a brutal road schedule. The Bronchos play Colorado State at home this weekend.
No. 13 Central Oklahoma crushed Texas A&M last week by a combined two-game score of 16-5. If the season ended today, the Bronchos would not make the playoffs as they are just two spots back of being guaranteed a spot. Things have gotten interesting for UCO as they fight for their second national tournament bid in a row. That means this weekend is big-time for the
Bronchos. Division II Colorado State travels to Edmond to face UCO. Although they are a division below Central Oklahoma, they are not a team to take lightly. The Rams are 19-7-1 this season with 180 goals favored to just 73 goals allowed. They hold an impressive 13-2 home record, but are only 6-5-1 on the road. The Rams hit their stride in December. Since the beginning of that month, Colorado State is 8-1 and have looked nearly unstop-
pable at times. The Bronchos will need to stay focused because a sweep this weekend keeps their playoff hopes alive. Following this weekend, UCO’s schedule gets absolutely brutal with three weeks straight of facing top-10 teams on the road. But they can’t dwell on that now. The Rams will bring their “A” game. Parker Harrison leads the Rams in goals with 29. Parker also has 33 assists on the season. The offensive firepower doesn’t stop there. CSU has three other players with more than 20 goals on the season. Kollin Vandersluis has 24 goals, while A.J. Hau and Paul Jenkins have 21 a piece. Jenkins has an extremely impressive 46 assists on top of those 21 scores. Mike Dlugos, John Miller and Danny Jobson have all seen time in the net for the Rams this season. Dlugos leads the way with 580 minutes. He has a 2.59 goals-against average. He has made 239 saves on 264 shots for a 91 percent save rate. John Miller and Danny Jobson have both played eight games. Miller has an impressive 2.24 goals against average. He has a 93 percent save rate as well. For the Bronchos, junior Jonathan Cannizzo is first on the team in goals scored with 19. He also has 16 assists for a team-high 35 points. Team captain Matt Cohn is second on the team in points with 34. He also has 11 goals this season. Senior Shawn Steggles is second on the team in scoring with 14 goals. Other players to watch in this series are Hayden Scolaro, who has played shutdown
defense for UCO in the second semester of the season, and the newcomer Biron twins, who have a combined 12 points, fittingly, with six a piece. Greg Masters, Mike Glowa, Brent Block and team captain Erik Jansen all have seven goals this year. In net, just two goaltenders have seen the ice for UCO. Senior goaltender Justin Sgro has played an exhausting 1,469.60 minutes in between the posts. He has four shutouts, and a 90 percent save rate. He has made 679 saves this season. Sophomore Eric Murbach has received more playtime lately, filling in for Sgro at times. He has played 314 minutes, has a 2.29 goals-against average and a 91 percent save rate. The Bronchos are 4-0 all-time against the Rams, but they’ve played some close ones. Two years ago the Bronchos and Rams squared off. UCO won one of those games 7-4, but the other was much closer. UCO got the 5-4 victory. In the year before that, UCO won the one game 5-2, and the other 3-1. On an interesting note, both teams share the same motto. “One Team ... One Goal ...” is printed on both teams’ programs. The Bronchos and Rams face off at 7:30 p.m. Friday and then again at the same time on Saturday. Both games will be held at Arctic Edge Arena in Edmond. On Saturday night there will be a “skate with the players” event, which is free to those with paid admission to Arctic Edge. The Bronchos better come to play because it only gets tougher from here on out.
PHOTO BY GARET FISBECK
By Chris Wescott / Sports Editor
Newcomers Patrick “Patty” Biron [above] and his twin brother Jean-Marc or “JM” have quickly become major contributors to UCO playing solid defense while putting up their fair share of points.