April 29, 2009

VOL. 103, NO. 84 | Single Issue Free

Lifestyles Bugsy: Dickson Street’s top dog page 7A Sports Luigs drafted by Bengals in NFL Draft page 5A

University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, Ark. WEATHER

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Construction begins on Brough Commons this week Bailey McBride

Senior Staff Writer When students enter Brough Dining Hall this week, they won’t see the usual dessert bar, friendly faces and cereal line.

Instead, they now are greeted by wooden beams, black tarps and a sign that reads “Brough – an exciting new look is coming … please pardon the disruption.”

Since Monday, the dining hall at Brough Commons has been under construction for the new renovations that will be completed this fall.

The construction zone that cuts off nearly a third of Brough was created so that the construction project, which will completely renovate the dining hall, can be completed by the fall, Brough Director Lisa Huff said.

“In order to get it done to be open for school, we had to start now,” Huff said. “We’re certainly aware of students’ issues this week, but it should be better next week because less people will be here eating.”

Cement is currently being removed from the dining hall, and this must be complete before construction can begin.

“I feel like for the cost of See

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Warm with an 80% chance of thunderstorms throughout the day.

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Page 1A | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009

HIGH

About you. For you. For 103 years.

Buying back books: UA students decide where to sell used textbooks for best price Nick DeMoss Staff Writer

Finding the most reasonably priced textbooks can be difficult, but for UA students, the best option is to shop around before making a final sale.

Many bookstores offer similar buyback pricing – typically 50 percent of the book’s original value – if the book will continue to be used on campus. If the book is not going to be used on campus, bookstores will either refuse the book or buy it at a reduced rate, later selling it to a wholesale distributor that will eventually sell it to a different school.

Arkansans have an advantage, however, after the passage of a law in 2007 that required professors to submit their textbook choices for the fall semester

by April 1. This allows bookstore

owners a definite plan for their semester-end buyback. As a result, the owners can pay more to students because there is no guesswork in the buyback strategy, said Steve Wilson, general manager of the Campus Book Store Inc. on Dickson Street.

Wilson said he worked with state Sen. Sue Madison, whose constituency includes the UA, to craft the legislation.

When selling back textbooks, timing is everything – the sooner students sell their books back, the better, Wilson said.

“If supply exceeds perceived demand, there are going to be books out there that are basically worthless,” he said.

The Campus Book Store purchases textbooks all year, though the highest volume of incoming books is at the end of semesters.

Another option for students is Beat the Bookstore, located on Garland Avenue. As the name im-

plies, the store is designed to provide students better deals than the university-owned store.

However, no Fayetteville bookstores would specify rates, with the general consensus being that a best-case scenario is 50 percent of the original value. Mike Carron, co-owner of the Fayetteville Beat the Bookstore, said low inventories mean more books will be taken.

“Realistically, if a book has any value at all, we give students money for it,” Carron said. “We can buy almost anything that comes in regardless of whether or not it’s on the book list.”

If the book will not be in use at the UA the next semesSee

BOOKS on Page 3A

Fayetteville School District finalizes plans to build new high school on same property

BROUGH on Page 3A

Dogs become an issue on campus despite UA policy that bans pets Bailey McBride

Senior Staff Writer UA students probably are accustomed to seeing dogs being walked on campus, playing Frisbee or jogging alongside their owners. But according to university policy, dogs are not allowed on the UA campus – and for student Whitney Jones, it would have been helpful if that policy had been enforced last week.

Last Thursday, Jones, a sophomore biochemistry major, was walking on Duncan Avenue when she saw a small black dog and his owner playing on Dickson Street. The dog, which wasn’t on a leash, began barking and started to approach Jones.

“At first he was just kind of barking, and then he started to bark more frantically, so I knew he wasn’t trying to play around with me,” Jones said.

The dog approached Jones and began to jump on her, biting her four times on the leg. A man ran out from the Botany Building and grabbed the dog to get it away from Jones.

The owner did not say anything, even the dog’s name, for the duration of the attack, Jones said. The owner then picked up his dog and fled the scene.

After the police arrived, Jones went to the hospital, where she received a tetanus shot. She is still on antibiotics See

DOGS on Page 2A

COURTESY PHOTO

The plans for the new Fayetteville High School, which will be built on the same property where the current high school stands, can be found on the FHS Web site.

The construction is set to be completed by August 2012.

Lana Hazel

Staff Writer Fayetteville Public School District officials recently decided to start building a new high school on the same site as the existing facilities. While learning in the middle of a construction zone might sound like a challenge, most members of the school board, the design team and parent and teacher organizations are confident that an effective learning environment can be maintained.

The school district’s first choice was to sell the 40-acre high school campus and build a

school at a new location. When the UA, its most likely buyer, did not snatch up the property, the district decided it would have to build new facilities at the current location.

The distractions and inconveniences caused by construction were mentioned in favor of buying property for a new location for the high school, but because the decision to keep the existing property was made, this has not been a source of much concern. Many have said that plans to minimize distractions will be enough, but some are not quite that confident.

Tim Hudson, vice president of the school board, said on-site

LARRY ASH Staff Photographer

The Fayetteville School District will begin construction on a new high school during the 2010-11 school year. The school district hopes for minimal distractions for students and minimal traffic jams during construction.

construction happens all the time and was more concerned with the challenge of reworking an existing site than with the possible distractions for students.

“Sure, there are disruptions,” he said, “but it will be staged in a way that the noisiest phases will take place when students aren’t there,” such as during the summers.

Dan Marzoni, the president of the Arkansas Education As-

sociation, said the construction had the potential to make a significant difference for the classroom and that plans to prevent a negative effect were essential to the building plan.

“If there is building and education going on at the same time at the same place, it is going to be very difficult. They should have a plan to move people around to reduce a difficult learning environment,” he said.

“We don’t have the luxury of pulling 2,000 students off campus and putting them somewhere else,” Hudson said. “We will have to face the challenge of reworking that site while we are still educating there.”

The design team said building around an existing facility was just another factor in designing the plan instead of a huge concern.

See

FHS on Page 2A

UA SCHOOL OF LAW RANKED 94TH IN THE NATION Jack Willems

Senior Staff Writer U.S. News and World Report has ranked the UA School of Law 94th in its 2010 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” edition, putting the school in the top tier of law schools in the country.

“We are thrilled to be included among the top-tier law schools,” said Cynthia Nance, dean of the UA School of Law. “This ranking is a testament to the outstanding work done by our faculty and students and the remarkable achievement of our alumni. It’s heartening to know that colleagues nationwide are taking note of our great strides.”

The UA School of Law is tied for 94th with the law schools at St. Louis University, Catholic University of America and Northeastern University, receiving a score of 42 out of a possible 100, ac-

cording to the U.S. News and World Report Web site. There were 184 schools ranked. Arkansas’ legal writing program was ranked 22nd in the country.

“I am very pleased that the School of Law is being recognized as one of the best in the nation,” Chancellor G. David Gearhart said. “As an alumnus of the school, I am doubly pleased. The law school’s success reflects positively on the entire UA, and I thank Dean Nance, the faculty, staff, students and alumni for their good work.”

All law schools ranked in the top 100 are considered to be in the top tier. All other schools are unranked and fit into either the third or fourth tiers. The UALittle Rock’s Bowen School of Law is in the third tier. There is no second tier.

“Many prospective students go to the U.S. News and World Report first when See

LAW on Page 3A

JACLYN JOHNSON Asst. News Editor

The UA School of Law is in the top tier of the U.S. News and World Report graduate school rankings.

Page 2A | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009

BRIEFLY speaking Students to host debate on World Trade Center attacks The Campus Greens will moderate a debate regarding the World Trade Center collapse 6 p.m. Thursday in the Arkansas Union Theatre on the fourth floor of the Arkansas Union. Those debating will include Adam Roberts, opinion columnist for the Traveler and host of UATV’s Campus Crossfire, and Tom Tvedten, a doctor from Gravit. If time allows, the debaters will take questions from the audience after the event.

Biological Sciences Seminar April 30 George Harper, from the Department of Biology at Hendrix College, will present a seminar titled “Evolution in coral snake mimicry systems: A look at the mimic’s appearance” 4 p.m. Thursday in Room 604 of the Science and Engineering Building. For more information, visit the Web site at http://coehp.uark.edu/pase/6837.htm. Coffee and cookies will be available at 3:30 p.m. Room 502 of the same building.

Students to be remembered in ceremony Friday The UA will host the third annual commemoration ceremony – A Razorback Remembrance – 5:30 p.m. Friday in the Arkansas Union Theatre on the fourth floor of the Arkansas Union. This gathering is designed to commemorate the lives of those students who have been lost. A reception will follow in the Multicultural Center.

Live United to be hosted May 7 UA apparel studies students will compete to design a fashion-forward outfit featuring the United Way Live United T-shirt during United Way of Northwest Arkansas’ Live United event to be hosted 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at Masons on Joyce in Fayetteville. Music, appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided by Beyond the Bar. Tickets are $35 for general admission, and UA students can get two tickets for $35. Students can purchase tickets by calling the United Way office at 750-1221. General admission tickets can be purchased at Masons on Joyce, Liberty Bank locations and the United Way office in Lowell.

CORRECTIONS The Arkansas Traveler strives for accuracy in its reporting and will correct all matters of fact. If you believe the paper has printed an error, please notify the editor at 575.8455 or at traveler@uark.edu.

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NEWS FHS

from Page 1A “This kind of stuff happens a lot and probably more in schools than in other places,” said Bobbie Hill, director of planning for Concordia LLC. “It’s going to be disruptive, but there are plenty of ways to mitigate that. It’s a small price to pay in the scheme of things.”

Hill said schools that are rebuilding at a current location usually have what she called a “swing space” where students are relocated during the building process. Even with that option available, the main high school campus will definitely continue to be used throughout the construction period.

Kristen Boswell, the director of the Arkansas State Teachers Association, said members were not too worried about the building plan and have not been involved.

“There are obvious concerns with having ongoing construction at the same location as students, namely safety and distraction,” she said. “However, we are confident in the district’s

DOGS

from Page 1A for her injuries.

“More than anything, we just need to find the dog and quarantine him so we can see if he’s had his shots,” Jones said.

After the attack, an unidentified person picked the dog up, walked south toward Center Street and got in a blue, four-door, older-model car, possibly a Saturn, and drove away, said Gary Crain, UAPD public information officer.

According to Fayetteville Campus Policy 718.0, “In the interest of promoting great-

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plans to ensure the safety of the students and to preserve their learning environment.”

Libby Combs, the parent involvement facilitator for Fayetteville High School, said the construction has not been brought up as a concern or complaint in parent meetings. She said the Parental Involvement Committee plans to fully support the decision to build new facilities at the current location.

Another potential difficulty caused by the construction is traffic issues. Hill said “it would be unrealistic to think it won’t have an impact on parking and accessibility.” She said the current layout wasn’t designed with circulation in mind and that there would probably be an increase in congestion during construction. However, she said that “the new plan will make a gigantic difference” in terms of traffic flow and accessibility.

“From the perspective of an impact on the university, there may be traffic changes during the different phases as their construction crews access the property,” said Mike Johnson, director of facilities management for the UA.

One consideration for the construction phase is closing Stone Street, the road that runs through the high school campus, either permanently or during the school day. In a similar situation, Springdale High School recently requested the permanent closing of Emma Street during construction on its campus.

Ron Bradshaw, the assistant superintendent of special services for Springdale Public Schools, said it was closed because the high school was a split campus and 600 kids crossing the street every day created safety concerns.

Hudson had the students in mind, including his two sons who will be attending the high school during building phases, when he said the district “will work real hard to minimize disruptions and put thought into the safety of our students.”

He said the construction will be securely fenced off and that “a lot of the design will allow the work to take place quite a ways away from academic facilities.”

The design team is keeping the community in mind along

with the students. Hill said it is important to think of the campus in the context of the entire neighborhood, including the neighboring university. She said they have met with the UA’s campus planners and the city planners to discuss future construction and growth.

“The community made a wise decision to keep the school in the heart of the community,” Hill said.

Mayor Lioneld Jordan said he considers keeping the current location a wise decision.

“It promises to continue a relationship between Fayetteville High School and the UA that has spanned more than 50 years,” he said. “Both institutions will benefit from the proposed plans, and concurrent enrollment is only one of the benefits.”

The district hopes to start building the new high school in the 2010-11 school year and work toward an opening date

by August 2012. The school board will consider next month whether to call for a millage election in the fall to help fund the building project.

er personal safety, a more healthful environment and increased maintenance efficiency in campus educational, administrative and general purpose buildings, and on the campus grounds surrounding these facilities, the presence of pets in these areas is prohibited.”

The policy also states, “Exceptions to this policy are limited to service animals for people with disabilities; animals, fish, fowl or reptiles under the control of and used by academic departments for approved teaching and/or research purposes; and those animals, fish, fowl or reptiles used in approved art performances.”

Many students who bring their dogs to campus, however, are unaware of any policy preventing the practice.

“I love dogs, and I think everyone should be able to take their dog for a stroll around campus,” said Chris Milligan, a senior criminal justice major. “I don’t think this one incident should define the rule because numerous dogs are brought to campus every day without incident.”

Kaleb Cox, a freshman history major, said that though it’s great to see dogs on campus now and then, it’s “absolutely necessary” that they be on leashes.

“It does not matter how well-trained a dog is – there is

no way to predict exactly how a dog will behave around other people,” Cox said. “Without a leash, the owner has no way to control his dog.”

Jones said she still hasn’t grasped the full impact of the attack.

“I’m a pet owner – I have a dog – and now I think I’m going to be harder on my own dog so she’ll behave around people,” Jones said. “I don’t know if I want to ever own a dog again.

“I just can’t believe I got attacked by a dog, so now every time I see one on I am terrified. I still like dogs ... but I’m just too scared to go up to them now.”

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BOOKS

from Page 1A ter, it is sold to wholesalers or Internet sites such as Amazon.com or Half.com, he said.

The University Bookstore, located in the Arkansas Union, is the only on-campus bookstore.

Like other bookstores, it adheres to the 50-percent buyback rate if the book is needed on campus. “We definitely are paying the max dollar amount to our students,� said Ali Sadeghi, director of the University Bookstore. “We are not profit-driven; we are service-driven according to our charter with the university.�

The University Bookstore staff is proud that 35 percent of books offered are used, cheaper editions, exceeding the national average by 10 percent, Sadeghi said.

A new option for students is the Hog Auction, which can be found at the University Bookstore Web site. The process is similar to using Ebay, Sadeghi said, and allows students to set their own buying and selling prices. “Students can use Hog Auction to sell their own books at their own price. We make no money off of it,� he said.

The last day to sell books at the University Bookstore is May 9.

For bookstore owners, the condition of the book being sold back is a deciding factor on the amount that can be given to students for it.

Representatives from Beat the Bookstore, Campus Book Store Inc., and the University Bookstore said that water damage, missing pages and the amount of marking/highlighting in a book all affect the buyback deal. Selling books without their accompanying CDs also greatly diminishes the buyback rate.

For Tyler McBride, a sophomore English/journalism major, the best option is to rent textbooks online and avoid the entire buying and selling process. McBride said many of his books are novels and plays for which the buyback prices are typically lower. “Obviously, I’m not buying super expensive textbooks, but in my experience, (renting) has been cheaper for me,� he said.

“In past semesters, I had several books I would have only gotten $2 or $3 for,� he said.

The best plan for UA students looking to make top dollar on used books is to compare pricing at local stores and on the Internet before making a sale. “If you think you’re not going to use that book, make it available for other students to use,�

Sadeghi said.

BROUGH

from Page 1A what we are getting, it’s a worthy sacrifice, but it’s still inconvenient to students,� said Safarie Moore, a junior geology major. “It’s good they’re doing the to-go lunches, though.�

Brough is currently providing “cold lunch for those in a hurry,� according to the sign posted in the front of Brough, which also warns that the restrooms in Brough will be closed for the remainder of the semester. “I really don’t like the construction, but I haven’t seen crazy lines or anything, so it seems to be working all right,� said Lonnie Gibbons, a sophomore philosophy major.

But Justin Hall, a senior criminal justice major, said he is inconvenienced by the construction. “I don’t understand why they couldn’t have waited a week longer – it’s pretty crowded in here,� he said.

These changes are a part of a master plan to completely renovate Brough, making the dining hall more environmentally friendly by adding LED lighting and having the hall partially constructed from recycled materials. It also will have new food lines, a new bakery and pizza area, and numerous new televisions that will show the daily menu. “It’s a complete rethinking of the traffic areas – the visual will be completely changed,�

Huff said. “I’m excited,� said Ashley Artis, a sophomore biological engineering major. “I saw the design and it’s going to be really nice – but for now, I hate it.�

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009 | Page 3A

The Clintons’ first house now a history-packed museum near campus Jessica Powviriya Staff Writer

They were former UA faculty members and shared their first home on California Drive, a street directly off of the UA campus.

It sounds like it could be the ordinary lives of a lot of UA faculty, except that he was the 42nd president of the United States and she was the second woman to be the U.S. Secretary of State.

Former President William J. Clinton and current Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s first home together in Fayetteville opened in 2005 to be what is now known as the Clinton House Museum. It is a onebedroom house with the history of the former president and first lady.

From 1973 to 1976, Clinton taught several classes at the UA School of Law, including the subjects of constitutional law, trade regulation and federal ju-

LAW

from Page 1A deciding to go to law school,� said Andy Albertson, director of communications at the law school.

This ranking means that other law schools recognize the good work that is done at the UA, Albertson said. The increased recognition is a result of professors having their work published in prestigious law reviews such as the Yale Law Review and Vanderbilt Law Review, he said.

Also, faculty members have published three books this year, and Nance has traveled the country promoting the law school, Albertson said.

The ranking of the law schools is based on the assessment of peers in other law schools, the assessment of lawyers and judges, the median LSAT scores of all students, the

risdiction. Hillary Clinton joined her husband on the UA’s faculty in 1974 and taught classes about criminal procedure and law and trial advocacy. “The house is set up the same as it was when the Clintons lived in it,� said Kelli Nixon, marketing director for the museum. “The working house makes the tour more interesting because you get to see how they lived.�

A replica of Hillary Clinton’s wedding dress stands in the living room where the Clintons were wed in 1975.

In May, the museum will expand exhibits to include more information on Hillary Clinton.

There also will be a First Ladies Flower Garden in the backyard of the house, which will commemorate not only Hillary Clinton, but all of the first ladies of the United States.

The museum also is host to many local artists. Once a month, an artist is exhibited. If the artist wishes to sell his or

her work, visitors can purchase those works through the museum’s gift shop. “The program has brought in many people who are interested in more than political memorabilia,� Nixon said.

Nixon said that one of the most unique things about the museum is that it has the history of the beginning of the Clintons’ political endeavors. “The museum has (Clinton’s) congressional memorabilia when he first ran for office against the incumbent John Paul Hammerschmidt,� Nixon said. “The museum also shows all of his campaign commercials in the ‘70s.�

The Clintons left Fayetteville at the end of 1976 so the former president could begin work as the attorney general of Arkansas.

The museum was created as part of a “Billgrimage� through Arkansas. The Clinton House Museum is operated by the Fay-

etteville Advertising and Promotion Commission and is one of four state attractions that follow Clinton through his birthplace, childhood, first home and capital city.

The Clinton Birthplace Museum is located in Hope, the Hot Springs Visitors Center at Hill Wheatley Plaza tells of the former president’s boyhood home, the Clinton House Museum in Fayetteville is the first home of the first family and the Clinton Presidential Center Museum Store relives the political career of both the couple.

The house can be rented for parties, events and weddings and is open from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

Museum officials always are looking for student volunteers to be a part of the organization, Nixon said. “The museum is a premier spot for folks to come to learn about the Clintons while in Arkansas,� Nixon said.

median undergraduate grade point average of all students, the acceptance rate, the rate of employment for graduates, the bar passage rate for graduates, the faculty resources, the amount of money spent on each student, the student/faculty ratio and the library resources, according to the Web site.

Kathryn Sampson, a professor in the legal writing department, is pleased that her department was ranked 22nd in the nation because the faculty have been working hard at getting the word out, she said. The legal writing program at the law school is comprised of three classes, one for the first three semesters of law school, that are worth seven hours total, she said.

Orientation and Legal Research and Writing I is the first class, and it requires that law students write two 15-page memorandums and teaches those students to use legal research materials and methods.

In the second semester, students take Appellate Research: Legal Research and Writing II, and they are required to write an Appellate’s brief and make an oral argument before a professor and alumni judges.

In the third semester, students must take Pretrial Practice: Legal Research and Writing III, where they must prepare client letters, pleadings, discovery documents and other documents.

The classes include one-on-one time with professors to review drafts of documents, Sampson said. Each class is taught by five professors: Sampson, Angela Doss, Karen Koch, Kim Coats and Ann Killenbeck. “We see ourselves as a working unit,� Sampson said.

Exposure is important to the law school, and to gain that exposure, members of the legal writing department have joined committees on and off campus, Sampson said. “It is a double-edged pro-

cess,� she said. “You have to have a good program, and you have to tell people about it.�

Lauren Ruff, a third-year law student from Fairbanks, Alaska, works with the legal writing department as a clerk, and she is thrilled at its rank. “I don’t think we could ask for a better legal writing faculty,� she said.

The legal writing program teaches students how to use many legal research tools, and it should be promoted in upcoming years, said Christopher Antus, a second-year law student from Freehold, N.J. The law school should perhaps even be ranked higher because of its legal writing program, said Jordan Voor, a second-year law student from Houston. “I have friends at other law schools, and their legal writing programs do not even compare to ours,� Voor said.

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“Being that kid from Russellville who won a national championship as a Razorback was the most important championship I’ve ever won.” - Corliss Williamson

SPORTS THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER

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NFL

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009 | Page 5A

SOFTBALL

Luigs reaps benefits from Razorbacks look to senior season at Arkansas get back on track

Valdez, other undrafted Hogs sign with NFL teams Harold McIlvain II Senior Staff Writer

It wasn’t an easy senior season for Jonathan Luigs under center at Arkansas.

After becoming the first Razorback to win the Rimington Trophy, Luigs came back for his last year as a Razorback to learn the new schemes and techniques under Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino in his pass-heavy offense.

Now as he looks forward to playing in the NFL after being drafted in the fourth round by the Cincinnati Bengals, Luigs said the time was well spent despite the coaching changes.

“It’s not something I wanted to spend my senior year doing – going through a transition year,” Luigs said during a teleconference. “It was tough.”

But Luigs said at the same time, he gained valuable experience from Petrino and the coaching staff. “(The offense) helped me expand my knowledge of football,” Luigs said. “It helped me to become a better player.”

Luigs and the offensive line helped Arkansas rank second in the Southeastern Conference by averaging 260 yards a game through the air.

Petrino said learning a new offense in the NFL wouldn’t be a problem for Luigs.

“He will know what to do and will immediately pick up the offense,” Petrino said. “He has the physical tools to do it.

Jonathan will play a long time on the next level.”

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said he expected Luigs to get an opportunity to compete for the starting center spot.

“We have a number of guys that are here now that are in line to compete for that job,” Lewis said. “We look for (Luigs) to improve. We are really excited to have him. He is a good fit at the right spot.”

The Cincinnati coaching staff was able to met Luigs at the Senior Bowl and later saw him again at the NFL combine.

“He was a pleasure in the time that we spent with him in Indianapolis (during the combine),” Lewis said. “He was also in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, so we have been around him quite a bit.”

Lewis said Luigs, the 106th overall pick and only Razorback player taken in the draft, was a good value pick for the Bengals. “(Luigs) has played a lot of football at Arkansas,” Lewis said. “He is a big, strong

FILE PHOTO

Former Razorback Jonathan Luigs was drafted in the fourth round by the Cincinnati Bengals after four years at Arkansas.

guy – very, very smart.”

Being selected by the Bengals wasn’t a surprise for Luigs. He said it was a possibility after being interviewed by the organization at the combine and when a Bengals coach came to the Arkansas Pro Day. “To play in the NFL has been a dream of mine,” Luigs said. “Having the opportunity to play for such a good organization is an exciting time in my life.”

Luigs said he looks forward to the challenge of playing in the NFL. “If you look at the talent level in the NFL, there are grown men playing,” Luigs said. “I hope the SEC prepared me.”

It was a possibility for Luigs to be selected a round earlier than the projected range of the fourth-to-sixth round after three centers were drafted in the first day of the draft.

But Luigs didn’t have to wait too much

during the second day of the draft.

“It’s tough,” Luigs said of the waiting process. “At the same time those taken before me are good ballplayers. I was glad to see them go and get the opportunity, but I’m glad it all has worked out for me to come to Cincinnati.”

But Luigs wasn’t the only Razorback to have an opportunity to extend his playing career.

Fellow offensive lineman Jose Valdez signed with the Atlanta Flacons as an undrafted free agent. Defensive back Jamar Love fielded multiple offers but decided to play for the New England Patriots.

The New York Jets, who have one active tight end on roster, added depth with the signing of Andrew Davie. The Jets also invited quarterback Casey Dick to try out for the team. Quarterback Alex Mortensen agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans.

Jimmy Carter

more important now to (win) and to take some momentum into Georgia. I think it’s imThe Arkansas softball portant to play well against team’s trip to Gainesville, Fla., Georgia to take some moto take on the top-ranked Ga- mentum into the SEC tournators last weekend was a bitter- ment.” sweet one.

The Razorbacks will try to The Razorbacks (35-24, find a groove in the batter’s 10-14 Southeastern Confer- box against the Kangaroos. ence) clinched a berth in the The squad has struggled of SEC tournament but did so by late, hitting .150 during the default, as they were swept by losing streak and getting noa combined score of 27-0. hit against Florida on Sun“I don’t see anybody, at day. this point, outside of maybe Pinkerton said the quartet (No. 2) UCLA, that can stop of Whitney Cloer, Kayla Johnthem,” Arkansas head coach son, Sandra Smith and MiranJamie Pinkerton said. “The da Dixon will be counted on thing is that the kids contin- to step up their performances ued to compete. As a coach after recent struggles at the you want to clinch a berth plate. into any kind of a tournament “I think we got frustrated with a win rather than some- in this stretch,” Pinkerton one else’s loss. said. “I think what happened “But, we did our work ear- in that course of playing Alaly in the SEC season to get us bama and even carried over in this position. We deserve to to the Missouri State game, go.” things weren’t going the way Arkansas will look to snap the hitters want. a seven-game losing streak “As a hitter you’ve just when it hosts Missouri-Kansas got to stay relaxed and let City (19-30) for a double- the game come to you. (We) header, beginning 5 p.m. found ourselves getting beWednesday. hind in the count and trying “Two important games for to force the issue.” us from a standpoint of trying Sophomore Kim Jones to stay NCAA eligible,” Pinker- (7-10, 3.85 ERA) will get the ton said. “I think tomorrow starting nod in the first game night is very key with junior ace to this team on the Miranda Dixon (16mindset of going 10, 3.83 ERA) startinto the weekend ing the nightcap. and the SEC tournaArkansas will ment.” head into the weekPinkerton said end series against finishing the season No. 8 Georgia (36-9, on a strong note be16-7) in third place fore beginning the in the SEC Western Miranda Dixon conference tournaDivision and seventh ment is of great implace overall. Pinkerportance. ton said being .500 or better “With this stretch that after the SEC tournament we’ve been in, it’s not that will likely be a key factor for we’re a bad softball team,” the team’s NCAA tournament Pinkerton said. “It’s just that hopes. we’ve been playing very good “If we can win the two teams. Obviously, there’s parts games tomorrow night and of the games we need to clean take one or two from Georgia up just like with anything and have a strong showing in when you go through a bad the tournament, RPI-wise it stretch.

“But this is the toughest See SOFTBALL on Page 8A stretch of the year. I think it’s Staff Writer

COMMENTARY

A long day’s journey into night

“Does the road wind uphill all the way? Yes, to the very end. Will the day’s journey take the whole long day? From morn to night, my friend.”

What a journey it has been.

For the last four years, I’ve devoted more time to The Arkansas Traveler than just about everything.

And for four years, it’s been completely worth it.

In that time, I’ve had the privilege of covering some of the biggest moments in Arkansas sports history.

There was the retirement of Arkansas legend Frank Broyles, and the hiring of new athletic director Jeff Long.

There was the firing of Stan Heath, the hiring of Dana Altman, the resignation of Altman after not even 24 hours on the job and the hiring of John Pelphrey.

There was the resignation of embattled football coach Houston Nutt, and the hiring of Bobby Petrino.

There was even the retirement of legendary track and field coach John McDonnell, and the hiring of Chris Bucknam.

Aside from covering the athletic department through its historic facelift, there have been plenty of memorable moments over the course of the last four years.

Darren McFadden and Felix Jones dazzled fans at Reynolds Razorback Stadium for three years before departing for the NFL. McFadden’s 80-yard touchdown run right up the middle against LSU in Little Rock remains my

Off the Foul Pohl

BART POHLMAN travsprt@uark.edu

favorite D-Mac memory.

In 2006, the Razorback basketball team rolled off five straight victories – including a win over eventual national champion Florida – to close the regular season and secure the program’s first NCAA Tournament bid since 2001.

There were the two straight thrilling wins over LSU – one in Baton Rouge and one in Little Rock – to keep the “Golden Boot” in Fayetteville.

And just this year, Nolan Richardson and the 1994 national champion Razorback basketball team were finally welcomed back to Bud Walton Arena.

But the theme of change reigns supreme in recent years on the Hill, and with those changes comes a shift in the very culture that encompasses the UA athletic department.

Considering these changes, I challenge the department to strive for greatness, not mediocrity.

The transition to the Jeff Long era has been one of the better things to happen in the athletic department’s long history. It led to the resignation of

Nutt, who packed up his bags and took his minions of mediocrity to Ole Miss, and to the hiring of Petrino, a great coach who wants to win at Arkansas.

The pieces of the puzzle are in place, and it’s up to Long and the athletic department to fit them together and take Arkansas to the top.

In the last four years, many coaches have come and gone – 20 have been hired or fired, retired or resigned in that time.

Now, I am set to join that list.

Unlike those coaches, however, I’m not resigning, retiring or getting fired.

But after four years, 65 columns, 120 stories and 341 issues, it’s time for me to move on to life’s next great big adventure.

What that adventure will be, I am not yet sure.

What I do know, is that I am extremely grateful for all those who have supported me during the last four years.

There’s no way I can thank every single person who has helped me along the way – if I even attempted to do so, the end result would be a litany so long that it’d take up the entire page by itself.

To my family – You’ve supported my dream of covering sports from the very beginning, and now that I’m doing just that, the support is as strong as ever. Thank you for enabling me to achieve my dream. Without you, it couldn’t have happened.

To Eric, Ben, Big Z, Paul and Rich-

ard – I wouldn’t have made it this far without you guys. Thanks for taking my mind off of work when I needed it most.

To Cheri and Jane – Your doors are always open. Literally. Thanks for helping all of us with whatever we needed, even if it was something as simple as a stapler.

To ProJo – Even though I was never in your class, I’ve learned more from you about writing and reporting than anyone. Your insight and sports writing knowledge are always appreciated.

And finally, to my fellow Travelers – you all are family to me. Through the good times and the bad, we’ve always been there for each other.

Brian – When you eventually purchase the Kansas City Royals, remember me.

Jacki – You’re the duchess of the newsroom, and you have the uncanny ability to make all of us smile a little bit more, especially when we need it the most.

Anna and Lindsey – You can beg for points on the board all you want, but you have to earn them, even if you don’t know how the game is played.

Tina – You’ve been a great managing editor, and I know you will do a great job as editor next year. Leading anyone through change is difficult, but your poise and determination will help everyone along the way. Thanks for always being there.

Kimber – You’ve done a fantastic job as editor this year, and The Traveler

has become better because of the work you’ve done. Thank you for entrusting me with the sports section – I hope I’ve done a good job. You’re a tremendous friend, and I am extremely grateful for that. Way to go, chief.

Matt – Whether we’ve been handing out random points, trying to complete TV projects on publication days or watching a favorite YouTube clip (you know the one), it’s been a great ride.

Thanks for keeping sane throughout the year, especially during the craziest of times. You’re a great writer and a better friend, and I know I’m leaving the sports section in good hands.

It’s truly been a pleasure and a privilege to work with you all, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

You all have been great.

Next year will be a year of transition, and there will be some rough patches. But faced with this challenge, I know you will not only succeed, but excel. Don’t settle for anything less than greatness.

Although there will be plenty of changes, remember that it’s not the changes that matter – it’s how you react to them. That’s what makes you who you are.

With that, I say farewell to Off the Foul Pohl, The Arkansas Traveler, and the UA. This long journey has come to an end.

Good night, and good luck.

Bart Pohlman is the sports editor of The Arkansas Traveler.

Page 6A | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009

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Six year old female chocolate lab. Great family dog. Send email to jasona@uark.edu We would like to thank Regis Salon of Northwest Arkansas for helping the non-profit organization �Locks of Love�. Thanks again!

From Mrs. Newman’s Ethics Committee Class.

The students of Team P.U.R.E. would like to thank PETCO and The Fayetteville Animal Shelter for their participation in our Social Change Project, which was conducted for our Business Ethics course.

FOR SALE Huge Yard Sale!

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FOR RENT Room for rent in West Little Rock. Private room and bath for rent in a 3 bedroom house. $500 a month. All utilities included. Very convenient location to 630 Highway. Email iarinez@uark.edu 3 BR/2BA duplex for rent, 1200 sq ft., $725 per month, Blue Bus route, Call 479-4669151.

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BLISS | Harry Bliss

HOROSCOPES | Linda Black ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) TODAY IS A 6.

A visit with friends is highly recommended, but drive carefully. Looks like there’s at least one complication to deal with between here and there.

Don’t push yourself. Relax. Stay over if necessary.

CROSSWORD

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) TODAY IS A 6.

Go through the checkbook again, just to make sure you’ve got it right.

There might be a deposit you forgot.

If you haven’t received it yet, ask again. Now’s a good time to get money you’re owed.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21) TODAY IS A 7.

Send your partner on an errand and don’t feel the slightest guilt. She or he will get through effortlessly where you’d have a massive struggle.

Make it easy on yourself.

CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22) TODAY IS A 7.

Keep working, and put up lots of provisions for a rainy day. Gathering dry goods is not that expensive.And you can live on rice and beans, if you didn’t already know.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) TODAY IS A 7.

By now, somebody’s had a change of mind and moved over to your side.With an ally, you’re much more confident. It’ll still take a while to convince the others. Put together a team.

SUDOKU

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) TODAY IS A 6.

A home remedy solves a problem at work. It’s old-fashioned common sense.You’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it before. Haven’t thought of it yet? Keep pondering.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) TODAY IS A 7.

Ask questions and you’ll get a straight answer now.This should work out well, even on a sensitive topic. Once you understand the motivation, the whole thing makes sense.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) TODAY IS A 7.

Invest in a household improvement you’ve been thinking about.You may not be able to get the best, but you sure can get adequate. Don’t get flimsy; you’re never happy with that.

Get substantial.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) TODAY IS A 7.

By now, the pressure should be easing. Hide out and read a good book.The more you learn, the more optimistic you’ll be, because you have a good plan. Don’t be rudderless; be prepared.

LEVEL: HARD COMPLETE THIS GRID SO EVERY ROW, COLUMN, AND 3X3 BOX CONTAINS EVERY DIGIT FROM 1 TO 9 INCLUSIVELY

MONDAY’S SOLUTION

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) TODAY IS A 7.

Recycling is a good way to get the most out of everything.After it’s served one purpose, use it for another. If you can make a few bucks on the deal, so much the better. Cash in your coupons, too.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) TODAY IS A 7.

Gather with friends who share your values.You can come up with a plan to make a big difference somewhere in the world.You love it when this happens. Participate. Contribute.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) TODAY IS A 6.

Your next advancement toward your goals comes through the grapevine.

Ask a person who’s close to a person who’s close to the top.You’ll find out what’s going to happen next.That’s always helpful.

MONDAY’S SOLUTION

Farewell, Anna Nguyen!

Your faithful assistant will miss you!

Have a nice life!

LIFESTYLES THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER

Phone: 575.7540 | E-mail: travlife@uark.edu

Page 7A | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009

Lifestyles Editor: Anna Nguyen | Assistant Lifestyles Editor: Lindsey Pruitt

Meet Bugsy – also known as the ‘Dickson Street dog’

COMMENTARY

Generation ‘Look at Me’ caught in a catch-22 Life with Lindsey

Taniah Tudor

Senior Staff Writer If you decide to spend some time on Dickson Street, you might expect to find shopping, restaurants and bars, but what you might not expect is Bugsy, the top dog of Dickson Street.

Bugsy spends most of his time guarding Flying Possum Leather, a store specializing in handcrafted acoustic and leather guitar straps, but he also makes social trips around Dickson with his owner, Bruce Walker.

Walker is the owner of Flying Possum Leather. He has been at the same location on Dickson for 33 years and has had a dog in the store for most of that time, he said.

Not all the dogs he’s had were right for the shop, but Bugsy can be found there every day it is open, Walker said.

Bugsy is 8 1/2 years old, and has been with Walker since he was a puppy, he said.

A friend of Walker’s told him about Bugsy and brought him to meet Walker.

“It wasn’t like he was my dog; I was his person right off the bat,” Walker said.

Bugsy is named for Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, a notorious mobster from the 1920s to 1940s. Walker didn’t have to name Bugsy – he just knew his name, he said.

“He just looked like a little mobster,” he said.

Bugsy is everybody’s buddy and everyone knows who he is, even if they don’t know who Walker is, he said.

“He’ll come right up to anybody; that’s my favorite thing about him,” said Tonya Olinger from Geno’s Pizza.

“He’s super friendly.”

Bugsy waits for Walker outside Geno’s Pizza every morning when Walker stops in, but he can be seen everywhere, Olinger said.

“We always say, this is his street, he owns this street,” Olinger said.

LINDSEY PRUITT lpruitt@uark.edu

LARRY ASH Staff Photographer

Bugsy does not need a leash. When he walks with his owner, he doesn’t move unless Walker does, and he knows where the stopping points are.

Bugsy does not go across the street without him, he said.

Before Bugsy was neutered, he was a “man about town,”

Walker said. He has actually been stolen or picked up a couple of times, but, fortunately, he has always been returned, Walker said.

Walker had two dogs previous to Bugsy that he kept in the shop; Little ‘Un, who he had for 13 years, and May Bee,

who was more than 10 years old when she died, he said.

“All my dogs I have had for long periods of time have been special, smart, intuitive and good with the public,” Walker said. “Unless you are on the wrong side of the fence – and they know that.”

A little bit of this, a little bit of that Area home décor boutique offers variety Brittany Arroyos Staff Writer

COURTESY PHOTOS

Some of the greatest things about Fayetteville are the local stores that can be found on every corner, each offering their own unique flair and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Riffraff, a newly opened home décor boutique, made its home here this past February, thriving with exclusive treasures that radiate the beauty and hard work that was put into every creation.

The UA’s very own Kristen Blowers opened Riffraff during her senior year.

“I have always dreamt of opening my own home boutique, and I was given the opportunity this year and ran with it,” said Blowers, an interior design major. “I’m not really one to hold back, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of the process.”

Riffraff features repurposed furniture and artwork by local artisans. Because repurposed furniture is repainted, refurnished and reupholstered, each item is eco-friendly and cost efficient. Customers can purchase beautiful works of art that appeals to their individuality and play a part in lowering their carbon footprint.

The boutique also features a variety of local artists – from art majors to stay-at-home moms – who contribute their work.

“It’s a wonderful way ... to keep it local,” Blowers said.

The store carries items that are perfect for vintage-chic fans, and the decorative accessories and art are so funky and full of life, it’s hard not to fall in love with everything.

“Riffraff is very unique,” Blowers said. “We can never guess what we will be carrying next. It all depends on what unique items we find to repurpose. We tend to gravitate toward larger furniture items as they make the most dramatic effect in a room and they have the fastest turnaround just for that reason.”

The store brings in new items every day, so there is always something to look forward to. With affordable prices and literally oneof-a-kind items, Riffraff is a great addition to local businesses.

Blowers recently began a new project in which a different, locally effected charity will be featured each month on the store’s blog, http://shopriffraff.blogspot.com/.

Riffraff will advertise that charity one Saturday for that month and also will donate a portion of Riffraff’s proceeds to the chosen charity.

“I honestly think that to be truly happy you must give back, and this is how I have decided to do so,” Blowers said.

Riffraff is located on East Mission Boulevard and is open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Sunday.

It’s that time of year. Finals again. The library is so full its like hunting season in the jungle trying to get a computer. I was actually attacked by a woman the other day. Everyone is so stressed you can almost see cartoon bubbles over their heads with exclamation and question marks.

It’s always this end-of-the-semester rush that gets me thinking about my future. Once I get done with finals, what’s next?

I began thinking about the catch-22 that I have found my generation stuck in since the beginning of the recession and how it will begin to affect my friends and I in our job search for summer. In a world that expects our generation to fail, if we go after jobs this summer we will likely be rejected by the millions of Americans who are stealing summer jobs out from young people because of the recession. If we proceed with our partying habits and hope for better luck next summer, we will be the lazy, unproductive generation they say we are. Seems to me we’re screwed this summer.

According to experts, our generation has got it all wrong. Growing up with computers, cell phones and the Internet, which are all designed to make our lives easier, has made us a lazy group with no work ethic and little toleration for the blue-collar market. We have been called “spoiled” and “unrealistic” about our futures, judged by generations before us that lacked these modern amenities. These analysts say that “getting rich” is the main goal of our pathetic generation and that we are too hopeful and relaxed on the subject. We drink, have casual sex and have brought on a rise of drug use and violence surpassing any generation before us.

Wow, what a portrait.

As much as I would like to tell you all this is a clever stab at reverse psychology, I would be lying. With odds like this before us, it’s a wonder any of us try at all.

If it isn’t enough that we are facing an economy rejecting us for lack of work experience now and ready to crush us when we graduate, we have to worry about the less-than-bright future that psychologists and analysts have doomed us to.

A little optimism would certainly be nice.

But wait! There’s more!

Not only are we airheads that sit back and let the world roll over us obsessed with fame and fortune, we are also vain. Called the “Look at Me Generation,” instead of recognizing the networking benefits of MySpace and Facebook, analysts only see us staring into a mirror of a page all about ourselves.

While all of this is bothersome and daunting, the blame cannot lie completely on us.

We weren’t the ones who created these convenient technologies and multimedia that have blasted into a world of laziness, sex, drugs and violence. We were born, innocent and pure, and these were handed to us on a silver platter. Sure, our parents could have locked us up, but the world around us would have influenced us eventually. So yes, technology might have bred negativity, but we are correct in that there is still hope because this technology has also bred success, and now it is up to us to use it effectively.

We also weren’t the ones responsible for the downfall of the economy and the fact that we can’t get jobs because bitter, generation has-been job losers have taken them.

So while we are being blamed for belonging to a generation of hopelessness, we are caught in a catch-22 fueled by recession. Of course employers will want adults before us. They are too worried about our dependability and flakiness, and while they are trying to keep their own heads above water, they can’t rely on the common irresponsibility of young people.

So what are we supposed to do?

The answer is to continue our education.

Some say this is the best time to be in school because ideally good ole Obama will have the job market open for us soon and we will have endured the recession while safe in our college town. Summer school or internships can never hurt, and while neither of these generates income, they do contribute to a fatter résumé, which might help us out when the recession lifts.

As for the bad attitudes of analysts and psychologists studying our generation, I think we are going to have to rest on Mommy’s favorite proverb, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

Lindsey Pruitt is the assistant lifestyles editor for The Arkansas Traveler.

This is her last column for the semester.

FITNESS

Summer sports are back!

Kelsey McQueary Staff Writer

Summer is here! That means new activities are about to begin in the beautiful weather.

The more popular summer activities are centered on lake sports, hiking and climbing.

Hiking local trails is popular because working out in nature often provides a calming experience.

“I enjoy hiking because I love to be outdoors, enjoying nature and going at my own pace,” UA sophomore Andrea Fisher said.

Sophomore Jordan Sorrick said she likes to hike and run on the trails when her schedule permits.

“I enjoy the scenery because it isn’t your typical road

run, and you get to enjoy the wilderness,” Sorrick said.

Climbing is also a popular sport because it provides an intense workout for the arms, legs and buttocks. Outdoor climbing is often more enjoyable as it enables one to enjoy nature and provides more of an adrenaline rush.

“I enjoy being outside more because it is more improvised and there is more risk,” sophomore Nathan Stern said.

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch near Jasper is a popular climbing area that has been featured in many climbing magazines.

The ranch offers both beginning and experienced climbing opportunities, and guides are available to assist climbSee

FITNESS on Page 8A

Page 8A | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009

FITNESS

from Page 7A ers. More information about the ranch is located on its Web site, Horseshoecanyon.com.

Climbers can take advantage of a coupon for 20 percent off of the regular-priced gear and activities this spring.

Those who want to stay closer to campus for their climbing experience can take advantage of the climbing wall at the University Outdoor Connection Center. The wall is located in the gymnasium of the HPER building and is constructed of red rock climbing panels with 13 belay stations. The wall is assembled to provide a satisfying climbing experience for all levels.

“Hiking and climbing, I think, are kind of a physical and mental workout because it challenges you both physically and mentally,” Fisher said.

Sophomore Grant Duensing said, “Climbing works out pretty much every muscle group you need and it builds lean, healthy muscles instead of bulky (muscles),” he said.

LIFESTYLES

After a challenging workout outdoors with climbing and hiking, many students decide to relax by the lake or in a boat. On the lake, there are many water sports available, such as skiing, wakeboarding, tubing and knee boarding.

“I enjoy wakeboarding more than skiing because you can do more stuff out on the water,” sophomore Jared Rieathbaum said. “There is more control.”

These water activities work both the arm and leg muscles.

The balance required in wakeboarding and water skiing also engages core muscles, promoting core strength.

Jet skiing and tubing are also popular water sports that require less skill than wakeboarding and skiing, but they still provide a fun and active water sport challenge.

Along with the workout provided by water sports, students can also enjoy relaxing at the lake, soaking up the sun and reclining in a boat. For many students, summer is the prime time to temporarily let go of responsibilities, relax and enjoy the weather and natural beauty of the area.

THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER | www.thetraveleronline.com

THE TOADIES ROCKS OUT AT GEORGE’S

MAGGIE CARROLL Staff Photographer

Indie rock band The Toadies performs at George’s Majestic Lounge Saturday evening. The band, which hails from Texas, recently released a new album, No Deliverance.

SOFTBALL

from Page 8A

FILE PHOTO

Miranda Dixon is 16-10 with 3.83 ERA and has recorded three complete game shutouts and four saves.

will speak for itself,” Pinkerton said. “I think we’ve just got to go out and take care of business and play hard and let things happen.”

With the Wednesday double-header, the Razorbacks will play five games in as many days heading into finals week.

Pinkerton said the coaching staff realizes the next week is stressful for their studentathletes and will adjust the squad’s schedule accordingly.

“It alters your practice schedule,” Pinkerton said.

“We’ve got to try to get them as much time off as possible.

Cutting down on some drills I don’t think is going to make a whole lot of difference. This is a tough time of year, and we have that mindful as a staff.”

FASHION ON EXHIBIT

MAGGIE CARROLL Staff Photographer

Visitors admire the fashion exhibit in the Anne Kittrell Art Gallery.

Dress for Success Suitable attire page 4b

Phone: 575-3226 | E-mail: travnews@uark.edu

Career Center offers aid for job seekers Kristine Gaffney

Contributing Writer Students are unaware of all the free opportunities the Career Development Center provides.

From Mar. 1, to Mar. 10, 56 jobs and internships were posted on eRecruiting. Students applied for only 11 of those jobs, said Barbara Batson, director of the UA Career Development Center.

“That shocked me,” Batson said.

UA students are missing free resources available to help them with job searches. The Career Development Center (CDC) offers a free resource online called eRecruiting. This is an online tool designed to help students find a job, according the center Web site.

Students can upload resumes and cover letters on eRecruiting.

The Web site stores the information, but students must apply for jobs posted on the Web site. This will not be done for them.

Employers post job opportunities on the Web site for students.

After a student is selected, a campus interview is scheduled for the student and the employer.

Employers are trying to cut costs in this struggling economy.

Resources such as online job postings and online career fairs helps cut recruiting costs, said Angela Williams, associate director of the UA Career Development Center. Employers no longer have to send an employee to job fairs. Students may be unaware of these new forms of recruiting.

The Web site gives students information about integrated classroom studies and work experiences, internships, campus jobs, and part-time jobs. eRecruiting is a valuable untapped resource that UA students should take full advantage of. The Web site offers information on how to find out the average salaries for a variety of jobs. For example, the median expected salary for an advertising manager in the United States is $75,380 and for a managing editor is $83, 926, according to the Web site.

A job search will take between six months and a year, Williams said. UA students might be able to cut this time in half by using helpful resources such as eRecruiting.

9 to 5

THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER

Jobless rate up; state better than most U.S. at 8.5 percent unemployed, highest since ’92

Amanda Berens

Crunching the numbers

Contributing Writer Graduates next month will face a depleted workforce that many Arkansans have not seen in a long time. There just are not as many jobs as there were last year, but compared to the nation Arkansas is not doing quite so bad.

In March the Arkansas unemployment rate rose to 6.5 percent, the highest since 1992 when the rate was 7.1 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 8.5 percent, however, which places Arkansas for the first time in history 2 percent below the national average, Kimberly Friedman, communications director for Arkansas Workforce Services, said in a press release.

The Arkansas workforce declined by 17,100 people over the month.

Arkansas unemployment benefits have doubled in a year.

The state spends 12.4 million a week in unemployment benefits for 48,000 people. A year ago the state spent $6 million a week for 25,000 people, Friedman said.

The increase in unemployment has contributed to by mass layoffs companies in the area have orchestrated in the last few months.

In a restructuring move, hundreds of northwest Arkansas

How Arkansas compares with the nation POPULATION UNEMPLOYMENT RATE GDP 2007 (in millions)

2,834,797 6.5% (2007) 95,371

306,304,093 8.5% (2009) 13,743,021

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Economic Analysis Wal-Mart employees were laid off in February.

The Arkansas-Democrat Gazette announced that it was cutting 50 to 60 jobs throughout its state-wide operations.

But in March, growth occurred in six Arkansas major industry sectors, with three adding 1,300 or more jobs, accord-

ing to the Department of Labor.

Leisure and hospitality had the largest gain of more than 2,900 jobs. Accommodation and food services provided most of the jobs.

Trade, transportation and utilities added 1,500 jobs as retailers prepare for the outdoor season.

Government added 1,300 jobs, with a majority of the gain in state government.

Manufacturing jobs declined the most, losing 1,300 jobs.

One thing that has helped Arkansas is its diverse industry, but no part of the state is immune, Friedman said.

Fayetteville reported 2,227

people unemployed in February, but that number doesn’t look as bad compared to the 3,500 people unemployed in Fort Smith where a lot of manufacturing companies are based, according to statistics from Arkansas’ Labor Web site at www.discover. arkansas.gov.

IT opportunities hold job promise Amanda Berens

Contributing Writer Despite layoffs, some technology companies are continuing to hire new employees and the field might be worth looking into for those who are struggling to find a job.

Job fields that are still growing include the medical, government, education and technology fields, said Becky Vianden, associate director of the UA Career Development Center.

One of the fastest growing occupations is computer support specialists and systems administrators, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. There were 862,000 people who held those jobs in 2006 and it is projected that by 2016 155,000 jobs will be added.

Despite the layoffs these jobs still are needed. The medical and technology fields still are growing because of the retirement age population and the need for more health care, Vianden said.

President Obama hopes to have all medical records computerized in five years, a move that could save lives, money and jobs, he said in a speech to Congress.

NCR, a Northwest Arkansas technology company that specializes in self-service registers and computers, but locally works exclusively to support Wal-mart stores’ technology, might have a few jobs available in the next month, but because of budget cuts will probably not be able to proceed with any new equipment or upgrades, See

TECH on Page 2

Courtesy Photo

Students work on homework in a J.B. Hunt computer lab. Students majoring in fields related to IT might have more available job opportunities than those in other fields.

Some careers are hiding in plain sight Carlee Brown

Contributing Writer Responding to job postings provides employers with large applicant pools. Chances are slim for those that don’t know job hunters’ secrets to tracking down “hidden jobs”.

The hidden job market is made up of all the jobs filled before they are posted, as well as all jobs received by people who did not respond to postings, said Donald Asher, keynote speaker of a live Web cast on campus titled, “Seven Secrets of the Hidden Job Market”.

The hidden job market is big.

The CareerXroads 2009 annual survey of major employers, reported that about two-thirds of people who take a position did not respond to an opening posted on the Internet and about half of all hiring is in the hidden job market.

Of all 2008 hires, 30 percent of those jobs were placed through referrals, while 20 percent of hires were found on corporate web sites.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009 | Page 1B

Editor: Jaclyn Johnson

“They aren’t hiding these jobs from you and they aren’t involved in a conspiracy against you. It’s simply a matter of corporate efficiency,” Asher said.

It’s easy to access the hidden job market. Fewer contacts result in a position, and it’s not as necessary (for job prospects) to look perfect on paper, Asher said.

Working the hidden job market can be as easy as speaking with

friends.

“The way people usually find out about jobs that aren’t posted is by word of mouth from someone who is currently working here,” said Coy Terry, account manager for Abacus Service Corporation.

“Other times (job seekers) will call and I will let them know if I have anything coming open.”

Applicants cannot be vague.

They must start with a target. A

very specific area of interest must be expressed and the resume must match that area.

“Employers are telling us that students don’t know what they’re looking for. They’re not specific enough,” said Angela Williams, associate director of the UA Career Development Center. “You can’t just say you want a job at their company.”

It is important, from the moment of first contact, to be specific when making inquiries, Asher said. He suggests asking questions such as, “How and when do you hire marketing interns? Whom would I speak to about that?”

Jobs are received by communicating with people – even if it means doing so through e-mail.

“Students and graduates should start with contacts closest to them and then branch out to alumni, friends of family, and family of friends,” Asher said. It is necessary to make contact with those people whom you don’t directly know as soon as possible.

“Statistically you don’t have See

HIDDEN on Page 2

Recruiting summit scheduled for June Graham Powell

Contributing Writer Colleges in northwest Arkansas are working together to help graduating students find jobs.

The UA Career Development Center will host the College Campus Recruiting Summit from 9-11 a.m., on Thursday, June 4, at the UA campus.

The objectives for this event include identifying key issues students are likely to face during the next academic year, projections for job opportunities for 2009-2010, developing strategies to increase employment opportunities for students, and committing to collaborations that will affect student success.

“This is the first ever event we’ve had like this on our campus,” said Barbara Batson, director, UA Career Development Center.

“It’s exciting.”

The UA is in the process of trying to get representatives from regional colleges NWACC and UA Fort Smith to attend this event.

“We want to do all we can to try and bring northwest Arkansas together,” Batson said. “It’s not just about the UA and meeting our goals, it’s about doing all we can as a region to help students get their careers started.”

Many students have been in panic about what they’re going to do after they graduate. Some have applied to graduate school to improve their resumes. Others have applied to graduate school because they couldn’t find a job and graduate school is one of the few options.

“I’m trying to get into grad school because I don’t know what else to do,” said James Murphy, 22, a UA senior marketing student.

“I’ve never had this much trouble finding a job and it’s scary.”

The UA Career Development Center is doing all it can to help students avoid the stresses of not being able to find a job.

“The number of employers coming to the UA for on-campus See

SUMMIT on Page 2

Page 2B | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

9 to 5 tions. They will love you if you bring them a well crafted query,�

Asher said.

The campus Career Development Center is a great resource for students looking for jobs or preparing for a job search.

Individuals can visit the center for mock interviews to receive help preparing resumes. Online presentations are available through the department’s website to help with interviewing, job fairs, and resume preparation. “(Interview training) increases your confidence and decreases anxiety because you’re not as nervous because you’ve figured out how to handle different situations,� Williams said. “Recruiters tell us they can tell an 80 percent difference between a student who has trained and one who hasn’t.�

Applicants should use Internet networks such as Myspace, Twitter, Friendster, Facebook, LinkedIn, and MyWorkster.

Contacts through these networks should be asked for introductions to people in specific companies.

Pages should be cleaned up first, along with voicemail, and e-mail addresses. An e-mail address like Butterfly13@hotmail.com is not professional and could discourage employers.

A resume should not be sent until someone requests it. Employers send resumes to Human Resources – which Asher said, is like throwing it away.

He calls HR the black hole for resumes. “That is not working your network. You want to talk to people.

If you leave your resume out, you are forcing people to deal with you on a different level,� Asher said.

Every resume should fit the job description. Employers now use tracking devices, which means they scan every resume, looking for keywords pulled from the job description. If none are found, the resume is removed from the pile without anyone ever seeing it. “This is no time to be lazy because employers and resume reviewers can tell when someone is throwing out resumes and not tailoring them to the job,�

Williams said.

Resumes should have specific examples of accomplishments

HIDDEN

from Page 1

MONDAY ~ WEDNESDAY ~ FRIDAY CONTACT INFORMATION 119 Kimpel Hall ! University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 479.575.3406 ! 479.575.3306 [fax] www.thetraveleronline.com

JACLYN JOHNSON

Editor travnews@uark.edu JAMES BAKER

Senior Staff Writer AMANDA BERENS

Contributing Writer CARLEE BROWN

Contributing Writer LARRY BURGE

Staff Writer

KRISTINE GAFFNEY

Contributing Writer

ALEXANDRA GRAHAM

Contributing Writer

JORDAN GRUMMER

Contributing Writer

MAIKO MICHISHITA

Senior Staff Writer

GRAHAM POWELL

Contributing Writer

AMELIE SHADDOXX

Contributing Writer

JEFFREY SISTRUNK

Staff Writer

KELSEY STEWART

Contributing Writer LIBBI STURM

Contributing Writer DREW VAN PATTER

Staff Writer

The content for this supplement to The Arkansas Traveler was provided by students of a spring 2009 class in the Walter J. Lemke Department of Journalism. The class is taught

by Gerald Jordan.

Together the students chose a subject for this special section and tried to capture the issue from many angles. The topic is how to secure a job in today’s economic environment.

They were responsible for reporting, writing and suggesting photo ideas for each story.

Students were able to see how a newspaper is transformed from a blank page to a full and interesting accumulation of current and discussion-worthy stories through this semesterlong project.

Subjects range from how to dress for an interview to how study abroad can increase your chance of landing a job. Alternative job opportunities, like working from home or just knowing how to find available jobs, are also addressed.

to know the person in charge at all. They just have to think you are okay. If they think you’re okay just because somebody told them so, then that’s more than sufficient,� he said.

The best people to contact are those three to five years ahead of you and similar to you in direction. Famous and powerful people can be very poor contacts for a young person, Asher said.

The job seeker should find others doing the exact job in which they are interested. They should then talk to them in an nonaggressive manner. “A polite college student with a clear question will get an answer out of almost anybody,� he said, emphasizing the importance of contacting employers while still in school. “College students are like puppies and kittens. Unemployed graduates are like stray dogs.�

It is necessary to be very systematic, relatively formal, and professional at all times. “Sometimes it’s important to remind yourself that this is not a social game. This is an opportunity to show that you are ready to perform in a professional position,� Asher said.

Asher’s favorite way to use the hidden job market is to visit a company Web site, find an e-mail address or phone number, and inquire from there. A response made to a Web site job posting is not an example of utilizing the hidden job market. At this point, many others are replying to the posting, creating much more competition. The hidden job market is for applicants to approach individuals when they are in need of help, but have not yet taken the initiative to fill the spot. At least two weeks pass before companies begin the process required to find a new employee, Asher said.

Some other great places to look for contacts are the UA Career Development Center, the Arkansas Alumni Association, reference librarians, and small businesses and organizations. “Reference librarians are one of my favorites. They are so eager for you to walk up and ask ques-

Look for changes in The Arkansas Traveler coming next year. A complete redesign and extended Web content will present a more contemporary and cutting-edge campus newspaper.

The Arkansas Traveler is a member of the Arkansas College Media Association, and the Associated Collegiate Press.

The Arkansas Traveler, the student newspaper at the University of Arkansas, is published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring academic sessions except during exam periods and university holidays.

Opinions expressed in signed columns are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Traveler. The editorial that appears on the left side of the opinion page is the opinion of this newspaper.

The editor makes all final content decisions.

SUMMIT

from Page 1 recruiting is way down,� Batson said.

Last fall, about 120 businesses were on campus looking for recruits. That number has dropped to about 40 this spring, according to UA Career Development Center statistics. “With the way the job market is looking right now,� said Brad Brown, 23, UA senior Engineering student, “I don’t know that I’ll be able to find a job in my field any time soon.�

Less than 20 percent of spring

TECH

from Page 1 said Coy Terry, NCR on-site account manager. “We are not hiring right now, but I have seen more people applying in the last six months [despite that], Terry said.

One way to find technology companies that are hiring in the area and beyond is to use the UA career center’s eRecruiting tool, Vianden said.

The Web site can be found on the Career Development Center’s front page. On the Web site, all the jobs that come through the office are posted. Students already have an account with their UARK e-mail address, Vianden said.

Just search for any keyword like technology and it will list the results for jobs, internships and co-ops, Vianden said.

Technology jobs will be affected just like the rest of the job sector during the recession, but in regard to IT there are a lot of opportunities for people with those degrees, Terry said. “In my experience however, more overqualified people are being forced to take less pay to get a job�, Terry said.

There are job opportunities in the technology field, but after graduation a student might not be able to get a job right away. “If you can’t find a job [right now], be flexible in the kind of job or the location. Vianden said.

2009 graduates have found jobs, according to other CDC statistics.

About 32 percent of those students say they’re planning on attending graduate school, and about 30 percent haven’t reported what they’re planning on doing after graduation. The remaining students (roughly 18 percent) are undecided.

The troubles that lie ahead for many graduating students are clear. It’s not going to be easy to find a job with the economy in its current state, but CDC staff is doing what they can to try and help. “My mission is to help students,� Batson said. “That’s first and foremost on my mind.�

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For more information, e-mail Tina Korbe at travmgr@uark.edu.

and results. If possible, percentages and numbers should be provided. It is best for individuals to state what they can uniquely bring to a job.

No one should ever ask for a job. “You are forcing them to be put in the position to say no. If you ask for advice, leads, and referrals – everyone wants to help,� Asher said.

A jobseeker should ask about the industry as a whole—which organizations might be growing or which parts of the country are doing better than others.

Points covered in Asher’s “webinar� on the hidden job market might prove helpful to many students graduating in a time of global financial angst. The National Association of Colleges and Employers, NACE, reported a 22 percent hiring decrease from last spring, with 67 percent of employers saying they have adjusted their hiring plans because of the economy.

The hidden job market often leads to posted job openings. The individual who goes through the “side door� becomes an inside candidate for the posted job opening, as opposed to others who responded to a post. “I want to stress that you do apply for posted openings, but if you are spending more than 40 percent of your time on posted openings, then you are being very inefficient in your search,� Asher said.

Have a bike collecting dust?

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Applications are due today in the Traveler office (Kimpel 119).

THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER | www.thetraveleronline.com

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9 to 5 Careers can start at home

THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER | www.thetraveleronline.com

Alex Graham

Contributing Writer Job openings for college graduates are in short supply.

Many companies that employ thousands of Arkansas workers around the state are cutting jobs to save money.

The UA, one of the top five employers in Northwest Arkansas, however, will not cut jobs. In fact, the UA is still hiring, employment director Beth Arbuthnot said.

As job positions open they will be filled accordingly, she said.

“There is a distinct change in the amount of turnover in the openings of jobs here at the university. Recently, I’ve noticed people aren’t leaving their jobs as frequently to pursue other careers,” Arbuthnot said.

Because of the recent fall in the economy, the number of jobs open now is less than last year but some positions still need to be filled, she said. UA secretarial jobs, for example, now require an applicant to have at least a Bachelor’s degree and one year experience before they can be considered, according to guidelines.

Program and high-level administration, accountants and upper-level staff positions can require as much as a master’s degree or a Ph.D. and up to five years of experience after that. Editors and lower-level staff members need a bachelor’s degree and one to two years of computer experience, Arbuthnot said.

“The types of job or the number of jobs available are unknown at this point. Whether or not a position is available can only be determined when that opening happens,” Arbuthnot said.

“As positions open, there may be delays in filling them.

And there may be a delay for quite a while,” she said.

As for the availability of a job for graduating seniors, there are

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009 | Page 3B

Economy’s heart gets a jolt from U.S. Amanda Berens

Contributing Writer

ALEX GRAHAM Staff Photographer

Julie Duke is a recent UA graduate who took a job as a UA program technician for the engineering department to gain research experience.

other options.

Julie Duke landed a job as a program technician for the engineering department immediately after she graduated in December.

This job requires Duke to do research in the engineering lab and her qualifications were to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and above a 3.5 GPA. Hard work and dedication

get the same benefits as any other employee at the university. I decide what I need to do on a day to day basis but Dr. Carrier oversees the process, timeline and any changes in the research,” Duke said.

She was told what needed to get done in the six months that she holds this position and it is up to her to get it done. She is required to write a research

“

I was able to learn practices that might be useful to me in the future and be a grown-up without completely leaving my comfort zone.”

— Julie Duke to her schoolwork helped her get the job over two other candidates, she said.

“After I turned in my application, I had to get recommendations from my professors and have several informal interviews with Dr. [Julie] Carrier, an associate professor in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering department,” Duke said.

“I am paid on salary and

paper that includes background research of her topic, as well as materials, methods, results and conclusions of her work, she said.

Duke will present her findings at the 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals in San Francisco next month.

“I took the job as an in between type of job so that I

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could get some experience with my degree but would also be available to start medical school in August,” Duke said.

She thinks this job will help her more in her future compared to any other engineering job she could have taken because no matter what the topic, learning the process of doing good research is beneficial, Duke said.

“It can help me decide if I want to do research in medicine or if I would rather practice traditionally. If I decide not to continue research in medicine, it will allow me to have respect for those that do and the process and time required to accomplish their tasks,” Duke said.

“Even through hard economic times, I’m glad the UA still has these kinds of positions open to young professionals. I was able to learn practices that might be useful to me in the future and be a grown-up without completely leaving my comfort zone. I feel lucky to have a job today when so many others don’t,” Duke said.

Students who graduate next month will enter a job market fully feeling the effects of the recession, and experts say the end is not near.

If the financial system does not recover soon, the recession might last beyond the end of the year, a UA economics professor said.

The state of the economy is not good and it has not hit the bottom yet, said Raja Kali. In the last year approximately 4.4 million jobs were lost, a number which exceeds the last decade’s recession.

It’s clear that some parts of the economy need overhauling -like health care and infrastructure.

A large part of the problems are because of lack of oversight; more regulation is needed, Kali said.

Whether the recession ends in 2009 depends on whether the financial system stabilizes, Kali said. Even if it recovers this year, the economy might not feel the signs of recovery until next year.

The massive economic stimulus package is designed to revive consumer spending and factory production, but it will not necessarily end this recession earlier.

“It’s like a jolt to the system; it will provide a short term boost to the economy, to get things moving again. The economy is in a negative spiral, [and] needs an external stimulus, like in cardiac defibrillation, the economy [needs] a jolt back to life,” Kali said.

The financial system still has to recover and the stimulus alone will

not be enough. However the government is taking a multi-pronged approach and being very creative in fiscal policy and monitor policy, Kali said.

To guide the planned regulatory overhaul, the Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke laid out four key elements. One of the most important elements is addressing financial institutions considered too big to fail, including setting up a system to aid troubled firms.

The U.S. must rewrite its regulatory system to prevent a repeat of the current financial crisis, the worst since the 1930s, Bernanke said in a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations on March 10.

The unemployment rate in March 2009 was 8.5 percent and an unemployment rate of more than 10 percent could be possible before the recession is over, Bernanke said.

One freshman, whose major is interior design, worries that her career might not be in demand after she graduates.

“If people are short on money due to the economy, they will find ways to redesign their homes on their own rather than hire someone. People might not want to spend money on [more] luxurious things like [that],” Denise Hawes said.

However Hawes will keep her plans to do what she loves despite the recession.

Students might be worried about their futures, but the economy will recover, it just might take time.

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OPINION THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER

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Editor: Kimber Wenzelburger | Managing Editor: Tina Korbe

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It’s not the end FINAL EDITORIAL

Kimber Wenzelburger

Another year gone, another nearly 100 issues of the Traveler read.

As readers might have already heard, big adjustments are in store for the 103-year-old student newspaper, and these changes are positive ones – the Traveler is poised to offer more campus and local coverage, as well as new, exciting ways readers can receive news content.

The Traveler staff is hard at work preparing for next year, but today, even though the vast majority of us plan to return to the newspaper next year, we’re a little nostalgic for the days in the basement that flew so quickly.

Though we were often heard complaining about the office – whether it was the remote location, intense heat/cold or lack of windows – our time in the Kimpel “dungeon” has not only provided us priceless journalism experience, but it also has undoubtedly left us memories, almost all positive, that will last for years to come.

But those cheerful recollections wouldn’t be possible without a few integral characters in student media and the journalism department. So to revive an old Traveler tradition that was lost a couple of years back, here are the people the Traveler couldn’t have done without this year: Professor Jordan – Thanks for being the always-available counselor who gives us the wise journalistic advice when we need it, encourages us when we’re down and cheers for us when we’re on top. Our time here is extra special because of you.

Steve, Jane and Cheri – All you do for us on a daily basis – especially enduring our singing, laughter and inevitably loud conversations – is much appreciated. Sorry to break the news, but the noise probably will continue next year (though we’ll attempt to tone it down – a little).

Anna and Bart, the outgoing Traveler staffers – Anna, thanks for your cynicism (it’s so cute!), countless features and snappy comebacks. And Bart, thanks for writing hilarious columns that attract dozens of online comments, making us watch weird YouTube videos and singing in that James Blunt voice. Good luck on all of your exciting endeavors to come, and we’ll miss you both.

Tina, Brian, (Duchess) Jacki, Lindsey, Matt and Jon, returning Traveler staffers – Thanks for the good times and the hard work, but there’s no need to be sentimental (read Bart’s column for that). See you all next year!

Dr. Watkins and everyone in the journalism department – We’re happy to have your support through the upcoming transition, and thanks for developing some awesome editors and writers.

The advertising representatives – Thanks for doing whatever you do. Sorry we editorial people are so clueless.

The folks at Press Argus and the TimesRecord – Again, we apologize for the incessant tardiness, but thanks for putting up with us. We journalists know how to work on tight deadlines, but, unfortunately, that doesn’t mean we always (or ever) make those deadlines.

All Traveler writers and photographers – You guys rock. You already know this, but without you, the Traveler couldn’t exist. We look forward to working with you again next year.

And the readers – Thanks for sticking with us.

The staff appreciated (almost) all of your feedback.

We learned so much this year, and you had everything to do with that. You can look forward to next year.

More newspapers, stories, photos, laughter, memories and thanks to come.

Cheers to 2008-09!

EDITORIAL BOARD KIMBER WENZELBURGER| Editor TINA KORBE | Managing Editor BRIAN WASHBURN | News Editor JACLYN JOHNSON | Assistant News Editor The Arkansas Traveler welcomes letters to the editor from all interested readers. Letters should be at most 300 words and should include your name, student classification and major or title with the university and a day-time telephone number for verification. Letters should be sent to traveler@uark.edu. Letters appear in the order they were submitted as space permits. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse letters on the basis of length, accuracy, fairness, liability and sensibility.

RENOVATING THE FOURTH ESTATE This edition of the Traveler represents the ending of an era.

Newspaper printers are cooling off for good. Thousands have lost their jobs.

Most of all, the Internet is once again flaunting its magnificent power to shape industry.

Journalism is dashing through an age of metamorphosis.

Years from now, the word “newspaper” might carry an archaic meaning. Our distinguished sources of information might rest in the same realm of thought as Laserdiscs.

Perhaps, “newspaper” will simply be the moniker offered to Web sites that essentially accomplish the same tasks.

Whatever happens, as consumers we need to ensure that we continue to support legitimate news organizations – real journalists.

Don’t get me wrong. Blogs are fun.

Admittedly, I read a few, myself.

There is something extremely refreshing about reading an opinion site that has the ability to address public figures by nicknames. That goes double if they throw in some roughly “photoshopped” editorial cartoon.

However, these destinations should be only looked upon for their entertainment value.

I understand the top of this page reads “Opinion.” I know that very often columns and editorials achieve the same

The Internet (Abridged)

CLINT FULLEN cfullen@uark.edu

results as blogs, but what I am promoting is genuine news.

Americans need to hear from an objective voice. Print journalism is an ambit of information where straight facts rule supreme.

This world is already filled with enough spin. The 24-hour news cycle currently fills that void.

Having a show on a cable news station does not make one a newsman.

I would never assume this about you (of course, as you are an intelligent character who enjoys reading my column), but there are people in this world who actually believe Sean Hannity is a journalist.

Mutter all you want about today’s “liberal media,” but by comparing the current press with party-run papers of the past, even Arianna Huffington would seem impartial.

It is indecent for individuals to base opinions solely on the beliefs of others.

People should take pride in the information that they acquire and the sources from which that information originates.

The newspaper might be endangered, but it doesn’t mean the newspaper isn’t doing its job.

True journalists will always be out there.

In the future, teenagers may mock us for our outdated preference for these oversized sheets of data. They’ll ridicule us for the risk of paper cuts and inksmudged fingers.

In the end, we’ll just have to explain to them that the newspaper was the most accurate and informed tool of information we had at the time. Then shortly after, we’ll try to describe what Social Security used to be.

Be cautious of the places from which you receive facts. Challenge yourself as a consumer. Take pride in the things you know for certain. These are your responsibilities as a decision-making adult.

More depends on your beliefs than you realize.

Then again, what do I know? I just write an opinion column.

Clint Fullen is a columnist for The Arkansas Traveler. This is his final column.

ASG president says ‘thank you’ It is hard to believe that this year is coming to a close. It’s that time of the year to wrap things up and pass the reigns over to the new Associated Student Government executives.

I want to take a few moments to thank some important people and to share with you some of our successes in the ASG this year.

First and foremost, we were blessed to work with a new chancellor this year.

Chancellor Gearhart is very sincere in his promise of “Students F1rst.”

Under Gearhart’s leadership, we saw no increase in tuition, no increase in mandatory student fees and a realignment of the Division of Student Affairs, which I believe will better serve students and our education.

Gearhart truly loves the UA and wants every single student to be successful and to have a wonderful Razorback experience.

I have seen firsthand the sincerity of Gearhart’s dedication to students. I stand behind him 110 percent in his role as chancellor, and I hope that you will, too. Beyond being an excellent chancellor, Gearhart and his wife, Jane Gearhart, are wonderful people, and we are fortunate to have them leading the UA. We also are blessed with a number of dedicated administrators, faculty and staff here at the university. While I wish I could list everyone, a few people that greatly helped the ASG this year include Danny Pugh, our dean of students; Ashley Tull, our associate dean of students for campus life; Patrick Monroney, director of the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement; Rosa Edwards, Angela Oxford and the Volunteer Action Center; and our advisers Dayna Healy and Lyndsy Manz.

The support of these individuals and many others is a large factor in the success of the ASG. Thank you all for your

Farewell Address

CARTER FORD ASG president

support this year!

Dayna, we are going to miss you!

If you have never met Jody Preece, then you are missing a wonderful opportunity. Mrs. Jody is the office manager for the ASG, and she goes above and beyond to keep the ASG organized and to ensure that all Registered Student Organizations have successful events on campus.

She is one of the most passionate and kind-hearted people that I know, and our appreciation for Mrs. Jody is much more than just for the work that she does but also for the wonderful example that she sets on a daily basis. We can’t thank her enough!

I’d also like to thank the Traveler staff. Kimber and Tina, you have done a fantastic job this year! You were honest and fair in your reporting all year.

Thanks for holding us accountable to our campaign promises and job duties.

Beyond the ASG, all of your editorials were well-researched and normally presented both sides of the issues.

The UA Student Poll was undoubtedly our biggest success of the year. With more than 4,000 students participating in the poll, the ASG had the opportunity to truly represent students, and the poll gave university employees a clear insight on the priorities of students.

The success of this poll was made possible by all of you who took the time

to take it. Thanks for using your voice; I can assure you that it was heard in all areas of the university.

We are also excited about the expansion of the Safe Ride Program made possible by the Women’s Giving Circle’s donation of $21,000 to the program.

Safe Ride will now be able to purchase a 24-passenger, handicap-accessible bus.

Dayna Healy worked hard on the grant for the Women’s Giving Circle, and I’d like to especially thank Dayna along with Mattie Bookhout, Megan Francis, Monroney and the Women’s Giving Circle for participating in this opportunity of giving Safe Ride the ability to save more lives.

The best thing about being ASG president has been the opportunity to work with and become friends with many amazing people.

Vice President Jong Shin has not only been a hard worker in the office, but a true leader on campus. He, along with Francis, Jaime Nelson, Ben Hale, Emily Burrow and Jonathan Powell have been a wonderful executive committee to work with. Thank you all for being wonderful leaders, hard workers and dedicated students.

In closing, I owe every student on this campus a thank you. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you. This experience is one that will always be meaningful to me and has been a dream come true. I love the UA and am excited to witness what the future holds.

With wonderful leadership in our administration, wonderful leadership in our incoming ASG executives and wonderful students, faculty and staff on this campus, we can’t go anywhere but up!

Fellow students, I hope that your future holds much success and happiness. Signing off as your ASG president, I hope you have a great summer!

Woo Pig Sooie!

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THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER | www.thetraveleronline.com

A suitable look lands the job Seal the deal in half a minute Carlee Brown

Contributing Writer

It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so long ago that many felt secure in their financial situations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and it showed.

Khakis and a button down, sans tie, became the uniform of the confident professional. But moods have changed and, although business casual is still the trend for many, standing out requires oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appearance to speak volumes.

Americans are associating modern times with that of the Great Depression, when the hobos dressed better than some of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEOs. No longer is the man in cuff links thought to be trying too hard. His attention to detail is considered admirable in a period where many are being forced to prove themselves. The applicant that looks smashing will often triumph over his counterpart with a comparable resume. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen a decrease in business and I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because the people conducting interviews want the person to dress up more,â&#x20AC;? said Paul Jones, manager of Walker Brothers Dry Goods. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are seeing a lot more business suits, vests, and ties. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of like the old days.â&#x20AC;?

To really make a good impression, an interviewee should look impeccable from head to toe. A suit is the necessary foundation from which all details are built.

Its heritage stems from military wear designed to highlight a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strengths. When cut properly and made with a fabric that compliments the individual, it signals authority and commands attention. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think someone needs to wear a suit, but if they do it shows me they are a little bit more serious about the interview process, â&#x20AC;? said Eric Airola, Director of Human Resources at J.B. Hunt.

A black suit is acceptable, but a bit formal for an interview. The best choice is either gray or navy and should be made of wool.

The jacket should have two,

three, or four buttons and all but the bottom button should remain buttoned while standing.

It should become second nature to unbutton all of them when seated, and to button them again when rising from the seat. It is permissible to leave them buttoned while eating dinner. The jacket should never been taken off. A hot day must be endured and a polite host offering to hang it should be politely turned down. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I was a college student - man or woman - and I was going to an interview, I would wear a suit because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m more traditional. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford a suit, wear nice slacks and a button down. Women should wear a nice skirt thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the knee or below,â&#x20AC;? said Carrie Johnson, Human Resources Manager at J.B. Hunt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I was interviewing for marketing and sales, I would go trendier.â&#x20AC;?

A manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suit jacket should fit so that it can be easily buttoned without any significant tug marks across the fabric. The arms should be long enough so that about a one fourth inch of the dress shirt can be seen beyond the cuffs when arms are relaxed and hanging to the side. Pants cuffs should be between 1 Âź and 2 inches. The pants hem should hang just over the top of the shoe.

A ready â&#x20AC;&#x201C;to-wear suit is the most common and least expensive type and is available at a department store. When a customer purchases a suit and then has it altered, it is referred to as made to measure. The customer receives the most options in terms of fit and choice of fabric when opting for a bespoke, which is a custom-made garment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most guys are starting to get their suits tailored, as we have been seeing more of that tapered fit and modern look over the past year and a half. We are doing more of it here than ever before.

I think that guys are seeing other guys in it and knowing itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the hot thing right now,â&#x20AC;? Jones said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Otherwise, they are probably going to wear that boxy traditional cut suit, which a lot of your older gentlemen still wear.â&#x20AC;?

Most employers would rather see an individual go without a suit, than to settle for something ill fitting, outdated, or poorly made. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was doing college recruiting, I had a kid that showed up wearing a suit in which you could tell something just wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t right. He had the sleeves rolled up and under because they were too long. He wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wearing proper dress shoes for a suit, and you could tell he was a guy that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t comfortable in a tie.â&#x20AC;? Airola said.

If an appropriate suit is not in the budget, then a nice shirt and tie with slacks should be worn.

A sport coat may be added to the ensemble, but if this route is taken, pants must be a color different from that of the jacket â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or they will clash.

A French cuff shirt with cuff links is more formal than the barrel-cuff alternative. This choice should be based on what feels more comfortable. Men should steer away from a buttoned collar for an interview because it is considered more casual than a spread or a pointed collar. Stripes and prints should be avoided. Some now say that bright shirts are fine because they became stylish in recent years, but traditionally they were not considered proper for an interview. A white shirt is a perfect choice for the classic, conservative man. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think bold shirts are fine.

They are saying on the news that bold colors are good because they help you stand out. But if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too much - like a really bright pink shirt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you can look a bit overboard,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said.

A tie cannot be neglected and, for an interview, it has to be made of silk or a silk blend. It should be a conservative color. Deep colors like blue and red are always safe.

Prints are fine as long as they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tacky and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t clash with the shirt. The bottom of the tie

should grace the belt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do a solid tie with a solid suit, but also make sure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go too loud with one. I would stay classic. Paisley ties are really in right now,â&#x20AC;? Jones said.

The traditional shoe is a leather lace-up, but the convenience and popularity of slip-ons has earned dressier versions some respect. Regardless, a conservative, stylish man will appreciate a sleek pair of shoes with laces. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really look at shoes. I want to make sure they are shined. You see some people that wear a nice shirt and trousers, but they look like they just forgot about their shoes. To me that has to do with attention to detail. Shoes put the whole package together and really show that you gave it some thought,â&#x20AC;? Airola said.

A woman may wear heels or flats as long as they are in good taste and closed toe, but there is something to be said for a woman who is comfortable in heels. She looks in control and in charge. A bright color almost always will ruin the effect and look cheap in a work situation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a woman come in that had fire red tips on her hair.

They matched her shoes and her dress. She was very well color coordinated, but it was striking.

The recruiter really had to think about what the hiring managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction would be,â&#x20AC;? Airola said.

Women have the advantage of dressing a little less stuffy, especially when it comes to shirt selection. A button down, collared shirt is always acceptable, but might appear a bit boring. Any shirt can be worn that has a high neckline and covers the midsection. It should have a sleeve as opposed to straps and should not cling to the body. Wearing such a shirt under a suit always looks the most professional, but when applying for some creative jobs, a stylish dress or a pairing of a top and bottom makes the interviewee look more appropriate for the field.

An introduction with quantified accomplishments and plans Libbi Sturm rather than just basic descripContributing Writer tions shows the amount of time One of the most important spent on reflecting about self things to take to a career fair is identity and goals, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Know where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going,â&#x20AC;? what the UA Career Development Center calls a â&#x20AC;&#x153;30-second com- Williams said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be specific about your goals and be able to articumercial.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;A 30-second commercial [or late what you want.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;How,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said in the a personal branding statement] is a very brief explanation of who article, â&#x20AC;&#x153;you represent yourself you are and what you want to will determine if you get any do and where you want to go,â&#x20AC;? further with [the] contact.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be short and concise,â&#x20AC;? she according to the center Web site.

The 30-second commercial said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but add a specific instance is easily put to use in a career to grab attention.â&#x20AC;?

The parts of a personal fair type setting â&#x20AC;&#x153;where there are branding statement, according lots of jobs and lots of employto the ceners around and ter Web site, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re meeting are name, several at the degree, date same time,â&#x20AC;? J Be specific about your of graduaFreer, who holds goals and be able to tion and any a doctorate in articulate what areas of spepublic policy, said you want.â&#x20AC;? cialization. in a CDC online interview. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Angela Williams After those basics, focus When meeton goals. ing recruiters in Then state personal strengths a career fair atmosphere, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crucial to get their interest quickly. and assets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got an idea,â&#x20AC;?

The first 30 seconds of meeting is Johnson said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;of what you want all the time potential employees to say, get out a timer. have to sell themselves to an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Choose your words careemployer, according to the online article â&#x20AC;&#x153;Developing Your Pitchâ&#x20AC;? fully,â&#x20AC;? she said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;this is no time

by Tory Johnson, founder of to wing it.â&#x20AC;?

Johnson even suggested Women for Hire, a company providing resources for professional recording the 30 second commercial during practice to find any women and entrepreneurs.

During this â&#x20AC;&#x153;nut-shell ver- areas that need improvement.

Being prepared, Freer said in sionâ&#x20AC;? of a biography focusing on what is potentially useful to the online interview, and knowan employer, Johnson, who is ing how to say a personal brandalso the workplace contributer ing statement can help prevent on ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Good Morning America, mistakes in nervous situations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having your 30-second comsaid in a television interview, â&#x20AC;&#x153;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say generic things about mercial polished...can prevent those little errors you might yourself.â&#x20AC;?

To avoid sounding generic, make when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re first meetAngela Williams, an associate ing someone...because you know director of the UA CDC said, be exactly what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to say,â&#x20AC;? specific about skills, education she said. and goals during introductions.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

$ #

! "

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009 | Page 5B

HOW TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS Make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a recent haircut. Scraggly styles might be cute on campus, but are generally not seen as professional.

Following the lead of a paper doll

Do come with well-styled hair, but avoid heavy layers of makeup. Vivacious shades of lipstick should be saved for night clubs, not interviews.

Please wear a tie! Always!

Make sure your shirt is tucked all the way in and not sloppily hanging out. Also, avoid eating spaghetti for lunch if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to change.

Black suits are usually too formal for interviews, so opt for a brown or gray wool suit.

Jackets should fit well and be buttoned.

Shoes need to look clean and shiny. Laces are preferred over slip-ons.

Nails should be clean and polished with a subtle color and should not be much longer than your fingertips.

Suits with knee-length skirts or tailored dresses are best.

No cleavage or midsection!

Hose can be a nice touch, though are not necessary in most cases.

Closed-toe heels always look professional, but wear what you feel confident in. If that means a nice pair of flats, go for it.

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THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER | www.thetraveleronline.com

Bunny slippers, but no water cooler; Can’t find a boss? working from home has benefits Try being your own Larry Burge Staff Writer

Twenty-first century office employees can work from almost anywhere, from home or a houseboat – dressed in housecoat and slippers, casual to business suit or for best comfort. These rewards come with telecommuting as a virtual employee.

For more than two years, Lynn Howard, of Gravette, Ark., has worked as a virtual transcriptionist and medical copy editor.

“I had been doing medical transcription for 13 years at a local office,” Howard said. “I made the decision to move, and applied to a national company to work from home two and a half years ago. Advantages are that I don’t have to drive, don’t have to buy clothes for the office or deal with office situations.”

There are also disadvantages to virtual world telecommuting.

“One must be extremely self-disciplined,” Howard said.

“That’s the big, big thing. It’s difficult not to answer the phone when it rings, even though it may be only a five-minute conversation. You have five calls of five-minute conversations you have almost a half-hour of your work time that has been misapplied.”

As with most jobs, there is an enjoyable and not so pleasant side to telecommuting.

“There are pros and cons of telecommuting,” she said. “The flipside of not having to deal with office situations is that you never see anybody. And it’s too easy to get up and get a cup of tea, use the bathroom, throw a load of laundry in the washer and pick up this and that on your way. When I worked in an office, I took a 10-minute break

mid-morning, lunch break person looks for full time work. usually at my work desk and Because it offers flexibility that, another 10-minute break in the a traditional job often can’t afternoon.” offer. Working from home, for But telecommuting can be instance, a traditional job seeka fantastic employment oppor- er can take phone calls from tunity, a win-win solution for perspective employers, schedule almost anybody who is creative, interviews while they’re workorganized and able to structure ing in a temporary part time job work around family, friends, from home.” community and the perception However, before any graduthat others can interrupt the ate takes a giant leap into the work at anytime just because virtual work community, the the person is handy. candidate should determine if Working from home has telecommuting fits. Ideal candias many drawbacks as it does dates will benefit from skills in advantages. However, by apply- self-discipline, self-motivation ing self-discipline, a persistent and being natural organizers work ethic and skills learned and skilled at time managein the college classroom, many ment. determined Candidates college gradualso should ates could find out master teleOne must be about fringe commuting. that extremely disciplined (to benefits After worktraditional work at home).” employment ing in mar-- Lynn Howard provides that keting and as a client can be missservice agent ing from some with Internet work from companies home jobs. for about 10 years, Sandra These benefits can include such O’Malley, FlexJobs.com online things as insurance, job securiresearch and marketing man- ty, retirement or contract labor ager, said she found a part- where they must pay both sides time job at Flexjobs.com so she of Social Security if considered could spend more time at home a subcontractor by the IRS. with her children, family and One caution in looking for friends. online employment is to beware “Telecommuting offers a of computer scams that either great opportunity for people promise a job if the virtual who are in particular life stages, employee pays money up front a parent, people with a disabil- or does not pay for work after ity, or being passionate about the employee submits it back to being green minded and not the company or individual. wanting to use a car to get back To avoid this, online job and forth from work every day,” posting companies such as O’Malley said. “I’m a mom and Flexjobs.com, make the followhave a lot of friends who are ing suggestions: moms also. It’s very appealing Contact the human resourcto have a job with a flexible es department and have a copy schedule, to be able to work of the organization’s flexible job from home some or at least part policy sent or e-mailed. of the time. Telecommuting isn’t Prepare a proposal for the for everyone. But it can offer job requested and send it in part time employment while a with a written agreement that

“

addresses issues concerned with job duties, work produced or timely compensation for work completed.

Suggest a trial period to propose a date to evaluate the job from both the employer and employee position.

If part of a team or supervising others, participate in online chat room discussions on issues and initiatives.

There also are personal areas for which the telecommuter must make arrangements. The virtual employee needs designated office space with lockable file storage, computer supplies and doors to close out distractions.

For to conduct a serious business from home – a plop down space on a couch with laptop on a coffee table – probably wouldn’t fly with the IRS. The telecommuter should also set office hours for appointments only, rules about no interruptions from friends or family members and nothing taken from or moved in the office without explicit permission. Put “Do Not Disturb” signs on doors and don’t answer if somebody knocks on one.

Virtual commuters need technology to carry on a successful business venture. They should get a designated business phone line or cell phone, a high-speed Internet connection, new computer or upgrade and fax machine. The dedicated phone will allow for separating friends and family from business calls.

Don’t forget to take breaks and set a time to close the business doors for the day and weekends as well. To avoid burnout, online communities suggest setting work hours and sticking to them. Other suggestions are to make lunch appointments away from the home-office setting and take coffee breaks to avoid non-stop working.

Kelsey Stewart

Contributing Writer For some ambitious seniors who want to run their own business, the future is filled with bright colors and artistic style despite the slumping job market and bleak financial future.

Kristen Blowers, a senior interior design student owns Riffraff, Fayetteville’s newest eclectic store. Since February, the store has been successful in selling its wares. Blowers sells custom painted furniture, updated consignments, and other pieces of art that have been turned into modern masterpieces by local artisans as well as Blowers herself.

“Starting and running a successful business takes planning and sacrifice,” said Renee Clay, assistant director of the Walton College career development center.

Blowers has been planning to own her own business since she was young and over the last two years, all her planning fell into place.

“Fayetteville needed a funky store like Riffraff,” Blowers said.

“With the great prices we offer, the store has been so successful.”

The trend of students that are opening their own business is, however uncommon.

“I haven’t heard of a large number of students who are planning to start a business versus going to work for an established one,” Clay said.

Though Blowers worked for an interior designer in Rogers, and had planned on working for them after graduation, the thought of owning her own store overpowered the thought of working for an already established business. Besides the satisfaction of success, owning her own store also gives her a sense

of security in the failing job market.

Many small business owners pour profits back into their company during its first years instead of taking a salary.

Before you “go for it”, you must have investigated the feasibility of your venture and you must have planned appropriately said Clay.

Students also run into specific barriers when trying to start their own business.

The amount of money it takes to start a business varies depending on the type of business it is said Bill Fox, a business consultant for the Small Business Technology Department at the Walton College.

“If the business requires a space or a building of some kind it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Fox said. “It’s hard for students to get loans from banks especially if they don’t have any financial history.

They usually go to friends and family for seed money.”

Students who plan to start their own business and fail can also learn something from their entrepreneurship endeavors.

“It’s perfectly acceptable to mention a failed business attempt on applications,” Clay said. “Interviewers will be keenly interested in what you learned, how you’ve applied what you’ve learned and how you are better, more successful and more confident because of the experience.”

Besides owning Riffraff, Blowers is enrolled in 18 hours of classes and has started her own interior design business, Kristen Blowers Interior Design.

“I’m the type of person who likes to stay busy all the time. A workaholic if you will,” Blowers said. “Why wait to start my dream? I went for it and have loved every minute of it.”

Internships give experience to students before they have to leave the nest Kristine Gaffney

Contributing Writer The job market for graduating college students still looks bleak, and frustrating experiences with career fairs don’t help. Some students have been able to get internships, though jobs are hard to find.

Justin Bules, a junior finance management major, went to several career fairs during his freshman and sophomore years and like many students, he became frustrated by the lack of interested companies.

“Nobody wanted much to do with me because I wasn’t a senior,” Bules said. “They

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contact for futre job opportunities and often offer internships.”

More students would have better luck getting a job or internship if there were more career fairs to attend throughout the school year, Bules said.

This is often an impossibility because of the poor economy.

The spring semester business fair even showed a decrease in the number of employers.

“We generally try to have as many fairs as we can to try and increase students’ opportunities,” Vianden said. “Even though the economy may make some employers cut back on hiring, they can still offer internships and keep in contact with interested students.”

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not a job opportunity,” said Becky Vianden, who is associate director of program development at the UA Career Development Center.

“Companies have specific jobs they come to hire for,” Vianden said. “They keep coming back to the university because of the quality of students we have.”

Though employers will talk to all students, if they are on campus to hire entry level employees, the most likely will direct their attention to seniors.

“Employers look for the best and brightest, so they talk to underclassmen for internships,” Vianden said. “if they are really impressed by a student, they will keep in

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might as well have said ‘we don’t care about you right now.’”

However, in Bules’ junior year, he got positive feedback from Colgate-Palmolive at the fall semester Business Career Fair through Walton College and snagged an internship.

“All I did was dress nice and have my resume ready,” Bules said.

Preparing a professional way to introduce himself that didn’t sound robotic like his introductions the previous years he attended the career fairs also helped his chances Bules said.

“The last few years have produced lots of students who walk away from the job fairs with an internship if

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Page 8B | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009

Recession’s reach quite complicated

THAT’S WORD

Jordan Grummer

Contributing Writer

DREW VAN PATTER Staff Photographer

Barbara Batson, director of the Career Development Center, makes a cameo in the recent rap video created by the CDC.

Hot on the job beat, listen to advice in rhyme Drew Van Patter Staff Writer

While helping students get on the right career path, the UA Career Development Center is staying hip with the times by creating their own rap production.

The “UA Career Development Center Rap” surfaced earlier this year when the U.S. economy and job outlook were at their worst.

The rap’s lyrics, written by Career Ambassador Greg Renick, explain what uses the career center has at the UA. From beginning a resume, to helping with mock interviews, and searching for jobs in general, the rap covers it all.

Renick said he made a basic beat and bass line using the Mac program Garage Band, he then added the lyrics and produced a video to go along with the rap.

He even choreographed his own dance moves.

Barbara Batson, director of the career development center, heard Renick make mention of the possibility of creating a rap for the CDC. What started out as somewhat of a joke became a reality after it got tossed around

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the center.

“Mrs. Barbara wanted me to do the rap, and I just had fun with it,” Renick said.

Batson said she thinks the rap shows a whole new side of the CDC to students. It makes the center look like more fun than work.

“Greg had talked about doing a rap for the career development center for a long time. I told him to follow through with it, and he did,” Batson said. “He even wrote the lyrics and did his own dance moves.”

Batson can be seen in the video wearing black shades and proclaiming “Word” towards the videos end.

So, if UA students need help getting on the right track careerwise, they need to look no further than their friends at the CDC. “At the CDC they help me out for free. There’s no way there could be any better place for students than the CDC,” says Renick in the rap’s chorus. “So everybody please make sure you come see us at the C.D.C.” The rap’s video can be found on YouTube.com by searching for “UA Career Development Center Rap.”

This recession is far more complicated and widespread than previous ones, a UA economics professor said, and it all began with deregulating the banking system.

This recession has spread the pain more evenly than ever before. Job losses have hit both coasts, with Florida and California being among the hardest hit states because of the failing housing market in those states, and to the Rust Belt, where Detroit, Mich., is now in a crisis fueled by the failing automotive market. “[Arkansas] was very fortunate as a region because we didn’t suffer that much from the dot-com bubble bursting,” Javier Reyes, an associate professor of economics, said in an interview. “But this one is different because it is so widespread.”

For the class of 2009, Reyes recommended a job with the federal government as a safe bet.

“Try to get involved with government institutions and organizations that will deal with the crisis. Government jobs will be well paid right now, and they will be stable,” Reyes said.

Students also should focus on states that are investing in the three sectors President Barack Obama is backing up, Reyes said:

health care, education and alternative energy.

“Look for states focusing on these areas because they are sectors that are backed by the government, and therefore you know they will be ready to boom once the crisis is over,” Reyes said.

Students should look for a state whose budget is not in a crisis right now, like California, Reyes said.

“What you see in California is that taxes are actually going to increase, and pretty soon, to cover the deficit,” Reyes said.

How the banking system plays into all of this is complicated, and is not the only problem. But deregulating banking in 1999 is the root of the problem, Reyes said.

The Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, which separated banks into commercial and investment institutions and created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, was repealed by Congress in 1999 with the passing of the GrammLeach-Bliley Act. This effectively deregulated the banking system, allowing them to offer investment, commercial banking and insurance services.

This also allowed a bank in a different state to insure deposits at a completely unrelated bank in another state. This made sense because they could diversify their portfolio and capital could flow to where it was needed, Reyes said.

The main problem with banks

taking stakes in other states is that it leaves them open to a bigger risk for systemic crisis, said Reyes. That occurs when the failure of one system, in this case a bank, affects a broad range of other banks.

When the financial sector fails, the rest of the economy suffers, Raja Kali, associate professor of economics, said.

“Because the financial sector is essential to the economy, when they experience unemployment, it willa affect firms and individuals,” Kali said.

Reyes broke down what can happen when banks become intertwined.

“For example, banks in Arkansas could be invested in

California. When California mortgages stop being paid, it affects [the bank in Arkansas] and the [cash] it has to do its own dayto-day operations,” Reyes said.

“They can’t satisfy their own clients’ needs because of a mortgage investment they have in another state.”

“People stop borrowing, and people stop consuming, and people stop paying sales taxes, which generates unemployment by itself,” Reyes said. “So people lose their job and their income, which generates less tax revenue for the state.”

The crisis was able to jump borders because of this, Reyes said.

Riding out the economy by staying in school might be the best option Jordan Grummer

Contirbuting Writer There is no silver lining to the current economic crisis, but there are still several opportunities for jobs, two U of A economics professors, said during a session for

Who’s bailing you out in this economic down turn?

graduate students.

“If you can continue school, it may be the best option,” said Javier Reyes, associate economics professor. There is more competition at every level, from more experienced people looking for jobs to getting accepted into graduate school, he said.

Raja Kali, associate economics professor, agreed.

“You’re insulated when you’re in school,” Kali said.

The economic crisis of today is beginning to look more like what happened in the 1930s, Reyes said.

“We don’t know where we’re headed,” he said. “We’re already past the dot-com failure.”

Both professors offered tips for students who might not have the chance to attend grad school.

“You should look into jobs with the federal government, like

the Department of Justice, the State Department and the CIA,” Kali said. “These are good jobs, with good money, doing interesting things.”

For students with bachelor’s degrees, federal government jobs are the best bet for the top-five in-demand majors, according to www.jobweb.com. Accounting, mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science and business administration/management are the top five majors, according to the Web site.

There also is a demand for international relations students, Reyes said.

“President Barack Obama has said this country is ready to lead again, and that can only be achieved through strong partnerships with other countries,” Reyes said in a follow-up interview.

International relations stu-

dents will be the ones with the skills to rebuild the bridges with other countries, Reyes said.

These students will become even more important in the push for alternative energy, Kali said.

More than half of the world’s lithium, the mineral used to power hybrid and electric cars, is found in Bolivia, and they aren’t giving it up so easily, according to a Feb. 2009 Herald Tribune story.

Another way to be prepared is to be informed, Kali said.

Understanding the economy will give [students] an advantage when going into job interviews, Reyes said.

“It can help in many ways, one of my friend’s first question in a recent interview was, ‘What do you think of the economy?’” Reyes said. “It will make you appear that you are educated and that you care.”

The Walton College Career Center can help business students: + Create a professional resume + Develop a job search strategy + Practice interview skills + Explore various careers + Network with employers + Prepare for the future through Leadership Walton

waltoncollege.uark.edu/careerdevelopment Walton College Career Center Willard J. Walker Hall, 226 479.575.6100 CareerCenter@walton.uark.edu

Let the UA Career Development Center help you explore ways to turn your career dreams into career plans.

visit us at http://career.uark.edu & on facebook 479-575-2805 Arkansas Union 607

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Career fairs on despite bad times

9 to 5 Study abroad expands horizons as well as career options

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009 | Page 7B

Maiko Michishita

Senior Staff Writer

Courtesy Photo

Students meet with potential employers at a recent job fair hosted in the Walton College of Business building.

Kelsey Stewart

Contributing Writer Career fairs, like the Walton Business Career Fair, encourage students to work on networking skills and search for employment opportunities, but some students leave feeling more frustrated than motivated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;About 90 percent of all the companies Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve talked to have just given me a bunch of statements about their company and then said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;just apply online,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? said Abigail Brock, a senior marketing management major. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frustrating.â&#x20AC;?

Brice Coleman, who is senior director of human resources at Crossmark, Inc., a business service company for manufactures and retailers of consumer goods, collects resumes through its online applicant tracking system and usually only schedules interviews after the candidateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information has been reviewed.

Though Crossmark is actively hiring, targeted efforts for active recruitment such as career fairs depends on the needs of the position being filled Coleman said.

Adam Hammond, a junior international business major has also encountered less than helpful company representatives from large enterprises such as AT&T, JCPenney, and Target. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I only went to career fairs my freshman and sophomore years. Then I realized everyone just tells you to go apply online.

Ultimately, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no point in going,â&#x20AC;? Hammond said.

Students often are told by company representatives to leave a number and they will stay in touch or to simply apply online, leaving students like

Brock and Hammond discouraged.

With the recent layoffs associated with Wal-Mart, company representatives comment on their recruitment methods, saying active recruitment was not a priority. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is unsettling,â&#x20AC;?

Hammond said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were the only ones I felt knew what they were doing and really wanted to provide students with employment opportunities in the past few years.â&#x20AC;?

Companies and organizations often send a new hire as opposed to an employee who has years of experience.

Whether offering perspective students a representative with a fresh outlook on the business world is part of a strategy, students called it a waste of their time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who we send to career fairs really just depends. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generally a case by case situation,â&#x20AC;? said a representative who answered Wal-Martâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Media Relations hotline.

A seasoned recruiter often will accompany younger employees and together they represent their company said Renee Clay, assistant director of the Walton Career Development Center. Companies sometimes like to send younger alums of the university so that students can interact with representatives more their age.

Who the company sends depends on the circumstances and availability of their employees Coleman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like some of the companies try to make a presence at the career fair just to say they were there,â&#x20AC;? Brock said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But when they show up, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really seem prepared and I feel like they wasted my time.â&#x20AC;?

Study abroad experience makes a student stand out among other candidates on a resume and in a job interview.

Study abroad programs attract students for not only gaining academic outcomes but also improving their personal skills such as broad global awareness, independency, self-reliance and diversity tolerance, which employers look for as global work force. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The situation we are in has helped students understand the value of studying abroad,â&#x20AC;? said DeDe Long, the director of the Study Abroad office. Because there is much discussion about the global market place, even in this difficult financial period, it will increase studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interest in studying abroad to show employers positive outcomes out of their experience.

Students who studied abroad and are applying for jobs told Long that employers always asked their international experience that provided good conversations during the interviews, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Students are now starting to see study abroad as a part of their degree programs not as something that they would do for extra curriculum,â&#x20AC;? Long said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It [Studying abroad] is very much a curricula.â&#x20AC;?

The recent financial situation makes employers hesitant to hire as many graduates as before. Employers hired about 22 percent fewer graduates from last year, according to the Job Outlook 2009 Spring Update by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

The recent economy left seniors nervous about getting a job, too. About three of five surveyed graduating seniors surveyed are worried about finding a job after they graduate, according to the 2009 NACE Graduating Student Survey.

Students who studied abroad can tell employers many positive characteristics, Long said.

For example, by telling what they did while studying abroad, they show their ability to take care of themselves in a different environment, to be aware of not just their own world but outside world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a major strength,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The awareness of how (studying abroad) increases studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; competitiveness will

LARRY ASH Staff Photographer

Saiko Watanabe, a sophomore from Japan, pauses in front of Holcombe Hall, the site of the International Living Learning Community on campus.

continue to go up.â&#x20AC;?

Ill., and Roger Wicker, R-Miss., As students see the value of introduced legislation to instihigher education to be a com- tute a study abroad program petitive applicant, the number Feb. 25 to help build global of students who study abroad awareness and international also increases. The number understanding, according to of Americans studying abroad the Durbinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Web site. increased by 8 percent to about Called The Senator Paul 241,000 in Simon Study the 2006A b r o a d 07 acaFoundation Act America will be served of 2009, the demic year, according well by taking steps to proposal would to the Open ensure our students ... create a nationDoors 2008 have ... international and al program report, that encourcutural knowledge.â&#x20AC;? ages colleges which is â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Roger Wicker to enhance published a n n u studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; parally by the ticipation, Institute of increases comInternational Education. mitments with diverse host The number of students countries and provides finanfrom Arkansas was 901, about cial aid. The goal is to send at a 31 percent increase from an least 1 million undergraduates academic year before. go and study abroad every year.

The UA Study Abroad office One million represent about has many more students apply- half of US college students ing for scholarships compared graduating annually, accordto last year, Long said. So ing to the NAFSA: Association scholarship opportunities for of International Educators them will be more competitive Web site. than before. â&#x20AC;&#x153;America will be served well â&#x20AC;&#x153;Interest in studying abroad by taking steps to ensure our is high, but at the same time, students â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the future leaders students need money,â&#x20AC;? she of our nation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have a higher said. level of foreign language proUS Senators Dick Durbin D., ficiency and international and

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cultural knowledge,â&#x20AC;? Wicker said in the press release published on the Web site.

In spite of the increased number of students studying abroad, the Simon Act points out that the number is still a small portion of American students. Only 1 percent of undergraduate students studied abroad, and about 60 percent of them went to Western Europe in the 2004-05 academic year, according to the NAFSA Web site. And in the next 50 years, about 95 percent of the world population growth is expected to occur outside Europe. The Simon Act calls for developing study abroad programs to more diverse countries, especially to developing ones.

Study abroad is the only way for university students to learn about intercultural studies by allowing themselves to see things from multiple dimensions and to understand more about people around the world, said Kelly Wilkinson, assistant director of the university outreach or western region from Semester At Sea, the institute for shipboard education for global study abroad.

Employers look for knowledgeable people with intercultural education, he said. Even if they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, study abroad still stimulates intercultural understanding in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global business world.

Study abroad used to be considered as a luxury about 20 years ago, Long said.

Participants were largely females who were upper-middle class and had personal expenses to cover their fees.

Most majored humanities or liberal arts and chose their destination to Europe. Today, both male and female students in any major fields participate in study abroad programs in various places, she said.

Europe is still the most popular destination, but the interest rate in Asia and Africa has increased recently. The number of students in 2006-07 academic year studying in South Africa increased by 28 percent from the year earlier, and the number in China increased by about 25 percent, according to the report done by the Institute of International Education released in November 2008. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Students now see that studying abroad is not just a luxury. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a necessity,â&#x20AC;? Long said.