October 25, 2010

Page 1

Vanguard The

VOLUME 48, NUMBER 13

Fall Break Survey Gets Positive Feedback

Alex Whalen

ASSOCIATE EDITOR alexwhalen@gmail.com

A recent survey shows that a lot of people at USA liked having a fall break this year, despite recent the debates about it within the University community. The survey, which USA’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning conducted online shortly after the break ran its course in the beginning of October, saw 2,209 completed student surveys and 185 faculty responses. Students were asked if they generally enjoyed fall break, what activities (like studying or relaxing) they spent the break doing and if they would rather have a two-day fall break in October or start school a week later. The general response to fall break was positive, with 84.6 percent of those who responded saying they enjoyed fall break. And 74.2 percent of student responses said they would prefer a two-day break over starting school a week later. The survey also provided a comment section that, according to Director of Assessment Cecelia Martin, provides the richest data. “Usually with quantitative analysis, you try to look at themes,” Martin said. But with thousands of comments from students, the analysis could take some time. The Vanguard reviewed a copy of the survey results and did some initial analysis. There are two very clear themes in the student responses: a desire for a longer break and a disdain for the changes in the academic calendar. As to the latter point, students are upset about having Saturday exams and the extension of the semester into winter break. Faculty members who responded to the survey also shared these sentiments, many noting that a shortened winter break and Saturday exams could hinder students’ academics. These academic calendar changes, however, are not due entirely to the institution of a fall break. The Vanguard ran a story over the summer about the changes and, according to Dr. David Johnson, vice president for Academic Affairs, fall break was not the only factor behind the change. “It all began with the request for fall break and to start the fall semester a week later to see SURVEY | 16

Inside

Police Blotter p. 2

Voting Tuesday?

Check out Alabama’s gubernatorial candidate views on higher education funding (p. 7).

October 25, 2010

Jags Send Aggies Back to Farm

Friend The Vanguard on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ USAVanguard

Serving USA Since 1965 To see an online gallery of photos from Saturday’s victory, visit www.usavanguard.com.

• To see photos from the game and USA’s cross-country trip to Aggie Stadium, see pp. 10 and 11. •For a recap of Saturday’s game, turn to p. 12. • To read about USA’s Oct. 30 competitor, Georgia State, see p. 12.

Intramurals Heat Up

CAMPUS

Homecoming Elections Head Into Runoffs

Alex Whalen

ASSOCIATE EDITOR alexwhalen@gmail.com

Colin McGee | Photo Editor

Thursday night’s flag football league members compete at USA’s intramural fields. Flag football games happen at USA Sunday through Thursday nights weekly, barring weather delays.

Etc. p. 8

Sports p. 12

The Gulf Coast Exploreum: Fusing Science and Entertainment See Etc., page 8

Opinion p. 14

Saints’ Ivory Rises to the Challenge See Sports, page 13

Homecoming election results are in and all but one category will have runoff elections. Christian Smith edged out Courtney Jackson by a single vote for Graduate Student Homecoming Maid. The rest of the runoffs are as follows: Ebony Cornish and Tikira Gamble will have a runoff for Freshman Homecoming Maid. Lauren Ashley Easterling and Lindsey Sentell will vie for Sophomore Homecoming Maid. Cindy Metz and Brittany Ward made in to the runoffs for Junior Homecoming Maid. In the runoffs for Homecoming King are Cameron Macon and Christopher Martin. Katie Bandy and Ebonee Moody will face off for Homecoming Queen. There were just over 2000 total votes placed for Homecoming Queen and King

see HOMECOMING | 19

Distractions p. 18

Is Not Voting the Best Response to Corruption in Politics? See Opinion, page 15


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