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the
nov. 14, 2011
Clery Act brings up relevant issues
Special Edition: Sexual assault investigative report pg 10-13 vol. 49, no. 16
“If it matters to the USA family, it matters to us.”
USA Sports>>
by Cassie fambro Editor in Chief
Recently, the Clery Act unveiled that USA has reported 18 sexual assaults in the past six years, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The Clery Act findings covers 20052010 and reports that six of those “forcible sexual assaults” happened in 2010. Chief Aull told the Press-Register that sexual assault numbers are high because USAPD emphasizes reporting such crimes. USA’s official statement totes a “strong sexual assault victim’s advocacy and counseling program.” Dr. Robert Hanks, associate director of the Counseling and Testing Center for USA, told The Vanguard that they have many resources available to students as well as victims. “The Counseling and Testing Center is a free service to USA students. It’s safe, secure and confidential. We offer psychological as well as psychiatric services to students and have a specialized counselor for sexual assault victims.” Psychological and psychiatric counsultations are provided by licensed counselors at no cost to students and can be reached by calling 460-7051. USA psychology graduate and Rape Crisis Center volunteer Caitlin Wolford says that it’s important to remember that not all victims report the crime. “College campuses create a dangerous environment for sexual assault. Not every victim discloses to the police, a counselor or advocate,” Wolford said. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network reports that 60 percent of assaults are not reported to police. As for how rape is viewed by society, Wolford says it’s a difficult situation. “Our society’s tendency to vicitm-blame is one of the most difficult battles for survivors and advocates. “A majority of our society has trouble realizing it’s the perpetrator’s decision to assault the victim, not the victim’s decision to be assaultled,” Wolford said.
see Special section, page 10
The University of South Alabama football team is directly affected by the new regulations put forth by the NCAA.
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New NCAA regulations ‘good’ for USA by patrick herring Staff Reporter In light of numerous serious allegations of pay-for-play schemes and other major recruiting violations in recent seasons, the NCAA’s Division-I board of directors acted swiftly in passing new regulations regarding student athletes. The most notable and controversial of which is a reform that gives conferences the option of adding up to $2,000 to athletic scholarships for full cost of attendance. Student athletes are often required to dedicate the majority of their time to their respective sport. Between classes, practices, games and travel time, student athletes aren’t left with enough time to hold a steady job. This becomes a problem when
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estimates show students on full scholarships still have to pay around $3,000 to $4,000 out of pocket in various costs. The stipends are meant to alleviate these costs. USA quarterback CJ Bennett likes the new regulations. “Playing a college sport is a full-time job; we aren’t left with much free time, so we can’t get real jobs. The extra money will help cover our cost of living,” Bennett said. An underlying factor in the distribution of these funds is that the conferences have a say in whether or not the schools will be able to approve the stipends. According to USA Athletic Director Joel Erdmann, the Sun Belt Conference (USA’s conference affiliation) embraces the legislation, but they aren’t mandating imple-
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see NCAA, page 4
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Making plays: should it pay? NCAA has its say on what athletes deserve.
in this issue (pg 7): Life (pg 15): Opinion / (pg 17): Sports