August 20 Issue

Page 1

VANGUARD

THE

VOL. 51, NO. 4

“If it matters to the USA family, it matters to us.”

AUG. 20, 2012

INSIDE

PHOTOS BY CASSIE FAMBRO, RHA AND BRANDY PATE

10 DAYS until Jags vs. UTSA

►Opinion: We need more school spirit for the 50th anniversary. See page 7.

►Life: Jag Radio is on a mission. Check out how to be a part of it on page 5.

in college sports? See page 19. Left of Center says changes are coming. See page 9.

On Sept. 18, there will be a vote that will determine whether or not to use $145 million to support higher education and Medicaid. By JAYSON CURRY jayson-curry@hotmail.com

Jags are back on the prowl Students are gearing up for USA’s semicentennial with a few bumps to park on ‘welcome back’ road By CASSIE FAMBRO editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com

► Sports: Where is the dignity

Vote to support higher ed

O

btaining a parking permit has been more akin to running a relay race than an efficient process according to many students. A new option took effect this semester, offering permits to be mailed. It was not live

2012 Welcome Edition

See Page 13

find us on Facebook search “The Vanguard USA”

until August 14, a week before classes. The late start was attributed to computer issues and red-tape, according to USAPD Lt. Keith West. Dealing with two vendors to establish the computer system to register for parking decals as well as the organization to package and ship the decals took time. “We’ve been working on this diligently for a while,” West told The Vanguard. The $5 additional fee for having the decal mailed to a student’s home raised student eyebrows. “I’m not giving them any more of my money… seems like sneaky capitalism to me,” said USA junior Tyler Bell. In contrast, USA student Nikky Lee opted for the mailing option. “I’d rather be at work or working out than waiting... $5 is nothing.” Confusion stemmed over the reason for the $5 fee. West stated that they deal with a third-party to package and ship the decals, thus creating a larger cost for labor and resources. Students still didn’t like the idea. Senior Sean Ramsey stated that “there is no reason to pay for poorer service.” USA senior Khaela Huey pointed out that $5 for a parking permit is no dif-

Check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

ferent than grabbing a cup of coffee at Java City in terms of convenience. It remains to be seen how many people opted for the mailing option versus picking up their decal at Parking Services. The email directing students how to obtain the decals also experienced glitches and it was sent out three times. Thirdly, zone presets were a source of frustration. The Vanguard weatherman Patrick Bigbie was slotted to receive a Gamma parking permit but does not live in a Gamma residence hall. Students who experience this issue have to contact USAPD directly to get that issue resolved. West reiterated the commitment to working out kinks by USAPD as well as USAPD’s desire to keep costs low, referencing other competitive institutions. USM’s parking decal fee is in excess of $100, Alabama’s parking is in excess of $70, and Auburn’s $60 according to each school’s website. You must register on Parking Service’s website if you are going to opt for your permit to be mailed or if you’re going to pick it up. You can call 251-460-1481 for more information.

Dean Mitchell Dean of Students

A

labama residents, and more importantly those involved directly with higher education need to mark Sept. 18, 2012 down as a very important date on their calendars. On Sept. 18, the state of Alabama will hold a vote to either allow or deny the use of $145 million from a state trust fund for each of the next three years. The $145 million will be used to help fund higher education as well as Medicaid and other state funded groups. “This amendment would draw from Alabama’s Oil and Gas Trust Fund for three years in order to facilitate Alabama’s current Medicaid. At the recent STARS (Higher Education Partnership) Retreat, we were urged to vote yes,” USA Student Government Association (SGA) President Parker Chastain said. “This being because if Medicaid cannot be supported, the state will turn towards the Education Trust Fund. This would mean that the funding from the government to our University would be cut dramatically See VOTE VOTE, Page 12

In this Issue: Life, Page 5 Opinion, Page 7 Sports, Page 19


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