Jan. 16, 2018 by The Vanguard

anguard V If it matters to you, it matters to us.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

THE

TUESDAY JAN 16, 2018 VOL 1718 ISS 16

w w w.t he vangu ardus a.com

V-Day to return to USA

New student group: MAPS

USA women’s basketball beats Troy

USA to host a violence prevention awareness event in February.

USA students creates Minority Association for Premedical Students

Women’s basketball beat their in-state rival Troy 79-68

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New dining options for students? Intramural

fields under construction

The current intramural fields are inadequate, per USA. Photo by Briana Cunningham BY: ELAINE RUSS | REPORTER

These students may soon eat Moe’s or Panda Express in the Student Center. Photo by Briana Cunningham

Chik-fil-A may face some new competition for student’s lunch money in the Student Center. BY: SHANNON LUNDGREN | EDITOR-INCHIEF

The University of South Alabama is in final contract negotiations to bring Panda Express and Moe’s

Southwest Grill to the Student Center beginning in the fall 2018 semester, according to Bob Lowry, USA director of communications and media relations. Panda Express and Moe’s Southwest Grill are slated to replace Burger Studio and Quizno’s, according to Lowry. Panda Express serves ChineseAmerican cuisine and Moe’s Southwest Grill serves southwestern fare. Lowry is confident the USA community will be happy with the

changes. Several students said they are looking forward to the new choices. USA Biomedical Sciences and Pre-Pharmacy student Aya ElSharkh said she is excited about the potential change. “I’m all for it,” El-Sharkh said. El-Sharkh said she thinks students preferred Chik-fil-A and Pizza Hut over Burger Studio and Quizno’s because they are cheaper Continued on page 4

Construction is underway to create new intramural fields, according to Dean of Students Dr. Michael Mitchell. The new fields will include an additional multipurpose field, six soccer/ flag football fields, two softball fields and additional lighting. USA plans to add additional bleachers and more restrooms, a quarter mile walking track around the fields and an expanded parking lot and a field house. Bob Lowry, director of communications and media relations, stated that the new fields will be southwest of the current fields. “The current fields are not Continued on page 3

NEWS

Vanguard V-Day to return to USA THE

BY: RACHEL SULLIVAN | REPORTER

University of South Alabama Alpha Hall South Room 336 Mobile, Ala., 36688 Tel: 460-7966 I Fax: 380-2850 Advertising: 460-7966 thevanguardeditor@gmail.com STAFF Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Asst. Managing Editor Copy Editor Sports Editor Web Editor Reporters

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The University of South Alabama plans to host V-Day, a movement aimed at ending violence against women, for the fifth consecutive year Feb. 27-28. This is the third year under the coordination of Dr. Krista Harrell, assistant Dean of Students. V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls through creative events to “increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing antiviolence organizations,” according to vday.org. V-Day believes in the core value that “art has the power to transform thinking and inspire people to act.” Therefore, volunteers and colleges around the world produce annual benefit performances of The Vagina Monologues and A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer throughout the month of February. USA is also organizing a Day of Silence. V-Day organizers ask people participating in the Day of Silence to refrain from engaging in any form of communication. V-Day coordinators are looking for other organizations to cosponsor this event. The Day of Silence is scheduled

to take place from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. on Feb. 27. The performance of MMRP is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 28. Tickets are $5 and proceeds go to the Rape Crisis Center of Mobile. Sav Hoyt, USA senior, is organizer of this year’s event. She has specially selected pieces to perform MMRP, in part because it allows men to be part of the cast. “Students that attend the performance can expect to hear stories from different perspectives covering a wide range of topics, from survivor stories to tales of domestic violence to powerful calls to action,” Hoyt said. The goal of V-Day is to make a global impact on violence against women and Hoyt plans for this event to be a catalyst of awareness and support at USA. “I hope the show helps students find ways to have some of those difficult conversations concerning gender issues and violence,” Hoyt said. “In this time where so many survivors are coming forward with their stories, I hope the Day of Silence helps any survivors on campus know that we support and believe them, even if they haven’t come forward. If even just one

student feels less alone or feel that they can speak out as a result of our events, I’ll be happy. But I’m especially hoping that students who haven’t been affected by sexual assault and violence will find something of value in our events.” According to the World Health Organization, one in three women will experience physical or sexual assault in her lifetime. Hoyt says she feels empowered by the women affected to be a part of this movement. “When I first started working on V-Day and sharing about it on social media, other family members assumed I had experienced violence personally, but you don’t have to have been assaulted to care enough about the issue to speak out,” Hoyt said. “As a woman, I’ve spent nearly every day of my life in fear of being assaulted when I’m alone. V-Day gives me a chance to feel like I’m doing something about the violence I see in the world.” The coordinators of V-Day are still open to volunteers and support from other organizations. To sign up or get more information, email Sav Hoyt at sjh1322@jagmail. southalabama.edu.

NEWS

USA to open new cancer center in Fairhope BY: TRICIA WEST | ELECTRONIC FILE MANAGER

The University of South Alabama plans to host the grand opening of its new cancer institute in Fairhope on Jan. 19 from 4-5:30 p.m. The cancer center is named the Kilborn Cancer Institute, due to a $1.5 million donation by Vincent F. Kilborn III, a Mobile-native lawyer. According to WRKG news, Kilborn cited his father’s death from pancreatic cancer as the main reason for his support. “Cancer has affected my family like it has so many others,” Kilborn

told WKRG news. “The community has provided me with the opportunity to give back to those who need and deserve the best cancer treatment that medical science has to offer. The establishment of the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute Kilborn Clinic will be a great stride in that effort.” According to USA Health Center, construction began in April of 2017, and reached completion this year. According to Dr. Michael Finan, director of USA Mitchell Cancer Institutes, the new clinic came

from the growing population of the south Baldwin county area. “Baldwin county has the fastest growing population in all of Alabama,” Finan said. “There is a significant population of patients that have cancer in the south Baldwin area. There is also a large population of retirees who are more likely to get ill and we are simply trying to serve that population. The opening of the new clinic may also help USA students with their career hunts. “This new clinic will absolutely expand job opportunities for South

Alabama students wanting to go into medical or nursing field and we actually have a few students working for us now as parking valets who help patients enter and exit the clinic. Were thrilled to have them and hope to see more students working for us.” To RSVP to this event, students can call Vanessa McMillian at (251) 445-9691 or by emailing vmmcmillian@health.southalabama.edu. To learn about career opportunities with the clinic, students can call career services at (251) 460-6188 to speak to an institute recruiter.

The University of South Alabama is set to open a new cancer center in Fairhope, thanks to charitable donations from Mobilian Vincent F. Kilborn III Photo courtesy of lagniappe.com

Intramural fields construction, continued Continued from page 1

adequate to meet demand, and we believe the current fields will greatly enhance the intramural athletics experience,” Lowry said. The construction budget is still undetermined.

“The ongoing site work is budgeted at $2.6 million,” Lowry said. “Additional construction has yet to be bid, so we don’t have a firm cost for that.” Players will have to wait for construction to be com-

pleted. “The target date for four of the fields is August 1,” Lowry said. “Two additional fields and the field house will be completed by December 31.” USA hopes students will

benefit from the fields. “We are a very active university community and these improvements will enable more students, faculty, and staff to participate in a wide variety of activities,” Lowry said. “We don’t

anticipate the construction to disrupt the normal operations on the campus.” For more information about the intramural fields on campus and the athletic opportunities they provide, go to southalabama.edu/

NEWS

Org to Support Pre-Med Minority Students Dining Options, continued BY: HANNAH CLAYTON | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Malik McMullin, a second-year medical student at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, recently founded Minority Association for Premedical Students (MAPS) with the goal of improving support for minority students in health related fields. McMullin, who completed his undergraduate degree at USA, is the Vice President of the University of South Alabama’s Student National Medical Association, a parent organization for MAPS. McMullin defines a minority student, specifically within the field of medicine, as any student underrepresented within the field. “Statistically, that usually includes mainly African-Americans, Hispanics, American Indians and Alaskan Natives,” McMullin stated. “Our organization is open to any student who thinks they would benefit from what we offer.” The organization hopes to bridge the gap where services for minority medical students may not exist. “Compound that with the fact that many come from communities that lack resources and support to guide students to the level it takes to get into medical school,” McMullin stated. McMullin feels that these factors combine to create doubt in minority pre-med students. Less African-American males applied to medical school in 2014 than did in 1978, according to McMullin and a report published by the Association of American Medical Colleges. MAPS’ goals are to improve minority student enrollment in medical programs, increase awareness of the issues minority communities face and “provide underrepresented pre-med students with knowledge, skills and experience that are both prerequisite and concomitant to professional participation in health care fields,” according to McMullin. “USA has never had a MAPS organization and as an undergraduate student, I witnessed many of my

friends that were minorities fall off track,” McMullin stated. McMullin feels many of those students would have benefitted from an organization such as MAPS. “There are also many stereotypes that my classmates of color experience because ‘they don’t look like a doctor,’” McMullin stated. MAPS members make up roughly a third of Student National Medical Association memberships and their chapters exist in campuses all around the country, according to McMullin, MAPS plans to host an event called “A Day in the Life of a Med Student” this spring, according to McMullin. The event, originally created by Mariah Sankey a third-year medical student, is intended to highlight the difficulties students in medical programs face. “Students going into the medical field face many more obstacles and are less likely to have a mentor or someone to shadow in their profession, especially someone of color,” McMullin stated.

Minority students who join MAPS can benefit from getting immediate access to medical students like themselves to mentor and help them stay on track, according to McMullin. McMullin fully supports the Diversity Recruitment and Enrichment for Admission into Medicine (DREAM) program. The DREAM program gives minority students the opportunity to take part in an eight-week program over two summers with the ultimate goal of earning a seat as a first-year medical student. “As a personal product of the DREAM program, it gave me a chance to become a doctor,” McMullin stated. Meetings are slated to be held in the Medical Sciences Building’s first-floor auditorium on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Students interested in joining the organization can attend the meeting or add themselves to the email list by emailing mapsusacom@ gmail.com.

MAPS supports recipients of the DREAM program. Photo by Briana Cunningham

Continued on page 3

and she hopes the space in the Student Center will be more effectively utilized. Psychology major Gabrielle Craig was also excited about the potential change.

“I think most students like Subway more than Quizno’s, anyway. Quizno’s isn’t my favorite sandwich place anyway, and I feel like more students would eat at Moe’s.” -Gabrielle Craig “I would love that so much more,” Craig said. “I think most students like Subway more than Quizno’s, anyway. Quizno’s isn’t my favorite sandwich place anyway, and I feel like more students would eat at Moe’s.” However, some students didn’t want to see their favorites go. Art major Devontae Knight said he didn’t want to see Burger Studio leave. Biology major Janiya Holloway was unenthusiastic about the proposed changes, citing unfamiliarity with Moe’s Southwestern Grill and Panda Express’ menus. Krissie Herman, Elementary Education major, was enthusiastic about the potential changes and hoped that more healthier options would come to campus. “...we don’t want that freshman 15, but now it’s turned into the freshman 45,” Herman said. “You see a lot of people gaining weight, so now my question is ‘what are some healthier options?’” USA will make an official announcement after the contracts are finalized.

LIFE

5 USA promotes global engagement BY: EMMA ROYAL| CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Global USA Office Aims for Increased Global Engagement “We want our international students engaged with the local community, and that’s how culture sharing happens, you know if you stay in the little pockets that you are familiar with you are not going to learn outside ideas or perspectives and what we want is a merging of that,” said Noel McCann, the Coordinator of International Student Programs for Global Outreach USA students studied abroad in England during summer 2017 semester. Photo courtesy of Shannon Lundgren and International Student Programs as President Waldrop has made enhances our ability to understand office. McCann’s office is a part of clear, by including Global Engagethe world as a whole.” the Global USA division, one that ment as one of USA’s top five pri“Part of my job is to make interis growing in numbers, popularity orities. In his inauguration speech national students feel comfortable and importance on USA’s campus. President Waldrop said “We live in here and make sure that they have According to McCann, Mobile is an increasingly global community. activities and events to participate full of international and interculInternational air travel, televiin,” McCann said. “During Hometural influences, and the Universion, social media and the Internet coming week, I created several sity of South Alabama is reflecting have made it easier to experience different events and meet-ups for that more and more each day. cultures different from that in the international students that I International students are exthe United States. There is a free knew, and then encouraged them tremely important to this campus, flow of trade, travel and news that to reach out. It’s all about network-

ing and reaching out so that I can meet these new students and they can network or connect me with other people.” Lipika Neshmin Arif, who is an international Ph.D. student in instructional design and development, said her motivation to receive a degree abroad along with her belief that America has the best education system in the world, led her to study in the United States. When asked if she thought that it was good for USA to be globally minded she replied, “Of course. The world is changing.” The Global USA Office consists of McCann’s International Student Programs, the Global Outreach Office and the Study Abroad Office. The Global Outreach Office is responsible for recruiting students from other countries to come to South. The Study Abroad Office, is responsible for sending USA students abroad to experience new cultures.

Students have options for textbook shopping BY: BEN MORRIS | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Every year, college students are faced with preparing for the upcoming semester, which means buying supplies and, more importantly, textbooks. Purchasing textbooks is a heavy financial burden for the average student. However, it is important to consider that the financial burden of book buying can be somewhat alleviated by shopping with alternative methods, such as renting, or through alternative vendors, such as online stores.

Sam McDonnell, a sophomore communications student at the University of South Alabama went to USA Bookstore for his textbooks this semester. “I wish I had used a different route,” he said, after spending $634 dollars for his six books, only one of which was available used. Alternatives to this include renting, shopping off-campus, or shopping online. Renting, rather than buying textbooks, can be much less expensive. Emma Belue, a USA psychology student, said by rent-

ing, she only paid around $200 for all five of her books. Belue said other alternatives are to use off-campus bookstores, such as the Campus Bookstore on Old Shell Road, or to shop online. Shopping online at sites like Amazon, eBay or Abebooks, provides a wide variety of editions from resellers around the globe. “I just look at whatever is cheaper,” Belue said. “Sometimes it’s cheaper to rent it; sometimes it’s just cheaper to buy it used. Shopping online is a way to find

used books at greatly discounted prices, even with shipping costs factored in. Some books, however, are university-specific and may only be found in that school’s bookstore. When shopping for textbooks, make sure to consider all options available. Sometimes, a little research can go a long way into reducing the cost.

LIFE LGBTQ life on campus 6

USA Spectrum President Jamie Robinson at Spectrum’s HallowQueen event. Photo by Briana Cunningham BY: RICHARD NARRAMORE | ASST. MANAGING EDITOR

The University of South Alabama offers several resources for LGBTQ students, such as student-led organizations, faculty training and university initiatives to be more inclusive. Dr. Michael Mitchell, vice president of students affairs and dean of students, believes USA offers a safe and inclusive environment to its LGBTQ students. USA student and Spectrum treasurer Ryan Prater said she has never experienced prejudice on campus due to her sexuality, but added she had apprehension in expressing her sexuality due to living in the south. However, Prater reported being harassed for being affectionate with another woman in downtown

Mobile. “... I have been harassed before,” Prater said. “It’s not a fun experience, but it’s not as bad as it could be.” Spectrum, a student organization for LGBTQ life on campus, hopes to create solidarity among the LGBTQ community and provide an extended family to its members, according Prater. Mitchell said he believes Spectrum plays a crucial part at USA and helps integrate LGBTQ students into USA. “When I first joined [Spectrum] I didn’t know anybody at USA, but through this club I made a lot of friends,” Spectrum PR Coordinator Josh Horshok said. “By being involved with the club more, I felt more involved with USA.” Prater said Spectrum stresses the importance of allies, someone who

does not identify as LGBTQ but actively supports the LGBTQ community. “Some people think this is the gay agenda and only the gays are perpetuating this,” Prater said. “I think it’s more about how people should be able to love the people they want to love, and I think our straight allies in our group understand that.” Mitchell said providing programs that help important dialogue take place is paramount. “When Spectrum wants to put on a program, they’re able to come to SGA and receive funding for that program and so that programing, I think, opens up conversation, it opens up opportunities for people to connect., Mitchell said. “It opens up the opportunity for people to really understand what this community is and how the LGBTQ community is a part of this community.” USA’s Committee of Diversity and Inclusion does not currently have a subgroup assigned to address LGBTQ issues on campus, but would appoint one if ever needed according to Mitchell. “Those issues have not been brought directly to the committee as something the university community, either students, faculty or staff would like the committee to work on,” Mitchell said. USA also revamped its Diversity and Inclusion Plan in 2017. “The University recognizes and values the contributions made by African-American and other under-represented populations and desires to make the University an even more attractive and inclusive place for people of all races, ethnicities, faiths and cultures to study and work in a supportive, diverse community,” the USA website states. USA’s Safe Zone Policy has helped create a safer environment for LGBTQ students, according to Mitchell. USA’s website states the Safe

Zone Program’s goal is to “create a positive environment, free of discrimination, prejudice and harassment for LGBTQ students so that they can succeed on a personal and academic level during their years at USA.” “I think it helps students to know that there are places and people that they can go and not worry about being judged, not worry about being discriminated against and can really talk and share their story,” Mitchell said. USA also holds a reception for incoming LGBTQ students to find resources and other LGBTQ community members during its Week of Welcome. Looking ahead, Mitchell said the Diversity and Inclusion Plan, open dialogue and continued Safe Zone training will keep USA a diverse, safe and inclusive experience for the LGBTQ community.

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SPORTS

Womens’ basketball pulls past Troy

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tight scoring battle that characterFleur ized the first half. 2 Bedroom Flat Senior center Chyna Ellis made 2 Bath 1,014 Sq.Ft. the first shot to cement the lead. Rent: $ The Jaguars rode through the rest Rent: $ of the game with 1:15 to go in the 251-343-6800 • MirabelleMobile.com half setting up a 42-37 that the Jags Cherie 3 Bedroom Flat • SURFACE PARKING Residence Amenities Floor plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject 2 Bath expended to 44-39 by the end of • PLAYGROUND • Air Conditioning and information. 1,367 Sq.Ft.to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details • PET FRIENDLY the first half. • Heating • SWIMMING POOL & WADING POOL • SPORTS COURT • Patios/Balconies The third period was all about • Washer/Dryer Hook-ups • DOG PARK the Jags as they continually pushed • Carpeting & • NEARBY TRANSPORTATION •I-10 Vinyl Flooring • HIGHWAYS: I-65 & to extend their lead. They out• Full Size Kitchen scored the Trojans 17-16 as a com• New White Shaker Cabinets plete effort allowed six different Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ AMENITIES Rent: $ • Quartz Countertop RESIDENCE players to score, setting up a 61-55 Throughout • AIR CONDITIONING CHERIE • Range lead. • HEATING • Refrigerator • PATIOS/BALCONIES The Jags continued the fourth pe• Microwave • WASHER/DRYER HOOK-UPS • Dishwasher riod much like they had the third, Amour • CARPETING • Garbage Disposal 3 Bedroom Townhouse • VINYL FLOORING keeping the Trojans four points 2.5 Bath • FULL SIZE KITCHEN behind until at 5:13 the Jags pulled 1,415• Sq.Ft. NEW WHITE SHAKER CABINETS • QUARTZ COUNTERTOP THROUGHOUT away to defeat Troy 79-68 to set up • RANGE • REFRIGERATOR their second consecutive win. • MICROWAVE The Women’s team advanced to • DISHWASHER N • GARBAGE DISPOSAL (11-5, 4-1 SBC) to take the No. 3 FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR spot in the SBC, and establish the Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ AMOUR best start the Jags have had under head coach Terry Fowler. The USA MIRABELLE LEASING CENTER • 6427 Airport Blvd • Mobile, AL 36608 251-343-6800 • MirabelleMobile.com Women’s team plans to continue in Floor plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject conference play on Thurs. Jan. 18 at to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details and information. the Mitchell Center where they will FURNISHED UNITS AVAILABLE face-off with Coastal Carolina. FIREPLACE

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The University of South Alabama Women’s Basketball team opened up a double-header against their in-state rival the Troy Trojans with a 79-68 win. The Trojans jumped out early, assuming a 9-3 lead after the Jags struggled early making only one three-point shot and turning the ball over twice. Jaguar senior guard Erin Autio brought the Jags into the game, making two consecutive layups and picking up an assist to tie the game at 9-9 with 6:22 to go in the opening period. The Jags and Trojans continued to trade the lead throughout the remaining six and a half minutes, before finishing out the period with Autio hitting a three-point shot as time expired to make it a 26-23 lead. The second period began with the Jags taking a narrow lead on a superb effort by red-shirt freshman Savannah Jones, scoring six consecutive points on two three-pointers. The Jags and Trojans spent the next seven minutes trading the lead in a

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Amour Erin Autio tied the game with an assist in the opening period. Photos courtesy of USAJaguars

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SPORTS

Mens’ basketball gives Trinity 99 problems BY: HANNAH BLACKBURN | REPORTER

Four Jags scored double-digits as USA men’s basketball dominated Trinity Baptist 99-34 in their largest point spread victory in program history Jan. 9 under the Mitchell Center lights. The game gave them a break from conference play. In the matchup, junior guard Rodrick Sikes went 6-of-9 shooting and redshirt sophomore Jordan Andrews went 6-of-11 in shooting as both put up 16 points apiece. Senior forward Nick Davis had 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting and sophomore forward Kevin Morris had 12 on 6-of-8 shooting. Two Jags shattered their previous records. Redshirt sophomore Trhae Mitchell had a career-high of 10 boards to go with his eight points and Morris had nine rebounds to lead all rebounders. Redshirt freshman guard John Pettway had a career-high of five assists and was 3-for-3 from the field for six points. As a whole, USA was 40-of-69

(58 percent) in shooting and out rebounded the Eagles 45-27. “One thing we talked about going into the game was playing up to our standards, and I felt like we did that for the most part,” head coach Matthew Graves said. “We were not selfish. We had 22 assists. We shared the basketball. We didn’t take very many quick shots. We rebounded the ball well, and we continued to contest 3-point shots. That’s been a big point of emphasis for us, to contest the 3-point line.” Bench production also was a major contributor in the matchup and Graves used the game as way to give players minutes. “I liked the fact that we were able to get a lot of guys who don’t normally get extended minutes some playing time,” said Graves. “John Pettway played well, Kevin Morris, Joe Thompson, they all got an opportunity to play extended minutes, which is really good for us as we head into the heart of confer-

Sophomore forward Kevin Morris. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars

ence play now.” The Jags sprinted to an 18-0 run. From there, the Eagles just could not match USA’s pace. Scoring in the paint coupled with the 22 assists dished out is what Graves said allowed them to command the game as well as they did. The Eagles first score came at the ten-minute mark in the first half. Trinity Baptist’s inability to sink shots and high turnover rate, coupled with the Jags’ strong defense, kept Trinity Baptist to just 12-of-50 (24 percent) of shooting. “[Getting so many points] was our strength, and I think it goes back to the maturity of the team,” Graves said. “Tonight, I think we did a good job attacking the paint, sharing the basketball, dropping it off to our bigs, and scoring in the paint. It was a huge emphasis going into the game, and I was really pleased to see them carry that out.” To find out more about USA basketball and Jaguar athletics, visit USAJaguars.com

Junior guard Rodrick Sikes. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars

MBB falls to Troy

BY: CHARLES HARRISON | SPORTS EDITOR

The University of South Alabama Men’s Basketball team suffered a narrow 79-64 loss to Troy University to close out the Sat. Jan 13 double-header. Despite coming off one the largest wins this season, the Jags struggled to find lasting offensive productivity despite leading 17-5 with 12:05 to go in the first half Troy’s defensive dominance allowed them to take the lead at the 5:58 mark and hold it the rest of the game. The Jags went to the half, trailing 37-31 having shot at only 34.5 percent in the first half, and making only 2-of-13 three-point shots for a lackluster 15.4 percent. The Jaguars struggled in the second period having difficulty with the speed and physicality of the Trojan team, which kept several key Jaguar quiet in front of a crowd of over 3,000 people. The Trojans outscored the Jags 42-33 in the second half. Despite the Jags’ field goal percentage improving to 52.2 percent, they fell to 0 percent on three-point shots. The Trojans would finish of the Jags 7964 after 40 minutes of play. The Jags fell to (9-9, 2-3 SBC) after three straight conference losses, and are now No. 7 in the Sun Belt Conference. The Jags plan to continue their season on Thurs. Jan. 18 at home against Coastal Carolina (7-12, 1-5 SBC). For more information on Jaguar Athletics go to USAJaguars.com.

OPINION

Student opinions on general requirements

USA student studying at the Student Center. Photo by Briana Cunningham BY: NATASHA SPRADLIN | REPORTER

Most undergraduates spend their first years at USA loading their schedules with mandatory general education requirements. When sophomore year finally comes to a close we can’t help but ask ourselves, did we really learn anything? Will the central limit theorem actually help me be a better English major? Senior Samantha Borden is graduating in May and is not totally satisfied with her degree. “My General Education requirements did not feel beneficial,” Borden said. “Some courses were obviously ‘blow off’ courses; a course that requires little work or attendance and does not actually help a student grow their knowledge or skills.” Senior Jordan Temples experienced similar courses during her undergraduate career. “A lot of teachers kind of talk at you instead of to you,” Temples said. “They just spout off information and then quiz you. I had one professor who usually spent the first 30 minutes of class lecturing us on how bad we were at being students. Another professor spent most of the time telling us about

herself.” General education requirements are widely advertised as valuable courses that help develop flexibility, problem-solving skills and allow us to see the world from different perspectives. Yet, many of us feel unprepared by the time we reach our more advanced classes. So what’s the deal? If you listen diligently, you are likely to hear theories in the halls. Some blame shallow multiple choice exams or the professors themselves, while others place fault on universities for running as businesses. In their 2017-2027 Master Plan, USA stated that their priorities include “student success and access, enhancement of research and graduate education, and global engagement” and aim to reach those objectives by “being fiscally responsible, meeting development and fundraising targets, and implementing marketing and communications” but students wonder at what cost? The unfortunate reality is the success of our university is directly linked to our tuition. According to the U.S. Department of Education, federal and state funding for higher education continues to decrease

every year, making it necessary for universities to rely heavily on donations and tuition to continue to bring new amenities and resources to the campus. Alumnus Robert O’Berry worries USA could lose sight of its goals by attending to their business needs before the needs of students. “Where their money and buildings are going, it seems to be more about how they can acquire revenue as opposed to using it towards making USA a better educational facility,” O’Berry said. “It just depends on who donates the money. We are getting this new administration building, but we don’t need more administrators. We need a better curriculum and a wider array of classes.” There’s a likely possibility that O’Berry’s fears carry a hint of truth in them, but these are issues that seem to be out of our control. If we are to solve our qualms with general education perhaps we should start by asking ourselves different questions. Dr. Phil Carr, the new chair of the General Education Committee here at USA, says general education shapes us to be better leaders in careers and our communities. However, what we get out of them

is largely what we put in. “Students need to work to gain skills and knowledge in gen eds,” Carr said. “Students need to realize that professors want them to learn and be successful, but professors do NOT give grades. Students earn them! Students need to connect with professors or a professor during their college careers for practical and personal reasons.” According to Carr, Professors can benefit tremendously by realizing students are concerned about their futures, and sometimes this anxiety can lead to trouble in their coursework. Professors are equally as responsible for cultivating and maintaining a learning environment set up for success, he says. Professors should be clear how their course will develop a student’s skills and the value behind the knowledge that a course provides. In addition, they should aim to avoid crafting exams solely centered around low-knowledge questions. “Well-written multiple choice questions can challenge the student to apply their knowledge so balance is achieved between grading efficiency and student learning,” Carr said. “I also prefer to have some essay questions and term paper as means to assess student knowledge and skills.” According to Carr, the university committee of general education is developing new learning objectives for gen ed courses and in the future gen eds may require an assessment of sorts. For example, assessments in social science gen eds could challenge students to distinguish between science and pseudoscience in detail, Carr says. Professors, like students, aren’t immune to burnout. Director of Honors Education, Dr. Douglas Marshall, recommended professors feeling fatigued by their courses go to the Innovation in Learning Center and talk about other ways to teach. Whether it’s team based learning, implementing more activities, or changing up the topics Continued on page 10

10 General Education cont’d covered in courses, sometimes a fresh perspective makes all the difference. “Remember, there was something that drew you into your field,” Marshall said. “Find that, and somebody else is going to discover it in your class, maybe, if you do it right. It’s up to you to demonstrate to somebody else why they should care. If it becomes boring to you, it’s time to start thinking about changing how you do it. Find what works for you and don’t be afraid to experiment with it. If that’s just not working for you, talk to your chair.” As for students, remember having a degree means you can do more than follow instructions. “A future employer is unlikely to ask about how a student maneuvered through their Gen Ed without actually accomplishing anything,” Carr said. As students, we should strive to get the most out of our gen ed courses. We should want to prepare ourselves for the curve balls life throws our way. “Take it on yourself to find courses that interest you,” Marshall said. “Vote with your feet. Look at RateMyProfessor.com and talk to other students. Talk to seniors in that major. Do some research and find the good professors. There are a lot of professors who care about gen ed, but not all of them. Find out who these people are and take them.” Professors can contact the Innovation in Learning Center by phone at (251) 461 -1888 or by emailing ilc@southalabama.edu. Similarly, students can refer to their course syllabi for access to their professor’s email, office number, and office hours. In addition, students can complete course evaluations anonymously during the last two to three weeks of every semester.

OPINION Interview mad lib

USA students at the career fair held on campus. Photo by William Cannon BY: KRISHA AMIN | WEB EDITOR

At some point in time, we will all apply for jobs or graduate programs after graduation or even for internships during the summer. Interviews for these positions can be stressful and intimidating, but no need to fear; The Vanguard is here. Tell me about yourself. I am currently pursuing a/an ________(degree) at ___________ (any university), with hopes of becoming a/an __________ (profession). It’s a/an __________(noun) of mine to do work for ________ (adjective) ___________(plural noun) in ____________(foreign city). I have spent the past ________(number) of ______(unit of time) developing my skills as a part-time _____________(type of language) _________(type of athlete). With this ____________ (noun) under my belt, I’m looking for an opportunity to __________ (verb) my career and pursue this profession. Your resume says you held a part-time job while in college.

I have worked at _____________ (fast food restaurant) for the past _________(number) ________(unit of time). I was absolutely _____________(adjective) by the experience. Once, _____________(any person, dead or alive) came through the drive thru at ___________(time of day) in a/an____________(mode of transportation) and ordered a/ an_____________(concession stand food), which - fun fact- is made from__________(ice cream flavor) ____________(type of fruit) ___________ (Advice you’d give children). What is your greatest passion and/or hobby? I have been _________(verb ending in -ing) since I was __________(number) years old. Sometimes, though, it just gets too ___________(adjective) and all I really want is a/an ___________ (drink order). In order to motivate myself, I pretend I am being chased by ____________(celebrity who has been arrested). Because of this, people call me __________(nickname). I’m even a part of an exclusive team, called the __________(type of Girl Scout

cookie) __________(profession + s). We practice _________ (number) days a week and are currently training for the _________(holiday) _________(noun). How will you contribute to our program/school/? I believe that I bring a very unique _________(noun) to the program. While in undergrad, I was a part of ___________(organization), where I __________(verb ending in -ed) __________(proper plural noun). I believe my extremely ___________(adjective) and ___________(adjective) skills will allow me to contribute ___________(adverb ending in -ly). In addition, once I’m rich and successful, I will donate __________(amount of money); hopefully, I’ll have a/ an ____________(type of building with specific purpose) named after my last name, __________ (surname) that will be used for ___________(activity ending in -ing). Do you have any questions for me? Do I have the ________(noun)?

DISTRACTIONS

Fun Facts!

A Japanese explorer named Maomi Uemura was the first man to reach the North Pole alone, on April 29, 1978, after his eight-week journey. Shakespeare’s tombstone in Stratford’s Holy Trinity Church bears this inscription, said to have been written by him: Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear to dig the dust enclosed here. Blest be the man that spares these stones, and curst be he that moves my bones”.