5.7.2012 by The Vanguard

VANGUARD

THE MAY 7, 2012

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

Sebastian Nature Trail dedicated The trail is named for Dr. Glenn Sebastian, longtime USA professor. Over 20 people attended the ceremony in honor. BY KAYLN MCCLELLAN Staff Writer

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Ribbon cutting ceremony at the Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail, now open.

he Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail Official Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony occurred Tuesday, May 1 at 4 p.m. The celebration took place on USA’s main campus at the entrance to the trails on Aubrey Green Drive, near the old repel tower. For the past six years, USA students in the earth sciences and biology departments have been working to make this project possible. The project included widening the trails and putting up signage along the pathways, highlighting some of the natural features and animals found along the trails. There is also a new information kiosk located at the entrance to the trails that includes a map, history of the trails, and information about the natural area surrounding the campus. There are four marked, measured paths as well as open paths. The marked paths include a 1-mile path, a 1.5-mile path, a 2-mile path and a 5K path. The open path circles the entire area of trails. Each path is notated by colored routes on

See TRAIL, page 3

Who won JagIdol? P. 5 VOL. 50, NO. 16

Lockdown spurred from robbery, drugs BY CASSIE FAMBRO Editor-in-Chief A week after guns were pulled out of trunks and students expected Tom Cruise to come running, there’s an update on the lockdown lunacy of spring semester 2012 that made national news. The University of South Alabama Police arrested Justin Sears, 20, of Montgomery Ala., for the robbery in the residence halls that took place a week ago on Sunday, April 29. Sears is not a USA student. The second suspect has not been apprehended at press time, but according to USAPD Chief Zeke Aull, an arrest warrant is out. He is a black male with a thin build, dark complexion, and a short hairstyle. The unnamed suspect is also not a USA student. The victim of the armed robbery at a Delta residence hall had invited the two suspects into his room with the intent to buy marijuana, according to Aull. USAPD would like to thank the campus community for its help with the case, and to call USAPD if they notice anything suspicious on campus at 251-460-6312.

Financial Aid: Why you aren’t getting the help that you need Director Emily Johnston of Financial Aid gives some useful information about the Financial Aid process that goes along with being a student at South Alabama

BY AARON ETHEREDGE Associate Editor

FINANCIAL AID DEPT.

Graphic on the top of the Financial Aid’s flier for top tips.

tay on top of your business," were the words that Financial Aid Director Emily Johnston said May 2, 2012, with regards to receiving financial aid. For many students, applying to financial aid is like hitting a brick wall. If a freshman is applying for the first time without help from a parent or older sibling who's experienced in this, it can

be a massive mental barrier that a student must face when applying. Filling out the FASFA online and asking for thousands of dollars in loans can be a scary thought if you don't know how it works. It's even scarier when you get bombarded with the tiny-text contract that you're required to sign at the end, agreeing that you'll pay back all of your loans, plus interest. To make this process as simple and as stress-free as possible, the Financial Aid department at USA has taken the initia-

tive and compiled a neatly-designed handout of the top 10 tips that students need to know when applying for aid. This includes such simple things as checking your PAWS account daily, something that people often neglect. "If they follow these top 10 tips, they will love us. They will love financial aid and their life will be so much easier." said Johnston. "Learn what the rules are; there are so many rules regarding financial aid, your eligibility, what classes you can take.... that kind of thing." said Johnston.

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Financial aid presents challenges for cash-strapped students Continued from page 1

It's hard for Financial Aid to keep track of 13 thousand students, so it falls to the student to know if he or she is meeting the requirements. For a new student, he or she must register for just 12 credit hours of classes and fulfill the income requirements set by the FASFA to be eligible for financial aid. Returning students, however, must maintain a 2.0 GPA along with 12 credit hours of classes. There are also time frame limits to how many semesters you can go to USA and receive financial aid. According to the USA Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy found on Financial Aid's website, a student may not exceed 16 full-time semesters of finan-

cial aid. In addition to this, after 12 full-time semesters students will no longer receive a Pell Grant. Some other issues that students should be aware of is that USA only disperses financial aid for 2 semesters per academic year. This means that it's up to the student to save his or her unused money if he or she plans to attend summer classes. But that doesn't mean that Financial Aid doesn't pay out to the students. For the 2011-2012 year at USA alone, Financial Aid will pay an expected $130 million dollars to students in the form of financial aid. Unfortunately, even with all this money awarded, there are still those who are having a hard time coming up

with tuition. "Financial Aid isn't keeping up with the cost of Higher Education," said Johnston A freshman can only receive $5,500, which doesn't even cover tuition for a 12 credit hour semester or the cost of supplies. When asked about other options to pay for college, Johnston was quick to say it's not a good idea, mainly because of how expensive private lenders are. While this may put students in a bind, Johnston explained that it was not Financial Aid's fault for the lack of funds. Financial aid amounts are determined by the government, and Financial Aid is unfortunate enough to be the department that is blamed for student's financial calamities.

They follow strict rules that are set in place by the Department of Education, and must follow those rules just like any other person follows the regulations of their boss. While this may sound dismal, Johnston did give one final suggestion. "I don't want this to be gloom and doom, but you know... you have to be aware that you have to come to college, you have to take enough hours, you have to stay in touch with your advisor, stay in touch on PAWS and email with Financial Aid and if you are engaged in your education other than just going to class, you'll be fine." The Vanguard will do a follow-up in the fall on this issue. Please email us with your stories.

VOL. 50, NO. 7 / FEB. 27, 2012

7-DAY JAGCAST May 7 - May 13 Monday May 7

Tuesday May 8

Wednesday May 9

Thursday May 10

Friday May 11

Saturday May 12

Sunday May 13

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The Vanguard will be back June 4 In the mean time, look for Due South magazine -A new USA tradition At graduation, pick up the Tapestry -new-and-improved For breaking news, visit our website and our Facebook page.

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It will be another warm and sticky start to the school week with highs near 90° on Monday and Tuesday! A cold front will be approaching the area, increasing the chance for thunderstorms across the area. Lows will be in the mid 60s for Monday and Tuesday nights. That cold front will move though on Wednesday, therefore the chance for thunderstorms will remain in the forecast but, we will be cooling off after it passes to the mid 80s with overnight lows in the low 60s. Thursday and Friday will be mostly sunny with drier air and highs in the mid 80s. Another system looks to move across the area for the weekend, bringing with it more thunderstorms. Highs will be in the mid 80s with lows in the low 60s. for the latest on your forecast, severe weather updates, and what’s going on in the tropics, find us on Facebook search “StormTeam4Gamma9Wx” you can follow us on Twitter, too search “stormteam4g9wx” and find Patrick Bigbie on Twitter search “metwxpatrick”

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Sebastian Nature Trail Continued from page 1 the main map and colored markers along the paths. “We wanted to make this not only an enjoyable recreational activity, but also an interactive educational experience for students and the community,” said Dr. Miriam Fearn, Associate Professor of Geography at USA. “Our hope for this project is that more students will use the trails, not only to learn about the natural environment on campus, but also as a recreational avenue,” continued Dr. Fearn. Dr. Fearn also said that the trails are a great place to go to whenever stressed about school. “It is nice to get out on the trails and clear your mind. Nature is good for rejuvenation,” Dr. Fearn said. Many students and faculty already utilize the trails, as well as many members of the community. Olu Awoleye, senior education major said he runs the trail every day, Monday through Friday. “I love coming to the trails to exercise, have fun, and just relax,” Awoleye said. “I am glad that the trails have been widened and are now being taken care of because in the past it was hard to navigate through the trails when overgrowth got in the way,” stated Awoleye. Awoleye added that he encourages others to come use the trails because he feels they are a safe environment, surrounded by campus and neighborhoods. “As long as I have used the trails, I have never seen nor heard about any incidents of crime,” said Awoleye. According to Dr. Fearn, SGA contributed most of the funding for this project, but it was Campus Recreation that stepped up last year and really got the project moving. “Without Brian Allred, a recreation coordinator, this would not have been the success it is,” acknowledged Dr. Fearn. “Campus Recreation made this a top priority and now we have an exceptionally renovated recreation area for students and the community to enjoy,” Dr. Fearn continued. USA Grounds Department spent the last week renovating the trail entrance and putting in a new gate that includes a pedestrian entrance as well as a bike entrance. The trail honors Dr. Glenn Sebastian, a University Professor Emeritus who joined the USA faculty in 1967 and retired in 2006. Dr. Sebastian has inspired more than four decades of USA students in the study of geography and continues to teach even in retirement. Dr. Sebastian served 25 years as chair of earth sciences.

VOL. 50, NO. 16 / MAY 7, 2012

JagTran: Employees part of USA’s family BY MATT WEAVER Senior Reporter

ye Pelt has always wanted to drive buses for a living. That’s how she ended up piloting a JagTran at the University of South Alabama. Perhaps it’s a desire for routine, or a sense of communion with her patrons – she’s really not sure. Regardless of the reason why, Pelt has always enjoyed driving people where they need to go. “I always envisioned myself driving for the Wave (Mobile’s mass transit system) but didn’t have the proper license when I made the decision,” Pelt recalls. Both public and University transportation requires that all drivers first acquire their commercial driver's license (CDL). To prepare for her test, Pelt earned a chauffeur’s license and drove for a local limousine service. Upon acquiring her CDL in 2007, Pelt reached out to the Wave, hoping for her first bus-driving opportunity. Unfortunately, the Wave had a full roster and wasn’t hiring additional drivers. Pelt was, however, recommended for a possible opening at the University of South Alabama, driving for its expanding JagTran student transportation service. The University launched JagTran in 2005 with a startup staff of 24 drivers, mechanic, and auxiliary staff. The office

of student transportation also hires up to five part-time drivers that serve as substitutes when the primary drivers are sick or on a break. Pelt’s day is routine in that she drives the same passage every day. Driving in circles for two hours at a time, Pelt starts her day at 7 a.m. and drives until her break from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. She transports students again from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at which point lunch is served until noon. She completes one final stint, from noon to 2:30 p.m. before calling it a day. It’s easy to assume that an occupation of driving in circles must be dull, but Pelt insists that’s not the case. She’s become a fixture in the student community and many students say she is their favorite driver. “I’ve met a lot of interesting people,” Pelt said. “I’ve started to recognize my regulars, and we’ve exchanged years’ worth of stories. It’s really my favorite aspect of the job.” Dennis Gassert is in charge of the program and is quick to remind students about the shuttle’s positive impact on campus. Like his drivers, he has a lot of pride in what JagTran has accomplished over the past seven years. “This is a way of life for our drivers, and it’s very much a serious profes-

FAMBRO / EDITOR

There are two new JagTrans that will be painted over the summer. Larger and more spacious, students have given the new trans positive reviews in transport.

sion,” Gassert said. Most of JagTran’s staff arrived from a public school or city transit background. One employee is a military veteran, proving that it’s a profession that welcomes all types. But like Pelt, Gassert even has employees that are just starting their careers.

Pelt’s a relative newcomer to the business and the University but doesn’t want to work anywhere else. “I love it here,” she says. Judging by her popularity, the feeling is mutual.

Out on the Town Magazine Editor Mike Halterman named top influence in the south for GLBT rights BY CASSIE FAMBRO Editor-in-Chief he Vanguard sat down with Mike Hatlerman, Editor-in-Chief of Out on the Town magazine, the deep south GLBT magazine.

MH: One thing I noticed on the Gulf Coast was that we were getting magazines from Atlanta, New Orleans, even Miami, that spotlighted their GLBT nightlife and communities, but nothing for South Alabama, nothing for Northwest Florida, etc. I created the magazine to fill the clear need of our own GLBT media because we were quite frankly past due in having something for ourselves.

VG: How old is your publication?

VG: How can it be accessed? IE: Locations, website.

MH: Out on the Town's first issue was September 2010. We have published monthly (every month except January) since then.

MH: In Mobile, people can pick up the magazine for free at B-Bob's, 213 Conti St.

Name title

VG Why did you begin it?

In Biloxi, the magazine is available at Just Us Lounge, 906 Division St.; and at Club Veaux, 834 Howard Ave.

In Pensacola, the magazine is available at Emerald City, 406 E. Wright St.; The Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St.; Top of the Town, 15 E. Intendencia St.; among others. Our website is at www.outonthetownmag.com and our facebook is http://www. facebook.com/outonthetown VG: What drives you? MH: My drive is being able to serve the GLBT communities across our region, and serving them well, because for so long there was no voice for us; we didn't have our own media. So my drive is to make sure that never occurs again, that we will always have this voice. VG: How important is it to be named one of the top 40 under 40?

MH: I learned of the news about two months before the spread was made live and I'm still over the moon about it. I'm just so honored and blessed that the magazine is getting national recognition, and finally there's a GLBT-related story coming out of the South that's positive for once! VG: What message do you hope to convey to the deep south? The message I want to convey is that there are other people out there who share similar stories and interests here. GLBT people are everywhere, even down here. Some people may feel like they're alone and hopefully if they run into our magazine, they'll know they're not, and they'll know where to go to find people like them if it isn't immediately evident in their daily lives.

VOL. 50, NO. 16 / MAY 7, 2012

Tyler Hayes wins first-ever JagIdol BY CASSIE FAMBRO Editor-in-Chief

Tyler Hayes, 21, of Irvington, Alabama won the first JagIdol competition hosted by the University of South Alabama Communication Department’s JagTV. JagTV General Manager Matthew Lee organized JagIdol as a directed studies project, and it became the number 1 most-watched JagTV show of all time. Lee hopes the show will continue after he graduates this semester. “I am proud to have been involved in this project and to have seen its success. It’s a great insight into the making of reality TV, and it’s very challenging.” Hayes beat out an original 28 contestants, and the finale on Saturday narrowed it down to three. Hayes won studio recording time with Roman Empire Music, out of Mobile. Second and third place were also awarded time to record. Filmed in various locations including the Moulton Belltower, the Allied

Health building, Honor’s Bethel theater, JagTV studio and Humanities, the show went live and broadcasted both online and in the dorms. Available on channel 63 in the dorms as well as on JagTV’s website, the show amassed hundereds of viewers of live performances by the competitors. Hayes had this to say about his win. “It was just a great experience. I met alot of cool people along the way and I had a blast experiencing all of the different talents that South has to offer. The whole competition helped me grow as a singer and a performer and I’m pumped to be South’s first Jag Idol.” Hayes, a graduate from Faith Academy, enjoys fishing, flying and singing. His genre is country, and he plays guitar. A fan of Eric Church and Justin Moore, Hayes brings country sound to a younger style. If you would like to get involved with JagTV or learn more about JagIdol, email jagtvusa@gmail.com.

MATTHEW LEE/JAGTV

Tyler Hayes stands with host Josh York after winning first with a “landslide” victory.

Summer fashion should be comfortable and cool BY SHALLON SMITH Contributing Writer

hen temperatures are soaring, finding the most comfortable and stylish outfit can be hard to do. You will find yourself battling on what is the best fabric, the most fabulous vivid colors, or the most comfortable shoes to wear. Summer is approaching and everyone is trying to find out how to still look cute and still keep cool from the summer’s heat. Maxi dresses have always been the number one outfit when it comes to summer fashion. They are cute and

very colorful. “I think dresses are in, I think dresses are a big thing now. Anything that’s a bright color is in. Bright colors are making a fashion statement now. Forever 21 have a great variety of colorful dresses and skirts. A good trend is showing a little skin,” said Antoinette Keith, a senior at the University of South Alabama. Sometimes trying to find the brightest color to wear can be a bad fashion trend. This summer, wearing the brightest color is acceptable. “I would wear pink. Bright yellow is cute to wear depending on your skin tone, ” said Latoya Jones, a

freshman at the University of South Alabama. There are a lot of trendy styles to rock this summer, such as polo’s, cropped paints, tunics, and prints are really making a statement this year. Even wearing designer’s cloths are a must this summer. “I would choose a Ralph Lauren style polo and with some khakis. It will be a good trend for people to wear. I think a lot of people are picking up on that trend, boys as well”, said Antoinette Keith. “I think colorful high waist pants are in. Pants that are linen and cotton will help you stay cool,” said Latoya Jones, a freshman at the Uni-

versity of South Alabama. “I think wedge shoes are a fashion trend for the summer. It’s more summer appropriate.” The war has begun and every retail store are going to be packed with shoppers. The question of what to wear to school or on a vacation is a battle in itself. With all the summer trends you read in magazines or see displayed on a mannequin; the best fashion trend is to create your own unique style. Most importantly, remember to wear clothes that will keep you cool from the scorching summer heat.

VOL. 50, NO. 16 / MAY 7, 2012

Distractions

HOROSCOPES Aries: 3/21 - 4/19 This week during finals, the odds will indeed be ever in your favor. After your last final, you will enjoy massive amounts of nachos and pizza to celebrate not seizing up on your tests. Taurus: 4/20 – 5/20 The only thing that you’re going to remember about the night you went to that party is getting there and playing beer pong for three hours. You’ll also remember randomly waking up in Waffle House with four strangers and a glass of water. Gemini: 5/21 – 6/21 Don’t worry. Everyone is failing their math class. Cupcakes and honey buns will be your best chance to bribe your professor to grade you easier. Cancer: 6/22 – 7/22 You’re going to meet that guy in your English class that you had a crush on in the near

future. The funny thing is, you’re going to meet him at a family reunion. Leo: 7/23 – 8/22 Happy late May the Fourth be with you day. To celebrate this holiday, you must buy a case of beer, three extra large pizzas from Papa Johns, and watch all six star wars movies in the order that they were released. Virgo: 8/23 – 9/22 You will talk to a really cute girl at a friend’s party. Surprisingly, things are working for you. Do not excuse yourself to go to the bathroom. If you do, when you come back, she’ll be making out with someone other than you. Libra: 9/23 – 10/22 Safeguard your underwear during this last week of school. Underwear thieves are once again on the prowl. This time, they’re hitting harder than ever. Hide yo kids, hide yo wife. Hide yo boxers too.

Scorpio: 10/23 – 11/21 Brown rice, steamed broccoli, and grilled chicken is an excellent meal if you’re trying to get lean. I foresee a rice cooker from Walmart in your near future. Sagittarius: 11/22 – 12/21 LMFAO’s “Sexy and I know it” was not a song about you. You were not the inspiration for it in any way. Quit lying to your friends. Capricorn: 12/22 – 1/19 For your final, you must go to Party City and buy a banana suit. Wear it to class. When the test is over, pull out your phone and play the theme music that goes with it, and start dancing. Aquarius: 1/20 – 2/18 USA will finally reimburse you the $378.58 this week that they owe you for travel expenses and conference costs that has taken almost two months to process. Hopefully. Pisces: 2/19 – 3/20 You got stuck in the rain. You deserve Hungry Howey’s for your suffering. Specifically a ham and cheese pizza sub, stuffed with everything. Except pineapples.

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