THE ORACLE
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‘We will get an extroverted president’
Les Muma, chairman of the search committee responsible for finding Genshaft’s replacement, detailed the process of finding the next system president
U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H F L O R I DA
Students question Publix’s towing policy
By Jesse Stokes
By Alyssa Stewart
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The search is on to find the next system president, following Judy Genshaft’s announcement that she will retire in July. Tasked with leading the committee that will find her replacement, Les Muma, who also sits on USF’s Board of Trustees (BOT), said he is working hard to ensure a seamless transition. One aspect of the transition that Muma hopes to see involves the new system president working alongside Genshaft before she formally steps Though she will formally step away in July, Genshaft said she will be away. “I would like to have 30-60 days around to help her successor if needed. ORACLE FILE PHOTO of overlap,” Muma said. “Also, (Genshaft) has made the point to me much as he or she wants or as little as Currently, Muma said he is that she is not going anywhere. She he or she wants. rating the prospects in a three-part will work with the new president as “That’s a plus.” n See PRESIDENT on PAGE 3
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After the University Communications and Marketing department sent out an email about illicit long-term parking at the Publix parking lot, some students are questioning the legitimacy of the towing policy. The email was sent on Jan. 7 to reiterate that Publix is not a USF-designated parking lot. It was addressed to students, faculty and staff, stating that the lot could not be used as a “long-term parking option” even with the use of a USF parking permit. Publix management has the authority to tow vehicles since the lot is not monitored by Parking and Transportation Services or owned by USF, according to the email. Brian West, a spokesperson for Publix, said students have been using the parking lot for school purposes well before the Publix was
built. “We want to be the best neighbor we can be, but our parking spaces are designated for our customers,” West said in an email to The Oracle. “Students are already using the spaces to attend school business, so we worked with school officials to help get the message to everyone.” Some students are still unsure if Publix’s towing policy will be effective. There is not a tracking system set in place, however, West said Publix managers are monitoring the parking lot throughout the day. There has been no record of cars being towed thus far because Publix was waiting for students to return from winter break, according to West. Yutao, a sophomore living off campus, said during the first week of the semester he parked his car
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SG passes bill that alters ‘sweep’ statutes By Maria Ranoni M A N A G I N G
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A bill that the Student Government (SG) Senate resoundingly passed Tuesday night may impact existing statutes relating to how rollover Activity and Service (A&S) fees that are allocated to departments and student organizations are collected. Though, according to the author of the bill, Senate Pro
Tempore Yousef Afifi, this will likely have little effect on any current A&S funded entities. “This really doesn’t affect anything per se, anything that’s currently on the books or in the works,” Afifi said. “This is something that kind of polishes our statutes by bringing it more in line and conforming with Florida statutes.” The Florida statute that governs A&S dollars, a fee
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paid by every student which varies per school, states that all unexpended funds shall be carried over and remain in each school’s A&S account to allocate for the next year. Afifi said the exemptions as they stood before were in “direct contradiction” to this Florida statute. Prior to the passing of
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According to the author of the bill, Yousef Afifi, the exemption was rarely used by A&S funded departments and student organizations. ORACLE FILE PHOTO
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T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 1 7, 2 0 1 9
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NEWS
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PRESIDENT Continued from PAGE 1
scale. Muma said that once he and BOT Chairman Brian Lamb have reviewed each resume and ranked them, they will go after their “A” prospects first. Muma clarified that those interested in the position are being referred to as “prospects” because once they are identified as “candidates” they will have to go public about their application for the position, according to Florida’s Sunshine law. He said during Monday’s BOT meeting that the search committee has received 30-40 resumes from those interested in the position. Among the list of defined qualifications the committee put together for the next system president, includes experience and a background in academics. According to Muma, most of the prospects so far have filled that qualification. “There is a wide variety of prospects,” Muma said. “The vast majority of them are people with
said. “We will not get an introverted president, we will get an extroverted president.” Muma said all of the prospects who make it to the candidate group are expected to be announced sometime in mid-to-late March. Once the final candidates become known to the public, Muma said each of them will visit campus and have the opportunity to engage with students, faculty and staff directly. As far as Genshaft’s involvement in the search, Muma said that she has decided to put her full trust in the search committee thus far. “She (Genshaft) would rather let us do it on our own,” Muma said. “There will probably be a time somewhere down the road where I will have a conversation with her, but for right now she has a lot of confidence that we will hire somebody as good or better than she is. “That is probably impossible.” Muma said his message to students would be that he and the search committee are working hard to ensure that their experience is not
“ There is a wide variety of prospects. ” Les Muma, chairman of the Presidential Search Committee
academic experience. There are some outliers who do not have academic experience who we are taking a serious look at. We are taking a look at all of them right now.” Asidefromthelistofqualifications, Muma said the seventh person to fill the role of president will need to share the same passion as his or her predecessor. “In my opinion, we can’t have a major change in personality that we have had for 19 years without somebody pretty significant,” Muma
hindered in any way. “The chairman of the search committee and the search committee are doing their level best so students will not be impacted at all in a negative way,” Muma said. “They (students) all want another Judy. That may be impossible to get, but we are going to get somebody as close to another Judy as we can.” Additional reporting by Sam Newlon
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PUBLIX
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In an attempt to avoid students using their lot for parking while going to class, the on-campus Publix management have implemented a tow-away policy. However, some students remain skeptical. ORACLE PHOTO/ALYSSA STEWART
in the Publix parking lot to attend class. He said he read the email that the university sent out and knew that parking in that location would be a risk. “There is very limited parking space (on campus) and people may not want to purchase a parking permit and just park in the Publix lot for free,” Yutao said. Madison, a sophomore and resident in the Castor residential hall, said the best option for Publix would be for its staff and management team to be vigilant. Madison suggested that if Publix wants to solve the parking issue, then employees and staff members need to be involved in the process. She also believes that Parking and Transportation Services should contribute and not have the responsibility solely fall on Publix. “USF security could possibly add (Publix) to their route and pass through making sure that cars
haven’t been parked in the lot for too long,” Madison said. Aaron Nichols, assistant director of administrative services, said Parking and Transportation Services does not have the authorization to monitor the lot since it is operated by Publix. On the other hand, Jordan, a freshman living in the Endeavour residential hall located in The Village, said Publix wouldn’t be able to recognize an unwarranted vehicle unless it was parked overnight. According to Jordan, it would be difficult for Publix to distinguish which cars are customers shopping in the store and student cars parked long term. He said only after a car has been sitting in the vacant lot overnight, will Publix be able to notice and tow the vehicles. “Unless somebody is sitting out there and watching the parking lot, I don’t think that is something they can really regulate,” Jordan said.
Madison said she understands why towing is necessary since students parking and leaving vehicles could potentially hurt Publix’s business. She said if she saw a full parking lot, then she would leave the location and find somewhere else to shop. According to Madison, it is going to be inevitable that students park at Publix. She said USF should make it their responsibility as well so that Publix won’t have to be burdened with the responsibility of tracking students while running the business. “If the school doesn’t make it a concern, then it is just like wagging your finger at students,” Madison said. “For a desperate college student who is on a time crunch and can’t be late to class, I could see them not missing the opportunity to park there.”
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SWEEP
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The “sweep the sweeps” bill will remove the exemption that some departments and student organizations could apply to keep unspent funds for the next fiscal year. ORACLE FILE PHOTO
SG’s bill, individual student organizations or departments — Campus Recreation, Center for Student Involvement and the Office of Multicultural Affairs to name a few — could apply to have some or all of their A&S allocation rollover exempt from this complete “sweep,” according to previous
“
Even if signed into SG law, this will likely have little to no immediate impact due to no current student organizations or departments actually utilizing this exemption, according to Afifi. Some departments, like Campus Recreation, have pre-arranged contractual
This is something that kind of polishes our statutes... Yousef Afifi, Senate president pro tempore SG statutes. If Student Body President Moneer Kheireddine signs this bill, that is no longer the case. He could not be reached for comment on whether he plans to sign the bill or not.
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agreements relating to funding which will not be affected either. One example of this would be an agreement Campus Recreation has with SG for funds used for regular equipment replacement.
Renee Hunt, director of communication and marketing for Student Affairs, told The Oracle in an email that Dean of Students Danielle McDonald is “looking into the bill and what impact it will have on Student Affairs & Student Success departments.” Afifi said that even though this exemption is scarcely used, he viewed it as something he needed to take action on. “Just because it’s not something that’s caused a problem because it hasn’t been utilized in the past frequently, doesn’t mean that it should be there if it has the potential to cause a problem in the future,” Afifi said.
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USF CSCMP LAUNCH PARTY Come Join Us! Kick off the semester with us at our launch party! Learn about Supply Chain Management as we welcome 3 guest speakers from BMS to share their experience in the pharmaceutical industry. You will also have the chance to learn about our student organization, upcoming events and how to get involved with us.
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS FROM
MEDLIFE AT USF SPRING SCHEDULE MEDLIFE is a club on campus that organizes medical mission trips abroad to developing countries. We also work to promote service by volunteering throughout the community!
Event Information
• Date: Thursday, Janurary 17th, 2019 • Room: BSN 225 • Time: 5pm - 6:15pm •Snacks and soft drinks will be provided
Register early: bit.ly/BMS-LaunchParty Proudly Sponsored by:
www.USFCSCMP.com
Join us on Bullsync for more events and updates!
USF's Engineering Expo seeks to educate K-12 students on the importance of math, science, engineering and technology within their lives. Engineering Expo is a free, 2 day event & we invite you to meet & talk with Tampa Bay's local engineers & USF's student engineering organizations. Expo features hands-on exhibitions t hat help encourage students to pursue science, mathematics, & most importantly, engineering! At Expo this year, visitors will learn about how companies & people around the globe are trying to nd ways to reverse sea damage & use the water as a clean, sustainable source. This is a FREE E VENT, welcoming all ages to come to the University of South Florida to enjoy interactive activities, educational shows & handson exhibits.
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OPINION
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Democrats should be quick to learn from one another
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What you said Associate Editor Sam Newlon and Staff Writer Leda Alvim asked students and alumni what can be done to end the government shutdown.
“Impeachment of the president of the United States.” — Nicole Remedil, a freshman majoring in health science. When debating one another, Democrats need to be open to new ideas rather than shutting down opposing ones. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE By Jared Sellick C O R R E S P O N D E N T
It is clear that the 2020 Democratic primary will have a large number of contenders with a variety of political opinion. These opinions range from the progressive left to the establishment centrists and they unquestionably will have their fair share of disagreements. With more candidates announcing their exploratory committees every day, a culture of polarization has already developed in democratic circles. However, Democrats need to be careful not to cannibalize their own kind. Current Democrats that have either announced or are beginning exploratory committees include West Virginia Sen. Richard Ojeda, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA), U.S Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI), Mayor Julian Castro and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY). With only a handful making their candidacy known thus far, some publications like Rolling Stone have the number of potential candidates reaching nearly 30. Many opinionated Democrats are likely to have a candidate that they feel represents them well and a sentiment that any other person just won’t do.
Instead of looking at Democrats running as a corporate shill or a radical socialist, take time to consider their ideas. In a vibrant democracy, conversations over policy shouldn’t be something to shy away from. Even if there is a candidate that you feel shouldn’t represent the party, there may be something valuable that they bring to the conversation. Ojeda, for example, has been criticized for his environmental record in the past, but that doesn’t negate his work highlighting the opioid epidemic and our broken education system. Gabbard has a questionable past when it comes to some foreign policy decisions, but that doesn’t mean she can’t add something valuable to the debate when it comes to Veterans’ rights and healthcare. While questions concerning Gillibrand’s ties to Wall Street are legitimate, she still has valuable input concerning gender equality and sexual harassment. When Warren announced, she was immediately criticized for her combative tone and demeanor, but the idea that such criticism negates her arguments when it comes to financial oversight and the student debt crisis is absurd and counterproductive.
Rather than rebuking a fellow Democrat on sight, Democrats should consider what experience and perspective they can bring to the debate stage. This is not to say that during this primary they should not hash out the deep divides in the party, rather that it is imperative that they debate in good faith. The Democrats would be wise to learn from the 2016 Republican primary, in which divisive rhetoric was plentiful. The last thing Democrats need is a presidential nominee that wins by their vitriol rather than their policy proposals. No matter who the candidate ends up being, whether it be current frontrunners like former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX), or an underdog candidate like Castro or Gabbard, the Democratic nominee who will likely face President Donald Trump will benefit from the quality of debate had on these key issues. Instead of seeing each individual candidate as an obstacle to their preference, Democrats should try to see such candidates as an opportunity to have an important conversation. Jared Sellick is a junior majoring in political science.
“We need new people in office and everyone needs to come together and get along.” Pheobe Wright, a — freshman majoring in business analytics. “The government should look into the things that we really need … and work toward another solution. It is hurting a lot of families, a lot of people are not getting paid.” — Miwolf Milien , a junior majoring in finance. “Compromise is a big part of dealing with situations that are problematic. There needs to be common ground.” — Stephan Wells, an alumnus with a degree in psychology.
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YETNA
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every accomplishment. Yetna was named to the FIBA U-20 team, representing France and won a bronze medal with the team in 2017. Though Yetna has achieved success, it hasn’t always been easy. “I had to persevere many times in my basketball career,” Yetna said. “Twice I was cut from French club teams. Once was club team Orleans and again with Paris-Levallois.” Yetna recalls his time with the French U-20 team as some of the best basketball he has been a part of on the world stage. While he enjoyed his time in France, Yetna is excited about the freedom that the American game of basketball provides. “It was amazing to play for the U-20 team,” Yetna said. “I feel like the American game allows me to be more creative. The European basketball game is very structured. In America, you have the ability to make more Alexis Yetna is the only player in the AAC to average double doubles instinctive plays.” this season, he ranks ninth in the NCAA in rebounds and doubleYetna’s game has a blend of doubles. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE/GOUSFBULLS speed and power. He is the AAC Yetna is taking advantage of leader in rebounding and has football, NBA 2K, FIFA soccer recorded 10 double-doubles in and watch Netflix. We watch a lot his opportunity and continues to work on his game. He is averaging 17 games, more than any other of college basketball games too.” Yetna admits his personality 12.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per competitor in the conference. Though Yetna is not from the can go from one extreme to the game while shooting 54 percent U.S., he models his playing style other in any given situation. from the field. Yetna has been from a notable NBA player — Although calm and collected on putting in the work and Gregory Blake Griffin. The explosion and the basketball court, Yetna is an has seen positive results on the court but doesn’t think Yetna power that Griffin plays with emotional person. “I react to the situation,” Yetna should be satisfied. is something that Yetna tries to said. “I am the type of person that “He is working on his game,” emulate. “I watch Blake Griffin’s game,” is never in between. I am calm Gregory said after USF defeated Yetna said. “I see how explosive sometimes and other times very Tulane earlier this season. “You can see the skill development. He he plays and I try to pick up on emotional.” Yetna had to keep calm and is shooting better from the three... the things he does so I can try to show patience and resolve when We need more from him, but at improve.” While Yetna models his game an NCAA ruling declared him the same time, you can see his after an American, he prefers ineligible for the 2017-18 season. confidence growing offensively.” Yetna considers himself a delicacies from the Far East. Yetna once again needed to Japanese is his favorite cuisine show his focus and perseverance math person. He knows numbers with sushi being his favorite food. and look at the time away from well enough to pursue a career in Yetna has adapted to life at competition as another way to get economics. It’s not too hard for him to count to double-digits — USF, just as any student. While better at his craft. “It was very hard not playing both on and off the court. his family still lives in France, “He’s becoming a guy, that Yetna found comfort in the last year,” Yetna said. “It was hard because I came here to play, but I double-double, you would be comradery of his teammates. “I hang out with Q [Laquincy needed to stay focused. I wanted ticked off if he didn’t get it now,” Rideau], Justin Brown, Mark to make the best out of a bad Gregory said. “I am happy where Calleja and Ron Lubin,” Yetna situation because I knew I could he is at right now and I know he is said. “We all like to do similar bring something to the team in just scratching the surface.” things. We play John Madden 2019.”
BELL
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Kerwin Bell addressed the media for the first time Wednesday as USF’s new offensive coordinator. Bell gave a basic synopsis of what the offense could look like next season. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE/ GOUSFBULLS
spread teams can drop back and throw the football on an NFL level. That is what we bring to the table.” Bell will inherit an offense filled with experienced players at almost every position. Quarterback Blake Barnett, running backs Jordan Cronkrite and Johnny Ford, tight end Mitchell Wilcox and wide receiver Randall St. Felix are all returning to USF next season. “Barnett is a smart kid and has all the physical attributes you are looking for in a QB. I think he moves, I don’t think people give him enough credit for that,” Bell said. “Wilcox is a special player, just his size and ability to get open and separate from defenders. You can see he is a very especially talented kid and any time you can keep guys like that here is really really good.” Bell’s career as a player and a coach has compiled into three decades of football experience
and cited the influence of Lindy Infante and Steve Spurrier on how he came to be a coach. “Steve Spurrier hired me as a graduate assistant, and when I went there I saw almost perfection on the field during his first year at the University of Florida,” Bell said. “That’s what I try to obtain every day at practice, I think we will show that in the game.” In Bell’s last season as head coach at Valdosta State with a perfect 14-0 record and a Division-II championship tacked on, Bell’s offense ran 66 plays per game. USF averaged 75 plays per game last season. “If you look at us, I think the one thing you’re gonna see is, we’re gonna go fast, but we’re also gonna try to execute at a very, very high level,” Bell said. “What I try to do is obtain perfection on the field.” Additional reporting by Jeremy Johnson
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A double-double machine, Yetna brings international experience to USF
Men’s Basketball
By Steven Gerardy
C O R R E S P O N D E N T
Leaving his parents and brothers behind in the summer of 2015, redshirt freshman Alexis Yetna arrived in the U.S. and was eager to show America his evolving international game. The 6-foot-8-inch forward enjoys numbers, but not only the kind that tells how well he played on a given night. While basketball is a priority in his life, the economics major focuses on inflation, profit and loss, as well as points and rebounds. “I am pretty good at math,” Yetna said. “I like math because it engages me. It makes me feel great to problem solve.” It is the opponents that play against Yetna that are having a hard time problem-solving. Yetna has already been named AAC Freshman of the Week three times this season. He works to put himself in the right place at the right time and brings energy and production to
each game. “You can’t teach the knack he has to get the ball,” coach Brian Gregory said in a press conference at the beginning of January. “I would really like to take credit for it, but I can’t. That’s an internal ability that he has.” Growing up near Paris, Yetna’s first love was soccer. As he grew and his basketball skills developed, he decided to forge down a different path. Instead of using his feet, he would use his hands, and he does it with humility. “When I was younger, soccer was what I liked to play more than anything,” Yetna said. “I began to get better at basketball. I never thought of myself as a star, I only want to improve every year.” As Yetna became older, and the more he grew, the confidence in his basketball skill-set became greater with
n See YETNA on PAGE 7
Alexis Yetna left his family in France, but has found teammates to support him like his family would. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE/GOUSFBULLS
Football
Kerwin Bell details planned changes to USF offense
By Sam Newlon A S S O C I A T E
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Following the Bulls’ loss to UCF on Black Friday, USF fans draped a sign over a section of padded wall around Raymond James Stadium calling for a change of staff. “Fire Gilbert” was
accompanied by cartoonish flames. Now, the Bulls have a new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach — Kerwin Bell. In his introductory press conference Wednesday, Bell wasted no time telling people what he wanted to bring to the
football program. “We’re going to do our best to be exciting and to utilize our players to the best of their abilities and try to find the athletes that can fit our system,” Bell said. Former offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert ran a veer-and-
shoot offense with USF last season, an offensive scheme which is designed so passes can lead to power runs. Bell said he plans to run his offense a bit differently — a prostyle passing game with a lot of spread concepts, which involves, as the name implies, spreading
the defense from sideline to sideline, expanding play options. “When we want to drop back and throw the football, we do it on a professional level,” Bell said. “To me, that is where we separate ourselves from everyone else because I don’t think a lot of
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