5-17-17

O

USF surges on after pre-eminence let down

By Miki Shine

May 17, 2017 Vol. 54 No. 58

E D I T O R

I N

C H I E F

While standing up on stage at a commencement ceremony May 5, USF Provost Ralph Wilcox felt his phone “start to blow up” with questions about the school’s four-year graduation rates.

The questions came about as the Florida Legislature made an amendment to a bill that would have put USF as one of the top three schools in the state as pre-eminent with a funding to go with the status. According to Wilcox, the majority of the extra money was intended to go toward hiring new professors.

USF is classified as emerging pre-eminent, along with UCF, and currently splits a pool of $10 million in state funding.

However, the pre-eminent universities of UF and FSU split a pool of $20 million in state funding.

The Legislature started looking at changing one of the requirements for pre-eminence from a six-year graduation rate of 70 percent to a four-year graduation rate of 50 percent.

On the last day of the session, a proposed amendment changed it to a four-year graduation rate at 60 percent.

“What mystifies us as an institution, and quite frankly it was immensely disappointing, was the lack of transparency within the legislative process and the absolute paucity of consulting with the Board of Governors apparently as well as the universities,” Wilcox said. “But rather, just simply out of the blue on the last

n See STATUS on PAGE 3

Journaling to de-stress Page 4

University treated unjustly Page 6

USF baseball in running to host regional Page 8

2

W E D N E S DAY, M AY 1 7 , 2 0 1 7

Editor in Chief Miki Shine Sports Editor Josh Fiallo Graphic Artists Destiny Moore Mark Soree Advertising Sales Alyssa Alexander Ashley Bazile Destiny Moore Tadge Haskins The Oracle is published Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, and once weekly, Wednesday, during the summer.

The Oracle allocates one free issue to each student. Additional copies are $.50 each and available at the Oracle office (SVC 0002).

BY PHONE Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sports ................

Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . .

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Website: Facebook: Twitter:

974-6242 974-5190 974-1888 974-2842 974-2620 974-6242

usforacle.com facebook.com/usforacle @USFOracle

CORRECTIONS The Oracle will correct or clarify factual errors.

Contact Editor in Chief Jacob Hoag at 974-5190.

●

T H E O R AC L E

NEWS

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

●

W E D N E S D AY, M AY 1 7 , 2 0 1 7

●

T H E O R AC L E

Continued from PAGE 1

day to change the performance threshold.”

USF responded by asking the local area to speak up to their representatives. Within the first 48 hours over 20,000 messages were sent, according to university spokesman Adam Freeman.

The Legislature ultimately voted for a 60 percent requirement. USF’s latest rate is 54 percent. Wilcox said the rate is expected to reach 60 percent by 2019 through continuing the programs already set in place.

“We are not where we want to be,” Wilcox said. “Yes, we’ve achieved our 70 percent sixyear graduation rate goal which was and technically still is the measure for pre-eminence. But we’re not going to stand still.

We continue to ensure students

Kheireddine elected BOT student rep

By Miki Shine E D I T O R

I N

C H I E F

Moneer K h e i r e d d i n e, USF Tampa student body president, was unanimously elected to be the student representative on the USF Board of Trustees (BOT).

The position includes

Moneer Kheireddine

Over 20,000 people responded in the first 48 hours to USF’s plea for members of the community to reach out to their representatives concerning the university’s pre-eminence status hanging in the balance. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE

STATUS

3

at the university are provided a four-year, eight-semester plan to graduate. We invest in support for their success.”

Wilcox said these programs include offering access to tutors and advisers. Additionally, the university plans to continue seeking out students who are in need of assistance through a case management program.

The case management program focuses on student persistence, this program then pushes for students to graduate in time.

“Case management is a methodology that we use to identify the best sources for providing support for students who might benefit from support,” said Tom Miller, associate professor of education.

Miller chairs the persistence committee, which reviews reports concerning students who may show evidence that

they’re not doing well. The committee then discusses who would be the best person to help out this student.

“If it’s a student who lives in housing, it should probably be somebody from housing,” Miller said. “If it’s a student who’s an athlete, it should probably be something in athletics. If it’s a student who works on campus, perhaps the student’s supervisor would be a good contact.”

He said that over the years, students have not responded well to aid from a stranger so it’s better to get somebody who has a relationship with the student to get involved.

“We can’t know at this point whether or not what the effect will be, but we’ve demonstrated very affectively that the work of the persistence committee is directly related to student success in multiple ways,” Miller said. “We can’t know for

certain what the future holds.

We can’t know for certain how this is going to play out, but I would certainly suggest that we’re hopeful that we can continue to improve.”

The provost echoed Miller’s optimism that the school community can rise to the challenge presented by the legislative change.

“The University of South Florida community, our worldclass faculty and our dedicated staff and our talented students, are a determined bunch,” Wilcox said. “This is a university that has shown itself to flourish in the face of adversity and this is an adverse situation that we’re facing. It’s something that we didn’t expect.”

“So we’re going to roll up our sleeves and do our utmost to continue to accelerate toward expected levels of performance.”

representing the students from the USF System on the BOT and speaking up for the needs of the students regardless of what campus they belong to.

According to the meeting’s minutes, Kheireddine ran unopposed. Prior to the meeting Kheireddine told The Oracle that being on the BOT would be a great privilege and that he wants to make sure all three of USF’s campuses feel equally represented.

B r i g h t F u t u re s brighter

gets

During this past Legislative session, re p re s e n ta t i ve s voted in favor of expanding the Bright Futures scholarships to over 100 percent of tuition. While the tuition rates for colleges and universities will remain the same, those who receive these benefits will have the

n See UPDATE on PAGE 5

4

LIFESTYLE

What’s the bullet benefit?

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

●

W E D N E S D AY, M AY 1 7 , 2 0 1 7

●

T H E O R AC L E

Students use bullet journaling as a way to de-stress and stay organized

The act of bullet journaling is used by some students as a way to de-stress from work and class and as a creative outlet that allows them to stay organized. Bullet journals are specialized to the maker and can include anything the person needs. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE

By Jesse Stokes C O R R E S P O N D E N T

In the land of YouTube tutorials, there is much more to offer than how to apply make-up with a banana peel or how to make a DIY candle out of a mason jar and some thread. There is a new trend in the works, one with true purpose that is comprised of organization and style.

Bullet journaling has taken the internet world by storm.

It is a system used to track the past, organize the present, and plan for the future. Simply put it is an outlet for people, with or without artistry skills, to produce a calendar that is visually appealing and efficient.

“Every weekend I sit down and plan the next week out, making sure that I write down

my classes and any homework that I have to turn in, as well as activities around campus that I am interested in participating in,” Payton Barnette said.

Keeping track of things is part of human nature. A bullet journal is an exciting way for

“

orderly at the same time.

Barnette did not stop using a weekly planner when she started creating a monthly bullet journal. Barnette uses her bullet journal to track categories such as doing homework, going to the gym, spending time at

My bullet journal has helped me balance my life with having my personal and academic undertakings all in one place.

Odris Padron, veteran bullet journaler

people to organize their lives, but can also act as a stress reliever. Just like adult coloring books and bike riding, bullet journals are a modern-day method used by students to de-stress their lives and keep it

”

coffee shops and making art.

The bullet journal helps her keep track of how she spends her time on various activities.

It is not all serious when it comes to Barnette’s journal, however, as she is also sure

to include space for doodling, brainstorming and photo collages of things such as her favorite books and movies.

“Not all bullet journals look pristine and perfect like the ones on Instagram, and that’s okay,” Barnette said. “If you focus all of your time on the aesthetic aspect, then the practical aspect will melt away.

You have to find what works for you.”

Odris Padron, a one-year veteran of bullet journaling, uses her bullet journal as an outlet for daily tasks, birthday reminders, expense tracking, school assignments, social events and appointments, among other daily responsibilities.

“My bullet journal has helped me balance my life with having my personal and academic undertakings all in one place,”

Padron said. “I also noticed the symbols and abbreviations that I used were second nature already. I really enjoy it.”

Similarly to Padron, student Niharika Baviriseaty uses her bullet journal to keep her life in order by putting together the week’s to-do’s every Sunday.

Baviriseaty said her bullet journal has helped her live a more organized life.

When it comes to bullet journals, personal style is important. One’s bullet journal is reflective of their personality and stylistic choices.

“I never liked regular planners because they never fit my style, so I would just use them for a couple of days,” Baviriseaty said. “However, I noticed with bullet journaling that I always come back to it.”

Bulls fall in mid-week clash with Jacksonville

W E D N E S DAY, M AY 1 7 , 2 0 1 7

●

T H E O R AC L E

By Josh Fiallo S P O R T S

E D I T O R

USF Bulls allowed a s e a s o n h i g h o f 11 r u n s i n a l o s s to J a c k s o n v i l l e University on Tu e s d a y n i ght.

W ith s ta rt i n g p i tc h e r D .J. Ro bert’s l e av i n g th e g a m e a ft er onl y 1 2 /3 i n n i n gs, t h e B ul l s b ul lp e n s tr u g g led to quiet J a c k s o n v i l l e ’s bats a nd f e l l 11 -9 a t J o hn S e ssions Sta d i u m .

W ith t he g a m e ti e d at six, the Dolphins plated f i ve r u n s i n t h e b o t to m half o f t h e f i fth i n n i n g a nd c reated a de fi c i t th e B u l ls wo uld neve r m a ke u p .

I t is unc l e a r i f Ro b e r t ’s e a r ly exit wa s d u e to i n j u r y o r wa s a re s u l t o f p o o r performa nc e.

Ro be r t ’s allowe d No . 5 F l o r i d a o n l y t wo e a r n e d

UPDATE

Continued from PAGE 3

cost of tuition and fees covered as well as having $300 a semester for books.

Additionally, those who receive the top level of Bright Futures will receive coverage for summer classes as well, according to the Associated Press.

New budget funding

provides

The Florida Legislature also passed a budget that would provide USF with over $411.9 million in funding.

This budget includes $12

runs in seven innings du r i ng hi s las t star t on th e m o u n d , b u t s u r re n d e re d t wo e a r n e d r u n s i n l e s s than two i nni ngs o n th e bu mp Tu esday ni ght.

P l aye rs c o u l d n o t b e reached fo r co ntact p ostgame.

W i th no mo re weekd ay games left i n the re gul ar seas o n, the Bu lls tu r n th eir attention to conference play.

C u r rently entangled in a three- way ti e fo r the re gul ar seas o n AAC ti tle, the Bul l s wi ll have to w i n at l east two games agai ns t U CF in O r l a n d o t h i s we e ke n d to have a s ho t at the regul ar seas o n ti tle.

U S F s we p t t h e K n i g h t s o n the weekend o f Ap ril 7 a n d l o o k to d o t h e same star ti ng at 6: 3 0 on Thu rs day ni ght. million for the advancement of a downtown health center.

According to Provost Ralph Wilcox, funding will also be put toward enhancing graduate level education.

The budget still needs to be approved by Gov. Rick Scott. “ We ’ re ve r y g ra t e f u l and thankful fo r the s ta t e ’s i n ve s t m e n t s in the University of South Florida, but our students and our professors and our dedicated staff rightly earned that,” Wilcox said.

“Not just in performancebased funding, but funding fo r wo r ld- clas s sch ol ars.

Again, the University of South Florida earned that.”

5

OPINION

6

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

●

W E D N E S D AY, M AY 1 7 , 2 0 1 7

●

T H E O R AC L E

USF last minute exclusion from pre-eminent status is unjust

An unexpected change to the Pre-eminent State Research Universities Program, proposed by the Florida Legislature, has the ability to set back USF roughly three years in the university’s quest of reaching preeminent status.

Since 2013 Florida universities have been presented with the objective of reaching preeminence. Pre-eminent universities receive equal shares of $48 million through state funding when 11 of the 12 benchmarks are achieved.

Benchmarks include freshmen retention rate, national rankings and timely graduation rates.

As of June 2016, USF had been firmly designated as an emerging pre-eminent state

research university after reaching six of the 12 benchmarks.

Early in the 2017 Florida Senate session, a 70 percent 6-year graduate rate was replaced by a 50 percent fouryear graduation rate. This change would have secured USF’s pre-eminence had it remained.

On Friday, May 5, the final day of the Senate session, lawmakers unexpectedly opted to increase the four-year graduation rate required for pre-eminence from 50 percent to 60 percent. For the last recorded year, USF had a 54 percent four-year graduate rate and does not expect to reach the new standard of 60 percent until 2019, according to USF Provost Ralph Wilcox.

The fact that the required graduation rate was changed on the final session day, before a weekend and three days before final voting on the bill, seems like a direct stab to the momentum USF has been working to build.

“Not only were we and other universities surprised by this, and the Board of Governors was surprised by this, but the majority of our legislative delegation of the Tampa Bay region had no knowledge of this happening,” Wilcox said.

According to a letter sent by USF Board of Trustees Chair Brian Lamb, no one at USF or most local legislators were aware this change was coming.

These two influential members of the USF community

were blind-sided by the new requirement. After becoming aware of the legislative change USF sent out an email urging the Tampa Bay region to contact their legislators and voice their rejection of the change.

Thousands of USF supporters responded to the call to action, but given such a short warning period little could be done to rectify the setback.

Multiple senators have since made comments that the increased requirement was not targeted at USF, that no one should “count their chickens before they hatch” and that pre-eminence is not a status universities should feel entitled to. However, USF was the only university directly affected by the change.

Naturally, lawmakers are able to change legislation at any point during the Senate season, but it is the sudden nature of the change that stripped USF of $16 million and a spot to join UF and FSU as a pre-eminent university that USF supporters feel was suspicious. Tampa Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mike Griffin has stated he has plans to bring USF’s case to Gov. Rick Scott in hopes that the governor will veto the bill.

Tea Piro is a freshman majoring in mass communications.

W E D N E S DAY, M AY 1 7 , 2 0 1 7

●

7

T H E O R AC L E

Classifieds To place a classified ad go to HELP WANTED Looking for motivated individuals for retail and packaging positions at GolfLocker.

Apply in person at 6200 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 33614.

Email hr@golflocker.com Clinical Research Coordinator : The Jaeb Center for Health Research is seeking to add a project coordinator for a multi-center clinical research project. The Jaeb Center is a nonprofit entity in Tampa, FL whose primary focus is in serving as a Coordinating Center for multicenter clinical trials. Current projects involve eye diseases and diabetes.

For more information on the Jaeb Center’s current projects, please visit our website at www.jaeb.org.

The position involves administrative coordination of a research project as part of a team at the Jaeb Center. Clinical research experience is desirable. Salary will be commensurate with degree and experience and includes an excellent benefit package.

Candidates may apply by emailing a letter outlining current interests and relevant experience and a resume to careers@jaeb.org. EOE M/F/V/D/ DFWP

BEHAVIOR ASSITANT OR PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE PART-TIME POSITION FOR BEHAVIOR MAJORS OR OTHER DEGREES. PRACTICUM HOURS AVAILABLE WITH USF-APPROVED PROVIDER. WORK WITH AND MENTOR A 23YEAR OLD YOUNG ADULT MALE WITH AUTISM IN THE HOME AND COMMUNITY. BEHAVIOR MAJORS: WORK UNDER DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A BEHAVIOR ANALYST IMPLEMENTING, COLLECTING DATA, PUTTING TOGETHER GRAPHS AND TRAINING OTHERS ON BEHAVIOR PLAN. OTHER DEGREE SEEKING MAJORS: WORKING AS A PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT. COMMUNITY INCLUDES THERAPY AND DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS, ADULT DAY CENTER, JOB SKILLS, SOCIAL EVENTS SUCH AS HORSE BACK RIDING, BUSCH GARDENS, MOVIES, ETC. ETC. MUST HAVE ADEQUATE TRANSPORTATION AND PASS TIER-2 BACKGROUND CHECK. FLEXIBLE HOURS AROUND CLASSES. TRAINING/ JOB TO START SUMMER AND/OR AUGUST 2017.

EMAIL TLANEVE2@GMAIL.COM

http://www.usforacle.com/classifieds

HELP WANTED Administrative Assistant Entry level position in New Tampa research company. Good communication and computer skills required.

Must be detail oriented. FT with benefits. Submit resume electronically to careers@jaeb.org EOE M/F/V/D/ DFWP Email laylor@jaeb.org Wholesale fabric and vinyl distributor.

Assistant to the account development manager and production manager. Flexible hours and days, Monday-Friday. Reliatex, Inc. 813-6216021 Don Miller Email donmillerjoat@aol.com Wholesale fabric and vinyl distributor.

Assistant to the account development manager and production manager. Flexible hours and days, Monday-Friday. Reliatex, Inc. 813-6216021 Don Miller Email donmillerjoat@aol.com

HOUSES AND CONDOS Stunning home in Tampa Palms. 3 bedrooms, loft and 2.5 baths, plus 12x40 glass enclosed sunroom .Upgrades throughout .Located on beautifully landscaped cul de sac lot. Former USF faculty owner.

Convenient to shopping, restaurants, hospitals, and USF. $359,900 Debbie Marvin Coldwell Banker Residential. 813-892-3917

COMPUTERS Computer & Cellphone Repairs We repair Macbooks, iMacs, PC laptops, iPhones, Samsung etc. Call/Text 813-773-0000 Email DRETECHUSF@GMAIL.COM

SERVICES OFFERED Tutoring for Spelling and Reading Strategic Dyslexia Tutoring & Support offers specialist tutoring services for people with dyslexia using Barton Reading and Spelling System. For a free consultation contact Helena Svanstrom dyslexiaplan@gmail.com Email dyslexiaplan@gmail.com Academic Editing & Proofreading Improve Grades - Save Time Thesis & Dissertation - Journal Articles Confidential - Fast - Affordable 10% off for Students & Post-Docs Contact us for a free evaluation by qualified experts: 727-232-4969 or visit our website at http://thewritewriting.com Email info@thewritewriting.com

CROSSWORD

Sports

USF Baseball could possibly host NCAA regional

8

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

●

W E D N E S D AY, M AY 1 7 , 2 0 1 7

USF is currently tied for first place in the AAC and is looking to host a regional. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE is fresh off a series win against A three-way tie between

By Josh Fiallo S P O R T S E D I T O R the Bulls and currently one game Houston, USF and UConn would behind with a conference record lead to a tiebreaker formula that After a historic 20-1 start to of 12-9. would grant first place to whatever the regular season, the Bulls All four teams have three team has the best record against came back down to earth once conference games remaining in whoever is forth in the conference. conference play started, but are their regular season, including a If that team is UCF, the Bulls still in the race to host a NCAA three-game series this weekend finish No. 1. regional. against UCF in Orlando.

If that team is Tulane (currently USF is a combined 5-0 against Pending how the weekend fourth) however, USF would fall No. 5 Florida, No. 25 UCF and plays out, the Bulls could enter the to No. 2 because of USF’s 1-2 No. 28 Florida State, all of which conference tournament as high as record against the Green Wave are possible competition in the the No. 1 seed, or as low as the this season.

Bulls’ hunt to host a NCAA regional No. 5 seed.

The AAC tournament will be series.

Winning the regular season from May 23-28 at Spectrum Field There are 64 teams in total AAC title would surely help in Clearwater. selected for the NCAA tournament, the Bulls’ chances of hosting a The Bulls will find out their with 16 schools hosting.

NCAA regional, although it’s not regional fate at noon on May 29 “At the end of the day, if USF completely necessary. in the Division I Baseball Selection wins either the regular season “Right now, the RPI and metrics Show that will be aired on ESPNU. or conference tournament are good,” said Kendall Rogers championship for the American, from d1baseball.com. “And if USF USF Softball falls short of NCAA then unless some of the other finishes the regular season on a tournament birth teams they’re competing against strong note and wins that (AAC) just kind of go crazy, I think they regular season title, it would have For just the second time in the would be a host,” ESPN college a very, very good case for a host past six seasons, USF softball will baseball analyst Mike Rooney said spot.” not be in the NCAA tournament. last week.

In order to finish as regular The Bulls were left out of the As of right now, the Bulls have a season champs, the Bulls will NCAA’s selection show that aired chance at winning both titles. have to win at least two out of late Sunday night, despite finishing The Bulls are currently 39-12 three games against the Knights the regular season ranked No. 54 and are tied atop the AAC with this weekend, finish with a better in the RPI rankings UCF and Houston. conference record than UConn’s Already a borderline team to All three teams are 13-8 in and have a record that at least ties make the NCAA tournament, the the conference. However, UConn Houston’s.

4th seeded Bulls suffered a major

●

T H E O R AC L E

blow in the first round of the AAC tournament when they lost to No. 5 seeded Memphis 7-0.

Before the loss to Memphis, USF Softball made it past the first round of the AAC tournament every year since joining the American in 2013.

The Bulls finished this year with a winning record of 32-24 despite the surprise removal of 2016 AAC player of the year Juli Weber in January, in addition to countless injuries to starters throughout the season.

Ex USF DE LaDarrius Jackson arrested for second time within the month For the second time in a 10-day span, former USF football player LaDarrius Jackson has been charged with forcing a woman to have sex.

Jackson’s latest arrest stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 27 in an apartment near USF’s Tampa campus. According to The Times, Jackson regularly did his laundry at the alleged victim’s apartment.

The victim of the second attack was allegedly in her bathroom putting things away when Jackson

began to remove his clothes. Then, blocking the doorway, allegedly asked her numerous times to shower with him.

When the women wouldn’t comply with his requests, 6-foot4 Jackson allegedly continued to block the door telling her, “Nobody is going anywhere,” according to the arrest report.

Jackson then proceeded to force the woman to have sex with him as a “going-away present,” according to the arrest report.

After forcing her to have sex, the women told investigators that Jackson stayed to finish his laundry, and then forced her to drive to Target to take an emergency contraceptive in his presence.

Jackson was suspended from the football team immediately following his May 1 arrest and has since been removed by coach Charlie Strong following his second arrest on May 10.

Jackson, who recorded three tackles in total last season for USF, was released less than an hour after his second arrest from the county jail on a $9,500 bond the afternoon of May 10. This is the same bond price from his first arrests charges.