In this Issue
pg. 5
Eagles top Bellarmine pg. 7
USI guest director arrested for cocaine, marijuana possession By SHIELD STAFF A guest director for the university’s spring theatre performance of “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992” Gerald McIntyre is facing preliminary charges after being arrested Tuesday afternoon at his campus apartment for possession of Gerald McIntyre cocaine, marijuana, hash oil and hash-
ish. According to a probable cause affidavit released by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department, McIntyre had four bags of cocaine with a weight of 2 grams and 3 grams of THC, the chemical in marijuana plants used to make drugs, mailed to him. POSSESSION on Pg. 3
Vol. 43 Issue 20
Thursday, February 7, 2013
THE
SHIELD www.usishield.com
Applied Engineering Center brings new opportunities
Applied Engineering Center
Faculty Senate clarifies teacher/student relationship guidelines By JAMES VAUGHN Staff writer
As long as there are no conflicts of interest, it is okay for faculty members to have “romantic relationships” with students. The Faculty Senate spent its Jan. 25 meeting discussing details of a change proposing language to be reorganized and added to the faculty handbook regarding consensual relationships between faculty and students. Faculty Senate President Paul Parkison said the purpose of the new language is to identify “power relationships,” such as influence over grades and scholarship recommendations. “For example, in the Teacher Ed. Department, we have an admissions process, and I am on that committee,” Parkinson said. “So if I were dating a student and they wanted to be admitted to that program, I RELATIONSHIP POLICY on Pg. 3
By JESSICA STALLINGS Staff writer USI’s newest building has something no other company or university in North America has. The Applied Engineering Center, which will be used by engineering students for hands-on experience, is 16,000 square feet and cost $3.3 million. The center is the only laboratory in North America that is equiped with Festo technology. It also contains modern and large equipment such as the same welding robot used by Toyota. The center was constructed by Arc Construction and designed by Three Eye Design, where many USI graduates were a part of the design team. Mark Rozewski, vice president for Finance and Administration, said the equipment in the center was funded through grants. “We asked for grants for new equipment awhile back and we are just now getting them,” he said. “The university decided to cover the cost for the building due to the lack of space for the new equipment.” The equipment was originally going to go in the lower level of the tech center on campus, but the space was too small. Associate Professor of Engineering Zane Mitchell said this equipment is more modern than what the students have been working with. “It will give students hands-on experience before they graduate,” Mitchell said. “Students will have the ability to work with similar machinery that factories around the tri-state area offer.” Mitchell said the students will be able to work with many types of materials. APPLIED ENGINEERING CENTER on Pg. 3
Pence visits with USI, addresses funding issues By JESSIE HELLMANN News editor Newly inaugurated Governor Mike Pence visited USI for the first time to talk to a class about higher education, among other topics. Pence visited a personal selling class and answered questions after meeting privately with President Linda Bennett. “I was anxious to get down here,” Pence said. “I’ve known of the reputation of USI for some time. It’s a tremendous asset for all of Indiana and the Midwest.” He said his Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann, who worked as director of the USI Center for Applied Research, talked about the university all the time. “(Since) the first day I met her, she’s been bragging about USI and asking when I’m going to come down here,” Pence said. Pence also talked about funding for four-year public universities like USI and how he plans to tie in four-year completion rates. The Shield is a designated public forum.
“When I went to college to get a fouryear degree … it took four years,” Pence said. “Frankly, in Indiana and across the board, 30 percent of students get fouryear degrees in four years. I’m not a math professor, but I know five years costs more (money) than four.” USI’s four-year graduation rates were 18 percent for students who entered in 2008. Because of the rates, USI is the lowest four-year public residential university in Indiana. USI receives $4,603 per full-time Indiana student while Indiana State University (ISU) receives $8,156. “For people that may leave school and come back later, I really do believe that a four-year degree should just take a total of the credit hours of four years,” Pence said. He said he has planned a “roadmap for Indiana” that would give incentives for students who graduated in four-years. “We want to create incentives for ontime completion,” he said. “It could be for PENCE on Pg. 3
Photo by JESSICA STALLINGS/The Shield Newly inaugurated Governor Mike Pence shakes hand with students in a personal selling class. Pence visited the class to answer questions after a private meeting with Linda Bennett.
The students publication of the University of Southern Indiana
Additional Copies of The Shield are 25 cents
Page 2
The Shield - February 7, 2013
Crossword
Sudoku
We Deliver to USI 5225 Pearl Dr. 812-402-8287
(812)421-1986 720 North Sonntag Ave.
Winter Specials
Page 3 - The Shield - February 7, 2013
USI Security Incident Log 1/30 - 2/5 Drugs - Incident 827A Jarrett Lane 1/30/13 4:30 p.m. Open
Traffic Accident Parking Lot L 2/3/13 3:35 a.m. Closed
Illness Report Liberal Arts Center 1/30/13 9:08 a.m. Closed
Code of Conduct Visitor Violation University Center 2/3/13 5:05 a.m. Closed
Injury Report Physical Activities Center 1/30/13 9:11 p.m. Closed Drugs - Possession 827A Jarrett Lane 1/31/13 5:45 p.m. Closed Injury Report University Center 1/31/13 8:45 p.m. Closed Suspicious Person(s) University Center (East) 2/1/13 11:07 p.m. Closed Injury Report McDonald West Community 2/1/13 12:49 a.m. Closed Theft 8129A OʼDaniel Lane 2/1/13 4:13 p.m. Closed Alcohol - Underage Consumption 984 Varsity Drive 2/1/13 8:58 p.m. Closed Fire - False Alarm Health Professions Center 2/2/13 12:48 a.m. Closed Drugs - Incident Governors Hall 2/2/13 1:30 a.m. Closed Alcohol - Underage Consumption Governors Hall 2/2/13 1:30 a.m. Closed Property Damage University Governors Hall 2/2/13 1:30 a.m. Closed Criminal Mischief Governors Hall 2/2/13 1:30 a.m. Closed Suspicious Person(s) Rice Library 2/2/13 4:00 p.m. Closed
Code of Conduct Failure to Comply University Center 2/3/13 5:05 a.m. Closed Fire - Alarm - Cooking 7948B OʼDaniel Lane 2/3/13 7:12 p.m. Closed Incident Report (Information Only) Off Campus 2/4/13 10:30 a.m. Closed Drugs - Manufacture/ Possession Of OʼBannon Hall 2/4/13 2:25 p.m. Closed Drugs - Dealing/ Manufacture OʼBannon Hall 2/4/13 2:25 p.m. Closed Criminal Mischief 827A Buschkill Lane 2/4/13 3:50 a.m. Closed Property Damage University 827A Buschkill Lane 2/4/13 3:50 a.m. Closed Alcohol - Underage Consumption 827A Buschkill Lane 2/4/13 3:50 a.m. Closed Code of Conduct Alcohol Violation 827A Buschkill Lane 2/4/13 3:50 a.m. Illness Report Rec. And Fitness Center 2/5/13 10:36 p.m. Closed Theft Rec. And Fitness Center 2/5/13 11:41 a.m. Open Incident Report (Information Only) 908B McDonald Lane 2/5/13 12:35 a.m. Closed
Fire - False Alarm Technology Center 2/2/13 9:22 p.m. Closed
Fire - False Alarm University Center (East) 2/5/13 2:26 p.m. Closed
Alcohol - Underage Consumption 8030A OʼDaniel Lane 2/2/13 9:57 p.m. Closed
Harassment Various on Campus Locations 2/5/13 4:42 p.m. Closed
Drugs - Possession 8030A OʼDaniel Lane 2/2/13 9:57 p.m. Closed
Fire - Alarm - Cooking Ruston Hall 2/5/13 7:45 p.m. Closed
Information gathered from USI’s Public Crime Log, provided by USI Safety and Security.
Crime Log Key * Case suspended: No suspects listed, no leads. No follow up investigation unless new information arises. * Case cleared: The incident is resolved, suspect was identified and will be adjudicated appropriately. * Case pending: On hold, awaiting new information. * Violation of University Policy: Violation of the Studentʼs Rights and Responsibilities. * Failure to comply with a university official: Any university official, from an area coordinator to a security officer. *Residential entry: Someone walked into the residence. This is different than burglary because burglary is entering with intent to commit a felony.
News
Smooth transitions State common core will make transferring easier for students By ARIANA BEEDIE Staff writer A bill requiring Indiana four-year public universities to develop a common core to make it easier for students to transfer was passed in 2012. Indiana Senate Bill 0182 requires “state institutions” to accept credits from another in-state institution, even associate degrees, “as credit toward a related bachelor's degree.” Thirty credits will be available in universities across Indiana when the system is created. Since the in-effect date on July 1, the university has been working to create a “common core.” Mark Krahling, university core director and asso-
ciate chemistry professor, is one of the faculty members working to help create the core. “The law allows students to transfer 30 hours of general education requirements at any Indiana institutions, but only in state,” he said. Krahling is the USI representative of a group created by Indiana Commission of Higher Education to help establish the universal core. This group is said to meet in a few weeks, to discuss a proposal on how USI intends to meet these 30 hours. “Whenever students transfer and their courses are successfully completed, students are always able to get their credits at USI,”
Krahling said. “Each university decides what courses count. Losing credits has never been an issue.” In the past, some students have not had such simple transfers. Chantoria Alfred, a student who transferred from Vincennes University, said she had a hard time getting her credits transferred to USI. “It really sucked - only a select few of the credits transferred,” she said. “I have to take classes over 12 of them.” Alfred said it was “such a long process.” “When I transferred, USI said they didn't receive my papers," she said. "They need so much stuff. I had to come from Vincennes one day last year, and USI
said they didn't need a certain paper, then later said I needed that same paper.” Former USI and current Indiana University (IU) student Monya Waldman said she had a much easier time transfering credits to IU. Waldman completed her first two years at USI before transferring and said it saved her a lot of money. “All my credits transferred - I didn't know if it was going to really happen,” she said. “My first two years were so much cheaper. USI was good about sending IU stuff. Everyone in the transfer office was sad to see me go, but wished me good luck. IU welcomed me and said 'Good job, you came from a good small school.'”
POSSESSION continued from Pg. 1 A United States Postal Service (USPS) inspector called the sheriff’s office because he said he had a package he believed contained an illegal substance. The deputies used a K-9 to detect drugs inside the package. Then the USPS inspector and USI Public Safety officer Josh Thomas went to McIntyre’s oncampus apartment with sheriff’s deputies waiting in the parking lot. The inspector informed McIntyre that shipping narcotics via the U.S. mail is a violation of federal and state law. McIntyre said he understood his rights and agreed to answer questions without an attorney present.
McIntyre said he asked a friend to send him a “joint.” He said he didn’t know that his friend was going to send cocaine. McIntyre said he last used cocaine on New Year’s. McIntyre said he would have used the cocaine and would have thanked his friend for the surprise. He said he only uses it and didn’t intend to sell it. Possession of cocaine is a class D felony and possession of marijuana is a class A misdemeanor. He is being held in the Vanderburgh County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 11. A spokesperson for USI said McIntyre’s employment is under review.
RELATIONSHIP POLICY continued from Pg. 1 would have to have someone else review that application.” The main difference between the existing language, which was last updated in December 2004, and the proposed language is clarity. In the proposed draft, definitions and clarification are provided. Stating that “faculty member” means any person with “instructional and/or supervisory academic responsibilities” is an example of clarification in the proposed language. In the proposed language, employees are told to report any “sexual or romantic relationships” with a student to their immediate supervisor in order to determine the best course of action. In the Jan. 25 meeting, Senate members attempted to clarify a “romantic relationship” in order to avoid a misunderstanding. A consensus was not reached. The Senate will be discussing the proposal and voting on it during the Feb. 8 meeting, Parkison said. The initial charge was brought forward because the Provost’s office did not like the existing language. The guidelines regarding faculty/student relationships were very vague, Parkison said.
Interim Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs Shelly Blunt said the proposed language places emphasis on relationships that existed prior to avoid any possible conflicts of interest. “I think we have quite a bit of that going on,” Blunt said. The main concern regards faculty members who have spouses who decide to take courses at USI, she said. “We have to be careful when (faculty members) have partners that attend the university,” Blunt said. Senior international studies major Molly Konkle said she sees no reason why faculty and students aren’t capable of making their own decisions. “We are mostly all adults making adult decisions and leading adult lives,” she said. “If there was ever an ethical problem between the two involved, there should be a sufficient paper trail to follow the facts and examine them.” Konkle defines a “romantic relationship” as something more than a friendship that has reached a physical level, she said. “If I could pull it off, I would definitely try my best at getting a date with some of the faculty at USI, mainly the LA (Liberal Arts) professors,” Konkle said. “I haven’t in the past. But I can’t say I haven’t thought about it before.”
APPLIED ENGINEERING CENTER continued from Pg. 1 “Students will get to see how an assembly line works and work with different materials such as plastics, metals and woods.” Mitchell said. Zach Mathis, junior mechanical engineering major, said that the center will help students “get the edge.” “One of the things I’m most interested in is the modularity of the new equipment,” Mathis said. “Students
should be able to change between plastics, metals and woods for manufacturing, which will help in giving them a well-rounded understanding of the processes.” Mathis said the new center will not only help engineering majors gain experience, but will also help USI as a university. “The job placement rates will al-
most certainly go up, bringing more prestige to the university,” Mathis said. “One potential opportunity for businesses could be to contract with students or classes to do design or small-scale production work at a reduced rate.” The Applied Engineering Center is expected to be open to students by Fall 2013.
PENCE continued from Pg. 1 a down payment on a car, first month of rent.” Bennett said she didn’t directly mention USI’s funding situation to Pence, but that he is aware. “I told him ... we are the youngest university,” Bennett said. “If you go to most state systems … and look at inequality in funding across the state universities, the youngest universities are receiving the least funding. It’s a reality. It’s a reality they’re trying to change.” She said she thinks he understands.
“He knows what our funding situation is, and he knows that we’ve already approached the legislature asking for equity funding,” Bennett said. Pence’s visit was mainly about getting him acquainted with the university. “This was an opportunity for him to become familiar with the people of the campus, the campus itself, and to convey the message of what this university means to this region and to the state,” Bennett said.
Follow us on Twitter
@usishield @usinews @usishieldsports
Life & Culture
Page 4 - The Shield - February 7, 2013
Touching the moon NASA loans moon rocks to geology department By JAMES VAUGHN Staff writer John Talley spent the first week of classes checking out moon rocks that were loaned to the university by NASA. The senior geology major analyzed the rocks in two different labs, he said. In the Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Lab, students looked at the rocks under a microscope with a camera and a computer attached to it for easy viewing. The students used microscopes in order to analyze the mineral grains. While in the Sedimentation and Stratigraphy Lab, students had more leisure time with the rocks. Students physically handled the thin sections and viewed them in any way they wanted. Talley said he found the fact that the rocks were in "pristine condition" to be surprising, considering they are four billion years old. “All of the samples looked like they were created only hours before we looked at them,” he said. “The crystals were gorgeous.” Some of the rocks available included ash samples, coined as orange soil, which are
Photo courtesy of Photo Services Associate Professor of Geology Bill Elliott shows lunar samples to students from Helfrich Park STEM Academy.
small, orange, glass orbs that are created when ash from a volcanic event is ejected, he said. “I've seen ash particles before, but never any that had experienced being ejected into the vacuum
of space,” Talley said. “It was totally awesome.” The security involved with having the samples on campus was intensive, he said. Geology Associate Professor Bill Elliott was
responsible for the rocks and was the only person allowed to carry the case holding the samples. He had to be discreet about where he stored the rocks so no one could look at the rocks without
his supervision, Elliot said. Elliott said he sent a request to the Johnson Space Center where a curator is in charge of educational packages, which include those with moon
rocks. NASA then sent over a contract that the university had to agree to and sign. Once the university agreed to the guidelines, which included security precautions, the rocks were sent via register mail. “They were to be used in the classroom for educational purposes,” Elliott said. Over the course of three days, 35 USI geology majors and approximately 50 students from Helfrich Park Middle School had the opportunity to look at the rocks. “I wanted to give students an opportunity to see something that is pretty unique and special with respect to seeing samples that were collected by Apollo astronauts and brought back to Earth,” Elliott said. The geology department was not allowed to advertise an open forum, which means the rocks couldn’t be made available to just anyone, he said. “As a student, I got to see lunar samples in one of my geology classes,” Elliott said. “That experience has always been really memorable for me so I kind of wanted to offer that experience to our students here on campus.”
Starbucks boasts more sophisticated, relaxing look By ARIANA BEEDIE Staff writer USI students’ favorite place to get coffee underwent a change of appearance during winter break. Starbucks’ new look arrived just in time for the spring semester, along with a new addition to the menu - sandwiches. The demand for USI’s Starbucks to add a sandwich option to its menu was high from students who compared this location to others off campus. To please customers, Starbucks did just that. Along with the addition of the sandwich-preparing equipment behind the counter, the common area
was completely revamped. The seating area is also different than before, with bar tops instead of several small, round tables. The color scheme now incorporates darker tones with mahogany-tinted furniture, adding more of a sophisticated look, which was one of the main goals of the new design. Starbucks was due for its ten-year reconstruction in two years, but instead of waiting it out, Sodexo decided to renovate now. The decision-making process for the new design was the hardest part, outside of the actual remodeling. “Limitations were placed upon those in charge of renovation de-
signs because “Starbucks has its own setup,” Sodexo General Manager Chris Briggs said. “They have their own design and
The Starbucks located in Rice Library is privately owned by Sodexo, meaning they fund anything and everything. Briggs said the
They have their own design and their own look. We oversaw the layout, including colors and increased seating. The design came out nice.”
-Chris Briggs Sodexo General Manager their own look. We oversaw the layout, including colors and increased seating. The design came out nice.”
renovations cost between $150,000 and $200,000. The decision to redesign was made last summer. The main reason was
to make the Starbucks experience more focused on the customer. The boundaries between baristas and customers were removed, replaced with more open areas where customers can actually see their drinks being made. Staff members were informed last fall about the new design so they could prepare to work with the new equipment. “It took some getting used to,” said Aaron Fehd, Starbucks supervisor. Recent graduate and Starbucks employee Daniel Kopp said more students hang out there now than last semester. His co-worker, junior Early Childhood Development
major Courtney Hoskins, said she has also seen a huge change since the renovations. “I like it - there’s more space for us behind the counter,” she said. “I like the new equipment because it gives customers more options.” Aside from the new menu options and difference in appearance, the overall feel of USI’s coffee shop seems to have made the biggest impact on customers and employees. “The atmosphere is more inviting, relaxing,” Hoskins said. “It actually looks like a Starbucks now.”
Page 5 - The Shield - February 7, 2013
Netflix Marathon
Life & Culture
COUPLES
TV shows: • “How I Met Your Mother” • “Friends” • “Sherlock” (the British one - only 3 episodes per season) Snack foods: • Bagel Bites • Fish sticks • Wontons • Buffalo chicken dip • Chips and salsa
Perform a Random Act of Kindness Have you ever seen people post pictures of how a random person did something sweet? Ever lost your wallet or ID and had someone turn it in? A USI student once took a picture of an earring that was found and posted it in the UC. A random act of kindness can touch people and inspire them to do some good themselves. • • • • • • •
SINGLES
Volunteer
Watch a season of your favorite TV shows in the comfort of your own place. Buy snack food and have a “snack dinner.” After each episode, tell each other one thing you don’t usually say or have never mentioned. It’s always nice to surprise them with their favorite candy to snack on.
For people who feel bad and think life’s terrible because they’re single on Valentine’s Day, volunteering can be an eye-opener to show how life isn’t always perfect. Feed the homeless or go play with the dogs and cats at the animal shelter – because what animal won’t cheer you up? Options in Evansville include the YMCA, Vanderburgh Humane Society, American Red Cross, VistaCare Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, Aurora, Easter Seals and Evansville Public Library.
S E L
P
U
Cook Dinner Together
O C
R O F O D O T T A H W
Balsamic Mustard Chicken Ingredients: • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast (each cut in half long-way) • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 3 cloves of minced (or chopped) garlic • 2 1/2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard • Salt and pepper (to taste)
Y A D V
Directions: 1. Mix balsamic vinegar, oil, garlic and mustard together and place in a bag with the chicken. Marinate for at least three hours. 2. Use a George Foreman grill or cook in a medium sauce pan to brown both sides.
SINGLE S
you a L I give ide , L r e A n r s ON H he co o out Date Night with Yourself und t les that g eam, ANN editor o r H a S up cr ing re By o k u Post unscratched lottery tickets on a e c t r l c u i e u l h C If you have the desire to have a date night, m the out ’s Day s or t Life & gas pump ntine the single p away fro k. Branch e l try it with yourself. Make yourself dinner, blast a V d Leave your mail carrier a thank-you W ith ideas for liche. Ste chick flic ok beyon music and watch a movie. But avoid the romanf d c o a l o f s o note y tlist tic ones if possible – you want to laugh more than realm nd horribl of interes ovie. e h t Thank a solider am ie a son cry. This is a good time to relax with a glass of wine Snugg your per inner and Leave your extra Christmas gift cards d h t i t and feel pampered. Cooking allows you to piece somes w u j on car windshields thing together even if your life is crumbling. Go to a fast food restaurant and pay Movies: for the person behind you Take a trip • “Friends with Benefits” • “Knocked Up” Introduce yourself to your neighbors I know this sounds expensive but if you go to the • “No Strings Attached” • “The Proposal” Shovel people’s sidewalks (if there is right places, it can be cheaper than a fancy four-star res• “The Perks of Being a • “Just Go With It” snow) taurant. A trip to St. Louis or a jog down to New Harmony Wallflower” • “The Bounty Hunter” can be romantic rom and spontaneous. New Harmony is a historic little town with wit a gorgeous shopping area. It’s a tourist town, but it can make you ffeel far away from the hustle and bustle of Evansville.
S E L G N I S • • •
Visit the t shops - there are lots of art and antique stores. Eat di dinner at the Yellow Tavern. Stay at a the New Harmony Inn, which features a “Chocolate Lover Lover’s Package” – One night accommodations, bedside spark sparkling wine and chocolate-dipped strawberries, a specially prep prepared 3-course chocolate dinner at the award-winning Red Geranium Restaurant, and a continental breakfast. (It’s a little expensive, though – around $220.)
COUPLES
Opinion
Page 6 - The Shield - February 7, 2013
THE
SHIELD Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Jimmy Pyles editor@usishield.com News Editor Jessie Hellmann news@usishield.com Life & Culture Editor Shannon Hall lc@usishield.com Opinion Editor Jake Tapley opinion@usishield.com Sports Editor Apply now! sports@usishield.com Copy Editor Alex Everley copy@usishield.com
Parenting is the key to preventing violence
Visual Editor Kelsey Turner visual@usishield.com
NOT VIDEO GAMES
Staff Page Designer Danielle Waninger Copy Editor Megan Huber Webmaster Apply now!
Sales and Marketing Staff Sales and Marketing Director Kristen Scheller sales@usishield.com Business Mangager Melia Rowland business@usishield.com Marketing Manager Kelsey Ziliak marketing@usishield.com Sales and Marketing Consultant Jim Mulvaney sales@usishield.com
Contact Us Editor-in-Chief 812/464-1682 Newsroom 812/464-1645 Sales 812/464-1870 shield@usi.edu usishield.com facebook.com/theshieldatusi
twitter.com/usishield
Letters to The Editor The Shield accepts original, unpublished letters for all of its readers. Letters should be no more than 250 words, signed and have a telephone number for verification. The editor reserves the right to edit for length, style, and grammar. Pieces will appear in The Shield online. Letters can be submitted online or via e-mail.
Guest Commentaries Signed opinions represent the views of the author and not the views of this newspaper. Opinions expressed in unsigned editorials represent a consensus opinion of the editorial board
By ROBERTO CAMPOS Staff writer A couple of weeks ago, a 15-year-old kid named Nehemiah Griego allegedly killed his Albuquerque, New Mexico, family of five in their home with plans of extending his killings to a local WalMart. After all of these recent shootings that resulted in deaths of so many innocent people, it makes me feel pretty helpless knowing that something can be done about the problem. In our helplessness as Americans, we seek answers - for something to blame for these terrible incidents so that we can understand why terrible events like this happen. But are we jumping to conclusions too quickly? These shootings have led to discussions about violent media and guns at the center of conversations that include the words “censorship” and “restrictions.” I am someone who avidly participates in the video game community. I have played ever since I can remember, so it’s hard for me not to defend video games because of my biased view. I will continue to assert that violent media, such as video games, movies and television shows, does not cause people to want to kill people through desensitization. Nehemiah and people who have committed similar tragedies were extreme
individual cases where video games had an effect on their psyche because they did not have the mental capacity to distinguish real life from a game scenario. But I feel, as an American who has entered a social contract with our society, that it would be careless for me to say that more research doesn’t need to be conducted in terms of violent media. If there’s some harmful effect that would cause children to be susceptible to desensitization in a manner that would cause them to want to kill people, we need to know about it. There’s a difference between knowing and assuming though, and with the research we have on video game violence, it goes both ways. So that’s why this issue needs more attention - so events like Sandy Hook and the one in Albuquerque can be prevented. A key to prevention lies with parenting. I was in GameStop the other day, and a kid around the age of 10 asked if he could get a game called Resident Evil. His father told his son that it was a good game and proceeded to buy it for him. Resident Evil is a mature-rated video game that involves the killing of zombies and isn’t supposed to be played by people who are 10. The video game industry has a self-regulated body that rates games called the Electronic Software Rating Board (ESRB), and it’s a system that works very well. But it can only work well if parents use it to moni-
tor what their children are playing. In the media, it has been highlighted that Nehemiah had a fascination with violent video games. It is likely that either his parents bought him the games that weren’t rated, or he played them at friend’s house. He was playing games that were too mature for him, but I’m sure he didn’t know any better. I was a 13-year-old kid that played and loved Halo - to a kid, it’s fun doing what everyone else is doing. To be honest, I should have never played Halo at 13. My parents bought me the game because I really wanted it, and most parents fall into that trap. Parents need to understand the games their kids are playing and make sure they’re the right games for them. While more research is conducted on violent media, the only power we have to prevent kids from playing these games is parenting. Parents need to be parents and talk to their kids and understand what they play. Video games aren’t just for kids anymore. We’re well past the days of Pong and Super Mario. It’s something that, as a society, we need to understand before we can move forward to make sure something like what Nehemiah did won’t happen again. And it’s something that we, as college students planning to enter the “real world” soon - where many of us will have children - need to understand and keep in mind.
Who needs talent Letter to the editor if it looks good? By JAKE TAPLEY Opinion editor When I heard that Beyoncé was performing at the Super Bowl half-time show, I assumed that she would be singing. However, the performance I saw relied much more on sex appeal, aesthetics and visual effects than it did actual talent. I’ll grant that hip-hop dancing does require some talent – I know that I couldn’t do it – but it is hardly enough to consider her performance up-to-par. I wanted the Beyoncé that I hear on the radio. And I think that should always be the main goal: to get as close to sounding like it’s not a live performance as possible. Once they have that down, then I think they’re free to make the performance look awesome. Because it really did look awesome. (Although
they could have probably done less with the kaleidoscopic digital effects. I was so confused for the first five minutes.) And I especially hated that when she did decide to sing, it was only for part of a verse or a line of a chorus. I mean, come on Beyoncé, that’s kind of your job. That would be like if I just wrote the framework for this opinion and asked another writer to fill in all of the content. I have a feeling that I probably wouldn’t keep my job for very long if I did that. Of course, Beyoncé is famous and can get by with a little more than I can. But shouldn’t she want to seem like she’s good at what she does? When everyone bashed her for lip-syncing at the Inauguration, I was on her side. I was sure that there was probably a good reason for it and that she
would redeem herself at the Super Bowl half-time show. It looks like I was wrong. I know sex sells, but isn’t there a point where that isn’t enough? I mean, that’s not the only variable there is to work with. And with ‘90s super group Destiny’s Child reuniting on stage, shouldn’t they have wanted to deliver an earth-shattering performance for all of their die-hard fans who had awaited this day? Now don’t get me wrong – I know that Beyoncé has actual talent. I’m not contesting that. I just wish that she would have let some of that talent manifest itself through her performance. I was looking forward to getting down to some “Single Ladies.” Seriously, what’s not to like about that song?
Write a letter to the editor at shield @usi.edu
As I write this letter, Indiana Governor Mike Pence is speaking to a class in the College of Business and will be touring the university after. USI is fortunate to have Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, former director of the Center of Applied Research at USI, in the highest levels of state government advocating on our behalf. The most contentious issue for USI students should be the amount of funding USI receives per student compared to other state universities. USI is the most affordable four-year institution in a seven-state area, yet we receive the lowest amount per student from the state. Purdue University receives the most per student at $10,404 Indiana State University is next at $8,156, Indiana University with $7,839, Ball State University with $6,232, and the University of Southern Indiana with $4,603. Purdue University receives $5,801 more per student than USI. I’m not one to compare USI to Purdue because we are different institutions that serve different purposes. One thing that is completely unacceptable is when ISU receives nearly twice the funding per student that USI does. For all intents and purposes, we are similar institutions that serve similar students with similar facilities - some would even call USI and ISU sister institutions. Economically speaking, the distribution of scarce resources (i.e. the state budget) is an evaluation of the importance and value placed upon the institution by the state. I am stunned by the figures I have read, and I feel that more students need to be aware of this injustice! If I attended ISU (I would never do that... I love USI too much.) I would be more valuable to the state, and ISU would receive more money for me than USI currently does. This, simply, is nonsense. I have been to the Board of Trustees meetings with state officials when President Bennett and board members were fighting for more funding for USI. The administration of the university is doing everything possible to get more funding, but that is not enough. We need more students to speak up, be active and push for more funding from the state. Once state legislators see the quality of students that USI has and all the opportunities we provide for the region, they will come around. As always, GO EAGLES! Jordan M. Whitledge
Page 7 - The Shield - February 7, 2013
Sports
Eagles top Bellarmine, McKendree Men’s basketball team brings momentum into homecoming weekend By ZANE CLODFELTER Staff writer
Photo by JIMMY PYLES/The Shield
Senior center Keith DeWitt throws down a dunk in the first half of Thursday’s game against sixth-ranked Bellarmine University. The eagles will take on Lewis University tonight in the Physical Activities Center and will be playing against University of Wisconsin-Parkside on Saturday.
After falling behind sixth-ranked Bellarmine by eight points in the opening moments of last week’s game, the Eagles turned to senior Keith DeWitt and junior Lawrence Thomas for a spark. That spark turned into a 21-2 scoring run for #13 Southern Indiana that saw a 14-22 deficit wiped away and eventually turned into 37-24 advantage - all within a span of ten minutes. “We just wanted to use our quickness,” Thomas said. “They are a great shooting team ... when they are at their comfort level. We wanted to speed them up and make them do stuff they are not used to doing.” When the Eagles (16-3, 9-2 GLVC) sped the game up, the Knights (15-3, 7-3 GLVC) sped up their offense, which turned out to be costly for the defending regularseason GLVC champions as they could not keep up with a fast-paced but patient USI offense. Leading the charge for USI was DeWitt, who played all but one minute and had 18 points and 12 rebounds. He led a balanced scoring attack which included 12 points from Thomas and 14 points from junior Orlando Rutledge, who overcame early foul trouble in the first half. “I let the game come to me - I didn’t force a lot,” said Thomas said. “They try to clog up the middle in a halfcourt setting so it’s a good team for your shot to be falling against.” USI head coach Rodney Watson said the focus from the beginning of the game was pushing the ball up the floor and putting extra pressure on the Knights’ defense. The plan worked, as the Eagles shot 51% from the field for game while tiring out Bellarmine, who made only 35% of their attempted shots. “We got into their wind tank. We were really pushing the ball up the floor and making them get back on defense,” Watson said. “I thought once we made them play from behind they were a different team.” Along with the points and rebounds, DeWitt dominated the paint defensively, accounting for six of the seven USI-blocked shots. “I think you’re really starting to see Keith DeWitt,” Watson said. “The way he distracts things in the middle of the floor, the way he rounds and goes to the rim with power - we are glad we got him.” After taking on Bellarmine last week in the PAC, the Eagles traveled to McKendree University Saturday, where they took down the Bearcats 78-68. This win led to a tie between the University of Parkside-Wisconsin and USI in the GLVC East Division. The Eagles take on Lewis University tonight in the PAC at 7:30. On Saturday, the team will face off against opponent University of Wisconsin-Parkside, breaking the GLVC tie.
Women’s basketball snaps losing streak By JIMMY PYLES Staff writer The USI women’s basketball team (15-4, 7-4 GLVC) snapped a threegame losing streak on Thursday, beating Bellarmine University 67-58. The visiting Knights’ (16-5, 6-4 GLVC) fivegame winning streak ended after failing to score in their final six offensive possessions and having just four field goals in their last 32 possessions of the game. After a 12-4 run by the Knights the Eagles trailed, losing the lead for the first time all game. “We had to turn up our defense a little more and stop giving them open
looks,” junior guard Ariel Barnes said. “We let them score too much and get inside the paint to draw some fouls.” The Eagles surpassed the Knights when they broke a 58-58 tie after Barnes made a jumper with 2:37 left to play. After the jumper from Barnes and free throws by sophomore Mary O’Keefe, it was all about the Eagles shutting down the Knights’ offense. “We switched shooters to get through screens and get our hands up,” Barnes said. “We wanted them to play USI basketball, so we forced them to take tough shots.” Sophomore forward/ center Anna Hackert led the team with 20 points
and nine rebounds. Junior guard Stephanie Carpenter rounded out the defensive front, grabbing six rebounds. “When they were up by five or six, that’s when we really locked it down defensively to close out the game,” Head Coach Rick Stein said. “Now we have to build on our home games and take that mindset on the road.” After winning at home against Bellarmine last week in the PAC, the Eagles traveled to McKendree University Saturday, where they rallied from 13 down to defeat McKendree 73-63. The Eagles take on Lewis University tonight in the PAC at 5:15.
Puzzle answers from page 2
Photo by JIMMY PYLES/The Shield
Sophomore guard Mariah Nimmo looks to drive the lane in the first half of Thursday’s game against Bellarmine University. The Eagles will take on Lewis University tonight in the Physical Activities Center at 5:15 p.m.
The Shield - February 7, 2013
Page 8