Thursday, September 26, 2013 ■ Vol. 44 Issue
THE
Robin Sermershiem pg. 4
USI Rugby pg. 7
SHIELD www.usishield.com
A taste of new technology:
1. Write the coding using G & M code – a form of code used on Computerized Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines - on a word document.
A step-by-step guide to the Haas Lathe and Mill
2. Turn on the Lathe and Mill.
3. Set the machine to its home position.
4. Put the material in the chuck on the left end. 6. For a simulation, download the coding on the Lathe and Mill computer, use the programming for a hammer handle and run the coding simulation. A visual representation on the computer shows the cutting of the hammer. The visual representation is a line that runs back and forth to represent where the tool will cut the hammer handle.
5. Put the cutting tools in the tool-holder that moves to the left and right and in and out. 7. A different blade will cut off the end of the handle.
Photo by BLAKE STAYROOK/The Shield
Engineering Instructor Keith Benedict walks reporter Meredith Harris through a hammer simulation on the Haas Lathe and Mill.
State of the art equipment Engineering Center provides real-world experience By MEREDITH HARRIS Staff writer Engineering Department Chair Zane Mitchell said his favorite piece of equipment in the Applied Engineering Center is the holographic monitor. “I think it represents how far technology has come in a very short period of time,” he said. The machine works the same way a 3D television does. Similar technology 20 years ago would have cost around $5 million, and would have had at least three people operating it
around the clock, he said. Today, it costs $5,000 dollars and can be plugged into any computer. The state of the art equipment in the Applied Engineering Center, which officially opened its doors Sept. 13, will allow students to learn hands on. The equipment will serve students majoring in engineering, advanced manufacturing and industrial supervision. Classes are being held in the new facility this semester. The equipment is “outstanding” for a university to have,
said Keith Benedict, engineering instructor. “The new building is literally a small factory,” he said. Benedict said instructors and professors in the department now have to integrate the equipment into their classes. They already had some of the equipment, but now they have three or four pieces of equipment compared to the one piece of equipment they had before, he said. USI is hoping the Center will draw companies to Evansville because the students will be
well-trained and readily available for high paying, technical jobs, Benedict said. The engineering program is accredited, but when it comes up for reaccreditation, the new technology will help because accreditors will see that USI students know how to use the equipment, he said. Benedict said USI is planning to apply for accreditation for the advanced manufacturing and industrial supervision degrees programs in the next year or two. Another piece of equipment that will aid students’ learning is
the 3D printer, which is housed in the Precision Measurements Lab. Advanced Manufacturing Program Coordinator Kevin Nelson said, traditionally, manufacturing is subtractive manufacturing, which is when pieces of a material are chipped away to make an object. The 3D printing software takes an object and splits it into layers, and then it takes molten plastic and adds one layer at a time to form a model. This makes it quicker and less expensive because the parts do EQUIPMENT on Pg. 3
‘Brother Jim’ returns to USI Evangelists draw crowd to free speech zone By JAMES VAUGHN News editor
Photo by NIGEL MEYER/The Shield
Street evangelist James Gilles (left) preaches to a crowd on campus Monday, which prompted USI student Spencer Kiessling (right) to create the sign he’s holding.
Street evangelist James Gilles, better known as Brother Jim, preached about homosexuality, “whores” and President Barack Obama, among other things, Monday and Tuesday in USI’s free speech zone. The Evansville native, dressed in a suit, began passing out brochures titled “The Jim Gilles Story: From Running with the Devil to Walking with Jesus” around 11 a.m. Monday. By 12:30 p.m., more than 100 students and faculty paraded the area between the Teaching Theatre and the Orr Center. “Why are you here?” multiple students shouted, but never got a direct answer. Gilles told The Shield he was here to preach “Christianity 101.” Nick, a sophomore accounting major, said Gilles was going about it the wrong way. “He’s judging before knowing anything about us,” said Nick, who didn’t want his last name in the article. “I used to be a Christian, but this is wrong. Your life is your life.”
This isn’t the first time Gilles has stepped foot on USI’s campus. In Oct. 1998, his soapbox sermon was shut down by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department when students jumped a rope separating a group of evangelists from the crowd. The 53-year-old Pentecostal is known throughout the Midwest for his ministry, which is concentrated on college campuses. According to various articles, he has been arrested several times, and in 2006, was involved in a federal lawsuit against Murray State University. Junior environmental science major Spencer Kiessling stood next to Gilles with a sign that read: “This guy is a tool.” “He’s just standing out here yelling a bunch of really bigoted stuff,” Kiessling said. “I just feel like someone needs to say something. I might not be a Christian, but I can still stand up for what’s right.” When the protest started, Kiessling ran to the Campus Store and purchased a poster board for 80 cents. “I’ve got some free time, and I live for this kind of thing,” Kiessling EVANGELISTS on Pg. 3
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Page 2
The Shield - September 26, 2013
Puzzles
812-402-6776 SpankeysUnaPizza.com
TOP TEN MOVIES
1. Insidious: Chapter 2 (PG-13) Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne 2. The Family (R) Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer 3. Riddick (R) Vin Diesel, Karl Urban 4. Lee Daniels’ The Butler (PG-13) Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey 5. We’re the Millers (R) Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis 6. Instructions Not Included (PG-13) Guillermo Rios, Leticia Lopez Margalli 7. Planes (PG) animated 8. One Direction: This Is Us (PG) Liam Payne, Harry Styles 9. Elysium (R) Matt Damon, Jodie Foster 10. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (PG) Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario (c) 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.
Page 3 - The Shield - September 26, 2013
News Briefs Correction In last week’s cover graphic, the Asian student population change was calculated incorrectly. It increased by 7 percent in 2012.
Fishhook looking for manager Fishhook Literary Magazine, a student-run publication housed in the Orr Center, is looking for a project manager. The project manager will help plan events, develop new ideas for the magazine and deal with issues if they arise. No writing or editing experience is necessary, but an interview before Oct. 5 is required in order to be eligible for the spot. Those interested should contact Fishhook’s Editor-in-Chief Kaleb Sullivan at kaleb.etcetera@gmail.com.
USI Theatre to kick off season The USI Theatre will kick off it’s 2013 fall season with “Company.” The show will run Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 15-18. “Company” is being directed by assistant theatre professor Eric Altheide and a design team consisting of faculty, USI students and community members. The musical will run at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5 and Oct. 15-18. It is scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 6 in the Mallette Studio Theatre, located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for USI Students, $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and anyone else who would like to attend. To purchase tickets, visit www.usi.edu/theatre.
Two programs pass 100% students The occupational therapy and dietetics programs received national board results Aug. 23. The results indicated that every recent graduate passed the certification exam on the first attempt. The exam, which is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) has a national pass rate average of 85 percent for first-time takers. Dietetics is the newest academic program in USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the first group of graduates achieved the 100 percent pass rate on the national board exam as well.
USI Security Incident Log 09/18/2013 - 09/25/2013 Injury Report
Traffic Accident
University Blvd
Clarke Lane
09/18/13 1:56 p.m.
09/19/13 11:45 a.m.
Closed
Closed
Traffic Accident
Traffic Accident – Hit & Run
Clarke Lane
Parking Lot J – 8600 University
09/18/13 2:21 p.m.
09/19/13 12:00 p.m.
Closed
Closed
Fire – Odor Investigation
Harassment
Science Center – 8600
926B Eckels Ln – Marshall
09/18/13 5:25 p.m.
09/19/13 12:40 a.m.
Closed
Closed
Criminal Mischief
Theft
Wright Building
926B Eckels Ln – Marshall
09/18/13 7:48 a.m.
09/19/13 12:40 a.m.
Closed
Closed
Injury Report
Code of Conduct – Weapons
Physical Activities Center
Violation
09/18/13 8:28 p.m.
926B Eckels Ln – Marshall
Closed
09/19/13 12:40 a.m. Closed
Welfare Check 908B McDonald Ln – Durbin
Code of Conduct – Alcohol
09/18/13 8:32 a.m.
Violation
Closed
926B Eckels Ln – Marshall 09/19/13 12:40 a.m.
Traffic Accident
Closed
Broadway Sports Complex 09/19/13 10:18 p.m.
Criminal Mischief
Closed
917 Varsity Dr – Baker Bldg 09/19/13 2:13 p.m.
Property Damage – University
EQUIPMENT continued from Pg. 1 not need to be sent out to a machine shop to be made, Nelson said. The 3D printer will be used to see if parts fit well together, or if they need to go back and redesign parts, he said. If the original design does not work, then it can be redesigned
and ran through the printer again. The Automation Lab houses a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS). The FMS is a long machine comprised of two belts running parallel to each other and a robot in the center in a clear blue,
News
plastic enclosure. The belts can be blocked off so a part, on a palette, can be moved around to the opposite belt. The palettes can be programmed to stop at different stations where a human or a robot could add to the part.
Nelson said they are planning on using the FMS in simulation classes. With the FMS, the classes can model how many parts per hour the machine can make.
EVANGELISTS continued said. Freshman Angel Gieneart said he could sum up what was happening in one word: “bullsh*t.” “I’m bisexual and he’s basically slamming gays over there,” Gieneart said, pointing to Gilles. “Apparently I’m also a hippie because I have long hair and I’m going to hell because I listen to rock music. It’s all a bunch of inaccurate bullsh*t.” Gieneart proceeded to “twerk” on Gilles’s comrade, who said, “This is not a BET rap video.” Another student got close enough to snap a “selfie”
with him. As time progressed, the crowd moved inward, circling the two evangelists. Some students shouted. Others flipped them off and shredded Gilles’ brochures. Public Photo by NIGEL MEYER/The Shield Safety AssisA crowd of USI students and faculty gathers Monday for Gilles’s speech. tant Director Stephen Be“We’re just here to keep becomes unsafe, we’ll step quette stood nearby. the peace,” he said. “If it in.”
Social media posts spark concern By JAMES VAUGHN News editor When a suicide threat was posted to the “USI Confessions” Facebook page, a student who saw the post contacted the Office of Public Safety, which worked with the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) in an attempt to identify the individual. When Dean of Students Angela Batista reached out to the page administrator, she was told there was no way to determine who wrote the post because all of the entries are anonymous through a Google server. So they went a step farther. “We looked to see who responded to that post,” Batista said. “We were able to reach out and say, ‘Do you know who this is?’” The page, which was originally created in April, sparked concern when DOSO and the Office of Public Safety were never able to identify the individual. “It is very unfortunate because, even though they may not know who it is, the page administrator could post things periodically reminding people about boundaries,” Batista said. “I think it’s unfortunate that they don’t see the importance of doing that.” DOSO has had repeated meetings with three students who are concerned about the content of the pages in the past two weeks. Three faculty members have also come forward to discuss what should be done about it. “Some students that have come in said they feel
targeted by the page, particularly around issues of gender and race,” Batista said. Junior theatre major Samuel Wentzel said he was targeted in several posts about three weeks ago. “It was frustrating because I didn’t know who was talking about me and it was in a public forum,” Wentzel said. A couple of his friends
Wentzel said in the status. “There’s a person behind that name your [sic] typing. Please do not forget that. That is all.” Someone shared his status on the “USI Confessions” page and then anonymously apologized. Other students and faculty members have written to Facebook in the past few weeks about the page. They received emails when it was removed Sept.
If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t post it. -Angela Batista Dean of Students contacted Facebook in an attempt to shut the page down when they saw posts questioning Wentzel’s sexual preference, he said. “As annoying and hurtful as the posts can be, I still find it interesting,” Wentzel said. “I followed it pretty much from when it started, but I never actually ‘liked’ the page because of how much hate was being spread. It’s OK to share your opinion without being so graphic about it.” Instead, he responded by posting a status to his personal Facebook page. “This is ridiculous. If I have anything to ‘confess’ I’ll do it in my own way with people I trust, in my own time. I’ve never felt the need to share every detail about my personal life to everyone and I’m not going to start now,”
10. It resurfaced Sept. 19, under the title “USI Confessionss,” toting an extra “s” at the end. Facebook has not responded to an email from a Shield reporter questioning its procedures for removing a page. The current Facebook page had 53 “likes” Tuesday evening. The Twitter equivalent, which was created after Facebook removed the page from its site, boasted 20 followers. Batista said the original “USI Confessions” page nabbed more than 600 “likes.” “My concern is that the people who are posting are finding a sense of comfort by being behind a keyboard,” she said. “At this point, we’re just monitoring it. At a certain point, if an issue comes up, we may reach out to Facebook
officially. But it can’t be, ‘We’re a university, there’s this page, and you need to shut it down.’” Batista said she respects students’ right to free speech, but there have been concerns about the page using USI’s name. Internet searches could lead outsiders to the pages. Others pages, such as “USI Secret Admirers,” have also caused concern. She said students should be aware that while the pages are not USI owned, there are university policies regarding students targeting other students. If someone posts a student’s name and it’s not deleted, it can have a longterm impact, considering some employers conduct searches, Batista said. “It’s about more than the minute,” she said. “I just hope people will think twice before posting because we’re meeting with a lot of people who are very upset about it, and we can’t really do anything. We are all a part of this community and being silent is a choice. If you feel like this is disrespectful and you don’t say anything, then you’re contributing to that.” Batista said she hopes those who feel like the pages are offensive or inappropriate will continue to communicate with the page administrator, as well as Facebook and Twitter. If a student is experiencing problems or feels targeted, they can reach out to the Counseling Center, DOSO or the Office of Public Safety. “If you wouldn’t say it in person,” Batista said. “Don’t post it.”
Closed
Broadway Sports Complex 09/19/13 10:18 p.m. Closed
You can find all of this week’s incident reports on our website at usishield.com
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.
USI email back in check By SHANNON HALL Staff writer Nikki McCrady went without her USI email for two weeks. “I missed some assignments for my BIO 251 class,” said the junior elementary education and special education double major. She wasn’t allowed to make up her assignments because the professor lets the students pick which assignments they want to be graded. Although, McCrady
didn’t miss any points, she missed assignments that she would have felt more comfortable doing. “It was an assignment I would have liked to do, but it was too late,” she said. “I personally think we have had more issues than anything since they switched to the Outlook.” Information Technology Executive Director Richard Toeniskoetter said the old system was from the 90s. “It’s been here a long time,” he said. Both old and new sys-
tems are Microsoft, but it’s now a consolidated platform with Microsoft Exchange. IT began switching out passwords from the old system in January, and the department thought they had three or four months before everyone had to change their passwords in the new system. But Microsoft update had other plans. “It forced all 10,000 students to change their passwords right then,” he said. “The Help Desk was completely swamped.”
Toeniskoetter said IT is getting people through it. IT Help Desk Assistant Shannon Hoehen said the system is syncing the passwords now, and students can get on. “Alumni are still having difficulties because they haven’t logged in for a long time,” she said. If students are still having problems logging onto their email, they should log on to myUSI, and at the top click on the “password reset” tab and fill out the information asked.
Features
Page 4 - The Shield - September 26, 2013
Day in the life: Robin Sermersheim By ARIANA BEEDIE Features editor Over the 30 year span of teaching math, Robin Sermersheim developed a routine when starting her day at the office. She checks her emails, grades papers and prepares a lesson plan for the 9 a.m. pre-calculus class. “I like to get to class early so my students can get ready for class,” Sermersheim said. For Sermersheim, math wasn’t her original career choice. “I thought teaching was the last thing I would do,” she said. “I slid my way into education.” Sermersheim studied computer science in her freshman year in college, but decided it wasn’t for her and teaching was destined, she said. “I like math because it stays relatively the same, unlike computers,” she said. Sermersheim, an Oakland City native, spreads Sermersheim instructs Math 100 students on assignments.
her knowledge to her students about the love of math, and because teaching is in her blood. “There are lots of teachers in my family,” she said. “My mom and grandma were elementary school teachers.” Before, Sermersheim taught at Oakland City University and Pike Central High School, for the convenience of raising a family. “I came out of college prepared to teach high school, but my husband and I started our family,” she said. Sermersheim made her way to Pike Central, and received her lifetime teaching license. After 13 years, she came to USI. One of the highlights of Sermersheim’s ninth year at the university, is the revamping of math 100. “We’ve piloted a new format to math 100, for the past two years,” she said. Math 100 combined with GENS 097 are now self paced courses, as op-
posed to having an instructor based class. “With an instructor based, everybody follows the same schedule,” Sermersheim said. “When you’re on self paced, you can work as fast as you can.” With instructor based, some get it and some don’t, she said. Instead of class meeting times, students have one mandatory meeting time on Mondays, and then gain online lab time throughout the week. Sermersheim stays in the lab throughout the week to guide students, but a main portion of the course is online learning. “This is the first year that all the sections are self-paced,” she said. Crystal Taylor, an undecided freshman, said she likes Sermersheim as a professor. “She’s pretty helpful,” Taylor said. “She really makes sure we’re getting things in on time.”
Photo by ARIANA BEEDIE
Psychology professor gains Tenure Track By ARIANA BEEDIE Features editor Aimee Mark added a notch to her academic belt by receiving tenure this year. After six years of working hard for this achievement, her work paid off. “Typically it’s a sixyear process,” said Sid Hall, who gained tenure in 1993. Having tenure allows individuals to say what needs to be said, without fear of being fired, Hall
said. When tenure is granted, the decision begins with the dean of the specific college, then moves from the provost to the presi-
dent. The decision also has to be approved by the Board of Trustees. Mark is the prototypical faculty, she serves as the model for faculty receiving tenure, he said. “She strived hard for balance,” he said. “There’s no way anyone could have disputed granting her tenure.” Mark, associate professor of psychology, had to dedicate effort to areas of research, teaching and community involvement to reach tenure.
“I’m going to keep dedicating myself to teaching, research and providing myself to the community,” Mark said. Many prospective faculty apply to tenure track or non-tenure track, both of which depend on whether the professor is seeking a semi-permanent position. To have tenure is to have a permanent educating position, and to keep adding to the diversity and development of the university. “There aren’t specific guidelines to gaining ten-
Different perspectives within Bursar’s Office
By MEREDITH HARRIS Staff writer
When Amanda Mitchell was an early childhood education major at USI, she worked as a student worker in the Bursar’s Office. She said she had to quit when she graduated, but when two cashier positions opened, she applied for one and received it. “I really like it,” Mitchell said. “The people around here are pretty friendly, and everyone gets along pretty well.” When the Bursar’s Office is busy or missing a cashier, Mitchell steps in to help, which can make it difficult to get her own tasks completed, she said. August is the busiest time for the Bursar’s Office because bills are going out, being paid and students have questions about their bills. Mitchell said she likes helping out in the cashier one position because she likes helping students and being able to talk to students and other university employees.
“Obviously I like it if I’ve come back,” Mitchell said. She considers herself a “germa-phobe,” so she uses a lot of hand sanitizer, she said. But, dealing with the money does not stress her out too much because she has had prior bank experience before coming back to
dents, too. “The first two weeks of August is (are) stressful,” she said. “Afterwards I’m not too stressed out.” Goans said she likes working with and helping the students – helping them get their loan refunds and making them a payment plan for outstanding balances. Goans doesn’t deal with money directly, but she helps students understand their bills and help them with refunds. Andrew Karch, senior computer science major, visits the Bursar’s Office once or twice a semester and considers getting help the Bursar’s Office. -Andrew Karch from “All in all I think they ofSenior computer science major fer a positive experience considering what they do,” he said. the university, she said. Mitchell “I’ve never really had a negasaid she enjoys working with the tive experience with them,” Karch students and helping them. said. “They’ve always been very There is much diversity among fair with me and always led me in the workers in the Bursar’s Office. the right direction.” The majority of the staff has difWorking with students who ferent majors and focuses, which might be angry would ruin somekeep things interesting in the of- one’s day, but handling the money fice. wouldn’t be stressful, he said. Becky Goans, accountant assistant, said she enjoys helping stu-
All in all I think they offer a positive experience considering what they do.
ure. It’s a process where you demonstrate teaching effectiveness, maintaining research and actively publishing research,” Mark said. “Without publishing, you can’t get tenure.” It’s an important piece of the package, she said. To gain tenure, professors have to show excellence in their departments with teaching and personal research. They also have to show involvement in their colleges and the university as a whole. “You have to maintain
a record of service,” she said. Mark served on several committees, advised students each semester and presented research, all of which helped her receive tenure. “I served on search committees for university wide positions,” Mark said. “I was the faculty co-adviser of the psychology club, and served as a moderator for psychology conferences.”
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Page 5 - The Shield - September 26, 2013
Features
Musicians ‘not so local’ By ARIANA BEEDIE Features editor A local band describes itself as not so local. Jeremiah Daniels and Nick Henning developed
City Grimm in 2010. The two met while playing in another band but split off to form their own unique sound. “We play noise rock and post punk,” Daniels said.
“There are even some psychedelic influences.” Daniels, 27, and Henning, 25, both live in Evansville but don’t consider themselves a local band.
Photo courtesy of City Grimm
“GTA V”
“Intense violence, strong sexual content, use of drugs and alcohol,” these are only some of the qualities that gave Grand Theft Auto V its mature rating and at face value it may seem like that’s all the game is, but that’s the wrong assumption. There’s a method to Rockstar Games’ madness and the seemingly pointless and controversial content that is put into its Grand Theft Auto games. Grand Theft Auto is synonymous with controversy because of its gameplay, and Rockstar thrives off of that to sell its games. That’s why GTA V made $800 million in one day. Rockstar isn’t shallow; GTA V doesn’t stoop down to the level of senseless violence. It’s violence with the purpose of telling a compelling, topical story. GTA V’s purpose is to be a commentary of post-finical crisis America, to exaggerate how hedonistic our society has become. It paints a picture of America as a place where the mass media sells its products through sleaze and how violence envelops our lives through the media we consume. There’s a torture scene in which the player must torture information out of a hostage, it’s something that rides the fine line of tastelessness because of its graphic nature. But it redeems itself by facilitating a dialogue about military torture. One notable change from GTA IV to GTA V is the fact that it revolves around heist missions. The missions build on each other and ultimately lead up to a robbery of some sort. Missions get more outrageous and exciting as the game progresses. The biggest change, though, is the fact that there are three playable characters. Each character has their own personality that allows for different ways to approach gameplay and view the games story. GTA V is a brilliantly crafted game in which its dark story and comedic moments comment on topics that are relevant to today’s society and is far from being a game that “just” spreads violence. Rating 5/5
By ROBERTO CAMPOS, Staff writer
“Prisoners” Boasting an intricately woven plot, two hours of nonstop sBoasting an intricately woven plot, two hours of nonstop suspense, and superb acting, “Prisoners” might just be the year’s must-see-thriller. The movie follows the kidnapping of two young girls in their neighborhood and the subsequent actions of the characters surrounding the incident. The narrative tackles child kidnapping in a very real way, having it focused on the kidnapped’s parents and the detective. With this being the case, we see fantastic emotional performances from Hugh Jackman as Keller Dover, the father of one of the missing girls, and Jake Gyllenhaal as Detective Loki. The frustration of both of these characters is captured in a disturbingly truthful way. With a running time of over 2 hours and 30 minutes, it should come as no surprise that the movie has a few twists and turns. Though it did get fairly complex, I found myself impressed at the cohesion and clarity throughout. The plot tied so many characters and variables together in a way that was both easy to follow yet complex to detail, if that makes sense. Needless to say, it was masterfully done. The only shortcoming of the movie that I found is fairly minute, and somewhat of a biased one because it comes from my perspective as a writer. Although I thought the plot was orchestrated beautifully, I would have liked to see more powerful dialogue in the movie. I felt that it lacked the emotional conviction to be awarded five stars. Now, don’t get me wrong. There was plenty of emotion – it was practically seeping of it. But it was mostly manifested through physical performances. I would have liked to see a blend of physical and verbal emotion, but then again, I’m sure it could be argued that this representation was more accurate given the circumstances. By JAKE TAPLEY, Staff writer Rating 4/5
“We’re not a local band, even though we play locally now and then,” Henning said. “We just happen to live here.” City Grimm plays shows around the major Midwest, including cities like Chicago, Louisville, Bloomington and Nashville. “Majority of the time, we never know what to expect at venues,” Daniels said. “We just bring out Electronic Press Kit and let the music speak for itself.” When the band performs, it’s not about what the audience thinks, but it’s more for City Grimm, Daniels said. “We’re in our own universe when we’re on stage,” he said. When it comes to song-
writing, City Grimm use a different approach than other artists. “I can never tell Henning what to do,” Daniels said. “If he plays something horrible, I’ll just tell him to play something else.” This side project acts as a refuge for the two, a way to express themselves freely, Henning said. “We just play well together and that has worked out really well for us,” Henning said. “It’s become performance art.” The duo is releasing an untitled album sometime this year, which is gaining local fans in the downtown area. “We’re always surprised when people listen,” Daniels said. “Only because it’s our thing - something we created.”
“New Girl” and “The Mindy Project” should take note of each other’s flaws By MEGAN FRYE U of Texas. via UWIRE Every sitcom has a flirtatious male, a primary couple and characters in messy situations with fantastic apartments. Writers rarely get around these staples, and for good reason. But “The Mindy Project” and “New Girl,” which run back to back on Fox, take the same tropes in entirely different directions. In both shows, the main character is a professional single woman between the ages of 27 and 35, with a college education and a penchant for awkward situations. She has three male friends: the weird but funny one, the angry but sexy one and the neurotic but well-groomed one. Her love interests are a series of gorgeous, white men with great smiles, and she is unlucky with almost all of them because she has insane amounts of sexual tension with the angry but sexy guy friend. “New Girl” highlights the actors’ talents with slapstick comedy and jokes about relationships. The characters are stereotyped. The writers built satires, not people. Jess is positive. Nick is gruff. Schmidt is, well, Schmidt. Characters on “New
Girl” rarely act outside of their defined character boundaries. Schmidt can have a serious girlfriend, but he still needs to be Don Quixote. Nick can be suave, but only for a scene. The show is built on these characters staying in character. If one of them grew or changed, the magic pixie dream life would be lost. The downside is that the writer’s depend on Zooey Deschanel remaining quirky. The most notable example is season two’s “Parents,” in which Jess tries to “Parent Trap” her divorced mom and dad back together. This woman is 30 years old. No amount of adorability should make this an acceptable plot line. “The Mindy Project” treats its characters like people. Mindy Kaling writes better than any writer or actor on TV today and she knows what women want in a lead character. The viewer sees Mindy for her wants, her desires and her hopeful cynicism. She is, in many ways, the viewer. But “The Mindy Project” isn’t perfect. Just like “Parks and Recreation” did after the first season, Kaling needs to listen to her critics and tweak the parts that are failing. The secondary characters on Kaling’s show are not nearly as memorable
as the ones in “New Girl,” despite the terrific actors who play them. Viewers don’t know Morgan, Jeremy and Betsy outside of Mindy. There are too many fascinating minor characters, typically played by celebrities, to allow for character development to happen. The viewer doesn’t need to care about Seth Rogen or James Franco. They need to care about the regulars, and often they don’t because they are rarely given their own story lines. They exist solely to live around Mindy and say witty things. It’s easy to love the four roommates on “New Girl.” It’s easy to laugh at their mistakes and feel like their friends. In “The Mindy Project,” it’s easy to love the titular character but not care about anyone else. It is unlikely that “New Girl” will change its formula, because it has too many devoted viewers. Luckily, it’s not too late for “The Mindy Project” to reach perfection. Get rid of the guest star clutter, focus on the friendships and make it an ensemble piece. “New Girl” and “The Mindy Project” need to learn from each other, or combine into one supercharged lady sitcom.
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SHIELD Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Shannon Hall editor@usishield.com News Editor James Vaughn news@usishield.com Features Editor Ariana Beedie features@usishield.com Opinion Editor Jessie Hellmann opinion@usishield.com
Page 6 - The Shield - September 26, 2013
What’s wrong with USI By JESSICA STALLINGS Staff writer I really want to know what is wrong with USI. I have attended this university for almost two years and lived around this area my entire life, but I’m still not sure what it is that people don’t like about this campus. The university has been put down so many times, even by students attending. People claim it is too small of a campus, we
don’t have a football team, or the infamous name of “West Side High” still gets thrown around. USI gained the horrible name, “West Side High,” from people in the area due to the fact that we were such a small campus and it was always an easy option for students right out of the local high schools. I have heard other complaints such as there is too much construction; there aren’t enough programs; or my personal favorite, I
didn’t have to try hard to get accepted. That may have been true in the past, but starting in 2012, the university has changed its academic standards for enrollment. Enrollment numbers went down even more this year for similar reasons. The list goes on and on. Students need to understand that USI may have some flaws, but what university doesn’t? The campus is still growing and trying to become bigger
and better. In the past few years, we have gained more professors, more programs and even more additions to the campus itself. USI is one of the top schools for nursing programs in the state. One of our alumni represented our district in congress until 2011. Eventually, USI will be the campus that we aspire it to be and that may take five or 10 years. It has definitely grown from when
it was called the Southern Indiana University of Evansville. For some reason, you chose to come here so why not support USI and take the chance to make the university better if you aren’t satisfied? Complaining doesn’t solve anything. For me, the University of Southern Indiana is a good place to get a secondary education, and it’s working its way to become a great one.
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Transparency is key By ZANE CLODFELTER Sports editor In my time at USI, one thing seems to be a constant: change is inevitable. As a person who finds embracing change difficult and hard to fathom, I’ve made strides here on campus in adapting to changes. I was forced to. I had no choice. Since I was freshman, I had a list of required classes needed to graduate and move on with my life. If I compared that list to my current catalog, it would look as if I changed majors, but I didn’t.
USI has made changes for the better, but there is fine print with those changes, and most of the time that print is blurred. Recently, the university made changes to the corecurriculum by lowering the hours needed. How did I find out about it you ask? A professor in one of my classes passed it along as a courtesy, but aside from him and advisors, how are you going to find out? I would say this publication, but even important changes related to students, and the pursuit of a degree, fall through the
cracks. USI is changing requirements and catalogs so quickly that it’s hard to keep up with it, along with the loads of work while students are trying to fulfill that catalog. Although my time at USI has been a positive experience overall, there comes a time when you are ready to bust through the doors and never come back. Safe to say, I’m getting really close to that point, if I haven’t gotten there already. I’m close to that point because of these changes. You are expected to be
Optimizing: digital experience By JAKE TAPLEY Staff writer As I write this, BlackBoard is refusing to let me log in. Something about an “Authorization Failure” – I assure you I don’t know. Now, if this was an isolated incident, I wouldn’t think too much of it. I understand that technology malfunctions, and that there’s a lot about coding and web developing that I don’t understand. However, this semester has been full of IT problems. So, it’s time to address the bigger problem at hand: why it’s not okay. Since we’ve decided to go digital (or at least semi-digital), there’s been a dramatic shift in the way our classes operate. BlackBoard has become
the platform where we do most of our academic work, whether it’s simply perusing some important documents or, in some cases, taking a quiz or test. With this being the case, a red flag immediately goes up in my head when I can’t access myUSI or BlackBoard. I have come to realize that I am no longer solely responsible for my education. On the contrary, I am dependent on variables that are out of my control. I am dependent on people who I don’t know – people who, if I tried to contact them, would probably send me to someone else. I know that there’s likely no going back from this system of dependence. So, I can only hope for the best-case scenario in which the people who we
all rely on so much to retrieve and submit classwork, or even just check our email. In fact, I’ve had several professors voice their complaints about this concern, in particular, saying that they need their students to be able to see their emails, which are often a last-minute kind of thing. This means that it’s no longer acceptable for BlackBoard to be “temporarily down” (unless it’s for something like scheduled maintenance). We all constantly live our lives under the assumption that technology will cooperate in our favor, and that we will able to schedule our lives accordingly. The least we can ask is for the digital experience to be an optimal one.
aware of these changes without any hint of the changes actually happening until it hits you in the face. I’ve had the feeling more this semester than another other time. Classes that I thought I didn’t need, I now need. I find myself scrambling onto Blackboard, hoping there is a five-week course offered so that I don’t have to deal with it in the spring. Long story short, I lucked out and found the class at a time that works. What happens, though, when it doesn’t go smoothly and students find
themselves stuck between a rock and a hard spot? Nothing, because after all they are at the mercy of the university. If the class isn’t offered that semester, you’re out of luck. USI can improve on communication, there are a lot of moving parts here constantly, just look outside on campus. It all needs to be organized, and not by the students who are doing it during a pure state of panic, but by those who decided to make all of these requirement changes in the first place.
Parking remains an issue on campus By BRENNA WU Staff writer At USI, one of the first things the Public Safety Office tells students about is the plethora of parking spots on campus, even though it may not be where the student prefers. Yet, how many of us in the morning or in the afternoon drive down lane after lane searching for a parking spot? The lanes are filled by 9 a.m., and the students who have afternoon classes better prepare to start walking. If a student wants a decent parking space, she will have to arrive at least an hour before the class starts, if she is even that lucky. So, think about a 9 a.m. class and waking up just to get a parking space around 8 a.m. No one wants to do that. Residential parking is another hectic issue. Those lots fill to the point where residences living in
Newman Hall may have to park all the way down past Ruston Hall, just to have a space to park their vehicles. The Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center is also close to the residence halls, which makes those who are working out have to park miles away due to lack of non-resident parking places that are already occupied by people living in the residence halls. Overall, this one question remains: how do we fix the parking issue on campus? Some suggest that freshman do not have cars, which makes sense overall because everything on campus is within a good walking distance. Another suggestion could be to expand the lots, but that would take a good chunk of money, as well as time. The parking issue is one that remains constant year after year, and is one that has many possible solutions. Let’s stop talking and starting doing.
Page 7 - The Shield - September 26, 2013
Sports
Rugby Club places second at tourney By JIMMY PYLES Staff writer After 225 minuets of rugby in two days, the USI Rugby Club placed 2nd at the Oak Leaf Rugby Tournament at Vanderbilt this weekend. Out of the 10 teams, USI was the only Division III team at the tournament and one Division II team. “It was intimidating a first just because there was only one DII team there so pretty much just a tournament full of DI teams,” said Doug Rose, president of USI’s rugby club. “Just knowing we came from a smaller school with a lot smaller players was a little daunting, but went down there trying to get better and play the best rugby we could.” For most members of the rugby team, this was their first time starting in a tournament while having 8 new members on the field
at one time. “Our first match really helped us build some fluidity with some of freshmen and just get them in at different positions and on the field to loosen them up,” Rose said. “You could see the progression, confidence build with each game so by game three and four they weren’t intimidated at all.” The team poses for a picture after placing second in the Oak Leaf Tournament. The team poses for a picture after placing second in the Oak Leaf Tournament. After winning four straight matches, and making it to the championship match, USI fell to the University of Alabama 15-5. Freshmen flanker Ray Van scored his first and USI’s only try during the championship match. “At first they referee didn’t call it, but I knew
I scored. As we were about to scrum up again, the other line judge told the ref that he saw I scored,” Van said. “It made me feel pretty good that I did something for my team and get my first score ever. “ Unlike traditional rugby, the halves were only 20 minuets instead of 40. “We had to figure out how to put out more of our energy faster,” Van said. “The pace was lot faster, but it allowed me to play many positions through the course of the tournament.” Even though it was a tournament, it didn’t count towards the teams goal of playing for the DIII Indiana State Championship. But the tournament gives USI much neededconfidence as they prepare to make a run at the Indi-
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ana Small College Rugby Playoffs. “The biggest thing you need is a solid team beyond the starting 15,” head coach Kurt Murrell said. “A good recruiting year has blessed us with depth that will help us to
get through the season and will giving people extra time to rest when needed.” The team plans on resting some of the starters that played this weekend and give some of new members more playing time so it will round out
our team, Murrell said. The USI Rugby Club (6-1) heads back into conference play at noon Saturday on the Clarke Lane Recreation Field as the team takes on Indiana State University.
Men’s soccer drop COLUMN: View from the Cone games bring national to Missouri S&T Exhibition attention for basketball program By ZANE CLODFELTER Sports editor A wet start to the weekend ended in disappointment for Southern Indiana men’s soccer team, as it lost two matches to Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) opponents in Evansville over the weekend. Wet conditions forced the Friday match against Missouri S&T to be moved from Strassweg Field to the Goebel Soccer Complex. The move was made due to forecasts of bad weather for the remainder of the day and the fieldturf availability at Goebel. Battling both Missouri S&T and weather, dealing with heavy rain showers
throughout the game, the Eagles fell 1-0. Alex Reifschneider scored the lone goal of the game, for the Miners, at 18:56 on USI goalie Jeffery Neidlinger. Neidlinger recorded three saves while playing in the net all 90 minutes of regulation. Despite dropping the contest, the Eagles outshot Missouri S&T 16-8 for the game. Missouri S&T, however, recorded seven saves on shots, compared to only three for the Eagles. USI was able to rebound quickly from Friday’s defeat, when Rush Dugger scored 2:23 into the game off of the assist from Steve Sokol. The goal put the Eagles up 1-0 against Drury in Sunday’s match back at
Strassweg on campus. The Panthers then had goals from Nick Ammann, 41:14 into the game, and Matt Hutchison who scored with 63:30 on the clock. Hutchison was credited with an assist on Ammann’s goal, while Eric Heet was given a assist on Hutchison’s go-ahead goal in the second half. USI was unable to put another tally on the scoreboard over the final 87 minutes of regulation, and fell to Drury 2-1. The weekend losses dropped the Eagles overall record to 2-3-1, with a GLVC mark of 1-3-0. USI hits the road Friday to play Rockhurst and also plays William Jewell on Sunday to close out the weekend.
Weekend Scores: Men’s Soccer: Missouri S&T 1 Southern Indiana 0 (Friday) Drury 2 Southern Indiana 1 (Sunday) Women’s Soccer: Missouri S&T 1 Southern Indiana 2 (Friday) Drury 4 Southern Indiana 2 (Sunday) Volleyball: Southern Indiana 1 Rockhurst 3 (Saturday) Southern Indiana 3 William Jewell (Sunday)
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By ZANE CLODFELTER
Sports editor Last year, when the announcement was made that Southern Indiana would play Evansville at the Ford Center, there was general excitement among those on campus. After all, students and faculty could drive 10 minutes east on the Lloyd Expressway to watch the Eagles in an exhibition contest against a Division I foe right here in town. Fast-forward to this month, when USI first announced that Tennessee would be on the exhibition slate and later that week added Indiana. Our campus took notice, the chatter amongst all of us wasn’t about other sports and leagues, it was about our school taking on the big and mighty Division I programs in our region. For as much as I like and appreciate the matchups against Evansville over the years and the local, and somewhat regional attention that came with it, playing Indiana and Tennessee gives the Eagles more exposure than any Division II program could ever ask for besides making the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. The Eagles will have a chance to expand their recruiting boundaries, and attract those who are right for Division II basketball, and who are also willing to accept the challenges of playing bigger schools. USI will also have cover-
age and exposure not just limited to the metro-area, when the Eagles and Purple Aces do battle, but to an entire region and fan bases that are much larger than the contingency of UE fans. While the USI-UE matchup typically draws well, there isn’t a demand to see the game. Last year’s attendance of 7,358 the Ford Center showed general excitement, but it was still short of sellout in a venue smaller than its predecessor, Roberts Stadium. In a previous column, I mentioned a lack of transition from the summer months into the school year as a reason why the university should add football to the NCAA-sanctioned sports. If we can’t get football, this is the next best thing. While tickets at nearby Indiana may be only available on secondary ticket sites, I can guarantee plenty of Eagles will be heard in the exhibition opener at Assembly Hall. I’ve already heard from students on campus who are planning to take buses and
travel two hours north on Interstate 69 to watch the Eagles and Hoosiers battle for the first time in men’s basketball. In these matchups, USI has nothing to lose, but everything to gain. If the Eagles make it a game, attention will come. Attention not only from other teams around the Great Lakes Valley Conference, but those in Division I conferences. Division I teams schedule good Division II teams in exhibition games to prepare their teams for the tough schedule that awaits. USI played Illinois close in Campaign in 2010, and if they can stay competitive, more Division I programs will want to schedule the Eagles. In 2010, GLVC member Indianapolis beat Bruce Pearl and Tennessee down in Knoxville. Later that night, highlights of the game were shown on national television shows and media across the country took notice and included in their publications and programs. If USI can hang tough with Indiana or Tennessee, the rest of the region will start to take notice that our school has a solid program, led by a coaching staff with the resumes worthy of being at a Division I program. It’s time for people to see the Eagles on the big stage playing Division I schools, not confined to the Ford Center.
The Shield - September 26, 2013
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