The The Shield 10/25/12

In this Issue Men and Women’s Cross Country win big pg.7

Vol. 43 Issue 11

Pumpkin Bust pg. 4

THE

Thursday, October 25, 2012 The numbers in the bubbles represent how much SpringFest lost every year.When SpringFest couldn’t make enough money to cover expenses, the university would cover it.

SHIELD www.usishield.com

2012

-$120,233

Vote centers inconvenient for students

By JAMES VAUGHN Staff writer

-$129,959

2011

2010

2009

-$51,086

Over 11 years SpringFest has lost

-$115

$501,251 The explanation behind the cancelation

2008

2007

2006

2005

By JESSIE HELLMANN News editor

-$74,283

-$10,120 -$12,383

-$32,214

2004

2003

2002

-$41,701 -$12,753

After the cancelation of SpringFest, a music festival and tradition that has taken place at USI for the past ten years, confusion swept through the university as students questioned why it isn’t happening this year.

What happened?

Provost Ron Rochon said SpringFest was canceled because the man in charge of it, Director of Career Counseling Tim Buecher, is retiring.

“What we have is one person with a wealth of knowledge leaving. When that happens, things shut down,” Rochon said. “It’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and look at where we want to go.”

Even though SpringFest has lost thousands of dollars every single year it has been put on and even though the university would cover the losses, Rochon said cost is not the reason it was cancelled.

However, some of the members of the student-ran SpringFest committee think money played a part in it.

“I’m sad about (the cancellation). I wish more money were set aside, but it’s good to step back and look at it,” said student member of the committee Nick Mathis. “I think the big issue was we were spreading ourselves too thin.”

He said costs added up because of additions such as the carnival and field trips for youth in the community to experience the festival.

“There was an overall increase in costs, attendance was down, and not as many (students) wanted to go,” he said.

Mathis said even though Buecher was retiring, there were still enough people who had worked with SpringFest before that the festival shouldn’t have been canceled.

“I think there were enough of people on campus, people who have been with (SpringFest) for a long time, that SpringFest could be done this year. There would be a lot of heavy planning though,” he said. “ I understand why it was cancelled, but I don’t agree with it.”

SpringFest Committee member Johanna Caress said she thinks the committee members felt pressure from the administration to raise enough money to cover expenses.

“Being on the committee, being at the meetings where it’s like, ‘Crunch time now.

We have this much to pay for this and we don’t have enough money for this,’ I think we felt (the pressure), but not everyone (felt it) like the students,” she said.

She said before she joined the SpringFest committee,

-$16,402

SPRINGFEST on Pg. 3

In 2010, students in the Political Science Society (PSS) fought to have Precinct 8’s polling place moved to USI. The success was short-lived when Vanderburgh County switched to vote centers.

Now students with no reliable transportation will have to find a way to the polls once again.

During the eight months that senior political science major John Siepierski led PSS’s efforts to bring a polling place to campus, it became clear that several key county officials were hostile to the notion of students having a voice in politics, he said.

“In my interactions with these officials, I was yelled at, I was accused of being disrespectful and I was frequently ignored,” Siepierski said.

He said he got the sense that members of the county government believed that USI students don’t count as real Vanderburgh County residents.

It was only after PSS’ efforts drew considerable local media attention that the polling place was moved to campus.

After every census, state governments redraw congressional districts and local governments redraw precincts.

“In Vanderburgh County’s case, the election board did away with precincts altogether, and, surprise, USI lost its polling place,” Siepierski said.

If students attempted to bring a voting center to USI, they’d face some new challenges.

VOTE CENTERS on Pg. 3

USI unveils new look

By JESSIE HELLMAN News editor

Red triangles reading “Get the Edge” covered Carter Hall Tuesday afternoon at an event that unveiled USI’s new marketing campaign.

“Because of you, this university has the edge,” said USI President Linda Bennett at the event. “At USI, students get the competitive edge to continue their education or get them into the job market - engaging them in real world experiences and preparing them to be leaders.”

She said she has heard from students and others that they “don’t see much of USI” in the community, which is part of the reason this campaign was launched.

She said there will be advertisements on the radio and television and on banners on the boulevard.

“Our alumni are 32,000 strong, and its time to flex that muscle,” she said.

Mayor Lloyd Winnicke attended the unveiling and talked about how USI’s “edge” contributes to the city of Evansville.

“I got the edge, and I know my family did when my sister delivered a commencement speech,” he said. “I’m very pleased by (USI’s new look). I think it’s going to help the university get a higher profile. I think it helps get its story to a broader audience.”

He said USI is one of Evansville’s greatest partners.

“We depend on it because we know the students who come out of here are qualified people that come in to the workforce,” he said. “We know its coming out with the edge they need to succeed in their lives and help our city succeed. “ USI junior marketing major Matt Rust NEW LOOK on Pg. 3

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The Shield - October 25, 2012

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We Deliver to USI 5225 Pearl Dr. 812-402-8287

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Page 3 - The Shield - October 25, 2012 Correction: In last week’s issue, the article “Vietnam veteran art displays in LA” the artist’s name was misprinted.

His name is Rick McCarty.

USI Security Incident Log 10/18 - 10/23 Burglary housing 815A Buschkill – Bayh Building 10/18 11:40 a.m.

Open Code of conduct – disruption Broadway sports 10/18 8:31 p.m.

Closed Traffic accident, hit and run See report 10/18 9:06 a.m. closed Code of conduct – disruptive – roommate 914B Eckels Lane Saletta 10/19 10:04 a.m.

Closed Illness report Ruston hall 10/19 12:08 a.m.

Closed Criminal trespass Rice Library 8600 University Blvd.

10/10 3:18 p.m. closed Public indeceny Rice Library - 8600 University Blvd.

10/19 3:18 p.m.

Closed Suicide 7962 B OʼDaniel Lane Branigan 10/19 4:40 p.m.

Closed Fire alarm UC West 8600 University Blvd.

10/20 7:09 p.m.

Closed Property damage OʼBannon Hall – 1720 Rochelle 10/24 5:12 p.m.

Closed Code of conduct – violation of law Off campus 10/22 5:47 p.m.

Closed Suspicious persons Parking lot B 10/22 8:12 p.m.

Information only Traffic accident Parking lot G 10/23 1:16 p.m.

Closed Fire alarm- false alarm 915A Eckels lane-Hanley 10/23 1:36 a.m.

Closed Criminal mischieg 828 A Jarrett Lane McCray building 10/23 2:13 a.m. Closed Injury report Clarke Lane 10/23 4:34 p.m.

Closed

SpringFest continued from Pg. 1 she had no idea how much money went into putting the whole festival together.

“I didn’t realize they’re paying that much for the bands to come, to rent the booths, to pay for the signs, for advertising, for all of that stuff,” she said.

She said she does not think the goal of SpringFest was to make a profit.

SpringFest Co Director Joe Giannini said he was disappointed SpringFest had been cancelled at first but that he kind of expected it.

“From what I understand, it was just cancelled to find the best way to make it work for the university and the students,” he said. “It was going to be a difficult year with Tim (Buecher) retiring because no one knows the extent of what goes into SpringFest.”

He said it’s not completely bad that it was cancelled.

“I was sad to see it happen, but I think it will give us a good chance to make it better,” he said.

He said money was part of the issue.

“Money is always an issue,” he said. “It’s always going to be, especially when the university is not funded properly through the state. Until it is, money will always be an issue. The university is definitely struggling with that.”

Every year, the committee requested money from student groups such as the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Activities Programming Board (APB) to help fund SpringFest.

“It was understood that we needed other forms of income besides what the university gives us. That’s always going to be something that we’re going to have to work with,” he said. “I see it as a good thing. We tried our hardest to get it, and if we didn’t that’s just how it worked.”

Where is USI going from here?

Rochon said a committee of faculty, students and past SpringFest committee members will meet in January.

“We want to examine SpringFest and think about what it was before and where we want it to go,” he said.

He said having SpringFest every other year instead of every year could be a possibility.

“It could be a challenge to do every year,” he said.

News

“We’re not saying no - we need to know what resources are involved.”

He said he’s optimistic there will be a SpringFest, or something like it, in 2014, but he wants to start with a clean slate.

Mathis said he is upset the festival was canceled, as it has been a USI tradition for 10 years. He said some things may need to be cut out of SpringFest such as the carnivals he’s not sure many college students attend. He said SpringFest should focus on its strengths such as the outdoor stages where local bands performed during the weekend.

Caress said she hopes SpringFest comes back.

“I hope they can have it come back - this is my last year,” she said. “IU has the little 5, Purdue has the Grand Prix. Every school has something. It’s kind of like our thing to look forward to.”

Snoop dog? Jay-z? Ludacris? Probably not...

Last year, The Shield published a story titled “Filthy lyrics, too much money: why the top vote getters were never an option” about how Rochon said he didn’t want to bring any artist to USI who expelled insulting lyrics.

He said he still sticks to this standard.

“If this university is going to bring artists on campus that expose racial, sexist or homophobic lyrics, that’ll be a problem for me,” he said. “I hope it’s a problem for everyone in the community. We don’t want USI to perpetuate that.”

He said he rejects the idea that USI should be like Indiana University (IU) and bring artists such as Lil Wayne.

“We’re not IU. We don’t want to be IU. We have our own distinct identity,” he said. “I’m not trying to treat anyone like a child.”

As for other big artists who don’t have degrading lyrics, Rochon said they just wouldn’t come here.

“Big artists won’t come here. They’ve made it clear they wont come here (because) we don’t have the acoustics or the room,” he said. “They’d come to the Ford Center, but we won’t take acts off our campus because once a USI function leaves USI property, we have very little say in what happens.”

Vote centers continued from Pg. 1 In 2010, they argued that Perry Township’s polling place was located outside of the precinct, which was a direct violation of Indiana election law.

With vote centers, there is no violation of Indiana statue.

“It’s every bit as much an issue as it was in 2010,” Siepierski said. “Once again, USI students don’t have a fair opportunity to have our say in local, state and national politics.”

He said if students need a ride to the polls on Election Day, they can contact him at jwsiepiers@eagles. usi.edu and he’d be happy to drive them.

He hasn’t heard any talk about an attempt to bring a vote center to USI, he said.

Vanderburgh County Clerk Suzan Kirk said there is too much going on at a school, especially on a Tuesday, for USI to be considered for a vote center. In July 2011, Kirk sat

down with the Democratic and Republican County Chairmen and one to two representatives from each party to discuss the best locations for vote centers.

Though 70 percent of the vote centers were existing polling places, they had to make sure each location could accommodate more people and more parking, she said.

“There are no longer four or five boxes,” Kirk said. “We’re working with 20 to 25 boxes per location.”

During the brief period of time that Precinct 8’s polls were on campus, they were located in the Residence Life Center.

“Because of that specific area, there was nowhere near enough parking to accommodate the amount of people that we need to,” Kirk said.

She said most people, including students, have vehicles.

“We live in a fast-paced society now,” Kirk said.

“Students aren’t stuck at school all the time - they can’t be. I’m sure they find a way to get out and get groceries and other items they need.”

She said there are plenty of opportunities for early voting, including polls at the Red Bank Library.

Sophomore history major Joseph Kenney doesn’t have a vehicle and has no idea how he’s getting to the polls on election day, he said.

“If there was a voting center at USI, it would allow more students to have a voice in this election,” Kenney said.

He tries to buy everything he needs before school starts, he said.

“The bus system here is unreliable and my roommate works a lot,” Kenney said. “If I do need something I wait until he goes or a friend goes.”

The switch to vote centers has led to fewer places to vote across the city and county.

“In my neighborhood there is no voting center and I think there might only be three in my entire zip code,” said Mary Morris, chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration It becomes a problem for students who now have to travel farther to vote she said.

“For example, I live in Pigeon Township – a township that includes some of the poorest places in Evansville – yet the folks in that township have to travel farther to vote which can be a serious inconvenience if you don’t have reliable transportation,” Morris said. “Although you can vote at any center, I really don’t think it is as convenient.”

New look continued from Pg. 1 spoke at the event about how USI helped him grow as a student.

“You can see (USI) is really trying to help students get the edge,” he said. “I think USI is working very hard when it comes to preparing students for the future, graduation, and they’re definitely trying to help us gain the edge.”

He said the faculty are dedicated to helping students do well.

“It just amazes me the amount of resources and info that’s provided by simply asking,” he said. “I think that’s a real testament to how dedicated USI and its faculty are to helping students succeed. “

Traffic accident Clarke Lane 10/23 4:34 p.m.

Closed Injury report UC West 8600 University Blvd.

10/23 5:50 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.

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Life & Culture

Page 4 - The Shield - October 25, 2012

Busting pumpkins for charity

A Rocket to the Moon “That Old Feeling EP”

Photo by JIMMY PYLES/The Shield Senior psychology major Andy Dile, Sigma Tau Gamma member, jumps to bust a pumpkin with his elbow during Lambda Chi Alpha’s Pumpkin Bust. Lambda Chi Alpha raised more than 2,500 cans for the North American Food Drive.

By JESSICA STALLING Special to The Shield At what kind of event can you find pumpkin carving, a pumpkin pie eating contest and pumpkin shot put all in one place?

The answer is Lambda Chi Alpha’s annual Pumpkin Bust, which was held Saturday.

The five competing teams were Sigma Tau Gamma, Sigma Pi, Alpha Sigma Tau, Alpha Sigma Alpha and Gamma Phi Beta.

The goal of the Pumpkin Bust contest was to have the most cans at the end of the day and gain the title of “Pumpkin Bust Champs.” Teams brought in cans to donate and then went through the four different events in order to gain more cans. All proceeds will go to the North American Food Drive.

Alpha Sigma Alpha took home the title of Pumpkin Bust Champs, bringing in just a little less than 1,400 cans.

Junior social work major Ashley Lind has been

in Alpha Sigma Alpha for four years, and this is her third time participating in the Pumpkin Bust.

“Alpha Sigma Alpha has won Pumpkin Bust the past three years, so we were determined to keep our crown and receive the Golden Pumpkin once again,” Lind said. “And with it being for a great cause, it just made it even easier for us to want to help.”

Freshman Drew Tolbert, a member of Sigma Pi, said this was his first year participating in the Pumpkin Bust. “(My favorite part was) busting the pumpkins with my fraternity,” Tolbert said.

He said he plans to come next year, as well.

“Turnout was a lot better than previous years and we think this can be attributed to it being a one-day event instead of a week’s worth of events,” said Ian Savage, Lambda Chi Alpha’s vice president of external affairs.

Lambda Chi Alpha continues to accept can dona-

tions, which can be taken to the Lambda Chi house on campus. Currently the total sits at more than 2,500 cans, with all proceeds going to the North American Food Drive.

The first event was the Pumpkin Bust duathlon.

Runners from each team began at a starting line and ran towards the woods, heading south where another teammate was waiting at the Broadway Sports Complex with a bike, ready to switch off.

For the men, first place was awarded to Sigma Tau Gamma and in second was Sigma Pi. For the women, first place was awarded to Alpha Sigma Tau, with Alpha Sigma Alpha coming in second.

The next event was the pumpkin pie eating contest. A person from each team was picked to eat an entire pumpkin pie, crust and all. For the men, first place was given to Sigma Tau Gamma and second went to Sigma Pi. For the women, first place was given to Gamma Phi Beta, second to Alpha Sigma

Alpha, and third to Alpha Sigma Tau. The third event was the pumpkin carving contest.

Teams were given 30 minutes to decorate and carve their own pumpkin. No pre-drawn templates were allowed and teams supplied their own tools and materials.

First place for the men was awarded to Sigma Tau Gamma and second place was given to Sigma Pi. First place for the women was awarded to Alpha Sigma Alpha, second to Gamma Phi Beta, and third to Alpha Sigma Tau. The final event was pumpkin shot put. A member from each team was given a small pumpkin to throw as far as he or she could.

Coming in first for the men was Sigma Tau Gamma, reaching a distance of 63 feet, and in second was Sigma Pi. Gamma Phi Beta came in first for the women with a distance of 37 feet, with Alpha Sigma Tau in second and Alpha Sigma Alpha in third.

Michael Eric Dyson to speak at USI

By ARI BEEDIE Special to The Shield Social intellectual political analyst and scholar Michael Eric Dyson will present a free lecture called “It’s All in the Numbers: The 99 Percent Occupiers, The 47 Percent Victims, the 14 Percent Unemployed, the First Mormon Candidate and the 2012 Elections” at noon Friday in Mitchell Auditorium.

The lecture is open to both USI students and the Evansville community.

Dyson, a Georgetown University sociology professor, is the author of 16 books, including his most recent release, “April 4, 1968; Martin Luther King Jr.’s Death and How it Changed America.” He

was named one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans for 2012 by Ebony Magazine.

This event is sponsored

by Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. Student Activities Program Adviser Kathy Jones said the lecture will give students “a greater sense of awareness.”

“Students should pay attention to details on both sides,” Jones said. “They should also be more aware of the effects on education, like student loans.”

Dyson will present both sides of the presidential election and other social issues affecting citizens today.

The ordained Baptist minister has held various positions in universi-

ties, including professor of humanities at University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Religious Studies. He has also taught at DePaul University, the University of North Carolina, Brown and Columbia Universities.

Dyson also hosts “The Michael Eric Dyson Show,” a radio-syndicated program on NPR which discusses recent issues in the black community, race and religion. He has also appeared on MSNBC, "The Colbert Report" and "The Tavis Smiley Show" along with several others.

USI senior Deidra Drown has seen Dyson speak once before at a Human Resources event in Evansville and is excited about the lecture. Brown

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attended the event with Memorial Baptist Church members a few years ago.

“He can give us some intellectual insight on diversity and what we can do to change,” Brown said.

A Rocket to the Moon has gotten a lot more country since its previous album, “On Your Side,” but this transition should come as no surprise. The band has been transitioning its sound from poprock to a more chill southern pop/country for some time.

This EP is a taste of what the band’s full-length is going to sound like. These four songs demonstrate a lot of the diversity to be found on the upcoming album.

“Whole Lot of Love” kicks of the EP with a very Jason Mraz-like feel to it, but it’s still noticeably A Rocket to the Moon’s sound. The song is very upbeat with acoustic guitars, drums and an organ in the background to fit the southern vibe.

“First Kiss” is the only semi-slow song on the EP. The lyrics are similar to those of Taylor Swift - I have yet to decide if this is a bad or good thing. The song starts out with lead vocalist Nick Santino singing over slow riffs on an electric guitar. After the first verse, the drums become a lot more prominent than the guitar that initially hooks you into the song.

Overall, the EP is pretty good but still needs more diversity. Hopefully the upcoming full-length album will round out the band’s new and transitioning sound. The lyrics are catchy and easily get stuck in your head. A Rocket to the Moon knows how to tease you just enough with these four songs to make any listener want more.

Rating: 4/5

By JIMMY PYLES, Staff writer

From vampires to werewolves, there seems to be no limit to the imagination of writers and creators who recycle these mythical monsters in books, paraphernalia, movies and television.

Prominent on store shelves and in various media formats lately are slow-moving, mindless beings risen from the dead and driven by an uncontrollable need to feast on the flesh of the living. I’m talking about zombies.

The zombie was first brought to the big screen in 1932.

“White Zombie” starred Bela Lugosi as a voodoo master who brings a young girl back from the dead as a zombie played by Madge Bellamy. The film was directed by Victor Halperin and is now considered a cult classic. Since the film’s debut, zombies have evolved in to a fan favorite among scare-seekers and have spawned many more films.

The 2004 movie “Shaun of the Dead,” starring Simon Pegg, is a must-see zombie parody. It’s the story of a down-on-his-luck guy who’s a little lazy, but when it comes to protecting his girl, his mum and his friends from zombies, Shaun is the man for the job.

As far as fear-filled classics go, the 1978 zombie drama “Dawn of the Dead” is, to date, still considered the best zombie movie ever made. It’s George A. Romero’s follow-up to “Night of the Living Dead.” Romero is considered the “Godfather” of zombies, so no spoilers here - go home and watch it for yourself.

Television is even joining in on the zombie craze with AMC’s wildly popular series “The Walking Dead,” starring Andrew Lincoln. Lincoln portrays a sheriff that ends up in a coma after being shot. When he wakes, he finds himself in a very different world where the streets are overrun by the flesh-eating dead and his wife and son are nowhere to be found. He has to adapt quickly to survive while he tries desperately to reunite with his family.

The zombie mania still doesn’t stop there. It has even found its way into the public’s daily lives by means of paranoia and colorful, witty product placement. Zombie paraphernalia, from comical items to apocalyptic survival tools, can be found on store shelves everywhere.

By TOMMY HOUSMAN, Staff writer

Page 5 - The Shield - October 25, 2012

Life & Culture

Above: Kids and parents fill the second floor of Governers Hall while trick or treating during Tuesday’s Boo Bash.

Left: Freshmen residents of Governers Hall Rachel Vidito, Tiffanny Kong and Whelamina Porter pass out candy to Graham Jones (Mario), Miriam Jones (Luigi) and Nicola Jones (duck) as they trick or treat on the first floor of Governors Hall.

Below: Freshman psychology major Emilly Orbik and freshman nursing major Marlee Sills sit in their doorway while passing out candy to kids.

Photos by JIMMY PYLES/The Shield

Above: Freshman sports management major Alec Bradley gives Dylan Fetscher (Spiderman) some candy as he makes his way around the first floor of Governers Hall getting candy from the residents.

Right: Liam Walsh (fireman) and mom Nora Walsh pick candy out of freshmen Mary Ublehor and Kalie Falkenstein’s candy buckets.

Opinion

Page 6 - The Shield - October 25, 2012

Much bigger than labels

THE

SHIELD Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Jimmy Pyles editor@usishield.com News Editor Jessie Hellmann news@usishield.com

By JAKE TAPLEY Opinion editor

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Opinions expressed in unsigned editorials represent a consensus opinion of the editorial board

Debate factor

By JIMMY PYLES Editor-in-Chief

Last week, I got an update on my phone from the Associated Press (AP) app saying Barack Obama won the town hall format debate against Mitt Romney on Oct. 16. Again, this Monday I got an update that said there was no clear winner in the final presidential debate.

I’m glad my AP app is so fast and effective, but is there really a winner and loser in a Presidential debate? It’s all about how each individual person watching the debate thinks the candidates answered the question the best. But did either of them ever really answer the questions anyway?

After the last two debates, I have come up with the best way to maximize truth and actually force the candiates to answer the questions to help weed out the bullshit.

Let’s organize all the debates into one big game show like “America’s Got Talent.”

Both parties would be on stage and would be cut off when people don’t like their answers. In “America’s Got Talent,” a per-

former gets the chance to perform, but if the judges don’t like what’s going on, they can instantly shut them down.

Maybe this way, the candidates would actually focus on the topics and what they have to say before turning the debate into a pissing contest.

The judges will be mediators from each of the three debates.

Unlike the mediators in the current format, who have little control over calming down the candidates when they get in a “I’m right, you’re wrong” shouting match (like the one Candy Crowley of CNN tried very sweetly to break up), mediators in the game show format will now possess all the power.

Hopefully, this format would give people who Facebook and tweet about the debates more to say than just “Answer the question, you idiot!”

To decide who wins the debate, we should let Americans vote instead of letting the media decide who won. Give the show a 1-800 number and let Americans vote for who they think won. Because let’s face it: more people will vote

for this season’s “American Idol,” “The X-Factor” and “The Voice” than will vote in the election.

Don’t have a phone? That’s fine - each person gets a Go-Phone from the government with just enough minutes to allow you to cast your vote. Paying for GoPhones could be cheaper than paying people to work the polls.

We could never only have strong moderators who actually force the candidates to answer the questions. Politicians are tricky liars and would never submit to that kind of format. The only way to encourage them to answer questions is for the panel of judges to completely make them stop “performing” when they stray from the question, as I am proposing.

If this format works for choosing the winner of the debate, maybe someday we can structure voting for the entire election like a game show. After all, Americans care more about those shows than they do about the election.

Someone should organize this idea further - it can’t be me because I hardly watch the debates in the current format or even game shows, for that matter.

Four years is enough

By JAMES VAUGHN Staff writer

When I came college, I anticipated many changes, such as freedom, independence, shorter school days, pursuing personal interests, new scenery and new friends. But there’s one difference between high school and college that I didn’t want to see – four years.

According to CNN Money: Education Trust, an independent nonprofit organization, only 37 percent of first-time college freshmen complete a bachelor’s degree in four years.

Another 26 percent take five or six years, while the remaining 37 percent take breaks or don’t graduate at all.

While I’m guilty of switching my major more than once, I’m innocent when it comes to other

common assumptions about prolonging a college education, including having a lack of funds, working full-time, transferring schools, flunking courses or experiencing family crises.

Personally, I blame the university’s tactics in trying to produce a “wellrounded education.” As a journalism major, not only do I have to take 44 credit hours in my major, but I also can’t take any more than 44 hours of courses in communications. Considering that I dabbled in radio/television and public relations, I already have taken two courses that I need for my major that won’t count toward the 124 hours required for graduation.

That means that my idea of a receiving a “well-rounded education,” which involves di-

versifying my knowledge of communications by taking courses in other disciplines like broadcasting, will only set me back a semester or two. When it comes to the core curriculum, 50 hours is outrageous. There are certain courses that are, in my opinion, a waste of time and money.

I’ve found that humanities and ethics are very similar, yet students have to take nine hours of related courses. Also, if I wanted to be a scientist, I’d major in biology or physics or something - not liberal arts. Therefore, requiring three science courses in the core is ridiculous - one would suffice. These problems are altering the fouryear graduation norm.

It’s not just the core curriculum that’s the problem, though. Think about it.

The core is 50 credit hours, majors are typically around 40 and minors are approximately 20. That’s 110 credit hours, 124 of which are required for graduation.

That means that students who know what they want to do from the very beginning are stuck paying for three to five bogus courses beyond the already excessive requirements. It also leaves students who decide against a minor with even more bullshit “electives” added to their curriculum.

I’m not saying it’s impossible to graduate in four years. It’s just not the norm anymore, and I’m sure most students would prefer it be. While postponing the real world doesn’t sound so bad, it’s not on my agenda, and it’s certainly not good for my wallet.

Write a letter to the editor at shield @usi.edu

Politics have become much too cliquey for me.

I can proudly say I do not affiliate myself with any one party.

There were never any bad intentions when parties were introduced – political figures just wanted to be able to separate candidates by their differentiating ideas. However, George Washington warned against political parties when he said they are “likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people.”

In modern times, political parties have become somewhat of a trademark label attached to each candidate now.

I do not care for the idea that each Republican represents all Republicans or that each Democrat represents all Democrats. I find the notion to be absurd.

These candidates are much bigger than their labels, and although we would like to think that we try to recognize that, we also tend to lump people into groups.

On Tuesday night, Indiana Sen. Richard Mourdock was credited (or more appropriately discredited) with implying that God might intend for rape victims to get pregnant. This statement caused quite the uproar amongst Democrats.

I’m sure everyone that has been made aware of this event has mentally alluded to the mishap involving Colorado District Attorney Ken Buck, where Buck infamously said that he had been told by doctors that female rape victims possess a bodily function that can prevent pregnancy.

People may also tend to lump Mourdock’s ineloquent choice of words with Gov. Mitt Romney’s big slip-up, the “47 percent” comment.

Even though all three of these men are affiliated with the Republican Party, which, at best, is indicative of a trend, one should not arrive at the idea that all Republicans share these ideas.

What I propose, since stripping politics of its party affiliation system is out of the question, is that we look at the man (or woman) behind the label.

Instead of playing the match-up game where we find the name with the “R,” “D” or even “I” beside it and cast our vote, how about we take the time to examine the candidates under the premises of what they, as individuals, stand for and envision for the future of our country?

If you are going to make the conscious decision to go vote on November 6, do yourself a favor and be sure that you actually have a legitimate reason behind selecting a candidate. Voting “straight ballot” is only a defendable position if you’ve done the research to defend your decisions.

Page 7 - The Shield - October 25, 2012

Sports

Men’s and women’s cross country:

Win GLVC titles

By PAT HICKEY Sports editor

USI cross-country added to its illustrious track record at the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Championships, winning both the men and women’s crowns on Saturday.

The eighth-ranked men’s team secured its eighth-straight and GLVC-best 20th title. Senior Michael Jordan and sophomore Tyler Pence captured the top two overall spots with season-best performances, leading the Eagles to a 33-point finish over second-place Lewis University.

Jordan, who finished in second place at the event last year, was tabbed the GLVC Runner of the Year.

The former All-American ran the eight-kilometer race in 24:39.10.

“The most important thing was that, for a lot of us, these were our best individual performances of the year,” Jordan said. “To have it come right before regionala is great, just because we’re right where we should be, which is steady improvement. Hopefully, we’ll do the same in two weeks.”

Pence, who came in third place last year, finished the race exactly 10 seconds behind Jordan to earn all-conference accolades. Evansville native Tyler Schickel placed seventh and was named GLVC Freshman of the Year. Junior Will Cox and sophomores Clay Meyer and Trent Nolan also received all-league honors with top 15 finishes.

The 23rd-ranked women’s team won its fourth league title in the past five years. Senior Lauren Minor recorded the fifth-best time in USI history and placed fourth overall. Trailing Minor were juniors Kaylee McClanahan, Erika Wilson and Kristen Gray, who placed sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively.

Minor’s showing matches her result from last year, but she improved her time by 13.6 seconds to garner her third all-GLVC honor alongside McClanahan, Wilson and Gray.

“I was shooting for under 22 minutes - which I did - and to win another conference title,” Minor said. “This win gives us a lot of confidence heading into regionals, just knowing that if we run like we did (on Saturday), we have a good shot at going to nationals.”

Last year at the NCAA II Midwest Region Championships, the men’s side placed second of 22 teams and advanced to the national championships, where they finished in seventh. A top-five showing is required to move on.

The men and women’s teams rank second and third, respectively, in the Midwest region.

“Once you have a system in place that you know is effective, all you have to do is identify the right athletes that will buy into the program,” said USI head coach Mike Hillyard, who earned his 16th GLVC Coach of the Year honor. "(Winning) never gets old," Hillyard said.

Michael Jordan

Lauren Minor

Tyler Pence

1st place 24:39.10 8-Kilometer

4th place 21:50.40 6-Kilometer

2nd place 24:49.10 8-Kilometer

Vectren Community Classic kicks off exhibition season

By PAT HICKEY Sports editor If it were up to USI men’s basketball head coach Rodney Watson or University of Evansville’s Marty Simmons, the scoreboard would most likely be off Saturday night as the crosstown universities gear up for an exhibition game at the Ford Center.

But make no doubt about it nobody is more fired up for the upcoming matchup than Watson, who added seven newcomers and much-needed height to the Eagles’ roster. Against UE, Watson will get his first true look at how to maximize the depth he and his staff have added.

“We have to keep each player’s

role defined and simple,” Watson said. “We have 13 or 14 guys that we feel can contribute immediately. What’s most important to me is to use the whole pie, and not let part of the pie spoil. It’s one thing to have depth, but it’s another thing to use it.”

Last year, the final coaches’ poll said the Eagles (who finished 24-7) were the sixth best team in the nation – an admirable feat, but after being sent home early in the opening round of the Midwest Regional, it meant nothing.

“Here, in all reality,” Watson said, pausing to look up at the banners hanging above the gym at the Physical Activities Center, “there’s one blue banner in here.

And every once in a while we’ll look up at that banner and think about all the resources we have and the support we’re given. We have what it takes to hang a blue banner. But talking about it and doing it are obviously two different things.”

Even a month ago, after it had been announced that the Great Lakes Valley Conference men and women’s tournament would be returning to Evansville this season, Watson stressed that just because it’s right down the road doesn’t mean they’re invited yet.

The Eagles are 72-16 in Watson’s three years under the helm.

He’s coming off a season in which USI beat the top-ranked team in the country twice, and

won a conference tournament title.

Defensively, the team emphasizes intense man-to-man pressure on the ball, with the remaining four players in zone defense. Frustrating and upsetting the opposition’s flow will be a priority for the Eagles. But where there’s pressure, Watson said they would need to communicate well and play intelligent help defense, since the style is susceptible to the drive.

Offensively, expect a mixed bag of possessions, especially considering the fact that the team’s top two scorers from last year have exhausted their four years of eligibility. Watson said they are going to utilize the

team’s newfound size and individual strengths in an up-tempo style of play. Finding combinations of lineups that work the best will be the Eagles’ initial challenge.

“I think it’s starting to gel,” senior guard Lawrence Thomas said. “Everybody knows what everybody can and can’t do.

That’s what’s going to make us good - everybody doing what they do best and rolling it all into one.”

“Everybody knows we were guard-heavy last year,” Thomas said. “This year, pick your poison. We can go down low or spot up outside. Teams are going to have their hands full, though.”

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The Shield - October 25, 2012

Page 8

MAP-Works is only for Freshmen that completed the survey on Assessment Day

MAP-Works: CHECK-UP SURVEY

PARKING

nce Complete the survey for a cha gift , ney mo to WIN Munch certificates to the USI items. bookstore, and other free tion!

See your RA for more informa

Visitors to the Residence Life apartment complexes must park in the areas designated as VISITOR PARKING areas and only during posted visiting hours. These spaces are shared with residents and revert to resident only parking after visiting hours at which time a decal is required. Citations will be issued for violations. Green information signs are posted along apartment complex roadways to direct visitors to VISITOR PARKING areas. The light blue areas on the map below indicate the VISITOR PARKING locations for the apartment complexes.

Visitors to the Residence Halls may park in any of the campus parking lots unless restricted by signage.

Housing & Residence Life Visiting Hours 路 Sunday - Thursday, 7 am to Midnight 路 Friday & Saturday, 7 am to 2 am

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