august 10, 2015
DESCRIPTION
2015 Orientation Issue.TRANSCRIPT
AUG. 10, 2015 VOL. 57 #3
NEWS LIFE OPINIONFreshmen Dos and Don’ts
7#WheelsForElijah
5Consider the Source
16
If we build it, willthey
come?
2
South’s “top 50 safest campus” title comes with a catch BestColleges.com names South Alabama as one of the 50 safest campuses in the country, but not the main campus
By ALYSSA NEWTON Editor-In-Chief
Just three years after being named one of Business Insider’s 10 most dangerous campuses, another publication is lauding the University of South Alabama’s campus safety.
In July, South Alabama was named as one of the top 50 safest colleges in the United States, according to a report from BestColleges.com.
“USAPD utilizes a proactive policing model of identifying potential problems and devising solutions. Consequently, the University currently has over 700 cameras and has spent half a million dollars on improving lighting during the last four years,” Chief Aull stated in a University release. “We are honored to be on the list of safest schools but when you put all of these strategies together, I am not surprised. The credit for this recognition goes to our entire USA community.”
The department last year partnered
with SGA to create the LiveSafe App that can students can download on their phones.
“The USA Police Department promotes the concept that campus safety is a collective enterprise; in that, it requires the involvement of all members of the campus community,” Aull stated. “As such, the department has offered interactive methods of communication such as text messaging and the LiveSafe mobile safety app. We engage in preemptive community education programs designed to enhance campus safety, such as Active Shooter training to faculty, staff and students, Check Your Ride for students driving home for breaks, as well as alcohol and sexual assault prevention programming.”
Although strides have been made in improving safety on USA’s campus, the main campus is not included in the list, the Baldwin County campus located in Fairhope is.
Chrissy Amber, a commenter on
the Vanguard’s Facebook page said “There’s a difference between numbers and feeling safe,”In the past four years there has been one murder (2011), fifteen forcible sex offenses, eleven robberies, fourteen aggravated assaults
and 64 liquor violations. The USA Police Department
provides a full range of services and is on watch 24/7 every day of the year, regardless of when students are on campus.
South Alabama was named to the “Top 50 Safest Colleges” by BestColleges.com. (Photo: Vanguard Archieves)
AUG. 10, 2015
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Editor in ChiefManaging Editor
Copy Editor Opinion Editor
Sports EditorLife Editor
Staff Reporters
Web Editor
Alyssa Kaitlyn NewtonMitchell KahalleyMicaela Walley Alexander MoylanMary Alice WilsonNatalie Franklin Bria JohnsonTori BrackettCaitlin Smith Jake Palmer
Editorial
Distribution Bobby FaulkAlan Smith
Distribution
Advertising Graphic Designer
Cristina WernerKatelyn Huff
Advertising
Advising
Accounting
J. SellersJ. AucoinKathy Brannan
Management
MissionThe Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the
University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.
Send letters and guest columns to: The Vanguard
University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala., 36688.
Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, e-mail [email protected]. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. Freelance writers will receive payment at the discretion of the section editor and will be notified.
To request additional issues at a stand near you, email:
USAPD crime blotter
05/15/201514:25
Bench Warrant - Domestic Violence USA Medical Center
Trauma Center A patient who was recently
discharged from USA medical center was arrested for an outstanding warrant
(Domestic violence in the 3rd degree) issued by the MPD.
5/16/20157:59
Unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle
Stadium Blvd Unknown person unlawfully entered the victims secured
vehicle and stole a laptop and tablet while it was parked at
the Recreation Center.
If you SEE somethingSAY something!251-460-6312
5/16/2015Bench Warrant - Burglary
in the 1st Degree14:25
USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital
Female patient who had been discharged from USA
Children’s and Women’s Hospital. Arrested for outstanding warrant.
5/21/2015Medical Emergency
5/21/152:25
The GroveThe victim stated he was suffering with pain from
smoking marijuana or “spice”
5/26/2015Harassment
16:25Recreation center
Victim was being harassed by a known individual over
social media.
Patrick Bigbie
AUG. 10, 2015
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By ALYSSA NEWTONEditor-In-Chief
South Alabama dining will be completely swapping to refusable to-go plates starting this fall.
The university will be reducing over 90,000 foam to-go boxes going out to landfills a year by implementing the eco to-go containers, according to James Palomo.
These new containers will be available free to students who have meal plans for the first two weeks of classes, Aug. 15-Aug. 29.
After the first two weeks, the plates will still be available for $5 for students who wish to purchase one.
Students may only have one container per person and will be identified by their JagID.
Students who use the plates will use the container every time they want to take a meal to-go. If it is dirty, the Fresh Food Caf will clean it for you before a student uses it.
If a container gets damaged or too dirty. students will receive a new one for free if they return the container to be recycled.
“We have a deep respect for and commitment to protecting and improving the environment.,” Palomo said. “We work to reduce our environmental footprint while delivering exceptional operational results. We also
offer expertise and practical solutions to our campus partners to help them reduce their environmental impacts.”
Dining Services has multiple policies in place to help conserve energy, and food while reducing waste.
Dining partners with the campus to recycle all cardboard and used cooking oil from all dining locations across campus.
There is even a reusable mug program to reduce waste. Students can receive a discount on fountain beverages and coffee in any South Alabama Dining dining location.
“I think this is emphasizing that sustainability is more than just recycling bottles and cans,” Alex Moylan, SGA’s executive director of sustainability said. “It’s something that can be embraced throughout the University.”
Locations for the services are located all over the campus: Delta Deli, Einsteins Bros. in Health Sciences, Island Oasis, Java City, Starbucks and the Student Center cafeteria.
Meal plans are not only available for students that live on campus. Students who are off-campus may also purchase meal plans, the lowest being $72.
The Fresh Food Caf is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open to all students and student guests.
For more information, visit South Alabama’s website just for the dining facilities at usouthal.campusdish.com.
South Alabama Dining gives students green to-go Fresh Food Caf completely removes styrofoam to-go
plates this fall, provides “green” plates
#WheelsforElijah gets national attention
South Alabama will be reducing over 90,000 styrofoam plates from going to landfills. (Photo: Wiki Images)
AUG. 10, 2015
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Elijah Sprague, a dancing, fun-loving 10-year-old, has created quite a storm online. The hashtag, #wheelsforelijah, has gone viral in support of the little boy who suffers from cerebral palsy and autism.
Ten years ago, Elijah was adopted at six months by Rene and Patrick Sprague, who knew of his condition and the struggles that would follow.
Elijah was born to a woman with a history of unhealthy patterns, and the Spragues were told that because of his brain injuries, he most likely wouldn’t make it to a year old, and if he did, he would be in a vegetative state. However, his adopted parents knew that he was supposed to be in their lives.
“He is a miracle, and my mom will tell anyone who asks, that he is a miracle,” said Elijah’s mother who attended South Alabama and has worked with the university as a clinical intructor in the nursing program.
When Elijah began to interact with his parents shortly after adoption, the couple began intensive therapy for him and dedicated most of their lives to their first son, who now walks with canes and interacts with family and friends. He enjoys riding horses and attending Camp Smiles, which his mother works at during the summer.
He has two younger, siblings, Henry, 6, and Lucy, 2, with whom he plays, dances and watches his favorite television shows.
Elijah has also danced at Dance With Limits since their opening. His younger brother, Henry, joins him at Dance With Limits and runs bases with him in the baseball Challenger League.
“He molded the scope of our lives,” said Sprague. “Your priorities kind of get put in order.”
In addition to the cerebral palsy and autism, Elijah has a number of other health issues, as
well as intellectual and behavioral imbalances. Due to these problems, transport for Elijah has become almost impossible, and his parents struggle with moving him and his wheelchair in and out of their current vehicle.
As Elijah has gotten older and less cooperative in a small space, such as a minivan, a wheelchair accessible van is exactly what they need. Without the larger vehicle, future traveling with Elijah will be extremely difficult. The want to be able to include Elijah in as much as possible with his siblings, which has been incredibly difficult as of yet.
The hashtag in honor of Elijah was started on Twitter, where a friend of the family posted a message about the situation, and celebrity
singer Aaron Carter picked it up on his own Twitter account.
Carter started a GoFundMe account in Elijah’s name to use his fanbase on Twitter to accumulate support for the family. In 6 days, the GoFundMe account has raised over $7,000 and the amount is steadily increasing each day.
The tremendous support from friends and strangers alike has been overwhelming to the family.
Ellen Degeneres, known to Elijah as “clap-clap,” is hosting a giveaway for a wheelchair accessible van. Sprague said that Elijah is a huge fan and watches the Ellen Show everyday after school, dancing along to the introductions to each episode.
A friend of the family’s posted a photo of Elijah on Facebook with an introduction to Elijah and his family, as well as why the family deserves to win the giveaway. The photo has circulated across the country, with over 1,500 likes and shares.
With Carter’s publicity and following on twitter, even without winning Ellen’s giveaway, the Sprague’s have a huge head start.
Sprague said that at the moment, all she asks for are prayers for a healthy and happy son.
Elijah Sprague, a dancing, fun-loving 10-year-old, has created quite a storm online. The hashtag, #wheelsforelijah, has gone viral in support of the little boy who suffers from cerebral palsy and autism.
ByTORI BRACKETT Staff Reporter
#WheelsforElijah gets national attention Former USA student’s son gets on a national stage after Aaron Carter shares Elijah’s story
Elijah Sprague (bottom left) has gained national attention after Aaron Cater shared his story on Twitter.(Photo: Rene Sprague Facebook)
AUG. 10, 2015
WRITE FOR THE VANGUARD
Interested in freelance writing? Contact Alyssa Newton, Editor-In-Chief
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Danielle Watson, former South Alabama SGA president, has started her own nonprofit organization. Founded by Watson on June 9, 2015, Inspire2Lead is an organization that focuses on girls ages 12-18 of any race by helping them become positive leaders.
“I am very excited to be starting the organization,” said Watson. “I want young girls to know why it is important to be educated and a leader.” Inspire2Lead is an organization that teaches empowerment through workshops like college preparation and career building. “My goal is to impact the lives of young women and show them that it is okay to think for yourself and to be a leader.”
Watson, who exemplified leadership in her role on SGA, was inspired to start this organization a couple of years ago. “I was inspired when I got to college. Not a lot of girls had places to go or people to look up to or talk too,” said Watson. “Even when I was a mentor in Mobile, there weren’t many resources and I wanted to start an organization that had the necessary resources.”
Watson is working hard promote Inspire2Lead. She states that the process is ‘very tedious, a lot of paperwork’, but plans are in fast progress.
Most recently, Watson announced that she has had twenty new women from Ole Miss to volunteer to be mentors. “The Lord just keeps blessing! I’m so excited to get this organization up and running this fall!” Watson stated on Facebook.
Inspire2Lead is also planning to host a Back To School Supply Drive sometime in August. Watson is also teaming up with sponsorships such as Volunteer Oxford in Mississippi. She also plans for Inspire2Lead to host a free Girls Day Out event in Mobile. The event will be for girls ages 12-18 and possibly college freshman. The event is scheduled for January 16, 2016.
To further progress, Inspire2Lead is encouraging donations and has posted their own funding page. The new organization is also looking for potential participants and mentors.
For more information, visit inspire2lead.org. You can donate directly at gofundme/inspire2lead.
By: BRIA JOHNSONStaff Reporter
A memorial was held July 24, 2015 for Dr. John C. Coker after his sudden passing on July 21, 2015. Dr. Coker joined USA in 1987 as an Assistant Professor of Philosophy, later becoming an Associate Pastor, and in 2001 became Chair of the Philosophy Deparment. He served in this position until May of 2015. He was also
a member of the American Philosophical Association and the Illinois State Bar.
A multitude of friends, family, faculty members and students attended the memorial. After opening words from Pastor Rhett Ellis, Dr. Bernie Quinn, and Dr. Kevin Meeker, guests were asked to give one word to describe who Dr. Coker was, in general, and to each individual personally. Words included: “hyper,” “vibrant,” “groovy,” and “fun,” but also words such as “caring,” “real,” “open,” and “joyful.”
After the one word memorial, guests were asked to stand and share any memories they had of Dr. Coker. Dr. Eric Loomis, Associate Philosophy professor, started off the chain of memories by saying his favorite question to be asked was, “What is it like to have John as your boss?” He stated that it took him a long time to be able to answer this question, but finally came up with this answer: “Take a little bit of space cowboy, add in some 80s punk, and some jam rock.. Not totally what it's like, but definitely leading in the right direction.”
Another professor added that when
she was being interviewed for her new position at South Alabama, she was interviewed by Dr. Coker. When she walked in, she noticed he was dressed in a very nice white suit. She described being very nervous, as you would be going into an interview, when all of the sudden Dr. Coker propped his feet up on the desk and was wearing sandals with his suit. She knew then just the man Dr. Coker was and would be to work with going forward and said she was no longer nervous.
One of Dr. Coker's former students commented that Dr. Coker would sometimes randomly burst out in laughter at something funny in his head and immediately have to recompose himself and continue with his lecture. The student suggested that this was a great way to deformalize the structure of formal education and be able to communicate trueness with self, as is very important coming into higher education. He stated that Dr. Coker always did this very well.
Dr. John C. Coker was set to retire on August 1 and will be greatly missed by the administration, students and faculty of the University of South Alabama.
South Alabama’s nursing program is mourning the death of a second student within a month. 22-year-old Winard Bautista died when his car crashed into an SVU on Cottage Hill Road on July 30, a month after the program lost nursing student died in a wreck on Interstate-10.
Both students were finishing their first round of clinicals in the school’s nursing program. Bautista’s two brothers both went through the nursing program at South.Speaking with Fox 10, Bautista’s clinical instructor Janet Rogers said "One of the first things he told me was 'you taught my older brother.' He felt that was a connection and was proud of that." Rogers said that Bautista was one of the first students to arrive in the morning and one of the last to leave. Rogers
said “He was just starting to reach his dreams. He was going to be an excellent nurse.”
The death comes at a particularly tough time for the school’s nursing program. Last month, 22-year-old Jamie Witcraft collided with an 18-wheeler on Interstate-10 while driving to Destin to visit her boyfriend.
South Alabama held a memorial for Witcraft on June 16. Bautista’s funeral was held Aug. 4 at Our Savior Catholic Church.
By MITCHELL KAHALLEYManaging Editor
By MARY ALICE WILSON Sports Editor
Philosophy professor John Coker remembered with memorial
Nursing student killed in crash
Former SGA president
starts non-profit
Bautista dies in accident a month after fellow nursing student
John Coker (Facebook)
Winard Bautista is the second nursing student to die in an accident in a month. (Facebook)
AUG. 10, 2015
NATALIE FRANKLIN LIFE EDITOR
[email protected] AUG. 10, 2015
By NATALIE FRANKLIN Life Editor
RON AND DAWN EVERTS
Freshman first week dos and don’ts for navigating college
Freshman year is both exciting and scary. For the majority of you, you’re on your own for the first time, and you may not know exactly how to navigate the new world of college. Hopefully these do’s and don’ts can guide you to make smart decisions and prevent you for making some silly mistakes.
Do map out where your classes will be before the actual first day of classes.
Don’t wait until 15 minutes before class starts to find your classroom.
South is a relatively spacious campus, and its buildings are spread apart. Every-one gets lost at some point, especially freshmen. Don’t worry though, there is help! I suggest printing out a campus map and find what buildings your classes will be in. Try doing this the weekend before classes start. You’ll learn your way around campus and be ahead of the game.
Do eat at the Student Center Food Court and the Delta Deli.
Don’t blow all of your Bonus Bucks the first week of school.
You are going to get bored of eating at the “caf.” That’s not an assumption, it’s a fact. Luckily, we have a great food court (Chick-fil-A!) and the Delta Deli. The Delta Deli is your go to for late night meals and snacks. Heed this warn-ing though: DO NOT spend all your Bo-
nus Bucks in the first month of school. You are going to want that late night burger or that early morning coffee from Starbucks, especially during exam week. If you’re cash poor, like most college students, you aren’t going to be paying for these luxuries in cash. Save your Bo-nus Bucks.
Do take the Jag Tran to get to class.Don’t get on the Jag Tran 10 minutes
before your class starts and expect to be on time.
The Jag Tran is a great source of transportation around campus. Zone parking is in effect until after 1:45 p.m., so don’t expect to drive to all of your classes if you live on campus. The Jag Tran goes all around campus, and it is great to take particularly on very hot or rainy days. However, you should get on the Jag Tran 30 minutes before your class starts to ensure you get there on time. The Jag Tran makes regular stops to pick people up and drop them off. If
you know you won’t be ready to leave 30 minutes before class starts, then just walk. It’s a beautiful campus and again you’ll get a ton of exercise.
Do get to know your roommate and befriend them.
Don’t expect to be their absolute best friend.
Living with a complete stranger is go-ing to be tricky. You two have to learn each other’s quirks and pet peeves. For the sake of your sanity, you’re going to want to get along too. However, you two don’t have to be instant BFFs. Sit down with your roommate and get to know one another. If any kind of prob-lem arises, address it immediately. Do not bottle up your emotions just to have them explode all at once. Your relation-ship with your roommate will be a big part of your freshman experience. Make sure it is a good experience.
These are just a few tips to get you through the first week of school. You will inevitably run into a few problems. That’s just how life is. If you’re lost, ask someone for directions. Everyone here was a freshman at some point. They know the struggle, and should be happy to help. Don’t wait until the last minute to do your homework. It will all catch up to you during exam week, and you will seriously regret it. And for my last bit of advice, call your mom. She misses you, and no matter how much you deny it, you definitely miss her too.
Two new students enjoying all the things South’s campus has to offer. ( Emily Roderick | Staff Photographer)
3,8,1318
SOUTH ALABAMA
8
South Alabama student service recorces you may want to know for the future
By NATALIE FRANKLIN Life Editor
South Alabama offers numerous student services that can be beneficial to every student. The university provides academic services, as well as health and financial services.
Every student service is conveniently located on campus, so you don’t have to travel far to seek the help that you need.
Throughout the years, student services have provided quality care for the students at South Alabama.
There are a few student services that every student should be familiar with. These include Jag Success, Career Services and Counseling and Testing Services to name a few.
South Alabama has a program called Jag Success. Jag Success provides students with the resources needed to be academically successful while at South. Some of the resources provided include Academic Success Workshops, First Year Experience Courses, and Peer Tutoring. Every student can participate in these services.
Jag Success is located at the Academic Support Center on Jaguar Dr. Jag Success has continuously helped students with not only academics, but with leadership skills as well. This program is dedicated to the success for the students.
South Alabama is also determined to provide financial assistance to all students who need it. Financial aid, scholarships and work study programs are available to students. A complete list of scholarships available can be found on the South Alabama website.
There are also several on campus employment opportunities available to South students. Various departments are always hiring new student workers. These student assistant jobs are suitable for the average college student and they pay well, too.
In regards to health and wellness, South Alabama provides several student services to ensure the well-being and safety of all students. The USA Student Health Center, located at 650 Clinic Dr., provides quality medical and educational services to the students at South Alabama. The Student Health Center is staffed by Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, a Sports Medicine Physicians and several other physicians dedicated to the welfare of the South student body.
The SHC will treat all students, regardless of their ability to pay, but they
do offer an affordable health insurance plan to all students. Student Services also offers Counseling and Testing Services. The services provided include individual and relationship counseling, group counseling and sexual assault counseling. Counseling services are completely confidential and are provided with no cost at all to the student. South Alabama is dedicated to the overall health and happiness of the student body.
The university also offers Career Services for all students. Career Services is set up to assist students in transitioning from “college to career.”
This program provides career advising, seminars and workshops and Jaguar Job Link. These programs are set up to assist students in networking with the appropriate people.
Career Services also hosts several career fairs throughout the year. These career fairs give students the opportunity to meet with various employers and make an impression.
There is no doubt that South Alabama is dedicated to the success of the entire student body. The numerous student services provided by the university ensure success for all students. Utilizing all the services South has to offer will be advantageous to every student in the long run. For more information on USA student services, visit southalabama.edu/studentservices.
Financial, academic, health and more services are available to students throughout the year
Students learn about the various student services available on campus. ( Emily Roderick | Staff Photographer)
AUG. 10, 2015
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Fresh Food Company, Rec Center team up to keep students healthy with fitness plan
By CAITLIN SMITHStaff Reporter
All college kids hear horror stories of the dreaded Freshmen 15. Many factors can cause weight gain in college: stress, lack of sleep, busy schedules, or living on your own. Fighting that weight gain can be overwhelming if you do not know how to eat right and exercise, but this year there is a way to make the freshmen 15 a folk lore. South’s Rec Center is team-ing up with the Fresh Food Company to come up with a Fitness plan for students. Not only will you have menus and nutri-tion plans to follow, but you will also have fitness guides to help put a stop to weight gain and help promote lifelong changes to a happier, healthier you.
The Fresh Food Company at South is the go to for all information on nutrition and eating well. They now have an app called the Campus Dish where you can monitor what you eat, see what is being served daily and talk to chiefs or dieti-tians. Seeing where exactly your calories are coming from helps you find where you need to make changes in your diet. They even offer tips for eating healthy on a budget, which is probably the hardest part about eating right when chicken nug-gets are only $1.50. I , like most college students, eat when I’m are bored. If you are like me and have this problem too, you can find out how to snack healthy on the Fresh Food website. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but you never have time to make it. However, now that problem is solved because the Fresh Food Company has extremely easy breakfast ideas to try. Think of any health food related problem you have had as a college student and Fresh Food has the answer.
SouthFit is a program the rec center has put together to inspire students to get the most out of their facility. It in-cludes personal trainers, group fitness classes and wellness training. The Rec Center also has a wellness program that is a part of SouthFit to motivate students to get and stay active during the school year. The Jaguar Wellness Program offers a point for every visit to the gym, you just log your visit and earn a point. The more points you earn the better prizes you win. The prizes available range from bookstore coupons, to t shirts, water bottles, gym bags and more. This wellness program is a great way to stay encouraged and turn your hard work into tangible goodies. Just ask the helpful students at the coun-ter about the Jaguar Wellness Program to start earning your points.
Staying active and working out has
more benefits than just getting into shape, it is a great stress reducer and it helps release all the happy chemicals to boost your mood. The more you move the hap-pier you will be! A little bit of exercise
can give you more energy and it also is proven to help you sleep better. This new school year is the perfect time to get healthy!
Students take advantage of indoor track at the Student Recreation Center. (South Alabama)
Welcome
Week Events
15 Move in Day9 a.m.-1: p.m.
USA First Night: Wel-come to the Jungle!Mitchell Center7 p.m. Doors, 8 p.m. Showtime
17 Class of 2019 PictureMoulton Tower9:30 a.m.
Chill around the GrillSGA Pavillion6:30 p.m.
18 Classes begin
Kick-off CookoutSorority Commons4 p.m.- 7 p.m.
19 Sorority Recruitment Orientation Student Cemter Ballroom5:30-6:30 p.m.
21AASA Party Student Center Ballroom10 p.m.
AUG. 10, 2015
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By NATALIE FRANKLIN Life Editor
Get involved at Get On Board Day
As a first year student, you may be a little over-whelmed when it comes to getting involved on campus and in the Mobile community. With over 200 student organizations on campus, there are numerous clubs to choose from. Luckily there is one event that allows students to learn about these various organizations in a fun and friendly setting.
Get On Board Day is an annual event at the University of South Alabama. Students will be able to learn about the 200+ student organizations pres-ent on campus. During Get On Board Day, orga-nizations set up displays to inform and reach out to students about their organization. The event allows new and returning students to become familiar with the variety of clubs and organizations that USA’s campus has to offer. This year’s Get On Board Day will take place in the Student Center lobbies on
Aug. 26 and Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get On Board Day is apart of USA’s Week of
Welcome. During Aug. 15-28, several events will be taking place on campus to help engage students with one another as well as with faculty and organizations here on campus. There will be various cook outs, movie showings and parties around campus. This is all in an effort to connect students with the people and places that are sure to make the next four years amazing.
The student organizations active on campus are vast and diverse. There are faith based organizations, as well as academic and professional student organi-zations. The majority of these organizations will be present at Get On Board Day to answer questions and promote membership. Greek organizations will also be present at the event. There is an organization on campus for everyone. Here at the University of South Alabama, you will be able to find your niche.
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Freshman students learning about on campus organizations. (Emily Roderick | Staff Photographer)
AUG. 10, 2015
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AUG. 10, 2015
MARY ALICE WILSONSPORTS EDITOR
South Alabama looks into on-campus stadiumUniversity announces beginning of exploratory process for on-campus stadium
FOLLOW US! Twitter - @USAVGSports ||| Facebook | USAVGSports
BY ALYSSA NEWTONEditor-in-Chief
COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS
After six seasons the South Alabama Jaguars football pro-gram may be looking at building a home of their own.
On July 6, the University an-nounced that it will be starting an ‘exploratory process’ regarding building an on-campus stadium.
“This is exciting news for our University and our athletics pro-grams,” university president Tony Waldrop said in a letter to stu-dents, faculty and staff. “Please keep in mind that this is a pre-liminary exploratory process, and no decision has been made about whether or not the University will proceed with plans for con-struction of a football stadium.”
The preliminary exploration
will be conducted by a small group of USA trustees, adminis-trators and staff. The group will examine all issues impacting the feasibility of an on-campus sta-dium, and will present its find-ings to University leadership for consideration. The University will release information on the group’s progress, but there is no set schedule or deadline for com-pleting the exploratory process, according to a University release.
South Alabama and Georgia State are the only two members of the Sun Belt Conference that does not have an on-campus stadium. Many of the Sun Belt stadiums range from the 20,000-30,000 seating range.
When it comes to cost, South Alabama could look at the pos-sibility for a stadium within that range.
In 2011, Florida Atlantic’s new 30,000-seats stadium had the price tag of $70 million. The price of stadiums like this can vary, there is no concrete num-ber. The majority of the costs could come from private dona-tions, naming rights and other forms of outside funding.
“The news that this could possibly happen really helps us from a recruiting standpoint,” football head coach Joey Jones said. “… They wouldn’t make this public if they weren’t serious about this. I think the possibility of the stadium is great for us.”
South Alabama averaged an attendance of 17, 445 per game at Ladd Peebles Stadium, accord-ing to the 2014 National College Football attendance. The historic Mobile stadium is approximately nine miles away from the univer-
sity and has been home to the Jaguars for the past seven years.
The Jaguars had their first-ever sell out with 38,129 in at-tendance last season against Mis-sissippi State when the SEC team came to Mobile on Sept. 7.
Ladd-Peebles Stadium was constructed in 1948. The sta-dium is currently home to South Alabama football and local high school football, including Go-Daddy.com Bowl and Senior Bowl.
For the past few years many students have expressed the want of a stadium that would be on campus that is easy to access and closer to the university. An on-campus stadium could pos-sibly increase the game day at-mosphere and help the Jaguars create a more distinct identity in college football.
Although the announcement brought excitement to the South Alabama fan base, it also brought out the naysayers.
“What I don’t understand is how someone can donate funds to build an unnecessary foot-ball stadium when some of our buildings are in anything but good condition and parking is an ever increasing problem” Taylor Brown said in a comment on the announcement.
There have been no updates on the process since the an-nouncement in early July, but the buzz of possibilities is still throughout the fan base and the program.
“I think about that first home game and us running out onto that field,” Jones said. “That’ll be a great night.”
COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS
AUG. 10, 2015
By Mary Alice Wilson Sports Editor
2015 Sun Belt Media DayStadiums around the #FunBelt
TROY: Veterans Memorial Stadium - 30,000.
The stadium was built in 1950 starting with just 5,000 seats. At that time the stadium only cost $65,000. It was upgraded in 1998 from 12,000 seats to 17,500. In 2002 as the program readied to make its move to Division I, the university spent over $18 million in renovations and added additional seating to reach 30,000.ARKANSAS STATE: Centennial Bank Stadium - 30,964
The home of the Red Wolves was opened in 1974 with a price tag of $2.5 million. It was origi-nally a 16,000-seat stadium until 1980 when an ad-ditional 3,000 seats were added. In 1991 the pro-gram declared Division I status and increased to the stadium to 30,708. The couple hundred additional seats were from a construction revision in 2005.APPALACHIAN STATE: Kidd Brewer Stadium - 25,000
Originally named as Conrad Stadium, App State opened their stadium in 1962 and was originally constructed with 10,000 seats. Kidd Brewer Sta-dium’s official seating capacity was 16,650 in 2007 but three separate expansion projects in the last six years have upped the number of seats to 23,150.NEW MEXICO STATE: Aggie Memorial Stadium - 30,343
Aggie Memorial officially opened in 1978 with 6,000 seats before an expansion of 6,000 seats in 1962. Aggie Memorial¹s capacity is 30,343, and was constructed at a cost of $4 million. The construc-tion was funded by the New Mexico State Legisla-ture as part of a capital outlay package.LOUISIANA-MONROE: Malone Stadium - 30,427
Malone Stadium was named after their win-ningest coach in 1978 with a capacity of 20,000. The price tag - $2.5 million. It was increased to 23,277 in 1983. Ten years later the stadium reached 30,427.TEXAS STATE: Bobcat Stadium - 30,000
Bobcat Stadium is a football stadium on the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. It opened in 1981 and was expanded in 2011–2012 to its present 30,000-seat capacity. Bob-cat Stadium has been the home field for the Texas State Bobcats since 1981
IDAHO: Kibbe Done 16,000
Built in 1975 the stadium opened as an outdoor concrete football stadium with 16,000 permanent seats, making it the smallest Division I-FBS sta-dium.
LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE: Cajun Field - 36,900
Cajun Field has served as the home for the Ra-gin' Cajuns football since 1971. The stadium has undergone changed twice since it was opened to increase to the 31,000 in 1992 before updating to the current 36,900 in 2014.
South Alabama was represented by coach Joey Jones, senior Chris May, and junior Roman Buchanan.
The student athletes were seated in a one-on-one style interview.
CHRIS MAY - OL May showed up to Sun Belt Media
Day rocking the man-bun. He stated that he doesn't have a specific desired length for his hair, but at one point it was over 25 inches long, before he cut off 11 inch-es to donate to Locks of Love.
“What kind of impression do you want to make and leave for this team, as a senior?”
CM:“Honestly.. I just want to leave a legacy of building leaders. Not just say-ing, 'Hey, I want to be the leader on of-fense.. It's more like pouring into the younger guys and trying to develop them as well. I want to leave a legacy of lead-ers.”
“How have the UAB transfers meshed with their new team?”
CM: “At first, they fit in, it was just kind of awkward. It was a really traumat-ic thing that they went through at UAB. But, through the summer, it's going very well.”
“What is your goal as an offense to make adjustments this year?”
CM: “It’s huge for us to not let our defense hanging in the games ... We gave them short fields to defend, pick sixes, a lot of turnovers, a lot of three-and-outs. We put our defense in a lot of bad situa-tions last year.”
ROMAN BUCHANAN - DB
“Do you enjoy the responsibility of being a safety with all of this extra ex-perience and knowledge?
RB: “I love it. Because of those six positions I played in high school, be-cause I know the game a little bit deeper than everybody out there, I just love it. It's kinda like being the quarterback. You basically have a bird's-eye-view of every-thing.”
“Were you influenced a lot by your cousin, who was also a defensive back?”
RB: “Yes. I've always been drawn to defensive back just because the odds are kind of against you. The offense is set up to win. I've always kind of liked being doubted.”
“A lot of guys have picked you sixth to finish in the conference. Do you take that as a sign of disrespect or is that motivation?”
RB: “It was expected for me. People are going to make predictions off the past. That’s because they don’t see what we have now. I’m totally confident. Being ranked sixth has no effect, being ranked first has no effect.”
JOEY JONES - HEAD COACH
“In reference to Appalachian State and Georgia Southern coming into the Sun Belt this year and having a great success, how impressed were you after your similar situation to when South Alabama came into the Sun Belt?”
JJ: “They both did exceptionally well .. We were a little different, though. We started with nothing, We kind of had to build our own traditions. We’re trying to
do some great things. This league is very important to us.”
“After all of the seniors leaving last year, does that add any pressure on these upcoming seniors to be thrown into the leadership spot?”
JJ: “They do, but I think they’ve stepped up well. Talking about leading and leading are two different things, but I think these guys are leading every single day.”
“Finally, tell us about the 2014 Ray-com Camellia Bowl experience.”
JJ: “It was probably one of the most emotional moments I’ve ever been in-volved in. To see our guys who had fought to get there all those years, and to look up in the stands and see all our fans yelling as loud as they could was just a chilling moment.”
Roman Buchanan and Chris May were the student athlete representatives for South Alabama. (Photo: Alyssa Newton/WNSP)
13
BY ALYSSA NEWTONEditor-in-Chief
AUG. 10, 2015
14
By Mary Alice Wilson Sports Editor
Senior RB Timmons receives No. 5 jersey
Every year the No. 5 jersey passed down to a special player. This jersey holds special mean-ing to the program because it was once worn by senior running back Anthony Mostella.
To receive the jersey, you must be a senior and must show great leadership qualities both inside and outside of the team.
This year the honor was given to senior running back Terrance Timmons.
In June of 2010, South Alabama lost senior running back Anthony Mostella after a fatal motorcycle accident. The jersey is now passed down to a senior who is a leader, on and off the field.
After his death, Joey Jones did something a little different. Instead of retiring Mostella's number, Jones decided to give that jersey to wear to one deserved senior every year. This was to be someone that had like qualities as Mostella.
“I was amazed, I was grateful though.” Timmons said.
Timmons, who joined the program in 2011, explained that he never got to meet Mostella. “Unfortunately, the year I got here,” Timmons said, “That was around the time everything had happened. I only heard about him from older guys.”
“You could tell that was a meaningful thing to him,” Jones said on Timmons receiving the No, 5 jersey. “He’s been here almost as long as our program has been here.
“Anthony Mostella was a leader and a kind of man that we wanted here at this program. By that, I mean a gentleman off the field, a quality guy off the field, and a warrior and competitor on the field. That’s what we want-ed, and Terrance was very deserving of that award.”
Timmons went above and beyond to find
out more about the new jersey he was awarded. Timmons stated that Mostella's aunt actually had reached out to him that morning after he had won the award. He plans to continue con-tact.
The senior said that the jersey was more to him than just a number.
“Personally, most people look at it as just wearing number 5, but me, I think it's more rep-resenting him and his family and his legacy. So, it's not necessarily fulfilling his destiny or filling his shoes, it's more like representing his family and this program in a way that they thought I would, giving me the number.”
Timmons said that he didn't realize that he really was considered a leader until this summer.
“A lot of guys on both sides, offense and defense, comes to me … Everything I do is in the spotlight not only with this team, but in this community with me being from here, a local guy, I also have to think about that. I have a lot of people looking up to me, like kids. It's not just leading this team and leading this program, but it's also leading this community."
Timmons contributed four touchdowns, caught 11 passes, and rushed for 404 yards on the 2014 season.
Senior running back Terance Timmons. (Photo: Alyssa Newton)
AUG. 10, 2015
15
Five Things To Know Before Football Season
How to get parking passes:The Monday before the game, the Academic Support Center will begin
giving out the passes at a first-come, first-serve basis. A pass is required for each car parking inside Ladd-Peebles Stadium. You must show your JagID.
The student section:All students must enter through Gate 2-E at Ladd-Peebles stadium. Student seat-
ing is located in sections N, O, P and Q.
Your JagID is your ticket:You will be required to present your JagID at the gate of every sport-
ing event to validate your USA enrollment. Your ID grants your admis-sion into the game. You are allowed to purchase one guest ticket with
your JagID. These are available at the Mitchell Center Box Office or on gameday at the east side ticket booth for $8.
Ladd Peebles Stadium:Gates open for tailgating at 8 A.M. the day of the game. Only fans
with a season parking pass are allowed to park inside of this gate. There are shuttles available from Bel Air Mall for $2.50 per person. You are allowed to bring two bottles of water into the stadium. No alcoholic beverages, outside food, umbrellas, or airhorns are allowed.
Know Your Fight Song:South! Alabama,
We’re the pride of the red, white, blue
Loyal, strong and faithful,To our Alma Mater true.
South! Alabama,We will cheer you to win the day.
For its J-A-G-U-A-R-S forUSA!
AUG. 10, 2015
ALEXANDER MOYLAND OPINION EDITOR
Consuming the daily news and staying positive is a tall order today. Sadly, what seems normal these days is learning about another tragedy almost daily.
I’ve found that sources of positive news are hard to come by these days, especially in light of these recent tragedies. But what are we to think when we are delivered a source of positive news, albeit news that comes with a twist?
Recently South was ranked as one of the “nation’s safest colleges” by BestColleges.com. The ranking was recently featured in a story located on our university’s homepage and has spread quickly via word of mouth and Facebook.
I must admit that something felt weird when I first heard of the report. Just a few short years ago I heard rumors that South was ranked as one of the most unsafe colleges in the nation. A quick search pulled up a Business Insider report from late 2012 that ranked South as the twelfth most dangerous university in the nation (the list also featured schools of more notoriety such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Duke University, Vanderbilt and Florida State University). Could a campus really go from being considered dangerous to one of the safest in such a short time?
So I did a little more research. I read the full article from the USA homepage and then
I visited the original article from BestColleges.com. Something was missing between the two sources.
The release found on our university’s homepage doesn’t mention which campus was named one of the nation’s fifty safest campuses. Meanwhile, BestColleges.com specifies which campus earned the honor.
The Baldwin Campus. Yes, the campus that made the BestColleges.com ranking of the safest campuses in the nation is located in Fairhope, Alabama, not Mobile.
Again, this press release didn’t specifically claim that the Mobile campus was the one credited as being one of the safest in the nation; however, it also didn’t specify that one of our branch campuses earned the honor instead.
Should you assume that perhaps this was a little bit of conscious misdirection, or, possibly just an error that wasn’t caught before publication. Were we mislead?
No, not necessarily. But a certain fact omitted, a very big fact at that. This is why you must “consider the source”.
Let me be clear. I consider South to be a relatively safe campus. I’m entering my third year here as a graduate student and I’ve noticed upgrades to impact the perception of safety, such as increased lighting around campus. Within the past year LiveSafe, a free mobile app that was designed to deter crime and increase effective police response, was introduced to the campus and will likely be used more and more as the campus grows.
South however, specifically the campus in Mobile, is not one of the nation’s fifty safest campuses. The way in which this featured article on our university’s webpage was written leaves the reader to assume which campus the ranking is referring to. But would anyone really expect the university to so proudly advertise the ranking of a branch campus and not the main campus on our university’s main page? Similarly, this article does feature a link to the original BestColleges.com piece but how many readers does South expect to really invest more time into reading another article elsewhere?
Call me critical but I’m not being fooled. This is exactly why today, with information constantly at our fingertips, we must always consider the source.
By ALEXANDER MOYLANOpinion Editor
The impending school year is very close and can be nerve wracking for South’s students. Most of this year’s first time freshmen may tell you that the first things that we’ll be focusing on are our grades, classes, assignments and homework. However, as important as it is to focus on school work, it can be just as important to know when to walk away from the assignment at hand and give yourself a break. I find that participating in the university’s clubs and supporting the football team are the perfect things to delve into when you need a break from school work.
If you’re anything like me and love football, there will be plenty of opportunities to support our teams on game day. Last football season, our boys brought us to the first bowl game in school history. As an optimistic fan with high hopes I personally think that we’ve got a fighting chance to do more as a team and also see new places that
we’ve never played at before. I feel like only good can come out of traveling to future bowl games, the person that you sit next to could end up being a close friend to you.
“Fan support is just as important as a good team because” The fans give the team the energy that they might need when the score is so close or maybe they’re tired and close to giving in but if there’s a strong fan base for the team then that will make the boys try just that much harder. Having a good fanbase can make the difference between a loss and a win. When I’m at a football game I yell, cheer, and whistle for my team. My friends are always surprised because despite my small stature, I can be loud when I’m passionate about football. Also, if you love music, then football games are a good opportunity for you to see the Jaguar Marching Band grace their presence on the field. And who knows? Their halftime show could change your life.
Clubs are also a great way for an incoming freshman to break out of their shell and make friends that could last a lifetime. Tons of clubs do volunteer work which is awesome
because when a person volunteers, they could potentially change a “less fortunate” person’s life and maybe change both your perspective on life as well as that of others’.
The ROTC programs are yet another way for a person to get involved. The thing about the ROTC programs is that you don’t even really have to have any military experience. The program just basically starts you off from scratch and teaches you how to do different drills and to wear the uniform properly. If you are looking into being in the military as a career path, then South’s ROTC program is the perfect way to start. Maybe when you first get into the program, you’ll be completely out of shape but I bet that by the time you’re done at the end of the year, you’ll look at old photos of yourself and you won’t even recognize yourself because you’ll be so buff. It’s always been my dream to somehow be involved in the military so I’ll probably at least try the ROTC program out and see if it’s ideal for me.
South also has some pretty stellar opportunities in the arts department. One of the many awesome things about the arts
department is that you don’t even have to have a degree in the art to be apart of it. Here’s an example, if you wanted to audition for the theatre department’s current musical, you could! The opportunities are endless. I know I’ll try to audition for a musical or two during my time at South!
Intramural sports are a highly discussed topic among the students here at South . I can honestly say that the sport that that is talked about the most is the quidditch club team.Sure, maybe it’s weird and different but there’s nothing wrong with that and people are talking about it so the “weirdness”/ nerd stigma is working for them. I’m a Harry Potter fan myself so go ahead and call me a “nerd”, I don’t mind.
One cannot simply stress the importance of student involvement in college, it is a necessity. I personally believe that with the clubs, a student is less apt to be depressed and feel lonely because they have their club family. Isn’t that what we’re all searching for in life? Some form or fashion of inclusivity? So why turn it away?
By: OLIVER KARCHERContributing Writer
Positive or negative, consider the source
Turn your nerves into action, get involved
Photo Courtesy of USAPD
AUG. 10, 2015
STAFF [email protected]
Freshman Orientation
Find the following 13 hidden words:Parking Jag Success Bookstore LibraryFreshman JagID Student South Alabama Vanguard College All Nighter Dorm Orientation
Freshman Horoscopes
CapricornThink twice about what spot you’re parking in
today. Is that a South Zone spot or a Central Spot? Think twice, park once.Libra
Beware of the Freshman Fifteen. May the scales be ever in your favor.
GeminiYou may be social, but approach
the Jag Bikes with caution.CancerStaying true to yourself in college will take you further than high school ever did. Virgo
Overlook your messy roommate. There will be a time you need it too.
ScorpioToday may not be your day at the cafe,but don’t worry, your day will come next week.
AriesKnown for your strength, don’t be afraid to show off your guns at the Rec Center.
LeoBreathe. Just Breathe.
TaurusDon’t be ashamed to say no to that party. There is always another mixer, but never another trascript.
SagittariusNever be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. You never know who’s waiting to step out of theirs, too.
AquariusThanks for taking all the 8 AM’s. -- Seniors
PiscesGet out of bed. You have your
whole life for Netflix.
AUG. 10, 2015
Building MatchMatch the following building names with their appropriate abreviations
1. ___________ HUMB 2. ___________ ILB 3. ___________ MCOB 4. ___________ UCOM 5. ___________ LSCB 6. ___________ HPE 7. ___________ PAC 8. ___________ MH 9. ___________ SRC 10. __________ MC
a. Laidlaw Preforming Arts Centerb. Student Recreation Centerc. Mitchell College of Businessd. Life Sciences Classroom Buildinge. Meisler Hallf. Humanities Buildingg. Instructional Laboratory Buildingh. Mitchell Centeri. Health & Physical Education Buildingj. University Commons
*e*er______________**eue______________**o______________ma*______________*p*a*e*______________
*erso*______________***k*am*on______________*ouse______________*a*______________*ur*______________***igent______________
Complete these common words
by using all of the letters
A to Z, each exactly once.
Using the letters in the wheel below, list as many words as you can. Words must be at least 3 letters long and
each letter can only be used once.
18
Word Scramble Word Wheel
AUG. 10, 2015
19
a. Laidlaw Preforming Arts Centerb. Student Recreation Centerc. Mitchell College of Businessd. Life Sciences Classroom Buildinge. Meisler Hallf. Humanities Buildingg. Instructional Laboratory Buildingh. Mitchell Centeri. Health & Physical Education Buildingj. University Commons
The VanguardSUDOKU
AUG. 10, 2015
20 AUG. 10, 2015