Nov 8, 2017

Nov. 8, 2017 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 82 No. 11

FILE PHOTOS BY LAUREN ROBERTS AND RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Keith Lamb, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, during the Board of Regents meeting on Feb. 13, 2014.

Stranger Things

The Board of Regents meeting held in the Board Room in the Hardin Building, where they discussed a lot of issues, but at this point was focused on the location of the new soccer field on Nov. 12, 2015.

pg. 4

The Netflix original series has overtaken many peoples lives. The series has two seasons and is preparing for a third.

Moffett Library

pg. 6

Renovations are beginning in the library in May 2018. This is the first time the library has been renovated since 1986.

Soccer Regionals

pg. 8

The men’s soccer team advances after their win against St. Edward’s. They play Sunday, Nov. 12.

Board to vote on search for new VP KARA MCINTYRE EDITOR

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uzanne Shipley, university president, will ask the Board of Regents members for permission to launch a search for a new vice president of enrollment management at the meeting on Nov. 9.

Keith Lamb, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, would no longer be part of enrollment management and instead would focus on student affairs.

The new vice president would focus solely on enrollment issues, including recruitment and retention of students.

Enrollment decreased by 18 students in spring

2017 and increased by 16 students this fall. Those numbers create a two-student deficit just from one year alone — and while that may not seem like much, Shipley said this adds up over time.

“Since I arrived here two years ago, we’ve been trying to grow our enrollment and it’s been made clear that most Texas universities are growing and we are not,” Shipley said.

“We need to show our vitality or else we become at a disadvantage for funding.”

With our $641,000 budget shortfall and unanticipated budget cut of $1.75 million, enrollment growth is more important

than ever, according to Shipley and Lamb.

“All of the universities are competing with each other to get the best students and to increase our individual enrollment,” Shipley said. “Everyone wants to grow. We can’t have faculty and staff raises, operational support, funding increases, etc. without more funding and we can increase funding in one of two ways: increasing tuition or increasing the number of students.

I’d rather do the latter because I want MSU to be an affordable, yet quality education.”

Lamb, who has taken on the enrollment management position since

2011, said he is on board with this decision.

“I’m supportive of this if the Board approves it.

It’s a good direction for this university,” Lamb said. “Enrollment management is a complex job with lots of moving parts.

It’d be well-served to have someone dedicated to just that.”

Lamb’s background and history for the last 22 years has been in student affairs. He said if the Board approves this search, he would be excited to focus mostly on student affairs again.

“I’ve had a very big workload the last few years, and my workload would still be heavy, but

it’d be student affairs centered instead of enrollment management centered,” Lamb said.

“Student affairs is where my heart is and I’m looking forward to potentially going back full-time. It’s my home.”

At the Board meeting, which will also include items such as downsizing of the health sciences and human services building renovation plans, Shipley will explain why hiring another vice president is essential for maintaining MSU’s identity.

There are four independent universities in Texas, meaning they are

see ENROLMENT pg. 3

2 | Nov. 8, 2017 | STAF F E DI T O R I A L

Mental health fights for priority OUR VIEW: To more effectively serve students and dismantle the stigma that surround mental illness, the counseling center needs a larger budget.

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ust this week, this nation saw the devastating affects of mental health issues left untreated: the Sutherland Spring, Texas.

The gunman with an extensive background with mental illness murdered 26 people and put 20 more in the hospital. While nothing that extensive has happened here thankfully, those on campus deserve a facility that caters to effective mental health and they cannot do that with a small budget.

Students and faculty members visit the center all year around, and to think mental health can be reduced to mere dollar signs risks the wellbeing of our faculty, administration and students. Funding for the campus is strict, and considering the budget cuts, careful consideration is necessary before money is spent, however having a state of the art facility well equipped for situations like this should not be a consideration, it’s a necessity. We have a wellness center to maintain physical wellbeing for our campus, but can’t see students for mental health.

The administration needs to take steps to ensure the mental wellbeing of students is a priority, not left on the back burner.

CORRECTIONS • In the article titled “OcTubaFest adds new spin to Oktoberfest,” music education junior Ana Leach’s name was misspelled and her grade and major were incorrectly identified. The Wichitan regrets the error.

• In the article titled “OcTubaFest adds new spin to Oktoberfest,” the opening piece titled “Music Festiva” was played by a trombone trio, not the tuba section. The Wichitan regrets the error.

• In the page one story titled “Website’s new look, feel targets prospective students,” the infographic had years 2012-2016 in the wrong order. The Wichitan regrets the error.

Refuse to stay down, stand up to succeed

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he famous actress Mary Pickford once said, “You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down.” This past semester I had to come to terms with that since I was placed on academic suspension.

Failure is hard to deal with for anyone, but Eric in my case, I was devastated. A series of unforArumugam tunate events led me to screw up big time, and I felt helpless for awhile. All I ever wanted was to work hard and succeed, but I didn’t do enough when I felt like I put in my all.

I felt a heavy amount of stress worrying about what I should do next, what my friends and family thought and if I’d be able to come back to school. There were a lot of thoughts and emotions I had to deal with that I was not prepared for at all.

Thoughts such as, “do I take the whole year off in attempts to recuperate, work and save up, but potentially never go back to school?” and “do I push myself to come back full force as soon as possible and ready to get my degree?” entered my mind, but I knew what I had to do.

I obviously chose the latter. Being a first-generation col-

lege student, I had a lot placed on my shoulders to succeed after all the sacrifices my parents made to raise me in the U.S. After an all-to-real conversation with my parents about my situation, I told myself I was done being passive and decided to take charge of my life. I was ready to push myself to succeed when I realized that pitying myself would never get me to the places I wanted to go.

I readied myself to make sacrifices and develop habits that will ensure that I don’t land in the same situation again. I know what I want in life, and I know that my education is the answer. My girlfriend, my best friends and my family all supported me in my personal struggle to get back into school and fight for a better future for myself.

As the spring semester creeps closer, I look back at the past few months to what I believe to be a crucible. I had gone through one of the toughest events of my life and came out okay. I’ve learned the necessary lessons for me to get (and also keep) my act together. Of course things aren’t going to get easier from here on out, but I stand prepared for anything that comes next.

Ultimately, my message to anyone who fails is this: whether it be a test, class or even anything outside of school, it will only be a failure if you don’t try to pick yourself up again.”

Eric Arumugam is a former student.

Passion, happiness drive work, creativity

“I

own Double H Design, a business that specializes in digital and social media creation and management. My job is to take a business owner’s passion and present it to the world in a way that will positively impact their community. I am engaged in every step of the brand creating process. From deciding on and designing a logo to designing Haley the website, and even managing social media Hampton accounts, I do a little bit of everything.

Starting a small business is no easy task, and I’m certainly no expert. Starting something that is yours requires a passion like no other. A passion for your craft, for people and for bringing what you do to your community. I wouldn’t have even taken the death-defying leap if it wasn’t for the group of amazingly talented boss-ladies I am honoured to be around each and every day. I currently work as an executive assistant for Brooke Willis of B Cocoa Artisan Chocolates. Being able to be around someone who has really made her small business work has been a real inspiration. Without her, I would have never had the courage to branch out and do what I love full time.

My most favorite thing in the world is to see the smile on someone’s face when I finish a project for them, and I can see

wichitan

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Vol. 82 | No. 11

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Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@mwsu.edu thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

just how excited they are about it. When I can see their passion reflected throughout the designs and brand I help them build.

Completely self-taught, I’ve been coding since I was thirteen, and out of that came a love for designing things, from logos to websites and just about everything in between.

I believe that life experience is the best learning curve you can have.

Our passions are what make us human. The things that make our hearts flutter. That make us want to get up in the mornings. The things that push us to want to make the world a better place to live.

Starting a small business isn’t really about having a game plan. It’s about having this passion burning inside of you that’s so overwhelming you have to share it with the people around you. It’s about having this thing that sets your soul on fire every single morning. It’s not about your grades or whether you were the top of your class. It’s about being willing to take every spare moment of your life, roll up your sleeves and get to work. When you have that passion, that fire, people will come. They will be drawn to you not because you are successful, but because your love for your craft shines brighter than the sun.

Haley Hampton is a marketing sophomore.

EDITOR: Kara McIntyre VISUALS EDITOR: Justin Marquart OPINIONS EDITOR: Tyler Manning FEATURES EDITOR: Cortney Wood BUSINESS MANAGER: Brendan

Wynne ISSUE STAFF: Eric Arumugam, Haley Hampton, Paige Inman, Yareli Lora, Chloe Phillips, Herbert McCullough, Tré Jones, Judelle Tyson, Makayla Scheck PHOTOGRAPHERS: Laurn Roberts, Harlie David, Francisco Martinez, Timothy Jones, Sara Keeling ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

Copyright ©2017.

The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.

Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University.

The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

| Nov. 8, 2017 | 3

from ENROLMENT pg. 1 not within a bigger system such as University of Texas or Texas A&M University — Texas Woman’s University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Southern University and MSU. “We want to remain independent, otherwise we don’t get to keep our MSU identity,” Shipley said. “Enrollment is such a dynamic mix that we need someone who is fully dedicated to that position.”

Shipley said most of the finer details will remain unclear until the Board approves or denies her request for a search, but she described one of the qualities for this position.

“We want someone who is good with data, because that’s a huge part of enrollment management,” Shipley said. “They have to not only be good with data, but want to hunker down and research the reasons behind why our enrollment isn’t growing as fast as other universities and how to improve our recruiting.”

The estimated salary range of this position is $120,000-$140,000, according to Shipley. This does not include hiring of support staff.

“Hiring another vice president is expensive, but it’s more expensive not to do it. If the Board approves it and this works, the salary should be paid off in a few years from the enrollment increases,” she said. “If this position doesn’t work, it will go away. In my mind, there’s about a three-year window to see if this position works. If I don’t see any changes in that time, then it’s clear the position isn’t working.”

Lamb serves as Matt Park’s, associate vice president of student affairs, boss. If another vice president is added to the mix, he said there would inevitably be some changes in the administrator organization chart.

“If this is approved, there will obviously have to be some restructuring of student affairs. Matt [Park] essentially has three jobs: dean of students, associate vice president of student affairs and Title IX coordinator. If my job moves solely to vice president of student affairs, I’ll be able to relieve some of Matt’s responsibilities and he can better help develop a more robust student life.”

Shipley said this is a highly-sought position because of everyone’s desire to grow, but the importance of this position will impact the university on a larger scale.

“The world has just changed. We have to have a professional doing this job now,” Shipley said. “By freeing Keith’s attention from enrollment and having a position solely dedicated to growth, the better we’ll actually be able to grow.”

Sign up for ski, snowboarding

campus at an affordable cost.

Montalvo said, “My friend told me about the trip and I find the price is right for the amount of days that you get to stay and just be away from campus if you’re looking for an adventurous trip.”

This is the first year that the school has planned a ski and snowboarding trip for students, faculty and staff.

Schulte said, “There’s a lot of enthusiasm for trying something new. Students and staff are excited about doing something out of the ordinary.”

For further information or to sign up, contact Steve Hilton at steve.hilton@mwsu.edu.

“The trip is a way for students to get the idea that faculty is approachable, that we’re not just a talking head at the front of the room,” Hilton said.

YARELI LORA REPORTER

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tudents, faculty and staff can sign up to go on a ski and snowboarding trip in Colorado from Dec. 17-22.

The trip will take place in Wolf Creek Ski Area and will include four days of sliding, travel, food, lodging, snowboarding or ski rental and accommodations.

Steve Hilton, associate professor and faculty and residence in Legacy Hall, is in charge of the trip and wanted to plan something fun for students and faculty, along with creating relationships in a non-academic setting.

“Part of my job is to get faculty and students to interact in a non-academic setting, and by having this trip it can help faculty humanize students and students humanize faculty,” Hilton said.

The total cost per person for snowboarding is $648 and the total cost per person for skiing is $591.

“The cost for snowboarding is a little more because the rental equipment is more than the skiing rental equipment,” Hilton said.

Two vans will be provided and transportation expenses will be covered by housing.

Director of Residence Life and Housing Kristi Schulte said,”We are sponsoring travel fees and will help with transportation. We have a

DEADLINES PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY STEVE HILTON

For the first time MSU is offering a ski and snowboard trip this year from December 17-22, which Steve Hilton, associate professor and faculty residence in Legacy Hall put together. programming budget that we allocate for and we keep in mind students’ interests.”

Alexis Montalvo, business management junior, said the ski trip sounds like an exciting opportunity for students to get away from

November 10 - $100 (non refundable) deposit. The first 20 deposits will have their place on the trip secured.

Waitlist - $100 (non refundable) deposit if a spot opens up.

November 27 - $250 December 11 - Final payment All payments will be made to MSU through Norma Ramirez in the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

The end of the UPB Meeting held in Wichita I & II in Clark Student Center on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

UPB meets to discuss upcoming events TYLER MANNING OPINIONS EDITOR

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o discuss their upcoming programs and events, UPB hosted a meeting in the Wichitan II Meeting Room on Nov. 7.

It started with a mixer. All the members rose from their seats and took positions: it was cookie decorating time. People bonded and discussed the art that they made on their small, delicious canvases.

Makayla Burnham, mass communication senior, said, “We always start with an icebreaker, something to get people to start talking to one another at the meeting, every meeting.”

UPB hosts these meetings weekly on Tuesdays. All are welcome to come to the meetings regardless of how late in the semester they are.

Of the many aspects in the UPB meetings, Ruby Arriaga, activities coordinator of student involvement, said that she looks forward to seeing the members interact and socialize with one another the most.

Arriaga said, “[I look forward to] seeing everyone and seeing them socialize. I think that is a very important thing. I know this is a meeting and you have to sit in a listen, but it is really fun to hear the chairs present their ideas to their peers.”

During this meeting they talked about

various events that they are hosting later in the semester, such as International Education Week and a showing of the movie “West Side Story.”

Of these events Kenadi Campbell, computer science senior, said the programs she is most excited for is the showing of the film “West Side Story” that will be hosted on Nov. 14 in the Comanche Room in the Clark Student Center. “[I am excited for] “West Side Story” and bowling. I like bowling. It is one of my favorite movies. I have hopes that the showing will be big, but we will see how it goes,” Campbell said.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB

Poster for season two of “Stranger Things” (2016)

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB

Chester Rushing, Joe Keery and Natalia Dyer in “Stranger Things” (2016)

Inman: ‘Stranger Things’ taken over my life; a must see etons in the closet.

The writers of this show are absolute genius’ll admit I was pretty late to es. They pay such careful attention to the tiniest jump on the “Stranger Things” details in the show, and somehow find a way for bandwagon, and after binge- them all to tie together, all the way down to the watching it over the span of two song choices in the show.

The songs the kids dance to at the Snow Ball at days, I now know that the hype surrounding the show is well-de- the end of season two is “Every Breath You Take” Paige Inman

by The Police. At face value, it served. was a sweet, loving moment It has taken over my life. and the perfect song choice The writers did an excelfor the scene. However, the lent job of combining a sci-fi/ lyrics to the song have a doufantasy setting with a comingble meaning that makes me of-age story that captivates a a little uneasy. The lyrics are, range of audiences. This show “Every step you take, every is known to have many subtle move you make, I’ll be watchnods to ‘80s movie classics, ing you,” are a bit unsettling such as “Stand By Me,” “The when thinking in the context Goonies” and “ET,” to name a of the season finale (no spoilfew. It’s clear ‘80s movies had ers). I’m obsessed with the cast a huge impact on the writing because they are all such lovstyle of the creators, the Dufable people, and I scoured for fer brothers, so it’s cool to see interviews, clips and whatever the homages they have sprinelse I can find. After watching kled throughout the show.

“Beyond ‘Stranger Things,’” Seldom do we see characwhich is also available on Netters that fit perfectly their steflix, the writers intentionally reotype where even characters crafted this creepy parallel. like Steve Harrington, played PAIGE INMAN They chose that song specifiby Joe Keery, who seem to be EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION cally because of the twisted on top of the world are strugSOPHOMORE. double meaning. That is abgling to some degree. That is solutely brilliant, and makes well-displayed in the show, especially in season two. Another layer of depth me wonder what else they threw in that I missed. I and believability is added to the characters. It guess that’s an excuse to watch it over again.

It’s more than just another sci-fi/fantasy TV seems more authentic, and we all pick out different qualities from the different characters that we show. There is something in it for everyone, and relate to. It’s a reminder that no one really has it a story that watchers of all ages can enjoy. It’s capall together, and even the person who appears to tivating in a way that makes me wish there were have their whole life ahead of them has some skel- way more than eight or nine episodes per season.

PAIGE INMAN REPORTER

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“The writers of this show are absolute geniuses. They pay such careful attention to the tiniest details in the show, and somehow find a way for them to all tie together, all the way down to the song choices in the show.”

Chris Hemsworth in “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB

‘Thor: Ragnarok’

presents fun space adventure TYLER MANNING FILM CRITIC

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his year has been great for Marvel. “Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 2” was a Tyler Manning touching characterdriven story about what it means to be a family. “Spider-Man: Homecoming” was a nice callback to John Hughes’ films. Now there is “Thor: Ragnarok:” a funny, space adventure film.

“Thor: Ragnarok” was a fresh, engaging, funny film that made Thor, a character that I had no vested interest in at all, charismatic and likable.

The biggest positive attribute of this movie is its humor. “Thor: Ragnarok” is one of the funniest Marvel movies to date. From the first five minutes of the movie, it is utterly apparent that this film is a comedy.

Thor, Loki and all of the characters are cracking jokes and it is not a bad thing.

I am an absolute sucker for dry humor, and this movie is full of it. In particular, the character Korg is the funniest character of the movie. Every

bit of dialogue he speaks is incredibly funny and he steals every scene he is in.

The film also boasts a competent, solid script. Characters have good emotional arcs, the dialogue is fun and witty and there are touching scenes sprinkled throughout.

The cinematography is fantastic as well, there are a few moments in the movie where I really admired the beauty in the way the film was shot.

Where other films use slow-motion in a dated, cheesy way, “Thor: Ragnarok” uses it beautifully. Color grading in this film is also bright and vibrant, something that other Marvel movies have problem with. This film really embraces the cheesiness and goofiness of the comic book universe with its colorful characters and settings.

Overall I cannot recommend you watch this movie enough. “Thor: Ragnarok” is a great movie. It is funny, engaging and touching. Director Taika Waititi just showed that you can fully embrace the cheesiness of comic books in film and make a great movie.

Rating: 8/10 Now playing in local theaters

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PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Lane Riggs, English junior, eats at Chipotle with her boyfriend and friend in support of the Legacy Scholarship hosted by Haleigh Wallace, Nov. 6.

Scholarship fundraiser takes place Nov. 6 CHLOE PHILLIPS REPORTER

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fter weeks of preparation and advertising through online publicity, flyers and word of mouth, Haleigh Wallace, mass communication senior, organized a Chipotle Mexican Grill fundraiser to continue the mass communication Legacy Scholarship on Nov. 6.

Created in 2012, this scholarship is passed down yearly — typically in May — from the past year’s recipient to a junior. That student is selected through a vote within the mass communication department. Unlike other scholarships in the department, the Legacy Scholarship does not have strict guidelines.

“There’s a minimum in terms of how many credit hours you’re taking for the Fain scholarships that are given out for the department,” Jim Sernoe, mass communication chair, said.

“There are bunch of different rules you must meet and a scholarship committee of faculty decides. It’s a lot more complicated. The Legacy scholarship it is strictly the students who are voting, so it means something different that your peers have nominated you.”

To give back to the scholarship, recipients are require to create a fundraiser and use the proceeds for the next recipients’ scholarship fund, and Wallace has been planning for this event since last semester. She tossed around a few ideas until she settled on a food give back, although “deciding on what to do was kind of hard,” she said.

Wallace said the department isn’t looking for someone with perfect grades, but a reliable and trustworthy person. Wallace said she will gladly pass down the scholarship responsibility.

“They apply their own criteria, so it’s not just the person with the best GPA or the person who’s involved in the most clubs or anything like that,” Sernoe said. “Usually, they think about who has contributed to the department in a number of ways.”

About 200 students celebrate Diwali event HERBERT MCCULLOUGH REPORTER

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o honor the Hindu celebration, the Midwestern Indian Students Association organized a Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebration for students at the Sikes Lake Center on Nov. 4.

Gyaneshwar Malba, computer science graduate student, explained that MISA has had a history of organizing Dawali for students on campus.

“In Dawali, we get together, we celebrate together,” Malba said. “We buy new clothes and appliances like you guys do during Christmas. We also give gifts to friends and family.”

The Diwali celebrations has deep cultural roots, and Malba said those who celebrate honor of Lord Rama, who was exiled from his kingdom and returned after defeating Ravana and lamps filled the city for his return.

According to Malba, Dawali provides an opportunity for people to come together and receive new gifts. Despite the cultural and religious foundation, many non-Hindu students enjoyed the celebration experience.

“I don’t really have a set religion, but I enjoy learning about other cultures and religion is a part of the culture,” Conney Vargas, marketing senior, said.

“My mom’s Catholic, and my dad’s Buddhist, so I was raised under both of those religions.

Although Buddhism isn’t really a religion. I really like Diwali. I don’t know why they are celebrating this, but I like it.”

Not only celebrated in India, countries like Nepal, Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Canada, Australia and even the United States come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights, and according to Sindhu Thandra, computer science master, it’s a day that represents good prevailing over evil to many Hindus.

“We can gather, celebrate and feel happy meeting all different people from many different countries,” Thandra said.

“A community is very important, and we are happy to share

PHOTO BY SARA KEELING

Abhilash Kolla, computer science senior, and Sindhu Thandra, computer science graduate student, cheer on their friends during the traditional Diwali celebration, sat, Nov. 6, 2017, at the Sikes Lake Center. our culture.”

The event kicked off with a competition of five different Kolam artworks that were created by the different members of MISA. Kolam art pieces combine rice flour and chalk to depict geometric shapes and figures with bold colors.

Members of the Baptist Students Ministry on campus also attended Dawali in support of MISA, and Gabby Stokes, nursing junior, said the “cool event” allowed students the opportunity to learn about other cultures and support other organizations.

As a Christian, Strokes said being a part of the Hindu celebration was interesting, and many students were fascinated by the traditional and modern Indian dances as well as traditional food that was from Hyderabad house, Biryani Place in Irving, Texas.

The traditional dances were mostly from South India, and Khaleequnnissa Khan, psychology sophomore, got to dance

at the event and said it was a “thrill” to participate in the event.

“I’ve done Indian dances before,” Khan said. “It was nice to do it again after high school.”

While Khan is Muslim, she said she was more than happy to be a part of Diwali in celebration of Indian culture rather than the religious sense, which is an incredible facet the Festival of Lights offers to students.

“I’ve grown up in India for the past eight years,” Khan said.

“I like the culture and both, and my parents are Indian as well.”

The audience was also participating in the best dress competition for men and women. The winner of the women’s competition was Catherine Stringfellow, computer science professor, and the winner of the men’s contest was Nelson Passos, computer science professor and graduation coordinator.

According to Vargas, the event coordinators asked the best dressed men and women

to participate in a dance, and said it was a “fun way of including the crowd.” Runner-up of the women’s competition, Tina Johnson, associate computer science professor, said she had a very fun experience dancing.

“It was a lot of fun and a little bit embarrassing,” Johnson said. “I don’t think I really qualified to be a finalist. I think the students were just being nice.”

Events like the Dawali celebration offer vital tools for students to experience the cultural diversity on campus, and Vargas said she learned so much from the event.

“I strongly believe that when you go to college, you will be experiencing new cultures,” Vargas said. “This is the first time I’ve attended a Hindu celebration and it was fun learning a little bit about their culture and a little bit about their religion. You go to college to learn, in my opinion, learning about other cultures is one of the most important things an individual can ever learn.”

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Renovations for Moffett Library set to begin May 2018 TRE’ JONES REPORTER

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ll new renovations for Moffett Library are set to begin on May 14, 2018 and finish on Aug. 31, 2020.

During the Nov. 2015 Board of Regents meeting, Board members authorized planning for tuition revenue bond projects, including renovations to Moffett Library. One of the actions that administrators recommended was the total cost of the project to not exceed $7,329,505.

Clara Latham, university librarian, has been working at MSU for 26 years. She was one of the people in charge of making the planning for the renovations, and she said she is looking forward to getting the entire process started.

“The renovations will be a very great asset to the students,” Latham said. “The first half of the building was built in 1964, and the second half was added in ‘86, so we’ve gone a long time without renovating, modernizing and making it more adaptable for the way students want to use the library in modern times.”

She expressed her enthusiasm about the upcoming renovations since this is a project she’s been working on with adminstrators.

“I am most excited about more group study areas and more student gathering areas that we’re really hoping to add. There will be more technology, so we’ll have smartboards in the rooms and better power. There will also be more places for students to get power for their devices as well,” Latham said.

Kyle Owen, associate vice president for facility services, is one of the main administrators for the renovations, and said the changes are long overdue.

“The building is very dated-looking. A few years ago, we did some changes in the lobby to brighten the color up,” Owen said. “It’s better than it was, but it’s got a long way to go to look more to modern style. I am most excited for the first floor to look more like a modern library than an ‘80s library.”

At the Board of Regents meeting in Aug. 2017, Board members approved the total Moffett Library renovation project cost and authorized administrators to contract with Holzman Moss Bottino Architects for the renovation designs. Since that time, the administration has negotiated a contract with Holzman Moss Bottino Architects and considered proposals from Construction Manager at Risk firms for this project, and one of the action items that will be presented for the Board’s consideration and approval is that the administration will request authorization to contract with Holzman Moss Bottino Architects for design services in an amount not to exceed $650,000.

PHOTO BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ | THE WICHITAN

Alicia Carter, management senior, studies with her group at Moffett Library on Nov. 7.

The following renovations being done to Moffett Library are: • Furniture will be updated in the entire building • New carpet on the first, second and third floors • Doors, handrails, poles and trim will be repainted • The entire interior of the library will be repainted • East entrance doors and windows will be replaced • Door hardware throughout the building will be upgraded • The stairwell handrails, elevators and restrooms will be fixed to be ADA compliant The total cost of these renovations will total $7.3 million, and students have said they are curious if the price of renovations will affect their tuition in any way. According to Latham, the money is strictly state funding, so students should not bare the brunt of the financial weight.

“It’s what we call higher education assistance fund money and tuition revenue bonds, so it doesn’t affect tuition at all,” Latham said.

The design for the renovations started on Sept. 11, 2017, and will be finished on May 14, 2018 with construction set to begin that day and finishing on Aug. 31, 2020.

Owen and Latham both said one of the reasons for the two-year delay on the planning and renovations was the process of getting the necessary funding and finding the right people for the job.

The entire process of the renovations is going on pace for where the timetable is set, according to Owen.

“Ever since we started getting more focused on it, it seems to be moving along as expected,” Owen said. “We hope to be doing some construction starting in the summer.”

According to Owen, the approval was back in 2015, and this has been a long “challenging” process for the people in charge of making sure things are going well.

“First, you’ve got to get the state to give us money, then you must fill out applications for what we need and how much it’s going to cost,” Owen said. “Then [you have to] convince them that you need it. Once that happens, we must present it to the board, hire an architect and construction starts to be done.”

Latham said the process of these renovations has been methodically approached so they can get the best out of it.

“We lined out everything that we want to be able to do and prioritize things,” Latham said. “It’s all a very structured process, but it has been very interesting to watch.”

WHAT STUDENTS WANT CHANGED ABOUT MOFFETT LIBRARY:

“I would change the number of electrical outlets, the accessibility to those outlets and the overall design of the library.” | Austin Daniels, business senior “I would change the entire interior design of the building.” | Jordan Lee, psychology and sociology senior “I would change the number of outlets in the building.” | Alex Blake, finance senior “I would like more outlets.” | Ciera Wolinski, biology senior “I would put more outlets in and easier access to printers.” | Mpathi Nzima, biology senior

“I would put like a food station in or more vending machines.” | Nakilah Watson, management freshman “I would put more outlets in the rooms.” | Madison Hopper, nursing sophomore “I would definitely fix the elevators.” | RJ Sayler, accounting sophomore “I would like for the doors to be improved and for them to open their doors earlier.” | Garrett Mills, engineering junior “I would get more outlets and improve on the Starbucks.” | Kimrie Brock, criminal justice junior “I would get more room for computers and fix the Wi-Fi in the building.” | Brett Tompkins, history junior “I would make the entire design more modern and up to date.” | Jaci Carranza, athletic training senior “The air conditioning could be better throughout the building.” | Mason Winter, criminal justice senior “Getting more outlets would be very helpful.” | Leah Gilliand, marketing sophomore “I would like for there to be more outlets.” | Leia De La Garza, criminal justice junior “I want there to be more study rooms and more electrical outlets.” | Sean Addicks, business management sophomore “I would like more study rooms.” | Gage Thompson, business freshman “There needs to be more outlets.” | Breanna Dewoody, nursing sophomore “I would like for there to be better carpet and newer furniture.” | Regan Rogers, nursing sophomore “I would fix the elevators because they are pretty shady.” | Noah Inge, mechanical engineering sophomore “The elevators need to be improved.” | Michael Moser, undecided freshman “I would fix the elevators and have more study rooms.” | Daisy Reyes, nursing freshman “I would put more vending machines in the building.” | Odalis Garnica, biology freshman “There needs to be newer and better furniture.” | Stella Yancey, nursing sophomore “I would like for there to be stronger WiFi.” | Bradley Bendure, history senior “There should be new furniture.” | Marvin Castillo, criminal justice sophomore “I would like for there to be more outlets.” | Valentine Atuchukwu, arts and science senior “There should be better furniture.” | Hailey Morris, disciplinary studies senior “I would like better carpet and better WiFi service.” | Krishun Jackson, business management senior

| Nov. 8, 2017 | 7

Student regent app closes Nov. 30 JUDELLE TYSON REPORTER

T

he student regent application deadline will close on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. — but many students don’t fully understand what that position actually means.

As student regent, Shayla Owens, business administration management senior, helps the nine-member Board of Regents consider the students when making decisions that affect students throughout the campus.

Student regent is the highest appointed position of a student at Texas public institutions of higher education. The student regent represents all students, both undergraduates and graduates, for a oneyear term on the Board of Regents, the university’s governing board.

This position represents students in discussions of key issues in higher education. Although the student regent does not vote, he or she has the opportunity to have important input in decisions affecting the future of the university.

During the 2016-17 school year, Owens was the Student Government Association president, a student ambassador, peer counselor and as a student representative for the Budget Oversight Committee.

She previously served as president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 2014-16, and is co-founder of the Black Student Leadership Initiative.

During the summer of 2016, she participated in the Study Abroad program at Queen Mary University in London studying international issues in business.

While Owens is set to graduate in December, she plans to continue her studies on campus to pursue her master’s degree.

The Board is composed of nine

PHOTO BY TIMOTHY JONES | THE WICHITAN

Shayla Owens, student regent and former SGA president, gives a speech at the Desegregation Historical Marker Ceremony on Feb. 25, 2017. people, appointed by the Texas governor, for six-year terms. After the student applies for the position, Governor Greg Abbott chooses the applicant he believes is the best fit and appoints that student for a year-long term, beginning on June 1 each year.

According to Owens, the student regent position entails being the voice of the students to the Board of Regents and giving the board more detailed information about the student body as decisions are being made.

“My duties include attending quarterly board meetings and weighing in on student focus issues,” Owens said. “The goal of a student regent is to give the board more detailed information about students as decisions are being

2014 FILE PHOTO BY LAUREN ROBERTS | THE WICHITAN

made.”

According to Keith Lamb, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, as the student regent, the role speaks on behalf of student interests across the campus in regent meetings and activities. While the student regent is allowed to discuss issues in the regent meetings, the regent may not vote on any matter before the board. The student is not compensated for his/her duties, but can serve on committees, special commissions and task forces while holding the position.

“In Texas, every board that governs a University has one student that’s appointed by the governor,” Lamb said. “It is a non voting position and the student sits at the table with the board, they are a part of

2015 FILE PHOTO BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ | THE WICHITAN

Shelby Davis, former student regent, listen during Jesse Brown, former student regent, works at his the board of regents meeting Feb. 13 to approve desk on Aug. 24, 2015. Brown served as student future plans at MSU. Davis served as the student regent for the 2014-2015 school year. regent for the 2013-2014 school year.

the board, they participate in the full discussion of the board, but they do not have a vote.”

In the capacity of this role students get the opportunity to attend summits, university events and meetings that warrant their attendance.

“To date, I have attended a regent forum in Austin, my first board meeting in August and been to several university events,” Owens said.

Until the Texas Legislature passed a law in 2005 that required every state university to appoint a student regent, the position of student regent was not mandatory.

According to the Texas Education Code regarding the position of student regent, before Nov. 1 of each year, the student government of each campus must gather appli-

2015 PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Megan Piehler, former student regent, attends the Board of Regents meeting on Nov. 12, 2015.

Piehler served as student regent for the 2015-2016 school year.

cations for the student regent position. By Jan. 1, up to five applicants must send their applications to the student government, and the student government must then send the applications to the chancellor.

The chancellor will then send at least two of the applicants to the governor no later than Feb. 1.

To apply for student regent, a student must be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, be in good academic standing as determined by the institution, remain enrolled throughout their term as student regent and maintain a GPA of at least 2.5.

If a student meets all these requirements, they must complete two forms, one for the school system and the other for the governor.

“The process would involves a written application which consists of long and short answer essay questions, two different interviews and one would be for finalists with the governor,” Lamb said. “They generally look for students who are successful both in their course work, co-curricular activities and have a passion for representing their fellow students and the ability to gather information from their fellow students and represent that.”

Owens said it provides a healthy balance between the position and school and enhances the overall student experience.

“The student regent/school balance has been easy to manage,” Owens said. “It does not warrant a lot of your time, but rather enhances your student experience.”

According to Owens, the position can be rewarding as it helps you to make a positive difference in your peers lives by being their voice.

The next Board of Regents meetings takes place Nov. 9 and Nov. 10.

2016 PHOTO BY BRADLEY WILSON | THE WICHITAN

Lindsey Shelley, former student regent, listens to discussion at the Board of Regents meeting on Aug, 4, 2016. Shelley served as student regent for the 2016-2017 school year.

8 | Nov. 8, 2017 |

PHOTOS BY HARLIE DAVID | THE WICHITAN

Semaj Robinson, criminal justice senior, tackles a Tarleton State opponent causing him to fumble the ball during the football game at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 4

PHOTO BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ | THE WICHITAN

Doug Elder, head men’s soccer coach, hugs Carlos Flores, sports medicine freshman, after the Heartland championship game against St. Edward’s at Stangs Park, where MSU won 1-0 on Nov. 5.

Football takes down Tarleton, retires Grays’ jersey MAKAYLA SCHECK REPORTER

T

he football team defeated rival Tarleton State University 45-42 in overtime on Saturday, Nov. 4.

At the 9:38 mark of the first quarter, Adrian Seales, running back and criminal justice junior, made the first touchdown of the game. With the extra point kick achieved by Jaron Imbirani, kicker/punter and sports and leisure studies sophomore, the score was 7-0. At 4:58 left in the quarter, Tarleton completed a touchdown and an extra point kick to tie up the score, ending the first quarter with a score of 7-7.

“Our strengths are passing pretty well and coaches are getting the players to execute the plays well,” Imbriani said.

The second quarter started with a touchdown by D.J. Myers, wide reciever and psychology senior, at the 14:11 mark. At the 9:16 mark the score was back to a tie of 14-14.

The score at half time 21-14.

The football game against Tarleton State University was more than just a rivalry game, though. At half time, the parents of Robert Grays, Tammy and Robert Grays III, were brought on the field beside University President Suzanne Shipley and Interim Athletic Director Kyle Williams. They announced that a plaque will be placed above Grays’ football locker and his No. 24 jersey will be retired.

“It’s the right thing to do and he deserves it,” Bill Maskill, head coach, said.

Players agreed with Maskill’s comments about Grays.

“Nobody should ever wear Robert Grays’ jersey again.

He exemplified what it is to be a Mustang football player.

He was the life of the team, and he is still deeply missed by all his friends, family and MSU brothers,” Jaylon Jackson, linebacker and marketing sophomore, said.

The third quarter started with a Tarleton touchdown.

At the 12:45 mark, Kylan Harrison, wide reciever and kinesiology freshman, ran for a touchdown.

Vincent Johnson, running back and mechanical engineering junior, gained another touchdown for the team at the 14:56 mark of the fourth quarter. Johnson then ran for

University President Suzanne Shipley stands with Tammy Grays and Robert Grays III, parents of Robert Grays, to retire their son’s number 24 jersey. another touchdown at the 9:26 mark, bringing the score to 42-28. Not too far after Johnson’s second touchdown, Tarleton gained one of their own, bringing the score to 4235. Josh Wydermyer, defensive back and sports and leisure studies junior, blocked a Tarleton pass to help keep MSU in the lead. Jaydon Cunigan, defensive back and criminal justice sophomore, took down a Tarleton player at the 5:05 mark of the fourth quarter. Before getting to the end of the game, Tarleton made a touchdown to tie the game with 2:31 left.

“Our offense did a heck of a job. The o-line blocked really good, our recievers caught the ball and the quarterback had a great arm,” Drew Bolin, linebacker and criminal justice junior, said.

Their overall record is 8-0 as they go into the Eastern New Mexico game on Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. in Portales, New Mexico.

“It feels great to have such a successful season after the death of Rob. All of this that we have accomplished has been because of him, he is our why,” Wydermyer said.

Men’s soccer team prepares for regionals MAKAYLA SCHECK REPORTER

W

ith the Heartland Conference championship under their belt, the men’s soccer team will go to the South Central regionals which begin on Nov. 9.

“I feel confident about regionals. We’ve been working hard since Aug. 1 — all for this moment when it actually matters,” Koby SaponAmoah, defender and finance sophomore, said.

So far, the team has accomplished being first in the conference and third in the nation. This season has been the first undefeated men’s soccer season dating back to 1972. The 2016 season ended with a record of 18-4-1 and the team placed second in the conference tournament.

“With what happened last year, we wanted revenge,” Nathan Clarke, defender and marketing junior, said.

The men’s soccer team is definitely going for revenge this season. The team won the Heartland Conference tournament on Nov. 5, and they will receive a bye from the first round of the regional tournament.

“We focus on one game at a time. Our goal was to win conference and that was achieved, so now we are focusing on making the national tournament,” Doug Elder, head men’s soccer coach,

said.

With the guys working toward their goals, Taylor Lampe, goalkeeper and exercise physiology freshman, explained how the fans impact their games.

“The crowd definitely affects how we play, especially when we have a strong backing from the crowd where they are very encouraging,” Lampe said. “It gives us a lot of motivation.”

The finals of the Heartland Conference ended with a score of 1-0 against St. Edward’s University. The first and only goal was made by Scott Doney, forward and psychology senior, in the second half. With several shot attempts blocked by Lampe, the team was able to win.

“We have always had the motivation for have this record. But it’s more about the team and having confidence in each other to do our jobs on and off the field,” Lampe said.

With regionals underway, the players are treating the tournament like every other game.

“We are absolutely ready for regionals. We will treat every game the same and none are different,” Patrick Fitzgerald, defender and kinesiology junior, said.

They will play on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. against Colorado Mesa at Stangs Park.