THE BG NEWS
FAMILY FUN The University Activities Organization hosted Magician Nate Staniforth on Friday for Family Weekend, check out photos of Family Weekend events on Page 5 and online at BGNews.com.
ESTABLISHED 1920 | An independent student press serving the campus and surrounding community
Monday, September 23, 2013
Volume 93, Issue 14
Students use Twitter in class, brush up on professional skills Discussions, Follow Fridays on social media offer alternative way of learning By Dylanne Petros Copy Chief
Students are often told not to bring electronics into class, but Heather Muir has a philosophy of BYOD. Muir, lecturer in the sports management department, encourages students to “Bring Your Own Device,” so they can use them during class.
She introduced Twitter in the classroom in 2012 because a colleague in Australia was using the social media tool in his class. She uses the social media site to teach her students how to use Twitter for more than just talking to friends. “I’m trying to introduce the students to thinking about Twitter for professional networking, not just
social networking,” Muir said. On the very first day of class Muir teaches her students how to use Twitter since she uses it frequently in her class. “I encourage [students] to set up a professional account,” she said. Freshman Matthew Cooper set up a professional account because of Muir’s class.
See TWITTER | Page 5
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CAMPUS BRIEF
Mazey to speak at student government meeting
University President Mary Ellen Mazey will be coming to the Undergraduate Student Government meeting to discuss upcoming events with representatives tomorrow.
Katie Post
Undergraduate Student Government Speaker Speaker Katie Post is excited to hear her perspective on what’s happening with the University. “The president comes every year to speak with USG,” Post said. “Mazey is going to be updating us on what is happening University-wide, which includes
the University’s master plan and anything she wants to update us on.” During the presentation, senators and cabinet members can ask Mazey questions. Some of the questions have already been submitted ahead of time. “One question is in line with the goal to increase enrollment and retention,” Post said. “It is what are the efforts being made to keep and retain nontraditional students.” The question was submitted by the NonTraditional Senator Amy Puffenberger. Post encourages students to come to the meeting, however they won’t be able to directly ask questions to Mazey. “It’s in our bylaws that only people in USG can speak during the presentation,” Post said. “They can speak with USG before to submit questions they would like to hear.” Besides Mazey coming to speak, the meeting will go on as usual and the senate will go over the regular agenda and reports, Post said.
back to BOWLING GREEN
University alumni come back to town to film commercial By Abby Welsh News Editor
Photos Provided
the commercial was for American Express and was filmed in downtown Bowling Green, at LifeFormation. Alumni John Naplan and Mike Blasko were featured in the commercial, which was filmed during the summer. Don’t forget to check out Part 2 of the article on BGNews.com Tuesday. Part 2 will focus on Gene Poor, a University professor who inspired Blasko and Naplan to create their business. Also check out http:// www.weiglworks.com/, Naplan and Blasko’s business.
When alumni John Naplan and Mike Blasko interned at LifeFormation while earning their undergraduate degree at the University, little did they know a creation of their own would be seen nationally. Naplan and Blasko both majored in Visual Communication Technology at the University and decided to start their own business called Weigl Works, which is a leading manufacturer of electronic control devices typically used for amusement parks and attractions. Because of the quality and features their products give their clients, American Express credit card corporation showed interest in using their products in a commercial in Bowling Green this past June.
See WEIGL | Page 2
Criticism of administration Students use different tricks to fall asleep; some use sleep rituals, routines before dozing off brought up during meeting Graduate Student Senate discusses student voice By Dominic Binkley Reporter
Some Graduate Student Senate members criticized the University administration’s relationship with the senate at the second general meeting Friday afternoon. Several senators said the administration sometimes wastes the senate’s time by bringing issues to GSS that the administration has already decided on. Ryan Bronkema, senator for the higher education admin-
istration department, said during the meeting that the Universit y adm inist rat ion had already made its mind up about the smoking policy when the issue was brought to GSS this past year. “They had already decided on no smoking but they came and asked us what we thought about it just because I think they thought it was cute or because democracy needs to be practiced or something,” Bronkema said
MOVING RIGHT ALONG
The BG Football team defeated the Murray State University Rangers 48-7 Saturday during Family Weekend. The Falcons redeemed themselves following their loss to Indiana the previous week. | PAGE 6
See GSS | Page 3
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol doesn’t help; other methods found more helpful By Kendra Clark In Focus Editor
Sleep is something every student needs, but how they fall asleep can differ from student to student. Director of the Wellness Connection Faith Yingling has college student-friendly tips to help fall asleep. “Having a sleep ritual before bed can help students fall asleep,” Yingling said. “It’s hardest for college students, where you have to wake up
American Racism
at the same time and go to sleep at the same time, even on weekends.” There are many things a student can do to keep a routine, including having a comfortable bed and pillow and a cold environment, Yingling said. “Having a sleep-conducive environment is key,” Yingling said. “Some things students can use to fall asleep is listening to white noise, music, reading before bed … a lot use fans.” The LA Times posted an article highlighting different prod-
Assistant Forum Editor Cassie Sullivan talks about an IndianAmerican woman winning the Miss America Pageant and the resulting racism. | PAGE 4
ucts people can buy who are having trouble falling asleep. One product mentioned was White Noise Machine by Sound Oasis priced at $59.99. For some students who don’t want to shell out money for sleep, they may listen to music. Junior Kendra Shellhammer is one of those students. “Having music playing helps me fall asleep,” Shellhammer said. “Whatever comes up. I have a good mix of rock, country and
See SLEEP | Page 5
What activities did you and your family do during family weekend? “We went out to dinner, the Rugby game and they bought me a care package at Meijer.” Dimitri Karakis Freshman, Math