Issue Number 201 Volume Number 96

Eastern News

Tuesday

“Tell th e t r u t h a n d d o n ’ t b e a fr a i d . ”

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Big Robot rocks Doudna with experimental music

Panthers go .500 in Samford Scramble

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PENSION

Forum to address pension reform

By Rachel Rodgers Administration Editor

Editor’s Note: This is the second installment in a series of pension articles.

The Illinois legislature’s strategies to improve the $85 billion unfunded pension liability focus on short-run quick fixes instead of a long-term cohesive plan, the director of accountancy said.

President Bill Perry and Hank Davis, the director of accountancy and a professor in the Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences, will address discussions developing among Springfield legislators and pension reform at 2 p.m. today at the Phipps Lecture Hall in the Physical Science Building.

“I have not seen any substantive policies from the legislature to address this pension issue,” Davis said. “An

Miller done after 7 seasons

example of this short-run thinking is the notion of shifting the cost of teacher retirement from the state to local municipalities.”

Changing the source of the funding does not change the cost so it becomes a matter of who is going to pay for it, Davis said.

Perry said if universities had to pay part of the employer contribution, it would involve reallocating university resources in some form. He said he would not be inclined to raise tuition to cover the costs for two reasons.

“I don’t think it would be the right thing to do and second, raising tuition wouldn’t cover the costs anyway,” Perry said. “The way tuition is structured, you pay the same tuition for four years and when the new students come in, their tuition is a little higher, but it doesn’t generate much money.”

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Students charged for fight at McAfee Staff Report

Five students, including an Eastern football player, were arrested and charged with aggravated mob action and aggravated battery on early Sunday morning at McAfee Gym. Students charged include: Jus tin Jones, 23, of 2219 Ninth Street, Charleston; Malcolm Jackson, 20, of 2380 Bostic Drive, Charleston; Robert Pettis, 20, of 2380 Bostic Drive, Charleston; and Michael Foreman, 21, of 724 Rebecca Lane, Bolingbrook.

All were released to the custody of the Coles County Sheriff ’s Office.

Jackson is a wide receiver for Eastern’s football team.

Sports Information Director Rich Moser said the athletic department has not yet received full information on the matter and will assess the situation when it does.

Student Matthew Tuquabo, 22, of 1419 Berwick Blvd. was also arrested at McAfee and charged with mob action and aggravated battery of a police officer.

Jeremy Wilkins, 23, of 1011 Greenwood, Waukegan, was also charged with aggravated mob action and aggravated battery.

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Men’s basketball coach Mike Miller gestures to his players during their Feb. 4 game against Morehead State at Lantz Arena. Eastern athletic director Barbara Burke announced that Miller’s contract would not be renewed in a statement Monday afternoon.

See the full story on page 8

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Felony charges a possibility for student prank caller Teen prank calls 911 from school during lunch hour

By Nike Ogunbodede Associate News Editor

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Police exit Charleston High School after the school received word of a possible gunman in the school Friday.

As students and faculty of Charleston High School filed into school on Feb. 24, a call was made from within the school from a 17-year-old student, who later admitted to placing a second 911 call at 11:32 a.m.

The school, which had been searched by police officers after the first 8:45 a.m. call, was taken off security lockdown and some students, including the 17-yearold boy, were let out for lunch,

said Charleston Superintendent Jim Littleford.

Littleford said the student was able to place the second call from a school phone.

“That student was at lunch and entered an area that was not secured at that time,” he said.

The school’s technology department and Consolidated Communications allowed them to trace the second call to a school phone line, but Littleford said he is still not sure from where the first call was placed.

School officials have received criticism from a few parents who were not pleased with the hour and a half delay in which they were left unnotified about what was going on inside the school.

Parents like Stacy Stewart,

Cindy Drum and Lisa Killough said they heard about the lockdown from texts sent from their children and Facebook posts from community members.

Littleford maintains that the reason for the delay was the administration wanting to give out proper information as well as wanting to keep the panic to a minimum.

“You have to keep in mind that when a student texts a parent from a classroom it is immediate,” Littleford said. “In our situation, before we put out information, we had to make sure that our information was accurate—that’s why there was some delay.”

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EIU weather TODAY

WEDNESDAY

TARBLE ARTS CENTER

Alum uses art as diary

By Katelyn Ifft Staff Reporter

Mostly Cloudy High: 53° Low: 28°

Rain High: 62° Low: 41°

For more weather visit castle.eiu.edu/weather.

ONLINE

College Cuisine Blog: Get sloppy with your own sauce For too long college kids have assumed the only way they can make a sloppy joe worth eating is by forking over a dollar for a can of manwich. I have good news: you can make high-class sloppy joes solely using condiments you already have (condiments that likely don't have high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup and sugar listed as ingredients numbers 2, 4 and 6).

Photo Blog: Big Robot Check out the latest Photo Desk entry on the performance by computer-acoustic band Big Robot on Monday.

Eastern News “Tell the t r u t h a n d d o n ’ t b e a f r a i d . ”

Contact If you have corrections or tips, please call:

217•581•2812 or fax us at:

217•581•2923 Printed by Eastern Illinois University on soy ink and recycled paper. Attention postmaster: Send address changes to: The Daily Eastern News 1802 Buzzard Hall, Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL 61920Attention postmaster: Send address changes to: The Daily Eastern News 1802 Buzzard Hall, Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL 61920 Editorial Board Editor in Chief............................................................................... Shelley Holmgren DENeic@gmail.com Managing Editor........................................................................... Samantha Bilharz DENmanaging@gmail.com News Editor....................................................................................Elizabeth Edwards DENnewsdesk@gmail.com Associate News Editor............................................................... Nike Ogunbodede DENnewsdesk@gmail.com Opinions Editor........................................................................................Dave Balson DENopinions@gmail.com Online Editor.....................................................................................Doug T. Graham DENnews.com@gmail.com News Staff Activities Editor................................................................................... Sam McDaniel Administration Editor...................................................................... Rachel Rodgers Campus Editor.......................................................................................Robyn Dexter City Editor............................................................................................Kathryn Richter Photo Editor..................................................................................................Kim Foster Sports Editor....................................................................................Dominic Renzetti Verge Editor......................................................................................................Sara Hall Assistant Photo Editor..................................................................... Seth Schroeder Assistant Online Editor.......................................................................Marcus Smith Assistant Sports Editor.....................................................................Jordan Pottorff Advertising Staff Advertising Manager...........................................................................Allison Twaits Promotions Manager.....................................................................Breanna Blanton Ad Design Manager.........................................................................Shannon Ready Faculty Advisers Editorial Adviser................................................................................... Lola Burnham Photo Adviser.......................................................................................... Brian Poulter DENNews.com Adviser........................................................................Bryan Murley Publisher........................................................................................................ John Ryan Business Manager....................................................................................Betsy Jewell Press Supervisor......................................................................................Tom Roberts Production Staff Night Chief...................................................................................... Samantha Bilharz Lead Designer/Online Production..........................................Courtney Runyon Copy Editors/Designers/Online Production..................................... Tim Deters About The Daily Eastern News is produced by the students of Eastern Illinois University. It is published daily Monday through Friday, in Charleston, Ill., during fall and spring semesters and twice weekly during the summer term except during university vacations or examinations. One copy per day is free to students and faculty. Additional copies can be obtained for 50 cents each in the Student Publications Office in Buzzard Hall.

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Comments / Tips Contact any of the above staff members if you believe your information is relevant.

Corrections The Daily Eastern News is committed to accuracy in its coverage of the news. Any factual error the staff finds, or is made aware of by its readers, will be corrected as promptly as possible. Please report any factual error you find by e-mail, phone, campus mail or in person.

Eastern alum Naomi Lear presented a lecture Monday to close the exhibit of her series “Longviews” in the Atrium of the Tarble Arts Center.

Lear said the theme of the exhibit followed closely that of her other series.

“It seems I always go back to interior spaces,” Lear said.

Lear said her paintings have a deep, personal meaning to her.

Most of the rooms featured in her works are from homes where she has lived, house-sat, or visited, Lear said.

She said she uses these paintings as her own personal diary.

In a home where she once housesat, Lear said reptiles and kittens liked to climb up the living room furniture into decorative bowls where they would curl up.

Lear said the audience would not know this detail from looking at the painting.

“I include the little stories that I don’t expect you to understand, but for me to remember,” Lear said.

Lear attended Eastern from 1992 to1999 and graduated with a bachelor’s in both music performance and fine arts.

Later, Lear said she went on to receive her master’s in fine arts from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kan. She is now an associate professor of drawing and painting at Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. When she first began painting at Eastern, Lear said it was not what she was going to major in.

Lear said she took art classes just for fun.

She said she did not understand the painting medium, but when she discovered oil paints, she new she wanted to do more with art.

“These simple, basic, clumsy paintings was where it all started,”

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Eastern alumna and painter Naomi Lear gives a presentation on her work with physical space including still lifes, landscapes and interior rooms. Lear is a member of the art faculty of Columbia College in Columbia, Mo.

Lear said.

Lear moved on to creating human figurines in her work.

In her “Unseen Spaces” series, Lear said she created paintings of the same room, but from different perspectives.

She tried to lead the viewer’s eyes to places in the room that someone usually does not pay attention to.

The works of Rackstraw Downes, a British painter and author, led her to her cityscape series, Lear said.

“He painted mundane spaces in such a magnificent way that I was drawn to,” Lear said. In this series,

she experimented with lines, shapes, and the flattening of shapes.

Some of these paintings were inspired by two of Lear’s favorite artists: Edouard Vuillard and Richard Diebenkorn.

Diebenkorn inspired her first interior space series, and Vuillard inspired her to “lead the viewer to the furthest part of the composition,” Lear said Alicia Kreier, a freshman art major, said she was inspired by Lear’s exhibit.

“I like seeing the artists and getting new ideas for my work,” Kreier

said. “I’ve always been told it’s good to know the artists in your field.”

For Lear, the challenge of painting is never done.

She said it is difficult to look at something and interpret what she sees into a painting, but that is what keeps her motivated.

“I’m still searching to find the honest approach and stay true to the medium,” Lear said.

Katelyn Ifft can be reached at 581-2812 or krifft@eiu.edu.

OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD

Alumni Association offers awards for seniors Staff Report

The Alumni Association will be accepting applications and nominations for the Outstanding Senior Awards until March 9.

Eligible students must be scheduled to graduate during the Spring, Summer or Fall 2012 semester and

must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The Alumni Association will choose up to 25 eligible seniors for the award who will be recognized during the Outstanding Senior Awards luncheon on April 28.

The Alumni Association presents the award to seniors who demonstrate leadership through campus

and community involvement, academic achievements and extra-curricular honors.

Faculty, staff, alumni and relatives may nominate a student.

The application form requires the students to list their organizations and activities inside and outside of the university along with

honors and awards received during the students’ time at Eastern.

The last question asks the students why they think they deserve the award.

The application and nomination form can be found at http://www. eiu.edu/~alumni/seniorawards.php.

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News Editor Elizabeth Edwards 217 • 581 • 2812 DENnewsdesk@gmail.com

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PERFORMANCE

Big Robot rocks Doudna with experimental music

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Students to share music

By Robyn Dexter Campus Editor

By Samantha McDaniel Activities Editor

Big Robot, a computer-based acoustic trio, performed for a full house on Monday in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Theatre.

The group, which featured use of multimedia along with its experimental music, has been playing together since 2007.

Scott Deal, the main percussionist of the group, said the three started making music together while hanging out.

“It was a really natural progression,” he said. “For the three of us, there was chemistry and everything just gelled.”

Deal said the group started writing for the context and for the percussion, and everything fell into place.

“Since we’re professors, it’s hard to go out on tour,” he said.

The three are professors at the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and take the talents of Big Robot across country whenever they can.

However, the group fits in concerts whenever possible, and Deal said they will be performing in Miami next week and Oklahoma next month.

The show included an introduction with elaborate use of percussion including cymbals, xylophone and different types of drums.

One of the other pieces used video of a girl who seemed haunted by a demon of some sort.

Deal said the piece is open to interpretation, and the audience can take from it whatever they will.

“My personal take on it is about dealing with personal demons,” he said. “It’s a dark piece, but at the end there’s that light at the end of the tun-

The criteria is a student must: be the first generation to attend college, reside and attend school in an economically-depressed area, live in a low-income household or be a member of an under-represented ethnic group.

If they do not have a smar t phone with a data plan or a computer with Internet access, they probably do not use Twitter, Gay said, and Eastern does not want people to think that an education comes with a large price tag.

Major said she understands University of Iowa accepting Twitter answers because of the large number of applications.

But she does not see Eastern following the trend.

“We rarely get just a standard, boring essay. But maybe that says a lot about the student that’s applying to Eastern,” she said.

Music, dances and cultures from around the world will be brought together on Saturday.

The Association of International Students is having “Sounds of the World Dance” at 9 p.m. Saturday in the University Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Samyukta Ghimire, the president for the Association of International Students, said they want to spread traditions that are native to the many countries of the members of the organization.

“Student can learn the culture and everything else about the international students, because you can really distinguish people from Asia, South American and Europe through music; so we really want more people to come to our events, and this is one of the most awaited events for the international students,” Ghimire said.

Ghimire said there will be performances from international students, some American students, as well other performances from range of art forms.

“We have more performances this time than last semester,” Ghimire said.

Ghimire said there will be three singing performances and three dance performances.

“One lady from China will be performing a traditional instrument. I don’t know the name of the instrument, but she played it last semester for our event,” Ghimire said. “People really wanted to hear her more.”

She said Lucas Balaminut, an international student from Brazil, will be performing a Salsa dance.

Ghimire said Ashim Pokharel, Oindrila Paul, and she will be performing a traditional cultural dance.

Twin sisters Joy and Ann Ignalaga will be performing the Wushu dance, a martial arts-type dance.

There will also be a rap performance at the event, Ghirmire said.

Ghirmire said the event is more than a music performance.

“They can listen to music, but they can also learn about culture. People will be wearing traditional outfits, performing traditional dances and cultural songs,” Ghirmire said.

Ghirmire said the event gives students the opportunity to show that they are not as different as they are believed to be.

“We want to show, not only do they listen to their traditional songs, but they are fond of listening to new music, American music, English music and all that,” Ghirmire said. “All students listen to all kinds of music and they are westernized these days.”

Ghirmire said she is looking forward to having a diverse audience.

“We don’t usually have many Americans at our events, either they don’t know about it or about the organizations. They are not familiar with what we do or what we are like,” Ghirmire said.

Ghimire said “Sounds of the World” is something everyone can learn from.

“It is not just for international students,” Ghimire said. “We encourage other students to join us; especially American students, so that they can get the feel of international music.”

Amanda Wilkinson can be reached at 581-2812 or akwilkinson@eiu.edu.

Samantha McDaniel can be reached at 581-2812 or slmcdaniel@eiu.edu.

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Percussionist Scott Deal runs a violin bow across a cymbal during computer-acoustic band Big Robot’s performance Monday in the Theatre of the Doudna Fine Arts Center. Deal is a member of the band with computer musician Michael Drews and multimedia artist Jordan Munson. All three are music professors at Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis.

nel.”

Michael Drews, who is the composer and computer operator of the group, said he went to school with Brad Decker, an Eastern instructor of music composition and theory, and the two of them studied experimental music.

Drews said he met Deal in Indianapolis and the two of them discussed starting an experimental musical group.

“We knew we wanted to do computer music and we wanted to play it as well,” Drews said.

Drews said he used to write mu-

sic for other people and then sit in the audience and listen to it be performed.

He wanted to be a part of it and actually play the music he helped write.

“We went through a lot of false starts and a lot of things that just didn’t work,” Drews said. “Jordan came into the mix shortly after we started jamming together.”

Jordan Munson, the third member of the group, performed using a computer and multimedia facets along with Drews.

Drews said the group gets together about once a week, but setting up for

a show can take up to four hours.

Members of Big Robot will be having workshops in Doudna Fine Arts Center on Tuesday.

Deal will teach a “master class” in percussion held in the percussion lab at 11 a.m.

Drews and Munson will teach a master class in composition and technology in the EMS 0336 at 1 p.m.

Both classes are free and open to the public.

Robyn Dexter can be reached at 581-2812 or redexter@eiu.edu.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Short-form college essays in 140 characters or less

By Amanda Wilkinson Staff Reporter

Universities across the country have asked students to describe themselves in 140 characters or less–roughly the size of this sentence.

But Eastern’s Director of Admissions Brenda Major said Eastern will not adopt this new method because they want students to be able to express themselves without restrictions.

University of Iowa and other universities are using this new method of Twitter answers expecting they will get responses that are more creative than traditional essays.

Lania Knight, an assistant English professor, said a more concise application requirement might inspire students. “ The fewer words you have, the more precise you have to be,” Knight said. “It’s a form of self-expression that’s very different from

the traditional essay. Just because it’s short doesn’t mean it’s inferior.”

Roxane Gay, an English professor, said people write in short form every day and while it is possible to properly express and sway an admissions committee in 140 characters, it may prove difficult for some.

Ga y a l s o s a i d u s i n g Tw i t t e r could send the wrong message to prospective students.

Eastern actually has expanded the length of space on admission applications the in past year.

Major said the length is subjective because one student may view three paragraphs as three sentences while another views it as three sentences per paragraph.

Eastern’s admission committee does not want to limit self-expression, Major said.

The Eastern admission application suggests two to three paragraphs for the essay; although, the admissions office has accepted applications with essays anywhere

from zero words to 1,000 words.

“It’s time consuming, but I think it’s important,” Major said. “Many of us enjoy reading the essays. For me, it provides a lot more insight into the student than what we can gleam from the transcript.”

Essays can reveal whether a prospective students can write effectively at the college level, are selfconscious of their writing, if they are comfortable sharing, and if they can follow directions on the application.

“If a student just blows that off or writes one sentence or two words, to me that says something about them,” Major said. “They don’t want to do this, they don’t care anyway, no one is going to read this, but we’re reading it.”

The Twitter answers may not appeal to all students.

Some students at Eastern are admitted from the Gateway Program, an alternative admissions program in which students must meet one of the criteria listed to be accepted.

O pinions

Opinions Editor Dave Balson 217 • 581 • 2812 DENopinions@gmail.com

STAFF EDITORIAL

COLUMN

Welcome to Illinois, Land of Lincoln, Corn Cornucopia, Den of Debt.

For decades, Illinois lawmakers have worked hard to firmly establish Illinois as the national model of fiscal irresponsibility.

Now, as Gov. Pat Quinn tries to create a path to future financial stability, the state cannot afford to pay pensions it promised to university employees. The pension problem has been perpetually punted by the legislature, but it looks as if Quinn, who seems to have a taste for unpopular legislation, is ready to rope the runaway pension beast.

He asked a pensions working group to study the issue and report to him in mid-April. The decision Quinn makes will affect the future of pensions in Illinois and the lives of every member of he Eastern community.

Several ideas have been proposed, none of which bode well for Eastern.

One option is a drastic reduction in pension benefits. Clearly, this would save money for the state, but it would also be unfair to state employees. Cuts could extend to those who have already retired. This would be unfair to people who worked hard and planned for their retirement expecting the state to live up to its end of the deal. Cuts would also be unfair to current employees who have planned to retire early enough to enjoy their retirement, but would have to postpone their retirement for several more years to ensure financial security.

Of course, drastic cuts could also lead to an exodus of younger Illinois educators. If professors learns that their pensions will be worth a lot less in Illinois a year from now, who could fault them for packing up and heading to a state that knows how to take care of its teachers?

Another option under consideration is shifting pension funding from the state to universities. This extra burden on university budgets would require a significant increase in revenue and may well lead to increased tuition and taxes. It could also limit the number of faculty the university could keep on payroll, limiting class offerings and increasing class sizes.

It is likely the final reform package will include cuts from the state and increased funding from both universities and employees. On the upside, such an agreement would leave teachers and universities with more control over the future of pensions. But there will be very little reason to celebrate and plenty of justified anger when reforms are announced. Most likely, Eastern professors will lose hard-earned pension dollars and Eastern will lose talented potential faculty through no fault of their own.

The Committee on University Planning and Budget has asked President Perry to appear on a panel to discuss pension reform in a meeting at 2 p.m. today at Phipps Lecture Hall in the Physical Science Building.

The meeting is open to the entire Eastern community and we urge anyone and everyone concerned to attend (for, whether we choose involvement or ignorance, we are all involved).

This is a complex matter with broad consequences. It is worth understanding and deserves attention and input.

blue—although I would settle for green.

Tears would flood my Belle pillow as I silently begged, and as twisted as it now sounds, I would have malice against God for neglecting my prayers the night before. I mean, he made Eve out of Adam’s rib—one rib I might add—surely he could lighten my skin in a few hours. But alas, my skin was not meant to reflect the sun. The belief that I thought being white would take away so many of the superficial things that I considered problems was a gross misconception.

I grew up watching shows like “Sailor Moon,” and I can still remember my cheeks burning in embarrassment—and a semblance of shame—when my brother found my diary hiding my thoughts of being just like Serena, or Usagi for those of you who watched the Japanese version.

I realized that my prayer that God would miraculously make me white was a horrible wish, but people who looked like her, with the exception of “The Cosby Show,” “Family Matters,” “The Jeffersons” and “Sister Sister,” were all that I was privy to on TV or in my neighborhood.

My sister, who used to go by her middle name, Christina, while she was at school, is probably the best human being I will ever know, and I got my first taste of prejudice

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Pension reform My skin reflects beauty you’d be blind not to see When I was younger—around 6 or 7—I rery for another day) dare they say we talked almember praying for God to make me white. most white. (cringe.) As if that were a compliaffects Eastern’s Perhaps it was my own warped mind, but ment. Gee, thanks.

I wanted my coarse, tightly spiraled hair to And for the first time, I was glad I wasn’t into silky blonde locks and my darkwhite. present, future flourish brown eyes to pale into a “nice” shade of As a former sociology major—and a for-

The DAILY EASTERN NEWS

“Tell the truth and don’t be afraid.”

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor in Chief News Editor Shelley Holmgren Elizabeth Edwards Managing Editor Associate News Editor Samantha Bilharz Nike Ogunbodede Online Editor Doug T. Graham

Opinions Editor Dave Balson

The daily editorial is the majority opinion of the editorial board of The Daily Eastern News.

Nike Ogunbodede while with her. It is important for you to know and understand that my sister is brilliant, but like a glaring nightmare, I can recall having to stay after school with her because she received a detention.

I was in first grade and my sister’s teacher— for whatever reason—did not think that my sister could have written as intelligently as she did for that day’s assignment.

I would say that my sister, along with her teacher, was a victim of stereotypes.

Lulu, short for Adeolu, was voted “Most Respected” in her senior year of high school, graduated with a bachelor’s in science from Northwestern University and is currently enrolled in Emory Medical School—but the teacher didn’t know that my sister, along with the handy-dandy “Hooked on Phonics,” taught me to love reading.

That teacher didn’t know her, nor did that teacher give my sister the benefit of the doubt.

But later on, after they got to know not only my sister, but my older brother and myself, teachers and students would often say how we didn’t talk like the other black kids (never mind that we are African; that is a sto-

mer watcher of “The Tyra Banks Show”—I watched video of kids taking part in Kenneth and Mamie Clark’s doll test. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s where young children are allowed to pick dolls with the best features.

Tests like theses usually resulted in kids of all colors choosing a white, Barbie-esque doll.

(I won’t blame society…I mean…there were black Barbies. Surely that was enough, right?)

The Clarks would later testify on a case that would snowball into the monumental Brown v. Board of Education.

A lot of things usually race through my mind, but every now and then I think of how lost so many people are nowadays.

I weep for how misguided I was and for those who will be born later with such a poor understanding of who they are.

I weep for those who will fail to see the beauty in their own skin—regardless if they happen to be born with cocoa, vanilla or any skin color in between.

Lastly, I weep for a society that places value on one form of beauty while ignoring or chastising another.

Nike Ogunbodede is a junior journalism major.

She can be reached at 581-7942 or DENopinions@gmail.com.

FROM THE EASEL

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AROUND THE STATE

Can a ‘Consumer Bill of Rights’ solve Internet piracy?

By Erin Hogg Daily Vidette Illinois State University

With the recent uproar over SOPA, ACTA, and even Google’s policy changes, the online activity of Internet users may seem to be compromised.

Articles about making sure to delete a user’s hardrive before they die and some on how to leave Google’s services prompted discussion over just how much of our information is out there.

Earlier this month, Target reported it can tell if a woman is pregnant before anyone else knows by what she buys at a Target store. This shocked many people, but it is just one example of how simple information like what you purchase can tell companies who you are.

Consumer groups raved on Feb. 23 as a new blueprint for a “Consumer Bill of Rights” has been proposed by the Obama administration. This is an important first step in protecting a user’s online activity, but the way it will be implemented must be monitored.

The White House and Federal Trade Com-

munications unveiled the bill, “which will serve as a policy outline for future legislation and public policy that will work to protect consumers’ privacy while online from a computer or mobile phone,” according to CNET. Any data that is linkable to a specific individual, including personal data linked to a specific computer or other device, will be covered under the bill.

“Even without legislation, the administration will convene multistakeholder processes that use these rights as a template for codes of conduct that are enforceable by the Federal Trade Commission,” a CNN article stated.

Under the proposed blueprint for a bill, it ensured consumers will have a right to control what personal information data companies collect and how that information is used.

Consumers will also be able to access understandable information about their privacy rights. Companies will still be able to collect, use, and disclose their personal data, but consumers will have a right to secure personal data and will have a right to access and correct their personal data.

Furthermore, consumers will have the right

Letters to the editor can be submitted at any time on any topic to the Opinions Editor to be published in The Daily Eastern News.

The DEN’s policy is to run all letters that are not libelous or potentially harmful.

They must be less than 250 words.

to put a limit on how much personal data is collected and companies must hold themselves to a high standard that adheres to the Consumer Bill of Rights.

While this sounds like the administration is interested in protecting consumers’ rights, it is hard to say how much of an influence Google, Facebook, or Microsoft will have over the lawmaking. Loopholes in legislation have been prevalent forever and there will probably be some catch to the bill.

The bill, if passed, will ultimately respect a browser’s “Do Not Track” setting. Google recently signed an agreement to respect the setting, currently only available on Firefox.

As of now, consumers should not rely on this possible Consumer Bill of Rights to protect their online activity. Using the “Do Not Track” setting and becoming educated on just how much of your personal information is out there can improve the privacy of anyone online.

To read more go to www.videtteonline.com

Letters to the editor can be brought in with identification to The DEN at 1811 Buzzard Hall.

Letters may also be submitted electronically from the author’s EIU e-mail address to DENopinions@gmail.com.

NEWS

T U E S DAY, F E B R UA RY 28, 2012

N o. 201, V O LU M E 96

T H E DA I LY E ASTE R N NEWS

D A I LY E A S T E R N N E W S . C O M

STUDY ABROAD

Scavenger hunt

Summer study abroad applications due soon Programs vary in length from 2-8 weeks

By Robyn Dexter Campus Editor

KIMBERLY FOSTER | THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS

(Left to right) Erin Deason, a freshman political science major; Megan Weller, a senior family and consumer sciences major; and Kelsey Flack, a senior early childhood education major, attempt to find a plant based on a given set of characteristics Monday in the H.F. Thut Greenhouse. The scavenger hunt was an activity for professor Gordon Tucker’s environmental biology class to expose the students to plants growing in the various climates simulated in the greenhouse including tropical and desert conditions.

PRANK, from page 1 Littleford said he is actually glad students were able to let information out their parents and guardians through the use of technology.

In accordance with CHS Student Handbook policy on “Cellular Telephone/Video Recording/ Electronic Paging Devices,” students are not allowed to have their cell phones out or turned on while within school grounds.

“We have determined that the use of the cell phones (in these circumstances) is probably more advantageous than bad that this point because at least those students in lockdown were able to text their parents and let them know they were OK,” Littleford said.

D e p u t y Po l i c e C h i e f D a v e Chambers said the case will be in the hands of Steve Ferguson, the Coles County State’s Attorney.

Chambers said it is a possibility that the student will be charged with a felony as an adult.

Ac c o rd i n g t o I l l i n o i s C o m piled Statutes, someone who calls in a false alarm of complaint when they know there is “no reason-

“I would think that anytime a student would make calls of that nature that they would have to understand that this is pretty serious.”

Jim Littleford, Charleston superintendent

able ground” for making said call while also knowing it will result in a reaction from any public agency could be charged with a Class 4 felony.

This is if the student is tried as an adult.

Littleford said he could not discuss whether or not the student was expelled from school because it is currently a “student privacy issue dealing with discipline.”

Littleford said he does think someone would be aware of the ramifications when making such a serious and false call to law enforcement.

“I would think that anytime a student would make calls of that nature that they would have to understand that this is pretty serious,” Littleford said.

Littleford said he was in contact with CHS Assistant Principal Trevor Doughty on Monday.

“We had no incidents at school (on Monday),” Littleford said.

“We are fortunate that we did not have (what happened in Ohio) in Charleston on Friday.”

Nike Ogunbodede can be reached at 581-2812 or ovogunbodede@eiu.edu.

na-Champaign’s Jeffrey Brown, the director of the Center for Business and Public Policy, and Robert Rich, director of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs.

Davis said the report is the first document he has seen that addresses a long-term, viable approach to pension reform.

The State Universities Retirement System is one of the five Illinois pension systems.

The other four are the Teachers’ Retirement System, which is the largest, the Judges’ Retirement System, the State Employees Retirement System and the General Assembly Retirement System.

The report revolves around three overarching goals of reforming SURS: to attract talented faculty and staff by providing adequate benefits from a reliable funding source; to be financially sustainable by having the state reduce unfunded pension liabilities through a credible commitment; and to re-

Students wishing to study abroad in the summer or coming fall semester need to have their applications in by March 1 in order to be eligible to go.

The Office of Study Abroad has several different programs for students in the summer months.

Applications are due March 1 for the scheduled Summer and Fall 2012 programs.

Kelly Holland, the study abroad coordinator, said studying abroad is beneficial to students in many ways.

“Summer months are ideal for students who are otherwise unable to travel during the school year,” she said.

“Many of our students are extraordinarily active on campus with clubs, sports, Greek life and other commitments.”

Holland said many students participate in the faculty-led aspect of study abroad with numbers varying from eight to 20 students per group.

“Students can use this time to explore their options outside of their major, as there are many course options available to students,” Holland said. “This way, Eastern students are meeting classmates from other colleges and enjoying a more interdisciplinary experience.”

Holland said the study abroad program includes all years, from freshmen undergraduates to graduate-level students.

Study abroad summer programs may vary in length from about two to eight weeks.

Holland said many students studying abroad for the first time choose a short-

“It makes summer both productive and interesting, as they earn credits and get to travel during their summer break.”

Kelly Holland, study abroad coordinator

er-term program.

These programs allow them to both study abroad and keep a summer job or internship as well.

“The longer the trip is, chances are the students will earn more credits,” Holland said.

Holland said a short trip, like “German Life, German School, German Media,” has preparation work before students actually go abroad.

She said students on the trip are physically abroad from May 13 to May 30, but do online coursework about a week in advance.

Holland said many programs have courses that are pre-approved for senior seminar credit.

Depending on the course, students can receive three credits of senior seminar in addition to another pre-approved course.

“It makes summer both productive and interesting, as they earn credits and get to travel during their summer break.”

Robyn Dexter can be reached at 581-2812 or redexter@eiu.edu.

Hair Benders of Charleston 1820 McKinley Ave. (217) 345 6363

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PENSION, from page 1 The event is the first pension forum sponsored by the Council on University Planning and Budget to facilitate conversation on how pension reform will affect the university, Perry said.

“Depending on the reform, it could have a negative impact on recruiting and retaining faculty by being noncompetitive with retirement benefits compared to other states, and that affects instruction in the university,” Perry said. “That could also affect students if they lose their mentors, and we could lose expert faculty leadership.”

Perry said several reports regarding different approaches to pension reform are circulating throughout the state, and one report could help promote discussion within the university and the community.

The report titled “Fiscal Sustainability and Retirement Security: A Reform Proposal for the Illinois State Universities Retirement System” was written by University of Illinois at Urba-

5

spect state constitutional protections by honoring the retirement benefits of current retirees.

William Weber, the vice president for business affairs, said however the pension reform advances, he hopes that it would satisfy certain parameters.

“First, I hope that whatever happens would be phased in over a reasonable number of years to give us time to plan and adapt,” Weber said. “Second, I would hope that the state’s current obligations for the unfunded pension liability that has built up for years is not shifted to the universities and that the state is the one that is responsible for it.”

Perry said they plan to have a second forum in late-March, and he will use the first-hand concerns brought up at the forums to continue conversations with state legislators.

Rachel Rodgers can be reached at 581-2812 or rjrodgers@eiu.edu.

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One 3 Bedroom and one 4 Bedroom.

CA, W/D. Trash Included. Call 217-5495402 __________________________2/29 Aug 2012. 1,3,4 bedroom apartments 1812 9th; 1205/1207 Grant 3 bedroom Apartments. 348-0673/549-4011 www.sammyrentals.com __________________________2/29 LARGE 3 BEDROOM FURNISHED APARTMENT FOR 12-13 SCHOOL YEAR JUST $175 PER STUDENT. CALL 3453664 __________________________2/29

For rent $175 per student for a 3 bedroom furnished apartment for 2012-2013 school year, 10 month lease. Call 3453664 __________________________2/29 LEASING NOW FOR FALL 2012! 1,2, & 3 BEDROOMS AVAILABLE. GREAT LOCATIONS. REASONABLE RATES, AWESOME AMENITIES. CALL TODAY FOR YOUR APARTMENT SHOWING 3455022. WWW.UNIQUE-PROPERTIES.NET __________________________2/29 2 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSES AVAILABLE FOR FALL 2012 AT SOUTH CAMPUS SUITES!! FREE TANNING, FITNESS AND LAUNDRY! FULLY FURNISHED WITH WATER AND TRASH INCLUDED! AWESOME NEW LOCATION, CLOSE TO CAMPUS WITH RENTAL RATES YOU CAN AFFORD! CALL TODAY FOR YOUR SHOWING 345-5022.

WWW.UNIQUE-PROPERTIES.NET __________________________2/29 5-6 bedroom house. 1906 S. 11th.

Basements. W/D D/W. Includes studio cottage. $300 each. 549-3273. __________________________2/29 4-5 bedroom, 2 bath, w/d, d/w, patio, 1836 S. 11th $300 each 549-3273 __________________________2/29 5-6 bedroom 2 bath house, 1521 S. 2nd, w/d, a/c, $300 each 549-3273 __________________________2/29 Available Now. Quiet location. 605 W Grant, 2 BR, stove, frig, dishwasher, W/D hookup, trash pd. 217-348-7746. www.charlestonILAPTS.com. __________________________2/29 NICE 2 BR APTS 2001 S 12th ST & 1305 18th ST Stove, Frig, microwave Trash pd. Ph 217-348-7746 www.CharlestonILApts.com __________________________2/29 2BR APTS, 955 4th ST Stove, frig, microwave, dishwasher Garage. Water & Trash pd. Ph 217-348-7746 www.CharlestonILApts.com __________________________2/29 DELUXE 1 BR APTS 117 W Polk & A ST 1306 & 1308 Arthur Ave Stove, frig, microwave Dishwasher, washer/dryer Trash pd. Ph 217-348-7746 www.CharlestonILApts.com __________________________2/29 YOU WANT TO LIVE HERE! 2BR/2BA Walk-in closets, W/D, dishwasher, balcony, energy efficient, fully furnished, close to campus, lots of space, free tanning SO MUCH MORE! Call today 217345-5515 melroseonfourth.com brooklynheightseiu.com. __________________________2/29 APARTMENTS FOR RENT. SUMMER & FALL 2012. 1 & 2 BEDROOM. CLOSE TO CAMPUS. $275-$375. CALL 345-9422 __________________________2/29 EIUStudentRentals.com or 217-3459595 ___________________________3/1 3 bedroom 2 bath, NEW with W/D, dishwasher, very close, must see 217345-9595 EIUStudentRentals.com ___________________________3/1 Next to U-Court, extra nice, best deal on campus. Ask about free water, internet & cable. 1, 2, 3 BRs, only $300$375/month. 217-345-6000. ___________________________3/2 5-6 bdrm All Inclusive! Flat Screen TV, new leather furniture, $150 signing bonus! www.eiprops.com ___________________________3/2 4 bdrm house, close 2 EIU. Living room, dining room, laundry, kitchen, double lot. Owners both EIU Alum. 1012 2nd St. $330/mo. Rich 273-7270, not a big landlord, responsive to tenants. Fire pit, fenced yard, pet negotiable. ___________________________3/2 4 bedroom apartment. Close to campus. Pets possible. Lease and rent negotiable. 345-6967 ___________________________3/2 Large 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath townhouse. Rent and lease negotiable. Next to campus. W/D, D/W, central air. 3456967 ___________________________3/2

For rent

D A I LY E A S T E R N N E W S . C O M

T U E S DAY, F E B R UA RY 28, 2012 N o. 201, V O LU M E 96

For rent

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Huge bedrooms, walk-in closets, central A/C, fitness center, sun-deck, too much to list, non-smokers only 815600-3129 (leave message). ___________________________3/9 3 BD 2 BATH, 2009 A 11th, $390.00 NICE & NEW www.jensenrentals.com 217-345-6100. ___________________________3/9 3 BD,1709 10th St. $350.00 www.jensenrentals.com 217-3456100. ___________________________3/9

BRAND NEW 2BR, 2 BATH. FURNISHED 1609 11th St, $450.00. www.jensenrentals.com 217-345-6100 ___________________________3/9 Available Fall 2012. Newly remodeled 4,5 bedroom houses on 12th Street.

Walk to campus. A/C, W/D, D/W 217276-8191, pilot410@hotmail.com ___________________________3/9 New 3 Bedroom 2.5 bath duplex east of campus. rcrrentals.com 217-3455832 ___________________________3/9 1210 Division. 4 bedroom, 2 bath.

Washer/Dryer. Across from park. $250/ person. Call Pud 276-8048 ___________________________3/9 Renting NOW! 1,2,&3 bedrooms, Park Place, Royal Heights, Glenwood. Close to campus! www.tricountymg.com.

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W/D, pets possible. Off street parking.

1710 11th Street. 273-2507. __________________________3/23

6

T H E DA I LY E ASTE R N NEWS

Phone: 217 • 581 • 2812 Fax: 217 • 581 • 2923 Online: dailyeasternnews.com/classifieds

For rent

For rent

Now Renting Fall 2012 4 bedroom within walking distance from campus.

Call 345-2467. __________________________3/27 2 BR house 1/2 block to Lantz, $325/ person. Washer/dryer, a/c. www.woodrentals.com, 345-4489, Jim Wood, Realtor __________________________3/30 2BR apt 1/2 block to Lantz includes cable, internet @ $325/person. www.woodrentals.com, 345-4489, Jim Wood, Realtor __________________________3/30 3BR split-level for 3@$330 plus utilities.

Lots of room, 2 car garage, w/d, dishwasher, a/c. www.woodrentals.com.

Wood Rentals, Jim Wood, Realtor, 3454489. __________________________3/30

1 person apt. includes cable, internet, water, trash @$440/month. www.woodrentals.com, 345-4489, Jim Wood, Realtor __________________________3/30 Awesome Large 1 bedroom apartments close to campus. PET FRIENDLY. Totally furnished call or text 217-2732048 __________________________3/30 ONLY $285/MO /person-NEW CARPET, GREAT LOCATION NEAR LANTZ, GRASSY YARD, OFF-ST. PARK. 3 BDRMS., KIT., LR. 549-2528. __________________________3/30 INEXPENSIVE $285/MO /person! ALL LARGE RMS: 5 BDRMS, KIT, LR. NEW CARPET, 1 BLOCK FRM CAMPUS, YARD, OFF-ST. PKG. 549-2528. __________________________3/30

DEN Ads make Cent$

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581-2816

The Qadriya Sufi Foundation of America (QSFA.org) is offering two scholarships for EIU students. Preference will be given to women, first generation college students, and international students. Please send an email to spiritualhealing@Qsfa.org answering the following question: There are approximately 3 million dogs and cats euthanized in our country per year.

What are your suggestions for changing this? Answer succinctly in the body of the email (350 to 600 words).

The deadline for applying for the scholarships is Friday, March 23.

The results will be announced in the first week of April.

For more information, please go to http://www.qsfa.org/organizational_citizenship.php.

Edited by Will Shortz

No. 0124

ACROSS 1 Brown, Penn or Harvard 4 Locale of Guantánamo Bay 8 Go without food 14 “The Good Shepherd” org.

15 Omani or Yemeni 16 Use a fan on 17 It twists underwater 18 He played Jin-Soo Kwon on “Lost” 20 “Through the Looking-Glass” character 22 Move, in real-estate ads 23 Swings that result in strikes 24 “King” serpents 26 Doorbell sound 29 Site of Haleakala National Park 30 Pinkish 31 Some collectible toys 38 Everything 39 “That is to say …”

40 ___ Speedwagon 41 1941 Frank Capra film 44 Animal that can stand upright 45 One who saves the day 46 Lose it

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE M A L T A

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47 Puts back to zero, say 50 Displays appetite, in a way 54 Wheels’ connector 55 Cornerstone of the American legal system 59 Some hippie wear 62 Had a bite 63 Writer of sad poems 64 Slangy turndowns 65 Instrument for Clarence Clemons 66 Show contrition 67 “Hey, sailor!”

68 Give a go

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DOWN 1 “Cop Killer” singer who went on to play a cop on TV 2 Outlook 3 Alma mater for Bill and Hillary Clinton 4 Golfer’s assistant 5 They divide Europe and Asia 6 Bugaboos 7 Endure 8 Caesar of comedy 9 ___-la-la 10 Biting 11 Al of “Today” 12 “There you have it!”

13 St. ___ fire 16 Drink sometimes indicated in comics by “XXX” 19 Some tech grads 21 TV award 24 Social class 25 Unsafe?

26 Stay up all night before a test, say

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27 Darned thing 28 ___ of Man 29 José’s hand 31 Some expensive dresses 32 Modest “Methinks,” online 33 Poetic time after dusk 34 Heel 35 › base x height, for a triangle 36 Gather in the field 37 Peeved 42 U2 guitarist 43 767, e.g.

44 Pear type 46 Photo finish?

47 Olympics judge, e.g.

48 Punishment for Napoleon 49 Catch 40 winks 50 “Well, obviously!”

51 Madrid’s ___ Sofia Museum 52 Noted talk show retiree of 2011 53 Straight: Prefix 55 Mar.-to-Nov. hours 56 Sunup direction 57 Play the lead role 58 Alluring 60 Yang’s counterpart 61 Superlative suffix

SPORTS

T U E S DAY, F E B R UA RY 28, 2012

N o. 201, V O LU M E 96

DEPARTURE, from page 8 “I think the team could be good,” he said. “As long as those guys just keep working hard, I know the off-season's right around the corner; they’ll have quite a few returning guys back, so they get a new coach in here and get things headed in the right direction.”

Still one question mark for the team’s future is the status of freshman guard Joey Miller, the son of the now former head coach Mike Miller. Doss said he hadn’t heard from Joey, but thinks he’s a good player, who, even if he doesn't return to Charleston, will land at a good school.

“I actually haven't had the chance to talk to Joey (Miller), but he's a good player. I’m sure he'll wind up at a good school,” Doss said.

Hollowell said with Miller also being Joey’s dad, it puts him in a particularly tough spot.

“It’s a tough situation for Joey. For everybody else, that’s our coach, but that’s his dad, so I'm sure he’s in a tough spot right now,” he said. “If he wants to come back, we’re going to embrace him. We’re not going to treat him any differently. If he comes back or if he leaves, he’s still going to be a friend of ours. I’m just trying to support him and his family right now.”

The Eastern athletic department said in a press release that it will not have any further comments on its men’s basketball coaching position at this time. According to the press release, a national search for Miller’s replacement is already underway.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7942 or dcrenzetti@eiu.edu.

ONLINE

Story: Panthers look to snap skid against Cardinals Eastern’s baseball team continued its 2012 season with a three-game series against Southeastern Louisiana over the weekend.

The Panthers will play against No. 14 Louis-

ville at 3 p.m. today in Louisville, Ky. To see the full story, check out dailyeasternnews.com.

C lassifieds For rent Large 2 Bedroom apartments. Fully furnished. Close to campus. PET FRIENDLY. 1st month free. Call or text 217-273-2048 _____________________________ 3/30 Brittany Ridge Townhouse ‘12-’13 school year. Walking distance to campus. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, washer/dryer in unit, full kitchen with dishwasher, trash and parking included. Low monthly rent.

Call 217-273-0509. ______________________________ 4/4 NOW AVAILABLE! 1 BR APTS 3 BLOCKS FROM CAMPUS BUCHANAN STREET APTS 345-1266 _____________________________ 4/30 FALL ‘12-’13: 1,2, & 3 BR APTS. BUCHANAN STREET APTS. CHECK US OUT AT BUCHANANST.COM OR CALL 345-1266. _____________________________ 4/30 VERY NICE 7 BEDROOM 2 BATH HOUSE IN THE HEART OF CAMPUS. 5-7 PEOPLE $300$350/PERSON. AMENITIES INCLUDE FRONT LOADING WASHER AND DRYER, MARBLE SHOWER, LARGE BEDROOMS AND A HUGE BACK YARD. SMALL DOGS POSSIBLE. VIEW PICTURES AT MYEIUHOME.COM OR CALL US AT 217-493-7559. _____________________________ 4/30

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For rent VERY NICE 2 AND 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH APARTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR FALL LOCATED RIGHT BEHIND MCHUGHES. $285-$350/ PERSON. VIEW PICTURES AT MYEIUHOME.COM OR CALL US AT 217-4937559. _____________________________ 4/30 FOR FALL 2012. VERY NICE 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 BEDROOM HOUSES, TOWNHOUSES AND APARTMENTS. ALL EXCELLENT LOCATIONS. SOME PET FRIENDLY $275-$400/PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 217493-7559 OR www.myeiuhome.com. _____________________________ 4/30 4 bedroom house 1218 Division $260 each next to city park. 3 or 4 bedroom very nice 3 level townhouse Brittany Ridge $300/$260. (217)549-1957. _____________________________ 4/30 2 bedroom furnished Apt at 1111 2nd St $275 each including water/trash. 10 month lease. (217)549-1957. _____________________________ 4/30 Wood Rentals, Jim Wood, Realtor. Over 20 years experience. 345-4489. www.woodrentals.com _____________________________ 4/30

T H E DA I LY E ASTE R N NEWS

D A I LY E A S T E R N N E W S . C O M

7

SOFTBALL

Panthers go .500 in Samford Scramble

By Erik Jensen Staff Reporter

The Panthers softball team traveled to Birmingham, Ala., this past weekend to compete in the Samford Scramble against the Mercer Bears and host Samford Bulldogs.

In what was a great weekend of games, Eastern ended up beating Samford twice (4-1, 3-1), and losing to Mercer twice (20, 9-6).

In the Panthers’ first game of tournament play on Saturday, they defeated the Samford Bulldogs in a well-played game, 4-1.

Sophomore ace Stephanie Mayday was once again brilliant. She pitched a complete game while only allowing one run on three hits and five walks. She also struck out nine batters. This was Maday’s third win in the young season.

All Maday needed to win the game was a couple runs of support, which she received in the first two innings. Sophomore Morgan Biel singled Ashleigh Westover to the plate in the first inning. In the second inning, Brooke Owens drove in freshman shortstop Bailey O’Dell for the teams second run in as many innings.

For the game, O’Dell continued her good play at the plate going two-for-three with an RBI and two runs scored. Morgan Biel also had another solid game, going two-for-three at the plate with an RBI, run scored, and two stolen bases.

Eastern’s second game of the day did not go as well for the team, as the Mercer Bears shut them out with a final score of 2-0.

Sophomore Hanna Mennenga got the start for Eastern and went four innings.

She gave up two runs on three hits and surrendered two walks. She also struck out six Mercer batters.

Eastern was not able to get much going offensively in the game and were only able to record three hits. Mercer’s Jessica

L AUREN KRIEGER | THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS

Junior catcher Abby Wood waits for a sign indicating what pitch would be thrown during softball practice Feb. 1 on Williams Field. The Panthers won two out of three games at the Georgia State Tournament over the weekend.

Holsinger pitched a brilliant game, going the full seven innings and allowing no runs.

Erik Jensen can be reached at 581-7942 or eajensen@eiu.edu.

For a more in-depth version of the story check out:

dailyeasternnews.com

TWITTER, from page 8 The #FIREMIKEMILLER hashtag was featured in a story on OVCBall.net earlier this semester and turned into a popular base for a hashtag.

Fans of Eastern Kentucky basketball picked it up and added their own coaches name to it, for #FireJeffNeubauer.

Current Panther basketball player James Hollowell said he and the team noticed the #FIREMIKEMILLER

hashtag.

“I think one time I ended up seeing somebody retweet something,” Hollowell said. “If something's on the Internet, on Twitter, everybody’s going to find out eventually about it.”

With Miller out of the equation, the three alums are confident Burke will bring in good candidates to replace him.

However, Whitchurch said the next

head coach will have to rebuild the program.

“It will likely take several years for (the next head coach) to reconstruct the mess he is left with,” Whitchurch said.

Alex McNamee can be reached at 581-7942 or admcnamee@eiu.edu.

@DEN_Sports tweet of the day: #EIU men’s basketball coach Mike Miller’s contract will not be renewed.

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Sports Editor Dominic Renzetti 217 • 581 • 2812 DENSportsdesk@gmail.com

T H E DA I LY E ASTE R N NEWS D A I LY E A S T E R N N E W S . C O M

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Miller’s contract will not be renewed #FireMikeMiller

By Alex McNamee Staff Reporter

Coach’s tenure ends after seven seasons

By Dominic Renzetti Sports Editor

Just days after the men’s basketball team was eliminated from the Ohio Valley Conference tournament race, Eastern athletic director Barbara Burke announced that head men's basketball coach Mike Miller's contract would not be renewed.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Mike Miller for his service to Eastern Illinois University and in particular to our men's basketball program,” Burke said in a press release. “He is a quality individual who has worked extremely hard and dedicated many hours to our student-athletes and the Panther basketball program.”

Miller’s contract officially expires April 30.

Miller, who finished his seventh season as head coach, led the Panthers to an overall record of 1217, with an OVC record of 5-11.

The Panthers ended the season on an three-game losing streak. Miller failed to make the OVC tournament in the team’s previous two seasons, but did reach the tournament in 2009 and 2010.

Miller said in a press release he was thankful for the opportunity to lead the team.

“I appreciate the opportunity I was given to lead the program at Eastern Illinois and the support and friendships we have developed in the community,” he said. “I want to thank the members of my staff especially associate head coach Chad Altadonna who has worked tirelessly the last seven years to improve this program.

DANNY DAMIANI | THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS

Men's basketball coach Mike Miller walks back to the sideline after UT Martin scores on Eastern during the Panthers' 68-55 win Jan. 12 in Lantz Arena.

I want to thank all the players who have played for us and represented the program.”

According to the press release, the search for Miller's replacement will begin immediately. Altadonna, along with assistant coaches Geoff

Alexander and Barron Thelmon, will be retained until a new head coach is hired.

Women’s basketball coach Brady Sallee declined to comment on the story.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7942 or dcrenzetti@eiu.edu.

Alex McNamee contributed to this story.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Players react to Miller’s departure

By Dominic Renzetti Sports Editor

With the announcement that head men’s basketball coach Mike Miller's contract would not be renewed, some players have already voiced their reactions.

Red-shirt junior James Hollowell, one of the players originally recruited by Miller, said he was disappointed in the decision.

“I was pretty upset, disappointed,” he said. “I mean, Miller brought me in here. Me and him, over the course of my four years, we grew a close bond with each other.”

Red-shirt seniors LC Doss and Nick McFarlin each said they were disappointed with the way the season ended and with Miller's contract not being renewed.

“It’s not the way we wanted to go out, missing the tournament and having our coach get fired,” Doss said.

McFarlin acknowledged the rumors that Miller might be let go at the end of the season and said the team had been struggling all season.

“Obviously we had been hear-

ing rumors of him not coming back or not having his contract renewed and stuff like that,” he said.

Hollowell said though he was disappointed, he had a lingering feeling that it might come to this for Miller.

“I was pretty disappointed, but at the same time, you kind of had a feeling in the back of your mind, you can’t help but think that this is going to happen,” he said. “Dealing in the sports industry and the college industry, the emphasis is on winning, so I kind of had it in the back of my mind, but I just didn’t really accept it until today. It’s been kind of tough just trying to put it in perspective, really what happened.”

Despite the absence of a head coach, both Doss and McFarlin both said with the right direction, the Panthers can be a great team.

McFarlin said with the amount of returning players the Panthers have, the team should be in good shape for next season.

DEPARTURE, page 7

Three Eastern alums who started a #FIREMIKEMILLER hashtag on Twitter last season are happy with Eastern athletic director Barbara Burke’s decision Monday not to retain men’s basketball coach Mike Miller.

It’s never a good thing when someone loses a job, the three said, but the move was necessary to move the program in a new direction.

“One winning season is unacceptable for any program, and seven years is too long to let it go on,” said Orion Buckingham, a 2010 Eastern graduate.

Miller’s only winning season in seven years was two years ago, when the three men behind the Twitter hashtag graduated. After the winning season, Miller’s team had 21 wins in the next two seasons.

“I've never been the type to openly root for someone to lose their job,” said Collin Whitchurch, a 2010 Eastern graduate. “I don't doubt that Miller tried his best, I just feel like he was overmatched and wasn’t equipped to coach at the Division I level.”

Eric Hiltner, a 2010 Eastern graduate, said he was relieved to hear the news Monday but said he felt the move should have been made years ago.

Buckingham said Miller was not able to develop his talent and may have had even bigger problems behind closed doors.

“If what I'm hearing from former support staff and players is true, then the problem was bigger than just coaching and development,” Buckingham said. “If it’s true, then the players weren’t playing for him, or didn’t believe in him.”

The three sent a letter to Burke and other Eastern administrators Wednesday to express their concerns for the program. The letter appeared in The News on Thursday.

Burke responded to the letter via email, and Whitchurch posted her response on dennews.com Thursday. In her response, Burke said she was evaluating Miller’s job security with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

One of the reasons Whitchurch wanted to write the letter was because he was afraid of apathy among the Eastern student body when it came to athletics. He said he felt if somebody was not causing a stir about the team’s struggles then he feared Burke would not notice.

By sending the letter, Whitchurch said Burke would see a group of disgruntled alumni.

“If we’re unhappy, it’s likely that others are unhappy,” Whitchurch said. “Disappointed fans equal a decrease in revenue. Everyone knows that.”

Whitchurch said Burke’s response made it sound like she was going to make a change regardless of receiving the letter.

“Men's basketball, along with football, is the most profitable sport (at Eastern), and for the university to continuously accept mediocrity was absurd,” Whitchurch said.

Hiltner said he thinks the campaign had some affect on the final decision.

“I have to think that if it didn’t gain such ground, the athletic department might not have realized just how upset so many of the fans of the program have become,” Hiltner said.

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Story: Conference foes to battle for NCAA tourney spot

FILE PHOTO | THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS

Red-shirt senior forward Nick McFarlin watches from the sideline during a Dec. 7 men’s basketball game against Oakland City in Lantz Arena. McFarlin, in response to head coach Mike Miller's contract not being renewed, said he wishes the best for Miller's future career.

Eastern’s men’s basketball season is over, but the rest of the Ohio Valley Conference is preparing for the most important part of their schedule: the conference tournament.

The winner will receive an automatic bid to the 2012 NCAA Tournament. The only team that is a sure thing to make the tournament is Murray State.

To see the full story, check out dailyeasternnews.com.