Jan. 17 Issue

WOMEN DROP RANK AFTER LOSS SPORTS 3B Jan. 17, 2013

Volume 81, Issue 16

STILL

www.FlorAla.net

i it of North Alabama Studentt newspaper off th the U University

SEGREGATED

UNA community weighs in on race equality in higher education PACE HOLDBROOKS

Staff Writer hholdbrooks@una.edu

Although, legally defeated, racial segregation still appears to have a subliminal effect on higher education institutions, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Economic Association in San Diego.

At UNA the 2012-2013 enrollment numbers indicate that, while diverse, the campus population is still predominantly white.

Even though many students said UNA’s location is the reason for the student-race ratio, they said segregation appears on campus, although somewhat unconsciously, everyday.

“You only have to walk into the

GUC at lunch time to notice the segregation,” said Richie Mata’afa, a senior at UNA. “I think it’s caused by a deep divide in culture that has a great history, especially in the South. It affects students in everything from the way they dress to the slang they use.”

Mata’afa, who transferred to UNA from California on a football scholarship, said that although segregation seems to exist everywhere in the world, it appears on campus mostly in social interactions.

Abril Agnew, a senior, said segregation is still a relevant topic but that its effect changes as people do.

“In our day-to-day lives I believe it has become less apparent,” she said. “I think diversity is a key factor. At any university, exposure

”

IT AFFECTS STUDENTS IN EVERYTHING

FROM THE WAY THEY DRESS TO THE SLANG THEY USE.

RICHIE MATAʼAFA to different things, people and cultures make segregation less popular in our day-to-day lives. “ Christopher Goodman, a senior, said he believes that more students are aware of this issue than some might think. He said students use tolerance as an excuse not to get to know each other, so the burden falls on the student body to make a change.

“They must lead the surge in

breaking new ground for UNA,” he said.

DeAnte’ Smith, the assistant director of student engagement for Greek affairs, said segregation tends to appear in Greek life when they are marketing events.

“Unconsciously, I think some of our students tend to gravitate toward people they’ve been surrounded by their whole life,” he said. “But as far as membership goes, as far as marketing to recruit people into their chapters and groups, I think the Greek organizations are very diverse.”

Smith said he wants to encourage students to attend the larger events on campus to get involved See SEGREGATION, page 5A

Gun control debate gains national attention after Sandy Hook STEPHANIE FITZGERALD Student Writer sfitzgerald@una.edu

In light of the violent shootings occurring across the U.S., the importance of gun control issues has fallen short of solving a problem that many think is due to a lack of preemptively detecting mental illness in peers.

President Barack Obama has pulled gun control to the forefront of many government officials’ minds by forming a task force to come up with proposals to reduce and control gun violence in the U.S. Obama is examining the issue of increased gun violence from a variety of perspectives, said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney in a Jan. 9 press briefing.

“When six and seven year olds are gunned down in their own school, there’s a problem here that we need to address,” Carney said in the briefing.

“And it’s not just a gun control problem. It goes beyond that, as the Presi-

INSIDE

this week’s paper

dent has said.”

Carney said Obama and Vice President Joe Biden hope pro-gun organizations will bring helpful ideas to the table when they meet with them in the coming weeks — ideas that will approach the problem from perspectives other than just gun control.

“The president believes that in the wake of the incident at Newtown … we must as a nation examine every possible action that we could plausibly take to reduce this terrible scourge of gun violence,” Carney said.

Lynne Martin, director of UNA student counseling services, said it is possible for peers and faculty to identify warning signs of mental illness in students to prevent future violence.

According to UNA’s brochure on assisting students in distress, some of these warning signs include a marked decline in academic performance, exaggerated and inappropriate reac-

NEWS................2A IMAGES..............4A VIEWPOINTS.........7A

See GUNS, page 5A

LIFE...............1B SPORTS...........5B EXTRA.............8B

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photo illustration by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

OFFICIALS SECURE PARKING OFF CAMPUS ... 2A

2A NEWS PARKING

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

FREE PARKING

photo by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Staff Photographer

A UNA shuttle bus picks up students at the new freshman off-campus parking lot at Woodmont Baptist Church on Darby Drive. Woodmont is allowing UNA freshmen to park in its parking lot free of charge to the university.

Freshman off-campus lot moves to Woodmont • Woodmont Baptist Church is lending its lot to UNA for freshman parking HALEY WRIGHT

Staff Writer hwright1@una.edu

UNA has recently relocated its freshman off-campus parking lot from in front of Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant on Florence Boulevard to the Woodmont Baptist Church lot on Darby Drive.

University police Chief Bob Pastula said the construction at the previous lot made it hard to maneuver in and out, so the official freshman lot had to be moved.

“This lot is also convenient because it’s on the way to the east campus and it’s well-lit,” Pastula said.

Pastula began searching for alternate lots when the need arose. Woodmont Baptist Church offered its lot for the university to use free of charge. This saves the university money because there was a rental fee at the previous lot.

“In order to continue to save the university and students money, ad space will soon be sold on the shuttle buses,” Pastula said.

Pastula said both the old and new lots have 200 parking spots, but Woodmont officials said they were told only 40 or 50 spots would be used.

Many students have expressed negative opinions about the shuttle buses on social media outlets, but sophomore Morgan Burks willingly rides the bus instead of trying to park on campus.

“For me, it’s just easier to park there because I come from Saint Florian,” she said.

Burks has been riding the shuttle bus since she was a freshman. She said the

change in parking lots did not inconvenience her, but it seems as if there has been a decrease in riders since classes began this semester.

However, Larry Sanders said he hasn’t seen a decrease. He said there are approximately 250 students riding the bus, though it varies by days.

“We still have some (students) that are parking at (the old lot), but at the end of next week we’ll no longer pick up there,” he said.

Even though some students are not happy with the shuttle buses, there are some who are very pleased. Lyndsee Piersol, freshman, said she thinks riding the bus is easier than trying to park on campus.

“I know I’ll be on time, and I don’t have to deal with parking issues,” she said.

The off-campus lots are targeted specifically toward freshmen because they are the newest students on campus, Pas-

”

WE HAVE ENOUGH SPOTS FOR UPPERCLASSMEN, SO FRESHMEN WERE THE OBVIOUS CHOICE.

BOB PASTULA tula said.

“We have enough spots for upperclassmen, so freshmen were the obvious choice,” he said.

The main goal in creating off-campus parking was to prevent rules against freshmen having cars on campus like other universities have done.

As long as students take care of the Woodmont parking lot and the church allows the university back, it will be fairly permanent, Pastula said.

“We’re exploring other options as well,” he said.

NEWS 3A

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

Bad Lions UNA Police Department Crime Logs

Date/Time 12/01/12 6:54 p.m.

12/02/12 2:15 p.m.

12/07/12 12:15 a.m.

12/13/12 10: 54 p.m.

12/26/12 2:56 p.m.

1/01/12 8:33 p.m.

1/07/12 11:29 a.m.

1/08/13 11:38 a.m.

1/08/13 3:18 p.m.

Crime Poss Drug Para Open House Party Criminal Mishief Theft Burglary Minor in Possession Theft Theft Theft

Amount

Description

$35.00 $500.00 $3,000.00

Cabinets Computer TVs, Phones, Computers

$700.00 $600.00 $600.00

Bicycle Bicycle Bicycle

Location LionĘźs Gate Kappa Sig House Flowers Hall Wesleyan Hall University Apartments Appleby Rice/Rivers Rice/Rivers Rice/Rivers

Disposition Arrest Arrest Ref to Judicial

The crime logs have been gathered from www.una.edu/police.

Interested in working for the Office of Student Media?

Apply for our open positions on LionJobs. We have editor, photographer and business positions available for the 2013-2014 school year. Positions that are available are for The Flor-Ala and Diorama staffs.

For more information, contact Rebecca Walker at 256.765.4426 or rlwalker@una.edu.

4A IMAGES

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

BLACK AND WHITE

by Staff Photographer Alli Ownby I adore photography for a couple reasons.

The first reason is that photos have the ability to highlight the beauty in small things. When you capture a still image of something, you are able to take a good, long look at each and every detail. When a bird flies by, it might just seem like a blur of feathers. But if you take a photo, you can study the patterns of the bird’s

feathers, see its expression and look at its wings. Capturing a specific second in time allows you to see a million details you overlooked when it actually happened, and some of those details can be breathtaking.

I also love the fact that photography holds the possibility of bringing issues to light and making a difference. For example, when I came back from a medical

trip to Burkina Faso, Africa, my pictures of a small baby with a potentially fatal heart condition moved a lot of my friends to consider donating to non-profit organizations.

In particular, I love black-and-white photography. I feel like grayscale photos can be a lot more emotional. I like color shots too, but there’s something about the simplicity in a black-and-white pho-

to that I find striking. Most of the best pictures in my portfolio are black-andwhite.

I’ve only been part of the photography culture for a short period of time (I’ve had my camera for a little over a year), but it’s something that I’ve come to love. My friends are pretty tired of being subjects all the time, though!

Say cheese!

NEWS 5A

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala GUNS, continued from page 1A tions to a situation, disruptive behavior, hyperactivity or rapid speech, deterioration in hygiene, dramatic weight loss or gain, a loss of contact with reality, depressed mood or lethargy, numerous class absences and other bizarre behaviors.

At press time, Obama and Biden released that they would announce a plan to reduce gun violence in the U.S. and in schools and businesses around the nation.

Martin said detecting mental illness in students and taking action is a good prevention method in promoting school safety.

Some of these actions, as stated in the brochure, are to consult with a professional, meet privately with the student, and “listen to thoughts and feelings in a sensitive, non-threatening way.”

Recently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security came out with a campaign to aid employees, students and

SEGREGATION, continued from page 1A events on campus to get involved and meet different kinds of people.

“I think our students should start going to as many big events, like the spring concert, as they can just to meet as many people as possible,” he said. “You never know in the future what friend or networking piece

”

WHEN SIX AND SEVEN YEAR OLDS ARE GUNNED DOWN IN THEIR OWN SCHOOL, THEREʼS A PROBLEM HERE THAT WE NEED TO ADDRESS. ITʼS NOT JUST A GUN CONTROL PROBLEM . IT GOES BEYOND THAT, AS THE PRESIDENT HAS SAID.

JAY CARNEY people in the workplace to stay safe and survive an active shooter situation.

When taking these steps, students need to set firm boundaries with personal safety in mind, according to the brochure. Martin said the action taken “depends on the severity and situation.”

After students take logical steps toward promoting safety, the UNA counseling services are available for referrals and timely scheduling.

To speak with counseling services, call 256-765-5215, or for urgent situations, call UNA campus police at 256765-4357.

you could be missing out on because you’re staying in your comfort zone and staying in one area with one demographic or one race.”

Betsi Boutwell, a member of LaGrange Society, said UNA’s staff and student workers all go through diversity training to help facilitate integration.

“When I give campus tours to prospective students, they are concerned with the relationship the uni-

photo illustration by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

Officials in the U.S. have been meeting to come to an agreement about gun control in the country since a gunman allegededly shot multiple children at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn.

versity has between students and the issue of diversity,” she said. “UNA fosters a climate that acknowledges and celebrates the differences that define who we are.

“I believe the Office of Diversity is one reason UNA has not appeared to have the same results as other states. Unless we discontinue this program all together, I feel progress will continue.”

UNA’s Office of Diversity and

Institutional Equity offers services to enhance the diversity of the university and provide equal opportunities for all students, faculty and staff members at UNA. The university offers diversity training and resources for better diversity knowledge through UNA’s website and the Office of Diversity and Instutional Equity.

6A NEWS News Briefs UNA community to march in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day The annual UNA Martin Luther King Jr. march will be held Jan. 18 on campus to celebrate the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 21.

The march will begin at noon with a short program, according to the SGA Senate’s OrgSync event page.

The audience of the program will then march to the UNA Baptist Campus Ministries building for a lunch at approximately 12:40 p.m., according to the OrgSync event page.

No classes will be held at UNA Jan. 21 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

Would you major in

Social Media?

Pageant sponsor to provide custom ring to Miss UNA Pageant winner The 2013 Annual Miss UNA Pageant will be held Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium. This year’s contestants are featured in an ad on page 3A. Creative Jewelers is the official sponsor of the 2013 Miss UNA Pageant. The jeweler will provide a custom-designed ring to this year’s pageant winner. Each pageant participant will design her own custom ring, and, upon winning the contest, the ring will be produced and presented to the pageant winner.

Student tickets are free in the Office of Student Engagement in the GUC. Online admission is $12 on UNA’s website, and at-the-door admission is $15.

BLYTHE STEELMAN Online Editor bsteelman@una.edu

HAVE AN EVENT? News Briefs are compiled by News/ Managing Editor Alex Lindley. Email alindley@ una.edu or call (256) 7654296 to have your event featured in this section.

Social media seems to have become an integral part of everyday life — so integral, in fact, that some universities are now offering an undergraduate major and minor in the field.

“Social media has been around for years,” said Lisa Darnell, assistant professor of communications. “It’s not about knowing how to use it. The question now becomes ‘Do you know how to use it strategically?’”

Darnell said she can see the application of a social media degree in many different areas, such as public relations, journalism and marketing.

However, until individuals understand how to strategically utilize platforms, a degree would be of little use.

“Traditional media is important,” she said. “But you have to understand

how to use it in conjunction with social media, again, strategically.”

Darnell said she recently proposed a course that would teach students how to develop social media strategies, instead of teaching students the ins and outs of each specific platform.

“You have Instagram, Flickr and Picasa — all are photography-based,” she said. “All of them do essentially the same things, so why would you need all three? Play around with each one and find out works for you. It’s about learning the strategic use of platforms that are catered to each type of thing.”

Social media or technology overload can become a problem, Darnell said.

“What people don’t understand is that it’s not necessary to use every form of media or technology,” she said. “You’re not utilizing it effec-

tively if you do. It all comes back to one word: strategies.”

Newberry College, located in South Carolina, recently made plans to launch the social media major and minor in fall 2013, due to a “longterm demand for college graduates in a rapidly expanding field.”

In the press release, Newberry College officials said the program is going to be interdisciplinary, pulling strong courses from graphic design, communications, business administration, psychology and statistics, as well as four courses created specifically for the major. Students working toward the degree will also learn how to create Quick Response (QR) codes as a part of mobile marketing strategies, according to an article published by the Huffington Post.

See MEDIA, page 8A photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

Spending can hurt, help STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA

THE

JOSH SKAGGS EXECUTIVE EDITOR ALEX LINDLEY NEWS/MANAGING EDITOR ANN HARKEY LIFE EDITOR MALISA MCCLURE SPORTS EDITOR JARED MCCOY COPY/OPINION EDITOR BLYTHE STEELMAN ONLINE EDITOR LAURA IVIE BUSINESS MANAGER MATTHEW WILSON CIRCULATION MANAGER KAYLA SLOAN CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER CHRISTINA COVINGTON MICHAEL REDDING ALLI OWNBY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REBECCA WALKER ADVISER

Letters Policy The Flor-Ala welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor.

• The deadline for submitting letters is 10 a.m. Monday, the week of publication.

• Letters must not exceed 400 words.

• Letters must be accompanied by the writerʼs name, mailing address, phone number and email.

• The Flor-Ala prefers to publish your letters exactly as written, but reserves the right to reject slanderous or libelous material.

• The publication of any letter is left to the discretion of the Editorial Board.

• Priority is given to letters critical of The Flor-Ala, or written in direct response to an editorial, a column, or a news story.

• When the editors deem it necessary for ease of understanding or to clarify facts, an Editorʼs Note may accompany a letter.

• Address correspondence to The Flor-Ala. UNA Box 5300, Florence, AL 35632.

Email: florala@una.edu.

• Phone: 256-765-4364

Copyright © 2013 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved.

First copy free.

Additional copies $1 each.

ANN HARKEY

Life Editor aharkey@una.edu

I am a lucky girl. So lucky, in fact, that my school expenses are pretty much paid for by scholarships. I will get out of college not swimming in student loan debt, which makes me want to run around in a fever of joy after graduation.

This joy, however, is slightly cramped — a lot cramped — by my increasing credit card debt. Who decided it was a good idea to give me a credit card?

It was almost a year ago that I applied for my first of three credit cards. I was in big girl mode, wanting to get my credit going so that when I graduated, I could actually buy things like houses and boats and whatever else adults buy with a credit card. After some failed attempts and several rejection letters, a credit card company decided, “What the hell?” and gave me a credit card. I was doomed out of the gate.

It was pristine and shiny with my name emblazoned on the front. It had a decent limit — more than my monthly salary — and that scared me … at first. I decided to only use it for gas and emergencies. That

went out the damn window after a month. It was just so easy!

That dress is amazing! Swipe.

Oh, I really need new shoes.

Swipe. Who doesn’t need this awesome pair of Ray-Bans?

Swipe. You get the idea.

With my limit nearly approaching and the expense of a vacation coming closer, I decided it was time for the second card. And I got it with ease because I had good credit built up from the first card.

The third card came with Christmas. Do I need to explain anymore?

It sounds like I am irresponsible to the ultimate, but hear me out. I now have excellent credit because even with three cards, I managed to pay my bills on time every month.

I am nearly maxed out now.

With my refund check coming this week, however, I can pay off my debt in full. I will be narrowing down my credit cards to only one, with the other two going into a slab of ice in the freezer. I am not kidding. I need to be able to control this impulsive beast that I have developed before I get in way over my head and damage my credit scores. Hiding them is the best method for me, in all honesty.

One credit card is all you need at this point in your life.

The stress of managing three isn’t fun and one mistake can scar your credit score, aka your lifeblood in this society, preventing you from a handful of things after graduation.

Remember, just because you can use it doesn’t mean you have to.

VIEWPOINTS 7A

PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN

Calling it like we see it R e f u n d checks came in early this semester, lining students’ pockets by the fourth school day as opposed to the projected five to seven days.

The Jackson Ford Bridge, a popular hangout spot known in the Shoals area as “Ghost Bridge,” is scheduled to be demolished to avoid liabilities for accidents.

The past week’s weather has seen dramatic changes, such as temperature drops from the 70s to the 30s in a span of about two days.

Wo o d m o n t Baptist Church on Darby Drive has agreed to lend UNA its parking lot free of charge.

Students can catch the shuttle bus from the lot to campus.

Lions student section should become fan tradition JAMES DUBUISSON & WILL CHANEY Student Writers

Last semester we went to the opening night for UNA basketball; it was a great night for both teams as they both won their home openers. They were successful at routing a team we’d never heard of and now can’t even remember the name of. While we were attending our first basketball game as UNA students, we realized we were missing what we had grown up seeing on ESPN or at Alabama games: an active student section.

The games are free, and why wouldn’t someone want to go see something that’s free? That night the arena was nearly empty as only 1,216 fans filled the stands that can hold 4,000. We realized that one thing that would help the basketball program, school and our experience as students is to have a student section at the games. Duke has the “Cameron

Crazies,” Kansas has students singing “Rock Chalk Jayhawk” and New Mexico has “The Pit.” One of the best student sections can be found in Chapel Hill, N.C., as the University of North Carolina fans rock the Dean Smith Center.

The men’s head basketball coach Bobby Champagne said in a previous interview that the loudest Flowers Hall was last year was when University of Alabama-Huntsville brought about 1,500 fans with them. He also later said that he felt like the type of basketball the Lions play is a style that is exciting to watch and would be really easy to cheer for.

UNA doesn’t have a much storied basketball tradition.

Some might see this as a downer or a negative, but it’s an opportunity to start some traditions. We do not really have any traditions besides the tradition of not going to games.

We as students and as a university should challenge ourselves to develop rich basketball

traditions.

And that is what is so beautiful about this opportunity — we can do whatever we want. We can establish something and make a deep impact not only on UNA basketball but the culture on campus as a whole.

With such a small arena, we can make the arena very loud very easily. We may not be as loud as those Division I schools, but in a few years we are going to be one of them, and we need to be ready. Our part as fans in the transition is going to make sure Flowers Hall is impossible to win in unless you are wearing purple and gold.

First things first, we need to establish the student section behind the visiting team’s bench. Nothing would be more distracting than to be sitting in front of a crazy, concentrated horde of screaming students.

Secondly, we just need to do things and see what sticks.

Why not hand out cowbells

and go to town? Being in SEC country, we all know how annoying the Mississippi State cowbells can be. Why not be those guys? It would be fun to be “those guys”. Also this gives us the opportunity to play “I NEED MORE COWBELL” over the speakers via sound clip or announcer and to make “I need more cowbell” T-shirts.

Finally, we need to make Flowers Hall jump and make a lot of noise. We could make the stands rock like those Tar Heel fans do or act like the “Cameron Crazies” from Duke who make all kinds of distracting noises when the other team shoots free throws.

We were told when we came to UNA that we would be a part of “history in the making.” This is our chance to make history. This is our chance to make the historic Flowers Hall a place to be feared. We have a chance to make the hall the “Lions’ Den,” where no one comes in and leaves with a victory.

8A NEWS

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

TEXTBOOKS

Book prices increase more than inflation ”

ITʼS THE COMPENSATION OF THE AUTHORS

AND OTHER CONTRIBUTORS THAT DRIVES UP THE COST.

JOHN BARRETT

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

A report by the American Enterprise Institute found that textbook prices have increased by 812 percent since 1978, which is a faster increase than both college tuition and inflation.

ELISE COFIELD

Staff Writer mcofield@una.edu

Today’s college students are seeing textbook prices at an all-time high, according to a report by the American Enterprise Institute, which found that textbook prices have increased by 812 percent since 1978 — a rate of increase that outpaces that of college tuition and inflation.

The increase in textbook prices trans-

MEDIA, continued from page 6A “Through these courses, students will explore the techniques of social media in addition to the development and direction of social media as a creative industry,” said officials in the press release. “Students will work to develop marketing and branding strategies for projects including corporate, non-profit, entertainment, sports, news and politics.”

Caitlin Plummer, a senior at UNA, said that while she said she could certainly see why a social media major would be appealing, she feels like a degree in social media would be useless instead of useful.

“There are people out there already

lates into financial hardships for UNA students as textbook shopping becomes a greater burden.

Brad Nichols, 20-year manager of the 35-year-old Off Campus Bookstore, confirmed the trend.

“My personal feeling is that the publisher just wants to make more money,” he said.

Nichols said his goal is to provide students the best possible price on books.

The books in his store are bought direct-

getting paid to look at people’s Facebook pages at their job all day long,” Plummer said. “It doesn’t seem useful to work toward a degree in it.”

Darnell said the feasibility and usefulness of the degree would vary for each person.

“It all depends on what you want to gather from the courses and degree,” she said.

She said that even though social media is prevalent now and will continue to become more prevalent in the future, she doubts a degree in social media will be of much use to college graduates right now.

“Who would hire you with a social media degree right now?” she said.

“Eventually, maybe; but right now?

We’re just not there yet.”

ly from the publisher, he said, and his prices are about 120 to 125 percent of the publisher’s price.

Griffin Hite, UNA Campus Bookstore manager, said pricing in his store is straightforward.

“Basically, it boils down to the initial cost from the publisher, plus an agreedupon contractual margin between the school and bookstore operator (in this case, Follett Higher Education Group),” Hite said via email.

Hite did not disclose the amount agreed upon in UNA’s contract with Follett.

Hite said students can save by renting books or purchasing used books.

For Sherry Wilkes, a UNA student and a single mother, savings are not coming so easily. She decided to return to school last fall to find that the price of textbooks had more than doubled since earning her associate degree in 1998.

“Then, I paid for four classes and it cost maybe $200,” she said while browsing the UNA Campus Bookstore. “Here it is now, and I’d say I’m looking at at least $500 this semester.

“Just this book alone is $183,” Wilkes said, gesturing to a book required for one of her classes. “I have no choice but to buy it. It’s crazy, especially for us single parents.”

John Barrett, department chair of economics and finance at UNA, said the rising cost of textbooks is an issue that both faculty and publishers are attempting to address.

“You wouldn’t believe how many publishers have asked us for ideas about what to do,” he said. “If you look at the raw materials necessary to print a textbook, it’s inexpensive. It’s the compensation of the authors and other contributors that drives up the cost.”

Barrett said inclusion of online resources such as CDs and access codes is another factor that drives up the cost of textbooks.

Despite the present circumstances, Barrett has hope for the future.

“I think the cost will stabilize at some point in the long run, maybe even eventually come down,” he said.

For money-saving tips on textbooks, visit the UNA website at http://www. una.edu/admissions/textbooks.html.

SPORTS S

ECTION B

Jan. 17, 2013• The Flor-Ala • Sports Editor: Malisa McClure 256-765-5098

Men improve GSC record, defeat Union JAMES DUBUISSON Staff Writer jdubuisson@una.edu

The Lions men’s basketball team won 80-63 in their Jan. 12 home game against Union.

FINAL SCORE UNA - 80 UNION - 63

With 18:22 left in the first half, UNA player Keynan Jackson passed the ball to teammate Wes Long on a fast break.

Long pulled a three-pointer that gave the Lions a 6-4 lead.

UNA had a 30-20 lead heading into the second half.

The Lions did not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game.

“Union has been playing everyone in our league and everybody they played very close,” said UNA Coach Bobby Champagne. “I thought tonight was the first time that I have seen a team extend the lead and keep them out of it.”

UNA’s perimeter defense, which is the best in the Gulf South Conference, held the Bulldogs to 15.6 percent from behind the 3-point line.

“We knew we had to contest and we did a pretty good job of contesting, and in the first half, we did a pretty job of rebounding those long shots,” Champagne said.

Champagne said Union usually averages eight or nine made 3-pointers a game while the Lions only allowed them to make five out of their 32 attempts.

“Union is a good addition to the league; they travelled well today,” Champagne said.

Games played against Union count toward opponents’ conference records, but they are not eligible for the tournament because Union is only a provisional member of the GSC until the 20142015 athletic season.

The Lions will play Shorter Jan.17 in Flowers Hall. Shorter defeated Valdosta on the road Jan. 5.

“Next week is a tough week; Shorter is very good,” Champagne said. “They are a high energy, high offensive team, so we have to get back in transition.”

After their game with Shorter, UNA will play its biggest game of the season as they travel to Huntsville to play UAH. UAH is first in the GSC and ranked third in the nation.

“Obviously, UAH is playing as good as anybody in the country,” Champagne said.

NEXT GAMES VS. SHORTER,

1/17, 8 P.M. @ UAH, 1/19, 7 P.M.

IN THIS SECTION

2B

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

Junior forward Wes Long reaches up to block Union center Paul Valdor during the Jan. 12 home game. The UNA men went on to win the game 80-63.

Where are we now?

An update on UNAʼs progress toward Division I.

4B

A Southern sport Students share views on hunting

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2B SPORTS

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

DIVISION I

Linder: Basketball success key to Division I move JAMES DUBUISSON Staff Writer jdubuisson@una.edu

The UNA board of trustees has approved a set of goals to reach on the road to the NCAA Division I status, according to a press release from the Office of University Communications.

One of those goals is to get a D-I conference invite, which has not happened yet. “We have been in contact with two conferences,� said Mark Linder, athletic director. “Division I conference affiliations are really fluid, really fluid.�

�

OBVIOUSLY EVERYBODY KNOWS ABOUT FOOTBALL AND WANTING TO BE GOOD AT

FOOTBALL. AS FAR AS DIVISION I AND SUCCESS

THERE, IT IS REALLY DRIVEN

BY BASKETBALL.

MARK LINDER Linder said a key for the move to D-I can be found on the hardwood. “Obviously everybody knows about football and wanting to be good at football,� he said. “As far as Division I and success there, it is really driven by basketball.�

As of Jan. 16, UNA’s basketball teams are ranked second in the GSC, only because UAH has played one more game than the Lions.

Linder said being in D-I would benefit the students by providing a higher quality of events. “Playing a Jacksonville State (in football) at home or playing a UT Martin, a Belmont or a Lipscomb (in basketball), which the students see playing in the NCAA tournament, really adds value to being a student here,� Linder said.

The success of the basketball teams is very important to the move, while the facilities are very helpful in the cause. “Our big facility push right now is a weight room,� Linder said. “We need to expand our weight room because right now it is too small. Even as a Division II, it is too small, and so that is the project pressing us right now.�

The other facilities for UNA are not as much of a concern, while improvement is always in the minds of the athletic department. “We had a conference representative come in a year and a half ago; everybody knew about their visit,� Linder said. “Facilities were not a concern for them. But whether we go Division I or stay Division II, we are always going to have to be looking to improve the facilities.�

As for other requirements, D-I schools have to have 14 sports, which UNA has for the first time this year.

UNA had a goal of reaching $3 million in funds, which includes the $1.42 million application for becoming a D-I institution. “We are right around 95 percent there,� Linder said. “And we are hitting a little bit of a lull right now, and I think a lot of it has to do with that Division I invite. I think when that happens, we will see an uptick back on the fundraising side of it.�

The scheduling of D-I games for teams prior to the move is also a requirement. The UNA football team scheduled a game against D-I Jacksonville State for next season, which appeared to be a step toward fulfilling that requirement, but Linder said it was because of scheduling difficulties. “We have to play 10 games in order to play in the post-season,� he said. “The 10th game — it didn’t matter whether it was Division I, II, III or NIAI — we just needed to have a 10th game. And in

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photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer

Lion’s forward Nichelle Fillmore looks for an opportunity to pass during the Dec. 1 game aginst Valdosta State. Mark Linder said the success of the basketball program is an important part of moving to Division I.

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SPORTS 3B

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

UNA women suffer first GSC loss JAMES DUBUISSON Staff Writer jdubuisson@una.edu

The Lions women’s basketball team lost their first conference game of the season 54-49 against Union in Flowers Hall Jan. 12.

FINAL SCORE UNION - 54 UNA - 49

The Lions led at the end of the first half 24-21 but fell behind by 13 with 8:43 left in the game.

“We were just disappointed that we got ourselves in that situation,” said UNA basketball coach Terry Fowler.

“We need to figure out a way to put 40 minutes together.”

UNA fought all the way back to within two points of Union with 2:00 left.

“This team has great character and they are going to fight to the end,” Fowler said. “So I am not surprised that we were able to fight back and get into the ballgame.”

Union coach Mark Campbell called a timeout shortly after UNA player Mekena Randle’s layup brought the Lions within one shot of tying the game.

Randle led the Lions in rebounding with 10 and scoring with 15 points as she went 6-8 from the field and sunk 3-5 free throws in a performance that kept her team in the game.

Union’s timeout was successful as the Lions only scored three points the rest of the game.

“Today, offensively, we were just stagnant, but I think, defensively, we were fine,” Fowler said. “This is a team that averages 70 points, and we held

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

Sophomore guard Lauren Faris stops for a breath during a timeout in the Jan. 12 home game against Union.

them to score 54.”

The Lions shot 32.6 percent from the field, 10 percent less than their season average.

“Offensively, we didn’t move the ball well; we weren’t as sharp as we needed to be,” Fowler said.

Fowler did not seem too concerned about the Lions’ first conference loss of the season because of the amount of games they have left.

“We have 13 more ballgames in con-

ference,” he said. “We need to really stay focused each day in practice on getting better and then giving the best effort we have on game day based on those practices.”

Fowler said the biggest thing the Lions need to work on this week in practice is getting the ball inside.

“We just have to do what we do: throw the ball inside and then react to (Shorter’s) post defense,” he said.

“Whether we are going to kick it out for

a three or pound it in the paint.”

The Lions will play Shorter Jan. 17 at home and then travel to the University of Alabama-Huntsville to play in a game that pits the top two teams in the conference against each other.

NEXT GAMES VS. SHORTER,

1/17, 6 P.M. @ UAH, 1/19, 5 P.M.

D-I, continued from page 2B talking to the Jacksonville State folks, they had an open date, we had an open date, and that is how it all worked out.”

One of the biggest concerns of the move is the possible increase in cost of attending the University of North Alabama.

“I know that the costs are always a place of concern whenever we are adding programs or looking at different ways to grow,” he said.

Linder’s solution is found in the amount of students who attend the university.

“We have to find a better way to do business in higher education, and we all know that,” Linder said. “This is a part of the puzzle, if (the move) can help us add students to enrollment, then we believe it would also keep the costs down.”

The process was supposed to be finished by the 2017-2018 athletic seasons, but without the conference invite the process has been delayed.

“We are trying to stay on the radar screen of the Division I scene and just let people know that we are looking for a Division I conference,” Linder said.

Division I Progress Requirements and Goals • Obtain an invitation to to a NCAA Division I conference - currently interested in the Southern Conference and Ohio Valley Conference • Acheiving success on the court

- Linder said having a successful basketball program is key to pursing D-I athletics.

• Improve athletic facilities - Though UNAʼs facilities are adequete for Division I athletics, Linder said the department is always looking to impove facilites. He said its biggest goal right now is upgrading and expanding the weight room.

• Raise the remaining 5 percent of the $3 million fundraising goal - Fundraising is currently in a lull, but Linder said he thinks it will pick back up once a conference invite is obtained.

4B SPORTS LIFE SPORTS

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

A Southern Tradition

Students express passion for hunting BRANDON ANDERSON Staff Writer sanderson2@una.edu

Between August and September, people like Christian Caldwell and Jennifer Hogan busy themselves with preparing for hunting season.

That preparation includes gathering

and maintaining equipment, scenting the fields with corn and making sure that hunting licenses and IDs are up to date.

Hunting has been one of Alabama’s biggest pastimes as one generation after another becomes involved in it. It is so popular that Alabama and the states surrounding it are often identified with the sport.

“Alabama is a very outdoors state,” Hogan said. “Hunting is so ingrained in the Southern culture.”

Alabama is known for having the reservation land adequate for maintaining game such as deer, pheasant, hogs and other animals.

When hunting season approaches

”

It is more than just getting out there and shooting something. It is getting out there and seeing Godʼs creation.

DAVID MONTGOMERY

every year, many spend the latter part of the summer preparing for the season. Methods differ from person to person, but many state that it is important to have warm, unscented, camouflaged clothing, scout the hunting area to know what animals are there, and make sure that guns and ammunition are cited.

“It’s a big revenue for Alabama,” said Cole Harbon, an employee in the hunting section at Dick’s Sporting Goods Store.

“We have a lot of the reserve land here.”

Reasons why people hunt vary from person to person. For Hogan it makes her feel self-sufficient. For David Montgomery and Reggie Scott, it gives them an opportunity to be free of daily pressures and enjoy the great outdoors.

“It is more than just getting out there and shooting something,” Montgomery said. “It is getting out there and seeing God’s creation.”

In addition to sharing their love for hunting and what it means to them, these people also shared their concerns of how their favorite pastime may be affected in light of the multiple shootings in the past

year.

Many agree that the Second Amendment protects their right to bear arms and therefore protect themselves and their families.

“I feel that the Second Amendment is my right to protect and defend myself, and that should not be taken away from me,” Hogan said.

Stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Gander Mountain have their own way of ensuring safety in handling and selling guns.

Gander Mountain makes sure that each gun has a trigger lock and is given a red tag when sold or brought in. Dick’s goes through a background check and does not allow access to minors.

“To buy a gun, it requires a background check and proper ID,” Harbon said. “We do not allow anyone 18 or under to hold a gun.”

Those like Caldwell who grew up hunting believe that they understand the importance of gun safety at an early age.

“At an early age we are taught the safety of gun handling,” Caldwell said.

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

Christian Caldwell poses for a photograph while hunting. Hunting is considered a favorite pastime by many UNA students and is thought of as a charactersitcally Southern sport.

LIFE 5B

Jan. 17, 2013• The Flor-Ala • Life Editor: Ann Harkey 256-765-5233

GHOST BRIDGE PACE HOLDBROOKS

Staff Writer hholdbrooks@una.edu

If a student attends UNA long enough, they will eventually have a run-in with the Jackson Ford Bridge, a one-lane structure that cars would use to cross Cypress Creek. The bridge, popularly referred to as “Ghost Bridge,” closed in 1996 and has now fallen into a state of disrepair.

Because of frequent visits from students, locals and others, the Lauderdale County Commission intends to demolish the bridge to avoid being liable for an accident (there’s a huge hole in the middle of it, and the bridge is 101 years old).

Discussion of these plans was tabled for 30 days in December 2012 when a local group of resi-

dents expressed interest in trying to preserve or rebuild the bridge.

As of Jan. 14, however, the commission decided to demolish the bridge.

Because Ghost Bridge is a local source of college memories for many UNA students, some students have shared their thoughts on the bridge and its destruction.

Shane Parker, a sophomore at UNA, said he felt that the bridge was too valuable to locals for it to be demolished.

“I haven’t lived in Florence all that long, but I think that all parts of a town’s history are important, even if it’s a creepy old bridge out in the middle of the woods,” he said.

Parker said that since moving to Florence, he has heard a variety of stories about what makes the Ghost Bridge haunted. Tyler Layne, a senior at UNA, said he be-

lieved the bridge was eerie regardless of the stories.

“I heard they used to hang slaves there and you could still hear the ropes swinging back and forth, twisting and creaking,” Layne said.

Many students have recounted tales that involve but are not limited to car accidents, boating accidents, fishing accidents, biking accidents, dating accidents, the Civil War, antebellum slave violence, murder, child abuse, teenage pranks gone horribly wrong and alien abductions. The list goes on from there.

“I think it has a lot of value for history and for great stories,” said Mack Cornwell, a junior. “There’s something refreshing about a place like that that is pure old-time. It’s also a great make-out spot.”

Other than romance, many other occurrences have reportedly

happened near the bridge to provide its ominous vibe. Zach Searcy, a junior, provided the most common spooky story.

“Probably the craziest rumor that I have heard about Ghost Bridge is about some people going in and seeing a smaller car parked on their way in,” Searcy said. “After getting creeped out on the bridge, they left and on their way out, the same car was still there but had been flipped over, apparently.”

Searcy said he sees the bridge as an iconic part of the Florence experience, one that many students at UNA have been able to share.

“The idea that the city sees it fit to get rid of things like this is pretty disappointing,” Searcy said.

“I’m not particularly attached to the bridge, but I am disappointed to see it go.”

photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer

6B LIFE

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

ON CAMPUS

New Shanghai Circus comes to UNA

photo courtesy of Gurtman and Murtha

The New Shanghai will be performing at Norton Auditorium Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. Admission is free.

KALI DANIEL

Staff Writer kdaniel2@una.edu

The New Shanghai Circus will be performing a free show for the Shoals and UNA community Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. in Norton Auditorium, courtesy of Gurtman and Murtha Public Relations. “(Students can expect) acrobats, con-

tortionists, juggling and athletic feats,” said BJ Wilson, coordinator of distance learning at UNA. “It’s kind of like Cirque du Soleil with the stacking chairs, etc. as opposed to the lions and clowns of what we think of as a traditional circus.”

The performance is being brought to UNA as part of the Distinguished Events Series put together by Wilson and Direc-

What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

”

DRINK MORE WATER.

”

GIVE UP FRIED FOOD AND TONE UP.

ARIEL DREW

MADYSON ST. JOHN

”

”

DRINK MORE WATER.

GABRIELLE FUQUA

GET MORE EXERCISE.

EDGAR TELLEZ

”

TO BE MORE

UNDERSTANDING OF STUPID PEOPLE.

WILL WHALEY

”

TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE.

DAVID MCCREARY

Information gathered by Ann Harkey and Blythe Steelman

tor of Educational Technology Services Debbie Chaffin.

“We picked it out of a list of possible programs from GM Artist,” Chaffin said.

“We saw this program and took it to the president because we thought it would be an interest of students as well as the community.”

The Distinguished Events Series has

been a part of the university’s performance calendar since 2005 and holds four events per academic year — two in the fall and two in the spring. The event has already drawn interest within the community and as such Chaffin and Wilson expect a promising turnout.

“We expect to be filled to capacity, and we’ve already received calls with buses of 100 students coming,” Chaffin said. “We aren’t selling tickets because it is a free event, but after the 1,759 tickets are gone, the doors will close.”

The program is free to the community for a few reasons.

“My son asked me why we were doing this for free,” Wilson said. “It’s because of the generous donations from those in the community who want to continue to see Distinguished Events bring something new to the community.”

Most of their working year the troupe is located in Branson, Mo., where they continue to win awards such as the Golden Key from the mayor and the Peace Award for their contribution through the arts.

The New Shanghai Circus is limited to two months of a travel time a year.

They will be in Decatur three days prior to their visit in Florence.

“This is really a unique opportunity to see the Asian aspect of art that many are not able to see again,” Chaffin said.

“This is truly a gift from the university to the community for family and friends to enjoy a cultural experience.”

LIFE 7B

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

STUDENT REVIEW

MENTAL HEALTH

‘Django Unchained’ a must-see for all

Why so sad?

ANN HARKEY

Life Editor aharkey@una.edu

Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” is nominated for a handful of Academy Awards for a reason. It is damn good. The story is provocative, the casting is spot on, the cinematography is stunning and even the soundtrack — with its mix of old, new and original music from strikingly different genres — makes this movie my personal No. 1 for 2012.

The story follows slave Django (Jamie Foxx) teaming up with bounty hunter Dr. King Shultz (Christoph Waltz) after the hidden-pistol-wielding doctor buys his freedom — by convincing the uncooperative slavers in the traditional Western way of “when all else fails, shoot.”

Django is confused by the foreign doctor’s humanity. Shultz offers Django a horse to ride, clothes to wear and a portion of the bounty that Django will help find. He even offers Django his freedom if he can successfully find a targeted trio of outlaws.

Before being strapped to a chain gang, Django worked on a plantation with three sibling overseers, the Brittle Brothers, who Shultz is currently hunting. The problem is that he has no idea what they look like.

Fortunately (and unfortunately), Django has their faces burned into his memory because they whipped his wife and branded their faces after their failed escape attempt. Along with the brutality the Brittle Brothers forced on his wife, their attempted escape led to them being sold to different owners.

In a conversation before finding the brothers, Django reveals he will try to find his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) when he is a free man. The name piques Shultz’s interest, and he promises to help Django find his wife, who is revealed to belong to Monsieur Calvin Candy (Leonardo DiCaprio), owner of the fourth largest plantation in the South, Candyland.

The story takes off with many bloody deaths, explosions, emotional conversations, and several hilarious scenes as they search for Candyland and a way to find an audience with Monsieur Candy.

While being marketed as an actionpacked spaghetti Western, I found it to be the most powerful love story — surpassing “Titanic” by a long shot, in my opinion.

Even the antagonist’s relationships are deeply rooted. Candy and the relationship he shares with his head house slave, Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson) is complex with a balance accepted by both. Stephen is happy to serve Candy, and, in return, Candy treats Stephen better than his other slaves and even becomes his most loyal confidant.

Tarantino does an excellent job creating a convincing era of slavery filled with cruelty by the white population toward the slaves contrasted with disgusting displays of grandeur by the plantation owners.

In short, spend the money and go see this movie if you haven’t already. If you have, go see it again — I did.

photo by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Staff Photographer

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects approximately 10 to 20 percent of people, according to the American Academy for Family Physicians.

Seasonal Affective Disorder may affect students year-round KALI DANIEL

Staff Writer kdaniel2@una.edu

Once a year, typically in winter, some students may encounter a temporary depressive disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Though not recognized officially by the DSM-IV, the disorder affects approximately 10 to 20 percent of people, according to the American Academy for Family Physicians.

“I don’t think anybody really knows what to think of it,” said campus counselor Lynne Martin. “It’s considered a low-grade mood disorder. Those affected are likely influenced by the shorter and darker days. However, light therapy has worked for many, so therein lies the link.”

In the past, SAD has been thought to be a result of a lack of vitamin D from the sun; however, in recent research by Dr. Oscar Franco at Warwick Medical School, vitamin D was ruled out as the cause of said depression.

“We don’t see the light therapy work for cases of depression without the seasonal specifier because seasonal patterns simply exhibit a more dramatic response, especially for office

jobs,” Martin said. “The light therapy for a person with a desk job would be to shine a light on the back of the knees.”

Though research has deemed SAD causes inconclusive, some still question the practicality of the disorder and question if it may just be caused by loneliness during the winter months.

“I could see it being a real problem,” said UNA junior Chad Miller.

“In high school I would either stay up too late or not get enough sleep, and if neither of those were the causes of my mood being down, then I don’t really know what else it could have been. I’m honestly not sure; I’m not going to say it doesn’t affect people because I don’t know everyone else’s body.”

The winter, while being the most frequent time of year to expect SAD, is not the only season to anticipate depressed moods. According to the ADAM Medical Encyclopedia, SAD can also occur in the summer.

“Sometimes during the summer when I don’t have a lot going on, I feel kind of down,” said sophomore Forrest McArthur. “If someone came to me and told me they had it, I would believe them. Helping them would depend on why they feel that way. For me, in the

summer I don’t really have any structure or anything to do, which is why I started working over the summer.”

Though it is defined as a disorder and therefore unable to be avoided, attention to health is an individual’s best way to fight the SAD battle.

“We talk so much about self-care and sleep,” Martin said. “Students should really be going to bed before midnight and getting a minimum of six hours of sleep, though the ideal restful sleep span is closer to 10 hours for the emerging adult group. This kind of self-care maintains circadian rhythms which have proven relevant to SAD.” While the symptoms of the disorder may hold true in multiple students’ lives, the likelihood of developing SAD is slim.

“Very few students recognize they have it every year consistently, and after working here for 11 years, I have seen very few students with that issue,” Martin said. “Especially on the college campus, we see anxiety disorders a lot more often than depression. The best advice I can give is to eat healthy, moderate caffeine intake and consistently maintain self-care.”

8B EXTRA

Tweets of the week

Jan. 17, 2013 • The Flor-Ala DISCLAIMER: The tweets below are public tweets found on Twitter by searching hashtags and keywords involving UNA, Florence, Shoals and other university-related topics. Want to see yours on here? Be sure to hashtag UNA and Shoals in your tweets.