October 5

Homecoming p. 2 - 4 Refund policy explained p. 6 ProfessorĘźs prison program p. 9 Quarterback out for season p. 11 October 5, 2017 Vol. 86, Issue 4

2 HOMECOMING

Lions face conference foe Florida Tech JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net

The North Alabama football team will look to bounce back from a twogame skid with a win against Florida Tech on homecoming Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at Braly Stadium.

The Lions have had bad luck with injuries, including losing their starting quarterback for the year.

Junior Rico Bruton took over for injured redshirt sophomore Blake Hawkins in the second game of the season. Lions’ head coach Chris Willis said the possibility of a quarterback change could happen.

“We can throw the deep ball at times, but we still can’t throw the intermediate passes,” Willis said.

“There were times I did think about trying a different quarterback to see if that would change it up any.”

Willis said junior Matt Markham could play in the homecoming game, after Bruton threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter during the loss to West Georgia.

“We just have to try something,” he said. “Rico has had some really nice moments and he is going to continue to get better. He did some things today that looked really good, but then we turn around and throw a pick, and we had the turnover early when we were backed up.”

After the loss to West Georgia, Willis said the team needs to work on specifics, but he loved the intensity from his players and coaches during the loss.

“I love our effort today,” Willis said. “The kids never quit, but we just have too many mistakes going on right now. It’s a group effort. Coaches, players, all of us. We have to cut down on mistakes.”

The Lions hold a 48-19-1 record in homecoming games. The Lions have won 12 straight homecoming games

going back to 2004. The Lions also have a 3-0 record against opponent Florida Tech dating back to 2015 as the last meeting between the two.

UNA comes into the game with a 1-3 overall record and a 1-2 conference record. UNA beat Valdosta State 3024 to open Gulf South Conference play, but the Lions have lost two consecutive games to GSC opponents West Alabama and West Georgia.

Florida Tech has a 3-2 record overall and a 2-1 record in the GSC including wins against GSC foes Shorter and Mississippi College.

Florida Tech lost to GSC opponent West Florida.

Senior running back Nick Taylor said the team is getting better but needs to finish better.

“We just have to learn how to finish,” Taylor said. “We get down, and then we get so close to jumping on someone, and something happens.

This is a new team, and we can’t worry about the team last year or previous years. We have to come together and find a way to finish these games.”

Junior Chris Johnson said it is as simple as cutting down on mistakes.

“We’ve just been making too many mistakes lately and it cost us,” Johnson said. “We’ve had some people injured, but we have to be able to fight through adversity.”

The Lions need to grab a win against Florida Tech to keep its GSC and playoff hopes alive for this season.

Willis said GSC and playoff hopes are not on his mind for the upcoming homecoming game.

“I’m not really worried about the conference standings and all that,” Willis said. “We need to bounce back for homecoming, and I’ll take a win any way we can get it.”

UNA will start at 6 p.m. against Florida Tech Saturday night at Braly Stadium looking for a 13th straight win on homecoming.

Courtesy of Sports Information

Senior Dre Hall looks for a lane to run through against West Alabama Sept. 23 at Braly Stadium. The Lions have lost two straight games versus conference opponents, but they have another chance on homecoming against Florida Tech.

Top picks for homecoming celebrations HANNAH ZIMMER Managing Editor managing@florala.net

UNA Lions are “Reeling in the Years” for homecoming events this week. Whether readers are current students or alumni, there will be multiple festivities to enjoy. Listed below are The Flor-Ala’s top picks.

1. FIRST FRIDAYS’ “PAINT IT PURPLE” On the first Friday of each month, there are street vendors, musicians and community members who line Court Street in downtown Florence.

This month, the event will be special because student organizations will participate. Court Street is “painted purple” with UNA students

representing different organizations from the university. Admission is free and the event will be 5-8 p.m. The event is Friday Oct. 6.

2. HOMECOMING 5K This year, UNA will host its first annual Homecoming 5k race Oct. 7 from 8-10 a.m. Participants will begin the race at Harrison Fountain at 8 a.m., and the course will be on campus and in the Florence community, according to una.edu. Participants will receive t-shirts and medals for finishing the race. All proceeds will fund fraternity and sorority scholarships.

For more race information, go to the UNA Homecoming 5K event page on Facebook. This page will give all the information on the race.

3. COLLIER LIBRARY

ARCHIVES EXHIBIT Students and alumni can delve into the history of the university at Collier Library Oct. 7 from noon-2 p.m. The exhibit will be in the basement of Collier Library, and it will feature items such as antique Leo mascot heads, photos, Florence State and UNA yearbooks and course catalogs from years ago, according to una.edu. To read more about this event visit pg. 3.

4. TAILGATING Before the UNA football team plays Florida Tech Oct. 7, students and alumni can tailgate at Spirit Hill and Spirit Quad from 3-5 p.m. UNA Lions will set up tents and grill food, as well as play games such as corn hole and other tailgating favorites. Even The Flor-Ala will have a table set up to

pass out newspapers at the tailgate.

Parking near Braly Stadium is limited, so those interested in tailgating or attending the game can take one of the shuttle buses running to and from campus.

5. PREGAME SHOW Hundreds of students voted for their favorite candidates for Homecoming King and Queen. Royalty will be crowned during the pregame show Oct. 7. In addition, Athletic Hall of Fame members and Alumni of the Year will be recognized during the show. The Homecoming pregame show will begin at 5:20 p.m. in Braly Stadium. The football team will exit the locker room at about 5:50 p.m. and kickoff will be at 6 p.m. after the homecoming presentation.

HOMECOMING 3

MEET THE 2017 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Billy Pomeroy Golf (1973-76) Serving as a four-year letterman from 1973-76, Pomeroy’s many honors include team MVP in 1975, UNA’s No. 1 golfer from 1974-76 and becoming the first UNA golfer to compete in the NCAA Division II National Championship Tournament.

Finishing 27th overall, he received second-team All-American honors, placing him as the first UNA golfer with All-American acclaim.

After graduating in 1976, he went to work for United Companies Financial Corporation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

After serving different positions, he left the company after 20 years, going on to work in Georgia and Alabama.

He retired after working an additional eight years in human resources at LaSalle General Hospital in Jena, Louisiana. He currently resides in Metairie, Louisiana.

DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer

Jeff Surbaugh, a three-year starter and four-year letterman, helped lead UNA to three NCAA Division II Playoff appearances in his four seasons.

During his time at UNA, he played offensive and defensive line. In 1992, he brought UNA to the quarterfinals of the Division II Playoffs.

His senior year consisted of various honors, including first-team All-American and going on to play in the inaugural Snow Bowl NCAA Division II All-Star Game.

In 1993, Surbaugh helped the Lions win both the NCAA Division II National Championship and the GSC, as well as set several records, including more rushing touchdowns than any team in GSC history.

He currently resides in Hickory, North Carolina, and works as a sales supervisor at Tailored Foam.

Jeff Surbaugh Football (1990-93) Courtesy of Sports Information

Blake Farris (Football 2002-05, Asst. Football Coach 2007-Present) Farris, a starter and four-year letterman from 2002-05, holds the university record for most interceptions in a season as an individual player.

As a sophomore, he helped the Lions win a GSC title and advance to the semifinals of the Division II playoffs.

In his senior year, he tied a GSC interceptions record with 10 in a season and broke the university record for a season. His honors included National Defensive Player of the Week by Football Gazette and UNA’s co-Male Athlete of the Year for 2005-06.

After leaving UNA, he signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns. However, his career brought him back to UNA, where, for the last 10 years, he has coached North Alabama defensive secondary.

A member of the North Alabama women’s basketball team from 1997 to 2000, Becky Mauck is the only player in UNA’s history to place in top 10 for rebounds, steals, assists and career points for the program.

She also still holds the records for career three-point field goal percentage and three-point field goal percentage in a season.

Mauck led the NCAA Division in both free throw percentage and three-point field goal percentage in 1998 and became an Academic All-GSC selection in 2000.

She ended her UNA career in 2000 by helping her team win the GSC East Division Championship, leaving the Lions with a 21-7 record.

A resident of Evansville, Indiana, Mauck works as a physician’s assistant with the Heart Group.

Billy Pomeroy Golf (1973-76)

Information compiled by Life Editor Tyler Hargett

Library hosts archives exhibit for visitors CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net In honor of the 2017 homecoming theme “Reeling in the Years,” Collier Library is allowing the UNA community the chance to take a walk through the past.

Collier Library will host an archives exhibit Oct. 7 from noon until

2 p.m. in the basement of Collier.

Officials said they designed the event to promote some of the unique items in the library’s collection.

“Many first time visitors are often surprised at what we have in archives,” said Jennifer Maddox, Collier’s User Engagement Librarian. “This is an opportunity to showcase some of our best items from the history of UNA while celebrating homecoming.”

A series of banners with various photos from the archives will lead guests from Rogers Hall to the library.

“We’re hoping that this will lead people from the Rogers Hall food truck event to Collier,” Maddox said.

“We will also be passing out fliers at the Rogers Hall homecoming event to drive traffic to the exhibit.”

Maddox said the exhibit will feature historic Leo mascot heads

which visitors can use for a “selfie station.”

The event will also include photos from the archives, old banners and yearbooks from Kilby Laboratory School, Florence State Teaching College and UNA. Maddox said the oldest items in the exhibit will be from LaGrange College.

This includes the 1836 diploma of Governor Edward A. O’Neal.

Courtesy of UNA Archives

Old mascot heads sit on a shelf in the UNA Archives. They will be used as a “selfie station” as part of a homecoming archives exhibit in Collier Library.

4 HOMECOMING

Journey back to first homecoming TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net While students may already be reeling over this year’s homecoming celebration, if they want to see the event in a new light, they might look back at UNA’s first homecoming.

Held Nov. 19, 1949, UNA (then known as Florence State Teachers College) created the slogan “It’s Grid Time in ‘49” to celebrate the return of their football program after dropping it in 1928.

Both The Flor-Ala (which, for the first time, had color on its front page) and The Florence Times publicized homecoming as an event not to miss.

Before the Saturday event kicked off, the college’s Rehearsal Club performed the comedy “Dear Ruth,” the first production of the school year, in Kilby Auditorium

The next day, the event commenced through registration in the lobby of Bibb Graves Hall and a campus tour.

Meanwhile, the judging of the campus building decorating contest took place.

The winners were residents of Keller Hall (then a dormitory), who decorated the entrance with a large lion head.

After this, 700 guests came together in the informal open house in Rogers Hall.

Following this was a parade, which formed in front of Rogers Hall before marching down Court Street.

The event, which set the record for the longest parade in the Tri-Cities, included floats and cars from every major on-campus student organization.

A large barbecue occupied the grounds in front of Kilby Training School, which had an attendance of more than 1,500 people.

Guests then gathered at the Memorial

It’s

GRIDtime

49’ DAVID SAN MIGUEL | Graphic Designer Amphitheatre for a welcome program, pep rally and college band concert.

It was here that then President E.B. Norton announced the homecoming event was to become an annual celebration.

After this, the Florence Lions football team faced off against the University of Tennessee Junior Vols. The Lions were victorious in a 53-0 defeat.

The campus showed such support for their team that, following the Lions’ first touchdown, students released

1,000 balloons into the sky. During halftime came the presentation of the Homecoming Queen, Margaret Eubank of Athens, as well as a show featuring the college band, R.O.T.C. Honor Guard and the Sheffield High School band.

After the game, students and alumni participated in an informal dance in the gymnasium, listening to the sounds of the college orchestra, The Starlighters.

The final dance ended that evening and brought a close to what would become known as UNA’s first homecoming.

DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer

Understand why students are ‘reeling in the years’ MONDAY SANDERSON Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net Every year, there is a different theme for homecoming. The 2016 theme was “Our Pride Can’t Be Tamed.”

This year the theme is “Reeling in the

Years.”

Director of Student Engagement Tyler Thompson said a committee chooses the theme.

“There is a standing homecoming committee made up of various people on-campus,” he said. “It functions outside of the Shared Governance

Structure. The students on the committee are appointed by SGA each year to serve in the same way that Shared Governance appointments are made.”

Thompson said the committee had narrowed the choice to two before voting.

“I believe it’s a play on nostalgia,” said senior Jacob Stutts. “Look at how much stuff from the ‘90s has been brought back. It’s not shocking that they chose this theme.”

Stutts said he has not heard of previous years’ themes because they were not well publicized.

NEWS 5 University plans for additional upperclassmen housing CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net After approval from the UNA board of trustees, vice president of student affairs David Shields said he and his team are ready to take the next step concerning upperclassmen housing.

Shields said the university is looking at the possibility of adding two dormitories, but he said they will most likely only add one.

The board of trustees gave Shields permission to look into new upperclassmen housing at its meeting Sept. 21. Shields said the next step is to meet with architects and determine cost, location and how the university will finance the project.

He said he hopes the new upperclassmen dorm will be around the same size as Olive Hall but with cluster suite instead of individual rooms. He hopes the building will include laundry on each floor and common gathering areas to allow students more freedom than the freshmen dorms.

Senior Audrey Burton said the university is in need of new upperclassmen housing.

“It’s not fair that we built these new freshmen dorms but still have upperclassmen in dorms like Rice and Rivers,” Burton said.

The university currently does not

know how many rooms this would be, but Shields said price will determine how large the project is.

He said the building design could also include additional dining options or convenience stores.

Shields said the university surveyed freshmen last year and found the majority of students were likely to stay in oncampus housing if the living conditions were similar to the design of freshmen dorms.

The university currently offers Covington, Hawthorn, Rivers, Rice and Applebee East and West for upperclassmen housing. Shields said these accommodations only offer around 220 beds compared to 764 beds in the freshman dorms.

Shields said the university is looking at multiple locations for the new building, such as former upperclassmen dorm LaGrange Hall, but nothing is finalized because the design will determine the best location.

Shields said the board of trustees wants to finalize the design and plans by the end of the 2017-18 academic year.

Shields said he hopes to have the new dormitories as soon as possible so the university can move forward in expanding the live on campus requirement.

The university policy currently requires students to live on campus during their freshman year, but

Shields said the university is looking at expanding that to include a student’s sophomore year.

Sophomore Harley Miller said forcing students to live on campus is insensitive to students’ financial well-being.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea just because quite a few students don’t have the means to live on campus,” Miller said.

Shields said the university is trying to be sensitive on price for on-campus housing.

Because of this, the university will renovate Rivers Hall after completion of the new dorms for the university to use as a low-cost housing option for students.

Shields said studies have shown students who live on campus have more academic success, feel a stronger connection to the campus and tend to graduate at a quicker rate.

He said the university will have to wait to implement this policy around a new admission cycle so students are aware of the live-on requirement before they choose to attend UNA. He said the university will work with the Student Government Association for feedback on this change.

DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer

SGA President Hugo Dante said SGA is always willing to listen to student feedback and voice it to the correct groups.

“It is our goal to always put the voice and the best interest of the students at heart,” Dante said. “Students are involved directly and indirectly in the process, and we will strive to ensure that the new housing and policies are in line with what is best for the student body.”

Stick with The Flor-Ala for updates on this project.

Nursing building designs delay project CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net Current members of the Anderson College of Nursing will spend the remainder of their time at UNA in Stevens Hall without experiencing the

new nursing building as the university promised.

The Anderson College of Nursing was originally set to move into Laura M. Harrison Hall fall 2018. After contractors appraised the design at $7 million over the estimated budget, the university sent the design back to the

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

Nursing students work in a basic skills lab. The nursing program is currently housed in Stevens Hall until contractors complete Laura M. Harrison Hall in fall 2019.

architect to try to eliminate costs on the building.

The university hopes to have the design completed by March 2018 so bids can begin, said Michael Gautney, assistant vice president of facilities, administration and planning.

Gautney said he hopes contractors will complete construction by fall 2019, a year after the original estimated completion date.

The original building design had four floors, including a basement. The basement included six classrooms, a 200 seat auditorium, a basic skills lab, a simulation lab, an atrium area extending up to the second floor and a tornado shelter.

To reduce the cost of the building, the university decided to eliminate the atrium and the 200 seat classroom.

This downsized the building by one floor.

Junior Robert Murray said the 200seat classroom seems like a good part of the design to give up.

“Unless they’re using it for guest lecture, it isn’t necessary because we have Norton Auditorium,” Murray said. “It seemed like a luxury that wasn’t required.”

The area on the first and second floors where the atrium was located will now hold offices from the eliminated floor.

Architects also reduced the amount of retaining walls and hardscape surfaces to reduce costs.

Gautney said the university does not have a final estimate for the cost of the design because the design is not set, but is confident the redesign of the building reduced the cost from over $20 million to around $16.8 million.

Gautney said the removal of the storm shelter will cut back on costs due to the reduced structural elements needed to build a shelter in the building. He plans to locate the storm shelter in another area on campus.

Freshman Colin Tate said the delay on construction is an inconvenience to the nursing students.

“They’re keeping them in a building that doesn’t suit their needs for even longer,” Tate said.

Gautney said the university is trying to speed up construction.

This is why the university decided to move forward in the demolition of Floyd Hall. Demolition of this area eliminated approximately 15 weeks of construction.

Gautney said bids for the building’s construction will go out shortly after designs are complete. He said he hopes to begin construction on the new nursing building by April 2018.

Stick with The Flor-Ala for updates on the nursing building.

6 NEWS

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University of North Alabama 810 N Pine Street Florence, AL 35632

Pay to the Order of:

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Two hundred nine and 17/100

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Jane Smith DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer

New policy affects student refund checks HARLEY DUNCAN Student Writer hduncan@una.edu After sending out $75,000 in refund checks for the fall semester, UNA decided to implement a new policy regarding university based scholarships beginning spring 2018.

The new policy states if a student receives institutional scholarships exceeding the amount of tuition, books and on-campus housing, there will not be a cash refund check sent back to the student.

For now, this only includes academic institutional scholarships.

The change in policy will not affect service scholarships, such as those for the LaGrange Society.

Evan Thornton, vice president for Business and Financial Affairs, said the new policy affects less than 1.3 percent of the student body. The university sent

those the policy affected an email Sept.

25.

For students that have a Pell grant and an institutional scholarship, the institutional scholarship will be allocated to the cost of tuition on the front end. If any Pell grant money is left over after the total cost is paid, the student will receive a refund check.

The result is the same for students who have a scholarship from somewhere other than UNA, including endowment scholarships. The new policy only affects scholarships UNA provides.

Thornton said the university gives institutional scholarships to students under the assumption the student graduates in four years. If a student decides to take 12 hours instead of 15 hours, students can use the excess amount the scholarship creates for summer classes, but it will not be given back in the form of a refund check.

The same goes for students who

decide to live at home instead of oncampus. If a student does not use that money toward on-campus housing, then they will not receive the extra money.

“If I am giving you a full-scholarship, I don’t want to take that money and give (it) to an apartment complex downtown,” Thornton said.

Junior Maci Gassaway said even though her refund check may help out with rent, it also helps pay for her child.

“Whenever I don’t get that money back, that’s extra shifts I will have to take away from my child to pay for things,” Gassaway said.

The university made the decision to implement the new scholarship policy in the middle of the school year in hopes students coming to the university fall ‘18 would not receive the wrong impression.

Students the new policy affects can still receive a refund check based on the individual’s circumstance. The

verbiage the university used in the new policy states institutional scholarships are nonrefundable and may not result in a cash payment to students unless the Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs gives prior approval.

Junior Thomas Parker said the university should not be able to control where the scholarship money goes.

“If you earn the scholarship, you should get to use the remaining money however you want to,” Parker said.

Thornton said he assures students the university has their best interest in mind.

Thornton and the Student Government Association will meet Oct. 12 to discuss the details within the new policy.

Thornton said he encourages students to call or email the office of Business and Financial Affairs if they have any questions about the new scholarship policy.

Program celebrates 20 years of helping students TAYLOR SIMPSON Staff Writer tsimpson4@una.edu The Presidential Mentors Academy will celebrate their 20th Anniversary Oct. 6.

The PMA will host “A Night of Class and Elegance, Celebrating 20 Years of Success,” at the Radisson in Sheffield.

Former and current PMA students are welcome to attend the formal event with their guests.

This program provides financial support and mentoring to underrepresented students.

“PMA looks for opportunities to create a positive image of the college environment, and it fosters an appreciation of cultural differences, while also increasing the number of underrepresented minority students in various majors,” said Ernestine Davis,

director of the Presidential Mentors Academy, in a university press release.

Davis, former professor in the Anderson College of Nursing, has been the Director of PMA since its creation in 1997.

Davis retired from the college of nursing in 2016, and she said she wanted to devote more of her free time to PMA. Students in the program have a 90 percent graduation rate, most maintain a 3.0 GPA or better and many continue on to get their master’s degree as well, Davis said.

Davis said PMA offers UNA’s only minority scholarship and has grown from supporting three graduates in 1997 to approximately 300 graduates since then.

There are currently 59 students in the program.

“We’re anxious to celebrate this milestone,” she said. “It’s been a long journey to get to this point, so we want to celebrate and spread the word about the

PMA program and the benefits it brings to students and the campus.”

Students in the program not only have to meet UNA’s scholarship requirements, but also requirements specific to PMA. PMA’s requirements include meeting once a month with Davis and providing her with a progress report each semester, according to the press release.

The PMA scholarship increased the number of minority students in various majors throughout the years.

The scholarship program targets high school seniors from underrepresented groups who have completed the admissions process for UNA, according to the press release.

Accepted students are supported throughout their time at UNA. Freshman students attend a Student Orientation Advising Registration session in June and are admitted to UNA during the month of July, according to the press

release.

Students in the program receive a $2,000 minimum yearly scholarship, along with a book scholarship that starts in their sophomore year, according to the press release.

The tuition scholarship increases yearly as long as students continue to meet scholarship requirements.

“The (PMA) has definitely had a positive impact on my time at UNA,” said senior J’lyrick Woods.

Woods said she is excited to meet with former members and hear their experiences since graduating from UNA. Junior Grant Gunn said he feels privileged to be a part of the program.

“It is a unique program that is greatly beneficial to students,” he said. “It has strengthened me as a student.”

For more information about the event, contact Ernestine Davis by phone at (256) 765-4583 or by email at ebdavis@una.edu.

NEWS 7

Sophomore lays groundwork for success JESSICA LIVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer jlivingston2@una.edu Sophomore Jessie Harbuck begins to build the groundwork for her future at the University of North Alabama as Student Government Association secretary.

Roommate and SGA senator, sophomore Rachel Smith said working with Harbuck is fun but professional.

“She’s always full of laughter and smiles to make coming to her about something within SGA a comfortable experience, even for a new senator,” Smith said. “Anyone is able to see how much she cares for UNA.”

Harbuck plans two major events for SGA during her term. She will plan the Past-President’s breakfast on the day of homecoming and the SGA transition dinner at the end of the executive term in spring 2018.

Harbuck is always in her office hours working on anything she can get done, Smith said.

During her time at Montevallo High School, Harbuck said she did not think she would attend UNA, but the campus persuaded her to become a lion during Student Orientation Advising and Registration.

“When I first visited UNA, the SOAR counselor did not even have to open her mouth for me to decide I was in love

with this campus,” Harbuck said. “The history of UNA is what drew me in.”

Junior Scott Griffin said Harbuck is passionate about UNA and the people.

“Jessie is a warm, caring person who always sees the best of others,” Griffin said. “Jessie has a lot of potential to do amazing things in whichever community she lives.”

Sophomore Melanie Brown said working with Harbuck is enjoyable.

Junior Josh Haggerty said outside of SGA, Harbuck is a “wonderful, small ball of fun.”

“She is sweet and caring for anyone she is around,” Haggerty said. “She demands your attention due to her outgoing personality and very loud

mouth. Jessie is a very good friend and deserves the world.”

At Montevallo High School, Harbuck was involved in Future Teachers of America. She said in this organization, she found her passion that is shaping the plan for her future.

“I believe that classrooms should be student lead, not state lead,” Harbuck said. “Each student learns differently, so I do not believe it is fair for the State of Alabama to tell the teachers how something should be taught.”

Harbuck plans to graduate in May 2020 with a degree in Political Science. She said she wants to work for the Alabama State Department of Education.

Behind the scenes of SGA MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Sophomore Jessie Harbuck works at her desk as secretary of the Student Government Association. Harbuck plans to graduate May 2020 with a degree in Political Science and work at the State Department of Education.

University continues to see growth on campus MONDAY SANDERSON Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net Fall 2017 brings the record for the second highest enrollment at UNA with 7,457 students.

This is less than the 7,520 students enrolled in fall 2016.

UNA has experienced a seven percent increase in enrollment over the past five years.

“We’re excited to see that we’re still growing,” said Chief Enrollment Officer Ron Patterson in a press release. ”It’s always tough to top an enrollment record like we had last year, but to have the second highest

fall enrollment in the school’s history a year after. I couldn’t be happier with our faculty and staff.”

UNA also had the third largest freshman class with 1,108 students.

The university currently has the third highest number of graduate students enrolled with 1,236 students.

This is a 31.8 percent increase in the past five years.

Retention rates also rose at UNA, increasing to 75.8 percent for the 201617 academic year from 75.1 percent.

The school’s six-year graduation rate continues to grow from 43.5 percent in the 2010 incoming freshman class to 44.5 percent with the 2011 freshman class.

8 NEWS

Courtesy of the Student Government Association

UNA and the City of Florence unveiled new UNA themed street signs Oct. 4. This is a project the Student Government Association President Hugo Dante said he has worked on since August 2016.

Florence street signs painted in purple pride JESSICA LIVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer jlivingston2@una.edu Student Government Association President Hugo Dante campaigned to partner with city officials and “paint the Shoals purple.” He saw his latest project unveiled to the public Oct.4.

The city revealed new university themed street signs at the intersection of Lion Drive and Pine Street. The City of Florence, UNA SGA and various university officials worked together to make this idea a reality.

The city replaced 20 traditional green street signs with purple and white signs featuring the UNA logo on all streets adjacent to the main campus. This will spread from Tuscaloosa Street to Tennessee Street, Dante said.

Dante said the idea for the street signs

began in August 2016 during his time as chairman of Legislative Affairs for SGA. “We started it as a project of Legislative Affairs toward a greater effort to make SGA more involved in the community,” Dante said, “It simply began as a conversation.”

Dante said SGA convinced Florence city officials the partnership was a good idea by drafting resolutions, gathering the names of streets signs and sending images of street signs in other college towns.

Dante and his committee first presented this project to city officials at a luncheon Nov. 29. He said Florence Mayor Steve Holt and Alumni Association President Michelle Eubanks worked with SGA to make the idea a reality.

“They have been very supportive of the students at UNA,” Dante said.

Eubanks said the signs indicate a

partnership between the city and the university.

“I am delighted to see the town-grown philosophy thriving,” Eubanks said.

Senior Rebecca Hushka said the signs will bring the community together.

“Giving the street signs a UNA theme will bring the sense that the community is supportive of UNA, which is what we need as we’re transitioning to DI,” Hushka said.

Holt said he is excited to see the city implement the street signs.

“UNA is one of the top economic engines for Florence,” Holt said. “I have long been a proponent of purple street signs around the university, and we are excited to move forward on this project with UNA.” UNA President Kenneth Kitts said he is proud to see the city partnering with the university to complete this project.

“This is a wonderful indicator of our community’s support for UNA,” Kitts said. “The new purple street signs will serve as a constant reminder that this is ‘Lion Country,’ and they will be a source of pride for our students and alumni for years to come.”

He said the streets signs will aid prospective students as they consider attending UNA through “little touches” around the UNA community.

Sophomore Caroline Crow said the signs will add to the college feel.

“It’s a unique way of showing school spirit in the city of Florence,” Crow said.

Dante said he hopes this will be the first step in expanding the purple street signs to other areas of the city.

There are currently no plans to add purple street signs around other UNA owned property, such as the Mane Room or East Campus.

SGA test score jeopardizes president’s position HANNAH ZIMMER Managing Editor managing@florala.net Student Government Association President Hugo Dante faces repercussions for under performance on the Code of Laws test SGA members must take.

Dante is temporarily removed from his position after missing the grade by one point.

Even though Dante did not score high enough, he said he supports the idea that executives should have to make a 90 or above.

“I believe it is of the utmost importance to ensure that our officers are held to higher standards,” Dante said.

He can appeal to SGA Senate members to retake the test, according to SGA Rules and Regulations.

“With two-thirds approval of the Senate, he can be allowed to retake the test,” said Vice President of Senate Jason Sparks.

Dante said he hopes the Senate

sees the efforts he has made as SGA President.

“I hope that my cabinet’s work, commitment to meeting our governing documents and our strong beginning to the school year merits a second chance,” Dante said. “No one is perfect.”

SGA Rules and Regulations Chair Seth Gipson said Dante must appeal to Senate Oct. 5 unless there is a special meeting or an official challenge involving the judicial branch.

Sparks said if for any reason the SGA president is not available to fulfill his duties, Vice President of Senate will assume the role as SGA president until a special election can be held.

Dante said even though he is not technically president right now, he will continue to perform his duties.

“I am committed to following through with the duties to which I have been elected, (and) I will continue to serve and fulfill all of the commitments that I have made to (SGA),” he said.

Stick with The Flor-Ala for updates to this story.

Courtesy of the Student Government Association

LIFE 9

Prison study program enters Alabama classroom TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net For those majoring in criminal justice, political science, or even students who want to take a new type of course, next semester might offer a class worth checking out.

The course, a branch of the InsideOut Prison Exchange Program, will give 10 “outside” students the opportunity to study alongside 10 incarcerated inmates (“inside” students) at Limestone County Correctional Facility.

“Restorative Justice in American Literature,” will go through various texts all connected to restorative justice, a criminal model focused on the transformation and reintegration of criminals as opposed to an isolating, nonreformative incarceration.

Assistant English Professor Katie Owens-Murphy is the first teacher to bring the program to Alabama. She has been involved with prison education since her doctoral program.

“Seeing how passionate (OwensMurphy) is about (prison literature and reform) certainly makes studying them more enjoyable,” said graduate student Colby Dow. To teach the course, she had to undergo a 60-hour training week in Philadelphia last August. Trainees spent time at the

DAVID SAN MIGUEL | Graphic Designer Pennsylvania State Correctional Institute at Graterford interacting with inmates.

“I learned more about teaching in that week of training than I have in my whole career,” she said.

The program began in 1995 when Lori Pampa, a Temple University professor, got the idea from a prisoner to teach a class with inmates and college students, allowing them to read and work on projects together.

Pompa taught the first class of the program as a criminal justice course in 1997. Soon, the program began expanding worldwide, now consisting of more than 750 certified teachers in 11 countries.

“Consistently, people who teach these classes come back to us and tell us that for their students, and for themselves as instructors, (the program) is a very

powerful, life-changing experience,” Pompa said.

Pompa said she is glad to see the program starting in Alabama as there are fewer teachers involved in the South as other areas.

Owens-Murphy was one of the UNA faculty members involved in teaching a class with prisoners at the Limestone prison last semester.

She said the course can show the “inside” students a framework of understanding the criminal system, as well as give them the experience of being in college.

“The ‘inside’ students feel really good about being on the same level as college students and trying to compete and really dedicate themselves to the reading and course material so they can keep up with the college students,” she said. “The college students really appreciate learning topics of criminal justice alongside people who have experienced that system firsthand.”

Political science and criminal justice majors can get credit for this class as a special topics course (as CJ 491 and PS 490 respectively), but it is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, with the latter receiving credit for a 500-level class.

Owens-Murphy said criminal justice students could benefit from the course by getting a firsthand experience of the prison system from the inside.

Pompa said she is impressed with the

different types of material Owen-Murphy’s course will cover.

“I think (using different kinds of writing) is always a good idea,” she said.

“Different people react or respond to different things. So, I think she’s really smart in terms of having all of these different genres. I would want to take (this) course.”

Students interested in the course must complete an interview and application.

For more information, contact OwensMurphy at kowensmurphy@una.edu.

A DIFFERENT CLASS EXPERIENCE

“Restorative Justice in American Literature” will be the first of its kind in Alabama. The class will allow students to study the criminal system alongside Lauderdale County Correctional Facility inmates.

Women’s Center supports causes through events TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net Many events held at the Center for Women’s Studies provide opportunities for students and faculty to show their support for various causes.

Center Coordinator Emily Kelley said the events are not held to get money or recognition, but to bring attention to important world issues.

Here are two events happening this semester that might be worth checking out if students are looking to show support for a cause.

The Clothesline Project Oct. 17-18 This event is held in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. primarily in the Guillot University Center Atrium, participants can decorate blank shirts to raise awareness of domestic violence.

The shirts will hang on clothesline around the Memorial Amphitheatre as a display and will be available to take for free after the event ends.

The project started in 1990 on Cape

Cod, Massachusetts, but has since gone global.

Kelley said the center stopped having the event for a while, but in 2011, Women’s Center intern Kyle Smith brought it back as his intern semester project.

The Fair Trade Market Nov. 27 – Dec. 15 Students may sometimes wonder what kind of labor goes into making the items bought in stores.

To give buyers some relief from these potential worries, as well as a new place to shop on campus besides the bookstore, a market will be set up in November. Sojourns, a fair trade store in Birmingham, will be in charge of setting it up in time for students returning from Thanksgiving break.

All items are fair trade, meaning workers from Third World countries with a fair and honest wage produced them instead of child labor.

“Many of these items were made by women who are working to pull their families out of extreme poverty, which the World Bank defines as living on less than $1.50 a day,” Kelley said.

To find out more about the fair trade market, visit florala.net.

10 LIFE

Professor’s involvement impacts campus, community TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net There are several professors on campus that choose to stay involved with different causes outside of the classroom.

One of them is Assistant Professor of English Katie Owens-Murphy, whose role on campus and in the community extends further than faculty member.

Owens-Murphy is a faculty member with many positions.

Besides teaching, she also advises, researches, works with conferences and committees and participates in various community activities.

As a professor, she specializes in 20th century American literature. Her classes include graduate courses, lowerlevel survey courses, literary criticism and upper-level English major offerings, with topics ranging from banned books to Southern studies.

“In my lower-level courses, I get to introduce students to the power and value and pleasure of literature,” she said. “In my upper-level and graduate courses, we get to explore, with greater nuance, the ways in which literature causes us to rethink the world around us and challenges us to make it a better

place.”

Senior Shelby Poindexter said being in her classes has helped her examine literature more closely.

“I learned so much about how to dig into literature and read closely,” Poindexter said. “I felt like I was a close reader, but, when I took her classes, that took on a whole new meaning.”

Owens-Murphy currently serves on two campus curriculum committees and faculty senate. She has also advised graduate students on their master’s theses and comprehensive exams.

She has worked with the Alabama Regional Graduate Conference in English, Florence’s first Reader Riot book festival and currently serves as the vice president of Project Say Something.

Graduate student Michael Fish said Owens-Murphy brings her active lifestyle to class with her, always finding events she encourages her students to participate in.

“She is a non-stop force of social justice,” he said. “She eats, sleeps and breathes change.”

Owens-Murphy said prison education is one of her favorite endeavors.

To learn more about OwensMurphy’s passion for prison education, visit florala.net

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

Assistant Professor of English Katie Owens-Murphy teaches a class in Bibb Graves Hall. Teaching is one of the many jobs she does for both the campus and community.

5 uncovered secrets about Police Chief TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net Students and faculty know Kevin Gillilan as UNA’s police chief who works to keep them safe on campus.

However, just like everyone else, Gillilan has a life outside work, which The Flor-Ala is now able to share.

1. He has a singing career, both solo and with a Christian band.

While in high school, Gillilan, along with some friends, decided to participate in talent shows. After winning one, they were eventually signed with ICA Records as the contemporary Christian band, Vocal Boys.

They were active from 1990-1996, producing several albums and performing with other popular ‘90s Christian artists.

Gillilan said he decided to leave the band after deciding it would be too difficult to raise a family and pursue

Courtesy of Kevin Gillilan

UNA Chief of Police Kevin Gillilan (center) joins his band, Vocal Boys. The Christian band was active in the ‘90s, producing several albums and touring with other Christian artists.

other goals during his career.

He later joined the Christian group, Acappella, as a background vocalist for a one-year tour, as well as contributed guest vocals on other projects and competed on reality singing shows “Gospel Dream” and “Nashville Star.”

Despite the band’s split, all members still stay in touch, even recently getting together for a reunion charity concert.

Gillilan said he hopes the band will work on a new project in the future.

2. He used to work in a haunted attraction.

From 2004 to 2008 and during 2014, Gillilan worked as an actor at the Atrox Factory in Birmingham.

He said he chose to be a part of the attraction because of his love of horror and haunted attractions, as well as most of the site’s proceeds going toward charity organizations.

The characters he portrayed include a butcher, mad scientist, zombie, zombiefighting deputy and Freddy Krueger.

Gillilan said his favorite part of the job was getting to have fun acting and scare customers who share his love for haunted attractions.

3. He makes puppets and ventriloquist dummies.

Gillilan has created over 20 dummies and puppets overall, keeping some and selling others on eBay. The soft puppets he makes are available for donation or purchase by church puppet ministries.

Gillilan said he started making

them because of his admiration for Jeff Dunham. However, he said while he does perform with the puppets sometimes, he likes making them more.

Besides this hobby, Gillilan also creates masks and props, which go up for sale on eBay, as well.

4. He creates different types of art.

Gillilan said he has loved being artistic since his childhood. His creations include wall murals, sports prints, portraits and spray paint art. He said his favorite subjects are superheroes, college football scenes and classic horror paintings.

He also owns some tattoo equipment, which he uses on practice pads since he is not a licensed tattoo artist, and has operated a sign company.

His artistic career has been further shown in UNA’s Guillot University Center as he has made signs for the Career Center, Transportation Services, University Events, Student Engagement and Veterans Affairs. He is also the artist behind UNA Police’s current patch, badge and police car graphics.

5. Chief Gillilan is also Dr. Gillilan.

In September 2017, Gillilan obtained his doctorate degree in criminal justice and emergency management through Northcentral University in Arizona, having begun his undergraduate work in 2008.

To find out more about Chief Gillilan, visit florala.net

SPORTS 11 Scoreboard

Sept. 22 - Oct. 14 Football

Sept. 23 vs. West Ala. Loss, 38-17 Sept. 30 at West Georgia Loss, 37-23 Oct. 7 vs. Florida Tech Oct. 14 at Shorter

Volleyball

Courtesy of Sports Information

Redshirt sophomore Blake Hawkins throws a pass against Texas A&M-Commerce in the season opening loss Sept. 1 at Braly Stadium. A ruptured disc in Hawkins’s back suffered versus Valdosta State Sept. 16 is the cause for the end of his season.

Lions lose starter for rest of season JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net Redshirt sophomore Blake Hawkins is out for the season after suffering an injury in the Lions’ win at Valdosta State.

Hawkins suffered a concussion and a back injury during the game and went to a hospital for testing.

Wednesday morning, Hawkins received the news his season will end with a ruptured disc in his back.

Hawkins said he was upset when he learned the news about his injury.

“I was hoping to be able to come back next week,” Hawkins said. “It is disappointing after working so hard in the spring, off season and fall camp. I can’t say it does not hurt like absolute heck because of all that work.”

Hawkins was ruled out of UNA’s last game against West Georgia, but there was hope Hawkins could return for the homecoming game.

Hawkins was 26 for 46 with 318 yards passing and two touchdowns before sustaining the injury.

Hawkins said the injury will keep him from physical activity for awhile.

“It is a ruptured disc, which has been causing the problems I had the other night and throughout last week,” Hawkins said. “The doctor said no physical activity for three months, and hopefully it heals naturally.”

Junior Rico Bruton will become the full-time starter for the Lions.

Burton led UNA to a win against Valdosta State off the bench and started versus West Georgia this past week. Hawkins said he thinks UNA will be fine with Burton under center.

“We are still in a good position with Rico because he is more than ready to play,” Hawkins said. “I think we will be fine, and I’m going to do everything I can to help.”

Hawkins said after he sustained the injury, he had some numbness in

his left leg and headaches from the concussion. The headaches and leg numbness were gone at the start of the week after the injury, Hawkins said.

Lions’ head coach Chris Willis said Hawkins was hitting his stride before the injury happened.

“I hate it for Blake because I could see it coming for him at Valdosta State,” Willis said. “I could see he was growing more confident, and I know his best football was coming and it would have put us in position to compete for another playoff run.”

Senior Delvon Carpenter said the team is behind Bruton as the leader of the UNA offense.

“What happened to Blake was tragic, but we are 100 percent behind Rico,” Carpenter said. “He is going to be a good leader for us and we are going to back him up. We’re practicing hard every day to try to get better from our last game. I know Rico will be more confident this week and our offense will play better.”

Sept. 22 vs. West Florida Loss, 3-1 Sept. 23 vs. Valdosta St. Win, 3-0 Sept. 26 at West Georgia Win, 3-0 Sept. 29 vs. UAH Win, 3-0 Oct. 3 vs. Shorter Oct. 7 at Auburn-Mont.

Soccer Sept. 22 at UAH Win, 1-0 Sept. 24 at West Ala. Win, 2-1 Sept. 29 vs. Shorter Win, 3-1 Oct. 1 vs. Lee Loss, 1-0 Oct. 6 vs. Delta State Oct. 8 vs. Miss. College Games continued at roarlions.com

12 SPORTS

Football team runs into injuries JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net

The Lions football team has experienced the injury bug in recent weeks, but they are hoping to get back on track.

After another loss, this time to a Gulf South Conference opponent West Georgia, UNA will play Florida Tech for homecoming this week. The Lions also received more injury news after the loss. The team lost two players to injury last week putting the total to nine injured players.

Lions’ head coach Chris Willis said the injuries are unfortunate, but the team has to keep playing hard for the season.

“It’s just difficult to have so many injuries at this level,” Willis said. “It is frustrating, but they are not going to cancel the season. We are going to have to roll on, and we still have good enough players to have a chance to win every game. It’s part of football and we’ll just have to fight through it, but I just hate it for those guys who are out.”

Junior offensive tackle Khadedryck Todd went out early in the game and left with a sprained MCL. Todd remained out for the entire game and redshirt freshman Noah Stern came in at right tackle for the remainder of the game.

Junior outside linebacker Joshua Amanfo left the game with a dislocated shoulder injury. He did not return to the game, either.

The Lions were already without

multiple players from injuries in the past weeks. Junior defensive tackle Chris Herise suffered a knee injury in practice leading up to the West Georgia game. An MRI showed he will be out the rest of the season.

UNA has many other players hurt including freshman running back C.J. Sturdivant who is out with a torn ACL he suffered against Valdosta State.

Redshirt sophomore Blake Hawkins is out for the year with a back injury. Senior Jaylan Daniels is out for a month with a broken fibula, and redshirt junior Waid Miller is out until further notice with a stress fracture in his foot.

Two other players are questionable for the upcoming homecoming game for UNA. Sophomore A.J. Bracey suffered a concussion two weeks ago, and junior Johnnie Anderson has a shoulder strain. Both players are expected to return for the game against Florida Tech.

The Lions moved redshirt sophomore Ja’mal Jackson from wide receiver to cornerback to add depth after injuries.

The UNA offense ran the ball effectively in the loss. Senior running back Nick Taylor ran for 108 yards on 22 carries to lead the offense.

“It’s always nice to get some carries,” Taylor said. “I just tried to stay patient, and our line did a great job blocking. It’s always good when a running back can get out in space and make something happen, so it was a good day for me.”

This was the first 100-yard rushing performance since Lamonte Thompson in the 2015 season.

The Lions will try to bounce back when they play Florida Tech for homecoming this week.

Courtesy of Sports Information

Junior quarterback Rico Bruton runs the ball past a defender in the Lions 37-23 loss to West Georgia Sept. 30.

The Lions started the season 1-3 after two straight losses in Gulf South Conference games.

Local soccer player helping team in freshman year MACIE PIGG Student Writer mpigg@una.edu Mary Margaret Borden is a freshman who is not only adjusting to college life, but adjusting to being a starting soccer college athlete on the North Alabama soccer team, as well.

Borden has been playing the sport since she was five-years old, and she has not looked back since.

“I just started playing for fun as a kid,” Borden said. “The speed of the game and the competition is what interested me when I grew a little bit older.”

The Florence High School alumnus said UNA’s atmosphere and the success of the soccer team is what attracted her to the college. However, the journey has not been without its obstacles.

Borden said she spent the majority of her high school career traveling to get adequate training with teams and coaches.

“Playing with the highest competition and the best players in the South prepared me, as well as

getting coaching from some of the best coaches in the state,” Borden said. “Once I realized and was told that I had a shot to go to college to play, I just continued to push myself and work as hard in practice, and outside of practice, as I could to get me to where I am today.”

Head coach Chris Walker said Borden is a hardworking and competitive athlete.

“She is very athletic and strong on the field,” Walker said. “This is helping her make an immediate impact and compete for playing time straight away.”

Borden is a business major and said when she is not playing soccer, she is hanging out with her friends.

In high school, Borden had many athletic achievements, including Times Daily player of the year twice, a member of the Alabama ODP State Team for three years, MVP for her high school for three years, most goals scored for two years, a state championship and state runner up with her club team.

“My favorite part about soccer is how fast things move and change as well as the competition you will run

into,” Borden said. “Especially in our conference.”

Walker said Borden worked hard over the summer on her fitness. He said although she is only two months into her freshman year, she will be a great asset to the team if she continues to make the small steps like she is now.

“She is very competitive in

anything she does,” Walker said.

“She hates to lose. This is making her strive to become better and better each day, and become the best student athlete she can be.”

As a freshman, Borden said she is not entirely sure what her future holds after college. She it will most likely be a job in the business administration field.

OPINION 13 Sports motivate students to perform well

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MONDAY SANDERSON MANAGING EDITOR H ANNAH ZIMMER NEWS EDITOR CIERA G OLLIVER LIFE EDITOR TYLER H ARGETT SPORTS EDITOR JACOB COLE SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR ASHLEE CARTER BUSINESS MANAGER KARA D UCKETT CIRCULATION MANAGER ALLEN CHILDERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS D YLAN B AKER D AVID SAN MIGUEL CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE H ODGES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDREA B ELK CALEB COLE VIDEOGRAPHER H ILLARY TAYLOR ADVISER S COTT MORRIS COVER PHOTO BY MELANIE H ODGES

The Flor-Ala is distributed biweekly on Thursdays at 70 locations on campus and off.

JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net A common misconception is sports takes time away from working, schoolwork and other activities.

What most people do not understand is that sports teach valuable life lessons that stick with the athlete for years to come. Whether it is high school or college sports, grades drastically improve and leadership skills take shape.

I played high school baseball and football at a small school in North Alabama, and I was always told what

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Sam Mashburn smashburn1@una.edu As a student of the University of North Alabama, I am discouraged and honestly outraged at my university’s decision to no longer follow through on its promise to award students the entirety of the scholarships they earn. For those who are unaware of what I am referring to, the UNA Executive Council decided it will withhold any institutional scholarship refunds to students whose scholarship earnings are greater than their tuition bill, with the exception of using the money to pay for

I learned in sports would translate to life. As I have transitioned to college and more responsibility, the skills I acquired during my four years of high school sports stuck with me and allowed me to be successful.

More than 480 thousand college students play sports, according to ncaa. org. These students learn life skills through their passion for sports.

Time management and work ethic are two examples that are most relevant.

Reserving time for schoolwork becomes crucial when one plays a sport.

Balancing practice, school and other activities disciplines the athlete in a strict but effective form of learning.

Studying is a big part of school, so when there are extra practices, it becomes a difficult task to accomplish.

The strain of school and sports causes athletes to make better decisions.

Not to mention if the grades are bad, then the athlete can not participate in the desired sport. It causes athletes to work harder so they can play, which in turn will aid a person in becoming a better student.

Time management is important to students and athletes, so when it can be practiced on both ends, the person starts to master the skill. university-owned housing or books purchased from the university’s bookstore.

The first ethical problem with this rule is that students who worked tirelessly to attain and retain these scholarships will no longer be awarded the money they earned and were promised by the university.

The students awarded these scholarships count on their refund checks to fund basic necessities such as off-campus housing, food and, in some cases, childcare. University administration is acting in a careless manner to assume that students are not in need of the money they earn.

The second issue with this ruling is the university is changing the

Corrections The staff strives to maintain the integrity of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call 256-765-4364 or email editor@florala.net.

CONGRATULATIONS WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK!

Another huge part is a strong work ethic from people who participate in athletics. Work ethic is a trait future employers, family and friends all look for.

Getting through grueling practices, laboring through long games and being able to go further than most people helps push a person. This improves work ethic that translates to the classroom and improves grades, ACT scores and overall performance in the classroom.

This is important not only in the classroom, but having a strong work ethic will help a person through life experiences. The hard, hot days of practice in August taught me to push forward and work hard.

Work ethic is a big part of everyday life, and sports teach from the moment the athlete steps on the field as a child to their career ends at whichever level of sports.

These lessons taught by an activity as minuscule as sports go on to help people everywhere to push forward through life. These skills help with classroom performance, which translate to a job in the future. All skills learned in sports help a person throughout their entire life, and those skills can only be learned through one way, sports. meaning of scholarship funding.

Scholarships are awarded as a cash value, not as a class credit.

Yet, by implementing this ruling, the university is saying that this scholarship is not worth the money it promised to the students, but rather is merely a credit to purchase the university’s goods and services. So, the university has no problem giving students the money they earned, so long as the students spend it on the university’s books and housing which far exceed the market price.

I encourage all students who see the unfairness of this ruling to email members of our university’s leadership, and show support for the students of our beloved university.

Letters Policy Letters to the editor should be emailed to editor@florala.net or mailed to: The Flor-Ala, UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632

HARLEY DUNCAN

AND MELANIE HODGES

Letters must include name and telephone number for verification. Please limit letters to 400 words.

The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

14 PHOTOS MORE THAN MONEY

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North Alabam University of reet 810 N Pine St 632 35 Florence, AL

$

2,800 Dollars

Pay to the Order of:

MELANIE HODGES Chief Photographer photo@florala.net While the money the university for refunds checks may be spent off campus, the impact that money has echoes across UNA. With this money, many students have been able to give back to the university in a much more valuable way than any dollar amount could equate to.

Memo

DANIEL FULMER

DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer

Senior entertainment business major Daniel Fulmer has turned his refund check into a musical masterpiece. With this money, he is able to pay rent for his home where he is able to practice his cello 24/7, which would not be possible if he were to live on campus. Fulmer said living in a place where he can practice this much has been “vital” to growing his career.

Because of his refund check, he has has the time to perfect his craft and represent the university well without having to seek out other employment. He is not only

an officer for Music and Entertainment Industry Students Association, but is also heavily involved with the University’s Music program through participating in shows like the “Jungle Book” and countless others.

Fulmer has even been able to help grow the local music community, hosting small shows in his home featuring student musicians, giving them a platform to launch their careers as well as help grow his own. No refund check would mean Fulmer would have to relocate to the dorms, which would make this impossible to continue.

Practice makes perfect

Senior Daniel Fulmer practices his cello in his room. Fulmer’s refund check has helped pay for his music equipment that promotes his future career.

Getting involved

Senior Jimmie Waites puts on her Business ambassador uniform. Waites’s refund check gives her the free time to get involved on campus.

Jimmie Waites, a senior marketing major, is currently working to pay her own way through college. Waites said her refund check allowed her to not only support herself when money was tight, but also gave her time to be more involved on campus because she did not have to work multiple jobs.

Waites is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, the president of the College of Business Ambassadors, and is involved with the business generator.

Waites also said that she uses this money for rent. By being able to spend her refund money off campus, she has been able to find her own space that makes studying and work much easier.

To Fulmer and Waites, refund checks have been a gateway into giving back to the university. Not only are they able to get involved on campus, but they have helped to grow the community around UNA as well.

JIMMIE WAITES

More than a home Fulmer sits outside his house, paid for by his refund check. Fulmer hosts concerts in his home to help give a platform for student musicians.

Study time

Waites works on homework at Turbo Coffee. Waite’s refund check allows her to have more time dedicated to school, as opposed to working more jobs.

CALENDAR 15 Thurs., Oct. 5 What: International Tea & Coffee: Finland When: 3 p.m.

Where: Powers Hall What: Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers What: NPHC Stroll Off When: 7 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium What: UPC Movie night When: 8 p.m.

Where: Memorial Ampitheater

Fri., Oct. 6 What: The Flor-Ala’s Writers Meeting When: 3 p.m.

Where: Student Publication Building What: UNA Women’s Soccer vs.

Delta State When: 7 p.m.

Where: Bill Jones Athletic Complex What: Homecoming Pep Rally & Bonfire When: 9 p.m.

Where: Cross Point Church of Christ Field

Sat., Oct 7.

What: UNA Athletic Hall of Fame When: 7 a.m.

Where: GUC What: Homecoming 5K When: 8 a.m.

Where: Harrison Fountain What: Homecoming Parade When: 11 a.m.

Where: Downtown Florence What: Archives Exibit When: Noon Where: Collier Library

What: UNA Football vs. Florida Tech When: 6 p.m.

Where: Braly Stadium

Sun., Oct. 8 What: UNA Women’s Soccer vs.

Mississippi College When: 1 p.m.

Where: Bill Jones Athletic Complex

MELANIE HODGES| Chief Photographer

Senior Freddie Reed runs onto the field with the Lions before a game last season. The Lions will be facing Florida Tech October 7 for their homecoming game.

What: Shoals Symphony at UNA: Fortune & Fate When: 3 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

Mon., Oct. 9 What: Safeplace Penny Drive When: 11 a.m.

Where: GUC What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers What: Women’s Gender Studies Meeting When: 4 p.m.

Where: Women’s Center What: Panhellenic Council Meeting When: 4:30 p.m.

Where: GUC Loft

Tues., Oct. 10 What: Safeplace Penny Drive When: 11 a.m.

Where: GUC

Wed., Oct. 11 What: National Coming Out Day When: 10 a.m.

Where: Memorial Ampitheater What: It’s On Us Campaign When: 11 a.m.

Where: Memorial Ampitheater What: Freshman Forum Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers

Thurs., Oct. 12 What: Safeplace Penny Drive When: 11 a.m.

Where: GUC What: Nursing Career Day When: 1 p.m.

Where: TBA What: Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers What: Walk Like a Sigma When: 6 p.m.

Where: Stone Lodge (Lower Level) What: Karoke Night When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: GUC

Fri., Oct. 13 Fall Break: University closed

Sat., Oct. 14 Fall Break: University closed

Sun., Oct. 15

What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers

Tues., Oct 17 What: Hire The Pride Event: Speed Networking When: 9 a.m.

Where: Career Center What: The Clothesline Project When: 10 a.m.

Where: GUC What: Hire The Pride Event: Etiquette Dinner/ Fashion Show When: 5 p.m.

Where: Career Center

Wed., Oct 18 What: The Clothesline Project When: 10 a.m.

Where: GUC What: Department Recital When: Noon Where: Norton Auditorium

Fall Break: University closed

Mon., Oct. 16 What: Student Engagement: Feeding the Pride: Campus Food Pantry When: All day Where: Student Engagement What: Light the Women’s Center Purple: Domestic Violence Awarness Month When: All day Where: Women’s Center

What: Freshman Forum Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers What: I Am That Girl Meeting When: 4 p.m.

Where: Women’s Center

Check una.edu for more events and activities.

16 SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

We have created a series of collaborative playlists called the “ Flor-Ala Mixtape” for students to listen and add songs to the playlists. This will introduce everyone to each others favorite songs.

Take advantage of Spotify’s Student Discount $4.99 a month Here are the ways to submit or add songs: 1. Add to the playlist once you are following 2. Send Spotify QR Codes to online@florala.net

coming soon