The Signal Vol. 87 No. 6

SIX CAMPUSES

PANTHER ROYALTY

MEN’S SOCCER

BLOTTER

PAGE 2

Homecoming’s Ms. Perimeter and SGA senators share frustrations within GSU.

Get to know the Georgia State Homecoming Royal Court before you cast your vote.

The team is unbeaten through seven games for the first time since 1967.

SUDOKU

PAGE 14

PLANNER

PAGE 19

NEWS

PAGE 5

ARTS & LIVING

PAGE 9

SPORTS PAGE 18

VOL. 87 | NO. 6

OCT. 1 - OCT. 8, 2019

The Quarterback

Mr. Dual Threat Entering Saturday’s Homecoming game against Arkansas State, quarterback Dan Ellington is looking to cement his legacy and help end the team’s two-game losing streak.

He has dreams of playing in a bowl game for the first time in his collegiate career.

Homecoming Guide PAGE 10

PHOTO BY UNIQUE RODRIGUEZ

@gsusignal

georgiastatesignal.com

THE SIGNAL

2

GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

BLOTTER SEPT. 23

Don’t look I’m exposed

A non-Georgia State offender was arrested for public indecency or exposure in a public place on Edgewood Avenue at 10:14 a.m.

All that and a bag of weed At 6:09 p.m., a non-Georgia State offender was arrested for marijuana possession of less than an ounce and outstanding warrants in Woodruff Park.

SEPT. 24

Well, that was suspicious

A suspicious person was reported in Aderhold Learning Center at 2:28 p.m.

SEPT. 26

Dude, put that away

At 7:06 p.m., a non-Georgia State offender was arrested for “other dangerous weapon or assault firearm used or threatened” at 10 Park Place.

You’ve been served

A trespass warning was issued to a non-Georgia State offender at 8:15 p.m. in the A deck parking lot.

ILLUSTRATION BY MONTENEZ LOWERY | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019

www.georgiastatesignal.com/news

Students grapple with mold scare

Reports of mold issued in three different dorm buildings ADA WOOD News Editor

W

ould you want to pay $6,000 to $10,000 per school year for a dorm with mold in it?

According to Georgia State, about 60 residents across 24 rooms have been moved by housing because of mold in their dorms.

Last Friday, Dylan Bagwell was moved out of room number 175 in Piedmont North Building B because of mold in the bathroom. Now, he’s in Piedmont Central, but his problem didn’t do away.

“My old dorm didn’t have mold that was as bad as my new one,” Bagwell said.

He said he’s waiting in this new dorm — where there’s mold in the shower room as well — while the university cleans his first room. He said he hasn’t reported the mold in the new room to the resident assistant yet because he’s been too busy managing classes and the abrupt room transition.

“This mold problem has been affecting me since the beginning of the school year and the process of moving dorms has created a lot of stress and inconvenience,” Bagwell said.

He didn’t experience any health symptoms in his first dorm, but after moving into his second one, he said he’s begun to experience sneezing and itchiness around his eyes.

But the problem doesn’t appear to be exclusive to Piedmont North or Piedmont Central. Jade Christman lives in Commons Building A on the 13th floor and has mold that she said has been there since she moved in.

Christman said she sent in a maintenance request, and when Georgia State staff came in to examine it, they told her roommate they would have to remove the ceiling of the closet. They recommended that she keep the door closed in the meantime.

A week prior, Christman said she developed a sore throat. During the inspection, Christman thinks they left the door open for some time, and that day her and her roommate began experiencing bad coughing. Christman said she experienced red, watery eyes. Today, she describes having a “foggy head cold and a runny nose.”

“I’m kind of upset, which might be an understatement … given that I’ve been living with it for almost a month now,” Christman said. “They handle issues post-move in, which is ridiculous, especially for kids who have to fully move out.”

This story was originally broken online on Wednesday, Sept. 25, but the next day, Christman reported that housing staff came and removed the ceiling and noted a leaky pipe that would be fixed. During this, her roommate began coughing up blood, according to Christman.

Bailey Santwire, who lives in University Commons Building A, on the second floor, said that he did not take photos or document the mold before what he calls the “initial treatment” but he decided to take pictures as it redeveloped afterwards.

This initial treatment? He said the staff came to paint over it after his maintenance request was submitted.

“Every time they come to repair the issue, they paint over it,” Santwire said. “I only notice when I take a shower, the condensation on the ceiling will turn pink and the next day, there is mold on the ceiling.”

Santwire said he does have an allergy to mold but it is mild, so his symptoms have not been extreme. He said he has experienced coughing and a dry, itchy throat.

However, after the initial article was published, Georgia State housing came to Santwire’s dorm to address the issue since the article’s publication.

“They said it is bacteria rather than mold forming on the ceiling due to the moisture built on the ceiling,” Santwire said.

Santwire said he was told anti-fungal spray had already been used during the initial treatment but he had not been told this until that day.

Leah Chambers, a freshman at Georgia State, shared footage from Piedmont North, room 168A, which shows what she described as their entire ceiling falling in their bathroom because of a shower leak.

“The Housing people were trying their hardest not to move us despite our multiple complaints, so we had to send our parents and grandparents to the school to complain; then, we finally moved rooms,” Chambers said.

“We didn’t receive any compensation for our problems.

This is disgusting and not how I wanted to start my freshman year.”

Andrea Jones, associate vice president for public relations at Georgia State, said that the university leadership has been regularly meeting to take action on this issue.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have moved some residents while we conduct a deep cleaning of their rooms,” Jones said. “A reminder: this is regular household mold.”

People sensitive to mold can experience sneezing, runny noses and red eyes by inhaling it, according to WedMD. Someone with a serious mold allergy or asthma may experience a more severe reaction or even shortness of breath.

Dr. Harry Heiman, a clinical associate professor in the School of Public Health, said the health impacts vary based on an individual’s sensitivity to mold. Some may experience no symptoms, while others may experience life-threatening effects.

“It depends on the person and their susceptibility,” Heiman said. “Mold is often a reflection of problems with moisture … so it can sometimes coexist with mildew and

other things, which similarly can be a problem or not.”

In August, Georgia Southern University’s student newspaper, The George-Anne, reported that an entire dorm building was closed due to mold, causing a scramble to find additional housing for freshmen.

This isn’t the first time Georgia State has experienced a mold scare. In 2015, The Signal reported on student complaints that were also covered by WSB-TV. And just last year, mold in Piedmont North was a fear for some students as well, The Signal reported.

Shannon Corey, the interim director of housing, said that university leadership met on multiple occasions since receiving the first reports of mold in a few rooms.

The last leadership meeting was on Sept. 13.

“Actions by the university included prior cleaning of rooms and air conditioning units, replacement of aging units in the summer months, visual inspections and sample testing,” Corey said.

She said that they’ve kept communication with students to report progress and sent an email to students in Piedmont North on Aug. 29, sharing information about the reports and the steps the university and residents could take.

“Because of increased rain and higher than usual temperatures this summer, our region has seen increased humidity levels outside, which increased humidity levels inside our buildings,” the email from University Housing reads. “Over the past few days, we have received a few reports about mold developing in residential rooms.

University Housing is working to address those concerns and is working to mitigate other possible mold concerns.”

The email addressed what University Housing was doing to address the issue, beginning with inspections of each residence hall room in Piedmont North buildings A and B. Students were directed to submit maintenance requests for any signs of mold with other advice including regularly washing sheets and towels and keeping the air conditioning set at 72 degrees.

The email informed students that the mold that has been reported is non-toxic and “is commonplace mold that can be found all around us.”

“Exposure to mold can cause allergy-like symptoms, such as coughing, nasal stuffiness and eye or skin irritation,” the email includes. “Some individuals may not feel the effects of mold at all, while others with asthma, allergies or compromised immune systems may have a more severe reaction.”

Students are also directed to the Student Health Clinic for any health concerns.

“The safety, health and well-being of our residents is a matter of utmost concern for University Housing,” the email reads.

This story was also reported on by CBS 46, the AJC and WSB-TV, after The Signal’s initial reporting.

NEWS

4

GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

Faculty want changes to their retirement plans University Senate continues decades-old argument NATE HARRIS Staff Reporter

I

n addition to establishing a number of subcommittees and recommending a handful of resolutions to other committees, committee members revisited the ongoing issues surrounding the university’s retirement plans, at the University Senate Faculty Affairs Committee meeting on Sept.

19.

Faculty and staff at Georgia State currently have two major options in terms of retirement plans, the state-operated Teachers Retirement System (TRS) of Georgia or the privatelyheld Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of AmericaCollege Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF).

“Both have their benefits,” Robert Maxwell, chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee, said. “TRS is easier to manage, always yielding, always growing. The other system is more hands-on, but more vulnerable to market fluctuation. So, it’s really kind of a personal decision where you want to go.”

Most new faculty members often opt for the private TIAACREF, but once someone receives tenure, the TRS, because of its built-in inflation adjustment and how it rewards long-time employees, is the more attractive plan. For example, after 30 years of employment, a TRS retiree can receive 60% of their salary annually for the remainder of their life.

The issue, Maxwell said, is that there is currently no way for a faculty member to switch plans.

“Some people have been pushed to one or the other based on their human resources department and onboarding, and there’s no way to switch,” he said. “So, if you’re kind of pushed toward one without all the information, you’re stuck on that system.”

The issue is hardly new. Maxwell said discussions about enabling faculty to switch plans has been ongoing since he joined the University System of Georgia in the ’90s. But University Senate members have been attempting to push the USG Board of Regents to take on the issue.

The Faculty Affairs Committee and the Senate Budget Committee have been crafting a resolution urging the Board of Regents to take a look at its retirement plans and correct inequities between them.

For example, when changes are contemplated for the TRS, there is a committee representing hundreds of TRS retirees and employees that can advocate or push back against the proposed changes. No such committee exists for the TIAA-CREF. Adding an advisory committee is one of the proposals the University Senate is including in its resolution to the Board of Regents.

Originally, the resolution included language that asked Jerry Radcliffe, vice president of finance, and Georgia State

The University Senate discusses an ongoing argument about a new faculty retirement policy.

University President Mark Becker to advocate for faculty members to the Board of Regents. Radcliffe pushed back against that, stating that he and Becker already do address the policy inequities, primarily how the divided system affects the financial and structural integrity of both systems.

“Nudging people into TIAA-CREF hurts the stability of TRS,” Maxwell said.

State legislators have been attempting to stabilize the TRS fund in recent years with nearly $600 million in investment, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Last year’s legislation, H.B. 109, which sought to increase staff contributions and limit early retirees receiving full pensions, was met with resistance from those concerned that changes to the retirement system would hurt school systems’ ability to recruit and retain teachers. The bill later stalled during the legislative session.

Instead, Radcliffe suggested to the Faculty Affairs Committee that they restructure their argument in the resolution. Rather than emphasizing the inequity in how employees are added

PHOTO BY SHEL LEVY | THE SIGNAL

to each system, the committee should turn to how current policy affects faculty retention, he said. The Senate Budget Committee officially charged the Faculty Affairs Committee with researching and adding in that argument.

“All universities struggle with retention of faculty. This is one aspect,” Maxwell said. “If you get a job, you’re going to look at the benefits you get, and if the benefits of Job A are not comparable to Job B, you’re going to pick the one with the better benefits.”

The Faculty Affairs Committee plans to refocus the resolution on the employee recruitment and retention challenge the current retirement policy creates. The Board of Regents hearing that perspective from a university senate lends credibility to the argument, Radcliffe advised the committee.

“That’s the whole idea here: would this change actually make the system schools, and in particular GSU, more marketable to higher-end faculty?” Maxwell said. “Could we attract new people if we gave them more options or some choice to change?”

Georgia State creates a safe space for students Student Victim Assistance introduces Blue Table Safety Talks JORDAN FREDERICK Staff Reporter

T

hroughout college, many students worry about safety both on and off campus. To help combat this fear, Georgia State is introducing a new resource for students: Blue Table Safety Talk.

These talks will cover a range of topics, from sexual misconduct to domestic violence, led by Student Victim Assistance, an organization at Georgia State that helps students who have been victims of crime or violence maintain their mental health and provide the necessary resources.

The first talk, which was held on Sept. 5 on the Clarkston campus, was a discussion about gun violence, both on and off campus.

“The vibe in our first Blue Table Talk was relaxed and

engaging,” Student Victim Assistance Coordinator Kimberly McNeal said. “The students had questions and participated as far as sharing their own personal stories and asking questions of the panelists.”

The talk had two panelists, Lieutenant Kimberly McClenton, an officer from the Georgia State University Police Department on the Clarkston campus, and Aric Johnson, a licensed social worker and the Community Resources Coordinator at Grady Health System, who works with victims of gun violence and the trauma that results from it.

McClinton talked to the students about campus safety, guns on campus and which laws come into play. Johnson shared his personal and professional experience about gun violence and gave students resources for counseling to help with any resulting trauma.

These university-wide talks will be held once a month on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each talk will include a panelists of experts to help guide the students through tough times.

At the next talk on Oct. 5 on the Clarkston campus, domestic violence will be the focus. According to McNeal, the talk will break down the different types of domestic violence and how it can affect students while also looking at what a healthy relationship might look like.

The talk will also include panelists Elisa Covarrubias, director of the sexual assualt and victim advocacy program at Live Safe Resources, a non-profit organization based in Georgia that provides resources for domestic violence and sexual assault, and Jill Schirling-Allison, the managing legal advocate at Partnership Against Domestic Violence.

McNeal hopes that these talks will positively affect students by giving them an open space to speak about their problems and find resources in Georgia State.

“College is already hard to go through,” McNeal said. “A lot of students are also dealing with other stressors as well, and it is helpful for them to come in and have this dialogue about their situations but to also learn about the resources not only at Georgia State, but in the surrounding communities.”

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019

NEWS

5

Perimeter and Atlanta campuses divided, again Homecoming and SGA highlight disunity within Georgia State ADA WOOD & SARA MUNOZ

LOCAL Georgia Tech men’s basketball banned from playoffs

News Editor & Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State has six campuses, or two or even one depending on who you ask.

Students might list them off — Atlanta, Alpharetta, Decatur, Dunwoody, Clarkston, Newton — or maybe they’ll group them together, Perimeter and Atlanta.

Where’s Georgia State? Downtown Atlanta, others might respond. But between the Sept. 19’s university-wide Student Government Association meeting and Homecoming Week descending across the university, it’s clear that students are ready to talk about all of the campuses’ value and role at Georgia State.

The idea of further uniting Georgia State and SGA across all campuses hit a speedbump at the Sept. 19 university-wide meeting.

When two senators from the Decatur campus, Janii McIver and De’Mona Reid, presented a bill they proposed that would unite the campuses, there was much discussion before it was ultimately rejected in a vote.

This bill would establish a rotation of the locations of the SGA meetings throughout all six Georgia State campuses in order to educate Atlanta senators on the issues that pertain to Perimeter students, the senators said.

Now, senators from all campuses are expected to commute to Atlanta for the monthly universitywide meetings or dial in via Webex.

Funds are allocated to reimburse senators from the Perimeter campuses for their parking on the Atlanta campus, but not for Atlanta senators parking on Perimeter. And since the budget for SGA is set at the beginning of each year, it’s too late to change that for this year.

“I love the idea of moving locations, but [my reason is] purely financial,” Nigel Walton, a senator from the Atlanta campus who spoke out against the bill, said. “We don’t want to waste financial resources of Atlanta campus students on a not-well-thought-out bill.”

McIver saw the pushback on the bill as part of a bigger problem for Georgia State.

“It proves my point that this ‘One SGA’ will never work when the students in power put money over student matters,” McIver said. “It adds to my point that Perimeter and Atlanta SGA need to part ways.”

She then proposed that it was time to establish a president on each campus, instead of the current university-wide president model.

When asked how many, if any, of the members in attendance had visited all of the Georgia State campuses by McIver, only a few hands were raised.

“How can we represent one Georgia State if we don’t frequent all of them?” McIver said. “Due to Atlanta having more senators, I feel when Perimeter has an issue, it’s treated as minuscule.”

The feelings of Perimeter campuses being neglected doesn’t stop at SGA. This week, last year’s winner of Ms. Perimeter, Alana Burrell, came forward explaining the treatment she and her partner, Mr. Perimeter, Andrew Lay, have seen over the past year.

“These positions are not just vanity titles; these are student leadership positions,” Burrell said. “We have the opportunity to produce initiatives.”

Burrell said that last year, a big point of contention were the dance practice requirements.

Most of the practices were scheduled on the Atlanta campus, which Burrell said Perimeter students were required to travel to and pay for their own parking. She said she was told there would be practices on Perimeter campus as well, of which there was only one that Atlanta campus students weren’t required to attend.

She explained that all students were promised

NEWS BRIEFS

The Georgia Tech men’s basketball program has been placed on probation for the next four years, fined $5,000 and 2% of the men’s basketball budget. The penalties are the direct result of an NCAA investigation into the actions of the former assistant coach Darryl LaBarrie and Ron Bell, a personal friend of head coach Josh Pastner, who is officially classified as a booster. The suspension also allows current players involved with the program to transfer to other schools and compete immediately.

NATIONAL SGA’s 90th administration contemplates a decision on where they should host future SGA meetings since the current WEBex platform for virtual communication is inconsistent.

practices would not be held during their class times, but the day of the event, a last minute practice was scheduled during her midterm. She said the dance was changed during this practice and when it came time for the dance, she had to stand aside because she wasn’t prepared for the change.

“All of the time, Perimeter students are expected to stretch and bend over backwards and jump through flaming hoops to meet the shallow standards of the Atlanta campus and they don’t expect the same from their own students,” she said.

This year there have been several changes to the Homecoming Court. First, the positions and candidates are no longer gendered, allowing the potential for two male, two female or non-binary candidates as the victors. Now, candidates simply apply for a “royalty” instead of a Mr. or Ms. position, and can choose their own pronouns as a victor.

Additionally, the positions themselves have changed. What was previously Ms. and Mr. Perimeter is now the Royal Flame title, something Burrell said no Perimeter students were consulted on.

“You see it in the university-wide positions for SGA as well; they don’t have to look at Perimeter,” Burrell said. “They don’t have to see us, advertise with us, speak with us. They talk about it, but I never see the footwork for it.”

But this conversation isn’t even a new one; in 2017, two years after consolidation, The Signal wrote an article titled, “Amid Homecoming Events, Perimeter Gets Left Behind.”

In the SGA discussion, Perimeter students argued this goes beyond representation and travel and that their campuses are lacking in luxuries that are afforded to the Atlanta campus that they say should be mandatory for all campuses. McIver gave the example that there is no grab and go station on the Decatur campus and students are expected to travel to the nearest grocery station three miles away.

The solution to this disunity, at least for SGA, is this bill for rotating locations, according to McIver. She hopes to redraft and propose it again at the next university wide SGA meeting.

Members spoke out about a few alternatives

PHOTO BY MAYOWA AMOSU | THE SIGNAL

to avoiding the commute to Atlanta, one of those being Webex, the online meeting and videoconference application that SGA currently uses to remotely connect senators who are unable to attend the meetings.

But even at that meeting Webex was a recurring issue throughout its duration. The meeting began at 7:41 p.m., instead of the 7:15 start time, due to technical difficulties with Webex for senators tuning in at home, who were struggling to hear the conversations throughout the meeting.

“Webex is completely out of our realm of being able to control that,” SGA University-Wide President Jazmin Mejia, said.

McIver argued that Webex was part of the equation, however.

“Webex is a waste of time and money,” Senator McIver said. “Had my bill passed, senators could’ve been a part of the next conversation at a campus more convenient for them.”

OTHER SGA UPDATES

After Danny Mai’s resignation as a senator and chair of the Bylaws Committee, Senator Andre Walker, a College of Arts and Science graduate senator, was voted on and inducted as the new chair. “[Georgia State] has been my home for more than 30 years,” Walker said. “My mother, who received her master’s degree from this university over four decades ago, enrolled me in State’s Saturday School program for gifted students.

I started taking classes on campus during my kindergarten year.”

Walker shared his intentions to continue taking care of Georgia State and his home. He hopes to focus more on legislation and running the meetings more smoothly.

“I want disagreements within SGA to be over policy, not procedure,” he said.

During the meeting, there was a short discussion when Decatur EVP Hadejia Manais brought forward a situation in which one senator requested a date from one of the members of her senate. While she did not name any names, it was revealed that it was Nigel Walton.

Manias said Walton had reached out to senator McIver, who brought forward the bill being debated that day.

House Democrats accelerate impeachment inquiry

House Democrats produced the first subpoena in the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. The subpoena demanded that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo turn over documents and witnesses that could assist in the investigation into Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president. A whistleblower reported that the president had possibly leveraged aid to the Ukranian government in attempts to coerce Ukraine into reopening an investigation into a 2014 incident involving then-Vice President Biden’s son. House Democrats are investigating the call as a possible use of presidential powers for personal gain — an impeachable offense.

GLOBAL British supreme court rules Parliament suspension unlawful

In a unanimous decision, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s suspension of Parliament was unlawful.

As a result, Parliament has returned to session. Critics of Boris’ decision to suspend Parliament claimed that it was a stalling tactic to prevent further debate and discussion of Brexit and push the country further towards a no-deal Brexit. In light of the decision, leading members of the opposition Labour Party have called for Johnson’s resignation.

6

Guide to the Greeks

NEWS

Meet the Interfraternity Council DANIELLA JOHNSON Staff Reporter

T

he Interfraternity Council at Georgia State is composed of eight non-culturally based fraternities. These organizations include Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Tau Omega, Chi Phi, Delta Lambda Phi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi and Sigma Nu. “IFC exists to promote values of leadership, service, brotherhood and scholarship,” Devon Woodling, president of Delta Lambda Phi, said. “IFC organizations should strive to create better communities, better chapters and better men.”

The presidents of IFC organizations try to connect with their brothers on a personal level to make the most out of their experience at Georgia State. “[At Georgia State,] IFC is a really diverse group of guys with everybody being able to find their perfect pick whether it be they’re into sports or if they’re into business organizations,” Shady Mreir, the council president, said.

WORK

The IFC fraternities at Georgia State want to change the stereotypical way people view fraternities while still enjoying their time as brothers and supporting their community.

Brothers are encouraged to give back to their community through philanthropy or service. For example, Greek life hosts a trick-or-treat event every year at the Greek housing, where they bring in kids who are unable to trick or treat because of the unsafe neighborhoods they live in.

“Last year, we were involved in cleaning up Piedmont Park and … we’re giving back on a more local level to Atlanta in comparison to some of the national charities that our organizations give back to,” Mreir said.

During Mreir’s former presidency of Pi Kappa Alpha, their philanthropy was the Fireman’s Challenge, where they give back to burn victims, specifically women and children at the VCU Haynes Burn Center in Virginia — something close to home for Mreir, as he suffered traumatic burns during an accident at the age of five.

LEADERSHIP

IFC encourages its members to participate in leadership early on. For the council’s weekly meetings, each chapter is required to send two delegates: a senior delegate, or a veteran member of the chapter, and a junior delegate, who is a new member looking to get involved.

Alpha Tau Omega is built on the foundational belief that brotherhood should last even after graduation. President Maulin strives to encourage his brothers by leading by example. Maulin was previously the social chair of his organization and received feedback from other members that he should run for president.

“I ran for president because I felt it was my time to step up,” Maulin said.

Delta Lambda Phi is a LGBTQ+ friendly fraternity, but it is not exclusive to LGBTQ+ members.

According to current president Woodling, Delta Lambda Phi exists so all men, regardless of sexual orientation, can develop through gaining leadership, social and professional skills they need for success.

Woodling joined Delta Lambda Phi because he is an openly gay man who wanted to surround himself with like-minded men who had the same goals as him. When Woodling first joined, he noticed the organization was struggling socially and financially.

As a new member, he was responsible for his organization’s most

successful fundraiser: a drag show.

“I ran for President because I knew I could help the chapter embrace its potential and grow as an organization,” Woodling said.

Bashir Monsour ran for president of Pi Kappa Phi because he finds himself to be an excellent example of what a Pi Kappa Phi man is supposed to be. Monsour wants to give back to not only his fraternity but his community as well.

“I felt like I had the most to bring to the table, the best leadership and a lot envisioned for my chapter and wanted to help give back after it has given me so much,” Monsour said.

Rohit Polakam kept his future in mind when he ran for president of Chi Phi. Polakam aspires to be a doctor, and he believes thought leadership and communication skills will help him with that career. Polakam also wants to make a change in his fraternity while he is still on campus by mentoring anybody who would want to join Chi Phi in the future.

“I want to make people realize what the term ‘brotherhood’ really means,” Polakam said.

FUTURE PLANS AND CHANGES

The brothers at Alpha Tau Omega are focusing on recruiting more members in the upcoming school year.

“Expect a lot of fun and great guys with the letter ATO attached to their name,” Maulin said. “We are recruiting the best that want more out of their college career, regarding community service, influence and support from multiple brothers and sororities.”

Woodling wants the LGBTQ+ community at Georgia State to feel as though they have a safe space within Delta Phi Lamda and expand the connection to other LGBTQ+ advocacy groups within the area, especially through service projects or youth education.

“Delta Lambda Phi at Georgia State has never had a strong presence during recruitment and that’s something I want to change,” Woodling said. “I hope to plan more engaging and visible events for Delta Lambda Phi’s recruitment and campus/ community involvement.”

Not only is Monsour the president of Pi Kappa Phi, but he is also the head of IFC. Monsour established official recruitment periods with set IFC events and schedules for this year. He also wants to start a Greek row, an area on campus for fraternity houses.

“I also would like to see athletic events more lively with Greek life and huge cooperative philanthropy events,” Monsour said.

In this upcoming school year, Polakam wants Chi Phi to embody diversity at Georgia State more than ever by increasing their membership numbers, become more connected with other Greek groups and participate more in community service events.

“I plan to make Chi Phi a fun and safe place for everyone,” he said. “A place where people can call us family or friends and their other home.”

GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM INTERFRATERNITY LEADERSHIP

ALPHA TAU OMEGA • • • • • • • •

President Matthew Mauldin Vice President Nahom Taye Treasure Peyton Greer Secretary Kenny Pham Chaplain Michael Dinh Membership Education Zachary Camp Recruitment Chair Michael Holley Health and Safety Aidan Hammond

DELTA LAMBDA PHI • • •

President and New Member Educator Devon Woodling Vice President and Treasurer Shecory’n Porter Secretary Paul Wheaton

PI KAPPA PHI • • • • •

President Bashir Mansour Vice President Collin McHugh Risk Management Brian Harris Social chair Noah Shiffman Treasurer Drew Miller

CHI PHI • • • • • • •

President Rohit Polakam Vice President Ruben Lorea-Morales Secretary and Treasurer Tim Wyatt Custodian Jesse Ray Historian and New Member Educator Cole McKenzie Risk Manager Jian Clarke Recruitment Officer Rohan Polakam

ALPHA EPSILON PI KAPPA SIGMA PI KAPPA ALPHA SIGMA NU

ILLUSTRATION BY DEVIN PHILLIPS | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, OCTOBER15, 1, 2019 TUESDAY, JANUARY 2019

www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions

Georgia State failing their students’ sexual health Limited contraceptives cripple students’ sexual explorations JANNEYN SIMMONS Staff Columnist

W

e spend thousands of dollars per semester for “higher education” and the continuation of what our previous institutions didn’t expand on. We get a broader understanding of calculus, statistics and psychology, but why don’t we expand on sexual education and resources.

Public education, especially in the U.S., yields a rather limited understanding of sexual health and education. Most of us learned that abstinence was the only way to preserve our sexual health, we were shown grotesque images of the final stages of an STI. In the eight grade, where your main concern was catching all of the Pokémon Go! creatures, this limited understanding of sex and protection is understandable, but what about the college students?

Georgia State is located in the heart of Atlanta, which according to BlackDoctor.org, has the 7th highest HIV/AIDS rate in the country, yet Georgia State doesn’t put sexual health at the forefront.

If you walk into the Georgia State Bookstore and survey the “Health and Beauty” section, you can find allergy medicines, hand sanitizers, laundry products, pepper spray and an assortment of cosmetics. All of these items are convenient, but where are the contraceptives? If you ask an employee at the bookstore about the lack of contraceptives, their response is always the same: “They’re free in the Student Clinic.”

I personally visited the clinic to examine the contraceptives offered. Upon entering the clinic, I noticed a few displays in the lobby area. The displays bore extensive awareness of oral health, allergies, cold and flu season and instructions for the Heimlich maneuver.

Among the posters, I found a single bowl for condoms, that was empty, but it was offered. One of the nurses offered me the condoms she had in her office. She gave me a hefty amount of the blue wrappers and was generous enough to offer me the expiration date.

I noticed immediately that she never asked me for a specific size, leading me to believe that her offerings were one-sizefits-all. In addition to limited sizing, the only free offerings on campus are condoms. So, if anyone is above average size, allergic to latex, or participates in non-vaginal intercourse, pickings are essentially nonexistent.

When discussing the topic with Georgia State students, I encountered a mixed reaction. The jury is still out on the

ILLUSTRATION BY SHANCHEZE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

reliability of the contraceptives offered at the clinic, even while appreciating the option. Regarding resources, such as education, awareness of statistics and other matters, some students feel the institution and students can both improve on their role in sexual health.

Some students do feel that the university adequately prepares its students for sexual health. When asked the same questions, Georgia State junior Avion Canion gave the university a fair rating on how they have equipped their students with sexual health resources.

However, he did express one concern, “I do believe GSU does a good job in providing sexual resources to students. I have used them myself several times, including the contraceptives and free STD testing services they offer. I do believe they can improve in hiring more employees to do testing services. In more than two trips I’ve met with the same tester and the wait is quite long for our campus size. There’s no rush but these services are important and should be more accessible than they are.”

I can agree with students being accountable for their own sexual health; after all, we are adults. But the university should still guide us along the way. We are still compensating for years of abstinence-only sex education, and most of us don’t know the basic functions of our own sexual organs, let alone someone else’s.

I’m not expecting the university to hold university-wide assemblies, but basic knowledge of STI statistics should be as heavily broadcasted as the next football game. If we could have the GSU 1010 course dedicated to stretching our orientation lecture into a full year, we should offer a basic sexual education as a mandatory course included with the alcohol training, one without our parents’ fabrication and an understanding that sex has happened.

Most importantly, we are not a monolith; therefore, we should not be given uniform contraceptives. People of every race, gender, identity and size exist on our campus, so it stands to reason that students should be offered an array of sizes, brands and types of contraception, such as dental dams, vaginal films and spermicidal foams.

You have class in 20 minutes; here’s what’s due today How apps both hinder and help college students KENNETH LOCKETT III Associate Opinions Editor

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e’ve all seen those YouTube taglines: “10 Apps Every College Student Should Use,” “10 Essential Student iPad Pro Apps” and “20 MUST HAVE SCHOOL APPS,” to name a few. Especially for freshmen, these intriguing taglines are designed to draw people in. These apps promise an easier time in school, such as calculators to help you solve those math problems you don’t need for your major, but you’re forced to do.

Some apps also write essays for a fee, which is wrong.

It has gotten to the point that many professors have banned cell phone use from their classes. Not just because of apparent distraction but because many students are using their phones to

cheat on their classwork.

Year after year, videos flood the internet detailing the best apps for students today. The best part about it is that many of these apps do genuinely attempt to help people. Apps such as P. Schedule help remind you about when and where your classes are. They also tell you about that paper that’s due in two hours.

However, for every good app, there are ones that are designed to make college so easy that you fail. It’s a weird concept, but it’s fundamentally correct. Apps like Cymath are designed to solve uncommon math problems and are marketed out to high school and college students. The problem is that, even though some show you how to solve the problem, they don’t help you actually learn the material.

While in most cases, this is perfectly fine to get that classwork grade in that throwaway class, when the midterm or final exam hits and you have those tests that are 25% of your grade or more, these apps won’t be there to help you.

Attempting to use these apps could, at the very least, get you

a zero on that test, assuming your professor is nice. In some cases, you could be facing suspension, community service or worse just for using the apps you used for your classwork.

Moreover, it’s not just education apps; it’s social apps too.

GroupMe, while fundamentally used as a group chat app for social groups on campus also has been used to communicate about classwork both within and between classes.

While collaboration is a good thing and should happen within the student body, some students don’t use these tutor chats for that reason. These students are distributing classwork answers. It makes passing the class a little easier, but when these same students get to the midterms and fail, it’s a shock and awe that students should direct elsewhere.

These apps are great for keeping students organized and foster collaboration and communication. At the same time, it could directly lead to many students failing classes or worse if not used appropriately.

OPINIONS

8

GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

Empowerment is the new black Why is the black community more uplifting? executive president & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Daniel Varitek

JASMINE BARROW

editor@georgiastatesignal.com creative director Devin Phillips managing editor Will Solomons

Staff Columnist

director of business operations Ira Livnat

I

t is no secret that in today’s society, people are way more open, vocal and respectful of others who don’t “fit the norm,” in particular, the black community.

The black community has broken down walls of past stereotypes and negative connotations they held to change with the times and accept all of its brothers and sisters for who they are. It was a known fact, back in the day, that in the black community, some people didn’t respect and were even ashamed of certain cultural lifestyles or how people looked and acted.

Fast forward to the current day, and there has been almost a sea change in the black community’s way of thinking regarding things such as homosexuality, body shape, weight or the oppression of women.

When Rihanna made the switch from music to fashion, no one really knew what to expect. But Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty lingerie line embodies everything it means to be accepting and empowering.

If you go on either of the companies’ websites, you can immediately see the inclusivity that is missing on so many brands advertising campaigns. There are big women, skinny women, women with vitiligo, lesbians and bisexual women and a pleasing amount of black women. Rihanna wanted to create a brand that when women, specifically black women like herself, open the website they can see someone that looks like them.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Rihanna said, “That consumer is one that’s been neglected before, and I’m not gonna let that happen here.”

In addition to fashion, black people have also made commendable strides in politics. The election of Barack Obama really showed us the power black people have when they support each other. Obama’s election as the first black U.S. president set off a restorative era within the black community and the U.S. as a whole.Despite the growth, there have been many things that have happened in the last decade at least that makes black people ask, “Did we go back in

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ILLUSTRATION BY DEMETRI BURKE | THE SIGNAL

time to the ’50s?” A prime example was the Delrawn Small case. It is not okay that we still feel the burden of oppression and injustice.

As a community, I think we finally began to see the bigger picture. We need to be uplifting one another to be the best versions of ourselves because there more than enough people in the world to tear us down.

That is why at Georgia State, we have black empowerment organizations like Softer Touch and Tighter Grip. The two are brother and sister organizations to each other and both strive to serve as a sisterhood and brotherhood for men and women of color, through things like mentorship and service.

After speaking to a few black students at Georgia State and Howard University, I feel this statement given by Jordyn Burrell from Howard sums up the discussion very nicely: “I think the black community is so supportive of each other because we’re all we have.

As black people, we feel that it is almost necessary to support each other and go hard for each other because no one else will.”

The short answer to the question, “Why are black people in today’s society more empowering to each other?” can be found in the words of African-American drag legend RuPaul Charles: “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else?”

Print textbooks are still better than digital A forthcoming extinction detrimental to student success ITUNUOLUWA TALABI Staff Columnist

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echnology has afforded many of us with different ways to receive our information.

Many students make a decision between print and digital resources subconsciously every semester when picking up reading materials for their courses. Buying printed textbooks are becoming a luxury due to the fact that the prices are usually so high, but I believe that this puts students at a disadvantage.

Maggie Benson, a Georgia State neuroscience student, agrees.

“The platforms to get a digital textbook is not accessible to everyone,” Benson said. “With a physical textbook, you don’t need any technology to read it.”

The argument can be made that students can access their technology everywhere they go, but this may not be very beneficial in an academic sense.

Your computer and cell phone are not just places for your textbook; they also have social media and internet access, as well as games and other widgets that can be a huge distraction when trying to study or do homework.

I can personally attest to countless scenarios where I had an important assignment to finish and kept getting distracted. What would have taken me an hour or two took me almost double the time just because I took too many breaks mindlessly scrolling through social media or checking out neverending notifications.

According to the journal Psychological Science, laptops in a classroom setting are often used for topics not related to class.

“Participants spent a median of 37 min per class browsing the Internet for non-class-related purposes with their laptops,” the journal reported.

“They spent the most time using social media, followed by reading e-mail, shopping, watching videos, chatting, reading news, and playing games.”

In an academic setting, the need for concept retention and reading comprehension is vital in receiving good grades in class. You have to read to understand, not just for leisure.

A person reading off of a tablet or computer has been shown to not absorb as much information when tested on the material than someone who read the same material in print. In college, when we need the best chance possible at doing well, this is enough of a reason to find cheap print reading materials than rely on digital means alone.

When reading an online textbook, it is common that students have to read a sentence or paragraph

multiple times before they feel as though they have a solid grasp on the concepts enough to move on.

This causes more time being spent just skimming over the text and not actually understanding what you’re reading.

Similarly, given that most students spend long durations at a screen either on their computer or, more commonly, on their smartphones. Using digital devices to study on top of everything else is adding further eye strain and fatigue because of the light contrast and small texts.

A study illustrates the upsides of a conventional book (C-book).

“Reading the C-book caused less eye fatigue than reading the E-book,” according to the journal Displays. “This is due to the luminance contrast for the C-book was 1:8.39 and the contrast for the E-book was 1:2.90. A lower luminance contrast for the display of E-book may also contribute to a higher eye fatigue.”

Many students, including myself, have fallen victim to the convenience and sometimes much cheaper alternative that digital texts provide.

Overall, I feel that reading off of digital texts for leisure is the better substitute. However, there is no denying that we, as students perform so much better in class by using print. Being that this is the reason we’re here, I think the trouble is worth the sacrifice.

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ARTS & LIVING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019

www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving

Get to know the Georgia State Homecoming finalists Candidates discuss their campaigns to make positive change DANIELLA BOIK

Associate Arts & Living Editor

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very year, Georgia State students who are natural-born leaders, passionate, goal-oriented and caring run for the Royal Court. The Royal Court consists of a King, Queen, Prince and Princess who represent the university. Each finalist for the crown has a chance to run a campaign to show their love for the university and how they want their presence to be a positive impact on their community.

GEORGIA STATE ROYALTY FINALISTS

“I am a star. I can do it,” J’Pierre Bolling, Georgia State Royalty finalist, said as he took the stage at the Homecoming press conference last Tuesday. Bolling, who is a senior and a public health major, encouraged everyone in the audience to repeat and declare those affirmations.

“All of us are stars, we are all special and we are all talented,” he said.

Bolling’s platform for running for the Royal Court is all about helping students address mental health to ultimately become the best version of themselves. The student organization he’s a part of, Standing Together and Reigniting the Stigma (S.T.A.R.), is all about making mental health a priority by repeating positive and truthful affirmations. Bolling has several leadership positions on campus, and his goal is to lead and serve his university in a positive direction.

Caring for mental health among college aged students is crucial. Classes can be difficult, schedules can get overbooked and socializing can be hard. Mariah Johnson, a senior and Georgia State Royalty finalist, also believes taking care of mental health is important and that’s what her platform is about.

During her speech at the Homecoming press conference, Johnson stated how much minds matter and how anyone can accomplish anything if they focus on their mental health. Johnson comes from a family of Panthers, but that’s not the only reason she has a love for Georgia State.

“I was born and raised to bleed blue and white but that’s not why I’m running,” she said. “I’m running because Georgia State has cultivated my professional, academic and personal development in so many ways.”

Lauren Deas, another senior Georgia State Royalty finalist, describes herself as very goal-oriented and has had the goal of

becoming a finalist since 2016. Now that Deas’s dream has become her reality, she’s ready to use her platform to represent the school in a positive light.

“I want to use the platform to share with the campus, Atlanta community and abroad that Georgia State should never go unnoticed because our passion to achieve, no matter the circumstances, is influential in the success of the Panther family,” she said.

Deas’s platform is all about inclusion. Her desire to continue to plant I.V.I.E.S. (Inclusion is Vital In Every Success) on Georgia State’s campus is what drives her, since being included through volunteer opportunities is what made her career as a student a success.

“I believe that everyone has a gift, and inclusion is the way for us to open that gift and understand each other’s purpose,” she said. “I want to spread awareness on how inclusion is what is vital in every success. Georgia State is not our house, it is our home and every home has I.V.I.E.S.” The last Georgia State Royalty finalist is Aniyah Jones. Jones is a senior, public health major and has several leadership roles including being the secretary of EmpowHER. Her platform is all about rising up.

“As a Georgia State student, it’s your duty to rise and seek elevation,” she said. “You’re capable of rising above every trial placed before you.”

BLUE AND WHITE ROYALTY FINALISTS

As for the Blue and White Royalty finalists, Sydney Tompkins, a junior, is filled with pride, love and appreciation for her university.

Tompkins platform is “Home is Here.”

“I made this place my home after leaving my single mother in Savannah,” she said. “You never know who you could meet, who could change your life or what could change your life. There’s an organization for everyone here, and I want this campaign to encourage students to get out there and join things so they know that this place is home.”

Julian Pineda, Blue and White Royalty finalist and junior, also believes in Georgia State being home and creating a community by including all people. Pineda represents the Latino and LGBTQ community of Georgia State and his campaign is all centered around inclusivity of those groups and all groups as well as self love.

“Self-love is one of the most important aspects in life in order to succeed and be happy,” he said. “I am here to create change and inspire minorities to rise up and become leaders to better represent their communities. I am also here to help those in need with selflove. Remember to be inclusive and spread love.”

Marque Hill and Takia Tinsley, Blue and White Royalty Finalists, are running a joint campaign and, like Pineda, have a strong belief in inclusivity. Their campaign slogan, “keep the family close and our community closer,” is all about bringing together all students at Georgia State. Hill is a sophomore whose campus involvement is expansive.

Hill is a part of many organizations, such as a Peerless Perfection, the Black Sophmore Society, Tighter Grip and secretary for Phi Beta Sigma. Tinsley is a junior with a political science major and a minor in criminal justice who has a strong belief in inclusive culture at Georgia State.

“Georgia State has a way of including everyone as one. In my family, it wasn’t carried out that way,” Hill said at the Homecoming press conference. “Though we all come from different places, we are all one. I’m very passionate, an advocate for Atlanta and I love Georgia State.”

Tinsley, who used to be commuter and didn’t love or feel so connected to his university, has grown a deep love for his community over the years.

“After commuting, I decided to give State a chance to show me her true colors,” Tinsley said. “As I grew I wanted to become more of a resource to my peers and become an impactful presence on campus.”

Throughout Tinsley’s time here, he’s become a mentor and an ambassador to his community and he believes what makes him special is his care for all people.

“I care about Atlanta, the perimeter and Georgia State. I care about all of you,” he said.

POUNCE ROYALTY FINALIST

As for the Pounce Royalty finalist, Kaelyn Williams is the representative for the Atlanta campus. Williams is a freshman with a double major in mass communication and media with a minor in journalism. Her aspirations are to be a polymath in the media by being a TV anchor, TV personality, film director, producer or even an actress.

Born in Syracuse, New York, Willams moved to Atlanta three years ago and she said that Georgia State gives her a sense of home because of all the amazing people she’s met and how the school has pushed her to become more involved.

Students have the opportunity to vote for which candidates they think would serve their university the best. All voting is open this week and the voting ballot is emailed to all Georgia State students.

The crowning ceremony will take place on Oct. 5 during the halftime of the Homecoming game.

Demarco Pittman

Aniyah Jones

Andris Atkinson

Alyssia Martin

Takia Tinsley

Sydney Tompkins

Shadia Smith

Micah Ford

Royal Flame Candidate

GSU Candidate

Pounce Candidate

Royal Flame Candidate

Blue & White Candidate

Blue & White Candidate

Pounce Candidate

Royal Flame Candidate

Makiya Singleton

Lauren Deas

Kaelyn Williams

Julian Pineda

J’Pierre Bolling

Destiny Crosker

Marque Hill

Mariah Johnson

Pounce Candidate

GSU Candidate

Pounce Candidate

Blue & White Candidate

GSU Candidate

Royal Flame Candidate

Blue & White Candidate

GSU Candidate

A guide on how to get involved Get ready for Homecoming Week Bria Suggs & Hannah Jones | Arts & Living Editor & Staff Reporter

PHOTOS BY UNIQUE RODRIGUEZ AND VANESSA JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

G

ear up, Panthers — it’s officially Homecoming Week at Georgia State. This week is bound to be exciting for students. Thanks to the Spotlight Board, this week is packed with events ranging from a fashion show, block party and Georgia State’s Got Talent.

Brandon Byrd and Marques Powell, two members of Spotlight’s executive board, are just a few of the people working to ensure a fun and festive week. Byrd, the spirit and traditions director, says the staff ’s mission is to “create events that will gardner Panther pride.”

Byrd personally helped coordinate almost every event this week. He said the planning stretched well through the summer, and he was responsible for helping find vendors and locations for events, attending security meetings and much more.

“I’ve had some long nights, frustrating days … literally blood, sweat and tears this summer,” Byrd said. “I’ve worked really hard on it, and I want as many people to come out as possible.”

Powell, the live entertainment director, is in charge of directing Georgia State’s Got Talent. This year, eleven acts are putting on 5-minute performances for their peers in the audience. Powell says the show hosts a wide variety of skills, including the use of Chinese yo-yos and step dancing.

Typically, only 10 acts are chosen for the talent show, but the judges believed this year there were too many “great talents.”

Powell adds that students will be able to vote for their favorite performance, and will have the chance to compete for a prize during intermission.

Homecoming Week will differ from past years in quite a few ways. The Georgia State Fashion Show is making a comeback, and Powell believes that it will be a hit.

“Being in Atlanta, we’re all very hip on fashion, hip on looks.

We also want to give that experience to… dress up, come out, meet [your] peers and have a good time,” Powell said.

The Homecoming Court will be more different than ever before. Byrd says to be more inclusive, the requirements for winning the crown have changed. In previous years, only one King and Queen were able to win, and each category allowed space for two students who identify as female, and two who identify as male. This year, the candidates do not have to be split evenly between genders.

“We didn’t want to bar anyone from coming and limit those spots based on gender,” Byrd said. “We’re doing it solely based on your merit and what you’ve done on our campus.”

Freshman Bella Luciano is most interested in the fashion show and block party. Luciano attended her high school’s Homecoming Game and had a lot of fun. Otherwise, there wasn’t much on the agenda besides a dance and the football game.

“There weren’t many events at my high school… and obviously, the football games are bigger and better at Georgia State,” Luciano said. “Also, there’s way more events at Georgia State during Homecoming week, so I’m sure it’ll be pretty hyped.”

Byrd recommends that new students attend the block party.

He says this will be a great opportunity to meet other students, and the event will have carnival food, amusement rides and various performances.

He also invites everyone out to the events for a “jam-packed week with lots of fun.”

Your Homecoming calendar Tuesday, Oct. 1

Wednesday, Oct. 2

Thursday, Oct. 3

Homecoming Fashion Show

Georgia State’s Got Talent

Homecoming Parade

The fashion show is back after a period of discontinuity!

This event is drip or drown only. Watch students own the runway in student-designed outfits as they show off their hard work in one of the first events of the week!

Modeled after the television series, “America’s Got Talent,” this Spotlight-led competition will not be one to miss. Come out and support your fellow students as they take on the Rialto stage as they sing, dance and show off their talent! The show is free to all students with a PantherID.

Where: Student Center East Ballroom

Where: Rialto Center for the Arts

Don’t miss one of the most highly anticipated events this week! Student organizations ranging from fraternities and sororities to student media will decorate their golf carts and show their school spirit at the parade. The parade will go through downtown, beginning on campus. Feel free to bring friends, family, or even coworkers to enjoy the parade together. It’ll totally be worth skipping class for!

When: Doors open at 6 p.m.; show begins at 7 p.m.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Starts at the corner Gilmer Street & Courtland Street When: 12 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 3

Friday, Oct. 4

Saturday, Oct. 5

Blue & White Dinner and Ball

Homecoming Block Party

Homecoming Football Game

Prom who? This event is the perfect opportunity to make the memories that’ll be so much better than high school ever was. This dance was previously known as the Royal Ball and returned this year with a new name. Dress up in your finest formal outfits for a night to remember! Enjoy a high-class dinner and then dance into the morning! Visit GSUStudentTickets.com to purchase tickets. Only one guest ticket allowed per student with a valid PantherID.

Who doesn’t love a good block party? Grab a friend and head to the heart of campus for games, music, food and fun!

Make sure you have your PantherID with you because all Georgia State students are allowed in for free and students are allowed to bring one guest.

Come on out after tailgating and support the Panthers in their fifth football game of the season! They’ll be facing off against the Arkansas State Red Wolves, so let’s pack those stands! You can get your student ticket at GSUStudentTickets.com on your phone.

Where: Gilmer Street and Unity Plaza

Where: Georgia State Stadium

When: 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Student Center East Ballroom When: Social hour: 6 to 7 p.m.; Dinner: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; After-Party: 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

ARTS & LIVING

12

GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

A university band like no other

The Georgia State band’s influence on Homecoming GUILLERMO RIVERA Staff Reporter

A

s Homecoming season approaches, the Georgia State Band prepares for their parade and halftime performances. This time of the year is the most important for the band, as these are their most anticipated performances.

“The energy is a little different than a regular game because it’s Homecoming, so people tend to show up and show out more because of it,” Beavan Zulu, one of three drum majors for the band, said. “I definitely think that the band plays a huge role during game days, so we play the same if not a bigger role during Homecoming.”

One of the most exciting things the Georgia State Band does is the Homecoming parade which takes the band and Homecoming procession around campus in an ensemble of music and happiness.

“We do the Homecoming Parade where we lead the parade block while playing some tunes,” Zulu said. “Overall, we add a lot of the energy that makes Homecoming great.”

Though they do it differently every year, people are always excited to watch the parade, and it really sets the mood for the rest of the Homecoming festivities.

“Basically, we form a parade block by Sparks Hall, then march around campus with the Homecoming processional following behind us, and it’s really cool to see people storm out of buildings to catch a glimpse of what is happening,” Zulu said. “Plus, people who don’t usually get to see us have the opportunity to do so during that time, which I think is really cool.”

The band also plays during the Homecoming Game, in which the drum majors actually play an important part.

“I’m also one of the three drum majors,” Michael Ball said.

“We conduct the band in the stands during the halftime show and during the pregame show.”

Georgia State Band alumni also join the band in the stands for the Homecoming performances, making it a very special moment for the band members.

“My favorite part is at the end of our halftime show, we have alumni band members come back and play the fight song with the current members,” Zulu said. “Also, throughout the game, the alumni members play with us in the stands, so it’s nice to see previously graduated members still being a part of the band.”

During the halftime performance, different Georgia State Band alumni are given their time to shine with special roles in the performance.

“These songs are conducted by former Panther Band drum majors, and the trombone solo in ‘Georgia “State” On My Mind’ is also played by an alum,” Ball said.

Alumni of all ages join the band to play the fight song and “Georgia ‘State’ On My Mind,” showing the personal connection past members have to the band.

“Last year, we had around 60 band alumni join us on the field for halftime, some even going as far back as 1977,” Kaylee Bramlett, a worker in the admin and operations office for the band program, said.

Not only does the Georgia State Band play a huge role in the Homecoming festivities, but they help shape a lot of student’s greatest life experiences. The band program itself offers many different bands and groups full of talented people and opportunities to someone interested in playing an instrument or music overall.

“The band program is comprised of concert and athletic bands,” Bramlett said. “We have three concert bands that perform regularly throughout the year and two athletic bands: Panther Band which is the marching band, and Panther Basketball Band. We also have a winter guard group that is the indoor color guard group that competes in the winter. They are nationally ranked and finalists in most competitions they

The Georgia State band is an essential part of football culture and keeping the crowd pumped.

compete in.”

There are also different things that set our band apart from others, one of these being our rock band.

“Something unique about our band is that we have a rock band in the front as opposed to a pit,” Bramlett said. “A pit is made of xylophones and other percussion instruments that you normally see with most marching band programs. We have electric guitars, drum set, keyboard and a keytar.”

The band at Georgia State also accepts a variety of students, making it unique to bands you find at other universities.

“Our band is made of mostly non-music majors,” Bramlett said. “We have students ranging from first year freshmen to graduate students and non-traditional students.”

The band program has also participated in other big parades excluding the Homecoming parade, which are known as some of the band’s biggest public performances to date.

“We are well known for our big public performances in the Macy’s Day Parade in 2014 and the Inaugural Parade in 2013,” Bramlett said. “Hopefully, we’ll have more to add to the list soon.”

The band has also provided a family for all of its members.

Its 263 members have found somewhere to feel at home and accepted.

“My favorite part about being in band is the people,” Zulu said. “As cheesy as it sounds, the members of the band are what make it so much fun to be a part of. I’ve made my closest friends through this organization and look forward to getting with all of them to make some music and cheer on our Panthers.”

Overall, the band creates an unbreakable relationship between its members. The more work the members put in, the closer together they grow together.

“For me being a band student meant gaining an entire second family.” Bramlett said. “The experience, dedication and hard work that you and over two hundred of your closest friends put into the activity establish a bond that is, in most cases, closer than any other relationship you have.”

PHOTO BY UNIQUE RODRIGUEZ | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019

ARTS & LIVING

13

Georgia State spirit teams are a vital part of keeping the fans and the team excited, especially during Homecoming games.

PHOTO BY UNIQUE RODRIGUEZ | THE SIGNAL

Discovering the source of Panther pride How spirit teams prepare for Homecoming Week BRIA SUGGS

Arts & Living Editor

T

ight back tucks, perfect formations, smooth transitions and engaging choreography are the heart of Georgia State’s school spirit. One group of athletes are responsible for lighting a spark of morale through the student body.

The spirit teams are present at most sporting and campus events to spread excitement and show off their talents.

The university cheer teams and dance team make up the spirit teams. These are the athletes that can be found in Student Center Plaza during homecoming and at sporting events.

THE PREPARATION

The head coach of both dance and cheer is Darryl Lyons. He’s known to his athletes as Coach D. “These are some of the hardest working athletes in the university,” Lyons said. “They support all of the sports. They’re the number one fans; they’re always there.”

The athletes have two practices and two weight-lifting sessions in the Strength and Conditioning gym. Sometimes there are even multiple performances a week.

“Practices are intense because we only practice twice a week to prepare for great events like GSU Jams,” Lyons said. “On top of all of that, everyone has to go to classes, have to keep their grades up, they work and then we have practices.”

Homecoming is a very important time in the season for the spirit athletes. It’s also perhaps one of the busiest times for these teams.

“With it being homecoming, there are lots of extra events, so it’s really important for everyone to be really committed … so that they can be prepared and look great in all of the events,”

Lyons said. “We want to look great for our alumni coming back and for all of the fans.”

Students will be able to easily spot Pounce and the cheer and dance team throughout the week, as they’ll be attending most of the events leading up to the game.

“Tuesday we have a [performance in the] plaza to get the students hyped about the game,” Lyons said. “Wednesday is [Georgia State’s Got Talent] and the Pantherettes will be doing some dances there. Thursday is the Homecoming Parade, so everybody has to get out of class and be able to walk in the parade.”

The end of the week features some of the most highly anticipated events. Students can look forward to engaging performances all week long.

“Friday, we have practice that morning to get ready, and that night is the block party, so that’s another performance …

Saturday is the game,” Lyons said. “We always show up four hours before the game to prepare.

“These are some of the hardest working athletes in the university.”

— DARRYL LYONS Head coach of dance and cheer teams

THE PANTHERETTES

The Pantherettes are Georgia State’s official dance team. They perform from football season through basketball season. They also perform for other sports teams, such as volleyball.

This year, the two captains are Tessa Novak and Jasmine

Woods.

“This is my third year [being a Pantherette]. I’m a junior; I started as a freshman,” Novak said.

Despite the hard work it takes to be a dancer for Georgia State, the captains find that dancing in college is an experience worth coming back to year after year.

“This is my fourth year on the team. I just love to dance,” Woods said. “Our team is like a sisterhood. Most of these girls are my best friends. Being a part of this program has helped me grow as a person.”

The girls expressed plenty of excitement about their part in the homecoming festivities.

“We’re an important part [of homecoming] because we pump up the students. We get them excited [for homecoming]. Novak said.

“We get really involved in all of the events [like] the parade, the pep rallies, the games,” Woods said.

CHEER

There are two cheer teams: co-ed and all-girl. Like the Pantherettes, they practice and have weight training twice a week. They will be at the same events as the dancers this week.

The Signal reached out to the captains and haven’t received a response.

BRING THE SPIRIT

If Panthers are looking for an opportunity to show off their school spirit, this is the perfect week to do so.

“Students, please come out and support your teams, cheerleaders, dancers and mascot,” Lyons said. “We just need your support.”

There are events for students to participate in all week leading up to the game on Saturday.

“I really encourage students to come to the game,” Novak said. “I think it’s a really good experience to have fun with your friends.”

ARTS & LIVING

14

games easy

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SuD0KU medium

HARD

SPORTS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019

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Football looks to return to form against Arkansas State Riding a two-game losing streak, the Panthers must win Tra Barnett breaks loose on a run during the Homecoming 2018 game versus Coastal Carolina.

ANFERNEE PATTERSON Staff Reporter

I

t is Homecoming Week for the Georgia State Panthers.

The last thing they want is for the Arkansas State Red Wolves to march into Atlanta and spoil their big day on Saturday.

The team has not fared too well in its previous two Homecoming Games. Last season, the team was defeated 37-34 by the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, after a valiant comeback fell just short. In 2017, the team was run out of the Georgia State Stadium 34-10 by the Troy Trojans.

The Panthers, who have been on a two-game losing streak, after early-season wins against the Tennessee Volunteers and Furman Paladins, are in search of their first conference win of the season and will hope to turn around their recent form in Homecoming Games.

The soul-crushing, double-overtime defeat to Texas State on Sep. 21 was not the team’s intended start to Sun Belt Conference play. The defeat set back any of the progress which was made in the opening two games.

After a much-needed week off, Georgia State head coach Shawn Elliott is taking advantage of the ability to rest up and prepare hard, in an effort to make sure his team is 100 % healthy and ready to go for the Homecoming Game.

“We’re getting our legs back under us a little bit,” Elliott

PHOTO BY CHRIS YOUNG | THE SIGNAL

said. “[We’re] just getting them back fresh [and] feeling good. [We’re] taking care of a lot of injuries that creeped up in the first four games. Just trying to perfect the things that we made mistakes on, coaching and playing wise.”

The Red Wolves, who are 3-2 on the season and a major contender in the Sun Belt each year, come in with a potent running attack, led by runningbacks Marcel Murray and Ryan Graham.

The Panthers have struggled to contain the run these past couple of games, including the defeat to Western Michigan, in which the defensive unit allowed a combined 450 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. If the team is to be victorious on Saturday, this will need to be reversed and is a major key to victory.

Panthers safety and captain Remy Lazarus is making sure the defense is prepared.

“We haven’t beat them in a while, so we plan on studying up on film and a lot of what they do,” Lazarus said. “We know they present a lot of challenges in the run game and a very good receiver on the edge.”

For the Red Wolves, starting quarterback Logan Bonner is out for the season and Layne Hatcher will take over the reigns at the position. This represented a major blow to Blake Anderson’s team and could prove to be the difference.

Elliott knows that he will have to do more research to make sure they are prepared for the backup quarterback.

“To tell you the truth, we have gots to go find some film on the other guy,” said Elliott. “I don’t think it will change what they are doing offensively;, I think they will continue

to do what they do.”

Lazarus knows that is a major change but is not going to let it change the way the defense plays.

“We’re not too focused on that,” said Lazarus. “It’s college football —, there’s no slouches out here, so I’m sure their backup quarterback will come out and present much of a challenge as their starter would.”

The team’s offense, led by seniors Dan Ellington and Tra Barnett, remains the Panthers’ main strength, as they average 32.5 points-per-game and remain balanced running and passing the football.

All of that begins with the offensive line and senior offensive lineman Hunter Atkinson knows the team must run the football well to come out victorious.

“We’re running the ball very well,” said Atkinson. “You have to have a good run game in order to be a successful offense.”

The offensive line has been a pleasant surprise thus far.

Going into the season, the unit was a major question mark.

To this point in time, however, the offensive line has been nothing short of brilliant.

Atkinson is also aware of the havoc the Red Wolves’ defensive unit may cause.

“They’re very well coached,” Atkinson said. “Personally, I think their D-line is very quick; , they’re twitchy and have good movement. Overall, they are well coached and disciplined.”

The game will begin at 3:30 p.m.

GEORGIA STATE VS. ARKANSAS STATE COMPARISON RECORD

LAST GAME

HEAD COACH

2018 RECORD

GEORGIA STATE

2-2

34-37

SHAWN ELLIOTT

2-10

ARKANSAS STATE

3-2

50-43

BLAKE ANDERSON

8-5

16

SPORTS

GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

Dan Ellington can’t live without football and hot wings In honor of Homecoming, get to know your quarterback

D

o you know Dan Ellington? Surely you know he is Georgia State’s starting quarterback, but do you really know him?

Ellington is now in his senior year. He has already produced some incredible performances on the field and dreams of competing in his first bowl game, but what is he like off the field? And what brought him to Atlanta?

Inspired by Vogue’s “73 Questions” series, it is time to truly understand the Dan Ellington we may not be too familiar with.

Dan Ellington, senior Georgia State quarterback, answers 73 questions about himself, his team and his life.

Joi: Where are you from?

Dan: Olive Branch, Mississippi.

Joi: What is your favorite thing about Olive Branch?

Dan: The people.

Joi: Favorite holiday?

Dan: Thanksgiving.

Joi: Best movie, and why?

Dan: “White House Down,” because I like all the action in it.

Joi: Best quality?

Dan: My personality.

Joi: Worst habit?

Dan: Always thinking about what could go wrong in a situation.

Joi: Nicknames growing up, embarrassing or otherwise?

Dan: Lil’ Dan. Joi: Most embarrassing moment you had as a child?

Dan: Getting a whupping in front of my class in the first grade.

Joi: One thing that no one knows about you?

Dan: I listen to country music.

Joi: Most terrifying thing you’ve ever done?

Dan: Ziplining.

Joi: Major?

Dan: Education.

Joi: What are your career plans post graduation?

Dan: Coaching.

Joi: Biggest influence?

Dan: My dad. Football-wise, it is my high school football coach.

Joi: What are you most excited about these days?

Dan: Waking up each and every day.

Joi: Travel anywhere in the world for a month-long vacation.

Where are you going?

Dan: On a cruise somewhere.

Joi: You can take three people with you. Who are you taking?

Dan: My best friend Parker, my best friend Dylan Buckingham and my best friend Blake.

Joi: Best way to spend a day?

Dan: Playing football.

Joi: If you weren’t playing football, what sport would you play?

Dan: Basketball or baseball.

Joi: Favorite quality in a friend?

Dan: Good personality.

Joi: Worst quality in a friend?

Dan: Disrespectful to others.

Joi: Describe yourself in three words.

Dan: Athletic, happy, encouraging Joi: Describe your team in three words.

Dan: Funny, hard-working and athletic.

Joi: What do you love about playing for the Panthers?

Dan: My teammates, because they make everything fun for me.

Joi: Most memorable moment in a football game?

Dan: Definitely beating Tennessee.

Joi: What was your first reaction after the Tennessee game?

Dan: I just had to take it all in. It was a good moment for us.

Joi: How did you celebrate?

Dan: I went to sleep as soon as I got home. I was tired.

Joi: Morning or night person?

Dan: Morning person. I definitely like to sleep.

Joi: When was the last time you cried?

Dan: Last Saturday Joi: How do you deal with negativity or hate towards you or the Panthers holistically?

Dan: I just block it out. I don’t really listen to it.

Joi: Hidden talents?

Dan: No

PHOTOS BY UNIQUE RODRIGUEZ | THE SIGNAL

Joi: Who do you turn to when you need advice?

Dan: My dad or my high school counselor.

Joi: What do you want to be remembered for?

Dan: My personality and the fact I always have a smile on my face.

Joi: One thing you can’t live without?

Dan: Football Joi: Describe your college experience as a student athlete in three words.

Dan: Fun, tiring, excited.

Joi: Any tips for students who strive to make honor roll?

Dan: Study after every class. Don’t cram everything in at once.

Joi: What would people be most surprised to hear about you?

Dan: That’s tough. But I’ve never been fishing.

Joi: Favorite color?

Dan: Red. Joi: Favorite food?

Dan: Hot wings.

Joi: One thing you could eat the rest of your life?

Dan: Hot wings.

Joi: How old were you when you started playing football?

Dan: Five.

Joi: Dream NFL team to play for?

Dan: Tennessee Titans.

Joi: Most hostile stadium you’ve ever played in?

Dan: Neyland Stadium.

Joi: Most prized possession in your room?

Dan: My PlayStation 4.

Joi: Who is the best trash talker on the field?

Dan: Remy Lazarus.

Joi: What is it like playing for Shawn Elliott?

Dan: It’s fun, honestly. He always makes sure that it’s fun.

Joi: Describe your first-ever game of football.

17

Dan: I was five. It was really hot. I threw my first touchdown pass that game.

Joi: Funniest thing to ever happen during a football game?

Dan: During the Tennessee game, Devin Gentry tried to jump over one of Tennessee’s guys. I was right behind him watching him like, “Oh my gosh, what is he doing?”

Joi: Who is your football inspiration?

Dan: Deshaun Watson.

Joi: Last movie that made you laugh?

Dan: “Rocky,” last night.

Joi: Last movie to make you cry?

Dan: I don’t remember.

Joi: Best advice ever given?

Dan: Always put your head down and grind. That’s what my dad has always told me.

Joi: Advice you’d give to your 18-year-old self?

Dan: Always take advice.

Joi: Last TV show you binge-watched?

Dan: “Chicago PD.” Joi: Pregame routine?

Dan: I listen to Meek Mill and a few Katy Perry songs. Then, I pray, read a Bible verse, listen to more Meek Mill and wait on coach.

Joi: Best way to unwind?

Dan: Take a hot shower, play the PlayStation for a little bit and go to sleep.

Joi: Favorite guilty pleasure song?

Dan: Any Demi Lovato song.

Joi: Sweats or suit?

Dan: Sweats.

Joi: Favorite genre of music?

Dan: Country.

Joi: One artist you could listen to for the rest of your life?

Dan: Meek Mill.

SPORTS

Joi: Most annoying call in football?

Dan: Holding.

Joi: What attracted you to Georgia State?

Dan: The stadium.

Joi: You go to school in downtown Atlanta. What is the best way to spend a day in the city?

Dan: Explore downtown. I really liked Six Flags and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Joi: Most annoying thing about living in Atlanta?

Dan: The traffic.

Joi: What is the best way to decompress?

Dan: Lock myself in a room.

Joi: Dream job?

Dan: Someone’s offensive coordinator.

Joi: Best pick up line?

Dan: (laughs) I don’t have one.

Joi: Best piece of jewelry?

Dan: My watch.

Joi: Best way to spend a first date?

Dan: Definitely Hibachi.

Joi: Biggest underlying fear?

Dan: I’m scared of snakes.

Joi: Favorite app?

Dan: Twitter.

Joi: Superpower?

Dan: Time traveling.

Joi: One piece of advice that greatly affected your football career to date?

Dan: Always stand in a straight line. Never too high and never too low.

Joi: What can fans expect from you and the Panthers this season?

Dan: Watching us play hard each and every game. We will definitely be playing hard and having fun while doing so.

GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

SPORTS

18

GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

Esports’ rise to popularity at Georgia State How the school invested in a billion-dollar industry JULIAN HARDEN Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State’s esports program was established in 2017. The program was inspired by a worldwide gaming phenomenon. Even before the launch of the esports program, the school had had a strong gaming culture.

Groups such as Panther Gaming, which was the original home for gamers at Georgia State, reached out to help launch the program. Since the launch of the program, the esports platform has seen massive growth and prominence.

The reasons behind the quick rise of esports at Georgia State include both the large student body of the school and the already built-in gaming culture of the city. As Georgia State has continued to expand, so has the number of students who have a vested interest in gaming and gaming competitions.

Atlanta has also been at the forefront of the esports popularity boom around the country. The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center sold out its 4,500-capacity arena entertaining the masses with the local esports team, the Atlanta Reign. The player development coach for the Atlanta Reign, Van Endel, was amazed by the turnout.

“If you can sell out arenas like [the Performing Arts Center] … there’s a very good future,” Endel said.

Esports has grown from entertaining a once niche following to what is today a billion dollar gaming juggernaut. The rise of esports has become a worldwide phenomenon, with major competitions, such as the Overwatch and Fortnite World Cups, happening all around the globe.

As a result of its meteoric rise, the esports field has also attracted big name investors, such as Michael Jordan, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jerry Jones.

Georgia State Esports Program Coordinator Lucas Bailey has been with the program since its inception and has witnessed these developments on campus and around the globe. Since the program’s initial launch, the response from the student body has been nothing but positive, Bailey said.

“We’ve had a huge number of students get involved, with a large number of students come out and tryout for varsity teams and participate in events,” he said.

Georgia State’s esports teams compete in a number of tournaments with other Georgia-based and national colleges.

One of the major competitions that Georgia State hosts is the PantherLAN competition. PantherLAN occurs twice a year and is the annual competition at Georgia State. As many as eight different game competitions take place, and

PHOTO BY | THE SIGNAL

A student plays League of Legends in Georgia State’s ESports lab, located in the CMII on the Atlanta campus.

the event serves as the main exposition for gamers.

Bailey has also seen the Georgia State student body show out more and more each year.

“We are regularly adding new games and new player slots, as well as looking to expand our rosters of events for student engagement,” he said.

The current esports platform consists of five main

PHOTO BY KAITLYN HARMON | THE SIGNAL

games. League of Legends, Overwatch, Smite, Paladins and Hearthstone each field teams of gamers. These five games and League of Legends, especially, are typically the most popular when it comes to esports competitions.

As the program continues to grow and develop, the rise in student involvement is sure to take the program and its many teams to new heights.

Men’s soccer looking to continue historic start to 2019 The Panthers’ hot start has them primed for conference play ERIK INDRISANO Staff Reporter

T

he Georgia State men’s soccer team, fresh off last year’s Sun Belt title, has gotten off to a hot start this season. With a record of 4-0-3, the team marked its first undefeated start through seven games since 1967.

In a September interview with The Signal, senior forward Frank Rosenwald spoke about the team’s early-season goals and how an undefeated record through the first six games was a team-wide goal.

“We set ourselves a target to get the first six games,” Rosenwald said. “We are going to try and keep these things going and just push on for the rest of the season.”

Let’s take a look at how things have fared so far.

The team opened up its season on the road against Presbyterian College. The Panthers left South Carolina with a 2-1 victory. Aris Briggs, who has been a standout this season, netted both goals for the Panthers. The junior forward from Memphis, Tennessee led the team in goals last

season with six, an achievement which landed him on the 2018 All-Sun Belt First Team and has not looked back this year. Briggs has already notched a team-high nine goals thus far.

The Panthers played host to Belmont University in their home opener in Atlanta. The team beat the Bruins 3-1, with two more goals from Briggs. Belmont put six shots on target, but goalkeeper Paul Tyson recorded a season-high five saves to ensure the victory.

At 2-0, the team then headed back on the road to face off against the University of North Carolina-Asheville. The Panthers, despite having 20 shots on goal, ended up with a 2-2 tie in double-overtime. Briggs added another goal, furthering his scoring streak, and Rosenwald found his first goal of the season.

The Panthers turned around and defeated the University of North Florida 2-0 at home. Briggs continued his lightning form with another goal. The team’s defense got their first clean sheet of the year. Tyson added two saves en route to the 2-0 victory.

The team faced Gardner Webb next in North Carolina.

The team fought hard but had to settle for their second, 2-2

double-overtime draw of the season. Despite allowing two goals, Tyson’s four saves helped keep the scoreline level.

With a record of 3-0-2, the Panthers matched their best start through five games since 2010.

Winthrop University, another tough out-of-conference game, followed. The team made easy work of the Eagles with a comprehensive 4-0 victory. Briggs ended his one-game scoring drought, with two goals off the bench. Tyson picked up his second clean sheet on the year with three saves. The win kept the Panther’s home record at a perfect 3-0.

“We still have a lot to work on and to improve to reach our full potential. The good news is that the guys know that and have been working very hard for the upcoming games.” head coach Brett Surrency said.

The team toughed out a 2-2 draw against East Tennessee State on Saturday, maintaining the unbeaten record through seven games and matching a program record. Briggs scored his ninth goal of the season — a number which ties him for most goals among all NCAA Division I athletes this season.

The team travels to Stetson University on Oct. 1, looking to make history and continue its undefeated start, then returns home to host Mercer on Oct. 5.

to-do

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friday

saturday

sunday

monday TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019

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