urbanite June 2 - August 2016
Volume 1 | Issue 3
We bleed
e u l b
College is not always an easy adjustment. Trust us, we know. Here's a guide filled with tips and tricks to living in the city so that you can Bleed Blue with us. Welcome to the pack!
SAFETY ALERT | PAGES 14-15 We've got all the numbers and memos you need to stay safe on campus.
PERSONAL GUIDE | PAGE 26-27 Here are some items to keep with you during your time at Georgia State.
WHAT A TIME | PAGES 50-51 Get familiar with one of the most rising mid major in the country.
WE KNOW You’re bored
Find us on YouTube The Signal at Georgia State University
table of contents WELCOME TO GEORGIA STATE TIPS AND TRICKS • COLLEGE HACKS .................................................. 6-7 • HERE'S WHAT YOU MISSED ....................................... 9
GUIDES
• TRANSPORTATION ................................................... 8 • HOUSING & PARKING ....................................... 10-11
UNIVERSITY
• GEORGIA STATE ORGANIZATIONS .................. 12-13 • KEEPING SAFE ON CAMPUS ............................. 14-15 • STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION ............ 16-17
WELCOME TO ATLANTA THE CAMPUS • • • • •
ADJUSTING TO PANTHER LIFE ............................ 26-27 NEW ORGANIZATIONS TO JOIN .......................... 29 PINCHING PENNIES ............................................... 32 TIPS FROM US TO YOU ............................................ 34 ZENFUL ENERGY ................................................ 36-37
THE CITY • • • •
AUBURN MARKET ................................................. 28 DECATUR & BUCKHEAD GUIDE ........................... 30-31 CREAM OF THE CROP ............................................. 33 ATLANTA THEATERS ............................................... 38
WELCOME TO PANTHER FAMILY ATLANTA • ATLANTA SPORTS VENUES ............................... 40-41
GEORGIA STATE • • • • •
INTRAMURALS ....................................................... 46 FOOTBALL ......................................................... 48-50 VOLLEYBALL ........................................................... 51 BASKETBALL ....................................................... 54-55 TENNIS .............................................................. 56-57
THE SIGNAL URBANITE STAFF Production Editor
Tammy Huynh
signalprod@gmail.com
Assistant Production Editor signalprod2@gmail.com
Khoa Tran Christina Maxouris
newseditor@gmail.com
Associate News Editor
signalassociatenews3@gmail.com
Arts & Living Editor
Dominique Times Inga Masic
signalliving@gmail.com
Associate Arts & Living Editors
Nichole Place &
Sports Editor
Rashad Milligan
signalassociateliving2@gmail.com Sydney Cunningham
signalsport1@gmail.com
Associate Sports Editor
Leah Cotton
Photo Editor (Atlanta)
Jade Johnson
signalassociatesports1@gmail.com
signalphoto1@gmail.com
Photo Editor (Perimeter)
Dayne Francis
Web Managing Editor
Lauren Booker
signalphoto2@gmail.com
signalmanaging@gmail.com
Advertising Coordinator
signaladvertisingco@gmail.com
Anthony Harris
MISSION STATEMENT The Signal shall provide, in a fair and accurate manner, news of interest and significance to the Georgia State University community and serve as a forum for the expression of ideas of members of that community. Furthermore, The Signal shall provide an opportunity for students to pursue experience within a professional newspaper environment. The Signal shall also provide truthful and ethical advertising of interest to the Georgia State University community. OFFICE INFORMATION Suite 250, Student Center West • P.O. Box 3968 • Atlanta, GA 30303 • Phone: 404-413-1620 • Fax: 404413-1622 • Web: www.georgiastatesignal.com DISCLAIMER Opinions and Letters to the Editor expressed in The Signal are the opinions of the writers and readers. It does not reflect the opinions of The Signal. The first copy of The Signal is free. Additional copies can be purchased from our office for $1.00 each. photos by: dayne francis
Dear incoming students, We Bleed Blue.
News Editor
front cover credits:
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
& design by: tammy huynh
It's hard to believe that three simple words can have such an impact. Let me first introduce myself and tell you exactly what's in your hands. My name is Troi Charity, and I'm the Editor-in-Chief of The Signal. The Signal is the independent student newspaper at Georgia State University, and we now reach both the Atlanta and Perimeter campuses. I would like to thank you for giving The Signal Urbanite a chance and hope the information you find inside is helpful. It doesn't matter if you're a freshman, transfer, international student or Perimeter student, this magazine is for all who are just as confused as we were at the beginning. We're here to lend a helping hand. Thanks to the GSU-GPC consolidation, Georgia State University has gotten bigger. We’re covering it all - or at least as much as we can in 56 pages - to guide you through the next year. Our theme for this magazine is Bleed Blue. Immerse yourself into what Georgia State is becoming. There is so much to see while you're here. It can be two years, four years or six years. It doesn’t matter how long it takes for you to achieve your dreams but do so with pride and excitement. Make friends, join a club or organization. You can even join The Signal. Live your life to the fullest as much as you can. Your university years are supposed to be the catalyst of your life. So make the most of it. Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiences. No matter where you are. If you're working out in the gym, cramming in the library or wandering down Broad Street for food, Bleed Blue. It can mean something different to you. And that's OK. Show some school spirit! You’re here now, and it’s time to get moving on those long-awaited goals you’ve been harboring for a while. Yeah, I’m talking to you. Don’t try to hide. It’s time to Bleed Blue, Panther. Welcome to Georgia State University. Best,
Troi Charity, EIC THE SIGNAL AT GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
@GSUSIGNAL
WELCOME TO GEORGIA STATE
@GSUSIGNAL THE SIGNAL AT GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
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Welcome to Georgia State
college hacks to dig
your paws into
1
1. DON’T SPEND THAT DIME, GO ONLINE!
Before you reserve those Florida sunbeds, make sure to put some money aside for your books next year. The yearly average of book costs according to Collegeboard.com, is $1,200. And speaking from experience, that’s an underestimate. While often the bookstore is the most convenient, make sure you check out all your options. A go-to option would be popular websites such as Amazon, Chegg, Bookfinder.com, Rakuten.com, Textbookvalet.com, ValoreBooks
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written by:
CHRISTINA MAXOURIS
H
old your paws Panthers, while college and all its debts seems like an exciting stage to enter, there are some tips The Signal wants to give you before you embark on your journey. Book-hacks, free stuff (yes, we mean food), and things to keep in mind when you’re strolling around Panther territory.
and Half.com are just a few options with discounted book prices. Both rental and purchases take a week or two to arrive, so make sure you order in advance, to stay on track with your classes! There are multiple Facebook pages and groups created where students share class and textbook advice. The "GSU Book Exchange" Facebook group is one of the biggest, so tap the ‘Join’ button and enjoy tips and book ideas from your more experienced Panther fam. In freshman and sophomore year, students go through similar core classes, and they end up
shoving their old American Government books in a storage box on a dusted shelf somewhere. Don't be afraid to ask around! Ask a friend, you never know what you might come up with. Joining clubs can help you save a bit. Georgia State organizations, like the Student Alumni Association, offer perks to being a member. Enjoy 10 percent off bookstore purchases and other discounts. While some may have entrance fees, keeping extra cash in your pocket after a long visit to the bookstore is definitely worth it! continued on page 7
tips & tricks
college hacks continued
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2. GAIN NOTHING, PAY NOTHING
The freshman 15 is not a legend! But have no fear, the Georgia State rec center’s got your back! Free - that’s right, absolutely, no-money-paid, free fitness classes that run from the beginning of the semester through the Maymester and includes a variety of activities for all students. For the tough nuts, there’s Bootcamp, Kickboxing, Cardio Sculpt and Ab Blast. While for a funkier work out, there’s Zumba, Cycling and Panther Pump. And what would finals week be without a breather? Visit the rec center and join a class today! photo by: signal archives
3. PANTHER PERKS AROUND TOWN
Restaurants, such as the Big Kahuna Downtown, offer discounts to Georgia State students on certain days. Bring in your student ID and you’ll enjoy a dinner for up to 20 percent off! Hawks games, Aquarium, Six Flags, Zoo and Regal tickets are all included in your student bonus pack! On a larger scale, university students can even enjoy discounted tickets at the magical Walt Disney World, and even Hawks game tickets at a lower price! Georgia State students can also enjoy a movie at the university’s private movie theater, Cinefest. While guests can watch movie selections for only $5 bucks, a Georgia State ID earns free admission! photo by: dayne francis
4. SURVIVING OFF AN EMPTY PANTRY
Georgia State students can enjoy a plethora of events, which often offer free food. While stealing a chicken wing shouldn’t be your only motivation to attend the university’s happenings, Georgia State students have created many groups on social media to keep each other updated on upcoming events… and their menus. Ask around and you’ll find yourself in GroupMe messages with most of the school’s population tipping each other off on where the food’s at. So, if you’re running low on ramen, just pop in on campus and enjoy good music, good food and socializing. photo by: dayne francis
5. STORE N’ GO
While carrying your books from dorms to class and back doesn’t seem like a fuss, it can be a pain in the.. back. Georgia State’s locker rental service has long gone under the radar, but is definitely something worth taking advantage of. You can choose a locker in multiple locations from Student Center East, Student Center West, Urban Life Center or all the way in Langdale Hall. Students can choose to rent a locker for the entire semester for only $20 with an initial first-time $10 fee. And for the gym junkies, there’s also a locker rental service in the university’s recreation center, to safely store your tech and books while you work out.
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
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photo by: dayne francis
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guide
Transporting through Atlanta
Students can use the Atlanta Streetcar, Zipcar and MARTA to travel the city
CHOOSE YOUR RIDE UBER • • •
Base fare $1 Charges 12 cents per minute and 75 cents per mile Service fee of $1.75
LYFT • • •
Standard start 90 cents Charges 12 cents per minute and 78 cents per mile Service fee of $1.75
STREETCAR • •
written by:
TAYLOR BERRY
ATLANTA STREETCAR
The Atlanta Streetcar opened in December of 2014 and travels 2.7 miles Downtown providing 12 stops. Some of these stops include campus parks such as Hurt Park and Woodruff Park, Downtown hotspots like Centennial Olympic Park, and historic districts of the city like Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Although the Streetcar was initially free, it now costs $1 for a one-way trip and $3 for a one-day pass.
ZIPCAR
Zipcar is another option for those looking to navigate Atlanta. This company allows people to rent cars for a limited amount of hours or days. Zipcar renters must be at least 21 years old, but with proof of university affiliation, students 18+ can rent a Zipcar, either online or through the company’s app. A Zipcar card purchase is required, which is discounted for Georgia State students, at a final cost of $15.
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RIDESHARES
photo by: signal archives
Rideshares such as Uber and Lyft, are companies that provide a shared driving service for a cheaper cost - and we all know, “cheaper cost” is any university student’s favorite phrase. Rideshare services have rapidly gained popularity in the past couple of years giving most students a safe, noncostly, and easy way to get home when things get a little..out of hand. The person in need of a ride will request a car from their smartphone app, and the app will match them with a driver nearby. The apps let you know of the driver’s previous ratings, and customer comments, name, appearance, and what kind of car they drive. The wait time is usually no longer than 2-3 minutes; there’s an Uber everywhere!
• •
ZIPCAR • •
Cost of renting is dependent on your plan and choice of car Standard rates start at $8.50 an hour or $79 a day.
MARTA •
MARTA
MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is the largest public transit operator in Atlanta. For a oneway trip, MARTA fare is $2.50. Breeze Cards, which are reloadable cards that can be purchased at MARTA station kiosks, cost $2 and are valid for three years. Popular places that can be accessed by students using MARTA include Atlantic Station, Lenox Square Mall, Little 5 Points, Atlanta Botanical Gardens and more.
Opened from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday Closed on Friday at 1 p.m. Opened 8:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday Opened 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday
•
•
MARTA offers monthly Breeze passes, which come at a discount to Georgia State students. Monthly passes are accessible to students for the price of $68.50. Contact Georgia State’s Auxiliary and Support Services.
tips & tricks
What you missed Let's get you caught up on some of last year's happenings
photo by: tammy huynh
photo by: signal archives
photo by: sean keenan
written by:
university's growth, tuition rates and Perimeter’s small class sizes remained the same.
T
SECURITY REFORM Major security changes were made all over Georgia State’s Atlanta campus after a string of criminal activity during the Fall 2015 semester. In spring 2016, President Mark Becker announced he would vigorously address security issues by doubling the number of police officers on each shift patrolling campus, have uniformed officers at each entrance checking Panther ID’s and installing additional security cameras at the university library.
DOMINIQUE TIMES
he 2015-2016 school year was full of major changes for Georgia State University and the Panthers. From the campus expansion to security upgrades, the university has become one of the biggest universites in the nation. GSU-GPC CONSOLIDATION In January 2016, Georgia State University and Georgia Perimeter College consolidated to form the largest academic institution in the state of Georgia. Prior to the consolidation, Georgia State was the second-largest institution in the University System of Georgia and comprised of 35,000 students. With the addition of Perimeter students, the university now services more than 52,000 students, that’s a whole lotta panthers – and makes Georgia State one of the top five largest universities in the nation. Even with the
TURNER FIELD Turner Field, also known as The Ted, will soon be home for Georgia State’s football team. Georgia State and a local real estate firm won the bid for Turner Field in December 2015 and plan to convert the ballpark into a new football stadium. Along with the new stadium, there
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
are plans for an overall larger athletics complex featuring multiple Panther teams, student housing and retail space, with estimated cost for the renovation totaling $300 million. Building an athletics complex closer to campus will make going to the Panthers' games more accessible to on-campus students, so be sure to cheer your Panthers to victory! WE ARE THE REAL GSU The “Who is the real GSU?” debate came to an end during the Spring 2016 semester with Georgia State officially claiming the title once and for all. Of course, Panther students, faculty and fans knew that we were the real GSU all along, but Georgia Southern athletics finally chose to relinquish its affiliation with the acronym because they were tired of media outlets getting the two teams mixed up. Instead, Georgia Southern will now be known as GS. Sorry Georgia Southern, but we had the title first anyway.
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Now that you’re a Panther, Where do you live?
photos by: lahar samantarai
written by:
STAFF
PIEDMONT CENTRAL
The latest residence hall offered by Georgia State is Piedmont Central, located on the corner of Piedmont Avenue, neighboring the Commons. This state-of-the-art housing option impressively holds about 1,152 beds yet its most notable feature is the brand new dining hall on the main floor. Some attractive qualities include study rooms and community kitchens on every floor. Laundry and Wi-Fi are also available.
PATTON HALL
Patton Hall is a freshman preference for students with its convenient location at 160 Edgewood Ave. NE. The 325 residents it houses enjoy a dining hall on the lowest floor. Furniture included, this housing option is perfect for those looking for a starting point at the university. Each
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suite shares a bathroom, with one room being a single and the other a double. Some amenities include cable, mailboxes, free laundry machines, Internet and covered parking. Per semester, pricing varies starting at $4,000.
UNIVERSITY COMMONS
Another student housing destination on Piedmont Avenue, with over 2,000 student residences is the University Commons. Expect move-in day to be simple with furnished bedrooms, a living and dining room and full kitchen. Amenities include laundry, cable, internet, mailboxes and a phone on each floor as well as a study lounge. The cost of a unit ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the room layout and number of roommates.
PIEDMONT NORTH
A renovated hotel, Piedmont North is a Panther favorite due to its layout of the rooms, with each having its own bathroom. Furniture is included, cable and internet is provided,
there’s free laundry, and a phone on each floor. Positioned at 175 Piedmont Ave. and consisting of two buildings, Piedmont North has its very own covered garage for $400 a semester. Each of the 1,200 residents will pay between $3,000 to $5,000 a semester, depending on the room size.
THE LOFTS
Located in the heart of campus at 135 Edgewood Ave. SE, the Lofts offers a wide variety of apartments anywhere from a studio-style layout to a 4-person suite. Each unit has a kitchen set with all appliances and a full-bath. Not to be missed is the free laundry, internet, mailboxes, and cable, some of the many perks offered.
GREEK HOUSING
The cluster of townhomes located adjacent to Patton at 156 Edgewood Ave. SE, holds nine sororities and fraternities. Residents have access to the Lofts parking deck at its standard rate. Students must be first initiated into Greek life to enjoy this housing option.
continued on page 11
housing
guide
& parking continued
Off-campus housing? no problem!
200 EDGEWOOD
Opening fall 2016, is a student housing duplex located at, you guessed it, 200 Edgewood. Wi-Fi, parking, a gym, study rooms and a computer lab are included. Built right on the trolley rail lines, this mixed-use development will hold retail space in its bottom floor. There are 1-2 bedroom units available,. Each with their own bathrooms and kitchens. The rates are upwards of $1,000 per month.
ONE12
Towards the North end of campus sits One12, a Georgia State student destination at 112 Courtland Street renting bedrooms with 1-4 beds per unit. Each space includes the luxury of a bathroom, a kitchen and a walk-in closet. Yet, the most shocking benefit to residents is the rooftop pool, Wi-Fi, gym, and covered parking that’s included. Monthly rent averages around $1,000.
CITY WALK
City Walk, at 171 Auburn Ave NE, is surrounded by historical landmarks yet inside is a modern haven to student housing. Included with being a resident is access to a tennis court, a pool, a gym and gated parking. To commute to Georgia State campus everyday, City Walk is ideal with being a short distance from MARTA and the Trolley. Bedrooms are offered from 1-2 beds per unit with each having its own bathroom, so fittingly, the cost ranges from $1,200 to $1,800.
PENCIL FACTORY FLATS
Pencil Factory, located towards the South end of campus at 349 Decatur St SE offers 1-4 person bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. Favorable amenities for this building are its pool, gym, and kitchen. Monthly rent averages around $1,000 per person.
Parking on campus With a parking permit, Georgia State students can enjoy parking spaces at the K,M,N,S, and T decks, as well as Piedmont North, and the University Commons. Students can get a parking permit by registering their vehicle online or through the University Housing office. According to the Turner Field schedule, students can park their cars in the Turner Field parking lot and grab a Georgia State shuttle bus back to campus. Shuttles run all day from and to campus for students who choose this option. For residents of the University Commons, an attached covered parking deck is attached at the back of the building for a fee of $400 per semester For the Loft lovers, there is a covered parking deck attached to the Lofts building which costs $90 per month for residents, and includes 24/7 parking.
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
photos by: lahar samantarai
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JOIN THE club and get involved
Georgia State has a club for all your interests and hobbies
written by:
NAJWA HOSSAIN
G
eorgia State University has a myriad of student-run organizations. Just ask anyone who has been to Org Fair on campus! Joining any one of these diverse clubs can open the door to fun events and activities as well as the opportunity to make new friends with shared interests. Here are a few to choose from.
photo by: signal archive
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TRIBE
We asked students about their involvement on campus! Check out the video on our YouTube Channel. Find us by searching The Signal at Georgia State University.
A student-run grassroots organization, this tribe takes it upon itself to educate its members and others about the environment and efforts to conserve our ailing planet. Members of the tribe partake in camping trips and solar-powered concerts in pursuit of their main objective: to spread the word about recycling and energy conservation and to have a variety of members bring in different types of expertise to the table. The organization also works with the university’s student government to create eco-friendly legislation and start campus-wide initiatives for the benefit of the environment.
photo submitted by: filipino student association
FILIPINO STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The Filipino Student Association is one of the most diverse cultural organizations on campus. The organization is known for organizing events such as Culture Shock and Def Talent Jam dance competitions. With a variety of community service activities and networks in all of Atlanta’s major universities, opportunities to build relationships with others of the same culture - whether those are students, teachers, or employers - are countless. Members from all backgrounds bond over appreciation of Filipino culture whilst being a part of a surrogate family and reviving the traditions.
continued on page 13
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university
join the club continued CREATIVE WRITING COLLECTIVE
With its own creative space in the English Lounge, Creative Writing Collective is a safe space for writers and poets to grab coffee and conversation with a chance to partake in collaboration and projects.
POWERLIFTING CLUB
Lifting weights is often thought of as an individual activity, but working out with a buddy is always fun. This new sports club makes lifting a group activity with like-minded members who can help you achieve your goals by teaching and guiding you about the proper way to squat, bench and deadlift. Once a week the powerlifting group makes its way to a separate gym, Citadel Nutrition Training Center, designed as a space specifically for these powerful strength-building lifts. Form and progress are emphasized, and members range from enthusiasts to participants in meets where you can set new PRs with support from a community of lifters.
photo illustration by: tammy huynh
photo illustration by: tammy huynh
PANTHER’S PANTRY
Panther’s Pantry is made up of determined individuals with the objective of making food available to students in need of assistance by providing free nutritious meals. They depend on donations and volunteers from the student body and faculty. Located in Parking Lot B under the Urban Life Building, this organization uses small contributions to make a big difference in the lives of students with limited means. Non-perishable donations such as canned vegetables, pasta and canned meats are always appreciated.
UNDERGROUND
Underground is an arts and literary magazine that publishes a breathtaking compilation every semester with art, photography, poetry and prose submissions from the student body. Its team of editors consist of down-to earth beauty-loving members who organize showcases and creative activities for students as well as prepare the journal for publication along with its online component. This small team works to publish works of aspiring artists of all types.
photo illustration by: tammy huynh
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
photo by: signal archives
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Keeping campus safe on
Tips to remember when it’s dark and scary Calls studied from Jan 01, 2015 to Oct 22, 2015 440/502 calls - Unable to Locate ADDRESS/CALLER, TROUBLE
photo by: jade johnson
91 call boxes currently on campus
79 of which are maintained by GSUPD
Total cost: Between $200-300,000 8 Ground-powered call box units: $24,149
8 Solar-powered call box units: $25,653
Estimated price per call box install: >$3,000
Cost to replace faulty radio and computer board: $2,716
written by:
O
CHRISTINA MAXOURIS
n a campus at the heart of Downtown, Georgia State’s restless police department has strived to make all university grounds a safe place to walk and explore, all day and night. And we know you’re likely to have those late-night library sessions, so here’s a couple numbers and info you’ll want to jot down.
CALL BOXES
The university has installed over 60 call boxes all around campus, from parking decks, plaza areas, classroom buildings and residence halls. Students need only press one button inside these blue flashing boxes in order to be immediately connected to a police dispatcher. Officers are instantly alerted of a student’s location according to the call box they call from. For more information, and specific call box locations, students can visit Georgia State’s Safety & Security webpage.
continued on page 15
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university
safety continued HELP, OFFICER!
Whatever the time, it’s usually easy to spot one of the 70 police officers working on the Atlanta campus. But the Georgia State Police University Department (GSUPD), with over 115 officers on all six campuses, has set up a number of patrols to keep students safer. The university’s bike patrol system has been active for over 15 years, with 10-15 officers biking around on each shift. For late-night lonely walkers, the university has set up escort vans available from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Mondays through Thursdays. On Fridays, the van runs until 11 p.m. One security officer is assigned to each van and drives students to and from all university buildings, as well as nearby MARTA stations and parking lots. Safety escorts for Georgia State students are free of charge, and usually come with a fun chat with the officer! Past students who want to be escorted to their car or residence, after 1 a.m. may call GSUPD and have a police officer pick them up. For an on-campus emergency, students are urged to call 404-413-3333, the university’s emergency number. The university police department has a 24/7 functioning office in the University Commons, which monitors 600 cameras set up all around Georgia State housing facilities. For better residence safety, guests and friends are required to be checked in by student living in the university’s halls. If students see suspicious activity around the residence halls, police recommend calling 404-413-3333 immediately. In classroom buildings and the library, you can also spot security guards performing various activities for the benefit of every Panther. You’ll find them either guarding a classroom or building, escorting and helping students. Lately, such duties have shifted focus to increasing security at the library, so every student that enters has to present their Georgia State ID with their picture, and be given ‘the nod’ by a guard before entering the building.
WHO’S THE PERP, DETECTIVE?
Georgia State also has its very own Investigations unit. Picking up criminal case reports from the Patrol Unit, the Investigations unit contacts the victims of each case whether they have filed charges or not. Once a case is opened, an investigator is assigned goes through crime scenes, conducts interviews, creates a suspect list and is responsible for carrying out the entire investigation. To help avoid an investigation from taking place, the university’s Crime Prevention unit conducts training programs and deals with personal safety. This unit is responsible for informing the student body on ways to keep safe, current crime trends, as well as conduct free classes on essential safety skill sets to have. The most popular one, “Fight to Flight” is aimed at teaching women how to defend themselves when under attack, how to avoid an attack, and how to steer away from dangerous situations.
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
After a string of theft incidents on Georgia State's campus, university President Mark Becker addressed the student body in an email sent campus-wide, letting us know that not only was he displeased with the school’s slow response time in alerting the students of the on-going emergencies, but also the police station needed a major shake-up. So there ya have it! A brand photo by: jason luong new chief leading your police department, Acting Chief, Carlton Mullis, has taken over the big seat, after years and years of working for the university. And alerts? Text alerts, phone calls, tweets and emails have been created to go out on the spot when an emergency occurs.
Save these digits! 404-413-3333
GEORGIA STATE CAMPUS POLICE
404-413-2100
NON-EMERGENCIES AND SAFETY ESCORTS
404-413-3234
INFORMATION DESK
404-413-3203
HEARING IMPAIRED
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university
Georgia State’s
Student Politicos Every Panther at Georgia State is a member of SGA Vacancies
Alpharetta – Speaker of the Senate and 5 senators
Clarkston – 2 senators Decatur – Speaker of the Senate and 4 senators Dunwoody – Executive Vice President and 3 senators Newton – 3 senators
FORTUNE ONWUZURUIKE SGA PRESIDENT photo by jade johnson
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written by:
SEAN KEENAN
G
eorgia State’s student politicians carry power unseen by most Panthers. In fact, as iterated at nearly every Student Government Association (SGA) senate meeting, all students of Georgia State are acting members of SGA… technically. But wrangling student activists into SGA’s board rooms can be tougher than just yielding them access. Too many students aimlessly praise and complain about the state’s largest public university, but with a hint of effort — and maybe some facetime with an SGA member — they could make actual changes to improve their college career. That’s because the SGA has the power to make campus-wide laws. What? Yeah, student senators have the liberty to author legislation to create or strike down rules that govern their fellow classmates. And SGA’s political reach extends much further than the boundaries of Georgia State’s campuses. These young politicians are granted — nearly — unfettered access to the desk of the university’s president and CEO, Mark Becker. Becker is one of Atlanta’s top dogs, regarded as one of the city’s most powerful CEOs. And SGA officials have long leveraged that access to cry foul on administrative blunders or sing the praises of ambitious and successful student groups. But SGA has other vehicles for establishing political legitimacy around Atlanta. The association, some members of which have landed internships and jobs at the city council and State Capitol, uses its weight to affect pending, polarizing legislation, such as the recently-deceased “Campus Carry” bill. Last school year, then-SGA President Sebastian Parra drafted a letter with the senate to send to Gov. Nathan Deal’s office urging his veto of HB 859. Although there’s no way of measuring the impact of that single letter, the governor vetoed the bill in early May, shooting down any chance of allowing licensed gun owners to tote pistols on college campuses. Still, to address some concerns of safety issues on campus, SGA last semester concocted and approved five pieces of legislation to bolster the school’s security forces. SGA’s role amidst the student body doesn't end at legislation. Students participating are required to show up to weekly meetings and engage in myriad community outreach opportunities. Some positions — mostly executive — require the placeholder to host frequent office hours, during which
they entertain concerns from other Panthers, organize upcoming initiatives, tweak bills and resolutions and, primarily, intermingle with other SGA members. That outreach, before it can spur political literature, is the driving force behind SGA reps’ efforts. Last year, SGA’s former vice president of public relations, Anthony Nguyen, rang this signal reporter at 2 in the morning to alert us of a protest of undocumented students boiling at Georgia State’s Centennial Hall, Becker’s office. The protest ended in a slew of arrests of protesters, which sparked the authoring of an SGA recommendation to the University System of Georgia that it strike down a policy that forbids undocumented immigrants from enrolling in the state’s top five public universities. That cry has thus far fallen on deaf ears and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students, along with the undocumented youth and their supporters, still stage protests against the university system’s rules. All the while, Georgia State’s SGA has been staunch supporters of that cause. And if political activism isn’t your thing, you can still tune into The Signal’s yearly coverage of SGA’s election season fanfare. It’s a cacophony of campaigning before a string of debates that pin the school’s most ambitious politicians against one another on a stage before their peers. After all that hooplah, Georgia State students vote during the spring semester to decide who will run the school government in the scholastic year to come. This year, Georgia State hosted arguably the most heated political race in the school’s history. The contest resulted in three runoff elections, one for each executive position - president, executive vice president, and speaker of the senate. Former SGA Sen. Fortune Onwuzuruike narrowly defeated aPerimeter campus underdog to claim the presidential seat but not before Sri Rajasekaran showed the school that she could bring voters — mostly Perimeter students — to the polling stations. Shamari Southwell, another ex-senator, claimed the executive vice presidential seat, presiding over the Atlanta campus. And former SGA Sen. Blessing Akomas, raked in the most votes in the senate speaker election race. But voter turnout has been down over the last few years for SGA. So, if you’ve got any ideas to rally your pals at the polls, step on into the student government’s Student Center West office and offer a handshake and ask for an application.
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
SHAMARI SOUTHWELL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
photo submitted by the student center
BLESSING AKOMAS SPEAKER OF THE SENATE photo submitted by the student center
You can also go online to SGA’s webpage to learn how to get on-board with the school’s political movin’ and shakin’ at SGA. GSU.edu.
@GSU_SGA
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Back row, left to right: Shamari Southwell – Executive Vice President (EVP) Atlanta, Daniel Detlefsen – EVP Newton, Alexandr Burkon – EVP Clarkston, Lesly Veve - Speaker of the Senate Dunwoody (standing in for vacant EVP Dunwoody position) Front row, left to right: Briana Stanley – EVP Decatur, Fortune Onwuzuruike – President, Chelsea Green – EVP Alpharetta
Meet Your Newly Inaugurated 2016-2017 Student Government Association
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n May 9, 2016, the 87th administration of the Student Government Association (SGA) at Georgia State University was sworn into office. Congratulations to all elected and appointed executive, legislative and judicial officials! SGA at Georgia State University is one governing body, with one president. Each of the six campuses (Alpharetta, Atlanta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody and Newton) has an executive, legislative and judicial branch in order to conduct business on
that campus. There is also a University-wide Senate and University-wide Executive Branch. Senate meetings are open to students and the public; the dates and times for each campus’s meetings and the University-wide Senate meetings can be found on the SGA website at sga.gsu.edu.
the recommendation of Mandatory Fee allocations, appointing student representatives to campus and university-wide committees, maintaining self-governance and working to resolve student issues and concerns.
In order to get involved with SGA on your campus, visit the SGA website (information to the The SGA is the official voice of right) and contact your campus’s the student body and works Executive Vice President or with faculty, staff and adminis- Speaker of the Senate for tration to serve Georgia State more information. The contact University students. It has the information for each campus is responsibility of participating in provided on the opposite page.
For More Information: sga.gsu.edu studentaffairs.gsu.edu
University-Wide and Atlanta campus address: Student Center West, Suite 450 66 Courtland Street Atlanta, GA 30303 404-413-1600 Supported by Student Fees
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ATLANTA CAMPUS Back row, left to right: Shamari Southwell – Executive Vice President, Anthony Nguyen – Communications Director, Arinze Akomas – SJB Liaison, Joshua Scales – Chair, Student Services, Jacob Benson - Senator, Blessing Akomas – Speaker of the Senate, Lindsey Smith – Finance Director Middle group, left to right: Usra Mohamed - Senator, Joy Nwoke - Senator, Felicia Yemi Okanlawon - Senator Third row, left to right: Gabriela Batista-Vargas – Chair, Student Life, Jose Mendez - Senator, Myles Brown - Senator, Nwenekanma Wami – Chair, Academic Affairs, Gelila Kebede - Senator, LaMesha Martin - Senator, Erin Gardner - Senator Second row, left to right: Chelsea Gordon - Senator, Magie Huynh - Senator, Brian Nguyen - Senator, Sara Moreno Duque - Senator, Joya Davies - Senator Front row: Fortune Onwuzuruike – President Senators Not Pictured: Juan Galvis, Chandler Harper, Jacob Hill, Kevin Martinez, Chanel Smith, Julie Lavellee, Shaun Moore, Leonardo Rodriguez, Xinran “Bolbi” Liu, Diamond Miller, Viviana Santana
ALPHARETTA CAMPUS Left to right: Darrell Murray (DJ) - Senator, Fortune Onwuzuruike – President, Chelsea Green – Executive Vice President
Alpharetta campus address: AA-1310 3705 Brookside Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30022 678-240-6020
CLARKSTON CAMPUS Back row, left to right: Betty Joseph – Senator, Alexandr Burkon – Executive Vice President, Aleah Cleland - Senator Front row, left to right: Jailyn Jackson - Senator, Fortune Onwuzuruike – President, Ariana Roberts - Senator Not Pictured: Cheri Pruitt – Bonner - Speaker of the Senate Clarkston campus address: N-1400, College Center 555 N. Indian Creek Drive Clarkston, GA 30021 678-891-3653
DECATUR CAMPUS Back row, left to right: Jordai Smith – Senator, Samuel Lyons - Senator, Briana Stanley – Executive Vice President Front row: Fortune Onwuzuruike, President Not Pictured: Sara Swilley - Senator
Decatur campus address: SC-2130, Student Center 3251 Panthersville Road Decatur, GA 30034 678-891-2740
DUNWOODY CAMPUS Left to right: Fortune Onwuzuruike – President, Lesly Veve Speaker of the Senate, Belchor Sebastiao - Senator, Jesse Calixte – Senator, Kwaku Bonsie - Senator Dunwoody campus address: B-2200, Student Center 2101 Womack Road Dunwoody, GA 30338 770-274-5385
NEWTON CAMPUS Back row, left to right: Fortune Onwuzuruike – President, Jamal Betton Senator, Daniel Detlefsen – Executive Vice President, Praneeth Eddu - Senator Front row: Levi Price – Speaker of the Senate Not Pictured: Emily Nguyen – Senator, Omoruyi Ologbosere - Senator Newton campus address: 2N-1210 239 Cedar Lane Covington, GA 30014 770-278-1340
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Georgia State has extended its reach outside of Downtown Atlanta, bringing more students into the Panther family. photo by: dayne francis
The BEST VALUE in Atlanta. Period.
TAKE A TOUR & SIGN TODAY! 470.336.5003 | WESTMARLOFTS.COM | 800 W. MARIETTA ST. NW | ATLANTA, GA 30318
GEORGIA TECH Located in Midtown, Atlanta, Westmar is so convenient for the Georgia Tech, Georgia State, & the AUC student. Shuttle to class!
PERFECT LOCATION & FREE SHUTTLING
Everything wasn’t meant to be shared. At WestMar we have separate bedrooms & individual bathrooms! Have your own space!
INDIVIDUAL BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS
Don’t pay to park where you live. Our giant parking deck is FREE to residents & guests! Work on cardio outside. Our deck also has a rooftop track. You can’t beat it. So LIVE it.
FREE PARKING DECK
Resort-Style Pool & BBQ Area | Community Events | 24-hour Security | Controlled Electronic Key Access Computer Lab | Electronic Safe Lock Key System | Short Term Leases Available | Study Center | 24-Hour Market Basketball & Sand Volleyball Courts | Friendly & Attentive Team | Fitness Center | TV/Game Lounge Tanning Beds | Furnished Bedrooms, Kitchens & Common Areas | Full-Size Washer & Dryer | Roommate Matching FREE High Speed Internet & Cable TV
NEW WESTMAR STUDENT LOFTS INTERNET POWERED BY: Faster speeds up to 1GB. Wireless throughout the entire community.
WELCOME TO ATLANTA WANNA SAY HI? TWEET AT US! @GSUSIGNALAANDL
photo by: justin clay
Amp up your summer at the
Student Center
Join Spotlight Programs Board as it kicks off its summer lineup of fun and exciting events Art Gallery: Street Art Gallery Summer ‘16 Mini Prowl Georgia State Night at the Braves featuring Flo Rida Independence Day 2 Advance Screening I Scream for Ice Cream
June - August Monday, June 20 Saturday, June 25 Thursday, July 7 Thursday, July 14
spotlight.gsu.edu
Get discounts on movies, theme parks and other metro-area entertainment Save big bucks on Walt Disney World, Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags White Water, Atlanta Hawks, Georgia Aquarium, SkyView Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park, Zoo Atlanta and more. See our website or visit the Information Center on the first floor of Student Center East for ticket sales information. studentcenter.gsu.edu
Save with a Go Green, Save Green refillable mug Help save the planet and get $1 soft drink refills and $1.50 coffee and hot chocolate refills at several campus food courts all year long. Students can pick up a free mug at the University-Wide Student Government Association (SGA) office, 450 Student Center West. Faculty and staff can buy mugs for $5 each at the Atlanta Campus Information Center on the first floor of Student Center East. Visit our website or the Atlanta Campus Information Center on the first floor of Student Center East for ticket sales information. sga.gsu.edu
Panthers at Woodruff (P.A.W.) Pass on sale now! The P.A.W. Pass is back! Georgia State University and the Woodruff Arts Center present this pass that allows unlimited access to the High Museum of Art and the ability to reserve free tickets for the Alliance Theatre and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The pass is only $25 for Georgia State students and is now available for faculty and staff to purchase at a special rate of $75! Passes are being sold at Campus Tickets, located on the 3rd floor of Student Center West. spotlight.gsu.edu
Watch for Student Media’s debut of the DMGATL app! The Digital Media Group presents your all-in-one app for Student Media content, featuring original DMGATL podcasts as well as print, video and audio feeds from Album 88, GSTV, New South, The Signal and Underground. Download it for free on iTunes or Google Play starting in July 2016. studentmedia.gsu.edu
Supported by Student Fees | studentaffairs.gsu.edu To request disability accommodations at these events, please contact Disability Services at 404-413-1560. Please provide your name and the event name, date, time, location and sponsor when making your request.
Welcome to Atlanta
BECOMING A PANTHER Your own personal guide written by:
NICHOLE PLACE
W
hether you’re a freshman, transfer or merging in from Perimeter, being new on campus can be a little hard. And because the consolidation between schools was such a big change, it can kind of mess with the flow of things. But no need to worry, The Signal is providing you with a guide to help you adjust to campus life no matter where your is located
WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG?
It’s important to carry a few specific items on you at all times. 1. STUDENT ID: Your student ID will be your best friend the next few years here at Georgia State. Without this, you can’t get into certain buildings, like the library, and it helps you check into certain areas and offices. 2. PHONE CHARGER: You would be surprised with how many outlets there are actually on campus, so this is just a general survival tip. 3. CLASS SCHEDULE: Your first few days or weeks here will send you for a little loop (don’t worry it’ll blow over fast). But make sure that you have your class schedule and buildings on you, because being late on the first few weeks of school isn't the best. Also, have it typed into your phone for easy and inconspicuous glances.
ON CAMPUS AND IN CLASS
There is an etiquette for how to act on campus and in class. Here are some rules to abide by. 1. ZIP IT: No one wants to overhear your conversation to your friend about your sloppy drunk nights. It’s not cool. So when you’re in class, lower your voice or save those kinds of conversations for somewhere else. It’ll save you hate-filled judgemental stares from classmates who just want you to pay attention to the lecture. 2. DO YOUR WORK: The years of being babied are over. You are paying lots of money to be a Panther, so don’t waste your money and do your work. The teachers are here to teach, and once the lecture is over, it’s up to you to apply what you’ve learned. If it turns out that you didn’t do your work, well, that’s on you bud, not your teacher. Harsh but true. 3. R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Most of professors here are qualified
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for their jobs. The entire class does not need to hear you argue with them and be bratty. It is rude and unnecessary. Most teachers are willing to help if you're confused or upset. You're in college now, it’s time to pull up your big boy and girl pants and handle it like an adult. 4. KEEP WALKING: This is a tip for everywhere out of courtesy. When you are walking up/down the stairs, the hall or pushing through the courtyard, don’t just stop abruptly. You may not be trying to get to class, but I can promise you the person behind you is.
MISCELLANEOUS
A few tips that not everyone will tell you.
1. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH: Before you
choose a major, do your own research about it. No, you may not know what it’ll really be like until you take the class (that’s what electives are for), but at least you’ll have more information than what the brochure told you. Also, not everyone knows all the details of your major, not even advisors. 2. MEET WITH ADVISORS: The staff at every campus is here to help you, please go to them. If you have questions about your schedule or major, talk to your advisor. And if they don’t help, don’t be afraid to go to Department Head. 3. USE THE FACILITIES: People often forget that the money they are paying to go here isn’t just for classes. Your money is going places like the Rec Center and Counseling Center. Take advantage of these places, because the school offers so many things for use. 4. DON’T FLAUNT YOUR GOODS: Do what you want with your body, but I advise keeping your expensive electronics and other items to yourself. Although, we have campus police, crime is something to be aware of. 5. FREE PRINTING: Take advantage of the areas that allow free printing: computer labs and student living. It is also important to know that each semester your Panther Card is reloaded with $5 for printing on it to use in the library.
campus
photo by: dayne francis
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
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the city
Home of the Neighborhood: written by:
Find your way around the sweet Auburn Curb Market
SYDNEY CUNNINGHAM
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hat used to be covered in hog parts, livestock and named the “Municipal Market”, now goes more commonly by the moniker “The Curb Market,” houses over 20 different independently owned stores and stands in the same construction as it did in it’s inceptual 1924 beginning. Serving as the only public market in Atlanta, The Sweet Auburn Curb Market is mere minutes in walking distance from Georgia State campus and has remained a beating heartbeat for the neighborhood. Pamela Joiner, the General Manager of the Market, sees the multiple people that come through day in and day out. “The market has a very diverse customer base,” Joiner said. “Grady employees, students, business people from the surrounding area and customers who have shopped here most of their lives.” Now with the Atlanta Streetcar making pit stops outside of the market, a whole new herd of customers have discovered the building. A good portion of the dining options got their start inside the market and then branched out to other locations around Atlanta. Those consist of Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Arepa Mia, Bell Street Burritos and Sweet Auburn Barbecue. “As a downtown resident, I see the market as being perfectly located to serve most of the neighborhood's food needs. The location is convenient, the food is quite delicious and cost within the budget of most students.” Joiner said. In the vacant 5500 square foot lot corner within the market, there are arrangements being finalized to put a grocery concept where it once used to be.
shampoo, razors, pregnancy tests, soap and more. Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. First and second Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MARKET PHARMACY
Voted by an AJC Poll, the “Best Burrito in Atlanta”, Bell Street Burritos serve large servings, alongside Mexican Coca-Colas. Hours:Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Market Pharmacy is a fully stocked pharmacy along with essentials found in a drug store, such as toothpaste, deodorant, allergy medicine,
SISTER’S BOOKSHOP This small Atlanta independent bookshop has specialities in rare books, African American novels, and other niche genres. There are also souvenirs and thrifts. Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
RAWESOME JUICERY Cold-pressed juice is the name of the game at this local juicery, which provides alternative and healthy meal options with products like kale, spinach, avocado, wheatgrass and more. All juices are made in-house. Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: 12: 30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
AFRODISH Caribbean and African cuisine such as curry chicken, Jamaican beef patties, jerk chicken, plantains, black eyed peas, oxtail, curried goat and steamed cabbage are dished out in their authentic forms, providing a taste from the islands. Hours: Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
BELL STREET BURRITOS
photos by: jade johnson
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Panther outreach
Finding new organizations at Georgia State’s Atlanta and Perimeter locations written by:
CHANTE FOSTER
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eorgia State has hundreds of chartered clubs and organizations ranging from activism, community involvement, sports and entertainment. Culture and diversity continues to expand as The Student Life Committee, a Georgia State department, accepts more applications for student-run organizations. There is something for everyone, especially when it comes to networking with students who share similar interest. The expansion of Georgia State's campus has led to an increase in student organization activities. A few of the new organizations, that were chartered after the consolidation, focus on education, activism and religion.
ALPHARETTA CAMPUS
STEM CLUB The STEM Career Club is dedicated to providing students with the proper tools for advancing in professional environments. The organization plans to coordinate networking events, mentorships, and job shadowing opportunities that will allow students to have a hands-on experience in positions geared towards science, technology, engineering and math. For more information about the STEM Career Club, at Georgia State’s Alpharetta Campus, contact the Student Life Office at (678)- 240- 6022 or email the Student Life Office Coordinator Marshonntri Reid at mreid20@gsu.edu.
DECATUR CAMPUS
ATLANTA CAMPUS
SHADES OF MELANIN Get immersed in the art styles, such as poetry and writing, while connecting with other women and sharing viewpoints on social topics like self-love and selfgrowth. Shade of Melanin is an African American female activist group designed to acknowledge the union between women who are interested in community involvement, mentorship and more. For more information about Shades of Melanin, contact the advisor Nicolette Rose at nrose@gsu.edu.
PADS FOR PRINCESSES Community service is a leading goal of Pads for Princesses (P4P). This organization specifically caters to the female homeless community. P4P donates feminine hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins and tampons to provide homeless women within Atlanta access to the basic necessities. For more information about Pads for Princesses, email the organization at padsforprincesses@gmail.com or visit their OrgSync page at Georgia State’s student organization portal gsu.orgsync.com.
MUSLIM STUDENT ASSOCIATION The Muslim Student Association (MSA) is a service oriented organization that provides an environment for students to connect and practice Islam. MSA plans to inform and educate students about Islam by holding cultural service activities that focus on topics, like Islamic traditions. Contact Brenda Sudan at brendasudan@ gpc.edu for more information at the Muslim Student Association.
PANTHER HACKERS Experience the growing “Hacker Culture” of Georgia State by networking with peers who enjoy technical applications and coding. Panther Hackers is a special interest organization, which promotes creativity by teaching students how to apply concepts into actual tools that will help them compete in professional environments. To lean more about Panther Hackers visit their website pantherhackers.com or send an email to hello@pantherhackers.com. illustrations by: darian mathews
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
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the city
Decatur
1300 CLIFTON ROAD
If you are looking for a cute and delicious place to grab coffee or brunch definitely stop by. Highland Bakery offers items from muffins to southern cooking to even a few vegetarian friendly options. HIG
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If you are looking for a rad place to get delicious sandwiches, well, then look no further. Victory Sandwich Bar is a cool place to get sandwiches, whose names are awesome enough to be the reason that you go: The Hambo, Mile High Club, Tea Bird and Okie Dokie. V IC
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340 CHURCH ST.
252 W. PONCE DE LEON AVE.
Having a bike to get around the city saves you money and helps you stay a little greener. Not to mention it is loads of fun to ride them. Decatur Bikes is a local shop that helps repair bikes and sells them. They have plenty of bikes for people who just want to cruise down the Beltline and for the people who want to power through the streets. 30
READ THE ENTIRE GUIDE ONLINE IN OUR PRINT ARCHIVES AT GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM.
the city
buckhead written by:
READ THE ENTIRE GUIDE ONLINE IN OUR PRINT ARCHIVES AT GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM
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the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
U PSC ALE C O SI
Carnivores and vegetarians are both welcome here. R. Thomas offers a wide variety of food. From breakfast quesadillas to southwestern food, the list goes on. It can all be found in cool outdoor/indoor seating surrounded by cool art and items.
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Chicken, chicken, chicken, and oh yeah, frozen custard. Rock’s Chicken and Fries is a restaurant dedicated to exactly what is said in the name. Although, they do offers a few salads, but this place has loyalty to the thing that clucks.
2221 PEACHTREE ROAD NE
Obviously, things in Buckhead are far from cheap. But having a shop where you can find high-end brands that are in good condition and less costly is a necessity. And that is exactly what Alexis Suitcase is, along with being able to sell your own used goods there. It’s a great place downtown where you may have to spend a little extra than at Goodwill, but the turnout is more rewarding. 31
campus
Pinching pennies Quick tips to save money during college
written by:
CATRINA DYGERT
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MICROSOFT OFFICE
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E E BIES FREE REDBOX RENTAL Redbox offers a free one day rental code for signing up on their mailing list. This isn’t exclusive to student accounts, so you can sign up with any or every account you want. You do still have to put in your credit card info when you rent the DVD, so don’t think this is your ticket to starting a DVD collection. It’s definitely a cheaper alternative to going to the theater, which is usually around $10 for the ticket alone.
Between literature reviews and research papers, Microsoft Word is a necessary tool in every student’s arsenal. However, priced at a staggering $100 (almost the price of a textbook), it’s not a tool many students can afford. While Google Docs does offer a free word processor, not all the formatting translates directly to Microsoft Word. Thankfully, students at Georgia State can download Microsoft 365 for free through their technology department.
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MCAFEE ANTI-VIRUS You wouldn’t download a car, but you can download this anti-virus software, also free for students through Georgia State. Anti-virus systems can run anywhere from $20 to $50 or more depending on the brand and level of protection. Thanks to the tech departments, there’s now a free alternative so students don’t have to worry about their computers crashing while downloading music or movies (for purely scholastic purposes, of course).
FOOD DISCOUNTS Students with jobs know how hard it is to manage school and work. It’s even harder to manage all that money week to week. However, flashing your student ID at any of these fast food joints can save you a few extra bucks when you do decide to treat yourself. McDonald’s, Arby’s, Burger King and Waffle House all offer 10 percent off for students, though discounts vary and may not be available at every location, so make sure to call ahead of time.
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The Student Advantage Card is a discount program that can be linked to your JCard. It does cost $30 to join, but for that fee you get incredible savings at a variety of different stores, such as Target, Macy’s, and Footlocker. Student Advantage Cardholders can also save 40 percent off pre-paid tickets at AMC Theatres if Redbox isn’t for you, and 20 percent off Greyhound fares if you’re an out-of-towner. A full list of discounts can be found at studentadvantage.com
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rowing up and going off to college can be an exciting transition in a kid’s life. Unfortunately, it usually means there’s no more calling up mom and dad for the monthly allowance. For a lot of students it’s a matter of pride, proving to themselves and their families that they can survive on their own in the world. With these money saving tips, pinching pennies doesn’t have to actually pinch. While these tricks certainly aren’t going to make you Kardashian rich, they can help you save a few extra dollars here and there.
page design by: darian mathews
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the city
Cream of the Crop Créma Espresso Gourmet Dishes out Flavor written by:
CATRINA DYGERT
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fter staying up too late the night before partying or watching dog videos on Youtube, being able to tell left from right is quite difficult. We’ve all been there. There is Créma Espresso Gourmet, however, by the Perimeter campus in Dunwoody, where a cup — or twelve — of reasonably priced coffee can be found. Located just five minutes from the Dunwoody Campus, Yossi Ben-Haim, the owner of Créma, is dishing out gourmet foods and espresso Italian style. His trick? Medium roast 100 percent Arabica beans that are ground fresh daily. Créma even offers almond or soy milk as substitutes for people with allergies, so everyone can experience a true Italian espresso. If coffee isn’t your thing, they also offer tea, hot chocolate, and house made orange juice. Aside from the coffee, there is a traditional selection of bagels and flaky French-style croissants. Créma also offers cakes, breads and a bunch of French pastries, including mocha and chocolate macarons. They serve savory treats, like New York Style Smoked Salmon and Ragu Lasagna, a customer favorite. Créma offers event catering through
owner Ben-Haim’s upscale European catering company, BLUNUVO, cooking up the same gourmet food served at Créma for local corporate events. Créma offers free Wi-Fi and the quiet café atmosphere is the perfect place to study or hang out with friends. Tal Ben Yishai, a barista at Créma and a Perimeter student comments on the elusive presence the coffee shop carries. “A lot of Perimeter College students [visit the shop],” Yishai said. “However, a lot of people still don’t know about this place even though it’s right down the road. I tell all my friends [about Créma]. I hope people will come more often. It’s a really cool place.” It’s affordable for students, too. Only one item on Créma’s menu is over $10. Most of the drinks range from $2 to $4, and most of the pastries are around $3, though some of the single serve cakes go up to $5. Créma also has daily freebies, giving out free sides or drinks with certain orders. Make sure to stop in and get a taste of the real-deal Italian coffee at a European café without breaking your budget.
2458 Mt Vernon Road Dunwoody, GA 30338
( It can be reached via MARTA’s 132 Tilly Mill Road route, which stops at Dunwoody campus and Mount Vernon. )
HOURS: Monday to Sunday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. PRICES: Cheap for the quality. Almost everything on the menu is under $10. PARKING: There is a private lot at the front of the shop, but it fills up quick.
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
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campus
Tips from us to you Things your tour guide will never say
written by:
SYDNEY CUNNINGHAM 1. DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME INSIDE SAXBY’S
photo by: dayne francis
photo by: dayne francis
Despite what seems to be the most convenient place for coffee and a snack, do not spend your time in the numbing line out the door of Saxby’s, which often leaks into the library. Saxby's is always full of library dwellers and professors who are running late. There’s also no need to walk to Peachtree Street for a cup of coffee at the Starbucks across from Aderhold. If you have a class within the plaza buildings, it’s rather unnecessary to take the 10 minutes up to Peachtree to the Starbucks. There are much closer, quicker and cheaper options. First off, the closest option lies under the parking garage that doubles as Kell Hall. On the very bottom floor, or ramp, there is Georgia State’s Corner Cafe. It’s not so much a secret, but hides in plain sight. Under Kell, there is not a lot of foot traffic, so the lines are quicker and crowds are thinner. It’s not a fully stocked Starbucks by any stretch of the imagination, but there are classic coffee go tos that include French Roast, Cappuccinos, and Cafe Lattes. Bagels, pastries, fruit, and other quick options are supplied as well.
2. SLOW SHUTTLES
photo by: signal archives
photo by: signal archives
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The shuttles help on a rainy day, but ultimately take longer. Once you get to Georgia State, walking to class might seem like a nuisance, but in actuality the shuttles might be more of one. The schedule that the Georgia State shuttles are supposed to keep is very unofficial, at every bus stop there are estimated arrival times that are seldom kept to. They wait a good amount at each stop to allow students to get on, while a good thing for some, it can be rather inconvenient when you are trying to make it to class on time. The answer is simple, take the streets yourself. If you are in no rush to get to campus, take the shuttle. On any regular day, I recommend walking if you are able. While walking on campus, you can witness any new additions in town and get to class at a similar
or faster rate than the shuttles. Also, through walking, you can potentially get more done than arriving through the shuttles. You can pop in somewhere to pick up a bite to eat or accomplish an errand.
3. PLAZA HOURS
In between Sparks Hall, Kell Hall, Langdale Hall, Classroom South and the Library, Georgia State’s Plaza sits. Throughout class hours, each day, people fluctuate there from a handful or barely any room to move. While the hours when there are crowds of students aren’t official, they are when protests take place, DJs are played and events are promoted. If you are looking to congregate with your fellow students or enjoy the outdoors relatively unbothered, knowing when the Plaza is busy may be essential at Georgia State. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1:15 p.m., the Plaza receives its busiest hours. If you are looking to catch the largest meeting of students, music, events or a good place to people watch; plant yourself on a ledge.
4. BIKE AND CAMP FOR DIRT CHEAP.
If you are in the mood to bike the Atlanta Beltline or want to drive up to a lake with a few friends one weekend, Georgia State’s Touch the Earth is an untapped resource. At Touch the Earth, bikes can be rented for up to three days for essentially no charge. As long as you do not bring the bike back late, with missing parts or destroyed, the requested $20 deposit is given back to you. Also at Touch the Earth, tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, cook kits, stoves, lanterns, ponchos, coolers, canoes, kayaks and other items are available for rent at a price that is significantly cheaper than obtaining them yourself. Some items are available for rent if Touch the Earth certification is completed. Also, through Touch the Earth rock climbing is for free with your PantherCard in Georgia State’s Recreation Center. Through this program, having a rather pricey adventure is especially affordable.
campus
Zen- Ful Energy
Georgia State's most frequent and hidden hangout spots
written by:
CHANTE FOSTER
S
itting in class all day can be mentally exhausting. One way to combat exhaustion is finding comfortable ways to recharge. Whether it’s taking a nap, relaxing with friends or grabbing lunch, at Georgia State’s Atlanta or Perimeter campuses, there are multiple locations for students to unwind.
ATLANTA CAMPUS ANDREW YOUNG SCHOOL OF POLICIES STUDY
The Andrew Young School of Policies Studies is located at the corner of Marietta and Peachtree Street. The first floor of the building has a large lounge area, featuring a work space and desks that are attached to massive windows that peer out onto the Atlanta streets. KELL HALL
When it’s time for a coffee break, grab a cup of your favorite Java without the wait. There is a hidden cafe, located near the campus post office. The Kell Hall cafe has multiple microwaves, booths for sitting, vending machines and Starbucks Coffee.
DECATUR CAMPUS THE QUAD
The Quad is an outdoor space located in the middle of buildings SC, SB and SA. This spot has stone benches, and tables with beach
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umbrellas attached. On a sunny day, it’s a great place to get some fresh air and shade. THE STAIRWELL
Located on the second floor of building SC is a stairwell with a piano and a few chairs. This spot is very popular for students who enjoy music and playing the piano. Entering the stairwell can be done by going inside building SC from the Quad plaza, and walking up the stairs.
CLARKSTON CAMPUS OUTDOOR SITTING AREA
Enjoy green space and nature while sitting under the shady trees. Located in the middle of buildings CC, CD and CN, this is a great spot to stay cool during the hot summer months. STUDENT CENTER
On the second floor of building CN, in front of the admissions office, there is an open space with circular chairs, desks and lounge chairs. On the same floor there is a quiet zone, designated for conversations and small conference meetings.
campus RANDOM FINDS ATLANTA CAMPUS On the fourth floor in Library South, take the back elevators and make a left, walk down the aisle and there will be empty bookshelves, behind those shelves is a cozy space where you can have privacy.
DECATUR CAMPUS Take in nature by checking out the small fish pond located in the Quad, right next to building SB.
CLARKSTON CAMPUS Inside of administrative building CN, there is a vending machine within the campus cafe that sells school supplies such as pens, stickynotes, whiteout and jumpdrives.
photos by: dayne francis
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the city
Theaters for the broke and bored Best spots to catch a cheap blockbuster or indie gem
photos by: dayne francis
written by:
ALEXANDRA GRAHAM
A
tlanta is full of movies and movie lovers, especially with Georgia’s tax incentives bringing in filmmakers of all styles and budgets. With all these movies getting made, though, where are the best places to see them? Atlanta has the standards, a big Regal Cinema at Atlantic Station and some AMCs strewn about, but for those who prefer an arthouse with some indie picks, or even just a non-traditional theater experience, check out these gems.
MIDTOWN ART CINEMA
Midtown Art Cinema is a one-stop shop for both arthouse and mainstream films. Tucked away behind Midtown Promenade on Monroe Drive NE, it’s a little bit of a haul for students living downtown taking public transit. The variety makes up for it, though, as this theater dishes out films of high brow and low. Assistant manager, Josh Rosenfield, said they’re known for showing Hollywood movies as well as “independent, lesser known, and foreign films.” They also hold classic films series with different themes, such as a recent series focusing on New German filmmaker Wim Wenders.
“Mostly we offer a pretty laid back atmosphere,” Rosenfield said. Plus they only run ten minutes of previews. Totally worth a bus ride.
THE PLAZA
For some self-proclaimed eccentric programming with a retro vibe, check out the Plaza Theatre at the corner of Ponce de Leon and Highland Avenues. Opened in 1939, the theatre looks plucked straight out of the golden age of cinema, with a kick of neon for extra spice. It’s not all oldies, though — Michael Furlinger, the owner since 2013, promises modern fare. “We play first run and eclectic programming all the time,” Furlinger said. Recent films of interest include an animated Japanese film and a documentary about “Star Wars.”Also check out “Rocky Horror Picture Show” every Friday at midnight. The decor of the theatre feels solid 70s, and everything’s been redone, from the kitsch vintage carpeting to the equipment. “We preserve the history and the look but the technology is right up to par,” Furlinger said.
BONUS STARLIGHT DRIVE-IN
Wanna see what’s playing now, but feel like skipping the eleven dollar ticket and the silence of a dark theater? Grab a buddy with a car and hit up the Starlight Drive-In. It’s been around since 1949 and is still going strong by playing blockbusters on their big screens. One ticket at Starlight pays for a double feature, so it’s a great deal for college kids with light wallets. Plus, the safety of a car allows for uninterrupted whispers and snapchatting, so it’s great for getting in a few much needed selfies.
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WELCOME TO PANTHER FAMILY LETS TALK SPORTS
@GSUSIGNALSPORTS
photo by: dayne francis
Welcome to Panther Family
One last time
The Dome and Turner Field era is almost at an end written by:
RASHAD MILLIGAN
O
ne of the best part of being a Georgia State sports fan is that all of the professional sports venues in Atlanta are within walking distance. While this will soon no longer be the case, current students can take advantage of this convenient location for one more year. Continued on page 43.
photo by: tammy huynh
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Atlanta
one last time continued
photo by: tammy huynh
photos by: tammy huynh
photo by: sean keenan
Opening in September 1999, Philips Arena hosted the 2003 NBA All-Star events, the 2012 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament and the 2004 U.S. Figure Skating Championship. In April 2009, the arena achieved leadership in the category Energy-and-Environmental-Design, which means Philips has met green building standards. Philips Arena is now home to the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream. The Hawks currently have the second longest playoff appearance streak in the NBA, making the postseason for nine consecutive years. In the past two seasons, the Hawks have hosted the in-game entertainment of T.I, Two Chainz, Big Boi, Ludacris, Cee-Lo Green, Jeezy and Silento. The Dream made the WNBA Finals 2010, 2011 and 2013 are led by WNBA superstar and Olympic gold-medalist Angel McCoughtry. Philips Arena is approximately a 20-25 minute walk from Georgia State’s campus.
The world’s largest cable-supported domed stadium opened in 1992. The Dome hosted the Super Bowl in 1993 and 2000, the NCAA Men’s Final Fours in 2002, 2007 and 2013, the SEC Championship, the Chick-fil-A and the NCAA Women’s Final Four in 2003. The Dome seats 71,250 people and is currently home to Georgia State’s football team and the Atlanta Falcons. The Panthers head into the final season at the Georgia Dome coming off of their most successful season in history in 2015, ending the regular season on a four-game winning streak and playing in the school’s first Bowl Game in its history. The Falcons went to the NFC Championship in 2012 and currently have Julio Jones. A receiver many would argue is the best in the NFL. The Georgia Dome is approximately a 30 minute walk from campus and student shuttles are provided to and from Georgia State’s home games.
The future home of Georgia State and first home of the Atlanta Braves opened in 1997 and has a capacity of 49,586 people. Turner Field was originally an Olympic Stadium during the 1996 games. The field also hosted the 2000 MLB All-Star festivities. In-state rivals Georgia Tech and UGA host their baseball series’ against one another in the stadium. Braves games have fan batting cages and a team history museum if fans would like to kill some time before or during a game. Every home game is important one for nostalgic reasons this season in the last year of Turner Field’s existence. The Braves will be moving to Cobb County at the start of the 2017 season at Suntrust Park. Prospects Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson will look to join Freddie Freeman in the team’s rebuilding efforts. As far as this current season at Turner Field goes, on August 20, Tori Kelly will be doing a live post game concert for the Braves.
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
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athletics
For the sports lovers
If you love sports and competition, Intramurals provides that written by:
TOBI ADEYEMI
O
ne of the best things about the recreational life at Georgia State is intramurals at the Recreational Center and the university offers quite a bit of them. One sport intramurals is not lacking is football, an area where the recreational center offers two types. The first is the classic game of Flag Football. Each team is allowed seven players max on the field at one time, but the roster max is 20. Of those 20 players, each team is has to designate one captain and he or she is the only one allowed to talk to the refs. The game is played at the football team’s practice field, Panthersville, which is divided into four zones that are 20 yards each and two end zones which are 10 yards each. There are men, women, and co-ed teams, so everyone has the opportunity to play. Intramural flag football is also one of the more competitive sports offered, so make sure to bring your
photo by:
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Signal archives
A-game. The other football game offered is flag football, but with a twist. Georgia State offers arena flag football, which is played in the Omni Gym located on the third floor of the recreation center. The rules are also different. Instead of the four 10 minute quarters that regular flag football has, arena flag football has only two halves which are 12 minutes each. Another difference is the amount of players allowed. Arena flag football is pretty much four-on-four, so only four players allowed on the court at once instead of the typical seven. They also offer a co-ed league too but with slightly different rules. Of the four players on the court, at least two must be women at any time during the game. Plus, women get a little leeway, as their touchdowns count as nine points instead of the typical six. Arguably the most competitive intramural sport offered is basketball, which is also split into two different games. The first is three on three basketball. A 3-on-3 game is allowed a max of six players on the roster and the match
is a best of three with each game going to 15. It is slightly different from regular 3-on-3 as there are refs, the possession alternates and there are free throws. You must still call your own fouls. The other basketball offered is regular team basketball in which intramurals split into two leagues. The A league is the highly competitive one, while B league is a little less. The game consists of two 20 minute halves and the rules are the same as a regular five on five game. The co-rec league rules are once again slightly different. The team must have at least three girls on the court at once. Before students can actually play in intramurals they must register. Good thing is registration is not hard at all, the hardest part is remembering to do it. Every intramural has a registration period, which is about a week long. Before the end of that week, a student must have their team registered and the captain of that team must complete all sign up procedures. Visit the recreational.gsu.edu for more information.
sponsored
Living at Westmar
provided by cardinal group
SPONSORED CONTENT
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tlanta Student Housing Community Named Top 10 Most Luxurious Westmar Student Lofts was recently named the 4 th most luxurious student housing community in NorthAmerica by Places4Students.com. The competition cited the options of standard, luxury, and elite apartment types as well as Atlanta’s largest pool as reasons for the ranking. Even though Westmar is considered one of the most luxurious student housing communities in the country it still keeps students’ finances in mind. Prices start at an affordable $670 per installment for a 4 bedroom 4 bathroom apartment. Not only is rent included in each installment but also all utilities,premium cable,
high speed internet, and access to all of the luxurious amenities. Westmar Student Lofts houses students attending Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, and the Atlanta University Center schools. In addition to Atlanta’s largest pool the community boasts amenities such as a free shuttle to nearby campuses, basketball court, volleyball court, fitness center, computer lab, study rooms, TV/game lounge, free tanning booth, and even a 24-hour market. When asked about the amenities Decker Babcock, a Westmar resident, replied “Nothing compares to Westmar. The quality is superior to any other student housing community.” The luxury doesn’t stop at the pool. Westmar’s
offers a range of apartment choices that offer privatebedrooms, private bathrooms, leather furniture, washer and dryer in-unit, and up to 1GB internetspeeds. Natasha Fields, Leasing and Marketing Team Leader at Westmar, warns students not to wait until the summer to sign a lease at Westmar, “Students consider Westmar to be the best value for the market and have been leasing earlier and earlier each year. Our most popular apartment types sell out quickly so we always suggest signing a lease as early as possible.” Students looking to get more information by calling 404-490- 4082 or by visiting WestmarLofts.com
It takes a team
Georgia State football begins to pick up the pieces
photos by: signal archives
written by:
LEAH COTTON 2015-16 SEASON RECAP
The Georgia State football team fought through the 2015-16 season to create history. After rallying back from a 2-6 record, the Panthers saw four straight victories which landed the team with a final season record of 6-6. While defeating conference members such as Texas State, South Alabama and Troy, Georgia State also gained a victory over conference rival Georgia Southern, 34-7. The Panthers finished at No. 4 in the Sun Belt conference. Georgia State then went on to travel to the first ever bowl game in school history. However, the Panthers fell 16-27 to San Jose State in the Autonation Cure Bowl. Charlie Cobb, Georgia State’s director of athletics, shares his thoughts on the football program’s first bowl game. “It was an awesome accomplishment for the coaches and team. It demonstrated great leadership within the program,” Cobb said. “This gives us great momentum
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heading into the summer workouts and ultimately the 2016 season.”
WE ARE THE PANTHER FAMILY
The Panthers are looking forward to performing well in the upcoming 2016-17 season. Facing opponents such as Wisconsin and Georgia Southern, the Panther Family is essential to the success of the football program. Cobb expresses what the phrase Panther Family means to him. “It defines what I think is the beauty of college athletics. It means that no matter your background, circumstances, or identity, we are all one pulling in the same direction,” Cobb said. “Georgia State is an incredibly diverse institution with thousands of opportunities for students to engage.” No matter which campus you are located on, each individual is united in the Panther Family. Perimeter College students have the same access to sporting events through their Panther Card as students that reside on the downtown campus. Come out to watch your Georgia State Panthers throughout the season.
football
football continued
Key players to look out for After graduating players such as Nick Arbuckle, who signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Donovan Harden, who signed to the Baltimore Ravens, Georgia State will bring in promising new players as well as returning key players.
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
BOBBY BAKER SAFETY The hard hitting redshirt senior will return to Georgia State for his final season. After transferring from UAB to play as a Panther in the 201516 season, Baker brought in a dynamic addition for the Georgia State defense with a total of 76 tackles and three interceptions. Overall, Baker becoming more comfortable with the program will bring a bigger impact.
ALONZO MCGEE LINEBACKER
ROBERT DAVIS WIDE RECIEVER
After playing in his first season with the Panthers, McGee broke the Georgia State season record with 12.5 tackles for loss. Totaling 70 tackles and 2.5 sacks, McGee serves as a major key for the Panthers' defense. McGee's ability to get to the quarterback as well as hold the opponents offensives’ with minimal yardage will provide Georgia State with an extra edge.
Coming off a season in which he totaled 980 receiving yards, 61 receptions and averaging 16.1 yards per game, Davis is a returning threat for the Panthers. The rising senior ranks second in Georgia State's history in career receptions and receiving yards. Davis is an experienced player for Georgia State in which he demonstrates consistency and astonishing physical ability.
PENNY HART WIDE RECIEVER Hart was named the 2015 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. After totaling over 1,000 receiving yards during his freshman season, the rising sophomore will continue to grow in the program while developing team chemistry along the way. Hart totaled 71 receptions while averaging 15.5 yards per game. Hart led the Panther receivers with eight touchdowns in the past season.
CHECK OUT THE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR THE 2016-2017 SEASON | PAGE 46
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
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football continued
2016-2017 football season schedule WHEN
WHO
FRIDAY, SEPT. 2
BALL STATE
GEORGIA DOME
SATURDAY, SEPT. 10
AIR FORCE
COLORADO SPRINGS
SATURDAY, SEPT. 17
WISCONSIN
MADISON, WISCONSIN
SATURDAY, OCT. 1
APPALACHIAN STATE*
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA
SATURDAY, OCT. 8
TEXAS STATE*
GEORGIA DOME
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15
TROY*
TROY, ALABAMA
SATURDAY, OCT. 22
UT MARTIN
GEORGIA DOME
SATURDAY, OCT. 29
SOUTH ALABAMA*
MOBILE, ALABAMA
THURSDAY, NOV. 3
ARKANSAS STATE*
GEORGIA DOME
SATURDAY, NOV. 12
UL MONROE*
GEORGIA DOME
SATURDAY, NOV. 19
GEORGIA SOUTHERN*
GEORGIA DOME
SATURDAY, DEC. 3
IDAHO*
MOSCOW, IDAHO
*CONFERENCE GAMES
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WHERE
Looking for revenge Volleyball team looks to bounce back from 2015 this fall
volleyball
Our Beach is better One of Atlanta’s best kept secrets is right behind GSU Sports Arena written by:
RASHAD MILLIGAN
S
photos by: signal archives
photo by: georgia state athletics (above)
written by:
In addition to injuries, late match collapses contributed to the team's’ struggles last season.The Panthers had five more matches where they won the first set in comparison to overall season victories. In matches that went the maximum five sets, Georgia State had a 1-7 record. The atmosphere at the volleyball games is an intense one. After every point, each team shows a great deal of emotion and the crowds at Georgia State matches are usually filled with Panther athletes from other sports screaming and heckling the visiting schools. Football senior tight end Keith Rucker, Jr. and Dan Wilson are two fans whose voices stand out among the volleyball crowds. During the matches breaks, the arena dj plays some of the most popular songs on the day of the match, allowing spectators to show off some of their best moves. Some home games will feature members of the 2016 Cheersport National Champion Panther Spirit Squad. Home matches for the volleyball team are played in the GSU Sports Arena.
RASHAD MILLIGAN
F
rom the beginning of the fall semester, students can enjoy Georgia State volleyball. Led by seniors Kristina Stinson and Eliza Zachary, the team looks to bounce back from a 7-19 2015 season. The team will also be returning key players Shae Chapman, Sarah Renner, Crystal Lee and Sydney Mauer. Renner was named the Sun Belt Freshman of the Week in November 2015. Zachary earned honors at the season’s first tournament, shortly before having her season end to injury. Stinson was named the MVP of the High Point Tournament, Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week and GSU Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week. High school standouts Morgan Hash, Madelyn Ott, Sydney Strout and All-American Celeste Fitzgerald are the freshmen on the team while sophomore Jocelyn Mahayag is the squad’s newest transfer.
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
tarting the inaugural season in 2013, Georgia State’s Beach Volleyball team has built a powerhouse program. The team is coming off of a second straight appearance in the National tournament for College Beach Volleyball teams and finished the 2016 year as the No. 7 ranked team in the NCAA. Next season’s storyline will surround how the squad will react to losing one of the nation’s top duo’s in Jansen Button and Sara Olivova who graduated. With free admission to the public, fans can enjoy the Panthers home games with the view of palm trees, a city train and the state capital at the University’s sand courts. Music is also playing throughout the matches, which gives spectators the peculiar atmosphere of an actual beach in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Georgia State beach volleyball is under the leadership of the 2016 Coastal Collegiate Sports Association Coach of the Year, Beth Van Fleet.
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men’s basketball
Comeback
season
Georgia State is ready for improvement after a tough season written by:
TOBI ADEYEMI
W
hen basketball season comes around for Georgia State, the feeling around campus changes. The mood picks up, the energy is undeniable and that is due to the success of the men’s basketball program. Georgia State has been Sun Belt Conference champions two of the last three seasons, missing the three peat last season. Over the course of the past three seasons, many memories have been made. Georgia State qualified for March Madness in 2015, even pulling out an upset over Baylor and providing one of the most memorable moments in NCAA tournament history. The Panthers had a rough season last year, but they look primed for a major comeback this year. The Panthers are led by Head Coach Ron Hunter, who may be remembered most for his antics during the 2015 NCAA Tournament. He has been the head coach for Georgia State since 2011 and is a big reason for Georgia State’s success since then. All the glory does not belong solely to Hunter, as his amazing coaching staff has helped the cause too. Hunter’s coaching staff consists of Assistant Coaches Everick Sullivan and Claude Pardue, and formerly included Associate Head Coach Darryl LaBarrie, who recently accepted an offer to become an assistant coach at his alma mater, Georgia Tech. Replacing LaBarrie would be no easy task, but Hunter did an excellent job with his hire of Sharman White, head coach of the highly successful Miller Grove High School. Coaching is
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very important, but it comes down to the players who make the final difference on the scoreboard. There will be numerous players returning from last season including the team's three consistent starters. The leading scorer, Jeremy Hollowell, will be back for his senior season after averaging 14.1 points per game in his first season at Georgia State. The team will also bring back their starting point guard and third leading scorer, Isaiah Williams, who averaged 9 points per game. After the graduation of four seniors, three of them whom played heavy minutes, the rotation opens up for 6-foot-7 junior forward Jordan Sessions, 6-foot-5 sniper redshirt sophomore guard Jeff Thomas, and former Georgia State dunk champion and 6-foot senior guard Isaiah Dennis. Sophomore guards Malik Benlevi and Austin Donaldson should both see an increase in their playing time after playing consistent minutes last year as true freshman. Georgia State has a lot of quality players returning, but also a couple of players beginning their Panther careers next season. Georgia State has always been a transfer heavy school, and this year is no different. Finally Alabama transfer Devin Mitchell will have the opportunity to suit up for the Panthers after sitting out last season. The same goes for Charlotte transfer Willie Clayton and Ball State graduate transfer Jeremiah Davis. Georgia State will also bring in one of the best high school players in Georgia as guard D’Marcus Simonds committed to the program. Joining Simonds in this year’s freshman class will be forward Chris Clerkley. The 2016 season looks very bright for the Panthers.
photos by: dayne francis
women’s basketball
Comeback
season
Newby, Lewis headline new women’s basketball season written by:
RASHAD MILLIGAN
A
fter losing only two seniors, the women’s basketball team will return most of their key players this season. The team’s key guards that are returning are Makeba Ponder and Madison Newby. Ponder has led the Sun Belt Conference in three pointers made per game in each of her first two seasons at Georgia State. Ponder also led the Panthers in scoring her freshman season and is currently tied for the the most single season three pointers in school history with 69 in 201415. Newby led the Sun Belt Conference in assist and as a result was named the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. Newby shot twice as many free throws as anyone else on the Panthers did last season, hoisting 130 foul shots. Although a lot of the season’s success could be credited to the duo of Ponder and Newby, the overall record of 10-19 and missing the Conference Tournament could fall on the shoulders of the duo as well. Ponder shot 34.8 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from beyond the three-point line, while Newby averaged 4.8 turnovers a game. The group of guards will continue to grow with the signing of the No. 27 guard of the ESPN 2016 Class Jada Lewis from McEachern High School.
Sophomores K.K. Williams and Astaja Tyghter are the key wing players while Haley Gerrin and Alaysia Mitchell hold the Panthers down on the post. The tallest player on the team this year will be freshman Center Shaquanda MillerMcCray, who is 6-foot-3. Two important components for the women’s basketball team having a better season this year and clinching a bid back to the Conference Tournament will be staying out of trouble off the court and continuing to learn each teammate out on the court. During last season, Ponder and Tyghter were suspended for violating team policies. Erica Norwood and Nasheema Oliver were two players the team decided not to bring back this upcoming season. On the court, the Panthers were beat by their opponents in every statistical category. Only looking on paper, the programs future looks doomed, but by using the eye test, one can see the potential for a breakout year is certainly there. The team has talent, depth and a passionate coaching staff led by Sherwin BaldwinTener. Only time will tell how far the 2016-17 team will go.
@GSUSIGNALSPORTS photos by: georgia state athletics
the signal urbanite | new student orientation guide
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men’s tennis
Back on track Men’s tennis looks to build off 2016 momentum into new season
written by:
DEVONE SLAPPY
T
he Panthers finished the 2014-15 season with a 9-13 record and thanks to Sun Belt Coach of the Year Brett Ross, the team finished this season with a 17-6 record and 4-0 in conference play. The Panthers season ended after losing 4-1 to UT Arlington in the semifinal round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. Despite not getting an NCAA bid or the Sun Belt conference title, this season was still a successful one for the Panthers. The Panthers earned their highest ranking the program has reached in nine years, at No. 51 ITA on April 5. Coach Ross feels the team had a great year despite not reaching all their goals. “Overall, we had a great year,” Ross said. “I think this team turned the corner in terms of confidence against every opponent. We reached the highest ranking for the program in nearly a decade and it was definitely a lot of fun.” In addition, there were several players who had a breakout season. Three Panthers were awarded Sun Belt Student-Athlete of the Week honors, Zackery Kennedy, Sebastian Acuna and Jack MacFarlane. Kennedy and Jannis Koeke were named to the All-Sun Belt Singles First Team, and Acuna and Andrei Andrukhou were named to the All-Sun Belt Singles Second Team. Not only did the players have a breakout season on the court, but off the court as well. The team as a whole had the highest overall GPA in the Sun Belt and earned seven academic awards. Koeke, Felipe Jaworski, Valentin Horvat and Chinmay Handa were named to the Sun Belt Commissioner’s List. Joseph Bishop and Acuna were named to the Academic Honor Roll.
2016-17 SEASON PREVIEW
The Panthers finished last season with a successful season and look for them to bring that momentum into the next season. “We have a lot to build off of for next season, as we have not lost any of our starting line,” Coach Ross said. That’s right, the 17-6 team is coming back once again as a whole unit without skipping a beat. Jaworski, 15-3 record, Koeke, 11-8, and Kennedy, 12-6, are all coming back to lead the team to another successful season behind Coach of the Year Ross.
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photo by: dayne francis
women’s tennis
We are the champions Women’s tennis adds another Sun Belt title to recent history
photo submitted by georgia state athletics
written by:
DEVONE SLAPPY
G
eorgia State’s women’s tennis team won its second Sun Belt Conference Tournament in three seasons since joining the Sun Belt Conference. The Panthers beat South Alabama once again to clinch the title, as they previously did in the 2014 season. The Panthers, ranked the No. 1 seed, beat the Jaguars, No. 2 seed, 4-2 thanks to Daniela Ramirez stepping up to win the match point at the No. 4 spot. The Panthers won all the doubles matches, and won four of the single matches. Winning the Sun Belt Conference earned the Panthers an automatic bid into the NCAA Women’s Tennis Tournament. Ranked No. 46 nationally, the Panthers would end up facing No. 25 Syracuse. The Panthers fought in a hard, lengthy match that lasted 3 hours, 45 minutes but Syracuse came out on top 4-3. The Panthers had the lead 3-2, but Syracuse would come storming back to win the last two matches.
Syracuse’s No. 64-ranked Anna Schkudun would defeat the Panthers No. 114-ranked Linn Timmerman in three sets to clinch the victory. Timmerman fought hard even with an injured ankle, but it just wasn’t enough. Still Head Coach Jason Marshall knows she gave it her all. “Timmerman had rolled her ankle during the week and hurt it again the second set, but she gave it everything she had,” Coach Marshall said. “The team toughed it out because at this point of a season everyone has nagging injuries. They blocked out the pain and kept fighting.” The Panthers finished their successful season with a 15-6 record, a Sun Belt Conference Championship Trophy, and an NCAA Bid. Coach Marshall in just his second year, was named the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year. Timmerman was named to the First Team All-Conference in both singles and doubles. Niri Rasolomalala was named to the Second Team Singles All-Conference team. Tarani Kamoe was named to the First Team All-Conference Doubles team.
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Next season, the Panthers will be without two of their top players Timmerman and Rasolomalala. Timmerman finished last season with a 13-6 record and Rasolomalala finished with a 15-3 record. However, the team is still young and has a great future ahead of them. At just 17 years old, Daniela Ramirez will be coming off one of the best seasons in school history as a freshmen. She finished the season with the most wins on the team with a 16-3 record and finished the season on a 10 game winning streak. Look for her to bring that momentum into the next season. In addition, the team is not only young, but also experienced. Look for junior Kristin Rehse and senior Kamoe to be the leaders on this team next year. Rehse finished last year with a 12-6 record and Kamoe finished with a 3-2 record. With Sun Belt Head Coach of the Year Marshall leading the team, look for the Panthers to be right back in the NCAAs.
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