Vol. 80 No. 10 by The Signal

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Salsa dancing and sugar skulls A&L | pages 10 & 11 OCT. 23 - OCT. 29, 2012 | VOL. 80 | NO.10

Will we ever go GREEN? Georgia State continues to trail other universities Weighing pros & cons of a Student Activity Fee funded initiative. What students are doing about it. How other Georgia universities do it. News | page 4 & 5

Fewer eyes on football

Smoked out

Low attendance rates could spell trouble for the program when it heads into the Sunbelt conference next season.

Georgia State has banned smoking on campus. What do students think about it? Plus: What the administration said.

sports | page 17

news | page 3

Daily news at www.georgiastatesignal.com

News 3

Opinions 6

Arts & Living 9

Sports 17

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012

last week...

Local

After an internal investigation, Georgia Boy Scouts found that a former scoutmaster, an Athens businessman, molested possibly dozens of children over a 15-year span. The Boy Scouts of America are currently under fire after Oregon court documents were released citing sexual abuse. Shirley Lasseter, a former Gwinnett County commissioner caught accepting bribes, stated she believed bribery was common among developers in Gwinnett. Lasseter will soon be in jail after accepting a bribe from an undercover FBI agent. The annual Little Five Points Halloween Parade was delayed after a motorcycle collided with the Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse float. Witnesses said the cyclist appeared to “pop a wheelie” and lose control of the cycle. A female passenger was also thrown off.

National Three-term U.S. senator and presidential candidate George McGovern died last week at the age of 90. McGovern lost the 1972 presidential race to Richard Nixon. He was known for his hard liberal views and firm stance against the Vietnam War.

CIA Director David H. Petraeus proposed that the U.S. military expand its drone fleet. If approved, the 10 drones could be added, expanding the current drone count to 30-35. A moderate earthquake shook California residents last Saturday. The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 5.3 quake was centered 40 miles southeast of Salinas. They said 15,000 people reported they felt the quake.

World Violent protests started in Beirut last Sunday during the funeral of general. A car bomb attack killed Brigadier General Wissam al-Hassan last Friday. Lebanese protesters blame neighboring Syria for the attacks. Pope Benedict XVI announced seven new saints last week. Two of the saints were Americans and one was the first Native American to be recognized. Native American Kateri Tekakwitha and Mother Marianne Cope, a nun who nursed leprosy patients in Hawaii, were honored by 80,000 visitors in Vatican City. In the latest show of power during a territory dispute with Japan, China dispersed 11 vessels in the East China Sea last Friday. Tiny islets in the sea are claimed by both nations. Japan administers the islands, but Beijing claims them.

weather WED 78/55

THU 77/57

source: weather.com FRI 76/56

SAT 75/47

SUN 67/40

blotter

October 18 University Plaza

A report was filed for lost or mislaid property. A student stated he had his cigarette case, containing his driver’s license and debit card. later he discovered the case missing.

Student Center

A report was filed for theft. A student stated she placed her Samsung Galaxy cell phone on a countertop and when she returned two minutes later it had been stolen.

University Center

A report was filed for theft. A staff member stated a Georgia State laptop was stolen. The complainant stated the laptop was discovered missing on Oct. 17 at 10:35 p.m.

Student Recreation Center

A report was filed for theft. A student stated his iPhone 4 was stolen from his book bag, which was left unattended while he played basketball.

John Wesley Dobbs

A report was filed for theft by deception. A student stated an unknown male drove up to her and asked to use her iPhone 4 cell phone. When she gave it to him he drove away

Dahlberg Hall

A report was filed for vandalism. A staff member stated someone had struck her office glass win-

dow with an object, causing a three inch hole.

October 17

Piedmont NE/ J.W. Dobbs A report was filed for theft. A Non-GSU individual stated he put his book bag down on a bench and when he returned more than an hour later he discovered it had been stolen.

University Commons

A report was filed for criminal trespass warnings. Officers were notified that two Non-GSU individuals loitering.. The individuals were issued CTW’s and escorted off the property.

Piedmont North

A report was filed for suspicious activity. A staff member stated she was informed about a student smoking marijuana and having drugs and drug paraphernalia in his room. The complaint provided access and subsequently a homemade bong was confiscated, but no drugs were located.

Off Campus

A report was filed for fraud. A staff member stated her bank that two fraudulent checks, totaling $5, 168.00, deposited informed her in her account and an illegal withdrawal of $ 340.00 was made. This case is being handled by investigations Off Campus A report was filed for fraud. A student stated someone withdraw a total of $64.00 and attempted to withdraw $300.00

from her bank account.

Student Center

A report was filed for criminal trespass warning. Officers were notified about a Non-GSU individual inside a room. After officers arrived a background check yielded no prior arrests or warnings. The individual was issued a CTW and escorted off the property.

October 16

Peachtree Center Ave. Officers arrested three Non-GSU individuals for terroristic threats and criminal trespass warnings were issued. A student stated he was threatened bodily harm if he did not accept a financial card proposal. Officers were notified and the three individuals were apprehended and identified by the victim. The individuals were arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.

Student Recreation Center

Officers arrested an individual for obstruction, interference with government property and criminal trespass warnings were issued. An officer was notified that a man was vandalizing property and leaving the location. The description of the individual was given and he was located shortly after. Officers attempted to question the subject but he fled on foot. The individual was later apprehended and identified by the witness. The individual was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.

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10/17/12 4:52 PM

NEWS

www.gsusignal.com/news

Smoked Out: University Senate bans smoking News Editor

Last week, Georgia State’s University Senate discussed the progress of the Strategic Plan, the academic progress of student athletes and the upcoming centennial. In new business, a motion from the Planning and Development Committee to approve a smoking/tobacco free campus policy was passed. Smoking and tobacco use of any kind is now prohibited on Georgia State property. Smoking is limited to designated areas in University Housing. The motion states Georgia State has the right to discipline students for smoking, but “individuals observed smoking/using tobacco are to be reminded in a professional and courteous manner of this policy.” Phang Tai, chair of the University Senate’s Planning and Development Committee said the hope is an “honor system” will hopefully be enough to deter students from violating the new policy. Taylor Briggs, executive vice president of the SGA, said the student government voted in favor of the bill. “I abstained because although I personally agree, I know many students do not so I felt as though my vote was torn,” Briggs sated in an email. When asked if the SGA’s previous meeting with Dr. Douglass Covey, vice president for Student Af-

fairs, on the smoking ban included a conversation about student response, Briggs stated, “with Dr. Covey we hadn’t really discussed student responses because it was implied that all the faculty and staff were for it and that it would be passing regardless.” Covey was not available for comment at the time of publication. Tai said he believes Georgia State’s community was represented and consulted when the original policy was drafted. “However, over the years, I have heard from many students, as well as faculty and staff, the need of such policy since we all know the smoking is not only hazardous to one’s own health, but also affects the environment and people around: second-hand smoking is even worse,” Tai said. For some students, like Dipan Patel, a smoker, the policy seemed fair. “I’m okay with [the policy]. It would be nice to let people who do smoke do so in certain locations, but for those that don’t smoke, well, they can have fresh air,” said Patel. While some smokers were fine with the policy and only wanted an area where they could smoke, many nonsmokers were against the policy, since the areas were outdoors, they felt it made sense to allow people to smoke there. “I’m not a smoker, but I don’t think that it’s fair,” said Christina Collector “It’s outside. I think people should be able to what they want out here.”

On Facebook:

What students said on social media

TERAH BOYD

Georgia State received a $4.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a project to provide various services to children of chronic substance abusers. The project is a collaboration involving Georgia State, the DeKalb County Superior Court Drug Court, Lutheran Services of Georgia and the Georgia Center on Child Advocacy. Georgia State law professor Jessica Gabel appeared on PBS’s show, NOVA, as an expert on forensic science.

On Twitter:

Other highlights of the University Senate meeting: Committee reports

Strategic Plan

Student Athletes

Subcommittees told President Mark Becker about current projects, including looking at standards for add/ drop and hardship withdraw, problems with minority faculty retention and the possible expansion of domestic partner benefits for faculty. Dr. Marta White, chair of the Student Discipline committee, said plagiarism has been the cause of the handful of academic dishonesty cases this semester. Becker said the Rialto might be too small for the growing number of students graduating with doctorial degrees. Becker said a larger space that is still “dignified and intimate” might be necessary. The only subcommittee that was not present at the meeting to give a report was the Sustainability Committee, chaired by Dabney Dixon.

Provost Risa Palm gave an update of the university’s Strategic Plan. Although there has been a cut in state funding to Georgia universities, there has been a $20 million allocation of funds out of the state budget to go to the university, according to Palm. “Most of that is going towards the Strategic Plan,” Palm said. Palm also said the six-year graduation rate is now 51 percent, up from 41 percent five years ago. She said this tops rates at schools similar to Georgia State. There has been a 36 percent increase in federal funding for research in the past year. The university’s goal is 60 million by 2016.

Director of Athletics Cheryl Levick gave a presentation that focused on the diversity and progress of student athletes. She said there are currently 365 student athletes at Georgia State. Those students come from 26 states and 28 countries. “The Atlanta airport is a great recruitment tool,” Levick said. Levick also stressed the importance of high GPAs among student athletes. She said the highest GPA for men’s and women’s sports gets a trophy for bragging rights each semester. Currently, the men’s trophy belongs to the soccer team and the women’s trophy to the track and field team. The GPA of all of Georgia State’s athletes is currently a 3.03, according to Levick. Athletes have a 70 percent graduation rate and a graduation success rate of 77 percent.

Keeping them here ANDRES CRUZ-WELLMANN

Associate News Editor

s Georgia State faces budget cuts and higher tuition costs, its first-year retention rate shows the university out-performs other schools with similar student bodies and financial statuses at keeping its students enrolled. With an 84.1 percent retention rate, Georgia State falls behind Georgia Institute of Technology’s 95 percent and University of Georgia’s 91 percent. However, while 54 percent of Georgia State students receive the Federal Pell Grant, only about one fourth of students at Georgia Tech and about half of UGA stu-

Centennial Celebration Director of University Events Colleen Geary discussed the year-long centennial celebration and it’s impact on Georgia State. The celebration could boast awareness of Georgia State’s progress in the community, which could lead to higher enrollment numbers. Geary discussed marketing plans, events and “bragging pieces” that will go to other universities. There will also be a number of banners and signs around downtown Atlanta and Georgia State promoting the centennial. Each month Georgia State will also host themed events. February will focus on past events, in honor of the new research magazine launch. March will focus on research and August will have an athletics theme, as Georgia State officially joins Sunbelt.

Georgia State leads similar schools in retention rates

dents receive the grant, according to the Associate Provost for Academic Programs and Chief Enrollment Officer of Georgia State, Timothy M. Renick. This leaves Georgia State students at a financial disadvantage when harder economic times arise and federal student aid shrinks. “UGA and Tech also serve far fewer first-generation college students than does Georgia State,” Renick said. “First-generation college students are retained nationally at far lower rates than are college students who have family members who have previously graduated from college.” When you compare a university of similar size and with a large percentage of students who receive the Federal Pell Grant, like

the University of Texas San Antonio, Georgia State far out performs their retention rates. UTSA’s first year retention rate is 56 percent, 28.1 points lower than Georgia State. Portland State University and the University of Memphis are both similar to Georgia State and have 68 percent and 74 percent retention rates, respectively. “Because the University recognizes the large role that financing plays in retention, President Becker has made it his highest fundraising priority to increase the number and amount of scholarships available to Georgia State students,” Renick said. “These efforts have been successful: scholarships monies awarded to our students more than doubled be-

Campus Briefs

tween this fall and last.” The university has also given students non-financial resources to help them stay in college, boosting the retention rate. “We contacted every freshmen student who started at Georgia State in Fall 2011, but did not register for Fall 2012 classes,” said Assistant Vice President for Student Retention Allison CalhounBrown. “Through this outreach we identified students who wanted to enroll, but were planning on not coming back to Georgia State because of academic, financial or other challenges. We were able to help nearly 50 of these students to continue with coursework this fall.” According to Renick, students who participate in Supple-

mental Instruction, are part of a Freshman Learning Community and have HOPE or participate in the Keep HOPE Alive program can boost their possibility for retention by almost 20 points. “The numbers illustrate a national challenge,” Renick said. “It is difficult, especially in this economy, to finance and to sustain a college education. At Georgia State, we still have a long way to go, and Georgia State students have a more difficult time, on average, than do their better-resourced colleagues at UGA and Tech. Still, by national standards for campuses with large numbers of low-income and first-generation college students, Georgia State students are succeeding at remarkably high levels.”

Sean Richey, associate professor of political science, lead a study that found political candidates that spend the most money to persuade voters to choose a nominee that didn’t matched their views. Physics Noble laureate John Mather spoke at Georgia State on Tuesday. Mather spoke on what he calls Einstein’s biggest mistake and Edwin Hubble’s discovery of the expansion of the universe. Georgia State will hold its annual open house, Panther Preview, on Oct. 27. This event will cover admissions, academic programs and involvement opportunities for potential students. The J. Mack Robinson College of Business Executive MBA has been ranked number 63 worldwide and number 19 in the U.S. according to the 2012 Financial Times rankings of the worlds top programs. The Georgia State Homecoming royalty was named during the Homecoming game. The Princess is Ajahn Richard and Prince is Jovan Paige. The Queen was Alexis Avery and King was Kyle Walcott.

G R

NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012

Four years and going ANDRES CRUZ-WELLMANN Associate News Editor

fter being denied funding by the Mandatory Fee Committee for the last three years, proponents of an environmentally friendly campus have attempted to fund a proposed Office of Sustainability through the Student Activity Fee, a possibility that now looks bleak. Dr. Michael Black, a lecturer at Georgia State, presented his plan before the Student Activity Fee Committee on Sept. 18. He proposed that funding for an Office of Sustainability would allow Georgia State and it’s students to make their campus not only more eco-friendly but also more efficient, cheaper to run and more attractive. “Green is a thing that students are looking for in universities,” Black said. “They are looking for how sustainable is this university? What things are they doing? How forward looking are they?” Black turned to the Student Activity Fee Committee after President Mark Becker said that there would be no Mandatory Fee increase this year. When Black proposed a new mandatory fee last year, Student Government Associa-

tion members of the Mandatory Fee Committee said the mandatory fee Black proposed could be placed under the Student Activity Fee. VP of Student Affairs Dr. Douglass Covey noted that placing the green fee under the Student Activity Fee would severely limit the program, as any money that the fee received could only be used for student related activities and not for any green “retrofitting” of the university’s buildings or creation of partnerships with local green corporations. Despite Covey’s comments, the committee voted the fee down and suggested Black try again with the SAFC the following year. When the SAFC discussed the possibility of funding the Office of Sustainability, rumors that any increase in fees would not be entertained made the committee hesitant to propose an increase. “From the understanding that we’ve been given is that even if the Mandatory Fee Committee does move to increase fees it will be struck down at a higher level,” said Taylor Briggs, executive vice president of the SGA. President Mark Becker announced at his State of the University address he would not entertain any new fees or fee increases, confirming rumors discussed within the SAFC. The SAFC decided reallocation of fees would then be the best option for the Office of Sustainability.

Proponents of a green initiative at Georgia State continue to fight despite roadblocks “Having a green fee as a student activity fee will still serve the students well,” Black said. The problem is, according to Black, that a student activity fee can change and be realocated from yeat to year, but as a mandatory fee would be more permanent. The committee decided to collect student feedback and, if the feedback showed support for a reallocation of funds for an Office of Sustainability, the committee would then vote to move the funds. While Georgia State has been hesitant to approve any type of funding for green initiatives, other colleges and universities, like the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia and Emory University all have nationally recognized green programs. However, according to Rebecca Stout, associate vice president of the dean of students, the committee will discuss possibly extending the original voting date of Oct. 26 since Institutional Research has recently agreed to conduct a survey to collect student opinion, Even if a reallocation is approved, the amount of action the Office of Sustainability would be able to take to reduce the universities carbon “footprint” could be limited. As for the possibility of a green mandatory fee, Black said there is always next year. “We can always try again.”

What are Georgia State students doing?

Environmental Law Society Presidents: Karissa Orris and Leslie Smith

Atlanta Herpetology Club President: Evan Hutto

Herpetology aims to inform students and the community about the importance of reptiles and amphibians. The nonprofit group was founded in 2006. Most recently, the group attended the National Reptile Breeder’s Expo in Daytona, Fla.

Quick Facts:

Americans account for

5 percent of the world’s population, but consume

26 percent

Student interested in environmental law come together to meet with speakers and discuss environmental law’s role in the community. “I would say that just given the fact that Georgia State is such a large campus, and it’s urban and it’s Atlanta, it really makes since for the University to have a commitment to green initiatives such as clean energy and recycling, and whatever else might be included in a green fee,” said Environmental Law Society Treasurer Mary Bendeck.

Americans use four million plastic bottles every hour, but only one in four are recycled

of the world’s energy

Americans trash enough paper and wood to heat 500 houses for 200 years

source: UCLA

The average American

GSU Bikes

Sustainable Energy Tribe

GSU Bikes is trying to transform Georgia State from a car-friendly campus to a bike and pedestrian friendly one. The group maps routes traveled by student cyclists and helped establish the bike repair shop at Touch the Earth. They also collect data from students about student attitudes about cycling. GSUbikes.com also has useful maps of bike routes and bike racks around campus.

A grass roots organization that organizes students and events to promote a greener school, like “Cleanin’ up the Dirty South” are promoted by S.E.T. Other groups and leaders at Georgia State coordinate with S.E.T. when making decisions about making the campus more sustainable. S.E.T. also organizes events and speakers at Georgia State inform students about greener living.

How much could we save if we went green? Georgia State’s utility bills last month:

use 650

Library North:

of paper a year

Electric: $42,475.17 Water: $487.62 Gas: $34.31

pounds

Americans throw away enough steel to produce all vehicles built annually

TOTAL: $42,997.1

Library South & Classroom South: Electric: $48,992.45 Water: $5,527.98 Gas: $1,291.12 TOTAL : $55,811.55

Making an existing building LEED certified will drop operating costs approximately 8.5 percent, so… Library North could save: $3,654.75 Library South and Classroom South: $4,743.98

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012

Falling behind

How other Georgia universities are doing it Georgia Tech The Princeton Review awarded Georgia Tech a spot on its “Green Honor Roll” for the fifth straight year. Princeton Review states that “Georgia Tech’s recycling programs, alternative transportation programs, energy efficient composting dining halls, and green buildings are models for other universities to follow.” According to the Green Report Card, which gave Georgia Tech an A-, the school requires all new buildings to be LEED Gold certified. In addition, Georgia Tech has implemented temperature setbacks and installed energy management systems, heat recovery systems, LED lighting, T5 and T8 lighting, temperature control timers and vending machine sensors in

many campus buildings. These measures have allowed Georgia Tech to cut greenhouse gas emissions by six percent. There is also a lot of research being done that can be used for the energybased sustainability policies. Corporate sponsors, NSF grants and SEED funds, help these research opportunities. Georgia Tech students are given many opportunities to expose themselves to learning about and participating in sustainable projects. There are more than 264 different courses regarding sustainability at Georgia Tech. In addition, Georgia Tech pays 15 student interns to do sustainability work alongside 30 volunteer interns.

There are also multiple organizations students can join to ensure Georgia Tech continues to focus on sustainability, including Students Organizing for Sustainability, Solar Jackets, Engineers for a Sustainable World and SGA‘s Sustainability Committee. These organizations are ways students can put pressure on the administration and do their own projects without the support of the administration. Some projects conducted are game day recycling projects at fraternities and sororities. Solar Buzz conducts competitions to try to explore more alternative energy designs. SGA actively advocates for sustainability and helps fund the organizations that put on these projects.

Students at Georgia Tech recycle on game day | photo courtesey of Georgia Tech

UGA The University of Georgia offers a number of programs to foster a green environment for students and a number of green degrees to educate sustainable leaders. UGA’s sustainability Grants Program gives students the chance to propose projects and programs in a chance to earn funding to put the project in motion. Up to $5,000 is available for approved projects. Solar panels on the roof of the College of Environment and Design are because of the UGA Solar Demonstration Project. According to UGA, the project generates approximately 30,000 kilowatts of electricity annually. There are also solar panel lights in the parking lot of the Club Sports Complex and solar thermal hot water heaters in the Bioconversion Center funded by a grant from the faculty of the College of Engineering.

In addition to the green initiatives UGA has, they also have a number of Green degree options available for students. Ecology, Agriculture and Public Health degrees are included in their conservation effort. UGA’s sustainable campus operations include athletics, buildings, climate, dining, hosing, water and recycling. They also have study abroad opportunities for students that would like to learn more. Their sustainability programs are maintained through a $3 green mandatory fee. UGA is also piloting its Bulldog Bikes program. The project is for a bike rental programs for students and staff of UGA. Some upcoming green events being hosted on UGA’s campus include UGArden work day (Oct. 25 & 28) and PLANEAT Film screening (Oct. 29).

UGA has goats eat plants to clear overgrown land instead of lawn mowers | photo courtesey of University of Georgia

Emory Emory tops national lists of green and sustainable universities because of its extensive Office of Sustainability Initiatives, which oversees projects that conserve energy, reduce food waste, and increase recycling around campus, among other environmentally conscious topics. The Office of Sustainability Initiatives was officially opened in 2006, but green projects at Emory started years before. Emory’s sustainability and green projects can be traced to 1919, when a position was established to oversee Emory forested areas. In 1990, Emory Recycles was established along with the Committee on the Environment, which developed green

standards for buildings and projects. An exact number of students involved in Emory’s sustainability programs could not be determined, but according to the Office of Sustainability Initiatives, there are several dozenstudent volunteers working on committees or as liaisons to departments around the university. The Student Environmental Fund finances Emory’s sustainability projects, which is an optional fee that students can pay. The fund was established in 2009 after a significant number of students called for greater environmental efforts, but a majority of Emory’s student body opposed a mandatory fee.

According to the Office of Sustainability Initiatives, “[The fund] is designed to be a student driven catalyst for change and to address our most serious environmental problems.” With the donated money, a student committee within the Sustainability Initiatives office selects projects to fund including student environmental projects, student government green projects or by investing in sources of renewable energy. The primary initiatives in Emory’s sustainability program include green buildings and space, sustainable food, recycling, commuter options, water conservation and energy awareness.

Candler School of Theology building was built from landfill waste | photo courtesey of Emory University

Pros

Evaluating the possibility of funding an Office of Sustainability through Student Activity Fees

Money could develop ways to better manage waste. In addition to the recycling initiatives on campus, more programs, like the Student/University Center’s “Green Handed” project, could promote recycling. Other programs to teach and encourage students to minimize waste could also be developed. Many activities could raise student awareness of sustainable practices, and better the community. Rooftop gardening, recycling events and student design and planning of technological green solutions would be an asset to Georgia State.

Funding could used to organize student leaders to educate students about the importance of green issues. Students could persuade Georgia State administration to ask for funding to make green changes that a student activity fee can’t pay for. Although Georgia State has limited green space, it has an abundance of roof space. Roof space could be used for rooftop gardens for faculty, staff and students. They could also be a source for sustainable food. The gardens would also be another source of green space for students.

Having a green fee as a student activity fee would drastically limit the use of the fee. Green programs would be limited to student activities. A student activity funded green fee could not be used to make building and facility management more sustainable. Efforts to make buildings LEED certified could not be done with a student activity fee, although a well funded student group could be advocates for Georgia State to do so. A new fee could have a negative connotation on green issues. “Without clearly educating all of those who would be asking to pay a fee—regardless of how minimal—of what it is paying for,

Cons

one runs the risk of undermining self responsible sustainable habits and behaviors by creating a perception that it’s already been paid for,” said student Cotter Christian. Christian is a LEED accredited professional and a member of the Urban Fellows group. Georgia State’s urban location hinders green programs that are available at other schools. Areas for green space are limited. It would also be a challenge to grow sustainable food on campus because of limited space. Since Georgia State purchases more existing buildings than building new ones renovation is necessary to make them more efficient.

OPINIONS Editorials

Sustainability on Campus

he average Georgia State student has grown up in a time where environmental conservation and sustainability are discussed openly in the highest offices of government, and the impact on the environment can make or break a person or corporation’s reputation in the public eye. Marketing firms have wizened to this, and today there are countless businesses that advertise their “low carbon footprint,” “carbon offsets,” and other “green” policies that emphasize how friendly they are for the environment. Some universities, such as Emory University, have expansive sustainability programs and use them to their advantage financially as well in their public relations. Adopting campuswide sustainability policies and instituting green fees at Georgia State would be a prudent move for the university, but not just because it minimizes our impact at the environment. Retro-fitting our campus won’t be done quickly or easily, but it’s something that needs to be done to keep Georgia State in the 21st century. A three-dollar fee compared to the huge fee that students pay for a football team they don’t watch is a pittance, albeit an important pittance. Maintenance has a difficult enough time keeping the lead out of the water at One Park Place; installing low-flow toilets and energy saving devices will mean Georgia State will have to be uprooted from the ground and re-planted as a “green university.” The financial advantages don’t just stop at the money saved on energy, either; a successful green initiative at Georgia State would potentially allow the university to attract millions in grants. Grants, which, if properly allocated, could fund groundbreaking research in the field of environmental sustainability right here at Georgia State. A green initiative at Georgia State needs to happen sooner rather than later; as our

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n a weak attempt to curb tobacco use on campus, the University Senate’s Planning and Development committee approved a new antismoking policy that encourages students to take preventing smoking on campus into their own hands. The policy attempts to create a “clean, healthy, productive and safe environment.” Students are prohibited from smoking on all university-owned or leased locations. While the strongly worded policy insists that Georgia State reserves the right to “initiate disciplinary procedures” against repeat offenders, it’s the wishywashy enforcement of the policy that smacks of apathy. The policy is worded to encourage students to share the “collective responsibility” of enforcement by reminding offenders of the policy in a “professional and courteous” manner. Turning our student body into an army of finger-wagging tut tutting school marms won’t curb smoking, and reveals how the university is virtually unable to enforce any smoking policy. This policy works well as a courtesy to non-smoking students who have complained about tobacco use on campus, but will doubtfully result in a significant change.

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Nonsmoking Policy

The hacking dread – fear of flu

JAMES MCDOUGLAD Columnist

nd the zombies have returned. Am I the only one completely over the walking dead? I’m speaking to both the concept and the franchise. How many times can filmmakers and authors shamble to that tired well? Yes, I get the point. The walking dead are the living, people are the biggest monsters… it’s been done. Next year I hope we give another monster a fair go. Something we haven’t seen done well in a bit, maybe something with werewolves or a good Frankenstein? Or Frankenstein versus the Werewolves! But you can’t have that one, that’s mine. I’ve called it. Are you still preparing for a zom-

bie apocalypse? I really can’t see why; this time of year typically raises something much more terrifying. Terrifying, like the hoards of flesh eating undead. Just as frightening as watching your friends and family turn on your personal wellbeing one by one. This time of year we have to contend with the flu. It’s flu season, folks, and I’ve lost two roommates to illness. My class sizes too have shrunk. Keep this in mind the next time a stranger wants to shake your hand or the cashier coughs into theirs. No one wants to get sick, and this year I plan to make it to spring without needing bed rest and medication. This year I am not going to get sick. Or in the parlance of today, I’m going to make it to the helicopter. I’m also not going to turn into a hermit until Groundhog’s Day. It will be through will power and whiskey that I prevail. Through avoidance tactics and an absolute hatred of being sick I will succeed. I’m still on the fence of getting a flu shot. They seem like cheating. Plus, I can’t get sick; there’s too much to look forward to. First, there’s Halloween, which remains the best. I’ll probably not really put to-

gether a costume until the last minute; but there are haunted houses, horror movies and parties to go to. The Little Five Points Halloween parade is this Saturday, and that’s always a blast. I can’t ruin that sick, anymore than Thanksgiving or Christmas. So, I’m going to be mindful of my surroundings and try to insure no one breathes on me. You need to borrow a pen? I’m out. Maybe I am doping doorknobs around the house with hand sanitizer. I’m only breathing through my shirt because you’re too close and I don’t know where you’ve been. I am adamant in my decision and I promise to not turn into Howard Hughes. So, I’m going to wash my hands for the fifth time this morning and not touch my face after touching a keyboard. I’m also asking for help this year. I think we should begin treating the flu like the plague conditions of old, with quarantine and leaving the afflicted to their own devices. Maybe hire some of the CDC guys to mind the entrances and exits of campus. I’ve been seeing too many red noses and watery eyes and not enough handwashing. I may take to always wearing gloves. Or just deal with it and get a flu shot.

Panther pit stop!

AMI DUDLEY Columnist

hat time did you wake for class this morning? In just enough time to roll out of bed, slap some Crest in your mouth, wipe the golden glory out your eyes, grab your books and briskly walk to class, right? Many students wake up one to two hours earlier than the rest of us to make a long commute to campus. Whether by MARTA or car, commutes from areas such as Conyers can take a whopping 45 minutes. And this is without traffic! Even the most minor fender bender on I-85 will add a 30-45 minute delay.

By their third class, these students find themselves drooling on their notebooks, trying to catch some Z’s, only awakened by the strident orchestra of dry erase board markers. If they’re not catching Z’s in class then they’re making pillows out of text books and cots out of the cold floors of GCB. Students who prefer a more comfortable upgrade and head to University Center where they place two chairs together and create a bed comfortable enough to impress the Marriot. With all that being said, you have to ask yourself: are floor cots and book pillows the best Georgia State has to offer its students? We pay hundreds in fees and thousands in tuition but we can’t get a decent place to rest? Food and a place to lay your head are like the basic needs of mankind (next to Pandora’s Box and Xbox 360)! So it is in my opinion that we provide a place of rest for these students,—a place of “refueling,” if you will. I shall call it “The Panther Pit Stop.” Complete with hammocks and bunkbeds, the PPS will provide students the opportunity to drop by and take a nap for about an hour.

Students can provide their Panther cards and the hour can be charged for the same cost as printing one sheet at the student library. A five cent nap? Sounds like a deal to me! So, why charge? With hundreds of students napping on the same beds we have to keep things sanitary, so sheets will be provided and washing them will cost. “What about snoring or someone’s loud head phones?” Not to worry. Ear plugs will be available. Doors to the PPS will close promptly after the first 10 minutes of every hour ensuring that students can’t heap up noise while shuffling in and out of the room. Free lockers will also be provided for guests of the PPS to keep their belongings safe. The Panther Pit Stop will not be exclusive to students who make long commutes, but to all of us. Truth is we could all use a nap by our fourth class. Let’s join together for a cause we can all benefit from. Tell your professors as well. If they’re fed up with lecturing to the tops of students’ heads then they will surely appreciate this proposal. Say no to book pillows and floor cots. Say yes to the Panther Pit Stop!

STAFF

Editorial Department EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

campus expands, realizing a comprehensive policy on campus will become a lengthier and more expensive process. Resistance to such a small fee is short sighted and hinders the university from developing into the 21st century campus that our students deserve. If students are still concerned about the amount they are paying in mandatory fees, they should encourage the university to reduce fees for other programs so that the university can go forward with plans to make Georgia State a “greener” campus.

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OPINIONS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012

Consider the following:

Entertain yourself find boring, but you just have to tough it out. If this is the case for you, the best way to deal with it is just to entertain yourself.

KEVIN MALONEY Columnist

ometimes you’ll find yourself in a class that just won’t end. The professor’s voice is bland and the PowerPoint slides are all just various charts and graphs. We all have to take classes we might not want to or

• In the middle of a lecture, stand up out of your chair, count to thirty in complete silence and sit back down. If anyone at all questions what you did or gives you any confused looks, answer that you “support the troops to the fullest” and never speak about it again. Repeat this at least once a month until other people start to join you. • Take out a sheet of paper, write the date at the top and list a couple of fake names. Next pass this sheet around the classroom as if it was an attendance sheet. Bonus points

if there already is an attendance sheet that went around. • Prepare yourself for a variety of emergency scenarios. If a massive earthquake happened during the lecture, what’s going to fall on your head? Where are the best and worst spots to be if a volcano erupted in the class? Prepare yourself.

YOUR VOICE • YOUR OPINIONS A proposed “green fee” would add three dollars to mandatory student fees to promote sustainability at Georgia State. How do you think students would react to a “green fee” at Georgia State?

• If you really just can’t take it and you have to leave, make up an emergency and tell everyone as you sprint out the door (just be sure the door isn’t locked from the inside):

- “I left my oven on!” - “Oh Jesus, I forgot I left my kid on the sidewalk!”

Editorial Cartoon Anton Preslicka

Major: Discrete Mathematics “I’m curious as to exactly what that three dollars is going to go towards. Calling it green kind of makes me feel like it’s good. I like being green and all that good stuff...I would definitely be for throwing three dollars in if they did some sort of farmers market thing, or doing something else to promote helping the environment in some form or fashion.”

Izana Hoque

Major: Undeclared “I don’t think it would be a problem, it’s only three dollars. Considering that we live here and go to school here and do everything here, if we can make it a better place, it would be great.”

Andrew Park

Major: Linguistics “I don’t know, it seems like a lot of students are upset with their fees being increased. I think that it’s something that would be a difficult compromise to make because sustainability is really important to a lot of people right now, but at the same time so is saving money...”

COURTESY OF WILLIAM MIRACLE

Bart Wilder

Report Card:

Major: Biology

Rating Georgia State’s Student Health Clinic Cost: B + to see a doctor, or if you are seriously ill or asked to explain any symptoms you are

Costing a student 5.3 percent of the total mandatory student fees, the Health Clinic provides a number of quality services to students. Due to the cost of certain medical tests such as blood testing for STDs, students are expected to pay out of pocket for some services, but student fees cover consultation. For students without health insurance, going to the clinic for a consultation is much more affordable. Try out the free condoms!

Availability: B

While the Health Clinic holds regular hours, the availability of doctors or nurses for consultation is sometimes limited. When making an appointment, expect to be rescheduled to come back later that week. If you’re really “itching”

injured, seek care at an emergency room immediately.

Availability: A-

Located on the ground level of the Student Commons at 141 Piedmont Ave, the Health Clinic is only a short trip across campus wherever you are at Georgia State. The clinic has bike parking but limited street parking. Students who commute by car should park at their usual spot on campus and travel to the clinic on foot from there.

Services: B

At a low out-of-pocket cost to students, the clinic offers affordable and quality care, but can sometimes leave a student feeling rushed. You may be

experiencing to the person at the front desk, which is something that should be saved for private consultation. However, once you do arrive for your scheduled consultation, students will find the doctors and nurses to be informative and helpful.

Overall performance:

PASS

The Georgia State Health Clinic is an affordable way for students to seek immunizations, STD testing and other non-urgent care. Doctors and nurses are approachable and qualified but very busy. Students who require urgent care should seek assistance at an emergency room.

“They probably wouldn’t react well since they already pay too much money, but it’s just three dollars. It’s not that much money. I don’t think they would [like it] but then again some students may not know. It’s just three dollars.”

Alex Shyu Major: Computer Information Systems “I don’t know, I guess there’s a lot of cheap people out there. I could just give you three bucks, it’s easy, and it’s three bucks. I wouldn’t care; I would be fine with it if I got advance notice. I don’t think it should be mandatory, I think it should be optional and a lot of people would sign up for it, I would.”

Jerani Hodges

Major: Economics “I don’t think there will be much reaction at all. I don’t think it’s necessary though, I’ve seen that [Georgia State] already has low flow toilets without a substantial raise in tuition at all. I just don’t think it’s necessary.”

COMING SOON

Up-to-date news coverage A stronger focus on photos and videos Greater social media engagement A strong event calendar

Launching October 30th

ARTS & LIVING Muslim Population of 90-100%

www.gsusignal.com/artsandliving

• Morocco • Mauritania • Algeria • Tunisia • Libya • Egypt • Somalia • Saudi Arabia • Yemen • Oman • Iran • Iraq

D W E R O A RLD H S

Christian population of 50% and above • North America • South America • Greenland • Russia • Australia

Inter-faith dialogue unites students: The Muslim Student Association and The Baptist Collegiate Ministry mixed and mingled to learn about each other’s faith. Arts & Living Editor

everal students first decide what they believe when they arrive at college. Georgia State offers multiple faith-based student organizations that create a sense of community and spiritual guidance for those who are grounded in their faith, or discovering it for the first time. On Oct. 10, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) held a meetand-greet for students to socialize and learn about each other’s religion. “The purpose of this meeting is to create a friendly environment for Christians [and] Muslims,” said Henry Williams, MSA member and world history major. “With the news, you get so much animosity between different sects because for some reason

in America it’s a harsh territory for most Muslims. [This event] creates a peacful environment where we can come together and have lunch.” MSA president Halima Ahmad said college is a time where people find themselves and learn about their values and beliefs. “A lot of the students in MSA, were born into Islam,” she said. “Once you get to college you kind of discover more who you are. When you’re in high school, you kind of just go along with the crowd. You just want to do what your friends are doing. When you get to college, you...want to be a unique person. That goes hand in hand with figuring out what your beliefs are.” Ahmad said MSA has given many of its members a new confidence by providing a community of people who live by the same principles. According to Williams, [MSA] is like a brotherhood. He relocated to Atlanta

from Detroit and didn’t have any friends or close family in the area. He used to be a Christian and he reverted to Islam, a process called Shahada. “I came down here last August and I took my Shahada in September,” Williams said. “MSA offered me friends, family, everything. On Muslim holidays, my friends invite me over for dinner because I don’t have any Muslim family.” Muslims believe every person is born Muslim. When they decide to make a spiritual committment, they’re coming back to what was given to them by Allah, according to Williams. One of the similarities between Islam and Christianity is that Abraham is the patriarch of the two faiths. “That’s why we call [ourselves] the children of Abraham- because we all come from that family branch,” Williams said. Christian students who attended the event asked questions regarding

prayer, the mosque and shared new information with the Muslims in their discussion group. Music education major Lanae Smith said her favorite part of the event was learning the many similarities of Islam and Christianity. “There is a really cool similarity of just the love and adoration that we can all have for God,” Smith said. “We were in there comparing just the way we go about prayer and how similar that is. There’s an idea of love and adoration and the peace that we have knowing Him. Not very many people want to talk about that.” Ahmad also found their discussion on prayer interesting. “The BCM students usually just pray whenever they feel like they want to pray,” Ahmad said. “They always just want to... Religion continued on page 12

“

You get so much animosity...for some reason in America it’s a harsh territory for most Muslims.

“

CHATEAUX-CAPRI STOVALL

--Henry Williams, MSA member.

a look back at

Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept. 15- Oct. 15 ...and more Latin fun

“I love salsa, period.”

CANDRA UMUNNA | THE SIGNAL Georgia State’s Salsa Club is a great place to learn how to confidently dominate any dance floor. KAYLYN HINZ

Staff Reporter

he Salsa Club not only wants to get its name out to the Georgia State community, but it wants to ensure that everyone feels comfortable. To do that, the club is starting over from scratch this year. “We are kind of doing a rebirth,” Salsa Club President, Fuquan Ferrell said. “This semester we are starting all over. It’s a much bigger ideal now than before.” The Salsa Club offers dance lessons on Mondays and Tuesdays with the price of $20 for one semester and $30 for two semesters. Students are more than welcome to come out and try a class, but they are not required to join. “If you don’t like the music then you won’t like salsa,” said Ferell.

Georgia State’s Recreation Center offers Salsa classes, but it is completely separate from the Salsa Club classes. To spread its name, the Salsa Club holds some of its classes outside of the Unity Plaza. This is so people can get an idea of what the club is up to and can even join in on the dance if they want to. “The best way to learn is honestly just to dance,” said Ferrell. The main types of dances the club learns are the Cha Cha, Salsa and Bachata. With each dance, there is a different type of music style. For some student members, Salsa calms them down. “It relaxes me, it really does,” freshmen Melissa Tovar said. “The music is relaxing and [so is] the overall thing. It’s just freeing your mind from going to school or do-

ing your homework.” For the club, the board members play a major role. “If you don’t have passionate people on the board then it’s not going to be successful,” said Cindy Borges, vice president of The Salsa Club. Salsa is a very active dance. It makes the dancer use muscles they would not normally use. The dancers have to stay on the balls of their feet, making their calves work over time. “I have been told that I have lost weight,” Borges said. The Salsa club wants to get the Georgia State community more educated about the Salsa club, but also more involved. “I love salsa, period,” Schlenk said. “The more people we can get involved [is] awesome- just spreading the word.”

Georgia State Uni

Georgia State students, staff and A ian band The Rio Deal, and a wide weaving throughout the Georgia 2012 Arts Fair on Oct. 17, 2012.

CANDRA UMUNNA | THE SIGNAL

ROBIE DUCHATEAU | THE SIGNAL

iversity Arts Fair

Atlanta residents enjoyed the Brazile range of performances and activities State University Campus during the

Celebrate with sugar skulls CRYSTAL GEORGE

Staff Reporter

t is the end of October, which means it’s time to pull out the face paint and dress up as zombie brides and wicked pirates. But for those in Latin America, this is a time to remember and honor those who have passed away. The holiday is not nearly a somber occasion, but a celebration filled with music, memories and lots of food. Day of the Dead celebrations will take place in the Rialto Center by Aderhold on Nov. 3 from 5-8 p.m. There will be face painting—but not the cute butterfly on one cheek; an artist will

transform faces into a skeleton. Also, there will be various Latinos involved in a visual art exhibition and, of course, traditional Mexican food. “The alter maker last year invited us to bring photographs to put in the alter,” said Leslie Gordon, director for the Rialto Center. “That’s my favorite part… it’s touching to see what relatives chose to represent their memories in these alters.” In Mexico, flower petals are scattered on the ground from cemetaries to houses as a guide for the souls of the family to come home for the holiday. Oftentimes, families will bring fruits, flowers and boomboxes playing

their departed member’s favorite music as they spend time celebrating life and cleaning up the cemetery. Pumpkins are to Halloween as sugar skulls are to Day of the Dead. There will be a tableset for those interested in making crafts and personal sugar skulls at the Day of the Dead event. Often times, these sugar skulls will have names of a deceased individual on the forehead and will be decorated to be placed in alters. “It all may sound morbid,” says Gordon, “but it’s a comforting sense of communion for families with loved ones who have passed away.”

A&L

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012

How returning college students help enrich Georgia State KENDALL HARRIS

Staff Reporter

eorgia State has always been a college that prides itself on diversity—but “diversity” doesn’t only refer to different genders and races. It means different ages, too. Debby Yoder, a 48-year-old Sociology major, attended Georgia State in the mid-nineties. During that time, she said she was considering majoring in Philosophy, English, or History. Now she’s back to finish what she started— only with a different major. “I am now returning to school for several reasons, including the downturn in the economy and my family situation stabilizing,” Yoder said. Unlike some returning college students, Yoder said she is single without the demands of a partner or children. But she says her extended family is “very supportive.” “They were initially surprised to hear I wanted to finish my degree after so much time has passed but they are very excited for me,” Yoder said. Returning college students are not only at different stages in their lives, relationships and careers, but they also have to re-adjust to the college life. “Learning to be a student again was a little bit of a challenge,” Yoder said. But she said the challenge was well worth it. “I love GSU! I appreciate the diverse student body and think the faculty is amazing,” Yoder said. Unlike some college students coming straight from high school, most returning students have to commute to school. Yoder commutes from Douglasville. “It’s a complicated process because GSU has not handled the parking situation effectively…we pay a parking fee to access Turner Field, but…it fills up quickly and people are left scrambling to find a place to park and still make it to class on time,” Yoder said. As for how her life experience contributes to her academic experience, Yoder says her age gives her a bit of an advantage. “At times, my age is helpful because concepts are not just something I’m

Pictured left: Carol Washburn, Art Education student; pictured right: Betty Williams, language student. reading about-I lived it and understand it from my own experience…I’ve had more time to put things in context with other world events,” she said. Rob Kiser, a 54-year-old senior at Georgia State majoring in Political Science, is returning to college for the third time. He has a degree in Aeronautics, spent 10 years in the Air Force, 22 years with the FAA, worked in Air Traffic Control and worked as a pilot. Kiser has a great deal of life experience, but his thirst for knowledge continues. “When I retired last year, I decided that I wasn’t ready to sit home yet so I wanted to go to law school,” Kiser said. He has three kids; a daughter attending Marshall University, a a daughter at East Coweta High School and a 9-year-old son. Kiser said he has a lot on his plate. He jokes that he’ll “be working until [he’s] 150.” Being a veteran himself, he wants to use his Law degree on his passion for veteran’s affairs.

“The V.A. has been real good to me with everything I’ve gone through after the military days and there’s a lot of veterans out there that don’t know what their entitlements and benefits are, so I would like to find a way to help them…. I’m also very passionate about aviation law and environmental law,” Kiser said. He says his current college career is a bit of a running joke in his household. His kids call him “college boy” and tease him for wearing his old fraternity sweatshirt. He has fun with it ,though. He has better-grade competitions with his daughter who is enrolled in college. Kiser says his wife has been unbelievably supportive, and occasionally provides him with that extra push he needs to do his schoolwork. “I couldn’t have done any of this without my wife’s support…she’s just phenomenal, and she pushes me when I don’t want to study,” Kiser said. Even if Kiser didn’t voice his love

‘You think you might want to add two zeros or something like that?’ But I ended up having to pay $100 dollars to marry my wife. It goes directly to her and it’s her money. It can range, depending on the family.” With any religion, a religion is your lifestyle, said Ahmad. A large factor in Islam is to be modest. It’s a principle that applies to men and women. One way women practice modesty is by wearing the head scarf to prevent any distractions. “Although it’s good to be modest, you’re not supposed to just shy back in the corner,” Ahmad said. “I love talking to people about my religion. I’m really open to people asking me questions.” Smith said being invloved in BCM is like her family. She said it’s really encouraging to be around people that believe the same things she believes. Now a senior, Smith said college was the time she began to discover her

faith. She said when she came to college she had to learn how to step back and not judge people. “Growing up, I knew the information of my faith, but I never really actually followed it or actually believed it,” she said. “When I came to college and I realized there were so many people different from me I was no longer in my little bubble. You think as a kid ‘Jesus loves me,’ but I didn’t really understand it until I came to college.” Coming to college to discover your faith and make new friends means being open to the diversity on campus. Ahmad said people generally respect her beliefs. “[One] of my friends [is] Hindu,. She has a completly different belief but we still respect each other’s values,” Ahmad said. “It’s really interesting to learn about other people and how their religion affects their perception of life. Even if you don’t come

for his family every few minutes (Kiser said his kids are “everything,” and his wife is his “best friend”), it’s very apparent. He has a pattern where he goes into school early every morning to study so he can be a father and a husband when he returns to his home. Like Yoder and another returning college student at the University of Georgia, 35-year-old Loie Chambers, Kiser said the students don’t treat him any differently, other than being mistaken for a professor occasionally. He also says students commonly invite him to be in their study groups. “I don’t know if I just look old or if I look smart or, I don’t know, but I have a lot of kids coming up and wanting to know if they can study with me,” Kiser said. He also said his life experience helps him in his academic career and makes it more interesting for him to hear the perspectives of younger students.

CANDRA UMUNNA| THE SIGNAL

“I’m able to look back on things… especially in political science. Being a little bit older, I saw Kennedy shot. You know, I was only a little boy but I remember that. I lived through the Vietnam War, the hippie movement. I was in the Air Force…I spent time in Europe with a lot of crazy stuff with Libya. I’ve seen so much in my lifetime. These kids are learning about this stuff as history. I try to tell them ‘I’ve lived all of this.’ The Civil Rights stuff…I can remember Martin Luther King being shot. My father-in-law was his pilot,” Kiser said. One of Kiser’s professors actually asked him to speak to the class about his experience. Kiser urges collegeage students to think about the future, about being in a classroom where students are learning things that we actually lived through. Then we’ll see things from his point of view.

Religion (cont.) ...be connected to God. The Muslims are like that too, but we always have five regulated prayers that we have to pray and any additional prayers that you want to do are up to you.” Christians believe Jesus Christ is their savior and through him they get to Heaven. While Muslims believe there is one God and prophet Muhammad is his messenger. Both faiths believe in Jesus, but Muslims believe he was a prophet and not a son of God. Another difference is how engagements and weddings are conducted. Williams said he was married last December and learned he had to pay dowry, the money, goods or estate that a woman brings to a marriage. “The wife gives you a price and you have to pay her,” Williams said. “My wife said a dollar because... we’re both in college. Then the Imam, [worship leader of the mosque] was like,

SUBMITTED PHOTO Student Muslims and Christians talk prayer, the Bible, the Quran and their love for God. from the same background, that you can still compare your values to other people’s.” On Wednesday, Oct. 24, the Mus-

lim Student Association (MSA) and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship will hold a meet and greet at 11 a.m. in the University Center in room 470.

calendar

Featured Events On Campus Disney College Program Info Session

Monday, October 29 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. University Center, Room 480

Come learn about the Disney College Program at one of the info sessions held on campus. Disney recruiters are seeking talented students for their spring and summer college program. Visit cp.disneycareers.com to become part of the magic of Disney!

Lunch and Learn: Experiences of Being an Out and Gay College Student Tuesday, October 30 Noon – 1 p.m. Sinclair Suite, Student Center

Join Intercultural Relations as Dr. Matthew K. Robison discuss his research on the experiences of gay and bisexual male college students and their educational journeys in being out and staying safe on campus. The presentation will be interactive and informative! Lunch provided.

Now Through Friday, November 16

Monday, October 29

Rawiya: She Who Tells a Story Welch School of Art and Design Rawiya is a photography collective founded by female photographers from across the Middle East. For more information on this event, contact Cynthia Farnell cfarnell@gsu.edu 404-413-5230

Mondays

7:30 p.m. The Living Room The college gathering of Buckhead Church will include dinner, worship and teaching. Featured speakers are Seth Condrey and Dr. George Murray. “One Way: Is Jesus Christ Really the only way of salvation?” A shuttle from the Commons will arrive at 7:15 p.m. For more information, contact buckheadcollege.org.

Friday, October 26

Noon – 2 p.m. Safe Zone Training Lanier Suite, Student Center Learn more about the LGBTQIQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Questioning) community on campus. Explore ways to promote an inclusive and accepting environment for all members of the Georgia State family. Lunch provided.

Nominations Due: Hosea Williams Awards for Community Activism Completed nomination packets should be submitted to the Office of Intercultural Relations located in Suite 330 Student Center via email to tcook3@gsu. edu.

Tuesday, October 30

Lunch and Learn: Experiences of Being an Out and Gay College Student Noon – 1 p.m. Sinclair Suite, Student Center Join Intercultural Relations as Dr. Matthew K. Robison discuss his research on the experiences of gay and bisexual male college students and their educational journeys in being out and staying safe on campus. The presentation will be interactive and informative! Lunch provided.

Monday, November 5

Nominations Due: MLK Torch of Peace Awards Completed nomination packets should be submitted to the Office of Intercultural Relations located in Suite 330 Student Center or via email to tcook3@gsu. edu.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012

Monday, November 5

Intercultural Ambassadors Explore: Student Activism on College Campuses 5–7 p.m. 480/ 485 University Center Join the Intercultural Ambassadors as they explore how college campuses have been transformed due to student activism. This program will highlight the 20th anniversary of the student sit-ins at Georgia State. Dinner provided.

Friday, November 2

Atlanta Exploration Tour: Indian Pow Wow Festival at Stone Mountain Park 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 460/ 465 University Center Join Intercultural Relations as we explore the energy and color of the largest Native American gathering in Georgia by attending the Indian Festival and Pow-Wow at Stone Mountain Park. Reserve your space by Friday, October 26th in the Office of Student Activities, Suite 330, Student Center.

Wednesday November 14

1 p.m. Language & Literacy guished Lecture Series Urban Life Building, Room 1199

Research on the Challenges of Acquiring Language and Literacy Distinguished Lecture Series presents Dr. Hugh Catts from the University of Kansas in, at. A reception will follow the presentation.

Tuesday, November 13

Lunch and Learn: The Modern Family Noon- 1 p.m. 480/485 University Center What can be learned about diversity by watching an episode of the Emmy and Golden Globe winning comedy Modern Family? Find out as this interactive lunch and learn focuses on lessons learned while watching a night of television.

Thursday, November 15

12th Annual Crossing Paths, Crossing Cultures 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Student Center Ballroom Enjoy food, live music and an exhibit of amazing photography by photo competition finalists highlighting travels of GSU Study Abroad students.

Friday, November 30 Distin-

Annual Kwanzaa Program Noon – 2 p.m. Rialto Center for the Arts Lobby A program that educates the GSU community about Kwanzaa and its seven

Homecoming week events created lasting memories for students From PantherXchange, the Arts Fair, to Panther Nation- Homecoming event participation was high. Visit our Facebook page for more Homecoming events pictures. Feel free to tag yourself!

ROBIE DUCHATEAU | THE SIGNAL Team captains, Ashley Johnson and Tracy Phan, competed in Hurt Park for the Homecoming Field Day Powederpuff game.

JOSHUA YU | THE SIGNAL Donnivin Jordan asking an audience member on a topic for his impression.

MIKE EDEN | THE SIGNAL Georgia State students dance at the Royal Ball in the Venetian Room on Hurt Plaza Oct. 18.

reviews

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012

Hip hop legend talks music, film and life lessons A chat with Wu Tang Clan’s RZA

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

LARGE PROFESSOR PROFESSOR @ LARGE

ODDISEE

MACKENZIE SEIGLER Staff Reporter

PUTRIFIERS II

t Center Stage Atlanta RZA discussed his new film and directorial debut, “The Man with the Iron Fists.” Against the dim-lit backdrop of a barroom lounge, RZA talks about learning the ropes, hashing out a plan and making cinematic art.

A TRIBE CALLED RED

Taking notes from the masters

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If I would have to say I belong to any school of filmmaking, I belong to the School of Tarantino. I spent a lot of time with him watching films, talking to him about films, picking his brain. I picked up so much from him that I could write a book. One of my greatest moments on the film was when Quentin was sitting there right with me.. in China. I had just finished doing this thing with Russell and Daniel [actors in the movie], and I had come back to watch the monitor, and Quentin leaned over to me and was like, ‘If you remember while you were in Beijing, taking notes on Kill Bill- well now we’re back in China, years later, and the student has become a master.’ I felt good. He was right. And it took a lot of perseverance, patience, tolerance, willpower, and determination to do this movie.

On personal expression

[Filmmaking] was a natural progression of fulfillment, of art, of creativity, that I wanted to express. I wanted to take hip hop... to another level. To not just a level where we can hear it, but we can actually go to the biggest medium possible - a 70-foot screen, in a big room with

speakers everywhere, and you could see it and hear it, touch it and feel it.

Useful advice

Many people enter the path but few prepare themselves for the path. For the youth, the most important thing is preparation. You can multitask, you can have five things that you want to do; but you probably won’t be able to do five things at one time. When people do construction, they build layer after layer, room by room, knowing that at the end it’s going to be a full design. Study. Know before you do, don’t do before you know. If you know, then the result is already understood by you.

Carrying the legacy

One generation inspires another. In the soundtrack to the movie, I was able to get people like Kanye West as well as Wu Tang and a whole slew of others to put all their energy together all on one project. I’ve always been an artist that likes to share the energy and share the wisdom and keep the culture moving. This movie project is part of that. RZA began making hip hop in New York as a young man, only to form one of the most influential hip hop groups of all time: the Wu Tang Clan. Since the nineties, RZA has produced many other hip hop artists such as Old Dirty Bastard under his own record label. He has also designed his own clothing line, written two books on spirituality, and produced original music for film soundtracks. His directorial debut: “The Man With the Iron Fists,” premieres in theaters Nov. 2.

MIKE EDEN | THE SIGNAL RZA spoke to a small group of people about his upcoming film, The Man with the Iron Fists, in Atlanta at Center Stage on Oct. 10.

MUSIC

Ty Segall | “Twins” A delivery of howling garage rock fury MUHAD MOUSSE Staff Reporter

The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Showtimes: Monday - Friday: 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m. Weekend: 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. Running time: 165 minutes Rated: PG-13 It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, from hero to fugitive. A new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham’s finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.

Grade: A+ Release Date: Verdict: Mr. Segall doesn’t cut corners here and manages to deliver another slice of raw, fuzzy, garage rock love.

mbitious wunderkind Ty Segall may very well be one of the hardest-working musicians out there today. With his multiple side projects, fronting a brand new band (the Ty Segall Band who debuted their LP back in February) and his solo work (on which he plays all the instruments and sings), he could be forgiven for releasing a bad album or two. With the sheer colossal output he produces yearly (three new albums including his solo album this year alone) it can be hard to ensure good music quality. But Segall doesn’t cut corners here and manages to deliver another slice of raw, fuzzy, garage rock love.

He has come a long way since recording his debut, “Horn The Unicorn” in 2008 in what was basically a basement studio with a tape recorder. The sound quality on “Twins” is simply superb and is leaps and bounds beyond his early days of distorted wailing over a franticly pounding guitar. While the album still retains the garage rock influences and guitar distortion that distinguishes most of his work, “Twins” shows Segall experimenting with a wider range of sound inspirations and instrumentations. The album opener, “Thank God For The Sinners,” displays a heavy stoner metal influence with some “bluesy” guitar thrown in for good measure. “The Hill” opens up with surreal chanting before launching into a distorted, Beatles-esque riff that carries the song. “Handglams” is a grun-

gy rocker with layered glam rock vocal harmonies. Segall doesn’t sound like he’ll be deserting his love for the fuzzy guitar sound anytime soon. But unlike so many of his contemporaries who have simply decided to mask their lack of talent by using low-fi sound productions and guitar distortion, Segall continues to push his creative boundaries. He blends in-your-face garage rock shredding with heavy metal distortion, blue guitar licks and a touch of psychedelic to make for a rewarding listen. “Twins” is a strong offering. Segall delivers the howling garage rock fury you’ve come to expect from Ty Segall while still evolving forward. But on the off chance you don’t like it, odds are pretty good he’ll have another album for you under another project name in a few weeks, anyway.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012

A&L

MOVIES

Paranormal Activity 4: A film once of anticipation now of expectation

AMI DUDLEY Staff Reporter

or the first time, the formula that has created one of the best supernatural horror film series we’ve witnessed has been exhausted. The formula, a perfect mix of home videos, floating objects and dark figures, is what fueled the “Paranormal Activity” phenomena that we love so much. While “Paranormal Activity 4” stays true to the components of this formula, providing a few hair-raising moments, they are greatly exaggerated and, well, reaching. The series, entirely viewed through “found footage” from home videos, places the viewer in the front seat, if not in the film itself. The progression of the technology used to record these home videos is quite beautiful. Beginning with a bulky VHS camcorder in the prequel (PA3), then 2004 Sony HDR-FX1 in PA1 and 2, PA4 does not disappoint us in staying with this tradition. Alex owns a Mac book Pro on which she chats with her boyfriend Ben when she’s not calling him on her iPhone. Her mother also owns a MacBook Pro that she solely uses for recipes. Even the youngest of the family, Alex’s brother Wyatt owns a MacBook just for gaming. The family also owns an Xbox that aids in capturing the creepy footage of supernatural forces about the house. While the update in technology is great, the use of so many Apple brand

items makes the film seem like more of a forceful advertisement than an authentic progression. Anticipation has to be the greatest weapon of this series because of the way scenes are set up and how camera angles are just right for a scare. But viewers may have adapted to this because the film doesn’t provide much anticipation and is replaced with expectation. In one scene, Alex is lying in her bed sleeping and her door is cracked open. After a few seconds of silence and the sounds of her snores we can expect that her door will crack and there will be something or someone standing in the doorway. Like clockwork, the door cracks seconds later and there stands the dark figure of a child. This scene with slight variations is replicated all throughout the film, leaving viewers lacking that rush of anticipation and thirsting for more. Moving objects without any assistance has to be the magic of the

Paranormal Activity series—a floating pan, a door flung open, bed covers removing themselves from our characters. Although we’ve seen it 1,000 times in this group of supernatural flicks, we are still amazed and stare with “oooos” and “awws.” With our familiarity with this tradition, we should expect to see a new twist of some sort on this mechanism in “Paranormal Activity 4,” but we don’t. With a crashing pot, a bouncing basketball down the stairs, and a floating knife, we are unmoved and unimpressed. If you are expecting a visual more frightening than the preceding ones in this series then you will be slightly disappointed. While the film does offer a jolting ending, it is all but 45 seconds and will leave you with more unanswered questions, prompting another addition in this procession. We can only hope that “Paranormal Activity 5,” if produced, will satisfy our abandoned palates.

Grade: C+ Release Date: October 19, 2012 Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min. MPAA rating: R

games&such

CROSS WORD

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Do you love your campus? Do you feel that athletics gets too much publicity on campus? GSU (undergraduate and graduate) students can complete a 15-minute online survey below to provide feedback for an academic study about athletics and sense of community at GSU!

www.surveymonkey.com/s/urbanpanther If you have questions about your rights as a research volunteer, you may contact Steven Ericson, Co-P.I., 337 Murray Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, steven.ericson@okstate.edu or Dr. Shelia Kennison, IRB Chair, 219 Cordell North, Stillwater, OK 74078, 405-744-3377, irb@okstate.edu.

SPORTS

www.gsusignal.com/sports

What were you doing during the Homecoming game? Why or why not?

Phillip Davidson Major: Informational systems audit and control Year: Graduate student “I was studying. I work during the week and have class during the evenings so I study on the weekends. I’m not even American so football is not that big of a deal to me.”

PATRICK DUFFY | THE SIGNAL

Student section seats stay empty due to football team’s poor performance.

Fewer eyes on football Homecoming game Scott Chilton Major: Political Science Year: Sophomore “I was hanging out with my girlfriend. I actually like it when our football team’s bad because I don’t want football players to think they have rank.”

Despite the Homecoming game’s moderate attendance, not reaching the expected levels by Georgia State athletics, there were more people than previous home games. Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing Matt Newhouse said the school expected 13,000 to 15,000 people at the game. Instead, 12,136 people showed up to the Dome—2,605 more than the Panthers’ previous home game against New Hampshire.

ISMAEL SUAREZ Sports Editor

Where do we stand in the Colonial Athletic Association? According to last year’s numbers, the Colonial Athletic Association ranked as the FCS conference with the third highest attendance, after Southwestern Athletic Conference and the Southern Conference. Georgia State ranks 24th in comparison to the rest of FCS teams and fourth in the CAA.

Tailgate parties outside the Dome Sarah Howard Major: Hospitality administration – managerial science Class: Senior “I didn’t go. I didn’t see a point in going. I kind of think it’s a waste of money, to be honest. We’re pouring money into a team that’s not winning or getting us any good press.”

Outside the stadium, Georgia State students, alums and fans filled the Orange and Brown parking lots with tailgate parties. Georgia State alum Shaun Mabry, who was at the Brown parking lot during the game, estimated a turnout of 1,000 people. “We’re just having a better time out here,” Mabry said. “You go in the Dome and you have to pay $10 for a hot dog, but you can come here and

18k

FBS required 16k attendance average 15,000 14k

Average of CAA teams (as of Oct. 19) 11,784

12k

10k

16,750

14,285

12,312

GSU 2010

GSU 2011

GSU 2012

Potential FBS problems bad performance to the lack of attendance. “I think the main reason why everyone’s out here and not at the game is because we’re not winning,” Anderson said. Mabry also showed his discontent with the football team. “Georgia State’s going to have to commit to the football team. They’re going to need to get a team that’s serious about playing.”

Once the school moves to the Sun Belt Conference, the Panthers could face problems in relation to their attendance, since the FBS requires its members to, at least once, maintain an average of 15,000 in a two-year time period. As of today, Georgia State’s average attendance is 12,356, declining in comparison to the previous

two seasons. To reach the level required by the FBS, Athletic Director for Sports Communications Allison George said that advertisement is the answer. “Georgia State athletics will continue to aggressively market Panther football to our students and alumni as well as to the Atlanta community,” George said.

Lifting the cap: Georgia State’s football budget increases for 2013 season 2011-2012

$ 4,321,588

2012-2013

Athletics’ total operating expenses for football team

$ 5,086,000

Athletics’ budget for football scholarships 2012-2013 2011-2012

Caitlyn Vouvette Major: Psychology Year: Freshman “I’m in color guard. It’s fun, because even if we’re not winning and we get a field goal or something there’s fireworks just for getting like one touchdown when we’re like 30 points behind. I find that they’re really trying to get people to come and be proud.”

get it for free --Which one would you like?” Georgia State student Devonte Anderson also preferred the party outside the Dome instead of the game. “I just went in there (the Dome) for the Homecoming game and the score was 35-7,” Anderson said. “When you come in to that, you’re like ‘man, we’re already down’ and you don’t even want to stay in there.” He attributed the team’s

Football attendance average over the years

$ 1,301,824

$ 1,537,000

NORA DONNELLY Staff Reporter

eorgia State’s move to the FBS will result in a scholarship cap increase for the school, among other financial benefits. The FBS will allow Georgia State to distribute up to 85 scholarships as opposed to working under a 63-scholarship cap in the FCS. “We’re in the process of transitioning to those numbers, we’re at about 68 [scholarships] this year,” said Allison George, associate athletic director of sports communications. George believes Georgia

State will be able to secure very close to 85 scholarship recipients this off season. In addition to more scholarships being awarded, Georgia State will receive more money for guaranteed games in the FBS division. When the bigger FBS schools host football games, they generate millions of dollars of revenue, so they often offer smaller schools financial incentives to travel. If an FBS school is propositioning a school in the FCS, the offer will be substantially less than it would be to another FBS team. “$400,000 to $450,000 is probably average for an FCS team playing at a large BCS school, and as we’re moving into FBS, the num-

bers move up to around $900,000$950,000,” George said. “It’s more valuable to Alabama or Tennessee to play another FBS school than to play an FCS school, because it counts differently when they’re doing their strength of schedule for the BCS ranking. They get more credit for that win essentially.” The University of Alabama and the University of West Virginia have already promised Goergia State over $1 million combined to guarantee those two games will be played in their stadiums next season. This division change will mean an easier traveling schedule for everyone since most of the Sun Belt Conference schools are in the

South. This also ensures more regional exposure for the team and, essentially, the school, driving up attendance and piquing interest in the football program. “We’ll be playing more teams that are closer to us due to the geography of the Sun Belt hopefully that will help us get some more fans,” said George. An easier traveling schedule will benefit the players, as will the bigger stage of FBS football. This move will mean tougher opponents, harsher criticism and even some players having to fight to secure a spot on the 2013 roster. “When the whistle blows, it’s still football. It’s just a bit of a higher level,” George said.

SPORTS

Spreading her wings:

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012

Lauren Pittman goes from a Panther to a Hawk. JOHNNY GIPSON Staff Reporter

Lauren Pittman currently enjoys the product of the hard work she put into dancing since she was young.

Submitted photo

f former Georgia State cheerleader Lauren Pittman ever gave up on her strives of becoming a dancer, she wouldn’t be flying so high today. In spite of only being 19 years old, Pittman is a member of the Atlanta Hawks’ cheering squad. “I’ve been dancing since I was two years old,” Pittman said. “I was only a cheerleader for four years in high school. I was actually never that good at cheerleading, but I’ve had a passion for dancing my entire life. It was my dream, and now I’m living it.” Pittman said that to be a Hawks cheerleader at such a young age is a surreal experience, and pointed out the intense preparation and hard work it took to get to her position. “I’m by far the youngest on the squad. Every other member is in their mid-twenties or older, and it’s amazing I was able to join at this age,” Pittman said. “I was on the Hawk’s cheerleading website every day trying to audition, and I worked out every single day of the summer, almost entirely by myself.” Pittman said that her position on the Hawks’ squad has its pros and cons. “I can’t always go out and celebrate with them, since I’m underage and all. Sometimes it makes me feel a little excluded, but there are some great women in

Jennifer Rubel Georgia State’s own roadrunner RHETT LEWIS Associate Sports Editor

n the time it will take you to thumb through this issue of The Signal, Jennifer Rubel could probably run an entire 5k – her personal best in the event is 18 minutes and two seconds. Anyway, Rubel is probably running somewhere at this very moment. She has to be, since she runs 60 miles a week during the cross country season and adds another ten to that during her summer vacation. “There are days when you get out there and you’ve come off a re-

ally hard week of training and your legs just aren’t feeling it,” Rubel said. “Then there’s days when you get out there and you just feel like your floating.” The Junior Film major said she took up distance running at the age of seven and was inspired by both of her parents. Her father swam competitively at Georgia Tech. Rubel began to think about running at the college level in the tenth grade after several of her high school teammates went off to college and returned with stories of how great being a college athlete was. After speaking with her high school coach, Rubel decided she want-

ed to run in college and pursue a degree in Film. Georgia State was the only college she applied to. Rubel spent her freshmen year at Georgia State running near the back of the team and didn’t get to travel. She even had to red-shirt her freshman track season due to an injury. She made major strides her sophomore year and consistently ran at the back of the travel team. That Spring she had a good track season running the 10k and rode that momentum into her summer training sessions. This season, Rubel has been one of the top runners for Georgia State and has helped the

team become one of the more competitive units in the Sun Belt Conference. Running in a team environment is something that Rubel is fond of and seems to have a very fine understanding of what that responsibility entails. “If you let those couple pass you, then you’re going to hurt the team,” she said. “So you have to run for other people and not just yourself.” But don’t think that Rubel doesn’t think of herself from time to time. She said she allows herself to eat ice cream once a month, maybe. And she even gave herself one very unique birthday present last

the program that I look up to,” Pittman said. “I’ve always felt a little ahead of my time though, and being a rookie requires that I have everything together at all times. There’s very little time to sit and chat.” Even though she can be seen at professional basketball games now, Pittman made sure to pay homage to where it all began – Georgia State’s cheer squad. “Being a Pantherette was a lot of fun. Everyone is very enthusiastic, and the coaches are great,” Pittman said. “I always felt like we were one big family because of the amount of time we spent together.” Pittman mentions the differences of being on a professional cheerleading team as well. “At times, things got a little redundant with the Pantherettes. It wasn’t always a challenge for me, personally,” Pittman said. “Hawks training is more intense, and there’s a bit more emphasis put on individual appearance.” Pittman was very detailed while talking about the feeling she gets when she’s on the court with the Hawks’ cheerleaders. “It’s an amazing adrenaline rush. I get extremely excited every time,” Pittman said. “I knew I wanted to be a cheerleader about 10 or 15 years ago when I attended a Hawks game and saw them perform; I love being able to go out there and give another little girl that same feeling I had when I was watching at that age. There are thousands of

eyes on you, and it’s a great feeling knowing that everyone sees your talents.” Pittman began her educational endeavors at Valdosta State University. After an abrupt transfer, she found herself at Georgia State. Pittman plans on transferring to Emory or Mercer University to complete her nursing degree, acknowledging her desire to quickly finish school. “I’ve always loved science and math,” Pittman said. “I’ve also always wanted to help people, and I figured nursing would be the best path for me to go. I just love making people feel better.” Pittman’s advice to anyone else who hopes to follow in her footsteps was very simple. “Go after your goals in dance, regardless of what people say,” Pittman said. Though sometimes success also comes with envy from others. “None of my friends told me to go out for the Hawks squad. People will always secretly shoot you down, but you can’t let them affect you,” Pittman said. “I had a workout partner who quit working out with me after she found out I was going to try out for the Hawks. It’s important to cancel out the negativity, and do what makes you happy. If it’s right it will work out for you.” Pittman plans on dancing for as long as physically possible, and hopes to open a dance studio one day.

List of things that take longer than Jennifer Rubel’s best 5k time 0f 18:03 year—a 20-mile run on her 20th. Rubel is a reticent person, which nicely matches her own running style. “I don’t have any fast twitch muscles, so sprinting out isn’t really an option for me,” she said. “So I just take it out the first mile and the pickoff people the last two miles.” The silent, racing assassin plans on picking people off in marathons and possibly Olympics trials after her time is up at Georgia State. And when asked if she will always run long distances she answered all great distance runners would. “The farther, the better,” she said.

• The song “2112” by Rush (20:33) • The 18 ½ minute gap in the Nixon White House tapes • The delay caused by fans littering Turner Field during the eight inning of the National League Wildcard game on October 5, 2012. (19 minutes) • One period of a hockey game or one half of a college basketball game (20 minutes)

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS Jennifer Rubel comes from a family of athletes and chose distance running at the age of seven.

Kicked off:

Georgia State vs. James Madison

Christian Benvenuto no longer with Georgia State football team

COLUMN

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS Reports said that the Palm Coast, Fla. native, along with former QB Bo Schlechter and linebacker Dexter Moody were handcuffed right at the scene. So far this season, Benvenuto was the fifth top scorer in the team with 11 points, connecting two out of three field goal attempts. In 2011, in his freshman year, he was the team’s second highest total scorer with 46 points.

The Panthers’ offense peaked on performance against Rhode Island as they finished with 41 points. Yet, against Villanova, the Panthers went back to running the ball ineffectively. In total yards, the Wildcats outgained Georgia State 470 to 309. On top of that, the bad news keeps piling up for the Panthers’ offense, as running back Donald Russell came out of the game with a left knee injury and couldn’t return.

ISMAEL SUAREZ Sports Editor

Georgia State DEFENSE: Defensively, Georgia State allowed Villanova to score 49 points, in which 35 came on the first half. On average, the Panthers’ defense efficiency stands dead last in the conference, according to the Colonial Athletic Association’s numbers.

WHO ARE THEY?

The James Madison Dukes have a 5-2 overall record, as they just come from a 35-29 loss at Richmond. They average 30 points a game and stand fifth in the league with an average of 421.1 yards per game. Defensively, the Dukes have been allowing 18.6 points per game and an average of 328 yards per game.

A Response to Chris Shattuck’s article “Show Some Respect” from The Signal’s 10/16 issue

In It For The Moments PATRICK DUFFY Photography Editor

do appreciate what Chris Shattuck is trying to sell the Georgia State community, telling students not to wear other university’s apparel on our campus. But as a lifelong sports fan and realist he will find no buyer in me. Fandom does not come from ramming school spirit down students’ throats in articles. It comes from a culture of winning and sharing those winning moments with the people you love. John F. Kennedy’s mother, Rose Kennedy, once said, “Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.” Being a sports fan is no different. Fandom comes from early Saturday alarms to meet up with “the boys” to pregame, alarms that never need a snooze. It comes from hanging on every play for seasons, knowing any misstep is the difference between a monumental victory and crushing defeat. School pride is not born in classrooms or derived from athletic fees. It comes from sitting at the bar with said boys and suddenly and inexplicably finding yourself celebrating a miraculous touchdown with the most beautiful stranger your 21-year-old eyes have ever seen. It is spending the

rest of that game cheering with her, the pressure to win now dialed up a notch with the looming misery of defeat threatening to suffocate the mood. It comes from a huge win, rounds of shots, and hours of starry-eyed dialogue that give way to a Sunday sunrise and the words “let’s do this again next week.” True spirit is not found on shirts. It is found on faces, the faces of “the boys” when the scoreboard indicates you are down by seven with a minute to play. The faces you have seen every Saturday for nine years who watch as you lower to one knee to pop a question to the most important face in the room. It is her look of joyous delight you first saw in that exact spot 312 Saturdays earlier. It comes from her saying yes, a round of hugs while celebrating the engagement and the most improbable overtime win in school history. Support cannot be won by cursing someone for wearing rival colors. Support is gained by offering an escape from an increasingly stressful and monotonous eight-to five-life. Giving you Saturdays to unwind and wear that lucky tattered hoodie you have had since your sophomore year. No matter how turbulent the seas, loved ones will always be sanctuary. Support is to know exactly where these loved ones will be on Saturdays, together supporting the team and each other.

PANTHER Of The Week

After losing their Homecoming game against Villanova, the Georgia State football team will visit the James Madison Dukes next Saturday.

Georgia State OFFENSE:

ISMAEL SUAREZ Sports Editor eorgia State backup kicker Christian Benvenuto was officially dismissed from the football team as of Oct. 16 for “violation of team rules, which could be a lot of different things,” said Allison George, Assistant AD for Sports Communications. Georgia State athletics refused to give any further facts regarding Benvenuto’s termination. “Quite frankly, it’s none of your damn business – it’s a team matter,” said George when asked for details. The sophomore kicker had already been punished for indiscipline issues in April. That time, he was suspended indefinitely from the team for being involved in an altercation that took place at a parking lot of a bar located at the intersection of Peachtree Street and West Shadowlawn.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012

Heart does not come from looking around a class and getting upset at the lack of shared enthusiasm. It comes from naming your first two dogs for the cross streets where you met your bride then naming your son after the establishment sitting upon that corner – the establishment that has been your chapel for half your life. Its parishioners, people you have laughed with, shared the depths of your soul with, shed unabashed tears with people you would die for. Some years go by and a recession hits. A pink slip gives way to a job search, relocation and a new life. The dream of sending your son to your alma mater as your father did has been dashed. The school he’s been raised to bleed for, which family reunions center around, will not be in his future. When the stress of financial woes was tearing a family apart, the team was the common bond between a husband, wife and son. Are you going to tell this kid to take off the team cap his grandmother gave to him a week before her passing because he needs to “show some respect”? The logo is a lifestyle, a family, a culture passed down from generation to generation. When some kid wears another college’s apparel, it’s got nothing to do with us. They are not “pissing on everyone else that pays to go to school here.” These people have their own story, ambition and pride.

There is no amount of anger or revolt that can ever be spewed upon them for wearing their heart on their sleeve that will change their minds. There is no article that can reverse the sands of time bringing them back to the beginning of journey which led them to a classroom wearing an opposing team’s colors. Fandom is experienced, lived, touching your soul for all your waking days. School pride isn’t about tuition checks or money falling from the roof. It’s about moments. It’s about hugging the stranger next to you because you are so overcome with emotion and them hugging you right back. True spirit is looking back at your life’s greatest days realizing they are all Saturdays with your loved ones. Support is built by having that excuse to call your son each week knowing football will be the first five minutes of what will turn into an hour long conversation about life. What Shattuck wants here at Georgia State comes with time, a culture of winning and a storied history that dates back further than the horizon allows us to see. Someday it will arrive but pretending that day is today does not make it come any sooner. Even if Shattuck’s goal of getting other teams apparel off our property were realized, it is an inconsequential milestone on the path to true school spirit. If you ask me, I am just in it for the moments.

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

KATHARINE SHOWALTER Panther of the Week Katharine Showalter Sport: Women’s Cross Country Height: 5’5” Year: Senior Hometown: Atlanta, Ga. This week, senior Katharine Showalter was named the Runner of the Week by the Sun Belt Conference after finishing sixth out of 341 at the Chile Pepper Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark. on Oct. 13. According to Georgia State athletics, she set a personal-best 6K time of 21:07.8. This was the fifth time in 2012 that the Atlanta, Ga. native amasses this accolade. In the season, Showalter has led the team with solid performances at every meet so far. Out of the six meets the Panthers have competed on, Showalter has won four – Clemson Invitational, GSU Invitational, West Georgia Invitational and Jaguar Invite. The Spanish major’s next challenge will come on Oct. 27, as Georgia State will compete at the Sun Belt Championship.

Briefs Men’s soccer The men’s soccer team amassed their sixth Colonial Athletic Association loss by falling to Drexel on Saturday. Their overall record now is 4-10, while their conference record is 1-6, as they stand last in the conference.

Women’s soccer The women’s soccer team tied to Towson after two overtime periods on Sunday. Player Jordan Young scored on the 80th minute to tie the game, and the Panthers couldn’t come up with a winning goal. This leaves Georgia State with a 4-10-2 record.

Basketball season The ticket sale for the basketball season started on Monday 22. Prices go from $12 for lower lever reserved and $10 for mezzanine general admission in advance. Lower level tickets are $15 on game days, while general admission is $13.

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WHATʼS HAPPENING ON CAMPUS! Supported by Student Activity Fees

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CAMPUS EVENTS •

www.gsu.edu/studentevents

Miss Georgia State University Orientation Capital Suite, Student Center • Tuesday, October 23, 12:15-1 p.m. • Wednesday, October 24, 6-7 p.m. • Thursday, October 25, 12:15-1 p.m. 225 University Center • Tuesday, November 6, 12:15-1 p.m. • Wednesday, November 7, 6-7 p.m. • Thursday, November 8, 12:15-1 p.m. Interested in competing for the 2013 Miss Georgia State University crown? All potential pageant contestants must attend one of the above mandatory orientation sessions to sign up and get more information. The pageant will be February 9, 2013, at the Rialto Center for the Arts. For more information, call Teresa Weimann at 404/413-1858, or e-mail missgsu@gsu.edu.

Campus Events at Unity Plaza Thursday, October 25, 12:15-1 p.m.

Join us for ʼPooky Plaza, a Halloween celebration with giveaways, a Halloween contest and FREE CANDY! Spotlight Styles

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SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS BOARD •

www.gsu.edu/spotlight

Halloween Plaza

Tuesday, October 30, 12:15-1 p.m., Library Plaza

Come to Library Plaza, if you dare! Free candy galore and a very chilling performance from some spooky guests.

Happily Never After

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Wednesday, October 31, 7-11 p.m. Student Center Ballroom

The Haunted House is an annual event held by Spotlight Programs Board. This yearʼs theme is Happily Never After. Re-experience your childhood like never before. Come and enjoy A Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy with fortune tellers, stilt walkers and much more!

Good Morning Commuters Monday, November 5, 8-10 a.m. Aderhold Learning Center and General Classroom Building

Grab some breakfast and get information on upcoming events with Spotlight! For more information, call Spotlight Programs Board at 404/413-1610.

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Cinefest Film Theatre

October 22-28, The Dark Knight Rises

Monday-Wednesday and Friday: 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m.

October 29-November 4, Rec 3

Monday-Friday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. (No 9 p.m. showing on Thursday and Friday)

Thursday: 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m.

All shows free for GSU students, faculty and staff with ID.

Saturday-Sunday: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.

Guests $3 before 5 p.m. and $5 at 5 p.m. and after. For details, visit www.gsu.edu/cinefest.

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October 25, Lady Terminator Thursday: 9 p.m.

November 1, Awesome, I Shot That! Thursday: 9 p.m.

November 2, The Hoboken Chicken Emergency Friday: 9 p.m.