November - December 17' Isssue

@xulaherald

xulaherald.com

November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

xulaherald.com

Xavier University of Louisiana

New Orleans, La.

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

PhotoNOLA CommunityWorkshop

presented by Bostick & Sullivan

Platinum and Palladium Printing Workshop instruction by Christi Wiltenburg workshop info: In this hands on workshop participants will learn the process of utilizing digital technology to produce archival inkjet negatives for contacting printing, and will be introduced to the platinum palladium chemistry to make their own handmade photographic prints. All materials will be supplied. Chemistry has be generously donated by Bostick & Sullivan. Participates should bring 2-4 images that can be converted into a digital negative that will be printed out for them. artist bio Christi Wiltenburg is photographer with a love for handmade images. She began working with Bostick & Sullivan while finishing up an undergraduate degree in photography from Grand Valley State University. Her internship with Bostick & Sullivan inspired her to focus her thesis on gum bichromate and eventually work for the company. Her journey with alternative process has been rich and diverse. She has learned several different processes at the hands of the masters including David Hyams, Dana Sullivan, and Richard Sullivan. Christi began teaching workshops for Bostick & Sullivan in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2016, after a summer internship at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops. She has taught workshops in the darkroom in house and is the go-to for help with digital negatives for every process. Her preferred mediums are platinum palladium, wet plate collodion, and gum bichromate

FREE

December 6, 10am-6pm

ART VILLAGE BUILDING 39 RM 123

(darkroom class)

Participants must apply with Professor Lanieri. There are two spots open for Xavier Students.

Volunteers are welcome. elanieri@xula.edu.

www.christiwiltenburgphtoography.com

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

How Dr. Norman C. Francis Ended Up at Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s Wedding

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian wed in New Orleans

When Vogue Magazine’s exclusive photos of Serena Williams’s marriage to Alexis Ohanian hit social media, Xavierites lit up Twitter: Is that Xavier President Emeritus Dr. Norman C. Francis in the photo with the couple?

How did Dr. Francis end up at arguably the biggest celebrity wedding of the decade Nov. 16, 2017, in New Orleans? In an exclusive interview on Nov. 18, The Xavier Herald got the scoop from Francis, who was celebrating his class’s 65th reunion during campus homecoming activities.

“It was a little surprising to me,” Francis said. “They wanted to come to New Orleans, and they wanted [their wedding] to be private to the extent you can have something like that private with two important people.

XU Grad LaToya Cantrell Makes History as New Orleans’s First Female Mayor

LaToya Cantrell made history twice Nov. 18, 2017: She became the first female and first African America woman Mayor of the City of New Orleans. Cantrell is a 1997 graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana and has served as New Orleans Councilwoman for District B, which includes Xavier’s campus and Gert Town. “This win tonight is not for me or my family. This win tonight is for the City of New Orleans,” Cantrell said in her victory speech at the New Orleans Jazz Market. Cantrell won with 60 percent of the votes over fellow Democrat and woman Desiree Charbonnet. Cantrell will be sworn in as mayor on May 7, 2018, as New Orleans continues to celebrate its 300th anniversary. “We are in a position to ensure that we are no longer about the Haves and the Have Nots,” Cantrell promised her supporters. “We are going to ensure that our city continues to grow and be strong.” Copy by D’Audra Metoyer and photos by Matt Dietrich.

“I also think they did not want to get into the political scene of New Orleans politics and they were looking for somebody neutral and who would not be embarrassing,” Francis continued. “A recommendation was made of somebody who happened to be me, so the groom called me and said ‘We did a check on you and you made the grade!’ So I said, ‘well, thank you.’ And they said ‘we’d like you to be a part of our wedding.’”

Photos by: Mel Marlow, Allan zepeda/Bob Metelus, Erica Rodriguez/Vogue

Did he marry the couple? “I said, ‘first of all, I’m not an ordained minister so I cannot perform the ceremony. Now my brother is a Catholic bishop, but that’s a different story. He could’ve done it but not I. So they said, ‘no, we’d like you be the master of ceremonies.’

“I was honored and privileged to be a part of [Ohanian] and Serena’s wedding.”

Francis said the couple agreed they would face one another on the intimate stage, with him and the minister in the center.

“I don’t think I stumbled but once or twice or missed a word or two, but it was a joy and they were both very charming,” Francis said. “They read their vows from an iPad. It was touching. I actually shed a tear as he read from his iPad and said from his heart what he wanted to say; it was very good.”

Francis estimated that about 200 people attended the ceremony, including Venus Williams, Beyonce, Ciara and Kelly Rowland.

So how did the photo come about?

“When the minister said ‘you may kiss the bride,’ naturally, I just moved back.

I probably wouldn’t have been in the picture had I not stepped back,” he said.

This is yet another example of how Xavierites really do show up in places we’d least expect. – By Nicholas Davison, Editor-in-Chief

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

Political Aesthetics by: Barriane Franks | “Une Nouvelle Tradition”

The Xavier Herald Staff Fall 2017

Editor-in-Chief: Nicholas Davison _______

Arts & Entertainment Editor: Natese Dockery

Photography & Video Editor: Dat Le Copy Editor: Kaelin Maloid Design Editor: Chandler Rigby Sports Editor: Ayanna Robertson Web Editor: Mark Veals _______

Illustration/Cartoonist Barriane Franks

Staff Writers

D’Audra Metoyer Morgan Moore Kennedy Cox Brandon Brown

Photographers Nooman Muhammad Laurence Walker Mark Veals Amanda English

Faculty Adviser: Melinda L. Shelton 504.520.5096, mshelton@xula.edu

HERALD CONTACT INFORMATION

Xavier South, 112B 504.520.5096 Email Stories: herald@xula.edu Advertising: 504.520.5096

Herald Office:

The Xavier Herald is an award-winning newspaper produced by, for and about students at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, La. While The Herald is housed in the Department of Mass Communication, its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the department or Xavier University. The Herald is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and as such adheres to the collegiate journalists’ code of ethics. The Herald staff reserves the right to accept, edit, or refuse content.

www.xulaherald.com

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

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# W h a t s O n Yo u r M i n d ?

by: Brandon Brown & Kaelin Maloid

Question: What’s on your Christmas List this season and why?

Megan Wise, Sophmore Major: biology Pre-Med

Samuel Maxey, Sophmore Major: Math Education

“I would like family time in the kitchen and lots of food. I want fire constantly in the fire place. I want to wear fuzzy socks and eat warm cookies”

“I haven’t received much as far as gifts in most recent years, but I’ve been okay with that. I just want to spend and enjoy the time with everyone who is near and dear to me.

That includes my family and my closest friends.”

Brittany Strauss, Junior Major: Psych pre med

Sarena Weatherspoon, Junior Major: Communication Studies “There isn’t much that I want this Christmas season. I mostly just want good grades, and a lucrative new year.

Those two Material wise, maybe a new cruiser to get to and from school class quicker. And some good headphones would be nice!”

kyle grant,

Junior Major: Finance & english “I would like to spend more time with my family for the Christmas season, and I would like to major sure that everybody has safe travels to and from school.”

“This Christmas season I’m looking forward to spending time with my family without having any distractions or worries. I want to spend the Christmas break doing things that I enjoy and taking some time to relax from school. Pretty much all I want from this break is for me to detach from all forms of stress and reconnect with family and friends.”

Devin Dumas, Freshman Major: Pre Pharmacy “For Christmas, I want to spend time with my family, see them open gifts.

See them open the gifts that I’ve given them. I want to watch football with my dad, with my grandpa. I just want everybody to have a safe Christmas and make good decisions.”

Clover Moten, Sophomore Major: Chemistry pre- Pharmacy

Gabriel Williams, Sophomore Major: Biology Pre-Med

“I want my friends and family to be together. I also want a Nikon camera. I also want to travel to Disney World and see the fireworks. That’s not going to happen. I also want a lot of money.””

“For Christmas this year, what I want is a long board. Also to have special time with family and to spread merriment with my peers.”

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

BEHIND THE CURTAIN SURVEY RESULTS IN GRAPHICS

for full results of the BEHIND THE CURTAIN survey, visit our website xulaherald.com

Our student media created a survey to see how students felt about safety, health, and living standards at Xavier University of Louisiana. 323 students filled out the survey, along with leaving additional comments. The following graphics represent the people who took the survey.

Graphics by: Chandler Rigby xulaherald.com

November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

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C h e c k u p : St u d e n t He a l t h Se r v i c e s Office of Student Health Services St. Joseph Academic & Health Resource Center 2nd floor 504-520-7396 healthservices@xula.edu www.xula.edu/student-health/ In its survey, The Herald asked multiple questions about students’ usage of the Xavier Office of Student Health Services. The answers and optional comments reveal the following: students’ usage/non-usage was almost split evenly; extended hours and services promotions would attract more students; and the “we are a Catholic Institution” is an outdated response to why condoms, dental dams, and contraception are not openly and routinely provided to prevent the spread of STDS and HIV/AIDS and encourage safe sex practices.

The following are questions/responses from the survey.

“Have you ever used the student health center?”

Of the 319 respondents, 52.7% have used the student health center, and 47.3% have not.

“How satisfied are you with health center services?”

Of the 315 respondents, 30.2% said they did not know what services were available.

According to health services director Virginia Pellerin, RN, in addition to the office’s website, staff will create Twitter and Instagram social media feeds to more easily communicate with students and increase participation.

“What suggestions do you have to improve on-campus health care?”

There were 89 optional responses centered around extended hours, free STD testing, and open and accessible safe sex and contraception options.

Pellerin said students did not utilize extended hours several years ago, and the cost today would add to the university’s operating budget.

She XUPD officers are trained first responders if students need medical attention and the health center is closed. Health services does STD testing but the tests are sent to an off-campus site, which charges students. However, Health Services can refer students to clinics with free STD testing, Pellerin said. The OB/GYN who is on call can write birth control prescriptions for students with medical conditions that require birth control.

Story and survey overview by Natese Dockery, staff writer Mental Notes: Counseling & Wellness Center Counseling & Wellness Center St. Joseph Academic & Health Resources Center 2nd floor, suite 202 504-520-7315 www.xula.edu/counseling/ counseling@xula.edu Monday—Thursday 9 a.m.—8 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m.—5 p.m. (fall and spring)

Graphic by: Chandler Rigby

With anxiety and depression ranking at the top of most college students’ concerns, the survey asked in depth questions with optional responses to get a read on what they know—and don’t know—about Xavier’s Counseling and Wellness Center.

“Have you ever used the counseling center’s resources?”

Of the 315 respondents, 64.1% said no, they had not.

How satisfied are you with counseling center services?

There were 313 respondents, and 41.2% said they did not know what services were available.

Director Shirley Labbe and counselor Chantel Gant said the center has a website with services listed, utilizes social media, and sends a monthly e-newsletter to students via email “Do you have suggestions to improve on-campus counseling services?”

There were 55 respondents, and a majority suggested extended hours, working with different departments on campus, and offering events on campus like stress relief events etc.

Labbe and Gant said each counselor has a late shift each week and counselors are available on the weekends for crises.

The counseling center also has many partners they refer students to if they want to go off campus and see a psychologist or a psychiatrist, Labbe said. They are open to working with any department and frequently collaborate on different projects.

She said the center sponsors Wellness Week and other events throughout the year on campus and in the dorms.

Story and survey overview by Natese Dockery

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

Social Media Push Sexual Assault, Harassment into Spot

by D’Audra Metoyer & Morgan Moore Staff Writers dmetoyer@xula.edu & mmoore12@xula.edu

#MeToo. #IKnowWhatYouDid. Behind the Curtain: Student Survey on Campus Safety, Health, Life.

Sexual assault has been burning up national headlines and social media—including at Xavier University. It began here in midNovember with a Twitter post from a female Xavier student who revealed her story about an alleged sexual assault on campus. Her story— and subsequent others— spread like wildfire.

Her story came on the heels of The Xavier Herald’s release of its “Behind the Curtain: Student Survey on Campus Safety, Health and Quality of Life,” which was praised and criticized for asking students about rape, sexual assault, Xavier University Police Department’s effectiveness, health and wellness services—plain-talk about topics that drew 323 respondents, many of whom completed optional comments sections.

To address mounting student anger and confusion, Xavier President Dr. Reynold Verret and Provost Dr. Anne McCall

quickly organized an open student forum held Nov. 13, 2017, in the University Center ballroom. Dozens of students attended and the event revealed one disturbing truth: most Xavier students are unaware of their rights under the federal Title IX law that encompasses the university’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.

De-mystifying Title IX

Title IX is a federal law established in 1972 that protects college students from all types of discrimination, based on race, gender, sexuality, or disability, and it also protects students against sexual assault, sexual abuse, harassment, relationship violence, and other misconduct.

In an interview with The Herald, Verret and McCall said the university intends to take proactive steps to educate students about the policy and their rights under Title IX, which McCall considers to be a powerful tool.

“Its role relative to sexual violence has to do with both or all genders feeling comfortable, feeling like they have the same opportunity to develop themselves fully in our educational programs on our campus, and that there’s not a barrier based on their gender,” Dr. McCall remarked. “It’s one of the most powerful pieces of legislation in contemporary America.”

Reporting Re-quired

by Law The federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) is named

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for Jeanne Clery, who was beaten, stabbed, raped and strangled in her Stoughton Hall dorm room by another Lehigh University student on April 5, 1986, according to Wikipedia. For complete information on her murder and what led to the Clery Act, go online to https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Murder_ of_Jeanne_Clery The Clery Act requires Xavier University, which receives federal student financial assistance funds, to report annually the types of sexual violence occurring on campus and a wide variety of crime statistics, including robbery, drug violations, hate crimes, and so forth. However, Xavier statistics have not been updated since Fall 2015, and those and other records reflect a virtually crime-free campus—opposite of what students said in the survey that they experience and witness on campus. The reports

are online at http://www. xula.edu/universitypolice/documents/ CleryStats.pdf .

Verret said the records contain errors and will be updated online soon.

“There are mistakes that I am finding from reports in the past that we are correcting. We’re allowed to correct what we post, and I want to see if there’s anything missing that I don’t know about,” Verret said.

McCall said Xavier’s administration plans to “look at universities that have done this really well and seek their guidance because otherwise we’re fumbling around with so much that’s actually assumed here, instead of thinking what would an outside perspective give us.”

In a letter emailed to students Nov. 14, 2017, Verret said, “We need to rethink and reshape the ways that we work to teach students about healthy

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

tlight; Survey Shows XU Students in Dark about Rights “XUPD cares more about drug usage [which is usually off campus] than they do about sexual assault,” one participant commented. Another student suggested “We need new officers; people that are more dedicated to protecting us and properly performing their jobs instead of people who are the equivalence of a mall cop with a gun. Preferably the new officers are younger and more able to stop a crime in the event of one.”

relationships, strengthen community standards, enforce the law, and support students who have experienced sexual violence.”

The statement outlined initiatives the administration will begin immediately: training opportunities to educate the campus community and reduce sexual misconduct on campus; and telephone number for crime reporting to an outside agency, which reports to the administration; and regular, public updates to the student body and overall Xavier community.

XUPD criticized heavily

In the Herald survey, Xavier students shared their thoughts and experiences on issues concerning campus safety. For example, 60 percent of the 323 respondents indicated they feel unsafe walking from St. Martin dePorres Residence Hall or the Living Learning Center to the University

Center or the library.

“Anyone can walk into the library”, one participant commented.

“Since they took away library parking, I feel that I’m unsafe in [outlying] parking lots,” another participant wrote. And another student wrote “Xavier is not safe for members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially not trans folks. The lack of safety permeates every interaction on campus, including in the classroom.”

than XUPD for such crimes. Students also cited XUPD officers’ unprofessionalism and complained that the $25 fee required to file a police report exists to discourage reporting.

Another participant believes XUDP officers “do not care about the students,” which corresponded with a student’s comment how “XUPD is never around when they are needed most. When I am walking back to my room late at night, there is not as much of a presence

Based on more than 80 optional comments, there is a pervasive distrust of the Xavier University Police Department and its effectiveness to “serve and protect” students.

Approximately 1 in 10 of the survey participants said they were sexually harassed on campus, and 1 in 10 said they know someone who was raped on campus. Many students said they would contact New Orleans Police Department rather

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of them between the neighborhoods and the dorms. When walking through these neighborhoods, it can be really scary. Also,when I first came to Xavier and during orientation, I was told if it was late at night, XUPD could be of assistance to get us to our dorms. Honestly, if XUPD sees you walking towards a dorm, they will fly past you, not making sure to see if you are ok or not. If no one calls XUPD because they are in a situation, you will not see XUPD. When you do see them, they are doing the bare minimum. Examples of this are sitting in the parking lots playing on their phones, or coming to the library yelling and saying we are too loud. They spend more time ‘acting’ like they are working.”

A student also commented that “XUPD is only useful for writing tickets

and booting cars.”

“We think we’re doing a terrific job, but we may not be doing as well as we think we are,” Verret said.

He cited the $25 filing fee as one of many practices under review.

Verret said XUPD Chief Jacques Battiste, who was appointed earlier this year, and the administration will conduct a full review of current officers, examine recruitment efforts to attract qualified applicants, and enact enhanced training.

Battiste graduated from Xavier in 1988 with dual degrees in political science and chemistry. He spent 22 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

T i t l e I X S e x u a l M i s c o n d u c t Po l i c y : K n o w Yo u r R i g h t s The following provides key highlights of the Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy for Xavier University. To read the entire policy and for action information, go to http://www. xula.edu/humanresources/documents/ TitleIXPolicy .

Sexual Misconduct Policy Students, faculty, staff, visitors are required to report any instance of sexual misconduct. All complaints will be investigated. Xavier University of Louisiana follows all federal mandates related to Title IX. Nedra Alcorn is the Title IX Deputy Coordinator and Associate Vice President of Student Services. Her office is in the University Center, Room 305B. Her office telephone is (504) 5207365 and her Xavier email is nalcorn@ xula.edu. This policy applies to all students, staff, faculty, and any other third parties and will supersede all other institutional policies.

THIS POLICY PROHIBITS ALL FORMS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WHICH INCLUDES, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: 1. Sexual Harassment 2. Sexual Assault 3. Nonconsensual Assault 4. Sexual Exploitation 5. Relationship Violence 6. Other Prohibited Conduct 7. Retaliation Definitions as defined in the Sexual Misconduct Policy: Consent is clearly,

knowingly and voluntarily agreeing to engage in a sexual activity. Consent is active and not passive.

Silence, in and of itself, cannot be interpreted as consent. Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create mutually understandable clear permission regarding willingness to engage in sexual activity. Consent to one form of sexual activity cannot automatically imply consent to another form of sexual activity.

Consent to engage in sexual activity must exist from beginning to end of each instance of sexual activity.

Consent to engage in sexual activity may be withdrawn by a person at any time. Once withdrawal of consent has been expressed, the sexual activity must cease. Previous relationships or prior consent cannot imply consent to future sexual acts. In order to give effective consent, a person must be of legal age and have the mental capacity to know that he or she is consenting to sexual activity. Sexual activity with someone, who is mentally or physically incapacitated (either by alcohol or other drug use, unconsciousness or blackout), constitutes a violation of this policy.

Incapacitation an individual is considered to be incapacitated if, by reason of mental or physical condition, the individual is manifestly unable to make a knowing and deliberate choice to engage in sexual activity. Someone who is intoxicated is not necessarily incapacitated.

Individuals who are asleep, unresponsive or unconscious are considered to be

incapacitated. Other indicators that an individual may be incapacitated include, but are not limited to inability to communicate coherently, inability to dress/undress without assistance, inability to walk without assistance, slurred speech, loss of coordination, vomiting, or inability to perform other physical or cognitive tasks without assistance.

An individual’s use of alcohol or drugs does not diminish that individual’s responsibility to obtain consent 1. Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature when 1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s employment or education, 2) submissions to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as the basis for a decision affecting that person’s employment or education; or 3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a person’s employment or education or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment or educational environment, and has no legitimate relationship to the subject matter of a course or academic research.

Sexual Harassment also includes gender based harassment and harassment based on an individual’s failure to conform to gender stereotype.

2. Sexual Assault is having or attempting to have sexual intercourse or oral sex (cunnilingus or fellatio) without consent. Sexual intercourse is defined as anal or vaginal

penetration (however slight) by a penis, finger or an object.

3. Nonconsensual Sexual Contact is the touching or attempted touching of another’s breasts, genitals, or buttocks (over or under clothes), for the purpose of sexual gratification, without consent.

Nonconsensual sexual contact also includes forcing or attempting to force another to touch the breasts, genitals or buttocks of the person, for the purpose of sexual gratification, without consent.

4. Sexual Exploitation occurs when a person takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his/her own advantage or for the benefit or advantage of another person, and that behavior constitutes one or more sexual misconduct offenses.

Sexual exploitation includes but is not limited to, causing the incapacitation of another person for sexual purposes, causing a person to engage in prostitution, electronically recording, photographing, or transmitting intimate or sexual utterances, sounds, or images of another person or allowing third parties to observe sexual acts without the permission of the person engaged in sexual activity.

5. Relationship Violence includes the following violations: ● Domestic Violence: Include but

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is not limited to sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner or any other person from whom the alleged victim is protected under Federal or Louisiana Law. ● Dating Violence: Includes but is not limited to sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse, committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of romantic nature with the alleged victim.

The existence of such a relationship will be determined based on a consideration of the length and type of relationship and the frequency of interaction. ● Stalking: A course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their own safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. A course of conduct means two or more acts in which a person directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens,

or communicates to or about a person or interferes with a person’s property.

6. Other Prohibited Conduct: Complicity, assisting, facilitating or encouraging the commission of a violation of this Policy.

7. Retaliation: Title IX and this policy prohibit retaliation.

Acts or attempted acts for the purpose of interference with any report, investigation, or proceeding under 4 this Policy, or as retribution or revenge against anyone who has reported Sexual Misconduct or who has participated (or is expected to participate) in any manner in an investigation or proceedings under this Policy. Prohibited retaliatory acts include, but are not limited to, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination.

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

Ve r r e t , M e r c a d e l E x p l a i n R a i d s

by Brandon Brown Staff Writer bbrown29@xula.edu

Recently, two unannounced raids involving Xavier University Police Department and New Orleans Police Department have swept through the university’s campus.

St. Martin DePorres, an upperclassman dormitory, and St. Michael’s, a freshmen dormitory, had police and canine units sweep through their buildings, searching for marijuana and other illegal substances.

Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier

that jeopardize the University, said that the raids were a tactical raid, well-being, health, and safety of our campus.” as well as a reactionary precaution taken by XUPD and the administration.

Students spoke out against the raids and said “It [marijuana] attracts their items were treated certain safety concerns disrespectfully by the from the outside. […] police officers. Kobie lots of weed can be dangerous on campus.”

Lofton, a sophomore, The raids were executed said his items were early in the mornings by thrown across the room and never placed NOPD in order to catch back in position. students by surprise.

Other students spoke out against the lack of According to Verret, communication between there were numerous XUPD and the students. confiscations, however there were no arrests An email sent by Verret on November 2, which made during the raids. many students referred Patrice Mercadel, the to as “vague,” sparked Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, rumors among students stated, “We have a no as to what or who the tolerance policy to things email pertained to.

Amyre Brandom, freshman class president, says the raids have only put other students on alert.

“It made students start creating their own narrative, and these narratives can branch from why it happened to who got affected and to start pointing the finger at different students… These raids are really just dividing the campus because everyone is on high alert and they don’t know which way to turn for answers because no one is giving them to us.”

To combat this

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lack of communication between officers and students, Mercadel said, “One of the commitments that has been made by the administration is to completely open the lines of communication and make certain that students understand what resources they have and are fully engaged with faculty, staff, and administrators so that we can all work together collectively to safeguard each other.”

Xavier’s administration is still working on plans to open communication and encourage students to voice their grievances

to administration and to police officers.

Another priority is to ensure that students feel safe throughout Xavier’s campus.

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

X U L A’ s

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D i v i s i o n

o f

Michael Kors Sales Job Proved Challenging

by Ariana K. Holt Division of Business aholt1@xula.edu

As business major here at Xavier, it is important I take advantage of all opportunities that present a businessrelated learning opportunity. Last summer, I wanted to challenge myself and apply some of the tools I’ve learned in my marketing classes.

My goal was to practice luxury sales.

From May to August, I worked as a sales

associate and stylist at Michael Kors. Despite having prior retail experience, working at Michael Kors required a completely different sales technique. At Michael Kors, we use a system called “the Michael Way.” The goal of this system is to cultivate a sense of trust and even a friendship so that the customer not only spends more in the store but also returns as a client. Building clientele was a concept I learned in my previous business courses, but putting it into practice last summer allowed me to better understand how important customer service management is to a luxury business.

The other challenge I faced was being able to sell to people who didn’t speak English.

In Seattle, Wash., there

is a large population of Chinese and Japanese Americans. My location was near the airport and a lot of Chinese tourists shopped with us. By working closely with my manager, I was able to learn how to sell cross-culturally.

This was by far the most valuable lesson I learned throughout the summer because it is vital to operating in the international business realm.

My summer job at Michael Kors in Seattle was a great way for me to practice in the real world what I’m learning in academics.

I look forward to this holiday season to apply these lessons again.

B u s i n e s s

C o l u m n

Every Internship Generates Experience

by Jessica Nichols Division of Business jnichol2@xula.edu

My name is Jessica Nichols and I am a sophomore majoring in sales and marketing. Up until this point, I have not had any internships or job experiences that relate to sales and marketing. However, my summers have not been spent just tanning in the sun.

For the past two summers, I was able to work with the City of Shreveport, my hometown, through an internship. There were

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about 40 interns, and we were divided up to work in different entities throughout the city and Caddo Parish. Some of those entities included the courthouse, animal shelter, coroner’s office, parks and recreation, and so on. I worked with the Caddo Community Action Agency, which helps provide lowincome families with a variety of resources and services to improve their way of living.

Besides normal everyday office work filing, copying, and directing calls, this job has improved a number of my soft skills. These skills will be transferrable to whatever profession I choose in the business world. For example, I have strengthened my communication and social skills working

alongside individuals with conflicting views, disabilities, and different levels of education.

Working there also taught me what not to do in a business setting.

The office was under very poor leadership, and there were multiple complaints from the individuals we serviced. Our supervisor lacked essential management skills such as organization, professionalism, office etiquette, and respect.

She made me realize that having good leadership within a business is just as important as making a profit.

Overall, this job was a great learning experience and I’m sure it will prove to be beneficial as I develop throughout my business career.

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

Gold Rush rally, then hold on to defeat Rams 73-70

by Ed Cassiere Assistant Athletics Director for Communications ecassier@xula.edu

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana erased a 16-point first-half deficit, then held on Monday for a 73-70 men’s basketball victory against Mobile.

The Gold Rush (62) won for the second time in three days. The XULA men are 3-0 at home this season.

Jeff Dixon, one of four XULA players to score in double figures, had career highs of 19 points and eight assists. Mike Williams

scored 12 points, and Rayshawn Mart and Jalen David had 11 apiece.

Tony-Toni Wright scored 16 points for the Rams (2-4). Andre Elam scored 14 points, and JaBarie Escoffery had 10.

XULA trailed 23-7 through 10 minutes, then rallied to grab a 33-27 halftime lead. A Joseph Williams basket gave the Gold Rush a 61-46 lead with 7:06 remaining. Mobile got as close as 71-70 and missed two 3-pointers on the final possession.

Dixon, a junior from New Orleans and in his first season of eligibility at XULA, became the

first Gold Rush player to reach 19 points and eight assists in the same game since Wanto Joseph had 21 points and eight assists in an 84-79 home victory against Philander Smith on Jan. 19, 2013.

“Jeffrey has been coming along steadily,” XULA coach Alfred Williams said. “He carried the scoring load, and we really needed it.”

A primary reason for that need was the absence of another junior guard, Virgil Davison. He entered the game with a teamleading 15.3 scoring average, but he left this game for good with no points at 11:31 of the

first half — shortly after his second turnover.

Soon after Davison’s departure, XULA struck gold. It hit 8 of its last 12 shots from the floor of the half, then shot 60 percent in the second half to finish at a seasonbest 56.1.

Another player who did not reach recent levels was Escoffery, a junior guard who entered averaging 17.2 points and making 61 percent of his treys. But Escoffery shot a seasonlow seven times from the floor, made 2-of-5 treys and missed all five of his free throws, four in the final 9 1/2 minutes.

Mobile shot 47.2

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percent from the floor, 50 percent in the second half, but was 14-of-28 at the line, 11-of-22 in the second half.

XULA scored the final points on Elex Carter’s two free throws with eight seconds remaining, but the Gold Rush could not exhale until D.J. Hill and Xavier Howard missed treys in the final three seconds. A make by Hill or Howard would have produced the Rams’ fourth overtime game of the season. Instead the result was their fourth consecutive loss and the 16th in their last 18 meetings with XULA. Mobile is 0-5 alltime against XULA at

the Convocation Center, which opened in 2012, but all those games have been thrillers. XULA’s average winning margin in those matchups is 3.2 points.

“Mobile’s just a tough team,” Williams said.

But once again the Gold Rush found ways to be a little bit tougher.

XULA will travel to Houston to play the University of St. Thomas at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, then break for Thanksgiving. The next home game will tip off at 7 p.m. Nov. 29 against NAIA No. 2 LSU-Alexandria.

November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

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tog p h yr O p - E d : W h e w ! W h a t a S e m e s t e r I t’s B ePehno— S roa Fa

by Amyre Brandom Freshman Class President abrandom@xula.edu

As I look back over my life as a first semester Xavierite, each day has been unexpected.

When I entered Xavier, I knew I wanted to be as involved on campus as I was in my high school. Watching

the Peer Deans during my Freshman Orientation Week showed me that Xavier has many opportunities for leadership. I feared I would be unable to assume any of these roles because of my classification: freshman.

This was short lived once students began to talk about freshman class executive board elections and my friends convinced me to run for president. After I campaigned for three days, students voted, and the results put me into a run-off election with another candidate.

I campaigned again and my classmates

elected me as the Class of 2021 President.

My mixed emotions were overwhelming as it settled into my brain that the freshman class trusted me and believed in me enough to give them their best freshman year!

This proved to only be the beginning for me. I auditioned to become a member of the Gold Star Dance Team and was selected.

After only a few weeks as a Xavierite, I found my freshman year itself being everything that I imagined it would be and more.

As the semester progressed I was forced to begin to understand what it fully meant to be a college student.

There were days where I wanted to throw up if I had to eat SodexoMagic’s food again, but my money was looking really funny so not eating was the solution. I overslept on the day I had an 8 a.m. class with an assignment due that was worth 20 percent of my grade. Thank God this class was in the Administration building and I live in St. Katharine Drexel because I made it to the class at 8:50 a.m., in

by

time for my teacher to accept the assignment.

As my workload increased, it seemed as if my social life became more hectic as well.

My mental wellness hit an ultimate low because of my courses.

Then students began to pass around their germs and sicknesses.

For a person who has not been ill since elementary school, I found it unbearable to get up every day.

In the midst of all of this, I was shocked to miss being a part of the memories my family and friends were making

at home. I felt like an outsider watching these moments through social media and liking or commenting on them as a way to be part of the experience.

Identifying as a college student is way more than I ever thought. Am I excited to experience another semester? Yes. Are there things I will do differently? Yes! Has each experience taught me a new lesson I will probably never forget?

Heck, yes! This is what makes everything worth it in the end. Besides my degree, of course!

Fashion Flashback: Homecoming 2017 destination is printed boots. Gone are the days of monochromatic looks; just like with clothing, footwear will be covered in jewels and other designs in the coming years.

by Kennedy Cox Staff Writer kcox3@xula.edu

Before Xavier Homecoming 2017 becomes a distant memory, let’s take a fashion flashback .

We saw some really creative outfits this year, definitely some usage of staples, and lots of black.

All black everything was definitely the dress theme. Nothing is more classically beautiful than black, and Xavier students made that abundantly clear. Black tops, pants, dresses, and accessories flooded all homecoming events.

Unfortunately, the black on black trend will soon end. As prints take the main stage, black will be left in the dust. Next homecoming season we can expect to see more prints and textures, based on what we have seen on the runways this season.

Gucci, which has seen a sharp increase in sales thanks to the Chinese

Lastly, denim was a noticeable contender for most popular trend during homecoming.

Denim skirts, denim tops, jeans, Canadian tuxedos...you name it, it was there. After a terrifying dip in denim sales from 20142016 because of the success of atheisure brands, jeans are back on the rise. This homecoming, denim reemerged as a staple in many wardrobes.

Photo by Troy Ladmirault

luxury boom, is partly responsible for this.

Next homecoming season, let’s expect to see rich colors and florals year round.

Thigh-high boots were all the rage, and will probably be for the next few homecomings. The comfort and sexiness of thigh high boots

will always make them a first choice when deciding a party outfit.

Whether heeled or flat, thigh high boots can provide the warmth of a boot but without the bulkiness and bore of a traditional boot.

Earlier this year, we got a preview of where the thigh high boot trend is heading, and the

Photo By Mizani Ball

There is no better way to celebrate a wonderful school than for its students to display creativity and style.

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Photo By Nicholas Davison

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November 21, 2017-December 15, 2017

Issa Celebration: Homecoming Recap

Photos by: Kaelin Maloid xulaherald.com