F e br ua r y-Ma y2 0 0 9
TheI s s ue sI l l us t r a t e d
Re p o r t i n gf o rt h eP u b l i cGo o d El o nUn i v e r s i t y
in-DEPTH
Table of Contents
Pulpit Plagiarism
1-6
When ‘Thou Shalt Not Steal’ Becomes More of a Guideline Than an Actual Rule By Sarah Costello
Drugs on Campus
7-12!
Legal and Illegal Drugs Foster Misconceptions and Varied Perceptions By Shea Northcut
Is Radio Dead?
13-18!
19-24!
25-28!
A Look at the State of Traditional Radio By Kevin Clang
Immigration Issues
287(g) Program Kicks Up Controversy in Alamance County By Patrick McCabe
It’s Just Green Business
Stimulating the Economy Through Localized Sustainability Projects By Angie Lovelace
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
29-34 !
35-39 !
40-44 !
Threats to Our Youth, Our Health and Our Lives By Lindsay Fendt
Food, Fat(g), Freshman 15
Where Are the Healthy Dining Options at Area Universities? By Amy McLeod
The Internet and Literacy
Positive and Negative Effects Felt in Local High Schools By Megan Wanner
Student Internships
45-49"
Behind the Scenes
50-55
56-59
Necessary for Success… or Just Unnecessary Stress? By Ashley Dischinger
How Elon University Decides Future Expansion By Alexandra Baker
Pursuit of Equality
A Look at Title IX in Collegiate Athletics By Pam Richter
Balancing Act
60-64
65-67
College Students Adjust to Tough Economic Conditions By Carolyn VanBrocklin
College Smokers Dying Out
Yet 31% of North Carolina Students Found to be Smokers By David Koontz
A Tricky Transition
68-71
Finding a Place to Call Home
72-74
Parent-Child Relationships in College By Scott Van Dorn
Refugees Settle in the North Carolina Triad By Jessica Dexheimer
In a Nutshell
75-77
78
Explanations of each story
in-DEPTH Reporters
It was a regular Sunday morning in December. The lights were dimmed and all eyes were fixed on Pastor Tadd Grandstaff of Pine Ridge Church as he preached a sermon titled, “So You’re Dead…Now What?” “I remember like it was yesterday, they had the neighborhood Vacation Bible School. I ate the cookie, I drank the Kool-Aid…” said Grandstaff as he recollected an emotional and pivotal childhood memory. But there was one problem with Grandstaff’s message – it wasn’t original. In fact, the same message had been preached prior to Grandstaff’s by Lifechurch.tv’s pastor, Craig Groeschel. Groeschel provides sermons online for pastors and was the original mastermind behind the sermon series, “So You’re Dead…Now What?”
Groeschel kicked off his sermon with a familiar and almost coincidental story. “When I was a kid I went to this neighborhood Vacation Bible School…I ate the cookies, I drank the Kool-Aid, I had all sorts of VBS fun,” said Groeschel. Groeschel had originally written the sermon series, and as intended, Grandstaff borrowed his concept. But Grandstaff took the message a step further and shared Groeschel’s personal stories as his own, while neglecting to attribute the source and failing to inform his congregation that the story he clearly “remembered” was not really etched in his memory. Within the first couple of minutes of both sermons, the pastors told the exact same childhood story involving Vacation Bible School, Kool-Aid, cookies and a paranoia about death and hell.
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This is an example of pulpit plagiarism, an issue that has been a discussed topic among Christians and church leaders. There are many conflicting opinions concerning what constitutes plagiarism and the ethics of sermon sharing. Some pastors have been confronted, others have been fired and still others refuse to acknowledge that some of their techniques are unethical.
The Problems with Plagiarism in the Professional Workforce
Plagiarism has always been an ethical issue in academia where students, faculty and staff are held to high standards in order to promote accuracy, fairness and integrity. “Being in academia, our job is to come up with new ideas and to plagiarize is to steal from someone else rather than to be forward-thinking yourself. How can you teach when you don’t have any original ideas?” said Joeleen Kennedy who is a multimedia/graphic designer at Elon University in Elon, N.C. Plagiarism is not only a bad habit among young college students, but it’s also increasingly becoming a problem in universities, among politicians, businessmen, lawyers, professors and pastors. Southern Illinois University recently suffered embarrassment from their plagiarized plagiarism policy that was crafted by faculty at Indiana University.
“If it’s cited, it’s fine,” said Dean Pamela Freeman of Indiana University who helped co-write the original policy. “I think there’s a lot of confusion out there about plagiarism. I’m not sure there was any intent at [Southern Illinois]. I don’t think most universities mind if others use our ideas, they’re hard to write and it’s nice to share.”
mediating disputes, volunteering, prayer, research and numerous other activities and duties. The Growing Controversies in the Church members attend church for the purpose of edification and worship. There is dependence Church upon church leaders for guidance, wisdom and in A career in ministry is challenging, busy and struction. In this regard, a lot of pressure is placed even discouraging at times. The responsibilities of a upon authority figures. Balancing various responsipastor entails much more than preaching messages bilities and writing a weekly sermon can be a stresson Sunday mornings. Ministry often requires long ful endeavor, which is one reason some pastors are hours of study, visitations, counseling, missions, resorting to other alternatives.
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“When you have a pastor in a pulpit, without him saying anything, just by him walking up to the pulpit, there is an understanding of integrity and an understanding of honesty. And if he doesn’t say he is speaking someone else’s words then the assumption is that he’s not,” said Tony Rose, a staff member at Elon who has devoted significant time and research to plagiarism, apologetics and Christian studies. Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C., does not seem to have a problem with using other pastor’s sermons, according to his own blog post, “Steal the Stuff You Suck at.” In this short blog entry, Furtick discusses the benefits of sermon sharing, and explains his reasoning behind his practice of “ripping people off.” “Tap the strengths of others to compensate for your weaknesses. This will allow you to play to your communicative strengths,” said Furtick. While the actions of Grandstaff and Furtick appear to be inconsequential and acceptable, similar behaviors have resulted in the resignations of prominent pastors in recent years. In 2004, Reverend E. Glenn Wagner of Calvary Church in Charlotte, N.C. resigned after an admission that he had preached plagiarized sermons for the past two years. Wagner was the pastor of a mega-church and not only preached plagiarized sermons to a congregation, but also via Christian radio. In 2002, Rector Edward Mullins from Christ Church Cranbrook in Missouri was suspended for 90 days while the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan investigated the allegations that Mullins had plagiarized several sources from the Internet. “There’s two sides of plagiarism,” said Rose. “There’s the theft side where you’re stealing someone else’s work without permission, but there’s the other side of it where you’re dishonestly presenting that work as your own, and you’re deceiving the people.”
An Age-Old Battle of Ethics
Times are changing and truths that were once perceived as absolute are not absolutely distinguishable any longer. Plagiarism, an unethical practice that was once highly looked down upon with the utmost intolerance, is becoming more like a “guideline.” The definition and understanding of plagiarism is no lon-
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er understood in the same context and the attributes that once distinguished plagiarism as unethical and wrong have grown hazy. The borrowing and sharing of original ideas has always existed in academia. Though presenting the works of others ashowtoavoid1 personal accomplishments was once considered a high form of flattery, plagiarism is an offense that can result in detrimental repercussions. The term plagiarism is one that incites controversy and debate. Most academic institutions have honor codes clearly presenting what’s accepted and what’s unethical. But when it comes to speeches, sermons and the voicing of unoriginal ideas, the concept of plagiarism is not as concrete. “Plagiarism occurs when someone knowingly represents words or ideas of another as if they were his or her own in order to gain some benefit, reward or credit,” said Dr. Teddi Fishman, Director of the Center for Academic Integrity at Clemson University. With the growing accessibility of the Internet, many are finding that plagiarism is becoming easier. Before planting Pine Ridge Church in Graham, Grandstaff helped plant the Revolution Church in Georgia, which is led by Pastor Gary Lamb. Lamb and Grandstaff often share ideas and sermons. Both churches are starting a new series titled, “Rebel” Easter weekend. Grandstaff meets with other pastors as well and shares sermon ideas, illustrations and even graphics. Often this group of pastors will give similar sermon series with the same titles. The question of ethics has been brought up in reference to lack of attribution. And specific plagiarism questions have been asked in regards to Grandstaff’s “personal” vacation Bible school story. “I think, first of all, plagiarism is wrong. No doubt about it,” said Pastor John Cornette of Agape Baptist Church in Mebane, N.C. “When it’s taken from someone else, there would be a problem. I think it’s a very bad trend.” Cornette says as a pastor he often uses commentaries and reference Bibles in his research and sermon preparations, but he’s always careful to properly attribute his sources and ensure that his message is original. Plagiarism is not only an ethical choice, but also one
catch them doing it.” said Rose, “I think in a university setting, what you speak and what you write is looked at as intellectual property and so it is assumed that people will give credit. What I think is hideous is when it goes over into the church.”
that can negatively affect the growth and future of an individual. “I think there are two main reasons that plagiarism is detrimental. One, you’re not giving credit where credit is due. Two, when you take someone else’s ideas as your own you’re not taking the opportunity to come up with your own ideas,” said Whitney Gregory, Coordinator of Judicial Affairs at Elon University. For some, sermon sharing is not as cut and dried. Most believe fabricating a personal story and intentionally misleading a congregation is always wrong, but many do not have a problem with pastors using the work of others as long as they are careful to site their sources. Dr. Toddie Peters, a religion professor at Elon University in Elon, N.C., elaborated the differences in expectations between scholarly writing and the presentation of speeches and sermons. “If you tell a joke the assumption is your didn’t make up the joke,” said Peters, “There’s still an expectation of truth-telling, particularly in a sermon, particularly from a clergy person. So anything that even intimates at dishonesty…I would argue is a breach of trust.” Though Peters says more leniency is given to pastors and speech givers, she also believes that there should always be some recognition and attribution to inform the public that the information is not original. Pulpit plagiarism is nothing new. “Pastors have done this for hundreds of years it’s just been harder to
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DRUGS ON CAMPUS Misconceptions & Perceptions about Use of Legal and Illegal Drugs on College Campuses
BY SHEA NORTHCUT
“It was the scariest moment of my life,” explained an Elon sophomore. “I woke up and my body was shaking, I had no idea what was going on… all I knew was that I needed to gain control of my life and get rid of this addiction.” Starting his junior year of high school, the student began taking Adderall, a prescription stimulant drug that helps with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Diagnosed at the age of 3, he had a hard time focusing and felt socially awkward in many instances. He entered into high school and noticed some of his friends taking this drug and decided that it might be effective for him. “As soon as I began taking it, my grades dramatically, improved from a 3.0 to a 3.7 GPA,” he said. “I could finally take the honors and AP classes that I wanted and made the grades that I always dreamed of making without experiencing any side effects at first.” Gradually, he began noticing a shift in his personality, body and overall attitude about life. The side effects began picking up a year later when he felt physically terrible, faced depression and regularly dealt with insomnia. When coming into college, he realized he couldn’t function without this prescription, but also knew it was time to make a change.
“It got to the point that the bad things were outweighing the advantages when taking the drug,” he explained. “I came to the point of realizing that my well-being is more important than my grades and I had to change or else I would eventually hurt myself.” This student ultimately decided to stop using Adderall and switched to a less addictive prescription drug, Vibiance. He decided to bring the extra Adderall that he had left over to school, and help others when they need to be extra attentive. “It is now socially accepted to use prescription drugs recreationally,” he said. “The majority of people I know have used or are currently using these types of drugs to help them, especially during exam time…I don’t see it as a harm by giving them these because the secondary effects fall later in the use or abuse of these drugs.” The student used in this instance spoke on condition of anonymity. The rising social norm of the abuse of both legal and illegal drugs is sweeping the college scene and has seen an increase over the past decade as pressures are coming at students from all angles. By observing the actual perceptions of drug use on campus, misconceptions are cleared and the process that a student may face is better understood.
Special Issues [7]
shown that students who arrive on While misuse of prescription campus already have an existing pattern of underage drinking. The medication, the most problematic drug of choice has been an issue on 2004 CIRP survey indicates that the ACTUAL ALCOHOL USE campuses since education first became formalized. “Alcohol is the biggest drug issue that is found on our college campus,” explained Lauren Martin, 17% 22% Coordinator for Substance Education. number of new students coming into According to the National Elon who drank in high school is Center on Addiction and Substance around 20 percent higher than their 15% 17% Abuse at Columbia University, 40 peers in other institutes. percent of full-time college students Elon students have several binge drink and/or abuse about the alcohol abuse on campus. 30% prescription and When Elon students were polled in illegal drugs. It was found in 2001 the National College Health that more than 1,700 students died Assessment, a comprehensive health from alcohol-related injuries. In Never drank survey on drugs, sexual and mental reviewing the causes of high-risk No drinks in past 30 days health and nutrition, the numbers drinking on campus, the NIAAA Do not plan to drink were significantly skewed. After Drank1-2 days in past 30 days Task Force on College Drinking being asked the question, “Within Drank 3-5 days in past 30 days (2002) described the problem as a the last 30 days, how often do you “culture of drinking” among college think students used alcohol?” only From National College and university students. two percent thought the typical Health Assessment “Elon struggles with this 2000 Elon students surveyed student never drinks, 54 percent issue more than ever,” explained think that the student drinks on one Martin. “We are actually higher than or more days, and 43 percent think the national average on students drink daily. high-risk drinking.” In actuality, 17 percent of The report students don’t drink, 15 percent of from Elon’s students didn’t drink within the past Presidential Task 30 days, and 30 percent of students Force on Alcohol never plan to drink. Because indicates the most numbers are high for the use of recent CORE data alcohol on campus, Elon actively says Elon students strives to combat the problem. “drink almost “We need to focus on our twice the campus and we need to let students amount of know what the issues are and try to 43% of Elon alcohol per help them out now before they get students think the week as out in the real world,” said Martin. average student students “We are here to prepare students for drinks daily nationally. a healthy life both in and out of It is also college.”
ELON STUDENTS:
Alcohol Use & Abuse
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RECENT DRUG CHARGES ON ELON In February, nine Elon University students faced drug charges. It all began back in October as a simple investigation of stolen property in Gibsonville, N.C. as police were notified of break-ins and property that was stolen. In January, the Gibsonville Police Department contacted residents in the area to ask for help with this investigation. Reports from the Burlington Times-News indicate that residents
STUDENTS CHARGED: Nicholas Edward Wilt, 19 Emily Jo Gauthier, 19 Ryan Davis Fletcher, 20 Sean Craig Smith, 20 Dylan Jacob Barbash, 19 Anna Cristina Zabala, 20 Andrew Carney Smith, 19 Tyler Christian Hegamyer, 20
of Elon reported a car in a neighborhood that matched characteristics of one used during previous crimes that were committed. After further investigation, officers from Gibsonville, Elon and Graham worked with the Alamance County Sheriff’s Department and monitored specific streets in Elon to watch for the criminals. “Through surveillance, we were successfully able to identify evidence of drug crimes,” said Gibsonville police Chief Mike Woznick, After obtaining a search warrant for a house on Colonnade
All students were charged by the Elon police with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bonds ranged from $750 to $45,000.
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National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reports that marijuana use has increased from 27.9 percent in 1993 to 33.3 percent in 2008.
Drive in Elon, officers found more than 31 grams of marijuana and stolen property at the house including a ficus tree and a patio table. This led to additional information about another apartment on Haggard Avenue where investigators seized around 500 grams of marijuana and an indoor-growth operation, according to officers.
CASA SURVEY: According to the same CASA survey with 2,000 students polled, the percentage of Elon students who reported smoking marijuana heavily — at least 20 days during the past month — more than doubled, from 1.9% in 1993 to 4% in 2008.
DRUG MISCONCEPTIONS
STUDENTS MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT STUDENT MARIJUANA USE ON CAMPUS The main issue at hand is the misconception that students have about drug use. The graph below shows the MISCONCEPTION that students have of marijuana use on Elon’s campus.
From National College Health Assessment
2000 Elon students surveyed
20% 14% 66% Use more than once a day Never use marijuana Use marijuana
From a National to a Local Perspective A recent study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University shows that nearly half of America’s 5.4 million full-time college students abuse drugs or drink alcohol on binges at least once a month. In a study of Elon University students completed by the National College Health Assessment, 62.7 percent of students reported that they have never smoked pot. 20.7 percent have used marijuana but not in the last 30 days and 7 percent TOP DRUGS USED:
reported they have used it one to two days within the past 30 days. Overall, 95 percent of Elon students reported not using cocaine. Also, 98 percent of students reported refraining from the use of ecstasy. Although alcohol statistics remain high and use of undercover prescription drugs may be unknown, the use of hard drugs on the Elon campus sinks below the national average according to recent findings of the NCHA study.
ALCOHOL
MARIJUANA
ECSTASY
COCAINE
•Hangovers •Weight gain •High blood pressure •Depressed immune system •Liver cancer •Heart and respiratory failure
•Impaired memory •Decreased social inhibitions •Psychological Dependence •Increased heart rate •Dry mouth and throat
•Depression •Anxiety •Memory Loss •Damage to brain •Hallucinations •Tremors •Blurred vision •Chills & sweating
•Cardiovascular disorders •Seizures •Uncontrollable fever •Respiratory problems •Increased heart rate
EFFECTS ON THE BODY
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UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS: Collaboration is Crucial Finding Help Before a student makes the progression to the abuse of drugs and the viability of being caught, there are ways for students to prevent this from happening. By simply being a friend and recognizing signs of addiction, prevention can take place. Dean Jana Lynn Patterson, assistant vice president for student life at Elon University , acts as a therapeutic intervention for students to come to in times of trouble. With all judicial affairs pushed aside, Patterson explained how she helps students by offering advice to prevent further repercussions. “I probably deal with about six or seven students per year that are struggling,” explained Patterson. “I will say to them that I want to make sure you are safe and to get you to the right resources. By the time they come to me, they are almost relieved to come because they are out of control and academics are gone…they need structure and support.” She went on to explain that the main problem she observes with most cases is that students make decisions based on what is happening currently rather than thinking on down the road. “Through proper counseling and help, I find that about 60 to 70 percent of the time, intervention works,” explained Patterson. “Most of the time, we start the students with counseling then we get them thinking about what they are doing and help them on their way to recovery.”
Counseling Services Elon University offers counseling services that struggling students can take advantage of when dealing with drug-related issues. Bruce Nelson, director of counseling services at Elon University, explained how the services that the health center offers are critical.. “Here at Elon, the counselors see around 10 percent of the student body in any given year,” explained Nelson. “We see students that face issues with substances, disordered eating behavior and depression.” Students undertake counseling face an assessment to see how they can best be
served. The health center offers three main tracks for treatment: direct service for everyone who comes in, collaboration with family and faculty and linked resources such as an outside counseling center. When asked if there has been a rise in the number of cases the counseling services have dealt with, Nelson was quick to respond. “Recently, I have seen a more complex situation come in here,” he explained. “It is now more of a combination of issues such as stress and anxiety paralleled with drug abuse and eating disorders.” Equipped with four full-time counselors, the health center focuses on short-term crisis-oriented issues. Services are free of charge. Nelson explained how if they do not offer the right resources for the students, Elon links them with outside resources and makes the best effort to help each student out.
The Ringer Center Located just down the street from Elon in Greensboro, N.C., is The Ringer Center. This is a counseling service provider that has served Greensboro and surrounding areas since 1996 and is Elon’s main source where students are sent for further help for drug abuse. “At The Ringer Center, you are not just another face,” explained owner Stephen Ringer. “We have a handful of Elon students that come here throughout the year that face substance abuse, including both drugs and alcohol.” Ringer explained how most of the Center’s student clients feed from UNC Greensboro, but it has patients who come from local school including Elon, Wake Forest and Guilford College. “The main issue college students face is the external pressure that comes in to drink and do these drugs,” he explained. “If bowling is the main activity, that is what students will focus their energy on just like drinking can be the main activity which draws in the focus of many.”
Police Intervention When police officers bust a scene and catch students buying or selling drugs, the students charged with a citation or an arrest and then they are placed under the N.C. Court System and judicial affairs. Elon Police Chief Chuck Gantos explained how in the 13 years that he has been at Elon, the illegal choice for most students is predominantly marijuana with minor cocaine use.
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“I remember one incident about seven year ago where we found some students at the Danieley Center that we went to investigate on a non-related incident,” began Gantos. “We found that they were growing mushrooms in a closet and they had an actual log that they were keeping a daily tab on the yield they were producing…they were very analytical about the process and it kind of blew our minds.” Gantos said alcohol is the main issue at Elon because it leads to most vandalism and thefts around campus. “We probably have around three to four cases a week that involve some type of alcohol violation,” explained Gantos. “Alcohol is a problem on every college campus because it is now a social norm to drink underage which creates a conflict.”
Judicial Affairs When a student is caught and charged with drug possession and in other serious cases, Elon judicial affairs comes into play and must take action as the student faces further repercussions such as suspension. “When a student is found guilty, we have a judicial conference,” explained Jodean Schmiederer, assistant dean of students,. “Students come in and are presented with potential charges and they are able to share their side of the story… from there we determine what charges they are going to face.” She said the students can schedule another time if they want to bring in a witness to represent them or other documentation to justify their actions. Sometimes cases can be resolved in one day, or others can last over a longer, extended period of time. “A parent letter is sent out a couple days later unless a student is arrested for drug use and the parent is immediately contacted,” explained Schmiederer. “Students are required to meet with the dean on rotation or myself before they are allowed back on campus because being here could cause a disruption to the Elon community.” Dean Schmiederer explained why it is hard for her to deal with this at times. “We are equally concerned about students as people as we have to also be the disciplinary intervention in the process,” she explained. “Our role is to help them all understand the process of what is going to happen and hold them responsible for their actions.”
SPARKS:Student Promoting Awareness, Responsibility, Knowledge, and Success The student group SPARKS is working to raise awareness of the issues of drugs and alcohol on campus. Since there are several misconceptions on Elon’s campus about drug use, SPARKS works to enlighten students on current trends and pressures that all college students face. “I am the faculty advisor for SPARKS and work closely with these great student leaders,” explained Lauren Martin, Coordinator for Substance Education. “With the help of these students, all young people can come to terms with the active issues that they face day in and day out.” The mission statement of this organization is to advocate
and facilitate healthy lifestyle choices, personal safety and personal well-being. Some topics addressed by this student group include: self-esteem and body image, alcohol education, sexual assault, prescription drugs and hookahs. “This has been a great organization for me to get involved with to raise awareness of these issues to students all across Elon,” explained sophomore SPARKS educator Kelsey Glover. “I think it really does make a difference for students because so many people have several misconceptions.” Some drug prevention efforts offered by SPARKS include low-risk grants, also known as the “Fun Fund,” that different organizations can apply to plan non-alcohol-related events.
PREVENTION AT ELON
SPARKS sponsoring event at College Coffee
SPARKS IN ACTION TOP: SPARKS members attended the Bacchus Assembly in November 2008 in Columbus, Ohio. BOTTOM: Live Oak PR agency and SPARKS partnered for the Blackout Elon campaign last fall.
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Since she began teaching broadcasting nearly 20 years ago, Book says “each year I talk about broadcasting radio less and less.” Competition for the attention of listeners is fierce. “Every year I ask my students the same question, how many of you listen to local radio? Fewer each year raise their hand.”
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heir homes had been absolutely devastated by weather. One day everything was fine, the next torrential rain and winds had completely ripped apart everything they knew. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina forever changed the lives of the citizens of New Orleans. For three days they were left completely in the dark with no way to get information. Newspapers certainly were not being delivered to the affected regions and with no electricity, televisions and computers were rendered useless. On Sep. 1, 2003, 72 hours after Louisiana levees had been breached, United Radio Broadcasters was able to go on air using resources donated by competing companies who joined together for the tragic occasion. For the people of New Orleans this meant the world; anyone with a receiver and batteries could listen to the important broadcasts to receive information that could save their lives. Radio had saved the Gulf Coast, giving people not only the vital information they required to survive but also providing music as a reprieve from their hardships. For
traditional radio, the URB Katrina transmission marked a resounding triumph in an otherwise bleak quarter-century.
Investigating New Orleans
C
onnie Book, assistant professor and associate dean of communications at Elon University, has spent years researching this event. In January of 2008 she and 10 Elon communications students traveled to New Orleans to interview victims and document just how large a role traditional radio played for hurricane survivors in the days immediately following Hurricane Katrina. Throughout the trip students kept their own personal journals and an online blog documenting their findings, which will eventually be published in a book on the subject.
In an informal survey of over 40 student DJs at Elon University’s student-run station, WSOE, only 25 percent of respondents said they listened to traditional radio daily. Recently people have had a hard time deciding just what exactly radio’s place is in the world of media. With Hurricane Katrina, Book says that “Radio was taking the lead, recognizing the role it serves as an industry, a role that includes significant investment in the communities it serves.” Despite the obvious tragedy of the natural disaster, Book was amazed and excited when she heard the news of United Radio Broadcaster’s achievement.
E
Radio’s Role in Today’s America
ach day when Americans all across the country enter their cars to set off on their morning commute, they have a decision to
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Elon University broadcasting professor Rich Landesberg does not think that it is all doom and gloom for terrestrial radio. Through his 20-plusyear career in the medium, he has heard people say that radio is “dead” more times than he can count.
Elon sudents broadcast their own shows from WSOE’s radio booth seven days a week make: what do I want to listen to? What used to be a clear-cut choice has evolved significantly since the emergence of the Internet. As a result, the number of people listening to traditional terrestrial radio has declined in recent years. What used to be a powerful medium for both journalism and entertainment is now often looked upon as a joke; a mere shell of the powerful force that it once was. This fact has many pundits asking themselves how much time terrestrial radio has left. To be fair, people have been calling the “death” of terrestrial radio for years now. First with the introduction television, then the debut of cassette players in cars, and again when CDs were invented. Things have never looked as dreary as they do now, however, with satellite stations, iPods, and Internet radio outlets such as Pandora always siphoning away precious listeners. Audiences are down, and thus advertising revenue has also suffered. Since selling advertising is what radio has always done for profit, it is not inappropriate to start asking “what if?” Is a world without traditional radio a possibility in the near future?
“Terrestrial radio is still the most portable and useable medium available,” he says, adding that terrestrial radio still secures millions of daily listeners for pundits such as Rush Limbaugh, Clark Howard and Rachel Maddow, and for content on specific topics such as sports, weather and traffic. And as opposed to things like television or computers, which are ineffective without power, all one needs to operate a radio is a battery in times of emergency.
The Satellite Scare: Sirius XM’s Effect
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errestrial radio had a huge scare with the initial launch of satellite radio, a fear that has subsided recently. Satellite radio was popularized by two companies: XM, which debuted in 2001, and Sirius, which launched in 2002. Both were introduced offering music, sports and news programming for a monthly subscription. Over time the two companies were able to attract personalities such as Playboy Radio, Bob Edwards, Martha Stewart and most notably Howard Stern, who accepted a $100 million contract from Sirius in 2006 after being frustrated by the limitations of FCC-regulated terrestrial syndication. XM and Sirius have since merged into one company, a union that was finally approved in 2008 after much fervent debate on Capitol Hill. Since the merger, the company has run into trouble. In tough economic
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Over 40 WSOE DJs completed an informal survey on their radio habits
times, many see satellite radio as a luxury they can no longer afford. Because of this, Landesberg says that the Sirius XM stock is worth “pennies.” Today most new satellite subscribers are car buyers who opt for a satellite radio upgrade installation from car companies that are partnered with Sirius XM. The only problem is that with the current economic crises, most people are not buying cars and thus, no satellite radio. When he first heard the idea of satellite radio, Landesberg says he thought to himself “Who would
pay $10 a month for radio?” A few years later, when he began commuting an hour to Elon every day, Landesberg began to see the usefulness of a satellite radio provider. “There was no news on terrestrial radio in the morning,” he said, adding that “satellite also has a better market for music,” with its many specific-genre-oriented stations. Since satellite is not hindered by a limited bandwidth, companies have the luxury of offering specialized stations. While these stations must find listeners, there is more freedom for niche markets; stations
don’t have to conform to a corporate playlist. In the survey of WSOE DJs, 62 percent said they do not subscribe to satellite. Those who said they do subscribe to a satellite company listed this attention to specialized music as the reason. One student said, “The best advantage I would say is that (satellite stations) are more specialized niches of music that appeal better to whatever your specific taste is at the moment.” Another noted that “less commercials, wider variety
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over the radio wirelessly. “The problem with Pandora is that it has no personality,” says Sweeney. WSOE’s former general manager Erin Fox agrees. “People listen to terrestrial radio for personality,” she says. “With iPods, anyone is a DJ . . . people need a reason to listen.”
Ryan Sweeney is WSOE’s current General Manager and the ability to pinpoint a music interest,” was the main reason to pay the monthly subscription fee. While this appeal is intriguing, in the end Landesberg does not think that satellite radio is traditional radio’s main competitor.
What is Radio’s Competition? Ryan Sweeney, the current general manager of Elon’s WSOE, has a similar viewpoint on terrestrial radio’s main rivalries. “Pandora and the iPod are radio’s main competitors,” he says. An avid supporter of the value of terrestrial radio, Sweeney has worked at WSOE since early in his freshman year at Elon. He says he does not understand the appeal of satellite radio, adding that subscribing to satellite
is stupid when it offers nothing more to listeners than free Internet services such as Pandora or Last FM. “Satellite tries to appeal to too many people at once,” he says. “Now everyone wants instant gratification.” Since the corporatization of many radio stations’ playlists in the 1980s and 1990s, the Internet has taken up the mantle of introducing people to new bands. Pandora and Last FM are free Internet music sources that attempt to link fans of one band to other similar bands they may not have heard of. This wave of Web music will probably kill satellite radio first, however. The Pandora iPhone application is among the most popular, and this summer Apple plans to launch an application that will allow users to transmit music on their phones
An Elon senior, Fox has interned at two major radio stations, including Chicago’s famous WXRT. “All across the country we’re experiencing a flattening culture,” she says, in reference to corporatization. “Spreadsheet programming is not enough, people like variety.” Fox said she believes that this trend to make every station sound the same, started by big companies such as Clear Channel (which owns over 900 radio stations across the United States) helped bring about radio’s recent downfall. “Corporate ownership and programming doesn’t work anymore,” she says. Sweeney agrees, saying that with Clear Channel “stations have no cultural identity - DJs stick to formats.”
The Key to Success: HyperLocality
M
ost experts agree that radio can only remain relevant if it stays true to its roots and remain local. “In its early days, radio was hyperlocal,” says Landesberg, “it needs to return to that.” Fox lists locality as one of traditional radio’s
Page 16
More results from the informal survey
main strengths, saying “stations need to have pride in the community and give listeners a taste of the city.” At WXRT for example, DJs are given the option of playing what th want and encouraged to dig deep into their collections, playing both popular songs and forgotten ones. Sweeney strives for localization at WSOE. He and musician Jason Kutchma are the co-founders of Choose Local Music, an organization dedicated to aiding local bands. “Choose Local Music is a movement to inspire people to go to local shows,” says Kutchma. “Radio used to break bands, but now it doesn’t do that anymore. Blogs started to, but now there are just too many to keep track of.” A little less
than half of polled Elon DJs use traditional radio to find bands, while 85 percent use the Internet. Choose Local Music is attempting to get independently owned radio stations to publicize, promote and play music from local artists and bring radio back to its original roots.
Using the Web to Help, Not to Hurt Stations also need to use the Internet more effectively. Fox says that convergence is the key to future radio success, and a simple Web site and streaming Webcast aren’t enough. “Stations need to use Web 2.0 tools to their advantage and offer com-
Page 17
plete packages with many entrance points.” While a station may not make any money on the Web yet, it can be an effective way to attract people to listen to a specific station. Elon professor Ken Calhoun is a big proponent of Web 2.0 tools, saying they can offer a station’s listeners “choice and control, two-way communication, and extend (their reach).” Since graduating from Elon University in 2005, Travis Lusk has done just that. As the new media director at New York’s WCBS, Lusk’s job is to stay on top of the Internet and make sure he is using it effectively to boost his station’s presence. In the past year alone, WCBS has completely overhauled its Web site, adding a news archive. It has also implemented a blog and a Twitter account, which are used to connect and appeal to the station’s listeners through updates and contests. Natasha Vukelic has seen similar growth working as the news director for North Carolina’s WCHL.
National Public Radio has also experienced a large increase in listeners due to using the Internet effectively, offering its most popular programs as free podcasts on iTunes. Is radio dying? It all depends. A cynic who has not done a complete amount of research would say yes; across the country audiences are down, and many stations are struggling to make ends meet. Times are tough but there is hope on the horizon. If stations stay true to their roots and try once again to reflect the communities in which they are based, telling local stories and breaking local bands, people may be more inclined to listen again. But only if they know about the change, and radio stations also need to use the Internet effectively to make sure this happens. If traditional radio does these two things and does them well, it may once again rise to the effectiveness that it is capable of. “Mediums don’t die, they change,” says Fox. Radio has a lot of changing to do, but the foundation has been laid for the future.
Page 18
IMMIGRATION 287(g) Program Kicks Up Controversy in Alamance County ine l e m i T 287(g) 1996 Section 287(g) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act is created.
2000 FOR RIGHTS I M M I G R A N T S R A L LY
Alamance County Sheriff ’s department is accused of racial profiling when two residents face deportation.
The case of Elian Gonzalez brings media attention to U.S. immigration policy
2001 The Patriot Act creates more restrictions on immigration and 287(g) begins to be strictly enforced.
2003 n Alamance County, a deputy
and was unable to produce any
arrested a Hispanic woman
form of identification, registration
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.
after a traffic stop on Interstate 85.
or proof of insurance. According
2007
Traveling with her three children,
to authorities, the only thing she
she was forced to leave them on
was able to give the officer was an
the side of the road until their
address in Burlington.
2008
Ventura had lied to authorities;
Issues with the enforcement of 287(g) arise in Alamance County
I
father could pick them up, eight hours later.
her real name is Maria PerezThe women identified herself as
Mejia. Before she was stopped,
Maria Chavira Ventura and spoke
she was traveling from her home
limited English. She was pulled
in western North Carolina to
over for driving with expired tags
Maryland to visit her children’s
Alamance County signs 287(g) and trains jail enforcement officers.
2009 Dr. Laura Roselle and Sheriff Terry Johnson face off on 287(g) enforcement.
Page 19
“The real victims of illegal immigration are the Americans that are losing their lives, their jobs, their wages.” William Gheen President, Americans for Legal Immigration
father. Another man from her
Vitaglione fears that there may be
years-old but that the family later
church was traveling with Perez-
many more cases like Perez-
overstayed their visas.
Mejia but left shortly after
Mejia. Her children are just three
authorities took her to jail, leaving
of the victims of the new
Immigration and Customs
the children alone.
immigration laws.
Enforcements agents began investigating Angel-Martinez
While Perez-Mejia is in the
William Gheen, president of
soon after she appeared in court.
process of being deported, her
Americans for Legal Immigration,
An investigation into the use of
children will remain in the United
sympathizes with the children of
aliases for Hispanic clients by
States with relatives.
the Illegal immigrants but does
members of the Alamance County
not feel that the children are the
Health’s Department uncovered
victims.
her immigration status.
“The problems that are being
Alamance County Sheriff Terry
caused for these families and for
Johnson told media that a
Tom Vitaglione, chairman of the
American citizens are the results
confidential source alerted him
state Child Fatality Task Force,
of the bad choices and criminal
about Angel-Martinez’s
fears that officers who are taking
behavior of illegal aliens,” Gheen
immigration status and that the
part in the 287(g) program will
said. “The real victims of illegal
information had not been obtained
focus more on an individual’s
immigration are the Americans
through confidential medical
immigration status than protecting
that are losing their lives, their
records.
an innocent child involved in a
jobs, their wages.”
Maria Perez-Mejia is just one of the many cases that have been seen in Alamance County.
case.
Angel-Martinez’s husband has Marxavi Angel-Martinez is
also been arrested and he along
“Incentives are on identification
another Alamance County
with her sister and parents have
and deportation rather than
resident who has struggled to
entered into the deportation
protection of the children, and that
obtain legal residency. Angel-
process.
worries us,” Vitaglione said. “We
Martinez worked as a librarian in
just worry that we’re going to
Graham and was arrested for
have some real tragedies come
aggravated identity theft. She told
down the line.”
the judge that she, her sister and parents entered the United States legally when she was about 3Page 20
The truth behind the 287(g) program 287(g) plays a large role in issues plaguing Alamance County
T
he 287(g) program is only
one component under the ICE ACCESS (Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security) umbrella of services and programs offered for assistance to local law enforcement officers. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) effectively added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act on September 30, 1996.
Opponents (right) cross paths with supporters of 287(g) outside the Alamance County jail.
officers.
individuals who were suspected of entering the country illegally and
The act authorizes state officers
In order to become an ICE officer,
there are currently 63 active
and employees to assume the
trainees must complete a four-
287(g) Memorandum of
functions of immigration officers.
week training program held at the
Agreements (MOA’s) that define
It also authorizes the secretary of
Federal law Enforcement Training
the limitations of designated
the U.S. Department of Homeland
Center ICE Academy in
authority.
Security to enter into agreements
Charleston, S.C. Officers must be
with state and local law
United States citizens, undergo a
Throughout the United States,
enforcement permitting
background investigation, have
more than 840 officers have been
designated officers to take on the
two years of experience in their
trained and certified through the
role of immigration agents as long
current position and have no
287(g) program. There are eight
as they receive the proper training
pending disciplinary actions.
MOA’s in North Carolina alone
and function strictly under the
and in Alamance County, a jail
guidance and supervision of the
The 287(g) act has been credited
enforcement officer MOA was
United States Immigration and
for identifying more than 70,000
implemented January 10, 2007.
Customs Enforcement (ICE) Page 21
Alamance County reacts to the 287(g) program 287(g) program causes controversy among Alamance County residents.
A
lamance County has seen
more about local government and
its share of immigration
transparency.”
issues and many members of the
questions.” McCarty and Roselle are both
county refuse to sit back and let
Section 287(g) was created to
members of Fairness Alamance, a
these issues go unnoticed.
allow police officials to remove
coalition of Alamance County
illegal immigrants who partake in
residents who are dedicated to
Elon University political science
criminal activities and are seen as
promoting fairness and equality in
professor Laura Roselle works as
a threat to society.
Alamance County and beyond.
issues. While studying at Stanford
“People thought that it would
“As a Spanish major, I got
this past summer, Roselle was
make [the county] safer but that is
involved volunteering as an
made aware of immigration issues
not what happened,” said Roselle.
assistant ESOL teacher in
an advocate for immigration
in Alamance County, especially
Alamance County,” said McCarty.
the story of librarian Marxavi
Racial profiling has become a
“I dealt with legal and illegal
Angel-Martinez.
serious issue when looking at
students and this experience made
section 287(g).
me realize what a big issue this
“Her story was so compelling,”
is.”
said Roselle. “Her documentation
Roadblocks have been set up near
was never right, she couldn’t get
the Burlington Flea Market and
As one of two college-aged
it right. She was caught in a
police officials are checking
students in Fairness Alamance,
circumstance that just seemed so
licenses of any individual they
McCarty is working to raise
horrible.”
expect to be illegal based on their
awareness on university
ethnicity.
campuses.
cases involving section 287(g)
When questioned about the issue,
“I became a part of the Coalition
and was troubled by the results.
Alamance County Sheriff Terry
for College Access, which works
As she completed more research,
Johnson refused to comment.
to promote collegiate education
Roselle began to research other
Roselle looked to the local government for answers.
for all students, regardless of their “He is extremely hard to get a
immigration status,” said
hold of,” said Elon University
McCarty. “While there is no
“I was just so unable to get my
senior and immigrant activist
chapter at Elon, I am actively
questions answered,” said
Kelly McCarty. “We struggle to
involved in the chapter at Chapel
Roselle. “The issue then became
get him to answer any of our
Hill.” Page 22
Alamance county residents are
At the commissioner’s meeting,
divided on this issue.
other community members shared their stories of crimes committed
At an Alamance County Board of
by illegal immigrants.
Commissioners meeting held earlier this year, residents voiced
“My wife gets a letter [that says]
their opinions on the immigration
there are two individuals in this
issue.
country illegally using her Social Security number,” a man told the
“A large segment of this
crowd.
community is now afraid,” a Hispanic resident told
The issues that plague Alamance
commissioners.
County are just some of the issues that surround the 287(g) program
“This 287(g) program is tearing
of the Immigration and
families apart,” another resident
Nationality Act. How Alamance
said.
County will handle illegal
immigration is still unclear but it While there are many advocates for is an issue that will remain at the assisting illegal immigrants, some forefront of many county officials citizens are in favor of law enforcement efforts.
“This is absurd and goes against the very moral fiber our country was founded on.” Terry Johnson Alamance County Sheriff
and residents minds.
t c a e R i lumn
A
Elon University Alumni and local residents are upset by Roselle’s actions.
Jessica Dexheimer, a student worker in Alumni Relations, claims that some alumni are not happy with Roselle. “We've had a couple alums say that they don't support Elon anymore because of what Roselle is doing,” Dexheimer said. “Just last night an alum said he will no longer give money to Elon because of what Roselle is doing.” Elon residents are also reacting to what Roselle is doing. Judy Barbour wrote a letter to the editor of the Burlington Times News. In the letter she questioned Roselle’s motives. “Why was Elon professor Laura Roselle motivated to conduct her study in the first place? If Ms. Roselle compiled her data with the preconceived agenda of uncovering hidden "ethnic profiling" by the Alamance County Sheriff's Department, she did unearth some bookkeeping discrepancies, but she still failed to prove her point.” Her letter continues to criticize Roselle and her actions Readers comments continue to flood the TImes News about Roselle’s actions. While Roselle remains a heated issue within the town of Elon she will continue her work regardless of how Alumni and residents feel.
Page 23
Roselle challenges Sheriff Johnson Elon University professor faces off against Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson on immigration
L
aura Roselle’s
to protect and defend and it is
reported by the state government,
independent research on
unfortunate that the entire
and was surprised by what she
287(g) and enforcement in
department has become wrapped
found.
Alamance County has created
up in this issue.”
new challenges for Sheriff
“I attempted to contact Sheriff
Johnson. Roselle conducted a
Roselle and other immigration
Johnson but I was never able to
study to analyze traffic data using
advocates claim that Johnson and
get a response out of him,”
information filed with the state
his deputies are racially profiling
Roselle said. “I just couldn’t
government and found that 850
Hispanic individuals.
believe my findings.”
Johnson has attempted to prove
Roselle’s continued frustration
that he and his deputies are not
with the Alamance County
Roselle has worked very closely,
racially profiling in order to catch
sheriff’s department led to much
analyzing information from the
illegal immigrant suspects. He
of her research.
county sheriff’s office in order to
accuses Roselle as attacking the
ensure that all citizens are being
government.
traffic violations went unreported by Sheriff Johnson.
treated as equals, no matter their
She continues to face off with Sheriff Johnson and his office at
race. She is concerned that the
“This is absurd and goes against
County Commissioners meetings,
big difference in figures puts the
the very moral fiber our country
and will continue her efforts until
sheriff’s accountability into
was founded upon,” he said of
she feels that justice is served.
question.
illegal immigration. “The people of Alamance County
“There are many good people
Roselle conducted an
deserve better,” Roselle said.
working in the sheriff’s office,”
investigation, comparing
“Yet they are not getting it.”
Roselle said. “They work so hard
numbers reported by Johnson and
“The people of Alamance County deserve better, yet they are not getting it.” Laura Roselle Elon University Professor Page 24
IT’S JUST GREEN BUSINESS Stimulating the economy through localized sustainability projects
COTTON OF THE CAROLINAS
T
ake a look at the label of your T-shirt. Does it say “Made in China” or “Made in Bangladesh?” Well Eric Henry of TS Designs in Burlington, N.C., has launched a T-shirt project that will sell shirts made entirely in North Carolina. Cotton of the Carolinas is designed as a collaboration between farmers and manufactures, producing T-shirts that support the local economy and have a low transportation footprint.
Food and fiber Locally produced goods offer additional advantages of societal independence. “Food and fiber to me is a national defense issue,” said Wes Morgan of the Rolling Hills Gin in New London, N.C. “If something does happen and we can’t get stuff around the world, we need to be able to feed and clothe our population, that’s a very basic necessity of life,” Morgan said. According to the Berry Amendment, the
Department of Defense (DOD) is required to give preference in procurement to domestically produced, manufactured or home grown products, including “cotton and other natural fiber products, clothing and the materials and components thereof and food.” These products are required to be of 100 percent domestic origin. “I think that’s important that we keep our infrastructure so we can do that if we need to and on a normal basis. Everyone can’t have office high-rise jobs in New York City shuffling paper. We need to keep everything else going too,” Morgan said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining agricultural and manufacturing infrastructure in the United States.
Local cotton production
Ronnie Burleson, a third generation farmer, has been farming in Stanley County, N.C., his whole life. His family was the first to bring cotton farming back to the Piedmont region in 1991 after it disappeared due to the boll weevil 40 years ago. Burleson’s farm, Thurman Burleson & Sons Farm, is the first step in the Cotton of the Carolinas project that TS Designs of Burlington launched to reconnect locally, producing conventional cotton T-shirts that are grown, made and sold in the Carolinas. When the cotton After the cotton is ginned, it is spun, using a series of machines that turn the cotton into yarn. Cotton of is ready, it travels the Carolinas cotton is spun at Patrick Yarns in Kings Mountain, N.C. less than a mile
Story by Angie Lovelace Reporter Photos Submitted
down a street barely wide enough for a truck to Morgan at the Rolling Hills Gin. One of the goals of Cotton of the Carolinas is to leave a small transportation footprint. A typical T-shirt can travel 17,000 miles, while a Cotton of the Carolinas T-shirt only travels 700 miles, according to Eric Henry, president of TS Designs. “It’s just wasteful in my opinion,” Morgan said. “You’re wasting resources to haul cotton all the way around the world and back to make a T-shirt.” In 2007, there were 565,060 acres of cotton harvested in North Carolina, making North Carolina the sixth highest state cotton and cotton seed producing state in the U.S., according to the agricultural census. “Keeping it closer in, you don’t waste all of that transportation fuel, energy, natural resources, you’re also keeping people employed here,” Morgan said.
Helping your neighbor According to Morgan, in the last six months it has been more important to keep people employed in the local community. “You hear more friends and neighbors getting laid off, things are downsizing.” “It’s a world economy, we all know that now, but I think people are realizing that our money going overseas it not necessarily a good thing, and they don’t mind supporting their neighbor,” Burleson said. Burleson said he thinks people will want to help their neighbors stay in business, even though it might cost them a few cents more. “In the long term, you may expect your neighbor to help you one day,” Burleson said. He is optimistic that Cotton of the Carolinas could “help hold, produce and develop more job opportunities here in the Carolinas.”
THE PROCESS 25
FARM
GIN
SPIN
KNIT
Henry said Cotton of the Carolinas has reconnected 700 people who are involved with the finished product, many who were previously excluded from production when the product went overseas. According to the U.S. Agricultural Census, there were 77,400 hired farm workers in North Carolina in 2007. Henry believes that if he wants people in the local community to be his customers, then he also needs to support them with jobs.
Reconnecting locally “The most important thing you can do for the economic stimulus is to reconnect locally,” Henry said. “Ultimately creating a product that is grown domestically, made domestically and sold domestically, will be our best long-term impact for jobs and economic development.” Once the cotton is grown by Burleson, it goes down the street to the Rolling Hills Gin to separate the cotton from the seed. From there the cotton is spun, knitted, finished, cut and sewn all in the state of North Carolina before it gets to TS Designs in Burlington where it is printed and Ronnie Burleson is the farmer who grows the cotton for the dyed. Cotton of the Carolina shirts. “Fifty years ago, we could have done “I feel good about (Cotton of this in Stanley County, we could have the Carolinas). Not only is it grown it, ginned it, produced T-shirts, good for everyone involved, but that it’s a product that we can the whole nine yards. Now, no shirt produce and use here in the is done like that in the U.S., period,” state,” Burleson said. Morgan said. The “Harvest ’08” product was entirely produced in North Carolina, but Henry said they plan on expanding to South Carolina in the future. The first two batches will also be sold entirely in North and South Carolina through retail and wholesale channels. TS Designs now makes two different kinds of T-shirts. Its original product is called Clothing Facts and is made from organic cotton, free from pesticides and all other chemicals. Cotton of the Carolinas is made with conventional cotton from North Carolina. The Cotton of the Carolina T-shirts cost $8 to $12 depending on the dye and printing of the shirt. “The biggest challenge is definitely education,” Eric Michel of TS Designs said. “You say organic and automatically people get it. They might not know what it means, but they get that it’s going to be more expensive. But when they think of a conventional cotton shirt that’s made with a very small transportation footprint, they’ll probably think cheaper so it’s just about the education on why it’s more expensive.” Elon student Sarah Babcock, who owns three TS Designs shirts, said, “More companies need to start running their businesses like TS Designs. While it may be hard to pay higher prices for shirts as college students I believe that it is an investment in our future.”
FINISH
CUT
26
The cloth is finished at MoCaro Dyeing and Finishing in Statesville in order to to wash out particulate matter, bleach or dye, and to shrink the fabric as much as possible.
SEW
DYE
26
27
Map courtesy Google Maps
Local, organic and sustainably produced food will be available in Burlington when Company Shops Market, a cooperative grocery store and café, opens for business. The market will be opening in downtown Burlington at 268 E. Front St. On April 4, more than 700 people attended the afternoon open house at the new location and approximately 160 new members signed up, bringing the membership total to 1,105 as of Monday, April 6. But they need 1,500 members to begin renovation and 2,000 to officially open the doors. Buying a membership to the co-op provides people with various benefits and perks but, most importantly, it buys ownership in the cooperative. Owners get to contribute to and vote for decisions. An individual membership costs $100 and a family membership is $150. Customers will not be required to buy a membership to shop at the co-op. “I think everyone has in their mind that it’s going to be a farmer’s market, and that’s not really what it is,” project coordinator Jill Durban said. “It’s going to be a full-service grocery store. Our
SUSTAINABLE ALAMANCE Helping felons acquire jobs in local green businesses
Illustration of The Company Shops Market
goal is to keep things within a 250-mile radius, what we call ‘locally grown,’ to ensure freshness and to support that local idea.” In North Carolina, the market value of crops produced in 2007 was more than $2.6 billion, according to the agricultural census. But most of the food produced in the region is exported and the food consumers are buying has been imported from abroad. According to Andy Angyal, professor of environmental science at Elon University and a member of Company Shops Market, “local food is fresher, is seasonal and it is grown more sustainably." “Buying local, first of all, supports the local economy, it supports local farmers and it keeps them in business and prevents them from having to sell their farms to developers,” Angyal said. “There is a more direct relationship between the grower and the buyer. You can ask the grower directly how they’re growing and what they’re using on their crops and fields. And you can buy with more confidence and buy with less danger of food illness.” Durban said she thinks people who have been in this community for a long time will want to support local farmers, and that people can make a conscious choice. If they want to eat healthier, the Company Shops Market will give them that opportunity, she said. Angyal owns a small farm in Gibsonville, N.C., and he currently sells his produce to local restaurants
and the Deep Roots Cooperative in Greensboro. “I don’t think people yet realize the value of local, sustainable food production,” Angyal said. “Most people just buy from Harris Teeter or Food Lion, if they cook at home at all, and I think that many, many people simply eat out all the time.” For Company Shops Market to be successful, Angyal said, “I think there’s enough suppliers, the question is whether there are enough buyers.”
What types of products will the co-op sell? Produce Dairy Deli/salad bar Bakery Meat Beer Wine Health and body care Organic coffee bar Fresh sushi
“A lot of times the dialogue about sustainability is more about windmills and biodiesel, and less about people” Phil Bowers of Sustainable Alamance said. Sustainable Alamance is a nonprofit organization, launched in August 2008 in order to include people within the sustainable dialogue. Sustainable Alamance provides job opportunities for people with criminal histories who are shut out of the job market and provide start up money for local green businesses. “There are thousands of people in Alamance County with criminal histories who are shut out of the local economy,” Bowers said. “We started out on a trial basis for about a year. We placed five or six guys in jobs and the demand was so high that we needed to be more formalized.” The goal of Sustainable Alamance is to place a couple dozen people in jobs, to prove to the community that people with criminal histories can be trusted, and to start up one new business a year in the green economy that can be beneficial to the community. Bowers said they have one man who they are working with who ran a business making $300,000 a year—selling cocaine. “He’s shown entrepreneurship in the past, and with a little guidance and mentoring, we think he can do that in a legal way too.”
For more information contact: Phil Bowers 336-213-3505 28
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: THREATS TO OUR YOUTH, OUR HEALTH, OUR LIVES
BY LINDSAY FENDT
Part I: STDs: An Epidemic Amongst the Young
I
t was October of 1990 and Thomas Clodfelter was hungry for some famous Kentucky barbeque, a craving that probably saved his life. He went to a barbecue festival where the local Red Cross happened to be holding a blood drive. “I had wanted to store blood because I have a rare blood type,” he said. Six months later, Clodfelter got a letter in the mail ordering him to come to the health department. “When I went to the health department that is when they informed me that I had been infected with HIV,” he said. “I passed out, woke up and here I am.” Clodfelter was just 28 years old. He had contracted HIV by having sex with his high school girlfriend. There are young people, just like Clodfelter, all over the country who are infected with a sexually transmitted disease. The Centers for Disease Control and the University of North Carolina conducted a 2004 study on STDs in youth. Based on the numbers
of STD cases in young people, they estimated that one in two sexually active American youth will contract an STD by age 25. In the year 2000 alone, there were an estimated 9 million new cases of STDs in youth aged fifteen-totwenty-four-year-olds. Despite these enormous numbers, there has been very little research done
specifically on STDs in younger people. “The reason that we did the study was because up to that point, there were no national studies about the prevalence of STDs in youth,” said Joan Cates, a communications professor at the University of North Carolina and the principle investigator of the study. continued on page 2
Gonorrhea Cases
Chlamydia Cases
Other Age Groups
6,779
26%
4,070
39% 6,300
Other Age Groups
19,685
61% 15-24 Year Olds
74%
15-24 Year Olds
29
North Carolina is no exception to these high numbers. According to an unofficial study conducted in 2006 by the North Carolina State Center for Health Informatics and Statistics, Guilford County has the fourth highest rate of overall STDs in the U.S. Fifteen-to-twenty-four-year-olds also had shockingly higher statistics than any other age group in North Carolina. For Chlamydia alone, more than 74 percent of newly reported cases in 2008 were in young people aged 15 to 24.
POSSIBLE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF STDS Chlamydia: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women, Infertility Gonarrhea: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Epididymitis, Infertility Trichomonasis: Pregnant women can pass it on to female babies Herpes: Sore Outbreaks, Scarring, possibly Cervical Cancer in women HPV: Cervical Cancer in women
DISEASES CAUSED BY STDS Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: An infection of the womb and fallopian tubes that can lead to infertility, chronic pelvic pain and even death Epididymitis: An inflammation of a duct near the testicals that can cause infertility and death
While there are many possible explanations for Guilford’s high numbers, Dennis Jenkins, a former public health investigator, said that Guilford County draws in people from all over the country who already have STDs. “A lot of people who test positive in Guilford County either recently moved here or are passing through,” Jenkins said, “but the morbidity still counts for Guilford County because this is where they tested.”
WHY ARE STDS SO COMMON IN YOUNG PEOPLE? Kitty Parrish, the director of health services at Elon University, said that she has noticed a steady increase in student STD cases during her 10 years at the institution. “I think it can be attributed to the ‘hooking up’ attitude, that relationships are not important,” she said. “Many students nowadays prefer the one night stand to the relationship.” Parrish also explained the disparity between levels of sex education amongst college students. “Students come in thinking they are very savvy about this sort of thing,” said Parrish, “but they’re not. They need more education.” All of these diseases are preventable by abstaining from sexual activity and the risk is greatly decreased for most of them through the use of condoms. Three of the most common STDs, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis, are transmitted through the exchange of infected bodily fluids and are preventable
by abstaining from sexual activity and the risk is greatly decreased for most of them through the use of condoms. Condoms are proven to reduce the risk more than 50 percent of the time through correct use, and scientists suspect this number may be higher. While condoms are an effective means of prevention in the case of many STDs, some young people don’t young people don’t use them or don’t use them correctly.
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“There are a lot of psychological reasons why someone would make the decision not use a condom,” said Cates. “They may not like the way it feels, they may not like planning that they are going to have sex or they may not want their partner to feel like they don’t trust them.” The Journal of Adolescent Health published a 2008 study on adolescent boys and found that only 50 percent used a condom regularly with their most recent partner. Even when teens use condoms, they often use them incorrectly. Condoms have a pregnancy prevention rate of 98 percent, but it is estimated that people use condoms incorrectly 13 percent of the time; some studies estimate that teenagers misuse condoms as much as 23 percent of the time. Incorrect use of a condom eliminates all of its benefits for protecting against STDs. Despite the statistics warning them to do otherwise, the fact is many young people are doing little to protect themselves against STDs and their spread is turning into a near epidemic. These numbers are looking to only go up in the future unless something changes. “This is real, it’s not going anywhere,” said Clodfelter. “I’m living proof.”
Part II: The Sexual Education System The federal government spends $176 million annually on sex education. This amount does not include state-bystate funding and private education, which amounts to millions more. But many feel that sex education programs, both abstinence- only and comprehensive sex education, are not working. “Education is really our opportunity to inform youth about sexual health,” said Cates. “Clearly it has been a missed opportunity.” Types of sex education in the U.S have been debated for years. On March 10, the North Carolina House Education Committee passed a bill allowing parents to choose between abstinenceonly education and comprehensive sex education. Before this bill passed, North Carolina law called for “abstinence-untilmarriage” education. In the language of the law, this means that health educators must teach “that abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage is the expected standard for all school-age children.” “Abstinence, when it is taught properly is taught in a very comprehensive way,” said Jere Royall the director of community impact at the North Carolina Family Policy Council, a
conservative organization dedicated to influencing public policy to reflect traditional family values. “It teaches what is the wisest and healthiest choice for people to make for their sexual health.” The former law stated most students should be taught about the risks of STDs and pregnancy, as well as the importance of abstinence and parental involvement. The program also focuses on the psychological effects of becoming sexually active. “It’s a misconception that abstinence education teaches people just to say no,” said Royall. In fact, AUM educators in public schools are required to talk about contraceptives. This misconception comes from the way in which they are presented. Many AUM education programs do not present overall contraceptive effectiveness rates. Instead these programs give students the effectiveness rates based on how often contraceptives are used correctly by teenagers. This means that rather than saying condoms are 98 percent effective when used correctly, AUM programs say that they are only effective 75 percent of the time. Many advocates for CSE education argue that this encourages teens not to use a condom. .
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Another controversy with AUM education is that these programs do not tell or show students how to use contraceptives correctly.
The proof that Workman referred to is a Mathematica Policy Research Inc. study on four different AUM programs in the country. The study found very
“Abstinence curricula are not going to teach young people to use protective measures if the whole point is to help them make the safe and healthy choice and not have sex,” Royall said. “That’s sending a mixed message.”
In response to the Mathematica study, Royall cited a Heritage Foundation study as proof that abstinence programs do work. The Heritage Foundation is a conservative public policy research organization devoted to “traditional family values.” This study found that while many CSE programs claimed to teach abstinence, they devoted significantly less of their curriculum towards talking about it.
The former law allowed for some counties to provide an additional CSE supplement. One of these counties was Guilford. Jean Workman runs one of these supplemental programs known as Smart Girls Life Skills Training. The Guilford County program is designed to prevent teen pregnancy and falls under the category of CSE.
AUM advocates use this evidence to point out that CSE programs are devoted to the idea that young people will have sex and protecting them, than preventing them from having sex. Regardless of which type of education students receive, the fact remains that teenagers and young people are still getting pregnant and are still getting STDs.
“We were one of four counties in the state of North Carolina that had a more comprehensive approach,” Workman said. The curriculum of the Smart Girls middle school program is based on self-esteem, values and decision making, dealing with peer pressure, reproductive anatomy, sexually transmitted infections, healthy relationships and goal setting. The high school version of Smart Girls has a comprehensive section on contraception. “I believe in evidence-based sexuality education,” said Workman. “As a taxpaying citizen, I only want my money invested in something that is proven to work.”
different programs and that it did not show evidence that students who participated in AUM programs were any less likely to use contraception.
little difference in the sexual behavior of students who participated in the AUM programs, and those who did not, leading many to conclude that the programs were ineffective. “We had our Smart Girls curriculum evaluated in 2003, and it was proven effective for postponing sexual activity, increasing the use of contraception for those already sexually active and for limiting the number of sexual partners,” Workman said. AUM advocates are quick to point out that the study only focused on four
In a study for the Sexual Education monthly bulletin, Joan Cates, a journalism professor at the University of North Carolina and a former medical professional, interviewed teenagers, parents of teenagers and health educators in an attempt to find a middle ground for sex education. In the study Cates describes the consensus that sex is a taboo subject that parents, teenagers and educators alike find difficult to discuss sex. “Participants described a culture that
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is both permissive about sexual activity, and restrictive about discussing how to have sex with responsibility for protection against the transmission of STDs,” Cates wrote in the study.
“The study suggests that much common ground is available for these groups to discuss.”
Because of this taboo, Cates found participants were reluctant to discuss sex, even with the pretense of encouraging young people to behave responsibly. The study found parents who described unwillingness to discuss sex with their kids because they felt uncomfortable, sex educators who wanted to answer their student’s questions but feared violating the law and even doctors who felt awkward discussing sex with their patients.
According to the Stanford Sexual Health Peer Resource Center approximately one in four college students has an STD. While no one has researched the specific statistics for Elon, a generalization based on these numbers would indicate that approximately 1,364 current students may have been infected during their time in school.
While the study looked at perceptions from varying groups, the conclusions were much the same. All three groups studied wanted teens to be more informed about sex and the risks of STDs. “Debates about what to emphasize or even allow in sex education have often been polarized between advocates of an abstinence-only approach and supporters of more comprehensive sex education,” Cates wrote.
Part III: STDs at Elon
“I would say Elon is about average, compared to other institutions,” said Kitty Parrish, director of health services at Elon. “The number has increased in recent years.”
been showing up,” said Elizabeth Leman, the co-coordinator of SGAC. “I feel like people don’t think they can make a difference.” Despite the lack of interest, SGAC has implemented several programs that look to protect the sexual health of students. First is the campus condom initiative. Due to this program, both the Health Center and the Kernodle Center have packages of condoms available for free. SGAC also brings in Alamance Cares, a community AIDS organization, to do STD testing for free every month at the Health Center. While these programs have been successful, SGAC has been unable to garner the support to expand them.
“We have had to sort of put the campus condom initiative on the back burner,” Parrish attributes this rise to students’ said Leman. “Right now our focus is an decreased desire to be in relationships. AIDS walk in May.” “We have had to She said that more students today sort of put the campus condom want casual relationships rather than initiative on the back burner,” said long-term commitments. Leman. “Right now our focus is an AIDS walk in May.” AIDS activism is another issue on campus. While Elon has a chapter of While awareness about AIDS is the Student Global Aids Campaign, few important, it is not the primary sexual people are active in the organization health problem amongst young people. “We’ve sort of had to put a lot of our projects aside because people haven’t
“Mostly we find chlamydia,” said Parrish, “chlamydia and herpes.”
SAFE SEX: DO ELON STUDENTS USE CONDOMS? Senior Amy Gatto and her professor Dr. Cindy Fair conducted a study on condom use in sexually active students at Elon in October of 2008. The research was presented at the Annual Public Health Association in San Diego.
Condom Use of Sexu ally Active Students Every Time
30.5%
More Than Half Th e Time
16.2%
Half The Time
6.7%
Less Than Half The Time
14.3%
Never Use a Condom
26.7%
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Speak Out: Elon students give their opinions about STDs on campus.
people are using condoms correctly. One study concluded, however, that condoms are at least 50 percent effective at preventing the transmission of Chlamydia. Although condoms are an effective method of prevention, few Elon students use condoms consistently.
universities all over the country, and Elon is no exception. “Many of the [STD] cases that we encounter involve alcohol,” said Parrish. “Students just don’t think through their actions as much when they have been drinking.” Even though no one knows the exact number of STDs on Elon’s campus, as long as students are exhibiting risky sexual behavior there will always be a problem. “STDs may not be above average here,” said Parrish, “but then again the numbers are too high among all young people.”
According to a study conducted by Dr. Cindy Fair and Elon student Amy Gatto, only 30.5 percent of sexually active Elon students use a condom every time they have sex and 26.7 percent have never used a condom at all.
While chlamydia is curable, it has dangerous long-term effects. Chlamydia is one of the main causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, a disease that can cause infertility and even death. Scientists also believe that condoms are highly effective in preventing chlamydia. It is difficult to ascertain with certainty how effective condoms are against some STDs because scientists have no way of knowing if
One reason for this is the rise of other types of contraceptives, such as birth control pills, that are effective at preventing pregnancy but not STD transmission. Many students are far more concerned about getting pregnant than they are about getting an STD. “I think that students don’t always protect themselves because they think they can beat the odds,” said Roger Black an Elon sophomore. One factor that largely affects the amount of unprotected sex is alcohol abuse. This is a problem at
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May 2009
Food, Fat(g), Freshman 15 By: Amy McLeod What are colleges and universities doing to provide healthy dining options for students and what are the physical and emotional effects of the freshman fifteen?
Y
ou know what I’m
talking about. The Octagon Rush. On any given Friday at about 12:30 p.m., the line for the beloved Bowtie Ballet extends out of Pangeo’s, wraps around the entrance of Octagon Café and ends up anywhere between Fireside Lounge and the Admissions Office at Elon University. The line to get a chicken steak provolone and French fries from GrillWorks has hungry students packed like sardines inside Octagon. Maybe the realization that the delicious Bowtie Ballet has 1,015 calories and the perfectly seasoned French fries from GrillWorks have 44 grams of fat would curb the appetites of those hungry students.
When the deep-fried chicken nuggets and waffle fries from Chic-fil-A are the healthiest things a student can find to eat, there’s a big problem. Many of dining options in Octagon Café and throughout the rest of Elon University are unhealthy. Is the nutrition of the food important? What are those in charge doing to make the dining options healthier for Elon students? And what physical and emotional implications are students experiencing due to the lack of healthy dining options?
What is ARAMARK? ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world.
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May 2009
What does Aramark say about its job as dining services?
however, that not all options offered can be “healthy.”
Laura Thompson, Aramark senior food service director at Elon University, spoke candidly about the job that Aramark venues at Elon are doing in terms of the nutritional value of food being served.
While the health of students is a priority for Elon, there are limitations that dining services face as they plan meals and try to appeal to and cater to all students.
“If you want me to be honest,” Thompson said, “I’m not sure that our menus are 100 percent nutritionally sound. I think we definitely have room for improvement. I think we offer a lot of good options but definitely have room to improve the options that we can add to give students more healthier options.” Elon’s dining services typically use all of the recipes that the corporate level provides in order to supply students with as much variety as possible. That means, however, that not all options offered will be “healthy.” “I think we’ve just let it slide,” Thompson said. “It’s a big education process.” Aramark recipes are all created at the corporate level and then passed down to individual schools and universities. Individual school menus are then created at a local level. Elon’s dining services typically use all of the recipes that the corporate level provides in order to supply students with as much variety as possible. That means,
Laura Thompson, ARAMARK senior food service director at Elon University
“I’d love it if we could be healthier,” said Grace Patterson, one of the GrillWorks workers at Octagon Café, “but when we’re trying to make four chicken provolone sandwiches, seven cheeseburgers, three grilled cheese and nine orders of fries for hungry students we don’t have time to think really about nutrition.”
“If you want me to be honest,” Thompson said, “I’m not sure that our menus are 100 percent nutritionally sound. I think we definitely have room for improvement. I think we offer a lot of good options but definitely have room to improve the options that we can add to give students more healthier options.”
Students from neighboring schools speak out: In an informal survey taken of approximately 250 students from Elon, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
State University and Furman University, 88 percent of students said that they have gained weight since arriving at college. Nearly 65 percent of those surveyed said unhealthy dining options were to blame for the weight gain.
Causes of Weight Gain in College
12%
9%
Food at Colleges Lack of Exercise Beer and Drunk Eating
14% 65%
I haven't gained weight
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May 2009
a day or sorority girls who are trying to stay fit for Spring Break. “I think we focus on giving a well-balanced program but if you walk into a dining hall are you going to find a well-balanced meal every single day?” she asked, “I don’t think so and that’s something that’s an initiative of ours to work on this summer when we re-tool our menus.”
Ideas for the future
Along with offering a balanced selection of dining options, Aramark provides options for those with food allergies or other restrictions.
Some students prefer to eat calorie-laden foods. Elon University is expected to provide options for all students, whether they are football “I got really excited when I players who need to eat 8,000 calories saw that Colonnades adver
Summer Initiatives: :
Every summer, Aramark managers revisit their menus and make changes in order to make the dining options healthier, better and more diverse. During this summer’s re-vamp, Elon’s dining services will be employing a new initiative called “Just4U.” This initiative will provide signs in dining halls that will indicate if the food is low calorie or low fat, for example. This will help students make informed decisions about the food they are eating, giving them more opportunity to control what they are eating. The Aramark Web site has this to say about its new Just4U initiative:
tised gluten-free pizza,” said Elon junior Ben Kaufman. “But when I requested it, the lady pulled out a gluten-free wrap and put sauce and cheese on it. Not exactly what I had in mind.” As the gluten allergy, celiac disease, becomes more prevalent, Aramark is trying to accommodate students suffering with that disease in their menus. “We are hoping to expand that program more because we are seeing celiac disease being more and more diagnosed and more of our students coming on campus are having that issue,” she explained.
“Just4U point-of-service menu identifiers make it easy to find selections that are lower in fat, lower in calories, lower in carbohydrates, vegetarian or organic. In addition, Just4U ‘Eat Well Selections’ make it easy to find foods that offer several nutritional benefits in one menu item for business diners that are concerned about limiting the calories, fat and sodium in their diets. These new identifiers simplify the decision-making for busy customers who want great tasting, healthy choices that fit their own personal preferences.” 37
May 2009
The mental and emotional impacts of the Freshman 15 “We learned in my educational psychology class about the crazy things that can happen to students in college,” said Elon sophomore Sam McMillan. “So many people develop eating disorders and begin to suffer from depression. And a lot of times it can all be traced back to weight gain.” A 2006 survey conducted by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) measured the awareness and prevalence of eating disorders on college campuses across the country. The survey revealed shocking statistics about the prevalence of eating disorders on college campuses. Sixty-three percent of the 1,002 students surveyed felt their lives had been personally impacted by an eating disorder. Nearly 20 percent admit to having personally had an eating disorder at some time. Of that 20 percent, only 25 percent had ever sought treatment.
The real story of one Elon student who has felt the effects of the Freshman 15 One Elon junior has suffered from an eating disorder since her freshman year. Without the support and watchful eye of her parents, she stopped paying attention and caring about what she ate. She was willing to be interviewed for this story but preferred to remain anonymous as she told of her experience. “I was always very fit and very thin because I was always playing a sport,” the student said. “Whether it was soccer, swimming or track, I was always doing something. When I got to school and didn’t have a coach or my parents keeping me in check, I let myself go.” The student recalls spending a lot of time in the all-you-can dining halls and enjoying the late night options available on campus. Having what seemed like endless meal plans and endless
options, she found herself eating more than was healthy and more than was necessary. “I remember going home my freshman year for Thanksgiving,” she said. “It was the first time I had been home and my mom just kind of stared at me. The first thing my sister said was, ‘So I guess you’re enjoying the food at school.’ That hit me hard and I’ve never forgotten it. I hadn’t let myself realize how much weight I had gained until my family ! wouldn’t let !!"!"#!$"%%&'&!()*+&,)(!-,".! me ignore it /)!%&/()!",&!0&1(",!.2"!2/(! anymore.” The realization that she had gained the “freshman 15” in her first few months on campus sent her into a dieting and exercising frenzy that turned into an eating disorder.
()1*''%&+!.3)2!/,!&/)3,'! +3("1+&1! ! #$"!2/4&!/+53))&+!)"! 0&1(",/%%6!2/43,'!/,!&/)3,'! +3("1+&1! ! %$"!"#!$"%%&'&!()*+&,)(!2/4&! +3&)&+! ! &!"!"#!()*+&,)(!2/4&!(-300&+! 5&/%(!)"!%"(&!.&3'2)! ! '%"!"#!()*+&,)(!-,".! ("5&",&!.2"!0*1'&(!76! 4"53)3,'!
! “I started !"#"$%&'($)**+$,-&./0$1'23-1#/3$40$ #5/$6"#7'2"8$9"#72:$!7,'&3/&,$ skipping ;,,'17"#7'2$'%$<=**)$1'88/:/$,#-3/2#,$ meals and throwing up what I would eat,” she recalled, the subject visibly difficult to discuss. “I started running every day, anything I could do to get back to my normal size and weight. I’ve been fighting it since then, December of my freshman year.”
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May 2009
Tips for avoiding the dreaded “Freshman 15”
Colleges students are responsible for their own dining decisions for, perhaps, the first It’s easy to believe the freshman 15 is a myth, one time in their lives. The “all-you-can-eat” dining of those “it’ll never happen to me” kind of things. But it’s halls with endless options and the fact that food real and the convenience of dining options on college can be purchased campuses coupled with the plethora with just of unhealthy dining options makes the swipe ! the freshman 15 more real than Baylor College of Medicine’s Tips for of a meal most people would like to believe. Preventing the Freshman 15: plan make it easy to “Coming into school last Deal with stress in a positive manner. lose year, I was aware of the freshman touch 15. I had definitely heard about it Keep fat calories in check. Choose with what is actualy but I wasn’t worried. Maybe I being consumed. whole grain, non-fat milk and low-fat salad should have been,” said Elon dressing when available. sophomore Meredith Reedy laugh The ability to ing. Limit high-fat and high-sugar treats have three desserts to once a day. and no vegetables can It doesn’t have to be inevibe tempting but with a table. There are steps that can be Choose beverages wisely and drink plenty little self-control, it’s taken and preventative measures of water. easy to say no and to that can keep the dreaded freshmaintain a healthy man 15 away. Keep dorm-room snacks healthy. weight. These tips Pretzels, cereal and vegetables are better "Being on their own for from the Baylor Colthan chips, ice cream and candy. possibly the first time and facing a lege of Medicine make Schedule physical activity into your heavy academic load can make the it easy to keep off the first year of college very stressful," daily life for at least 30 minutes a day. freshman 15. said Dr. Karen Cullen, a behavioral Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast. nutrition It doesn’t have researcher to happen to you Have a plan and don’t be afraid to ask for at Baylor help.! Eating fruits and College of vegetables, staying away Medicine in from sugars and sweets Houston. ! and getting into the "Many colhabit of exercising for at least 30 minutes a day lege freshcan make a huge difference in the freshmen exmen reperience. spond to stress by eating." The freshman 15 is definitely real and should be taken seriously. But it isn’t inevitable According to the Baylor College of and it doesn’t have to happen to everyone. Medicine, there are several things students can do that will keep the pounds off. With a little self-control and a little motivation, the stereotypical weight gain is easily "For many freshmen, one of the most avoidable. valuable lessons that college life can teach is that freedom must be tempered with self-control," Cullen said.
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The Internet and Literacy: Positive and Negative Effects Felt in Local High Schools By: Megan Wanner
A
lexa Battey, a student teacher at Southern Alamance High School, looks around the room at her 20 College Prep English seniors. Most of them look bored reading Macbeth, which some have even referred to as “MacBoring.” Far from the Internet surfing these teens are used to, Macbeth requires interpretation, not just the surface reading these teens have become accustomed to. “The novels seem to be over their heads,” Battey said. “They’re not used to that type of writing...They’re used to things being very basic. Things on the Internet today are easy-reads, just stating the facts and basic details. They’re smart, but they’re used to things being put in front of them and not having to dig deep.”
To Teach or Not to Teach Perhaps one of the reasons why teens struggle with texts they are given in school is because they cannot relate to what people consider “classics.” “I think it’s almost a bad idea to force them to struggle with classics or with difficult texts because I think it just eventually kills their interest in reading altogether,” said Laura Williams, director of the Curriculum Resources Center in the School of Education at Elon University. “I think that, at least as far as what they might encounter in English classes, it would be much better to use texts that they have the ability to relate to, young adult literature that deals with the issues that are real to them, the characters feel real to them not these things that are
ancient with tortuous vocabulary and sentence structure.” Many teachers believe the best way to encourage students to read more difficult texts is to make the readings more relevant to their lives. By making them relatable, students are more likely to enjoy these books because they view them as worthwhile reading. “I try to find classics they like and do projects that connect them to their lives,” said Lynn Bare, an English teacher at Southern Alamance High School. But classic texts can relate to teens lives more than they realize. Once they get past the difficulty of understanding what is written and delve into the plotline, it is easier to see the connections. “Shakespeare is relevant to anything the kids are doing,” said Mark Meacham, English teacher at 40
Walter M. Williams High School. “The issue is understanding the language and vocabulary and if you can get to where they understand that you can devote more time to what is going on…It really depends on the language and getting them to buy into it and… putting [the content] up front so they can understand what is going on.”
responsibilities required by these complex environments.” This new definition of literacy could be a good thing. While it is changing the traditional view of literacy, technology is transforming our ideas and
an interesting one. The Speak Up 2008 report sponsored by Project Tomorrow states, “For most students, technology is an integral part of their toolkit for participating in the world—they use it to communicate,
encouraging us to broaden our scope of knowledge and abilities. “Both the challenge and the opportunity of technologies, including video, are that they offer more ways to make meaning, but they also require new ways to derive meaning,” said Stacey Novelli, legislative associate for the National Council of Teachers of English. Even so, a digital age where having the ability to analyze and interpret video is considered just as important as having the ability to read comprehensively is certainly
organize their life, collaborate and create content and context for their own learning.” But, many people do not believe this is how adolescents view the Internet. “I do think especially teenagers, adolescents, and maybe even upper elementary they are more geared toward viewing it as entertainment, that they are gaming online or they are Facebooking or they’re going to YouTube and the focus is on diversion,” Williams said. “The focus really isn’t on trying to see it critically, trying to put it in a social context, trying
A New Age of Literacy Before tackling the question of how the Internet is affecting teen literacy, the term “literacy” must be defined. As an age-old definition, literacy is simply the ability to read and write. With the growing use of the Internet and technology, literacy has taken on a new meaning. According to research done by the National Council of Teachers of English, “Twenty-first century readers and writers need to be able to: develop proficiency with the tools of technology; build relationships with others to pose and solve problems collaboratively and cross-culturally; design and share information for global communities to meet a variety of purposes; manage, analyze, and synthesize multiple streams of simultaneous information; create, critique, analyze, and evaluate multi-media texts and attend to the ethical 41
to decode the messages that are embedded in whatever media is coming at you.”
Reading and Writing in a New Age With the Internet comes a plethora of information, all at the tips of our fingers. This can be both good and bad when it comes to the way teens use it and how it affects them. “There are too many opportunities for them to not have to think on their own,” said
Angelique Austin, an English teacher at Southern Alamance High School. “I preach to my Advanced Placement students every year to not even look online for analysis, to think for themselves. It’s also given them the outlet to read Sparknotes, Cliffnotes, etc. Now, there are so many summaries of what we study that they feel there is no need to read the actual text. What they don’t understand is that they lose the experience, the language, the passion of that author.” The Internet is changing
the way we view many aspects of our lives, especially when it comes to students researching for papers. Rather than going straight to the bookshelves, students head straight to the computers. “One of our librarians had a discussion with my students and I about using more books for their research projects, and she had a very good point,” Emily Byrd, English student teacher at Hugh M. Cummings High School. “I had scheduled computer lab days for my students to do online research for their projects. When
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I suggested we go into the media center to search through the books as resources, they thought I was crazy!” While the Internet is changing the way teens read and research, it is also changing the way they write. “Research over many years shows that technology can affect writing positively,” said Novelli. “For example, people revise more online so that they can improve their writing more easily and thoroughly.” Abbreviations and slang are in common use on the Internet, especially with social networking sites, blogs, Instant Messenger and other communication sites. Proper English is rarely used when adolescents are communicating with peers. Unfortunately, teens seem to have lost the ability to switch between 43
what is considered proper and what is not. “They use abbreviations and slang when they are doing college resumes and essays,” Bare said. “We have to go through and eliminate abbreviations. They want to just use that in their communication with other people and don’t realize other people don’t use that.”
Just Skimming Around
Tara Ariel, mother of five, has always homeschooled her children. She currently has two daughters in the fourth grade, one who is 9 and the other who is 7. While her 9-year-old does not enjoy reading, her 7-year-old cannot stop picking up books. Ariel says the differences between her two daughters show especially when they have reports to do that require research.
“It’s funny, my 9-year-old is the one who is drawn to the computer and my 7-yearold is the one who would rather go and look at a book and look at all the pictures,” Ariel said. “We just did a report on whales and she didn’t even want to get on the computer to look. We have a bookcase, we had some books, and she found out her own information on her own. So she chose that over getting on the computer, but my 9-year-old would just read the captions and write down a couple of things and thought she had already done her report.” This is the reason the Internet is more appealing for adolescents, and for kids moving into adolescence, especially those who do not like to read. Rather than feeling like they have to read everything, they can read surfacedeep and feel like they have all the information they need to be knowledgeable on a topic. However, when taught how to use the Internet proficiently, students can effectively use their skills of skimming to their advantage, quickly assessing Web sites for trustworthy information. This can help them to find the information they need quickly, an advantage of the Internet over books. “They know how to and have had practice with evaluating the information they find on the Internet (sources for their research projects) for accuracy and relevance,” said Byrd. “I would say that it is helping them.”
Shortened Attention Spans In addition to a lack of comprehension, surface reading while surfing the Internet has also allowed teens to have a shorter attention span. Rather than push through reading something, teens can click a link for something new and never finish reading what they originally sat down to read. Part of the problem with the Internet is the attractiveness of it all. As teens are in the constant search for something new and interesting, any advertisements or links that are eye-catching have potential. “I think the problems with young people are they are a little vulnerable to the razzle dazzle, a little vulnerable to the distractions that are often there on the page,” Williams said. Part of the issue with reading books is that they take time to read and process, time teens are not willing to devote to them. They want the information to be straight to the point as fast as possible so they can move on to other things. With the already short attention span of a teen of around 30 to 40 minutes, they do not want to spend this time processing a few pieces of information. Instead, they want as much information as they can get before becoming bored. The Internet allows them to do this. Rather than having to motivate themselves to push through pages of information, they can type in
a search word and instantly discover multiple sources with straight-forward information about it. “They are used to a fast-paced world; they are used to getting information at light speed,” Austin said. “When they actually have to read and think and deduce on their own, they give up a lot quicker than I think they would have in the past. They also have shorter attention spans, so reading is boring to them.”
Pleasure Reading Decrease A report issued by the National Endowment for the Arts included research on the book-reading habits of teens in correlation with school workloads to determine if this was a factor in the decline of pleasure reading in teens. A long-term trend analysis revealed that while the number of high school seniors who spent six or more hours a week doing homework decreased from 47 percent in 1987 to 33 percent in 2006, the leisure reading rates for high school seniors did not increase but rather decreased as well. “The majority of my students are not picking up books to read, regardless of their access to the Internet,” said Alison Welch, an English student teacher at Western Alamance High School. “Some students are completing reading assignments for class, but very few of them are even doing that, it seems.” • 44
reporting for the public good
STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS... OR JUST UNNECESSARY STRESS?
Elon University junior Alison Beck struggled to find an internship her freshman year. Beck, an English major, applied to a handfull of editorial writing positions, only to hear back from none. “At that point there were essentially two weeks left of school and I had set in my mind that I wasn’t going to get an internship,” she said.
Photo by Ashley Dischinger
Students are feeling the pressure to intern. But is all the stress really worth it in the end? By Ashley Dischinger
Two years ago, Elon University freshman Alison Beck found herself taking a deep breath and saying a quick prayer before hastily turning on her computer. It had been a seemingly endless semester of pouring over internship possibilities for the upcoming summer, which was now just three short weeks away. For Beck, a process that began with feelings of enthusiasm and optimism was now reduced to a constant state of apprehension. She spent countless hours applying for internships in the editorial departments of five different magazines. Four months later, all she had to show for her efforts was a generic response from one magazine saying, “We have received your resume. Our team will review it and get back to you.” Except that like so many other companies, they never did.
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SPECIAL-ISSUES:STUDENT INTERNSHIPS Spring 2009
As Beck began to envision another summer of working retail, and another year of an empty resume, she logged into her e-mail account one last time. Much to her shock, there was an unopened message
“Students should take advantage of internship(s) to enhance their skills, network and determine where their talents lie. Businesses are now looking for students who are versatile and can produce on multiple platforms.” Nagatha Tonkins, Internship Coordinator
in her inbox from a Marie Claire address. She instantly clicked on the message and was ecstatic after reading she had been accepted as a summer fashion intern. “I felt like there was so much pressure for me to get an internship, mostly because of Elon’s high standards,” Beck explained. “At that point there were essentially two weeks left of school and I had set in my mind that I wasn’t going to get an internship. I was in shock that I got it because I had interviewed (with Marie Claire) so long ago and still hadn’t heard anything.” An exploding number of student interns Beck’s feelings of anxiety surrounding her internship placement are becoming more commonplace among college students. The number of Elon students registering for internships in their respective majors is steadily increasing with each passing year. Out of nearly 5,000 undergraduate students, 694 students Student Interns by the Numbers Elon keeps records of all students who register for their internships through the university. During the 2008-2009 academic year, a total of 694 students registered for an internship. All data is compiled by Elon Career Services. Chart design by Ashley Dischinger.
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have registered for at least one internship during the 2008-2009 academic year. Elon’s School of Communications is one school that requires students to complete at least one internship prior to graduation. During the 2002-2003 academic year, when the school first listed the internship requirement in the catalogue, there were 112 students registered to intern. The numbers steadily increased over the years, with 221 student interns registered through Elon for the 2008-2009 academic year. Nagatha Tonkins, the School of Communications Internship Director, adamantly believes in the necessity of pushing students to intern. “Students should take advantage of internship opportunities to enhance their skills, network and determine where their interests and talents lie,” Tonkins said. “Businesses are now looking for students who are versatile and can produce on multiple platforms.” Setting high standards Junior Morgan Morris, who had her first internship with Peacefrog Records in the fall, agrees that businesses seem to be developing higher standards for the interns they look to hire. “Society does pretty much demand college students graduating in modern times to have just as much practical experience as they do academic,” Morris explained. “Employers are looking for someone involved who has handled the stress (of a workplace) and knows how to function in a real-life situation that is not theoretical.” As employers seek out interns who have the most to offer the company, the competition to be hired is more cutthroat. For students looking to intern, the stakes are high and the pressure is higher.
SPECIAL-ISSUES:STUDENT INTERNSHIPS Spring
Students overcome by a ‘worried pressure’
“I felt a worried pressure to get this internship... but it was worth it. It helped me realize what I want to do and what I don’t want to do for a living. It prepared me to work in a professional environment.”
Junior Kelsey Gwilt was relieved when she was hired to work as an assistant to a Member of Parliament in London during the fall of 2008. “I’ve always been told through teachers and parents, and it’s basically known in society, that you have to have previous work experience to be a valuable asset to a company,” Gwilt said. “I felt a worried pressure to get this internship, and it was so cool to actually be hired by (Parliament).” Many other college students feel the “worried pressure” that Gwilt expressed. In a survey of 52 Elon students of varying
According to the Elon Experiences survey, of graduating seniors (class of 2009) have completed at least one registered internship
80%
years and majors, 81 percent of respondents say it is common to feel some form of concern to have an internship before they
Kelsey Gwilt, business student and Parliament intern (fall 2008)
Photo submitted by Gwilt.
graduate. Only 13.9 percent think that students might feel stress, while a mere 1.9 percent believe it is not an issue. A necessary stepping stone to a brighter future? According to the majority of the community, the push to have an internship experience is a very real issue. It is one that resonates deeply in the minds of most students who aspire to have a distinguished career after walking out the doors of Elon for the final time. “When I first got to Elon my freshman year I immediately felt pressure to get started (with internships) right away… and it was nerve-wracking,” admits
junior Ashley Barnas. She now has three internships under her belt, and feels her anxiety decreasing with each experience. “I’m applying for my fourth internship this coming summer,” Barnas said,” but I don’t feel that much pressure anymore because I already have so much experience to show future employers.” Others have less experience than Barnas. According to the same survey of 52 Elon students, 38.5 percent have only had one internship. Nearly 37 percent have yet to intern anywhere, a high percentage considering the amount of students that find it necessary to intern before graduation.
How Do Elon University Students Feel About Interning? In an informal survey of 52 random members of Elon University, students responded to a variety of questions regarding their internship experiences. Students of all class years and majors were polled. The responses were anonymous.
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SPECIAL-ISSUES:STUDENT INTERNSHIPS Spring 2009
Internships can ‘put extra weight on our shoulders’
offers countless resources to aid in the job search.
office to assist students with their needs.
Some students view the pressures intertwined with internships as negative and reduce the idea of interning to merely another troublesome task to complete.
Junior Stacey Popowitz praises the School of Education for providing students with an abundance of teaching opportunities. Popowitz, who looks forward to teaching at an elementary school after graduation, completed a practicum her freshman year and worked as a teacher’s assistant in the fall of 2008.
Students have access to the information database known as the “Internship Switchboard.” The database includes the names of all registered communications student interns, a list of the sites at which students have interned and contact information for all internship sites.
According to an anonymous participant in the Elon survey, “The push to get an internship is so hard, and if you don’t get one you feel like you aren’t prepared for the real world.” A second anonymous participant said that internships “put an extra weight on our shoulders, as if we don’t have enough already, and it doesn’t get lifted until you do an internship.” Providing incentive to pursue future career goals But many students channel their frustrations into a more positive outlook. Rather than viewing an internship as a burden, they choose to look at the bigger picture. In a sense, they believe any stress they experience is simply a catalyst to strive toward their goals. Junior Heather Couture is one student that welcomed the strain she felt to gain work experience through an internship. “I have always felt tons of pressure to get internships before graduation,” Couture said. “Elon really pushes it, but I also know it would be hard to find a job after graduation without one. (Internships) create a lot of unnecessary stress, but at the same time I think that it needs to be there to push students.” Elon key in providing internship resources for all students As a school that emphasizes engagement and experiential learning, Elon undoubtedly pushes its students to intern. At the same time, the university
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“I haven’t really felt that much stress to have more internships because of my major,” Popowitz said. “Elementary education majors have tons of opportunities to student teach before going out into the real world, which is really great.”
“During my internship I learned applicable uses of the skills I’ve learned in the classroom. Also, the tangible work I brought back (from the internship) is an amazing investment in the future.” Josh Tate, communications student
Recent push to educate students on their options Maggie Mullikin, the School of Communications assistant coordinator of internships, reinforces the idea that Elon’s programs help place students at an advantage. “In the last couple years there has been a tremendous push to make students aware of the importance of internships and the help that (Elon) offers,” Mullikin said. The School of Communications especially emphasizes the importance of internships and compiles many resources to aid students in the application process. Tonkins and Mullikin work tirelessly in the internship
“The best advice I can give students is to take advantage of the resources that Elon has to offer,” Mullikin said. “Elon will hold the students’ hands, but at the same time prepares them for their work experience.” Gaining faith while preparing for life in the professional workplace Elon students who have held internships feel more than prepared for their future endeavors outside of Elon. Not only have internships had a positive impact on students’ college experience in general, but the work experience has also helped further their education. “During my internship I learned applicable uses of the skills I’ve learned in the classroom, and I was able to use those skills with people in the workforce,” explained junior Josh Tate. “Also, the tangible work I brought back (from the internship) is an amazing investment in the future.” Morris, who is double majoring in political science and journalism, said she gained knowledge that will help her regardless of the field she goes into. For Morris, the internship was about the bigger picture, knowing that she would learn the skills to assist her in any work environment. “Some skills cannot be learned in the classroom, but have to be gained through practical experience,” Morris said. “I loved my internship. Through completing the tasks I gained
SPECIAL-ISSUES:STUDENT INTERNSHIPS Spring 2009
faith in myself to function productively in an office environment.”
Nearly two years later, Beck reminisces over her Marie Claire internship and smiles.
Despite nightmares, ‘everything will be just fine’
“Even though a lot of the work I did at my internship was really tough, not to mention the nightmare of applying, I always kept in the back of my mind that everything I was doing… I would be gaining something from it,” Beck said. “I know that in the end it was worth all the pressure. I feel like I could graduate tomorrow and everything would be just fine.”
All stress and frustrations aside, an internship is as much a necessity as it is an invaluable tool to students. The competition within the internship market is rapidly escalating, yet it has evolved into a steppingstone that is virtually impossible to avoid.
SPOTLIGHT: ALTERNATIVE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES Are you interested in a unique internship experience? Interning while abroad could be just the ticket! Elon University offers semester programs in London in the fall and the spring of each year, in addition to a summer program.
this sense of security “is definitely a draw.”
“The London program is a great angle on study abroad. It’s a different way to experience an internship. It’s a great way for students to learn the culture while being forced out of the comfort zone.”
The program is designed to allow students to gain professional work experience while learning firsthand Larry Basirico, Dean of International Programs about a different culture. One of the many benefits of the London program is that students are Junior Ashley Barnas is grateful that guaranteed internship placement. she was able to participate in the Larry Basirico, Dean of Fall 2008 London Program. International Programs, admits that
Semester in London: Hundreds of Elon University students have taken their internship experiences to the next level by opting to work abroad. Elon’s London semester program is one of the most popular, providing students with the opportunity to intern in a variety of fields while allowing them to immerse themselves in every aspect of the local culture.
Photos by Ashley Barnas
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“Having an internship abroad is an invaluable experience. The money paid for me to live in an incredible London neighborhood, take classes in London, experience the culture... and immerse myself. I would not trade it for anything in the world!” For more information on how you can apply, visit the Study Abroad Program Web site at: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/ academics/international_studies/ studyabroad/programs.xhtml
Or, contact the Isabella Cannon Centre for International Studies at (336) 278- 6700.
A 2 pr 0 i 0 l 9
ELON UNIVERSITY
BEHIND THE SCENES
OCUMENTS P L A N N I N G rD a L. Baker
Renovations, restorations and new foundations
0 0 2 e c n i s Elon
0
P l a n n i n g
Committees
How Elon decides future expansion
Alexand
With the Master and Strategic Planning Committees in session this year, students wonder where Elon is headed next... or graduating seniors, the past four years at Elon University have expanded their knowledge and understanding of life. However, the students are not the only things that have expanded since 2005.
F
Koury Business Center. The Oaks Housing. The Academic Village. Collonnades Dining and Residence Halls. Elon Law. All six of these buildings have been just some of the additions to Elon’s campus, both near and far, since the fall semester of 2005. Looking back past 2005,
it is obvious to see that Elon has had a vision to create a solid foundation for the next strategic planning process for the campus.
Looking into the past growth of Elon Back in 1995, Neil Bromilow the director of construction management at Elon, arrived on campus as a one-man show for the physical plant. When he pulled in to Elon’s campus it was a mere 900,000 square feet. Since then he has had a hand in
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Th e F u tu re Growth of E lon U n ivers ity every single building raised on Elon’s campus, including McMichael, Belk Library, the Greek courts and the expansion of Danieley Center. When it started Bromilow was single handedly in charge of communication between contractors, architects, mechanics and electricians for the development of the new buildings being constructed. Almost 19 years after his arrival at Elon there are three full-time staff members and one part-time staff member and 150 employees working on the construction management team and physical plant at Elon. Bromilow's facilitation of building on campus has had an affect on the prolific growth of the campus. Reaching 1.8 million square feet, Elon is almost double in size from what it was when he arrived. However, with such construction in such a relatively short time frame, both Bromilow and the school are wondering if Elon can sustain the same rate of growth. “We know where we have been
“We know where we have been and if you look back in time it was pretty flat. However, in the 90s, Elon really grew. It would be hard to sustain that type of growth” Neil Bromilow Director of Construction Management
and if you look back in time it was pretty flat. However, in the 90’s Elon really grew,” said Bromilow. “It would be hard to sustain that type of growth.” The growth-spurt of Elon is also supported by factors such as recruiting done by admissions, administrative leadership, maintenance of the campus and the high quality of teaching. These factors are considered by Elon’s Strategic Planning Committee.
Strategic and Master planning at Elon NewCentury@Elon, a long-term strategic plan, was created in 2000 to help answer the campuses questions of sustainability and recruitment. Realizing that Elon was a university on the move, Dr. Leo Lambert strived to establish the university as a “national model of excellence in engaged learning.”
The goals and objectives of the strategic plan are to allow Elon to grow slowly while continuing to add graduate programs. Stress remains on maintaining an intimate feel, and enhancing green space as well as the pedestrian nature of the campus while continuing to expand. In 2000, when the strategic plan was put into progress it was decided that a Master and Strategic Planning Committees would come back in 10 years and review the progress made and create a goal for the next 10 years. As the 2009-2010 school year approaches, a Master Planning Committee has been assembled from a collective group of faculty, staff, and administration. The Master Planning Committee implements the decisions made by the Strategic Planning Committee to help fulfill space needs on campus. These needs include academic spaces, administrative offices, dining halls, athletic facilities, residence halls and various campus requirements. Gerry Francis, provost and vice president for academic affairs and a member of both committees witnesses the progress of the committees. “The Strategic Planning Committee asks what is Elon going to look like in 2020?” With the answers that they discover then it is the Master Planning Committee’s job to ask the location question. “We take a look at housing and ask what kind will it be and where will it be, if we need more playing fields, where are we going to put them and what do we need,” asked Francis.
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Chaired by the vice president for business, finance and technology, Gerald Whittington is in charge of the Master Planning Committee. Twelve members were selected for their expertise in planning. “We try to pick people who have worked on facility issues,” Whittington said. “We try to pick people who would represent various parts of the campus well, so we have folks from academic Vic Coste!o departments, folks from academic support, folks from technology, and others like that.” The committee is focused on maintaining the beauty of campus and reflecting the needs of the past strategic plan. “I think first of all the goal is to come up with a five year plan for the physical layout of the campus,” stated Vic Costello a member of the committee. “That will take into account the kinds of physical structures and spaces that Elon currently has on the table, and the things that it is considering.” Another member of the Master Planning Committee is Dan Harrigan, the director in charge of planning at Spillman Farmer Architects. Acting as the facilitator between Elon and the architecture firm, it is his job to assist in the process where program needs are expressed and reflected in the development plans. In Elon’s 5-to-10 year future Harrigan believes growth both
physically and academically are hoping to be achieved by the university. “I see Elon continuing to respond to the needs of the students, academic changes, better use of existing space and addition of some new spaces to accommodate growing programs,” said Harrigan.
Building plans (and hopes) for the future The Strategic Planning committee does not foresee admissions rates growing at the same rate as in the past. “For the last ten years we have grown about 130 students per year, and last year was the first time we started to calm that,” said Francis. “We will continue to grow moderately at 50 to 75 students a year.” While student rates are set at moderate rates, building projects are continuing to buzz
with two new construction projects in progress currently.
Lindner Hall Expected this summer is the completion of newly added Lindner Hall in the Academic Village. Beginning papers for Lindner Hall were drawn up in the fall of 2006. “Planning and construction went pretty fast,” said Bromilow.
Powell Renovation With the addition of academic classrooms, programs are planning to be moved into new locations. One move is focused on the School of Communications new M.A. in Interactive Media. If approved by the board of trustees in their meeting on April 17, 2nd floor Powell will be renovated as a
Elon’s current master plan of the campus. One of the main challenges to adding more buildings is finding the land to build on while maintaining the “green space” Elon prides itself upon. [52]
“We will end up with a plan that is workable but it will be in a longer timeframe...” - Gerald Whittington self-contained area for graduate students in the new program.
“The School of Communications needs to expand. We are maxed out in terms of physical space and now the graduate program will be across campus in Powell.” Vic Costello Associate Professor of Communications
“Powell building is going to be renovated for the masters program. We will add edit bays, faculty offices and classrooms. It will be a miniature McEwen,” said Bromilow. Renovations will take place this summer making Powell available to communications students beginning this fall. The renovation of Powell for the Communications department is drawing attention to McEwen. Students and professors agree that the expansion of the building is something they hope to see occur in the future to bring the master’s and
undergraduate program together. “The School of Communications needs to expand. We are maxed out in terms of physical space and now the graduate program will be across campus in Powell,” said Costello. “There will be physical disconnect and I think it will in fact affect the community. I know Dean Parson’s has proposed an expansion to McEwen to bring in the graduate school and displaced faculty.”
Field House and Pedestrian Tunnel Other construction pending, due to the board of trustee’s approval, besides the Powell renovations are a new field house and a pedestrian tunnel. A $50,000 donation was made to support the development of the Koury Field House by Wade Williamson Jr, a 1970 graduate from Elon. The drafts for the new field house include new offices, locker rooms and weight rooms. If approved by the board of trustees the new field house will be located on the north end of the football field in Rhodes Stadium and will be set to open in the fall of 2010, said Bromilow.
Also waiting approval is the creation of a pedestrian tunnel planned to run beneath the railroad tracks connecting South campus with main campus. While dates for the tunnel have not yet been set, the location of the tunnel is set to be built near Hook and Barney residence halls.
Convocation Center While these plans are scheduled to occur in the near future, others are scheduled for later down the road. The construction of a convocation center has been on the Master Planning Committee’s radar since 2000, according to NewCentury@Elon. The impressive construction goal is a 9,000 - to – 10,000 seat convocation center that’s purpose would serve a venue for convocations, campus wide events, graduation, sports events, concerts, community events and…get ready for it… an ice rink. Such a large endeavor requires detailed planning, copious amounts of land and generous giving. With the current economic recession at hand, timeframes for such ambitious endeavors will probably be extended. “The economic conditions make everybody cautious,” said Whittington. “We will end up with a plan that [53]
is workable but it will be in a longer timeframe just simply because that is what it is.”
Faculty incorporates student’s opinions As the Master Planning Committee strives to reach the needs the Strategic Planning Committee has developed, student voices tend to fade behind trustee and administration opinion. However, the Strategic Planning Committee has decided to reverse that trend and has created an opportunity for students to voice their desires. Including posters around campus and a blog created as a place for exchanging ideas about the future of the university, students can write their desires for the progression of Elon by the year 2020. Surprisingly, student, faculty, and administrative concerns tend to be on the same wavelength for the most part. After polling students and professors both had interest in the new field house and graduate programs. However, a noticeable difference was that faculty was more concerned about developing engaging learning and students tended to be more concerned with developing the town of Elon. Senior Maggie Lamond thought back on her four years at Elon and wished the town had been developed further. “As a freshman I thought it would expand but it has mostly stayed the same,” Lamond said. “We
need a Starbucks, a grocery store, even a dry cleaner close to campus for those [students] who don’t have cars.” Similarly freshman Lo Lewis is hoping for development in the next four years. “I chose Elon because of the environment and academics, but there isn’t much around here which is annoying.” Hearing the student’s needs, the university has begun to talk to the town to work together to
create a more viable environment. Gerry Francis agrees and is hoping to develop the Firehouse Fields. “We really need a more significant town, and now the economy is going backward,” said Francis. Though planning and execution are set for a longterm plan, discussion has been started discussing the development of a new town hall, new post office, dining venues, grocery store and pharmacy on the Firehouse Fields. graduate programs. However, a noticeable difference was that
faculty was more concerned about developing engaging learning and students tended to be more concerned with developing the town of Elon. Senior Maggie Lamond thought back on her four years at Elon and wished the town had been developed further. “As a freshman I thought it would expand but it has mostly stayed the same,” Lamond said. “We need a Starbucks, a grocery store, even a dry cleaner close to
campus for those [students] who don’t have cars.” Similarly freshman Lo Lewis is hoping for development in the next four years. “I chose Elon because of the environment and academics, but there isn’t much around here which is annoying.” Hearing the student’s needs, the university has begun to talk to the town to work together to create a more viable environment. Gerry Francis agrees and is hoping to develop the Firehouse Fields.
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“We really need a more significant town.”
- Gerry Francis
W h o’ s Wh o: Gerry Fra
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on
PLANNI
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DOCUM
ENTS
Commi i n g
“We try to pick people who would represent various parts of the campus well, so have folks from academic departments, folks from academic support, folks from technology, and others like that.”
Gerald Wh ittington M ike Sanfor Leo Lamb ert d Vic Coste Steven Ho llo use C h Smith Jack ris Fulkers son Robert Bu on Gerr y Fran chholz cis Neil Brom Becky Oliv ilow e-Taylor Dan Harr igan
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Gerald W
Gerald Whittington Master Planning Committee, Chair
Ma ster P l a n n in g Committee
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PURSUIT FOR EQUALITY A look at Title IX in collegiate athletics “I’m not sure they will ever be equal,” Dr. Janie Brown said in regard to men’s and women’s athletics. Brown, a professor emeritus of physical education at Elon University was instrumental in helping start the women’s athletic programs at the university. When Brown first arrived at Elon in 1967, there were no intercollegiate teams for women. The only opportunity women had in sports was through intramural sports. During her 38 years teaching at the university, Brown saw the evolution of female athletics. Basketball, the first women’s sport at Elon, was started in 1971, a year before Title IX was passed.
PAM RICHTER - REPORTER
What is Title IX? Title IX was passed in 1972 as a portion of the Education Amendments of 1972. The exact wording of Title IX is as follows:
Brown credits the fact that there was a desire to start women's intercollegiate sports at the university, and the hiring of Coach Kay Yow made it possible for the women's basketball team to get off the ground.
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
Dr. Earl Danieley, who was president at the time, hired Yow to coach the team and to start women’s athletics at the school. Basketball was the first women’s sport at Elon. Volleyball and tennis soon followed under Yow’s direction. The women’s basketball team played its first game against Wake Forest in 1971 and the program developed from that moment on.
Title IX focuses on athletics, but encompasses all educational opportunities. This law applies to all schools, from elementary schools to colleges. Schools that don’t comply with Title IX can lose their federal funding.
When Title IX was passed a year later, the administration was worried about how to handle the new law. “The teachers and administrators were concerned about Title IX and how to comply with it,” Brown said. continued on page 2
DR. JANIE BROWN: In her 38 years with the university, she saw women’s varsity sports be added and continue to grow from there. She worked closely, with the first women’s coach, Kay Yow. Brown currently is a retired from Elon, but is a regular face in the crowd at many athletic events. and other
KAY YOW: She was the first women’s head coach at Elon University. In 1971, she coached the women’s basketball team at the college. AFter she left Elon in 1975, she went on to coach at N.C. State University where she had a hall of fame basketball career. Yow passed away on Jan. 24, 2009.
JACKIE MYERS: She was the women’s basketball coach from 1987-1994. She played basketball for Coach Yow at Elon College for one season. Then played volleyball for Yow at N.C. State
Photos courtesy of Belk Library Archives.
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Title IX Compliance at Elon E l o n c u r r e n t ly h a s 10 intercollegiate sports for women and eight for men. One of the ways schools comply with Title IX is with the proportion of the overall student body corresponding with the proportion of athletes in a specific gender. This is one of the reasons why there are more female sports than male sports at Elon. The school attempts to meet this proportionality requirement, but does not do so exactly. Elon’s student body is about 60 percent female and 40 percent male. This doesn’t correspond exactly with Elon’s participation in athletics. This is a dilemma that many schools face when complying with Title IX. Football teams have a large number of athletes. There is no corresponding women’s sport that has about 90 players on the roster, as football does. Opponents of Title IX have argued in recent years, not to count football as part of the participation and to make it in its own separate category because of the large number of athletes. No decision has been made in creating this interpretation of the law. Schools can look to find a gender balance for the number of athletes on the football team by adding more women’s programs. Faith Shearer, the associate athletics director and the senior woman administrator at Elon, said the university is not looking to add more women’s programs. The school expects to more fully develop the programs it has. This includes adding more full-time assistant coaches and adding more full scholarships for women athletes. Some athletes only receive partial scholarships for their sports. This is a number that the school is looking to increase Shearer said. “We try to do the very best for our student athletes here,” Shearer said.
Faculty Athletics Committee Brown echoes this statement, noting that there has never been a Title IX lawsuit at the university. A lawsuit can be filed if a student, athlete, coach or parent voices a complaint about gender equity in athletics at the school. There hasn’t been a formal complaint filed against the university, but Dr. Amy Stringer, an assistant professor for health and human performance at Elon University, said that it is apparent that men and
women athletes at the university aren’t equal. “Just driving on campus, you can see the inequities in the facilities,” Stringer said. She cited the football stadium, but also compared the facility for the baseball team with that of the softball team. The Faculty Athletics Committee looks at many aspects of athletics, including gender equity. Facilities fall under this committee’s jurisdiction. All schools that are associated with the NCAA have this committee to look at athletics closely. Joyce Davis, an associate professor for exercise science at Elon University, served on this committee for two years and said that the gender equity plan is well-developed and appropriate. One aspect of the plan was for the school to hire more assistant coaches for women’s sports teams. Davis said this goal has been accomplished.
Criticisms of Title IX
Critics of Title IX say schools are forced to cut men’s sports to comply with the law. In recent years, schools across the nation have cut men’s wrestling, swimming and track programs. “Every institution has to make a decision on how to manage resources,” Shearer said. “This (cutting men’s sports) is not a route we’re interested in.” One way schools can comply with the law is by having an equal proportion of female athletes representative to the overall population of the student body. Since more women are attending colleges, this compliance can present problems for colleges. “The philosophy is appropriate and good. There’s a good level of opportunity,” said Paul Parsons, the dean of the School of Communications and chairs of the committee at Elon tasked with filing the NCAA report. “The criticism is that it has been interpreted legalistically by the courts and creates a sense of unfairness.” Phyllis Schlafly, a conservative columnist, is an outspoken voice against Title IX. In a column on Dec. 8, 2004, she said Title IX should be repealed because of the lack of interest among female athletes. She called the law “nonsense.” Schlafly’s statements are common among Title IX opponents. Not only are lawsuits being filed on behalf of female players and coaches,
but now lawsuits are being filed on behalf of the male athletes. T h e Na t i o n a l Wr e s t l i n g Coaches association is one group that continues to advocate against the law because wrestling programs have been cut in recent years.
Future for the Law
Title IX has opened the door for women athletes in its 37-year history. It provides women more access to education and more opportunity in athletics. One new trend for females is the same push into sports training at an early age that boys experience. “There’s starting to be more of a push toward the professional model of specialization,” Hall said. Davis acknowledges that the gap between men’s and women’s athletics is shrinking in other areas as well. “I never thought I’d see women’s sports on TV,” Davis commented contentedly. Wo m e n ’ s c o l l e ge a n d professional sports are showcased on T V. To d ay, t h e W N BA , t h e professional women’s tennis tour and the LPGA are some of the most popular televised women’s sports in America. Despite this progress, some say not enough has been made. Stringer said in recent years, Title IX has been “stuck.” She’s optimistic that the Obama administration will continue to move the law forward. “We’ve made good strides, but we’re not there yet,” Stringer said. “A lot of universities and high schools are meeting the bare minimum (with compliance). It’s my hope and dream that schools meet full compliance.” Throughout her time at Elon, Brown has seen the women’s athletic program grow and reach new heights. At the start, there was only one coach for several sports teams. Now, each woman’s sport has its own coaches and some even have full-time assistants. Brown states that progress is being made nationwide and at the university in developing the women’s athletics programs, but she knows more can be done.
WANT MORE? Please visit www.pamrichter.wordpress.com for more photos and videos with the story. Also visit www.dipity.com/pamrichter to see a complete timeline of Title IX. The timeline has pictures and facts from 1971 through 2006.
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The ME ABOUT NUMBERS Behind Title IX
History of Title IX
Etiam: Urna Aliquet
32,000
Amet: 17
Praesent: Lorem 4th
Number of Elit Porta: Dolor, CR female collegiate Tristique Leo: Duis aute athletes in irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum. 1972
171,000
Quisque Lacinia: Phasellus tincidunt ipsum id quam. Quisque lacinia.
Number of female collegiate Tellus: Curabitur felis. athletes in Class aptent taciti sociosqu 2005-2006 ad litora torquent per Et: Aenean sed felis vitae sapien tincidunt euismod. Cras sed turpis.
conubia. *Statistics courtesy of The National Women’s Law Center
58% Percentage of people who earned bachelor’s degrees were women in 2005-2006 *Statistics courtesy of The National Center for Education Statistics
Photos courtesy of Elon Athletics.
On June 23, 1972, Title IX was passed banning gender discrimination in all areas of education. This law has been credited with opening the door for opportunities for females in athletics and education. It has given women more opportunities to attend colleges, since they now have the opportunity to receive scholarships in athletics. “Like others in my generation, we lived during a time when social injustices were addressed,” said Joyce Davis, an associate professor for exercise science at Elon University. As a result, more women now participate in athletics at the high school and collegiate level. The National Women’s Law Center stated there were less than 32,000 women in collegiate athletics in 1972. In 2005-2006, this increased to 171,000 female athletes nationwide. Before Title IX was passed, Elon University participated in basketball in the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. When Title IX was passed, the NCAA took control of women’s sports and regulating compliance. The AIAW soon fell by the wayside. High schools and colleges were given until July 1978 to comply with the law.
At Elon, Title IX’s compliance can be seen on a daily basis in athletics. But, this law is not limited to collegiate programs. It also impacts high school and youth athletics. Dr. Amy Stringer, an assistant professor for health and human performance at Elon remembers participating in youth programs shortly after the passage of Title IX. Today, youth athletic programs are available for both girls and boys. This was not the case when Stringer was growing up in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She said the only opportunity young girls had to participate in athletics was through private lessons. Intramural and township leagues were not an option. Stringer said this changed when she went to high school and eventually in college. “I always felt discriminated against as an athlete,” Stringer said. This discrimination continued when she was an athlete at the University of Toledo in the 1980s. She participated on the club rowing team, she said, but it never got the support it needed to become a varsity sport during her time at the university. Continually, Title IX is evolving in regard to how it is interpreted by athletes, coaches, players, parents and school administrators. 58
Runners keep the pace at Elon University Men’s cross country runners can compete in track meets, even without an official team Runners are still able to Elon University does not have a eliminated. This is a major criticism of Title IX – it cuts men’s sports. practice and work on their personal Division I men’s track team, but that Engel said that the team at records in meets during the spring. does not deter the cross country Even though Elon doesn’t have runners from competing in track Clemson had top-five wrestlers and a a men’s track team, Engel meets. thinks it’s a worse These runners reflection to recruits can compete in five when schools have meets throughout the recently dropped the season. The money for program. Most recently these athletes to schools like Quinnipiac, compete comes from the James Madison and Ohio cross country budget. University have dropped “In the past they an official men’s track haven’t really focused on team from the school. a track season,” said “It’s really Christine Engel, the men unfortunate because and women’s cross track is a pure sport,” countr y coach and Engel said. “It’s (track assistant women’s track has) been since the first coach at Elon University. Olympics. The great “I think there’s a huge t h i n g a b o u t it is advantage to make sure regardless of where you they are competitive in are in talent level you the spring. I think it see your improvement helps them when it gets and can always get to the cross country better.” season.” At Elon, the focus This season is the is on the future. The first time Elon is Southern Conference embracing this championship meet is at opportunity. On March the end of April. Engel 13 and 14, in a meet at will be meeting with Elon Coastal Carolina athletic director Dave University, Engel was Blank in the near future able to take all of the to discuss whether or not men’s cross country the men can participate runners to compete. in this meet. With the different The conference aspects of Title IX c h a m pionship is compliance, it is difficult different from other for Elon to simply add a meets, with different men’s track team. regulations in terms of “I feel that our compliance. Since it is a athletes are very much team event, it makes it supported, we just more difficult for male haven’t been able to add Elon runners to it,” Engel said. Elon senior Jason MacCollum participates in the steeple chase in the participate because E n g e l there is not a men’s a c k n o w l e d g e s t h e Costal Carolina meet on March 13 and 14. Photo by Justine Schulerud. track team. importance of Title IX. Engel knows it She participated in cross may be difficult for the national champion on the team. country, indoor track and outdoor “ I d o n ’ t t h i n k f e m a l e Elon men to get permission to track at Clemson University from opportunities should come at the participate in the SoCon championship 1992-1996. “Obviously I’m a huge advocate sacrifice for opportunities for men,” meet this season, but sees it as a possibility in the future. of advancing female athletics,” Engel she said. “It was tough for me being at The coach acknowledges that said. “I was a female athlete in school the indoor conference championship there is some difficulty when and had opportunities that my mother didn’t ever have. I feel fortunate to recruiting runners for the cross and watching it and not having my have had opportunities that women country program. She said that it’s guys in there,” she said. “I was difficult to convince people that they watching some of those races knowing before me didn’t have.” During her time at Clemson, can still run in the spring even though my guys could be really competitive in there.” Engel saw the wrestling program there is not an official team.
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Balancing
Act By Carolyn VanBrocklin
How College Students Are Managing Under the Current Economic Conditions was the housing prices. As housing prices went The economy has “fallen off a cliff,” bilup, interest rates decreased. A housing bubble lionaire Warren Buffet said on March 9. Since emerged and lenders gave money even to those 2007, the economy has seen a huge drop. The who were not in a position to pay back the loans S&P 500 alone has dropped about 35.7 percent on time. since January 2008. Some think these could be “Then, like with any bubble, the worst economic conditions things became overvalued,” Desince the Great Depression. Loach said. Even at Elon University in North As the banks started having Carolina, students are feeling the trouble because people were not effects of the economy. paying off their loans, they were Junior corporate comwary of making any more loans. munications major Anna Davis According to DeLoach, this leads works 10 to 12 hours a week at to a credit crunch. two jobs: one in the Financial Small businesses then are Planning office and the other as affected when they can’t get the a sound technician at Lighthouse money to keep up their invenTavern, the local bar, in additory, and thus their businesses, tion to time spent as a member something DeLoach said became of the Student Union Board Anna Davis at work in the SUB apparent around the Christmas (SUB). office at Elon University. shopping season last year. Davis uses the money she Then these small businesses start failing receives from jobs to pay for every day expenses. “and it all just spirals out of control,” DeLoach “If there’s anything left over that I can save, then I put it toward my savings account and said. DeLoach said that most people have assets paying off loans,” Davis said. tied up in stocks and houses. Houses are often ‘It all just spirals out of control’ the biggest assets, and when the prices of houses were high “we all felt rich and we consumed a lot. The current economic recession dates When the housing prices started going down we back to the fall of 2007. Economics professor feel poor and consumers stop spending,” he said. Steve DeLoach explains that the driving force 60
‘I was totally overwhelmed’ “Personally I haven’t been affected by the economy but the people that I rely on have been, including my parents and extended family,” Davis said. Her grandfather paid for most of her college education, but the economy has changed that. “This past fall he can’t do anymore because with the turn in the economy after October, his stock went down significantly,” Davis said. Davis and her parents relied on her grandfather’s generosity because they were not in a situation where they could afford to pay Elon’s tuition on their own. Her father used to work in home development, but “for the past couple of years the real estate market is basically non-existent,” Davis said. Her mother must support the family on a public school teacher’s salary. As a result, Davis had to turn to receiving a Stafford loan, one of the most popular loans for college students. “I do earn money for all of my expenses that I’m responsible for,” Davis said. The current situation has made her more conscious of money. Davis’ financial situation has caused her to put pressure on herself to take the burden off of those that provide for her otherwise. “I was totally overwhelmed when I heard that my grandfather wasn’t going to be able to pay for school. I felt guilty for choosing to go to a school that was economically out of my parents’ reach,” Davis said. “And I felt like I personally had to be responsible for the rest of my schooling experiences, which was very intimidating.” Trends in tuition, loans and debt Compared to other North Carolina colleges, Elon ranks fifth highest in terms of tuition for the 2008 to 2009 academic year. Davidson and Wake Forest ranked first and second, respectively. The College Board’s 2008 publication of trends in college pricing showed that across the nation there has been a steady increase in tuition 61
rates. This year Elon raised its tuition by $1,413, one of the smallest such increases at 5.9 percent. This increase was consistent with trends in tuition increase across the nation. In addition, there has been a general increase in college loans. At Elon University, the loans and scholarships remain mostly stable according to Pat Murphy of the Financial Aid office. If a student comes
in looking for financial aid, Murphy’s first step is to look for federal loans. According to the College Board’s 2008 data book, “as college prices have escalated while family income growth has stalled, students have had to rely more on grants and loans to finance their education.” As a result, there is a correlation between these trends and an increase in student debt. Obama’s plan for higher education During the 2008 election process, President Obama addressed issues with higher education. Mainly, he hopes to increase federal financial aid and make it easier to apply for aid. According to the Barack Obama official Web site, the average college student leaves college with over $19,000 in debt. His plan is to make college affordable by adding more money to the Pell Grant, according to a Jan. 3 article in The New York Times. Obama’s plans are also focused on the work study program. Under his plan, the proportion of Federal Work-Study slots would increase and the slots that colleges must devote to community service jobs from seven to 25 percent. The plan estimates the requirement would help more than 200,000 students take part in community service each year in college
service each year in college. Obama proposed spending $2.5 billion over five years to raise graduation rates, which he believes are too low, according to a Feb. 26 article in USA Today. Parents feel the pinch Around the country, parents are also feeling the effects of the changes in the economy.
Trends in average debt per borrower (blue) and average bachelor’s degree recipient (green) since 2001, courtesy of the College Board’s 2008 publication on trends in student aid.
Trends in average student aid per full-time equivalent since 1987, courtesy of the College Board’s 2008 publication on trends in student aid.
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According to a study by Inside Higher Ed, an average of 30 percent of parents from varying levels of income said they would need to reduce their contribution to their child’s college. A little over 8 percent of parents said they would consider taking their children out of their respective institutions, and about 10.7 percent of those had children in out-of-state colleges. At Elon in particular, Pat Murphy said students at Elon rarely leave for purely financial reasons. “That may be the official reason given, but it’s usually something more than that,” Murphy said. However, if the economy remains in its current state, this could change. “We’ll do what we can,” Murphy said. As he has been reviewing incoming freshmen’s files, Murphy has noticed that in “probably about every 10th or 12th file there’s something documented in their where a parent has had a large drop in income due to the economy, or they had a large amount of investment lost and that’s what they were counting on,” he said. An Elon survey Elon students Alex Baker, Scooter Brooks, Jeff Kriswell, Alex Litoff and Christi Wieand conducted a survey of six men and three women, examining graduating seniors and their prospects under the current economy. They concluded that seniors’ post-graduation prospects are indeed suffering, with many potential employers turning them away after having previously laid off some of their workforce. These students’ decisions for future jobs vary depending on individual interests, but everyone is scrambling to find a job. According to the survey, some students are looking to change location and move out of Elon’s smaller community, but even the larger markets are losing jobs. Students are considering living at home, while others are finding themselves forced into certain locations. Students are evenbasing their job search on cities which have been less impacted by the economy. 63
‘I don’t expect things to be very easy’ “I keep hearing from people that it’s harder to find a job right now especially out of college,” Davis said. As an alternative, she has looked into programs like AmeriCorps and Teach for America. She sees these jobs as more stable options. “I don’t have a lot of plans so I don’t really know what to expect or what will have to change,”
Davis said. “I don’t expect things to be very easy but also I’m not scared about financial stuff.” Because of the insecurity of the job market, Davis is trying to be flexible in her plan, leaving her options as open as possible. “I’d say my number-one fear going into my job search would be having to take whatever I can get,” Davis said. “I think that I’m ok with that this point but I definitely want to have room to grow in my profession and hopefully I’ll have some options. I don’t exactly want to be waiting tables.” The job market slump
In particular, Pam Brumbaugh of the center noticed that some previous partners at Elon’s career fair were not present this year, presumably because the positions that they normally offer to college students were cut. Students are feeling pressured to do internships, but a Dec. 1, 2008 article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, reported that “as the labor market tightens, industries laid low by the financial wreckage are nipping student workers from their weakened budgets” Hope in the face of uncertainty
Overall the job mar Davis is still someket continues to collapse. what anxious over what the Students must have the future holds. highest qualifications to beat “There’s definitely a lot of out the other competitors in doubt just because I think the job market. for any college student go The U.S. economy ing out on your own and lost another 663,000 jobs in being responsible for all of March, raising the total this your financial obligations is year to 2 million; the unemnew and different,” Davis ployment rate jumped to 8.5 said.“As far as a career goes percent, the highest it has I am unsure of what I really Cartoon courtesy of Fewings been since 1983. want to do and I don’t know where the job For college students, this can be a problem market will be when I start looking. if companies cut entry level positions. After college, Davis hopes to pay off the “People just have to work that much harder rest of her loans and be able to budget her money to get jobs,” Steve DeLoach said. “People have to either continue saving it, or put a little more into to change their expectations; they’re going to be the investments she holds. lucky to get a job.” Davis says she doesn’t think about money Besides traditional jobs, students also habeing an issue when she must live on her own and vethe option of looking into service programs like support a family. the PeaceCorps and Teach for America. “As far as I’ve understood family, it’s “[The economy is] going to affect college about sacrifice for the most part and you make students; not only are students not going to get ends meet for the ones you love no matter what,” entry level jobs, it’s probably going to affect intern Davis said. ships,” DeLoach said. “Right now I’m really optimistic. I’m not Because of Elon’s emphasis on internships exactly sure how soon things will turn around but I or summer job experiences, administrators at the don’t doubt that they will,” Davis said. “I’m conCareer Center must keep an eye on any and all vinced that if you’re willing to work hard enough available opportunities. you can get by.” 64
A
hmed Hassan picked up smoking at a young
age. When he was 14, he stole cigarettes from his parents and smoked them with his friends. He started chain-smoking at 16. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nobody gave a shit about their lungs, nobody knew about the health issues; it was just an awesome, misinformed society,â&#x20AC;? Hassan said.
tion on are middle school and high school students, where smoking numbers are dropping. “What we will see is a new generation of students in colleges knowing the danger of smoking and not engaging,” Harvey said.
Banning on-campus smoking Now a junior digital art major attending Elon University, Hassan says that he still smokes socially and meets new people through smoking. He stopped smoking when he was 19 for a year and a half because “it just wasn’t around.” Smoking habits are irregular to him now. “I might smoke 20 cigarettes one month. I might smoke 40 cigarettes the next month. Some months, I don’t even smoke at all.” Even with knowledge of the health issues smoking creates, Hassan still chooses to smoke. “If people choose to smoke, I say let them do it,” Hassan said. “It’s a limit on personal freedom to tell people, ‘Don’t smoke.’”
Smoking being snubbed out
As Hassan shows, despite the known health-risks of tobacco, college students continue to smoke. “Smoking wakes me up, and if it’s something that my friends around me are doing, I’ll join in,” said Michael Allen, a junior cinema major at Elon. In an informal survey of 100 Elon University students, 33 percent of the respondents reported that they smoke at least once a month, if not more frequently. This number matches those in the rest of North Carolina. Demetrius Harvey, one of the American Lung Association’s managers of mission services for North Carolina, reported that 31 percent of college students in North Carolina smoke. This number, though lower than in previous years, is still higher than national averages. According to a report released by the American Lung Association, the national number of college student smokers is on the decline. The report, “Big Tobacco on Campus: Ending the Addiction,” released in September 2008, claims the number of students who reported smoking within the previous 30 days is down from 30.6 percent in 1999 to 19.2 percent in 2006, a decrease of one-third. The report revealed this is the lowest student-smoking rate since 1980. “These students are trying to quit,” Harvey said. Through smoking-cessation programs, education initiatives and anti-smoking advertisements, Harvey says the number of college smokers in North Carolina will continue to fall, as it has with national trends. Two groups that the American Lung Association is focusing educa66
Another influence affecting the decreased prevalence of college smokers is the enacting of smoke-free campus policies, being adopted across the state and the country. “Colleges, just like a number of businesses and hospitals, are working to go smoke-free campus-wide,” Harvey said, with community colleges being more aggressive with these policies, as the policy-making process is not as prolonged as with four-year institutions. “A lot of resident dorms are going smoke-free, but we are striving for 100-percent-smoke-free on all college grounds,” Harvey said. The Elon student handbook specifically states Elon’s smoking policy as, “Elon University is a smoke-free campus with respect to all facilities, except outdoor facilities. Smoking is not permitted within 30 feet of designated entrances or in Rhodes Stadium.”
An issue of public health
Student smokers are finding these smoke-limiting policies restricting on their decision to smoke. The policy of prohibiting smoking on college campuses “attacks personal freedoms” said Hassan. “In public, you can get away from smoke if you want to,” said Travis Martin, an Elon psychology major. “If you can’t smoke indoors and you can’t
smoke-free policies prohibiting smoking anywhere on the campus grounds. “What needs to be realized is that a vast majority of students around North Carolina don’t smoke,” Ezzell said. “Surveys on campuses across the state indicate a vast majority of students, staff and faculty support these policies.” Melanie Binder, a music education major at Elon, disagrees with the prohibition of smoking across campuses, despite the fact that she does not smoke. “I agree with why they’re doing it, but I don’t think that a full ban is the best solution. It will only encourage students to rebel and break the rules. Limiting smoking to specific places is the best solution to me,” Binder said. In regards to Elon’s policy, Binder thinks that it works the best for Elon’s community. Tobacco-Free Campuses also provides colleges with smokingcessation resources for students who desire to quit during the lead time between the adoption of the policy and its enacting. “One of the worst things to do is pass these policies on Wednesday and enact them on Thursday,” Ezzell said. “That’s just not fair to tobacco users.”
The price per pack smoke outdoors, where can you smoke? It’s wrong of the school to dictate things like that and limit my personal choice.” Mark Ezzell, on the contrary, contends that these policies are actually being welcomed on campuses that adopt them. Ezzell is the director of Tobacco-Free Campuses, a program created by the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund. The N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund was created in 2001 with 25 percent of the state settlement money from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. It directs projects which provide for the health of North Carolina residents. Ezzell and Tobacco-Free Campuses encourage colleges to adopt
Tax Rate Source: Orzechowski & Walker, “Tax Burden on Tobacco”, 2008
An issue that has been directly affecting smokers for years has been the steady rising financial cost of smoking. State and national taxes on cigarettes have been increasing in recent years, putting habitual smokers into a tight financial squeeze. Even now, North Carolina Gov. Bev Purdue has proposed a $1 increase on the state tobacco tax. Currently, North Carolina has one of the nation’s lowest tax rates at 35 cents. This is being coupled with the recent 62-cent rise in federal excise tax on cigarettes that went into effect on April 1, a nearly 160 percent increase from the current federal tax rate on cigarettes. Tobacco companies already preemptively raised cigarette prices to cope with the increases in cigarette taxes. These effects have already begun to shy students away from cigarettes, or just force them to settle for cheaper brands. Martin used to smoke regular cigarettes. Now he smokes menthol cigarettes for the sole reason that “they’re cheaper.” Harvey claims the decrease of college smoking is happening namely because of this increase in the financial cost of smoking. A pack of cigarettes can cost nearly $5 these days. Harvey says that the fiscal damage, rather than the health damage, is deterring students, albeit “for the wrong reasons.” David Koontz is a junior journalism major attending Elon University in North Carolina. Read this story and more online at davidkoontz. wordpress.com.
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A Tricky Transition: Parent/Child Relationships in College Changes can create a rocky family environment By Scott Van Dorn
When do children become adults? Eighteen when the law says so? Twenty-one when they can drink? Twenty-two when they finish college and move out? The line is blurred. So blurred, in fact, a new term has arisen describing people of this age: emerging adults.
A 2007 study in the Journal of Family Psychology focused on this issue. The article, titled, “If You Want Me to Treat You Like an Adult, Start Acting Like One!” attempted to identify Too many children think they are some of the basic problems in these relationships. The study adults. Too many adults their maturing interviewed 392 unmarried college students and at least one offspring are still children. of their parents. It is a balancing act in every parent/ child relationship, and the transition into adulthood is one of the toughest situations to handle. “It’s a tough struggle on both sides,” family counselor Val Padgett said. “Families who pull it off well somehow found a way to do that in the context of loving each other. Parents give their children two enduring gifts, one is roots the other is wings, but the serious conflicts emerge when the parents and the kids have different concepts about how fast and what direction the independence should proceed.”
Results showed that one of the basic problems is that there was a “disagreement between children and their parents in the emphasis they placed on various criteria for adulthood.” That “findings suggest that parents and children view the transition to adulthood differently, which might have implications for the parent-child relationship during this period of development.” Communication: Essential to a Healthy Relationship College is a time when children are thrust into a world of freedom and responsibility. It is a time when many of their worldviews will be created and destroyed. These changes can often cause problems within families. “Your job is to pull away from family and it’s a difficult transition,” Padgett explained. 69
One major issue is communication. It is important for a child to keep in touch with parents on a regular basis.
“Communication at times is difficult,” she said. “My children jump to conclusions often about my life choices; they often listen to negative people in their life or to someone who does not agree with my choices; all this affects our relationship.”
Steffany Bane, a co-author of “Doors Open on Both Sides”, a book that deals with this stressful period in family relationships, gives some advice to the emerg- Padgett said students and parents must be flexible ing adult. and prepared to work through this type of situation. “It is difficult to realize how important it is to our parents that we keep in touch,” Bane writes. “They “Sometimes the communication pattern shows have little control over what you do while you’re at differences in values and beliefs,” she said. “And school, so it won’t hurt to take a moment to call and at some point you may just have to acknowledge tell them how you are doing.” that those differences are real and you may not resolve the tension between them. And then it Open communication of all the details in a college comes down to the matter of figuring out a way to students’ life, however, can sometimes lead to probpeacefully coexist.” lems. Sometimes parents become too worried to act in a helpful manner. The Big One - Control “Once you unload your problem on your parents they will worry about it even more than you do,” Bane said. “Whether we like it or not, our parents take on our problems, and it’s sometimes difficult for them to let go.” And the communication goes both ways. Students tend to judge their parents more once they have become more separated from them. One New Jersey parent who has two daughters in college, Marylu DiBisceglie, experienced this problem.
The main issue regarding the parent’s perspective is dealing with the sudden loss of control as best as possible. Padgett said parents and students must understand the shift of the parental role. “What you need are permeable boundaries,” she said. “Boundaries that make the child feel safe but also have doors in them.” “You have to be realistic about what you can enforce. You can tell your students whatever you want about how you want them to behave, but you’re not here. It’s partly practical things that I talk to parents about. Don’t try to be the authority over things that you don’t have the authority over.” Laura Walker, a parent/child relationship specialist from Brigham Young University and one of the authors of “If You Want Me to Treat You Like an Adult, Start Acting Like One!” has tried to find some answers to the problem. She’s learned through her studies that anything that can be interpreted as ‘controlling’ can be very damaging. 70
69 “So far, what we have found is that emerging adults benefit when their parents remain involved, but not too involved,” she said. “The least effective type of parenting during this age is authoritarian parenting, or very controlling and hostile parenting. It’s associated with all sorts of negative outcomes for the emerging adult children.” Walker said parents need to aim for authoritative parenting and avoid the authoritarian approach. “We have found that authoritative parenting seems to be the most effective during this time period,” she said. “So lots of warmth/support and autonomy, but also high and realistic expectations.” Padgett has some tips for parents who want to be authoritative. “Don’t say, ‘you have to do this,’ but instead say, ‘Have you considered such and such?’ Or something like, ‘I’m not telling you what do to, but I’d like you to think about,’” she said. “It’s certainly ok for parents to have opinions, but they shouldn’t expect them to follow the advice all the time.”
Elon Students discuss the issue of control -“My father tried to impose the same rules on me he had when I was 16,” said one student who preferred to remain anonymous. “He even tried to tighten some of the rules. It created a lot of arguments because we were so far away.” -“They realize they don’t have control over me. And unlike high school, they think it’s normal not to have to control a 20-year-old and are somewhat okay with it.” -“I think being in college on my own and out of the house under my parent’s supervision has trigger a sort of release in their minds. They don’t have direct control over me anymore, so they figure that my mistakes are my own. Even when I was arrested last year, sure they were angry, but they couldn’t and didn’t do anything about it. I was in more trouble the first time they found me drunk in high school, no cops involved.” It is important for the child to understand that most of the parental concern comes out of the desire to keep him or her safe and happy. Students should reassure their parents to minimize the amount of worrying. For relationships to work however, the child must also assume a level of responsibility for their own behavior - to act like an adult in order to be treated like one. “It’s not so awful to be over-indulgent from time to time as long you don’t cross a certain line,” Padgett said. “You have to learn that you’re human and have limits – you can’t just do whatever you want.” 71
The counselor says there is a line of concern parents should try not to cross as well. They must understand that it is important for an emerging adult to make certain decisions. “You’ve done a good job of raising them for 18 or 20 years now,” Padgett said. “Expect that most of the time they are going to make good choices. Occasionally they’re going to screw up, but we all do sometimes – that’s part of the process of learning”
“Look for hints of chronic homesickness or persistent avoidance of communication from your child. If unusual behavior is sensed, arrange to get help through the proper college channels.”
Margo E. Bane Woodacre, the other author of the book “Doors Open on Both Sides” and mother of Steffany Bane, offers some tips for concerned parents for spotting serious problems. “Be aware of ‘signals’ of unusual behavior from your child,” she writes. “Look for hints of chronic homesickness or persistent avoidance of communication from your child. If unusual behavior is sensed, arrange to get help through the proper college channels.” Difficult Transition = Difficult Life? Sometimes rifts between parents and children during the college years remain long after commencement. It pays to care for this tender relationship so transitional prob- to occur during the transition, however, to forge a lems are resolved. successful relationship. The best relationships come when both sides analyze their actions and begin to Some find ways to make it work. compromise. “We learn from our mistakes, both parent and child,” New Jersey parent Mary Kuczynski said. “People young or old mature at different age. We just have to wait this out.”
“Think about your most recent conflict with (your parents),” Padgett said as advice to students. “And then see what parts of it were yours that you might tweak a bit.”
Some do not. DiBisceglie spoke from experience and disappointment.
Stephanie Dowrick writes in her book “Choosing Happiness” about a parents’ best approach to reach their children.
“These problems started in college and have continued,” she said about one of her daughters. “And will probably continue in the future.” Padgett believes that successful future relationships are actually more dependent on the relationship in general, not entirely dependent on the transition. She said there is a mutual understanding that needs
“They benefit from being loved fiercely and unconditionally; accepted and cherished for who they are; listened to with interest and spoken to with respect.” Scott Van Dorn is a Junior at Elon University in North Carolina. Visit svandorn.wordpress.com for more on this article. 72
FINDING A PLACE TO CALL HOME: Refugees settle in the Triad Jessica Dexheimer Fjolla Berisha came of age in a war zone. She grew up in Kosovo, just outside the capital city of Pristina. Her childhood was comfortable; her father was a businessman and her mother a teacher, and Berisha and her two brothers had many friends in their closeknit neighborhood. “We had a pretty normal life,” Berisha said. “We were just a normal family, we weren’t very involved with politics or anything like that. We weren’t looking for trouble, but somehow, the worst happened to us.” In 1996, tensions between Kosovo’s Serbian majority and the Albanian population came to a head. Violence increased, and by 1999, Berisha’s life was forever changed. “It was so dangerous,” said Berisha, an ethnic Albanian. “The Serbians bombed our neighborhood schools. It did not matter to them about the lives of the teachers, the students inside. They would kill the boys and rape the girls. Every day, it was a danger to leave our house.” In April 1999, Berisha’s family escaped to Macedonia. Here, they settled in a United Nations-run refugee camp. “The living conditions were horrible,” said Berisha. “They had started these programs where you signed up and said you wanted to go to a safe country and find a home. We signed up.” After two months in the refugee camp, Berisha’s family found out that they had been granted refugee status and were being resettled in the United States.
“We had no idea what was going work with the State Department to on,” Berisha said. “We were told we provide resettlement services for newly were going to America, and that was arrived refugees. pretty much it. We felt lost, but we The North Carolina Division of thought anything could be better than Social Services currently recognizes five the camp.” VOLAGs in North Carolina: Catholic On June 24, 1999, the Berisha Social Services, the Hebrew Immigrant family arrived at the Raleigh-Durham Aid Society, the Interfaith Refugee airport in their new home of North Ministry, Lutheran Family Services and Carolina. World Relief Refugee Services. Coming to America These agencies rely on selfThe Berisha family is not alone. generated income and funding from the Every year, thousands of refugees are State Department to provide refugees admitted to the United States: in 2007, with crucial services, including cash 54,942 refugees entered the country and assistance, food stamps, Medicaid, approximately 4 percent were resettled transportation, job preparation and in North Carolina. social adjustment The majority of services. They these refugees are also pay for three The U.N. defines a refugee as a placed in person that “is outside the country of to six months of Buncombe, rent and utility his nationality” and is unable to Craven, Guilford, bills for each return because of a “well-founded Mecklenburg and family. fear of being persecuted for reasons Wake counties “The ultimate where they goal is to help of race, religion, nationality, receive help in these refugees membership of a particular social starting their new become selfsocial group or political opinion.” lives. sufficient as “Whenever a quickly as refugee comes to the possible,” said United States – or any developed host Kessel. “They are guaranteed assistance country, really – they obviously need for six months following arrival, and help assimilating,” explained Miriam ideally, by that time they will be able to Kessel, a case manager at the US navigate the American culture and can Committee for Refugees and Immigrants provide for themselves and their field office in Raleigh. “That’s why families.” VOLAGs are so important, they help ‘You might as well do a good immensely in those first few weeks.” job.’ The term “VOLAG” refers to ten Although all the agencies are United States voluntary agencies that required to provide certain services, the
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quality of service that they provide varies “It seemed as if everyone from LFS widely. wanted us to succeed,” he said. “They Berisha’s family was assisted by World have things that they are required to do for Relief. The High Point-based organization every refugee, but they did more than that. met the family at the airport, and after a They did everything to make us feel brief cultural orientation, showed them to welcome and happy with our new lives.” their new home. Tara Greenlee, Altaie’s case manager, “The house looked like it had been in said that all VOLAGs are similar in the a war,” recalled Berisha. “There was no services that they provide for refugees, but furniture, holes in the wall. The water only the quality of services is dependent on the worked sometimes. We were like, ‘give us a individual’s case manager. tent. Give us tickets and we’ll go back “Honestly, we receive the same home.’ We were refugees, but we deserved amount of funding as any other better than that.” organization in North Carolina, and we After two weeks, World Relief found a provide the same services,” she said. “It is church in Burlington that was willing to more of an issue of the individual case host the family. After the family moved to manager, if they are overworked or if they Burlington, they had no follow-up contact have time to devote to each refugee.” with World Relief. Some refugees who come to the Berisha thinks that the VOLAG could United States are ‘sponsored’ by friends or have done more. family members who already live in the “I do hear cases where some people country. had everything ready when they came,” Alee Lwamba Saltzmann, 38, a she said. “But for us, they didn’t have it Rwandan refugee, arrived in United States ready. We were already depressed and lost, in 1997 and lived with her uncle’s family and having to come here to where nothing in Winston-Salem until she saved enough was prepared, it was really bad. If you’re money to support herself. going to take on the responsibility of In cases such as Saltzmann’s, Kessel helping people like us, you might as well said that the state has “minimal do a good job.” intervention” with the refugee and Jassem Altaie, a 24-year-old Iraqi provides only the most basic financial and refugee, had a more positive experience medical services and asks the anchor with the VOLAG that helped him and his families to help orient the new arrival. family. Balancing both cultures When Altaie arrived in North Refugees are forced to adapt to a new Carolina in June of 2008, he was aided by culture immediately upon arriving in the Lutheran Family Services (LFS), a country. VOLAG from Greensboro. “If you’ve ever been in an airport, Altaie’s family left imagine getting out of that Iraq in 2006 after his without being able “We were refugees but airport father, a translator to read any of the signs or we deserved better who worked with the ask anyone for help,” said United States military, Bonnie Harvey, an Elon than that.” was shot six times by University senior who has an anonymous volunteered extensively gunman. Fearing for their own safety, with refugees for six years. “If not knowing Altaie, his mother and grandmother the language is bad enough, imagine being escaped to Jordan, where they lived until surrounded by all sorts of foreign they were resettled in the United States in technology. That’s exactly what refugees 2008. go through when they first arrive in the “The way we lived in Jordan was not States, and some of them have the added desirable,” he said. “The Jordanians were dilemma of not knowing basic concepts of not exactly welcoming. We couldn’t work. how to wait in line or respect personal We had no money. We lived with another space.” family in an apartment with only two Harvey added that she once worked rooms. So, when we came to Greensboro, with a group of refugees that was lost in life was good.” an Atlanta airport for more than eight In Greensboro, LFS placed the family hours. in a modest townhouse and helped Altaie However, the problems that refugees enroll at Guilford Technical Community face do not end at the airport. Although College. some refugees learned English in school or
Services Provided to Newly Arrived Refugees * Vaccinations * Work visas * 6 months of rent * Food stamps * Medicare * Cash assistance * Cultural orientation * Job placement assistance through aid workers at the refugee camps, far more need help learning basic English phrases. Altaie was fluent in English before arriving to the United States, but neither Saltzmann nor Berisha spoke the language and had to rely on innovative ways to learn it. Both women said that they watched hours of American television and would listen in on conversations between native American speakers. Saltzmann used creative ways to learn the language. “In Rwanda, we spoke Bantu [tribal] languages but I also spoke French,” she explained. “They don’t make dictionaries to translate Bantu to English, but they do make French to English dictionaries. So, I bought the English lessons that they make for French children and taught myself the language through that way.” She said that within six months she was fluent; Berisha said that she was fluent after four months. Once refugees master the English language, they must focus on assimilating with the American culture. “The littlest things can make you stand out,” said Altaie. “I remember how when I first arrived, I tried to imitate the American men that I saw in movies and on television – loud and always joking and flirting. It was obvious that I was trying to be something I wasn’t and that made me stand out more.” Greenlee said that most VOLAGs offer classes designed to help refugees fit in with the American culture. The classes cover a variety of topics including personal hygiene, American slang and making social plans. However, some refugees are hesitant to participate in the classes.
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Altaie said that his mother and grandmother have not taken any Public schools present students with a new world, new of the classes provided by LFS. opportunities but also new challenges. “You have to understand that refugees walk with one foot in two Grade level is determined by age, not by test scores, and as cultures,” he said. “We have to deal with fitting in in American Harvey explained, this can lead to “16-year-olds in high school who culture because we have to, but we still want to remain true to the cannot read or write at all.” country where we were raised … We left because we had to, not Harvey works at a Greensboro community center that is because we no longer cared for our homeland.” sponsored by AmeriCorps and the North Carolina African Services Working hard for a new life Coalition. Here, she works with refugee youth and plans after-school Before arriving in the United States, refugees are extensively programs, tutoring sessions and reading workshops. She said that screened by the Department of Homeland Security and are eligible these services are especially crucial in cities and other areas where to work immediately upon arrival. Within two weeks, they are given overworked teachers do not have the time or resources to spend in Social Security cards and any necessary vaccinations and are assisting struggling refugee students. encouraged to start looking for jobs soon after. Far too often, a student’s academic struggles lead to emotional Each VOLAG assists the refugee with securing a job and struggles. provides pre-employment training. According to the N.C. Division of “In Kosovo, I was happy, I had friends and I actually liked going Social Services, working refugees start with an average hourly wage to school,” recalls Berisha. “When I started seventh grade [in of $8.29. Burlington], I was lost and depressed. I didn’t connect with any of For some, any employment is welcome. the kids and I didn’t understand most of the things people said to “When I first arrived in Winston-Salem, I was definitely me.” suffering from what you might call post traumatic stress disorder,” Harvey acknowledged that all students react to stress differently, said Saltzmann, who lived in a refugee camp in Zaire for three years but said that she has noticed general trends in the behavior of before moving to the United States. “All day long, I would sit in my refugee youth. uncle’s house and think about horrible things that happened in “Normally, they’re the quiet kid in the back of the classroom Rwanda. I felt sorry for myself. When I started to work [in a nursing who is doing their best not to get noticed,” she said. “Occasionally, home cafeteria], the work was easy and I was able to think of other we do see refugee youth who act out. They won’t calm down in class, things. I was able to forget for a little while.” or in worst case scenarios, they’re violent towards other kids.” For others, menial labor for little more than For the most part, though, Harvey said that minimum wage was accompanied by an most students seem eager to learn and We have already the worst participate. unwelcome decrease in status. It can also be a new experience for women and teenagers who things the world threw at us, Altaie, for one, was grateful for the would not have been allowed to work in their opportunities. we can make it through this educational home countries. “What happened to us in Iraq was awful,” “For my parents, [the resettlement he said. “But I am happy that it brought me just fine. experience] was an absolute horror,” said Berisha. here to the United States, to all this great “It was very, very challenging. You have to technology and teachers that I could never understand that they were both educated and successful in Kosovo, have had back home.” but in America, they were working bad jobs and not getting respect.” Trying times In Kosovo, Berisha’s parents had both worked; her mother as a The recent economic slump has led to even more struggles for teacher at a prestigious private school and her father as a successful refugees. businessman. In the United States, their first jobs were as cashiers at Many job prospects have vanished, and funding for VOLAGs a convenience store and a gas station, respectively. and other support groups has slowed. “It was difficult for them because they had literally spent their Although Greenlee could offer no specific figures on how much whole lives in Kosovo working hard to get educations and further the economy has affected the budget for LFS, she estimated that the their careers, and all that was wasted in a dead-end job,” Berisha organization is currently operating on a budget that is 20 percent less said. “The worst part was the lack of respect from customers and co- than that of previous years. She said that she thinks this decrease has workers. They thought, here are these people who don’t speak been standard for most VOLAGs. English, working in a gas station, they must not be very smart.” Omer Omer, the director of the North Carolina African Harvey said that in her experience, VOLAGs try to place Services Coalition, a Greensboro-based organization that aids in the refugees in jobs for which they are qualified. Sometimes, refugees resettlement process, said via email that the economy is “by far the have little formal education but may be skilled in a trade like sewing, biggest problem that refugees will face in 2009.” woodworking or cosmetology. Ideally, caseworkers try to capitalize on He said that the poor economy has led not only to a decrease in these skills and build a career, but they often run in to the problem of jobs but also a decrease in the amount of medical and cash assistance a lack of funds. that the government has to offer. He also noted that the poor “Basically, the refugees have the skills but not the money to buy a economy might also lead to a decrease in the number of refugees sewing machine or open a shop or whatever,” explained Harvey. “So, who are admitted to the country. it’s back to some low paying, dead end job.” Saltzmann, for one, has remained optimistic. However, plenty of refugees are able to build careers. Saltzmann “Of course this year will be difficult for many refugee makes an admirable salary as a high school French teacher; Altaie organizations,” she said. “But keep in mind, most of us refugees hopes to succeed with his anticipated degree in Computer come from countries with very little … We have already survived the Information Systems. worst things the world threw at us, we can make it through this just Learning to succeed fine.” As caseworkers help adult refugees to find jobs, they also place the children in schools. 74
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in-DEPTH
In a Nutshell...
Pulpit Plagiarism
1-6
By Sarah Costello With the rise of the Internet, plagiarism is becoming increasingly easier. Downloading essays, articles, papers and even sermons is not a difficult task. Plagiarism has existed for centuries in one form or another. In recent years, pulpit plagiarism has been appearing in the news, as pastors have been accused and even fired for using the works of others without proper attribution. The definition of plagiarism has been brought into question as individuals have attempted to discover the ethical implication that “plagiarism” has.
Drugs on Campus
7-12
By Shea Northcut Have you ever wondered about the drug issues on college campuses across America? Some students at Elon University and on all campuses abuse legal and illegal drugs. This article discusses which drugs are most commonly abused, national statistics to see how Elon compares and includes a personal account of a student. Also, take a look to see how Elon is combating this current issue and what prevention groups around campus are doing to respond to the rising global issue.
Is Radio Dead? By Kevin Clang
13-18
Is traditional radio dying, or is it already dead? Terrestrial radio has always been a great source for emergency information, entertainment and journalism. Radio is still the most portable and usable medium available to the public, but in recent years stations have struggled to find an audience while competing with satellite radio, Internet music and mp3 players. Experts say traditional radio may survive in the long term if it stays hyper-local, becomes more diverse and uses the Internet more to its advantage.
Immigration Issues By Patrick McCabe
19-24
Maria Perez-Mejia was pulled over for a traffic violation and now finds that she and many family members face deportation. Alamance County is in the spotlight for its implementation of the 287(g) immigration-enforcement program, which allows certified police officers to act as immigration officers. Some residents have begun to protest, saying the Alamance County Sheriff’s department is targeting Latino citizens. Elon University professor Laura Roselle has been a leading force in scrutinizing Alamance County immigration enforcement.
It’s Just Green Business By Angie Lovelace
25-28
Eric Henry of TS Designs in Burlington has created a line of T-shirts grown, made and sold in the state of North Carolina. The sustainable local production of organic Cotton of the Carolinas T-shirts is stimulating the economy through local, sustainable projects. Alamance County residents are also joining together to start a co-op grocery store in Burlington, reconnecting farmers with the community and keeping local food in Alamance County. Food and fiber are essential to life, and sustainable, local products are also beneficial to the environment.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases
29-34
By Lindsay Fendt STDs are a growing problem for young people. Experts say the U.S. education system is not properly training young adults to lead healthy sex lives. The changing sex values of society feed the STD problem. Discussion of sex issues remains a taboo subject. North Carolina’s STD rates are among the highest in the country, and the Elon community is feeling the effects of this epidemic as few sexually active students use condoms regularly. Misinformation about sex and contraception also makes it difficult for people to protect themselves adequately.
Food, Fat(g), Freshman 15
35-39
By Amy McLeod Weight gains by college freshmen - the Freshman 15 - are often attributed to students drinking beer and eating late-night pizza. While beer and pizza may certainly add speed the process of the Freshman 15, collegiate dining options aid the process. Nutritional soundness is often sacrificed by food-service companies - how can students avoid the Freshman 15 when many dining options are so unhealthy? Weight gains don’t only impact students’ physical health. There are mental and emotional side effects of weight gain.
The Internet and Literacy
40-44
By Megan Wanner The Internet’s effects on teen literacy are a continuing concern for parents and educators. Thanks to the Internet, the definition of literacy is changing, and the effects can be seen as positive and negative. This story, focused in Alamance County, highlights how the Internet is influencing teens in regard to attention spans, in-depth reading and the quality and formats of their writing. The effects out of the classroom, including a nationwide decrease in pleasure reading could potentially be linked to the Internet.
Student Internships
Behind the Scenes
45-49
50-55
By Ashley Dischinger Got an internship? Most students feel pressure as they work to secure at least one internship before graduation. Despite the anxiety, an internship provides students with invaluable professional work experience and teaches them important lessons about themselves and their personal career goals. The majority of students and experts recommend that all students participate in at least one internship, because facing up to the pressure and risks generally turns out to bring rewards.
By Alexandra Baker
Elon University has experienced significant change over the past 10 years, including – just since 2005 – the removal of Jordan Center; the construction of a new building for the business school, Colonnades dining hall and residence halls, new academic pavilion, Elon School of Law, and the massive housing complex known as the Oaks resident apartments. The Strategic Planning Committee and Master Planning Committee work together to determine future needs to serve the students, faculty and staff of this up and coming university.
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Pursuit of Equality
56-59
By Pam Richter Title IX focuses on equality for men and females in all areas of education at the high school and collegiate level. This story focuses on Title IX at the collegiate level and looks at Elon University's compliance with the law. For athletes Title IX opens up many possibilities that they never had before. Athletes are pursuing their athletic dreams, and also their academic dreams because of Title IX. Schools are pursuing compliance law. This combination leads to interesting stories about how schools comply and what their options are.
Balancing Act
60-64
By Carolyn VanBrocklin College students are feeling the effects of the economy. The economy’s downward spiral is affecting loans, internships, the cost of living and students’ future plans. Students have had to take out loans to support their college education as family members’ economic situations have worsened. The slump in the job market caused by the weak economy affects students’ ability to find internships and jobs after graduation.
College Smokers Dying Out
65-67
By David Koontz Despite widespread knowledge of the dangers of smoking, some college students still smoke. Numbers have decreased in recent years, as anti-smoking campaigners step up actions to combat the deadly habit. The majority of students still don't smoke. Increased cigarette prices and the restriction of smoking to designated areas have both contributed to a decrease in college student smoking rates. “These students are trying to quit,” said Demetrius Harvey, one of the American Lung Association’s managers of mission services for North Carolina.
A Tricky Transition
68-71
By Scott Van Dorn When do children become adults? Eighteen when the law says so? Twenty-one when they can drink? Twenty-two when they finish college and move out? The line is blurred. So blurred, in fact, a new term has arisen describing people in this group: emerging adults. Many children see themselves as adults when their parents see them as children. A rift sometimes develops between parents and children when the child goes to college. It is a balancing act in every parent/child relationship; the transition to adulthood is one of the toughest to handle.
Finding a Place to Call Home
72-74
By Jessica Dexheimer
Each year, thousands of refugees come to the United States from less-developed nations where conflicts made their lives dangerous. They arrive full of hope that they can rebuild their lives. Approximately 4 percent of these refugees settle in North Carolina, the majority being in the Triad area. Here, volunteers, professionals and friends help the refugees to find a home and a job, learn English and assimilate with the culture. Although they are safe from harm in their new nation, the refugees still face daunting challenges and problems.
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in-DEPTH Reporters
Reporters: FRONT: Megan Wanner, Pam Richter, Shea Northcut, Sarah Costello, Angie Lovelace, Carolyn VanBrocklin MIDDLE: Alexandra Baker, Amy McLeod, Kevin Clang, Ashley Dischinger, Lindsay Fendt TOP: Patrick McCabe, Scott Van Dorn, David Koontz, Jessica Dexheimer As multimedia journalists, we strive to stay ahead of the curve by converging all news sources. We desire to serve the common good by combining all platforms of news to better serve the public in this networked digital age. We spur on innovation through our continual growth and development in multimedia, and are excited to successfully produce our very own magazine, in-DEPTH. This magazine features stories on various topics taking a national and local perspective all the way from local healthy dining options on campus to immigration laws on a global scale. We want to thank all of those who contributed to our efforts and aided us in the process of producing each article. As young journalists, it has been a pleasure to learn and work through each of our special issue topics and we are very thankful to all those who contributed along the way. [78]