THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY

NUBIAN MESSAGE RALEIGH, N.C. n VOL. XI, ISSUE 1 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n AUG 8th, 2012

Symposium Edition

Fact or Fiction: The Truth About Black Students Attending White Universities Common misconceptions about black students attending white colleges and universities revealed. Chelsea Gardner |Managing Editor Kierra Leggett| Editor-in-Chief

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orth Carolina State University is home to 34,767 students. One out of eight of those students is black. Like others, black students enthusiastically join the Wolfpack family, ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives. They do so, not only having to cope with being away from home and all that they are accustomed to, but also with doubts about their decision to attend a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) instead of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). These doubts are often based on the questioning and sometimes accusatory statements of others. The validity of these statements is to be debated.

Fact or Fiction: Admissions Offices are Seeking to Meet Racial Quotas. The age-old phrase is, “You only got in because you’re African American.” Almost every minority student attending a PWI has heard, or will hear, this statement. Not only does this statement minimize a students achievements and merit due to their race, but also it is false. The truth is there are no quotas. If a student was accepted to N.C. State or any other PWI, it was because they deserved to be.

Fact or Fiction: Black students that attend PWIs think they are “too good” to go to a HBCU. Many people assume that students attending PWIs come from privileged backgrounds and are at the top of their class. For these reasons, they also assume that PWI students are haughty and have an heir of superiority about them. In reality, students attending PWIs come from various economical, cultural, and academic

Students pose for a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Wuf Melvin Moore/Nubian Message

backgrounds, as do students attending HBCUs, and even if a student is at the top of his or her classes and comes from a privileged household, this is does not warrant him or her being accused of “thinking they’re too good to attend a HBCU.”

Fact or Fiction: PWIs are not as fun for minority students. Often times this assumption is based off of the differences in homecoming celebrations at HBCUs and PWIs. While there are some significant differences in the homecomin celebration at N.C. State and North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University (NC A&T), the N.C. States’s Black Alumni Association maintains a strong presence in order to put together events for black students during homecoming, and of course, Pan Afrikan Festival in the spring. Homecoming celebrations aside, ultimately it is up to the student to make the fun!

essential to being successful in higher education. While students on HBCU campuses may be more prone to network because the majority of the people on campus look similar to them, students at PWIs can become just as comfortable doing the same. Also, PWIs have a variety of programs and events to help minority students transition into college and meet the right people. For example, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at N.C. State does an excellent job of allowing students to form close relationships and grow academically through symposium, mentorships, and various other events and programs. The HBCU experience is definitely different from the PWI experience. However, by choosing a PWI such as N.C. State, students ensure that they will have a dynamic and diverse college experience.

Fact or Fiction: Students do not form close relationships with peers and professors.

Follow us on Twitter:

Again, this is not true. Networking is

@Nubianmessage

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Letter From The Editor Greetings Class of 2016 and welcome to the Wolfpack! I am Kierra Leggett, Editor-in- Chief of the Nubian Message. My staff and I have put together this special Symposium Edition of the Nubian just for you. I hope that you will find the information within its eight pages both useful and interesting. Two years ago when I began my collegiate career as a freshman at N.C. State, I was eager to strike out on my own, but also very adamant in my efforts to maintain the relationships I had forged in high school and throughout my childhood. This was so much the case that when my classes were done for the day, I would spend my afternoons stowed away in my dorm room, video-chatting with old friends, and every weekend, I would return home to be with them and my family. I completed my freshman year of college an academic success, having made the Dean’s List both semesters, but I was far removed from the social scene at N.C. State. I knew almost none of my peers, and almost none of my peers knew me. Because I had channeled so much of my energy into making sure things in my past stayed the same, I realized that I was not allowing myself to fully enjoy my college experience. With this in mind, I returned to N.C. State my sophomore year with a new found attitude. I stopped going home every weekend, I attended events on campus, and instead of retreating to my dorm room every afternoon, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and began to meet new people. Needless to say, my sophomore year of college was a far better experience than my freshman year. At the close of my sophomore year, while I was proud to say that my academics had remained intact, most fulfilling for me, were the new friendships and relationships I made with my peers. That said, I offer this advice to the freshmen class of 2016: Don’t become so wrapped up in preserving relationships from your past, that you neglect creating new ones in the present and potentially the future. Meet new people and become involved on campus. In this issue of the Nubian, pages four and five to be exact, you will find more advice from student leaders of black organizations here on campus. I advise you to take heed, as we were all once in your shoes.

Interested in Joining our Staff?

Nubian Message Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University since 1992

Available Positions:

Reporters

KIERRA LEGGETT | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF CHELSEA GARDNER | MANAGIING EDITOR SHAWN THOMPSAN | LAYOUT EDITOR

Photographers

STAFF WRITERS: ALEXIS TEASDELL TYREE DAYE MARSHALL ANTHONY ELIZA BROOKS

Graphic Desingers No experience needed! Send an e-mail to ncsu.nubian@gmail.com with your name, and the position you’d like to apply for. Also, join us at our first meeting Wednesday August 15, @ 4:00 P.M. on the 3rd floor of Witherspoon!

Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of the Nubian Message. Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan: Dr. John Henrik Clark: Dr. Leonard Jeffries: The Black Panther Party: Mumia A. Jamal: Geronimo Pratt: Tony Williamson: Dr. Lawrence Clark: Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon: Dr. Wandra P. Hill: Mr. Kyran Anderson: Dr. Lathan Turner: Dr. M. Iyailu Moses: Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are STILL on the journey to true consciousness. COPYRIGHT 2011 BY NORTH CAROLINA STATE STUDENT MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Locations Avent Ferry Complex Brooks Hall Caldwell Hall Harrelson Hall DH HILL LIBRARY Witherspoon Student Center Biltmore Hall

325/326 Witherspoon Student Center Box 7138 NC State University Raleigh, NC 27695-371 PHONE NUMBER: 919.515.1468 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: ncsu.nubian@gmail.com TWITTER: @NUBIANMESSAGE Facebook.com/NubianMessage

NUBIAN MESSAGE

The Art of Networking

AUGUST 8, 2012 | PAGE 3

Tips on how to improve your networking skills. Shawn Thompson | Layout Editor

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etworking is one of the most valuable skills a student can master as they embark on their college career. Through networking, it’s easy to establish relationships with diverse groups of people that can have great lasting impacts on your college experience and beyond.

ties to engage with people who are in the same career field that you’re pursing. Those opportunities will allow you to establish your personal brand, and build relationships that can lead to internships, employment opportunities, and other types of advancements.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the idea of networking on a campus of more than 400 student organizations, numerous student publications, intramural sports, and much more. However, networking based on your personal interests and career goals can make the process easier.

Networking is especially helpful if you need letters of recommendation because if you’re connected with people who know your goals and initiatives, it is likely they will be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. Having contacts of people who you have formed relationships with will eliminate the stress that’s created from not knowing people to ask for recommendation letters.

The first action of networking is limiting the amount of time you spend in your dorm room. When you’re not working on assignments for classes or sleeping, try to explore the campus. It’s hard to meet new people and build relationships when confined to the walls of your new home, but you will thank yourself later after experiencing all the wonderful things college has to offer. By branching out on campus or exploring surrounding areas of Raleigh you will meet new people, plus it’s more entertaining than watching TV in your room. Becoming an active participate on campus is another way to network with diverse groups of people. It’s really easy to join organizations because your friends are in them, but if there

Student discussing painting with artist Eric McRay Demi Olubanwo/Nubian Message

are clubs focusing on something you enjoy, but maybe your friends aren’t interested in, join it by yourself. It will help you be more independent and it’s a great way to meet new people who have similar interests as yourself. Attending different types of events will also give you the opportunity to network and meet people from diverse backgrounds. Events on campus can serve as fun outlets to socialize with friends but also as opportuni

Top Five Things To Do as Freshman Chelsea Gardner| Managing Editor 1. Attend Pan Afrikan Festival Pan Afrikan Festival is a cherished tradition at NC State, typically held during Spring Semester. It’s a weeklong immersion into African American culture hosted by the Union Activities Board. There are performances by N.C. State’s own Dance Visions, Black Finesse modeling troupe, a Comedy Show, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council puts on a Greek Step show to close the week of celebration. 2. Put on Your Dancing Shoes for a Talley Party Talley parties are held in the ballroom of Talley Student Center, and are a great way for N.C. State students, as well as students from other neighboring colleges, to come together and have fun all in a safe and convenient location. The first Talley Party of this school year is scheduled for August 24, 2012. Make sure you stay on the lookout for more information via flyers and social networking. 3. Campout or Rally for Something You Believe In In 2011, students camped out for tickets to hear President Obama speak at Reynolds Coliseum. In the spring of 2012, in response to the death

of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, N.C. State students and staff rallied in a march organized by the NCSU chapter of the NAACP, to express their outrage. Support a cause you believe in, let your voice be heard. 4. Meet New Greeks on the Yard at a Probate A probate is a new member presentation held by Greek organizations on campus. Ashley Gardner, President of the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. said, “For Freshman, it is the first time they will be able to experience a certain aspect of Greek life. It’s rich in deep, historical culture. It is a highenergy and exciting experience that you won’t want to miss.” 5. Step Outside of your Comfort Zone On a campus where only one out of every eight students is black, it is really easy to gravitate towards those that look similar to yourself. Do not get stuck in the mind state that all of your friends must look similar to yourself. Instead make the personal challenge to meet people and make friends from all different walks of life. N.C. State is full of diversity with students from all different religious, social and racial background.

Welcome to the Pack!! “We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond.” ― Gwendolyn Brooks (June 17, 1917-December 3, 2000)

Wishing you great success at NC State! Dr. Tracey E. Ray Assistant Vice Provost for Student Diversity Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity 219 Winslow Hall

www.ncsu.edu/oied

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MEET THE FAC

Student Leaders of Black

Jarami D. Bond Membership Chairmen

AleXIS Teasdell President of AASAC

Com

tio

Stud

What is NSBE? The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is an organization committed to “Increasing the number of culturally responsible black engineers that excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.” It is the largest student-governed organization in the country with more than 29,900 members. How Can I Get Involved? Come out to NSBE’s first general body meeting Wednesday, August 29th 2012. Two executive board positions (PCI chair and Senator) are still up for grabs. Advice for freshmen: “Learn how to separate his work from play because it is easy to fall into habits of procrastination and laziness.”

Ryan Wilson President

What is Collegiate 100? Collegiate 100 of 100 Black Men of America is a mentorship and community service based organization geared towards uplifting and bringing together the African American males on the NCSU campus. Throughout the year it hosts a number of events that endorse wellness and promote unity amongst the African American community. This year Collegiate 100 will especially focus on a mentorship program with Wake County schools with hopes to serve as role models to the youth in the Raleigh area. How Can I Get Involved? Contact Ryan via e-mail at rawilso4@ncsu.edu and be sure to follow Collegiate 100 on Twitter: @NCSU100 Advice for freshmen: “Treat school like a job, work 9-5 Monday through Friday no matter what.”

Stu

con

Advice for freshmen: “Don’t let college change your perception of yourself because truthfully you are the cream of the crop. Remember where you want to go.”

Jasmine Rhodes President

What is Black Finesse? Created in 1994, Black Finesse Modeling Troupe is modeling organization that performs using elements of choreography, HBCU modeling troupe stle runways, props, costumes, and theatrics. Black Finesse competes in local competitions and puts together small performances for events on campus. How Can I Get Involved? Black Finesse holds tryouts each semester which are usually announced on Facebook. For more information about Black Finesse tryouts, students should e-mail Jasmine at jtrhodes@ncsu.edu. Advice to freshmen: “Pace yourself and don’t abuse your freedom! Use your time wisely and schedule things accordingly.”

Re

or

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AUGUST 8, 2012 | PAGE 5

CES OF AASAC

k Organizations on Campus What is AASAC?

Kimberly Rucker President

mprised of more than 40 black on-campus organiza-

ons and their student leaders, the African American

dent Advisory Council, or AASAC, serves as an extension of the Office of AfricanAmerican

udent Affairs. Once a month, the members of AASAC

nvene to discuss the happenings within each organization.

ead to find out the adivce leaders from some of the

rganizations have to share with freshman students!

Jameal Harrison President

What is DanceVisions? DanceVisions is a student-organized dance company for students who want to continue dance while in college. Its focus is to provide a unique extracurricular opportunity for the entire student body. DanceVisions welcome all those who share and demonstrate the art of their originality through dance. How Can I Get involved? DanceVisions holds open auditions every fall for new members. It will also have tables at Welcome WolfPack Week events and will have sign-up sheets available for students who want to audition to sign up. If any students are interested in auditioning, but cannot make it to any of the festivities to sign-up, they can email us at dancevisions-club@ncsu.edu. Advice for freshmen: “Do not procrastinate. Pulling an all-nighter to write a 12-page paper you were assigned two weeks prior or starting your Chemistry Web Assign at 11:30pm when it’s due at 11:59pm is no fun.”

Anitra Black President

What is Uninhibited Praise? Uninhibited Praise is an organization birthed out of “New Horizons” gospel choir five years ago. UPGC is not only an AASAC organization, but most importantly a ministry. Our constitutional purpose entails “ministering through song, encouraging vocal growth, and creating a positive social environment while winning souls to Christ.”

What is NABA? The National Association of Black Accountants is a professional organization that seeks to unite accounting, finance, and business related professionals and students who have similar interest and ideals. We are concerned with enhancing opportunities for minorities in the accounting, finance and business related professions.

How Can I Get Involved? Auditions will be held within the first two weeks of school and will be publicized throughout campus for all incoming freshmen and prospective members interested in the organization!

How Can I Get Involved? Students can come to any of our bi-weekly meetings held every other Tuesday of each month in Nelson Hall. Our first general body meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2012.

Advice for freshmen: “Keep God first, and everything else from academics, friendships, opportunities, and love will be endless and unparalleled…trust me I know this from experience.”

Advice for freshmen: “Get involved around campus your first year, whether it be through clubs and organizations or sports, there are many opportunities for students to mingle and make life long friends. “

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AUGUST 8, 2012 | PAGE 7

Styled by Jess: Freshman Fashion Tips

Jessica Elise | Campus Style Correspondent So, you’re in college now. No more overbearing moms, dads, and teachers dictating your wardrobe. In college anything goes, but here are a few tips to make your college closet, more like a cubbyhole, work to its full potential. While the size of your dorm room closet will be your worst enemy most of the time, it can also be an asset if you know how to work it right.

variety is a necessity. The key word to fabulousness in a tight space is basics. If you have a lot of basics in your closet, your opportunities are endless. You can dress an outfit up or down, you can turn anything into your own style while saving money and space. With basic shirts you can easily transition your closet from class, to business, and even in some cases nightlife. My favorite basic is the classic V-neck. V-necks can be flattering on any young woman, drawing just enough attention to your cleavage without revealing too much. Pair your V-neck with some jeans for a classic comfy look, add a blazer and heels for a little more of a business look. In the case of a presentation pair a V-neck with a simple high waisted black skirt and flats, and for those Saturday morning clean up routines, pair your V-neck with leggings, just in case you run into a cute boy while doing laundry. Other closet essentials are four or five pairs of jeans, two or three blazers, a cardigan, a hoodie, dress pants/skirt, a good pair of heels, work out attire, a neutral purse, sneakers, flats, and most importantly rain boots, because when it rains it pours at N.C. State.

ing. Pair your button up with some straight leg denim jeans and loafers for a nice clean look, and add a sport coat for a more dressed up occasion. Always keep a tie and slacks handy for presentations and interviews, and have plenty of athletic wear for working out and playing video games. Other essential items are a pair of chinos, khaki shorts, V-necks, a cardigan, relaxed shoes, such as Toms or Vans, and sneakers (my personal favorites are the Concords.) All in all the way to maximize your tiny closet is to keep it simple. Bring basic items to pair with garments that will fit your look based on occasion and most importantly make your style its own. Welcome to NC State and I hope you really enjoy your four years here! Stay Fabulous,

Jessica Elise

Gents:

Many of you may think that fashion is not that important but little do you know college can sometimes be a fashion show. While the size of the closet may not be an issue for many men, it’s the things inside it that count the most. Men should focus on having a college wardrobe Ladies: that is very versatile. You never know who you may meet or where you will have to go. Long Comfort and cuteness are of course the sleeved button ups should be an essential item top two things your wardrobe should be centered in your closet. Like the V-neck for women, on, and with the crazy North Carolina weather button ups are extremely versatile and flatter-

Navigating Your Way through Campus There are many resources on campus. Here are a few that you may use while you’re here. Alexis Teasdell | Staff Writer The Health Center The Health Center houses student health services and the counseling center. Student Health Services is an on campus doctor’s office that students can visit if they have a health concern. The Health Center provides confidential testing and also has a pharmacy, where students can pick up prescriptions.

counseling, it is not a bad thing. The Counseling Center is a place to go to for learning disabilities, adjusting to life away from home, career decisions, and stress induced by mid-terms/finals. In the event that the Counseling Center cannot assist students with their problems, it will refer them to a facility that can. It will also keep in touch with students until their problems have been resolved.

Campus Police The Campus Police is located on Varsity Dr. across the from the West Deck. The best way to get in contact with Campus Police iis by calling 919-515-3000, or pressing the red button on the Emergency Towers across campus. Campus Police also provides campus escorts when it is dark outside to get students from place to place safely. Students can press the red button on the emergency towers to use that resource as well. They will also assist students with some vehicle maintenance problems.

All billing for Student Health Services goes to students’ MyPack Portal accounts, and can be paid with students’ tuitions. Conveniently located on the corner of Cates Ave. and Dan Allen across from the Witherspoon Student Center, students can make an appointment online at http:// healthcenter.ncsu.edu/appointments-access/ or walk-in to make an appointment at one of the many computer stations. The Counseling Center is also a part of Student Health Services where students can get assistance with academic, vocational, and personal situations. Many students visit the Counseling Center, and despite the negative connotation that has over the years, come to be associated with

cluding, Avent Ferry, University Tutorial Center (1st Floor of Park Shops), Lee Residence Hall or many more during drop in hours or set up an appointment to have a tutor help make plans for the paper. When students have completed their paper, they can go back and have tutors from the Writing and Speaking Tutorial Center look over the paper to catch any errors. Writing and Speaking Tutorial Services also can help with public speaking, a class many students take before graduating.

Writing and Speaking Tutorial Center Writing and Speaking Tutorial Services provides students with assistance in speaking and writing. If there is a big paper due for English 101, students can stop by the many locations in

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NUBIAN MESSAGE

ALL NEW TEXTBOOK RENTAL

IN-STORE & ONLINE!

NEW RENTAL We have expanded our rental program to include in-store rentals. Almost half of all titles are now available to rent in the store and will provide savings of up to 70% off the new book price. At the end of your rental period, simply return the books to the store or ship them back with a prepaid shipping label.

USED eBOOK “RUSH” STORE HOURS

AUG 8: 8AM - 5PM AUG 9: 8AM - 5PM AUG 10: 8AM - 6PM AUG 11: 10AM - 6PM AUG 12: 10AM - 6PM AUG 13: 8AM - 8PM AUG 14: 8AM - 8PM AUG 15: 8AM - 8PM AUG 16: 8AM - 8PM AUG 17: 8AM - 8PM

Harrelson Hall | On the Brickyard | 919.515.2161 | bookstore@ncsu.edu | Campus Enterprises