Niner Times - August 25, 2011

NEW 49ER CLOTHING

PARKING PANDEMONIUM

49ers lost against the Tar Heels in their last preseason game in a lightening shortened exhibition.

Regular season starts on Saturday, Aug. 28, against Coastal Carolina. p.15

P.6

Photo by Stan Cochrane

A&E

SPORTS

MEN’S SOCCER VS. CHAPEL HILL

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

PAGE 1

Barnes & Noble brings a new clothing line, made by School House Inc. to UNC Charlotte. p.8

NINERTIMES Thursday, August 25, 2011

Published twice weekly and online at www.nineronline.com

A product of Student Niner Media • The University of North Carolina at Charlotte • Partially funded by Student Fees • Breaking News? Email us at breaking@nineronline.com or call 704.687.7148

New on NinerOnline.com: Check out a picture slideshow of students enjoying last weekend’s RecFest activities

New court date set for Rodney White Ciera Choate

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

UNC Charlotte students participated in this year’s recreational festival at the new Northeast Recreational Field Complex. Photo by Michael Stennett

Rec fields ready for action The Northeast Recreational Field Complex opened this semester to replace the fields lost by the beginning of construction on the new football stadium Lauren Dunn REPORTER

After more than five years of development, students and the Niner community were introduced to the $7.5 million Northeast Recreational Field Comple with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011.

The ceremony also kicked off RecFest 2011.

“The Northeast Recreational Field Complex was built to support the growing needs of the Intramural Sports and Sport Club programs,” said Terrie Houck, director of Recreational Services.

The complex features a 2,279-squarefoot field house, 204 parking spaces, a nearly one half mile sidewalk surrounding the fields, restroom facilities and, of course, the 21-acre fields themselves.

Sitting between Mallard Creek Church Road and John Kirk Drive, near Greek Vil-

lage, the fields are resilient to harsh weather, maintenance and general wear and tear.

The fields are said to be able to recover from rain within an hour, while natural grass would take two to three days. Rainouts will quickly become a thing of the past with the new complex.

The 445,630-square-feet of Mondo 3NX synthetic turf provides the field’s durability.

The turf offers the same playing experience as natural grass but with less maintenance.

With less maintenance comes more game time for all authorized UNC Charlotte students, faculty, staff and groups with approved university reservations.

The fiberstructure allows athletes to pivot and turn with better slip resistance and has more shock absorption to help prevent injuries.

The fields can be used for intramural games, special events, sports clubs, infor-

mal recreation and more, according to Recreational Services.

However, there are some limitations.

Metal Cleats, grills, pets and chewing gum are just a few of the items that recreational services has prohibited from the fields.

Students can contact the Office of Conferences, Reservations and Event Services at cres.uncc.edu or by phone at (704)-6877872 to make a reservation for the fields.

For students without reservations, there will be certain “free play” periods throughout the semester for general UNC Charlotte use.

“The Northeast Recreational Field Complex will be available for “drop in” or “free play” recreation for students, faculty and staff most Sunday-Thursday evenings (during the academic year) from 4 to 11 p.m. as space allows,” said Houck. “Check the Recreational Services web site, recservices.uncc.edu, for daily availability.”

OPINION

A&E

FEATURES

SEX•U•AL•I•TY

PROSPECTOR REVIEW

TOP SPOTS ON CAMPUS

In the first edition of “Naugty Niners,” Naught Niner A. talks about how

to study, hang out with friends, and

norm, is seen as taboo in America.

more. Cheyenne Owens highlights

She thinks differently.

three locations that help student bal-

Find out what Naughty Niner A. has to say about S&M and everything that p.7

FILE PHOTO

Campus is full of places for students

sex, especially anything outside of the

it implies.

SPORTS

FILE PHOTO

Prospector brings a new Chik-fil-a, and long lines.

p.8

ance a healthy social and academic life while in college. p.10

CHARLOTTE OPENS UP 2011 SEASON AT APP STATE INVITATIONAL p.14

On July 28, 2011, former UNC Charlotte basketball player, Rodney White was arrested at his home in Mooresville along with Nicole Denise Jackson due to drug charges. He will appear in court on Dec. 21, 2011.

A district attorney has not been assigned to White. According to the district attorney’s office, White’s case may go to the Superior Court.

Both White and Jackson are being charged with managing a marijuana-growing operation in Alexander and Iredell counties.

Police found the house after following a lead. 62 marijuana plants were found in the house located approximately 70 miles northwest of Charlotte.

Evidence found at the house off of Hill River Road in Hiddenite led police to a house in Mooresville where White lives.

Three children were in the house at the time of White’s arrest.

Police found four pounds of marijuana, firearms, growing lights, planting materials and other items that are used to grow marijuana in the home.

White is being charged with felony manufacture of marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

SGA plans for new semester Corbin Peters

COMMUNITY EDITOR

The 2010-2011 Student Government Association (SGA) year ended with an historic election student body president election. Dave Craven won the presidency by 19 votes through an election with the highest voter turnout in SGA history.

While last year’s election received more student attention than usual, the recordbreaking voter turnout was 13 percent, several seats on the senate were unfilled and the College of Engineering failed to elect a single senator.

Despite this, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Ways and Means Committee chair Keith Chanakira feels this SGA year is different and that student engagement and senate activity is on the rise.

“I’ve received several emails over the summer from students within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences asking about tuition costs and various student policies.

This is completely different from last year where I didn’t receive a single email,” said Chanakira. “I’m going to try to be more vis SGA p. 4

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

NINERTIMES

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

PAGE 3

NEWS BRIEFS The Secret of Multi-tasking: Making Time for Success Ciera Choate

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The University Center for Academic Excellence will host The Secret to Multi-tasking: Making Time for Success on Aug. 29, 2011, from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. The purpose of this event is to help students learn how to better use their time to accomplish all of their goals. Students can register for the workshop at ucae.uncc.edu or by calling 704-687-2162.

Reading Between the Lines: Tips for Better Notetaking & Reading Alan Kelley REPORTER

Students interested in developing effective notetaking strategies and learning tips to find the most important information the least amount of time can register for Reading Between the Lines: Tips for Better Notetaking & Reading. Registration is available online at www.ucae.uncc.edu or by calling 704-687-2162.

The University Center for Academic Excellence is hosting the event in Fretwell Room 301 on August 29, 2011 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Students can bring their own textbooks to receive personal tips for a class. All UNC Charlotte students and faculty are welcome to attend.

College Democrats fall kick-off meeting Ciera Choate

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

UNC Charlotte’s College Democrats will start off the semester with a meeting for any student that wants to be involved. The meeting will be held on Aug. 29, 2011, from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. in the Student Union room 267.

The College Democrats host many events throughout the year such as the Rock the Vote Concert, voter registration drives and services projects. Membership dues are $10 and come with a free t-shirt and membership handbook. Students can find out more information by emailing the president of College Democrats, Eliza Hernandez at ehernan3@uncc.edu.

Get Organized: Preparing Yourself for Peak Performance Alan Kelley REPORTER

Lay out your clothes the night before.

Focus on the big picture. Get a good night’s sleep. These are some of the helpful tips mom and dad told us growing up to get the most out of our days. The advice given then is even more important now.

By attending Get Organized: Preparing Yourself for Peak Performance, hosted by the University Center for Academic Excellence, you will be exposed to general and individualized information about organization, motivation and learning styles. The event is taking place on Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Fretwell 310.

You can get help with organizing your binders, creating schedules for your week and learn a lot about how organization will benefit you, in and out of college. All you need to bring are your binders and an idea of how you want your week to go. Register online at www.ucae.uncc.edu, or call 704687-2162.

Global Zero Los Angeles Student Institute Ciera Choate

Corey Conner

In his seventh Convocation address as chancellor of UNC Charlotte, Chancellor Dubois spoke to the crowd at McKnight hall about the budget situation, football, and other topics of concern for UNC Charlotte.

Opening with a joke, Dubois said, “…my children say that my longevity is explained by the fact that I have the lead qualifications for being the leader of a major university–a receding hairline for that look of experience and hemorrhoids for that look of concern.”

However, the chancellor quickly turned serious in addressing the current budget situation. “Let me begin where I suspect most of you will have concerns–the condition of our budget for the coming year,” said Dubois.

While UNC Charlotte’s permanent budget was decreased by 16.2%, or approximately $33.5 million, the chancellor said there was good news in UNC Charlotte’s budget management strategy working.

Photo by Brandon Kirkley

Student Union Takeover UNC Charlotte’s Niners on the Weekend hosts the first of many Union Takeovers of the semester

Ashley Dorrell R E P O RT E R

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Global Zero, an organization working to eliminate nuclear weapons, is currently recruiting students for their eight-month program in Los Angeles. From Oct. 9 until Oct. 12 students participate in the Student Institute in Los Angeles.

They then go to the Global Zero Summit. Students will work in workshops to improve their organizing and strategic planning skills, work on policy training, connect with students from all over the world and more. The application deadline is Sep. 1. The application is available online at www.globalzero.org/apply.

The Global Zero Summit plans to bring together over 100 leaders, as well as current and former senior government officials.

Former Secretaries of State George Shultz and James Baker will be speaking.

There will also be progress reports by leaders from key countries and strategy sessions. Global Zero students will give presentations on the grassroots campaign that funds Global Zero.

Chancellor claims budget strategy is working though there has been a $33.5 million cut EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Brandon Kirkley and the Firecrackers are set to play at the Student Union Takeover.

Dubois said, “As a result, we were able to protect our investment in the recruitment and professional development of our existing faculty and staff with few lay-offs and no furloughs.”

Dubois went on to address the concerns of faculty recruitment, and the lack of salary increases.

He said, “The challenge for the future, of course, is to hold on to as many of our talented people as we can. We enter a fourth straight year without salary increases for most people, and we face a host of constraints placed upon us by our elected officials in terms of responding to threatened departures, including a prohibition on the use of state funds.”

Dubois continued, explaining that he can’t be sure what the future will hold for the university’s finances, but reserves would not be available for next year.

“What will be different next year, however, is that we will not have the kind of campus reserves that we had assembled over the past three years in preparation for this year’s crisis,” the chancellor said.

Read more on NinerOnline.com

This Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, Niners on the Weekend (NOW) will be kicking off the fall semester with a Student Union Takeover from 8 p.m. until midnight.

At the takeover students can participate in many events. There will be a welcome back dance party in the multipurpose room with DJ Dexter Dynamite presented by the International Club, as well as a live rock

“Overall, I expect the first Union Takeover to be a success!”

Shirley Hsueh NOW Member

concert with Brandon Kirkley and the Firecrackers in Norm’s.

There will be a free Shutter booth, free movies and the pool tables will be on free play. Students will also be able to make a wax mold of their hand.

Event planners, such as James Contratto, expect attendance numbers to be around 1,000 to 1,200 people, the average for this type of event.

“This is one of the bigger events that we do. We try to get more groups to get involved and it is one of the larger events of the month,” said Contratto.

According to Shirley Hsueh, who helps prepare for NOW events, Student Union Takeovers began in Fall 2010 and usually occur once a month on a Friday. Sometimes there are even themed takeovers such as “western” or “Halloween.”

“I’m extremely excited about our Union Takeovers because it’s always successful and a great event to meet and make new friends. We also welcome student organizations to co-sponsor to host an event or table as well (CAB - Bingo Night, Health & Wellness Promotion, Etc.) In addition, we always provide a different novelty. We’ve done Street Signs, Caricature Artists, TieDye, Spin-Art Shutter Shades, etc. at each Takeover,” said Hsueh.

For students who might miss this month’s takeover, NOW plans 3-4 events per weekend throughout the school year.

However, the takeover is the largest event that NOW plans. Contratto considers the takeovers to be a pinnacle of NOW planning.

“We were trying to find out what our

signature series for NOW and doing a big union wide activities has been a big thing in other universities and so we tried it out here and its become a huge hit,” said Contratto.

As for the musical talent, Brandon Kirkley and the Firecrackers (BKTF) have played at the Student Union takeovers in the past and will continue the tradition by playing this year as well.

“We played this event last year and so we got this gig this year. We wanted to play shows for the university. We played a lot this summer and came in second in 106.5 Miller Light Speed Street Competition.

September 20 playing again in NORMS,” said Kirkley.

BKTF consists of three main members at the moment: Kirkley who plays guitar and piano, David Hole who plays lead guitar, and Chris Hensley who plays bass guitar. Kirkley is also the main vocalist. They are currently searching for a drummer and another guitar/keyboard player to make a five-piece band.

Kirkley describes the band’s music as a mix between The Goo Goo Dolls and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

“First of all our sound its paying homage to the American punk rock and roll late 70’s to the 80’s. Coming to your own. I’m an adult and I’m a kid. We aren’t writing songs about being 16. We are writing songs about being 25 and relationships and how everything in your life is based on relationships and how you maintain those,” said Kirkley.

The band writes original songs with Kirkley writing the lyrics and main melodies. The other band members help create the instrumental parts.

For the most part the band dislikes playing covers and prefers to play their original songs. They will play original music at the Union event.

During the takeover, BKTF will also give out free CDs and sell T-shirts.

Due to the size of the monthly takeovers, large amounts of planning goes into arranging each one. Within NOW, there are seven production members to help prepare, advertise, plan and execute the events.

“We also have a marketing intern and a graduate assistant. For students who want to join NOW there will be an interest meeting coming up in the next couple of weeks,” said Contratto.

Those who have worked to prepare for the event are excited.

“Overall, I expect the first Union Takeover to be a success! It’s the first week of school and I’m sure students are excited for it as well!” said Hsueh.

PAGE 4

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Changing a culture at Charlotte Dana Nigro

MANAGING EDITOR

In the 2011-2012 academic year campus is becoming a safer place for students.

These changes are being brought about by two of the most infulencial departments on campus, Parking and Transportation Services (PaTS) and Police and Public Safety.

The first week of classes can be the most confusing time for new and returning students.

Move-in days are traffic stricken while parking before classes leaves commuter students at a loss for spaces. Two years ago, Director of PaTS, Gary Caton, realized the need for improvement when students complained of not being able to find parking spaces they had paid for.

Last year Caton hired 20 workers to watch for people trying to park in the parking decks without permits.

“We received a lot of positive feedback [and] we are probably going to follow the exact model as last year,” said Caton.

PaTS isn’t the only department that helps during the first week of classes. Campus police devised a new traffic pattern under the guidance of then Interim Police Chief Jeff Baker. He has since been hired on as the Police Chief of UNC Charlotte Police Department.

Last year Police and Public Safety’s traffic pattern helped to divert traffic flow off of Highway 49 and the same plan was set in motion again for the 2011 – 2012 academic year, said Baker.

He also said many of the officers were out by the dorms during move-in day to hand out water and make themselves ac-

cessible to parents.

“We are all about transparency,” said Baker. After the sudden resignation of Marlene Hall, the previous UNC Charlotte police chief, two summers ago Chief Baker made it his mission to make Police and Public Safety more visible on campus.

“I actually know a lot about our police department,” said Jenna Price, a UNC Charlotte freshman. “I got a lot of information and brochures during SOAR.” Throughout the SOAR informational fair for incoming students, Police and Public Safety, along with other student organizations and school departments, set up booths to hand out information and answer questions.

Police and Public Safety, as well as PaTS, believe there is more to improving the community than simply being a presence on campus.

The newest parking deck, North Deck, located next to Police and Public Safety, houses 1,171 parking spaces. The deck also comes equipped with white stained ceilings, which reflect light, said Caton.

The white ceilings will act as a deterrent for criminals because at night the deck will appear to be as well lit as it was in the day hours.

These specific improvements are made to help better students lives.

Caton isn’t stopping with white stained ceilings. He is overseeing the completion of the CRI Deck, which will be UNC Charlotte’s first gated deck. This makes it the easiest deck to enforce.

The majority of decks are undergoing safety upgrades for students. PaTS has moved to induction lighting which has

more sustainability and is suppose to last 10 years which will save money, said Caton.

“In East Deck 3 cameras [were] placed before I came,” said Caton. “[We] replaced them and now have them working.”

Another major improvement Caton oversaw was the creation of an off-campus bus that currently picks up UNC Charlotte students from The Flats, University Village, University Club and 901 Place apartments to transport them back onto campus.

Caton said the apartment complexes are helping to subsidize the cost of the bus.

He hopes this will reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles on campus.

Caton’s current goal is transforming the way students, faculty and staff pay for tolls.

The tolls accept cash, something few people carry around anymore.

Caton wants to redesign them so they accept credit cards, making it easier for people to park on campus when they leave their spare change at home.

PaTS recognized student’s needs and continues to make changes and technological advancements in order to meet them.

Working closely with PaTS, Police and Public Safety transformed from the average college police in 2010 to a fully staffed, SWAT ready, police force under Chief Baker. “As time changes the police department has to change,” said Lt. Josh Huffman who has been with UNC Charlotte’s Police and Public Safety since 2002.

He now is the tactical team (SWAT team) commander. “We are still in the ground stages,” said Huffman.

“We train to save lives,” said Baker.

Read more on Nineronline.com

MRC goes to Charlotte PRIDE Iris Hunter REPORTER

The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) at UNC Charlotte will attend the PRIDE Charlotte’s cultural festival on Aug. 27, 2011. The festival will be held from noon until 8 p.m. in uptown Charlotte on S. Tryon Street. The event is free and open to the public.

The festival will include a variety of entertainment including comedy, bands and dance performers. The festival will also have several vending booths with retailers, art exhibitors and food stands.

PRIDE Charlotte’s goals are to advance lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights and visibility in the Charlotte community, empower individuals to be themselves in a relaxed and accepting environment, celebrate LGBT families from the Charlotte area and provide LGBT individuals with a place to celebrate without harassment, according to their website.

The MRC attended the last three PRIDE

Charlotte events. They will continue to attend the event to spread the word out about the great lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer (LGBTQ) events they host at UNC Charlotte, according to Ted Lewis, the Assistant Director for Sexual/Gender Diversity at the MRC. The mission of the MRC is to provide student services, promote individual student learning and development, foster a campus community which promotes student involvement, and develop human and facility resources, according to their website.

“We want to provide students with the opportunity to attend this great event and we hope to spread the word about the great LGBTQ programming we offer here at UNC Charlotte. We hope to continue to build strong connections between UNC Charlotte and the greater Charlotte community,” said Lewis.

Many LGBT groups feel that they have been fighting a long and hard battle in or-

der to fit into society as well as to gain equal rights for some time now.

“Human Rights are interdependent, intersectional, inalienable rights that are the birthright of all human beings, regardless of geography, nationality or identity. If you were born a human being you have human rights by virtue of your birth. Human rights include economic rights, environmental rights, sexual rights, cultural rights, social rights, political rights, developmental rights and civil rights.

“One of the most important functions of any government is to ensure that human rights are respected and protected and to address human rights violations whether at the hands of state or non-state actors,” said the Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance website, an organization that’s main goal is to fight for sexual human rights.

More information about the event can be found at http://pridecharlotte.com/.

SGA offices located on the second floor of the Student UnionPhoto by Corbin Peters SGA continued from p. 1

able and in-touch with the students.”

However, fellow College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Senators, Jessica Simpson and Ray Atkinson, say their inboxes remain empty.

“The issue that we’re having is a lot of students don’t know we exist. Student engagement is decent and voter turnout improved last year, but overall it’s not where it should be,” said Simpson.

Atkinson feels SGA could solve this voter turnout and low engagement by simply publishing senate legislation and agendas online.

“I want to make it where students can see what we’re doing. ... All we have online right now is a list of senators and if students want to see legislation they have to talk to our administrative assistant Quincy Hinson,” said Atkinson.

These three senators all received a high number of votes within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences during the spring election. They all have plans for the new year, some are extensions from last year and others are new initiatives.

Keith Chanakira wants to see Senate Resolution SR47.2-31 impletented this year. The resolution asks absent professors to notify students “prior to a cancelled class”.

The legislation was a reaction to a situation in one of Chanakira’s final exams where a professor showed up 90 minutes late and asked students to return to the final after they had left.

“You can’t ask students to drive back and forth like that. Some students have a vey long commute,” said Chanakira.

Atkinson plans to pursue change affecting one of the school’s alternative form of transportation, bicycling. The senator hopes to pass legislation which would install a tire pressure area somewhere on campus for cyclists.

“It’s a safety concern if students don’t have properly inflated tires they could blow up or bicyclists could lose control,” said Atkinson.

He will also pursue haveing the bike lane lines behind Spruce Hall repainted and mirrors installed on campus roads for blind corners.

Voted “Most Reliable Senator” by the student senate in last year’s senate superlatives Atkinson is known for his persistent activity and advocacy for campus bicycling.

Atkinson likes taking on small projects like these especially during budget cuts.

“One thing I’ve learned through SGA and internships is you don’t always have to go for big projects. There’s a lot of small projects out there that can have an impact,” said Atkinson.

Outside of the realm of cycling, Atkinson was the primary sponsor of the larger scale senate resolution SR48.1-1. Atkinson’s legislation which was adopted last April encourages dining services to “ to incorporate zero waste initiatives into the football stadium vender contracts.”

Disagreeing with Atkinson, Simpson, who was last year’s Student Affairs Committee chair, says these large scale projects, even during budget cuts, are still worth pursuing.

“Some of our projects might not happen this year, but if we start the frameworks to get them implemented now we will see results in the future. UNC Charlotte football is a good example of this,” said Simpson.

New projects, legislation and committee assignments willbe underway Thursday, Aug. 25, at 5:00 p.m. in Student Union room 200 during the Senate general assembly meeting.

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

OPINION New Rec Fields create concerns over distance Sarah Obied REPORTER

UNC Charlotte is covered with outdoor recreational facilities to enhance intramural and club sports, university events and other activities.

There will be several fields spread around the university grounds. At the end of last year’s spring semester, the Northeast Recreational Field Complex, which encompasses 20 acres of land was finished.

The field has synthetic turf and a walkway surrounding it. The university’s fields are not only widespread throughout the campus, but they are also increasing.

There are a plethora of reasons why the recreational fields are so spread out. Having the fields in different areas far apart could be a potential danger for students.

“As far as the recreational fields go, they are spread out because level space was needed. We need enough room to implement the fields,” said Jim Hoppa, associate vice chancellor and director of the Student Union.

Certain areas of the campus are more flat and leveled than other areas. All the fields cannot be in one place, hence why they are

all so spread out.

“The fields are very safe for students.

There are usually managers on site and great staff member security. The playing fields are surrounded by fences,” said Hoppa.

President of the UNC Charlotte Wrestling Club, Hunter Dunn, and his friend Zack Joyner have comparable ideas about the recreational fields.

“Considering the campus is expanding and we have a big student body, widespread recreational fields are a must,” said sophomore Hunter Dunn.

“With all the strong lighting across the fields, I feel completely out of harm’s way.

Especially with real police on campus, there is no reason why I should not feel protected on the field grounds,” said sophomore Zack Joyner.

With the fields being close to roads, Dunn believes that it would bring out more people. And with more people, the fields are a safer place.

“In general, I think the fields do not pose a potential danger even though they are so widespread,” said Dunn.

Other students commented on the recreational fields through a financial perspec-

tive.

“Since some of the older fields are overused and beaten up, it would save the university money long term to have additional fields additional fields across that campus that would allow for more room for all types of events and intramural games,” said sophomore Karen Braddy.

“I think the recreational fields are pretty safe. Widespread or not, the fields are not right in the middle of campus, and to me, a lot of crime or mishaps would occur in parking lots. The recreational fields are on campus, but are also secluded,” said senior Nishthaya Soukhanourong.

You would think seclusion would be a prime hot spot for crimes, but it looks as though this isn’t the problem.

“I would feel much more secure walking out on the recreational fields at 2 a.m., rather than walking through the campus parking lots,” said Braddy.

The recreational fields have security of some sort and the fact they are widespread appears not to be an issue.

Nevertheless, students should still be aware of their surroundings and take safety precautions no matter where they go, especially at night.

“Donuts. Is there anything they canʼt do?”

-Bart Simpson

NINERTIMES Volume 24, Number 1 A PRODUCT OF

LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE STUDENT UNION NINER TIMES • RADIO FREE CHARLOTTE SANSKRIT • MEDIA MARKETING • NINERONLINE

T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F N O RT H C A R O L I N A AT C H A R L O T T E

NINER TIMES STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Corey Conner

editor@nineronline.com NINER TIMES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ciera Choate

MANAGING EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

LAYOUT EDITOR

A&E EDITOR

FEATURES EDITOR

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Dana Nigro

Karen Pierce

Cheyenne Owens

NEWS EDITOR Ciera Choate

Ed Niser

Haley Twist

Aaron Cress

COPY EDITOR

Morgan Kernodle

ASSISTANT EDITORS Natalie Houck, Christian Billings ADDITIONAL STAFF Lauren Dunn, Barry Falls, Iris Hunter, Alan Kelley, Sarah Obied, Eden Creamer, Ryan Pitkin, Lee Pham, Asa Yoel, Joel Hanel, Gwen Shearman, Ashley Smith NEWSROOM: 704.687.7149

NINERONLINE.COM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Erika Metzger noeditor@nineronline.com

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Corbin Peters community@nineronline.com

MEDIA MARKETING MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sarah Jones

mktdirector@uncc.edu CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Karen Pierce

Mandy Blackburn

PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR

SENIOR SALES COORDINATOR

Chase McBride

Nathan Heatherly

SALES TEAM Dana Boone, Dalton Mitchell, Alex McGrail SALES OFFICE: 704.687.7144 CIRCULATION STAFF Amanda Guidi, Ryan Jenkins Niner Media Adviser: Wayne Maikranz Marketing Adviser: Kelly Merges Graphics & Production Adviser: Pete Hurdle Business Manager: Ginny Jones Office Manager: Mark Haire

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Parking pandemonium strikes campus

Students are entitled to one free copy of Niner Times per publication date. Additional copies are valued at $.35 and can be obtained from the Student Niner Media Offices.

Subscriptions to Niner Times are available for $40.00.

Submit payment and mailing address to: Media Marketing, Student Union LL Room 042, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223.

EDITORIAL POLICY Niner Times is written and produced by students at UNC Charlotte. All unsigned editorials are the expressed opinion of the editorial board and do not represent the views of the University. Views expressed in signed editorials are solely those of the author. Niner Times is published during the regular academic year on Tuesday and Thursday except during holidays and exam periods.

GIVE US SOME FEEDBACK

Gerald Scott JUNIOR, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

“I feel really bad for the mechanical engineering and civil engineering students at Duke Centennial Hall. They lost all of their parking. The football stadium may have been poor timing”

Diana Debski

Lyndon Abrams

SENIOR, COMMUNICATIONS

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR FOR COUNSELING AT THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

“They’re making us park and pay visitor parking to pick up our parking pass. Not to mention stand in that obnoxious line with no organization and a 60 year old woman working the front desk.”

“These parking issues are a good problem to have. It means our school is full of students learning, but parking services is in a no win situation.”

NinerTimes welcomes letters. Feedback should be under 200 words, legibly written or typed and should include the author’s signature, year in school, major and telephone number. Faculty and staff should include title and department. Unsigned, anonymous letters will not be printed. All letters are subject to editing for space and style.

SUBMIT LETTERS TO:

Niner Times Student Union, Charlotte, NC 28223 OR E-MAIL TO

editor@nineronline.com

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Book buying options should be considered by students Eden Creamer REPORTER

Take a seat in the Student Union during the first week of classes. Here you will have the opportunity to see students filing in and out of the UNC Charlotte Barnes and Noble, picking up textbooks that had been pre-ordered online in their name.

Many students find that textbooks, a basic necessity for classes, can be easily purchased through the student bookstore’s online catalog.

Merely logging onto a computer, inputting classes into the online textbook finder and clicking “Purchase textbooks” simplifies the process that students would need to go through if purchasing books directly at the store. Junior Jessica Graves has bought her books using the UNC Charlotte online bookstore since her freshman year. “It is very easy to do,” said Graves.

While purchasing through the bookstore is easy, buying books early before the semester begins may not always be in a student’s best interests.

Nick Daminao, a freshman, has heard the horror stories that we have all heard. “I talked to someone today in line at the bookstore who bought a book for a class, and he didn’t even take it out of the plastic wrapping,” said Daminao.

Selling books back, stereotypically for a much lower price than the book was purchased for, is a source of concern for some students. G.J. Brodbeck, a sophomore, said that the buy-back rate has proved to be “unpredictable, and [he does not] expect a lot [of money] back.”

Freshman Adam Welsh, however, is not worried about selling back his unneeded books.

He was told by an upperclassmen that books still in the plastic wrapping will be bought back by the bookstore for full price.

Students report paying anywhere between $100 and $500 for their textbooks, some even more than that. With such high prices, what is it that causes students to continue to buy through the bookstore?

Outlets such as Amazon.com offer the majority of textbooks used in UNC Char-

lotte courses for cheaper prices than the bookstore.

Granted, Amazon.com does not ship all of textbooks in a single order at the same time, and there is the chance to be charged numerous times for shipping, but the books are still overwhelming cheaper.

Other students, such as freshman Chris Salley, purchase their textbooks through other bookstores. Salley, who spent upwards of $200 for his books, went through Gary’s Bookstore.

The process was quite simple, said Salley, and he believes he spent a lot less money than many other students he knows.

Overall, it seems students have a positive experience with the bookstore. Students like Brodbeck are willing to use the online bookstore again, “because it gets kind of crazy around move-in time, but overall everything works out.”

With organized staff working the counters and plentiful supplies of the books students need, UNC Charlotte’s Barnes and Noble is a great way to purchase your textbooks, especially through the online services.

WELCOME TO THE NEW NINER TIMES Letter from the Editor Welcome back Niner Nation!

As students begin a new year, whether as an incoming freshman trying to find the balance between a social life and classes, a graduate student vigorously chipping away at their thesis, or anywhere in-between, they’re stepping forward into an unknown experience.

Student Niner Media is stepping forward as well.

As Henry James says, “All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous unpremeditated act without benefit of experience.”

With the launch of Niner Times, we’re leaping into a new era of student run media at UNC Charlotte.

We will strive to be the publication that the UNC Charlotte community deserves and work to be the watchdog of campus.

Our goal is to produce content that is relevant to the university community.

The paper will regularly feature investigative pieces that look into topics students care about. Writers will constently cover top areas of concerns for students, faculty, and staff.

Niner Times staff will also introduce more columns to bring content that we believe is relevant to our university into the paper.

We aim to bring you the information clearly, by improving both the format of the paper, and the quality of the writing.

I’ve been saying we, but I, personally, promise that I will do everything I can do to give you the relevant, journalistic publication you, the Niner Nation, deserves through the Niner Times.

Will we fail?

Of course we will make mistakes. However, we will strive to consistently improve from week to week. We will be a work in progress, as we are learning our craft like so many others at UNC Charlotte.

When you see something wrong, we want to know. When you are not seeing something you think we should be covering, we want to know. You can contact me personally at editor@nineronline.com or through twitter @coreyconner.

I’m excited about the possibilites and potential of the year ahead, and hope you will continue to support us by reading the Niner Times every Tuesday and Thursday, and regularly checking NinerOnline.com for the latest updated.

- Corey Conner Niner Media Executive Editor

PAGE 7

SEX•u•al•i•ty It’s the 21st Century, and sex happens, a lot. Despite this, conversations about sex and sexuality can still have a Victorian Era feel. So, today we’re introducing “Naughty Niners,” a place for frank discussions on sex, and the myriad of related topics.

Students will write their opinions, thoughts, and reflections on sex in every Thursday issue of Niner Times.

Whether you’re married, unmarried, homosexual, or straight; in the United States of America, sex is seen as taboo.

The truth is sex is just seen by our culture as bad. But when it boils down to it, human sexuality is just basic biology.

In Mosby’s Medical Dictionary sex is defined as the sum of physical, functional, and psychological attributes that are expressed by one’s gender identity and sexual behavior, whether or not related to the sex organs or to procreation or the genital characteristics that distinguish male from female.

Well I guess the writers of Mosby’s Dictionary have clearly never had sex.

In this day and age, sex is not seen as just procreation, but pleasure.

With sex, a few buzzwords come to mind–blowjob, doing the dirty, condoms, STIs, gay, AIDS, multiple partners, Marvin Gaye, oh, and not to mention, S&M. In our society, sadomasochism, often referred to as S&M, is very often misunderstood. In Rihanna’s song, “S&M,” and Britney Spears’ new album, femme fatale, have brought a lot of strange attention to the subject matter.

In the “S&M” music video, Rihanna is tied up in various kinky positions.

Although Rihanna seems all fun and flirty, hardcore S&M has much more to it than a lot of people understand.

Well, unless you’re involved in the S&M community.

Let’s start out with freedictionary. com’s definition of Sadomasochism: “a condition of disturbed and destructive personality marked by the presence of both aggressive and submissive periods in relationships with others.”

Someone once described S&M as two people in a safe, sane and consensual relationship that sign a contract for one individual to be a slave while the other individual is the master.

But let’s paint a better picture– black leather tied around an individual’s throat wrists and ankles while being electrocuted by a partner on the nipples or penis.

Sounds fun right? Didn’t think so.

Well think of it this way, some people would say the world has become more and more secular. S&M is pretty much at the end of the line on extreme sex.

If you have ever been to a sex shop, the S&M section is typical pretty small.

Membership in S&M clubs, such as the Tarheel Leather Club, requires members to be 21 years old.

According to their video, “Year with a Leather Club,” some online S&M shops do exist; but for the most part, many people that are hardcore into S&M create their own homemade torture devices.

On UNC Charlotte’s campus, and probably many campuses around the nation, S&M may not be popular in its literal sense, but the subject has spread through many media outlets.

One measure of college life, urbandictionary.com humorously discusses the subject–”You up for some S&M?” “God, no. I bruise easily.”

- Naughty Niner A

PAGE 8

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

A&E

LIVE MUSIC: Grace Potter and The Nocturnals August 26 8:00 p.m.

The Fillmore

ON CAMPUS:

Niner Nation Gold Ice Cream Social August 26 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Transamerica Field

NEW IN THEATERS: • • • • •

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark Our Idiot Brother Colombiana Circumstance Higher Ground

New spot, new food Lee Pham REPORTER

A Chick-fil-A Express is now open in the south food court of Prospector just in time to ring in the fall semester.

The fast food chain has relocated from Main Street Market in Cone University Center and is causing a stir on campus.

With an expanded menu, the restaurant attracted many patrons during lunchtime on the first day of classes.

At times, the two Chick-fil-A lines stretched from the cash registers to the back of the food court. Some students could be overheard complaining about the line being longer than at the former location.

Customers waiting in line were given “Eat Mor Chikin” plush toys to compensate for the wait.

After standing in line for 15 minutes, sophomore Neil Luebchow was armed with a classic chicken sandwich, fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

“The line was pretty long, but I’m glad to have a new Chick-fil-A near my class,” says Luebchow, as he was on the way to his first class of the semester in the College of Human Health and Services.

Other students expressed the same sentiment. When asked why she chose to eat at the chain for lunch, freshmen Amber Tulino said, “I’m hungry and I heard about the new Chick-fil-A. It’s close to Denny and that’s where I’m headed.”

Tulino went on to say, “It was delicious and I’m probably going to go get a milkshake later.”

Milkshakes are one of the many items on the menu that were not available at the previous location. Other new items include cheesecake, coleslaw, and breakfast foods.

Healthier options are also offered, such as the chargrilled chicken garden salad.

Tulino went on to say that she mistakenly went to Main Street Market where the restaurant was previously situated.

Read more on Nineronline.com

Fashionable 49er fan-wear School House Inc., ethical collegiate clothing brand, makes its first appearance on campus and delivers positive results from Barnes & Noble shoppers Joel Hanel REPORTER

When browsing the Barnes & Noble on campus this semester, one might find that a new clothing brand, catering to the female 49er fan, has popped up on the back wall of the store.

School House Inc., designed by North Carolina-native Rachel Weeks, designs clothing that caters to various universities around the United States. The designs incorporate each school’s style and colors, while also catering to the fashion crowd.

Interestingly, the clothing line not only offers new styles to UNC Charlotte students, but also offers clothing that is produced in North Carolina.

Weeks started the line as a Fulbright Scholar in Sri Lanka, attempting to create a socially responsible and ethical company that would help those who produce the brand.

“I was inspired by the stories of many of the woman I was meeting [in Sri Lanka] who worked in the garment factories, who could not make ends meet or sustain themselves with $60/month salaries, “ said Weeks.

Weeks noticed that while on campus

at Duke University, her alma mater, that the school apparel choices were somewhat bland.

“I did not see a lot of fashionable options for young women,” said Weeks.

This observation is a contributing factor to why School House incorporates the collegiate style of the campuses they design for.

“We absolutely look to what is happening already in college fashion when we design a new collection,” Weeks said.

“I think that has been a major problem with this industry: that not enough retailers and brands in the collegiate apparel market are truly listening to what college students want. So we make an effort to bring that into our work every day.”

The company officially started in 2007 and has grown to include around 100 schools.

After several years, Weeks moved the brand’s manufacturing to North Carolina and now employs several hundred North Carolinians to produce the line.

“Our supply chain, from yarn to fabrics to zipper to cardboard boxes, supports hundreds of jobs across the state,” said Weeks. “That is an incredible feel-

ing.”

Weeks also expressed that since she is a native North Carolinian she wanted the UNC Charlotte line to be special.

“We wanted to honor the 49ers athletics tradition but in a cute, trendy, wearanywhere kind of way,” said Weeks about the new UNC Charlotte additions sold in Barnes & Noble.

For Niner fans who are looking for something new and different, the brand offers “a pinstripe pullover hoodie, an on-trend color block dress and a black varsity cardigan.”

Students who have had the opportunity to go to the university’s Barnes & Noble and check out some of the new apparel have been impressed.

“There is not that much offered for girls that are really dressy,” said UNC Charlotte senior Jessica Mills, talking about the 49er clothes sold on campus in previous years. “And I think that all of the School House products are definitely cool. I also think it’s neat that they are all made in North Carolina.”

The School House products sold on campus range from $32.98 to $74.98.

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

BKTF returns

Brandon Kirkley and the Firecrackers head back to campus, bringing their “good ole’ rock’n’roll” Barry Falls REPORTER

For those looking for something fun and engaging to do their first weekend on campus, Niners on the Weekend has something particularly special in store.

Brandon Kirkley and the Firecrackers (BKTF) is set to perform at the Student Union to celebrate the start of a new academic year.

The band’s front man, Brandon Kirkley was kind enough to talk to me recently about the bands and musicians that have had the largest influence on the band.

“I take any comparisons to solid rock/ pop acts as compliments - that means we’re doing something right because people like those bands we’re being compared to. I definitely pull from bands like Matchbox Twenty and the Goo Goo Dolls when I write, because I love those bands and grew up on it,” Kirkley admitted.

“But I think, especially when it comes to live shows and the songs we’ve just finished in the studio, BKTF brings a pure energy and good ole’ American rock’n’roll feel. The guys and I are very into Journey, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and other classic American rock bands with a timeless sound.”

Composed of three UNC Charlotte alumni, Brandon Kirkley and the Firecrackers may not be the most innovative musical group to come out of Charlotte.

But for what they lack in originality they more than make up for in mainstream accessibility that is always sure

to get people moving and singing along whether you are hearing them live or listening to one of their albums. Brandon Kirkley always makes a point to make a connection with his audience.

Since the release of the band’s debut album “What We Thought We Knew” in 2008, the band has been constantly performing in different places in and out of Charlotte, including a show earlier this year at the Coca Cola 600 Speed Street Festival opening for the alt-rock likes of Everclear. With constant traveling and performing, the band has had the opportunity to meet with and perform alongside countless musical acts.

“I’d say my favorite acts to perform and network with are regional/national touring acts,” Kirkley answered when I asked him which musical groups he enjoys networking with the most. “It’s really good to make those connections with bands in other cities, where you can scratch each other’s backs. It helps you spread your message to a larger crowd and gives the excitement of that first impression on their fans.”

Brandon Kirkley and the Firecrackers will take stage in Norm’s in the Student Union at around 9:00 p.m. The show is 100 percent free, but be sure to bring money for band merchandise.

For those who are interested in hearing Brandon Kirkley and the Firecrackers before the show, go to the band’s Facebook page and click on “My Band,” to listen to some of the band’s tunes including the two songs “Madison” and “Stay.”

Photo MCT Campus

“Femme Fatale” to hit Charlotte Iris Hunter REPORTER

On Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m., world-renowned pop singer Britney Spears will perform at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte to promote her newest album, “Femme Fatale.” The album, her seventh, debuted at number one on the Billboard charts Spears has appeared on the charts for various titles almost every year since 1999.

Britney Spears is certainly no stranger to the music industry and her experience as a recording artist and performer might be why her Femme Fatale tour has been getting many positive reviews from critics.

In June, critic Barry Walters from Rolling Stone Magazine said, “Just about every number offered a different a visual theme, more over-the-top than the one before it. ‘Big Fat Bass’ featured giant speaker cabinets with woofers circled by flashing, color-changing lights.

“Spears took her entrance during ‘How I Roll’ in a car that resembled a pink Mini Cooper. The hood folded into steps that allowed Spears to walk over and down the car – one of many agile moves Spears executed without twisting an ankle.”

Britney also spoke with Rolling Stone

in March about the music itself.

“I wanted to make a fresh-sounding album for the clubs or something that you play in your car when you’re going out at night that gets you excited but I wanted it to sound different from everything else out right now.”

Taylor Keener, a UNC Charlotte senior, said that she will not be attending the Britney Spears concert, but she did admit that she attended a Spears concert with her friends when she was much younger and she really enjoyed the concert.

Keener went on to say that she respects Spears because her true passion is music and she should have the freedom to express herself the way that she wants to.

Nicki Minaj, currently one of the most played artists on the radio for her single “Super Bass,” is joining Spears on her tour.

In August, Minaj said to MTV news, “I wanted my set to be more than an opening act… I always like to raise the bar for myself, and that’s what I did. I think it’s important to give people what they paid for.”

Tickets can be purchased at www.livenation.com for fans to see Spears and Minaj take over the Queen City.

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

FEATURES

3 places to visit on campus Cheyenne Owens F E AT U R E S E D I T O R

Most people would agree that almost all universities offer unique experiences and being a college student means different things for different people.

Some students devote themselves entirely to their academics. Others may chose to pursue a more fulfilling college career.

One must ingratiate him or herself into that university’s culture to acquire this well-rounded experience. By doing this, an alumnus can one day look back and reflect upon the memories made outside of the classroom.

Locations on a campus are vital mechanisms in creating a dynamic college environment.

Three spots at UNC Charlotte allow the campus community to thoroughly engage in the 49er lifestyle. The Student Union, J. Murrey Atkins Library and the front fields unite to present students the ultimate 49er college experience The university’s Student Union offers services aimed at enhancing student life. This building supplies the university with a place to study, work, meet friends, attend events, make contributions to campus life, eat and hangout.

This 196,000 square-foot facility encompasses a Barnes and Noble at UNC Charlotte, Starbucks, movie theater, NinerTech Computer Store, Norms, art gallery, The Campus Salon, Union Station, student activities headquarters, ID card office and Norm’s loft.

Niners can fuel their brains with a variety of dining options in the Student Union.

Crown Commons, Bistro 49, Wendy’s, Einstein Bros Bagels, Mama Leone’s, Energy Zone and Outtakes are all housed in this student-centered location.

The Student Union’s mission statement states, “The Student Union strives to be the active, safe and inclusive center of campus life.”

This location serves students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors on a daily basis by presenting necessary services and conveniences to the college community.

Additionally, the Student Union “creates an environment for getting to know and understand others through formal and informal associations.”

The Student Union develops an atmosphere that balances the academic and social needs of the 49er population. Not only can students find a comfortable area to study or work in this spot, but they can also view movies or listen to live music at events sponsored there.

“I think the Student Union is one of the most vital areas on campus, because so much happens there.

junior Stewart Swing

“I think the Student Union is one of the most vital areas on campus, because so much happens there. Not only can I meet up with my classmates to study at the union, but I can also hangout with friends at Norm’s too,” said junior Stewart Swing.

The Cone University Center served as an area similar to the Student Union earlier in the university’s history. As the campus population increased, it was obvious that the university needed a larger, more accessible and student friendly facility.

Therefore, UNC Charlotte embarked on an endeavor to create this location

The highrises are located next to the front fields off of Highway 49. They house mostly freshman and some upper classmen. Photo by Michael Robinson in 2001. While the university originally intended to make additions to the Cone building, this plan soon collapsed.

Administrators quickly decided to build a completely new structure.

The university carefully chose firms to design the Student Union in 2003 and construction commenced in August of 2007. After years of preparation, the Student Union ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication took place on August 24, 2009 at 10:49 a.m.

UNC Charlotte’s J. Murrey Atkins Library is a place that contributes to the university’s ability to provide the ultimate college experience.

Students obviously need a place to study and complete schoolwork whenever necessary. The primary purpose of attending an institution of higher education is to actually receive such education.

Atkins Library supplies the 49er community with an academic center that promotes intellectual findings.

“The Library collects and disseminates relevant scholarly materials, provides a stimulating environment for learning and collaboration, embraces emerging technologies and promotes lifelong learning,” according to the library’s mission statement.

Its flexible hours allow students to visit the library at almost any time: Atkins Library is open 24 hours Sunday through Thursday and it extends hours of operation to 24/7 during exam periods.

216 computers are accessible throughout the library. Wireless connections are also available on each of the ten floors, so that students can work from their own laptops. In addition, there are 60 lending laptops that can be checked out from the library whenever anyone needs to do schoolwork at a different site on campus.

A significant portion of the Niner Nation utilizes the library to study. The library houses 11 group study rooms that can be reserved online.

Junior and avid library patron Camillia McKay said, “I really like studying in the library on Saturday afternoons near a window. It’s calm and I feel at peace.

Saturdays, people aren’t in the library - I

can always find a spot by the window usually by four p.m. Once I sit down and start studying, I can go for hours. It’s a great place.”

Students can visit the Peets Coffee on the ground floor of the library for a caffeine boost. This shop also serves students academically with a comfortable atmosphere to study in. Anyone can gather on the couches to brainstorm or enjoy the soft music at a window seat.

For an entertainment aspect, the library shelves older copies of Playboy on tenth floor in the archives; students can visit the tenth floor to see what Playboy was producing fifty years ago, but these magazines cannot be checked out. The library hosts raves to socialize and relieve stress during exam periods too.

When the university first began offering classes to returning veterans in 1946, its library was shared and located at Central High School. The library then relocated to the Kennedy Building in 1961 when Charlotte College moved to campus.

However, the library moved to its current location in 1963 because the college wanted to devote more space solely to this academic center.

The library was named after J. Murrey Atkins in 1965; Atkins was the first chairman of the college’s board of trustees.

Atkins Library required further development in 1971 as enrollment escalated.

The rapid growth created a shortage in the amount of available library space by 1994, so the university decided to expand again.

Construction was underway by August of 1996 and concluded in April of 2000.

“The expansion not only preserved the Atkins Library’s place at the heart of the campus, but also put it on the leading edge of technology in the storage and dissemination of information,” explains the university’s website.

Today, the J. Murrey Atkins Library is the fourth largest library in the 17-campus UNC System.

The front fields at the entrance of UNC Charlotte offer students countless opportunities to engage in the social aspects of college.

A variety of student organizations and

departments on campus utilize recreational fields 11 and 12 to sponsor events for the student body and residential community.

It’s not uncommon to drive by this location and see various greek organizations playing games or to view Housing and Residence Life enticing residents with fun activities.

This area is a place to soak up the sun while studying on a warm day. Many others like to play football with friends or kick a soccer ball in their free time out there.

Thus, the front fields promote an active lifestyle while also contributing a relaxing study scene.

Kelsey Davison, UNC Charlotte junior said, “I really enjoy tanning out there with my friends on a sunny day. The front fields enhance student life because it gives us an area to do whatever we want whenever we want.”

The front fields are also located near the tennis courts, volleyball pits, and Residential Dining Hall. For the high rises, the walk is much shorter to the front fields than the recreational fields.

UNC Charlotte has several novel spots on campus – like the Susie Harwood Garden. Yet, the Student Union, Atkins library and the front fields are more common, but necessary, places that help define the 49er experience.

Those pursuing the ultimate Niner college career are familiar with these three key locations. The sites that impact the university’s climate and ability to enthuse students will likely shift as UNC Charlotte’s football program develops. Football stadiums undeniably influence the experience at most universities.

Every university has its own special locations that affect the quality of one’s college career. Supposedly, college is the best time of one’s life, but it doesn’t sound that great to spend all of the time in a classroom. Who wants to look back at college and just remember studying for tests?

Fortunately, UNC Charlotte provides an environment which balances academic and social opportunities through three primary locations: the Student Union, Atkins Library and the front fields.

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

PAGE 11

NINER TIMES SPECIAL

Students invade campus The majority of UNC Charlotte residents returned to campus last weekend, while most students faced the high temperatures, everyone came out with different experiences

Dominiqui Royster

Cassady Shulte

“As a transfer student, moveins were really smooth and easy. I moved in to Greek Village last Friday, and there really wasn’t any traffic.”

“I had a different experience with moving in than last year, because I moved in early; so there weren’t as many people there. It still went very smooth, because the Witherspoon staff was so helpful.”

Andreana Davis

Garrett Coulter

“It was hot and tiring when moving in, and we had to make multiple trips. Once we were done, it was all worth it, because my roommate and I now have our own independent space.”

“Moving in was just blazing hot. But, my parents and roommate helped me take all of my stuff up to Lynch in just two trips.”

George Rosca

Nicholas Dempster

sophomore, Math

freshman, Psychology

freshman, Chemistry

“Moving in was pretty easy.

It was my first time, and the process was set up well.”

sophomore, Psychology and Spanish

freshman, Undecided

junior, Finance

“The past two years were a little more rough moving in, because I lived on the ninth floor of Sanford Hall my freshman year and on the bottom level of Sycamore last year. This year was better, because I was able to find a parking space right outside of my apartment in Pine when moving in.”

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

NINERTIMES

Roommates share experiences Sarah Obeid REPORTER

As students have already moved in or are still moving in to their dorms, there is something to stop and consider: the roommates.

While countless students have had problems and nightmare experiences, there are also students who developed remarkable relationships with past roommates.

Many of these students provided helpful feedback on how to deal, ways to make the relationship work, and what they learned during the time they shared a tiny room with another person.

Some UNC Charlotte students believe a benefit to sharing a living environment is that being alone is never an issue.

“You already have at least one thing in common with them and basically have a friend right there,” said sophomore Alex Krzynski.

Long-term friendships can be formed between roommates. Some of the best memories result from living with another person.

Because both roommates experience similar college issues they can support each other when problems arise.

UNC Charlotte sophomore Kimberly Buff said, “We all knew each other’s stories and personalities, and I came out with three people that I can trust for the rest of my life.”

When UNC Charlotte students were questioned about how they made living with other college kids work, they provided fairly similar explanations.

“Talking and communicating is obviously the best way.

Do not talk behind each other’s back. The best thing to do is go into it non judgmental,” said Buff.

Buff elaborated that her first impression of her roommates were incorrect: One roommate seemed rude, another made her nervous, and the third intimidated her.

Turns out, Buff came to love all three of her roommates by the end of the semester.

“Try to go into it by having an open mind and knowing you cannot instantly love someone. Do not try too hard to impress, just be yourself. And if you know someone is getting aggravated, walk away,” said Buff.

Other UNC Charlotte students feel that communication is key to maintaining a healthy living environment.

Krzynski said, “Lay down the rules for chores, privacy, quiet hours, and borrowing belongings from the very beginning. Be specific.”

Roommates can also be dependable during the darkest Conversing, being respectful, acting considerately, and hours. getting things out in the open in a sophisticated manner “When my boyfriend broke up with me, I sat in bed for seems to be common techniques for roommates to cope hours crying. My roommate told me I had until five pm to and compromise. cry and then I was going to go eat with her with no tears.

“Do not bug your roommates. If you want to go out, invite them. Try to have a ‘roomie date’ like once a month, My other roommates sat in the common room with me trying to make me laugh. We hadn’t been that close, but know their schedule, and show you care about their they reached out to me and we laughed until three in the classes. Be lenient because not everything will go your morning on a school night,” said Jones. way,” said Buff.

Roommate situations are unpredictable. So, make the Many of these UNC Charlotte students feel that best of it. There are things that your roommate might do random roommate selection yielded better results than that drive you crazy, but remember there are ways to work rooming with close friends. around little issues to create a prosperous relationships “Random roommate selection dealt me a great hand. with roommates.

Just because you do not know each other’s stories from the past doesn’t mean you cannot create an equal and fulfilling future,” said Monica Jones, sophomore.

“I definitely would recommend going in with no clue as to who your roommates are because even though it is scary, it opens you up to a lot of new ideas and relationships,” said Buff.

Not only did these students provide advice on how to create successful relationships with roommates, they also offered a great deal of insight on what can be learnt from this new experience.

“I had great roommates who taught me different things about myself. I learned how to be clean, listen and be courteous, along with how to adapt. I learned how to love three other girls like my own blood,” said Jones.

“I learned to step out of the box and experience different people. I learned four girls can live in a room with just some common sense and respect. I also learned not to judge anyone from the first time you meet them,” said Buff.

To top it all off these students had some interesting moments they will always Room mate s Alex Krzy nski and remember.

“We had tons of funny moments. Almost Dene il Jame s pose for a phot o in every night, we would have a ‘roomie’ talk for With ersp oon Hall . at least an hour about various things. Most of the time we would end up cracking up. We were all so comfortable with each other,” said Buff.

Photo by Sarah Obeid

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

PAGE 13

DOWNTIME 26

Thursday

WOW! Diggin’ for Gold 12 p.m.-2 p.m., Star Quad Enter in a chance to win Niner Nation prizes and an iPod

WOW! Comedy Show 7 p.m., Multipurpose Room, Student Union

Friday

Union Takeover NOW

8 p.m.- 12 a.m., Student Union

27

Saturday

NOW One more day of summer

3 p.m.-7 p.m., Laurel/ Lynch Quad

Ask an Advisor

11 a.m., Student Union Rotunda

28

Sunday

NOW MTV VMA’S watching party

Academic advisors will be avaliable to ask questions about course work and class schedules

29

Monday

College Democrats

9 p.m., Norm’s

5:30 p.m., Student Union room 267

Yardshow

Multi-tasking workshop

Join fellow 49ers and cheer on your celebs.

2 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., Star Quad

NPHC/DGC 2011 day of strolling, saluting and stepping

Fall Kick-Off meeting

12:30 p.m., Fretwell room 310 Learn how to affectively organize and execute your goals

30

Tuesday

Sugar Glyder 7 p.m., West Quad

Last Tuesday Concert featuring Sugar Glyder, The Buisness People and Campbell the band

LSAT exam prep All day, Main campus

All instructors are qualified LSAT content professionals

August 24, 1989

In-state UNC Charlotte students saw their tuition rise by 20 percent due to a money crunch in the state legislature.

August 12, 1990

UNC Charlotte saw record enrollment in 1990, with over14,000 students enrolled. The previous year saw 13,222 students.

August 26, 1995

Police arrested a man after finding him playing “leap frog” with cars in lot 12, off of Mary Alexander Road. The man had been drinking, according to police.

August 31, 1995

Campus police, the Charlotte Fire Department, and the bomb squad was called to Sanford Hall after a man threatened to blow-up his ex-girlfriend’s car.

The answers: See the answer to the sudoku puzzle by scanning the code with your smartphone.

25

Get the answers at www.nineronline.com/downtime

PAGE 14

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

SPORTS

SPORTS SCHEDULE Volleyball at App. Invite

Fri. 4:30pm, Boone, NC

Men’s Soccer vs Coastal Car. Sat. 7:30pm, Conway, SC

Women’s Soccer vs FGCU Sat. 7pm, Charlotte, NC

Niners open the 2011 volleyball season at App. State Brian Chan REPORTER

Charlotte takes on Owls first The Kennesaw State Owls won nine of their 10 conference matches last year and finished with an overall 17-11 record. The Owls were exceptional both home and away, winning seven of nine at home and posting a 7-5 away record.

Head coach Karen Weatherington was honored as the school’s female coach of the year after leading the team to its best finish in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Weatherington inherited the team after winning 11 matches from 2006 to 2008. Weatherington helped the Owls to a school-record of 17 wins in 2009 and matched that last year. The Owls have raised the bar this year emerging as one of the top teams in the A-Sun last year and being picked to finish second in the conference.

49ers track down the Pack’ The N.C. State Wolfpack achieved its most wins in a season since 1999. N.C State compiled a 14-18 overall record despite finishing 4-16 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Last season, N.C. State started off strong, winning 10 of their 12 nonconference matches. Head coach Bryan Bunn enters his second season with the Wolfpack with a young team. The Wolfpack have 10 freshmen on this year’s squad.

The offensive attack is led by its seniors

Outside hitter, senior Alyssa Lang is the team’s primary offensive weapon.

Lang finished second on the team with 300 kills, averaging 3.16 per set. Lang’s aggressive play also resulted in a team high 141 attack errors. As one of the team leaders for the 2011 seasonm Lang, an ASun Preseason All-Conference team selection, is expected to take charge of an already solid offense.

Sophomore setter Sara Metroka had a strong rookie season, leading the team with 979 assists, posting 9.89 per set. Metroka, who has teamed up with Lang as the team’s 2011 co-captain, is a solid two-way player. Metroka had 48 kills, a .221 attack percentage to go along with a team high 22 service aces, and was a fine defensive player recording 186 digs and 14 total blocks.

Luciana Shafer and Margaret Salata. Shafer led the Wolfpack with 299 kills and 27 service aces. Salata finished second on the team with 266 kills and 23 aces to go along with her team leading attack percentage of .333. Junior setter Megan Cyr reached the 1,000-assist plateau last year, averaging 10.21 assists per set, while contributing 254 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Brie Merriwether was the team’s top freshman with 125 kills and eight solo blocks.

Bianca Rouse and the 49ers look to open the season strong on the road. File Photo

49ers looks to summit Mountaineers The Appalachian State Mountaineers improved their win total by four games after finishing the 2011 season with an 18-12 overall record. Appalachian State, competing in the Southern Conference, posted a 9-7 record in conference play and managed a solid 8-3 record at home.

The Mountaineers are returning with five seniors with three who recorded 200 kill seasons. Outside hitter Maggie Seeds led the team with 241 kills in 107 sets.

Outside hitter Anna Wagner played a vital role in her first season with the team after transferring from Florida Gulf Coast. Wagner added 209 kills and 25 service aces.

Middle blocker Alison Blasingame logged in a team high of 111 sets played with 204 kills and 127 total blocks. Blasingame led the Mountaineers with 21 solo blocks.

Appalachian State enters the season with a good amount of experience. Senior setter Kasey Sauls, who tallied 1,113 assists in 2009, is expected to remain a key contributor and share playing time with sophomore Lauren Brown. Brown recorded 451 assists, averaging 4.21 per set. Sauls is expected to reprise her role as the team’s top setter, but she and Brown have emerged as an effective duo.

49ers volleyball aims to make third straight A-10 apperance With a 16-15 record last year, Charlotte looks to improve their finish in 2011 Brian Chan REPORTER

After finishing sixth in the Atlantic-10 in the past two seasons, the Charlotte 49ers women’s volleyball team moved up a spot in this year’s preseason poll, expecting to make its third consecutive postseason appearance.

The Niners finished 16-15 overall and 7-8 in the A-10 last season, rebounding from an 0-4 start in conference play. Charlotte eventually fell short in a tough fiveset loss to the Saint Louis Billikens in the opening round of the A-10 Tournament.

This year, the team employs three seniors and four returning starters. Senior setter Sheri Davis, who led the team with 1,012 assists and ranked seventh in the conference with 9.55 assists per set, returns as one of the squad’s leading players. Davis also contributed 122 kills and a team-high .351 attack percentage. Senior libero/defensive specialist Abbie Rees, the team leader in digs last year, will play a pivotal role in the back row, after finishing the year with 271 digs. Senior outside hitter/right side Leah Leventhal provides depth for a team that lost two key contributors from last season.

Junior outside hitters Bianca Rouse

and Jenna Litoborski both emerged in 2009 as the team’s top two players in kills.

With more experience, Rouse and Litoborski will be expected to step up and lead the offensive attack again. Rouse was fifth in the conference with 3.16 kills per set last year, and after missing part of last season, Litoborski finished with 95 kills and 182 digs, seeing some time as the libero.

Sophomore middle blocker Amanda Videmsek had a solid rookie season, tallying 170 kills and 106 total blocks. Kara Raker’s departure leaves a huge hole in the other middle blocker slot. Sophomore Taylor Cannon and freshman Savannah Gaster will be expected to compete for the starting position. Cannon appeared in six matches and recorded three kills last year.

Gaster, of Johnsonville, S.C., was the 2010 Region Most Valuable Player at Johnsonville High School.

The Niners open the 2011 season against the Kennesaw State Owls in the Appalachian State Invitational on August 26 and host their home opener against the Campbell Fighting Camels in the Hilton University 49er Invitational on September 9.

Charlotte picked to finish in the top half of the Atlantic 10 Conference File Photo

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

PAGE 15

Niners net first win of 2011 over Jacksonville Charlotte opens up home slate against Florida Gulf Coast Friday Joel Hanel REPORTER

A tie and a victory have opened up the Charlotte Women’s soccer season this fall as the Niners have only been scored on once in two games.

Playing both games, while on the road in Florida, the ladies, who have been picked to come in second in the Atlantic Ten, tied North Florida and beat Jacksonville.

Though the Niners only tied against North Florida the Niners goalkeeper, Alex Kubrick, had four saves and recorded her fifth shutout as a Niner.

After the tie, Coach Cullen in his third year as the Women’s head coach said, “It was a solid start to the season. We were not spectacular but we’re solid. We had our moments but we were unable to capitalize on them. It was great that we kept a clean sheet on the road with a relatively new back line.”

Two days later, the Niners took their first win in Jacksonville, Fla. as they defeated Jacksonville with a 2-1 score.

Senior forward Oni Bernard scored in the sixth minute as she knocked the ball over Jacksonville’s goalkeeper to put the Niners in the lead. Bernard, who last year had the honor of being tied for fourth in assists in the A-10, scored her fourteenth career goal.

Jacksonville came back scoring in the 52 nd minute to tie up the game, but several minutes later Sara Trexler, the freshman from Parkland Fla., scored putting the Niners back on top.

Trexler scored off of a Wacy Wingo assist

T.J. Beaulieu’s (right center) tally in the 20th minute gave the 49ers something to celebrate about in the exhibition loss in front of a record crowd. Photo by Charlotte Sports Information Oni Bernard scored the 49er’s lone goal in Charlotte’s win over Jacksonville Saturday.

File Photo

and placed the ball in the left corner of the net.

“I am really proud of our performance this weekend. We played in very hot condi tions and we showed good character today. This weekend, I felt that we grew as a team, which is very encouraging. We have a young team and I feel that we are getting better and better each day. I look forward to playing our home opener at Transamerica Field next weekend,” said Coach Cullen after the game.

The Niners take on Florida Gulf Coast University on Aug. 22, 2011, at Transamerica field for their first home game.

As always, students get in free with their student I.D.

Tar Heels bolt past 49ers Lightning spotted in the 20th minute of the second half, ending the 49ers chances of a comeback Sean Egge R E P O RT E R

As the first day of classes was merely a day away, UNC Charlotte students and fans were thrilled to host an exhibition soccer match between the 49ers and local foe North Carolina to mark the final game of the preseason.

With a record attendance of 4,038 fans as kick off neared at TransAmerica field, some could say that Charlotte had the upper leg in home field advantage.

The last time the two teams met was October of 2001, where the 49ers fell to North Carolina 3-0.

“Overall it was a great outing, with an unbelievable crowd. It was an amazing feeling for the players to experience,” said Head Coach Jeremy Gunn.

The bleachers were packed in tight as the game commenced between the two teams. Early into the 13th minute Charlotte was awarded a free kick just outside of the penalty box. Charlotte fans crossed their fingers as redshirt sophomore Tyler Gibson shot a rocket right over the cross bar.

However, excitement would not stray too far as redshirt senior T.J. Beaulieu found an opening on the right wing, led by Gibson’s through ball during the 14th minute.

Reacting quickly, Beaulieu was able to release an upper-right corner shot to give the 49ers an early lead over Carolina.

49er fans were up in the air with joy as Beaulieu celebrated with Gibson early into the first half.

“We started the game absolutely fantastic and in the first 20 minutes we harassed them in our possessions, and created good

chances,” said Coach Gunn.

It was not too much later that Carolina forward Ben Speas responded in the box with a short ground ball to the back of the net in the 21st minute.

The 49ers were unable to convert on a few opportunities towards the end of the first half.

A missed header by junior Jennings Rex sailed over the crossbar along with on target header by junior midfielder Donnie Smith, had the Charlotte fans on their toes as they looked for a second goal.

Minutes before the half ended North Carolina responded with another shot from within the box by redshirt junior Billy Shuler to give the Tar Heels a slim one goal advantage going into halftime.

“When you look at the beginning of the game, it shows just how good we can be as a program, and then you look at the last 15 minutes of the half, it shows where we have a bit of work to do,” said Coach Gunn.

As the second half commenced, the Tarheels continued to apply pressure as the lightning and thunder began to pick up near the field.

Both teams were unable to score, as corner kicks were not followed through completely paired with consistent saves by both keepers.

The game was suspended with 20:35 left on the clock and a score of 2-1.

“We created a great atmosphere, there were some great positives from the match, and it was an enthralling game of soccer, and now we’re just looking forward to the rest of the season,” said coach Gunn.

The 49ers look to their next match up as they travel to Conway, S.C. Saturday to take on Coastal Carolina.

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

NINERTIMES