Texas A&M University-Commerce
The
April 24, 2019
East Texan
Annual Parade of Flags spotlights international cultures on campus By Brianna Patt
“You get to see other people dressed up in their national attire,” Ogundipe said, “so it’s just a day to show off everybody else who is not American.”
From the Halladay Building to the Rayburn Student Center, the Parade of Flags brought together A&M-Commerce students from around the world for this traditional event.
International student and Bangladesh student association chair FM Tasfique Alam participates every year and said it’s something that he feels a part of. He stated that it is a way international students can bring themselves to light.
The Parade of Flags has been a campus tradition for 25 years featuring students carrying their home nation’s flag and walking across campus to the student center.
“This is the day where we can represent ourselves at our best,” Alam said. “We bring souvenirs and we make boards with lots of our cultural pictures. We can represent our best at this event.”
According to International Programs adviser Tolulope Ogundipe, this year’s event featured 40 flags and was used to let people know about the Global Cultural Festival, an adjoining event. According to International adviser Tiffany Badon, “This is just an event where the international students have an opportunity to showcase their cultures.” According to Badon, a lot of students like to be part of the event to gain volunteer hours.
Alam also stated that unlike others, this event allows all the student body to interact. In terms of the impact the Parade of Flags had on the student body, Badon stated that they’ve (international programs) have received emails thanking them for putting so many cultures on display. “For all of the students who do end
up carrying a flag,” Badon said, “I know they take a lot of pride in carrying their flag throughout campus.” According to Ogundipe, the event allowed students to be celebrated and to show off their national origins.
“All of the student body can come together to celebrate this day,” Alam said. “Each organization does their own festival; this is the one where you get together.”
Berry Hall closed since 2017, future remains up-in-the-air Once a residence hall with 200 beds, facility became uninhabitable and eventually closed lounge plus an administration building. The community bathrooms are located at a central location on each section and include up to three toilets, three sinks, and three showers.
By John Parsons Berry Hall, located west of campus across Highway 24, was a residence hall that at one time had 200 beds but became uninhabitable due to the lack of air conditioning and is now being used as storage facilities with an uncertain future. The residence hall, built in 1964 and last closed in 2017 after Phase III opened, has been opened and closed multiple times, according to Julia Rose, Residential Living and Learning assistant director. Berry Hall was frequently used as summer housing for students and summer camp attendees and has been provided as no-charge spring break housing for residents of traditional halls. “Did not enjoy it,” is how one former resident described the hall on social media. Berry Hall is composed of six two-story buildings made of double occupancy rooms, community bathrooms, a kitchen in the main lobby, laundry facilities, and television
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While it was open, each bedroom included two beds, two desks, a closet with drawers and shelves, and a smoke detector. Each room had extended cable service. “It will require a study to decide to keep the building or not,” Rose said. “The department’s mission is to support education and that governs how RLL spends money.” The hall is named for R.H. “Bob” Berry, former football coach. The decision on Berry Hall will be “in the best interests of the university,” Dr. Thomas Newsome, associate vice president and dean of students, said, noting “a decision is not critical” at this time. Berry Hall remains within Residential Living and Learning and its 200 beds are still included in the 2,8000-bed count provided by Michael Stark, director.
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OPINION
OPINION
DACA remains major topic of discussion, Some believe college athletes should be paid for their services to university concern and political consideration By Arion Ellis
By Andrea Aranda
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, better known as DACA, has been around No one but another athlete can relate to the struggles of an collegiate athlete. Because of their crazy schedules, how can they even think about trying to manage working a for seven years allowing undocumented immigrants to be in the United States legally. DACA allows immigrants to be eligible to work, prevent from being deported, and job? receive temporary Social Security numbers. Based from Sage journals, the program also Walter E. Schafer and J. Michael Armer, authors of the book “Athletes are not allows the undocumented people to have higher earnings, driver licenses, health care, and inferior students” said, “Sports demand so much time, energy, and concentration from the banking. athletes.” With the world knowing that, how is right for the NCAA to withhold the student According to Homeland Security, DACA is only for a period of two years. It is athletes from receiving any profit? recommended that before the period of two years is over, to renew 150 days before the According to NCSASports.org, the typical schedule of a D-1 football athlete ranges expiration date. from 5 a.m. starting with morning weight lifting to 9 p.m. ending with the athletes leaving Pew Research Center states there is approximately 800,000 immigrants with from academic support centers. Based on that piece of information - where can collegiate DACA. The majority come from Mexico (79.4 %) and the rest from all over the word. athletes find or manage the time for a job? In addition, athletic programs generate so much money for the school with all of the According to FactCheck, a USCIS spokeswoman, Claire K. Nicholson, said that 40,000 people used “advance parole”, which allows those with DACA get permission to travel programs accomplishments. Why is it that the institution can use these kids as cash mules abroad for either work or education. but the kids can not receive a dime of that money? for money A website called “Business Insider” says, “College sports means big-time DACA has brought hope and relief to immigrants because they are allowed to be many of the top schools. Texas A&M recently topped the list of the schools that make the in the Unites States without fear of being deported and the hope of becoming someone in most money off of college sports, taking in more than $190 million annually.” life. Not only that, but for some undocumented people, America has been their home since Why can athletes not be paid when institutions are generating more than a million they’ve been here. Some were brought when they were just kids and hardly remember their dollars off of football programs alone? Realizing that all programs are not the same and do home country. not hold the same value, but something could still be provided. Especially knowing that at any moment an athlete could get hurt and possibly The following are percentages of DACA benefactors according to America’s Voice: remove a scholarship or move on from a player. That is the nature of the game. · 96% of recipients are in school or employed A story in The New York Times called “A Fight to Keep College Athletes From · 54% have moved to a job with better pay the Pain of Injury Costs” says, “Kyle Hardrick lost his basketball scholarship at Oklahoma · 32% have a bachelor’s degree or higher after he tore his meniscus” and goes on to state more situations where collegiate athletes are · 6% have started their own business being mistreated. Some might say that college athletes might already get enough as they seem to be very privilege. But maybe people might have to look from the perspective that the privilege America’s Voice shows the story of Betsy Hernandez, a young undocumented girl, and spot light that they receive might be their compensation, because they can not be paid. who was brought to America by her parents when she was only six years old. As soon as At the end of the day we can not forget that these are kids and they have lives too. DACA was passed, she applied immediately and was able to attend college. How can athletes live or afford to be a student when they barely have time for anything “Thanks to DACA, the rest of my life changed in a matter of seconds, when except athletics? former president Barack Obama announced the program’s initiation. I am thankful for the many opportunities this program has brought to me and my family,”
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Upcoming Campus Events
Dan Jones 5K Memorial Fun/Walk Earth Day 2019 (Great Lawn) Stand-Up Paddle Board day trip (Rowlett) Alumni Family Picnic (Rockwall) PawPalooza Field Day (Rayburn Student Center)
Although the Trump administration tried to remove DACA, many immigrants didn’t give up and continued to renew their permits. Until there is further information, USCIS is still allowing DREAMERS to renew their permits, but currently aren’t receiving new applications.
‘All Words Matter’ brings attention to language used towards others By Ian Lucas S.E.E.D.S and the Counseling Center at A&M- Commerce developed the program ‘All Words Matter’ which provides students the opportunity to seek help and resources as well as tell their stories about abuse and victimization. The program for Serving Engaged, Empowered, & Diverse Students, or S.E.E.D.S, along with members of the counseling centered gathered in the atrium of the Rayburn Student Center. The second annual ‘All Words Matter’ event was held in February 2019. Elisabeth Martinez, victim outreach coordinator, said her goal is to make sure all voices on campus are heard.
“…I make sure I advocate for [victims], reach out to them, and make sure they feel supported on our campus,” Martinez said. “Today, my focus is on gender micro aggressions and bringing attention to them, whether they be men or women.” One of the focal points of ‘All Words Matter’ was language. The event wanted to bring attention to the language used towards other individuals of all genders and races. Martinez said she wants to fight against the “boys will be boys mentality” and take a stand against “cat-calling.” She said this is an example of a micro-aggression used to excuse poor male behavior and justify verbal assault.
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Campus faculty, staff use Siri for variety of needs, amusement Others don’t trust Siri, find it ‘useless’ By Jennifer Bussey & Ian Lucas Although Siri has many useful features, A&M-Commerce students and faculty rarely use them. “ I don’t trust non-human voices,” Dr. Yuehua Wang, computer science professor, said. According to the Apple website, “Siri is an intelligent assistant that offers a faster, easier way to get things done on Apple devices.” She was first introduced in 2011 and has sense then become what is arguably the most recognized voice of the generation. Some everyday features that Siri has, according to the website, are that she can “set alarms, timers, and reminders. Get directions. Preview your calendar. “Based on your routine, Siri can anticipate what you might need to help you breeze through your day. ‘You can ask Siri to find a new song you like. Put on a favorite album. Or even answer questions about bands you love. Siri can also suggest your favorite playlist when you arrive at the gym or start your drive home. ” However, even with all of these useful features, some students who have Apple products chose to access these features not through Siri, but by physically going through the applications themselves. “ It’s (using Siri) freaking useless,” Katelin Stigall, a junior in at A&MCommerce, said. “ I could just type it in.” Even though some students find her useless, there are some very fun features that customize Siri for each individual user. One such feature is changing her voice. “I changed my Siri’s voice to an old British woman,” Miranda Monerrva, a junior at A&M - Commerce, said. “ There are so many different options, once you find the button. She can be a cowboy, or an English gentleman, or even an Irishmen. She doesn’t even have to be a ‘she.’” Users can also make Siri call them by a specific nickname. “ Siri calls me ‘black beauty,’” Josalyn Moore, a sophomore at A&M Commerce, said. Other fun features are awakened when Siri is asked certain questions. “I’ve asked Siri ‘what is zero
‘All Words Matter’
divided by zero,’ and she does this really cool thing where she says ‘zero’ over and over again,” Cabe Ellis, a student at A&M Commerce, said. “But, it’s a really cool beat; so it’s like you can free style to her and like dance to her. It’s really cool.”
TODD KLEIBOER, co-editor of The East Texan and one of the 13 A&M-Commerce students attending the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association state convention in Corpus Christi, picked up several competition awards. He was also concluding his second consecutive term as TIPA student vice president.
Siri is also capable of turning into an extremely sarcastic comedian. TheNewAdamb99, a popular YouTuber, showed that if Siri is asked “What is the meaning of life,” she responds with, “I give up.” Also, he showed that if Siri is asked, “When is the world going to end,” she responds with “if I knew, I would tell you, so you could bring me to life for one glorious day. We could get ice cream, and run on the beach.” “I believe the company (Apple) put in these features so that Siri can be used more by younger customers,” Dr. Wang said. “ Usually, it’s the younger people who enjoy those features. In fact, they are the only ones who find those features. You all make it look so easy. I still don’t trust that robotic voice.”
After apartment fire, university stepped in to help students By John Parsons Texas A&M University-Commerce worked together to assist students after an off-campus apartment fire during the fall semester that left some of them with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The apartment owner was able to place some of the displaced residents in other properties. Four students were provided temporary housing in Prairie Crossing residence hall. “As a member of the University community, RLL provides assistance where possible to both students who live on- and off-campus. In the case of an offcampus apartment fire, RLL works with Safety & Risk Management, UPD, Dean of Students Office, and others to provide temporary or long-term accommodations for TAMUC students. During the most recent off-campus apartment fire, RLL provided accommodation to four students,” Michael Stark, director, Residential Living and Learning said in a prepared statement. TAMUC has a communication tree which was activated during this incident, according to Dr. Thomas Newsome, associate vice president and dean of students.
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This protocol involved the University Police department contacting Derek Preas, director of campus operations & safety who responded to the fire and notified Newsome that students were affected. “Focus was on the exact needs,” Newsome said, so that “life is uninterrupted.” The university’s approach during an incident is global i.e., food, shelter and personal belongings. Preas took some of the students to Walmart that night to purchase toiletry items and clothing. “TAMUC is a member of the large and supportive A&M System,” Pinckard said, “and they can provide extra resources when needed.” During an incident, the university’s immediate goal is outreach: triage and crisis management. “The university counseling center maintains a 24-hour crisis line and UPD officers will stay with someone during a crisis until a counselor arrives,” Pinckard said. The university’s care team will continue to assess the situation and provide assistance
“I am grateful that no one was seriously injured, and I am proud of the way that our university community responded to the off-campus apartment fire on Oct. 11. Our first responsibility is always to ensure the safety and well-being of our community, and we pride ourselves on our ability to help students when unexpected events like this occur. Upon hearing about this off-campus fire, we were able to use the resources of the University to help our students find needed accommodations in a very short period of time. We will continue to work with those students who were impacted, to assist them in their continuing success on and off campus,” Dr. Mark Rudin, university president said in a statement. The East Texan EXTRA is published as part of the Texas A&M University-Commerce student publications and journlaism program. Content and design of the EXTRA is the responsibility of the journalism and mass media students in the MMJ314 Intermediate Reporting class. Student Contributors: John Parsons, Ian Lucas, Arion Ellis, Courtney Reed, Lauryn Harris, Brianna Patt, Jennifer Bussey, Andrea Aranda, Bailea Elam, Olivia Warren. Faculty Adviser: Fred Stewart
Criminal Report in Commerce
Support for domestic abuse victims was another topic at ‘All Words Matter’. Martinez said that both sexes should feel represented.
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“I want to make sure people know that this is a human issue, it is not just a gender issue,” Martinez said. Adam Metts and Wendy Shelton, staff members of the counseling center, were also on hand to talk to students about microaggression and answer questions on how it may affect them.
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“We’re here to help students process the effect that [micro-aggression] has on them,” Shelton said. “If a student should be ‘activated’ or triggered, we can take them to the counseling center and help them deal with that.” Sally Smith-Vaughn, graduate assistant with S.E.E.D.S, is in charge of organizing the events on campus that aim toward diversity and inclusion. The next interactive event hosted by S.E.E.D.S will be the ‘Tunnel of Oppression’, which focuses on “raising awareness on contemporary social issues.”
as needs arise.
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Lions Cousins Program provides cultural exchange opportunities By Brianna Patt Having kicked off Feb. 7, the Lion Cousins mentor program serves to pair up international and American students to allow them to learn about each other’s culture. “I have always loved seeing different cultures,” member of Lion Cousins program Kaetlin Stigall said, “and customs rich in history from all over the world.” The Lion Cousins program pairs American students with a Lion Cousin whom they must contact within the first week and encourages students to meet twice a month. The program includes students from Nepal, India, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, China, and Taiwan being the most represented. According to Stigall, what made her participate in this program was the chance to examine how people communicate in their respective languages. “I am intrigued by languages and how people communicate,” she said, “and what it truly means to convey messages using a language.” According to a forum about the Lion Cousins program, students are encouraged
to keep an open mind in terms of differing religious and cultural differences. Members are encouraged to attend a variety of activities together such as joining a student program, attending a religious service, go out for a movie, etc. Stigall said that international students will get the chance to learn about the other persons culture and their new environment. “International students will be impacted by this program because they also get to learn about a new culture and actively participate in their new cultural surroundings,” Stigall said. “I hope than any international student that is participating will be able to gain new insights about the many cultures here in America.” This event was headed by the Office of International Programs, which has hosted other events like the Global Cultural Festival and the International Coffee Hour. The latter of which served the similar purpose of connecting international and local students. For Stigall, that exchange of culture can lead to better comprehension and ultimately, unity. With this event, Stigall found the opportunity to exchange cultures, make friends from all over the world and gain another’s perspective on cultural ideologies.