The Appalachian, Jan. 15, 2015

FROM BEARS

The Appalachian Thursday, January 15, 2015

TUITION HIKE If approved, Appalachian’s tuition will be raised by 5 percent for the coming two academic years.

$28,902

$27,697

$26,605 $24,940

$14,386

$13,872

$13,438 $12,952 ‘13-’14

‘14-’15 In-State

‘16-’17 Out-of-State

Tragedy inspires a community’s support

by Thomas Culkin News Reporter

Mandie Phillips, an Appalachian State University senior, passed away after a fatal automobile accident Dec. 20, 2014. However, the tragedy has led to an outpouring of support from those who knew her.

Phillips had a joint-lease in a house with two other students, Ashlee and Olivia Sabins, whose landlord refused to adjust their rent, requiring them to pay Phillips’ portion until they could find a subleaser.

Despite the circumstances, Ashlee Sabins said she does not resent the landlord.

“We don’t know if [the landowner] is unwilling or unable to offer us financial help,” Ashlee Sabins said. “Maybe renting out this house is his only source of income. There are a lot of things that can explain his not cutting the rent back.”

Katelyn Mcquatters, a junior economics major and friend of Phillips, started a fundraiser which can be found at www.gofundme. com/jothag to help pay the rent.

“I honestly didn’t think it would make a difference, so I just told [Mcquatters] to go ahead and do it,” Ashlee Sabins said.

The actual response could not have been further from the expectation. Mcquatters said the fundraiser met its goal within the

first 24 hours. As of press time, the fundraiser had surpassed its $1,500 goal, raising $1,742.

“It’s crazy to see that it wasn’t just a couple people giving us huge lump sums of money,” Mcquatters said. “It was a bunch of people giving $5 and $10, so it’s crazy to see how many people wanted to help, even if they knew they couldn’t give a lot.”

Ashlee Sabins said all the additional money raised will go to the Phillips family who will donate the money to a charity Mandie Phillips would have liked. Phillips’ friends said she always embodied a philanthropic nature.

“She was always giving more than I think she even had, but that was just her spirit,” Mcquatters said.

In addition, Ashlee Sabins said she will be selling bracelets around campus. The bracelets won’t have a fixed price, so the buyer can decide how much they want to donate.

“Even if you’ve only got some loose change, that’s fine,” Ashlee Sabins said.

Inscribed on the bracelets will be the phrase, “Mandie for President.”

“Mandie always said she was going to become president one day,” Ashlee Sabins said.

The money raised by the bracelet sale will go toward travel expenses and other costs for bringing the Phillips family to Boone for a

SEE SUPPORT PAGE 3

‘17-’18 Infographic by Malik Rahili

page 6

Tuition may increase by 5 percent

by Laney Ruckstuhl News Editor

T

uition could see a 5 percent increase for the next two academic years alongside a raise in student fees, creating additional revenue of approximately $8.6 million for the university by 2017.

Under the proposal, undergraduate in-state tuition with standard room and board will be raised to $13,872 for 2015-16 and $14,386 for 201617 respectively, while out-ofstate will cost $27,697 and $28,902.

The university’s tuition and fees committees, which include four and six current students, respectively, presented proposals to Chancellor Sheri N. Everts, who then recommended them to Appalachian State University’s Board of Trustees in a Dec. 12 meeting.

Carson Rich, student government president and mem-

SEE TUITION PAGE 4

Students plan future of solidarity

by Nicole Caporaso Senior News Reporter

Several Appalachian State University students remain dedicated to their fight for social justice as the spring semester begins, with one of the next steps being seven students attending a conference at the University of Arizona Jan. 15-17.

Mary Lyons, senior art education major and one of the students attending the Black Life Matters conference, started a www.gofundme. com page asking for donations with the goal of $2,000 to help offset the rough cost of $5,000 for the students.

As of press time, there have been $240 in donations via the page.

Additional funding, aside from the money the students attending will personally

contribute and donations, has come from university sources, including the Office of Multicultural Student Development, the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership and the Office of Student Research, Lyons said.

Lyons said as the funding numbers continue to change, the group does “not want to let classism cloud us to being able to be inclusive.” She also said getting funding has been an unacceptable battle.

“Different administrators have made comments to make it seem like [they’re] just going to make this as difficult as possible in hopes that you go away,” Lyons said. “And when you’re talking about race and some-

SEE SOLIDARITY PAGE 4

in photos

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THE KING STREET HOUSE

Chris Deverell Charlotte-based band Sinai Vessel finished a winter tour of the United States at The King Street House in Boone on Jan. 10.

Supporting acts included Pictures of Vernon, Sunnyvale, Secret Stuff, Driftwood Miracle, and Boone locals Junior In His Prime. The King Street House is one of several do-it-yourself venues in Boone that provides an alternative space for an allages crowd.

news

3

New fraternity focuses on brotherhood, philanthropy

by Madison Barlow Intern News Reporter

When freshman marketing major Dylan Cross began his career at Appalachian State University, he knew he wanted to get involved on campus, but never thought he would join a fraternity.

But when Phi Kappa Tau began being advertised as a new Greek organization on campus, Cross said his interest was piqued.

“I never was really interested in Greek Life or joining a fraternity,” he said. “I didn’t think it was my scene, but a few of my friends who are on the ski team with me convinced me to go to an interest meeting for Phi Kappa Tau. I was really drawn to the fact that a lot of the guys share the same interests as I do.”

Although Cross and many other brothers across campus only got involved with PKT this past fall semester, the organization has been in the process of colonizing since last spring.

Sophomore marketing major and PKT Chapter President

Robert Purcell said he was interested in bringing a new fraternity to campus and began working with Becky Cooke, the assistant director for Fraternity and Sorority Life, to see what he could do.

“When I began talking with Becky about the idea of bringing a new organization to campus, she told me that Phi Kappa Tau’s national headquarters had already contacted her with an interest in bringing the organization to App this semester,” Purcell said. “I knew it was going to be a great experience and a good fit for Greek Life here from the beginning.”

After his meeting with Cooke, Purcell began to set up interest meetings for potential brothers and began operating as an interest group on campus.

“I got in contact with PKT’s national headquarters, and they gave me the goal to facilitate an interest meeting with at least 20 interested guys,” Purcell said. “So, for the next few weeks I talked up the idea of it to a lot of my close friends.

When the first meeting came around we had 17 guys show up, and I was pretty happy.”

Over the summer, Purcell kept in touch with Alex Calor, the director of expansion for Phi Kappa Tau’s national headquarters.

“The process started pretty late into the spring semester, so Alex and I kept in touch and talked about facilitating growth for the group once school started again in the fall,” Purcell said. “Once school started I kept holding interest meetings for the group. And then, in October, two representatives from headquarters came for five weeks to help me with colony development, elections, recruitment and other administrative tasks.”

During that time, they went from approximately 40 members to 60.

PKT officially became colonized Nov. 22 in a colonization ceremony held in the Plemmons Student Union with 57 bidded members.

“It was a good feeling to see all of everyone’s hard work pay off,” Purcell said. “It was a relief that all of the earliest challenges were done, and I’m excited that now we can move forward and start operating as

any other frat would.”

While all of the bidded members have different reasons for joining PKT, sophomore nursing major Alex Haugh was interested in the organization as a way to meet new friends.

“I love App, but I didn’t make as many friends as I wanted to my freshman year,” Haugh said. “I saw Phi Kappa Tau as a way to give back, get involved and be with new friends who had the same interests and common goal as I did.”

Haugh is most looking forward to brotherhood and philanthropy events in the future.

“I’m excited to get everything going now that we are colonized,” he said. “I know we’re starting to plan different events and functions, and that’ll all be new to me, so I’m looking forward to see how that goes.”

Purcell is also excited about the future events.

“We’re a really young group, and there’s a lot to learn,” he said. “But I can’t wait to see how the men and organization as a whole grows over the next few years. The future definitely looks promising.”

Safely navigating wintry road conditions Mary Wood Intern News Reporter

As winter approaches, students and professors are sometimes challenged with driving in the snow and ice when classes are not canceled.

Some students, such as sophomore electronic media broadcasting major Carrie Douglas, say they worry about their safety when driving around Boone and going

SUPPPORT

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memorial service.

“We just want to show the Phillips family how much of a support system they have here at Appalachian State University,” Ashlee Sabins said. “This is such a great campus and university, I don’t doubt for a second that the service will be wonderful.”

The service will be held on Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. in IG Greer Hall, and will be a celebration of her life rather than a time of mourning.

“Mandie was something else,” Ashlee Sabins said. “She was a voice of our generation, that’s for sure.”tion, that’s for sure.”

on campus after 5 p.m., when parking restrictions do not apply.

“I’m from Illinois, so I’m used to driving in the snow, but even for me it is difficult to drive around Boone because it is very easy to slide on the ice,” Douglas said. “The ice is the main issue and I’d feel more comfortable on the AppalCART rather than my own car.”

Students worry that they

sometimes do not have the ability to make it to campus unless taking the AppalCART, which stops running at 10 p.m.

“One thing about driving on slickroadsismakingsureyoudecelerate slowly and prepare for breaking by taking it easy on the road,” ASU Police Captain Todd Corley said.

Corley said there is a slight increase in fender benders and accidents on campus dur-

ing these winter months.

“The main problem is cars being too close to each other,” he said. “There should be 8-12 seconds between each car.”

Corley also said drivers should concentrate on their acceleration and deceleration to prevent sliding.

If anyone has questions or concerns about driving in these conditions they can contact ASU police at 828-2622150.

Bike App plans to create Bike Center on campus

by Madison Barlow Intern News Reporter

When freshman psychology major Kaitlyn Poole began biking around campus, she was surprised at how mobile she was.

“It’s actually easier than one would think to maneuver campus on a bike,” she said. “I bike to classes and around town. Besides the environmental benefits, biking is a cheaper, easier alternative to a car.”

For students like Poole, who rely on a bike as their sole transportation method, biking on campus has become much more convenient. Appalachian State University’s Renewable Energy Initiative has partnered with the Outdoor Programs departments’ Bike App initiative to further fund bike repair stations around campus.

Liz Julian, graduate assistant at Outdoor Programs, said there are currently two bike repair stations and three bike

pumps on campus.

“There is a bike repair station at Lovill Hall near Sanford Mall, and another one at Frank Hall behind Duck Pond,” Julian said. “There are also bike pumps at those locations, and another one on Sanford Mall, in front of Anne Belk Hall.”

Julian said the Bike App initiative was first informally started in the 2014 spring semester after a proposal to Student Development.

“While they loved the idea, they wanted us to collect data that showed an actual need for the stations, statistically speaking,” she said.

After meeting with Student Development, Julian and the Outdoor Programs team proposed a project to ASUREI. Junior physics major, and secretary for ASUREI Scott Williams said the proposal was passed with a two-thirds vote by the organization’s committee members.

“We like to collaborate with

as many different organizations with similar goals as we can,” Williams said. “The Outdoor Program had a really great, well thought-out pitch and their project proposal shared multiple common goals of our initiative. We thought it was a great idea.”

Since the proposal passed, the Bike App initiative has received about $7,700 in grants from ASUREI. “The money from the REI grants go toward the whole process of purchasing, planning and installing the bike pumps and repair stations,” Julian said. “With the grant money that we got from REI this past November, we plan to install four to five more bike repair stations. We have already had several meetings about the new stations, but don’t have any designated locations as of right now.”

Julian said the Bike App initiative team has several shortterm and long-term goals for

the project and organization.

“For the short term, we’re really going to focus on increasing programming and promotion around campus,” she said. “We also are going to be involved with Earth Week. For the long term, we want to focus on data collection and increasing awareness on campus so that we can eventually re-submit our proposal of a Bike Center on campus to Student Development.”

Julian believes biking is a good alternative transportation and if students were informed on how to properly take care of bikes and how to bike safely, then it would greatly benefit Appalachian’s outdoor focused community.

“If students were provided with the necessary tools to properly take care of a bike, and were educated on the benefits of biking, I think they would love biking just like I did,” she said. “That’s what the Bike App initiative is all about.”

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 thing that is so difficult and is something that is so resisted on this campus as being a problem that is being dealt with, it’s very harmful for efforts like this that will be so beneficial to this campus, to not be embraced as wholeheartedly as they should.”

According to blacklifemattersconference.com, the conference will be multi-faceted and will include various types of activities including lectures, hands-on working sessions, arts and performances and social justice actions.

Victor Moore, a senior graphic design major and conference attendee said he would personally like to learn ways to combat racism, not

TUITION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ber of both the tuition and fees committees, said Everts decreased a few fee proposals before they were submitted to the BOT. The proposals will now be submitted to the University of North Carolina Board of Governors for approval during their next meeting on Jan. 16, who can choose to approve them as is or make changes of their own discretion.

Rich said the increases cover a wide range of areas,

only on Appalachian’s campus, but also abroad.

Moore said to be able to go somewhere that’s not a predominantly white institution and have a conference shows that it is a relevant issue for it to be as big as it is at the University of Arizona.

“I think the fact that we’ve committed to going already and that we’ve gone outside and gotten extra funding, will show the administrators here and the people here how important the issue is and that it’s a relevant issue,” Moore said. “We will go above and beyond to make sure it is known that it’s a relevant issue.”

Rachel Clay, a senior women’s studies major and additional upcoming attendee said she is honored to go to the conference as an

including faculty raises and hires, textbook rental, housing renovations, and even food additions to Roess Dining Hall with the help of feedback taken from a student survey.

“The increases seem justified, but students expect follow-through,” Rich said.

Bradley Adcock, Director of ASU’s BOT said he feels the tuition and fee hikes are an appropriate amount to meet the university’s needs.

“It came to us from various committees on campus and we felt like it was in the best

ally and that she will exercise what she has learned upon returning.

“I’m trying to understand language to use as an ally to combat racism at our school and a lot of it will be listening, Clay said. “Especially at App State, I may be listened to more as a white person because it isn’t personal to me. I will be able to use my privilege more effectively in gaining terminology and history of race, and I’ll be able to share that with other students here at App.” These same students, among others, attended a meeting on Tuesday evening, regarding the future of ASU in Solidarity.

As for increasing the numbers of non-caucasian students on-campus and improving race relations, Lyons said it is not the job of the students, but is a responsibility of the univer-

interest of the students and the university,” Adcock said.

Adcock said the proposal meets tuition increase guidelines laid out for all UNC-system universities by the BOG. 5 percent is currently the maximum number that UNC institutions are allowed to request as a tuition hike.

Kim Overcash, Associate Director of Student Financial Aid said financial aid amounts are adjusted for students to reflect raises in tuitions.

Overcash said amounts are also adjusted along with rais-

sity.

“We pay them to do the job of improving student life, and by and large, as a system, they’re failing,” Lyons said.

Possible plans for the semester will be taken in three steps: education, action and administration.

Possibilities include partnering with other student organizations, creating posters, brochures or fliers, race workshop series and possibly petitioning administration for a social justice category of general education.

“The Mountaineer family is a myth and we need to take steps to make it one,” Lyons said. “The culture and climate of this university is that if it’s not a burning issue we’re dealing with, we’re not going to talk about it.”

es in fees, room and board as financial aid allotted for students is meant to be “an estimate of what a student may spend for an academic year and is also the maximum amount of financial aid a student may receive in total awards for which he/she qualifies.”

Appalachian has continuously been recognized for its affordability, including recent accolades such as Kiplinger’s “24 Best College Values Under $30,000 a Year,” Forbes’ “Top Colleges 2014: Best Schools, Best Value, Best

Be part of a legacy

For You” and Princeton Review’s 2014 “Best Value Colleges.”

Rich said he thinks it is important for students to understand that in the long run, the increases allow for changes to be made for the betterment of the school.

“Some things are being raised just so we can hire back some of the professors that we lost,” Rich said. “It’s not like the university is trying to break the bank on certain students but things have to increase. It’s just to get us back to where we were.”

FM 0.5 WASU the

APP

Join Student Media

Appalachian Student Media is seeking applications for the following 2015-2016 academic year positions -Editor-in-Chief of The Peel Literature & Arts Review

-Business Manager of The Appalachian student newspaper

Applications should include • • • •

Cover Letter Current Resume Answers to the supplemental questions Examples of work and a list of references

To apply email:

dycheab@appstate.edu or valliehill@appstate.edu

-Editor-in-Chief of The Appalachian student newspaper -Station Manager for 90.5 WASU-FM The App The Appalachian and The Peel applications should be sent to dycheab@appstate.edu.

Application for WASU should be dropped off at the radio station in the Beasley Media Complex.

Application deadline: Jan. 22 at 5 p.m.

app news

5 Submit Announcements App News is a service of the Division of Student Development.

Email dycheab@appstate.edu at least two weeks in advance.

Submissions should not exceed 100 words and must include the event title, date/time, location and cost, other pertinent information and a contact(s) (email, phone and/or URL). Announcements will be edited as needed and will run as space allows. Preference will be given for events that are free or have a nominal cost.

Free tax assistance ASU’s Walker College of Business in partnership with the IRS will provide free tax assistance for individuals or families with a combined household income of $60,000 or less. Anyone can prepare and e-file their own federal and state income taxes for free using www.myfreetaxes.com. (If income is greater than $60,000, modest charges will apply.)

The Free Tax Help Lab, will be held 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Feb. 3-April 15, room 2014, Peacock Hall. IRScertified volunteers will provide one-on-one assistance for those who need help or have questions.

For more information, visit the MyFreeTaxes website or email hofmannma@appstate.edu.

Red Flag Campaign The Red Flag Campaign is now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 academic year. Open to students who want to edu-

cate Appalachian’s community on being active bystanders and are dedicated to ending violence.

Visit redflag.appstate.edu to learn more about the responsibilities and role of being a Red Flag Educator. Applications are due March 6. For more information email hartmanep@appstate.edu.

Ski specials ASU’s Outdoor Programs is partnering with Appalachian Ski Mountain to offer ASU students deals on lift tickets for the Jan. 16, Feb. 6 and Feb. 27 Midnight Blast sessions. Each session lasts from 5 p.m. to midnight. Lift tickets are $15, and rentals and group lessons are discounted as well. Show your ASU ID to the ticket window on these dates to receive discounts.

Students can also purchase two Midnight Blast sessions, and get a third one free.

An Evening with Julian Bond The 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration: An Evening with Julian Bond will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 23, Schaefer Center. Bond was a founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and is a former Chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He has been an active participant in the movements for civil rights, economic justice, and peace and an aggressive spokesman for the disinherited. In 2002, he received the prestigious National Freedom Award. He has also been named one of America’s top 200 leaders

by Time Magazine. In 2008, he was named a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress.

For more information, visit multicultural.appstate.edu or email multicultural@appstate.edu.

Expressive Arts Group for Veterans The group is open to any faculty, staff and student veterans at Appalachian State University.

The group’s purpose is to allow for the establishment of community amongst veterans and to offer creative outlets to explore through multiple modes of expression. No art or music skills are necessary to participate, and there is no cost.

For more information, email falckms@appstate.edu or call 828-2622696. All sessions will be held at 5:45 p.m. in room 306, College of Education. The dates are: Jan. 27, Feb. 10, Feb. 24, March 17, March 31, April 14 and April 28.

Suicide Prevention Training Learn how to help someone who is showing signs of emotional distress. By the end of this training, participants will know the warning signs for suicide, how to intervene, and where to go for more help. All training sessions will be held in Three Top Mountain, PSU. • 4-6 p.m. Jan. 29 • noon-2 p.m. Feb. 23 • 6-8 p.m. March 25 • 10 a.m.-noon April 21 • 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 22 • 6-8 p.m. April 27 • 3-5 p.m. April 28 • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April 29

Media Studies The Department of Curriculum & Instruction in the Reich College of Education offers many courses in media studies. Take one class, or continue on for the Media Studies minor. Students don’t have to be education majors to register for the classes. Class subjects include digital photography and imaging, audio documentary, media literacy, and media image and influence.

The new building on campus is equipped with a Mac-based Media Lab, where students can access software like Adobe Premiere, Lightroom, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop. Students enrolled in our media courses may also borrow equipment like digital SLR cameras, video cameras, and lighting equipment.

To learn more, check out the undergraduate course catalog for offerings, or email a Media Studies faculty with your specific questions: goodmanjm@appstate.edu, redmondta@appstate.edu or hensonja@appstate.edu.

Business Club Expo 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 27, second floor Boyles Lobby, Peacock Hall.

Representatives from 20+ clubs and organizations with a “home base” in the Walker College of Business will be on hand for the information fair-style event. Learn about social, service and networking opportunities. All organizations are recruiting new members for spring 2015. Open to students of all majors.

January

sunday

monday 11

tuesday 12

wednesday 13

14

friday

thursday 15 “Boyhood” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2 Welcome Back Hot Chocolate Bar, 2-4 p.m., Roess Dining Hall, free

saturday 16

“Sleepless in Seattle” screening, 7 p.m., Greenbriar, PSU, $1

17 “Boyhood” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2

“Boyhood” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2 Midnight Blast ski specials, Appalachian Ski Mountain, 5 p.m.-midnight, $15 lift tickets/students Last day to add a class

18

19 State holiday

20

21

22

Winter Club Expo, “Philadelphia” Alex Boatwright/ 10 a.m.-2 p.m., PSU, screening, 7 p.m., Guest Cello Recital, free Greenbriar, PSU, $1 6 p.m., Recital Hall, free The Infamous Stringdusters, 9 Chrome Scene and p.m., Legends, Sensation of Falling, $10/advance/stu- 9:30 p.m., Legends, dents, $12/door $4/advance/students, $6/door

23 “Gone Girl” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2 “Philadelphia” screening, 7 p.m., Greenbriar, PSU, $1 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration: An Evening with Julian Bond, 7 p.m., Schaefer Center

24 “Gone Girl” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2

#

a&e

Chris Deverell

Singer/guitarist Ben Taylor of From Bears performing at the Grotto House, Oct. 24, 2014.

From Bears to Black Cat

Local band to release first professional recordings Friday

by Lovey Cooper Senior A&E Reporter

L

ocal four-piece progressive psychedelic band From Bears releases “Drone Star,” the band’s first professionally recorded EP, this Friday. The students will perform their four new songs alongside friends Earth Mover and JC Graves at Black Cat Burrito the same night.

“Drone Star” explores a more serious side to the band’s experimental musicality.

Originally named Running From Bears, the band transformed its sound when the members moved into a house with a basement practice area their sophomore year at Appalachian State

University.

The release follows their previous full album, “Aphelion,” and another EP, “Wompus and Son.” Both were recorded last year using an amateur setup in that same basement. Following a lengthy courtship with Wet Bandit Studios’ Ben Mercer, the band was tempted to take its own product more seriously.

After a string of successful shows, the band raised enough money to take him up on that offer, with Mercer himself occasionally joining in on drums. After much personal involvement, Mercer will perform with the band Friday, said Ben Taylor, who plays guitar and sings for the band.

Review

by Lovey Cooper Senior A&E Reporter

Noiseless – The first track opens sounding fittingly droning, low key and full of feeling. A refrain of the haunting line “I don’t hear voices” contributes to a slow build and culminates from a haunting chant into a triumphant infectious groove by the end of the song. A great introduction to the band’s polished potential.

Dream Reader – Dream Reader picks up directly where the song last leaves off, and feels very cool, uncaring and, indeed, dreamy. The bridge features sweeping synthesizers and shows

The quality upgrade is the most noticeable change with this album, said Trent Mason, who plays keyboard and guitar. The use of higher-end equipment gives them the freedom to experiment.

“We had a lot of things we could play with in the studio to get the sounds we wanted, so we are learning more how to sculpt our sound, sonically,” Mason said. He noted that the songs included wouldn’t work outside of this context. One song brings in a cello, a first for both the band and Mercer’s recording expertise.

“It felt more like this is what I should be doing, rather than just a hobby,” said Matt Nemeth, who provides drums and vocals. He calls

the band having a little fun with the album’s theme, and while could been seen as a little unsettlingly futuristic for the band’s usual sound, ultimately makes sense – and might make even more sense when performed live.

“There are ways of doing something that might be unhealthy,” Little said of the lyrics to the song.

Strings – The third track immediately lets off a different vibe than the two before it, with a refreshing return to the band’s usual off-center, driving and poppy angst. Although the least experimental track on the album, Strings is a well-polished and perfectly orchestrated version of what one has come to expect from the band’s previous work. The work

their live act and the recorded music two different kinds of experiences, both of which the band puts a lot of time and effort into, in different ways.

“Some of the lyrics in the songs, we were thinking about appeasement,” Doug Little, who plays bass and guitar, said. “A drone star can be either a shining example of something or a monotonous, boring tone.”

Each member brought in his own song individually to the group first on guitar, then switched off amongst themselves and shook up their usual instrumentation – “musical chairs,” they call it.

A return to Black Cat is a welcomed change, after facing varying success on the

road. The venue usually treats them well, and this show looks to be mostly in good fun – their parents are coming out to see it.

The challenge now is to transfer that success out of Boone. A possible East Coast tour is in the works for the band later this year, working off of their friendships with other local bands to know where to play and who to contact along the way. Overall, recordings like this are created with the goal of getting more people to spread the music and turn heads of record labels, rather than turning a profit.

The release show is this Friday at 10:30 p.m. at Black Cat. Tickets are $5 at the door.

that the group has put into progressing their sound shows through and holds well here.

Severed Light – The introduction of the cello, performed by friend of the band Andrew Baber, is instantly something new, but transitions well into a familiar sound with another new addition of dueling guitars. Fittingly with the rest of the album, it is creepy, eerie and almost whining – in a good way. The song again culminates into another groove. While the transitions between styles in this song could sound a little disjointed at places, ultimately it feels intentionally jarring and almost theatrical. Appropriately, Taylor said that the song was written in four different and distinct acts.

From Bears ‘Drone Star’

7

ASU in Solidarity opens avenue for expressive arts

by Emma Speckman A&E Editor

In the wake of the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and Eric Garner in Staten Island, New York last summer, sympathy, support and solidarity movements cropped up across the nation, creating dialogue about race relations and police accountability.

In support of the movements across the nation, a Facebook page titled “ASU in Solidarity” was created for students at Appalachian State University to share articles and opinions on the subject matter as well as bring attention to protests.

Cara Hagan, an assistant professor of theatre and dance at Appalachian, saw how students reacted and wanted to contribute in her

own way – through art.

Hagan will lead an informal planning session for an upcoming project, currently titled “Art and Social Justice,” in the Rough Ridge room of Plemmons Student Union at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

The goal, Hagan said, is to allow artists on campus to express their feelings and contribute their opinions in a way that comes natural to them.

While there is room after a national tragedy for letter writing, voting and protesting, Hagan said some people are more comfortable working out big issues through their art.

“I would like to manifest being politically engaged,” Hagan said. “And I’m interested in seeing what the students are interested in.

You can do something one

way and it will speak to one group of people, but you can do something another way and it will speak to another group.”

Hagan said so far the students she has spoken with seem excited and ready for a community project like this.

“I’d love to see the art department involved in some way to bring awareness to social justice issues, especially since they emphasize contemporary issues influencing art in history,” senior studio art major Sloane Whaley said. “It’d also bring students together if we were able to do collaborative pieces.”

Through the “Art and Social Justice” project, Whaley plans to create one solo art piece and one collaborative piece with another art stu-

dent.

“The solo piece would be in response to the multiple cases of police brutality, especially toward [people of color],” Whaley said. “The collaborative piece might be more specific to one case or to ASU in Solidarity. We haven’t worked out the details to that yet.”

Combining art and community engagement is not a new venture for Hagan. She moved to Boone from the Piedmont-Triad area two years ago, where she created a domestic violence and gender stereotype awareness nonprofit titled “The Wedding Dress Project.”

The project helps women who have struggled with domestic violence work out issues through dress deconstruction workshops, other art projects and writing dis-

plays.

Hagan’s efforts with the “Art and Social Justice” project are supported by the Office of Multicultural Student Development, which is heavily involved in the ASU in Solidarity movement.

Gus Peña, director of Multicultural Student Development, said Hagan has connected with the ASU in Solidarity Facebook group with the question, “Is there a space for expressive arts within this movement?”

“It is my hope that our students continue to use their voices to speak to kind of put a mirror up to this community, to see what our experiences are,” Peña said. “A movement like this helps us to hopefully recognize the connections and to hopefully feel some collective responsibility.”

Lyric hosts Verses Grand Poetry Slam for student poets

by Aleah Warner

Intern A&E Reporter

Appalachian State University’s spoken word poetry club, Lyric, will ring in the new semester with its first annual Grand Poetry Slam on Jan. 27 at The Local in downtown Boone.

Students competing in the Grand Poetry Slam will have the opportunity to compete against one another for a spot on Verses, Appalachian’s only competitive poetry slam club and team.

The 12 top scoring poets from previous slams hosted by Lyric will be presenting original works to be judged by randomly selected audience members. Four winners will be selected to join the slam team that will compete at this year’s College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational in March at Virginia Com-

monwealth University.

Kip McMillan, a sophomore nursing major and the community organizer of Lyric, said the slam competitions offer a different environment from weekly “open mic” events hosted at Bald Guy Brew, which are more informal and relaxed.

“A poetry slam is a game, basically,” McMillan said. “Poets get together and compete with their poetry, using spoken word as a performance. You get three minutes to spit your stuff and then you get judged.”

Lyric has been hosting poetry slams for almost a year. Since last January, the club has worked to provide a place where students can express themselves and improve their skills in a fun and welcoming environment.

“We tried to go to CUPSI last year and didn’t have

the funds or the experience necessary, so the fact that it’s finally happening is super exciting for everyone, but especially those involved [from] last year,” sophomore English major and Grand Poetry Slam contestant Barry Jones said.

Shane “Kermit” Margeson, a senior English major who will be competing in the Grand Poetry Slam, said this will be the first year that a slam team will represent Appalachian State University at CUPSI, and he hopes the momentum will continue so they can send a better team year after year.

“The best part of the slams is hearing the poets’ work,” Margeson said. “These are normal people who live, laugh and play in the same town as us, but when they perform a truly impressive poem, they seem superhuman. They move the whole room with only their voice and their wit.”

NouN kicks off semester with free improv comedy show

by Kelsey Hamm Intern A&E Reporter

Appalachian’s only improvisational comedy group, NouN, will hold a free performance Friday Jan. 16 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Whitewater Café.

The show will feature new routines by the troupe that have never performed on campus, said senior fermentation science major and NouN treasurer Shane Jones.

“More recently, we’ve been trying to get more shows on campus,” said Grayson Rieth, junior theater educa-

tion major and NouN president.

NouN is also currently working with App Cable to produce NouN comedic television, launching in March, Jones said.

“We’re currently doing a lot of preproduction stuff and getting everything up to the quality that is needed for television,” Reith said. “After App Cable has its launch, anyone who wants to be a part of it can contact us, and we can work with them to get their ideas on television. App Cable and NouN specifically is an open forum to anyone who has comedic

ideas.”

NouN was started 15 years ago as one of the only college improv troupes in North Carolina. Previous NouN presidents and performers have continued their comedic careers locally, and in cities like New York and Chicago.

“It’s a very interactive art form,” Rieth said. “It’s something that involves a lot of audience participation, and it’s a great way for people to get that creative bug inside of them out on stage. Improv really helps with getting people out of their comfort

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The preparation for an improv comedy show is different than regular theater, said Casey Wiltgen, sophomore public relations major and NouN secretary.

“We are often asked ‘How do you practice improv?’” Wiltgen said, “And that in itself is ironic because you can’t practice what you are doing.

None of it is rehearsed. The only thing that’s set beforehand is the format of the games. So our practicing is about becoming more comfortable with the people around you and knowing their tendencies.”

The audition process for NouN, which currently has 10 active members, occurs at the beginning of the fall semester, Jones said. Only one audition process occurs each year so that new members have time to learn about each other’s style.

“It’s a very team-oriented game,” Rieth said. “You have to establish the group mind so that you know you’re on the same page as other team members. Oftentimes you’ll know how everything will play out because you know your partner so well. If [a member] doesn’t show up to practice, they won’t have a similar team mentality and that makes it much harder to do improv.

NouN holds open practices for all students every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. in Chapel Wilson Hall, room 105.

opinion

8

Higher education discourse must be broadened Kevin Griffin Opinion Writer

President Obama’s proposal to provide free community college to students meeting certain requirements is interesting because it is so rare that the idea of free higher education in any form gains much traction in mainstream discourse.

The plan would give two free years of community college to individuals who enroll at least part-time and maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average, according to www.whitehouse.gov.

Should this plan or any ver-

sion ever become law, these things should certainly be addressed.

What I find most interesting is the impact this may have on the discussion about higher education in the United States.

Given the political situation, it is unlikely that the Obama plan, or even a similar plan, would pass congress.

Still, having someone as major as the president push for free higher education does matter. In part because of cultural beliefs about the role of government and need for self-reliance, the idea of free higher education does go over well with many people.

Yet, for over a century now we have come to accept the idea that the government will not only provide but mandate public education for children up through high school. The

rationale behind this was that a certain level of education was needed in the general public to promote a strong, modern economy.

Certainly we could at least debate the merits of extending that beyond primary schooling, given the changes that have taken place in the world and the need for higher education to have economic success.

The debate about higher education should be broadened so that we can truly examine what the best approach should be. Rather than rejecting the idea of free higher education out of hand, we should debate the idea both philosophically and practically, to see if it is right and feasible.

Personally, I would not go so far as to support universal free education, but do think

that government should make efforts to ensure as many people can have access as possible.

For that reason, plans such as the one proposed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren that would allow students to refinance loans is a good one because it allows for personal responsibility and flexibility. Unfortunately, the bill failed in the Senate, according to The Washington Post.

However, I believe the discourse can benefit from a variety of views, even and perhaps particularly by those deemed radical. If nothing else comes of it, I hope the proposal at least helps open up the discussion.

Griffin, a junior journalism major from Madison, is an opinion writer.

Medicaid expansion would be beneficial for NC Kevin Griffin Opinion Writer

In a positive development, Gov. Pat McCrory appears to be considering some form of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act for North Carolina.

After a meeting with President Obama on Jan. 6, McCrory said that he was considering expanding Medicaid with a waiver that would modify the implementation, according to The News & Observer.

While we should be wary of modifications that would lessen the positive impact of implementation, the fact North Carolina may soon be getting this expansion is good news.

Medicaid expansion has shown to be beneficial in many of the places that have adopted it. A November 2013 Kaiser Family Foundation review of studies showed that Medicaid expansion would likely lead to such benefits as increased government revenues and higher economic output.

I hope Medicaid will be expanded so we can enjoy the benefits, but I also hope the modifications to the program will not diminish the gains.

Griffin, a junior journalism major from Madison, is an opinion writer.

Bridget Mundy | The Appalachian

Placing blame on Hebdo cartoonists is unfair Hannah Malcolm Opinion Writer

Despite the tragic deaths of Charlie Hebdo’s cartoonists, some people have criticized them and blamed them for the attack, claiming that their cartoons depicting Mohammad were racist and insensitive. This has turned what should be a time of mourning into a battle over the right to freedom of speech.

Freedom of speech has, of course, been limited in the past. Issues such as libel and slander are not

allowed. The question is normally whether or not Charlie Hebdo’s cartoons crossed the line.

Slavoj Zizek, the Slovenian philosopher, wrote of the attack in the New Statesman, and he argues that this attack on liberal democracy, instead of strengthening it, has highlighted its flaws and weaknesses. If we wish to preserve our freedoms, our way of life, then we must critically think.

Blaming the victims for their demise is surrendering and stating that we will give up our freedoms so as not to anger a small extremist group that dislikes them.

It is true that Islam generally frowns on depictions of the Prophet, but

it is also true that most Muslims do not view this as an offense punishable by death. In short, this terrorist attack, like others before it, is not condoned by the general Muslim community.

However, there has been a reaction which claims that we ought to regulate the press to avoid insulting minority populations.

Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson said that the Charlie Hebdo cartoons in question would have never been published in Australia because they would have been classified as racist.

Should there be a line when it comes to freedom of speech? Should we not have the ability to criticize freely, even to poke fun at

serious issues? That is, after all, the reason for satire. It seems rather wrong that the victims of a terrorist attack are the ones being blamed.

Protecting freedom of speech invariably means that we will have to listen to things that we do not agree with or do not want to hear. Freedom of speech is an essential prerequisite to a democratic society and government.

We gain nothing by limiting it.

When our freedoms are attacked, it becomes even more important for us to defend them by continuing to exercise them.

Malcolm, a junior history major from Walkertown, is an opinion writer.

9

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CRIME LOG BOONE

Jan. 13 10:34 p.m. | Possession of Marijuana Coltrane Hall An arrest was made for the possession of marijuana.

Jan 11 11:05 p.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Doughton Hall An arrest was made for underage consumption of alcohol.

Jan. 13 11:15 a.m. | Possession of Marijuana Rivers Street An arrest was made for the possession of marijuana.

Jan. 11 7:52 p.m. | Trespassing Belk Library An arrest was made for trespassing. .

Jan. 12 10:30 p.m. | Possession of Marijuana Hoey Hall An arrest was made for the possession of marijuana.

Jan. 11 12:54 p.m. | Possession of Marijuana Fields Way / Bodenheimer Drive An arrest was made for the possession of marijuana.

Jan. 11 3:33 p.m. | Found marijuana Woods behind Living Learning Center All leads have been closed / no disposition.

Jan. 10 7:30 p.m. | Drug Equipment- Equipment / Paraphernalia Bowie Hall An arrest was made for having drug equipment.

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10

App State looks to snap losing streak

by Cory Spiers

App State M E N ‘ S

B A S K E T B A L L

Thurs. Jan. 15 vs. Arkansas State (6-8, 1-4 Sun Belt) 7:30 p.m. Boone Sat. Jan. 17 vs. Georgia State (10-6, 3-2 Sun Belt), 3:30 p.m. Boone Monday. Jan. 19 @ Troy (6-7, 1-3) 8:30 p.m. Troy, Ala.

LAST TIME

FIRST MATCH

74-73

against GEORGIA STATE and TROY

vs. Arkansas State

Sports Editor

Back on track?

The Mountaineers edged Arkansas State 74-73 on Jan. 3 on the road. Freshman forward Milos Kostic made the go-ahead basket in the game’s final 15 seconds to lift App State to the win and snap what was then a three-game losing skid.

Since the win, the Mountaineers are in the midst of another threegame losing streak as they get set to host the Red Wolves at Holmes Convocation Center Thursday. In dramatic fashion, App State snapped a losing streak of the same length against this same squad on the road, so the Mountaineers should be confident.

First looks Following their home matchup with Arkansas State, the Mountaineers get their first look of the season at Sun Belt foes Georgia State and Troy at home and on the road, respectively.

The two opponents are a combined 16-13 so far this season, and the Mountaineers are looking to continue clawing up in the Sun Belt standings. At this point in the season, conference play is especially important for the young team.

The Mountaineers have only ONE win in their last EIGHT games. The road win over Arkansas State is also one of TWO times in the last EIGHT games that the team has scored more than 65 POINTS.

FREE THROW PERCENTAGE

FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE

POINTS PER GAME

64.4

PLAYER TO WATCH

TOMMY SPAGNOLO

Fifth-year senior Tommy Spagnolo was named team captain after the team's most recent loss to UALR on the road. Spagnolo is a force this year, averaging just shy of a double double with 10.7 PPG and 7.2 rebounds per game. His rebound totals lead the team and he will have to be active on both sides of the floor if the Mountaineers are to turn their season in the right direction.

11

W O M E N ‘ S

B A S K E T B A L L

Thursday, Jan. 15 vs. Arkansas State (10-5, 5-0 Sun Belt) 5 p.m. Boone Saturday, Jan. 17 Georgia State (7-7, 2-3 Sun Belt) 1 p.m. Boone Monday, Jan. 19 @ Troy (8-5, 3-1 Sun Belt) 6:15 p.m. Troy, Ala.

LAST TIME

FIRST MATCH

89-75

against GEORGIA STATE and TROY

game day

App State

vs. Arkansas State

App State has won FOUR of its last SIX games The Mountaineers are 2.5 GAMES out of FIRST PLACE in the Sun Belt.

FREE THROW PERCENTAGE

FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE

POINTS PER GAME

70.2

PLAYER TO WATCH

MARYAH SYDNOR

Sydnor is App State's biggest offensive threat and she was limited to just four first half points the last time out for the Mountaineers against UALR. App State shot just 27.6 percent from the floor in the loss, if the Mountaineers are to turn things around at home, Sydnor will need to be very active from the very beginning.

Staying the course

by Cory Spiers Sports Editor

Protecting home court Two of App State’s next three games are in Boone and for the Mountaineers, that is a great advantage. The team is 5-1 at home and starts the next slate of games by hosting Arkansas State, who rolled over App State 89-75 on the road on Jan. 3.

The Red Wolves (105), are currently second in the Sun Belt, so App State will have a chance to see how they measure up against a quality team in the place they have played their best this season.

Midseason success App State fell to UALR on the road, but has won two of its last three games. After a tough game against Arkansas State, the Mountaineers match up against Georgia State and Troy, who are a combined 15-12 on the season.

If head coach Angel Elderkin and her team are to continue their solid play, they will have to take care of business at home, and will get looks against two new Sun Belt foes for the first time this season, but with theirrecord at 7-6, the time to string to-

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