0205goldtorch

New Fraternity Welcomes Christian Brothers, Page 3

Fatimah Muhammed Dazzles as Miss Top Model See page 3

The Gold Torch

Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio | www.goldtorchnews.com

High gas prices hit studentsʼ pockets

By Genoa Rucker Contributing Writer

Central State students have been hit hard in the pockets due to high gas prices. Many students, like senior Erica Brown, find themselves unable to get to school due to the high cost of gas. Commuting from Dayton to the CSU campus in Wilberforce is about a 30-minute drive.

Brown spends an estimated $60 a week for gas.

So why is gas so expensive? According to How Stuff Works.com, gas prices increase when the worldʼs supply of oil shrinks. Itʼs all about supply and demand. The United States is heavily dependent on foreign oil supplies. Americans consume 115 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel each year driving their personal vehicles. (The figure doesnʼt include freight trucks, buses or corporate car fleets.)

Experts say commuters can improve their gas mileage by 33 percent on the highways and 5 percent in town by taking a few simple

steps. Drivers should stop driving aggressively. (Rapid acceleration and heavy breaking are characteristics of aggressive driving.) Operating a vehicle in overdrive or in cruise control mode also helps to reduce gas mileage. Alternative routes can be devised to shorten trips.

Charlene Ruggs, the secretary in Central Stateʼs financial aid department, has considered starting her own carpool to reduce the wear on her car and the number of miles she puts on her car. However, Ruggs has been unable to find anyone with a compatible travel schedule.

So where does that leave you?

CSU offers free transportation to the Xenia area. Students needing to go into town can take advantage of this service. For additional information on the vanʼs schedule contact driver Charles Haddix at (937) 3766449.

Commuters can also find the cheapest gas being sold in their area at gasbuddy.com.

Lady Marauders prepare for more victories See page 4

Page 1

Safety phones coming

By Darron Johnson Contributing Writer

Student pumps gas while watching the price.

In addition to all the new security cameras — most noticeable near Hunter and Williamson halls — Central State is planning to install emergency phones on campus.

These phones will link you to police if you or someone you know is in danger. “Central Stateʼs population has increased, so to insure safety we need to implement this plan,” Police Chief Tyree Broomfield said.

The university has not determined how many phones will be installed on campus or how much they will cost.

Broomfield said the first phone will be installed near the sunken garden by the end of spring quarter. The police department is trying to determine how many additional phones will be needed and where they should be located, taking into account the universityʼs expansion plans.

Police Chief Tyree Broomfield Rickey Holt, residence coordinator in Hunter Hall, is happy with the proposed new phones. “They will provide security and safety for students — mostly females, especially those without cell phones who are out late at night,” Holt said.

Holt is concerned, however, that students might abuse the phones, which are to be used only in emergencies. Holt said students must be told when to use the phones.

Broomfield said most students behave well and that the new phone system is not a sign that CSU has a crime problem. “I believe that the studentsʼ behavior is on the positive side,” Broomfield said.

No more floppies allowed in library

Students will soon need flash disks for use in computers all over campus

By Chris Kimber Contributing Writer

Floppy disks will be obsolete in all campus computers.

Central State University will make changes to the library computer lab winter quarter to make it more effective for students.

For years, students have complained about problems in the second floor computer lab in Hallie Q. Brown library – the most heavily used lab on campus. Students say the computersʼ floppy disk drives almost never work. They say that they arenʼt allowed to save documents on the hard drive which makes it dif-

ficult for students to do projects and reports.

Lab assistant Byron McCane said that students wonʼt be able to use floppy disks in the libraryʼs new computers. “Our plan is to make flash drives and CDs the main storage device,” McCane said. This should help reduce the number of problems that students are experiencing.

Computer lab coordinator Doug Robertson said floppy disks will soon be eventually “everywhere” on campus. Robertson said infor-

mation technology workers are tired of replacing the floppy disk drives. He said theyʼve already replaced those in the library 28 times, including just before the start of school.

Second-year student Greg Minifield does not think that banning floppies is the answer. “I donʼt think we should have to buy flask disks or CDs just so we can save our information,” Minifield said. “We should still be able to use the diskettes, and the computer lab should make the needed adjustments.”

Some students support the new plan. “I think the flash drives and CDs will be better, because now students can save more information than on the floppy disks,” senior Earl Haynes said. “The cost might be a little higher, but I feel these devices will be more useful.”

The Office of Information Technology has requested money from the administration to replace all of the computers in the library. If the request is approved, Robertson said the new computers could be installed winter quarter.

NEWS

Page 2

The Gold Torch | Wednesday, February 2, 2005

CSU student-recruiters head back to high school

By Artisha Lawson Contributing Writer

Ten Central State students spent winter break recruiting future CSU students at high schools throughout the country. The program, which began last year, sends students back to their hometown high schools on a one-day recruiting trip.

Precious Holley, the admissions officer who oversees the program, selected the students after they responded to advertisements posted around campus.

The Office of Admissions provided a workshop for the recruiters Nov. 9. Holley told the students how to dress, answer questions, and assist high school students in filling out a Central State admissions application. She also gave them useful statistics about CSU. “I composed common questions that I, as a recruiter, get asked all the time and wanted to train the hometown recruiters in those questions and more,” Holley said.

Holley encouraged students to promote the positive aspects of Central State and not to dwell on the negative. “Anywhere you go, you will have problems,” Holley said. “I would like for them to speak about the positives at Cen-

cal brief on the university. The recruiters then distributed applications to interested students.

Once the students completed the application, the recruiters gave them to the high school counselor who took over from there.

The Office of Admissions worked with each high schoolʼs counselor to schedule the high school visits. Recruiters were paid $40 to participate in the program. They could also recruit students at other high schools but were not paid. “It think this program is excellent,” Holley said.

Elessa Harris, a first year hometown recruiter and freshman at Central State University, returned to Willowarn High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She remembers when a CSU student came to her high school and said good things about the school. “I talked to him and saw how much fun he was having here,” Harris said.

Holley hopes that the program will attract a different kind of student at Central State University. “Our goal for this year is to obtain more quality students,” Holley said. “Those

who are dedicated to college and have a goal to finish.”

Holley is confident that the program will continue despite financial limitations. Sheʼll need more recruiters next year. “Seventy percent of our recruiters will be new,” Holley said.

Elessa Harris enjoyed her one-day job.

“My goal is to get more people to come to this school and to realize that CSU is a good school,” Harris said. “I feel good because Iʼm helping out my school.”

Project 100 attracts out-of-state students

By Shaneve Emmons Contributing Writer

More than 100 out-of-state students enrolled at Central State fall quarter as part of a scholarship program called Project 100.

Freshman Jessica Barker was one of them.

Barker said she owes Project 100 for her schooling.

“I was short on my tuition.” Barker said.

“I contacted the school in search of scholarships.”

Central State introduced Project 100 just last year. The innovative scholarship program “Our goal for this year is to obtain is designed to help students who couldnʼt otherwise attend college. In its first year, Project more quality students. ... Those 100 enrolled exactly 100 out- of-state students. who are dedicated to college and However, this year it enrolled 110 students as more students needed financial aid and met have a goal to finish.”

— Precious Holley the programʼs requirements.

Dr. Anthony Fairbanks, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, founded the tral State University.” Holley told the recruit- scholarship program. Fairbanks and his asers to tell students what they know and not to sistant, Dr. Veronica Watkins, travel to high lie about what they donʼt know. If they didnʼt schools across the country promoting the proknow the answer to a question, they were told gram and its benefits. to take down the studentʼs e-mail address and “The program is new,” Watkins said. “It give them the correct answer later. simply needs the right exposure to grow.”

Holly gave each recruiter CSU marketing In addition to providing students with scholmaterials including view books and a statisti- arship money, Project 100 provides faculty

mentors for students during their first year. It also features special field trips and internships geared to giving students a dynamic, experienced-filled education.

All Project 100 students must work. Financial Aid has teamed with the Office of Insti-

tutional Advancement to secure jobs for all incoming freshmen and to help upperclassmen find jobs as well. Freshmen are guaranteed jobs, upperclassman are not.

“The program was a big assistant to me as an incoming freshman,” Barker said.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

Students marched from campus to the courthouse in downtown Xenia. The march is held every year in honor of Martin Luther King Day.

CSU students give budget lesson to Springfield school children

By Diane Erwin Dayton Daily News

Seven years had disappeared since Sophia Rogers stepped inside Roosevelt Middle School as a student. When she passed through the doors again Monday, she hoped to share some of the lessons she took away.

Rogers and about 25 other Central State University students spent the day with the schoolʼs 400 sixthand seventh-graders, cramming a two-month Junior Achievement

program into one day. Called “JA in a Day,” the middle school students received lessons in budgeting, career goals and global economics.

Rogers, a 2002 South High School graduate, spoke about achieving goals to a classroom of seventh-grade students. When she was in Junior Achievement, businessmen — not college students — spoke to the participants.

“Kids can get a different perspective from people closer to their age rather than business profession-

als,” she said.

In a different classroom, 20 sixth- graders were learning the difference between imports and exports. Although the words were familiar to many of the students, their meanings were a mystery.

“I didnʼt know which was which,” said Andy Green, 12.

Now he knows imports are items the United States buys from other countries, and exports are shipped from this country to another.

Before long the students were

searching throughout the room, trying to discover where everything was manufactured. A pencil came from Malaysia. Scissors were made in Germany.

Central State student Chris Bond suggested they look at their shirt tags.

“It might look good on you, but itʼs made somewhere else,” he said.

The Mad River Region of Junior Achievement, which provides programs in Clark, Champaign and Madison counties, partnered with

Central State to bring student leaders into the middle school classrooms.

Several of the Wilberforce universityʼs top officials spoke to the students at the beginning of the day.

Colette Pierce-Burnette, the universityʼs chief information officer, said she learned what business really meant when she participated in Junior Achievement in seventh grade.

“You want to get as much fun out of it but also as much learning out of it as possible,” she said.

The Gold Torch | Wednesday, February 2, 2005

LifeSTYLE/Entertainment

Page 3

Christian fraternity united by faith

By Alexis Randles Contributing Writer

Members of Sigma Gamma Psi Fraternity show their spirit.

On May 1, 2004, three Central State University students united with one vision: to establish an organization based on the values of dignity, integrity, diversity, scholarship and Christian brotherhood.

Sigma Gamma Psi Christian Fraternity Incorporated is the first and only Christian fraternity at Central State. Its sister sorority is Gamma Beta Psi. Sigma Gamma Psi originally consisted of its three founders, Justin Seay, Jason Mckever and Anthony Evans. The fraternity currently has

12 active members. “(Sigma Gamma Psi is) a good thing because we put God first then our brothers,” chapter president James Lafourche said. “We are always looking for new members and ways to expand ourselves. We are in the process of trying to get a chapter started at Wilberforce University, as well.”

The fraternity is not just limited to those who already have a close relationship with God, but it is also there for those who want to build a relationship with God. “I joined because I knew this was not just an ordinary fraternity, and I wanted to

Miss Top Model named at CSU; TV takeoff draws a big audience

By Richard McGee Contributing Writer

The music starts and six Central State women strut their stuff, walking down a runway in Robeson Auditorium. This is “Miss Top Model” the Central State version of the hit TV show “Americaʼs Top Model.”

“I enjoyed [the show],” Freshman Daryl Williams said. “The models all did a great job.”

“Miss Top Model” is the brainchild of sophomore Kevin Lee who wanted a forum to highlight Central Stateʼs sexiest women. Leeʼs show was different from the TV show in that the competition occurred over a single evening – compared to several weeks for the hit UPN show. In addition, Lee established different ground rules than the television show. For one thing, he insisted that all the women do their own hair and makeup. Professional makeup artists make up the women on the TV show.

The show Nov. 16, 2004, lasted two hours. It began with a video giving audience mem- Fatimah Muhammed was named Miss bers a “behind the scenes” look Top Model. at the competition, showing each of the contestants preparing for the fessionals, makeup artist Donna evening.

Long, singer-songwriter Danielle Contestants then walked the Stephens, hairstylist Chanda Fisher, Robeson runway showing off a and Lee himself, a fashion designer, variety of styles. Four fashion pro- judged each runway competition.

In the first competition, each contestant had to walk the runway showing a modelʼs grace, poise, and attitude. In the second competition, contestants changed into “red carpet” attire. In the third, they wore edgier, “street

“I enjoyed [the show] The models all did a great job.”

— Freshman Daryl Williams clothing.” In the fourth, they wore simple T-shirts that they themselves designed. In the final competition, each model wore a “look for less” ensemble that they selected at Goodwill.

Student Jermaine Foster enjoyed the competition. Foster said it was difficult to tell who would win because each contestant had her own “unique style and attitude.” In the end, senior Fatimah Muhammed was named Miss Top Model.

Lee hopes to bring the show back next year and is already planning a similar competition for CSU men. “I would like to thank my models and my staff for their dedication,” Lee said. “Without them, none of this would be possible.”

help play a role in building up this fraternity,” Lafourche said.

Freshman Megan Moorehead supports the new group. “Personally, I think the fraternity is a good way for people with the same interests to get together and socialize,” Moorehead said.

Sigma Gamma Psi held a variety of activities winter quarter.

These included Gamma Week, Jan. 14 – 20, and the Gamma Step Out, a winter ball, on Jan. 14, 2005. In the past, the fraternity has also hosted an informational meeting, a poetry festival, and a bake sale.

New uniforms 4 band

By Terrence Moore Contributing Writer

The Invincible Marching Marauders have been playing new tunes every year but marching in the same uniforms. Soon that will change. The Marching Marauders have ordered new band uniforms.

“We very much deserve them,” tuba player Terance Bonner said.

The band has ordered 125 new uniforms, five drum major uniforms, and eight auxiliary uniforms. The Belles have also ordered new uniforms.

The new uniforms are being made by the Fruhauf Company in Wichita, Kansas and are modeled after Florida A&Mʼs uniforms. They are built to withstand the wear and tear of constant use and are expected to last seven to eight years.

In addition to the new uniforms the band has ordered a variety of new instruments.

“The new uniforms have improved the morale of the students,” Director of Bands Brian Millsapp said.

The band has grown from 30 to 100 members in four years and should continue to grow with the return of football.

“My expectation is that the band will become more collegiate,” Millsapp said. “The quality should be better and the type of literature should be harder.”

Freshman Bartina Smith was surprised by what she experienced after she joined the band and went to band camp. “It was a lot of work,” Smith said.

Smith stayed with the program and is glad that she did. She and other band members are marching back to the success they had in the early 90s with a new look, new instruments and growing membership by the year.

STAIRMASTERS

Two Marauders take a break from the books to work out.

SPORTS

Page 4

W I N T E R

No vacation for track and B-Ball athletes

By Jade Pratt

Contributing Writer

Most Central State students enjoy a two-month winter vacation.

But not the student athletes who play basketball or run track.

“Technically, we get a couple of days to see our family, but Thanksgiving and Christmas is when there are big college tournaments for basketball season,” senior Danaena Williams said. “Itʼs part of the reason we come here to play another level of basketball.” To get us ready for the next one.

Head coach Patricia Tramble said all of the women are aware of the sacrifices they must make to be on the womenʼs team. “Itʼs a winter sport,” Tramble said. ”Every college team in the nation has to do it.” Pat said her own family misses her around the holidays “My family doesnʼt like it at all, but I have a job that I love and have to do.”

This year, the basketball team will get to go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the players must return to school the Monday after both holidays. The track team will return to campus after Thanks-

giving, though they can stay home after Christmas and return at the start of winter quarter.

For many basketball players, staying at Central State is a chance to bond with their teammates. Players practice together, travel to tournaments together, and eat meals together. (Last year on Thanksgiving, the womenʼs team ate at Dennys.)

Terrence Moore, a member of the menʼs basketball team, said players not only bond with each other, but the men and womenʼs teams bond, as well. “Weʼre the only ones here,” Moore said.

Assistant Coach Sheba Harris has missed family vacations since 1997. By now, theyʼre used to it.

Sheba says the time spent together is worthwhile. “It gives our players a chance to stay in shape, be active, and healthy.”

Track athletes may not bond quite as well as the basketball players. Track is an individual sport and many athletes practice alone or in small groups for up to six hours a day. “After 6 hours of practicing we are ready to go,” sophomore Mark Mattion said.

A break in the action inside Beacom-Lewis Gym.

The Gold Torch | Wednesday, February 2, 2005

B A S K E T B A L L

Members of the womenʼs team spent months practicing well before the season began.

Lady Marauders train hard and long

By Lorrie Poindexter Contributing Writer

The womenʼs basketball season began in November but the team has been practicing since the start of the school year.

The training has been tough.

The women practiced twice a day six days a week. They lifted weights. They did agility runs.

They played basketball in the gym.

On most days, to build up endurance, they ran four or five miles at 5 a.m. Then, they came back in the afternoon and ran another three or four miles more.

The Lady Marauders made a point to practice with men to improve their aggression and quickness. Playing the men also helped the women become smarter on the court. “The guys we work out with really work us

Returning players a plus

By Marcus A. Banta Contributing Writer

CSU menʼs basketball team has ten returning players from last year.

Six of the players have attended Central more than two years while the other four have much playingexperience.

The team features three returning seniors, forward/center Marcus Banta, forward Jason Roman, and guard Adam Ellis. “This is our year,” Ellis said. “Weʼve got enough seniors and leaders to take care of business the right way.” After finishing last year with a 17 and 10 record, the menʼs team is hungry to improve.

There is also a familiar new face on the coaching staff. Last

yearʼs starting point guard, Brandon Joseph, has left the team but remains a student at Central State.

He is now a student assistant coach.

Joseph is helping junior Darius Davis make his mark at point guard.

“After I work with these guards, me and Coach Jackson, we should be strong,” Joseph said.

Head Coach Doug Lewis said this is one of the most talented teams that he has coached. And with that talent, the menʼs basketball team should have a fruitful year. “We have a lot of talent. We just have to put it all together,” Lewis said.

Editorʼs Note: Heading into February, the men were just above .500 at 8 and 7.

out,” team captain Chovonne Harris said. “When we go against females it should be no problem for us at all.”

The men were likewise impressed. “I have a new respect for the girlʼs team,” menʼs player Tim Crooks said. “They work hard. I have seen them running down Brush Row Road all the time.”

The Lady Marauders worked hard to bounce back from a disappointing performance in the 20032004 school year.

Last season, for the first time in 20 years, the women failed to win 20 games. “Last year we could have been a great team,” senior Danaea Williams said. “This year the talent on our team is outrageous. We should be – no, we are going to be — a great team.”

All of the women were excited to get started. Senior Sultra Harding said the team thrives on a good challenge. “Weʼre ready for anything,” Harding said.

Assistant Coach Sheba Harris agreed. “We just have to work hard,” Harris said. “We have to give 110 percent at all times everyday.”

Editorʼs Note: Heading into February, the women were 13 and 4 — closing in on another 20-win season.

CSU cheerleaders offer more than “stomp and shake”

By Richard McGee Contributing Writer

Have you ever been to a basketball game and noticed that the cheerleaders canʼt cheer to save their lives? They arenʼt synchronized, wear different uniforms and “stomp and shake” is the only style they know.

Well, the Central State University cheerleading squad isnʼt like that. Its well-rounded members mesh perfectly resulting in winning routines. The cheerleaders also dress alike giving the team a sharp look.

Centralʼs cheerleaders know they have a long way to go. The team

still needs to improve its tumbling and “stunting” abilities (like building pyramids and tossing the female cheerleaders).

Yet Central has done well in competition. At the 2003 MegaCheer competition in Nashville, TN, Central beat some of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities. “I

didnʼt know what to expect from Centralʼs squad at first,” said Davar Middleton, a cheerleader from Dillard University. “It took the actual performance for me to say ʻTheyʼre good.”

The cheerleaders are looking forward to a great year, especially the two games against Wilberforce

University. Members of the squad have already gone to Wilberforce to size up the competition.

“If you canʼt travel to one of the competitions, just come to a game when we perform,” said squad member Darshell Chambers, a freshman from Akron. “You wonʼt believe some of the things you see.”

MaurauderTalk

The Gold Torch | Wednesday, February 2, 2005

SHOUTOUTS

Is it true that Black women work out less than men? If so, why?

Where the girls arenʼt: Beacom-Lewis gymnasium

By Marilyn Udeani

“Women work out more than men. Most women try to keep their figure.”

— Marcus Jefferson

“It’s true that black women workout less. Men care more about their bodies.”

— Shawanna Driscoll

Check out ShoutOuts. Online. Everyday.

It’s all about you.

www.goldtorchnews.com

Have you met with your advisor to develop a Transition Advising Plan ?

Contact your department to schedule an appointment!

Be prepared for semesters!

You may also go to:

www.centralstate.edu and click on “Semester Conversion”

Page 5

Contributing Writer

CSU junior Dana Freeman walks into her Foundation II dorm room panting and breathing heavily. It is obvious that she is exhausted, because she hops into bed and begins to fall asleep. Freeman has just begun a new workout routine and – now that the quarter is almost over – is again going to gym. For eight weeks, though, Freeman avoided the Beacom-Lewis gymnasium.

“Itʼs embarrassing to see all these muscle bound men and women working out on the machines,” Freeman said. “It feels as if they are looking at me and saying that I should have done this a long time ago.”

Ed Phillips, an instructor in the health, physical education and recreation department, said too many

CSU women avoid the gym. “There are a lot of large women on this campus who want to better themselves, but they do not put in the time,”

“Once they experience any type of pain, they refuse to go back.”

— Asst. Professor Rosie Turner on why women donʼt work out Phillips said. “They were not taught the mechanics of exercise and they have no incentive to workout. ”Itʼs not clear why women avoid the gym,” but Rosie Turner, an assistant professor in the HPR department, said many women feel intimidated by the appearance of

other men and women. In addition, some women donʼt like to ruin their hair.

Others just arenʼt used to the physical demands of working out.

“Once they experience any type of pain, they refuse to go back,” Turner said. As a result, you will often see more women watching menʼs intramural basketball than actually working out in the gym.

There are a variety of programs available to CSU women ranging from water aerobics to weight lifting with tennis, racquetball, and track in between. Students can take physical education classes for credit or simply use the universityʼs extensive facilities on their own time.

“Despite the fatigue I may experience, Iʼm willing to do my best to keep healthy,” Freeman said.

Crunk controversy: Whoʼs to blame?

By Capri Lockard Contributing Writer

On Nov. 10, 2004, in the Ward Center ballroom, the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. threw a party. Everyone was having a good time until the DJ played a popular Hip Hop song. “Knuck if u buck”

by Crime Mob. During the song, the studentsʼ behavior changed dramatically. The atmosphere became violent and a fight erupted. The DJ canceled the event.

In the aftermath of this fiasco, many students wondered if Hip Hop was to blame. Some students say that it is not the fault of Hip Hop but the people who listen to it. They say the music just gives people an excuse to behave uncontrollably.

“The unruly population here at CSU listens to the music and is not able to discern the difference between entertainment and reality,” sophomore Mallory Boykin said.

“They feel that the music gives them freedom to express themselves, true, but it needs to be done in decency and order.”

Crime Mob is just one of many Hip Hop artists performing so-

called “Crunk” music. “Crunk” is up-tempo music, heavy on the bass.

Producer Lil Jon and the Eastside Boys invented “Crunk” so that young African Americans would feel good and have a good time.

“Crunk” now has a negative tag.

Fights have broken out at many events featuring this type of music.

So how did music meant to make people have a good time turn so violent? Boykin said immature students seem to like this music most.

“There is no reason there needs to be a fight or disagreement at every party,” Boykin said. “These students act like they have no home training.”

But not everyone believes that “Crunk” inspires violence. “Hip hop music is about having a good feeling,” sophomore Anthony Evans said. “It doesnʼt promote violence.”

The campus is divided on Crunk and how it affects student behavior.

Many of our campus parties end in violence. The question remains: Is that because young African Americans donʼt know how to behave, or should we blame the entertainment industry for raising our youth?

SHOUTOUTS

Do you think crunk music inspires bad behavior among students?

“It hypes people to the point that they want something to happen.”

— Kaira Loving

“Crunk music adds an extra boost of ignorance to one’s behavior.”

— Ismas William

“I don’t believe it does. We are all young adults and know right from wrong.”

— Brittany Berry

ViewPoint

Page 6

VIEWS

College is serious business; party animals donʼt last long in school

By Genoa Rucker Contributing Writer

Its three weeks to the end of the quarter. You look around class.

There are only nine students present. At the start of the quarter, the class was packed with 30 students.

The class – that you fought desperately to get into – has shrunk.

What happened? Why did so many students drop out?

“The biggest problem is that students are not aware of the self discipline needed to accomplish their goals,” CSU professor Lois McGuire said. History professor Paul Cook said students just arenʼt putting enough time into their studies. He estimated that 75 percent of all freshmen and sophomores donʼt read the materials he assigns in class.

Self-discipline, organization and a desire to better oneself are just a few qualities needed to be successful at the college level.

Although CSUʼs enrollment has grown, some say the quality of the student body has suffered. Cook said that when an under prepared student is admitted to Central the university must make special efforts to bring that student up to the college level. He said the university must focus more on general education classes, which teach students how to study in their selected major.

Many students agree that their classmates arenʼt taking school seriously. Student Tinita Austin proposed implementing a two-week withdrawal rule to encourage students to work harder and graduate.

Under Austinʼs plan, no student would be able to withdrawal from class after the first two weeks of the quarter.

Nevertheless, the road of academic improvement is in front of us. And every student has the power to take that road.

The Gold Torch Wednesday, February 2, 2005

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY Wilberforce, Ohio

www.goldtorchnews.com The Gold Torch is produced by students at Central State University. Views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the University, the newspaper staff or its advisors.

Letters to the editor are welcome.

Students who wish to work as reporters, photographers, or production staff, should contact the editor at editor@goldtorchnews.com EDITOR Tiffany Allen LAYOUT EDITOR Scot Kirk ADVISOR Mr. Michael Gormley PROGRAM DIRECTOR Dr. Lovette Chinwah Our offices are located in

The Cosby Center (937) 376-6491

VIEWS

More diversity at Central State is good for everyone

By Marcus A. Banta Contributing Writer

Coming back to school fall quarter I noticed many new faces especially ones of a lighter complexion and a different accent. Central State is becoming more diverse with more Latino students. Most of my classmates donʼt seem to mind, despite the fact that CSU is a Historically Black University.

Many of the new Marauders

come from different states and bigger cities. Most of the Latinos donʼt feel out of place because they grew up around African Americans and went to diverse high schools or even to an arts school.

I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Carlos Vargas, who is a Latino, and provost at Central State.

Vargos said President John Garland wants other minority students – including Latinos and Asians – to

The Africa Program of the American Friends Service Committee

Invites you to

The Africa Peace and Justice Educational Tour of the U.S.

The Stokes Center Friday, Feb. 4, 10am to noon Social and Economic Justice • Peace and Reconciliation International Human Rights • HIV-AIDS Co-sponsored by the Humanities Department and Mass Communication Program

attend CSU. The school now has a Spanish speaking recruiter who visits high schools around the country.

Vargas said the Student Government Association is helping the new students adapt to Central State.

Personally, I hope that African American culture will be preserved, but I also would like a more diverse campus. It will make us more wellrounded and more comfortable different ethnicities and walks of life.

CORRECTIONS The article, “First ever job fair held; hundreds get work study,” which appeared in our October 2004 issue contained errors.

The Job Fair was actually hosted

by The Office of Student Employment and flyers were posted by that office.

Also, the only option for students to receive payment is by a payroll check. Deposits are not made into studentsʼ University accounts.

Editor: The Torch regrets the errors.

The Gold Torch | Wednesday, February 2, 2005

VIEWS

Football team not my priority

By Dennis Thompson Contributing Writer

It seems to me and other students here at Central State University that there are numerous things wrong with Central State. For one thing, the university has placed too much importance on bringing back the football team. In fact, it seems that the football team is the most important thing to CSU administrators.

The school must raise more than a million dollars to bring back the team. I feel that there are other things that are more essential to our school, like a campus bookstore, clean restrooms, computers that work, and additional security.

Our study resources are very poor. The library is the only substantial resource we have. We have about 100 computers on campus and only about 20 of them work. (Twenty computers for 1820 students!)

Even worse, when students do find a computer that works, they are often unable to work on it. Why? Because

POETRY

Bless the Child (For Adaobi, January 13, 2005)

By Obi Iwuanyanwu Bless the child The visitor at dawn The father The mother The path to the spring Or to wood gathering The froth of palm-wine The flowering bean-tree Sensations that simmer And jolts of blood that linger Bless her who comes In the name of the father And the mother’s tears That speak her father’s name In a land unloved Birds unbeaked Songs unsung Unbidden guest Unhosted traveler

every student has a user name and the computer often does not recognize the user.

Adding insult to injury, the school recently informed students that they would no longer be able to use floppy discs with their computers. Instead, students must purchase flash drives.

Thatʼs a major inconvenience.

Floppy discs cost about 50 cents.

A flash drive cost $25. (Ironically, you can buy a flash drive in the campus gift store, but you canʼt buy any books!). Most students are unemployed, so where will we get the money for these flash drives?

One more complaint: Our student idʼs cost $25 to replace – even though they cost about 25 cents to make. The schoolʼs focus is on making money and that drives away students. Central needs to appreciate its students more. If it does, more students may stay after their freshman year. Even if there isnʼt any football team.

Sojourner and wanderer Range of extremes Intertwined cones Of violent love And tender hate Bless the child Bless the land And the Mobius Serpent That coils on itself Tail in its mouth And tongue untied Like a poisoned arrow Drawn to snap And feed on its own womb Bless the air, the sea The plants, the beasts The dead, the living And bless the infant traveler And the land that lies in ruins Like an impatient glory At the gates of an iron history Bless her … bless her ….

Obi Iwuanyanwu is the Director of the Writing Center. You may contact him at obiwu@yahoo.com.

NEWS

The Gold Torch | Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Page 7

CSAS offers free tutoring

By Marilyn Udeani Contributing Writer

CSU freshman Rita McClendon could not understand algebraic expressions in her Math 165 class. But after going to the Center for Student Academic Success, her math grade went from a C to A. “It is imperative that (students) come here for tutoring because professors talk too fast in class,” McClendon said. “(The tutors at CSAS) break it down for you here.”

CSAS was established one year ago in Wesley Hall. Due to a lack of space in Wesley, it moved to Simpson Hall in June. Academic advisor LaKeysha Catron said the new location makes it easier for students to walk to the center.

The focus at CSAS is on peer-to-peer tutoring in all subjects. “We are primarily concerned with the success of our students,” said Lee Ingham, the director of CSAS. “Tutoring is very important and we try to visit dorms.

We also serve students who are on academic probation.”

Beyond tutoring, the Center also helps students in all majors with their class schedules. “We provide extra-curricular activities, team building, walk for diabetes, and book clubs,” Catron said.

Despite all of these services, students have not always shown a great interest in participating in Center activities. “Itʼs a challenge, but it is getting better,” said administrative assistant Rachel Voss.

The center is currently open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, though the hours are subject to change. Students must call for an appointment.

Freshman McClendon said sheʼll continue using the center. “This center has been very helpful to me,” McClendon said. “They challenge you to be the best you can be and make sure you understand math problems taught in class.”

Students from many colleges attened the job fair at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Second from left, CSU Communications majors Jade Pratt, JacQuaye Jacobs and Shaneve Emmons apear with women they met at the conference.

Students look for jobs in D.C.

By Shaneve Emmons Contributing Writer

The Center for Student Academic Success offers a quiet place for students to study.

Students enjoyed great success at the Howard University Job Fair in Washington D.C. Oct. 21 through Oct. 22, 2004. Ten communication majors from Central State University attended the fair, including six seniors and four sophomores.

As a senior, Soraya Benjamin was all business at the job fair. “Because Iʼm a senior there is a lot of pressure on me to find a good job before I graduate,” Benjamin said.

Sophomores, such as Jade Pratt, did not feel as much pressure. They saw the job fair as simply a way to get a head start on their careers.

The purpose of the job fair is to give minority students an opportunity to network with media leaders, to expose them to op-

portunities in graduate education and to give them a taste of the professional world.

The Communications Job Fair has existed for 34 years. This year, there were 86 recruiters/exhibitors and 36 participating colleges and universities. Events and forums began at 8:45 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 21 and ended 2:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22. “I feel as though we were given more than enough time to express our interest to the recruiters,” Pratt said.

For some, the job fair has already paid off. Sophomore Jacquaye Jacobs has scheduled an interview with MTV for a summer internship. “I am very hopeful,” Jacobs said.

“I believe an internship is in my future.”

For more information on the job fair contact coordinator Fredricka Whitfield at fredrickawhitfield@cnn.com.

Freshmen adapt to yard life

By Dana Freeman Contributing Writer

Many freshmen are off to a good start after completing their first quarter at Central State.

After settling into a new place, theyʼre now fully acquainted with college life and ready for winter quarter. “I know classes are going to get harder,” freshman Bernard Austin said.

The first quarter of the first year is the toughest for many students. It takes time to get used to a new environment. Finding classes, getting financial aid, and living among strangers are new experiences for college freshmen.

The most difficult challenge for many students is simply being away from home and handling all their newfound freedom. “I have freedom so I have to be more responsible – to have fun but still get my work done,” Austin said.

Many beginning students attend Central State due to its size. Students enjoy the fact that there is an 18:1 ratio of students to faculty, meaning students can meet one-onone with their professors. “(Central State) is good academic-wise for me because it is not a big campus and I can meet with my teachers if I need too,” freshman Branndon Miller said.

CSU enrolled 590 freshmen fall quarter. If history is any indication, many of them will not make it to their sophomore year. According to a report issued Sept. 20, 2004, by the Office of the Registrar, Central State has far more first year students than second year students. This fall 1,016 freshman registered for class but just 302 sophomores. Despite the obstacles, Austin and Miller are both determined to not only make it to their second year but to graduate, as well.

Two CSU women sport big smiles after their first full quarter at college.

NEWS

Page 8

NEW BOOKSTORE

The Gold Torch | Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Alphonso named Central State vice president

By Jane Littleton University Relations

A new bookstore opened in the student union winter quarter. Students no longer needed to order their books online, though some complained that the new store didnʼt have their books.

New dorm starting to look real old, real fast

By Marilyn Udeani Contributing Writer

Central State opened a new dorm fall quarter and already students say that it is in disrepair. “The students have treated the dorm very poorly,” CSU junior Dana Freeman said.

“I hope that this dorm will be kept in top condition with the help of those who live here.

The treatment of this dorm was just horrible.”

— Dana Freeman “They need to have a little more respect for the new dorm.”

Foundation II Residence Assistant Richard McGee said some students tamper with the fire extinguishers, lean over the balconies, and smoke in front of the building. “The maturity level is very low, but thatʼs in every building,” McGee said.

Dorm authorities are sending some stu-

dents who misbehave to dorms across campus. Foundation II Residence Hall Director James Neely has warned students that they could be sent to Williamson or Hunter halls.

These older dorms lack some of the amenities – such as private bathrooms and suite living — found in Foundation II. Neely said Foundation II was conceived as an upperclassmen dorm and underclassmen in particular should be aware that they could be moved elsewhere.

Neely said most students are behaving, but that some students can be irresponsible.

“Trash is a big issue and students have regurgitated without cleaning it up,” Neely said.

The office of residence life will soon assign students “chores” to keep the dorms neat. “We will assign a duty to the students in each wing to keep their hall clean,” Neely said. “I will be going on rounds to see if they have done their jobs, and if not, the whole wing will be fined.”

Dana Freeman plans to stay in Foundation II but is hoping for a change in behavior.

Winer quarter “I hope that this dorm will be kept in top condition with the help of those who live here,” Freeman said. “The treatment of this dorm was just horrible.”

Central State University has named Mervyn L. Alphonso as Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer.

He succeeds Dr. Adolphus Andrews, who retired September 1.

Mr. Alphonso has more than 30 years of professional banking experience, retiring in July 2000 as president and chairman of KeyBank National Association, Dayton District. He held executive banking positions at banks in San Diego, CA, and Albany, NY, prior to coming to Dayton.

Mr. Alphonso and his wife, Joyce, joined the Peace Corps in 2001 and were assigned to his native country, Guyana, South America. There he worked as a guidance counselor and teacher. He also was associated with the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Program of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, where he taught out-of-school youth and young adults. Mrs. Alphonso worked as a community health educator at the regional hospital. Their stint ended August 2003.

“The Board of Trustees and I are delighted Merv has agreed to join us at this most important time,” said CSU President John W. Garland. “His leadership, talent, and depth of experience will be a valuable addition to the Central State University team.”

Mr. Alphonso earned a bachelor of science degree in business from the College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY, and a masterʼs degree in business administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. He also received an honorary doctorate from the College of Saint Rose for his contributions to the Albany community.

Mr. Alphonso has served on numerous boards, including the Central State University Board of Trustees. “It is a real pleasure to be back at Central State University after the turnaround has been completed and to be able to use the momentum to help make the University the best it can be,” he said.

Dr. Andrews had served as chief financial officer since 1997. His leadership helped restore the University to financial and fiscal integrity, and he was instrumental in restoring University facilities and grounds.

He also played an integral role in developing a Master Plan for the University and in the Strategic Planning Process. In addition, he helped lead efforts to construct the two newest, privately funded residence halls, Foundation I and Foundation II. “Andy Andrews joined my administration within the first month of my tenure. He has been a friend and a colleague and a partner in restoring this University,” President Garland said. “His energy, talent and commitment to this University will be missed.”

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