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August 19, 2014

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

campus kick-off edition - Section two

OPINION

PAGE #12

2013-2014 Throwback

PAGE 14

Hello from UAA’s student body president

Red zone: Campus rape prevention

By Tulsi Patil

and

content@thenorthernlight.org

copy1@thenorthernlight.org

Between the start of school and Thanksgiving, university freshmen are at particular risk for sexual assault. This period has been dubbed the “Red Zone,” and a Campus Sexual Assault study conducted in 2007 showed that more than half of sexual assaults on college campuses occur during this time. “College freshmen ... have moved out of the house — naturally you get freedom that you’ve never had,” said UAA Title IX investigator Jerry Trew. But despite this luxury, West Virginia University has identified this as a contributing risk factor for the Red Zone. It is important for students to act

SEE red zone

PAGE 6

female students are victims of rape or attempted rape in their college careers [According to: National Institute of Justice, US Department of Justice: “Prevalence, incidence, and consequences of violence against women: Findings from the national violence against women survey”]

men are victims of rape or attempted rape in their lifetimes

[According to: National Institute of Justice & Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence Against Women Survey. 1998] graphic by stefanie vigoren

I like big butts and I cannot lie

Have a butt sketch? If you are one of the lucky few to have a session with the infamous Butt Sketcher at Campus Kick-Off, Aug. 23, email a photo or scan of your butt sketch to copy1@thenorthernlight.org and you could be featured in the next issue of TNL!

photo courtesy of jenna! roosdett

Freshman Convocation

By Valerie Hudson

features@thenorthernlight.org

For a year or more, a high school graduate has done any number of things to prepare for the moment of actually walking onto campus as a freshman. So by the time Freshman Convocation rolls around, it essentially becomes a way for the school to congratulate freshmen on the many hurdles they have already jumped, while encouraging students to aim for goals. Freshman Convocation will start at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 23 with Faculty Compact in Rasmuson Hall Room 101, then the convocation keynote speech at 3:30 p.m. in the Wendy Williamson Auditorium, followed by a Student Dessert Social in Cuddy Hall and Parent & Alumni Reception in Rasmuson Hall

SEE CONVOCATION

PAGE 7

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IN AL ASKA

reality that is inescapable. According to the 2010 Alaska Victimization Survey, 37.1 percent of women in Alaska face sexual violence. The 2013 University of Alaska Campus Security and Fire Safety Report disclosed totals for forcible sex offenses on UAA’s main campus: one in 2010, four in 2011 and three in 2012. As of Aug. 3, there are 1,223 sex offenders and kidnappers registered within the city of Anchorage — 162 of which are registered within the area of UAA’s ZIP code. Everyone is at risk, but with education, safety can be increased.

What is the “Red Zone”?

IN AME RIC A:

Shame. Its the reason rape is one of the most under-reported crimes in our community. Its the reason most sexual offenders will never face the consequences of their crimes. Its the reason rape culture still exists in people’s lives. “There’s a lot of stigma that you will be ... chastised that you could have done something to prevent this and you didn’t,” said University Police Department Chief Rick Shell. “And that’s where we’re working, in law enforcement and in the community, to try to erase as much of that stigma as possible.” The numbers are harsh and difficult to accept, but they are a

Kierra Hammons

FEATURES

SEAWOLF

A well-meaning column rife with clunky metaphors and horrible advice, Orange Rhymes With is the go-to place to break the monotony of classes and laugh at someone else’s misfortune.

SLUG

The start to another year By Evan Dodd Contributor

Well, it’s that time of year again — time for last-minute schedule changes, frantically evaluating housing options, and halfheartedly ordering textbooks we’ll probably never open anyway. In other words, fall semester is upon us. I’ll go ahead and assume that none of you are prepared either, because I’m surely not. When asked if I’ve ordered my books yet I get this vague nagging feeling that reminds me that I should really look into which classes I’ve signed up for. At one point I had planned to see an academic adviser to ensure that I was on track to graduate on time, yet now I seem totally fine with extending my stay here by an extra semester in order to take a backpacking course. (If you’re new to this column, it should now be apparent that this is not a valid source for academic advice.) My plans for this semester include pages upon pages of hiking trips, a fairly detailed plan for a Halloween costume and a long list of shows to binge on via Netflix. I’m also fairly solid on the plans for how to spend the surprisingly large Permanent Fund Dividend we’re hopefully getting this year, but I’ll admit that academics have taken a backseat. In order to feel better about my current lack of academic motivation, I’ll blame the fact that I’m still in summer mode. My car is filled with camping gear, a fishing pole and a cooler that really should have been washed before it took up

THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, AUGUST 19, 2014

residence in my backseat. I still have my work clothes from my summer job sealed within a trash bag, either to preserve for washing or to bury in a vast pit so no innocent bystander has to deal with the smell. In years past I would have been meticulously comparing textbook prices on Amazon and frantically checking instructor reviews on http://ratemyprofessors.com, whereas this year my biggest dilemma is whether to buy a cactus or a bonsai tree for my residence hall room. Quite frankly, the school start date of Aug. 25 is only significant to me because it coincides with the “Doctor Who” premiere Aug. 23 — and that should tell you all you need to know about my priorities. However, don’t take my total disorganization and lack of motivation to mean that I’m not excited for the upcoming semester. As dull as things can seem after three years here, there’s always something new and exciting to look forward to. If you’re a new student, then be sure to hit up Campus KickOff and see exactly what the university has to offer you. Take advantage of the overall willingness of those working the booths to offer you advice and — more importantly — free stuff. Drop by and see an adviser to see exactly how badly you’ve already mangled your class schedule. Be sure to keep track of what upcoming acts our topnotch Concert Board is bringing this year, or which shows our Department of Theatre and

Dance is putting on. For returning students, use this year to get involved on campus like I’m sure you’ve been meaning to all this time. Write for The Northern Light and help keep our poor readers from having to stomach my runon sentences and tenuous metaphors. Run for USUAA student government and work to have your concerns heard and fight for the programs you find important. (Note that students recently voted to reinstate our beloved outdoor recreation program — proof that your voice can count.) In the end, besides that pesky notion of getting a degree to get a good job so you can afford the white picket fence and 2.5 kids, college is about expanding your horizons. So sign up for a club, take a class completely unrelated to your major or even walk around and explore campus in your free time. Like with any worthwhile pursuit in life, you get out of college what you’re willing to put into it. It’s been three years for me, and I’m only vaguely certain about my major, I’m no closer to discovering how to avoid tickets from Parking Services and I still can’t tell you what a Seawolf is. But I can tell you that I expect another fantastic year at UAA with good people, challenging courses and the occasional snow day. So for freshman and transfers, buckle in for a memorable four years here at UAA. And for my fellow seniors, just hang in there for one more year, or two — we’re finally almost there.

In the year 2013, an alien brain slug from one of the galaxy’s most feared empires crash-landed on Earth and assumed control of a lowly reporter at this newspaper. These are his stories.

A day in the life of a Kick-Off boother By Klax Zlubzecon

Translated by George Hyde If you’re reading this, you might be at Campus Kick-Off, which is arguably one of the most important events at UAA to many. For you, it most likely just involves free activities, free games, free music, free food, free comedy, free “Captain America,” free shopping deals — lots of freedom. And you should appreciate that freedom, because if you’re a student, you’re not going to have much of it again until the holidays. But who ever spares a thought to those working behind the scenes, the people sitting behind the tables and games, greeting you and looking back at their phones whenever the opportunity for either arises? It took a lot to throw this shindig together. Without the many clubs and organizations throwing activities for you, it’d be a pretty boring Kick-Off, Reggie Watts and “Captain America” notwithstanding. So what goes on in the mind of a booth runner? First off is preparation. George is manning the Anime Club booth at Kick-Off, and even for a relatively boring booth like that, there’s still a lot of thought that goes into it. Flyers have to be mass-produced. Gigantic packs of candy and Costco muffins have to be purchased. Household items like tablecloths (and tarps, if the situation demands them) have to be supplied by the runner. And of course, there are decorations — old DVDs and action figures, in the Anime Club’s case — and free stuff to be supplied. And then, after all that, when the big day arrives, it’s his job to be the haggler. Yes, the action figures do a good enough job of drawing attention for some, but George has to actually try and talk to passersby, drawing them in and informing them about the club. He has to make sure they sign in and give him contact

information, as well as offering guests a goodbye muffin for the road. There’s a lot that goes into making a good first impression. That’s not even mentioning all of the people who have games and activities going on. Imagine the effort that goes into renting out a bouncy inflatable castle or creating a dartboard or setting up a concert. There’s a whole lot that goes into it. All of this is extremely important to a lot of organizations on and off campus. The Anime Club’s biggest surge in attendance is during its first meeting after Kick-Off. That’s the way it is for most clubs. In that way, it’s a symbiotic benefit for both attendees and runners — attendees get free stuff and entertainment, while runners see membership for their clubs skyrocket. In addition, this is all important to the campus as a whole. George and I have written a lot about how getting involved with clubs and organizations on campus is crucial, but it bears repeating. These things will establish relationships with important people, which will help you in the long run. Plus, it’s nice to have something to do aside from just lounging around in your residence hall all day. Having something to do is always important. And when you graduate, you’ll look back at all of your memories. You’ll remember your great times at that one organization you worked for and that club you joined. You’ll remember all the friends you made and all of the cool things you learned and discovered. That all begins at Kick-Off. So make it count. Alright, perhaps I should stop talking. George is busy getting his booth ready, in addition to writing other stuff for this issue. I shouldn’t be in his way for this. Have fun at Kick-Off, guys. RESISTANCE IS FUTILE. EMBRACE THE SEAWOLF SLUG.

THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, August 19, 2014

RED ZONE: Freshmen at risk at start of semester continued from cover

carefully in spite of this freedom in order to ensure their safety.

Preventing assault

The first way to prevent sexual assault is to avoid becoming a perpetrator. Sex is a mutual, consensual act, and sex without consent is assault. According to the Red Zone Awareness Campaign, consensual sex has three components between partners: verbal consent, a sober state of mind and mutual agreement. A lack of “no” doesn’t mean “yes,” and proceeding to a new stage of sexual activity without a verbal, sober and mutual “yes” entails sexual assault. Protect yourself and your partner by communicating consent each step of the way. Trew said he recommends a suggestion a student brought to his attention: “Always assume it’s a ‘no’ until the other party gives an enthusiastic ‘yes.’” Though the cause of sexual assault lies with assaulters themselves, this is not a perfect world and everyone can take precautions to protect themselves against potential assault.

The university has a number of sexual assault prevention programs, including Rape Aggression Defense classes and monthly sexual harassment training for university employees. Aside from these programs, there are several ways to make one’s university experience safer. Don’t accept open drinks from strangers and use the buddy system at parties. “We want friends to look out for each other,” Trew said. Talk about boundaries and consent with each of your partners so actions and intents are clear. Sexual assault can come from an escalation of simple misunderstandings between partners. Ambiguous language or role play can send the wrong message, so it is critical to discuss the meanings of vague phrases, such as, “Take me home with you.” If you and a sexual partner have not had this discussion, make time for it — and in the meantime, only use clear phrasing to avoid a dangerous misunderstanding. But even with precaution, some situations are out of one’s control. If this happens, don’t shy away from help offered on campus.

Save these numbers in your phone! • U n iv ersi t y Po l i ce DepARTMENT:

Emergency? Call 911. To report an incident that happened to a friend, call UPD at 907-786-1120.

• Dean of Stud e n t s: 907-786-1214

• Stud en t H ealth & C o u n sel ing: 907-786-4040

“If something doesn’t look right or feel right, report it,” Trew said. “We take it seriously.”

What to do if it happens to you • Find safety

Go to a place where you are physically safe.

SIGNS TO

KNOW

WHEN

• Get help

Call the University Police Department or the Dean of Students office to file a report. A report does not require the victim to prosecute. Talk to a friend, relative or someone you trust. Don’t isolate yourself or be ashamed. It is not your fault.

• SEEK medical attention ASAP If necessary, go to a hospital receive treatment. Do not take a shower, brush your teeth, go to the bathroom, douche or change your clothes. This will tamper with evidence against your attacker, should you choose to prosecute.

• SEE a counselor

A counselor can help you with how you are feeling after an assault. It is normal to have strong emotions, and dealing with them in the right way is important. UPD can secure free, confidential counseling with a specialized professional.

of women have ate experienced intim lence vio partner or sexual

IN AL AS K A

06 FEATURES

37.1

have experienced sexual violence

VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ARE 3 times more likely to suffer from depression. 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

13 times more likely to abuse alcohol. 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.

4 times more likely to contemplate suicide. [According to: World Health Organization. 2002]

VERBAL REFUSAL:

“N O.”

“ S T O P. ” “Do n ʼ t d o t his. ”

“I don ʼ t wan t t o do t his .”

IMPLIED VERBAL REFUSAL: “I do n ʼ t t h in k I wa nt t o go t his f ar. ”

“ Iʼ m n o t s u re I w a n t t o d o t h is .”

P H Y S I C A L R E S I S TA N C E : •Tr ying t o g e t a wa y o r lea ve •Pu shing yo u o f f •Ro lling a wa y •Pu lling c lo t hes b a c k o n •F ig ht ing yo u o f f graphics by stefanie vigoren

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Convocation: A source of inspiration continued from cover

Lobby, both starting at 4:30. The first day of Freshman Convocation will end with UAA Campus Kick-Off, which starts at 5 p.m. in the Cuddy Quad. The freshman convocation in the Wendy Williamson will feature the 2014 keynote speaker Melody Swartz, Ph.D. This year, Swartz will be the 10th University of Alaska keynote speaker. Past speakers have included Pulitzer Prize-winning literary critic Michael Dirda (2011), former head of Innovation

at Google and MacArthur Genius Grant winner Yoky Matsuoka (2012), Nobel Laureate Brian P. Schmidt (2013) and others. Swartz is an internationally renowned cancer researcher, as well as a MacArthur Genius Grant winner. Her research focuses on how lymphatic vessels and their transport functions contribute to adaptive immunity. In a short clip from the MacArthur website Swartz said, “My career path has been really unusual, and it’s been always driven by questions.”

All freshman, regardless of the type of degree they are attaining, are invited to come and learn. Pulitzer Prize-winning literary critic Michael Dirda said, “Through our keynote speaker, we hope to inspire our students to success — inspire them to ask questions and engage in a life of inquiry, discovery and service.” In the end, regardless of whether the keynote speaker has the same career of an incoming freshman, a lot can be learned from attending the Freshmen Convocation keynote speech.

photo courtesy of the MacArthur Foundation

Freshmen Convocation speaker Melody Swartz, Ph.D.

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THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Join clubs! “It gives you something to do, something different from classes. It gets you around campus and into events that you normally wouldn’t get into.” chris johnson By George Hyde

gchyde@thenorthernlight.org

UAA Theatre & Dance 2014-2015 Season

al la Bard

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead By Tom Stoppard

Feb 20 - Mar 8, 2015

New Dances 2015 The Fantasticks

Book and Lyrics by Tom Jones

Oct 3 - 19, 2014

April 3 - 12, 2015

Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead By John Heimbuch

Dance Ensemble

April 10 - 26, 2015

Twelfth Night, or What You Will

Tickets

Nov 7 - 16, 2014

By William Shakespeare

Nov 21 - Dec 7, 2014

UAA is an EEO/AA Employer and Educational Institution

On sale September 2014 at uaatix.com More information at uaa.alaska.edu/theatre Box Office: 907 786 4849

Where do you see yourself after you get your degree? You’ve probably been asked this many, many times, but humor me for a minute. Really think about this. You want to be in a highly respected position, right? I know you do. If you’re anything like me, you want to have a fruitful career in something you’re really interested in, then cap it all off sitting in an expensive library, a glass of wine in one hand, a copy of a complicated philosophical study in the other, with Mozart playing in the background and a fire going in the fireplace. Oh, and a fez. And a bathrobe. And an expensive chair. On second thought, maybe that’s just my dream. But that’s not the point. The point is, if you want to get into your dream position, you are going to need connections. And I’m going to tell you where you are most certainly going to find connections: in a club. There are clubs for just about anything at UAA. World culture. Engineering. Gaming. Politics. Languages. Music. Filmmaking. Anime appreciation. And I even hear of a reading and writing club in the works. So don’t lounge around in your residence hall or catch the bus straight home. Instead, after classes, find a group to join. Find one within your program of choice, and find another one that suits your interests. “It gives you something to do, something different from

classes,” said Chris Johnson, a member of UAA’s Anime Club. “It gets you around campus and into events that you normally wouldn’t get into.” Not only is this a fantastic chance to meet new friends, and not only does this strengthen the UAA community as a whole, but it also gives you connections. Chances are, you’ll meet a person who knows a person who knows a person who might be able to land you a job once you get your degree. And that’s an important connection to have, especially in today’s competitive job landscape. Start by heading to UAA Life at http://uaa.alaska.edu/life, and sign in with your UAA student email credentials if you’ve received them yet. Browse through the clubs and mentally pick out a few that you like. Then, head to Campus KickOff on Aug. 23, which will happen outside Rasmuson Hall and Lucy Cuddy Hall — check out the campus map inside of this issue to find your way there. Many different clubs will have booths, often with activities and snacks. It’s a fun time, and it introduces you to many of the clubs firsthand. Many of them will probably have some form of sign-in sheet; give them some way to contact you, and they’ll fill you in on meeting information. And after all that, above all else, have fun meeting new people. This is an important part of your collegiate career, so do it. You’ll thank yourself later, when you’re sitting next to that fireplace with that glass of wine and that fez.

10 FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Ways to utilize time and space more efficiently

Do you have a life hack that might make someone’s day a little easier? Email it to features@ thenorthernlight.org

By Valerie Hudson

features@thenorthernlight.org

Starting a new college year is an adjustment, no matter how far one is in his or her academic career. New challenges arise, whether it’s learning to live in a smaller space than one is used to or even learning how to study more efficiently in a shorter amount of time. Utilizing these 15 hacks is sure to make the adjustment just a little bit easier. 1. Instead of using google.com for academic research, use scholar. google.com.

E G E L L CO

HACKS

2. If you accidentally close a tab, press ctrl+shift+t and it will be reopened on a PC. For a Mac, just hit “edit,” then scroll down and click “undo closed tabs.” 3. After finishing a piece of writing for class, copy and paste it into Google Translate; it is an easy way to find mistakes. 4. Set your phone lock screen to a screenshot of your schedule during the first few weeks of classes. 5. Color code notebooks to easily distinguish them.

6. Cool down a laptop by placing it on top of an egg carton or fast food to-go drink holder. 7. Record lectures. (Recordings can also be sped up using programs like Audacity or VLC media player for quicker listening.)

8. Build your GPA in the beginning of the semester when classes are easier. 9. Crumb-filled keyboard? A sticky note will keep them at bay. 10. Heavy sleeper? Place phone into a glass to amplify the sound of the alarm. 11. Microwave leftover pizza with a small glass of water. This will keep the crust from getting chewy. 12. Use a regular pen as a chip bag clip. 13. Get a planner and actually use it. 14. Can’t figure out a word? Wordhippo.com is a website that will help you find the word you are looking for when you can only think of a phrase. 15. To make cleaning the microwaves easier, simply microwave a bowl of water for 3 minutes. The microwave should wipe clean afterward.

GENERAL SUPPORT SERVICES

COPY & PRINT CENTER SEAWOLF POSTAL EXPRESS SURPLUS & RELOCATION Providing services for UAA students, faculty and staff. Come visit our booth at UAA Campus Kick Off on August 23rd! www.uaa.alaska.edu/gss/

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Is the UAA Bookstore charging too much? By George Hyde

gchyde@thenorthernlight.org Textbooks are the great hidden fee of college. Not many grasp how truly expensive books are until they have to buy or rent them. But why are they so expensive? Some blame publishers, and many others blame bookstores. And now, with the advent of Amazon, it’s becoming easier and easier to blame the latter for exorbitant textbook prices. “(Amazon) is just generally much cheaper, despite even the shipping costs to Alaska,” said Matthew Parker, a student at UAA’s main campus. “A lot of times I’ll look up the prices at the (UAA) Bookstore and put it up against Amazon, and it would still be a lot cheaper online.” Indeed, looking at my own classes proved this correct as well. The prices between most textbooks on Amazon and at the UAA Bookstore are almost always night and day. Naturally, there are a few drawbacks. “I guess the only reason why they would be allowed to charge more is that it’s pure convenience,” Parker said. “You can go somewhere in Alaska and pick it up and you’ve got it now, whereas with Amazon you have to wait a few weeks. But if you plan a few weeks ahead, it’s a lot cheaper.” Going around campus and talking to students, it seems like there’s nothing but scorn for the UAA Bookstore’s prices. But making a textbook isn’t cheap. There’s a lot that goes into it, including hundreds or even thousands of pages of colorful graphics. Printing those kinds of things is expensive. However, to many on campus, it feels like UAA has no excuse to sell them at such high prices when Amazon is selling them for

far less. “It’s too expensive. I feel like it’s more commercially beneficial to them than it is to students,” said Ahmosha Azzan, a worker at the Student Union Info Desk. “They try to make a lot of money from students, and there’s a lot of students here who can’t afford that.” “I can’t think of any reason they would charge more. It’s probably just greed,” Parker said. Many students are instead going with Amazon for reasons like these. “For a student taking a lot of credits, Amazon could make a real difference,” Azzan said. The UAA Bookstore couldn’t be reached for comment. While the UAA Bookstore will no doubt be flooded with tons of last-minute customers once the semester starts up, many more students appear to be hopping on board the Amazon boat. It’ll take the Bookstore a lot of effort to win them back.

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12 FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, August 19, 2014

2013-2014 Throwback

Who runs the Rondy carnival? By Nita Mauigoa

Former TNL features editor

March 4, 2014: Ever wondered who operates the carnival rides and multitude of food trucks at the Fur Rendezvous carnival that takes place each year in February? To find out more about the people and story behind the carnival, read the full article.

Student president faces impeachment By Suhaila Brunelle Former TNL news editor

April 15, 2014: Former president of the USUAA, Drew Lemish faced impeachment hearing in the last three weeks of the spring semester. Some of the charges against him included lack of attendance at assembly meetings, inappropriate behavior at assembly meetings and irresponsive communication regarding USUAA matters.

Photo by ashley snyder

Former UAA hockey player signs with pros By Travis Dowling

sports@thenorthernlight.org

April 8, 2014: Former UAA hockey captain Matt Bailey signed a two-year contract with the Anahiem Ducks during his last semester at UAA.

Photo by Tim Brown

Then-USUAA President Andrew Lessig and then-Vice President President Drew Lemish celebrate the Anchorage unveiling of a UAA/UAF themed aircraft paint job June 7, 2013.

Students vote to move forward with a smoke-free campus By Suhaila Brunelle Former TNL news editor

April 15, 2014: Students voted to move forward with a proposal that would make UAA a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. 51.6 percent of students who voted supported a smoke-free campus, while 45 percent of students did not support the smoke-free initiative

Photo by Dan duque

Political science major Mark Simon speaks against a smoke-free UAA Nov. 5. Students were invited to debate the pros and cons of the anti-smoking campaign. Photo by adam Eberhardt

Former UAA hockey captain Matt Bailey signed with the Anahiem Ducks.

Debate over marijuana reform hazy

5 hikes around Anchorage that aren’t Flattop Mountain By Kelly Ireland

arts@thenorthernlight.org

By Evan Erickson

eerickson@thenorthernlight.org

March 18, 2014: A panel got together to discuss the legalization of marijuana in the state of Alaska at “Time to Legalize? A Public Discussion on Marijuana Law and Policy” in the Wendy Williamson Auditorium on March 5. With the final vote on the legalization of recreational use of marijuana on Nov. 4, take a look at the full article.

Photo by adam Eberhardt

Part of the “Time to Legalize?” panel participating at the discussion on March 5.

April 29, 2014: With winter fast approaching take advantage of the snow-free ground by hitting Anchorage’s nearby hiking trails while avoiding the popular, overcrowded Flattop. Take a look at TNL’s list of five hikes that aren’t Flattop.

Photo by Kelly Ireland

The Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood, Alaska, is great for berry picking and is a nice hike to the Winner Creek Gorge.

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Alaska State Fair’s concert lineup announced

Alaska State Fair 2014

Concert Schedule

P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

graphic by stefanie vigoren

By Kelly Ireland

arts@thenorthernlight.org

KC & the Sunshine Band

Straight from the ‘70s, the R&B/funk group KC and the Sunshine Band will appear at the Alaska State Fair. They will play at the Borealis Theatre on Aug. 21 for a groovy show. KC and the Sunshine Band is best known for the hits “Get Down Tonight,” “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty” and “That’s the Way (I Like It),” all of which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, in addition to two other songs that have made the top of the chart. General admission tickets are $30 and reserved tickets are $45.

Seether

With all of its albums making the Billboard 200, this alternative metal group is ready to rock Alaska. Seether is most known for “Broken,” “Remedy,” “Country Song,” “Fake It” and “Tonight.” The group recently released its album “Isolate and Medicate,” with the single “Words as Weapons” currently No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart. General admission tickets are $30 and reserved tickets are $55.

Thompson Square

Country singing couple Keifer and Shawna Thompson have some serious talent and chemistry. Their mostplayed song, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” was the most-heard song on country radio in 2011 and has also gone double platinum. The group has also most recently been awarded Top New Vocal Duo/Group and Top Vocal Duo at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2013. General admission tickets are $35 and reserved tickets are $45.

Bachman & Turner with Blue Öyster Cult

Rock duo Bachman & Turner, formerly known as Bachman-Turner Overdrive, will play alongside rock group Blue Öyster Cult Aug. 24. While Bachman &

Turner were still Bachman-Turner Overdrive, the group received 120 platinum, gold and silver awards and graced the Billboard Hot 100 multiple times with the songs “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” “Taking Care of Business,” “Hey You,” “My Wheels Won’t Turn” and “Looking Out for #1.” Blue Öyster Cult also has quite the track record, being named one of “the greatest hard rock bands of all time” by VH1. The group also had hits including “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and “Burnin’ For You.” General admission tickets are $35 and reserved tickets are $65.

Michael W. Smith

Christian music artist Michael W. Smith has sold over 15 million albums during his career. He has won three Grammy Awards — one for Best Gospel Performance in 1984, another for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 1995 with “I’ll Lead You Home” and Best Pop/Contemporary Album in 2002 for his album “Worship Again.” In his 30 years in the music industry, Michael W. Smith has released more than 20 studio albums. General admission tickets are $35 and reserved tickets are $55.

TESLA

Multi-platinum group TESLA has been around for more than 25 years with its blues rock/hard rock sound. The group is most known for the song “Signs,” which peaked on the Billboard 100 at No. 8. Other hits include “Little Suzi,” “Love Song,” “The Way It Is” and “What You Give.” General admission tickets are $25 and reserved tickets are $45.

The All-American Rejects

Quintessential 2000s pop punk/rock band The AllAmerican Rejects has four studio albums: its self-titled album that went gold, “Move Along” that went double platinum in the United States, “When the World Comes Down” that also went gold, and “Kids in the Street.” The group has six hits, including “I Wanna,” “Gives You Hell,” “It Ends Tonight,” “Move Along,” “Dirty Little Secret” and “Swing, Swing.” General admission tickets are $35 and reserved tickets are $55.

Three Days Grace

Three Days Grace has sold over 6 million records with its self-titled platinum album and platinum-selling album “One-X,” in addition to gold-selling album “Life Starts Now” and the most recently released “Transit of Venus.” Three Days Grace has also been named Rock Artist of the Year by Billboard magazine in 2007. The band’s biggest hit is the song “Pain,” which peaked Billboard Hot 100 at No. 44. The group also has many other hits to make the chart including “(I Hate) Everything About You,” “Just Like You,” “Home,” “Animal I Have Become,” “Never Too Late” and “Break.” General admission tickets are $35 and reserved tickets are $55.

Duck Dynasty: An Evening with the Robertsons

Stars of the A&E hit show “Duck Dynasty” Phil Robertson, Miss Kay, Uncle Si, Jep and Alan Robertson will be paying a visit to the Alaska State Fair for Q&A and entertainment. “Duck Dynasty” is the most-watched nonfiction cable series in history. The show boasts over 11.8 million viewers. General admission tickets are $35 and reserved tickets are $75.

Flo Rida

Flo Rida is famous for his songs “Whistle,” “Good Feeling,” “Club Can’t Handle Me,” “Right Round,” “Sugar,” “Low” and more. “Low” won the People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Hip-Hop Song in 2009 and his song “Wild Ones” won Best Rap/Hip-Hop Dance Track at the International Dance Music Awards in 2013. General admission tickets are $40 and reserved tickets are $75.

Pentatonix

Pop a cappella group Pentatonix won season three of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” in 2011. The group has released three albums. Most Pentatonix songs are covers of other popular songs, including “Gangnam Style,” “Royals, “Say Something” and “Happy.” General admission tickets are $25 and reserved tickets are $45.

Admission into the Alaska State Fairgrounds is $7 for kids ages 6-12, $11 for adults ages 13-64 and $7 for seniors 65 and over. Cost for daily parking is $5. Ticket prices for each concert vary. For more information and to buy tickets visit http:// alaskastatefair.org/concerts/. Tickets can be purchased in the fairgrounds outside the Kendall Toyota of Anchorage Borealis Theatre. Valid ID is required to get into drinking areas at concerts.

OPINION

THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, August 19, 2014

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Hello from UAA’s student body president

media policies and budgets. Works with student media outlets and student government to advocate for student media at UAA, both on campus and in the community at large. Join by: Presidential appointment

By USUAA President Stacey Lucason uaa_pres@uaa.alaska.edu, 907-786-1206

Hey, I’m Stacey Lucason, president of the Union of Students at the University of Alaska Anchorage, USUAA for short. While you can find my official bio at the University Center, I wanted to share with you a little bit about how I came to be your president and what I might be able to do for you. First, I transferred to UAA after earning an Associate’s of Arts in Washington State. I started out taking one class, then two, while I worked full-time here in town, waiting until things lined up so that I could be a full-time student. A few clubs piqued my interest; I’d seen some event posters and my adviser suggested trying them out as a good way to add lines to my resume and meet more people on campus. Sure enough, one of the clubs needed an officer for the coming year, and when I started taking classes full-time, I also became a Club Council representative. I jumped at the chance to serve on the Haunted Halloween Fun Night planning committee. Who could pass up helping plan a super fun event for his or her favorite holiday? So anyway, that experience led to my nomination to serve on Club Council as vice chair last year, which opened a door to an array of new opportunities to participate on campus. After starting to learn more about the government structures above students at UAA, and about what matters to students here, I saw an opportunity to lead and went for it — running for USUAA president for this year. Without knowing it, I had followed the steps Student Life and Leadership suggests to make UAA more meaningful as a student: Experience. Participate. Lead. That is where I’ve come from and how I’ve come to be here. Part of where this year takes me will depend on you, the students here. Now, with a unique mix of essential needs for life on campus, students will push the direction of this journey.

Decide on UAA, register for classes, buy books, visit Howl Days and go to Campus Kick-off ... then what?

You may think that this is all there is to UAA — some classes, a handful of events, a bookstore and shuttle, but you’d be missing out on what may be the most important part of your experience here: student life. The vibrancy of the campus can be found not only on the winding trails across campus, but within the classrooms and hallways among peers. I am here to tell you that your classes are important, of course, but really living while you are here is at least as important to being successful. The significance of connections within the university beyond registering for classes may not be obvious at the beginning of things, when everything seems to be in order and feels like smooth sailing. However, except for a very lucky few, not everything will be smooth sailing or go exactly as planned. There will be tests that are harder than expected, sometimes with grades lower than one would like to admit; there will schedule conflicts between required classes, or with work or other

Travel Board

Does: Grants awards to students as a way to support them financially on academic or leadership travel, so they can participate in workshops or civic-engagement experiences. The first deadline for applications is in mid-September. Join by: Presidential appointment

Student Union and Commuter Student Services Board important events; there will be Alaska weather; and there will be many more things not on this list that come up unforeseen. Life happens, even to the best of us, and one of the best ways to take what may be speed bumps or hiccups or small crises and look at them as mere changes in the direction of one’s current voyage is to have trusted people around that have your back no matter what comes up. The easiest way I’ve heard of to find these supporters is to meet more people and be part of a community. UAA can mean more to you than a bunch of buildings spread across a strip of midtown, if you know where to look. For those of you not sure what your place here will be, let this serve as an introductory guide.

What USUAA does for you:

You may have heard that student government puts on dances, and while that is true — Homecoming is Oct. 3 — it’s certainly not all we do! The purpose of USUAA is to broaden the education perspective of students through self-governance, promote the educational needs, general welfare and rights of students. It also serves as a forum for students to express their ideas and improve communication between students, faculty and administration. USUAA holds regular open assembly meetings Fridays at 3 p.m. and committee meetings as posted on our website. USUAA invites all students to stop by and see the process or comment on issues and legislation before the assembly. USUAA has access to legal services, if students need the advice of a professional, at greatly reduced rates. USUAA advocates for the university to the Alaska Legislature, usually lobbying for more money to support education.

Ways to get involved at UAA:

You may already know how to make connections outside the classroom, and have your eye on several groups you are planning to join, but the examples below are just small sample of the ways to build your own community within UAA.

Media Board

Does: Provides oversight and selects managers for KRUA 88.1 FM and The Northern Light, and approves

Does: Provides student input and recommendations about the facilities and services provided within the Student Union building, provides direction to Commuter Student Services, and may have a role in the planning of a Union remodel in the not-too-distant future. Join by: Presidential appointment

Undergraduate Academic Board

Does: Reviews requests for permanent and crosslisted course numbers, change in credit hours, grading basis and course level. Works with Enrollment Services on policy review requests and will be important this year with the Board of Regents interested in unifying the UA system. Join by: Presidential appointment

Campus Programming Board

Does: Meet with students and staff to expand the number and variety of existing UAA organizations, to ensure a coordinated schedule of successful, student-led campus programming, including events for Homecoming in October and Winterfest in February. Join by: Presidential appointment

Student Judicial Board

Does: Work with the Dean of Students Office to decide if substantial information exists to determine whether or not it is more likely a student violated Student Code of Conduct. May be of interest to those involved in justice and pre-law. Join by: Presidential appointment

Diversity Action Council

Does: Meets regularly to increase the visibility of diverse people, cultures and/or perspectives at UAA, create a welcoming environment and represent diverse student voices through advocacy. Also works with other organizations to coordinate student events focused on diversity. Join by: Presidential Appointment

Clubs and Greek Organizations

There are over 100 clubs and honor societies, and two fraternities and two sororities to choose from. You can be a member of multiple clubs in addition to any Greek membership. Join by: Check out the UAA Life website or stop by the Student Clubs and Greek Life office in the Student Union for more information.

PEOPLE

THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, August 19, 2014

HOT TOPIC

â€œWhat are your thoughts on the UAA Bookstoreâ€™s textbook prices?â€?

Jeremiah Eisele

Jackie Odena

Yasu Nakasato

â€œI think that theyâ€™re way too high. I actually donâ€™t buy my textbooks here anymore. I get all my textbooks now from Amazon. Usually I try to buy a previousedition textbook. Iâ€™ll try and contact my professors and see if they allow that, and a lot of times they will. I save a lot of money that way.â€?

â€œTheyâ€™re insane. I donâ€™t even buy my textbooks at the Bookstore. I either rent them online, or I get the eBook for it and use my tablet.â€?

â€œVery expensive. Itâ€™s just very expensive. I donâ€™t know why. Iâ€™d like to have cheaper books, but, you know, I cannot afford them.â€?

Student

Hot Topic Questions, photos and Comments compiled bY george hyde. jackie odena photo courtesy of teodore odena.

t u o b a l i a m e s i h t s i t a h W ? s k r o W P MA

MAP-ÂWorks Â stands Â for Â Making Â Achievement Â Possible, Â it Â is Â a Â program Â that Â assists Â degree-Âseeking Â freshmen Â and Â sophomore Â students Â successfully Â transition Â to Â UAA. By Â taking Â just Â two Â 15-Â20 Â minute Â surveys Â per Â semester Â MAP-ÂWorks Â students Â have Â the Â opportunity Â to Â communicate Â their Â needs Â and Â progress Â to Â UAA Â staff Â and Â faculty. Students Â will Â receive Â a Â personalized Â student Â report Â at Â the Â end Â of Â each Â survey, Â a Â tool Â they Â can Â use Â to Â ensure Â their Â success Â at Â UAA. The Â dates Â the Â surveys Â will Â be Â sent Â to Â studentsâ€™ Â preferred Â email: Â Â Â Â Â Â Fall Â Transition Â Survey Â : Â September Â 21 Â â€“ Â October Â 12 Â Â Â Â Â Â Spring Â Transition Â Survey Â : Â February Â 8 Â â€“ Â March Â 1 Â Â

Fall Â Check-Âup Â Survey Â : Â November Â 9 Â â€“ Â November Â 30 Spring Â Check-Âup Â Survey Â : Â April Â 5 Â â€“ Â April Â 26

As Â a Â thank Â you, Â students Â are Â automatically Â entered Â to Â win Â prizes Â upon Â completion Â of Â the Â survey Â (iPads, Â gift Â cards Â and Â more)! 15 minutes can save you $10,000*, and help you graduate on time. @ the

MAP-ÂWORKS "! #! $ "# " " " ! " $ # ! # *the Â added Â cost Â of Â an Â additional Â year Â of Â college Â for Â a Â bachelorâ€™s Â degree UAA Â is Â an Â EEO/AA Â employer Â and Â educational Â institution.