Vol. 97, No. 6

ThePRAIRIE

August 27, 2014

Vol. 97 Iss. 1

Start, NJ

Finish, CA

Read about Shelby’s Run on page 10

Photo Courtesy of: Shelby Schnatz

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

Page 8

Page 11

Q & A with VP of Student Affairs

Students and faculty tackle move-in day

Lady Buffs Volleyball talks team unity

Abolishment of Flesh is on tour

Increased enrollment leads to parking frenzy

2 NEWS NEWS

Buff News Briefs

Bank names classroom

Staff EDITOR Megan Moore ASSOCIATE EDITORS Alyssa Bonner Preston Thomas ADVISER Dr. Butler Cain AD MANAGER Alyssa Bonner LAYOUT DESIGNERS Cheyenne Black Victoria Stone

Photographers Amada Koontz Ian Kelty Natalia Molina

The Prairie is a student-operated newspaper at West Texas A&M University. It functions to inform, educate and entertain readers accurately and responsibly. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration, faculty or staff.

The Prairie verifies the legitimacy of the advertising appearing in The Prairie, but cannot be held liable for any advertising claim made in this publication. The Prairie has a circulation of 1,500 and is printed by the Amarillo Globe-News.

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he College of Business at West Texas A&M University has recently received a new classroom courtesy of The Bank of America. Bank of America named the ITV Classroom as a part of its support for WTAMU’s College of Business along side with its support of the University’s Share Your Pride campaign.

The new ITV Classroom is located in the Classroom Center room 227 and now has upgraded physical features along with new technology available for student’s daily use.

Student attains $10,000

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est Texas A&M graduate student, Jessica Ehlers, is the recipient of a $10,000 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) scholarship. The Reeder, ND native is currently a student in the Master of Professional Accounting program, will graduate in may of 2015. She is a member of the WT Rodeo team, where she competes in breakaway and team roping. The business school, rodeo program and warmer weather drew her to West Texas A&M University.

Monetary penalties imposed by the PCAOB must be used to fund merit scholarships for students in accredited accounting degree programs under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

The Board has established the PCAOB Scholarship Program to provide a source of funding to encourage qualified students to pursue a career in auditing.

New VP announced

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August 27, 2014

It’s A Buffs Life

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n January of 2014, the position for WTAMU’s vice president of business and finance vacated. As of September 1ST, one of the four finalists interviewed for the position, Sherri Bays will serve as the new vice president for the WTAMU Business and Finance department.

As vice president for business and finance, Bays will oversee the University’s budgeting, physical facilities and contract management along with supervising the Accounting and Business Office, the Buff Gold Card Office, University Bookstore, Post Office, University Police Department, Environmental Safety, Human Resources and Purchasing and Inventory Services.

WT receives rare grant

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very year the National Science Foundation (NSF) receives thousands of applications for 175 Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grants given each year. WTAMU recieved two of the highly competitive grants, totaling in over $500,000.

The grants support the purchase and maintenance of a NMR spectrometer and probes—equipment that will contribute to research and training in four departments across two campuses. This will also enable the acquisition of new technology for research in environmental and agricultural sciences at WTAMU.

Instagram Photo of the Week

August 27, 2014

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3 NEWS NEWS

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WT sets new school record with dorm capacity Cheyenne Black Reporter

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he number of WT students living on campus is the highest it has ever been. WT reports the number of students living on campus is just below 2,400. “We are completely full. The rooms that are left are the sorority rooms which are filled, at this time we are happily operating at full capacity,� Bethany Jones, Resident Assistant for Shirley Hall, said.August 20 was a busy day to be on campus, so much so that WT had only 60 volunteers helping students unload and directing traffic to keep from having a buildup of cars. “There have been way too many lines in recent years,�

Amy Harleson, Resident Assistant for Shirley Hall, said.

This year residential living has

made some changes about how some things are done and one of them is “Stop, Drop and Go.�

When a student’s car would pull up to their dorm, the particular car is to stop, unload on the sidewalk and then park. “Every building had a station and each station had a straw boss,� Cindy Spencer, Senior Director of Residential Living, said. To keep things running as smoothly as possible, each boss would go from each station to check on the situation of that particular residence hall. “I am very appreciative of all the people who volunteered their time,� Spencer said. Part of the “Go� is to have volunteers carry the items to the designated room. This method allowed a steady flow and kept the lines moving. The students who volunteered to help on last

week, included people from Career Services, the men’s basketball team, coaches, Greek organizations, UPD and Linda Washington, the Executive Secretary for Student Affairs.

Students who volunteered were allowed to move in early. “We are trying to get people where they requested,�

Spencer said. One of the new changes that residential living has made is the room request can be made online. The form allows students to change rooms, halls, request a certain roommate or request a private room. The respond time for these forms is said to be Wednesday, Aug. 28, because more than 200 forms must be processed. For those who submitted a form, requests will depend on different factors, such as who has lived on campus the longest.

Photo Courtesy of: Eternal Flame WT students “Stop, Drop, and Go� on move-in day.

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4 NEWS NEWS

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August 27, 2014

University faculty hires new student affairs VP Cheyenne Black Reporter

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est Texas A&M administration has hired a new student affairs Vice President to over see the Code of students, Emergency notifications, Student Honors, Notary and Student judicial affairs and student fee committee. This department allows student’s to be empowered to become an informed, responsible, creative and articulate decision maker.

The Prairie: “Can you tell me a little about what you did before becoming the Vice President?”

Mike Knox: “For the last seven years, I was the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington. I oversee orientation programs, international education, study abroad, mul-

Photo Courtesy WTAMU Mike Knox, new Student Affairs Vice President.

ticultural affairs, the parent and family center, disability services and student media. Before that, I worked at a small college in Louisville, Kentucky called Bellarmine University for 5 years and I was also at the University of Kentucky prior to that. However, I am a native Texan. I grew up in Coleman, TX and my undergraduate degree is from Texas A&M in College Station.”

The Prairie: “What attracted you to the job?”

Mike Knox: “There were many things that did. For me, this just seemed like a great intersection of professional and personal fit. Professionally, I felt like I was ready for the new challenges associated with leading a division. And more importantly, I was so impressed by the student-centered approach that permeates campus at WT. At many places, you might see the word “student-centered” in one or two places in a mission statement or online. Here, it appears everywhere. And then when you start to talk to people, not just in student affairs, you sense it is genuine. I was very motivated to work in an environment like that. Lastly, there is a strong focus on student success, retention, and graduation, and I feel like that is an area where I have something to offer. Then on the personal side, well, I loved growing up in a small Texas town. I have always told my wife that I would love to return to one, but most colleges are in cities. A community like Canyon was a great fit for my family and we are excited to become a part of the Canyon community.”

The Prairie: “What is your philosophy? (How are you

thinking about leading this school year?)”

Mike Knox: “Well, I’d like to think I am pretty adaptable.

I plan to spend some time getting to know the culture and the people in the division, and then start developing plans for the way we will operate. I am a strong believe that you have to create an organizational culture from within that supports a great work environment and a collaborative, can-do spirit.

That is not something that a leader can dictate successfully, it needs to flow up. So I will lead the division in conversations about how we will work together, and how we will work with others, and then we will get to work putting in solutions to things as we go. It is very clear from President O’Brien and the senior leaders on campus that student success and retention/ graduation rates are the problems we need to solve. There are lots of things that the division of student affairs can do to support that work.”

The Prairie: “What are your expectations for the coming years?”

Mike Knox: “I am looking forward to just diving in and learning all about the history and traditions of the school, getting to know students, and becoming an active member of the Canyon community. I have every intention of sticking around for as long as people want me here.

This work is challenging and it is fun, so I am looking forward to all that lies ahead.”

The Prairie: “What will be your main focus this semester?”

Mike Knox: “Understanding the culture of the university and

learning where the division of student affairs can have the biggest impact is my primary goal.

There are a couple of key vacancies in positions that we are working to fill. We will be posting an Assistant Vice President position to oversee our student conduct processes and advise student government soon, and the next priority will be filling the vacancy in Student Engagement and Leadership. We also have some work to do with the residence halls which is exciting, because we are going to be very close to full this year and we expect to freshman class to continue to grow. I am also interested in working with the

division to increase its focus on assessment and data so that we can make the best decisions for campus in the future.”

The Prairie: “What are some insecurities you have about this job? Why?” Mike Knox: “I don’t really have any specific insecurity, but anytime you go someplace new, you have to navigate a new and different organizational culture. Everyone has been so welcoming and willing to assist in anyway which has made the beginning of that process easier.

I guess I was a little nervous about getting “branded” until I found out it was just ink.”

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5 NEWS NEWS

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Students enjoy New Starbucks coming soon dining on campus Jose Robledo Reporter

Amanda Koontz/The Prairie Students gather for lunch Tusday in the food court at the JBK Student Center.

Amanda Koontz/The Prairie WTAMU students wait in line at the Dining Hall during Tuesday’s of lunch hour.

Starbucks Coffee Company is coming to the Jack B. Kelley Student Center. The Java City Coffee is no longer open and is covered in order for construction to occur safely. Coffee lovers on campus have demonstrated tremendous excitement and concerns about the opening of Starbucks. “I think this was a great idea, and I have a feeling many people are looking forward to this opening,” Abigail Martinez, a senior Education major, said.

“I’m worried about paying for something expensive and not tasting any good.

I am also worried that this Starbucks will not have my favorite cup of coffee,” Marissa Zavala, a senior Communication Disorders major said.

The Starbucks Coffee Company has attracted a lot of college students. National Public Radio recently reported young adults are turning to coffee, rather than caffeinated sodas, as their pick up of choice. The Starbucks Coffee Company is expected to open on Oct. 21 assuming construction finishes on time. “Starbucks

Jose Robledo/The Prairie The construction site’s located in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center.

will be conducting training for all employees and we will follow national pricing on all Starbucks products,” Steven Knadle, WT Food Service Director said.

Aramark will have no control over the prices that Starbucks establishes.

Student workers will also be allowed to work only after they are trained to work at Starbucks.

“This will be a full service Starbucks. It will have all breakfast, lunch and dinner options plus all coffees and teas,” Knadle said.

6 SPORTS SPORTS

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August 27, 2014

Meet the Lady Buffs Volleyball 2014 team leaders Alyssa Bonner Associate Editor

Meet Lauren Bevan: Bevan is a senior from Ventura, Calif. She is an outside hitter for the Lady Buffs and began playing when she was in ninth grade.

Bevan likes to ponder on many of life’s “What if...” questions.

“I have these, this is what they’re called, floating bodies.

They’re like extra little things I have in my knee. They just get caught on things, they make things hurt. Then I wonder, what if there’s a whole world in my knee?”

Meet Lexi Davis: Davis is a junior from Dumas, Texas. She is a middle blocker on the Lady Buffs volleyball team and has been playing since

she was in eighth grade.

The Prairie asked: What was one of your childhod fears?

“I was really scared of the dude under the bed.”

Meet Kameryn Hayes:

Meet Jessica Johnson:

Hayes is a senior right side hitter/setter for the Lady Buffs.

She has been playing volleyball since she was in fifth grade and was named the 2014 Preseason Setter of the Year in the Lone Star Conference.

The Prairie asked: If you could have a super power, what would it be?

“I would fly, just because I think it’s cool.”

Johnson is a junior middle blocker from Snowflake, Ariz.

She started playing volleyball in seventh grade.

The Prairie asked: If you could be a super hero, who would you be?

“Spiderman would be pretty cool. You could just go from building to building, get to places fast, climb walls. Actually, can I teleport instead?”

Alyssa Bonner/The Prairie The Lady Buffs Volleyball team remained undefeated at home last season, with a record of 22-0 at “The Box.” They will play their season opener at home in the BritKare Lady Buff Classic Sept. 5-6.

Alyssa Bonner/The Prairie From left to right: Junior Lexi Davis, junior Jessica Johnson, senior Lauren Bevan and senior Kameryn Hayes.

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he 2014 Lady Buffs Volleyball team is led by senior Lauren Bevan, junior Lexi Davis, senior Kameryn Hayes and junior Jessica Johnson. The team is supported by their biggest fan, a young woman known to the team as “H-Baby.”

“She’s always been around,” Hayes said. “She stands with us on the bench at home games.”

Johnson added that H-Baby’s parents also do a lot for the team.

The players’ unifying chant this year is, “We are one.” In their huddles, one girl will say, “W,” and the others will respond with, “A-O,” spelling out the acronym for “We are one.”

The team hopes that by coming together, they can get to where they were last year or better.

The Lady Buffs return this season defending their 13th Regional Championship and Elite Eight appearance in 2013.

Last season, the Lady Buffs had a 35-4 record with a 16-0 record in conference play.

“We have a completely different team this year,” Bevan said. “The skill is there, but coming together is going to be the hardest part, I think, and just making that team chemistry.”

They begin conference play on Sept. 13 against A&MKingsville.

August 27, 2014

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7 SPORTS SPORTS

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Mikey Williams confident in Buffs Soccer team Alyssa Bonner Associate Editor

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ikey Williams, senior from Plymouth, England, is the captain of the men’s soccer team. He began playing soccer at the age of four and has since been encouraged by his parents.

To any young aspiring athlete, Williams would say, “Train hard. Always listen to advice from either your parents or your coaches. Constantly work at trying to improve yourself.” His greatest memory in his time at WT so far is beating Midwestern

State University in overtime his sophomore year.

Williams is confident in the men’s soccer team this year, which has several starters returning. The team is also hoping for a playoff berth.

“We came close last year, so we can go one step further this year,” Williams said. “There are some good recruits. There is a lot of good team chemistry.

We’re a good unit together.”

The Buffs Soccer team plays their season opener at home against Colorado School of Mines Sept. 5. The game is set to begin at 7 p.m.

Find your friends...

wtamudirectory.com ...call your friends

Alyssa Bonner/The Prairie Senior Mikey Williams will lead the Buffs Soccer team this season. Williams reminds himself and others to always give 110 percent, “no matter what you do, anything in life.”

Intramurals begin at WTAMU Alyssa Bonner Associate Editor

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ec Sports has partnered with IMLeagues, a website that acts as a one-stop place for individuals to learn new information regarding WTAMU’s intramural sports.

Information about leagues, scheduling, playoff brackets and more will be accessible through IMLeagues.com.

Players and teams can sign up for intramurals via IMLeagues. com. Interested individuals who

do not yet have a team to play with can register as a free agent on the website, allowing teams and team captains to view their profile and request to have them on their respective teams. Free agents may also request to join an already existing team.

Sports include flag football, volleyball, tennis and racquetball. Entries opened on Aug. 25 for League Bowling, Flag Football and the Sand Volleyball Tournament. Entries for other sports will open on various dates.

Each sport consists of a pre-season tournament, regular season play and an All-University Championship tournament.

Each individual who participates in intramural sports must have a Participation Consent Form on file in the Rec Sports Office To see the full schedule for Fall entries, deadlines and season opening dates, visit the Rec Sports page on the WT

website.

8 ARTS LEISURE ARTS& & LEISURE

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August 27, 2014

WT graduate follows music aspirations Preston’s Picks

Preston Thomas

Reporter

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The band had been on the radio station and I would help out,” said Izaak Chavez, a graduate of WT, “I had made a joke that if they needed another guitarist to let me know.”

Shortly afterwards, the band Abolishment of Flesh invited Chavez to try out.

“I was learning songs, juggling classes, working at my other job, helping out all over the Mass Comm department and trying to sleep somewhere in there.” said Chavez. “It’s definitely death metal. It’s real heavy and fast, but it has some melody and intricate guitar work. It’s hard to describe, but you’ll know it when you hear it.”

Izaak Chavez, a graduate of the WT mass communications program, has put plans for completing a higher degree on hold in order to pursue a more musical goal, performing in the death metal band Abolishment of Flesh. The group is already at a major milestone, travelling with several other bands in their first major tour. Abolishment has already played shows in Chicago, Kansas City and Clifton Park, NY. Now the group is on a short break from the tour due to a problem with crossing the border.

We should have been in Canada,” said Chavez, “it sucks that it didn’t work out but we’re still playing the American tour dates, and meeting back up in Las Vegas.”

Chavez is pleased with the opportunity to do what he loves.

“After Deathfest in March,

the All Things Dead tour had been in the works and our name got thrown out,” said Chavez, “This is Abolishment’s first big tour and we’re getting recognition because of it. Not many other metal bands are taking these steps to further themselves, now it’s at the point that we are hitting our level.”

“I didn’t want to say anything to [my advisors] because I had no idea what they would say,” said Chavez, “I saw it as a conflict between academia and entertainment. Eventually Randy Ray kinda forced my hand and I had to tell him. He was fine with it, he seemed kinda bummed, but I made a problem to finish graduate school.”

Chavez, while committed to his fellow musicians in the band, still values the experiences he had at WT. “Everything I learned in the Mass Comm program has helped me out,” said Chavez, “but this is something I always wanted to do and you don’t get an opportunity like this every day. I have to see this through as much as I would with academia.”

While chasing his own dream, Izaak had a few words of encouragement for other students at WT with dreams of their own.

“Just try, if you want it bad enough you have to put in the work,” said Chavez, “At some point someone will notice but it’s never handed to you. You can’t give up on little things, if you really want it bad enough you’ll do it. Anything else is an excuse.”

Photo courtesy of Izaak Chavez Izaak Chavez performs infront of a crowd while on tour.

5 – Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Containing nearly every Halo game released, this collection is massive. While the exclusion of ODST and Reach may disappoint, the draw of the remastered version of Halo 2 and online multiplayer that can mix and match from every game, Halo fans will doubtlessly be pleased.

4– Cities Skylines – After the disappointment that was Sim City 2015, city simulation fans have languished in the absence of a title up to standards. Fear no more, the Finnish developers of the Cities in Motion games have taken up the task of making a game that will satisfy your strange urges to craft sprawling metropolises.

3 – Crusader Kings 2: Charlemagne – I’m cheating a little here. This one is DLC for an existing game, but it’s going to be a big one for the popular medieval infanticide simulator strategy game, moving the start date further back to cover the rise of the great Holy Roman Emperor of its title.

2 – Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS – With a huge roster of new characters, gameplay landing between the friendliness of Brawl and the Competition of Melee and shiny new graphics, I’m incredibly excited for the latest entry in everyone’s favorite Nintendo themed brawler.

1 – Bloodborne – The latest title in development by Dark Souls creators Hidetaka Miyazaki and From Software, the game draws heavily from its predecessors gameplay but takes on a gross, grimy Victorian-era-gone-awry style.

ARTS LEISURE 9 ARTS& & LEISURE TRIVIA TEST

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. MOVIES: Which movie character delivered the famous tagline: “Why so serious?”

2. EXPLORERS: Who was the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe?

3. LITERATURE: What was the original title of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”?

4. INVENTIONS: Who is credited with inventing BandAids?

5. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: Who once said, “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody”?

6. LANGUAGE: In British slang, what is a “torch”?

7. MUSIC: Which character on “Sesame Street” had a hit single with the song “Rubber Duckie”?

8. GEOGRAPHY: What Central American nation lies between Honduras and Costa Rico?

9. TELEVISION: Which sitcom featured the character Cliff Clavin, and what was his profession?

10. ANATOMY: What is the common name for the axilla? (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc. 8. Nicaragua 9. “Cheers,” postal worker 10. Armpit

theprairienews.com

Answers 4. Earle Dickson 5. Bill Cosby 6. Flashlight 7. Ernie

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1. The Joker (Heath Ledger) in “The Dark Knight” 2. Ferdinand Magellan 3. “First Impressions”

August 27,2014

10 FEATURE FEATURE

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August 27, 2014

WT graduate runs from New Jersey to California

Megan Moore Editor

T

he low hum of the engine and the methodical whooshing as the tires kept traction with the open road, gave Shelby Schnatz the last spark of inspiration she needed as she gazed upon corn fields in Nebraska. The decision was made. She was going to run transcontinental.

“I started talking to my parents about it and of course they were like why would you even want to do that,” Schnatz said. “Everyone finding out was a big step.”

Others responded with a simple “you’re crazy” or “how are you going to do that” to her fast approaching departure date. But she researched and networked and fundraised and embraced the challenge anyway. As a senior in her last semester at West Texas A&M University, Schnatz knew the balance of stress and excitement and reached out to a Facebook group called USA Crossers to help answer the bundle of questions she had. From this site she made connections with Jake Brown, founder of the Bare Sole Project, a nonmonetary transcontinental support network, and the whole community of transcontinental runners.

“She had a lot of questions about logistics, networking, gear, etc., so I suggested featuring her on my blog and website to discuss her planning process as it unfolded,” Brown said. “The first article was introductory and addressed common issues faced by transcon runners. We

followed up with her guest piece in which she explained how she was preparing to tackle those challenges.”

The anxiety of certain challenges didn’t waver Schnatz’s determination to take on America by foot. According to USAcrossers.com, she is one of a few women to ever make the trek across the U.S. She educated herself on the dangers and prepared accordingly.

Taking on a solo run, meaning she will be running without a support vehicle, requires her to be extra vigilant.

“I really listen to my body so I can feel when something is coming on,” Schnatz said.

“I try not to be fearful because I know it will plant a seed and feed itself. I don’t feel like I’m scared.”

Schnatz graduated from WTAMU in May of 2014 with a degree in General Studies and is coming back to become a registered dietitian. Nutrition has been a huge aspect in training, and she will stick to eating mostly whole grains, legumes, nuts, chia, fruit and vegetables; basically anything with protein, amino acids and antioxidants while on the road.

Schnatz will be running with 75 pounds worth of gear and additional safety items including a spot beacon, which has a help button and an SOS button that will send GPS coordinates to anyone she has on her immediate contact list as well as the closest emergency locations. She will be running with a stroller that carries all of her equipment. Fire Department No. 4 in Amarillo helped Schnatz modify her

stroller by adding reflective tape and tailoring it to her needs.

“It just glides and is perfect,” Schnatz said. “It’s a little hard only being able to swing one arm instead of two arms because that’s what I’m used to but it’s not that bad especially pushing that much weight.”

A common theme among the transcontinental running community is never running alone, and it even has a hashtag on the USA Crossers Facebook page. They embrace the notion of running for others and for a cause rather than letting the mental strain overtake them.

“If we remember to run for

others as well as ourselves, we discover a new strength and incentive to complete and follow through on our goals,” Brown said. “That’s why I was originally drawn to charity work and why I still use running as a catalyst for fundraising and awareness campaigns.”

As an avid runner, Schnatz had often dreamed of following in the footsteps of Forrest Gump and running across America.

She took hold of these dreams and focused on using her legs to run for a cause, the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“A lot of people can’t run or they are bound to a wheelchair

“Basically just run for those who can’t. I will use my muscles to strengthen theirs. That’s become the motto and I really like that.”

-Shelby Schnatz

Photo courtesy of Shelby Schnatz Schnatz poses with gear before running out of Atlantic City.

and I’m a runner and I just don’t know how they do it,” Schnatz said. “Basically just run for those who can’t. I will use my muscles to strengthen theirs. That’s become the motto and I really like that.”

The goal of the run is to not only raise $10,000 for the disease but to raise awareness as well. Before leaving for her run on Aug. 15, Schnatz had already raised $7,000. She does this through donations as well as sponsorships through businesses. A few of her sponsors include Global Animal Products, Inc., Brown Automotive Group, Jason Chafe State Farm Insurance Agency, Paul Schnatz with Amarillo Parkview Reality, Spira Footware and APS Construction.

“Amarillo is a big small town with people with huge hearts and that’s exactly what Shelby is,” Jason Chafe, Owner and Agent at State Farm Insurance, said. “She’s an inspiration to me and it’s time I give back to the town that’s done so much for me and this is the perfect way to do it.”

Donations made go straight to the organization and a link to the website can be found on Schnatz’s Facbook page, Shelby’s Transcontinental Run. “People donating is just a small factor,” Chafe said. “People listen here. We tell her you’ve got five people in a State Farm Agency running right beside you.”

The Prairie will be following Schnatz on her journey from New Jersey to California by posting updates to our social media accounts and website.

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August 27, 2014

theprairienews.com

11 OPINION OPINION

Enrollment spike at WT leads to parking problems

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any embrace the first day of school head on.

Seniors know their way around campus and fall into the swing of things almost immediately, while many freshman students are still giddy about the new start at the university level.

This academic year enrollment at West Texas A&M University has been higher than ever with approximately 2,400 students registered to live on campus. Because of this spike in students on campus, the issue of parking and pedestrian safety has been brought to administrative concern.

With the new transportation fee in place, students purchase a parking permit online without paying a fee on the spot. Instead, the fee for the permit is tied in with the transportation fee and students are able to print out a

temporary pass while waiting for the permanent sticker to be mailed to them.

Along with having to adjust to the new parking permits, vehicle traffic allowance to 26th street has been closed causing various outrage via social media about parking conditions on campus.

It can be difficult for students to find sympathy in making the campus more pedestrian friendly when increased enrollment numbers have made the parking situation increasingly difficult.

If students see the value in safety while though it interferes with convenience, they can take advantage of other positive aspects of the transportation fee like the shuttle bus. There is an addition to the WT mobile app allowing students to track shuttle bus progress on campus

and can time their departures accordingly while taking advantage of parking spaces located at the First United Bank Center.

Parking does not, however, define the college experience or the capability to learn. It instead only comes as a small hindrance as a gateway to the learning community.

Tweets

Ian Kelty/The Prairie A line of cars form around the parking lot as students search for available spots in the crowded parking lots.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

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12 PHOTOS PHOTOS

Where the

theprairienews.com

∙

August 27, 2014

Roam

Arequipa, Peru Kimberly Polleri, Sophomore

Shanghai, China Alex Montoya, Senior

Grand Canyon, Arizona Shannon Hanke, Sophomore

Barra de Santiago, El Salvador Natalia Molina, Sophomore

Cerro de la Cruz, Guatemala Michelle Galdamez, Sophomore

Ruinas de Ingapirca, Ecuador Karla Acero, Junior