The
Springhillian April 21, 2016
Volume 102 Issue 5 ∙ Ad Majorem Del Gloriam
THE BEST ROOMMATE EVER!
HOW TO REGISTER YOUR PETS, BY DARIAN MILLER
Ernie Banks resting after an exhausting day of being adorable.
By registering a pet as a certified service animal, Spring Hill College students have the opportunity to own dogs on campus. According to Residence Life staff, “Small fish in bowls or aquariums are allowed in the dorm rooms. However, no other animals are allowed besides service dogs.” While many students have fish, only a handful of students have registered animals. One student in particular, Mariah Weinand, a junior attending Spring Hill College, has a registered service dog here on campus. By going through the Residence Life staff, she was able to register her dog, Ernie Banks, as an official service dog. Since August 2015, Weinand has given her dog a home. Lately, dogs have become a more prevalent sight on Spring Hill’s campus. Weinand stated, “Literally everyone has a dog. We’ve become such a dog campus—I love it! I think Ernie Banks really set the tone for getting a dog, but Ernie is a registered service dog, so I need him with me.” Weinand usually walks Ernie Banks around
campus, or the two can be seen lounging on the field behind Portier Place. Registered service dogs often possess tags of official certification and provide physical and emotional support for owners. Service dogs are often used as a way to help the owner complete normal, daily tasks successfully. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, any breed of dog can be considered a service dog as long as they are able to provide necessary assistance. More often than not, service dogs provide positive effects on the owners. Weinand proclaimed, “Ernie is the best dog ever and everyone loves him. He loves being outside and seeing everyone on campus. He wakes me up in the morning for his walk and really gets my day going. Ernie definitely makes my life a whole lot better—and everyone’s life who he meets!” Numerous dogs are often seen around campus being walked by local residents. Since Spring Hill College is an open campus, others are allowed to walk their dogs along the roads or through-
out the fields. With large areas of open grass, Spring Hill’s campus has recently become a popular ground for dogs to roam around. Any student with a registered, official service animal will not receive disciplinary action for having a dog in dorm rooms. However, the Residence Life staff has stated that, “Failure to correctly register their dog will result in immediate removal of the pet by the owner or the Residence Life staff, and referral to the discipline system. The same actions will be taken if students have any other animals in their dorm rooms since it is not allowed.” Those working in the Residence Life office want to stress the importance of following the correct policies to avoid disciplinary action that could interfere with academics. For more information on pet policies or registering a service animal, contact the Residence Life office at reslife@shc.edu. In addition, students can also e-mail the Assistant Dean of Students and the Director of Residence Life, Peter Rivera, at privera@shc.edu or reach his office at (251) 380-3028.
FAREWELL TO OUR SENIORS By: Desire Phillips Contributng Writer
Spring Hill College will say farewell to 265 badgers on May 7, 2016. In the week leading up to that Saturday, seniors will participate in traditional farewell events, such as the climbing of the cupola, the senior barbeque, the senior class party, and the President’s celebration and reception, which will be hosted by
Dr. Christopher Puto. Some of the seniors shared that leaving SHC will be both a happy and sad moment. Juan Fernando Soto said, “It’s very bitter-sweet. This has become my home over the last four years. I’ve been able to meet so many people here. And every single one has in one way or another changed who I am for the better. I’ve gotten to meet folks from all walks of life [from] all around the
country with different interests; and that’s something that I love about my sweet Sprill. I’m sad to graduate but very excited for the next phase. I’m not saying I’m leaving, because Sprill will always be my home, and I’ll carry it with me where ever I go.” Philip Travis said, “I have mixed feelings about leaving Spring Hill. The four years went by extremely fast. I didn’t expect it to zoom by,
and graduation crept up on me.” Asia Hudson, a sociology and criminology major, said, “I feel very prepared leaving Spring Hill, but I’m also sad to be leaving all the great people I’ve met. Academic wise—I’m so done; but my heart is still here.” The seniors are eager as well. Katie Simoneaux, an early childhood education major, gushed about what she will be doing after graduation.
She said, “I definitely am extremely excited for this new chapter in my life. I got my dream job teaching kindergarten in New Orleans next school year, and I can’t wait to get started!” Hudson exclaimed that she is also excited to be moving on. She will be returning to her home town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a teaching position.
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