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WKU faces $3.1M budget cut, announces privatization of WKU Health Services. Complete coverage at WKUHERALD.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014 • WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY • WKUHERALD.COM • VOLUME 89 NO. 41

Food situation at WKU to change next semester BY TREY CRUMBIE NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM The WKU dining roster will welcome a new restaurant to its ranks next semester. Steak ‘n Shake will set up shop in the Downing Student Union's food court along with Papa John’s and Chick-Fil-A. “We’re going to have hamburgers, chicken and pizza,” Gary Meszaros, assistant vice president of Auxiliary Services, said. “You can’t beat that.” The Steak ’n Shake menu will be downsized, but will offer burgers, hot dogs, various types of milkshakes and fries. The business' hours of operations have yet to be finalized. In addition to the food court, Red Zone will be located in DSU as an eatery for students. Red Zone is scheduled to have later hours next semester. There is also the possibility that Einstein Bagel Bros could have later hours next semester, depending on how the overnight test-run for the next two weeks turns out. “We’ll have to debate what we want to do because Red Zone is scheduled to remain open later next fall…,” Steve Hoyng, resident district manager for Aramark, said. Trenton sophomore Kaitlyn Barnard, who went to Einsteins on Sunday night, said she visits the store about twice a week. Barnard said she was happy that Einsteins will be open later because of the limited amount of places to eat on campus after a certain hour. “I think it's awesome,” Barnard said. “It’s just a nice change-up — especially to go get coffee or something.” There is also the possibility that YoBlendz in DSU could undergo change. In February, Hoyng said that YoBlendz was not hitting its sales mark. If the store's revenue does not increase, there is the possibility it will be changed out. Hoyng noted that competition from the Fresh Food Company — combined with limited student traffic — could be hurting the company. “We’re not sure what we’re going to do with it yet,” Hoyng said.

Miles that MATTER

Participants in “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” strut past Cherry Hall on Tuesday to raise awareness about sexual assault. Proceeds from the event go to Hope Harbor, which provides counseling and support to victims of sexual assault. MIKE CLARK/HERALD

‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ brings awareness to sexual assault

BY KAYLA BOYD LIFE@WKUHERALD.COM t spells out discomfort, wobbly legs, aching feet, scrunched toes, numerous trips and funny reactions from onlookers.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” introduced men to the

world of high heels. On Tuesday about 40 men donned their pumps and climbed the Hill as a way to bring awareness to sexual assault. The $25 entry fee raised money for Hope Harbor Inc., a non-profit crisis center that offers counseling and support to victims of sexual assault. The event, sponSEE WALK PAGE A3

Winchester sophomore Brent Stephens gets some advice about how to walk in heels from Winchester sophomore Madison Shirley before “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.” MIKE CLARK/HERALD

Kaku brings ‘The Future of the Mind’ to WKU BY ANNA LAWSON LIFE@WKUHERALD.COM

Theoretical physicist and futurist Michio Kaku spoke to a packed house in Van Meter Hall auditorium on Monday. Gatton Academy cosponsored Kaku’s visit, which concluded the WKU’s Cultural Enhancement Series for the year. MIKE CLARK/HERALD

Students, faculty and local Bowling Green residents flocked to Van Meter Hall on Monday evening to listen to theoretical physicist, Michio Kaku. Kaku, whose IMDB credentials are almost as extensive as his presence in academia, is the Henry Semat Professor of theoretical physics at the City College of New York, and an author and co-founder of string field theory. The Van Meter auditorium teemed with spectators as David Lee, dean of the Potter College of Arts and Letters, strode to the podium to introduce Kaku. Lee explained that Kaku was the last speaker for the WKU Cultural Enhancement Series, and that his visit was co-sponsored by Gatton Academy. Kaku prefaced his presentation with a Yogi Bear quote. The crowd quickly warmed to his quirky personality and inspirational words. He then began to talk about everything from the origin of the universe to the depths of the mind. SEE KAKU PAGE A3

WKUHERALD.com DRY CLEAN ONLY REFLECTS ON THE LOSS OF L'WREN SCOTT AND THE TRAGEDY OF SUIDCIDE

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MARCH 20, 2014

WKU alum running for TN State House of Representatives BY MACKENZIE MATHEWS NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM WKU alumnus Kyle Roberts is running for Tennessee State House of Representatives, and is welcoming political science students to intern on his upcoming campaign. “As my staff is still in its early development, this is a great opportunity for you to have considerable responsibility in a political campaign, which will certainly be beneficial for you as you seek a career in the political field,” Roberts said in an email to WKU. The campaign will be coordinating with others around the state, giving interns the chance to meet several candidates and individuals involved with state politics, though state residence is not a

requirement for those participating. Roberts is the only Democrat running to represent District 66, Tennessee’s Robertson County, so he and his team will be able to bypass the primaries and focus on the November election. “It’s a huge benefit for me, in terms of fundraising and in terms of focus,” Roberts said. “I can focus on a campaign for November and not have to worry about campaigning against a fellow Democrat.” Roberts graduated from WKU in 2012 with a double major in philosophy and religious studies. He was also heavily involved in the Baptist Campus Ministry as a member of their leadership team and the coordinator of the evangelism team. “Being involved with the philosophy

program really helped me think a lot deeper and really more critically analyze my thoughts, especially my religious and political thoughts,” Roberts said. Participating in BCM’s leadership roles helped him learn to get people’s attention and draw them to an idea by getting them involved and interested. This will equate in an investment of their time, thus contributing to a greater goal. “In some ways, politics is similar to that because you have to convince people to invest in your ideas, to vote for you and maybe sacrifice some of their money to help you with your campaign,” Roberts said. Several components played a role in influencing Roberts’s political stance as

a “moderate-conservative Democrat." A history enthusiast, he finds inspiration from early politicians, such as Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Payne. The impact these early leaders had on the world inspired Roberts to take up a societal role of support and guidance. With a platform revolving around education, agriculture and opportunity, he plans to better his district, while bringing a different view to the now classic politics that have alienated party lines. “I find it somewhat difficult to label my thought,” Roberts said. “I tend to transcend a lot of different things, because I try to look at both sides of every issue.” If interested in interning on Roberts’s staff, email him at kyle@roberts4roberts.com.

WALK

CONTINUED FROM FRONT sored by the WKU Interfraternity Council, invited any man interested to join in the mile-long trek. “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” was Winchester sophomore Brent Stephen’s first attempt at walking in high heels, and based on the walk’s level of difficulty, it might be his last. “It was a very humbling experience,” he said, still sporting the bright red pumps he walked in. “Girls make it look easy. This kind of showed us what they go through to look good.” Stephens, a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, walked alongside one of his brothers, Nashville senior Bryan Hartzell. Hartzell has completed the walk three years in a row, and he believes it has become easier over time. He said he continues to participate because he believes it’s the best way to see how big of a deal sexual awareness is. “It’s a flamboyant way to show the campus what we’re doing and how important it is,” he said. Stephens said a lot of passers-by smiled. Some even rolled down car windows to get a better look. “[I] heard a couple of ‘keep it up ladies’ from people,” he said. The walk began and ended in Centennial Mall, where the sidewalks were lined with facts about rape and sexual awareness. David Miller, a Louisville junior, is the

Participants in “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” show off their footwear before the event to raise awareness about sexual assault on Tuesday. Proceeds from the event go to Hope Harbor which offers counseling and support to victims of sexual assault. MIKE CLARK/HERALD

activities director of IFC and student coordinator for “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.” He said this year the walk was a little harder than in years past. “The weather made it harder I think,” he said. “And we used to start at the Chi O house, which isn’t there anymore so it’s a little longer this year.”

KAKU

CONTINUED FROM FRONT “The brain is the most complex object in the universe,” he said when explaining the foundations of intelligence. The New York Times bestselling author explained that he first became interested in the mind's mechanisms as a child when he explored the concept of telepathy. Then, after trying and failing to communicate via the mind, he found his muse in physics. Kaku also spoke about uploading memories into a person’s brain. This would allow for someone with Alzheimer’s to remember everything he or she forgot. “We would now be able to go on that vacation we always wanted to. Just by uploading a memory into our minds,” he said. Kaku said scientists have been able to do this with mice, and next it will be monkeys, then it will be humans. He also touched on the idea of photographing thoughts or dreams. Scientists have been able to do this to a certain degree. They are able to access

Although most of the men who participated received some pointers or lessons from their lady friends, none of them were completely prepared for the feat. Stephens was sponsored by Omega Phi Alpha sorority, and said he had at least five girls telling him how to walk.

the shape of dreams but not any details. Kaku concluded by explaining what consciousness truly is. He said that he believes that there are certain degrees of consciousness. “We see the future," he said. "That is what makes humans different from animals or anything else in the world.” People waited for pictures and autographs in a line that snaked down the front stairs of Van Meter. Members of the audience continued to discuss the ideas the Kaku presented and debated their own opinions. “I have always been a huge fan of his work, and I have read all his books,” Richmond freshman, Emily Hamilton, said. “It was really interesting to find out where science is heading,” he said. Hamilton wasn't the only person to be captivated by Kaku’s lecture. Berea freshman Olivia Jacobs has also always been a fan of Kaku’s work. “It was really neat to hear him talk about the state of consciousness and what science is doing right now and will be doing in the future,” she said. The WKU Cultural Enhancement Series is currently working on a roster for next year's lineup.

“I now tell my girlfriend to just wear flats,” he said. “Walking down the Hill was the hardest part because the ground was so uneven.” Hartzell hopes more men will sign up next year. “It really makes you gain more respect for women,” he said.

Crime reports • Police arrested Christopher Clark Miller on a warrant during a traffic stop at 13th and State on March 18. • Brian Brooks was cited for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his room at McCormack Hall on March 18.

Correction

Due to a Herald error a headline on the top rail was incorrectly identified on a front page article about the state budget in Tuesday's issues of the Herald. The headline state $76M in KEES money could be lost with the state budget proposal. The correct amount is $76M in state aid. The Herald regrets the error. The College Heights Herald corrects all confirmed errors that are brought to reporters’ or editors’ attention. Please call 745-6011 or 745-5044 to report a correction, or e-mail us at editor@wkuherald.com

OPINION THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014

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COMMENTARY

@McCallPiper: But forreal how do I check out a book at the WKU library? #neveruseditbefore — Sent 11:16 AM - 19 Mar 2014

Tuesday’s letter misses the point of feminism As a feminist myself, I concurred with much of what Ms. Railey said in her letter to the editor on March 18th. However, my jaw dropped when I read her last paragraph: “This article reinforces thin privilege beSHUFORD cause I have yet to see an article about fat-shaming on the front page of the Herald in the four years I have been at WKU.” It is quite sad to hear anyone calling themselves a feminist objectify anyone like this. Perhaps our definitions of feminists are quite different. Or perhaps she does not feel women who are under a certain size are worthy of being treated with respect. Nevertheless, I felt this article (or any article on thin-shamming) was well overdue. Let's face it. Women are between a rock and a hard place when it comes to body image. On one hand, there is intense pressure to lose weight. Some put themselves through hell to get thin. On the other hand, Chris Rock highlighted the other side of this in his “Kill the Messenger” tour. According to Rock, if a small woman makes fun of a person who is large, she is ostracized because “That’s just mean.” But if a large woman makes fun of a skinny woman, then it’s acceptable.

However, Ms. Railey was correct when she said that people believe a person’s size is completely in his or her control. Assuming a skinny person is healthy is no more factual than assuming a fat person’s problems would be solved if she just ‘put down the fork.’ There are a number of aspects that contribute to a person’s overall size, many of which are not in that person’s control. These are things that we cannot just assume by simple observation. Genetics, physical health, stress level and emotions are just a few things that contribute to a person’s weight. This issue is also quite personal to me. I have a number of friends who have faced both fat-shaming and thin-shaming. Neither is acceptable. Rather then look at someone in disgust over their physical attributes, we should get to know them on a personal level and make a decision from there. A discussion on body image is necessary. But to call out such a discussion as “Thin-privilege” is not how we should go about it. I would hope Ms. Railey reconsiders her words here. Feminism is more than just dress sizes. It is giving women the right to choose how they want to live their lives without the judgment of others. -Aaron Shuford, Bowling Green alum

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TWEETS FROM THE HILL @MissChatman43 : The WKU Confessions thirst is not even funny. Actually slightly unbelievable — Sent 11:37 AM - 19 Mar 2014

@valerieivana: Excited for Steak n Shake here at Wku next fall! — Sent 10:54 AM - 19 Mar 2014 @BriannaFreeze : BILL NYE THE SCIENCE GUY IS COMING TO WKU NEXT SEMESTER. — Sent 8:18 AM - 19 Mar 2014

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MARCH 20, 2014

THE FUN PAGE CLASSIFIEDS Classified Advertising Manager: Ashley Edwards

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HELP WANTED Aqualand Pools is seeking full-time and part-time retail clerk and outside service positions. Chemistry/Biology experience helpful but not required. Fun atmosphere. Great summer job. Apply in person from 10-6 at Aqualand 1260 Campbell Lane, Bowling Green, KY.

City of Bowling Green

CAMP COUNSELORS Parks & Recreation Seasonal Position CAMP COUNSELORS - Assists with Summer Camp, leads group activities; some counselors work with special needs children, teens, and adults. Must be knowledgeable in recreation/sports activities; may require CPR & First Aid Certification. 40 hours per week; May thru August; weekend work may be required. Age 17+ ; $7.97/hr. Interested applicants should obtain an employment application and additional information from the Human Resources Department in City Hall, 1001 College Street, or from our website at www.bgky.org. The City of Bowling Green is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.

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PREVIOUS CROSSWORD SOLUTION

ACROSS 1 Leavenworth and McHenry: Abbr. 4 Teddy Roosevelt sobriquet 15 Medium evocation 16 Like evergreens 17 “... __ the hot sun count / His dewy rosary ...”: Keats 18 “I Hope I Get It” musical 19 Clinking currency 21 __ judicata: decided case 22 “Sorry to say ...” 23 Sported 24 Mineral in pumpkin seeds 25 __ Toy Barn: “Toy Story 2” setting 26 Prepare for a poster tube 27 London Philharmonic cofounder Sir Thomas __ 29 Sailor’s direction 30 Hidden 31 Prefix with scope 34 KGB agent’s foe 36 Beatles song with the line, “There’s one for you, nineteen for me” 38 Wrap 39 Like many French Quarter streets 43 Goalie’s undoing 44 Sextet at Woodstock 45 Dairy aisle tub 46 Start to amble? 48 Film villain in a Nehru jacket 49 Stifle 50 Women 51 Keep to oneself 52 Stuck (out) 53 Spaghetti sauce ingredient 56 Lobbying gp. 57 Delta Tau Chi, familiarly 58 Kate’s role in “The Aviator” 59 Maple leaf-eater 60 Make

SUDOKU PROBLEMS

DOWN 1 Talent scout discovery 2 A woodpile may be under it 3 Whiz through, in a way 4 He said, “Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to” 5 Powell’s successor 6 New England sch. with a wildcat mascot 7 They need connecting flights 8 Playwright Rattigan 9 Grilled-bread appetizer 10 Uncertain sounds 11 Deep bow 12 Clarinetist’s effect 13 Author Ferber et al.

14 Distillery output 20 “Unforgettable” duet partners 24 __ garden 27 Long-term investment strategy 28 The Ducks, on an ESPN ticker 31 Breakfast buffet utensil 32 Depart 33 19th-century bat-and-ball game 35 Org. that keeps driving stats 37 Marked for deletion 40 Greek poetic stanza 41 Lassitude 42 Italian diminutive suffix

44 Bagel selection 46 Button on some receivers 47 Dance version of a pop hit, often 49 Literary captain 50 Skewer 52 “__, meine Freude”: Bach motet 54 __ vez: maybe, in Pamplona 55 Abrade

PHOTO

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014

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Show your

TRUE COLORS PHOTOS BY BRIAN POWERS

TOP: Senior Pramod Tadakamalla

(back) throws colored powder on fellow senior Varun Kolanka during Holi celebrations hosted by WKU's Indian Student Association on WKU's South Lawn on Saturday. The spring Festival of Holi, or Festival of colors, is an ancient Hindu religious festival celebrated with colored powders and dancing. MIDDLE LEFT: Graduate assistant

Madhuri Katta from Hyderabad, India, celebrated the Holi Festival on WKU's South Lawn on Saturday. MIDDLE RIGHT: Students

celebrated Holi, or the Indian Festival of Colors, on South Lawn on Saturday. BOTTOM LEFT: Jeswanth Guptha,

sophomore from Hyderabad, India (center), and Sandeep Kuthadi from Hyderabad, India, celebrate Holi on WKU's South Lawn on Saturday. WKU's Indian Student Association hosted the event for the first time on campus and hopes to attract more participants in the future.

LIFE

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014

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Sisters of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority surround Thomas Liam Manley of Bowling Green after naming him Mr. Cutie Pi 2014 at Downing Student Union on Tuesday. Manley was nominated by Phi Mu sorority. BRIAN POWERS/HERALD

A SWEET SLICE

OF CUTIE PI

ADPi hosts annual Mr. Cutie Pi pageant

BY WHITNEY ALLEN LIFE@WKUHERALD.COM

wear, swimwear, and formalwear to win the title

ed to Alpha Delta Pi’s philanthropy, the Ronald

of the 2014 Mr. Cutie Pi.

McDonald House and the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation.

ighteen contestants tried to prove

Not only did candidates have to impress on

who loved Alpha Delta Pi the most

stage, one of the winning criteria was for candi-

Through the proceeds from previous year’s

this past Tuesday in Alpha Delta Pi’s

dates to demonstrate their love for both Alpha

pageants as well as their fall philanthropy event,

Delta Pi and WKU.

5k Run for Ronald, the chapter raised enough

third annual Mr. Cutie Pi pageant. Candidates competed in three different categories— nerd

SEE CUTIE PI PAGE B3

The proceeds from the pageant will be donat-

Student strives to support liberty BY ANNA ROEDERER LIFE@WKUHERALD.COM

Discussing his concern over the national debt with the word “libertarian” emblazoned across his T-shirt, Morgantown freshman Hunter Peay does not fit the mold of the bipartisan political structure. Peay, who founded Young Americans for Liberty club at WKU last semester, actively involves himself with and volunteers for the Tea Party movement. Melinda Peay, Hunter's mother, said her son is very passionate about his beliefs and “lives, eats and breathes” politics. "You go to his room and he is always watching political things on TV,” she said. Hunter’s political activism has included handing out flyers, putting up signs and delivering speeches at Tea Party rallies. “I like giving speeches,” Hunter said. “I like firing people up,” Jenean Hampton, chairman of the Bowling Green Southern Kentucky Tea Party, remembered being amazed when she first heard Hunter speak at a Tea Party rally a few years ago. “I was just blown away when I learned that he was still in high school,” Hampton said. “He actually spoke better than many of the adults who spoke that day, and he seemed extremely knowledgeable about the Constitution and our country’s history.” Hampton said that people would start to leave after hearing Rand Paul speak at Tea Party rallies but would turn around and come back once Hunter began to speak.

“He can put more passion in one sentence than a lot of our elected officials can do in one speech,” she said. Hunter’s family voices its opinions at home, his mother said, adding that although she might not always agree with everything Hunter says she has supported him. “We’ve never held him back on what he has had to say” she said. “We really believe in freedom of speech and freedom of thought, and we want In My Skin is a weekly feahim to be able to do ture series that looks to tell that with his life.” the stories of diverse stuThe spark that led to dent populations at WKU. Hunter’s political passion was when he went with his aunt to a town hall meeting held by Rand Paul in the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center in 2009. Along with agreeing with a lot of Paul’s points, Hunter said what inspired him was that Paul was willing to go against the party establishment while running for office. Hunter said he did not want to identify with any major party establishment. In order to vote for Matt Bevin in the Republican primary, however, he had to change his registration from Libertarian to Republican before last semester. “I really did not want to register with the two maSEE LIBERTY PAGE B3

IN MY

SKIN

Morgantown freshman Hunter Peay has been a part of the Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) organization on campus for over a year now and associates with the Libertarian Party. LUKE FRANKE/HERALD

MARCH 20, 2014

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CUTIE PI

CONTINUED FROM LIFE money to sponsor a room in the Ronald McDonald House in Louisville. The newly crowned Mr. Cutie Pi represented Phi Mu. Four-year-old Bowling Green local, Liam Manley‚ not only competed with contestants far older than him but he emerged victorious. Manley captured the stage in the various categories by showing off his break dancing skills and flexing his muscles. Manley particularly enjoyed the swimwear portion of the pageant. “I like to be in my swimsuit,” Manley said. There was an increase in participation this year with 18 contestants compared to the 15 contestants who competed last year. The eighteen contestants were narrowed down to a top five and each contestant was asked a question. Questions ranged from ‘’what would you do if you could be Gary Ransdell for a day?’ to ‘what is your favorite pick up line?’ In response to the question ‘what animal would you be if you could be any animal?’ Manley showed his support for ADPi’s mascot. “I would be a lion,” Manley answered without hesitation. Beaver Dam Senior Nick Bratcher

MARCH 20, 2014 placed second runner up. Bratcher answered that if he could be Gary Ransdell for a day he would call the state congressmen and governor and encourage them to do something about the funding cuts for education. First runner up, Nashville sophomore Alan Moreno represented Kappa Delta. “I had an amazing experience,” Moreno said. “This is not just about being a real pageant this was mostly about having fun and being confident on stage.” Louisville sophomore Emily Lepping organized the pageant as the philanthropy chair. “Of course putting on anything like this is extremely stressful and a lot to do,” Lepping said, but added she was satisfied with the turnout. In addition to the pageant this year there was also a raffle. Clayton and Crume, Dog’s Day Out, Alpha Delta Pi Alumna, and Traditional Prep all donated items. “It was the first year doing the raffle so we are hoping to utilize it more next year,” Lepping said. “It’s a learning experience.” In addition to the raffle, ADPi had their first “Pie a Pi” event this week. Participants paid money to pie a chapter member of their choosing and that money is also donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

LIBERTY

CONTINUED FROM LIFE jor parties even though I probably lean more towards the Republican Party,” he said. The hardest part of not being a part of a major political party is that “you always feel outnumbered — especially during elections” Hunter said. Identifying as a third-party voter often translates to a deficiency of electoral power in primaries. Hunter believes the current requirement that an independent candidate must receive 5,000 signatures to run for office in Kentucky is wrong. “I don’t feel that I should do more to just get my name on the ballot as opposed to somebody who chooses to identify with a major party, he said. “I feel that it is totally wrong and something that the parties do to keep themselves in power.” Without even a year of college behind him, Hunter has taken advantage of the opportunities at WKU by beginning the Young Americans for Liberty club and becoming a Student Govern-

FOOTBALL

CONTINUED FROM B4

“The level of competition is high. There are other good players out there so I’ve had to step my game up to try to compete with the best,” Jackson said. “A lot of them said I have a lot of good film. I put up a lot of good numbers on the field so that should help me out as well.” Of the 14 former players participating, only Jackson, Andrews and Dowling are projected as potential draft selections. Former fullback Nick Baisch understands that theory, but that isn’t stopping him from carrying out his dream. “I don’t really expect to get drafted, so I have to wait until the draft is over and then figure out who teams want for their undrafted free agents,” Baisch said. “I just want to play football. Whatever it takes to be playing football again, I’ll do it.” Baisch is still in grad school and is training at D-I in Bowling Green. Other players have bounced back and forth

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ment Association Senator. He said that his hometown of Butler County has a “different vibe” compared to the wider range of beliefs at WKU. Hunter said his beliefs have been both reaffirmed and challenged, and he has been able to challenge other people’s beliefs. “I think that being able to have a diverse group of opinions around you is very healthy,” he said. Whether or not they agree or disagree with him, Hunter’s main message to people is to educate themselves on important issues and to use their voice. "Know where you stand, why you stand on it, and then do something about it,” he said. “If you see a problem and are doing nothing about it, you are complacent with the problem.” In the future, Hunter said that he would like to work with a political action committee to help candidates who agree with his views get into office. “If [Hunter] was our leader when I am eighty, I would be honored,” Hampton said.

Antonio Andrews, running back

Just seeing everybody out here competing for that same thing to play on the next level and bringing us together one last time to compete against each other was just great to see.” from WKU to other places in the country to train with other athletes. For Antonio Andrews, there was nothing more comfortable than rejoining his former teammates for one last time on Feix Field. “It’s been a while since we’ve all been on the Hill together,” Andrews said. “Just seeing everybody out here competing for that same thing to play on the next level and bringing us together one last time to compete against each other was just great to see.”

SPORTS WKUHERALD.COM

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014

SIDELINES

Lady Toppers have nothing to lose in Waco

DRAFT

FOOTBALL

DREAMS

BY ELLIOTT PRATT SPORTS@WKUHERALD.COM

Grab a lot of candy, some soda and find your favorite tunes. In the opinion of junior guard Alexis Govan, that’s what you’ll need to get excited to make just over a half day’s PRATT trip to Texas. Sports Editor If you’re making the trip to Waco, Texas this weekend to watch the 15-seed Lady Toppers (24-8) play 2-seed Baylor (29-4), enjoy the trip, enjoy the game, but don’t let the result get you down. It’s March so nothing can be ruled out, but I’m going to call it like I see it and say this trip will be a valuable learning experience for the Lady Toppers. This is Baylor Lady Bear basketball here. If this weren't the NCAA tournament and a regular season game instead, WKU would return to Bowling Green with a big-fat check signed, “thanks for playing”. This isn’t a bashing of anything Lady Topper basketball has done. This is a simply recognition for what Baylor women’s basketball is. Winning the Sun Belt Conference tournament championship was huge for the program (if that word even serves the feat justice) for a program that went 9-21 two years ago. Winning the Sun Belt crown was big. Winning against Baylor in the NCAA tournament will take a miracle. A 15-seed or a 14-seed has never won a game in the NCAA tournament since the expansion to 64 teams in 1994. 16-seed Harvard advanced to the second round in 1998. Michelle Clark-Heard previewed Baylor Wednesday and said: “They’re very good” (Baylor has been to the Final Four three times since 2005 and won the 2012 national championship), “They’re a great team” (Odyssey Sims is second in the NCAA in scoring with 28.4 points per game), and “They play in a great conference” (Big-12 Conference). I’m not in any way excluding WKU from having a chance in this game. Let last year’s men’s team prove my point of nearly beating Kansas last year as a 16-seed. When the Lady Toppers lost by 13 points to then No. 4 Louisville in December, it was the toughest team Clark-Heard has put her team up against in her coaching tenure at WKU. Going into Waco to face Baylor in the NCAA Tournament is a bit tougher. Could WKU pull it off? I doubt it, but March is known to prove naysayers wrong. Either way, WKU has nothing to lose going into Saturday night, they made it to the Big Dance, and that’s more than anyone thought they would have done not long ago.

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Former linebacker Andrew Jackson runs the 40-meter dash at the WKU football Pro Day on Wednesday. Recruiters showed up to Smith Stadium to scout players for the NFL draft. KREABLE YOUNG/HERALD

NFL Scouts evaluate former Toppers at WKU Pro Day BY ELLIOTT PRATT SPORTS@WKUHERALD.COM It was just another day at the office for 14 former Toppers, but their office was a bit more comfortable this time. 19 NFL teams were represented Wednesday at Smith Stadium for WKU Pro Day, with a majority of the senior class participating in drills to showcase their talents with hopes of a future in football. With the NFL Draft taking place May 8-10, a few former Toppers used the pro day as just another one of their big auditions to compete in the 40-yard dash, short shuttle, 3-cone and position drills. Former running back Antonio Andrews, the 2013 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year and the Offensive Player of the Year, said getting back on the Hill was comfortable, and that he used that day to make up for a disappointing performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. Andrews, the first WKU offensive player at the combine, clocked in a 40-yard dash time of 4.82. “I didn’t do my best at the Com-

Antonio Andrews, running back

A lot of those guys there were like‚ ‘Man‚ how did you wind up at Western’‚ and I told them they were the only school that showed me love.” bine and I’m kind of down on myself, and today kind of fluctuated that for everything else,” Andrews said. “The whole experience at the Combine was fun. It was a learning curve definitely.” Andrews led the nation last season with 2,619 all-purpose yards and registered a school record 1,730 rushing yards, breaking his own school record by one yard. Andrews is projected as a fifth or sixth round draft pick according to nfldraftscout.com. Participating in the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine revealed to Andrews that he could

compete with players projected as the best at their positions. “One thing I’ve learned, is I can play in any conference,” Andrews said. “The best players that are rated high, I can play with them. There’s competition everywhere no matter the conference. “Just taking the things I learned at Western really helped me when I was in the senior bowl. A lot of those guys there were like, ‘Man, how did you wind up at Western’, and I told them they were the only school that showed me love.” Along with Andrews, former linebacker Andrew Jackson and junior safety Jonathan Dowling declared for the draft. By the same report from nfldraftscout.com, Jackson and Dowling are projected as a seventh round pick with Jackson rated the 10th best inside linebacker out of 175. Jackson, selected to the SecondTeam All-Sun Belt defense, finished second on the team in tackles (95) and hopes his play on the field last season is enough to convince an NFL team to call his name on draft day.

SEE FOOTBALL PAGE B3

BASEBALL

Midweek games continue to haunt Toppers‚ fall 10-3 at Kentucky BY BILLY RUTLEDGE SPORTS@WKUHERALD.COM

Midweek games haven’t been too friendly to the WKU baseball team one-third of the way through the season. The Toppers (12-9) have given up 12 runs on average in midweek games they’ve lost. That trend carried over into Tuesday with WKU unable to top longtime rival Kentucky 10-3 in Lexington. The Wildcats started quick out the gates, bringing in four runs in the first inning on sophomore pitcher Josh Bartley. Trailing 4-0 in the third inning, redshirt freshman infielder Leiff Clarkson, filling in for the injured junior Cody Wofford, scored the first run of the game for WKU from junior Ryan Church’s 14th RBI of the season. Sophomore outfielder Anderson Miller recorded one of two triples on the day to score junior catcher Ryan Messex in the fourth inning. After the shaky first inning, Bartley went on to pitch four scoreless innings and ended his day giving up four earned on seven hits in five innings of work. Late innings haven’t traditionally shifted in WKU’s

favor this year, and that didn’t change Tuesday with both with ERA’s lower than 3.0. the Wildcats scoring six runs in the bottom of the sevThe first of a three game series against Texas State enth inning. at the Nick begins Friday at 6:00 p.m. CT. Miller, Messex and sophomore Trevor Lowe all finished with two hits while senior outfielder Regan Flaherty extended his hitting streak to 10 games. The Toppers return to Nick Denes Field this weekend and face their second Sun Belt Conference opponent of the season Texas State. The Bobcats are 13-7 and 3-0 in conference play as they swept UT Arlington last weekend. Myers and the team know the importance of these conference games even this early of the season. “Early, middle or late conference wins are huge and they are the most important thing on your schedule,” Coach Myers said. “If you don’t take care of your conference, everything else doesn’t matter and you can’t achieve the big goals if you don’t win Designated hitter Philip Diedrick slides safely into home as Illinois catcher Jason Goldstein grapples with the ball. The Toppers defeatin your conference." The Bobcats are led by strong pitching ed Illinois 4-3 in the first face off on Saturday, and proceeded to win from Cory Geisler and Austin Williams, both games of the double header. AUSTIN ANTHONY/HERALD

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Table of Contents What it takes to be an RA Page 3 Getting your dream dorm Page 9 On campus housing Page 11 Apartment guide Page 14 Decorating with feng shui Page 16 Knowing your rights as a renter Page 18 International students and dorms Page 21 Freshmen choosing to stay in a dorm Page 22

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Becoming an RA Students hone leadership skills as resident assistants BY MACKENZIE MATHEWS NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM WKU will be meeting its next generation of Resident Assistants in a few weeks. The main interview process, called “Super Saturday,” will take place on March 22, and later the candidates will find out whether they can join the ranks of about 120 RAs on-campus. RAs live on each residence hall floor to help residents with anything from academics to social lives. Their job begins during MASTER Plan and does not end until all halls are empty after move-out day at the end of the year. “I became an RA because I couldn’t afford housing and it was an opportunity where I could still live on campus,” Alyse Young, a junior from Seattle, said. “I really liked the idea where you worked with students, like a mentor.” RAs are responsible for getting to know their residents and being aware of their standings academically and socially. They plan programs for their floors and are required to fill a quota of programs each quarter. Their job also extends to decorating the residence halls with door name-tags and information boards, and they have to work the desk in the hall lobbies checking residents’ IDs and checking guests in and out. Each RA also has to have an individual job, like taking care of the mail. As a photojournalism major, Young will be taking pictures around the hall and putting them online for the residents and staff. “It’s really time-consuming, so that’s the hard part,” Young said. “It’s difficult to balance academics and a social life with the job.”

Union sophomore Lauren Nolan, Evansville sophomore Katie Harrison and Mount Washington senior Chas Hooper are RAs at WKU. DEMETRIUS FREEMAN/HERALD

In order to become an RA, Housing & Residence Life recommends beginning by talking with someone currently in the position to find out the pros and cons. “In our position, you’re a student first, so we look for people who know academics are important and are able to be role models of that for their residents,” HRL Coordinator Minnette Huck said. HRL looks for potential RAs in people with leadership qualities and those who can relate to others. It is important that they desire to learn new things and be a part of a team, and they have to be in good academic standing as a sophomore with at least a 2.0 GPA.

The application can be found online with essay questions and choice of an interview time, which will take the applicant to Super Saturday. During the Super Saturday program, the candidates will be grouped together to complete activities. “It creates a group dynamic of people who are interviewing together,” Huck said. “We’ve had past RAs say it’s a great time to get to know people, and you know those in the fall who got the position.” Individual interviews will take place with the professional staff, and the contenders will then have to answer a case

study, presenting their solution to a problem before current RAs. The process allows them to meet almost everyone in the HRL department. “It helps them see who we are and what it’s going to be like as an RA and who you’ll be working with,” Huck said. As RAs, students will get $1,000 off housing per semester and will be paid for 15 hours of work per week. They will gain leadership skills, professional development and experience with conflict resolution skills. “It’s stuff everyone is going to need for future positions and jobs, so it really helps hone those skills,” Huck said.

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DORM GUIDE COMPILED BY JOANNA WILLIAMS

No two dorms are the same. Use this guide to find out which one is the most convenient for your lifestyle. Here are several dorms located in different parts of campus.

Pearce Ford Tower All female residence hall, open to freshmen and upperclassmen. Highlights: Next to the the Tower Food Court, which houses Popeye's, the Pit Stop, Burger Studio and Juiceblendz.

Minton Hall Co-ed residence hall open to first year Honors College students and upperclassmen. Highlights: Across from Downing Student Union, the P.O.D Market and Subway.

Rodes-Harlin Hall All female residence hall, open to freshmen and upperclassmen. Highlights: Close to the top of the Hill, near Cherry Hall, Helm Library and Van Meter. Located in “the Valley” with a spacious grassy area perfect for doing homework in the spring time.

Southwest/Northeast Halls Co-ed “suite style” upperclassmen residence halls.

Students save by living at home BYWHITNEY ALLEN LIFE@WKUHERALD.COM For manystudents, coming to college means leaving home and moving into the residence halls. While dorm life seems to be one of the staples of the college experience, students who commute fill their college experience in different ways. Alvaton junior Hannah Harlan makes the 35-minute commute to WKU each day for classes. While Harlan says she isn’t extremely involved on campus, she enjoys the time she gets to spend at home with her family. Plus, the money she saves from commuting helps her save to make car payments. One of the undeniable perks to living at home is saving money. A semester in the residence halls costs around $2,000. Rockfield junior Abby Potter lived at home for the first two-and-a-half years of college. “Living at home wasn’t necessarily a bad thing,” Potter said. “I was able to save money on rent, have homecooked meals, a place to de-stress and laundry was free.” Potter added that, although she enjoyed living at home, there are definitely some positives to living closer to campus now. She can stay on campus later, lives closer to her friends and now feels that it will be easier to get involved with the WKU community. One of the biggest challenges of commuting is parking. “Be prepared to circle parking lots,” Harlan advised future commuters. Three Forks junior Zach Watts

Zach Watts, junior Sometimes it sucks because it's not as convenient in terms of hanging out with friends, getting up earlier and access to the facilities on campus.” stays connected to campus through his involvement with the WKU marching band and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Watts echoed Harlan’s frustrations about commuter parking. “I like commuting obviously because it's cheaper,” Watts said. “Sometimes it sucks because it's not as convenient in terms of hanging out with friends, getting up earlier and access to the facilities on campus.” College is a different experience for everyone. For some, the experience of going to classes and getting a degree is fulfilling enough. On the other hand, Potter advised future commuters to get involved and stay on campus as much as possible in order to have a true college experience. Nevertheless, the promise of homecooked meals and a bedroom of their own keeps these commuters happy. “I love the way my college experience has gone,” Harlan said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Highlights: Located in the middle of campus with a short walk to DSU. Private bathroom.

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How to snag the ‘dream’ residence hall 3 1 BY SHELBY ROGERS NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM

McLean, Southwest, Northeast, Bates-Runner. These dorms are what my parents called “prime real estate” when they moved me into McLean this semester. These larger abodes are typically reserved for upperclassROGERS men who have earned Reporter the living spaces through seniority, and (to some degree) attrition with students opting out of on-campus living for “glorious” apartment life. “You really couldn’t have lucked out any better,” my dad said. Perfectly positioned on the Hill, a five-

minute walk from most major points on campus, McLean offers Honors and Honors-eligible residents spacious living areas and bathrooms that don’t have toilets two inches from the shower. Moving in felt like upgrading to the Waldorf-Astoria’s palatial suite, sans mini bar. But, sorry Dad. Landing a room in McLean wasn’t a stroke of luck. Some dorms on campus require skill and persistence to snag. Sometimes, that skill is being conscious at 5 a.m., as soon as housing information becomes available on TopNet. Coffee, multiple alarms, and a committed roommate helped us snag our Bates-Runner room. Sometimes it’s knowing exactly who you want to live with and strategically coordinating those arrangements with a prospective roommate. Here are other important tips to assist

with moving onwards and upwards: Know your roommate situation beforehand. By some stroke of dumb luck, I have the best roommate I could’ve wanted. We plan on rooming together until graduation, so keeping each other informed as to room changes is vital. Have your roommate’s WKU ID on a Post-it readily available for housing renewal or any changes the two of you wish to make. If your roommate situation is lessthan-desirable (or downright hellish) and you’re looking to make an escape, ask around and see if anyone knows of a room opening up. Roommates wishing to separate after a year together are fairly common, and more often than not, you’ll be able to find someone in a similar situation who knows of a spot opening up in your dream dorm.

Talk it over with Housing & Residence Life. Their offices are located directly across from Downing Student Union, right next to Minton Hall, and they’re open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every weekday. Go ask them in person for advice or suggestions. Face-to-face communication typically provides more clarity than talking via email, and they’ll be able to answer anything confusing about the process. Make sure your dream dorm fits your personality. Spend time on the HRL website to decide which hall best fits your needs. Honors kids typically gravitate toward Bates-Runner and McLean Halls. Sorority upperclassmen live in Meredith Hall. Northeast, Southwest, and Zacharias all offer a number of campus communities for students to join.

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MARCH 20, 2014

My New Kentucky Home

Kentucky Street Apartments construction progresses BY TREY CRUMBIE NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM Those who want to move off campus in the future may want to give the Kentucky Street apartments a look. Brian Kuster, director of Housing & Residence Life, said construction began last May and is scheduled to be finished by the end of June. Bad weather caused a construction delay, but Kuster said the apartments will still be ready to open by August. The apartment contains 95 two-bedroom, two-bath units and 32 one-bedroom, onebathroom units. Each unit will contain a full kitchen, living room, and will be fully furnished including washers and dryers. Payment can be paid on a monthly or semesterly basis. The apartments are owned and will be operated by HRL. Kuster said around 350 people applied to live in the apartments even though the apartment complex only holds 222 bedrooms. Because of this, the rooms were reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Those who applied but weren’t reserved a room are put on a waiting list. For those living in the apartments, parking will be available on the Adams Street Lot as well behind the apartment complexes themselves. Because the apartment complexes are off campus, the apartments aren’t available to freshmen and sophomores. Kuster said this limitation will open up more rooms in the

Construction continues on the new apartment buildings located on Kentucky St. The new apartments will be available in the fall of 2014. The apartments will provide more living options within walking distance from campus. TYLER ESSARY/HERALD

residence halls on campus, especially those that are more desirable because of their private bathrooms, such as Northeast and Southwest halls. “It’s trying to attract students that would be moving off campus anyway,” Kuster said.

The apartments aren’t completely limited to students. A married couple can move in to the apartments provided that one of them is a student, Kuster said. Students with dependent children can apply to live in the apartments as well.

Brian Kuster, director of Housing & Residence Life

It’s trying to attract students that would be moving off campus anyway.”

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Campus Evolution Villages

PICK YOUR COMPILED BY SHELBY ROGERS POOL

APARTMENT

FITNESS CENTER

College Suites 2426 Thoroughbred Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42104 Phone number: 270-781-7033 Amenities: full-size washer and dryer, private patios/ balconies, large pantry, own bathroom, individual storage closes, ALL utilities (cable, internet, electric, water, sewer, trash), 24-hour fitness center, computer lab, tanning beds, pool and spa, basketball court, volleyball pit, individual lease, 24-hour maintenance Price: Two bed/two bath/per room - $525/month 4 bed/4 bath/ per room - $395/month

The Registry

PET FRIENDLY

SHUTTLE

Amenities: pool with hot tub, fitness center, fully furnished, individual leases, media room, full kitchens Price: Four bed/two bath - $365/month

WALKING DISTANCE

Campus Pointe 851 Fields Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42104 Phone number: 270-746-9519 Amenities: all utilities included, furnished and unfurnished apartments available, full-size washer and dryer, oversized walk-in closets, basketball court, computer lab, gym, pool, tanning beds, shuttle route, free parking, private bathrooms Price: Two bed/two bath/per room - $455/month 3 bed/3 bath/per room - $375/month

Pointe at Western

103 Old Morgantown Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone number: 270-843-9292

720 Patton Way, Bowling Green, KY 42104 Phone number: 270-781-5600

Amenities: pool, gated community, free parking, computer lab, tanning beds, full-size washer and dryer, fully equipped kitchen, internet, cable

Amenities: clubhouse, free parking, gym, picnic area with grills, volleyball court, tanning facilities, pool, individual leases, fully furnished, internet, full kitchens, full-size washer and dryer, private bathrooms, private patio/balcony

Price: Two bed/two bath/per room - $375-$395/ month 4 bed/4 bath/per room - $555-$580/bedroom

1909 Creason St., Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone number: 270-846-1000

Price: Two bed/two bath/per room - $450/month 4 bed/4 bath/per room - $299/month

WKU Apartments (Kentucky Street) Housing and Residence Life Building, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone number: 270-745-4359 Amenities: 11-month lease with option for 12; apartment rent will be applied to WKU student account. Scholarships and financial aid can be applied to pay rent; cable and internet included; utility allowance is $40/month/person Price: One bedroom/Single occupancy - $515/ month One bedroom/double occupancy - $600/month Two bedroom/per person - $460/month

Columns Apartments 1140 Kentucky St., Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone number: 270-282-4998 Amenities: study rooms, ultilites included, high ceilings, exposed brick, bike racks, on-site parking, individual leasing, fully furnished, hardwood, pet friendly, 24-hour fitness center, free Wi-Fi Price: One bedroom/one bath - $699-$825/month Two bedroom/one bath - $489/month Two bedroom/two bath - $499-$569/month Three bedroom/two bath - $439-$499/month

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International students share apartment experiences BY AARON MUDD NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM Bowling Green offers WKU’s international students a quiet place to study away from their homes, but only if they have a comfortable place to live. Not all apartment experiences are the same. Before she moved into her current apartment, Shravani Reddy used to live in the Hillcrest Apartments. “It was in the center of the university,” Reddy said. “Everything was so nearby.” Reddy is a graduate student from southern India studying healthcare administration. She doesn't own a car, so proximity

to campus is important to her. Phuong Ho, a graduate student from Vietnam pursuing a master's degree in business administration, feels the same way about the Hillcrest Apartments. “I really enjoyed living there because it was really close to Grise Hall,” Ho said. Recently, Reddy had to move to a new apartment after the Hillcrest Apartments were slated for demolition to make room for WKU's Honors College and International Center. She's adjusting to the new apartments, and said hers needs a lot of work. “I don't like the apartment,” Reddy said. “But it's pretty cheap.” The apartments were recently taken over by Chandler's Prop-

erty Management, and Reddy said they're doing a better job of maintaining the property. Reddy came to WKU last fall after her cousin, a WKU alumnus, told her about it. “Bowling Green is a small place, and when you don't want to get distracted much this should be a good place,” she said. “And it has a lot of international students.” Taiwanese junior Vincent Liu came to WKU in 2011 for a similar reason. He lived in The Registry for two years before moving into his current house. He told his agent he wanted a place in the countryside where he could focus on his work and wouldn't be tempted to party so often. “If I live in a big city there are

too many distractions,” Liu said. Reddy enjoys participating in organizations like the Indian Student Association and the Kentucky Public Health Association. “Recently, there were a lot of activities from the KPHA like the 10K classic run, food drive,” she said. “I like volunteering for such things.” In last year's Bowling Green International festival, Reddy volunteered to do Henna, a temporary tattoo and Indian tradition, on attendees. “It's made of a leaf. You make a paste of it and you put it on your hand, and after one hour or so you just shred it and a red color tattoo appears,” Reddy said.

However, for Phuong Ho it's harder to get involved with campus activities because of the distance. She lives in the Crestmoor Park Apartments. “When I come home after work and school, it's hard for me to get out to try some activities on campus because of the distance,” Ho said. “It takes me 20 minutes to walk to campus.” Reddy's proximity to WKU allows her to be more involved with campus life, especially since she has to rely on shuttle services. “If you're living somewhere off campus far away from the university you wouldn't be able to attend all these events,” she said. “You wouldn't know much what's going on in the university.”

Establishing common ground with your roommate BY TREY CRUMBIE NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM The Pre-Meeting So you’ve finally secured a room in that dorm that you’ve had your eye on for the next semester. All you have do CRUMBIE Assist. News is worry about is move-in day and editor you’re good to go for the rest of the semester, right? Wrong! Unless you have some sort of special arrangement, you’re going to be living with someone else. Whether you already know them or not, establishing some ground rules before you two officially move in together will prove to be mutually beneficial. If you

already personally know your roommate, this shouldn’t be too hard. If you haven’t met your roommate at all, it may be a good idea to contact them and meet him or her sometime before the beginning of next semester. I’m not saying you have to go the extra mile and take them out to dinner and a movie, but just meeting for a couple of minutes can make all the difference. You can use this time not only to meet each other, but to talk about how the two of you will set up the room next semester. Will one of you bring a fridge while the other brings a microwave? Will one of you bring an iron while the other brings an iron board? Or will it work better if the both of you take care of yourselves? These are things to discuss before the official movein.

The Move-In So it has been a couple of months since you took your final test and went back home for the summer. Now the fall semester is here and you’re ready to begin the whole song and dance again. When you and your roommate move in, it’s best to talk about how you want to arrange the room before you begin hanging things up and plugging stuff in. Are bunk beds more your style or is keeping the beds separate? Will you combine the desks into one super desk? What about the shelves? It’s not just about combining or keeping furniture separate, it’s also about placement. Will the beds be confined to the wall? Or maybe placing them near the window is better. Once these little things are taken care of, the two of you can officially begin the move-in.

Living Together Living with a roommate isn’t just making sure that the room is set up the way you two want it. It’s also about getting used to each other’s behavior. One of you might be a night person while the other might be a morning person. One may be an extrovert while the other may be an introvert. One may need the constant company of music to get him or her through the day while the other needs absolute silence. These are things that you’ll have to work out with your roommate during the first couple of weeks together. As long as you keep communication open, the two of you will be able to work out a system so that both of you can live together in relative peace and harmony.

Little Tidbits In my two-and-a-half years of living with a roommate in a dorm, I’ve learned little things that can ease the pain of not having a private room. For example, during my freshman year, my friends used a code word for when they wanted the room to themselves when they had company over. Instead of telling the roommate outright to leave, they would say they were going to get pineapples as an excuse to leave the room. Also, going out with your roommate can go a long way. Whether it’s heading out to the gym or studying together, spending time together outside of the room can be beneficial. After all, your roommate doesn’t have to be just your roommate. He or she can become your new friend as well.

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Knowing your rights while living in a rental house BY JOANNA WILLIAMS NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM It wasn't my idea to move into a house this year. I was perfectly content with the apartment I had last year on Kentucky Street. It WILLIAMS was on the expenEditor-in-Chief sive side, but the comfort it provided was more than enough for me to not be frugal. This year, however, my roommate was enticed by cheap rent and the prospect of being able to finally have her dog live with her, something that hasn't happened since she was in high school.

(If you haven't learned already, there is really no arguing with a dog lover.) So we searched and ultimately moved into a house close to campus over on Kenton Street. Yes, the rent was much cheaper than it would have ever been in an apartment, but that also brought about additional problems. Problems I could write a book about, but I'm limited to an inch count and, besides, that's not the point of this column. What I want whoever is reading this to understand is, don't let cheap rent and campus proximity confuse your stake in having a house. Many people feel they have to put up with a horrible house or living space because they signed a lease to live there.

Joanna Williams, Editor-in-Chief

Many people feel they have to put up with a horrible house or living space because they signed a lease to live there. The truth is as a renter you have rights‚ many you may not be aware of.” The truth is as a renter you have rights, many you may not be aware of. The Kentucky Landlord Tenant Guide was designed to provide information for landlords and

tenants. Here are a few interesting tidbits. For starters, you also have the right to deduct money from your rent if you paid your own money to get something fixed. For example, if your air conditioner unit is broke and you paid to get it fixed you can deduct that money from your rent that month, given you have the receipts of course. You also have a right to “essential services.” What this means is heat, running water, gas and other things are necessary to a functioning house. If you don't have these things write a notice to your landlord and they are legally responsible to provide these things to you. They have 14 days to respond. After, you can then take them to court.

Finally, as a renter you have the right to terminate a lease if they fail to comply with the provisions of the lease you signed when you moved in. You have to have adequate reasons and proof but it is within your right to do so. I could go on, but I feel these are some of the major points and most useful. Many of these cases are extreme, but they are helpful to know while you navigate the housing rental market. There are slumlords who are eager to take advantage of college students who just need a place to stay during the semester without breaking the bank. And it's possible to live comfortably and affordably. Just make sure you know your rights.

One student’s account of an alternative living situation BY JACOB PARKER NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM After living in a dorm for the majority of my freshman year, I felt that I'd received more than my fair share of campus living experiences. PARKER Music that blared Features through the walls, Editor repulsive showers that apparently were only cleaned once a week, the restrictions imposed on me, and living in the same small quarters with another human being were all factors that contributed to my quick exit from dorm life. I found myself a simple trailer fairly close to campus with reasonable rent. Having never lived in a trailer park — but being familiar with small strains of truth that

tend to emerge out of stereotypes — I was a little apprehensive. However, this was to be the place I called home and, despite the needed pressure wash and fix-ups, it looked like the perfect place. I looked forward to having a spot that I could declare exclusively mine, sans the bunk beds, community bathrooms and visitor guidelines of the previous seven months of my life. I moved in around this time two years ago and knew it was the right decision. Two years later, I'm questioning the credibility of my decision making. Don't get me wrong, things were simple enough. Quick patch ups like fixing nail holes in the wall and assassinating spiders seemed to be day-to-day business. Bigger fixes came along soon enough. What with a vintage trailer from the 1980s and all appliances intact, things eventually

have to start to fail. Fail they did. First it was the air conditioner, then it was the plumbing, then it was the heater, on and on until most recently water continually leaking and ruining the floor in the bathroom. Due to the issue with my bathroom floor, I've spent the past couple of weeks attempting to find a new place to live. Coming back from spring break to find the trailer immediately to the left of my own completely charred from an apparent explosion sealed the deal. Luckily enough, as of this week I officially have a new and spacious apartment in a house downtown with an amazing friend and roommate. I walk away from my two years in a trailer with more heartwarming memories than I could ever put a number on and plenty of life lessons when it comes to

Jacob Parker, Features editor

I’ve had plenty of horrible experiences in both dormitory life and trailer park living. On the flip side, I’ve also had times there that wouldn’t have been as amazing or meaningful had they not occured where they did.” living situations. First, do some research on the history of your neighborhood. Figure out if the neighborhood has a history of drugs or violence. If you pick the wrong neighborhood, people WILL knock on

your doors asking for drugs that you may not have heard of. Second, weigh your risks versus your reward. Don't put your effort into fixing something that's falling apart regardless. This can be said for both trailers and bad relationships, depending on your situation. And lastly (which is more of a life lesson I learned rather than a living tip), love where you live even if it sucks. I've had plenty of terrible experiences in both dormitory life and trailer park living. On the flip side, I've also had times there that wouldn't have been as amazing or meaningful had they not occurred where they did. Growing up and getting your own place can be a hassle, and there's no real way to do it without learning the hard way on your own. Though, for what it's worth, my advice would be to avoid living in a trailer.

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MARCH 20, 2014

COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD

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MARCH 20, 2014

Interior designers help dec out dorms BY MACKENZIE MATHEWS NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM

Decorating dorms may seem like an impractical task, but there are several aspects to focus on that can easily help you achieve your dream dorm. Students are given a particularly small space to work with in terms of decorating a dorm room, so the goal is to make use of every storage opportunity given. After all, students are fitting their lives into at least half of the boxed space. “We have to creatively use the space,” interior design professor Amy Hersch said. “It’s all about lifting that bed off the floor and using the storage underneath the bed.” Raising the beds will provide

many new options for storage and use. Though it is prohibited to raise the beds over 36 inches according to the “Hilltopics Residence Hall Handbook,” students can make multiple uses out of the space that provides. Bunking the beds perpendicularly, so only half of the bottom bed is under the top, will make the room seem larger and give a lot more living space. If arranged properly, a futon could fit, giving an apartment feel to the dorm. “People don’t always see the potential they have to maximize the space, and you have to think differently because you can’t spread things out,” Hersch said. It is important to think of multiple uses for items in your room, like putting the bookcase on the

desk and making that a TV stand. Everything can have another function: take advantage of that. When arranging a room, it may be useful to add in elements of feng shui, the Chinese art of harmonizing people to their environment. There are several ways to put the practice to use in a dorm. Keep your bed away from the door to give a sense of privacy and never face a mirror toward it. Try to symmetrically lay out the room, putting two nightstands on either side of a bed, for example. To contrast the sharp edges of the room — corners of dressers, beds and walls — buy a circular rug. After arranging comes decorating, and it’s of utmost priority to decorate to personal preference. “Whenever I think of decora-

tion for dorms, I think basic functional stuff, like fancy lightings, furniture and frames — pictures, paintings, posters. I think they bring out the most in a room,” sophomore interior design major, Alina Sajan, Dubai, said. Focusing on colors is always important because they create the mood of the room. Black and white is a strong grouping, especially when accenting a particular color, or simply combine white with bright colors, which is easy in white-walled rooms. Too much white, however, may clash with the florescent ceiling lights, giving off a “sterile” look, so table or floor lamps that use incandescent bulbs are good additions. The warm, yellow light will make the room more

comfortable. Christmas lights are also great decorations using calm lighting. “Dorm rooms lack architecture and detail, so add some of your own by framing your favorite prints,” interior design professor Sheila Flener said. “Shop sites like ‘Etsy’ for fun, motivational prints or create a DIY piece.” A popular and easy way to add design to cinderblock walls is wall decals. They are easy to apply and remove, so no residue is left on the walls after moving out. The number one rule of decorating is to surround yourself with things you like and colors that make you feel good. It is the place you go after long, rough days, so it should be calming and cheerful.

International students find adjustments living in dorms BY JACKSON FRENCH NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM The transition to dorm life is sometimes difficult for freshmen unaccustomed to living away from home, but the experience can be very different for international students who live thousands of miles from home. For them, on-campus housing offers an entirely different set of benefits and challenges. Sumra Kanwal, a graduate student from Pakistan living in Bemis Lawrence Hall, has found WKU’s dorms to be a welcoming environment. “On my floor our girls are nice,” she said. “They do talk to me and I talk to them so they’re all friendly.” She said living in the dorms has added to her workload. “I have to cook my food, I have to do my laundry, I have to clean

my room — I have to do everything,” she said. Kanwal said her sisters, who live in Maryland, have kept her from getting too homesick, and she added that they called almost every day last semester. For her, difficulties stem mainly from problems with public transportation. “Transport is so bad here,” she said, adding that rickshaws and taxis are commonplace in her hometown of Karachi. “There are no public transports so it is so hard to move from one place to another place.” She said she has applied to be an RA next school year but plans to move to the Registry if she doesn’t get the position. Kanwal said the main benefit of living off campus will be having her own bathroom, but living on campus has benefits as well. She said living in dorms has

allowed her the chance to interact with other international students through whom she has learned about other cultures and improved her English skills. Alina Zahra Sajan, a sophomore from Dubai who also lives in Bemis Lawrence, said she has no interest in living off campus. She said living in the dorms appeals to her because it makes it easier for her to stay connected with others. “On campus, there are people everywhere and if you live off campus it’s more quiet…I have less contact with people and that’s bad because I’m not from here so I wouldn’t get around as much or know much if I lived off campus.” Sajan had a few complaints about the dorms, commenting that the rooms were too small and “the bathrooms are just nasty.”

She also said she disliked being unable to have candles in the rooms. Sajan said she still enjoys living in the dorms mainly because it puts her in closer proximity to more people. “I’m hardly even in my room anyway,” she said. “I’m always out so I’m just there for showering and sleepy-time.” She said homesickness hasn’t been an issue for her. “I’m not really family oriented so I don’t really miss my family as much, but I kind of miss everything else about home like the food and people and the lifestyle,” she said. As a resident assistant, Pakistani grad student Ayaz Ahmed Sadal’s dorm life experience has been a little different. Sadal has experience living off campus and said he prefers to live in the residence halls.

“Over here in dorms, it gives me an opportunity to connect with more people and to know more things about different things that have been going on on campus,” he said. As an RA, Sadal has never had a roommate in the dorms and said he likes living by himself. “I don’t like sharing my personal private things which is my room itself,” he said. “I’m a kind of a person who respects others’ privacy and I want others to respect my privacy.” For Sadal, the main challenge of living so far from home is being separated from his family. “I’m a very family-oriented person so I’ve been living over here for the last two years over here away from family, which makes me sad sometimes,” he said. Sadal said he wishes to stay in Southwest and resume his duties as an RA next year.

MARCH 20, 2014

COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD

Freshmen adapt to campus life by living in residence halls

Russell Springs freshman Chloe Lawson works on a T-shirt design in her dorm room in Minton Hall on Feb. 28. Lawson said she has had a good experience living in the dorms and has become friends with her roommate. MIKE CLARK/HERALD BY KRISTINA BURTON LIFE@WKUHERALD.COM Chloe Lawson left right after church on the morning of move-in day and headed to WKU with her parents and her boyfriend. Upon arrival, she went through the process of figuring out where her room was, signing in and getting a Minton sticker for her ID. She took her mini refrigerator on the elevator, but everything else up the stairs to her room on the fourth floor. Tears were shed by all parties when the time came for the 18-year-old Russell Springs freshman to part ways with her parents and boyfriend. “My parents were hugging me and saying, ‘We’re right here if you need us. We

can come back and get you any time,’” Lawson said. “They drove away, and I was just left standing there so I thought, ‘Guess I’ll go back to my room now.’” Lawson’s roommate was a sophomore and wasn’t participating in MASTER Plan, so she had not arrived yet. Lawson was excited for the activities of MASTER Plan, and her dad told her to leave her door open to help with the adjustment process. “I had it open all week, and all sorts of people stopped by and said, ‘Hi,’” Lawson said. Landon Case, a 19-year-old Owensboro freshman, said he was really excited to have a room that he could control half of by himself. “I was also overwhelmed by the possibilities of how to set up our dorm,” Case said.

Josh Arend, a 19-year-old Owensboro freshman, said move-in day was pretty hectic, but that’s what he expected. “I did end up meeting new people, and it was a great feeling to finally be on my own,” Arend said. Not wanting to stay at home and commute, Lawson said she chose to live in a residence hall for her freshman year. “Dorms are convenient and make it a lot easier to get to class,” Lawson said. Lawson said she tried to get into Minton Hall because she had heard it was one of the nicer residence halls. “The majority of kids there are in the Honors College, so I knew they would be studying, and I wanted people to study with,” Lawson said. “It’s nice to have that

environment.” Leading up to move-in day, Lawson said she was really nervous. “I was afraid I wasn’t going to meet anybody, and I was afraid my roommate was going to be awful,” Lawson said. “But it all worked out.” After the first week, Lawson said it was “pretty smooth sailing." “I got lost a couple times, not going to lie, but after I found all my classes, it all felt natural,” Lawson said. “I got into my routine, and I was good to go.” Lawson said she applied really late for housing. “I didn’t know about my roommate until a couple weeks before move-in, so I was stressing,” Lawson said. “I was afraid I’d end up with someone who liked to party. I don’t like to party. I like to go to bed early.” Lawson's roommate was the one who ended up calling her. “She was super sweet and told me all about her major,” Lawson said. “She moved in and we just connected. We’ve roomed together all year, and she’s going to an apartment next year. I’m sad about that, but I’ve decided to get a random roommate again next year since it worked out really well the first time.” Having had such a good time at MASTER Plan, Lawson said she was not ready to go home, but she still ended up doing so that weekend before classes got underway. “I go home every weekend, so I don’t really have a problem with homesickness,” Lawson said. “Cell phones and social media help me stay connected with everyone.” Lawson said one of the highlights of living in Minton Hall is being right in the middle of campus. “I can walk to all my classes and any of the restaurants on campus,” Lawson said. “I’ve also got to meet so many people in the halls. All the girls on my floor are so sweet, and we all got to hang out during MASTER Plan.” To Lawson, living in a residence hall is a good choice. “If you commute, you don’t have the same opportunities to meet as many people,” Lawson said. “You eat here and sleep here, so you’re going to meet so many people that you wouldn’t have met before.”

WKUHERALD.COM

MARCH 20, 2014

COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD