This Issue: February 26, 1998
Students rally for 'Top 10' academic rankingWhitney McHugh, EditorAlabama sports are more important to state legislators than education and college students across Alabama are giving them exactly what they want, athletic equipment. "The Alabama legislature wants the state's athletic teams to be in the top 10 of every sport, but why not in education," said Erin Johnson, vice president SGA. This year's Higher Education Week theme "Top Ten in Sports Why not Education" addresses the legislature's attitude towards higher education. Students will gather Thursday, March 6 on the state capital steps to rally for higher education funding. Representatives from each school will be assigned a legislator. That legislator wil receive a report on the need for higher education funding and some type of athletic equipment such as a tennis ball, said Johnson. About 50 to 100 students from TSU are expected to rally on the capital steps. Last year about 25 to 50 people rallied. SGA senators are supporting the rally and a few nonSGA students have also expressed interest, said Jim Brummett, SGA president. "I'm just really excited about it," said Johnson. "The legislators will see students are concerned not only in Montgomery but across the state. It should be pretty amazing." Students from every college and university in Alabama are expected to attend. In addition to the report and athletic equipment, the SGA is conducting a letter writing campaign. "Before we go, we want to have everyone write a letter about higher education funding and the problems universities are facing without it," said Brummett. These letters will be given to legislators along with the report. In conjuction with Higher Educaton Week, the SGA is sponsoring a voter registration drive March 3 and 4. Registration sites will be set up on the Quad and in the Adams Center, said Johnson. Return to the start of the News Section |
Century-old TSU still going strongKen Roedl, Staff WriterTroy State University celebrates its 111th anniversary today with a convocation open to students and the public. "This day gives us a unique opportunity to reflect on our roots and on how much we've grown as a university," said Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. "Over these 111 years, we've grown from a small normal school to a worldwide university system of 17,000 students in 12 states and 10 countries. As we continue to build toward the 21st century, it's important we reflect on the hard work and dedication that has made this university what it is today." Alabama Supreme Court Justice Terry Butts, TSU alumnus, will deliver the keynote address at an 11 a.m. convocation ceremony that will be held in the Adams Center Theatre. The convocation also features speakers from the National Alumni Association, Student Government Association President Jim Brummett, Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford and Faculty Advisory Council President Jean Laliberte. Each will share their vision for the future of Troy State. Admission to the convocation is free and open to students and the general public. Return to the start of the News Section |
Still no word on cause of dorm fireMark Skinner, News EditorFire marshals continue to investigate a fire in Alumni Hall that forced the evacuation of the dormitory on Feb. 17. Ed Brown, fire inspector with the Troy Fire Department, said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Brown said hey would not speculate about the cause of the fire because he doesn't want his remarks to interfere with the investigation. The State Fire Marshall Office also is investigating the fire, but the case's investigator could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, life is returning to normal in the hall. Some residents who were moved off the first floor A Wing have been able to return, said Stephen Waddail, resident director for Alumni Hall. However, some room ceilings still need of repairs, Waddail said. Residents forced to move within Alumni Hall have been given the option of staying in rooms they moved to or returning to their original rooms, Waddail said. Alumni Hall's fire alarm system is being inspected, because of reports that fire alarms did not go off in one section the building during the fire, said Dr. Charlotte Davis-Lott, vice president of Student Affairs. Davis-Lott said she had not received the final report on the alarm system check. Only seven of the 22 residents displaced by the fire attended a meeting on Feb. 19 to help them file insurance claims, Davis-Lott said. Dormitory fires are sometimes scene as a laughing matter by students, but they can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. The Chronicle of Higher Education reported: ¥ On Jan. 24, 1997: A student was killed in a dorm fire at Central Missouri State University. A student was arrested and charged with murder and arson for the fire. ¥ On Jan. 24, 1997: A student died of smoke inhalation at the University of Tennessee when a fire was set across the hall from his room. ¥ On Feb. 16, 1996: A Florida State student was charged with setting 18 fires in more than a dozen campus buildings. ¥ On June 27, 1997: Three University of Cincinnati students were arrested for starting a fire with fireworks that caused the evacuation of 700 residents from the dorm. ¥ On Feb. 24, 1998: A University of Georgia student was arrested for allegedly setting fire to his own door repeatedly and claiming the fires were anti-gay hate crimes. This was Alumni Hall's first fire this year, Davis-Lott said. Return to the start of the News Section
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Improvemants in the works for dining hallMark Skinner,NewsEditorStewart Hall may be undergoing some changes in the near future. Matt Brandau, food services manager, said there has been speculation about adding a deck to Stewart Hall and additional bathrooms. Many students currently use the existing bathrooms which are located in the kitchen, but visitors are often unable to find them to wash their hands, he said. Bathrooms may be installed in Stewart's foyer or by the Firehouse Grill, he said. The idea for the deck began after food services met with an architect. The architect drew up some plans for a deck that would hold 50 to 100 people, but the idea didn't go any farther, Brandau said. "I think that there are some other issues that are a little bit more important as far as money goes for the school," Brandau said. Some changes to Stewart have already occured. A wall and turnstile have already been added to the entrance of Crossroads Cafeteria. "Customers coming in were running into customers who were leaving," Brandau said. The additions will ease the flow of traffic when the cafeteria has to deal with large groups and during dinner rushes, Brandau said. Heat lamps installed for hot foods as well as matching decorative lights for areas that do not require heat have been requested, Brandau said. Customers have declined even though the room looks full, Brandau said. He said that the reason the hall becomes so crowded during diner is that no one has any particular reason to leave. "We have a lot of people who eat and hang out and as they stay more people come in, and it starts to fill up," Brandau said. A Stewart Hall tradition has also been changed. Steak night has been renamed specialty night because of changing attitudes toward the food, Brandau said. "Unlike 10 or 12 years ago, people are a lot more conscious about what they are eating," Brandau said. "Although steeak may seem to the mjority to be the premium entree, there are several who do not care for it." Other items being offered include seafood or boneless chicken breast. "We will probably always do steak because it is the majority's favorite, but we will expand our choices. Specialty nights will be held more often. Brandau said they will be held every two weeks instead of once a month. Other special events coming up in Stewart include the annual spring break beach party on March 12 and the midnight breakfast held every quarter during finals. The beach party began two years ago. The idea for the party was inspired by the warmer weather, and everyone getting ready for spring break, he said. "Last year it just got bigger, louder and crazier, and this year we will try and make it even better." Toys, rafts and suntan lotion during the party will be given away during the party, and there may be a DJ, he said. Students who want to voice a opinion on the food service can either contact the Student Government Associations Food Committee or Brandau. "You can't really fix something if you do not know its broken, and it's a good chance to find out what is broken and how to fix it," he said. Return to the start of the News Section |
DAD encourages greater compassionStacy Freigang. Staff WriterStudents, faculty and staff at Troy State University are invited to participate in Disability Awareness Day (DAD) on March 5, 1998. In honor of National Social Work Month and the 100th anniversary of professional social work, seniors in the Social Work Methods III class have chosen "Celebrating 100 Years of Social Work with Disability Awareness Day" as their class project. The TSU community is invited to participate in DAD by assuming a "disability" for a day, said Margaret Parrish, chair of the project committee. Parrish and the other 24 class members developed the idea and are planning every aspect of DAD. "We want to educate and enlighten people about what it is like to be disabled on a day-to-day basis," said Angela Moss, chair of the recruitment committee. "As a class, we are hoping that everyone will not only become aware of the difficulties that disabled people face but also become more understanding towards them." Participants pledge a donation and pick up a "disability" at 8 a.m. in the lobby of McCartha Hall, Moss said. They will have "disabilities" such as wheelchairs, crutches, blindfolds, earplugs and eye-patches. Participants will be disabled until noon, she said. Many people may be apprehensive about participating in DAD. "I think a lot of people are scared that they're going to be in a wheelchair, but you may just have a sling on your arm, and you can do that for four hours," said Moss. Also, those blindfolded will have someone to guide them, said Parrish. Participants will also wear stickers or buttons that will let people know they are participating in DAD so they will not get strange looks, said Moss. Activities will be held throughout the day such as one-armed and one-legged races, said Parrish. Businesses and organizations can participate by pledging or donating money, said Moss. Student can also buy raffle tickets for a dollar, she said. The raffle is for dinner for two at Daryll's in Montgomery, she said. All donations will be given to the Adaptive Needs Program at TSU. "We just felt like that would be the best place for it to goÑ that way, the people on campus will see the difference," she said. "They're not going to see it if we give it to somewhere that's not in the community." DAD will conclude with a panel discussion aired on TSU-TV at 8:30 p.m., said Ida Slawson, event coordinator. Slawson said guest speakers include Angeline Pinckard, executive director of the governor's committee on employment of people with disabilities; Don Sims, supervisor of Blind Services for the Alabama State Department of Rehabilitation and Michelle Cooper, Ms. Wheelchair Alabama. Some of the speakers have disabilities, said Parrish. "These people are speaking from the heart, from personal experience," she said. "I think [DAD] is an excellent opportunity to provide a simulation of experiences for people who are not disabled to help them be aware [of the experiences disabled people are faced with]," said Pinckard. "I applaud students enrolled in the Social Work Methods III class who have initiated this important program and urge the entire university community to become involved," said Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. "On a personal note, I plan to participate by assuming the role of the disabled. I trust [others] will consider doing likewise. The dividends are great; the inconvenience is limited." Education majors will receive community hours and organizations will receive "activity" points for participating in DAD. "We're real excited," said Moss. "We're ready for it to get here and to see how much participation we have." For more information call Margaret Parrish at 566-6674 or Angela Moss at 670-0031. Return to the start of the News Section |
Students throw party for favorite 'Doc'Mark Skinner, News EditorDr. Seuss is having a birthday party. Even though he is gone, he has not been forgotten by his fans, young and old alike. On March 2, groups across the United States will be celebrating the birthday of the beloved children's author. This is the first year Seuss' birthday has been a national celebration, said Barbara Patterson, director of Student Involvement and Leadership. She said that the national celebration may be the creation of the Read Across America program. As part of the celebration Troy State University students will be helping throw Seuss a birthday party for area third through fifth graders, Patterson said. There will probably be face painting, story telling, puppets, balloons, games and other activities normally seen at birthday parties, Patterson said. Refreshments will include two "Cat in the Hat," birthday cakes and Seuss punch. The Troy celebration was the idea of Dr. Judy Dye, assistant professor of early childhood education and Dr. Jane Hawk, associate professor of elementary education. Patterson said when they found out about the national celebration Dye and Hawk asked IFC and Panhellenic Council to cosponsor the local event. The party will held at Yesterdaze Gallery from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 2. Yesterdaze will be reopening for the celebration. Return to the start of the News Section |
Technology improves reliability of reasearchDr. Todd G. Nick, associate professor of Health Sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, will make a campus-wide presentation "Issues in Assessing and Designing Studies of Reliability" at 1:15 on March 5, 1998, in McCall Hall Room 119. The presentation should be of general interest to faculty, staff and students involved in assessing the reliability of research measurements. By using sophisticated statistical designs now available via computer, researchers can assess the reliability of measurements more efficiently and cost effectively than before and without the consultation of a statistician. This works in a broad spectrum of research including experimental, survey, clinical outcomes and educational evaluation. Holding a doctorate in biometry and genetics from the Louisiana University Medical Center, Nick has published widely in statistical journals and publications in the health professions. He teaches research design and statistics at the graduate and undergraduate levels at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He is immediate past president of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences and is a nominee for membership on the board of the American Statistical Association. He currently serves as a consultant with the Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital in Jackson, Miss. for clinical outcomes evaluation. Return to the start of the News Section |
Publications Board seeks apllicants for fallApplications are being taken by the University Student Publications Board for editor and business managers of the Tropolitan and the Palladium for the 1998-99 school year. Application forms are available from the Hall School of Journalism office in Wallace Hall or in the Office of Student Affairs. Applications should be returned no later than Monday, March 9 to either of the above offices. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average of 2.5, be a full time student, be at least a second quarter sophomore and have at least two quarters of experience with the Tropolitan or Palladium or equivalent experience. Students do not have to be journalism majors to apply. All positions pay 15 hours per week at minimum wage. All require an interview with the TSU Publications Board. Applicants for the positions will be required to appear before the publications board at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 9. Location of the interview will be announced later. For more information, contact Gordon McKerral, publications adviser, at Ext. 3328 or the Office of Students Affairs at Ext. 3203. Return to the start of the News Section |
The hunt is on for more than a few good RAsMark Skinner, News EditorSpring quarter brings warmer weather, beach trips and the start of the Resident Assistant recruitment. Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. was a RA for several years at Alabama College, now Montevallo University. He said TSU's RAs play a critical role. "I would encourage anyone who is responsible and wants to assume more responsibility to pursue the RA appointments which are available," Hawkins said. The RA is at the heart and the soul of our residential program on campus, and we need to emphasize the importance of the role, Hawkins said. His his time as a RA was an interesting experience, Hawkins said.
One of his favorite memories involved a conflict between two freshmen who decided they didn't want to be roommates on their first day in the dormitory, Hawkins said. One of the freshmen was removing his roommates belongings from their room, Hawkins said. "Years later it was my pleasure to appoint that young freshmen as the president of Troy State University Dothan," Hawkins said. Hawkins said he was almost recruited for the job because of his military background "Marine Corp boot camp training is pretty good preparation for becoming a resident assistant the dean of men concluded," Hawkins said. He accepted the position because he was having to pay for his education . "Every dollar was very valuable to me," Hawkins said. Students are being encouraged to apply for a RA position, said Jason Bryant, assistant manager for Dill Hall. Students apply for a RA position at the end of winter quarter and the beginning of spring quarter. Right now the RA application form is being redone so that the application will fit on one page, Bryant said. This is being done to make the applications easier to distribute. Housing is planning to distribute applications to every student on campus and to set up areas for off campus residents to pick one up, Bryant said. RA training has been planned for spring quarter. The class is scheduled to begin on April 9, but the date may be changed, Bryant said. All current RAs and people applying for the position will have to take the five week course. There are some changes in the course, but topics covered in the past include roommate confrontations, residence halls procedures and RA survival skills, Bryant said. Students must successfully complete the session to become a RA. The applicants interview and references also play a part in the hiring decision, Bryant said. Applicants must also have a 2.0 cumulative an quarterly grade point average, Bryant said. People who are currently RAs do not have guaranteed positions because rehiring is based on performance, Bryant said. |
Wiloughby finds having fun has its benefitsMarks Skinner, News EditorLydia Kristen Willoughby was crowned Miss TSU Feb. 21. "I didn't go into it with a attitude of winning, it was just to have a good time," Willoughby said. "It is my last year, and I wanted to have a good last memory of the pageant." This was the third year she competed in the pageant. As Miss TSU, Willoughby is an ambassador for TSU at on and off campus events. She said she is excited about having to speak for TSU at meetings around the area and will be working to promote her platform, hire or fire. The platform is intended to help young job seekers by providing information about looking for jobs and getting hired, Willoughby said. Willoughby will be TSU's representative in the Miss Alabama pageant in June. Miss Alabama is an official preliminary for the Miss America pageant. Willoughby said she has always wanted to compete in the Miss Alabama pageant. To prepare for pageant, Willoughby said she will have to practice playing the piano because Miss Alabama will be more difficult than Miss TSU. She won the talent competition at Miss TSU. Willoughby will receive a full one year scholarship at TSU as well as free gifts and services donated by area businesses. She was sponsored this year by the Sound of the South marching band. Her court was Jill Dobson, first runner up; Jana Grice, second runner up; Mary Beth Morris, third runner up and Trisha Ratcliffe, fourth runner up. Morris also won the swimsuit competition. First and second runners up received a $50 award, a plaque,bouquet, skin analysis, make overs and tanning sessions. |
Campus Police Incident ReportFeb. 15: Two men were found in Hamil Hall between 10:38 p.m. and 10:57 p.m. They were in violation of visiting hours and were escorted out of the building. Theft of property: A GAP sweatshirt was stolen from Clements Hall on Feb. 13 between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The theft was reported Feb. 15 at 7:35 p.m. Feb. 16: There was a two vehicle accident in the Adams Center Parking Lot at 1 p.m. There were no injuries. Feb. 17: The Troy Fire Department responded to a fire on the first floor, A wing, of Alumni Hall between 8:50 a.m. and 9:05 a.m. and extinguished it. Feb. 19: Between 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. a purse, gas credit card, necklace, earrings and makeup were stolen from a car in the rear Pace Hall Parking Lot. Feb. 20: There was a hit and run accident in the 30 minute parking zone in front of Smith Hall at 12 p.m. There were no injuries. |
