News stories this week...

Trojans hard to get at TSU

SGA conquers capital

Smokers snuffed by school

Students involved in asthma education

TSU elects senators and ratifies constitution

ACUB shifting the focus of its student activities

Best of the bands coming to honors clinic

First international alumni chapter opens in Russia

Trojans hard to get at TSU

Wendi Miller/Staff Writer

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 333 million cases of sexually transmitted diseases world wide in 1996. Of these, 15.3 million cases came from the United States.

Pike County had a rise in STDs from 300 cases in 1997 to 345 cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis reported in 1998.

During the 1997-98 school year, TSU had about 15 cases reported to the campus health center.

With the rate of reported STDs on the rise as well as the number of STDs reported at TSU, Troy State's efforts to educate and prevent may not be keeping up.

Many TSU students don't seem to know where to go for testing and counseling if they needed it.

Alison Jones, a freshman majoring in medical technologies, said she didn't have a clue where she would need to go.

Kristee Barlow, a freshman from Op, guessed she would need to go to the Health Services.

Once the students find out where they are supposed to go for testing it also seems they don't know whether or not they will have to pay for it.

"I figured it would be free," Jones said.

She, like many other students, figured wrong.

Becky Norsworthy, the head nurse at the TSU health center, said right now testing is not free. She said gonorrhea and chlamydia testing cost a student $60. If the student paid the $25 health fee at the beginning of the quarter, the fee would only be $50.

Another $15 is added onto the bill for women because of the pelvic exam needed for testing purposes.

"Can you see yourself asking your parents for $60?" Jones said. "They'll want to know what it's for, and you're not going to want to tell them."

There is another $15 fee for testing syphilis and a fee for AIDS/HIV test, which is about $50.

Jones said students aren't going to know what symptoms represent what disease.

"If you think you have all of these it (the fees) is going to be outrageous," she said.

"That is absolutely crazy," said Laura Russell, a senior political science major.

Jason Sims, a senior journalism major, from Culman, Ala, said that he wasn't surprised that TSU was charging the students for the testing.

Norsworthy said the school must pass on the charge levied from the lab in Montgomery.

But TSU isn't the only school who charges for STD testing. The University of Alabama and Auburn University both charge students for testing. Neither school would say what the testing costs.

Estes Smith, the director of nursing at Alabama, said UA charges students to their accounts under code names, such as "blood test" for syphilis, so confidentiality is kept. Jason Jones, assistant director for administration at Auburn, said the school charges students up front. Nancy Edge, a nurse at the Jacksonville State University health center, said that the fee for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing is $25. She said HIV testing is not done on campus.

Norsworthy said even though testing is offered for the students on campus, she does refer students to the County Health Department.

There are also misconceptions about whether students can get condoms and whether or not they are offered free of charge.

"After what I've heard about the testing, I bet they're not," Jones said.

The condoms are free but only when they are in stock.

Norsworthy said the Health Center used to get condoms from the State Health Department. About 5 years ago the State Health Department decided not to give the condoms to the school. Norsworthy said that might be from lack of funding.

Now condoms are donated by different companies.

"There are occasions when we receive donations or gifts, it may be part of some sort of national campaign," said Dr. Charlotte Davis, vice president of student affairs. "When we have those provided to us, we'll in turn provide them to the students."

Davis said the university doesn't buy condoms is because of the controversy about whether or not state dollars should be spent on providing condoms for students. She said handing out cough drops for free doesn't raise questions about the use of student funds.

"We try to be prudent with our resources," Davis said. "There are some people who do not want state dollars as opposed to state health dollars used for (condom) distribution."

Jones disagrees with the school's policy.

"We pay enough to this school that they ought to supply them in the dorms," she said.

Davis said even though the school recognizes STDs and handing out condoms as imp-ortant targets for education, they are not TSU's mission.

"Our mission is mostly education," Davis said. "When a bank comes over here, we'll give out banking information or allow them to give it out on campus, but we're not willing to spend our time and effort on helping people set up banking accounts through university staff."

Davis said the school's mission is education while the County Health Department's mission is health. She also said within the school's mission, the school will have to dip into the health department's mission and vice versa.

"But it's not our job to try to do everything for all people," Davis said.

"I know it's not their job to stand over us," Jones said. "But if you get sick, you're not going to get an education."

Maybe TSU students should feel lucky for the donated condoms. Auburn doesn't hand them out at all. Jones said he thought this is because Auburn is a conservative school.

As for education, Auburn uses their freshman orientation to educate students on safe sex practices. TSU does not.

April is STD Awareness Month.

Russell said she knew about it, but the other students interviewed did not. Russell thinks there is no support for an STD Awareness Month on campus. She also believes there needs to be more educational programs on campus concerning STDs.

Whether or not TSU is concerned about the health welfare of the students, anyone enrolled can go to the health center to get counseling, testing, condoms and referrals to doctors in Troy.

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SGA conquers capital

Jayme Kirkland/Staff Writer

Alabama's capital will be taken over on Feb. 18 by college students from across the state.

Students from all four-year colleges and universities of the state are invited to participate in the fifth annual Collegiate Legislature in Montgomery. The prime focus of the event will be a model legislative session with the students serving as Representatives.

"I think it gives students a chance to see firsthand how government works and makes them realize how much government impacts their lives," said Chris Ingram, SGA Pro-Tem.

From Feb. 18-21 students will present and debate bills actually written by the participants. The conference will start with participants being put into committees. The committees then discuss and select bills to present in the House Chambers.

The students can write bills on any state issue they feel is important legislation, said SGA President Erin Johnson. Johnson said proposal topics range from counseling for victims of child abuse to senior citizen driving tests and eye exams every three years after the age of 65. One of the most popular issues is higher education, specifically funding, Johnson said.

Students get to debate topics that are relevant to today's society, said SGA Senator SamAdams. Adams, who was the Collegiate Legislature speaker of the House last year, said there have been bills proposed by students that later became laws.

The law that requires motorists to turn on their headlights when they turn on their windshield was proposed in the Collegiate Legislature before it became an Alabama law. All bills that pass are sent to the actual representatives.

In addition to the legislative sessions, workshops and round-table discussions will be held. The theme this year is "Developing Ethical and Moral Leaders for tomorrow today," said Ingram. Last year the Chairman of the Ethics Committee spoke to the students.

"It is not only a learning experience, it is a lot of fun," said Adams. "You get to meet people your age from across the state." We discuss issues that are prevalent on all college campuses, said Adams.

"The conference has grown from about 50 participants the first year to 250 last year," said Johnson. During the first couple of years, most of the participants were in the student government.

The program is conducted by the YMCA Youth in Government staff, which has over 50 years of experience in government-related programs in Alabama.

"Collegiate Legislature is actually a spin off the high school equivalent also sponsored by the YMCA called Youth Legislature," said Johnson.

Registration is Thursday, Feb. 18 from 3-5 p.m. With a fee of $55 that includes two meals. Students are responsible for their own lodging. Rooms at the Holiday Inn hotel are available for approximately $68 per night. The conference will conclude Sunday, Feb. 21 by noon. For more information contact the SGA office at 670-3212.

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Smokers snuffed by school

Nikki Chesser/Staff Writer

Students will no longer be able to purchase cigarettes from the Trojan Quick Stop mini-convenience store in the lobby of the Adams Center.

Troy State is enforcing its policy of a smoke-free environment. Students, faculty and employees who depended on the convenience of the Trojan Quick Stop will have to look where elsewhere if they want to buy tobacco.

"Troy State has always been a smoke- free environment," said Ron Pierce, director of auxiliary services.

"We are just complying with the school's policy. By selling cigarettes at the Quick Stop we were contradicting ourselves by doing one thing and saying another."

"No,there haven't been any negative responses."said Pierce.

"The change has not prompted responses from students or faculty. At least I haven't heard anything negative. Students haven't complained to me or my office about it."

According to Pierce, it wasn't a big money maker for the store.

Although students do not complain to Pierce, they are complaining.

"I depend on the Quick Stop for cigarettes and since I don't have a vehicle its very hard for me to get off campus to buy cigarettes," said Chris Curry, a junior education major from Andalusia.

"I chose Troy State because the campus had all the necessities anyone could need if they lived on campus. All of my friends that live in the dorm with me go home every weekend so I don't have a way to get off campus."

"It was a lot more convenient for smokers who don't have the means to get around town," said Valarie Freeman, a freshman from Atmore.

"I wish they still sold them."

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Students involved in asthma education

Shanna Beasley/Business Manager

Can you imagine teaching children why they can't breathe normally? Troy State University nursing students are doing just that.

Asthma affects one in every 14 children, so everyone - children and adults -need to be aware of it.

Edge Regional Medical Center and TSU's Community Health Class are going into Pike County schools and teaching children about asthma. Using programs called "A is for Asthma" and "Open Air Ways," the nursing students are teaching children how to get help when they have an asthma attack.

"A is for Asthma" is a program developed by the Children's Television Workshop and the American Lung Association. It is funded by the Prudential Foundation.

"The purpose is to help students be aware of asthma and to help them before they get into serious trouble," said Linda Behm, assistant professor of nursing at TSU.

The "A is for Asthma" program started Jan. 21 in Troy Elementary School. TSU nursing students go into the school one day a week for one hour to talk to the kindergarten through second grades about asthma.

They use a video featuring Sesame Street characters Elmo, Rosita and Luis, plus a new Muppet friend, Dani. Dani has asthma. Children watching the video learn more about his condition as the Muppets sing, dance and talk about Dani's needs.

"The nursing students at TSU are trained to teach the program," said Terry Watkins, Edge Regional Medical Center health awareness coordinator. "After the video they talk to the class about asthma, answering any questions the children have."

The video points out important messages about asthma.

Asthmatic children miss a lot of school and fear not being able to participate in popular activities such as football and cheerleading.

The video tells them that children with asthma can still run and play like everyone else, as long as they take their medication and have regular checkups. It also points out that if they don't have asthma they can help someone who does.

The "Open Air Ways" program is similar to "A is for Asthma," except its focus is on third through sixth-graders.

This program is also being conducted in the Pike County schools. It is funded by the American Lung Association.

"These are kids who can medicate themselves but still need to know the steps to take to get help," Behm said.

"Open Air Ways" is a six-week training program.

The TSU nursing students and athletic trainers take the children through the program teaching them about how to get help and what to expect with asthma. At the end of the program they get certificates of graduation.

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TSU elects senators and ratifies constitution

Joe Zwierzchoski/Editor

The Troy State student body Wednes-day ratified the constitution presented by the Student Government Association by a vote of 287-92.

"I'm very happy," said Sam Adams, co-chair of the Constitution Committee. "It's the completion of a lot of hard work. I think it will serve the students well and produce a better, more effective student government."

The new constitution goes into effect Fall Semester 1999.

TSU students also had the opportunity to fill nine vacancies in the SGA Senate.

The five at-large senator-elects are Katie Colombo, Heather Dykema, Deneka Fortier, Hayden Mitchell and Laura Totti.

Fortier had high hopes for her term in the Senate.

"I hope to bring the needs of the students to the SGA," Fortier said. "I hope to be able to make a difference in the Senate. Sometimes things that don't change much tend to get stale. I just want to present fresh opinions and ideas to the members and the students."

Another at-large senator, Colombo, was happy to win .

"I'm excited about winning," Colombo said. "I can't wait to get in there and see what goes on."

The elections for a Clements Hall representative ended in a tie. The SGA took both the election winners, Celeste Cranmore and Sarah Lohr, in to the Senate.

Cranmore aims to give Clements a louder voice in the Senate.

"Last quarter I didn't know who my representative was," said Cranmore. "I just want to be able to get to know people and maybe give Clements a voice."

The Sorority Hill representative is Gentrie Busbee. The Fraternity Row representative is Bo Boyd.

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ACUB shifting the focus of its student activities

Amy Alexander/Staff Writer

Last spring, the Adams Center Union Board held a survey to find out what activities students were interested in. One of the most popular answers was to travel.

This February, ACUB, which was started to organize student activities on campus, is organizing a ski trip to Gatlinburg, Tenn. ACUB is composed of a seven student board , about 40 committee members, and six faculty members.

ACUB is using money from the student activity fees to pay for part of the trip.

"We've always wanted to do a road trip," said lori Clark, vice-chair of ACUB. "We're starting off small, and hoping it gets bigger,"said Lori Clark, vice-chair of ACUB."

Other members of ACUB echo Clark.

"These trips are something that a lot of other schools do," said Nora Wilkes, ACUB secretary. "We encourage everyone to come sign up for the trip. Anyone can go, even if they don't want to ski."

Clark attributes the changes in ACUB partly to the experience that it's leaders have. Because of this, they are willing to try new things.

A deposit of $25 for the trip is due today.

Besides the Gatlinburg trip, ACUB is trying other new things. An example of this was "Make A Difference Day" held fall quarter where different campus organizations held differnet events for a worhty cause.

ACUB is also responsible for bringing some speakers to Troy.

ACUB is adding new games for students to participate in this year.

"Video Bingo" is scheduled for March. This is in addition to games that ACUB already sponsors, such as "Twister" and "Family Feud." Students who win these games get prizes such as free compact discs. ACUB also sponsored the Rhett Akins concert in the fall

The event that ACUB is best known for is Wednesday night movies.

"The movies are very reliable, and get good attendance," said Clark.

Ideas are always welcome at the ACUB office in the Adams Center, or through their e-mail address: acub@trojan.troy.edu

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Best of the bands coming to honors clinic

Chelcie Mickles/Staff Writer

The Troy State University School of Music will be hosting the 26th annual Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic Feb. 4-6.

The clinic will open with a performance by the United States Air Force Reserve Band. The TSU Symphony Band will perform the following evening.

"We are sure the Air Force Reserve Band and the TSU Band will be outstanding concerts," said Carol Franks, associate professor of music and executive director of the clinic.

Also held in conjunction with the clinic is an honor band featuring high school students.

"We received 400 audition tapes from all over the tri-state area, and some tapes from Tennessee and Virginia,"Franks said. "We chose 200 students.

"These students have never played together as a band, and they are seeing the music for the first time when they get here. It's amazing how well they perform."

The honor band will be divided into two groups: The Silver Band and the Crimson Band.

Dr. John M. Long, director of bands emeritus, will be directing the Crimson Honor Band.

"It is a big deal for the kids and the band directors," Franks said. "A lot of the band directors were once in Dr. Long's band, and it's really special for them to see Dr. Long working with their students. In some cases, he will be working with the directors' own children."

Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma band fraternities will be assisting in the event. Travis King, a senior and member of Kappa Kappa Psi, is Crimson Honor Band assistant.

"I think the honor band is a good recruiting tool for the school, " King said. "It is also good for those who have their bachelor's degree and are looking for a place to begin their master studies."

King has worked with the Crimson Honor Band for two years and has worked with the clinic overall since 1996.

"Many of the students I became acquainted with are now members of the TSU band," King said.

Leslie Bankston, a senior and elementary education major, is a member of Tau Beta Sigma, and will be assisting with honor band registration and exhibits. "I think the students look up to us in a way because we are college students and a part of the band," Bankston said.

"It's good if we can influence them in any way. A lot of the students think they have to be music majors to be in the band"

The TSU Symphony Band concert will feature director Robert W. Smith as well as four guest conductors: Dr. John M. Long, Dr. Robert Foster of the University of Kansas, Dr. William Foster of Florida A&M University and Gladys Stone Wright of West LaFayette, Ind.

All concerts of the clinic are free to the public. The U.S. Air Force Reserve Band will perform at 8:30 p.m. Thursday. The TSU Symphony Band will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, and the Honor Band concerts will close out the clinic at 7:30 p.m Saturday.

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First international alumni chapter opens in Russia

Candy Jones/Staff Writer

The Troy State University National Alumni Association recently added a chapter - its first outside the United States.

The home of The Troy State University Russian International Allumni is Kirov, a city located in central Russia.

TSU has 11 graduates who are residents of Kirov.

Kirov was once a center for the research and testing of Soviet weapons, and no foreigners were allowed in the city until 1989.

The communication between the Soviet Union and the United States after the Cold War signaled the start of communication between TSU and Kirov.

Dr. Curt Porter, dean of International Programs at TSU, was a guest professor at Vyatka State Teachers University in Kirov in 1994. Dr. Porter recruited 11 Russian students while at Kirov. These 11 students compose the Russian alumni chapter.

The TSU graduates from Kirov were presented their alumni chapter charter by Dr. Jim Hoyt, professor of marketing and economics at TSU, in December.

"Before they left TSU, (the Russian students) had become very comfortable with the United States and Troy, and wanted to maintain a connection with TSU," said Faith Ward, director of alumni affairs.

"They kept in touch after they returned to Kirov, and the alumni chapter grew from there."

Hoyt also has visited Vyatka State University. He gave about two dozen lectures and seminars on his business expertise. He lectured to people unfamiliar with the free market economy.

According to Porter, more student and faculty exchanges between TSU and Vyatka State are planned.

"The TSU graduates in Kirov are very supportive of their alma mater and are excited to be linked with their home campus in this capacity," Ward said. "This chapter will be instrumental in helping to establish other alumni chapters worldwide."

According to Ward, the Russian chapter will receive monthly packages of information about campus activities and at some point it is hoped, members can revisit the campus.

The first international alumni chapter speaks of the continued growth of the university's International Program.

The International Program has brought record numbers of foreign students to Troy.

There is interest in a second international alumni chapter in South Korea, which is home to about 20 TSU graduates.

The creation of the Russian Alumni Chapter is important to the continued growth of the TSU Alumni Association, Ward said.

"The relationship (between TSU and Kirov) is important," Porter said.

"The extent to which we can get foreign students to come here adds a lot to our campus and our classes. That's the key to our program."

"The Russian alumni were very honored to receive their charter and join the alumni association," Hoyt said. "This is a good moment for the university as well."

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