the campus digest - Tuskegee University

Tuskegee University
Battle of the Bands
THE CAMPUS DIGEST
SEPTEMBER 2008
WWW.TUSKEGEE.EDU
What’s Inside
What do you have planned for the
year?
Digest reports on
the students who
didn’t.
page 2
Hey Tuskegee!
New editor-in-chief, Rozena Henderson
gives her thoughts on the “Tuskegee
Experience.”
Moton field reopens
Grand opening to
highlight Tuskegee
Airmen Oct. 11-12
page 6
new e-mail
service on
campus
page 3
Harris
From Staff Reports
In an exclusive Q&A with the
Campus Digest, Erick Harris layed
out his plans for the upcoming year,
and what he hopes to accomplish for
the students of Tuskegee University.
What experience you think will help
you in being SGA president
Prior to becoming SGA President,
I served as SGA Judicial Advisor, SGA
Judicial Board member, Student Senate
president Pro Tempore, sophomore
Class President, and a member of the
Marching Crimson Piper Band.
President Payton stresses importance
of education at 127th Convocation
Payton
On Sunday, Sept. 7, President
Benjamin F. Payton officially
welcomed the new students into the
Tuskegee University family. Tuskegee
University’s 127th Convocation was
held at 9 a.m. at the University Chapel.
This program was the first convocation
of the fall semester, although it was
Barry Seawright
Staff Writer
Campus News 3
SGA President outlines plans for new year
Did you get into
the commons?
PAGE 4
Send the
Pipers back
to ATL!
the second address from the president
to the freshman students. Payton
encouraged the students to shift into
the right mind set and to solidify their
focus on gaining a quality education.
Opening the ceremony was the
entrance of the teachers and faculty,
some Tuskegee graduates themselves.
Showing in large number, Tuskegee
alumni were introduced by class
ranging from the class of 1975 all
the way back to the 1940s, further
See ‘Convocation’ page 5
with Rashim McKinney and Lee
Harris all took it upon themselves to
expose me to every aspect of SGA.
“Well I have several things that Through planning and executing a
I’m focusing on. Housing on campus successful event to working with
is one of the major areas of campus life university administrators to get a goal
that I want to work on. I don’t expect accomplished. I really credit David as
the university to build new housing he often calls to give me advice that
during my tenure as SGA President, only an older brother could.”
but I do want to begin the dialogue and
conversation of when the new dorms Do you have any new activities
can be expected and what is going to planned?
be done to keep the current housing up
to standard. I’ve also moved the SGA “Yes, I plan on working with Miss
into being more like a business with its Tuskegee University to start a ‘Clean
officers elected by the students. You’ll Up The Campus Campaign,’ an idea
soon see work-study students assisting of hers. I also plan on working with
me and the other officers in carrying Assistant Provost Dr. Roberta Troy
out our duties, along with posted to have a series of lectures. I believe
office hours for all of the officers.” that things that encourage scholarly
learning among the student body can
serve them better than a fashion show
What distinguishes you from other could.
SGA Presidents?
How do you think people will
“I’m a go getter and I don’t tolerate remember you at the end of your
foolishness. If I want something done, term?
I don’t complain about it, I’ll find the
best possible solution and implement “I think people will remember me
as an innovative, fun, and a businessit.”
like SGA President. I also think that
How did you get involved in SGA? they’ll remember me as someone who
always tried to make their lives better
at Tuskegee.”
“Jeffrey Taylor, David Milledge,
both former SGA presidents, along
Students look forward to presidential debate
Kim Love
Staff Writer
The presidential debates are
scheduled to begin on Sept. 26 amid
close scrutiny of the candidates
by Tuskegee University students.
Tuskegee’s students have shown quite
an interest in this particular election,
some speculate it is because of a
black candidate running for president.
According to many political spectators,
the 2008 presidential election is perhaps
one of the most important elections in
the history of America. Whatever the
reason for tuning in, many students are
eager to hear the candidates expound
on their platforms.
Each debate will have one
moderator and will begin at 9 p.m.
EST and last for 90 minutes. The first
presidential debate will be held at the
University of Mississippi in Oxford,
Miss., and focus on foreign policy and
national security issues.
This year’s two presidential
campaigns have been devoted to
bringing awareness among the
younger voters of America, like past
campaigns. Students at Tuskegee have
embraced the campaign for awareness
and have their own opinions about
issues concerning the presidential
debates.
Antoinette Evans, an aerospace
engineering and physics major said,
“During the debates, I would like
to hear real issues such as health
care, education, taxes and America’s
Debate Schedule
First Presidential debate
Friday, Sept. 26
The University of Mississippi, Oxford,
Miss.
Vice presidential debate
Thursday, Oct. 2
Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Second presidential debate
Tuesday, Oct. 7
Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn.
Third presidential debate
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y.
dependency on foreign oil discussed. I
hope that each candidate can clearly
state what his plans are to combat these
issues.”
A common desire among the
Tuskegee student body is that the
candidates clearly speak to Americans
and explicitly state their goals and
plans for America, not just talk around
issues and attack each other.
“I would like to hear real plans
for higher education and affirmative
action,” said Jessica Holley, a freshman
electrical engineering major.
She
also expressed that she would like
presidential candidates to discuss plans
for social security.
Because
of
the
current
disappointment America has with its
government, change is a common
See ‘Debate’ page 2
2 Campus news
Students, administrators address housing concerns
By Chris Ford
Managing Editor
Last semester’s sophomores were
excited about the option of moving into
the Tuskegee University apartments
on campus this semester. However,
based on eligibility and the amount of
vacancies open, not all students that
applied this past semester were able to
receive housing in the these apartments,
known as the Commons. This left
some students waiting at the housing
building for cancelled vacancies to
open up a slot, or to figure out why
housing wasn’t granted to them over
the summer.
Joseph Ijeh, a 19-year-old
sophomore finance major, said he
applied for the Commons in March,
yet did not know he didn’t get in until
July.
“I went to get my billing statement
from financial aid in June, and I didn’t
see any housing on my bill,” Ijeh said.
This was a prevalent problem
among some juniors and seniors this
year.
Students not awarded housing
are not notified during the summer.
Their only indication is the absence
of a housing charge on their billing
statement and the term “Housing 100”
on their yellow housing registration
card or billing statement. According
to Belinda Patrick, business manager
for the housing department, “Housing
100 was placed on (yellow cards) for
students who have less than 60 hours
but applied for the Commons,” Patrick
DIGEST EDITORIAL STAFF
E d i to r - i n - c h i e f
Rozena Henderson
m a n ag i n g e d i to r
Chris Ford
Re p o r t e r s
Kim Love
Toni-Ann Falconer
Brandiece Berr y
Rachael Anderson
Nikia Pope
Barr y S eawright
Felicia Simmons
Bridgette Williams
G r a p h i c Des i g n e r
Chris Ford
P h oto g r a p h e r s
Raymond Moore
Dara Eskridge
Tmasia Crowder
Co n t r i b u to r s
Ian Evans
E d i to r i a l a d v i se r
Janene Tate
The Campus Digest is the voice of Tuskegee University students. It is a reflection
of the Tuskegee experience in an informative, entertaining and inspiring way.
The Digest delivers information­­—both
news coverage and opinions—in a way
consistent with the highest standards
of journalism. Our goal is to provide
students with a reading experience
that is enlightening, motivating, inspiring, entertaining and fun.
The Campus Digest
Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL 36088
334-724-4245
thecampusdigest@gmail.com
said. This meant that students were clearance at the student health center
placed in the dorms and would receive in the Bioethics Center, and was
a room assignment upon return to informed during the summer that when
Tuskegee University.
an opening became available she could
Students who could, chose to move
off campus, while others stayed in the
dorms. Not wanting to wait until school
started to find out if an opening in the
Commons would be available, Ijeh
looked for an apartment off campus.
“I didn’t want to be in the dorms
again. On the 9th of August, I applied
for an apartment in Auburn and got it
that day,” Ijeh said.
“A lot of students did not get
assigned housing because of a high
number of renewals,” Patrick said.
About 225 occupants renewed their
leases out of 488 spaces available.
Darrian Davis, a senior and
electrical engineering major, however
was shocked to find that his lease was
not renewed this semester, even though
West Commons
he spent junior year in the Commons.
“I applied earlier than I did last
time to get an apartment for this fall get into the Commons, which would
semester,” he said.
enable her to cook her own food.
Davis said he has been making Avery Akers, a junior and
multiple trips to Housing to see if any elementary education major, did not
vacancies had opened up.
have any problems when it came to
Sophomore Segrid Archield does moving into the Commons. He said
not have enough credits to be eligible he received his housing assignment
to stay in the Commons, but claims during the summer and moved in when
because of her medical condition, the Commons opened.
she tried to anyway. During the last Only, Akers never applied at all
Christmas break, Archield said she to stay in the Commons. “I applied
was told by a doctor that she had food for the Emerys,” said Akers, refering
allergies, among other allergies such as to Tuskegee University’s single-room
mold.
dorms. “I called during the summer
She said she applied for medical and nobody could really come up with
an answer as to how I got put into the
Commons.”
Akers said he might have received
housing because one of his friends
listed him as a potential roommate.
“When
housing
applications
are processed and a student meets
eligibility, he or she will be housed,
and if space permits, that applicant’s
preferred roommates will be housed as
well if they meet eligibility,” Patrick
said.
If a student gets into the Commons
that way their housing application for
alternative housing is disregarded.
This semester, large numbers
of students lined up at the Housing
building for various problems. If it
pertained to the Commons, Patrick
was the only one who could handle it.
So many students filled the tiny office
during the days the upperclassmen
returned that some had to stand outside
for fire-safety reasons. Patrick could
only handle one at a time.
“We could use assistance in terms
of inspectors for the apartments and
answering the office phone,” said
Patrick. Work-study students have
been a big help to housing, but they
aren’t allowed to handle housing
applications.
For students that applied and did
not get housing in the Commons this
semester, Patrick said those students’
applications would be looked at first
if any vacancies open up during the
upcoming spring semester. Students
can go to Housing for more details.
University switches to direct
deposit for refund checks
‘debate’ from PG 1
By Chris Ford
Managing Editor
Students awaiting a refund
check no longer have to look in their
mailboxes, but in their bank accounts
instead. Starting this fall semester,
students will have the option of going
online to sign up for direct deposit for
refund checks.
Students can sign up on Tigerweb,
said Barbara Tucker-Chisholm, head
of the Bursar department.
“Students can click on Bank
Information and it will take students
to the page for direct deposit.”
Students will need their routing
and bank account number to sign
up, and should make sure the e-mail
they see on the page is the Tuskegee
address and not any other e-mail
account, so students can get an e-mail
saying their check cleared.
The process is faster than receiving
checks in the mail. After federal
money has been received (i.e. Pell
grants, subsidized and unsubsidized
loans, etc.) the federal government
requires that money to be refunded
within 14 days, if their is a balance on
a student’s account.
“I plan to cut this in half and have
checks refunded within seven days”
Chisholm said.
Eniola
Dipeolu,
a
senior
platform for all of the 2008 presidential
candidates. The presidential debates
will expose which candidates are
actually promoting change and which
are merely using the word to incite
voters.
ELECTION
2008
Under Financial Information, students
should click Bank Information (shown
above) to apply for direct deposit.
psychology major, said she was
happy about the University’s change
to direct deposit. “An email was sent
to me in Tiger-Mail in August, and I
signed up then.”
Chisholm is encouraging all
students to sign up for direct deposit
as it will be a requirement in the
future. “In the next academic year,
Fall 2009, this will be the only way
students receive refund checks,” said
Ms. Chisholm.
For students that have expressed
concern over their bank accounts,
Chisholm assured that the University
does not have access to the bank
accounts of students when they sign
up for direct deposit.
If you have not registered
to vote and would like
to vote Absentee in your
home state, please visit
www.fvap.gov
for more information.
* On Sept. 29, CNN will be
on campus for the “Express
Yourself on Campus” tour.
Campus news
Battle for top band rests on voters
By Rozena Henderson
Editor in Chief
Tuskegee University students get new
enhanced e-mail service on campus
Photo courtesy of Foster-Vision
Crimson Pipers performs at the 2008
Honda Battle of the bands.
presented their award on Sept. 20 in
Tuscaloosa, Ala., at the Tuskegee vs.
Stillman football game.
The 10 marching bands who
will participate in the Invitational
Showcase are chosen based on the
results of the opinion poll found on
the Honda Battle of the Bands official
Web site (hondabattleofthebands.com)
as well as votes from the respective
schools’ band directors, and votes from
the college or university’s presidents.
Supporters can vote once a day, until
the polls close on Oct. 31.
“If they want to see us back in
Atlanta in January, they should hit
the site every day. Supporters should
also choose TU as the SIAC band,”
Duncan said.
The 10 bands that are selected
will be announced on Nov. 14.
By Tuskegee News Service
In an effort to enhance services
provided to students, Tuskegee
University’s Office of Campus
Technology is introducing a new e-mail
service, Live@Edu. This service will
offer students all of the features they
enjoy in many of the popular Webbased e-mail accounts. They will
also be able to keep the account after
graduating. It is the first in many steps
to keep current students and alumni in
touch with the University.
Live@Edu accounts feature a
personal calendar, real-time chatting,
file sharing, video calling and PC-to-PC
voice calls, and 24-hour online support.
These accounts are also protected by
Microsoft’s spam and virus prevention
software. Additionally, there is one-
click control over junk and scam e-mail
and anti-phishing features.
According to Campus Technology,
students will be able to store class
and research papers, or even publish
research findings from a project to a
selected audience for comment and
edit. Students will be allowed 10GB of
storage space.
The transition will be transparent
to students currently using First Class.
Campus Technology has set up the
First Class accounts to transfer new
e-mail to Live@Edu until students are
able to notify contacts of the change in
address.
Live@Edu can be accessed on
all popular PC, Mac and Linux Web
browsers. For additional information
on new service, contact Campus
Technology Customer Service Center
at 334-727-8040.
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The Marching Crimson Piper
Band is one of 44 black show bands
that will participate in Honda’s Battle
of the Bands Celebration Tour, which
will run from Aug. 30 to Nov. 15. This
30-city tour showcasing Historically
Black Colleges and Universities,
which celebrates the Battle of the
Bands’ seventh anniversary, is the
first part of the program and is the
beginning of the polling process that
will decide which 10 bands will move
on to the Invitational Showcase in
January at the Georgia Dome.
Each band participating in the
Celebration Tour will receive a $1,000
grant for their music program. Schools
that advance to the Invitational
Showcase will receive an additional
$20,000 grant to go towards their band
scholarship funds.
“This year, the award money
has doubled to $20,000. This buys
uniforms and equipment... it goes a
long way,” said Warren L. Duncan,
Director of Bands.
During the Celebration Tour,
representatives of the Honda Battle of
the Bands will be visiting each school
and presenting the band with their
$1,000 grant check and a trophy. The
Marching Crimson Piper Band was
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4
expressions
Hey Tuskegee! Wanted: Tiger Pride
By Rozena
Henderson
Editor in chief
Upon
arrival
at Tuskegee
University, I mapped out my fouryear stint here. I wanted to pledge a
sorority by my sophomore year, be a
Pipperette first semester of my junior
year and Miss Tuskegee by the second.
None of that happened, but one day the
Campus Digest slipped into my life.
I’ve always loved to write, yet I never
realized the impact writing could have
on people. I harbored a secret desire to
become the next editor in chief of the
paper. I prayed about it; I considered
what a powerful tool it was for the
student body; I thought about what an
honor it was to even be a part of it.
Unfortunately many of my fellow
Golden Tigers don’t share my Tiger
Pride in the paper or in the school in
general. There is trash on our beautiful
grounds, graffiti on our precious
walls and a deep displeasure on the
countenance of our dear students. Why?
Even basic human courtesy is lacking
on this campus. Students have stopped
saying “excuse me”, “thank you”, and
even “good morning.” (No, pushing
is not an acceptable replacement for
“excuse me” and “mmm” is not “good
morning.”) Simple things like crossing
the street have become a game of
Tuskegee students speak out:
Pull up your pants!
By Brandiece Berry
Staff Writer
On the Tuskegee campus, many
students are speaking out about the
“saggy pants” epidemic. The style was
first introduced in the 90s and often
sported by people fresh out of prison,
since the trend originated there. The
exact origin has two versions, the first
being the fact that prisoners could not
wear belts therefore their pants usually
hung below their waist. The second
theory is that the men who were sexually
available in jail wore their pants in this
manner. This spilled into the mainstream
entertainment industry when rappers
like Tupac came onto the scene. He
proudly sported his “Thug Life” tattoo
on his stomach, a pair of plaid boxers,
and then, around his knees, his jeans.
That was almost two decades ago, and
young black men are still clinging to the
fashion.
Unfortunately, black men are
oftentimes harassed and even racially
profiled just because of their dress.
Blake Underwood, a sophomore
business major said, “Guys who sag
their pants now, while they’re in college,
and not out on the streets, (they) just
feed into that whole collegiate gangster
thing—which is a total oxymoron.”
It seems now that everywhere, to
other cultures besides our own, a black
man who is wearing sagging, baggy
pants is seen to have more potential to
be a criminal than to be a student.
Even black women are speaking out
against the fashion.
Ashley Heard, a sophomore
chemistry major said, “People wouldn’t
like it if I showed my underwear all the
time. I don’t like it when I see theirs.”
According to many students, the
women on campus would rather have
their boyfriends be dapper and neat than
sloppy and unkempt.
Some students speculate that this “jail
house fashion” continues because some
people don’t know any better. Their role
models are the thugs and the gangsters.
In this day and age, it is important that
young black men understand that they
have other options besides becoming
that thug, rapper or professional athlete.
Now more than ever, black men should
aspire to be CEOs, lawyers, and even the
leaders of our country. But in order to
gain those high paying, amazing careers,
they must dress for the job.
The Campus Digest
wants you!
The newspaper is looking for reporters,
graphic designers and photographers.
If you are interested in joining the staff,
please contact the editors at 334-724-4245
or through e-mail at thecampusdigest@
gmail.com. You are also welcome to
stop by the office located in the Student
Union. Office hours are from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday.
Russian Roulette. If you are having a
bad day please walk to class. Students
are NOT speed bumps. The little things
go a long way, such as not running over
your fellow human beings. Be nice to
one another, exchange greetings with
your fellow ’Skegeean. Why must
everyone be so miserable? This school
is not a terrible place; if you feel that
way either leave it or fix it. We are in
the midst of a social revolution and it
WILL NOT be televised (but you can
purchase it in a nice three- disc box
set).
I love this school. It’s not perfect
and sometimes I get as mad at it as
everyone else does, but this school is
MINE. It is MY school and yours too.
That is the way we must think about
things as black people especially at
a black institution. You hardly see
Auburn students complaining too much
or any other students at predominately
white schools. That is not because they
are at perfect schools. It is because they
understand that each school is THEIRS
and that their children go there. If we
use that same simple logic we can
make this school better too.
I claim Tuskegee University with
all my heart and I appreciate the people
who strive to make it better, on the
newspaper staff and on the campus
in general. The Campus Digest is
YOURS and it needs your attention too.
We want to make this paper truly the
voice of the students, but without your
voice ... who is talking?
Word on
‘The Yard’:
By Bridgette Williams
Staff Writer
Freshmen survival tips
“Allow God to lead and direct you down the
path He has chosen for your life.”
Eterria Bowles, senior, biology and business
Columbus, Ga.
“Keep in mind, not everyone has your best
interest at heart.”
Brittani Nelson, junior, animal science
St. Louis
“Be safe. Don’t walk outside the gates while
it’s dark.”
Donald Ray Tab II, senior, management science,
Huntsville, Ala.
“Figure out your priorities and stick to them.
Don’t let the fun of college consume you.”
Rahman McGill, senior, political science
Kansas City Mo.
“Surround yourself with individuals who will
have a positive influence on you. Nine times
out of 10, this will be the company you keep
for your remaining years at Tuskegee.”
Terrica McClendon, senior, English
Atlanta
“Exude confidence in every way.”
Stevie Clark, senior, English
Los Angeles
“Maintain a positive attitude in all situations
so that you will be able to obtain the best
possible outcome.”
Kelsey Parker, senior, business
Atlanta
“SAVE YOUR MONEY!!! Eating McDonalds and
partying at the Soul (Inn) may sound good
when, but those few dollars can be invested.”
JD Snell, senior, management science
Annistion Ala.
5
hbcu news
Students, professors
debate the necessity of
class attendance
Black College Wire
It is common knowledge that in
order to teach an academic course,
a professor must have a number of
students enrolled. Every semester
history seems to repeat itself as teachers
deal with tardiness and students who
opt not to maintain perfect attendance.
Florida A&M University affords its
pupils three unexcused absences after
which professors have the right to
lower students’ grades and possibly
even fail them.
Most professors feel the punishment
is fair, while some students believe the
penalty is a bit harsh. Their argument
is simple and straight to the point - if
they can pass the course without going
to the class then why should they be
forced to show up? The topic has often
been debated and has garnered a variety
of mixed answers.
Trevor Owens, 20, said the
attendance policy should be mandatory.
He said it should be beneficial in the
long run.
“I feel that class attendance should
definitely be enforced,” said Owens, an
education major from Tallahassee. “If
a student can’t come to class then they
are setting bad habits. If a student is
late to class then they will most likely
be late to a job. I believe attendance
is important in every aspect of life
especially education.”
Larin Eddings, an economic
student, shares Owen’s philosophy. “I
do believe attendance is important,”
said Eddings, 21, a resident of Ohio.
“If you don’t come to class then you
can’t learn. There are some things that
you can’t just get out of a book.”
While Owens and Eddings are of
the same opinion, other students beg to
differ. Orlando native Ebony McDaniel,
22, is one such student. She said
attendance should never be obligatory
nor should it be worth a grade.
“If you can get an A by not going
to class then I don’t think a student
should be forced to go,” said McDaniel,
a fourth- year political science student.
“Students are paying their teachers to
be in class. That is their job. If we don’t
show up, they still get paid. Attendance
should not be forced. Some students
don’t need teachers to help them. They
do fine just on their own. Who is to say
that student doesn’t deserve the A they
worked for?”
McDaniel’s reasoning is an
argument that some professors have
heard before. Margie Rauls, a professor
in the department of English, said
attendance should never be a choice.
“A lot of students are too immature
to make the decision of whether it
should be mandatory or not and
therefore they will follow the crowd,
especially the freshman and sophomore
students, and before they know it they
are failing,” said Rauls, who has been
teaching the university since 1988. “If attendance is mandatory then they
have something to buffer them and
hopefully make them more successful
just by their being there.”
When it comes to this issue, mixed
opinions are a given. However, one
thing is certain: Attendance will
continue to be a topic of debate for
students and professors for many years
to come.
‘cONVOCATIon’ from PG 1
demonstrating the long history of
education
Tuskegee
University
represents.
“The future belongs to those who
have a vision,” Payton said to the
attentive crowd of faculty, students,
and alumni. “And to those who
believe, no matter the past.”
This message served as an entry
point for the president’s speech
highlighting Tuskegee’s humble
beginnings originating in a humble
shack. People from all over the
countryside would walk miles to
this shack knowing that with this
knowledge, they could rise higher in
society.
Shifting the focus, he turned to
the upcoming Presidential elections,
urging the need to elect someone with
their mind set on helping the people
and promoting change.
“We need a leader who cares about
the country, its people, and someone
who leads with intelligence and wisdom
and who honors the Constitution.”
Taking this fact he stressed the
need for students to get out and vote
this November, letting it be known that
this country belonged just as much to
them as it did to anyone.
Payton said students should take an
example from newly freed slaves who
enrolled at Tuskegee University and
used what little they had to accomplish
major strides.
“What a ways we have come and
what a ways we have to go,” he said.
“The future belongs to those who have
a vision and to those who believe, no
Dr. Benjamin F. Payton
matter their past.”
President of Tuskegee University
Congress, students find ways
around high cost of textbooks
Black College Wire
With the recent passage of the
College Opportunity and Affordability
Act of 2008 by Congress on July 31,
college students can expect a decrease
in educational expenses and better
accessibility to college.
One of the initiatives involves
textbook prices. The cost of textbooks
is at an all-time high and beyond the
affordability of many students.
According to a 2005 report by
the U.S. Government Accountability
Office (GAO), within the past 20
years textbook prices have tripled, an
overall increase double the general
inflation rate for that time span.
The Howard University Bookstore
Web site shows some of the factors
of price increases include “author
royalties, publisher costs, marketing,
publisher and author taxes, and
bookstore expenses.”
The HUB sets retail prices of
textbooks based on the industry’s
standard 25 percent margin.
The National Association of
College Stores’ “Student Watch 2008”
report says during the 2006-2007
academic year, only 26 percent of
students were able to purchase course
materials, a large part being textbooks,
using grants and scholarships.
With many students left making
educational sacrifices, when it comes
to textbooks and other materials, some
students have been resorting to other
outlets to get the materials at a lower
cost.
Sophomore nursing major Lynn
Pierre buys her books at reasonable
prices from her peers. “It’s hard for some people to get
books,” she said.
“Students are spending
too much money on
books, and losing money
during buyback period.”
Obed Eugene
Howard University student
Some end up with the hassle of sharing
books or “may even take their first test
without having a book,” Pierre said.
Madyson Mitchell, a junior
biology major, mainly exchanges her
books with friends or gets them from
upperclassmen instead of purchasing
them from the bookstore.
“If I do buy a book from the
bookstore, it usually pertains to my
major,” Mitchell said.
The GAO report states that the
addition of CD-ROMs and other
supplemental materials adds to
increases in textbook prices. Often
publishers only offer these bundled
versions of textbooks to bookstores.
Also, the GAO reports, prices rise
as a result of new editions of books
created on an average of every three
to four years.
Under the legislation, a provision
aims to require publishers to offer
bundled and unbundled textbook
versions without withholding their full
pricing to bookstores, and to provide
students with advance details about
textbook prices before semesters
begin.
In the meantime, students may
turn to student-founded resources that
offer textbooks at lower prices.
One of those, Textbook Pals, was
started by Howard senior economics
major Obed Eugene near the end of
2006 to help students save time and
See ‘Textbook’ page 7
Interested in being
on staff for the
Tuskeana Yearbook?
Call 334-724-4245
or visit the
Campus Digest
office in the
Student Union
Got service?
Report campus service issues at
quality.service@tuskegee.edu
6 National news
Tuskegee Airmen historic site to re-open
From Staff Reports
The Tuskegee Airmen National
Historic site in Tuskegee, Ala., will
be renovated and is set for a grand
opening in October. The historically
prominent Airmen — fighter pilots
in World War II amid brazen racism
in America and within the U.S.
Armed Forces — will have yet
another platform to tell their story.
“Between 1941 and 1945,
nearly 1,000 African-American
aviators completed the flight course
at Tuskegee University and the U.S.
Air Corps Base to become the famed,
courageous soldiers we know as
the Tuskegee Airmen,” Tuskege
University President Benjamin
F. Payton said. “High recognition
for their valor, impeccable flight
records and pioneering efforts is
truly deserved.”
The Airmen were awarded the
Congressional Gold Medal, the
highest civilian award bestowed by
the U.S. Congress, in March 2007.
About 300 airmen and their relatives
attended the ceremony held in the
Capitol Rotunda in Washington.
“Even the Nazis asked why
African-American men would fight
for a country that treated them so
unfairly,” President George W. Bush
said during the presentation. “These
men in our presence felt a special
sense of urgency. They were fighting
two wars. One was in Europe, and
the other took place in the hearts
and minds of our citizens.”
Before World War II, blacks
Photo by Tuskegee News Service
The tower (left) and barracks (right) have undergone reconstruction for the grand opening on Oct. 11.
were denied the right to enter the U.S.
Army Air Corps to train as combat
pilots. Then, Tuskegee University
— named Tuskegee Institute at the
time — won a request to help the
Air Corps train the first unit of black
pilots. Tuskegee University’s Moton
Field served as the site for training
the renowned aviators. Many of
them lived in the dormitories on
campus and ate their meals in the
campus dining halls.
Hundreds of the Tuskegee
Airmen saw combat in Europe,
the Mediterranean and North
Africa, escorting bomber aircrafts
on missions. Dozens died in the
fighting, while others were held as
prisoners of war.
Moton Field, constructed in 1941
as a new training base, was named
after former Tuskegee Institute
principal Robert Russa Moton.
Established on Nov. 6, 1998, the
National Historic Site was placed
on the National Register of Historic
Places the same day.
The first day of celebration,
Oct. 10. will include static aircraft
displays, a ribbon-cutting ceremony,
public
guided
tours,
panel
discussions and a Chapel service
at the University. On the second
day, Oct. 11, a gala honoring the
Tuskegee Airmen will be held at
the Renaissance Hotel. Tuksegee
alumnus Lionel Richie is slated to
return from an overseas concert to
perform at this event. On Sunday,
Oct. 12, President Payton will host
a special recognition service at the
Tuskegee University Chapel, which
students are invited to attend.
Moton Field Grand Opening Schedule
Friday, Oct. 10
9:00 a.m. - Static aircraft display
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008
9:00 AM - Static Aircraft Display
1:30 p.m. - Historic site ribbon
ceremony
9:00 AM - Historic Site Tours, Panel
Discussions
12:00 PM - Porgy and Bess
Brunch immediately following the
service (invitation only) at the Tuskegee
University Kellogg Conference Center
6:00 PM - Evening Gala "Honoring
Tuskegee Airmen" (ticketed event) at
the Renaissance Hotel
Guided tours of Tuskegee University, the
George Washington Carver Museum and
the Daniel “Chappie” James Center are
open to the public
*Schedule subject to change
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 Public guided tours Theatrical Production at the Chappie
(limited to groups of 50)
James Arena
7:00 p.m. - “Lonely Eagles”
theatrical production (TBD)
Sunday Oct. 11, 2008
9:30 AM - “Tuskegee University Day”
Special Recognition Service at the
Tuskegee University Chapel (Hosted By
Dr. Benjamin F. Payton)
Educators urge lower drinking age to cut bingeing
The Washington Post
WASHINGTON — Scores of college
presidents, including the head of
Maryland’s public university system
and the president of Johns Hopkins
University, have an unexpected request
for legislators: Please, lower the
drinking age.
The Amethyst Initiative, launched
in July, is a coalition of college
presidents who say that
the
legal drinking age of 21 encourages
binge drinking on campuses. William
Kirwan, chancellor of the University
System of Maryland, William Brody,
president of Johns Hopkins, C.D. Mote
Jr. of the University of Maryland and
the presidents of Washington and
Lee, Sweet Briar, Towson, RandolphMacon, Duke, Tufts, Dartmouth and
others have signed on to the effort.
Other Eastern U.S. school leaders to
sign on include those from the College
of Notre Dame of Maryland, Goucher
College, Hollins University, HampdenSydney College, Washington College,
Gettysburg College and Dickinson
College.
Several state legislatures have
considered lowering the drinking age
from 21, which has been the national
standard since the mid-1980s.
Drinking is so pervasive on college
campuses that Ames, Iowa, is installing
rubber sidewalks next week in an area
near Iowa State University — the
many kegs unloaded for parties have
smashed the concrete. Despite efforts
to rein in binge drinking over the years,
it has remained a stubborn problem
for administrators, campus police,
neighbors and emergency medical
workers.
It is likely to be a difficult political
struggle to change the drinking age.
In a survey released by Nationwide
Insurance, which is hosting a symposium
on binge drinking in Washington
in November with Mothers Against
Drunk Driving, 75 percent of adults
said they support tougher enforcement
of existing drinking laws.
In Maryland, the House drug and
alcohol committee chairman called on
local colleges to not take part.
“Far more teens die in alcoholrelated incidents than (in those caused
by) all the other illicit drugs combined,”
said Del. William Bronrott, who cofounded the Washington Regional
Alcohol Program, which fights
drunken driving and underage drinking.
“Lowering the drinking age to 18 will
only make the situation worse.”
7
SPorts
Golden Tigers continue 18-game
winning streak over Miles and Benedict
This is the second-longest
consecutive winning streak
in Tuskegee University
football history
From Staff Reports
Tuskegee’s Golden Tiger football
team defeated their first two
opponents of the year, raising their
consecutive winning streak to 18.
Tuskegee’s season-opening game
was played against Miles College
Golden Bears (0-2, 0-2 SIAC) on
Sept. 6 at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial
Alumni Stadium. The defending and
undefeated 2007 SIAC Champions
the Golden Tigers started the season
off spectacularly by devastating the
Golden Bears 34-0. The Golden
Tiger’s defense held Miles to just
75 yards rushing and 128 passing.
The defense forced three fumble
recoveries, had two quarterback sacks
and two interceptions, one by Rodney
Anthony for a 65-yard touchdown in
the third quarter. The defense held
Miles to 203 yards in total offense.
Tuskegee’s offense finished with 598
yards of total offense, 336 coming on
the ground and 262 through the air.
All-American quarter back Jacary
Atkinson, who was named as the
SIAC Co-Offensive Player of the
Week, completed 18 of 30 passes,
throwing only one interception. He
tossed one touchdown and ran for
139 yards and two other touchdowns.
Tuskegee then hosted the Benedict
College Tigers for the second game of
the season on Sept. 13. The Golden
Tigers started quickly, scoring on
each of their first three possessions
en route to amassing 623 yards total
offense, but kicker Dmitri Pelaez
did not get the extra point on the first
two attempts. Tuskegee’s defense
dominated Benedict’s attack. The
Golden Tigers forced four turnovers,
two interceptions and two fumble
recoveries, and held Benedict to
just 295 yards. Benedict only had
one drive that took more than seven
plays the entire game. That was when
they drove 80 yards in 13 plays in
the third quarter for their first score.
In the end, Nykeem Barton
rushed for 60 yards, and Atkinson
completed 15 out of 24 passes.
The resulting 37-14 win was
the 18th consecutive victory for
the Golden Tigers (2-0, 2-0 SIAC),
the second-longest winning streak
Photo by Dara Eskridge
in Tuskegee University football
history to the 26 consecutive All-American quarterback Jacary Atkinson sailed passed Miles College , rushing for
victories
that
Coach
Cleve 146 yards and completing 18 out of 30 passes.
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