Southern University of Baton Rouge Chancellor Dr. James L. Llorens announced Monday that all classes being conducted on the Baton Rouge Campus will be cancelled on Tuesday, August 28 and Wednesday, August 29, due to Tropical Storm Isaac. The SUBR administration will be monitoring the status of Tropical Storm Isaac and will inform the university’s faculty, staff, and students about any changes. University officials will decide Wednesday if classes will be held Thursday and will send out information via email, social media and the local news media. During the closure of campus, students, faculty, staff and parents will be able to come on and go off campus, but are encouraged not to travel unless needed. “Campus will not be locked down. Harding Blvd. will be the entry and exit point on campus,” SUBR Chief of Police Ronald Stevens said. Some students are worried because they have never experienced a natural disaster or hurricane. Sylvia Smith, a junior Mass Communications major from Shreveport, is one of those students. “I’m going home because this is my first time experiencing anything like this and it’s making my nerves bad,” Smith said. Other students, however, think that the storm will not be as bad as people are making it seem. Jonathon Ambers, a sophomore early childhood education major from Ruston, La., thinks that it’ll all pass over in due time. “I don’t think it’ll be that bad. I think people are getting scared because of all of the safety measures the school is taking, but it’s not a big deal. It’ll just be a little wind and rain. The worst that will happen is the lights will go out,” Ambers said. The Office of Residential Life is taking precautions for anything that may happen during this storm. Shandon Neal, the Director of Residential Life said that they are prepared. “Residential Life and Housing has an emergency preparedness manual. It is located on our website. We are not ordering a mandatory evacuation and are working at the discretion of the senior administrators’ call on that matter. If students and stakeholders have questions, they may phone the University’s Weather Alert line at 225.771.4500,” Neal said. Treneicia Nettles, a junior mass communications major from New Orleans, feels safe on Southern University’s campus. “I stay in Boley Hall and to my knowledge, Boley has withstood the test of time and has seen worse than the expected Tropical Storm Isaac. I don’t think it will be as bad as everyone thinks, so my friends and I will be chilling and having our own get-together,” Nettles said. “All students, faculty and university personnel are asked to monitor their SUBR email accounts, the university’s social media sites and local news to get updates concerning classes and the path of now-Tropical Storm Isaac. The University encourages everyone to take all safety precautions available leaving and entering campus. Students, who will be remaining on campus, are urged not to venture outside during the height of the storm.” James Llorens SUBR Chancellor Exclusive content @ THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA Today Wednesday Thursday Friday 86/76 80/75 79/78 86/76 TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2012 www.southerndigest.com Monitoring Isaac and Updates see Keeping an eye on Isaac, page 4 Athletics set for facilities facelift see Sports, page 8 A message to the newcomers see Commentary, page 11 VOLUME 59, ISSUE 1 ARIANA TRIGGS The Southern Digest Keeping an on Isaac SUBR braces for Isaac
Transcript
Southern University of Baton Rouge Chancellor Dr. James L. Llorens announced Monday that all classes being conducted on the Baton Rouge Campus will be cancelled on Tuesday, August 28 and Wednesday, August 29, due to Tropical Storm Isaac.
The SUBR administration will be monitoring the status of Tropical Storm Isaac and will inform the university’s faculty, staff, and students about any changes.
University offi cials will decide Wednesday if classes will be held Thursday and will send out information via email, social media and the local news media.
During the closure of campus, students, faculty, staff and parents will be able to come on and go off campus, but are encouraged not to travel unless needed.
“Campus will not be locked down. Harding Blvd. will be the entry and exit point on campus,” SUBR Chief of Police Ronald Stevens said.
Some students are worried because they have never experienced a natural disaster or hurricane.
Sylvia Smith, a junior Mass Communications major from Shreveport, is one of those students.
“I’m going home because this is my fi rst time experiencing anything like this and it’s making my nerves bad,” Smith said.
Other students, however, think that the storm will not be as bad as people are making it seem. Jonathon Ambers, a sophomore early childhood education
major from Ruston, La., thinks that it’ll all pass over in due time.
“I don’t think it’ll be that bad. I think people are getting scared because of all of the safety measures the school is taking, but it’s not a big deal. It’ll just be a little wind and rain. The worst that will happen is the lights will go out,” Ambers said.
The Offi ce of Residential Life is taking precautions for anything that may happen during this storm. Shandon
Neal, the Director of Residential Life said that they are prepared.
“Residential Life and Housing has an emergency preparedness manual. It is located on our website. We are not ordering a mandatory evacuation and are working at the discretion of the senior administrators’ call on that matter. If students and stakeholders have questions, they may phone the University’s Weather Alert line at 225.771.4500,” Neal said.
Treneicia Nettles, a junior mass communications major from New Orleans, feels safe on Southern University’s campus.
“I stay in Boley Hall and to my knowledge, Boley has withstood the test of time and has seen worse than the expected Tropical Storm Isaac. I don’t think it will be as bad as everyone thinks, so my friends and I will be chilling and having our own get-together,” Nettles said.
“All students, faculty and university personnel are asked to monitor their SUBR email accounts, the university’s social media sites and local news to get updates concerning classes and the path of now-Tropical Storm Isaac. The University encourages everyone to take all safety precautions available leaving and entering campus. Students, who will be remaining on campus, are urged not to venture outside during the height of the storm.”
James LlorensSUBR Chancellor
Exclusive content @
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
Today Wednesday Thursday Friday
86/76 80/75 79/78 86/76
Tuesday, augusT 28, 2012 www.southerndigest.com
Monitoring Isaac and Updatessee Keeping an eye on Isaac, page 4
Athletics set for facilities faceliftsee Sports, page 8
A message to the newcomerssee Commentary, page 11
VOLume 59, issue 1
aRiana TRiGGsThe Southern Digest
Keeping an on Isaac
Isaac
SUBR braces for Isaac
Campus aCCessHarding Boulevard will be
the sole entrance/exit between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Vehicles entering the campus during those hours must stop at the Checkpoint prior to entering the campus.
Campus ClosureSouthern University Chancellor Dr. James L. Llorens announced today the cancellation of classes on Tuesday and Wednesday on the Baton Rouge campus.The University will make a decision sometime Wednesday on whether to hold classes on Thursday, Llorens said.All students, faculty and university personnel are asked to monitor their SUBR email accounts, the university’s social media sites and local news to get updates concerning classes and the path of now-Tropical Storm Isaac.The University encourages everyone to take all safety precautions available leaving and entering campus. Students, who will be remaining on campus, are urged not to venture outside during the height of the storm.Information on the specifics for food service will be sent in a later message***There will be more updates throughout today and next several days.
Food serviCe on the Baton rouge Campus
According Deloris Brown, Southern University food service director, meals will be served in Dunn Hall, only, on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday Dunn Hall will maintain its regular breakfast, lunch and dinner schedules. On Wednesday, Brown said Dunn Hall will operate at brunch and dinner, hours depending on the severity of the weather and the availability of staff. Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Brandon Dumas said his staff will assist in delivering meals to the dorms in the case of inclement weather conditions on Wednesday.
First Call enrollmentThe university is asking
the Southern University Community to register, if you already have not done so, for FIRSTCALL, a 24-hour Telephone Notification System. You can enroll by going to SUBR’s www.subr.edu <http://www.subr.edu/> , under “Students”, “Faculty & Staff”, and/or “Alumni & Friends”, select FIRSTCALL or go to http://alertregistration.com/subr/ <http://alertregistration.com/subr/> .
Thanks for your cooperation.
CheCk suBr e-mail and WeBsitewww.subr.edu and your
university e-mail will be the first resource utilized to disseminate campus information. Please check your e-mail and the subr website for updates throughout the week.
suBr organizational FairThe fair is postponed until
Sept 5.
isaaC preparationsFor additional information you can dial 2-1-1. All students who wish to evacuate should do so before 12 noon today.
Page 2 - Tuesday, augusT 28, 2012
CamPus LifeThe senTineL Of an enLighTened sTudenT BOdy sinCe 1926
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Who’s Speaking Out?
“I am going to pack clothes, food and water and head north.”
“I’m making sure everything is secure, that I have adequate shelter, enough food and water, and that I am prepared for the worst.”
“I’m only making sure I have enough batteries, food and water in case the lights go out.”
Brooks
MarionneauxCaMpBell
Deshawn CaMpBell
BATON ROUGEJUNIOR
EDUCATION
erwin Marionneaux
BRUSLy, LAFRESHMAN
MUSIC EDUCATION
Giovanni Brooks
SAN DIEGOFRESHMANBIOLOGy
“I am preparing to head home to Jackson, MS if possible. If not, I am going to stock up on needed items and stay in dorm room.”
JorDan
okearia JorDan
JACkSON, MISS.JUNIOR
NURSING
What are you doing to prepare for Hurricane Isaac?
Tropical Storm Isaac’s approach and predicted growth has prompted the State of Louisiana and Southern University officials to release of an influx of emergency preparation information.
In a university e-mail sent from the Chancellor’s office Monday, the campus will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday for the student’s safety.
“The University encourages everyone to take all safety precautions available leaving and entering campus,” Southern officials said via e-mail.
While officials released statements of precaution, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency preparedness, also known as GOHSEP created a list of how to prepare for emergency situation.
“During an emergency, crucial state public information may be released through GOHSEP with the help of other state agencies that may be involved in the responses actions,” said GOHSEP in a statement released on their website as emergency public information.
Officials from GOSHEP recommend people coordinate their departure with people who are traveling along with them, secure their home and pack a disaster supplies kit in their vehicle.
Officials also recommend double checking evacuation routes and leaving as soon as possible.
Although an overview of procedures for preparedness was listed, a more detailed list of tips for home security was listed by GOHSEP.
“Turning off gas, water, electricity, boarding up windows, drawing drapes across windows, making arrangements for animals, and locking all windows and doors,“ GOHSEP’s website cited as ways for people to properly secure their homes.
Securing of a citizen’s home is important, but the evacuation tips are
just as helpful.“Check on friends and neighbors who
may have special needs, keep your vehicle in good repair with a full tank of fuel, and if possible take a CB radio or cell phone with you,” GOHSEP website referred to as tips of evacuation.
In preparing a disaster kit, and keeping a point/person of contact whom family and friends can call to learn your evacuation plans.
Evacuation tips are important, however a faculty member believes knowledge of the storm’s direction can
help in evacuating to the correct area out of the storm’s path.
“The north east quadron of the storm is the business end,” said Christopher Cottrell, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Political Science at SUBR.
In the case of Isaac, he would either evacuate to San Antonio or Tallahassee to avoid the storm’s damage area.
An evacuation destination is as important as having the correct supplies in a disaster kit.
“A can opener, 3-day supply of non-perishable food, bedding or sleeping
bags, water, toiletries, battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries,” GOHSEP’s website cited as a few common supplies needed for a disaster kit.
Southern Officials recommend most to evacuate as the first procedure, but if students choose not to there are steps for them to follow.
Edward Pratt, Assistant to the Chancellor for Media Relations said, “Students should not venture out into weather for their own safety.” Staff will be available to provide services such as food, and utilities on campus.
As Tropical Storm Isaac makes its approach to the Louisiana coast, The Southern University System took precautions for the potential arrival of the storm.
Southern University Baton Rouge’s Chancellor James Llorens announced the cancellation of classes for today and Wednesday on the Baton Rouge campus.
No decision has been made on whether classes will be held on Thursday.Edward Pratt, Assistant to the Chancellor for Media Relations, referred the Digest to the SUBR website concerning emergency procedure on the Baton Rouge campus, “We have emergency preparedness procedure listed on the website.”
Students are encouraged not to venture out into weather for their own safety.
“We decided because of safety factors this could be hurricane, and there could be students who want to be home with family or their families could want them
home.” Pratt said.Commuter students and residential
students are also taking precaution for the storm.
Darnell Chapman, a junior mass communications major from Baton Rouge said, “I plan to stock up on water and make sure there’s gas is in my car.”
Making plans to utilize the gasoline Chapman said, “Since I will have a gas connection if the lights go out I’ll be able to cook and fry chicken for my family.”
Pratt said, the Southern University police department will secure the campus, campus dining staff will provide food services, but only in Dunn Hall. SUPD and Chancellor’s office will keep watch and inform through the news as well as partnerships with the state agencies emergency staff, monitoring power lines and debris.
Southern University Police Chief Ronald Stevens is not encouraging anyone to leave campus during the time of the storm.
“The emergency preparedness plan
is on the SUPD website and we are encouraging students to sign up for the first call system,” Stevens said.
With Mills and Swan Avenue closed, Harding Boulevard will be the sole exit and entrance to the BR campus.
“We will have a traditional campus closure where campus will close at 10 p.m. and re-open at 7 a.m. Harding Blvd. will be the entry and exit point on campus, students will need to present their student ID to come on campus,” Stevens said.
According to the Southern University system website, Southern University New Orleans has cancelled all classes as of noon Monday.
Business operations at SUNO were suspended Monday at 4:30 p.m. The University expects to remain closed through Wednesday, and classes are expected to resume on Thursday.
The Southern University system website also released that SUNO plans to evacuate approximately 90 students with most of them being international
students. Those students are now housed on the SUBR campus for the duration of the evacuation period.
Evening classes for the Southern University Law Center had been canceled Monday, and are to continue to be canceled Tuesday and Wednesday.
Southern University System and Agricultural Research and Extension Center offices will also be closed Tuesday and Wednesday and will reopen as soon as conditions are favorable.
The Southern University Agricultural Center’s livestock have been secured.
All Southern University students, faculty, and staff are asked to monitor their university email accounts as pertinent updates are to be disseminated through the e-mail system.
Regular updates and announcements regarding any developments related to the storm will also be posted on the Southern University System website.
The University encourages everyone to take all safety precautions available when leaving and entering campus.
newsTuesday, augusT 28, 2012 - Page 3
southerndigest.com
The senTineL Of an enLighTened sTudenT BOdy sinCe 1926
Raees MalikThe Southern Digest
SUS executes emergency plans, secures campuses
ChaRles hawkins iiThe Southern Digest
Emergency planning intensifies as Isaac approaches
The State of Louisiana offi ces for public safety urge residents to prepare for storms accordingly, Isaac is just another scenario for log-time Louisiana residents.
Planning an emergency evacuation route and kit can aid a smoother process to survive and come out prepared for a natural disaster.
The state recommends, try to have several exit routes in case a preferred one is unavailable for any reason. Once winds have reached tropical force, preparation activities are impossible and you will only have time to focus on survival.
According to the offi cials at the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs offi ce, Scotlandville Substation, Southern University Police Department will be in charge of handling Southern University concerns with the campus closure Tuesday and Wednesday.
SUPD Chief of Police Ronald
Stevens said, “Southern University is not encouraging anyone to leave campus during the time of the storm. We are encouraging students to sign up for the FIRSTCALL system.”
FIRSTCALL is a 24-hour telephone warning system that will alert the Southern University family about critical information, warnings and advisories concerning emergencies on campus and in surrounding areas.
Veronica Mosgrove communications director, public information of the Louisiana Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness offi ce (GOHSEP), explains the effi ciency of dialing 211.
“211 is an information line about evacuation routes, shelter, and more. There have been no changes in the evacuation routes,” Mosgrove said.
According to GOHSEP’s website, During an emergency, crucial state public information may be released through GOHSEP.
PAGE 4 - TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2012
KEEPING AN EYE ON ISAACTHE SENTINEL OF AN ENLIGHTENED STUDENT BODY SINCE 1926
southerndigest.com
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2012 - PAGE5THE SENTINEL OF AN ENLIGHTENED STUDENT BODY SINCE 1926
SPECIAL SECTIONsoutherndigest.com
JESSICA SARPYThe Southern Digest
“The meeting with university offi cials ran professionally and smoothly. I was happy to see and hear that the administration will be accountable for each student on the campus.”
Bryson AlexanderStudent Government Association Vice President
“We are encouraging students to stay off the streets and roadways, unless it is an emergency situation. Harding Boulevard will be the entry and exit point on SUBR’s campus. Students will need to present their student identifi cation to come on campus.”
Ronald StevensSUPD Chief of Police
“The university has activated emergency response partnered to prepare for whatever comes our way. Student safety is our number one priority.”
Brandon DumasAssociate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
“This isn’t the fi rst time that a state institution has had to adjust its travel plans for an out of state contest, some essential questions that were asked during the meeting were, who needs to be here in order for us to make sure that we can make those adjustments such as delaying fl ights or fl ying out at a different location,we need to have the appropriate people here to make those adjustments.”
Will BroussardAthletic Director
“Residential Life and Housing has an emergency preparedness manual. It is located on our website. We are not ordering a mandatory evacuation. We work at the discretion of the senior administrators call on that matter. If students or stakeholders have questions they may phone the university weather alert line at 225.771.4500.”
Shandon NealDirector Residential Life and Housing
Offi cials keep an out
Willie McCorkleStudent Government Assockiation President
“We are focused on promoting updated info to the students and disseminating info from the university administrators. To on-campus students, be safe, be responsible, listen to university offi cials and the guidelines they have placed. For off-campus students, stay tuned in to you local weather news stations to what you need to do. For university related issues, check you university email and the SUBR website constantly.”
A line of traffic extends down Interstate 10 heading towards Baton Rouge, as many residents leave the New Orleans area in anticipation of tropical storm Isaac, which is expected to make landfall on the Louisiana coast as a hurricane, in Kenner, La., Monday.
PHOTO BY GERALD HERBERT/AP PHOTO
State offi ces promote hurricane safety
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal provides an update on the state’s preparations for Tropical Storm Isaac, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012 at the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. In background, left, is Robert Barham, secretary of La. Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries and Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne, right.
PHOTO BY PATRICK DENNIS/THE ADVOCATE/AP PHOTO
The State of Louisiana offi ces for public safety urge residents to prepare for storms accordingly, Isaac is just another scenario for log-time Louisiana residents.
Planning an emergency evacuation route and kit can aid a smoother process to survive and come out prepared for a natural disaster.
The state recommends, try to have several exit routes in case a preferred one is unavailable for any reason. Once winds have reached tropical force, preparation activities are impossible and you will only have time to focus on survival.
According to the offi cials at the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs offi ce, Scotlandville Substation, Southern University Police Department will be in charge of handling Southern University concerns with the campus closure Tuesday and Wednesday.
SUPD Chief of Police Ronald
Stevens said, “Southern University is not encouraging anyone to leave campus during the time of the storm. We are encouraging students to sign up for the FIRSTCALL system.”
FIRSTCALL is a 24-hour telephone warning system that will alert the Southern University family about critical information, warnings and advisories concerning emergencies on campus and in surrounding areas.
Veronica Mosgrove communications director, public information of the Louisiana Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness offi ce (GOHSEP), explains the effi ciency of dialing 211.
“211 is an information line about evacuation routes, shelter, and more. There have been no changes in the evacuation routes,” Mosgrove said.
According to GOHSEP’s website, During an emergency, crucial state public information may be released through GOHSEP.
PAGE 4 - TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2012
KEEPING AN EYE ON ISAACTHE SENTINEL OF AN ENLIGHTENED STUDENT BODY SINCE 1926
southerndigest.com
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2012 - PAGE5THE SENTINEL OF AN ENLIGHTENED STUDENT BODY SINCE 1926
SPECIAL SECTIONsoutherndigest.com
JESSICA SARPYThe Southern Digest
“The meeting with university offi cials ran professionally and smoothly. I was happy to see and hear that the administration will be accountable for each student on the campus.”
Bryson AlexanderStudent Government Association Vice President
“We are encouraging students to stay off the streets and roadways, unless it is an emergency situation. Harding Boulevard will be the entry and exit point on SUBR’s campus. Students will need to present their student identifi cation to come on campus.”
Ronald StevensSUPD Chief of Police
“The university has activated emergency response partnered to prepare for whatever comes our way. Student safety is our number one priority.”
Brandon DumasAssociate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
“This isn’t the fi rst time that a state institution has had to adjust its travel plans for an out of state contest, some essential questions that were asked during the meeting were, who needs to be here in order for us to make sure that we can make those adjustments such as delaying fl ights or fl ying out at a different location,we need to have the appropriate people here to make those adjustments.”
Will BroussardAthletic Director
“Residential Life and Housing has an emergency preparedness manual. It is located on our website. We are not ordering a mandatory evacuation. We work at the discretion of the senior administrators call on that matter. If students or stakeholders have questions they may phone the university weather alert line at 225.771.4500.”
Shandon NealDirector Residential Life and Housing
Offi cials keep an out
Willie McCorkleStudent Government Assockiation President
“We are focused on promoting updated info to the students and disseminating info from the university administrators. To on-campus students, be safe, be responsible, listen to university offi cials and the guidelines they have placed. For off-campus students, stay tuned in to you local weather news stations to what you need to do. For university related issues, check you university email and the SUBR website constantly.”
A line of traffic extends down Interstate 10 heading towards Baton Rouge, as many residents leave the New Orleans area in anticipation of tropical storm Isaac, which is expected to make landfall on the Louisiana coast as a hurricane, in Kenner, La., Monday.
PHOTO BY GERALD HERBERT/AP PHOTO
State offi ces promote hurricane safety
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal provides an update on the state’s preparations for Tropical Storm Isaac, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012 at the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. In background, left, is Robert Barham, secretary of La. Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries and Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne, right.
PHOTO BY PATRICK DENNIS/THE ADVOCATE/AP PHOTO
The senTineL Of an enLighTened sTudenT BOdy sinCe 1926Page 6 - Tuesday, augusT 28, 2012
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The SenTinel Of An enlighTened STudenT BOdy Since 1926 TueSdAy, AuguST 28, 2012 - PAge 7
The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness designated certain highways as main evacuation routes in case government officials call for an evaculation of lower-lying areas of south Louisiana. Certain points along Interstates 10, 12, 55 and 59 are outfitted to allow contraflow — all four lanes directed either north or west — to aid evacuations if called.
EmErgEncy ShEltEr InformatIon
PoIntS(Evacuation Area, Information Point Location & Address)
Re-entry from Mississippi on U.S. Hwys. 65 & 84Tourist Welcome Center; U.S. 165 & U.S. 84, 1401 Carter
Street, Vidalia, La.Re-entry from Mississippi on I-20
Tourist Welcome Center; 836 I-20 West, Tallulah, La.From Southeast area on La. Hwy. 1
Paragon Casino; Paragon Place, Marksville, La.From Southeast/Central are on I-49
Sammy’s Truck Stop; I-49 Exit 53; 3601 La. Hwy. 115 West, Bunkie, La.From Southeast/Southwest/Central areas on U.S. Hwy. 171 and I-49
P.E. Gym, LSU-Shreveport; One University Place, ShreveportFrom Southwest on U.S. 171
Pickering High School; 180 Lableu Road, Leesville, La.From Southwest/Central areas
Tourist Information Center; 8904 U.S. Hwy. 165, Oberlin, La.From Southeast area on La. Hwy. 1
Please Remember:—Get a two-week supply of emergency necessities.—Store clean-up and repair supplies in your safe room.—Make your hurricane kit portable if you live in an
evacuation area.—Don’t forget special supplies for babies, the elderly and
dependent persons.—Review homeowner’s or renter’s insurance plans as it
relates to natural disasters.
—Official Louisiana Hurricane Survival Guide
Coming over Harding Boulevard you can physically see the progress being made on campus and the athletic department is also making some physical changes as well.
Last semester under interim athletics director and women’s head basketball coach Sandy Pugh, saw the resurfacing of the tennis courts, and that was the start of a slew of improvements that the department is doing to try to change the face of SU athletics.
Over the summer, the department was able to allocate an estimated $120,000 to completely resod the outfield of Lee-Hines Field.
When Southern received full accreditation from the NCAA over the summer one of the issues that has to be address is gender equity, and current athletics director William Broussard proposed a five-year gender equity master plan to address those issues.
In the plan the department will address women’s sports such as soccer, softball track and basketball.
In the women’s soccer, the department has cleared ground for a new soccer field near the Agricultural Center.
In softball, the department has plans to rent lights so that the team can play night games and also install modular restrooms.
“That’s really important because you get later into those
springtime games and it gets really hot out, and you have to play one o’clock and three o’clock games, and students are still in class, so if we are able to play a selection of games (at night) we can really see an impact in generating a larger crowd,” said Broussard.
The modular restrooms that are to be installed are “semi-permanent” and are more advance than your standard portable-toilet. The company that supplies the facility come in on a regular basis to clean it, and removes it from the campus at the end of the season.
Future aspirations for the field are to install permanent restrooms and to possibly rotate the field around.
“We are looking at a $500,000 minimum for those projects,” said Broussard. “As for now, the department will look to just maintain and improve on the basics to have an adequately functioning facility.”
Another project is the re-surfacing the track at Mumford Stadium. The 26-year-old track has never been resurfaced, nearly four times more than the suggested 6-year period for resurfacing.
Also the basketball court at the F.G. Clark Activity Center is also being resurfaced, the court is being given a totally new look with new graphics for a modern look for the basketball teams.
The projects in place for Mumford will be done in phases such as the installation of
graphics inside of the stadium to help give the stadium a more contemporary look.
“These projects are in place to create a buzz for fans and
students about Southern athletics and to also get people to support the projects privately to further complete the projects,” said Broussard.
Bad weather threw monkey wrenches in the Southern football team’s fall camp already, forcing the team to either cut short or outright cancel scrimmages.
As Tropical Storm Isaac gathers strength in the Gulf of Mexico and south Louisiana braces for a Wednesday landfall, Southern athletics director William Broussard said Monday all Southern teams must continue to make preparations and adjustments.
Broussard addressed the media and discussed issues regarding possible storm-related changes Southern athletic teams could make in the upcoming days.
“When you’re faced with these adversities, no one’s going to take pity on you,” Broussard said. “We strap it up and go out and get ready to play on Saturday, and same thing with our soccer
and volleyball teams.”The football team is currently
slated to leave for Albuquerque, N.M., Friday for its Saturday season opener at New Mexico, Broussard said. The team moved up today’s practice to 7 a.m.
The plans for athletics are based on projections of Isaac’s path. Broussard said he was among a group of high-ranking university leaders meeting earlier Monday to discuss Isaac and its potential impact on the university.
The athletics department also made plans to have certain personnel stay in case the team’s flight has to be adjusted to keep them out of harm’s way.
“Obviously, we have to be very nimble in making the adjustments the later we get into Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning and see that the storm is not going to take the track that we’re expecting to take currently we’ll have to adjust,” he said.
Broussard discussed the
players’ mental state, having to leave to play approximately 1,000 miles away from home while family members face the brunt of the storm.
Although players will have their families and homes on
their mind, Broussard said the game can serve as a momentary escape and allow them to put their concerns aside — even though those things outside of football takes precedence and are ultimately more important.
“We have a lot of young men on the football team who are from the Baton Rouge area, from the River Parishes, from the New Orleans area, who thoughts are going to be on their families back home,” he said.
SPOrTSPAge 8 - TueSdAy, AuguST 28, 2012 The SenTinel Of An enlighTened STudenT BOdy Since 1926
southerndigest.com
Southern athletics director William Broussard discusses Tropical Storm Isaac with members of the media Monday at the A.W. Mumford Stadium Fieldhouse. The SU football team is scheduled to depart for Albuquerque, N.M., Friday for its Saturday season opener at New Mexico.
PHOTO bY NORMAN J. DOTSON JR./DIGEST
Aristide PhilliPsThe Southern Digest
Aristide PhilliPsThe Southern Digest
Southern’s Camara Davis serves against Jackson State during the spring tennis season. The resurfaced courts at University Courts is one of many in-progress or future physical improvements to SU athletics facilities.
PHOTO bY TREVOR JAMES/DIGEST FILES
Athletics preps for TS Isaac
SU begins facelift
Following losses on the road against Air Force and Wyoming, the Lamar Lady Cardinals returned to the playing field to clash with the Lady Jaguars at Mumford Stadium Friday.
The Cardinals had been outscored 6-1 in their previous two matches before capitalizing on any of its opportunities, defeating the Jaguars 6-0.
The Cardinals got off to a quick start with goals by Kristin Bos, who set a school record with seven shots on goal, and Lorna Maudslay in the first period.
“I’m very elated to get that first win,” Lamar head coach Orlando Cervantes said after the game Friday night. I’m enthusiastic to see what this team can do.”
Despite the rainfall in the second period, the Lady Cardinals dominated the second period, adding four goals, two by Taylor Mitchell 64 seconds into the period. 97 seconds later, Kimmy Albeno recorded her first goal, followed by Alejandra Amador.
“We’ve got a long way to go,” Jaguars assistant coach Courtnie Prather said after the game. “Our goal is conference…we fought through it for 90 minutes, through injuries … I think we’re on the right track for Sept 15.”
Lady Jags fall in home opener
Morris dillArdThe Southern Digest
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LOS ANGELES — Hollywood may have run out of summer hits, but an anti-Obama documentary is helping to fill the gap.
Holdover movies easily topped the weekend box office again, led by Sylvester Stallone’s “The Expendables 2” at No. 1 for the second-straight weekend with $13.5 million.
The weekend’s new wide releases were overshadowed by “2016: Obama’s America,” which expanded from limited to nationwide release and took in $6.2 million to finish at No. 8.
The documentary is a conservative critique of what the country would look like four years from now if President Barack Obama is re-elected.
Released by Rocky Mountain Pictures, “Obama’s America” nearly matched the $6.3 million debut of the No. 7 movie, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s action tale “Premium Rush,” a Sony release that played in more than twice as many theaters as the Obama documentary.
The weekend’s other new wide releases opened weakly. Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell’s road-chase comedy “Hit & Run,” released by Open Road Films, debuted at No. 10 with $4.7 million, and the Warner Bros. fright flick “The Apparition” opened at No. 12 with $3 million.
The weak openings are typical of late August, a dumping ground for movies without much audience appeal as the summer blockbuster season winds down and young viewers switch to back-to-school mode.
But with less competition from Hollywood releases, it also opens the door for surprise successes such as “Obama’s America.”
“It’s extremely rare for a documentary to break into the top-10, but August can be a land of opportunity for smaller films,” said
Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. “Also, there’s the fact that this is a very conservative film. Normally, it’s Michael Moore-branded documentaries, the liberal documentaries that make all the money.”
“Obama’s America” opened in a handful of theaters in mid-July and did strong business as it gradually widened to more cities. It jumped into the top-10 this weekend as it expanded into 1,091 theaters, leading all other wide releases with an average of $5,717 a cinema.
That’s a solid average, especially for a political documentary. But it pales next to the king of political documentaries, Moore’s George W. Bush assault “Fahrenheit 9/11,” which opened at No. 1 with $23.9 million in June 2004, averaging $27,558 in 868 theaters. “Fahrenheit 9/11” went on to become the top-grossing documentary ever with $119.1 million domestically.
“Obama’s America” is based on the book “The Roots of Obama’s Rage,” written by Dinesh D’Souza, who co-directed the movie with John Sullivan.
The documentary now has climbed to a $9.1 million domestic total, with prospects for strong business as the Republican National Convention unfolds over the next few days.
D’Souza said Sunday that “Obama’s America” will expand to more cities in
the coming weeks and probably remain in theaters until early October, likely followed by a DVD release in the homestretch leading up to the Nov. 6 election.
Conservatives probably account for most of the documentary’s audience so far, D’Souza said. But as with “Fahrenheit 9/11,” which drew many conservatives out of curiosity, the attention “Obama’s America” now is receiving could prompt left-leaning viewers to check it out, he said.
“What’s happening is that people are really hungry for new information about Obama. There really is this sense that he remains an elusive figure,” D’Souza said. “Then there’s a second sense that the American dream is in the balance, the American dream is at stake, and that gives people a sense of anxiety about where the country is going.”
Released by Lionsgate, “The Expendables 2” raised its domestic total to $52.3 million after two weekends.
In limited release, IFC Films’ “Sleepwalk with Me” had a huge debut with $77,400 in a single New York City theater. Produced and co-written by Ira Glass of National Public Radio’s “This American Life,” ‘’Sleepwalk with Me” stars writer-director Mike Birbiglia in a semi-autobiographical story of a stand-up comic struggling with career and romance, along with bad bouts of sleepwalking.
This undated image provided by Rocky Mountain Pictures, shows an undated film clip from “2016: Obama’s America”. Hollywood may have run out of summer hits, but an anti-Obama documentary is helping fill the gap. “2016: Obama’s America”was expanded from limited to nationwide release and took in $6.2 million to finish at No. 8, Sunday.
PHOTO bY ROCkY MOUNTAIN PICTURES/AP PHOTO
dAvid GerMAinThe Associated Press
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This book cover image released by Dutton shows “No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission that Killed Osama Bin Laden,” by Mark Owen with Kevin Maurer. Dutton announced Wednesday that Mark Owen’s “No Easy Day” will “set the record straight” on the raid in Pakistan in May 2011. “Mark Owen” is a pseudonym for the combat veteran who was one of the first fighters to enter bin Laden’s third floor hideout and also witnessed his death, according to Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA).
PHOTO bY DUTTON/AP PHOTO
KiMberly dozierThe Associated Press
Anti-Obama doc filling summer gap
NEW YORK — Television networks began juggling two major stories on Monday, still wondering whether Tropical Storm Isaac will cause them to divert a large amount of attention from the Republican National Convention in Tampa.
Anderson Cooper of CNN and Shepard Smith of Fox News Channel were shifted by their networks from Tampa to New Orleans, where the storm appeared headed. It’s an odd rerun for both of them: four years ago they left a GOP convention to head to the gulf region ahead of Hurricane Gustav. MSNBC was sending Tamron Hall and Lester Holt to New Orleans in advance of Isaac, and Soledad O’Brien was joining Cooper for CNN.
The major broadcast networks haven’t shifted resources yet. Even before the Republicans chose to cancel the first night of the convention on Monday and compress the action into three days, ABC, CBS and NBC had not planned on broadcasting from Tampa on Monday night. Each has scheduled an hour of convention coverage over the next three nights.
“We continue to watch the storm closely and we will have correspondent coverage throughout the region,” said Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews, vice president of CBS News. “We will reposition some of our resources as necessary.”
Brian Williams of NBC News has taken an intense interest in the New Orleans area since Hurricane Katrina seven years ago, but there are no immediate plans for him to switch cities. NBC’s coverage is augmented through its partnership with The Weather Channel, also owned by the Comcast Corp.
The cancellation of Monday’s convention activities due to Isaac forced schedule changes upon television networks. Instead of three hours on politics, PBS shifted to entertainment programming. CNN reran a documentary on Republican Mitt Romney that first aired Sunday night. Fox News Channel and MSNBC played to their bases with their typical opinion programs.
Throughout Monday, CNN mixed coverage of the storm with political stories from Tampa. Even when its correspondents were talking politics, the lower portion of the network’s screen flashed updates on the path and wind speed of Isaac. The network has plenty of experience following multiple stories, said Sam Feist, CNN political director.
Networks juggling politics, Isaac
dAvid bAuderThe Associated Press
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials said Monday that they are reviewing a copy of a soon-to-be-published account of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, checking for leaks of classified information.
Pentagon spokesman George Little said Defense Department officials “received the manuscript and we are looking at it.”
CIA spokesman Preston Golson would only say that “the CIA has a copy of the book.”
The book, “No Easy Day,” is scheduled for publication on Sept. 11.
The author, a former Navy SEAL who participated in the raid, did not submit the book for pre-publication review that is required by the military secrecy agreements officials say he signed.
Pentagon regulations stipulate that retired personnel, former employees and non-active duty members of the Reserves “shall use the DoD
security review process to ensure that information they submit for public release does not compromise national security.”
Pentagon officials say that if they determine the manuscript reveals classified information about the raid, the Pentagon would “defer to the Department of Justice.”
If there is classified information in the book, the former SEAL could face criminal charges.
The publisher says the author intends to give the “majority” of the proceeds to charity, but the Justice Department could still sue to collect any future book proceeds as well.
A special operations advocacy group, Special Operations-OPSEC, which is criticizing President Barack Obama over alleged leaks and making the raid the national security centerpiece of his re-election campaign, asked the attorney general to block the book’s release until the government can make sure it reveals no classified information.
Officials checking SEAL raid book
Hello and welcome new Jaguars to the Jaguar Nation! You couldn’t have chosen a better establishment to embark on your journey for higher education.
Southern University is a great place to discover yourself and to make lifelong friendships, to discover brotherhood and sisterhood, to leave long lasting impressions, to mold yourself and to become everything you ever wanted to be.
One of the biggest tragedies I’ve witnessed while being here is the eventual deterioration of friendships. Although heartbreakingly necessary, it won’t be long until you figure out who your real friends are and who they aren’t.
Year after year I see people in crowds they don’t belong in. They try hard to find their place but the people who were once their best friends are now swept away in a sea of mangled priorities and typhoons of procrastination, leaving some of their more studious, goal driven peers behind.
Don’t fret studious ones because in about a year and a half you will
be the ones with the highest GPAs and scholarships; you will be the ones without the reputations that’ll ruin Greek dreams; you will be the ones who got everything out of their collegiate experience.
Unfortunately there will be haters, as you succeed there will be people who claim you’ve changed, and with every bone in your body you’re going to want to say “No I haven’t,” but you have.
See, while they were out drinking and partying, you were in the dorm getting your assignments done. While they were in the circle smoking and socializing, you were in John B. Cade at a study group. While they were bed
hopping, you were hopping in your bed.
So yes dear Jag, you will have changed, but your procrastinating peers haven’t and that’s what’s got them so upset. The same people that were your so-called “rounds” or “PNC’s” can also have the potential to be your worst enemies.
Unfortunately some people don’t grow up and that’s just a part of growing up.
Young Jags, here at SU you will learn what it means to prioritize, and to be consistent. You will learn how to work for what you want, and achieve the goals you’ve set.
Deteriorating friendships isn’t the only life lesson you’ll learn here at SU, You’ll learn life lessons on Love, Heartbreak, Friendship, Disappointment, etc.
The most important lessons that you will learn here at SU are the ones about yourself.
You are what is important to this university, and an a few more semesters after that you will be a product of the SU legacy. You’ll be an alum.
SUBMISSIONS POLICYThe Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mailed to [email protected].
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