TNE Aug 13, 2013

Students get discounts
ROTC cadets train
Local businesses offer discounts to students with an NSU ID.

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Members of the RiverHawk Battalion return to NSU.

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Vo l u m e 1 0 5 , I s s u e 5 Tu e s d a y, A u g u s t 1 3 , 2 0 1 3 | Ta h l e q u a h , O k l a . 7 4 4 6 4
NSU Parent Program presents Family of the Year

BLAKE HARRIS TNE EDITORIAL BOARD The NSU parent program has found a new way to honor and recognize students and their families. The Family of the Year program has developed to allow students to nominate their families and show their appreciation. With our students, so many of them are first generation college students, said Suzanne Myers, coordinator of transfer and parent programs. This is truly not just the students experience, but their whole familys experience. When incoming freshmen arrive, the university is really taking in their entire family. The Family of the Year award is a new concept to NSU. The parent program has worked on making this award available for the first time. This is our first year, but we have looked at a lot of successful programs, said Myers. We used to not have the top ten freshmen award. We started that based on some recommendations, and it is very successful. We believe that this program is just another way to provide recognition and appreciation for our students and our families. R e c i p i - continued on page 2
Courtesy Photo Courtney Daramus, NSU alumna, attends a tailgating event. The NSU Parent Program will honor a students family with the Family of the Year award this fall. Students may nominate their family for the award.
Updated Talon Charge makes purchases on campus easier

JENNIFER CLARK TNE WRITER Talon Charge is changing on campus to help students be more aware of financial services. College can be expensive for students after all of the required materials teachers have on their syllabuses. The charges can change the life of students financially. Each student at NSU is identified by their ID card purchased after enrolling for classes. The ID card has a photo, name, N number and bar code on the back, which is used for library purposes. It goes into a system for the whole school, including every student and staff member. In order to receive your NSU ID Card, a valid photo ID must be presented to the ID Office located in the CASE building on the Tahlequah campus, said Janice Ratliff, ID and imaging services. The initial NSU ID card is free, a replacement ID cards is $10. Not only is the ID card for identifying students, it also can be a way to purchase textbooks and necessary supplies at the start of the semester continued on page 2
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Students recognize families through nominations

continued from page 1 ents of the Family of the Year award will receive a plaque and be recognized on family weekend Sept. 19-21. They will also be recognized at halftime of a RiverHawk football game Sept. 20. Myers said Family of the Year recipients could also be asked to help in surrounding communities. The Family of the Year could help with recruitment and retention. They could also come back for events on campus such as RiverHawk Rally and RiverHawk Jam to be speakers or be present and show support. A committee comprised of faculty, staff and students will review nominations and make a recommendation for Family of the Year. I think it is a great idea, because we have not recognized a family like this before, said Jasmine Lang, graduate assistant of parent program. When we did our research to start family weekend and the Family of the Year program, we looked at other schools and that led us to having this program. The guidelines for students to nominate their families state the families must have at least one undergraduate student enrolled full time and in good standing at the NSU Tahlequah campus. All families nominated are considered regardless of residency or alumni status. Nomination forms are available in the case building and on the parent program webpage. All nomination forms must be submitted via email to nsuparents@nsuok.edu before 5 p.m., Sept. 3. If it were not for family, students would not be here, said Myers. I hope that it is a tough decision, and I hope that the students take the time to nominate their family. For more information, visit www.nsuok.edu.
Talon Charge creates helpful way for students to purchase supplies

continued from page 1 without requiring immediate cash or credit card. The NSU Talon Charge is a helpful method for students to pay for supplies quickly with one ID card. All enrolled students are given a credit limit of either $800 for full time students, or $400 for part time, said Sue Catron, assistant vice president for Business and Finance. Those students who either need or want to use the Talon Charge program just present their NSU ID at the Riverhawk Shoppe. The items that are purchased that qualify for Talon Charge, textbooks, class supplies and backpacks, are rung up against the Talon Charge credit limit, any other items purchased will require another payment tender, such as cash or a credit card. Students may not have the money right away for the items they need to purchase. The Talon Charge is a convenient method to make these necessary purchases. The charges are added to the students Business office account, also referred to as students bursar account. Students on a college budget may need to pay later. Also some students rely on a change check every semester. This gives them extra time to pay off their charges. Each week, the Talon Charges are posted to the account so students can make payments or keep track of expenses. While student IDs are important for indentification purposes and to utilize on-campus services, they can also be used as a meal card on campus. Flex points are another option available on the card. This allows students to buy certain items and
Jennifer Clark/TNE Rachel Frazier, Tahlequah sophomore, purchases supplies with her Talon Charge before school starts. Talon Charge is a helpful way students can purchase supplies.
meals as well on campus. Flex points allow a housing resident to purchase any item at any food service location at Northeastern, said Teri Cochran, director of student financial services. Usually meals are intended to be eaten at the Market Caf. Meal trades allow a resident to pay an additional fee
to be able to trade a Market Caf meal for a predefined meal at another food service location. Students may choose to use their flex points to pay the meal trade fee. For more information about Talon Charge visit the RiverHawk Shoppe, Auxiliary Services, the ID office or Business Affairs.
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On-campus dining offers several options

SUZI ALLEN TNE WRITER Students can eat at the cafeteria or different restaurants across campus. Some students eat on campus to save time before or in between classes. It can be much faster than leaving campus. Its fast and easy, said Ashley Hunnicutt, Tahlequah sophomore. Especially if youre in a hurry or dont have a lot of time to drive into town. Many students like to hang out and eat on campus with friends. They can enjoy food and time with friends. I love eating on the couches at Flos, said Ashlee Fack, Cleveland junior. Even if we cant all decide on eating at the same place, we like to meet up there. The restaurant hours can work for some students and make it easy for them to grab food. The hours worked out perfectly for me, because I was always at lunch at noon, said Hunnicutt. A few students like certain foods and places better than other places on campus. My favorite thing to eat on campus is the black bean hummus at Miss Annies, said Fack. It is to die for, said Fack. Many students find other restaurants that they like better and could eat at them more often. Chick-fil-A, because I love chicken, said Hunnicutt.
Market Caf Essential and Pizza Hut Express MondayFriday Monday Friday Breakfast 7 - 9:30 a.m. 11 a.m. midnight Lunch 11 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Saturday Sunday Dinner 4:30 8 p.m. 4 p.m. midnight SaturdaySunday Lunch 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m Chick-fil-A Dinner 5 8 p.m. Monday Friday 11 a.m. 8 p.m. Flos Coffee Shop Monday Thursday Miss Annies 7 a.m. 7 p.m. Monday Friday Friday - 11 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 8 p.m. Seminary Suites Grill Monday Friday 11 a.m. 8 p.m. Saturday Sunday 4 8 p.m. WOW Caf & Wingery Monday Friday 11 a.m. 8 p.m. Freshens Smoothie Company Monday Friday 7 a.m. 4 p.m.
Many students go to the campus restaurants and find all types of food that is tasty. The World of Wings is always great, said Hunnicutt. There I like the burgers with toast or whatever is just delicious to me. The holidays can make food choices change on campus and let the students have new deals on
food. Typically, Im gone for the holidays but right before breaks some places do specials, said Fack. You can pick anything for your meal trade or the cafeteria tries to orient their menu around each holiday. When most restaurants on campus close and students get
hungry, there are a few places still open for business. I run over to Essentials Pizza Hut because they make awesome wings and are open until 11, said Fack. The Suites Grill makes the best burger you will ever have. For more information, visit http://www.nsuokdining.com/ locations.html.
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OPINION
Provost Rugg responds to teacher quality review

Alarm bells are ringing across our nation and state regarding the ability of our citizens to compete in the global economy. Test scores, skill assessments and just plain common sense have made it clear that too many of our young people are completing their education without the tools they need to be successful and productive. These circumstances make the role of colleges of education more important than ever. I believe that the College of Education at Northeastern State University has risen to these challenges. Our programs are built on a strong foundation of best practices informed by professional experience, research, and systematic assessment and evaluation. We are proud of our history of service to Oklahoma that dates to before statehood when the Cherokee National Female Seminary was founded in Tahlequah in 1846. As the importance of teacher preparation has grown greater, the scrutiny has increased as well. We embrace this high level of interest and have found much of it to be on target and helpful. An exception is a recent report by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) that
NCTQ examination addressed

The National Council on Teacher Quality recently reviewed university teacher programs and rated them based on a four star scale for elementary, secondary and special education. NSU received a one star rating for elementary, a two star rating for secondary and did not receive a full star for special education. The Tulsa World wrote an article covering the review, stating NSU was flagged as among the lowestperforming programs in the nation. Provost Rugg wrote the following in response to the review.
mentally flawed by its emphasis on an analysis of textbooks, outdated syllabi and course descriptions rather than the quality and effectiveness of college of education graduates. As a result, the NCTQ report has been discredited by higher education leaders, accrediting organizations, and universities Adviser: Cassie Freise ext. 2874 across the country. Editorial Board: Meredith Barker ext. 2890 The most important measure Blake Harris ext. 2890 of Ashley Rogers ext. 2890 a college of educations performance is the accreditation Ad Manager: Kyle Eubanks ext. 2890 process, and Northeastern State TNE Staff: Suzi Allen Jessica Brooks University is justifiably proud of Jennifer Clark Kathy Drake our accreditation by the Council Tricia Price Angela Walker for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (formerly NCATE). TNE Ad Staff: Darryl Crenshaw James Johnston The value and credibility of our college of education can be verified in several ways. For example, in the last five POSTMASTER: Send PS from 3579 to NSU, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. The Northeastern (USPS # 395-580) is published years we have produced nearly weekly throughout the year except college holidays by Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. Periodicals postage paid at Tahlequah. Postmaster: send address changes to Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, 2,000 highly qualified graduates, Okla., 74464-2399. For more information about advertising, classified or display, call 444-2890, seven days in advance of many of whom are currently desired publication date. Editorial statements in The Northeastern and readers letters reflect those of the individual writers teaching in districts across the and not necessarily those of The Northeastern, its editors, staff, adviser or the administration of NSU. The opinions and comments therein do not necessarily reflect the policies or beliefs of the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges or the state and region, and some of regional universities and that the student newspaper is not an official medium or expression of the Board or the regional them may well rise to principal universities. The Northeastern is a public forum. All submissions become property of The Northeastern. This publication was or even superintendent positions printed by The Muskogee Phoenix and issued by NSU as authorized by House Bill 1714. Four thousand copies were printed at a total cost of $695 for 32 pages. The Northeastern is a member of the Associated College Press Association, Oklahoma during their careers. Interscholastic Press Association, Society of Collegiate Journalists and College Media Advisers. e-mail address: tne@nsuok. A timely illustration of the edu. high quality of our graduates oc-
rated teacher education programs in the United States. Their rating process is funda-
curred last year at the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Ceremony where State Superintendent Janet Barresi recognized six Rising Star Teachers from across the state. Two of them were NSU graduates who had also been named Teacher of the Year for their district. The NSU College of Education continues to be dedicated to preparing teaching scholars, educational leaders, and developers of human potential who will improve learning and the lives of young people. Our focus remains on our continuous improvement model of professional training of teacher candidates based on research and our partnerships with public schools. We are thankful for the support we receive from public and private sources that make it possible for us to fulfill our mission and we pledge that we will continue meet and exceed the highest national standards in teacher education. Dr. William J. Rugg Provost/V .P. for Academic Affairs
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OPINION
NSU organizations prep for Welcome Week

Before ever stepping foot inside a classroom for the beginning of the semester, many will have an opportunity to see what NSU has to offer by participating in Welcome Week. Welcome Week is a chance to see all of the different organizations available at NSU. Students who live on campus and get involved with student organizations are often less likely to drop out of college. When you have friends and make relationships, school becomes much more personal and rewarding. Student organizations are a great way to make connections with people who already share similar interests. NSU boasts more than 80 different organizations, including social, religious, academic, professional, sororities and fraternities. Welcome Week is the first venue to showcase the majority of these groups. Tables are set up at almost every event to display what each group has to offer NSU students. Freshmen are arriving earlier at NSU than ever. Thus, Welcome Week is longer, providing more time to see and talk to ambassadors of different organizations. Organizations are required to abide by certain rules. They must have a delegate at Senate, an adviser and a president or some type of leadership. There are various ways to join different organizations. A student must rush to join Greek Life. Other organizations have specific guidelines that must be met
Carrie Moore/Contributing Photographer Students celebrate at last years Welcome Week tailgate party. This years welcome back tailgate is Aug. 18 from 5-7 p.m.
in order to join, such as ethnicity, GPA or gender. Some organizations merely ask you to fill out a form and welcome you with open arms. New organizations are being formed by the semester. If you are interested in hunting and fishing, there is a group for that. If you want to become an optometrist, there is an organization for that. If you love to plan events, want to find out more about your heritage, enjoy Harry Potter books and movies or love to sing, there
are student organizations for that. College can be stressful. You change where you live, you start figuring out what you want to do for a career and it seems your whole world is changing. Do not let those changes keep you from making new friends, trying new things and getting involved with people who are interested in the same things as you. If a student becomes too involved, it can be detrimental to their grades. It is very easy to put an organization and all of the fun activities before homework.
To help counterbalance, many organizations have GPA requirements. To put an organization before schoolwork could not only hurt your grades but also limit your participation within the group itself. It is wise to take extra precautions and not commit to too many responsibilities at once. If you join a student organization and decide you do not like it, you do not have to stay involved. You can get out of any organization at any time. Every year, there are recruiting
periods, and there will be people to take your place. You truly have nothing to lose. Being involved on campus is a great, fun way to make new friends, and it looks great on your resume, as well. Being involved can help keep your GPA up and enhance your studies. A student organization could possibly open your eyes to what career path you will follow. To find more information on NSU student organizations, visit www.nsuok.edu/CampusLife/ StudentOrganizations.
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Collaborative transportation awareness increases at NSU

KATHY DRAKE TNE WRITER Students at the Tahlequah campus can attest to finding a parking spot in the commuter lots during the school year can be a challenge, especially if one arrives to campus after 10 a.m. Commuters who participate in a car pool program at Keystone College in La Plume, Pa. do not have to worry about arriving late to find no parking spots available. They have reserved spots. Were very small, but I have 900 commuters out of 1,400 students, said Wendy Kramer, director of Commuter Life at Keystone College. Founded in 2008, Commuter Life began with only a few reserved parking spots but has doubled in recent years as interest in the car pool program has increased. We have limited parking and because our classes are heavy, particularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, there is such limited parking, said Kramer. We have students that drive an hour and a half up from the Poconos. If they have a 9 a.m. class there is no parking. Kramer said they put a proposal together and this is something he thinks the university could do. We were looking at carbon footprint at the time, and sustainability of the college. When you look at it from that perspective, it really helped us with our efforts to get it pushed through. Keystone students are required to locate their own car pool partner who travels from the same community and has a similar
Kathy Drake/TNE Julianne Anderson, Tahlequah freshman, and her mother fill out a vehicle registration form in order to get a commuter parking sticker. The green commuter sticker is for any student who does not reside on campus.
class schedule. After approval of schedules and applications through the Commuter Life office, each carpooler must register their vehicles and pay for a carpool permit. However, an added incentive is the price is reduced $15 for each permit, per semester. A car pool tag is issued and is shared between the two registered vehicles.
Many of the students in the car pool program are siblings, significant others or roommates who come to campus together. Connecting with a car pool partner at Keystone is getting easier. Instead of a bulletin board where students would post their information out in the open, the college has added a secure online forum where students can now try to link up with others wanting to share a ride.
Based on the 2012-2013 academic year, NSU issued approximately 5,682 commuter stickers across the three campuses, said Ken Rivas, parking and traffic specialist. While the number of commuters seems large, it is important to note a commuter sticker is issued to anyone not living on campus or family housing. This includes Tahlequah residents who only drive a few blocks to school. Chris Adney, director of student activities, said NSU currently does not have a car pool program in place, but if the interest was there, a student organization could form. Until an official program is formed, students can post an approved flier on the bulletin board in the University Center or other approved location. For more information, please email harris65@nsuok.edu.
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New lockers will be added to help store equipment and bags, so the workout area is clear of personal items. Lockers will be first come first served, said Meghan Reid, front desk worker. Daily rented lockers will be available. Students who live on campus will use their N card to swipe in for the use of the Fitness Center, which is automatically included in school fees. Off campus students have a fee of $35 per semester and $50 for families. Cash or check is accepted. The Fitness Center plans to accept credit cards in the future. Televisions are located around the fitness area, as well as a soda machine, snack machine and two pool tables for $3 an hour for students. Pawnee Crabtree, student front desk worker, said emails from intheloop will be sent throughout the school year for intramural sports. They provide various opportunities for students to get active. This can be a fun and active way for students to get involved on campus and work together as a team. Although the fitness center facility is being reconstructed, intra-
Fitness Center relocates to UC basement

JENNIFER CLARK TNE WRITER The major barriers some students face when trying to increase physical activity are motivation, time, access to convenient facilities and safe environment. A combination of adequate sleep and exercise can make a significant impact to help a freshman not gain the freshmen 15. Making exercise a habit is one way to avoid this weight gain. With increased exercise, the body learns to burn fat rather than store it. Starting early can increase energy and a good mood. The NSU Fitness Center has relocated to the underground of the University Center for reconstruction and additional purposes. It is still accessible for students to come and go with their daily workouts. From lifting heavy weights, to running or biking the underground has it all. There are multiple machines for each activity so students can be doing the same exercises. Every students schedule is different. The Fitness Center tentative hours are convenient for the early risers and the late night workers. The hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The Fitness Center is closed on Sunday. During home football games, the Fitness Center will close. A changing room and shower will be added for the convenience of students coming and going from classes.
Jennifer Clark/TNE Shane Devers, Tulsa senior, runs on the treadmill in the relocated Fitness Center. The Fit equipment will remain in the basement of the UC until August 2014.
mural sports will still be held on campus as always, said Daniel Isaacs, interim intramural coordinator. College can be stressful or overwhelming at times. Exercising can help battle stress, elevate moods and ward off depression. For more information about the Fitness Center, call 918-4443980.
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Campus Police implement various safety programs

SUZI ALLEN TNE WRITER NSU has information about safety rules that could help keep students, faculty and staff aware of the issues at hand. A problem that can be solved easy on campus is stealing from the students, staff and faculty. The university can slow down the problem by learning about different programs the campus police have. Operation ID, someone brings a TV or game system or something like that, said James Bell, campus police captain. We will pencil their drivers license on there, and if that item is pawned at any pawn shop, they have to take down that number. Its an indicator that license does not match the person pawning it, then its a good chance its stolen. They wont accept it and makes that stolen property traceable. Campus Police have a program, which will help someone needing assistance walking to their car. Students who check in on campus make the police aware of when they arrive and if there is an emergency. GuardianSentral is a mobile app, which is free only for students, faculty or staff, said Patti Buhl, director of public safety. Once you install it on your phone it has three modes. One of them is an emergency mode, follow-me mode and check-in mode. Faculty have safety measures they can follow and help them keep an eye out in the classroom. I think all faculty members should be aware of their surroundings, know the layout of the building where theyre teaching and where the exits are, and pay attention to information from the university and from the local
Suzi Allen/TNE Windy Towe, Tahlequah senior, writes parking tickets. Parking officers issue citations in every lot on campus. Most citations come from parking in the wrong designated areas.
news, said Dr. Donna Shelton, spanish program coordinator. Campus has places to go in case of tornadoes. Campus police can help people take shelter if the weather gets bad. The basement of the UC is the designated area in case of tornado, said Buhl. The university has set up a system that will send a text message, voice mail or email to the students, staff and faculty. These alerts can help students that travel to and from campus. If there is a threat on campus, or even just bad weather these
alerts are set up to handle it all. NSU now also has an emergency alert system that works very well, said Shelton. You can optin to get messages through your cell phone, and I would recommend that everyone do that. I think those are very important parts of the effort to protect students, staff and faculty. Campus Police are available to answer questions the students, faculty and staff or the community may have. For more information, call 918444-2468 or visit http://www. nsuok.edu/CampusLife/Poli ceParking.aspx.
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Local businesses provide students discounted rates

JESSICA BROOKS TNE WRITER Many local stores and restaurants offer discounts to NSU students. For college students, discounts on anything can be very helpful on a budget. Offering these student discounts could give a student the incentive to purchase from that store again. A couple of the restaurants in Tahlequah offering student discounts are Taco Bell and Boomerang Diner. Taco Bell provides a quick lunch or dinner for students in a hurry. Boomerang Diner is well known for their burgers. The diner offers a 10 percent discount when students show their NSU ID. The fact that restaurants offer discounts to NSU students is awesome, said Tyler Foster, Fayetteville senior. Im a baseball player who likes to eat and save money. My girlfriend would say Im a cheap date. Students who are of legal drinking age can also get discounts at Blackhawk Liquor, on Muskogee Avenue. When going to the lake or to float the river, its nice to have a place in town that can help you save some money on drinks, said Merrill Wasson, Midland, Texas junior. I am a full-time college student paying rent and bills, so I dont have a lot of money to spend. Laptops are a great help for college students. Hewlett-Packard and Dell give students a discount on not only see a movie, said Nikki Cola, Tahlequah senior. Cola said when the movie is discounted, it makes the night even better. Discounts are available for various local performances and events. Several cellphone carriers offer discounts on monthly cellphone bills. Check with carriers to find out what discount is available. Students can also receive coupons from popular clothing retailers. For example, Ann Taylor offers 20 percent off the entire purchase when a student ID is presented at checkout. The few places mentioned above are among the many establishements offering discounts to NSU students.
Jessica Brooks/TNE Nikki Cola, Tahlequah senior, purchases a movie ticket at Green Country Cinemas. College students receive movie tickets at a discounted rate Monday through Thursday.
laptops but also tablets. Apple gives a $100 app store gift card with the purchase of a Mac, which can be purchased at their education pricing. When a student purchases an iPad or iPhone they can get a $50 card. Students can also save on software and hardware for laptops. Examples of establishements
that offer discounts are Adobe and Microsoft. When students are in the mood for a break from school, they can visit Green Country Cinemas Monday through Thursday at a discounted price with a valid NSU student ID. After a long day of school and work its nice to get together with some friends at dinner and later
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Student advisers located in the CASE Building

TRICIA PRICE TNE WRITER If there were a one-stop shop for incoming freshmen, the Center for Admissions and Student Enrollment building would be it. There are currently six departments and services located in the CASE building. Admissions and Recruitment; Office of the Registrar; Student Financial Services; University Advising Center; ID Services and business office cashiers. It was our attempt to bring the majority of the service offices together in one building that most new students, both freshmen and transfer, would need on their first visit to campus, said Jeff Walker, university advising center director. The Admissions and Recruitment department is responsible for promoting NSU in every positive way possible. They are responsible for the outreach, recruitment and admission of students interested in a university like NSU. The Office of the Registrar is responsible for maintaining the records of NSU students. They can also help students that are considering graduate school. They are in charge of recieveing graduate school applications. They keep track of transcripts and enrollment records, as well as provide them to students when needed. Student Financial Services is one of the most frequented offices on campus. This office takes care of all financial services available to students, including federal aid, state They also have events such as the Family Weekend. The Parent Program is a wonderful program to help the parents of our incoming students feel connected to the school their sons and daughters are attending, said Jason Jessie, director of admissions and recruitment. Many of the employees in the CASE building look forward to the Fall 2013 semester. Vinyard said she can remember what it was like as a new freshman and she is glad she gets to be a part of helping students succeed. Students can add the University Advising Center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nsuadvising. For more information on the CASE building services, visit www.nsuok.edu/gettingstarted.
Tricia Price/TNE Raven Robinson, Tahlequah freshman, along with Eric Alberty, Tahlequah senior, receive advisement from Jennifer Ford. The CASE building houses academic advisers for all students who have yet to declare a major.
aid and regional scholarships and grants. The University Advising Center is responsible for helping students with enrollment and provides undergraduate advisement regarding classes, choosing a major, degree audits and future careers. ID Services is responsible for student IDs. The cashiers are available to help students understand all of their options for paying their bill to NSU, as well as to accept payments. We seek to assist students in discovering and understanding the necessary knowledge and skills to become empowered to develop meaningful educational plans that are consistent with their academic, personal, and professional goals to achieve socially
responsible careers and personal goals for success in a challenging global society, said Ashley Vinyard, university adviser. There are also services the CASE building offers of which many people are not aware. Parking permits were available to purchase until the fall semester started in the CASE building. The CASE building also provides testing for students who could not pass the ACT. If students pass the test, they are not required to take zero level classes. Many people are not aware the Parent Program is a part of the Admissions and Recruitment department. The Parent Program stays in touch with the parents of the students to keep them up to date on events.
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Greek Life encourages students to get involved on campus

JENNIFER CLARK TNE WRITER Gather here, go far into life with the knowledge gathered at college, building relationships that can last a life time. Being involved on campus and getting into activities can make a world of difference. Getting more involved has opened up a whole new world of connections and relationships I would have never formed otherwise, said Natalie Nowlin, Tahlequah senior. Greek Life wants to make the student body more involved and encourage academic excellence to everyone. NSU offers many different types of organizations to join. The first step is going out and being a part of NSU life to see what the campus is all about, said Helen Lahrman, Greek Life coordinator. Visiting the NSU website for more information on exact dates will inform students of the different organizations, including sororities and fraternities, the campus has to offer. My advice to anyone interested in rushing would be to choose the sorority or fraternity that makes you feel the most comfortable regardless of what your friends decide to do, said Ashley Duke, Tulsa senior. Do not be persuaded to choose an organization just because everyone else is doing it, but choose one where you can be yourself and are encouraged to reach your full potential. During fall recruitment, potential members will meet all the
Jennifer Clark/TNE Panhellenic members gather for a meeting to discuss Greek Life. Greek fall recruitment begins in August. Students on the Panhellenic board have begun to meet for fall activities
different sororities and fraternities during rush and recruitment weeks, learn about their chapters and meet their members. At the end of the week the student will be offered one bid by one sorority or fraternity depending on how the student and sorority or fraternity rank each other in preference. The most important thing to know are the dates and where to sign up, and where. It takes place Aug. 26-30 for
sororities, and Sept. 3-6 for fraternities. I could not be more grateful for my fraternity and my brothers who have been my second family at NSU, Drew Patton, Fayetteville senior. Each organization looks for different things to build their sisterhood or brotherhood. After rush week or recruitment week, the process for new members is a mutual acceptance. Each individual goes through a
selection process for the organizations. The week is to help educate and enlighten the options for participants on their decisions. There are several important things our sorority looks for when handing out a bid to a potential new member, said Stephanie Dorsch, Oklahoma City junior. We want to make sure they share the same values as us, want to be involved on campus and simply someone we bond with easily. The last important thing is to not be nervous and be yourself. Forming relationships with other Greeks in different fraternities and sororities is also very important because when a student attends a smaller school it is nice to be involved in a tight-knit community all working together. Do not hesitate to be involved in school organizations. For more information, visit www.nsuok.edu.
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RiverHawk athletics increases online presence

ASHLEY ROGERS TNE WRITER Change is something Northeastern State Universitys athletics department has seen a lot of in the past year. The department unveiled a new athletics website, GoRiverHawksGo.com, on Aug. 21 of last year. A new provider allowed them the opportunity to change the feel of the website. A much more collegial and professional look is what we were seeking, said Tony Duckworth, athletic director. When a student goes to our primary website, theres no question, I feel like theyre going to be very impressed with what we have in terms of our web content. Duckworth said there was a heavy collaborative effort within the department, in terms of the design elements. We are constantly striving to have one of the premier Division II websites, and over the last year, we have added features that are getting us closer to our goals, said Cedrique Flemming, assistant athletic director for media relations. At this point, I would put what we are doing up against anyone else in the country in terms of quality. April 4, they launched their second website, GoRiverHawksGear.com, an online shopping site featuring RiverHawks clothing and accessories, including customizable merchandise. This should give students and fans a way to easily purchase gear of their choosing. We wanted to give fans of Northeastern State athletics another avenue to purchase RivWell still have cash ticket sales at football and basketball, said Duckworth. We will always have that option, but now fans will be able to purchase their tickets in advance by credit card. They plan to launch GoRiverHawksTickets.com prior to the beginning of the fall football season, allowing fans a chance to acclimate to the new process for ticketing. Duckworth said they understand there will be a learning curve with the new site, and faculty, staff and students will not be turned away, provided they have their ID. They also plan to launch an educational campaign on how to purchase tickets through the site. Flemming said the department intends to continue to increase their online presence. We have more than tripled our Twitter followers and doubled our Facebook likes in the past year, and I want to continue to see those numbers grow, said Flemming. We are also set to break out a lot of new experiments this year with social media sites, such as Vine, Instagram and Pinterest. For more information, visit GoRiverHawksGo.com.
Courtesy Photo The NSU atheletic department launched its GoRiverHawkGear website in April. RiverHawk athletic items such as hats, bags, decals and more can be purchased via the website.
erHawk apparel and products, said Flemming. The online store has a lot of branded items you cant find elsewhere. Flemming said the store also provided an opportunity for fans living outside of Tahlequah to purchase RiverHawks gear. Purchases from the GoRiverHawksGear site provide another opportunity to support RiverHawks athletics. Obviously, since theyre our official site for athletics, proceeds come back to benefit NSU athletics, said Duckworth. Duckworth said while this was a perk, the driving force was keeping in par with what other universities are doing. We want to be in a situation where were going to be appeal-
ing to prospective students-athletes that were recruiting, as well as offer an additional option for our fan base, said Duckworth. The fall semester marks yet another venture for the athletics department. They are in the process of launching GoRiverHawksTickets.com, an online ticketing website for athletic events. The site will add convenience for event attendees. Its 2013, and we have a growing younger fan base who are used to purchasing tickets, gear, etc., on the internet, said Flemming. We wanted to give fans an easier route to purchasing tickets. The site also ensures only those with valid and current NSU IDs
receive complimentary tickets, preventing former employees or students from presenting old IDs and receiving free admission. Those eligible for complimentary tickets will be able to do so through goNSU. Attendees may either print their tickets or download them to their smartphone.
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NSU ROTC cadets undergo summer training

BLAKE HARRIS TNE EDITORIAL BOARD The NSU ROTC cadets have returned from summer training exercises. These camps vary on each cadets level of training, experience or degree of merit. One NSU ROTC cadet recently returned from airborne school. Matthew Walkingstick, Sallisaw junior, attended airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia. This three-week course teaches cadets how to perform various jumps and maneuvers while deploying from aircrafts. This course is broken down into three phases which are crawl, walk and run, said Walkingstick. The first week you learn how to fall, and cadets learn how to exit the aircraft and maneuver in the air with the parachute. The second week consists of expanding on those drills and working with a bunch of apparatuses to simulate the actual flight. The third week is called jump week. Its five days of basically jumping as much as you can, depending on the weather. Each cadet who attends airborne school must complete five jumps total. If they are successful, they will earn their wings or airborne badge. Walkingstick also traveled to Lithuania under the program, cultural understanding and language proficiency, or CULP. When enrolling, cadets choose the region in which to go abroad. He chose the east European region. Their mission was to do humanitarian work, and also work with the Lithuanian conventional army. We ended up getting to work
Courtesy Photo James Sherrell, NSU alumnus, is greeted by his wife, Christine Sherrell, after being commissioned at LDAC. Sherrell is one of the cadets to participate in summer training courses.
with the Special Forces from Poland, Latvia, Norway and some US Navy Seals for a week, said Walkingstick. We helped in training their forces in field training exercises. The other two weeks consisted of us helping with the community and teaching English to a community of students that were very eager to learn. The Leader Development and Assessment Course is a capstone camp for cadets. Junior cadets must complete this course to see where they stand in the ROTC program. LDAC is designed to assess how well a cadet has learned and what they are capable of doing. After completing LDAC, a cadet will go back to his school and be able to teach their fellow cadets as seniors. Their goal is to prepare the underclassmen for their
LDAC capstone course. James Sherrell, NSU alumnus, recently returned from a summer at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, after completing his LDAC training. LDAC, also known as warrior forge, evaluates how you handle tasks you are assigned in both garrison and field operations, said Sherrell. Occasionally we have to preform under stressful conditions such as lack of sleep, task volume and more. Cadets at LDAC not only go through physical training, but their knowledge of weapons is challenged, too. Cadets must familiarize themselves with the M16, M60, M240 and M249. Another phase of LDAC is the standard obstacle and water confidence courses. These courses consisted of
three main events, said Sherrell. Zodiac boat maneuvers, a balance beam walk twenty feet above the water followed by a rope crawl and drop thirty feet above and a 200-meter zip line rope drop. Sherrell now waits to receive his assessment information This should also tell him the branch of military he will go into and his first post assignment. After I get my first post assignment then it is on to my next training location which is called Basic Officers Leadership Course, or BOLC, said Sherrell. From then on I will be playing army for quite a while with my wife Christine by my side. For more information on the NSU RiverHawk Battalion visit, academics.nsuok.edu/rotc/ArmyROTCHome.aspx.
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Multiple tutoring centers available campus wide

KATHY DRAKE TNE WRITER Academic success does not come naturally to all students. Those who have problems with an area of study have a place on campus to go for help. Difficulty with a particular course or topic may cause some students to become overwhelmed and give up, withdrawing from a class to avoid a bad mark on their academic record. Avoiding the issue will not solve the problem and will only cause further stress when having to explain a D or Withdrawal on a student transcript. Tutoring centers are available across many different disciplines to help students succeed. There is a reading center, writing center and even Spanish tutoring, all located in Seminary Hall. Some of the tutors in the writing center can also help with history and political science. Many students have a difficult time with math. A math tutoring lab is located on the second floor in the Science Building. The math lab helps with zerolevel mathematics courses, algebra and some trigonometry, calculus and statistics. Tutoring in the math lab is on a walk-in basis, with student tutors who have proven knowledge of mathematics. Some students are math majors and some are in math education, said Dr. Darryl Linde, professor of mathematics. Students do not need to be failing a course to visit the math lab. You can have an A, and if there is something that is bothering you or confusing, you can go in and ask about it, said Linde. Another resource for students is the Communications Lab. It is located in the Journalism Building and is available by appointment only. All students and faculty are welcome to visit with any type of public or classroom presentation. Most of our clients come to the lab to get help with classroom assignments, said Dr. Bill Wallace, professor of communication studies. The typical client comes to the lab to get assistance with speaking assignments made in COMM 1113. However, weve had students come in for help with group presentations, interview assignments and a few have even come in for guidance about presenting conference papers. The Comm Lab staff will sit down with the student to help on a variety of issues. For example, a student can get help with transitions between points in a speech or can present in front of the staff to ensure their speech is within the time constraints provided by the instructor. The lab is a great resource for students wanting informed input on their presentations, group projects and speeches, said Dustin Woods, instructor of communication studies. I require my students to use the lab because I see night-and-day differences in their overall class performance when I require the lab. Second opinions and peer input are both valuable additions to class time, and both are available at the Comm Lab. SmarThinking is an online tutoring program offered by NSU. It is a convenient tutoring tool
Kathy Drake/TNE Steven Sly, Tahlequah senior, tutors Alexy Lewis, Claremore junior, in calculus. Help is available for lower-level mathematics courses in the Mathematics Tutor Center, which is located in Room 264 of the Science Building.
when face-to-face tutoring is not possible. Subjects range from basic math to accounting to organic chemistry. The SmarThinking platform is available through Tools in Blackboard. Academics are not the only hurdles in the way of a students success. Other issues, such as declaring a major or having personal issues at home may hold a student back. The Student Academic Success Center, on the first floor of the John Vaughan Library, is available to connect students to the
tools and resources necessary to get back on the right track. Our main goal is to assist every student in achieving success, said Olaf Standley, coordinator of academic consultation. In order to do that, we want to be the office that students come to for their questions. If a student does not know where to go for help, SASC is the place to start, regardless of the issue. Were not going to have the answer to every question, but we are going to help students find the answers, said Standley. We
dont want to be the people that send students on a goose chase. If you come in to me and you have a question that I cant give you the answer to, or I cant fix, Im going to walk with you, and Im going to stand there, together, to make sure youre in the right place. Finding the right place to ask questions is the first step to conquering the problem. Whether academic or otherwise, multiple resources are available to ensure students success while at NSU. For a complete list of tutoring labs and other SASC services, visit www.nsuok.edu/sasc.
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2013 Merchant Mall looks to break attendance record

TRICIA PRICE TNE WRITER Many college students adopt the motto if its free take two during college. Merchant Mall is a place to put the notion to the test. 2013 is the twenty-first year Merchant Mall is during Welcome Week festivities. Merchant Mall is an event during which many local businesses come and set up booths and display their wares. Merchant Mall is a great way to learn about your local community and shopping opportunities, while getting samples, freebies, coupons and discounts, said Sarah Johnson, coordinator of student activities. NAB plans merchant Mall, like most Welcome Week activities. Therefore, it is a student-led and student-planned event. We change the theme every year to keep things interesting, said Sadie Spurlock, chairman of the board. We always decorate and encourage vendors to go along with the theme as well. It just makes it more fun. The theme for Merchant Mall 2013 is CandyLand. NAB promotes the event every year during the other Welcome Week activities, but the day of the event, they give out prizes and handouts to the student body. The popularity for this event has grown almost every year. Last year, NAB recorded more than 1,500 participants, not counting volunteers and vendors. NAB asks for volunteers every year to help maintain the event and keep the day running on schedule. One of the perks of being a volunteer is those students get to go into the event first and get first pick of all merchandise. The volunteer spots fill up quickly. This event wouldnt be possible without the vendors and our
Tricia Price/TNE Braden Gibbs, Tulsa senior, decides which costume should be used to uniquely promote Merchant Mall. NAB has at least one person promoting Merchant Mall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the day of the event.
great volunteers, said Stefani Enos, membership chairman. The volunteers are our biggest asset at any event. We couldnt do what we do without those students. There is a large range of vendors every year. This year, NAB hopes to break records with the number of vendors attending.
Merchant Mall is Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. in the UC Ballroom. Only students with a valid NSU student ID are allowed to participate in Merchant Mall. The line has wrapped completely around the UC and down the street in past years. NAB encourages students to line up prior to the events start time.
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Grad school offers students increased opportunities

KATHY DRAKE TNE WRITER The decision to further ones education does not have to go any farther than NSU. After earning a bachelors degree at a four-year institution, graduate school is the next step in the evolutionary life of higher education. A masters degree focuses on a specific academic discipline or profession and is a more involved level of learning. Knowledge is power, said Thomas Teague, Tahlequah senior. Education is so important, and I think, one of the best forces for good on the planet. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, during the 10-year span from 2010-2020, jobs normally requiring a masters degree for entry increases to 21.7 percent, the highest percent increase in all levels of education. In todays world, earning a masters degree is no longer about getting a higher paying salary, but now in some instances, about getting ones foot in the door. In a lot of ways a masters is the new bachelors degree. I decided to get my masters when I figured out I wanted to be a speech-language pathologist, said Cayce Coleman, NSU alumna. A masters degree is a requirement to practice. For Coleman, a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology provides the academic and clinical practicum experience to obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence. The CCC is required in order to practice as a licensed speechlanguage pathologist. Deciding where to attend graduate school is as important as first deciding to go for a masters degree. When choosing a graduate school, I really had to take a look at myself and decide which place would be the best fit for me, said Coleman. Knowing and being familiar with most of the people in the program,I knew it would be NSU the whole time. Each institution has a different set of requirements for admission into graduate school. At NSUs Graduate College, typical admission requires the applicant to have earned a bachelors degree with a 2.5 minimum GPA, and candidates must take the GRE, GMAT or MAT entrance exam. Depending on the students major may determine what test they will have to take. There are also admission requirements for the individual programs. To prepare for grad school I had to go through a rigorous application process and take the GRE, said Coleman. I worked extremely hard to maintain a high, competitive GPA, as well. The hard work is paying off. Coleman will be the first in her immediate family to obtain a masters degree. After all the work put into completing a graduate program, students need to remember the deadlines for the process of graduation. It is crucial going into that final semester that they have all their paperwork up to date, said Margie Railey, administrative assistant in the graduate college. They need to know for sure
Kathy Drake/TNE Margie Railey, administrative assistant in the NSU graduate college, places brochures by the entry for future students. The graduate college offers 21 masters degree programs and six certificate programs.
when their deadlines are for papers to get to their advisers, their readers and when its due in our office. This is so we can get it processed and get them graduated timely like they anticipate it to be. Across three campuses, NSU offers 21 graduate programs and six certificate programs to aid students in the quest of earning a masters degree. A word of advice would be to do all the research you can on potential schools, their strengths and weaknesses, pass rates, etc., said Coleman. Really think hard about the best fit for you. In the end, youll know when youve made the right decision. For more information about NSUs graduate program, visit academics.nsuok.edu/gradu atecollege.
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John Vaughan Library offers more than books

ANGELA WALKER TNE WRITER The John Vaughan Library at NSU is home to more than reference books and computers. For new students and others who utilize the library, there is a lot of information that can be found there. The staff is available to help students both new and old to the library. As a fellow student and also an employee of NSU, Id like to welcome any and all new freshmen and tell them dont be strangers, said Christopher Westmoreland, part-time supervisor. Definitely come in, get to know the library, ask questions because theyre going to be spending so much time in here. Westmoreland said the reserve section is located behind the main desk on the north end of the library. A student can reserve cameras, video equipment, iPods, laptops and various other electronic devices. Students taking anatomy classes could also make use of the skeleton and other instuctional materials the libaray offers. As well, instructors can place textbooks on the reserve list for books relating to their classes to be available to their students. There are three floors that combine to make John Vaughan Libary. The first floor is the reference area of the library that includes computer labs, scanners, copy machine and color printer. There are also vending machines and a running book sale. The new book display is updated bi-monthly and the popular book display is updated monthly. The Student Academic Success Center is on the first floor as well as the Honors lounge There are two computer labs available on the first floor. One being in the open area beside the book stacks and the other is in a classroom setting. It is convenient and quiet, with not much traffic, said Heather Ridenhour, Tahlequah senior. The printer is in that area so you dont have to search for it. The second floor features periodicals, journals and curriculum material. This is the core study material for schools in Oklahoma and used by those in the education major. There are also six Mac computers with Adobe Suite 5 for those utilizing Photoshop or other Adobe products. These computers can also be used for reasearch assignments using EBSCO Host to find articles and journal needed for the project. The third floor is one that students can use for quiet study hours. It is known to be the most secluded floor and gives students the oppurtunity get some studying done. There are tutors available for math and writing. The schedules vary each semester but were available when other tutoring labs on campus were closed in the past. There are six public use scanners in the library. The copy machines are free for students as long as they have paper on their account. There is only one public use printer, located behind the north end desk.
Angela Walker/TNE Christopher Moreland, NSU library part-time supervisor, assists Darlene Blevins, Tahlequah resident, with a computer on the first floor of John Vaughan Libary. Blevins visits the library to utilize the public internet access.
The charge for color printing is 25 cents per page. Wi-Fi is also available on each floor. In accordance with the web decency laws, public access does not allow access to view highly offensive material or pornography. Offenders will be banned from the library. Aside from typical library offerings, the library also houses special collections and archives. The Indian Territory Genealogical and Historical Society is available in the library to assist
with researching genealogy and allows online access to the Dawes Rolls. The International Program is available for foreign students to gather, talk to advisors and prepare for any visa tests that allow them to continue to study at NSU. The Indigenous Scholar Development Center is available for Native American students and is located on the second floor. Their mission is to increase graduation and retention rates of American Indian students. The library also offers an In-
ter-Library Loan, which allows students access to textbooks, by borrowing them from other area libraries. It can take three to seven days to arrive, and students can check them out from two weeks to one month, depending on the need of the student and the requests for that item. Do not hesitate to come up and ask questions, said Westmoreland. That is what we are here for, thats what we do. For more information, call 918444-3235.
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Textbook purchases present various options for students

ASHLEY ROGERS TNE WRITER For most college students, purchasing textbooks can be a stressful experience. Not only can the prices be astonishing, but students are faced with multiple options when it comes to obtaining textbooks. Many students opt to purchase their books from the Barnes & Noble-managed RiverHawk Shoppe. The on-campus bookstore offers multiple options for students, including used and new books, rentals and e-books. Lauren Pate, Broken Arrow senior, said convenience was a major factor in using the on-campus bookstore. They can save you a lot, and you can get the books without a wait, said Pate. Students who rely on financial aid may opt to use their Talon Charge account to purchase books at the RiverHawk Shoppe, as well. The RiverHawk Shoppe also offers an option to rent textbooks helping students on a college budget. Textbook rentals can offer a savings of more than 50 percent. Rental periods begin the day students pay, and continues until the last day of finals. Textbooks must be returned, in good condition, by the return date. Students may also mail them, provided the postmark is by the rental return due date. For me, its much more costefficient to rent, rather than purchase, said Carrie Moore, Tahlequah senior. Merrill Wasson, Midland, Texas junior, said she prefers purchasing physical copies of books, rather than rentals or e-books. I am not a fan, simply because I like to highlight and write in my textbooks for studying purposes, said Wasson. Turning to online retailers has become more common for students looking for deals. The bookstores may not have the books that students need causing them to order them and take more time. I usually get them from Amazon or eBay, said Jacci Alworden. I always get them online, because they are so much cheaper. Im a college student, I dont have money to throw out the window. Both Amazon.com and eBay. com offer new and used textbooks. Students should compare ISBN numbers to ensure they are purchasing the correct version when buying online. New editions of books are common. Some books even update every year. With ever-changing technology, e-books are gaining in popularity. The RiverHawk Shoppe offers e-books for the Barnes & Noble Nook. In addition to the RiverHawk Shoppe, there are multiple online outlets that offer e-book options as well. Amazon offers e-books for purchase and rental for their line of Kindle e-readers. CourseSmart.com offers ebook rentals with applications for multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, Apple iDevices, and Android smartphones and tablets. Some courses do not require textbooks throughout the entire semester. For these situations CengageBrain.com allows students to purchase individual e-chapters for as low as $1.99 per chapter. There are other creative ways to save money on books as well. Some English composition and literature classes assign classes novels as required reading. Often times classic works of literature are available for free download from many online outlets. Professors may not require the latest versions of certain textbooks. It can be advisable to inquire if an older, cheaper version of a textbook will satisfy the requirements for the course. Often times, the changes are minor and do not require the latest versions. Depending on the course, it can also be possible to share books with fellow classmates, splitting the cost. While some students elect to keep their books after each semester, many will sell their textbooks back after completing courses. This money could help go toward next semesters books. Multiple locations give different amounts for books depending on title and condition. Obtaining offers from different vendors before selling titles back can ensure the best deal is received. For more information on the RiverHawk Shoppe and its options, visit an on-campus location or nsuok.bncollege.com.
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HawkReach administers free counseling to students

MEREDITH BARKER TNE EDITORIAL BOARD Transitioning from high school to college can create emotions students may not be able to navigate alone. NSUs HawkReach counseling service is available to help students through any issues that may arise. Fear of being exposed should not prevent students from seeking help. We tell the students when they come in that everything we talk about is confidential, said MSLPC candidate Marta Vann, HawkReach counselor. Most of us are under supervision, so we may need to discuss issues with our supervisor. Other than that, most things are confidential. Vann said the few exceptions are if the students make a statement thinking about suicide, hurting themself, hurting someone else, or that someone is hurting them. She said they let the students know in the beginning that confidentiality stops there. We get involved with housing; they are the first line of contact with the students, said Vann. They can see changes in their mood, behavior or habits. The professors also see the students daily in their classes. When the students stop attending classes or start not engaging in classes the way they were, the professors inform us. At that point, Vann said they would perform a wellness check by visiting the students room, emailing or calling the student. We tell them who we are and ask if everything is going ok, said Vann. We tell them someone has voiced a concern and ask if they are struggling. We try to do it in a positive way. After approaching the student, Vann said they then will ask if they would be interested in coming in to talk discuss any issues they may be facing. Instances in which a student is unwilling or unable to ask for help can create a dilemma for friends and family. Although the student may not be interested in seeking counseling, it may become necessary for a loved one to request help on the students behalf. When a friend or roommate is unwilling to ask for help, offer to walk over with them, said Vann. Vann said HawkReach has done sessions at times with a friend of the student present for support. She said eventually, when the counselor has established trust with the student, their friend can fade out of the sessions. Unless it becomes a conduct issue, Vann said counseling is always voluntary. She said the only mandatory counseling occurs when a student is involved with drugs, alcohol or violence. When a student is caught with one of those issues, their ability to remain in active student status is contingent upon completing counseling sessions. HawkReach is a free service available to treat issues relating to depression, stress, sexuality, rape, alcohol, drugs and more. The counselors are masters level graduates or students completing an internship in their final semester of their masters program. Vann said if the situation is more than severe than HawkReach is capable to handle, for instance, inpatient or more intense counseling, they would refer the student to another agencies in the area. HawkReach is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students may call to make appointments, but they may also walk in. Vann said if a counselor were not available, they would still make efforts to resolve the situation then and there. If there is an emergency situation when HawkReach is closed, call Campus Police, said Vann. If a counselor is needed, Campus Police would call the counselor who is on call 24/7. Thats part of the service we offer. Someone is always on call. For more information, call HawkReach at 918-444-2042.
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Local CASA chapter seeks volunteers for child abuse cases

JENNIFER CLARK TNE WRITER According to a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, each day more than five children die as a result of child abuse in the home. Child abuse can happen in all cultural, ethnic, and income groups. Court Appointed Special Advocates wants to help these abused children. CASA is a community-based organization that trains volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Drug or alcohol problems in the home are possible contributors to child abuse. The three common manners of abuse are sexual, verbal and physical. When sexual abuse occurs, a child develops disturbing feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Name-calling, swearing and insulting comments are some of the common types of verbal child abuse. In many cases, children are frequent, repeated victims of physical abuse. The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. When signs appear repeatedly or in combination, taking a closer look at the situation and considering the possibility of child abuse can be wise. Child abuse is an ugly subject, and not many people want to help out, said Sandy Macauley, diversity recruiter and trainer. There are potentially children people who care about children and their wellbeing. Many volunteers work fulltime, while others are grandparents, college students or homemakers. Day in and day out, the hardest challenge is identifying, recruiting, training and retaining volunteers, said Jo Prout, executive director. CASA recruits volunteers by sending out application training reminders four months every year. This months deadline is July 31. I have seen my best friend get abused, said Alyssa Foster, Fayetteville senior. I want to help a child like her. For more information or to become a CASA volunteer, visit www.cherokeecase.org.
Jennifer Clark/TNE Sandy Macauley, diversity recruiter/ trainer and Jo Prout, executive director stand together to advertise abuse. Child abuse is something that needs to stop today all over the world.
in every community who are abused, neglected and in need of help. The local chapter of CASA serves Cherokee County, Adair County and Cherokee Nation. CASA is seeking trained volunteer advocates who will speak independently for the interest of abused children. In addition to six hours of court room observation, community volunteers must train for 30 hours. During the training period, the volunteers study 10 chapters of material covering dysfunctional families, Oklahoma law and how to write a report. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, may not be a felon and are required to be sworn in by a judge. Once this training and swear-
ing in has been completed, the volunteer becomes authorized to gather information on different cases. The judge needs as much information as possible to help make the best decision for each childs case. The judge will talk to as many people as possible, including the parents, teachers, grandparents, neighbors or anyone involved in the childs life. Some things of which to take note are if the child needs dental care, has clothes and the care they are receiving. These are things the CASA volunteer writes a report about and sends to everyone involved in the case. Some cases can take as long as 18 months. CASA volunteers are everyday
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SPOR T S
2013 Fantasy Football overview and outlook:

KYLE EUBANKS TNE AD MANAGER The 2013 NFL Fantasy Football season is upon us. The mock draft lobbies are filled daily, cheat sheets are made constantly, and you can bet the rest of the members in your league are preparing for the draft just as much as you are. This year, preparation is a bit different compared to previous years. Taking a stud quarterback in the first round has now become a thing of the past. With so many top tier running backs available, a fantasy owner has to take advantage of the opportunity and draft one in the first round. Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster, Marshawn Lynch, Ray Rice and Doug Martin are sure to be the first backs taken off the board. Now do not get me wrong, all of these guys are solid picks, but out of that group, my gut says Marshawn Lynch and Ray Rice. In Seattle, Lynch is sure to get the bulk of the carries with relatively no one to back him up. Keep in mind Percy Harvin will be out until mid season. The Seahawks will be forced to rely heavily on the running game. The same goes with Ray Rice in Baltimore. With virtually no back up, Rice is sure to carry the load. The Ravens also recently resigned fullback Vonta Leach to lead block for Rice. Leach has been in Baltimore for two years now. Before that, he was with the Texans when Arian Foster made a name for himself in fantasy leagues. Expect above average numbers from Rice in fantasy points this season. Going down the list of running backs, your strategy needs to be about touches. Think of the guys who will not be sharing carries with another running back. Matt Forte, Chris Johnson, Demarco Murray, Stevan Ridley and Ryan Matthews are several names that will be on the draft board late. As a fantasy owner, you are better off having one of these guys as opposed to Frank Gore who will be sharing carries in San Francisco, or Reggie Bush in Detroit. Both of those guys play on teams with running back committees, so do not expect them to get huge workloads. Once you get into the later rounds, and are forced to pick up a backup running back, I suggest someone like Eddie Lacy in Green Bay or LeVeon Bell in Pittsburgh. Both rookies, Lacy and Bell are coming in completely under the radar. Drafting these guys is not necessarily a gamble, but both have the capability of contributing to your fantasy team. Who knows, by midseason they could be huge factors. Once you have decided which direction you are going to go with your running backs, I suggest picking a wide receiver next. The pool at WR is deeper than ever this year. With so many NFL teams throwing the ball practically every down, it is crucial to decide which receiver you want based on who their quarterback is, and what other receivers are on that team. For example, Green Bay has three standout wide receivers in Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and James Jones. Of the three, Cobb had the most targets and receptions last season, but Jones had more fantasy points because of 14 touchdown catches. All the while Nelson is said to be Aaron Rodgers favorite target. Personally, I am a huge fan of Randall Cobb, I think he will be the standout this season in Green Bay. A similar scenario takes place with the Atlanta Falcons. Julio Jones, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez and Steven Jackson will all contribute in the passing game. It is up to you to decide which guy you prefer. In most preseason rankings, Jones is rated the highest. There are different types of receivers to look at as well. Personally, I tend to favor the shifty wide receivers who are capable of catching a short screen pass and have the ability to take it for 70 yards. Guys like Victor Cruz, Wes Welker, Randall Cobb, Torrey Smith and Mike Wallace are just a few names. Other fantasy owners tend to go for the big wide receivers who make plays downfield. I am well aware Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green and Dez Bryant are probably going to be the biggest, most productive wideouts this year, but those guys demand so much attention they are likely to have a few bad weeks here and there. Consistency is key in fantasy. Other guys to look out for later in the draft include Demaryius Thomas in Denver, Dwayne Bowe in Kansas City, Pierre Garcon in Washington, rookie Tavon Austin in St. Louis and newly ac-
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SPOR T S
Rankings,preview and strategies to win a league

quired Danny Amendola in New England. Barring any injury setbacks, I expect all of these guys to have above average numbers in fantasy. After a running back and wide receiver, depending on what is available, you want to start thinking about which quarterback you want to rely on this year. The two-quarterback system is a thing of the past, you should rely on one guy and stick with him all season. Personally, I want to try and grab a quarterback who can not only throw, but has the ability to score a rushing touchdown. A QB rush for a score can easily be the deciding factor in a win or loss each week. With that being said, I am likely to avoid the likes of Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan, Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford, because they never scramble, and go for somebody like Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson. All of those guys have the potential to rush for a touchdown each week, which will be a huge difference maker this year. Another name to look for is Andrew Luck. Although he had some issues with fumbles and interceptions, he proved last year he can scramble when he needs to, totaling five rushing TDs last season. A good rule of thumb for any fantasy owner is to avoid having players on your fantasy team who play on the same NFL team. This is because players take touches away from each other when they are on the same team. It is important to optimize your chances each week. For example, if I draft Dez Bryant as my first wide receiver I probably would not want Demarco Murray, Mile Austin, or Jason Witten on the count of taking opportunities away from each other in the same game. There is another position in fantasy we have yet to touch on that is becoming as crucial as your first pick at running back. The tight end position is something every fantasy owner should take very seriously and for which you should have a specific game plan. In most ESPN standard leagues, you can now play someone from the tight end position at the FLEX slot. Once again, Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski are the top two tight ends, both in the league and fantasy scoring. The next tier consists of Vernon Davis, Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. After the top five, practically everyone is a gamble. Kyle Rudolph is likely to get red zone opportunities with the Vikings. The same goes for Martellus Bennett of Chicago and Owen Daniels of the Texans. With every draft, I try not to mess with a defense or a kicker until the last two rounds. Lets face it, there is no way a kicker or defense can win a league alone. Why not wait until the last possible time to select those positions. If you are anything like me, at the defense slot, you play matchups and grab teams off waivers. San Francisco, Seattle, Houston and Chicago are the safest picks at the defensive position. QB 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. TE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Aaron Rodgers Drew Brees Peyton Manning Cam Newton Tom Brady Colin Kaepernick Matt Ryan Russell Wilson Robert Griffin III Matthew Stafford Jimmy Graham Rob Gronkowski Jason Witten Tony Gonzalez Vernon Davis Kyle Rudolph Owen Daniels Greg Olsen Brandon Myers Jared Cook RB 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Adrian Peterson Arian Foster Marshawn Lynch Ray Rice Jamaal Charles Doug Martin C.J. Spiller Trent Richardson Lesean McCoy Alfred Morris WR 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. K 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Calvin Johnson A.J. Green Dez Bryant Julio Jones Brandon Marshall Demaryius Thomas Roddy White Victor Cruz Randall Cobb Andre Johnson Matt Prater Blair Walsh Stephen Gostkowski Phil Dawson Justin Tucker Matt Bryant Garrett Hartley Steven Hauschka Kai Forbath Dan Bailey
D/ST 1. Seattle Seahawks 2. Chicago Bears 3. San Francisco 49ers 4. Houston Texans 5. Baltimore Ravens 6. Denver Broncos 7. Cincinnati Bengals 8. Pittsburgh Steelers 9. St. Lous Rams 10. Green Bay Packers his team only scores 14 points a game, drop him. It is that simple. Kickers and defenses can certainly sway a week or two here and there, but they will not be the deciding factor in winning a league. In most standard leagues, you are allowed 16 roster spots. I plan on having one running QB, one D/ST, and one kicker. The rest of my lineup will be dedicated to wide receivers, run-
All of them have a stout front seven, an athletic secondary and have people in the return game who can get loose for touchdowns. Expect those defenses to be the first four taken off the draft board. With the kicker, you play the hot streaks. If he is getting close to 15 points a game, keep him, if he missed a 30-yard field goal, and
ning backs and two solid tight ends. This allows you to be flexible picking matchups each week. It also gives you insurance if someone gets hurt. I have listed my personal rankings at each position. These are the guys I believe will finish the season in the top ten in fantasy points. I hope this outlook helps you draft your way to a league victory.
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Students get discounts

ROTC cadets train

Local businesses offer discounts to students with an NSU ID.

Members of the RiverHawk Battalion return to NSU.

NSU Parent Program presents Family of the Year

Updated Talon Charge makes purchases on campus easier

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Students recognize families through nominations

Talon Charge creates helpful way for students to purchase supplies

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On-campus dining offers several options

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Provost Rugg responds to teacher quality review

NCTQ examination addressed

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NSU organizations prep for Welcome Week

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Collaborative transportation awareness increases at NSU

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Fitness Center relocates to UC basement

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Campus Police implement various safety programs

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Local businesses provide students discounted rates

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Student advisers located in the CASE Building

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Greek Life encourages students to get involved on campus

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RiverHawk athletics increases online presence

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NSU ROTC cadets undergo summer training

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Multiple tutoring centers available campus wide

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2013 Merchant Mall looks to break attendance record

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Grad school offers students increased opportunities

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John Vaughan Library offers more than books

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Textbook purchases present various options for students

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HawkReach administers free counseling to students

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Local CASA chapter seeks volunteers for child abuse cases

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2013 Fantasy Football overview and outlook:

Page 23 August 13, 2013

Rankings,preview and strategies to win a league

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