Page 454 – HBCU Buzz

Five Issues Divine Nine Fraternities Must Address in 2015

Posted on Feb 27, 2015

There was quite some discussion in 2014 about the five issues I felt Divine Nine fraternities should address. As 2015 has rolled in, I realize that one issue seems to never go away while events throughout the course of 2014 gave me perspective on more things to which our fraternities—Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta—should pay attention.

Let’s consider two things before we dive into the five issues Divine Nine fraternities should address in 2015. First, it matters not which fraternity feels it is separate from the other four. As far as Joe Public is concerned, we’re all alike. We wear our letters like billboards, we step, have a great time, get loud, wield our influence like swords; and almost every single one of our members claims that he belongs to the best, if not the most relevant, organization (as we should). Second, all eyes are on us on the heels of our helping our dear Divine Nine sisters defeat the infamous “Sorority Sisters” reality show. When people, especially black folks, pay attention to what you’re doing, that means you’re under a serious microscope.

That said, here are the issues Divine Nine fraternities must address in 2015 so that we may better serve our communities:

HAZING

Easily and unfortunately, hazing is the biggest issue that black fraternities, particularly those of the Divine Nine, still must address. Since the beginning of 2014 there have been hazing allegations leveled against Divine Nine fraternity chapters on at least nine campuses and lawsuits totaling more than $8 million have been filed. One of those resulted in a $1.6 million judgment while the others are pending. Young men have had their mug shots appear in the media and at least one who was arrested in 2014 greeted 2015 from a jail cell.

Because of hazing, the liability for Divine Nine fraternities has become unreal. Scholar and Divine Nine member Attorney Gregory Parks, Ph.D. wrote in his blog “The End of BGLOs”:

“The only thing that truly stands between BGLOs and plaintiffs in hazing lawsuits is the insurance industry. Unfortunately, there are few insurers of college fraternities and sororities. With the steady flow of hazing litigation involving BGLOs, it is not inconceivable that at some point it becomes unprofitable for any insurer to cover any particular BGLO.”

While there is a peanut gallery of inactive members trying to make sure that every new member is “made right” or “real,” our fraternities are stuck with leaders and active members trying to find ways to keep our organizations insured and solvent.

The real shame is too many Divine Nine fraternity members still fail to see the ultimate risk of hazing—death. Consider this. Joel Harris, who died due to hazing in 1989, should be alive and successful in his mid-40’s possibly enjoying a family. Van Watts, a 1983 victim, could possibly be counting down to retirement. Both Joseph T. Green (2001) and Michael Davis (1994) could also be alive and enjoying wonderful careers and families and the list goes on with at least 10 more men and women who are no longer with us because of hazing.

We should make 2015 the year that Divine Nine men commit to two things. First, learn the names of the people who were robbed of their dreams. Identifying the victims will make fraternity members act like true big brothers to their aspiring members. Second, speak up. Those of us who once thought that hazing was the way to go but have grown up need to impart our wisdom on younger brothers. We can help our fraternities grow by finding new ways to help men earn our letters.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

In doing “The Black Greek Success Program”, I have been to campuses where Divine Nine fraternity chapters sport such laughable GPAs as 2.1 and even 1.7. The biggest joke is not only do some of these chapters think they “run the yard” but they actually claim they “run the yard.” I wasn’t an academic superstar my entire college career and that’s why I have to warn my young brothers about losing focus.

All five Divine Nine fraternities have a commitment to scholarship embedded somewhere in their aims, ideals or missions. Running the yard is about doing everything your fraternity stands for. The national organizations, colleges and universities have to get tougher on chapters about committing to academic excellence by continuing to threaten chapters’ and members’ statuses. Like hazing, I call on those of us who know better to tell stories of how academic excellence creates real yard runners and career opportunities for members.

Morgan State Names Mike Fanoga Defensive Coordinator

HBCU Editors

Posted on Feb 27, 2015

Morgan State has named Mike Fanoga the defensive coordinator.

Fanoga assumes the role of defensive coordinator entering his 28th season of coaching the collegiate level, having spent the previous season at Virginia Union as the defensive coordinator. The Panthers completed the season ranked No. 1 in rush defense (93.6), No. 2 in scoring defense (18.8) and No. 2 in total yards allowed (290.9).

Fanoga will take over a Bears defensive unit that ranked 6th overall in total yards allowed per game (356.7) in 2014, including No. 7 in scoring defense (26.5) and a No. 10 ranking in rushing yards allowed per game (203.2).

“We are very excited to have Mike Fanoga as our defensive coordinator,” said Lee Hull, entering his second season as MSU’s head coach. “He brings vast experience from different levels – FBS, FCS and Division II.

VSU Alumni Look For New Ways to Give Back During CIAA Week

HBCU Editors

Posted on Feb 27, 2015

Virginia State’s alumni hosts an annual day party at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tournament week where tens of thousands of visitors come to enjoy themselves and watch Black collegiate basketball.

“They actually write checks to the school,” Event Organizer and VSU Graduate Tammy Greene said. “We are in our tenth year. …And people love to give to this party.”

This year more than 2,000 people are expected to be attending the day party:

[quote_box_center]”The funding is down. …Enrollment is down, so anything we can do to help – it’s just phenomenal – it just makes us feel good because we love our institution.”[/quote_box_center]

Former FAMU Great to Become HBCU Hall of Famer

Tommy G. Meade Jr.

Posted on Feb 27, 2015

FAMU legend Ken Riley is a member of Florida Sports Hall of Fame, the Florida A&M Hall of Fame, the Polk County Hall of Fame, the cities of Bartow and Tallahassee Halls of Fame, the public-school Hall of Fame, and can now call himself an HBCU Hall of Famer.

This week Riley will be inducted into the HBCU Hall of Fame though he is still not a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in spite of his impressive career.

The Cincinnati Bengals player was a fan favorite and had set the team record for interceptions with 65 throughout his 14 year career. The Bengals was the only team Riley would play for.

“Riley lives on as a legend in Bengals history.”

[quote_box_center]From Cincinnati.com: Riley lives on as a legend in Bengals history after a 14-year career (1969-83) where he set the team record for interceptions with 65. The Rattler, as he would be known, ranks fifth on the all-time NFL list for picks and the most by a player with a single team. His nine interceptions in the 1976 season are only topped in Bengals history by the 10 picks by Deltha O’Neal in 2004.[/quote_box_center]

The FAMU Rattler is one of six others to become a member of the HBCU Hall of Fame this weekend including former Jackson State head coach W.C. Gorden.

Buzzing News

President Obama Highlight CSU Prof

Tommy G. Meade Jr.

Posted on Feb 27, 2015

A Central State University professor was recently highlighted by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities at an event that recognize extraordinary people. This year Dr. Abayomi Ajayi-Majebi received one of 11 of the Champion of Change Awards because of his “long-term work in the area of manufacturing engineering,” reports the Xenia Gazette.

[quote_box_center]At the event Tuesday, Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to President Barack Obama, said, the Champion of Change event is one of her favorites because “it gives us a chance to highlight ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things in their community.”[/quote_box_center]

The President Obama administration highlighted Dr. Abayomi Ajayi-Majebii for his 30 years of experience in the manufacturing engineering field and he has also “supported hundreds of CSU manufacturingengineers, CSU STEM students, and CSU graduates, leading to their gainful employment in the United States and around the world.”

African-American History Spotlight: Ida B. Wells

HBCU Editors

Posted on Feb 27, 2015

Born July 16, 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Ida B. Wells-Barnett was the product of two slaves, though she eluded enslavement by way of President Abraham Lincoln ratifying the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. She was the eldest of seven — though some sources say eight.

Her parents, James and Elizabeth “Izzy Bell” Wells, were active in the Republican Party during reconstruction. James contributed to the dawn of Shaw University (now Rust College), a school for newly freed slaves, serving on the board of trustees, while also embroiling in the Freedman’s Aid Society.

Wells-Barnett, following suit, also attended Shaw University where she received primal schooling. By 1878, at only 16-years-old, she was dropping out of school on account of her parents and 10-month-old brother, Stanley, dying in the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1878. With the threat of separation amid the surviving Wells children, Ida B. Wells-Barnett procured a job as a school teacher by lying and saying she was 18, the minimal age for said tutelage — earning a mere $30 a month, compared to her white counterparts at $80 a month. Alongside her aunt, who tended to the children while she was at work, she was able to keep her family together.

In 1882, with her sisters Annie and Lily in tote, Wells-Barnett moved to Memphis, Tennessee to live with an aunt. Two of her brothers, whose names are unknown, found work as carpenters while she continued teaching for a school in Woodstock and studying at Fisk University in Nashville. Roughly two years later during one of her train rides from Memphis to Nashville, Wells encountered a tumult which manifested itself as the ignition to her infamous passion.

Norman Francis Receives the Lifetime Achievement Award

HBCU Editors

Posted on Feb 27, 2015

The American Council on Education announced Wednesday that Xavier University President Norman Francis, 83, will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award during the Council’s 97^thannual meeting next month in Washington, D.C.

Francis, who will step down from the post he has held since 1968 at the end of this academic year, will accept the award on March 16, according to a news release.

“It is an honor to give the ACE Lifetime Achievement Award to an individual who has so successfully guided the growth of our nation’s only historically black and Catholic university, and on the national level, served in an advisory role on education and civil rights issues to eight White House administrations,” ACE President Molly Corbett Broad said in the release.

Apple iOS 8.3 Will Have 300 New Emojis, Including Racially Diverse Options

HBCU Editors

Posted on Feb 26, 2015

(Forbes) Emojis are small digital images that are accessible through virtual keyboards used for expressing emotions on smartphones, tablets and PCs. If you enjoy using emojis on your iPhone, then you may be happy to hear that 300 more have been added to the keyboard in iOS 8.3. The current set of emojis include an Asian man wearing a gua pi mao cap and an Indian man wearing a turban, but there are no black people represented. This will change when Apple AAPL +1.32% devices are updated with iOS 8.3 because several of the tiny cartoon emojis will be available in six new skin tones.

Apple is also adding many more relationship- and gadget-related emojis. For example, same-sex relationship emojis like families with two mothers and two fathers will be added. The new gadget emojis that are being added includes an iPhone 6 and an Apple Watch as a replacement to the traditional watch digital image. Emojis for 32 more country flags will also be added in iOS 8.3. iOS 8.3 is available for developers now and should be released to the public within the next few months. The diverse emoji options will be applied to the new version of Mac OS X too

Created in Japan in the 90’s, emojis were eventually incorporated into Unicode. The Unicode Consortium finalizes the icons to ensure a consistent experience across multiple platforms. Last November, the Unicode Consortium said that they are planning to have more diverse emojis in 2015. “Apple supports and cares deeply about diversity, and is working with The Unicode Consortium to update the standard so that it better represents diversity for all of us,” said an Apple spokesperson via ABC.

SC State Trustees Put President Thomas Elze on Administrative Leave

HBCU Editors

Posted on Feb 26, 2015

(News 2) South Carolina State University trustees have voted to put President Thomas Elzey on administrative leave.

The unanimous vote came after a three-hour closed door meeting Monday. The board then immediately went back behind closed doors and Elzey left saying he had nothing to say.

The same board said it was behind Elzey 11 days ago.

Trustee Ronald Henegan Sr. said the board took no more action after suspending Elzey. He says the university will issue a statement about whether Elzey will be paid on leave.

Elzey has nearly three years left on his contract. He is supposed to be paid more than $305,000 this year.

Trustees named Interim Provost W. Franklin Evans the university’s acting president.

Lawmakers and alumni are frustrated that S.C. State has $11 million in unpaid bills.

This article originally apperied on NEWS2

Basketball

MEAC Men’s Predicitons

Charles Anderson III

Posted on Feb 26, 2015

In the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference Men’s basketball has been fast and furious all year. The MEAC has seen teams rise to national prominence and set national records. The top teams all year have been North Carolina Central and Norfolk state who were in the running for the regular season title. Maryland Eastern Shore and Howard lead the top of the second tier of teams.

In basketball any team can win any time two teams step onto the court, but this year it has been and will be a two team race to determine who gets the automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament from the MEAC. Those two teams are Norfolk State University and North Carolina Central University.

Norfolk State, the last HBCU to win a NCAA tournament game, has been impressive all year posting an overall record of 18-11 while going 11-3 in the MEAC. Out of their three conference losses two came in close games against NCCU and Morgan State, while one loss was a drubbing by a talented UMES team.

NSU has been shooting almost 50% from the field combined with holding their opponents to a 40% rate. This tough defense has been able to hold opponents to an average of 66 points per game and bolstered the Spartans to an almost 5 point scoring margin.

The biggest flaw with this team are that they turn the ball over too often. The Spartans average 14 turnovers per game which is around two more than they force from their opponents. Additionally they only average around 14 assist per contest which lends to a one to one assist turnover ratio, which might end up costing them.

North Carolina Central University (21-6, 13-0 MEAC) has dominated the MEAC long and far before this season tipped off. The last time the Eagles lost to a conference opponent, including the MEAC tournament, was January 11th. Of 2014. Over a year later and NCCU has still managed to foil all challengers of their dominance for a string of 31 straight conference victories and counting.

North Carolina Central should handily win the MEAC tourney averaging 14 more points than their opponents with one of the nation’s top ranked defenses. With a low turnover total and a plus four rebound margin, the Eagles have been unbeatable and should continue their dominance into the post season.

The Eagles are easily the best team in the MEAC and should have no problem repeating as champions. Though if a team is to serve as David and knock off this Goliath of a team it wouldn’t be a surprise if Norfolk State or UMES were to spoil NCCU’s attempt to get to the Big Dance.

Buzz Killer

NCCU’s Institute for Civic Engagement And Social Change Threatened With Closure

Stefan Weathers

Posted on Feb 26, 2015

This week a working group of the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors recommended the closing of three research institutes at three separate UNC System schools. North Carolina Central University’s Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change (ICESC) was one of the institutions recommended for termination, along with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Center for Poverty, Work and Opportunity and East Carolina University’s North Carolina Center for Biodiversity.

North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) ICESC has mainly advocated for voter empowerment and equity in underrepresented communities, in particular African-Americans and other communities of color. The institute has been a driving force behind the voter registration process on the campus and in the community that surrounds it.

The BOG was given the task to review the UNC Systems’ 240 research institutes. In addition, to these three institutes they recommended the, “review or termination for 16 of the centers, as well as a policy explicitly banning university-backed political advocacy,” according to WRAL.

The NAACP itself under the direction of Rev. Dr. William Barber, who is also a NCCU Alum, has publicly criticized, protested, and led marches of thousands of people against this the policies of this particular North Carolina General Assembly and Governorship. This legislature is controlled in both the House of Representatives and Senate by Conservative Republicans. This is important to note considering that the Senate and House of the NC General Assembly elects all 32 members of the BOG to four year terms.

The New York Times reports, “Twenty-nine of the 32 university board members were appointed by the legislature under the Legislature after the Republicans’ 2010 gains. Last year, lawmakers instructed the board to consider redirecting some of the funding that goes to the system’s 240 centers and institutes, which focus on topics ranging from child development to African studies.”

This leads many to believe that the recommendation is more rooted in ideology and the internal political atmosphere of the state rather than any substance.

Chris Fitzsimon, director of NC Policy Watch, a liberal group, told The New York Times, “It’s clearly not about cost-saving; it’s about political philosophy and the right-wing takeover of North Carolina state government,”

This all represents a deep divide in the state of North Carolina as opponents to this recommendation make the case that the Republican lawmakers are attempting to attack the academy in areas that might be contrary to their ideology. The conservative supporters are making that case that this recommendation begins the process of correcting the higher education system that they feel engages in “partisan activism.”

Most recently, the Legislative Black Caucus of North Carolina General Assembly has expressed its opposition to the proposal. This is the Caucus that is made up of 35 Senators and Representatives of African-American and Native American heritage. Not only have they expressed their opposition but have recommended to the Board of Governors to provide system-wide center training.

With the group’s recommendation likely to come before the full board for consideration this Friday (Feb. 27^th), this all leads to a huge decision that will have to be made by the BOG with greater implications for NCCU, the other institutions, and the freedom of higher educational institutions.

Additionally, the recommendation reveals a harsh reality for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities that are a part of state supported systems. That reality is that they are often subject to the politics of the state, which can be all too hostile towards them and their commitments as an institution to a broader impact in the community that goes beyond the regular classroom setting. NCCU’s founding motto is “Truth & Service” and that is what the Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change has represented. This recommendation by this group of the UNC Board of Governors clearly wants NCCU to renege on that motto and the vision of Founder Dr. James E. Shepard.

(NOTE: A petition was started earlier this week on Change.org with the goal of reaching 1,000 signatures. The petition has now been signed by over 1,000 supporters. The Board of Governors will meet Friday, Feb. 27 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte at 9 a.m. There they will vote on the recommendations of the proposal. The petition will be presented there. In addition, student groups from institutions across the state have planned to demonstrate at this meeting.)

Basketball

Livingstone, Lincoln, or Shaw?: Women’s CIAA Prediction

Charles Anderson III

Posted on Feb 26, 2015

This season in Women’s Basketball, the CIAA has seen a nearly unstoppable force in Livingstone College, who has been far and away better than all of their opponents. Livingstone, however, is not the only team to look out for in the tournament. Lincoln University has been very competitive taking control of the Northern Division and Shaw hasn’t been far behind.

Shaw University (19-10, 11-5 CIAA) has relied on a defense to carry them near the top of the CIAA. In 16 conference games this season, the Lady Bears were able to hold their opponents to 33% from the field, 3 percentage points less than the season average against non conference opponents, while keeping their opponents below 27% beyond the arc. They have also been able to dominate the boards with a plus six rebound margin over opponents.

When playing against Livingstone, Shaw’s defense was not able to overcome the Blue Bear’s team efforts and they lost both games. In total play versus Livingstone, Shaw was outscored by at least 5 points in all but one.

The Lions of Lincoln University have compiled an impressive season going 20-7 overall (12-5 CIAA). Owning a scoring margin of plus six points per game and a plus 3 rebound margin. Lincoln has won many of their games against over-matched opponents through playing team oriented basketball averaging slightly over 13 assist per game.

In the one game played against Livingstone the Lions held their own for a majority of the game, scumming to the Blue Bears’ offensive prowess. The game came down to the free throw line where Lincoln went 8-24 while Livingstone was able to get to the charity stripe almost twice as much. They were 26-41 from the line.

LIVINGSTONE IS THE FULL PACKAGE, EXPECT THEM TO WIN THE WOMAN’S CIAA CROWN. LIVINGSTONE HAS BEEN A DOMINANT FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH AND SHOULD DEFEAT ALL OF THEIR CHALLENGERS.

Livingstone has been dominant all season posting a 25-1 record, 15-1 in CIAA play. Overcoming adversity in losing arguably their best player, Livingstone only had a hiccup against Johnson C. Smith, who they beat in the tournament already.

Boasting of the top offense in the CIAA, their defense leads an average margin of victory of 14 points. The Blue Bears also lead the conference in steals with almost 13 per game.

Basketball

Who Will Win the Men’s CIAA Tournament?

Charles Anderson III

Posted on Feb 26, 2015

As the college basketball season winds down, one long honored and respected tradition among HBCUs launches, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Basketball tournament. This year in the CIAA there have been a number of teams that have risen to the top but only one can be crowned the champion. As always there may be an upset or two, but in that case the ball doesn’t lie.

Out of the remaining teams, Bowie State, Virginia State, Livingstone, and Winston Salem have the best chances to take home the crown. These team are at the top of their divisions and have been playing great basketball for most of the year.

Winston Salem State University (16-9, 9-7 CIAA) has been playing very well outscoring most of their opponents in averaging 81 points per game. The Rams are making one out of every three shots from beyond the ark and shooting almost 70% from the charity stripe. In conference play, WSSU has been able to hold their opponents to around their season average of 76 points, statistically showing a very consistent defense.

This team however is an anomaly being just over .500 in conference play, going 3-3 in their last six games, including ending the regular season a three point loss to conference and division foe Livingstone. During the 16 conference games played the Rams have been dominated on the boards with a minus six rebound margin. Conference rivals have caused WSSU even more trouble than non conference opponents, limiting the amount of shots, steals, and field goal percentage than the Rams have been able to have against non conference opponents. If Johnson C. Smith gets past a weak Shaw team, the Rams could easily be looking at an early exit from the tournament after splitting the season series.

Another team that was able to dominate their conference, is the Livingstone College (16-9, 10-6 CIAA) basketball team. The Blue Bears have been on an upswing as of late, winning their last two games including eight of their last 11. Livingstone has been a volume scoring team averaging 60 attempts per game, first in the conference, 81 points per game in conference play, also first in the conference, and almost 30 made field goals, which leads the conference as well. Most of the Blue Bears offense comes from inside the arc, as they are only averaging a paltry 14 attempts per game, which is towards the bottom of conference averages.

The biggest knock on the team is that the Blue Bears is that they have not been able to thrive against top competition. Livingstone has struggled against some of the stronger teams in the CIAA with losses against the other top teams in the southern division (WSSU, JCSU, and Fayetteville), in addition to registering losses against the top three teams from the Northern division(Bowie State, Virginia State, and Livingstone). While this is a statistically strong team if they cannot continue their recent winning ways against a tough string of opponents, starting with the Lincoln University team that edged them by five points earlier this season, the Bears will have trouble advancing.

Virginia State University (18-7, 12-4 CIAA) has been one of the top teams in both the Northern Conference as well as in the entire CIAA as a whole. In dominating the CIAA the Trojans have been able to stand behind a stifling defense, holding their opponents under 65 points a game while averaging almost seven points more than than their opponents. Their defense has been able to stifle opposing offenses in how they share the ball holding opposing teams to under 10 assist per game. The team’s defense has been able to keep them in games, as they have only lost one game by double digits.

The biggest knock on this VSU team is that when the turnover bug hits ,it hits hard. Throughout the season the Trojans have averaged a negative turnover margin which was very apparent in close losses against CIAA foes Shaw and Winston Salem. If Virginia State doesn’t beat Virginia State they have a very good opportunity to be crowned CIAA champions.

After a dominant season Bowie State University (21-7, 13-3 CIAA) enters the tournament as the number 1 seat in the Northern Division. The Bulldogs were able to thoroughly dominate their conference opponents through sheer will. With an average margin of victory of only three points throughout the season, Bowie State simply outlasted most of their opponents. Statistically the Bulldogs are an average team with an almost negatable plus margin of .2 in the turnover category and minus in the rebounding category.

Bowie State has been able to play to their opponents and win thus far throughout the season, as evident by their record, with only one disparaging loss, which was against a very underrated Shaw team. As long as Bowie State can do what they do best, find a way to win, there is no reason to believe they do not have a very good chance to be named the Men’s Basketball CIAA champions.

With all of this being stated, I believe that Virginia State University will find a way to pull through and win. The separation between the top teams in the CIAA is not that great, and the Trojans have been the most consistent of all the teams involved. After splitting the season series with the top team in Bowie State, by one point a piece, the Trojans will be focused and determined to prove they are the best team in the CIAA.

Editorial

5 Ways to Survive at an HBCU

Robert Hoggard

Posted on Feb 26, 2015

College can be pretty hard to adjust to, especially for freshmen and sophomores. Senior year you should already know the ends and outs and what to expect from your university academically and financially. Here are five things to do to survive at your HBCU:

Have an open mind

Take classes in departments you’ve never heard of or even better, history classes. History classes at HBCU’s are more informational and personal. This is your best chance to challenge your preconceptions and most importantly–learn about you and your HBCU.
Academic Advising

Make sure you stay on top with your academic advisor to ensure that you will graduate on time. Nobody wants to be left behind while your friends that you enrolled with during freshmen year graduate before you. If they do it is not the end of the world because things change and things happen for a reason but don’t let poor advice be the cause.
Attend classes

Make sure you attend all classes. I know some classes you feel like you shouldn’t even get up for but it is important to be punctual. This is a skill that every student should learn while in school. Also by attending classes you can build a relationship with your professor. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask in class or email your professor. You want your professor to know who you are. In this happens, when you have a problem they know that you are persistent, charismatic, and ambitious.

Watch your weight

Watch what you eat. Most universities serve awful food with the exception of certain restaurants either near or on campus. Take advantage of your universities gym and work out at least three times a week to keep unnecessary calories away. We as college students have a bad habit of laying around after lunch or class without any type of physical activity the entire semester.
Maintain a bank account

You never know when you will have unexpected fees that you may not have the funds to pay before a certain deadline. Possessing a universal bank account that your parents can easily add money to is a winner. Direct deposit is quicker and more reliable than mail especially those who are out of state.

Buzz Killer

Jesse Jackson: Adequately Fund SC State, Don’t Kill It

HBCU Editors

Posted on Feb 25, 2015

Since 2008, HBCUs have lost more than $300 million in tuition revenue due to changes in federal loan and grant programs. South Carolina State is symptomatic of the impact that many HBCUs face as a result of federal and state cuts to higher education budgets. The direct cuts to higher education is made more devastating by the effects of the recession which resulted in record home foreclosures and job loss by a large number of African American families.

The fact that the recession grew out of a mortgage crisis made recovery for black families even more daunting. Blacks hold a disproportionate amount of family wealth in home equity. When home prices collapsed, the good suffered right along with the greedy. The one asset on which many were counting to finance their children’s education — the family home — suddenly was under water through no fault of their own.

Black families lost half their net worth between 2004 and 2010, rendering them less able to contribute to the cost of college, either as parents or alumni. Job losses, unemployment and foreclosures in black communities doubled the national averages, and sometimes more. The recovery so far has been as unsatisfying as an eggless omelet — rising stock prices, but few good jobs.

South Carolina lawmakers and budget writers use the Mission Resource Requirement (MRR) to calculate the state’s appropriation to its public colleges and universities. The MRR formula ranks colleges and universities based on the relative importance of mission, programs of study and other factors. The MRR has a built-in bias in favor of technology, engineering, science, law and other critical disciplines.

The state should also consider that SCSU’s mission is also critical. It is also faulty to assume (as the MRR does) that the mission of educating lawyers, scientists and researchers, as USC and Clemson do, is intrinsically more valuable than investing in the education of students who attend South Carolina State University where students are more likely from disadvantaged backgrounds and more likely first-in-their families to attend college. Educating students from sometimes meager backgrounds, who often are first-generation college enrollees and whose families are less capable of financial support, is also a critical endeavor if South Carolina is to catch up with the nation.

NCCU Men’s Basketball Ranked Top 25 in NCAA

Robert Hoggard

Posted on Feb 25, 2015

North Carolina Central has had a great season this year. They are 13-0 in MEAC play, have an overall record of 21-6, and according to the College Insider poll, they are rank No. 25–just only 5 points behind Toledo who is rank No. 24.

NCCU has many doubters. A dual showing of the AP Top 25 poll and USA Today Coaches poll appears on ESPN that makes no mention of NCCU Men’s Basketball in the Top 25, or receiving any votes to be in the Top 25.

Providence is ranked 25 with 8 loses in The AP Top 25. Michigan State is also ranked 25 in the USA Today Coaches Poll with 8 loses, respectively.

All eyes are on NCCU as they are set to take on Bethune-Cookman this Saturday at 4pm on their home court. NCCU has won 33 straight games on their home court. Only two teams have a longer home streak than NCCU. Arizona has 36 consecutive home game wins and Gonzaga has 40 home court wins.