March6

The Weevil
On-Line
March 6, 2003 Volume 3 No. 5 Staff: Eric Gaston, Meghan Gladden, DaQuita Hardeman,
Heidi Rowland, Paul Smith, Will Whiting
Advisor: Dr. Linda Webster

News
Online Renewal at Library
New Policies for International Students
Pi Kaps Cap a New Season
Wellness Fair on March 12
Costume Art Exhibition
Persian Gulf Exhibition at UAM Library
Junkyard Wars Coming to Arkansas
Biology Club Sponsors Tournament
Online Academic Advising Available
Black History Month Wraps Up

Sports
Season Ends for Basketball

Online Renewal at Library

by Will Whiting

     UAM students now enjoy the luxury of not having to go into the library to renew checked out resources. In November, the UAM library began offering online renewal.
     With the first full semester of this new tool in place, librarians are trying to get the word out about this new service.
     According toLanee Dunlap, Library Circulation Manager, "So far this semester, students have enjoyed using this new system. It allows them to renew materials at their leisure."
      The new online renewal is news that many commuters are excited about since they can check books out while on campus and renew them from their home computers.
     Sally Owen, a UAM commuter student, said, "Being able to renew my books online now prevents me from having to go to the library to do it."
     In addition to the library's new online renewal system, other online resources are available to UAM students.
     According to the Electronic Resources Librarian, Mark Shores, "Students are now able to research material from home through our many research databases such as Pro Quest and Lexis/Nexis."
     Before the online resource program, many graduate students planned special trips to campus for research.
     "Now, they can take classes and find the material they might need for their classes all online," Shores added.
     A new electronic reserve has been created to help students access old tests from different instructors on campus and is also available online through the library's website.

    While UAM does not offer an introductory class on how to use the library, UAM Library Director Sandra Dupree said that she and her staff are more than willing to help patrons become familiar with the many services the library has to offer.
     According to Dupree, "We offer seminars, workshops, tours, and we will go into classrooms to insure our students know what our library offers and how to use our many useful tools for their school work."
     As mid-terms are quickly approaching, many students may have several exams in which they need study space. The UAM library has three study rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be checked out by students to use for studying and are equipped with large tables and white marker boards.
     While many students are often scared of the library, Dupree maintains that the UAM library is a very friendly place.
     "Our staff is available to help our students. We want to make sure the students know the UAM library is a very inviting place to those in need of research, study materials and many other things," she said.
     Reference librarians are available Monday through Thursday from 8am until 8pm. On Friday, reference librarians are available from 8am until 4:30pm. If a reference librarian is not onsite, the UAM Library has other qualified capable staff ready to assist any student in need of help. For more information on the services offered at the library, call 460-1080, or log on to the UAM homepage at www.uamont.edu.

New Policies for International Students

by Will Whiting

     "International admissions requirements have changed considerably over the last year," said Mary Whiting, UAM International Officer.
     On May 14, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002, requiring student visitor tracking through electronic data sharing. The enforcement of this act began on September 11, 2002, with the implementation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, commonly known as SEVIS.
     According to Whiting, "Section 501c states that any institution of higher education must provide the State Department with electronic evidence of an alien's acceptance at a chosen institution before any form of a visa may be issued."
     Upon the issuance of the visa, the State Department must transmit notification to the Immigration and Naturalization Service commonly referred to as INS.
     With the new law comes many new changes, some of which affect students attending UAM. Through SEVIS, Whiting must monitor INS guidelines and comply with regulations set forth for institutions of higher education. Detailed training sessions have provided Whiting with information necessary to make a smooth transition for current international students.
     "The INS has provided this university with all necessary programs to insure a smooth transition, as long as international students provide cooperation," she explained.

    Current students must make any necessary adjustments in governance while attending school. Before this new law was put into effect, students simply were admitted on a single financial affidavit. Now, all students are required to provide a financial affidavit for every year in which they are enrolled at UAM.
    According to Whiting, "All students are now required to meet with the International officer at least once a semester."
    In addition, international students are required to adhere to the following guidelines: remain a full-time student with at least a 2.00 grade point average; notify the international office of any change in major or the number of hours enrolled; notify the international office of any change in address or telephone number; and adhere to any additional changes as described through the UAM international office.
   In addition, nternational students are not allowed to seek employment, a social security number, or a driver's license without approval from Whiting.
     "The changes are a result of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks against the United States," explained Whiting. "Screening, monitoring, and clearer standards and communications have been implemented to provide greater safety for U.S. citizens."
     At UAM, Whiting is in touch with the INS office in Memphis, Tennessee on a weekly basis. In addition, she receives and implements SEVIS notices as needed, making sure international students on the UAM campus are in compliance with the new federal regulations.
     If any international student has concerns or questions about the new guidelines and regulations, he/she may contact Mrs. Whiting in the International Office at 460-1026. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8am until 4:30pm.

Pi Kaps Cap a New Season

by Will Whiting

     The Arkansas Theta Chapter of Pi Kappa Delta recently wrapped up their 2003 pledging season. The week of February 17 through February 21 served as this year's official UAM Pi Kappa Delta pledge week.
     Students were encouraged to participate in pledging activities including the annual speeches on the wall. Pledges met on the wall in front of the Patio Café each day during their lunch hour to choose a speech topic.
     According to David Ray, Director of the UAM Debate and Forensics team, "Speeches on the wall are something everyone looks forward to, especially current Pi Kappa Delta members who are on campus."
     A second traditional activity was Late Night in the Debate Lab. Pledges created medallions which they wore around their necks during pledge week and delta symbols which were to be signed by active members.
      Jessica Smith, UAM Pi Kappa Delta President, said, "Having pledges find current members to sign their medallions not only allows the current members to see what fine students we have pledging this year, but also allows the pledges to meet some current members."
     On Thursday, pledges presented current members with red carnations, the official flower of the organization, in appreciation of their support and hard work.

    Pledge April Jacks said, "The carnation is a token of our appreciation to our big brothers and big sisters. We can't thank them enough for all they did for us not only during pledge week but since we joined the Debate and Forensics team."
     The Arkansas Theta Chapter of Pi Kappa Delta is unique in holding a recognized pledge week. Teresa Minter, Assistant Director of Forensics and Debate, said, "UAM has the only chapter in Pi Kappa Delta history to have pledging activities. Not only does it allow pledges to learn more about each other, but it allows them gain a deeper respect for the fraternity."
     The Arkansas Theta Chapter was founded in 1973 and is currently in its 30th year. It was founded by UAM's very own David Ray. According to many of the pledges, not only did they learn a lot from current members, but also from Mr. Ray himself.
     "Mr. Ray and Ms. Minter have gone beyond their call of duty to help us get up-to-speed for competition in Debate and Forensic events," said Betty Dintelman, a current pledge.
     Pledges being initiated into the honorary fraternity this year include: Matt Baumgarten, freshman criminal justice major from Monticello, Arkansas; Betty Dintelman, junior pre-law major from Hamburg, Arkansas; April Jacks, freshman general studies major from Star City, Arkansas; Michael Perkins, freshman, communications major from Denton, Texas; Lydia Rice, freshman communications major from Monticello, Arkansas; Will Whiting, freshman communications/journalism double major from Monticello, Arkansas; and Bryce Wrzsenski, senior computer information systems major from Lake Village, Arkansas.

Season Ends for Basketball

by DaQuita Hardeman

     Basketball season has now halted with the Cotton Blossoms finishing with a highly anticipated season record of 13-11 and the Boll Weevils following with an unanticipated record of 4-12.
     The Cotton Blossoms bloomed dramatically from last season. Coming off of a tough year, holding a 9-17 overall record and 3-13 Gulf South Conference record, the Blossoms headed into a different direction under new coach, Jill Lewis.
After losing players that could have contributed greatly to the team’s success, the team still finished strongly on top of last year's record.
      UAM’s Casper Bobo and Gabrielle Caldwell were both selected the top newcomers on the Western Division Pre-Season Team.
      Casper Bobo, a junior forward transfer from Itawamba Junior College, said, “We were a hard working team who fought to the end. Even though in the beginning it seemed as if everyone was quitting, those who didn’t stayed together and held the rope for each other."
     She noted that only one player, Kayla Pilgram, had GSC experience.
     "We will be a better team next year because the whole team will have more experience. Coach looked to me to keep the team together and focused.”
     Gabrielle Caldwell, a sophomore forward transfer from Southern University, added, “I am looking forward to playing next year with the same seven magnificent girls. That’s all I can hope for because together we played well.”

     The Boll Weevils, on the other hand, finished with a 9-17 overall record tying this year’s record and a 6-10 Gulf South Conference record which overweighs this year’s record by 2 wins.
     Coach Mike Newell noted in a UAM press release that the UAM team has the talent to run through the GSC, but that it will take time for the group to come together.
    One of the four returning Boll Weevils, Aric Furlow, a junior guard from Camden, said, “I think that the season as a whole was a year for us to come together and get used to playing with each other. Part of the reason as to why we had such a bad season record was because we were inexperienced. This year was a rebuilding year. I feel the underclassmen learned a lot from this season and what they’ve learned will help them greatly in the years to come.”
     Leading scorer Idrion Reed, a senior guard from Queens, New York, added, “Our season was basically a struggle in the beginning. We started out on the wrong foot just like we ended on the wrong foot. Overall, during the season we had fun together, everyone got along. The team shared great camaraderie.”
     For both the Cotton Blossoms and the Boll Weevils this year seemed to be a learning season. Both teams consist of young, but talented players who are looking forward to the seasons to come.
     DeMarcus Wilson, a freshman forward from Dallas, Texas concluded, “We were so much of a young team who came together as freshman. We have no where to go but up. This season was a learning experience for us because of the fact that we were so young. There wasn’t any upperclassman leadership and because of that we didn’t know what to expect.”

Wellness Fair on March 12

The UAM Wellness Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12 from 10:00am until 2:00pm in the University Center Lobby.
The UAM Wellness Fair brings campus and community resources together in an enjoyable interactive atmosphere to expose and educate our students, faculty, and staff to the various avenues of wellness.

    The Fair will feature informational displays as well as provide free health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, body fat percentage, flexibility, grip strength, and vision and hearing.
     Visitors to the Fair may register for prizes to be given away by the exhibitors and the UAM Wellness Committee.
     The UAM Wellness Committee would greatly appreciate your assistance in promoting student participation in this very positive opportunity. Faculty and staff participation is highly encouraged too!

Costume Art Exhibition
An exhibition of “Costumes, Environment, and Images from Help! Help! The Globolinks!” will be open from March 4 through March 28 in the Library/Technology Center Gallery on the UAM campus.
This exhibition consists of costumes and environments, made by local artist, Alice Guffy Miller, used in the production of the opera.

Photographs were taken by Chandrika Taylor, UAM Music Theater Workshop, in preparation for and during performance of the production.
The purpose of this exhibition is to allow for close inspection of the Globolink costumes, which was not possible for the audience at a great distance, and to serve as a reminder and testimony to the magic of collaboration.

Persian Gulf Exhibition at UAM Library
Some Americans oppose a war in Iraq, favoring diplomacy. Others support the use of military force.
Where do you stand?

The UAM Library is showcasing materials that address the growing tensions in the Persian Gulf region, including information on Iraq, President Bush, and military preparedness in the United States. Visit the Library to make sense of the headlines and form your own opinions regarding this hot-button issue.

Junkyard Wars Coming to Arkansas
Producers from The Learning Channel’s Emmy-nominated engineering talent show “Junkyard Wars” are looking for potential contestants to appear on an upcoming episode to be filmed in Little Rock.
The producers are looking for college students with an aptitude for mechanics and engineering.

The show challenges teams of contestants to build a machine in 10 hours to solve a specific challenge using parts they salvage from a junkyard. “Junkyard Wars” airs every Wednesday at 9 p.m. on TLC.
Contact Jim Brewer in Media Services for further information.

Biology Club Sponsors Tournament
     First Annual Buddy Bass Tournament on Saturday, March 22 at Lake Chicot State Park highlights the University of Arkansas-Monticello Biology Club spring calendar.
     Buddy Bass Tournament will launch at safe light and end at 2:00 p.m. Weigh-in begins at 2:15 p.m. Only two people are allowed per boat and both must be registered contestants.
     Cash prize winnings totaling $1850 will be awarded to the top four teams. Scoring will be determined by the total weight of not more than 5 bass per team and meeting designated size requirements. Ties for cash prizes will be settled by combining two cash awards and splitting the total between tied teams.

     All fishing must be done with artificial lures. Only one rod and reel may be used at a time by contestants. Fishing within 25 yards of another tournament boat is not allowed unless there is mutual consent.
     Each team must pay a $90 entry fee or a $20 non-refundable security deposit to the UAM Biology Club before Thursday, March 20. If a deposit is made, an
$80 entry fee is due at the start of the tournament.
     All proceeds will be used to further biological education through field trips and the Dr. Robert Wiley Scholarship Fund.
     For more information contact Josh Jackson at (870) 460-0176 or Brandon Ryburn at (870) 460-9177.

Online Academic Advising Available
     The new Academic Advising Center website is a virtual resource center that has several helpful forms for students and faculty that can be submitted on-line. For example, students can now make an appointment for the Academic Advising Center through an on-line "Request for Academic Advising" form.
     Once the Academic Advising Center receives this form, an appointment will be scheduled to discuss relevant advising issues.   Additionally, faculty may now send an on-line request for early intervention through the "Early Intervention Referral" form. This form is useful if a faculty member wishes to refer a student who is not attending class, is doing poorly, and/or is disruptive in class.
     Both forms are quick and easy to use.

It is with great pleasure that the Office of Academic Affairs announces the new Academic Advising Center website, which can be accessed through the Academic Affairs homepage at http://www.uamont.edu/AcademicAffairs/ and then by clicking on the Academic Advising Center link in the left frame.
The process of academic advising is a shared responsibility among students, faculty, and academic advisors who all work collaboratively to achieve a successful university experience for students. The Academic Advising Center supports these efforts by serving as a resource for both faculty and students.

Black History Month Wraps Up

by DaQuita Hardeman

   During the month of February, the Student Activities Board was busy arranging programs and entertainment to celebrate Black History Month.
The celebration was kicked off with a Film Festival which included: on February 4 The Color Purple which was introduced by Dorothy Thompson, SGA President; February 11 John Q, introduced by Imane Berrabeh SGA and SAB member, and February 18 Remember the Titans, which was introduced by Jessica Taunton, SGA, SAB, and Countess member.
     The films were shown in the University Center’s Green Room on the first three Tuesdays in February at 6pm.
     “This years Film Fest was the first of many more to be held at UAM.” said Sarah Waltermire, Director of Student Programs. “When I was in graduate school I helped to organize a film festival and thought that it would be a good program to bring to UAM.”
      “The film projector for the film fest was provided by the MBSF and the projector screen was provided by the Fine Arts Center," according to Waltermire.

     “Some nights were better than others, but I was satisfied with the student turnout and I hope that the numbers will increase next year with extensive advertisement," she concluded.
     Due to inclement weather, Jabali Afrika was cancelled. The Student Activities Board will reschedule a peformance by the Kenyan Dance Troop which was traveling throughout Arkansas’ colleges and was scheduled to perform at UAM on February 25th at 7pm.
     While in the United States Jabali Afrika has performed in major festivals and made major television appearances, including "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood" and "Good Morning America", and they have also been on tour with Marley Magic, in honor of the late Bob Marley. Their latest appearance was at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
     When asked why she chose to bring the troop here, Waltermire replied “ I contacted Kramer Entertainment to book another activity and they suggested that I contact Jabali Afrika and after seeing a clip I thought that it was cool.”
     After making ,contact with two of the members of Jabali Afrika, she added, “They seemed very excited about doing the show here.”