New Guidelines for International Students

Pi Kappa Delta Announces Spring Pledges

Boll Weevils Defeated By Knights

Red Ribbon Week Promotes Alcohol Awareness

Forestry Department Has Brains and Brawn

Art Club Raising Money For Needy Children

Creative Society Hosts Mocha Madness

Covenant Group Has Weekly Fellowship

UAM Students Attend Law Forum

Financial Aid Offered at UAM

Pre-Registration Problems at UAM

Journalist Suzi Parker Spoke at UAM

Feature Story: Red Hawk

Senior Art Student Stacey Moore Hosts Art Exhibition

     The Student Exchange and Visitor Information Service (SEVIS) recently implemented new laws which may apply to some UAM international students. 
     Effective November 4, 2003, SEVIS announced international student guideline changes.  The changes are required by law to be reported by the UAM International Office to the Department of State and the Bureau of Consular Affairs. 
     Students are responsible for making sure their most current information is on file in the International Office.  This includes address changes as well as information concerning student’s academics. 
     According to Mrs. Mary Whiting, UAM International Officer, students who fail to comply with this law may suffer numerous consequences.
     "It is extremely important for all international students to update their international file each semester.  Files may be audited at any time and if the proper information is not on file, the student may face stiff penalties."
     With any change on an international student, a new I-20 form must be generated.  The I-20 form is the standard form used to process all international students at UAM.  Copies of this form are available in the International Office.
     In addition to these changes required for all UAM International students, the Department of Homeland Security is making additional changes and requiring other documentation from some students based on the student’s home country.
     Changes being directed from specific countries include requiring students to be fingerprinted and producing a more detailed immunization record.
     These changes come in response to President Bush vowing to protect the United States from any possible terroristic activities.  The changes are being implemented at all universities nationwide. 
UAM is in full compliance with SEVIS and the Department of Homeland Security, and monitors its electronic system daily.
     "We are taking the appropriate steps to make sure our international students meet the required laws."
     International students wishing to update their files may do so in the International Office located in the Office of Admissions on the first floor of Harris Hall.  For more information, contact Whiting at 460-1026.

     The University of Arkansas--Monticello kicked off the 2003-2004 Boll Weevil Basketball season Saturday, November 15, 2003 against the Fighting Knights of Lynn University, a perennial powerhouse of NCAA Division II basketball. 
     Though the men’s basketball team fell eleven-points short in Saturday’s game, Lynn’s 71-60 win has only inspired the team as they vow to maintain promises of coming back throughout this year as pre-season dust is shaken off. 
     School support has helped out the UAM Boll Weevils since the beginning of the practice season.  At exactly 12:01 on October 14, 2003,  Midnight Madness tipped off the practice season with enormous attendance from fans as they came out to support the athletic program.  An estimated 400 showed up to watch the team rehearse for the upcoming season. 
     Assistant Coach Chanslor Watson was pleased with the encouragement from the crowd, “We had a very good turnout--very good support from the student body.   I was impressed by the crowd at Midnight Madness, but Saturday was the season opener.  If you weren’t there, you missed out.  We were trying to make it a sell-out because this team that came in from Lynn was no joke, so we needed all the support from fans at “Standing in the Steelman”—not just then, but at every game.” 
     The season has taken off to a good start; the Boll Weevils recently dominated, 92-58, in a scrimmage against Quest, a touring team from Houston, Texas, featuring ex-college basketball players; following Saturday’s loss, the players and coaches aspire to do well in games ahead. 
    Head Coach Mike Newell returns this year with high expectations for the season.  The team has worked hard as individuals.  The dedicated players took it upon themselves to continue their weight training and conditioning throughout the summer and into the school year to better their gain.  Three to four hour practices every day allow the team, coaching, and managing staff to unite as a devoted and powerful force.
    Mike Newell is fully involved with the team in every aspect.  He is aided by Assistant Coaches Chanslor Watson and David Clark, who both not only coach, but promote the team and handle behind the scene matters.  Backing the intense 18-member team are Athletic Trainers Darryl Kendrick and Shelley Emfunger, who aid to injuries and illnesses.  Immediately tending to any situation that may arise are Managers Matt Cross and Jimmy Powell. 
    Each individual, on and off of the court, contributes to the dynamic squad.  All-American Billy McDaniel, returned this year, giving the team national recognition for talent.  He was awarded Gulf South Conference’s West Division Freshman of the 2002-2003 Year, First Team All-GSC, and First Team Daktronics All-South Region.  In a countrywide publication, he was named the 2003 Pre-season Division II National Player of the Year.  McDaniel Led the GSC with rebounding and was second in scoring.  He also ranked among the national leaders in NCAA Division II scoring and finished second in the nation in rebounding.  He excelled above and beyond many UAM records, and this season he hopes to do more with his skilled teammates. 
     “It’s a new year—new beginning.  We got a lot of new recruits in and they are very talented and the guys that we have returning worked very hard in off season,” said McDaniel. 
      Also back for another year of Boll Weevil basketball is Brandon Mayweather.  A talented asset to the team, he was named the Gulf South Conference second leading rebounder behind McDaniel.  Last season, Mayweather averaged eleven points per game. 
     Joining the sophomore McDaniel-Mayweather duo, also known as “The M&M Boys,” are three Arkansas High School All-Star selections including Marcelle Goins, Nate Newell, and Eric Womack.  All are freshmen at UAM. 
    Returning seniors Corwin Elliot, Aric Furlow, Kyron Green, and Terry Lain.  Lain was a part of the 2001 Boll Weevil team who helped UAM conquer the title of Gulf South West Division Champions.  This season he is back to give added strength in the front court. 
     Junior Mike Reese, a transfer from Casper Junior College in Wisconsin, will serve the team as a speedy guard on the court. 
     Sophomore Damon Harris is a returning guard.  After suffering from injuries during his freshman and sophomore years, Benas Matkevicius returns with added strength as a great outside shooter. 
For some additional help on the court, the team will look to DeMarcus Wilson and  seven foot Justin Marks.   Jaston Carter, a freshman, has much to offer with a good outside shot and rebound skills. 
     Manager Matt Cross looks forward to taking on the top teams in the nation in preparation for the Gulf South Conference Games which begin on the home court on January 5th, against Arkansas Tech. 
He stated, “I believe we have the most competitive division II schedule in the nation.  We’re playing the best—that’s just going to make us better for conference. Our goal is to be playing our best basketball in March and we’ll see how far it will take us in the national tournament.”
     Coach Newell’s national respect that has earned the team many privileges throughout the upcoming season.  December 5th and 6th, the UAM Boll Weevils will take the honor of competing in the 25th annual McCaffrey Classic at Fresno State University in California as the very first opponents to ever play in the university’s brand new 100 million dollar arena. 
    After the Boll Weevils take on Puerto Rico-Cayey Wednesday at Steelman Fieldhouse, they will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the 42nd Annual Pepsi Blue and Gold Classic, held at Marquette University.   November 21st and 22nd, UAM will compete in the Bradley Center, home to the NBA Milwaukee Bucks, against Valparaiso University--Indiana, a top 25 team annually.
    Before the December 13th game against Lousianna’s Dillard University, the Jack Robey junior high band, directed by Darrel McField, of Pine Bluff will be performing.  They have won numerous awards, and will be entertaining the crowd throughout the game. 
     A schedule of events for the 2003-2004 Boll Weevil season can be found at http://www.uamont.edu/athletics.

     According to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about twenty-five percent of college students report academic consequences of their drinking including missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall.
     “There are non-alcoholic ways to have fun. There are so many other activities going on to where students don’t have to do those that involve alcohol.” said Laura Hughes, Director of Counseling, Testing, and Career Services.
     Statistics show that five-hundred thousand students between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four are unintentionally injured under the influence of alcohol. “We don’t want our students to be hurt because of something drug or alcohol related.”
     Red Ribbon Week is a time set aside to emphasize the dangers and consequences of substance abuse. Through designated activities, communities take stands against the use of drugs and show their personal commitment to living a drug free life. “Red Ribbon Week is a way for communities to get involved. This event is nationally known, so, it’s a way of getting the word out about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol.”
     The celebration ran over a three week period as a part of the Alcohol Awareness Celebration and an array of activities were held. Ribbons were placed on trees, emails were sent out because of the convenience of getting the message out to students on and off of campus, two-hundred and fifty alcohol-free party packs were passed out during homecoming week that included snacks, brochures, and free movie passes donated from the Movie Gallery, and “Don’t Get Loaded Before You Hunt” cups filled with  alcohol awareness brochures, hunter safety information, candy and an orange vest that reads, “Don’t Get Loaded Before You Hunt” on the back were passed out. 
     “If we could get more funding, we could have given out one-thousand party bags. We wanted to pass them out from Monday to Thursday, but at eleven o’clock on Tuesday morning we were out. We had a lot of student participation.”
     The campaign began in 1985, starting the tradition of wearing the ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. This shows a unified approach to a drug free America. “We tried to promote positive things because one out of every five students don’t drink.” 

     Last year, like many other years, UAM has won Conclave, the forestry Olympics, but the last two years the foresters have shown they have the smarts as well as the brawn. 
    The UAM Forestry team has won their second Society of American Forestry Quiz Bowls this fall in Buffalo, New York.       Forestry Schools from around the nation compete every year for the honor, covering such subjects as soils, measurement, fire policies, and silviculture. 
     “We smoked them,” said Bud Sypert, a senior from Texas. Bud was a part of last year’s winning UAM team, which was competing for the first time in the event. 
     This year’s team line up was Jeff Barton, Robert Keddy, Bud Sypert, Ed Poole, and advisor Dr. Pat Steven Williams. 
     Aided by donations from local forestry industries and the regional chapter of the Society of American Forestry, they raised $3,000 for the 1200-mile trip. 
     The team beat Penn State by five points in the opener, then went on to defeat Colorado State, Virginia Tech, University of Idaho, and in the final competition, Steven F Austin. 
     “UAM has a really good forestry program. We have really good professors and small class sizes, compared to the other schools we compete against. I think we study a bit more than other schools, too,” Sypert said. 
     For winning, the team brought back to Arkansas a traveling cup that will be on display in the lobby of the Forestry Building. 

     When you get a Christmas card this year, check the back; instead of a Hallmark symbol, you may very well see name of a University of Arkansas-Monticello student.  As a fundraiser for the Drew County Division of Children and Family Services Children’s Christmas Fund Drive for Foster Children, Art Club participants are reaching a broad audience with Christmas cards artistically designed and written by UAM students, faculty and staff, and urging the community to get involved with helping foster children in the area. 
     Headed by Art Club President BreAnna Chambliss and Darren High, the project is hoping to bring in at least one-hundred dollars for the fund, but as High stated, “How much money we make is going to determine how much we can do for the community.” 
     Proceeds from the cards will buy Christmas gifts for foster children in the area; the more money raised by the Art Club, the more gifts can be bought the children. 
     Chambliss wants to extend the project to the people of the area for support, rather than just the students and faculty at UAM.  The more the community gets involved in helping out, the larger the impact the charity can have on Drew County.  She said, “We’d like to get more than just art majors or Art Club members to help, but the entire university—community.” 
     Art major Crystal Rippie feels that the project came just in time for the giving season.  "Not only will the people who buy the cards be buying original art, but they will be giving back to the community at the same time." 
     In addition, the cards purchased will be sent across the nation, sending holiday cheer to friends and family.  Most importantly, needy children in our area will be supplied presents from their Christmas wish lists. 
     Multiple cards will be made with each design and poem submitted by students or faculty. On the back of each card, the work will be titled and signed by the artist. Art Club members will be selling the cards on campus the last several weeks of the semester. 

     As the romantic atmosphere of the candle-lit Patio Café was filled with souls eager for artistic enlightenment, Mark Englerth greeted the steadily growing crowd of students and faculty of the University of Arkansas-Monticello, as well as members from the community, with his acoustic performance that marked the beginning of Mocha Madness, the Creative Society’s bi-annual rendition of a coffeehouse poetry slam. 
     Visual art by Stacey Moore and Sarah Turnage adorned the walls surrounding the booths.  Each table, covered in white paper, was turned into sporadic masterpieces as MC and Choragus, Candrice Jones stepped onto the stage.  Behind her, tye-dye T-shirts hung as awards to those who came and shared their poetry, prose, and musical performances to the crowd on November 4th.
     While the crowd sipped coffee and devoured the homemade cookies, the eighteen performers entertained the audience as they shared a piece of their original literature.          Among those who took part were UAM professors Dr. Robert Moore, Dr. Tom Richard, and Dr. Gary Marshall.  Prior to Mocha Madness, Dr. Marshall and his wife found a tuba with missing keys and combined the instrument with a piece of long black tubing they had found on the beach.  He called his creation a kazooba.  On it, he performed his humorous melody, “Hot Rain.”
     Into the night, poetic works were presented, taking the audience deep into sensitive, enlightening, and comical subjects.  Many shared of their relatives and the impact they had on their lives or of maturing and learning. 
     However, there were some who ventured into dark pasts that led to emotional trauma.  In the end, each piece showed how one had grown as an individual by releasing their inner feelings through words. 
     “By the end of the night, I felt that these people had metamorphisized before our eyes.  It was cool how they could convey their feelings from emotions to paper and back to live, raw emotions for all of us who were watching,” said Justin Chapman, a sophomore spectator at Mocha Madness. 
      As the melted candle wax dripped down the empty champagne bottles and the tables were filled to the brim with creative crayon art, Mocha Madness came to an end, leaving those who attended in awe of the inspiring and creative energy present on campus at the University of Arkansas-Monticello.

     It has worked well for numerous hospitals around the nation to detect bone density.  It has served as a lifesaving tool for firefighters searching for trapped humans in a house engulfed with flames.  Now, the lifesaving technology, Thermal Infrared Imaging (TII), is making a mark in the hardwoods of southeastern Arkansas.
     TII has been used by the CIA and in the War in Iraq.  It has been used by NASA experts to develop space explorations.  Most recently, though, this technology has been used close to home by local biologists and environmentalists to determine a precise census of the white-tail deer population in southeast Arkansas.
     The precise imaging is much more advanced than the previous spotlight method of counting deer.  For that reason, the University of Arkansas – Monticello’s (UAM) School of Forest Resources decided to invest in the equipment for research purposes.  The university conducted a research study in conjunction with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on The Choctaw Island Wildlife Management Area in Desha County.
     According to Dr. Phil Tappe, UAM School of Forest Resources Professor and co-researcher of the Thermal Infrared Imaging project, the new technology is yielding exciting results.
     “This imaging system allows us to assess the detection rate of white-tailed deer using aerial thermal infrared videography.  The result is a nearly-precise count of the deer population on the island.” 
     The process is conducted using a complete imaging package, which is small enough to fit in a large briefcase.  Two options are available:  in the air or on the ground.  Either way, the imaging is done with a Mitsubishi IR-700 thermal imager.   For aerial purposes, the imager is placed in a hole in the bottom of a small single engine airplane.  The airplane conducts a slow fly over of the land.  The imager takes pictures and sends them through a video encoder into a laptop computer. 
     “The imager has the capability to shoot about 50 frames per second.  The camera gives a high resolution quality and is sensitive to about one-tenth of a degree.”
     Before the actual imaging of southeast Arkansas deer herds, the system was used to detect human movement in the hardwoods of Choctaw Island.  UAM forestry students and personnel from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission were placed in various locations throughout the island.
     “To make sure we understood how to properly operate the system, we placed people in various locations of the island.  Some were placed in water and others on land.  We did a slow fly over, and our results were impressive.  The system picked up all but one of the people in the field and the woods, but it didn’t pick up those in the water.  The water retained a lot of heat and caused energy rate to be lowered.  It even picked up one guy who lit a cigarette.  That’s how impressive this technology is.”
     The body temperature of a deer is approximately 101 degrees compared to the average body temperature of the human being at 98.6 degrees.  Researchers were concerned that the Thermal Infrared Imaging system would not make the distinction.  But, it did.
     Like the humans, a study was conducted on the deer population on Choctaw Island.  The results were compared to a spotlight study of deer conducted by UAM graduate student Erin McCammon.  McCammon worked on three routes of the White River National Wildlife Refuge and did a spotlight count on the deer population in that specific area.
     According to Tappe, “After conducting the trial run on humans, the imaging system was put to test with deer. Over twice as many deer were detected during thermal infrared counts compared to the traditional spotlight counting.”
     Deer appear on the video as a white image on a black background. The system is so sensitive that it will detect the movement of a mouse on the forest floor.  In addition, it can detect the bed in the grass that a deer recently used. 
     “The system provides a silhouette of the deer.  You are able to tell a doe from a buck.  It’s that distinctive.  In addition to deer, the system picked up bats, owls, possums, even rabbits during our flyover.”
     UAM is only one of two universities in the nation with this technology.  The other university with the capability to conduct such compelling research is the United States Air Force Academy.
     “There were only about 120 of the cameras made and we were fortunate enough to obtain one.  The other cameras were purchased primarily by the federal government.”
     While the equipment may have cost the university approximately $80,000, Tappe believes the benefits will outweigh the costs.
     “We were very fortunate to receive a grant from the Arkansas Forest Resources Center.  It may have been expensive, but the research possibilities with the equipment are endless.  Who knows what good it may do in the future.” 
     With southeast Arkansas serving as a wildlife refuge, this information is important to wildlife managers. 
     “Deer are extremely important to southeast Arkansas both economically and environmentally.  This new way of counting the herds allows wildlife managers and forest managers alike to plan for the deer population.”
      In addition, thermal imaging gives a much better projection of the deer population simply because it allows one to see beyond the visible eyesight.
     “It gives us a tool to see beyond what we can see.  It helps us help wildlife managers.  We are able to make better projections as to the deer herds in southeast Arkansas.”
     According to Tappe, this is just the beginning of the thermal imaging of deer.
     “One’s imagination is the limit.  Thermal imaging can be used in a variety of capacities to better the environment.”
     Tappe and Dr. Rob Kissell of the UAM Forest Resources faculty are responsible for the thermal imaging project.  In addition to McCammon, several other students are incorporating the idea into their research studies.  All of the results are forwarded to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
     Tappe believes the technology which has been used by firefighters to save lives and by hospitals to detect bone fractures can also be used to impact the environment of southeastern Arkansas in a positive way.
     “It’s expensive, but the work being accomplished is worth the price tag.”

There’s nothing like a homemade meal straight from the oven, a welcoming group of humble, generous college students, and some good ole’ music to make someone feel right at home. 
     Such has been the goal of a group of students who have been meeting together since spring 2002 for weekly fellowship. 
     However, the meetings do not stop at food, fun, and Jesus.  It goes much further.  These young adults have a bond. 
     Each Wednesday night is an uplifting experience for University of Arkansas-Monticello students and professors and for people from the community because they are given a place, a home, to come together and share what is on their hearts. 
     Covenant is more to them than just church–it’s a support group for God and for each other.
     The idea began last spring, when Reverend Ben Coulter, a sophomore at the University of Monticello, opened his home to his friends for dinner and a movie.  After eating hamburgers, the congregation of no more than ten Hamburg graduates and Rodeo Club members Ben grew up partying with piled into his living room to watch “The Ride,” a Christian film.  After the movie was over, the group drowned out the melodic tunes of Ben’s guitar with laughter as they played until midnight with smiles on their faces and Jesus in their hearts.  Even then, Ben never thought Covenant was going to explode, but it did.
     Word of mouth spread and a little over a year later, an average of 40-60 people meet, not only in Ben’s house, but also in two other homes in the Westside Manor apartment complex.  As you walk into the front door of Ben’s home, where the enormous group congregates to eat before splitting into study groups, you are greeted by friendly smiles and Arkansas Razorback memorabilia as the potluck aroma sneaks out the door, enticing you into the kitchen where homemade dishes are covering every inch of counter.  Only occasionally will you find Taco Bell and Popeye’s among John Smith’s famous squash or Tara Craig’s apple cobbler. 
     Though this ever-growing group needs a large, cement parking lot and an even larger building to gather in, you will never see Covenant meet anywhere else.  They enjoy creating a comfortable environment by welcoming the community into their houses, sharing their faith as well as their home.
      As Ben looks around the room, he laughs, “I grew up partying with most of these people.”  Those attending Covenant openly talk about their past, the mistakes they have made, and how they have grown since they opened their lives to God and left their rebellious past behind them.  “Now,” as Ben says, “we’re just regular folks living for Jesus.”  Here, no one is better than anyone else.  At Covenant, no one has anything to hide. 
     The morning after a wild prom party in 2000, Ben woke up and knew immediately something was wrong. 
     “I knew I was lost.  I knew I needed to get right.  I was lucky to be alive.” 
      And on January 11, 2000, he gave his life to God and surrendered to preach, to share Jesus with the world.  He started with those closest to him.  He wanted the guys he grew up with to see how he had changed and he realized that he could not be strong in his faith alone.
     His goal is to see leaders strong enough in their faith with God that Covenant can multiply.  Now, a new meeting group, stemming from what began as old friends celebrating their new life with God, has begun to meet every Monday night.  And all the while, Covenant grows even larger.  Each week a new face is brought into the family. 
     Throughout the meetings, he has witnessed first-hand changes in people’s hearts.  Ben also enjoys seeing what Covenant is doing for friendships.  He’s taken delight in watching UAM’s baseball and softball teams getting involved as the University of Arkansas-Monticello is brought together under one roof. 
All in all, Ben says that he wants to, “... give glory to God, Jesus-- not me, us;  We’re doing it for him– wanna’ see him get glory.”  He wants the entire community to join the weekly uplifting experience.     Ben opens Covenant to everyone, “Black, white, poor, rich, drunks, drug-heads... cause we’ve all been there.” 
     Covenant meets in Westside Manor Apartments, formerly Jennie Lane, Highway 278 East every Wednesday night at 7:30. 

     The University of Arkansas-Monticello recently attended the 2003 Law School Forum, held in Houston, Texas at the J. W. Marriot. 
     Professor and pre-law advisor Chris Wright and prospective law-school students Betty Dintelman, Matt Baumgarten, and Nicole Smith were able to tour the University of Houston as well as the South-West Texas School of Law to get a better feel of what law schools from across the nation have to offer.
     Sponsored by the Law School Admission Council programs and participating law schools, the 2003 Law School Forum, free law school recruitment programs, administer to the questions of future law school students. 
     At the forum, students were able to talk with law school representatives from over 140 American Bar Association approved schools about what they have to offer. 
     San Francisco’s Golden Gate University, Harvard, Yale, and even the University of Little Rock were among those present at the Houston convention. 
     While visiting with the schools, students were able to ask about specific admission criteria and get firsthand advice from representatives. Admission materials, including catalogs and application forms, were available at each table.
     After talking with delegates from individual universities, each participant attended one of four information sessions:   The Application Process, Financing a Legal Education, Minority Information Panel, and What Do Lawyers Do? 
     In addition, videos that hi-lighted the seminars were shown throughout the day giving the students a more in-depth and well-rounded knowledge of their future in law. 
     Professor Wright feels that the program not only helped him bring home knowledge that he can pass on to students, but the Law School Forum helped out those that attended. 
     He stated, “I think they got a great deal out of it.  They were able to meet with representatives from over 140 law schools and see what they were looking for in students and see if their interests matched the law schools.” 
     Betty Dintelman added, “I learned that just getting into law school is going to be more difficult than I thought, but I also learned a lot about the tools and resources available to me to complete that process.”

     “I knew I wasn’t going to get any help from my parents, so I was pretty much on my own,” said Deena Jarrett, a senior English major. 
     Jarrett did not really know how she was going to pay for her college education.  She knew there were several types of financial aid offered, but she wasn’t positive about which ones she qualified for. 
     The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers many different types of financial aid. 
     The Federal Pell Grant helps eligible undergraduates pay for their education after high school.  This need-based award does not have to be repaid and is awarded for the fall and spring semesters based on full-time (12 hours or more) students.  Pell Grants can be adjusted for students that are enrolled part time.
     The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, (FSEOG) is an award to help undergraduates with exceptional financial need.  FSEOG funding is limited.  Federal Pell Grants recipients are given priority on FSEOG awards.  It does not have to be repaid.
     An Arkansas State Grant is awarded by the state based on the information that the student provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  Recipients must be enrolled full time.  The award will be canceled for any student that becomes part time.  This does not have to be repaid.
     Undergraduate and graduate students are given the opportunity for Federal College Work Study.  The FCWS program provides eligible students with the chance to work at an on-campus or a community service job. 
     Funding is limited and the FCWS helps students earn money for college expenses.  The students who are able to secure a job through FCWS, may work a maximum of twenty hours a week and are paid minimum wage.  Students are paid once a month for the hours worked.  On-campus jobs are not guaranteed through FCWS.  A student that is interested in work study must locate a job on his/her own. 
     Unfortunately, UAM is unable to have a job for every qualified student.  By accepting a FCWS award you are not guaranteed the full amount listed on the award letter.
     A Federal Perkins Loan is for undergraduate and graduate students.  This is a low-interest (5%) loan.    UAM will be the lender for a Perkins loan, and they are made through the Financial Aid office. Funding for this type of loan is limited.  The student must sign a promissory note in the UAM Financial Aid office to receive this. This must be paid back.
Students enrolled at least half time (6 hours-undergraduates, 3 hours-graduate,) are eligible for a Federal Stafford Loan.  There are many different lenders to choose from, so choose your lender carefully.  The lender must have a Master Promissory Note on file before funds will be disbursed to UAM.  One also has to complete a Stafford Entrance Counseling.  This will only take about 15 minutes and it is available 24 hours a day seven days a week.  UAM will be notified when everything is completed. When you graduate, withdraw, or drop below halftime you must take the Stafford Exit Counseling.  The entrance and exit counseling can be found at http://mapping-your-future.org.  Even if you become dissatisfied or you do not graduate you must repay this loan back.
     Jarrett went to the UAM financial aid office and discovered the different types of aids she could receive.  Scholarships and grants paid for most of her college education. Since she has to practice teach for a year, she will be attending college for four and a half years. This will cause her scholarships and grants to run out. She has received a loan this semester that she will use to pay for the rest of her college education, ending with graduation  December 2004.
     If you have any questions feel free to contact the UAM Financial Aid Office at 460-1050. Or just drop by the financial aid office which is located in Harris Hall. 

     During pre-registration, students should meet with their advisors to go over graduation requirements, scheduling and any problems the student may have encountered during the previous semester. 
    “I have never had any problems with registration until this semester. Two of the classes that I need to graduate are being offered at the same time on the same day, this conflicts with my senior project.” said Norman Snerling, senior Computer Information Systems student.
    According to a student survey of UAM students, thirty-five percent of students claimed to have had problems with registration that resulted in them being dropped from class. Some have even had to wait to register the next semester. 
     “During my second semester, I didn’t know the steps to proper registration, so I ended up being dropped from my classes. I had to go to the registrar’s office to be readmitted,” said sophomore General Studies student Brandon Jones. 
     Problems may include anything from missing immunization records to students simply failing to finalize their bill. 
     Before visiting the advisors office, students should have a general idea of what classes they need to take and the times that the classes are offered. This will allow for more time with the advisor. All aspects are not the sole responsibility of the academic advisor. 
     “I have never had any problems with registration because my advisor knows what she is doing. I go in there, I give her my schedule, and she puts me in the classes,” commented junior Computer Information Systems student Joshua Hackett. 
     Schedules may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office in Harris Hall and on the UAM Homepage. Aside from the face to face meetings with advisors, all UAM students can register for classes using the Campus Connect System which is also available through the UAM Homepage.

     Widely published journalist and author Suzi Parker spoke to a group of UAM students and faculty on November 3rd. The topics ranged from her start in journalism to her new book.
     Suzi started the path to being a writer in the seventh grade at Pine Bluff. Her first real experience came as the editor of the newspaper at ASU.  A feat she accomplished as an entering freshman. 
     In 1991, she received her masters from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 
     “People told me if I wanted to be successful I’d have to leave Arkansas. I was determined to stay.” 
     After college, she began working at the Arkansas Democrat Gazette as an obituary writer. “I thought, it’s obit writing, but surely I can do it."
     Parker developed a cult following and was given the moniker “Obit Godess”. 
     “I wrote about 15,000 obits and was completely burnt out. It was a depressing job.” Parker complained to her editor and was then the High Profile section, in which covered the latest high society weddings and reported on the activities of the Junior League. 
     Parker quit her job and according to her had no real plan. “The year was 97 and Clinton was in the White House. I figured I’d do politics.” 
     The only problem was Parker had never covered politics and knew next to nothing about the political scene. For weeks she studied up on the subject and emailed editors, explaining she could be their source for everything political in Little Rock. She finally got a break writing for the London based Economist about the Clinton Library. 
     Since that time she has wrote for Time, US News and World Report, and several other major publications.
    Parker is now on a promotional tour for her first book Sex in the South: Unbuckling the Bible Belt. A self professed fan of Jackie Collins and Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell, Parker shows the South in a somewhat startling new light as she reveals it’s sensual side in a way that no one has dared touch before. Her book can be found in the UAM library.
     Her advice to budding authors and journalists is, “Always assume your reader knows nothing. Keep writing and don’t let rejection get you down.”

     UAM has many hidden treasures distributed throughout campus.  From faculty, students, and even buildings, there is a story lying right beneath the surface. 
     Dr. Robert Moore, a professor of English at UAM for five years, is a rare gem.  Many of his students are unaware of Moore’s hidden treasure.  To the poets of the world, Moore is simply known as “Red Hawk.”
     “Red Hawk” is Moore’s Earth name, as he likes to call it.  Moore's name was given to him by Power, a spiritual being that some might refer to as God.  Around 20 years ago, Moore took a ‘spiritual retreat’ to the Buffalo River in the middle of winter to look for his name given to him by the Earth.  Moore kept asking for Power to show him a sign of his name in which was to belong to him.  During this four day retreat, a red hawk would sit on a limb of a big oak tree that Moore’s camp was directly under.  On the fourth day, the limb that the hawk had rest on gave way to the weight of the ice.  The limb fell at Moore’s feet. 
     “It fell right at the feet of my camp chair.  It didn’t hit me, didn’t harm me in any way. But fell two feet from my chair.”  Moore took this as a sign from Power that his name, given to him by the Earth, should be “Red Hawk.”
     Moore said that his spiritual retreat showed him two things.  “One, pay attention, two, align yourself with the Earth and you will align yourself with God.” 
     This led Moore to focus on doing right by Power.   Moore has had many types of jobs from ranch hand to factory work.  Moore still felt that Power had something more planned for his life.  Moore became a professor to help guide others.  He believes teaching humans the right way to serve Power is his obligation. 
     He wants to teach people how to become in touch with the Earth.  The Earth, according to Moore, is what gave us our lives.  He not only gives Power the credit for helping him guide the future of tomorrow, but he also credits God for is poetry.  Moore claims he is shown pictures to write about.  In Moore’s poetry, he tries to describe every detail of the picture so that others will be able to see his visions. 
     Moore’s works have been noticed world wide.  He has been nominated for two Pulitzer Prize Awards and a National Book Award.  He has published two books entitled The Sioux Dog Dance (Cleveland State University Press, 1992) and The Way of Power (Hohm Press, 1992 and 1997).  He has just recently published another book entitled The Art of Dying (Hohm Press, 1999).
     “Fear is the lack of knowledge. The less knowledge we have about death, we fear it.  I like to look at things eye to eye.  I like to operate that way – in I want to look at things head on.  I want to find out the truth of things.  I want to find out things through my own experience.  We are surrounded by death everywhere.  That is the beauty of death.”
     Moore came to the University of Arkansas-Monticello in 1997.  “I was one of the original rookies from the class of 1997.  That was on of the best recruiting classes in the history of this university.” 
     Moore's duties at UAM do not end at being a professor.  This year, Moore was appointed chairman of the Rockefeller Lecture committee.   The Rockefeller Lectures were founded in 1972 and funded by Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lectures Series.  UAM is one out of five universities given money by Rockefeller Distinguish Lecture Series to hold these fascinating lectures.
     The Rockefeller Lectures are held every two years on campus.  “Every two years we want to bring a speaker of national renowned reputation.”   These lectures are free to the public and to the campus. 
     This year's committee, headed by Moore, consist of librarian Sandra Dupree, Music professor Dr. Paul Becker,  Social and Behavioral Science professor Dr. Richard Corby, and Math professor Dr. Morris Bramlett plus Dean of Arts and Humanities, Dr. David Ray.  “It’s a hard working committee.  They are all great people.”
     This year the committee has narrowed the list down to a select few of national known people to be guest speaker for the Rockefeller Lectures in 2004.  Moore revealed three possible candidates that this year’s committee is looking to ask to lecture here on campus. These three people are Best Selling Author David Halberstram, Former First Lady and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and also Best Selling Author John Updike.
     When the committee has finalized every detail for next year’s Rockefeller Lecture, the campus and community will be notified. 

     On Tuesday, November 18, the Library Technology Center Gallery was filled by students, faculty, and individuals from the area as Stacey Moore, a senior at the University of Arkansas-Monticello, hosted her Senior Art Exhibition. 
     Moore's artwork, which includes nineteen pieces, was put on display November 10th, and will be shown through November 23rd. Moore has displayed her watercolors that depict pictures from both fall and spring seasons, and of a “Winter Me,” acrylic and oil painting that addresses the concept of space, as well as two collages, one that illustrates the people of the world and the other of a very close companion. 
    While the crowd sipped banana punch and tasted hors d'oeuvres, Rich Moore and Aaron Rice, both of Hamburg, played the bongo and acoustic guitar to softly entertain the audience as they walked around the gallery and admired Moore's talent. 
    The ideas for all of her images, she says, come from somewhere in her memory or imagination, or even in situations both are used to create her original paintings. 
     "For me, painting is a release," said Moore.
     Through completing a painting the art becomes a project, and through each step, individual thought and character is placed into each piece. 
     “To me, art is not only about the end result, but rather the process that leads from one idea which spawns creative action to another.  I believe art, in general, is therapeutic to both the artist and the viewer.  Each party is given some point of departure that takes them to another place or time within their existence, therefore art gives rise to inspiration and reflection.”
    One particular young man resisted the constant flow and stopped in front of a two-piece painting by Moore. 
     Hamburg resident Brandon Murphy was admiring the piece he was given as a gift.  He says he is honored to have a piece of her artwork displayed in his home. 
     “I feel privileged to have it, for sure.  It’s especially nice to look at in the mornings, when the sun is shining through the blinds.  The lights shows the paintings depth, making it come alive.”
      Dr.Tom Richard, an art professor at UAM, feels that working with Stacey has been a pleasure. 
     “Stacey’s been good to work with—pretty dedicated.  She has a number of other external responsibilities, but still finds time to go above and beyond with class assignments.” 
     He was also proud for her achievements.  “I told her that having a show is more successful than graduating.” 
     For all who attended, and for Stacey, her senior exhibition was more than a success.  It was the completion of a project, the end result of her hard work and dedication to expression through the arts. 
     Many of her pieces were sold during the reception.  However, her artwork can still be admired in the Library Technology Center Gallery through November 23. 
     In addition, the student art show will open Tuesday the 25th, and continue through the first week in December. 

Fall Choral Concerts             FAC, 7:30 p.m.

Great American Smoke-Out