The

VOLUME 22 NUMBER 1

Ill Find A Way Or Make One

Panther

September 1 - September 16, 2010

CAU Call Center : Financial Enrollment Effort

By Angelina T. Velasquez Layout/Design Editor

inancial enrollment has long been a problem for students at Clark Atlanta University. The downturn of the economy affected everyone, especially students who were trying to secure loans to pay for the education. Aside from the effect economy had on students, there was also an effect on schools like other universities, CAU had to reconsider its budget, which meant determining how much money would be available for student aid. Efforts to increase freshmen enrollment paid off in that the Fall 2010 semester enrolled more freshmen than the previous fall semester. This however does not only come with an increase in tuition paid to the school, but also decreases the pot in which many students rely on to assist them with enrollment and lingering account fees, which only made the financial enrollment process more stressful for parents and students alike. Thus, the Call Center was implemented. The CAU Financial Aid Call Center was created to ensure that an increased volume

of students in need of significantly increased financial aid assistance were able to speak with a staff member during fall registration process. Establishing the Center alleviated the wait time many students and parents reported before it was instituted, said Donna

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so that my classes did not get dropped, said Shevon Jones, second-year Social Work Graduate student. Some of the issues that students have with enrollment are a simple phone call away and that is where the Call Center truly became useful. The Call Center established three very clearly defined objectives. First, it ensured that students and parents calling CAU for financial aid assistance were able to get through to actual staff volunteers to discuss, and to the extent possible, resolve their issue. Second, the Call Center served as a means to reach out to students whose status was unclear and either confirm their enrollment or help determine issues preventing it. Third, the Call Center was able to provide information and direction to parents trying to navigate the financial aid process, some for the first Photo by Jazmine Ford time, said Brock. Students waiting to enroll. Brock, Director of Stra Those who received tegic Communications the much needed assisfor Clark Atlanta University. tance can attest to the success of the center, The Call Center was established Aug. 9 and however it is not an asset that the institution had more than 259 faculty and staff volunintends on keeping for years to come as a teers (approximately 43 percent) until its means to handle the crunch time, but more close on Sep. 8. Along with answering calls so as an opportunity for fundraising, alumni the volunteers also returned calls to students relations, student recruitment and various that they were assisting. other efforts. Instead, the institution is in the Returning students know all too well the expe- progress of correcting system and managerience that entails with waiting to speak with ment issues in line with CAuPRI and working financial counselors in hope of alleviating the on their Enrollment Management Plan. stress of finding funds or determine what mis- As the institution undergoes reform takes were made that halted the dispersion for the better it is only the hope that students of their funds. that choose to attend CAU will have a better I get a Title 48 Grant that comes transition into the registration process than from the school, therefore I can not be fiyears past have offered. nancially enrolled until the school posts the grant money. However, their problem is that the state has not brought the money in and it seems that no one can do anything about it, but they were suppose to flag my account

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NEWS: page 5

STUDENT LIFE: page 2

A&E: page 3

Clark Atlanta University

NEWS

The Panther September 1 - September 16, 2010

Smart Phones Getting Smarter?

By Megan Hylton Layout/Design Team

oday, phones play a significant role in society; its a way of staying connected to the world around us. With more than 50,000 different phone applications, phones are increasingly controlling every aspect of our lives. With social networking, texting, emails, BBMs and surfing the internet, our cellular device is something we definitely could not live without. So whats the next move? How can we make our smart phones smarter? Technologist and phone companies, such as AT&T, Verizon and T-mobile, have been strategi-

cally planning to eliminate plastic (NFC) chip. This new concept is credit cards with smart phones. called the wave and pay. How is this The possible? chip sends out wireless Well, the signals that details of transmit this service your credit are still becard ining tested, formation however, without the with this old fashion new celluswiping. lar service, This new customadvanceers will be ment is able to use extremely their smart reliable and Photo Courtesy of Google phone to trustworthy. New Motoralla Droid and HTC Hero. Its made pay for items using a new Near Field to provide Communication better pro-

tection of credit card information and your money than your old credit card could. Your information is not stored on a regular SIM card or in the phone memory that could be easily lost or stolen, but on a separate microprocessor chip that only communicates using NFC. This new mobilized credit card smart phone is reported to be tested only in certain major cities, including Atlanta. This new service is not necessarily cheap, but its definitely worth checking out. So say good-bye to plastic and hello to your new smart phone!

Midnight Blaze Draws Crowd at Brawley Hall

By Angelina T. Velasquez Layout/Design Editor

CAU Bookstore Offers Book Rentals

By Jazmine Ford Staff Writer

esidents of Brawley Hall were witnesses to a fire that took place on September 16 around midnight. The blaze occurred outside of the building on the first floor near the windows of the neighboring suite. It is unclear what the cause may have been, however what is known is that many students were oblivious to what was going on. Senior Mass Media Arts major, Dimitrieus Hopkins, is responsible for putting the fire out. It was a strange crackling sound that he heard outside his window that drew his attention to see what was going on. Upon looking out the window he noticed flames in the window across the way, but upon further thought he realized that the fire was directly below his room. It was this realization that sent Hopkins into action as he raced to the lobby to see what was being done about the situation. Noticing that everyone was watching the flames as they grew with no intentions of doing anything he took the task of extinguishing the fire. I was just thinking about the dorm catching fire and how displaced everyone would be if the fire continued to burn and grew out of control, explained Hopkins.

Campus Police were also called to the dorm, however they did not arrive until the fire was extinguished. Their late arrival has sparked many concerns for students and their safety. One of the main concerns is the what if factor. If the situation had not been diffused by a courageous student, there is a possibility that students may have been injured well before Campus Police did their part to help. Im not a hero, I just did what was right, said Hopkins on how he felt about his actions and how others may perceive him. If additional information is released about the cause of the fire, the Panther will bring the news to you.

Photo Courtesy of Google A burning bush.

and it provides more options. We have received a lot of positive feedback. Students are taking ads the semester begins, anx- vantage of this new book-rental ious students fill Clark Atpolicy and find it to be a very lanta Universitys bookstore helpful way to save money. I to purchase expensive books, find this new rental policy helpbut this year the bookstore offers ful because if you only have a students another alternative. semester class, you wont have Effective Fall 2010, the to pay the full price, says SophoCAU bookstore gives students more English Major Kelsey Jones. another alternative besides the Freshman Fashion Merchandising traditional option to purchase Major Larrisa Murphy agrees: used and new books that are This process is definitely often equally expensive. helpful because you can rent less This year students not only than half of the book. have the option to purchase new If students are not participating or used books, but are also given in the book-rental process it is the opportunity to rent books. typically because of another reaStudents can now rent books for son, they would rather buy their up to 50% or more off the new major course books. book purchase price so long as Although this new bookthey agree to return the books at rental policy is new at CAU, it is the end of the term. by far new to the nation. Follett According to CAU bookHigher Education Group launched store staff manager, Gloria McRent-A-Text in fall 2009 and today Clain, in order for students to it is the nations largest and purchase books through this fastest-growing textbook rental new book-rental policy, students program. must adhere to the following Colleges and Universities conditions: Students must be around the world are launchover 17 years of age and obtain ing programs similar to these a valid credit or debit card whose with the sole purpose of helping number will be held in place as reduce the rising cost of higher collateral; The student will not be education. The new book-rental charged, but the card number will policy is an effective way to help be held until book is returned. If students afford the extremely the book is not returned, the stu- high cost of books. The students dent will be charged the full price can only hope that the bookstore of the book. will adopt this same process next Were excited because year. its allowing students to save more money

Clark Atlanta University

STUDENT LIFE

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The Panther September 1 - September 16, 2010

Students Enrich Their Lives Studying Abroad

By Janae Andrews Contributing Writer

his past year, Clark Atlanta University had one of the largest groups of students to leave the comfort of their homes and partake in study abroad program at the institution. One senior at Clark Atlanta University, Marrissa Patterson, traveled across the Atlantic Ocean and left the states for the first time to begin her journey to one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris. With studying French since the seventh grade and currently being a French minor, Paris was obviously the perfect fit for Patterson. Paris was my first and only choice, Patterson said. Though Paris was her main home city, Patterson was able to travel to other countries throughout Europe, one being Marrakech, Morocco. Pattersons story to becoming a study abroad participant is one that differs from others. Patterson was on a full scholarship and came into college already having 15 credits under her belt. By her

already being so far ahead of her was able to relate to him because fellow peers, this enabled her to of my participation in the study take advantage of the program. abroad program, she said. Doing the study abroad program Though Patterson applauds not only gave the idea for Patterson the students to chance to see take advanwhat many her tage of the age have yet to study abroad experience, but program, she also gave her a notes that it means to conis not a cake nect with othwalk. From ers. Patterson, the extensive who interned for registration to GE, discussed the thought of how in a room being alone full of peers and in a foreign top executives, environment, she stood out the process amongst her felto get to Paris low interns and was quit a impressed them journey in itwith her trip. Photo Courtesy of Marrissa Patterson self. Despite I was in the preparaMarrissa standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. a meeting tion for the during my trip being internstressful ship with head executives of GE. and difficult, Patterson says that One of the executives had been it was very much worth it. talking about Casablanca and I Even though Patterson was over

4000 miles away from Clark Atlanta University, she still lived the life of a normal college student by, preparing meals, going to class and making new friends. People elsewhere are just like us. We all have the same problems and go through the same things once people realize that it will make it easier for them to connect to one another. I still talk to the people that I met over in Paris, she said. While Patterson took her journey to Paris, most of the programs determine the possible destinations for a student by the students major. Cost for attendance also varies and is determined by where a student chooses to go. For more information about the study abroad program, students can contact Dr. Brown and the Office of International Education in Trevor-Arnett Hall.

Freshmen Get the CAU Experience

By Kristopher Baker Contributing Writer

Healthy Tuesday
By Sequoyah Armour Staff Writer

he Clark Atlanta University Experience exceeded expectations, grabbing the attention from all 1,100 freshmen representing the class of 2014. Efforts by the newly chartered Orientation Guides were solely intended to ease the transition from home to, what we as students call, the college life and the campus of Clark Atlanta University. It is understood that the OGs [Orientation Guides] made some adjustments to the background of events, such as shortening the Orientation to two days [where it was previously three days] and adding the use of Webinars. Webinars are a workshop or lecture delivered over the Web. Freshman Rasheed Alhassan said, I like the concept, it is a great way to get to know the other freshmen around the AUC. It is also a great icebreaker allowing the freshmen to not only become familiar with one another, but to have the opportunity to collaborate with the upperclassmen as well. Not to mention, Internet social groups also have played a role in making the new webinars

more enticing for incoming students. Its like second-nature. In addition, this is a required experience for all freshmen from CAU, Spelman and Morehouse to interact amongst each other. Furthermore, the freshmen are required to complete 20 hours of community service during their first year here at CAU. They are also expected to participate in the annual Up Till Dawn letter writing campaign which awards five students five hours of service. Faculty and staff would like to wish the incoming class an enjoyable matriculation through this prestigious university as your college days will swiftly pass. Everything from networking through professors, to getting involved with organizations on campus is about the college experience. CAU staff and advisors suggest that you take full advantage of your surroundings at CAU. Good luck and have fun as you all matriculate at CAU, a family oriented campus where traditions are made.

lark Atlanta Universitys Dining options have recently changed during the 2010-2011 school year for students and faculty. CAUs dining hall now features Healthy Tuesday options to incorporate nutritious food in a balanced meal. Setting aside one day of the week to input hearty food options is a new step to building a prosperous cafeteria that everyone can enjoy. No longer having the choice of french fries, beef or pork was thrilling for a few students, but came as a great shock to others. I think the change has been for the worse. Instead of the food being healthy, its simply disgusting. The cafeteria is being cheap, says Jerrica Burnham, sophomore accounting Major. On the other hand, other students are accepting this change. Nia Tabera, Sophomore, Business major says, Its just good to incorporate the change because you have students who enjoy eating healthy, but at the same time, it should not be just one day set aside for nutritious options. They should accommodate everybody with both healthy

options for those who want it and other choices for those who dont. This plan was implemented by employees from CAU that feel that fitness and wellness are a balanced part of lifestyle choices. So will this school year bring about some new diet regiments or will student complaints prevail over Healthy Tuesdays by next semester? Guess youll just have to follow up with the Panther!

Photo Courtesy of Google Food Pyramid.

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Clark Atlanta University

A&E
while the past four seasons were filmed in Los Angeles, California. From the bisexual stripper from L.A. known as Brandi to the curvaceous Catya from Philadelphia, The Bad Girls Club Miami brings together a very interesting group of Ladies with different personalities. Danielle is the youngest bad girl hailing from Long Island and her

The Panther September 1 - September 16, 2010

Oxygens Bad Girls are Back on the Scene

By Malniquia Evans Contributing Writer

ack for another successful season, The Bad Girls Club Miami has brought a lot of enthusiasm for its viewers. Being Oxygens most watched reality series, The Bad Girls Club has ranked in thousands of viewers ages 18-50. From the same producers of the MTV hit series, The Real World, The Bad Girls Club allows seven women with personal, behavioral, and psychological struggles to come together and agree to reside in the same household while the audience watches with anticipation on what they will do next. On August 3, 2010, spectators tuned in for the premiere of season five, as the new cast members were introduced to their new home in Miami, Florida

confidant Ericka who comes from California; proceed as the two outsiders of the house. The spoiled beauty pageant princess from Boston, Kristen, serves as the outspoken drinker while the heavily tattooed rebel from South Beach, Lea, acts as Photo Courtesy of Google Season 5 Bad Girls the innocent peace

maker. Just like the previous seasons, The Bad Girls Club has the special cast member that is overly confident and feels like she should be the head of the house. As a resident of Miami, the self proclaimed hottest girl in Miami, Morgan is the first to get kicked out of the house. The new girl Kayleigh conveniently takes her place and soon becomes known as Kristens shadow. This season of The Bad Girls Club is filled with fighting, arguments, and problems that occur amongst the seven roommates and also Miami locals. As the women take on Miami together, us viewers gets a chance to understand the definition of what it means to be a real life Bad Girl.

Bokeem Woodbine: An Actor That Can Get Right

By: Demeshia Jackson A&E Editor

ollywoods well renowned actor Bokeem Woodbine is back on the Big Screen. Woodbine has achieved a notable series of credits and a variety of film projects such as Ted Demmes, Life Mario Van Peebles Jasons Lyric, and Spike Lees Crooklyn. He has also appeared on TNTs award winning TV series, Saving Grace for two seasons and also on HBOs most successful television series of all time, The Sopranos. Woodbine is known for giving memorable performances in all his works no matter what role he has to tackle. In this latest M. Night Shyamalan thriller, Bookeem is portrayed as Ben, the security guard who tries to safely help him and a group of others get out of a trapped elevator, but in a twist, they realize that the Devil is among them. He was limited giving details about the film trying not to spoil the plot, but added, Its worth the price of admission. Its a slick new look ahead of its time to tell you the truth. His experience working with extraordinary horror film directors & writers was interesting. With slight astonishment he paused, saying, It was wow, to tell you the truth!

Overall it was a great experience because everybody worked together. It really was interesting because it was dealing with stuff thats actually based on reality per say. This film was definitely a different style from any of his other projects. He mentioned that filming the project was an overall great experience working well together with a phenomenal cast. Woodbine has other projects in the works inculuding another thriller entitled, Little Murder, starring Terrance Howard and Josh Lucas; which will hit theaters earlier next year. Also in the works is a drama shot in Mexico called, The Exodus of Charlie Wright. In reference to the recent roles hes had lately, he mentioned how he wonders why hes attracting those roles. He states, with a chuckle, Ive been working on films with some kind of supernatural nature, its never happened before so its kind of interesting to me. So if youre ready to be entertained with a twist of cringing, then youre definitely in the right mood to watch Devils! It hit movie theatres last Friday and the only element missing from the premier was you. So check it out Panthers, and be on the lookout for the up and coming movies, Little Murders and the Exodus of Charlie Wright.

Photo Courtesy of Google Devil movie poster.

Clark Atlanta University

A&E

The Panther September 1 - September 16, 2010

ATL Celebrates Labor Day Weekend Luda Style

By Chivone Smith Managing Editor

udaDay weekend has been going strong for the past five years here at Clark Atlanta University and the 5th annual celebration of Luda Weekend was as star-studded as it was back then. LudaDay Weekend was created by Ludacris in efforts to celebrate students and most importantly, it was driven on giving back to the community by providing book scholarships to qualified Morehouse college students. Adding celebrities to participate in these events are just icing on the cake. Since its epic journey five years ago, LudaDay weekend has proved to be one of the most highly recognized weekendsto the staff and students of CAU. With the performances, giveaways and events thrown, it is definitely one of the most anticipated events here at CAU. This year was no different, the weekend kicked off with a block party featuring such artist as Travis Porter, Sammie, Lil Scrappy, Verse Simmons, Rock City and the headliner, Ludacris. At a press interview conducted with Ludacris, he was questioned about the progress he has made from five years ago to today. Hes quoted saying, This year we are extremely pleased with the outcome and today is extremely special because we do this CAU block party every year and this year we want to make sure we mention that AirTran is one of the sponsors that help out with the Morehouse book scholarship fund and of course when we perform we bring entertainment and just positive energy to the campus for all the new students and of course for the people who have already been going to the college, so its just about giving back. This star studded event gets better and better every year and as the weekend carried out, celebrities poured throughout the AUC. Artist such as Rock City

performed Saturday and set the on top, you know? Its not all roof on fire. With their Caribbean, about being rich and famous, we hip hop and reggae ton feel, Rock care about substance, Genesis City likes to call themselves a quoted. Dont ever get discourworld music group. They have aged. You have to start somedone written works for Sean where. Like, theres suppose to Kingston, Jennifer Hudson and be struggles in life, everything even Justin Bieber just to name aint suppose to be easy. God a few. Moving from the Virgin blessed you and you got to use Islands homeless, they prove it. Genesis and LS wrapped up that they are not an overnight the interviews at the CAUs Block success, but that they are here Party. Next on the list was the Ceto stay. They were quoted saying, lebrity basketball game at MoreBe sure that this is something houses Forbes arena. you want to do. If you trying to The celebrity basketball be a(n) game was overnight infested with success, celebs! From then its spectators not gonna to participahappen tors, this that way. game was No strangfull of energy ers to and surprisCAU, Traes. One of vis Porter the biggest strolled surprises through appeared and had on the a few away team. choice Chris Brown words strolled Photo Courtesy of Chivone Smith to say to through the Ludacris future aspiring artbuilding. ist. They were quoted, Fans were Be original, build relationships frantic! Fans grew even more with the djs and hug your fans. surprised when Chris Brown was Words to live by in this die-hard challenged to a mini dance off entertainment industry. Here are from a member of CAUs own more notes on being a good enHypnotic Dance Team. Hypnotic tertainer from various artist: even showed good sportsmanWork your butt off and when ship when they were out danced you get there, dont stop working by Mr. Brown himself. Other your butt offTo get there you celebs that poured to this event (have) to work hard. To stay there, included, Nelly, Lance Gross, you got to work even harder and Polow Da Don, Terrence J, Samyou have to stay humble. DTPs mie, Lil Scrappy, Diamond, RosUntitled. coe Dash, Teairra Marie, Keisha You cant be the next Beyonce Knight Pulliam, Kelly Rowland, (be)cause you could never be her. professional athletes Chris Paul, Be true to yourself. Song writer Josh Powell, boxing champ Andre and entertainer, Nate Walker. Berto and AND1 street baller Hot Keep your face out there even if Sauce among many others. they dont hear your music. Rap The game ended with a artist, Lil Chuckee. score of 88 to 84. While team CAUs own Genesis and Larenz Tate was four points LS surprised the crowd with their down, team Ludacris celebrated performance. These AUC stars their victory with everyone. The have been at it for the past year Panther caught up with Day 26s and a half. We just want to be Brian and asked him why it was

important to give back to the black community, Us as celebrities, when were blessed and have the opportunity to give back, why not give back? I grew up with not much, but I been blessed and every time I get the opportunity to give back, I definitely do so. He accredits God to his success and mentions how everything is possible through him in order to make it in this buisness. We also caught up with Ludacris stylist, Renamdo Nehemiah, he mentioned that as a young black male, he owes it to give back. Also, in a quick interview with Denver Nuggets own Ty Lawson, he explained how this is where he came from. He was quoted, These kids out here (are) trying to do the same thing Im doing so Im trying give them a(n) easier path than I did. The day could not have ended any better. Even though the LudaDay Weekend officially ended in a secret location (cough, Club Primal), students and faculty of the AUC were looking forward to DTP shutting down the house again next year. We asked Ludacris what he foresees for this operation next year, Just doing it bigger and better, you know? Inviting more celebrity friends, raising more money for children, charities and scholarships. So there you have it Panthers. You never know what or who to expect for this traditional weekend and if you werent able to bask in the ambiance of LudaDay Weekend, just make sure that you are in attendance next year and be on the prowl for your favorite celeb! (Insider, according to singer/ songwriter Asia Bryant, Quincy Jones is coming out with a new album that will be a compilation of all his productions with different artist. Be on the lookout!)

Photo Courtesy of Chivone Smith Chris Brown and teammates.

Photo Courtesy of Chivone Smith Rapper Lil Chuckee Photo Courtesy of Chivone Smith Teyanna Taylor watching her team.

Clark Atlanta University

A&E

The Panther September 1 - September 16, 2010

LudaDay Weekend A Few of the Celeb Guests Who Visited the AUC ...

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Clark Atlanta University The Panther September 1 - September 16, 2010

The Panther Address: Surviving the Call Center Top 10 Tips for Surviving 2011
1) The Early Bird Gets the Worm
Start taking care of problems with your tuition as soon as possible

5) Have Patience
Be prepared to wait, youre not the only one calling

9) Dont lose hope

It may seem exhausting, but dont give up

2 )Meet Deadlines
Fill out your FAFSA and apply for loans when youre suppose to. Dont wait

6) Be Informed
If you dont know your status or information, how can you expect for someone else to?

10.) If all else fails

You may have to visit the office because some things are better handled in person

3) Know your problem

Find out whether student accounts or financial aid has the answer to your questions

7) Follow up
Dont be afraid to call back if your situation wasnt handled the first time

4) Send E-mails
The call center may be busy, so sometimes e-mails may be a quick means of notification

8) Make Copies
Financial Aid and Student Account workers may misplace paper work so have backup files just in case

We want to hear from you!

T
he Panther is published by the students of Clark Atlanta University. The opinions expressed in The Panther reflect only the positions of the student writers and editorial staff, and not the ideas or opinions of the University or its governing board. The Panther has both the right and responsibility to report news of student interest from on and off campus, to editorialize on matters of student concern, and to provide a forum for the free expression of opinion and exchange ideas in the community. Reprints by permission of the editor and adviser. All rights reserved.

ant to sound off in The Panther? Let your voice be heard!

We encourage letters to the editors. All letters must contain sufficient contact information of the writer. All letters will become property of The Panther and are subject to editing for space allotment, grammar and content. E-mail letters to: caunews05@yahoo.com Or deliver them to: Room G30 Located inside the Center of Excellence of the Department of Mass Media Arts.

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Clark Atlanta University The Panther September 1 - September 16, 2010

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