“Life is full of misery, loneliness and suffering. And it’s all over much too soon.” [Woody Allen]

Inside ... A Summer Recap ... [3]Features ...............[6-7]Commentary ......[8-10]Editorial .................. [8]A&E ................[12-13]Sports ..............[14-16]

“Phantom Schedule”Updates[3] Professor Dies

[3]

Taste of Tampa[12]

Metroid Marathon [13]

Who is Mike Gilmer?[6]

Vol. 75 No. 1 www.theminaretonline.com minaret@ut.edu August 22, 2008

University of Tampa

An Unimaginable Loss [4]

Ashley Plaza Hotel to be Used Againfor Overflow HousingBy Ellery McCardleNews Editor

By Charlie HambosAsst. Editor-in-chief

With UT dorms full, some students were forced to live off-campus.

Despite hopes of starting off freshman year right, some UT students were assigned to the Howard Johnson Hotel. But Residence Hall Associat ion President Molly Murphy says students can make or break their college experience no matter where they live.

“Of course living in the hotel will take some getting used to, but I know that the RA’s and the Hall Council will plan great activities for the residents there. We are always ready to help make someone’s on-campus experience better. ” said Murphy..

Being in a different location, Muprhy says the RA’s in the hotel will still have to do the same duties as an on-campus RA.

“The Howard Johnson hall council will be run exactly like our hall councils on campus. They

Cutting the Line: Post Office RenovatesMailboxes moved to Riverside, 500 more added in effort to shorten waits

The days of receiving the slip of confirmation to pick up your package at Riverside for that small window of time are over. The new post office has the facilities to bring both the services together making life easier for students and staff, now providing full postal services.

In July, the Post Office on the first floor of the Science Wing of Plant Hall closed its doors forever and the student mailboxes were relocated to Riverside where they would join an additional 500 student boxes in the new mail room.

All continuing students must report to the Post Office to receive their new lock combinations. Student box numbers will remain the same.

Kathy Fryer, UT’s Post Office Supervisor, said that growth is the ultimate reason for the move to Riverside Center. There is now a total of 5,930 boxes.

Fryer, however did not mention the possibility the move had anything to do with the US Postal Inspection Service’s investigation earlier in the spring semester.

One major change to the postal service will be the ability for students to pick up both mail and packages in the same location.

Another change is the hours of operation now lasting from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All services will be available during those times.

Some feel that 10 a.m. is a little late for the Post Office to open, but Fryer defends that time.

“The first delivery is between 6:30 a.m.-7 a.m. Due to growth, that time is needed to sort and to be in boxes by 10 a.m.,” she said.

Since the move and expansion is quite a leap for the UT postal service, the changes could cause some mix-ups in the mail sorting and distributing.

However, the Post Office supervisor asserts that everything will be under control.

“I anticipate no problems,” Fryer said.

The new facility will provide fu l l pos ta l serv ices except International Express Shipping. Shipping will only be available

If you’re reading this, you hopefully picked up a copy of The University of Tampa’s only student newspaper. We thank you and hope you pick it up again next week, and the next week, and so on.

Most of the hands holding this newspaper are reading it for the first time. We welcome you to UT and wish you the best of luck in your years here.

What will you find in The Minaret? We are your only source of campus news, sports, opinion and entertainment. When something happens at UT, The Minaret is the first to know.

Keep up to date with our Web site, www.theminaretonline.com for the latest in UT news.

If you really love us, come write for us. We’re waiting!

See “HoJo” [2]

WELCOMEto

The Minaret

See “Postal” [2]

Campus in Motion

Between construction workers, incoming and return-ing students, parents and a new mailroom, UT’s campus is awash in a level of activity only attainable during these last few weeks of August.

From the top left, clockwise: A road closure outside of Sykes COB; an artists rendering of the new chapel; Senior Corey Perich helps move in; a look through a mailbox

5,930 mailboxes fill the new post office. Photo by Peter Arrabal

The Minaret is a weekly student-run publication of the

University of Tampa. As a student organization, The

Minaret invites all students to take part in its production. Inquiries and comments may be sent to ut.minaret@gmail.com

Your first two copies of The Minaret are free.

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Staff-At-LargeSarah Gottlieb,

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Jenna Angradi, FeaturesSara Haun, FeaturesZach Fraser, A&E

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Editor-in-ChiefPeter Arrabal

parrabal@gmail.com

Asst. Editor-in-ChiefCharlie Hambos

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Features EditorJoshua Kratovil

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will still be expected to attend RHA meetings and plan their own activities and events.”

The Minaret contacted ResLife on June 18 and asked about a hotel being used for housing. ResLife President Krystal Schofield explained that there was no way to know if an overflow facility was needed.

ResLife needed time to process student deposits and applications after their June 12 deadline for housing deposits.

“Once those processes are completed, both Admissions and ResLife work together to get an accurate assessment of how the yield will develop into full time undergraduate students for the fall,” she said.

The reason for using the Howard Johnson? Schofield said it is so the University did not have to turn down any new students.

“The University of Tampa works hard to find the right balance between the number of continuing

students we house for the upcoming year and the number of vacancies we have available for new students,” said Schofield.

However there is a change of hotel than in previous years. The Hyatt was used during the 2006-2007 school year. Schofield says the change to the newly-renovated Howard Johnson was because the hotel was able to provide the space at such a late date.

“We have worked with this staff many times before. They were aware of the needs of our students and staff.”

With an estimate of 70 students living in the Howard Johnson, this number changes daily as students either defer their contract with UT or decide to attend. These students will fill just over one floor at the hotel, and three RA’s and one Head Resident will be assigned there. Students already assigned to an on-campus dorm will not be moved to the hotel.

Ellery McCardle can be reached at emccardle@ut.edu

Howard Johnson Hotel Used for Student Housing

The driving route from Vaughn Center (A) to the hotel (B). Source:GoogleMaps

The Minaret | August 22, 2008 2 News

“HoJo”: Front

Get placed in the HoJo? Leave a comment on our Web site,www.theminaretonline.com

Get placed in the HoJo?

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through the United Stated Postal Service, but they will receive packages delivered by FedEx, UPS and DHL.

Although, most post offices in the country send and receive mail on Saturday the UT Post Office will not be open on weekends.

“There is no mail or packages delivered on Saturday,” said Fryer.

As the hustle and bustle of the semester starts in a few weeks the staff of the UT Post Office will do their best to continue to meet the demands of our growing campus.

To help ease the process during the first week of school, the post office will be open on Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for students to pick up packages.

According to Rod Plowman, Vice President of Administrative Services, the old mail room in the Plant Hall will be renovated to

“Postal”: Front house the new Registrar’s office. The completion depends on other projects happening on campus.

Post Office Moves to Riverside Center

Photo by Sarah Gottlieb

Newsfromthe Summer

• Phantom Schedule • Former Prof. Dies • Skipton’s Pick • SG Report... almost

First SG Meeting isComing Soon!

Register to get our online edition at

www.theminaretonline.com!!

More than a month after a terminated security officer unveiled an alleged scheme to pay personnel for extended weekends, little more information has come forward. Anthony Moreno, who was terminated on June 30 for back-to-back personnel violations, claimed that the midnight shift officers were paid to stay home on certain nights without taking sick or vacation pay. Campus Safety and Security officials declined to show any proof that the officers did come in for work those days, but did reference internal audits that showed no wrongdoing.

Moreno also filed a claim of discrimination with the Equal Opportunity Employment Office,

but the EEOC d e c l i n e d to mediate a mee t ing b e t w e e n Moreno and UT.

“I think that says it a l l , ” s a i d A s s i s t a n t D i r e c t o r of Security K e v i n Howel l in reference to

the EEOC’s decision.M o r e n o a l s o s o u g h t

unemployment compensation, but was initially denied as UT claimed he was fired for wrongdoing. He has recently taken classes to sell life insurance in Florida.

After the initial claims, UT officials said it was Moreno who was retaliating, in return for his termination. They said several audits have repeatedly shown no evidence of impropriety but

declined to share the audits’ details or evidence.

The controversy stems from a document that Moreno claimed is a schedule of when officers will stay home but still get paid, essentially giving them three- and four-day weekends with a regular week’s pay. UT officials were not been able to offer a detailed alternate explanation of the document or provide camera footage or card-swipe data that refutes it, citing privacy laws and refusing to provide even redacted proof. T H E “ P H A N T O M SCHEDULE”

Moreno and security agree that UT typically needs at least six personnel on campus at all times (two for each of the three zones). During the slow winter and summer breaks, however, only three or four members of the staff would arrive for work, Moreno said. The rest got paid for staying home, what Moreno called a potentially dangerous fringe benefit for those working the midnight shift year-round.

Kevin Howell said it is true that a larger summer staff might seem unnecessary because there are fewer students on campus, but with construction traffic and various camps occurring on campus, more officers were necessary. Howell said his office needs at least three officers on patrol, one officer in Austin where summer session students are housed and others in dorms when camps are in town. This typically means a total of six officers.

This is how Moreno said the scam worked. Though payroll records would show six security guards were paid to show up, the “phantom schedule” detailed who was working, who was on vacation and who was on the clock but not

actually at work. The “nights off” rotated between all nine officers on the shift, Moreno said. He gave The Minaret a copy of what he says were the first eight weeks of this summer’s phantom schedule.

The alleged schedules show a list of security personnel with dates across the top. Moreno said a “W” means a person is working, and a “+” means that person is paid but stays home.

Other symbols indicate when an officer is at training or has taken vacation time or the day off. Officials show Hambos the July 5 schedule, well after Moreno’s letter had arrived. The only schedule t h a t s e c u r i t y shared showed the three people that were previously scheduled on that day’s “phantom schedule” were either out sick or on vacation that day.

But UT officials stated firmly that Moreno is lying.

“We used the time sheets, roll call and equipment inventory to prove the allegations were incorrect,” said human resources director Donna Popovich, .

A separate audit was performed by Richard Ogorek, associate vice president for administration and finance, and also found nothing wrong.

Popovich said the “phantom schedule” documents were not what Moreno said they were.

“That is not a time record... That sheet is a scheduling device in order to ensure a rotation of hours among officers,” she said.

Howell and Jackie Smith, a night supervisor, also said the document showed the rotation of officers, though they said they did

not know specifically what the rotation was or what the symbols referred to. If they were rotations, whatever they were almost always occurred around officers’ two days off, giving them three- and four-day weekends if Moreno is correct. Howell and Smith referred questions to night supervisor Jay Henderson who they said created the document, which Moreno later took and copied, they said. They also said Henderson had given Popovich, but not them, an explanation of Moreno’s document.

Moreno said there was no rotation in security and that HR and Popovich would have difficulty uncovering the scheme because only the security officers and their direct supervisors knew about it, including Mascenik, who Moreno

says looked t h e o t h e r way.

H o w e l l offered the most direct assessment of Moreno and his claims.

“He [Moreno] is a liar,” Howell said, “I am disappointed that he [Moreno] would make allegations about friends.”

He added that the “phantom schedule” never existed and that anyone can come into the security office to see who is working at any time. Smith also attested that all necessary officers were there during the time period under question.

Moreno, however, claims that he was handed the “phantom schedule,” and everyone else on the shift had one too.

The Minaret could not confirm whether other officers had the alleged schedules in their possession or what the document even meant. Attempts to contact other officers were unanswered, and personnel answering phones in the security office declined to put reporters in touch with officers, saying only

supervisors could speak to the paper.

Reason for TerminationT h e p a t h t o M o r e n o ’s

termination started May 11, he says, when he and two other officers were assigned to go through the empty residence halls and make sure the doors were locked and all students were gone.

The halls were filled with abandoned property, Moreno said, so he and the other two officers decided to remove some valuable property they found. Maintenance and housekeeping staff regularly did this after students move out, he said. They placed it behind a desk in Stadium Center, he said. When a student complained that his property had been stolen, a security investigation showed Moreno and his fellow officers leaving the residence hall with the baseball bat and glove.

Moreno said he was confronted about the property and returned it within an hour because it was still on campus, hidden in the Stadium Center security closet. He and the other two officers received the highest level reprimand: “Final warning before termination.” Any further violation would result in their firing.

Just over a month later, Moreno was terminated for what he said was a uniform violation. He had earlier received permission to wear black tennis shoes instead of his duty shoes during athletic events and offseason hours, however, he says this was his final offense, all UT needed to fire him.

M o r e n o c o n t a c t e d t h e Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, saying he had been improperly treated because of his Hispanic race. They declined to mediate between UT and Moreno.

Ellery McCardle contributed to this story. Peter Arrabal can be contacted at parrabal@gmail.com and Charlie Hambos at chambos@ut.edu

“The Phantom Schedule”: An UpdateMoreno gets a new job, EEOC declines to mediate, and no new evidence appears in investigation

3The Minaret | August 22, 2008 News

By Peter Arrabaland Charlie Hambos

Do you feel secure?Leave a comment on our Web site,www.theminaretonline.com

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UT administration is sad to announce that Mickey Perlow, for-mer professor of Accounting (1980 to 1998) died on Friday, Aug, 8.

“We unite in mourning with his family, friends, students, and colleagues,” stated a joint global email from President Ronald L. Vaughn and Provost Janet Mc-New.

Perlow is survived by his wife, Judy Perlow, a former UT employee, two daughters and two granddaughters.

Former UTAccounting Professor

Dies

Moreno

Business professor Chuck Skipton and more than 300 profes-sional economists signed a state-ment of support of John McCain’s Jobs for America economic plan, McCain’s campaign announced last month.

The list includes Nobel Prize winners, business economists with experience in the private sector, policy economists with experi-ence in government and academic economists.

Before the 2004 election, Skipton also signed a letter sup-porting Bush’s plan for economic growth. Bush, like McCain, is a Republican.

“I believe growth can be achieved by low taxes and stabili-

ty,” Skipton told the St. Petersburg Times in 2004.

Skipton, an assistant profes-sor, teaches microeconomics and

Business Prof Endorses McCain’s Economic Planpublic finance and worked for the Joint Economic Committee in the U.S. Congress in 1999 to 2000.

Compiled from wire reports.

McCain greets a UT student during his January visit to campus. File photo

In late July, the University of Tampa suffered the loss of someone it should -- but will never -- know. A fiery head-on collision that Sunday claimed the life of incoming UT freshman Caitlin Currey, 18, and her boyfriend. The Tennessee music student and three close friends were traveling on a Kentucky interstate when their Chevrolet crossed the median and hit a tractor-trailer head on. Both vehicles erupted into flames. Currey and her three friends died from injuries sustained in the crash. Currey was dating fellow musician Jackson Harris, 19, the class valedictorian. In his graduation speech, he declared his love for Currey, The Tennessean reported.

The two couples, who planned to date long-distance in the fall, were making the most of their summer, going on a double-date to an amusement park.

“He was enamored with her,” Mary Currey, Caitlin’s mother, told the paper. “And she loved him.”

Currey’s father was also looking for answers.

“Something went terribly wrong, and we don’t know what,” David Currey told the paper. “It’s hard for anyone to lose a child, and we don’t think our loss is more exceptionally painful than anyone else’s. We just feel these were some extraordinarily talented young people.”

Police invest igat ing the accident say Harris was driving and are still trying to determine what caused the car to cross the median, but officials told Tennessee media that they do not believe alcohol was a factor. The other couple who died was Ryan Williams, 19, a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design; and Caitlin Lee, 20, an incoming junior at Guilford College in North Carolina.

The two young men were like brothers and had much in common, both even having g i r l f r i ends named Ca i t l i n . Currey, a recent graduate of East Literature Magnet High School in Nashville, Tenn., was coming back from a trip to Ohio’s King’s Island amusement park with her friends, all whom she met through her high

school band, in which she played the flute.

According to the Tennessean, the Assistant Principal of the high school Caitlin attended, Tim Caher, said the four were a great group of kids who all helped around the school office.

“They had so much life and energy,” Caher told the Tennessean. “It’s just terrible. We’re in complete shock and we’re just so broken-hearted.”

Currey was planning on joining the Spartan Band at UT when she entered this fall. She wanted to study music and eventually become a music therapist.

Dr. Jeff Traster, UT Director of Bands and Chair of the Department of Music at UT said that Currey was supposed to play for both the Spartan Band and the Wind Ensemble. She was also scheduled to come in early to practice for the band events orientation and their performance f o r t h e R a y s Baseball game in October.

Traster, who had been in contact with Currey since her audition in the spring, said that his impressions of Currey as a flute player were “very good” and that she was a “fine player.”

MemoriesCurrey and her best friend,

Christie Quirante, were planning on traveling to Tampa together this month to start their freshman year at college. While Currey planned to go to UT, Quirante decided on USF. Quirante described Currey as her “best friend in the world” and as someone she would never forget.

“In everyone’s life, there is always going to be that person who will always stay by your side, who will make you laugh with some sarcastic tone or who will just lend an ear or a shoulder when needed,” Quirante wrote in an e-mail to The Minaret. “Every person has a Caitlin.”

Quirante met Currey when the two started their first day of school in the seventh grade. Quirante said Currey had been too shy to try to talk to anyone, but the two instantly became friends when Quirante sat

beside her the first day at lunch.“She was known for her

sweet high-pitched voice that was recognizable from a mile away, for her twinkling blue eyes as she lit up a room, and her charming smile that could make any gloomy thought disappear,” Quirante said. “She was that person that brought the sun and warmth on a cold, rainy day.”

Quirante said that she and Currey often traveled together with one of their families. Trips included visits to Florida and Gatlinburg. “We had so many great times traveling,” Quirante remembered. “We wanted to travel the world together.”

During their travel trips, Currey often tried to introduce her friend to movies and music she liked. “She always wanted to watch different movies exposing me to her taste in great movies like Amelie as well

as l i s ten to different kinds of music that I love listening to today,” said Quirante.

Quirante said that the t w o w o u l d

often just laugh for no reason. “We wouldn’t laugh at anything at all but just because we were happy,” she said. “Regardless of her quiet nature when you first meet her, she was full of life talking to no end, making sure you smile by the end of your conversation.”

Quirante described her friend as thoughtful, helpful, inspiring, dedicated , and, “the most lovable person you could ever meet.”

“She loved her family more than anything in the world,” Quirante said. “[She] was so dedicated to her athletics and music. Everything that she set her mind to she would succeed without a doubt. There is just so much about her that words would never be able to describe unless you met her.”

More MemoriesAfter the tragic accident, a

Facebook group was created in memoriam of Currey and her three friends. Nicole Knowles-Kidd, one member of the group, says she has known Currey since she was a baby. Knowles-Kidd said that the two knew each other through

church. Both of their families are part of Nashville’s Glencliff Presbyterian Church, which both of their grandparents helped found. Caitlin is survived by her parents and, according to Knowles-Kidd, an older sister named Sara. “I don’t think I have ever seen Caitlin mad or even act upset,” said Knowles-Kidd. “She was one of the happiest and sweetest people you could ever meet. I know people say that a lot whenever someone passes away, but it was really true of Caitlin Currey.” Knowles-Kidd also said that Caitlin was extremely smart and mature for her age. “I know that her whole family was so excited about her going to college soon,” she said.

Former Teacher CommentsOne of Currey’s Tennessee

teachers sent in her memories via e-mail.

“I had Caitlin in seventh, ninth, and tenth grade English and knew her very well,” wrote Cathy Forester. “She was a truly beautiful person, vivacious, kind, smart, always smiling, a bright star, a good reader and writer--she was named Most Literary her Freshman year--a regular in the library...In our light-hearted Senior Superlatives, she was voted ‘Most Likely Never to Get Caught Doing Something Bad.’ She just always seemed to be having fun. So vivacious, so sweet.”

UT ResponseOther tributes flowed into

the Facebook memorial group, including the sentiments of those who would be in Currey’s class this year.

An “Unimaginable Loss”:Incoming student loses life in car crash

By Sarah GottliebAsst. News Editor

Because Currey died before she could ever step in a UT classroom, she knew few Tampa students. Her roommate-to-be Alexa Guarni was shocked to hear the news. “I didn’t know a lot about her because we only talked once but I know that she was a very nice girl,” Guarni said.

Others, who also never had the opportunity to meet Caitlin, described how her death may have changed their perspective.

Lissette Moronta said that Currey’s death affected her a lot, though she never had the chance to speak to her. “I felt as if I had some connection to her cause it hurt to hear about it,” she wrote on the Facebook group. “Here we are all excited to start college because its going to be a new experience in our lives and everythings going to be perfect... and at the moment most feel unstoppable. It’s tragic how quickly those dreams and thoughts can be swept away from us.”

Another s tudent , Marco Duverseau, wrote “the essential we see here is that life is short and you should live every minute of it to the fullest.”

ArrangementsServices for Currey were

held on Saturday, August 2 at t he G lenc l i f f P re sby te r i an Church in Nashvil le , Tenn. In lieu of flowers, Currey’s father asked for donations to a fund at her high school that will be used to assist music students who cannot afford instruments, music and lessons.

Sarah Gottlieb can be contacted at sgottlieb@ut.edu

Currey (left) was an avid flute player and planned to join the Spartan Band. Photos courtesy Cathy Forester

Post your thoughts and memories of Caitlin on our Web site,www.theminaretonline.com

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She was described as “a truly beautiful person, vivacious, kind, smart...”

Currey’s yearbook adviser submitted this photo to show her “true beauty.”

The Minaret | August 22, 2008 4 News

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5The Minaret | August 22, 2008 Advertisement

The Minaret | August 22, 2008 6 Features

A Disciplinarian He’s NotJudicial Coordinator Mike Gilmer’s laid-back attitude, love of gaming and sense of humor often overlooked or ignored by studentsJosh KratovilFeatures Editor

Most school officials wouldn’t deign to compare themselves to a cartoon character, and even fewer would choose an Adult Swim character for the comparison.

But when Judicial Coordinator Mike Gilmer was faced with this question, his response was quick. Gilmer chose Hank Venture and easily backed up his decision.

“I think Hank always assumes the best . He’s a lways very optimistic,” Gilmer explained. “He’s eager to meet new people, he’s kinda into superheroes and stuff like that, [which is] fun too.”

An avid gamer, Adult Swim watcher and former Red Lobster employee, Mike Gilmer stands in stark contrast to the majority of Student Conduct figures on other college campuses, and as a result is often better able to relate to students who come into his office.

He’s quick to talk about his interests outside of the realm of conduct whenever asked.

Gilmer recalled one Venture Brothers episode where one of the henchmen was talking to Hank and said, ‘You realize you can’t die, don’t you?’’

“Of course [the henchmen] think they’ve killed him every time, and he keeps coming back, so they think he’s immortal … though it turns out he’s a clone,” Gilmer chuckled. “[I enjoy] how silly it is to have arch villains that really just can’t complete the job.”

I n k e e p i n g w i t h U T ’s progressive Conduct system, Gilmer has himself taken a different approach to his interaction with the students on campus.

“Mike welcomes student input and readily makes himself available to all students,” said Associate Dean of Students Gina Firth. “[He] values students and student experience … [and] is passionate about student involvement and student voice.”

Gilmer’s passion is reflected in his dedication to the office and his coworkers.

“Mike is incredibly patient and truly gifted as a person. He is so interested in being acquainted with

all of his coworkers as well as all of the students who come through our office,” said Conduct staff assistant Kyra Williams. “He is capable and enjoys conversing with students about things aside from conduct,” she explained. “He is the kind of person who I believe is genuinely happy when he can put a smile on someone’s face.”

“Michael has brought a wonderful sense of humor to the campus,” agreed Office of Student Leadership and Engagement staffer Cheryl Chernoff. “He has this dead pan expression when he talks and we never know whether he’s kidding or telling the truth … he puts his own spin on the situation.”

“[Gilmer] has a quirky sense of humor that keeps us laughing,” Firth said.

Interestingly, what often makes Gilmer smile biggest is putting a frown on other players’ faces during online gaming sessions, especially in first-person shooter type games, where the player often assumes the role of the titular character and gets an up-close view of the action.

His favorite?“Command and Conquer

Renegade,” Gilmer said. “I’ve been playing that for … well, it came out in 2003, and I still play it. There’s probably only about 500 people that still play it total, but it’s one of my favorites because I love Command and Conquer.”

Gilmer said the mixing of real time strategy and first person shooter genres was unique, and the fact that it was a Command and Conquer – themed game only sweetened the deal.

“I also like Battlefield 2, that’s another game that I play a lot,” Gilmer said. “I also play Neverwinter Nights and Command and Conquer 3 as well.”

What Gilmer plays depends on his mood – sometimes, the storyline-based action of Neverwinter Nights is more appealing, while other times being in charge of his own personal army via Command and Conquer is his entertainment of choice.

Gilmer noted that while he’s “still working” on acquiring a Playstation 3, he (and his wife, Amanda) agree that purchasing

their first home takes precedence. He also feels that such a new toy could be a distraction to his plans to return to school, as well.

“I know my own tendencies for procrastination,” he joked. “Would you rather study classwork or play a first person shooter? Come on! I’d play the first person shooter!”

Gilmer enjoys that his wife embraces his love of gaming, in fact, simple decisions such as who cleans the kitchen are often decided with a Mario Kart race.

“He’s a real person with a life and interests outside of work and conveys that through conversation,” said Williams. “I think it’s really nice that he has the ability to do that with the students, so people don’t think he’s just a disciplinarian.”

As a matter of fact, Gilmer said his path in life hasn’t been quite as he’s anticipated, not that he’s at all disappointed with the result; the opposite is actually true.

“As with most people who work in student affairs, [I never] got into it on purpose,” Gilmer said. “Looking back, you can see the intentional strengths throughout, which is kind of a cool thing.”

Gilmer explained that his original intent after college was to be a flight psychologist in the Air Force. However, he found he couldn’t quite get into ROTC life.

“I have nothing but respect for those who do, a lot of my family’s military … it just wasn’t for me,”

he said.As Gilmer began to

explore clinical psychology, he found his first true turning

point during an internship at a mental rehabilitation clinic.

“I saw that many of the patients had been there for years with no change at all in their behavior … the only change you saw was when they’re on medication and when they’re off medication. That was really disheartening for me,” he continued. “I really didn’t know what I was going to do with myself after that, but I knew what I liked, and that was helping people and making changes in their lives.”

Gilmer does just that every

day in his capacity as Judicial Coordinator at UT.

“ M i k e r e c o g n i z e s t h e importance of being pro-active in prevention rather than waiting for the students to violate a policy,” said Williams. “He attends conferences and does the research to learn methods of how to inform students about their responsibilities ahead of time. For Mike this is not about disciplining the students, b u t rather an opportunity t o help them to learn from their experiences,” she continued.

Williams said the position involves a l o t m o r e than mos t s t u d e n t s o r parents realize.

“[Gilmer’s] role as Judicial Coordinator is impera t ive . He completely runs the show for the conduct side of UT from beginning to end. He is proactive i n i n f o r m i n g students what not to do, then helps the students through the conduct process until they complete the very last sanction,” she explained. “He does so much at this office; hours upon hours of pre-hearings every day, three Conduct boards a week … [Gilmer] talks with parents on the phone ... all of these things can be really emotionally draining, but Mike manages to do it all very professionally and with a smile on his face,” Williams said.

Besides pre-hear ings , a sizeable chunk of Gilmer’s time is consumed by phone calls from irate or confused parents.

“[Gilmer] is so wonderful in [helping] students’ parents … completely understand we are not punishing their kids [but rather]

providing them with an experience from which they can reflect and learn,” Williams said.

According to Williams, the gap between previous Judicial Coordinator Angela Lauer ’s departure and Gilmer’s arrival was chaos.

“I have no idea how [Firth and I] did it,” she said.

Firth agrees. “[Gilmer] did an excellent

job dealing with a large learning curve whi le ba lanc ing job responsibilities,” she said. “Mike

is terrific to work with. He has a strong dedication

and passion for student c o n d u c t a n d t h e

education, safety and accountability that it brings to the Universi ty Community. He is always positive, e v e n w h e n dea l ing wi th highly stressful situations.”

F i r t h i s looking forward

to con t inu ing w o r k i n g w i t h

Gilmer.“ [ G i l m e r ]

b e l i e v e s i n t h e student conduct

process, and the value that i t brings to the community. M i k e i s

w o r k i n g diligently to continue

b u i l d i n g the Office of Student Conduct and making constructive changes where necessary to make the office more efficient, consistent and fair,” she said.

After graduation, Gilmer said he spent some time working at a Red Lobster before being offered an Area Coordinator-type position at his alma mater, where he really got his first taste of student affairs.

See “Gilmer” [7]

“Mike is incredibly patient and truly gifted as a person. He is so interested in being acquainted with

“still working” on acquiring a Playstation 3, he (and his wife, Amanda) agree that purchasing

to be a flight psychologist in the Air Force. However, he found he couldn’t quite get into ROTC life.

“I have nothing but respect for those who do, a lot of my family’s military … it just wasn’t for me,”

he said.

explore clinical psychology, he found his first true turning

point during an internship at a mental rehabilitation clinic.

“I saw that many of the patients had been there for years with no change at all in their behavior … the only change you saw was when they’re on medication and when they’re off medication. That was really disheartening for me,” he continued. “I really didn’t know what I was going to do with myself after that, but I knew what I liked, and that was helping people and making changes in their lives.”

Gilmer does just that every

Gilmer’s taste in pop culture isn’t all that different from the students sitting across the desk from him. Photo by Mindy Tucker

Gilmer’s office belies his colorful personality and quirky sense of humor. Photo by Mindy Tucker

rather an opportunity t o help them to learn from their experiences,” she

Williams said the position

s t u d e n t s o r parents realize.

“[Gilmer’s] role as Judicial Coordinator is impera t ive . He completely runs the show for the conduct side of UT from beginning to end. He is proactive i n i n f o r m i n g students what not to do, then helps the students through the conduct process until they complete the very last sanction,” she explained. “He does so much at this office; hours upon hours of pre-hearings every day, three Conduct boards a week … [Gilmer] talks with

job dealing with a large learning curve whi le ba lanc ing job responsibilities,” she said. “Mike

is terrific to work with. He has a strong dedication

and passion for student c o n d u c t a n d t h e

education, safety and accountability that it brings to the Universi ty Community. He is always positive, e v e n w h e n dea l ing wi th highly stressful situations.”

looking forward to con t inu ing

w o r k i n g w i t h Gilmer.

“ [ G i l m e r ] b e l i e v e s i n t h e

student conduct process, and the value that i t brings to the community. M i k e i s

7The Minaret | August 22, 2008 Features

He said one incident on campus drove his decision about what to do next in life.

The incident involved a keg party where students ran into and hid in a room in order to avoid being busted, Gilmer said.

As his employer was a public university, when Gilmer knocked, the snickering students behind the door were not obligated to open the door, as public university students maintain the right to not open a door if a search warrant is not

presented. When a campus police officer

arrived and knocked, with a similar response, the officer turned to Gilmer and said, “Have a nice night,” before walking away with nothing resolved.

“I was so dumbfounded,” Gilmer recalled. “I think for me, that’s when I decided I never wanted to work at a public institution again.”

Gilmer said he felt a private university would allow him to get more involved and to do more to educate students about the

consequences of certain behaviors and choices.

“Our hands were tied,” he said. “I didn’t want to put them through a legal process, but I did want to let them know what they were doing was not good for the community.”

It’s clear that Gilmer still abides by this philosophy today, as sanctions provided by Conduct boards a re becoming more constructive and educational, rather than punitive.

In fact, one of the things Gilmer would like to see changed about the Conduct process is how students

who have gone through a hearing react and what they have learned from their sanctions.

This is an area which the University cannot explore with its current staff. Fortunately, Gilmer said that such an “endgame” system could be in place within the next 5 years.

Another change Gilmer would like to see would be the addition of representatives to the Conduct board to form a more “macro” perspective of the campus community.

He said this might include having a representative appointed

by SG in the same way that Reslife appoints a representative already.

In terms of what type of students seem most likely to come through the process, Gilmer said it’s a “mixed bag.”

“We have students come through the office with outstanding GPA’s and students with very low GPA’s,” he said. “Involvement is one of the major issues I’m really interested in. I want students to really have a positive experience in college.”

Josh Kratovil can be reached via e-mail at jkratovil@ut.edu.

“Gilmer” : 6

People We LoveU. Utah researchers develop Iron Man-like suit

(UWire) - When "Iron Man" comic book hero Tony Stark was kidnapped by terrorists and forced to build a weapon of mass destruc-tion, he instead created a mechani-cal suit that gave him incompara-ble strength and the ability to fly.

Now University of Utah re-

Jaime WinstonDaily Utah Chronicle

searchers have built a suit that will protect soldiers in combat by giv-ing them increased strength and endurance.

"It's the same thing, but we don't quite have the glowing light thing in the chest or (the ability to) knock airplanes out of the sky," Ja-cobsen said. The suit will instead be used to reduce troop sizes and prevent casualties.

The suit, which moves when muscles interact with built-in elec-trodes, could replace a group of people engaged in tasks such as carrying water or supplies.

"What you want to do is re-duce the number of people in com-bat," Jacobsen said. "You can have less people out there and be more agile."

Jacobsen and his team at Ray-theon Sarcos, a technological fa-cility in the University's Research Park, finished the first version of the suit a year ago. The person

wearing the suit holds handles that signal the direction of his or her movements.

The army will begin evalu-ating the second version when it comes out a year from now. The third version, which will be re-leased in two years, will focus on specific applications like transport-ing material.

If it's a success, it won't only be used by the military, Jacobsen said. He envisions the exoskeleton being used in hospitals, safely car-rying patients and helping those who are paralyzed. It could also one day be used in firefighting and construction.

Current versions of the suit al-low the operator to walk comfort-ably at 3.5 mph and run at 5.5 mph while carrying 150 lbs.

The upper portion of the exo-skeleton allows 40 lbs. to be held with a fully extended arm indefi-nitely.

Photo from Daily Utah Chronicle.

Cheryl ChernoffWhy:

Cheryl was instrumental in getting early-arriving Minaret staffers back into the office to start

working on this orientation issue of the paper in time for deadline. Cheryl also makes sure our ad

revenue checks get deposited correctly each week so we can get paid -- thanks, Cheryl!!

Want to make a difference on campus?

Want to see your name on a byline?

Need some extra cash this semester??

Then The Minaret can help!Drop by VC 211 for info.

Send your Letters to the Editor to The Minaret: minaret.commentary@gmail.com

Michael Phelps

Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac

Dara Torres

Joker Imitations

Beijing

Annie Hall

Bigfoot

Move-in Team

Off-campus incentives

Return to campus

Mark Spitz

Bob Saget

Olympic Swimmers Under 40

Dressing up as the Joker

London 2012

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Nessie

Actually moving all your crap in

Revoking the off-campus incentive

Starting classes again

EDITORIAL: Start Me Up

Cheers

&

Jeers

Katie HaywardStaff Writer

The Most Amazing Words I’ve Ever HeardA student recounts how community service has altered her college experience

Community service has been a way of life for me for as long as I can remember. I’ve seen music put a smile on an elderly person’s face. I’ve watched parks appear in hours, constructed by hundreds of individuals. I’ve been amazed by the stories of homeless men and women as they cherished their one meal a day. I’ve been changed by the look in a sick child’s eyes as they opened a card or gift. To be honest, there isn’t much I haven’t seen in the way of service.

Hundreds of service minded people have come in and out of my life, leaving profound impressions of sincerity, compassion, and genuine love for those less fortunate. I often remember the faces of individuals I have painted, served food, or walked side by side with while volunteering even if I don’t remember their names. I remember the things they have said along with those faces.

After an entire life of service, I was shocked and truly moved when I heard a fellow RA say something last night.

As we participated in the OxFam Hunger Banquet, an event that brings awareness to the drastic

issues of poverty facing the world, many RA’s were moved to tears. Some because they had actually lived through what we were learning about, others because they felt lost or hopeless as to how they could help.

And those that were shocked or simply saddened to see their fellow staff members upset.

At the end of the dinner, I sat with two people who shared stories of their lives growing up.

Lives that were encased in poverty, but whose background helped them to become the service-minded people they are today.

One mentioned, “This campus could do so much if they only understood. If they only knew we could make a huge difference.”

Another RA who had joined us said something that brought me to tears. Mind you, I cry fairly easily but this wasn’t your teary-eyed-pull-yourself-together-in-a-quick-second kind of crying.

This was a red-faced-need-a-tissue-you-look-like-a-hot-mess kind of crying. She explained that she was one of those who didn’t understand.

She asked in the most sincere voice I can ever remember hearing, “Can you please help me to understand?”

She explained her desire to relate, to just get it. “I am already a humble person, but please help me to be more humble. I want you to do this for me, and I promise I will do something for you.”

“ . . .he lp me to be more

humble.” I’ve never heard anyone say

this before. “I promise I will do something

for you.” This was the most selfless

request.

Students returned this week to a drastically different campus. Buildings were gone, parking spots evaporated and thousands of new faces dotted residence hall windows.

It’s a sign of a growing university and an evolving educational landscape. UT has seen phenomenal growth in the past few years, with new dorms being built left and right. And it wasn’t enough.

New students have been placed in the Howard Johnson Ashley Plaza Hotel. It wasn’t necessary last year, and in the 2006-2007 school year, students were put up in the downtown Hyatt.

Only people who are in their fourth year or beyond have experienced the Ashley Plaza and know what a hassle it is to wait for the shuttle to the off-campus housing.

The announcement of the new Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values is certainly exciting and the design is breathtaking. However, putting a chapel in the middle of a non-denominational campus is sure to draw criticism.

There is nothing wrong with a chapel at a non-religious school, but making it the centerpiece

of campus could be viewed as a shift of the entire mission of the university.

We are sure that UT loved the gift of Mr. Sykes, but the controversial announcement came when students were away from school and couldn’t vocally protest.

Commen t s l e f t on The Minaret’s website indicate a serious unhappiness with the decision, but a gratefulness for the donation. It’s part of a huge change on campus, with buildings dropping like flies and new establishments going up in their places.

Will the growth be good for UT? Many express concerns that there are too many new students being added without new professors and residence halls. This is a serious concern that should raise eyebrows in the community. Will UT maintain their exceptional student-to-teacher ratios? Will the educational experience drop in favor of higher enrollment numbers?

Only time will tell, and the only way to know is to take it one year at a time. UT is an interesting and evolving school with a track record of success and strife. A new year means a renewed mission for The Minaret.

We are the only on-campus newspaper at the University of

Tampa. We are run by students and take the interests of fellow students to heart. We want to hear what you are concerned with and we want to stand up for your rights.

We want to report your news and the news that affects the campus and the UT community. We are your source for everything that goes on around here and you should look to us to answer your questions.

As we are student run and student funded, we take ides and accusations very seriously. We are the voice of the community and never want to shout a story in error. We will print what we know, and we can print nothing more.

When we are right, we will print it. When we are wrong, we will correct it, but we can’t know we are wrong until we are proven wrong. The Minaret is open to suggestions and criticisms, and we only ask that they be fair and truthful. We will do the same in our reporting.

Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year. It is a time for change and a time for growth. The Minaret will be here every week with news, commentary, arts & entertainment and Spartan sports. Check it out.

-Simply explain to her what poverty is like. Help her to understand what it is people experience so she can make a difference. But she’ll also return the favor. Those were the most amazing words I’ve ever heard.

Commentary The Minaret | August 22, 2008 8

Photo courtesy of Katie Hayward

9CommentaryThe Minaret | August 22, 2008

Why does summer always seem to be over in a second? With the end of another vacation season, UT is once again crammed with bustling undergraduates.

Second year and beyond students stroll around with the disaffected casualness only they can possess while the new group of freshmen—between wandering in the baroque interior of Plant Hall and planning their next trip to Ybor City—are simply trying to make it. Make it in a new environment with new people, a new system of rules, and a new way of life. But, frankly, college is not that complicated.

So to the next generation here are two bits of advice for your next four years of UT life: Be real. Try everything.

The first thing most freshmen will learn, and they’ll probably learn it quick, is that being an authentic person is the easiest route to new relationships and respect among peers.

High school is done. Leave the masks and roles behind. Whether you were the top dog, or the beauty queen, or the quiet kid in the corner, or the person who won every single award back home, it doesn’t matter.

Tabula Rasa. This is your chance to make a fresh first impression. Don’t let your social history bog you down.

Just be a genuine, open person—not a conceited stereotype determined to transform your college experience into high school part two.

Besides, why would you want to relive high school?

The next tidbit comes with

a warning of judicial common sense. Once in Tampa, try not to loose your mind with your newfound autonomy. Be safe, and be careful.

With the obligatory motherly talk out of the way remember that college is packed with one in a lifetime opportunities.

It’s a bit like Never Never Land: paradise while you’re here, but once you’re gone it’s over. So take advantage of every occasion.

Mingle with people you wouldn’t ordinarily socialize with; go to sports games, art shows, plays, open mics, music performances; take that class you’re interested in and make the most of the classes that drive you up the wall, you’ll be surprised how much an open mind can change the most boring of lectures (but sometimes there are those lectures that can be no more stimulating than drying paint, such is life). Don’t forget to get off campus once in a while too.

College is as simple as that. It’s not something that happens to you; this is your experience. Shape it as you would like to live it. But, here’s some more advice from other UT students who have lived and are living university life.

“Don’t procrastinate. And get involved so you can feel part of the UT community.” Alyssa Lum,

Senior“College is

what you make of i t . I f you want it to be just like high school it will, if you want a different e x p e r i e n c e make it happen. Always take a chance. Don’t not take a class because ‘Rate my Professor’ says it

will be hard. Join at least two clubs, one that you are interested in and feel comfortable in and one that makes you stretch your comfort zone and think outside the box. Stay up too late, go out too often, ask too many questions, and read more than what is required, because at the end of four years you are only going to get what you put in.” Randi Timonere, Alumni

“Put yourself out there and meet as many people as you can because everyone is in the same boat. And be nice to the people who feed you; especially be nice to the people who feed you!” Zach Hines, Sophomore

“Respect and trust and go to your professors when you’re stressed and need help. They become a lifeline for you. Also, no matter how crappy you’re doing in school at any one moment, stay organized; it saves you from stress and anxiety. And, party when you can.” Lauren Weber, Alumna.

“Do your readings for your classes and there’s no way you can fail—unless you’re a really incompetent human being.” Celina Pereira, Sophomore

Derrick Austin can be reached at daustin@ut.edu

Words of Advice for the Next GenerationGuidance to freshmen from students who’ve graduated and are still here

Another summer gone, another school year in motion. With dozens of collective years of experience under our belts, The Minaret staff presents 10 things we want to see change this year.

10) A more commuter-friendly atmosphere. Yes, the campus needs to grow, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the commuters. Make Thomas parking garage commuters only, or at least the first few floors. West garage is great, but it is still a long walk from West to Plant Hall.

9) Longer library hours. Nerds and crammers will rejoice if the lights don’t flicker at 11:30 p.m. and midnight. If this is truly to become an elite southern school, there has to be a 24-hour center for studying and schoolwork.

8) More professors, smaller entry-level classes. Basic classes shouldn’t be filled to the brim with eager young students. Smaller classes mean more interaction with professors. Hire more professors, but not at the expense of the quality of learning.

7) Open the post office on Saturdays. Most off-campus post offices operate on Saturdays, even if it’s just for sending mail. At least let people pick up their mail on weekends.

6) Better dining hours. Open Salsa Rico on Fridays, keep Jazzman’s open later and have them open up earlier (who needs coffee at 1 p.m.? It’s a midnight or 6 a.m. drink). Have some place open after 1 a.m. so students don’t have to travel to IHOP or Waffle House. Make it a campus icon and be a student’s hero.

5) Progressive conduct policies. People make mistakes and college students make more than most. A first-time alcohol offense should never result in a removal from campus housing. Policies should

be geared toward rehabilitating and educating students, not punishing them with an iron fist. This is The University of Tampa, not the Gulag of Tampa.

4) A free and open flow of information from administrators. Don’t announce a controversial and major change to campus after all the students have gone home for the summer. When something goes wrong on campus, the administration should own up to their mistake and go on the record about how they are going to fix it. Mistakes happen, and cover-ups are unacceptable. Be open and honest with the student population.

3) A fulfillment of campaign promises. Andrew Learned and Kelsey Huth were elected last year on the Obama-ish promise of change (plus some candy and Tampa Bay Storm tickets). Change the alcohol policies, change the security rules, etc. We fully expect them to follow through on these ideas, or face the student population’s wrath by December. Be proactive, student-defending leaders, SG.

2) Upgrade and ex tend the McNiff Fitness Center and intramurals program. Open the gym for 24 hours and add new machines. Let students access the intramural fields at all hours of the night. It’s way too hot in August and September to play soccer and football at noon, but midnight is the perfect time. This is an urban campus, and we want to see open space and open access.

1) More student involvement. Join SG, SP or one of many student organizations (Hint: The Minaret). Take your time at UT to get into as much as possible and see as many things as the school offers. Go see a soccer game or follow a track meet. Join or start a club. Just get out there and get off your plastic dorm room chair!

10 Changes We Want to See

Photo by Steve Woods / sxc.hu

Derrick AustinCommentary Editor

Staff report

Commentary The Minaret | August 22, 2008 10

(UWIRE) Due to rising tuition, rising gas prices and an overall rise in the standard of living, the last thing students want to do is empty their pockets for textbooks each semester. For students who are tired of spending more on their textbooks than they do on rent, there is still hope.

Buying Used Books/Recycling Used Books

There are plenty of ways to save money on your textbooks according to Columbia bookstore managers. Andy Schaffer of the Russell House bookstore, Bruce Wyndham, store manager for the South Carolina Book Store and Jamie Sopko, textbook manager for Addam’s University Bookstore said the key to saving money when buying your textbooks is to shop for used books and shop early.

“A lot of folks on this campus wait until they go to their first or second classes. There is no risk in getting your book early because you have the first full week of classes to make a refund,” Schaeffer said.

“To save the most money, you should definitely go for a used book,” Wyndham said. “You should also shop as early as possible to get the best selection on used books.”

Sopko also said that university

By Vivi KoutrakosThe Daily Gamecock, USC

professors are equally as involved as students are in the process.

“It’s important for professors to be involved in the process because if they don’t turn in their list of books by the ‘buyback’ date, we don’t know if the book will be reused.”

A student brochure produced by the National Association of College Stores said the reason students get more money for some textbooks than others during buyback is that the value of a used book depends on whether or not the book will be reassigned the next semester or term.

“Books that are going to be used on campus next term generally have a higher value than books that will be sent to wholesalers for resale elsewhere,” the brochure said.

“The publisher sets the price for new books,” Wyndham said. “That is where things get pricey.”

According to the National Association of College Stores, on average only 4.9 cents of every bookstore dollar before taxes is an actual profit for the bookstore.

“On average, 65.1 percent of the sticker price on new books goes back to the publisher to cover development of the book and business expenses. The author gets about 11.7 percent in royalties. The freight train that shipped the book gets 1% and the rest goes to the

bookstore,” the brochure stated.Alternate MethodsStudents are going beyond

the bookstore atmosphere. USC students are finding alternate and cheaper venues to purchase their books.

Students are doing more advanced and concentrated research to plan and organize where to buy the most a ffordable b o o k s . T h e s e alternative venues include turning to the Internet and public libraries.

LibraryB l a k e

A r a m b u l a , a f o u r t h -yea r p r in t journalism student, s a v e s m o n e y b y

checking ou t h i s textbooks e a r l y i n t h e semester from the library.

“Thomas Cooper carries some textbooks and if they’re not at Thomas Cooper they will be at another public library in Columbia or somewhere in the state,” Arambula said. “And because no one really uses them, they are in pristine condition.”

Gary Geer, a col lect ion development librarian at Thomas

Students Have Options for Battling Publishers’ Rising Textbook PricesCooper library, said the library understands all too well the rising costs of textbooks.

“The main reason the library does not attempt to purchase a copy of all assigned textbooks is fairness. If one person checks out an assigned textbook, no one else can use it until it is returned,” Geer said. “If

we bought enough copies for everyone

then we couldn’t afford the other

resources you use to write p a p e r s o r professors use for research.”

G e e r said the only

obligation the library

has to keep u p w i t h c u r r e n t textbooks

is a student government funded project to put a copy of textbooks costing more

that $100 in a class of more than

100 students in the library. They are placed

on reserve and available for a limited circulation period.

InternetSome students worry that they

may end up with an older edition if they order online but often the only changes from the previous edition are superficial.

A survey completed by the

Time has no limits, or so I’ve been told. Limitless as it may appear to be, I found myself running out of time rapidly as the fall semester approached.

Accomplishing absolutely nothing th is summer, I begged for more time. More time to accompl ish a l l the subconscious goals I set for myself at the start of summer..

I never found that job I was looking for, nor did I become a gourmet chef.

I didn’t even make it the Olympics to beat Michael Phelps for all eight of his medals, or c r u i s e past Usain Bolt to claim title of World’s Fastest Man.

Time simply didn’t allow. Didn’t allow me to become the hero I keep convincing myself that I am—it laughed in my face as it tortured me.

I felt like the student who falls asleep writing a research paper only to wake up two minutes before class begins to realize that I’ve only

A Timeless Lesson: Living When There’s ‘Never Enough’ TimeBy Andrew Lopes Staff Writer

written my name at the top of the page. Time was my enemy.

Then one day I began to enjoy the flight of time. I was excited to come back to school and time could no longer torture me with its quick passing.

As a matter of fact, the faster time

flew the happier I was. For once in my life, I felt like time was on my side. I felt like we reconciled our relationship. Not with couple’s t h e r a p y b u t b y acknowledging that we were bound

together by the strings of fate.

A f e w days later, our

relationship took a turn for the worse; the turn was more like a sudden stop. Minutes felt like hours, hours felt like days, and

days felt like months. What was supposed to be my final two weeks in New Jersey felt like my last four summers combined.

My parents thought I was losing my mind. I found solace only in sleep. Time could not bother me in my dreams, or so I thought. I would wake up expecting to see the sun, only to find the moon staring at me with its crooked crescent

As the price of textbooks rise, students are buying their books wherever they can save

Public Interest Research Groups in 2004 found that 76 percent of faculty members felt that the use of new editions was justified “half the time or less.”

Although many subjects do not need these updates year after year, others require frequent alterations in order to stay up-to-date. Ultimately, students should research both new and previous editions to determine the practicality of purchasing a new edition.

Another alternative to high prices at local bookstores is scbookexchange.com. Originally started by a University of Kentucky student, this student-run online service now has a USC affiliate.

Simply by signing up with your Blackboard user name and password, you can find needed textbooks at significantly reduced prices. The site works similarly to Amazon.com, but matches buyers and sellers directly. It also allows users to set their own prices when selling used books.

The university endorses the Russell House Bookstore, which has been operated by Barnes and Noble since 2001. Part of its sales go back to the university for scholarships.

Still some students save money by simply not purchasing books that professors only reference a few times in class.

“I rarely buy my books,” said Danielle Johnson, a third-year political science student. “I always wait a few weeks to see if we’re even going to use the book.”

Jennifer Carragher contributed to this story.

Photo by: Mindy Tucker

Got something to say?Leave a comment on our Web site,www.theminaretonline.com

GO ONLINE

smile.Time was my enemy, but only

because I wished it to be. I had fought so hard against time only to realize that time was not torturing me. Time had taken me under its wing. As it flew, I realized all time was doing was teaching me a lesson. Don’t fight against time. Everyone’s clock eventually runs out. Life is simply one moment after another.

Fill those moments with passion, love, dignity, knowledge. Time can feel neglect, so don’t waste any of it. My Olympic dreams are only possible if I put in the time to train like an elite athlete. I have wasted enough time in my life; this summer was proof of that. However, I have learned my lesson, so look out Michael Phelps; in 2012 time is on my side.

Email us at ut.minaret@gmail.comor come see us in Vaughn 211

TODAY!

The Minaret is looking for new people to join our staff!

Photo illustration by Sarah Gottlieb

11AdvertisementsThe Minaret | August 22, 2008

Arts & Entertainment The Minaret | August 22, 2008 12

Speed dial:Chipotle533 S. Howard Ave.(813) 254-6450

Finger Food and Drinks: Ceviche1502 S. Howard Ave.(813) 250-0203

Wednesday Night Special:The Deck 2202 W. Platt St.(813) 250-1525

Late Night Munchies:Walgreens 315 W. Platt St.(813) 251-3939

Burger: Five Guys 3841 W. Kennedy Blvd. (813) 879-0300

Thai:Thai Thani615 Channelside Dr.(813) 228-9200

Place to Bring Your Parents: Roys 4342 W. Boy Scout Blvd.(813) 873-7697

Wing Special: The Rack1809 W. Platt(813) 250-1595

Chinese Delivery:Jade Garden2420 W. Kennedy Blvd.(813) 251-2207

Cuban Sandwiches: (a Tampa delicacy)La Teresita3246 W. Columbus Dr.(813) 879-4909

Welcome home, Spartans! For some of you, this is your first time away from home. You now have an open range of opportunities right at your fingertips. Explore the city, travel to the beaches, and feast on the local cuisine! The Minaret staff has compiled a list of our favorite food joints around town. When you’re tired of the cafeteria and need a different flavor, try these to spice up your semester!

For a limited time only at participating restaurants. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2008 Perkins & Marie Callender’s Inc.

Welcome Back, Students!

Move-in Special Bring your parents and this coupon to your local

Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery to enjoy these great offers.

Only at Perkins can you enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites any time of the day!

Breakfast is just the beginning.

Breakfast is just the beginning.

Purchase any regularly priced items totaling $20.00 or more, and use this coupon for $5.00 off your total bill.

Purchase any two adult entrées at the regular price and receive one appetizer free!*Excludes Seniors’ Menu and Kids’ Menu. Not valid with any other specials or discount programs.

SAVE $5.00$5.00 Off Any $20.00 Purchase

FREE APPETIZERWith Purchase of Any Two Adult Entrées*

Coupon Expires: September 28, 2008.Valid only at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations.One coupon per person per visit at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Coupon void if purchased, sold or bartered for cash. Only original coupons accepted. Mutilated, tampered, forged or photocopied coupons are not accepted. Sales tax, if applicable, must be paid by customer. Please present coupon when ordering. Prices may vary in Canada. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2008 Perkins & Marie Callender’s Inc.

Coupon Expires: September 28, 2008.Valid only at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations.One coupon per person per visit at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Coupon void if purchased, sold or bartered for cash. Only original coupons accepted. Mutilated, tampered, forged or photocopied coupons are not accepted. Sales tax, if applicable, must be paid by customer. Please present coupon when ordering. Prices may vary in Canada. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2008 Perkins & Marie Callender’s Inc.

Breakfast is just the beginning.

Tampa

Mexican: Estela’s Mexican Restuarant209 E. Davis Blvd.(813) 251-0558

Mexican runner-up:Algusto Tortilla and Salsa912 W. Kennedy Blvd.(813) 250-3500

Place to get a caffeine infu-sion late at night:Starbucks711 S. Howard Ave. # 711 (813) 250-9223

Place to eat at 4 a.m.:Waffle House509 N. West Shore Blvd.(813) 287-8875

Sushi/Japanese:Samurai Blue1600 E. 8th Ave. (Ybor)(813) 242-6688

Bakery/Deli:Alessi Bakery2909 W. Cypress St.(813) 879-4544

Pizza Delivery:Pizza Hut614 W. Platt St.(813) 251-3399

Bar/Restaurant:Bar Louie2223 N. West Shore Blvd.(813) 874-1919

On-the-Go:Panera Bread709 S. Howard Ave.(813) 253-5888

Top photo by Walt Hamilton and bottom by Thomas Pate (www.sxc.hu)

13Arts & EntertainmentThe Minaret | August 22, 2008

By Elizabeth HarmStaff Writer

Cooking in the Dorm:Your Guide For College Cuisine

Welcome all Freshmen and returning Spartans to UT! Parental rules are now slacked and your appetite is dictated by a small personal refrigerator and the school menu. However, when you run out of meals on your Spartan card or are strapped for cash, you can always turn to the ramen noodle!

The ramen noodle, or a form of instant noodles, originated in China about 400 years ago. The common Chinese egg noodle became popularized after it was brought over to Japan in the 1800’s and renamed ‘ramen’.

It was a staple during World War II when an intense food shortage in Japan created the need for quick calories and a filling meal. Their popularity only increased after the war when in 1958 a Japanese business man invented the packaged instant noodle.

Today, ramen is world known reaching from Argentina to Poland, and is affluent in Asian markets. The name and flavors differ within regions. Spicy seafood flavors are common in Korea. Chicken and Pork flavors reign supreme in the United States.

The ramen noodle is prized for its ability to satisfy any hunger, its quick and easy preparation, and especially its price. This

recipe combines the best meat and cheese a college student can afford and utilizes the versatility of the noodle. So fight your own war against hunger and conquer with ramen!

Procedure

Double the ramen to water ratio 2:1. For example, if you are making one package of ramen, only add one cup of water instead of two.

Add the spices to the water. To cook the hot dog, add to the water or microwave the hot dog.

After the water boils, remove the hot dog if added, and add the noodles. Cook to package instructions.

Meanwhile, slice the hot dog into bite size pieces and put into a bowl. When the noodles are finished cooking, add the noodles and remaining liquid into the bowl with the hot dog slices.

Add the desired cheese and mix all of the ingredients together until combined.

Ingredients

1 link of sausage (hot dog, veggie dog, etc.)Cheese: Parmesan or Cheddar1 package of ramen noodles

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The next 48 hours will be exhausting for the team. They’ve been training for this marathon for weeks, and for the rest of the weekend, they’ll be giving everything they have in a race against the clock; all for the sake of children in the hospital.

Fifteen minutes left till Go-time. The team bands together to make their final preparations. Each player practices his pre-game ritual, limbering fingers and cracking knuckles for the challenge ahead. They grasp their water bottles, knowing full-well the dangers of dehydration in their field.

One minute left. The cameras are rolling, and the starting player steps up to his mark. Just as he comes into view of the camera, he sits down on a couch and picks up a video game controller. The marathon has begun.

Team Celerity Convergence’s (or CC) charity marathon is anything but traditional. A group of friends from UT and USF plan to play video games for 48 hours straight starting at 4 p.m. On Sept. 5 to raise money for the Child’s Play foundation, a charity that provides kids in hospitals across the world with books, games and other entertainment.

“Sure, it’s not traditional,” said UT senior Shannon Grippando, organizer of the marathon, “but it’s for a great cause that we all feel passionately about.”

“I’ll get looks and sarcastic remarks when I first tell people about the marathon. They look at me like I’m kidding or crazy,” said Grippando. “I just

tell them, ‘Hey, people donate to walk-a-thons all the time, and all you do in those is walk around for a few hours. Heck, the donor probably won’t even see you do anything.’ We’ll be live, baby!”

The team will be broadcast live on their website (http://celerityconvergence.blogspot.com) for the entire duration of the marathon. Fans will be able to watch and donate via Paypal, credit card, or bank account as the team plays through the “Metroid Prime” series, consisting of three games.

“We’re adding fun to helping people out, allowing kids to enjoy literature or video games,” said UT senior Teddy Vath. “They’re sick and don’t have much else to do. It’s a cool charity.”

Vath sees the marathon as a chance to expand on a hobby t h a t ’ s o t h e r w i s e viewed as lazy and nonconstructive. “I want to use some of my lackluster gaming life to do something more productive than just veg. I want to give my time to someone else.”

The team is split into three sections. Grippando will lead off with the first game, Vath will tackle the second and USF student Khris Johnson will wrap things up with the third.

“I have to try and beat ‘Metroid Prime 3’ as fast as possible,” said Johnson. “I’m hoping to beat it in eight hours. I think I can do it, but, ultimately, I just want to try to entertain people so they’ll donate money for the kids.”

The team said they felt in control with little to no fear of much going awryw.

The 48-Hour Dash For Children:Gamers Play Metroid For The Cure

For movie reviews, music, and more visit www.theminaretonline.com

Photo by Elizabeth Harm

By Shannon GrippandoStaff Writer

Photo by VInce Petaccio / www.sxc.hu

“I’m not really concerned about anything,” said Vath, “Unless the transmission goes out. That would kinda stink.”

The three main members are a close bunch, having known each other since middle school or earlier.

“I hate them,” laughed Johnson about his teammates. “No, there’s nobody else I’d rather sit around with for 48 hours playing video games. I know this, because I’ve done it. Just don’t fall asleep around them.”

The three students won’t be going it alone, though. Friends plan to support the gaming threesome in their own ways.

“I think it’s a great cause, so it’s important they fulfill their

goal,” said UT senior Ariana Majerus.

“And part of that is staying

awake. I’m going to use my benefits as a Starbucks

employee to give them as

much coffee as they need.”

“Our friends have been extremely

supportive,” said Grippando. “All sorts of people will be stopping by, whether that’s to lend a hand beating the games—big thanks to Kevin Garey--, work the camera, or just say, ‘Hello.’”

The team hopes to achieve a $500 goal.

For more information on how to support Team CC’s cause, email Shannon Grippando at sgrippando@gmail.com.

Child’s Play official website at http://www.childsplay.org.

Sports The Minaret | August 22, 2008 14

The University of Tampa’s Sheena Walton’s basketball ca-reer that continues to flourish af-ter signing to play with the BBC Black Frogs. This two-time All-American signed with the club located in Schieren, Luxembourg. In her senior year, Walton led her team in scoring, rebounds, blocked shots and minutes per game.

She was rewarded with an award from the NCAA for leading the nation in shot blocks. She av-eraged an astonishing 4.06 blocks per game and recorded 126 blocks over the entire season. Walton’s ferocious defensive presence bol-stered her team to a school record

200 blocks.It is clear that Walton had Di-

vision I talent, so how did she end up playing at UT? Head coach of the Lady Spartans, Tom Jessee, no-ticed Walton when she was playing at local Largo High School.

Coach Jessee said, “I did re-cruit Sheena from a local high school and she went to a Division I school for a semester before com-ing back to me at UT.” She thrived at the Division II level thanks to her teammates and great coach-ing.

Once Walton joined the Spar-tans, it was apparent she was go-ing to be a special player. With the guidance from her coach and pro-fessors, she followed UT’s goal for all of their athletes: to excel as a

student as well as being a class act athlete both on and off the court. Coach Jesse loved molding a play-er of Walton’s caliber.

Jessee said, “Coaching Shee-na was a joy to me. She was a very good player, but an even better team player, as she was always willing to do whatever it took for the team to be successful. It was fun to watch her mature in the classroom and on the court.”

Walton has been given a great opportunity now to continue her basketball career. She gained both skills on and off the court and they will surely shine at the next level.

Walton will be missed giving it her all every game for the Spar-tans, but many at UT wish her the best of luck as she walks through the next door in her bright future.

Season Stats

2005: 24.7 min./game 9.0 pts./game 66 blocks2006: 29.3 min./game 14.8 pts./game 105 blocks2007: 30.6 min./game 13.6 pts./game 99 blocks2008: 31.5 min./game 15.2 pts./game 126 blocks

Sheena Walton Ships OverseasFormer Tampa superstar signs contract to continue career in Luxembourg

By Sam GerbSports Writer

Photo by Peter Arrabal Photo by Peter Arrabal

15SportsThe Minaret | August 22, 2008 And Finally....

(((Check this column for offbeat, humorous, or opinionated sports stories. Comments? E-mail minaret.sports@gmail.com)))

Stellar Sports Year with Tampa to HostFor those who were disappointed about showing up the year after miss-ing the first round of March Madness games, the women’s Final Four or the school’s first women’s soccer National Championship, you won’t be let down by what the city has planned in the coming months.

Back in Tampa? Sports fan? If you answered either of those ques-tions yes, then this year is for you.

With the Rays suddenly win-ning, several major events on tap (Super Bowl anybody?) and UT’s athletic program thriving, Tampa is preparing for an unparalleled year of sports.

First off, the Tampa Bay Rays are finally good. Yeah, that team whom the Yankees and Red Sox have beat up on for the last ten years, is in first place.

Led by a young pitching staff, and with phenom third baseman Evan Longoria putting up monster numbers, the Rays are the talk of the town. Since their first season in 1998, the (Devil) Rays’ best sea-son was 70 wins, a mark that was topped in the second week of Au-gust this year.

Holding the lead in the divi-sion over the Red Sox is not going to be an easy task down the stretch, and injuries to Longoria and left fielder Carl Crawford certainly do not help.

But Tropicana Field is sud-denly selling out, and everyone in the 813 area code is wearing their brand new Rays gear, and it’s fan-tastic to finally see this city em-brace baseball.

Even if the Rays can’t hold on and make it to the playoffs, the fu-ture looks bright for the franchise, as the minor league system loaded with even more young pitchers should have the Rays set for years to come.

This year, the city of Tampa is hosting several marquee sporting events, most notably Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium on February 1, 2009. This is the

second time the stadium will host the big game, the other being Su-per Bowl XXXV back in 2001.

No matter what two teams meet, the Super Bowl is always a spectacle, and while we may not be able to get our hands on (or af-ford) tickets for the game, the at-mosphere that surrounds the game itself as well as the lead up to the event will have UT sports fans in a state of euphoria.

The Super Bowl also opens many opportunities for students, with plenty of volunteer positions available. Oh, and Gasparilla is six days before the game.

Raymond James Stadium will also host the 2008 ACC Football Championship game for the first time, and will do so in 2009 as well.

Adding to the already mon-ster year, the St. Pete Times Forum

will be the site of the 2009 SEC Basketball Tournament.

Lost in all this, we might for-get that the University of Tampa has a spectacular athletic program too.

For the fall, both the men’s and women’s soccer teams have been pegged as favorites in the Sunshine State Conference.

The women are coming off a national championship last season, and are bringing back six starters to make a run at back-to-back titles. The volleyball and cross-country are both looking to continue recent success as well.

Come the spring, the baseball team will return with a vengeance, following an early exit in the Col-lege World Series this past season after two consecutive national titles.

It’s shaping up to be quite a year sports wise for Tampa, and while sitting back and watching the Rays make a run at the play-offs, the city go nuts for the Super Bowl, and the UT teams excelling, we should all go out and get in-volved.

Go down to St. Pete and cheer on the Rays, volunteer for the Su-per Bowl, and show up at UT ath-letic events to support this monu-mental year for the city.

file photo

By Jesse YomtovSports Columnist

Home Opener:Sept. 19

Home Opener:Aug. 29

Home Opener:Sept. 19

>>> This season begins with the Tampa Classic. The Spartans open versus Ashland hoping to put up the first mark as a win.

>>> Along side of the men’s squad, the girls face off against West Florida in the season opener at home.

Men’s Soccer Volleyball Women’s Soccer

Three ‘n Out

Alumni Athlete in

Beijing

Volleyball Projected Second

A graduate in the class of 2004, Dirk Bockel com-peted in the 2008 Olympics in the triathlon event where he placed 25 of 50 contestants.

Bockel is the sole triath-lon athlete representing Lux-emburg after participating on both the UT swim and cross country teams. In 2002 and 2003, Bockel was named to the first team all-SSC for run-ning.

Baseball success once again drew attention towards the Tampa program in the MLB draft this year. Kevin Ferguson, Paul Cruz and Jose Jimenez all entered the minor leagues after completing their collegiate careers.

Cruz was picked up by the St. Louis Cardinals while Jimenez and Ferguson both were chosen by the Los Ange-les Angels of Anaheim. Fellow graduate Nolan Brannon then signed a free agent contract rejoining his old teammates in a new organization.

This marks the seventh consectuive draft with former Tampa athletes.

A recent poll seeded UT volleyball second overall in the Sunshine State Confer-ence. Tampa falls behind rival Florida Southern.

While the Spartans were SSC champions last season, the squad only returns two of their previous starters.

>>> West Florida dominated Tampa last season 4-0. This year, UT looks to bounce back and start strong at home.

Three

The University of Tampa women’s soccer team entered preseason last week with a list of goals on their minds: pass the fit-ness tests, bond with the incom-ing players and start the season off right.

The last thing on the players’ minds was worrying about vandal-ism.

During practice on Friday, cars were broken into that were parked in the parking lot in front of Bob Martinez. A number of cars, including one player’s and two coaches’ cars from the soccer team had their front passenger windows smashed and valuables stolen.

The Tobin family was hit the worst. Megan Tobin, a sophomore midfielder on the team, and her father Don, one of the assistant coaches, were both victims. The two drove separately that day,

each driving 2007 Mazda 3s. After breaking into one of the cars eas-ily, it only made sense for the van-dals to target the same car.

Megan Tobin luckily only lost her cell phone. A diamond bracelet was also in the car at the time, but the criminals accidentally dropped it on the seat while quickly try-ing to get out. Don, however, was more unfortunate. His wallet and cell phone were stolen as well as a Liverpool Futbol Club medallion, valued at a few thousand dollars. The pendant had the Liverpool logo on it with five diamonds in it, one for each championship they’ve won.

“I am not happy about my car, but it also could have been way worse so I am not too upset,” Megan said. “Most of the items lost are replaceable. I think in the future there should be a security guard close to the parking lot or cameras. I am still going to park there and that would make me feel

more comfortable. But I know now that at practice I will occasionally glance at the parking lot.”

Shannon Aitken, a first year assistant coach and former UT player was another victim. She lost her soccer backpack, which contained UT gear and her wallet. Fortunately, she had her cell phone on her at the time.

“It just sucks that my car got broken into when I was only 20 feet away. We never saw it com-ing,” Aitken said.

The credit cards from her wal-let have already been used at many local gas stations. Police are trying to trace the charges to get a better lead.

The break-ins have planted doubt in many of the athletes and coaches regarding campus parking. Is anywhere really safe to park?

For freshman Kendall Bour-don, this is the first act of violence she has witnessed on campus.

“It was shocking that it hap-

pened so close to the field while we were practicing,” Bourdon said. “I am glad I do not have a car on campus that I have to worry about where to park.”

Head coach Gerry Lucey’s car was also in the parking lot that morning, but was fortunate enough to not have been broken into.

“It was a very cheap crime against innocent victims who were out on the practice field getting ready to represent the university,” Lucey said. “I feel sorry for the pain that the victims go through more because of the hassle. Hope-fully the idiots will be caught through security cameras at some stage.”

But will the break-ins really stop students from parking in the lot across from the gym? Probably not.

“I am still going to park there,” Megan said. “But I know now that at practice I will occasionally glance at the parking lot.”

Vandals Rob Soccer PracticeAthletes, coaches 20 feet away when valuables stolen

The 2007 fall semester brought thrills to Pepin Stadium. One soccer program looked to re-capture a national championship not seen since 2001 while the oth-er searched for a way to win their first.

The men’s team fell behind in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) standings early dropping a

disappointing 1-0 loss to Rollins and a 4-0 beating by West Florida. With playoff hopes di-minishing, Tampa faced top seeded Lynn University at home. Lynn was undefeated, but the Spartans rallied from a 2-0 deficit to score four unanswered. The win marked the start of a sec-ond half rebound.

On Nov. 2, UT laced up at Lynn for the SSC tournament. The Spartans surged passed Eckerd College in the semifinals to extend a win streak to four straight. Lynn had not lost a game since their first matchup and now with home field advantage, looked for revenge on Tampa. The Fighting Knights crumbled once again under the Tampa offensive and lost 4-2.

UT advanced to the South Regional tournament, once again

eliminating Lynn in the first round. Montevallo waited in the finals and though the teams were even-ly matched, the Falcons pulled through on penalty kicks, ending Tampa’s run.

The women’s squad had more success. Coming out of the gate to start the season winning the first six of seven games, the decade old program foreshadowed victories to come. The lady Spartans went perfect in conference matchups through over half the season until a 1-0 loss to Saint Leo in mid Oc-tober.

It would be the last loss UT would suffer that season. SSC Fe-male Athlete of the Year Shannon Aitken led the Spartan defense into the conference tournament where the squad didn’t allow a goal on the path to victory. The road would not stop there.

Strong defense and superior goal keeping kept opponent’s balls out of the net until the NCAA quarterfinal match against Colum-bus State. Tampa squeaked by on penalty kicks and followed up by

topping first seeded Grand Valley State in the next game. Franklin Pierce provided a challenge in the finals but UT once again excelled in penalty kicks and won the first National Championship in pro-gram history.

The women were honored at the NCAA march madness first round basketball tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum in the fall. Over summer, the lady were again highlighted on ESPN2 in a piece honoring the national champions of the past year.

Soccer Programs Look to

Key Returning Players

Men: Ryan Maxwell Dan Bergstrand Ryan Thompson

Women: Alicia Wyman Shelby Kuni Courtney Evans

Recreate SuccessBaseball Careers

Continued

By Bobby WinslerSports Editor

By Shelby Kuni and Sara BelsoleSports Writers

file photo