 Sunny Patel “Go to Europe.” |
 Megan Bybee
Nursing, Sophomore “Travel as much as possible.” |
 Crystal Pena Ad/Pr, Junior “Travel the world.” |
 Tara Groomer Advertising, Junior “Travel to Vegas.” |
 Matt Dena SES, Junior “Go visit friends in Ohio.” |
 Jacob Schacher SES, Freshman “Go to Disneyland.” |
 Ray Sparkman SES, Sophomore “Go see the Lakers play.” |
Head out to the Pedestrian Mall this Saturday for some fun in the sun – Spring Fling 2010! Spring Fling is an annual event that is put on by the CORE Center. It is free to both students and the public. The activities begin at 2 p.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. The CORE Center has five bands lined up to play. Also, they are bringing in some really exciting games such as Monkey Motion, Texas Tumbleweed and Air Bots. It’s going to be a great time and a great way to help end the semester, so go join in the fun!
SI Leader, Kathryn Nash, helps students better un derstand Professor Vandiver’s CHEM 1411 course.
Have you ever been sitting in a class and found yourself thinking, “I have no idea what they are talking about?”
If you have been in that situation where the class information is seemingly way above your head, there is still hope. West Texas A&M offers a program called Supplemental Instruction or SI.
The object of SI is to improve students’ study techniques and to raise their grades in trouble courses. It is based on the principle that students improve their mastery of a subject through interaction and discussions of difficult principles with other students.
Several courses offer SI leaders and sessions including courses in the following areas: History, Political Science, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Accounting, Economics and Spanish.
For each of the courses, there is an SI leader. An SI leader is a dependable and responsible student who has already completed the course with a grade of a B or higher. Even though they have already taken the course they attend the course regularly while they are an SI leader.
During SI sessions, the leader reinforces main concepts from lectures, shares problem solving techniques, provides test reviews and even gives practice tests and quizzes before an actual test.
“I enjoy being an SI leader,” Jani Manring said. “I love to explain things and help people; it’s my thing. I’m also a tutor, so it’s my favorite job.” “I have been to plenty of SI sessions as a student, and I found it very helpful,” Manring continued. “Being a student that has attended SI sessions made me interested in doing it myself. They are always helpful to me. It makes you study when you attend and the repetitive tactic is golden.”
SI is designed to produce a more thorough understanding of the course content; therefore, sessions are not re-lectures or remedially designed. Regular attendance should cut down on out-of-class study time, and it is already paid for by the course fee.
Session times are scheduled at the convenience of the majority of the students and can be found in the course classroom or online at the WT website in the student support section.
Many believe that SI is successful because the students are more relaxed and not worried that they are going to be called upon by the professor.
“SI leaders are essential to the Spanish program,” Spanish professor, Sandra Davidson said. “When my students sit with an SI leader in a quiet, focused, non-threatening environment they have a better chance of understanding.”
“Students report that time spent in SI is time well spent,” she continued. “For those students who miss a class, SI is perfect to get back on track with notes and review. Our SI leaders are dedicated and knowledgeable, and the Spanish program is working better because of them.”
Other professors echo Senora Davidson’s praise of SI. “The degree of improvement depends on the quality of students who decide to attend and the SI instructor,” Chemistry professor, Gene Carlisle said.
“Last spring with Josh Raygosa as my SI instructor, we experienced a huge improvement in grades for those who attended.”
In the student support office, SI is considered to be a successful program.
“The SI program has done a wonderful job for students who actively participate in the program and attend regular SI sessions,” director, Max Seymour said. “The program has done as well as we had hoped. With all programs though, we know there are things that need to be enhanced to improve the program, and we will continue to try to grow the number of courses that are covered by SI.”
Although SI is considered very successful by students, faculty and staff, there are several courses still left out.
“Over the last couple of years, the SI program has expanded by over 100% in the number of courses where SI is offered,” says Seymour. “The potential for growth is almost unending with the number of courses where SI has not yet been added.”
“I would like to see continued growth in the number of courses covered by SI and the number of students that participate in the program,” he continues. “SI can and should be offered in more core classes, especially for those freshmen and sophomore level courses. Educational Services will continue to strive to increase the number of courses covered.”
Therefore, if you are having difficulties with the material in one or more of your classes, check to see if there is supplemental instruction offered. If there is, try it out and see how it works for you. If it is not, help the student support offices fight for that course having SI leadership because more than likely, you are not the only one having trouble.
Chi Omega is teaming up with Make-A-Wish to host a golf tournament on Saturday, April 10. The entry fee is $70 per person and includes green fee, a cart, snacks and lunch. Teams consist of four players, and you can rent a Chi Omega caddie to enter into a raffle for different prizes. All proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Donations are also accepted. There will be a shot-gun start at 10 p.m., and the tournament will conclude at 5 p.m. For more information you may contact Chi Omega community service chair Krista Carver at 903-738-3342. Go out and have fun for a good cause!
Thursday, April 8
Friday, April 9
Saturday, April 10
Sunday, April 11
Monday, April 12
Tuesday, April 13
Wednesday, April 14
Thursday, April 15
PHOTO | Shian Nicholson - Vice-President, Katlyn Brewer, shows off one of the dogs available for adoption.
There are several up and running school organizations on West Texas A&M’s campus, however, one has lain dormant for a few years and has recently been re-established.
Veterinary medicine is important to all pet owners and animal lovers. Although WT does not have a veterinary school, they do offer a pre-vet curriculum. This degree is to help prepare those that have chosen this line of work for vet school.
There are very few veterinary schools, and it is very competitive to get into each of them. However, there is a need for rural veterinarians. It is a difficult and demanding job, very similar to being a human physician.
The hours are long, they are constantly on call, house visits are often required and for the vets who choose to treat large animals such as horses and cows, the job can be dangerous.
Because of the need for rural vets, some vet schools such as Maine and Kansas offer debt forgiveness for graduates who work for rural veterinary offices for at least two years.
Here on WT’s campus, a group of pre-vet majors went looking to sign up for the Pre-Vet Club and were told that they couldn’t, but they could start it back up.
They spent the last half of this past fall semester working on ideas and rules for the club. The group also set up officers for the club, which are as follows: President- Shian Nicholson, Vice-President- Katlyn Brewer, Secretary- Alicia Coventry and Treasurer- Amber Richerson.
“The goal of the club is to help get members into vet school,” Nicholson said. “We don’t have to have an undergraduate degree to get into it.”
In order to get into vet school, students must have a certain amount of voluntary and internship hours.
They have begun volunteering with the Amarillo Panhandle Humane Society by going to the mall on Saturdays and helping get dogs adopted into good homes.
Another goal of the club is to help make sure that students are certain that this is the path they want to follow for the rest of their lives because it takes a lot of commitment.
PHOTO | Shian Nicolson - President, Shian Nicholson, takes time to help the Humane Society get abandoned dogs good homes.
Additionally, in the first two years of college, students must declare whether they want to work with large or small animals. Nicholson said that they are trying to help that decision along by giving members the opportunity to work with both
“We would like to get everyone 60 hours of voluntary work and 100 hours of internship hours,” Nicholson said.
They are trying to get together with the A&M Animal Diagnostics Lab in Amarillo to do necropsies, which are the animal equivalent of an autopsy.
The club is also working on trying to get trips together to travel to Oklahoma State University and Colorado State University to check out their vet programs and see how they work.
Right now the club consists of eight members. Dues are $10 per semester. They meet every first and third Monday of the month for meetings and every second and fourth Monday for non-mandatory study groups.
They meet in room 216 of the Ag Building, in case you are interested in checking it out. You do not have to be a pre-vet major to join; just have an interest in animals.
This organization would like to grow and develop into a club that really impacts the community, so if you have an interest in voluntary work and love animals, the Pre-Vet Club would probably be a good fit for you.
Mike Huckabee
On March 31, Mike Huckabee will be speaking at WT as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series. He has a lifetime of varied experiences and will be presenting, “The Pursuit of the Presidency and the Perfectly Insane American Process,” at 7 p.m. at the First United Bank Center. Huckabee is an author, preacher, politician, musician, political commentator and marathon runner. He has his own television show, “Huckabee” on the Fox News Channel. This event is free and open to the public. Immediately after the lecture there will be a book signing. Everyone is encouraged to show up and listen to Huckabee’s unique life experiences.
Courtesy of oceancity.shownbyphotos.com | Each year, world renowned sand sculptor, Randy Hofman, creates large sand sculptures that attract attention and open conversations at South Padre Island.
As Spring Break draws near, many students may find themselves at a loss for plans. Others are anticipating a week at some interesting location.
For students in the former group, there are options that do not include the typical college antics for Spring Break.
The first of these options is to go on a mission trip with a local organization or church. The West Texas A&M Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) annually goes to South Padre Island to team up with other BSMs for a mission called Beach Reach.
Several students sign up and go through a five-week training period to minister to students who have chosen to walk on the wilder side of things for Spring Break.
“My view was that most missions are overseas,” Tabbitha Burnett, WT student and Beach Reach participant, said. “I like that we could give back to college friends who we see and know.
WT’s very own BSM director, Buddy Young, was a co-founder for Beach Reach in 1980 when he was in seminary and a part-time Baptist Student Ministry director in Dallas.
“I was contacted by a guy who knew I had lived in Hawaii and that I understood beach culture,” Young said. “He told me of all the college students that needed help during Spring Break on South Padre Island. We went down there, saw the needs and came up with ideas of how to meet them.”
Once in Padre, the students are split up in teams and are driven around by an adult leader in a taxi.
They pick up college students in need of a ride and take them where they need to go. All the while to the destination, the BSM students look for opportunities to minister to the passengers.
“I think the great thing is students helping students,” Young said. “It’s nice to see them help and give up their Spring Break to do so. This year there are 66 people from the Panhandle going.”
Now, not only are spring breakers offered free rides, but also free breakfast, sunscreen, water and counseling if it is needed.
“Beach Reach is a servant ministry,” Young said. “Its purpose is to serve the people. We don’t go down there and beat them over the head with a bible. We just meet their needs and hope they see a higher influence in us. We want to give them a different perspective on Christianity.”
This mission is a great opportunity for students who enjoy helping others. Also, they still get to go to a great location.
Beach Reach has now expanded to Panama City Beach, Florida and other Spring Break sites. If you want more information about Beach Reach or are interested in participating next year, you can visit the website.
Several churches in the Canyon and Amarillo area also offer mission trips. Hillside Christian Church, which is popular with many WT students, is offering two missions, one to Mexico and the other to Belize.
For the students who do not feel comfortable with the ministry part of church missions, but still want to help others on their time off, there is also the idea of volunteer work.
There are several non-profit organizations, such as United Way and Habitat for Humanity, that offer opportunities for volunteer work.
Students might also check with their hometown for any mission or volunteer opportunities.
Speaking of hometowns, there are several students that use this weeklong break as a chance to go home and see their families.
This may sound boring, but for students who live states, or even countries, away from their loved ones, it is a relief to have time to go home.
There are alternatives to the wild and irresponsible Spring Breaks of the past. Choose an opportunity to give rather than take this Spring Break.
This Saturday is the annual University Formal and Casino Night. This year’s theme is Puttin’ on the Ritz. The event is being held at the Amarillo Civic Center Grand Plaza. The dancing and gambling begins at 7 p.m., and things will wind down at 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are on sale right now at the JBK Info Desk. In the course of the evening, the University Formal King, Queen, Prince and Princess will be crowned. The dress is formal/business attire. Please remember that alcohol is not allowed at this event. So get prepared to get all dressed up, put on your dancin’ shoes and have a great time!
THURSDAY, MARCH 4
FRIDAY, MARCH 5
SATURDAY, MARCH 6
SUNDAY, MARCH 7
MONDAY, MARCH 8
TUESDAY, MARCH 9
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10
THURSDAY, MARCH 11
This Friday, as part of the Communication Week festivities, there will be an Alumni Panel and a Student Showcase. For the Alumni Panel, the committee has gotten together a group of WTAMU alumni that represent the sections of communication. They will be avaliable to answer questions and talk to students interested in communication. After the panel, the showcase will feature examples from all areas of communication. Every area has a student to show what kind of talent they honed in whichever area they have gone into. These events will be held in the FAC Recital Hall and begin at 6 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEB. 18TH
FRIDAY, FEB. 19TH
SATURDAY, FEB. 20TH
SUNDAY, FEB. 21
MONDAY, FEB. 22
TUESDAY, FEB. 23
WEDNESDAY FEB. 24
THURSDAY, FEB. 25
PHOTO | Courtesy of Kirk Scarborough
One of the highest profile student organizations on campus is Student Government. This organization is responsible for helping students with issues that affect the student body.
The officers of Student Government maintain a close working relationship with the faculty and staff of the University to create an academically challenging university, as well as ensuring that the student body is presented with plenty of fun opportunities.
The foremost connection between the student body and the faculty, staff and administration is the Student Body President. This school year, West Texas A&M has been represented by Kirk Scarbrough. He is a senior Speech Communication major and has proven to be a very unique president.
When he campaigned for this esteemed position, he had goals in mind and ideas that would change the face of Student Government. His main focus was communication.
“I vowed to the student body to increase communication between the office of Student Government, students, faculty, staff and administration,” Scarbrough said. “Whether it be through the open forums that we held, or the radio show that my Vice President and I piloted, the communication flowed through campus to effectively voice concerns that students had.”
Scarbrough’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by the student body, faculty or staff.
“Kirk has done an outstanding job of keeping the concerns of students in the forefront of discussion here at WT,” said Dr. Dave Rausch, Teel Bivins professor of political science. “He also works hard at advocating and publicizing WT to the larger community.”
His hard work gains him respect from his peers also. J.D. Morrison, who is a Graduate Student studying Finance and Economics, holds the position as Student Body Chief Justice for this school year.
“Kirk has done a lot of good things,” Morrison said. “The next elected President is really going to have to follow up on his efforts for campus involvement. He brings in groups that would not usually have the chance for a voice.”
As President, Scarbrough has brought plenty of unique spontaneity to the University forefront. This school year, many students have been caught totally unaware while they milled around the JBK standing in line for lunch or chatting with friends. All of a sudden a song will break through the crowd and groups of students will burst out in dance.
Every time this happens, Scarbrough is in the middle of the dancers spurring them on. These outbreaks have come to be called Flash Mobs. On WT’s home page, this definition of Flash Mob is given: “A group of people who appear from out of nowhere, to perform predetermined actions, designed to amuse and confuse surrounding people.”
(If you have not seen the video performances of the Flash Mob, click here or scroll to the bottom of this article.)
“The flash mob was a culmination of ideas between a few individuals on campus,” Scarbrough said. “Ultimately, I wanted a creative way to kick the New Year off on a random, fun, exciting foot.”
“College is a time that you shouldn’t know what is happening next. Maybe that has to do with the opportunity to meet new people, or the opportunity to witness 50 individuals dancing in the student center. Your time at WT should be peppered with those moments that you least expect.”
These unexpected moments have caught the eye of many people already and have shown a very fun side of Scarbrough.
“He has made the job very fun,” said Tim Vela, Student Body Vice President, who is a senior Speech Communication major. “He puts a lot into it and makes it exciting to work.”
Scarbrough graduates this semester and must leave his position as Student Body President.
“I love this University,” Scarbrough said. “I did before I took this position and I do, even more, when I step away from my year of service.
Above all, I feel honored that this student body has allowed me to represent them on many platforms, from community functions to national levels—this opportunity has been immeasurable. Although I am sad to let this position go, I know that there are transformative leaders within our student body that are willing and ready to take on the responsibility and steer our University into the future.”
Nominations and elections for Student Government, as well as other campus positions, are coming up towards the end of this semester. If you are interested, you can visit the Student Government office across from the Information desk in the JBK.