With not enough space in on-campus living areas, some Northern Kentucky University students were assigned to temporary off-campus housing for the first few weeks of the semester, and some of them are still living in extended occupancy in University Housing.

According to Arnie Slaughter, interim director for Student Housing, approximately 85 students were assigned to temporary housing. Thirty-five of those students stayed at the Comfort Suites hotel in

Bellevue, Ky. A Resident Assistant stayed with them just like they would if they were in the dorms.

The remainder of students were assigned to ex-panded occupancy areas within the dorms, where rooms designed for two or three people held three or four people, or were placed with an RA.

Students who lived in a hotel had some concerns and anxiety due to being disconnected from cam-pus, Slaughter said.

Parents and students were able to talk to housing coordinators like Cathy Carson through the dura-tion of their stay about what resources were avail-able to students at the hotel.

“Parents were usually more focused on their students getting off to a good start,” said Margaret Brown, a junior RA and housing office worker. “If a student was highly concerned, Cathy made sure they were taken care of,” Brown said.

Brown was one of the RAs on duty at the hotel. “Duties were to get there by 9 p.m.,” Brown said.

“Housing facilitated a program that allowed the RAs to take students to get food. Each person was allowed five dollars.”

Students were informed in advance that they would be living in temporary housing. The housing deadline was May 1. Those who signed up for hous-ing after that date had a greater chance of having a temporary assignment.

Housing officials’ first priority was to get students out of the hotel, Slaughter said. Those students are now in their permanent housing assignments.

Slaughter said some students in extended oc-cupancy assignments have gotten used to their arrangements and grown close to their temporary roommates.

Kentucky Hall, Commonwealth, Norse Hall and Callahan Hall have students temporarily living with RAs. These rooms are built for two people, but RAs typically live alone per their employment contract.

Callahan Hall is providing expanded occupancy; a two-person bedroom is to function as a three-person room, and a four-person bedroom as a five-person bedroom.

Assigning students to their permanent housing arrangement depends on cancellations. As students cancel within a hall, a student with a temporary ar-rangement moves to that spot.

“I definitely think we need to be as proactive as possible,” Slaughter said. “As the university grows, plans for housing will also be in progress.”

He said NKU is looking at other properties to build more housing but provided no further details.

@northernermediathenortherner.comThe Northerner Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011 Edition 48, Issue 3

A new look for graphic novels

Norse Force gaining support

Free shows begin at planetarium

See Features, p.6 See Sports, p.9 See A&E, p.10

On-campus housing hits capacity

Caitlin CentnerContributing writer

Some dorms overbooked while students wait for rooms to open

Photo by Emily Lindeau

Tameron Singletary, now living in Norse Hall, was one of the 85 students assigned to temporary housing because of overcrowding in the dorms. He was placed in a room with a Resident Assistant, who typical has his or her own room.

Views September 7, 20112

Just for laughs

Comic by Brittany Granville

Student Government Association Freshmen elections

Running for five senate positionsDavid Trump, Cody Hedges, Anthony Cameron, Clayton Cas-tle, Joseph Barkley, Damon Dodson, Hannah Posey, Kheiston Tilford, Christopher Walters, Victoria House, Justin Bezold, Matt Tinsley, Clayton Bhola, Jon Lyons, Jackson Kosztala

How to vote1. Log on to the SGA voting website at http://elections.nku.edu/sga between 7:30 a.m. Sept. 7 and Sept. 8 at 10 p.m.2. Or visit computer voting stations at the Student Union Information Desk, Norse Commons Lobby Desk or Callahan Hall Front Desk

Students will need the last four digits of their Social Security Number and the last eight digits of their All-Card ISO num-ber to vote. Contact the Dean of Students Office in SU 301, or by calling 859-572-5147 between 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with any voting issues.

As the semester settles for most NKU students, things are still gearing up at The Northerner.

We receive a lot of questions and comments about what we choose to cover and why, our general thought processes and our ethical decisions.

After a unanimous vote dur-ing our annual Fall Orienta-tion, we decided that we would address those questions and more. The result of this is our new blog, aptly titled “Georgia 10.”

We tossed around a few dif-ferent blog names, all various plays on terminology we use, such as “We have issues,” and “Past the print,” both former behind the scenes-type blogs by staffers.

Luckily, after many phone calls, feverish text messages and Google searches, we set-tled on “Georgia 10.” The rea-soning, you may ask?

“Georgia 10” is the font and size of the body text in our print issues. We wanted to convey that there is much more than the ink you see on paper every week – a lot of thought goes into every issue

and choice.We’ve been asked why we

made certain stories cover pieces, why we didn’t cover an event or trend and why we didn’t tailor each issue to indi-vidual needs.

There are answers for all of

those questions. We do our best to follow the Associated Collegiate Press and Society of Professional Journalists codes of ethics, as well as our own moral compasses.

Despite following multiple guidelines for behavior and writing, we do – and will – make mistakes. That is the nature of a student newspaper – to learn by doing.

But don’t worry. The blog will be there to discuss each victory and blunder.

So get ready, because it’s definitely going to be an inter-esting journey. Seeing as that we double as an independent student-run online publica-tion and newspaper, things will constantly be hectic.

We’ll do our best to answer any concerns through “Geor-gia 10” and give the reader a view into our collective con-science. Feel free to continue reading each week, because we’re far from finished.

ViewsEdition 48, Issue 3 3

AD MANAGERWilliam Fisher[fisherw1@nku.edu]

COPY EDITOR Elizabeth Parsons[parsonse3@nku.edu]

VISUAL DESIGNER Emily Lindeau[lindeaue1@nku.edu]

The NorthernerFounders Hall Rm 314Highland Heights, KY 41099Editor in Chief: (859) 572-5812Newsroom: (859) 572- 6677 or 5620Advertising: (859) 572-5232Fax: (859) 572-5772E-mail: northerner@nku.eduWeb site: www.thenortherner.com

contactinformation

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFCassie Stone[stonec2@nku.edu]

MANAGING EDITORKarli Wood[woodk3@nku.edu]

ADVISERJacque Day[dayj6@nku.edu]

northernerstaff

STAFF WRITERS Nick Jones[jonesn5@nku.edu]

COPY DESK CHIEFEmily Christman[christmane1@nku.edu]

NEWS EDITORClaire Higgins[higginsc1@nku.edu]

FEATURES EDITORBrandon Barb[barbb1@nku.edu]

SPORTS NEWS EDITORJohn Minor[minorj1@nku.edu]

A&E EDITOR Roxanna Blevins[blevinsr1@mymail.nku.edu]

PRESENTATION EDITORAlysha Durrett[durretta1@nku.edu]

CARTOONISTBrittany Granville[granvilleb1@nku.edu]

furtherdetailsEntire content is copyright of The Northerner and may not be reprinted without prior con-sent. Views expressed do not represent those of the administration, faculty or student body.The Northerner is considered a designated public forum. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censor-ship or advance approval. The Northerner staff respects the right to a free and open dialogue as allowed under the First Amendment.

PHOTOGRAPHERKevin Jo[jok1@nku.edu]

SPORTS FEATURES EDITORStephen Wilder[wilders3@nku.edu]

rnpCompiled by

Alysha Durrett &Karli Wood

Do you attend NKU sporting events? Why

or why not?

norse poll responses

Janell JacksonSenior, Communications

“No, I haven’t because I don’t know that many people on campus to go

with.”

Taylor BelewFreshman, Pre-Nursing

“No, not yet. I’m a freshman this year so I’m

not acquainted with all the sporting events, but I

definitely plan to.”

Ricardo WeaverSenior, Marketing

“I attend basketball home games. I intend to go and support soccer games. I feel like there

needs to be a little more crowd participation.”

Brendan McHughFreshman, Undeclared

“No, I’m only up here two days a week because

I commute. If I was closer I would.”

That thing we doKarli WoodManaging editor

CorrectionThe Northerner incorrectly called Mikey Adkins the Univer-sity Improvements Committee chair in Issue 2 published Aug. 31. He is the Student Rights Committee chair.

Staff blog takes readers behind the scenes

Views September 7, 20114

Get The Scoop on Study AbroadWhen: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.Where: SU plaza What: Learn about study abroad programs, from academic exchanges to spring break trips. Also get free ice cream with all the fixings.

NKU Soccer vs. Ken-tucky WesleyanWhen: Men 5:00 p.m., Women 7:30 p.m.Where: NKU Soccer StadiumWhat: Watch this exciting doubleheader! First 500 fans receive NKU license plate.

NKU Volleyball vs. Charleston (W. Va.)When: 7 p.m.Where: Regents HallWhat: Come cheer your Norse to victory at the first NKU volleyball match of the 2011 season. Admission is free to all NKU students.

The “Nigga” DebateWhen: 6:30 p.m.Where: Otto Budig TheaterWhat: You don’t want to miss out! Topic of discussion is the term “nigga” a term of endearment? Come out and find out what you peers have to say. Admission is $1.

Learn How to Find a Co-opWhen: 5-6 p.m.,Where: SU 302What: Discover how to acquire hands-on experience in your career field while earning academic credit and getting paid.

NKU Cheerleading TryoutsWhen: 7-10 p.m.Where: Regents HallWhat: Students who have experience in tumbling and stunting are encouraged to attend tryouts. Men are also welcome to tryout.

Peace CorpsWhen:10 a.m.-2 p.m.Where: SU plazaWhat: Gather information on the organization, application process and what it is like to be a volunteer. Begin your Peace Corps journey with ample information.

Wreath CeremonyWhen: 6 p.m. Where: Flag Pole behind Chase on the new East Oval.What: Join the APB, NKU V.E.T.S and Campus Flood as they observe a wreath-laying ceremony in memory of those lost September 11, 2001.

Adventure AddictsWhen: 1 p.m.Where: Albright Health Center What: Addicted to adven-ture? Check out the Adven-ture Addicts Sport Club.

Film Screening: “Küss mich, Frosch”When: 7-9 p.m.Where: LA 110What: A German modern film version of “The Frog King.”

September 7

September 13September 11September 10September 9September 9

September 8September 7September 7September 7

Local study examines the benefits of online learning as enrollment in the university’s online program goes up

As students’ schedules become more full, more people are taking advantage of online learning in-stead of a traditional college expe-rience. With the spike in popularity has come questions about benefits and disadvantages of online learn-ing.

A new report from the Bluegrass Institute discusses the successes and challenges of digital learn-ing, specifically in high school, but the recommendations outlined in the study pose the same questions about online programs at the col-lege level.

The report, “Digital Learning Now,” looks at the advantages of online learning at the high school level. It lists recommendations on how to take the right steps to move toward more digital options for stu-dents.

Northern Kentucky University also recently compiled its own set of 24 guidelines for each online course to follow that were meant to improve the digital experience for students.

Since creating the guidelines, NKU’s student satisfaction and retention rates for online majors have increased, according to Online Learning Assistant Director Kristen Lovett.

The program has grown to 1,080 students from the 650 it had when the program began in 2009, when Lovett began working at NKU.

Every semester, the number of available online courses grows from 21-28 percent, and section sizes have increased by 16 percent, Lovett said.

Lovett and Natalie Nickol, Online

Learning coordinator, attributed the increase in online learning pop-ularity not to the economic hard-ships many students face, but to a “paradigm shift” that is happening in the workplace.

Employers today want to see their employees receive their bachelor’s or master’s degrees, but do not want them to leave the workplace to com-plete them. With this shift, Lovett said she has seen a “huge change” in adults who want to further their education while still working.

Provost Gail Wells said “opportu-nities to take online courses can of-ten help students make more timely progress toward graduation,” which could add to the program’s growth.

Erin Burton, an online commu-nications studies major, said she chose to take online classes so she could be free to travel to work and because it is easier for her to learn on her own time.

“The great thing about taking classes online is that they are avail-able for you to work on homework 24/7, which is great for people with a hectic work schedule or for those who are night owls, like myself,” Burton said.

Online learners have 20 associate, undergraduate, graduate and doc-torate degree programs to choose from, including one of the five on-line doctorates in nursing programs in the United States.

Although the online programs are growing, the questions and disad-vantages still appear in the uncer-tainty of technology, campus sup-port and in the cost-effectiveness of online learning.

Technology, although beneficial to the students who live off campus, can still be unpredictable, Lovett said. It is not uncommon to lose In-

ternet connection in the middle of an exam or while working on an as-signment on Blackboard, where all online courses are based.

Switching to a strictly online pro-gram is not an easy experience, Nickol said. Beginning students “don’t know the gist of it,” so it can be tough for some.

To help with student support, NKU recently created an online ori-entation students must complete before taking an online class, which shows them how to work Black-board and other standard computer programs.

Despite the orientation, some stu-dents do still prefer to be in a face-to-face classroom setting, listening to a professor’s lecture, according to Nickol.

But Lovett said the cost-effective-ness of online learning outweighs the need for the traditional college experience.

For any student taking an online class, the university charges a $35 fee per credit hour. But students enrolled in an online-only program

are charged in-state tuition no mat-ter where they live. For example, an online student living in Kentucky would pay the same rate as an on-line student living in California.

Online-only students pay $347 per credit hour. For out-of-state, full-time students, tuition is $624 per credit hour.

The in-state tuition is a perk, ac-cording to Lovett, because many students are living too far from campus — in rural areas, in the mil-itary or internationally — to make the trip every day.

Wells said for online students, the cost effectiveness of online learning “depends on a student’s life circum-stances,” but is seen by reducing travel time and a lesser need for other expenses, such as child care.

Burton, who lives in Nicholasville, Ky., said it does even out. “Yes, I may pay more per credit hour; but I save money in gas, room and board, and meal plans,” she said.

NewsEdition 48, Issue 3 5

Online learning still on the rise

Claire HigginsNews editor

Photo illustrations by Claire HigginsA student works on homework through Blackboard for her online leaning courses. NKU’s online learning program allows students to complete degrees without stepping foot onto campus.

Entering college is a chance for someone to com-pletely reinvent oneself. The shy, awkward person he or she was in high school can finally emerge and begin to bloom.

That is what college, and ultimately life, is all about: choices. To decide whether or not to pursue a dream, to act upon a talent or keep it locked away from sight — every day, freshmen and students all over the world face choices. “Kabuki: The Alchemy” addresses these choices such as changing one’s lifestyle or establishing a new identity.

“The Alchemy” was cho-sen for Northern Kentucky University’s “Book Connec-tion” because of the fact that Kabuki, the main character in the graphic novel, is going through what freshmen go through.

For the first time, the Book Connection selection is a graphic novel. “Kabuki: The Alchemy” is the seventh vol-ume in the Kabuki series cre-ated by NKU alumus David Mack.

“We felt it was an exciting book for students,” said Di-rector of First-Year Programs Mei Mei Burr. “It was just very different from any book we’ve selected. It’s just a very new and exciting genre for our stu-dents to be exposed to.”

There are six other volumes to the “Kabuki” series, which Mack started when he was still a student at NKU with the first volume Circle of Blood. Before Mack graduated his career was taking off.

“I think it inspires freshmen. It’s a great example of somebody coming to this university, taking a variety of classes … all those classes you take account for some-thing,” Assistant Director of First-Year Programs Rich Shivener said.

Shivener was referring to the wide variety of classes that David Mack took. His classes ranged from graphic design to Japanese to anatomy to numerous art classes.

“The Alchemy” is a graphic novel, but it strays away from the traditional panel format. The majority of the book is done with symbols that everyone is familiar with — such as the women’s bathroom symbol and the cross in the form of a six-sided cube.

Starting with the seventh volume of a work could be confusing in most cases; how-ever, “The Alchemy,” can be a starting point because Kabuki goes back into her past through out the book.

Though “The Alchemy” is mainly for freshmen, other stu-dents on campus are reading and enjoying the graphic novel.

“I’m only on part three, but I’m enjoying it greatly,” sopho-more media informatics major Ashley Seibert said. “I’m really into the Asian culture, and the opening pages really capture that art.”

“The Alchemy” is beauti-ful and stunning, but it has confused NKU students and professors alike. Mack made a campus visit over the summer to aid in a teaching workshop, then he helped create teacher guides.

“The response has been mixed. We did a survey dur-ing orientation and found that about 40 percent of students are familiar with graphic nov-els,” Shivener said.

“Kabuki: The Alchemy” is many things: a work of art, a new take on graphic novels and an inspirational tool. In the back of “The Alchemy,” Mack included letters he has accumulated while work-ing on the “Kabuki” series. Each letter has its own story of inspiration or how “Kabuki” has touched its writer’s life. A novel that connects with so many people is rare, let alone a graphic novel.

Features September 7, 20116

Book Connection goes graphic

Brandon BarbFeatures editor

Novel helps freshmen explore life transitions through interpretive art

Photo courtesy of First Year Programs

“All you need to know is that there is a scar on my face, I’m starting a new life, and I have a friend who is helping me.” — Kabuki.

My first thought upon reading “Kabuki: The Alchemy” was Terry Gilliam. That might sound a bit strange, but when the graphic novel is looked at as a film, the similarities are there. Gilliam’s films and “The Alchemy” are both beautiful and submerged in fantasy, with realism sprinkled in.

“The Alchemy,” written and illustrated by Northern Kentucky University alumus David Mack is the seventh volume in the Kabuki se-ries.

Though the last in the series, readers can start with this book without feeling distanced from the characters and the story because he includes background on Kabuki.

Still, “The Alchemy” is different. While the comic book and graphic novel business clings to a stable of the same characters, Mack has found a way to make the pages of his graphic novel more than clean-cut panels and speech bubbles.

Mack has created a unique experience of vi-suals and words, accomplished by combining various art forms into one. He uses sketches, paintings and photography, placing objects on each page, reminiscent of an “I Spy” book.

The most striking aspects of the graphic novel are the visuals and the way each page is presented. For most of the book, the speech and action revolve around symbols, the wom-en’s bathroom logo and the six-sided cut-out cube being the most prominent.

For those who haven’t picked up a copy, here is a little back story: Kabuki is a young woman who used to be a Japanese assas-sin for an evil corporation known as “Noh.” In “The Alchemy,” Kabuki is trying to find a new home and find herself in the process. She does so by writing and reflecting on her pre-

vious life. The main theme of “The Alchemy” is starting a new beginning and a new life for oneself.

There is little action in “The Alchemy,” even though the previous volumes have the action an assassin could love. Instead, Mack focuses on the characters, emotions and art. The journey of Kabuki, and Mack’s unique art style, makes readers want to keep going with-out using blood and death.

No matter what the focus, something will be left out. There is too much in “The Alche-my” to cover in a single article. With beautiful art and an engaging narrative, “The Alchemy” is arguably the most unique graphic novel on the shelves. Every read-through can bring something new to the reader’s attention.

While there are so many things that are great with “The Alchemy,” the narrative can be hard to follow at times.

The section that best describes the visual-ly stunning yet sometimes confusing style is “Self Portrait.” As the story within the story, “Self Portrait” is what Kabuki reads when she meets a writer on an airplane.

This portion is done in the style of a sketch-book, and it is drastically different from the rest of “The Alchemy.” The words get lost within Mack’s art. With no panels the words flow with the lines of his art and at times are scattered around the page.

Now comes the time for the verdict. Coming from a fan of comics, mostly “Thor”

and “Daredevil,” I think “The Alchemy” was a very different read. The whole book was the exact opposite of other comics.

Instead of focusing on dialogue, Mack’s art pulls you in to look at more than the words. In a business that counts on a core group of characters, and is seeing a massive reboot from DC Comics, Mack has opened up new doors to creating comics and graphic novels.

“The Alchemy” is different, but hardcore comic fans and newcomers alike can enjoy this graphic novel.

Edition 48, Issue 3 7Features

Artist’s unique style breaks industry fads

Brandon BarbFeatures editor

‘The Alchemy’ gives readers a breath of fresh air in the world of comic books

Art by David Mack. Courtesy of First Year Programs

The Northern Kentucky University volleyball team is bringing back every starter from last year’s 20-win squad, and expectations are high for the group.

“We work extremely hard and push each other to become better players on and off the court because we want to be the best,” senior outside hitter No-elle Peterson said.

NKU posted a 20-14 record last year and earned a berth in the NCAA Divi-sion II Tournament. The Norse did not lose any key players to graduation, which will help them in their quest to make this year’s tournament.

The Norse have four returning 2010 all-conference selections. Junior middle hitter Shelby Buschur returns, leading the team last year with 402 kills, resulting in a Great Lakes Valley Conference first-team selection.

Junior setter Jenna Schreiver, Pe-terson and senior outside hitter Sarah Drennen were second-team confer-ence selections. Schreiver was second in the conference last year in assists per set (10.68).

Also returning to the team after red-shirting last year due to an injury is Kim Nemcek. In 2009, she led NKU in kills (455), blocks (95) and hitting per-centage (.317). Head coach Liz Holmes said Nemcek is a leader and role mod-el to the younger players off the court and an all-around player on the court.

The team has been working to im-prove the areas of the game where they have had difficulties in the past.

“This season we are making block-

ing a major priority, because in the past seasons we have not focused on that and have struggled,” Peterson said. “Another team goal is having the most digs in the conference because I think we have the best defense within our region.”

The conference will feature two di-visions. The top four teams from each side and two wild cards will earn a berth to the 10-team GLVC Tourna-ment held Nov. 11-13. The GLVC Tour-nament will be hosted by the team with the best conference record.

In the GLVC preseason poll, the Norse was picked to finish third in the east division, behind Lewis University and the University of Indianapolis. Ac-cording to Holmes, the east is loaded with talent.

NKU opened its season by playing four games at the UIndy Invitational on Sept. 3-4. The Norse finished the tournament undefeated without drop-ping a set.

As a result, the Norse entered the American Volleyball Coaches Associa-tion Division II poll at No. 24. Peter-son credits the team’s chemistry as the main reason for the fast start.

“We are playing more as a team than ever,” Peterson said. “In the past, we were more concerned about individu-alistic goals rather than team goals; and I think once you see us play, you will notice a huge difference.”

Holmes said the team has a “mental toughness to battle back to win sets.”

NKU will play its first home game Sept. 7 against the University of Charleston (W.Va.) in Regents Hall. The Norse begin GLVC play Sept. 9, hosting Saint Joseph’s College.

Sports September 7, 20118

Volleyball team set with experienceJohn MinorSports news editor

Photos courtesy of Tim Downer

Senior outside hitter Sarah Drennen (top left), junior defensive specialist Kylee Tarantino (top center) and sophomore defensive specialist Anna Prickel (top right) are among the returning players for the Norse this season.

Head coach Liz Holmes (bottom left) enters her first full season as the head coach of the vol-leyball team. Drennen (bottom right) returns after finishing the previous season with 285 kills, ranking third on the team. She also earned All-GLVC second team honors.

Northern Kentucky University’s athletic depart-ment has joined with the student spirit group, Norse Force, to help promote school pride and im-prove attendance at sporting events.

All NKU students receive free admission to all regular-season home games with a swipe of their NKU All-Cards. If they sign up with Norse Force for $10, they will receive an official Norse Force t-shirt as well as a “Norse Tag.” They can scan these tags at NKU Athletics events to earn points toward rewards throughout the season.

Sponsors of the student rewards program include Self Diploma, Buffalo Wild Wings, Campus Book & Supply, Chipotle, Barleycorn’s, Jimmy John’s, Sky-line Chili and Adventures on the Gorge.

With the anticipated jump to Division I, Norse Force and NKU Athletics representatives say that now is the time to get students involved in helping spread the word about the Norse across the nation and put Northern Kentucky on the map.

“Going D-I is one of the reasons I wanted to make Norse Force really big this year,” Norse Force Pres-ident Sara Daugherty said. “We are starting now, instead of looking like we do not know what we are doing when the time comes.”

Daugherty said getting the word out will help get students excited about becoming a bigger school in

a larger division. NKU is hosting the Division II Elite Eight for

men’s basketball in 2012 and 2013. Daugherty said Norse Force will be a part of it by volunteering and helping host the event.

“We are going to have a lot of people around to show off what we are made of and prove that we can go D-I,” Daugherty said.

Norse Force has had its ups and downs with stu-dent participation over the past few years, but join-ing with NKU Athletics will give it the backbone that it needs, according to Daugherty.

Stephanie West, athletic marketing and promo-tions coordinator, said the new student rewards program should give students motivation to come out to the games.

“I have been wanting to do the student rewards program, and it just made sense to partner with Norse Force,” West said. “It is basically the spirit organization here on campus, and it has the stron-gest presence with athletics.”

West said student participation and attendance have increased over the last two years, and she said she thinks the student rewards program can make it double.

“Sara has been great with helping us get all of the students,” West said. “I can go out and recruit all I want, but the students are the ones that can really make an impact by bringing in more people.”

Daugherty and West both said student athletes

must also play their parts as fans.“Athletes are allowed to join and it is actually

smart for them, because they are already going to be at the games,” Daugherty said.

West said that student athletes are like one giant fraternity and sorority.

“It is a big family away from home,” West said. “As a student athlete, you love to see your peers in the stands.”

Sean Herron studied entrepreneurship at NKU and is a co-founder of Self Diploma, a Norse Force sponsor.

“I foresaw getting involved with Norse Force as an opportunity to start speaking with all of the right people about my visions, ideas and goals for NKU’s growth,” Herron said. “I think that adding DJs and performers to the current events at the university will make them more entertaining and will create a buzz.”

Self Diploma is an outside marketing firm that controls a lot of the entertainment around down-town Cincinnati. It hosts concerts and celebrity events, as well as bar and night club promotions.

“I see what other universities are doing,” Herron said. “If NKU wants to be more appealing, these are the type of things it will have to do. It is something that students can look forward to and you’ve got to give them something to talk about. It is what draws people to come out and enjoy themselves.”

SportsEdition 48, Issue 3 9

Throw your Norse upStephen WilderSports features editor

Photo by Stephanie West

Norse Force and NKU Athletics have come together to get more students to attend sporting events. The student rewards program offers free and discounted items from sponsors in the area.

Students and athletics team up for school pride

A&E September 7, 201110

Planetarium challenges perceptions

If you are interested in learning about the seven wonders of the ancient world you can, at the Haile Digital Planetarium, in the Science Center.

“Seven Wonders” will be showing for free, the first and third Fridays of the month, at 7:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 9. and every Monday, from noon to 1 p.m., beginning Sept. 12.

Throughout the week, astronomy classes are held in the planetarium. However, not all of the shows featured on Mondays and Fridays are re-lated to astronomy.

“I purposely have tried to have shows that aren’t all about astronomy,” said Planetarium Director Dan Spence. “We try to cover a wide range, in-cluding geology, chemistry and biology.”

According to Spence, there is not a big turn-out for the Monday afternoon shows, which he thinks may be because of the perception that it is “just stars on a screen.” Spence hopes “Seven Won-ders” will help change that perception.

Whatever perceptions people hold, it seems that

many students are not aware of the free shows at the planetarium.

Melissa Danner, a junior middle-childhood ed-ucation major, had not heard of the free Monday and Friday shows at the planetarium, but she said they are something her children would be inter-ested in.

Although she is taking an astronomy class, Jes-sica Lovelace , a senior middle-childhood educa-tion major, had not heard about the free shows ei-ther until she saw a poster for them.

“I would go if I had the time free,” Lovelace said. “I enjoy going to things like that, or the OMNIMAX.”

Lovelace is not the only student who is un-able to attend the planetarium shows due to time constraints.

“I heard about it in University 101,” said soph-omore Joey Battaglia. “It seems interesting, but I usually have to work, and don’t have the time.”

Free Mondays, which have been held in Haile Digital Planetarium since its opening in 2007, are not the only form of outreach at the planetarium.. The planetarium is also available to groups, such

as Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. The facility is also used for an astronomy summer camp for chil-dren in grades sixth through eighth.

According to Spence, donations are accepted; however, there is no charge for using the plane-tarium. The facility is funded by grants and ear-marks, as well as astronomy, history, archaeology and art classes, which are held there.

“Seven Wonders” will be the featured show through the end of October. “Kentucky’s Cas-cade Cave” will debut Oct. 31, and will be featured through April 2012.

An archive of previous shows are available to choose from for scheduled events, including “Wonders of the Universe,” “Microcosm,” “Two Small Pieces of Glass” and “New Horizons,” as well as two- to three-minute mini-shows, such as “Compare Planets” and “Elements.”

For more information about Haile Digital Plan-etarium, including a full list of shows, go to www.pget.nku.edu/planetarium/index.php.

Roxanna BlevinsA&E editor

Free shows offer students more than just a glimpse of the stars

Photos courtesy of Dan Spence

Left: A scene from planetarium show “Earth, Moon, Sun.” Right: Students in a beginning astronomy class listen to a lecture in the planetarium.