OCR::/Vol_107/WLURG39_RTP_20040920/WLURG39_RTP_20040920_001.2.txt /fimcix -€?;'r8.75S R551 r. no. g .lG'T C-'1- SAB now called GAB, plans more than bands GAB looking for student involvement BY CHRIS LAUDERMAN MANAGING EDITOR The General Activities Board, for- merly known as the Student Activities Board, has undergone an expansion plan to better serve the students of Wash- ington and Lee. “We will be working with SAO and Contact and act more as an umbrella or- ganization than before,” said Vice Presi- dent of Publicity, Dan Fassio. Upcom- ing events include the armual Homecom- ing Concert at the Pavilion with the Drive By Truckers, a gospel concert in Decem- ber, and a possible band for Christmas Weekend.’ Other events on campus include Wednesday night comedy acts in the Marketplace, Common Grounds Friday nights in the Living Room focusing on W&L acts, and Nooners where unusual events will occur Fridays at noon out— « side the Commons. At one planned event, the GAB will show Ben Stiller’s film Dodgeball, followed by a dodgeball tournament in which teams must wear uniforms and register under silly names. At another event, the GAB will invite students to bring an item to the Com- mons to throw from the roof into a pool in order to see what floats and what doesn’t. Lauren Peters, President of GAB, said the student body’s disapproval of the SAB provoked the changes. The new director of the Commons, Margo McC1inton, approached the old SAB about expanding the organization be- yond bands alone. Student Activities Director Todd Tate and Assistant Direc- tor Kristen Powell also greatly influ- enced the restructuring of GAB. An online survey and a suggestion box will give students their first oppor- tunity to contribute their opinions on bands and other events. “We wanted to make it campus-wide so everyone has a say,” said Allan Galis, GAB’s Vice Presi- dent of Administration. After general student discontent in recent years, GAB feels the pressure to put on a big event—but a feasible event. Many students complained that the SAB did not bring in bands like the Rolling Stones or Bob Dylan. According to Pe- ters, the Rolling Stones would take up 3 years of GAB’s budget. Nevertheless, Fassio said that the GAB would try their hardest to please the student body. According to Fassio, the best way to impact the GAB is to join. GAB is ‘ looking for a diverse board, stressing the importance that everyone can help from Computer Science majors design- ing web—pages to Accounting majors doing treasury work. Interested parties can interview next week on September 27 and 28. GAB can be contacted at GAB@wlu.edu or by talking to Lauren Peters, Allan Galis, or Dan Fassio. WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY NG-TUM Tin riudun‘ none of Washington and In Unineruh since 7897 PHOTO COURTESY KAH NDI ROYAL BLOOD. In her high school photo, Ndi looks like an average girl. Little did they know.... Deck goes here to discuss feature story on princess BY KATHERINE GREENE STAFF WRITER There is a girl at this school who goes through classes, activities, and parties like we all do. There’s one small difference, though: she’s a princess. It may sound like the plot of The Princess Diaries, but it is a reality for Kah N di, ’07. A native of Massa- chusetts, Ndi is actually the heiress to a tribe of 1000- plus Cameroonians in Central Africa. Ndi is somewhat less than thrilled about the perks of royalty. “One kid at a party did bow to me,” she said, rolling her eyes. ‘‘It’s not that serious.” “I think it’s funny that people care,” said the good- natured sophomore, “because people back home [in Massachusetts] don’t.” Bianca Goodman ’08, met Ndi in her hometown of Lowell, Mass., and was shocked to learn of her friend’s royal status. “I would never have known,” Goodman said. This may be due in part to Ndi’s easy—going nature, and her blithe attitude towards her heritage. “I’m not very into it [the culture],” she said. “I like my life here.” Ndi, frequently involved in Commons activities, has little interest in ever returning to Cameroon, though her parents fully intend to return to their home when her ten—year-old brother leaves for college. “There’s not much to go back to,” she said. “I mean, I could go there and be comfortable, but chances are I won’t.” She said, “My parents don’t understand why I’m so apathetic about it, but they just want me to be happy.” Ndi doesn’t assume any royal mannerisms. She said that her uncle, also involved in the tribal leadership, won’t even sit in a chair that has been touched by another person, unless they too are royalty. Apparently the Ndi family has a different attitude. “We’re just simple folk,” said Ndi. “I put my pants on one leg at a time, just like anybody else. I don’t have any bodyguards, no Jaguar...I wash dishes just like everybody. “Personally,” she said, “I don’t feel it has any bearing on my life.” She admits that others from Cameroon treat her with more respect “than they would a normal person my age,” but says that she’s “really not that well—versed in the history of Cameroon.” There is one other Cameroonian custom the American-born princess does not have to endure. Friend Megan Murphy, ’07 said, “She doesn’t have to go by the arranged marriage thing, so she’s available.” If you can find her, that is. The relatively humble sophomore who calls herself “an open book” blends right into the mix of students, just like anyone else. They say all little girls are princesses. For Kah Ndi, that is true. PHI VOL , No. 8 MONDAY,3El’1"EMBER 20,2004 New clubs offer more of a variety Generalee, Theatre Outreach give students many activities BY KATHRYN KRAL1. STAFF WRITER The performing arts received ex- citing new additions as two new stu- dent organizations were approved by the Executive Committee at their first meeting. Generalee is a woodwind quintet composed of students clarinet, oboe, bassoon, French horn, ‘and flute per- formers. “We all love to play and thought we would sound great to- gether, so we decided to start a group,” said Eka Akpakip ‘O7, president of the ensemble. Their repertoire includes music ranging from classical pieces, includ- ing a Mozart minuet, to contemporary arrangements, like the Pink Panther and the Entertainer. Since it is their first year together, Generalee will not hold their first per- forrnance until after Reading Days in October. A unique aspect of this group is that it will continue to perform throughout the Spring Term. Akpakip explained, “Most music ensembles only run through the Fall and Winter terms, so many musicians and audi- ences have nothing to do during Spring term, and I think our group will remedy this.” Generalee plans to limit the group to only five members until next year, when they hope to expand through au- ditions. The second student organization is Theatre Outreach, a program cre- ated to provide enjoyable non—alco— holic entertainment. It enables stu- dents to socialize in a cultured envi- ronment that most frat parties lack. “The group creates t-shirt events and date/single functions such as re- ceptions and dinners and even spe- cial perforrnances for participants sur- rounding existing events on the The- atre Season and Lenfest Center,” said president Ligia Abreu ’06. “There was a real need for activities beyond the fraternity basement.” Despite the talent and enthusi- asm of the theatre department, many students have no idea it exists. Theatre Outreach serves a dual purpose by both making available a fun and lively social event and pro- viding “the sometimes missing ele- ment of an excited and interested stu- dent audience,” according to Abreu. The idea of Theatre Outreach was conceived by graduated market- ing major Jeff Meriggi. For a marketing class, he began a project to benefit non- drinking and independent students. His project was so successful that it continues as Theatre Outreach with Tom Anderson serving as the faculty advisor. Students wishing to attend the events should look for flyers posted on campus. Students, faculty hammer out handbook changes Incidents revolving around pledgeship, such as Beta Theta Pi investigation, inspired requests for clarification BY PATRICIA BALLANTYNE SENIOR STAFF WRITER Changes to the Washington and Lee 2004-2005 Student Handbook are in progress. Specific incidents last year, such as Beta Theta Pi’s suspension for hazing, prompted students and faculty to re- quest clarification of the school’s judi- cial procedures and policies. So the Stu- dent Affairs Committee (SAC) asked a subcommittee to begin drafting changes to the student handbook. According to General Council Leanne Shank, members of Beta did not know whether they should appeal to the University Board of Appeals (UBA) af- ter their Inter-Fratemity Council (IFC) ruling, or whether they had to face SAC. Proposed changes to the Student Hand- book would clarify this. “We are not removing any proce- dures. We are not removing fair process by any means,” said Shank. “We are pro- vidingtclarity.” - Further ambiguities appeared in the distinction between hazing cases fac- ing the IFC and Panhellenic or those fac- ing the Student Faculty Hearing Board (SFHB). “If you look at who hears a hazing case — in one place it says SFHB and in another place it says IFC, but it doesn’t necessarily say which body hears what and when,” said Dean Watkins. “So, it was left open to interpreta- tion and the interpretation was: if it’s an alleged hazing case having to do with at Greek organization, the case would be heard by IFC or Panhellenic, and if it’s an alleged hazing case having to do with an individual, it would to go SFHB,” Watkins said. The proposed handbook may also say that students are expected to coop- erate in hazing investigations. “It does not say that if you don’t cooperate, you may be pulled in front of the EC,” said Shank. “But if you have first hand knowledge of threatening ac- tivities in the form of hazing, the expec- tation is that you cooperate.” Speculation and confusion has lead many students to believe that proposed policies might make remaining silent of hazing violations an honor violation. But there is “no way the honor system can make people talk,” said Executive Com- mittee (EC) President Marie Trimble. The Student Handbook is reviewed every year, typically over the summer. But the 2003-2004 Handbook is currently affective because potential changes to this year’s Student Handbook have taken longer than normal to complete. The subcommittee has given a draft student handbook to the President’s of- fice, but when the copy returns to SAC, each of the six student judicial body will meet to endorse or raise concerns over changes to their processes. Finally, the faculty must vote on the handbook adjustments. Even then, noth- ing is final. “We’re in a process, which is why there’s not much to say because we don’t want folks to think there’s some- thing going on that there’s not,” said Dean Watkins. OCR::/Vol_107/WLURG39_RTP_20040920/WLURG39_RTP_20040920_002.2.txt PAGE 2 «,5, are-rfnis G.tLE\!BuHr~.1. L.5.l:3l’‘.H.H ‘: rssrnimon me‘ an 3 . F‘=‘W\:,‘tf’?'-l7i”a '1. W2‘: MONDAY, SEPIERMBER 20, 2004 N asltg 2 2 20819 Fre§l1man’s Oprah debut airs O.C. starlet revamps Elli Walker's style, the freshmen comes to class with new look F BY SARAH MURRAY NEws EDITOR Bright smiles and new confi- dence marked freshman Elliott “Elli” Wa1ker’s appearance with her twin Allie on The Oprah Winfrey Show last Friday. The sisters, who received a surprise makeover from the television show, displayed the result of their sessions with Mischa Barton, star of The 0. C. , and her personal style team. Allie and an Oprah camera crew waylaid Elli in the Commons be- fore start of classes to tell her she’d been chosen for the makeover. The Walkers spent two days with Barton in Los Angeles preparing for the show’s airing last week. “It was great!” Barton gushed to Oprah on the show. “We had so much fun.” The episode, which also fea- tured surprise visits by Usher and Avril Lavigne to their fans, revealed the trio in a shopping frenzy. The actress shepherded the Walkers through her favor- OPRAI-LCOM “It was great!...We had so much fun!” -ELUWALKER ELLI, MIDDLE, suops THE MALL WITH MISCHA BARTON, RIGHT AND sIsTER ALLIE ON LEFT ite Hollywood boutiques, then took them to her own hair stylist and makeup artist for some per- sonal attention. But take away the fame and fancy clothes, and all that’s left is a group of girls. While the cam- eras were off, Elli and Allie spent some quality time in the limo with Barton and her mother. The Walkers, who were “blown away” at the thought of Barton being their age, talked with her about how different their lives are. To her surprise, Elli discovered that the starlet is “genuinely nice.” The Walkers felt a little less com- fortable when they came onstage to exhibit their new looks. Walk- ing out in front of TV cameras and a screaming audience was “nerve-racking”, Elli admits. Having her sister by her side and her delighted parents in the front row put her more at ease, even inspiring her to strike a pose and invite watchers to “come and get it.” “Once we got out there, it just clicked,” Elli said. , Sadly, the Walkers only received one outfit from their shopping spree. But Elli plans to wear hers—a red turtleneck, plaid skirt, and black boots—around cam- pus this year. The Walkers’ new clothes came primarily from Miss Sixty and Veronica M. Privé Salon, West Hollywood, handled hair and makeup for the pair. Chi Omega “loves” Make-A—Wish Chi Omega is hosting a tennis tournament to benefit its philanthropy BY ERIN JULIUS EDlTOR—IN—CHIEF Next weekend, Chi Omega will be hosting a ten- nis tournament to benefit Make-A-Wish. The name of the tour- nament is the “Chi Omega Classic,” and is the first time Chi Omega has held such a tournament. The Classic begins at 10AM on Sunday, September 26th at the out- door tennis courts. Chi Omega thanks many local business for both monetary donations (Marlene’s Hairstylists, A Positive Image Spa, Heslep & Kearney P.C., Colonna & Associates, Inc. and others) and prize donations (Graden Shoe Company, Intimate U, Sweet Things, Fun Foods & Accessories, among oth- ers). These donations, as well as any profit made from the $15 registration fee that players can swipe home outside the Commons from 11-2 all this week go to ben- efit our national philan- thropy, the Make A Wish Foundation, said Chi Omega Service Chair Dianne Winter. “We really hope this will be a success, not only so we can make a significant donation to the Make A Msh Foundation, but also so we can hold the event again next year,” said Wm- ter said. TALKBACK: Have you gone to the’ WorldFest International? Film Festival in the University Commons? “I’ll probably go to one or two.” -Karen Blackburn ‘06 “I’m going this aftemoon...it’s a once- in-a-blue-moon thing to have independent films come.” -Neil Sheaffer ‘O8 “I didn’t know it was here.” —Anna Rainey ‘O6 “I didn’t go...I didn’t know much about it and there were parties and stuff to go to.” -Hugh Trout ‘O8 “I wis I had gone to more...I don’t want to hear about there being nothing to do here.” -Katie Abplanalp ‘O5 “I’m not a big movie buff.” -Robbie Clark ‘O6 The GENERAL ACTIVITIES BOARD: (SAB Expansion plan) WE ARE a student programming board that organizes most of Washington and Lee University’s campus activities. GAB’s programming caters to the entire W&L community with entertainment options such as comic acts, movies, recreational activities, and large musical performances. ALL STUDENTS at W&L are encouraged to apply to GAB. Members within GAB represent the Executive Board, Program Council (committee chairs), and committee members. SAB is a wonderful place to get real world experience in a campus setting. We welcome ideas to enhance campus programming. Feel free to send any questions, suggestions, or concerns to gab@wlu.edu. Here is some information on each GAB committee: CONCERTS This committee organizes and plans every GAB concert, from big acts like Widespread Panic and Bruce Homsby to smaller acts like DJ Skribble, Leftover Salmon, VACO, and student bands. If you are interested in production, booking, lighting, sound, or organizing large events with top quality entertainment, then this is the committee for you. FILM This committee is responsible for choosing movie titles shown in the John Elrod Commons. From box office hits like Finding Nemo and Cold Mountain to staple classics like Wayne’s World and Wizard of Oz, this committee works with other organizations on campus to co—sponsor GAB movie events. GRAPHICS/Webmaster Do you like Art? How about Computers? Even better if you like both! This committee is stationed under GAB’s VP of Publicity and works closely with the PR committee. This group is responsible for the design and implementation of all advertising, including newspaper ads, flyers, and posters. The GAB website, an important campus activity resource, also falls into the hands of the graphics committee. PUBLIC RELATIONS Interested in marketing, advertising, or journalism? Students with enthusiasm and good people skills are an integral part of GAB’s Public Relations team. Working with the graphics committee, this team tackles the enormous task of publicizing events and implementing a campaign to promote the organization and raise campus awareness. Without PR, GAB just wouldn’t float NOONERS Speaking of floating. . ..Ever wonder if that random microwave in your basement will float in a tank of water? Would you like to smash fruit into oblivion with a baseball bat? If so, Nooners is your calling. This committee arranges activities occurring at noon (hence the name) on selected Fridays around the Commons. The street performer quality of these activities invites the wacky and outrageous with open arms. REGULAR EVENTS This committee organizes the regular campus events occurring most Wednesdays and Fridays and Game Days. On Wednesdays at 8 pm, this committee organizes and hosts professional comedians with opening student acts. Common Grounds is the Friday night coffee shop scene with acoustic music and beverage specials in the Elrod Commonsf Café 77. Regular Events’ responsibility for hosting pre-game rallies brings BBQ and music to Canaan green before the big game. If you like to laugh, eat, and listen to.good__rn\11_s_i__c‘then this GAB committee needs you. KT“ 6 RECREATION Like floating down the river? How about a day trip to DC? Or even ice skating at a five star resort? If you are on this committee your job will be coordinating and going on these sporty, fun events. Other activities include Dodgeball tournament, volleyball tournament, March Madness, and Super Bowl big screen nights. Please direct any questions or comments to GAB President, Lauren Peters petersl@wlu.edu OCR::/Vol_107/WLURG39_RTP_20040920/WLURG39_RTP_20040920_003.2.txt fi MONDAY, SEIYFEMBER 20, 2004 . raI';llIN<';—nII:PItI STAFF EDITORIAL Public pledgeship safest idea Last week’s Phi led with the story, “Possible changes in story for fraternity pledgeship.” A shortened pledgeship was among the changes discussed. The Phi believes that an eight-week pledgeship is fine, and that shortening it any more will only serve to cheapen brotherhood and sisterhood. We do not condone violence, abuse or mental anguish. We do support bond- ing and fellowship. Many members of the Phi staff re- member pledgeship activities from two years ago. There was basketball out- side the Co-op, free-style rapping on the steps of the Co-op, cardboard cut-out cars. We remember a kissing tollbooth on the bridge to the sororities and a mock battle in the old D-hall. Most of all, we remember a pledge giving out free ham sandwiches outside "the library. All of this is now considered hazing because it is visible, and not optional for the fraternity pledges. . But we ask, which is more danger- ous: allowing boys to bond behind closed doors or allowing pledges to plan funny games to act out in front of the campus community? We think fun and games should win out over the secret activities, which can- not be regulated orcontrolled and which may lead to danger. In contrast, the light-hearted activi- ties provide not only a sense of having “earned” one’s brotherhood, but it also provides quality entertainment for the rest of campus. Everyone wins. No matter how much authorities want to control pledgeship, and for good reason, considering how dangerous it can be, Greek life is packed with traditions and pledgeship is one of those traditions. As a campus, we should recognize the value of pledgeship and work to guide Greek houses toward safe, beneficial pledgeship activities. “Even samurai have teddy bears, and even I thoseteddybearsgetdrunlé’ -OVerheardatPhiKapSaturday Night ' Editor in chief Erin Elizabeth Julius Managing Editor Chris Lauderman News Editor Sarah Mun-ay Opinions Editor Caley Anderson Asst. Opinions Editor Anne Finley Arts & Life Editor Emily Edwards Photography Editor Corbin Biackford Sports Editor Chad Kiewet de Jonge Asst. Layout Editor Emily Hulen C017)’ Editors Catherine Swan Alexa Moutevelis Business Manager David Seifert Circulation Director Rob Rain Asst. Circ. Director Legget. Kitchin Distribution Dir. Stephen Lipscomb The Ring-tum Phi is published Mondays during the undergraduate school year at Washington and Lee Univer- sity, Lexington, Virginia. The Ring-tum Phi is a member of The Publications Board, but is otherwise independent The Ring-tum Phi welcomes all responsible sub- missions and letters. All submissions must be e-mailed to phi@wlu.edu or in the University Center mailbox by 5 p.r_n. Friday to appear in the following weeks edition. The Ring-tum Phi reserves the right to edit submissions for content and length. Letters and columns do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Ring-tum Phi Editorial Board. Advertising does not reflect the opin- ions of The Ring-tum Phi or its staff. This newspaper observes current court definitions of libel and obscenity. The Ring-tum Phi University Commons Room. 341 Washington and lee University Lexington, Virginia 24450 Telephone: (540) 458-4060 Fax: (540) 458-4059 Email: ph'i@wlu.edu Subscription rate $40 CAIErANI>nIsON OPINIONS EDITOR FMAI;AAI>nIsO\1O@vIiIIrDII PAGE 3 HV WHITNEY DUFFEY In tcday’s wodd, Washington and Lee sometimes seems out ofplace. After all, where else can you leave your door unlocked, your possessions unattended for hours atatime,orapfleofnmrieymflreGraharn-Leescmmyard,wifl1dieconfider1cefl1atfl1ey will not be touched? Our institutions unique Honor System guarantees this. The sole responsibility of students under this code is to comport themselves honorably; there is no codified set of laws defining a student’s behavior in this sense. While some conduct is clearly in violation of _this philosophy (lying, stealing, cheating), there are other instancesinwhichabreach oftrustisless clear. Insuchcases, itisthegeneral conscri- sus of the student body which should indicate to the Executive Committee (EC) right fnomwrong.Thisis apowerful tool forasystemwithnootsdatingbackto 1865; itallows theHonorSystemtoadapttoeachincominggenera1ionofsu1dentsandthereforebe most eifective in maintaining honorable action even with considerable changes in culture. These questions of policy should not be taken lightly by students but weighed carefully. One suchissueisatopic ofconoemto ourstudentbodyrightnow: whether or not using a fake ID constitutes an honor violation While no specific guidelines for student behavior under the Honor System have everbeenwmpibdithasgeneraflybeenmdemmodfliatdesysternmaelyasks students to act with honesty, integrity, and responsibility. Under these conditions, the possessionanduseofafakelDconflictsgreaflywiththeHonorSystemWhenyou use false identification that says you are 21, you have deliberately been deceitful, are certainly not acting with integrity, and you are lying at least about your age (if not your entire identity). One who uses it is obviously not being honest . However, ifyoucannotbeconvincedbythespiritofthe1aw,thenperhapsthe lenerwfllpasuadcyou.h1TlnWlnteBookaW&Lsmdent’sg1ndemmderswnding the Honor System, there are many instances where language cleady points against the use of fake ID’s. According to the written philosophy of the Honor System, the code’s_ basis is “a spirit oftrust [that] pervades all aspects of student life.” ALL aspects of studentlife. Soinotherwondsjustasyoucan’tdeclinetocheatonatestbutthencheat inasport,youcannotrefi.Isetodeceiveaprofessorbutproceedtodeceivearnemberof the Lexington comrrnrnity with false identification After all, The White Book clearly states tint students must “represent themselves truthfully.” Notice it is not followed by the phrase ‘when it’s convenient.” 'IheECtakesthismisrepresentationvery seriously;justtwoyearsagoastudent withdrewinthefaceofaclosedhearingafierbeingchargedwiizhtheuseofafakell). Plus,ifsomeoneelsehasgivenyoutheirlDtouse,thaIpersonwilllnve suchcharges placed ontheirpermanentrecordaswell. Finally, ignorirIgthefactfl1atfal’>.‘2f?~§)$.‘§l'I§l§ Maw}: amt! 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