Oracle’s Daily Links: Students, faculty protest smoking ban

This is a daily installment that features news from other colleges, universities and news outlets around the country, polls and videos. Share your opinion by posting a blog comment or send an e-mail to news@usforacle.com.

Students, faculty protested a smoking ban at the University of Kentucky by doing the very thing the ban was against: lighting up. Here’s the full story.

USF Health implemented their own smoking ban today. Read more.

More than 300 grams of marijuana were found in a sophomore’s dorm room at George Washington University. Read more.

ROTC Army students at Notre Dame spend their test days crawling under barbed wire and carrying 35-pound backpacks. Here’s the full story.

 

Oracle’s Daily Links: College student wins $40K

This is a daily installment that features news from other colleges, universities and news outlets around the country, polls and videos. Share your opinion by posting a blog comment or send an e-mail to news@usforacle.com.

A senior at the University of Delaware won $40,550 on Wheel of Fortune’s College Week. Here’s the full story.

An USF graduate student won $25,000 on Who Wants to Be A Millionaire. Read more.

Police are cracking down on traffic laws at the University of Southern California by “sporadically” arriving on campus and issuing tickets. Here’s the full story.

Colorado State University is on its way to reaching a $500 million goal. So far,  $300 has been raised. Read more.

USF wants to raise $600 million. Here’s the full story.

 

Photos of the Day: Charit-A-Bull

Sixteen teams participated in the Homecoming event Charit-A-Bull in the Marshall Student Center on Monday. Students used canned goods to create sculptures including a naval battle ship and a boxing ring with USF’s mascot Rocky D. Bull fighting a Louisville Cardinal, among other designs.

Click here for the full story.

Photos were taken by Alissa Belmont.

 

Oracle’s Daily Links: LSU to offer airport shuttle service

This is a daily installment that features news from other colleges, universities and news outlets around the country, polls and videos. Share your opinion by posting a blog comment or send an e-mail to news@usforacle.com.

Going somewhere for  holidays? Well, Louisiana State University will offer its students a shuttle service to the Baton Rouge airport for $10 and to New Orleans for $20. Here’s the full story.

Yale University received 1,500 doses of swine flue and will begin vaccinating students Wednesday. Read more.

Former presidential candidate Ron Paul will speak at University of Iowa on Friday. Here’s the full story.

 

USF falls out of vegetarian-friendly contest

By Anastasia Dawson, CORRESPONDENT

USF’s progression in the “Most Vegetarian-Friendly Colleges” contest has come to an end.

Voting results for round three in the fourth-annual contest released this week showed the University didn’t make the top four.

However, First year nominee USF beat University of Florida and Warren Wilson College in North Carolina for a spot in the top 10 most vegetarian friendly colleges.

For making that far, USF will receive an honorary certificate to display in the dining halls.

USF also earned the title as the No. 1 school in Florida.

The contest, sponsored by national animal rights group peta2, aims to showcase college-dining halls that provide different vegetarian options for students, Ryan Huling, the senior college campaign coordinator for peta2, said in an e-mail.

Student awareness of vegetarian options on campus has increased since the competition, said Jenna Burns, marketing manager for the University’s food provider Aramark.

Advertising played a key role in raising student awareness, Burns said.

“People don’t know (about options) until it’s spelled out for them…From there we got a lot of good feedback from students on campus about increased offerings,” Burns said.

USF Dining services provide healthier and vegan friendly options for students such as the “Green Zone” in Juniper-Poplar residence hall and “Accent” vegetarian stations located in other dining halls.

They offer dinner options like the “vegetarian chicken parmesan casserole.”

Dining services has worked with the chain restaurants on campus to better promote their vegetarian menu items.

“It was really great to make it this far and we’re very happy to be in the top 10,” Burns said.

 

Oracle’s Daily Links: Students plan to protest fee increase

This is a daily installment that features news from other colleges, universities and news outlets around the country, polls and videos. Share your opinion by posting a blog comment or send an e-mail to news@usforacle.com.

Students at the University of California plan to hold a three-day strike protesting a proposed fee increase.  Here’s the full story.

Another group is having its own struggle with a university policy. The Graduate Employees’ Organization at the University of Illinois will go on strike today after it was unable to reach an agreement with school officials on a tuition waiver. Here’s the full story.

Nurses can diagnose and treat students with the swine flu over the phone at University of Arizona. Read more.

 

Oracle’s Daily Links: Facebook helps free 19-year-old from jail

This is a daily installment that features news from other colleges, universities and news outlets around the country, polls and videos. Share your opinion by posting a blog comment or send an e-mail to news@usforacle.com.

A lesson to be learned might be to update your Facebook page as much as possible. A 19-year-old man was arrested on robbery charges despite he and witness’ claims that the man was innocent. He was released from jail after defense attorneys found a Facebook post sent at just the right time. Here’s the full story.

For a more extended story click here.

Authorities will search an Orlando middle school for World War II bombs that may be buried there. Fox News has the full story.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is looking at a deal to split the revenue made by a tuition increase with the state. Here’s the full story.

A USF committee proposed an increase in student Activity and Service Fees by a combined 5 percent. Read more.

 

Oracle’s Daily Links: UF gives swine flu shots

This is a daily installment that features news from other colleges, universities and news outlets around the country, polls and videos. Share your opinion by posting a blog comment or send an e-mail to news@usforacle.com.

University of Florida distributed its first 700 swine flu vaccinations. The Daily Alligator has the full story.

University of Texas’ campus newspaper, The Daily Texan, reports President Barack Obama’s visit to Fort Hood after an Army major shot and killed 13 people. Here’s a look in photos.

The Red and Black newspaper follows the University of Georgia’s spending, finding the school spends a rate of $1,000 an hour on flights on the University’s private airplane. Here’s the full story.

 

USF hosts diabetes walk to raise funds

By Ferdie Garcia, CORRESPONDENT

More than $200,000 is what USF Diabetes Center wants to raise for diabetes, education, advocacy and research.

Approximately 1,500 people will walk in the Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes event at USF on Saturday, said event manager Lindsay Stearns, Step-Out associate manager for the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Stearns, who has Type I diabetes, said she hopes $260,000 will be raised.

“I know it’s definitely going to be a great walk,” Stearns said. “I think with the support of USF Health, the awareness of diabetes will be raised within the Tampa Bay community because of Step Out.”

The 2.8-mile walk starts at USF’s Simmons Park at the intersection of Magnolia and Beard Drive. For every dollar raised at the walk, 75 cents goes toward diabetes research, Stearns said.

Nicole Johnson, director of Communications and Outreach for the USF Diabetes Center, said she the event is a good way to bring organizations together.

“I think it’s incredible. It’s a great opportunity to partner with ADA and get one step closer to achieving President Judy Genshaft’s goal of USF being a leader in diabetes care,” Johnson said.

USF was chosen as the site for the walk because of the accomplishments of Dr. Jeffrey Krischer, director of the USF Diabetes and Pediatrics Epidemiology Centers, Stearns said.

Dr. Krischer has received $400 million in federal grants to date for his research of Type I diabetes, Stearns said.

Participants can receive free diabetes screenings at the event, Johnson said. Registration begins Saturday at 7 a.m., and opening ceremonies will be at 8:30 a.m.

 

SG senate confirms new ERC supervisor

Student Government senate voted Tuesday to appoint former executive branch press secretary Michael LeBlanc to be the supervisor of Elections Rules Commission (ERC).

LeBlanc said he hopes to improve the function of the ERC in comparison to last year.

“There were ethical problems, there were communication problems and there were also administrative problems,” LeBlanc said. “The ways that I seek to change that is to reform payroll dispersion, to reform job description and to reform contract begin and end dates.”

LeBlanc was a deputy supervisor of the ERC during last year’s term. As supervisor of the ERC, LeBlanc will govern the commission and “oversee the execution and logistics of all SG elections,” according to SG statutes.

SG statutes require the senate to form a new ERC during late October or early November each year.

The senate censured Student Body President Juan Soltero at the Nov. 3 meeting after he failed to elect an ERC chair within the specified deadline.

A censure is a “resolution passed by the Senate in lieu of impeachment.”

LeBlanc, who was a member of Soltero’s administration, said he will be unbiased in his new position.

“I’ll have no loyalties to anyone except the student body and they deserve a good, and a fair and an ethical election,” LeBlanc said. “That is my first objective.”

 

Senate bill finalizes USF, Byrd Institute partnership

The Higher Education Appropriations Conforming Bill (Senate Bill 1696) formalized the partnership of Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute and the USF.

Gov. Charlie Crist signed the bill June 2 allowing for the “transfer of assets, records, and functions from the Byrd Institute to USF. For the second consecutive year, the Institute received no state funding. The Institute is also waiting a decision to see if it will receive a five-year research grant.

Mark Walsh, associate vice president of government relations, said it was “almost out of necessity” that the two institutions merged.

Click here for more coverage on the Institute’s funding situation.

The senate bill requires USF and the Institute to complete a list of items including appointing directors and an advisory council within the Institute. The Oracle will have more coverage in the upcoming issues. 

— Kelli Polson

 

An inside look at USF’s budget for the 2009-10 academic year

As state universities approach the upcoming academic year, the Florida Legislature has approved budgets that will force numerous changes in university funding. Beginning with the 2009-10 academic year, students will face tuition increases and restructured scholarships.

This is your one-stop resource for how USF will function in the upcoming year, based on its new budget. Attached is a detailed powerpoint presentation created by Associate Provost Tapas Das that outlines USF’s tuition and fee pricing. USF Tuition and Fee Pricing

Also attached is the Higher Education Appropriations Conforming Bill (Senate Bill 1696) that Florida Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law June 2. Higher Education Appropriations Conforming Bill

Below are links to the Oracle’s coverage of the proposed budgets as they made their way through the university system to the state.

Budget sources shift as state funds dwindle.

State puts stricter guidelines on Bright Futures Program

Legislation makes USF, Byrd Institute merger official

The Oracle will have more coverage next week of how the new budget will affect both state and USF scholarships. We will update the links as more stories are published.

— Kelli Polson

 

Gunman reported on USF campus

A white male was seen carrying a black handgun while walking near campus today.

University Police spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross said the male, probably between 18 and 21-years-old, was wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt with the words “Go Greek” printed on it.

Ross said the male was seen walking along 50th Street near Fletcher Avenue,  50th and Holly Drive and was also spotted walking north on Fowler Avenue. Ross said UP and Hillsborough County agencies received three separate phone calls from people who spotted the suspect.

A MoBull alert was sent around 4 p.m. that stated, “Police responding to report of man with gun on NE side of campus near greek village. Avoid area.”

UP and the Tactical Response Team arrived at the Student Marshall Center to assist in safety measures for parents and prospective students who were attending an orientation session in the center. Prospective students and their parents were visiting booths where USF students advertised campus clubs and organizations.

Officers escorted two separate groups of students, orientation leaders and parents into the Oval Theatre and the balcony.

Sgt. Charlotte Domingo spoke to the group about the situation. She said that UP received a 911 phone call that a gunman was seen on campus.

“We asked that the family members of students stay together,” she said. “You will worry about each other less if you are together. If you see something suspicious, you’ll know that there are UP officers in the area. We would ask that you call one of us or dial 911. You guys are getting an unique experience today that we don’t usually have at orientation.”

Domingo used the incident as an example of how the University operates in emergency situations.

“You get a call, you go with the information you have — and you make the best decisions available,” Domingo said.

Ross said the Tactical Response Team, which are trained to be first responders in emergencies, were participating in a training session when the male was first seen. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office sent helicopters to the scene to assist in the search for the suspect.

A second MoBull alert was sent around 5:30 p.m. that stated, “After reports of man with gun, police conducted thorough search of area. All activities continued as normal.”

Ross said authorities were unable to find the suspect, but UP and Hillsborough County officers will continue a “heightened patrol” on campus tonight. She said a detailed report will be available Friday.

— Courtney Alberigo and Kelli Polson

 

UPDATE – UP: It might not have been a gun

Univeristy Police (UP) spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross said UP has contacted a man who matches the possible identity of the alleged gunman on campus Thursday.

Ross said the man in question gave a statement to UP, saying he is the person who was reported walking on campus with a gun. Due to the ongoing investigation, the suspects name cannot be released at this time.

The man said he was wearing a “Go Greek” shirt that matched the description of the suspect. He said he was carrying a cell phone and wallet, but not a gun, Ross said.

Ross said the man was not taken into custody.

Kylie Blahut, a senior majoring in pre-nursing, made a 911 call to police that a white male she did not recognize was walking along Holly with a gun.

Blahut said she saw the man while she was driving on Holly toward Greek Village. She said the man was wearing a white “Go Greek” t-shirt and had a gun in his left hand.

“I am 100 percent certain it was a gun in his hand,” Blahut said.

Ross said UP will continue the investigation until the situation has been resolved.

— Courtney Alberigo

 

Bomb threat at Moffitt

The Oracle is following the bomb threat text from the MoBull alert system that you all received this morning.

At 10:41 a.m., USF communications sent out a text message that read, “There is a bomb threat at the Moffitt Cancer Center. Avoid the area until further noticed.”

The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center is on the west side of campus at the intersection of Holly and Magnolia Drive. It’s close to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

We’re on our way over.

We’ll continuously update the blog, so keep checking for updates.

- News staff

 

Update — Moffitt Center bomb threat

Authorities have arrived on scene in response to a bomb threat on the USF campus.

Three fire trucks and the hazardous incident truck are parked at the east side of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in response to a bomb threat received this morning at the building.

There are six other trucks in front of the building. Police are also on scene. One paramedic vehicle is on scene but no injuries have been reported.

At 10:41 a.m. this morning, USF communications sent out a text message that read, “There is a bomb threat at the Moffitt Cancer Center. Avoid the area until further noticed.”

The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center is on the west side of campus at the intersection of Holly and Magnolia Drive. It’s close to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

 

Update — No bomb detected at Moffitt Center

Authorities have completed a search at the H. Lee Moffitt Center in response to a bomb threat this morning and did not find any hazardous material.

MoBull just sent out this alert: “A thorough search was conducted at Moffitt Cancer Center and no bomb was located. The location is safe to resume normal activities.”

At 8:45 a.m. this morning, the Moffitt Center received a bomb threat via telephone. University Police received a call from the center at 9:11 a.m.

UP sent six officers to Moffitt, and were assisted by Tampa police, a hazardous material team, fire trucks and paramedics.

A bomb squad searched inside the building and found a suspicious looking purse lying on the ground on the second floor. Authorities roped the material and examined the purse, finding no hazardous material. The purse hasn’t been claimed yet.

At 10:41 a.m. — nearly two hours after Moffitt Cancer Center received the threat — a MoBull alert was sent out that read, “There is a bomb threat at the Moffitt Cancer Center. Avoid the area until further noticed.”

The Oracle talked to UP officials and a full story will be posted soon on our Web site. If anything else develops, we’ll post it.

-News staff

 

USF added to Victoria’s Secret PINK Collegiate Collection

Special to the Oracle

Last week Victoria’s Secret PINK announced that the University of South Florida will be added to the PINK Collegiate Collection as the “Class of 2009.”

The campus apparel, which will include hoodies, tees, fleece pants, and dresses, will be available starting June 22 online at vspink.com. The USF bookstore will carry the collection in the fall semester, the St. Petersburg Times reported.

USF was number 20 of the 24 new schools added to the collection this year. The store received more than 10 million votes for hundreds of nationwide universities during its “Nominate Your School” program.

The PINK Collegiate Collection, which was launched last July, will now offer fashion apparel featuring PINK’S logo and the names and logos of over 50 colleges from across the nation.

 

USF Professors to create curriculum for aerospace academy

By Joe Polito

Special to the Oracle

Staff Writer

 

USF Tampa and Polytechnic professors were chosen to create curriculum for a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) funded aerospace academy in Lakeland.

NASA awarded the Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) $1.4 million to improve the curriculum and enhance the academy’s facility, which prepares students for a career in aviation, said Polk County Public School officials.

The CFAA is an extension of Kathleen High School that offers education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to middle and high school students.

“We hope to find the next generation of technicians and engineers with this program,” said USF Polytechnic Director of Engineering Frank Young. “The classes are very similar to ones in the average high school, but they also show how lessons in math and science can be applied outside of the laboratory and eventually develop into a career.”

Gerry Meisels, director of the Coalition for Science Literacy at USF Tampa said he and Young will team up with FCAA faculty members and outside experts, such as former astronauts, to develop the curriculum.

They will construct six courses and determine how the courses should be taught, Meisels said.

“A big part of getting students to learn science in general is getting them engaged and interested,” he said. “You can illustrate fundamental principles like momentum and energy using some real life examples — in this case aerospace.”

Meisels said he anticipates that the new curriculum will be implemented next spring.

“It is very important that the academy not only continues to improve on the curriculum, but also improve on the way it’s taught,” Young said.

The FCAA, which is located at Sun N’ Fun, Florida’s official aviation museum and education center, will be adding new buildings to the facility using part of the grant money they received from NASA, Meisel said.

Out of the $11.5 million in grants NASA awarded this year, Polk County received the largest amount nationwide, Young said.

These grants are aimed at drawing students to career fields in science and technology and providing sound education that will motivate them to further their skills, he said.

 

A look at Student Government’s 2009-10 budget

Attached are multiple documents that Student Government (SG) issued to the Oracle. The reason multiple documents were issued is due to the fact that SG made it clear they wanted to clarify the reason behind what it appears to be an increase of available funds.

Activity and Service fees, paid by students, makes up the funds in SG’s Executive Branch’s budget. The Executive Branch requested $318,225.78 for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

The Student Resource Agency (SRA) funds were not included in last year’s SG budget. This year the SRA was implemented into the SG Executive Branch budget. The SRA is listed as Student Life and Traditions (SLT) on the 2009-10 budget.

SG President Juan Soltero, SG Vice President Bruno Portigliatti, Chief Financial Officer Shane Johnson, Associate Director for Intergovernmental Affiars Khalid Hassouneh and Executive Press Secretary Michael LeBlanc all confirmed this with the Oracle.

These branch members said the implementation of the SRA budget is the reason for what appears to be a large increase in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.

The 2009-10 budget has been approved by the Senate and SG President Juan Soltero. The budget awaits Vice President of Student Affairs Jennifer Meningall’s signature.

Hassouneh issued the following documents to the Oracle:

A Senate Appropriations Bill

Proposed Student Government 2009-10 Budget

LeBlanc issued this document to the Oracle:

List of Executive Branch Members

More documents will be uploaded soon. Keep checking the News blog for more issued documents and statements from SG.

Post your questions and comments regarding the budget.

— Kelli Polson

 

Tampa hosts casting call for NBC’s Biggest Loser

For those of you hoping to shed a few pounds, here’s one way to do so.

NBC’s Biggest Losing is holding a casting call for Season 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. The show is looking for teams of two family members — parent/child, siblings, married, couples, cousins or in-laws.

This is the first time the show has held a casting call in Tampa. Contestants must have at least 100 pounds to lose. Participants will have a chance to compete on the show for $250,000.

If you have any questions, you can e-mail jaxcasting@gmail.com.

If you are an USF student who chooses to attend the casting call, let the Oracle know. E-mail the News staff at oraclenewsteam@gmail.com.

 

USF scholarship systems shifts towards a more organized setup

USF has begun plans to restructure their scholarship system focusing on creating a more accurate online database that includes all available scholarships for students.

A new office, Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid, and the Scholarship Administration Guidelines, under which it will operate, will take effect July 1.

View the link before for the Scholarship Administration Guidelines:

Scholarship Administration Guidelines

Students will not be affected by changes until January 2010. For the full story visit: http://www.usforacle.com/usf-attempts-to-make-scholarship-system-user-friendly-1.1764930.

— Kelli Polson

 

USF students protest for family, friends in Iran

Over 100 people protested Tuesday against the Iranian government’s oppression on civilians who have  spoken out against an election that has led to one candidate’s allege involvement in voter fraud.

Protesters waved “Free Iran” and “Where is my vote?” signs on the corner of Dale Mabry in front of the Home Depot and Target plaza from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Associated Press (AP) reported that the Iran Guardian Council announced Monday it found voting irregularities in voting districts when the number of received votes outweighed the number of eligible voters.

Mahdi Karroubi, one of the presidential candidates, asked for a day of mourning for 17 people killed in protests since the elections, reports the AP.

Among those who protested on Dale Mabry were USF students who are concerned for family members and friends in Iran.

Nazgol Moshtaghi, a third year PH.D marketing USF student, said her friend’s brother has been missing in Iran since Saturday.

“They found his car. His car had 65 bullets in it,” Moshtaghi said. “We don’t know whether he is dead or alive. Was he arrested? We don’t have any idea.”

Moshtaghi was born in Tehran, Iran and moved to the United States two years ago. She said she would like to go back to Iran to visit friends and family, but friends told her the government blacklisted her name.

She said her name was blacklisted, because she has spoken to U.S. media about the situation in Iran. Moshtaghi said she would be arrested if she returned to Iran.

“I don’t worry, but I know a lot of people who are worried. I was kind of harsh on my friends who are worried to be in the media,” she said. “I was like telling them, ‘Shame on you. Our friends are getting killed.’”

Moshtaghi said the group also protested on Dale Mabry on Saturday and Monday. She said they have not planned another protest.

The Oracle will have more coverage in Thursday’s issue.

— Kelli Polson

 

Senate passes resolution to review SG executive branch budget

On Tuesday, the Student Government Senate chose to review the executive branch’s budget after receiving several complaints from students and faculty members.

“I recognize the students’ concerns,” said Student Body President Juan Soltero. “Trust me, I’ve gotten e-mails, phone calls — even employees of mine have asked me, ‘Hey, what’s up with this?’”

To read the full article on the senate’s resolution, click here.

Below is the resolution regarding the senate’s review plans:

SB [R] 50-006

Click here for the Oracle’s story outlining the executive branch budget.

 

Students protest for freedom in Iran

For the full story, click here.

 

USF professors hold highest pay among public workers

This is interesting. USF Health professors rank in the top 50 of highest salaries in the Tampa Bay area. 

Neil Fenske, the director of USF medical school’s dermatology department, receives $1.49 million compared to USF President Judy Genshaft, who takes home $395,000, the Tampa Tribune reports.

 

Acting SG chief justice discontinues pursuit of confirmation

The Student Government acting Chief Justice, Mariloly Orozco, has decided against pursuing a confirmation from the senate.

Orozco was nominated by Student Body President Juan Soltero in May, following the impeachment trial of ranking Chief Justice Sarah Heikkinen.

To read the full story, click here.

Below are the minutes from the May 19 SG senate meeting, at which Soltero announced Orozco’s nomination:

Senate Minutes 5-19-09

 

USF St. Petersburg is no longer on accreditation probation

After being put on probation in June 2008, USF St. Petersburg learned Thursday they no longer required further evaluation to determine accreditation status.

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools put USF St. Petersburg on a 12-month probation period last year after determining the University required further evaluation for two areas: evaluation of the general education program and the evaluation of student access, said USF St. Petersburg officials in a press release to the Oracle.

Interim Regional Chancellor Margaret Sullivan said in the press release that the University of South Florida St. Petersburg made significant progress in implementing an assessment program that not only meets, but exceeds SACS requirements for General Education and Student Success.

In May 2009, a special committee visited the University and submitted a report to the commission. Based on the report, the commission made the decision to remove the University from sanction at its Friday meeting.

“This is a very fine institution and the committees have completed the necessary work to demonstrate compliance,” Sullivan said. “The faculty is to be commended for this outstanding response to the Commission on Colleges.”

 

Active shooter training meant to prepare officers

University Police (UP) held an active shooter training on campus Friday night. UP and other agencies including the Hillsborough County Police Department and Temple Terrace Police Department participated in the event.

UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross said the training exercise provides the opportunity for officers to train in a realistic situation involving an actual shooter similar to the Columbine and Virginia Tech shootings.

Click here for the full story.

 

MoBull: Tornado Warning

A MoBull alert was sent at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday that stated: “Alert Tampa Campus, a Tornado Warning has been issued for the Temple Terrace area until 3:45 p.m. be aware of weather conditions.

 

USF changes undergraduate, exit requirements

As part of the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan for  reaffirmation of accreditation, Undergraduate Studies has been working to revise and improve undergraduate and exit education requirements.

The new requirements, which go into effect in the fall 2009-10 semester, will integrate critical thinking and inquiry based-learning into all undergraduate curriculum.

Most exit requirements, now referred to as “gateway” classes, will be integrated into the major disciplines.

Click here for the rest of the story. Click the link to read the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan.

Tell the Oracle what you think about this story. Email the news staff at news@usforacle.com.

 

America’s Next Top Model auditions to be held in Ybor

Talent scouts for the television competition series “America’s Next Top Model” will be at the Ritz Ybor Wendesday, according to the Tampa Tribune.

Participants must be at least 5-foot-7, with no weight requirement.

Auditions for the fifteenth season of the show will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

If you’re a USF student who plans to audition for the show, e-mail the Oracle at montage@usforacle.com.

 

Leadership conference to focus on education system

 

Lawton "Bud" Chiles III

By Jenna Withrow
Assistant News Editor 

In August, college and high school students will have the opportunity to get educated on the state education system. 

The Lawton Chiles Leadership Corps is hosting a two-day leadership conference that will provide Florida students with knowledge and hands-on training in civic engagement and leadership, said Geoff Chiles, campus coordinator for the Lawton Chiles Leadership Corps. 

“This conference is really going to help (students) see what is going on in the state of Florida,” Chiles said. “The fact that nationally, we’re one of the worst states when it comes to most major education categories.” 

He said on the first day of the conference, attendees will be given information regarding Florida’s education system. 

“A lot of students don’t understand the intricacies of the budget,” Chiles said. “And so it will be an education about stimulus, about the budget and what it means for education, what types of funding education is getting and how education cuts affect students in the long term.” 

On the second day, the students will gather in groups to develop ideas on how to mobilize their campuses through such means as online organizing and campus events, he said. 

Attendees will hear from a “melting pot of speakers,” Chiles said state and local government representatives, lobbyists, a representative from the White House and Lawton “Bud” Chiles, the president of the Lawton Chiles Foundation, will give presentations. 

Chiles said the goal of the conference is to inspire students to take action and bring about change in the education system. 

“Change is not occurring in Tallahassee, change is not occurring with our politicians,” Chiles said. “We need to step up and do something here.” 

Chiles said no USF student has signed up for the conference yet, however he hopes some will within the next few weeks. 

“We believe that this is going to be the spark that will help (students) make this problem, this issue their own,” he said. “Because it affects them more than it affects anyone else, its their education.” 

The conference is open to college students and rising high school juniors and seniors. It will be held at the University of Central Florida from August 8-9.

A $50 registration fee covers housing, food and conference materials. Attendees will be staying in UCF dorms.  

Students can apply for the conference until July 20.

 

USF Botanical Gardens hosts plant fair

USF Botanical Gardens will hold the 11th Annual Tropical Plant Fair on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Admission is 5$ but garden members and children under 12 years old may enter for free. Parking is free.

Vendors will be selling fruit trees, blooming tropical and exotic plants, including gingers, orchids, plumerias, banana plants, carnivorous plants and more.

The plant fair will include presentations and workshops on Sunday as well as a “pepper beauty contest.” Guests who bring a decorated pepper can enter the contest for free.

USF Botanical Gardens are located at 12210 Pine Dr., at the southwest corner of the USF Tampa campus, one block north of Fowler Avenue off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. For more information call 813-974-2329 or visit cas.usf.edu/garden.

 

Purse in alleged campus theft found at local bank

By Courtney Alberigo

A purse that was reported stolen from the campus library was recovered Thursday at the SunTrust Bank on Fowler Avenue, said University Police (UP) spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross.

Ross said in an e-mail to the Oracle that the purse belonged to USF student Veronica Francis, who reported the purse stolen Thursday.

Ross said Baker left the purse unattended between 2:55 p.m. and 3:05 p.m., Ross said. Baker told UP the total value of the purse and contents was $98.

Ross said Baker called UP to inform the purse had been located at the bank.

Baker was unavailable for comment. Ross said no suspects have been identified.

- Additional Reporting by Kelli Polson

 

Last week to buy tickets to USF Rays Night

Friday is the last day to purchase tickets to the second annual USF Night with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Tickets for the August 1 game can be purchased by USF students, alumni, faculty and staff members for $35. The price includes a lower-box seat, a black Rays hat with the Bulls logo and free admittance to the post-game concert, at which Daughtry will perform.

The Rays will play the Kansas City Royals at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg starting at 4:10 p.m.

Because tickets to last years’ event sold out in advance, people are encouraged to purchase their tickets as soon as possible.

Discounts are available to groups of 20 or more, call 727-825-3391 for further information.

 

Parking Services increased permit prices

Parking Services and Transportation has increased the cost of parking permits for the 2009-10 school year.

On Wednesday, the office also implemented a new system that will allow students to order their parking permits through Blackboard using their NetID.

Read the entire story, as well as updates on the H1N1 virus and Student Government budget, in today’s Oracle.

 

Last Oracle summer issue

The Oracle printed its last issue of the summer today.

Printing will not resume again until the fall semester on August 23.

Until then, be sure to check the Oracle News Blog for updates on whats happening on campus.

 

USF partners with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to launch campus program

USF and Enterprise Rent-A-Car will implement WeCar, a program that allows students and employees to rent designated vehicles on campus.

Individuals who are at least 18 years old and preregistered with the program may choose from three Toyota Prius hybrids and one Ford Escape hybrid. Vehicles will be located Northeast of the Marshall Center and by the new Juniper-Poplar Residence Halls by the Beard Parking facility and available for hourly rental.

“Car-sharing is an innovative development that allows people to make use of alternative forms of transportation such as walking, bicycling, or using public transportation and still be able to access an auto for short term needs,” said Ed Mierzejewski, director of USF’s Center for Urban Transportation (CUTR), in a press release. “You only pay for the amount of time you need the car. You aren’t paying for a car sitting in your driveway or parking space for 23 hours per day, when you only need it for an hour.”

University officials said CUTR will spend the next 18 months researching WeCar’s impact on transit behavior. This service will help USF reach its goal of reducing the campus’ carbon footprint to zero.

Here’s what the St. Petersburg Times said about the program.

 

University Police ends search for gunman on campus

By Kelli Polson

A search for an alleged male gunman on the University of South Florida campus yielded no results and ended at 2 p.m. Friday.

However, the investigation is still ongoing and the Hillsborough Sheriff’s office is following leads on suspects, said Major J.D. Withrow, University Police’s (UP) assistant chief of police.

Major J.D. Withrow

Withrow said UP will maintain heightened security around the campus perimeter.

Withrow said a male called the Hillsborough County Crisis Center around 12:15 p.m. today stating he had a gun on campus in the Lot 2 parking area near the Bio-science building.

Withrow said UP was on the scene within minutes.

A MoBull alert was sent at 12:30 p.m. that advised individuals to stay inside and lock doors or stay away from the area.

The University’s Emergency Siren System, which was installed in April, was activated and sounded a series of messages stating a gunman was on campus, Withrow said.

Withrow said authorities searched the area and kept the Bio-science building on lockdown. He said no one reported seeing an actual gunman and authorities did not find the reported suspect or weapon.

Tampa Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol and the Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene.

Another MoBull alert was sent at 2:12 p.m. stating, “UP/Tampa Police have investigated the area – OK to resume to normal activities.”

Withrow said the MoBull alerts were sent to about 50,000 people. He said it is unclear how many students are on campus, but that number is low because it’s summer.

Another siren alert was sounded that stated the scene was “all clear.” The system consists of eight sirens located throughout campus.

This is one of multiple gun-related incidents that have occurred on campus this summer.

Withrow said last week UP received a call of someone walking on campus with what looked like ammunition attached to a belt. He said UP searched the area and found nothing.

On June 11, USF student Kylie Blahut called UP to report a white male carrying a black handgun near Greek Village on the north side of campus. UP searched the area and found nothing.

A male turned himself into UP the next day and said he was wearing the clothing that matched the description of the suspect but was carrying a wallet and cell phone.

UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross told the Oracle in a June 12 issue that authorities believed he was the suspect.

In a June 3 incident, UP arrested two men who threatened a woman with a handgun in the SunDome parking lot.

Withrow said he is unsure how many times gun-related incidents have occurred during his 23 years with UP.

“There are too many to count,” he said.

 

University Police found alleged gunman whose threat put campus on lockdown Friday

Authorities found and Baker Acted a male who claimed he had a gun and was willing to use it on the University of South Florida campus Friday.

The male agreed to be interviewed by University Police (UP) at 12:30 p.m. today, according to the University’s Web site. The suspect was transferred from UP headquarters to the Hillsborough County Crisis Center via ambulance.

Due to no criminal charges being filed and the suspect’s medical state, the individual’s name will not be released.

The University’s Web site states the suspect has no affiliation with the school. Authorities believe a former relationship between the suspect and someone affiliated with USF may have caused the suspect to come to campus.

The male called the crisis center around 12:15 p.m. Friday and said he had a gun in the Lot 2 parking area near the Bio-Science building.

The crisis center contacted the Hillsborough Sheriff’s office who then called UP. Tampa Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol also assisted in the Friday search.

The threat put the campus on lockdown for nearly two hours. A MoBull text message alert was sent at 12:30 p.m. on Friday that advised individuals to stay inside or stay away from the area. The University’s Emergency siren system sounded a series of “gunman on campus” messages.

Authorities ended the search at 2 p.m. with no sign of the gunman or weapon Friday.  ”All clear” alerts were sent via text messages and the siren system.

This is one of three gun-related incidents that have occurred on campus this summer.

What was your reaction to the Friday gunman alert? Tell the Oracle by leaving a comment or email us at news@usforacle.com.

 

Police continue investigations of suspects from attempted campus robbery

The St. Petersburg Police Department is following leads from an attempted robbery on the USF St. Petersburg campus, said Melanie Marquez, a communications and marketing officer at USF St. Petersburg.

The police department believes the suspects have been involved in two other crimes off campus, because they match the description of the suspects in the campus incident, according to a press release.

On July 22 at 8:51 p.m., two black males approached two USF students who were walking to Residence Hall One from the campus Waterfront area, according to a press release. One of the suspects took out a pistol and demanded both of the student’s belongings. The suspect then struck one of the students with his gun.

The suspects left campus on a bicycle heading south on 3rd Street South. One was driving the bicycle, while the other sat on the handlebars.

Both suspects were wearing all black clothing and covered their faces with black bandannas. The suspects are 16-25 years old and thin build.

USF St. Petersburg posted crime alert bulletins throughout campus informing others of the incident. The bulletins advise anyone to take “precautions for their safety” and contact the campus police department if anyone needs assistance instead of approaching a stranger.

Anyone who has information about any criminal incidents or sees anything suspicious on campus, the campus police asks to be contacted at 727-873-4140.

 

University Police will conduct DUI patrols

University Police (UP) will hold DUI Saturation Patrols on campus from 7 p.m. today to 4 a.m. Wednesday.

UP spokesperson Lt. Meg Ross said the patrols will extend off campus in the northzone area.

Impaired drivers will face arrest and prosecution. The released stated the patrols are part of an effort to “keep our streets safe.”

 

University Police to hold sobriety checkpoint

University Police (UP) will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on the USF Tampa campus from 11 p.m. Saturday to 12 a.m. Sunday.

Impaired drivers will face arrest and prosecution, according to a press release. This is the second time this week UP has conducted sobriety checkpoints in an effort “to keep our streets safe,” according to the release.

 

University Police to hold DUI patrols

University Police (UP) will conduct two DUI Saturation Patrols this week on campus, according to a press release.

The first patrol will be from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 4 a.m. Wednesday. The second patrol will be from 7 p.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday.

The release states that impaired drivers will face arrest and prosecution.

 

University Police will conduct DUI patrol

University Police (UP) will hold a “DUI Saturation Patrol” on the USF Tampa campus on Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., according to a press release.

Impaired drivers will face arrest and prosecution. The release states, “this operation is part of a comprehensive, collaborative approach to traffic safety by the USF Police Department.”

 

Megahed released, awaits appeal decision

By Julia Pappacoda

The United States government has until Monday to decide whether it will appeal a judge’s decision to release USF student Youssef Megahed from immigration custody.

Judge Kenneth Hurewitz decided Friday that the government could not make a strong enough case to deport Megahed for engaging in terrorist activities or being likely to engage in terrorist activities.

The judge’s decision means Megahed can remain a permanent U.S. resident, said Charles Kuck, Megahed’s attorney.

Kuck said that during the trial the judge considered all of the government’s accusations about Megahed to be true, but that it still wasn’t enough for Megahed to be deported.

“I’m very happy to be out and that my case is over now,” Megahed said in a phone interview, Saturday afternoon, after returning to his Tampa home.

Megahed was placed in custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in April, a few days after he was acquitted of federal explosive charges.

In August 2007, Megahed was arrested with former USF student Ahmed Mohamed in Charleston, S.C., when police pulled them over for speeding and discovered PVC pipes, fuses and other materials in the trunk of their vehicle.

Until the government decides whether it wants to appeal, Megahed must obey certain criteria.

Megahed said that as part of the conditions, he must not associate with terrorists or engage in terrorist activities.

Friday’s decision is the second time Megahed was found not guilty regarding his arrest.

“I don’t think the government likes losing. I think that is why [Megahed] was in deportation proceedings in the first place, because they lost the criminal trial,” Kuck said. “I would hope that at some point the government would realize this is a waste of resources and that they should focus their efforts on catching real criminals.”

At the time of his arrest, Megahed had applied to become a U.S. citizen and was close to completing his undergraduate degree.

With one class left of undergraduate coursework, Megahed said he plans on returning to USF to finish his bachelor’s degree in engineering.

 

USF launches WeCar program today

The University implemented WeCar, a car sharing program on campus created by Enterprise-Rent-A-Car.

Students and faculty can register in the WeCar program and rent vehicles for a hourly rental fee. Individuals can choose from three Toyota Prius and one Ford Escape.

The program will be used as a research project for the USF Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR). Phil Winters, director of CUTR, said the program will encourage students to use existing student programs already on campus like the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART).

Click here for the full story.

 

A recap of the summer headlines

The Oracle compiled a timeline of events that happened during the summer from emergency situations to legislative decisions that affected how the University operates.

Click here for a look back on the summer.

 

University Police will hold DUI patrols

University Police (UP) will conduct DUI Saturation patrols on campus Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., according to a press release.

The release states impaired drivers will face arrest and prosecution.

 

Temple Terrace Police aware individuals of red-light cameras

With the start of a new school year, Temple Terrace Police Department (TTPD)want to remind motorists of red-light cameras mounted in intersections surround USF’s campus.

A $100 fine is issued for an individual’s first offense of running a red light. A release issued by the TTPD states a “drive must stop behind the painted stop bar or crosswalk prior.”

The Temple Terrace City Council passed an ordinance last year allowing for the installation of the red-light cameras.

Click here for more information on the red-light cameras.

 

USF St. Pete gas leak is “all clear”

Shortly after the University sent a MoBull alert warning students of a gas leak on the USF St. Petersburg campus, school officials have resumed to normal activities.

Melanie Marquez, a communications and marketing officer at USF St. Petersburg, said the situation was “all clear.”

The University sent an alert at 2:32 p.m. that said a gas leak occurred near the chiller plant at USF St. Petersburg. Students and faculty were advised to stay inside or avoid the area.

At 2:43 p.m., the school sent another MoBull alert that advised students and faculty to resume as “normal.”

 

BREAKING NEWS: Megahed attends classes at USF Wednesday

Youssef Megahed, who was released from immigration custody last week, is back at USF attending classes, his sister Mariam said Wednesday.

Megahed was accepted by the University Tuesday, Miriam said. USF confirmed his status as a  student Wednesday in a statement.

“As is true of any university, USF is prohibited from publicly discussing student academic information,” the release said. “The federal statute, FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) prohibits public disclosure of student records. USF can confirm the ’status’ of a student, however. Today, we can confirm the status of Youssef Megahed as a current student for the fall semester 2009.”

Last week, Miami immigration Judge Kenneth Hurewitz released Megahed from federal custody because the government did not make a strong enough case to convict him on charges.

In August 2007, Megahed and former USF student Ahmed Mohamed were pulled over for speeding in Charleston, S.C. Authorities discovered PVC pipes, fuses and other materials in the trunk of their vehicle.

For more on this story, pick up Thursday’s Oracle.

- Julia Pappacoda

 

Area authorities to hold DUI patrols

Temple Terrace Police Department (TTPD) is conducting a DUI Saturation Patrol today from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., according to a press release.

Patrol officers will be designated to identify impaired drivers throughout the city.

“(TTPD) recognizes that Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious public safety problem and that Hillsborough County has consistently ranked among the top counties in the state for alcohol-related crashes,” the release said.

The release said this DUI patrol is part of a “statewide Labor Day holiday enforcement effort that will continue through Sept. 7.”

University Police (UP) will hold a DUI Saturation Patrol on Friday from 7 p.m. and 4 a.m, according to a press release.

The release said impaired drivers will face arrest and prosecution.

 

Student charged with felonies after selling stolen textbooks

University Police (UP) arrested USF student Jeff Sheridan Monday morning for returning books he did not purchase at the USF Barnes and Nobles bookstore, according to a police report.

 According to the report, Sheridan, an employee of the Oracle, faces two felony charges: grand theft in the third degree and dealing in stolen property.

Sheridan is being held at the Orient Road Jail on a $9,500 bond — $2,000 for grant theft and $7,500 for the second charge.

On Aug. 10 at approximately 3:50 p.m., Sheridan walked into the bookstore and took five textbooks — valued at $763.00 — from the shelves, the report said.

Sheridan took the textbooks to the buy back cashier and sold them back for $137. Police records said that Sheridan had a signed receipt for selling the books.

Sheridan was caught on videotape and identified by a witness. Police reports said Sheridan made “no attempt to purchase the five textbook prior to making a buy back transaction.”

Ross said if Sheridan is convicted, a restitution order may be given for reimbursement to the bookstore but that’s hard to determine at this point.

Sheridan was unavailable for comment.

 — Kerry Klecic and Kelli Polson

 

Authorities continue investigation of alleged sexual battery

University Police (UP) is investigating an alleged false imprisonment and attempted sexual battery incident that may have happened Saturday at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house.

An 18-year-old female told police she was pulled into a room against her will at the house.

UP spokesperson Lt. Meg Ross said in an e-mail that the female claimed she was “inappropriately touched.”

The incident was reported to UP at approximately 8:50 p.m., Ross said.

No charges have been made. Ross said the female did not name a suspect in the police report.

Sigma Phi Epsilon President Ryan Kearns said the fraternity is cooperating with the authorities’ investigation.

“There is an alleged incident that was reported,” Kearns said. “We are answering any questions about the investigation — about the house.”

Kearns said after speaking with authorities there is reason to believe the incident did not happen in the Sigma Phi Epsilon house.

“After further review, we’ve found certain inconsistencies in the report (to UP) that indicate this incident did not occur in our house,” Kearns said.

Ross said detailed information about the victim and possible suspect is withheld because the investigation is on-going.

— Courtney Alberigo and Kelli Polson

 

SG Executive Branch will use payroll to fund FSU buses

The Student Government (SG) Executive Branch decided they will no longer request more money from the senate to fund six buses to the Florida State-USF football game this month, said SG Chief Financial Officer Shane Johnson.

Johnson said the executive branch will now transfer $7,000 from the payroll portion of their budget to fund the buses.

Click here for the full story.

View the original request signed by SG Vice President Bruno Portigliatti below:

Original fund request for FSU buses

 

UP has leads in USF fraternity house investigation

University Police (UP) has leads in an alleged sexual battery and false imprisonment that may have happened in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house, UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross said Wednesday.

An 18-year-old female told police she was pulled into a room against her will at the house. Ross said in an e-mail that the female claimed she was “inappropriately touched.”

No charges have been made. The incident was reported at approximately 8:50 p.m. Saturday.

Sigma Phi Epsilon President Ryan Kearns was unavailable for comment Wednesday.

Kearns said Tuesday that the fraternity was cooperating with police.

“We’ve found certain inconsistencies in the report (to UP) that indicate this incident did not occur in our house,” Kearns said.

 

University may raise student fees

An USF committee is discussing whether to increase the Activity and Service (A&S) Fee, Student Health Fee and Athletic Fee by up to a total of 5 percent, which is allowed by State Legislature.

The A&S, Athletic Fee and Student Health Fee Recommendation Committee will meet Wednesday to view fee proposals, said Bruno Portigliatti, Student Government Vice President.

“Until we hear from these (other) groups, we can’t make a decision … I think if we’re going to raise any fees it has to be justified,” Portigliatti said.

Click here for the full story.

For more information click the link below to view how USF’s student fees compare to other state universities, projected revenue from the fees in 2009-10 and more:

University Student Fees

Click here for the full legislation that allows state universities to increase fees.

 

A Day of Remembrance: Eight Years Later

USF and University of Tampa College Republicans placed nearly 3,000 flags outside the Marshall Student Center (MSC) today in memory of the Sept. 11, 2001 plane attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.

The flags were donated by Bob McCann, a candidate for the Florida House of Representatives, District 67, according to a release.

“As a proud veteran, I want to honor all the brave men and women who serve our country in the military and as first responders,” McCann said in the release.

The USF College Republicans will also hand out ribbons in front of the MSC starting at 9:30 a.m.

(Photos of the memorial below)

Oracle Photo/Issa Luckett

Oracle Photo/Issa Luckett

Oracle Photo/Issa Luckett

 

American flags planted at USF cause dispute

A sign rests outside the Marshall Center where nearly 3,000 American flags were placed Friday at a Sept. 11 memorial. ORACLE PHOTO/ISSA LUCKETT

By Hannah Feig

Nearly 3,000 miniature American flags created controversy outside the Marshall Student Center (MSC) Friday  because of event-planning logistics.

The flags, which were planted in the ground to commemorate lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, were part of the USF College Republicans’ effort to show patriotism on campus, said College Republicans Vice Chair Jacqueline Sell.

However, there were concerns as to whether or not the flags were allowed to be planted in the ground near the MSC patio and Martin Luther King Plaza.

“The issue is that we weren’t aware that they were going to do that,” said Greg Jackson, associate director of the MSC.

Jackson said he met with the president of College Republicans, Charles Sherrard, about a different event in the residence halls but was not informed about the event outside the MSC, which, aside from the flag display, included a tent and ribbon pins that were handed out.

Courtney McGarry, treasurer for the College Republicans, said the organization had permission for the event.

“It shouldn’t have been something that they made a big deal about,” McGarry said.

However, Jackson said they were given permission by Allied Barton, which provides on campus security officers, not Physical Plant or Event and Meeting Services, which handles events in and around MSC.

University Police (UP) Sgt. Todd Gregory and two other UP officers checked the display area  around 4 p.m. after hearing rumors and receiving calls that someone was making trouble.

Despite the disagreement, members of College Republicans said they were glad so many people stopped to see the display and said many people stopped to look and take pictures.

Instead of being asked to remove the flags, the organization will be allowed to keep them up for the weekend, until another event is scheduled to take place in the same vicinity.

“Luckily there are no events out there, so they can keep it up until Monday … We’re doing them a favor,” Jackson said. “We could have asked them to take it down.”

USF President Judy Genshaft said in a statement released Friday that the flags would remain on campus until Tuesday.

“Considering that eight years have now passed since the attacks, and many students were too young at the time to now remember the horror and sadness we all felt, I see this display as a wonderful tribute by engaged young citizens,” Genshaft said.

Sell said the USF organization received help from University of Tampa College Republicans, as well as Trey Stroud, a Republican candidate running for state representative for District 60.

Johann Boteju, a biology graduate from New York, said it looked like it took a lot of effort to plant the flags.

“I think that it’s sincere, genuine … and touching,” Boteju said. “Every flag represents a single person.”

 

Pay-by-Space machines limit payment options

Pay-by-Space parking machines, which only accept credit cards, replaced some parking meters in July due to an University mandate to merge the number of cash collection centers on campus, said Frank Granda, operations manager for Parking and Transportation Services.

“Part of the reason we installed the machines was to be compliant with that mandate,” Granda said.

Pay-by-Space permits can be purchased for $1.50 for one hour, $3 for two and 6$ for four. Pay-by-Display permits that allows visitors 24-hour parking for $5 can also be purchased from Pay-by-Space machines.

The 21 permit machines are located in the Marshall Student Center, Sun Dome and library parking lots and the Collins Boulevard Parking Garage among other locations, according to the Parking and Transportation Services Web site.

Pay-and-Display permits can be purchased from the Pay-by-Space machines in Lot 47 near Magnolia and Juniper/Poplar housing, Lot 8C near the Engineering buildings, Lot 6 near the Campus Recreation Center, Lots 22A, 22D, 22E, and 22F near the Sun Dome, and Lot 52T near Greek Housing, as well as many of the parking lots in the USF Health area.

Metered parking machines are still available in Lot 3 near the Fine Arts building, Lot 5B north of Kosove Hall, Lot 5D in the Maple/Holly area, Lot 8C near the Engineering buildings, Lots 7 and 37 near the Behavioral Science building, Lot 25 near the Cypress Apartments, and Lot 36 near the Business Administration building.

Click here for the full story.

 

Toilet spill moves USF physics class

USF Physical Plant workers clean a spill from an overflowed toilet at the Physics/Math building's auditorium Monday. ORACLE PHOTO/ISSA LUCKETT

Toilets overflowed in the Physics/Math building’s auditorium Monday afternoon, forcing a 2:00 p.m. physics class to relocate to the Marshall Student Center.

Facility Manager for the College of Arts and Sciences Bruce Smith said the carpeted floors in the lobby of PHY 141 were flooded and some water flowed into the auditorium.

Physical Plant used wet vacuums and carpet machines to clean up the mess, he said.

Ashley Earls, a freshman majoring in biology, said water began “seeping” into the auditorium during her 12:55 p.m. general physics class.

“The water was rolling down the main aisle and into some of the rows,” Earls said.

— Jenna Withrow

 

USF students celebrate religious holiday on campus

By Michelle David, Correspondent

Students kneel for the Maghrib prayer during Fast-A-Thon, an event celebrating the Muslim holiday Ramadan. ORACLE PHOTO/ALEXANDRA DA SILVA

At 7:20 p.m. Monday night, nearly 1,000 people helped reach capacity at the Marshall Student Center ballroom.

Some women were wearing Hijab’s, a religious outfit adorned in jewels and beads, and scarves around their heads celebrating a religious event.

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) sponsored the gathering, known as Fast-A-Thon, in honor of Ramadan, a Muslim holiday that lasts for one month, during which Muslim believers fast.

Attendees knelt for the Maghrib prayer at 7:43 p.m., marking the end of the fast. USF student Ala Elyamen bowed in the front row as the orator chanted the prayer.

Elyamen said Ramadan participants are unable to eat from sunrise to sunset. At sunset, believers pray and are able to break their fast until the next day, she said.

Since Fast-A-Thon’s start on campus three years ago, the event has raised over $20,000 for charities.

“This (fasting) is a way to purify your body, and charity purifies your money,” said Elyamen, a senior majoring in microbiology.

The International Boba House, a local restaurant, also sponsors the event.

“Fast-A-Thon serves an important purpose because it helps connect Muslim and non-Muslim students throughout USF,” said MSA President Abid Nimer.

Local businesses give a sum of money for each person that attends Fast-A-Thon, Nimer said.

Donations go to charities, including the Red Crescent Health Clinic in Tampa and Project Downtown, a USF student organization that feeds the homeless every Friday, Nimer said.

Last year, $6,000 in pledges was raised for the health clinic and Project Downtown, Nimer said.

For the Muslims, fasting is more than just not eating.

“It’s a way for me to repent for anything I’ve done wrong in the year,” Elyamen said. “It’s a way for me to strengthen my own religion and belief in God.”

Elyamen has been fasting since she was 11 years old. The average age for a Muslim to start fasting is 10 years old, she said.

Marissa Valanty, a senior majoring in education, is a non-Muslim who fasted for the whole month of Ramadan for self-determination.

“I was really tired … It takes a lot of self-determination and that’s the reason I decided to fast,” Valanity said.

Fast-A-Thon is like a family in the eyes of USF student Sally Soltau, a junior majoring in business.

“It’s getting people together and enjoying a meal together,” Soltau said. “Families always get together and have a family dinner at a certain time and it’s a time to get with friends.”

 

USF to test emergency siren system

The University will test its Emergency Notification System, which consists of eight siren stations, today at speaker  at 7 p.m., according to a release.

The test will consist of the sound of chimes, followed by a voice stating “all clear,” the release said. The test will not include the sound of sirens or pre-recorded emergency messages, according to the release.

Click here for more information about the siren system.

 

Executive branch budget transfers monitored closely

Student Government senate passed a resolution Tuesday amending its statutes forcing the executive branch to present plans in order to transfer even a small amount of funds from one portion of the branch’s budget to another.

Under the new amendment, the executive branch must receive approval from the Senate Committee on Appropriations for transfers more than 5 percent of its budget.

The executive branch must gain the approval of the entire senate for transfers above 10 percent.

View the entire  Senate Statutory Amendment.

Click here for the full story.

 

Stolen car found, former student arrested

S. MOORE

University Police (UP) arrested former USF student Stephanie Dawn Moore Thursday for stealing a student’s 2006 burgundy Ford Mustang from the Collins Boulevard Parking Facility.

Moore was charged with grand theft auto, grand theft, trespassing and driving with a suspended license. She’s being held at Orient Road Jail on $4,750 bond.

Heather Bradley reported her backpack stolen to UP Monday. Her wallet, car keys and calculator were in the backpack. She then discovered  her car was stolen.

Click here for Wednesday’s Oracle article on the incident.

The Oracle will have more on this story in Monday’s paper.

 

US Congressman’s speech targets student leadership

By Issa Luckett

U.S. Congressman Kendrick B. Meek focused his speech at the Marshall Student Center Sunday night on the young leaders of Florida.

USF students and local supporters gathered to hear Meek, 43, who is petitioning to run for a seat in the U.S Senate. He said he is pursuing a seat to bring a perspective from a younger leader that is not in the Senate.

U.S. Congressman Kendrick B. Meek spoke to students and local supporters in the Marshall Student Center on Sunday night. ORACLE PHOTO/ISSA LUCKETT

“You’re leading right now … We need leadership,” Meek said. “Students [at USF] are known for being part of a great movement and making results.”

He wants to have a team of students where everyone can lead to prove to the Senate that it’s possible to lead together, Meek said.

Meek encouraged students to join together and show the Senate that they can lead together.

“I am supporting the idea that we need a reform to bring about resources in different fields,” Meek said. “We need someone in the Senate who will make things happen.”

Meek said education is one of his priorities. In his speech, Meek discussed educational costs and the importance of making it more affordable.

“I had a full-ride scholarship, but I still had costs that were not covered … My wife is still paying off her student loans,” Meek said.

Meek is the first candidate to run for the Senate by getting 112,000 petitions signed by March 2010, rather than paying $10,000 to automatically be qualified. If he wins, it will be the first time in the country that someone would have won through petition, Meek said.

The petition supports his right to be on the ballot, Meek said. In order to sign the petition students need to be registered voters.

The choice of rallying at USF was an easy one to make, because it’s is well-known for having political figures visit, said USF student Nicole Kummer, who interns for Meek’s campaign in Tampa.

Kummer, a sophomore majoring in political science, said she ensures that Meek will definitely be making stops at other colleges in Florida.

“He’s so personable and understands that we have a voice,” Kummer said. “He is making sure that (students) will be heard in the Senate.”

USF graduate student Lisa Schneider, the secretary of the USF College of Democrats, said her position requires her to work a lot with local campaigns and support the young, local population.

“Back in May, I signed a petition for Meek through a friend and since then I’ve been collecting petition (signatures for Meek),” Schneider said.

USF graduate student Christopher Cano, who is a candidate for State Representative of District 60 in Tampa, said he is trying to keep up with his studies and any political leader stopping by USF.

“Meek has taught me how to be successful,” Cano said. “He is a young leader showing other young leaders the ropes. If any race in the student district was more important it would be this one.”

For more information about Meek’s campaign visit kendrickmeek.com.

 

Education reform discussed at Community Conversations tour

BY ANASTASIA DAWSON, CORRESPONDENT

Students and community members gathered around large tables in the Alumni Center Tuesday to voice their opinions about education reform.

The “Community Conversations” tour, a discussion even moderated by the U.S. Department of Education that began in July and will continue through early October, is an education initiative to improve the education of the Hispanic population.

Items discussed at the Tuesday forums included propositions on how Latino education attainment can and should be improved and what the White House Initiative should be doing to facilitate this improvement.

“The level of education should not be determined by where you live, but by one national standard,” said Juan Sepulveda, director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. “49 of the 50 states have joined in discussion efforts to create these standards.”

The main goal of the discussion is to engage Latino communities in education, said Paul Dosal, the executive director of Engaging Latino, African-American, and other communities for Education (ENLACE) Florida, a grant funded program that focuses on education for “underrepresented groups” like African-Americans and first generation college students.

“Latino education is not an issue that can be worked on solely by Latinos,” Dosal said. “We like to engage with people  …  and talk to them about Latino issues. Everybody needs to get engaged in the process of promoting high quality education for all students.”

For Ragel Thys, a freshman majoring in magazine journalism, the conversations served as an excellent learning opportunity.

“I think it’s great that the government still pays attention to these issues that aren’t as prominent in the public,” Thys said.

ENLACE invited the tour to the Tampa area about two months ago.

“We’ve gotten a wonderful response from the community,” said ENLANCE communications specialist Andrew Gallo. “(Sepulveda) will be meeting directly with President Obama to relay the information gathered in these meetings … It’s nice when students and members of the community can meet directly with the person who will be doing the talking.”

Discussions during the tour will be parlayed back to President Obama, where they will be taken into consideration with the implementation of an executive order to be “reauthorized,” Sepulveda said.

Gallo estimated around 70 people in attendance for the first session and around 80 for the second.

The meetings were conducted in a “town hall” fashion and participants were encouraged to change seats to hear different opinions and voices.

The next stop for the tour is at Valencia Community College in Orlando. The tour will make stops in 18 others states and Puerto Rico.

 

UP investigates alleged battery

University Police (UP) is investigating an alleged battery on USF’s campus, said UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross.

A USF student majoring in pre-med reported to UP that she was “battered” in a Cooper Hall elevator Monday, Ross said. Because the investigation is on-going, Ross would not comment further on the case.

— Chadd Brown

 

USF loses power on Tampa campus

The USF Tampa campus lost widespread power on Sunday, said University Police (UP) spokeswoman Lt Meg Ross. The eastern side was hit harder, though portions of the western side were affected as well, Ross said.

A transformer on Fletcher Avenue went down causing power outrages, University officials say. Tampa Electric Company (TECO) should have the problem fixed between 30 to 45 minutes.

Most of the residence halls, the Marshall Student Center, the Student Services Building and the Library lost power, Ross said. Generators have been turned on but the Library had to be evacuated because the generator stopped working, Ross said.

A USF volleyball game in the Sun Dome was interrupted due to power outrage.

Shriner’s Hospital and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center has power, Ross said.

 

USF students volunteer for Gandhi Day of Service

By Vince Defrancesco, Correspondent

Looking to give back to the community, approximately 800 USF students gave up their Saturday last weekend.

At 8 a.m., students met in the Marshall Student Center ballroom for the Gandhi Day of Service, a project put on by the student organization Bulls Leading and Serving Tampa (BLAST).

USF students pull weeds as a community service project during the Gandhi Day of Service. ORACLE PHOTO/ISSA LUCKETTTampa (BLAST).

Volunteers separated into 21 groups and went to various locations throughout Tampa to conduct projects in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace and service.

One group of volunteers put on an activity day for students at Sulphur Springs Elementary.

Mijuan Ball, a senior majoring in business management, supervised games like egg races for the elementary students. Other volunteers ran popcorn machines and grilled hot dogs.

Ball said it was the third year he participated in the project.

“It’s cool to come back to the same school, to see the same kids having fun,” Ball said.

Shanna Uhe, a math teacher at the elementary school, said she was grateful for the volunteers.

“I’m glad they came,” she said. “The kids are having so much fun.”

Another group of USF students worked with Community Stepping Stones, an organization dedicated to connecting with children through the arts, located in Sulphur Springs.

Kristina Sparacino, a freshman majoring in marketing, and other volunteers helped several children paint a scenic landscape of rolling fields on a plastic rain barrel. Community Stepping Stones uses the barrel to collect water for its backyard gardens.

Sparacino said that she took part in the project, because she “really wanted to find a way to get involved” when she came to USF.

Alicia Sparks, a senior in majoring in anthropology, spent the day gardening in a Sulphur Springs neighborhood.

“I like the idea of the Gandhi Day of Service, because this one day of volunteering is a catalyst to become more involved,” Sparks said. “It’s very rewarding when you go back somewhere and see the effect you’ve had.”

The Assistant Program Coordinator of Community Stepping Stones Danielle Kraszewski, was impressed with the USF students who volunteered.

“The fact that they are out here shows a willingness to work with the community,” Kraszweski said. “Volunteering also gives them a chance to apply the values they’re learning in school.”

Robin Mansour, a student majoring in biomedical sciences and member of BLAST, said this year’s event was the most successful. About 400 people signed up in the first three days of registration for Gandhi Day of Service.

The project began at the University of Michigan in 1997 and was brought to USF in 2004 by BLAST, a organization in the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement.

This year, 46 student organizations took part in the project as well as 50 individual volunteers.

“It really caught on fire this year,” Mansour said. “It’s not just a day of pulling weeds, it broadens your perspective.”

 

Attendees Livestrong at cancer event

By Diedra Rodriguez, CORRESPONDENT

Tina Gardner was just 28-years-old and working two jobs when thyroid cancer “just hit her.”

“I was in college,” Gardner said. “People think, ‘I’m young. I’m not going to get sick.’ But it happens.”

On Friday, Gardner attended the Livestrong event, founded by the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), in Moffitt’s Patient Library and Welcome Center, where those affected with cancer shared their stories.

Gardner said she was a patient at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute for five years. She is now in remission and undergoes tests to make sure the cancer doesn’t come back.

Gardner volunteers at Moffitt and is part of the “Speak Out” program, where she works with lawmakers to increase attention toward cancer.

“One of the things you find out is that there is no cure for (cancer). There’s the fear that it’ll come back,” Gardner said. “That’s why I volunteer, because I don’t think people understand that there’s no cure.”

Approximately 20 people, including cancer patients and family members, attended the Livestrong event, which is held annually on Oct. 2. It started in honor of world champion cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, who was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer on Oct. 2, 1996.

Representatives from the New Tampa Family YMCA  explained at the event the benefits of exercise and promoting a free 12-week membership for cancer survivors.

“We were chosen for a grant for this. It’s basically Lance Armstrong and YMCA joining forces for wellness program,” said Jon Dearwold, membership director at the YMCA.  “It’s what the ‘Y’ is about. It’s our mission to build strong people, especially cancer survivors.”

Gardner said that exercise is a priority when recovering from cancer and signed up with the YMCA during the Livestrong event.

“I’m a firm believer you need to keep moving if you’re sick,” she said.

Attendees also received free cancer survivor booklets and Livestong bracelets, among other things. USF football tickets were raffled.

Half of the cancer deaths in America are preventable, said John DeMuro, supervisor of Government Relations for Moffitt.

“Cancer is a huge problem and affects every family. It’s constant, so the government can forget (it’s there),” he said. “Events like Livestrong bring that focus back.”

As the state’s leading cancer center, Moffitt decided that celebrating cancer survival and spreading awareness was important, DeMuro said.

“If we as a culture raise awareness about these issues, and talk about these situations, (it) can help,” DeMuro said. “We can continue to make progress if we all live strong.”

 

USF police releases campus safety guide

University Police (UP) released its annual safety guide Thursday reporting campus crimes and security policies.

The 2009-10 USF Police Department Safety Guide must be released annually under federal law, said UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross.

The guide includes a list of services provided by UP, campus security policies, tips on how to prevent theft, a chart of crime statistics at USF and a list of crime prevention services and education programs. 

Burglary was the most common offense in the last three years, according to the safety guide. Last year, there were 107 burglary offenses. 

There has not been a murder on campus since 2006 and no reports of manslaughter in the last three years, according to the guide.

Ross said not much has been altered, but next year some policies are expected to change regarding emergency notification such as MoBull, the University’s text message alert system, and procedures for building evacuations.

View the 2009-10 USF Police Department Safety Guide.

— Chadd Brown, STAFF WRITER

 

LIVE BLOG: Armed gunman reported on campus

FOLLOW UPDATES LIVE ON OUR TWITTER FEED: http://twitter.com/USFOracle

University Police received a call at 1:36 p.m. reporting an armed  gunman near the library, said University Police spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross.

A Mo-Bull text message was sent at 1:49 p.m. to alert students of the gunman.

“Armed Intruder on campus. Stay inside. Lock doors,” the alert said.

Ross said officers reported on scene at 1:43 p.m. The library was evacuated and UP officers are searching the area, she said.

Alison Atchison, a junior majoring in English, said she was in the library when a library employee “yelled for everyone to get out.”

As Atchison was exiting the library, she said she saw police officers outside of the library with their guns drawn.

Ross said UP received a description of the suspect, but have not yet located the gunman.

A second MoBull message was sent at 2:06 p.m. that said officers are on scene.

“Avoid the area and report anything suspicious,” the message said.

A message on the University Web site said the Bull Runner Transit System is not picking up passengers.

“Do not wait at shelters or stops. Seek safe shelter,” the message said.

Someone originally called the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HSCO) reporting the gunman and HCSO contacted UP, Ross said.

 

ALERT: Alleged gunman on campus

University sent a MoBull alert at 1:49 p.m. that stated, “Armed Intruder on Campus: Stay Inside. Lock Doors. Emergency Personnel Responding.

Another alert was sent at 2:06 p.m. that stated, “Reports of an armed person on campus at the Library.Officers are on scene searching the area.

Avoid the area and report anything suspicious.”

The Library has been evacuated. Some campus buildings have been locked.

 

LIVE BREAKING NEWS: Suspect in custody

FOLLOW LIVE ON OUR TWITTER: http://twitter.com/USFOracle

Police take suspect into custody. ORACLE PHOTO/ALISSA BELMONT

USF spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross said a suspect was taken into custody at Transportation Services. The suspect was on a Bullrunner and had a backpack.

A bomb squad has been called. There were two reports today of an armed man on campus:  One at the Library and one at Transportation Services.

Ross said she’s waiting to see if the all clear is given at the Library. Witnesses at the Library said they locked themselves in study rooms as armed police officers searched the floors.

More updates on Twitter.

 

LIVE UPDATE: Man with weapon reported at Cooper

FOLLOW LIVE ON TWITTER: http://twitter.com/USFOracle

A male subject was seen near Russell M. Cooper Hall carrying a large hunting knife and a black puppy, according to a MoBull text message sent at 3:20 p.m.

The message said the suspect is a white male wearing a black tank top and a cowboy hat.

Police officers are in route to the scene.

 

USF Police identifies arrested suspect

University Police (UP) identified USF student Vincent Thomas-Perry McCoy as the suspect arrested Monday near Parking and Transportation Services, UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross said in a release.

V. MCCOY

UP arrested McCoy at 2:52 p.m. today and transported him to Hillsborough County Jail, Ross said. McCoy is charged with a felony of “false report concerning planting a bomb on state owned property.”

No weapons or bomb was discovered on McCoy at the time of his arrest.

University Police received a call at 1:36 p.m. reporting an armed  gunman near the library, Ross said.

A Mo-Bull text message was sent at 1:49 p.m. to alert students of the gunman.

“Armed Intruder on campus. Stay inside. Lock doors,” the alert said.

Ross said officers reported on scene at 1:43 p.m. The library was evacuated and UP officers are searching the area, she said.

There were three separate incidents of alleged armed suspects on campus: one at the Library, Parking and Services Transportation Services and near Russell M. Cooper Hall.

McCoy has been previously charged with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and theft from a person 65 years of age or older, according to police reports.

 

UPDATE: Police release second man taken into custody

FOLLOW LIVE ON TWITTER: http://twitter.com/USFOracle

The man that was apprehended by police near the Cooper Hall area was released by police just before 4 p.m. today, witnesses say.

A white male carrying a puppy and a knife was taken into custody around 3:30 p.m. He told police that he had just returned from a hunting trip.

Police have already detained a male at Transportation Services today. A bomb squad is investigating the suspects belongings.

There have been three alerts sent out by MoBull today: threats at the Library, Transportation Services and near the Cooper Hall area.

Stay tuned for more.

 

UPDATE: Police release second suspect taken into custody

FOLLOW LIVE ON TWITTER: http://twitter.com/USFOracle

The man that was apprehended by police near the Cooper Hall area was released by police just before 4 p.m. today, witnesses say.

A white male carrying a puppy and a knife was taken into custody around 3:30 p.m. He told police that he had just returned from a hunting trip.

Police have already detained a male at Transportation Services today. A bomb squad is investigating the suspects belongings.

There have been three alerts sent out by MoBull today: threats at the Library, Transportation Services and near the Cooper Hall area.

Stay tuned for more.

 

UPDATE: Police release second suspect taken into custody

FOLLOW LIVE ON TWITTER: http://twitter.com/USFOracle

The man that was apprehended by police near the Cooper Hall area was released by police just before 4 p.m. today, witnesses say.

A white male carrying a puppy and a knife was taken into custody around 3:30 p.m. He told police that he had just returned from a hunting trip.

Police have already detained a male at Transportation Services. A bomb squad is investigating the suspects belongings.

There have been three alerts sent out by MoBull today: threats at the Library, Transportation Services and near the Cooper Hall area.

Stay tuned for more.

 

UPDATE: USF gives all clear

USF gave the all clear through its MoBull alert system at 4:29 p.m. today.

There were three separate alerts sent out today of armed suspects on campus: one at the Library, Transportation Services and near Cooper Hall. Police apprehended one suspect, who was on a Bullrunner, near Transportation Services.

Follow all of today’s events on our Twitter page: http://twitter.com/USFOracle

We’ll have more soon.

 

Questions linger after suspect arrested

Any updates throughout the day can be followed via The Oracle Twitter page: http://twitter.com/USFOracle

As soon as new news happens, we’ll post on the blog and Web site (usforacle.com).

Recapping you of Monday’s events:

- Tuesday’s lead story of the arrested suspect: One arrested

- Emergency alert system breakdown

- Montage Editor Emily Handy explains “USF” rising on social networking sites and Google on Monday

- Oracle photographers Alissa Belmont and Mike Wilson capture the day in photos

- And The Oracle video crew pieces together some of the day’s events

 

UPDATE: New charges for arrested suspect in gunman scare at USF

New charges were filed against the USF student who was arrested on campus Monday in connection with a gun and bomb scare.

Vincent Thomas-Perry McCoy received a court-ordered charge Tuesday for theft from persons 65 years of age or older, according to the charge report. The charge stemmed from a pending criminal case.

McCoy, a junior majoring in political science, is in his first semester at USF, according to University officials. He transferred from Tuskegee Institute, Ala.

McCoy was arrested by University Police (UP) on Monday for false report of a bomb against state owned property.

According to the charge report, McCoy’s $7,500 bond was revoked Tuesday preventing him from being released from jail.

UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross said the case is still being actively investigated.

Authorities received three calls on Monday regarding alleged armed suspects on campus.

The first 911 call originated off campus and was intercepted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HSCO), Ross said. HCSO then notified UP at 1:36 p.m.

“With the original call, the caller knew the person that he was reporting to be in front of the library, whether or not the person we arrested at Lot 14 is the same person that reported on the original call, that is still being investigated,” Ross said.

The second caller was a representative from Parking and Transportation Services reporting that a man on a Bull Runner bus claimed he had a bomb.

UP arrested McCoy at 2:52 p.m., Ross said.

The third call reported a man walking near Russell M. Cooper Hall holding a hunting knife and puppy.

“The third call has been resolved, we determined that the guy with the knife was no longer a threat,” Ross said. “We identified him, we determined what his business was here. The situation was he was waiting for someone to get out of class.”

Ross said no injuries were reported and no weapons were found.

FOR LIVE UPDATES: twitter.com/USFOracle

— Jenna Withrow

 

ALERT: USF to hold press conference about Monday’s threats

University police and administrators will hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m. today in front of the USF Administration Building on Leroy Collins Boulevard, according to a release.

Officials will discuss the University’s emergency alerts, the release said.

Follow live updates from the press conference on the Oracle’s twitter page.

 

Facebook leads to second arrest in investigation

 

Special to the Oracle

 

 

By Kelli Polson, NEWS EDITOR

University Police (UP) arrested a new suspect today in the investigation of a gun and bomb scare on campus Monday.

Former USF student Markenson Innocent is charged with false report of bomb on state property and was being held at the Orient Road Jail, said UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross. 

His bond is set at $7,500.

Details from the 911 call and posts on Innocent’s Facebook page led investigators to his arrest.

Innocent posted comments on the social networking site during and after Monday’s incident that contained “details of the call that were not public knowledge,” according to the arrest affidavit

Innocent told police after he was taken into custody that he was the 911 caller who reported an individual dressed in black was on campus with a gun and a bomb near the Library at around 1:49 p.m.

Innocent identified himself as “Isaiah Daniels” during the call, but told police that “Markenson Innocent” was on campus with a gun and bomb.

He also said that he knew police were looking for him Monday.

Ross said Innocent made the 911 call somewhere off campus but came to USF while police were searching and evacuating the Library with guns drawn.

Ross said police approached Innocent on Monday outside the Library but did not have reason to detain him.

Investigators worked throughout Tuesday night to find enough evidence to arrest Innocent, she said.

Authorities did not find a weapon or gunman at the scene Monday.

USF student Vincent Thomas-Perry McCoy was arrested Monday for false report of a bomb on state property after he claimed he had a bomb on the Bull Runner D bus. McCoy was still being held in jail.

Ross said the investigation is still “very active.”

Markenson’s previous arrests and charges include: possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and open container in December 2008, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief in February 2007 and driving with a license canceled, suspended or revoked.

 

UPDATE: Police confiscate evidence from arrested suspect’s home

Police enter Innocent's home Wednesday evening. ORACLE PHOTO/MIKE WILSON

Three University Police (UP) detectives served a search warrant at the home of the suspect who was arrested Wednesday morning in the investigation of  a gun and bomb scare on campus Monday.

At around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the detectives confiscated evidence from Markenson Innocent’ s home, which could help provide a better of idea of why the former USF student made a 911 call that set the University on lockdown Monday, said UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross.

Ross would not comment on whether weapons were found inside the home.

Here is the Oracle’s arrest story from Wednesday. As always, more updates later.

 

No weapon found on ‘cowboy’

For those who wondered about the alleged armed cowboy on campus Monday, his “large hunting knife” was never found, the police report said.

University Police (UP) sent a MoBull text message alert at around 3:21 p.m. that said, “white male subject seen in the Cooper Hall area in blank tank top, cowboy hat carrying black puppy large hunting knife.”

But when UP officers approached a male who matched the description his black knife sheath was empty.

The “cowboy”  told police he did have a knife earlier but put it in his girlfriend’s car “after hearing the alert for an armed suspect on campus,” the report said. His girlfriend attends USF.

Police noted in the report that the male was “cooperative.” He was released from police custody and not charged.

Here’s the full updated story  that ran Thursday in the Oracle on the investigation of the gun and bomb scare.

 

Arrested 911 caller faces new charges

University Police (UP) detectives charged former USF student Markenson Innocent with two additional charges Thursday, according to a release.

Innocent, who made a 911 call reporting there was an individual with a gun and a bomb on campus Monday, faces a felony of unlawful use of two-way communication device and a misdemeanor of disruption of educational institution.

His bond was increased from $7,500 to $9,750.

M. INNOCENT

In the 911 call, Innocent claimed he was “Isaiah Daniels” but told the dispatcher the person with a gun and a bomb was “Markenson Innocent.”

The release said Innocent made the 911 call from a pay phone at University Mall.

He told detectives he was aware of similar calls that caused disruption on USF’s campus and knew the “results of such a call,” the release said.

Police responded to Monday’s reports by calling the Tampa Police Department Bomb Team, sounding sirens from the campus’ Emergency Notification System, sending seven MoBull text message alerts and emergency University e-mails.

He was charged Wednesday with false report of a bomb against state owned property and is being held at Hillsborough County Jail.

For Thursday’s full story in the Oracle, click here.

 

Former student charged with car theft released from jail

S. MOORE

A former USF student who was arrested and charged with grand theft auto was released from jail early Friday morning.

Hillsborough County Judge Robert A. Foster Jr. ordered the release of Stephanie Dawn Moore from the Orient Road Jail, according to a jail representative.

University Police (UP) arrested Moore on Sept. 17 after officers watched her enter and drive away in another student’s vehicle.

Moore was charged with a felony of grand theft auto, grand theft in the third degree, trespassing and driving with a license canceled suspended or revoked.

USF student Heather Bradley reported to UP that her backpack, with her car keys and wallet inside, was stolen from the Library on Sept. 14. Bradley had temporarily left her belongings unattended while she went to the bathroom.

Later that day, Bradley reported that her 2006 burgundy Ford Mustang was stolen from the Collins Boulevard Parking Facility.

On Sept. 16, the day before Moore was arrested, she contacted Bradley on Facebook.

For Wednesday’s story in the Oracle on Moore’s arraignment, click here.

For the full Oracle article on Moore’s arrest, click here.

- Jenna Withrow

 

Student Government senate to hold election

Sixty-two students will run for 25 vacant seats in the Student Government (SG) senate today and Wednesday during a midterm election.

Students can vote by clicking on a link above the Login button on Blackboard. They can only vote for candidates from their respective colleges. Poll hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days.

Click here for the full story.

Here’s a list of  the candidates.

 

Student zombies collect donations

ORACLE PHOTO/ALISSA BELMONT

By Selma Younes
Correspondent

Students with decaying skin and tattered clothes crept across campus Wednesday, as they grunted for canned goods.

Dressed as zombies, students from USF adjunct professor Stanley Deon Blackwell’s Concepts and Practices class collected approximately 50 cans, as well as cash and clothing donations in a “Dead for the Living” event.

At the end of the week, Blackwell said the class will give the donations to Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa, which provides assistance to homeless families.

“Overall, the event went well,” he said. “We got a great reaction from all of the students.”

Students met at the Fine Arts Building at 9 a.m. and walked around campus, stopping by the Marshall Student Center, Cooper Hall and the Library, among other places.

USF student Bonnie Bennett was among those who dressed up as zombies.

“We collected a lot of canned food and psyched a lot of people out,” Bennett said. “The most important thing was that we did the food drive for Metropolitan Ministries.”

Renee Turnbull, another student participant, said most people who saw the zombies laughed.

“(We) pointed and grunted at people,” Turnbull said. “Some of (us) chased after cars.”

Haley Burmeister, a student bystander, said she spotted the group of zombies by the Student Services building.

“They were moving their arms around and making weird noises,” she said. “Some had their faces painted … I figured there’s a lot of diversity here,” Burmeister said. “Different people do different things here all the time.”

The School of Art & Art History (SAAH) students will continue to collect donations throughout the week at the SAAH main office, FAH 229, Blackwell said.

For a video on the zombie charity event, click here.

 

USF student tickets still in demand

USF Athletics opened 546 additional student seats today for tonight’s USF vs. Cincinnati football game  at 7:30 at Raymond James Stadium, according to a release.

Students can purchase the tickets for $10 at gousfbulls.com.

USF has sold over 14,000 student tickets for tonight’s game, bypassing the previous student home crowd record of 13,499 at the Kansas home game last year. Read the full story here.

Pick up a copy of the Oracle’s special football section filled with game coverage and coupons for local businesses. Copies are located at various academic buildings, the Library and the Student Services building, among others.

 

UPDATE: Innocent released from jail

M. INNOCENT

The former USF student who made a 911 call that sparked a campus bomb and gun scare on Oct. 5 has been released from jail.

Markenson Innocent was released from Orient Road Jail at 8:20 p.m. Saturday after someone posted 10 percent of his $9,750  bond, according to Innocent’s charge report.

In the 911 call that sent the University into lockdown, Innocent claimed he was “Isaiah Daniels” and told the dispatcher that there was a man on campus with a gun and a bomb named “Markenson Innocent.”

University Police (UP) arrested Innocent Oct. 7 and charged him with  false report of bomb on state property, a felony. The next day, Innocent received two additional charges:  unlawful use of two-way communication device (felony) and disruption of educational institution (misdemeanor).

USF student Vincent Thomas-Perry McCoy remains in jail after he claimed he had a bomb on a Bull Runner bus during the campus lockdown.

UP charged McCoy with false report of a bomb against state-owned property, a felony. McCoy later received a court-ordered felony charge of theft from persons 65 years of age or older.

McCoy’s $7,500 bond was revoked.

BACKGROUND: For the Oct. 12 Oracle article on UP’s investigation, click here.

Oct. 8’s story.

 

Students contribute to tree-planting initiative

By Diedra Rodriguez, CORRESPONDENT

In an effort to counteract the gas emissions created from last week’s green conferences on campus, USF students planted four trees on Saturday.

At the Carbon Offset Tree Planting Ceremony and Neighborhood Beautification, the trees were planted in Grant Park Center, a neighborhood in East Tampa. The four trees were an addition to 56 others located throughout the neighborhood already planted by City of Tampa contractors, said Sandra Kling, the Chief Scientist of ECO₂ASSET SOLUTIONS, a carbon management and advisory firm.

Students hoped the trees would offset gas emissions created by two conferences held at the Marshall Student Center (MSC) from Oct. 8-10: Fourth Annual Campus and Community Sustainability Conference and the Second Annual Going Green Tampa Bay Expo.

“Transportation was one thing we looked at,” Kling said. “We also estimated the electricity consumption of the (MSC), because we took up the majority of [it]. We use a proxy measurement from last month’s electricity bill to come up with an estimate with what the emissions were.”

USF Florida Center for Community Design and Research and USF’s Iota Phi Theta Fraternity participated in the ceremony.

Of the 167 USF students that volunteered Saturday, about 15 to 20 participants were members of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, said Mijuan Ball, the president of the fraternity.

“We were surprised to see as many people volunteer for this service,” Ball said.

The ceremony coincided with the fraternity’s Reaching Our Origins Through Service (ROOTS) project, which included helping clean up the neighborhood yards and repairing and painting houses in the Grant Park neighborhood.

The City of Tampa contractors will plant more trees in the upcoming weeks, Kling said.

Based on estimates of the possible amount of total emissions and electricity, it was determined that 100 to 120 trees were needed to counteract the gases, Kling said.

City contractors will plant additional trees in Grant Park Center, because students received 80 requests from citizens who wanted trees planted in their yards at the ceremony, Kling said.

“We had several residents saying ‘hey we want a tree too,’” Kling said. “As they are seeing the trees being planted they are seeing how beautiful they are and they want them too.”

The city’s goal for their ongoing tree-planting program is 100,000 trees a year, Kling said.

 

Bull Runner, student bicyclist crash

While riding a bike, a USF student collided with a Bull Runner bus near the Marshall Student Center Wednesday night.

Five paramedics from Tampa Fire Rescue Parametric were on scene attending to the injured student.

Paramedics took the student to a local hospital around 7:30 p.m.

A University Police (UP) officer said the student flipped over the handle bars of the bike and collided with the bus at the corner of Palm and Holly drive.

UP directed traffic during the incident.

 

Reversed: USF grad student receives $10,000

USF graduate student Philip Davis finally received a life-size check for $10,000 Thursday for winning a horseshoe-throwing contest at the Bulls Basketball Frenzy on Friday.

USF graduate student Phillip Davis receives a $10,000 check Thursday. Davis won a horseshoe-throwing contest at Bulls Frenzy on Oct. 15. ORACLE PHOTO/DAVID DOWNS

Initially, Davis, an economics major, was not going to get the money because University officials said he crossed the designated line after throwing the horseshoe cross-court, but unclear competition rules reversed the decision.

Officials said that because there was no clear video evidence of Davis stepping over the line, they decided to give him the money. Davis said he was never notified of any lines before the toss.

“I can’t definitively say whether or not I stepped over the line, but I was told where to stand and to stand and throw,” he said. “I wasn’t aware of any lines that I wasn’t supposed to cross.”

Davis, who threw the horseshoe cross-court and watched it bounce and land in the stake, said a female USF representative also told him afterward that the horseshoe could not bounce before landing.

However, Assistant Athletics Director Chris Freet said the rules did not say that. Freet said an insurance company handled the money distribution.

“We had a misinterpretation of the rules given to us … Bottom line: the kid won,” he said.

Davis said he plans to spend the money on school expenses and a trip to Australia that he’s been planning with friends.

“I was talking to a friend before the event. I told him, ‘hey, the last time I threw a horseshoe I did pretty well,’” he said. “The last time I played was on the (Nintendo) Wii. I don’t think that helped out too much, but this was only the third time I’ve played horseshoes.”

 

USF students remember fall of Berlin Wall

By Michelle David, CORRESPONDENT

As German author Holger Teschke took the stage in the Marshall Student Center Wednesday, he faced a four-foot replica of the wall that once divided his country.

Teschke discussed the effects of the Berlin Wall and its fall at “The Fall of the Berlin Wall 20th Anniversary Celebration Gala.”

“Since 1989, people have learned that it is possible to overcome a dictatorship if the majority of the people are able to organize political opposition,” he said.

German author Holger Teschke spoke at the Freedom Without Walls gala celebration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on Wednesday night. ORACLE PHOTO/MIKE WILSON

After World War II, tensions rose between the communist Soviet Union and the democratic allies France, Great Britain and the United States. Germany had been divided into four sections, each controlled by one of the countries.

The German capital, Berlin, was also divided into four sections. Arguments erupted between the countries over how to govern the capital.

In 1961, the Berlin Wall was built down the middle of the capital, dividing the country into the communist East and the democratic West.

The fall of the Berlin Wall began in 1989 when the East German government opened its border. The fall was completed by 1990 with the reunification of the country.

Teschke said he was 30 years old when the Berlin Wall fell.

“Of course, without Mikhail Gorbachev in Moscow, and without his politics of glasnost and perestroika, (the fall) would not have happened as peacefully as it did,” Teschke said.

Students, professors and members of the German community attended the event, which was sponsored by the USF Department of World Languages and the German Culture Club.

The organizations began holding various events in September to commemorate the 20^th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, said USF student-event organizer Claudine Boniec.

“It was such a change in Germany, it’s such a momentous event, that we have to celebrate,” she said.

Boniec said she lived in Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall.

“I’m actually from Germany, so it means a lot to me,” Boniec said. “I was only three at the time, but from what I hear from my parents … it was pretty important in history.”

Janis Pütz, a junior majoring in information systems, is studying abroad at USF from Germany. He said he attended the event to meet people.

Pütz, who lives in West Germany, was three-years-old when the Berlin Wall fell.

“It got better for the people in East Germany because they got controlled a lot,” Pütz said. “Life improved after that.”

After Teschke’s speech, the winners of the “Public Expression Competition” were announced. Prior to the event, students were asked to express their own interpretations of the fall through essays and poems.

USF Student Margeaux Chavez built the replica of the Berlin Wall that stood on the stage during the gala event. She said that the model on display was only one piece of the wall, another portion will be added later.

The “Freedom Without Walls” celebration will continue with a graffiti art contest in November.

While the Berlin Wall divided Germany, many citizens vandalized it with graffiti art.

For the contest, students will be able to decorate the wall Chavez built with graffiti.

 

Injured bicyclist has surgery, remains in hospital

ORACLE PHOTO/MIKE WILSON

By Kelli Polson, NEWS EDITOR

A USF student, who suffered a double fracture to his right arm after a near collision with a University Bull Runner on Wednesday night, underwent surgery early Thursday morning at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Doctors placed pins and plates in Clayton Swikert’s arm and he said he’ll remain in the hospital until Friday because doctors are concerned the bone may get infected.

Swikert, an electrical engineering major, said doctors prescribed him medication and advised him to refrain from lifting.

“I’m feeling better now,” he said. “I’ve regained some strength back.”

Swikert said he was riding his bicycle Wednesday night sometime before 7 p.m. on USF Palm Drive. As the crosswalk light turned green, Swikert continued as a USF Bull Runner bus turned right onto USF Holly Drive in front of Swikert.

“The bus didn’t have its turn signal on,” he said. “I thought it was going straight.”

As Swikert braked to avoid a collision, the front wheel locked up and it caused him to fall over his handlebars and break two bones in his right arm.

University Police (UP) received a call around 6:56 p.m. that someone had fallen off a golf kart, said UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross. Upon arriving, officers realized what had happened and called Tampa Fire Rescue.

Paramedics tended to Swikert and then transported him to the hospital.

Swikert said the bus driver apologized and even tried to keep him calm as medical responders helped Swikert on scene.

“I would like to imagine that Parking and Transportation Services would help me in my situation. I feel like they are responsible,” Swikert said. “I don’t intend for anyone to go to jail.”

Click here for today’s story.

 

Man arrested in Beta Hall incident released

D. BOLIEK

The man who “unlawfully entered” a Beta Hall residence, undressed in the hallway and punched a University Police (UP) officer Oct. 16 was released from jail Wednesday, according to a charge report.

Daniel C. Boliek, 18, was arrested last week after he made his way into a victim’s room and began touching her face with his hand while she slept. Boliek, wearing only boxer shorts, left the room after the victim’s roommate woke up and caught him.

Through the peephole of her door, the roommate saw Boliek “disrobe” completely and attempt to punch a Residence Assistant (RA), according to a police report. The RA then “fled into her room” and called UP.

Once UP arrived, Boliek “sucker-punched” an officer in the nose and ignored the officers’ commands, according to a police report.

Boliek, who is not a USF student, then fled Beta Hall before UP took him to the ground and arrested him.

UP charged Boliek with three felonies: battery on a law enforcement officer, burglary of an occupied dwelling with battery and battery on a university official.

Police also charged him with four misdemeanors: battery, obstructing or opposing an officer, exposure of a sexual organ and disorderly conduct, according to the charge report.

Boliek was being held at Orient Road Jail on $155,750 bond.

For the full Oracle story, click here.

 

Photos of the Day

USF students attended the “HorrorBull” Halloween Party in the Marshall Student Ballroom on Thursday night as part of “Bulls Nite Out.” The event included a costume contest, face painting and tarot card readings, among other things.

ORACLE PHOTO/DAVID DOWNS

ORACLE PHOTO/DAVID DOWNS

USF’s Delta Gamma sorority held a synchronized swimming competition Sunday at the Campus Lodge pool to raise money for charity. Other University sororities and fraternities participated in the event.

ORACLE PHOTO/FERDIE GARCIA

ORACLE PHOTO/FERDIE GARCIA

 

USF students see disabilities in new light

Writer and Performer Terry Galloway speaks at a USF's Accessi-Bull event Monday night. ORACLE PHOTO/ALEXANDRA DA SILVA

By Selma Younes, CORRESPONDENT

An audience member at a USF Accessi-Bull event Monday night knows what it’s like to live with a disability.

As part of the all-day second annual event that focused on raising awareness of disabilities, USF hosted writer and performer Terry Galloway on Monday night in the Marshall Student Center.

USF student James Geiger, who has cerebral palsy, said Galloway captured the essence of what disabled people are capable of doing.

“Having difficulty living day to day, it was amazing watching her,” said Gieger, a graduate student studying instructional technology.

Using mop buckets, knifes, pearls, trench coats and other costumes, Galloway, who is both deaf , portrayed her life through acting.

Wearing a green trench coat and an eyeliner mustache and beard, Galloway, who is homosexual, portrayed herself as a man to represent her androgynous nature.

She threw on a hat and smoked a cigarette. In this role, she felt “fearless, strong and indestructible,” Galloway said in her skit.

Galloway’s performance style centers on her desire to change the way individuals view disabilities and differences.

“I want everyone to be free and respectful of one another,” Galloway said.

She encourages others especially those with disabilities to participate in a form of art, like acting, because it “has no restrictions.”

Deborah McCarthy, director of Students with Disabilities Services (SDS), said Galloway appeals to a number of minority groups and does so in a “fun and engaging way.”

“She appeals to all people of humanity,” McCarthy said.  “The response to her and the Accessi-Bull event has been positive and it has been a real pleasure.”

USF student Catherine Stephens, a junior majoring in psychology, said Galloway’s disability wasn’t at all noticeable.

“I had no idea she was deaf,” Stephens said.  “I loved her performance. It was very personal.”

Her testimony made Geiger feel comfortable in his own skin, he said.

“Being gay and disabled myself, I look at her in awe,” Gieger said. “This event is not about the disabilities, it’s about the abilities without the ‘dis’.”