Students Should Go to Class
We have all been there; its 7:00 am and the alarm is sounding in an attempt to wake you for that 8:00 am class on
the other side of campus. You stop to contemplate; should I get up and go to class or catch up on an hour of sleep? For some
reason or another, you decide to disable the alarm and sleep for an extra hour, reassuring yourself it won’t matter in the long
run. Is the extra sleep really worth the consequences of missing class? Before answering think of the all the information
presented in class that a student wasn’t there to write down not to mention the easy attendance points they could have
received. Skipping class is one of easiest ways for students to not only flat line semester after semester; but if students went to
class, we would see outstanding academic merit, more students being prepared for class and not cramming, and our tuition
money would be used to better our chances of success.
Most students have come to justify missing classes with little or no guilt, and without a valid reason or excuse. Under the
false assumption that missing only one class won’t hurt them, students have become more likely to skip class. Some students
would say that skipping class is no big deal it’s only one, and it is that false idea that hurts so many students in college. Some
students have seen how others never go to class yet still come out with decent grades, so they follow suit only to realize it was
a bad decision. College is known for its wild nights which don’t typically lead to making it to that 9 am class. Not to mention
those students who live off campus who required to get up at least 15 to 20 minutes earlier compared to those who can wait
to the last minute to wake up. No matter what the excuses are to miss class, students should really look into how the points
for attendance break down in your class.
For those students who make it to their classes on a regular basis, they know very well the numerous advantages of
attending class. For one, many classes offer bonus points for attendance by simply signing the roll sheet, which often helps a
student who may have bombed a test or assignment. In most other classes attendance is required and is counted in their final
grade. Attendance points can range from 10% of a final grade all the way to 30%. So for example a class is scaled on 80% from
4 tests throughout the semester, and 20% from attendance. If a student receives an 85% average on their tests but only went to
class 50% of the time their final grade would be a 78%. Now compare that to a student who also received an 85% average on
their tests and when to class 80% of time, their final grade would be an 84%, compared to a 78%. Whether attendance is bonus
or required students who attend will not only help themselves by helping their grade but will also help them retain the
information.
Another benefit of students regularly attending class is students will be there for the lecture, and students will also be
able to ask questions if they are confused. In higher level classes it is the kiss of death for a student who does not attend class
because many professors do not go directly from the book; they also take many topics discussed in lecture and put them on
the exam. Not to mention in some of the smaller class’s professors know students by name; which can help when students
need a little extra help. By attending class students will also be able to retain the material and not have to cram the night
before, which will in turn boost their academic performance.
From the financial standpoint, missing one to two classes can become pricy.
UA’s fall 2009 tuition stands at $3900 per semester for in state and $9600 for out of state. For example, say a class meets 3
times a week throughout the semester, two students both miss five classes, but one is in state and one is out of state. Each
class cost $91 in state, and $223 for out of state. In the long run the in state student lost $455, and the out of state student
lost $1,115. Regardless of which tuition you look at, one can clearly see missing only a couple of class can be a waste of time
and money. Students are in college to get an education; they might as well do what they are supposed to, by going to class and
doing the work.
Overall those students who regularly attend class will come to realize not only will their grades improve, but they will learn
the material instead of memorizing it the night before the test. By going to class students will feel more comfortable about the
material and they will be equipped to have greater success not only in the classroom but in life as well. So the next time you
hear the alarm going off don’t even think about going back to sleep, suck it up and go to class.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
"Yea Alabama"
I went to my very first University of Alabama football game just a few weeks ago. I remember standing in the crowd with my friends as they cheered loudly and belted lyrics to different songs. I had heard these famous chants before such as “Rammer Jammer” and “Yea Alabama” but I was not able to keep up with everyone as they belted the fight song, “Yea Alabama! Drown 'em Tide! Every Bama man's behind you! Hit your Stride! Go teach the Bulldogs to behave! Send the Yellow Jackets to a watery grave! And if a man starts to weaken that's a shame! For Bama's pluck and grit have writ her name in Crimson Flame! Fight on! Fight on! Fight on, men! Remember the Rose Bowl we'll win then! Go roll to victory! Hit your stride! Your Dixie's football pride, Crimson Tide Roll Tide Roll Tide.” After the game, my friend taught me the words and I ended up getting into a discussion as to why the song is referring to the Georgia Bulldogs and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets when those two teams are not really considered our rivals anymore. The lyrics in this song should be changed from Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets to Tigers and Volunteers. The lyrics of the song were written by a student named Ethelred Lundy Sykes who submitted the song as part of a contest held by the University of Alabama newspaper after the 1926 Rose bowl. However that was 83 years ago, it is time to change the tradition and lyrics of this fantastic song in order to make it relevant to today’s competition between the Tide and our current slew of SEC rivals.
The first mascot mentioned in the song is the Bulldogs. Some Alabama fans that I have talked to said that they feel apathetic towards the bulldogs being mentioned in the fight song. If the “Bulldogs” in the fight song is referring to the Georgia Bulldogs, the rivalry between the Tide and the Dogs is not particularly strong or controversial because the two only play each other twice every six years. There really is no point in keeping them in our fight song when we play them so infrequently and when we do, it has no bearing on our SEC west chances. Though, if the “Bulldogs” in the fight song is referring to the Mississippi State Bulldogs, then the feeling about that rival is still rather apathetic. Most Alabama fans will agree that whenever Alabama plays Mississippi State no one gets too worked up about it or even stresses much at all about the competition. Of the 93 times the two teams have met the Tide have won 72 of those games, that’s a 77% win percentage. If this lackluster feeling is true for most Alabama fans, then why are they mentioned in our official fight song? If we really want our fans to scream the fight song loud and be passionate about the competition mentioned in the song, then we should definitely change the words to “tigers” and “volunteers” like was mentioned earlier.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are the other team mentioned in the fight song. However the Yellow Jackets are not even in the SEC anymore and as a result are definitely not considered one of Alabama’s rivals. Georgia Tech decided to leave the SEC in 1964, after being a part of the conference since 1895. There is great controversy between Alabama’s most famous coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant, and Georgia Tech’s great coach, Robert “Bobby” Dodd. One theory is that the two coaches had a harsh falling out, despite the fact that they had got along for years and had great respect for one another on and off the field. Another theory stems from a game between the two teams in 1963. Alabama defeated Georgia Tech 10-0, but during that game, an Alabama player came at a Georgia Tech player with his elbow knocking him across the face. The Georgia Tech player suffered a shattered cheek bone and lost several teeth. The public wanted the Alabama player to be punished publically, but Bryant made remarks to the Atlanta media proclaiming that he would discipline his player accordingly and that no one else should tell him how to handle his team members. Dodd was not satisfied because no one really knew if the Alabama player was even disciplined and so as a result Bryant and Dodd stopped speaking to one another and Georgia Tech abruptly left the conference in 1964 after losing another game to Alabama.
By changing the song to mention the tigers, “Yea Alabama” would be referring to two of our big rivals, the LSU Tigers, and the Auburn Tigers. Alabama and LSU have been big competitors in the SEC since 1932, and even more so in recent history after becoming competitors in the SEC West since 1992. The Alabama versus LSU rivalry has gotten an extra dose of excitement due to our current coach, Nick Saban, who has turned Alabama into a winning team and SEC West champions the last two years. The champion before that was LSU. Saban was also the coach for LSU back in 2003 when they won the national championship. Whenever Alabama faces off against LSU, some media outlets refer to the game as the “Saban Bowl”.
As for the competition between Alabama and Auburn, that infamous in-state rivalry has been a big one for a long, long time. Alabama and Auburn had their first match up against one another on February 22, 1893, and since then have competed in the annual Iron Bowl, a series that Alabama leads with an overall record of 39-33-1. Today the games are played at Bryant-Denny Stadium every even-numbered year and at Jordan-Hare Stadium every odd-numbered year. It is one of the greatest rivalries in history that transcends many different sporting competitions between the two schools. Alabama fans take the rivalry against LSU and Auburn seriously every year, and it would be much more appropriate if these two great rivals were included in our fight song.
Another heated rivalry for Alabama is referred to as the “Third Saturday in October”, better known as the faceoff between the Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers. Since 1995, the game between Alabama and Tennessee has been scheduled for the third Saturday in October, which is dubbed the name for this particular rivalry. Since their first game against each other in 1901, Alabama and Tennessee have taken turns holding dominate winning streaks over one another that usually last for several years at a time. The majority, if not all, of the games that Alabama and Tennessee have played against one another have been close, hard fought, physical games that provide a terrific platform of competition that would fit perfectly in our Alabama fight song.
These rivalries have existed for generations of teams and fans. I believe every Alabama Crimson Tide can agree that Auburn and Tennessee will no matter what, be hated, and LSU should remain a tough competitor in the SEC West year after year. Alabama fans as a whole should come together and change the words to include these particular teams. Alabama’s “fight” song is something that is supposed to excite fans and team, something that pumps up the stadium and energizes every Alabama man and woman, young or old. If the teams being mentioned in the song are viewed as apathetic or nonexistent competition, then the words should certainly be changed. Alabama fans are more passionate about our current rivalries between the LSU Tigers, the Auburn Tigers, and the Tennessee Volunteers, which is why mentioning these teams in the “Yea Alabama” fight song will excite all the fans and players much more than it currently does today.
The first mascot mentioned in the song is the Bulldogs. Some Alabama fans that I have talked to said that they feel apathetic towards the bulldogs being mentioned in the fight song. If the “Bulldogs” in the fight song is referring to the Georgia Bulldogs, the rivalry between the Tide and the Dogs is not particularly strong or controversial because the two only play each other twice every six years. There really is no point in keeping them in our fight song when we play them so infrequently and when we do, it has no bearing on our SEC west chances. Though, if the “Bulldogs” in the fight song is referring to the Mississippi State Bulldogs, then the feeling about that rival is still rather apathetic. Most Alabama fans will agree that whenever Alabama plays Mississippi State no one gets too worked up about it or even stresses much at all about the competition. Of the 93 times the two teams have met the Tide have won 72 of those games, that’s a 77% win percentage. If this lackluster feeling is true for most Alabama fans, then why are they mentioned in our official fight song? If we really want our fans to scream the fight song loud and be passionate about the competition mentioned in the song, then we should definitely change the words to “tigers” and “volunteers” like was mentioned earlier.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are the other team mentioned in the fight song. However the Yellow Jackets are not even in the SEC anymore and as a result are definitely not considered one of Alabama’s rivals. Georgia Tech decided to leave the SEC in 1964, after being a part of the conference since 1895. There is great controversy between Alabama’s most famous coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant, and Georgia Tech’s great coach, Robert “Bobby” Dodd. One theory is that the two coaches had a harsh falling out, despite the fact that they had got along for years and had great respect for one another on and off the field. Another theory stems from a game between the two teams in 1963. Alabama defeated Georgia Tech 10-0, but during that game, an Alabama player came at a Georgia Tech player with his elbow knocking him across the face. The Georgia Tech player suffered a shattered cheek bone and lost several teeth. The public wanted the Alabama player to be punished publically, but Bryant made remarks to the Atlanta media proclaiming that he would discipline his player accordingly and that no one else should tell him how to handle his team members. Dodd was not satisfied because no one really knew if the Alabama player was even disciplined and so as a result Bryant and Dodd stopped speaking to one another and Georgia Tech abruptly left the conference in 1964 after losing another game to Alabama.
By changing the song to mention the tigers, “Yea Alabama” would be referring to two of our big rivals, the LSU Tigers, and the Auburn Tigers. Alabama and LSU have been big competitors in the SEC since 1932, and even more so in recent history after becoming competitors in the SEC West since 1992. The Alabama versus LSU rivalry has gotten an extra dose of excitement due to our current coach, Nick Saban, who has turned Alabama into a winning team and SEC West champions the last two years. The champion before that was LSU. Saban was also the coach for LSU back in 2003 when they won the national championship. Whenever Alabama faces off against LSU, some media outlets refer to the game as the “Saban Bowl”.
As for the competition between Alabama and Auburn, that infamous in-state rivalry has been a big one for a long, long time. Alabama and Auburn had their first match up against one another on February 22, 1893, and since then have competed in the annual Iron Bowl, a series that Alabama leads with an overall record of 39-33-1. Today the games are played at Bryant-Denny Stadium every even-numbered year and at Jordan-Hare Stadium every odd-numbered year. It is one of the greatest rivalries in history that transcends many different sporting competitions between the two schools. Alabama fans take the rivalry against LSU and Auburn seriously every year, and it would be much more appropriate if these two great rivals were included in our fight song.
Another heated rivalry for Alabama is referred to as the “Third Saturday in October”, better known as the faceoff between the Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers. Since 1995, the game between Alabama and Tennessee has been scheduled for the third Saturday in October, which is dubbed the name for this particular rivalry. Since their first game against each other in 1901, Alabama and Tennessee have taken turns holding dominate winning streaks over one another that usually last for several years at a time. The majority, if not all, of the games that Alabama and Tennessee have played against one another have been close, hard fought, physical games that provide a terrific platform of competition that would fit perfectly in our Alabama fight song.
These rivalries have existed for generations of teams and fans. I believe every Alabama Crimson Tide can agree that Auburn and Tennessee will no matter what, be hated, and LSU should remain a tough competitor in the SEC West year after year. Alabama fans as a whole should come together and change the words to include these particular teams. Alabama’s “fight” song is something that is supposed to excite fans and team, something that pumps up the stadium and energizes every Alabama man and woman, young or old. If the teams being mentioned in the song are viewed as apathetic or nonexistent competition, then the words should certainly be changed. Alabama fans are more passionate about our current rivalries between the LSU Tigers, the Auburn Tigers, and the Tennessee Volunteers, which is why mentioning these teams in the “Yea Alabama” fight song will excite all the fans and players much more than it currently does today.
Give Blood (Group 7)
Every minute of every day someone in
Not everyone can give blood but those that can, have no excuse for not going through this convenient and simple process. It all starts with finding a place to give blood. Luckily, the
The process is simple and quick, but that is only one of the many reasons why students should give blood. Giving blood helps those that are unable to help themselves. It also takes so little of the blood donor’s time, but gives so much to those who receive the blood. There are countless stories of fellow Americans suffering with cancer, blood disorders, anemia, sickle cell, and many other sicknesses, who would not be here if it was not for that one hour of time one of their fellow Americans took to give blood.
Students should give blood because it takes nothing more than an hour of their time, but it gives to a cause that has a need. The blood that was lost by the donor is easily and fairly quickly replaced by the body. Improvements in medical technology have improved the way serious illnesses and injuries are treated. However, at the same time these improvements have increased the need for blood to support a patient through recovery. Also, a majority of those that need blood are the aging “baby boomers” who in return make up a large part of the donors. As they get older there will be less of a supply of blood and more of a demand. It is up to young people, such as the students at the
Students should give blood because of the potential impact on not only the three people that their blood helped in saving, but also the families of those three people. Each blood donation is separated into three parts. They are red blood cells, platelet concentrates, and plasma. The red blood cells are usually used for surgeries, or in treating anemia. Platelet concentrates are important to the body’s clotting system, and they are used to control bleeding while leukemia and other forms of cancer are being treated. Plasma restores fluid volume in patients suffering from shock, and it provides a source of clotting proteins that stop bleeding. With just one donation many people can be saved and many problems can be helped.
Students should give blood because it is uncertain when they or someone they know might need blood, and the act of their giving blood might get other people to do the same. If everyone gave blood, there would be no worry of blood not being available when needed. Those that give blood could very well need blood later on. No one is exempt from the possibility of getting a disease that requires the use of blood in its treatment.
There are several small perks to giving blood. At the end of the blood donation process students are given free refreshments and a bandage on their arm. Students will be exempt from heavy lifting for the rest of the day, and giving blood will make students feel good about themselves.
Students at the
Demand for Fairer Ticket System
One of the most stressful times for a student at the University of Alabama is the morning season football tickets go on sale. Most students will do anything to have one of those coveted seats in Bryant-Denny Stadium. Because the football program at Alabama is successful and has had winning records for the past few years, the tickets are in high demand. Every school has a different process for distributing student tickets. However, Alabama’s is one that needs changing. Students at the university should demand that the athletic department change the way student football tickets are issued. There are many other ways the tickets can be distributed such as taking into consideration the amount of hours each student has and how involved they are on campus.
As many of the students already know, the system currently uses an online database to distribute the tickets. It is opened at six o’clock in the morning on a certain day, and every student who wants football tickets must log into the same website. Once the student logs on, he or she is most likely put into a “virtual waiting room” where it supposedly tracks what time a person enters. The system was designed to put people through to purchase tickets just as a normal sequence would or in other words a “first come first serve” process. However, this did not seem to be the case for many students trying to buy tickets. Ali Woodbury, a junior at the University of Alabama, recalls her horrible experience last spring. She said that she and four of her sorority sisters met up to register for tickets together at someone’s apartment. After logging on to the site on their laptops, they were all placed into the virtual waiting room except for one girl. The one girl who was not transferred to the virtual waiting room was the last girl to log into the site and the first to receive her tickets. After she bought her tickets, her computer repeatedly allowed her access to purchase more tickets. The system is based on technology, which we all know is very unreliable at times. Another problem with the system is that many underclassmen are granted tickets before juniors and seniors. This is unfair. The more hours a student has, the longer he or she has been affiliated with the university, and the better the student’s chances should be of getting season tickets.
There are many solutions that would make this process easier for students. One possible solution is to create an allotted time for different groups of students to sign up. Just like registering for classes, students will be divided into sections based on how many earned credit hours they have. This will determine how soon one is able to purchase tickets. For example, if a student has 80 hours, he or she will register before those who only have 60 hours. This will allow upperclassmen guaranteed tickets, if they want them, rather than distributing them based on a “first come, first serve” basis. If the athletic program did use this option for getting student tickets, it would also cut down many of the students’ technology complaints. Many students say that with a large portion of the students at the university logging on the same web page to get tickets at the same time causes the site to shut down and not work properly. If the athletic program chooses this option, it will limit how many people are trying to access the site at once. This will hopefully enable the site’s virtual waiting room to function properly and disperse tickets in a first come first serve line.
Another solution that would make this process fairer would be to distribute football tickets based on how involved students are on campus. Having friends at the University of South Carolina, I have seen the benefits of this program. They instituted a program that kept track of each particular student’s involvement on the campus. When students attended other athletic events, guest lectures, or community service drives, points are added to their ID card. Once it came time to purchase season football tickets, the students who had the most involvement points were granted access to buy tickets first. Once those people purchased the tickets, it was reopened to the next set of students and so forth. This system allows a fair distribution of tickets. It encourages students to become involved in other activities on campus and rewards them by granting them early access to purchase football tickets. If the University of Alabama instituted this policy, the student body would be more involved in sports and other activities that may not get as much attention as football. This would also help with the overloading of the ticket website and boost the overall morale of the university.
As many of the students already know, the system currently uses an online database to distribute the tickets. It is opened at six o’clock in the morning on a certain day, and every student who wants football tickets must log into the same website. Once the student logs on, he or she is most likely put into a “virtual waiting room” where it supposedly tracks what time a person enters. The system was designed to put people through to purchase tickets just as a normal sequence would or in other words a “first come first serve” process. However, this did not seem to be the case for many students trying to buy tickets. Ali Woodbury, a junior at the University of Alabama, recalls her horrible experience last spring. She said that she and four of her sorority sisters met up to register for tickets together at someone’s apartment. After logging on to the site on their laptops, they were all placed into the virtual waiting room except for one girl. The one girl who was not transferred to the virtual waiting room was the last girl to log into the site and the first to receive her tickets. After she bought her tickets, her computer repeatedly allowed her access to purchase more tickets. The system is based on technology, which we all know is very unreliable at times. Another problem with the system is that many underclassmen are granted tickets before juniors and seniors. This is unfair. The more hours a student has, the longer he or she has been affiliated with the university, and the better the student’s chances should be of getting season tickets.
There are many solutions that would make this process easier for students. One possible solution is to create an allotted time for different groups of students to sign up. Just like registering for classes, students will be divided into sections based on how many earned credit hours they have. This will determine how soon one is able to purchase tickets. For example, if a student has 80 hours, he or she will register before those who only have 60 hours. This will allow upperclassmen guaranteed tickets, if they want them, rather than distributing them based on a “first come, first serve” basis. If the athletic program did use this option for getting student tickets, it would also cut down many of the students’ technology complaints. Many students say that with a large portion of the students at the university logging on the same web page to get tickets at the same time causes the site to shut down and not work properly. If the athletic program chooses this option, it will limit how many people are trying to access the site at once. This will hopefully enable the site’s virtual waiting room to function properly and disperse tickets in a first come first serve line.
Another solution that would make this process fairer would be to distribute football tickets based on how involved students are on campus. Having friends at the University of South Carolina, I have seen the benefits of this program. They instituted a program that kept track of each particular student’s involvement on the campus. When students attended other athletic events, guest lectures, or community service drives, points are added to their ID card. Once it came time to purchase season football tickets, the students who had the most involvement points were granted access to buy tickets first. Once those people purchased the tickets, it was reopened to the next set of students and so forth. This system allows a fair distribution of tickets. It encourages students to become involved in other activities on campus and rewards them by granting them early access to purchase football tickets. If the University of Alabama instituted this policy, the student body would be more involved in sports and other activities that may not get as much attention as football. This would also help with the overloading of the ticket website and boost the overall morale of the university.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Society Of Women Engineers
Society of Women Engineers
There are many preconceived notions that we as college students have about what lays ahead of us; one in particular is constantly dwelling about our future and life after graduation. We look forward to taking the next step in our lives. Many of us not only try to excel in the classroom, but we try to get ourselves involved with organizations and other extracurricular activities that can help us succeed in our individual career paths as well as give us a broader view of the world. Here at the University of Alabama the College of Engineering tries to prepare its students as best they can by providing them with organizations that help guide them in their respective branch of engineering. One such program is the Society of Women Engineers, or SWE. SWE is a national non-profit educational and service organization that prepares women in the field of engineering with the tools needed to succeed. This organization is designed to help promote and encourage women in the field of engineering. Like many other professions, engineering is predominately dominated by males. In fact, in almost any engineering class you walk into here at the University, the attendance of men far outweighs the women in the classes. As a result of this fact, SWE provides women with a group where they can be completely comfortable and share their experiences with other woman engineers.
The Society of Women Engineers has an interesting history. Years ago women were not really encouraged to take up engineering as a profession. SWE originated back in the late 1940’s, but did not become a formal organization until the 1950s. The formation of SWE came about when the shortage of men due to World War II provided a need for women to pursue engineering. Even still, it was not until the 1960s, when Russia launched Sputnik and the interest in technological research and development intensified, that many engineering schools began granting women into the field of engineering.
SWE is considered one of the driving forces that have established engineering as a highly desirable career for women. Its national mission statement, which was adopted in 1986, is “Stimulate women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity.” (http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/). SWE currently has well over 17,000 members in nearly 100 professional sections and 300 student sections throughout the United States.
One of the sections can be found here at the Capstone, in our own SWE club. The SWE club has over 100 members and is still adding new members every day. Here on campus the organization is focused on establishing engineering as a career for women and allowing its members to provide services to the community. SWE usually holds meetings every Monday which allows the members not only to chat with other participants, but to inform them of some opportunities that are out there for engineers. Some meetings include seminars and lectures provided by companies that hire engineers. The companies can share information about what kind of careers they can provide for the engineers as well as inform them a little about what their company contributes to the engineering community. I recently interviewed one of SWE’s members to find out a firsthand impression of the SWE club here. Kirsten Stovall, a chemical engineering major, has been a member of the organization since her sophomore year in 2008. She says that SWE provides students the ability of networking with other current members, gives them professional development in their careers, and that it’s a great way for you to meet other people who are taking the same classes as you and even get advice from those who have taken the class. Kirsten also thinks it’s a great organization because it allows its members to attend regional and national conferences with other branches of SWE, as well as providing the opportunity for its members to hear about career fairs and tons of information about different companies. When I asked her if she would she recommend SWE for all women entering engineering as a profession, she answered, “Yes, because it’s a good way to not feel alone and hear others perspective about what it takes to be an engineer.”
Reflecting on what Kirsten told me and what you can find on the internet about SWE, the organization seems like its mission to help women in the field of engineering is being met with excellent reviews. The reason why SWE works so well is that it is an organization built by women just for the advancement of women in the field of engineering. It provides its members with regional as well as national help and education that all women need in order to further their careers. SWE gives detailed information about companies that are looking for engineers and what all engineering has to offer. SWE also offers scholarships and awards to some of its members. While a career in engineering is an achievement in itself, SWE promotes its members to try and achieve their highest goals and recognizes them for doing such. Its main website for the organization provides information that promotes, encourages, and establishes its members to be productive role models to future engineers. Through SWE, women are given the tools needed in order to excel in their respective engineering programs, whether it is chemical engineering or civil engineering. The goal of SWE is to give women the opportunity and the voice to establish themselves and make careers out of engineering that not only helps them succeed personally, but professionally, allowing them to achieve something once unattainable in the world engineering.
There are many preconceived notions that we as college students have about what lays ahead of us; one in particular is constantly dwelling about our future and life after graduation. We look forward to taking the next step in our lives. Many of us not only try to excel in the classroom, but we try to get ourselves involved with organizations and other extracurricular activities that can help us succeed in our individual career paths as well as give us a broader view of the world. Here at the University of Alabama the College of Engineering tries to prepare its students as best they can by providing them with organizations that help guide them in their respective branch of engineering. One such program is the Society of Women Engineers, or SWE. SWE is a national non-profit educational and service organization that prepares women in the field of engineering with the tools needed to succeed. This organization is designed to help promote and encourage women in the field of engineering. Like many other professions, engineering is predominately dominated by males. In fact, in almost any engineering class you walk into here at the University, the attendance of men far outweighs the women in the classes. As a result of this fact, SWE provides women with a group where they can be completely comfortable and share their experiences with other woman engineers.
The Society of Women Engineers has an interesting history. Years ago women were not really encouraged to take up engineering as a profession. SWE originated back in the late 1940’s, but did not become a formal organization until the 1950s. The formation of SWE came about when the shortage of men due to World War II provided a need for women to pursue engineering. Even still, it was not until the 1960s, when Russia launched Sputnik and the interest in technological research and development intensified, that many engineering schools began granting women into the field of engineering.
SWE is considered one of the driving forces that have established engineering as a highly desirable career for women. Its national mission statement, which was adopted in 1986, is “Stimulate women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity.” (http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/). SWE currently has well over 17,000 members in nearly 100 professional sections and 300 student sections throughout the United States.
One of the sections can be found here at the Capstone, in our own SWE club. The SWE club has over 100 members and is still adding new members every day. Here on campus the organization is focused on establishing engineering as a career for women and allowing its members to provide services to the community. SWE usually holds meetings every Monday which allows the members not only to chat with other participants, but to inform them of some opportunities that are out there for engineers. Some meetings include seminars and lectures provided by companies that hire engineers. The companies can share information about what kind of careers they can provide for the engineers as well as inform them a little about what their company contributes to the engineering community. I recently interviewed one of SWE’s members to find out a firsthand impression of the SWE club here. Kirsten Stovall, a chemical engineering major, has been a member of the organization since her sophomore year in 2008. She says that SWE provides students the ability of networking with other current members, gives them professional development in their careers, and that it’s a great way for you to meet other people who are taking the same classes as you and even get advice from those who have taken the class. Kirsten also thinks it’s a great organization because it allows its members to attend regional and national conferences with other branches of SWE, as well as providing the opportunity for its members to hear about career fairs and tons of information about different companies. When I asked her if she would she recommend SWE for all women entering engineering as a profession, she answered, “Yes, because it’s a good way to not feel alone and hear others perspective about what it takes to be an engineer.”
Reflecting on what Kirsten told me and what you can find on the internet about SWE, the organization seems like its mission to help women in the field of engineering is being met with excellent reviews. The reason why SWE works so well is that it is an organization built by women just for the advancement of women in the field of engineering. It provides its members with regional as well as national help and education that all women need in order to further their careers. SWE gives detailed information about companies that are looking for engineers and what all engineering has to offer. SWE also offers scholarships and awards to some of its members. While a career in engineering is an achievement in itself, SWE promotes its members to try and achieve their highest goals and recognizes them for doing such. Its main website for the organization provides information that promotes, encourages, and establishes its members to be productive role models to future engineers. Through SWE, women are given the tools needed in order to excel in their respective engineering programs, whether it is chemical engineering or civil engineering. The goal of SWE is to give women the opportunity and the voice to establish themselves and make careers out of engineering that not only helps them succeed personally, but professionally, allowing them to achieve something once unattainable in the world engineering.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Saban or Shula? It's an Obvious Choice
Saban or Shula? It’s an obvious choice!
On numerous occasions many men and women have gathered for a cause, and the majority of these masses were lead by one man. Whether it is Caesar leading the armies of Rome, or the President of United States leading the people or even the coach of a football team leading his men into a head to head battle with their fierce competitors, men have always needed a strong and dignified leader to rally behind. After legends like Paul “Bear” Bryant and Gene Stallings, it takes a level headed, experienced, and dedicated individual to fill the big shoes of head football coach for The University of Alabama. Both Mike Shula and Nick Saban have had their chances at the position with some similarities and many differences. Although it seems Alabama football has always been on top, it is only until recently the Tide has changed. By comparing the statistics, the method of recruiting and the increase of game attendance one can begin to understand how much better the Tide is under Saban, as opposed to Shula.
Alabama football has been building its legacy since 1892 before many colleges were even in existence. Having won 12 national championships, it is no wonder the University of Alabama is known not only for its many all-American players, but also for the traditions set by past generations. And over the years, the Crimson Tide has become the beloved football team of many alumni and spectators around the nation. In the past decade, the Tide has not seen the glory it had once seen in the past with coaches like legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. Instead, Alabama has spent that time searching for a coach that could lead the Tide back to victory and maybe finally change the twelve national championships to thirteen.
One of the man differences between Mike Shula and Nick Saban are their game stats. Mike Shula and Nick Saban have both coached for Alabama for about three years, but that is all that they had in common. From 2003 to 2006 when Mike Shula was head coach, his overall record was 26-23, and his team never broke into the BCS top ten. Also in the 2005-2006 season Shula’s players allowed on average 297.7 yards for the season, they also only scored 22.9 per game and only reached an average of 335.9 yards per game (RollTide.com). When Saban was named Alabama’s new head football coach in 2007 he started a new era. In his second season of 2008-2009, his players allowed on average 219.7 yards per game, with an average of 30.1 points game and reached an average of 375.6 yards per game (Rolltide.com). He also managed to carry Alabama to the top of the BCS poll for five weeks in the same season. Besides the impressive stats Saban has managed to put up, he also lead the team to break Alabama 6 game losing to streak against in-state rival, the Auburn Tigers. It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago the Tide was losing to such teams as South Carolina, Arkansas, and Minnesota, and now we are Rose Bowl contenders.
A great football season starts in the spring with a great recruiting class. Convincing the most talented high school seniors to play for your team is no easy task. The difference in the recruiting results between Saban and Shula is immense. Mike Shula seemed to struggle with recruiting throughout his coaching career, only reaching a top number of 27 recruits (RollTide.com) for the 06-graduating season with only three of those players being in the ESPN top 150. After losing the battle for quarterback Tim Tebow, it seemed that Shula would have no recruiting success. The only real success that Shula had was the recruitment of Andre Smith. Unlike Shula, Saban has excelled in recruiting having had the number one ranked recruiting class two years in a row, thirty-two in 2008 and twenty-nine in 2009. With signees like Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, and Trent Richardson, it comes as no surprise why Alabama has had such success in years past. Even Saban's method to recruiting is more aggressive and strategic; he truly wants the best of the best.
Recent years have given many lifelong, diehard Alabama fans something to celebrate about. More fans are actually finding ways to make it to the games and give their support. When Shula was head coach game attendance in the 2005-2006 seasons was 70,670 per game and 282,679 for the whole year (RollTide.com). It has even been said that back then student tickets did not sell out for at least a month to two months which is mind blowing now a days. Now that Saban is coach and the victories are rolling in more fans are coming to Tuscaloosa to enjoy the games. In the 2008-2009 season attendance rose to 92,138 per game and 644,966 for the season just for home games (RollTide.com). That’s 20,000 more each game and almost 400,000 more per season in just 2 years. In addition to the increased attendance, the atmosphere on Saturdays seems to be a lot more upbeat and festive. Saban has managed to put pride back into the hearts of Crimson Tide fans everywhere.
It has become clear in the last few years which coach has done a better job here at the Capstone. Bama fans across the nation have come alive with spirit and now the country finally sees how good the Crimson Tide really is. Nick Saban has done a fantastic job so far and he intends to keep up the pace. For many die hard, lifelong Alabama fans, Nick Saban is a dream come true and his current success here at the university is undeniable.
Works Citied
1. Rolltide.com; http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html
On numerous occasions many men and women have gathered for a cause, and the majority of these masses were lead by one man. Whether it is Caesar leading the armies of Rome, or the President of United States leading the people or even the coach of a football team leading his men into a head to head battle with their fierce competitors, men have always needed a strong and dignified leader to rally behind. After legends like Paul “Bear” Bryant and Gene Stallings, it takes a level headed, experienced, and dedicated individual to fill the big shoes of head football coach for The University of Alabama. Both Mike Shula and Nick Saban have had their chances at the position with some similarities and many differences. Although it seems Alabama football has always been on top, it is only until recently the Tide has changed. By comparing the statistics, the method of recruiting and the increase of game attendance one can begin to understand how much better the Tide is under Saban, as opposed to Shula.
Alabama football has been building its legacy since 1892 before many colleges were even in existence. Having won 12 national championships, it is no wonder the University of Alabama is known not only for its many all-American players, but also for the traditions set by past generations. And over the years, the Crimson Tide has become the beloved football team of many alumni and spectators around the nation. In the past decade, the Tide has not seen the glory it had once seen in the past with coaches like legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. Instead, Alabama has spent that time searching for a coach that could lead the Tide back to victory and maybe finally change the twelve national championships to thirteen.
One of the man differences between Mike Shula and Nick Saban are their game stats. Mike Shula and Nick Saban have both coached for Alabama for about three years, but that is all that they had in common. From 2003 to 2006 when Mike Shula was head coach, his overall record was 26-23, and his team never broke into the BCS top ten. Also in the 2005-2006 season Shula’s players allowed on average 297.7 yards for the season, they also only scored 22.9 per game and only reached an average of 335.9 yards per game (RollTide.com). When Saban was named Alabama’s new head football coach in 2007 he started a new era. In his second season of 2008-2009, his players allowed on average 219.7 yards per game, with an average of 30.1 points game and reached an average of 375.6 yards per game (Rolltide.com). He also managed to carry Alabama to the top of the BCS poll for five weeks in the same season. Besides the impressive stats Saban has managed to put up, he also lead the team to break Alabama 6 game losing to streak against in-state rival, the Auburn Tigers. It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago the Tide was losing to such teams as South Carolina, Arkansas, and Minnesota, and now we are Rose Bowl contenders.
A great football season starts in the spring with a great recruiting class. Convincing the most talented high school seniors to play for your team is no easy task. The difference in the recruiting results between Saban and Shula is immense. Mike Shula seemed to struggle with recruiting throughout his coaching career, only reaching a top number of 27 recruits (RollTide.com) for the 06-graduating season with only three of those players being in the ESPN top 150. After losing the battle for quarterback Tim Tebow, it seemed that Shula would have no recruiting success. The only real success that Shula had was the recruitment of Andre Smith. Unlike Shula, Saban has excelled in recruiting having had the number one ranked recruiting class two years in a row, thirty-two in 2008 and twenty-nine in 2009. With signees like Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, and Trent Richardson, it comes as no surprise why Alabama has had such success in years past. Even Saban's method to recruiting is more aggressive and strategic; he truly wants the best of the best.
Recent years have given many lifelong, diehard Alabama fans something to celebrate about. More fans are actually finding ways to make it to the games and give their support. When Shula was head coach game attendance in the 2005-2006 seasons was 70,670 per game and 282,679 for the whole year (RollTide.com). It has even been said that back then student tickets did not sell out for at least a month to two months which is mind blowing now a days. Now that Saban is coach and the victories are rolling in more fans are coming to Tuscaloosa to enjoy the games. In the 2008-2009 season attendance rose to 92,138 per game and 644,966 for the season just for home games (RollTide.com). That’s 20,000 more each game and almost 400,000 more per season in just 2 years. In addition to the increased attendance, the atmosphere on Saturdays seems to be a lot more upbeat and festive. Saban has managed to put pride back into the hearts of Crimson Tide fans everywhere.
It has become clear in the last few years which coach has done a better job here at the Capstone. Bama fans across the nation have come alive with spirit and now the country finally sees how good the Crimson Tide really is. Nick Saban has done a fantastic job so far and he intends to keep up the pace. For many die hard, lifelong Alabama fans, Nick Saban is a dream come true and his current success here at the university is undeniable.
Works Citied
1. Rolltide.com; http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html
Greek Life on Campus
A large campus community that is prominent through out the University of Alabama is the Greek system. The Greek system is made up by a clear-cut portion of the student body. This is distinct from any other part of the campus because of the impact they have. The Greek system is what makes this University unique and unlike any other campus because of the embodiment of power that they have upon this campus. Greek life at the University of Alabama is a well-defined system that extends past the realm of the University by not only having advantages while in college but far after as well.
The Greek system is made up of the members of fraternities and sororities. The quest to become a Greek and to find new members is never ending. For sororities, a female oriented sisterhood, the search begins in the spring semester with a number of teas held to meet their potential new members. Each individual sorority holds a tea inviting the girls who are planning to attend The University of Alabama, with high hopes for joining a sorority. This process begins when active members write letters to prospective girls informing them of the teas that will be held in their area. The teas are a precursor to the week of Rush. Rush is and intense and tiresome week-long process held every year in the heat of August a week before classes begin. Rush is when potential new members parade from house to house meeting each sororities members and trying to picture where they best see themselves fitting in with each sororities personality and character.The long week includes two days of ice water teas, two philanthropy days, one skit day, and the final day, “pref night”. All of these events lead up to bid day, an exciting day where invitations are extended from the current members to the potential new ones. However, rush for boys is a whole other entity in itself. For some it all starts at Bama Bound. While walking around the campus active members of a fraternity try to meet new boys and invite them to a party they’re hosting. These parties are meant to be a bonding event for both active members and incoming students. The potential new members are also able to see what the fraternity is like as a whole. After the party the boys are messaged through facebook being notified that the fraternity is interested in them becoming a possible member. Once school starts each fraternity hosts parties on Friday and Saturday nights for about a month trying to get to know the boys better and potentially offer bids to the ones that meet the fraternities’ standards. Bids are formal invitations to join the fraternity. Although, before they are active members they have to go through a trial period called pledge ship. Pledge ship is very different for males and females because male pledge ship is mentally and physically much harder. For guys, pledge ship is a long and tough couple of months of proving themselves to be worthy of the fraternity’s brotherhood. For girls, pledge ship is a time for the potential new members to learn the meaning of sisterhood and the delicate bonds it creates with its members. After pledge ship is over a person is then initiated. Once initiated into the fraternity or sorority, they are then considered an active member, and are expected to abide by the constitution and by-laws of their fraternity and sorority. The moment a member is made active they’re then able to obtain the full advantages and resources of being Greek.
Being a member of Greek life has many benefits including strong social ties, making new friends, and becoming apart of a community. Members of Greek fraternities and sororities have access to countless social events. Creating strong, unique bonds with one another is one reason why sororities and fraternities thrive. Creating a large network of people is another reason social life is vital to Greeks. A network opens up a whole new level of people to meet and impress for opportunities later in life. Sometimes in life it is not about the degree people recieve, it is about the hands people shake. Sadly this can be true. People are more willing to offer jobs or internships to a friend or to someone with a similar connection of something as small as being in the same fraternity. The connections that are made through Greek life can be very helpful down the line. Overall, the community is effective in providing a social setting for fun and networking outside of school. There are many social events consisting of band parties, date parties, formals, and swaps aimed at providing optimal settings for members to make a variety of new friends and connections. It might seem as all the parts seem to work together while co-existing peacefully, it seems to be that they can actually sometimes be divided. This can be the result of certain sororities and fraternities have a certain dislike towards another sorority or fraternity. At times neighbors create a certain rivalry towards one another. This especially applies to fraternities when hoping to pull the biggest crowd for a band party. Not only are some fraternities and sororities divided from each other, but many people seem to think that the Greek system as a whole is sometimes seen as divided from the rest of the University.
It is quite apparent to most people who attend the University of Alabama that the Greek system is a prominent way to get involved with the running and ways of the campus. As a result, this sometimes makes some non-members develop certain feelings of resentment towards the Greek system. It is not rare that in a class room setting one of first questions you are asked is what your Greek affiliation is. The Greek system is strong, not only because of what they do for each other but for what they do to help improve the school, community and society that surrounds them. Such as the many philanthropy events and fundraisers held throughout each year. The members of the Greek system are involved in activities, clubs, and organizations all over campus, covering everything from sports to the business club, and a member of the Save Darfur club to the president of the Student Government Association. The Greek system’s active involvement and recognition on campus is known and appreciated by many.
Networking, leadership opportunities, and making new friends are only a few of the advantages of joining a fraternity or sorority. Although the disadvantages of time commitment and expenses are relevant, the positives of being in the Greek system outweigh them. The Greeks are the most prominent force on campus, but overall they need to drop petty rivalries and arrogance. This way the Greek system can make a change for the better and enhance campus evolvement.
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