Depth News Story

Paige Gustafson

JOUR 271

Animal Rights

6 November 2012

571 words

Humane Society and IACUC Don’t Fool Around with Animal Rights

            OXFORD, Miss. – Taylor Clark was volunteering at the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society when the importance of animal rights crossed her mind. The constant cries from the puppies and the sorrowful ‘meows’ from the kittens put Clark in an emotional state of mind.

“I want to take each and every animal home with me, but the staff here [at the Humane Society] reassured me that the animals are in great hands and I noticed that right away, ” she said.

            The staff aided one animal from the next, by making sure they were comfortable and had proper food and water. This assured Clark that the animals were their number one priority. Why did Clark have doubts in the first place? Since Mississippi is one of four states without a felony animal-cruelty law, some may question whether Lafayette County takes certain animal rights seriously or not.

             Organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society, and a committee like the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), represent how animal cruelty is not tolerated in both shelters and laboratories.

Animals in Shelters

            The Oxford ordinance for the protection of animals contains a list of guidelines pertaining towards the treatment of animals. The Oxford Humane Society abides by all of these guidelines. It says things such as one must make sure the animal has fresh water and fresh food at least once every 24 hours. The animal should also be in a sufficient sized shelter where it can stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural manner. Sarah Layton, Executive Director of Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society, said following these guidelines are detrimental to the animal’s health.

“We take these guidelines very seriously. Animals deserve to live in a clean and healthy environment, and that’s what we provide here at the Humane Society. We have a great reputation and I couldn’t be happier,” Layton said.

If guidelines from the ordinance are violated, action will be taken. According to a 2006 Daily Mississippian article, the person will be charged with a misdemeanor, which can include a fine of up to 1,000 dollars or a maximum of one year in jail.

Animals in Research

            Scientists worldwide have argued that animal research is essential for medical progress. The IACUC, a committee that reviews and approves all animal research conducted at the University of Mississippi, can insure the county that they strive to give the best possible care to animals used in their research. Thomas W. Lombardo, Ph.D., Director of the Research Integrity and Compliance, believes ignoring animal suffering is irresponsible and unethical.

“The researchers are deeply concerned about the welfare of the animals they study, and they have a moral duty to provide the best treatment possible,” Lombardo said.

The committee is accredited by AAALAC, the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International. Lombardo said that AAALAC accreditation is voluntary and certifies the IACUC for having proper humane animal care and for using procedures that exceed the federal requirements.

Even though the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society and the IACUC insure proper animal rights, Mississippi as a whole still has a lot of work to do. In a 2006 Daily Mississippian newspaper interview, Cyd Dunlap, president of the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society, said Mississippi does not have strong animal laws.

            “If you see things like this [animal neglect], please call Oxford Lafayette Humane Society to report any cruelty or neglect. You can remain anonymous; we must stop this from happening,” said Dunlap.

                       

                                                        Sources:

Taylor Clark-Ole Miss student and volunteer at Oxford Humane Society

             #: (404) 242-8276

           email: tclark@go.olemiss.edu

Thomas W. Lombardo, Ph.D.- Director of Research Integrity and Compliance

            #: (662) 915-5458

           email: pytwl@olemiss.edu

Sarah Layton- Executive Director of Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society

           #: (662) 236-7631

          email: olhsdirector@gmail.com

                                                     Sites:

Animal Rights. (2010). In Culture Wars: An Encyclopedia of Issues, Viewpoints, and Voices. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/sharpecw/animal_rights

Clemmitt, Marcia. "University of Mississippi Libraries Electronic Resource Access."University of Mississippi Libraries Electronic Resource Access. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. http://0-library.cqpress.com.umiss.lib.olemiss.edu/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre2010010800

Gunn, John. "University of Mississippi Libraries Electronic Resource Access." University of Mississippi Libraries Electronic Resource Access. Daily Mississippian, n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. http://0-www.lexisnexis.com.umiss.lib.olemiss.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/

"The University of Mississippi." Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. http://www.research.olemiss.edu/iacuc

"Welcome to Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society." Welcome to Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. http://www.oxfordpets.com/

http://www.oxfordpets.com/media/OXFORD_ORDINANCE_Sec6.pdf

           

Sarah Douglass - In Depth Story

Walking down The Square, where at night, serves as the mecca of bars in one of the nation’s biggest college party town, you see shirts hanging in store windows with “a drinking town with a football problem” written in bold letters next to the University of Mississippi emblem proudly displayed over the chest pocket. 

Ole Miss has made a name for itself over the years. But now, with sections on the University’s website dedicated to “changing the culture” one might ask, what direction is this infamous party school really taking to put a cork in the over served reputation of the university. 

“I think we’re becoming more aware, and getting better because I mean, look at the rankings. We were the number two party school, and now we are down to like the number 14th party school,” Keysha Thomas, full time counselor at the University of Mississippi Counseling Center said. 

With programs ranging from Young People’s AA, Early Intervention Support Group, JADE and BASICS Ole Miss has taken a hands on approach with teaching kids a healthy approach to alcohol. 

“We try not to have that behavior that drinking is awful. We try to get it to were students drink responsibly,” Thomas said. 

The most difficult problem for students is finding the blurred line of typical college behavior, and alcohol abuse. 

“Most students, go to the party, have a drink, and then they leave,” Thomas said. “But, once you start to drink so much that it doesn’t matter that there is no party or nothing going on and you’re still doing all the drinking, then that’s when you know, there’s a difference.”

One of the many goals for the student health center and student counseling is teaching students not only the importance of avoiding being “that guy,” but also learning what qualifies as alcohol abuse. 

With the required Alcohol EDU test taken by incoming freshman, Barbara Collier, director of University Health Services, is able to take in account 3,533 incoming students’ approach to alcohol. 

The University’s average incoming, non-drinking student is at 53 percent, while the national average is 64 percent. After 6 weeks at Ole Miss the non-drinker average goes down to a 45 percent. 

Although Ole Miss is above the national average, Collier and Thomas both strongly believe Ole Miss is not far off the norm of college campuses when it comes to alcohol consumption. 

“We are above, slightly above, the national average of students who report that they use alcohol. But, with the SEC schools we are not,”  Collier said. 

With the Alcohol EDU test alone, students got a clearer view on the dangers of alcohol. The New York Times reported that each year 100,000 women are sexually assaulted, 700,000 students are injured and 2,000 students die from violence and accidents resulting from alcohol abuse amongst college students. 

Before taking the test, only 25 percent of students viewed alcohol as a date rape drug. Pos test, 78 considered it as a date rape drug. 

Then what makes Ole Miss stand out on the nation’s best party schools? 

Thomas has her theories about the braided traditions of the Grove, football, and alcohol that seams to drive this campus in the fall. 

“I know from personal experience that during the football season in the fall we get a lot more DUI offenses than we do in the spring or summer,” Thomas said. “And that’s just because, you know, alcohol is welcomed in the Grove and they had it in the stadium.”

Contrary to most belief, the majority of drinking amongst Ole Miss students happen off campus. Results from the Alcohol EDU test say 30 percent of student drinking occur off campus, 21 percent in fraternity and sorority houses, and 18 percent at the bars. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention say nationally, 40 percent of students who drank alcohol during the 30 days before taking the USA.gov survey say they obtained alcohol by someone giving it to them. 

“I get most of my drinks from friends at bars,” says Jen Walzel, a sophomore pre-med major at Ole Miss. 

Oxford police working to keep alcohol abuse at bay Monday night on the Square. 

Happy Hour: Oxford's Drinking Problem

Houston Buckley

JOUR 271

11/5/12

Research based News Story

507 Words

Oxford, Miss. – Attending College can present many new and exciting experiences for those who choose to do so. However, college can also present dangerous opportunities to all of its students. Throughout the years, such crimes as robbery, sexual assault, alcohol abuse and even school shootings have plagued campuses all across the country. Some campuses don’t experience this as often, but some have it far worse than others.

It’s the phone call a mother never wants to receive, bearing the caller I.D. of the University Police Department or local hospital. Every year thousands of these calls are made whether the subject is detainment or an accident. All across the country these calls go through every night, but one place they go through everyday is Oxford, Miss.

Oxford is very notorious for its college town atmosphere and famous bars on the Square, but it is also famous for its high alcohol related arrests. Last year alone, the number of alcohol related arrests nearly tripled from the year before. Whether it is a driving under the influence, a minor in possession or even a public drunk, the campus of Ole Miss is slowly becoming a drunk tank.

Some students don’t think that binge drinking and alcohol related incidents are such a big deal. If you were to approach a random college student and asked them why they drank, they would respond with “To get drunk,” or “To get drunk fast.” The problem with binge drinking is that most of the students involved in a Greek organization participate in heavy alcohol consumption on their own free will. “I would say that being in a fraternity definitely presents a bigger opportunity to binge drink.” Said junior Accounting major Justin Griffin. “I don’t necessarily participate in it, but I know plenty of guys that do.” Despite the social influence some people actually think this problem is getting worse.

Latavia Sykes, an emergency room admissions representative at the Baptist Memorial Hospital here in Oxford believes that alcohol related accidents are becoming a giant problem. When asked how many people come in on a single day for alcohol related problems she replied, “At least ten come in every day.” Sykes also said, “It’s definitely getting worse, more and more students come in with alcohol related injuries.”

Sykes was also asked about the different types of injuries that students come in with. “These kids come in with bruises and scrapes from falling when intoxicated,” she said, “they also come in overdosed on alcohol.” Studies show that the alcohol related crime across the nation has been on a steady incline since the early 2000’s, and has experienced a spike in the past three years. In Oxford, the increase of alcohol related crimes has nearly tripled in the past year alone, and has experienced a sharp increase in the last ten years.

Oxford is a beautiful place with beautiful people, but how beautiful is a town that is stained with wine and littered with beer cans?

Sources:

Latavia Sykes: Emergency Room Admissions Rep. 662-232-8100

Justin Griffin: Junior member of Greek organization. 601-826-2915

Web Pages:

http://oxfordcrimereport.com/tag/oxford-ms-dui/

http://0-library.cqpress.com.umiss.lib.olemiss.edu/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre2012060800&type=hitlist&num=11

http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/statssummaries/snapshot.aspx

Disparities in Gender and Learning

MarKeicha Dickens

November 6, 2012

Jour 102

Gender and Learning

599 Words

Disparities in Gender and Learning

OXFORD Miss.----Shomari Thompson was never too fond of English or Writing. However, the Biology major has managed to maintain a 4.0 while at Ole Miss. In a female dominated major Thompson knows what it takes to succeed in such a difficult field. He actually wasn’t even sure whether or not it was female dominated.  “I think we [Biology majors] are pretty even gender wise, there may even be more girls than boys though,” said Thompson. He is exactly right.

“There are currently 928 Biology majors, 407 males and 521 females,” says Senior Staff Assistant Cindy Rimoldi. Researchers have argued for years that whether or not the key factor in these differences is biology or social skills coupled with self esteem issues.

When asked why he believes there are more female Biology majors than males Thompson did not hesitate to answer. “Girls do not have a problem embracing the challenges that Biology students have to go through. Guys try to take the easy way out,” said Thompson.

Population

  Ole Miss is comprised of 55% females and 45% males. Many would assume that more females attend the University of Mississippi just by looking around. The graduation rates of students are even closer with 60% of women and 57% of undergraduates receiving degrees in 4 years.  However, the degrees that men and women get are strikingly different. Education, a “feminine” major, has a drastic amount of females graduates compared to males. 

In 2011 Ole Miss graduated 238 females receiving bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education compared to a measly 13 males getting a degree in the same field.  Engineering, a “masculine” major, here at the University of Mississippi, handed out the same exact amount of Chemical Engineering degrees to males and females in the year 2011 debunking the stereotype that guys are generally better than girls in math and science. However, males still make up more than half of engineering graduates receiving bachelor degrees.

It starts early

Males and females enter school generally on the same level according to a report done in 1992 about schools shortchanging girls. Somewhere around middle and high school girls become reserved and begin to second guess themselves due to fear of being wrong. Girls also have a higher tendency to be unhappy with themselves by the time they reach adolescence compared to males. Studies show that this type of behavior starts at an early age as teachers tend to call on males more often in class. In return they [males] receive a greater amount of positive feedback from their instructors and feel more confident.

A more updated report however suggests that girls tend to try and impress their teachers whereas boys try to challenge them. Males must remain stimulated in classrooms. They are in need of constant action to feel they are learning, but this “on the go” competitive instinct leads to behavior problems down the road.

Assistance

Due to females having a higher acceptance rate than males they make up the majority of scholarship recipients. The Luckyday Success Scholarship at Ole Miss is awarded to students based on financial needs, ACT scores, and a well written response to an essay question. Thompson, also a Luckyday Scholar, is by no surprise outnumbered in this aspect as well. “It’s about 60% of girls that receive it and 40% of guys mainly because the girls just take initiative to write the essay,” said Senora Miller Logan, Assistant Director of Luckyday Programs.

The real differences between gender and learning remain a debate-able hot topic with new findings surfacing every year. It’s one that will continue to be argued scientifically and socially.

Contacts
Senora Miller Logan
Assistant Director of Luckyday Programs
 senoralm@olemiss.edu
(662) 915-1592

Cindy Rimoldi
Biology Senior Staff Assistant
 crimoldi@olemiss.edu 
(662) 915-7204

Shomari Thompson
Student
(601) 452-0312

Cited Info:

Clark, Charles S. "Education and Gender." CQ Researcher 3 June 1994: 481-504. Web. 6 Nov. 2012.

ProQuest Statistical Database LINK: http://0-si.conquestsystems.com.umiss.lib.olemiss.edu/statistical/Main.jsp

Newspaper Source

Jennifer Buckingham Schools, editor. "`Gender Divide' In Road Of Learning." Australian, The (n.d.): Newspaper Source. Web. 6 Nov. 2012.

National Center for Education Statistics LINK: http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d11/tables/dt11_290.asp

Caroline Stroud

Jackson

Jour 271

November 5, 2012

596

Stopping the Epidemic

Oxford, Miss-------------- Over the last 40 years the obesity rate in this country has risen dramatically.  In 2001 the nation’s surgeon general said that obesity has become an epidemic. Since his statement America has slowly started to make efforts to stop the obesity rate inclining. 

            Two-thirds of adults are obese in this country. In 2009 a study was done that showed how nine states had obesity rates with 30% or more, Mississippi had the highest obesity rate with 34.4% of Mississippians being overweight.  Since 1970 children and teens obesity rate has risen from 5% to 17% however, the children’s rate has leveled off more in the last couple of years. 

 The Community of Oxford

            Oxford Mississippi has made effective efforts to help prevent obesity, with a local food bank, health food stores and beautiful parks where people can go exercise Oxford is taking the necessary steps to getting a firm handle on the obesity epidemic.  Sophomore nutrition major Allye Neuhaus sees how Ole Miss is doing what needs to be done to provide healthy choices for Ole Miss students.

            “There is a section for healthy food like salads and fresh fruit in the union, a lot of students have taken advantage of that,” said Neuhaus.  The student union has just been redone where they enlarged the section with the healthier foods.  Ole Miss students have complained about how there just isn’t a lot of good choices to eat besides fast food. 

            “In my dorm they have also added healthier things to the menu, and have even put in a spot to get milk, fruit and yogurt,” said Neuhaus.  The “C store” as UM students call it has always been a favorite among the students living in the dorms.  But like the union the C-store has also made improvements on serving healthier food. 

A Nurse’s Standpoint

            The increase of obesity has also increased the health issues of many people.  Abdomen weight gain is very dangerous and can cause many severe health issues like heart failure and inflammation.  Weight gain is not something to take lightly and many people are being affected because they did not think a few pounds were a big deal. 

            Registered nurse Micki Johnson is the office manager at the Oxford Bariatric Clinic here in Oxford; she has seen first hand just what the obesity epidemic is doing to people in this community and local areas.  Johnson thinks there three factors that go into play when talking about obesity.

            “People’s environment, behavior and awareness is what is going to cause them to be either healthy or overweight,” said Johnson.  More and more people are coming to the clinic to have weight loss surgery with hopes of becoming healthier.  80% of the clinic’s clients are females ranging in ages from 35-50, but over the last few years they have had younger clients such as 18 and 20-year-old females.  Johnson talked about how the weight loss surgeries are not fool proof and lifestyle changes have to be made to get good results. 

            “The earlier you start someone’s awareness about weight gain and eating healthy the better it is for them,” said Johnson.  She also believes that the community of Oxford has become more aware of the epidemic, especially in Mississippi.

            Obesity is not something to take lightly, but Oxford is moving in the right direction to stop obesity in its tacks.  More and more people are starting become aware of just how serious their health really is, and are starting to turn their lives around.

Resources:

Allye Neuhaus

662-231-2312

Micki Johnson

micki@oxfordbariatric.com