Daily Deacon

Crossing Campuses: WFU’s cross-registration system with Salem College

It’s the first day of Fall semester at WFU and sophomore Emma Battle joins the throngs of students making their way across the brick labyrinth of campus. Tan, blonde, and passable for a J. Crew brand ambassador, she effortlessly blends in the rest of the student body. If anything, Battle represents a quintessential WFU undergrad – actively involved in WFU political clubs, academics, and social scene.

However, as Battle takes her seat in” Latino Political Behaviour” and listens to Professor Wilkinson take attendance, she never hears her name called. The professor seems confused, looking up at Battle and then back to the roster in search of a missing name. When introductions go around the room, one-by-one, the rest of the students find out why.

“My name is Emma Battle,” she says, “but I actually don’t go here.”

Battle, in fact, attends Salem College, a women’s college located 7 miles down University Parkway.

Each semester, approximately 30 students from Salem College enroll in courses at Wake Forest. This is a part of the WFU cross-registration relationship with Salem College, which began in X (*fact check) as a way for both institutions to expand their course offerings. The program allows Salem and Wake Forest students to utilize academic opportunities otherwise not available in their own school’s program. With no extra tuition cost, Salem students are permitted to enroll in Wake Forest courses and vice versa.

For students like Battle, the cross-registration system plays an integral part in expanding her educational horizons.

“When I took ‘Latino Political Behavior’ at Wake Forest, there wasn’t anything like it being offered at Salem at the time,” said Battle. “It’s a great to add diversity to your education, whether that be diversity of opinions, subject matter or even college campuses.”

The registration process itself is less straightforward. According to Melissa Cumbia, Academic Counselor at Wake Forest, the student must first receive approval from the Dean of Academics by writing a brief explanation of why they want to take the class. Once approved to move forward, the student must also contact the course professor and ask for permission to join the roster. On receiving the professor’s approval, the student’s paperwork is then sent to the WFU registrar for processing, but the student will not be formally added to the waitlist until a few days before the start of the course. Even then, the student must remain on the waitlist until the course begins.

“Unfortunately, cross-registered students cannot be put into our system and formally registered until the start of the semester,” Cumbia wrote in an email. “I advise students to contact their professor before the beginning of classes and let them know of their intent to enroll.”

“I registered basically like any other Wake student would,” said Battle. “The only difference was I had to wait until mid-August to ensure the class wasn’t filled by actual Wake students first; that part wasn’t fun, but it comes with the territory I guess.”

The same goes for WFU students who take classes at Salem College. The niche course offerings in Arts Management and Not-for-Profit Management appeal to those looking for more specified areas of study. Wake Forest graduate student Tiansong Zhou was seeking to focus on archeology, a track that can be carved through WFU’s Anthropology Department. However, while searching for more centralized courses, Zhou’s advisor recommended he look into the Salem College course catalog.

….

The process might be haphazard, but it usually resolves well. Salem College junior Ella Hill, an has taken two courses, “Fashion in the Age of the Atlantic Revolution” and “Music History of Winston-Salem,” at Wake Forest and says the experience was fairly smooth both times.

“When I initially reached out to both professors, they were supportive of my desire to join their class, and I have felt incredibly welcomed into the classroom,” says Hill. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my Wake Forest experiences and would highly recommend cross-registering for both Wake Forest and Salem students.”

Final draft and reflection // Merritt Enright

I’ll admit, I underestimated the digital assignment. However, I quickly learned that digital stories involve just as much journalistic dexterity as print writing. The two outlets simply require different time commitments. In creating a timeline on solar innovation at WFU, I spent most of my time researching the history of photovoltaics on campus (which, quite frankly, was pretty difficult considering solar technology has only been used on campus for nine years). I also greatly enjoyed the media portion of the assignment, gathering photos and creating a visually pleasing presentation to go with the story. However, I really missed the thrill of going and talking to people and capturing an event moment by moment. While I was able to visit some of the LEED certified buildings on campus (the Barn, Dianne Daily Golf Center, Farrell Hall), I didn’t feel as though there was much room to incorporate interviews into the assignment. In the end, I’m really grateful that this assignment provided me with new skills and revealed my favorite part of journalism to me – simply getting out and discovering new people and places.

https://cdn.knightlab.com/libs/timeline3/latest/embed/index.html?source=1XbyCQhcqSfRVZKjVsI0AsXcG3W57zx8sBiyHISXITsY&font=Bitter-Raleway&lang=en&initial_zoom=2&height=650

Timeline of Solar Energy Innovation at WFU // Merritt Enright

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Winston ranked highest in National Food Hardships // Merritt Enright

A study conducted by the Food Research and and Action Center estimated that Winston-Salem has the highest percentage of food hardships nationally, specifically in households with children. According to the FRAC study, Winston is one of two North Carolina cities that rank in the top 25 metropolitan areas with above average food hardship rates, the other being Greensboro-High Point.

B-Matter for Court TV (or 2016 Primaries) // Merritt Enright

VOTING

Almost 60 years after the Civil Rights Movement, the minority vote is being suppressed by North Carolina’s new identification law, requiring voters to show official ID at the polls. The law, which became effective in January, also inhibits low income individuals, out-of-state college students and others from voting.

In addition, the law shortens the early voting period and eliminated same-day voting registration, making it difficult for working class members to reach the polls.

Although there are more registered Democrats than Republicans in North Carolina, the law is predicted to hurt voter turnout for Democratic candidates – especially Sanders. Talk about feeling the burn.

GOP15

Super Tuesday revealed Trump as the leading candidate for the GOP party. Trump won over Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia. Ted Cruz came in a not-so-close second by winning Alaska, Oklahoma, and Texas while Miami Senator Marco Rubio trailed behind with a single win in Minnesota.

Trump is notorious for his hardline foreign policies and stance on immigration. He wants to build a wall along the Mexican boarder to keep out illegal immigrants and ban Muslims from entering the country.

Rubio has been far less straight-forward on immigration, stating that the US simply needs to “modernize legal immigration.” Cruz is more known for his nonchalance towards environmental issues, stating that “there has been no meaningful warming in years,” which could cost him a huge number of votes environmentally-concerned conservatives.

DEM15

Bernie Sanders might have won over the working class and youth, but his Super Tuesday were no match for Hillary Clinton. Clinton won over Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Sanders was left with Colorado, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Vermont.

While Sanders appeal towards young and working class voters has boosted his campaign, the enthusiasm didn’t help him in much in the polls. The strenuous work hours of low income individuals and academic schedules of student voters greatly affected Sanders’ voter turnout. With a higher turnout from black Southerners, Clinton emerged as the Democratic leader of Super Tuesday.

SC Primary Coverage // Merritt Enright

Both articles approached the South Carolina primary results through different methods. While the Trump article highlighted his win and future potential and used secondhand quotes from other candidates to build context, the Clinton article revolved around voter data to analyze to previous Democratic success compared to the present day.

Thus, Trump’s article is the more news/summary piece of the two. The lede establishes 3 of the 5 W’s and foreshadows what the SC results will mean for Trump’s shot at GOP nominee. The following paragraphs are summary-based and primarily consist of post-result quotes from the candidates. The quotes are accompanied by supporting facts as to why Trump’s rivals are falling behind, bolstering his success. Most of these quotes, although well attributed, are quote long and lack sufficient analytical context.

Rather than rely on quotes from public speeches, Clinton’s article was sourced by political science professionals and research data to support the lede. Quotes by Winthrop University professor greatly aided the article’s credibility, aside from their subtle bias. The tangibles voter stats, however, could have been hyperlinked/attributed clearly to indicate the source.

Wake Forest students follow the footsteps of Mother Teresa in Kolkata, India

December 28th is normally a day of rest after the flurry of Christmas activities. But while the majority of her classmates spent the day relaxing and eating leftovers, sophomore Hannah Hulshult boarded a plane to the slums of Kolkata, India.

Hulshult, joined by 10 other Wake Forest students and two faculty members, forewent vacation time and decided to participate in City of Joy, WFU’s longest running international service trip. From December 28th to January 10th, the team volunteered with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata. This year marks City of Joy’s 21st anniversary since being pioneered by a University undergrad in 1994.

“I heard about the trip through my sorority, ADPi,” said Hulshult. “I had never been out of the country before, and it seemed like a really cool opportunity to serve.”

“Cool” would later turn into “culture shock.” A typical day began with a 6 AM walk from the Lytton Hotel to the Charity headquarters. Here, the team gathered for breakfast and connected with volunteers from across the globe, hailing from Spain, Argentina, Australia, China, South Korea, and England among numerous other countries. After breakfast, the students were split into groups and stationed at various Charity houses throughout Kolkata.

Among the seven total houses, the WFU team was assigned to Shishu Bhuvan, a home for sick and homeless children; Prem Dan, a home for the mentally and physically disabled; Daya Dan, a home for disabled children; and Kalighat, a home for the dying and destitute. Duties ranged from tending children and doing laundry to simply comforting the elderly, most of whom would die within a week.

Hulshult’s primary station was Shishu Bhuvan in the mornings and Kalighat in the evenings.
Although faced with a language barrier (Kolkatans speak Hindi and Bengali) and sickness due to the city’s highly toxic level of pollution, Hulshult adapted quickly to each houses’ needs and was touched by the compassion of the Charity workers.

“Whether learning how best to feed a child or understanding the hand signals a woman gives me when she wants company, I eventually felt more of a help than hindrance,” said Hulshult. “The love that fills the different homes, even when the people within are dying, is incredible.”

Chaplain Timothy Auman led the trip along with senior Mike Thomas. For Auman, who also attended the trip in 2005, the team’s service efforts were less significant than the wisdom gathered from the experience.

“We spent a lot of time feeling out of place,” said Auman. “But we’re there to learn and be open to feeling uncomfortable – that’s what’s key about this trip.”

The student team was selected based on reflective essays explaining why they wanted to go and their expectations of the trip. After learning of their acceptance in the spring, the group met in Campus Kitchen each week throughout the fall to prepare via discussions, lectures, and training sessions. However, according to junior Adeline Ding (who attended the trip in 2015) most of the preparation was futile. Like many Wake Forest team members, the trip was her first intimate encounter with poverty.

“Upon arrival, we realized that no amount of preparation could allow us to deal with what we would see,” Ding posted on the City of Joy blog. “To set the scene, Kolkata’s streets are filled with homeless people and dogs, sleeping among trash night after night. The best word to describe our feelings is confusion.”

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) might be India’s 3rd largest city and economic frontrunner of West Bengal, but the city also faces extreme levels of poverty. A 2011 census estimated that there are 70,000 homeless living in Kolkata, meaning the homeless population has grown nearly 30% in the past decade. For Chaplain Auman, the city alone forces a jolting recognition of Western entitlement.

“As privileged Wake Forest people, we choose not to see this poverty regularly,” Chaplain Auman said. “But in Kolkata, it’s in your face everywhere. The mass of humanity in the streets is overwhelming.”

Yet within the chaos of Kolkata’s overcrowded slums and dense pollution clouds, both Auman and Hulshult found inspiration in the human resilience at the Charity houses.

“The more time I spent volunteering, the more I began to see the beauty within the work of Missionaries of Charity,” said Hulshult. “It inspires me to continue working toward my goal of becoming a medical missionary one day so I’m able to share that love and kindness to people who need it the most.”

Hulshult plans on returning to Kolkata next winter and recommends all interested Wake Forest students look into City of Joy. Auman, does not see himself returning in the future, but recommends the experience for its learning opportunities, deep introspection, and self-realization.

“In our organized Western world, there are so few opportunities for spontaneity and adventure,” Auman said in conclusion. “The trip really makes you think – ‘Am I following my heart or am I following my degree?'”

Photo courtesy of City of Joy blog

Covering the Forest // Merritt Enright

Who to know:
Nathan Hatch – President
Adam Hammer – SGA President
Sharon Fortner – University Police
Ron Wellman – Director of Athletics
Penny Rue – Vice President of Campus Life

Where to go:
WFU General website http://www.wfu.edu/
WFU Institutional Data http://institutionalinformation.wfu.edu/
Old Gold and Black http://wfuogb.com/
WFU News Center http://news.wfu.edu/
College Niche https://colleges.niche.com/

Story ideas:
1. Few things are as bleak as football season at WFU. The student section bleachers are almost always deserted by halftime of every game. Does the team’s losing streak have anything to do with student spirit (or lack of)? Get interviews from players, students, and athletic management. Take notes on game day scene.
2. Wake Forest or White Forest? According to an online survey, the majority of WFU students noted “lack of diversity” as the school’s most frustrating aspect. According to Forbes, Wake is also the least racially diverse among other equal-level schools. Interview admissions department, campus life director, and students to discuss why WFU is so far behind it’s fellow institutions in diversity.
3. Princeton Review recently added WFU to their list of “Colleges That Pay You Back” But with the average student graduating WFU with up to 40K of student debt according to College Factual, is WFU more financial trouble than it’s worth? Research official financial data and interview financial aid department and students.

Story ideas // Merritt Enright

1. Local story: The first Friday of every month, Trade Street closes off vehicle access and transforms into the monthly Winston Salem Gallery Hop. I would cover the events of the February Gallery Hop (drum circle, impromptu violin concerts on the street, open door art studio, artisan tea shops, etc.) as well as interview locals/attendees, studio owners, art dealers, and artists themselves. *interviews would not be conducted during the event.

2. Feature: Several WFU InterVarsity students travelled to Calcutta, India over Winter break to serve in death/dying homes for the elderly. This would be a feature story on the students, their experiences in service, and how they contributed to the community in Calcutta. I would conduct interviews with likely 2-3 students and the director of the IV program.

Helen Simoneau Choreographic Residency at Salem College // Merritt Enright

Choreographer Helen Simoneau may be from Quebec, but judging by the enthusiastic audience at the Salem College dance facility on Saturday morning, she’s no stranger to North Carolina. The 2010 “A.W.A.R.D. Show!” (a dance competition hosted in New York) winner is an alumna of North Carolina School of the Arts, and her company, Helen Simoneau Danse, is based in Winston-Salem and NYC. After graduating from UNCSA, the now 35 year-old performed in Greece, Japan, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and South Korea before returning to the US for choreographic residencies in New York and North Carolina.

So when Simoneau hosted an informal choreography showcase on February 6th in Winston Salem, the event seemed like a reunion. Local fans, students, and colleagues gathered in Salem College’s Bryant Hall studio to witness Simoneau’s “Paper Wings,” set on eight Salem College student dancers, and a preview of her upcoming premier, “Land Bridge,” performed by seven of Simoneau’s professional dancers.

The showcase marked the end of Simoneau’s week-long Salem College residency from February 1st through 6th, at the invitation of Dance Deptartment director Heidi Echols. Echols, who knew Simoneau as a student at UNCSA, noted that Simoneau’s thoughtful dance style and powerful social undertones made the petite burnet a fitting addition to Salem’s faculty and agenda.

“Helen appeals to our department because she approaches dance in a very body intelligent way,” said Echols. “She’s also very interested in gender, which is something we are really focused on here at Salem.”

While Simoneau’s choreography is recognized for its gender neutrality, “Paper Wings” is distinctly feminine. The piece opens with the dancers swinging their hips in unison, boldly looking at the audience. Originally set for a cast of 19, the piece has been modified for the group of eight Salem College undergrad dancers. They sway and merge as a pack, reflecting Simoneau’s adept talent of creating wave-like ensembles. The original score by Andy Hasenpflug and John C.B. Wilson is hypnotic: tribal drums that syncopate with the piece’s “girl power” sentimentalism. When one dancer, senior Calleah Simmons, suddenly breaks from the pack and performs a solo, the others freeze and watch her contemplatively.

“It was important to me, when I created this piece, that there was a sense of sisterhood,” said Simoneau. “Life, in dance especially, can get competitive. I wanted to create a space free of that. When the Calleah does her solo, the other women watch her in curiosity, not envy.”

The feminist message is equally important on a personal level to Salem junior Katherine Williams, who is among the eight “Paper Wings” dancers. Williams also participated in Twyla Tharp’s residency at Salem in 2014, but says she prefers Simoneau’s more intimate and direct rehearsal style.

“‘Paper Wings’ is incredible to dance because it’s about celebrating the differences amongst women, instead of comparing them,” said Williams. “With Twyla, we did not move very much or interact with her significantly. Helen is more hands on; she knows what she wants and she’ll make sure you know her vision.”

“Paper Wings” will be performed on May 7th in Salem College’s Drama Workshop and “Land Bridge” will premier on May 3rd at the Hanesbrands Theatre in Winston Salem, NC.