Calendar ........ 6 Community ........ 5 featured Club ......... 8 features ......... 4

November 2, 2009

voLUme 41 ISSUe 6www.maconstatement.com

Education students really dig this classEarly childhood

education students learn standards-based teaching methods of Life and Earth Science by becoming “Rock Hounds.”Carol Bloodworth, a

lecturer in the School of Education, joined her students on a rock hunt as part of their standards-based training in early childhood education. To immerse themselves in this learning activity, Bloodworth’s students cut, colored and taped a paper hat emblazoned with “Official Rock Hound.” Playing the role of their future K-5 students, they walked quietly, single-file, donning their rock hound hats, from their classroom in the Student Life Center, down the stairs and outside.According the

Georgia Department of Education’s performance standards Website (georgiastandards.org), one of the approved learning activities is entitled, “We’re Going on a Rock Hunt.” In describing this standard, the site states that kindergarten students will use their “senses to observe and group rocks by physical attributes;”

hence, the rock hunt. Macon State students taking ISCI 2001 (Integrated Science - Life and Earth Science) will focus on this and other standards in their coursework, according to Bloodworth.With thirty years

of experience as an elementary principle in Bibb County, Bloodworth knows what

is expected of students of early childhood education. “We look at the Georgia Performance Standards for Earth and Life [Sciences] kindergarten through fifth…they prepare two activities for each standard, so that when they go in the classroom, they have a notebook with all of the Earth and Life Science standards and activities right there at their disposal.”Megan Wilder, a

sophomore in the B.S. in Education (Early Childhood) program, said about the course, “it gives you resources that you can use in the classroom, so it’s beneficial for future teachers.” After their rock hunt, Wilder joined more than a dozen classmates in singing a rendition of the children’s song “Rocks in My Pocket.”

By Glen StoneCopy Editor

Every year colleges and universities across America are required to disclose crime statistics for their campus to the Jeanne Clery report, which is available for public viewing at ope.ed.gov. According to the data, Macon State had no crimes reported in 2008 for both the Macon and the Warner Robins campuses. The information regarding criminal activity is gathered from local law enforcement agencies and the Office of Student Affairs, which is responsible for student discipline.The timely reporting of criminal

activity by witnesses of crime, victims of crime or anyone who has information about a crime is very important. Failure to report campus-related criminal activity to the police and/or the Office of Student Affairs in a timely manner is the main reason for discrepancies between the crime statistics and the actual number of crimes that may have taken place.College students may also

have a false sense of security when on campus because they are in a place of higher learning. However, Steve Seaman, Pinkerton Branch Manager for Macon State, cautions, “most campuses are well-landscaped, and that includes lots of shrubbery and other potential hiding places.” He urges students to “use common sense. If it looks unsafe, it probably is.” Taking precautions can keep you safe: Don’t go out alone at night, always be aware of your surroundings, keep a cell phone handy and avoid isolated places, even well-lighted ones, advised Seaman. A new campus emergency

notification warning system was installed on the Macon State campus this fall. In the event

How safe are you on campus?By Summer LeverettStaff Writer

With a shortfall of funds and the financial requests of registered student organizations, representatives of the student government association face tough decisions in rationing monies to campus clubs.On Oct. 26, SGA members met

to hear budget requests from active clubs at Macon State. Representatives of each registered student organization (RSO) were given a chance to justify the requested amounts declared in documents received prior to the meeting. Students attending the meeting were provided with a document entitled, “2009-2010 Macon State College C.O.A Allocation,” which listed twenty-one clubs and their respective funding requests.The sum of the requests for

all student organizations was more than $50 thousand. The total Council on Organizational Activities (COA) fund is a mere

$25 thousand, leaving a shortfall of more than $26 thousand. Club requests nearly doubled compared to 2008. With this dearth in subsidy, clubs may be forced to live within tighter budgets during the remainder of the current academic year. Planned events for some RSOs may lack funding.Each group in attendance stood

as they presented the reasons for their requested amounts. The Black Student Unification (BSU) club cited one reason for their request of $5,150 as being to host a fashion show. The Student Veterans club made no request for COA funds last year. As a new club their $4,700 request was justified, according to members, by their plans for a veterans’ breakfast scheduled for Nov. 6 as well as so called “care packages” for troops deployed or stationed abroad and events to benefit the Georgia War Veterans Home and Toys for Tots.Other clubs at the SGA

meeting presenting justifications

for their substantial funding requests included the English Studies Organization (ESO), the International Students and Studies Association (ISSA), the Natural Sciences Network (NSN), the Macon State Skindivers club and the Phi Beta Lambda business club. The representatives of each club in attendance had prepared statements and delivered them in an orderly manner. As the meeting proceeded, debate between representatives of those RSOs requesting the largest amounts of money remained civil while revealing the passion of the causes of their respective organizations.Cathy Miller, president

of the SGA, reminded club representatives in attendance that COA funds granted to RSOs must be used to benefit Macon State students. Miller also announced that the SGA would deliberate the matter of COA funding for all clubs and inform each RSO of the final decisions of the governing body.

Student clubs plead their cases for fundingBy Sakita CooperStaff Writer

campus continued on page 3

STATEMENTn acon Mthe

Macon State College’s Award-Winning Student Newspaper

Photo by Glen StoneEarly childhood education students and ISCI 2001 ‘Rock Hounds’.

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www.maconstatement.com

Editor-in-Chief: Managing Editor: Ashley DavisCopy Editor: Norma Jean PerkinsCopy Editor: Glen Stone

Layout Editor: Dolores M. CouchWeb Master: Harry UnderwoodStaff Writer: Tracey BakerStaff Writer: Sakita Cooper

Staff Writer: Summer Leverett

staff478-757-3605 Fax 478-757-2626 OFFice: SLC-120 www.maconstatement.com

e-mail us at statement@maconstate.edu

LEttErs PoLicy: The editor of the Macon Statement will

try to print all letters received. Letters should be, at maximum, 250 to 300 words long. The writer must include: full name, professional title if a Macon State employee or Georgia resident, or year and major if a student. An address and phone number are required with all letters sent, but this personal information will not

be published. The student newspaper reserves the right to edit letters for style, possible libel, or length. The newspaper will not, under any circumstance, withhold names. Please address all correspondence to Letter to the Editor at editor@maconstatement.com. Where current events are concerned, priority will be given to those letters written by students, faculty, and staff of Macon State College.

DiscLaimEr: The Macon Statement is the registered student newspaper of Macon State College and is published biweekly (Mondays) during fall and spring semesters. Opinions and ideas expressed in The Macon Statement are those of the individual artists, authors, and student editors, and are not those of Macon State College, its Board of Regents, the student body, or the advertisers. The Macon Statement is paid for, in part, through student activity fees.

&editOrialsOpiniOns

A gentle reminder that the campaign to collect items to be sent to our military men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq will conclude on Friday, November 6th.

Collection boxes can be found in the bookstore and entrance to the library on the Macon campus and in the bookstore and business office (Academic Services Building) at WRC.

Faculty--please share the upcoming deadline with your students.

We appreciate your support.Thomas Stevens, advisor

Student Veterans Association

When someone is starving, who is to blame? Think about the answer. You may feel the government is not doing its job, or the church, or the person is laz.... Wait a minute! If you are actually trying

to determine an answer or feel you already know the answer, then you too have bought into this whole idea of blame as an acceptable first avenue of questioning. Is “Who is to blame?” the first question we should be asking? I do not think so.A great first question we

need to ask in assessing the world’s problems is, “Am I doing all I can for others?” All of us are too quick to excuse our involvement from a problem. We know about a situation where help is needed and we fail to respond. Perhaps we fail because of the paralysis of analysis.

Do you remember the story of someone who was murdered in a crowded city and no one called for help? Police later confirmed that nineteen people heard the screams and pleas for help, but failed to do anything. Can you imagine? These people did not try

to scare the attacker away. They did not go down to give first aid after the attack. The amazing fact for me is that no one even called on the telephone for the police! They did nothing!There needs to be

consistency in our thinking. On the one hand, our society talks about self-reliance, and on the other hand, we practice blaming. I am uncomfortable with the coziness our society has with lawsuits, welfare, excuses or any device that shifts responsibility or blame to someone other

than our self. I believe that understanding where our responsibility ends and begins, on a personal and societal level, is warped.When we hear about

starving people and when we see people that are starving, you and I are partially responsible. When documentaries reveal thousands and thousands of starving children, Americans donate millions of dollars to help. Deep inside, many of us know and understand this principle of responsibility with our heart. All of us can make a

difference, if not with our money, then with our time. Each of us has skills that are useful. The very act of reading this article demonstrates two things, first you have the gift of reading, and second, you have time to teach others to read!The issue does not

have to be starvation for people to help. I know millions are grateful for organizations like Red Cross, United Way, Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity. These organizations happen because of donations and volunteers like you and me, and they need helpers with numerous skills. Whether you are helping Big Brother/Big Sister or the Crisis Line & Safe House, these folks in need are not very different from you and me.I need to clarify in the

midst of my push for you being a part of the answer instead of the problem that you can over do it. Remember that you have needs as well. It makes sense that we should not starve ourselves to keep others from starving. How can you help someone if you do not eat right or

sleep enough? We need to care for ourselves the same way we care for others. It might be helpful to

plan once a year or so what organizations you are going to help and which organizations are beyond your finances or time to assist. This goes back to the question we need to ask ourselves, “Am I doing all I can for others?” If you are, then do not feel guilty when you cannot give any more.Self-reliance is not the

answer. Taking care of only yourself is nice, but selfish.Some people live by the

philosophy, “He who dies with the most toys, wins!” This narrow- minded

approach seems all right until a revolution breaks out. Remember the French revolution? Rich people

Who is to blame?By Rev. Chris Fuller

MSCares ends Nov. 6

November 2, 2009

Blame continued on page 3

November 2, 2009www.maconstatement.com

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On campus

lived for themselves and ignored the desperate. I imagine you think a revolution will not happen here in America, but ask yourself if you honestly believe terrorism has nothing to do with the wealth of America. The twin towers were specifically chosen for their symbolic and real demonstration of wealth.Worse than physical desperation,

is emotional, relational and spiritual desperation. Tomorrow is a terrible place for millions of young people your age all over America and especially all over the world. Part of the solution might be found

in some program or a government grant or a church outreach push, but the final answer is never found until all of us, black and white, rich and poor, educated or uneducated, Christian and non-Christian work towards making a difference where we are. Let us resolve to not blame before putting our own shoulder to the task.We need an attitude adjustment.

Again, a great first question is, for the sake of the needy, for the sake of our country, and for our own sake; “Am I doing all I can forothers?”Want to talk about it? A student

group called the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries) meets every Tuesday at 12:15 in room 262 of the Student Center. Also, a group of faculty and staff called the Lydia Group, organized by Thyra Nelson, meets once a month in the Student Center. Both groups welcome anyone wanting to learn more about Jesus and the Bible.

Blame continued from page 2

company of Players to present ‘Balm in Gilead’Staff Report

The Macon State College Company of Players will present “Balm in Gilead,” a play by Lanford Wilson, on Tuesday, Nov. 10, Wednesday, Nov. 11, Thursday, Nov. 12, Tuesday, Nov. 17, Wednesday, Nov. 18, and Thursday, Nov. 19. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for each performance, all of which begin at 7 p.m., in the Arts Complex Theater on the Macon campus. All performances are free and open to the public. From stageplays.com: “The

setting is an all-night coffee shop on New York’s upper Broadway, where the riff-raff, the bums, the petty thieves, the lost, the desperate of the big city come together. The movement of the kaleidoscopic effect, a surging mosaic of overlapping and interrelating speeches and action as separate goals and characters are blended together around a common centre.” “At the core of the play are

Joe and Darlene, two young

people who would seem to have the strength and the need to transcend the turmoil and ugliness of the life in which they found themselves--but are, instead, crushed by it. But their loss is quickly absorbed in the maelstrom, as the others go on desperately seeking the joy and release and purpose in life which

will, most certainly, continue to escape them.” For more information, contact

Jason Levitt, Company of Players director, at jason.levitt@maconstate.edu or 478-757-7387, or visit http://www.maconstate.edu/studentlife/companyofplayers.aspx

of an emergency, this system will be used to issue a campus- wide warning. Other means of emergency notification of Macon State students, faculty and staff include Macon State e-mail and the Macon State Website, at maconstate.edu. The “telephone tree” network is also available for emergency use at strategic locations across campus.The most recent reports

of alleged criminal activity at Macon State College were a robbery in 2007 on the Warner

Robins campus and a burglary in 2006 on the Macon campus.The U.S. Department

of Education posts data about criminal activity on campuses across the country through the Jeanne Clery report but does not guarantee the accuracy of this data. Campus crime data is not verified by an independent agency and is contingent on the information received from the institutions mentioned in the report.

campus continued from front page Be sure

to catch msc-tV’s

latest news edition around campus.

Photo by Norma Jean PerkinsMacon State College’s Company of Players during rehearsal for ‘Balm in Gilead’.

Rev. Chris Fuller

Staff Advisor at Macon

State College.

NOvEMBER PROBLEM OF THE MONTHsponsored by Powers-N-Numbers

Below you are given a number that you must construct out of several other numbers by taking the numbers and performing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division operations on them. Each number must be used in the calculations exactly once, and only these four operations listed may be used. For example, 20 may be obtained from 2, 3, and 4, with the expression (3 + 2) × 4.

Make: 31 Out of: 1, 6, 8 and 9

Answers are to be submitted to kristina.buzzell@maconstate.edu by December 1. All correct answers submitted by the deadline will be eligible for a prize drawing sponsored by Powers-N-Numbers.

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November 2, 2009www.maconstatement.com

all photos on page 4 by sarah Frye.

masquerade party

macon state’s

Ashley O’Neil, Accounting student.

Sapphire Coleman MSC-Tv member.

Elizabeth Law and boyfriend.

“Bill Clinton”Sarah Frye & boyfiriend.

Kelley Harmon MSC-Tv member.

“Wendy” & Dr. Blane

Amanda Kendrick, MSC-Tv member & Meaghan Smith MSC-Tv Managang Director.

Dr. Chris Hornung.

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November 2, 2009www.maconstatement.com

all photos on page 5 by Glen stone.

and other

in the community

Halloween events Meagan Evans co-owner & Art director of the 11th Hour and her undead announcer.

Thriller dance spectators in downtown Macon.

Sailor and wench (Allan Bass & Jessica Garcia).

Macon State English students, Kasey Corbitt, Ashley Sailor and friend.

Macon State’s Dr. Young-Zook as the Countess of Bathory.

(L-R) Russ Elliott, Shannon Kerrigan and Debra Elliott.

Dr. Kelli Cheng and Dr. Kim Pickens.

Participants at NSN’s Field of Screams.

November 2, 2009

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www.maconstatement.com

calendarcheck the following calendar for exciting opportunities to get involved with macon state college.

the macon statement meets Mondays at 2 p.m. and Fridays at 9 a.m. in the Student Media Center, SLC-120 and is open to all students and all majors. Contact the Student Media Coordinator at ray.lightner@maconstate.edu if you are interested and can not make one of the meetings.

msc-tV meets 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays in the Student Media Center, SLC-120. MSC-Tv is open to all students of all majors. For more information contact Student Media Coordinator at ray.lightner@maconste.edu or MSC-Tv Managing Director Meaghan Smith at msctv@maconstate.edu.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Early Spring Registration begins BLACK STUDENT UNIFICATION meets Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in SLC-109. BSU invites all students to join them as they work toward providing all students opportunities for fun, fellowship, and learning. For more info about BSU, please contact advisor naomi.robertson@maconstate.edu.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

The School of Education at Macon State College is pleased to announce that Ashleigh Ferris, an attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center, will be coming to our Macon campus on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 12:30 p.m. in Room 212 in the Professional Science Center. The presentation will be simulcast on Warner Robins campus Walker Auditorium in the Academic Services Building. Ferris will speak about the EQUAL PROTECTION clause in the 14th amendment. She will discuss the clause’s relevance in relation to the civil rights movement, gender equality, and discrimination. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Dr. Elise Langan, Macon State College School of Education, elise.langan@maconstate.edu.

The BLACK STUDENT UNIFICATION CHOIR will rehearse each Tuesday in SLC-109 6 to 8 p.m. For more info, please contact bryan.reese@maconstate.edu or advisor naomi.robertson@maconstate.edu.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Today is the deadline to register for the PERFECTLY POLISHED DINNER, sponsored by Career Services and the Artists and Lecturers Committee. The registration fee is $10 and includes a three-course dinner Thursday, Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited to 150 students and business formal dress is required. For more information about this event, please call Career Services at 471-2714.

The Office of Student Life and the Studies Abroad Program invite you to join them in the Student Life Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a SAMPLING OF INTERNATIONAL CUISINE (while supplies last) as well as for an opportunity to learn how you can study aboard and earn college credit while doing so. This is another event paid with your student activities fees.

The GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE is in the process of being recognized as an official student organization at Macon State. The Gay Straight Alliance meets Wednesday at 12:15 p.m in SCL-109. For more information about this organization and how you can become involved, please e-mail michael.stewart@maconstate.edu.

The ARC will offer the Academic Success Skills workshop STAYING FOCUSED at the Macon Campus in Computer Lab 2, located in the Library from 4:30 to 5;30

p.m.. What concentration is and how it works; methods to get yourself started; ways to increase your attention span; and how to focus at will. Call the ARC at 478-471-2057. Reservations are not required.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5

The Office of Student Life and the Studies Aboard Program invite you to join them in Oak Hall for a SAMPLING OF INTERNATIONAL CUISINE (while supplies last) as well as for an opportunity to learn how you can study aboard and earn college credit while doing so. This is another event paid with your student activities fees.

Members of the PRE-LAW SOCIETY meet weekly at 2 p.m. in PSC 341 and invite other interested students to join them. For more information about this student organization, please contact the student president at joshua.shealy@maconstate.edu.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9

The STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION meets Monday in SLC-109at 4 p.m.. For more info on how to become a part of SGA, please contact SGA President at catherine.miller@maconstate.edu

6 p.m. MACON STATE COLLEGE ASSOCIATION OF NURSING STUDENTS will hold its monthly board meeting in Learning Support 103. For more information about MSCANS, please contact advisor kay.gatins@maconstate.edu.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. & 5 to 7 p.m. NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS celebrated on the Warner Robins Campus in the Thomas Hall Student Lounge. For more

information on WRC Student Life contact brae.johnson@maconstate.edu.

Kathleen Shimeta, mezzo soprano, will present A VISIT WITH GENA BRANSCOMBE at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the Macon State College rehearsal hall of the Arts Complex Theater. This is a one-act musical about the life of American composer Gena Branscombe. Free and open to the public. Call 471-5773 for more information.

MANDATORY PRE-TRIP MEETING at 6 p.m. for the Nov. 14 recreation trip to Atlanta Rocks for indoor rock climbing. Meeting will be in room 121 of the Wellness Center. For more information contact the Intramural aCoordinator at Kenneth.eck@maconstate.edu or call 478-471-5786.

The ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATION will host a meeting at 3:30 p.m.Wednesday in PSC-151 with a representative from the Becker CPA Review, who will help students understand and prepare for the CPA exam. For more info about this meeting or the Accounting Association, please contact advisor harry.mcalum@maconstate.edu.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Members of the PRE-LAW SOCIETY meet weekly in PSC 341 and invite other interested students to join them. For more information about this student organization, please contact the student president at joshua.shealy@maconstate.edu. THE GEORGIA POETRY CIRCUIT PRESENTS A READING BY POET KEVIN PRUFER Nov. 12 at 3 p.m. in Jones 279. The reading and following Q&A are free and open to the public. The events are supported by the Artists and Lecturers Committee. For more

information, call 378-471-2990.

The English Studies Organization will host this Q&A SESSION WITH GEORGIA POETRY CIRCUIT POET KEVIN PRUFER in SLC-109 from 4 to 5 p.m. This event is free and open to everyone. For more info about ESO and how you can become involved, please contact ESO advisors mary.wearn@maconstate.edu or karmen.lenz@maconstate.edu.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Recreation trip to Atlanta Rocks for INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING departs at 11 a.m. from the Gym parking lot and returns by 8 p.m. For more information contact the Intramural Coordinator at Kenneth.eck@maconstate.edu or call 478-471-5786.

MSCC 1000 TEST

HELPJust 30 minutes to get the help you need for the Library portion of the MSCC 1000 Test. No appointment is necessary. Drop by the Library for one of these sessions:Nov. 10 in Room 144 at 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.Nov 11 in Room 144 at 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.Dec. 8 in Lab 1 at 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.For more information contact Assistant Librarian Felicia Haywood at 478-471-2867.

Don’t miss the Fall Line Review’s art submission deadine: Midnight Dec. 1. For more information visit : http://facultyweb.maconstate.edu/flr

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Scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.In 2006, the U.S.

Surgeon General reported, “Of the more than 4,000 chemicals that have been identified in secondhand tobacco smoke, at least 250 are known to cause cancer. A few of these chemicals include: arsenic, benzene, and beryllium.”Secondhand smoke is

defined as a toxic cocktail consisting of poisons and carcinogens, according to the US Surgeon General. The report states, “secondhand smoke causes lung cancer, heart disease, acute respiratory effects, sudden infant death syndrome and other health consequences in infants and children.” The report has concluded that breathing even a little secondhand smoke can be harmful to your health. Macon State Plant

Manager David Sims explained recent changes that were made as part of an effort to address complaints from customers about having to enter the Jones building through secondhand smoke. Sims instructed plant staff to remove the smoking receptacles from the front of the building and put up signs directing smokers to

the newly designated smoking area in the back of the building on the first floor.When asked about other

campus buildings, Sims said, “I am open to any ideas anyone has. I am here to help with any problems that I can help solve. If people have ideas on how to solve the problem, where our customers do not have to go through cigarette smoke to get into a building, please let me know. I realize this is a problem and I want to help in any way possible. So send me an e-mail, or call me up, send me a letter; just let me know what your ideas are. We can work together to solve this problem.” Sims also asked smokers to be considerate and not smoke in front of the entrances of any building.Cayle Bales, student

member of the Macon State College Association for Respiratory Education (MSCARE) said, “The majority of college students who enter college are straight out of high school and are extremely vulnerable and can definitely be influenced by others. Most smokers start [smoking] by the age of 21 and seeing that the average college student is around that age, people should be more aware of their habits.”Bales also said, “Another

reason why it’s a good idea for smokers to be more aware of their habit is due to the secondhand smoke they are producing. I think everyone has free will and the right to do what they want, but I really wish they would think of the people around them and themselves and realize that not only are they endangering their lives, but mine and my fellow peers’ as well. It’s just a better, all-around idea not to smoke at all.”According to Assistant

Professor and Director of Respiratory Therapy, Dr. Charles Matson, “The risks of secondhand smoke to a nonsmoker are emphysema, heart disease, cancer...” Matson went on to say that other toxic chemicals in cigarettes produce secondhand smoke that can trigger attacks in those who suffer from asthma and allergies. Matson expressed his

desire “to see Macon State as a smoke-free campus, but at least we could have smoking areas 50 feet from all building entrances. I understand the ramifications of a smoke-free campus. This is a high-stress environment and people have the right to smoke. With the overwhelming hazards of secondhand smoke, a smoke-free campus is a good idea.”Teri Miller, Assistant

Professor of Respiratory Therapy and advisor for MSCARE, said, “You cannot look at someone and tell if they have asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema or some other respiratory illness. We have too many visitors, staff and students to think about to expose them to cigarette smoke upon entering a building, in my opinion. Smoke-free campuses are supported by the state legislature to stop smokers from smoking at the entrance of buildings. It has been done at other colleges--why not here?”Miller added a reminder

that, “The Great American Smokeout” will be

Nov. 19 and MSCARE will provide a pulmonary function testing for COPD Day on Nov.18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Professional Sciences Center. Miller extended an invitation to the Macon State community, especially to smokers, to come and receive a free lung function test.To submit suggestions

regarding smoking on campus, e-mail David Sims at david.sims@maconstate.edu. Additionally, comments can be sent to the Macon Statement at statement@maconstatement.com.

Clearing the air on Macon State campusBy Tracey BakerStaff Writer

Photo by Tracey Baker

On campus

Photo by Tracey BakerMacon State College’s designated smoking area located just outside of the PSC building.

Photo by Tracey Baker

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www.maconstatement.com November 2, 2009

Get acquainted with the accounting associationAccording to the MSC

Student Handbook, the “Accounting Association offers you the chance to become familiar with the accounting profession, network with professionals in the field, and participate in discussions, projects, and conferences designed to advance your understanding of the science of accounting.”

I spoke with Accounting Association President Crystal Carlson-Myer and she provided me with the following information regarding this Macon State club.

Q. Who are the club officers? A. Crystal Carlson-Myer,

president; Cara Treadwell, vice president; Jilian Brosas, secretary; Adam Branchetti, treasurer; Korey Aikens and Courtney Brandon, event coordinators

Q. Who is the club advisor? A. Dr. Harry McAlum

Q. Who can join? A. Accounting majors and

anyone interested in accounting

Q. How many members are currently involved?A. There are about 40 to 50

members.

Q. Are there any club member dues?A. Dues are $20 per year.

Students can apply for membership and pay dues in the School of Business offices located on the third floor of the PSC building. To attend meetings you do not have be a member, but to participate in activities you must obtain membership.

Q. Do you have any community service projects planned for this year? A. We will be doing the holiday

food drive this fall.

Q. Do you have any events, trips, or activities planned for this year? A. We held “Meet the Firms

Night” on Oct. 22, where four

local CPA firms and a Becker CPA representative came and met with accounting students and discussed CPA licensure, future job openings and internships. A Becker representative will also come to Macon State on Nov. 11 to help accounting students study for the CPA Exam. Q. When and where do you

meet?A. In the conference room on the

third floor of the PSC Building. The days and times we meet vary. The best way to stay informed of the next meeting and what is happening in the Accounting Association is to sign up on ListServ.

Q. How frequently do you meet?A. Usually once a month

Q. Who are the contact persons for the club? A. You can reach Dr. Harry

McAlum by email at harry.mcalum@maconstate.edu, or Crystal Carlson-Myer at crystal.carlsonmyer@maconstate.edu.

Q. Is there anything else that you would like the students to know about the Accounting Association or the field of accounting?A. The MSC Accounting

Association gives students a way to explore the different career paths that accounting offers. As

for the field of accounting, it is not as much about bookkeeping anymore, since computers have taken over many of these tasks. Accountants are now more like financial advisors. In addition, accounting is one of the top ten “Best Jobs in America,” according to CNNMoney.com.

By Shannon Bayer Staff Writer

Featured cluB

the macon statement is always looking for clubs to feature. this is a great way to get information about your club out to the macon state community. contact managing editor ashley davis at statement@maconstate.edu

to find out more.

Photo provided by the Accounting Association(L-R) Crystal Carlson-Myer, Cara Treadwell, Jilian Brosas.

Photo provided by the Accounting Association From back row left to right: Korey Aikens, Adam Branchetti, Courtney Brandon. Front row left to right: Crystal Carlson-Myer, Jilian Brosas, Cara Treadwell.