Campus Forum || November 4, 2009

Ticketing differences between basketball and football

There are a couple differences and, in some ways, advantages in obtaining men’s basketball tickets over football tickets. Athletics and Student Government want to ensure you are aware of these differences as we get ready for the men’s basketball’s season opener. For basketball, all the seating within the RBC Center is a reserved seat. Also, student seating is awarded based solely off loyalty/seniority points. To lock up the best available seating, it is important for students to earn loyalty points every chance they get. Students receive one loyalty point for each game they attend and another for arriving at least 45 minutes before tipoff. Since there are numerous men’s home basketball games, it’s a great advantage to students who attend the non-conference games being played in November, December and early January. Attending these games gives them a leg up on the rest of the student body when conference play starts in January. Whether you are a freshman, graduate student or somewhere in-between, you still control how good a seat you earn for the ACC stretch run.
Don’t forget about student loyalty rewards as well. For more information on loyalty rewards, distribution schedules and policies log on to gopack.com/tickets and click on the student link.

Dick Christy
associate athletics director

Ms. Wilson, a query if you please

Marlena, I love your articles. In fact, on days when I take no interest in the front page, your column is the only one I read. The thoroughness with which you think your opinions through before you submit them to print is much appreciated. I enjoy your reflections on gender role and feminism the most, and it is because of this I write. I'm sure you've heard that President Obama was recently questioned about his intent when he held a basketball game at the White House and invited no women. Some critics claimed he had formed a "boys club" and took offense to the omission. While I am pro-equality for any race, gender or orientation, this is an example of how America is taking political correctness and equality ideas too far. Men should be entitled to "guy nights" just as women should be, but where should the line be drawn? I would be interested to hear your opinion.

Letisha Mclaughlin
graduate student, physics

Keep an eye on Kappa Alpha

I would personally like to urge those that oversee Greek life to take time to intricately review the Kappa Alpha Order that is attempting to re-establish at the University. Upon a simple Google search, you can find a plethora of information about KA, some exemplary and some appalling. I understand there are fraternities with a bad reputation at most schools; however, the bad reputations for this over-arching group are not just related to partying, but to hazing, sexism and racism. Certain chapters are even known for placing civil war cannons on the front lawn if they choose not to integrate. Kappa Alpha members have ideals of being chivalrous southern gentlemen, which can be an admirable trait. But to the extreme -- as seen at quite a few schools -- it can be detrimental. I am not trying to condemn these men before they even start, as these men could very well turn out to be part of the good lot that the Kappa Order promotes. But I urge the new KA to take extra measures to prove that they are of the better variety than their embarrassing brothers, and I urge the University to keep a watchful eye as the organization begins.

Trisha Gooding
junior, zoology

I did not pick Florida State

As I've been bringing up the rear in Technician's Pigskin Picks for several weeks now with virtually no chance of recovery, I've become pretty slack about making my selections. Life is pretty comfortable in the cellar, and I've been apt to pick a few wild upsets here and there just for the heck of it.

However, one pick I did not make was Florida State over our beloved Wolfpack last week! That choice was left up to a coin flip as I foolishly forgot to submit my week's selections to the sports staff on time. The blunder is most certainly all mine, and I thought it appropriate to let the student body know I would never actively pick against the Pack! I sincerely apologize to anyone who may have thought otherwise.

Let's Terminate the Terps this weekend! Go Wolfpack!

Jim Ceresnak
student body president
senior, political science