Internet Problems Uncovered page 3

Platforms for Upcoming Election

The race for Minneapolis mayor is wide and diverse with 35 candidates running in the election on Nov. 5, 2013. No single candidate has led in the race since Mayor R.T. Rybak announced he would not seek a fourth term last December. However, former Min-

Mayoral Candidates Share

A look at the dynamics of the mayoral race with a focus on three leading contenders
neapolis City Council President Dan Cohen and Minneapolis City Council members Don Samuels and Betsy Hodges have polled as the slight front runners in the mayoral race.

Northerner
October 30, 2013 Vol. 54 Issue 2

The Sound of Music page 5

BY ANNA Koch

photo provided by THE BETSY HODGES CAMPAIGN

photo by Andrew fischer

Betsy Hodges (D), a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, has served on the Minneapolis City Council for eight years. As mayor she plans to create a more prosperous city by building a transit system free of fossil fuels. Transportation System: We need to build a city where people dont need a car to live, said Hodges at a recent community forum. Transit is the key to the future, whether its biking, walking, streetcars or the light rail. Investors back rails, not tires. The Economy: We need to build a city that people want to come to, said Hodges. We need to keep an eye on our bottom line, and address our biggest issue, which is educational gaps. Vikings Stadium: Hodges was one of six city council members who voted against the Vikings Stadium deal.

Betsy Hodges

No single candidate has led in the race since Mayor R.T. Rybak announced he would not seek a fourth term last December.

Don Samuels (D), a graduate of Luther Seminary and a successful businessman, has served on the Minneapolis City Council for 10 years. As mayor he plans to improve the Minneapolis education system creating safer, more prosperous communities. Helping Inner City Communities: Living in the toughest Minneapolis neighborhood, Samuels helped to rid the community of drug houses, prostitution houses and after bar parties. We cannot turn a blind eye to violence and academic failure any longer, said Samuels. I believe we can be a truly great city where children thrive in school no matter their color and are safe at home no matter how poor. Energy Efficiency: Renewable energy is becoming more and more important, and Minneapolis should position itself for the future, said Samuels. I am a firm supporter of streetcars and bike lanes as the future of transportation, reducing our dependency on fossil fuels and taking advantage of wind and solar energy. Vikings Stadium: I support the Vikings Stadium deal because it will provide six million man hours of work, of which the contractors and builders are required to hire 32 percent minority workers, said Samuels. Many people see Minneapolis through Monday night football, and we cant underestimate that kind of publicity.

Dan Cohen

photo provided by the dan cohen caMPAIGN

Dan Cohen (I), a graduate of Harvard Law, has worked in politics for many years as part of the Minneapolis City Council, the Planning Commission and the Charter Commission. As mayor he plans to cut the Vikings Stadium deal, while boosting the Minneapolis economy. Vikings Stadium: The Vikings Stadium deal was a major mistake, said Cohen. People were denied a vote on a $500 million deal, and thats wrong. Cohen believes that the deal was flawed leaving a large tax burden on Minneapolis citizens. I love the Vikings, said Cohen on his campaign website. They will stay. I hate the deal. It will go. The Economy: I will build a downtown casino, complete with hotels and retail, to boost the Minneapolis economy, said Cohen. Unlike sports, a casino will attract people all year round making it a tax and job generating machine. Cohen also believes that investments made into cultural attractions like the Minnesota Orchestra and an increase in single unit homes will draw more people to the city, growing the population and decreasing property taxes.

Don Samuels

photo provided by DON SAMUELS CAMPAIGN

In the second election since 2006, voters will use ranked choice voting, allowing voters to choose their first, second and third choice votes. If a voters first choice is eliminated from a lack of votes, their second choice will be counted. This method has eliminated the need for a primary, meaning all 35 candidates will appear on the ballot. Other prominent candidates include: Mark Andrew (D), a businessman and former chair of the Hennepin County Board, wants to create secure neighborhoods, a cleaner city and a higher minimum wage. Jackie Cherryhomes (D), a businesswoman and former city council president, wants to encourage business growth and overhaul the citys licensing system for regulated businesses. Bob Fine (D), an attorney, wants to create more educational opportunities for youth, generate quality jobs and protect Minneapolis natural resources. Cam Winton (I), a businessman and attorney, wants to create job growth, cut property taxes and implement education reform. Stephanie Woodruff (D), a businesswoman, wants to establish sustainable economic growth and make Minneapolis the smartest city in America. Also up for election are the Minneapolis City Council members, the Parks and Recreation Board members, the Board of Estimate and Taxation, along with a proposal to amend the Minneapolis City Charter. All Minneapolis residents with a valid drivers license can vote in the election. Vote at the Elliot Recreation Center: 1000 14th St. E.

NEWS nline Classes

Page 2

Wednesday: Illuminating Chesterton @ 7 p.m. in Clay Commons, PG Illuminated @ 10 p.m. in the sanctuary
trals rate is fairly low. Burkman explained that the money from the fee will be used for expenses that arise such as videotaping lectures as well as other requirements necessary for online education. Some examples of online courses being offered include Old Testament, New Testament, Intro to Business and Office Software, Pastoral Theology, General Psychology, and Music Appreciation. We took a lot of time in deciding which classes to offer, said Burkman. Although many options are available, both Burkman and Schmitz really want students to evaluate their way of learning before deciding to take an online class. Online classes arent for everyone, said Schmitz. They take a lot of self-motivation and self-discipline. Just because you arent in the classroom, doesnt mean you arent putting the time aside to do work. Burkman also cautioned students who think that online classes might be less work than traditional classes, and he offered a reminder about how much responsibility and planning is still required. Burkman and Schmitz both believe that the increase of online class options is going to add to every students experience. This is just the start, said Burkman. We could see 30 to 40 online classes in the next two years. Needless to say, online classes are not here to replace traditional classroom classes but rather add to the North Central experience.
photo by PAISLEY BENNETT

The Week Events

Students offered greater flexibility to complete required courses while still maintaining the classic college experience
A greater variety of online classes are now being offered due to the high demand from students with busy schedules and classroom conflicts. This upcoming spring and summer semesters, more online classes will be offered than ever before including Bible, general education and major specific courses. North Central believes that through these classes, it will be easier for students to complete classes and majors more quickly and effectively. We understand how busy students are, said Thomas Burkman, vice president of academic affairs. Our students are involved in athletics, student leadership as well as juggling

Expanded
part-time jobs. This is an opportunity for students to add flexibility to their school schedule so they are still able to do things outside of the classroom. With this new opportunity, there are certain rules and regulations students need to abide by. A student may register for a maximum of three credits of online courses in any one semester and no more than nine credits of online courses in any one academic year including the summer session. Also, a student may not take more than 36 online course credits at North Central during a typical baccalaureate program. This provision does not alter or influence any current transfer credit policies. We do not want to lose the type of institution we are, said Cody Schmitz, registrar staff member. We are a residential, Christian school. This is what sets us apart from any other college. All online courses offered during the fall and spring semesters will be in a 15-week format, and all online courses offered during the summer semester will be in a six-week format. Normal tuition rates apply for online courses as described above, but an online course fee of $80 will be assessed for every course offered fully online. Every college has an online class fee, said Burkman. We researched over 40 different colleges, and most rates vary from $50 to $300, so North Cen-

BY Brittany Stumpf

Students will have the opportunity for more online learning this spring.
no witnesses of the theft, but there is video surveillance of the man entering and exiting the building during the times of the burglaries. What caused the greatest concern for me was that the second time he came, he took a flash drive with all of my tax documents from the past four or five years, said Woelfle. The information he has on that flash drive includes my name, address, social security number, and bank information. According to Milani, this is the first time that anyone not affiliated with North Central has broken into a residence hall. The multiple burglaries have led security to make changes in an attempt to raise awareness in the residence halls and to ensure a safe environment in the future. Since the break-ins occurred, we have implemented a number of ways to prevent something like this from happening in the future, said Milani. Signs have been put up to keep the doors shut, we have been providing education to students about locking their doors, and we have increased our secuphotos provided by security

Residence Hall Break-Ins Call For Extra Precautions

By Benjamin Pirie
On two separate occasions, in June and September 2013, the apartment of Carlson Halls resident director, Chris Woelfle, was broken into. Although no one has been arrested for the crimes, Woelfle and North Centrals security department suspect the identity of the thief and plan to notify the police if he is seen on campus again. The first break-in was on June 13 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. when a man on a bicycle biked down the alley behind Carlson Hall and entered the building through the alley door that was propped open due to construction. Even though the construction workers were gone for the day, the door had not been closed. Security footage shows the man looking around the lobby before wandering onto 2 East Carlson and entering my apartment, which happens to be the first resident room as you enter the hall, said Woelfle. Seeing

Multiple break-ins to staff s on-campus housing result in loss of personal property and the need for increased security measures.
that the apartment appeared to be occupied, the man entered the apartment that was left unlocked and stole a number of items. The Minneapolis Police classified the instance as a burglary because the suspect entered what is considered a secured building despite the alley door being propped open and Woelfles apartment being unlocked. Both times the suspect took loose change and Target gift cards, said Woelfle. The first time he took $40. The second time he took a small pair of binoculars. The second break-in occurred on Sept. 23 between 1:20 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. when the same man again entered the same door that had been left propped open. This time the door was propped open because work was being done on the freight elevator, and the contractors were still working. The

rity rounds over in Carlson. Security has also taken steps towards informing the student body as well as the staff and faculty of this issue by sending out emails with the picture and description of the suspect. The hope in raising awareness is that those who live on campus will take the necessary steps to protect others and themselves by locking doors.

man wandered in and made his way back to Woelfles apartment where he again took some of Woelfles belongings and left. The second time he came on a bike wearing similar clothing, and this time had a female accomplice with him, said Woelfle. Woelfle was not home either time the burglaries took place. At the time of the first burglary in June, there were no witnesses to the man entering or leaving. The second time was a different story. Students can be seen on the surveillance cameras hanging out in the lounge and going about their normal every day lives when the man entered, said Craig Milani, associate director of security. No one raised any suspicion about the man or his accomplice, because he entered the building confidently and did not appear out of place. As of now, there have been

Security captured footage of the thief entering the first floor Carlson Hall doors on Sept. 23.

The Week Events

Thursday: Senate Forum @ 12 p.m. in CLC 203, Halloween Outreach @ 6:308:30 p.m. in the gym, Glow-in-the-Dark capture the flag @ 9-10 p.m. in Elliot Park

Uncovered
By Amanda KHAUKHA
Near the beginning of the fall 2013 semester, students experienced difficulty accessing the schools wireless network. The Carlson Hall remodels were a possible link to the problem, but this is not the first time students have dealt with Internet connection issues and extremely slow operating speeds. We are currently combing through more than 500 firewall rules and other configurations in an effort to stop the slow downs, said Mike Cappelli, executive director of information technology, in an email sent to the student body on Oct. 11, 2013. We welcome feedback if you have experienced better performance and if you are still having issues.

Internet Problems
Underlying issues behind hindered Internet usage reveal both positive and negative implications
As of Oct. 24, Cappelli confidently assured that information technology (IT) believes the problems have been nearly if not fully resolved. Xbox and PS3 gamers who frequently communicate with IT concerning speed, bandwidth and configuration of the network have reported positive feedback regarding recent Internet usage. Three main problems had to be addressed in this most recent slow-down. Not only was IT facing a firewall configuration, but also one of the network switches had to be fixed through communication with an outside vendor. Lastly, a driver needed to be reconfigured which required collaboration with one or more vendors.

Were dealing with the four vendors, said Cappelli. Each one of those is a phone call, and you wait until the next day before they come out. And then they come out, and its three or four more days to call the next vendor; so were out 12 to 14 business days just like that. Summers and school breaks are prime opportunities for system updates and network modifications. Problems can be expected after breaks as it did this semester because the return of students to the campus network is the true test of success for implemented changes. Despite problems, North Central allows students full access on all devices at all times

with little to no restriction on how or what they do with their time on the network. North Central does not throttle students as many other campuses do, said Cappelli. He explained that many campuses decide to limit students in their Internet activity, downloads and sites they are allowed to access. Where a company may control the devices used by employees, college campuses such as North Central operate similarly to a home user allowing for the operator to use any device. That service to 1,000 plus users with three to five devices each makes for a complex network enterprise which will inevitably experience difficulties and errors that take time to research and address. North Central is also different from a small public or private business. There may be only one router needed in a location such as a coffee shop or restaurant, where as North Central has numerous points needed to ensure the best coverage overall for the campus. IT is still working on the

NEWS
Page 3
campus being 100 percent covered and accessible. By the end of fall 2013, Carlson Hall will hopefully have full wireless coverage. North Central is also required by the government to register and store users to monitor activity and potential terrorist activity or threats. This requires more complex systems with greater storage needs creating additional complications. It is a continual process to keep up with constantly changing technology, but Cappelli expressed his confidence in the IT efforts on campus, as well as sincere gratitude for the patience of students. The students are so great! I am blessed to be here, said Cappelli. In addition, he acknowledged the continued support of administrative staff in the progress and changes that take place concerning IT now and in the future.
photo by paisley bennett

Behind the scenes, IT has been working to repair the Internet problem at North Central.

CONNECT WITH US
Comments? Questions? Concerns? Interested In Getting Involved?

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Rebekah Jacobson Kari Wheeler Amanda Breister Joy Yerrick Katelyn Terhark Blake Mayes Hunter Baugh Editor-in-Chief Copy Editor News Editor Feature Editor Reviews Editor Sports Editor Opinion Editor

writers
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Page 4

FEATURE
IMPACT
IMPACT Joins Monsters with Ministry This Month
what God is doing in students hearts. North Central has had thousands of student leaders walk through its doors, each with a desire to serve God in a unique way. Without a board like IMPACT, successful ministries like Encounter, which ministers to the party scene downtown, could not function the way it does. Encounter has had half a dozen salvations this school year so far, said Nadelin. Every ministry that is a part of IMPACT has been started and is led by student leaders. Nadelin encourages any students with a vision for this city to contact him. Once in a while, the four ministries within IMPACT will come together to host events as a whole. One of these events is the Halloween Outreach, which was previous put on by Elliot Park Ministries. Because Elliot Park Ministries is no longer an active ministry, this year IMPACT will host the event. This will allow the IMPACT team to rework the event into something new and fresh, while still holding the same values that it had in the past. According to Nicole Palser, assistant dean for leadership and experiential learning, this event has been taking place at North Central since the 1980s. This ministry has affected an average of 200-250 people per year around the Elliot Park community, and the IMPACT team intends on keeping it a strong ministry. In the past, this event would have a different theme from year to year. These themes would vary from Spongebob Squarepants to Dora the Explorer to superhero mania. For one night, the North Central gymnasium would come alive with games and decorations all geared toward its theme. The theme this year? Monsters University. Get excited to celebrate with Mike Wazowski and Sully this Halloween. As always, stu-

rganization I love... Spotlight

Friday: The Burn 7 a.m. Prayer begins 10 p.m. Worship, then downtown evangelism 3 a.m. Communion and intercession NCUs Got Talent @ 7-9 p.m. in the sanctuary

The Week Events

by matt schmeichel
The Student Ministries Board may seem like an unfamiliar name to new students on campus. The board was an umbrella of ministries devoted to a variety of topics where students could be involved in actively reaching Minneapolis. In fall 2012 the Student Ministries Board changed its name to IMPACT, because impacting this city is exactly what they strive to do. As their mission statement says, We are a collection of completely student-led ministries that creates a way for students to play an active role in changing the spiritual climate of our city. IMPACT has four different ministries, all with the same goalto introduce broken people to Jesus Christ. However, IMPACT has the potential to be more. Our heart is to be always adding new ministries to reach this city, said senior pastoral studies major and director of IMPACT, Jacob Nadelin. We want to be a birthing place for

Music!
dents are welcome! IMPACT has many ideas to spice up the gym with Monsters University decorations. In addition, Nadelin shared that there will be inflatables, face painting put on by US Bank, floor hockey, food tables and a popcorn machine. Residence Life will be hosting games like Pin the Tail on the Monster for the kids and students. It is expected to be a funfilled night, but more importantly, it offers a great environment for kids. The goal is to provide a safe, Christian environment where kids can trick-or-treat and have fun, said Nadelin. In order for this to happen, however, the IMPACT team needs help. Volunteers are needed to run games and help make sure kids are safe. But most importantly, this event cannot go on without the most crucial ingredientcandy. For the past few weeks, there have been candy boxes on every floor of the residence halls. These candy donations are essential for this night to have the impact that it can. Without this candy, the trick-ortreating that is so characteristic of Halloween would not be able to happen. The event is just a few days away, but there is still time to join and volunteer at the event or to go get that last bag of candy. The event will be Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All are welcome!

The Week Events

By Alyssa Wallace
Buying a ticket to North Centrals fall production should be on all to-do lists this week as it is sure to sell out quickly. During Novembers thankful vibes, campus will be filled with The Sound of Music, as the Von Trapp family is brought to life through students at North Central and a few children from the community. With only a few months and limited space, the production team as a whole is creatively working together to produce a performance that is guaranteed to leave the audience humming all the way home. Sometimes that is what makes a great show, getting back to the basics and using what you have, said senior theatre major Megan Geiken, who plays Sister Berthe. Shows are not chosen at random, but there is a process with much planning. Many people are part of selecting a show that will work. We have to think about the voices we have, said Wayne

The Sound of Music

Fall musical unites student and child actors to produce a joyous classic
Matthews, assistant professor in the fine arts department and director of the production. Can we get the cast for that particular show, and whether or not it can be produced on our stage? The director is not alone in the choosing process; he has the music director, choreographer, set designer, costume designer, light and sound designer, and even the cast to help. We want a meaningful storyline, said Matthews. The Sound of Music has an underlying message that we not only want the students to be involved with, but when we walk away as a cast, if the audience gets it, we did well. Matthews prefers a larger show that gives the student body more opportunity to get involved - opening it up to more than just theatre majors. For this particular show, the production team had to search beyond North Centrals walls in a variety of places to find children ready to take the college stage. Utilizing the connections among the cast members, the children were discovered among home-schooled groups, New Life Church, and a young man from a traveling boys choir. The children are willing and ready to surprise the audience with their talents as they are standing alongside North Central students. All the roles were cast really well, said senior pastoral major James Harris, who plays Captain Von Trapp. The children are fantastic, and everyone is meshing really well across the board. Considering that the cast has been working together only since the middle of September, they agree that good progress has been made. The students understand that their limited time and space calls for hard work and full attention. In fact, they have found pros about their lack of space. Regardless of the 26 cast members who pack backstage before the production starts, the small venue creates a whole new experience for the audience that they may not encounter in a larger venue. Harris explains that although you may be faced with the challenge of wanting to move further across stage, the small stage creates faster scene changes, one main focal point and an intimate atmosphere for the audience. Most cast members agree that the venue makes it easier to interact with the audience, and there is not a bad seat in the house. The production might not be able to have the special effects a larger venue may offer, but the cast gets to know the room quickly and use it to its fullest potential. Due to the creativity of working in this space, the show will look different than you may have seen before. Students may notice differences or rearrangements from the film or Broadway production, but it is still the same story that is known and loved. Not only does North Centrals theatre department treat its audience like royalty by creatively reeling them in through song and dance, but students can rest assured that what goes on behind the scenes is nothing less. The time put in, the members of the team and the show itself are all seen as a deep value to this school and its body. Wayne Matthews is one of the most creative directors I have ever worked with, said Geiken. Not only is he creative, he has this incredible ability to make each cast member know their purpose and that we are important, making himself constantly available for any questions we might have. He is constantly letting us know he supports us. Such compassion is a rare commodity in the theatre world. As a director, Matthews explained that theatre is a realistic way to tell a memorable story in a culture that is visually oriented. Matthews understands the power of theatre and plans to use that power to its fullest potential here at North Central. Theatre has the ability to bring us into a relationship or a situation, and when we see it, we may see ourselves or other people, but we see life, and it gives us perspective, said Matthews. Its like music - it does something for you that you cant put Dates: November 14- 7:30pm 15- 7:30pm 16- 1:00pm & 7:30pm 17- 3:00pm 21- 7:30pm 22- 7:30pm 23- 1:00pm & 7:30pm 24- 3:00pm Cost: $15 Adults $12 Students/Seniors $10 NCU students

Saturday: 12 p.m. - Womens Soccer vs. Crown, 2:15 p.m. - Mens Soccer vs. Crown, 5 p.m. - Intramural Football Championship

FEATURE
your finger on because it is an artistic form that goes beyond just verbal communication. North Centrals hardworking theatre department is sure to astound its audience with their incredible vocals, swift dance moves and creativity. So how do you solve a problem like Maria? By purchasing your ticket to experience an evening filled with joy, an inspiring message, and of course, The Sound of Music.

Page 5

Testimony Box
All her life she had been told that she had a learning disability. In high school she felt like others were superior over her when academics were involved. Megan Salter, an undeclared freshman, visited North Central in April and fell in love with the campus. North Central felt like home to her. Once Salter returned back to her North Dakota home, she began the application process. I still had some doubt about being accepted, said Salter. During the month of June, Salter received an acceptance letter from North Central and could not believe that she had been accepted. After arriving on campus, Salter had begun to be more studious in her academics, unlike in high school. She put this before any other activity on campus. I get discouraged when others can do their homework faster than me or study less than me and get a better grade, said Salter. In the past few weeks of the semester, Salter believes God has been showing her that it is okay to take the time she needs, even though she has been diagnosed with a learning dis-

By paisley bennett

Succeeding academically with a learning disabilily

ability since she was a child. Determination, motivation and God is how I can overcome and succeed, even in academics, said Salter.

photo by rebekah jacobson

If she could give one piece of advice to the student body it would be this: God created you to be you, not to be the person next to you.

Megan Salter puts academics first at North Central.

OPINION Rebranding the Awkward Couple

Page 6 Read about the performers favorite skits at the Improv Night at ncunortherner.com!

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE:

A married students response to the mockery North Central couples face

photo by Jenny Scott

By joy yerrick

We are a university of traditions. We have pride in our culture and the rituals we pass down. But what if the tradition is unhealthy? What if it is a stereotype that filters how we interact with each other? What if it is pressed into us as freshman and defines what we say about ourselves? We then solidify our views by telling new students what to believe, even how to act. We have brandished the terms awkward couples and ring by spring to be a part of our culture. Yet, in the process, we have further defined ourselves as dismissive, content with unknowingly dividing our own community. For many of our readers, you may not be in a relation-

ship. Frankly, you do not care to have one while here and aim to graduate and move on. There are others yet, who would be open to one, but either have not found the opportunity or simply enjoy your own time. No matter what situation you are in, you are involved in the community and play an integral role in shaping its culture. We do many things well at North Central. We are actively involved in community churches, social justice groups, missions and on paths to becoming Christ-like creators. But we sometimes miss the areas in our own home where we fail to represent healthy attitudes and relationships. Over the course of my time

photo by Jenny scott

at North Central, I have heard countless complaints from people involved in relationships and from the spectators as well. Both sides feel the need to defend themselves. Single students defend their situations. Dating students defend their relationships. For many couples, there is sometimes shame and fear when time is spent together on campus, even when PDA is not involved. Why is this? Is this because we genuinely are offended when we see two peoples showing affection? If so, we have to dig deeper into why we are so deeply bothered by it. If not, we must assume that we have grown this attitude due to how we have been told and conditioned to respond. The truth is, dating happens. Getting to know someone happens. Often, we end up growing a relationship with a man or a woman whom we see frequently because it is more organic, and interactive situations often produce sentiment. I met my husband at North Central more than four years ago. We were on NCU Crew then, a traveling ministry team that rehearsed twice a week and traveled three days out of the week. Needless to say, we had to be together often. We were in a situation that gave way to learning about each other. When we realized we were interested in a relationship, we often felt scrutinized and watched. We were afraid to

show any sort of affection, and our relationship suffered when pressure turned into arguments. I did not realize it at the time,

but I felt emotionally bullied for seeking and wanting a romantic relationship. Though not outright, as a freshman I heard the same things as each freshman had. I was afraid of becoming a statistic. I was ashamed of just being coined as an awkward couple at North Central. This is not my revenge letter. In all reality, there may be couples who can easily say they do not feel the same. In that case, I am happy you disagree. And for those of you who have respected the space of your friends and peers and have either encouraged or given advice to those who are single or dating, I want to encourage you to keep doing so. Speaking with other couples, the same theme rises up. They are wary of being seen together, annoyed with hearing jokes regarding the topic of dating and frustrated with being regarded as a statistic. We are making a mockery about an essential part of life: relationships. When I tell my story of how I met my husband, I regret that there is a small splinter of discomfort that follows. Not that we met in college, nor that it was even a bible college, but hurt by the level of maturity and respect I was met with when I

attempted sharing a relationship with someone who had proven to care for me. In all things, there will be mistakes, and wrong decisions will be made. Many relationships will fail and some are even unhealthy. But we must realize we are all brothers and sisters; we are all followers of Christ and called to uplift one another. We are called not to judge. There will continue to be couples. There will always be rings, sometimes in spring, sometimes in winter. Your friends will marry your other friends and move away. You may even be in a relationship and believe you are handling it well. In any case, it is in our control how we react to these relationship and how we continue to pass down our views to future generations that will shape the community and attitude toward this. Will you continue the legacy of dismissing people as awkward couples, or will you strive to respect relationships that God controls and work toward uplifting your community? Respond to this article by emailing ncunortherner@ gmail.com.

photo by Jenny Scott

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE:

Quit Relying on Espresso in

Your Relationship with God

By Rebekah jacobson
It was 6:30 a.m., and I was sitting upon the maroon cushioned stool in front of a high-top table at Caribou Coffee. On the table rested an empty ceramic plate and a plastic cup of iced espresso. I gazed at the writing scribbled on the cup: Life is getting up an hour early to live an hour more. Hmmm, fascinating. Caribou seems to always have catchy, and somewhat inspiring phrases on their drink ware. I took another sip of espresso. Then God spoke to me about the beverage I was consuming. You might find that funny, but he did. He told me that I could not rely on spiritual high moments to be the main sources where I am empowered in my relationship with him, just like I could not rely on that espresso to be the main source of energy to get through my day. This semester has been the toughest semester in my college career yet. Tackling 14 credits while overseeing the Northerner and working two jobs is not an easy set of responsibilities to juggle. I have had my fair share of late nights staying up until 3 a.m. to finish an assignment due the next day. When I work at 6:45 a.m., it is easy to rely on three shots of espresso to stay awake. As a result, I have become dependent on espresso in the early mornings. Sleep has become a second priority to the other tasks that fill my schedule, and so has my relationship with God. If I am honest, in a timeline depicting my relationship with God this semester, the high points are those moments at Praise Gathering, Encounter and chapel. The times in-between seem to be dull compared to these experiences. Why is that? Why was the entire scope of my relationship with God not radiating with intimacy and learning? In John 15:5, Jesus describes the importance of abiding: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. In the LIVE|DEAD journal, abiding can be defined as extravagent daily time with Jesus. It is crucial that we are taking significant time every day to soak in the presence of God. Whether it be strumming your guitar to worship God in song, or lying on your coach in prayer during the lunch hour, it is in those one-on-one moments with God where our relationship is sustained and built. When we establish the principle of abiding in our lives, there will be no high points in our relationship with God. Every moment will be a high point, because we are experiencing God just as richly during our walk to class as during our time studying the Bible at Lifecore. Additionally, those moments we consider high points will become places we can pour out in addition to just taking in. When we are in constant harmony with God during the ordinary times of our day, we are much more able to give during the extraordinary times in our day. We will begin to pray and prophesy over others regularly instead of just focusing on

Letter from the Editor:

Read about the Partners for Progress Banquet at ncunortherner.com!

OPINION
photo by paisley bennett

Page 7

The Dangers of
Now before you continue any farther please read and understand the following: this is not a call to abandon your devotional books and burn all your copies of the Message. This is meant to push you towards a thick and well-grounded treatment of the Bible. Our collection of manuscripts carries an immense amount of diversity in it. There are so many things to take into account when reading a book of the Bible. A few examples of this: who wrote it, what language the text was written in and what level of understanding the author had in writing the text, what genre of writing was it, who was it written to or for. I could go on and on. All of these things can add up to a difficult and sometimes overwhelming

ourselves. Spiritual fruit will begin to sprout. Applying the principle of abiding can be challenging, especially with a schedule stacked with responsibilities. You might have to cut certain tasks out of your day, or extend the time of your day that you are awake. Maybe that means bringing to life the saying on the Caribou cup by getting up an hour early to soak in Gods presence. Or, it may be staying up an extra hour after writing your paper at midnight.

Whatever form abiding takes in our lives, it should echo the desperation for God expressed by David in Psalm 133:4-5: I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids til I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob. After those 15 minutes at the table were up, I threw away my cup of espresso, walked into the office and tied on my brown apron. I also threw away the thinking that Praise Gathering, Encounter and chapel were the moments I relied on you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness, are not going to be found in these kinds of works. Devotionals, at least most of them, tend not to reflect on these more difficult passages of scripture. There are some that do, but the vast majority tend to focus on other things. Is this creating a healthy picture of God? Or can this lead to a view of him that is shallow and forgets who He truly is? That being said, a good devotional that is kept in check by

to sustain my relationship with God. I was ready to relentlessly pursue God daily, during both the high moments and the everyday momentseven if that meant waking up an hour early, at 5 a.m. instead of 6 a.m., to live an hour more in my walk with God.

Respond to this article by emailing ncunortherner@ gmail.com. the Bible in its entirety can be a fantastic benefit to the reader. I read one in my own personal life every day, but each time I have to stop and read the passages referred to in the text and evaluate what the passage says in the biblical context. The Bible is our source, and devotionals can be good tools to draw from, but we cannot forget the well for the convenience of the bucket. Respond to this article by emailing ncunortherner@ gmail.com.
photo by paisley bennett

Devotionals
By hunter baugh

A call for caution when reading supplemetal books in Christianity

task just to read what God has for you. Because of this, many books have been written to try and make this job easier. There are commentaries, study bibles and paraphrased translations for the reader who is trying to understand the Bible. More than that, there are scores of books written to give smaller, easy to grasp insights into biblical truths. These little moments of focus on God are devotionals, and these books are incredibly popular. But is this taking of scripture and chopping it into easy to handle pieces entirely good? Or can this have negative outcomes that will actually hinder a proper understanding of God and his message for us? I think it can. One thing that worries me in reading devotional books is this: we can forget where the divinely inspired text ends and the human comments begin. Remember, the words of devotionals are not inspired by God (at least, not in the sense that books like Romans and Amos are). When you quiet yourself and take time to learn more about the Lord through a devotional book, untrue and misinterpreted facts can easily slip into ones theology. It is easy to read a devotional talking about Gods love and forget that when the author of the book tells you that God only wants good things to happen to you, that is not necessarily what the scriptural text they are basing it from is saying. There are certain texts that just do not make it into books like Joyce Meyers Never Lose

Heart: Encouragement for the Journey. Passages like James 3:1 which says, Not many of

Page 8

Halloween
By jackie gauthier
Will you worship God Sunday morning and the devil Thursday night? Perhaps you will, but not just because you dressed up for Halloween. The celebration of Halloween is highly debated among religious people, including Christians. Is not Halloween sacrilegious? Halloween is believed to have been initiated in Europe by the Celtic people, around 2,000 years ago. On the Celtic calendar, the first of November marked the start of a new year; it signified the end of the days of bountiful harvest and the start of the freezing winter temperatures, a time in which death often played a large role. Believed by the Celts, the day prior to the new year was a day that bridged the gap between the worlds of the living and the dead when ghosts returned to the earth. The Celtics, according to the World Book Encyclopedia, intended All Hallows Eve to be a day of the celebration of everything wicked, evil and dead. Nowadays, Halloween is often perceived as a fun way to escape from reality. Costumes are liberatingas Christians they can help us to forget our flawed humanity by assuming an unrealistic role created by our imaginations. Playing make believe is an essential part of childhood, to develop creativity and increase social skills. Dr. Glen Menzies, dean of the institute for biblical and theological studies, agrees that for children, dressing up on Halloween is important. It is a great way to let them know that it is good to have fun. To be honest, I think one of the problems we have in the church is that were too serious, said Menzies. Sure, critics of Halloween may argue that the Bible commands us not to make idols for ourselves in the image of anything in the heavens or on the earth (Exodus 20:4), but is dressing up like superman a form of worship? I do not know about you, but when I worship Jesus I do not put on a wig, draw on a beard and rock a robe. Similarly, Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, Never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offeringor call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is an object of

Christianity and Staff Editorial:

More Than an Internet Issue
Several North Central students have been complaining throughout the past months about the condition of North Centrals Internet. Questions have been raised in regard to the level of organization throughout the information technology department, but are these questions warranted? Are there underlying issues throughout most departments on the North Central campus? What training is given to new employees? Are departments understaffed? Is North Central adequately communicating between various departments? Many students have witnessed small amounts of dysfunction within the departments on campus. One students experience involved trying to get a form to adjust housing payments. She was sent from the student development office, to financial aid, and then to student accounts. Once she reached the right department, the one person who knew where the form was located was gone for the week. Its a frustrating cycle that most students experience at some point in their college career. There are three major components that affect the departments on campus: training, staffing and communication. Training: Are staff members adequately prepared for the job they are hired to do? David Harrison, director of human resources, said, We have some positions that seem to be relatively routine task-oriented positions. Typically there are procedures for those, so whenever you have new people in those roles, the translation between duties and responsibilities is clean. The challenge comes when a position on campus involves reacting to new situations. In the case of Information Technology (IT), an email from Mike Cappelli, the executive director of IT, stated they had to respond to misconfigurations that could not be recognized until the network was at full capacity. Additionally, a memory-buffering problem on the firewall resulted in massive loss of packets and information transfer. This situation was reactionary; the IT staff had to respond to new issues as they arose. The less routine, the more challenge it is to have consistency. If activities are not repeatable or documentable, that can present challenges, said Harrison. He stated that the North Central staff is well trained; however, there are instances when someone with a lot of onjob experience leaves, posing a challenge to the remaining employees.

OPINION
Why believers can accept this demonic holiday
horror and disgust to the Lord.. But how many parents are sacrificing their trick-or-treaters as burnt offerings or calling on dead spirits? This is what the verse says disgusts the Lord, dressing up and collecting candy. Of course, there are many negative and unspiritual traditions associated with Halloween today. People wear racy costumes, turning the respectable profession of nursing into an object of sexual desires. Alcohol also plays a large role in many American households on this holiday. But is this a reason to abolish such a widely celebrated tradition? Clothing stores are filled with Santa-themed lingerie for Christmas, and stock-boys are constantly re-replenishing the liquor shelves around New Years. The secular world does not have to dictate how Christians celebrate anything. In fact, as Christianity came to Europe it found a pagan society, and so the Christians celebrated holidays at very similar times as those of the pagans as an attempt to evangelize and to make it easier for the people to keep their traditions while explaining them in a different light. Dr. Menzies believes this was likely the process in which Halloween transitioned into its more modern form. As Christians, I believe we need to be in the world not of the world, but ignoring Halloween or celebrating only with other believers may not be the best approach. Participating in community events in appropriate, responsible manners is a great form of outreach.

Respond to this article by emailing ncunortherner@ gmail.com.

The secular world does not have to dictate how Christians celebrate anything.

Staffing: Significant staffing changes have impacted North Centrals organizational structure over the past few semesters. The recent turnover rate at North Central has been considerable, and the university has struggled with the repercussions of structural change. Harrison commented that change is always unsettling, but the guiding purpose is that North Centrals enrollment and retention of students is well maintained. As an institution, they work to provide the right services to students so that North Central continues to grow. However as staff members change roles, departments are left with a fewer number of staff workers. IT and Marketing both have smaller staff at the moment due to vacant positions. Harrison stated that North Central staffing does tend to run lean, but there is a reason for this. It stems from the idea of being good stewards of the institutions money. Staffing is prudent when evaluating vacancies, because a job that was once needed on campus may be no longer valuable. This also means that North Central staffing must have overwhelming evidence to add positions. Communication: Perhaps the biggest rea-

son for organizational stress at North Central goes beneath the surface right to the heart of how communication takes place between departments. One staff members experience with Facilities Management has proven that something is lacking. Especially during the summer job cycle, Facilities Management has difficulties with communication. Ryan Wendorf is known on campus as, the man with the answers. Several times throughout the summer, every facilities crew would come to Wendorf with questions in regards to any project on campus. Although Wendorf does not have any more authority than the other crew heads, he received undesignated responsibility for knowing every projects status. Another staff member experienced confusion when an executive position in the student development office was redistributed. The staff member was not told she had a new boss, and the executive was not aware of the employees job requirements. The two staff members did not interact until the employee realized a mistake made by the financial aid office in regards to the employees work hours. Before this mix-up, the executive did not know what the position was and that the position was not a work study job. Such miscommunication and poor management examples exist in several North Central departments and have been overlooked by the higher-level staff. As Christians it is important to have grace for one another. Through the issues with IT and other departments, students need to have an element of grace and understanding. Not all problems can be fixed in one week, and each problem presents new challenges. Bottom line is we try - we try to get competent people of good character, and we try to be looking to be better stewards, said Harrison. Its nice to know that sometimes we disappoint because it gives us an opportunity to improve.

photo by REBEKAH JACOBSON

Through the issues with IT and other departments, students need to have an element of grace and understanding.

Respond to this article by emailing ncunortherner@ gmail.com.

Opinions expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of administrators, faculty or North Central University. Editorials reflect the views of the Northerner editorial board.

Upcoming Movies

November 1 About Time - Domball Gleeson, Rachel McAdams November 8 Thor: The Dark World - Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman November 22 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson

Classic Comebacks
The return of Michael J. Fox and Robin Williams to television
Both Williams and Fox had been out of the television world for quite some time. We are aware of their success as actors, but after all of this time, do they still have it? Most reviews commended Williams for the creativity behind his new show which features other familiar faces such as: Sarah Michelle Gellar from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and James Wolk from You Again. The show is not only engaging and entertaining, but the creator David E. Kelley stays true to the Robin Williams America knows and loves. Williams character, Simon Roberts, is an advertiser who owns Robert and Robert Advertising Agency alongside his daughter (Geller). Despite the new character Williams takes on in this new series, the goofy and enchanting personality of this television and movie star still shines through. Although reviews for The Michael J. Fox Show were not as praiseworthy as its competitor, The Crazy Ones, the acting skills shown by Fox reveal his ability to get back Two sitcoms aired on Sept. 26 differing greatly in their content. Both premiering with much anticipation, The Crazy Ones starred famous actor Robin Williams, and Michael J. Fox made his comeback with The Michael J. Fox Show.

REVIEWS
into television as if he had never left. The sarcastic and bold personality of Foxs Family Ties character, Alex P. Keaton, is still present in this brand new sitcom. Fox currently suffers from Parkinsons disease. His new show is a family oriented sitcom that focuses on the dynamics of living with a husband and father dealing with Parkinsons. Although very real for Fox, given that he has this illness not only on screen but off screen, the show takes on a humorous approach to a difficult subject matter. As a viewer, I was drawn into The Crazy Ones due to its fast paced plot. It was easy for me to figure out the point of the show and what was going on. I was amused by the personalities and relationships between the main characters. The Michael J. Fox Show was a bit more difficult to engage in. I was aware it was family oriented, but I had a tough time finding the amusement and light-heartedness of the theme. Although Foxs acting still demonstrates talent and authenticity, my interest was not as sparked by it as was The Crazy Ones. Both shows fall into the genre of comedy. While the
photo PROVIDED by wikimedia commons

Page 9

By christina skeesick

Crazy Ones focuses on clever, witty and goofy humor, The Michael J. Fox Show is a typical, sarcastic family sitcom. The Crazy Ones reeled me in with its uniquely written plot. The biggest difference is the idea behind each show. The Michael J. Fox Show lacks the originality that the Crazy Ones has.

The Butler
A historical preservation of the Civil Rights Movement
witnesses the rape of his mother and the murder of his father. This scene is comparable to the slavery violence portrayed in Django Unchained. Cecil went on to serve for eight presidential administrations for a total of 34 years. Cecils success brought hope to the Black community, as well as opened doors for other discriminated individuals trying to reach leadership roles. An element in the film that brings a different perspective on the civil rights movement is the story of Louis, Cecils son. At an early age, Louis views his fathers work as slavery to the white man. Louis decides to join the civil rights movement with a different approach. Louis travels to Nashville for college and becomes a part of the Freedom Writers. Louis uses protesting and boycotting as methods to end segregation in restaurants and shops. There are many disturbing and raw scenes throughout his story that make the audience empathize the

photo PROVIDED by wikimedia commons

photo PROVIDED by wikimedia commons

By josh chitwood

Lee Daniels The Butler is a dramatic true-story which displays the hardship and journey that many Black Americans faced during the Civil Rights Movement. The film brings to life the historical accounts of inspiring and radical men and women that we read about in elementary school. With brilliantly played roles of Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines, Oprah Winfrey as Gloria Gaines and David Oyelowo as Louis Gaines, the film explores many aspects of segregation and shows the experience of upper-class, middle-class and lower-class Blacks from 1920 to 2009. The film clearly documents the life of Cecil Gaines, a butler who works himself up from the son of a slave to the head butler of the White House. Cecil faces hardships at his work, as well as in his marriage. Oprah plays an impressive role as Cecils wife; her emotion is beautifully achieved. The opening scene is unsettling to watch; Cecil

terrible treatment. Lee Daniels The Butler takes the viewer through the timeline of slavery all the way to the inauguration of President Barak Obama. It is eye opening and shows visually and emotionally what our country was like 40 years ago. The movie makes the viewer experience and feel the severity of the inhumanity that took place on our own American soil. As the body of Christ, this film challenges us and calls for a response. When viewing the hardship, violence, despair and hopelessness we must look at how we stand up for our own beliefs. Are you willing to go through pain and suffering for the sake of the gospel? We are fighting for the most important causeto spread Jesus Christ to all, no matter what the barrier is. Lee Daniels The Butler is a sentimental film that has preserved the story of a civil rights movement hero.

Page 10

REVIEWS Extra Miles Without Extra Repairs

November 1 Jason Castro, Matthew West, Sidewalk Prophets @ Grace Church November 18 MGMT @ First Ave November 30 Jay-Z @ Excel Center

Upcoming Concerts

It is never a bad time for a tune-up

By joshua blum
Car maintenance is one of the main responsibilities that go along with owning a car. A car is a lifesaver, but if it is not in proper working order, a car can become dangerous. Maintaining basic maintenance like an oil change, tire rotation and a fresh battery are a few items that can keep a vehicle running well before the harsh winter comes to Minnesota. For a college student who has not owned a car for very long, a helpful guide would make the process much simpler. Minneapolis is home to many auto shops that can be helpful to a car owner.

Firestone Auto Care

Firestone Auto Care is available for all the services a car will need. An oil change is the most common service a car needs to run properly. At Firestone the usual price for an oil change is $35.49. Firestone also has printable online coupons, which will redeem a discount bringing the cost to $21.99. The battery is another area to address when preparing a car for the cold weather. Firestone will charge for the battery, which ranges from $109-140, and then a $15 labor fee for replacing it. If you have not owned a car for very long and do not know much about what to look for in car maintenance, Firestone offers a Free Courtesy Check at every visit. This check includes the basic analysis of tires, lights, fluid levels, wipers, belts, battery check and hoses. This check is free of charge and will give a car owner a glimpse of what their car will need for service. Another step up is the Complete Vehicle Inspection for $21.99, which will feature everything checked over in a Courtesy Check as well as an inspection of brakes, suspension and the exhaust system. This inspection also has included a tire rotation.

Another possibility for your car is stopping by Lehmans Garage. Lehmans has a reputation in the Twin Cities for its body repair, but at their South Minneapolis location they also offer routine service and maintenance. An oil change at Lehmans will cost $25, and there is also a bundled package for $34.95, which will have a tire rotation as well. Otherwise the standalone tire rotation will be $60. A battery replacement will be a $20 fee in addition to the price of the battery. Lehmans also has an 18 Point Look Over available to help decipher what your vehicle needs.

Lehmans Garage

D & D Auto Works Inc. is another auto shop in the area waiting to service your vehicle. An oil change here will range from $32-35, depending on the amount of oil your car needs. A battery replacement at D & D is free of charge if you purchase the battery from them. Otherwise there is a $20 charge for replacing a battery bought elsewhere. The tire rotation service will be $25. D & D also offers a Complete Once Over for $20. This is a full service inspection.

D&D AutoShop

photo by jolene brigman

NEED PIC

Maintaining

basic

maintenance

like an oil change, tire rotation and a fresh battery are a few items that keep a vehicle running well before the harsh winter comes to Minnesota.

Taking care of your car is an important responsibility, and the area offers many options for students to get the service needed. These three options offer similar services at similar prices, but one stands out from the rest. Firestone Auto Cares Free Courtesy Check is a large part of what makes this auto shop stand out from the others. The check will cover the essentials to keep a car running smoothly as well as provide information about what needs to be addressed. There is always the option to upgrade to the Complete Vehicle Inspection for a small fee. Firestones online coupons are also a great way for customers to save money. The harsh temperatures and weather conditions of winter are coming and can take a heavy toll on your vehicles. Take this information as a guide to care for your car and stay safe for another Minnesota winter.
photo by jolene brigman

Firestone Auto Care is located at 1100 Hawthorne Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55404.

5 on 5 Rec & Wellness

with Jake Smith
Longtime mens soccer coach Jake Smith talks about his experience coaching at North Central

Volleyball: UMAC 1-10, Overall 2-22 Mens Soccer: UMAC 1-9-1. Overall 2-10-2 Womens Soccer: UMAC 0-11, Overall 2-14 Provided by UMAC website as of Oct. 27

STANDINGS

SPORTS
Page 11
air and experience our Creator in one of the most beautiful gifts He has given us, said Rachael Brander, recreation and wellness student leader. The opportunity to take a break from the everyday homework, work, and volunteer positions is one that I can really see students appreciatingI know I do, said Brander. Recreation and wellness has attempted to host two different activities so far this year. However, both ended up being cancelled. The first was a canoe trip to the St. Croix River. Many students signed up for this event, but it was cancelled because state parks were closed due to the government shut down. The entry and exit points for the trip were considered National Parks and therefore closed, so we could not do the trip which was too bad, said Magstadt. Its a beautiful canoe trip and hopefully we can

Trips Cancelled
Department looks to pique student interest with unique offerings

By jenny scott

northerner file photo NOV. 16, 2010

What made you interested in coaching? Coach Smith: I coached the mens team for the 95 and 96 seasons. At that time I was clueless but excited. My confidence came from knowing that the year prior the team had been winless. My first season was rough, but the second was good. We finished the regular season just above .500. The second time around a co-worker, Aaron Smith who now works for Venture, convinced me to coach the NCU womens team. My first season as head coach for the women was eight years ago. Why do it? Soccer is the most important game in the world. The world speaks soccer, so when you play the game you are connected to many, many people around the globe. In short, I love the game. Five years ago the mens head coach resigned mid-season so I said I would finish the year out with them and the womens team. I ended up coaching both teams for three years. What is the best part of being the NCU Rams soccer coach? Coach Smith: The guys. Taking a group of people and building a team, developing a style of play and challenging each other to be the best we can be is challenging and rewarding work. Being a coach is hard, but it is good. What are some of your team goals this year? Coach Smith: Weve fallen short of some, but right now we intend to beat Northland, Crown, Martin Luther, Faith and Providence. With a lot of hard work and a little luck we will finish 5th in the UMAC and 1st in our NCCAA Region. Is there a theme for your team this year? If so, what is it? Coach Smith: Our theme never changes. It is always For the 12th. In soccer there are 11 players on the field for each team, so we dedicate everything to the 12th who is Jesus. Win, lose or draw we want to play a game Jesus would enjoy watching. We dont always succeed but that is always our goal. Describe your experience at NCU so far. Coach Smith: Ive been here more than 13 years, so that is a big question. Let me say that some of the best people I know I met at NCU, and it is an honor to do what I can to make it a better place for them.

North Centrals recreation and wellness department provides many opportunities for students to participate in activities both on and off campus. In addition to providing activity opportunities, they also provide students with resources for the events. The recreation and wellness department allows students to rent tents, sleeping bags, cooking kits, and other gear. Molly Magstadt, assistant director of recreation and wellness, fields requests for events from students and assists with the events by setting them up with a space and the equipment necessary. Recreation and wellness started putting on events because the department wanted students to engage in some healthy fun. The recreation and wellness department really saw a need for NCU students to have the opportunity to get out of the four walls of NCU and get out beyond the city to get some fresh

by lyndsi tellinghuisen

The opportunity to take a break from the everyday homework, work, and volunteer positions is one that I can really see students appreciating...

do it again next year. The other event that was planned for earlier this year was the city tour bike trip. This trip was cancelled due to little interest. It was a new thought and I guess students werent interested, which is just fine, says Magstadt. Magstadt encourages students of all physical conditions and backgrounds to take part in new experiences, saying, I believe that the low attendance has had little to do with students being unaware of what recreation and wellness offers, and possibly having the idea that these trips are only

for the outdoor maniacs or athletically trained. That is not the case, these trips are fun and engaging for people of every type and personality. Planning events is based on student interest and availability of space on campus, says Magstadt. There are currently plans to start a hiking club and hike trails within an hour of the cities each month to experience the seasons of Minnesota assuming students are interested. Magstadt encourages students to stop by her office if there is interest in starting an activity.

Recreation & Wellness events are posted in the fitness center.

photo by rebekah jacobson

Elliot Park Athletic Field Nears Finalization

Final steps are being taken to bring a turf field to Elliot Park
until 4 [p.m.] because we leave at 3:30they cant come to practice, said Meadows. We dont have enough coaches or vehicles to just hold back for one person. So, someone coming 15-20 minutes late to practice is different with the field being here than otherwise. Smith concurred, adding that even once the teams make it to their current practice venue in Coon Rapids, practice times are exceptionally tight. Soccer plays a ninety minute game, said Smith. I get ninety minutes of practice time with my guysincluding announcements, things I need to talk to them about from the last game, et cetera. Its hard to be in shape for a ninety minute game when youve essentially got less than ninety minutes of practice time. Not only would having a regulation soccer field on campus make life more convenient for the soccer players and coaches, the athletics staff also sees it making the soccer programs

SPORTS
Page 12

In the surprise scholarship article, Huldan Bontanes name was spelled wrong. The floor listed on the caption of the photo on page 11 is wrong. It is 5 West, not 5 East Carlson.

Corrections from last issue:

more visible and accessible for North Central fans. Students and staff could stop outside after class, work or while on a break to catch a glimpse of the game instead of having to drive to Coon Rapids. High, Smith, and Meadows all expect the Elliot Park turf field to enhance school pride, Athletics recruiting efforts, and the game day experience overall. North Central has cared about these programs for a long time, said Meadows. I think this fieldwill really show our athletes that we care about them in a new way. We just have not had the resources or the ability to do this before.
I am still encouraged by the progress, but I am still not 100% confident it will be completed. -Mike Nosser, vice president of student development

The latest draft of what the park and field would look like.

photo PROVIDED by NCU ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

BY dan erickson

The city of Minneapolis was originally planning to improve Elliot Park by placing a smaller 8-on-8 size turf field in the current dustbowl. North Central saw this proposed project as an opportunity to step in and contribute to a larger upgrade: a 70 x 110 yard, 11-on11 size turf soccer field meeting NCAA regulations that its soccer teams could play on. Vice President of Student Development Mike Nosser and Director of Athletics Jon High confirmed that the project was in the final planning stages. Nosser hopes to finalize negotiations with the city and the Elliot Park board within the next month or so. High projects there could be a groundbreaking ceremony as early as March or April. While the progress made is promising, there are still several variables left to determine, leaving Nosser cautiously optimistic. I am still encouraged by the progress, but I am still not 100% confident it will be completed, said Nosser. There are still items to be negotiated as well as the money to raise. [Minneapolis Parks and Recreation] has given its approval up to this point. It could still not make it if there are costs that keep them from being able to accomplish their part of the larger field. In that case, they could opt to do the smaller field that was originally slated to go in there. I dont believe it will go that way, but it is still possible. Assuming the details for

the full size field are completely ironed out and agreed upon, construction is penciled in to start in April 2014 and be completed by Aug. 1. Elliot Park construction/ redesign plans call for the elimination of the current two tennis courts and relocation for the present skate park. The field is estimated to cost $1.1 million, though Nosser forecasts that the total cost may end up closer to $800,000. Depending on how the negotiations shake out, the exact number will change, but North Central will likely front over half the fields expense. Everybodys all hands on deck with it, from the President, to the Advancement staff, Mike Nosser, myself[everybodys working] trying to get donors, said High. The largest of these fundraisersthe annual Partners for Progress banquet, held on Oct. 24will seek to garner donations from alumni, parents and friends of the university for various North Central projects, including the Elliot Park field. Due to the tentative nature of the project, the school has yet to secure donations for the field. A large help in the process has been the Community Sports Development Council (CSDC), a non-profit organization whose mission (according to their website) is to cover 50% 70% of the cost of a new sports venue that can impact and serve a school district, college, parks and recreation department,

church or other similar organizations. In addition to aiding North Central and the city of Minneapolis in finding manufacturers and contractors to build the field at cost, the Community Sports Development Councils (CSDC) role also includes supplementing the search for donors, particularly corporate entities in downtown Minneapolis with an interest in urban development. The turf field will not be exclusively North Centrals to use, as it will also be open to the community and Minneapolis Parks and Rec to schedule youth and adult programs there. Official naming rights for the turf field have not yet been determined and will likely go to a large donor mutually agreed upon by the university, the city and the park. North Centrals soccer coaches are excited for the turf field for a number of reasons, but chief among them are the logistical issues it will solve. Both mens soccer coach Jake Smith and womens soccer coach Allison Meadows remarked about how much transit time the downtown field would save, citing the 2545 minute drive (sometimes through rush hour traffic) to the current Coon Rapids site as a large problem for their programs. This time adds up fast they say, which can hurt player retention and recruitment. Because we are a smaller schoolif someone has class

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