The Working Professional, Deb Parker, Editor of The Norman Transcript, Shares her Story.

 Deb Parker, Editor of The Norman Transcript, Shares her Story.

            Deb Parker, the editor for the Norman Transcript, describes her job as having a small title that carries a lot of duties and responsibilities. She first began her career in journalism as a mailroom attendant, inserting inserts into the paper so that she could pay her way through college. "We still had to sort everything by hand in those days," said Parker. She has worked all over the country for various newspapers, accumulating nearly 35 years of experience. As she listed off the names of the newspapers she has worked for, she stutters trying to remember some of their names. She laughs when she admits that, "the only thing I haven't done is run the press."

            "People think that newspapering is dying," said Parker with a serious tone audible in her voice. Parker assures that it is not dying, but evolving and growing. Digital formats and digital presentation platforms are where many publications are directing their business. The core of the publication is still being recognized as the newspaper, but other avenues of communication such as social networking sites, blogs, and websites help readers to receive their information. Normantranscript.com is their official site that features both local and national news, blog links, a local entertainment magazine, and a community living guide for readers who need news fast.

            As an editor, "I supervise, I direct, I guide," said Parker. Another aspect of her job is to help mentor and share her 35 years of experience with those who are new to the profession. "I try and keep them from making some of the same mistakes that I made when I was first starting out," said Parker. She describes one of the first pieces she did as a journalist as looking as if it were, "bleeding," because her editor had marked so many things in red pen. "I learned to be my own editor," said Parker, "and I kept that paper as a reminder to myself to work harder."

            "The mini skirt method," said Parker, "is how I learned to write crisp and clean news stories." News writing is short and tight, just like a mini skirt. Her advice to aspiring writers is to read. "Read anything that you can get your hands on because it's the only way to excel in this field," said Parker.

            "Ultimately what we do is try and make our paper better today than it was yesterday," said Parker, "and tomorrow we will do the same, try and make it better than it is today." In order to make that happen you have to have ideas and a free exchange of conversation. When reading off some of the upcoming news pieces that she has on the agenda, she admits that local news stories about upcoming events and weather reports might not be very sexy, but to their readers, it is important information.

            "We inform, we educate, we entertain," said Parker, "that’s what newspapering does. That's what journalists do." Though she admits to having no interest in moving up past her position as editor, she says that as long as she is able to successfully guide a newsroom and help put out a good product that tells stories and informs people, "then I'm pretty happy."

2004 Arizona Prison Scandal

         January 18, 2004, two prisoners escaped an Arizona prison, injured two prison workers, and escaped to a prison tower with two hostages. 

After one inmate at the Arizona State Prison Complex attacked a guard, another inmate joined and the two gained access to the officers' tower where they remained for nearly two weeks. 

The hostages were Lois Fraley and a male prison guard. The male was freed before frailly. During their time as hostages, both Fraley and the make were physically and mentally abused. The male was beat with a shovel in the head, leading to him being fully disabled after he was untreated for several days while held hostage by the prisoners. 

Fraley was starved, raped several times by both prisoners, and was mentally and physically abused and injured by both prisoners as well. 

The only form of communication that was available to the outside was a radio, which they used to communicate with prison officials. "The radio is the only thing that got got me through the pain and abuse, because I knew that people in the outside world were praying for me," said Jeanine L'Ecuyer, a hostage. 

Jeanine was working as the spokeswoman for the Arizona Governor, Janet Napolitano, during the time of her capture. She had only had the position for less than five weeks and was still learning the business when the event happened. 

"It would be easier to get information to the media and public because of the use of Twitter and Facebook," said L'Ecuyer. "If the information got leaked to one person, he or she could post it on the web and it would spread like wildfire." 

Boomer Blogs

Boomer Blogs, supported by the University of Oklahoma Prospective Student Services, connects prospective students with current OU students and staff by sharing advice and experiences. The concept for Boomer Blogs originated as a way to provide Prospective Students with a closer looks into the OUexperience straight from current students.

            Allison Stanford, director of Communications for the OU Recruitment Services says that the student bloggers cover everything from large campus activities, like the Big Event, to what they are studying in certain classes.  “Our goal is to have bloggers share great OU stories, but also provide valuable insight and advice for prospective students regardless of which school they choose to attend,” said Stanford.

            The student Boomer Bloggers are recruited in a variety of ways from referrals from current OU students, faculty and staff, to just being in the right place at the right time. “The quality we look for most in out bloggers is passion for the university, the ability to write well and a desire to share their experiences with potential Sooners,” says Stanford.

            Alanna Sellinger, sophomore Broadcast Journalism major, was a part of the Sooner Scouts program when she was chosen to be a Bloomer Blogger. “There’s something about a current students perspective that is so much more substancial than an adult who works for the university,” says Sellinger, “because as students, we have the real inside scoop.”

            “We have a consistent number of students visiting the site each month,” says Stanford, “and we know they are reading because they leave comments.” Stanford also said that they have even had prospective students reach out to their bloggers on Face book or over email to ask them more questions about OU.

            The Boomer Blogs have had a great success rate in persuading students to attend the university, and because of this Boomer Blogs will continue to be a big part of the OU Prospective Student Services. Even the student bloggers find it to be beneficial. “It’s my way that I can give back to the university for all it’s done for me,” said Sellinger.

"One Fight To Fight"

The Housing and Food Services

            Move In Day is a family affair on Walker-Adams Mall, hosted by the Housing and Food Services, to welcome new students and their families to the Sooner Life.

An increasing amount of research shows how students’ living on campus contributes both to academic and extracurricular performance. It also shows that students, who are more satisfied with their living environment, are more likely to enter graduate school, and have more contact with faculty and students.

            After students have submitted their housing application, then they are eligible to complete the Residence Hall Contract. Lauren Royston, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist for the Housing and Food Services, said that students can mutually request each other on their official Housing and Food Services contract by listing the first and last name as well as their OU Student ID number. “Roommate requests received after May 1 may not be honored and both students must mutually request one another,” said Royston. Students, who wish to go potluck, or allow the university to assign them a roommate, must answer a short questionnaire that will aid in the matching process.

            Move In Day will be August 18 this year and is anticipated to welcome more than 3500 Sooners in the residence halls. Check-in times are staggered throughout the morning and afternoon by the first few letters of the student’s last name, “Which we adhere to in hopes of keeping check-in lines moving smoothly,” said Royston.

            Resident Advisers are a valuable resource to students living on campus in the residence halls. “RA’s have been through a semester-long training class taught by a professional staff, to become leaders and mentors,” said Royston. They work to ensure the overall satisfaction and safety of their communities. In addition to student-run groups such as the Housing Center Student Association, “Resident Advisers will organize events throughout the academic year like scavenger hunts, waffle man evenings, and tie-dye crafts,” said Royston.

            The Housing and Food Services provide many ways for students to be involved and meet friends. “We encourage all students to pursue living on campus not only to enhance their university experience but also to assist in their career and life development,” said Royston.

Transfer Days

Sign helped guide transfer students to the Sooner Room where the information session was being held. (Photo by: Megan Green/Prospective Student Blog Writer)

 Transfer Students walking together after attending the informational session with their free gifts. (Photo by: Megan Green/Prospective Student Blog Writer)

Transfer Days is an annual event, put on by the University of Oklahoma Prospective Student Services, in which students and their families come to learn more about the campus and take advantage of the early enrollment opportunity.

            Admitted prospective transfer students, who plan to attend OU in the summer or fall of 2011, have the opportunity to be advised and then enroll in classes at Transfer Days.  According to the OU 2010 Factbook, Transfer students account for 35 percent of new students, and the event features activities that provide those students with a head start at the university.  

Michael Hoggatt, Associate Director for Prospective Student Services, said once a student has set up an appointment, “They have the opportunity to learn about University Housing, student life, financial aid, and other campus resources.”

                        The event allows students to ask current OU students and staff about the transfer process and information about the University. “The OU Transfer Student Advisory Board also provides campus tours during the day as well,” Hoggatt said.

Students can login at Sooner Connection, which is featured on the OU Prospective Student webpage, to indicate their interest in attending Transfer Days. “Once they are admitted, they are sent instructions on how to set up an appointment,” Hoggatt said.

            “Overall I enjoyed myself at Transfer Days,” Amy Currie, sophomore transfer student from Tarrant County College in Colleyville, said, “the hard part was actually trying to get an appoint.” She said she found the appointment process to be difficult but worth the trouble.

            “This experience made me feel more confident about attending OU,” Currie said, “and now I don’t feel like the new kid on campus.” 

The Chris Project!

                          

Christopher Campbell, a Music Producer from New York City, shares his story.

The Transition

            Senioritis effects high school seniors and prevents them from successfully making the transition to college. Universities claim that the students are responsible for making a clean transition.

             “Since many universities request commitments in the Spring,” says Stephanie Buettner, the assistant director of prospective student services,“the students are making their decisions earlier and have a hard time not letting the “senioritis” set in too much before they graduate.” The difference in College and high school is very substantial and students find it difficult to make the change.

            The University of Oklahoma offers many opportunities for students to get help from the senior-year slump. “With New Sooner Enrollment and Camp Crimson, the university does a wonderful job of keeping that excitement going throughout the summer,” says Buettner.

            OU Prospective Student Services realizes that students sometimes need a small push in the right direction. Junior Days is a great way for students to find help with the application process. “High School juniors and their families are wanting to know where to begin their scholarship search and what to look for,” say Buettner.

            “When I was a senior I would have never made the transition without help because I had a bad case of senioritis,” say Alexis Phifer, a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma.

            “It is always obvious to admission officers when students are not paying close attention to their performance,” says Phifer. Students can avoid the senior-year slump but resisting the urge to relax before they head off to college.

            Senior year is an opportunity for students to strengthen their skills and broaden their experiences. “In my experience most high school seniors are extremely excited about transitioning to college,” Buettner says. It is important to stay active and involved to prevent the wave of senioritis.

            

Sonic Audio Tribute!

The audio cut of my lovely tribute!

Sonic Tribute!

Sonic Fast-food is amazing. This is my tribute to their many years of wonderful service.

Junior Days

OU Prospective Student Services invited high school juniors to experience college life April 23 and 30. Junior days is an annual event, in which students and their parents can tour the campus and attend information sessions. 

The event is to provide prospective students with a closer look at the University of Oklahoma and help them to be better prepared for the college application and scholarship search process. Prospective Student Services Assistant Director, and a main coordinator for the event, Stephanie Buettner says, "Junior Days allows them the opportunity to visit the campus and receive the information that will directly benefit them."

The popularity for Junior Days has increased as of lately so space is limited for students. "We want to provide personalized attention to the families visiting," says Buettner.  An average of 300 students for both of the days are scheduled to be admitted to attend. "We do not want them to feel overwhelmed," says Buettner, "we also want this to be the first of many visits to OU."

The University sends out promotional posters for the event to many high schools in Oklahoma and Texas. Invitations are also sent out to students who are members of the Prospective Student Services communication system. "Junior Days is open to all high school Juniors," says Buettner.

There will be many informational speakers at the event including representatives from all colleges, housing, and student life. "We are still in process of aligning some of the general information speakers," says Buettner.

Students are beginning to organize their college search process during their junior year of high school and Junior Days aids in pointing those students in the right direction. "We assist them in organizing their high school and community involvement, preparing a resume, and highlighting the opportunities available from the University of Oklahoma," says Buettner. 

OU sophomore Kenzie Kirk graduated from Enid High School in 2009, and attended the second Junior Days event in 2008. "I wasn't positive about OU until I attended Junior Days," says Kirk, "and I met my first college friend and got great information on scholarships at the event." 

Buettner assures that, "students will leave connected to the University, its staff, and students after Junior Days." 

The Pearl Project

Gaylord students spent their Valentine's day learning about the investigative journalistic perspective into the assassination of Daniel Pearl and the Pearl Project. The presentation was lead by former Wall Street Journal reporter Asra Q. Nomani, and Barbara Feinman Todd, the associate dean of journalism at Georgetown university. 

Nomani was a close friend and colleague of Pearl's from his days at the Wall Street Journal. She described him as being, "the guy everybody liked, every girl had a crush on, and every guy wanted to catch a beer with." She told the story of how daniel was lead into his captives arms as being very similar to when she was in Afganistan. 

The Pearl Project was a project at Georgetown University and the Center for Public Integrity that investigated Pearls murder that occurred in 2002. It included graduate and undergraduate students from a number of Georgetown majors. Students investigated the questions of who really killed pearl, and why they killed him. 

"We used a 6 cell format," Nomani said, "and we started with the 4 men that were charged for his murder." When they concluded their investigation almost 3 1/2 years later, 27 men were identified as having some involvement with Pearl's disappearance and murder. 

"On January 23, 2002, Daniel went off for an interview," Nomani quoted almost from memory. Pearl was in search of the true name and identity of Richard Reed, the shoe-bomber who was suspected as being a major facilitator for the terrorist attacks on 911. "He was lead straight into the arms of Omar Sheik, the mastermind behind his assassination," Nomani said. Through Amjad Hussain Farooqi, a man involved in trapping Pearl, Sheik was connected to the other men that were identified as being apart of the murder of Pearl. 

The Pearl Project was modeled after the Arizona Project, an investigative reporting project into the murder of Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles. "To be successful we needed dedication and money, we had the first we just didn't have any money," said Todd. Nearly $363,000 was given by the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism, a non profit organization aimed at keeping investigative journalism alive.