A new semester and a new year has begun at SDSU, and if students’ resolutions consist of diving into a new subject or finding a unique class to broaden their horizons, they may want to take a look at Theatre 355- Children’s Theatre.

The class is taught by professor Chris Guyotte, who is excited to teach this course.

“I would love to see students in this class who plan on teaching, especially elementary,” said Guyotte. “It will enhance their ability to teach through active learning and of course theatre students, because a career in theatre is not complete unless you have worked in children’s theatre.”

The course will focus on adapting one of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales into roughly a 10-minute-long children’s stage play focusing on the age group of 5-to 10-year-olds.

A grant from the SDSU foundation made it possible to bring in Liz Peterson, playwright for the SUT production of the Wind in the Willows, to critique some of the students’ work for this class.

The class is beneficial to not only communication studies and theatre majors, but any student who plans on working with young children. This course focuses a lot on child psychology, and could give a student a new or different perspective on working with children.

This semester is Professor Guyotte’s second semester teaching here at SDSU, and he is already at home among the students in the department.

“I had Chris for Play Analysis in the fall and really enjoy his teaching methods, and he was always encouraging us to come to him with any questions or problems and very interested in what the students had to say on the subject matter,” said Karissa Willmont a junior CST major who is enrolled in the upcoming Children’s Theatre course.

“I look forward to this class, and being able to work with kids because I believe it is very important to educate our youth and get them involved in the creative arts,” Willmont said.

The class may also be a good fit if students are serious about theater and want to dig deeper into the art of performing.

“I think this class sounds really interesting,” said Chris Ebel, a sophomore majoring in vocal music education and CST. “I think I would get to read plays that I would have never picked up, and I also think it would give me a broader aspect of theatre.”

The class is offered Monday, Wedenesday, Friday 1:00- 1:50 p.m. this spring. The next time this class will be taught is spring of 2012, so if students are interested in taking it soon, there is still time to get into the class this semester.

If you are interested in learning more about different cultures and world travel, look no further than the International Conversation and Coffee Group. This group usually meets about twice a month at 8 p.m. on Thursday nights to hang out, enjoy a cup of brew and listen to a speaker’s unique experience in a foreign country.

Many times, the speaker has actually lived or grown up in the country that they give a presentation on. This gives a one-of-a-kind glimpse as to what life could be like in that country. The speaker will sometimes prepare a Powerpoint presentation and bring pictures or mementos. The group has also been lucky enough to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, members said.

“It is surprising to learn that the places you think will be the most different end up being really similar, and the places you think you will most relate to end up being shockingly different,” said Marilyn Brown, one of the organizers of the event.

The last week in October, Christine Stewart-Nunez spoke about her time teaching in Turkey. She taught overseas for two years at a Turkish-American prep school, and while she was there, traveled all over the country to places that are not large tourist hubs.

“I think this is a fantastic way to learn about other cultures,” said Stewart-Nunez. “Travel opens doors. Every student should look into it.”

After her travels in Turkey, Stewart-Nunez wrote a book of poetry about her experience and continues to lead many study abroad groups around the globe, including one to London this summer.

“I think that these meetings would be really interesting regardless of a major because I think it is helpful to know about cultures from around the world,” said Allison Wittrock, a freshman from Brandon, S.D. “I do not have a major that requires me to study abroad, but I would love to check out nursing programs in Italy or really anywhere in Europe. It would be so exciting. The next best thing, if I couldn’t travel, would be to hear first-hand stories.”

All students and community members are welcome to join this group. It is very beneficial to global studies and consumer affairs majors or any major that recommends. Hearing others’ stories could really help students considering studying abroad on deciding what country they might like to visit and help form connections about what kind of study abroad programs are available.

Around a dozen people usually attend each week and sometimes up to around 30 come. Due to the holidays during the month of November and December, the group will only be meeting once. Meetings are held at United Faith Ministries located just off campus at the corner of Eighth Street and 11th Avenue.

SDSU has a new edition to the many clubs on campus. The Fishing Club was officially recognized last February and is a great addition for enthusiasts of the sport to get together and do what they love.

Membership in the club has reached about 30 members and it just keeps growing. Since last semester, the club has grown by six people.

“The best part of this club is being together as a group and figuring things out. I love that I can make friends who have the same interests as me,” said club secretary Nikki Hegna, senior wildlife and fisheries major. “I also enjoy organizing the trips, and making decisions. I really feel my opinion in the club is valuable.”

Meetings take place once a month and dues are only $5 a semester. During meetings, members discuss upcoming fishing outings, possible tournaments and important issues facing anglers today.

“I haven’t fished in awhile, but I have always enjoyed it,” said sophomore journalism major Anna Prange. “I would consider becoming a member of this club to become more familiar with fishing again.”

The club also organizes professional guest speakers, kids’ fishing days and camping trips.

The club has participated in national tournaments representing SDSU and is not exclusive to spring; the club is also big on ice fishing.

“The main goal of this group is to bring people together with common interests and build skills and friendships. It is honestly shaping into a lot more then just fishing,” said Eric Weeman, club president and junior wildlife and fisheries major.

No skill is required to enjoy membership in this group, and it is open to all majors.

“My favorite thing about fishing is just getting to relax and unwind,” said Travis Bremer, junior agronomy major. “I think it would be really beneficial to meet more people who enjoy it as much as I do, and I will definitely consider joining this group.”

Members range from lifelong anglers to people who have never even picked up a pole. It is beneficial to beginners because many members have been fishing all their lives and can give newcomers tips.

“You don’t even need to know how to tie a fishing knot,” said Weeman.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the fishing club, contact Eric Weeman at ejweeman@jacks.sdstate.edu.

#1.881439:155157271.jpg:fishing1.jpg:The SDSU Fishing Club was officially recognized last February. Since then, membership numbers are on the rise. :Twyla Meyer

Every year, SDSU is filled with new opportunities, activities, friends and possibly a new job or volunteer position. Students pursuing the last two of those can start their search at the SDSU Part-Time Job Fair.

Students can stop by the Volstorff Ballroom on Sept. 16 to browse booths and tables from more than 20 businesses and volunteer groups seeking part-time help from college students. Representatives will also be present to answer questions about their business or organization.

Susan Fredrikson, with the College of General Studies, encourages upperclassmen to explore the internship opportunities at the fair, especially human services majors. Many employers are seeking a broad range of skills and availability, so there is really something for everyone, she said.

“There is a tight job market right now, but it is wise to network with employers about future openings and internships; it helps to get to know them personally to gain exposure,” she said.

A few groups that have signed up to have an information table are: The Boys and Girls Club, Brookings Art Council, after-school organizations and health care and financial organizations.

In addition to information about local jobs, there will be a prize of a $75 gift certificate to the University Bookstore and SDSU ice cream.

“I think I will go to check it out even though I am not really looking for a job right now,” said Ross Effling, a freshman computer science major from Clear Lake, S.D. “I think being successful in a career means having good contacts, and I also think it will help to get to know the area since I am new around here.”

Lisa Martinson, a fifth-year senior from Lake Benton, Minn., said the job fair would give students a great opportunity for networking and figuring out the job market on and off campus. Martinson has worked as a dietary aid for United Retirement Center, a coach at Destination Imagination and as a community assistant throughout her college career.

“Working part-time has given me excellent and useful experience in working with different populations and settings,” she said. “It has made me a more flexible and well-rounded person which I feel is vital in today’s job market.”

If You Go ?

What: SDSU Part-Time Job FairWhere: Volstorff BallroomWhen: September 16 Cost: No Charge

#1.881549:314004414.jpg:jobfair.1.jpg:Searching for a job? One place to start is the part-time job fair that will be held on campus.:Twyla Meyer

It is that time of year again – time for our favorite holiday. Yes, it’s April Fool’s Day, whether you loathe it or love it.

Whether you are the prankster or the one getting pranked, there is no doubt about it, on April 2, there is always a story to be told. On campus, pranks are pulled all year round, from saran wrapping toilet seats and duct taping people in rooms to commissioning a floor-length Slip ‘n’ Slide. If you live in Hansen Hall, a prank would probably involve a live animal, like sheep on the fourth floor. Figure that one out! April Fool’s Day simply makes a holiday out of us college kids’ daily debaucheries.

“I remember last year someone made signs and posted them all over Pierson telling us to wish one of the CAs a happy birthday,” said Angie Herlitz, a sophomore psychology major from Hillsboro, Wis. “She received birthday wishes from people for the whole week, but it wasn’t really her birthday, so it really ticked her off. It was hilarious to see how mad she got over something as simple as a fake birthday.”

“My twin brother and I sometimes go to each others’ classes; not a lot of people notice, so it is kind of like my own secret prank,” said Jason Bumstead, a sophomore wildlife and fisheries major.

The target of a lot of our pranks on campus would be our brave CAs. Face it guys, we really put them through a lot.

“I am not a good prankster. I am usually just the target,” said Lisa Martinson, a senior and CA of third-floor Pierson. “I came back from a three-day weekend and could barely open my door. When I finally got it open, it was full of balloons basically from floor to ceiling. They got every nook and cranny. It was actually quite impressive.”

Many of the students I spoke to planned on participating in the antics of April Fools’ Day, but no one seemed to be as excited about it as the boys on the second floor of Pierson.

“Late the night before, we are going to go underneath all the toilets and showers and lock them from the inside, put Saran Wrap on the toilet seats and steal all the toilet paper,” said one boy who wishes to remain anonymous to ensure a successful prank.

“Yeah, I do not think that the floor could handle our full wrath, but it should be a pretty good time anyway,” said the second anonymous boy.

Whatever you have planned, make sure it’s safe and legal, and please spare your poor janitors.

The SDSU women’s basketball team placed first in the Summit League and has now secured the No. 7 seed in the NCAA tournament, but what does this mean for the University Bookstore?

Since the full transition to Division I, things have been different for the bookstore. Sales have been up, even more since the Jacks entered the tournament.

“The Summit League T-shirts sold out really fast,” said Marilyn Hesby, a full-time clerk at the bookstore.

She also noticed a jump in sales since SDSU has made the transition to Division I, and sales increase when the athletic teams do well. Hesby has been working at the bookstore full-time for 17 years.

“I have noticed a slight jump in sales since the team made the tournament. It is similar to when the Pride went to Pasadena. I think that people in the community and on campus want to show their support.”

Bookstore Director Derek Peterson has seen similar changes.

“Online orders usually spike a week or so before a big event, and before going D-I, we primarily shipped in the Midwest. Now, we ship throughout the country,” he said.

People buying merchandise range from students to alumni and faculty to residents of Brookings and the surrounding areas.

“I stop into the bookstore quite often. If I have a long break from class, I will quickly go in and browse. I do not usually use the online store much. It is more convenient for me to just stop in when I want to buy something,” said Kylee Knight, a sophomore nursing major from Hartford, S.D.

Even if students prefer to pay the campus store a visit, the online store is definitely doing something right.

“Every year, our online sales grow, including book sales,” said Peterson.

The bookstore is gearing freshmen towards buying their books online ahead of time. There is really no difference in cost by shopping online, but a huge benefit is the convenience.

“Last year we had around 1,400 people buy their books online, which means there were 1,400 less students crowding in line,” said Peterson.

The bookstore publishes all the buyback values. Knowing what a book is worth can be a plus when shopping around. Also, buying books online gives students the best chance to get to the used books early and save a few dollars. The information about books is usually put on the site mid-summer, and books are available to buy Aug. 1, said Peterson.

The only problem with the store versus online is that there is only so much square footage in the store, and there is unlimited space on the Internet. In the future, the site is looking to advertise to students more via Facebook and will become more interactive with students, Peterson said.

Hesby feels that no matter the outcome of the NCAA tournament, sales will stay steady if not go up because of the exposure that the team will give SDSU.

#1.881806:2147496646.jpg:DSC_0339.1.jpg:Jillian Morgan, a freshman from Carol Stream, Ill., checks out some of the new merchandise offered in the bookstore since the finalization of the Division-I transition.:Patricia Solis

The Performing Arts Center stage will host the SDSU Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble in its first performance of the semester March 5 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert band, under the direction of James Coull, will be playing four selections, one being with the percussion ensemble. In addition to the piece with the concert band, the percussion ensemble, under the direction of Aaron Ragsdale, will be playing six selections.

The group has not performed two full shows in a semester in the past 20 years, which is most of the time that Coull has been directing the band; he has been director of the concert band and pep band since 1983.

In the past, the band has only had one performance, which is held at the end of the semester; it has been stressful for the group to do two performances in a semester.

“Planning for this concert has been different; usually we go through this amount of music in a semester, but we are ready for this performance, and I think it is better for the students learning, which is what it is really about,” said Coull. “It is a change for everyone, but I am confident we’ll put on a good show.”

The concert band and percussion ensemble are comprised of over 60 members from many majors.

“Coming to the concert is a great way to support fellow students and learn about the program,” said Jada Joseph, a sophomore music merchandising major from Rapid City. “Besides, we’re amazing.”

Joseph has been involved with the concert band for two years in addition to being a member of The Pride, the Recording Industry Club and vice president of the music fraternity Tau Beta Sigma.

“I have been in the concert band for four years, and I have a great time, especially with Coull as director,” said Peter Koenig, a senior music education major from Ruthton, Minn.

Of the four concert band selections, “Havendance” is the one to really listen for, said Coull.

“It is a really exciting piece to conduct and listen to. There are a lot of changes, so it is a challenge and very fun to listen to, but I like different things about each piece,” he said.

“‘Havendance’ is probably my favorite, and I also think it will be an audience favorite because it is very entertaining.”

There is no cost for the performance because Coull and Ragsdale feel that the university and the community give a lot of support to the Music Department. In the future, the directors would like to organize a canned food drive to give back to the community of Brookings.

The concert should last about an hour to an hour and half including an intermission.

The Brookings sandwich selection has expanded with the opening of Quiznos Feb. 22.

“We opened (Sunday) and business has been amazing; we have had lines out the door,” Rob Bortnem, manager of the Brookings Quiznos said.

The new store is located on Sixth Street in the new Calla Center strip mall, between Z’kota and Dairy Queen. Owner Mark Augenbaugh said he is excited for the franchise to finally open because he bought the rights to Quiznos two years ago and has been searching for a location in Brookings.

Quiznos offers not only toasted subs but also prime rib and soup. Augenbaugh thinks that the store will be popular in Brookings because, “It has totally different products than other stores in town.”

“We will have the basics, soups, sandwiches, cookies and salads,” Bortnem said.

Although there are a few sandwich shops in Brookings, Alex Moffitt, a sophomore microbiology major, thinks that the store will be popular because “it will add variety to our dining options in Brookings.”

Quiznos is still hiring part-time and hopes to hire more college students, especially through the summer months.

“Quiznos is perfect for when I want something toasted and melty. It makes me want to shove my face,” said Cate Mailloux, a freshman music education major from Sioux Falls.

At this time Quiznos is not accepting Hobo Dough, but Augenbaugh hopes to in the near future.

“Right now we are working on getting tons of coupons out to the dorms,” Bortnem said.

The biannual coupon book also contains a Quiznos discount.

The franchise is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week and will deliver during the same hours. The store might stay open later if business goes well during the later hours of the evening, which would be a plus because there are not many places open late at night, the owner said.

“I think that Quiznos could become really popular with the students at SDSU if the prices are right and the food is good,” said sophomore graphic design major Stormy Faran.

#1.881890:1788497069.jpg:Quiznos.jpg::Robby Gallagher