UM
Quarterbacks: Ken Dorsey will be out to prove that he is among the nation’s elite quarterbacks. He will prove last season’s success was not only due to his outstanding O-line.
Running Backs: Willis McGahee has impressed the coaching staff in practice and is ready to make a good impression to help ease the loss of Clinton Portis to the NFL. Converted wide receiver Jason Geathers has explosive speed backing up McGahee.

Wide Receivers: Andre Johnson will have no trouble stretching the field against the FAMU secondary. Kevin Beard and Ethenic Sands return from last year’s unit, while newcomer Roscoe Parrish will impress.
Offensive Line: There has been a lot of focus on Miami’s O-line. The ‘Canes will have three new starters along with seniors Brett Romberg and Sherko Haji-Rasouli. The unit is clearly not as good as last year, but will still dominate their opponents.
Defensive Line: Miami may have the deepest unit in the nation, but will be slowed down early due to the injured Andrew Williams and Jerome McDougle. William Joseph and Matt Walters return at the tackles, while Jamal Green and Cornelius Green will start at the ends.
Linebackers: Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma is primed for a breakout season after making his name noticed in the 2001 Rose Bowl run. Weakside linebacker D.J. Williams is also ready to have a monster season, with Howard Clark starting on the strong side.
Secondary: The biggest question mark on the Miami team will be tested early against a FAMU team that loves to throw the ball. Sophomore strong safety Sean Taylor has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to hit often and hard.
Special Teams: UM punter Freddie Capshaw is on the 2002 Ray Guy Award watch list as a candidate for the top collegiate punter of the year. Placekicker Todd Sievers has become almost automatic.

FAMU
Quarterbacks: Four-year starter Brock Nutter leads a spread out offense that loves to go downfield. Nutter has not faced a secondary even close to the caliber of the Canes.
Running Backs: The FAMU rushing attack will struggle mightily against the ferocious UM front seven. The Ratlers top returning rusher is junior Edward Baker who rushed for only 100 yards on eight carries in 2001.

Wide Receiver: FAMU will run four and five receiver sets led by seniors Marco Junious (33 receptions and three TDs in 2001) and Charlie Allen (46 receptions and two TDs). However, the spread out offense will struggle if the Ratlers fail to rush the ball effectively.
Offensive Line: The O-line is a big concern for FAMU, as they return only three players who saw extensive playing time last season. Will have a lot in store for them facing the UM D-line.

Defensive Line: FAMU has a good set of ends in junior Sean Kelly (13 sacks last season) and sophomore Jeff Green. The tackles may be too undersized to get enough push against the UM front.

Linebackers:The strongest unit on the Ratlers squad. Senior Alex Fortson, who recorded 58 tackles and seven sacks in 2001, will be all over the field.

Secondary: An experienced unit led by junior safety Levy Brown (team-high 98 tackles in 2001) and junior cornerback and Miami native Shedrick Copeland. Ratlers’ secondary has never faced as potent of a passing attack as Miami.

Special Teams: Levy Brown will return kicks and punts. Junior placekicker Juan Vasquez was only three-of-11 in field goal attempts in 2001.

The Miami Hurricane is making its debut as a tabloid paper this year.

Since a broadsheet can be difficult to read while walking on campus, the staff hopes that the versatility of the tabloid size will be more reader friendly. In other words, one can read and take a tabloid paper everywhere.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. A college paper should be a tabloid,” said Editor-in-Chief Jordan Rodack.

In addition to the size there will also be some other major changes.

The Opinion section will be expanded to two pages allowing for staff editorials as well as more campus opinions.

As far as the front page goes, “We’re hoping to make it as attractive as possible,” said Rodack. “In the past the paper has been very gray. We plan to improve this year by putting as much art and color on both the front and back pages. The back page will now be the sports section.

“In essence, it will be our second front page because it will have the same look and feel. Hopefully [this] will draw more people into the paper also.”

The Style section will broaden its focus according to Rodack. Instead of concentrating strictly on entertainment, it will include articles about UM and Miami culture, and everything in between.

Other tidbits Rodack mentioned for this year include a special section made for the entertainment and enjoyment of the readers. This section will feature crossword puzzles, cartoon strips and perhaps an advice column and horoscopes.

“When a person thinks of a tabloid the National Enquirer may come to mind; however, a tabloid is just a change in size,” Rodack said of the change. “We don’t intend to sensationalize our stories.”

Although the change to tabloid style will not mean sensationalized stories, the paper will be different on the inside as well as the outside.

“We’re not only trying to change what the paper looks like; we want to become the best paper we can be and that means getting the best staff possible,” said Rodack. “We intend to cut down on errors and give our readers the most accurate and up to date coverage of UM.”

Rodack said the changes are an evolving process which will probably take some time to complete.

“This is not the end,” Rodack said. “This is just the beginning of what the Hurricane plans to change in the upcoming years. In the future we hope to publish a paper five days a week.”

While Miami is renowned for its Hispanic culture, there stands a perimeter of fraternity houses and sorority suites that surround the University of Miami campus, revealing an abundance of “Greek” life as well.

For many students, especially incoming freshman who have yet to discover the ins and outs of Miami, going Greek or at least rushing could prove to be an experience well worth their time.

Vice President of Recruitment Mike Johnston agrees. “Rushing is a great option. It’s a chance to break free of the pre-structured environment that high school often imposes on students and discover what’s available through UM’s Greek societies.”

Many believe that rushing can also be a smart undertaking. Students who rush get the opportunity to sample the social atmosphere of Greek life before making any serious commitments to it.

It also provides students with the opportunity to learn about each individual organization and the charities and events they represent.

“By going Greek, or at least rushing,” Johnson says, “you can basically plug yourself into a whole new life on campus.”

In many respects, this is very true.

Members of a Greek organization hold approximately 85 percent of the leadership positions on campus.

They plan, organize, and fashion the majority of on-campus events throughout the school year, as well as provide an easy-to-access social scene to counter UM’s academic life.

The breakdown of the Greek Recruitment is quite simple.

Fraternity Rush is the first and most informal stage of the process. It’s an obligation-free chance to visit and learn about Greek-society.

September 3rd will kick off the housing tour in which the fraternity houses and sorority suites throughout the campus will be open to visit and explore.

Each fraternity will answer any questions students may have about Greek life and give them a general idea of what to expect if you are to actually join.

After the meet and greet sessions are over, “Smokers” or specified-invite-only events take place.

During this period, participants meet each other on a more individual basis and try to get a feel for the individual organizations. Essentially, it’s the students’ chance to try on each fraternity or sorority and see which one fits best. These last about an hour and will be held on Sept. 9, 10 and 12.

Finally, on Sept. 13, each Greek organization will make a formal invitation to their candidates of choice in what is known as “bid day.” Those who choose to make it this far now have the choice as to whether or not Greek life is an endeavor worth taking.

“Greek life has given me a lot of experiences in life that I never would have had,” said Dave Hurley of Sigma Phi Epsilon. “Like any organization with a selective membership, there will be ups and downs, but through my personal experience I’ve made some really good friends.”

According to Johnston, the turnout of incoming “rushers” exceeded their expectations, signaling a growing membership in UM’s Greek life.

Recruitment is currently under way in the breezeway and will continue for the next few weeks.

Michael Johnston wants to bring the kids back to campus.

That theme encompasses all of Johnston’s goals as the University of Miami’s Student Government President for this school year.

“We want to focus on smaller projects that more directly benefit the students and bring the campus together by accommodating their needs,” said Johnston of Student Government’s plans this fall.

The Student Government will execute these plans to unite the campus by forming a close working relationship with both the University’s student organizations and the administration.

“President Shalala’s leadership style is very proactive; she wants to make things happen right away,” Johnston said of working with the University’s new President. “I’m the same way – I want to get things done, and we have.”

During the summer, Student Government accomplished several goals that will immediately impact students.

Resident students will notice that Student Government, in cooperation with the Department of Residence Halls and the Dining Services administrations, placed two ice machines in each of the residence halls.

The University convenience store is now open 24 hours to promote safety for students who previously would have had to walk to Circle K in the middle of the night.

Commuters and all students now have more options than just Sbarro for dinner after class. Jamba Juice and Burger King will operate until 9 p.m. as a result of Student Government’s efforts.

Students in the Cox and Ungar buildings can find a snack between classes at the new food cart that Student Government placed in front of the Cox Science Center.

The placement of two televisions in each residence hall cafeteria will provide students another gathering place to watch Hurricanes sports.

Johnston said he and the other Executive Officers, Vice President Justin Levine and Treasurer Mahala Dar, have completed all but one goal touted on their campaign platform: “We just need to work on getting better cable channels like Comedy Central and ESPN2 in the dorms.”

While increasing cable television options for residents was an issue on his platform that he still plans to address, Johnston said his biggest concern for the future is improving the classroom environment.

“When you need to take an open-book physics exam and you have your test, your textbook, your notes, your calculator and your Scantron card all on that tiny desk you end up wasting time trying to find each thing instead of actually taking the test,” said Johnston of the desks in the auditorium-style classrooms of the Whitten Learning Center.

He said he wants to improve the desk space in that building as well as make larger, more comfortable desks and chairs for students in other facilities such as the Memorial building.

Other goals Student Government wants to achieve this fall include extended hours for the library as well as adding a Macintosh computer lab to the library for photography students.

Johnston also mentioned expanding Greek life on campus and attending to commuters’ needs to further encourage campus unity.

Johnston said he encourages all students to feel free to contact him and the other Student Government officers at the Student Government office in University Center 214 or call (305) 284-3082 if they have any concerns or needs.

“We’re all students, too. We’re here for everyone,” he said.

UM has finally decided to alleviate one of its most notorious problems – parking.

After two years of planning and negotiating, the Parking Management Plan is finally in action, and the results are showing: more parking spaces and less parking hassles.

“[When it’s done,] it’s going to be the biggest parking change in the history of the University,” Associate Vice President of Business Services Alan Fish said. “This is tremendous, the biggest thing ever in parking.”

“We are dramatically changing the landscape of parking here at the University of Miami for the better,” said Charles McConnell, Director of Parking and Transportation Services.

The Pavia Garage, opposite the Daystar Health Center and adjacent to the UC, boasting 561 spaces, and the new Liguria, Red Road North and Red Road South perimeter lots are all now open.

The Ponce Garage, soon to open with 1,052 spaces, is still under construction in order to finish the two-floor expansion.

According to McConell, however, the Ponce garage’s first floor will be opened in the next seven to ten days, while the existing spaces above will be opened in September.

Both garages offer 24-hour security, emergency blue light phones and shelter from the weather.

“This semester will probably be hectic. They may have built more parking but they are still behind,” Luis Midence, a graduate student, said.

The University is currently leasing 200 spaces across the street from the Ponce Parking Garage in Miami public lots 42 and 43 to temporarily soften the demand.

Elections for Student Government are just around the corner. Campaign to become a Senator and help improve life at UM for all undergraduate students. Elections are September 23rd-September 25. Mark your calendars and VOTE! To find out more about Student Government, available offices, and the election process, visit www.miami.edu/student-activities and click on Elections Commission.

AUGUST 30
Smokin’ Pitt at 11:30 a.m. in the UC Patio

“Happy Hour & Belly Bust” comedy show at 4:30 p.m. in the Rathskeller

AUGUST 31

The annual Freshmen Tailgate, sponsored by Athletics, takes place before the start of the first football game, UM vs. FAMU. For free food, drinks, prizes and a chance to go on the field before the game, meet Category 5 on the UC Rock August 31 at 3:30 pm. Any students, faculty or fans interested in helping with this event or before the home football games should email umathletics@hotmail.com. Transportation is provided to and from all home games. For information on Athletics visit www.hurricanesports.com.

Rattler Round-Up After-Party at 10 p.m. in the Rathskeller

SEPTEMBER 3

Yearbooks will be distributed tuesday morning adjacent to the Stanford Circle.

Optional SAFAC Budget Workshop for club treasurers at 3 p.m. in UC 245

If you have a voice with a rock edge and no shame, then Quantum Entertainment is looking for you. Come audition for the Rocky Horror Picture Show any time from 5 – 10 p.m. at the UC 2nd floor on Sept. 3, 4 or 6.

Scorpion King is showing at the Cosford Cinema at 8 & 10 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 4

Optional SAFAC Budget Workshop for club treasurers at 1 p.m. in UC 245

Optional SAFAC Budget Workshop for club treasurers at 3 p.m. in UC 245

If you have a voice with a rock edge and no shame, then Quantum Entertainment is looking for you. Come audition for the Rocky Horror Picture Show any time from 5 – 10 p.m. at the UC 2nd floor on Sept. 4 or 6.

SEPTEMBER 5

Optional SAFAC Budget Workshop for club treasurers at 11 a.m. in UC 245

SEPTEMBER 6

Ferris Wheel Junkies on UC Patio at 11:30 a.m

Optional SAFAC Budget Workshop for club treasurers at 12 p.m. in UC 245

Applications for COSO and SAFAC membership due at 5 p.m. in the STIC

Optional SAFAC Budget Workshop for club treasurers at 3 p.m. in UC 245

If you have a voice with a rock edge and no shame, then Quantum Entertainment is looking for you. Come audition for the Rocky Horror Picture Show any time from 5 – 10 p.m. at the UC 2nd floor on Sept. 6.

SEPTEMBER 7

Tailgate at 4 p.m. in the Rathskeller

SEPTEMBER 10

Starting today at 12 p.m., ‘Cane Cards will no longer be issued at the Registrar’s Office. Students must go to room 110 Ballen Hall at the School of Continuing Studies to obtain ‘Cane Cards. Hours of operation will be Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 15 –
OCTOBER 15

The Hispanic Heritage Month Committee and the Department of Multicultural Student Affairs is pleased to bring you National Hispanic Heritage Month. As part of the celebration, we have planned a month-long calendar that promises to have something for everyone. Join the University of Miami community in recognizing and exploring Hispanic culture and achievements. Opening Ceremonies are on Monday, Sept. 16 at noon on the University Center Patio. All events are free to the University of Miami community. Hope to see you there! For more information visit www.miami.edu/msa.

SEPTEMBER 16 – 19

Senior portraits will be taken starting September 16. Sign up at www.McGrathStudios.com. The password to register is Ibis. A sitting fee of $15 dollars will be charged.

Armed with the latest clothing, sandals, sunglasses, and backpacks, the class of 2006 took over the dorms, kissed their parents goodbye, and were treated to a really exciting fall orientation program called, “All Roads Lead to U!”

Incoming freshmen along with transfer students went through the program with the guidance of more than 150 student volunteers.

The goal: to introduce new students to opportunities at UM, give them a chance to meet new friends, and help get their year started off right.

Almost everyone showed up for entertainment and a chance to socialize at the program’s biggest events like the Cane Kick Off, the Greek Life Barbeque, and a picnic at President Donna Shalala’s house.

Everything went smoothly and students got to learn about the benefits of campus involvement, according to orientation coordinator Javier Del Rio.

“I’ve been getting compliments from parents and students about how well things have been running.” Del Rio said.

SATURDAY

If you were around the campus green on Saturday and saw a couple thousand people singing a strange song, popping balloons, and doing the Rocky Horror Picture Show’s Time Warp, then you were witness to a series of icebreakers led by a motivational speaker during the Cane Kick Off.

Incoming students were assigned to one of ninety groups with a volunteer orientation assistant. The small groups gave students the opportunity to make new friends.

Orientation coordinator Gina Yacone was busy making sure that students knew exactly what they were supposed to do.

“When they first get here they’re a little shy and don’t know exactly what to expect. By the end of orientation they’re excited,” Yacone said.

SUNDAY

From Sunday morning until the afternoon, incoming students went through several interest sessions.

One of the most popular ones, “We all Bleed Orange and Green,” was created to teach UM traditions— like why we’re called the ‘Canes and what our colors signify.

“That was my favorite; it was a lot of fun,” said Lesley Fisher, a freshman from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.

Later that evening, Greek organizations sponsored a barbeque on the UC Green. The barbeque included music from WVUM-FM and a hysterical performance by a hypnotist.

More than 2,000 students spent a few hours mingling on the lawn obtaining information about joining fraternities and sororities while eating free hotdogs and hamburgers served by organization members.

“We’re trying to expose the new students to Greek life and help them meet new people,” said sophomore David Bradbury from Alpha Epsilon Pi.

Once it started getting dark, nationally recognized hypnotist Thomas Bresadola from New York took the stage.

At first students didn’t know what to expect and some in the back of the crowd could be heard socializing. That changed quickly; fifteen minutes into the show you could hear a pin drop. The entire audience was mesmerized – completely silent – watching twenty of their fellow classmates plunge into a deep hypnotic state.

The audience broke out into laughter when one student was made to believe his shoe was on fire and another was convinced his name was Tinkerbell.

Bresadola hypnotized freshman Chris Zavatsky, making him dance on command for thirty minutes after the show if anyone asked him to.

“I am the king of Salsa,” said Zavatsky, who was dancing in the middle of a small crowd that formed a circle around him while he was slowly coming out of a hypnotic state.

Bresadola talked to intrigued students for awhile after the show. “You’ve got a great school here and it’s an excellent atmosphere to study, you’re all really lucky,” he said.

MONDAY

On Monday more than 1,500 students gathered on President Shalala’s lawn for a picnic that included free food, games, and music.

“This is really personal and shows that she cares,” said freshman Erin Farmer from New Jersey.

Students were transported in six large tour busses from the campus to Shalala’s Coral Gables home. Once students arrived, President Shalala was waiting in her driveway to welcome each student individually.

Continuing down her driveway towards the back yard, UM Cheerleaders and the color guard could be heard chanting, “There’s some ‘Canes over here!”

In her back yard, students were delighted to find a variety of food including philly cheese steaks, cheese fries, Tex Mex, beans and rice, jambalaya, and ice cream for dessert. After eating, some students played volleyball, football, or soccer on the lawn, while others danced to the music of Miami band Libido.

Lead singer Cristina Morris captured everyone’s attention and got people to dance while she sang popular R&B songs.

“It’s great to play for the new students, they’re so appreciative,” Morris said.

Freshman George Lewis from Andover, Massachusetts shocked the crowd when he stripped down to his boxer shorts and dove in the President’s pool.

“I had a blast, Orientation was great and this party is rocking,” Lewis said,