During the last year Southern University has faced some challenges and celebrated some triumphs. The Southern Digest has been there along for the ride. From the changes in administrations to the current state of financial exigency, Southern University looks to rebuild and progress, 132 years after establishment Southern seeks to thrive for the underserved and it’s community.

  Students and faculty on Southern University believe AIDS Awareness is high yet students still participate in risky behavior. Faculty, students, and administrative figures around the campus discussed differing opinions of the lack of information on AIDS as well as the steady risky behavior that still occurs even with proper knowledge.

  According to a recent sexual health study among HBCUs, student knowledge of HIV, STD and pregnancy prevention options does not effect a change in behavior. ​The survey was conducted among students at Southern University, Mississippi Valley State, Benedict College and Alabama A&M.

  Baton Rouge's HIV/AIDS diagnoses rate is the highest among cities in the United States. ​Poor health, poverty and prison prevalence could be factors in Baton Rouge's shift from number two to number one and Louisiana's place at the top of the list. According to the Baton Rouge AIDS Society (BRASS), Baton Rouge is currently number one in the country with the highest rate of AIDS cases.

  Students gained insight about sexual health at the Wellness check-up Wednesday at Smith-Brown Memorial Union. STD awareness month prompted sexual health concerns among Southern students.​ Some of the most common STDs are chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and pubic lice also known as crabs.

  Simone Bray won the office of Chief Justice for the 2012-2013 academic year against Joseph Sam Wednesday in the Spring Student Government Association runoff election. Bray will succeed Maurlence Martin as Chief Justice earning approximately 55 percent of the vote (235 votes) against Sam (196).

  Southern University Baton Rouge campus experienced a mid-year cut in December of last year that totaled to nearly $1.7 million. With roughly $1.7 million being cut from the budget that meant that the university had to reduce expenditures by the cut amount.

  Campaign flyers and posters are not all that is required to secure a position and run a campaign for the Student Government Association at Southern University. Candidates for this year’s SGA positions discussed their finances, motivations and purposes as they run for their positions to represent the student body.

  The fate of the Capitol Area Transit System was at stake as voters went out to vote Saturday to keep the system operational. The $10.6 million CATS property tax was approved by a narrow vote and looks to improve service across Baton Rouge and Baker.

  Willie McCorkle, Bryson Alexander and Erin Rogers won their respective races Monday in the Spring Student Government Association elections as all but the chief justice race was settled. McCorkle will succeed Demetrius Sumner as SGA President, garnering approximately 71 percent of the vote (1,078 votes) in a three-man race with Shaquille Dillon (371) and Dadrius Lanus (57).