Thursday, September 20, 2012 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

Thursday, September 20, 2012 An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 www.collegiatetimes.com

COLLEGIATETIMES 108th year, issue News, page 2

Alternative transport celebrated

Features, page 4

Opinions, page 5

Sports, page 8

Classifieds, page 7

PRISM brings dream to fruition

JONATHAN ROBERTS news staff writer

Yesterday Blacksburg Transit celebrated its 3.5 millionth rider with an event in front of Burruss Hall. While that number is large, the fact that students and community members use BT so frequently puts 3.5 million riders in perspective. “I ride the bus twice a day, five to seven days a week,” said Sheri Draper, a senior biology major, as she waited on her bus by the Drillfield. Draper said she prefers the bus to and from her apartment in Foxridge each day because it’s less hectic than a car trip would be. The 3.5 millionth rider event, as well as the Hokie Active Commute celebration, were held on the Drillfield yesterday. It was the culmination of Tech and the BT’s effort to provide alternate commuting strategies for residents and students in the area. The A lternat ive Transportation Office at Virginia Tech has been holding the Active Commute event since fall of 2005. The purpose is to advocate for the use of “active transportation” in students’ daily commutes, which includes using the bus system, walking and biking to campus. “The event is to celebrate those students, faculty and staff who use active modes of transportation to get to campus,” said Kitty Zeringue, the Alternative Transportation coordinator. The office coordinated with the BT, Virginia Tech Police and local bike shops for the event. The organizers offered a light breakfast and giveaways at their tent and chatted with students. The Tech Police spoke to students about security, registering their bikes with the University and how to most effectively use bike locks to reduce the risk of theft. Bicycle mechanics from local shops Bike Barn and East Coasters were at the event offering free tune-ups and advice to students who brought their bikes by. Both bike shops have recently been making an effort to provide outreach and support to the Tech community through similar events around the Blacksburg area. A mission of the Active Commute Celebration is to help students and the community plan outings using active transportation around the BlacksburgChristiansburg area. BT helped students at the celebration today plan trips using their routes, and highlighted some upcoming route additions and changes. In the coming weeks, BT plans to extend coverage of the Commuter Route and create a Second Commuter Route to provide better access between Blacksburg and Christiansburg for commuters. The Expanded Commuter route will begin on Sept. 20, and will only change a few stop times to accommodate the new route. The Second Commuter Route is expected to start on Monday, Sept. 24, and will provide transit access to the northern residential areas of Christiansburg along Peppers Ferry Road and ultimately into the Cambria area of Christiansburg. This is in addition to the current Two Town Trolley route, which connects many of the shopping areas in Christiansburg with the Tech campus. “(Blacksburg) Transit plays a vital role in a lot of people’s

Two years ago, a selection committee at Tech decided on Google Apps as a replacement email system for the entire school. That process is culminating next month as the entire school transfers to Gmail. “(Former SGA president Bo Hart) was practically doing cartwheels,” said Ron Jarrell, manager of E-Communications at Tech. Student excitement from then to now hasn’t dimmed. “Google is a lot more userfriendly, and I’m glad I made the transition,” said Lindsay Skolrood, a junior communication major. Since July 15, Tech faculty, staff and students have been encouraged to transfer to an entirely new interface, Google Apps for Education. The Gmail-based system will soon be school-wide and mandatory. WebMail will be rendered obsolete in the coming weeks. Google Apps for Education boasts many features not previously available on WebMail. Google’s wellknown calendar, contacts, docs and sites are all included in the package in addition to the frequently used email. “Thewwfirst thing I noticed KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS was all the new features and how much more savvy Kevin Davis, the help desk manager, gave three presentations yesterday to address concerns and questions about the move to Google.

see BUS / page two

see GOOGLE / page eight

BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS

Marketing instructor Donna Wertalik embraces evolving media. Her acceptance of new technology has helped her to develop PRISM, a social media group on campus.

BY NICK SMIRNIOTOPOULOS | features editor Donna Wertalik’s office holds an eclectic assortment of plaques, awards and pictures. Each item highlights a key moment in her life — a unique fabric of her personality. Yet it was the vibrant, colorful painting behind her desk, not the assortment of awards, that commands attention. “Follow your dreams,” the painting proclaimed, with majestic butterflies floating softly beneath the script. The painting’s theme captures the hard work and dedication that brought Wertalik the various plaques and awards that hang on the wall. Wertalik is continuing to follow her dream of reshaping the image of the Pamplin College of Business through an initiative she started over a year ago: Pamplin ReInventing Social Media. “The goal of PRISM is to find a voice for the Pamplin College of Business,” Wertalik said. “We want to be professional, but connect personally with students and the community. At Virginia Tech, we invent the future, but at Pamplin, we are the future.” PRISM’s vision began with market research of other leading business

schools, nationally and locally — such as Harvard, Virginia and George Mason — to see what the status of the competition was. “The key to comparing with other universities is to see what opportunities we could make,” Wertalik said. “But we have a community like no other, and no other schools can say that.” Investing in growth Since its inception over a year ago, PRISM has grown substantially in its social media efforts and student body awareness. PRISM is now active on the main social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linkedin=0 and blog sites, and its presence continues to grow. PRISM’s Twitter followers alone have increased by 470 percent. The student body interest has also grown from 12 to 45 members at its peak last year. The organization currently has 30 members, which Wertalik describes as a more sustainable number to accomplish the organization’s desired goals. see PRISM / page three “We have truly grown into a functional media

Tech goes Google MAX LUONG & MALLORY NOE-PAYNE news staff

news

september 20, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

editors: mallory noe-payne, victoria zigadlo newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

crimeblotter date

time

offense

location

arrestees

status

9/15/2012

12:35 AM

Follow Up to Appear Intoxicated in Public/Underage Possession of Alcohol/Use Fake ID to Avoid Arrest

Outside Pk’s/N. Main St.

Julianne Erin Merring, 20

Cleared By Arrest

4/2128/2012

12:01 AM - 11:59 PM Sexual Battery

Brodie Hall

Active

9/1018/2012

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Burglary/Larceny of a sign

Hutcheson Hall

Active

8/24/2012

10:00 PM

Possession of Marijuana/Underage Possession of Alcohol

Vawter Hall

Inactive: Reported by Student Conduct

8/24/2012

10:00 PM

Underage Possession of Alcohol X 11

Vawter Hall

Inactive: Reported by Student Conduct

DMV services offered at Cranwell Tech to expect DONAL MURPHY news staff writer

A DMV 2 Go mobile office will be at Cranwell International Center today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., allowing students to fulfi ll any DMV needs on campus rather than going to the office in Christiansburg. Students will be able to renew ID cards or driver’s licenses, test for a new driver’s license, register to vote and anything else that would normally be done at the local DMV office, no appointments necessary. DMV 2 Go buses travel to various businesses, universities, military bases and gov-

ernment centers in order to expedite the normal hassle of the DMV process. John Shannon, a junior in industrial systems engineering, said that he would take advantage of the service even though he does not have a car on campus himself. “I think it would be a good idea,” Shannon said. “I know several friends that could have used it recently, especially since you need to get your license renewed when you’re 20. It makes it easier.” The service has been run at Tech in the past, most recently last spring to primarily assist international students in completing necessary governmental work.

“For some of the international students, especially those getting state IDs, getting to Christiansburg can sometimes be a challenge,” said Kim Beisecker, director of the Cranwell International Center. “It’s a little easier for us in assisting with the proper documentation if the DMV is right here with us.” All members of the Tech community and those in the area are invited to use the service. It comes to Tech with no cost. “Th is is not limited to international students, it’s meant to provide a service to the Virginia Tech community,” Beisecker said. “We had 60 individuals who used

the service when they were here a couple of weeks ago,” Beisecker said. Kassandra Gianinoto, a sophomore in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina, believes that the DMV 2 Go would be helpful given that her and her car have moved to Virginia, although the vehicle is still registered in North Carolina. “That would be a benefit for me, as I spend most of my time up here for now, instead of North Carolina,” Gianinoto said. “It can only help and be a benefit.” Follow this writer on Twitter @HokieRealist

Bus: BT expands commuter service to Christiansburg

BRAD KLODOWSKI/ SPPS

Jeff Irwin, a sophomore chemistry major, poses with a commemorative sign. He won a $100 prize for being the 3.5 millionth rider on BT. from page one

lives from getting students to class to getting people to their doctors appointments. BT is glad to help everyone,” said Fiona Rhodes, marketing specialist for the BT. According to Rhodes, both

the Expanded Commuter route and the Second Commuter route are based around an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. traditional workday, with a focus on getting commuters to and from work as efficiently as possible.

The exact route is still being finalized, but the aim is simple — to provide new opportunities and active transportation strategies for convenient commutes in the Blacksburg/Christiansburg area for millions more rid-

ers. Follow this writer on Twitter @JonRobertsMedia

NAACP chapter DEAN SEAL news reporter

For the second time in Virginia Tech history since 1982, the school may be home to a chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP. Courtney Beckett, a junior food science & technology major, is working to establish the group after realizing the opportunity was lacking here at Tech. She became a member of the NAACP in her hometown of Paterson, N.J. When it became difficult to continue keeping up with the organization’s activities in college, Beckett decided to try bringing the association on-campus. The NAACP, a black civil rights organization, has remained prevalent in the fight for equal civil rights since its inception in 1909. It remains the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. “The closest college chapter to Tech was Radford, which is twenty minutes away,” Beckett said. “I don’t have a car, and the buses don’t run out there. It just wasn’t easy to get out there. So from here, all I could really do was get their emails, read what they had to say, but I couldn’t really do anything.” By February of last year, Beckett began looking into what it would take to start a chapter. However, in order to get a college chapter together, certain requisites had to be met. “I was reaching out to people back home, and getting contacts that I’d need to get things going,” Beckett said. Requirements include a minimum of 25 members, a team of officers, and collection of dues before anything gets started. Dues required for membership are $15, with a percentage going to the actual chapter, and the rest being sent off to the NAACP. Before attempting to raise interest, Beckett said the first step was finding a faculty adviser for the group, which she managed with help from a professor. “Initially I sent an email to my African-American studies teacher, Kwame Harrison, to see if he’d be interested,” said

Beckett. “He then got me in touch with Dr. Wornie Reed. It was good to get him, because he could tell me about things going on around here, since he’s been here for a while,” Reed, a sociology professor at Tech, is the director of the Center for Race and Social Policy, and a member of the NAACP, and has already been helpful in Beckett’s efforts. The annual NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet is being held on September 29, a big opportunity for Beckett’s endeavors in the NAACP. “A big thing was to try and get people to go to the banquet. So Dr. Reed sponsored nine of us to go. He paid for everything,” Beckett said. The next step for Beckett will be generating buzz for the chapter within Tech’s student body. Though there’s already been one interest meeting, her efforts will continue through social networking and more meetings at the Black Cultural Center. “It’s obviously hard to commit to anything when we all have such busy schedules here at the beginning of the school year,” Beckett said. “But after the first meeting, I’ve had 26 or 27 people email me with interest in membership. We won’t turn anyone away, regardless of race, because it’s not a racial thing. It’s for everyone.” Once membership has been established and dues have been paid, Beckett will have a chapter form sent to the President of all NAACP college chapters in Virginia. When the chapter is set up with the NAACP, she can apply to Gobbler Connect to become an official group at Tech. Upon becoming officiated, Beckett is excited to begin the NAACP’s efforts around Tech, and learn more about where the chapter can help on campus. “The first goal we have right now is voter registration, and increasing it,” Beckett said. “But once we become established, I can go receive training and talk to others active in the NAACP. For right now, getting started up is the main concern.” Follow this writer on Twitter @jdseal

Our yearbook is a 2011 CSPA Silver Crown Winner!

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emma goddard, nick smirniotopoulos featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

weekend

september 20, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

I MAY BE WRONG, BUT I DOUBT IT

Apple products can lead to brand-loyal pretension With the ability to pre-order the iPhone 5 last week, the nation got to see a little bit of Black Friday in September. Every Mac loyalist was awake at the ungodly hour of 3 a.m. to pre-order the next “perfect” Mac product. The Apple store sold out in just over one hour. As the owner of an Android phone, every time someone brings up their iPhone, I tend to cringe because of the pretentious speech that usually follows. The exclusive club of iPhone owners almost always inundates me with reasons why its phones are better and uses obnoxious hash tags on Twitter such as “#teamiPhone.” These are also the same people who refer to me as a “hater” (a word that should not exist and has somehow slithered in to our vocabulary … much like “What’s Gucci?”). I’d much rather be labeled a hater than to cave under peer pressure. (Note to future-self: After that completely unnecessary rant, you cannot ever get an iPhone. Doing so would make you the most shameful hypocrite there has ever been. However, based on your past, you will probably end up getting the iPhone 6. Just be aware this makes you an ass.) Aside from all of my rambling, the thing I have taken most from the release is the brand loyalty Apple has garnered over the past 10 years. Of the thousands who stayed up to pre-

order the phone — which will not ship for two weeks, by the way — none have actually seen it and are buying it just because its logo is a half-eaten apple. Sure, they are aware of its new features by now, but I bet the majority of them were planning on getting it the day after they bought the iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S — or both. These phones are obviously not cheap, yet Apple could probably charge $1,000 for the phone and it would still sell out. After all, is there a set price on being cool? In a time where the recession has made just about everyone tighten their pockets and made shows like “Extreme Couponing” the norm, Apple has found a way to peddle overpriced, shiny products without having to worry about whether or not people will make a pros/cons list and evaluate its true worth. I have to come clean and say that I do have a MacBook Pro and yesterday, I shelled out $1,400 for a new (actually, it is refurbished) one because after three years, its LCD screen is so full of messed up, vibrating pixels that having a seizure while writing this is a possibility. However, I have spent enough time with engineering majors to know that me owning a Mac is similar to wearing a giant pin that says, “I’m computer illiterate.” But I am okay with that — partially because I truly am computer illiterate.

Apple products have this emotional appeal that has the power to transcend any logic; it represents a status we all wish we had. Even though a PC that costs two-thirds of a MacBook is far superior in terms of what it is capable of doing, we buy the Mac because of a cleaner interface and a sleek look. Along those same lines, people even refuse to put protective cases on their iPhones because it might hide the fact that they are part of “Team iPhone.” These are also the people who typically have a cracked screen less than a month after buying it. So, while Samsung can try as hard as possible to prove that the Galaxy III is, on paper, superior to the iPhone in just about every way, it fails to realize that the dominance of the iPhone has nothing to do with actual logic. Just like the “Washington Times” claims to be “the official newspaper of 2012” in radio commercials (I want to know how one applies for that distinction), as of right now, Apple is the official sponsor of being cool. NICK CAFFERKY -senior -managing editor -communication major

weekend

september 20, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

editors: emma goddard, nick smirniotopolous featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Business fair provides time for networking

Blue sky and tie-dye Virginia Tech Union (VTU) invited students to tie-dye t-shirts with them on the Drillfield yesterday. Wilon Wong (left) and Lutie Fukawa participated in tie-dying white t-shirts a variety of different colors. The white shirts were free, but first come first serve. photo by Kevin Dickel

FILE 2011

NICK SMIRNIOTOPOULOS features editor

PRISM: Wertalik noted for teaching from page one

organization,” Wertalik said. Tara Petrucci, PRISM’s C o- Ch ief Ma rket i ng Officer, joined the organization a year ago as a Social Media Officer. “I have always loved Social Media, so PRISM was a great outlet for me to gain experience,” Petrucci said. Since joining PRISM, Petrucci has been able to witness the organization’s growth first hand — but she does not want to stop there. She is looking forward to new organizational initiatives that could propel its success. “We are constantly pulling in new faces, new talents,” Petrucci said. “We are also rebuilding Pamplin’s website. It is remarkable because it is all the students doing this.” The launch of Pamplin’s new website is set for Oct.17. ‘It’s a team effort’ While PRISM was created in the marketing department for the purposes of propelling the image of the business school, the organization requires interdisciplinary collaboration. Advancing its social media presence requires partner-

ship among marketing, ger voice in social media, communication, graphic and it introduced PRISM design, computer science, to the community on a engineering and busi- larger scale,” Wertalik ness students, to name a said. few. Since Relay for Life, PRISM “I came from an industry has begun other noteworthy where we all work togeth- partnerships with interested er. In academia, however, organizations, including the you have separations among Tech women’s basketball colleges — silos,” Wertalik team. said. “We thought of PRISM “The initiative is to highas an opportunity to create light players and connect an organization open to any them with the community,” student with creativity and Wertalik said. “There is also interest.” an aspect of One of giving young PR ISM’s women the I was shocked and interdiscapacity to ciplinary succeed.” moved. Personally, efforts last Building it was one of those year was its a personal work with pinnacle moments in brand Relay for In addition my career.” Life, one of to building Tech’s larga voice for Donna Wertalik the College est fundraising efforts, Marketing Instructor of Business, which benPRISM allows ef its t he students American to develop Cancer Society. their personal brand and The relationship between follow their dreams, as the two organizations Wertalik’s painting states. spawned out of a PRISM According to Wertalik, it student who was actively is this aspect of the orgainvolved with Relay; she nization that continues to envisioned the impact that attract valuable, motivated sending live tweets from the students. night could have on the Tech Every fall, Wertalik takes a community. dozen students to New York “[The partnership] gave City to meet with various Relay for Life a stron- marketing firms. This year’s group will leave the first week of October, visiting various high profile firms as Spotify, ESPN, McCANN and Facebook. Petrucci attended last year’s trip as a new member of PRISM and is scheduled to go again this year. “We will present a video that will promote PRISM, our end goals and other projects that we are working on,” Petrucci said. Petrucci said that while last year’s trip was more about gaining feedback and asking for help, this year’s trip is aimed towards presenting what PRISM has already accomplished and what it has to offer. “We are visiting different agencies this year with a whole new message,” Petrucci said. “We are proud of where we have come.” Students not only get the opportunity to learn about key dynamics of industry marketing, but they also get to network with these professionals. Each year, there are several students who get a job or internship through this trip; this year, Wertalik will be visiting several former students at their new industry jobs. “At the end of the day, it

“

is all about the students,” Wertalik said. “It is through the high profile students [PRISM] has had and their word-of-mouth that has brought our strong force for expanding out.” ‘Recognized by students’ PRISM is not the only entity that has been gaining notoriety in the past year. This fall, Wertalik was recognized as a “Favorite Professor” on Bloomberg’s BusinessWeek. While Wertalik expressed excitement for the personal recognition, she placed more emphasis on the award’s potential to bring light to Pamplin as a whole. “I was shocked and moved. Personally, it was one of those pinnacle moments in my career,” Wertalik said. “But overall, it gave an opportunity for Pamplin to shine among some major business schools. It put us where we should be.” The mea ning f u l aspect of the award for Wertalik was the fact that it was determined by students. “It was a once in a lifetime moment, to see my face up there and it was because of the students — that is why it meant more than anything,” Wertalik said. “My job is to launch their brand so if I do good job, they will remember that.” Petrucci, a senior marketing management and studio art major, has had Wertalik for two marketing classes in addition to her involvement in PRISM. Pet r ucci descr ibed Wertalik as a phenomenal professor, a mother figure, and a professional role model. “I couldn’t think of any other faculty member to be more deserving,” Petrucci said. “It is all for her students; her passion resonates with them. That is why so many people are in PRISM — she gets people excited about it.” As a result of chasing her dreams, Wertalik can add to her collection of awards and memories.

more info Interesting in joining PRISM? The organization is looking for students in various disciplines -- from business to communication to engineering -- to join them. More information is available at: www.prism.org.vt.edu

Today, the "Super Bowl" of college business recruiting is coming to Virginia Tech. Pamnplin's Business Horizons Career Fair will provide students with the opportunity to meet company representatives in the hopes of gaining an interview and possibly an internship. At the very least, students will get a taste for the competition in the corporate world. The fair celebrates its 30th year, connecting students to employers and bridging the gap between higher education and careers. With 30 years of growth, the number of employers and students who attend the event has increased substantially. This year’s event is projected to have more than 160 companies with 500 company representatives and over 2000 students, said Stuart Mease, director of undergraduate career services for the Pamplin College of Business, helps to coordinate this event. “Many of our recruiters say this is one of the premiere fairs on any college campus on the East Coast,” Mease said. “It's the Super Bowl for college recruiting of Pamplin students.” “[The goal is] to connect students to employers so the companies can hire as many Hokies as possible and students have as many opportunities, too. It's that simple,” Mease said. Clayton Miller, a senior marketing management major, attended the event last year and was one of the lucky students who ended up getting an internship. Miller got an internship with Nielsen in San Francisco, Calif., one of the largest market research firms in the world. “Nielsen is a great name to have on your resume, as are most companies at Business Horizons,” Miller said. “If you are looking to get an internship, this fair definitely gives you a leg up.” Miller had attended several career fairs before last year, so he had some experience in dealing with company recruiters. “My first experiences were awkward, but you have to build confidence,” Miller said. “Now, I do some practice interviews with companies beforehand, then go to the companies I really want to work for to do those interviews.” Miller described the long, arduous process required to be successful with employers at the fair. He emphasized the usual things: be prepared, wear business casual attire, have your resume ready, and know ahead of time to whom you are going to talk. However, he also stressed the importance of prior research. “Do research on companies beforehand so you can

spend your time [during interviews] talking about why you would be a good employee,” Miller said. Mease echoed the importance of research and preparation. “Students should prepare ahead of time so they can maximize their time,” Mease said. “This would include reviewing who is attending, researching and identifying the companies to whom they want to talk, and delivering a 30-second pitch to the company about who they are and why they are interested in an internship or fulltime job.” Mease said the companies in attendance range from large Fortune 500 companies, to smaller, regional firms, but that most of the companies are based nearby. “Most of our employers will be located from the Charlotte to Baltimore corridor,” Mease said. “Since 2010, our attendance has increased 50 percent, so we are always adding new employers.” Miller also emphasized the importance of following up with employers after meeting them to get your name out there. “Nielsen was one of the companies that I sought after at Business Horizons; I met them at the booth, but I made sure to follow up and applied again online,” Miller said. After following up, Miller got a 60-minute interview with a Nielsen representative, and proceeded to take the 90-minute required exam, which included cases studies and math and statistics sections. About a month after the examination, Miller received an official internship offer. In spite of the laborious process, Miller’s i nter nsh ip ac t u a l ly changed the course of his future career search. “Before the internship, I was interested in market research. I wouldn’t mind going into that, but being in California exposed me to technology and different kinds of marketing,” Miller said. “Now, I am looking into mobile app companies and other digital agencies.” Miller plans to attend Business Horizons again this year, excited about the opportunity to advance his relationship with Nielsen and network with other potential employers. “Networking is extremely important; it’s not what you know, but who you know that matters,” Miller said. “The more people you know, the better. If you can prove your work, it will only benefit you.”

more info The Business Horizons Career Fair will be Thursday, Sept. 21 in Squires Student Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

opinions

editors: josh higgins, bethany melson opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

september 20, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 Collegiate Times Editorial Staff Editor in Chief: Michelle Sutherland Managing Editor: Nick Cafferky Design Editors: Andrea Ledesma, Alicia Tillman Public Editor: Erin Chapman Web Editor: Chelsea Gunter News Editors: Mallory Noe-Payne, Victoria Zigadlo News Reporters: Priscilla Alvarez, Cody Owens Features Editors: Emma Goddard, Nick Smirniotopoulos Features Staff Writers: Ben Kim, Katie White, Kara Van Scoyc, Allie Sivak, Jacob Wilbanks Opinions Editors: Josh Higgins, Bethany Melson Sports Editors: Matt Jones, Zach Mariner Special Sections Editors: Cody Elliot, Gina Patterson Copy Chief: Nora McGann Copy Editors: Allison Hedrick, Kristin Gunter Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager: Ryan Francis Circulation Manager: Travis Neale Student Publications Photo Staff Director of Photography: Brad Klodowski MCT CAMPUS

Laptops improve in-class learning

Our Views [staff editorial]

UNIVERSITY SWITCH FROM WEBMAIL TO GOOGLE APPS BENEFITS STUDENTS

very class has “that guy.” You know him, the one that plays some flash game on his computer or takes class time to check out his friend’s latest Facebook status. Is it fair that he may be the reason some professors ban the use of laptops in the classroom? As reasonable as that question seems, it might be the wrong one to ask. Sure, professors hate Facebook in class and would obviously prefer students’ undivided attention. But there is more to banning laptops than the fear of social networking. It also has to do with teaching styles and what a professor wants students to get out of the class. While a student without a laptop is considered an oddity in an engineering classroom, the opposite is becoming more and more the case in liberal arts classes. The reason can be explained by what is taught in these different disciplines. Engineering curricula emphasize the attainment of knowledge — facts and formulas — and liberal arts curricula, like that of a constitutional law class, emphasize methodologies

naturally feel that things need to be written down, so they can be remembered and studied. Laptops help in that process. College students are adults. As such, each student is responsible for what he or she gets out of college. If students want to go to class but spend their time surfing the Internet, so be it. They are only hurting themselves. When professors think they can regulate strict attention where none existed, innocent students who use their laptops for legitimate purposes are hurt. Banning laptops for all because of bad experiences in the past involving inappropriate laptop use is too drastic a measure. Then, there are students who complain that laptops used for games and the like are distracting. Really? If you can let some 16-inch screen distract you from class, you need to evaluate your ability to focus. That complaint holds little water with me, simply because I cannot imagine someone else’s laptop distracting me from class if am really interested and engaged. If you must, the option is always available to move somewhere else, either then or the next the class If you can let some 16-inch time meets. screen distract you from Finally, it is to conclass, you need to evaluate helpful sider what unenyour ability to focus.” gaged students would do if they were not banned from laptop use. and ways of thinking about Can we seriously assume concepts. those students would be Professors teaching mostly any more interested in class facts need to allow their stu- than if they were allowed dents to take as many notes to use their computers for as possible, so they will be gaming or Facebook? They prepared for tests. will be just as disengaged This fundamental differ- in class, failing to particience translates into some pate and probably falling professors’ general dislike asleep. of heavy note taking durThe entire issue is coming class, in turn, leading plex. Professors want to be them to oppose the use of able to form class policy as laptops. Distractions found they see fit, while students on the Internet only make want to learn the way they it worse for proponents of choose. However, barring personal technology in the significant distraction for classroom. the whole class — which I That was the academic part do not believe occurs when of me talking. The more a few random students pragmatic and realistic side decide to tweet, but which of me dismisses the foregoing does occur in the case of cell arguments. phones — laptops should be Many students find note allowed without qualificataking on a computer much tion. faster than handwriting, so laptops are useful for that HECTOR QUESADA -regular colomnist reason. Even in the most theo- -political science retical classes, students will -junior

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We applaud Virginia Tech’s decision to switch university email from WebMail to Google Apps. The decision ultimately improves students’ educational experience. Students can now access emails more than 60 days old without an additional mail client or email forwarding, so notes, outlines and important memos will not disappear. And, access to programs like Docs will encourage collaboration and teamwork. The new interface is a plus too.

Easy football schedule impedes team H

ere at Virginia Tech, we get very excited about particular things. We love waking up on Sundays and going to brunch at West End, we love the smooth pilsner taste of Natural Light, but most importantly, we love football. Game days are the most exciting days of the year. The change in atmosphere around campus is undeniable. Everyone is wearing Tech gear and starting “Let’s Go!” chants, planning to go insane when “Enter Sandman” starts. The game a few weeks ago, however, was an exception. Sure, tailgates started at 8 a.m. for the 1:30 p.m. game against Austin Peay, a relatively unknown school from Tennessee. But there was no real excitement. Coming off the thrilling overtime victory in the first overtime game at Lane Stadium against Georgia Tech, Hokie fans were ready for another amazing game, but instead, we got an easy 42-7 steamroll against a school that had no business being here. Easy games are part of every college football team’s schedule. I understand that. These games allow small colleges to get national attention, especially if they can pull out an upset, and more generally, these small schools get paid a lot of money to come and get beaten. But at what cost? Who really wants to see these games? It is like when your older sibling played you in video games. It was not a fair match-up. I will be the first person to tell you that I want Tech to have an undefeated season and win the national championship game, but when I see thousands of students and fans leave a game at

halftime, receive multiple emails that say tickets are still available, and that the price of tickets is comically low, I wonder if it is really worth it. I paid good money for season tickets, and every game should be of equal value. Not every game on the schedule is going to be an easy one. We still have to face Cincinnati, Miami, Clemson and Florida State. Those games will be tough wins, but I do not think it is good for the team to be preparing for these games by facing teams like Austin Peay and Bowling Green. No offense to either of those schools, but they cannot compare with the top teams in the ACC.

The school would probably be able to raise tickets prices because these games would be guaranteed sellouts. I understand we have to play conference games, and not every team in the conference is necessarily a good team. But for our non-conference games, we should be playing bigger schools. This will ensure no one wants to leave the game at half time. Instead, students will be clamoring for season tickets and to win the student ticket lottery. At the end of the day, these easy games help no one. Sure, Austin Peay got a lot of money from us, but for what? Just to be another notch in the belt of a hopeful college These small schools get a football team? imporget a lot of money to come More tantly, these easy and get beaten. But at what games seem to cost? Who really wants to be affecting our team negatively. see these games? It is like I was fully to when your older sibling prepared watch a glorious played you in video games. romp through It was never a fair match-up. P i t t s b u r g h ’ s defense, but instead, what I got was a frustrating game. I would rather us face The offense failed to get consistently good teams, so into any sort of rhythm and we constantly have to keep the defense got its pants our foot on the pedal. Sure, pulled down by a freshman we might lose games, but running back. over time we would be getAre all these things to ting better, not to mention blame on playing Austin the games would be fun to Peay? watch. I cannot be certain, but if Imagine if we played we started having a toughteams like Alabama, er schedule, with consisOregon, USC, Ohio State tently good teams, we and Texas. These games might avoid getting beaten would bring packed by an unranked 0-2 team houses and be televised again. nationally. We would be able to show MARCUS WILLIAMS these teams what it is like -regular colomnist to play against the Hokies, -economics especially in Lane Stadium. -junior

“

College Media Solutions Assistant Ad Director: Carla Craft Account Executives: Elizabeth Dam, Emily Daugherty, Taylor Moran Inside Sales Manager: Amanda Gawne Assistant Account Executives: Andrew Newton, Jordan Williams Creative Director: Danielle Bushrow Assistant Creative Services Director: Alyssa Morrison Creative Staff: Mary Dassira, Chloe Young, Cameron Vaile, Diana Bayless Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, VA, 24061 Fax: (540) 231-9151 opinionseditor@collegiatetimes. com All letters to the editor must include a name and daytime phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. All other submissions must include city of residence, and if applicable, relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). All letters should be in MS Word (.doc) format, if possible. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor-in-chief and the managing editors. Letters to the editor are submissions from Collegiate Times readers. We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Have a news tip? Call or text 200-TIPS or e-mail newstips@collegiatetimes. com Collegiate Times Newsroom 231-9865 Editor-in-Chief 231-9867 College Media Solutions Advertising 961-9860 The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday through Friday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. The Collegiate Times receives no direct funding from the university. The Collegiate Times can be found online at www.collegiatetimes.com. Except where noted, all photographs were taken by the Student Publications Photo Staff. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints. collegemedia.com. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, 2012. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.

september 20, 2012

Regular Edition

GET INSIDE THE GAME

Today’s Birthday Horoscope: A new three-year phase of research and communications develops, and two eclipses smile upon your career this year. Keep to your budget, and your nest egg grows. Nurture friendships. Water your garden with love and constancy.

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Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham Quote of the Day

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6 1

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1 6

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2 9 7

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69 Anderson Cooper, to Gloria Vanderbilt 70 “__ Hope”: ’70s’80s soap 71 Dinner course

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Week ending September 21, 2012

By Michael Sharp

ACROSS 1 Outlook 6 Previewed, as a joint 11 Attempt 14 Part of a squirrel’s stash 15 Abundant 16 Little hopper 17 Bills and catalogues? 19 “The Simpsons” character who graduated first in his class of seven million at the Calcutta Institute of Technology

Top Tracks We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together • Taylor Swift

(1) 1

One More Night • Maroon 5

(2) 2

Ronan • Taylor Swift

Some Nights • fun.

(3) 4

Gangam Style • PSY

9/20/12 20 Advanced deg. 21 Quick look 23 Remnant in a tray 26 Bygone 28 Tentative assent 29 Monk’s unusual appendage? 33 Canaanite deity 34 Source of light meat 35 Nev. neighbor 38 Ohio hometown of LeBron James 40 It ended Nov. 11, 1918 41 The blahs 43 Vietnamese holiday

44 Sci-fi invaders 47 Iowa State home 48 Where a kid’s shovel may be found? 51 Take in 53 Yanks’ rival 54 Binghamton-toUtica dir. 55 Show-off’s shout 58 Lyon king 60 “Disgusting!” 61 Traditional December spin around the harbor? 66 Top pitcher 67 Bert’s pal 68 Michelob __: light beer brand

DOWN 1 Large container 2 Dangerous, as a winter road 3 Bribe 4 You might do it over your own feet 5 News show VIP 6 Oriole great Ripken 7 BBs, for example 8 Cross 9 Brings out 10 Convention representative 11 1961 Ricky Nelson charttopper 12 Boxing ring borders 13 Letter sign-off 18 Go off-script 22 French affirmative 23 Plate appearance 24 Tremble 25 Like one just jilted 27 “On the Origin of Species” author 30 Rapper __ Rida 31 Walked down the 37-Down again 32 2010 Super Bowl champs

36 Scheduled to arrive 37 Bridal path 39 Pessimist 42 Brief sleep 45 Fundraising game 46 Newly wool-less 49 Rodent-induced cry 50 Genesis follower 51 Rap sheet name, maybe

52 Golfer Mediate 56 “Every __ Tiger”: Clancy book about Operation Desert Storm 57 “__ go bragh!” 59 One of las Canarias 62 Some MIT grads 63 World’s busiest airport: Abbr. 64 Nest egg letters 65 Youngster

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

9/19/12

WORDSEARCH: Auto Parts Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid. A

M S

M T

M J

W E

M U

W J

W O

W K

M T

W S

M E

M F

W R

M D

M R

W O

M A

M S

M T

W L

M U

M E

WORD BANK 1 Accelerator 2 Axle 3 Battery 4 Brake 5 Carburetor 6 Clutch 7 Cylinder 8 Engine 9 Exhaust 10 Gears 11 Headlight 12 Ignition 13 Muffler 14 Piston 15 Radiator 16 Spark Plug 17Transmission 18 Wheels

GET INSIDE THE GAME WITH BOWLING GREEN - SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

sports

editors: matt jones, zach mariner sportsseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

september 20, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Replacement refs need to go E

very sports fan knows a diehard who complains about the referees constantly. To them, just a single call against their team is enough to start up the conspiracy theories about how the referees are out to get them. But recently those diehards have been joined by similar complaints from media members, coaches and even players, all because of the NFL replacement referees. With negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement stalling between the NFL and NFLRA — the referee’s union — the NFL decided to lock out the regular referees in June of this year. The main sticking point between the two sides is the referee’s current pension plan, which the NFL would like to take away and replace with one that requires contribution from the referees. With the lockout stretching into regular season games, a need for replacement referees arrived and a group of mostly college referees was hired to call the games. This has turned into an unmitigated disaster for the NFL, as there have been constant complaints from all corners of the football world. Most of the criticism focuses on the officials’ basic lack of professionalism, both in dealing with the players and calling the game. For example, last Sunday, replacement referee Brian Stropolo was removed from calling the Saints/ Panthers game because of his public declaration of being a Saints fan on his

Facebook page. Stropolo had multiple pictures of him wearing Saints gear and going to games at the Superdome. Yet he was still nearly allowed to referee a game with his favorite team involved. Also on Sunday, Eagles running back LeSean McCoy gave more credence to the idea of the replacements bei ng fans. McCoy said that during the game one referee

“

But the real issue so far has been the complete lack of control that referees have exerted over the games they call.”

told him he was on his fantasy football team and that he therefore needed McCoy to perform well. One of the worst calls by the replacement officials so far was made near the end of that game. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick’s incomplete pass inside the 10-yard line with just a minute left on the clock was initially, and inexplicably, ruled as a fumble. Luckily, the automatic review of the turnover was able to fix the call on the field, but it is still harrowing to see such a simple call messed up. But the real issue so far has been the complete lack of control that referees have exerted over the games they call. Take Sunday’s Redskins/ Rams affair, which was described by fans and

media about 2,743 times as “chippy,” with multiple skirmishes between players breaking out during the game. The referees’ inability to gain control of the game ended up biting the Redskins when former Virginia Tech wide receiver Josh Morgan was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct in the waning seconds of the game after throwing a football at Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan. This penalty backed up the Redskins enough that they were no longer in field goal range of kicker Billy Cundiff and they went on to lose 31-28. The antics of the replacement referees have tarnished the reputation of the league and ruined the integrity of the games being played this season. However, the NFL refuses to admit what is obvious for all to see. In a statement issued after this Sunday’s games, the NFL wrote, “the current officials have made great strides and are performing admirably under unprecedented scrutiny and great pressure.” The complete denial of anything being wrong by the NFL should be worrisome to fans who will have to continue to deal with long reviews, player fights and blatantly missed calls as the NFL and NFLRA continue to battle. When replacements referee a game, the fans are the ones who lose.

MCT CAMPUS

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell shakes hands with fans prior to last year’s Texans v. Bengals playoff game. Goodell, who’s built a legacy out of questionable decisions, has yet to negotiate a new CBA with the NFLRA.

JAMES O’HARA -sports staff writer -junior -computer science

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Campus Events VMRCVM FALL DOG WASH VMRCVM Class of 2016 will be hosting the dog wash September 29 from 8 am to 3 pm. Follow the signs along Duck Pond Drive to the back of the Vet School.

Volunteers Wanted VIRGINIA JAYCEES Gain Management Experience while helping your community. The Jaycees are coming to Campus and the New River Valley this fall. Join today! E-mail jayceemembwershipvp@gmail. com

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For Rent LARGE 3 BR house on quiet street close to campus, downtown, Huckleberry Trail, & Lane Stadium. Perfect for family, professor, or grad student. Dishwasher, new fridge, washer/dryer, central heat/air. Available now. 215.279.1308

Locally Produced Organic Vegetables

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You don’t have to do it all, but you can provide the information needed and be a hero. Open your heart to your family now. Plan a quiet evening at home with people you love.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -You’re extra charming, and you like it. Welcome any challenges, and don’t give up. Creativity is required and readily available. Ideas are everywhere. Use them.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Let the love games begin! Sharing intimacy and appreciation is more important than winning the gold. Get in touch with those who want to hear from you. Suspend criticism. Offer encouragement instead.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Put off procrastination for a few days, at least. Absorb the deeper meaning of the new information that impels a change in plans. Plug a inancial leak. Exercise restraint.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Your past work speaks well for you. It’s all right to bask in the glory, but don’t lose your perspective just to get more. Creativity is required when answering tough questions.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Your popularity increases. Friends think you’re great, but don’t take them for granted. Consider your own points for a debate. It’s not a good time to shop, as it could crash your cash low.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Advance your career today and tomorrow, with a little help from your friends. Don’t throw your money away until after now. You can handle a tough interrogation. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Enter the adventure ... watch out for surprises and potential collisions, and advance to the next level. Watch the big picture for the next few days. Being thrifty is a virtue now. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Don’t move your money around. Others look to you for advice, but you don’t need to give it all away. Project a re ined image. It’s okay to ask questions. Schedule carefully.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Don’t let anybody pressure you into doing anything. Take your sweet time to do what’s right, and negotiate where needed. Keep communication channels open. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Your ideas are lowing well now. Focus on your work today and tomorrow. Think a bit more about what your partner wants. Romance may be involved. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You’re very persuasive and extremely creative now. Don’t be fooled by imitations, no matter how real they look. Have a good time, but don’t max out the credit cards.

news

september 20, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

editors: mallory noe-payne, victoria zigadlo newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Google: students prepare for email forced migration from page one

Google is than the old interface,” said Matt Larramore, a sophomore life sciences major. “So far, I have already used the chat function with whole groups of people.” When sending a mass email to others with the note, “See attached document,” Larramore had forgotten to upload his attachment. Google picked up on the written error, alerting him and helped avoid confusion. According to Kevin Davis, Tech’s help desk manager, roughly 20,000 people have already converted to Gmail. Between 500 and 1,000 Webmail users are moving over daily out of a total 65,000 active accounts. These accounts belong to students, faculty, staff, retirees and last year’s alumni. Alumni beyond graduates of 2012 have already been transferred to Gmail. With the new system, mail no longer has an expiration date; previously, all information was deleted after 90 days. 25 GB of storage comes with every account, along with a 25 MB size limit on emails. The new spam management system replaces Junkmail Manager. “With WebMail, I had a constant problem with emails randomly going missing,” Skolrood said. Increased user-friendliness can be attributed partially to the IMAP communication technology used by Gmail. Much like Apple’s “iCloud” technology, work done on mobile devices syncs to the computer, and vice-versa. The POP technology used by WebMail means that when you read an email on one device it won’t be recognized as already read on another. “(IMAP) syncs with all the

devices, it’s better... you don’t have to worry about where your mail is,” said Dave Dukett, an alumnus and employee of 4Help, Tech’s customer support center. “It’ll be a lot cleaner for sure,” Dukett said, adding that the extra space was also a nice perk. Kimberley Homer, who works with Tech’s quality assurance and verification team, said the additional apps Google provides, like sharing and editing documents together on Docs,

about,” Davis said with regards to the forced migration. “We want to try to make this as painless as possible,” Davis said to the crowd at the town hall meeting, “If we can make you happy we will.” One concern Davis has heard from students regards issues of privacy on Google. Tech negotiated a contract with Google that includes a long section ensuring the protection and privacy of student information in accordance with federal laws. Tech retains We want to try to make this rights to all prias painless as possible. If vate information of students and we can make you happy, we staff, meaning it’s not available will.” to Google for David Duckett advertisements. “Google is act4Help ing as a school official in terms of federal laws,” Davis said. have an added benefit. The final date before forced “I think it will be easier for migration has not yet been faculty to collaborate with announced. Technology students,” Homer said. officials hope to have everyNot all students, however, one moved by mid to late have had a seamless conver- October, however the spesion to Google Apps. cific date is flexible based on “The actual process of reg- the how many people conistering was a complicating tinue to transfer accounts on time,” said Megan Watson, their own. a freshman English major. VT Exchange, the prior“While the actual program ity mail server reserved for is easier to use, signing up faculty and staff, will remain was not.” independent of Google and Many complications from not affected by the transisigning up come from tion. attempts to forward email A video recording of the to outside clients, such as town-hall meeting should Apple’s Mail program or be available on www.going. Microsoft’s Outlook, all of google.vt.edu early next which have different proce- week. The website also has dures. answers to frequently asked Davis has anticipated that questions. some students may be apprehensive. Follow these writers on “If you haven’t done this Twitter @MalloryNoePayne yet, it’s something to think and @MaxLuongCT

trouble

MIGRATING?

“

We can help. Here’s the CT’s guide for switching to Google:

step one Log in to VT My Accounts. It’s the same site you use to add money to your Hokie Passport or meal plan, my.vt.edu/accounts/myaccounts. Your username and password is your PID and PID password.

step two You’ll see a banner at the top labeled: ‘You may now use VT Google Apps for e-mail.’ Click the “Activate Account” button that’s beside it.

step three Create new password. This must be a diﬀerent password than your PID password, and will only be used to access your Tech Google account. The password must follow the same speciﬁcations as PID passwords do.

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step four You’ll now see a banner at the top labeled: ‘Your account was successfully activated.’ You now have BOTH a Webmail and a Google email account. To check your Google Mail, use your VT email address and the password you just created to log in to gmail.com. Your Webmail will expire 30 days after you activate your Google account.

step five Need to have your email forwarded? You can click on the link on your accounts page labeled “Enabling or Disabling Forwarding from Your VT Google Apps Mail Account.”