The Runner 11-11-2015

November 11, 2015

Vol. 41, No. 8

@csub_runner

therunneronline.com facebook.com/runnercsub

Extra Life raises 25K for children’s hospital CAMPUS

@runnerphoto

FREE

One copy per person of each edition is free.

Additional copies 50 cents each.

FACULTY

CFA members to march, rally next week

By Patricia Rocha News Editor

Bre Williams/The Runner

Attendees at the Extra Life event in the CSUB Student Union played Guitar Hero in their Halo gear on Saturday, Nov. 7.

By Martin Ramos Reporter

The Campus Gamers Club raised over $25,000 with its Extra Life gaming marathon on Saturday at the CSU Bakersfield Student Union and Dorothy Donahoe Hall.

All of the proceeds go to the Lauren Small Children's Medical Center at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.

“The games and contests

were fun and all, but the most important thing of all was to raise money for the kids,” said Edward Webb, who is the student organization’s and RunnerSync’s coordinator.

Webb said last year the event goal was around $15,000 and raised $24,500 with 400 sign ups, 150 of which were walk ins and 250 of which were signed up prior to the event.

This year the event goal was $30,000 and raised $25,423.

The cost to enter the event was a required minimum $20 donation, and food and drinks were provided free for attendees throughout the day.

This year there were over 1,000 video games, board games, card games, and table top games.

There were free sign-ups for many different tournaments, including sports tournaments, shooter tournaments, fighter tournaments, and racing tour-

money in order to support and serve more students.”

According to Salas, the UC campuses wanted the $97 million to keep running the schools and to accept more out of state students because that way they would be able to charge them out of state tuition making more money for the campuses.

Salas ended his presentation with a couple pieces of advice.

“You care about tuition. You care about the extra $97 million. You should care enough to spend 15 minutes to go vote for the people that help you with those decisions,” said Salas.

ASI went on with its usual agenda.

One of the topics brought up by the student government was

making SOCIs public.

However, to the department that was collaborating on that issue the topic had not even been presented.

One of the problems that was brought up and might arise is that some of the professor’s classified information might be exposed.

Another topic presented by Alumni Liaison Sarah Hendrick was the possibility of bringing an interactive tool to CSUB called Portfoliam, which would act like LinkedIn but this would allow students to show other students what they are working on.

ASI holds its weekly meeting every Friday at Information Technology Services 3 at 3:15.

Parking possibilities: New lots may soon be near. Page 2 Transfer confusion: Problems arise for transplants to CSUB. Page 2

Holiday Music: Choir gears up for the season. Page 3 New Music: Get the lowdown on Goulding’s latest album.Page 4

naments.

Prizes for tournaments as well as the cosplay contest varied, and some were actual video games while others were game paraphernalia. The crowd was not limited to CSUB students, as some attendees were non-students.

The Student Union hosted board games, as well the shooter tournaments for both the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. See EXTRA, Page 3

show up and march in the streets for it is really substantial.”

On Oct. 29, the CSU Labor The California Faculty Relations website released a Association announced on Nov. 4 that 94.4 percent of vot- labor negotiation contract update in anticipation of a ing faculty supported a strike strike authorization. for higher wages, with 80 per“Compensating employees cent of union members particirecruiting pating in the “The fact that [the and and retaining vote.

Voting was faculty] all agree on high-quality held from one principal… and faculty and staff are among Oct. 19 to 28 they’re all willing to the CSU’s top to gauge priorities,” the how much take a day off and statement read. support there show up and march “The CSU, would be for in the streets for it however, has to concerted live within the action in the is really substanauthorized union’s tial.” budget and bal“Fight for ance many Five” campripaign.

— Chris Cruz-Boone competing orities such as CFA memRepresentative for student enrollbers and their supthe CFA Board of ment, student success, inforporters Directors mation technolacross ogy and mainCalifornia tenance and repair of buildhave scheduled a march and ings.” rally at the CSU Board of The Chancellor’s Office has Trustees meeting held in Long offered a 2 percent raise to Beach on Nov. 17.

CSU administration, faculty Southern California Lecturer and staff but the union doesn’t Representative for the CFA Board of Directors Chris Cruz- feel it is enough to cover inflation and cost of living rates Boone from Bakersfield said that have risen over the past 12 people agreed to participate few years. with about 10 more have The negotiations are currently RSVP’d as “maybes.” in the fact-finding stage, where “Mobilizing thousands of each side presents their data to CSU faculty that all agree on an unaffiliated third party. one consistent message is no Cruz-Boone spoke about the minor feat,” she said. “The fact vote and the upcoming rally that [the faculty] all agree on planned for CFA supporters. one principal… and they’re all See CFA, Page 2 willing to take a day off and

Local assemblyman talks to student leaders ASI

By Chris Mateo Photographer

Democratic Assemblyman Rudy Salas visited Associated Students Inc. in its weekly meeting on Friday to talk about his life and how he began to be interested in politics.

Salas, who worked in Washington D.C. for many years, said to the ASI board that he decided to come to Bakersfield to help the community that watched him grow.

“This is home,” said Salas.

Salas went on to explain why there was a $97 million funding for the California state universities.

“We like the Cal States,” said Salas. “The CSU campuses said they were going to use the

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Chris Mateo/The Runner

Assemblyman Rudy Salas speaks about his life and experience as a politician to ASI at its meeting on Friday, Nov. 6.

Veterans: Luncheon recognizes sacrifices of soldiers. Page 4 Black Friday: A firsthand account of the troubles working the day. Page 5

Staff Editorial: We discuss the semester switch. Page 5 Soccer: Women impress at the WAC tournament. Page 6

Check out our videos and audio at therunneronline.com

2

News

New parking lots discussed PARKING

By Katie Aubin Reporter

CSU Bakersfield is currently working on plans to expand its parking lots to accommodate more students and decrease overcrowding.

Parking has long been an issue on campus for students and staff alike. At any given time, cars can be seen desperately circling the lots, waiting for an opening.

“There needs to be more parking on campus,” said Chris Williams, a chemistry major who parks at school every day. “I come to school 20 minutes early just to get parking.”

He is one of many students who now have to schedule extra time to find a spot. The alternative for many is simply being late to class.

According to Patrick Jacobs, assistant Vice President of facilities management, “there has been discussion relative to the need for a new lot,” but planning is still in the very early stages.

Work has been done on lots K and A to potentially expand them, but Jacobs says taking on the projects is now a matter of cost.

“It ranks pretty high on campus priority, but we have to pay for it,” said Jacobs.

Parking has A lot still needs to happen before the new lots arrive - funding needs to be secured, design needs to be approved, and the actual construction can take between 12 and 15 months, according to Jacobs. Additionally, the school is waiting to see how the conversion from quarters to semesters will affect parking.

long been an issue for students as enrollment rates increase each year.

In the meantime, students like business management major Jon Wier are making it work.

“I feel like parking is pretty decent,” said Wier, who only expressed a desire for the new lots to be closer to campus, because “it’s the walking time that’s the

Lakhdeep Singh/The Runner

worst.”

Others have suggested building up instead of out with the installment of a parking garage, but that kind of project would undoubtedly be a much more ambitious undertaking.

Members plan Transfer process is difficult rally at meeting CFA

[CFA, Page 1] “I think its really important to say that I’ve spoken with faculty on this campus who either did not participate in the strike vote or who voted ‘no’ because they think only asking for 5 percent is insulting,” she said.

“We’re asking for 5 percent because it’s within reason, it’s within the budget and it’s within the bounds of what we have been provided by the state.”

Cruz-Boone described the CFA’s mission as a reasonable way to help faculty without hurting the actual student population financially.

“We don’t want to break the bank,” she said. “We don’t want to be greedy. We don’t want to hurt the students.

“We don’t want fees to get increased. It’s all part of our mission statement that what we ask for would not detrimentally impact our students.”

One important aspect of the meeting is a docket on the agenda that suggests lifting the moratorium on president’s salaries, currently set at $350,000 a year, not including bonuses and extras such as housing and vehicle allowances.

“The argument of the current chancellor is that he cannot recruit competitive candidates for the open president’s positions at the $350,000 [salary] and he needs to increase that amount,” said Cruz-Boone. “So, right now the message being told to the state and to the board of trustees is that we need to pay presidents [over] a quarter of a million dollars but we can’t pay faculty who haven’t had a raise, well, we had a 1.67 percent raise, but we haven’t had over a one percent raise in over seven years.”

Cruz-Boone encouraged participation from faculty and students alike who may be interested in more than just the rally.

“It’s not just about us,” she said. “If students just wanted to go sit in on the board of trustees meeting, and understand the way decisions are made about their school, about this system, it’s a really important experience. “ The CFA has yet to decide on the logistics of a strike but is getting feedback from campuses.

Cruz-Boone noted that past strike efforts worked in as little as 24 hours with only two schools participating, but there are no guarantees.

“I think it would take one day for them to realize it’s the right thing to do,” she said.

EDUCATION

By Nick Fequiere Reporter

Transferring from local community colleges to CSU Bakersfield has become a hassle for many incoming students. Many have complained about misinformation and a process that forces them to jump through hoops for their education.

On the surface, the transfer process seems easy enough as long as students take and pass the correct courses.

This becomes difficult when students are given the wrong information and are advised to take unnecessary classes.

Some also feel as if counselors are not readily available or willing to help.

Paola Robles is a business major who transferred from Bakersfield College and recently graduated from CSUB. The only problem she has had is that some of the counselors can be rude. “[They] sometimes make it seem that they don’t really want to help you,” said Robles.

Even students who began their education at CSUB have faced difficulties when dealing with counselors.

Alex Medellin recently graduated from the university with her degree in communications and said that “the counselors blow.”

“I was given the wrong information three times and I graduated two quarters later than I should have,” said Medellin.

This makes it important for students to be vigilant about their coursework and take advantage of all of the resources presented

to them.

Many of these same principles apply when transferring from one four-year university to another as well.

A lack of knowledge about the matter combined with misleading information from counselors has cost students their valuable time and money for years.

Even students entering a fouryear university straight out of high school have faced issues; some who have earned AP credit in high school are being told to take classes that they do not need.

Students at community colleges are not being properly informed of which classes will or will not transfer to the university level.

By becoming more aware, students can work toward their degrees without being hindered by repeated classes and unfavorable transfer stipulations.

Elizabeth Fernandez, an accounting major who transferred from Bakersfield College, said that she thinks being a good student helped her during the transfer process.

While she did say that she was unsure if the university helped her to the best of its ability, she acknowledged that the counselors she has met with have provided her with accurate information.

“On my very first visit with the adviser, I was given this sheet with the classes I need to complete for my major,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez’s comments reflect an effort by CSUB administration and staff to create an individualized academic plan for each student in preparation for the com-

THE RUNNER editorialstaff Volume XLI, Issue 8

The Runner California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 Telephone 661.654.2165 Fax 661.654.6905 E-mail runner@csub.edu therunneronline.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Esteban Ramirez NEWS EDITOR Patricia Rocha

FEATURES AND OPINIONS EDITOR Graham Wheat PHOTO EDITOR AJ Alvarado

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR David Kaplan

ing quarter to semester change that will take effect in fall 2016.

The hope is that these plans will alleviate some of the concerns students have about graduating on time.

Although many students share concerns over the coming change, there are students at BC and Taft College who will be welcoming the semester system.

Meera Patel is a human biology major in her first quarter at CSUB after transferring from community college.

Patel said that “transferring from a junior college to CSUB was slightly difficult because BC is on the semester system.”

Aside from meeting with counselors on a regular basis, there are other simple ways in which students can become more proactive than reactive as it pertains to their education.

Websites like assist.com clearly lay out which credits earned at a community college will transfer to a CSU or UC. It also helps to know the minimum GPA that universities require when reviewing transfer applications.

Community colleges often have articulation agreements with many universities that specifically outline the transfer policies for a particular academic program.

These agreements can typically be found on the school’s website.

Moving forward, it appears CSUB’s staff has placed the onus on itself to correct its mistakes and better educate students and prospective students about their options when it comes to transferring and staying on track to graduate in a timely manner.

ASSISTANT EDITORS Marisel Maldonado and Julie M. Perez COPY CHIEF Andrea Calderon

ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu ABOUT

The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published weekly, in conjunction with the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send letters to runner@csub.edu. All

November 11, 2015

CRIME

October police log

The following is a sample of incident reports provided by the California State University, Bakersfield Police Department from Oct. 1 to Oct. 30 from the department’s crime log.

Vandalism: At around 9 a.m. on Oct. 1, vandalism of an item worth less than $400 occurred in Parking Lot H. Driving Without a License: At 10:40 a.m. on Oct. 5, a culprit was cited for driving with a suspended license on Don Hart Dr. Vandalism: At 8 a.m. on Oct. 5, vandalism of property worth more than $400 occurred in Faculty Towers.

Petty Theft: At 10:50 a.m. on Oct. 6, petty theft occurred in the Rec center.

Petty Theft: At 2:40 p.m. on Oct. 7, petty theft occurred in Parking Lot L. Hit & Run: At 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 8, a hit and run with property damage occurred in Parking Lot A. Hit & Run: At 7 a.m. on Oct. 8, a hit and run with property damage occurred on Stockdale Highway.

Petty Theft: At 9:15 a.m. on Oct. 9 a petty theft occurred in Modular East 2.

Petty Theft: At 11 a.m. on Oct. 10, a petty theft occurred in the University Police department.

Petty Theft: At 6 p.m. on Oct. 10, petty theft occurred in Dorothy Donahoe Hall.

Petty Theft: At 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 12, petty theft occurred in the library.

Driving without a License: At 9:45 p.m. on Oct. 13, a culprit was cited for driving with a suspended license on the bike path.

Petty Theft: At 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 16, petty theft occurred at the Marketplace.

Petty Theft: At 4 p.m. on Oct. 20, petty theft occurred in Science 1.

Hit & Run: At 11:55 a.m. on Oct. 20, a hit and run with property damage was reported in Parking Lot I. Petty Theft: At 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 22, petty theft occurred in the Romberg Nursing Center.

Petty Theft: At 2 p.m. on Oct. 22, petty theft occurred in Student Services.

Petty Theft: At 8 a.m. on Oct. 23, petty theft occurred in the University Police department.

Theft: At 10 a.m. on Oct. 23, theft of over $400 occurred in Dorothy Donahoe Hall.

Petty Theft: At 8:30 p.m. on Oct 22, petty theft occurred in the Rec Center.

Hit & Run: At 1 p.m. on Oct. 23, hit and run with property damage occurred in Parking Lot F. Petty Theft: At 7:50 a.m. on Oct. 27, petty theft occurred in Dorothy Donahoe Hall.

Robbery: At 10:40 a.m. on Oct. 27, second degree robbery occurred in Science 3.

Petty Theft: At 11:20 a.m. on Oct. 27, petty theft occurred in the library.

Drug Possession: At 11:35 p.m. on Oct. 28, a culprit was cited for possession of marijuana under 28.5 grams in Parking Lot I. letters must be signed and verified and be no more than 300 words in length.

Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

DISCLAIMERS

Views and opinions expressed in The Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Communications Department. The staff of The Runner reserves the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which many be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless.

The Runner does not accept tobaccorelated advertising.

COPYRIGHT

Copyright belongs to the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield.

3

Features

Campus Gamers level up CAMPUS

Choir ready for fall concert

MUSIC

By Heather Simmons Reporter

Bre Williams/The Runner

Attendees gather around a retro video game station, a Sega Genesis (foreground), located in The Roost to participate in CSUB’s Campus Gamers Extra Life fundraiser.

[EXTRA, Page 1]

They hosted tournaments for games such as Halo 4, Halo 5, Gears of War and Battlefield Hardline.

Gaming consoles varied from older consoles such Nintendo 64's and included new consoles such as Xbox Ones, as well as PC and Mac computers, which belonged to attendees.

Maynor Lopez, an event staff member, who was checking out the games noted that some of this year’s most popular checked out board and card games included Chess, Uno, Risk, Cards Against Humanity and Exploding Kittens.

Stacey Dalere, a 2015 CSUB alumna said that while she was too busy volunteering to enjoy participating some of the events throughout the day herself, her favorite part of the Extra Life marathon was the cosplay

contest because of the creativity involved in some of the costumes, as well as the diversity in characters.

Christopher Rann, a current CSUB student, said he liked the dedication of the players.

“Some groups had more players than others, but it was cool to see that even in the smaller groups as long as there were two players they kept the game going, had fun, and showed commitment,” he said.

There were booths selling video game gear such as key chains and lanyards with popular characters, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Pokemon. Paladins Game Castle had a booth in Dorothy Donohue Hall with different card game packs for sale, such as Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Magic the gathering. Dorothy Hall also hosted the card game for attendees such as Magic the

Join the staff

Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh, as well as the fighting, sports and racing games.

Extra Life donations continue until the end of the year, and students can still donate either by talking to Webb at his office in the CSUB Student Union, or by going to the Extra Life website at www.extra-life.org and searching for team Bakersfield.

Campus Gamers will also be making an appearance at the GameStop on Rosedale for the Star Wars Battlefront release where donations can be made towards Extra Life.

Campus Gamers will also be at the Maya Theater from Dec. 17 to Dec. 20 for the premier of the new Star Wars movie with playable Star Wars games and proceeds from any donations that day will also go towards Extra Life and benefit the Lauren Small Children’s Hospital.

of The Runner!

Are you a talented writer, photographer, artist or graphic designer and thinking to yourself “I can do that!” as you read this newspaper?

Perhaps you’re a wiz in business management, sales or marketing looking for some extra pocket money?

WE WANT YOU!

Sign up for COMM 214/414 today to join in the action!

November 11, 2015

CSU Bakersfield’s Doré Theatre will come to life with the sounds of the choir program’s fall concert on Saturday, Nov. 14 starting at 8 p.m.

This concert will feature performances by CSUB’s University Singers and Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Angel Vázquez-Ramos, who is new to CSUB this quarter.

“One of the most exciting personalities to appear on campus during my tenure…is that of Dr. Angel VázquezRamos,” said Dr. Robert Provencio, CSUB’s former choir director.

“He’s just a tremendous asset and someone who is going to take our choral program…to a whole new level.”

Choir students respond similarly.

“He’s doing an excellent job preparing us, motivating us and keeping us accountable,” said Jordan Espiritu, vice president of the CSUB Singers club.

The concert will also feature a combined choir that will include CSUB students, community members and students from high schools around Kern County. This festival choir will perform under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, an internationally recognized conductor and composer who acknowledges the importance of vocal music. “[Vocal] expression … is part of all humanity. It’s a gift to be enjoyed, developed and better understood,” said Dr. Stroope, who is the director of choral and vocal studies at Oklahoma State University. “I welcome the opportunity to combine forces with university and community groups to make this concert a success.”

Espiritu said that the concert will be “super exciting.”

“To have the high schoolers join us

for such a big-name star is a once-ina-lifetime chance. How many times can you say you performed with a prominent composer who’s still alive?”

The concert material will represent a variety of languages, styles and time periods, including songs in Latin, Spanish and Haitian, Renaissance pieces, contemporary choral music, and songs with lyrics by famous names in literature such as Charles Dickens and William Butler Yeats, as well as Dr. Stroope’s own compositions.

Dr. Vázquez-Ramos said that the concert pieces were selected to “develop us into the choir we want to be for the future.”

“I think this might be one of the best concerts we have [had] since I’ve been here, and I’m a junior now,” said Karina J. Ramirez, president of the CSUB Singers.

Dr. Vázquez-Ramos hopes that students who attend the concert will want to become involved in the program themselves.

“One of my dreams for our choir program is that it becomes an integral part of the student life…not only for music majors, but…students all across the campus.”

Dr. Provencio believes that the concert promises its audience more than just entertainment.

“In the world of choral music, there is unity, there is togetherness, there is the striving with each other to create a thing of beauty, and at the end there’s harmony… I think that we are changing hearts and minds always for the good. I think the world needs all the choral music it can get.”

This event is free to students with a CSUB ID, $5 for other students and seniors and $10 for general admission.

Tickets can be bought at the Box Office starting at 7 p.m. that evening.

4

Features

November 11, 2015

Goulding shares haunting vocals REVIEW

By Alejandra Flores Reporter

Ellie Goulding’s new album “Delirium” haunts you with her inimitable vocals and makes you want to get up and dance.

The British singer and songwriter released her 22-track filled album, 16 of which are new, this past Friday through Polydor Record.

“Delirium” is Goulding’s third studio album and not only is it captivating, but filled with pop stardom songs such as, “On My Mind,” “Holding On For Life” and “Don’t Panic,” which clearly describe the struggles of being in relationships while adding ruth-

lessly catchy pop beats.

This comes as no surprise since the singer has had two chart-topping albums and eight hit singles in the UK, and “Delirium” rising to the third spot on their charts as of now.

Goulding was first discovered back in 2011, when her single “Lights” became a hit on all music charts around the world.

The singer also teamed up with leading music producers and songwriters Ryan Tedder, frontman of the rock band OneRepublic, Greg Kurstin, who produced and co-wrote Adele’s new single “Hello” and Max Martin who is the man behind some of Taylor Swift’s hit singles.

CSUB honors student vets VETERANS

By Julianne Mau Reporter

In honor of Veteran’s Day, the CSU Bakersfield Veteran’s Affairs held a veteran voices luncheon for CSUB veterans to attend and discuss the resources that are offered.

The luncheon was held in the recreation center in the Solaro room. CSUB Veteran’s Affairs Student Veteran Intern Dr. Elizabeth Peisner planned the luncheon in hopes to “centralize all of these wonderful services we have on campus but from a student veteran need and perspective,” Peisner said.

This gave the opportunity for veterans to answer certain questions about resources that are offered at CSUB. Darius Riggins, director of university outreach said he “wants to make sure they are in contact with different things on campus that they can take advantage of, base upon that veteran status or something they are going through.”

CSUB veterans are able to be informed about the resources that are offered.

Many of the veterans appreciated the luncheon.

Benjamin Juarez, a biochemistry student who served in the

Marine Corps for eight years shared his thoughts on the luncheon.

“I did a job. I volunteered for the job. I went and did what I needed to do,” Juarez said. “Any little thing after that puts a spring in my heart.”

The athletic department is also hosting a men’s basketball game this Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. for heroes’ night, where CSUB will be honoring veterans and active duty military.

There is a discounted ticket rate for active duty, veterans and military family members.

CSUB wants to thank all the veterans local and far, for keeping our country safe.

Logan Belz, CSUB athletics department ticket associate sales person and graduate student said there will be multiple ways the veterans will be celebrated.

“The veterans that are inside the audience will be able to stand up and wave and the whole audience will give them an applause,” Belz said. “There will be a lot of activities before the game in front of the Icardo Center on campus. The V.A., the troops, the different platoons that the veterans are apart of can come.”

Although her last album “Halcyon” was also a dance floor hit, her new album “Delirium” focuses more on confidence and relationships; the intro even bridges the gap between the two albums.

Not surprisingly, Goulding took to social media the day the album was released to answer fan’s questions and share the meaning behind every song on the album.

For example, Goulding wrote that her song “Around U” is about the awkward early stages in a relationship.

Even the lyrics clearly describe the song, “Still looking up and down while you’re being mysterious I see really big things for

us…Everything that you say, god I wish I had said it first. And forgetting I had ever hurt.”

Despite the fact that Goulding’s new album wants to make you get up and dance, some of her more successful tracks get lost with others that do not connect with her album like “Lost And Found” and “Scream It Out” which are more of calm than her typical upbeat and electronic dance music songs.

However, this has not stopped the album from being a good album and reaching almost five stars on iTunes, which if you ask me says a lot about its quality. I would definitely recommend this album to other people.

Easy cooking for one in a mug FOOD

Photo from iTunes.com

By Janelle Reed Reporter

Karina Diaz/The Runner

A microwave, mug and some simple ingredients can make for a quick meal in a pinch.

Microwavable Meals in a Mug Recipes

Nachos Tortilla Chips 1 cup of Mexican Blend Cheese Toppings (optional): Meat Beans Salsa Guacamole Jalapeños

Lava Cake/Brownie 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tbsp water Few drops of vanilla extract Dash of salt 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 3 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1.) Layer cheese, chips, and toppings until the mug is full 2.) Microwave for 1 minute 3.) Add more cheese on top 4.) Microwave for 30 more seconds

1.) Mix water, oil, vanilla, and salt in a mug. Mix well.

2.) Add cocoa, sugar, and flour. Mix well.

3.) Microwave for 50 seconds.

4.) Add ice cream, chocolate chips, or chocolate syrup (optional).

College students often have limited food options when it comes to budget and time.

If they are living at home, they at least have the luxury of cooking on the stove, in the oven, or even on the BBQ; however, if they are living in the dorms, they don’t even get that.

They just have a microwave.

Cooking in a microwave is often something students don’t think about unless they are making popcorn or mac and cheese.

However, the microwave is a powerful tool, and when utilized, can provide you with some easy and delicious meals and snacks.

‘Microwavable Meals in a Mug’ is an online segment that The Runner began this quarter on their online news page.

As someone who cooks often at home, I know that the microwave is something easy, quick, and underappreciated.

So, I took it upon myself to show the World Wide Web how to make meal in a microwave using a coffee mug.

Why a coffee mug?

First of all, college students have them handy all the time.

We drink endless amounts of coffee.

Second of all, the material of the mug allows your food to heat thoroughly, ensuring your food heats up and cooks without any questions.

For your sweet tooth, you can find chocolate lava cake, and for your savory side, you can watch how I made cheesy sausage spaghetti.

If you just want a quick snack, make some nachos. All of these recipes are versatile, easy, and can be made in minutes.

Microwavable meals can be your saving grace when all you can use is a microwave.

Style app worth the purchase COLUMN

SUSTAINABLE STYLE: News editor and resident thrift store addict Patricia Rocha shares tips on how to stay stylish without breaking the bank or the planet.

I am not a fan of sponsored posts. I won’t click on them. I refuse to write them. If they show up in the feed of a blog or magazine I like, it makes me respect that publication just a little bit less.

But what happens when a sponsored app actually saves me money and does good?

Well, that’s a horse of a different color.

A few months ago, I was browsing Pinterest (as one does before the start of a school year when homework isn’t dominating all of one’s time) and I could not escape a sponsored ad for an app called “Stylebook.” Like I said before, I regard ads in my feed like spiders in my hair: they make me want to scream. I hate them.

The journalist in me got curious, however, and I took a stroll through the app’s review

section to learn all about this seemingly popular “spider.”

I haven’t forked over $4 so quickly in my life. The app basically acts as a virtual representation of your closet. You take photos of your clothing and sort them into their respective categories, (dresses, shoes, hats, etc.) and it allows you to enter information for each item so you can track the price per wear, fabric type, store you purchased from and a calendar to see how often you wear your items.

All of these are the basic functions of course, but my favorite part is the realization that comes from the first setup.

If you have a ton of clothing, it definitely seems a daunting task to take the time to photograph all of your stuff. For me, it was the push I needed to look at items and say, “Why am I wasting my time photo-

graphing this item? I don’t when I know exactly what I even wear this,” or “I forgot have. I know a lot of people about this shirt! I love this who shop when they need shirt!” something new for a party or All of the bells and whistles special event, but most of the of the app are fantastic, but time they already have stuff from a sustainability standthat will work, it just needs to point, it puts into perspective be revisited and made into difhow much money you’ve spent ferent looks. Most of us just on your wardrobe and how have too much stuff and we get much you actually need. away with it by shoving it in Personally, I wear a lot of the closet or laundry and ignorblack and very rarely accesing the problem. This app, sorize, so when I scrolled however, really puts shopping through my “closet” and saw and style habits into perspecso many unworn necklaces and tive in a really convenient way. bright sweaters, I knew I would have to make an effort to either work those into my style or gift them to someone who will actually appreciate them, and I know not to waste my time buying similar items in the future.

I also shop The Stylebook App’s ‘looks’ feature make it easy to make an outfit without trying things on. a lot less

RUNNER ON THE STREET

November 11, 2015

Opinions

5

By Annie Russell / Photos by Bre Williams

This week The Runner asked, “How do you feel about the food options on campus?”

Francisco Rodriguez 25, Spanish and Sociology

Daissy Dioran, 18, Communications

Maribel Moales, 18, Biology

“I like it. There is a wide variety of options.”

“I never eat on campus. I try to save money. I would eat on campus if there were better options.”

“I wish they had healthier choices.”

Mihael Vukic, age not given, Biochemistry “It’s expensive.

There’s a lot of disparity, I pay a lot and eat left overs. I don’t understand American business.”

Daniel Martinez, 19, Geology

“I haven’t eaten on campus. I wouldn’t eat here because of the prices. But if prices were lower I’d eat here.”

Quarter to Semester changes The Adventures of must be handled with care Runner,Nut and Kit STAFF EDITORIAL

COMIC

By Vyonna Maldonado

Quarter to semester changes loom over closer for students, faculty and administration alike. The coming shift in how CSU Bakersfield is academically structured will affect student life and the lives of those around you. Whether you like it or not, the change is coming and all members of this university will need to come to grips with those changes.

There are some unique challenges we will all face as CSUB attendees or faculty and some potential benefits to the transition. Taking both possibilities into account, we can all prepare for the future of this shift at CSUB. With a new structure for academics in play, the ramifications for sequential courses may be hazardous. Students currently struggle to obtain placement in upper division courses that are only offered in limited schedules. The potential to arrest a student’s coursework from the quarter to semester transition must not happen. If the university is pushing this change, it must make sure no students are left out in the academic cold. The want to transition should not supersede a student’s needs.

The term “transfer shock” refers to when a student from a semester system transfers to a quarter system and has trouble grasping the time frames of the new schedule. CSUB is voluntarily imposing this “transfer shock” to current students who are used to the quarter system.

The professors and faculty will also experience this.

Imagine a tenured professor who is used to 10-week quarters suddenly adding another month to their schedule. With this change, it is up to the administration to mitigate the impacts felt by any student or faculty who might experience this “shock.”

CSUB has outlined eight principles they will follow to try and alleviate any stress that may arise, but how effective those principles are, and the university’s adherence to them, remains to be seen.

While the doom and gloom of this massive shift in university structure seems to be paramount, the potential benefits might help balance out the transition.

The potential for more sections of courses has been touted in quarter to semester talks and literature.

This potential for more courses at more times should be paramount to any student. If the shift results in more availability of the classes you need, the growing pains will be worth it—unless of course you need those classes during that growing period—moving forward.

Coursework that lasts 15 weeks may also provide a richer learning opportunity.

Instead of accelerated bookwork that relies on stringent testing, a semester can offer opportunities to do large projects or more in depth research that a quarter could not.

The inevitable change is coming and the university as whole—students, faculty, and administration—must be prepared for the move.

Working on Black Friday can take a take a new toll on you

BLACK FRIDAY

By Marisel Maldonado Assistant Photo Editor

It is now November, which means that the biggest holiday season of the year is among us. It’s the time of year when families and friends get together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. The time of year when cheer is at an all time high. Some people do not get the privilege to enjoy the holidays or like me, have grown apathetic.

I have a part-time job during the school year. When it is time for the holiday season, I usually am required to work. I have had to work every holiday at least once for the past two years and because of this I have grown unmoved towards the holiday cheer. We all have some sort of financial struggle or we just want a little extra cash, which is why we usually don’t have a say when we are required to work the holidays. I usually would get off of work too late to do anything or would tend to miss out on my family and friends’ holiday plans. Missing out on festivities is unfair.

During the school year students work hard, so they deserve a break. Students go through tests, essays, projects, presentations, and many other assignments. It can be stressful and many of us look forward

to those winter and summer breaks.

During those breaks, students gain back their peace and have the chance to get together with their loved ones. It is their chance to enjoy themselves before having to go back to school, especially on holidays. If they are forced to work during their breaks, they don’t get that opportunity to refresh themselves.

Another important reason, it is unfair to work on holidays because it may interfere with students’ faith and religious beliefs.

Christmas is a holiday that carries a special meaning for the Christian community. It is the most important day of the year for us. It is a time to be thankful and

reflect on the past year. It is a time of worship. There are some people who may ask for that day off specifically because it contradicts their beliefs to work on Christmas. However, some businesses and companies still require all employees to work or else their hours will be cut. At my job we are not allowed to ask for any of the major holidays off. Christmas used to be my favorite holiday but after being forced to work and cancel out all other plans, I grew apathetic towards the Christmas cheer.

End of the year holidays should be enjoyed by all, and people should not be forced to work them.

The Runner Online Check out the website to stay informed on happenings during the holidays with the new CSUB sponsored events calendar.

BY JASON GABRIEL/THE RUNNER

Students need to the transition into their own hands. Do not go into an advising meeting expecting all the answers put before you.

Have knowledge of the transitional changes, and don’t leave the meeting until your questions are answered or you are satisfied with the information you have gathered.

If a student is stressed out, the advising staff has to deal with thousands of stressed out students.

CSUB administration must prepare for the future of this change too. If the quarter to semester change goes smoothly than all the applause will be warranted.

They must also prepare for the potential backlash that students will have, and not merely wash their hands of some undesirable voices.

Sports

November 11, 2015

6

CSUB makes strides in WAC tourney WOMEN’S SOCCER

By Esteban Ramirez and Joe Macias The Runner Staff

The season for the CSU Bakersfield’s women’s soccer team came to an end on Friday as it fell in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference Tournament to topseeded Seattle University, 2-0 at the Main Soccer Field.

“It’s hard to put into words what (the seniors) have done,” said CSUB coach Gary Curneen. “I think the most important thing I can give them is that they’re great people.”

Despite the team not being able to make it further in the tournament, Curneen feels the team has made leaps in the 2015 season and in the WAC Tournament.

“There have been improvements all over the board,” he said. “There have been tangible improvements in wins, goals scored, better performances and there have been improvements in the caliber of player… There have been improvements a whole way from a soc-

AJ Alvarado/The Runner

Redshirt-freshman midfielder Alexa Orrante fights for possession of the ball with Seattle’s freshman forward Karli White on Friday, Nov. 6 at the Main Soccer Field.

cer [standpoint].”

Curneen added that the consistency of the team was improved and the culture within the team was much improved.

To start the tournament the No. 5 seed CSUB Roadrunners beat No. 4 seed New Mexico State University Aggies, 2-1 on Thursday in the first round of the WAC Tournament.

Redshirt-freshman midfielder Alexa Orrante sparked the team with a goal on a penalty kick at the 69th minute.

Then, redshirt-freshman forward Aminah Settles gave the team some insurance with a goal at the 75th minute to punch their ticket into the semifinals of the WAC Tournament.

However, once in the semifinals, CSUB fell to Seattle thanks to the Redhawks outshooting the Roadrunners, 152.

Senior defender Kiana Kraft scored the first goal for Seattle at the 39th minute and senior forward Julia Moravec scored the second goal at the 83rd minute to ice the game.

The Roadrunners finished their season with a 6-12-3 record and gave the program its first postseason win but also tied the record for most wins in a season at Division I. Senior defender Taylor Wheeler said it was a great year to end her career at CSUB on.

“Making it that far in the tournament, it was something that any player who has been here has always dreamed of, so it was great to end on and I was just super happy with this here,” she said.

In her final game as a Roadrunner, Wheeler broke the school record for most career starts (80).

“It’s amazing,” she said. “I never thought I would come here and break a record like that. I couldn’t have done it without my coaches, my trainers and just anybody who has supported me.”

Wheeler said that this team is pretty young and has so much potential.

“I’m super excited to see how they are going to do these next few years,” she said.

Karina Diaz/The Runner

The CSUB women’s soccer team celebrates a goal against first-round opponent New Mexico State on Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Main Soccer Field. The Roadrunners beat the Aggies, 2-1.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S SOCCER

CSUB rolls past Bristol in exhibition game CSUB nets

By Joe Macias Reporter

In its first game of the season, the CSU Bakersfield men’s basketball team beat Bristol University 108-63 in an exhibition game on Nov. 7 at the Icardo Center.

“Well, we’re glad to get back to the floor.

We still got a lot of work to improve on,” said CSUB head coach Rod Barnes.

“We got a lot of new guys on our team and it going to take us a little while to be what we know that we can be but it’s a good team, got good chemistry, have very good pieces but we got to play the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”

The Roadrunners had an attacking presence throughout the game and played with a high tempo-fast-paced offense.

They shot 59.4 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from outside the three-point.

CSUB’s junior guard Dedrick Basile finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists “I think we really improved defensively,” said senior forward Kevin Mays. “Like helping each other out, communicating and hedging screens.

“We shot the ball a lot better than we’ve been shooting.”

The Roadrunners forced 22 turnovers and had 12 steals in

the game.

The biggest contributor for the Roadrunners was redshirt freshman guard Damiyne Durham who had 27 points.

Durham shot 10-19 overall and 7-13 from beyond the threepoint line.

Durham is a transfer from Baylor where he redshirted a season there.

“I think we are a really good offensive team,” said senior center Aly Ahmed.

“We just need to get everybody in the mix you know.

We just can’t have like one or two mistakes every play.

“We’re working on that and I think we’re getting better every day and this team looks really good so I think we’re going to have a great year.”

CSUB is now looking to take this game and transition the good play into the season.

This is what the Roadrunners needed to lift them and show what kind of team they are this year.

“I think (this game) kind of gives us confidence to know that we’ve got a lot of good pieces,” said Barnes. “But like I said we’ve got a lot of work still.

“We’ve got to defend better (and) we’ve got to rebound better.”

The Roadrunners will play next on Nov. 14 against San Diego Christian University at 7 p.m. at the Icardo Center.

No. 5 spot in tourney

By Esteban Ramirez Editor-in-Chief

108

63

Marisel Maldonado/The Runner

CSUB’s redshirt-junior guard Jaylin Airington goes up to tip the ball in against Bristol University from Anaheim on Saturday, Nov. 7 in the Icardo Center.

The CSU Bakersfield men’s soccer team tied with San Jose State University on Saturday, 0-0.

With the point from that draw, the Roadrunners clinched a playoff spot in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament.

On Nov. 8, it was announced that the Roadrunners (7-5-5, 43-3 WAC) had received the No. 5 seed and will play the No. 4 seed Houston Baptist University (9-8-1, 5-4-1 WAC) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The WAC Tournament is at Kansas City, MO. CSUB played Houston Baptist on Oct. 30 and the Roadrunners beat the Huskies, 4-2.

CSUB’s goals came from senior midfielder Christian Duarte, sophomore defender Jamie Carey-Morrell, senior forward Simon Doherty and redshirtsophomore forward Julian Zamora.

Zamora leads the Roadrunners in goals with eight and points with 16.

Doherty leads the team in assists with six.

Junior goalkeeper Nicolas Clever has had 47 saves, three shutouts this year and is 5-4-4 this year.

The Huskies are led by sophomore forward Marcelo Acuna who has had 10 goals this year.

Redshirt-freshman goalkeeper Chance Pope has 43 saves and is 8-3-1 this year.