The Runner 12-5-2018

INSIDE: Pg. 4• Construction underway on challenge course

Pg. 6 • Troubles with graduating on time

California State University, Bakersfield

Pg. 10 • Rickey Holden continues to grow as leader

Vol. 44, No. 8

Dec. 5, 2018

thinkin’ of a master plan...

Illustration by Miguel Fabian and Aqsa Khan/The Runner

PLANS

Thoughts and ideas being gathered for future of campus

By Fernanda Martinez and Karen Nannery Runner Staff This semester, CSU Bakersfield president Dr. Lynnette Zelezny, has held a series of open forums to hear students, faculty, staff, and community members voice ideas and opinions about what is needed to move the university forward.

All the feedback received will be used to create the university’s strategic plan, which will outline three to five goals that will be the priorities for the coming years.

“When I was hired as the university president, I was charged with working with the internal and the external community here at CSUB, in Bakersfield and largely

@csub_runner

in Kern County to create a collective vision,” said Zelezny.

She believes that the priorities should be framed underneath the three drivers printed on the university’s seal – excellence, community, and partnerships.

Excellence represents focus on student and faculty success, because that is whom the university serves.

Community represents the university’s mission to “serve Kern County,” said Zelezny. “Our responsibility is to think about developing the workforce for the community. That’s why the university is here to make sure that students have those opportunities and that they are prepared for them and that they continue to be

leaders as they go out and serve, because 70 percent of our students stay in Kern County.”

Zelezny said the third driver is partnerships, because forming the strategic plan is work that is done as a team.

“This is a collective vision, and that’s why we are really listening carefully and we are receiving lots of feedback,” Zelezny said.

In higher education, shared governance is about listening to students, faculty and community, said Zelezny. That is why she sees it as critical for her to offer different methods to listen and speak with everyone.

Along with the open forums, Zelezny has also held conversations with faculty alone, and

facebook.com/runnercsub

Runner Walk and Talks, which are helpful to the strategic plan but also for short term things that students can get her help on.

“That has a double win. It’s so that students have time with me, and they don’t have to think that I’m not going to be able to hear what their problems are or their thoughts are,” she said.

Thoughts, opinions, and ideas have all come from students, faculty, alumni, community members, and administrators from schools in the county who have talked about different ways in which the university might move forward collectively.

The feedback so far has covered many broad topics.

Veteran students, like Ulyses

@therunner_csub

Rodriguez, have been giving Zelezny ideas for what is needed in the current campus veteran center. Students from the campus club United Now For Immigrant Rights have also attended all of the open forums to express the need for a DACA resource center.

Zelezny has said that regardless of the strategic plan, a resource center is something the university needs.

Associated Students, Inc. has also been present in open forums to voice ideas. ASI president Ashley Schmidt stated that there is a need for improvement in the mental health resources available to students.

See PLAN, Page 4

@csubrunnernews

News

2

The Runner

Dec. 5, 2018

JUSTICE

Rule change to define sexual assault

By Karen Nannery Reporter On Nov. 16, U.S Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos released a proposal for a rule change to Title IX. This rule change would define sexual harassment and misconduct under Title IX. What does that mean for all college and university students?

According to a press release from the Department of Education, in defining sexual harassment and misconduct, the department would affect the ways in which a student reports that behavior, and how a school responds to it.

The department argues the change will provide due process protection for both parties involved. The proposed change will require colleges and universities to have a formal hearing where both parties are cross-examined by an advisor.

The rule would not permit for any confrontation between the parties.

“Every survivor of sexual violence must be taken seriously, and every student accused of sexual misconduct must know that guilt is not predetermined,” said Devos.

DeVos goes on to say that schools must not condone sexual

violence, and that those who perpetrate these acts must still be allowed due process.

The ultimate goal of the proposed rule change to Title IX is to ensure that the grievance proceedings “become more transparent, consistent, and reliable in their processes and outcomes,” said DeVos. This proposed rule change will be open for public comment for 60 days from the date it was published in the federal register.

When asked how these proposed changes would affect students here at CSU Bakersfield, Dr. Debra Jackson, interim Associate Dean of Graduate and Undergraduate studies said “the proposed changes would limit campuses to responding only to complaints that happen on campus. Because very few CSUB students live on campus, nearly all of the complaints made are based on incidents that occur off campus.

If these proposed changes are imposed, CSUB would no longer be required to investigate those complaints, and thus the affected students would no longer have a right to campus services.”

Jackson explained that since CSUB began requiring students, staff and faculty to complete Title

Photo from Gage Skidmore

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos speaking at the 2017 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland.

IX training in 2015, students are more aware of the consequences of sexual misconduct and victims have significantly better resources available to them.

“As a university, we want to make sure we are creating a

comfortable environment for individuals to report should they encounter sexual assault and sexual misconduct on campus,” said CSUB Chief Diversity Officer and Title IX Coordinator, Claudia Catota.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct on campus, it should be reported immediately to University Police Department, and an administrative complaint should be filed with the President’s Office.

POLLUTION

Fires further affect air quality in San Joaquin Valley

By Karen Nannery Reporter With all of the wildfires that have been ravaging California in the last month, it is no wonder that the air quality of and near the CSU Bakersfield campus is suffering.

Thankfully, Student Health Services has not reported any student visits where the air quality has directly caused health issues according to Erika Delamar, associate director.

However, that does not mean that the air quality will not continue to fluctuate. Even with the rain that Bakersfield has gotten recently, the air quality should still be monitored.

Danielle Choi from the San

editorial staff Volume 44, Issue 8 The Runner California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 Telephone: 661-654-2165 Email: runner@csub.edu ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu

Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District explains that after a wildfire the air quality depends on the atmospheric conditions.

“The Bakersfield area is shaped like a bowl, and high pressure traps in the poor-quality air that we are experiencing. As where a low-pressure system and wind helps to clear out the smoke and improve air quality,” said Choi.

Choi explained that air quality also depends on the season.

Winter months are known to have higher particulate matter, while summer months bring harmful ozone-layer pollutants to the lower atmosphere.

“The best thing that students can do is go to our website and check the air quality before going outside. There is even an app that

“The Bakersfield area is shaped like a bowl, and high pressure traps in the poor-quality air that we are experiencing.”

Danielle Choi, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District they can download for iOs or Android,” said Choi.

That information can be found at www.myraan.org.

According to the California Air Resources Board and the Environmental Protection Agency, “the biggest health threat from smoke is fine particles.” These are particles that are so small they are impossible to see, but that doesn’t stop them from getting into your eyes and respiratory system.

It is important to be cautious and conscious of the air quality if you suffer from chronic heart or lung diseases because they can be aggravated by fine airborne particles.

The recent rains will help tamp down ash and soot from the fires.

But in an agricultural and industrial city like Bakersfield, there is no way to clear the air completely.

If the poor air quality is causing a student illness or exacerbating

an existing condition, masks are available at Student Health Services, however Choi does not recommend them.

“Masks should be fitted to be effective. Most masks don’t fit everyone, especially children.

The best thing to do, if you are sensitive, is to stay indoors and monitor the air quality if you have to go out. Staying inside with a HVAC filter system is our recommendation,” said Choi.

Other tips from the American Lung Association include checking the pollution forecast and avoiding exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high.

Another tip is to use less energy at home, because excess energy consumption causes pollution and poor air quality as well.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Peter Castillo

PHOTO EDITOR Skylar Carrasco

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Marisa Gamez

MARKETING MANAGER Evelyn Andrade

DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Dylan Bryant

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Veronica Morley

NEWS EDITOR Fernanda Martinez

PODCAST EDITOR Sandra Merino

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send letters to runner@csub.edu. All letters must be signed, verified, and be no more than 300 words in length.

Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

FEATURES EDITOR Chelsea McDowell

COPY CHIEF Danielle Sandbulte

OPINIONS EDITOR Norma Hernandez

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Jasmine Pantoja

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 reserve the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which may be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless.

SPORTS EDITOR Johnathan Wheatley

ABOUT US The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published biweekly, in conjuction with the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield.

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

News

The Runner

3

Dec. 5, 2018

HOUSING

Fire sprinkler activated in Juniper Hall

By Dylan Bryant Digital Managing Editor Fifty to 60 students living in Juniper Hall were relocated to a local hotel after a fire alarm was set off on the night of Sunday, Nov. 25, triggering the emergency sprinkler system and causing water damage to the building and it’s electrical system.

University Police received the call at 9:48 p.m., leading to the evacuation and immediate condemnation of the building.

The sprinkler system was activated in the lobby area of the fourth floor of Juniper Hall, near the elevators. According to CSUB Housing Director Crystal Becks, a two-inch-thick layer of water accumulated on the floor of the fourth floor before it rushed down the elevator shaft and into the lobby area of the first floor.

“Probably that sprinkler ran for anywhere from five to 10, maybe even 13 minutes,” said Chief of University Police Martin Williamson.

“The city fire department was on scene and they called out their building inspector. He basically

was of the opinion that it wasn’t safe. The water had filtered into the electrical boxes at least on the third floor, maybe the second floor, and the water had also got into some of the lighting fixtures as well,” said Williamson.

Those involved said the damage could have been much worse had it not been for a fast response.

“A very quick response from the first responders on the situation saved us tons of money, because it could have been much worse,” said Becks.

Williamson reiterated this message. “When I got there, within 20 or 30 minutes of the activation, the damage was happening… by everyone taking the actions we did, I think we saved potential damage, which in turn results in money,” he said.

Despite this effort, the cost of the repairs has risen to nearly six figures. “I think the last figure that I was at was $80,000, and that’s still climbing. I’m hoping that our insurance is able to cover it, but I’m working with safety and risk to settle that out,” said Becks.

The question of who will be stuck with the bill will be depen-

dent on the results of an investigation by UPD into the cause of the debacle. While the department has no leads, they do know that the sprinkler head turned on as a result of damage to the head itself, and not as a result of smoke or an alarm being pulled.

“We don’t know this and they’re still looking into it, but it had to be one of two things: either a defective sprinkler, or some sort of act that whether intentionally or unintentionally busted that sprinkler-head. That’s what is trying to be determined now,” said Williamson.

Students waited outside Juniper Hall for roughly an hour after the evacuation, until being moved into the Multi-purpose room in the Student Union. From there, some students were relocated into other dormitories, while many others waited until 4 a.m. to be moved to Homewood Suites just south of campus.

According to Juan Miranda, front desk associate at Homewood Suites, the university rented 26 rooms to house the students on Monday morning. The hotel honored a negotiated rate of $100 per

room to house the students.

Blaine Bowers, an undeclared freshman living in Juniper Hall, was at the library working on a paper when the alarm was set off.

By the time he got back, “there were police cars and everyone had evacuated the building,” said Bowers.

He said students were then let into the building with an escort in order to retrieve any essential belongings before being relocated.

Mikaila Clay, a freshman living in Juniper Hall, was in her room on the fourth floor when the alarm went off. She was relocated to Homewood Suites.

“We thought it was a fire. My roommate was in the shower so I had to throw her clothes,” said Clay.

While she doesn’t think that any of her property was damaged, Clay said she only slept for three hours, and missed most of her classes Monday because of the incident.

“I emailed all my professors and they were understanding,” said Clay. “I’m just happy my stuff isn’t ruined.”

By 1 p.m. the following day,

students were being let back into their rooms in Juniper. Now, housing officials and campus police are working on determining the cause of the incident.

According to Becks, the possible consequences for any student who is found liable range from a warning to being forced to pay restitution. Which one of those outcomes occurs is dependent on the circumstances surrounding the truth being revealed.

“Generally when students are honest and they come forward, this is an educational space, and it’s our is goal for them to learn through the process… If someone was honest about it, it’s more likely that they would face probation or some sort of service to the community. They may be pulled into the repair efforts. But our ultimate goal is for students to graduate from here, and it’s not to give them a bill that’s going to impede them from being a student at CSUB,” said Becks.

She encourages anyone with any information surrounding the event to come forward.

What’s Happening Around Campus December 5 Spanish Conversation Table 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Library, Ablin Room 8 CSUB Women’s Swim vs. Fresno 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Hillman Aquatic Center

14 Fuel for Finals 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

SU Lounge M.A.G.E.C. Toy Drive 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Rohan Hall, Ground Floor

10 Zen Zone 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Full Solario de Fortaleza

16 CSUB Holiday Concert 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Dore Theatre, Albertson Room

12 Relaxation Station 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

SU, Green Room

17 Coffee with the Professor 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Library, Dezember Room

MECHA Coffee and Concha Sale 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

DDH East, Outside Women Rock 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

SRC, Rock Wall 13 Hot Cocoa Bar 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

SU Lounge

19 CSUB Men’s Swim vs. UNLV 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Hillman Aquatic Center CSUB Women’s Swim vs UNLV 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Hillman Aquatic Center Fab Lab Hours: Tues: 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Wed: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thur: 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Fri: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sat: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Calendar sponsored by School of Natural Science, Mathematics, and Engineering and School of Arts and Humanities. To be included, contact jburger1@csub..edu.

Read us daily at TheRunnerOnline.com

News

4

The Runner

Dec. 5, 2018

FITNESS

Creating a higher level of team building

By Rylee Smith Reporter Think about the other members of your student organization, or your coworkers. Are you ready to trust them at a height of 32 feet?

The new Student Recreation Center Challenge Course is coming, so soon you’ll have a chance to find out.

CSU Bakersfield is in the process of building a new rope challenge course, where student groups or teams, nonprofits, local businesses, and other local groups can work on team-building exercises in a physically active environment.

The development process has been going on for about three and a half years now, with Outdoor Adventures Coordinator Marshall McArthur leading the planning.

This is not the first time that CSUB has had a program for developing teamwork while tackling physical challenges. The Challenge Program has been around since McArthur’s arrival at the university, using portable equipment while the team waited for the official course to be built.

Some of the makeup of the course is being kept confidential, since the exercises are not as effective if teams know what they will be doing beforehand.

“We don’t want people to know

everything,” McArthur says.

However, there will be two levels of height, with the lower level set at 20 feet above the ground, and the higher level at 35 feet.

Activities will include various options for exiting the course, such as belaying down from the top and a “quick jump” option, where participants are clipped into a harness and jump off of the platform.

Although challenge is in the name, and therefore participants are encouraged to try new things, McArthur says that all of the activities are completely voluntary.

“We call it a challenge by choice. We’re not gonna force people. We want people to try the challenges, and we want them to be in an environment that’s emotionally and psychologically safe,” he says.

The course will be finished with construction and employee training in February, with plans to open soon afterward. However, it will not open until the team is sure that all facilitators are ready to provide a quality experience, says McArthur.

Costs factored in include the facility itself, fencing, sidewalk, and other practical considerations.

“When all is said and done,” says Mary O’Mahoney, director of the SRC, “It adds up to about $600,000. This came from student

Rylee Smith/The Runner

Outdoor Adventures Coordinator Marshall McArthur looks over the challenge course construction map on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018.

fees in the SRC reserves.”

Unlike other features of the SRC, the Challenge Course is not specifically for CSUB students, though students are encouraged to enjoy it. Instead, it is available to the CSUB community and Bakersfield community alike.

Groups must have a minimum of

eight people. A two and half hour program costs $80 for the entire group, with an additional $10 per person over eight.

Asna Rupano, a student manager on duty at the SRC, says that SRC employees are looking forward to trying the course together.

“It’s gonna be great because

there’s been no physical place for team building for student groups. We didn’t have anything within arms reach. Now I think [the course] will be a good way to make sure students have a positive experience on campus.”

PLANS

Zelezny aims to complete strategic plan by May [PLAN, Page 1] “The idea is to have everyone feel they’ve been asked to share and that no one in the end will say that they didn’t have an opportunity,” said Zelezny. “Everyone should have an opportunity because their voice really does matter. It gets put into our database so that we actually have a matrix of the ideas.”

Zelezny plans for the first strategic plan draft to be completed sometime in late February or early March of next year. All the data and ideas collected will be given to the strategic planning committee who will have the first chance to draft what they see as the themes.

“My charge to the strategic planning committee will be three to five major goals, and then we will work on the specifics underneath them. Each goal will have people that are responsible for making sure the goal moves forward and we make progress on that goal,” said Zelezny.

This will be the framework for the university strategic plan. Strategic plans for athletics, student affairs, and academic affairs will roll out of the university strategic plan. Zelezny said those divisions will be overseen by the vice presi-

dents of the university.

With a new strategic plan also comes an updated master plan. It is important to remember that the master plan is different from the strategic plan.

According to CSUB Vice President and CFO of Business and Administrative Services, Thom Davis, the master plan is the facilities plan which includes the buildings, roads, and landscaping on campus.

“The master plan serves as the guide to provide the facilities to efficiently and effectively support the strategic plan and related academic programs, student services and other campus priorities.”

Zelezny said that the master plan has to be approved by the CSU Board of Trustees.

“Our next building that we have been approved for is the Energy and Engineering Innovation Center,” said Zelezny.

The center is approved for the 2019-2020 academic school year and has been in the works since former president Dr. Horace Mitchell was around.

The master plan that currently exists for the CSUB campus has not been updated since 2008.

Much has changed on campus in the last ten years.

“When I first came people were asking ‘when is my new nursing building going to get built?’ and this was my very first day and I said ‘nursing building? I don’t see a nursing building on the master plan’ and they said ‘oh yes we were promised a nursing building,’” said Zelezny.

Currently, Zelezny said that they are seeing if it would make sense for the university to more closely align with its major pipeline community college, Bakersfield College.

“Would it make sense for us to be thinking about our master plan so that students can more easily go to a satellite Bakersfield College on our land, and then be here to transfer into their major and get their four year degree?” asked Zelezny. “There’s some conversations about that, this is the time for bold ideas.”

In the end, the strategic plan will reveal details about the land that CSUB has to work with, like what needs to be constructed or even renovated. Zelezny noted that the old performing arts building is one that really needs renovation.

Another concern is the increasing population on campus.

Zelezny said that her job and position description stated that the

university could grow to 18,000.

However, when that might happen is not clear.

According to the office of Admissions and Records, the spring 2018 semester saw a total enrollment of 10,082 students. Zelezny said that the strategic plan will also explain how to bring in more classrooms, more faculty and parking if the enrollment starts to grow more rapidly.

“We are so short on faculty offices, that we have seven, eight, nine, 10 part-time faculty sharing offices,” Nursing Chair and Academic Senate Chair Deborah Boschini explained.

The lack of facilities for faculty affects student’s productivity, as well as their confidentiality, explained Boschini.

“When students want to talk to us about barriers they are experiencing outside of school, that’s confidential, and when you are sharing an office with other faculty members, imagine trying to work. It’s not respectful to students who need our full attention and I don’t think we are going to get from students the type of openness and the type of discourse that would really move them along faster.”

“We can’t just leave the build-

ings as they are and then open it up to eight thousand more, that would make for a really poor leadership,” said Zelezny. “So there has to be a lot of staging so that students have all the resources, and faculty have their resources and offices.”

After all drafts are completed, the next step is to build a comprehensive capital campaign. That means raising the money for the resources and facilities needed.

The new strategic plan will also detail what will come from state funds, foundation money, or philanthropic sponsorships and support.

“I’m so excited that we are on schedule and I think it’s going to be a great plan, but also the capital campaign will likely be rolled out just about the time that we celebrate our 50th anniversary, so it will be a great community splash and celebration,” said Zelezny.

Around the new year, Zelezny said a timeline will be available on the university’s website of the process of the strategic plan.

The plan will frame how to move forward with the comprehensive campaign, which will begin to see some work in May 2019.

The Runner

Features

5

Dec. 5, 2018

GRADUATION

Four reasons why students won’t graduate in four years

By Norma G. Hernandez Opinions Editor On Oct. 17, 2018, The California State University System put out a press release indicating that graduation rates in the CSU schools are improving due to the Graduation Initiative 2025.

“That is the system wide initiative to raise our graduation rates, so we have several targets to achieve for four to six-year graduation rates for first time students and for transfer students.

We are intending to achieve those targets by the year 2025,” said Dr. Vernon Harper, associate vice president for academic programs.

CSUB has slowly been able to improve their four-year graduation rates for first-time freshmen, according to the data collected from the Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment (IRPA).

“Six-year graduation rates are improving…the four-year rates are kind of stalled,” said Dr. Jenny J. Zorn, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

College students are expected to graduate in four years, but why is it so important?

April King, a former CSUB academic adviser for the Academic Advising and Resource Center (AARC), spent time talking to students on the importance to graduate in four years.

“College is not meant to be this long-term thing. It’s supposed to be a stopping point in your career.

The longer you prolong college, guess what, you’re prolonging the start of your career as well,” said King.

Students who stay longer also must think of the financial consequences of delaying their graduation date.

“It’s going to cost them less money to do it in four years,” said Zorn.

According to a study by Complete College America, the organization behind the “15 to Finish” campaign, it could cost a student who attends a public four-year college, $22,826 for every extra year, on average.

For some students, graduating college in four years isn’t realistic and there could be many factors that play into it. Here are some reasons why a student wouldn’t graduate in the expected time and what they can do about it.

15 units a semester In order to graduate from CSUB, students need 120 units in total.

To be considered a full-time student, students need to take at least 12 units a semester. However, only taking the required number of units could do more harm than good.

“The way to graduate in four years is 15 units a semester, 30 units a year,” said King.

When King would meet with students, she said one of the most frequent comments she heard was that parents would encourage their children to only take the required number of units to be considered full-time because they don’t want their children becoming too overwhelmed.

“They hear 15 units and they kind of panic about the weight of that course load… ‘Oh my gosh I can’t handle 15 units’ and they have parents reinforcing that,” said King. “So those types of students just have this fixed mindset that they’re going to go at their own pace, they’re going to take their time, and they don’t care if they graduate in four years. They just want to get a degree.”

King believes parents should not be too involved in the decision making process of choosing classes.

“In terms of parent involvement, in general it should just be support. This is the time where students are really finding themselves and finding out how to discern and answer how to navigate problems,” said King.

However, if students take 15 units a semester, it’s important that they pass their classes.

“The students also have a responsibility, as well in terms of making sure that they pass their classes,” said Harper. “All students are required to have 120 units to graduate, so the fewer classes that students have to retake gives them a better chance to graduate in four years.”

Although, it’s not always the student’s or parent’s fault for why they can’t take 15 units. Sometimes unexpected events happen that can take a toll as well. Zorn’s department understands that sometimes life can get in the way of finishing college.

“Many of our students are working full-time or they have families, so they can only go part-time to school, so they’re not going to finish in four years,” said Zorn.

King finds that in situations where a student has no control, it’s best take care of themselves first.

“Patience is the key and not pushing themselves past their limits,” said King. “At least they can do 12 units a semester and figure out where to put those excess. It’s literally a math game.

You can do 12 [units] in the fall, 12 in the spring, and then six in the summer.”

A major doesn’t define a career Students may feel unsure of their career decisions and their

capabilities.

“Most students are like “oh yeah I want to graduate in four years.”

The students that don’t, typically they don’t know what kind of career they want. They’re pretty lost from the very beginning.

There’s a lot of ambivalences about being in college in the first place from these students. There’s a lot of lack of self-efficacy in their capabilities,” said King.

“Not meeting with their advisors, just taking classes willy-nilly, so taking classes that don’t meet requirements.”

When students become unsure of themselves and their career prospects, they also tend to change majors frequently. A brief report from the Education Department’s National Center for Education Statistics, found that about 1 in 10 students will change their majors more than once.

“The first thing I usually do is demystify them of the myth that their major determines their careers. It doesn’t,” said King.

“Majors [are] not this deterministic end all be all be thing but instead something that they’re passionate about.”

Financial hardships “[It certainly does happen that] students that end up in a circumstance where their financial limitations impacts their ability to graduate in four, six years,” said Harper.

According to data from the 2017/18 Academic Year California Resident Fees, students will pay $7,146.00 per academic year.

This amount is only counting state university tuition and campus fees. Students still need to pay for housing, whether that be on or off-campus, books and supplies, parking permits, bills and food.

Some students just can’t afford it all.

“Even if they had financial aid, it might not cover the whole thing and [they] just couldn’t afford to come back,” said Zorn.

Working part-time can help relieve some of the spare costs of school, but King says it becomes difficult managing both work and school.

“They should only work between 20-30 hours and it should also entail some type of understanding from your employer that you’re a student first,” said King. “If you don’t have to work, don’t.”

Transferring Transferring can cause a delay in a student’s graduation date if the student isn’t taking the steps they need to prevent it.

“If they go to a private school it’s going to be completely different, if they go out of state it’s

going to be completely different, if they go to a UC it’s going to be completely different,” said King.

If students plan to transfer, they need to speak with advisers from both institutions to make sure the transfer is as smooth as possible and to make sure a student can transfer.

“So there’s steps. Do they accept upper or lower division transfers meaning do you to be a junior or can you be below a junior? Do they have any prerequisites? Have I met them? It really requires a lot of proactivity on a student’s part,” said King.

How CSUB is supporting their students “What we need to do as an organization is constantly look at ourselves and make sure that we’re doing everything that we can to support student’s progress to graduation in four years,” said Harper Zorn and her department are currently working on a strategy to help CSUB students.

Midterm break assessment is a strategy where professors take notice of at-risk students in their classes to inform an advisor during the midterm of the semester to get them the help they need.

“Midterm time, faculty can look at their roster and check off any students that maybe could benefit from an advisor contacting them and saying they look like they’re kind of at risk,” said Zorn. “We have resources on campus to help them with.”

Processing graduation checks earlier can also help students become aware of the classes they

Artwork by Iyana Haggins

still need to take. Graduation checks are applications to graduate that must be filed two semesters ahead of time.

“We’re working on processing grad checks sooner. So, when you get to be a junior, you need to submit a grad check and we check and make sure you’re on track.

[We] give you time so if you’re missing something that you’re not thinking about, that you can have a chance to get that course in your senior year,” said Zorn.

Zorn also said that they started using block scheduling on certain majors last fall for incoming freshmen. Students are given their schedules to make sure that they are taking 15 units.

“If [students] only took 12 units then they’re not going to graduate on time, but we’re seeing those units increase,” said Zorn.

In 2017, CSUB’s AARC began encouraging students to complete 15 units and the message seems to have made an impact.

“The provost has made considerable investments to make sure that there were enough sections for students to take classes in order to graduate,” said Harper.

At the end of the day, if students want to graduate in four years, the first step is taking the initiative.

“Make sure you talk to your [staff and faculty] advisor and make sure that you know your paths to graduation. I don’t want them to be here longer if they can get out in four years, if they have everything they need then graduate. Don’t stay if you don’t have to,” said Zorn.

Features

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Dec. 5, 2018

The Runner

RELIGION

The new church on the block

By Jayson Edgerle Reporter With finals on the horizon, this is the perfect time for some students to go to their religious institution of choice to appeal to a deity for a miracle of sorts to grant them a passing grade. For those of the Christian faith, a new group has come together to form a church.

The Runner Campus Church is a recent addition to the campus, it’s first sermon held on Oct. 24, 2018. Started by Caleb Morin, the church’s pastor, and a junior majoring in engineering sciences with an emphasis in petroleum engineering, the church offers a space for students to come together for worship.

Morin explained how he was able to set up a church here on campus and some of his motivations.

“So, when I started passing around the vision of starting a church on the CSUB campus for the students here, I was quickly backed with lots of support,” said Morin. “It wasn’t long until I was able to assemble an amazing team of loving people who were

dedicated to creating that culture of love within a church on the campus. Lots of prayer and lots of paperwork later, the vision finally came into being.”

What makes this church different from most others is that they are interdenominational. “{Interdenominational} means that this gathering isn’t meant for only one type of Christian, but it’s meant for Christians from all different backgrounds and churches to come together.”

Micah Yursik, Morrin’s sister, works alongside her brother to help promote the church’s message. She explains what draws people to them and what makes their church unique from most others.

“We are inter-denominational and talk about different denominational ‘flows’ and allow everyone to be themselves because we are just there for Jesus,” said Yursik. “Because there is such an emphasis on love and unity as a family, it is not a big deal for us to have open and respectful conversations about our different ideas and opinions. Caleb always encourages questions and dialogue about anything that any-

Jayson Edgerle/The Runner Pastor Caleb Morin addresses his congregation in the Albertson Room on Thursday, Nov. 8th, 2018.

body would like to flesh out about his messages or about scripture in general.”

Outside of delivering the sermons, Morrin and Yursik are missionaries, with plans to travel to the Amazon basin on humanitarian missions and to incorporate the RCC on said missions.

Currently, the church and its following are still rather small,

meeting on Wednesday nights in the Albertson Room inside the Dore Theatre.

But the question is if it’s a good thing to have a church on campus?

Patrick O’Niell, Professor of Archeology and faculty advisor for Elohist, a religious history club, had this to say about the church on campus.

“In regard to establishing a church on campus, I think it’s good to exercise religious freedom, so long as it does not affect the liberty of others. While freedom of religion is important, I would caution to avoid the development of cults on campus that are not accessible to all, regardless of orientation, social class or religious affiliates.”

The Runner

Features

7

Dec. 5, 2018

CULTURE

Let’s talk about sex(ual ethics)

By Kayla Culberson Reporter

On Tuesday Nov. 27, 2018, CSU Bakersfield held its second annual Sexual Ethics Education Fair, put on by Club Gender Equality Now! The fair included exhibits, interactive booths, HIV testing and other resources by Club GEN and other CSUB sexual ethics students.

Sexual ethics is defined as the study of human sexuality and the expression of sexual behavior.

Brianna Santaella, a junior majoring in ethnic studies and a member of Club GEN, said the fair started with Dr. Debra Jackson teaching a sexual ethics course at CSUB. “Dr. Jackson is our Club GEN advisor and randomly came to one of our meetings to ask if we would want to put on a fair that went along with the class.”

Santaella said the event was “made to be interactive with the students of CSUB so we can bring awareness to things like getting birth control or condoms and normalizing sex, so it isn’t such a taboo topic.”

“This fair is important with the rape culture on college campuses because we also have exhibits about what consent is and how to know if your partner is consenting in sex or not,” Santaella said.

This year the event was passed

onto religious studies professor Kathleen Hanson, who now teaches the sexual ethics course.

CSUB’s sexual ethics course introduces students to ways in which social relations and sexual identities influence ethical judgements regarding various sexual practices and attributes.

Topics in CSUB’s course include the role of sexuality in human life, the historical emergence of forms of sexual desire, the meaning of sexual freedom and consent, sexual subcultures and communities, and the intersection of sexuality with other forms of identity.

Many of Hanson’s sexual ethics students created projects displayed at the fair. Violeta Trujillo, a junior communications major enrolled in Hanson’s class, thinks the fair is an important event.

“We assume that people have a lot of sex education, but in reality, we aren’t as educated as we should be when it comes to the students of CSUB. Students are probably engaging in some kind of sexual activity, so we should bring awareness to precautions and this fair is a good way to get students involved in an educational way,” Trujillo said.

There were many exhibits at the fair, each dealing with a different aspect of sex. With the goal of education, topics like safely experimenting with BDSM, sex in the LGBTQ+ community, how

Monica Juarez/The Runner

Lupita Ledesma, a junior at CSUB, presents her display on the different types of sexual orientations at the Sexual Ethics fair held on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2018.

to safely navigate through Tinder and more were all displayed.

Exhibits presented in the streets also dealt with the misconceptions of certain aspects of sex.

Allison Cheatwood, a senior psychology major, created a board with her religious studies group on substance use and how it affects sex.

“Substance isn’t something we’re assuming everyone is doing, but we’re coming at it with an approach of ‘here are the sexu-

al side effects to this substance,’” said Cheatwood.

Substances included on Cheatwood’s board were alcohol, Viagra, and marijuana.

According to her project, alcohol can create difficulties getting and maintaining an erection, Viagra can cause sexual dysfunction, and marijuana can affect testosterone levels.

Cheatwood said, “collectively, we want them to be educated on the substances out there that are

easy to get, and the side effects they have on your sex life,” but as a whole, she said that idea encompasses the event.

“Know what’s out there and know what happens when you mix it with sex,” Cheatwood said.

“This event is important because it raises awareness and education about sex. If people aren’t educated, that’s when people get in trouble, and that’s the point of this event.”

COMMENCEMENT

What to know before you graduate from CSUB Valerie Hernandez Assistant Features Editor The question of what needs to be done for graduation and the process can be confusing for students.

“Every semester I think about how closer I am to graduating.

It’s a huge accomplishment for myself. The time has flown by and as it gets closer I get overwhelmed on what I need to do,” said Lyndsey Wheeler, a junior English literature major.

Wheeler is undergoing what many students experience when graduation approaches. It can be an overwhelming time.

CSU Bakersfield offers many resources that have the information that a student needs to learn about graduating.

One is enrollment management, a department that specializes in guiding students with the help they need in enrolling, admitting, and graduating at CSUB. They encourage students to come in and ask questions.

Advisers are another resource for information. Each student is assigned an academic adviser who they meet with at least once a semester.

This is a way to keep students on

track toward graduation and allow them assistance with their classes.

Advisers inform and aid their students of the credits and classes needed to graduate.

Veronica Bethea-Amey, an adviser for the office of Admissions & Records, spoke about the importance of continually meeting with academic advisors.

“Students should be meeting with their advisors for all graduation requirements. [The enrollment management office] technically should just be the checks and balances at the end to make sure they’ve met all the requirements,” said Bethea-Amey.

All students planning to graduate are required to file an application for graduation two semesters before their graduation date. The application form comes with a $70 fee that can be paid at the cashier’s office or online at myCSUB. The application is reviewed by evaluators based on a general education catalog. The evaluators accept or deny the application.

CSUB provides grad workshops for students who are planning to file graduation applications. These workshops assist students through the entire process of filling out an application.

Runner Archives/The Runner

Students sit and wait for their name to be called during last year’s commencement ceremony.

The assistance is free of charge.

Workshops can be found online or by speaking with an enrollment management officer.

It’s important for students to plan ahead to guarantee they graduate when they should. It takes understanding the guidelines and what’s needed, depending on the major, to achieve a smooth pathway to graduation.

However, there are those that are denied for graduation.

“I think one of the biggest mistakes is not meeting the unit requirements. Usually if students are denied for graduation, its if they didn’t meet one of the major requirements or they’re missing units,” said Bethea-Amey.

Students, if denied, are allowed to reapply with the additional $70 fee.

There are precautions that can be taken to avoid this scenario.

Regularly meeting with advisors,

reviewing your units each semester and creating a plan, and asking questions to the right sources.

Felix Ramos, a senior who is completing his Bachelor’s degree said, “I still have one more semester to go but I have to continue to push myself and give it my all.

I’m intimidated to ask for help, but if I don’t ask, I won’t ever know.”

Opinions

8

Dec. 5, 2018

STUDY ABROAD

The Runner

Open your horizons to the world

By Rebecca Romo Reporter

Studying abroad has plenty of benefits. Whether it’s for a few weeks, a semester or an entire academic year, studying in another country can open up your mind and heart to a whole new world.

More and more students are taking the chance to study abroad.

According to the data provided

by United States Department of State, 325,339 U.S. students in the academic year of 2015-2016 studied abroad and received credit for their classes. That number increased four percent compared to the previous year.

Here are five reasons why you should take the chance to study abroad during your undergraduate or graduate years.

1. Traveling the world Not only will you have the opportunity to live in another country, but from there you will be able to travel to plenty of different countries nearby or even far. For example, it is very easy and inexpensive to travel within Europe.

You have the option to go by bus, train or plane. Flights can be as low as $30 round-trip and student discounts for flights can be found on some websites.

As for trains, students and adults under the age of 26 can receive discount tickets, and bigger discounts can be given to European Union citizens.

Busses are always easy to find.

I have taken a three-hour bus ride from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Ghent, Belgium and I only paid $15 for a one-way ticket. I find that incredibly cheap considering that’s about the same price to go from Bakersfield to Los Angeles.

In my experience, public transport is usually reliable in most European countries. In northern European countries, they are mostly on time with the schedule, but the further south you travel in Europe is where you will run into issues with public transportation being on time.

No matter your major or area of study, there are programs for

all of them and there is a wide selection of countries to choose from. CSU Bakersfield and CSU International Programs have plenty of countries to choose from.

But when choosing your country of preference, keep in mind that your major can limit the choices of countries to choose from.

2. Becoming your own person Studying abroad pushes you to be independent. Not only are you traveling to a different country alone, but you’re away from the people you usually rely on.

So if you thought you were already independent, this is a new kind of independence to experience. You will have to relearn what you knew in your home country because it will be different in your host country.

One thing that gave me a sense of independence was living on my own and handling my finances. I had lived with my parents before I left so I had never paid rent before, nor had I ever lived on my own.

I had to make sure I always had enough money for rent before I spent it on other things. This helps you learn a lot about yourself and keeps you accountable to be responsible with your money.

Living in a new environment comes with the experience of culture shock and homesickness.

I didn’t experience homesickness until around holiday time during my year abroad. But culture shock happened very quickly when I realized how differently things worked.

Sweden is a socialist country, which means that many things are controlled by the government.

There is only one store to buy alcohol in Sweden called Systembolaget. This store also has limited hours of service and Sunday’s are always closed.

Something I found odd was that at 18 you can legally drink alcohol at a bar, but you had to be 20 to buy it at Systembolaget.

Everyone’s experience abroad is different, but many can agree that if you go to a country that speaks a different language, the barrier can make your experience a bit

Rebecca Romo/The Runner

Fyris river and Uppsala Catherdal in the center of Uppsala, Sweden.

more difficult, especially when it comes to legal documents or going to see a doctor.

3. Improve language skills Going to a non-English speaking country can be easier than you might think. There are times of difficulty but in most countries people learn English in primary school.

Almost everyone I met in Europe spoke English, especially in tourist cities.

If you already speak the language of the country you want to go to or are wanting to learn a new language, studying abroad would be a great opportunity to do so. Some programs even allow you to study in another language.

Knowing another language besides English is extremely helpful if you’re learning a new language or when you’re traveling. You will meet other students or travelers while abroad and being able to communicate with others will make your time easier.

I already spoke Spanish before I left and I was able to use it in Spain and Italy when I traveled.

There were even times I used it in Sweden.

I also learned Swedish which

made my time there so much easier. I could read signs on my own or ask questions in their native language without using a translator.

Knowing multiple languages also introduces you to more possible friendships. Swedes can be timid and introverted people, so if they see you putting in an effort to speak Swedish they will be more inclined to talk to you and build a friendship.

4. Make friends from around the world Probably the best thing you can get from studying abroad is the lifelong friends you make.

There are plenty of ways to meet other international students while abroad.

At Uppsala University in Sweden, the international committee held an entire week of events to welcome us to the city and university. The student life in Uppsala is huge and there is always something to do.

I made friends by going to bars and parties, even going out to play volleyball or to a picnic. I now have friends throughout Europe, in Mexico and even Australia.

We have all planned to visit each

other in our home countries, and when I travel I know that I have a couch to crash on.

Not only do you make amazing friends, but you are able to network with people from all over the world, giving you plenty of opportunities to work abroad.

5. Job opportunities Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to work as an intern or at a part-time job. International internships look great on your resumé especially when you are applying for a job internationally.

Even if you don’t work during your time abroad you can still use your experience on your resumé.

I was able to land a job working with international students because I had experience as an international student myself.

Putting yourself in a new situation and environment is beneficial and necessary for growth as a person. Even if you think you can’t do it, there is always a possibility to make it happen.

If you are interested in studying abroad, you can visit Extended Education and Global Outreach at BDC Building C for more information on which programs are available to you.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

A thank you and farewell from our editor-in-chief

By Peter Castillo Editor-in-Chief

I wanted to take some time to thank everyone who I’ve had the privilege to work alongside at The Runner.

First, I’d like to thank our current staff who’ve helped me put together the stories, photos, videos, artwork and ideas for our website and eight issues this semester.

Next, I’d like to thank our adviser, Jennifer Burger for allowing me to be the editor-in-chief of The Runner for the past two semesters

and for helping become not only a better writer and reporter, but a better leader and a better person.

I also would like to thank those at the Bakersfield Californian who gave me an opportunity as a freelancer and helped me gain experience as a sports reporter and to see first-hand what kind of focus is required in journalism.

Lastly, I’d like to thank those who have helped me reach this position and succeed in it.

Esteban Ramirez, a former editor-in-chief of The Runner was the most important person in my maturation as a journalist.

He took me under his wing when I was just starting out as a sports reporter and showed me the finer points of journalism and what kind of work ethic is needed to succeed in this business. Esteban helped me not only as a journalist, but to be more confident in my abilities as well. He also was key in my development as a leader.

Javier Valdes, another former editor-in-chief of The Runner, is someone else I owe a great deal of gratitude to for helping me reach the goals I’ve attained so far.

He showed me the ins and outs of programs such as InDesign

and Photoshop and has helped me improve my page-designing skills. Javier also taught me to think more outside-the-box with my ideas.

Christopher Mateo, yet another former editor-in-chief of The Runner played a significant part in helping me become a better and more successful leader. He showed me how to dig deeper as a reporter and to become a better interviewer by asking the right questions. He also taught me a lot about perseverance and not giving up your goals.

As someone who is new to

Bakersfield, I have cherished my time at The Runner and all of the new people I’ve met and befriended, as well as the opportunities it has allowed me over the last two and a half years.

My tenure as editor-in-chief has especially been key in molding me into the person I am today. I am positive my experiences here will translate into even more success in the very near future for me.

Once again, thank you to everyone who was involved. It’s been fun.

The Runner

Opinions Dec. 5, 2018

DISCOUNTS

A student’s best friend

By Norma Hernandez Opinions Editor

Throughout the years, streaming services have gotten very popular with younger crowds. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 61 percent of 18 to 29-year-olds use streaming services as their primary use to watch television.

Netflix is the most popular streaming service, but it shouldn’t be for college students. Last year Spotify partnered with Hulu, exclusively to college students, to give both entertainment services.

Spotify has sweetened up the deal and has included Showtime in the bundle.

This offers college students three services of music, television, and movies for a low price of $4.99 a month.

As college students, it’s important to be aware of the great deals that are offered before you graduate and can no longer qualify.

If you are on a budget and aren’t hyped on Netflix shows, consider Spotify Premium for Students, now with Hulu and Showtime as an option.

Netflix on the other hand does not offer any student discounts like its counterparts. Currently, standard streaming on Netflix costs $11. This service does not include music, whereas Spotify’s deal would also cover music with no advertisements.

The only perk of Netflix is that they have more content; however, this would no longer be true as you’re getting two times the content in Spotify’s offer that includes both Showtime and Hulu.

Showtime has produced many

RUNNER ON THE STREET

9

What are your thoughts on Runner Hour?

By Norma Hernandez/Photos by Andrew Paredez

critically acclaimed shows like the American adaptation of “Shameless,” Jim Carrey’s new series “Kidding,” “Weeds,” “Dexter,” “Masters of Sex,” and “Ray Donavan” to name a few. One of the benefits of Showtime is when a new season of your favorite show comes out, you don’t have to wait until the entire season is out. You can watch it as soon as the next episode is available.

Hulu has continuously added more content to their service.

They’ve added current shows that still air on television like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “The Orville,” “The Conners,” and “The Good Doctor.” Just like Showtime, as soon as a new episode comes out, you’re able to watch it the next day it aired on tv.

Hulu also carries shows that are no longer in production like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Drake & Josh,” “Futurama,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “The Twilight Zone.”

To continue, Hulu turned Margret Atwood’s book, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” into a show that won eight Emmys in their first season. Winning an Emmy

Aqsa Khan/The Runner

for Best Series including several nominations and awards from the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, and Screen Actors Guild. This series won’t be on any other streaming service, but Hulu.

Melanie Corral, a sophomore majoring in computer science said she used both Hulu and Netflix, but preferred Hulu.

One critique Hulu has is that it’s not commercial free.

“Even though I like Hulu more, the one thing that I don’t like about it is the ads,” said Corral.

According to the Hulu’s Help Center, published on Mar. 21, 2018, “We have found that by including a modest ad load as part of Hulu’s streaming library, we are better enabled to provide viewers with a more extensive and current selection of popular TV programming.”

Advertisements allow Hulu to get more of your favorite shows.

It is a small price to pay for the deal you’re getting.

There will always be several options to watch television, but if you’re a struggling college student, you should take advantage of this before it’s too late.

“Some people when they have jobs, it’s hard if have an hour that you can’t take any classes, that’s limiting your schedule.”

Jessica Bowles Human Biology “It might put a hardship on some teachers or even students…So I can see the idea, but I’m not sure how many kids are going to take the opportunity to join the community rather than deal with school.”

Paradise Pelzer Engineering Sciences

“I think that would be really helpful because I know nothing about clubs right now. I don’t know how to get connected.”

Avery Gibson Communications

ENTERTAINMENT

What to binge over the break Hana Ayoub Reporter

As students finish off the last of their finals, they still face one daunting decision over break: what should I binge watch next?

Whether you are a Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime junkie, nearly every student watches something over the holidays.

I personally am a fan of Netflix.

I love rewatching older classics as well as Netflix originals.

Daniella Padilla, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, also likes Netflix originals.

“They’re corny movies, but the ‘Princess Switch’ is really good. It just came out.” says Padilla. “The Princess Switch” stars Vanessa Anne Hudgens, and follows the timeline of a duchess and an ordinary girl who switch places over the Christmas Holidays.

Spencer Stockton, a freshman engineering major, is more of an Amazon Prime guy.

“Even though the movies cost money, I can find any movie ever made on there,” said Stockton.

However, if students do not want

to pay extra for movies or shows, Stockton recommends “Big Mouth” on Netflix.

“It’s a really funny one, but it’s inappropriate,” says Stockton.

“Big Mouth”, a Netflix original currently in it’s second season, is a cartoon about teenagers enduring the dreadful stages of puberty.

Stockton also recommends “The Outlaw King,” starring Chris Pine, which is set in 14th century Scotland, and follows the fight for independence from English rule.

Amanda Zavala, a senior psychology and English major, loves rewatching classics over Christmas break. “‘The Grinch’ is my favorite, I also love ‘Home Alone.’ I can binge watch those multiple times every year, especially at Christmas time,” said Zavala.

For anyone who loves classic Christmas tales, there are plenty of remakes in theaters this year.

Illumination entertainment just remade Dr. Seuss’s “The Grinch,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, and Disney released “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” starring Mackenzie Foy and Keira

Knightley.

“The Great Christmas Light Fight” on Hulu has six seasons, and is a perfect show for any Christmas fanatic. The show is a competition featuring families across the United States who are aiming for the $50,000 grand prize. It even pits neighbors against each other in their race to the best Christmas light display.

At six seasons, it is a great holiday show to binge.

Hulu offers different shows, such as the “Holiday Baking Championship.”

If you are interested in another thematic series, “Harrow” is a Hulu original released this year that follows a forensic pathologist. While the main character performs autopsies, he is also fighting to keep his own secrets underground.The show is full of crime and drama, and while it only has one season, the episodes are 52 minutes long and action-packed.

Whether you are looking for action, romance, or comedy, there is always something for everyone to binge over the break.

“Yeah.

I’m down with it.”

Justin Tabion Electrical Engineering “My sister goes to Cal Poly…they do have about an hour of time where nobody really has class… and they have just a bunch of games to play. It feels a little childish than I would like, but I feel like there’s a better community there.”

Patrick Leigh Economics

Advice Column

If you wish to submit a letter to be published for any advice, please email us at runner@csub.edu. Please include your first and last name, CSUB email and telephone number. Please include ‘Advice Column’ as the subject of the email. Submitted content is subject to change for length, clarity, and appropriateness. The Runner reserves the right to not publish content that does not follow the afformed regulations.

Sports

10

The Runner

Dec. 5, 2018

FEATURE

Holden finds voice as leader for CSUB

By Peter Castillo Editor-in-Chief Rickey Holden made a name for himself both on the football field and the basketball court during his time at Laurel High School in his native Mississsippi.

He received offers from some Division I schools to play basketball. However, he spurned those offers and decided to stay close to home and attend Jones County Community College to be near his daughter who was born while he was still in high school.

“The D-I schools were trying to redshirt me, but I had a lot of [junior colleges] from around the area who wanted me to come play,” said Holden. “I went to Jones, which is like five minutes from my house, because I wanted to stay close to my daughter.”

Now a senior on the men’s basketball team here at CSU Bakersfield, the left-handed point guard has used the distance between himself and his three-year old daughter, who is still in Mississippi, as motivation.

“It’s hard at times, but she understands at the same time,” said Holden about being away from his daughter. “Every day we talk and I tell her I just got out of practice or what I’m doing. She knows I play basketball and go to school.

She makes it a lot easier for me.”

Holden, a liberal studies major, is continuing to make a name for himself with the Roadrunners as he is averaging 10.9 points per game and a team-high 4.4 assists per game through Dec. 3.

He first caught the eye of CSUB Head Coach Rod Barnes during his time at Jones, where Holden’s head coach there was Raheem Lockhart, who played for Barnes at Ole Miss.

Photo Courtesy of Robby Sanchez

Senior guard Rickey Holden scans the defense during a game against USC on Sunday, Nov. 25 at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Holden leads the team with 4.4 assists per game this season.

“I was in [junior college] and we were at one of our big tournaments,” said Holden about the first time he met Barnes. “He called my coach and we talked and he just showed me love ever since then.”

Usually when a player makes the jump from junior college to D-I, there is an adjustment period as they adapt to the speed of the game. However, for Holden, this was not the case as he was immediately thrust into the starting lineup last season due to an early-season foot injury to incumbent point guard Brent Wrapp.

“Last year, [Holden] was searching, because he knew Brent was coming back,” said Barnes. “I

“This year, Rickey has become a true point guard. That’s my big brother. He leads us in practice and keeps everybody on their P’s and Q’s.”

Jarkel Joiner, CSUB sophomore guard

think he was holding back some, but this year I think he’s got a better hold of our team.”

Holden went on to finish with averages of 10.7 points per game, 2.8 assists per game and 2.8 rebounds per game.

After Wrapp’s graduation, Holden became the team’s starting point guard going into this season. Holden, who has a quiet, mild-mannered demeanor, aimed to become a better leader and to be more vocal with his teammates.

“I think I’m progressing [as a leader],” said Holden. “I’m talking more and communicating more with my teammates. I’m not there yet, but I’m getting better.”

One of his teammates, sophomore guard and fellow Mississippi native Jarkel Joiner, has been impressed with Holden and his command of the team.

“This year, Rickey has become a true point guard,” said Joiner.

“That’s my big brother. He leads us in practice and keeps everybody on their P’s and Q’s.”

When asked about who the most impactful player on both ends of floor was on the team, Barnes mentioned Holden’s name first.

Holden, who stands at 5 feet 10 inches, earned this praise from his coach by his work ethic.

“Rickey was a guy who already had a reputation for scoring,” said Barnes. “But then to be a two-way player means you have as much emphasis on the defensive end as you do on the offensive end.”

Work ethic was instilled in Holden from a young age in Mississippi. He credited his father for molding him into a good person, while his uncle, doubled as his personal trainer when he was growing up.

“He was my trainer and my uncle at the same time,” said Holden. “I never had to pay for a trainer or anything. He would just do it for free.”

All of Holden’s hard work has paid off this season as he is averaging a team-high 29.1 minutes per game. He is also shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range through Dec. 3.

“Just the command he has of our team,” said Barnes on Holden’s success this year. “He has a little more aggression about him when we need him.”

With hopes to continue his basketball career after his time at CSUB, Holden just wants to keep making his family proud and do well for his daughter.

WRESTLING

Nickell leads way in tough weekend competition

By John Hernandez Reporter The CSU Bakersfield wrestling team traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada for the 2018 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational Open for a two-day event. The Roadrunners had a rough showing at the open with many going down early on the first day.

Redshirt-junior Sean Nickell had a strong showing on the first day, winning his opening match of the day with a decision victory (4-0) over Fresno State’s Gary Point.

In the round of 16, Nickell was bounced from the championship bracket after a pinfall loss in the first round by fourth seeded John Erneste from the University of Missouri. Erneste is ranked No. 10 in the country.

Nickell advanced to the consultation side of the bracket and won his first match by decision (11-4)

over Harvard’s Lukus Stricker.

Nickells day continued with another victory by major decision (13-4) over the United States Naval Academy’s Casey Cobb to advance to Saturday and being the lone Roadrunner to compete during the second day of competition.

In the second day of competition, Sean Nickell, the lone Roadrunner competitor, took on Ethan Lizak from Minnesota. Nickell was defeated by technical fall (150). CSUB finished 32nd out of 40 schools at the invitational.

In the 184-pound division, redshirt sophomore Dominic Ducharme opened at Cliff Keen Invitational with a close decision victory in the round of 64. Unfortunately for Ducharme, he would be bounced from the championship bracket after a decision loss (13-9).

Ducharme got back on the win-

ning side in his first consultation bracket match up against Myles Terry from Oregon State, winning by decision (13-10). Ducharme rolled into the next match and won by major decision (11-1) to head into consolation round of 16 but Ducharme’s day and run at the invitational would end, losing by technical fall (22-7).

Redshirt-junior Russell Rohlfing opened his day with a major decision victory in the round of 32 in the 149-pound division. Rohlfing lost by a close decision in his round of 16 matchup, ending his run in the championship bracket.

His day continued on with a decision victory (6-1) in first match in the consultation bracket but would lost a major decision in his next matchup, losing a major decision (15-3).

A trio of Roadrunners’ finished 2-2 at the Cliff Keen Invitational.

The trio were redshirt freshman

Claudia Alvarez/The Runner

CSUB redshirt-sophomore Noe Garcia faces opponent Jacob Mendoza at the 2018 Roadrunner Open event on Sunday, Nov. 18.

Josh Loomer, redshirt-junior Carlos Herrera and redshirt-junior Jacob Thalin.

Next up for CSUB is conference foe Oregon State University in

Corvallis, Oregon on Dec. 9.

After its match with Oregon State, CSUB will head back to Nevada for the Reno Tournament of Champions on Dec. 20.

Sports

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Dec. 5, 2018

WRESTLING

CSUB wrestlers earn dubious honor

Barstool Sports names four Roadrunners to ‘All-Ears’ team

By Johnathan Wheatley Sports Editor

Most college athletes hope to become an all-conference player or even an all-tournament player during their time competing.

Before CSUB competed at the Cliff Keen Invitational in Las Vegas, Nevada, members of the wrestling team were made aware of the accolades given to them by Barstool Sports.

On Monday, Nov. 29 Barstool Sports came out with its 2018-19 All-Ears teams. These lists were compiled from NCAA wrestlers from around the country.

When it comes to wrestling, there is one distinction that separates them from all other athletes, the ears and Barstool sports is recognizing those ears.

Four CSUB wrestlers made it to the All-Ears team list. Those wrestlers were: Redshirt junior Josh Annis, Redshirt sophomore Noe Garcia, Redshirt junior Carlos Herrera and freshman Lokahi Tonge.

“I thought it was pretty awesome. Barstool Sports is pretty cool and i follow it pretty often, so to see myself on there was really cool,” said Garcia.

The ears were judged by overall size, girth, total coverage, irregularities, physical anomalies or

enigmas and general ugliness, according to KB of Barstool Sports who did the judging of the ears.

“My face was the first one on there and I was like what is this,” said Annis. “I think its pretty cool and I feel honored.”

“I thought it was pretty cool. I didn’t even know it was a thing,” said Herrera.

“I thought it was pretty awesome.

Barstool Sports is pretty cool and I follow it pretty often, so to see myself on there was really cool.”

Noe Garcia, CSUB redshirt-sophomore wrestler All four of the wrestlers made it to the All-Ears third team and when asked who they think should have made the list, they came to a unanimous decision that redshirt-sophomore Kalani Tonge should have had a spot, including Head Coach Manny Rivera.

“Probably Kalani, his are really

bad, that’s probably the one that sticks out,” said Rivera.

As a team, CSUB grabbed third place on the All-Ears list behind the University of Wisconsin and Campbell University.

The deformity of the ears of the wrestlers are caused by blunt force hits to the ears, such as when the wrestlers hit head or when their heads hit against the mat.

“It’s when the cartilage breaks in your ear and then blood fills it up,” According to Rivera, who stated it’s not exact science.

“When you drain it [ear] that’s when it looks deformed.”

Having the so-called “Cauliflower” ear isn’t something they dwell upon, in-fact the wrestlers feel like it’s a badge of honor.

“Got to mess them up even more, let’s go,” said Annis on getting higher on the list.

“I’m cool where I’m at. If I make it again, I think it would be cool,” said Garcia.

Redshirt-junior Blakley-Beanes made the Barstool Sports All-Best Names team.

At the Cliff Keen Invitational the Roadrunners finished 32 out of 40 teams and will now head into Pac-12 competition.

CSUB will be in action against Pac-12 foe Oregon State in Corvallis, Oregon on Dec. 9.

Photos from gorunners.com

Top left to bottom right: redshirt-sophomore Noe Garcia, redshirt-junior Carlos Herrera, redshirt-junior Josh Annis and freshman Lokahi Tonge.

ROUNDUP

CSUB swimming teams finish seventh at UNLV

By Briana Gutierrez Reporter

The CSU Bakersfield men’s and women’s swimming traveled to Las Vegas to take part in the UNLV invite.

On Friday, Nov. 30, freshman Autumn D’Arcy of the women’s team broke the school record in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 53.68. Later on in the evening,

D’Arcy reset her own record and recorded a 53.50 in the finals of the 100-yard butterfly and grabbed a first-place finish.

D’Arcy, junior Jassie Haynes, junior Maddie Cosgrove, and sophomore Bridgette Allison finished third in the 800 relay. The quartet of Roadrunners finished the course in 7:27.23.

The relay team of senior Summer D’Arcy, junior Lea Salcido,

sophomore Sydney Garvey, and sophomore Mia Bailey took home first place in the 400-medley relay with an impressive time of 4:02.21.

Autumn D’Arcy continued to push through and placed eighth in the 100 freestyle with a time of 51.26. Haynes also placed fifth in the 200 breaststrokes and 200 butterfly.

The women’s team finished sev-

ROUNDUP

Road troubles plague CSUB

By Briana Gutierrez Reporter Women’s Basketball The CSU Bakersfield women’s basketball team as started its month long road trip with soon to be conference opponents UC Irvine and CSU Fullerton.

The Roadrunners fell behind in the first quarter against UC Irvine and could never quite recover, falling 85-78.

CSUB led against CSUF coming out of the half, but 22 points from senior Alexxus Gilbert was not enough as CSUB fell, 64-56.

The Roadrunners have four more road games during their month-long road trip.

Up next, CSUB will travel to take on the University of Nebraska, Omaha on Sunday, Dec. 9. and return home on Monday, Dec. 31 at 1 p.m. vs. UC Riverside.

Men’s Basketball The CSUB men’s basketball team coming off a loss to the University of South Dakota on Saturday, Dec. 1.

The Roadrunners went down by 14 going into halftime and trailed as much as 17, but could not recover in the second half as South Dakota defeated CSUB, 56-68.

Redshirt-senior James Suber recorded his first double-double as a member of CSUB, with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

At the time of this publication, CSUB had yet to play its Dec. 4 game vs. UC Merced.

The Roadrunners will travel to face the University of Idaho on Saturday, Dec 8 and will return home on Thursday, Dec. 13 to take on Lamar University.

enth out of all nine teams at the UNLV invite.

Sophomore Kris Rogic got things started for the men’s team.

In the 200 backstroke he swam a 1:53.11 to finish in eighth.

Junior Justice Kramer took fourteenth in the 200-butterfly with a 1:53.19.

Junior Noah Hultner took fifthteenth after swimming a 16:42.53 in the 1,650 freestyle.

Rogic, sophomore Ryan Brimer, Junior Richie Campbell and sophomore Noah Hickman finished ninth in the 400-freestyle relay, with a time of 3:02.78.

The CSUB women’s team will host Fresno State on Saturday, Dec. 8 at noon.

The next time the men’s team will compete is when both men and women dual with UNLV on Dec. 19 at noon.

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