UT
NIVERSITY IMES
Sept. 29, 2014
www.csulauniversitytimes.com
C A L I F O R N I A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y, L O S A N G E L E S
Issue 207.1
CSU System Appoints Sexual INSIDE: Assault Victim's Advocates to All -Convocation Celebrates Campuses Statewide Covino's First Year
PG 10
-Housing
introduces gender neutral dorms.
PG 5
-asi president shane vera speaks about upcoming plans PG 3
-new Electric vehicle charging stations on campus PG 13
-NEW WOMEN'S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH: CARTER SHAW PG 6
-VOTER REGISTRATION RECAP PG 4 -15 FASHION TRENDS TO FOLLOW THIS FALL PG 12
Chancellor Timothy P. White speaks to CSULA students during a 2013 campus visit. |Photo By Timmy Truong
LIFESTYLE Alexandra Del Salto Contributor On Tuesday September 23rd, the California State University system officially announced the appointment of advocates for sexually assaulted victims on all 23 of its campuses. The announcement was highly praised and applauded by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (Democrat-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Susan Davis (Democrat-San Diego), who introduced legislation in June to resolve the problem and urge California colleges to create such positions. The legislation, known as the Survivor Outreach and Support Campus Act (SOS Campus Act), would require every institution of higher education that receives federal financial assistance to designate offices for on-campus, independent advocates for campus sexual assault prevention and
response. The advocate will be supporting survivors of sexual assault and be responsible for representing the interests of the student victim regardless of conflict with the interests of the institution. Another part of the advocate’s position includes ensuring victims of sexual assault will have 24 hour access to: -Emergency and follow-up medical care -Information on how to report assaults to law enforcement -Medical forensic or evidentiary exams -Crisis intervention and ongoing counseling -Information on legal services -Information on their legal rights and referrals to additional support services Advocates will also report to outside individuals outside of the institution responsible for investigating and adjudicat-
ing sexual assault complaints at the institution, and submit an annual report on how the supplied resources were used, including the number of sexually assaulted male and female victims assisted. Public information campaigns on campuses will also be conducted by the advocates. “It is wonderful news that the California State University system has decided to implement the Boxer-Davis SOS Campus Act voluntarily,” Senator Boxer said. “This means that their 447,000 students will now have an independent advocate on each of their 23 campuses to help survivors of the harrowing experience of sexual assault.” Cal State Chancellor Timothy White committed to appointing advocates to each campus by June 2015; CSU Spokesman Mike Uhlencamp said six Cal State schools have already established offices.
In addition to voluntarily adding confidential sexual assault advocates to all of its campuses, the California State System will, for the first time, be hiring a system-wide Title IX compliance officer to ensure its campuses are aware of their legal obligations, coordinate preventive training and response, share best practices, and collaborate with all 23-campus-based Title IX Coordinators and their teams. “Both the California State University and the UC systems have demonstrated leadership in making the safety of their students a top priority,” said Representative Davis. “I hope this trend will continue on university campuses across the nation.”
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Sept. 29, 2014
While You Were Out
CAMPUS
By Yzzy Gonzalez
Editor-in-Chief -Beginning Summer
2014, CSULA will continue its construction on the University-Student Union Plaza Project. This project will add more seating, lighting and landscaping to the Plaza and is scheduled to be completed at the end of the Fall 2014 quarter. While construction takes place, the Plaza will have a small pathway cut through for pedestrian traffic. For more information on the Union Plaza Project, visit www. calstatelausu.org/unionplazaproject.
-On Monday Septem-
ber 23rd, CSULA’s Fall Faculty Day was held and the awards given were Outstanding Professors, Outstanding Lecturer and President’s Distinguished Professor. The recipients for Outstanding Professors
were Choi Chatterjee and Barry Hibbs from College of Natural and Social Sciences and Dr. Robert DeChaine and Jun Liu from College of Arts and Letters. The Outstanding Lecturer was awarded to Connie Wong from College of Health and Human Services. This year’s President’s Distinguished Professor Award was presented to the College of Natural and Social Sciences’ Anthropology Professor James Brady.
-U.S. News & World Report 2015 “America’s
Best Colleges” issue listed CSULA at rank #29 as one of the “Best Colleges for Veterans” in the Western US. This ranking coincides with the University’s recently opened Veterans Resource Center and offers counseling, guidance, and access to various services for veterans. Also ranked in the issue were CSULA’s engineering program at rank #41 and the Univer-
sity’s business program at rank #155. Overall, CSULA was rated rank #34 in the Top Public Schools for the Western region.
-Looking for Dolcini’s Café? Sadly, it’s no
longer on campus. The food service facility in front of King Hall was removed from campus last Spring and is being replaced with more outdoor seating and additional lighting. As of now, the area is awaiting chairs, tables and lighting.
-The Simpson Tower
Annex Open Access Lab is being converted into a 24/7 Hour Study Lab including a group study room, Mac and PC computers, and a comfy lounge. Student Assistant positions are currently available for those wanting to work at the Lab.
-A new campus Gigabit
wifi network was launched by Information Technolo-
across from the Transit Center. All kinds of snacks, drinks, and school supplies are available at the store. Conveniently located next to the hub of transportation for commuters, Golden Eagle Express may be easy to -Golden Eagle Ex- miss due the lack of signs, press, a new campus con- which should be in soon. venience store, has opened up in Corporation Yard, gy Services on September 18th, called CSULA-SECURE. If you are having trouble logging onto the wifi, visit www.calstatela. edu/its/services/network/ wireless or contact ITS.
Now offering Breakfast To Go in The University Club Restaurant! 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Monday-Thursday Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 323-343-6777
The Department of Physics & Astronomy welcomes you on campus for an exciting year!
Golden Eagle Express Convenience Store |Photo by Timmy Truong
Don’t take Physics from strangers: Check out our website at www.calstatela.edu/dept/physics Or stop by BIOS 140 to chat with us. University-Student Union Contruction |Photo by Elle Nguyen
Or give us a call: (323) 343 2100.
University Times
Sept. 29, 2014
UT
NIVERSITY IMES Staff Reporters Gerardo Amezquita Angeline Bernabe
Editor-in-Chief Yzzy Gonzalez
Managing Editor Timmy Truong
Columinist Roxana Hernandez
Production Manager Taylor Preza
Contributors Sophia Biggs CSULA Athletics Alexandra Del Salto Marrian Zhou
Web Editor Carol Venegas
Photographers Angeline Bernanbe Sophia Biggs Pablo Del La Hoya Yzzy Gonzalez Paul Khoury Elle Nguyen Timmy Truong Marrian Zhou
Copy Editor Carol Venegas Business/ Advertising Mangager Jim Munson Faculty Advisor Suzanne Regan Distributor Carol Venegas
All opinions and letters in the University Times represent the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the UT or the university. Letters to the editor should include an address, telephone number and identification. Letters may be edited for grammar and length. University Times display and classified advertising should not be construed as the endorsement or investigation of commercial enterprises of ventures. University Times reserves the right to reject any advertising. University Times is published every Monday. Copyright 2014 University Times. All Rights Reserved. Cal State University, Los Angeles 5151 State University Dr. - KH C3098 LA, Ca, 90032 Office 323.343.4215 Advertising 323.343.4270
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A.S.I. President Talks Year-Long Goals Campus
By Angeline Bernabe
Staff Reporter With the dawn of a new school year, ASI President, Shane Vera, has been ahead of the game by working tirelessly over the summer to create an outline for the year and reclaim student ownership across all areas on campus. Of the many things on his agenda for this year, implementing environmental-friendly initiatives are at the top of his list. With a new sustainability policy, Vera says, “Administration has a bunch of different sustainability initiatives that they want every CSU to take the challenge of completing.”
garden, another way Vera and his cabinet will push environmental initiatives is by incorporating sustainable solutions in every conversation. In particular, one event that is being discussed is a spring music festival. When asked about this longterm goal, Vera mentioned that a music festival was a top priority and is expected to be a zero-waste event.
Starting this quarter, ASI members are also planning to attend University Auxiliary Services (UAS) meetings and to focus on the Pepsi Contract, which has been an ongoing topic of discussion as well on campus. Vera says, “We want Pepsi to give us compostable material so we can eliminate plastic on campus. Everything on campus By assisting administra- should be recyclable.” tion in achieving eco-friendly initiatives, Vera and By attending the UAS his cabinet have already meetings, he hopes that stuworked on several projects dent input will also be prothis summer and are also vided in the decision-makin the process of develop- ing process of what will ing more projects for this take the place of the former year. Over the summer an campus favorite coffee and aquaponics system was es- lunch stop, Dolcinis. Last tablished in the garden by year, Dolcini’s contract collaborating with a group ended, and after careful of Engineering students. evaluation, it was decided to completely demolish Considering the current the deteriorating structure. California drought, Vera With a now vacant spot, says that it will be a new Vera hopes a student task system that saves 90 percent force will come together to more water than traditional help in the decision process forms of agriculture, and of what should go there. will be funded by a Greenovation grant provided by Since being in office, Vera the California State Student has recognized the power Association. of the student voice. After much demand last year for In addition to an aquapon- a Dream Center on campus ics system in the campus
at the May Day Rally, Vera and his cabinet came together this past summer to make that demand a reality, and students can now expect a Dream Center to be open this quarter. Another demand by both faculty and students in the past that is now an exciting reality is a 24-hour study lab located in the annex by Salazar Hall. With many other plans in store for the school year, Vera has made it a point to include student input in every decision made on campus, but also hopes to strengthen communication with faculty and administrators. In November, CSU student senators will come together at the first Academic Senate Conference, which is hosted by the Chancellor’s office. Vera says, “I think after going to this conference, it will shed a lot of light on unifying all the academic senates.” Moreover, Vera hopes that these specific changes and plans will create a more student-centered campus, and will influence students to show more interest in their campus in the future. He encourages the golden eagle community to join a committee (which can be found on the ASI website) and become involved. Stay updated with more ASI events and goals by picking up an ASI weekly newsletter.
Para La Onda: Jefes de Redacción:
Alicia Soto
Publicidad: Xanni Valentín Chavira Consejero de la Facultad:
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Pablo Baler
A.S.I. President Shane Vera |Photo by Paul Khoury
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Sept. 29, 2014
University Times
Photo by Sophia Biggs Spring 2015 Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK) sponsored by the Korean government
$1,400-$1,450/month (15hrs/week) +airfares, housing, medical insurance Must have completed two years of undergraduate
Deadline: 1st October 21, 2014 2nd November 21, 2014 Your chances of acceptance are higher you apply by the 1st deadline. To learn more, please visit the website www.talk.go.kr Questions: Michelle – mcha.kecla@gmail.com Or (213) 386-3112, ext. 201
Spring 2015 English Program in Korea (EPIK) $1,750 - $2,700/month +airfares, housing, medical insurance, paid vacation – Must have BA degree and TESOL or TEFL certificate Last day to apply: *Sometime in November 2014 *this date is tentative and subject to Change depending on circumstances To learn more, please visit the website www.epik.go.kr Questions: EPIK office in Korea – epic@korea.kr
Voting Voices Ring on Campus Grounds CAMPUS
By Sophia Biggs Staff Reporter
Last Tuesday on September 23rd, students and faculty gathered on the U-SU Walkway to register to vote. To some, voting can be a civic duty.
well as a strong piece by Alumni Matt Sedillo, that expressed, “If a ballot fills a box and no one knows what they’re voting for, does it still count?” These performances For others, voting can be an act of brought to light the importance of expressing their views and stances. not only voting, but also being an Believe it or not, there are people informed voter. out there that do not have experience with voting. With the changing Various public figures came out times and the youthful attention to share their relationship with spans moving quickly, there have voting and why it is so important to been unique approaches to charm register. the young voter into stopping for a moment to digest the message: President William Covino Voting is your voice, make your attended and stated that voting is our voice be heard. “personal and civic responsibility.” Other remarkable figures like During the voter registration, Hilda Solis stated, “We can make a many performances that showcased difference by putting truth to vote!” the art of speaking out, like There was also some insight on the spoken word performances and struggles that our forefathers went public speeches by public figures. through to give people the power Some spoken word artists from to vote. Warren Furutani said, “The LACHSA that performed a duet blood that was shed, the time that that harmonized the examples was spent…” in reference to the from the meaning of “Somewhere anguish and dark history behind the in America” where somebody, fight for the right to vote. somewhere is struggling and we need to take action. If students were not able to make it to the event, they can still register There was another spoken word to vote until October 20th. Election piece by Cal State LA Forensics day is Tuesday, November 4th. Team member, Justin Ballatore, as
University Times
Sept. 29, 2014
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Housing Introduces Gender Neutral Dorms Campus By Gerardo Amezquita
Staff Reporter
In accordance with their mission statement of “global citizenship,” Cal State Los Angeles Housing Services has managed to dwell deep to every sense of their avowal by making the residential life better acquitted to diversity of all types, including sexual orientation. Housing Services has launched a new effort to make the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and queer (LGBTQ) community feel “safe[r], inclusive, comfortable, and supportive” by introducing Gender Neutral Inclusive Housing (GNIH).
This supportive and new element makes it possible for students to room with someone
of the same gender, if it makes them more comfortable. Not sure what constitutes to the sort of individuals they are seeking?
abused by students who might terminate the decision because of the lack of concern to the issues of the LGBTQ community.
If you or you know any student interested in applying for GNIH, contact Housing Services or e-mail Rebecca Palmer, the Associative Director of
Residential Life, at rpalmer@ cslanet.calstatela.edu
GNIH is established for students who possess gender fluidity, are in the transitional phase of discovering their gender identity, or any LGBTQ student who feels more comfortable with students of the same gender. Housing Services has made it strictly clear that GNIH was not placed to support romantic partnerships of any kind within the dorms. They also do not want to see this great opportunity be
Photo by Timmy Truong
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University Times
Sept. 29, 2014
Carter Shaw
Named New CSULA Head Coach Sports
BY CSULA Athletics Carter Shaw, a longtime NCAA Division I assistant coach who has been a major part of several successful programs, has been named the head women’s basketball coach at Cal State L.A., Director of Athletics Dan Bridges announced on August 8th. In 16 years as an NCAA Division I assistant coach, Shaw has been a part of nine regular-season championships, seven conference tournament titles and nine trips to the NCAA Tournament. He had coaching stints at the University of Utah, Colorado State, UC Santa Barbara, Ball State, Colgate and UC Riverside. He enjoyed a particularly successful six-year run at UC Santa Barbara for retired head
coach Mark French when the Gauchos won five regular-season titles and advanced to the NCAA Tournament four times. The highlight was a trip to the Sweet Sixteen in 2004. “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Carter as our new head coach,” Bridges said. “We believe Carter’s affiliation with successful programs throughout his career has enabled him to develop excellent recruiting contacts and we were impressed with his passion for student success. Everyone I spoke to about Carter talked about his organizational skills and how well he relates to the student-athletes.” Shaw got his introduction to collegiate coaching as a men’s basketball volunteer for former University of Utah coach Rick Majerus. He later became an assistant coach for Utah’s women’s team from 1997-
2000 and helped the Utes to a pair of Western Athletic Conference titles in three years. He then went to Colorado State, where he was on a national top-25 program that went 49-14 over two seasons. Shaw then spent six years with UC Santa Barbara, where he was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for six seasons for French, who retired following the 2008 season. Shaw then spent time at Ball State, Colgate and UC Riverside.
CSULA Women's Basketball Head Coach Carter Shaw |Photo Courtesy: CSULA Athletics
“I want to thank President Covino, Dr. Bridges, Dr. Sheila Hudson and the search committee members for selecting me as the next head women’s basketball coach at Cal State L.A.,” Shaw said.
the Cal State L.A. community on and off the court. I was drawn to Cal State L.A. because it strives to help people maximize their potential and is a place where strong relationships are built. It’s evident in the rich diversity, sense of purpose and clear commitment to excellence that Cal State L.A. is an attractive place for student-athletes who are serious about success.”
“I look forward to building a program that will represent
Cal State L.A. finished the 2013-14 season with a 17-11
overall record and advanced to the semi-finals of the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Tournament.
University Times
Sept. 29, 2014
An "Uber" Opportunity: Need a "Lyft"?
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Lifestyle
By Alexandra Del Salto Contributor As ridesharing rivals Uber and Lyft continue to battle each other for the crown to be the most dominant transportation service like they are LA’s very own Montagues and Capulets, there’s a window of opportunity that comes to light that most (broke) college students will want to seize. There are two main reasons why ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have had a sudden Cinderella-like surge of popularity that seems to have emerged over night: One, it’s a faster, cheaper, and convenient alternative to the complicated taxi system that is literally at your fingertips (via app), and two, it’s easy money. For the drivers, that is.
In case you haven’t
caught wind of the “ridesharing” buzz that’s been a huge topic of discussion in big cities like Los Angeles, here’s the rundown. Companies like Uber (known for their big glowing “U” seen on car windshields) and Lyft (known for their big, furry pink mustaches seen on car grills) have created a transportation service in the form of a smartphone app that easily helps you get rides around town. Tap a button, and you get picked up minutes. Essentially, it’s a taxi, but way cheaper and more comfortable. What’s setting these companies apart from taxi companies is that the people that pick
Photo Courtesy: Huffingtonpost.com you up are every day normal people picking you up in their own car and taking you wherever you want/need to go. It’s your “friend with a car,” as Lyft says on their website.
“Their drivers are full-time students working to earn their degrees, parents and young adults in need of extra cash, and people who take the job full time.” Anyone can sign up to be a driver, making $15 to $35 an hour (rates fluctuate with how busy you are or how many people you’ve picked up) just to drive people around. Do you have schedule conflicts with school or work? Not a problem. You make your own hours and can drive for the companies whenever you want, as long as it’s during business hours (which usually end around 3AM). At the tap of one button on the app turns on your “Driver Mode” and you’re set to go. Drivers get 80% of the payment from passengers, which is deposited into your account weekly. Some drivers have made up to $800 just driving on Friday nights and weekends. To become a driver, you do have to submit an application, which the company will look over. Following the application process, they’ll run a background check and a check for a clean DMV record (i.e. no DUI’s). Requirements also include having a car that is a 2000 model or newer (some require 2004 or newer), and having your own auto insurance (Lyft and others provide up to $1M liability insurance).
Drivers consist mostly of people in between jobs, or who are enrolled in school. Uber spokesman Taylor Bennett stated that “their drivers are full-time students working to earn their degrees, parents and young adults in need of extra cash, and people who take the job full time.” In the L.A. area, nearly 60 percent of Lyft drivers are in show business. Drivers like these are flocking to ridesharing companies for the flexibility they need for their Hollywood careers. Not only is being a driver ideal for a student or someone looking for an easy part-time job, it’s also a great networking opportunity for any and every one. Drivers are encouraged to casually interact with passengers and engage in friendly conversation. So to the full and half time students with or without jobs looking to make a little extra side cash or need to pay for some books, and to the students who don’t have anything better to do on a Saturday night looking for a little side hustle: this is all you.
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CSULA President William A. Covino speaking during the 2014 Convocation |Photo by Timmy Truong
Covino Soars Into The Future CAMPUS
By Angeline Bernabe Staff Reporter Cal State LA’s University Convocation brought much excitement for many who attended on Monday, September 22nd. The morning event celebrated many alumni and accomplishments, and highlighted the completion of President Covino’s first year at Cal State LA. Guests that day included presidential medallion recipients Univision Reporter, Norma Roque, who shared that Cal State LA is an important part of her journey; 1965 alum and 41st District Attorney of LA county, Steve Cooley, who mentioned that Cal State LA activities were key proponents to his success; and Retired LA Sherriff, Lee Baca, who commented that the “medallion reflects the ethos of CSULA.”
After being welcomed to the stage with a short video of a golden eagle soar-
ing to with the Steve Miller Band’s, “Fly Like An Eagle,” President Covino took the stage and began to underscore many of the past year’s achievements, and what will be in store for the new school year. With “Fly Like An Eagle” as his mantra, and Engagement, Service, and the Public Good as his vision, he’s carried both hand in hand in each task that he’s completed so far such as something complex like hiring new tenured faculty, to something simple like shaking the hands of students at commencement. Leaving not one subject out of discussion, Covino honored all faculty and staff, and students; addressed the quarter to semester system that will come into effect in 2016; spoke about new programs and new centers on campus; and even left the floor open for audience members who had questions for him at the end.
In addition to the new quarter to semester system that will take place in 2016, President Covino mentioned a new GE requirement of community service that students will be expected to complete. The new center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good will be of use for this new requirement in the future by providing students with community service programs. In addition, the center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good will be working closely with students in a new youth program called, “Go East LA,” which will help prepare students for a college curriculum. The educational system will be redefined when the campaign, “#iServeLA,” launches in regards to the initiatives of Engagement, Service, and the Public Good. Of President Covino’s many priorities, his main goal is to help students feel more
engaged in the university. With new programs in the process of launching, including a Dream Resource Center, a campaign called “Mind Matters” (which will be launched by his wife, Debbie Covino), and even the launch of a possible record label called “Artie Records,” President Covino hopes to influence the way students think about their university and wants to help them become engaged. While many in the audience had questions for President Covino, faculty members’ concerns leaned toward his hiring of new tenured faculty, and students’ concerns spanned across several topics including a request from former ASI College of Business and Economics Rep, Brian Wu, about the development of a CSULA football team, and a question from former ASI President, Luis Antezana, about how administration can help student organizations and clubs on campus.
One question in particular that sparked the attention of many was from ASI Vice President, Nick Carillo, about the efforts to demilitarize the campus police force. President Covino replied by saying that he has great confidence in campus public safety and police, and that they are dedicated to the creating a safe setting on campus. By taking into consideration the concerns of students and faculty, and initiating action to create specific programs on campus for students regarding Engagement, Service, and the Public Good, President Covino has shown a sense of progress and promise for the year ahead. In his words that he mentioned in his speech that day, he painted his concept of Cal State LA by saying, “Together, we aren’t just slippin’ into the future, we’re soarin’.”