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NIVERSITY IMES
Oct. 13, 2014
INSIDE:
LA ONDA: PERIODISMO EM ESPAñOL PG 8
APPLE VS SAMSUNG: WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?
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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 207.3
CSU Faculty Protest For Fair Salary After the written contract to improve situations was ignored for 100 days, CFA members raise the voice to get heard
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csula's dean's list 5% cap PG 5
'VERTIGO' REVISITED AT LUCKMAN PG 3
AN INSIDE LOOK AT GREEK LIFE PG 6
CFA members gather outside the office of the president as campus police stand guard. |Photo By Timmy Truong
Angeline Bernabe
Staff Reporter INDEPDENT VISIONS' LATEST Members of the CSULA SCREENING California Faculty Association PG 4 STUDYING ABROAD IN ROME PG 10
(CFA), held a rally on Thursday, October 8th to protest the unjust faculty salary wages across all Cal State Universities. The rally marked the 100th day of no-action state in connection with a written contract for the increase of salary wages of faculty members.
A number of faculty members of CFA started gathering around the Golden Eagle Statue around 3:30 PM, where they accepted letters regarding the lack of support from the CSU Chancellor’s office and administration on campus. The president of CSULA’s CFA Chapter, Molly Talcott provided insight on the issue by stating that there are many issues that need to be fixed, “We’re trying to fix them at
the table,” she said, adding, “So we’re both pressuring Chancellor White and the Chancellor’s office to stop making faculty share an undue source of the burden of the fiscal crisis of the CSU.” Across California, CFA members at other CSUs came together on this day in solidarity on the problem. At CSULA, marching followed the gathering under the Golden Eagle statue, which was led up to President Covino’s office. The group hoped of having an impromptu meeting on the issue, which was not materialized. Recently, an article by David Golstein of CBS news had revealed the misappropriation of money on the campus, recklessly spent in the past years on lavish parties, restaurants, gifts, and other elaborate activities in Los Angeles. Although the investigation had also highlighted the
misuse was under the former Cal State LA President James Rosser’s term in office. Talcott expressed that the issue had everything to do with unjust salary wages. If changes were made in funding education better, the problem would have been be fixed. She also pointed that colleges should put a cap on administrator salaries so they are not paid more than faculty and refund student success fees with the extra dollars. Talcott explained, “We’re just asking to keep up with the cost of living. It’s the administrators that make extravagant amounts of money on the public dollar, so perhaps we need to rethink that.” Prior to the rally, an e-mail from the Chancellor’s office was distributed that spoke about bargaining efforts with CFA. The e-mail stated that a solution was in the works,
but no further action could be done until they received an official word or more information from CFA because they haven’t received anything specific. But Talcott, who was on the bargaining team over the summer, discarded that by saying, “We’ve passed dozens and dozens of official proposals across the table over the past year.” She claims they have not been receptive to any of them. With her past experience and knowledge of how things tend to work, Talcott said, “Just because the CSU puts out an announcement like that, it doesn’t make that all entirely accurate. It does not mean we’ve reached any agreement.” As of now, faculty will not back down until a contract has been finalized.
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University Times
Oct. 13, 2014
Will the Apple of the Day Keep the Droids Away? As Apple rips off their training wheels and speeds past major competition Samsung with its new wide screen launch, UT zooms aroung campus to find out student reactions Crystal Zahler
Contributor So, we all can agree that an ‘apple’ was never impacting so many lives since Sir Isaac Newton caught it last! The launch of new Apple iPhone 6 seems to continue ensuring the same. In many ways (and shapes), the market saw Apple’s rare nod to its competition with iPhone 6 that also fueled further the ever-interesting duel of Apple V/S Samsung. And while the market’s still at it, UT tried to dig up what's been buzzing around campus. Over 100 Cal State L.A. students were polled and as it turned out Apple ruled the roster with a formidable ease. 46% of CSULA students have an iPhone while 29% of you use Samsung and 25% have phones from other brands. Now let’s backtrack a bit, when it all started in 2007. It was the year when the first iPhone hit the stores, causing frenzy among the tech-geeks and panic among the competitors. No other name in the market was able to keep up with this new device because it was simply so advanced. As time passed, many developers like LG, HTC and then of course, Samsung caught on and adjusted their product to compete with the iPhone. Even though Samsung was
eventually able to standout as a competition to beat for Apple, it wasn’t without initial stages of mere imitation games and a giant lawsuit. But Samsung did catch up and earned itself a fair share in mass loyalty with its killer combo of prime product at an inviting price. Benny Sandoval, a Mechanical Engineer major remembers what he went through while on a search of an ideal phone, “iPhone 6 was still a rumor when I was looking for the right phone. I had already had the iPhone 4 for three years. So I was looking at either iPhone 5s or the Galaxy S5 which was then just two weeks old.” And whether is was the higher pixel-rate, better camera quality or a bigger screen, Sandoval made the switch. Now happy with his phone, he doesn’t sound much perturbed that now iPhone is increasing its size to make a cut for customers like him who gave an extra point to Samsung for the big screen. To further shock the results of our poll, Jimmy Aguirre, a Business major and owner of a Samsung Galaxy S5 exclaimed, “It took 3 software updates for iOS (operating system used by Apple) to compare to the specs of the Galaxy S3.” But he could not disagree with Apple’s ability to still keep the hold of the market with a customer-friendly product. “You still can’t deny that Apple somehow has the customer loyalty.” So the question is, why does Apple still have such good sales when other phones can do just as much or more? Senior Cynthia Aguilar, an Urban Learning major and an iPhone user, tries to explain, “I have an iPhone because
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I’m not that techy,” she says, adding, “It is just that user-friendly phone anyone like me is looking for.” Seems, in the world of smartphones at CSULA, Apple is still calling the shots. Coming up with a wider screen may as well be one more step towards making further sure of the market grip! But hey, we aren’t passing a judgment. All we say is in a world where your phone is pretty much your second self, only you can tell what makes your right match.
·When Apple released the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus on September 19th 2014, thousands of people ordered and caused the site to crash. The orders and deliveries have up to a month’s lag ·It all started in 2007 when the first iPhone hit the markets ·The Apple Corporation had sued the Samsung Corporation in 2011 for infringing on their patents and the design of the iPhone and iPad, which they won in 2012 and received over one billion dollars in damages ·Samsung already has a water and dust resistant smartphone, whereas Apple has yet to release a smartphone with similar capabilities ·In the overall international comparison (of order dispatches), Samsung leads by whooping more than double sells than Apple
University Times
Oct. 13, 2014
UT
NIVERSITY IMES
Editor-in-Chief Yzzy Gonzalez
Distributor Carol Venegas
Managing Editor Timmy Truong
Staff Reporters Gerardo Amezquita Angeline Bernabe
Production Manager Taylor Preza
Blogger Marrian Zhou
Web Editor Carol Venegas
Columinist Roxana Hernandez
Copy Editors Gerardo Amezquita Carol Venegas
Contributors Colburn Junus Andrea Romero Ethian Ting Christine Tran Crystal Zahler
Business/ Advertising Mangager Jim Munson
Photographers Pablo De La Hoya John Reyes Timmy Truong
Faculty Advisor Suzanne Regan
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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Julie Orser's
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Madeleine The newest Luckman exhibit brings new life to the Hitchcock classic Vertigo Gerardo Amezquita
Staff Reporter This month the Luckman Fine Arts Complex is enthusiastic to showcase a brilliant examination into Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful film, Vertigo (1958). The artist behind this exhibition 'Madeleine' is no other than LA based artist Julie Orser. Orser is a Chicago-born native, but obtained her credentials in the California Institute of the Arts. The rundown of the movie revolves around an ex-police detective, John ‘Scottie’ Ferguson, portrayed by James Stewart that develops acrophobia (fear of heights) with a supplementary symptom of
vertigo from a traumatic event on the job.
Later, an old colleague from his alma mater contacts Ferguson to follow his wife Madeleine, portrayed by Kim Novak, who believes she is ‘possessed’ by the spirit of her great grandmother. What follows are the perils of love, deception, murder, and tragedy. The story arc takes full use of the psychological and mystery genre and its cinematography has made San Francisco synonymous with the film. It is no wonder that it ranks on the American Film Institute’s ninth greatest film of all time, making it a must watch for any movie aficionado. Orser’s exhibition begins with a silhouetted picture of the two women who are actually the same person. It has Madeleine on one side and Judy (also played by Kim Novak) on the other with a dark, glowing green light. The color green is referenced many times in the film when we are first introduced to Madeleine, to her car, the forest, Ferguson’s sweater, and many other moments that come to signify mortality and a ghostly echo.
Around the cream walls of the Luckman gallery hang a multitude of pictures of looka-like Madeleine’s dressed in her iconic attire of a grey suit with her blonde hair tied back leaving a swirl. This demonstrates a key theme of the film that involves impersonation. As a whole from his collective works, it represented Hitchcock’s well-known obsession with the ideal blonde woman. Another interesting piece was the painting represented in the film of ‘Carlotta Valdez’— the supposed spirit who dwelled in Madeleine. In front of the painting there is a wooden bench with a small bouquet on top. However, in Orser’s painting, the lady is not there. It could come to symbolize death of Carlotta, Madeleine, and Judy. There are many more interesting displays to look at that deserve a personal run through. So, when you get out of class early or have nothing to do, visit the Luckman Fine Arts Complex while you still can. The exhibition ends on October 25th.
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Art piece inspired by Alfred Hitchock's Vertigo |Photo by John Reyes
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Art piece inspired by credits of Alfred Hitchock's Vertigo |Photo by John Reyes
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Oct. 13, 2014
University Times
Sixteen Shades of Black
Independent Vision's latest screening looks at African ancestory in Latin culture Gerardo Amezquita
Staff Reporter
Last Thursday evening, October 9th, the Cross Cultural Center continued their ‘Independent Visions’ series where they showcase revealing films on less recognized themes of different cultures.
tion and simply give the easiest answer. However, the African ancestry is undeniable and prolific in Latin culture through different mediums of food, architecture, music, dance, and custom.
The focus was on how much Latin American culture was influenced by African ancestry. The film Black Life in Mexico and Peru gave a shocking exposure to what made up the richly diverse cultures of many Mexican and Peruvian societies.
The film was presented by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., a renowned professor in African American studies, who takes us on a journey into the early history of Mexico and Peru. He examines the effects of the slave trade that were incredibly common and according to the movie, the largest influx of slave population during the 16th and 17th century. Thus created a different social system than that of the United States.
Black Life in Mexico and Peru manages to further complicate the question towards Hispanic individuals—What is your ancestry? People habitually try to have an answer to this difficult ques-
In his travels into the Mexico City mu-
seum, there came a classification of the abundance of the Mexican ethnic composition. They called them ‘the sixteen shades of black’ which displayed all the different combinations, along with their titles of their ethnic makeup. For example, the movie mentioned that the Spanish were called “white.” A half Indian and half Black individual would be called a “lobo.” So, next time you get the question, "what is your ancestry?" Make sure you dwell long and hard before you give a response because you never may know where your roots lie. For more information on the film or if you wish to watch it, visit pbs.org.
University Times
Oct. 13, 2014
OPINION
95%
Ethian Ting
Contributor Upon earning a grade point average of 3.9 in spring 2013, I was excited by making the cut for the Dean’s List, which requires a 3.4 or higher GPA, but the recognition never came. Although I knew that the Dean’s List is reserved for the top 5%, it took me months and multiple efforts to find the dean’s office and find this particular quarter’s threshold was 3.924. Fourteen of the 23 CSU campuses require a 3.5 GPA or higher, which is the most typical Dean’s List requirement for college students nationwide. Five campuses have slightly lower standards, only requiring a 3.25 or greater. Three other campuses hold higher standards, setting their thresholds at 3.65, 3.75, and 3.80 or better. However, none of our 22 sister campuses have any percentage cap. Though CSULA seems to honor all students who earn a 3.4 GPA, the 5% cap on the Dean’s List effectively excludes many would-be listees each quarter. I was told, in some quarters and certain colleges, only those who have earned a perfect 4.0 GPA receive the Dean’s List
Denial of Academic Excellence
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recognition because of the top 5% rule.
Why is CSULA the only California State University campus keeping such a 5% rule and maintaining the most stringent requirement for the Dean’s List? Does the percent cap boost the prestige of our campus and confidence among us Golden Eagles in the CSU system and beyond? Or does it raise the bar unnecessarily and restrict recognition of academic excellence? The Dean’s List appears on our transcripts and the recipients get to attend the annual Honors Convocation in the spring. The top 5% elitist rule can undoubtedly exclude someone who maintains a GPA at 3.8 each quarter from being recognized for academic excellence. A 3.8 would not have made the cut for the Dean’s List at CSULA in spring 2013, but would have been recognized at every other CSU campus. The 5% rule is simply not fair or just. The 5% cap on the Dean’s List serves as a moving goal post. The Dean’s List hopefuls here must edge out 95% of others instead of being awarded for their individual merits. Helping fellow students would effectively compromise
Graphic by | Ethian Ting the helper’s own chances. This 5% rule creates what is known as a “zero-sum game,” where a participant’s gains are exactly balanced by the losses of others. We could easily fix the problem by having a set GPA target like the other CSU campuses, which would let all students have the chance to reach a clear goal. Some sister CSU campuses also have a special recognition called “President’s List,” reserved for students with perfect or near-perfect GPAs, or students earning Dean’s List twice a year.
Further research also found that we may also have the highest requirements for graduating honors in the CSU system. While other campuses have a set GPA requirement, CSULA keeps yet another percentage threshold rule for the three categories of graduating honors: top 10%, 5%, and 1% for cum laude (honors), magna cum laude (high honors), and summa cum laude (highest honors), respectively. “Success breeds success.” Many empirical observations and research studies support this statement, because positive feedback such as cele-
brating scholarly accomplishments affirms a greater sense of confidence and achievement. If more students become eligible and are invited to attend the Honors Convocation, they will feel more proud of their accomplishments and continue to work harder in their academic endeavors. It is time for the Associated Students and the University officials to sit down and examine these issues. I hope the honors lists will become broadened and more inclusive academic achievements will be celebrated on campus in the near future.
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University Times
Oct. 13, 2014
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Life While the fraternities and sororities open their door for fresh faces, here is why you might consider the invitation Colburn Junus
Contributor Fall quarter is in full effect and that means Greek organizations are looking to rush new members! If you go with the stereotypes, this may be a doorway to an excessive life of drinking and debauchery, but in reality fraternities, sororities, and co-eds are looking to build meaningful friendships and offer an enhanced college experience. “Yes, we do have fun together,” says Michael Lopez, president of CSULA’s Sigma Nu, adding that “it’s much more than just that. We organize social events, hone our business skills and endeavor to give back to the community. Each member is there for the other in times of need and we help each other gain [life] skills that you can’t necessarily earn in the four walls of classroom.” The fraternities and sororities of our campus that have done a lot to support the non-profit organizations including their participation in the AIDS Walk and working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Apart from activities and events, there are the strong bonds and family-like aspects that you find with Greek life. Dana Almarazis, a recent graduate from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, agrees saying, “Sigma Sigma was my family. I could go to them for anything whether it is schoolwork, complicated life matters or boys! They were there for everything. Since I was away
Photo by Timmy Truong
from home, this helped me gain a family within my sorority and it helped a lot with the hard times of being by yourself.” While Greek organizations have a lot to develop in an individual, it’s interesting that maintaining of a good grade point average is essential for staying in a Greek organization. You’re a student foremost for any fraternities and sororities, and the academics are kept priority. “My grades definitely did a lot better because you have a lot more people who are willing to help you,” adds Dana explaining her experience, “You will know that any other girl in your sorority who’s in that class or has had that class are willing to help you. In addition to that we would hold study sessions with sisters who’ve had the class already.” Then there is the ongoing debate that joining an organization will turn you into something you aren’t. Almaraz went through that stage but realized you can always stay who you are if you are strong enough, “We were all very different. There were things like drinking at our parties that some of us did and some of us wanted to avoid. But one needs to remember that staying true to your own morals and values is one’s own responsibility. No organization forces you to do anything. So all is well as long as you remember that you’re joining to improve yourself not become someone else,” says Almaraz. Michael Lopez also advocates caution before joining any organization. “Every organization is different of course,” he exclaims, “I always tell any interested student to check out other fraternities just to give him the opportunity to find what’s his niche. You must look for individuals and beliefs in organizations that suit you. If you
Photo by Pablo De La Hoya
And just so you know: · · · · · ·
At Cal State LA there are 7 fraternities, 10 sororities, and 2 co-ed fraternities. All are divided by various councils, such as Multicultural Greek, Panhellenic, National Pan-hellenic, and Greek. According to Global Post Greek life across the country has annually contributed more than 10 million hours in philanthropy and community service Greek societies organize not only parties but also study sessions, and most of them have GPA requirements to continue memberships *Mention info on scholarships and awards that you get only while being part of respective societies *Career benefits like chance of getting hired from past members It is always recommended that freshman wait a year or at least a quarter to focus on academics and adjust to college life before looking to carry on the responsibilities of a fraternity or sorority.
do something following notions of popularity and while looking for acceptance, you’ll never make right choices.” So next time you’re walking to your next class and see a fraternity or sorority at their tables, consider walking over to them. You never know there might be lifelong bonds awaiting that pave a way to better college life and so the life ahead.