VOLUME 68 | ISSUE 26 | MARCH 4, 2014
Teacher dollars make no sense PSU'S UNDERPAID PROFESSORS REFLECT A CHANGE IN UNIVERSITY VALUES
NEWS
OPINION
ARTS & CULTURE
SPORTS
PSU faculty and students rally together to support faculty in their ongoing contract negotiations. pg. 4
Misunderstanding evolution: Why Charles Darwin isn’t the antireligious icon you want him to be. pg. 7
Students from PSU and WSU team up for a new art exhibit, “Relatively Flat.” pg. 14
A Vanguard sportswriter who is graduating this term takes a last look at the state of PSU athletics. pg. 18
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NEWS
FACULTY AND STUDENTS RALLY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
SARA SWETZOFF
faculty and students combined forces last Thursday to stage a rally in support of faculty in their ongoing contract negotiations. The Portland State chapter of the American Association of University Professors and Fox 12 News estimated that nearly 1,000 people were gathered in the Park Blocks at the rally’s peak. “We’re really excited about how the rally went,” said David Osborne, an instructor at PSU and member of PSU-AAUP. “We had a tremendous turnout in spite of the rain. We clearly have the support of students and community members.” Eric Noll, legislative affairs director for the Associated Students of PSU and a board member of the Oregon Student Association, echoed faculty enthusiasm. “The show of student power and student organizing on campus was inspiring. The walkout was an incredible opportunity for students who have never participated in something like that before to experience what it feels like to make their voice heard.” As of the morning of the walkout, nearly 700 students were signed up via a text message loop to participate. However, it is possible that many more left class at the appointed time. A number of faculty with courses taking place at the time of the rally
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solidarity and the important correlation between working conditions and quality of education on campus.
‘A very powerful force’ While bargaining takes place between the faculty union and the PSU administration and does not involve any direct student role, Osborne emphasized the importance of student involvement. “The support of students is essential for what we are trying to accomplish. It shows us that the kind of things we are advocating for are indeed the things that will serve the students. It further demonstrates that the administration is heading in the wrong direction, and the students and the faculty have a different vision for how [to] provide for high quality education at PSU.” The link between faculty contract demands and the broader vision for PSU’s future was further underlined by Noll. “What’s been talked about at the bargaining table is more comprehensive than just funding—it’s about shared governance.” In Noll’s perspective, the administration would have much to gain by creating more opportunities for students to engage with decision-making at the university. “When students, staff and faculty are all in one room together, we can be a very
STUDENTS AND FACULTY circle around SMSU chanting and carrying protest signs demanding that the administration prioritize professors and their classrooms over business infrastructure.
CORINNA SCOTT/PSU VANGUARD
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reported that their entire class walked out together. Students began planning the walkout at a public info session held by the PSU Student Union in early February. Initially aiming to coincide with a faculty info picket, the walkout gained further significance on Monday of last week when PSU-AAUP declared an impasse in their negotiations with the PSU administration. The declaration of an impasse brings faculty a step closer to authorizing a strike that would coincide with the second week of spring term. Faculty kicked off Thursday’s rally at 11 a.m. by forming a picket line in front of the Park Blocks entrance to Smith Memorial Student Union. According to Osborne, at least 350 PSU-AAUP members were present by an early count. By 11:20 a.m. when students began to converge on the area, faculty were marching a route around SMSU and many students joined along. After the planned student walkout joined up with the faculty information picket, students, faculty, staff and community members held a speak-out on the stage of the south Park Blocks. Despite the poor weather conditions, a count made by PSU Campus Public Safety estimated that about 300 people stuck around to hear fellow students, staff and faculty articulate their mutual
CORINNA SCOTT/PSU VANGUARD
NEWS powerful force and a resource to administrators when it comes to securing key changes at the state level. Unfortunately, we’ve been moving away from that in the conversations we’ve been having the last 10 months on campus.” One source of student frustration at the rally was the administration’s choice to hold a PSU mobile app launch party at the same time as the walkout. The party was held in the basement of SMSU and promised free pizza and games. It was announced on the university’s Facebook page after the planning of the student walkout was underway. Christian Aniciete, the social media coordinator for PSU’s communications office, said that this was nothing more than a coincidence. The party’s date, he said, was set in late December. A student walkout was first publically proposed Jan. 30 at an information session held by PSUSU. “This event was not orchestrated to distract [students from] the walkout,” Aniciete said in an email. “It was not a
PR stunt as my team does not have a ‘secret agenda’ planning these events.”
Next steps According to the timeline put in place by the recent declaration of an impasse, the administration and PSU-AAUP had until yesterday to submit their best and final efforts. If an agreement can be reached, then faculty will vote to ratify the proposed contract and a strike will be averted. If an agreement is not reached, then the 30-day cooling off period set in motion by the impasse will continue. According to Scott Gallagher from the Office of University Communications, PSUAAUP can vote to strike at any time during this period, but they cannot actually go on strike until the 30 days are up. They must also give the administration a 10-day notice before striking. “The earliest they could do it would be April 3 or 4,” Gallagher stated. However, faculty have notified students that in the event of a strike,
they will hold off until the second week of spring term so that students’ visas, loan disbursements and other needs affected by enrollment status will be unaffected. Gallagher said, “We’re confident we’ll come to an agreement and we hope that it happens as soon as possible.” As for the walkout, on behalf of the university Gallagher voiced his support for the students. “We support students’ rights to gather and discuss any issue—it’s part of being in university, to voice concerns and share information. If students choose to walk out, then that is up to them.” Gallagher reiterated that the university has systems in place to maintain business as usual in the event of a strike. “Our job is to make sure that nothing gets in the way of students pursuing their academic goals, and we will do everything we can to make sure there is no interruption,” he said. Jordan Molnar contributed reporting. (LEFT TO RIGHT) JACQ COULTH, GARY BRODOWICZ, AND TIA GOMEZ-ZELLER lead students and faculty in chanting, “Tuition for instruction, not for construction,” on the Park Blocks stage.
KELLY COWAN, president of the PSU Faculty Association, which represents part-time and adjunct faculty, speaks about the bargaining issues that affect his association.
MILES SANGUINETTI/PSU VANGUARD
STUDENTS AND FACULTY congregate at the Park Blocks stage during the student walkout.
ALEX HERNANDEZ/PSU VANGUARD
CRIME BLOTTER not smoking marijuana on campus an hour before.
Feb. 24 INDECENT EXPOSURE
CORINNA SCOTT/PSU VANGUARD
CAMERON FRANK, a PSUSU organizer, speaks to the crowd during the walkout.
Week of Feb. 24–Mar. 2
STEPHANIE TSHAPPAT
Cramer Hall, second floor Officer Denae Murphy received a report at 5:44 p.m. from a female victim who stated she took a nap in the alcove on the north side of the building and woke up to discover a male subject masturbating and using his phone to either take pictures of the victim or look at pornography. Subject was described as a white male adult, in his mid-20s to early 30s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall with an average build and wearing a grey sweatshirt and whitewashed jeans. The area was checked but the subject was not located.
Feb. 25 EXCLUSION
University Center Building Officer Gary Smeltzer contacted non-student Dustin Woolsey at 12:18 p.m. and issued him a PSU exclusion for failing to heed Officer Smeltzer’s warning about
Feb. 28 ARREST
Southwest Park Avenue and Market Street Officer Brenton Chose, Officer James Dewey and Officer Smeltzer observed non-student Laroy Alexander on the east side of the Peter W. Stott Center at 4 p.m. Officers recognized him from prior contacts and discovered he had an outstanding felony warrant for failure to register as a sex offender. Officers then lost sight of Alexander but located him later in above area. As officers approached him he fled northbound through the Park Blocks and then eastbound on Southwest Clay Street. After a two block foot pursuit and brief use of force, Alexander was taken into custody. Search uncovered a pipe with meth Alexander’s person. Alexander was arrested on a warrant and for attempted unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
ARREST
Science Building One At 8:38 p.m. Officer David Troppe and Officer David Baker observed non-student Robert Wyeth on the south side of the building leaning into a trash can. Upon contact it was discovered Wyeth had a current PSU exclusion and was issued a citation in lieu of arrest for criminal trespass II.
Mar. 3 ARREST
University Services Building Officer Jon Buck and Officer Shawn McKenzie contacted non-student Robert Wyeth sleeping in the loading dock area of the building at 4:24 a.m., fewer than 12 hours after being issued a citation for trespass by Officer Troppe. Wyeth was arrested for criminal trespass II and lodged at Multnomah County Detention Center. Read the full crime blotter at psuvanguard.com.
Mar. 2
MILES SANGUINETTI/PSU VANGUARD
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NEWS
PROFESSOR QUALITY SURVEY TAKES STEPS TO IMPROVE TEACHING KARISA CLEARY
If you check your pdx.edu email, you’ve probably seen a few emails from a bearded viking who seems to know a lot about Portland State and likes to update you with news and events happening on campus in a weekly newsletter called Virtual Viking. In the Jan. 28 edition, a survey was released to PSU students that allowed them to give feedback on their experiences in the classroom, as well as the quality of their professors. This project was proposed as part of the reTHINK PSU initiative, which is an ongoing campus-wide movement to bring positive changes to the university. “The goal of the reTHINK project is to be innovative and to find new, more effect ways of delivering education,” said Scott Gallagher, director of communications at PSU. “These projects can be more efficient, they can be more inexpensive and they can be different kinds of modules or instructional formats. Anything that helps students learn and graduate while being faster, cheaper and all of the above.” This specific project is being directed by three PSU professors: Nike Arnold, professor of applied linguistics; Steve Thorne, professor of second language acquisition; and Kathryn Harris, assistant professor of second language acquisition. Three separate surveys have been created and tailored for three specific groups at PSU: students, faculty/teacher assistants and administration. In terms of reaching out to faculty/TAs and administrators, many have been recruited through focus-
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group emails and random email lists. After the surveys have been analyzed and each bit of data is accounted for, the leaders of the program will create online learning modules and begin designing workshops where professors, whose teaching methods have proven successful by students, will be asked to share their personal tools. “We want to give people some tools to get them to think about their teaching and hone their skills in that area,” Arnold said. The timeline is set to continue through December of 2014, and modules should be ready to go by the fall. Arnold gives additional details about the analytical process. “Hopefully we’re going to be close to being done with collection of data in the next two weeks or so, then on to preliminary data analysis,” Arnold said. “We’re then going to do a more rigorous analysis. We really want to triangulate the answers to see if what the student says matches up with the professors.” So far students have been provided with a link through Virtual Viking and some through mailing lists. Christian Aniciete, social media coordinator for PSU’s communication office and the man behind Virtual Viking, explains that the newsletter containing the survey gained a fair amount of popularity. “This particular issue received a 22 percent open rate,” Aniciete said. “The link to the PSU teaching survey received one of the most hits for the issue, with a 20 percent clickthrough rate.” Aniciete said that normally these newsletters have a 20
percent open rate while links are generally at a 15 percent click-through rate. One thing to keep in mind for those interested in filling out the survey is that each student participant will remain completely anonymous, and no personal information is required. This project keeps answers under wraps from the public, and results are used solely to create the learning modules.
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Arnold explains the extended ethics behind the project. “Whenever you conduct research involving people, you have to go through ethics committees so they understand their rights. This was all approved to be ethical in the guidelines for research,” Arnold said. “We are not allowed to share responses for anything but research purposes.” Websites like “Rate My Professor” tend to outline
the flaws in professor performance at colleges and universities, but this professor quality survey takes a different approach. “This project focuses on effective practices,” Arnold said. “Our angle is never going to be ‘look at what this professor is doing wrong.’ It is, ‘look at how this professor is doing things and how students are reacting.’ There’s not one wrong way and one
right way. It all depends on dynamic of the class.” Gallagher notes that the purpose of the survey is also to understand the needs of students. “Things have changed. It’s not just going to class and taking tests anymore—not that that isn’t beneficial,” Gallagher said. “We are rethinking how we deliver education to meet the needs of our students more efficiently and inexpensively.”
©PORTLAND STATE QUALTRICS
OPINION
THE MOST MUNDANE GREAT IDEA OF ALL TIME LOOKING PAST THE DARWIN DAY HYPE
“The goal of evolution is to present facts Global Thinking by Derek Sun
Feb. 12 marked the passing of another Darwin Day. The birthday of Charles Darwin is becoming a popular holiday for science fans, atheists, believers in evolution and those simply looking for a fun and interesting day to celebrate. Darwin Day is being used for science lectures, parties and other innovative gatherings dedicated to learning and having fun. It’s a good time to look closely at the theory of evolution by natural selection, the idea that Darwin is so famous for formulating and propagating. For all of its prominence in science and culture, evolution is actually a rather tame set of beliefs and poses almost none of the major threats conjured up by its opponents. Some of the most massive misconceptions about evolution ought to be cleared up first. The guiding principle and process that makes up the gradual change known as evolution is called natural selection. In any environment there is variance in genetic traits and phenotypes among species. The prevailing conditions in the environment and any random changes or events among species’ interactions will be beneficial for species with certain traits, and not so beneficial for species lacking a favored trait, so eventually the favored trait becomes more common in offspring. At any time, traits may lose or gain usefulness. The general purpose of evolution is to allow species to become better adapted to survive and reproduce. Nothing in the theory of evolution suggests that dolphins or deer will sprout wings over the course of one generation to avoid predators, or that an insect will suddenly be gifted with radioactivity. Differences accumulate over time, and every species becomes best suited to surviving and thriving wherever it lives. A common complaint leveled against evolution is that it is incompatible with, or even an assault on, religion. Evolution is poised to obliterate and discredit all religions and force worship of science. However, interpreting evolution and believing that it matches the first six days of creation described in the Bible can be an acceptable solution. There is no secretive or nefarious movement to decimate religion, nor do scientists
supported by studies and encourage more people to understand and accept those ideas...” and believers in evolution have the power to remove religion from society. The goal of evolution is to present facts supported by studies and encourage more people to understand and accept those ideas, rather than attribute all occurrences in life to the acts of unseen gods and refuse to investigate further. Evolution, contrary to how it is depicted in Pokemon, never affects solely one organism or causes dramatic changes in just one step. Instead, an entire population is affected by the process. Only a population as a whole experiences evolution. Instead of genes competing or having minds of their own, genes simply decrease or increase in frequency. Because some genes happen to be useful in certain situations, they are passed down more often through generations. Evolution is merely a counting system for genes and does not result in rapid, fantastic changes in appearance. New Zealand physicist Ernest Rutherford claimed, “Science is either physics or stamp collecting,” and evolution falls firmly into the latter category. Instead of asserting that cats can sprout tentacles or that all monkeys will become humans in a few years, Darwin simply uncovered the basic tenets of tracking and studying genes, and how genes can vary in effectiveness and frequency. When one studies the theory of evolution over time and in enough detail, it is apparent that none of the claims are really new or radical. Thinkers before Darwin had toyed with or seriously argued in favor of evolution. Evolution is simply gradual change and modification with the overall goal of making species more adapted to their particular environment and favoring certain traits over others when changes occur. Evolution, in contrast to some critiques against it, is a largely settled and accepted fact among scientists. The ideas of evolution allow us to answer a multitude of questions about how life functions and what changes we may anticipate in the future. It makes life more understandable and fascinating. As far as knowledge goes, evolution is one of mankind’s best and most mundane ideas so far.
CHRISTOPHER SOHLER/PSU VANGUARD
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OPINION
RESPONDING TO BODY IMAGE BLUES 99999
The Cuddlefish
by Adam LaMascus It’s easy to get out of shape while in college—that’s a simple fact. You are busier than ever before, have access to tons of food and alcohol, and you usually have no parental oversight. This combination of factors makes it really easy to find yourself in that unenviable position where you look in the mirror and say, “eeek!” As a result, there are many people who will find themselves feeling unattractive when it’s time to get naked and enthusiastic with their partners, or who will find their partners saying, “Jeez, I feel fat.” What does one do in such a situation? I would like to point out that Dan Savage’s column “Savage Love” and “Dear Prudie,” written by Emily Yoffe, have both fielded this question and I frankly think they were both off the mark in their responses. They both addressed the mechanics of how to approach your partner with “Honey, I think we should get healthy together” which, while important, misses the point. What do you do in the moment of “God, I feel unattractive?” In the seconds after those words have left your lover’s lips, you owe your partner emotional support. Tell them that they are attractive, that you find them attractive and that you care about them and want to make them feel better. Naturally, this is all dependent on my larger theory of “don’t be in shallow relationships.” If you are feeling unattractive and your partner reponds, “Yeah, you really have let yourself go,” then dump their asses like a nameless extra in Kill Bill Part 1. Of course, physical attraction is an important component of a relationship, and I think it’s important for both parties to always try to look attractive for their partners. However, as a human being and a graduate student at that, I understand (and am guilty of ) not necessarily having the time nor the desire to hit the gym as often as you should. But that shouldn’t matter, especially when you are in a longterm relationship. You should have a strong enough foundation built from emotional intimacy, intellectual stimulation, history and many endorphin-filled encounters. If you have an open, caring and communicative relationship (read: a good relationship), then you will be able to easily sex your way through the times when the looks-based physical attraction falters. Because the person who’s made you orgasm dozens or hundreds of times is always attractive. Always. The point is, when your partner turns away from the mirror towards you and says “I feel fat,” that moment is not about you. It is about them. Remember that and always be incredibly supportive.
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BRENDAN MULLIGAN/PSU VANGUARD
Going back to Savage and Yoffe, their suggestion that you just say “let’s go get healthy together,” is not wrong. That is a perfectly fine answer, just not in the moment. You say that later when you are fully clothed and much less vulnerable. Say you want to get in shape and invite them to come with you. And for the love of all that is holy, never, I repeat, never tell them they’ve “let themselves go” or are on a “slippery slope to being a frumpy slob” or anything like that. If you do, you deserve whatever awful things they are likely to say to you. Tact is an incredibly important part of dealing with relationships (romantic or otherwise), and doubly so when body image and self-esteem are involved. Quadruply so when the person in question is the one you are having sex with. If you are the person who is feeling less than super attractive, it is fine to say so. It is also important not to get hung up on it. It’s easy to focus on that, but if you have a decent partner, they should support you without a problem and help you feel better.
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If they do not, that’s a pretty good sign that they are not worth your time. Do what you need to do to get through the moments you feel bad and work toward something better. Ask your partner, friends or whoever you need to help you out, if that’s what you need. I personally hate going to the gym by myself and need a friend to go with me. This doesn’t only refer to gyms, this can also include things like diets. In conclusion, if you find yourself in the situation of a lover saying they feel unattractive, remember: 1. Be supportive 2. Be loving 3. Be kind 4. Be understanding 5. Be tactful If you follow these simple guidelines, you should be able to help your partner get past their temporary bad feelings and get back to the fun times you are about to have together.
Squeezing student wallets The Illuminator by Mike Bivins
With tuition and associated fees reaching well over $2,000 per term, Portland State wants us to dig deeper into our pockets and come up with an additional $594 per term to pay for the cost of health insurance. Since its 2012 inception, this has become a mandatory priority. Are there any reasons, other than the ostensibly noble theory that it is necessary to have this insurance in the unlikely event that a student becomes injured? It seems like students should be given the choice to opt out. Tens of thousands of PSU alumni before us did just fine without the university mandate that we have health insurance. Why are we as a school and a nation suddenly having insurance mandates foisted into our laps from all sides? If I was paying attention in macroeconomics, it seems true to me that the sudden requirement that everyone purchase health insurance could lead to demand-side inflation. The
JENNIFER MIKKELSON/PSU VANGUARD
“The insurance companies, along with PSU, can simply raise rates without worrying about those who opt out.”
OPINION
insurance companies, along with PSU, can simply raise rates without worrying about those who opt out. Of course, this is just speculation. We will have to wait and see if the cost of student health insurance is more expensive in the following years. I’m not saying that I’m not for everyone having health insurance. No, I believe quite the opposite. I am all for universal health coverage, I am just not a fan of making every student purchase expensive health insurance. That is, if they are not lucky enough to find themselves already covered by their parents or their employer’s health insurance. Students being required to purchase health insurance is a far cry from the free healthcare that the working poor, as well as the lower-middle class, should be receiving. The money that would and should be spent on free universal healthcare, however, is squandered by the federal government on the $600 billion defense budget. The Pentagon would like citizens to believe that if we make even slight reductions in our defense budget, it is going to give the terrorists, and other amorphous and ill-defined apparitions, the opening they need to make a devastating strike against America. An example of this fear-mongering orchestrated by the military and the media came in the form of a Forbes Magazine article from 2013 called “Budget cuts are killing military preparedness.” I really love the visual this title paints. It makes it seem like military preparedness is a living, breathing creature that is worthy of $600 billion, and that if we deny this money, the picture embedded in the article of the Forbes website will come to pass. The picture is of a soldier carrying another wounded soldier. Basically, the media would have us believe that cuts in the defense budget lead directly to dead soldiers, rather than potentially happier students with less of a student loan burden. To compound the matter of the federal government squandering our tax dollars, the amount of money from the state of Oregon that goes to higher education is almost inconsequential. According to a report produced by the Oregon University System entitled “Higher Education and the Oregon Economy,” Oregon ranks 45th among U.S. states in the amount of money it provides per student toward higher education. This ranking is laughable and really makes me wonder if it’s time for the Legislature to get rid of the kicker and send that money to the college students of Oregon. For those of you who are not familiar with the kicker, according to the state of Oregon website, “The 1979 Oregon Legislature passed the ‘2 percent kicker’ law, which requires the state to refund excess revenue to taxpayers when actual general fund revenues exceed the forecast amount by more than 2 percent.” The state of Oregon has long been criticized for not putting this kicker away in a rainy day fund. The fact that corporations are also privy to a refund raises the question of fairness. I spoke of a rainy day, and it has been very rainy for this state the last few years. Tuition costs seem to rise every year, with no noticeable reprieve from the state. Students in this state are facing many challenges, and we need every edge that we can get. Students at PSU need the flexibility to opt out of a health insurance plan that will set them back nearly $1,800 a year. They also need help from the Legislature, and that help has been sorely missing.
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Teacher dollars make no sense PSU'S UNDERPAID PROFESSORS REFLECT A CHANGE IN UNIVERSITY VALUES DEREK SUN
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RACHAEL BENTZ/PSU VANGUARD
COVER
COVER
“In my own experience with professors at PSU, most of them work extremely hard and devote themselves to educating and helping students for little financial gain.” Portland State boasts 1,764 research and institutional faculty members. In recent years the university has tremendously expanded the number of degree programs it offers. PSU currently offers 209 different degrees that include bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. Over 20,000 students are educated here each year. The recent threat of a strike and the fundamental arguments over how PSU allots and spends its budget are shedding more light and scrutiny on how much professors are being compensated, and how much they should be earning. In my own experience with professors at PSU, most of them work extremely hard and devote themselves to educating and helping students for little financial gain. “Don’t worry about giving me your money—almost none of your tuition goes toward paying me,” one of my biology professors once told me. This revelation surprised me until I looked into the payment differences between professors and administrators. I discovered that in most states, the highest paid employees at universities are, unsurprisingly, deans and chancellors, and surprisingly, sports coaches. It is a sign of deeply skewed priorities that the people who accumulate and spread knowledge, and who work hard to fulfill the most basic purpose of universities, earn so little and enjoy so little job security. While there is immense interest in obtaining more benefits for faculty, members of the American Association of University Professors are also hoping for a quick and satisfying resolution so that they can focus on working and helping students. “It is a shame that contract negotiations have reached an impasse. I was a graduate student at UC Berkeley during a graduate student strike, and it was incredibly disruptive,” said professor Melissa Appleyard of the School of Business in an email. “Because of the importance of education, hopefully resolution will arrive soon so we can all get back to focusing on the success of our students and the health of the university community.” It is slowly becoming more acknowledged that across numerous universities and research centers, funds for academic research are scarce and are only getting scarcer. The
Washington Post in 2012 said, “Traditional academic jobs are scarcer than ever…the supply of scientists has grown far faster than the number of academic positions.” There are distressing signs that in many academic fields, funding and job availability have not kept up with the number of people demanding funds and positions. Closer to home, the Portland Tribune reported last June that “Oregon will lose about $15 million in research grants this year due to sequestration…continued sequestration will cost Oregon about $30 million in federal research funding per year.” The federal budget sequester has jeopardized the careers and projects of many scientists and professors working at PSU and other institutions. With academic opportunities and money for research drying up and disappearing as the numbers of people seeking such work rises, universities across the nation—including PSU—are facing a bleak future. The PSU professors I’ve spoken with who are part of current labor negotiations are unanimous in their high esteem for the student body, and are also enthusiastic about the city and university they work in. “The students at PSU never cease to amaze me with their balance of school, work and life,” Appleyard said. “PSU is so fortunate to be in the middle of such a livable and dynamic city. Portland feels more nimble than Silicon Valley or Seattle.” Some professors note that as the years have passed, more emphasis is being placed on fostering an environment where maximizing profits is most important. “Administrators now tend to come in from outside. In my assessment, today’s administrators at PSU could best be described as ‘careerists,’” said John Hall, professor of economics and international studies. “My take is that many of us faculty members seek to carry on and operate with noble principles, but in an environment being eroded by an administration infected with business principles. Our conflict seems first and foremost a conflict in values.” Academia has never been renowned for being a terribly wellpaying profession—it’s definitely not like working in Silicon Valley. However, the growing number of people possessing advanced degrees and looking for academic positions, coupled with the shrinking accessibility of research jobs, minuscule salaries and growing skepticism toward university education, are worsening the already knotty situation. One of the most perceptive, if not prominent, observers of these changes is the blog 100 Reasons, which so far has compiled 92 posts detailing why attending graduate school and seeking a research career are enormous mistakes. Among the reasons listed is the shockingly low pay faculty receive at almost all universities, with non-tenure professors earning ap-
proximately $40,000 a year. This is consistent with what PSU instructors make, if not generous. Not only are salaries for professors without the benefits of tenure extremely low, they also aren’t increasing much each year. A 2011 Oregonian article revealed that salaries nationwide climbed only 1.4 percent, which proved to be “the lowest year-to-year change in the 50 years of the annual survey.” Professors are truly living up to being what Case Western Reserve University law professor Erik Jensen called the “worst-dressed middle-class occupational group in America.” To add insult to injury, just as jobs and remuneration for faculty are worsening at PSU and other universities, administrative employees and athletic officials are enjoying more and more job openings and consistent increases in salary each year. PSU-AAUP observes that tenured full professor salaries increased by only six percent in the last decade whereas, according to sources in the Portland Mercury, “The average administrator’s salary has gone up substantially. The provost’s salary shot up 46 percent. For vice provosts it was 43 percent. For vice presidents it was around 29 percent.” A massive spike in the number of administrative jobs at PSU has also been observed in recent years, and there is even speculation that further cuts to the academic budget will remove more classes and delay the progress of students. Such an event occurred last summer when approximately 70 to 80 classes were removed from the curriculum just weeks before classes were scheduled to begin. The walkout organized by students and professors on Feb. 27 emphasized the current problems faced by stagnant wages and increasingly unaffordable tuition that appears to be worth less and less. The strikers are working with AAUP to advocate for increases in the salaries of professors to keep up with inflations affecting prices, lengthening the contracts of fixed-term faculty members and making it easier for professors to live and work in satisfactory conditions. If a strike does occur during the spring term, it will be the first at PSU in about 20 years. A strike would disrupt the graduation plans of some students and undoubtedly affect the careers of many students and professors, but it would certainly succeed in drawing attention to the plight of students struggling to pay for education, and professors who are hard-pressed to find projects and jobs. PSU’s professors have devoted years of labor working toward their degrees only to endure frighteningly low levels of pay. The principal focus of the strike organizers is how to protect the rights and ensure the welfare of teachers so that PSU functions by prioritizing the interests of those who contribute the most to universities. These are namely the students and professors who contribute money and labor to making PSU what it is.
Vanguard | MARCH 4, 2014 | psuvanguard.com
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ARTS & CULTURE
PORTLAND’S CUP OF TEA WHERE TO GO TO GET THE BEST TEA IN TOWN BRIE BARBEE
Tea is one of the world’s most popular drinks, second only to water. It is a drink of remarkable versatility that might find a place during any time of the day. However, tea does not have nearly the same popularity in the U.S. that it does in other countries around the world. Ever since the Boston Tea Party, which occurred nearly 250 years ago, many Americans have preferred coffee as their warm drink of choice. High taxes on tea ultimately caused the number of tea drinkers to decrease and affected the long-term popularity of tea in the U.S. That idea has begun to change, and tea is seeing a new burst of popularity as trends of increased international travel and interests in healthy living are making high quality and unique teas available. Tea culture has found its niche in Portland and continues to thrive across the city. Portland is the home to many different tea shops, from small single location shops to larger companies with a much bigger scope of influence. Listed below are a few shops located around the city, which really embrace the tea culture of Portland.
Behind the Museum Cafe 1229 S.W. 10th Ave. (503) 477‑6625 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tea Chai Te 734 N.W. 23rd Ave. (503) 228‑0900 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tea Chai Te owner Dominic Valdes’ interest in tea was sparked about 10 years ago as a student at the University of Oregon. “I sensed a growing interest in all things tea among my peers as well, but there was simply no comfortable, chill places to go. Coffee shops weren’t offering much tea. The only tea shops were English-style high tea places with crumpets, doilies and big hats, which I have no interest in,” Valdes said. “My motivation was to design a shop serving really high quality teas from around the world in an environment I felt like drinking tea in, listening to music I liked to listen to. Fortunately many others liked our style, and now we have retail and wholesale customers all over the world.”
Sporting three locations across Portland, Tea Chai Te offers students a relaxing and hip place to listen to good music and find many unique and organic blends of tea. The N.W. 23rd location is easily accessible by the streetcar and offers over 100 blended teas and chai lattes, all made from scratch. It is the perfect location to stop by for a quality cup of tea or to stay for a while to enjoy the environment.
Townshend’s Tea Company 3531 S.E. Division St. (503) 236‑7772 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Townshend’s Tea Company is another iconic addition to the Portland tea scene. Their two locations in Portland keep the college student in mind, offering the relaxing coffeehouse-type environment, but with tea! Townshend’s Brew Dr. Kombucha can also be found on campus at the vegetarian restuarant Food for Thought.
TEA CHAI TE offers a wide selection of teas available for consumption.
Behind the Museum Cafe is a quaint Japanese-influenced cafe located directly behind the Portland Art Museum (hence the name). It specializes in Japanese-style green teas, but also serves coffee, pastries and small entrees to compliment the experience. It is a beautiful and quiet location not far from the Portland State campus where one can settle down with a pot of tea and some treats and study.
Stash Tea Retail Store & Tea Bar 3972 N. Mississippi Ave. (971) 717‑6370 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Many people know the Stash Tea company as an iconic addition to grocery stores across the country, but many Portlanders may not realize that Stash is indeed a homegrown company. The Stash Retail Store offers all of the same teas that you can find in your local store, but what makes it different is that you can also find many different loose-leaf blends, as well as teaware to add to your collection. Whether you are grabbing a cup of tea while walking down Mississippi Ave. or searching for some interesting loose-leaf teas to bring back home, this is the place for you.
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Vanguard | MARCH 4, 2014 | psuvanguard.com
HELENA WOLFE/ PSU VANGUARD
ARTS & CULTURE
PSU TEAMS WITH WSU TO MAKE ART FLAT SHARON JACKSON
“Relatively Flat” is a collaborative exhibit from Master of Fine Arts students from Washington State University and Portland State. The exhibit, which utilizes paper, fabric and other flat surfaces, aims to foster crossborder exchanges while engaging with pedagogy and with traditional and contemporary art practices. “Relatively Flat” runs from Feb. 21 to April 15 at the WSU Vancouver campus. The project was conceived by Avantika Bawa, assistant
professor of fine arts at WSU Vancouver. Bawa is also an artist, curator and part of the team that launched Drain, a biannually-published online journal that promotes theory and praxis debates and discussions. Bawa has also visited PSU on many occasions, either to give a talk or do critiques with MFA students. The idea for the exhibit started with an informal conversation with Pat Boas, assistant professor and MFA chair at PSU. “There is interesting work coming out of the PSU program, and the exhibition is a good way for them to see
what we do at WSU and us to see what they do,” Bawa said. “Getting to know PSU students and WSU students, I always have been interested in connecting people and communities.” With little gallery space, the idea for the exhibit was originally planned as “Works On Paper” to keep the exhibition relatively small. Bawa found this to be limiting to students who were working on flat projects, but not on paper. “So the name changed and what we started examining got more interesting. Looking at how students work
and how artists would respond to this idea of flatness,” Bawa said. “Relatively Flat” derives from the consideration of two dimensional. “Some students have work that is four inches thick. Is that 2D? And when does it become a 3D object? A lot of people responded to that in interesting ways,” Bawa said. There was an open call in the MFA programs at WSU and PSU to submit work. The pieces displayed in the exhibit were chosen by Bawa, Boas and Harrison Higgs, associate professor of fine arts at WSU. Dale Strouse, fine arts tech at
WSU, focused on the technical aspects of physically making the exhibit come to life. Isaac Weiss, an MFA student at PSU, is one of several artists contributing to the exhibit. “My interest to participate is mostly that of building a community with our neighbors across the state line. They are so close, yet we never communicate,” Weiss said. The exhibition will showcase two pieces interpreting flatness from Weiss, who draws strictly from observation. One of the pieces is “Dungeon Masters,” a six-hour drawing done with gesso and charcoal.
ISAAC WEISS, an MFA student at PSU, is one of the artists contributing work to the “Relatively Flat” exhibit.
CHRISTOPHER SOHLER/PSU VANGUARD
“Dungeon Masters was a result of an evening I negotiated with my roommate and friends as they played Dungeons & Dragons. I was curious to watch one of these games, as they will play for as long as 10 hours straight,” Weiss said. “Drawing afforded me the perfect opportunity without actually playing. It’s a sensitive subject I think, being that the typical response to such an event can be ridicule, and drawing somehow navigates this tension with a level of devotion that speaks to theirs.” Jea Alford, a first-year MFA student at PSU, will have three pieces of work in the exhibit. Her work consists of drawings on paper, on top of notes received from serving tables at a restaurant. “It brings together different worlds of work: my work in the restaurant and artwork. My practice is mainly interest in different forms of labor and the way they go with my values,” Alford said. Both artists encourage everyone to venture to Washington to see the exhibition with their own eyes. “It is a cultural experience which opens and exposes the audience to creative interpretations of the world,” Alford said. “Sometimes we are a forgotten asset at PSU and it is a good reminder not only for students but for the community as to what we are up to,” Weiss said. “What you will take home with you from the exhibition— the possibilities are endless.” More information on “Relatively Flat” can be found at calendar.wsu.edu/event/mfaart-show-relatively-flat/
Vanguard | MARCH 4, 2014 | psuvanguard.com
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ARTS & CULTURE
GIVING JAZZ A NEW VOICE A PROFILE OF PSU VOCAL INSTRUCTOR JEFF BAKER KERRY POLITZER
Portland State jazz vocal instructor Jeff Baker gets results. His students regularly win awards from DownBeat Magazine and the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation competition. Since arriving at PSU in the fall of 2012, Baker has greatly increased enrollment in the school’s burgeoning jazz vocal department. “There are only three schools on the West Coast where a student can get a jazz performance degree with an emphasis on voice: Cornish, USC and now Portland State. The sky’s the limit on what we can accomplish; we really have a sleeping giant. I would love to get some graduate students in. Eventually, if there were 30 jazz vocal students at PSU, I think that would be extraordinary,” Baker said Baker is passionate about recruiting and expanding the program. “I’ve emailed all the jazz choir directors in the state of Oregon and offered to workshop either for free or at a dramatic discount,” Baker said. “In just a year, our program has grown from two to 11 jazz vocal students.” Baker, the former executive director of Idaho’s ArtsWest School for the Performing and Visual Arts, was brought to PSU by associate professor of jazz studies Darrell Grant, with whom he shares a record label. The two also co-lead PSU’s weekly jazz vocal combo class. Originally from Boise, Baker has always harbored a fondness for Oregon; he honed his vocal skills at Willamette University in Salem. Since moving to Portland, he’s been involved in a variety of musical activities. Not only is he avidly recruiting students for PSU’s jazz program, but he is frequently asked to judge major jazz competitions. He also maintains a busy schedule of performances; he recently led a group as part of the PDX Jazz Festival. Baker, who has four albums to his credit, including Of Things Not Seen and Shopping For Your Heart, is at work on two more. One of the upcoming albums is the product of his fruitful collaboration with Grant. The two are at work on crafting musical settings of the poetry of Pablo Neruda. The album will feature a nine-piece band. “I think as a jazz musician, we’re constantly taking elements from various places and recombining them,” Baker said. PSU jazz vocal major Kanda Mbenza-Ngoma raved about the professor. “[Baker] is really great to work with. He sets the bar high for his vocalists while mapping out ways to achieve our individual goals. He has not only encouraged me to do my best, but he continually raises the bar in my individual lessons. He’s a great mentor and an awesome teacher.”
14
COURTESY OF JEFF BAKER
Mbenza-Ngoma, who now performs at venues like Brasserie Montmartre, credits Baker’s rigorous program with her musical development. “Our goal is to expand my library or book of songs. [At each lesson] we normally start with warm-ups and modes. Afterwards, we work on tunes and arranging.” Baker employs a rigorous technique with his students.
Vanguard | MARCH 4, 2014 | psuvanguard.com
“I really do treat singers like instrumentalists, like horn players. We obviously spend time focusing on technique, but we spend equal amounts of time on harmony, improvisation and form. I think that’s been one of the things that has made my students so successful,” Baker said. For more information about Jeff Baker, visit his blog, thejeffbaker.wordpress.com, and website, jeffbakerjazz.com
EVENT CALENDAR Tuesday, Mar. 4
Wednesday, Mar. 5
Mardi Gras Masquerade: Benefit for Women in Crisis
Food Choices Lunch and Learn
6–11 p.m. The Spareroom Lounge 4830 N.E. 42nd Ave., Portland, OR 97218 Masks and costumes are encouraged at this festive Mardi Gras benefit, where proceeds gathered will go toward benefitting women in crisis. New Orleans style food and drinks will be served and live music will be performed all night. Admission is $12 per person. 21+
University Choir and Community Chorus Concert 7:30 p.m. Lincoln Hall, room 75 1620 S.W. Park Ave., Portland, OR 97201 Join the Portland State University Community Chorus for their debut as PSU’s new faculty, staff and alumni choir with prepared performances that range from opera to James Taylor covers. The choir will also be performing works by Carissimi, Schumann and Hopkins. FREE
12:45–1:45 p.m. Urban Center, room 304 506 S.W. Mill St., Portland, OR 97201 If you are interested in developing healthy dining habits and learning to understand what the labels on your food mean, come listen to a panel of experts who can tell you what exactly “organic” and “fair trade” labels are all about. FREE
Thursday, Mar. 6 Sustainable Food Walking Tour 10:15–11:15 a.m. Academic and Student Rec Center, west entrance 1800 S.W. 6th Ave., Portland, OR 97201 This walking tour will take a look around campus and identify healthy and delicious dining options, while also letting participants know what these establishments are doing to contribute to a sustainable environment. FREE
Archaeology First Thursday: Science, the Media, and Interpretations of Upper Paleolithic Figurines
4 p.m. Smith Memorial Student Union, room 236 1825 S.W. Broadway, Portland, OR 97201 This First Thursday lecture focuses on problems that arise when researchers begin to use the language of popular media and how this can lead to misinterpretation. Discover the real meaning behind terms like “paleo” and discuss why the idea of evolution fascinates people. FREE
Conversations with Chimpanzees: Transforming Our View of Nature 7:30 p.m. Smith Memorial Student Union, room 327-8 1825 S.W. Broadway, Portland, OR 97201 The Columbia-Willamette chapter of Sigma Xi presents a lecture by visiting professor Mary Lee A. Jensvold, Department of Anthropology and Museum Studies, primate behavior and ecology program from Central Washington University. Professor Jensvold will be offering her insight about how interaction between humans and chimpanzees can help foster new understanding about the in-
teraction of genetics and the environment. FREE
Saturday, Mar. 8
Friday, Mar. 7
3x3 Wheelchair Basketball Tournament
Academies in Contemporary China: Cultural Heritage Tourism 6:30 p.m. School of Business, room 490 631 S.W. Harrison St., Portland, OR 97201 Dr. Linda Walton, professor emerita of history and international studies at Portland State, presents a lecture on historical restoration of Confucian academies in China as an effort to increase tourism. The lecture will discuss four particular restoration projects and how they came to be, as well as the desired results.
9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Academic and Student Rec Center, basketball courts 1800 S.W. 6th Ave., Portland, OR 97201
Everyone is welcome to participate in the 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball tournament. Sport wheelchairs will be provided and participants will be competing in teams of three. Come with a team ready, or register individually to be assigned to one, and get ready to play. This event is free for campus rec members, and $5 for non-members. FREE
Monday, Mar. 10
FREE
Oregon Women’s History Rose City Rollers: High Rollers Spotlight: Martha McKeown and Flora Thompson vs. Break Neck Betties Doors at 7 p.m., bout at 8 p.m. Oaks Amusement Park, the Hanger 7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202
2–4 p.m. Women’s Resource Center 1802 S.W. 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97201
For only $14 per person you can enjoy a sport that has been perfect in Portland for the last decade. In this bout, the Rose City Rollers take on the Break Neck Betties in a competition that is sure to please any audience. All ages are welcome.
The Women’s Resource Center presents a talk by Katrine Barber on her research related to two women who were influential in Columbia River communities. Flora Thompson, who was married to
ETC
Chief Tommy Thompson of Celilo Village, and her good friend Martha McKeown who shared a close bond with local Indigenous people and produced literature related to local Indigenous culture. FREE
Tuesday, Mar. 11 Lets Talk: Drop in Counseling 2 p.m. Women’s Resource Center 1802 S.W. 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97201 College life can be stressful and overwhelming. This is why the professionals from the Student Health and Counseling Center are offering free counseling sessions at the Women’s Resource Center for any and all who wish to attend. These sessions are confidential and require no appointment. FREE
FREE
21+
PSU FREE OPEN TO PUBLIC 21 & OVER
WHAT THE...?!
FEATURED EVENT
BRENDAN MULLIGAN/PSU VANGUARD
Mardi Gras Parade on Mississippi Avenue Tuesday, Mar. 4 Starts 6:30–7 p.m. 4237 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 97217 There is no better way to celebrate Fat Tuesday than with a parade. Come to Mississippi Avenue and join in on the festivities during Mardi Gras. After the parade, a party will be held at Mississippi Pizza Pub with live music. This event is free for all ages. FREE
CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTIONS TO ALTAIRISFAR
“What kind of gymnastics are you doing in the shower?”
Vanguard | MARCH 4, 2014 | psuvanguard.com
15
ETC
Pisces Feb. 19–Mar. 20
Taurus Apr. 20–May 20
Aries Mar. 21–Apr. 19
Gemini May 21–Jun. 20
One day you’re rushing from one sight to another, and the next you’re back in the humdrum of routine. Unfortunately, life can’t always be an adventure, but that doesn’t mean it has to be dull. Find joy in the little things, dear Pisces.
Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, but it’s not always doom and gloom either. If you’re always waiting for rain, there’s a good chance you’ll miss the sun. Try to anticipate good things, dear Taurus; it’s the best way to attract them into your life.
If you feel like you’re swimming upstream right now, it’s because you are. There’s no denying that challenges will make you stronger, but you can still find growth in the path of least resistance. Try floating for a while, dear Aries; you might like it.
Cancer Jun. 21–Jul. 22
Virgo Aug. 23–Sept. 22
Leo Jul. 23–Aug. 22
Libra Sept. 23–Oct. 22
Sometimes life likes to throw you curveballs, but it’s not just for the sake of watching you struggle. You’re being tested right now, Moonchild. When it’s all said and done, you’ll be stronger and better prepared than ever before. Embrace difficulty and let it fuel your growth.
The last few months have been a little slow moving, but lately you’ve begun to hit your stride. Stay alert for new opportunities, dear Gemini. It’s high time for change and the ball will soon be in your court.
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Vanguard | MARCH 4, 2014 | psuvanguard.com
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You may be feeling a bit insecure with the level of uncertainty in your life right now, but there’s no sense in letting that throw you off track. The options you have before you all have their perks, and at least one of them is bound to work out. Treat it like an adventure, dear Scorpio. Revel in the element of surprise.
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Scorpio Oct. 23–Nov. 21
Scaling a mountain looks pretty daunting when you’re standing at the base, but what about when you’re halfway up the mountain? You’re approaching the summit, dear Capricorn, and you’re closer than you think.
Aquarius Jan. 20–Feb. 18
There’s a light at the Routine can only make Sagittarius Nov. 22–Dec. 21 end of the tunnel, you content for so long beYou’re slightly on the fence dear Aquarius, and fore you start to feel bored about a recent commitit’s brighter than you and restless. You’re cravment you made, Sagittarcould ever imagine. ing an adventure, dear Liius, but you’re in too deep Don’t let your head fill bra, but now is just not the to turn back now. Exercise with worries or doubts time for that. Do your best a fair amount of patience about what’s on the The New Syndication Sales Corporation to enjoy where youYork are. Timesand compassion in the other side. Your hard The New York Times Syndication Sales 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y.Corporation 10018 Work hard now so you can weeks ahead—chances are work and dedication 620For Eighth Avenue,Call: New1-800-972-3550 York, N.Y. 10018 Information play even harder later. you’ll need them both. will soon be rewarded. For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, March 4, 2014 For Release Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Rays of sunlight are trying to make their way into your life, but they won’t be able to warm you if you won’t let them, dear Leo. Open your heart to the good things that surround you—they have a curious way of multiplying when you let them in.
Sudoku 4
Let’s face it: Everybody can’t agree on everything all the time. While disagreements are certainly a source of frustration at times, it is a variety of perspectives that makes life interesting and enriching. Be mindful of how you respond to those with whom you do not agree.
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SPORTS
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM SHOWS HEART IN LOSSES THE SILVER LINING CAN BE FOUND IN AN OTHERWISE FORGETTABLE SEASON ference and Angela was such a force for us,” said Murrel. Since this injury, guard play has been the hallmark for this team, as well as a healthy dose of grit and hustle. “They’re not quitters. They want to win,” said Murrel. Mikaela Rivard has been starting in Misa’s place. While not a physical force like her predecessor, Rivard is a more multi-skilled player. She averages seven points, three boards and one and a half assists this year. She also has some shooting range, tossing in 10 three-pointers so far. Perhaps the most promising aspect of this year has been the emergence of talented young players. Sophmore guard
UPCOMING
PSU MEN’S BASKETBALL
PSU MEN’S BASKETBALL
PSU NORTHERN COLORADO Top Performers: Gary Winston, 22 points
77 WEBER STATE vs. PSU 68 THURS. 3/6 7:05 p.m. | STOTT CENTER IDAHO STATE vs. PSU SAT. 3/8 7:05 p.m. | STOTT CENTER
PSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
NORTHERN COLORADO PSU Top Performers: Emily Easom, 17 points
51 PSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 57 PSU @ WEBER STATE
Emily Easom has become an emotional and playmaking leader. Easom is tied for seventh in the Big Sky in threepointers made. Freshman Delanie Parry, who took the reins as starting point guard midway this season, controls the tempo of the game in addition to being a dangerous scoring threat. Parry’s play, while not entirely a surprise to the coaching staff, has certainly impressed them. “We found Delanie Parry is a true point guard,” said Murrel. “She’s improving every day. Kate Lanz is more a combo guard, so moving her to off guard is a better situation.” Coach Murrel played point guard as a collegiate player
at Louisiana-Lafayette and Pepperdine. “I get how hard it is to be in that situation, you have to run the team. I’ve never seen a successful team without a good point guard or quarterback.” The team’s last two games are against Weber State, the only team with a worse conference record than PSU, and Idaho State, who sit right in the middle of the Big Sky standings. PSU defeated Weber State back in January but lost to Idaho State by 12 points. There is no doubt this team will give the final games of the season their best effort; it’s what they’ve done all year long.
THURS. 3/6 6:00 p.m.
PSU @ IDAHO STATE
PSU MEN’S TENNIS
PSU MONTANA
Matches at Montana State and MSUB postponed and cancelled respectively.
PSU WOMEN’S TENNIS
JAY PENGELLY
The Portland State women’s basketball team heads toward their final two games of the regular season, both on the road. This year has been a rough one for the Lady Vikings who sit at 4–13 in conference and 6–20 overall. A recent losing streak has all but ended PSU’s chances for making the Big Sky Tournament. PSU as a team sits at the bottom of the Big Sky in several statistical categories: scoring margin (-13.6), turnover margin (-4), free throw percentage (.669) and steals (5.5 per game). Despite these glum circumstances, the team has refused to hang their heads or throw in the towel. They continue to play hard every night, and most of their recent losses have been fiercely contested matchups. For seventh-year head coach Sherri Murrel, the challenges of this season come with working in a competitive environment. “We’re trying to win every game,” said Murrel. “It’s hard, but everyone’s staying positive. They’re not giving up.” Part of what has made this season so hard is a key injury. PSU’s go-to big, Angela Misa, went down with a season-ending knee injury halfway through the campaign. Since then the team has been forced to adjust the way they play on both sides of the ball. “We’re a program in transition. This year we had injuries to top kids. There’s some great post players in this con-
SCORES
PSU MONTANA STATE
Matches at Montana and MSUB postponed and cancelled respectively.
PSU SOFTBALL
CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE PSU Top Performers: Shae Nelson, 2-4, RBI
PSU TRACK AND FIELD
BIG SKY CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
SAT. 3/1 2:00 p.m. | STOTT CENTER
0 7
PSU MEN’S TENNIS
PSU @ SACRAMENTO STATE SUN. 3/9 10:00 a.m. PSU WOMEN’S TENNIS
0 PSU @ NEBRASKA-OMAHA 7 FRI. 3/7 8:00 a.m. PSU SOFTBALL
STANFORD TOURNAMENT THURS.–SAT. 2/27–3/1 | NORTHRIDGE, CA
5 NBA 3 ATLANTA vs. PORTLAND WED. 3/5 7:30 p.m. | MODA CENTER WHL
PORTLAND @ TRI-CITY WED. 3/5 7:05 p.m. | KPAM 860
Men’s Team Overall Ranking: 8th place Women’s Team Overall Ranking: 6th place
GAME-WINNING STREAK FOR THE WINTERHAWKS, A FRANCHISE RECORD, WHICH CAME TO AN END SATURDAY IN A 4–1 LOSS TO SEATTLE.
JUNIOR FORWARD MIKAELA RIVARD is shooting 67 percent from the free-throw line this season. ALEX HERNANDEZ/PSU VANGUARD
Vanguard | MARCH 4, 2014 | psuvanguard.com
17
SPORTS TOTOWHOM WHOMITITMAY MAYCONCERN CONCERN Dear Portland State, Sports are getting down to it right now, with both Viking basketball teams fighting for a spot in the Big Sky Conference tournament, and track and field gearing up for the end of the season. But you know what sport isn’t getting the headlines it deserves? Golf. Yeah, I know, golf. I’m the guy who argues that golf is a game not a sport, but here I am saying that this golf team deserves some headlines. I know, I know, sports at PSU don’t gather a ton of headlines anyway, but if there is a team that deserves them, I would argue that our golf team does. Whenever anyone is successful in their field, you have to respect that. Led by head coach Kailin Downs, PSU golf has made a name for themselves heading into this season. There’s a junior on this team who finished three under par in the UC Irvine Invitational. That junior, who was also the Big Sky Conference player of the year, is A Ram Choi. Choi made five birdies in her performance at UC Irvine, helping earn her an 18th place finish, among schools like Stanford, Texas A&M and Pepperdine. Before the season started, the Vikings were the preseason pick to win the conference. PSU received 10 of the 11 first place votes. Of the last 11 years, the Vikings have been Big Sky Conference champions six times. How are we not talking about this? So Vikings, there is no denying that this golf team has been successful. But is golf the most successful sport at PSU? If it is, are fans of sports at this school willing to admit it? We all know the big sports. Basketball. Football. But let’s be honest here, those sports have run a little short on success the last few years. Yeah, there have been a few good seasons sprinkled in there. And we can’t forget about the success on the women’s side of this athletic program, specifically in volleyball and soccer. But consistently, what sport can we call the best at PSU? I’m going to be honest with you Vikings fans, I don’t know. One thing I do know, however, is that none of them have been completely outstanding. Except golf. I know this school isn’t known for sports, and I enjoy that about PSU. But wouldn’t it be nice to see some success at a team level from the Vikings? The golf team is great, but I think most would agree that golf is hard for spectators to get behind. The success of any sports team at PSU would be nice to see, especially since I am now a junior and things haven’t really gone the Vikings’ way in the three years I’ve been here. So are we ready to announce that the Vikings golf squad is the best our PSU athletic program has to offer? I don’t know if I am, but it’s hard to argue with those conference championships and the success of Choi. What do you think, Vikings sports fans? Sincerely, Alex Moore PSU Vanguard Sports Desk
CALLING ALL SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS THE VANGUARD IS LOOKING FOR Sports Writers Apply online @ psuvanguard.com
18
Vanguard | MARCH 4, 2014 | psuvanguard.com
PSU ATHLETICS MUST TAKE NEXT STEP, WHICH ISN’T FAR JOEL GUNDERSON
As my college days wind to an end (merciful, sweet end), I’ve been taking some time to reflect on the state of the school—and while most focus on teachers and administrators, I’ve been checking on the state of the athletic department. From where I sit, things aren’t too shabby. It’s no secret that sports at Portland State are not driving the bus. Kids don’t go to this school because they have lived and breathed with the football team their whole lives. They don’t pretend to be their favorite Vikings basketball player in the back yard as they practice hitting the game winner. They do that at the University of Oregon. They might do that at Oregon State (sorry, as a proud Duck fan, I have to get one jab in). But they don’t do that at PSU, and that’s OK. The athletic department doesn’t have to be the biggest revenue generator; they simply must be relevant, and that’s where things appear to be headed. Football is relevant, basketball is on the doorstep, and tennis is thriving. Needle-moving? No. Good start? You bet. Remember, success for collegiate athletics is based on fluidity and momentum. Football, for example, was one play away from beating Pac-12 member California on the road. A win there and the whole season could take a different turn. National attention and some local excite-
ment would have undoubtedly been the result. Coach Burton, who has been slightly underwhelming in his first four seasons at PSU, knows what he’s doing. He runs a tight ship and the Vikings are a strong defensive front away from being one of the best teams in the conference. The basketball team is not far removed from a March Madness berth, and find themselves just a game out of third place in the Big Sky this year. Again, not gonna blow your hair back. But with the finan-
cial commitment not in place, these teams have the deck continuously stacked against them, yet find ways to produce. Is PSU in a better place than it was three years ago when I arrived? That’s up for debate. What isn’t debatable, however, is the fact that they’re close to some pretty special things. If they get the right breaks, and keep the focus on improving, there’s potential for the Vikings to be real contenders in the Big Sky, no matter the sport, for years to come.
COACH NIGEL BURTON has his team on the verge of big things. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE BRENNER
SPORTS
VIKINGS B-BALL KEEPS HOPE ALIVE CLAUDE AKINS
The last time the vikings played Northern Colorado was Jan. 30 and they shot the Bears out of the building, ultimately winning the game by a margin of 23 points. That was the pinnacle of a midseason winning stretch, when the Vikings had won six of their last seven and had leaped to a three-way tie for fourth place in the conference. Since then, however, they are a struggling 4–5, and fighting for a seed in the Big Sky tournament. As of now they sit at 9–9 in conference play—tied with Eastern Washington and Sacramento State for the final tournament bid—and 14–13 overall. When the Vikings met the Bears for the second time Saturday in Greeley, Colo., they were fresh off a 73–83 loss to North Dakota and their opportunities to solidify themselves in the standings were quickly dwindling. Halfway through the first half, the Vikings trailed 23–9. Flash forward to the end of the game: PSU went on a 13–0 run, then an 18–3 run, Gary Winston finished with 22 points and a career-high seven assists, and the Vikings won 77–68, their tournament hopes still alive and well. This puts them in a good, albeit a little shaky, position coming into the final two games of the season against Weber State and Idaho State. Weber State currently boasts a conference-leading record of 13–5 in conference
play and 16–10 overall. They have a Big Sky Player of the Year candidate in Davion Berry, who is averaging 19 points and 4.5 rebounds a game this season, as well as arguably the best frontcourt in the Big Sky with Joel Bolomboy and Kyle Tresnak. Idaho State, on the other hand, find themselves on the outside looking in at the Big Sky tournament. They would have to win both of their remaining games while PSU, Eastern Washington and Sacramento State lose both of theirs. The Vikings, then, control their fate—if they win the next two games they are guaranteed a seed in the Big Sky tournament due to the fact that they own the tiebreaker over both Eastern Washington and Sacramento State. And coincidentally, Eastern Washington is playing the exact same opponents as PSU. This is good news. If PSU can manage a split, the chances are high that Eastern Washington will fall to Weber State. Sacramento State, meanwhile, plays two tough opponents in Montana and Montana State (who is a mere one game ahead of PSU). With a cautious optimism one can project that the Vikings will split their final two games and claim either the sixth or seventh seed in the tournament. If that is indeed how it shakes out, the Vikings will be playing either North Dakota or Montana in the first round. PSU has proven to be a team that runs both hot and cold this
SENIOR GUARD MARCUS HALL puts a move on Sacramento State’s Zach Mills.
COURTESY OF LARRY LAWSON
year. But inconsistent teams, as it’s been shown year in and year out, sometimes have a way of getting hot at just the right moments—especially a team built as PSU is, with an oddball four guard lineup that generates a lot of open threes and constantly pushes the tempo. And considering that PSU has beaten both North Dakota and Montana already this year, one may feel free to indulge in an optimism less cautious. The final two games of the year will be at the Stott Center, this Thursday and Saturday, and the Big Sky tournament begins March 13.
“This puts them in a good,
albeit a little shaky, position coming into the final two games of the season.” Vanguard | MARCH 4, 2014 | psuvanguard.com
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NIGHT OUT GUIDE FO O D • DRI N K • E N T E RTAI N ME NT
COMING SOON MARCH 11, 2014