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Super seniors to submit plans By Aaron Warn The Collegian Though the Fresno State administration is striving to get students to graduate at a higher and faster rate, university officials said the emphasis on a quality education is not lost. With talk of streamlining graduation, some people feel that the administration is focusing too much on quantity rather than quality. However, Paul Oliaro, vice president for student affairs, said the only thing being done to speed up graduation is the contacting of students who are eligible to graduate, but who have not applied for graduation. “The purpose is to have them submit a plan identifying when they will graduate,” Oliaro said. “Any efforts to encourage students to graduate earlier will not adversely affect the quality of their experience, but it could improve the quality of other students’ experiences if they can more readily get the courses that they need every semester.” Students that fit under this phenomenon are often called “super seniors,” which refers to students who have completed 120 credits, but have not yet met
the requirements for a degree. These students can find themselves spending multiple years, more than the traditional four, trying to earn their bachelors degree. Chasity Maske, an occupational therapy major, is a super senior. She has completed 123 units, however she is still 18 units shy of earning her degree. “I didn’t know what I wanted to major in, so I figured it would take longer [than four years],” Maske said. Also, like many students, Maske changed her major, which had much to do with the surplus in units. “Students need to work at their own pace,” Maske said. “I have never met a graduate that took too long. As long as they graduate, that’s the most important thing.” Oliaro shares this sentiment. He said while it is important to get students to graduate in a timely manner, the most important thing is that they walk away with the highest quality education possible. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs William Covino said six years is the target for which stu-
dents should earn their degree. “We want students to complete their education here in a timely way so that they can start their careers,” Covino
graduating instead of how fast they earn their degree.” As for talk about restricting electives and allowing for fewer dropped classes,
said. Maske feels the “six-year plan” is very attainable. “Six years is a pretty reasonable goal,” Maske said. “But the focus should still be more on the amount of students
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Students see graduation delayed
Some students lack knowledge Widespread cuts across Fresno State have adversely affected when voting some students’ abilities to graduate in a timely manner By Kelly Mason The Collegian
Significant class cuts have caused problems for some students who originally planned on graduating with a college degree in four years. Less money, fewer teachers and fewer courses are delaying the graduation process for some students. “It’s really frustrating to be stuck in a system that doesn’t leave me with very many options,” kinesiology major Kasey Van Grouw said. Van Grouw was originally a biology major, but with several of her classes cut from the 2009-10 scholastic schedule, she had to change her major to stay on track for a four-year-graduation plan. “It was really difficult planning my schedule when all the classes got cut,” Van Grouw said. “The kinesiology department only offers certain classes every other semester, so if I don’t get the classes I need for next fall, I will have to wait a whole year to try and get those classes again.” According to the College Board,
entry into classes is based on registration times. While upperclassmen fill the available spots, some freshmen and sophomores could be left out in the cold. Some courses are prerequisites that must be completed before students can take more-advanced classes in their major. “After planning out my course schedule in fall 2008 and realizing that the prerequisites I needed were not offered until spring and fall 2009, I discovered that I was going to have to change my graduation plan,” dietetics major Hannah Deeter said. Deeter enrolled in fall of 2007 as a dietetics major and had a plan to graduate in spring of 2011. Her graduation plans have since been postponed an additional year. Now she will not be graduating until spring of 2012, if she can get into all the classes she needs. Fresno State used its one-time $2.9 million federal stimulus money in February to restore some classes in the fall 2010 semester. But, with fewer classes offered, students like Deeter, who declared majors their freshman year, have to stay one
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semester to a year longer on average. In turn, they end up paying more tuition than originally planned. “For my next four semesters, I will not even have enough major classes to fill my 12-unit, full-time student requirement,” Deeter said. “I will have to take random elective classes I do not need to graduate to stay a full-time student, which I need [in order] to stay on my parents’ health insurance.” Emily Hitchcock, a health science major, recently switched from a dietetics major when she found out she was going to have to stay a year longer. “I had to take two required classes for fall 2010, but both of those courses were only offered once, and in the same time slot,” Hitchcock said. She wants to graduate in four years because she is not staying in Fresno and wants to start her career. “I would have been graduating a year late and Fresno State only has a 50 percent dietetics intern rate,” Hitchcock said. “So, I was not going to stay a year later to have only a 50 percent chance.”
By Megan Morales The Collegian Young voters are a constant target when it comes to voting recruitment; but the question is, do these young voting prospects even know what they’re voting for? With the mass media consistently throwing political messages in the faces of young voters, it can be difficult to create beliefs and opinions without a major outside influence. Kinesiology major Korey Gerdts, 22, says he doesn’t believe in voting for something just because the favored party says to. He takes pride in going against the grain when it comes to being influenced. “I don’t just believe in a popularity vote,” Gerdts said. “People shouldn’t vote if they aren’t educated in politics. I’m tired of ignorant people who listen to the media and don’t know the first thing about what they’re really voting for.” Young voters can become lost in the media shuffle and lose track of their initial position on an issue. See VOTING, Page 6
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That’s What the People Are Saying On Barack Obama ’m disappointed in the health care plan and in the troop buildup in Afghanistan. Everyone feels a little let down because, on some level, people expected all their problems to go away.” — Matt Damon, NY Daily News
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Opinion Editor, Tony Petersen • collegian-opinion@csufresno.edu • Monday, March 1, 2010
What’s up with the GOP? One-Finger The reality that confronts the Republican party and their votaries is one they are not willing to acknowledge. Nothing short of a revolution can bring about the uninhibited, individualistic utopia they claim to admire, yet they represent a resist to change and little else, which, in turn, makes describing conservatism relative to the status and direction of existing social tendencies. This is the message of F.A. Hayek, a staunch free-marketeer who wrote a short treatise in 1960 called “Why I am not a Conservative.” “It may succeed by its resistance to current tendencies in slowing down undesirable developments,” Hayek said, “but, since it does not indicate any other direction, it cannot prevent its continuance. It has, for this reason, invariably been the fate of conservatism to be dragged along a path not of its own choosing.” Today, this is still a canny depiction of the Republican party. Hayek also asserts that their inability to combat bad ideas with good ones is because they are not equipped with any principles by which to oppose them. He argues that conservative’s “romantic nostalgia for the past” is not conducive to reclaiming the idea of integral freedom, which requires a forward looking attitude. Where the Republican party has miraculously deceived its constitu-
With All Due Respect Mike Boylan ents is in the idea that their brand of conservatism is American’s only and last saving grace against the tyranny of big government. Michael D. Tanner of the Cato Institute uncovered in his book “Leviathan on the Right,” that “New Republicanism” has become devoted to using large-scale government to achieve party ideals, highlighted by the largest increase in spending during the G.W. Bush era since the Great Society. The hackneyed mantra Republican’s often spew about being the party of the “American worker” was obliterated by Thomas Frank in his book “What’s the Matter With Kansas?” It accounts for the Republican Party’s ability to rally militant support from formerly liberal and democratic states like Kansas into a cultural war centered on social issues and class warfare. This political rapture of Kansans allowed Republicans to put forth the illusion that their deregulatory, pro-corporatist
ideology was in Kansas’ labor-based constituency’s best economic interest. Numerous small scale agribusinesses were swallowed whole by farm monopolies, similar to the Pacific Railroad monopoly of the 19th century, that would eventually deteriorate many of Kansas’ rural, farm-based counties. Robert Stokes, a retired professor and former GOP activist, wrote a column signifying his departure from the Republican Party, citing their abuse of constitutional freedoms; manipulation of 9/11 to fuel irrational nationalism; and how Americans, though formerly isolated, have been discouraged from emotionally adapting to the changing risks in today’s world. He said party affiliation is “an informed, continually evaluated decision; not a bond of blind loyalty, like that of dog and man.” This is not a back door attempt to prop up the Democratic Party, but rather a call to spotlight the state of hopelessness that is the Republican Party. Their palpable desperation for populist support inspires collectivism and irreproachable nationalistic pessimism that, in part, explains their unapologetic approval of degenerates like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck. It is merely due to the mercurial nature of America’s electorate—the same fad that afforded Obama a resounding presidential victory—that may very well lead to a victory for the party in this year’s mid-term elections.
NEVs belong in neighborhoods Fresno’s streets may seem crowded enough to some of us already, but if the Fresno City Council gets its way, be prepared to share the road even more. According to a story by E.J. Schultz from The Fresno Bee, Jeff Roberts of Granville Homes has been advocating for the City of Fresno to begin plans to accommodate “Neighborhood Electric Vehicles” (NEVs) on its roads. Schultz wrote that the Fresno city council voted unanimously to pass a resolution, supporting the idea. Yikes! According to the piece, NEVs are only allowed on streets with a speed limit of 35 miles-per-hour or less, as they only travel at about that speed. Schultz described them as, “golf carts on steroids.” Roberts said that Granville promotes the ownership of the vehicles and their use “in its private Copper River Ranch development in north Fresno.” By Jove, how splendid! Here’s where it gets fun. Assemblyman Mike Villines is just as excited as Roberts. “This is cutting edge. We’ll be the largest city and the first city in the Central Valley to do this.” According to the Schultz’s story, Villines has introduced bill 1781, which is waiting for approval from the assembly and state senate, which would allow NEVs to roam Fresno’s streets, but with their own lanes. City engineer Scott Mozier thinks,
THE
Setting it Straight Denton Dubbels “Officials would find ways to add the lanes on streets that have extra space.” Streets that have extra space? Where in Fresno are there main streets with extra space? I hate to burst peoples’ bubbles, but before the City of Fresno thinks for a moment that this pipe-dream idea could become reality, they should consider a few things first. This project needs funds, which will more than likely come from the State. For those who haven’t noticed, California is in the middle of a financial crisis. State employees are facing furlough days and layoffs. State services have been limited or cut. The City of Fresno’s budget is very tight and the Fresno County Sheriff has eliminated correctional officer positions and can’t keep offenders in their cells because of cash flow issues. Despite these agitations, the elected ones still seem to be quite giddy about the possibility of the tiny car-like vehi-
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The Collegian is a student-run publication that serves the Fresno State community on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university.
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cles roaming around the city. Schultz also wrote that Mozier thinks downtown Fresno could be a target for NEV lanes. Where downtown? Streets surrounding the courthouse are narrow, especially with roadside parking meters. What about the one-way streets? Which side will the NEVs have lanes? With one-ways, some turns aren’t possible if you’re trapped on one side of the street. Police Chief Jerry Dyer, according to the piece, was concerned about safety, but felt something could be worked out. Safety is a major concern. Imagine what would happen if a Suburban or a delivery truck collided with a NEV on a busy street? They need to be kept in neighborhoods where they belong, with far less traffic and lower speed limits. It’s fine if gramps wants to take the kiddies for a ride around the block. But before NEVs are released into the wild, the focus should be on resurfacing Fresno’s washboard streets, as they are and fixing the potholes that rival the size of the Grand Canyon. It’s all about priorities. After all, if Fresno’s streets can knock my 2,500-pound, 20-year-old Mercedes out of alignment, there’s no telling what they would do to these “golf carts on steroids.”
Letters to the Editor (collegian@csufresno.edu) All letters submitted to The Collegian must not exceed 250 words in length, must be type-written, and must be accompanied by a full name and phone number to verify content. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all material for length, content, spelling and grammar, as well as the right to refuse publication of any material submitted. All material submitted to The Collegian becomes property of The Collegian. Each member of the campus community is permitted one copy of The Collegian. Subscriptions are available for $25, on a semester basis. Staff positions at The Collegian are open to students of all majors. Contact the Editor in Chief for details. All content Copyright © 2009 The Collegian.
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Brian Maxey Thaddeus Miller Michelle Furnier Danielle Gilbert Brianna Campbell Tony Petersen Matt Weir Anna Jacobsen Elisa Jimenez Michael Uribes Lacee Solis Allie Norton Sergio Cortes Brian Maxey Tony Petersen
Salute
Culled each week from discussions in The Collegian newsroom.
Thumbs up
Winter Olympics Even though we lost the gold in hockey to Canada (quick aside: our defensemen suck! Ryan Miller, you are still the man!), we have still won the most medals in the Olympics. That’s right. Take that Canada! USA! USA!
Thumbs down Winter Olympics
Even though we still won, the Winter Olympics has some of the most boring sports to watch ever. When curling is the sport rising in popularity, something has got to be wrong. Plus, how does Canada not win the most gold medals every time? It’s the Winter Olympics! Does it ever not snow there? We are at a competitive disadvantage! It’s akin to surfing becoming an Olympic sport during the summer games. Wait, what are we doing? We’d kill at that! IOC, are you listening?
Thumbs up
Breast implants save woman’s life You read right. Last week in Simi Valley, a woman got shot in the chest and her size-D breast implants halted the bullet fragments just enough to stop them from hitting anything vital, though puncturing the implants in the process. “I don’t want to say a boob job is the equivalent of a bulletproof vest,” LAPD firearms instructor Scott Reitz told the LA Times, “So don’t go getting breast enhancements as a means to deflect a possible incoming bullet.” They obviously don’t hurt though!
Thumbs down
Women sues for age bias An 85-year-old woman who worked a beer stand at New York Mets baseball games was let go and replaced by a younger woman. She sued for age bias. Why the thumbs down? The woman replacing her was 75! Needless to say, the judge unceremoniously threw out her lawsuit.
Thumbs up March
Who isn’t excited for March? Honestly. We have college basketball’s March Madness, fantasy baseball drafts start up, St. Patrick’s Day and comedian Jerry Seinfeld is coming to Fresno. Oh March, why are you so good to us?
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Monday, March 1, 2010
The Collegian • Arts & Entertainment Arts & Entertainment Editor, Danielle Gilbert • collegian-features@csufresno.edu
The daily crossword
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis Los Angeles Times
ACROSS 1 Word-of-mouth 5 Plastic clog footwear brand 10 Before: Pref. 13 Quash, as a bill 14 Fathered 15 Monopoly card with a mortgage value 16 Mary Kay rival 17 Alabama march city 18 Sea eagle 19 Breathing organs 21 Finely sharpened 22 Long, long time 23 Playground piece that has its ups and downs 25 Caught 40 winks 27 Relieved end-of-the-week cry 29 Country west of Botswana 33 Jackson 5 brother 36 Musher’s transport 38 Traffic tangle 39 Cold War empire: Abbr. 40 Compulsive fire starters, informally 42 Lobster catcher 43 Has (an audience) rolling in the aisles 45 Wail 46 Coop group 47 Provider of kisses? 49 Cyrano had a big one 51 Reddish-orange dye 53 Hit with a paddle 57 Stereotypical dog name
Puzzle by Jeff Chen
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PUZZLE SOLUTION: http://collegian.csufresno.edu Copyright 2009. Tribune Media Services, Inc.
60 __ the lily: overembellish 62 International Court of Justice site, with “The” 63 Allege as fact 64 Radiant 66 Word after duct or ticker 67 Time for fasting 68 Ivory Coast neighbor 69 Bad to the bone 70 D-Day craft 71 Early anesthetic 72 Cincinnati team
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DOWN 1 Egg shapes 2 Variety show 3 Make amends (for) 4 “Cutting to the chase ...” 5 “The Amazing Race” network 6 Smell really bad 7 Leered at 8 “The Price Is Right”
signature phrase 9 Poem part 10 Pierre’s pop 11 “The Biggest Little City in the World” 12 Notable 57-Down site 15 Going nowhere 20 Drop in the middle 24 Thin smoke trail 26 There are three in “mommy” 28 Like here-today-gonetomorrow businesses 30 In the buff 31 Shah’s land, once 32 Swiss peaks 33 Buttocks, in slang 34 Bermuda, e.g. 35 Old Russian despot 37 Pitching stat 41 11-Down machine 44 Ship, to its captain 48 Interlock, as gears 50 “Quiet!” 52 Koran deity 54 Tequila source 55 Deity with a bow and arrow 56 Topples (over) 57 Drop down, and apt word that can follow the last words of 4-, 8-, 15- and 28-Down 58 Singer Burl 59 Fender ding 61 Finished 65 Original Cabinet department renamed Defense in 1949
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Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively. SOLUTION: http://collegian.csufresno.edu
Word of the Day
No Stalk Phrase used before one inadvertently says something that sounds stalkerish on Facebook. Source: UrbanDictionary.com
Arts & Entertainment The
Collegian
Page 4 • Arts & Entertainment Editor, Danielle Gilbert • collegian-features@csufresno.edu • Monday, March 1, 2010
Up close & personal with The Vagina Monologues: the cause that’s calling all va-jay-jays to the stage.
By Susan Xiong The Collegian Slow down. Oh yeah. Don’t stop. More please. Too hard. Whoa, mama! These phrases are a few of the two-worded answers to the question of “What would your vagina say if it could talk?”
“I
t gets wet and sometimes people have to plug up the leaks. But otherwise the door stays closed.” — MaryGrace Delucchi, The Vagina Monologues
And so the vagina lives – some say. Because it speaks and make its own decisions – to flood, or not to flood! As one womans testimony titled “The Flood,” said, “It gets wet and sometimes people have to plug up the leaks. But otherwise, the door stays closed!” Eve Ensler, the author of “The Vagina Monologues,” interviewed more than 200 women of diverse backgrounds on topics involving vaginas, such as sex, love, pain, cruelty and pleasure. Ensler said she intended to make audiences “envision a planet in which women and girls will be free to thrive, rather than merely survive.” Cast members of Saturday and Sunday nights’ performance of “The Vagina Monologues,” at the Satellite Student Union on the Fresno State campus, helped stand up for V-Day (Victory, Valentine and Vagina), to educate people about the reality of violence against women and girls, and raise funds for local groups in the community.
“I
felt so empowered. I feel in control of my sexuality. All my insecurities about anything just all lifted away.” — Stephanie Leal, The Vagina Monologues
People Organized for Women’s Empowerment and Representation (P.O.W.E.R) of Fresno State and the Women’s Alliance club hosted this year’s production, with all proceeds benefiting the Marjaree Mason Center, The Fresno State Violence Prevention Project and the Women of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “I felt so empowered,” said Stephanie Leal, of her sister Johanna’s performance titled “I Was There in the Room.” “I feel in control of my sexuality. All my insecurities about anything just all lifted away. It gives a whole new name to women.” “The Vagina Monologues” in association with V-Day is a movement that will continue on to respond to violence toward women. The controversial production values women’s worth, female sexuality and strength in the fight against rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual slavery. Despite the all-women cast, both men and women attended the performance. Each testimonial inspired cast member Jazmine Yepez to perform again next year.
violence and oppression, and educating those unaware of problems that women are facing. Life for a vagina is indescribable—it has it’s own mind.
“T
hese are touching issues that all girls and women go through. This will educate the men in the audience and open their eyes to what we go through.” — Jazmine Yepez, The Vagina Monologues
“These are touching issues that all girls and women go through,” Yepez said. “This will educate the men in the audience and open their eyes to what we [women] go through.” Criminology major Alex Reynoso said women are complicated emotionally, and it is good for men to know what women want, think and how women feel about themselves. “I thought I was going to be one of few men here,” Reynoso said. “But I see other men here, so I feel a little better.” Kinesiology major Christa Macdonald agreed with Reynoso. “If males are coming out and viewing it, I think they’ll get a different insight as far as women are concerned about their bodies,” MacDonald said. But Ensler’s production is not a rage toward the male species as a whole. She is raging against
Joy Hallare / The Collegian
Since 1997, “The Vagina Monologues” has appeared on stage at hundreds of college campuses.
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Monday, March 1, 2010
The Collegian • Features Features Editor, Michelle Furnier • collegian-features@csufresno.edu
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Photo of the Week:
Ciara Norton
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he most beneficial tip is to show genuine interest in others, because that is what networking is all about.” — John Hernandez, Executive director of the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Mixing it up By Sarah Kain The Collegian The popularity of online work applications is growing, meaning a loss of face to face interaction with employers. The Career Services put on a mixer last Thursday to help students learn how to network with employers when they have in-person interviews. The event star ted with a brief discussion on the importance of networking, tips on how to create lasting connections with employers and other business professionals. John Her nandez, executive director of the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, gave the presentation. “Networking is about helping people make connections with others,” Hernandez said. “The first thing you should do is look at yourself in a mirror and see how you come across when you introduce yourself, so then you can see how others see you.” Hernandez said it’s important to network, because it’s an effective way to get hired. “If you build a strong relationship with others, they can help you develop personal referrals,” Hernandez said. “That way you are not afraid to ask them for letters of rec-
ommendation for a job.” Another helpful tip Hernandez shared was that a networking opportunity could arise anywhere: events, career fairs and the classroom. Job seekers should always be ready to always meet people and develop interpersonal relationships. He also recommends talking to the “little guy” at events because even if they are not the head of the company, they can still be a useful connection and help you break the ice when talking to the employer. Hernandez suggested that people create a 30-second commercial about themselves, their skills and interests. This provides people with an introduction that incorporates what they have to offer to contacts and possible employers. “The most beneficial tip is to show genuine interest in others, because that is what networking is all about,” Hernandez said. “It is about building relationships, because they can help you reach success in your own career.” Career Development Counselor Adrian Ramirez helped to create the mixer and to bring Hernandez and other employers to the event. “The idea for the mixer came from a brainstor m session the office has every year,” Ramirez said. “This event was a way for students to learn, interact and engage with employers in a safe environment so that they can come out of their shell.” After the speech, students were sent out in the lobby to mingle with representatives from companies such as Farm Credit West and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Accounting major Larry Rosas had a favorite tip from the presentation that he got to put to use during the mixer. “You have to be out there and let yourself be known,” Rosas said. “You have to be able to conference with people.” Art major Kelly Rouska, attended the event to prepare for her upcoming graduation. “I graduate this semester, and I need to know how to interact better with people. This event was informative and had a lot of information,” Rouska said. “The best tip was to respect the person’s time, because talking too long to someone could create an awkward conversation.”
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The Collegian • News News Editor, Thaddeus Miller • collegian-news@csufresno.edu
Monday, March 1, 2010
VOTING: Students may cast ballots despite their ignorance CONTINUED from page 1 They can end up voting just for the sake of it because they were bombarded with too many manipulated messages. As young citizens start to realize the effect their vote will have, more and more voters are taking the time and effort to educate themselves before they vote. There’s a difference between voting just to receive your “I voted” sticker, and voting with an intention of a result. Gerdts isn’t the only student who has come to that realization. San Jose State student Alex Wara said she fir mly believes in taking matters into her own hands to get what she wants now and in the future. “It is a proven fact in our country that voting is the only way people as a whole can determine how they want their country run,” Wara said. “Voting gives everyone a voice and a chance to elect the change they want to see.” Where voters get their information plays a definitive role in their ultimate decisions. Some may trust their preferred news sources, whereas others choose to do their own research.
“I get my information primarily from the media,” Wara said. “Political blogs, Web sites, television and newspapers are what keep me up to date.” Gerdts, who said he doesn’t trust most outlets, relies on his own in-depth research for make a dif ference, which opposite candidates as I would, a final decision. makes my vote not matter. and we both just agree to not “I prefer to do my own readThe electoral vote makes the vote. We’d only be cancelling ing and research,” Gerdts popular statement ‘every vote each other out anyway.” said. “I also gain insight from counts’ about as inaccurate While Nino’s view may make speaking with my parents and and misleading as possible.” some avid voters cringe, other friends and weighing out all Nino also said most voters, young voters are still optimisour opinions.” especially the young ones, t i c. F r e s n o Joe Nino, S t at e s e n i o r a senior S u z a n n e business Je n k i n s, 2 2 , major, feels eople don’t understand how important it is to actively is a prime like no matparticipate in shaping our country’s future.” example of ter where someone who he gets his b e l i eve s h e r information — Suzanne Jenkins, vote is worth from, the Fresno State senior eve r y b i t o f source isn’t effort she puts very reliin, to educate able. He has herself. never voted, aren’t nearly educated enough “I try and disregard my own and never plans on voting. to vote on important issues, biases, and have an open mind “I don’t vote mainly because and that includes himself. when it comes to research and I hate the electoral vote,” Nino “If I voted, ignorance would collecting information on polisaid. “Because of the electoral prevail,” Nino said. “That’s tics,” Jenkins said. “I don’t vote, the Democratic Party will why I usually just find somealways like to vote for a conalways win in California and one who would vote for the servative policy just because the margin of victory doesn’t
“P
SUPER: Administrators will contact seniors with more than 120 units about submitting a plan CONTINUED from page 1 Oliaro said he is not aware of any such plans. “The only restrictions we have is on the number of courses that students can repeat,” Oliaro said. “And the limits on how many credits from which students can withdraw during their career as a student is the same as it’s always been.” Maske said she was never restricted from taking a class herself and had never heard of such a case in her time at Fresno State.
Maske plans to graduate in May and has even met with her advisor. “It’s really important to meet with your advisor after each semester to make sure you are staying on track for graduation,” Maske said. She also said her advisor told her to take fewer classes each semester to lessen her workload. “I focused more on getting good grades in my classes rather than finishing quicker,” Maske said.
Photo by McClatchy Tribune
republican leaders advise me to.” Jenkins can’t put her finger on why young people wouldn’t want to be more educated in politics when they ultimately affect her generation. “People don’t understand how important it is to actively participate in shaping our country’s future,” Jenkins said. “A majority of the important issues right now are going to affect us, as young voters, more than anyone.” Although reasons for voting or not voting during election time varies from person to person, it is up to the voter to make it worth it by knowing what they’re voting for.
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Monday, March 1, 2010
The Collegian • Sports Sports Editor, Brianna Campbell • collegian-sports@csufresno.edu
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Finished in style
‘Dogs finish eighth at the WAC Championships in San Antonio By Brianna Campbell The Collegian The women’s swimming and diving team placed eighth overall after a fight to the finish this week at the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Championships in San Antonio. The four-day competition was filled with Bulldog competitors matching their personal bests and setting record times. The Bulldogs started the competition at full speed, ranking sixth after the first day of competition. This was the teams first ever appearance in an NCAA platform competition. Freshman diver Stacey Luke came in eighth, after posting a score of 193.47 in the finals. She was followed by teammates Kendra Weeks and Blair Hopkins, who snatched the 13 and 14 spots respectively. The swimmers for the 200-medley and 800-freestyle posted records as well. In the 800-freestyle relay, composed of Heidi Gjoen, Stephanie Hatayama, Britney Vogel and Rayanne Nguyen, the team swam for a season best of 7:40.90, nearly seven seconds faster than any Fresno State relay team since head coach Jeanne Fleck’s return. Going into day two, the ‘Dogs ranked sixth against competitors. Dani Yoho led the team with a 12-point contribution by posting her seasonbest time in the 50-freestyle to clinch seventh place. Teammates Nguyen and Rebecca Strmiska achieved career bests in each of their events. Strmiska knocked off six seconds and Nguyen raced just
tenths of a second better then her previous time. Five Bulldogs achieved season bests in day two. However, the team dropped to ninth place overall in tournament championships. But they weren’t stopping yet. The team was determined and focused on day three to give an impressive showing and close the gap for the finals of the WAC Championships. Heidi Gjoen continued to dominate, improving her time by five seconds in the 100-meter backstroke event, filing in at fifth place. She also went away with the most single event points for the ‘Dogs. Going into the final day of competition, the Bulldogs were able to hang on to rally to an eighth place finish. The highlight of the day came when Nguyen posted a score of 2:05.09 to reel in major points for the ‘Dogs which placed her at sixth in the 200-butterfly. The solid eighth place finish in the tournament was a major milestone for the ‘Dogs at the WAC Championships. The hard work showed as the ‘Dogs set numerous records and season bests as the team improved its record from last season. Coach Fleck said she was proud of her team this season for their determination and fight. “We improved so much over the past year,� said Fleck in an interview on gobulldogs.com. “I am extremely proud of all of my swimmers and divers and I really can’t wait to come back and do it again next year. We will continue to improve and we will be even better next season.�
Brianna Campbell / Collegian File Photo
Freshman Stacey Luke scored a 193.47 for her dive in finals on Wednesday, helping the Bulldogs take away an eighth place finish in the WAC championships.
W, 95-72 The women’s basketball team won their 16th game in a row by dismantling the Broncos 95-72. Junior guard Jaleesa Ross shot her way into the school record books by hitting three 3-pointers. Ross is now the school’s all-time leader in 3-point baskets made. The ‘Dogs will look to go undefeated in conference play this Wednesday as they play host to San Jose State at the Save Mart Center.
Men’s Basketball vs. San Jose State L, 45-72 Sophomore forward Paul George was held scoreless as the ‘Dogs loss to San Jose State 45-72 at the Event Center. The ‘Dogs suffered from terrible shooting, hitting only 25 percent from the
field. Senior forward Sylvester Seay and sophomore guard Steven Shepp each scored a team-high 12 points as the ‘Dogs fell to 6-8 in conference play and 14-16 overall.
Women’s Basketball vs. Boise State
Baseball vs. Washington W, 2-1 in three-game series The diamond ‘Dogs won the three-game series by taking two games over the weekend. Junior first baseman Jordan Ribera blasted three home runs during the weekend as he led the ‘Dogs to
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their fourth and fifth wins of the season. Ribera already has six home runs this year. The ‘Dogs are now 5-2 and will host Cal State Bakersfield on Wednesday at Beiden Field.
Softball @ Cathedral City Classic The softball team started the tournament going 2-0, beating No. 13 Texas and Utah, 5-4 and 11-0. The ‘Dogs finished the tournament 2-3, losing to No. 16 Ohio State, No. 2 Arizona and No. 1 Washington. The ‘Dogs will play their third tournament of the season this weekend as they travel to San Diego to take part in the first annual San Diego Classic.
Equestrian vs. New Mexico State L, 7-11 The Fresno State equestrian team had its five-match winning streak come to an end this past Saturday as it lost to host New Mexico State 7-11. The ‘Dogs won its only event in equitation over fences with a score of 3-2. The ‘Dogs are off this week but will be back on their horses next week as the host No. 2 Auburn on March 13.
Sports The
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Collegian
This coming week...
Sports Editor, Brianna Campbell • collegian-sports@csufresno.edu • Monday, March 1, 2010
Women’s Golf: Monday-Tuesday, at Copper River Country Club for the FS Lexus Invitational Women’s Basketball: Wednesday, at Save Mart Center vs. SanJose State at 7 p.m.
Outstanding rackets prevail The Bulldogs beat UNLV to remain undefeated at home By Brianna Campbell The Collegian The Fresno State men’s tennis team remains undefeated on their home court at the Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Center, after defeating University of Nevada, Las Vegas Sunday afternoon 6-1. The day kicked off with doubles matches, where the ‘Dogs upset the Rebels, winning two of the three matches. Rikus de Villiers and Remi Boutillier, No. 23 ranked in the nation, defeated the Rebels’ Mehdi Bouras and Luca Barlocchi, 8-3. Teammates Siddarth Alapati and Mirko Zapletal followed defeating Kasper Konyves and Attila Toth, 8-1. This was the first doubles match Alapati and Zapletal have played together. “We did not know [we would be playing as a team] until this morning,” Zapletal said. Alapati said the duo had a slow start but once they go use to one anothers play, they played well. “It was exciting to play with Mirko,” Alapati said. Alapati continued his winning streak with a victory over the Rebels’ Charlie Alvarado (7-5, 6-0). With a slow start in the first set, down 3-0, Alapati had to increase his game to get him through the match. “The second set was easier after
I won the first,” Alapati said. “[Charlie Alvarado of UNLV] started making mistakes in the second set, so it was easy for me to clinch it.” Alapati’s solid serves and game focus helped him shutout his UNLV opponent in the second set 6-0. On court one, the Bulldogs were represented by Zapletal and his battle with UNLV’s No. 108 Medhi Bouras. Tied 6-6 in the second set, Zapletal pulled away with the win (6-3, 7-6). “It felt good to win a close match, especially in front of the home crowd,” Zapletal said. David Ayoun clinched the match for the ‘Dogs in his single’s victory over Kasper Konyves (6-3, 6-4). At the last match of the day, the crowd continued to cheer on teammate Rinkus de Villiers in his dual against Luca Barlocchi. The tension reigned high on the court while de Villiers pulled out a victory to end the day for the ‘Dogs (7-6, 1-6, 6-2). “Our goal was to come out and play a tough match,” head coach Jay Udwadia said. “UNLV is a tough team. So, anytime you can beat a tough team, we are fortunate to do that.” The ‘Dogs will hit the road to continue their conference play against San Diego State on Thursday.
Junior Siddarth Alapati won both his doubles and singles matches during Sunday’s battle against UNLV at home.
Photos By, Matt Weir/ The Collegian
Alapati and Mirko Zapletal played their first doubles match together to win over the UNLV Rebels 8-1.
Zapletal fought hard in his singles match. With a 6-6 tie in the second set, he managed to pull through for the win (6-3, 7-6).