October 10, 2018

EDITORIAL BOARD OPINION ON NUNES MAILER Fresno State’s Award-Winning Newspaper Wednesday, October 10, 2018

COMPLAINTS LEAD TO DISMISSAL

Page 8

Page 2 Jose Romo • The Collegian

Dr. Malik Raheem, former Fresno State professor, stands in his office on Oct. 4, 2018. Raheem was placed on paid administrative leave following a settlement with the university and the California State University system. The settlement stemmed from complaints Raheem made against the university.

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COVER STORY

HE COMPLAINED OF RETALIATION

Fresno State’s solution cost him his job

Jose Romo • The Collegian

Dr. Malik Raheem, former Fresno State professor, sits in his office on Oct. 4, 2018. Raheem was placed on paid administrative leave following a settlement with the university and the California State University system.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

By Cresencio RodriguezDelgado | Editor in Chief

A

p rofessor in the Kremen School of Education is no longer teaching his classes and will soon leave his office for good after settling harassment and retaliation complaints against the university.

The California State University system and counseling and rehabilitation professor Dr. Malik Raheem agreed mutually to settle the complaints following a Fresno State investigation.

In exchange, the university will pay Raheem until May 2019, but Raheem can no longer teach.

“For my mental well-being, it’d be best for me to just go ahead and take settlement and just go on,” Raheem said. “I’ve never been raised to be in a place where someone definitely doesn’t want you, where you’re not welcome.”

Raheem was ordered to return his office keys and university equipment by Oct. 19, he said. He taught four courses in the fall semester, including introduction to counseling and multicultural career counseling. He hasn’t taught them as of Oct. 1.

Raheem’s exit at Fresno State came after a battle within the department of counseling and rehabilitation in the Kremen School of Education that began as far back as late 2015.

According to documents obtained by The Collegian, Raheem was at the center of an internal investigation that was started after Raheem accused two professors – named in the document as Drs. Kyle Weir and Dan Smith – of acting against him in department evaluations and in consideration of Raheem’s tenure.

THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

“ I’ve never been

A report issued nied tenure earlier in 2018 after the investigabecause Weir and Smith, tion, and given to The who allegedly admitted Collegian, claims that to engaging in poor colWeir and Smith retallegiality against Raheem, iated against Raheem. were reportedly in the The documents detail committee to review Raa comment allegedly heem’s tenure application. made by Weir that was Raheem alleged in his “highly offensive and complaint that the denial hostile” to Raheem. of his tenure was based on The comment apan unfair process that was pears to have come never addressed in the from a meeting in Kremen school.

2015, in which Weir alRaheem contends that — Malik Raheem, legedly brought up the “If the university was sinFormer professor topic of abortions in cere about the whole tenthe African American ure process, they should community as Raheem have removed those two tried to discuss how the department could suppeople from the very beginning.” He then filed port black students amid the “Black Lives Matfurther grievances with complaints that he was ter” movement that sprouted that year. being discriminated against in the Kremen “There was stunned silence after his comschool. ments were made, but Dr. Weir still believes his But all of Raheem’s allegations were settled comments were misconstrued,” reads part of as part of the agreement with the CSU, signed the investigation document outlining the inciby the board of trustees and stamped by Fresno dent. Several people in the Kremen school were State’s Vice President for Administration Debointerviewed as part of the investigation. rah Adishian-Astone. Raheem’s pay will continThat incident was investigated and resolved, ue at over $6,000 monthly until May 2019 and according to the investigation documents will include benefits. signed by human resources manager Kirsten “You will be placed on paid administrative Corey. leave through the end of 2018-2019 academThe comments allegedly made by Weir were ic year. During this time, you will not have still present in Raheem’s mind when he was deany university responsibilities,” a letter from

raised to be in a place where someone definitely doesn’t want you -- where you’re not welcome.”

Fresno State looks to improve culture of accountability

By Seth Casey Managing Editor

A new policy is being drafted in an effort to encourage Fresno State professors to be more accountable for their actions on and off campus.

Faculty and staff have begun working on a document that will detail behavioral guidelines expected of their peers, entitled “Principles of Community: How we treat each other.”

A “Workplace Quality Task Force” led by Dr. Matthew Jendian, chair of the sociology de-

partment, and Dr. James Mullooly, chair of the anthropology department, has been established with the goal of determining a set of values expected of Fresno State employees.

The task force is using a series of surveys that began in March 2017 to gather input on what behavioral expectation the campus employees have for each other. The hope is that this communal effort will promote a sense of accountability to one another in abiding by these guidelines, according to Jendian.

“Just by having a conversation says your voice is valued,” Jendian said. “When you’re listening to peers you may be more inclined to

make a conscious effort to change.”

Interim Provost Robert Harper said the document is meant to serve as a set of guidelines for faculty and staff conduct, but will not include disciplinary measures.

“It’s not a set of mandates or policies to be followed,” said Harper. “I think it provides some recommendations on what we would like to see in the way of behavior for free speech without encroaching on it.”

Harper said the document should be finished by the end of the semester, at which point it will be presented to the President’s Cabinet and the Associated Students, Inc. Senate to be affirmed.

PAGE 3 interim Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs Dr. Rudy Sanchez said. It continued: “In exchange for this financial settlement, you agree to withdraw all allegations you have made against the university.”

The two professors named in the investigation documents are still teaching, according to Fresno State spokeswoman Lisa Boyles. Weir declined to provide a comment for this story and deferred any questions to the dean of the Kremen school. The dean was not available for comment. Associate dean Julie Olsen-Buchanan deferred questions to University Communications.

Chair of the department of counseling and rehabilitation Song Lee refused to answer questions over the phone and hung up on Tuesday after a reporter asked a question.

Speaking to The Collegian recently about his settlement with the university, Raheem said he’s concerned Fresno State is not serving his fall semester students by negotiating his leave from the university.

“I was doing the things that I felt was going to get me tenure. At the end, no. Being here I met some great people, both students and colleagues,” Raheem said.

He now plans to move back home to Chicago and possibly open his own counseling clinic. But he still has his eyes set on teaching and said he has applied to several universities.

Raheem said his recent experiences at Fresno State have left him with a negative impression and he questioned the university’s concern for students and faculty.

Raheem said, “The stress is kind of still there because of the fact that I’m still angry about the process.”

According to Jendian, the project began in late 2016. However, the document has gained new relevance in light of controversial remarks posted on social media by a Fresno State professor during the spring semester, as well as several other incidents that have taken place in recent months.

Jendian added that this is not the first document of its kind. He said the task force examined and drew inspiration from similar documents that other campuses have instituted. CSU San Marcos has a similar document titled “Working Together,” and UC Merced’s document is also called “Principles of Community.”

These documents all share common elements and a theme of a unified, cooperative and inclusive culture by which teachers, students, administrators and staff are expected to present themselves and treat each other, a culture Jendian hopes to establish at Fresno State.

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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

Student activities audited

By Seth Casey Managing Editor

An audit published by the CSU Office of the Chancellor last spring identified several compliance issues with Fresno State’s student involvement and student organization departments.

In the audit, Fresno State management con-

curred with the report’s findings and stated it would rectify the noted issues.

Student organizations are allowed a maximum of 20 percent nonstudent members.

However, according to the audit, no process was in place to ensure this requirement was met. According to Fresno State, clubs and organizations will be required to document and submit their membership rosters to student

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involvement as part of their annual recognition process to ensure compliance.

Gerry Panelo Elizondo, assistant director for student involvement, said the compliance issue was not a matter of having too many nonstudent members in organizations, but was a matter of insufficient detail within the membership rosters. She said the process has now been rectified to accurately denote which members are or are not students.

“We didn’t delineate which members were nonstudents. Now we’re better able to gauge if we hit that requirement number,” Elizondo said.

The audit stated that advisers of student organizations were required to complete an orientation process which included watching several videos and submitting an adviser agreement form.

Advisers who had previously completed the orientation videos were granted exemption from watching the videos a second time, but no process had been implemented to verify they had actually completed the orientation.

Advisers will also be required to update their orientation training every year, rather than the previous every-other-year process.

Fresno State administrators responded in the audit report, stating that a system that would record and track advisors’ completion of these orientation processes would be implemented. According to Elizondo, a system is now in place which will track advisers’ orientation completion.

Another subject addressed in the audit was the mandate that student organizations may not hold off-campus bank accounts unless an exemption has been authorized by the campus’ chief financial officer.

The audit found that while organizations had disclosed their use of an off-campus bank account, Fresno State had not established a process to verify authorization of exemption for said accounts. Fresno State has since implemented a policy that requires student organizations to acquire an advance written approval by the CFO for any such exemption.

The audit also stated that although advisers and student officers were required to view orientation videos, these videos did not adequately address alcohol consumption and abuse. University administration stated in the audit that it would conduct orientations that fulfilled the CSU Alcohol Policies and Prevention Program requirements.

Student organizations are also required to submit liability waivers for on-campus ac-

By the numbers

3 of 5 The CSU audit found that Fresno State did not ensure that required liability waivers were submitted in three out of five student organization events that were reviewed. tivities. The audit noted that in reviewing 16 on-campus student organization events, in three out of five events which required liability waivers, the university did not ensure the student organization had submitted the required waivers.

The university acknowledged in the audit the failure to ensure proper waivers were attained, and stated that it would remind student organizations and advisers of the requirement to procure the necessary waivers, and would implement a system to collect these documents.

“What we have now instated is that we ensure those forms are returned to us the next day,” Elizondo said.

Fresno State vice president for administration and CFO Debbie Adishian-Astone stated that the university has since “responded and provided documentation to the CSU Office of Audit and Advisory Services” in response to its recommendations.

The last CSU audit to address student organizations occurred in 2004. Considering the length of time between audits, Elizondo said the compliance issues identified were minimal, and the university was able to meet compliance by the audit’s suggested dates.

“A lot of it was just tightening our systems,” Elizondo said. “Based on the timeline that was outlined, we met them all and we are in full compliance.”

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

BAT SIGNALS How Fresno State researchers study sights and sounds

By BoNhia Lee

University Communications

B

ats fly around en masse at dawn and dusk, but little is known about where they live, why they live there and in what numbers — especially in the San Joaquin Valley.

Most people see the winged mammals as pests or fear them because some can carry rabies, but bats do more good than harm, said Fresno State biology professor Dr. Joshua Reece, who is part of a research project studying the behavior and sounds of bats.

Bats are important from a biodiversity standpoint. They provide a benefit to humans by eating crop pests and mosquitoes that might spread disease.

“Many bats consume their body weight or more in insects every night,” said Reece, who is overseeing the species identification and sound recording.

There have been no reports of bats attacking people, he jokes, although they would bite if you somehow managed to grab one out of the air. Don’t touch bats or dead ones for that matter, he warns.

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Reece and his research team of undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Science and Mathematics at Fresno State are collaborating with neurobiology professor Dr. David Lent for the study. The team started working with biologists in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks over the summer to identify different species of bats through their echolocation calls.

This fall, the group will do similar work on campus. A $10,000 grant for course-based research opportunities from Associated Students, Inc., funding from a National Science Foundation grant and additional money from the College of Science and Mathematics and the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology will allow the team to install about 30 bat boxes around Fresno State.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo, where Reece said at least a dozen biology students work, will also participate by installing boxes on its property.

The goal: to get bats roosting in the box, to determine the species and to use soundscapes to find out why they like certain boxes, or loca-

tions, over others.

“We’re going to monitor the boxes with our students who are doing research in introductory biology classes and with some of the upper division classes,” Reece said. “It’s experiential learning. It will allow students to develop their own hypotheses, test them and encourage their own critical thinking and love of science.”

In the parks, students use microphones to capture bat calls. Bats navigate through sound, or echolocation, most of which cannot be heard by the human ear. Each species has a unique sound. With fancy microphones — some that plug into a cell phone — and cool software, the students can record the calls and then determine which species is flying by based on the pattern of its echolocation.

The students also put out nets to catch bats, harmlessly, so park biologists can take measurements and swab them for diseases like white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease killing bat populations across North America.

Long-term bat monitoring is necessary in case entire species or populations of bats start

PAGE 5

to disappear, Reece said. “If you’re not up there watching, you wouldn’t know what is happening.”

Graduate student Shelby Moshier loves the hands-on research she has done in the Reece Lab the past two years.

“You don’t get an experience like that in a classroom,” Moshier said. “It’s really cool. It’s crazy, a couple of species of bats you can hear because they call at lower frequencies like tick, tick, tick, but there are a lot of species that call at a frequency like a dog whistle.”

Moshier is one of two students capturing the calls in the parks and bringing the recordings back to campus for analysis. Professor Lent is using the education portion of a nearly $700,000 NSF Faculty Early Career Development grant he was awarded in 2015 to pay biology students to learn how to conduct computational research on the bat calls.

“I am using mathematics and computer science to explore some different dimensions of the bat project,” Lent said. “We are looking at what is called the soundscape — the sound created by the world — to try to understand if certain species occupy different environments based on the soundscape given they are so highly reliant on sound for feeding and navigating and for other social behaviors.”

Lent wants to train students to use other disciplines to study biology problems. The students are processing the bat sounds and the environmental noise created around the bats using computers to visualize and understand what the sounds represent.

“Are there elements there that are unique to the environment they occupy?” Lent said. “Can we predict what species might be in a location because of the ambient sound?”

There’s a learning curve to using the computer program and it has a lot to do with coding, said sophomore biology major Robert Seward who is working on the computation with Moshier and in the parks with Reece. The former kinesiology major is excited for the opportunity to get involved.

“Research has been so fun,” Seward said.

“It’s crazy, because a year ago I never considered being a scientist as a real career.”

Seward helped identify locations on campus for the bat boxes. Most Valley bats are tree roosters, roosting in old growth trees, not cave dwellers. Locations were picked based on what might resemble a bat’s natural habitat and access to water.

“It should be interesting,” Seward said. “I’ve never seen bats go into structures like that. It will be interesting to see how we monitor them.”

This story originally appeared in Fresno State News. BoNhia Lee is a communications specialist with University Communications.

A&E

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Professor’s book on Nazis makes Time magazine list

By Seth Casey Managing Editor

A recent list by Time magazine recognizes “13 New Books Everyone Will Be Talking About This Fall,” and among them is a 304-page work of nonfiction written by a Fresno State professor.

The book is “Hitler’s American Friends,” written by Dr. Bradley Hart, a professor and assistant chair in the media, communications and journalism department at Fresno State. The publication examines Americans who supported Hitler and the Third Reich during the time of World War II. The list puts Hart’s book in the company of some prominent authors. They include Michael Lewis, author of the 2003 baseball hit “Moneyball,” Michelle Obama and Stormy Daniels’ highly topical biography.

“It feels fantastic. It was a huge surprise,” Hart said. “Certainly, it’s a great addition to my wall of honor at home. I have it cut out of Time

Dr. Bradley Hart

magazine and framed.”

The book’s narrative may hold additional significance in modern American society, as a growing number of neo-Nazi groups and supporters have been featured in various news media in the last several years, and the tendency of individuals to accept wildly hateful ideologies still seems incredibly prevalent.

“It’s very interesting to see events follow the research of the book in some sense,” Hart said.

He also noted that although some contemporary events may be referenced in the book, it is primarily a historical study.

“It’s certainly disheartening to see people carrying a swastika next to the American flag in 2017 and 2018...as we’re seeing now,” Hart said.

Published by Thomas Dunne Books of Macmillan Publishers, the book was released on Oct. 2 and is available for purchase at Amazon in hardcover, as an audiobook and as a Kindle e-book.

Hart was originally a Bay Area native but graduated from Fresno Christian High School

and received his undergraduate degree at Fresno State. Hart then moved to the U.K. to attend the University of St. Andrews for his master’s degree and the University of Cambridge for his Ph.D. This is the third published work by Hart. His previous books include a historical textbook, as well as a nonfiction biographical account of a British anthropologist who became a staunch supporter of the Nazi party in the 1930s.

Hart noted that his position at Fresno State and the department he is in allows for and helps facilitate his research. Although finding the time to conduct research and write in addition to his class schedule can at times be difficult, he enjoys teaching and helping students at the university grow.

“It’s great...we have students at all different levels, and they go from being a little bit nervous about their skills or maybe not quite sure to being very confident,” Hart said. “It’s really gratifying to see students go from loving writing but maybe not being as technically skilled in it, to being very proficient writers.”

Fall fashion to impress your neighbors

By Marilyn Castaneda Reporter

Sugar and spice and everything nice!

Fall has officially arrived, so let’s turn to our closets in search of that perfect trenchcoat or warm knitted sweater you have been waiting to wear.

We all have those fall essentials we go back to year after year, whether it’s the short ankle booties, a thick woven cardigan, or those pair of jeans that go well with every outfit. Well, even when you think you are all set for the fall, there are still some ways to upgrade your closet.

Mixed prints, oversized wear, black leather and faux furs are the hot topic for this fall. Here are some fall trends that you should know.

Denim Denim comes in all sorts of different styles.

From skinny jeans, high-waisted, cropped straight to bell bottoms, the perfect pair of jeans is up to you.

Light jackets

A lightweight jacket is essential for fall because it’s easy to throw on and you can always layer it with thicker knits underneath.

for filling it with items you need … or don’t.

Blouses and tees can be topped off with an oversized coat or cardigan. It could be the perfect statement for your outfit.

Florals

There are a variety of patterns to choose from, but florals seem to be trending, from delicate to bold colors.

Plaid

Whether it’s a long sleeve or short sleeve, a basic T-shirt is universal. You can switch it up with a thick coat, vest or blazer.

Believe it or not, plaid can be worn in almost every way. From blazers to jumpsuits, button-ups or pants, this pattern can be worn mixed and matched for this fall. Layering different patterns and material will have you looking fresh off the runway.

From bags to jackets, oversized is a fashion statement. An oversized tote is indispensable

A white chunky sneaker seems to be making its way back in today’s fashion. A thick-soled

Basic tees

Oversized

Dad shoe

shoe can be paired with almost anything, from a dress, to a skirt or a pair of skinny jeans.

Ankle boots

Booties are the perfect go-to during the fall that can be worn with almost every outfit. White and off-white colors along with other neutrals will be seen a lot more.

Hair accessories

The ‘90s are back which means zigzag headbands, scrunchies, bobby pins and clamps.

These accessories can be well-worn with any fall outfit.

Scarves

From wrapping a warm, cozy scarf to tying a silky-smooth patterned kerchief, the possibilities are endless. Using one around a bag strap, hair tie or as purse accessories can be fashionably creative.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

PAGE 7

THE COLLEGIAN • A&E

Halloween haunts under $50 show of Oddities. All three attractions can be experienced for $30 and may be cheaper on other dates. The venue this year has been open since Oct. 5 and the last day to visit is Oct. 31.

By Olivia Hayes

Entertainment Editor It’s the second week of October, and that means spooky season is upon us. A good population of students at Fresno State are new to the area, so here is a short list of activities that students may be interested in.

Hobbs Grove Halloween Haunt Located in the outskirts of Sanger, Hobbs Grove Halloween Haunt has four different attractions you can experience: the portal, the forest, the house and the hayride. A ticket for all goes for $48, and can be less expensive depending on the day. The venue this year has been open since Sept. 1, and it will run until Oct. 31.

Raisin Hell Ranch Similar to Hobbs Grove, Raisin Hell Ranch has three heart-racing attractions. These include Blackout, Haunted Holidays and Side-

Crest Theatre The Crest Theatre located in Downtown Fresno is hosting $6 horror movies on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the month of October.

Selma Arts Center For theater lovers out there, Selma Arts Center is putting on two shows this month. The first is “Sweeney Todd,” which runs from Oct. 5 until Oct. 20. This show is about a demon barber who slits his customers throats and, along with a friend, turns them into meat pies.

The second show playing at their venue is “Rocky Horror Show,” which will only be playing for two nights on Oct. 26 until Oct. 27. This show has been a classic around the Valley every October.

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OPINION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

GOT OPINIONS? We want to hear them.

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EDITORIAL

Devin Nunes attacks our free press

By Collegian Editorial Board Republican congressional candidate Devin Nunes has recently accused The Fresno Bee of being “the Valley’s propaganda machine” in what is a repugnant attack on our free press.

Nunes’ campaign committee funded and authorized a 40-page magazine-style mailer that was published and sent out to voters in District 22. In it, Nunes claims that The Bee sides with his Democratic challenger Andrew Janz.

False accusations strewn throughout the mailer heavily misrepresent The Bee and the journalism ethics papers like it abide by. With no professional allegiance to a political party, reporters have a mission to serve the public.

We would know because, even as a student newspaper, we are taught to follow the same guidelines to produce meaningful and unbiased reporting for the betterment of our readers.

In spreading false information about nonexistent connections between The Bee’s reporters and Janz, Nunes seeks to degrade the integrity of The Bee. But, we know well that The Bee would never stoop to the level that Nunes thinks. No community newspaper ever would.

The Bee has endorsed Nunes several times in the past. We are certain that the editorial policies at The Bee have not changed much from the first time it endorsed Nunes to now.

But clearly our congressman has changed, and his attacks on The Bee prove he is no longer focused on his job.

As a newspaper, The Bee clearly demonstrates to us – aspiring journalists and readers – that it strives to bring news and maintain balanced reporting as much as possible. From many articles in The Bee about Nunes, it’s clear Nunes has no interest in letting his voters know his position on issues when The Bee asks him to weigh in. Regardless, a newspaper has its job to do and deadlines to meet.

The misinformation by Nunes in his mail-

The Collegian is a studentrun publication that serves the Fresno State community.

Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university.

The Collegian

er is a desperate act by him to defend himself against the harsh truths that The Bee reports.

Going out of his way to discredit news sources shows us the type of politician that Nunes is now. His mailer is riddled with inconsistencies that should be clear to any sane voter.

Objectivity remains key to showing the public what the truth is. And sometimes, in the opinion pages, newspaper staffers must speak out against attacks on our freedoms as Americans. Nunes has threatened our source of information. That is unacceptable.

Aside from wasting time, money and paper, the home mailer is not an adequate substitute for meeting voters face to face.

As we near election day on Nov. 6, The Bee’s reporting has increasingly turned to the races that impact our region. That is completely nor-

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mal. If Janz holds community events, that’s newsworthy. If Nunes held community events, we are certain a Bee reporter would take a front row seat. And we would hope Nunes would be OK with that.

Nunes’ mailer is an insult to voters, who would benefit from hearing where he stands on water, immigration, jobs and health. The Bee serves us by informing on these very issues. And when Nunes is asked to weigh in, he declines and instead attacks. We believe that District 22 voters deserve a politician who doesn’t attack a community’s vital source of information.

As a newspaper, The Collegian strives to bring to light what our readers might be confused about in daily life. Political propaganda like Nunes’ only makes journalism more important – to clear the air of blatant lies.

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As we enjoy National Newspaper Week, we take strong offense to Nunes’ attacks on our free press. As the student newspaper serving the only public university in Nunes’ district, we have an obligation to tell our readers why Nunes’ attacks are dangerous.

We hope that readers consider who they vote for wisely this coming election.

This editorial board is not here to choose a political side. We are here to endorse The Bee’s and any newspaper’s journalism. You should too.

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COMMENT: to comment on this story visit our website collegian.csufresno.edu The Collegian carries four different ethnic supplements inserted several times throughout each semester into its print publication.

Each supplement is produced by its own staff and advisers and is separate from The Collegian.

The news stories or opinions in the supplements do not reflect those of The Collegian.

Each member of the campus community is permitted a 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. All content Copyright © 2018 The Collegian.

Letters to the Editor (collegian@csufresno.edu): All letters submitted to The Collegian should be between 250-500 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.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

PAGE 9

THE COLLEGIAN • OPINION

HEALTHY BULLDOGS

Considering counseling? Here’s what to expect when you visit

By Diana Karageozian Clinical case manager

Everyone faces challenges in life at some point. Maybe you look at these challenges as opportunities to learn, and you grow from them. But what if you become overwhelmed and don’t recognize that you might benefit from some professional help?

The academic demands of being a student can compete with spending time with friends and family, who are typically our support systems. You might also have increased worries about finances or have family issues that can impact your academic performance.

For some students, loneliness or a complicated relationship can be difficult to cope with.

These are only a few examples of situations that can eventually, if not addressed, negatively impact your mental and physical health.

Going to counseling is a healthy way to face your problems and can help you find solutions.

As a student, you are learning new information all the time, but have you noticed that learning can be difficult when you cannot focus or retain that information? Counseling is a safe and confidential space to get the help you need.

While many students know the importance of maintaining a healthy outlook, sometimes it is difficult when you are faced with complex problems. You may reach out to friends and family for support by sharing your challenges, but they may not always provide enough help or understanding.

Prioritizing your health and basic needs, such as rest and proper nutrition, are key factors in maintaining a positive outlook and can impact how you handle stress.

At Fresno State’s Student Health and Counseling Center, we have many options to address your mental health needs, including case management services to help with your basic needs.

If you feel good, you can perform better in academics, at your place of employment and in your own relationships.

So what if your usual efforts don’t make you feel better when you feel stressed, fatigued, irritable and are having trouble focusing? Counseling can be a healthy option to prioritize your well-being, learn more about yourself and harness your personal strengths.

When you think of people in your life who

Cary Edmondson • Photographer

you feel really care about you, what is it about them that makes you feel like you can trust and rely on them for guidance and support? Usually, it’s when someone truly listens and is nonjudgmental.

That is what counseling can be. When you meet with the counselor, you will have the opportunity to share your concerns, ask questions and develop personal goals in a confidential setting.

Counseling can help with so many aspects of your life, including identifying areas for growth, developing self-awareness, learning to problem solve through challenges and in making choices that support your goals.

You have the ability to manage your own life. Counseling is just a place where you can get that support as you work toward your academic and personal goals in life.

For more about counseling services available at the Student Health and Counseling Center, visit: www.fresnostate.edu/health or call 559-278-2734.

Healthy Bulldogs is a weekly column written by experts in the Student Health and Counseling Center at Fresno State.

ASI AT A GLANCE

ASI has money available for you

By Yesenia Candelaria

ASI communications coordinator Come learn about club banking through Fresno State’s Associated Students, Inc. (ASI)!

Enjoy some pizza and explore the basics of good financial practice for club accounting at our second training of the semester from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10, in University Student Union’s Room 309.

Learn the different types of grants available to your club or organization and how or when to apply. We walk you through the different forms needed for transactions. No registration is needed.

Also, you can get money for your academic projects!

Graduate and doctoral students can receive up to $1,000 by applying online for a Graduate Research Grant by Friday, Oct. 26.

Sponsored by the division of research and graduate studies and ASI, the research grant program is designed to provide financial support for student research, projects and other scholarly endeavors in all academic disciplines.

For more information or to apply, visit our website at fresnostateasi.org.

ASI At a Glance is a weekly column written and provided by the office of the Associated Students, Inc. president.

PAGE 10

THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

Keith Kountz • Fresno State Athletics

Balancing school and sports with grace

By Paige Gibbs Reporter

For senior Marie Berwinkel-Kottmann, Fresno State has given her the chance to epitomize the role of student-athlete and play soccer for a wide, supportive fan base for almost four years.

Berwinkel-Kottmann is 5-foot-11 and uses her height to the team’s advantage as a goalkeeper. She was named Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week in 2016 after her shutout game against the New Mexico Lobos, the ‘Dogs’ first at-home win against New Mexico.

The 21-year-old came to Fresno from Bielefeld, Germany, after being recruited by Fresno State athletics straight out of high school. The biggest challenge with transitioning to the U.S. was jumping straight into using American English every day.

Although her friends and teammates were understanding and helpful, she had a hard time at first adjusting to hearing American accents and slang. British English is predominately

taught in Germany.

“Being around the team 24/7 really helped,” Berwinkel-Kottmann said.

Women’s soccer head coach Brian Zwaschka affirmed her quick adjustment.

“Though faced with adapting to the new culture, language, climate and environment, she integrated herself immediately and without fanfare,” Zwaschka said.

Now nearly four years later, she has practically perfected her own American accent.

Berwinkel-Kottmann said her older brother is to blame for her love of soccer. He played with her in their backyard starting when she was only 6 years old. Where Berwinkel-Kottmann is from, there are only club sports.

Fresno State offered her an athletic career.

Her favorite part about playing for the ‘Dogs is the spirited fans.

“Everyone was really welcoming from the very beginning,” she said. “I’m not used to this big fan base … It’s really awesome to see everyone supporting the school.”

As is usual for being far from home, Berwinkel-Kottmann misses her friends and family most. And, of course, the food. She

craves good German bread, she added with a chuckle.

Berwinkel-Kottmann is studying kinesiology- sports administration. She plans to get her master’s degree somewhere in Europe, after interning here for her last semester.

With eight new women on the team this season, Berwinkel-Kottmann said it has been a challenge to bring them up to speed on what the team has worked on the past few years.

However, every player has been willing to learn and work hard, she said.

Zwaschka said Berwinkel-Kottmann have led the younger women exceptionally well and stepped up to the challenge admirably.

“She is very focused and serious about her role in the team and as a student, yet she is equally sharp, witty and fun when off the field and outside the classroom,” Zwaschka said.

“These things are important as a senior leader because she is a great example of a complete student-athlete and great person.”

Berwinkel-Kottmann has felt the big responsibility of being a senior this season.

“You have to be a leader,” she said.

“Everyone is looking up to you. You are not only

leading by what you are telling them, you are leading by example.”

Berwinkel-Kottmann is a self-professed “nature gal.” She likes being outdoors and visiting Yosemite and Sequoia national parks.

Even though the team spends a lot of time working together, she said she spends most of her free time with her teammates as well.

The soccer season is already half over, but Berwinkel-Kottmann said they are working hard to pile up as many wins as they can to hopefully qualify for the NCAA Tournament at the end of the season.

“Any time we win, it’s a special feeling,” she said. “You’re proud to be a part of a winning community. It’s more fun when you win, definitely.”

The ‘Dogs have seven more games before the Mountain West Women’s Soccer Championship at the end of this month. They will host Wyoming at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12, and then Colorado State at noon on Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium.

This article was produced for the Media, Communications and Journalism 108 course.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

PAGE 11

THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS

CSU audit says Fresno State failed to keep key records in athletics

By Michael Ford Sports Editor

A

report by California State University found the Fresno State Athletic Corporation failed to maintain important business records pertaining to payroll.

According to the report, the corporation did not keep adequate records of new hires, overtime, vacation leave, termination and salary changes.

The review indicated that the corporation lacked adequate oversight due to turnover in senior management positions during the period in which the audit took place and did not have a plan in place to ensure that important business records were maintained.

In November of 2017, Jim Bartko resigned from his position as Fresno State’s director of athletics and it was not until June of this year that Terry Tumey was announced as Fresno State’s next director of athletics.

In seven of the 15 new hire transactions that were reviewed, there was a lack of documentation to support that background checks for new employees had been performed, the audit released on Oct. 5 says.

In two instances, the report said that Employee Eligibility Verification, I-9 forms, had not been completed or, in one case, were completed 97 days after the employee’s first day of employment.

Federal guidelines state employment verification must be completed three business days of the date that employment begins.

In five of the 10 employee overtime transactions that were reviewed, the number of overtime hours that were recorded on employees’ timesheets did not match the number of hours of overtime that were on the employee’s check, according to audit.

The CSU found Fresno State has failed to maintain key documents that would help verify time worked and paid to athletic employees. The audit also reviewed 15

“

We take every audit seriously and will be responsive in addressing these recommendations, and will continue to identify additional areas where we may need to strengthen our policies and procedures.”

— Debbie Adishian-Astone, Fresno State Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer employee termination transactions, and according to the report, there were four instances in which documentation regarding employee termination was not maintained and therefore it was unable to verify the employee’s last official day of employment.

The audit also found that the corporation employee handbook had not been updated since May of 2006 and it does not include information regarding whistleblower reporting procedures.

The CSU has recommended that the corporation and Fresno State maintain documentation for personnel and payroll processes as well as update the employee handbook.

The CSU requested the corporation review and corrects its hiring processes

by Nov. 1. In addition to the problems regarding documentation of payroll, it was found during a review of 10 athletic camps, there were nine instances in which the corporation was without documentation to demonstrate that its athletic camps had been properly reviewed and approved.

In a written statement, Debbie AdishianAstone, Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer, said “the recommendations in response to the findings involving payroll, timekeeping

and background checks associated with employees working sports camps (summer) have been implemented in preparation for the department’s internal camp-approval process, which starts in January 2019.”

The report also found that the corporation had no reserve balance and that it had no reserve policy in effect. According to the CSU, the corporation had suffered operating losses of $7.6 million and $7.5 million in 2017 and 2016.

CSU recommended in its report that the corporation develop and implement a reserve fund policy to ensure that it is financially capable to deal with unexpected expenses.

According to the audit report, management at the corporation responded by saying that it is operating with a noncash deficit and is unable to generate a net

surplus in order to create a capital reserve.

A reserve fund policy is expected to be completed by Dec. 15.

“We take every audit very seriously and will be responsive in addressing the recommendations, and will continue to identify additional areas where we may need to strengthen our policies and procedures,” Adishian-Astone said. “We will continue to consult with our Athletic Corporation Board of Directors and Audit Committee regarding the implementation of these recommendations. Lastly, the Department of Athletics has also initiated a recruitment for an Assistant AD for Business Operations who will directly manage the Athletic Business Office and who will work in close coordination with the campus Chief Financial Officer.”

“San Joaquin College of Law is a bridge between theory and application. Students have the ability to sharpen their analytical skills to prepare for the real world.”

Brian Chin

Philosphy Major, Fresno State Juris Doctor Candidate

Law School 101

Tuesday, November 6, 2018 from 7-9pm You’re invited to this free program to learn more about the legal profession and what a law degree can do for you! At this forum you will be introduced to law school, from courses offered to admission requirements.

Register now at www.sjcl.edu or 559/323-2100

SJCL admitS StudentS of any raCe/ CoLor, reLigiouS Creed, nationaL origin/anCeStry, age, gender, mentaL or phySiCaL diSabiLity, mediCaL Condition, maritaL StatuS, or SexuaL orientation.

LSAT Prep Night: November 12 • www.sjcl.edu

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU

12

NO RESPECT No respect at all

By Jorge Rodriguez Reporter

L

ate comedian Rodney Dangerfield once said, “Even in hell, I get no respect,” and that is pretty much the feeling the Fresno State football team got on Sunday afternoon when it found out that it only received one vote from the Coaches Poll to be in the top 25 teams of the nation.

In fact, the AP Poll didn’t give the Bulldogs a single vote, ranking them behind other Mountain West Conference teams like University of Hawaii, Boise State University, San Diego State University and Utah State University.

Coming off of a 21-3 win over University of Nevada, the Fresno State Bulldogs were looking to get some recognition, especially with three wins in a row and an overall record of 4-1.

However, it seems as though neither the AP Poll nor the Coaches Poll were paying attention to the ‘Dogs.

The reason why Fresno State thought it was sure to get votes is that the Bulldogs are not just winning games, they are defeating their opponents in dominating fashion. Each Bulldogs’ margin of victory has been at least two touchdowns.

With the exception of Boise State, which has been in the polls since preseason, no other Mountain West teams have been able to crack the top 25 in the polls.

This week, five Mountain West teams received votes, but none were ranked in the top 25 in either poll. The team with the most votes in both polls was San Diego State, followed by Utah State and Hawaii. Boise State only received votes in the Coaches poll.

The Bulldogs, however, have the same record of 4-1 as San Diego State and Utah State and a better record than Boise State, (3-2).

Jorge Rodriguez • The Collegian

Bulldogs quarterback Marcus McMaryion surveys the defense to find an open receiver during Fresno State’s 79-13 victory at Bulldog Stadium against Idaho. Sept. 1, 2018 Hawaii (6-1) has a record better than any other team in the Mountain West, but that is because it has played two more games than any other team in the conference.

All five teams have faced similar opponents, with only San Diego State and Fresno State getting wins over Pac-12 conference opponents.

Hawaii’s biggest victory came against Navy in the second game of the season, and neither Utah State nor Boise State has had a win against a top opponent.

The Bulldogs’ only loss came in a very close, 21-14 game against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, but the ‘Dogs have rolled over University of Idaho, 79-13, UCLA, 38-14, University of Toledo, 49-27 and Nevada, 21-3.

Even with those type of wins, the ‘Dogs are still getting no respect from the polls that would rather give votes to a 3-1 Appalachian State University team or a 4-2 Syracuse University.

It will be difficult for the Bulldogs to crack the top 25, but it won’t be impossible, especially if they continue to play the way they have been

“

It won’t be easy for the Bulldogs, but knowing Jeff Tedford, I don’t believe he would want it any other way.

playing. If Fresno State keeps winning, there won’t be any excuses for the pollsters to keep them from the top 25.

The Bulldogs will have three opportunities to gain more respect. Two will be at home against Hawaii and San Diego State, and another will be in Idaho when they face Boise State. Those will be key wins to get voters to notice the ‘Dogs, but they still have to make statements in every game they play.

Fresno State cannot look back and dwell on what could have been if only they hadn’t lost to Minnesota, but they must look forward toward their next opponents. This will be the only way to get that respect they covet and deserve to have.

It won’t be easy for the Bulldogs, but knowing Jeff Tedford, I don’t believe he would want it any other way. Everyone in the Central Valley already knows that the Bulldogs are getting overlooked, but sooner or later everyone else will start looking toward Fresno and the Fresno State football team.