The
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Sri Lankan rhythms echo in the Forum
Page 8
Framingham State University’s independent student newspaper since 1932 volume
83 • number 8
By Sara Silvestro Editorial Staff By Kristen Pinto Editorial Staff By Scott Calzolaio Editorial Staff By Mark Wadland Editorial Staff
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FSU students uninformed about Massachusetts Governor’s race
More than half of FSU’s registered student voters still have not decided whom they will be voting for in the upcoming gubernatorial race, according to a recent Gatepost survey. Tuesday, voters will head to the polls to select a new governor for Massachusetts. They will also elect candidates for other statewide and local offices and decide four ballot initiatives. There are five candidates running for governor - Democrat Martha Coakley, Republican Charlie Baker, two Independents, Jeffrey McCormick and Scott Lively, and Evan Falchuk, who is running under the United Independent Party, which he founded. The Gatepost conducted an unscientific survey from Oct. 4 to Oct. 17 in order to find out what students thought about the race and issues facing Massachusetts. Of the 400 students surveyed, 70 percent said they are registered to vote. Forty-one percent of those registered said they were still undecided about whom they will support. Of the 60 percent of students surveyed who said they are planning to vote, 79 students, approximately 20 percent, said they will vote for Coakley and 54 students, 13.5 percent, for Baker. One hundred students, 40 percent, said they are unsure whom they will vote for, while 10 students, 2.5 percent, said “other.” “Students believe that the issues do not relate to them and have no impact on their
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Danielle Vecchione /The Gatepost
Sodexo’s Halloween dinner featured music, a fog machine and special dining options. lives,” said Christopher Latimer, political science chair. “Students also feel that politicians are selfish and have different priorities from them. As a result, students do not pay attention to the issues and discussions that surround each of the political campaigns and candidates running for office.” The survey focused on Coakley and Baker, as they are the primary contenders in the election. Coakley is running on the platform that “she is a voice of fairness for those who need it most, and brings people together to drive innovative solutions to our biggest
challenges,” according to her campaign website. Baker believes that “Massachusetts residents deserve a state government that’s as thrifty, creative, and hard-working as they are,” according to his campaign website. Coakley and Baker could not be reached for comment by press time. Some students said they are not utilizing the resources available to them to stay informed about state politics. Over the month of October, the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development as well as the Student Gov-
ernment Association sponsored tables at the entrance of the McCarthy Center to encourage students to register to vote. Students could also sign up to have absentee ballots sent to them, which would allow them to vote while living away from home. Kendall Valente, SGA president, said the group’s goal was to spread awareness about the campaign by handing out T-shirts and stickers. “That was the number one thing - getting students aware that there was an election because it’s not a presidential year,”
- Continued on page 5
FSU study abroad program expands its horizons By Kristen Pinto Editorial Staff
The Department of International Education was recently granted $10,000 from the office of Academic Affairs to create more scholarships and increase affordability of studying abroad for students. This year, more FSU students are participating in study abroad programs than ever before. “There’s really some place for every student and every major who wants to participate at an affordable
price,” said Jane Decatur, director of international education. In the fall of 2009, 15 FSU students studied abroad. This fall, the numbers have almost doubled - 27 student are studying abroad. In the spring of 2010, there were 18 students in other countries, and this upcoming spring, there will be 33. The $10,000 grant was awarded last May, according to the minutes of the May 7, 2014 academic affairs committee of the board of trustees meeting. The first awards
will be granted to students who will be studying abroad this upcoming spring, and 15 have already applied. “Study abroad has a reputation of being an expensive luxury,” said Decatur. “It really doesn’t have to be expensive, and it isn’t a luxury.” FSU is partnered with over 100 programs around the world, ranging in affordability. It is the only public university in Massachusetts that is a member of ISEP, the International Student Exchange Program, which gives students access to 53 coun-
tries around the world. Bram Lamberts, a senior geography major, is one student who is studying at FSU through the ISEP program. In exchange, an FSU student is studying abroad at the University he attended in The Netherlands. “ISEP is sponsored by the government, so it was easier to get into the U.S.,” Lamberts said. Overall, Lamberts said he is having a good experience here so far. - Continued on page 3
Inside State house gala 4
Op/Ed: Courage to date 6
Pioneers of FSU 9
Women’s soccer extends winning streak to four 14