October 25, 2019

THE GATEPOST Framingham State’s award-winning independent student newspaper since 1932

Volume 88 • Issue 7

October 25, 2019

FSUgatepost.com

Henry Whittemore Library marks 50th anniversary FSU community celebrates the evolving ‘heart of campus’

Faculty and administrators cut the ribbon to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Henry Whittemore Library Oct. 23.

News

By Thomas Maye Editorial Staff

Library faculty, administrators, and students celebrated the history of the Henry Whittemore Library as the building commemorated its 50th anniversary in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 23.

The crowd beamed as President F. Javier Cevallos and Dean of the Library Bonnie Mitchell spoke about the conCourtesy of Framingham State tinued importance of the library for students and campus culture alike.

BIBB HALL pg. 3 “In this multi-purpose building, the JIM MCGOVERN INTERVIEW pg. 7

Opinions A LOVE SONG pg. 11 525,600 MINUTES pg. 14

Arts & Features

just socialize,” she added.

Mitchell said the building underwent a major renovation in 2009 and has continued to adjust to the community, such as by adding more technology and resources. She said changes were made “all in an effort to respond to student feedback, make improvements, and continue to be a vital part in the University community.”

She said, “Now that Hemenway Hall Science Center is complete, the library

See LIBRARY page 4

Strategic Enrollment Plan presented at All-University Meeting Administrators expect continuing decrease in student population

By Donald Halsing News Editor

Lorretta Holloway, vice president of enrollment and student development, presented the Strategic Enrollment Plan for 2018-23 at the All-University Meeting Oct. 21.

She was joined by sociology professor Vincent Ferraro and geography Ashley Wall / THE GATEPOST professor Dave Merwin, who presented trends and geographical factors imMARTIN ESPADA pg. 15 pacting enrollment.

SPOOKY SUGGESTIONS pg. 16 Holloway presented several fall 2019 enrollment figures. Her presentation is available to all members of the University, and she offered to email the slides to anyone who requested them.

VOLLEYBALL pg. 20 A total of 5,960 undergraduate freshmen applications were submitFOOTBALL pg. 23

Sports

library staff and faculty members have been supporting and advancing the academic and cultural mission of the University since 1969. We continue to support the research and information needs of a diverse educational community, and we strive to provide students with the skills they need to be lifelong learners,” Mitchell said.

“Library staff members make every effort to create a respectful and welcoming environment for everyone who comes into the building, whether it’s to study, go to class or the IT help desk, or

Hannah Coco / THE GATEPOST

ted, and 4,425 were accepted - a 74.2% acceptance rate.

Of 887 deposits, 776 matriculated at the University, or 87.5%.

A total of 943 transfer applications were submitted, and 628 were accepted - a 66.6% acceptance rate.

Of 454 deposits, 380 students matriculated at the University, or 60.5%.

Last fall, enrollment goals were set at 800 freshmen and 400 transfer students, Holloway said. However, these numbers were determined to be unrealistic targets, and were changed to 784 freshmen and 340 transfer students.

In terms of total enrollment, 5,456 students are enrolled at FSU, down 2% from 2018, when 5,565 students were enrolled.

More importantly, 3,745 students

are enrolled in undergraduate degree-seeking programs this semester, compared to 3,804 students in fall 2018. This correlates to a drop of approximately 1.6%.

Over the past three years, undergraduate degree-seeking enrollment has decreased by 8.7%.

Merwin presented several maps showing geographic trends of student enrollment in Massachusetts.

Roughly 70% of FSU students enrolled between 2013 and 2017 live within 30 miles’ driving distance of campus, he said. However, the number of prospective students within 10 miles’ driving distance is decreasing.

He showed a map of grade 12 enrollment by district over the next

See ALL-UNIVERSITY MEETING page 6

INSIDE: OP/ED 11 • ARTS & FEATURES 15 • SPORTS 20

NEWS

2 | OCTOBER 25, 2019

Gatepost Interview

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief Nadira Wicaksana Associate Editors Cara McCarthy Ashley Wall News Editor Donald Halsing Asst. News Editors Leighah Beausoleil Evan Lee Arts & Features Editors Brennan Atkins Robert Johnson Jr. Asst. Arts & Features Editor Jared Graf Entertainment Correspondent Noah Barnes Fashion Correspondent Caeley Whalen Opinions Editor Thomas Maye Sports Editor Liam Gambon Asst. Sports Editors Sara Senesac Carlos Silva Design Editor Kathleen Moore Interim Asst. Photos Editor Caroline Gordon Copy Editor Lauren Paolini Staff Writers Tahir Abbas Mackenzie Berube Patrick Brady Kaitlin Burch Soren Colstrup Kaitlyn Cullen Dia Kilgore Abigail Saggio Lizzy Stocks Dylan Thayer McKenzie Ward Staff Copy Editor Jordan Bacci Staff Photographers Hannah Coco Amanda Garny Amanda Martin Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy Asst. Advisor Elizabeth Banks Administrative Assistant Gwenyth Swain 100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

James Cressey Education professor

By Donald Halsing News Editor What is your educational and professional background?

I studied psychology and theology as an undergraduate at Georgetown. And then, [I earned my] master of special education - that’s from Plymouth State University. My Ph.D. is in school psychology from UMass Amherst. … I was an elementary special education teacher, grades one through six, and I taught children with emotional/behavioral mental health needs: autism, learning disabilities … at the Wediko School, and that was in New Hampshire. And I also taught in the Boston Public Schools. I worked as a school psychologist as well.

I did individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychological testing. That led me toward working with teachers, sort of behind the scenes after I left the classroom. I was working as a consultant to teachers and helping them to adapt their classroom practices. And I found that I really liked that.

Eventually, that is what led me here to Framingham State, where I now prepare future teachers.

What drew you to Framingham State?

I really liked the opportunity to teach in an education department. It’s actually not a special education department it’s general education majors. So, while my area of expertise is special education and teaching courses in special education, I like working with our students who are not special education majors.

They’re actually elementary and early childhood [education] majors, and most of them will work as general classroom teachers. I get to help them learn about inclusion practices and ways to be proactive and preventative to help students with disabilities, but also students without disabilities: [students] who have unidentified needs or who might be at risk for developing significant needs. I feel like it’s a really unique position that I got here.

What is your role at FSU, specifically working in the field of special education?

I have taught here in our master of special education program as well. Over the years, I have taught in that program, but primarily, I’m teaching here in our undergraduate and PBTL - post-baccalaureate teacher licensure. We’ve got those two programs. I’m primarily teaching the early childhood and elementary education majors. They really just get two to four credits of course instruction in special education. In a way, my role is to pack a whole lot of knowledge and experience into a small amount

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST of coursework for those students. And now, I am teaching in the childhood and family studies major, which is in its second year - it’s a new major. That is a major for students who are not necessarily going toward classroom teaching. They want to work with children or families, so it’s perfect for future psychologists, social workers, [or] early interventionists. I finally got the chance to create a course from scratch for that new major, so I’m teaching a course called “Disability in Society.” I’m teaching that for the first time right now.

Do you think the programs here encompass all the types of special education that need to be taught?

We don’t have an undergraduate special education major, and I know there’s students every year who ask me about that. My advice for them is that any of our majors are a great background for special education because all teachers in Massachusetts will go on to earn a master’s degree. So, completing our early childhood, or elementary, or secondary education program, or now our childhood and family studies major - those are all perfect undergraduate programs to set you up for a master’s in special education.

Recently you presented your case study on social-emotional learning.

How did you get started with this project?

When I taught elementary school, I taught children with the most significant level of need in that area. Many of my students were children who had experienced abuse, neglect, or trauma. On top of that, many have had experiences of failure in the schools, so schools not meeting their needs or being in elementary schools that weren’t very wellequipped to support them with their disability. My research interests now are trying to prevent that from happening, to be proactive, to especially focus on the early childhood years, and have

ways to support teachers in setting up a safe classroom environment that’s supportive and trauma-sensitive, and also culturally responsive. That’s another element of this work that’s really important to think about: race, and class, and cultural language, and how those factors are at play.

What impacts does the case study have on FSU students in the curriculum?

One thing I was able to do while collecting data is bring our students to the case study school. Over the years - this was a multi-year process - I probably brought eight to 10 of our students over time to come and observe in classrooms, but almost more importantly, observing the teachers’ collaboration meetings - that was more of the focus - and to interview teachers. So, it’s been sort of embedded in my teaching. Now that I have results and published articles, I’m assigning those to my students to read. They’re able to see how a teacher can become a researcher as well. So, I’m also talking to them about, for their future path, to think about: as you’re being a teacher, you can also collect data and work with researchers, too, to publish your work. It seems to fit really well with my teaching and my advising.

What advice do you have for students?

Strive for open-mindedness in all that you do. … We ask our students to share their opinions and to develop knowledge. But the more education I’ve gone through in my life - you realize over time how little you know. So, to remain a lifelong learner, it’s great to be confident and build up your knowledge, but also be open to learning in all different contexts in and out of school throughout your communities and your world. It’s not just in the classroom.

CONNECT WITH DONALD HALSING dhalsing@student.framingham.edu

Police Logs Monday, October 21 17:17 Larceny Towers Hall Report Taken

Tuesday, October 22 20:14 Elevator Entrapment Larned Hall Referral Filed

Wednesday, October 23 11:58 Alarm (Fire/Smoke) Towers Hall Checks OK

Wednesday, October 23 14:15 Elevator Entrapment Larned Hall Services Rendered

NEWS

OCTOBER 25, 2019 | 3

North Hall to be renamed in honor of FSU’s first African American graduate

By Nadira Wicaksana Editor-in-Chief FSU’s North Hall dorm will be renamed Mary Miles Bibb Hall, following the approval of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (BHE) Oct. 22.

The Fiscal Affairs and Administrative Policy (FAAP) Committee of the BHE heard the motion to rename the eight-year-old, 410-bed dorm at an Oct. 15 meeting.

The motion was adopted by FAAP, then subsequently, the BHE. According to the written “request for committee and board action” found on the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education website, there are certain criteria set by a FAAP policy that must be met for the BHE to consider naming rights.

“For living donors, there are specific monetary thresholds that apply for such naming rights,” according to the document.

“However, naming rights also may be given ‘in honor of an individual, organization, or group having made a distinguished contribution of service, research, teaching, or support to the campus; in honor of an individual, organization, or group having made a distinguished contribution of service or support to the community, the Commonwealth, or the nation.’

“The request by Framingham State University (‘FSU’) to name the North Hall in honor of Mary Miles Bibb, a former student and civil rights leader, meets these criteria,” it further states.

According to an Oct. 22 FSU press release, Bibb - born Mary Elizabeth Miles in 1820 to a family of abolition-

ists - graduated from Framingham State in 1843. At the time of her matriculation, the University was known as the Lexington Normal School.

The press release states, “Bibb met her husband, Henry Bibb, an escaped slave and abolitionist, in 1847. The couple moved to Canada following the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850, where they frequently took fugitive slaves into their home who had arrived via the Underground Railroad.

“In 1851, they began publishing a newspaper called ‘Voice of the Fugitive,’ the first major newspaper targeted at Black Canadians,” according to the document.

Originally a student-led initiative by former Student Trustee Karl Bryan, the petition to rename the dorm garnered more than 100 signatures during the spring 2018 semester, according to a Gatepost article from Sept. 22, 2018.

This petition came in the wake of a series of racially motivated hate crimes over the last few years.

The BHE document states, “Student leaders at FSU extensively researched the life and work of Mary Miles Bibb and led a student petition to support the naming of North Hall in her honor.

“Although this particular building naming is not tied to a specific monetary threshold, the institution references prospects of future fundraising opportunities for naming rights within sections of the building, as well as for other unnamed buildings at the University,” it states.

According to the document, the FSU Board of Trustees voted to approve this request earlier this year in May. BHE Commissioner Carlos E. Santiago said, “This year marks the 400th

“I am proud that this was a student-driven initiative. Renaming North Hall to honor the first African American to graduate from our institution is one more important step in our efforts to make this an inclusive and welcoming campus for all.”

-F. Javier Cevallos, FSU president

Weather

Sunday night 90% chance of rain, heavy at times. Low near 50. SE winds around 5 mph, becoming N after midnight.

Monday Mostly cloudy, high near 60. N winds around 5 mph.

Monday night Mostly cloudy, low near 50. Light N winds.

Tuesday 30% chance of showers in the morning.

Mostly cloudy, high near 60. NE winds around 5 mph.

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST A student-led petition gained more than 100 signatures to rename North Hall after Mary Miles Bibb, the first African American graduate of the Lexington Normal School. anniversary of the arrival of the first slaves in North America.

“I cannot think of a better time to honor the legacy of a Framingham graduate who devoted her life to ending the scourge of slavery, all the while serving as a role model for women of color. I congratulate the Framingham State community for its work to honor the legacy of Mary Miles Bibb,” he added.

FSU President F. Javier Cevallos read a letter he wrote to board members during meetings with the FSU Board of Trustees and the BHE on behalf of FSU students.

In an email, Cevallos stated, “I am

proud that this was a student-driven initiative. Renaming North Hall to honor the first African American to graduate from our institution is one more important step in our efforts to make this an inclusive and welcoming campus for all.”

A renaming and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held for Mary Miles Bibb Hall once details are confirmed. It will be open to the public.

CONNECT WITH NADIRA WICAKSANA nwicaksana@student.framingham.edu

Forecast provided by the National Weather Service www.weather.gov Tuesday night Wednesday night 30% chance of show30% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, ers. Mostly cloudy, low near 50. E winds low near 45. W winds around 5 mph. around 5 mph.

Wednesday 30% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, high near 60. NW winds around 5 mph, SW in the afternoon.

Thursday 40% chance of showers. Partly sunny, high near 55. W winds around 10 mph.

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

4 | OCTOBER 25, 2019

Library

NEWS

Continued from pg. 1 is even more connected to the center of campus through direct pathways.

All the upgrades have contributed to the library’s groove as a hub of activity.

“Numerous events and exhibits, displays, student artwork, workshops, and monthly programs engage the almost 800 people who enter this building on a daily basis,” she added.

Cevallos called the library “the heart of the campus,” praising its contributions to learning and community engagement, but said it was important the building continued to adapt with the times.

He said, “As we kick off the 50th anniversary celebration of this library, we are also asking for the commonwealth to start renovations after 50 years, so we can actually make it a library that reflects the needs of our students in 2020, 2021, 2025 - as opposed to 1969.”

In an email, Cevallos said, “The plan, in very rough lines, is to consolidate the stacks to create a lot more open space, to create classrooms as well as study and gathering spaces.

The renovation would not change the architectural design of the building.”

Dale Hamel, executive vice president, added the developing project will also include preservation of the building, improving reliability of its safety systems, and instituting new employment and job-seeking initiatives.

Students said the library was an important part of their college experiences. Sophomore Spencer Lezin said, “I remember being here with some of my friends, hanging out and studying. …

Those nice memories will always stick with me.”

Lezin said he hopes in the future, the library will renovate the bathrooms, fix doors, and add more electrical outlets.

After Cevallos spoke, photography professor Robert Alter, who specializes in architectural photography, came ready to ruffle feathers, as he then gave a presentation on the architectural history of the building and the context behind the structure’s controversial “Heroic Concrete” design.

“I hope that no one will be shocked by the language I’m going to use, so please, if you have a faint heart, you might want to grip your chair or something like that,” he said.

He explained the library’s design was inspired by Brutalism, an architectural movement with baggage due to present-day assumptions - “It’s a word that evokes images that are not particularly pleasant, and are very strong and harsh in their connotations.”

Alter instead proposed using the phrase “Heroic Concrete,” which scholars also use to describe the style.

Alter said Heroic Concrete design arose from an international and distinctly modern mindset.

“Modern architecture promised us a new way of living, a fresh start, free from the problems of the past. Modern architecture would be clean, rational it would be simple. It would be affordable.

“Gone was the old architecture of the past with decorations and columns and unnecessary items that just took up space. Now, we would have an architecture that was functional, that was pure, that was clean, and promised a better life for all of us,” he said.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Bonnie Mitchell, dean of the Henry Whittemore Library, speaks during the ceremony.

He emphasized how elements praised in modernism are reflected in the Whittemore building, including functionality, spaciousness, light, and - nearly above all - concrete.

Alter said the material was considered something of a modern marvel - it was cheap, quick to build with, easily moldable into different shapes, and was thought to have extreme longevity at the time. As such, Brutalists had something of a love affair with concrete, distinctively marking the architectural style.

“One of the things I love about this building is, looking at certain walls,

Marion Slack, a reference librarian who has worked at the library since 1978 and is the longest-serving employee there, said that “before they started renovating the library, this building was a Mecca for [art] students studying perspective. She said the “harsh beauty” and angularity of the building’s structure lent itself to artistic depictions.

Alter said Boston was considered the epicenter of Heroic Concrete design with the rise in urban renewal projects and a hub of architects from prestigious universities such as MIT and Harvard.

“I like the design of this place. It has an old-fashioned feeling.”

-Michael Perry, junior surfaces, you can see the pattern of the plywood they forged the form [of the concrete] into. The pattern of the wood is still there on the wall after 50 years from when the building was made,” he added.

Alter said its Heroic Concrete design was bold and unafraid to challenge norms of the past. “In fact, we’re going to put it right there, in your face, and you’re going to learn to love it. Or at least, some people learn to love it.”

However, students have mixed opinions about the building’s design.

Senior Rylee Holmes said she “almost didn’t come here because the library was so ugly.”

Junior Michael Perry, who works at the library circulation desk, disagreed.

“I like the design of this place. It has an old-fashioned feeling.”

However, he also said the layout of the building is “a bit confusing. I have a lot of students say, ‘Where’s UM? Where’s LM?’ because they don’t know the floors.”

In an effort to revamp its declining reputation during the 1960s, Boston “knocked down” the entirety of the old Scollay Square, a “den of iniquity,” and converted it into Government Center - including the construction of the “iconic” Boston City Hall.

Discussing the “love it or hate it” controversy over the City Hall’s design, he said contemporary audiences continue to debate what to do with Brutalist structures going forward.

“So, we have the challenge - what are we going to do with all these buildings? What are we going to do with this legacy of architecture that’s been left to us? Some people say it’s ugly, some people say it’s magnificent - I think it’s the ongoing challenge of trying to understand what that legacy is, and then do the best thing for all of us going forward for our students, for our next generations,” he said.

After Alter’s presentation, Special Collections Librarian and Archivist Colleen Previte then shared ideas go-

Hannah Coco / THE GATEPOST

ing forward for future library programs and events, including creating a time capsule to preserve FSU history for students to come.

Previte called the anniversary “a yearlong celebration. This is just the beginning,” she said.

She discussed upcoming events at the library, including a ’70s cosplay disco party on Halloween at 1 p.m. in UM-14, “video history” interviews with alumni and informational guides. She also highlighted more displays of the history of the library being and a bulletin board filled with student memories about the impact the library has had on them.

An unnamed individual wrote on the board, “Did you know that there was a dog ‘working’ at the library?

Cricket the Healing Dog was here with a former special collections librarian for four years.”

If the drawing on the note is any suggestion, Cricket appears to have borne a striking resemblance to Snoopy.

Previte said plans to create a time capsule are still underway and do not have a formal date set.

Senior Marco Cadavieco expressed interest in the idea. He said, “Especially now with how things are progressing ... I think it would be cool to include some archive photos, along with some trinkets from the current time.”

Freshman Makayla Lorance said she would like to include writings from students on their hopes for the future, which they could reread once the capsule would be unearthed.

Henry Whittemore, the library’s namesake, was a principal of the Framingham Normal School during the early 20th century. Whittemore was president as the school underwent a variety of changes including, but not limited to, the construction of Peirce and Dwight halls.

[Editor’s Note: Asst. News Editor Evan Lee contributed to this article.]

CONNECT WITH THOMAS MAYE tmaye1@student.framingham.edu

NEWS

OCTOBER 25, 2019 | 5

Attendance at Major-Minor Fair increases from last year

By Kaitlin Burch Staff Writer FSU hosted the 14th annual Major-Minor Fair organized by Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Christopher Gregory Oct. 22.

According to Gregory, 281 students had attended the Major-Minor Fair this year, which is an increase from the 220 students that attended last year’s fair.

Gregory stressed the importance of pushing minors. He explained this fair used to be known just as the “major fair” until “a bunch” of people realized they “want to promote minors because Framingham State doesn’t have a lot of room for double majors, but it does [have room for] minors and if students don’t think about minors early on, it becomes too late later on.”

Gregory said, “It’s only five courses in a minor, so we want [students] to think that way.”

The fair attracts more than just freshmen looking for direction on what to major or minor in. Upperclassmen are also drawn to the fair for a number of reasons, Gregory added. Some of these reasons include internship opportunities, information on concentrations, and advice on how to balance a minor.

Senior Mary-Kate O’Day said, “I’m trying to find an internship for the spring, so I was told that [the fair] might help.”

Another senior, Tyri Hampton, agreed. “I was just looking to get information on internships and career opportunities.”

Freshman Josh Oquendo said he was planning ahead. “I wanted to talk to some of the [presenters at the] tables and make sure I can find internships and [see] what they have on the tables and stuff like that.”

Others came to the fair just looking for a sense of direction or as a learning experience. Freshman Lillah Determan is undeclared and turned to the Major-Minor Fair for assistance, saying she was just trying to “figure it out.”

Sophomore Gabriella Inman brought her stepsister, Lily Ezold, a high school senior, to the fair before she went on a tour of the University.

Inman said, “I thought I’d bring her here because she’s undecided.

“I actually came last year to figure

out what I needed for the psych requirements and then deciding on minors,” she added.

Freshman John Keyes said, “I just

is going to best help them on their path.”

Marketing professor Zahra Tohidinia said she believes the fair was

“We get a lot of freshmen in criminology.

It’s a popular major.”

-Vincent Ferraro, sociology professor wanted to learn about my major, what I should be taking the next couple of years, [and] see what kinds of concentrations there are.”

Other students attended the fair for class credit.

Freshman Emily McKale said, “I have to come here for a class requirement, [for] first-year seminar. … I also wanted to see my options for a minor, maybe, because I’m not minoring in anything yet.” She added she had to write a paper reflecting on what she saw at the fair.

Professors at the fair were eager to share their knowledge with students and intrigue them with what their majors and minors have to offer.

Geography department chair, David Merwin and his colleague, professor George Bentley, attracted students to the geography and environmental science table with a drone on display.

Bentley said they engage students in their classes by taking them “out into the field and using the drone to capture imagery. … So, flying it over different parts of the campus and taking the raw image that you get from the drone and correcting it so it’s correct in terms of scale.”

Merwin added, “We use it to monitor environmental change and how things change over time with the landscape.”

Criminology program coordinator and professor in the department of sociology, Vincent Ferraro said, “We get a lot of freshmen in criminology.

It’s a popular major.”

He said his main goal at the fair was to aid students in making the best choice for them when selecting a major or minor. “A lot of it for me is trying to help students find out where their interests lie and what program

very helpful to students. She said the fair “helps us get out of our silos” and experience new things. “It’s a really great learning experience, I think, for students for sure, and also for facul-

ty,” she said.

“Sometimes, we’re not exposed to other majors, but right now, as the students walk, I’ve had students from biology, from art, who wanted to know more about marketing. … How can I help them see marketing in a new light and see it as a real candidate for their future careers?” she asked.

Gregory said helping these students figure out the right direction for them early on ensures they “don’t lose any momentum towards graduating on time. … All I’m trying to do here at the Major-Minor Fair is plant some seeds.”

CONNECT WITH KAITLIN BURCH kburch@student.framingham.edu

CLUB MEETING TIMES Monday Education Club, 1:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Nutrition Club, 1:30 pm, HH 111 Wildlife, 1:30 pm, HA 325 Catholic Student Group, 1:30 pm, EC101 Food Science Club, 1:30 pm, HH 227 Gatepost, 6:30 pm, MC 410 Dance Team, 6:30 pm, Aerobics Room 207/208 MISS, 7:00 pm, O’Connor CIE Tuesday Math Club, 11:30 am, HA 430 WDJM, 4:30 pm, MC Paul T. Murphy 520 Pride Alliance, 6:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Hilltop Players, 6:30 pm, HA 136 Black Student Union, 7:00 pm, O’Connor CIE SGA, 7:30 pm, MC Alumni Wednesday History Club, 1:30 pm, MA 111B

Wednesday (cont’d) Christian Fellowship, 6:30 pm, Ecumenical Center Fashion Club, 7 pm , HH 218 Young Democrats Association, 7:00 pm, MC Paul T. Murphy 520 Comic Book Club. 7:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Thursday Gatepost, 6:30 pm, MC 410 African Caribbean Dance Group, 7:30 pm, AF 207/208 African Student Association, 7:00 pm, North Hall Commons Brother to Brother, 7:30 pm, O’Connor CIE Marketing Club, 7:00 pm, HH 101 Friday African Caribbean Dance Group, 7:30 pm, AF 207/208 Gaming Club, 12:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Sunday Symphonic Band, 6 pm, DPAC

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

6 | OCTOBER 25, 2019

NEWS

All-University Meeting

Continued from pg. 1

two years, and plotted the average change in graduating senior population within the same driving ranges. Prospective student levels within 10 miles of campus will decrease by 1.3%.

In an email statement, Merwin said, “FSU has traditionally been successful in attracting first-generation students, and in order to continue that success, we are going to need to attract students from outside the MetroWest region. The MetroWest region will have fewer high school graduates in the coming years, and there is also a steady increase in educational attainment of heads of households in the region.

“This means that given our current trends, high school graduates in the region who will be first-generation college students will be lower,” he said.

Merwin said enrollment will be more “dire” within the next five to six years.

However, he pointed out clusters of students who live closer to other state schools, particularly Worcester State University, who enrolled at FSU. Something is pulling students to FSU who would otherwise attend

Worcester State, Merwin said. However, he was unable to identify why students chose FSU over a geographically closer school.

FSU does not have the resources to match financial aid packages at other schools, Holloway said. When Mount Ida College closed, representatives at FSU admissions fairs were unable to match financial aid packages offered to those students.

Another major factor impacting enrollment is a decline in community college enrollment, said Holloway.

Community colleges are major “feeder” schools to FSU, contributing to transfer enrollment numbers.

Ferraro showcased the enrollment projection model created by the Enrollment Data Team to predict what will happen in response to declining overall enrollment. “The model is a ‘tool to make informed, data-driven enrollment-related decisions.’”

The model is designed to incorporate new data, be manipulatable for relevant stakeholders, and be accessible to the FSU community, he said.

The model incorporates two groups: pre-matriculation and post-matriculation data, said Ferraro.

Pre-matriculation trends include applications, acceptance rates, and

yield rates, Ferraro said. The data pool spans from 2008 to 2018.

Post-matriculation trends include retention, progression, graduation, and full-time equivalency rates, Ferraro added. The data pool spans from 2013 to 2018.

Future trends can be predicted by manipulating “dynamic enrollment targets,” Ferraro said.

The core data used for predictions is from fall 2018, he said. These values assume 760 freshmen and 360 transfer students per year.

Ferraro said “relevant stakeholders” can input their own values to see how overall enrollment is impacted over the next few years.

In an email statement, Ferraro said, “We anticipate making the model and the underlying data that feed into it available to the University community in the future.”

Holloway said enrollment is not just about admissions, but also about increasing “other challenges.”

Last year, an increase in low-income students led to more students attempting to get out of housing because they cannot pay for it, Holloway said.

In terms of food and housing insecurity, Holloway said she was unsure if there was an actual increase in

Courtesy of Framingham State

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

students with those insecurities, or if more students were “coming out” about those insecurities.

First-generation students and families need “other kinds of information,” Holloway said. She does a “mom test” to determine if information is understandable for all prospective families.

“If I think my mother would call an office, and she couldn’t understand what you are saying, then you’ve failed the mom test,” Holloway said.

It is important to focus on recruiting and retaining both students and their families.

Holloway said K-12 education is doing a “better job” getting students with learning and/or health challenges through education than it has in the past. In addition to thinking about if students are college-ready, she said FSU needs to ask “if we are ready for the students who are coming to our campus.”

Two new administrators spoke to the community: Angela Salas, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Connie Cabello, vice president of diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Salas said she was “pleased and honored” to be able to speak at the meeting.

She said the University’s charges to “Live to the Truth,” to be a “fRAMily,” and the emphasis placed on them, are “noble goals.”

Salas compared living to the truth to heading north on a hike or in a boat. “North tends to hold still as you walk,” she said, “but the winds and currents experienced in a boat can mean that we’re moving with great determination in a direction we do not intend.

“Being a fRAMily requires that we look out for each other,” she said.

“We are on the boat together, the currents are shifting rapidly, and many of us feel that we cannot exert ourselves any more than we are now to stay the course. The Strategic Plan of this institution is an articulation of our True North.

“Your colleagues’ success supports your own, as your success supports your colleagues’.”

Cabello said she is “excited to be at FSU.” She said she found “islands of inclusive excellence work” on campus over the summer. These “islands” include, but are not limited to, the Bias Education Response Team, Alumni of Color Network, the Council on Diversity and Inclusion, the Hispanic-Serving Institution Taskforce, student and employee affinity groups, and the Center for Inclusive Excellence.

Approximately 60 FSU staff, faculty, librarians, police, and other employees signed up for diversity and inclusion workshops, Cabello said.

“My hope is that we can work together as a larger community to outline a broader strategic approach to inclusive excellence on campus.”

She added, “We have work to do.”

CONNECT WITH DONALD HALSING dhalsing@student.framingham.edu

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OCTOBER 25, 2019 | 7

The Gatepost interviews Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts’ 2nd congressional district

By Nadira Wicaksana Editor-in-Chief Rep. Jim McGovern visited FSU to talk to nutrition students in professor Megan Lehnerd’s class about food insecurity and nutritional standards Oct. 8.

What can students do with a food and nutrition background?

Having a nutrition background is helpful in a number of careers. If you decide to go into the healthcare sector, more and more, healthcare policies are going to be focused on nutrition as a way to prevent diseases, as well as a way to treat diseases. If you are interested in controlling healthcare costs, then you ought to be interested in promoting good nutrition among your constituents. There are a lot of people in this country who live in food deserts, who don’t have access to nutritious food, a lot of people who cannot afford to put food on the table for three meals a day. So, having a nutrition background can help you to find solutions to deal with those issues. In the insurance industry, John Hancock Insurance has a nutrition incentive component to their policies. If you join this program and consume a certain percentage of nutritious foods each month, you can actually get a rebate on your insurance every year.

And it’s good business for John Hancock - it’s, “I want you to live a long, long time, because then you’ll pay me more.” So, healthy nutrition is the key to your wellbeing. I think for anyone who’s studying this, there are multiple fields you can enter, because nutrition is becoming more and more a centerpiece of everything - healthcare policy, education policy, even in the business community where you need to keep workers well and healthy. It’s become more of a priority. Food is a preventative medicine, and I want to make sure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food - not only those who are well off, but those who are struggling as well.

How is nutrition different now than when you were growing up?

When I was growing up, nutrition was never talked about. I grew up in a generation where you ate whatever. We were not told to pursue healthy dietary habits. That was kind of the beginning of that movement where people were eating more and more processed foods and you bought in bulk. So, as a result, many people in my generation are dealing with health issues. You have obesity, heart disease - the list goes on.

But I think, increasingly - and you’re seeing this more in schools - there’s an emphasis on nutrition. It all used to be pretty unhealthy for you. Now, there’s a movement to increase the nutritional value of what students consume in schools. More and more salad bars are popping up in schools. Colleges have more of a selection in terms of what you can buy, not just food that’s nutritious, but you also have more access to healthy choices. But we’re still way behind on this issue. Nutrition is still not the centerpiece of our healthcare pol-

icies. We not properly taught nutrition in school - even our medical students are not required to take nutrition classes in order to become doctors.

We don’t have a national food policy, either. We have a long way to go, but I sense that we’re getting on track to moving in the right direction.

How do you think public schools, especially, can help students become more aware of the benefits of good nutrition?

I think it begins when you first enter school. I’m a believer that every school be required to have a kitchen, so they can prepare food on-site and have a place to store fresh fruits and vegetables. I represent a lot of schools that don’t have refrigeration, that don’t have kitchens. So, everything has to be premade, and oftentimes, it’s processed foods, so there’s no places to store peaches for a very long time, for example. One of the bills I’m trying to pass is to legislate that all schools have kitchens. I think you can integrate nutrition lessons in other subject areas - for example, in science and in math.

I’ve been to schools where, when learning measurements, students are asked to look at cans of soda and measure how much sugar is in it. This will help them understand that some of these soft drinks that we consume - once in a while, it’s OK, but too much is not OK. These can be integrated into the existing curriculum. You don’t have to have a separate course. In terms of college, it’s as simple as making sure that food is labeled so that you know how many calories are in the food you’re about to buy, that there are healthy choices. ...

I want to increase nutritional values in the schools, in the meals we feed our kids in school, from kindergarten through college. I think that’s something we should be working toward.

But it’s not only that - if you go to a hospital, oftentimes, the best you can do to treat whatever is ailing you is to change your diet. We have a majority of people who are graduating from medical school who are not even required to take a course in nutrition.

It’s not a focus of their practice. That ought to change. Food is medicine, and it can not only prevent us from getting certain diseases, but it also has a healing power. I’m a big believer in food prescriptions, and insurance companies ought to cover that, but also cover dietary-specific meals when you leave the hospital so that all you have to do is heat them up and they’ll help you feel better.

What are some things people might not know about food insecurity?

We live in a country where there are 40 million people who are designated “food insecure.” We should be ashamed of that fact. I tell people that hunger is a political condition. We have the food, we have the money, we have everything - except the political will. We live in the richest country in the history of the world - why can’t we solve anything? It’s never talked about in political debates, and it’s not the priority of Congress, and we need to

Courtesy of Jim McGovern

“I tell people that hunger is a political condition. We have the food, we have the money, we have everything - except the political will.”

-Jim McGovern, Massachusetts 2nd congressional district representative change that. I’ve been fighting to make sure that one - we don’t cut benefits like SNAP, and I also believe we need to increase that benefit. The average SNAP benefit is about $1.40 per person per meal, and you can’t even buy a cup of coffee for that. And yet, we expect people to be able to feed themselves on that. It’s just not adequate. So, one of the things we need to do is look at that. The majority of people who are on SNAP do work. There’s a lie that’s being pushed that everyone on SNAP is just lazy, and that’s just not true.

The bottom line is that in this country, people cannot afford food on what they get paid, so they need to rely on SNAP to be able to feed their families. We need to address this problem on a number of levels, but one is to make sure that WIC is fully funded for pregnant mothers and young babies to make sure they get the nutrition they

need to grow up to be healthy. We need to make sure that schools - healthy meals need to be available there for everyone who needs them, and they need to be nutritious in content. If you go to school hungry, you can’t learn you can’t concentrate. And that school meal can be as important an aspect of that child’s learning as a textbook. We need to make sure people understand there is a hunger and food insecurity problem in colleges. Most colleges like Framingham State - do have food pantries, because they realize that population is one that is so vulnerable to food insecurity. They need to be fully funded and operational at a level that people have proper access to nutritional food, so that people can live healthy and productive lives.

CONNECT WITH NADIRA WICAKSANA nwicaksana@student.framingham.edu

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8 | OCTOBER 25, 2019

Photography, graphic design move to art department

By Abigail Saggio Staff Writer

The photography and graphic design faculty and courses have moved to the department of art and music.

The transition of the programs went into effect at the beginning of the fall semester.

The four full-time faculty members who moved to the art department are professors Robert Alter and Leslie Starobin, who teach photography, and Jennifer Coleman Dowling and Laura Osterweis, who teach graphic design.

Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities Marc Cote said the transition had been discussed for a while, and was finally implemented after a formal proposal was made.

“There’s been a history of ambiguity between the two areas [of art and communication arts],” Cote said.

“Throughout the years, conversations have been had to figure out what the best structure would be.”

Paul Yalowitz, chair of the art department, said, “It was very confusing for administration and students to hear that there was graphic design in two different departments.”

“If someone was coming in as a freshman and told Admissions that they wanted to go into graphic design, there was a confusion [as] to which department they should go into,” he added.

Derrick TePaske, chair of the communication arts department, said, “I don’t know if there [was] as much confusion as people said.”

“It seems to me some people think that their [art department] graphics [faculty] should have come to us,” he

He added, “I think when Marc Cote got involved, or the provost got involved, that is when Comm Arts got informed. They weren’t informed from the very beginning.

“I didn’t think there was a reason to have to go to them if it didn’t make sense,” he said. “Then when I thought it made sense, and the dean thought it made sense, he went to comm arts, and I think that’s where the misunderstanding is - that it happened so fast from their point of view.”

Cote said he also met with the transitioning faculty members and discussed programmatic and curricular changes before a formal proposal was presented to administration.

“I drafted a proposal that I brought to Dr. Vaden-Goad [former provost and vice president for academic affairs], and if she agreed to it, we would then go to the President for final approval, and then to the Board of Trustees,” he said.

Osterweis, who teaches graphic design and visual communication classes, said by bringing both graphic design areas together, the department can build a stronger program with a clearer curriculum path for students.

“The difference between what professor Dowling and I taught in communication arts, and the graphic design concentration in art and music, has been unclear to students, faculty, and administrators for some time,” said Osterweis.

She added this is responsive to changes in the industry due to technology. “The distinction between screen-based and print-based media, which existed when I first started at FSU 15 years ago, no longer exists in

“There have been a lot of disagreements about this upheaval in the last few years. ... It’s a question of individual egos, frankly, and personal interests about where people feel more comfortable.”

-Derrick TePaske, communication arts department chair added.

Yalowitz said, “When I became chair I said, ‘Well, let’s finish it one way or the other, because I don’t like people being in limbo. Let’s get a final decision for these people, mostly the two graphic design teachers, Jennifer and Laura. Then it became evident that the photography people were very interested in coming over, too.”

He met with each of the four professors individually to determine whether the restructure made sense for the art department. From there, the proposal was passed on to Cote.

“From what I understood, this had been an ongoing thing for a long time, and I didn’t think it was a surprise for anybody that this might happen,” Yalowitz said.

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the design industry, and professionals are expected to be able to design for all mediums.”

Starobin, who teaches photography and visual communications, agreed the transition will benefit students who are interested in design and photography.

“Photography means ‘painting with light.’ By moving the photography classes to the art and music departments, students in the major will be required to take the other core studio classes as well as art history classes,” said Starobin. “Students interested in photography will have a stronger foundation in design from which they can cultivate their own voices and aesthetic.”

Cote said the synergy between the core art classes and photography classes is important for students.

“There is some kinship between graphic design and illustration, both of which are sort of more commercially oriented concentrations in art,” he

frankly, and personal interests about where people feel more comfortable,” TePaske added.

He said the restructuring of the departments continues to involve adjustments. For example, the existing supplies and computer laboratories that

“From what I understood, this had been an ongoing thing for a long time, and I didn’t think it was a surprise for anybody that this might happen.”

-Paul Yalowitz, art department chair said.

Cote added another aspect considered in the decision was the accreditation that the University recently received from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

This transition of the departments was an initiative suggested by NASAD. One of the future plans for the University is to offer a bachelor of fine arts program.

According to Cote, NASAD will come back to review the University with external site reviewers this year.

The University applied five years ago and was granted provisional accreditation. With a passing grade, the University will receive full accreditation from NASAD. When fully accredited, the Art and Music Departments will “immediately try to get a B.F.A. in graphic design, then aspire toward a B.F.A. in studio art,” Cote said.

Osterweis said, “The designation of a B.F.A. versus a B.A. will appeal to students seeking a serious art degree.”

Cote said the elimination of curriculum overlap allows for development of new classes in the department. He added the art department would also like to add a photography design concentration when the University is fully accredited by NASAD. Starobin said, “There is a lot of interest in photography among high school students, so hopefully, a concentration will attract more applicants to FSU,” which she said will help increase enrollment in the department.

There is no change in curriculum for students who were enrolled prior to this academic year. Cote said any new courses in these departments will have “some delay” due to “teach-out.”

Teach-out requires professors to teach the current curriculum that align with major and concentration requirements until enrolled students graduate. No changes will be made to these classes, except for the prefixes of the courses, which have changed from COMM to ART. TePaske said he had concerns about how the restructuring happened.

“It’s a big deal, too, to change and restructure a department in this major way in a short period of time,” he said.

“There have been a lot of disagreements about this upheaval in the last few years.

“It’s a question of individual egos,

once belonged to the communication arts department now belong to the art and music department.

“The question [is] of who’s responsible for the care and feeding, as we call it, of the computer lab. Somebody from - now the art department - asked our department to pay for inks in the printers,” TePaske said. “To the casual observer, people wouldn’t necessarily know that anything much has changed. They’re still in their same offices. They’re still in their same labs.”

With the loss of the four faculty members, the communication arts department now has seven faculty members and are in the midst of a restructure.

Audrey Kali of the communication arts department said, “The future for communication arts is exciting.”

Kali added she is optimistic of the restructure and said, “I think of a dung beetle. You have a pile of crap, and a flower grows out of it.”

She said the department “Got together last May, and we thought, ‘Here are the six of us. What are our strengths? What can we do?’” She said the six faculty members specialized in three areas of expertise: communication/media theory, film and television, and theater and performance.

TePaske said, “People who are interested in film production, rhetoric and theory, or performance and theater we are your place.”

The Communication Arts department will be eliminating its four major concentrations of the major, and will now introduce “course groupings.”

Kali said the decision to eliminate concentrations completely gives students “more latitude to pick from.”

This new system gives communication arts students freedom to take classes they are interested in, and are not “forced to take other classes.”

Students will now take six core classes instead of four in order to have a well-rounded understanding in each area of expertise within the department.

The department will also change its name to “communication media and performance” to align with its new identity.

Kali said that theater classes will now be called “performance.” Performance can refer to a broader curriculum which includes more than just theater courses.

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OCTOBER 25, 2019 | 9

Departments TePaske will be retiring this coming spring. Due to his retirement, Kali said, “As far as we understand, the University is giving us another tenure line that we would advertise for in the fall for Academic Year 2021.”

Kali added department is missing a faculty member with a specialized expertise in advertising and social media, and “it would be nice to have a stable faculty member” in that area.

A new course group being offered will be “professional communication.”

Other new course offerings include “Video Basics, Voice and Movement, Environmental Communication, African Americans in Television and Radio, Rhetoric and Popular Culture, Audio Production: Podcasting, Scene Study, Communication and Social Media, and Communication and Leadership.”

TePaske said the proposal to change departments and curriculums was a “sensitive matter.

“Changing college curriculums in a big way is like relocating graveyards there’s so many sensitivities involved, so much tradition,” he said.

TePaske added when he was first hired by Framingham State University in 1988, the communication arts department had separate concentrations for photography, graphic arts, and television. These concentrations then turned into the current concentration of Integrated Visual Media.

“Communications changes a lot because a lot of it relates to technology,” he said. “We have to appreciate and

embrace the complexity of the world and be ready to adjust to the changes that are going to happen.”

Kali said, “If you stay the same through all the years, then you’re not really moving with the times and you are not addressing the world that the students are getting into. I see that too with the move of photo and graphic design to the art department.

Senior Matty Alvarez was one of the students appointed to the committee by the faculty as a voice of communication arts students.

Alvarez said “The professors were kind and welcoming to our ideas,” and were receptive to the suggestions made by the student representatives.

“They personally invited us onto the committee because they under-

“I see design and photography as being a graphic form of communication that is an integral part to the communication arts education.”

-Jenna-Nicole Richard, sophomore “We’ve had our moments,” Kali said of the communications department during the restructuring. “We have disagreements and don’t see eye-to-eye on so many things, so we are actually putting communication into action.”

During the transition, the department’s curriculum committee invited two student representatives to give feedback on the restructure of the communication arts department.

stand our input is pretty valid in terms of how it can affect the student body,” he added.

Sophomore Jenna-Nicole Richard said she does not agree with the transition. “I see design and photography as being a graphic form of communication that is an integral part to the communication arts education,” she said.

Richard added she thinks the department will become “more specified”

and have less “diversity and versatility.”

In the future, Richard said she’d like the department to “look into new methods of obtaining equipment such as the cameras and film” to refresh curriculum.

Junior Alisha Schofield said, “Photo and design should be in both departments” because they have elements that fit into both areas.

Starobin said, “Personal preferences aside, as educators, we have a mission and a commitment to educate our students. Therefore, we need to be prepared to make difficult changes in order to strength the programs we offer.”

Kali said the switch is a prime example of how the faculty and curriculum at Framingham State are interdisciplinary. “I talk about things in psychology, sociology, and philosophy, and other departments are maybe teaching their students about giving presentations and argumentation. … I think that instead of thinking of ourselves as these little boxes, we could really help each other grow in different ways.”

TePaske said, “When I retire and think about how they are doing, I know I will say that they are doing just fine.”

CONNECT WITH ABIGAIL SAGGIO asaggio@student.framingham.edu

Students follow up on SGA’s Campus Safety Walk at Administrators’ Forum SGA invites FSU administrators to hear student concerns

By Leighah Beausoleil Asst. News Editor

By Evan Lee Asst. News Editor FSU students voiced their concerns regarding campus safety, the timeliness of the RamTram, and a lack of space for commuter students, among other issues, during the Administrators’ Forum hosted

by SGA Oct. 22.

Campus safety concerns Following up on SGA’s Oct. 8 Campus Safety Walk, Abigail Salvucci, vice president of SGA, asked Brad Medeiros, chief of University Police, if there has been “communication” over concerns brought up by students.

These include concerns regarding the number of blue lights on campus, inadequate lighting in certain areas, and the desire for more security cameras in the parking lots.

Medeiros responded that an infrastructure evaluation of the Franklin, Union, and Maple parking lots had just been completed to assess the potential for adding more

security cameras at each.

“The next step is to get the cable contractor here, to see what he’s going to charge. And then get the video contractor here for the cost estimate,” he said.

The addition of another blue light to Dwight Hall is also under consideration, he added.

During the safety walk, students identified the hall’s existing blue light, which is located on the north side closest to Hemenway Labs, as underused.

Medeiros said, “It’s probably going to be beneficial to leave that one there and install a secondary one on the other side.”

Pedestrian crosswalk signs have also been purchased for the crosswalk leading to the bus stop outside CASA, as well as for one of the crosswalks along Towers’ hill, Medeiros added.

Dale Hamel, executive vice president, gave updates on the safety walk from the Facilities and Capital Planning Operations’ side.

Addressing areas students pointed out as too dark, Hamel said a new light will be installed on the side of the IT building. “We can do that in-house, and we’re going to

try to get that done before wintertime,” he said.

He discussed two more lighting projects - one along Church Street and another between the McCarthy Center and Foster Hall.

Facilities will likely have to work with the City’s Public Safety Department on the Church Street project as that is a public roadway, Hamel said.

Trees outside of Hemenway Labs and the Honors House will be trimmed by FSU’s “in-house crew” to allow more light to shine from existing sources, he added.

However, trimming some of the trees outside the President’s House will need to be discussed with the City as they are outside the University’s property, Hamel said.

McKenzie Ward, SGA senator, asked if there was a way to place the light outside the Honors House on a timer.

“I use the Honors House probably about 8 o’clock at night, and usually ,the outside light is not on, so it’s kind of darker down there,” she explained.

Hamel said her suggestion will be added to the list.

Matt O’Sullivan, SGA senator,

asked, “What would you say is the threshold at which the whole campus would be notified of an event that is deemed a detriment to public health and safety standards?”

President F. Javier Cevallos answered the University has an emergency system where if the event is “something that can effect people immediately, you will be notified immediately.”

Medeiros explained that for critical incidents posing an immediate threat to the campus, such as an active shooter, “FSU Alert would be used first and foremost.”

He said for ongoing threats, such as suspect not being apprehended after a crime, “timely notices” will be posted to safety bulletins as well as FSUPD’s website, Facebook page, and Twitter to inform the community about what happened and what they should look out for.

For events that do not pose such threats to the campus, there may be privacy issues concerning their notification, according to Cevallos.

“From the University’s point of view, I have a responsibility to protect the privacy of the student …

Continued on pg. 10

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Administrators’ Forum Continued from pg. 9 and the same thing for the employee,” he explained.

Cevallos added Connie Cabello, vice president for diversity, inclusion and community engagement, and her team, are looking at “proper recommendations” to implement a protocol for notifications.

“That protocol will be known by everybody, so when ‘X,’ happens, people will be notified, and when ‘Y,’ happens, we will wait for an investigation to conclude,” Cevallos said.

Lorretta Holloway, vice president of enrollment and student development, said it is never in the University’s protocol to send emails if a student is arrested.

“We need to remember that a person who has been arrested has just been arrested - they have not been convicted. Those are two different things,” she explained.

RamTram and parking Lexi Kays, SGA secretary, discussed the “unreliable” RamTram system she is “subjected to” when trying to get to her car in the Franklin resident lot, which is about a mile away from campus.

She says she needs her car to drive to a required field study at a local elementary school.

“Sometimes, I don’t make it to my car on Thursday mornings until 8:20, when I had planned to be at the school by 8:15, even though I have been waiting at the on-campus pickup station since 7:45 a.m.,” she explained.

She asked what “initiatives” the University has looked into for helping “residents with required off-campus experiences” be present on time in terms of “parking and STC” (Student Transportation Center).

Medeiros answered students with internships or field studies can request to be placed in the Athletic Field parking lot by contacting Katelynn O’Guerra, communications dispatcher for University Police.

Samuel Houle, SGA senator, continued the discussion on the RamTram’s unreliability, saying “I walk the mile to Franklin because I don’t trust the RamTram.”

He explained he lost his trust in the RamTram after being late to work because it did not arrive a couple of times. During the winter months, when he can’t walk to his car, he said he has to tell his boss that he’ll be arriving half an hour late because of the RamTram.

“I’m losing a half an hour of work. … That’s biting into my paycheck,” he said.

Olivia Rothwell, SGA senator, suggested, “I think it would be beneficial if we could look into hiring another full-time driver.”

Rothwell also discussed the distance of resident parking, saying it is “detrimental” for students who need their cars to get to work or deal with other responsibilities, but are unable to park closer to campus.

Hamel responded, “The issue here is, ‘Who goes where?’”

He explained this issue has been discussed by the Parking Committee, and there must be a “trade off” between commuters and residents for changes to occur.

“We’ll keep bringing [the parking problem] to the committee and hopefully find a good balance,” he said.

Lack of space available for commuters Emma Sullivan, SGA senator and commuter student, expressed that “myself, and almost all other commuters students I’ve asked, agree that the school prioritizes its resident students over commuter students.”

She explained that since commuters do not have a dorm to go back to, they must find other places to relax and prepare for their next classes. However, she said seating in the McCarthy Center, the Whittemore Library, and Hemenway Labs is “almost always filled.”

She acknowledged the additional seating added to the McCarthy Center over the summer - the three tables outside the 1839 Room - but

said, “to be frank, we need more than that.”

Matty Bennet, president of SGA and also a commuter, added throughout his four years at FSU, he has seen reductions in the amount of space made available for commuters.

He explained during his sophomore year, half of the commuter dining area was taken over for use by the Main Dining Hall.

Prior to renovations during summer 2018, the area between what is now Metamorphosis and the Dining Hall’s UCook station was all part of the commuter dining area.

“I know there’s a concern about resident seating, but now I’m going to have to pay to sit in the same area where I was able to sit the year before and do my homework is,” Bennet said.

He called this change “very disatisfying.”

He also discussed the replacement of Starbucks by Dunkin’ in the McCarthy Center, which was also part of those same renovations.

“I love my Dunkin’ as much as the next person, but where the Starbucks used to be, it also used to be commuter seating,” he said.

“So to me - as a commuter - and I’m sure Emma [Sullivan] can echo my sentiments, it’s that the school will say, ‘Yes, we value commuters.

They’re very important,’ but then every space that we find and use gets taken away for resident use or other use,” Bennet added.

He said as a result, many commuters “would go to class, go home, and then come back.

“And that’s just unrealistic because there’s nowhere to stay,” he added.

Dining Services Mariah Ferris, SGA senator, said she thought food from the Main Dining Hall is “questionable.”

She described a situation last week where the buns of the burgers from Magellan’s were “dripping wet and stained red” as the burgers themselves were undercooked and raw.

“There are pictures going through social media of the burger being completely raw, not cooked rare, but literally out of the packaging - raw on a bun,” she added.

Aretha Phillips, general manager of Dining Services, said she was made aware of the situation and they are “developing a standard operating procedure for cooking burgers at that station.”

She explained the grill at the station was at “the wrong temperature” and the worker saw the burger cooked on the outside, despite it not being cooked on the inside.

“It was a new worker that was at that station working during that time frame that it happened,” she added.

Uncredited coursework Samuel Houle described a situation in which one of his professors was on medical leave for the first month of classes. In that professor’s place was a long-term substitute who “didn’t work off of the syllabus,” but still took attendance and gave homework assignments.

“When my professor returned from medical leave, he told me that the course starts today and everything done before will be discounted,” Houle said.

He asked, “What steps will be taken in the future to prevent these things from happening?”

Angela Salas, provost and vice president for academic affairs, answered, “Since that was an unanticipated thing, nobody really thought about what would happen at the end.”

She explained there’s a certain level to which the faculty member has the right to determine when the work begins. But she added she understands the disappointment of Houle and his colleagues over their situation.

She said, “I think the only thing that can happen is to have a conversation with my colleagues about making these succession plans more seamless.

“We have to build a bridge after you tried to cross over it and fell into the water. And I’m really sorry that you’re all wet,” said Salas.

“I take it very seriously, and this will be a conversation my colleagues and I will have about what to do going forward,” she added.

Olivia Beverlie, student trustee, said she thought the forum was “very productive.

“I’m happy that students have had the ability to voice their concerns here,” she said.

[Editor’s Note: McKenzie Ward is a staff writer for the Gatepost.]

CONNECT WITH LEIGHAH BEAUSOLEIL lbeausoleil@student.framingham.edu

FSU Administrators respond to student comments.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST

CONNECT WITH EVAN LEE elee5@student.framingham.edu

The Love Song of E. Marie Stocks

By Lizzy Stocks Staff Writer Let us retreat into darkness - where the evening does not spread out against the sky.

For I wasted away in the absence of light for the first 17 years of my life.

As a child, I took pride in being a tomboy - I wore boys’ graphic tees, played with “Hot Wheels” in the dirt, and begged my mom for a pair of light-up “Hulk” sneakers.

Unfortunately, boys’ shoes didn’t run in my size, but she bought them anyway.

She stored them in the closet, and I just couldn’t wait to grow into them.

Around the age of 7, I was aggressively tackled by an older neighborhood boy.

His mother scolded me for “tattling” and said, “Well, maybe if you didn’t dress and act like a boy, you wouldn’t be treated like one.”

Teary-eyed, my pride was replaced with shame.

From that point on, I knew I was different, but what I couldn’t understand was why my choice of expression dictated my treatment from others.

It was time to act like a girl - whatever that meant. I traded in my shark tees for “Bobby Jack” shirts and ditched “Hot Wheels” for “Polly Pockets.” I stopped waiting to grow into my “Hulk” sneakers and began waiting to outgrow my closet.

I had measured my life out in eggshells - the ones I’d be walking on until I escaped the darkness. Why hadn’t my lightup shoes fit me when I needed them most?

By the time I reached high school, I began processing my sexual orientation when I started dating my first girlfriend, Lilly. At that point, I was also meeting regularly with my therapist, the brilliant Jessa Brine.

Every week, Jessa and I discussed a course of action for outgrowing my closet.

Her simple, yet memorable piece of advice was, “Don’t let anxiety win.”

Ayer Shirley Regional High School enrolls approximately 400 students from two towns. I had known most of my peers since kindergarten, but I wouldn’t just be coming out to them - I would also be coming out to various soccer moms, coach dads, teachers, and overall strangers.

One teacher I did feel comfortable opening up to was my beloved English teacher, Melanie Wittmier.

It wasn’t through the hushed utterance of phrases that never quite slipped the tip of my tongue, but through my writing, in which I often expressed myself to her.

Oddly enough, it was the work of the rather conservative T. S. Eliot that resonated with me.

In reference to his poem, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” a poster that read, “Do I dare disturb the universe?” hung in Mrs. Wittmier’s classroom.

Every time I entered her room, I gawked at the poster as it seemed to stare back at me. Would I ever disturb the universe, or would it always be the universe that perturbed me?

When she assigned a close reading of Eliot’s work, she asked students to write poems regarding concerns of their own.

My piece was about my sexual orientation

OP/ED

and aptly titled, “Don’t Let Anxiety Win.” That same year - junior year - was when I finally got too big for my closet. My grade was voting for the 2013 homecoming court, and word began to spread that Lilly and I were dating as we joked with some friends about voting for ourselves.

To my surprise, most of my peers voted for us that day instead of the high school sweethearts who had won the two previous years, and to the delight of us all, are together to this day.

The student council debated whether we would both be princesses, or if one of us would be a prince. Thankfully, they got it right as we were announced as the 11th grade homecoming princesses at the pep rally.

With pride, I finally held Lilly’s hand in school as we vigorously threw our entangled fingers into the air while the crowd burst into applause and my heart burst with happiness - a moment more iconic than the closing scene of “The Breakfast Club” when Judd Nelson thrust his clenched fist into the air.

I felt the vulnerability evaporate from my bones, as the relief set in when I realized I could finally come out to my mother.

This is my love song to Ayer Shirley Regional High School.

To my peers, whom I mistakenly believed were small-minded because we were from small towns, thank you for accepting me when I least expected it - and when I least accepted myself.

I am no longer filled with doubt and hesitation like Eliot’s J. Alfred Prufrock nor was I meant to be.

I caught a glimpse of light in a high school gymnasium and I sure wasn’t stopping there.

There’s darkness even in the brightest communities, and thanks to the help of mentors and peers, I found my way out even without light-up sneakers.

OCTOBER 25, 2019 | 11

THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

Don’t drink the jungle juice For many, the next two “Halloweekends” are bound to be filled with parties, costumes, and, yes - alcohol.

The Gatepost does not condone underage drinking or policy violations, but we realize we’re not your parents. As adults in college, you are entitled to make your own decisions. Many students, in fact, get their first taste of independence their first semester of college. But some do not know how to handle their newfound freedom.

That’s why we believe it’s important to let students know what rules are on the books on campus - so you, as readers, can make your own informed decisions.

We don’t want to tell you how to live your life or put a damper on your Halloween fun. However, we would like to strongly advise anyone going out this weekend, the next - or in general - to be safe and understand the risks that excessive alcohol intake can bring.

Freshmen, this is your first “Halloweekend” in college, and trust us - you don’t want it to be spent leaning over a toilet. You might want to go “HAM” and try to show everyone you can handle your alcohol, but it’s important to know your limits.

There’s no shame in knowing when you’ve had enough.

No one wants to be the one passed out on the bathroom floor, and it shouldn’t have to be your responsibility to take care of your fellow party-goers, but we encourage you to be vigilant and take care of each other.

Most parties are harmless fun, but it only takes one person to put you in serious danger. Keep your eyes on your own drink, never take cups from anyone you don’t know, and bring your drinks to the bathroom, just to be safe.

That doesn’t mean you should be paranoid of everyone you meet at a party - it means it’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s a simple step, but it can prevent you from ending up in the hospital, being taken advantage of - or worse.

More importantly - no matter how blunt it may sound - don’t slip drugs into other people’s drinks. The responsibility shouldn’t have to fall on the victims, and know these actions can easily land you heavy jail time.

If you decide to go off-campus, make sure you have a designated driver or a plan to Uber or Lyft home - a cheap and safe alternative to driving or walking.

A Gatepost article published last week provided a detailed description of the University’s alcohol policy. FSU is a dry residence hall campus, meaning there is no alcohol allowed in any dorm - even if there are events on campus where alcohol is served.

However, we know some students may disregard this policy and decide to indulge in a few White Claws here and there.

The University recognizes that students need to be safe before they are punished. This is why FSU has a medical amnesty policy, so you are not punished for letting medical professionals, law enforcement officers, Security Desk Attendants, or Resident Assistants know someone has been drinking or doing drugs.

If you, or someone you are with, gets sick on campus from being intoxicated, do not be afraid to call University Police or your RA. Do not leave out any part of the story so that paramedics are able to administer exactly the right treatment.

You will not face any repercussions for seeking help in the event of an emergency.

Technically, the Rams Student handbook states students will be met with disciplinary action after what the Office of Community Standards deems an excessive amount of reports. Think about it this way, though - it’s better to be in trouble than to be dead.

One last piece of advice: whatever you do, don’t drink the jungle juice.

Some helpful resources: Campus Police: 508-626-4911 Tommy’s Taxi Service: 508-872-3500 Framingham Union Hospital: 508-383-1000

Courtesy of Lizzy Stocks Lizzy and Lilly after being crowned homecoming princesses in 2013.

Have a letter to the editor?

Feel free to email it to: gatepost@framingham.edu Letters should be approximately 500 words.

Anyone can submit.

We look forward to hearing from you!

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

12 | OCTOBER 25, 2019

OP/ED

Diagnosis and community: an addendum

By Thomas Maye Opinions Editor Last week, I came out from the spectrum in my op/ed article.

When I was diagnosed in high school, material I’d read said my neurological condition - Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) - is considered a close relative of Asperger syndrome. Asperger’s is now classified under the umbrella term of autism spectrum disorder.

An informational page for Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan states, “AS [Asperger’s] and NLD are generally thought to describe pretty much the same kind of disorder, but to differ in severity - with AS describing more severe symptoms.”

However, since writing the article and finding more literature on my learning disorder, I’ve learned my brain is a lot more controversial than I’d realized at the time.

Diagnoses in the medical community can be surprisingly contentious and ambiguous - underscoring the importance of solidarity among people with learning disorders now more than ever.

NLD is defined as a difficulty in understanding expression that cannot be conveyed verbally, visual-spatial/

motor issues - which is why I have the handwriting of a serial killer - and strong verbal knowledge. Researchers largely agree the disorder shares similarities with autism, particularly with respect to difficulties in processing nonverbal cues, to such an extent that the two disorders are easily confused.

There’s something intensely validating about having a name to put on your symptoms.

However, there’s growing debate over just how similar they are, and where NLD belongs in relation to the spectrum - whether it should be considered essentially the same, go on the distant end, adjacent to it, away from it altogether, or if it should just go to its room and try to cover its ears while neurologists go on with their bickering.

A 2013 study published in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Learning Network found NLD and autistic patients had differing brain pathway responses, suggesting some distinction. However, debates still ensue, and from the various sources I’ve read, it’s hard to find a definitive consensus.

According to an article in The American Journal of Human Genetics, autism spectrum disorder itself is used as “a catch-all diagnosis for a set of poorly understood neurodevelopmental disorders” - in other words,

knowledge is lacking more than many people may realize.

As a fairly new diagnosis, the medical community has been riddled with confusion and is slow to catch up in addressing people with NLD. They receive no federal assistance and almost no widely known awareness campaigns to speak of, compared to other learning conditions.

Despite neurological studies showing clear structural brain differences in patients with NLD, such as the aforementioned 2013 study demonstrating distinctions in the parts of the brain that connect the right hemisphere with the left, some people even argue against its mere existence.

With all the controversy over how to define and address it, the disorder has also yet to be classified in the DSM-5, the most popular diagnostic manual in psychology. However, it is still used in many educational and therapeutic contexts.

I am not a medical professional. I want to be understood, not serve as a lightning rod for medical debate - but with all the varying discussions swirling around, it’s hard not to feel a little overwhelmed.

The study of the mind has had a profound impact on contemporary culture, but in the grand scheme, it’s a relatively new field of research.

There’s still a lot we don’t know about how to help people with learning disorders, why people develop them, or how the brain works in the first place.

There’s a reason psychology gets its own department, after all.

Research is gradual, and discussions can change significantly in the span of only a few years. It takes time for the medical community to reach a consensus.

However, anyone is capable of being compassionate and understanding.

Community isn’t just important for awareness or activist purposes. Coming together in solidarity of shared experiences is an essential means of feeling heard, accepted, and appreciated.

Opening up about how your mind works can make a world of difference in voicing the previously inarticulable. It can certainly be a very vulnerable experience.

That said, if we want people to be more understanding - and to be understood ourselves - we have to be willing to share our struggles using our own voices.

A diagnosis is important, but it has limitations - we need to build a sense of community, too, in order to reduce stigma.

more synchronous, producing alpha and theta waves. Theta waves are a characteristic feature of deep relaxation and signify that the first stage of sleep has officially begun.

Some sleep deprived individuals may fall into a micro-sleep during the day, at which time theta waves replace alpha wave activity in the brain. The implications behind this are worrisome, as the micro-sleeper does not usually recognize they were sleeping and can fall into this dangerous phase while driving or operating heavy machinery.

The body lowers its heart rate and temperature as it enters stage two.

This is the first stage of non-REM sleep and is thought to protect the brain from awakening when it enters deep sleep.

REM sleep characterizes what we know as dreaming sleep. During this phase, large, slow brain waves occur.

The biological purpose of dreams are not fully understood, but it is theorized that the dream state is where our brains sort and store memories, process emotions, and facilitate creative thoughts.

For students, sleep can feel like a luxury that’s hard to afford. Many of us feel pressure from school, employment, and personal goals, and forfeit sleep in order to meet responsibilities. However, small adjustments can ease this process and leave us feeling more rested while we still accomplish everything in our daily planner.

Committing to good sleep hygiene

is no waste of time - maintaining a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends, is key. This allows the body to find its natural rhythm and settle into a regular sleep-wake cycle. On average, sleep cycles are around 90 minutes. Tools such as sleep calculators exist to help time rest so that naturally, deep sleep is not interrupted.

Our biological clock, or circadian rhythm, is often interrupted by the modern world. Alarms, schedules, and blue light emitted from electronic devices in particular can throw our internal clock out of balance. The high influx of information from our devic-

es shortly before bed may increase restlessness and inhibit the release of melatonin. Limiting devices two to three hours before sleep may help counteract this.

With a few adjustments, we can eliminate these biological interruptions, reduce stress, and make it to our 8:30 classes on time - perhaps even with fresh coffee in tow.

[Editor’s Note: Dia Kilgore has an associate degree in biology from Quinsigamond Community College.

Information in her article comes from previous classes, studies, and academic research articles.]

The science of sleep

By Dia Kilgore Staff Writer College students are notorious for their erratic sleep schedules - but at what cost?

For thousands of years, the mysteries of sleep have fascinated scientists.

Intuitively, we know that sleep makes us feel more energetic and upbeat, and it increases our general sense of wellbeing. While we slumber, incredibly complex processes are occuring that restore both the mind and body.

Realistically, most of us are guilty of silencing all twelve alarms set the night before - mornings are chaotic and rushed. Ideally we should wake without an alarm each morning, feeling fully refreshed and energized.

Sleep deprivation and irregular sleep schedules are highly prevalent among college students and can have consequences such as decreased concentration, impaired mood, and poor academic performance. Correcting your schedule can optimize the body’s processes while you sleep and give you the power to start the day on a less stressful and more productive note.

As your body prepares for sleep, muscles relax, brain wave activity slows, and you enter a drowsy, dreamlike state. You may experience mild hallucinations or hypnic jerks as the first transition from waking to sleep occurs.

During this process, brain waves increase in amplitude and become

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

OP/ED

GATEPOST

Guidance

Midterms are not a time for self-destruction

By Ashley Wall Editorial Staff

By Donald Halsing Editorial Staff [Editor’s note: Gatepost Grievances has been renamed Gatepost Guidance to better reflect the information provided within the column moving forward.]

At this point in the semester, students have dived right into the deep end of midterms. While midterms can be a stressful and overwhelming period for some students, it’s important to take a step back to reflect upon your physical and mental well-being.

Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating nutritious meals that nourish not only your body, but also your mind?

Are you in contact with the professors of courses in which you may be struggling?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, that’s OK! We see you.

Many students don’t know where to start in their process of seeking help to get them through the midterm season.

Although there are lots of resources on campus, some students don’t know they are available for free, or how to access them.

At the forefront is your mental well-being. Staring at computer screens tirelessly trying to finish calculus exams and research essays can take a toll on your body.

Your mind is packed full of study material - but it’s good to let it breathe once-ina-while.

Did you know FSU has an on-campus Counseling Center that is free of charge for students? It is open Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It also has walk-in hours during their normal business days - the Counseling Center recommends arriving between 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Perhaps the stress and emotions you are experiencing through the midterm season are more than just that - midterms - but that’s all right! We encourage you to take advantage of the free online mental health screening the Wellness Center provides for students. The center also provides an on-site MindKare Kiosk for screenings as well.

Remember: asking for help is the first step to becoming the best you. If you choose to take the leap, we’re proud of you!

Keeping your body physically healthy is another important aspect of flourishing during midterms. The Athletic and Recreation Center on campus is a great place to start. It offers fitness classes, a weight room, and so much more.

According to Harvard Medical School, “the physical symptoms of stress are themselves distressing. In fact, the body’s response to stress can feel so bad that it produces additional mental stress.”

Exercise releases endorphins, which in turn helps you sleep better, resulting in a reduction of stress. Exercise helps to keep your body and mind strong.

However, your body can’t function at its highest potential without nutritious

meals. The Dining Commons is a popular spot, but FSU also offers additional campus restaurants.

With selections ranging from smoothie bowls to sushi, there is an option for everyone. The Dining Commons also provides mindful options to help stay on track with eating healthily.

However, you cannot truly succeed in the treacherous waters of midterms without ensuring that you are getting the help you need academically as well.

Professors are required to hold office hours where you can ask directed questions regarding your course, or you can always email them. Some professors may offer extensions if you simply explain your situation. There are so many options academically to help you succeed.

Your professors want you to succeed and we want you to succeed.

If you need additional help outside of class time and office hours, we recommend heading over to CASA. It offers peer tutoring, academic coaching, and so much more!

If you can’t physically make it to CASA, there is a new program through Blackboard called “ThinkingStorm,” which is an online tutoring platform. You can upload essays for review, attend drop-in tutoring, and even reserve an appointment for a future online tutoring session.

The most important thing you can do during midterms is put yourself first. Embrace your ability to get help when needed. Talk to professors if you feel unsure about a topic. Check in on your friends who may be struggling too.

Know there are other students on campus who are experiencing the same stressful feelings.

We see you. We are amongst you. We are proud of you.

Asking for help in order to succeed during midterms is not a sign of weakness. It is a significant accomplishment.

You are taking the steps needed to ace those exams and essays, while keeping your mind and body happy and healthy.

Just remember, midterms are not a time for self-destruction.

[Editor’s Note: The writers of this column would like to apologize for a misprint in a recent column regarding parking on campus. Through a miscommunication, not all information provided to us by the University Police Department was fully reported.]

[Editor’s Note: Gatepost Guidance is a bi-weekly column. The opinions of the authors do not reflect the opinions of the entire Gatepost staff.]

OCTOBER 25, 2019 | 13

Taking ownership of our future

By McKenzie Ward Staff Writer Truth be told, as an SGA senator, I may be a little biased toward a push for civics classes for high school students.

However, my bias does not lessen the importance of the values civics classes instill in high school students.

A real and serious concern of mine is, “What steps are public school systems taking to ensure high school students are graduating high school as effective citizens?”

As of right now, not enough.

My solution?

Make civics classes a graduation requirement.

According to a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center, 33% of Americans cannot currently name at least one branch of the United States government.

If you couldn’t tell, this is a huge problem.

Although many students may often find government confusing, boring, and dry, civics classes provide knowledge about the fundamentals of our government while also making students better citizens and smarter voters.

Mandatory civics classes in high schools nationwide, students would introduce students to topics concerning the foundation of the United States government, American political ideologies, civil rights and liberties, and other government-related topics.

According to NPR, 27 states in their most recent legislative sessions considered bills that would expand the teaching of civics. States such as Florida currently have a half-credit government class requirement for high school graduation, according to Education Commission of the States.

Last November, the Massachusetts State Legislature signed Act S2631 into effect, which will require students to complete a hands-on civics project as a graduation requirement. It also creates a program in which student volunteers organize voter registration on their high school campuses.

The legislation also requires schools to teach specific subjects as part of civics education.

Although this bill brings Massachusetts one step closer to a more promising future for civics education, it just simply is not enough.

Yes, a hands-on project is a fantastic way to get students involved!

However, advocates for civics education, including myself, push for a different approach - guided discussions, greater involvement in student government, intensive stimulation, and actually having students interact with their legislators.

I strongly believe that school systems need to have an entire class focusing on civic engagement and not simply try to incorporate it into already existing classes. By giving civics its own class, it can grow to its full capacity and truly focus on the problem at hand - lack of civic engagement and knowledge.

Don’t get me wrong - I completely understand districts do not have unlimited resources and spending to fund civics classes, but when American citizens do not understand the basics of our government, something needs to change.

Luckily for me, I had an amazing government and politics teacher in high school who not only taught us the nitty gritty of government and politics, but taught us the importance of voting, what our vote means, and how citizens can truly make a change within the government.

One key component for proper civics education, is having enough funding. Although Act S2631 includes the Civics Project Trust Fund, which will be responsible for funding quality civic learning in Massachusetts, the main concern is getting enough money for this fund in the first place.

There is a common misconception that students are not interested in politics. Yet, teenagers are currently helping to drive the most change in our country and around the world.

We saw it after Stoneman Douglas with the March for Our Lives and again when DACA was threatened by the current administration.

Younger generations are willing to get involved in politics if they are given the chance.

With the introduction of mandatory civics classes, we will be allowing students to take ownership of their future.

[Editor’s Note: McKenzie Ward is an SGA senator.]

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

OP/ED

14 | OCTOBER 25, 2019

525,600 minutes of anxiety

By Patrick Brady Staff Writer Anxiety can follow us around like a lion stalking its prey.

If you separate yourself from the lion, it won’t harm you. But if you venture too close to it, it will pounce.

According to the American and Depression Association of America, social anxiety disorder affects 15 million American adults.

That’s correct - around 6.8% of the U.S. population has social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Sounds like a lot, right?

Well, it certainly is!

Ever since middle school, I’ve been very anxious about what people thought of me. And I constantly wondered if they gossiped behind my back when I wasn’t around.

Although I always felt comfortable enough being around my friends, I would often get nervous or flustered when someone glared or smirked at me - or at least sneered in my general direction.

But unlike me, there is an insane number of people who are never diagnosed with this condition for their entire lives. According to Mayo Clinic, social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, but can begin in younger children and adults as well.

Mayo Clinic also states how fear is often attributed to SAD, whether it’d be for social interaction or worrying in general.

In my case, I often feared how people viewed me as an individual, which led to multiple long, sleepless nights particularly in my early middle school years. Those relentless, restless nights would lead me to turn in homework late, or even skip multiple classes due to “my sickness.”

But the worst part of it was that I thought I was all alone in the unrelenting struggle. More specifically, I thought I was the only one in the entire school who had constant nightmares about going an entire school year without making a single friend due to my social anxiety.

The truth of the matter is this is an issue that affects millions of children and adults. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, social anxiety disorder diagnoses are associated with increased risk for suicidal intentions and attempts.

You heard me right! Social anxiety disorder - along with other mental health issues - are growing factors for the cause of suicide.

But what are we doing to raise awareness about it?

Not enough!

In fact, the use of social media practically promotes the development of social anxiety disorder. Very-well-

mind.com, a mental health awareness website, stresses how people with social anxiety rely too much on social networking sites to make friends, excluding the possibility of trying to make real-life friends.

But don’t worry - everything changed for me during my later years of high school.

As I got older, I began to realize that social interaction was far superior to media-related interaction. Despite all the gossip or smack-talking, I couldn’t deny the fact that I wasn’t alone in how I felt.

Over time, I began to realize how fun face-to-face conversation truly was. I found out others’ lives, in reality, weren’t that much different from mine.

Now, as a sophomore in college, I am a very confident and intelligent student - lightyears beyond who I was as a middle-schooler.

But despite discovering my true potential, I must be mindful of the millions who are currently in the same position that I was in during my middle school years.

As the diagnoses continue to dramatically increase, and anxiety-related suicides start to skyrocket, we should consider our options for spreading awareness about the issue.

Whether it’d be through social media posts or public speaking - change needs to be made!

After all, we aren’t too different you and I.

Campus Conversations What was your favorite Halloween costume when you were young?

By Caroline Gordon and Amanda Garny

“I was Frankenstein in 7th grade. I was able to stay mysterious and fun. It was a cold Halloween and my costume kept me warm.”

-LeDondy Francois, junior

“I had to be a witch that was extra spooky. It was all-in or all-out!”

“Spider-Man. He was my favorite superhero.”

-Andres Cordona, freshman

“An angel, because I look good in white.”

-Delsy Mendes, freshman

-Zariah Thompson, freshman

“Cowboy, because I had nothing better to do. That’s as simple as it got for me.”

-Michael Turner, freshman

“Ariel - she was the only princess that looked like me, because she had red hair.”

-Julia Fitzgerald, sophomore

Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff. @TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

ARTS & FEATURES

OCTOBER 25, 2019 | 15

ARTS & FEATURES

Martín Espada graces FSU with his poetic writings

By Lauren Paolini Copy Editor Acclaimed poet Martín Espada returned to FSU after 25 years during the Alan Feldman Week of Poetry Oct. 22.

“I’m going to read tonight and 25 years from now, I’ll be back again,” Espada joked.

Espada’s poetry is strongly influenced by his birthplace, Puerto Rico, and his experiences in the United States as a Latinx individual.

The first poem Espada read is set in Puerto Rico and embodies the music played and celebrated on a street named “San Sebastían.” The rhythmic performance by Espada and the repetition in this poem showcased the influence of music on this piece to the audience.

Before reading “En la Calle San Sebastían,” Espada explained that to him, Saint Sebastían Street is one of miracles where the impossible happens.

“Here in a bar on the street/of the saint en la calle San Sebastían/a dancer in white with a red red scarf /en la calle San Sebastían/calls to the gods who were freed by slaves/en la calle San Sebastían,” he read.

Espada was born in Puerto Rico, but grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he was first introduced to poetry. His poem, “Blessed Be The Truth-Tellers,” is an ode to Jack Agüeros, a fellow Puerto Rican poet whom Espada said “was very much my second father.”

“When I was 12, pus bubbled/on my tonsils, and everyone said/after the operation, you can have all the ice cream you want/I bragged about the deal/ … and Jack said/You gonna get your tonsils out?/Ay bendito cuchifrito Puerto Rico/That’s gonna hurt.”

Espada said he wrote this poem for a benefit he helped organize after learning Agüeros was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

He ends the piece with, “This is how I learned to trust the poets and shepherds of East Harlem. Blessed be the Truth-Tellers, for they shall have all the ice cream they want.”

Espada moved from New York to Boston to attend law school at Northeastern University. After he graduated, he worked at multiple jobs in the Boston area.

One of these jobs was writing for a program that supported low-income Spanish-speaking residents in Chelsea. While he was working, many people were emigrating from Latin America to escape war.

“I used to represent these clients

Martín Espada performing in the Heineman Ecumenical Center. in Chelsea, and it was very clear they were not welcome. And if I stood next to them in court, it was equally clear that I was not welcome,” Espada said.

His next poem illustrates his experience as a member of the Latinx community while facing the racial biases that were so prevalent.

Espada uses the Tobin Bridge as the epicenter for this poem. It is appropriately titled, “Jumping off the Mystic Tobin Bridge.”

“I had to take a taxicab that day/'What the hell you doing here?' said the driver of the cab to me in my suit/and tie. You gotta be careful in this neighborhood/There’s a lotta Josés/around here. The driver’s great-grandfather/staggered off a boat so his/great-grandson could one day drive me across the/Mystic Tobin Bridge. … I leaned into his ear, past the bulletproof/barricade somehow missing, and said: I’m a José.”

Another poem he read was titled “Floaters.”

Based on true events that took place at the United States and Mexico border, the piece concerns a photograph of a 25-year-old man and his 23-month-old daughter found drowned in the Rio Grande. A debate arose in a border patrol Facebook group over whether the photo was real or photoshopped.

Espada pulled the title of this recent poem from the term used by border patrol agents who find people who

have drowned trying to swim across the Rio Grande to the United States.

The epigraph to the poem begins, “Okay, I’m gonna go ahead and ask.

Have y’all ever seen floaters this clean? I’m not trying to be an ass, but I have never seen floaters like this.

Could this be another edited photo?”

Espada goes on in heartbreaking detail about Óscar and Valeria, the father and daughter found in the Rio Grande, and the audacity of those who doubt this tragedy.

“He swam … the girl slung around his neck, stood her in the weeds on the Texas side of the river, swore to return with her mother in hand. Turning his back as fathers do, later saying ‘I turned around and she was gone.’ In the time it takes for a bird to hop from branch to branch, Valeria jumped in the river, after her father,” Espada read.

Espada’s focus of the night, as in many of his poems, was the Latinx experience in the United States. This theme was present not only in pieces directly about immigrants and the border crisis, but also those inspired by the people Espada has met and interacted with throughout his life, including his father.

The cover of his book, “Vivas to Those Who Have Failed,” depicts an image of a man smoking a cigar. Espada said that many people ask him if it is a picture of his father. He explained it is not, but his father was behind the

Ashley Wall / THE GATEPOST

camera.

Espada’s father was a successful photographer, despite facing many people who doubted him. After hearing of his work on a photographic documentary of the Puerto Rican migration, another photographer, Cornell Capa, told Espada’s father, “No one wants to look at pictures of Puerto Ricans, Frank.”

Espada told the audience, “Well, my father’s photographs are included now in the collections of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, the Smithsonian Museum of American History, the Library of Congress, and The National Portrait Gallery. So, Cornell Capa was wrong.”

He read one of the multiple poems he wrote about his dad, titled, “Letter to my Father.”

“I know you are not God. I have the proof: seven/pounds of ashes in a box/on my bookshelf. Gods do not die, and yet I/want you to be God again./ … I promised myself I would stop talking to you/white box of gray grit./ You were deaf even before you died.

Hear my/promise now: I will take you/ to the mountains, where houses lost like ships at/sea rise blue and yellow/ from the mud. I will open my hands. I will/scatter your ashes in Utuado.”

CONNECT WITH LAUREN PAOLINI lpaolini@student.framingham.edu

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

16 | OCTOBER 25, 2019

THE GHOSTPOST

Spooky

By Nadira Wicaksana Editor-In-Chief

By Lizzy Stocks Staff Writer

We all love a good cult fave, but what about our fave cults?

Forget "Midsommar" and "Hereditary." Instead, consider Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," a short story first published in "The New Yorker" magazine in 1948 by the same author who penned "The Haunting of Hill House," which served as the basis for a bone-chilling 10-episode Netflix original released last year.

I first read "The Lottery" in eighth grade, but it sends chills down my spine every time I even remember it exists. It's that dark - just as black as the spot that a not-so-lucky member of a 300-person village will receive on their piece of paper.

Every single resident gets one during the village's annual pre-harvest ritual - man and woman, young and old. The story is written with harrowing tension and increasing suspense - this is one lottery you may not want to win.

It’s perfect for a spooky Halloween horror story roundtable, or perhaps as an anecdote for your sociology or psychology class. Maybe afterward, you'll look at your friends and family a little bit differently.

Halloween's quickly approaching, and it has come to my attention that many self-proclaimed horror buffs have never seen “Scream,” Wes Craven’s iconic ’90s slasher film.

Craven utilizes the horror genre’s typical plot structure, as the movie is set in a small town plagued by a knife-wielding serial killer disguised in a ghostface mask.

Lead actor Neve Campbell stars as Sidney Prescott, the movie’s heroine.

Prescott must come to terms with her mother’s homicide from a year earlier, while also battling the deranged killer stalking her.

Craven transcends the stereotypical scary movie, as various characters wittily acknowledge classic slasher cliches occurring within the film, and Prescott’s predictable choices do not lead to an untimely demise.

The plot twist at the film’s conclusion will have audiences reassessing their suspicions of the murderer.

With the perfect blend of gore and humor, this flick transformed the horror genre as comedic relief and dramatic irony became slasher staples.

For any true horror buff, “Scream” will surely stand the test of time and is bound to leave you dead - with laughter, that is.

BunHead

By Tom Maye Editorial Staff Exhilaration isn’t far from fear, and pop princess Kim Petras relishes that heart-pounding excitement in “Turn Off the Light Vol. 2,” her follow-up to last year’s “Turn Off the Light Vol. 1.”

A loving homage to candy-coated, horror-flick kitsch, the rising queen of camp doesn’t disappoint with this new experimental romp of an album. It’s a whirling, twirling haunted house ride you’ll want to go on again and again.

Songs such as “There Will Be Blood” and “Wrong Turn” show that high-energy Halloween bops can resurrect once more in a post-“Thriller” era. Petras has the vocals to carry the songs forward, the synthetic sensibilities to make them danceable, and spirited lyrics and delivery to keep them fierce and fun.

Autotune snobs may want to sit this one out. “Vol. 2” is a sugar rush of an album, and from the vocals to the beats, nothing in it has been spared from heavy processing.

But isn’t Petras’ unrestrained revelry what Halloween is all about?

“Vol. 2” has all three in spades. Go on - if you dare follow the things that bump in the night, this album will surely have you in for a treat.

Dimension Films

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By Lauren Paolini Copy Editor We’ve all read “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven,” but this Halloween season, I urge you to dive a little deeper into the mind of Edgar Allen Poe. Considered by many to be the “father of horror,” Poe brought much attention to this genre with his famous poems and short stories.

Although most people who have read Poe can “quoth the raven,” the author’s dedication to spooky stories does not end there.

Of course, there is an array of Halloween-appropriate material by Poe. One of my favorite pieces is “Annabel Lee.” The six-stanza poem begins as a love story that reels in the reader, then takes an unexpected turn. The rhyme scheme and repetition give this poem the songlike qualities that would be expected in a romance.

The content, however, goes far beyond a simple love letter.

Some readers may interpret the twist in the story as just a sad circumstance, but the speaker’s response and actions that follow give “Annabel Lee” that creepy factor that anyone celebrating Halloween would love to experience.

THE GHOSTPOST

OCTOBER 25, 2019 | 17

Suggestions

By Brennan Atkins Arts & Features Editor “The Witch” is a 2016 horror flick directed by Roger Eggers that brings the viewer to a horrific time period in New England’s history - the 1600s.

Witchcraft - and punishing innocent people for nothing more than superstition - is nothing new to cinema. Take “Häxan,” a 1922 film that explores similarly wicked topics.

Where “The Witch” shines is in the darkest of places - the woods.

A bleak wooden cabin is surrounded by a forest so dense, it’s almost reminiscent of a city wall.

They’re completely cut off and alone from the rest of the world.

It’s seen as a new opportunity - a new home for the family. This quickly changes when the youngest child, an infant, suddenly vanishes under the daughter’s care.

This puts the family through a test of loyalty and morality that is captured flawlessly on screen.

The scenes at night are true nightmare fuel, as the idea of being completely alone with the context of the disappearing relative can’t be comforting.

I may be biased, as I live in Massachusetts, but seeing what looks like my backyard in some of these scenes makes it a tad more unsettling.

I’ll warn you - it’s not for the faint of heart.

A24

By Robert Johnson Jr. Arts & Features Editor

20th Century Fox

By Ashley Wall Associate Editor Risqué costumes, outlandish characters, and beloved songs compose the soul of this 1975 cult classic, directed by Jim Sharman.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” chronicles the journey of an engaged couple, Brad and Janet, who are stranded in a thunderstorm with a flat tire. As they seek shelter in the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the couple experiences bizarre interactions with characters such as a ghoulish butler, odd party-goers, and Frank-N-Furter’s latest experiment.

Not only can this extravagant film be enjoyed in the comforts of your own home, but it also has an extensive following of theatre companies who produce interactive showings with a live cast. Distinguished rituals for fans attending these shows include dressing as “Rocky Horror” characters, complete audience singalongs, and prop bags used to immerse attendees fully into the experience.

Although participation in a film-screening or live-cast experience may change depending on location, the film’s beloved soundtrack, composed of “Science Fiction, Double Feature,” “Time Warp,” and “Sweet Transvestite,” will always stay the same.

This Halloween season, I encourage you to check out a local showing. As Dr. Frank-N-Furter would say, “I see you shiver with antici... pation!”

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be in Hell or are just interested in the mythology of the punishments that take place there, you owe it to yourself to see Nobuo Nakagawa’s 1960 film, “Jigoku” (“Hell”).

This movie is not for the faint-hearted - people are killed left and right, and lecherous activity creeps throughout Tokyo, where the film is set. There is no shortage of blood, revenge plots, or mercilessness on behalf of Nakagawa - one needs a clear mind and a tough disposition to get through it all, especially the later sections of the film.

“Jigoku” reminds the audience that while there may be monsters in Hell, monsters lurk on the Earth’s surface in the form of man, and the power of guilt and the desires of man can lead to great harm for many people harm that can, oftentimes, prove itself fatal.

If you’re into watching sinners get burned eternally or into second act-induced mood whiplashes, or if you’re just in it for the gorgeous shots and surreal cinematography, you need to step into “Jigoku.”

Walt Disney Pictures

By Sara Senesac and Liam Gambon Editorial Staff Before there was “High School Musical,” there was “Hocus Pocus.”

Kenny Ortega brought us this cultural phenomenon in 1993, years before slapping Disney to pieces with Troy Bolton and the East High Wildcats.

The movie follows Max “A Virgin” Dennison, his little sister Dani, and his unattainable crush Allison as they run around Salem after accidentally resurrecting three witches 300 years after they were hanged.

The witches - better known as the Sanderson sisters - have a hard time adjusting to the 20th century when they realize Halloween has become a holiday where children run around in costumes and eat candy.

The sisters remain youthful by stealing the souls of children, so they devise a plot to lure all of Salem’s young to their doorstep through hypnotism.

Max, his posse, and the talking black cat, Thackery Binx, spend their night trying to foil the witches’ plan and destroy them once again.

When “Hocus Pocus” was first released, it was not actually well-liked.

Now, it’s hard to imagine a Halloween without watching it six times a day on Freeform.

If you’ve never seen this movie, you probably live under a rock, but you should definitely add it to your spooky movie playlist this Halloween.

It’s funny, scary, and musical gold, but more importantly, it has a very significant takeaway message even a virgin can still save the day.

Shintoho

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

18 | OCTOBER 25, 2019

Kaitlyn’s Kosmetics

By Kaitlyn Cullen Staff Writer

It’s that time of year - when creepy is cute and spooky is sought after. So, here are some tips and tricks that are bound to make you look like a treat this Halloween.

If you’re trying out a classic gory look, skip the thrift shops and cheap-branded fake blood and stitches. You can craft your own carnage with a quick trip to the grocery store.

Fake blood can be made easily with the right amount of red food coloring, chocolate and corn syrups.

Red food dye mixed with corn syrup gives the concoction a lower viscosity than real blood, allowing the product to stick better to the desired surface.

Fake blood sold in seasonal stores is too bright, so the chocolate syrup adds a more realistic hue to mirror the oxidation blood goes through after having left the body.

The best part about this recipe is that it is completely safe for con-

ARTS & FEATURES

Halloween looks

sumption, making it not only an easyto-make cosmetic, but a sweet trick for any Halloween treats.

If you’re looking for a more glamorous ware, mermaids are always in style.

By simply stretching an old fishnet stocking over your face before applying skin makeup, you can easily create the illusion of scales - which works for a Gorgon costume, too!

Mermaids come in all colors, but a layer of highlighter over the pigment of your choice can really bring those artificial scales to life.

Fake skin can be made with two simple ingredients - the thin layers of a tissue and liquid latex. If you have a latex allergy, regular spirit gum works, too.

The trick to making this look work is by adding each layer of tissue one at a time, allowing the liquid latex to blur in with your own skin gradually, rather than bulking up.

Cover your masterpiece and the rest of your face with a layer of foun-

dation to really bring the illusion together before doing the rest of your makeup.

If you’re looking for the right makeup brands for full-face makeup, look no further than the mind of a cosplayer.

Ben Nye and Mehron have some of the best affordable makeup for large transformations.

Ben Nye is a well-known brand of stage makeup that lives up to its reputation. This company has an array of colors, ranging from natural skin tones to bright primaries and vivid creams.

Its makeup is on the heavier side, as it is made to withstand hot stage lights, sweaty actors, and long performances.

Mehron has both cream-based and water-based makeup to choose from, making it the better option for consumers with sensitive skin.

From my experience, Mehron cream makeup blends easier than its water counterpart and the Ben Nye

alternative when trying to create a more intricate look.

Mehron also has vegan options for face and body paint, special effects makeup, and professional use.

If you’re just looking for a common brand that packs a lot of color, Nyx Cosmetics has a plethora of products that include all the colors of the rainbow.

Nyx eyeshadows are highly pigmented and can be used to contour the base of your Halloween look. They also have bright lipsticks and eyeliners that coordinate with each of their shades, so your look can be consistent.

Whatever your look is this Halloween, make sure you have the right products to really pack a punch and take that best costume award with you at the end of the night!

CONNECT WITH KAITLYN CULLEN kcullen1@student.framingham.edu

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ARTS & FEATURES

OCTOBER 25, 2019 | 19

Why comic-oriented conventions matter

By Robert Johnson Jr. Arts & Features Editor This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend East Coast Throwdown (ECT) in Stamford, Connecticut - a fighting game tournament that took place over two days, but with a motherlode of content to be enjoyed.

I managed to do pretty well for my first major tournament outing - which is a surprise, even to me - but this column is called “Robbie’s Comic Corner,” not “Robbie’s eSports Bragging Corner,” so I won’t continue detailing that.

Needless to say, ECT ignited a spark in me to attend more of these events, and while it, in itself, is the furthest thing from what a person would consider a “convention,” it’s still a communal experience to converse and do things with like-minded individuals.

Another thing that happened this past weekend - and it’s some-

thing I had to sacrifice attending for the fifth year in a row - was the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (MICE), which is an event that’s more in line with this column’s subject matter.

For the uninitiated, MICE is similar to ECT in the sense that it, too, runs for two days - Saturday and Sunday - featuring comic artists from across the United States, as well as artists based in Massachusetts, such as my longtime friend, Scott Clancy!

Yes, I am still a little bummed out that I could not meet Hazel Newlevant, the creator of “Sugartown” - the second “Robbie’s Comic Corner” entry - in person. I wanted to browse their wares and talk to them about their career.

As always, you might be asking me why I am providing you all of this fluff-driven exposition.

Well, dear reader, I am here presenting a case as to why you should attend conventions, especially if you’ve had an upbringing

ACROSS 1. *”KA-BLAM!” 5. *”Cheers” for the other team 9. *Big cheese 13. Suit in King Arthur’s court?

15. Feature of “this clue ... ue ... ue ...”

16. Minstrel’s instrument 17. Lerner’s partner 18. “Pay ___ mind!”

19. School founded by King Henry VI 20. 19-Across’ country: Abbr.

21. Actor Sal 23. Already cut, as logs 24. 20th-century example of the starred word ladder’s start 28. Home of MA and PA 29. Apt first name for a retirement planner 30. Lowest Monopoly roll 31. Taunts 34. Noted fabulist 36. Meat paired with Swiss 37. Sacagawea dollars’ equivalents

like mine, where I had to dream Now, I know conventions are about attending my first Anime expensive - I’ve been to over 15 Boston in 2013. of ‘em - but the Comic Book Club Conventions are a good way on campus, in collaboration with to get out of your comfort zone - the Anime and Gaming clubs, are they put you into an environment hosting a trip on Saturday, Nov. 2 where one can interact with the for $15 a ticket. media they consume, whether Fifteen dollars is an absolute it’s by taking pictures of those in steal for something as massive as cosplay or perusing fan art in the RICC - it even comes with transdealers’ room/artists’ alley. portation!

On top of that, they encourage If you’re interested in dipfans to be creative with how they ping your toes into the waters of showcase their fandom to the convention life, definitely go on outside world. Cosplay was my Ramlink and order a ticket via lead-in to telling everyone in my ABC Ticketing. high school that my best friend While you’re doing that, I’m was the one who painted her skin going to keep planning my trips grey to cosplay Gamzee Makara to Seattle and Portland for Emerfrom “Homestuck.” ald City Comic Con and Rose City Yeah, that’s a long story, but Comic Con, respectively.

I did gain a wealth of lifelong friends in the process who I still [Editor's Note: Robert Johnkeep in contact with today. son Jr. is the president of the If you’re interested in doing Comic Book Club.] something similar, I highly recommend attending Rhode IsCONNECT WITH ROBERT JOHNSON JR. land Comic Con (RICC) as a good rjohnson10@student.framingham.edu starting point.

38. Exclaims 39. “Joker” or “The Lion King” 40. Gomez Addams’ cousin 41. Coeur d’___ 42. Honorific 43. Still in the package 44. Like crunchy carrots 45. Identify on Facebook 46. 20th-century example of the word ladder’s end 53. Fish-eye, for one 54. Bedtime story?

55. Southeast Asian language 56. Provide money for 57. Feathery wraps 58. Absolutely necessary thing 60. Together, musically 61. “My treat!”

62. Skin care brand 63. *First lady Truman 64. *Top, or tops 65. *It might be placed on a pedestal DOWN 1. Hay machine 2. Maine college town 3. Horseshoelike Greek letter 4. Cut, as grass 5. Existence 6. Black pawns in chess, e.g.

7. Response to a good explanation 8. Great Lakes’ ___ Canals 9. Sheep sound 10. “Spill the beans!”

11. Deliberately delay 12. Former Pres. Obama, once 14. Careless 22. With 23-Down, almost instantly 23. See 22-Down 25. Bitterly regrets 26. Busy boy on Valentine’s Day 27. Amiens’ river

31. Departing 32. Theater break 33. “Don’t tell anyone this ...”

34. “Anything else?”

35. German article 38. Attired 39. Newton fruits 41. Performing ___ 42. Western discoverer of New Zealand (MANTAS anagram) 45. Caddy contents Puzzle solutions are now 47. South American range exclusively online.

48. Royal baby buggies 49. Change, as a password 50. Candy heart sentiment 51. Welcome desert sights (and sites) 52. Absent from 56. ___ Four 57. Short haircut 59. 1997 sci-fi comedy, for short

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SPORTS

20 | OCTOBER 25, 2019

SPORTS

Volleyball backed by Cafarelli’s 27 digs in win against Salem State

By Liam Gambon Sports Editor

Framingham volleyball faced off against the Salem State Vikings on the road Oct. 23.

The first set of the match was tight until the Rams led 13-12.

Framingham then went on a 12-3 run to take the set 25-15.

Sophomore Alyssa Cafarelli said, “Having that 12-3 run in the first set definitely helped our play for the rest of the night. We started off slow and traded points back and forth with Salem for quite a while.”

The second set was close again, as there were eight lead changes before Framingham made it nine when the score became 8-7 Rams.

Framingham took the lead for a short while until the Vikings tied the game at 14.

After that, the Rams reached a 23-21 lead, and then scored two of the last three points to claim the second set.

Salem led in the third set early, 12-10, but Framingham scored four straight to take the 14-12 lead.

The Rams stretched their lead further before the Vikings tied the game 18-18.

Framingham then scored seven of the game’s last nine points to take the third set 25-20 and win the match 3-0.

“Missing one of our key players, Deirdre Fay, others stepped up on the court to fill the vacancy,” Cafarelli said. “Once we clicked, we played to our potential and it helped carry us to a conference win.”

Brandee Thomas led the team in kills with 12, while Brandey Rodriguez followed her with nine.

Setter Morgan Failla came away with an impressive 30 set assists.

“Morgan is an extremely important player on our team. She continues to work hard to improve her game,” Cafarelli said. “She is always motivating other players and knows how to put a smile on your face.

Without Morgan, it would be hard to run the offense we are able to run.”

Cafarelli led the game in digs with 27, and in service aces with four.

She now has nine aces over the last three games.

“Serving is another aspect of the game, and I concentrate on placing the ball in the spot that Coach Chelle calls,” Cafarelli said.

Framingham is now 15-10 on the season.

Courtesy of fsurams.com

Alyssa Cafarelli sets up to serve.

FRAMINGHAM STATE SALEM STATE

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CONNECT WITH LIAM GAMBON lgambon1@student.framingham.edu

Upcoming Games Catch the Rams in action!

Saturday, October 26

Wednesday, Saturday, October 30 November 2

Women’s Soccer: 11 A.M. Volleyball: Football: 12 P.M. 7:15 P.M. Field Hockey: 2 P.M.

Saturday, November 9

Volleyball: 11 A.M. Football: 12 P.M. Men’s Soccer: 12 P.M.

Graphic design by Kathleen Moore

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

SPORTS

OCTOBER 25, 2019 | 21

Women’s Soccer falls to 2-11-1

By Sara Senesac Asst. Sports Editor The Rams’ women’s soccer team lost to the Bridgewater State Bears 8-2 Oct. 19.

Framingham took the lead early with a goal by junior Casey Good off an assist from junior Jasmine Lees during the 15th minute.

The lead was short lived when the Bears’ Amelia Burke and Alana Vincent would score two goals each, in a span of six minutes.

They would go on to score an additional goal in the 44th minute, leaving the Rams down by four at halftime.

Bridgewater dominated most of the second half, burying three more goals.

Sophomore Camryn O’Leary managed to score one final goal for the Rams in the last two minutes of play, securing the final score of 8-2.

By the end of the game, the Bears managed to outshoot the Rams 31-12.

Senior Samantha Beninati said, “As a team, everyone seemed deflated. We started strong, but deteriorated by the end. Our team is not healthy, so that really puts a lot of strain on everyone mentally and physically.”

BRIDGEWATER STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

On Oct. 22, the Rams hosted the UMass Boston Beacons for a non-conference match.

The Beacons ran the show for the entire game, outshooting the Rams 33-2.

In the first half, UMass managed to put up three and block out the Rams from getting any shots on net.

The only two shots from Framingham came from O’Leary and Lees late in the second half, but they were unable to secure a goal.

The Beacons scored two more goals just three minutes apart, sealing their 5-0 win.

Rams’ goalkeeper Madison Brown still managed an impressive 17 saves by the end of the game.

Sophomore Jessica Morgan said, “We have definitely had our struggles. It has not been smooth sailing. However, we are working to fix it.”

The Rams have now dropped to 2-11-1 on the season. They host the Salem State Vikings for their “Senior Day” game Oct. 26.

UMASS BOSTON FRAMINGHAM STATE

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8 2 CONNECT WITH SARA SENESAC ssenesac@student.framingham.edu

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22 | OCTOBER 25, 2019

SPORTS

Carlos’ Call: NBA season predictions

By Carlos Silva Asst. Sports Editor Opening week of the NBA season has started. This means it’s time to make some early season predictions.

Who will be the Executive of the Year?

Given how much the Clippers gave up in the Paul George trade - and that he and Kawhi Leonard can be free agents in the summer of 2021, Lawrence Frank’s front office has received too much credit. However, you can also argue, the Clippers are poised and ready to have their best season in franchise history.

The Clippers acquired two players - who are in their prime - just a couple years after dismantling the core of their team. They went from a roster that could miss the playoffs, to a team ready to become a dynasty. Executives who vote for anyone other than Frank will be seen as just petty.

Who will be Coach of the Year?

Quin Snyder has been on the verge of winning this award for a couple of years now. After an offseason where the Jazz acquired Mike Conley, it all seems as though everything is coming together for the young Utah team.

Who will be the Most Improved Player?

Lonzo Ball has finally escaped the prison cell that LeBron James kept him in!

Ball has been given a wonderful opportunity where he is able to play the creative passing style that has made him such an interesting prospect.

With pieces like rookie sensation Zion Williamson, sharpshooter JJ Redick, and Brandon Ingram, Ball is ready to have a year that will make him stand out and be acknowledged as one of the best point guards in the Western Conference.

Who will win Sixth Man of the Year?

Anyone who knows the NBA knows exactly who will win this award. Just to clarify, I am talking about Louis Williams. He has won the award for the past two seasons, and it’s hard to pick against him winning it for the third year. He is one of the best scorers in the league. It is almost unfair that he gets to terrorize opposing benches for most of the game. He then plays most of the fourth quarter for the Clippers and usually leads them to victory. The difference this year is that Williams will be joined by George and Leonard - two guys who have MVP potential.

Who will win Defensive Player of the Year?

Rudy Gobert has been the favorite for this award for the past three years. His rim protection is unlike anything we have seen in the NBA since Shaquille O’Neal was in his prime. He is the reason why Utah was the best defensive team in the league last season. However, voting fatigue is a real thing in the NBA. If he is truly the best option, you have to give it to the French center.

Who will win Rookie of the Year?

This is a hilariously easy prediction at the end of the day. Williamson is generational talent. After being the top pick in the last draft, Williamson will have his opportunity to dominate in this league for a long time. If you made an argument that he is a possible MVP candidate, I might agree with you. People will have to wait around seven more weeks unfortunately for the debut of the number-one pick since he is sidelined with a knee injury.

Who will win Most Valuable Player?

Stephen Curry never really lost his crown if you think about it. He willingly gave it up in order to make Kevin Durant happy. Thanks to Durant’s departure to Brooklyn, Curry is ready to pick things back up from where he left them. With Klay Thompson out, Curry will be able to pad his stats like never before. With pieces around him like Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell, Curry will get all the help he needs to have a stunning solo performance this season in order to win his third MVP award.

Who will be the winner of the NBA Finals?

I believe the NBA Finals will consist of the Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks. In my opinion, the series will not even be close. I see the Clippers sweeping the Bucks and taking home their first ever NBA title.

Despite having the reigning MVP, the Bucks simply do not have enough weapons - especially after losing Malcom Brogdon in the offseason - to beat the Clippers. Los Angeles has a plethora of two-way players, including their superstar forwards.

The season is young, so many things can and will change. The NBA season is a lengthy one, so we all have to sit back and enjoy.

Men’s Soccer remains at the top of the MASCAC

By Dylan Thayer Staff Writer The Framingham State Rams men’s soccer team is now 8-7-1 on the season after a victory over the MASCAC rival Bridgewater State Bears and a loss against a strong UMass Boston Beacons team.

On Oct. 18, the Rams took on the Bears in Bridgewater.

The Bears hopped out to an early 1-0 lead after a sweet goal from 18 yards out by David Nelson that caught the inside of the left goal post.

After numerous good shot attempts by both sides, Framingham converted the last shot attempt of the first half on a goal by Josh Ofosu.

His goal did not bode well with the Bears because he knocked the ball out of the goalie’s possession when he was fielding it and scored easily.

The Rams came out of the gate swinging in the second half, outshooting the Bears 13-8.

Bryce Nardizzi was able to give the Rams a 2-1 lead in the 73rd minute on a great shot from 22 yards out that curled inside the left post, giving him his seventh goal of the season. This goal put Nardizzi in a three-way tie with Gustavo Cassemiro and Isaac De Souza for the team lead.

In the 78th minute, the Bears had a prime opportunity to score on a penalty kick. Kevin Roberts took the shot, but was denied on an incredible diving save by Corey Davidge.

The Rams outshot the Bears 24-15 throughout the game, and 11-3 in shots on goal.

With the win against the Bears, the Rams kept their undefeated MASCAC streak going, while the Bears dropped to 2-3 in the conference.

FRAMINGHAM STATE BRIDGEWATER STATE

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On Oct. 22, the Rams took on the Beacons in Boston under very poor conditions due to rain.

The non-conference foe entered the game having not suffered a loss since Sept. 28 and were 10-2-2.

The Beacons got on the board early in the 12th minute on a goal

by Nick Fontana. His goal was scored on a great cross by Yasser El Hasnaoui and gave them a 1-0 lead.

The rest of the first half was scoreless, with neither team being able to put together any meaningful scoring chances with the soaked turf playing a big role.

In the 63rd minute, the Rams were able to rattle off two quick shots on goal, but Omar Castro-Dreher would not let anything get by him.

In the 64th and 69th minutes, Nilton De Andrade was able to score two goals on Rams goalie James Hartshorn and gave the Beacons all they needed to win the contest 3-0.

The Rams were outshot 20-6 and 10-3 on shots on goal for the contest.

It was not a pretty one for the Rams, but given the conditions - and a matchup with a very good non-conference opponent - they were able to stay close for the majority of the game.

The Rams travel to Salem State Oct. 26 for a huge matchup with the also undefeated Vikings, who are tied with them at the top of the MASCAC.

UMASS BOSTON FRAMINGHAM STATE

CONNECT WITH DYLAN THAYER dthayer1@student.framingham.edu

CONNECT WITH CARLOS SILVA csilva14@student.framingham.edu

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SPORTS

OCTOBER 25, 2019 | 23

Best players of the week

Onujiogu and the Rams’ defense dominate in 34-0 shutout

By Carlos Silva Asst. Sports Editor Framingham took on the Plymouth State Panthers in a MASCAC game Oct. 19.

The Rams’ defense continued their streak of dominance by picking apart a Plymouth State offense that was previously averaging 34 points a game.

The Panthers’ only highlight of the game came from an 11-yard rush by Nick Lancia.

The Rams’ defense had five sacks and held the Plymouth State offense to 53 yards in the game, including nine passing yards. The Panthers managed only to get five first downs in the contest and rushed for just 44 yards.

The Rams’ defensive star of the game was Joshua “Uno” Onujiogu, who had himself one of the best performances we have seen by any player on the Rams so far this season. Onujiogu had six tackles - four of which were tackles for loss - and a whopping three sacks.

Adam Wojenski led the offense as he threw 35 completions on 38 attempts for 285 yards and four touchdowns. His longest pass of the game was only 25 yards, which seems unusual. However, he also threw nine passes over 10 yards.

By hitting the Panthers with quick out routes and mid-posts, Wojenski was able to shred the defense.

Jacob Maher and Devaun Ford led the team in receiving with nine catches a piece. Maher had 99 receiving yards, while Ford had 56. Ford also rushed for 69 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown.

This game is a huge win for the Rams as they get ready for the biggest game of the season against undefeated conference rival, Western Connecticut State. The game could prove to be pivotal in deciding who will win the conference as both teams remain undefeated in the MASCAC and are now set for a collision course against one another.

The Rams are now 4-0 in the MASCAC and 4-2 overall.

FRAMINGHAM STATE EMERSON

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fsurams.com

Morgan Failla had 30 set assists and five digs in Framingham’s 3-0 win against Salem State.

CONNECT WITH CARLOS SILVA csilva14@student.framingham.edu

fsurams.com

Mallory Weir scored two goals in Framingham’s 3-0 win against Westfield State.

fsurams.com

Joshua Onujiogu had six tackles and three sacks in Framingham’s 34-0 victory against Plymouth State.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

PHOTOS

24 | OCTOBER 25, 2019

Photograph by Caroline Gordon/THE GATEPOST

Photograph by Nadira Wicaksana/THE GATEPOST

Photograph by Nadira Wicaksana/THE GATEPOST

Photograph by Caroline Gordon/THE GATEPOST

Photograph by Caroline Gordon/THE GATEPOST

The Alan Feldman Week of Poetry Photograph by Nadira Wicaksana/THE GATEPOST

Photograph by Caroline Gordon/THE GATEPOST

The Alan Feldman Week of Poetry, presented by the English Department, consisted of a poetry reading by Martin Espada, faculty poetry readings, as well as a pop-up poetry event celebrating the National Day on Writing.

Photograph by Ashley Wall/THE GATEPOST

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM