Hawk 3/26/14

Building homes and bonds

Understanding relationships formed on APEX Features, Pg. 8

THE HAWK March 26, 2014

Saint Joseph’s University | Volume XCII | Est. 1929 | www.hawkhillnews.com

WORK STUDY SOLUTION FOUND Additional aid allotted for students through rest of academic year AMANDA MURPHY ’14 Food Editor

O

n March 17, Student Records and Financial Services sent out an email to all work study students informing them that the Federal Work Study (FWS) funding was at risk of being depleted by April. In the email, it was determined that once the funding was gone, students would have to stop working at their placements: “You will receive another e-mail from us shortly letting you know when we expect the funds to be exhausted, at which point you will need to stop working regardless of whether or not you have earned your full allocation.”

Photo by Shannon Adams, ’16, photo editor

But, on March 20, an email was sent to work study students from Maureen O’Mara Carver, executive director of student records and financial services, with an update on work study funds stating that additional aid has been allocated to the program: “In order to resolve the lack of remaining federal funding, so that all students participating in the FWS program can complete work through the spring semester, additional institutional aid has been approved for the remainder of the spring semester.”

In an interview, Carver said that this money is from the university, but she does not yet know the amount or the source of

the funds.

In the beginning of each fiscal year, the federal government allots Saint Joseph’s University funding for work study as a part of students’ aid packages. This year, St. Joe’s received $587,000 from the federal government and then matched an additional 25 percent of that money, according to Carver. This year, out of the 3,866 students who were offered work study, 1,440 accepted, and out of those, 791 actually worked, according to Carver.

Last year, 701 students accepted and used their work study. According to Carver, an increase of 90 students from last year, while using a similar amount of funds, has

Enrollment course caps increased for next fall Larger class sizes cause concern among faculty and students KATRYNA PERERA ’16 Assistant News Editor University Provost Brice Wachterhauser, Ph.D., sent an email on March 6 to all faculty of the university outlining the guidelines for setting course enrollment limits for the fall.

For the 2014 fall semester, almost all class sizes will increase.

For instance, according to the email, first year seminars will be set at a cap of 25 students per class, Craft of Language and writing intensive courses will be set at 22, history courses will be set at 35, and all lecture based courses for next year are not to drop below 30 students.

Additionally, all classes with less than 18 students enrolled will be reviewed by the respective dean, and all sections with eight students or less will be cancelled unless it is a course that is necessary for students to graduate or complete degree work.

“My understanding that came from the senior administration is that we have to do this in order to address the financial issues of the university,” said Paul Kleschick, director of the registrar’s office.

Robert Moore, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology and Faculty Senate president, reiterated Kleschick’s point, saying, “It’s a budgetary matter… one way to look at it is that the university is really seeking to maximize the work of professors and instructors.”

Photo by Shannon Adams, ’16, photo editor

Continued COURSE CAPS, pg. 3

caused unprecedented issues with the budget.

“We watch it every pay period, but what tends to happen is in the early pay periods, a lot of kids will work but they don’t put in their hours. So they sort of build up their hours and then just before spring break, a lot of people put their hours in,” Carver said. “So that’s when we went and we did our projections and our analysis, and that’s when we said we’ve got to put up an alarm, we’ve got to let people know that funds are getting expended much more quickly than expected and we are getting near the bottom of the pot.”

Continued WORK STUDY, pg. 3

University implements early retirement package ERIN RAFTERY ’15 News Editor A Voluntary Separation Program (VSP), or a buyout program where employees in an organization can voluntarily participate in early retirement, has been offered to faculty, staff, and administrators who have served for at least 10 continuous years full time at Saint Joseph’s University.

Sharon Eisenmann, vice president for human resources, declined to provide target numbers or actual numbers regarding employee participation in the VSP. However, according to Francis Lee, Ph.D., professor of political science and faculty member participating in the VSP, 10 faculty members and 17 staff and administrators participated in the program.

According to Lee, this was considered a small number of staff and administrators participating in the VSP compared to the target goal. This is the main concern due to the recent financial climate at the university.

Continued VSP, pg. 4

2 | News

March 26, 2014

The Hawk

Department of Public Safety Reports (Mar. 14-Mar. 20) March 14 Public Safety was notified of $5.00 being found in a Saint Joseph’s University van.

Public Safety secured the currency.

March 15

No incidents to report.

March 16 Public Safety was notified of a disorderly student inside the lobby of Lannon Hall.

Public Safety Officers responded, but the student had left the premises. Residence Life was notified.

March 17 Public Safety confiscated alcohol from a St. Joe’s student inside of the lobby of the Sourin Residence Center. Residence Life was notified.

Public Safety confiscated alcohol from a St. Joe’s student inside of the lobby of LaFarge Residence Center. Residence Life was notified.

Public Safety was notified of person(s) unknown forcing open the front door to a residence of St. Joe’s students who reside in

Manayunk, Pennsylvania. The occupants received no injuries. No property was removed. Philadelphia Police was notified.

Incident is under investigation.

Public Safety was notified of a non-St. Joe’s student sending unwanted text messages to a St. Joe’s student. Incident is under investigation.

Public Safety was notified in regards to a student finding $20.00 in a St. Joe’s shuttle bus. Public Safety secured the currency.

Public Safety was notified in regards to a noise complaint in the 5700 block of Overbrook Avenue. Public Safety Officers responded. St. Joe’s students were advised to keep the noise down.

March 18 Public Safety was notified of a disorderly person inside the lobby of the Sourin Residence Center. Public Safety Officers responded. The disorderly individual was escorted off campus.

Public Safety was notified of a fight inside of the LaFarge Residence Center. Public Safety Officers responded. One St. Joe’s student sustained injury to his shoulder and required medical treatment. Residence Life was notified.

March 19 Public Safety responded to a fire alarm at Post Hall. Preliminary investigation revealed the alarm was activated by person(s) unknown. Facilities Management was notified.

Public Safety was notified of an odor of marijuana coming from the second floor of St. Mary’s Hall. A search of the floor by Public Safety and Residence Life revealed no signs of drugs or drug paraphernalia.

Public Safety was notified of an odor of marijuana coming from a fifth floor room of the LaFarge Residence Center. A search of the room by Public Safety and Residence Life revealed marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a large amount of currency.

Philadelphia Police were notified. Two St. Joe’s students were taken into custody and booked on drug violations.

March 20 Public Safety was notified of a student attempting to gain entrance to the Sourin Residence Center with the use of a fraudulent driver’s license. Public Safety Officers responded and confiscated the license. Residence Life was notified.

6|2

Alcohol Related Incidents

On Campus

Off Campus

1|0

Drug Related Incidents

On Campus

Off Campus

Call Public Safety:

610-660-1111

March 26, 2014

As course caps rise, adjunct-taught courses reduced

Continued WORK STUDY, from pg. 1

OFFERED

3,866

PER SEMESTER

WAGES

NUMBER OF STUDENTS

News | 3

The Hawk

ACCEPTED

1,440

WORKING

791

Patrick Saparito, Ph.D., associate professor of management and international business, is concerned about the present budgeting system for work study students.

“What you have to do is budget,” Saparito said, “You know at the beginning of the year this is how much we have, so you know what your hourly rate is going to be, you know how many hours that you can afford based off of that, so you only hire that many students for that many hours. If you over-hire people … you’re going to run out of money.”

Saparito also proposed what he believes to be the cause of the depletion of funds.

“One thing I would wonder is since the university needed to make a match, I wonder if the university cut how much they were matching [Jan. 2014 budget cuts] and therefore then lost funds from Department of Education,” Saparito said.

According to Heather Foster, M.A.I.S., administrative assistant for writing center and writing studies, the Writing Center utilizes 15 work study students as receptionists.

Without the receptionists, the Writing Center would have to close.

Patty Smith, senior administrative assistant of the Academy of Food Marketing, has 13 work study students this year.

According to Smith, this number has not changed much over the past few years.

In reference to the structure of the work study program, Smith also said that work study students have a fixed rate of money they can earn for each semester.

“They have $750 a semester, they get $1,500 for the year…financial aid puts that in,” said Smith.

Smith said that regardless of how many hours a student works per week, they have a limit to how much they can make through-

$750

PER YEAR

$1,500

out the semester. But Smith was relieved to learn that there will be additional aid given to the work study program.

“It’s been resolved, they do have the money now, and that’s what’s important, so the kids can keep on working; so we are happy about that. As far as how it happened, why it happened, I have no idea – but it has been resolved in a few days, so I am glad of that,” said Smith.

Katie Sheridan, ’14, a work study student for the Academy of Food Marketing, needs the money she makes in her work study.

“I use my work study money for groceries and stuff, so if I didn’t have it…I mean, it would make it harder to get food,” said Sheridan.

While Sheridan is relieved to have her work study job, she was still left with questions about what happened in the first place and about the newly approved aid for work study. “[My] initial reaction was not good, it was kind of like they hired too many people and it was kind of their fault that they were running out, because they hired too many and they didn’t allocate properly.” Sheridan continued, “I thought… if this money is available, why it wasn’t being used for something else, because I would imagine it’s kind of a lot of money.”

According to Carver, the allocation of additional university funds has been approved to keep work study students working until the end of the semester.

Maureen O’Mara Carver, executive director of student records and financial services, declined to comment further.

Reporting contributed by Erin Raftery ’15, news editor

NEWS BRIEFS . . . . . . . .

Search for MH370 ends

Continued unrest in Ukraine

For over two weeks, family and friends of the 239 people on board the missing Malaysian plane have awaited word on the fate of their loved ones. On March 24, Malaysia’s prime minister announced that new analysis of satellite data confirmed that the missing flight MH370 went down in the southern Indian Ocean with 227 passengers and 12 crew members. (BBC)

After the March 21 formal Russian annexation of Ukraine, turmoil continues in the region. On the evening of March 22, Russian troops stormed a Ukrainian airbase in Crimea, and hundreds of unarmed protesters seized a Ukrainian naval base in western Crimea earlier in the day. The U.S. and E.U. have responded to the “illegal” annexation with a series of sanctions aimed at senior officials. (BBC)

Ebola virus kills dozens in Guinea The Ebola virus is believed to be the cause of nearly 60 deaths in southern Guinea. The virus has been identified as the cause of an outbreak of hemorrhagic fever that started last month. The Ebola virus, which is spread through personal contact and has no cure or vaccine, kills between 25 and 90 percent of its victims. (BBC)

NJ motel fire kills four A March 21 fire in Point Pleasant, NJ has left eight injured and four dead.

After rebuilding post-2012 “superstorm” Sandy, the Mariner’s Cove Motor Inn has been lost again due to an intense blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. (BBC)

Continued COURSE CAPS, from pg. 1 Kleschick explained that having 35 students per course is the highest physical capacity that the university classrooms could handle.

However, Claire Simmers, Ph.D., chair of the department of management, explained that these new changes are having more of an impact on the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) than the Haub School of Business (HSB). “[This is] simply because on the business side a lot of our business core courses are already 35 and above…we made that switch because of AACSB accreditation and coverage [and] we made that switch about a year or two ago.”

However, some members of the faculty are skeptical about having enough space. Robert Daniel, chair of the department of modern and classical languages, explained that even though the university once accommodated a large class size without the Maguire campus, it was manageable because there were more classroom spaces in buildings like Barbelin and the Science Center. After the purchase of the Maguire campus, however, many of those aforementioned classrooms were renovated and converted into other spaces.

“Despite the fact that we’ve expanded the campus, I’m not sure that we really have had a significant net gain in classrooms,” said Daniel. “A large number of classrooms [in Barbelin and the Science Center] have been turned into offices and other things…I am simply not convinced that we have a large enough number of large classrooms to accommodate all of the classes and new caps.”

Another concern among faculty is that with an increased number of students in classes there will be less time for individualized teaching and concentration, and that the quality of instruction will decline as professors will have so much to do with little time.

Caroline Meline, Ph.D., adjunct professor of philosophy, expressed such a concern about Moral Foundations, a core course of the philosophy department.

“That’s a course that freshman are advised to take,” said Meline, “and it’s a very, very difficult course, so I am certainly concerned that individual students needing help with this difficult material… may not be able to get the kind of individualized attention that was possible with a smaller class size.”

Students also do not seem to be happy about the decision.

Kelly King, ’14, explained that as a biology major, she already has problems with the size of labs.

“I feel like even now, if you’re struggling in a lab,” commented King, “it’s hard to get help because there are so many kids, and increasing that will just make it worse.”

Currently, course loads for faculty operate under a 3:3 schedule, meaning that professors will teach three courses in the fall and three in the spring. Some faculty members are worried that they will have to take up more than three courses next fall due to the possibility that many adjuncts will not be returning.

Since there will be a consolidation of students and a reduced number of sections for each course, many ad-

juncts will not have classes to teach for next year.

“I don’t think that the goal is to eliminate adjuncts,” said Daniel. “Many people have said that that’s what they’re trying to do, [but] I think the goal is to have as many classes as possible at the lowest cost possible.”

In his email, Wachterhauser explained that classes with less than eight students will be cancelled unless it is determined that the class is necessary for students to graduate. In this case, the course will be run as a tutorial and professors will be compensated $500 to teach it. The course will not be considered part of their teaching load.

“So basically that would mean that I might have to teach an extra course,” said Daniel. “Some professors may have to teach four courses, for a teeny-tiny bit of overload, tutorial pay. And basically that means that in some departments there are some faculty who may have to teach a 4:3 or a 4:4.”

“We’re being basically forced to do it [teach tutorial courses],” said Smith, “because we don’t have any other way to run the course.”

Daniel went on to explain that initially, there was a possibility that he would have to cancel beginning level Russian and Japanese language courses, as there were so few students expected to register, something that has been a recent trend with the increased course caps. Since sections are being lessened, there is a decreased need for adjuncts to teach courses. Now, he is certain that beginning level Russian and Japanese courses will be on the schedule for next year; however, he is still uncertain about intermediate level courses.

When asked if they felt this was the right path to take in order to help the current situation of the university, there were conflicting views among the faculty.

“I think that those who are instituting these changes feel that it’s the right thing to do, that it’s the only thing to do. They have the greater good of the university at heart, I believe,” said Moore. “I think many of us on the faculty wish that we would have more input in these decisions which ultimately affect us academically, and that has not been the case, and that’s disappointing to many people.”

Smith, however, was more opposed.

“The most absurd thing of all to me is that they have decided that to get more money they’re going to bring in more students, but to save money, they’re going to reduce the number of sections. Those two things are incompatible…it’s nickeling and diming the students.” “[But] in spite of all of this stuff going on,” continued Moore, “I have not talked to a single faculty member who have said we won’t make this work for the students. That’s our job, we’re here for students, and so we’ll just do what needs to be done.”

Departments and heads are continuing to look at courses and the curriculum to see what can be accommodated.

University Provost Brice Wachterhauser, Ph.D., and Jeanne Brady, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, were both unavailable for comment

4 | News

March 26, 2014

The Hawk

University works to create a more diverse faculty

6

CHANGE THE NUMBERS CAT COYLE ’16 Managing Editor ALEX SPARACIO ’17 Hawk Staff

Total Female Of color

Employees 22.16% of color Female employees 50.14% Total percentage of employees 100%

.5 miles from Center City, Philadelphia, Saint Joseph’s Univerity is in an area extremely diversified in many rich and vibrant ways. Established in 1851, St. Joe’s has been engrained in the fabric that we call Philadelphia.

How does the university workforce here on Hawk Hill reflect the diversity of our area?

Human Resources (HR) takes a “snapshot” look of the university workforce every year on Oct. 1. At this time, HR will analyze these statistics and determine where racial or gender diversity could be improved.

The data includes adjuncts, visiting faculty, tenured and tenure-track faculty, and all other employees who were on payroll on the date the snapshot is taken.

In the Oct. 2013 employee snapshot, out of the 1,737 faculty members, 871, or 50.14 percent, were female, and 385, or 22.16 percent, were employees of color.

These statistics are a drastic turn around from when the college first opened its doors to full-time women students in the fall of 1970. Traditionally, male-dominated Jesuit universities have had significantly smaller amounts of women than public institutions. This is because Jesuit schools have become co-ed much more recently than public universities.

Eric Patton, Ph.D., associate professor of management, spoke about his experiences as a member of the Commission for the Status of Women and the Women’s Center Task Force. Patton said he has seen some “real, tangible improvement on some of these [equity] issues over the years.”

“Gender diversity is something that you can’t get complacent about. It’s always an issue to be mindful of,” said Patton.

The Commission for the Status of Women initially raised the question of gender equity among faculty pay grades, which led to discussions about university-wide salary equity. That is

when John Smithson, the university interim president at the time, backed the plan to introduce a third-party HR consultant, Segal-Sibson, to study the regression analysis.

After a nearly year-long process, Segal-Sibson concluded that “the overall results are clearly indicative of a ‘pay practice success story and did not indicate the presence of systematic bias in salaries associated with either gender or race.”

Sharon Eisenmann, vice president for Human Resources, said that HR is now trying to set some groundwork in terms of recruiting diverse candidates.

When advertising new employees, the university has begun to reach out to affinity groups in the differing disciplines.

Instead of posting an opening for a professor position in just a chemical society, HR encourages search committees to advertise in specific affinity groups, like the society for African American chemists, or women chemists, or Asian American chemists.

HR will then monitor the applicant pool to make sure it is as diverse as possible. According to Eisenmann, they will not close the applicant pool until it is nearly even gender-wise and racially diverse.

“I feel like the key responsibility on our part is to help the search committee fill the candidate pool with a rich and diverse pool,” said Eisenmann.

After this point, it is up to the hiring managers and the search committees to interview and select the final candidates. HR does not usually interfere with the choices of candidates, but will if the need presents itself.

Valerie Dudley, Ph.D., director of institutional diversity, says she tries to encourage university community members to begin thinking of diversity even before a position becomes vacant.

“Even managers that are not currently having job openings, we’ve got to get them thinking about the ways that in their everyday operation they can think about enhancing diversity,” said

Faculty, staff, and administrators buy into VSP “With the staff,” said Lee, “I mean, the concern is that since they didn’t get enough staff, are there going to be more layoffs?

That’s got to have the staff terrified because there’s an awful lot of them, we got a lot of people in their late 50s early 60s that they don’t qualify for social security.”

“There is a great fear. I think we are all concerned about our jobs at this point,” said James Wilson, co-chair of the personal compensation committee and director and chief engineer of media services.

Due to the financial concerns at the university, the VSP could be a way to cut costs, according to Robert Moore, Ph.D., professor of sociology and Faculty Senate president.

“The budget situation has to be addressed and I think the hope was there would be sufficient buy-in to the VSP agreements so layoffs could be avoided, but I do think it has always been implied that if there is not sufficient buy-in then…there may have to be further layoffs,” said Moore.

In an email sent out on Feb. 11, University President C. Kevin Gillespie, S.J., ’72, explained how the VSP would be instituted from then until the end of the fiscal year on May 31, 2014.

He explained that there would be a limit on the number of people able to participate because of limited funds for the VSP program. In the event that too many

employees apply, those picked to be a part of the program would be selected based on their length of service to the university.

The program would provide eligible staff, administrators, and non-tenured faculty members a lump sum payment equal to one times their base salary for one year and would provide tenured track faculty one and a half times their base salary for one and a half years.

One concern that was raised amongst faculty members regarding these funds is the amount of money the university would be budgeting for this program.

Lee said that he thinks it will cost the university about $200,000 a head for the College of Arts and Sciences and about $250,000-$275,000 a head in the Haub School of Business.

In addition, those enrolled in the university health care plan would be eligible to receive a medical benefits payment.

Those wishing to enroll had to fill out an irrevocable VSP Statement of Intent Form between March 3 and March 5 and deliver it to Eisenmann. Participants would not be able to be re-employed for five years unless it was for an adjunct instructor position.

After a signed agreement and release, the employee would receive their compensation and medical benefits payment in lump sum, with exceptions for taxes or

withholdings.

Lee says that the program was being discussed before the recent university fiscal problems, but that the financial troubles probably moved it along.

“I mean, clearly the intention is to reduce the cost of salary, which is something you’d find in many universities at this time,” said Lee. “On the positive side, it is voluntary, and that is better than being let go or being dismissed. From what I can see, the main benefit of it is an opportunity to reassess the necessity of certain positions, and if it is determined that those positions are no longer as central to whatever the case might be…then that’s an item out of the budget that is going to help relieve pressure on the budget,” added Moore.

One downside to the program is how faculty members leaving might negatively affect the academics of the university.

“I think the concern is that we’re going to see a reduction in full time faculty positions,” said Moore. He continues, “That those individuals who take the voluntary separation agreement will not be replaced, and that will increase the workload of those who are still in faculty positions in specific departments.”

Students of Lee expressed how him leaving would negatively affect the academics of the university.

Dudley. “[We are] looking at what kind of climate you can create within your department, what kind of outreach are you doing, and realizing that you never know when you are going to have a vacancy.”

This past October, JoAnn Moody, Ph.D., J.D., a specialist in faculty development and faculty diversity, was brought in for a two-day seminar to engage with faculty concerning issues such as biases and stereotypes present in university environments when hiring faculty.

The university is concerned with recruiting and retaining diverse faculty members. Through a joint effort with Human Resources and the Office of Institutional Diversity, Moody spoke with faculty, including department chairs, about ways that they can be more open-minded about hiring and diversity. Moody also instructed university faculty on ways in which mentoring and providing assistance within the departments creates a more welcoming, diverse environment.

Eisenmann said that the faculty took a valuable lesson away from the visit from Moody: to really work on a deeper and closer level with search committees for new hires.

Dudley also described the third annual Women of Color conference, an event that celebrates female diversity, which was held on March 22. According to Dudley, the university and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., Omega Omega Chapter, hosted nearly 250 women this weekend for the conference, which included about 16 workshops.

In his five years of work on the Commission for the Status of Women, Patton said he has seen a great change in the mindset of university community members on institutional diversity.

“It seemed like there was this general attitude that nothing’s going to get done,” said Patton. “Some of these people were fighting the same gender issue battles for decades and thought that.

Now it seems that there is more hope.”

Continued VSP, from pg. 1 “Especially with small universities, every professor has their own sort of specialty, and him leaving they need to find someone to replace his area of expertise,” said Andrew Rusnak, ’14. “I think it’s definitely going to have a negative impact on the university if they can’t replace him with someone who is somewhat compatible.”

“I think the pre-law program is really going to suffer,” added another student of Lee, Rachel Sellers, ’14. “He has so many contacts and is part of the law alumni; I’m going to law school next year and he helped me through the whole process and I don’t know if I could have done it without him, that aspect of it for sure is going to be negatively impacted until we can find someone if we can even find someone to replace him for that.”

The Voluntary Separation Program serves as one piece in addressing the budgetary issues at St. Joe’s by reducing costs at the university.

Sharon Eisenmann, vice president for Human Resources, and C. Kevin Gillespie, ’72, S.J., university president, declined to comment or provide information regarding VSP, and Brice Wachterhauser, Ph.D., university provost, was unavailable for a comment. Matt Pettit, director of compensation, benefits, and HRIS in human resources could not be reached for a comment.

March 26, 2014

Opinions | 5

The Hawk

Editorial Work study confusion: It doesn’t add up Editor in Chief Garrett Miley ’15 MANAGING EDITOR Cat Coyle ’16 COPY CHIEF Molly Grab ’17 Business Director Teddy Ryan ’16 Faculty Adviser Dan Reimold News editor Erin Raftery ’15 ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Katryna Perera ’16 OPINIONS EDITOR Joseph Cerrone ’14 FEATURES EDITOR Karen Funaro ’16 Connie Lunanova ’16 A&E EDITOR Caoimhe Nagle ’15 FASHION EDITOR Gillian Murphy ’14 FOOD EDITOR Amanda Murphy ’14 HEALTH EDITOR Gianna Melendez ’16 SPORTS EDITOR C.J. DeMille ’16 ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Nate Vancil ’16 LAYOUT EDITOR Andrew Nguyen ’17 PHOTO EDITOR Shannon Adams ’16

This situation is representative of what we have come to expect from our university’s leaders Add one more to the list of crises that have afflicted Saint Joseph’s University this semester. After weeks during which the campus was rocked by budget cuts, votes of no confidence, and a student protest, we departed for spring break with the hope that the worst was already behind us. Our expectation was short-lived, as we were welcomed back last week with a notice that funds for the Federal Work Study Program were running out and would quickly be depleted. This devastating news was quickly followed by claims that the university would be able to resolve the funding issue—but the lack of specific details added even more ambiguity and confusion to an already overwhelming set of circumstances.

Despite these vague assurances, this situation is yet another demonstration of the absolute incompetence and negligence of our administrators.

Understanding the severity of this situation requires gaining a full appreciation of the opportunities offered by the work study program.

More than just a way to make extra money, work study is vital in many students’ plan to finance their education. Numerous Hawks rely on work study money to pay rent, buy groceries, and purchase textbooks; therefore, losing these funds would represent a huge blow to their personal finances. In addition to the effect this would have on individual students, the loss of the work study program would be felt across campus. Oftentimes we do not realize how many jobs are performed by work study employees, including those who tutor in the Writing Center, assist in academic departments and administrative offices, and attend to desks in the gym and the library. Losing these positions would dramatically affect not only work study students, but also the day-to-day running of campus.

While we are delighted that the university plans to offer supplemental funds to maintain this program, there are still several questions that need to be answered. How did the original lack of funding arise? Where are the new funds coming from? Despite this apparent quick fix, an irresponsible and unacceptable mistake was made—after so much financial turmoil, the community cannot just forget this and allow the administration to execute a cover up.

Furthermore, just as concerning is the administration’s questionable explanation of the situation, which is filled with numerous holes and ambiguities. Thus far, they have insisted that this crisis originated when many students submitted their work study hours en masse immediately before spring break. While this may have been the impetus for their

discovery of the issue, it cannot possibly be the origin of the problem because students have a fixed amount of work study money. Thus, the total potential earnings of all active work study employees should have been budgeted accordingly at the beginning of the semester, with the exact time they chose to log their hours being irrelevant to the university’s ability to pay them. Despite numerous attempts to get the whole story from administrators, they remain tight-lipped and unwilling to divulge more details.

Unfortunately, this situation is representative of what we have come to expect from our university’s leaders and their dreadful stewardship of our community. While we appreciate attempts to rectify the situation, it is disgraceful for administrators to act as if they are doing us a favor by repairing a crisis they caused and which should never have existed in the first place. Furthermore, their vague emails and cold tone were completely disconnected from what the loss of work study would mean for students. It seems that they still do not realize that their awful communications strategy has permanently failed at hiding their leadership fiascos.

The Hawk’s investigation of this issue revealed even more troubling details about the lack of accountability and transparency present at our university. After sending out an email assuring students that the work study program would continue throughout the rest of the semester, administrators admitted that they still did not know exactly where the supplementary funds would come from. This is totally unacceptable, as they were caught in the act of making another promise to students that they did not yet know how they would fulfill. Additionally, although administrators originally promised imminent confirmation of the origin of the new funds, they were forced to backtrack and admit that specifics would not be finalized for several weeks. The fact that administrators are struggling to answer basic questions and construct a reasonable argument illustrates why the community’s mistrust and morale have reached unimaginable levels.

Although students have already been directly impacted by the university’s financial woes, this situation revealed to us the dangerous consequences continued financial mismanagement could create. Students have now gained a greater understanding of the uncertainty and insecurity that our professors have known for far too long, and which does not appear to be relenting any time soon.

We already stated that we have no confidence in the financial leadership of the university to act as good stewards and lead us out of this crisis.

This is yet another example of why we hold this opinion and how students are suffering from the incompetence of our administrators. While our leaders continue to fumble and make excuses, only one thing seems to be clear about this situation—it just doesn’t add up.

—The Hawk Staff

Despite divisions, we are still Hawks

Hot/Not on Hawk Hill

ABBY RIVIELLO ’14 Hawk Staff

HOT

The Nest debuts Saint Joseph’s University’s new student web portal, The Nest, made its long-awaited debut last week. Boasting a completely renovated design and numerous new features, such as Degree Works, the new site is a much-needed improvement upon the old MySJU system. Although there will surely be some functions that still need to be worked out, this addition has delighted students and is a much appreciated development focused on enhancing the opportunities and resources presented to the campus community. So when in doubt about campus events, degree requirements, and anything else, be sure to check out The Nest!

NOT

Wacky weather accompanies beginning of spring With the arrival of spring, many on Hawk Hill had hoped for an end to the unbearable weather we have experienced this winter. Although the first few days of the new season delighted us with warmer temperatures, the weather began to revert to its winter ways over the weekend. With forecasts of snow disappointing many who had hoped that the worst was behind us, we have been left wondering when we will finally shake off the snow and freezing temperatures.

In the final seconds of the NCAA Tournament matchup between Saint Joseph’s University and the University of Connecticut, you could hear the student section at the game start chanting “The Hawk Will Never Die!” We joined in at The Perch. Everyone watching in Landmark did, too.

It was clear that we were about to lose the game and get knocked out of the tournament, and yet the student body had nothing but support and pride for our men’s basketball team.

As it should be. This team has come so far in the past four years, and making it into the tournament is a great ending to a great run, regardless of how far into it we got.

Cheering them on couldn’t have come at a better time.

With massive budget cuts, rising admissions rates, protests, and votes of no confidence, the university is not exactly in a good place right now. Sadly, all these problems the university is currently experiencing have overshadowed what St. Joe’s is really about – the students, the education, and the spirit. Until, of course, basketball.

In the midst of all these issues, basketball has given us something to have faith in. Both the men’s and women’s teams went dancing into March Madness, and it has given us a reason to be proud of our university again. It has given us a way to come together as an entire community – students, alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators – at a time when we are so clearly divided about everything else. It has given us a chance to remember who we are as Hawks.

An Atlantic 10 championship. The Big 5 title. A double appearance in the NCAA Tournament. These

combined accomplishments of the men’s and women’s basketball teams have proven that as a university, we are more than our problems and are still capable of success.

The men’s team came back from a devastating Holy War loss and slow start to the season. The women’s team has continued to build upon their achievements of the previous season. The effort and heart that both teams have put into this season represent what St. Joe’s is really about.

Between the two, they have given us something to cheer for again.

Sports have the power to do this, even though many may think they’re just games. Yes, they’re fun, and yes, they’re competitive, and yes, sometimes you lose or get hurt. But they also bring people together, people who may have nothing else in common, for one common purpose – to believe in something so much that it doesn’t matter what conflict you may otherwise have with the person sitting next to you. For this game, for this tournament, for this season, we are all on the same team.

When I sat in the packed Perch to watch the game, I didn’t hear one word from anyone about all the other problems the school is dealing with. Those thoughts didn’t even cross my mind. For those few hours, the only thing that mattered was basketball and the love we all had for this team.

This faith, this pride, and this support are what it means to be a Hawk. It’s why I came to St. Joe’s, and it’s what I want to remember when I leave – despite everything, we still have the community we have created on campus.

When the students can cheer our defiant sports motto even in the midst of such a heartbreaking loss, it’s clear that no matter what challenges the university may face, we still believe that the hawk really will never die.

6 | Opinions

March 26, 2014

The Hawk

It’s okay to be alone KATHERINE GRYGO ’16 Hawk Staff

Since the second semester of my freshman year, I’ve had a weekly dinner date with a girl I’ve known for forever. She wears glasses – if she remembers to put them on. She is shy when you first meet her, but she cannot shut up once you get to know her; she’s quirky. The girl I have dinner with is me. You might be thinking, “This girl is a crazy loner,” but I promise you, I do have friends. And yes, they are real, not imaginary.

Life is crazy busy. We are constantly being pulled in a million different directions and are interacting with massive numbers of people each and every day. We’re with people in class, at the library, dinner, the gym, and we share a living space with people.

Alone time is rare and hard to come by, especially as a college student.

People wonder if I actively choose to spend time by myself and I tell them yes, I do. I love going to the library with people, having a meal with friends, or just hanging out and chatting. I am not an anti-social recluse who hates all human interaction. I am a person who values my alone time. I need it in order to function, or else I would be an even bigger walking tornado than I already am. When I tell people I like to eat dinner alone and do things by myself, they’re incredulous. They tell me they personally could never do that because they’re afraid people will judge them or they would get bored. And then it’s my turn to marvel.

In reality, many people recognize the benefits of solitude.

Spending time alone allows a person to reboot and recharge. Being around people all the time is physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. When people constantly surround you, it can feel as if you have to put up an act or a front; you may think you have to follow some unspoken rules about what to say, how to eat, and what to think. Having time to yourself allows you to get away from the distractions and business of life and appreciate the quiet.

Spending time alone is the perfect way to get to know the real you. It is an opportunity for you to sort through your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It gives you a chance to reflect. When you are always around people, your thinking is shaped by the people you are with and sometimes your own personal opinions and beliefs may be in discordance with the group. You feel as if you have to go along in order not to deviate from the norm.

When you’re alone, there are only one person’s thoughts and opinions that you have to entertain: yours. Alone time is the perfect opportunity for self-discernment. It gives you time to know the real you. It lets you observe the world and not have to put it through anybody else’s filter but your own. You get to make all the decisions. You get to call all the shots, which is incredibly empowering and liberating.

Take yourself on a date. Go and grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks or sit outside at a table on campus and be with you. It may sound scary or even weird, but spending time alone allows you to build a relationship with you. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but soon you’ll become increasingly comfortable with it. Being at ease with who you are in a solitary setting is a great way to build up your confidence and self-esteem. There is happiness in isolation. There is peace and clarity in it. Life is a constant whirlwind, and I think to survive it, we have to be unapologetically and genuinely content with ourselves as company.

What makes you

HAPPY? JOSEPH CERRONE ’14 Opinions Editor

What makes you happy?

At first glance this question may inspire thoughts of a freshly made Hawk Wrap, a cancelled class, and the reprieve that the weekend brings to the grind of daily life.

Yet besides these normal pleasures, it asks us to dig deeper into ourselves and question what it actually means to be happy. Knowing what truly brings you happiness entails a deep personal assessment of who you are and what you value. This process of discernment may surprise you; you may realize that the things you rely on to improve your mood are not as important in your life as you once thought. Although it may seem simple, taking a step back to consider your happiness is an important process for all college students.

With countless term papers, exams, presentations, and other responsibilities cramming our daily schedules, many students may find it difficult to spend even a moment thinking about their happiness. Sure, plans to hang out with friends or go to a party over the weekend often provide a sense of excitement, but our level of contentment should not just rely upon a night on the town. Instead, living a healthy lifestyle requires finding a balance between a normal amount of stress, and an amount that becomes overbearing. Despite the temptation to focus on everything else going on in our lives, we should be sure to make our happiness a priority as well.

However, the prospect of taking time to simply focus on yourself may seem ridiculous in our highly energized, productivity-centered society. The expectation that we continually work to prepare for a better tomorrow has made many people forget the importance of enjoying what is happening today.

This disproportion between our work and our lives is displayed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s 2013 Better Life Survey, in which it collected data on the quality of life in 36 developed nations. Although overall the United States had the sixth highest cumulative score, in the section focused on work-life balance the U.S. ranked 28th. Our sense of community was also lacking – we placed 21st, behind countries such as Iceland, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. It is clear that spending a bit more time focusing on happiness is not just an issue that will concern us while we are students, but is one that will continue to have an important impact on our professional lives.

So, what are we to do if we want to swap some of our stress for an extra dose of happiness? Although there are many ways to begin, here are a few concrete suggestions. Instead of working at all hours of the night, set a time you would like to turn in and stick to it. This will allow you to observe a normal schedule and ensure that you do not endanger your health, and sanity, by making every night an all-nighter.

Along with this point comes the importance of scheduling, which will allow you to have a reasonable understanding of what you need to do and help you finish everything on time. This will also help you make sure you are not overworking yourself at any particular moment, but instead spreading out your responsibilities over a more manageable period of time. However, possibly the most important suggestion is also the most radical: set aside some time every day for yourself. Whether you read, listen to music, paint, or simply relax, this time will allow you to collect your thoughts, recuperate from the day, and boost your happiness.

It is easy to dismiss our moods as uncontrollable emotions that are irrelevant to our daily lives, but this is not the case. The way we feel can affect all aspects of our lives, including how we appear to others, the way we engage in our relationships, the quality of our work, and our ability to learn. Happiness and peace of mind are not just special prizes for the lucky few that find them. They are attainable goals that everyone deserves.

So next time you feel overworked and stressed, take a step back, remember that mood matters, and ask yourself a short question: what makes me happy?

Everyone has an opinion...

Share yours with The Hawk!

Send us your Letter to the Editor or Guest Student Commentary and contribute to the conversation on campus!

All submissions can be sent to: hawk.editorial@gmail.com The Hawk reserves the right to edit Letters to the Editor for clarity, grammar, availability of space, and timeliness of the issue. Furthermore, The Hawk reserves the right to not print a Letter to the Editor if the Editorial Board deems it inappropriate, false, libelous, obscene, or contrary to the values and mission of The Hawk.

Graphic designed by Joseph Cerrone ’14

Remembering that mood matters

Me, myself, and I

March 26, 2014

Opinions | 7

The Hawk

Reflections on the winter of our discontent

“

The deep freeze that paralyzed Saint Joseph’s University for months has yet to thaw.”

JOSEPH CERRONE ’14 Opinions Editor

After a long winter that chilled us to our bones, springtime is finally upon us. Higher temperatures, greener lawns, and sunnier skies have made their long-awaited debut on Hawk Hill, much to the pleasure of students and faculty alike. Despite this change of season, the deep freeze that paralyzed Saint Joseph’s University for months has yet to thaw.

It is difficult to find an appropriate place to start when recounting the outrageous series events that have overtaken our campus this semester. There is no single incident that can be blamed for the frustration of students and faculty, as it is instead due to various manifestations of the administration’s intolerable incompetence. From several years of budget shortfalls and missed enrollment projections to a general lack of transparency and accountability, the supposed leaders of our university have miserably failed in their basic duties to uphold the mission of our school and protect the interests of students and professors.

Recent expressions of this discontent, embodied by the faculty senate’s votes of no confidence against senior administrators and a student protest at the February Board of Trustees meeting, illustrate that this situation has reached a tipping point. For faculty, this struggle encompasses recent cuts to development funds that support research, sabbaticals, publishing, and participation in academic conferences. These cuts, coupled with increasing course caps and other changes, have drastically decreased the working conditions of our professors and have made some question whether remaining at St. Joe’s is worth the cost.

Students have also been directly impacted by the massive failures at the top levels of our university. Across the board budget cuts have forced many academic programs to scale back their offerings and cancel planned events, which are essential to stimulating an intellectual environment outside of the classroom. Furthermore, higher class caps will mean less one-on-one interaction between students and professors, which is the highlight of a liberal arts education and the reason many students chose to come to St. Joe’s. Overall, conditions on our campus have deteriorated to such an extent that there are few options left but to resort to public expressions of disapproval.

Just as shocking as these conditions is the horrible response of the administration.

Instead of dealing with the community’s grievances in a humble and frank way, they have hidden behind press releases and have refused to face the students and faculty. They continue to reiterate their stale facts about the university’s bond rating and market value—which in no way address the concerns

that have been raised. Too often they expect us to adopt a “father knows best” attitude, blindly believing what they say and trusting their word. Yet time and time again, they have proven to be untrustworthy, misleading, and completely out of touch with the campus community.

While there are surely numerous reasons why these problems persist, one possible explanation is fairly straightforward: many administrators do not understand our role as an academic institution. The continued pursuit of financial goals at the expense of our academic strength and competitiveness is a dangerous plan that is drastically changing life on Hawk Hill. When confronted with this grievance, administrators have asserted that the university remains in a strong financial position and that providing an outstanding education to our students remains our central mission. Yet these statements contradict the conditions on the ground—where budget cuts, cancelled events, higher course caps, and general uncertainty have plagued our intellectual environment.

Education is not a business and should not be treated as such. Finances are a means we use to support our mission, but money is not an end in itself. The value and importance of learning, scholarship, and intellectual curiosity cannot be easily monetized— it’s not about filling seats, but inspiring minds. Businesses have a primary goal of using tangible assets to reach the bottom line, but as a university, our strongest assets are the intangibles—creativity, curiosity, and a desire to learn. By failing to acknowledge these crucial factors, our leaders have demonstrated a severe lack of vision and respect for our central mission.

Even if we indulge this business-oriented perspective for a moment, the situation our university faces remains bewildering.

In business, if you fail, you are fired. Yet the repeated and severe failures of our administrators, both in terms of leadership and financial stewardship, are apparently immune to this common practice. If they are so convinced of the merits of running a university like a business, why are they not held accountable for their actions? Why do they feel it is acceptable to pass the buck, avoid blame, and rely on the “old boy’s network” to protect their jobs? There is no reasonable answer to these questions, but they demonstrate the extreme irrationality of the situation we currently face.

Just as the seasons advance along their repeating cycle, so too will our university continue to develop and change. All we can hope for now is that this progress comes soon and brings to an end to this long, harsh winter of our discontent.

Making the move Top tips for starting a new relationship GREG FERRONI ’15 Hawk Staff

If you’re tired of living the single life and are looking for a special someone, here is some good news: college is the prime time to be in a relationship.

Some people may disagree with me—as Adam Devine would say, “That’s fine, I get that. But you’re wrong and I hate you!” For those who are on board with this idea, there are a few different scenarios that can lead to forming a healthy relationship.

Let’s take the easiest road first. Let’s say you’re at a party and see this smokin’ guy or girl. Things move forward and you get a number (high fives all around for that one). You end up hooking up (again, high fives), but before that you actually had a somewhat intriguing conversation. This person seems pretty cool. Well, you have a number and you know they find you attractive— you already have most of the work done for you.

If you want to pursue things with someone you hooked up with, make sure to get that number. Wait to text him or her (yes, please send a text first before calling) until free period on Tuesday. You know they’re not in class, and chances are they will be checking their phone. If the person responds, keep talking. If not…well, you know. Drop the line “I’d really like to get to know you better. Starbucks? (cute emoji).” No one can resist that. If you get the date, full steam ahead.

Now change the scene – you’re no longer at a party, but you’re in class and see some smoke show guy or girl. What do you do? If you said anything other than “make a bold move,” you’re wrong. You a) don’t know this person, b) will probably never see them after this class and c) why not? Now don’t go bringing flowers and chocolate to him or her, Romeo. Start slowly. Talk to him or her first and try to get a positive vibe. If in a week you’re becoming friendly, mention that your friend is having a party and you’d like them to come. This gives you a reason to have a party, get his or her number, and see if he or she likes you. If they don’t show up, move on. If they go home with someone else, move on. If they make it a mission to find you at some point in the night (or you find him or her), go along with it. This is your chance, take it. Then follow the paragraph above on moving forward with someone you hooked up with (that is, if you pull the trigger).

Ah, the friend zone, mankind and womankind’s worst enemy and best friend, depending on which side of it you happen to be on. It can be horrible if you have romantic feelings for a friend and they only view you platonically; however, the best relationships come from people who were best friends and started dating. How do you tell how a friend really feels? Conversation can be misleading; do not mistake being nice for being flirty. Emojis, hearts, and lots of y’s at the end of words don’t always mean, “date me.” Try to compare how the person texts you to how they message other people. If he or she is very flirty with a lot of people, game over. If it’s only you, maybe you have a shot. Always check someone’s relationship status on Facebook first (we’ve all made that mistake before). Someone in an unhappy relationship may be flirty with you because things are going sour with someone else. Don’t be a home wrecker and don’t become a second choice. Make sure to keep your distance from that friend. If you are truly stuck in the friend zone and this friend is single, you have a decision: either remain in the friend zone or make a big move. You will never know how he or she feels until you truly go for it. Make sure to ask mutual friends how that person feels about you. Don’t overwhelm them, but start treating them in a more special way. Maybe buy her flowers or offer to treat her to dinner. Take him to a Sixers game (tickets are cheaper than a Hawk Wrap) or invite him over to watch a movie. Try to get one-on-one time that will lead to something romantic.

There are always plenty of excuses not to make a big move and ask someone out, but don’t let them hold you back. If you have feelings for someone, let them know—you’ll never know what can happen if you don’t try.

Tell us about your relationship experience on Hawk Hill! Email us at hawk. editorial@gmail.com or tweet us @sjuhawknews to share your story!

8 | Features

The Hawk

WHAT’S

APPENING?

A new and free way to exercise your brain with a little trivia is here!

QuizUp is an interactive iPhone trivia game with a range of quiz topics. With a total of 150,000 questions and over 250 topics, QuizUp calls itself the world’s largest trivia game.

Plain Vanilla Games, developer of the social trivia platform QuizUp, has raised $2 million in funding from investors from this popular game.

Through QuizUp, you can embrace your social and brainy side at the same time. You could say it is killing two birds with one stone – but that’s another app!

The topics that QuizUp offers appeal to everyone. Quiz topics include Movies, History, Business, Art, Science, Sports, and TV, and that’s barely scratching the surface

of the wide variety of trivia games offered

by QuizUp. An opponent from anywhere in the world is automatically matched up with your account each time you play, so an internet connection is required. With each win or loss, the points you earn help boost you up to the next level in that category.

The actual trivia quiz takes place with a total of seven questions, each asked in 10-second bursts, so the game is only about a minute long. You are given a question with four multiple-choice answers.

You can see whether your opponent gets the question right or wrong as he or she answers. After both you and the opponent lock in the answer, or when the time runs out, both of your answers are revealed and the next question is given.

After reaching level 10 in any subject, a new title appears under your name for your opponents to see. For example, your name could say John1234 Beginner, or John The Categorical Zoologist. These titles give you a good incentive to keep playing and achieve higher titles.

The cool thing about QuizUp is that you don’t have to take quizzes that don’t interest you. If you like music and hate science, you can play games that only have to do with music. Categories do not cross over.

Sometimes it is hard to find an opponent to play, depending on the category or time at which you are playing. Most likely, you will have better luck finding opponents in the more popular categories including General Knowledge, Name that Flag, Word

March 26, 2014

MARISSA DIPIERO ’17 Special to The Hawk

Definitions, and History.

If you are more of a “play by yourself ” kind of person, this game is most likely not for you. There is no single player mode as this is a social-interactive trivia game. After a game ends, there is an option to chat with your opponent, or challenge him or her to a rematch.

QuizUp works best on the newest technology, such as the iPhone 5/5s. The app on older technology has reported crashing and freezing before the quiz sessions have ended. For the most part, however, it has a low crashing rate and keeps its players on the edge of their seats.

This game is a must for those of you who enjoy a quick pick-me-up for your brain!

Students reflect on APEX experience BRANDON CARRADO ’16 Special to The Hawk

Photos by Shannon Adams, photo editor, ’16

W

hile the majority of students at Saint Joseph’s University went home over spring break, roughly 500 students spent their week in various cities throughout the Appalachian region.

These students were a part of the Saint Joseph’s University Appalachian Experience, or APEX for short. During this spring break immersion program, students devote themselves to bettering towns and communities by doing volunteer service work, ranging from picking up trash along highways to full-on construction and demolition work on houses, while at the same time getting a better understanding of the culture and the way of life in this vast region. The values learned on this trip fully embody the concept of the Magis and are a prime example of how we individually live out the St. Joe’s mission statement.

And still, the Appalachian Experience is so much more than that.

It’s no secret that this experience can be felt on campus long after spring break is over. The friendships and memories that are formed carry over into the rest of the second semester, and for most students, they remain strong as they continue through their careers at St. Joe’s.

“It’s a special experience when such close bonds and friendships can form in a week’s time,” says James Ohane, ’14. “Being a leader for the first time and watching the group come together and bond with the community is amazing, and can be underappreciated from the outside. Something indescribable happens down on APEX that has to be experienced. You get what you put into the trip and then some.”

It can be hard to explain how a

group of strangers can travel to a small town buried in the mountains and return with friendships that look like they’ve been formed years ago.

The friendships that are made are one of the most rewarding parts about the experience.

Spending a week with a group of strangers in an almost-foreign region, instead of being in the comfort and familiarity of your own home, can be intimidating. However, as the vans roll out from the campus, everyone drops any kind of mask they’ve been using to hide their true personalities. A strong sense of realness is felt as soon as the trip starts; students aren’t afraid to be their true selves around these “strangers” as they prepare to open themselves up to the people around them and the lessons they will learn in the upcoming week. Students have the opportunity to share personal stories while on the trip, which allow their peers to gain a better understanding of how past experiences have shaped their teammates into the people they are today. That is what makes the Appalachian Experience so special, and why the friendships and shared experiences are heavily felt as the spring semester marches on.

“My favorite part of the trip was easily the laughs and smiles that were shared by all,” says Pete Leonard, ’15.

“People came to this trip with all different backgrounds and everyone has a different story. Everyone shared laughter and smiles, which bridged that gap between everyone’s different stories. A laugh and a smile have the power to break down barriers, and allow people to become open and vulnerable. I saw every single person in my group laugh and smile hundreds of times, which showed me the power of every one.

They bring people together and that is what this trip is all about.”

Students that attend APEX often report that they enjoyed being able to build relationships with the communities that they served. The townspeople of each region also provide the St. Joe’s students with food and offer communal “family dinners” as a display of their appreciation for the students’ hard work.

“My favorite part of the trip was our farewell dinner with the town on Friday night,” said Kristina Orbe, ’14.

“Our hosts and the individuals we had worked with throughout the week had planned a special sendoff for us, and they asked each of the participants to go up to the microphone to say a little something about themselves and how they felt the week of service went.

And as a leader, and this my final go at APEX, watching all of the participants get up to the mic and share how the town of Honaker and APEX has given them a new perspective on service and community was more than I could have asked for as a way to end my journey with this program.”

The Appalachian Experience has served as a way for students to connect with people from different socio-economic backgrounds and to better understand the values that they hold dear while demonstrating the larger Jesuit values of St. Joe’s.

Orbe concluded that, “We were lucky enough to spend a week in Honaker, VA, and it think I can speak on behalf of our whole group when I say that we were all incredibly inspired to be working with a community that has so much love for each other and pride for their town,” said Orbe.

March 26, 2014

The Hawk

OVER

Features | 9

WITH

UNDER Dr. B r i a n

Forster

This week Brian Forster, Ph.D., lab coordinator for the natural sciences GEP, shared with The Hawk his take on ‘No Shave November,’ competitive eating, and soap operas. Check out his interview below to find out why it’s important to take that first, second, or even fifth trip to the Franklin Institute!

CONNIE LUNANUOVA ’16 Features Editor Thrift stores - “Underrated, because when you go to the store, sometimes another person’s junk is another person’s treasure. So going in there and seeing that, you never know what you’ll be able to find. It’s interesting to see what they have there.”

Kazoos – “Don’t know what that is. [It’s a small blue grass sounding instrument] Oh, those things! Never knew what they were called. I’d also have to say underrated, because I guess some people look at it as a toy and others look at it as an actual musical instrument.”

‘No Shave November’– “Looking at me, you can see how I feel about that. [Laughs.] I think it’s a little bit overrated. You grow a beard for a little while, either you want to have the beard for a particular reason or not. For me, I like having the beard not just for one month, but for year round.”

Dressage – “That sounds a little bit overrated. I guess because now and again they look like they’re a little bit picky about what they’re looking for, but if they’ve made it around the course, I guess that’s a good thing.”

Curling – “Underrated. That just looks like so much fun, pretending that you’re wiping down the ice to get it to the end. I think it looks hard not because of the sweeping part, but because of the part where when they’re getting down to the target to see if they can get theirs to the target and knock the other one out. I think it’s underrated in that it looks a little too easy at first, but I bet when you start to do it, it might come out harder than you think.”

Dreadlocks – “Overrated. They just are.”

Leather pants – “That depends upon the season. [Would you recommend it for the summertime?] No. I would say they’re more for the wintertime.”

Girl Scout Cookies – “Underrated. Thin Mints are my most favorite, and then my second most favorite are the peanut butter ones.”

Horseshoes – “Underrated, again for the same reason as the curling. You look at it and it looks easy, but then you start to play it and it’s harder than you think it is. Plus, they also give you good luck, too.”

Briefcases – “These days I would say a little bit overrated since everything is on the computer. But as you can see, I still have mine. But I would say a little overrated, especially in today’s day and age where it’s all digital and everything’s saved on the Google Drive, and the Cloud, and other things. That has become today’s suitcase. I don’t think it’s out of style, but not as necessary as it was. Given the amount of technology and how we’re using it, who knows, they may disappear.”

Parenthood – “For today, underrated. Parenting is a very challenging and at the same time very rewarding job, and sometimes we forget how important parenting is.”

WWE – “Oh that’s overrated. It’s fake. I think they try to have some drama, so if you want to watch it from the story point of view, I could see that, but if you want to watch it from the wrestling point of view – that part I don’t understand. So if you want to see it as drama, okay.”

The Franklin Institute – “Underrated, like many other institutions. Again, similar to the thrift store – there are a lot of treasures in there and sometimes you have to go searching to find them. With different exhibits coming in and out, and you know whenever you look at something, there’s always some point where you look at it and you go, ‘I missed that the first time.’ Same thing with movies – you know the few times you watch a movie, you go, ‘Oh, I missed that part.’”

Magic tricks – “I would also have to say underrated for that one because it’s impressive what magicians can do and we miss that.

We miss the skill that is going into that, this sort of ‘look at what I’m doing over here, and try not to see what I’m doing over here, yet this is what I’m actually doing.’”

Competitive eating – “That’s overrated. Why do we do that? With the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, if you go to Coney Island where they have it, next to Nathan’s they have a poster that has all of the past winners and it’s amazing what we used to think. The winner had like, I’m making up a number here, 12. Now he’s downing how many hot dogs in how many minutes?

So, I look at it as a little bit of a waste. A waste of food, especially if it’s competitions where it’s ‘eat as much as you can without making yourself sick in ‘x’ amount of minutes.’ I know Nathan’s does some donation of hot dogs as well, but you can donate more by not always doing that contest. But some people look at it as, we’re all fans of some sport, and for some I think they look at that as a sport.”

Soap operas – “Overrated with all the drama that they try to pour into one episode and it takes so long for them to finish one scene. You know it takes a whole week just for them to finish a conversation between two people. [Do you think that the amount of time some of these shows have been on air is overrated?] If there are still viewers that enjoy watching the show and the TV channel is able to continue to support the show, then why not?”

THIS/THAT:

Jell-O/Pudding – “Jell-O, especially lime. Lime flavored. It jiggles. I teach microbiology, so one semester my class and I had a conversation about our favorite types of Jell-O. I like lime and apricot flavors of Jell-O, so to prove to them that they were great flavors, I actually prepared Jell-O and brought it into class for one day.”

Superman/Batman – “Batman. He’s an ordinary guy being a superhero, versus Superman, who already came to earth with so many powers.” eBay/Amazon – “Amazon, because with eBay, you’re sort of at the mercy with whomever is selling a particular object or item.

It may not be exactly what you want, and also, if you’re not into the bidding, you may be going beyond what you want to pay for that. With Amazon, it’s a little more set price. Both are nice though, I’ve shopped in both of them but I’d have to say more Amazon over eBay.” Gloves/Mittens – “Gloves. I feel like I can grab things more easily with my gloves on versus mittens.”

Photo by Shannon Adams, ’16

10 | Features

The Hawk

March 26, 2014

Oh, how sweet it is!

#TopProfSJU ’s Sweet Sixteen

The Sweet Sixteen has arrived! This week, Joseph Feeney, S.J., and Owen Gilman, Ph.D., went head to head, with Feeney beating out Gilman in a tiebreaker tweet-off. Want to see your favorite professor earn the title of Saint Joseph University’s Top Prof? Tweet your votes this week through March 29, at our Twitter handle, @SJUHawkNews.

1. Richard George, Food Marketing

1. Joseph Feeney, English

4. Brian Forster, Natural Sciences

13. George Latella, Food Marketing

11. Patricia Zaleski-Kramer, Psychology

3. Todd Erkis, Finance

2. Peter Norberg, English

8. Mark Reynolds, Chemistry

2. Ruben Mendoza, DSS

#TopProfSJU 9. John C. Yi, DSS

5. Francis Graham Lee, Political Science

12. George Sillup, Pharmaceutical Marketing

10. Susan Liebell, Political Science

6. William McDevitt, Managing Human Capital

2. Mark Forman, Chemistry

2. John Lord, Marketing

Silence is golden

Classroom cell phone policies vary

ANTHONY PANVINI ’16 Hawk Staff One drastic difference between college and high school is the amount of freedom you are granted. While high school is a strict, seven-hour school day, college gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want. However, in some cases, there are still some limitations and grey areas, especially when it comes to cell phone usage.

Chances are, in your high school student handbook, there was a strict cell phone use policy. For the most part, the use of cell phones was prohibited throughout the school day, which forced students to be focused and attentive in class. In college, however, there is no school-wide cell phone policy, and if there is one, it varies from class to class.

While some professors do not care about the use of cell phones in their classes, others may feel that cell phones have no place in the classroom. Take Eric Hoffman, assistant professor of philosophy, for instance. One thing that all of his students will remember is his cell phone policy. At the beginning of each class, Hoffman collects all cell phones and places them in a basket in exchange for a nametag.

“It [collecting the cell phones] was an experiment to see what happens if we just sort of take them totally out of play, and so I asked that everyone simply put their cell phone in a basket at the beginning of the class and exchange it for a nametag, and that changed the dynamics and made the expectations clear,” said Hoffman.

However, despite this effort, some students still found ways to avoid turning in their phones.

“I thought it worked okay, although as always, students found ways around it, said Hoffman. “I found that while it was a clear statement and that was useful, it didn’t necessarily work completely,” said Hoffman.

Hoffman went on to say that he also believes that the use of cell phones in class is a complete disregard of respect for the teacher.

“I think it is totally disrespectful and rude. At the same time, I understand that people are addicted, and so consequently, I think it is disrespectful and rude but…I have some compassion for their unconsciousness,” said Hoffman.

Cat Jones, ’15, agrees with Hoffman and thinks that people should not use their cell phones in class.

“I think as a junior it has become our responsibility as an individual to know if your cell phone usage is hindering your learning ability. I think that in class you should be fully present,” said Jones. “I think it is disrespectful. I mean, this is their profession, and they are spending their time to try to help us and teach us and I think it is our job to be good listeners and to be present.”

However, as with anything else, some will disagree. Samuel Smith, Ph.D., chair of the mathematics department—who does not have a cell phone policy for his class—seems to

take the use of cell phones lightly.

“I haven’t had any trouble with it, but I can see that it might be viewed as disrespectful,” explained Smith. “I think you guys are adults and you do what you want to do. If it becomes a problem I can imagine saying, ‘Please put that away,’ but it has never been a problem for me.”

Greg Loughney, ’15, is also more relaxed about using his cell phone during class.

“I think they [cell phones] should be allowed, because we are in college and it’s our responsibility if we want to learn,” said Loughney. “In high school you weren’t allowed to use phones, that was a rule, but here you are responsible for your own education so it is something we should be allowed to use if we want to.”

Although cell phone usage policies vary, it is important to know when you can pull out your phone as opposed to know when to keep it in your pocket.

“If I am not in direct communication with somebody, and I think it’s okay, then I will,” explained Jones. “If I am not being disrespectful to someone, I feel like that’s okay.

I try to always remember to be present with whoever I’m with.”

It seems that students and faculty alike are divided on the subject of cell phone usage in class. With college may come the freedom to send a quick text, but also comes the responsibility of engaging in your education. Consider both before pulling your cell phone out in class.

Photo by Shannon Adams, ’16

March 26, 2014

The Hawk

Puzzles| 11

Hawk hill Horoscopes Aries (March 21 to April 19) You may be facing a very complicated problem, Aries. Maybe a family crisis is causing animosity between certain people, or a group of your friends are all bickering with one another. Whatever the case, it is important to remain neutral in the situation and never take a side. If you choose to side with one party, then this will just add fuel to the fire. The best way you can help smooth things over is by listening the best you can. Don’t fret, Aries, the problem will come to an end soon enough; you just have to be patient.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20) You are feeling extremely worried this week, Taurus. There’s been a lot on your plate recently, and you can’t help but worry about whether everything is going to eventually work out. Although worrying is in your nature, it’s important to try to keep calm at all times.

When you begin to feel overwhelmed, take a minute to just breathe. Things are not as bad as they seem and there’s no need to get so anxious. Things will be okay.

Gemini (May 21 to June 21) “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” This is something you must always remember, Gemini. Never let fear keep you from trying to pursue your goals.

So go ahead – apply for that internship, sign up for that marathon you’ve been training hard for, or try out for your school play! You never know what is going to happen unless you try. It’s important to always give yourself a chance.

Cancer (June 22 to July 22) You desperately want change, Cancer; you have been craving it for quite a while. With the movement of Jupiter’s third moon descending on the vertical axis of Neptune, now is the perfect time for you to make that change. But don’t be impulsive, Cancer – if you are, this personal journey of transformation you are about to embark on could backfire.

It’s important that you don’t do anything rash. Take small steps in order to reach the place you want to be in your life; it might take a little longer than you would like it to, but you will get there.

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) There is someone who admires you very much, Leo, but you have not noticed him or her yet. With the guidance of Venus as it crosses your path, this person will be more visible to you than ever. Keep a look out for this special someone. If you are conscious of the signs, you will soon come to know who has been interested in you all this time, and then you can make your move. Once you realize who this person is, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) You will experience a light financial hit this week, Virgo. If you don’t work towards correcting this problem, it could potentially become catastrophic. Remember to consult this issue with those who care about you, and those you trust. It’s important not to panic, and to take the time to work towards a solution. If you are committed to correcting the problem then you will. It’s just going to take some effort.

S U D O K U

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) This is a great week for you, Libra; things just seem to be falling into place. This bliss that you are experiencing is well-deserved. Take advantage of all the good that is happening to you lately, but don’t be selfish. This week is a good time to get involved with some community service and helping others. Go help out at your local soup kitchen, or start a clothing drive for those in need. There is no better feeling than knowing you made a difference in the world, and with all of your positive energy, you will certainly do just that.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) You just can’t seem to catch a break, Scorpio, and you have accepted that things are never easy for you. But you need to wipe that attitude away, and replace it with a more positive outlook on life. Although things might not be easy, they are worth it. Every struggle you have faced and will face in the future will be beneficial in the long run. Remember that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and that you can get through anything.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) You may have made a mistake recently that has been bothering you very much, Sagittarius. But you must keep in mind that this is not the end of the world. Everyone makes mistakes in life; it’s in our nature. It is up to you whether or not you repeat it. As long as you do your best to learn from this mistake, things will work out. So don’t dwell on the mistake - work towards the future.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) This week is going to be a little more stressful than usual, but there is no need to panic.

Time management will be the key to suppress this stress, Capricorn. If you are swamped with projects and tests to study for, write down a schedule for yourself, planning out what you are going to do each day. Cross things off as you go. As long as you leave enough time for everything you have to do, you can’t go wrong.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) This week is going to be a very lucky one for you, Aquarius. With Jupiter crossing your path and luck on your side, it is time to live it up. Buy yourself a lottery ticket, or apply for that promotion you’ve been so apprehensive about. It might seem silly now, but you never know what could happen. With all this good luck means good things will come to you, so be ready for a fantastic week – you deserve it.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20) Smile, Pisces, always remember to smile. As long as you remember to do this, no day can be too bad. You tend to give up too quickly and be doubtful. But if you remember to remain positive, even in the darkest of times you can get through anything. It’s important to always look on the bright side, no matter how bad the situation may seem. So whenever you are feeling down, take five minutes out of the day to remember all the good things you have in your life and smile. It will make you feel better.

12 | Fashion

Captain talks clothes

Dress for success Land the job by looking the part

Brittany Hanrahan shares her athletic style

GILLIAN MURPHY ’14 Fashion Editor On a business interview, you have a very narrow window of opportunity to make a strong first impression. In fact, according to businessinsider. com, that window is exactly seven seconds long.

This fleeting introduction is a potentially make-or-break moment of your future job, which makes looking the part even more pivotal.

In addition to smiling, speaking clearly and audibly, and offering a strong handshake, dressing appropriately for the professional world conveys the message of your competence and capability.

Dressing like a strong candidate will not only boost your self-confidence during the interviewing process, but will also enable your potential employer to see that you would fit seamlessly into the company.

The golden rule of dressing for success is to always err on the conservative side. Although some professions are a little more free-spirited than others, most will not judge you for looking nicer or more conservative than usual. Wearing a too-short hemline or revealing clothes will, however, be a target for criticism.

For the guys, wrinkles are a testament to your lack of attention to detail; that being said, iron everything you’re planning on wearing. Opt for a solid, dark-hued suit, paired with a plain shirt and a solid, bold-colored tie. Mixing and matching prints and colors can be dangerous territory unless you have prior experience executing outfits, so stick to a subtle, conservative suit to draw attention to your competence rather than your distracting outfit.

Modest outfit choices are just as imperative for the ladies, because too-short skirts, too-high heels, and cleavage-baring blouses can undermine the perception of your intelligence and give your future boss the wrong impression of your intentions. Choose a clean, pressed blouse, dress pants, or a pencil skirt, and a matching blazer, paired with mid-height, color-coordinating heels to look sharp and professional.

To convey your refined style and attention to detail, make sure you are fully groomed; that is, tame your hair ahead of time, use a modest amount of perfume or cologne, and ensure your nails are in check. For guys, this means trimmed, and for girls, this means polished or plain, as long as there are no chips.

Give your outfit an extra boost by properly accessorizing; a statement watch and a classy handbag or briefcase are the perfect complement to a corporate outfit. Avoid overdoing it with too many rings on your hands or earrings in your ears, which may be distracting or come across as immature.

For accessories, as well as for the rest of your outfit, less is definitely more.

By keeping your outfit simple, professional, and polished, you can focus on endorsing yourself and your skills to your potential employer. Follow these tips and go get that job!

Be bold, boys

March 26, 2014

The Hawk

Brittany Hanrahan, ’14, a two-year captain of the Saint Joseph’s University women’s lacrosse team, constantly balances lacrosse practice, lift and conditioning sessions, classes, homework, and more. Although she has such a busy schedule, she has managed to find a way to master the art of pulling off a relaxed-yet-cute athletic look on a daily basis.

From her opinion on socks to her favorite brands, Hanrahan shares her personal athletic style preferences with The Hawk.

What does your outfit for a typical day on campus look like?

“On a daily basis, I wear either a Nike full zip-up, or a lacrosse hoodie with leggings and running sneakers. When it’s cold, I like to wear my team Nike dryfit, or a North Face parka, usually paired with a cute scarf to dress my outfit up a little. I like things that are comfy and convenient to transition to practice in the afternoon.”

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

“Not too long, to be honest. I have afternoon practice, so I usually try to dress for that. I usually put my hair in a braid or messy bun, throw on a little bit of makeup, dress myself, and run out the door.”

What’s more important to you in an outfit, cuteness or comfort?

“Definitely comfort, but I think you can still make comfy athletic clothing look cute, and dress it up in different ways. Cute-yet-comfy clothing is a must with my busy schedule. For the most part, I don’t have time to put on a separate outfit and then change into my lacrosse gear, so having a hybrid of the two outfits is my best bet.”

yoga pants, because I don’t like to go to school in sweats. I prefer yoga pants because they can still be cute, but they’re also the perfect athletic fit.”

Ankle socks or calf socks?

“That’s a tough one. I’d have to go with ankle socks on a daily basis, but for practice, definitely calf socks. The main rule for practice is to never to show your ankles.

We make so much fun of our teammates if we can see your ankles.

We’re like, ‘You have naked ankles!’”

Ponytail, braid, or bun?

“To workout, and in games, I always wear a braid because it holds my hair in place and I’m very superstitious about my hairstyle and my gloves. For my hair, it’s like a ponytail and a braid, just never a French braid. But when I’m walking around campus and going to classes I usually just have a low bun…it’s easy.”

Headband or no headband?

“Obvi, headband. Always have to have a headband to keep your hair out of your face. It’s the perfect touch of color to spice up your comfy-cute look.”

Shorts, cropped leggings, or yoga pants?

“I think I prefer leggings. They’re the best option to wear with Uggs. If it’s cold out, you can tuck them into your Uggs without the ugly extra fabric that bunches up when you have yoga pants on.

And then when it’s warm, you can pair cropped leggings with flip-flops, which looks cute with an oversized t-shirt. You can’t have enough leggings.”

Choose one: Nike, Under Armour, or Adidas?

“I would pick Nike. I’ve been team Nike from the beginning. I also think it’s just because I have more Nike, so to wear a brand other than Nike would mean I would have to change my entire athletic wardrobe. Nike produces reliable products with a quality and style that I know I can trust. And I also love wearing Nike’s Tempo shorts, whether it’s in the summer, or running indoors in the winter, just because they’re the perfect length, they’re so comfortable, and they come in every color and print. I like them so much more than the other brands’ shorts. And of course, Nike sponsors our team, so all of our lacrosse apparel is fun, nice, Nike dry-fit gear.”

What’s your ultimate fashion staple?

“I think no matter if I’m going to practice or not, I al-

Shake up your style this spring

Although fickle, the weather is finally getting warmer, and it is time to throw out the Timberland boots and low-cut khakis. (For Pete’s sake, please throw out the Timberlands!) Spring is a time to reinvent your style and to experiment with fresh trends without compromising your personal taste.

Make no mistake: wearing a solid-colored polo with khaki chinos and a pair of boat shoes is always in style. These are classic preppy pieces that will never die, but let’s face it—wearing that same basic outfit all the time can get very repetitive, very quickly. Unless you want to go beyond what is expected by developing your own style, save that outfit combination for mass. If you don’t have that desire, stop reading this – you are wasting your time.

This is my first piece of advice: find someone whose style is modern, timeless, or maybe a combination of the two. The common St. Joe’s student is drawn to a preppy look, which sort of looks like going to brunch on a yacht, while simultaneously looking like you just rolled out of bed.

Polos and Oxford shirts, in an assortment of pastel shades, have always been staples in the category of preppy fashion. It is time to branch out and stop buying the same colors: blue, green, pink, and red—all in a pastel shade, of course. Go ahead and make things interesting and opt for a floral or microprint. Prints are not just for women. Well-known stores like H&M and Urban Outfitters have a whole array of unique prints available in a spectrum of colors.

ways want to wear

GILLIAN MURPHY ’14 Fashion Editor

What’s one piece of athletic gear that you couldn’t live without?

“Sports bra. Enough said.”

If you could pick one athletic brand to wear for the rest of your life, what would it be?

“I would definitely pick Lululemon, because they have so many cute, form-fitting things for all different body types and all different types of exercise. It’s the perfect brand to wear now as a student-athlete, and then to transition to a post-grad exercise fanatic. I’ll eventually transition my athletic wardrobe from all of my Nike gear to the more fashionable pieces Lululemon has to offer. But once an athlete, always an athlete; my favorite casual clothes will always be sportswear.”

Photo courtesy of Shannon Adams ‘16 ANDREW NGUYEN ’17 Layout Editor

While we’re at it, you should probably invest in some nice fitting short sleeve button-downs. The aesthetic of a short sleeve oxford has a “Don Draper on a sunny Saturday afternoon” feel to it. When you are wearing one, tuck it in and pull your pants or shorts up. Details like that make a huge difference in menswear.

We took care of the top part of your body, and now we need to discuss shorts. In short, short-shorts are in, and not for just a short time (how many times can I say “short” in one sentence?). They don’t have to be Chubbies unless you are a name brand-snob, in which case, you should really consider experimenting a little more. Showing more leg shows confidence, and confidence is good. It is all about feeling good in what you are wearing.

Personally, I am drawn to a retro look in the spring and am influenced by fashion icons like Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. I try to transform their style into my own modern interpretation of the look. That is what it is all about—adopting the details of looks that you like and personalizing them. There is nothing wrong with pairing a new silhouette like slim-fit jeans with a plain white tucked-in t-shirt. While we’re at it, why don’t you cuff the sleeves once or twice? Paul Newman would be proud.

What clothes will work best together? As ridiculous as it may sound, just try on everything, no matter how embarrassing it is to try on clothes multiple times. Who really cares?

Forming skill takes practice. The worst that can happen is not looking good in something.

Take it off, and keep trying on those clothes.

March 26, 2014

Health | 13

The Hawk

Stop and smell the flowers

Prevent seasonal allergies this spring

gianna melendez ’16 Health Editor

Colorful flowers are blooming, bright green trees are growing, and the smell of freshly cut grass fills the air. But what are you actually inhaling? As we take in a deep breath of the supposedly fresh air, we inhale pollen, mold, and dust. These particles can trigger constant sneezing, coughing, and itchy or watery eyes, which are common symptoms of seasonal allergies. However, symptoms can vary from cold-like reactions such as a sore throat and body aches to more severe issues, such as asthma. To determine whether your symptoms are a result of allergies, consult an allergist to run allergy tests in order to become aware of your triggers and how best to handle them.

Despite the fact that they are a common occurrence for most people, allergies are an abnormal reaction of the immune system.

The immune system attacks the harmless allergens, producing histamine, which creates the common symptoms of having allergies.

Depending on the severity of your allergies, a daily over-the-counter medication may be needed along with a nasal spray. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), over 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, and two-thirds of the population suffers year round. There is no cure for allergies; however, there are some holistic ways to prevent them that every allergy sufferer should consider. For instance, every day prior to going outdoors, check the daily pollen count via weather outlets. Knowing the level of pollen in the air may make you rethink that scenic run and opt for the treadmill instead.

Another way to reduce your allergies is by keeping everything clean. That yellowish-green dusting on your car in the morn-

ing is pollen. Pollen travels through the air and clings to things like hair and clothing.

“Spring cleaning” is a great way to jumpstart your new cleanliness regimen, but be sure to maintain the cleanliness throughout the season. Shower and wash your hair at night to take off excess pollen you cannot see. Wash bedding and rugs once a week in hot water and do not dry laundry outside. Shut your car and house windows and use air conditioning to ensure that outdoor allergens do not get in. Keep your living space clean to avoid dust or pollen build up, especially in your dorm room.

Allergy-proofing your dorm room can be difficult because you are living in a shared space. Talk to your roommate about cleaning habits and find a solution that works for both of you. Create a cleaning chart so you and your roommates can rotate jobs weekly. Decide who should bring a portable air filter during the spring months to circulate the air in the room, and encase pillows and mattresses in mite-proof plastics to add an extra layer of protection. You should also avoid eating on your bed. Try eating in the common room – that way you can socialize as well as enjoy a snack. Instead of buying a vacuum to clean the decorative area rug, which may get pricey, eliminate rugs entirely. Mites and other allergens love to hide in carpets; taking out an area rug will also eliminate possible allergens.

This season, take the initiative and try to limit your chances of getting seasonal allergies. Be proactive about your allergies by knowing what you are allergic to. Remember to keep clean in order to eliminate pollen from coming indoors and check allergen levels before stepping out of the house. By following these steps, you can enjoy the warmth of the sun this spring without worrying about your allergies forcing you back into hiding.

Photo courtesy Creative Commons

Spring into action

Recharing your health for spring

MARIA SANTASIERI ’16 Hawk Staff

We’ve all heard about the “spring cleaning” phenomenon when it comes to our homes and our apartments, but have you ever considered applying this idea to your diet? As the weather is finally turning warm, we should all consider abandoning our winter health habits. It’s time to end our hibernation in our dorm rooms and get active again! The days of being cooped up and eating junk food are going to be a distant memory of the past. With bathing suit season just around the corner, changes to your diet and exercise will be very beneficial.

Simple habit changes can make a big difference to your health this spring. An easy change to make is to avoid taking the shuttle or driving to class. If possible, allow yourself some extra time and enjoy the walk to campus. If you already walk to campus, walk on the weekends. There are several scenic locations and secret gems near campus, such as Merion Park, where you can enjoy a walk or run. Ditching the elevator in your building, at work, or wherever

TOFITPHE

you see one is another easy action that can make a big difference. Adding these small changes to your daily routine will definitely give you results that you can see and feel.

With the arrival of spring also comes a countless number of fresh fruits and vegetables. Taking advantage of these in-season foods can add new flavor and variety to your diet. Carrots, avocados, kiwis, strawberries, mangos, pineapples, and lemons are fruits that flourish in the spring. At the same time, the most delicious in-season vegetables to be eating right now are artichokes, spinach, peas, scallions, and fennel.

Always try to add the most amount of color to your plate for each meal to ensure that you are consuming your daily nutritional value. The more colorful the food on your plate is, the more you will be enhancing your daily intake of nutrients. If you don’t prefer to eat fruits and vegetables raw, get creative and bake or roast them when preparing your favorite dishes. Fruits and vegetables can also be blended into a smoothie, from which you’ll reap the benefits of these great foods in their healthiest states.

Another way to get healthy this spring

K E WE

is to create your own workout routine. Although sticking to a workout routine can prove to be difficult, setting aside certain times each week for exercise will make you more likely to build a proper regimen. Incorporate activities into your routine that you actually enjoy, and don’t rule out swimming or biking as a potential part of your exercise - both activities work to strengthen your whole body. As long as you are completing the American Heart Association’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, you’re heading in the right direction. Try to get a group of friends together to assemble a workout group. By exercising with a group of friends, you can socialize while working out and not even realize how hard you are actually working. Friends also provide a great support system when motivation is low.

Not only does your body seek some strengthening after a long winter, your skin does as well; the harsh winter air can leave us with dry, itchy skin. Now is the time to show your skin a little love and repair it in healthy ways. Hydration is the best way to rid yourself of your wintry skin. Increasing

your water-intake is the first step to getting springtime skin. Looking to add some flavor to your water? Flavored powders are a great way to give your water that strawberry taste and can be bought at your local grocery store. You can also add flavor to your water by cutting up some cucumbers, strawberries, or lemon and putting them into a water pitcher. Another way to hydrate your skin is to use body lotion for dry skin after you get out of the shower. Also, make sure to remember that after being indoors all winter, your body is desperate for Vitamin D. Taking in the sun – always with some sort of sun protection on – will help fulfill your body’s need for Vitamin D. This spring, let’s remember the words of Pablo Neruda: “You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming.” It doesn’t matter how rough of a winter your body had, spring is on the way, and you have every opportunity to get healthy! Take advantage of everything spring has to offer. If you do, you will be happier and feeling better than ever.

Did you know?...

Coffee is a diuretic. So, for every cup of coffee you drink, you should have one eight ounce glass of water to stay hydrated!

14 Sports

March 26, 2014

The Hawk

From Buffalo, with love ALEXANDER HOUPERT ’14 Hawk Staff This guy named Don, whom I was supposed to buy the tickets from, did not show at the Pearl Street Pub where we had agreed to meet, so I scalped a seat for $40. With a half hour until tipoff, I entered the First Niagara Center with brazen pride in my red and silver body suit, the suit I’ve worn to every home game since the 2011 Holy War. That suit has really come to define my own personal relationship with St. Joe’s basketball; I get to be a fanatic when I throw on the hood, masking my face, and I can root and dance and escape into the boom of the bass drum and the thunderous roar of an alley-oop dunk.

Upon dismounting the escalator, I poked my head into the 100 level to find the student section.

I noticed a large swath of crimson, and ducked back through the tunnel to the corridors. My ticket was for the 307 section, but there was no way I would be caught dead in the nosebleeds.

I slithered past the ticket-taker, who was busy helping a patron, and darted towards the lower sections of the arena. I had a seat right there in the heart of the crowd – a superb vantage point for a basketball game.

A strange anticipation hung over the student section when I finally settled into my seat. All of us were seated anxiously, waiting for the tip-off, chitchatting with neighbors, fist-bumping friends, exchanging ‘Hey!’s’ and ‘How are you?’s’. A sense of anticipatory disaster seemed to hang in the air, a sense that we were in for a grueling brand

of basketball. This was going to be a dogfight, and fittingly, the Hawks were facing Huskies. It’s UConn and St. Joe’s, live from Buffalo, NY! I mentioned in my last article my personal UConn-St. Joe’s dilemma. I’m from Connecticut and was raised a UConn fan, and I still am. As a St. Joe’s senior, however, I knew I had to root for my school. I also knew I had to drive up to Buffalo to confront the this-is-my-nightmare game.

Folks had asked me for years: “What if they play each other? Who you gonna root for?” I usually replied with an “Oh, I don’t know...” but I always knew I’d root for the Hawks.

Hands down, it was the greatest game I’ve seen St. Joe’s play in my four years as an undergraduate against probably the best team the Hawks played all year. In their last game together as teammates, seniors Galloway, Kanacevic, Roberts, Jr., and Quarles carried the team impressively throughout the contest, and heartbreakingly fell short by eight in overtime. The tenacity of St. Joe’s seniors earned some laudations from the press, as well as superstar UConn guard, Shabazz Napier. “I’m passionate for the game, and I seen it in their eyes,” he said. Napier finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.

I could analyze the game, but what’s the point, really? It’s all over! The season’s over, and while “The Hawk Will Never Die,” he certainly doesn’t play basketball all the time.

With the end of each basketball season, I

Seniors leave legacy Continued SENIORS, from pg. 16 After back-to-back losses to George Washington and La Salle to close out the regular season, the Hawks edged out acclose game against Dayton in the quarterfinals of the A-10 Tournament. Senior heroics were abounding when Galloway sank a step back 3-pointer to win the game with 19 seconds to go.

Kanacevic stepped up again to keep the Hawks focused through a rough first half, in which the Hawks found themselves down by nine points with 11:07 left before the half.

Kanacevic anchored the Hawks and allowed them to take a commanding 21-point lead late in the second half.

He finished the game with 26 points and 17 rebounds.

In the A-10 Championship game, Roberts, Jr. and Kanacevic both posted double doubles, with Kanacevic adding 11 points and 14 rebounds, while Roberts, Jr. put up 15 points and 11 rebounds, going perfect from the floor.

Roberts, Jr. added another double-double in the loss to Connecticut; meanwhile, Kanacevic added 12 points and five assists, while Galloway led the game with 25 points.

This senior class has added three 1,000 point scorers, the all-time leader in 3-pointers made in a career, and the second all-time leading scorer. They will also go down as one of three St. Joe’s teams to win an A-10 Championship.

The next step for St. Joe’s is to build upon the foundation these players have reconstructed. “[The seniors] left a mark that will have to be followed by DeAndre [Bembry] and Chris Wilson and the incoming kids we have,” said Martelli.

always feel like St. Joe’s undergoes an identity crisis. Without basketball, our school’s image is of—what? An over-Instagrammed gothic tower?

A sure-to-be-hilarious Spring Concert choice?

Whatever identity St. Joe’s usually takes on at this time of year, it surely can’t be quite the same as that of basketball. When a program loses seniors of this caliber and quality, it takes time to recover.

It had been six years since the last appearance by the Hawks in the NCAA Tournament. How long will it be until the next berth?

What happens now? The trip is over, and we’ve returned from Buffalo, but to what? From Buffalo with love, we can only hope it’s to a campus that remains the same, even though it now feels so very different. We can only hope for brighter days.

Illustration by Alexander Houpert ’14

This week in sports March 26- April 1

March 26 Women’s lacrosse v. Drexel at 4 p.m. at Sweeney Field March 28 Men’s tennis at UMBC TBA Women’s tennis at UMBC at 11 a.m.

Baseball v Saint Bonaventure at 3 p.m. at Smithson Field March 29 Men’s rowing at Pennsauken, N.J. Men’s tennis at Richmond TBA Women’s tennis at Richmond at 10 a.m.

Men’s and women’s track & field at Lafayette at 11 a.m.

Softball v. Fordham at SJU Softball Field at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Baseball v. Saint Bonaventure at Smithson at 2 p.m.

March 30 Baseball v. Saint Bonaventure at Smithson at 12 p.m.

April 1 Men’s tennis v. Drexel at SJU Tennis Complex at 2 p.m.

Women’s tennis v. Drexel at SJU Tennis Complex at 2:30 p.m.

Baseball v. Villanova at Plymouth Township, Pa. at 3:15 p.m.

Men’s lacrosse v. Mount Saint Mary’s at Sweeney Field at 7 p.m.

March 26, 2014

The Hawk

Week

Sports | 15

Hawk of the week

in review

Baseball went 3-1 over a four game stretch.

They beat Monmouth by a score of 14-4 with junior catcher Brian O’Keefe hitting two home runs and driving in four runs. The Hawks followed that up with back-to-back wins against George Washington. Chris Hueth, Stefan Kancylarz, and Tommy Cunningham each had three RBIs in their 13-1 win over George Washington.

Softball had 9-6 and 1-0 wins over George Mason to start Atlantic 10 play. Nicole Palase went 3-4 with three RBIs. Men’s tennis fell to Duquesne 7-0 after beating Delaware 5-2. Against Delaware, the Hawks picked up the doubles point with teams of Kyle Chalmers & Andres Urrea and Pierre Brondeau & Paranjay Malotra picking up wins at second and third doubles.

Dan Barrus, Urrea, Chalmers, and Triatan Boustany won in third, fourth, fifth, and sixth singles, respectively.

Women’s tennis took down Duquesne 5-2 with Aurora Davis, Devi Jadeja, Kelly Mulquin, Claire Minnoe, and Arinne Polatnick picking up wins in singles.

Men’s lacrosse topped Michigan 15-6 with sophomore attack Pat Swanick and freshman attack Michael Rastivo scoring four goals apiece.

Women’s lacrosse fell to Campbell 11-7 with sophomore defender Kelly Phelan and freshman attack Nora McCallion each netting two goals. Sophomore attack Emily Bowers dished out three assists in the loss.

Back to the ballpark

Photo by C.J. DeMille, ’16, Sports Editor

ERin Shields Senior guard Erin Shields led the Saint Joseph’s University women’s basketball team to a 67-57 win over eighth seeded Georgia. Shields had a game high 18 points, including four 3-pointers as well as 7 rebounds.

Shields leads the Hawks with 15.0 points per game as well as shooting 40 percent from behind the 3-point arch this season.

A look at this year’s baseball season TIM STOECKLE ’14 Hawk Staff

Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby once said, “People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” That’s something that diehard baseball fans can relate to. And now, five months after the Boston Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2013 World Series, it’s time for a new season, which brings new hope for all 30 clubs. Here are the top questions heading into the season, and my attempt to answer each of them.

Will the Phillies be as bad as people think?

Probably. The news of Cole Hamels’ injury is crushing for the Phillies, who were banking on their rotation being what would keep them competitive. The lineup is aging, and aging quickly, and the bullpen is shallow and uncertain. However, Phillies fans can put some hope in manager Ryne Sandberg, who is beginning his first full season in charge of this team. Sandberg will play more small-ball than Charlie Manuel ever did. If the core players stay healthy, then this year could be better than people are anticipating in Philadelphia. But that’s a big “if.”

Who will be this year’s Pittsburgh Pirates?

Last year, the Pittsburgh Pirates had their first winning season since 1992. Not only that, but they won 94 games and earned a Wild Card spot. The Pirates seemingly came out of nowhere to make the postseason; who, if anyone, will do that in 2014? Keep an eye on the Kansas City Royals. The Royals have not made

the postseason since they won the World Series in 1985, but this may be the year that they finally play October baseball again. James Shields is a proven ace at the top of a very balanced rotation, and Greg Holland solidifies the back-end of a strong bullpen. The lineup is filled with talent, such as Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, and Omar Infante. Kansas City has a huge amount of talent; it’s just going to come down to whether or not this inexperienced team knows how to win big games in September.

Who will win the ultra-competitive American League East?

Baseball’s best division is the American League East, which features four playoff-caliber teams: the Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, and Orioles. Last year, all four of those teams won at least 85 games; this year should be the same story. The Red Sox, the defending champs, should return to the postseason, despite losing center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury to the rival Yankees. Boston still has a deep lineup and rotation that will keep them competitive.

Tampa Bay made the postseason last year, and they are just as good, if not better, this season thanks to a rotation full of young, fresh arms. Joe Maddon is a brilliant manager who will make sure that the Rays are in the hunt come September.

Baltimore won 85 games last season without a very good rotation, so in an attempt to improve, they signed both Ubaldo Jimenez and Johan Santana. The Orioles also added Nelson Cruz to one of baseball’s most feared lineups.

Finally, the Yankees lost Robinson Cano, but added Ellsbury, Brian McCann, and Carlos Beltran. They also signed Japanese phenom Masahiro Tanaka in an attempt to strengthen their rotation. Right now, New York is my pick to win the East, but don’t be surprised if they finish fourth in this competitive division.

Will anyone dethrone Miguel Cabrera as American League MVP?

Miguel Cabrera has won backto-back American League MVP awards and now is making the transition back to playing first base, which could actually help his hitting as he will put less strain on his body in the field. Cabrera hit .348 with 44 home runs and 137 RBI last season, and will most likely see similar numbers in 2014. So, who’s his competition? We’ll start with Angels’ outfielder Mike Trout.

Trout hit .323 with 27 home runs, 97 RBI, 33 stolen bases, and an on-base percentage of .432 last season. He is Cabrera’s biggest threat for a three-peat. Other top contenders to watch are Baltimore’s Chris Davis, Texas’ Prince Fielder, Seattle’s Robinson Cano, and Trout’s teammate in Los Angeles, Albert Pujols.

Who will play in the 2014 World Series?

Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Out of the American League, I have the Texas Rangers beating the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS. Texas has an incredible lineup thanks to newly acquired Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo joining Adrian Beltre, Elvis Andrus, Alex Rios, and company. The Rangers rotation is lead by Yu Darvish and is deep enough to keep them

winning throughout the 162 game season and into October.

In the National League, I’ve got the Los Angeles Dodgers defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS. The Dodgers are the most talented team in baseball, and it all starts with their ace Clayton Kershaw, who is the best pitcher in the game.

After Kershaw, the rotation has Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu, giving them one of the best top-three starters in the MLB. The Dodgers lineup is also stacked, with Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Carl Crawford, Matt Kemp, and Yasiel Puig. Completing this team is a deep a bullpen, which is the finishing touch on what should be the first World Series title in Hollywood since 1988.

Who will win the major awards?

American League MVP: Mike Trout, Angels National League MVP: Joey Votto, Reds American League Cy Young: Justin Verlander, Tigers National League Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers American League Rookie of the Year: Masahiro Tanaka, Yankees National League Rookie of the Year: Oscar Taveras, Cardinals American League Manager of the Year: Ron Washington, Rangers National League Manager of the Year: Matt Williams, Nationals

16 Sports

March 26, 2014

The Hawk

Photos by Shannon Adams, ’16, Photo Editor & Sideline Photography, LLC

Mission accomplished

Senior Hawks leave lasting legacy on Hawk Hill C.J. DEMILLE ’16 Sports Editor

Saint Joseph’s University men’s basketball team needed a lift.

After an 11-20 season and an 11th place finish in the Atlantic 10 in the 20092010 season, the Hawks brought in five freshmen recruits, a transfer student, in then-sophomore forward Halil Kancevic.

Of those six players, Kanacevic, Ronald Roberts, Jr., Langston Galloway, Daryus Quarles, and walk-on forward Colin Kelly will leave St. Joe’s this May after making a lasting impact on the men’s basketball program.

“What I asked them to do is to be better men than they were as high school kids,” said Head Coach Phil Martelli after the season-ending loss to the University of Connecticut. “Across the board, that’s a yes. I want them to be on the brink of college graduation. They’ve done that. And

every one of them is a better player. So mission accomplished for those five guys.”

These players leave Hawk Hill after amassing 73 wins in their careers for the Hawks. They also guided the team to their best record since the 2003-2004 season with a 24-10 record their senior year.

Galloway, Kanacevic, and Roberts, Jr. became the leaders of the Hawks during their senior campaign. Galloway and Roberts, Jr. were the team’s two leading scorers, while Kanacevic led the Hawks in rebounding, assists, and blocked shots.

After losing in the first round of the NIT last season, the seniors gathered to discuss their plans for this current season.

“They met last year, one week after we lost in the NIT and they looked at each other and said, ‘We’re not going out like this. This is not the way we’re going to be

remembered,”’ said Martelli.

The three led the team through a tumultuous 4-4 start to the season, including the infamous 30 point loss at the hands of Villanova, but Kanacevic ignited a 9-1 game stretch after his strong play in the second half of the Dec. 18 game against Drexel in Michael J. Hagan ’85 Arena.

“They were not going to go out that way,” said Martelli. “Each in their own way: Langston with his work ethic and Ron with his personality and his smile, and Halil with his drive and his ‘mouth’.

He talks everybody through exactly what has to happen. And Colin Kelly shouldn’t be ignored, nor should Darius Quarles be ignored.”

St. Joe’s went into halftime down 2723 to the Dragons, but Kanacevic was able to work the Hawks back into the game

ending with a career high 27 points and 14 rebounds as the Hawks took a 75-55 win.

“I think the game he had and the game that saved the season was the second half against Drexel,” said Martelli. “We were down a couple at the half, I think he had 27 against Drexel, and he knew it; he knew that day that we really need him, because we weren’t hitting on all cylinders.”

The Hawks stumbled against the University of Massachusetts and Richmond for a 14-6 record going into the most crucial three game stretch of the regular season. The Hawks were able to avenge the earlier loss to UMass, but beat Virginia Commonwealth University to put themselves in second place in the A-10.

Continued SENIORS, pg. 14

Back and better than ever Women’s basketball picks up NCAA Tournament win C.J. DEMILLE ’16 Sports Editor What a difference a year can make.

As a junior, guard Erin Shields struggled in the Saint Joseph’s University women’s basketball team’s loss to Vanderbilt in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Shields scored just five points on 2-14 from the floor. After being a steady 3-point threat for the Hawks, shooting just under 40 percent from behind the arch, Shields went 1-11 in the NCAA Tournament.

This season, Shields and the Hawks found themselves back in the NCAA Tournament, back on the same court on which they lost to Vanderbilt 60-54 last season. This time, they came away with the victory.

“It’s terrific,” said Head Coach Cindy

Griffin after the win. “Not only is it great for Saint Joseph’s University and our program, but it’s also great for the Atlantic 10 Conference. It’s a stepping stone, and though we were very excited about winning the Atlantic 10 Tournament last year, this team wanted to take it a step further this year in getting to the tournament and winning a game. It’s huge.”

Shields scored a game high 18 points, shooting 4-6 from 3-point range. The 5’6” guard pulled down seven rebounds in the Hawks’ 67-57 win over Georgia. The Hawks utilized their solid outside shooting, ending the game shooting 50 percent from 3-point range.

“I felt better this year, obviously,” said Shields. “Coming into this game, coach

had said before the game that I had to be ready to shoot, and it’s really important that I can’t worry about the last play or last missed shot. Having teammates pick you up and coaches telling you to keep pushing was the difference this year.”

Ashley Robinson had another double-double, adding 10 points and pulling down 19 rebounds, five of which came on the offensive end of the floor. The Hawks were steadied by junior guard Natasha Cloud, who posted 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.

“I think my teammates having confidence in me really gives me a boost,” said Cloud. “At that point, coach had dug into me a little bit, telling me I needed to shoot the ball, so I did it. We made plays and we

got open looks. We executed very well in the last few minutes.”

The Hawks earned their first NCAA Tournament win for the first time in 14 years after losing to Vanderbilt last season.

“It means a lot,” said Shields on the win. “It’s been an unbelievable experience, and I think being here last year and getting the loss we learned how that felt. We came in here to show what we have. Being a part of the program for my whole life, growing up at Saint Joseph’s, nothing feels better than representing your program and making them proud. I know we made Saint Joseph’s proud today.”