10/01/09

Hockey Season Preview

TerraCycle: Think Green

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The

Fighting the Fear of Progress

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Michigan Tech Lode

October 1, 2009

Serving the Michigan Tech Community Since 1921

Housing to consider revising cancellation procedures A look at other Midwestern Universities’ Housing cancellation policies

KAYLA HERRERA Editor-in-Chief In reference to “Homeless in Houghton”, an article ran in the Sept. 25 issue of the Lode, sources have disclosed that the Michigan Tech Housing organization appreciated the feedback and is evaluating the housing contract in order to establish a better process incorporating straightforward instructions and improved communications between student and faculty.

According to the official Michigan Tech “Contract Release” policy, housing contracts are automatically terminated upon proper check-out of the Residence Hall. Students wishing to terminate their contract early may be released from their housing contract if they are requesting to live locally with a blood relative, can prove a significant change in finances since entering the contract or have a serious extenuating situation such as medical issues, upcoming marriage or counseling-related issues. A written request for release is required to be submitted to the Housing director and then undergoes an appeal process if denied. If approved, students must pay a $200 fine. This policy has been changed four times in the past 20 years.

Practices from several other state universities demonstrate an uncomplicated procedure, as revealed below. Michigan Tech Housing is looking to potentially modify guidelines/procedures to better support the student population and institutional needs going forward. Also, notification of the approved appeal in writing was communicated through email a day after the “Homeless in Houghton” article was published.

For more information about housing procedures at Michigan Tech, visit www.mtu.edu/housing.

Michigan Tech Provide documentation of hardship Appeal letter required Appeals process through Housing $200 cancellation fee if approved

Western Michigan University Similar to Michigan Tech

University of Michigan

No cancellation fee upon approval of hardship

Michigan State University

$40 application fee No cancellation fee upon approval of hardship

Northern Michigan University

No cancellation fee upon approval of hardship

The Ohio State University

No cancellation fee upon approval of hardship

Central Michigan University

Seven-day cancellation period, then $300 fee

University of Wisconsin - Madison

No cancellation fee upon approval of hardship

Compiled by Kayla Herrera

Career Center aims to assist all majors Although most Michigan Tech students are engineering majors, the Career Center is dedicated to serving all students

“To be honest, for about my first two years at Tech I always said, ‘I go to Michigan Tech, but I’m not a Michigan Tech student,’” said Victoria Peters, a fourth year in Communication and Culture studies. Engineering has been the very quintessence of campus since Michigan Tech University came together in 1964, but some students wonder if there is room to be successful outside of the engineering locale on campus.

In Fall 2008, an enrollment report issued by Michigan Tech indicated that 999 freshman out of 1720 were pursuing some branch of engineering. Therefore, Michigan Tech’s campus is mostly comprised of engineering students; this majority evidently leads to the resulting decisions of the participants in each career fair.

Devoted to a campus of thousands of students, the Michigan Tech Career Center offers a variety of services to guide students on a thriving path to a career. But there is one question that lingers in the minds of select Tech students of non-engineering curricula: if this is an engineeringdominated school, what is to

become of a non-engineering major, particularly around the time of the Career Fair?

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, the annual Michigan Tech Career Fair took place in the SDC with over 100 different companies scouting for students to contribute their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm. For many, the Career Fair is an opportunity to make connections and cement a relationship with a future employer.

Nacelink, a new feature to the Michigan Tech Web site, recently replaced the eRecruiting software with updated benefits to better equip Michigan Tech students with the tools and tips to perfect resumes, keep track of job offers/ interviews, and seek answers to any questions related to the job field and its process. Online, students can search and apply for jobs, internships or co-ops. The ones listed under Nacelink are typically geared towards Michigan Tech students specifically. In turn, employers can use Nacelink to search for qualifying students and overlook resumes. But even with the extravagancies of the Michigan Tech Career Fair, Humanities students still worry about the lack of employers interested in a humanities-driven worker.

“Jim [Turnquist] recommend-

ed that you do research into each engineering major to help them company and see what type of with their job search,” said Way. work they offer. Even if the rep- The Career Center abstains from resentatives are only here to hire discrimination when it comes to engineers, if you explain to them the majors of students. Regardhow you can benefit the com- less of the student’s area of inpany, what terest, the you can center is do, they dedicated will take to aiding your rethe student sume back in any way to the possible. comp any In terms for those of allocatwho hire ing more for the time for re cruitnon-enment pogineering sitions or majors, the public the Career rel ations Center ofpositions fers to help to review students it,” said Pefind comters. panies that - Julie Way, Career Advisor Ju l i e can gratify Way, a catheir career advireer direcsor at the tion, even Career if it means Center, believes that despite be- zeroing in on feasible opportuniing a Humanities major at Michi- ties in a select location. gan Tech, there are still ways for “Whether your next career that student to successfully ob- move is to go to a good grad tain a job. school or into the corporate “[Career advisors] might have world, we are here to guide evto devote more time to a non- ery step of the way,” said Way.

“

Whether your next career move is to go to a good grad school or into the corporate world, we are here to guide every step of the way.

“

KAYLA HERRERA Editor-in-Chief

Online exclusives PDF Archives of all issues this year

For a Humanities student trying to make their way on the Michigan Tech campus, it is vastly recommended to get involved in anything to help acquire a background. Companies seek out prospective employers with applied experience; they want someone who knows how to toil in the real world.

“I remember voicing to Michael Moore that I didn’t think there was enough on campus for us and he said ‘make your own opportunities,’” said Peters. Even for Humanities majors, there are always ways to integrate talent into campus activities. “If you can’t find an avenue to express yourself and you have a vision, I think this is the best advice to take.”

At the heels of the Career Fair, the medley of the majors at Michigan Tech can be rest assured that despite the varying amounts of attention each receives, there is equal opportunity available to those who exert the labor.

“Every student needs to be proactive from very early on in their academic career, in finding ways to use their theoretical and academic skills, in a tangible and pragmatic way: make something, write something, build something, and produce something,” said Way.

Check it all out at: www.mtulode.com Sports

Husky Hodgepodge

Live blogs during games Game recaps

She said/he said response videos

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Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 1, 2009

News

Annual event brings students, families together KATE HENSHAW Lode Writer Beginning Friday, Oct 2, Family Weekend will be in full swing.

Parents and families of Michigan Tech students will be visiting from the midwest around the country to get a glimpse at what the campus and the community have to offer.

To start off the weekend, Friday, parents are invited to attend class with their students. Following class, Jane Nordberg will present “The History of Winter Carnival”

in Dow 641 at 4 p.m. This free presentation will outline how the tradition got started and how it has changed since then. Later, broomball exhibition games and trial are scheduled at the MacInnes Ice Arena to show parents what broomball is all about and to give them a chance to try it out. Meanwhile, “Bandarama,” a concert and a Family Weekend tradition featuring the Superior Wind Symphony, Pep Band, and Jazz Lab Band, will be held at the Rozsa Center. Immediately following the concert, there will be a chance to meet with Michigan

Tech faculty, staff and administration at a meet and greet, which will take place in the lower lobby and newly opened art gallery in the Rozsa Center. This will also feature an art exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service entitled “The Dancer Within.” Other Friday night activities include Filmboard’s showing of Disney/Pixar’s “UP” and free Student Activities Comedy Series (SACS) Comedian Adam Ace who is performing at 10 pm in the MUB ballroom.

On Saturday, there are tours

Public Safety shake-up STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor As we briefly showed in our campus change article two weeks ago, the Department of Public Safety and Police Services (DPSPS) has made many changes over the summer and early fall, which are expected to improve safety and services across campus. This article will more thoroughly discuss some of the changes, and how they will impact those in the Michigan Tech community.

One of the primary reasons for the many changes is that the DPSPS is under new management. Dan Bennett, who comes to Michigan Tech from the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, took over as department chief in June. Since then, Bennett has instituted several changes and improvements, not least of which is the addition of “Police Services” to the moniker. Bennett said, “Because Michigan Tech employs sworn law enforcement officers, adding the moniker ‘Police Services’ to the name erases all ambiguity and informs the public that we are a law enforcement agency. In addition to po-

lice related services, our department also offers a wide range of public safety services, including a safe walk program, weapons registration and storage, parking registration and bike registration.”

Bike registration is one of the biggest additions this year. For a nominal one dollar fee, bicycles can be registered on campus.

Students can fill out a quick form and affix a small decal to the bike, which can help the DPSPS track down the bike if it is lost or stolen. Those who register their bike before Oct. 14 will be automatically entered into a drawing for a free high quality bike lock. Four will be given out.

In addition to the aforementioned changes, the DPSPS is more heavily involved in patrolling the campus, providing special and sporting event security (Sgt. Hoffman received specialized training in this area from the Department of Homeland Security), offering a women’s self defense course (information will be announced soon) and updating essential equipment, which will make the entire department more up to date.

One of the more controversial issues on campus that the DPSPS

is directly involved with is parking and handing out tickets. The University is currently forming a task force to better assess the parking issue. One of the concerns they will be looking at is creating an appeals process so that those who feel they received a citation in error can better defend themselves.

“However, parking violations on campus will still be enforced.

Failure to enforce parking regulations will create a safety hazard that is unacceptable,” said Bennett. “Areas must be clear so authorized emergency vehicles (Fire, EMS and Police) can get to those in need as quickly as possible. Parking vehicles in fire lanes or handicapped spaces are serious infractions that will not be ignored.”

While the DPSPS is excited about the many changes, Bennett noted that, “While we constantly strive to provide the best services possible, campus safety is truly a team commitment in which all facets of the community should be involved. It is important that everyone take responsibility for their own vested interests in helping create a community where everyone feels safe, happy and secure.

scheduled all over the Copper Country, including a chair lift color tour at Mont Ripley, a Hungarian Falls hike, a Sturgeon River paddling trip, and Quincy Mine tours throughout the afternoon. In the evening, the Michigan Tech hockey team will kick of the season with their first exhibition game against Ryerson University. The Michigan Tech Mom and Dad of the Year, a title received by student nominations, will be announced at intermission, as well as the 2009 Homecoming Court. If theater is more your forte, The Reduced

Shakespeare Company will perform “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” a comedy based on short summaries of Shakespeare’s works, on the Rozsa Center stage.

Family Weekend will wrap up on Sunday, with the Keweenaw Brunch, held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. There will still be opportunity take a quick tour of the Copper Country, as some tours will be scheduled through the afternoon.

For more information, visit the Family Weekend website at www. familyweekend.mtu.edu.

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 1, 2009

Pulse

TerraCycle: Thinking Green

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TerraCycle has invented an innovative way to resuse all garbage, including theit famous “upcycling” technique.

NICHOLAS BLECHA Lode Writer The topic at the Rozsa Center on Sept. 24 was an unusual one: garbage. That night, Tom Szaky, the founder of TerraCycle, gave a free lecture titled “Revolution in a Bottle.” TerraCycle is a company that bases its business on using garbage to create new products.

The lecture largely described the history of the company. The first slide on the PowerPoint presentation behind Szaky read, “What is Garbage?” That question is the basis for much of Szaky’s and TerraCycle’s work.

In nature, Szaky explained, waste becomes the “food” for the next generation of life. However, the waste that humans create doesn’t contribute towards future life. In fact, he continued, it is the only commodity with a negative value, i.e. people are willing to pay to for someone else to take it.

TerraCycle got its beginning when Szaky observed some of his friends working to grow certain plants. Though the plants were difficult to grow, he and his friends observed that the plants fed by worm fertilizer grew the best. Eventually Szaky realized that it could be possible to feed large numbers of worms organic waste, collect the droppings, and sell the resultant fertilizer, and thanks to the rule above “get paid on both ends.”

Eventually the company convinced Wal-Mart to carry their product, and it took off from there. Over the years TerraCycle diversified, and now the company develops ways to reuse all

garbage. One of their more famous techniques is “upcycling” in which waste products like wrappers of drink pouches are used to form new, more useful products, such as pencil cases or backpacks.

In a sense, then, TerraCycle is a fairly successful “green” company. Szaky explains its success compared to other “green” companies that went under has having a specific focus. TerraCycle is by all appearances an ordinary company, except that it the products it makes by design reduce the amount of garbage going into landfills. In the process, TerraCycle has gotten really good at what it does, as it is able to make something out of almost any garbage, even just melting or grinding stuff down to start over with it. It’s success is so great that the company even has its own TV show on the National Geographic Channel, Garbage Moguls, where each episode the TerraCycle engineers focus on an engineering challenge related to garbage, such as turning Oreo wrappers into kites.

Overall, the presentation was well received by the students.

MTU student Becky Bender was greatly impressed overall by Szaky’s concept, saying, “To do a new idea and put it into an old business model …[it’s] just a good idea.” Other students expressed interest in Szaky’s idea, and discussed it excitedly as they left the theater.

The Rozsa Center periodically offers free lectures to students.

The next free lecture will be by Cambodian survivor Loung Ung on November 9.

TerraCycle Photos by Antti Knautas

Open Mic Night Thomas Gast Lode Writer If you were not one of the over one hundred students at either the Social Dance Club’s Boogie Down with the Keweenaw Clowns dance, or the Memorial Union Board’s Open Mic Night this past Saturday, you missed out on a lot of student talent.

At Social Dance’s Boogie Down

with the Keweenaw Clowns dance, students had the chance to learn and dance the polka, waltz, swing and tango. “The dance was great, and our next one will be even better!” said Social Dance President, Lee Gaiser.

“It was a lot of fun. They were a great band… It was really fun to learn the waltz!” said dance attendee, Anneli Michaelson While at the Open Mic Night,

about a dozen of your fellow colleagues went up to the microphone to show off their talents including poetry and many pieces with vocals and guitars. “I think it was a huge success, and I am excited for the next one!” said attendee Kurt Bonham. “I really enjoyed the mood the candles set for the evening,” said event organizer Trevor Gibson.

We Take Requests!

Open Mic Photos by Caitlin Pionke

Have something you would like to see in the Lode? Visit our website and send us your request. www.mtulode.com

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Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 1, 2009

Sports

Huskies look to rebound with healthy squad By Michigan Tech Hockey Season Preview DAVER KARNOSKY Lode Writer With hockey season right around the corner, head coach Jamie Russell and his squad look to rebound from a nearly disastrous 2008-09 season in which the team finished with just six wins, only two of which came in the WCHA. There were a few bright spots amid the difficult stretches, as the Huskies defeated Minnesota, North Dakota and even swept U.P.-rival Northern Michigan.

Six seniors lead the way for the Huskies. Captain Malcolm Gwilliam (2-5=7) was held to just nine games a season ago, but looks to be the leader this season. Versatile junior defenseman Drew Dobson (5-14=19) made the jump to wing after injuries ravaged the offense, and proved he could handle the transition.

Forward Ryan Bunger (0-2=2) and defensemen Eli Vlaisavljevich (0-1=1), John Kivisto (1-4=5) and Mike VanWagner (0-1=1) will all be counted on to give leadership to the younger players this season.

A small but experienced junior

class is expected to continue to Defenseman Ricky Doriott (0build off of a strong campaign. 2=2 in 21 games) played stronger Defenseman Deron Cousens (5- as the season progressed, seeing 11=16) was a pleasant surprise ice time in crucial situations late last season. in the season.

Assistant captain Jordan Baker Between the pipes, a pair of (16-11=27) led the Huskies in sophomores return in Josh Robgoals, points and shots (111). Eric inson (4-8-2 overall, 3.09 goals Kattelus (1-3=4 in 21 games) has against average, 88.9 saves peryet to play a full season in black centage) and Corson Cramer and gold. Bennett Royer (1-6=7) (0-0-0 overall, 4.00 goals against will need to average, 83.3 step up s a v e s his ofpercentMichigan Tech vs. Ryerson fensive age). output R o b John MacInnes Student Ice Arena this seainson Saturday, 7:07 p.m. son. started T h e 16 games r e a l last seastrength of the Huskies comes son, including the pair of wins in the sophomore class with as- over the Wildcats, and will look sistant captain Brett Olson (10- to carry the load this season.

13=23) leading the way.

Eight skaters and a goaltenForwards Peter Rohn (2-3=5 der make up the freshman class in 20 games), Alex MacLeod (6- this season. Huskies’ fans might 3=9), Seth Soley (0-0=0 in 22 remember Mikael Lickteig who games) and Bryce Reddick (0-0=0 played in the game against Toin 23 games) will all be counted ronto last season, but never laced on to continue to make strides. the skates up again after getting A powerplay specialist, MacLeod injured. scored all six of his goals while on Forward Milos Gordic, a 6’4”, the man advantage.

210 lbs. center, scored 58 points

in 50 games for Langley Chiefs in the BCHL. Evan Witt (5’11”, 185 lbs.) netted 36 points in 58 with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the BCHL. Michigan-born Anthony Schooley (5’10”, 187 lbs.) and Aaron Pietila (6’0”, 187 lbs.) will both look to add depth to the lineup as well.

Three defensemen will push the upperclassmen. Tommy Brown (5’9”, 180 lbs.), Carl Neilson (6’4”, 220 lbs.), and Steven Seigo (6’0”, 180 lbs.) all possess strong offensive ability and could be counted on to display their talents early.

Brown and Seigo have already played together with Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge this past season.

Goalie Kevin Genoe (5-11, 165 lbs.) earned 20 wins last season with the Prince George Spruce Kings in the BCHL last season and could see significant time if Robinson falters.

For full preview, including a look ahead at the year’s schedule, the renovations in the John MacInnes Ice Arena and a glimpse at this weekend’s opponent, Ryerson, head to mtulode.com/sports/ hockey.

#

the

r e b m nu

9.51

assists per set by volleyball freshman Madeline Haben.

11

years since a sophomore wore a hockey letter - Brett Olson is an assistant captain this year.

21

years as women’s tennis head coach for Mike Axford. The program has been around for 35 years.

25

years since Michigan Tech beat Grand Valley State in football.

43.5

points per game allowed by the football Huskies defense - worst in the GLIAC.

Schedules/Results Football (0-4, 0-4 GLIAC) Grand Valley 55-7 MTU Saturday @ Ferris State, 7 p.m.

DAVER KARNOSKY Lode Writer When the Minnesota State Mavericks joined the WCHA in 1999, the general consensus was that the league was done opening its doors. This seemed evident mainly due to the Bemidji State Beavers’ attempt to get in, only to see the women’s hockey program accepted without the men’s.

This June, head coach Tom Serratore saw his Beavers use their 20-16-1 season, which included a trip to the Frozen Four, to help fulfill their wish to join the nation’s premier league. Serratore’s crew returns top scorer Matt Read, a

WCHA opens its doors for first time in ten years junior, who notched 40 points last season. Dynamic sophomore defenseman Brad Hunt (9-23=32) also returns as the Beavers will face three current WCHA members this season.

The Beavers had been in desperate need of a home after their league, College Hockey America, lost Niagara University and Robert Morris to Atlantic Hockey. Starting with the 2010-11 season, the WCHA agreed to their application on one condition: there had to be another school interested in joining to keep the numbers even.

Enter the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks who finished eighth in the CCHA last season. Having last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2006, the Mavericks are an interesting bunch. Former North Dakota head coach Dean Blais has taken over a program that boasts three All-Americans in the past 12 seasons. Two of the three, Greg Zanon (Nashville) and Jeff Hoggan (St. Louis, Boston, and Phoenix) have seen significant playing time in the NHL. Other former Mavericks in the NHL include Bill Thomas

(Phoenix and Pittsburg) and Dan Ellis (Nashville).

Blais takes over a veteran squad with 14 upper classmen this season. Senior defenseman Eddie DelGrosso (6-28=34) is the highest scoring returning skater. Juniors Rich Purslow (12-12=24) and Joey Martin (10-14=24) are the top forwards returning.

While the league changes will not take effect this season, it will certainly be interesting to see where these two teams finish in their final audition before joining the WCHA next year.

Volleyball (6-9, 4-3 GLIAC) Hillsdale 3-1 MTU MTU 3-2 Findlay Friday @ Ashland, 7 p.m.

Saturday @ Tiffin, 2 p.m.

W. Tennis (2-2, 2-2 GLIAC)

Grand Valley 6-3 MTU MTU 5-4 Ferris State Friday vs. Tiffin, 1 p.m.

Saturday vs. Ashland, 11 a.m.

Cross Country Men, 8th of 20, Roy Griak Inv. Women, 11th of 22, Roy Griak Off until Oct. 9 Visit gliac.org for full standings

Editor’s Shootout

The Editor’s Shootout is a competition of knowledge, luck and wits between sports editor Stephen Anderson, business manager Richard Goodell, pulse editor Luke Gublo and online editor Jeremiah Baumann. Stephen won two years ago with former opinion editor Rob Devaun winning last year. This will be a weekly feature where each editor picks his winners of the three biggest games/series of the week and backs up his decisions with a short rant. THIS WEEK: Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings, Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Red Wings vs. St. Louis Blues (two games)

LUKE GUBLO Pulse Editor 2-1 Last Week, 6-3 Overall

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor 2-1 Last Week, 5-4 Overall

RICHARD GOODELL Business Manager 2-1 Last Week, 5-4 Overall

JEREMIAH BAUMANN Online Editor 2-1 Last Week, 5-4 Overall

The Green Bay Packers come into the Metrodome to face Brett Favre, which promises to be a thrilling matchup with lots of drama. But the game is in the dome, so advantage Vikings. Down in East Lansing, Michigan is much improved and poised to take back the Paul Bunyan Trophy. The Wings open their season in Sweden against the St. Louis Blues. The Wings are better, but expect a tie due to the long distance travel.

Vikings 21-16

Favre’s late-game heroics saved Minnesota last week, but the Vi-Queens will fall on the other side of Favre’s riskreward coin this week, as a last-drive interception seals the victory for Green Bay in the Dome. The Wolverines will double up the Spartans behind the strong play of Forcier. Lastly, the Wings will prove to be a powerhouse yet again.

Detroit will sweep the season-opening series, largely due to Lidstrom’s strong play in his home country and the improved play of their young guns.

Packers 17-16

The Pack is back, and in a big way. Watch as Rodgers wins the game AND my fantasy week. AP and Favre produce, but the Packers pull off a last minute victory. I can’t pick against a Wolverines team that has pulled off thrilling victories in every big matchup they have had this year. NHL... blah, haha.

Packers 30-28

The way old man Favre played last week and a chance to take on his old team, Vikings all the way for Monday Night Football. Michigan has the upper hand over State this week. YAY HOCKEY! However, since it is the beginning of the season, it’ll split, as both teams have to keep everyone healthy for the rest of the season.

Vikings 34-21

Wolverines 31-24 Wings/Blues 1-1

Wolverines 40-20 Red Wings 2-0

Wolverines 27-23 Red Wings 2-0

Wolverines 28-24 Wings/Blues 1-1

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 1, 2009

Volleyball team heads back on the road to face Ashland, Tiffin LAUREN WIZA Lode Writer Traveling to Ohio this weekend, the Michigan Tech volleyball team (5-9, 3-3) hopes to bring back a pair of wins against GLIAC foes Ashland University (7-8, 3-4) and Tiffin University (2-14, 0-7).

Coming off of three straight GLIAC losses to Saginaw Valley, Wayne State, and Northwood University, Ashland will be hungry for a win. Crystal Elliot and Brittany Snider lead the Eagles offense with Elliot dishing out 9.6 assists per set and Snider pounding down four kills per set on average. Last year (Oct. 2, 2008), the Huskies pulled out a narrow win against Ashland in five sets that saw Michigan Tech produce 60 kills, 55 assists, 81 digs, and 14 blocks.

Taken down in four games by Ashland on Sept. 15 this season, the Tiffin Dragons have struggled

to find their groove. While their game with the Eagles saw nine service errors, five serve receive errors, and a lack of accuracy at the net, the Dragons produced 14 blocks and managed 69 digs.

Amanda Marquardt and Brooke Bernabei lead Tiffin’s defense with 3.32 and 3.1 digs per set so far this season. With only one senior and almost half the team as freshman and sophomores, Tiffin shares a similar make-up with Michigan Tech.

Senior captain, Kaari Nevanen has seen a continuous improvement in the communication of the Huskies with each game this season. In accordance with the goals of head coach Orlando Gonzalez, this communication should assist the team in becoming more consistent on the court. Michigan Tech will need to do just that in order to be successful this weekend. Ashland and Michigan Tech will commence game play at 7 p.m. Friday night.

New sports parking policy in place Football

Lots 22, 23, 24, the Advanced Technology Development Center lot and all spaces at the Tech Trails and Softball Fields • • •

Hockey

Same as previous years with Lot 24 staying reserved for Huskies Club members

Basketball

Lots 22, 23 and 24

All lots listed above will be $2/vehicle Huskies Club members will have free parking in all lots Vehicles parked illegally or in no parking zones will be subject to tickets

Club Sport Spotlight:

Baseball

The Lode is proud to continue its new feature this year where we continue to highlight a different club sport team each week in an effort to expand the awareness of some of the great sports we have on the club level here at Michigan Tech. This week the focus shifts to the Baseball Club of Michigan Tech.

The Huskies opened their season with a tall task, traveling to Northland College who fields a NCAA DIII Varsity program.

The Tech Baseball Club competed very hard but dropped both games (9-4 and 14-5), yet the club was very happy with their accomplishments. “It was an accomplishment for the team to be able to play and contend with an NCAA Division 3 team (Northland College). There were a lot of great defensive plays and a few nice key hits as well. It was a pleasure for us to bring 17 players, 6 of which were freshman.” Ben Meemken would remark.

Expectations are still high for the Club as they have had nearly 30 members just this fall alone, and with four games left on the

MARC SANKO Lode Writer schedule, two in Duluth and the final two on October 17th in Hancock vs. Finlandia starting at 11 a.m., there is plenty of opportunity to showcase the talent this team has gathered.

The hope is that this successful fall will transition into a great Spring training and a winning season.

A dream come true for the club seems to be similar to most clubs on campus; a chance to win their conference and make the NCBA (National Club Baseball Association) World Series.

Looking towards the future, the biggest dream would be to see Baseball become a Varsity Sport with a home field here on campus.

Students interested in playing for the Baseball team is welcome to join their practices, either this Fall or next Spring.

Fall practices occur Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. behind the SDC, and Sunday at noon in Hancock. Anyone who is interested in more information about the Michigan Tech Baseball Team is encouraged to email jdmaltes@ mtu.edu.

Would you like your club team featured in this section? E-mail steander@mtu.edu

Sports

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Football Huskies look to overcome adversity Visit mtulode.com/sports/football for Grand Valley State game review and Ferris State game preview

Looking on (Left): Senior quarterback Steve Short, who started 31 consecutive games for the Huskies, watches the action from the sidelines. He is out with a left knee injury.

Running strong (Above): Quarterback Brent Heim runs through a hole in last Saturday’s 7-55 loss to No. 1 Grand Valley State.

Photos by Alex Cotton

Netters prep for final homestand DAVER KARNOSKY Lode Writer After earning another split over the weekend, the women’s tennis Huskies return home to the Gates Tennis Center this Friday and Saturday for their final home matches of the season. The Huskies (2-2 overall, 2-2 GLIAC) will face two Ohio-based opponents in the Tiffin Dragons and the Ashland Eagles.

The Dragons (0-6 overall, 0-3 GLIAC) are looking to finally get on the board this season and start building towards the success they last had in 2006 when they were still members of the NAIA despite not being able to field a full squad since their first match of the season.

Senior Teauana Long and junior Jessie Stephanov led the way for head coach Phil Conley’s squad as the numbers one and two singles players. Sophomore Taylor Cooper, freshman Renee Mattson, and sophomore April Fruchtnicht fill the three, four, and five slots.

The Eagles enter this weekend 3-2 overall and 2-1 in GLIAC play.

Head coach Carl Leedy’s squad is anchored by sophomore Victoria Goudy in the top singles slot. Her sister, Katherine, a senior, holds down the number five slot.

Freshman Erika Sullivan, sophomore Paige Cooper, and juniors Corinne Pasley and Alexandra Ware fill the remaining four slots, respectively.

The match against Tiffin will start at 1 p.m. on Friday, and the match against Ashland will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Huskies Earn Split on the Road The Huskies salvaged a split over the weekend by beating the Ferris State Bulldogs 5-4 on Saturday after dropping a 6-3 decision to the Grand Valley State Lakers on Friday.

Sophomore Victoria Zhilkina and Ploy Suthjindawong both had big weekends for the Huskies, each earning wins in their singles matches both days. Zhilkina was the only Huskies’ player who went undefeated on the weekend.

For a full recap, check out our web site at www.mtulode.com.

Tune into WMTU 91.9 FM each

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Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 1, 2009

opinion

Fighting the fear of progress

GPA in the job market

A missing step in some high schools across the nation ELIJAH HAINES Opinion Editor In the fall of 2007, my senior year of high school, my friend and I sat in front of the principal’s desk listening intently to the leader of our school explain why it just wasn’t a good idea to put National Coming Out Day on the morning announcements. We had submitted it along with the flurry of announcements about upcoming sporting events, bake sales, and dances. We did not, perhaps naively, foresee an issue.

Surely it couldn’t hurt to add one sentence in between the reminder about musical rehearsal and the football game that weekend.

He declared first that he was entirely open-minded. “I had a gay fraternity brother in college, so I understand,” as if having made the acquaintance of one gay person eliminated the possibility of him being homophobic. He went on to explain that this announcement would cause too much trouble. The gay kids would be harassed even more; the unrest generated by a step forward was not worth it. I remember listening to him speak and I felt my insides being stirred up, my heart rate increased. I thought rapidly of all the great leaders who, despite facing great odds, took that step forward. As an idealist at heart, I could not accept our principal’s unwillingness to accept responsibility. It made me wonder, would my school never take steps to protect GLBT kids due to the fear of a troublesome backlash?

When I stood in my principal’s shiny black dress shoes, I could understand his feelings. Things were “fine” the way they were.

As soon as that announcement about National Coming Out Day floated into the classrooms and hallways, echoing back would

be gay jokes, the word fag, and possibly physical harm to GLBT students. One announcement could turn an average day into a day where a major issue had to be confronted. Best be silent and let the high school putter through another normal day.

When we left the principal’s office, shot down by an unsettling, seemingly sensible explanation, I knew it would be a normal day. A day where the words gay and fag were thrown around like spit wads and always had the surprise and sting of a sucker punch.

Another day where that one guy pretended to be heterosexual by calling his friends gay and saying how hot he thought some girl was. Another day of those girls trying not to be in love with each other because they’re both female. Another cycle of sickening normality. For the kids that continually suppress their sexuality it becomes such a natural part of everyday life that their high school experience becomes radically different from other kids’.

They’ll never be able to feel the thrill of asking that one special guy or girl out. They’ll only go to prom with their best heterosexual friend. They will never know the subtle sweetness of holding their boyfriend or girlfriend’s hand that perfect summer day in the park. Those are but a few of the consequences of such an evil peace.

What disappointed me most about the principal that day was the lack of courage. It would have been brave to allow our announcement. It would have challenged the common belief that “gay” is another word for “stupid” and saying “faggot” will go without reprimand. A simple act, but one that would have let the the GLBT students receive some signal that their celebrations and pursuit of fairness was considered serious by the school. For

my principal, that simple action was unthinkable to even consider. But courage is a rare trait in high school when it comes to discrimination against gays. Teachers are not brave enough to call out students who use derogatory insults and students are not brave enough to tell their friends when they’ve crossed the line. There are very few strong people out there who will stand up for their gay friends. I was lucky to know some in my school, but for the majority of gay kids there is no Superman that will swoop down to save them.

More than universal legalization of gay marriage or adoption benefits for same-sex couples, I would like to see the rampant discrimination and stereotypes in our nation’s high schools be eliminated. I realize there may always be homophobia present in our institutions just as racism is still prevalent. But so many high schools have not even taken a single step to protect its gay students. This protection may come with side effects; the violence and harassment produced by desegregation of schools is a similar situation. But we cannot avoid confronting homophobia because we are afraid of a radical minority’s reaction. With the chance of suicide and homelessness significantly higher among GLBT kids than heterosexual and non-transgender kids, the consequences of inaction are seriously damaging.

The effects of homophobia are very real. In high school, it becomes more than just a restriction of the right to marry or have legal protection from discrimination.

For gay students, homophobia is a terrible, potent force that can destroy a person’s social, emotional, and physical well-being.

It is up to individual people and simple actions to quell that force.

All you need is a little courage.

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across boundary lines.” Bergvall encourages students to specialize in a specific area. She noted that while she would expect high grades in a candidate’s area of expertise, she would want to know that they tried other things, even if they did not get As in the other areas.

Veverica believes that employers are looking for people who can present themselves well, learn a new trade and function as members of a team. He said, “GPA will always be a qualifying factor, but diversity will be the true metric by which hiring will be decided.”

Turnquist said that there is a lot of emphasis on GPA right now and that “70 percent of companies, if not higher, want a 3.0 GPA or above.” He said that the first thing employers look for is your school, followed by your major, your GPA and finally co-op or internship experience. Turnquist noted that you should always include your GPA on your resume because if you don’t, employers will assume the worst. Turnquist went on to say that students who are looking for a real advantage in the job market should showcase international skills, computer skills, project management and diversity on their resumes.

But not everyone believes that someone’s GPA should take a backseat to communication skills and relevant work experience.

Greg Ellenberger, a thirdyear mechanical engineering technology major, said, “it depends on your major...with pre-meds, a 4.0 is rocking,” and Raeanne L. Madison, a secondyear scientific and technical communications major, said, “having a 4.0 combined with relevant experience could give you an advantage in getting into graduate school.”

It doesn’t seem that employers’ emphasis on GPA is going to change, but perhaps getting a 4.0 GPA is not the sole ticket to success in today’s job market.

Bergvall said, “once students leave, the people who you hear about are not the ones who were the best at school, but the people who had passion.”

JESSICA BANDA Guest Writer Last spring, on Michigan Tech’s bustling campus, 321 students — or five percent of the student population — managed to earn a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA). One may suspect that this elite group of academic achievers have an advantage in their job search, but rumors around campus suggest that the opposite is true.

Many students believe that having a 4.0 GPA could hinder someone in their job search.

Director of the University Career Center, Jim Turnquist, says that he has heard this rumor and that is goes back many years.

Tim Veverica, a third-year biochemistry and molecular biology major, said that he heard the rumor during his first semester at Michigan Tech while living in an honors hall. Though she’s never heard of this rumor before, Dr. Victoria Bergvall, an associate professor of linguistics, said that the rumor may have originated from students with 4.0 GPAs that have not gotten jobs upon graduation.

But could it be that at a school with a job placement rate of 96 percent, students with perfect GPAs are really having trouble finding jobs? Turnquist said that while there are some circumstances in which this is the case, these circumstances are rare.

He went on to say that some small firms are threatened by academic achievement, though these firms are few and far between.

Veverica believes that when 4.0 students do not get the job, “it’s definitely a communication issue.” Bergvall agreed: “If you come off as being overtly bookish, it’s not going to help you.” And Turnquist agreed. “You can be very intelligent, but if you can’t get across a personality, you won’t make it.”

So how can you be sure to ace your next interview and get a job in this economy? Bergvall suggested taking some risks. She said that if she were hiring, she would want an employee who could “work in a diverse world and communicate

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