Thursday, November 1, 2012 twitter.com/@msureporter
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Minnesota State University, Mankato
MSU to reinstate pep band
Sudden comeback hoped to impact atmosphere, sell more tickets
• courtesy of msu’s website MSU’s pep band was a staple at hockey and basketball games until the program was cut due to financial restrictions. ADAM KRIESEL
staff writer There will be a new section of fans this winter at Maverick basketball and hockey games. This Saturday will mark the return of the Minnesota State University, Mankato Athletic Band when the men’s hockey team plays the Minnesota Gophers at the Verizon Wireless Center. Many current students don’t remember the university ever having a band in the stands, but this is nothing new to the campus. Up until four years ago, the live band was a main fixture men’s hockey as well as men’s and women’s basketball games until budget cuts brought it to a halt. Thanks to tremendous support from both within and outside the university, the 30-member
ensemble is making a return. The band, compiled of everything from flutes to tubas, will perform at a total of 16 events this winter. According to band director Amy Roisum Foley, the proposal for the band’s return was not brought up until August, well after the budget plan had been set. There were many hurdles to clear in order for this to happen, and everything fell into place. “Everyone stepped up to make it happen,” Roisum said. “[Public Relations] and marketing put together press releases, KMSU did an interview, and the President’s office sent out messages to all of the students.” In the past, the band received tremendous support from the fans, and their
Pep Band / page 2
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THURSDAY
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FRIDAY
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“Civility Campaign” challenges students to think about their actions Marketing campaign centers on dealing with online bullying
ELISE KONERZA
staff writer In a world of automic culture change and vast technology resources, the internet can be counter-used in harmful ways, even at Minnesota State University, Mankato. With the click of a mouse – the sending of an electronic message could spread like wildfire causing potential damage even if unintended, and it is through President Richard Davenport’s convocation speech in August 2011 that he addressed direct attention in the avoidance of these startling situations and instead the teaching and promoting of appropriate and professional behavior. Linda Hanson, Director of Affirmative Action at MSU, teamed with Becky Barkmeier, Director of Human Resources and former Provost Vice President Scott Olson, whose position was later filled by David Jones, the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, in the pursuit to prevent bullying and unprofessional behavior on a broader focus at MSU. Through information gathering, listening sessions and organizing individuals to come listen and discuss what is seen at the University and how it can be prevented; and on a larger format discuss difficult situations that will eventually affect a student upon graduating into the real world, whether it may be relationship or work related. “People who attended the campaign listening sessions last spring had to stop and think, what does it mean to treat others in a civil manner?” Hanson said. “It is a definitional matter and problem.” In addition, attendees were asked if they had seen civility modeled at the University and what strategies and resources could be used to build a better
NBA PREVIEW See Page 12
• courtesy of msu’s website One of many posters for MSU’s new Civility Campaign that promotes being nice. and treating each other with respect.
base for civil behavior. After extensive information gathering and picking through acquired data the “Civility Campaign” was created in the form of a marketing question and thought process. Hanson said in recognizing foul and discourteous behaivor, they had also wanted to recognize acts of civility on campus. “We have a lot of individuals who are great role models,” Hanson said. “We want the University to be known as a university who is proactive and has a civil respectful atmosphere.” Barkmeier said in this world there is a rapid increase of
incivility as technology persists to be a platform for all human interaction. What many students might not understand is that in print, words and pictures may leave a more permanent and visual bruise than ever before. “I think that students are easier to say mean or cruel things on the internet because they are not seeing the person in person.” Dylan James, a junior MSU student in engineering said. “It is easier to be a bully when you aren’t face to face and because of it more people probably bully.”
Civility / page 5
EDITORIAL
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INDEX: A&E
9
SPORTS
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