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Penn State Beaver Roar
October 2012
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Penn State Beaver Roar
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News
Mock Election Coverage
Police Beat
Police smell pot
Obama wins, though students show little excitement for either candidate Dan Trzcianka Managing Editor
dvt5050@psu.edu
The ROAR/Corey Wright
From left, freshman Sydney Bates and sophomores Brianna Lang and Theresa Domitrovich cast their votes in The Roar mock election held Oct. 3. In back, Financial Aid Coordinator Gail Gray adds her ballot to the box.
If Penn State Beaver’s mock election is any indication of how the Presidential Election will go, President Barack Obama will win re-election by a significant margin. At the mock election Oct. 3 during common hour in the Bistro, students, faculty and staff voted on who they wanted to win the upcoming election. Almost three-quarters of the voters – 48 students and 8 faculty and staff – voted for Obama, while only 19 students and 1 faculty and staff voted for Romney. Despite the 75 voters who participated in the mock election, some students were either disinterested in the political campaign or critical of the candidates. Many students refused to even participate in the unofficial tally, while others who did vote didn’t know much about the candidates or, sometimes, which political party they belonged to. “I like both of them equally, but I’m not really a fan of either candidate,” said sophomore Lisa Kotova. Kotova said she focuses on international communications as one of the most important issues in the candidacy. “Obama is watching Israel and making sure Israel behaves; Romney is kissing up to Israel,” she said. “I don’t really care who wins,” said freshman Christina Warren. “Either way, nothing will get done because Democrats and Republicans rarely agree on anything.” Sophomore Rob Trhlin said that he doesn’t have any opinion, as he doesn’t follow politics. “It’s a bunch of crap,” Trhlin said. “Nothing is going to get done, and I don’t want to listen to someone who won’t do anything.”
There was some interest in the campaign, however. Sophomores Nathan Bergandy and Chris Crosier both spoke about their interest in politics. “I think it’s cool that it gets someone involved,” Bergandy said. “It gets you thinking about the real world.” Bergandy said he is focused on the economy, specifically jobs, in the campaign, as most college students find it difficult to secure a career after college. “It’s an election year, so things are at stake,” said Crosier. “College students don’t vote, so we are going to get screwed over if we don’t show we care.” An effect of college student’s not voting is a cut in educational funding and the loss of grant money, Crosier added. While the students may show a lack of interest in the campaign, Associate Professor of Physics Peter Deutsch, a Democrat, said this election is important. “It’s a fact that Obama is going to win,” Deutsch said. “Romney just doesn’t care about us: the middle class.” Deutsch said that while all the issues are important, if the environmental conditions were straightened out, citizens would see an improvement in the economy. Sophomore Carlo Piceno, an international student from Mexico, said that although he can’t vote, he believes Obama is the right candidate. “From an international point of view, Obama is not the best but he will help keep things like the economy stable,” Piceno said. Piceno said that the bettering of the economy is one of the more important issues to him, as Mexico’s economy is highly affected by the United States’ economy.
The ROAR/Dan Trzcianka
A brick located in the walkway near the Nittany Lion Shrine memorializes student Justin Carland who was killed in a motorcycle accident in Ap;ril. Students in Irene Wolf’s ancient philosophy class raised more than $200.
Student remembered
Nikola Mussi Staff Writer
nhm5031@psu.edu
A small memorial has been placed on campus remembering Justin Carland, a mechanical engineering student who died April 21 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Irene Wolf, senior instructor in philosophy, and students in her ancient philosophy class raised more than $200 through donations for a memorial brick set in
the pathway around the base of the Nittany Lion statue. After the purchase of the brick – displaying Carland’s name, year of birth and year of death – the remainder of the money was used to create the Justin Carland Memorial Scholarship. Carland, of Industry, was 28 at the time of his death. Friendly, happy and helpful were among the terms used to describe Carland. “He got along with everybody, just that kind of
kid,” Wolf said. Jill Tress, coordinator of the Center for Academic Achievement and Disabilities Services, remembers Carland fondly as a good role model to the younger students in the Academic Achievement Center. She said she was shocked to hear of the tragedy, which served as a reminder of how fragile life can be. “Live meaningfully every day because things like this could happen to anyone at any time,” Tress said.
Residence Life coordinators in Harmony Hall contacted police on three occasions regarding detection of an odor of marijuana on the first and second floors. On Sept. 19 and 23, police arrived to check the second floor on both occasions and also detected the odor, but no drugs were found. On Sept. 21, police detected the odor and searched a student’s dorm room. According to the police report, police found drug paraphernalia and plan to charge the student. Those charges have not been filed yet, and police would not yet name the student.
Vandalism found in the mbb men’s room
A campus janitor contacted police Oct. 2 after he found vandalism on the door of the handicap stall in the Michael Baker Building men’s restroom. Police arrived and took pictures of the offending remark before the janitor painted over it.
Joint end found in Harmony Hall
A Residence Life coordinator in Harmony Hall contacted police Aug. 23 after a joint was
found in the hallway. Police arrived and recovered a small joint paper end that had been previously smoked. No one knew who it belonged to and no marijuana was recovered from the paper.
Student’s phone stolen
A female student contacted police after she could not find her Samsung Galaxy phone with a pink case on April 30. The student told police she left the phone in the Student Activities Suite in the Student Union Building and when she checked 30 minutes later, the phone was not there. Police also checked the surrounding area but could not find the phone. The student then verified that the phone was stolen.
Fire extinguisher discharged in Hall
A Residence Life coordinator in Harmony Hall contacted police April 27 after someone had discharged a fire extinguisher on the men’s side of the second floor between 4 and 5:30 a.m. Police replaced the used fire extinguisher and no student was charged in the incident.
Locks get updated in Harmony Hall
Dante Massey Staff Writer
dwm5299@psu.edu
A lot of changes have happened over the summer in Harmony Hall, many of which affect student life immensely. “Harmony Hall has gone through various changes, from new doors and cameras to a third-floor study space,” said Jeremy Lindner, director of Housing and Food Services. “Perhaps the most important was the installation of new keycard/code locks on all doors in the
building.” Now, thanks to new doors installed over the summer, Harmony Hall residents must swipe their Penn State ID cards and key in a personal-identification number (PIN) to enter not just the hall’s main entrance, but individual rooms and bathrooms as well. The traditional metal room keys are no longer used. Housing and Food Services has also moved the key-card lock on the main entrance from the inside door to the outside door. Although the new locks create a
safer and more secure environment, they are not perfect. Like any new technology, it’s a work in progress, Lindner said. For example, during one of the move-in days in August, the system crashed and the resident assistants had to open the doors with oldfashioned keys. Sophomore Paul Toma said that having to carry the cards around with him everywhere – especially to the bathroom – is a challenge, but one that can be fixed by practice. He also said that the cleanliness in the bathrooms has increased
immensely since the installation of the locks. Resident Assistant James Randolph said, “Fire drills take longer because of swiping the cards, and if a real fire occurs, it causes the RAs to be in more danger while checking the rooms. The doors also tend to slam themselves whenever the windows are open.” Lindner said Housing plans on looking into adjusting the doors over Thanksgiving break so the problem is fixed. “The use of key cards eliminates the $65 cost to replace the keys and
locks in previous years,” Lindner said, referring to the replacement cost if keys were lost. Residence Life Coordinator Parker Goolsby agrees with the safety benefits of the doors and said that if anyone has any other recommendations about how to improve the hall, they should attend the Residence Hall Advisory Council meetings every Monday at 9 p.m. in the study lounge. “I hope that students will see that the improvements are there to help them and is for their safety,” Lindner said.
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Penn State Beaver Roar
October 2012
October 2012
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News
Erickson tells media it’s time to move on Zakary Taylor Senior Staff Writer
zwt100@psu.edu
The ROAR/Corey Wright
President Rodney Erickson addresses the media on Penn State’s acceptance of the NCAA’s sanctions Sept. 6.
The ROAR/Corey Wright
Penn State President Rodney Erickson compliments the campus on the completion of the new Wellness Center at the dedication on Sept. 6. Erickson jokes that the facility “smells like a new car.”
Continued from Page 4
PSU president
or faculty, that was opposed to the project. That went a long way towards getting it done.” University officials believe the Wellness Center will help attract potential new students to the campus and will keep Penn State Beaver competitive with other schools. “It offers prospective students the kind of top notch facilities they expect from the university experience,” said Erickson. “It’s absolutely spectacular,” added Hanes. “It’s one of the nicest
dedicates gym addition Zakary Taylor Senior Staff Writer
zwt100@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver welcomed several prominent guests – including Penn State President Rodney Erickson – to campus Sept. 6 for the dedication of the campus’ new wellness center. Erickson spoke to an audience of faculty, staff, students, alumni and donors inside the state-of-the-art facility. “It smells like a new car in here,” Erickson joked before praising the 4,980-square-foot building bound by sheets of glass that overlook university grounds. “This is a wonderful space. The campus looks magnificent.” The $3.3 million project was
made possible in part through private donations as well as $400,000 in student facilities fees. The facilities fees were voted on by students, who have each contributed $100 a semester to the project over the past four years. “It simply wouldn’t have happened without everyone pulling together,” Erickson said. “[I want to] thank the students. They put a high priority on having a facility like this. It was much needed and much awaited.” Serious discussions on how to construct the new Wellness Center began several years ago, according to Chancellor Gary Keefer. “Once the funding was in place, the design process started,” Keefer said.
Wellness Center dedicated facilities among our 20 Commonwealth Campuses.” Before concluding his speech, Erickson acknowledged the turmoil that has shrouded Penn State over the past year, offering words of encouragement for the future of the university. “Events in recent months have overshadowed many of our achievements, but we will overcome that,” he said. “We are moving forward and our future is bright. I am confident we will emerge stronger than ever.” Following the ceremony, attendees converged inside the gym
lobby, where tables lined the walls stacked with an assortment of fruit, vegetables, Creamery ice cream and freshly rolled lettuce wraps. Erickson mingled briefly with the crowd of students, faculty, donors and alumni before departing. “It was cool [that he came]. It showed some sense that he cares,” said sophomore Chris Washington Jr. “I’m very glad I came because I saw the camaraderie and the team effort,” added freshman Charlie Crow. “I feel closer to Penn State, even though I’m only a freshman.”
Women’s Center Collections The ROAR/Corey Wright
Senior Steven Dusicsko shakes President Rodney Erickson’s hand at the Wellness Center dedication. Dusicsko served on the Wellness Center planning committee and was the lone student speaker at the dedication cermeony.
The design process was conducted with feedback and suggestions from students like senior Steven Dusicsko. Dusicsko, a business major, joined Erickson, Keefer and Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses Madlyn Hanes on stage.
“[The Wellness Center] offers a welcoming environment for everyone. It aids in keeping a healthy living style,” said Dusicsko. “It gives students a reason to want to pay student facilities fees.” The collaboration between stu-
dents and the university played a crucial role in the development of the Wellness Center, Keefer said. “I never spoke to a single person on campus, whether it be student Continued with “Wellness Center” See Page 5
Through the month of October, the Women’s Center is collecting donations, such as hygiene products, non-parishable food, and other miscellaneous items (such as board games, flashlights, journals, sewing kits, etc.)
Please no nearly used up items!
The donation box is in the library
Penn State President Rodney Erickson, in a brief press conference shortly after the dedication of Penn State Beaver’s new Wellness Center Sept. 6, told local reporters that the decision this summer to accept the NCAA’s sanctions in the midst of the Jerry Sandusky child sex scandal was the “most difficult decision” he’s ever made in his career. “It’s time to move on,” he said, amid rumors that students were organizing a protest over his decision to accept NCAA sanctions. “We are able to play football. Beaver Stadium will be well used over the next several years and well beyond that,” he said. “These are tough, unprecedented sanctions, but it’s time to move on.” Quelling any lingering fears that students may be affected by the mounting financial toll the scandal has had on the university, Erickson reiterated that students would not be forced to pick up any of the cost. “The financial impact on any of our campuses will not be felt by our students. As I’ve said repeatedly, any of the expenses not covered by insurance will be covered
“
We have to make certain that students get access first.”
Rodney Erickson Penn State President
by other sources. We will not use tuition or taxpayer money as sources of funding,” Erickson said. Erickson also fielded questions concerning the state-of-theart Wellness Center and whether alumni who helped pay for its funding through student facilities fees will be given access to the building in the near future. “That is an issue we are looking at, but we have to make certain that students get access first,” said Erickson. “They are our top priority as students.” Despite fallout from the scandal, enrollment figures have remained steady according to the President. “I don’t have any formal numbers,” he said. “University Park will be up a few hundred students, branch campuses will be down a few hundred. It balances out.” While enrollment hasn’t risen, enthusiasm among students may be at an all-time high, Erickson said. “I don’t remember students who were more excited to be back at Penn State. They are more energized than I’ve ever seen.”
Meet the Author: Barna William Donavan Conspiracy Films: A Tour of Dark Places in the American Conscious Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Noon Student Union Building Auditorium
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Penn State Beaver Roar
Viewpoint
October 2012
October 2012
Dan Trzcianka
dvt5050@psu.edu
Editor emeritus Brandon Perino bjp5053@psu.edu
Copy Editor Jennifer Durbin jad500@psu.edu
Photo editor Corey Wright
cjw5372@psu.edu
Business Manager Steven Dusicsko sjd5181@psu.edu
EDITORIAL Editor Nancy Paoletti
nlp5099@psu.edu
Page Designers Nick Anderegg
naa5179@psu.edu
Je-Qa Powe
jdp990@psu.edu
Caitlin Vodenichar cav5119@psu.edu
senior staff writers Ben Keeler
bak5266@psu.edu
Monica Pitcher cav5119@psu.edu
Zak Taylor
jdp990@psu.edu
Advisers Terrie Baumgardner tbm2@psu.edu
Cathy Benscoter cub15@psu.edu
Daniel Pinchot djp114@psu.edu
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Opinion
Be careful before you friend your professors Managing Editor
Penn State Beaver Roar
Is it OK to friend your professors on Facebook? Or, if you’re the professor, should you or shouldn’t you connect with a student on Facebook? Some students and faculty think it’s all right for these connections to be made, and there are a lot of good reasons to be connected. Others are opposed, fearing they will expose too much of themselves or learn too much about others. Regardless of your friend status, remember that there’s always a risk that personal information could get out when you use Facebook. There can be advantages. By connecting with faculty, a student might have a better line of communication with certain professors and can ask questions that may get a quicker response than one sent by email. Email is an awesome tool, but if you look at your student email and think you get a lot, think about how many emails a professor has to
wade through just to find student questions. Facebook can help the instructor eliminate wading through email, especially if it is a simple yes or no question. Another good reason to connect with faculty is that professors might post scholarship or internship opportunities with links for their students. Not everyone is comfortable with all this sharing via Facebook, and with good reason. The issue is that Facebook is supposed to be personal. It’s supposed to be about friends and family and keeping things private. But face it: Facebook isn’t 100 percent private, and you ought to be careful about what you post. Things might get shared that you do not want the rest of the world to know about. It’s a risk that you may be susceptible to even if you aren’t connected with your professors. For example, say you are Face-
book friends with your roommate and your roommate is connected with your math professor. You post a picture you find funny, though others – including your math professor – might find offensive. Once your roommate clicks the share button, that picture is suddenly posted to his wall and your math professor knows all about it. Things aren’t always as private as they seem. Think about that the next time you brag of your latest underagedrinking escapades, post your latest skinny-dipping photos or rant-andrave about that one professor you just can’t stand. Should students and faculty friend each other on Facebook? That decision is entirely up to you. Just remember, no matter with whom you are connected on Facebook, be aware of the language you use and photos you share because you can never be sure who is actually going to see that page.
College is tough, so learn to study At the beginning of the freshman year at Penn State, students are told that for every one hour spent in class, a student should count on three hours of study time out of class. It turns out that was not an exaggeration. College is hard. And the further you get in your course work, the harder that work is. Almost every one of your classes will require a good amount of reading. However, there will be some classes that will also require a lot of writing, research or both. On top of all that, there are the tests, the quizzes, the mid-terms and the dreaded final exams. So, how do you stay on top of your game? While there aren’t clear cut answers,
here are a few suggestions. Study. Everyone has his or her own method of studying. Some like to sequester themselves in a quiet place; others study best in groups. One student might rewrite notes on index cards to read over whenever a few spare minutes crop up. Another student might only take a copious amount of notes, but use a recorder to record the lectures if the professor didn’t object. Find what works for you and study. Go to class. Not missing classes is extremely important. In some cases, it can prove very difficult to make up the needed work. Ask for help. One of best things you can do is to ask many questions in class and, if necessary, meet with the professor during office hours to talk about
any of the difficulties you might be having in that class. If after all that you still need help, you can go to the Center for Academic Achievement in the Ross Administration Building, where you can be connected with a tutor. Disconnect. One of the hardest things that students today have to do is to put away their cell phones and other electronic devices. The time for texting is not while you are in class or studying, so turn it off, stick it in your backpack or purse, bury it and forget about it for a while. Succeeding in college is up to you, but you are going to have to decide how to do it. Most importantly, practice various study habits until you find something that works for you.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Artist finds ‘flow’ in his photos
The Roar is published several times each semester. Letters to the Editor are encouraged and can be emailed to: roar-editor@ psu.edu by the 20th day of each month. Please include your full name, address, email address and cell phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published.
Action comes first, explanation later. This philosophy applies to my long time habit of taking pictures. I remember the time I naturally got into photography — the moment of grabbing a camera and feeling its powerful attraction for pulling as many moments as possible into pictures. Constant observation and philosophizing to deepen my artistic insight into photography never stopped after that. However, I still don’t know why I am taking pictures. Some people ask me whether photography is my hobby. This question bothers me because I hate the word “hobby.” Whenever I hear it, I feel uncomfortable, want-
FREE ADS FOR CLUBS Because The Roar receives funding from the Student Activity Fee, free advertising space is offered to any universityrecognized organization or club to promote upcoming events. The space is limited to one advertisement, one-eighth of a page in size, per organization or club per month. For deadlines and to reserve space, email The Roar business manager at roar-business@psu.edu.
in my own words
Kyung Min Kim ing to escape that moment. To me, the word “hobby” sounds extravagant, somewhat like a word for “How to waste my time well.” I don’t consider photography my hobby. I think I found in photography a way to distance myself from the studies I was obsessed with and to see a bigger life picture. Photography, at least to me, is the medium for asking myself such questions as, “Who am I?”
“Where am I going?” “Am I on a right track?” These questions make me reflect on myself. Reflection offers a serious time to grow. We all have strong motives to grow; however, we often find life obstacles overwhelming and are unable to cope. To overcome this, we need to find the right “hobbies,” to seek not just extreme pleasure but also reflective time. Hobbies (if we must use that word) should be self-reflective, not purely pleasure-providing. While I was discussing this topic with Professor Carol Schafer, my photography advisor, I mentioned that people readily assume that by doing what they like they will
become happy. But I think it is risky to assume that. The only difference between doing what one likes or doing what one dislikes is whether one finds flow — immersed involvement — in work. For example, for me, a few hours of holding a camera give’s me zeal because when I find myself completely immersed in artistic activity, I sometimes stay in a state of ecstasy. That is what I mean by flow. I always thought that by having an exhibition I would find a great joy, because an exhibition is the recording of a great achievement. However, what I found instead was a void inside me. The apparent result of my efforts is the exhibition; however, the most meaning
I should give to my efforts is the simple process of holding a camera to capture the moments as they offer the experience of flow. Whatever we achieve, there is certainly a pleasure we experience, but it doesn’t last very long. Instead, what follows that experience of pleasure is a long time of feeling void that often confuses us about the meaning of life. When is the time you find yourself in flow? Why don’t you use that time as your real hobby? Why not give yourself reflective time? Editor’s Note: Kyung Min Kim’s photography is often on display in the lower level of the Student Union Building in the hallway leading to the Bistro. His current exhibit is called Deviation.
Join in the fun on Penn State Day FRIDAY, OCT. 19 BONFIRE DUSK, HARMONY HALL
Start the weekend with a roaring fire, s’mores and hot apple cider.
SATURDAY, OCT. 20 CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE 9:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M., STUDENT UNION BUILDING
Prospective students are invited to learn about the value of a Penn State education and all the opportunities that Penn State Beaver has to offer. Lion Ambassadors will lead campus tours and share their insights into life at Penn State Beaver. Registration starts at 9 a.m.
FLAG FOOTBALL
10 A.M., BASEBALL FIELD
The intramural flag football season wraps up with this championship game.
CARNIVAL NOON TO 3:30 P.M., OUTSIDE WELLNESS CENTER
Cotton candy, kettle corn and campus clubs! Spend time playing games or bounce around on large inflatables. It’s all FREE!
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT 3:30 TO 5:30 P.M. FIELD ABOVE THE GYM
ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAMES 5:30 P.M., GYM
Come watch the men’s and women’s teams face off against the alumni in this much-anticipated doubleheader.
TAILGATE & PENN STATE FOOTBALL 8 P.M. KICKOFF, HARMONY HALL
Join us for a free tailgate as the Nittany Lions take on the Iowa Hawkeyes. The tailgate will feature stadium favorites during the game.
Watch or play in the Cornhole Tournament, and find out who will be named Penn State Beaver’s Cornhole champion.
ADVERTISEMENT SPONSORED BY THE ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT
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Features
Martin shares U.G.L.Y. philosophy
Brandon Perino Editor Emeritus
bjp5053@psu.edu
Joe Martin was not given anything growing up. His father left his family when he was two years old. He had six friends killed by crime and violence before he turned 16. He witnessed race riots in Miami, Fla., during his middle school years. Martin shared his story and motivation to go on to college and become a professor with new freshmen on Sept. 5, in the Student Union Building auditorium, in a presentation Martin calls “U.G.L.Y.” All students in English 4, 15 and 30 were required to attend. Martin said “U.G.L.Y” stands for “Unconditionally God Loves You for who you are.” It is a presentation geared towards students finding their motivation to work for themselves and to not go with the crowd. “It doesn’t matter where you start in life, but where you finish,” Martin said when speaking of the hardships he’s faced. For Martin, that saying rings true since he graduated college at the top of his class and was voted “Student of the Year” among 9,500 students. As if that were not enough, at age 24 Martin became the youngest tenured professor at a state university in Florida. As a professor, he loved teaching and helping students, but found that most hardships that his students faced came from outside the classroom. Two to three years later, along with a student, Martin created a website called Real World University to help students figure out what’s stopping them from succeeding. Faculty and universities started to check out the website and it took off. Soon, Martin was being asked to speak on campuses and then at an Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities conference.
Back in 1997, Amy Gartley, associate director of Student Affairs at Penn State Beaver, received a tape recording of Martin from a former staff member. “I listened to the tape and within 10 minutes I was like, ‘We’ve got to have this guy,’” Gartley said. She invited Martin to speak on racism. The presentation was really dynamic, she said, but Martin told her afterward that if invited back, he’d rather talk with students about finding their purpose, instead of about racism. Martin returned the next year to speak to students and parents on move-in day and has been back numerous times since then. Since 1997, Gartley said Martin has come to Penn State Beaver every year except for two or three. Students are always very supportive of Martin’s presentations, Gartley said, and many student organizations want to invite Martin to speak at different events for them as well. This year seemed to be no different as students said they liked Martin’s presentation. “It was lively and interesting,” said freshman Colin Jones. “I don’t want to sound cliché, but it was eye opening.” Freshman Josh Moon agreed. “It was very enlightening. He’s different from other speakers,” Moon said. “It was awesome. I’m happy I was there,” said freshman Tyler Weyers. “I’ll be back again if he’s here.” An invitation for next year is not yet set in stone for Martin, but before leaving this year’s presentation, he gave students a homework assignment. He said to create “U.G.L.Y” support groups with at least two “U.G.L.Y” buddies. He also gave students his contact information. “Use it when you need help,” he said Students can contact Martin at 850-212-0227, jmartin@rwuniversity.com, or via Facebook or website at professormartin.com.
The ROAR/Nick Anderegg
Freshman Nooeree Sandani studies dilligently in preparation for her courses. Some Penn State Beaver faculty believe that although freshmen spend time studying for their classes, many aren’t successful because they don’t yet know how to study.
Freshmen study habits not up to par Charlie Crow Staff Writer
cvc5477@psu.edu
The ROAR/Corey Wright
Joe Martin shares his story with freshmen in the Student Union Building on Sept. 5. Martin, a professor and motivational speaker, was invited back to the campus to motivate new students to be successful in college.
Freshmen, if you feel like you’re putting in hours and hours studying, but not getting the good grades to show for it, you’re not alone. According to some Penn State Beaver faculty members, you may not know how to study effectively. James Hendrickson, an instructor in engineering, said he believes students do study. The problem is that most students he works with don’t appear to know how to study. “They have never had the requirement to study at this level before,” Hendrickson said. “Too many things in their prior experiences have been checklist items.”
Hendrickson said it’s important for engineering students to learn how to study quickly in order to keep their grade-point averages up. “You have to be at least above a 3.0 to be guaranteed (to change campuses to University Park in the junior year),” he said. “Without that, you have no chance.” “A student has to make the information their own,” Carleen Dinello, assistant director of Academic Affairs and senior instructor in English, said. “They have to internalize it.” Dinello agreed that students are studying, but not correctly. “Students are in the habit of memorizing. They memorize the information but do not know how to apply it,” she said. So, what can students do to
improve their study habits? Jill Tress, coordinator for the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) and Disability Services, said the CAA has all the resources one needs to improve study habits and earn a better GPA. Tress, the director, said the CAA offers tutoring, both during regular operating hours and after hours by appointment. The CAA has also recently implemented an online scheduler for tutoring services, available at http://psubr.mywconline.com/ index.php. The program offers registered peer tutors, and at least one tutor is available for every class. The CAA holds workshops each month on topics ranging from “How to Study for Social Sciences” to “How to Organize Your
Research Notes.” All these workshops can be especially helpful to first-year students. Students struggling because they can’t afford all their books can also utilize the CAA. Tress said the CAA now has nearly every textbook that is currently being used on campus, and students can come to the CAA to read or take notes at any time. Tress said it’s not unusual for freshmen to struggle a bit in the transition to college. “Traditionally, there’s a dip. As they get involved in things, study time starts to slip away from them,” Tress said. “They have to be responsible for what they are doing, and many of them are not prepared for that yet.” Campus Chancellor Gary Keefer said that a student’s first semester is
typically when he or she earns the lowest GPA. According to senior Ryan Hudacsek, other students can be a great study resource. “The best way to study is to get a group of people in your class together, go somewhere quiet for an hour and a half and just study. That makes it fun,” he said. Junior Amanda Polombo agreed. “We’ve been around the block a time or two, so we know how the professors teach and what the classes are like. We’re here to help.” So why are new students reluctant to get help? “It’s a pride thing,” Hudacsek said. “You should want to be the best you can be. If that means that you should go out and get help, you should do that.”
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Features
The ROAR/Dante Massey
Sophomore Verushka Soto enjoys a hot meal at the Brodhead Bistro, where students with dietary needs have a say in what they eat .
Bistro meets students’ dietary needs Lindsay Bangor Staff Writer
lmb5793@psu.edu
As America takes steps to encourage healthy eating and awareness of the food being consumed by the entire population, it is refreshing to know you have choices close to home. The chefs and staff of the Brodhead Bistro are working to ensure there is an array of healthy eating options daily. And they are willing to listen to opinions on what students would like to see served. Jeremy Lindner, director of Housing and Food Services, said there are ways students can become more aware of exactly what they are consuming. Students are able to go to menu.hfs.psu.edu to access menu items online and figure out the
calories, fat and nutrients they are consuming when eating in the Bistro. Chef Dawn Steele is responsible for keeping the menu and its nutritional values consistent with all other Penn State campuses. A new app that is out for the iPhone, Dining@PSU, can also be accessed through iTunes or the App Store. It is provided by Penn State and is free to download. The app allows students to track calories through their phone and gives all of the information that is accessible through the website, just in a quicker and easier format for portable devices. Freshman Bailey Kellner likes the app. “I think this is a good idea for students, because it will make them more aware of what they are actually eating.” Students also have the
opportunity to have their voices heard as to what they would like to see on the Bistro’s menu. They can go straight to Housing and Food Services to talk to Lindner or attend a Food Advisory Board Meeting, and the Bistro will work with them to try to integrate new items into the menu. Steele said she is absolutely willing to listen to students’ requests. “We haven’t received any special requests yet, but if asked by students, we will do our best to help them out.” Freshman Tyler Tracy likes the idea of having the ability to voice his opinion. “I am a pescatarian, meaning I only get protein from fish and nuts, so it would be nice that the Bistro would help to provide those options for me and I can go to them with any concerns.”
Lindner also said the campus is in the beginning stages of finding a nutritionist to work with the chefs. “Although the job profile is not fleshed out yet, it would be a nice piece to add to help create menus.” Students with special dietary needs can also be accommodated in the Bistro. “Although there are few kids on campus right now with special dietary needs, the Bistro is certainly willing to work with students that need special preparation of food,” Lindner said. “Since these cases are limited, communication is the most important factor.” Students with a gluten intolerance, for example, can request that their pasta be made in a gluten-free preparation, or vegetarians can ask the stir-fry station to remove the protein from their dish.
“Just a few days ago, I had a student come up to me and say they had an allergy to shellfish,” Steele said. “We are very conscientious on how we prepare the food so it will not affect the student, and our staff will do anything to help students with an allergy to any food.” Freshman Jessica Hallquist, has a sister who follows a gluten-free diet and said she understands how difficult it can be for people like her sister to eat out. “I think it is cool that they cater to diets that require food to be gluten-free or even sugar-free for diabetics.” The most important thing to remember is that students have a voice and are able to request foods they need to follow their diet or even foods they may miss from home.
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The Facebook dilemma Both students and faculty have mixed feelings on whether they should friend each other B. Keeler Senior Staff Writer bak5266@psu.edu Should students and faculty be Facebook friends? The answer depends upon whom you talk to. Some faculty and students see Facebook as a convenient way to communicate. Others fear they’ll see too much personal information, which could blur the line between student and faculty relationships. Senior Instructor in Business Administration Karen Barr utilizes Facebook to communicate with students in her classes. She said Facebook helps her to better understand youth culture, enabling her to make references to things that her students will understand. Barr also uses Facebook to keep in touch with former students. She created a Facebook group for anyone who attended Penn State Beaver, which allows her to keep track of alumni and help them to network. Barr said she sees nothing wrong with being Facebook friends with her students. “The only difference between now and 20 years ago is students would have to track me down. Facebook allows me to keep in contact with people I would have lost track of.” Barr also said Facebook breaks down barriers. Her students get to see that she is an actual person and is not perfect; and it allows her to better understand her students. She recalled having a student who appeared to be the epitome of perfection. However, after accepting a friend request from this student, she saw pictures of the student playing beer-pong in a basement, something Barr would never have expected from this student. Senior Marissa Halstead is
The ROAR / Nick Anderegg
one of Barr’s student Facebook friends. She really likes the idea of being friends with her instructors. “It breaks down barriers,” she said, “and eliminates awkwardness. It allows you to have a more friendship-based relationship.” Halstead said she also likes that it gives her an additional form of communication with her professors. Halstead said that she would certainly encourage other students to friend professors, but only when they feel comfortable talking with them outside of class. Professor of Communications John Chapin is pro-Facebook. He accepts friend requests from
students all the time, but they have to ask him first. He joined Facebook when it was solely for college use, so the majority of his friends are current and former students. “I have logged more advising hours on Facebook than in my office,” Chapin said. He utilizes it for advising because students do not need to come in for face-toface advising, he said. When they have questions about what classes they should take or drop, he can get back to them almost instantly, much more quickly than he would by email. Chapin says that when students become friends with him they tend to open up more in
class than they did before. He thinks it is because they get a better understanding of him and he is able to get a better sense of them as people. Chapin did point out the downside: that once Facebook became public, some things he didn’t want to share with students where let out. Chapin recalled a time when his niece posted an embarrassing picture that some of his students were able to see. In fact, he has had to blacklist several family members because they aired too much of his private life. Sophomore Taylor Braxton has not friended any of her professors while in college but is open to it. Braxton looked at the advan-
tages as being prepared for class. You can know when they have extended office hours, or when class is unexpectedly canceled. But the disadvantages are that if you want to vent about a particular professor’s class, you might get in trouble with them. Braxton said she likes the idea of friending your professor but felt there are limits. You should only do so after you have completed that professor’s class or after you graduate. Junior Juan Ortiz said he did not see many advantages to having your professors as friends, but he did not see many disadvantages either. “Academically it’s not proper to discuss school over Facebook,” Ortiz said. Sophomore Caitlyn ArroyoMyers doesn’t like the idea of friending her professors. “I really don’t want them in my personal space and I don’t want to be in theirs,” Arroyo-Myers said. She can only think of disadvantages to friending your professors, particularly if you do something you are not proud of. If a professor sees that, the professor’s opinion of you might change. Senior Instructor in Philosophy Irene Wolf said she believes Facebook has no place in the halls of higher learning. Wolf will use it for friends and family, but refuses to use it with students. It’s not that she doesn’t like her students. But ethically, she points out, they are not her real friends and when they mix, it becomes harder to be objective when grading. “I can’t be objective and (students) need to have a relationship that is defined,” Wolf said. Facebook isn’t necessarily a teaching tool. One-on-one is much better in Wolf ’s opinion; it allows you to actively engage people, she said.
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Derogatory language is the new norm Continued from Page 14
to be a part of socializing, a way to affect the way people see each other’s character and image. “We are social chameleons, which means we project different social personas depending on the different social situations we’re in,” Kevin Bennett, instructor in psychology, said. When one group of students was asked what derogatory words they knew, they all fidgeted until a word came to mind that was socially acceptable. Doruk even called the people who insulted him rednecks. But when asked to describe the people again, he denied he had ever said the word. “People monitor themselves and the things they say,” Bennett said. “Some words are more accepted in society. That’s why words like
The ROAR / Nick Anderegg
Yo, b*tch! Read this article! Words that were once offensive make their way into everyday language Alnycea Blackwell Staff Writer
aab5314@psu.edu
It was a chilly Wednesday late in the spring 2012 semester as then-freshman Murat Kaan Doruk smiled and brought a cigarette to his mouth. The wind sent the smoke in various directions as the roof of the gazebo rattled. “They taste my fists,” Doruk said as he took a breath before continuing. “I never heard that word until
I came to America.” Doruk is talking about the fight he had and why it became physical. He’s an international student, a foreigner, a non-native. Whichever way you put it, he is simply from outside the U.S Originally born in Turkey, Doruk has been to several places in America: California, Miami, New York, Orlando and Las Vegas. But none of them compare to Pennsylvania, the place where he is getting an education and the place where
he was called a derogatory name for the first time. “They called me sand n****r,” Doruk said. “It only happened in Pennsylvania, not in any other place.” Doruk has been called this name three times since he’s been in Pennsylvania. However, that doesn’t stop him from throwing derogatory words out there himself. To him, it’s not about the word; it’s all about the way it’s used. And he is not alone.
Students say words that were once seen as offensive and are now a part of everyday language. Now they are becoming a part of people’s vocabulary. So they’re not really offensive anymore,” sophomore Tim Smith said. Derogatory words can be heard all over campus. But students say it’s OK because most of the time they’re said in a joking manner. “I say everything, but to my close friends, not to people I don’t know. I usually try to be polite,”
Doruk said. Though the students claim derogatory words have become a part of language, they admit there are limits. “It depends on the situation. People know when it’s appropriate and when it is not,” sophomore Carrie Aleksenberg said. Derogatory words have become so much more than offensive words meant to hurt. They have grown Derogatory See Page 15
“bitch” aren’t censored as much,” said Alekensberg. “You’ll never hear me say the c- word.” “There are some words that I use and some I don’t use. Some I refrain on saying,” Smith said. “It’s the social norm. Kids don’t see it as (being as) harmful as adults do,” Alkensberg said. Students may not think the words they are using are harmful because they grew up in a different time. “Derogatory words were used to justify the bad treatment of people,” JoAnn Chirico, senior instructor in sociology said in discussing one era of American history. “When you have two groups, and one group thinks the other group is going to get ahead of them, they start to dehumanize them, make them less than what they are,” Chirico said.
“People fooled themselves into thinking other people weren’t as good as them,” Chirico said. However, as America has passed through recent decades, people have become more accepting of diversity, and the original meanings of derogatory words has started to become lost to the younger generations. The word “gay” now means uncool, “nigga” is now a term of endearment and the word “faggot” now means wuss. “The words don’t mean what they used to mean,” junior Andrew Patterson said. Patterson has no qualms about using certain derogatory words. Among his favorite is the word faggot. The one word he won’t use, he said, is the “N” word. In fact, nearly all the students interviewed said the “N” word was unacceptable.
“I think it is still more socially acceptable to admit prejudice against homosexuals. It is not acceptable to be prejudiced against blacks. Sometimes, where there is a word like the ’N’ word, it is too layered with hate,” Chirico said. The “N” word is not too layered with hate for some. Sophomore ROAR staff member JeQa Powe, an African-American student, said he uses the “N” word. “I use it to insult people. It means ignorant,” Powe said. Powe said he believes the meaning behind the word has changed. He’s not alone. “They’re not meaning it in a racial slur,” men’s basketball Coach Marcess William said. Williams, who also serves as an admissions counselor, is African American. “That word does not have the same connotation that it did, back in those days,” said junior Orent
Paddy, an African-American student now at University Park. “You have kids in Pakistan calling each other niggers. Everyone uses it. I’m pretty sure everyone lies and says they don’t. But everyone uses it. It’s not a hateful term anymore.” When it comes to formerly hateful terms like this, Chirico disagrees. “I think they still have meaning. When people use them casually, it may itself say we accept inequality.” Paddy said he believes people should focus on more important issues than what they are calling each other. “We should focus on getting out of the recession and poverty,” Paddy said. “It’s not what you call me. It’s what I answer to,” he added. Editor’s Note: This story was originally written as a final project for Communication 260W in the Spring 2012 semester.
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Ladies off to rough start Hailey Pletz Staff Writer
hyp5087@psu.edu
It’s been a rough road for the Penn State Beaver Lady Lions volleyball team under first year Coach B.J. Bertges. The team has a 4-14 record overall, 2-4 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference. The season started off with three consecutive losses on day one of the Penn State Greater Allegheny Tip-Off Classic. On day two of the classic, the team saw back-to-back wins against Southern State Community College, with junior Gina Richman leading the way during the first match with 25 assists and 4 aces. Senior Daina Owens-Townsend had three kills in the first match along with sophomore Kayona Ward, who also had two blocks and four aces, leading the team to victory by winning both sets 25-23 and 25-10. Leading the team during the second game was sophomore Natalie Gamble with five kills and one block. Sophomore Candace Emanuel was right behind her with 10 digs. The taste of victory, however, would not last long. The Lady Lions did not post a win in their next 10 matches. One of those losses was 3-0 to Penn State Fayette, Beaver’s No. 1 rival. Gamble said that to become better players and to grow as a team, the team needs to focus on what everyone does well. On Sept. 29, the Lady Lions picked up their first conference win against Penn State Schuylkill in three straight sets. Emanuel said they just need to take one game at a time. Having won two of the last three games, the team is keeping motivated. Bertges said she stays focused on the positive while still correcting players’ mistakes. She said the transition in her first year of coaching has been hard because the team has to learn her coaching style while she learns the style of the players.
THE ROAR/Corey Wright
Top, Lady Lions watch warm-ups from the sidelines. Above, Gina Richman sets up a serve. Right, Amanda Palombo serves to New Kensington.
Still, Bertges remains optimistic. “The record doesn’t always display the talent on the team.” With 10 games left in the regular season, the team is looking forward to putting a few more in the
W column. The Lady Lions will be back in action at the Penn State Fayette Tri Match Oct. 10, where they will face Penn State Greater Allegheny and conference rival Fayette.
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Sports
Men’s soccer struggles early in season
Lady Lions’ injuries hamper progress
Cameron Boggs Staff Writer
cgb5148@psu.edu
Despite a 3-12 record, the Penn State men’s soccer team has one thing going for it – it still has a chance to make the Penn State University Athletic Conference playoffs. The team has not won a game against a non-conference opponent this season. But it is 3-3 in the PSUAC. All three wins have come against other Penn State campuses – Schuylkill, Mont Alto and York – and the conference losses came against Penn State New Kensington 4-3 in overtime, against Penn College 6-0 and most recently against Penn State Brandywine 6-1 Sept. 30. In the matchup with Brandywine, Beaver’s lone goal came from freshman Juan Castano with an assist from junior Tyler Blake. Athletic Director Andy Kirschner said the team is actually better than its record may show. “They have a very competitive non-
The ROAR/Jen Durbin
Caesar Cardamone (left) and Adam Duncan (right) defend against a Penn College player during the Sept. 22 game.
conference schedule. The struggles probably aren’t as great as they seem.” Kirschner said Beaver is a relatively young team, only 6 years old. But its non-conference opponents
have been around for decades. “They’re playing some tough teams,” he said. Kirschner admitted, though, that the team has had its struggles. “Unfortunately, they’re a very up-
and-down team. Sometimes they play well, and sometimes they struggle,” he said. “They’re still coming together as a team.” Kirschner said Blake has been a key player throughout this season.
Blake has been playing forward and mid-center field for 15 years. “Tyler Blake has had a great year. (He’s a) very gifted athlete, a great ball handler,” Kirschner said. If the team wins two of its remaining three conference matchups, it will likely make it to the PSUAC playoffs. Blake said he’s optimistic about the team’s success. “The team has underachieved so far and (we) are coming along and hope to finish the season strong and peak in the playoffs,” he said. He also said the team is doing better this year than last year but they just can’t seem to climb into the elite teams in their conference. Kirschner said the play of freshmen goalie Tyler Gargis may be the key to the team’s success. “He’s had some really good games, and some tough patches. As he solidifies his role, it’s only going to help the team.” Coach Dan Grant did not respond to an interview request. Beaver will close out conference play Oct. 13 at Penn State Worthington Scranton.
Wanted: wrestlers, no experience required Zakary Taylor Senior Staff Writer
zwt100@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver’s wrestling program is on the lookout for talented student athletes. The team is hoping to bolster its roster before opening the season at Penn State Fayette Nov. 7. Students interested in signing up should contact Coach Jeff Winkle at jdw24@psu.edu. Winkle said he sees a wealth of untapped potential on campus and hopes student athletes will take advantage of the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. “We’d like to see more participation because of the great opportunity it is to be a part of this program,” he said. “There are some very good student athletes with
wrestling experience on campus who haven’t come to the team.” The search is not limited to students with a wrestling background, however. “No experience is required, just a willingness to compete and work hard,” said Winkle. “We have one returning wrestler who had no experience, and new wrestlers with no experience. They wanted to give it a try, and I commend them.” The wrestling program, which is entering its second year of existence, struggled to fill all of the necessary weight classes during its inaugural season last year, forcing the team to forfeit matches. “Last year there were seven wrestlers. They were not always able to compete as a team. They actu-
ally won one or two as a team but when you’re giving away weight classes, it makes it hard,” said Athletic Director Andy Kirschner. Winkle said he remains confident that as the roster continues to grow, so will the success of the program. “It is a team sport. There is a team aspect, and if we can fill out all our weight classes, then we can have more team success,” he said. Experience will also go a long way toward improving the team’s record, insists Winkle. “I like what we have going into our second season,” he said. “Last year we didn’t know what to expect. We’re still building. This is only our second year of recruiting and our second year of wrestling. We’re only getting better.”
Photo Courtesy of Penn State Beaver Athletics
The wrestling team, headed by Coach Jeff Winkle, right, is looking for more members. Members pictured, from left, are Dylan Winkle, Matt Tabit, Robert Tempelski and Sean Newkirk.
Monica M. Pitcher Senior Staff Writer
mmp5317@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver women’s soccer goalie, freshman Amanda Donatelli, may be down, but she most certainly isn’t out. Donatelli injured herself during a recent game when she went to make a save from another player’s corner kick. “I jumped up, caught the ball and landed flat on my right foot and thought I dislocated my knee,” said Donatelli. Thankfully, after seeing an orthopedic doctor, the goalie was diagnosed with only a sprained knee. After some relaxation, Donatelli will be able to play for her team in future games. But until she has fully recovered, sophomore Alicia Prestia will be substituting for her. “Alicia is a good player. She doesn’t give up and motivates the team just as I do,” added Donatelli. Women’s soccer coach Jim Vankirk was also disheartened by Donatelli’s absence. “This was a big loss the past few games not to have Amanda,” said Vankirk. It is not always possible to help prevent injuries, but Vankirk is doing his best to help keep the team afloat. “We are border line with players at this point,” said Vankirk. “We have only played two games this
The ROAR/Jen Durbin
Above, Jenny Bacvinskas and Carrie Aleksenberg defend against a Penn College player Sept. 22. Right, Nooeree Samdani gets physical with an opponent.
season where we had substitutes. I have a roster of 14 players with two injuries that has the team to 12. We have played several games with nine or 10, so we would make it work to get through the rest of the season.” In Vankirk’s first season as coach, his team has yet to win a game. In fact, since women’s soccer was started at Beaver three years ago, the coveted first win has eluded it. Vankirk is determined to have a solid team going into the 2013 fall season. “I have been recruiting at high schools all season,” Vankirk said. “I
have several interested players that are looking to come to Penn State Beaver next fall to play soccer.” Athletic Director Andy Kirschner said that despite the team’s 0-10 record, he’s been pleased with Vankirk’s performance, both in motivating his players and recruiting new ones for next year. “We have a group of 14 girls working hard and giving it their best,” Kirschner said. Penn State Beaver is one of only two Penn State University Athletic Conference teams to have women’s soccer. The other is Penn College. Kirschner said that means Beaver’s
schedule is made up of opponents from larger colleges with wellestablished programs, making it even more competitive for Beaver’s fledging team. Beaver’s final home game is
against Mercyhurst Northeast on Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. The team will finish out the season on the road Oct. 15 at Westmoreland County Community College and Oct. 17 at Medaille College.