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Thursday, February 7, 2019 | Vol. XCV, Issue 5 | Binghamton University | bupipedream.com
The Free Word on Campus Since 1946
Marijuana legalization challenges BU policies
‘Use your voices’
Proposed changes to state law could contradict Code of Conduct Laura D’Angelo news intern
In December, Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed what many may have already suspected — New York state is moving toward legalizing recreational marijuana, a policy shift that could impact Binghamton University’s rules and practices regarding marijuana. According to BU’s 2018-19 Code of Student Conduct, possession, personal use or purchase of marijuana is prohibited on campus. The possession of drug paraphernalia, such as bongs, bubblers, bowls and pipes, is also banned. If a student fails to comply with these regulations, they could face disciplinary sanctions. According to Ryan Yarosh, senior director of media and public relations at BU, the University is currently required to prohibit the use of marijuana by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (the Act), which states that schools receiving federal funding must impose consequences for illicit drug use on campus. “Cases not prosecuted are automatically reviewed by Student Conduct, who can choose what action is to be taken,” Yarosh said. “We do not separate marijuana as a separate category since it is still illegal in New York state and is included in the larger category of drugs and marijuana.”
Black History Month kicks off with keynote speaker Suezette Robotham
kojo senoo pipe dream photographer Keynote speaker Suezette Robotham, a diversity, equity and inclusion program manager at Google, speaks about the obstacles she overcame as a woman of color in the technology industry.
Lakhsmi Chatterjee
at Google. Tanyah Barnes, assistant director of the MRC, said the center invited Robotham to speak at the kickoff event because her experience in technology makes her relatable for students. “Historically, our big speakers are celebrities, but
Robotham discussed the challenges of entering the technology industry as a black woman and said she believes everyone ends up where they belong Roses set in concrete stones lined tables in Old despite the obstacles that arise. Union Hall on Monday, paying homage to Tupac “I’ve never gotten the job that I applied for, but Shakur’s poem “The Rose That Grew from Concrete,” I’ve always ended up where I’m supposed to be,” as the Black Student Union (BSU) and Robotham said. “The thing that I the Multicultural Resource Center learned is that, I’m not trying to (MRC) held their 50th annual Black be religious, but when you allow History Month kickoff event. the higher order to be, you’ll The event, titled “Resilience: always end up with every single Suezette Robothom, diversity, equity and inclusion program manager at Google Achieving Black Excellence in All wish you could dream of.” Aspects,” aimed to empower students to overcome how do you get students to feel pride when they can’t She also encouraged students to take pride in their their struggles and embrace diversity by celebrating see themselves in that?” Barnes said. “With Suezette, heritage and said although black voices often aren’t achievements by black people in different industries. students see what they can achieve in an industry valued, they should be. It featured keynote speaker Suezette Robotham, other than entertainment, which is where most of see speaker page 3 diversity, equity and inclusion program manager them are going.” arts & culture intern
“I have a confession, though — the world has never had the option to never hear my voice.”
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New system to critique resumes Alumni talk diversity, inclusion in business Fleishman Center introduces VMock to give resume reviews Erin Kagel
Annual diversity panel promotes discussion of industry progress
pipe dream news
Students looking to improve their résumés will now have access to VMock, an online program sponsored by the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development, which provides résumé reviews and critiques 24 hours a day. The Center regularly provides inperson appointments for students to meet with consultants who help edit résumés. However, those time slots are only available during the Center’s business hours, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and are made on a first come, first serve basis. The new VMock system will allow students to log in with their PODS account and receive feedback on up to 10 uploaded résumés per semester. Erin Cody, associate director of enhancing student experience at the Center, said VMock searches for and analyzes specific components of a résumé once the document is uploaded into its system. “When you upload a document, VMock assesses components like action verbs, format and the level to which five ‘core competencies’ of a potential employee — analytical, communication, leadership, teamwork and initiative — are reflected,” Cody wrote in an email. “Using a scoring system, VMock analyzes the strength
Leora Schwadron pipe dream news
sidney slon pipe dream photographer VMock will allow students to receive feedback on their résumés before meeting with a Fleishman Center staff member to discuss additional steps.
of a résumé or CV and places it in either a green, yellow or red zone, then provides recommendations to achieve green zone status.” Binghamton University is the first school in the SUNY system to provide VMock to students, and making it accessible has been a goal of the Center since the 2017-18 academic year. To customize the platform specifically to BU, the Center worked with Watson School of Engineering and Applied
ARTS & CULTURE
Sciences, School of Management and College of Community and Public Affairs to compile résumé templates specific for each student’s intended job market. “When students first log in, they are asked to choose their program of study,” Cody wrote in an email. “VMock will then offer templates and feedback that are appropriate for that
see vmock page 3
In an effort to increase dialogue on the changing role of diversity and inclusion in the business world, professionals from a variety of accounting and financial services firms came together for the annual “Diversity Panel” on Tuesday evening in Old Union Hall. Hosted by Binghamton University’s chapter of Ascend, a professional association for enhancing the presence and influence of Asian and Pacific Islander leaders in business, the Bert Mitchell Minority Management Organization (BMMMO) and the Association of Latino Professionals for America, the event invited professionals from firms such as EY, KPMG, Grant Thornton and Deloitte to discuss the state of diversity in their respective firms. Madeleine Zhang, vice president of internal affairs for Ascend and a sophomore double-majoring in accounting and psychology, said the event intended to showcase diversity in a variety of ways. “It’s not only limited to race or ethnic background — we also aim to include discussions involving the LGBTQ community, gender — so it goes beyond race,” Zhang said. “By hearing employees’
OPINIONS
perspectives and their experiences of dealing with diversity in the workplace, we want students to be able to see themselves in the workforce even if they are in the minority.” During the panel, professionals described diversity as an aspect the business world is continuously working to emphasize. Professionals emphasized the push in firms for diversity so employees recognize the value of all different cultures of their colleagues. Laura Aversano, ‘17, an assurance experienced associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), discussed the progress toward diversity in the workforce. “A lot of people are really valuing diversity, more so than they ever have — this generation is a lot more inclusive and accepting of different ways and organizations than ever before,” Aversano said. “I see that the incoming generation is going to be the one leading that change, but I think that it’s really hard to change someone’s opinion and I don’t entirely believe that all these issues will be solved just by instituting policies about diversity.” Many of the representatives explained the different actions their firms have taken to promote diversity. Fredmary Vargas, ‘17, an international tax associate at KPMG, said her company’s CEO recently signed a new pledge to increase
see diversity page 3
SPORTS
Tamasha to showcase South Asian-style performances,
Film series tackles current social issues,
The Editorial Board discusses the lack of adequate on-campus housing,
Women’s basketball falls short against Stony Brook,
Former Olympic marathon runner Joan Benoit Samuelson speaks at BU,
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