The Rocket 02-28-2014

Basketball Set for Griffins SRU will host Seton Hill on Saturday in the first round of the PSAC Playoffs.

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Friday, February 28, 2014 • Volume 97, Issue Number 17 • Slippery Rock University's Student Newspaper

the rocket

www.theonlinerocket.com

SRU administration explores parking permit fee increase INSIDE

By Kevin Squires THIS ISSUE Assistant News Editor

NEWS

New Instagram Pic of the Week Find out what students found worth sharing with The Rocket this week in our Instagram Pic of the Week.

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OPINION

The cost for a parking permit at Slippery Rock University could double next year, with an additional 50 percent increase the following year. The parking permit fee increase was among various fee increases that Molly Mercer, Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration, explained to the Student Government Association Monday night which are expected to be presented to the Council of Trustees for approval at their next meeting. According to a report by U.S. News based on data from 2012, 62 percent of the students at Slippery Rock University

have cars on campus.

“We’re taking a look at phasing in an increase initially to $50 and then subsequently to $75,” Mercer said. Currently, parking permits are $25 a year.

“As I took a look this, I found that the nonmandatory fees that are set here at Slippery Rock are much lower than the PASSHE average and they are also lower than the cost that’s needed to cover those services,” Mercer said.

The parking fee increases at this point are expected to be the same, regardless of if a student lives on campus or are commuters and when they started at SEE SGA, PAGE A-2

Boozel justifies using disposable Styrofoam dishes

By Haley Barnes

Library to Install Selective Lab The library has plans in place to install a mathematics lab, with computers for using math software.

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SPORTS

Baseball Takes Three From Walsh The Green and White traveled west for their opening series against Walsh University in Oh., winning three.

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CAMPUS LIFE

Public Relations Guest Speaker Sabrina Saunders speaks with students about the importance of making connections while in college.

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UPB Announces

Spring Concert UPB gave a chance to win VIP passes at the basketball game for the Spring concert featuring Juicy J and WALE. Page D-1

Rocket Contributor

Students were questioning the usage of disposable plates, bowls, cups, and sliverware at Boozel Dining Hall on Monday.

“I was a little confused when I went to Boozel for lunch on Mo n d a y,” B r o o k e G r i f f i n , freshman Emerging Technology and Multimedia major said. “I wanted to know why Boozel was not using the usual cups and plates. At first, I thought maybe they were getting new plates.”

“Disposable china was used due to mechanical issues recently with the dishwasher at Boozel Dining Hall,” Joe Balaban, Resident Director of AVI Fresh Dining Services, said. “A sensor in the dishwasher had failed causing the machine not to work.”

Balaban said that Boozel was still able to use the red baskets due to a preplanned surplus of the baskets in the event of a dishwasher problem. According to Balaban, Boozel has over 8,000 baskets to accommodate approximately four days-worth, if needed, and with the paper liners used in the baskets, they do not need to be washed right away.

Balaban said that AVI made the decision to use all the disposable dinnerware and this did not majorly affect the dining hall, as operations continued as normal. However, Balaban said that the amount of garbage Boozel produced on Monday was doubled.

Boozel conserves energy in many ways on a typical basis,

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Dapo Olaloko, junior accounting major, and Pierre Schmied, freshman economics major, eat using disposable plates and silverware at Boozel Dining Hall after a sensor in the dishwasher failed, causing the machine not to function properly.

so the dishwasher malfunction on Monday did not really affect Boozel’s energy usage for the week, Balaban said. Balaban said that all food waste that Boozel produces is composted with the McKoskey center. Balaban also added that all of the hood systems are set to timers, which allow for the reduction of electricity usage.

“Additionally, being a trayless facility reduces the usage of electricity to the dishwashing area, as well as the dishwashing machine is not continuously utilized and is able to be shut down during non-

peak periods of service,” Balaban said.

Balaban emphasized that being a tray-less facility highly reduces not only the amount of electricity used at Boozel, but the amount of water as well. According to Balaban, Boozel saves over 3,500 gallons of water per week by being tray-less.

Also, being tray-less helps Boozel chemically, Balaban said.

The floor scrubbers help Boozel conser ve water too, Balaban said. According to Balaban, the floor scrubbers recycle water, as opposed to using a mop that does not.

Renovations exchange library books for math lab

By Kevin Squires Assistant News Editor

Books are one of the first things that people think of when they picture libraries. However, Bailey Library at Slippery Rock University plans to remove some of their books to make way for a new mathematics lab space, featuring computers with math specific software and set to arrive this fall.

Philip Tramdack, Director of Library Services, said this transition away from books is not unexpected.

“There are more people in here than ever before but fewer actual print books being checked out.”

He said that the move to digital is part of the reason for the shift. “Now that the average person has some kind of electronic device or multiple devices, more and more people are choosing electronic content over print content. They’ll seek out electronic content.”

Although witnessing this, Tramdack still says that print is sometimes the best place to find answers. “Even if we know ‘better’ where to find the information, does it really pay to have all that real estate tied up with print?” he said.

“What we’re actually looking at right now is a

change in the nature of what people think an academic library is for,” Tramdack said. “Maybe it should be more of a multipurpose space that serves people in different ways with the focus being on teaching learning and development. Maybe what we should be doing is rethinking our collection and focusing more on stuff people want, like for instance books that have been checked out in the last ten years.” He said that there are books that have never been checked out of the library.

He thinks that having a math lab in the library will function to help students utilize the library.

“That’s where the intelligence of putting a math lab is. This is a good place for a math lab, better than putting it off in some building somewhere which is say a classroom building. It’s better to be here because the people will come here to take advantage of the math lab but they can also take advantage of our collections, take advantage of our group study space, and enjoy the social atmosphere of the library,” Tramdack said. “If we can reinforce teaching and learning in the math lab, this is a resource to help SEE STAFF, PAGE A-2

NEWS

A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Partly sunny and cold

Not as cold with a snow shower

Colder with snow, 1-2”

Frigid with snow possible

Very cold with clouds and sun

Mostly sunny

Periods of snow

21°

18°

38°

17°

21°

REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE

Fri.

Sat.

Sun. Mon.

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

Fri.

CITY Akron Allentown Altoona Cleveland Erie Harrisburg Indiana Johnstown Philadelphia Pittsburgh Scranton State College Wheeling Williamsport Youngstown

Friday HI LO W 21 21 pc 19 8 s 19 10 pc 21 20 pc 17 15 pc 21 12 pc 20 14 pc 18 15 pc 21 16 s 22 20 pc 17 9 s 17 13 pc 25 22 pc 18 8 pc 21 19 pc

Saturday HI LO W 39 15 c 33 26 c 36 25 sf 37 14 c 36 11 sf 36 30 c 40 22 sn 35 20 sn 37 30 c 43 22 c 34 21 c 35 22 sf 43 23 c 35 25 c 37 13 c

2°

18°

4°

23°

Sat.

Monday HI LO W 20 1 sn 26 14 sn 22 6 sn 18 4 sn 16 3 sn 32 14 sn 20 7 sn 18 4 sn 33 24 sn 24 6 sn 18 3 sn 20 7 sn 24 6 sn 22 8 sn 18 0 sn

Sun. Mon.

Tuesday HI LO W 20 3 pc 28 5 pc 25 2 pc 19 4 pc 18 4 sn 29 4 pc 21 4 pc 21 4 pc 28 12 s 22 6 pc 24 1 pc 26 6 pc 24 6 pc 25 0 sf 23 1 pc

15°

Sun

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. 0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme.

Sunday HI LO W 20 10 sn 30 19 sn 28 16 sn 17 11 sn 14 10 sn 31 21 sn 24 14 sn 23 13 sn 36 26 sn 25 18 sn 22 12 sn 26 14 sn 26 16 sn 26 15 sn 18 9 sn

25°

34°

NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK TEMPERATURES

26°

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

IN THE SKY

™

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.

REGIONAL CITIES

12°

UV INDEX

®

February 28, 2014

Wednesday HI LO W 21 15 pc 26 11 s 23 14 s 21 18 pc 19 14 s 22 15 s 20 11 s 21 13 s 25 14 s 25 18 s 21 8 s 22 15 s 24 20 s 21 12 s 21 15 s

Thursday HI LO W 33 27 sn 34 23 sn 31 22 sn 32 20 sn 30 26 sn 35 27 sn 33 32 sn 30 27 sn 38 35 sn 35 29 sn 35 22 sn 32 24 sn 37 32 sn 35 22 sn 31 26 sn

P

Catch something exciting happening on campus? Want your Insta-photos to be featured in The Rocket? Just follow @SRURocket on Instagram and use # in the caption for your chance to be featured here every week!

Rise 6:56 a.m.

6:55 a.m.

6:53 a.m.

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6:49 a.m.

6:47 a.m.

Rise 6:11 a.m.

6:48 a.m.

7:24 a.m.

7:59 a.m.

8:35 a.m.

9:12 a.m.

9:52 a.m.

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Moon

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

MOON PHASES

Set 6:10 p.m.

6:11 p.m.

6:12 p.m.

6:13 p.m.

6:14 p.m.

6:16 p.m.

6:17 p.m.

Set 5:47 p.m.

6:59 p.m.

8:10 p.m.

9:19 p.m.

10:24 p.m.

11:27 p.m. none

New

First

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3/8

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Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014

PRECIPITATION

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

National Summary: A major storm system will begin to unfold Saturday across the northern Plains and Rockies, with showers and thunderstorms across much of California. The storm will progress eastward Sunday, leading to snow from Illinois to central Pennsylvania, and an icy mix just to the south from southern Missouri, through Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Heavy snow will push into the Northeast Monday from Ohio to New England. The heaviest snow is likely from central Pennsylvania through the Hudson Valley of New York and into southern New England, with an icy mix south of those areas which will lead to treacherous travel.

Rain and thunderstorms will push through North Carolina and areas south.

NATIONAL CITIES

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday CITY HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W Atlanta 54 38 pc 62 46 pc 69 52 s 62 36 r 58 33 s 53 37 pc 57 44 r Boston 25 13 s 34 24 c 27 14 sn 26 14 sn 25 7 pc 23 19 s 32 28 c Chicago 23 15 c 22 9 sn 18 11 sn 18 3 pc 20 9 pc 25 17 sn 35 16 c Cincinnati 35 23 pc 48 23 c 29 16 sn 24 8 sn 26 11 pc 29 23 pc 42 32 sf Dallas 78 43 pc 78 61 pc 70 26 t 38 28 pc 50 39 pc 50 38 pc 63 50 pc Denver 54 22 pc 39 13 sn 35 19 sn 44 27 c 48 29 pc 59 29 pc 59 19 pc Detroit 17 15 pc 31 8 c 17 8 sn 18 2 sn 21 -1 pc 22 16 pc 33 24 c Houston 70 60 c 78 62 sh 77 46 t 53 40 pc 55 44 c 61 48 c 66 53 pc Indianapolis 32 25 pc 39 15 pc 21 10 sn 20 2 sn 18 9 pc 28 22 pc 40 35 c Kansas City 42 16 c 27 0 c 7 -5 sn 14 0 pc 23 17 pc 37 26 pc 44 25 pc Los Angeles 63 53 r 61 52 t 66 54 sh 69 52 pc 75 54 pc 78 55 pc 74 52 r Miami 78 66 t 82 67 s 80 68 s 82 68 s 82 66 pc 79 67 pc 79 56 c Nashville 48 37 pc 57 40 c 66 37 c 38 22 sh 49 28 s 51 35 pc 52 42 r New Orleans 65 56 pc 71 59 pc 71 62 pc 67 43 r 62 47 s 63 53 c 69 55 c New York City 21 15 s 35 31 c 34 26 sn 28 18 sn 26 14 pc 28 16 s 35 31 sf Orlando 73 52 s 79 56 s 81 59 pc 84 62 pc 80 54 pc 72 55 pc 74 43 r Phoenix 75 59 c 70 54 sh 71 52 pc 76 56 s 80 57 s 81 57 s 83 58 pc San Francisco 60 48 r 61 48 sh 61 50 pc 60 49 c 62 51 c 64 50 pc 64 48 r Seattle 55 38 pc 46 35 c 50 39 pc 53 43 r 47 45 r 58 43 r 54 39 r Washington, DC 29 24 s 43 37 c 47 31 c 35 22 i 37 17 s 31 24 s 38 36 sn Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Staff hopes math lab will share same success as technology learning center Continued from Page A-1

good students get better.”

While Tramdack said there is not so much a demand for a math lab in the library, he did say that there is a “perceived need for that kind of support service.” It has yet to be determined if students will be able to use the math lab for anything besides math projects, but Tramdack promised that the math lab, once it’s in the library will be used.

“I’m not sure about the guidelines or the conditions [for the math lab]. I can tell you that a room full of computers that are not

being used, they’re just getting old. They’re just losing their relevance as they sit there,” Tramdack said. While he believes the intent to be specific to mathrelated activities, he does not want the librarians to turn away students in need of the computers if they are not in use. “Better than just locking the door,” Tramdack said.

He said one big reason to put the math lab in the library is accessibility and said he could even picture putting the writing lab in the library too. “We’re open more than a lot of buildings and we have people here to

help so it makes sense to put something in here like that.”

“We see the success of our technology learning center and it begins to dawn on us that maybe the idea of having services in the library that help student development is a good use for the library,” Tramdack said.

“The complicated problem that we have to solve is in order to make space for the student services how do we deal with those collections [of books] and how do we change, in a way, the significance of the library and the purpose for it without harming our patrons.”

SGA supports increasing parking permit fee Continued from Page A-1

INDEX Blotter.................A-3 Sports...................C-1 Opinion...............B-1 Campus Life.............D-1 Comics...................B-4

CONTACT US Newsroom: (724) 738-4438 Advertising: (724) 738-2643 Fax: (724) 738-4896 Email: rocket.letters@sru.edu

220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

2012 Mark of Excellence First Place Winner in Region 4 from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Slippery Rock University, though Mercer said other options are still being explored.

“I personally recommended raising it eventually to a hundred dollars,” Senator Cody Moody said. “If you look at the numbers, we are deeply in the red and we can’t function like that. I know we like only paying 25 dollars but that’s not reality. It needs to be raised if we’re going to keep being able to salt, plow and maintain the parking lots.”

The administration plans to pursue the option of employees paying for parking though Mercer said it will require discussion with the various labor unions at the university. “Currently employees do not pay for parking,” Mercer said. “I think it would be quite some time before we would have a full resolution with the labor unions on that.”

“I don’t believe it’s an unreasonable request,” SGA APSCUF Representative Dr. Lynch said. “Be patient. It’s not going to happen next fall. It’s not going to happen next spring…don’t expect it to happen overnight.”

Mercer stated that administration is proposing fee increases for the tuition payment plan, from $25 to $40, the late payment plan, from $15 to $30 and returned check fees, from $15 to $30, in addition to parking permit fee increase. The fee increases would need to be presented to the Council of Trustees and approved before going into effect.

A letter to be written by SGA President Buddy Clements in support of the fee increases presented by Molly Mercer was approved by the senate, but will also request that faculty parking permit fees be examined. “I truly appreciate the administration bringing us into this discussion,” Clements said.

Dr. Itzi Meztli, a member of the Slippery Rock Borough Council, updated the senate on the bulk trash pickup day. He also spoke on recycling issues in apartment complexes and encouraged students to get involved in government.

“They will have bulk trash in the borough the Friday after graduation,” Meztli said. “I do what I can to protect your interests.”

SGA also motioned untable the approval of constitutional changes which were then approved by the senate. The changes result in two non-voting representatives on the senate appointed by the Slippery Rock University chapter of the Association of Pa. State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) and four faculty members, two of whom shall be elected each year by the faculty and each of whom shall serve a two year term as a non-voting member and one non-voting member appointed by the SRU President from the Division of Finance and Administration who will serve a two year term on the Board of Cooperative Activities.

“We’re not losing any voting members for students, it’s just for faculty. We spoke with Dr. Burkhart of APSCUF and Dr. Watson. This is honestly to help protect the faculty from being punished for being a voting member; that could be seen as adverse interest which the trustees feel is most things we vote on,” Clements said.

“This is honestly to get in full compliance with our Memorandum of Understanding and hopefully it will pass through our next trustees meeting.”

“We know that SRSGA has no choice in doing this really but we don’t like it so in good conscience we can’t vote for it,” Senator Cody Moody said in explanation for his and some others abstaining from the motion.

SGA approved SRU- Collegiate Middle Level Association, Without Borders, and Study Abroad Club as recognized organizations.

Wayne Miller-Douglass and Katie Hill were elected to two of the three open seats for Commuter Senator. Hill was also named “liter” of the week.

The senate also voted to approve the minutes from the meeting on Feb. 10 and the Co-Op actions from the meeting on Feb. 20. The next senate meeting will be March 10 at 8:45 p.m. in the theater of the Robert M. Smith Student Center.

NEWS

February 28, 2014

A-3

POLICE BLOTTER Campus Feb. 21 - Police responded to a theft of monies from the Robert M. Smith Student Center. The case is under investigation.

Feb. 21 -A vehicle was reported damaged at Feb. 22 - Police responded to a report of Rock Hall Lot. The case is under investigation. harassment at Building D. The individual was contacted and advised no contact. No other action Feb. 21 - A vehicle was reported damaged at Feb. 21 - Pennsylvania State Police requested was taken.

East Lake Lot. The case is under investigation. assistance with a domestic disturbance on Grove City Road. No other action was taken by the Feb. 26 - Individuals in a disorderly crowd at the Feb. 21 - Shane Beatty, 19, was issued citations campus police. basketball game was escorted out of Morrow Field for being underage and public drunkenness after House. No other action was taken. a report of a possible intoxicated individual who Feb. 21 - Kyle Arkwright, 19, Emily Merritt, 19, may have been passed out outside of Building B. Ashley Meyers, 19, Taylor Smith, 19, were issued Compiled by Kevin Squires Beatty was transported to the Health Center. underage citations at Building B.

ROCK NOTES To submit a Rock Note please send your announcement by 6 p.m. Wednesday to Jon Janasik at jtj9529@sru.edu or to rocket.news@sru.edu. The Rocket does not guarantee that all requests will be published in the paper.

Ask the President

Race to Anyplace

If you have any questions for President Cheryl J. Norton, let The Rocket know on Facebook, Twitter, or by email. Emails can be sent to rocket. news@sru.edu. Submit on social media with #AskNorton.

The 4 Annual Race To Anyplace, a stationary bike race, is benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on March 8 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the ARC. Teams of up to 12 riders will race on spin stationary bikes. Prior to the race, each team must raise $500 ($42.50 per person).

Each rider completes at least one 15 minute heat. Follow @LLS_Race_WPA on Twitter, find Race to Any Place - Slippery Rock on Facebook, or go to wpa.LLSevent.org.

Self Art Exhibit “Self: An International Juried Exhibit of Women’s Self-Portraiture" art exhibit continues through March 14 at the Martha Gault Art Gallery weekdays noon to 5 p.m. SRU students have access on Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 28.

Planetarium Shows Planetarium shows focusing on astronomy and scientific topics will be shown weekly on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in Vincent Science Center Planetarium. There is no cost for admission.

Latin Salsa Dance Come dance the evening away at the Cien Fuegos Latin Salsa Dance - Saturday, March 8, 2014 in the Robert Smith Student Center Ballroom from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is $6.00.

Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to a local food pantry and receive half off admission.

Refreshments and light snacks will be available.

Hosted by: SOL, Hispanic/Latino Cultures, and the Communication Department.

Now Hiring!

Slippery Rock University

HOPE Peer Educators

Due Date: March 7, 2014 Promote health and wellness among the campus community!

Stop by the Protection Connection in the Student Health Center to pick up an Application!

H PE

Questions? Contact us at srupeers@yahoo.com or call (724) 738-4888.

OPINION

O

Our View

OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 96, Number 17

220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: Fax: E-mail:

(724) 738-4438 (724) 738-4896 rocket.letters@sru.edu

EDITORIAL BOARD Catie Clark

Editor-in-Chief

Jon Janasik

News Editor

Rebecca Marcucci

Campus Life Editor

Kristin Karam

Sports Editor

Alex Mowrey

Photo Editor

Todd Hart

Web/Social Media Editor

Mary Leach

Copy Editor

Kevin Squires

Assistant News Editor

Stephanie Cheek

Assist. Campus Life Editor

Matthew Morgan

Assistant Sports Editor

Rebecca Dietrich

Assistant Photo Editor

LaRae Ferguson Mark Zeltner

Multimedia Reporter Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Karleigh Santry

Advertising Manager

ABOUT US The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000. No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief.

The first copy of The Rocket is provided free of charge.

Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents each.

The Rocket receives approximately five percent of its funding from the SGA General Service fee paid each semester by students. All other income is provided through the sale of advertising.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling (724) 7382643 or by e-mailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.

CORRECTIONS If we make a substantial error, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call The Rocket newsroom at (724) 738-4438. If a correction is warranted it will be printed in the opinion section.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Rocket are available. Subscriptions are $20 per academic semester and $35 for the full academic year. Inquiries should be directed to the Editor-in-Chief at the address listed here.

GRAPHIC BY REBECCA DIETRICH

Bailey Library to install math computer lab, create opportunity for select group Recently, Bailey Library revealed plans to construct a computer lab that would only be available to math majors.

In making room for all the computers this ‘math lab’ is to hold, the staff of Bailey Library have to ‘weed’ out books deemed unnecessary.

While the librar y was already in the course of weeding books, now they have even more purpose to do so. The goal behind weeding these books is to pull titles that haven’t been checked out in the past 10 to 15 years, and some that have never even been checked out of the library in their history.

So it seems that removing books from the library isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

However, the computers in the Math lab are planned t o h ave m at h e m at i c s based software, and are discouraged from use for other purposes.

We think that students

shouldn’t be discouraged from using these computers for uses other than math.

Computers can be frequently hard to find in the library, and in adding additional computers, they would solve that problem, but not if they’re only supposed to be used for math.

In fact, Vincent Science Center already has one Mathematics Lab specifically for majors, and another one that is also keypad locked and available specifically for their use.

While the number of math majors represents a smaller population of the campus community, the new lab in the library would be for use of students enrolled in math classes, not specifically majors.

This still seems to limit the potential of such a computer lab.

We understand the issues that traditional libraries are facing today and that their

In the Quad In the Quad is a segment in which random students, faculty and staff are asked for their opinions on a specific topic.

need to embrace technology is as important as ever.

We a l s o u n d e r s t a n d that the concept of a new computer lab will draw more students to the library, which is beneficial for many reasons.

Another question we would like to consider is this: why is the university creating an opportunity for a select group of students?

Especially because several m at h e m at i c s c omput e r labs already exist for these students.

If we are adding something to a library for student use, it should benefit all students that utilize the library, not just students in upper-level mathematics courses.

More computers are always needed for student use, and a new math lab shouldn’t b e hindering p otential opportunities for students while favoring a select group of students on campus.

This week’s question: What do you think about the math computer lab being placed in the library?

EDITORIAL POLICY The Rocket strives to present a diverse range of opinions that are both fair and accurate in its editorials and columns appearing on the Opinion pages. “Our View” is the opinion of the Editorial Board and is written by Rocket editorial board members. It reflects the majority opinion of The Rocket Editorial Board.

“Our View” does not necessarily reflect the views of Slippery Rock University, its employees or its student body. Columns and cartoons are drafted by various individuals and only reflect the opinions of the columnists.

LETTERS POLICY The Rocket welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns, but does not guarantee their publication.

The Rocket retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes the property of The Rocket and cannot be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published.

Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any.

Please limit letters to a maximum of 400 words. Submit all material by noon Wednesday to: The Rocket, 220 ECB, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057. Or send it via e-mail to: rocket.letters@sru.edu.

Melanie Dunbar Junior Dance Major Pittsburgh, Pa.

Amy Swartz Junior Business Management Major Indiana, Pa.

Evan Pierce Sophomore Biochemistry Major West Chester, Pa.

“I think that it is stupid.

Why do the math majors need computers? Why can’t they put the lab in Vincent instead of taking up space in the library?”

“I think it’s unproductive.

Everyone can use the books in the library, but not everyone will be able to use this new computer lab.”

“Why would they do that?

Are there even 100 math majors on this campus? It seems like a waste and they already have classrooms with computers for them.”

OPINION

February 28, 2014

QUESTION OF

THE WEEK

B-2

Mr. Court @theJoshCourt @TallGuyBill @SRURocket money goes to fixing pot holes? I’ll pay it.

The Rocket @SRURocket SRU Administration wants to increase parking fees to $50 a year starting this fall - are you willing to pay the increase to keep your car? #opinion

Jeremy Hesidenz @EXpoZuR @SRURocket @matthew_rapp56 Oh so we should pay more for the opportunity to fight for a parking space? Make more spaces before you increase $ Matthew Steffey @Beef_is_here @SRURocket it would only be OK if @SRSGA brings back the evening hours for the Happy Bus

Casey Squires @Squires_Casey

TWEET @SRURocket Need your voice to be heard? Want to be featured on The Rocket’s opinion pages? Tweet the @SRURocket and use #opinion for your chance to be featured weekly.

@SRURocket some students HAVE to have a car on campus. As long as we aren’t raising it over $100, I think it’s a safe bet. #opinion Zac @zacrutter @SRURocket I’ll pay $50 when I’m not hiking from the football field...

The views expressed in the Opinion section are those of the writer(s) alone. The Rocket cannot verify all facts presented in a given column, but if we are aware of an error or omission, we reserve the right to include an editorial note for accuracy’s sake.

Slippery Rock students show ‘Rock Pride’ at recent basketball game

Casey Young Casey’s Corner, Consider This Casey Young is a sophomore Communication-Journalism major from Orchard Park, NY.

Slippery Rock students would not be categorized as sports frenzied. It is rare to have a huge crowd at any of the the sports games on campus. However, the recent basketball game against IUP drew a massive crowd.

Although the game ended with a Slippery Rock loss, the Slippery Rock spirit in the gym was impressive. I have not been to a game on campus recently that could compare.

Everyone dressed in white and piled into the seats, chanting, cheering, and feeding off the energy in the room.

I would love it if every basketball, football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, etc. game could draw such a huge crowd. It would make going to each game that much more enjoyable.

The feel of a packed stadium is so much better than that of a empty house. The game is more exciting, the players get pumped, and the crowd has a great time. Despite the devastating loss, the experience of the crowd was one of the best I have experienced.

For those of you that end up sitting in your rooms almost every night, grab some friends and find a game to cheer for. It should not matter what team it is, cheer for Slippery Rock and show your pride.

We all need a break once in a while. Only so much studying can be done in one sitting and TV gets old after awhile. Going to any sporting event, even if you are unsure of the rules, can be a great distraction.

Slippery Rock is a great school. We have great facilities, great on campus living, and a great faculty. Our sports enthusiasm, however, is a little bit lackluster. If we could pack every game like the white out agains IUP, every game would be as exciting. It is never too late to join in on the fun, take a seat in the crowd and cheer, “Lets go SRU!”

Athletes ‘coming out’ merely political, unnecessary for fans

Vince Scalamogna Commentary Vince Scalamogna is a freshman journalism major from Seven Fields, Pa. Michael Sam’s announcement of being openly gay is clearly all about politics. His announcement comes close to the time that Jason Collins leaps back into the public image. This world continues to see people coming ‘out of the closet.’ I ask: is it necessary for them to do this? Aren’t there other items that are more newsworthy than this?

It’s not necessary for them to come out. I would rather not know that they are gay. I would rather make judgments on them based on the content of their character and not on them being gay. I hesitate to even bring the word “sexuality” into this as I think this conversation isn’t necessary. I understand there are gay people out there. I am not going to hate them. They can be gay. I also hate political correctness, as it’s dangerous, so I won’t disregard the educational aspects of homosexuality. So people should study homosexuality in the proper forum such as a psychology course.

I’d prefer that celebrities stop announcing that they are gay because it’s something I would rather not know.

It’s too much information and it’s been going on since Martina Navratilova announced she was gay in 1981.

It’s not new. People are treating it as if it is new, which leads me to many other points.

There is an agenda by people in the world – people want to see the legalization of gay marriage throughout the world. They are using sports to do this. Last April when Jason Collins came out, I thought to myself: Why is this in the news? The media is giving in to what politicians want them to give in to. The media is pushing this agenda that gay marriage is wonderful and great yet there are religions that are against homosexuality. A lot of people and athletes show their pride in religion. I’m not a cleric so I’m not qualified to make the conclusion.

If people want to know the religious viewpoint on homosexuality, they can ask a cleric or read religious text. Yes, and there is the whole memo that goes: don’t discuss religion or politics. People can talk about religion and politics all they want. Ok, spare that last comment for another time. Now back to the topic at hand..

I found something interesting and it’s by ESPN’s Chris Broussard, who had this to say about Jason

Collins’ coming out last April: “Personally, I don’t believe that you can live an openly homosexual lifestyle or an openly premarital sex between heterosexuals, if you’re openly living that type of lifestyle, then the Bible says you know them by their fruits, it says that’s a sin.

If you’re openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality, adultery, fornication, premarital sex between heterosexuals, whatever it may be, I believe that’s walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ. I would not characterize that person as a Christian because I do not think the Bible would characterize them as a Christian.”

It’s tough to argue with Broussard, who also pointed out there are a lot of Christians in the NBA. According to the Huffington Post, Broussard told a radio station last year, “I’m fine with homosexuals. I disagree [with being gay], but disagree respectfully ... I don’t have any problem with homosexuals.” The Huffington Post also reported that Broussard says he has a gay friend. I believe that Broussard said what he did in the radio interview so that he can avoid being called “homophobic” or a “bigot.”

Also, in the career that Collins has had, he has only averaged 3.6 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, and .9 assists per game. His numbers are not worthy of him earning fame. He should earn his fame based on his performances in the game and not based on him being gay.

After playing in one game with the Brooklyn Nets, Collins has received positive attention. Sports Illustrated reports that Collins’ teammates were accepting of the Nets signing him before he signed with the team. Sports Illustrated also reports Collins saying after the game, “I know I can play in the NBA. I think I showed that tonight.”

Collins and Sam should not be categorized as Jackie Robinson-like figures. Jackie Robinson faced death threats. If Sam or Collins were to receive death threats, it would be front page news and be going crazy on Twitter.

We live in an overwhelmingly tolerant country. Jason Collins faced no opposition for his announcement of being gay and neither have the likes of Ellen DeGeneres and Anderson Cooper. Now of course there is going to be that idiot out there that shows extreme hate towards homosexuals, but I see the majority of the people in this country as being tolerant and not judging someone based on being their sexuality.

People also make it sound like it’s an earth-shattering revelation that Michael Sam has come out as gay. I say it’s not like that at all. We should all know that.

Bill Clinton voiced his support for Collins and so did President Obama. It’s not like the elites don’t respect gay people.

Unfortunately, Sam will receive inappropriate scrutiny for being gay and it will cause whichever NFL team that takes him to also be scrutinized. My take is that Michael Sam will be accepted in the NFL and he will not be judged based on homosexuality. It will be interesting how Sam is ultimately treated and we will have to wait for time to tell.

February 28, 2014

B-3

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C COMICS

Horoscopes

By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency (MCT) Today's Birthday (02/28/14). Focus, persistence and determined action wins this year. Creativity percolates through August, sparking a career leap. Manage a busy work and home schedule with organized structures, streamlined routines, and communication.

Strengthen partnerships, and delegate. Harvest delicious romance over summer and autumn. Balance physical, spiritual and emotional health with regular practices. Include time for play, rest and happiness.

Grow your love.

COMICS Mr. Pasta Cat I‛ve got to take a urine!

Please don‛t eat my pasta, Mr. Pasta Cat!

By Jack Johnehsick I love pasta.

Why would he think that leaving it in front of me would be a good idea?

Is he mad?

Dumb?

The serpent in the garden?

I cannot say no.

The temptation is too much.

On second thought I won‛t eat it.

Mr. Pasta Cat is a comic about moral dilemmas, and pasta based on the excruciating successful Pasteh Kat series.

Read the commentary for philosophical input from a real reader.

Urine and pasta?

This comic has everything!

He‛s going to eat it and die. That‛s what happens when cats eat pasta.

What a plot twist!

I feel it.

Calamities of Nature

By Tony Piro

To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 7 -- It's easier to advance with Mercury direct. There's brilliance in the chaos with both Sun and Moon in Pisces. Journal your emotions onto a hidden page. Pay attention to dreams and intuition. You may discover something.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Practical methods work best. It's easier to get what you want with Mercury direct. Barriers in communication, with equipment and transportation dissolve. Step up a level. Maintain objectivity. Talk about what you love with friends today and tomorrow.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Big expenditures are not required. Creative efforts take a leap forward, with Mercury direct. Career matters most now. Study recent developments. Set inspiring goals, and remain committed to your own health.

Take time for exercise and rest.

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Get lost in introspection and studies with the Sun and New Moon in Pisces. Your imagination's especially fertile.

Travel to a new culture with Mercury direct. Transportation and communication flow again. Discover something extraordinary.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Take time for peaceful reflection, with a new direction in the road ahead. A dream emerges in the process. Things work better with Mercury direct. Handle financial matters, sign contracts, and invest in high quality.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Let your sensitive side play freely. Ask someone else to handle your chores, please. Catch up on correspondence, and let your network know how much they mean to you.

Communication and travels flow with renewed ease.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Today and tomorrow issues of service, health and well being have your attention. The workload's getting intense.

Equipment works better now that Mercury's direct.

Take time for rest, good food and exercise. Let somebody else challenge the status quo.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- Delegate your responsibilities, and play with folks you love and admire today and tomorrow. Travel flows with renewed ease, now that Mercury's direct. Explore the emotional undercurrent of a creative project with the Sun and New Moon in Pisces.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -Sensitive words come easily at home, with both Sun and Moon in Pisces. Take time to pay attention and participate. Clean up a mess. Communications flow with new power, now that Mercury's direct. Take advantage. Share good food.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Talk about your dreams with both the Sun and New Moon in Pisces. Inspiration and imagination swirl today and tomorrow, and a new seed gets planted. Reveal a secret. Entertain yourself with words rather than action.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Let your creative light shine, and illuminate your income higher. Work's fun, with money both coming and going. Everything works better with Mercury direct.

Tune your domestic environment to lower costs by conserving energy. Consider LED light bulbs, insulation or gray-water.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 6 -- You're the star, with both Sun and New Moon in your sign.

Your strength and confidence get a power boost.

Push to realize a dream, and leap ahead. Your message travels easily, now that Mercury's direct. Launch your next phase. (c)2013 bY NANCY BLACK DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

February 28, 2014

B-5

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S SPORTS

INSIDE SPORTS

Opening Day

Playoff Bound

The Slippery Rock baseball team took three games of four in a two day series against Walsh University of Ohio.

Slippery Rock men's basketball enters the PSAC playoffs as the fourth seed. Check out the 2014 tournament bracket!

See Page C-2

See Page C-3

Rock slips in IUP rivalry match

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Redshirt sophomore guard Maxx Rynd looks for an opening in the defense to make a play against the Crimson Hawks. Rynd started 12 games for SRU this season and averaged 76.7 percent from the line.

Coach Reynolds serves one-game suspension

By Kristin Karam Sports Editor

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Junior guard Matej Delinac attempts a shot during Wednesday night's game against Indiana University of Pa. Delinac had 145 points in the regular season.

Slipp er y Ro ck fans packed into the Morrow Field House Wednesday night dressed in white in hopes of cheering on their men’s basketball team to victory over PSAC-rival Indiana University of Pa. The crowd’s energ y, cheers and signs were shaken off by IUP as the Crimson Hawks took the victory 69-55.

The loss drops SRU to 19-9 (10-6 PSAC-West) and improves IUP to 23-3 (13-3 PSAC-West). Both teams are advancing to the PSAC playoffs. IUP is seeded second and will receive a first-round bye.

The 14-point margin is the highest of the Rock’s nine losses during the regular season.

Assistant head coach Ian Grady led SRU in their final regular season match.

Grady stepped in for head coach Kevin Reynolds who wasn’t in attendance due to a University-imp os e d one-game susp ension for a personnel matter,

according to Rockathletics. com. The site's statement was visible for a short time late Wednesday morning but was later removed.

A message was left with Rock Athletic Director Paul Leuken requesting a c o m m e nt o n t h e situation but it remained unanswered.

“It wasn’t how I wanted to do it (debut as head coach),” Grady said. “I was expecting to come out with a win.”

Slipp er y Ro ck to ok the lead in the first few minutes of the game off a three-point shot from senior guard Josh Martin.

SEE GREEN, PAGE C-3

Crimson Hawks crush Green and White

By Matthew Morgan Assistant Sports Editor

The Slippery Rock women’s basketball team (6-20, 3-13 PSAC-West) ended their 2013-14 season with a loss to the IUP Crimson Hawks (17-9, 8-8 PSAC West) in what could very well be SRU head coach Tanya Longo’s last game here at Slippery Rock.

IUP claimed their final regular season win by a score of 75-48 at the Morrow Field House.

The Rock faced a 25 point deficit at halftime.

“I thought we moved the ball well,” IUP first year head coach Tom McConnell said. “I thought we had good player and ball movement. We were able

to get some good shots out of the gate.”

The Crimson Hawks have not lost to Slippery Rock since the 2006-07 season.

After only 11 minutes of play, the Crimson Hawks held a 25-5 lead.

IUP outscored SRU in the paint 42–16 and outrebounded the Rock 47–33 with 22 points coming off of turnovers.

“They are an extremely versatile team,” SRU head coach Tanya Longo said. “Last time they scored a boatload of points from the perimeter.

They took what the defense gave them tonight.”

Slippery Rock shot 32 percent (17 of 53) Wednesday night with a 41 percent (7 of 17) SEE LONGO'S, PAGE C-3

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Senior forward Jazmyne Frost handles a pass Wednesday night in the loss against the Indiana University of Pa. Crimson Hawks. Frost finished the game with six points and four rebounds, she was the second highest scorer this season for the Rock with 356 points.

Junior forward D'Asia Chambers takes a jump shot from just outside of the free-throw line Wednesday night. Chambers finished the game with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

SPORTS Baseball takes three of four from Walsh University C-2

February 28, 2014

By Ryan Barlow Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock baseball team kicked off their season winning three of four games against Walsh University (OH) last weekend.

Slippery Rock opened the series on Saturday with a 3-5 loss but bounced back in game two with an 11-3 win.

Junior starting pitcher Kyle Schneider led Slippery Rock to a 3-0 victory in game three on Sunday, pitching a complete-game shutout.

The Rock finished the series by defeating the Cavaliers 10-3.

"Anytime you play a doubleheader, you definitely don't want to get swept," head coach Jeff Messer said.

"Winning game two was huge for us and we were able to carry the momentum and win the remainder of the series."

Junior Garret Peterson pitched in game one, lasting five innings while giving up two runs (one unearned) on four hits and striking out five batters. Senior Ryan Oglesby entered the game in the sixth inning, pitched two and two thirds innings and gave up three earned runs on five hits.

Senior John Kovalik

came in for relief in the bottom of the eighth but surrendered the gamewinning hit off the bat of Walsh’s Michael Lee. Oglesby was credited with the loss.

The Rock’s scoring in game one began with a leadoff walk by Jake Weibley in the third inning, who then scored off a double from senior Will Kengor. Kengor then scored off junior Jake Nogalo’s triple.

Senior Kevin Jovanovich was also credited with an RBI in the sixth inning after grounding into a fielder’s choice, scoring junior Adam Urbania.

The Slippery Rock offense exploded in game two, with five runs scored in the top of the first inning.

Redshirt sophomore Kyle Vozar, sophomore Jordan Faretta, and s ophomore Alente Johnson each had RBI singles in the first.

Junior Adam Urbania scored after a passed ball in the second inning, followed by an RBIsingle by Jovanovich.

Nogalo added an RBIsingle in the third, while both Kengor and Faretta added RBI-doubles in the seventh.

Redshirt sophomore Jon Anderson started game two, pitched five innings and gave up

three runs in five hits.

Redshirt freshman Christian Kerns pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Anderson.

"A big key for the second game was how Anderson came in and shut them down early on," Messer said. "After that, we got on a roll and started putting some numbers up."

S ophomore Kyle Schneider highlighted game three with a complete-game shutout.

Schneider allowed three hits, walked one batter and struck out two.

"Keeping the ball down in the zone and staying ahead in the count really helped," Schneider said. "If it wasn't for the defense behind me and the guys putting together key hits, the score could've been completely different."

Kengor scored in the third after Urbania reached the base on an error. Urbania later hit an RBI single in the fifth, and Vozar was credited with an RBI after hitting into a fielders choice in the same inning.

The Rock’s offense came alive in the first inning of the final game.

Urbania hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Kengor from third.

Vozar hit an RBI double in the fifth,

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPORTS INFORMATION

Junior outfielder Adam Urbania collected seven hits and a .636 batting average during the four game series at Walsh University (OH).

followed by an RBI single from Bell. Vozar then scored off a groundout to second by Javanovich.

Urbania, Bell, Weibley all scored on defensive errors. Freshman Ty Zimmerman grounded into a fielder’s choice, but was credited with an RBI. Nogalo hit an RBI single and Vozar scored on a wild pitch.

Junior Anton Constantino was the starting pitcher in the

final game and pitched four and one third innings, giving up two runs on two hits, three walks and three strikeouts.

C onstantino was relieved by Kovalik, who pitched two and two thirds innings, allowed two hits, walked one batter, struck out four, and allowed one unearned run.

"It's definitely a different feeling to get

back outside and play after being inside for so long," Kengor said.

"It was nice to get back into the groove, get some real at bats and hit the ball hard. I'm looking forward to the next series to get back out there and get some good at bats."

The Rock will travel to Bristol, T.N. this weekend to take on King College in a threegame series starting on Saturday, March 1.

Slow start ends in a 2-3 finish Women's tennis for softball at Shaw Challenge splits weekend,

By Brian Hepfinger Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock University softball team opened up there season with a 2-3 record at the Shaw University Softball Challenge last weekend.

On Saturday, SRU lost all three games.

The first matchup was against AldersonBroaddus University. Senior pitcher Emily Lobdell threw a complete game, but the Green and White lost 0-4.

“Our defense looked good all weekend, but both pitching and hitting started slow on Saturday,” Lobdell said. “Minor adjustments will have huge impacts for the rest of our season.”

Despite scoring first and acquiring a two-run lead in the fourth inning, the Rock lost their second game against Fairmont State University 2-4.

Freshman Rikki Brown scored off an RBIsingle from sophomore Ashley Samluk in the second inning and Samluk scored in the fourth inning off an RBI-single from freshman McKenzie Popatak.

Fairmont State took an unearned run in the fifth inning to start their comeback. They hit two homeruns in the top of the seventh inning that brought in a total of three runs to take the lead. Freshman pitcher Carly DeRose pitched a complete game and threw seven strikeouts.

In their third and final game of the day, Slippery Rock fell 3-4 against Concord University.

Samluk was the first to score for the Green and White and tied the game 1-1 in the top of the second with her homerun.

“I was seeing the ball very well this weekend and that was actually my first collegiate homerun,” Samluk said. “I had at least one hit in every game and that’s what one of my roles on the team is this year.”

Samluk scored again in the fourth inning, this time off an RBI-single from Popatak.

Freshman Eliza Skyes advanced to second off Popatak’s single and soon earned a run when sophomore Stacey Herzog was walked.

Slippery Rock turned the Shaw Challenge around and went 2-0 on Sunday.

In their first game, the Green and White defeated Winston-Salem State University 5-4.

Sophomore Katie Kaiser scored off an RBIsingle from Samluk in the first. The Rams responded with two runs in the bottom of the first.

SRU earned three runs in the second inning to regain the lead. Popatak scored first off an RBI-double from sophomore Megan Maloney.

Maloney then scored off an RBI-single from Sykes and Sykes scored off an RBI-single (bunt) from Lobdell.

WSSU tied the game 4-4 in the sixth inning but SRU would take the win after a wild pitch brought in Popatak. Lobdell would receive a no decision, while freshman pitcher Sarah Petrash won her first game in relief.

“Sunday’s games were a success for the team,” Lobdell said. “New players impressively stepped up into roles when they were called on.”

The Challenge’s final game placed SRU against West Virginia State. The Rock took a 3-2 win over the Yellow Jackets and DeRose was credited with her first collegiate win at the mound.

“There are improvements to be made within the next few weeks for myself as well as the team as a whole,” Kaiser said. “The first few games are always a great learning experience for us.”

Kaiser agreed that the tournament was a good opportunity for the team to get acclimated to playing again and facing real competition.

“I think that the tournament is a good chance for us to compete with some teams we will never see during the regular season,” Kaiser said. “It’s a chance for us to work out the kinks and figure out what we are doing well and what still needs work.”

The next few weeks of practice will be focused on refining the team’s skills and working out mistakes made at the Shaw Challenge.

“We need to string hits together at opportune times when runners are in scoring position,” Samluk said. “We have two weeks until we travel down to Kissimmee, so we have a time to make some adjustments on both ends of play.”

The Rock will spend their Spring Break in Clermont, Fl. playing in 10 games starting March 15 against the University of MinnesotaCrookston.

improves to 3-5

By Brittany Fagan Rocket Contributor

With a 9-0 win over Grove City College on Saturday and a 1-6 loss to St. Bonaventure University on Sunday, the Slippery Rock women’s tennis team improved their season record to 3-5.

The Rock traveled to Olean, NY to play Division I St. Bonaventure University on Sunday.

The Bonnies improved their season record to 3-6 with the win while the Slippery Rock record dropped to 3-5 after the loss.

“Playing Division I teams is always a learning experience,” senior Lauren Coggins said.

“We always go out there expecting to win and I definitely think that we worked towards that at this match.”

The teams played three doubles matches and six singles.

Senior Nikolina Grbac was teamed with senior Sarah Joumond for the first doubles team and Coggins paired up with freshman Stephanie Fortier for the second team.

Sophomore Courtney Gallagher and freshman Kylee Woodman made up the final doubles team.

Grbac and Joumond fell 4-8 against Marisa Brossard and Mara Martinez-Santori.

Coggins and Fortier were shut out by Fatya Amiri and Mariam Skhirtladze.

Gallagher and Woodman

took a win in the doubles with an 8-4 victory over Emily Rosman and Taylor Cole.

All six girls competed in the singles matches as well but only Gallagher was able to defeat her opponent. She defeated Rosman 8-0.

On Saturday, SRU snapped a two-game losing streak with their 9-0 win over Division III Grove City. The win improved the Rock’s record to 3-4 while Grove City’s record fell to 9-4.

Gallagher and Woodman claimed a victory over Leah White and Lauren Troxel in their doubles match with a score of 8-0.

Coggins and Fortier also won their match against Linnea Peters and Julie Becker 8-0. Grbac and Joumond defeated Karolina Lagerquist and Kendra Tetrick 8-2.

“We went out there expecting to dominate and that’s exactly what we did,” Coggins said.

Three of the six singles matches were won with 6-0 scores in both sets, leaving Grove City without a point.

“Overall I’m very pleased with the matches we’ve had this past weekend,” head coach Matt Meredith said.

“I’m excited that we weren’t completely blown away by St. Bonaventure. That match was a good tune up for the Division II teams we’ll be playing soon.”

The Green and White are set to play their next match against Division III Allegheny College in Wexford at the Oxford Athletic Club at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28.

SPORTS

February 28, 2014

C-3

Longo's future at SRU uncertain Green and White to face Seton Hill in PSAC playoffs Continued from Page C 1

shooting efficiency from behind the arc. Sophomore Megan Hardimann attempted and scored four 3-point shots Wednesday.

Junior D’Asia chambers led SRU and earned her 10th double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds, both game highs.

Hardimann added 14 points, five rebounds and sophomore Aidan Geise tallied 7 points and 7 rebounds.

"Our young players have a great understanding of what it takes to be successful and doing it as well," Longo said.

Usual offensive and defensive contributor senior Jazmyne Frost was held to only six points in the game.

“If you're gonna have any success against Slippery Rock you have to keep her in check,” McConnell said. “We wanted to know where she was at and challenge her. She definitely had our attention.”

Wednesday night’s game was the last for two SRU seniors; Frost and Katie Rathman.

Frost ends her 2013-14 season averaging 13.7 ppg, 7.7 rebounds per game and a .471 shooting percentage.

“During my time here I learned it isn’t always about winning the game,” Rathman said.

Rathman earned her way onto the dean’s list at SRU during all eight semesters of her student athlete career.

“Both Katie and Jasmine

Continued from Page C 1

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Sophomore guard Erica Aiello sets the play near half court against IUP. Aiello finished the season with 116 assists, the most for SRU.

have been steady consistent all around team players. They bring it every day and always stay positive,” Longo said. “We are certainly going to miss them.”

The Crimson Hawks had a slightly more successful night from the field. They shot 41 percent (28 of 68) yet fell behind SRU slightly from behind the arc shooting 29 percent (5 for 17).

There is a chance that coach Longo may not be returning to coach SRU next season.

Her husband Phil Longo,

former SRU offensive coordinator, accepted the offensive coordinator position at Sam Houston State University, requiring a significant relocation to take the job.

Longo has one year left on her contract, as noted by Rockathletics.com, but she has not commented on if she will return next season to coach the team.

If Longo does not return for another season, she leaves SRU with a record of 19-85 during her four year tenure.

The Rock extended their lead to three points (5-2) and kept their fans loud off a dunk from sophomore center Cornelius Brown.

IUP took the lead with 16:29 remaining in the first half off a layup from Mathis Keita and held onto it the rest of the game.

The Green and White closed the gap several times but the Crimson Hawks pulled away each time.

Martin finished the game as the Green and White’s leading scorer with 18 points. Senior center Maurice Lewis-Briggs scored 12 points and redshirt senior forward Tabari Perry scored 10. Lewis-Briggs shot for 29 points in the first rivalry game of the season at the Kovalchick Complex Jan. 25 “They were collapsing on him (Lewis-Briggs),” Grady said. “They made adjustments on him when we played there (Kovalchick Complex) too. The baskets just didn’t happen for us tonight.”

The Crimson Hawks held Slippery Rock to 37.3 percent from the field, out-rebounded them 38-30 and converted 15 points off SRU’s 10 turnovers.

“They’re a well-disciplined defensive team (IUP),” Grady said. “We didn’t convert like we needed too. They did a great job

defensively and should get all the credit for that.”

When the two met earlier in the season, IUP narrowly defeated the Rock 66-64. The Crimson Hawks now hold a 100-74 all-time record against Slippery Rock.

“We had a lot of communication problems,” Grady said. “There were a lot of defensive breakdowns tonight and we gave up too many easy points.”

Rock seniors Lewis-Briggs, Perry, Martin, Sa'Quan Davis and Daivon Jackson were recognized prior to tip-off for Senior Night.

With the regular season not ending how the team had hoped, Slippery Rock will look to brush off the loss and refocus on the PSAC playoffs.

“We have to move on,” Grady said. “We have to regroup and we can’t let the loss hinder us. We’re in a do-or-die situation.”

SRU is the fourth seed in the PSAC-West and will host Seton Hill University (fifth seed) in the first round of playoffs this Saturday at 7 p.m.

Slippery Rock has defeated the Griffins twice already this season, 72-71 on Jan. 22 and 73-69 on Feb. 22.

The winner of Saturday's game will advance to the quarterfinals round and face Gannon University (first seed) at the Hammermill Center Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

C-4

February 28, 2013

Student Government Association /srsga

@srsga

Open Positions Friday at 4 and 8 Saturday 8 Sunday at 8

Commuter Senator Co-op at Large (2 Positions)

Come Check Out Our New Website at www.srsga.org @SRSGA

Come Visit Our Table On Thursday at

in the Robert M. Smith Student Center

Common Hour For Some Great Prizes!

C

CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE Kate Middleton prepares for makeover

How I Met Your Mother gives dating advice

Is the queen demanding Kate Middleton take on a style transformation? Rock 'N Fashion's Katie Ellis has the scoop.

With its final season wrapping up, what advice are the characters of How I Met Your Mother leaving us with?

Channel surf to find out!

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UPB announces spring concert performers

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET During the men's basketball game against IUP on Wednesday this year's spring concert performers were announced, WALE and Juicy J. While many students attended and enjoy the on campus concerts, many do not know all that goes into creating a great concert and getting a musical artist to come to Slippery Rock.

UPB's agent looks for available artists that are in SRU's budget

By Stephanie Cheek Assistant Campus Life Editor

Every spring and fall semester students look forward to the announcement of the performers of the semester concerts, but something that many do not understand is the process to get these artists and performances to the ARC or the Student Center Ballroom.

“The beginning steps are two fold, one side is we reach out to students to see what they want whether it be a specific genre, artist or atmosphere,” said Matan Cohen, 21, a senior sports management major and Vice President of Concerts and Comedians for UPB.

The second step, according to Cohen, is to decide which performers Slippery Rock can afford and if there are facilities available to hold the concert.

Cohen said when discussing the facilities they have to make sure they can hold at least 8,000 students and can be shut down for 24 hours straight. They give Facilities eight possible concert dates, and then Facilities returns with a narrow date list of three to four dates.

With those narrowed down dates UPB then contacts their agent who is in contact with recording agencies and artists.

“Our agent has been with SRU for 12 years and is in charge of Taylor Swift and Luke Bryan concerts, so he understands all that goes into creating a great

show,” Cohen said.

The agent then reaches out to different agencies and labels with the dates and budget to find a performer.

According to Cohen, the budget is between $40,000 and $50,000 for the fall concert and between $80,000 and $100,000 in the spring. What students are not always aware of is that the budget is the same every year.

When it comes to picking the artists, that step begins when artists send possible performance dates and prices. It is a little easier to get performers when they are on tour, or in route, instead of having them fly-in for a concert. UPB usually gets a list of artists they can choose from, according to Cohen, then the SEE TIMING, PAGE D-3

Distinguished speaker finds success through connections

By Amber Cannon Rocket Contributor

Many college students strive to become professionals. Many also want to find a job right out of graduation doing something they enjoy.

Rock PRoductions welcomed a young professional, Sabrina Saunders as part of their Distinguished Speaker Series on Wednesday evening in Eisenburg auditorium.

Saunders graduated not far from Slippery Rock, with an undergraduate degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations at Edinboro University. She then went to further her education at Carlow University.

Since then, she has achieved success not only locally, but across the United States. Saunders went on to become the youngest director of The Education and Youth Development for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, as well as work in the government for a numbers of years, meeting the president and the vice president several times.

It wasn’t always easy for Saunders though. When she graduated from Edinboro University, she explained that she didn’t have a job, which was very overwhelming for her.

“When I graduated, I didn’t have a job,” she said.

“I wanted to be a speech writer. Where was I going to do that at? You can’t go into CNN and say ‘Hey, you guys hiring?’ So what did I do? I went home and walked the streets because what else are you going to do when you don’t have a job?” she joked.

After walking the streets of her hometown, she explained that she ran into one of her teachers in high

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Sabrina Saunders spoke to students as part of Rock PRoductions Distinguished Speaker Series. She is the youngest director in history of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, and spoke to students about about the importance of making connections.

school who offered her a job running a program that she participated in while in high school. Saunders expressed that building relationships are the most important thing to remember while trying to become a young professional.

“Relationships are key. Establish them,” she said.

“Foster the real relationships that you have with people who can help you professionally and keep them going intentionally. After all, it’s not who you know, but who knows you,” Saunders said.

Along with good relationships come bad ones.

Saunders explained that she has had a lot of bad relationships in the past, but also said that bad relationships don’t always have to be a bad thing.

“I’ve had plenty of bad relationships in the past, especially being involved in the government and previously being the Mayor of Pittsburgh’s assistant,” she said. “It’s bound to happen. Most of the time there were those relationships that would never become solved, but I always remembered to build relationships and not burn bridges. Some disagreeing could be a good thing. We may not always agree, but we should always respect each other,” she said.

According to Saunders, communication and presentation are very important when trying to become successful. Being in Ebony Magazine as one of the “50 Young Professionals on the Rise” was one of Saunders’ major accomplishments, but as she soon realized, she didn’t have a professional picture to put in the magazine.

“Always keep a clean and professional photo of you on board,” she said. “I didn’t have one when I was asked to be in Ebony Magazine, so my boyfriend at the time had to take a normal picture in my apartment against the white wall. Not good. How you carry yourself is very important. Also, how you talk to others and how you word things are SEE SPEAKER, PAGE D-3

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February 28, 2014

Kate Middleton prepares for a style makeover

Katie Ellis "ROCK'n Fashion" Katie Ellis is a junior journalism major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

"Style icon" is a term that is regularly brought up in reference to Kate Middleton, who has become world famous for her impeccable sense of style over the last four years, since her engagement to Prince William in late 2010. The Duchess undoubtedly makes great fashion choices for outings to the grocery store, for royal tours, and appearances at black tie galas, but her choices have recently come under fire by the Queen.

Ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s official visit to Australia and New Zealand in April, Her Majesty has ordered Middleton to undergo a style makeover fit for a princess. Middleton, who became regarded as an icon for her tendency to mix high fashion pieces with affordable items, must now change up her wardrobe which set “the Kate effect” in motion.

Her rise to fashion notoriety began the moment that she stepped in front of the cameras to announce her engagement to Prince William, in a fittingly hued royal blue Issa dress, with long-sleeves and knee-skimming hemline. This dress marked the first in a long line of dresses worn by the Duchess to sell out within hours of being photographed.

Her wedding dress cannot go unmentioned when chronicling her fashion timeline, as it was the dress seen around the world by millions of royal watchers who tuned in to see what she would be wearing on the day that she married her prince in April of 2011. Bridal fashions were altered thanks to “the Kate effect”, as brides began favoring more traditional styles, with some choosing to wear replicas of the Duchess’ dress on their special day.

While her wedding dress was a game changer, it certainly isn’t her most iconic contribution to fashion. Her penchant for repeating outfit choices hasn’t gone unnoticed, and has become her trademark over the past few years. On the royal tour the Duke and Duchess took to the United States and Canada in 2011, she wore her

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS Since Kate Middleton's engagement announcement, royal wedding in April 2011, and the birth of her son, she has been turning heads with her style choices. But the queen has other plans for Middleton's style.

LK Bennett nude pumps, J Brand jeans, and navy Smythe blazer multiple times over the course of one trip.

Middleton has continued to recycle designs since her trip abroad, as she wore her favorite black LK Bennett wedges, J Brand jeans, and Smythe blazer during appearances at the Olympic Games in 2012. Throughout her pregnancy with son, Prince George, she was able to wear eyecatching designs from years past, the most popular of which was the black and white polka dot dress from Topshop that sold out in stores and online minutes after being identified.

The Duchess has stayed loyal to her favorite designers ever since her turn as a fashion icon, with Jenny Packham, Alexander McQueen, Issa, and Topshop among her favorite labels. In spite of all her sartorial successes, she has made a few faux pas, which the Queen hopes to rectify in her imposed style makeover.

With a few too many Marilyn Monroe moments at her public appearances, the Queen has suggested

that Middleton lower her hemlines, and leave her retail clothing behind in favor of styles from high end designers. With lower hemlines and more high-end looks, the Duchess will make a transition to a more conservative style, something that her grandmother-in-law will certainly put her stamp of approval on.

Middleton has only worn the Queen’s jewelry on select occasions, which she hopes to change by the time the Duke and Duchess venture to Australia and New Zealand later this year. This past December, Middleton wore a tiara for the first time since her wedding, and just weeks ago she wore a large diamond necklace given to the Queen in 1947 to a gala in London.

In just a short amount of time, Kate Middleton has become a style icon, thanks to her impeccable fashion choices, all of which have been executed with class. Although she is in the midst of a style transformation, there’s no doubt that she will continue to set trends, and that “the Kate effect” will remain a force well into the future.

How I Met Your Mother creates dating trends for fans

Rebecca Marcucci "Channel Surfing" Suit up Mother Lovers! While you may still be sowing your wild oats just as the rest of the How I Met Your Mother characters seems to be settling down, let us not forget Barnacle’s sacred advice.

As the series finale on March 31 is quickly approaching, many wonder whether their copies of The Bro Code will still be relevant. Don’t be a total Schmosby; the code will live on! Maybe you'll even find yourself in 2030 saying, “Kids, when I was younger I grew up watching Barney the purple dinosaur and his friends.

Then once I became older, Barney Stinson and his friends gave me dating advice. Long story short, that’s how I met your mother.”

Hopefully your story doesn’t take almost ten years to tell as Bob Saget.

But then again, that would be pretty cool. Tell your kids to be patient.

It’s no doubt the show has created a pop culture phenomenon composed of the character’s analogies and idiosyncrasies. If you find yourself yelling, “Lawyered!” in arguments with your friends, demanding the highest of fives, or making intervention banners, you might be among the TV viewer population that will suffer the greatest withdrawals when the show ends. I’m sorry.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Alyson Hannigan, left, as Lily Aldrin and Cobie Smulders as Robin Scherbatsky enjoy cheesing on the set of "How I Met Your Mother." The two have portrayed comedic female main characters on the show for the past nine years.

But let’s look at some highlights from the show and some of the best advice Ted, Barney, and the rest have offered when dealing with the ups and downs of life and the turmoil that can come along the way of finding “the one”.

1. “Nothing Good Happens After 2 A.M.”- While this is also an episode title in the first season of How I Met Your Mother, it’s a pivotal moment when Ted learns a valuable lesson in a roundabout way. While attempting to make a long distance relationship work with his girlfriend Victoria, Ted answers a call from Robin at two in the morning to help test her new juicer.

The call was brought on by Robin’s

loneliness and vulnerability. Ted ends up visiting Robin and cheating on Victoria. While a carpe diem attitude may be admired, Ted suggests it’s best to avoid late night invitations by simply going to bed.

2. “When you get sad, stop being sad and be awesome instead.” One way to do this, as Barney’s mantra would declare is to, “Suit up!” Does this really need an explanation? When you dress nicely, you feel better about yourself.

It also reflects your confidence making you a more interesting individual. It’s a bro science really and it should be the first commandment of The Bro Code.

3. “When you’re ready to have a baby, the universe will help you find

the doppelgangers you’ve been looking for”-We all know Lily was a little hesitant about starting a family with Marshall, not for lack of love, but out of nerves about becoming a parent. So maybe before doubting your parenting abilities and fretting about what the future may hold, try to look for your friends in the face of a stranger. It may be the universe telling you it supports you, or it might just be fun!

4. "Mystery is much more exciting than history.”- If you’re an active participator in the instant gratification, technology-centered world we live in, it’s easy to do a Facebook creep on a potential mate. Don’t, you’ll ruin the surprise. But then again maybe a little background check on a Craigslister might ensure your safety. If you are lurking on Craigslist, I might suggest another form of online dating.

5. “It’s okay to let go.”-For those of you who are reading this and haven’t made it through until the last season of How I Met Your Mother, here’s an obvious spoiler alert. Ted doesn’t marry Robin. Though he is extremely reluctant to do so, Ted knows he must give up being in love with Robin to pursue his own divine love story.

If you’re a fan of Teddy Westside and the gang, hopefully you’ll live like there’s no tomorrow while blaring Bon Jovi as the soundtrack of your night.

This might sound like cult-like trends and behaviors to those who don’t watch the show. But if you’ve regularly stopped by MacLaren’s with the characters, you’ve empathized with Ted’s heartbreaks, accepted challenges with Barney, secretly wanted a relationship like Lily and Marshall’s, and like Robin, you’ve held out for your true career calling.

So take some advice. Their TV story may be ending, but your life is just beginning. “Haaaaaave you met it?”

February 28, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

Timing is key when planning the UPB on campus concerts Continued from Page D 1

student committee made up of 70 members all discuss together who would be the best artist.

“Some factors include if they can fill up the facility, the price of the tickets, and whether or not we can afford more than one of the artists listed,” Cohen said.

Once the decisions have been made then it is a back and forth negotiation with the artist’s managers and agents over the price.

“In the end timing is huge,” Cohen said when it comes to not only the budget but also seeing if schedules match up, especially with an artist’s tour schedule.

There is a lot of work and contracts that are passed between UPB and the performers, even the decision of when and how the announcement of the concert is up to the manager and the artists, Cohen said.

This is just the process of deciding who the performers will be and how to get them here, but there is another step when the concert day has arrived.

“On the concert day we have to set up the stage, build the dressing rooms and follow the exact requests of the artists,” Cohen said. “Sometimes those include extra t-shirts, to Reese’s Cups, and even deodorant.”

Every semester, there is a concert that many students love, some not so much, but many do not know the hard work, effort and time on the committee’s end that goes into creating a great concert, Cohen said.

SRU will be welcoming hip hop artists Juicy J and Wale this spring.

Speaker shares personal accounts of persistence in the work enviroment Continued from Page D 1

also important. If you learn now how to word your sentences and speeches professionally, it will help you later. Be thoughtful and intentional in your communication,” she said.

Everyone has their “Yes, I’ve made it!” moments, getting to that moment is not easy, she said. It takes a lot of hard and dedicated work. According to Saunders, a successful journey starts with education.

“You can’t have success if you don’t know how to define it for yourself,” she said. “Think strategically and seek internships and volunteer opportunities that interest you. You define your personal brand. If you become a good student, hard worker and have a good reputation, you’re set.”

Ask Andi

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Shut your Pothole!

Due to the creator's request for anonymity, we conducted an interview via Twitter direct message.

The Rocket @SRURocket What inspired you to join Twitter? Did enough people complain about potholes on Kiester that you wanted them to laugh?

Kiester Pothole @Kiester_Pothole I decided to join Twitter because I had heard so many people driving by complaining about me, I wanted to give them a laugh on their way to campus. I thought giving myself an identity would give the students something to talk about. I honestly didn't know it would take off so well.

The Rocket @SRURocket How do you feel about the recent temporary fix to your holes?

Kiester Pothole @Kiester_Pothole I feel betrayed! Let alone very claustrophobic.

But there is no denying I will be back, full force, within the next few months. I'm just taking a little break.

The Rocket @SRURocket Some say you are the size of a crater, do you take offense to this?

Kiester Pothole @Kiester_Pothole No way, I take pride in being compared to a crater. It has taken me months to reach this status. Which is why it was so sad when they "tried" to fill me.

The Rocket @SRURocket What are your future plans? Especially after being filled? Do you think you've brought more joy or anger to drivers?

Andi is a senior at SRU giving advice to those who seek it and occassionally to those who don't.

Question: Dear Andi, I feel like every time I work in a group project, I always end up doing all of the work.

I'm sick of having all of the responsibility then sharing all the credit. What should I do?

-- Frustrated

Kiester Pothole @Kiester_Pothole My future plans are to take a little hiatus from creating flat tires and busting front bumpers. I will be back though...in the end I hope to have brought a little humor to Slippery Rock, PA, even though most people dislike me very much.

The Rocket @SRURocket Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Answer: Dear Frustrated, I can totally relate to your problem. My advice to you is to talk to your group members and be very clear that is not a solo project and that the work needs to be divided evenly. It isn't fair to you to have to put all your energy into something then share credit with people who did nothing. If nothing changes, try talking to your professor. Good luck!

Kiester Pothole @Kiester_Pothole Only to be on the look out! You'll never know where I'll show up next. ;)

February 28, 2014

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