Underage Drinking Unacceptable at SRU The Rocket Staff comments on the alcohol citations issued to middle school and high school aged individuals. Page B-1
Friday September 19, 2014 • Volume 98, Issue Number 4 • Slippery Rock University's Student Newspaper
the rocket
www.theonlinerocket.com
SRUBanksy debuts 'red solo cup' work
HALEY BARNES/THE ROCKET
Students walking out of Spotts World Culture Building on Wednesday were greeted by SRUBanky's newest chalk drawing of apple juice being poured into a cup. The anonymous artist promised more chalk drawings after premiering a squid outside of Building D on Monday morning. To learn more about SRUBanksy, turn to Campus life: C-1.
Children underages raise concern By Amber Cannon Assistant News Editor
Since the school year started, many students have been getting underage citations, some even younger than sixteen. The police blotter for the week of Sept. 5 stated that a 15-year-old male, two 14-yearold males, and a 12-yearold female were arrested for underage consumption after leaving a party at The Heights. Two people were transported to
the hospital for treatment, one of which had to be treated in the ICU. Ac c ord i ng to T h e U. S . Department of Human Health and Services, the average age of first-time drinkers was around age 14. Leigh Ann Datt, director of student conduct, expressed her concern for how young these individuals were who came to this party. Datt stated that she is still wondering how the individuals got into the party
and why a college student would feel comfortable partying with someone that young. "I was very concerned about that and I'd like to follow up with that as well. I have an email from the chief of police asking if we have any idea of which apartment they were drinking at because he wants to hold the people responsible for letting these people in and providing alcohol. We have consequences
SRU students respond to winter forecast By Chris Gordon Rocket Contributor
Meteorologists predict the 20142015 winter to be more severe than last year's winter, according to The Farmer's Almanac. The Almanac reports that temperatures as low as negative 40 could sweep across the northern plains, resulting in heavy snowfall in the Great Lakes region, which includes Slippery Rock. Some students feel as though Slippery Rock University has done a poor job of clearing ice and snow from campus roads and pathways in the past, citing last year's winter as an example. "I had class at 10 a.m. last semester and they still hadn't salted the sidewalks," said Brandon Kraeer, a sophomore exercise science major. "I always saw custodians doing it during the day around noon," he said. Another student, Natalie Collins, a sophomore education major, said, "All my classes are in McKay. I was slipping all over the place." She added that the university does a particularly poor job of cleaning snow and ice near the residence halls and on ramps around campus, causing her to slip and fall on one occasion. The Slippery Rock University Facilities and Planning office does have an action plan regarding inclement winter weather, stating "snow and ice are to be removed from campus roadways, walkways, and building entrances in a timely manner," as their objective. According to the plan, snow and ice should be addressed even during unstaffed hours, with maintenance representatives on campus throughout the night who are to respond to emergency situations when they are reported by police or when the representatives notice them first-hand. The harsh conditions of last winter caused the university to cancel or delay class on multiple occasions, which has been a rarity in the past. With ineffective winter clean-up and the Almanac's prediction of an even harsher winter to come, such delays and cancellations could become more common.
SEE BINGE, PAGE A-2
Academic and student affairs merge aims to better education Provost Way wants Slippery Rock students to graduate 'well-rounded' By Haley Barnes News Editor
Following the retirement of Dr. Robert Watson, the departments of academic and student affairs merged, leaving Provost Philip Way in charge of both departments. Way was already in charge of academic affairs, but his responsibilities are now extended to student development, student services, and student health
and wellness. “The merger occurred over the summer when Dr. Watson retired again,” Way explained. “It is a complicated process and must be executed thoughtfully. Therefore, changes are happening slowly and piecemeal.” Way said the goal of this merge aims to help develop the student as a whole, not just academically, but personally, civically, socially, ethically,
and in terms of leadership. Overall this merge aims to a well-rounded approach to education for students. Cheryl Norton attempted to replace Dr. Watson, but cancelled the search for a new Vice President of academic affairs. She decided Way would take on the responsibilities of both departments. Way said Watson’s position was not replaced because there is now a Vice President for academic and student
affairs separately. He took on the responsibility of overseeing both. “There will be a new search for a senior person who will have responsibility for student affairs once there is an integrated strategic plan for the new division,” Way added. “Students will be represented on the search committee.” Way explained that there will now SEE WAY, PAGE A-2
SGA Delays Credit Picky Eaters Can Card Readers Find Justification
Apple Hosts Football Triumphs Again Talk On Health
The idea of having more vending machine credit card readers have been put on hold by SGA. Page A-3
The Rock football team defeated East Stroudsburg 5624 to improve to 2-0. Page C-2
It's Rocket Science explores the science of taste and gives tips for picky eaters. Page B-2
AVI Dining's dietician shares advice for students on how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Page D-3