10/21/16 Digital Edition by SRU Rocket

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Friday October 21, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 100, Issue Number 2 â&#x20AC;˘ An Independent Student-Run Newspaper

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SRU APSCUF and students prepare to walk into Old Main to deliver a petition to President Norton's office.

Treedon Barkley calls out to drivers Wednesday on the APSCUF picket line.

Rock students join APSCUF rally.

Dr. Ben Shaevitz, SRU APSCUF president, speaks at a rally.

Students march with SRU APSCUF members to Old Main to deliver a petition after a rally on Tuesday during common hour.

After working with an expired contract for over 400 days, APSCUF members across all 14 universities, including SRU, decided to go on strike, picketing with faculty members and students at all campus entrances. Read more on page A-2 Photos by Rebecca Dietrich / Photo Editor

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NEWS

October 21, 2016

INSIDE NEWS

Candid and Controversial The series hosted by the Women's Center continued with a discussion focusing on Colin Kaepernick and the American ﬂag. See theonlinerocket.com

Professor up for Pulitzer Prize An SRU English professor is in the running for a Pulitzer Prize for a play he wrote.

See theonlinerocket.com

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! REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Students and faculty picket at the campus entrance near North Hall Wednesday after APSCUF and PASSHE failed to reach a contract agreement.

Faculty members and students begin to strike after not reaching a contract with PASSHE's team By Daniel DiFabio News Editor

INDEX B l o t t e r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 3 Opinion................B-1 Sports...................C-1 CampusLife.............D-1

220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

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APSCUF members went on strike Wednesday morning after not reaching a tentative agreement in contract negotiations with PASSHE. Faculty members went on strike at all 14 universities, picketing at entrances to campus from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ben Shaevitz, president of the SRU chapter of APSCUF and physics professor, and Colleen Cooke, vice president of the SRU chapter of APSCUF and recreational therapy professor, said that student and community support had been fabulous. “I’m incredibly overwhelmed,” Cooke said. Although an email from the university said that PASSHE was committed to reaching a contract, the state system’s negotiating team had left the negotiation table while APSCUF’s negotiating team had stayed on Tuesday night, as shown through APSCUF President Kenneth Mash’s Facebook Live stream. “There has been a pattern of the system either spreading misinformation or incomplete information,” Shaevitz said, referring to the discrepancies between press releases between the two groups. “It’s designed to be vague, incomplete, untrue and anxiety-producing. I believe our information has been more forthright, [APSCUF’s releases] are designed to present our position and our proposals.” Shaevitz said that Norton said to a group of students that APSCUF hadn’t shared their strike plan, even though both he and Cooke had presented the plan to university officials days ago. “We sat in a room with their administration,” Cooke said. “We shared the plan with them.” Cooke said the discrepancies in communicat ion f rom

the university is hurtful and counterproductive to relationships. “We’re going to have to come back to work after this, we’re going to have to work together,” Cooke said. Shaevitz said that regardless of what the state media has released, he is committed to continuing work with the administration when the strike is over. “It’s not going to be easy but I’m going to be responsible and professional and try my best to re-normalize our relationship because it’s not good for the institution,” Shaevitz said. Shaevitz said he saw the last offer from the state system and that it was regressive. S h a e v it z s ai d t h at it was regressive in that the state system brought back retrenchment, which would furlough professors, which was something that had initially be taken off the table when negotiations first started. Shaevitz said that this backtracking on issues will be added to the previous labor claim the group filed. Cooke said that despite the support, she was still disappointed to be there. “I had hoped for better from the state, I thought we were making progress,” Cooke said. R o b b K i n g , a s s o c i at e executive director for university communication and public affairs, said that besides the smaller faculty presence on campus, the university has been business as usual, with all services such as dining halls and the health center remaining open. “Aside from there not being class, it’s a pretty normal day,” King said. King said the university is very hopeful that the two sides will come to an agreement in the future and that the work stoppage will be short. King said there is a strike page on the university website that links to the PASSHE FAQ and answers

questions. King said many are asking for particulars but not a lot of answers are currently available, with a lot of them depending on the length of the strike. King said that students should check their mySRU portal to see if their classes have been temporarily suspended. “Hopefully both sides realize the gravity of the situation and will get this resolved sooner rather than later,” King said. C h e r y l N o r t o n , S RU president, said that no one wants to be on strike and that the system thought the proposal would be accepted. She said she received the petition from Tuesday’s rally and that it was heartfelt and meaningful. Norton said the issues affecting temporary faculty were taken off the table. “Originally APSCUF said it wasn’t about money, but it seems to come down to money,” Norton said. Norton said the bottom line is that the final offer is still there and that it is, as PASSHE says, the best that can be done. “ The prop osal is still there, but we’ve not received a counter-proposal from APSCUF,” Norton said. Norton said that although the university advocates for more funding from the state, at a recent meeting with legislators she was told that the commonwealth has no money. Norton encouraged students to work on projects, read their textbooks and do other activities on campus such as events for Homecoming or community service. APSCUF will be striking from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until a tentative contract has been reached. On Saturday, members will be picketing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will be picketing in the stadium but won't block the Homecoming game. As of this writing, PASSHE has not returned to the negotiating table.

NEWS

October 21, 2016

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POLICE BLOTTER Building F for criminal mischief. Police discovered alcohol in the room, which the occupants admitted to owning. Charges are pending.

Campus October 15- Keegan Alloway, 18, was charged with an alcohol violation after police found him throwing up and unable to listen to commands in the West Lake parking lot. October 15- Chad Lemasters, 19, was charged with disorderly conduct for possession of drug paraphernalia in West Lake parking lot. October 15- Tyler Ben, 18, was charged with an alcohol violation after he was found urinating in the Lower Stadium lot A, and ran from police who later caught him. He was taken to the Health Center for observation because of a high alcohol content in his system. October 16- Police followed up on person(s) in

October 16- Jarrod Miller, 18, and Joshua Weaver, 18, were charged with disorderly conduct in Building F. October 16- Matthew Town, 19, was charged with an alcohol violation in Building F. October 18- Police responded to a traffic accident on Stadium Drive and no injuries were reported. October 18- Police received a call for a protester on the third floor of Old Main. The officer arrived and everyone was cleared out.

and making racial slurs. Officers stood by crowd to avoid any more conflict. October 19- Police were called for a car that went through the fence at the Old Stone House. October 19- Borough Police requested SRUPD assistance on a traffic accident along New Castle Street. October 19- A CA called for an alcohol violation at the Rock Apt #6, but person(s) ran from the scene. October 20- Chance George, 18, was cited for an alcohol violation in the Lower Stadium Lot A. October 20- Abigail Phipps, 18, was cited for an alcohol violation in the Lower Stadium lot A.

October 18- Police received a call for a person preaching

Bailey Library to hold showcase of vintage SRU memorabilia for homecoming celebration By Logan Campbell Assistant News Editor

Slippery Rock University's archives department will hold an open house on Friday which will display artifacts that date back to the founding of the university all the way through currentday artifacts. This will be the third year that the University Archives has put on this event. The first couple of years, the focus was to collaborate with the Office of Alumni Engagements so they could inform alumni for Homecoming that this open house will occur. The University Archives contains a variety of items including documents, photos, old Rocky costumes and trophies. Judy Silva, a Fine & Performing Arts librarian and archivist, as well as Kevin McLatchy, a librarian technician and University Archives staff member, are in charge of the open house. The

items on display will date all the way back to the school's founding in 1889, McLatchy said. The items will be from each era of the school and give people the idea of what it was like back when the school was in its early years, McLatchy said. There will be items from the current time, as well as films from early homecoming festivities on display, Silva said. "Some of the things we're going to show are going to be funny, and others will be very moving for people to see," Silva said. "It will be interesting to see how people react to seeing Main Street in the 1950s, it was much more different as you can imagine. The football games from Homecoming and all the festivities that followed will be great for people to see as well." Everything is stored in the archives room on the third floor of the library, which contains two smaller rooms within that house the documents and files. Everything is boxed in acid-free

boxes or acid-free folders to preserve it, Silva said. The right materials must be chosen in order for the documents to be preserved to the best capability possible, McLatchy said. "A lot of work is gone into preserving the history of the school, as you can imagine," McLatchy said. "There are special ways to preserve photos using Mylar so they don't get ruined." The documentation of the university's history comes from a wide variety of sources, Silva said. She said some items come from private donors, organizations and offices on campus. "When something comes into the archives, we have to take the necessary steps to decide if it is appropriate or not for the archives," Silva said. "The next thing after that is organizing it, and Kevin, along with several student workers, do a great job of that. The really important thing after that is making sure researchers have these things available to them, and know

that they are here for them. We are focusing on digitizing the collections and getting them online so they know it's here." The variety of collections that the University Archives do possess will be on full display for the public to view. One big collection is the Watson family, who helped discover the university, McLatchy said. One big thing the department is looking forward to is the oral histories of the school, which was done by 36 former students or faculty, Silva said. "This is going to be a lot of fun for everyone, and exciting to see how people will react to seeing these collections," Silva said. The University Archives open house will be held on Friday in room 315 of Bailey Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is targeted towards both current students and alumni.

NEWS SRU students organize march on campus to support APSCUF and deliver petition to president A-4

October 21, 2016

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Students gather outside the Smith Student Center Thursday before delivering the petition to President Norton during her open forum.

By Logan Campbell Assistant News Editor

SRU students came together Thursday morning in support of the faculty and led a march through campus in support of their professors. The march was organized by a group of students through a Facebook event. The students met at the campus entrance near North Hall and joined picketing at 11 a.m. The student organizers created a petition to be read aloud and later delivered to President Cheryl Norton. Ben Shaevitz, president of the SRU chapter of APSCUF and physics professor, and Colleen Cooke, vice president of the SRU chapter of APSCUF and recreational therapy professor, thanked the students that were there supporting their faculty. "Colleen has worked at the university for 20 years and I have worked here my whole adult life, for 28 years, and I love this institution," Shaevitz said. "Every single chapter president at all 14 schools echoed that they were simply floored by the support of the students on their campuses. Shaevitz said that the strike was about community and that Norton's statements showed she didn't value it. "Her actions do not reflect that belief that people count," Shaevitz said. "I think that's unacceptable for our president to display that against our community." "She threw us right under the Happy Bus," Cooke said. Shaevitz promised to work with the administration after the strike, but said

he won't forget the words that President Norton used towards the faculty. The students marched around Old Main and then to the Smith Student Center. The chants called for a fair contract and for Chancellor Frank Brogan to stand down. The students gathered on the second floor and waited for President Norton, who held an open forum about the strike. Students gave the petition to Norton, and followed it up with questions and concerns they had about the strike. Students wanted to know what she was aware of and what was going to be done about the negotiations. Norton said the words she spoke in the video on the website Wednesday morning were misinterpreted and the hope is for the state to come back to the table. Norton said the issue is about the students and not just the administration and staff, and that the faculty is here for students. She said they provide excellence in the classroom and that's how academic reputation is preserved. "I apologize, and that is my bad for how that statement was interpreted," Norton said. "I was trying to say how it was the state union leadership who called for the strike. It is not our faculty at this institution who sit at the negotiating table. We want a resolution and for this to be shorter rather than longer, the contract needs to be fair to our faculty. To some extent we're all here together, and I apologize to you all." Students wondered why the state system's negotiating team left the table and Norton assured everyone that the

system was still at the hotel. She said those at the university have no vote and their goal is to maintain the health and safety of the campus. Norton said that issues of teaching quality were addressed but money issues still needed to be discussed. The student body appreciated the apology, but reminded President Norton that she represents them. Students wondered if an apology for her comments would follow, and if she intends to make this right again. Norton said, Twitter is the best way to let students know what needs to be heard, and a video will follow soon. The final proposal by the state system was rejected by the union, and students asked if President Norton believed it was fair or not. Norton said the increase in faculty wages would fluctuate over the next five years and follow a distinct pattern from seven and a quarter percent to 12 percent. She said the current health plan of the faculty would be changed so that they are on the same plan as campus police, managers and other officials. Norton said they would receive a deductible as well, which the current health plan does not include. "I am here for student success and the fact that faculty, staff and administrators support your goals," Norton said. "I will support them for their average 12 percent raise, and that they are in the top 15 percent in the country for being paid. We have such great people here that want you, the students, to be successful." Students said they trust the faculty and know that they will do what's best for the

students. Norton said the negotiations have gone on for a long period of time and the process is difficult for everyone. Norton said that APSCUF and the state will work together to finish the negotiations. "I want to thank everyone for their time and patience in this difficult time," Norton said. "I want to thank all of you, the students, for coming out today, and standing by your professors. The support for your faculty has been great." The students marched back to the entrance near Old Main, where Shaevitz and Cooke answered any questions they had and gave their rebuttals on issues discussed by Norton. Cooke said the job of the president and the chancellor is to advocate for the legislature for more funding. "They're not doing their jobs if we are operating on the same allocation," Cooke said. "They're not doing their jobs if they're not advocating for you and for us." Shaevitz said that APSCUF's latest proposal would have saved the university money and that the group requested to keep the same healthcare plan, even though it would mean fewer raises. He said it was reasonable and the state system would have received the same amount of savings. "Her trying to explain to you the details of the package is perfectly fine, but it misses the big picture," Shaevitz said. "If the goal is to save money why does it matter how we save you money?" Shaevitz said that although Norton said all the issues of education were removed, four to five still remain, including workload for internships, eliminating funding for professional development and policy on retrenchment. Students asked about how the faculty is among the highest-paid professors and Shaevitz that it is true but can be interpreted differently. "We feel that it is an attribute, we pull our weight," Shaevitz said. Shaevitz questioned why the only way to balance the budget is to raise tuition. Cooke was worried about some of Norton's words, saying that the two groups will still have a relationship after this and that she was bothered about how Norton blamed the strike on faculty in her video. "We did not choose this, this is not where we want to be," Cooke said. "It was the last card to play and we waited as long as we could wait." The strike will continue until a contract is reached between PASSHE and APSCUF.

APSCUF streams live press conference through Facebook after PASSHE leaves negotiation session By Daniel DiFabio News Editor

APSCUF live-streamed a few words Tuesday night about the contract negotiations after PASSHE gave a final offer and left the table. Kenneth Mash, president of APSCUF, said the two groups had been at the negotiating table since Friday and have worked since then on avoiding a strike. Mash said those at the table are still reviewing the proposal given to them but saw that PASSHE had moved backwards on some issues. He said he is not sure why they left the table. "I don't know what the motivation is for them to just walk away from the table," Mash

said. "It certainly seems to me that by walking away from the table that they're walking away from over 100,000 students." Mash said that instead of saying which parts of the proposal needed to change and having a real conversation, PASSHE chose to leave the table. "We're kind of wondering if it's past someone's bedtime, that they can't lose a little sleep for the benefit of our students," Mash said. Mash said that Governor Tom Wolf has encouraged both groups not to leave until a deal was reached. "I think it's astonishing that the chancellor would tell his team to leave the table and to leave our students hanging," Mash said. Mash said that APSCUF is going to use whatever channels possible to get PASSHE

back to the table and avoid a strike, with the number one goal being to reach a resolution. "At 5 a.m., I will either have a tentative agreement in my hands or a picket sign in my hands," Mash said. Mash thanked faculty members and students for their support and said a lot of progress was made that wouldn't have been achieved otherwise. Mash also encouraged students to write to their legislator and tell them to contact the chancellor. PASSHE did not return to the table and APSCUF members went on strike at 5 a.m. Wednesday morning across the 14 universities in the state system.

For more updates during the faculty strike, visit The Rocket's Twitter & Facebook. Follow us @SRURocket

OPINION

Our View SRU ‘temporarily suspends’ classes on campus

OPINION Volume 100, Number 2

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

(724) 738-4438 (724) 738-4896 therocketnewspapersru@gmail.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Ryan Barlow

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel DiFabio

News Editor

Megan Bush

Campus Life Editor

Cody Nespor

Sports Editor

Rebecca Dietrich

Photo Editor

Victoria Davis

Copy/ Web Editor GRAPHIC BY REBECCA DIETRICH/ THE ROCKET

Logan Campbell Nina Bracci

Assist. Campus Life Editor

Jordyn Bennett Kendall Scott

Mark Zeltner

Assistant Sports Editor Assistant Photo Editor

Amanda Salvia Eric Davies

Assistant News Editor

Assist. Copy/Web Editor Multimedia Reporter

r i ke On St

Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Catharyn Burton

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 Rocket receives approximately 5 percent of its funding from the SGA Student Activity 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 emailing 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

Whether you were ready or not, it’s finally happened. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and t he Ass o ciat ion of Pennsylvania State College and Universities Facilities (APSCUF) have failed to come to terms on a contract agreement, resulting in faculty members from 14 different state universities to strike until a fair contract has been offered by the state to the union. Around 9 p.m. Tuesday evening, APSCUF announced via social media that PASSHE had given a final offer and left the negotiating table. APSCUF reported that this final offer was given, and even entertained followers on Twitter with some tantalizing updates on the situation. They shared their frustration and updated followers on an hourly basis that they remained at the negotiating table until their 5 a.m. deadline Wednesday morning deadline. Throughout the past week, PASSHE released numerous statements instructing students

who are enrolled in universities within the state system that they should report to classes as scheduled in the event of an apparent strike, regardless of whether the regular faculty member that instructs the class is present for the class period. However, Wednesday evening, no more than 12 hours after the beginning of the strike, SRU Communication sent out an email to all of its students instructing them to check their student portals on mySRU to review their class schedules and check the status of their classes. The email indicated that classes marked as “temporarily suspended” would not be in session. One question raised is just how serious are the negotiations between the state and the union not progressing. Certainly, the impasse seems to have created quite the impact if Slippery Rock all of a sudden decided it would no longer go with its substitute teacher strategy, leading the institution to suspend all classes with striking faculty members to

In the Quad

suspend temporarily. Despite the sudden suspension of classes, some professors have decided not to strike and will continue to teach during their scheduled teaching periods. Most of the professors who have crossed the picket line are adjunct professors who are recently employed by the university that have not been tenured and simply cannot afford losing days of work and pay. Also, the Slipper y Rock Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) will meet during all class periods scheduled because ROTC is not affiliated with APSCUF, but is a program run by the United States Army. At this time, students have no choice but to sit and wait while the negotiations continue. If a student’s class hasn’t been suspended by the university, that student should attend that class. In the meantime, keep up with classwork, assignments and other materials, because as soon as the strike has concluded, it’s back to business as usual.

This week’s question: Will you be attending classes and keeping up with your assignments during the strike? Why?

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

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.

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.

Adam Kapusta Junior Computer Science Major Sharpsville, Pennsylvania “I won’t be going to class but I will keep up on my assignments. My professors recommended ways for me to get ahead on material.”

Kayleigh Nurss Freshman Biology Major Oil City, Pennsylvania

Taron Polk Freshman Marketing Major Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

”Yes, definitely, because “I will keep up with my assignments this is my education and but all my professors are on strike I’m paying for it regardless.” so I won’t be attending class.“

OPINION

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October 21, 2016

State is attempting to force more work onto faculty with no increase in pay

Hopi Myers-Arrigoni Commentary Hopi Myers-Arrigoni is a graduate student from Grove City, Pennsylvania and is pursuing a masters degree in English.

Before I begin this piece, I want to make clear that I do not want to strike any more than my faculty and peers, but if that is what it takes for the state to listen, then I will support my professors. I am writing this article with the theories and knowledge given to me by my mentors. When reading the news both from APSCUF and PASSHE, all I can see is the money that the state wants to save; it is greedy and unfair. We are suffering heavily as students and the faculty is as well. As of 5:01 a.m. on Wednesday, faculty have gone without pay and without health care. If the faculty were truly selfish (as they are made out to be) and out to make more money, this strike would not be happening. In my last year as an undergrad, we read excerpts from Karl Marx’s works, which I urge you to read and to make of it what you will, and it was in that class and reading where I took some information that I will never impart with. Capitalism is not inherently abusive, but it is the way that the power (bourgeoisie) takes

advantage of the system that is horrific. This capitalistic mindset is “get as rich as you can with as much work from workers and pay them as little as you can” and it is objectifying. How so? As Marx explains, through various class roles we have always had a system of the “oppressed” and the “oppressor.” If we look back to these roles, we can see how it has reinvented itself over the years. With the industrial revolution came the notion that people could be replaced by efficient and quick machines, emphasizing quantity over quality that very much hurt the blue collar workers. He tells us that “society as a whole is more and more splitting up into two great hostile camps, into two great classes directly facing each other—Bourgeoisie and Proletariat.” The power makes the profit and the exploited workers monetized. In ‘The Communist Manifesto,’ among other famous works by Marx, he tells us that there is a distinction of “Haves and Have Nots” and the ones on top benefit from the work of the ones underneath. The biggest problem that occurs is that these workers are objectified—literally turned into an object. The bourgeoisie makes them work as many hours possible while giving them as little as possible. It is basically work until you can’t stand, eat just enough to stay alive, sleep enough to stay alive, and then go back to work. Is that really an existence at all? We think of the human condition as one capable of deep thought, feeling and expression. When you are surviving on the basic minimum, there is not time or ability for these qualities that make us human. The lives of these exploited workers are shorter lived and when they drop of exhaustion, the broken cog is replaced with another one. There are more and more cogs that can be replaced. While these machines barely live, the bourgeoisie profit immensely from this abuse and sacrifice. It is easy to distance

yourself from someone when you take away their humanity because they become inanimate objects without thought or feeling; this objectification is clearly dangerous and these people turn into property owned by the bourgeoisie. My fear is that when I see and read about the situation between the faculty and state system, I see the Bourgeoisie and the Proletariat. I see Chancellor Frank Brogan getting an $80,000 raise when a lot of professors are not even breaking three figures (think I am wrong? Check it out online where you can see professor salaries). This fight is not just about money, even though the faculty need to support themselves and their families. It is about the state morphing into a bourgeoisie and taking the profit while they are trying to force the professors to do more work for the same amount or less. They want to increase distance education. By taking us out of the classrooms and putting us online, they are distancing us from the personal and mentoring relationship we have with our professors. If they have more and more hours, how can they invest all they have when they have nothing left to give from the start? This affects us as well. I am continually inspired by the way that my professors have cared about me and by the way they have sacrificed their own comfort, energy and money for us. We are their students, not degree gaining machines. The state is trying to get our money and then pump us out for more money. It is the development we gain as humans capable of higher learning that we gain from our professors that changes our futures. They pass off the torch and let us take over. This is more than, “What will happen to me?” This is the human condition and the question, “What will happen to our future?”.

A brief overview of the first two days of the strike at Slippery Rock

SRU APSCUF Rally Oct. 18, 12:30 p.m.

Dr. Aaron Cowan marches with fellow union members to deliver a petition to President Norton's office.

The Strike Begins Oct. 19, 5 a.m.

Dr. Derrick Pitard, Dr. Mark O’Connor and other SRU faculty members strike at 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

Picketing Day 1 Oct. 19, 2016

Dr. Cindy LaCom strikes with other SRU faculty members strike at Slippery Rock Community Park on Wednesday.

Student Rally Oct. 20, 11 a.m.

Junior communication major , Justin Kraus, chants with SRU students in support of APSCUF on Thursday.

Open Forum with President Norton Oct. 20,12:30 p.m.

SRU president, Cheryl Norton, addresses student questions regarding the faculty strike in the Smith Student Center Thursday.

Picketing Day 2 Oct. 20, 2016

Photos by Rebecca Dietrich / Photo Editor and Kendall Scott / Asst. Photo Editor

Dr. Colleen Cooke and Dr. Ben Schaevitz, vice president and president of SRU APSCUF talk to students on Thursday.

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October 21, 2016

Sunday Evening Mindfulness Meditation Group In the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh (All meditators welcome)

Sitting at: Ginger Hill Unitarian Universalist Congregation 174 S. Main St., Slippery Rock (on Grange Alley) Meeting time: 7:00 PM (until the beginning of Fall) 6:30 PM (until the beginning of Spring) First-timers, kindly call ahead to arrange a short orientation. For more information: call/text: (724) 944-1644

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October 21 , 2016

9 No security deposits! 9 4 different locations - South Rock Apts. on Keister Road or South Rock Drive, Stone Crest Apts., & Main Street Apts. 9 2, 3 or 4 bedroom floor-plans 9 Over 180 apartments to choose from 9 Cable, internet, water, & trash included 9 Stove, microwave, dishwasher, disposal, fridge, washer & dyer included* 9 *NEW! On-site laundry facilities at Main St. location â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NO COINS NEEDED! 9 Sofa, love seat, coffee & end tables, TV stand, twin or full size beds, dresser, desk, & night stand included** 9 NEW! Living room furniture at South Rock! 9 Not all units are furnished at Main Street location** 9 24-hour emergency maintenance 9 Professional on-site management 9 Close proximity to SRU campus 9 Direct-wired smoke detectors 9 Fire extinguishers in each unit 9 Access to Clubhouse 9 Handicap apartments available 9 On-site parking 9 Close to SGA bus stop

S SPORTS

INSIDE SPORTS

Men's XC Championship

Fall Tennis Season Wraps Up

The men's cross-country team will travel to compete in the PSAC Championships this weekend.

The fall portion of the SRU tennis season has concluded and the team now prepares for the Spring.

See Page C-3

See Page C-4

Fighting Scots come to town Saturday looking to spoil Rock's homecoming

19 at

48 Football scores around the PSAC-West California (Pa.) 48 at Clarion 20 EDINBORO 45 at Mercyhurst 16 Gannon vs Seton Hill

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REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Senior wide receiver Drew Scales being tackled by an IUP defender in the Rock's 48-19 loss. Scales has 411 kick return yards this season.

By Jordyn Bennett Assistant Sports Editor

After suffering a devastating loss to no. 13 Indiana (Pa.) University (5-1, 3-1) last Saturday, the Rock returns home to take on Edinboro University (6-1, 3-1) in its homecoming game. Slippery Rock (5-2, 2-2) struggled on both sides of the ball against the Crimson Hawks in its last game. Despite equally poor performances, head coach Shawn Lutz put most of his focus into the offensive line this week. “I wanted to see more fight out of our offensive line,” Lutz said. "I know they can do it, I believe in them, but it has to be better.” The Rock was held to its lowest scoring game of the season against the Crimson Hawks. IUP held SRU to 120 yards on the ground. That is tied for the Rock’s second worst outing this year. With redshirt senior running back Shamar Greene still out with an injury (shoulder), redshirt junior Isiah Neely is forced back into the starting position. Neely ran for only 46 yards and fumbled the ball against Indiana. Neely will need all the protection he can get if he wants to have a better performance against a defense who has held 4 out of 7 of its own opponents under 100 yards this season. In their last 45-16 win over Mercyhurst University (2-5, 1-3), the Fighting Scots held the Lakers 96 yards. Lutz knows that the offensive line’s performance can make or break the outcome of the game. “We put a lot of emphasis, get into their rear-ends, and make sure they come with the attitudes they need to so we can get this ball moving up and down the field,” Lutz said.

The offensive line will not be the only group that is tested. The Rock secondary has to deal with the fifth-ranked passing offense in the country, led by one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, junior quarterback Jake Sisson. Sisson, a returning starter, has the second most passing touchdowns in the country (28) and the fourth most yards (2,482). He has connected with 10 receivers this season, three who have at least 40 catches for over 500 yards. Lutz described Sisson as a “gunslinger”. “He could run if he needs to, but he is a thrower,” Lutz said. “He can really throw the ball.” Though the Fighting Scots have impressive assets on offense and defense, Lutz said what really makes the difference with them is their confidence. He said he sees a team that believes in themselves and that they can win every game. “Edinboro is a bunch of believers,” Lutz said. “They’ve been winning games. When you have confidence and you believe, you can do anything you want to do.” Edinboro’s confidence could be an advantage over a Slippery Rock team that is down physically and mentally. While a win for Edinboro means they will continue to climb the rankings as a dominant team in the PSAC, the Rock is not only attempting to redeem themselves, but defend the longest active home game win streak in Division II football and a 7-year homecoming win streak. The Rock will defend its win streaks this Saturday at 2 p.m. at MihalikThompson Stadium, broadcast on ESPN 3.

SRU athletic director continues to work despite faculty strike By Cody Nespor Sports Editor

While faculty at all 14 Pennsylvania state schools began striking this morning at 5 a.m. SRU athletic director, Paul Lueken, made the decision to cross the faculty picket line and continue to work. Every faculty member has the option to forego the strike and continue to work as normal. Lueken said he made his decision because he feels he has an obligation to the rest of the athletic department. "First of all, our student-athletes and our coaches are here working and showing up for class and competing and practicing," Lueken said. "I feel like that's part of my job responsibility to be here for them. I also find it hard to believe that our faculty, APSCUF, turned down the offer from the PASSHE system last night." Lueken has said that because he has no teaching responsibilities he did not have the

same grievances with the proposed contract specifications that the teaching faculty had. "It seems to me, basically the state system withdrew all of the controversial issues regarding quality education and so it's just down to money. Whether it's healthcare or our salaries," Lueken said. "The salary proposal, to me, to be very fair and I don't know how anybody on this campus feels that they should be privileged to not have to pay as much for healthcare as everybody else. I find it shocking that they wouldn't accept that offer. I don't know why there's a strike today, I really don't." Ben Shaevitz, SRU ASPCUF president and physics professor, has said that faculty that choose to cross the picket line, or "scabs", will be treated with respect, with no name calling or hard feelings. "He [Lueken] is entitled to his opinion and that's perfectly fine, but we don't agree, at all. It was regressive on salary and on the quality issues. Not just on one issue, both." Shaevitz said. "I applaud Dr. Shaevitz. I think he's tried to run this as professionally as possible. I think

he's been very helpful trying to take care of the students so they are not impacted negatively as much as possible," Lueken said. "He's stated that everything's going to be professional, there's not going to be name calling, there's not going to be this there's not going to be that, so I appreciate him doing that." Lueken said ultimately the strike is not helpful for either side and hurts state education as a whole. "I'm concerned about the long-term implications of the strike," Lueken said. "I think a strike could hurt the state system and all the schools in it and down the road hurt enrollment, depending on how long it goes. We've got a good thing going here at Slippery Rock everybody's been working together, we have the highest enrollment ever. It's been a group effort." The Slippery Rock athletics department confirmed that all scheduled athletic event will proceed as usual and the homecoming football game this Saturday against Edinboro University will definitely happen.

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Football 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

California (Pa.) Edinboro Indiana (Pa.) Slippery Rock Gannon Seton Hill Clarion Mercyhurst

6-0 (4-0) 6-1 (3-1) 5-1 (3-1) 5-2 (2-2) 4-3 (1-3) 4-3 (1-3) 2-5 (1-3) 2-5 (1-3)

Men's Soccer 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Mercyhurst 10-4-1 (8-1) West Chester 10-3-2 (7-1-1) Seton Hill 9-6 (6-3) Millersville 9-3-2 (5-2-2) Gannon 9-4-1 (5-2-1) California (Pa.) 8-5-1 (4-4-1) E. Stroudsburg 6-6-1 (4-4-1) Lock Haven 5-9-1 (3-6) Slippery Rock 3-9-2 (2-5-2) Shippensburg 5-10 (2-7) Bloomsburg 2-10-2 (1-5-2) Pitt-Johnstown 4-10 (1-8)

Women's Soccer 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

West Chester E. Stroudsburg Edinboro Kutztown Slippery ROck Gannon Shippensburg Indiana (Pa.) Mercyhurst Bloomsburg Seton Hill Millersville Lock Haven California (Pa.) Clarion Mansfield Pitt-Johnstown

14-0 (14-0) 11-2-1 (11-1-1) 11-2-1 (10-2-1) 12-3 (10-3) 8-6-1 (8-4-1) 7-4-2 (7-4-1) 9-6 (7-6) 8-7 (7-6) 7-6-1 (6-6-1) 6-6-2 (5-6-2) 6-6-2 (5-6-2) 5-8 (5-8) 5-9 (4-9) 2-9-2 (2-9-2) 2-12-2 (2-11-1) 2-11-1 (2-11) 0-14 (0-13)

Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4.

Edinboro Gannon mercyhurst Slippery rock

17-4 (9-0) 18-3 (7-2) 11-9 (3-6) 8-14 (1-8)

Standings as of Thurs.Oct. 19 at 7:15 p.m.

October 21, 2016

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Football team thinks protecting home win streak could save school morale By Jordyn Bennett Assistant Sports Editor

With so much turmoil on campus due to the statewide strike, the attention has been taken away from Homecoming and the annual homecoming football game. Even with all the controversy surrounding them, the Slippery Rock football team has not forgotten the importance of this game, especially the seniors. This game is more than just redemption or adding another win to the season. For the seniors, who consist of the class of 2012 redshirts and class of 2013 athletes who played as true freshman, this game is protecting a legacy. They have not once lost a game at home since becoming active members of the roster. Since the beginning of 2013, The Rock has won 20 straight home games. It is the longest active home winning streak in division II football. This senior class has also contributed to three out of seven straight homecoming victories. Redshirt senior defensive end Cody Conway said that his team does not lose at home. “It’s not a thing here at The Rock,” Conway said. “We don’t lose at home, especially on homecoming.” The Rock’s winning streaks are at risk this weekend. After coming off a tough loss to IUP, SRU takes on the 2nd ranked team in the West, Edinboro. Conway says that the loss doesn’t make this game anymore or less important, but they need to get back to the team they are known to be in order to keep their home record clean. “Coming off of a loss, you just want to bounce back,” Conway said. Despite the negativity swarming around SRU, a strong home field tradition can be seen as a positive at SRU. While many staff and students are picketing outside of campus entrances,

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Rocky joins Slippery Rock fans in the stands to cheer on the football team at home. Slippery Rock football has not lost a game played at MihalikThompson Stadium in the last three years.

alumni are returning to see their alma mater defend their home turf once again. Rock head coach Shawn Lutz said he takes this game personally. He said he wants to see his seniors continue to build on their perfect at-home legacy, but he also sees what positivity it can bring to the campus during a rough time. Lutz said he is seeing what the strike is doing to the campus. He said the school lacks a lot of good morale, but thinks the homecoming game, especially a win, will bring some positivity to the

school. “School’s not going on and the students are in limbo a little bit right now,” Lutz said. “This is a positive thing for everybody. We can come together and bring alumni back. A win would normalize what is going on with this strike right now.” Athletic Director Paul Lueken said that all sports teams would continue to play and participate in athletic contest. He hopes to see the win streak continue, as he said it is one of the most valuable parts of the Slippery Rock experience. Lueken has high hopes for the

weekend, regardless of the distractions. “Sometimes, you have to fight through adversity,” Lueken said. “This isn’t adversity, it’s just different. It’ll all work out.” No one knows when the strike will end, but one thing that is certain are the two Rock winning streaks are on the line. In an after-practice huddle on Wednesday evening, Lueken sat in front of the Slippery Rock football team to let them know that they will be defending Mihalik-Thompson stadium this week: “There will be a homecoming.”

PSAC championships bring huge opportunity for men's XC By Justin Kraus Rocket Contributor

T h e Pe n ns y l v an i a St at e Athletic Conference (PSAC) will hold its cross-countr y championships this weekend at Kutztown University. This is familiar territory for The Rock, who took home 10th place at the DII/DIII Challenge held at Kutztown in September. "It's a challenging course like ours," head coach John Papa said. "If you're not ready for it, it's gonna sneak up on you; it's tough. Having run on it back in September is definitely advantageous for us." Papa was pleased with his team's performance back in September. "I'm glad we were out there and all of our guys know the course." There is no definitive favorite at the championships. "A lot of it is speculation, we haven't seen some of these teams yet. From my perspective, Lock Haven, Shippensburg and Ediboro are the top three. I don't think any one of those teams is the most dominant. Any one of them could win it," Papa said. Slippery Rock goes into the event ranked eighth. Junior Jeremy Parsons is the obvious leader for the Green and White. Last year, Parsons became only the fifth AllAmerican cross-country runner in the history of Slippery Rock. The Titusville native also was The Rock's leader in every race the past two years. Papa said that he could never run out of great REBECCA DIEtRICH/THE ROCKET things to say about Parsons. Freshman John Marenkovic competes at the Mack Cooper Invitational at the Cooper's Lake "He is a great competitor. He Campground earlier this season. races hard. Even though he hasn't

been feeling 100 percent well, he has still dominated all season." Parsons did not run at Kutztown back in September, which leaves the door open for some doubt. "It's going to be very difficult," Papa said. "If he is up to the challenge, he could potentially bring home a win." John Marenkovic has dazzled all season as a freshman. The native of Hubbard, Ohio never ran cross country in high school, but made a tremendous leap to break out as one of The Rock's top supporters this year. "He is a freshman who has been running great all year" Papa said of the young man's great start to his collegiate career. "Usually you expect those kind of performances from older guys; they have more muscle and experience and are tougher. He is one of only two or three guys that young that can run with the veterans." Marenkovic has a leg up on the competition, as he was the top performer in Parson's absence at Kutztown in September, placing 23rd overall in his second career race. Papa continued to rave about his stand-out freshman. "With a good performance, he could be all-conference. That is huge, because freshmen usually do not make all conference in the PSAC." Runners start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22. Papa was very positive on his outlook for the team this weekend. "My hope is that when get on the bus home, everyone is proud of their race and that they gave their all." After PSACs, Slippery Rock returns to action in two weeks on Nov. 5th at home for the Atlantic Regionals.

SPORTS

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October 21, 2016

Slippery Rock celebrates Rock tennis finished with conference sportsmanship

fall portion of schedule By Jake Bartus Rocket Contributor

The fall portion of the Slippery Rock tennis season is in the books. The team traveled to three invitationals where the players competed as individuals and then played one match as a team. The team won their lone team match against West Liberty University by a score of 7-2. Head coach Matt Meredith was pleased about the win over West Liberty. "Our fall season counts, the match against West Liberty was a huge regional win for us," Meredith said. "If we don't win that we aren't in regionals." The Rock was led by freshman Lacey Cohen. Cohen finished the fall up with a 4-3 overall singles record. Meredith said the invitationals are critical parts of the fall season. "Experience, they all have experience now," Meredith said. "I now no longer do, I have freshmen." Cohen teamed up with junior Carla Corrochano Moracho to go 6-2 overall in doubles for the fall portion of the season. Corrochano Moracho finished the fall singles season at 9-3, which included a semi-final birth at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Individual Championships.

As the team gears up for the spring part of the season, coach Meredith was impressed with what the team did this fall. "We worked hard, our practices were solid, and other than wins, that's what you have to look for. "Meredith added that the team needs to work on getting more fit for the spring season. "We are going to work on getting fit, staying fit, getting stronger, and more conditioned." After a fourth place finish a season ago, Meredith is hoping his team can take the next step and jump in the standings. "I'm hoping we can move up some this year, that's always my goal. I want to be top three and going for championships. We are still young and still building, but we are getting better at it." After the PSAC Individual Championships, coach Meredith thinks the whole PSAC-West division will be strong in the fall. "IUP will be tough, Mercyhurst will be tough, California although they are declining will still be tough, Seton Hill got better," Meredith said. "We need to be on for every game and everything we did this fall will help later in the spring season." With a good fall season in the books, Slippery Rock tennis is looking for a strong spring season in the competitive PSAC.

REBECCA DIEtRICH/THE ROCKET

SRU men's soccer players shake hands with Seton Hill players prior to their match Wednesday afternoon.

By Cody Nespor Sports Editor

Aside from the usual homecoming activities going on at SRU athletic events this week, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) has announced that Oct. 17-23 will be "PSAC Sportsmanship Week." All 18 PSAC schools will be participating in a campaign to "emphasize and promote sportsmanship as it relates to the league's schools, coaches, studentathletes and fans," the PSAC said in a press release. At Slippery Rock, there will be special public address announcements prior to each home game and teams will be shaking hands before the start of each game. SRU athletic director Paul Lueken thinks sportsmanship is important to

competition and important for athletes and fans to respect one another. "I think it's a good way to promote sportsmanship and bring it to light on a conference-wide level, across the state," Lueken said. "We always try to promote good sportsmanship and always want our teams to display it on and off the field. Win or lose, we need to show good sportsmanship." There will also be PSAC sportsmanship weeks for the winter and spring seasons this academic year, Jan. 23-29 for winter and April 3-9 for Spring. "It's easy to say nice game after you win," Lueken said. "Even more important to be able to congratulate an opponent that has beaten you, especially with intense rivalries, as mutual respect is often lacking in sports across the country."

CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE Theatre department cancels performances

Greek Life 'paints the town' for Homecoming

Due to the APSCUF strike, the cast of 'December Things' has decided to cancel their final two performances in support of theatre faculty members on the picket line.

In celebration of Homecoming Weekend, multiple Greek organizations painted the windows of eight businesses on Main Street.

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Students stand #withAPSCUF Students stand on the picket line bordering campus in support of union members on strike

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Senior art education major David Gordon leads SRU students on the picket line during the first day of the APSCUF strike Wednesday.

By Megan Bush

Hahn said the cast, and in a way, the entire theatre department as a whole, was in an odd position because of the show process, but he The Association of Pennsylvania State still stood with the union because "without College and University Faculties (APSCUF) quality education, not much else matters." Junior exercise science majors Hanna went on strike Wednesday morning at 5:30 a.m. after a long negotiation process between Crable, Jen Jackson and Marlee Manuel also APSCUF and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Leading up to the strike announcement early that "I'd rather be out here morning, students all over Pennsylvania, including here on Slippery Rock University with my professors that campus, made their positions clear on social media with the hashtag "#withAPSCUF." actually care about me Students continued their support of professors and faculty by standing and than in the classroom with chanting with the many groups of picketers teachers that don't." throughout the first day of the strike and still more students drove by campus honking and chanting in support of the union. Among those students supporting -Leah Roussothe union were members of the theatre department and cast members of the sophomore, social work major professor-written play 'December Things,' which, at the time the strike began, was still showed their support for APSCUF members in production. Senior theatre and public relations major by bringing them fresh-baked cookies as the and 'December Things' cast member Tyler professors stood and walked on the picket line. Crable said she is supporting them because Hahn said the cast was supporting their professors because they were the students' this strike is in support of students as well as support system; therefore, the students should faculty members. Crable, Jackson and Manuel all plan on picketing if the strike lasts a while. support the faculty in the same way. "Now that it's actually happening, everyone "We're not going on tonight if this strike isn't resolved and if our professors aren't can see how it's really affecting people," there," Hahn said. "Our professors are our Jackson said. "There are a lot more students inspiration, and they're the ones with the drive on the picket lines than I thought there would be, and that's cool." and the passion to keep us going." Campus Life Editor

Crable, Jackson and Manuel said the exercise science department is really close-knit, and the support between students and professors has always been mutual. "They're more than just professors; they're family," Manuel said. Sophomore early childhood and special education major Katelyn Schlack also spent close to three hours on the picket line alongside her professors Wednesday and said she supports them because she believes she and her fellow classmates deserve a quality education. As a future educator herself, Schlack said she will stand with her professors for whatever will make education the most accessible and function the easiest, no matter what that means. "My professors provide my education," Schlack said. "If they choose to stand together, then I choose to stand with them. This is quality education; this is what every student is told to strive for from a young age." Students from all fields of study were present on the picket line, including sophomore social work major Leah Rousso, who spent some time walking and chanting along Kiester Road. Rousso said her reasons for standing by the union were simple: she, like many other students on the SRU campus, wants a quality education taught by those who are qualified. "I'd rather be out here with my professors that actually care about me than in the classroom with teachers that don't," Rousso said.

October 21, 2016

CAMPUS LIFE

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Theatre department stands by their faculty by canceling last two shows By Nina Bracci Asst. Campus Life Editor

The students of the theatre department are standing by their faculty members during the APSCUF strike and choosing not to perform the last two nights of their show ‘December Things’ without their writer and director. After the strike was finalized, the theatre department decided as a whole not to finish their play if their faculty members who helped in the making of it could not attend. The students involved in the production met without faculty present and shared their opinions on the matter as a whole. The students in the production decided to not go on if the faculty was striking. The faculty in the theatre department did not give their opinion if they wanted students to continue with the show or not, said senior theatre-acting major Tyler Hahn. He feels that this is extremely important because the faculty's opinion had nothing to do with the decision made. The decision was made by the students involved in the production. Hahn said that the entire cast, production

crew and department would like to see this show through to the end. The students involved knew that they would not have been able to accomplish this show without the countless hours, sleepless nights and creative vision that the faculty involved had contributed to this process, Hahn explained. “This piece of art does not exist without the faculty in our department,” Hahn said. Hahn said the faculty needs the student body behind them because the faculty at our university is extremely passionate about what they do. Students choose Slippery Rock University for many reasons, but they stay around for the incredibly devoted and passionate faculty, Hahn said. Professor and director of ‘December Things,’ Laura Smiley, and professor and playwright, Deanna Brookens, are striking and the department honors the faculty’s stance and their commitment by standing alongside them, said senior theatre-acting major Cole Vecchio. “This show is special to so many people, myself included, but it means so much to our director and playwright that they should

also see this through to the end just like us,” Vecchio said. Vecchio explained that the strike is affecting the theatre department, Smiley and Brookens because they are not with the students watching them grow and guiding them through this show's journey. Vecchio said he knows this is why the faculty is here every day teaching classes and staying late running rehearsals, to make sure their students get the best artistic and educational experience they can from this show. “Having worked closely with all the professors in the theatre department, I can tell you that they care about us and our education,” Vecchio said. Senior theatre-acting major Phillip Bova said that the faculty is integral in assisting this production to continue, and without them they wouldn’t have a show. Bova said he fully supports the cast’s decision by standing with their faculty because when the students needed them to, the faculty stood with them. They encouraged them and believed in them even when the students sometimes didn’t, and that is something many of the

students will never fully be able to do, Bova said. Bova believes that the faculty leads, inspires and encourages students and without them, students would not have any of that. The department is a family and being separated is not something that they ever want, Bova said. “Continuing to bring to life their direction and words and story without them there would be, to put it bluntly, insulting,” Vecchio said. Hahn said he hopes the student body and university administration understand that students are trying to make the statement that our faculty is needed. He feels that the faculty deserves a fair and reasonable contract. “We as a university, a community, a state and a nation have to value the treatment of our educators," Hahn said. "These professors are the people shaping the professionals of tomorrow and without quality care and treatment of our professors, we as students will not receive a quality education.” All ticket sales will be refunded to anyone who bought tickets for Wednesday and Thursday nights' cancelled shows of ‘December Things.’

University Program Board celebrates Homecoming with students By Nina Bracci Asst. Campus Life Editor

The University Program Board (UPB) held its annual homecoming event Tuesday during common hour in the ballroom which featured Stuff A-Plush animals, free t-shirts and a photo booth. Mallory Milberger, junior public relations major and UPB director of events, said that the organization hosts this event each year to celebrate the week of homecoming. UPB has been providing the Stuff-A-Plush every year for the past three years since it has been a large success in the years past, Milberger said. There were several different animals available for students to pick their favorite. Each animal REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET was able to have their own shirt University Program Board Director of Events Mallory Milberger stuffs with a homecoming saying on it an animal at UPB's annual Homecoming event.

that is memorable, Milberger said. “If you’re a freshman it’s something to remember your first Homecoming by,” Milberger said. Sophomore marketing major Kelly Eldridge said that she liked the music and atmosphere while she stuffed her animal. Eldridge said that she enjoys that the event is different because she has never been to an occasion that allowed her to choose and make her own stuffed animal. The event also included t-shirts where students could customize their own university name on them. To additionally leave a lasting mark on the students, Milberger brought a large photo booth with a variety of different props for the students to take home a keepsake to remember the day. “We like to incorporate things like t-shirts and photo booths because it’s a great memory for students to have,” Milberger said.

Milberger said the event is a wonderful kick off for what’s to come this weekend for Homecoming. Senior public relations major Chelsea Fryc said she feels that the UPB homecoming event is a way for everyone to get involved and come together as a university to celebrate the week. “It’s really cool that they offer us a variety of activities to do and I think that anything free can get students excited and it’s a big event,” Fryc said. Fryc feels that that because the event is a few days before homecoming, it leads up to the big day and makes it seem like a bigger deal. “I hope people take away good memories and I just think it’s really important to people because when they look back on their college career, they’ll remember this and why they did this,” Milberger said.

Greek Life takes to Main Street to 'Paint the Town' By Megan Bush Campus Life Editor

Multiple organizations within the Greek Life office painted the windows of businesses along Main Street Sunday, Oct. 16 to help promote Homecoming Weekend and this year's Homecoming theme: games. Graduate assistant for the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (CSIL) Alex Rizzutto, who organized the "Paint the Town" event, said it's a tradition that began a long time ago and has held strong through many staff changes. The businesses that participate in "Paint the Town" have varied over the years, but this Homecoming, eight businesses participated, including Ginger Hill Tavern, University Sportswear and Nico Luciano's, to name a few. Rizzutto said he would like to be able to have more Greek Life groups participate because more businesses wanted to have their windows painted, but the budget could only pay for eight groups. Rizzutto also said it would be cool if, in the future, more clubs and organizations were able to participate along with Greek Life. One of the Greek Life groups that participated in the window painting was Kappa Sigma Fraternity, which painted University Sportswear with "The Game of Life." Senior history major and Alumni Relations Chairperson for Kappa Sigma Fraternity Seth Stinson said his fraternity decided to paint "The Game of Life" because it seemed like fun, and that is one of the main goals of "Paint the Town" and Homecoming Weekend. As part of the Office of New Member

Development for the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Stinson said the IFC has a big say in how Greek Life is involved with Homecoming Weekend. The IFC, along with the CSIL, also helps a lot with the logistics, especially concerning the annual Homecoming parade. The parade features walking groups, cars, trucks and many floats, also created and exhibited by Greek Life organizations, among other groups on campus. The floats are judged at a certain point on Main Street, as are the windows painted for "Paint the Town." Rizzutto said the judgment of "Paint the Town" was done by a select group of students chosen by Rizzutto himself; the winner of the contest will be announced at the annual Homecoming Pep Rally Friday night in the Aebersold Recreation Center (ARC). "My favorite part of Homecoming is actually the parade," Rizzutto said. "We at the CSIL get to see the final product of all the hard work we put into it, and I love seeing the creativity that goes into the creation of the floats." On the other hand, Stinson said his favorite part of Homecoming is getting to see alumni come back to enjoy the annual festivities. Rizzutto also said the Homecoming parade is an event that brings Slippery Rock University and the town of Slippery Rock together as partners in celebration, along with "Paint the Town." "While Homecoming is about the university, it's also about the town of Slippery Rock," Rizzutto said. "'Paint the Town' is a cool way for both the university and the PHOTO COURTESY OF KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY town to embrace Homecoming Weekend Kappa Sigma Fraternity's Jacob Aberman paints University Sportswear's window in celebration of the together." 'Paint the Town' Homecoming event Sunday.

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October 21, 2016

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