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The Rocket www.theonlinerocket.com

Friday, February 1 , 2013

Slippery Rock University Student Newspaper

Est. 1934

Volume 96, Number 13

Norton visits dorms to talk about potential strike

By Jonathan Janasik Rocket News Editor

President Cheryl J. Norton personally visited each of SRU’s residence halls to meet students and talk about what would happen if the faculty would go on strike.

Norton visited two residence halls per day from Monday to Friday in order to meet students and answer any questions that they had about the university. The main subject that came up during each meeting was about the potential faculty strike.

She began by saying that there are seven different unions that operate within the Pa. state system. All of the unions have finalized and agreed upon their contracts other than the contract with APSCUF (The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties). Their contract has been expired for a little over a year and a half ago, and negotiations for a new contract began two years ago.

The contract negotiations are between APSCUF and PASSHE (The PA State System of Higher Education) and take place in a closed environment, meaning that specific details about the issues are not released to the public.

Norton reported that one of the biggest sticking points right now is the debate over health care. This is presently a big issue because of the demographics of the faculty.

Specifically, the baby boomer generation is starting to retire. This is a cause for concern because there will be more people retiring than working and paying. Norton compared this to the current national debate over social security.

“The question becomes, ‘how do you keep that health care continuous?’,” stated Norton.

“Obviously there are different ideas and ways of approaching it, and that’s what they’re talking about.”

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Sophomores Kiley Fletcher (bottom left) and Michael Thomas (top left) listen to Dr. Cheryl J. Norton speak about APSCUF/PASSHE negotiations and a possible faculty strike at Building F on Wednesday night.

Next, Norton explained that APSCUF has signed a strike authorization, but this does not necessarily mean that there will be a strike. Instead, it allows them to call a strike if they decide that they need to. Historically, a strike authorization has been passed three times, but the union has never gone on strike.

“Let’s hope that history repeats itself in this case,” Norton explained. “We don’t want a strike and I think that the faculty doesn’t want to strike either. But sometimes when

you come to an impasse, you use what tools you have to get passed it.”

There may be professors and faculty members picketing or handing out information, but that doesn’t mean that they are on strike. Norton said that she would be the first person to know if APSCUF has decided to go on strike and that she would send out an email to all students and parents as soon as she found out.

There is a contingency plan set in case a

Technology Learning Center in library begins new library expansion project

strike does occur. Norton said that the plan has three main goals. The first is that the campus will continue to operate in case of a strike. This means that the residence halls, the ARC, the library, the offices, and the dining halls will remain open. Norton also stated that the coaches’ contract is not the same as the APSCUF contract, so there will still be SEE PRESIDENT, PAGE A-2

Faculty hope Chancellor's resignation will lead to improved negotiations

By Erica Kurvach Rocket Staff Reporter

that hard copy and turn it into a Word document to save them the hassle of retyping the entire thing.”

The call for an expansion of the TLC came in June 2012, when the TLC Advisory Board tasked the Library with providing more staff and space for TLC operations, due to the high demand.

Rita McClelland, TLC Supervisor, said the TLC will be taking over the area where the microfilms were previously stored.

“The [microfilms] are now stored in the basement of the University Union.

If someone needs to view one, we have

In the midst of ongoing contract negotiations with APSCUF, Chancellor Dr. John C. Cavanaugh will be leaving the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education at the end of February for a job in Washington D.C. Cavanaugh, who has been the executive director at PASSHE since July of 2008, announced his resignation at the end of December. Cavanaugh has resigned to lead the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area in Washington, D.C. He will be the voice for the 14 private and public universities in the D.C. Area.

PASSHE Executive Vice Chancellor Peter H. Garland will take over as an acting Chancellor upon Cavanaugh's departure.

Garland already had several senior level leadership positions with PASSHE since January 2002 when he was first appointed as executive associate to the chancellor.

SRU faculty hope working with Garland's leadership will be more effective in resolving the ongoing contract negotiations with PASSHE. The faculty union has been negotiating a contract for two years. In “Strategic Thinking about How Costs and Goals Interact,” Cavanaugh co-wrote an outline two years ago about the need for university administrators to employ cost-reduction measures and preserve quality.

Daniel McIntosh, a political science professor, would disagree with Cavanaugh’s tactic. He anticipates a new PASSHE chief operating officer.

“I’m glad [Cavanaugh's] gone because I hope experts can negotiate a fair contract,” McIntosh said. “He ran it like a business. He would measure the money and

SEE UNIVERSITY, PAGE A-2

SEE PROFESSORS, PAGE A-3

COURTESY OF SRU TLC

The TLC expansion will be located in the area of Bailey Library that used to house microfilms (at left). The floor plans (at right) show the layout of the expansion.

By Catie Clark Assistant News Editor

Bailey Library’s Technology Learning Center has started an expansion project that will be completed throughout the spring semester.

The expansion will include the addition of multiple private study rooms equipped with collaborative tables, a lounge area with a TV for viewing sports and news, and a classroom demonstration area with a large SMART Board.

While the TLC already features three Mac and nine Dell laptops with dual monitor displays, they will be receiving more Dell and Mac laptops as part of the expansion, according to

TLC Intern Perry Jackson.

According to Matt Morgan, TLC Student Specialist, the collaborative tables, which seat four people, feature 32-inch touch screen monitors embedded in the tables, and additional 32-inch monitors for students to connect personal laptops to.

“The touch screen display is capable of responding to 32 touches at once,” Morgan said.

The TLC currently has one book scanner, but is getting two more as part of the expansion.

“The scanner will save any book or document to a flash drive as a PDF or Word file,” Morgan said. “If a student lost the file for a paper, but had the hard copy, the scanner could take

News

A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK

February 1, 2012

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Rather cloudy, flurries; windy

A little snow, up to 1”; cold

Cloudy, snow showers possible

Snow or flurries possible

Snow showers possible

Cloudy with flurries

Cloudy

12°

22°

24°

20°

28°

REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE

®

Fri.

Sat.

Sun. Mon.

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

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

Friday HI LO W 20 13 c 33 18 sf 26 11 sf 21 16 sf 23 16 sf 34 17 sf 24 13 sf 24 9 sf 35 22 sf 23 12 sf 26 14 sf 26 13 sf 22 14 c 28 15 sf 23 12 sf

Saturday HI LO W 26 22 sn 31 21 pc 27 20 sn 26 22 sn 25 20 sn 32 22 pc 26 22 sn 22 18 sn 32 25 pc 25 20 sn 26 19 c 26 18 sn 29 23 sn 28 21 c 24 19 sn

Sunday HI LO W 30 10 sf 34 20 sf 31 15 sf 31 14 sf 29 18 sf 37 21 c 30 12 sf 27 10 sf 37 24 c 30 14 sf 32 17 sf 30 17 sf 31 12 sf 34 19 sf 29 12 sf

11°

20°

19°

34°

UV INDEX

Fri.

Sat.

Sun

Sun. Mon.

Tuesday HI LO W 36 24 sf 37 26 c 38 26 sf 35 27 sf 36 29 sf 43 27 c 36 26 sf 33 23 sf 42 26 pc 36 24 sf 36 28 c 37 25 sf 36 25 sf 38 27 sf 35 25 sf

34°

23°

38°

19°

IN THE SKY

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.

Monday HI LO W 26 21 sf 32 20 pc 24 18 pc 28 22 sn 25 22 sn 30 22 pc 23 18 sf 20 17 c 35 24 pc 28 23 sf 28 19 c 25 18 pc 27 21 c 30 20 c 23 20 sn

23°

Wednesday HI LO W 34 23 sf 35 20 pc 32 24 sf 36 25 sf 36 25 sf 36 26 pc 35 23 sf 32 23 sf 35 22 s 34 24 sf 39 24 sf 32 27 sf 35 26 sf 33 24 pc 34 22 sf

ROCK NOTES Alcohol, Addictions Coalition Meeting The Slippery Rock Alcohol and Addictions Coalition next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 5 from 2:30 – 4:00 pm at the North Country Brewing Company (2nd floor).

The purpose of the meeting is to bring together community members and university students, staff and faculty to dialogue about alcohol and other addictions on campus and in the surrounding community. Anyone who is interested in getting involved is welcome to attend. For more information you can contact Renee Bateman and Chris Cubero at srac@sru. edu.

"Soar into Summer!" Job Fair "Soar into Summer!" A Summer Job and Internship Fair will be held in the Ballroom of the Robert M. Smith Student Center on February 19, 2013 from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. Over 60 companies have registered to attend.

Students from all majors are encouraged to attend and "Soar into Summer!" The fair is hosted by the Office of Career Education and Development. For more information and to register, please go to: www.collegecentral.com/ srusummerfair<http://www.collegecentral.com/srusummerfair>. Please note: All those who pre-register to attend will be entered into a drawing to win a prize. All prize winners must attend the fair and have their SRU ID in order to claim their prize.

Thursday HI LO W 39 21 c 34 25 pc 38 18 c 38 31 sf 37 24 sf 44 23 pc 39 26 c 36 18 c 46 29 s 43 22 c 37 18 c 39 20 c 42 22 c 40 17 c 37 21 sf

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Moon

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Rise 7:31 a.m.

7:30 a.m.

7:29 a.m.

7:28 a.m.

7:27 a.m.

7:26 a.m.

7:25 a.m.

Rise 11:47 p.m. none 12:54 a.m.

2:02 a.m.

3:08 a.m.

4:09 a.m.

5:04 a.m.

MOON PHASES

Set 5:37 p.m.

5:38 p.m.

5:40 p.m.

5:41 p.m.

5:42 p.m.

5:43 p.m.

5:45 p.m.

Set 10:00 a.m.

10:35 a.m.

11:16 a.m.

12:03 p.m.

12:57 p.m.

1:59 p.m.

3:07 p.m.

Last

New

First

Full

2/3

2/10

2/17

2/25

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2013

NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK TEMPERATURES

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

PRECIPITATION

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

National Summary: Snow will be across the Great Lakes in the Ohio River Valley Saturday, Groundhog Day, with showers in the southern half of the Mississippi River Valley into the eastern Texas. The rest of the nation will be dry. Snow will remain over the Great Lakes as lake-effect for Sunday with snow across the northern Plains. Showers will move up the Mississippi River Valley during the day. The West will remain dry with high pressure continuing to dominate the area.

NATIONAL CITIES

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursda CITY HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W Atlanta 44 26 pc 54 36 pc 56 32 s 52 36 pc 60 46 pc 63 47 pc 65 37 Boston 35 19 sf 31 23 pc 38 25 sn 32 20 pc 34 25 sf 35 27 pc 38 20 Chicago 11 8 pc 28 17 sn 22 13 pc 34 21 c 36 22 c 34 25 s 38 24 s Cincinnati 20 16 pc 35 26 sn 32 12 sf 40 29 c 46 29 c 41 28 s 45 27 Dallas 63 47 s 65 37 s 68 49 s 67 53 c 72 50 pc 71 52 c 72 43 p Denver 50 25 pc 53 28 s 58 29 pc 62 28 pc 57 31 s 58 27 pc 49 25 Detroit 23 14 sf 28 19 sn 31 13 sf 25 20 sn 37 24 c 36 22 pc 39 26 s Houston 70 50 pc 72 50 c 72 51 pc 73 57 c 72 53 c 72 53 t 75 47 s Indianapolis 20 16 pc 33 22 sn 29 10 pc 41 26 c 47 27 c 42 29 s 40 22 s Kansas City 30 23 pc 39 26 pc 40 27 s 51 32 pc 53 29 s 53 32 pc 51 26 Los Angeles 76 52 pc 74 55 pc 76 54 pc 74 47 pc 69 49 pc 68 48 s 67 48 p Miami 72 60 pc 72 60 pc 76 55 s 74 58 pc 75 61 s 77 64 s 78 63 p Nashville 28 24 s 45 32 sh 47 23 s 53 36 pc 55 41 pc 57 38 pc 57 32 New Orleans 62 44 pc 64 47 pc 68 46 pc 65 51 pc 70 54 c 71 54 c 72 51 New York City 34 22 sf 30 26 pc 35 25 sf 33 27 pc 37 30 c 38 28 s 43 29 Orlando 67 44 s 70 45 s 70 45 s 69 45 pc 73 47 s 74 53 s 75 52 Phoenix 72 49 pc 75 50 pc 75 49 pc 76 48 pc 76 47 s 74 50 s 73 49 p San Francisco 61 45 s 60 45 pc 63 45 pc 60 43 s 55 45 c 56 44 c 58 43 s Seattle 51 36 pc 53 39 c 50 42 c 51 40 c 52 40 r 46 36 sh 47 37 Washington, DC 36 22 sf 38 27 pc 44 25 c 37 27 pc 48 32 pc 45 32 s 49 26 p Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

University hopes library renovations will increase traffic to TLC Continued from Page A-1

runners that will bring them back over to the library, or we can email a PDF version of the document,” McClelland said.

According to McClelland, the renovations are still in the beginning stages.

“The electricity is currently being done, and painting and flooring come next,” McClelland said. “We’re hoping to be done by early March, but there is no set deadline. It will definitely be finished over the course of this semester.”

McClelland said that she is looking forward to the traffic to come to the TLC after the expansion because they are always busy now, and they have not advertised their services very much.

Jackson said that the TLC had 1534 consultations in the fall 2012 semester alone, 126 of which were Microsoft Office consultations.

“The majority of consultations we get are on printing, but we cover a wide range of other topics,” Jackson said. “We’re a service, not just a resource.”

The TLC was created in the fall of 2011 with the purpose of providing students with an opportunity to increase technology skills. Located on the first

floor of Bailey Library, the TLC has Dell laptops, Mac laptops, desktop computers, scanners, a television, and a SMART Board for students’ educational use.

The TLC employs Communication and Computer Science majors who are trained to assist students with technology-based questions.

The TLC assists students with video editing, web page design, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, scanning, formatting resumes and portfolios, photo editing, and SMART Board presentations.

The TLC has also implemented an assessment to gauge how the Student Specialists are performing.

“We implemented a mystery shopper program,” Jackson said. “A mystery shopper here works just like they would at a Best Buy or any other store.”

A mystery shopper simulates a typical work order to a TLC student specialist who doesn’t know if they are a mystery shopper, or an actual student.

The mystery shopper later fills out an assessment form. These forms are sent to the entire TLC Student Specialists staff, and it features a ‘kudos’ and a ‘potential improvement’ section that are utilized as a learning tools for the staff.

The TLC created a survey using Survey Monkey that they plan to link to their webpage for additional assessment options.

Other services the TLC covers include topics such as: printing, scanning, Microsoft Office, Adobe software, other software, network issues/WiFi, Media/ Video/Cameras, D2L/Citrix/H-Drive, programming, SMART Board, Mac, dual monitor, mobile devices, TLC tours, troubleshooting equipment, and many others.

The TLC is open during all regular library hours, and students can walk-in or make an appointment when looking for assistance.

The TLC also offers technological supplies for students to sign out, which include digital still cameras, video hard drive cameras, Sony camcorder with projector and digital HDD video camera, a USB Flip video camcorder, digital and cassette audio recorders, microphones, tripods, flash drives, keyboards, VHS player, Boom Box with cassette player, slide viewers and projectors, DVD burner, Scientific calculators, and headphones.

President Norton plans more meetings with students To submit a Rock Note please send your announcement by 6 p.m. Wednesday to Jonathan 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.

Index Rock Notes...............A-2 Comics.....................A-7 Weather map...........A-2 Sports...................B-1 Blotter.................A-3 Campus Life.............C-1 Opinion...............A-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

2011 Runner-up Most Outstanding Newspaper Society of Collegiate Journalists

Continued from Page A-1

nonbiased opinion.

“Her job is to run a healthy university,” Burkhart said. sporting events.

“There’s a negotiations team in Harrisburg whose job it is to The second goal is to ensure the health and safety of the staff hash out the issues. They sound like the same job, but they’re and students by making sure that the strike remains a peaceful not. Quite honestly, I have a lot of respect for her not getting display. The third goal is to continue to help students work pulled into that process because she has a different job to do.” towards their academic goals.

Norton said that she had previously been planning to meet Norton explained that in the event that there is a strike, with students as a way of introducing herself and answering some professors will choose not to participate and will still be any questions that the students may have. Because the holding class. Because of this, it is important for students to negotiations between PASSHE and APSCUF have continued continue to attend all of their classes. If there is past winter break, she decided that this would no instructor at the class, the students are asked be a good opportunity to speak with students to visit the dean of the college and report that the about it. professor did not show up to class.

President Norton believed that it was Going on strike is a big decision for professors, important for her to talk to the students in Norton explained. The professors who go on order to help prevent the spread of rumors and strike are fired until the strike is over, and misinformation. She also stated that hearing afterwards they will be rehired. about a potential strike could be stressful for “The definition of strike means they have left students, so by answering each individual their job responsibility, they’re not maintaining question, she hopes to ease some of that stress. their contractual obligations,” Norton said. “As Norton explained that as president, she a result, they end up having no position, no Scan QR code to see clips of President thinks that it was extremely important that Norton's meeting with students in benefits, nothing.” she was the one answering the questions.

Building B, or see the video online at There have been questions about if there will youtube.com/theSRUrocket She stated that it personally benefits herself be refunds if there is a strike, Norton said. She because she gets to see what kind of issues answered the question by saying no, when you pay tuition students are worrying about. She also stated that it is good you’re paying for the getting class credits. In the case that for the students and community to see that their concerns are a strike does happen, the university will figure out a way to being taken seriously and are being heard by the higher-ups assign a grade. Norton cited stories about other universities of the university. that have gone on strike saying that they usually only last a So far the meetings have been relatively small, Norton said. few days, meaning that making up work would not be too The first meeting had about eight people, but the numbers difficult. have been rising for each subsequent meeting. Norton expects Students agreed that they were glad to attend the meetings that more people will start to show up as she continues to hold with Norton. more meetings.

“The fact that we all know that [Norton] knows what’s going “It doesn’t matter to me if I’m talking to one person or a on helps us feel more comfortable with everything going on,” hundred. If I can answer a question or give information then explained sophomore secondary English education major the time has been well spent,” Norton explained.

Jessica Horgos.

Norton states that she believes that her visits with the SRU chapter president of APSCUF Dr. Patrick Burkhart students have been successful so far and plans to meet with stated that he thought it was good that president was speaking students and community members in the same way once per to the students about the negotiations. He stated that because semester. Depending on how long the contract negotiations she is not directly at the bargaining table, she would offer a continue, she may also hold more meetings after spring break.

News

February 1, 2013

A-3

Police Blotter Campus Dec. 14 – Brittany McNeill, 20, was cited with disorderly conduct after a report of a drug violation at Rhoads Hall. Contraband was found.

Dec. 14 – There was a report of an alcohol violation in Building D. The incident was referred to judicial.

Dec. 20 – Ronald Divittrio, 55, was charged with credit card access fraud and receiving stolen property after a report of credit card fraud at the Aebersold Recreation Center.

Dec. 22 – Jonathan Foust, 19, was cited with defiant trespassing after an officer found two unauthorized individuals in the pool at Morrow Field House.

Dec. 31 – Lawyer Johnson, 21, was charged with DUI after a motorist called the police department from Campus Drive.

Jan. 20 – There was a traffic incident on Weisenfluh Drive. The vehicle struck a guardrail.

The driver was transported to Grove City Medical Center as a precaution.

Jan. 22 – There was a report of vandalism at Patterson Hall. The case is under investigation.

Jan. 24 – There was a report of a traffic accident on Harmony Road. No injuries were sustained.

Jan. 14 – There was a report of a smoke alarm in Building F due to wires on the heater melting.

The fire department responded.

Jan. 25 – There was a non-reportable traffic accident on Rock Pride Drive. No injuries were sustained.

Jan. 16 – There was a report of theft from the concession stand at Morrow Field House. The case is under investigation.

Jan. 26 – There was a report of water flowing into the SGA Bookstore from another area within the student center. Maintenance was notified.

Co-Op increases meal allowance for athletes Student life seeks more funding for athletic budget

By Catie Clark Assistant News Editor

The Board of Cooperative activities increased the meal allowance for athletics Thursday.

The increase will take place in the 2013 -2014 school year, and will increase lunch from $7 to $8 and dinner from $10 to $11 per athlete.

According to Ben Motyl, Vice President of Financial Affairs, the budgetary increase won’t affect any other clubs and organizations.

“The money is being reallocated within the athletics budget, and will have to be taken from other areas within their own budget,” Motyl said.

“It’s only a ten percent increase.”

Dr. Constance Foley, Vice President of Student Life, mentioned efforts to get more funds from other avenues for athletics at Thursday’s meeting.

Foley said that over the years the athletic budget has gone over the amount that CoOp has allotted them because of travel costs including bus contracts and gas.

According to Foley, the student life enhancement fee goes to operations within student affairs, but there currently is a caveat against using that money towards athletics. “[With the money from the student life enhancement fee] I was able to buy another car for the police department, and a van for the health center, but I haven’t been able to help athletics out because of this discrepancy,” Foley said.

Foley said President Cheryl Norton wants to take the topic to the council of trustees, and also wants a letter of support or non-support from student government.

“Part of the reason I’m bringing this up is so you don’t have to violate your polices to give athletics more money,” Foley said.

Co-Op also approved a fund request of $250 to club baseball for league fees.

There are currently 33 club members who pay $60 dues, and the extra money is needed to cover what the dues won’t for the league fees.

The spring fees will cover the fall playing season.

A line item transfer for Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance was also approved Thursday.

Money was transferred from FMLA’s Roe vs. Wade event to advertising their event One Billion Rising.

The One Billion Rising event is global event that involve one billion women around the world. The event will be held Feb. 14 in the quad during common hour.

Co-Op also approved this year’s auditing firm for SRSGA, Inc. The auditing firm will be Mark Turnley for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

The budgetary reserves of Co-Op are currently listed at $165,556.20, which reflects the motions made at Thursday’s meeting.

Jan. 27 – Slippery Rock Borough Police Dept. requested assistance with an intoxicated individual at Ginger Hill. The officer received minor injury while helping the Borough. The Chief of Police was notified.

Jan. 28 – There was a report of harassing phone calls at Bailey Library. The case is under investigation.

Jan. 29 – There was a report that a vehicle was keyed at the Water Tower Lot. The case is under investigation.

Jan. 29 – The Pennsylvania State Police requested Assistance on a domestic case. The State Police are handling the incident.

Compiled by Catie Clark

Professors hope new Chancellor will focus on education system Continued from Page A-1

mismeasure the learning.”

McIntosh hopes the new chancellor will focus on more quality education.

Spokesman Kenn Marshall said Cavanaugh is moving on because of his new position.

“I don’t think his decision will affect the result of the negotiations,” Marshall said. “The next meeting is next Friday.”

The Board of Governors will take several months to search for a replacement for the acting chancellor after February.

Cavanaugh runs a system of public universities that include Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester Universities of Pa. The Executive Offices are located at Dixon University Center in Harrisburg.

Wanted: Contributing writers The Rocket is looking students who would be interested in writing stories for any section. Applications for paid positions in the 2013-14 school year will be accepted soon, and applicants with experience are preferred. For more information, send an e-mail to Rocket.Letters@sru.edu

The Rocket

OPINION

A-4

February 1, 2013

The Rocket

Our View

Volume 96, Number 13 220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: (724) 738-4438 Fax: (724) 738-4896 E-mail: rocket.letters@sru.edu

Editorial Board Will DeShong Editor-in-Chief Jon Janasik News Editor Andy Treese Campus Life Editor Madeline Williams Sports Editor Alex Mowrey Photo Editor Stephanie Holsinger Copy Editor James Intile Web Editor Catie Clark Assistant News Editor Kristin Karam Assistant Sports Editor Emily Schubert Assistant Photo Editor Erica Kurvach News Reporter Mark Zeltner Faculty Adviser GRAPHIC BY EMILY SCHUBERT

Advertising Staff Zach Dornisch Advertising Manager 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.

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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.

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Chancellor’s resignation another stumbling block for negotiations This past December we learned that PASSHE Chancellor Dr. John C. Cavanaugh resigned from his position to take another job in Washington D.C. Cavanaugh will be leaving PASSHE at the end of February.

That me ans t he ongoing PASSHE/APSCUF negotiations have a month before it hits yet another stumbling block, and as faculty are in the midst of a second year of not having a contract, it’s the last thing the negotiations need.

Cavanaugh leaving may not be an uncommon move -people in high positions take new jobs often. It also might be a great opportunity for him professionally.

But the timing of the move certainly comes at a very difficult time for the state system.

PASSHE and APSCUF need to be working towards creating more unity, and this move puts them a step in the wrong direction.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Peter H. Garland will serve as the acting Chancellor when Cavanaugh departs.

While we have no reason to believe Garland will not fill in fine in the position, it is still a change at arguably the most critical time in the APSCUF and PASSHE debates.

A n d t he s e d e b ate s are becoming more and more tense every week.

The looming possibility of a strike is in the back of students’ minds, particularly seniors looking to graduate at the end of the semester.

With that on their minds, the

last thing students want to see at the moment is that the leader of the state system has decided to leave the negotiating table at this point.

It’s worrisome.

It is hard to have faith an agreement is on the horizon when this is happening, even if the acting Chancellor is able to step right in so that the negotiations don’t miss a beat.

A faculty strike is obviously the worse thing that can happen for the students, and the fact that President Norton has been visiting dorms to inform students about a possible strike doesn’t appear to be a good sign.

PASSHE and APSCUF need to prevent a strike. While, as students, we understand what is at stake for both sides in the negotiations, we just cannot get

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.

beyond how detrimental a strike would be to us, the students.

For this reason, we feel it is vital that both sides use the Chancellor’s resignation as a wake-up call to get an agreement made as soon as possible. Further delaying it will only make it worse and will only increase the likelihood of a strike.

This issue should be resolved by the time Cavanaugh leaves at the end of February. It is too costly to continue on the path towards any type of strike, and the situation in PASSHE does not seem to be helping things out.

Dr. Cavanaugh has earned a nice new job, let’s hope a strike doesn’t prevent SRU seniors looking to graduate this May from doing the same.

This week’s question: Who do you think will win the Super Bowl, and why?

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.

Cody Rodevski Junior business management major Hometown: Ellwood, Pa.

Sam Delauter Freshman economics major Hometown: Thurmont, Md.

Casey Sweetapple Junior secondary history education major Hometown: West Middlesex, Pa.

“The Ravens because the NFL is fixed.

Ray Lewis is retiring at the end of the season, and they want him to win.”

“The Ravens because I’m from Maryland. They don’t have a history of winning, but you have to support where you are from.”

“Ravens because I think they are a better team. They play better offense.”

Opinion

February 1, 2013

Respect and understanding are crucial to being open to different points of view

Michael Santoro Observation Station As a new semester falls upon us, we’re taken from a long six week break to the buildings, people and education of college.

For some it’s a jarring transition, and for others it’s a breath of fresh air to be back and busy. It’s been a smooth transition for me, and as I return to classes a simple yet interesting ponderence has been floating around in my head. This would be the abundance of opinions, viewpoints and mindsets of all the people that we may or may not come in contact with. I know, sounds a bit silly, but it’s actually a lot to wrap your head around.

We’ll start with a question.

How can two people see the same situation and come away with two very differing opinions? For instance, let’s say that I’m riding a bike across the street and suddenly I am struck by a vehicle. Two people saw this. These people are seemingly similar and had near identical vantage points of the incident. One person could say it was due to my own negligence and that I should have watched what was happening around me.

The other could say that the driver of the vehicle was at fault, for whatever reason they would have.

This is a simple scenario, but I believe it illustrates my point in a simple context.

It’s just mind boggling

how so many people can experience identical situations yet feel completely different about the experience. It seems as though nothing is set in stone. It usually isn’t a black-and-white issue, either. Certain things will be agreed upon, certain things will be points of contention, but some may fall into a grey area. For instance, video game violence. There are differing levels of violence depending on the system upon which the game is played, the game itself and what the player chooses to do within the game. Some say “no violence at all,” while others say “let there be as much as the designer wants,” but as I said, it usually isn’t this cut-anddry. Differing opinions on where the violence takes place, who or what incites the violence, the context of the violence, etc. can exist.

Huge discussions and lengthy reports have come to fruition discussing the intricacies of these various facets.

How we’re raised, and our response to the way we’re raised plays a large role. The people who instilled values in us and what those values are shapes the way that we look at and approach the world. It just seems to me that there are so many possibilities in terms of the large number of subjects we can have opinions on. No two people are identical, only similarities may arise. That goes for the respective opinions of the people as well. I’ve never heard of two people believing the same thing on every topic that the people take interest in. That, to me, is just amazing.

If you want a differing viewpoint in order for you to analyze something from

a different perspective, you really don’t have to go far, especially in our social media/internet age.

This brings me to my last and most important point: the need for understanding and respect. With how many ways there are to look at things, a lot of subjects that we may have stalwart and founded opinions on aren’t set in stone. We need to strive as a nation to try and understand why a certain person believes the way they do. Maybe it’s tucked down deep beneath the surface in a personal way.

You don’t necessarily know what the person you’re communicating with has gone through, the good or the bad. Experiences change people, and as I said before, experiences can have profoundly different effects depending on who’s going through them.

After understanding, try a little respect. You don’t want somebody cramming their ideals down your throat, making sure that you believe every one as it goes down. So, out of decency and a meek approach to others, respect that whatever they have gone through has led them to where they are now.

Don’t discount discussions, though. Seeing things from a different angle doesn’t necessarily mean that you ascribe to that angle.

It means you can remove yourself somewhat from your own opinions so that you can open up your mind. As we go through this spring semester, tuck all this in your brain box.

Good luck with classes, and do your best to keep an honest heart, a gentle spirit and a respectful attitude.

Michael Santoro is a senior public relations major from Pittsburgh.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” section are those of the writer(s) alone.

The Rocket cannot verify all facts presented in a given letter, but if we are aware of an error or omission, we reserve the right to include an editorial note for accuracy’s sake.

PASSHE has been unfair in discussions of f a c u lt y ’s demands Dear Students: Welcome back to campus. I hope it is a productive and rewarding spring semester for you. It was my hope that you would return to campus knowing that your faculty were closer to reaching a contract agreement with the State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). APSCUF faculty know you are concerned about your classes, your tuition dollars, and, for many of you, graduation.

The uncertainty associated with a potential strike is scary for all of us.

Faculty do not want to go on strike; we want to teach. We also want to settle a contract that is fair to both faculty and students. Unfortunately, the Chancellor and his negotiations team have not treated faculty fairly at the bargaining table.

The administration has implied that the faculty’s demands are resulting in increased tuition. This is inaccurate and unfair, and it misrepresents all the key outstanding issues, including active faculty and retiree health care, distance learning, class size, and curriculum. The faculty and the State System have already agreed on salary, and this is not an issue.

Active and retiree health care may seem like a topic of little relevance to students, but it is critical to attract and retain talented faculty who will be committed to delivering the quality education you deserve.

We understand the State System is concerned with the rising cost of health care, and we have made several proposals that would save PASSHE hundreds of thousands of dollars in health care costs. In many of the State System’s public statements, the writers mention that they have negotiated health care savings with other unions, but in reality, the other unions (and

even administrators) will receive the same health care plan that faculty negotiates. We have a responsibility to both APSCUF faculty members and other PASSHE employees to negotiate a fair health care plan.

The other issues still on the table - distance education and class size - directly impact the quality of education you receive. Faculty working conditions are student learning conditions. Unharnessed distance education and creeping class sizes - which PASSHE negotiators seemingly support - are challenges we relentlessly combat in defense of the value of your education.

To avoid a strike, APSCUF offered to allow a third-party arbitrator to settle the differences, but PASSHE declined. APSCUF offered a contract extension, which would have provided certainty for students and faculty through the end of this academic year, but PASSHE declined. In the conduct of these talks, the Chancellor’s team has consistently delayed, stalled, and paralyzed negotiations. To argue that the State System is doing everything it can to fairly negotiate is simply disingenuous.

L a s t T hu rs d ay, Janu ar y 2 4 , APSCUF faculty members from all 14 universities stood united in this fight for a fair contract at the PASSHE Board of Governors meeting.

Hundreds of us descended upon PASSHE’s Dixon University Center to protest the ongoing threat to quality education for Pennsylvania’s current and future students.

We invite you to join us in the fight to preserve what you’ve come to expect from your PASSHE institutions and your professors—an affordable, high quality education. Please support us as the semester begins by standing united with your faculty and urging the Chancellor’s office to settle a fair contract so you can continue your education without disruption.

Sincerely, Patrick A. Burkhart, PhD President, SRU APSCUF

Students need to be aware of the dangers certain beverages can bring

Jon Janasik Commentary Five weeks is way too long for winter break. What am I supposed to do with free time? You can only read the Forty Shades of Grey trilogy so many times before kinky bondage becomes boring.

When kinky bondage becomes boring, you know that there’s a problem.

Luckily, the spring semester has started, allowing classes to keep me occupied for five days every week.

Unluckily, some bozos in the department of higher education had the bright idea that students shouldn’t go to class on Saturday or Sunday. This creates an obvious problem, there are two days per week where there is simply nothing to do. To make matters worse, the Forty Shades of Grey movie isn’t supposed to come out for a while. So what does the department of education suggest that I do with these two empty days?

Develop a vampire fetish and watch the Twilight movies? No, I won’t have sexual thoughts about vampires, bozos of the department of education, you can’t make me.

I was recently invited to some sort of birthday party happening over the weekend. The odd thing about it is that it is nobody’s birthday. So I guess you could say that it’s a “nonbirthday party”, or maybe you can just call it a “party” in order to avoid reminding yourself the sad fact that no birthday cake will be present.

The invitation stated that it would be a BYOB event. For all of you kids who don’t get invited to cool parties like these, it means “bring your own beverage”. Of course the younger folk will probably bring soda, pop, or maybe even soda-pop but being as mature as I am, I’ll probably bring an adult drink.

A nice cold bottle of milk is always a good choice. It goes well with pizza, chips, and Oreos and it helps build strong bones. Enjoy your osteoporosis, pop drinkers!

Some people get a bit rowdy after drinking too much. If this happens, it’s usually a good idea to simply stay away. But with that being said, sometimes conflict is hard to avoid.

This is especially bad if they’ve been drinking milk because that means that

their bones will be much stronger than usual, and if their bones are stronger than they will be able to easily break your face with their calcium power wrists.

I suggest that you try to scare them out of fighting. Say that you know kung-fu, even if you don’t know the first thing about it. If that doesn’t work, try to make yourself seem tougher by listing all of the different fighting styles that you can think of, for example karate, tae-kwon-do, jujitsu, jenga, or pommel horse. The final and most effective strategy is to make up and say a steamy rumor about his or her mother. He or she will be so happy that you provided such valuable information, and will most likely not want to crush your skull anymore.

I’ve also heard stories of people waking up in a stranger’s bed before, that’s the kind of thing that you would read in a spooky Edgar Allen Poe story.

Don’t worry though, I figured out how this happens when I was at the tender age of eight years old. You see, when you drink a lot of milk, you’re body has to turn it into pee-pee. The process of turning moo-moo milk to pee-pee takes a lot of energy, quickly making your body exhausted. Because your body has no energy, you will fall asleep.

But how did you end up in somebody

else’s bed? I asked this to my papa one day after passing out from drinking too much. He told me that he was the one that transported me to a bed. So what I’m trying to say is that your father probably picked you up from the party and took you to the coziest bed that you could find. This however probably did not happen if you live far away from your father. If that’s the case check the bedside, if someone else is sleeping on the bed, maybe he or she was the one who brought you to the safety of a bed.

I recommend that do not wake him or her up because drinking too much milk can lead to you feeling groggy the next morning. Instead, leave a note that says “thank you” and sneak out the back door.

Some people say that they start having feelings of depression after drinking too much. I know that a nice drink eases off the stress of a hard day, but you have to realize that it can have negative effects on you. If drinking milk causes you to feel bad about yourself, you need to stop. Maybe try a different drink that doesn’t take such a large toll on the body. I suggest trying rum.

Jon Janasik is a junior geology and professional studies major, and the News Editor for The Rocket.

CLASSIFIEDS

For Rent FURNISHED PRIVATE ROOM with refrigerator for student in my house. Close to SRU. All included. Call Jack 724-794-8652

The Rocket

A-6

The Rocket

COMICS

A-7

February 1, 2013

MoreOn TV

By Jay Schiller and Greg Cravens

Best in Show

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

By Phil Juliano

That Monkey Tune Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Sudoku

By Michael Mepham

Horoscopes

By Nancy Black Tribune Media Services (MCT) To d ay ' s Bi r t h d ay (02/01/13). Home, romance, career and community have your heart this year.

Creativity, sports, culture and fun buzz you into June, when work picks up. Provide excellent service to others (and yourself). After April, stick with tested methods and your team to accomplish greatness.

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 9 -- Dare to renew a family bond. It may take courage. Your friends support you. Think through what you're committed to and share it. Success is your reward.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -Clear up confusion before proceeding, and get some rest. Keep control of your own resources. Get an expert coach, and you'll become one. Provide common sense limits. You're gaining status.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Take it easy.

Passion asserts itself, and you

may find yourself compelled to action. Persuasive methods and compromise are needed. Others share your enthusiasm. Craft a solid plan.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Postpone projects and organize your space with systems streamlined. Change up work habits. Conditions are too unstable to launch yet.

Collect supplies, and prepare with a solid foundation.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- The possibility of loss is high, so keep bets low, or better yet, avoid gambling. Review rules and instructions. Don't launch yet, even though you're anxious to start.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- A profitable assignment opens up, despite temporary confusion. Wait until the dust clears. It may be necessary to make a mess for beautiful results. Stay flexible and open-minded.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -Today is a 9 -- Invest in your career. Take care ... there are pitfalls along the path. Don't spread hurtful gossip. Sweep residual emotions out along with the dust. Lean on your friends.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- It's not a

By Michael A. Kandalafti

good time to mess around or get into risky business.

There's money coming in, but it could go right back out.

Stick to tested routines and play it low key.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Explore a new philosophy or view.

Emotions are on the surface and could hit extremes.

Conditions feel unsettled.

Winning isn't everything.

Maintain composure. What would your coach do?

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Do homework early and increase overall efficiency. Gracefully overlook inept remarks, and persuade without coercion.

New responsibilities will soon occupy your time.

Preparation leaves room for love.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Don't invest in a startup group activity yet; you may decide it isn't worth it, despite generous impulses.

Important people are impressed by your diligence and confident work.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Let your emotions fuel your effort.

You can borrow the money you need, or just ask for, and receive, a raise. Don't take on more than you can handle.

Solution

A-8

February 1, 2013

The Rocket

SPORTS

B-1

February 1, 2013

SRU knocks off Gannon Rock takes over sole possession of second place

By Madeline Williams Sports Editor

The Slippery Rock University men’s basketball team secured sole possession of second place in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-Western standings on Wednesday night with a 69-56 win over the Gannon University Golden Knights.

Although they never led during the game, the Golden Knights fought back from a 24-point deficit to cut the score to 60-53 with a little over one minute to play in the game.

The Rock went on a 9-3 closing run during the game's final minutes to stop Gannon’s attempted comeback and secure the conference win.

The Green and White moved to 14-4 overall and 11-3 in the PSAC, bumping Gannon (16-4 overall, 10-4 PSAC) out of a shared second place spot and into third place.

Senior guard Darious Clark led the Rock offense with 18 points and seven rebounds on Wednesday.

Junior swingman Tabari Perry had 12 points and six boards of his own and senior forward Gerald Brooks added 10 points and six rebounds.

Senior guard Aubin Reeves had seven points, including a perfect 5-5 from the charity stripe during the final minutes of the game to hold off the Golden Knights’ comeback attempt.

Junior guard Sa’Quan Davis also had seven points in the winning effort for SRU. The Green and White opened the game strong with a 22-12 lead with 8:30 to play in the first half.

They went on a 13-3 run near the end of the first half to take a 35-15 over the visting team.

Slippery Rock opened the second half

with an early 5-0 run to take the 24-point lead, the largest lead of the game.

Gannon chipped at the score to cut the deficit to seven points with 90 seconds to play in the game before Slippery Rock denied the comeback and closed out the game with a scoring run of their own.

SRU shot 46% (22-48) from the field, 42% (5 of 12) from 3-point range, and an impressive 87% (20-23) from the freethrow line.

Gannon finished the game 35% (18-52) from the field, 44% (7-16) from behind the 3-point line, and 62% (13-21) from the foul line.

The Rock outrebounded the Golden Knights 39-26. They have led their opponents in rebounding in 17 of 18 games this season.

The win on Wednesday night set Slippery Rock up for an away matchup between the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the conference on Saturday as they take on Indiana University of Pa. (16-2 overall, 12-2 PSAC).

A win on Saturday would move the Rock into a tie with IUP for first place in the PSAC-West standings and would guarantee them a playoff spot at the beginning of March.

“We always take it one game at a time, but IUP on Saturday is a huge game since it’s for first place in the west and that’s one of our main goals this season,” freshman guard Maxx Rynd said.

Reeves also agrees with Rynd and says that the game on Saturday is an opportunity for the team to get back to where they were before the conference loss to Edinboro University on Jan. 26.

“If we get the win on Saturday, we will be tied for first place again, which would be great, and hopefully we can make a run and stay in that position,” Reeves said.

SEE ROCK, PAGE B-2

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Junior forward Tabari Perry puts up a shot over a Gannon University defender. Perry finished the game with 12 points and six rebounds, helping the Rock power past the Golden Knights, 69-56.

Lady Knights hand Rock conference loss Green and White wins three games over break

By Matthew Morgan Rocket Contributor

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Freshman guard Erica Aiello looks to pass around a California University of Pennsylvania defender in their 75-58 loss on Jan. 23. Aiello had five assists in the game.

During the six-week winter vacation, the Slippery Rock University women’s basketball team was hard at work, both on the practice court, as well as during competition.

The Green and White played eleven games over the break, with the team earning three wins and eight losses overall.

The three wins collected by Slippery Rock came against Cheyney University of Pa. (50-41) on Dec. 19, East Stroudsburg University of Pa. (58-46) on Jan. 11, and Kutztown University of Pa. (66-60) that same weekend on Jan.12.

Senior guard Erinne Cunningham led the Rock to victory over Cheyney with a game-high 14 points.

East Stroudsburg was handled easily behind a 14-point performance by sophomore guard D’Asia Chambers.

The Rock’s third victory over break against Kutztown came from a stunning 23-point performance by Cunningham.

“As a young team we are progressing very well, we just need to take better care of the ball and take higher percentage shots,” head coach Tanya Longo said about the teams performance over the vacation. “We do a great job of competing for a good portion of the game, but unfortunately the game is 40

minutes long, not 30 or 35. Other teams take advantage of our short lapses in scoring and that is our downfall.”

All three of the break's wins happened on the Rock's home court at Morrow Fieldhouse.

The eight dropped games over break came at the hands of: West Chester University of Pa., Lourdes University, Millersville University, Shippensburg University, Lock Haven University, Mercyhurst University, California University of Pa. and Edinboro University, in that order.

On Wednesday night, Slippery Rock (4-14 (3-11 PSAC)) welcomed the Gannon University Lady Knights to Morrow Field House.

Gannon came into the game with an 18-2 overall record (13-1 PSAC), as well as being ranked seventh among Division II women’s basketball teams in the nation.

The Rock played tough until the end of the game, but was defeated by a score of 82-64.

During the first half of the game, the Lady Knights sank 10 of their 18 attempted 3-point shots, while Slippery Rock only managed to drain two of their 13 attempted 3-pointers.

Both teams headed into their locker rooms at halftime with the Rock trailing the Lady Knights by a score of 49-29.

SEE YOUNG, PAGE B-2

Sports

B-2

Men's track Rock excels at YSU

February 1, 2013

prepares for IUP

Continued from Page B-1

EMILY SCHUBERT/THE ROCKET

Sophomore Hunter Williams competes in the 400-meter dash at the Golden Flash Gala at Kent State on Dec. 8. Williams ran a career-best 48.55, capturing the school record.

By Kristin Karam Assistant Sports Editor

After an extended winter break, the Slippery Rock men’s track and field team returned to action Friday at Youngstown State University.

Most of the athletes returned to the Rock about a week before the meet in order to prepare for their events.

Senior sprinter Kevin Jewel feels the longer break had little effect on the team’s performance and was pleased with the results at YSU. “We knew what we had to do to stay in the game and I think everyone did that,” Jewel said.

The Rock earned 34 PSAC qualifying performances and 11 top-five finishes at the meet.

Senior pole vaulter Cameron Daugherty cleared 5.10 meters to win the event, break his own facility record and record the second-best clearance in Division II this season.

Head coach John Papa said that Daugherty’s success is a reflection of his competitive drive and determination.

“Even though he has had a great deal of success, he isn’t satisfied with his performance,” Papa said.

“He expects the bar to be set higher and works longer and harder to meet the challenges that lay ahead.”

Five other SRU vaulters had PSAC qualifying clearances.

Freshman Keiffer Reed and graduate student Ryan Camody cleared 4.60 meters and tied for sixth place. Junior John Piserchio and freshman Michael Shiverdecher tied for eighth, clearing 4.00 meters. Freshman Andrew Lovano cleared 4.00 meters on his final vault, which dropped him down to 16th.

PSAC qualifications continued for the Rock in the weight throw.

Senior Joseph Kelly took second with a throw of 15.65 meters. Kelly was followed by senior Kyle Toms in fourth (15.21m), junior Billy Martin in sixth (14.59m), sophomore Jerrod Galloway in seventh (14.14m), sophomore Nick Turk in 12th (13.73m), freshman David Reinhardt in 13th (13.63m), sophomore Trevor Miller in 14th (13.62m), and senior Devin Skinner in 16th (13.45m).

In the 500-meter run, a non-PSAC event, sophomore Hu n t e r Williams took first place with a time of 1:06.40.

Junior Trevor Foley came in second at 1:06.94, senior Ethan Geisler in fourth at 1:08.03 and sophomore Monte Chapman in sixth at 1:09.00.

Jewel took second in the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.89 seconds, leaving him with confidence he wants to bring to the 800m event.

“Normally my open 400-meter time is slower than my 4x4 split,” Jewel said, “but this week I was right where I needed to be.

I’m hoping to bring that speed to the 800-meter this weekend.”

Senior hurdler Dan Hedglin placed third in the 60-meter hurdles at 8.41 seconds.

In the high jump, junior Victor Santoyo cleared 1.96 meters, placing third. Junior Hans Lubich took sixth with a clearance of 1.85 meters.

The team will travel to Geneva, Ohio Friday to compete in the NCAA Division II Challenge.

Day one will consist of the heptathlon’s first four events and all other events will be held on Saturday.

Coach Papa anticipates the team to have several strong performances at the Challenge, resulting in PSAC and NCAA qualifying marks.

If the Green and White makes the postseason this year, it would be the first time since 1987-1991 that the team has made three or more consecutive trips to the PSAC tourney.

Wi t h t h e w i n o n We dnes day, t he te am assured a fifth consecutive winning season.

The Rock has had a winning record in all five seasons under head coach Kevin Reynolds and has not had a success like this since the 1959-64 seasons.

Over the six-week winter break, the team enjoyed a nice amount of time away f rom s cho olwork and could focus their time on practice and preparing for the tough second half of the season.

“Break was great because we were able to focus on just basketball and we really started to come together and click as a team and decide what it takes to win,” Rynd said.

After the game against IUP on Saturday, the Rock will play three of the next four games at home, including Clarion University (Feb. 6), Lock Haven University (Feb. 13), and Hooping for Cure game against Edinboro University (Feb. 16).

The next away game for the team will be against Mercyhurst University on Feb. 9.

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Senior forward Devin Taylor takes a shot over a Gannon University defender at Wednesday’s game. Taylor had six points and one assist during the game for the Rock.

Young women's squad prepares for second half of schedule Continued from Page B-1

“At halftime we really emphasized whom we needed to cover to prevent those 3-point shots,” Coach Longo said when asked about the threepoint opportunities.

“We need to have a better game plan and identify those hot shooters from the beginning tip-off to prevent any more situations like that.”

There was a significant drop off in Gannon’s shot opportunities as well as scoring, following the halftime break.

The Lady Knights were held to only four successful 3-point shots in the second half.

Brittany Batts of Gannon leads the PSAC in three-pointers made. She scored six 3-pointers for 18 points.

During the second half of the game, the Rock scored 35 points opposed to the Lady Knights 33 points.

With one final push near the end of the game the Green and White pulled the game to within 14 points of Gannon with 3:41 to play but wouldn't cut the lead any closer.

“We have great depth and youth on our team. The whole team is ready to go at tip off and it has really benefitted us,” Coach Longo said about the stamina and dedication of her team. “Our depth is one of our biggest asset and we are only getting better.”

Slippery Rock will travel to Indiana University of Pa. (15-5, 10-4 PSAC) on Saturday night for a PSAC match with tip-off at 5:30 pm. The men's team will play after.

This game will close off the first half of the PSAC-West schedule for

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Senior forward Emilee Vitez looks to pass the ball to a teammate in the game against California University of Pennsylvania on Jan. 23.

Sports

February 1, 2013

B-3

Women's track Cheerleading squads compete at Nationals returns strong

By Cody Gray Rocket Contributor

The Slipper y Rock University women's indoor track and field team returned from a six week hiatus Friday night at the YSU College Invite at the Watts and Tressel Training Site at Youngstown State University.

The Green and White didn’t let the long break affect them as they had 21 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference individual qualifying performances and eight top-five finishes.

Head coach John Papa was satisfied with his squad’s performance, but knows there is still room for improvement.

“With the super long break, our athletes were rusty,” Papa said, “We should have more significant results next weekend.”

The top performances from the Rock came in the pole vault. Freshman Kaitlyn Clark and junior Julia Cain each cleared an NCAA provisional qualifying height of 3.65 meters. Clark finished third via the tiebreaker, while Cain took fifth.

Clark tied her personal record in the event, but she is looking to achieve more.

“I want to go to nationals as a freshman and become an All-American.” Clark said, “I also want to win PSACs.” Joining Clark and Cain were sophomore PSAC qualifiers Keriann Hill

and Emily Schubert, who finished in a tie for ninth at 3.05 meters.

The Rock received a solid performance in the mile from senior Stephanie Case, who claimed second with a PSAC-qualifying time of 5:07.74.

Four Rock athletes finished with PSAC-qualifying marks in the triple jump. Freshman Mariah Burns led the Rock jumpers taking third place with a jump of 11.18 meters.

Rounding out the Rock jumpers were freshman Bronte Soul, who took sixth at 10.94 meters, followed by junior Dilshani Madawala in 12th at 10.35 meters, and freshman Paige Kassab in 13th at 10.27 meters.Three freshmen led the Rock in the long jump. Sam Taylor finished in fourth with a leap of 5.29 meters, followed by Burns in fifth at 5.25 meters, and Kassab in 10th at 5.06 meters.

London Parris took fourth place in the 60-meter hurdles, setting her personal record in an emotional fashion with a PSAC qualifying mark of 9.12 seconds in the final, improving from her 9.36 preliminary time.

“When I saw that I beat my personal record, I hugged the closet person to me. I was so excited,” Parris said.

The final event with multiple PSAC qualifiers was the high jump, where freshman Ashley West took fifth with a clearance of

1.60 meters. Linda Roldan, who finished sixth with a clearance of 1.55 meters, and junior Jamie Rylands in 10th place joined the PSAC qualifiers.

Two Green and White throwers reached the PSAC qualifying standards in their respective events, with sophomore Brittany Christiansen placing eighth in the weight throw with a toss of 14.09 meters and freshman Breanna Northcott taking 13th in the shot put with a toss of 10.89 meters.

The final PSAC qualifiers for SRU came from the ninth-place finish of Lexie Nowakowski in the 400-meter dash and Ang Bagwell in the 800-meter run. Nowakowski crossed the line in 1:00.65 in the 400m, while Bagwell finished in 2:23.42 in the 800m.

According to Bagwell, her time at the Rock has been plagued with injuries, including a recent diagnosis of Plantar Fascitis, an inflammation of the arch in the foot, but she is optimistic of her and the team’s chances this season.

The last top performance from the Rock came in the 500-meter run, a non-PSAC event. Freshman Jasmine Bailey placed eighth in a time of 1:23.28.

Slippery Rock will send all of its athletes to the Spire Center in Geneva, Ohio on Saturday for the NCAA Division II Challenge.

Kristin Karam Assistant Sports Editor A cheerleading routine lasts for two minutes and thirty seconds. At the end of my college cheerleading career, the most important moments will add up to about ten minutes.

Slippery Rock competes at the Universal Cheerleaders As s o c i at i on Nat i on a l Collegiate Cheerleading Championship held at the Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida and has a long-standing tradition there.

We returned to campus on Dec. 27 to start putting together the routines for Nationals. There are three two-hour practices every day leading up to our flight, a time we call ‘hell month’.

This year we got a surprise during hell month, our former all-girl cheerleading coach, Kinsey Basko, was coming back to help our current coaches, Gemma Fotia and Candace Gartley.

We were all thrilled to have Kinsey back. He’s the type of coach that makes you want to be better than you are and will help you get there if you’re willing to put in the work.

As the days went on, both teams went through their struggles. Stunts fell, tumbling crashed, pyramids crumbled, and tensions rose. We got through it like any other sport would, with layers of Icy Hot, heating pads, ice, and chiropractor appointments.

Slowly but surely, both routines came together and it was time to fly to Disney.

When we stepped off the plane, it all started to sink in.

This is it, this is what we’ve been killing our bodies for, and we’ve got to leave our hearts out on the mat.

Saturday Jan. 19 was the big day. After I was dressed and ready to go, I threw on my standard competition day playlist of Nicki Minaj and Bon Jovi and went into focus mode.

I competed with the all-girl team this year instead of the co-ed team like I have in the past. It was a change that I definitely struggled with at first, but it has helped me become a better cheerleader.

Our prelim performance was far from our best, but we were still awarded a spot in the finals. Because we were moved to Division I, we would have to have a solid finals performance if we wanted to place well.

Standing backstage for the final time this season was unreal. The adrenaline kicks in and it finally hits you that this is it. The music ends from the team ahead of us and it’s show time.

We run out onto the floor

and I get set in my spot and take a look at the crowd. The routine feels like it happens in the blink of an eye. Overall, we had a good performance, but we had mistakes that we knew would cost us. The blame could not be placed on any one person; you walk on and off that floor as a team.

When our small co-ed team performed, I made sure to get the perfect spot.

I had tumbling passes and stunts that I needed to be on a certain side to cheer for.

After their performance, I was so proud of them.

The award ceremonies rolled around and we were all anxious to hear the results.

Both teams were awarded third place titles in their division.

In Division I All Girl, West Georgia University took first, followed by Morehead State University. In Division II Small Co-ed, Wilmington Un ive rs it y won an d Columbus State University got second.

At the end of the day, cheerleading means so much more to me than where we place at the competition. It’s given me valuable life lessons, as well as a second family.

As much as I’ve complained about it when I’m sore or frustrated, it’s what I love to do and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve got one chance left, two minutes and thirty seconds left, to go after a National championship and I’m going to give it everything I have left.

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February 1, 2013

The Rocket

CAMPUS LIFE C-1 February 1, 2013

Watch the roads!

With winter weather picking up, students and SRU police share tips for winter driving

By Alyssa Cirincione Rocket Contributor

GRAPHIC BY EMILY SCHUBERT

Like it or not, winter season is here usually bringing snow and ice, and according to SRU Police Chief Michael Simmons, there are numerous precautions that drivers should take when it comes to driving in harsh conditions.

“Before driving in the snow, make sure your routine maintenance is done on your vehicle, as well as checking your tires, anti-lock brakes and to just be familiar with your car,” Simmons explained. “It also helps to make sure windshield wipers are good and wiper fluid is full.”

Senior elementary education major Jared Englert said tires are the main thing that he is concerned about when driving in the snow.

“Don’t buy used tires like I did to drive in the snow,” Englert said.

“They don’t help at all. Even if you buy a car with four wheel drive, you should definitely have snow tires to help not slide.”

Graduate criminology student Jenna Kozel explained what precautions she takes when she has to drive in bad weather conditions.

“I’m definitely more cautious than usual,” Kozel said. “I don’t text and drive when it’s snowing, which I shouldn’t do anyways - whoops! I make sure I’m paying attention to the road and the cars around me as well.”

Englert, 21, said he doesn’t get nervous when he drives in the snow, he just remains calm.

“I haven’t gotten into an accident while driving in bad conditions, so maybe that’s why I don’t feel any anxiety,” Englert said.

Kozel, 22, disagreed with Englert, saying that she does get nervous when she has to drive in the snow.

“I get nervous, but only when it’s really really bad, like a white out,” Kozel said. “I was driving to SRU from Buffalo, New York last year and my car slid into a ditch on the side of the road. No one was hurt and there was no damage to my car because I was driving so slow, but it was still a scary experience.”

Simmons has been a Police Chief for 19 years total and for two years here at SRU. He explained that most of the wrecks that happen in the winter are because some people drive too fast for weather conditions.

“People need to slow down and adjust their speed based on the conditions,” Simmons said.

Even though Simmons said people should definitely slow down when the roads are not safe for driving, Englert complained that if people go too slow, it can be an annoyance.

“It depends on how bad it is if I slow down,” Englert said. “I personally hate when there’s a dusting and people drive five miles an hour.”

When it comes to snow removal and preparing the roads for a large snowfall, Simmons explained what the university does in order to make it as safe as possible.

“The university does a great deal of preparation for snow removal, from salting to plowing,” Simmons said. “It’s not the snow that’s the main issue when it comes to driving, though, it’s the ice that causes the wrecks.”

During the winter season, Simmons said the SRU police handle one to two wrecks a day, but it’s not all students.

“I would say it’s a fifty-fifty split of wrecks between students and non-students,” Simmons said. “Even on Kiester Road, there are local families that have gotten into wrecks. So it’s not just students that are having trouble driving in snowy conditions.”

Simmons explained that if someone does come across a situation where they start to slide, there are a few things to remember.

“Don’t slam on the breaks if it’s icy, it can cause you to slide more,” Simmons said. “Remaining calm is also never a bad thing, you keep a clear mind that way to make better decisions.”

Being that Kozel has slid on ice in the past, she said you can’t prevent things from happening, but you can never be over-prepared.

“Pay attention to the road, make sure you drive slowly, limit all distractions and put your phone away,” Kozel said. “When sliding, you’re supposed to turn your wheel in the opposite direction you want to go. Say if your car tail goes to the left, you should turn your wheel to the left. It really works.”

Campus Life

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February 1, 2013

New British Invasion sinks in for fashion, pop culture

Katie Ellis "ROCK'n Fashion" Not since the 1960s has America experienced a “British Invasion” like the one that began in early 2012. Last year kicked off with the return of boy bands, summer put the focus on the Olympics, and by December, St. James’ Palace announced that Prince William and Duchess Catherine would be welcoming a royal baby into the world in 2013.

Don’t expect 2013 to be the end of the influx of British culture, either. Girl groups Little Mix and the Saturdays are on the rise in popularity, as are trendy clothing brands Topshop and Asos.

One Direction has taken America by storm over the past year with the release of two albums, both debuting at number one on the Billboard chart, a feat that not even The Beatles achieved during the height of their popularity.

Harry, Niall, Liam, Zayn, and Louis came together to form the world’s hottest boy band on The X Factor UK, and were launched to superstardom with the help of none other than Simon Cowell.

Not only are the boys talented singer/songwriters, they are also five of the best dressed men in the industry. Look for 1D to sport their signature blazers, letterman jackets, and suspenders on their world tour starting in February.

All eyes were on London during the Summer Olympics as the world’s finest athletes came out in full force to represent their home countries in 26 sports. The best of Britain was celebrated during the opening and closing ceremonies including p op culture favorites James Bond, Harry Potter, and the music of The Beatles. The fashion of some

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS With both of their 2012 albums debuting at number one on the Billboard chart, British boy band One Direction is taking the world by storm. Starting in February, the boy band sensation will be going on world tour.

of the best design houses in the UK from Alexander McQueen to Vivienne Westwood were showcased by the industry’s most notable supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss.

The Spice Girls paved the way for Little Mix and the Saturdays after they stepped onto the music scene in the 1990s and became the best-selling girl group in history. Little Mix got their start on the X Factor UK, similar to One Direction, when they were formed as a group in the show’s eighth season, and became the first group to win the competition. Columbia Records will release “Wings” as their first

American single near the end of 2013.

Make way for The Saturdays as they are also set to take over America this year both on television and on the radio. They can be seen on their new reality show, “Chasing the Saturdays,” which follows the group as they try to make it big in the United States. Listen to their first single, “What About Us,” while you wait for their show to air every Sunday on E!.

Both groups also have killer style, so make sure to check out their performance and red carpet looks to add some British flair to your wardrobe. Take a cue

Ask Ana the one who told her to stay away from me to begin with so it’d be easier for me to ignore her and move on, but now I feel awful about it.

Bad Past

"Ana Graham"

Question: Dear Ana, I had a weird romantic situation that’s hard to explain, but basically I know I can’t see or talk to this girl anymore at all whatsoever.

The problem is I will see her because I have classes with her this semester.

It would be easy to entirely ignore her and soon forget about her if I didn’t have to see her, but now it’s really rough because there’s no way I’m going to forget about her if I see her every stinking day.

I don’t know if I should acknowledge her because I’m

Answer: Dear Past, If in any of these classes you see a high likelihood of having to work in a small group or other situation with her, it’d probably be best to politely acknowledge her every once in a while so it doesn’t leave her resenting you when you are forced to talk together.

If this is not the case, I have three words for you – avoid, avoid, avoid.

Sit on the opposite side of the classroom or in a row in front of her so you won’t be able to see her the whole class period. Just sit down and pay attention to whatever else is going on in the classroom – such as that whole learning thing that classes are for.

Question: Dear Ana, I want to kick out my roommate mostly because he doesn’t pay rent. I have the right to kick him out at our place, and I want to because he’s wrecked the place and his back rent is piling up. I’m afraid of his reaction, though. I don’t want to deal with that, but I don’t want to be responsible for the rent he owes, either.

As long as he’s living here, the landlord will stay on his case for the rent, but if I kick him out I know he’ll come after me for the money somehow.

Should I just suffer and wait until our lease ends at the end of the semester?

Leases are Evil

Answer: Dear Leases, I don’t understand what kind of contract would allow the landlord to pursue you for

from Little Mix if you want to experiment with bold makeup and brightly colored clothing, while The Saturdays are great inspiration for a glamorous night out.

Asos is consistently becoming more p opular in America because of their trendy clothing from their own label and other established brands like French Connection and Moschino. A benefit of ordering from Asos is that shipping is free worldwide and refunds are offered within three days of returning your unwanted item.

At long last, Topshop is expanding its fashion empire

your roommate’s back rent, unless there is no individual responsibility of each tenant for a specific amount. In that case, you signed a very bad lease and should never agree to similar terms ever again.

If you’re right, and your landlord is able to pursue you for his rent, you may be better off pushing through the next 15 weeks or so – unless you think that the landlord would go after you for the rent your failure of a roommate never paid after the lease is over because you two as a whole never paid the full amount promised in the lease.

Personally, I would suggest seeking legal help. There are programs in Lawrence and possibly in Butler County that allow a person a chance to meet with legal counsel for free or a very low price for a consultation.

Question: Dear Ana, I gained a lot of weight when I first came to college but I have felt really good ever since I started working out. I run with a friend of mine and it is fun to work out with someone else, but she makes fun of my weight all the time. This only started when we started working out together, I never really heard fat jokes from her before but now it’s all about how my body jiggles when I run and stuff.

in multiple locations across the United States. The retailer is a favorite among celebrities, and now the company known for its edgy prints and designer collaborations will be setting up shop in nearly 20 Nordstrom stores.

The recent spike in popularity of all things British isn’t about to slow down any time soon. In 2013, keep an eye out for a new royal baby, hot new girl groups, the best of British fashion, and some serious boy band hysteria.

Katie Ellis is a sophomore journalism major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

One day, I want to kick her in the shins and keep running while leaving her on the ground in pain, but I know that is a bad idea because we hang out beyond running, too. How should I tell her to back off, or otherwise face shin kicking?

That’s Not Cool

Answer: Dear Not Cool, When I hear about someone this rude, I feel like the shin kick is great retaliation for the stupid things they have said or done.

But since you have thrown this option out the window, I would suggest saying in a nice playful way that you’re working hard and you don’t like hearing about negatives when you’re working on a more positive self-image.

If this doesn’t work, you should be firm and tell her everything you’re feeling (sans shinkicking.) If that doesn’t work but you still wish to be friends with her beyond running, find a new friend to run with, change your times that you run, and simply don’t invite her running with you anymore.

To submit a question, search for Ask Ana on Facebook, or send an email to askanagraham@ymail. com.

"Ana Graham" is a senior public relations major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

February 1, 2013

Campus Life

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Local elementary schools implement anti-bullying programs

By Stephanie Cheek Rocket Contributor

Bullying has been a prominent topic in the media in the past few years, but what is heard are the horrible outcomes. Slippery Rock Elementary School and many other schools in the district are trying to stop those outcomes with introducing the Bullying Prevention Program.

According to W. Herbert Basham, Slippery Rock and Har-Mer Elementary School’s principal, this Bullying Prevention Program is geared toward each individual age group and it focuses especially on the slogan, “Take a Stand, Lend a Hand, Stop Bullying.”

“There are a series of activities and each one focuses on a certain antibullying message,” Basham explained.

The activities are split up between kindergarten to second grade and the second curriculum is from grades

three to five, according to Basham, and as the students move through the grades the material becomes more involved and in-depth. He said some of the activities involve puppet shows that are put on by the faculty and eventually the students themselves, as well as a word of the week that has to do with stopping bullying.

According to Basham, the schools even work together to send the message across. For example, the program is going to involve a fifth grade day where all the fifth grade students from throughout the district are brought together.

“The faculty meet frequently to see how they can improve the program and implement the bullying prevention program in as many areas as possible,” Ashleigh Wasson, elementary guidance counselor for Slippery Rock School District, said.

The three things that the program is trying to educate students about

is how to identify what bullying is, how to properly report and handle bullying, and how to reduce bullying in their environment, Wasson said.

According to Wasson, the students are also being taught that there are three different types of bullying – physical, verbal, and in a relationship – and how to handle each one.

This year’s bullying prevention program kicked-off on Oct. 29 with an assembly where the rules against bullying and the school’s definition of bullying was announced, with the help of the football team and coach to help send the message, according to Basham.

Along with the activities at school and in the classroom, a brochure was sent home so that parents can become involved in the program as well, explained Wasson. According to the brochure it helps parents figure out whether their child is being bullied and or bullying others, and what they

can specifically do to help, like having an open conversation about bullying and even being an active participant in the program along with their child.

According to Wasson, Slippery Rock School District has implemented bullying prevention programs in all of its elementary schools, being Slippery Rock Elementary, HarMer Elementary and Moraine Elementary. The only difference, Wasson explained, is that Slippery Rock and Har-Mer Elementary work closer together, therefore they have implemented a program that is trying to follow the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, a program that Moraine Elementary is using for the second year.

According to the Violence Prevention Works website, Olweus Bullying Program is a school-wide anti-bullying campaign that is used in elementary, middle and high schools.

It is a program that helps students

recognize the signs of bullying, the consequences for bullying and in the end, improve the peer relations between students, according to the website.

Slippery Rock Elementary School has had a form of a bullying prevention program for the past three years, according to Principal Basham, and the students have always enjoyed and done well with the program. This year, the program that is being used is specifically called, “Stop Bullying Now,” according to Basham.

Even though this particular program only started in the beginning of the school year, all the students seem to enjoy and understand the bullying prevention program and are responding in a positive way, he explained.

“I walked into a third grade classroom, and the whole class began chanting, “Take a Stand Lend a Hand, Stop Bullying,” he said.

Anxiety from eating, studying alone a common occurrence for college students

By Kevin Squires Rocket Contributor

As part of college life, students will frequently go to eat or make trips across or off campus with friends.

But when the time comes to eat or take a trip alone, some students, such as sophomore exercise science major Caitlin Paul, 20, feel discomfort, anxiety, or even fear at the thought that something is wrong with them.

“I don’t even pee alone,” Paul said.

So why does the fear of being alone – if only for a short period of time – exist among students? Some of the most common fears a student may have when eating alone are that others will assume that they have no friends, think that the person is pathetic, or stare at them if they notice they are

not eating with anyone, according to special education and early childhood education major Jessica Hynek.

For Hynek, 19, this is right on the spot for her own personal life.

“I wonder if everyone’s watching me…or wondering if I have any friends [whenever I eat alone],” Hynek explains.

While she said she will frequently eat alone in her room where she can watch television or get some work done, Hynek said that she will never eat alone in public out of fear for looks of judgment from other people.

Dr. Carol L. Holland, director of the SRU Student Counseling Center, agrees that this is a common reaction, but adds that some students sometimes prefer to eat alone, and that she even will often eat dinner

alone.

“There’s nothing wrong with being an introvert...and there’s nothing wrong with being shy,” Dr. Holland said.

Freshman exercise science major Tim Ragan, 18, said he has no problem sitting alone, but does at times prefer to have company.

“I’ll sometimes sit down with someone else eating alone and start a conversation,” Ragan said.

Such actions, according to Dr. Holland, could be well-received by students feeling anxious about eating or being alone somewhere on campus, but added that the decision for them to eat alone may be by choice.

“Offer someone to join you…give them the option,” she explained, adding that it is important to not

make someone feel like they need to be sitting with you. They may not want to.

Dr. Holland also suggested that to overcome the anxiety associated with asking someone else to eat with you, start small by asking a roommate, friend from class, or someone on your floor.

“It’s very scary to step out of the comfort zone, but we all have to do it sometimes,” she said.

Another common area for questioning about if it is better to be alone or with friends is studying. Some students may feel inclined to study in groups not necessarily because it helps them to focus, but because the group mentality makes them feel more comfortable, according to Dr. Holland.

Some students, such as sophomore mathematics major Taryn Gulkewicz, 20, prefer to study on their own.

“When I group study I feel like I don’t get as much done,” Gulkewicz said.

Sophomore secondary English education major Sarah Conley, 19, shared a similar view, but added that she could consider studying with a friend or two.

“I know what works for me, so unless somebody studies the exact same way as me I will study alone,” Conley said.

The best thing to do in such situations is to find what works for one’s self, but it is also important to remember that there is nothing wrong with having lunch by one’s self, according to Dr. Holland.

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February 1, 2013