SRU Rocket 2-10-12

Sports B-1:

Campus Life

:

Mens basketball rebounds with two conference wins

C-1

Poetry and musical talent showcased at Soul Cafe

The Rocket www.theonlinerocket.com

Friday, February 10, 2012

Slippery Rock University Student Newspaper

Est. 1934

Volume 94, Number 15

Corbett proposes more cuts to higher education

PHOTO GRAPHIC BY LIANA PITTMAN/THE ROCKET

Pennsylvania's second year governor has proposed cuts to higher education by 34.4 percent.

By Will Deshong Rocket Staff Reporter

Governor Tom Corbett’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year would reduce funding to the 14 state-owned universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education by 20 percent, totaling $82.5

million.

The Republican governor is seeking $1.4 billion in cuts across all levels of higher education in his $27.14 billion budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year beginning in July.

In addition to cuts to PASSHE schools, the state-related universities of Penn State, Pitt, and Temple would take on $147.4 million in total cuts, while funding for community

colleges across the state would be cut $8.8 million, or roughly 4 percent.

Corbett also proposed to cut 6.4 percent of financial aid for college students through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

Corbett, who called the cuts difficult but necessary, is being greeted with strong opposition from university administrators, officials, and faculty members who fear what even more drastic cuts could do to higher education.

“It’s too early to predict what type of impacts the cuts could have,” Kenn Marshall, a spokesperson for PASSHE, said. “But when you combine $90 million in reductions, a loss of $170 million in general funding over the past two years, losing half of our capital allocation funds and $7 million in deferred maintenance—all that combined leaves a significant impact on universities and students.”

The proposal is coming after Corbett had already successfully cut funding to PASSHE schools by 18 percent this year, although his proposed budget a year ago called for over a 50 percent reduction in funding.

“The 18 percent reduction was the largest single year reduction ever,” Marshall said. “In fact there have been very few years where we didn’t see at least a slight increase in funding.

We’ve never had a cut the magnitude of last year. Never anything close.”

But now it seems the state’s higher education programs could face the same dilemma all over again, as Corbett’s proposal calls for an even larger cut than what was passed this year.

It’s a proposal that Jace Condravy, the Slippery Rock University president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, said would diminish the quality of education at SRU. “We believe they will hurt an already financially beleaguered student body,” Condravy said of the governor’s proposed cuts. “Revenue to run universities comes from two places—tuition and state support.”

“When state support goes down, students can count on tuition going up. Or they can count on larger classes, fewer programs, less frequently offered courses, more temporary faculty in the classes, a campus that is not maintained. In other words, students can expect the quality of their education to decline.”

Guido Pichini, chair of PASSHE’s Board

of Governors, and PASSHE Chancellor John C. Cavanaugh released a joint statement on Tuesday in response to Corbett’s proposal.

“We fully recognize the financial challenges facing the commonwealth,” Pichini and Cavanaugh said in the statement. “Governor Corbett was right in saying that education is a key to the state’s financial recovery. That is especially true of our graduates, over 80 percent of whom stay in Pennsylvania for their careers and as community and civic leaders.”

“However, our joint goals are at risk as a result of the budget blueprint for the commonwealth presented today, which provides only $2 million more than the system received 24 years ago in 1988-89.

During that period we have added 23,000 students.”

Even with financial problems facing the state, it’s an unwarranted burden placed on higher education, as Pichini and Cavanaugh described in their statement.

“We do our part,” the PASSHE leaders said. “We have reduced our operating costs by more than $230 million during the past decade and will continue to seek additional efficiencies through collaboration.”

“Since 2010, we have over 900 current vacancies and/or eliminated positions throughout the system. We continue to review our academic offerings; we have eliminated or put into moratorium hundreds of programs.”

Reduced operating costs and vacant and eliminated positions has been a cause for concern between PASSHE and APSCUF, and more budget cuts could only further strain relations between the two sides as they negotiate various issues, most notably healthcare "We'll continue negotiating with faculty and coaches to hopefully reach the same cooporation we have with other unions," Marshall said. "But everyone is well aware of the funding situation."

But Condravy sees a shared opposition to the budget cuts as something that could bring the two sides together.

“We assert that we are on the same side in issues like these but come at solving the problem from different perspectives,” Condravy said. “The threat to the continued good health of our institutions could be an opportunity to collaborate and work together on behalf of students and quality education.”

Search for Slippery Rock University's next president continues SRU a good fit, says Dr. Maynard

By Brian Brodeur News Editor

Slippery Rock University held an open interview session with Dr. C. Jack Maynard, the second SRU presidential candidate, on Friday, Feb, 3.

Dr. Maynard is currently working at Indiana State University as provost and vice president for academic affairs, along with being a professor of education.

He has served at the university since 2001, and before then worked as the Dean of Education at Michigan-Flint University.

Dr. Maynard has experience in other leadership positions at colleges and universities including Toledo and Marshall.

Throughout his time at these institutions, Dr. Maynard earned a great appreciation for the importance of accreditation and having a strong reputation nationally—

which is why he decided that it wasn’t a good fit for him at Michigan-Flint.

“It just wasn’t a good fit,” Dr. Maynard said. “I was the education dean and I had visions of national accreditation and moving our programs in that direction.

But they weren’t interested in that.”

He then said that he had a discussion with the school administration and decided to part ways. Dr. Maynard has been very active in accreditation issues, traveling throughout the country and to other nations helping different colleges and universities get their programs accredited.

Dr. Maynard said that SRU’s reputation is one of the biggest things that attracted him to this job.

“It’s a great place to work and a great place to be,” Dr. Maynard said. “I’ve SEE ALUMNI, PAGE A-2

Student experience matters to Bertolino

By Ekaterina Dimitrova Rocket Contributor

Dr. Joseph Bertolino, or “Joe” as he prefers to be called, the fourth presidential candidate to visit Slippery Rock University, participated in his open forum interview on Tuesday afternoon at the Alumni House.

Bertolino currently serves as the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs, Executive Assistant to the President and Chair of the Department of Student Personnel at Queens College/ City University of New York.

He has lived on every college campus that he has worked in. Bertolino chose to come to SRU because he is very familiar with Slippery Rock. He started his career at East Stroudsburg University as a hall director.

Bertolino is not a traditional candidate and hasn’t followed the traditional

academic path. He has spent the last 22 years as an administrator, never aspiring to be a president.

Instead, he was inspired to be the chief student affairs officer, which is the position he currently holds. Others have told him that he may want to consider a presidential career given the fact that the nature of presidency is changing. As a face of an institution and as a fund raiser, he is a nontraditional candidate.

Over the path of his career he has been tested, he said, and he knows what it’s like to call parents and tell them their child is not coming home, he knows what it’s like to live on campus and interact with faculty, students, staff and administrators.

Bertolino said what is most important about him is that he follows the three PsSEE STUDENTS, PAGE A-2

News

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ROCK NOTES

Alumni financial support is crucial in future at SRU

February 10, 2012

Students need to work in a global society, Bertolino says

Cien Fuegos Salsa Night The Student Organization of Latinos, Hispanics and Allies collaborate with Slippery Rock University's one and only Michael Thornhill to present: Cien Fuegos Salsa Night!!

Come enjoy a wonderful night of non-stop dancing and fun!! Meet new people, blow off some steam and hang with friends! Enjoy amazing music provided by DJ Juan Diego, learn how to salsa or show off what you've got!! There is something to enjoy for everyone! The event will be held on Friday, February 10 from 7-11 p.m. Only $5 admission at the door! Located in the MPR of the University Union. Hope to see you there!

SRU Dance Theatre Presents "Movement Speaks" The Department of Dance winter concert will take place in Miller Auditorium on Feb. 9, 10, and 11 at 7:30 p.m. Professional guest artist works, along with original Modern, Tap, and Jazz choreography by SRU students, are featured on the program. Tickets are $5 students and $10 general and can be purchased at the University Union Information Desk or by calling (724) 738-4926. For more information, contact the Department of Dance at (724) 738-2036.

To submit a Rock Note please send your announcement by 6 p.m. Wednesday to Brian Brodeur at bdb5229@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 Classifieds..........A-6 Weather...................A-2 Comics................A-7 Blotter.................A-3

Sports...................B-1

Opinion...............A-4 Campus Life.............C-1

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 Outstading Newspaper, Society of Collegiate Journalists.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SRU WEBSITE

Dr. Jack C. Maynard speaks to students about why he believes he'd be a good fit as President at Slippery Rock University.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SRU WEBSITE

Dr. Joseph Bertolino, the fourth presidential candidate to visit SRU, understands how becoming president would prove to be demanding.

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known of Slippery Rock University for a while, as a teacher educator I’ve had the opportunity back in the 1980’s to connect with faculty and alumni from Slippery Rock. I’ve developed a great appreciation of what you do here.”

He went on to talk about how he was impressed with how SRU has evolved over the years.

He was specifically impressed with SRU’s dedication to creating a community of learners, and how committed the faculty and community were to student success.

“The things that you’re doing are the things that align themselves so much with who I am and what I value,” Dr. Maynard said.

Dr. Maynard also valued and respected SRU’s strategic enrollment plan, and how even in the face of the budget crisis that is hitting state colleges and universities, that SRU has been able to maintain a good quality of students.

He stressed how great this opportunity is.

“It’s a good opportunity for the right person to move in,” Dr. Maynard said. “And I think my experiences are a great fit for this University."

One reason Dr. Maynard believes that he'd be the best fit for the job, is the importance he'd place on gathering additional funding for the university.

"I'm very serious about university advancement," Dr. Maynard said. "We have to rely on different forms of financial support then we already have. If students walk out of here feeling good about the place, there's an expectation that they give back."

He believes that, especially with all of the budget cuts, alumni support for universities are going to become more and more important as time goes on.

"We need to start building relationships with students so that when we go into their pockets later, that it's not going to be a stranger doing that, but it's going to be a friend," Dr. Maynard said with a laugh.

Dr. Maynard was able to make the crowd laugh a number of times, which helped open things up for the question and answer section of the open interview session.

One of the biggest things President Smith did while at SRU, was sign the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment that states that the university will be climate neutral by 2037.

One of the students in the audience was very concerned with how much Dr. Maynard cared and knew about this commitment, but Dr. Maynard was ready with a response.

"Yes, I am familiar with this commitment," Dr. Maynard said. "We actually signed it at Indiana State University as well. Every single project that we have, we have to access all of the possible implications to the environment and everything."

"We created a sustainability task force on campus that looks at everything we do," Dr. Maynard said. "We've been recycling for about 15 years now—from electronics to very simple items."

purpose, planning, passion. What is our purpose? How are we getting there? And do we have a passion for it?

Originally he was a candidate in another presidential race, when a headhunter firm called him and told him to pull out because they wanted him to run for SRU. They wanted a candidate that is student centered and believed this is the right institution for him.

According to Dr. Bertolino, multiculturalism on campus can be promoted by ensuring the university is providing a welcoming environment for students, staff, administrators and faculty from different religions, ethnicities and backgrounds.

Bertolino said SRU is very focused on education, so there is an opportunity to take those students who are teachers and help them to be a resource for students in the school district and other districts where there are underrepresented groups.

“This allows us to engage in partnerships with community organizations to help build and recruit students from other organizations and from other areas of the state,” he said. “The students need to be prepared to work in a global society if they are going to be successful.”

His views on environmental sustainability are that there should be partnerships with the community and the township in terms of sustainability initiatives that connect the town to the university.

Bertolino also believes in educating students with regard to different levels of sustainability such as recycling and what we are using in terms of custodians, cleaning supplies etc.

Bertolino’s priorities, if chosen to be president, would be providing a quality education, engaging into student’s success, nurturing environment for faculty and staff and focused financial development and security.

For Bertolino, the first priorities are relationships and building a community. Secondly, generating revenue.

Don’t count on the state to do that, Bertolino said.

Public institutions need to think about how are they funding themselves using a private school model.

But how do you do that without raising tuition?

Making sure every dollar is spent wisely and efficiently, Bertolino said.

According to Bertolino, choosing to be a president is a lifestyle choice and demands a high level of dedication.

“No good president can do something within 5 years anyway, I mean who are we kidding, but this is not a stop for me,” he said. “SRU is about to turn a page and it needs a president who is willing to get their hands dirty to pound the pavement to be out front and centered to bring others with them to say SRU is a great place and expand beyond the reputation it already has.”

Bertolino was asked to sum up in one sentence why he should be SRU’s next president.

“Because I have a fire in my belly to do it,” he said.

“It’s time I am ready.”

News

February 10, 2012

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Police Blotter Magistrate Feb. 8- John William Black, 21, of Greenville, Pa., was seen for two counts of DUI. He was released on his own recognizance.

Feb. 8- James Milo Bell IV, 28, of Slippery Rock, was seen for simple assault and harassment.

Campus

Borough Feb. 5- Ann Marie Cavalier, 19, was cited for underage consumption of alcohol and public drunkenness.

Feb. 2- There was a report of harassing phone calls at the ARC. The case is still under investigation.

Feb. 8- Sita Sojintarit, 22, was cited for disorderly conduct.

Feb. 2- There was a report of theft from a room at North Hall. The case is still under investigation.

Feb. 9- Lauren Catherine Bayer, 22, was arrested for a DUI. Feb. 8- Stuart Bartoshek, 19, of New Castle, was seen for two counts of DUI. He was released on his own recognizance.

Feb. 3- Jordan Ziegler, 18, was cited for underage consumption of alcohol after a report of an alcohol violation at a dance that took place at the University Union.

Feb. 4- Allen Johnson, was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia after a report of a drug violation at a dance that took place at the University Union.

Feb. 4- Robin Murray, 19, was cited for underage consumption of alcohol after an officer observed intoxicated individuals vomiting on Rock Pride Drive.

Feb. 4- Aleycia Hodge, 21, was cited for public drunkenness after a report of intoxicated individuals at a dance that took place at the University Union.

Feb. 6- There was a report of harassing phone calls at the University Union. The case is still under investigation.

Compiled by Stephanie Holsinger

University Village plans on expansion in summer 2012

By Johnathan Janasik Rocket News Contributor

Slippery Rock University Village announced Monday that they had finalized plans for the construction of five new buildings starting in summer 2012.

President and Managing Principle of Oculus Capital Group (OCG), Christopher Feeley announced plans to build Phase II of the University Village.

Phase II will add five new buildings, containing 44 units and 152 beds.

“Phase II was in the plans before we started to build the original apartments” Feeley said. “The decision to move forward with the plans was made about eight to twelve months ago.”

The demand for housing by upperclassmen was the deciding factor to add the new buildings, Feeley stated.

The rooms in the University Village are usually leased very quickly.

Construction is expected to begin in June or July of

this year and the buildings should be completed and ready for leasing for the Fall 2014 semester, Feeley said.

There will be two different floor plans available for the interior of the new buildings.

These include three-bathroom, three-bedroom arrangements, and four-bedroom, four-bathroom arrangements.

Feeley stated that the rates of the Phase II rooms will be similar to the rates of the Phase I rooms.

The University Village is located in Slippery Rock on Vineyard Circle off of Keister Road.

The new buildings will be built right next to the older ones.

The University Village was formerly known as the Ivy when it was built in 2007. The Village currently has 14 buildings holding 200 units and 632 beds.

The floor plans include four-bedroom, four-bathroom arrangements and two-bedroom, two-bathroom arrangements.

Leasing Consultant Brandi Keech stated that the University Village was recently renovated, adding a new

basketball court, and a sand volleyball court, along with an outdoor kitchen and an updated clubhouse. “[The University Village] offers more amenities than the other housing options,” said Keech. “We have free tanning, a gym, an outdoor kitchen with a fire pit and a jacuzzi, and a ton of events including Waffle Wednesday, Taco Tuesday, and we just held a Super Bowl party.

Residents each get their own bathroom, and do not have to pay for parking.”

While many University Village residents are happy with all of the amenities provided for them, they'd like to see better parking arrangements before the addition of new buildings, according to Jake Leiby, 20-year-old junior and University Village resident.

"I would definitely rather see them add more parking before anything else," Leiby said. "I hate comming home from work late at night and having to park all the way in overflow parking."

OCG is a firm founded in 2010 centered in Washington, D.C. that specializes in building apartment complexes for Eastern Coast universities.

OPINION

The Rocket

A-4

February 10, 2012

The Rocket

Our View

Volume 94, Number 15

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 Courtney Nickle Editor-in-Chief Brian Brodeur News Editor Andy Treese Campus Life Editor Tim Durr Sports Editor Lexi Kovski Photo Editor Zane Barger Copy Editor James Intile Web Editor Stephanie Holsinger Assistant News Editor James Meyer Assistant Campus Life Editor Madeline Williams Assistant Sports Editor Liana Pittman Assistant Photo Editor Will Deshong News Reporter Mark Zeltner Faculty Adviser

Advertising Staff Emily Hunter Advertising Manager Sarah Black Assistant Advertising Manager

About Us The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000.

No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief.

The first copy of The Rocket is provided free of charge. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents each.

The Rocket receives approximately five percent of its funding from the SGA General Service fee paid each semester by students.

All other income is provided through the sale of advertising.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling (724) 738-2643 or by e-mailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.

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

Subscriptions Subscriptions to The Rocket are available.

Subscriptions are $20 per academic semester and $35 for the full academic year.

Inquiries should be directed to the Editorin-Chief at the address listed here.

CARTOON BY OLIVIA TESTA

Corbett’s crusade against education needs to end Budget.

When you see that word, you probably want to put down the newspaper and quit reading.

It’s confusing, and it doesn’t even affect you anyway right?

WRONG. Pa . G ove r nor Tom Corbett’s proposed budget for 2012-13 affects every single one of you in a very big way.

Tu e s d a y, Corbett announced his proposed budget, which includes a 20 percent cut, or $82.5 million, of state funding to Pennsylvania State System of Hig her Education

(PASSHE) schools, one of which is SRU. S o w hat do es t hat mean for you, the typical student?

Let’s look at the facts.

L a s t y e a r, C o r b e t t proposed a 51.4 percent cut. Thankfully, the actual cut for 2011-12 was only 18 percent.

But that 18 percent cut did enough damage to directly affect every single student. Because of the cut, the PASSHE Board of Governors was forced to increase the cost of tuition by 7.5 percent, which we’re sure you noticed when your tuition bill came in

the mail in August.

Let’s think about this for a second.

The 18 percent budget cut for 2011-12 led to a 7.5 percent tuition hike.

Corbett just proposed a 2012-13 budget, which would include a 20 percent cut of state funding.

Assuming that stands and no concession is made by the state legislature, we could be looking at another tuition hike of 8 percent or possibly more.

That’s a big deal. For some people, that could mean no longer being able to afford college.

This is a public

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.

institution of hig her education. There shouldn’t even be a question of affordability.

And a tuition increase isn’t the only repercussion we may have to worry about.

California University of Pa., another one of the 14 PASSHE schools, announced Wednesday, the day after Corbett revealed his proposed budget, that they will cut eleven of their 116 administrators.

Our university has shown no signs of plans to cut expenses, but if this budget cut goes through,

changes are going to have to be made.

So what can you do to help? Send an email to Corbett and your other s t at e re p re s e nt at i v e s telling them why they shouldn’t be cutting funds to higher education.

Post on Facebook and Twitter about it. It seems like a small gesture, but social media has unbelievable power.

We’re not sure what the motivation is for G o v e r n o r C o r b e t t ’s apparent crusade against education, but we don’t like it. And it needs to change.

This week’s question: How do you feel about Corbett’s proposed 20 percent cut to PASSHE schools?

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.

Jake Frampton Sophomore English ed major Hometown: Harrisville, Pa.

Erika Yost Freshman biology major Hometown: Windberg, Pa.

“People need financial aid and scholarships to go to school.

Without them, it would be hard for many who have to put themselves through school, like myself.”

“It has to be done, but there has to be more places than education. I think many politicians need to look at their own salaries.”

Ryan Wirth Sophomore CPAC major Hometown: Gibsonia, Pa. “I think he has to cut the budget, but there are better places to do so other than education. A 20 percent cut is outrageous.”

Opinion

February 10, 2012

Uncle Jack and Uncle Joe raise the bar

Emily Hunter Commentary Many people who had the chance to know Uncle Bob (President Robert Smith) during his 13 years at Slippery Rock University would regard him as an open and close friend. In some cases, like mine, this relationship led to the nickname Uncle Bob. Having many relationships with the SRU community is what made Uncle Bob such a good leader.

Both the second and third presidential candidates have similar personable traits and relevant leadership experience that would make either of them a possible solid leader and 16th president of Slippery Rock University. In addition, both candidates have similar doctoral degrees. Dr. C. Jack Maynard earned his Ed.D. in Educational Administration and Higher Education from West Virginia University. Dr. Joseph Bertolino earned his Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership Development from Columbia University.

Dr. Jack Maynard drew a small crowd on Friday afternoon at his open session interview. He chose to speak without a microphone and with southern hospitality, he answered questions directly from students, staff, and faculty. In the past eight years, Uncle Jack, as I refer to him in my head, has been appointed as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Indiana State. Indiana State is slightly larger than SRU with just under 9,500 undergraduate students.

According to CollegeBoard. com Indiana State’s average GPA and SAT scores are slightly lower than the current SRU averages.

According to previous university press releases, Dr. Maynard has been an applicant at Youngstown State University, the University of Toledo, and East Tennessee State University.

These applications were all before applying for Slippery Rock University’s presidential position.

Maynard grew up in rural West Virginia. He married his high school sweetheart and came out of the hills

of West Virginia to attend college. Maynard stated “The University made me who I am.” By growing up poor in small town USA, he thought studying abroad was going to Kentucky. However, while at Indiana for the past five years, he has tripled the amount of students that have studied abroad. Maynard has also been involved in educational activities in China and Morocco, including summer leadership activity for faculty and quality assurance for higher education system.

In 2010 I met Dr. Joe Bertolino, the third presidential candidate, at the National Association of Campus Activities Convention in Boston, Mass. Two years ago I had the opportunity to watch Uncle Joe, as I call him, and his partner perform a comedic lecture on diversity appreciation. Joe and Bill’s program, “When the Gays move into Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” was only a 10-minute prelude. However, it was the highlight of the multiple presentations. The fact that I remembered Bertolino from two years ago shows just how interesting his lecture was.

As a representative for the University Program Board, I had aspirations of bringing Joe and Bill to campus. On Tuesday, my desire happened as Joe arrived to speak in town and your student activity fee did not even have to pay for it. Just as in Boston, Bertolino once again stole the show.

Dr. Joe Bertolino is currently 48 years old and Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs/Executive Assistant to the President at Queens College/City University of New York. Bertolino has worked at Queens College as a vice president for eight years, which is a major accomplishment at his age. His job title is long winded just like him. However personality Bertolino’s title, his personally is very dynamic and engaging. The open session was scheduled to be 45 minutes long, however, being the people person that Joe was he continued answering questions for almost an hour. His action showed the audience that we are more important than the tour of the president’s residence.

According to a university press release, Bertolino is one of two final presidential candidates at Lyndon State College, a small college in Vermont with 1,400 undergraduate students.

WCAX-TV Burlington reports that the two candidates will

return to Lyndon State College on Feb. 15 for interviews with the Board of Trustees. During the open forum, Joe stated that he previously was in another presidential candidate race and dropped out in order to apply for the presidential position at SRU. Bertolino started in higher education as a hall director at East Stroudsburg University.

His background in student life does not make him the normal presidential candidate.

Currently Bertolino is the head of enrollment services, which at SRU is under the provost position. This important work increases Bertolino’s diverse background and makes his work academic. Another aspect of Bertolino that makes him more academic is that he is currently still teaching as a faculty member.

Whether or not a background in student life will make for a qualified president is up for debate. However, one thing I am sure of is that Bertolino is not your typical candidate.

Looking back at my time at SRU, my academic experience has prepared me to become a highly qualified teacher and has helped me to become licensed in the state of Pa. I believe that my experience in student life has prepared me to become the type of leader that is ready to take on a diverse and everchanging world. As a result, both student life and academics has made me the person that I am today, and I feel that both are equally important.

I personally would like to bring both Joe and Bill into Mr. Roger’s neighborhood, a small town with a great university just 40 miles directly north of the city that was home to Mr. Rogers. However, my opinion may be biased as Bertolino commented favorably on my previous editorial in The Rocket during his open session.

After learning more about the first three presidential candidates, if I could wave my magic wand and have everything I ask for, I would bring Jack Maynard in as provost and Joe Bertolino in as president. I feel their personal differences and similar education would compliment each other nicely as the university’s number one and two.

The university would also save the money of a formal search and Dr. Williams could retire early, a win-win.

Emily Hunter is a graduate student majoring in adaptive physical activity and advertising manager for The Rocket.

Take the time to stop and smell the roses

Nicole Crevar Dare and Share Don’t you just adore this time of year? Our New Year’s Resolutions are in full swing, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and believe it or not, Spring Break is comin’ round the mountain (or Rock, to be locally correct).

On top of that, another semester has begun.

I know it’s hard to contain your excitement as you stroll through this lovely Slippery Rock weather, umbrella companies must be making a fortune. But forget the rain, because your destiny lies with your arrival to class.

Professors have begun to expel their gratuitous amounts of knowledge into our minds. Class work and assignments are multiplying like

rabbits. And, quite frankly, I already feel like shoving my head into a wall.

So what is the best way to combat all of this stress?

Well, if you can look past the unwavering ARC patrons that fill the gym like Times Square on New Year’s Eve, that would be a great place to start. Exercise is one of the most beneficial ways to reduce stress. I, myself, have made a deal that if I don’t run at least three days a week, I am freezing my FaceSpace account. Alarming, I know, but it’s a risk I am willing to take. I also practice yoga every night before bed. It helps me unwind and clear my head.

What I’m trying to say is that establishing a schedule of “YOU time” will help to conquer this treacherous spring semester. Set aside at least thirty minutes a day devoted to an activity that relaxes you.

And remember, although your planner is inked with more to-do’s and tasks than humanly possible, there is ALWAYS time to stop and smell the roses.

Nicole Crevar is a sophomore journalism major with a minor in Spanish from Mercer, Pa.

A-5

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.

Campus needs to help fight Corbett’s proposed cuts On Tuesday, Februar y 7, Gove r n o r To m C o r b e t t r e vealed his FY 2012-13 state budget proposal, which cuts funding for Pennsylvania’s 14 state-owned universities by 20 percent, or $82.5 million.

The governor’s proposed budget allocates $330 million to PASSHE, down from $412 million last year, and a loss of almost $175 million since Corbett took office. His budget proposal comes one month after he requested that the State System freeze five percent of last year’s appropriation.

Though PASSHE has a state-mandated mission to provide accessible, affordable, “high quality education at the lowest possible cost to students,” Governor Corbett’s proposed cuts undermine this mission. In fact, the governor’s proposal puts current funding for the State System below 1989-90 levels!

Faced with an 18 percent budget cut last year, the PASSHE Board of Governors voted to raise tuition 7.5 percent, or $436 year. Another significant tuition increase may put a college education out of reach for many students.

And there are other consequences.

Across the System, students are already experiencing larger classes, fewer programs, unreliable course availability,

and less advisement and tutoring. At SRU, we have seen the demise of at least three graduate programs—English, history, and the MS3 program—because the institution could no longer afford them. Science faculty have had to agree to less preparatory time for labs because of the cost involved. And the university has reduced its writing requirements because of the labor intensiveness of teaching writing. In other words, teaching college writing requires too many faculty.

Governor Corbett is also assembling a panel to study the costs of higher education, though he provided only a few details about the commission, which has been tasked with issuing a report by November 15th. APSCUF hopes that he includes higher education stakeholders, including faculty and students, on the panel.

There is a thirty-day period between the budget proposal and its approval.

We—faculty, staff, AND STUDENTS need to lobby the governor and legislators to eliminate the proposed cut to the System. Students need to remember that budget cuts=tuition hikes.

When given the opportunity over the next few weeks, complete a postcard stating your concern over the impact of the governor’s proposal. Return the postcards to faculty, and APSCUF will hand deliver them to the Governor’s Office for you. Postcards are available in the SRU APSCUF office—204 SWC. Jace Condravy, President SRU APSCUF

Movie industry needs a little reinvention

Michael Santoro Observation Station Media and all of its respective forms have really come a long way.

Do you think anybody 20 years ago, let alone 10, thought we would be able to have so many forms of entertainment at our fingertips?

One of these forms in particular, the movie industry, has been growing and evolving since its advent around the turn of the 20 th century. This lucrative industry has gone from dimly lit rooms with loud crank projectors to the digital cinemas we know today. While technological evolution is not in question, I believe another important facet is.

This would be the content of these movies, more so the plots and creative processes.

It seems more and more today that Hollywood and all of its constituents have been running out of creative ways to handle films. Instead of comedies being smart and subtle, it seems as if they’re just crude and profane. Now, I know movies like this have been made for a long time – there’s nothing new in the world, history repeats itself, etc. It just seems like a deluge of hard-R rated comedies have been coming upon us recently. I do remember the phase of PG-13 movies

that happened some time ago, but even these films still held crudities in their arsenal. I guess it’s easier to assault the senses than it is to be funny and restrained.

Comedy isn’t the only genre that has seemingly taken a hit. The horror genre has also seemed to dip in quality recently.

It’s a problem similar to that of comedies. Horror movies assault the senses with violence, blood and gore. Creating a chilling atmosphere and building up tension with the payoff being well-executed scares now seems to be an outdated way of drawing an audience in.

Instead, we’re introduced to paper-thin, onedimensional characters whose only purposes are to die or get tortured in increasingly violent ways.

When did gross-outs through violence equate to something being scary?

No matter what genre you’re into, there’s one trend that seems to be picking up with increasing speed. That would be remaking classic and sometimes not even quality films in order to cash in on ideas and concepts that were already used in the past. Now, this has been done for years, and a decent amount of time it works. For example, the ‘80s crime-thriller “Scarface” was a remake of a classic 1932 film of the same name. But now there are talks of remaking the movie again. For every one successful remake, you can probably name about four to five unsuccessful ones. A great example of this would be the 1998 shot-for-shot remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic “Psycho.” This film was

poorly received and heavily questioned. Was it really necessary to update a film that is considered as monumental as it is?

I can go on. There are so many different horror movies made in the US that are remakes of Japanese horror films. From “The Ring” to “The Grudge” countless successful Japanese horror movies are brought to the U.S. in an attempt create revenue.

Even U.S. horror movies, such as “When a Stranger Calls” (1979), aren’t safe from being remade.

Most of these remakes actually do bring in large amounts of money at the box office. This creates very little motivation for studios to invest more time in original and thought-provoking films as opposed to cashing in on already treaded concepts and ideas.

I love movies. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always enjoyed going to the cinema to see newly released movies and escape reality for a good two hours. It was something to do. Get out of the house, grab a bite to eat and enjoy the fiction displayed on the screen. Recently it just seems as if movies don’t have the same creative fire behind them as they had before. This could be a perspective issue or a matter of me just not being old enough to truly see the rises and dips in the industry.

Despite this, from where I stand it seems that in order to keep eyes glued to the screen, the movie industry will need to renovate and reinvent itself.

Michael Santoro is a junior public relations major from Pittsburgh, Pa.

CLASSIFIEDS

The Rocket

A-6

For Rent January 27, 2012

For Rent: Four Bedroom, two bath house on one acre, 1 mile from SRU. Available June 1, 2012. Rent is $300 per person

or $1,200 per month. Includes water, sewage and garbage. Call 724698-5456 to make an appointment to view the house.

APSCUF Scholarships The Slippery Rock University chapter of the faculty union is pleased to sponsor two (2) $1000 scholarships. To be eligible, a student must have undergraduate status with thirty-six (36) or more semester hours at SRU. Dependents of SRU faculty/ coaches are not eligible.

The selection criteria are as follows: The applicant must have a high standard of academic performance (minimum QPA of 3.0) and be involved in extra-curricular activities both off and on campus. Along with the application, the student must write a five hundred word essay describing his/ her academic and career goals as well as his/her personal view of the labor movement in the U.S. Finally the student must provide three references from SRU faculty and staff. Preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students with an immediate family member who belongs to a recognized labor union.

Applications Due March 19, 2012 Full application materials are available at SRU APSCUF, 204 Spotts World Cultures, 738-2101

COMICS

The Rocket

A-7

February 10, 2012

MoreOn TV

By Jay Schiller and Greg Cravens

Welcome to Falling Rock National Park

Life in Hell

By Josh Shalek

That Monkey Tune

Blundergrads

By Matt Groening

By Michael A. Kandalafti

By Phil Flickinger

Sudoku

By Michael Mepham

Horoscopes

By Nancy Black Tribune Media Services (MCT) To d ay ' s Bi r t h d ay (02/10/12). Friends and partners usher in this new year with open arms.

Your values have shifted from material pursuits to ideals like liberty, justice and equality. Studies and research prove to be fruitful. Creativity leads to profit, which grows inside a budget.

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 an 8 -There's some urgency.

Imagine the project in its completed form, and stay active. Delegate the help from partners and friends. Give up control, and accept contribution.

Taurus (April 20May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Consult with partners over the next few days.

Brainstorm and gather info. No need to make big decisions yet. Leave your money buried. Stay and finish up.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Loved

ones encourage you to take on a new challenge. Heed an unsolicited suggestion.

Choose privacy over publicity. There's a temporary block, so get rest.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -Your team is ready. Put their ideas into practice.

The next two days are good for making changes at home. Save enough for the highest quality.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- The pressure increases, but you have what it takes.

Follow a strong leader.

Everything starts to make sense. Don't pour money down a hole. Review work before sending.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) -- Today is a 9 -- Get farther than expected, and discover new things about yourself. You're entering a lucrative phase, but stick to your blueprints. Your actions speak louder than words.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Your confidence gets a boost later today. Getting clear on your purpose or focus inspires you to take action.

Direct traffic; folks want to contribute.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Time to get your hands dirty with an art project. Find your creative side. What do you love? What tickles your fancy? If you're lost, let a partner take the lead.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Romance requires patience and flexibility now, but it's well worth it. Balance short-term goals with long-term sustainability. There's a test.

Capricorn (Dec. 22Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -New energy propels you to create goals for the future and take action. Find a quiet place where you can concentrate, and think up some revolutionary ideas.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Get ready for an adventure that could last into the weekend. Tie up the loose ends from older projects so you can launch a new one without looking back.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- It's easier to concentrate now, especially in the financial realm. Why not get your taxes done early? Or at least go over the paperwork to see where you can save.

Solution

A-8

Febuary 10, 2012

SPORTS

The Rocket

B-1

February 10, 2012

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LEXI KOVSKI

Junior dual major in public relations and political science, Emily Strickland, started twirling baton at age four and has been twirling competitively since age 12. The graphic above shows pictures of her performing her routine at halftime of the SRU men's and women's basketball games.

Junior twirler is former Miss Majorette

By Tim Durr Sports Editor

Have you ever been at a basketball game and seen an interesting halftime performance that was something other than cheerleaders throwing small foam basketballs into the crowd?

Well, that’s what sparked my interest in writing this article.

I’ve seen some interesting performances at halftime shows and one of the most interesting is baton twirling.

Baton twirling started in Eastern Europe and Asia, and people believe that it started at festivals where performers would throw knives, torches and other items and twirl them around. Over the years, the act of twirling went from many different items to specifically a baton that is used for competition.

If you’re at a men’s or women’s basketball game at Slippery Rock University, you’ll usually see one of those batons twirling through the air.

The twirler that you’ll see rolling, twirling and throwing a baton here at SRU is Emily Strickland.

The 21-year-old, dual major in public relations and political science, from Curwensville, Pa. started twirling batons when she was only four years old.

She started by performing in local parades and other small town

events, and then at the age of 12 she went away to a baton twirling camp to learn how to become a more serious twirler.

Her coach took her to the camp and started having her compete in competitions the next year.

Strickland said that while she focused on twirling as a major part of her life, she also was able to participate in other things, unlike some of the twirlers she competes against who have twirling as their life.

“Twirling has always been my sport,” Strickland said. “I was able to do other activities like dance, play piano and play trumpet in concert band for high school, though. Some of the girls that I compete against have had baton twirling as their number one priority since birth.”

Three years ago, Strickland joined the National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA). The NBTA, founded in 1945, is the premier baton twirling organization in the world and has paved the way to modern baton twirling.

She became very serious about twirling when she joined the NBTA and knew that she had to work hard to compete with the twirlers who have been serious and competitive twirlers since they were three or four years old.

After joining the NBTA she competed in the Miss Majorette of Pennsylvania competition and

won the title of Senior Intermediate Pageant winner.

After winning the Miss Majorette she was able to go on and compete in the American Youth in Parade competitions against 38 other national and regional champions.

She finished in eighth place out of the 38 competitors.

“It was a big accomplishment for me,” Strickland said. “The tournament isn’t just going out and twirling. There are different categories and you have to model a gown and participate in an interview session.”

During the interview with the Miss Majorette of Pennsylvania champion, I asked her to show me some of the tricks that she performs to see if I had a future in the baton twirling world…I don’t.

She started me off with some of the basic tricks that are taught to beginners and eventually become transitions in a routine to tie other tricks together.

The first trick was called a figure eight and Emily had an interesting visualization of how to do the trick.

“You start off with the baton in front of you and hold it vertically,” she said. “Then we act like our right side is chocolate ice cream and the left side is vanilla. You dip the baton into the chocolate and then rotate it over and back in front of you into the bowl. Next, you do the same thing in the

vanilla side and repeat.”

I followed her steps and even though I’m sure I looked completely out of place in Morrow Field House next to her twirling a baton, I passed my first twirling test.

The next trick was called a horizontal. Once again, you start with the baton in a vertical position and then turn it horizontally and start to move your hand in a rotating motion to twirl the baton on a horizontal.

I’m pretty sure I looked ridiculous attempting this trick, but once again Emily said that I did a good job at it and showed me one final trick.

The last trick was called a roll.

In this trick, you put your left arm out directly in front of you and hold the baton horizontally in your right arm under your left arm. Then you push the baton up, let it roll over your arm, and catch it back in your right hand.

Once again I completed this trick and was feeling like somewhat of a natural. After showing me this final trick, I grabbed my notebook and pencil, which feel much more comfortable in my hands, and had Emily explain a more complex trick to me.

She said that twirling is a sport where you usually take more of the basic tricks and multiply them to add difficulty.

She took the roll trick that she

showed me and instead of putting her arm out, she put her elbow out.

She proceeded to twist the baton over her elbow and then roll it on to her right elbow as she tucked her arm into her chest. This trick is a double elbow roll.

From there, she added more difficulty by spinning the trick into a triple elbow roll where she spun it from her right elbow, across the face of her back and onto her left elbow again. She said that you can repeat this process over and over and that continues to add difficulty to the trick. She added that the main focus in that trick is foot movement, because when your feet stop spinning you around, the baton falls.

Hopefully the next time you’re at a basketball game and see Emily perform you’ll be able to pick out some of these moves in her routine.

You better get to these events quickly because Emily said she plans to retire from competitive twirling and go into coaching and judging with the NBTA after she graduates college.

Also, watch out for other events on campus because Emily has performed at Homecoming with knives and at the St. Jude’s “Up 'til 2” event with fire batons.

After my first lesson of baton twirling, I don’t think I’m ready to start twirling knives or fire yet.

Maybe I have a career as Emily’s duet partner in the future, though?

Sports

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February 10, 2012

Rock rebounds with two PSAC wins

By Madeline Williams Assistant Sports Editor

Junior guard Jon Valeriano scored 17 points, including five 3-pointers on Wednesday night to lead the Slippery Rock men's basketball team to a 72-59 win over PSAC rival, Lock Haven University.

The win marked the second consecutive win for the Rock and the ninth victory in the last 12 games. SRU improved to 14-7 overall and 11-6 in conference action. Lock Haven fell to 0-20 overall and 0-17 in the PSAC, suffering their 39th consecutive loss.

The top four teams in the PSAC-West standings at the end of the regular season will earn spots in the conference tournament. Indiana (174, 14-3) remains atop the standings and Mercyhurst (15-6, 13-4) is in second.

In addition to the Wednesday victory, a Clarion loss to Mercyhurst also on Wednesday night moved the Rock into third place in the division standings, holding a one-game advantage over California (13-10, 10-7) and Clarion (14-9, 10-7).

Senior center Luiz Santos tallied 12 points and snagged nine rebounds, freshman forward Chaquille Pratt added 12 points and seven rebounds, and junior John Bayardelle scored 10 points to assist Valeriano's 17-point effort.

Junior forward Tabari Perry and senior guard Devin Taylor each contributed eight points apiece. Perry

also had seven rebounds and Valeriano had four assists for the Rock.

Taylor now has scored 10 or more points in 13 games this season, Valeriano recorded his 12th doubledigit scoring total, and Perry has 11 games with doubledigit scoring this season.

The Green and White got off to a strong start by scoring the first five points of the first half. The Rock maintained the lead for the remainder of the half and took a 15-point, 44-29, lead heading into intermission.

In the second half, SRU held a pair of 21-point leads, including a 72-51 advantage with 3:30 left in the game, before cruising to the victory.

The Rock finished the game making 50 percent (29-58) of their field-goal attempts, 36 percent (925) of their 3-point shots, and 71 percent (5-7) of free throw attempts. SRU also held a 41-21 advantage over Lock Haven in rebounding.

Despite being out-boarded in the previous two games last week, the Rock has now outrebounded their opponents in 18 of 21 games this season.

Valeriano says that if the team plays the style of game they’re known for playing, they will definitely come out on top.

“We really just need to play our game, which is defend and rebound, and all the rest will fall into place,” Valeriano said. “As a team, our ultimate goal is to win every game here on out, and we are very capable of doing so.”

Wednesday’s game was Kevin Reynolds’ 71st victory in four seasons as The Rock’s head coach.

The top four teams in the PSAC-West standings at the end of the regular season will earn spots in the conference tournament.

Indiana (17-4, 14-3) remains atop the standings and Mercyhurst (15-6, 13-4) is in second.

Last Saturday, Santos earned his third “doubledouble” of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead Slippery Rock to 7371 overtime victory over Mercyhurst University.

Taylor added 14 points and nine rebounds, Perry had 11 points and eight rebounds, and Valeriano contributed 10 points.

The game went back and forth, having the lead change hands 12 times and the score tied on six occasions.

SRU scored 12 of the last 16 first-half points to head into intermission with a 38-35 advantage over the Lakers.

Mercyhurst opened up the second half with a 6-1 run in the first three minutes to take a 41-39 lead, before Taylor hit a 3-pointer to put SRU back in the lead.

The Rock would never surrender the lead for the remainder of the game, but Mercyhurst tied the game on four occasions in the final six minutes of regulation play.

The game was tied 65-65 with 30 seconds remaining in regulation time.

SRU scored the first three points in overtime and with

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Senior guard Devin Taylor drives between two Mercyhurst defenders on Saturday at Morrow Field House. Taylor is the leading scorer on the Rock, averaging 13.1 points per game. Taylor also leads the team in rebounds with 10.6 per game.

a free throw by Taylor and Valeriano in the final 30 seconds, The Rock secured the overtime victory over the Lakers.

The Green and White made 43 percent (26-61) of field goal attempts, 59 percent (10-17) from 3-point range, and 58 percent (11-19) from the foul line.

The Rock also held a 43-36 rebounding advantage over the Lakers.

Santos’ “double-double” was his second against

Mercyhurst this season.

He had ten points and ten rebounds in the 64-62 loss to the Lakers back on Jan. 14.

The win on Saturday gave the Rock a split in the season series with Mercyhurst for the second season in a row and evened their all-time series record at 19-19.

Bayardelle says that better communication on the court in the last two games has led to their success.

“Coach Reynolds has been stressing our communication

and execution lately,” Bayardelle said. “We’ve done a much better job with that and that’s why I think we won. I believe we have the best program in the PSAC and if we stay true to our system, we can become something special.”

The Rock will travel to Edinboro University tomorrow for a 4 p.m.

PSAC-West matchup before returning home to host Californina in an 8 p.m. game Feb. 15.

Freshman distance runner Football brings in 20 recruits continues streak of solid running at Geneva meet

By D.J. Vasil

Rocket Contributor

By Kristin Karam Rocket Contributor

Freshman Janine Powis continued her outstanding season Saturday, winning the mile with an NCAA qualifying time of 5:01.00 at the NCAA Division II Team Challenge in Geneva, Ohio.

The women’s indoor track and field record in the indoor mile is 5:01.25, held by Gretchen Petcher in 1993. Due to a time conversion because of track size, Powis’ time is not considered a schoolrecord.

Overall, the women’s team placed sixth with 42.60 points. Ashland won the meet with 79.60 points.

Slippery Rock had five athletes finish in the top10 for the pole vault. Junior Angela Schroeder placed third, clearing 3.52 meters, while also improving her pre vious NCAA provisional qualifying mark of 3.0 meters. Senior Kelly Fischer cleared 3.37 meters to finish in fifth place. Sophomore Julia Cain came in sixth with a mark of 3.22 meters.

Junior Emily Vaughn and freshman Keriann Hill both cleared 3.07 meters to finish seventh and eighth.

Junior Stephanie Case ran her career-best in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 17:45.51 to come

in fourth place.

Senior Kara Styles took 11.05 seconds off of her career-best time in the 3,000-meter run to earn fifth place with a time of 10:24.52.

“The key for me is to go into each race with a lot of confidence and to just really trust my training.

Couch Papa does a great job in preparing us to race,” Styles said.

Sophomore Dilshani Madawala had two top10 finishes. Madawala placed fourth in the triple jump with a mark of 10.88 meters and eighth in the high jump with 1.53 meters.

Freshman Katelyn Wetzel placed 8th in the 60-meter dash with a time of 8:02 seconds. She also placed 10th in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26:31 seconds.

The Rock’s men’s team finished 12th at the meet with 21 points, posting 11 top-10 fi nishes. Ashland won the meet with 100 points.

In the pole vault, junior C a m e ron D au g h e r t y cleared 4.73 meters and finished third. Sophomore David Caldwell placed eighth in the event with a clearance of 4.28 meters.

S o p h o m o r e Tr a v i s Arrigoni led the Rock in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 15:07.93, earning

sixth place. Junior Alex Koksal came in ninth place with a time of 15:22.56 and junior Eric Geddis came in 12th place at 15:41.33.

Senior Dan Hedglin placed sixth in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.38 seconds.

“I felt that the team’s performance overall was pretty solid. We still have some work to do before the PSAC championships, but we are training hard and doing everything right to be at our best for the championships,” Hedglin said.

Junior DJ Chisom placed 10th in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.09 seconds.

The Rock’s 4x400-meter relay team of freshman Hunter Williams, junior Kevin Jewel, junior Trevor Foley, and senior Vanere Maynard came in seventh place with a time of 3:20.65.

Juniors Joseph Kelly and Kyle Toms placed eighth and ninth in the weight throw. Kelly threw for 15.52 meters, while Toms threw for 15.19 meters.

Slippery Rock prepares to compete in two meets this weekend.

Some athletes will head to the Baldwin Wallace Invitational today and others will attend the Akron Invitational on tomorrow.

After graduating 17 seniors this past season, Slippery Rock University football will welcome 20 new recruits for the 2012 season.

Rock head coach George Mihalik sees a lot of potential with the upcoming class.

“I’m very pleased with the overall talent with this year’s class,” Mihalik said. “We got a little bit of everything that we needed. I think this potentially has the chance to be one of the best recruiting classes since I’ve been head coach.”

Headlining the list of recruits is Marzett Getter out of Sto-Rox High School.

Geter is a defensive back with deceptive speed, who, before committing to SRU, was committed to the University of Pittsburgh but changed his mind after Paul Chryst was named Pitt’s head coach.

“Pitt let him go the weekend before signing day,” Mihalik said. “Someone contacted us and we called him right away and got him up for an official visit. He liked us and we liked him.

He committed the Sunday before signing day. He’s a great talent, he can play defensive back and can very easily play wide receiver. He will definitely be a very good return specialist.”

Joining Geter at the top of the list is defensive tackle Avery Anderson out of Gateway High School.

“Avery is physically mature for a high school player and he has good athleticism,” Mihalik said. "He has the size already. He weighs

285 pounds and is a very athletic and strong defensive lineman. Our depth at defensive line was a little thin last season and we felt we needed someone that could potentially help out right away. Avery can be that guy.

He has a chance to contribute as a true freshman.”

Also with the possibility to contribute as a true freshman is offensive lineman Joe LoSchiavo out of St. Edward High School.

“Joe is another high school lineman that is physically mature,” Mihalik said. “He has very good strength and athleticism and he played at a very high level at St. Edward, which plays high schools all over the country.

He also could contribute his first year.”

Speed is something that is highly valuable at any position on a football team and Leroy McClain out of Susquehanna Township High School can provide plenty of it. McClain is a wide receiver that is a state and district champion in the 4x100 relay team in track and field.

“He is extremely quick and has the ability to catch a short pass and turn it into a big play,” Mihalik said. “He could also line up at running back at times. “We graduated three seniors at receiver so his opportunity to contribute is going to be there early in his career."

Mihalik said that the entire class of 20 that is coming in is a solid group.

“From top to bottom it’s a great class,” Mihalik said.

“I have to compliment Coach Jason Makrinos as

recruiting coordinator he did an outstanding job.

Combine that with the great effort the staff gave and it was a successful year. And, something else that needs noted, is when these recruits visit, our players do a great job of being open honest and direct about the program and the parents and the recruits appreciate their honesty.”

Along with Geter, Anderson, LaSchiavo, and McClain are 16 other recruits who look to contribute at the Rock in the next several seasons.

The list includes running back Josh Beverly from Sto-Rox, wide receiver Josh Bridgeforth from Nazareth, defensive end Cody Conway from Gateway, defensive back Alfon Cook from Ringgold, athlete Sal Faleta from Bethlehem Center, offensive lineman Aaron Gillis from Brookfield, defensive back Will Graham from Taylor Allderdice, running back Shamar Green from West Mifflin, defensive end Erik Johnson from Central Catholic, offensive lineman Kaleb Kingston from Laurel, defensive tackle Mike Kope from Charleroi, linebacker Chad Kulka from General McLane, cornerback Ed Latimer from Central Catholic, quarterback Zack Newsock from Xenia, tight end Dalton Raab from West Allegheny, and athlete Tashian Tucker from Roman Catholic.

The Rock will look to return to the top of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Division as they defend their 2011 PSAC West title.

Sports Losing streak continues for Rock women's basketball

February 10, 2012

By P.J Shipe Rocket Contributor

Wins have been few and far between for the Rock as they have lost seven straight games including a 76-67 loss to Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.

This tough loss drops their record to 5-16 overall and a disappointing 2-15 in the PSAC conference.

SRU failed in its attempt against Lock Haven, 76-67, Wednesday night at Thomas Field House.

Slippery Rock was led

by Jasmine Cooper with a career high 24 points and eight rebounds. D’asia Chambers added 15 points and six rebounds while Danielle Smith contributed 13 points and six rebounds.

Lock Haven was led by Sharay Hall with 23 points.

Peaches Nesmith and Samantha Lane chipped in 17 and 11 points, respectively.

Lock Haven took control of the game early by scoring the first seven points and maintained a double-digit lead for most of the game.

Slippery Rock battled back within one point by putting together a 6-0 run with 15 minutes left in the first half, but never pulled closer.

Lock Haven pushed right back by scoring the next basket and pushing the lead back to double digits with one minute left in the first half. A late basket by Danielle Smith made the halftime score 35-26.

Slippery Rock’s comeback attempt never materialized

B-3

as Lock Haven opened the second half with a 11-2 run and pushed the lead to 46-28 with 15 minutes left to play in the game.

Lock Haven built a 19 point lead three different times but Slippery Rock kept fighting and closed the game with a 19-9 run.

Slippery Rock finished shooting 37 percent from the field, 10 percent from behind the ark, and 73 percent at the foul line. They out rebounded Lock Haven by holding a 44-32 edge on the boards.

Lock Haven shot 49 percent from the field, 55 percent from behind the ark, and 70 percent from the foul line.

Slippery Rock women had a golden opportunity to beat Mercyhurst twice in one season but fell 64-58 Saturday at Morrow Field House.

Slippery Rock was led

by Danielle Smith with 16 points and seven rebounds.

Jasmine Cooper and Sherita Stanley were each in double figures with 13 and 12 points respectively.

They also received solid contributions from their role players such as D’asia Chambers with nine points and Paris Thomas dishing out eight assists.

Mercyhurst was led by Dana Banda with 23 points as she was the only player in double figures. They did get contributions from Katie Carbee and Megan Hoffman with nine points respectively. Leading scorer Niki Frederickson was held

to seven points but her teammates picked up the slack.

Mercyhurst had a jump in their step as they raced out to a 15-0 lead only four minutes into the game.

Slippery Rock did not connect on their first field goal until 16 minutes into the first half as Mercyhurst maintained a double-digit lead throughout the first half.

The Green and White went on a 17-7 run of their own to cut the deficit to five points before Mercyhurst swung the momentum back in their favor with a 6-0 run to reach the halftime score of 32-21.Coming out of halftime, Mercyhurst extended their lead to 13 points before Slippery Rock closed the deficit to four points with 16 minutes left in the game.

Mercyhurst stole the m om e ntu m b a ck i n their favor by scoring 10 unanswered points to push the lead to 15 with 11 minutes to play.

Then Slippery Rock used a 25-10 run to tie the game at 55 all with three minutes left in the second half.

D ow n t h e s t r e t c h Merc yhurst outplayed Slippery Rock by scoring five straight points and ended the game on a 9-3 run.

Slippery Rock shot 43 percent from the floor, 29 percent from behind the arc, and only 58 percent from the foul line.

Mercyhurst shot 46 percent from the field, 37 percent from behind the arc, and 66

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Freshman guard D'Asia Chambers dribbles down the lane against the Mercyhurst Lakers in an attempt to score. Chambers averages 9.7 points per game this season, which is third on the team. She has played in 12 games in her freshman season.

percent from the free throw line. Slippery Rock held their own on the boards as they held a 36-29 advantage.

SRU head coach Tanya Longo said that the lack of execution by SRU led to the loss in the minutes against Mercyhurst.

“In the final minutes, execution was the deciding f a c tor,” L ongo s ai d.

“Mercyhurst was able to get good looks at the hoop and

score. On the other hand, our poor decision making by taking low percentage shots or turning the ball over gave Mercyhurst the edge to win the game.”

Slippery Rock will face an extreme road test in their next game against undefeated and No. 2 ranked Edinboro tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Longo said that the Rock had to make more shots early in the game in order to

be successful in conference games.

“We need to knock down more shots early in the game,” Longo said. “The PSAC is an excellent conference with some veteran and successful teams. The biggest challenge for us is matching up with the depth of teams in this league. We rotate six or seven players while other teams can go double-digit deep in their rotation.”

B-4

Febuary 10, 2012

The Rocket

CAMPUS LIFE C-1 February 10, 2012

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LEXI KOVSKI

Self-injury can manifest in varying methods and intensity

By James Meyer Assistant Campus Life Editor

When dealing with overwhelming stress, students sometimes turn to self-destructive behaviors, such as drinking, smoking or drugs. Some habits are more subtle than others, however. Some students, when dealing with emotional pain, make the pain manifest physically by doing harm to their own bodies, a practice known as self-injury.

Self-injury is commonly known as cutting, though there are a variety of ways self-injury may be practiced.

Due to the sensitive and highly personal nature of this problem, no students who are, or have been, self-injurers were willing to be interviewed. However, Dr. Chris Cubero, a counselor at the Student

Counseling Center has shared his professional experience.

Dr. Chris Cubero is primarily a substance abuse counselor, but he has also worked with students dealing with the habit of self-injury.

“For some, it is an escape in some way like drugs can be for people,” Cubero said. “For some it’s an indication that yes, I am here, I do exist, I am. I can escape the numbness by feeling. That is the reward for some people. And people who get more into it, it’s more difficult to help them have different coping mechanisms.”

Dr. Cubero said that the motivations for self-injury are as varied as the individuals who do it.

“Some people I have worked with will use it to deal with emotions,” Dr. Cubero said. “That can vary and is very individualized. Some students

may be feeling numb, for instance, and want to feel or want to know that they’re still alive in some sense and so the cutting can give you that.

For some, it is a pre-suicidal type of behavior.”

According to Helpguide. org, a non-profit resource, selfinjury is not the same as a suicide attempt, although self-injurers are at a higher risk for suicide in the long run. Dr. Cubero confirmed that selfinjury is not necessarily indicative of suicidal behavior, though it can be a sign of contemplating suicide.

Dr. Cubero also said that the methods of self-injury are varied and

have vastly different degrees of harm and intensity.

“It can manifest in rubbing, like the eraser of a pencil, like a burning,” he said. “There are rare cases of people swallowing razor blades, swallowing metal. Drinking solvents is another form. I guess any conceivable way you could commit suicide, because sometimes self injury is related to that, you could essentially say that those possibilities are there as well.”

Dr. Cubero said that use of firearms for self-injury is very rare and that usually when a person uses such lethal means, it is a suicide attempt rather than self-injury.

Means of treatment for this problem vary as well, as the various types of injury can be signs of what motivates the behavior.

“Another thing that is deciphered clinically is where the cutting occurs,” Cubero said. “Some people will cut in places where it cannot be seen, and others will cut in places that can be seen. There’s usually differences in what can be worked on with people, depending on which method or what are the desires behind it. The cutting is a degree of what’s going on internally for that person.”

Once the motivation for the desires are determined, the method of treatment usually involves replacing the self-injurious behavior with better coping mechanisms.

SEE ANXIETY, PAGE C-3

Soul Café showcases diversity of student talent Chinese New Year celebration to be held at community center

By Rebecca Marcucci Rocket Contributor

The University Program Board (UPB) and NAACP at SRU presented music, poetry, and more in the University Union Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) Wednesday evening at the Soul Café.

SRU students showcased their talents during this event while also involving the audience in their performances with singing along, clapping in rhythm, or snapping to poetry. Encouraging words and laughter were also shared from friends, or just spectators who could relate to the performers’ acts.

Co-emcee of the evening, director of the Soul Café, and executive board member of the NAACP chapter at SRU, senior communications major Terrell Foster, 22 said the Soul Café was a great experience for everyone.

“I think the audience and the performers had a lot of fun,” Foster said.

“It’s an open mic night type of thing.

In past years we’ve had mostly rap and dance, but now there’s a lot more poetry that students want to showcase.”

Foster said this was his fourth experience leading the Soul Café event and each year students ask for more.

“I would have people continually asking me if we were going to have another Soul Café show,” Foster said. “So we kept deciding to bring it back.”

By Bria Akran-Blackwell Rocket Contributor

hoping the posts on Twitter would help to bring out a crowd as well. However, he said the performances that evening still showed passion and talent in those who stepped on stage to share what they had prepared.

Foster said he was very pleased with the talent and provided words of

On January 22, people of Chinese descent began to do their yearly rituals to prepare for a very special holiday. Shop owners began to close shops and farmers began to plant crops, while others shopped for foods to prepare for the feast to come on January 23 and sit out the normal tasks of daily life to clean their houses.

According to communication professor and president of the Chinese Culture Association (CCA) Dr. Li Pu, it is believed in Chinese culture that cleaning your house the day before the holiday brings in the New Year with a clean slate. Every new year for the Chinese varies on different days because of the lunar and solar calendar that they live by, meaning the movement of the sun and the orbit of the stars and moon, making some start very early in January and some very early in February, according to Dr. Pu. Decked with red and gold, because those colors symbolize good virtue, establishing wealth and pure happiness in the Chinese culture, Chinese families gather to celebrate the day they rebirth in the world and become new. Festivals, parades, people and dragons float through the streets in celebration of another year that has passed, as well as another one they’re entering.

As friends and family gather and enjoy dinner and exchange Hongbao, traditional red envelopes filled with money given for luck and prosperity for the year, they bring in the New Year together with love and joy, according to sophomore Runhao Zhang.

Zhang said because the new year fell on the beginning of the semester, he wasn’t able to go home to celebrate with his family.

“If I were home, I would have spent all my time with my family,”

SEE STUDENTS, PAGE C-3

SEE CHINESE, PAGE C-3

LIANA PITTMAN/THE ROCKET

Senior public relations major Michael Thornhill, 23, performs at Soul Café, sponsored by University Program Board and the NAACP.

Foster also encouraged those in attendance to “tweet” about the performances held that evening by “hash tagging” “soulcafé.” He hoped this would get the word out to others while also advertising future involvement with the event.

“I would advertise the event for weeks and no one would sign up until the day of the performance,” Foster said

Campus Life

C-2

February 10, 2012

Actresses recommended to wear brighter hues, pastels to Academy Awards

Katie Ellis "ROCK'n Fashion" Awards show season is in full swing and with the Oscars quickly approaching, stylists are busy putting together looks for their clients’ big day.

The fashion choices at the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards have not been nearly as outstanding or as memorable as they have been in the past.

Stars that usually light up the red carpet have not been putting forth their best efforts, and thus need a fashion intervention and a little guidance on what to wear to the most important awards show of the year.

St y lists are advis e d to choose bright hues, pastels, and sparkles reminiscent of the spring 2012 and pre-fall runway shows for their clients to wear to the Academy Awards on February 26th. These looks are guaranteed to make an impression, and ensure spots on all of the major best dressed lists.

Shailene Woodley’s star is burning brighter ever yday as more and more people are taking note of her dramatic turn as Alexandra King in the “The Descendants.”

On the heels of a fashion misstep at the SAG Awards in a

floral print L’Wren Scott gown, and a spot on the worst dressed list, Shailene needs to step up her game.

She always keeps her style very simple, with virtually no makeup or accessories, but at the Oscars, she needs to do just the opposite. For Shailene to achieve a head turning look, she should choose a gown from Jason Wu’s spring 2012 runway show.

This collection is the epitome of style with bold hues and bright prints that push the boundaries of fashion.

The design most suited for the star is the neon yellow ball gown with a strapless silhouette and ballet-length hemline in the front and dramatic train in the back.

This look will let the 20 yearold show her youthful side, while still remaining elegant.

She should also keep the accessories and makeup that are worn with it the same, to further play up the drama of the gown.

“My Week With Marilyn” leading lady Michelle Williams has already earned a welldeserved Golden Globe for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe earlier this season, but if she is to turn heads at the Oscars, she has to step out of her comfort zone and make a big impression.

She has arrived on the red carpet looking demure in Jason Wu and Valentino at each of this season’s major awards shows, but for the Oscars she should take a cue from her alter ego, to make her look more alluring.

Naeem Khan’s spring 2012

Ask Ana "Ana Graham"

Question: Dear Ana, I am a lesbian who is attracted to a woman who says she is straight. Is there any way I can woo her?

Girl Love

Answer: Dear Girl, My advice is that you’ve got to follow a similar path of the straight men before you in your pursuit of this girl: you’ve got to use persuasion. Persuasion comes in two fun flavors: external and internal.

Examples of external persuasion would be relaxants, such as a massage or a glass of wine. External persuasion is useful if you are only searching for a one-time fling, but it does not work well in the long run.

Your best bet is internal persuasion (i.e., being a smooth talker). I don’t mean pick up lines, as those are only doomed to cheesy oblivion. I mean a mixture of charm and a good argument.

Has she has problems with insensitive guys? Lightly put up the argument that girls are more understanding. From personal experience of this working on gullible me (but with a guy), this can work well for something you may wish to evolve into something real.

You will more likely than not

meet resistance. Sometimes a mixture of external and internal persuasion can work, but realize one important point: if she is not even a little open to the prospect or interested at all, her feelings won’t change.

Trying to persuade someone who has zero interest in swaying to another direction is hopeless and will only lead to you feeling creepy and her thinking you are creepy.

Question: Dear Ana, I’m involved in a club that I used to love, but now absolutely hate. I hate everyone in it, and I hate going to the meetings. I want to tell everyone off and quit, but there’s a problem.

Every time when I’m about to quit, someone outside of the club will asked me about the club and I get very proud when I talk about it.

I think I love the club but hate being involved with these pathetic excuses of people in it. What should I do?

Loyal Jerk

Answer:

collection offers numerous options for Williams, but the best is the one-sleeved navy blue gown with silver stripe design.

The sequins that make up the silver stripes on the dress add drama to the simple blue silhouette, while the single sleeve keeps the dress looking modest.

Williams should wear a pair of sleek navy pumps and simple drop diamond earrings with her ensemble to make sure that all eyes are on her dress.

Understated makeup with her signature pixie haircut help finish what is sure to be a perfect Oscars look.

While both Shailene Woodley and Michelle Williams need a little help in the style d e p ar t m e nt , a s t ar w ho consistently gets it right on the red carpet is Emma Stone.

Emma Stone has b e en dominating the red carpet in stunning looks from the likes of Lanvin at the Golden Globes and Alexander McQueen at the SAG Awards.

To continue on her streak to fashion superstardom, Emma should take a fashion forward approach to her Oscars look, and choose a gown from Oscar de la Renta’s pre-fall 2012 collection.

His line includes a chic strapless coral gown that will accentuate her alabaster skin and red hair.

Its sweet he ar t neck line and a flowing skirt will shine beautifully as flashbulbs capture her look on the ultimate red carpet.

next year, if you can. This way, you won’t have to put up with superiors you hate.

Question: Dear Ana, I am a graduating (I hope) senior and I need to find a job. But I'm not sure about moving away from the local area (like moving out of state) to find one because that is what I know.

Also, I don't want to leave a lot of the friends I've made over the last few years. What should I do?

Unsure Senior

Answer: Dear Unsure, I bet you felt this way (like all seniors do) whenever you were about to graduate high school.

But that worked out fine for you, didn’t it? These transitions are always scary and difficult.

Graduating from college can feel more daunting compared to high school, because of the whole idea of going out into the real world and getting a grown up job.

Try your best to find a job in the area first – a good job related to your degree, of course. I worry about this myself and try to console myself with the fact that our campus is by a larger city: Pittsburgh.

It’ll make the transition easier to start somewhere more local. However, the Steel City isn’t always the prime choice for a specific job field, and then you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Social media like Facebook make the transition easier because you can keep in contact with friends when you’re a long distance away. It’ll take time, but try to start your job search locally.

Dear Loyal, If you really loved it, then you’d suck it up and stick with it. If there’s something about it that you don’t like, then get more involved. The more involved you are, the more likely you’ll be in a position to fix said problem.

Student clubs change year to year because of graduating members exiting and new members entering. The chemistry of your club will surely change in the fall, for "Ana Graham" is a senior better or for worse. public relations major and I’d suggest a mixture of a regular contributor to The sucking it up and trying to gain Rocket. a higher position in the club

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Emma Stone is known to turn heads on the red carpet with her dazzling sense of style.

Having made an appearance at the Golden Globes in a Lanvin dress, Stone is expected to steal the spotlight in fashion at the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony.

The Academy Awards are the ultimate fashion stage during awards show season, and the actresses attending this year’s ceremony need to take cues from the spring 2012 runways when choosing their looks.

Bright hues, pastels, and sequins are all smart choices for these fashionable leading ladies.

If Woodley, Williams, and Stone choose gowns from these three collections, they will definitely be guaranteed spots on multiple best dressed lists following the Academy Awards ceremony.

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

Campus Life

February 10, 2012

C-3

Students share their talent, passion at Soul Café night Continued from Page C-1

encouragement to those hoping to one day grace the Soul Café stage.

“If you want to get up and perform, just do it,” Foster said. “People are going to walk away from the performance saying ‘Hey remember that girl?’ That might not be the case if you’re just sitting in the audience though. Share your talent and what you have!”

Foster said he hopes SRU students will continue to carry on the Soul Café tradition after he graduates.

“And I hope they do it even better than me,” Foster said. “I hope they continue the show in years to come

and I hope it gets better every year!”

Foster said that student involvement is everything when it comes to the Soul Café. He spoke for past and present performers.

“Sometimes we would have a guest artist perform,” Foster said. “And that was nice, but a lot of students were complaining that they sang too many songs and they didn’t have much time to perform their own acts. So this Soul Café was all about the students showcasing their talents and we had a lot of that.”

One of the performers Wednesday evening, junior English literature major and women’s studies minor, Jacqueline Garland, 21, said she

really enjoyed performing on stage at the event and alongside the other performers highlighted that evening.

“I loved how very diverse the show was,” Garland said. “I still wish it was more diverse, but I really appreciated the feeling of community with all the performers and with the audience.

And I really enjoyed all the talent that was presented.”

Garland said she was very excited to be performing in the show, not once, but twice. Her first performance was a poem she read by Jill Scott, titled “Womanifesto.”

“I felt like this poem was my inner me,” Garland said. “So I wanted to appear confident and very strong in

my delivery. The poem is about being more than just your body and I really wanted to portray that.”

Garland’s second performance, and the final performance of the evening was her rendition of “Beautiful Surprise” originally sung

by India Arie.

“This song is was very sentimental,” Garland said. “So I wanted to show my softer side with this performance.”

Garland said she enjoyed her time spent with the Soul Café and she hopes to continue getting more involved.

Co-emcee and senior public relations major Jasmine Cleveland, 22, said she had a great time

helping Foster with the Soul Café and watching all the performers showcase their talents.

“Everybody did something really different,” Cleveland said. “It was really cool watching everyone! The show included a lot of talent you wouldn’t normally expect.”

Cleveland said she was glad she helped to emcee the event and believed it would be a great experience for her in her public relations studies.

“The show was so awesome and we had a lot of involvement and unique performances,” Cleveland said. “I hope students continue to come out and show us what they have to offer.”

Anxiety, depression motivations for self-harm Chinese culture brought to SRU Continued from Page C-1

“Sometimes it is about getting more in touch with the urges to do that and finding other methods of coping,” Cubero said. “Coping skills training can sometimes be assisting in that way. The behavior is placed with some other way of coping. Students can recognize when they may be getting close to doing that and practice different behaviors. That can be an option.”

Self-injury can also be treated similarly to the treatment of alcoholism or drugaddiction. There are even 12-Step groups for self-injury, according to Cubero.

“It depends on the clinician’s background,” he said. “My background is in addiction counseling and I sometimes will look at it in terms of craving and desire to cut and the urge. Just like there’s a desire to use a drug or alcohol to escape or whatever reason that would be.”

Dr. Cubero also said that the motivations for self-injury can be similar to other self-destructive behaviors, such as eating disorders.

“It can be a control type of thing,” he said. “The control thing comes up for me when I work with people who have eating disorders. Like the one thing in their life that they have power over is what they put

into their body. In that same sense is the one thing I have power over is what I do to my body. So that relationship could be there for individuals too.”

Dr. Cubero concluded that while the behavior of self-injury may be easily recognized, there is no easy answer for the causes and motivations of the behavior.

“Sometimes it’s related to a mood or a depressive symptom,” he said.” Sometime it’s anxiety related. And sometimes it’s not related to either of those. It’s very individualized and even though I know some things about it and directions it can go, I reallly need to talk to that person and see what it means for them.”

Continued from Page C-1

Zhang said. “Watching television, eating a big dinner and exchanging Hongbao is what the first day of New Years would mostly consist of. Since Chinese New Year normally lasts about 15 days, sometime during the week I would probably go see the lion dance and dragon dance performances.”

Dr. Pu said when it comes to celebrating the new year, she prefers to travel back to China to celebrate with loved ones.

“In China, most homes receive a week off of the daily tasks they do, such as work and school, and bring in the New Year with all relatives, close and distant,” Pu said.

Describing American students as “deprived from Chinese culture,” Pu added that students should take the time to learn some points of the Chinese culture.

Zhang said he doesn’t think it’s necessarily a good idea to press American students into learning about the Chinese culture.

“I don’t feel that anyone in America really cares about Chinese culture simply because they don’t have to,” Zhang said. He added that the best way for students to truly understand the culture is to travel to China and experience it for themselves.

Although she doesn’t expect American students to celebrate China’s many different holidays and traditions, Pu said to give SRU students a chance to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the CCA is having a New Year celebration at the Slippery Rock Community Center Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

“I would love to see all the students come out and support,” Pu said, with a large smile on her face. “It’s going to be a great time, with great food and a learning experience for all. Everyone is welcome!”

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February 10, 2012