2/5/16 Digital Edition

the rocket

Friday February 5, 2016 • Volume 99, Issue Number 14 • An Independent, Student-Run Newspaper

www.theonlinerocket.com

Men's basketball holds on to beat Fighting Scots

By Cody Nespor Assistant Sports Editor

he Rock men's basketball team had T a big boost to its post-season hopes as the team came away with a fivepoint victory over Edinboro at home Wednesday night.

SEE SRU PAGE c-4

Senior guard Abdul King drives against an Edinboro defender during The Rock's 79-74 victory Wednesday night. King finised as SRU's second highest scorer with 13 points.

Majority of SRU students intend to vote in election

By Chris Gordon Assistant News Editor

SGA to host 'Student Safety Week' to prepare students for active shooters

By Haley Barnes News Editor

On February 2 and 3, a survey of 99 students was conducted, 79 of whom were in American national government and 20 of whom were in public speaking, and found that 56 percent had registered to vote. Of those who hadn't registered, 82 percent said they intend to do so.

In terms of intent to vote, 52 percent said they plan on voting in the presidential primaries, the portion of the election cycle when political parties choose a nominee for the general election. Twentyeight percent of respondents said they might vote in the primaries and 20 percent said they would not. According to Real Clear Politics, the Pennsylvania primary will be held on April 26 and will be a closed election, meaning only those who have registered with a political party may vote in that party's primary.

SEE PROFESSOR PAGE A-2

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

The Student Government Association (SGA) of Slippery Rock University plans to host a "Student Safety Week" after spring break to prepare students in the event that an active shooter would come on campus.

On Jan. 27, SGA polled students from their Twitter account asking students if they would feel prepared if an active shooter came on campus and 86 percent of the 170 students that responded to the poll said they would not feel prepared.

Jessica Johnson, Vice President of SGA Internal Affairs and senior political science major, said that SGA tweeted the question to gauge the need to prepare students and she said that the results were disappointing.

"We are in a bubble here where we feel so safe," she said.

Johnson said the event of an active shooter coming onto campus is very unlikely as the town of Slippery Rock has noted safety ratings, but that after the armed robbery that occurred at The Grove last semester, SGA discussed with the SRU administration and both parties felt it was best to prepare students, as the university does not have jurisdiction over off-campus incidents.

SGA Commuter Senator and sophomore business

management major Abby Fugh is head of "Student Safety Week."

"The reason I joined SGA is because I'm very concerned with student safety," Fugh said.

She said she feels it is really important for students to be prepared when in the face of danger.

"You think you'd know what you'd do, but when it actually happens, you really don't [know]," she said.

Johnson explained that the campus police used to offer a program called Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.), which was a self-defense class offered to women to develop their defensive skills against various types of assault. She said that R.A.D. is not offered anymore because there was not enough interest in the program.

Johnson said that during "Student Safety Week," SGA would like to offer the R.A.D. program to students, as well as presentations and live scenarios for students to develop their self-defense skills. She hopes that one day self-defense can be incorporated into the Weekend of Welcome and FYRST seminar.

Millenial Votes Are Essential

Athlete Of The Month

A contributor weighs in on how millenial votes are essential to the 2016 election.

Page B-2

Track and field junior JJ Ollio was voted The Rocket's January Athlete of the Month.

Page C-3

SEE TECHNOLOGY PAGE A-2

"Grease: Live" Is The Word A Rocket staffer reviews FOX's live rendition of the original televised musical.

Page D-3

NEWS

A-2

February 5, 2016

Professor encourages students to vote Continued from Page A-1

P

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

As for the general election, 67 percent said they would vote, 22 percent said they might vote and 11 percent said they would not vote. According to Real Clear Politics, the general election, when Americans will choose a new president and Congress, will be held on November 8.

The vast majority of those registered, 91 percent, said they were registered to vote in their hometowns, while seven percent were registered in Slippery Rock and one percent were registered elsewhere.

Itzi Meztli, an assistant professor of English at SRU who is involved with campus voter drives, said those who are registered in their hometowns are unlikely to vote.

"The primary and general election are on school days," he said. "If those students want to vote they either have to go home or send in an absentee ballot.

I don't think they'll send in an absentee ballot."

Those who registered described several common reasons for doing so, including having a voice in government, fulfilling a requirement for a class, satisfying family members and upholding American civic duties.

Another respondent said they received a voter registration form as a birthday gift from their teacher, prompting them to register.

A third respondents cited government debt as their reason for registering.

"I registered because this election is extremely important," they said. "The national debt is extremely high and government spending is through the roof."

Those who haven't registered attributed their status to a busy schedule, a lack of knowledge or interest in politics or having just turned 18 this election cycle.

"Honestly, I feel like the importance of voting isn't advertised enough," one respondent said.

Another cited family habit as their reason for not registering.

"My parents have never been registered, so I don't

feel a need to either," they said.

Meztli said the problem with campus voter registration is that there is no student organization that does registration drives.

"The deadline to register to vote in the primary is March 26," he said. "I usually do voter registration drives outside the library, but I don't think anyone will want to set up a table in February."

However, Meztli said students will vote if they can.

"Every four years, during the presidential election, we have a swell of students who go out and vote," he said.

Of those surveyed, 39 percent identified as Democrats, 36 percent were Republicans, 14 percent were independents, one percent were Libertarian and nine percent were unsure which party they sided with. This runs contrary to national averages, where 42 percent identify as independent, 29 percent are Democrats and 26 percent are Republican, according to a Gallup poll published on January 11.

"Many students don't know what the issues are or who to vote for," Meztli said. "You have to engage them, convince them to vote, and they'll decide closer to the election."

In an effort to achieve a representative sample, , two liberal studies classes were selcected to eliminate college major as a variable. The variable of age was also limited, as younger students primarily make up American national government classes and older students primarily make up Public Speaking.

However, these results should be seen as primarily anecdotal in nature.

Exit polls from Monday's Iowa caucus released

by NBC illustrate the significance of the youth vote.

Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were virtually tied, with Sanders receiving 84 percent of the vote from those under age 29 and Clinton performing better with older voters.

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz won his caucus while carrying the under 29 vote, but with a narrower margin than Sanders.

Technology, protocols ensure safety of campus community Continued from Page A-1

INDEX

"I think self-defense is Sports...................C-1 pretty important," Johnson said.

Campus Life.............D-1 Rita Abent, executive director of communication and public affairs for the university, said that in the event of an on-campus emergency, there are several precautions that are utilized to inform students.

"The first step in any Newsroom: 220 Eisenberg Building emergency is to assess the (724) 738-4438 Slippery Rock threat to the health and Advertising: University welfare of the campus," she (724) 738-2643 Slippery Rock, PA said. "In the case of an active shooter, the university police Fax: 16057 would assess the situation (724) 738-4896 and communicate to us Email: the appropriate message rocket.letters@sru.edu to communicate to the university community."

She said that the message Nationally recognized as one would be communicated of the top 10 four-year weekly broadsheet newspapers by the through the Metis Alarm Associated Collegiate Press. systems in all of the academic buildings. "[The Metis Alar m systems] can push an audio alert advising occupants of the building of the situation and the action to take," Abent explained. "We have

Blotter.................A-4 Opinion................B-1 Comics...................D-4

CONTACT US

a variety of messages prerecorded so that they can be broadcasted immediately."

She said that students would also be notified through fire alarm voice systems in non-academic buildings and the e2Campus text alerts, as well as alerts through RockMail, www. sru.edu, the SRU Facebook page and Twitter account.

"We would also notify the media so that any safety information or directions could be distributed via regular media channels," Abent said.

Abent noted that every depar tment within the university has designated emergency plans for staff to deal with the emergencies.

She explained that these pl ans are c o ord i n ate d through Paul Novak, the health and safety director.

Novak said that there is no clear-cut protocol in the event of an active shooter on campus. “The active shooter is kind of a unique thing and there is no step-by-step recipe to follow,� he said. "If you can

get yourself out, that's the ideal thing to do."

Novak s aid t hat t he protocol comes down to the individual and what they feel safe doing in the event of an active shooter. He said the ideal protocol is to get away from the shooter as fast as possible and hide in a safe area.

"It's not as simple as doing step one, step two, step three because you're faced with danger," he said.

Novak is partnering with SGA for the "Student Safety Week," to help prepare students for these types of dangerous situations.

"I'm happy to do it with SGA so I can get it out to the students," he said.

Fu g h e x pl ai n e d t h at she is trying to have as many organizations as possible partner with SGA to spread the word about the importance of danger awareness on-campus and off-campus. She said she wants to leave students with as many resources as possible.

NEWS

February 5, 2016

A-3

POLICE BLOTTER Campus

January 31- Emily George, 19, was charged with an alcohol violation.

violation.

Borough

January 29- Justin Foster was arrested for underage drinking at Sheetz.

January 28- Theodor Groeger, 18, was charged with disorderly January 24- Alexandria Guerico January 30- A resident was conduct after a Rhoads Hall CA January 31- Andrew Grove, was arrested for public drunkenness assaulted while arriving at their called police for the smell of 18, was charged with an alcohol along South Main Street.

Elm Street home. marijuana. violation.

January 28- Jessica Sabo, 19, was January 31- Baylee Lucas, 19, was charged with disorderly conduct charged with an alcohol violation. after a Building E CA called police for the smell of marijuana.

January 31- Morgan McCaslin, 18, was charged with an alcohol January 31- Brandon Critchlow, violation.

19, was charged with an alcohol violation.

January 31- John Roach, 19, was charged with an alcohol violation.

January 31- Sarah Depew, 18, was charged with an alcohol violation.

January 31- Anthoney Werth, 18, was charged with an alcohol

January 24- Joseph Long and January 31- Darrion Frisby was Todd Ruggiero were arrested for arrested for public drunkenness underage drinking along Cornish along Cornish Drive.

Drive.

February 2- A hit and run was January 28- Devin Thorpe was reported at Towers Hall. arrested for public drunkenness along Highland Avenue.

February 2- Samantha Dailey was arrested for theft at Giant Eagle.

January 28- A vehicle caught fire in the parking lot of Martha Rose Apartments.

Compiled by Chris Gordon

Newly-launched virtual tour showcases SRU campus

By Daniel DiFabio Rocket Contributor

A newly-launched interactive virtual tour shows off the Slippery Rock University campus to prospective students.

Kayla Hersperger, an online design and communication specialist for Slippery Rock University, said the tour is primarily used for people at home to view the campus.

“One of our strategies is to increase our international recruitment, and the tour helps because they can’t always come to campus,” Hersperger said.

The virtual tour is also for out-of-state students or anyone who is considering SRU, she said.

Hersperger said that data and research show that students make their decision after seeing the campus, and she hopes the virtual tour will inspire more students to register for visitation

programs.

Development started when the SRU chose the virtual tour company YouVisit to work with their ideas. Photos were taken of the campus and scripts were made, and then they went through revision. Hersperger then added videos and additional photos to each tour stop to give the full picture of each stop. The last part of the process consisted of installing code on areas with high web traffic to direct to the tour. The virtual tour went live on the SRU website Jan. 29.

The tour is self-guided, allowing users to pick which buildings they want to visit.

“If there’s somebody who comes to the campus and wants to tour not during admission hours [they] can actually pull up the tour on their phone and it will walk them around campus,” Hersperger said.

The buildings shown on the tour were chosen based on what programs they housed and if they were recently renovated.

“There’s also plans to enhance the graduate tour to show the new physician assistant facility that is being built,” Hersperger said.

“As new majors come in every year, we’ll be enhancing the tour and making it better and showcasing what the university has to offer.”

Hersperger said that Google Cardboard, a virtual reality tool used with a mobile phone, will be used during high school visits to help students experience being on campus. The tour can be downloaded from app stores, with the virtual reality using panoramas of the campus. Hersperger said one recruitment tactic being worked on is to mail prospective students Google Cardboard branded with SRU logos, so they can use their phones and start the tour right from their house.

“We’re hoping that this tour helps our recruitment efforts,” Hersperger said. “Our big push is to get students on campus and showcase the SRU experience.”

No security deposits!

4 different locations - South Rock Apts. on Keister Road or South Rock Drive, Stone Crest Apts., & Main Street Apts.

2, 3 or 4 bedroom floor-plans Over 180 apartments to choose from Cable, internet, water, & trash included Stove, microwave, dishwasher, disposal, fridge, washer & dyer included* BRAND NEW! On-site laundry facilities at Main St. location Sofa, love seat, coffee & end tables, TV stand, twin or full size beds, dresser, desk, & night stand included* BRAND NEW! Living room furniture at South Rock!

Not all units furnished at Main St. location 24-hour emergency maintenance Professional on-site management Close proximity to SRU campus Direct-wired smoke detectors Fire extinguishers in each unit Access to Clubhouse Handicap apartments available On-site parking Close to SGA bus stop

O

OPINION

Our View

Trans people deserve more respect

OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 99, Number 14

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

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

EDITORIAL BOARD Janelle Wilson

Editor-in-Chief

Haley Barnes

News Editor

Amber Cannon

Campus Life Editor

Ryan Barlow

GRAPHIC BY KENDALL SCOTT / THE ROCKET

Sports Editor

Rebecca Dietrich Victoria Davis

Photo Editor Copy/ Web Editor

Chris Gordon

Assistant News Editor

Emma Pfeifer

Assist. Campus Life Editor

Cody Nespor

Assistant Sports Editor

Kendall Scott

Assistant Photo Editor

Amanda Salvia

Assist. Copy/Web Editor

Emily Brown

Multimedia Reporter

Mark Zeltner

Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Karleigh Santry

Advertising Manager

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

The Rocket receives approximately 5 percent of its funding from the SGA Student Activity fee paid each semester by students. All other income is provided through the sale of advertising.

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

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

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

Gender isn’t something most of us have to think about. More often than not, biological sex and gender identity are a package deal, keeping most of us content with the X or Y we received at conception and the category we were placed in at birth.

But this isn’t always the case. An increasingly visible group within society feels as if nature made a mistake, and sex and gender identity don’t align. Oftentimes, these people are forced to live a painful lie or face discrimination and hate for simply acting themselves.

As journalists, we are accustomed to asking others how they feel, not dictating how they should feel. This is why The Rocket staff believes more should be done to promote transgender acceptance across campus and throughout the world.

The first step is to acknowledge that sex is a measurable thing, but gender isn’t. Sex is your anatomical alignment, but gender is how you feel. For this reason, we should address individuals based on how they feel instead of how they appear.

Many transgender individuals dread the first day of class, as their professors discover a name on the roster that doesn’t fit the individual in front of them. Many, if not most, professors will gladly call a student by their preferred name, but selfdisclosure to someone you don’t know can be an uncomfortable experience. Therefore, Slippery Rock University should have a system to allow transgender

individuals to identify as their chosen names throughout SRU’s system, alleviating that first awkward encounter many trans students have with their professors.

Of course, we should also respect the pronouns a student chooses to use. Someone who was born female, but identifies as male, is correctly called “he.” Likewise, transwomen, though biologically male, should be called “she.” If someone’s gender or pronoun preference are unclear, simply say “they” until you have the information to make a more accurate description. Sometimes, “they” will be the most accurate pronoun, as some believe that gender is a social construct and some choose to exist outside of this idea. Some sway back and forth between “he” and “she” and some identify as both at once.

We acknowledge that this distinction may seem confusing to some, but understanding the issue isn’t nearly as important as a willingness to learn about it. When it comes to pronoun use, when in doubt, just politely ask.

Genuine respect for identity goes further than language, though.

If an institution embraces the way students choose to describe themselves, yet prohibits them from grouping themselves with others who describe themselves the same way, that is blatant disrespect. For this reason, Slippery Rock University should use gender, not sex, as a means of grouping people. If a transwoman feels more comfortable using the

In the Quad

women’s restroom, there should be no issue. Likewise, students should be permitted to live with a member of the gender they identify with in all university housing. Fraternities and sororities should embrace anyone who wishes to join their organization. Even sports teams should not be segregated based on sex. After all, the purpose of sports is to have a good time, something everyone is capable of.

Respect means providing equal care as well. Financial stress is common among students of every demographic, but it can be an even greater concern for students who are transgender. Many trans students who have chosen to transition into the sex they feel they are juggle the costs of tuition, books, housing, food and something most of us take for granted, hormones.

Hormone replacement is often necessary for the students’ emotional well-being and, once it has started, stopping can have significant medical consequences as well. For this reason, the Health Center on all campuses should be able to provide hormone supplements to trans students who have started hormone replacement, but, due to their financial situation, cannot continue it.

Transgender issues have just come under the spotlight in recent years, but now that these individuals have recognition, it’s important that respect for them comes as well.

This week’s question: Are you registered to vote in Slippery Rock? Which party are you affiliated with?

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

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.

Aaron Carr Junior Integrated Marketing Communication Major Erie, Pennsylvania “Yes, I’m registered and I’m a Democrat.”

Willy Bortmas Sophomore Safety Management Major Butler, Pennsylvania

Zach Sampson Junior Business Management Major Rochester, NY

“I’m registered and I’m a Republican.”

“Yes, I’m registered and I’m an Independent.“

OPINION

B-2

February 5, 2015

QUESTION OF

THE WEEK @SRURocket

Millenial votes are essential to the electorate

Commentary Dylan Vamosi is a senior secondary social studies education and

The recent Iowa caucus made me re alize how imp or t ant millennials have become to the electorate. The tight Democratic race between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, in particular, signified a galvanized, competitive, but torn party.

Though Sanders ultimately lost, voters between the ages of 18 and 29 favored Sanders over Clinton by 70 percent. This is

important because it shows a newly-excited voting block.

Historically, however, this group is not particularly active with voting. Per a 2014 U.S. Census Bureau survey, only 23 percent of the 18-to-34 age block considered t hems elves to b e “voters.”

One problem is that our current voting registration process is cumbersome in many states -discouraging possible voters who fall into the 18-29 age block. The application process normally entails a paper application that must be sent in the mail.

Luckily, Pennsylvania has now made online registration possible.

Simply google “voter registration online in Pennsylvania,” complete the simple form and to allow yourself to be heard. Even if a person intends to abstain from vot ing dur ing a p ar t ic u lar election, it is important for him or her to be registered. What is there to lose? Far too often do I notice peers of mine who only become encouraged to vote after the registration deadline has

occurred; many people do not feel the pressure or urgency associated with an election until it is too late.

There is plenty of time to register now, and the process has only become easier. Register to vote not because of how you are feeling currently, but how you may feel in the future.

In other words, the opportunity cost to register is miniscule, but the opportunity cost to not register could be huge.

One argument contends that those who do not monitor politics should not concern themselves with voting. This has been used before as a talking point by pundits like John Stossel. The argument implies that ignorant voters hurt the political process because they do not understand complex political issues or topics. College students, unsurprisingly, are often lumped into this category.

Ironically, however, politics dominate the lives of many college students -- and the influence is obvious on the individual basis: politicians decide the

existence of public educational institutions, requirements for licensing, eligibility for loans and grants and other forms of s cho oling and training.

There is good reason for college students to be more involved politically. Therefore, the first logical step to becoming involved is by registering to vote. I do not yet understand why more states have not taken the initiative to automatically register citizens to vote as soon as they turn 18.

Doing so would save paper, time, and frustration for state officials and voters. In addition, voters could opt out of voting if they do not feel particularly attached to an election.

Automatic registration would ensure that prospective voters are not barred from civic engagement.

Alas, we must accommodate if we are to paint a more accurate pic ture of public opinion.

Therefore, consider the pro g re s s Pe n ns y l v an i a h a s made by registering to vote online. What is there to lose?

Psychedelic drugs should be used to treat mental illness

Joseph Szalinski Commentary

Joseph Szalinski is a senior creative writing and professional writing major

Two things that are incredibly stigmatized in this country are mental illness and psychedelic substances. While the stigma surrounding mental illness is ridiculously unwarranted, there are some more concrete reasons as to why psychedelics are vilified in our society. In America, psychedelics are synonymous with drug use, and invariably, drug addicts. This couldn’t be further from the truth because psychedelic substances are not inherently addictive, not to mention that the mentality for taking psychedelics is starkly different from taking any sort of other recreational adulterant.

Psychedelics have a rocky legacy, which

is mostly why the negative association with them persists today. Initially introduced by psychotherapists and other kinds of scientists, psychedelics were heralded as a major steppingstone in mental health treatment; anything from substance abuse, to marital problems, to depression, anxiety, OCD, and any other sort of mental malady, seemed as if psychedelics could remedy it.

Unfortunately, the history of these wonderful tools was sabotaged and co-opted by those just looking for recreation. Granted, psychedelics possibly can assist one in self-awakening, artistic inspiration, or what have you, but the most beneficial application for these substances, is as medicine.

Currently, psychedelic research is stymied by bureaucratic nonsense, outdated propaganda, and those with allegiances to institutions/ organizations that would suffer if psychedelics became available for those who need them.

Although research is pretty much at a standstill, trials are performed here and there, each one producing positive results. Whether these trials aim to ease a person’s suffering while he or she deals with a terminal illness, or used for helping soldiers cope with the effects of PTSD, the data being collected shows promising potential for psychedelics.

Granted, the counter-culture association with psychedelics needs to be forgotten about, but this can only happen when everyone recognizes how lifesaving certain psychedelics

can be, if administered properly.

I’m not proposing full scale legalization of psychedelics, as people shouldn’t have open access to these medicines, but if one needs a more controversial alternative to a typical pharmaceutical given to him or her by his or her doctor, then said person should have the right to explore every option possible.

The more we learn about the brain, and the way chemicals interact with it, the better equipped we are at dealing with mental health problems whenever we are faced with them.

While erasing the stigma of mental illness seems like an easier feat, removing the stigma surrounding psychedelics, and the research of them, is equally as paramount. If isolated and infrequent trials can already provide such promising discoveries, then who knows how many people can be helped if the present restrictions are lifted?

Disclaimer The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors on The Rocket opinion pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Rocket or The Rocket staff

B-3

February 5, 2016

classifieds HIRING

REGISTRAR NEEDED for conference center. 30 hr/ week for person with gift of hospitality and computer/data entry skills. Send resume to bangelini@pghpresbytery.org

C

COMICS Sharing Stalls

By Molly Huey

COMICS

Today's Birthday (02/05/16). Teamwork beats stiff competition this year. Profitable new opportunities bloom (after 3/8), inspiring new adventures (after 3/23). A two-year exploration phase (after 9/9) includes travels, studies and discovery. A windfall (after 9/1) shifts your financial priorities (after 9/16).

Network and collaborate for love.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Take new territory. There's a professional test. Advance by creating harmony where there was none. Focus closely and intentionally. New income is possible, or a delightful discovery. Follow your grandmother's advice and win.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Where do you want to go? Make long-term plans and reservations to your budget. Save up. Research for value. Sort out your resources. You have more than expected. Set it up so you can explore.

Molly Huey is a freshman dance and communication major from Warren, Pennsylvania

Best in Show

By Phil Juliano

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Discuss shared finances. Set priorities and strategize.

Figure out the budget for desired changes. Act on a passionate impulse. Close a deal or sign papers.

Make sure the numbers balance. Enjoy a private moment.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Work with a partner. Compromise and negotiate to refine the plan. Don't be afraid if you don't know how. Start a new phase in your relationship. Listen graciously.

Speak your heart. Take turns.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Get moving!

Work is especially busy, and demand is on the rise.

A profitable opportunity requires quick action. Do what you love. Share your talents. Put creativity into your work and it pays.

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Someone nearby sure looks good. Enjoy the game, without expensive risks. Let your sweetheart set the schedule.

Create harmony by listening for it. You're developing a new perspective. Choose family. Play together.

Make beautiful music.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Make changes at home. Upgrades improve family comfort and harmony. Make an amazing discovery about someone you thought you knew. Dig and uncover surprises. The more you learn, the less you know.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Your concentration is especially keen. Study and learn.

Read, write and publish. Speak out for an unexpected bonus. Track your earnings, to increase them. Make long-term plans, truing your course toward passion and compassion.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Take advantage of a profitable opportunity. Track numbers as you go. Break through to the next level. Someone's inspired. Your greatest strength is love. Blend it into your work and it pays.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- You can make it happen. Take control. Plan out steps and prioritize. Challenge assumptions. Try a different power tactic. Make a personal change. Give up something. Follow a hunch. Discover a new side of yourself.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 6 -- The mood seems pensive. Pay attention to dreams. Enjoy peace and quiet. Travel is better another day. Share your brilliant idea with someone trusted. Success comes through diversity. Make long-term plans for prosperity and health.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Group and community projects combine fun with productivity. Cooperation sends things farther, faster. Your team is hot. A professional opportunity arises in your network. Advance your career by assuming responsibility. Get expert support.

(Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Black's legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @lindablack.

For more astrological interpretations visit Linda Black Horoscopes and www.nancyblack.com) (c)2015 bY NANCY BLACK. DISTRIBUTED

BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

B-5

February 5 , 2016

Are you tired of rising tuition and fees at Slippery Rock? Of not being able to get into the courses and programs you want to study? Join us to stand up for your future.

NOON2 P.M. FEB. 8 • STATE CAPITOL, HARRISBURG Students, alumni, and faculty members from Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities will join the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties to advocate for fair funding for the Commonwealth’s state-owned universities.

STUDY GUIDE: EAT: FREE lunch will be provided.

WEAR: Campus colors and gear BRING (optional): University pennants and appropriate handmade signs.

APSCUF.org

R.S.V.P.: Visit our event page at Facebook.com/APSCUF. SPREAD THE WORD: Use hashtag #fundorfail and tell your friends to get on the bus.

GET THERE: FREE transportation will

facebook.com/APSCUF

APSCUF

APSCUF (Contribute to our rally story!)

SATURDAY, FEB. 6, 2016, 2 AND 6:30 P.M.

SC AN T H E H N I NG ORIZO N

SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS

@APSCUF

be provided from your campus. Email Helen Staiger at hstaiger@apscuf.org to reserve your seat. Visit APSCUF.org/ students for your departure time and location.

DETAILS: APSCUF.org/students

THE SUCCOP THEATER BUTLER COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GENERAL ADMISSION $15 $10 FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS AND CHILDREN

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE SMITH STUDENT CENTER INFORMATION DESK OR BY CALLING 724.738.4926

Experience The Difference www.sru.edu Slippery Rock University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Dance 9297 12-2015

S SPORTS

INSIDE SPORTS

Athlete of the Month

Women's Track

Junior track and field thrower JJ Ollio was voted as The Rocket's January Athlete of the Month.

The women's track team set 14 PSAC provisional marks at the SPIRE Midwest Open.

See Page C-3

See Page C-3

Edinboro outlasts Rock women

KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET

Junior guard Lexi Carpenter looks to go inside against the Edinboro defense on Wednesday. Carpenter averages 16.1 points this season along with 4.5 assists per game.

Slippery Rock loses key defender in 78-70 loss

By Ryan Barlow Sports Editor

A late rally in the fourth quarter to cut a 13-point lead to just five points in a 23-second span was not enough for Rock women's basketball (11-11 overall, 7-9 PSAC) to overcome Edinboro (16-7 overall, 11-6 PSAC) in a 78-70 loss at home Wednesday evening.

According to Rock head coach Bobby McGraw, the team had to intentionally foul the Fighting Scots in the final minute to try and cut their lead down.

"A strategic move like that is no fun to watch, but at the same time we cut eight points off their lead in 28 seconds," McGraw said. "The team never quit, but that loss is tough because now our game this upcoming Saturday is an absolute must-win."

Despite almost coming back from behind, SRU's biggest loss of the game came just seconds before the first half ended as junior guard Audrey Stapleton went down what appeared to be a significant knee injury.

"Audrey is such a tremendous shooter but people don't realize just how good of a defender she really is," McGraw said. "Depending on the type of defensive situation, she's arguably our best defender. It's a huge loss. You always hear the term 'next woman up' and we have women sitting our bench that have been itching to get into games.

KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET

Junior guard Audrey Stapleton drives to basket against Edinboro Wednesday evening. Stapleton suffered an apparent knee injury at the end of the first half which The Rock coaching staff fears could end her season.

SEE WOMEN'S, PAGE C-2

SPORTS

C-2

February 5, 2016

4x400 victory highlights men's track at SPIRE Men's Basketball 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Indiana (PA.)* Mercyhurst Edinboro Pitt-Johnstown Clarion slippery rock Seton Hill california (pa.)

Gannon

17-5 (14-3) 15-6 (12-5) 12-8 (11-6) 14-7 (10-6) 11-12 (8-9) 12-10 (7-9) 8-12 (6-10) 7-16 (4-13) 5-15 (4-13)

*Clinched PSAC Tournament berth

Upcoming games at Sat. Feb. 6, Seton Hill University, 3 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN PAPA

Junior sprinter Jacob VanHouton competes at SRU's Dave Labor Invitational last season. VanHouton was part of SRU's winning 4x400 relay team at the SPIRE Midwest Open.

at

By Cameron Bildhauer Rocket Contributor

Wed. Feb. 10, California University, 7:30 p.m.

Women's Basketball 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

California (PA.) Indiana (PA.) Gannon Edinboro Mercyhurst Seton Hill Slippery Rock Clarion Pitt-Johnstown

15-5 (13-4) 15-6 (12-5) 14-7 (12-5) 16-7 (11-6) 11-12 (9-8) 12-10 (8-8) 11-11 (7-9) 7-16 (7-10) 7-15 (4-12)

Upcoming games at

The Slippery Rock men’s indoor track and field team recorded 20 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) qualifying marks, eight topfive finishes and three event wins on Saturday at the SPIRE Midwest Open at the SPIRE Institute.

Head coach John Papa was satisfied with the sprints, team relay and pole vault competitors.

Junior Jacob VanHouten, graduate student Monte Chapman, sophomore James Chandler and sophomore Caleb Smithco won the 4x400-meter relay with a time of 3:18.05, just shy of the NCAA provisional mark of 3:17.5.

Senior Ryan Thompson earned a first-place finish in the mile with a time of 4:15.81, following it up by placing sixth in the 800-meter run with a PSAC qualifying time of 1:56.91.

“Ryan had an outstanding effort in the mile and was a great impact for the team,” Papa said.

Senior Marcus Carter also picked up a first-place finish with a leap of 6.87 meters in the long jump, the fourth best in the PSAC this year.

Carter recently joined the track team this semester after finishing his SRU football career in the fall.

“The multi-sport athletes are not tough to manage,” Papa said.

Slippery Rock also got top-five finishes from freshman Collin Darby, VanHouten, junior Tyler

Women's basketball faces a must-win situation Saturday Continued from Page C 1

Sat. Feb. 6, Seton Hill University, 1 p.m.

vs Wed. Feb. 10, California University, 5:30 P.M.

Standings as of Thurs.Feb. 4 at 3:02 p.m.

Palenchak and sophomore Andrew Koksal.

Darby placed fourth in the 60-meter dash in 7.00 seconds and followed that up by placing fifth in the 200-meter dash in 22.13 seconds.

“We are getting better as weeks go on,” Papa said.

“Barring any significant injuries, we are going to go to the PSAC Championships and compete with every team there.”

Palenchak placed third in the 800-meter with a time of 156.36 and Koksal placed fifth in the pole vault with a clearance of 4.58 meters.

VanHouten took fourth place in the 600-meter dash in 1:23.77.

Jeremy Parsons was the only male from Slippery Rock to compete in the Penn State National Invite on Friday.

Parsons finished the 5,000-meter run in 10th place with a time of 15:17.85.

“We need to develop some consistency to develop quality marks time and time again,” Papa said.

“Some guys haven’t had their season bests yet so we are looking forward to that as a team.”

The Rock will be back in action this weekend at Youngstown State University for the YSU National Invite Friday and Saturday.

“We hope to leave this weekend healthy and with everybody having a good outlook on the rest of the season,” Papa said.

Krista Pietropola is going to have to fill Audrey's spot offensively for us. Defensively, we'll probably have to switch to a zone."

Sophomore Ciara Patterson drilled four three pointers from beyond the three-point arc to lead The Rock in scoring with 19 points. Junior guard Lexi Carpenter scored 15 while leading the team in assists with four. Senior forward Megan Hardiman scored 11 points while shooting perfect from the foul line in six attempts.

Freshman forward Morgan Henderson scored 10 points as well, her second-highest scoring total in her short career thus far at The Rock.

Although Slippery Rock held the Fighting Scots to a 33.3 percent field goal percentage, Edinboro scored 36 points from the foul line.

In fact, SRU shot a higher percentage from the field at 40.4 percent, along with shooting 43.8 percent from three-point territory.

"There was definitely an issue with how many times we allowed them to get to the free

throw line," McGraw said. "At the end of the game we had to foul intentionally for strategic reasons, but at the end of the day Edinboro shot a lot of free throws and they shot them well. It's when thing to shoot a bunch of free throws and miss a bunch of them, but it's another thing when you shoot a bunch and you make them.

We have to give them credit."

SRU looks to get back on track as it heads south to Seton Hill to face the Griffins (12-10 overall, 8-8 PSAC) on Saturday at 1 p.m.

SPORTS

February 5, 2016

C-3

Junior thrives since transfer to Rock

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATION

Junior thrower JJ Ollio competes at an indoor track meet earlier this season. Ollio finished eighth in shot put and sixth in the weight throw in SRU's previous meet at the SPIRE Midwest Open.

By Jordyn Bennett Rocket Contributor

At this time last year, Slippery Rock junior thrower JJ Ollio was sitting out after transferring from Duquesne University.

After struggling to adjust to a tough academic schedule, living in an environment that lacked privacy and balancing school and his love for track at Duquesne, the junior found a place he could comfortably call home on and off the track at The Rock.

Ollio was not always the standout athlete he is today. The bearded giant was humbled to be recognized as The Rocket's athlete of the month.

“It’s amazing that people are recognizing me,” Ollio said. “I’ve never actually been recognized for anything athletically.”

His athletic career had been rocky before coming to SRU. A graduate of high school football powerhouse Pittsburgh Central Catholic, he originally pursued playing collegiate football but his plans were cut short due to a shoulder injury.

Next he pursued baseball but did not make the team. The same day that he was cut, Ollio said that an older friend of his told him he should come out and try throwing for the track team. Suddenly, Ollio found a sport that he fit into.

“I thank him so much to this day because he got me into track,” Ollio said.

After a senior campaign that landed

him eighth in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) in shot put, Ollio’s original intentions were to come to Slippery Rock and continue his track career, but instead chose to go to Duquesne after receiving an academic scholarship he could not refuse.

The burdens of a top academic university and a Division I program was not something Ollio said he could handle.

He had to give up track in order to keep up with his work, but he said the absence of track was making his experience worse.

He couldn’t let track go.

“At the end of my freshman year I wanted to come here,” Ollio said. “As soon as I put that in my head, I talked to Meagan (Shadeck) who I had known from high school and told her I’m coming to Slippery Rock and would like to try out for the team.”

Throwing coach Meagan Shadeck said she was just as excited to have him become a part of the team as he was.

She said she remembered Ollio from his recruitment process, and even though he made the decision to pursue another school, it was great that he ended up at The Rock in the end.

“We are more than thrilled to have him,” Shadeck said. “He’s dedicated himself to the sport and to the team. If you ask anyone on the team who JJ is,

they know. He’s a team player.”

Ollio’s dedication started a year before he began competing. When he transferred, Ollio did not have enough credits to compete immediately and had to sit out last season. Even though it was not an easy situation to deal with, Ollio said that not being able to compete was a really good experience for him.

“I got to learn a lot from our seniors last year,” Ollio said. “A couple of kids even stuck around this year and I continued to learn a lot from them too.

They really opened up to me a lot more than I expected and really welcomed me.

It made my transition a lot nicer.”

The year off gave Ollio time to learn and develop his body to prepare him for the year he has been having so far.

In the opening meet, Ollio placed third at the YSU Icebreaker in both the shot put (49’8.25”) and the weight throw (53’1.50”).

Throwing an even further distance in shot put at 50’10.25” at the YSU College invitational on January 22, Ollio has already qualified for the conference meet and does not sit too far below NCAA provisionals.

“It was nice that I came back and still had it,” Ollio said. “It wasn’t a mojo that I lost. Which is good, because my goal all season has been to hit the provisional mark in at least one event. I know that

I probably won’t go to nationals, but with my GPA I can earn academic AllAmerican.”

After having a tough time with his academics at Duquesne, Ollio has found comfort in his education. Changing his major from exercise science to mathematics after the transfer, and then changing again to health care and administration, he has found what he's wanted to do and his grades have shown it.

Ollio said he has almost a 3.5, which surpasses the 3.3 academic All-American requirement.

Although Ollio does not see himself on a national stage, the people around him do.

Head coach John Papa envisions him as a future force in Division II track and field.

“Right now he is going to be one of our best team leaders and be right up top in our conference,” Papa said. “He’ll hopefully be competing for a conference championship. You never know, he could even be competing on the national level as well. All the arrows are pointing in the right direction for him.”

Ollio said that he finally feels at home athletically and academically at The Rock.

If he continues to train and compete the way he has been, Papa’s prediction of his athletic ability on the national stage could come true.

Bailey's record paces Rock women at Midwest Open

By Cameron Bildhauer Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock University women’s indoor track and field team traveled to the SPIRE Institute on Saturday for the SPIRE Midwest Open. The ladies set 14 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference qualifying marks, one NCAA provisional mark and recorded six top-five finishes on the day.

Jasmine Bailey headlined the day with a record-breaking performance in the 400-meter dash, where she was the first collegiate finisher and the second overall finisher in 56.42 seconds.

That time broke the former SRU record of 57.29 seconds and marks as an NCAA provisional qualifier that ranks 10th among all Division II athletes this year.

“That is a significant performance by Jasmine and a pretty solid record,” Papa said. “She is now ranked at the top of the 400-meter dash in the conference which will help us as we go compete for the team title here at the end of the month.”

Bailey was also the top collegiate finisher and second overall finisher in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.35 seconds. She capped her day by joining Cassaundra Swartzbaugh, Katie Teed, and Aerial Dukes in the 4x400-meter relay, where they were the top Division II team with a time of 3:59.35.

“We practice a lot of relay hand-offs and that kind of thing,” Papa said. “The relays count as

much as the individual events do so it is an important event for us and our athletes get excited about the team events.”

Swartzbaugh took a second-place finish in the 600-meter dash, a distance that is not contested at the PSAC or NCAA meets, with a time of 1:40.16. Teed followed in third-place with a time of 1:40.31.

Ashley West recorded the final top-five finish for The Rock with a high jump of 1.63 meters.

Slippery Rock rested many of their runners this weekend and sent distance runners Leah Anne Wirfel and Jenny Picot to the Penn State National Invite, where they both hit NCAA provisional marks.

“Jenny and Leah Anne competed against some high-quality distance fields and did a great job,” Papa said. “Both of those ladies are now ranked at the top in their events in the conference and are ready to compete and hold off the other competitors.”

Wirfel reached the standard in the 5,000-meter run Friday night and Picot posted an NCAA mark in the 3,000- meter run Saturday.

Slippery Rock will travel to Youngstown State this Friday and Saturday to compete in the YSU National Invite.

Papa hopes to develop some consistency this weekend and to get some athletes out of their slump and perform at a level that he knows they can.

PHOTO COURTESY JOHN PAPA

Junior heptahalon athlete Sabrina Anderson competes at an SRU home meet last season. Anderson's career best in hurdles is 15.62 seconds.

C-4

SPORTS

February 5, 2016

SRU stuns Boro in second meeting Continued from Page A 1

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Redshirt-senior Cornerlius Brown lays in a bucket against Edinboro Wednesday. Brown averages 14.0 points per game and nine rebounds.

SRU head coach Kevin Reynolds acknowledged how this win was a big boost to the team's conference standings.

"It was a big game for us in a variety of ways. Edinboro's one of the rivalry type games for us here at Slippery Rock so it's always a big game and a bigger crowd. It was a great atmosphere and I think that really helped us persevere and win the game," Reynolds said.

The Rock (12-10) jumped out to an 11-point lead over the Fighting Scots (12-8) after the first half of play thanks to strong play from senior forward Erik Raleigh. Raleigh came off the bench in the first half to score 12 points on five of five shooting in only eight minutes of play. Raleigh's strong play helped The Rock end the half on a 12-4 run.

Raleigh finished shooting six of seven with 14 points, six total rebounds and two blocks before fouling out of the game in the second half.

Both teams were in foul trouble all night as the two squads combined to commit 55 personal fouls and took 76 free throws. Edinboro forwards Art Cook and Quinn Lee Yaw also fouled out in the second half. The Fighting Scots out-performed Slippery Rock from the foul line, shooting 30-39 compared to The Rock's 24-37.

Edinboro closed the gap in the second half, coming within three points of the Slippery Rock lead.

With 1:19 left in the game senior guard Abdul King made a basket while drawing a foul, sinking the free throw to complete the three-point play and extend The Rock's lead to five. The Green and White held the five point lead for the rest of the game to come away with the home victory.

"The guys did a good job of going to the hot hand. I think (the unselfishness) was a huge part of it," Reynolds said. It was a good team effort. I think we went down the line of all the different players and put

together a very good team effort.

We kept taking what the defense was giving us."

Led by Raleigh, King and senior center Cornelius Brown, Slippery Rock dominated Edinboro in the paint all game long. The Green and White led in points in the paint (5036), second chance points (12-7) and rebounds (42-26). Brown led The Rock in scoring with 26 points on 7-11 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds.

King just missed tying his career high with 13 points on 4-7 shooting.

SRU was efficient from the field, shooting the ball at over 50 percent (27-53) and holding Edinboro to under 40 percent shooting (21-54).

Edinboro put pressure on The Rock to control the ball, playing full-court press defense for most of the game.

This attributed to 15 Rock turnovers.

Other contributors for the Green and White were senior guard Malcolm Richardson and junior for ward Chaquille Pratt. Richardson scored nine points and dished out five assists while Pratt scored four and pulled down nine rebounds.

A defensive point of emphasis for Slippery Rock was containing Edinboro's backcourt of Jaymon Mason and Henri Wade-Chatman.

Mason and Wade-Chatman average a combined 41.5 points per game and combined to score 45 against The Rock.

"We wanted to play our normal team defense. We're a man-to-man team so it had to be a lot of guys that would be playing them and we had a lot of guys guard them," Reynolds said. "I was happy with our perimeter players and how they guarded them.

We know they're tough guys to handle and they're very good free throw shooters."

Slippery Rock does not have long to relish in its victory however, as the team goes on the road to play Seton Hill on Saturday. Seton Hill beat SRU 87-72 at Morrow Field House earlier this season.

GRAPHIC BY CODY NESPOR/THE ROCKET

C

CAMPUS LIFE "I Don't Love Human Trafficking" relates gifts to modern day slavery

INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE

"Grease: Live" Is The Word!

Movies That Cupid Missed

FOX premiered their live television rendition of "Grease" last Sunday, and a Rocket staffer weighs in on whether the production was a hit or miss.

"The Film Buff" lists the most popular romantic Valentine's Day movies that miss the "happy ending" conclusion and movies made for single lovers everywhere.

See Page D-3

See theonlinerocket.com

SRU honors Black History Month Opening ceremony helps "Reclaim and Remember" black heritage

By Rebecca Sheriff Rocket Contributor

Speakers from SRU’s Project to End Human Trafficking presented the “I Don’t Love Human Trafficking” event, which was cosponsored by the University’s Department of Gender Studies on Feb. 2 in the Vincent Science Center.

With Valentine’s Day less than two weeks away, the presenters recognized that many students on campus would be purchasing gifts for loved ones in the form of chocolate, flowers, and jewelry. Junior psychology major and vice president of the Project to End Human Trafficking, Erin O’Connor explained the reason behind the event.

“We wanted to be able to educate people on how these purchases are related to modern day slavery, and also how they can make more ethical (purchasing) choices," O'Connor said.

Four students from the Project each described one aspect of human trafficking and what actions could be taken to prevent inadvertently supporting the illegal industries.

Project recorder and creative writing and gender studies major, Sara Naughton spoke about the jewelry industry.

Project treasurer and social work and gender studies major, Jessica Tager described the flower industry. President of the Project and a sophomore social work and psychology major, Megan Riley spoke about the chocolate industry.

O’Connor provided various statistics and information on sex trafficking.

O’Connor started the event by describing the two major forms of human trafficking: labor trafficking and labor exploitation. She noted that the major difference between the two atrocities are that human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion against workers, while labor exploitation focuses on the unfair treatment of workers in the form of insufficient wages or dangerous working conditions. She stressed the fact that human trafficking and labor exploitation are not far-flung phenomena that only occur in the farthest corners of the world, but rather issues that together create a $150 billion global industry and force 20 to 30 million people into slavery in every area of the world.

Naughton described how the jewelry industry contributes to slaves laboring in terrible working conditions. She explained that 15 to 22 percent of Peru’s exported gold is mined through the use of either captive workers who are unable to work off a debt or children who work in mines for less than $2 a day. She continued by informing the audience that 75 percent of all rough diamonds are mined through less than ideal circumstances in Africa, but that programs such as the Diamond Development Initiative work to transform traditional diamond mining into a safe fair-trade and sustainable industry.

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Professor Curlee R. Holton speaks about African American art at the opening ceremony for Black History Month.

By Samantha Figard Rocket Contributor

The Office of Multicultural and Development and the Martha Gault Art Gallery teamed up to bring Professor Curlee R. Holton to Slippery Rock University on Feb. 2, where he spoke at the opening ceremony for the kickoff to Black History Month in the theater at the Robert M. Smith Student Center.

Director of the Office of Multicultural and Development, Corinne Gibson, began the opening ceremony by leading the audience in singing the Black National Anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’ Gibson went on to explain this year’s theme— “remember and reclaim.”

SEE STUDENTS, PAGE D-3 “We take this opportunity to

remember all those that have worked for us to be here today,” Gibson said. “We take this opportunity to also thank all of our ancestors, both known and unknown who have paved the path we travel today to a world of more inclusiveness and equality.

We acknowledge and realize their struggles are a part of our great history and we take time to appreciate all of their victories.

Each hurdle, big or small, is important to remember, both the ones made famous through history and the ones more personal of our family members and friends. We take this time to remember and give thanks by saying Ashay.”

The ceremony continued on with an informative video reflecting on past African American historical events. It included the origins of Black History Month, or rather

“Negro History Week,” which was created by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who wanted to honor Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, due to their birthdays being in February.

“We also take this time to reclaim,” Gibson said. “We reclaim our place at society’s table, continuing to fight for social justice and equality throughout the world.

We reclaim the significance of our history as we make new history every day. We reclaim our space and stand with those who believe that all people are created equal.”

Director of the Martha Gault Art Gallery, Theresa Antonellis introduced the guest speaker at the event, Professor Curlee R. Holton. Holton currently teaches at Lafayette College.

SEE BAS, PAGE D-3

Experts on gender talk about problems, misconceptions about trans people

By Amber Cannon Campus Life Editor

Identifying as transgender has caused controversy over the past year with several celebrities transitioning and becoming more prominent in the media.

Although shows are starting to show several people's transitions on television, some people still are having a hard time defining what it means to be transgender.

Director of the gender studies program, Cindy LaCom said the simple definition of being transgender is someone who is born in the wrong body so that their natal sex doesn’t conform with the sex that they feel they should be.

“I use the term natal birth or natal sex and I use the term transwoman or transman, but the terms I actually prefer is an affirmed man or an affirmed woman and frankly, I think increasingly just man and woman,” Lacom said.

Associate professor of psychology, Catherine Massey said the sexual orientation of a trans person typically depends on the individual. She said

usually if a person is female bodied and attracted to females and they’re transitioning into a male, because they feel male and they’re attracted to females, they would be considered a heterosexual male. Massey said determining the sexual orientation of a trans person can become pretty complex.

“I know a person who transitioned from a male to female, and as a male, was attracted to females and as a female, was attracted to fe m a l e s .

She do esn’t consider herself a lesbian, but she dates women,” Massey said. “It’s really up to the individual and how the define their gender and their sexual orientation” Lacom said one of the misconceptions of being trangender is that it’s easy.

She said she’s heard a lot of people say that someone who identifies as trans is

confused.

“When I hear people say about trans people, ‘well, they’re just gay, and can’t accept it,’ I think that that’s a major misconception,” Lacom said. “I think one of the biggest (misconceptions) is the idea that this is just a fad.”

Massey said beingtransgender can cause some conflict because of the society we live in. Massey said our society only sees gender as binary. She said most people see society as either being male or female and that the gender they were assigned at birth should match how they feel.

According to Massey, in 2015 alone, 22 transgender people were killed.

Massey also said transgender people face a lot of discrimination, physical and emotional violence, and rejection through family and society, as well as very

high unemployment rates.

Lacom said she believes that society is still transphobic and that the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) can be misleading.

“Being gay, lesbian or bisexual is about sexual identity and orientation and being trans is about identity and not necessarily about sexual orientation,” she said.

Lacom also said that trans youth have a 33 percent chance of attempting to kill themselves or self-harm, which Lacom said is only getting higher. She also said a transgender youth who runs away from home is four times as likely to end up being sex trafficked. Lacom said she doesn’t think that trans youth are sick; instead, she feels that they are confused in a world where society wants to create gender binaries, meaning a person is either this, or a person is that. Lacom also said she believes that the transgender community often don’t get support and are often harassed in their communities.

SEE DIFFERENT, PAGE D-2

CAMPUS LIFE SRU dance department prepares for their winter concert "Scanning the Horizon"

February 5, 2016

D-2

throughout their creative process. Choreographers are challenged to think about what their movement behind their work means, where their inspiration came from and how they will convey that to audience members.

The different aspects that go into creating an original piece are research and analysis development.

“What audience members are seeing on stage has gone through an entire process involving experimentation, problem-solving and critical thinking,” Payne said.

Senior dance major and business administration major, Kristen Bailey said being a part of the winter concert is beyond rewarding because all of the dance department's hard work gets to be shown on stage. She said it's great to see the artistry of her classmates.

The winter concert is the ending to dance theater for the year. It is the last place where student choreographers show their judged work to audience members. The dancers and choreographers have rehearsed since September to improve their work for this showcase.

Junior dance and recreational therapy major, Malena Maust said performing and choreographing for the winter concert has been an exceptional opportunity and rewarding challenge.

The opening piece for the show is choreographed by dance professor, Jennifer Keller, and it is danced by her repertory students. The inspiration behind this piece was the tragedy that was happening with Syrian refugees at the time.

“Last September, refugees were camping out of a train station that was down; after awhile refugees got up and REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET started walking to the Austrian border with determination Malena Maust practices her solo for the winter concert that is being performed on Saturday. and courage to start a new life,” Keller said.

Keller said she wanted people to take away an emotional

By Emma Pfeifer hold auditions in the beginning of September for dances experience and to feel connected with the performers, and Asst. Campus Life Editor they plan on choreographing. These pieces get judged in to see humanity on the stage.

November by SRU dance professors at the Adjudication The concert will be offering an array of styles of dance. concert. After this concert, the pieces are either put into the There are nine different choreographers with group pieces The Slippery Rock Dance Department will be hosting Fall or Winter concert. and solos in the show. their annual winter concert, “Scanning the Horizon," on Senior dance major, Gabrielle Henry said she loves when The title ‘Scanning the Horizon’ comes from Kellers’ Saturday, Feb. 6 at 2 and 6:30 pm at the Succop Theatre at her dances get judged by people who truly know her. idea of students looking to the future in their final years of Butler County Community College.

“The opportunity to get your work judged and chosen to choreographing and dancing as a student at Slippery Rock.

The purpose for having a winter concert is to showcase be performed in a concert by people who know so much “When you scan the horizon, it gives you that feel of student's choreography and performance. artistic director about the dance industry is truly amazing.” openness and possibility,” Keller said. of the Dance Department, Ursula Payne said she feels that One of the main features of the program is the way the The concert will be about an hour and forty five minutes Butler's dance theater is one of the most important venues professors help students improve upon their technical long. There are 14 pieces, with seven in each half. in our program that features our students. performance skills, Payne said.

Tickets are $10 for students, children and seniors, and $15 Each year, junior and senior dance majors and minors The dancers are challenged to develop original work for the general public.

Different transgender pronouns appeal to males and females Continued from Page D-1

Several pronouns are used to refer to the transgender community. Female to male transgender people usually prefer to use him, he, his and himself. Male to female transgender people usually prefer to use her, she and herself.

Massey also said some transgender people prefer the plural pronouns such as they, them and their to keep it gender neutral.

“They also use the binary pronouns ze or zir,” Massey said. “Ze is like he or she and zir is like him or her. It’s gender-neutral. There are some gender researchers in blogs and they tend to use the ze and zir instead of using gender-specific pronouns.”

According to Massey, the testosterone that females take to transition and the estrogen that males take to transition are usually given in shots.

Sophomore psychology major and trans man, Morgan Scott said that he now uses AndoGel, a testosterone gel that is used by rubbing the gel over the shoulders. He said at first, he started using testosterone shots.

“With those (shots), you would take (them) every two weeks,” Scott said. “My mom administered my shots to me. The AndroGel gives you a more balanced level of testosterone. The shots give you a spike right as you get it and it slowly decreases, so you’re moodier. Physically, it’s great because it stops your menstrual cycle, deepens your voice, your facial slowly grows in your body hair slowly grows in, and you muscles mass slowly increases. Mentally, I got happier when I was on it.”

Massey said whether or not testosterone and estrogen are covered usually depends on the health insurance.

“Most health insurances do cover it now,” Massey said. “There’s a process that people go through and it’s called Gender Identity Dysphoria.”

According to dsm5.org, Gender Identity Dsyphoria is a condition where people feel that their gender at birth is contrary to the one they identify with.

“Gender Identity Dysphoria is listed in the DSM 5, which is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, and

GRAPHIC BY KARLEIGH SANTRY The different form of pronouns used by trans people, including male, female and gender neutral pronouns.

it’s in there because if the insurance is going to cover hormone treatments, the counseling for transitioning, surgeries and so on and so forth, you have to have a diagnosis for that.”

Student Health Services director Kristina Benkeser, said the health center can give students who are transititioining their medicine, but they are not in charge of their care.

"What we do is we assist students and their specialty provider, so if the student needs to take any of the medication by injection, we work with their physician or their nurse practitioner and the student to make all that happen," Benkeser said.

Benkeser said testosterone and estrogen can come in many different formulations.

She said in the doses that most transgender people need for gender reassignment, often

the doses of testosterone and estrogen are much higher than the doses you would use to treat other things. She said in order to get the correct concentration of testosterone and estrogen, sometimes the dose is only available in a shot. She also said there are patches available too.

"Sometimes too, there's a patch, and the patches are pretty popular as an option because in both the shot and the patch, the medicine is released over time," Benkeser said. "If you take an oral pill, you would have to take that pill everyday and never forget. With a patch, you put the patch on for a week and then for a week, you don't have to worry about it. When you need to achieve high doses of horomones, and they aren't naturally occurring, in order to do that sometimes, the shot just may really be the

best option."

Massey said if she could tell students one thing about transitioning, she would tell them that it’s a difficult process and that people shouldn’t hold judgements unless they’re in that person’s shoes.

“You shouldn’t judge a person’s decision on transitioning because they’re doing it because the feel they have to make it right and they have to make their gender identity match their body,” Massey said.

LaCom also said she thinks people who are transitioning would benefit from support and greater understanding. She also said if a person is going to ask questions, to ask them in a respectful way.

“To frame a question, in terms of any way, shape, or form, ‘what’s wrong with you?’ is not good,” LaCom said.

February 5 , 2016

CAMPUS LIFE

D-3

"Grease: Live" presents the original musical in a fresh and modern style Amber Cannon Amber Cannon is a senior communication major and the Campus Life Editor of The Rocket The live television version of Grease, "Grease: Live" debuted on Sunday, Jan. 31, and surprisingly, it didn't disappoint.

Every time a television network does a live rendition of a musical, most people doubt that the original can be topped.

In my opinion, when a live rendition of a musical is being done on television, the live version isn't supposed to mimic the original; it's supposed to serve a different twist on the musical that's never been seen before.

Even though nothing can ever compare to the original "Grease," "Grease: Live" came pretty close.

One thing that caught my eye while watching "Grease: Live" was the amazing camerawork. When I first started watching the musical, the way the camera was maneuvered made me feel as if I was watching a television show rather than a live production of a musical. I like how the camera panned left and panned right often to give the viewer a sense of everything that was going on.

The acting, dancing and singing in "Grease: Live" were also top-notch.

I was a little skeptical about Aaron Tveit playing Danny Zuko at first. In my opinion, when I first saw him as Zuko, he just didn't seem rugged enough to me. I have to say, I was proven wrong. Tveit captured Zuko perfectly by giving off just enough sensitivity and toughness to match John Travolta's rendition of the character in 1978. Tveit's singing, dancing and acting embodied Zuko perfectly.

Julianne Hough was absolutely perfect as Sandy. She fit

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE The cast of "Grease: Live" perform the closing number of the musical, "We Go Together."

the role well, dancing-wise and acting-wise. I was incredibly shocked by how well of a singer Hough was. Prior to "Grease: Live," I've never heard Hough sing before, so it was refreshing to hear a new voice belt out "Hopelessly Devoted to You." The one person who stole the show for me was Vanessa Hudgens, who played Rizzo. If I wouldn't have known, I would have never guessed that she lost her father the day before the show. She gave her performance flawlessly, and gave off one of the best theatrical performances in the whole production.

Musically, Jordan Fisher, who played Doody, got his time to shine when he sang "Those Magic Changes."

The diversity in "Grease: Live" was also greatly appreciated.

In the original "Grease," there was little diversity, if none at all, but in the live production, there was a vast array of different races incorporated. Another smart choice that I believe the director of "Grease: Live" made was including the original Frenchie, Didi Conn, as a waitress at the Burger Palace. It was a great way to include someone from the original production into the modern twist on the musical.

I loved Boyz II Men as Teen Angel in "Beauty School Dropout." Again, it added that modern element that made

the live production so much different than the original version. I also loved how Jessie J opened the show singing "Grease."

Even the technical things, like taking trams to each set to make sure the actors got there on time and the costumes changes, hair and make-up were interesting and amazing to me. The cast fought through the rain and got the job done.

The one thing that distracted me throughout the whole musical was the sound. At some points, it was hard for me to hear Tveit, Hough or any other soloist sing because the background vocals were overpowering them. If the sound wouldn't have been such a distraction, "Grease: Live" would have been close to perfection.

According to eonline.com, the live musical production brought in 12.2 million views, with the demographic between 18-49 years old. This beats NBC's live musical "The Wiz" by close to a million views and the live production of "Peter Pan" by almost two million views.

Overall, I would definitely watch "Grease: Live" over and over. Watching it made me actually want to participate in the production. I will definitely be getting this live version of the musical when it comes out on DVD.

Students create a call to action to end slave labor BAS aims for a more inclusive environment Continued from Page D-1

KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET

Vice president of the Project to End Human Trafficking Erin O’Connor talks about the dangers of labor trafficking and labor explortation.

Continued from Page D-1

Tager followed with a description of the floral industry. She reported that 80 percent of the flowers originating in Ecuador are harvested through child laborers, who often work over 70 hours per week while being exposed to harmful levels of pesticides and tropical diseases. Tiger said Colombia has made some progress by eliminating the use of child labor within the past 10 years; however women who become pregnant while employed are often fired on the spot if their pregnancy is discovered by their employer. Tager also encouraged the audience to purchase artificial flowers made from sustainable or recycled materials through companies such as Ecoflower, which combines eco-friendly practices with the floral industry.

Riley said major chocolate companies such as Hershey, Mars and Nestle all source a large percentage of their cacao through slave labor companies on the Ivory Coast. While Mars, Hershey and Ferrero have claimed to be taking measures to be slave-free by 2020, there is a lack of recent data to suggest that the companies are making adequate progress towards this goal, Riley said.

She urged students to purchase chocolate through companies that have gone through extensive thirdparty certification processes to ensure that goods are being ethically sourced.

O’Connor was the last speaker and she spoke of the enormity of the global sex trafficking industry.

“It’s something that has to concern us, because it’s not just happening ‘over there,’ far away from us,” O'Connor said.

O'Connor said that 98 percent of all sex trafficking victims are female, and that girls under the age of 18 are especially prone to abduction and trafficking because of society’s obsession with youthful looks.

The event concluded with an interactive map activity where the audience discovered that an average of 49 slaves work to support the lifestyle of a typical Slippery Rock University student.

“We have the opportunity to make a large impact," Riley said. "We do have power through minding what we say and who we support."

A call to action was given where audience members could choose to write postcards and letters to both companies who utilize slave labor and those who have chosen to move away from the practice.

“I’ve always believed the best way to teach your students how to swim is to throw them in the pool, they’ll survive and then you can teach, because you have to make an assumption about the inherit quality and the worth of an individual,” Holton said. "We have taken African American art into those spaces, into those environments and what has been so wonderful about this is that it transcends those national languages and cultural practices, because they can see in the art the truth.”

President of Black Action Society (BAS), Yonshalae Powell, was one of many students who attended the event in support of Black History Month.

“The event was a really great experience,” Powell said.

“The Office of Multicultural Development brought an insightful and inspiring man to this campus. He was a great keynote speaker to kick off Black History Month.”

Public Health major and BAS treasurer Odell Richardson also attended the ceremony.

“It was a good event from my perspective,” Richardson said. “We were able to start Black History Month off well with an amazing speaker who talked about African American history.”

Freshman secondary education social studies major Sarah Kanar joined Black Action Society after learning about it from friends who were a part of the organization.

“Black Action Society has a very welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds,” Kanar said.

“They hold a variety of events that reflect on current and past occurrences relating to African Americans in society.

It’s definitely a fulfilling experience for anyone interested in joining BAS.” Black Action Society will continue to hold events throughout the semester geared towards bringing together a community who want to show support for African Americans.

“As President of Black Action Society, my goal for this semester is to continue to educate and welcome,” Powell said. “There is a misconception about Black Action Society. I want to educate individuals that the organization is not just for black people. Anyone that is not black and attends is an ally because all students are welcomed. I want to help us move towards a more understanding, supportive and inclusive environment at all times.”

Holton’s artwork will be featured at the Martha Gault Art Gallery until Feb. 25, where students can view it and learn more about African American culture in the form of art during Black History Month.

"So, I challenge you all today to take this time to remember and reclaim by paying homage to the past while reclaiming our future,” Gibson said.

D-4

February 5, 2016