Campus Life
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B-1 Rock football hopes to rebound against Kutztown
C-1
SRU theatre mocks campaign trail
The Rocket www.theonlinerocket.com
Friday, September 28, 2012
Slippery Rock University Student Newspaper
Est. 1934
Volume 96, Number 5
Professors SRU welcomes share class new president participation A week of inauguration events honor Dr. Cheryl Norton as the strategies university's 16th president By Erica Kurvach Rocket Staff Reporter
Faculty shared advice on classroom participation to improve student learning at Open Discussion: Cultivating and Evaluating Class Participation on Tuesday during common hour in room 202 in the Bailey Library. Dr. Timothy Oldakowski, an assistant English professor, led the discussion that allowed all faculty attendants to share their strategies and to ask questions about how to encourage students to participate in the classroom more. These seminars are run by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Educational Technology (CETET), a program that helps faculty find ways to engage in teaching, learning technology, implementing assessments, and designing course development. Brian Danielson has been the director of CETET for the past four years, which is about when CETET started. “The open discussion was made so that the faculty members in attendance would gain some of the best practices in encouraging student participation in class,” Danielson said. Dr. Danette DiMarco, CETET’S faculty coordinator and English professor, asked Oldakowski to facilitate the discussion since he has a personal interest in class participation. Before the discussion, Oldakowski shared about how he graded participation in his interpreting literature class from last year. He had students sit in a circle and put up name tents on their desk. Then, he videotaped them as they took turns in introducing their names. After he watched the video, he learned their names. Oldakowski said that the students felt valued when he knew their names by the next class time. Still before the discussion, Oldakowski shared an “icebreaker” technique that he saw some professors doing. Some collect cards that answer “That awkward moment when…” Oldakowski gave additional advice on how to ask questions and when to wait for a response. He recommended on getting students to talk to each other in small group discussions. He suggested that online classes, depending on class size, should have a group discussion board. Sarah Williams, a Spanish professor, assigns a 15 percent participation grade in Spanish 102. She gives
SRU holds inaugural events throughout week for Norton
SEE PARTICIPATION, PAGE A-3
SEE SYMPOSIUMS, PAGE A-2
Schedule of events Friday
10:00 a.m. – Inaugural procession departs 10:30 a.m. – Inauguration ceremony in the Quad 12:30 p.m. – Inauguration reception in the Quad 6:00 p.m. - Inauguration dinner in the Smith Student Center Ballroom
Saturday
10:00 a.m. Inaugural celebration community service projects 11:00 a.m. Planting of “Inaugural tree” at the President’s Residence lawn For video highlights of Dr. Norton's inauguration, please visit the theonlinerocket.com/inaugural-events. Video highlights will be available Saturday. Scan the QR code to the right with a smartphone to view video highlights. GRAPHIC BY ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET
By Catie Clark Assistant News Editor
Slipper y Rock University will celebrate the inauguration of its sixteenth president, Dr. Cheryl J. Norton. Nor t on , SRU ’s f i r s t f e m a l e president, will participate in inaugural ceremonies Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Quad. Over 250 people are scheduled to march in the inaugural procession leading up to the ceremony that starts at North Hall at 10 a.m. A campus and community picnic on the quad is to follow the ceremony. At 6 p.m., an inaugural scholarship dinner will be held in the Smith Center Ballroom. Tickets were $100 each to support the Norton Undergraduate Research Scholarship. Over 200 people are
already registered. Saturday’s events include several sporting events as well as community ser vice projects held at various locations around campus. An inaugural tree planting ceremony is scheduled for Saturday morning. R i t a Ab e nt , S l i p p e r y R o c k University’s Director of Public Relations, said that the inaugural tree is symbolic of the campus growing in new directions. The Athletic Hall of Fame induction and dinner will be Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the Smith Student Center Ballroom. According to Abent, inauguration ceremonies aren’t just for a new president. “Inaugurals are really for campuses to celebrate success,” Abent said. Other inaugural events have been held over the course of the past week.
Inaugural events included a 5K run/2K walk, a faculty fine arts exhibit, three Inaugural symposiums, a Japanese cultural workshop, a dance event, and a music faculty concert. The 5K run/2K walk through campus was held on Saturday. The race began at 8:30 a.m. and was sponsored by SRU Wellness Committee and the Butler Health System. All profits from the race were donated to the Norton Undergraduate Research Scholarship. Abent said the run was ver y successful. “We kicked off the week with the inaugural run that had over 300 participants and raised over $4,000 for the Norton scholarship,” Abent said. The Martha Gault Art Gallery held a reception for its faculty and student “While You Were Out” exhibit Monday
Professors develop new software PASSHE Chancellor addresses
User-friendly computer program helps define airsheds By Jonathan Janasik Rocket News Editor
SRU professors Dr. Jack Livingston and Dr. Julie Snow are putting their finishing touches on their $175,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) in order to publish a program that will allow users to better understand their local airsheds. The goal of the grant was to create a free and publicly available software that enables people to analyze and use complex models of air movement to answer regional environmental questions, according to Dr. Jack Livingston, associate professor and chair of the SRU department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment. “An airshed is the area of the Earth’s surface that contributes pollutants or anything to a point down wind,” Livingston explained. “So, for any given point on the Earth’s surface we can say
what area contributed to it over a period of time. And what that allows someone to say is, ‘My air is bad, who caused it?'” Associate professor of meteorology Dr. Julie Snow stated that the target audience is mainly political leaders who need to keep track of the regional amounts of carbon dioxide, particulate matter levels, and ozone levels, as well as changes climate in climate. “If I’m breathing air that’s toxic, I’d like to know who is making it toxic so that I could take action and improve the air that I’m breathing,” Snow said. “Most people probably don’t even probably think about it like that. Most people probably don’t think SEE SCIENCE, PAGE A-3
university enrollment issues By Will DeShong Editor-in-Chief
The Pennsylvania System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools will be improving their recruitment efforts to help combat the decline in enrollment the system has witnessed for the second straight year. PASSHE Chancellor Dr. John C. Cavanaugh addressed numerous issues facing the system during its own Collegiate Media Summit this past weekend at Bloomsburg University, most notably commenting on concerns about PASSHE enrollment and ongoing APSCUF negotiations. Cavanaugh cited a drop in the number of students statewide and strong competition in higher education as the
main factors for the drop in enrollment across PASSHE schools. “It’s no secret that the number of high school seniors in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, when you look at the commonwealth as a whole, is declining,” Cavanaugh said, adding that the areas outside the state’s two largest cities, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, are the most affected. “Part of that is due to migration, part of it is due to the big populations [around the cities],” Cavanaugh said. “That means for us that the traditional market of 17 and 18 year old freshmen is declining. We experienced this decline last year, and this year, according to ‘first day’ statistics, numbers indicated we’re down SEE CAVANAUGH, PAGE A-2
News
A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK FRIDAY
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The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.
REGIONAL CITIES CITY Akron Allentown Altoona Cleveland Erie Harrisburg Indiana Johnstown Philadelphia Pittsburgh Scranton State College Wheeling Williamsport Youngstown
Friday HI LO W 65 46 pc 73 53 t 66 46 pc 64 48 pc 62 48 s 74 54 pc 64 45 pc 64 44 pc 74 58 t 66 46 pc 66 51 sh 66 48 pc 68 45 pc 66 51 pc 64 43 pc
Saturday HI LO W 66 50 pc 68 53 pc 64 46 pc 67 51 pc 65 50 pc 69 49 pc 63 47 pc 61 46 pc 70 56 pc 66 49 pc 64 48 pc 65 47 pc 66 49 pc 67 46 pc 65 48 pc
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New Artist Featured at SRU Kip Deeds, a Philadelphia-native artist, will be featured at Martha Gault Art Gallery in an exhibition entitled "A Forward Way." The exhibition will run from October 1 - 26. The opening reception is Oct. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. Kip's artist lecture will be Oct. 2 at 12:30 p.m.in room 107 of Art Building 1.
Third Annual ROCKtober Open Saturday, October 13, 2012 at Tam O'Shanter Golf Course in Hermitage, Pa. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., Shotgun start at 10 a.m.. The cost is $65 for SRU students and $75 for non-students. The open benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the SRU Sport Management Scholarship Fund. Fees include 18 holes with cart, dinner and prizes. See www.rockalumnicafe.com/rocktober2012 for more information.
To submit a Rock Note please send your announcement by 6 p.m. Wednesday to Jonathan Janasik at jtj9529@sru.edu or to rocket.news@sru.edu. The Rocket does not guarantee that all requests will be published in the paper.
Index Rock Notes...............A-2 Comics.....................A-7 Weather map...........A-2 Sports...................B-1 Blotter.................A-3 Campus Life.............C-1 Opinion...............A-4
220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057
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For the first time ever, Student Organization of Latinos, Hispanics, and Allies is hosting a Hispanic/Latino Culture Fair on Thursday, Oct. 4 in the Student Center Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring money for crafts and food as businesses from all around SRU and Pittsburgh are coming to represent their culture and show what they have to offer. There will be MUSIC, DANCING, and FOOD. Guaranteed to be a good time! Hope to see you there! Contact Maddie Saldana at mrs2673@sru.edu or Dr. Christine Pease-Hernandez at 724738-2563 for more infomation.
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SOL Hosts Culture Fair
Newsroom: (724) 738-4438 Advertising: (724) 738-2643 Fax: (724) 738-4896 Email: rocket.letters@sru.edu
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September 28, 2012
Thursday HI LO W 73 44 c 74 55 pc 71 45 r 74 47 pc 72 41 pc 75 46 r 73 49 r 68 45 r 78 52 r 73 43 sh 74 46 r 72 43 r 73 47 t 75 47 sh 73 41 c
Rise 7:14 a.m. 7:15 a.m. 7:16 a.m. 7:17 a.m. 7:18 a.m. 7:19 a.m. 7:20 a.m. Rise 6:07 p.m. 6:36 p.m. 7:05 p.m. 7:35 p.m. 8:09 p.m. 8:46 p.m. 9:28 p.m.
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NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK TEMPERATURES
Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal
PRECIPITATION
Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal
National Summary: A stationary front draped from Maryland into central Texas will provide showers and thunderstorms for the Southeast and southern Plains Saturday. There will also be lingering showers in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. As this front starts to move eastward, most of the storms will move out of the plains and into the Deep South for Sunday. Showers will continue in the mid-Atlantic for Sunday, but will push off to the Northeast by Monday with continuing thunder in the south east of the Mississippi. The remainder of the country is expected to be dry, dominated by a high pressure in the west. Above-average temperatures are likely across the Rockies and northern Plains.
NATIONAL CITIES
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Cavanaugh seeks a 'balance' with adjunct faculty Continued from Page A-1
4,000 students.” Beyond the impact of demographic trends, Cavanaugh cited competition amongst other universities as a factor in enrollment figures. “The commonwealth is blessed with more institutions of higher education in the four year market than almost any other state in the country,” the chancellor said. “So there’s a lot of competition for those students. And we’re not immune to those forces.” As a way to combat the drop in enrollment, the chancellor said PASSHE was increasing its focus on how they recruit high school students, particularly increasing the awareness of the diverse programs the state schools have to offer. “We’ve been known for a very long time for our excellence in physical education,” Cavanaugh said. “We arguably are the first choice of institutions for that. But what a lot of people don’t know is what we’ve been doing lately in terms of adding programs in science and technology. I n a d d i t i o n t o i mp r o v i n g recruitment at the high school level, Cavanaugh said PASSHE is
continuing to increase their efforts to enroll nontraditional students. “The second untapped area for us, relatively speaking, is adult students,” Cavanaugh said. “Whether they served in the military, whether they didn’t have the chance to go to college straight out of high school, we can do a better job reaching out to people who are 25, 35, 45 years old who didn’t have a chance to earn a degree.” Cavanaugh also addressed the ongoing contract negotiations with APSCUF during the 30 minute press conference. “We’ve been in discussions with APSCUF now for close to two years,” the chancellor said. “There are a number of meetings that are scheduled through October and November.” While Cavanaugh did not go into much detail about the negotiating process, he said he remained hopeful that an agreement will be made between the two sides. “I continue to be optimistic that we will be able to reach an agreement with them,” he said. “We’ve already reached an agreement with five other unions and so I’m optimistic about our ability to continue those
SGA approves new clubs By Catie Clark Assistant News Editor
The Slippery Rock Student Government Association (SGA) approved five new clubs and organization Monday for Slippery Rock University. The new groups include Run Club, Autism Speaks U SRU, Slippery Rock University Rotary Rotaract, Pro LifeSlippery Rock University Students and Computer Science Gamers Initiative. The Run Club is a group that promotes exercise and meets one to two times a week to run a three mile loop around campus. Students and community members are welcome to join. Autism Speaks U SRU is an organization that raises funds for the Autism Walk held annually in the summer. The organizations plans to hold awareness events on campus as well. Slippery Rock University Rotary Rotoract is a new organization that promotes community service and personal and professional development for students and young professionals aged 18 to 30. Pro Life – Slippery Rock University Students is a group that intends to promote pro life initiatives around campus as well as raise funds for a trip to Washington, D.C. in January. The Computer Science Gamers Initiative is a club that plays PC and Xbox games, both casually and competitively. They plan on competing in national tournaments with games such as League of Legends and Starcraft 2.
SGA also swore in seven new senators and a new parliamentarian Monday evening. The new parliamentarian, Angelina Hernley, is a freshman political science major. The new freshman senators include Steven Zamborsky, a computer science major, and Alison Misho, an early childhood education major. The new senator for Building B is Ashley Sullivan, a sophomore early childhood education/special education major. Building E’s new senator is sophomore Communication – Emerging Technology Major Nicole Doran. The new Rock Apartments' senator is Kasey Jones, a junior exercise science major. Junior Communication major John Jackson and Junior Social Work and Philosophy major Tiara Todd are SGA’s new commuter senators. SGA also signed three proclamations Monday. The proclamations included supporting the efforts of the four presidents’ commissions on LGBTQI’s Coming Out Day, supporting the green initiatives of Slippery Rock University, and supporting Dr. Cheryl J. Norton as the new President of Slippery Rock University. SGA President Dave Wolfe told senators that proclamations are a way of officially supporting a person or an initiative on campus. “It’s a way of saying ‘this is who we are, and this is what we’re going to do’,” Wolfe said.
discussions and reach an agreement that is good for both sides.” One of the main issues currently between APSCUF and PASSHE is the role of adjunct faculty in the system. The chancellor claimed the system is devoted to maintaining a balance between full and part time faculty. “One of the things that we always have to keep a close eye on is the balance between adjunct faculty and tenured-track and tenured faculty,” he said. “And that balance comes in a number of different ways. We can look at it in terms of the percentage of adjunct faculty, and we want to do that and make sure that in the contract right now there is a cap on that of 25 percent.” Cavanaugh also said that the role of adjunct faculty can be beneficial to the learning experience of students at PASSHE schools. “We also want to make sure that in the appropriate right ways that we do offer opportunities for people in the profession to come back and offer and share their experience with students, Cavanaugh said. “Those are the kind of things that can enrich the curriculum and enrich the experience of students.”
Symposiums dedicated to SRU's 16th president Continued from Page A-1
at 5 p.m. The exhibition showcased both student and faculty work from over the summer. The first inaugural symposium, held Wednesday at 12 p.m., was “ Title IX: Understanding and providing democratic principles of justice and equality”. Roberta Page, Director of Championships for the National Collegiate Athletic Association, was the speaker. Dr. Patrick Burkhart, a professor in Geography, Geology and the Environment, presented the second Inaugural symposium session. The symposium was held Wednesday at 7 p.m. and was entitled “Protecting the world’s resources: A common responsibility.” The third inaugural symposium was held by new SRU President Dr. Norton, and was open exclusively to Slippery Rock students. The lecture was entitled “Accepting Personal Responsibility for Change” and was held Thursday at 12 p.m. The Dance department put on a ‘60X60’ dance concert Thursday evening at 6 and 8 p.m. in the West Gym Dance Studio. The concert featured 60 different pieces that were 60 seconds long. “Love, Luck and Marriage in Japan” was a cultural workshop held in the ATS Auditorium. The workshop was presented by Kiyoko Matsumoto and Fumiyo Iwadachi of Handa City, Japan. The workshop also offered a display of kimonos and photo opportunities with the kimonos. “Remembering Two Forgotten Composers: An Evening of the Music of Arthur Farwell and York Bowen” was a concert that was included in inaugural activities Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. Glenn Utsch, assistant professor of music, played piano, and was assisted by Frederick White, associate professor of English, at Swope Music Hall.
News
September 28, 2012
A-3
Police Blotter Campus Sept. 20 – There was a report of a hit and run in the Boozel Staff Parking Lot. The case is under investigation. Sept. 20 – There was a campus wide power outage. It was restored later in the afternoon. Borough Sept. 10 – Katherine Yova, 30, was charged with theft. Sept. 17 – Katherine Yova, 30, was charged with writing bad checks. Sept. 21 – Cristina L. Mahoney, 39, was charged with retail theft.
Sept. 21 – There was a report of criminal mischief. The damage was to a car mirror and wiper arm. Sept. 24 – Katherine Yova, 30, was charged with writing bad checks. Sept. 26 – There was a report of theft by unlawful taking. A vehicle registration plate was stolen.
Sept. – Luiz C. Santos, 22, of Slippery Rock, was seen for DUI, driving without a license, and accidental damage to unattended vehicle or property. He was released on his own recognizance. Sept. – Stephanie M. Yohe, 23, of Parker, Pa., was seen for DUI. She was released on her own recognizance. Sept. – John T. Mayo, 34, of Freedom, Pa., was seen for theft by unlawful taking and criminal mischief. He was released on his own recognizance.
Magistrate Sept. – John W. Brown, 46, of Butler, was seen for writing bad checks, theft by deception and false impression. He was released on his own recognizance.
Sept. – Bobbi J. Hernandes, 37, of Slippery Rock, was seen for criminal attempt to access device issued to another who did not authorize use. The individual was released on his or her own recognizance.
Sept. – Arthur L. Miller, 29, of Boyers, Pa., was seen for DUI and exceeding the maximum speed limit by 17 MPH. He was released on his own recognizance. Sept. – Vanessa E. Morrison, 21, of Slippery Rock, was cited for DUI and disregard of traffic lane. She was released on her own recognizance. Sept. – Brian D. Dowling, 45, of Butler, was seen for simple assault and harassment. Sept. – Weston M. Hatch, 20, of Dover, Pa., was seen for simple assault, disarming a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and public drunkenness. Compiled by Catie Clark
Participation techniques improve Science grant funds student research student learning outcomes Continued from Page A-1
Continued from Page A-1
her students a weekly self-assessment on their classroom participation. “I don’t want them to arrive at the end of the semester and be surprised by a low participation grade,” Williams said. “All along, they monitor their participation. I usually agree or disagree on their selfassessments with a rubric provided.” Professors, such as Dr. Mark O’Connor, may have to confront students who are not participating instead of using student self-assessments. O’Connor pulls the quiet student out after class. “You want to ask them to talk,” O’Connor said. “You know that they’re smart because of their written work. It’s a different kind of learning than talking aloud. Talking matters.” Jesus Valencia, a business professor, offered to give a free copy of an Excel program that he uses for his 8 a.m. class to help those who don’t participate much. On the Excel program, he used the random selection to pick a student, call on them and mark their participation. Once the student is marked, they won’t be called on again until everyone participates. After the list is full, you can start a new round of participation. When you close the program, it won’t save absences, which will allow you
to continue your round until the list is full or when every student is called on. Ask him and he will send the file to you through e-mail. Later on, faculty shared their success stories. Some professors used candy, stress balls, small group discussion and selfassessments to encourage their students to talk. Even classes like computer science can interact with a Jeopardy review exams. DiMarco said that the open discussions help bring the busy faculty together to see what each department is doing. She said that the discussions are designed for smaller groups from 10 to 30 people. If any professor misses a CETET seminar, he or she can access videos and podcasts on the D2L site. Sometimes CETET coordinates lectures. Last year, CETET taught the faculty on how to deal with students who experience posttraumatic stress disorder. In November, the next CETET seminar will be about the scholarship of teaching and learning. This will help researchers study about what goes on in the classroom and how to survey and grade students. “There are a lot of good things happening on campus,” Danielson said. “It’s getting the faculty to share these methods so that they can learn and grow together. Ultimately, it’s to improve student learning.”
Join SRSGA!! We have Open positions: Graduate Senator Commuter Senator (2) Building F Senator Co-Op at large
Saturday September 29th Butler Shopping Trip Bus picks up at the Student Center at 2:00 - 4:00 - 6:00
about the air they’re breathing, but I would suggest that they should.” As an example, Livingston explained that everyday Pittsburgh has to report the city’s air quality to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If the city doesn’t meet the EPA’s standards, they may face punishment. The problem is that Pittsburgh isn’t always what causes the pollution, but rather the pollution often travels through the air from somewhere else. The program allows users to look at diagrams of the air’s long-term changes as well as day-to-day motion, which allow users to see where pollutants may be traveling from. “People really need to understand regional air quality,” Livingston said. “You hear things about climate change and these are big picture issues, this is the globe. The reality is that we live in regions, and we need to understand what Cleveland does to us, and what we do to Buffalo. Our ability to understand regional air is becoming more and more important.”
The data comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NEAA) Hysplit, which provides archives of atmospheric data from all around the world, spanning multiple decades. “The pieces have existed already, but they were very difficult to use,” Livingston said. “It’s like so many things in science, somebody sat down and created a very complex model that works very well with this, but you really have to know that model in order to make it work. So it’s not allowing the average person can do it. What we’re doing is making that part easy.” Livingston and Snow’s computer program will holds the tentative name of the GGE Hysplit Helper. It works by entering a small amount of information about what the user wants to learn about, and then the program will send the information to a GIS program, which is mapping software that is commonly used by the government. Snow hopes that the program will be downloadable on the SRU homepage, but plans are still not finalized.
The three-year $175,000 NSF grant was awarded to Livingston, Snow, and Research Associate in the Department of Environmental Toxicology at the University of California, Santa Cruz Dr. Peter Weiss-Penzias in August 2009. Other than needing to debug the program, Snow expects that the grant will be finished before its February 2013 deadline. The grant money was mainly used to fund the Research in Undergraduate Institutions program, which allows undergraduates to get paid for helping with research. Livingston and Snow recruited six SRU students, including chemistry, computer science, and environmental studies majors. Livingston and Snow agreed that after spending so much time creating the program, they are looking forward to using it on a new project that may potentially funded by the NSF. One of their current ideas is to track how windborn-seeds are able to travel and colonize on distant islands.. Part 3 of the series will cover a SRU professor's research on fossils from the Permian period.
Homecoming applications are due October 10th at 4pm in the CSIL to the student secretary desk
TODAY @ 4pm & 8pm Sunday @ 8pm All showings will be on the 3rd floor in the Student Center Theater
Bus picks up at Weisenfluh Dining Hall at 1:55 - 3:55 - 5:55
@SRSGA
OPINION
The Rocket
A-4
September 28, 2012
The Rocket
Our View
Volume 96, Number 5
220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: (724) 738-4438 Fax: (724) 738-4896 E-mail: rocket.letters@sru.edu
Editorial Board Will DeShong Editor-in-Chief Jon Janasik News Editor Andy Treese Campus Life Editor Madeline Williams Sports Editor Alex Mowrey Photo Editor Stephanie Holsinger Copy Editor James Intile Web Editor Catie Clark Assistant News Editor Courtney Tietje Assistant Campus Life Editor Kristin Karam Assistant Sports Editor Emily Schubert Assistant Photo Editor Erica Kurvach News Reporter Mark Zeltner Faculty Adviser
Advertising Staff Zach Dornisch Advertising Manager Karleigh Santry Advertising Manager
About Us The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000. No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. 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.
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GRAPHIC BY EMILY SCHUBERT
Participation is a vital part of the educational experience Eve r y s tu d e nt h a s heard some of their peers complaining about losing points on their overall grade in a course because they missed too many class periods or because they did not participate enough in discussions. Most students are guilty of it themselves. Some of the ill will towards attendance and participation grades is justified. There is often a lot of confusion that comes from the “class participation” grade students receive in most of their classes, b e caus e many t imes students don’t even know what they will be graded on.
The way in which participation is graded by professors varies greatly, f rom students b eing required to simply show up to class half the time, to having to actively partake in classroom discussions on a daily basis. Not always knowing what exactly the expectations are for participation, as well as not knowing the strictness the professor will have in grading a fairly intangible topic is also an issue students typically complain about when discussing the grade. And their complaints in those regards are warranted. There is a general lack of standardization and enforcement on class
participation, even if professors make note of it in their syllabus. But beyond the vagueness that accompanies many of these participation grades, many students feel the grade itself is not all that important. They want to be judged for the knowledge they demonstrate on tests, not the rate in which they participate in discussions. This is where the antiparticipation argument falls short. Participation is an important part to a student’s learning on campus. It is another measure, in addition to exams, that professors can use to judge a student’s knowledge of a subject, just
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.
like homework, quizzes and papers. The students that hope to downplay the role participation has in college are usually the ones that don’t always show up to class, and as a result, lose those easy points. And that’s what they are -- easy points. If anything, students should be thrilled their grade can be bolstered by points given to them by simply showing up and maintaining some basic level of attention and activity in class. Participating in class is an important aspect of learning too. Students are paying to get an education and having mandatory
participation is basically a way for the college to hold the student’s hand while they get it. Participating in class enriches the learning experience of students. While not every class lends itself to offering a great deal of discussion -- auditorium classes for example -- showing up and taking notes is the easiest way to learn a subject. If professors want to base part of the grade on students doing that simple task, students shouldn’t be the ones complaining about it. They are paying for an education, the least they should hope to do is participate in it.
This week’s question: Do you think participation should be graded in college?
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.
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Andrew Manley Sophomore psychology major Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Chelsea Burton Sophomore art and creative writing major Hometown: Harborcreek, Pa.
“It depends on the class. If it’s a harder subject, then I think so. If it’s for a lecture, then I don’t think so.”
“Yes because then you’ll get more feedback with discussion by your peers. Your professors will be aware of work that you’re putting into the class.”
Amber Fieg Freshman early childhood and secondary education major Hometown: Berlin, Pa. “Yes, because if you’re not participating, nine times out of 10, you’re not learning the information as well as just sitting in class not participating.”
Opinion
September 28, 2012
A-5
View of ‘black life’ in movies has a harmful impact on the community
Donald Robinson Black Action Society There is a music video by Lupe Fiasco called “Double Burger with Cheese.” The video shows a bunch of clips from 90s black movies. All of the movies are ‘hood movies’ that show the issues of the times and black people getting shot, such as in the films Juice and Menace to Society.” It’s interesting that he made this song and video, because it correlates with the life and times of now. With all the violence and shootings that have been happening in the community, they are only doing what they were taught to do when they were
growing up. The kids in the last 20-30 years grew up watching these movies that minus the plot, just showed black people shooting black people. Well, as many know, children and young adolescents are more impressionable, and so as these young people watch these movies about people that look like them, shoot other people that look like them, well what do you get? Black on black crime. Unless the parents tell them, the kids may not take away from the movie that what goes on is wrong and shouldn’t be happening. Instead they see it as though “hey he deserved that” and take in the actions of the movie. And it’s further reinforced by the fact that a lot of it is to a high degree what they see when they go outside if they live in the inner city. So with the relatable nature of the hood with these movies combined with the reality that is outside, what are kids to do? They grow up knowing violence, gangs, and drugs and it doesn’t help that they will look up to some of these characters in the movies to further influence this. The movies don’t show hope that gang violence is going to be minimized; it’s shown in a continuous
manner. When you watch movies with mostly white casts, many don’t show them shooting each other and in the ones you see it in, you see them killing over large scale money projects or undercover business deals. They show them to kill over the “extras” in life that deal with greed. Black movies that show shootings of each other over things that help provide life’s needs or other frivolous things such as blocks or their respect in the hood. It’s like the media has programmed the black community to grow up believing that it’s okay to shoot each other and that it’s normal. Something isn’t right. The minds of the youth need to be rewired to view themselves in a more positive manner and to think that their lives are important. Many may argue that these are “hood classics” because it’s reality. Well look at what we have now, massive black on black crime in the last 30 years. Reality is your perception, so if all you’re going to perceive is death of your own people, then that’s what you’ll feel is normal and the natural act of people is to just go along with what is normal and therefore, not many will work to change it. And
when other cultures watch these movies, you know to learn American culture, so what is the subliminal message that is given to them? That the life of a person is expendable. Wasn’t that the view of black life a few hundred years ago? Youth need positive views of what is going on and that there is more to black people than what they are shown. How many movies in comparison are made and gain clout that show the successes of the black community? Not nearly enough. Instead of showing the youth all these movies that show us getting killed left and right how about showing them films of the successes that we’ve made through the struggles and movies that show the potential that they all have. They need to learn the history of how far they’ve come and how to make it better instead embracing movies that show the demise of the black community. This is a task that the parents and elder family members have to do to help the youth of tomorrow. Donald Robinson is the president of the Black Action Society at SRU. Donald is a junior exercise science major from Pittsburgh, Pa..
Ask for help, when needed Dismissing the stereotypes around the ‘F-Bomb’
Nicole Crevar Dare and Share Everyone needs help at some time or another. The more difficult problem, however, is the actual action of asking for help. College, as you all know, is an extremely stressful environment. We are all overloaded with work, and our main goal is to get through the day without contracting another cold. This hustling atmosphere is the biggest culprit of stress. So we get sick, sleep the weekend away, and fall even farther behind on our class work. But beyond this common college lifestyle, there are even more personal issues that can hinder the path to anxiety freedom. Perhaps you have been diagnosed with an illness, or you’re experiencing frequent panic attacks. Because of the consistent stress of school, these major issues get pushed to the back of your mind. By letting personal emotions bottle up, your saintly will begin to dwindle. You might ask yourself, ‘will people think I’m crazy?’ or ‘will my friends still
like me?’ These may sound a little rash, but the body and mind experience all sorts of inconsistencies when one is under a lot of stress. So what is the best thing to do? First of all, I encourage those over-stressed students to make an appointment with the Counseling Center here on campus. It’s located inside Rhoads, off to the left. More often than not, just having the opportunity to talk things out will make a world of a difference. Secondly, I suggest scheduling an appointment with your primary physician. If something is seriously bothering you, having a few tests done might clear your conscience. There is a new office building of family doctors located right in Slippery Rock across from the Marriott. It might be worth your time to give them a call. And most importantly, confide in your friends. If they think you’re crazy, then they were never true friends in the first place. Surrounding yourself by people who care about you is highly important to college survival, especially when your family is hours away. The hardest step of getting help is merely asking for it. I know we tend to get swept up in our busy lives, but letting these issues build up won’t do any good. Find someone to talk to, or call home to a loved one. And remember, you are never alone. There will always be someone willing to reach out and help a friend in need. Nicole Crevar is a junior journalism major with a minor in Spanish from Mercer, Pa.
Carly Masiroff FMLA There is a word in our society that is not said enough. It is one that makes you feel good when you say it. When I scream it, I feel like I’ve reclaimed something. A part of me inside becomes whole. Everyone, say it with me. “Feminist!” What? Not what you thought I was going to say? I understand why some may be leery of this word. Before I broke down the stereotypes surrounding it, I was afraid of it as well. Think about it. A feminist is a liberal, butch, hairy legged, braburning, man-hating, member of the bitch patrol. Why would you want to consider yourself a part of that group? Oh wait, that’s not true? None of those things really depict a feminist? There are two things I would like to clear up. First, all feminists
are human. No, we are not aliens. This means that everyone has their own unique idea of what makes up a feminist. Some may decide not to shave, burn their bras or even be man-haters, but let me be clear, that is because they are human, not because they are feminist. Being a human gives you the right to live your life however you see fit. So, before you go categorizing us as the feminists, think before you point. Second, you may be wondering, if I am saying that everyone is unique, what makes us the same? Well funny you should mention it. In my definition, a feminist is someone who views men and women as equal. Can we each have our own unique qualities or identities? Sure! But, if you believe a woman can hold the same jobs, roles, activities, and here’s the kicker, get paid the same as an equivalent man, then guess what…you are a feminist! It doesn’t matter how you identify yourself in terms of gender or political party. Again, I know this might be scary for some of you. I once was an antifeminist. Though I believe I was always a feminist, I didn’t “come out” until I was in college and I took my first Women’s Studies class and even then it was scary. The F Bomb carries so much baggage; I wondered why I would want to label myself with that word. Once I
started learning what it meant and examined the stereotypes around it, I learned that feminism is just a fancy way of saying that you want to make the world a better place. How is that a bad thing? Even though you may not know my own feminist role models: Eve Ensler, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda, Whoopi Goldberg, bell hooks, or Jessica Valenti--- you do know the more popular feminists: President Obama, Hilary Clinton, Andy Samberg, Larry David, Ashley Judd, and Tina Fey. With election excitement in the atmosphere, I leave you with a quote. Susan B. Anthony was the woman who fought until she was almost dead to secure the right to vote for all women. She said, “It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union. Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less.” Think about which presidential candidate would stand by that quote before you cast your ballot or worse, decide not to vote. Carly Masiroff is a graduate student studying student affairs from Erie, Pa. Carly is working as a GA for the Women’s Center, and is also a member of FMLA.
Maintaining popularity in the media is difficult, even for the biggest stars SGA urges students to carry
photo ID on Happy Bus for safety
Michael Santoro Observation Station Earl Simmons. Does the name ring any bells? Well, his alternate persona/rap personality may bring up a few memories: DMX. You know, the “Stop! Drop! Shut ‘em down…,” “Y’all gon’ make me lose my mind…,” “X gon’ give it to ya!” and “Lord give me a sign!” guy. DMX was considered to be the resurrection of hard-core, gangster rap when he was in his prime. In addition, he is the only artist in the history of music to have five consecutive number-one albums. Recently, DMX released his seventh studio album, six years after his most recent release, “Year of the Dog…Again.” “Undisputed,” the title of his seventh album, only sold about 19,000 copies in its first week. I went out and purchased the 2-disc deluxe edition the day the album came out, hoping my support would help bring the fallen rap star back to acclaim. Unfortunately, I don’t believe this was the case. But you don’t want to read all about DMX. I mean, I’d like to, but the majority of people probably forgot that he was even still in the music industry. DMX is a prime example of how hard it is to maintain limelight and recognition in a society where media
floods our every step. If, as an musical artist or actor, you want to maintain a Bruce Willis or U2 level of popularity with your fans and general media alike, you have to work extremely hard. Furthermore, I’m not exactly sure what it takes to actually accomplish this. So I’m going to try and give a few ideas of what I believe that artistic entities need to accomplish in order to maintain some semblance of limelight. Do they have to redefine themselves, or change their specific style? The two examples I mentioned previously, Bruce Willis and U2, did exactly that. U2 started out as an alternative rock group, singing about subjects of all kinds. Love, religion, social injustice: all were topics U2 had covered. Then, after their prime in the 80’s, they redefined themselves with a new style during the 90’s. Instead of staying with alternative, they adopted a more electronic, pop-oriented sound that some fans embraced wholeheartedly and some put off as U2 trying to stay relevant. Then after the critically disappointing “Pop” album, they once again reinvented themselves in the 00’s. They reverted back to their 80’s style, yet watered down their lyrics for more radio-friendly messages. Even now, in the 10’s, U2 is selling out concerts and their albums are being eaten up. Their most recent tour was the only tour in the history of music to sell out every single show. Are they lucky, or are they just geniuses at keeping their fan bas happy? Now to the second example, one I won’t cover as extensively since I don’t have as much knowledge of his career as much as I do U2. Bruce Willis has somehow outlasted so many actors in his ability to sell a movie
with his name alone. Even with movies that were not critically acclaimed or loved by his fan base, he was able to maintain a built-in audience who would see his films. While other actors have been able to hold on to their star appeal, I believe Bruce Willis is a prime example of someone who does this while still varying his roles. He’s been in comedies, he’s been in dramas, and more often he’s been in action films. Despite his stepping outside of his comfort zone more than a lot of other actors do, he’ still bankable. Studios still want his name on the advertising, and want him in the lead role. Part of DMX’s problem may be that he had that six year lapse between albums. U2 and Bruce Willis, to my knowledge, haven’t had that kind of lapse between works in their careers. If they did, it was related to a justifiable hiatus. DMX’s “justifiable hiatus” involved a prison sentence, drug problems, and dealing with his personal demons. I’m not trying to downplay his drastic issues, but it definitely kept him from keeping his name in the media’s light. So what does it take? How do you change yourself to meet the new needs of media, while maintaining your current and active fan base? How to you stay relevant in a world where we can see new and exciting things within second on our phones, tablets, and computers? It’s possible, as we’ve seen from artists, actors, etc. all over the board. Then again, maybe it’s like the old adage goes: out with the old, in with the new. Michael Santoro is a senior public relations major from Pittsburgh, Pa. and a regular contributor to the Rocket.
Dave Wolfe SGA President I would like to dispel several rumors about the Happy Bus. First and foremost, there is no age requirement to ride the bus. The only time you will be denied access is if you are carrying an open container or are too impaired. Also, it was reported to me earlier this week that some off campus housing complexes were restricting student access. Be assured, you can always board the Happy Bus (room permitting), but some complexes may ask for your photo ID once you are on their property. I have personally met with the housing complexes and can report to
you that as long as you have photo ID, you will not be denied access. The Happy Bus is public transportation and is the safest mode of transportation for you. There have been instances where crimes have been committed in the area and the people responsible are not able to be identified because they have no identification on them. So, from Student Government to you, we just ask that you carry photo ID of any kind on you at all times to help make everyone safer. As long as you have this, you will not be denied access anywhere. Thank you for your cooperation, and please remember that the Happy Bus is always the safest mode of transportation. Dave Wolfe is a senior Sport Management Major from Pittsburgh, Pa., and is the President/CEO of the SRU Student Government Association. Dave will be writing a letter to the students on behalf of SGA every other week.
CORRECTIONS: September 21 -- Connor MacKelvey, the new student-at-large representative for CoOp, was listed as a junior in the article “Co-Op elects new student-at-large representative.” MacKelvey is a sophomore.
A-6
September 28, 2012
COMICS
The Rocket
A-7
September 28, 2012
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Sudoku
By Michael Mepham
Horoscopes By Nancy Black Tribune Media Services (MCT) To d ay ' s Bi r t h d ay (09/28/12). Growth both at home and abroad broadens your horizons this year, expanding knowledge, perspective and personal power. Travel, education, communication and action to forward a concrete vision come together especially after October. Sow seeds for future harvest. 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 5 -- Watch out, or you will spend more than expected. Don't despair; the tunnel could be a simple figment of your imagination. Besides, there's a light at the end, anyway. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 6 -- The job now is keeping what you've learned. Home improvements will drain savings if you're not careful. Friends can help you replenish your reserves. Schedule carefully. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 6 -- You may
have to make a mess to get things right, but don't push your luck, especially around finances. Acknowledge limitations. Friends help you meet the right person. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Find inspiration in a book, and venture far. But listen to the voice of reason to assure that the giants you fight are not actually windmills. Don't make expensive promises. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 5 -- Consider all options before taking on new responsibility. A risky proposition could be rewarding, but may also fail. Trust your instincts, and be willing to accept the consequences. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 6 -- It may seem like resistance coming from above, but you may be your biggest obstacle. Get out of your way and face your public. There's nothing to be afraid of if you really think about it. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 5 -- Focus emotional energy on work, not on drama. The job may get complex, but it's also rewarding. You may as well enjoy the experience. Watch out for hidden agendas, though.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -Breathe deeply and relax. Access your creative side to overcome obstacles with playfulness and joy. Avoid distractions from what's truly important. Share love. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Public duties take from private time at first. Later, relax at home away from noise and raucous crowds. Tell your friends you'll see them later. Clean house. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 6 -- Give your mate the benefit of the doubt. Check the Internet for ideas, but limit your time. There are plenty of great experiences around the corner, not far from home. Explore. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 5 -- Develop a creative plan of action. Expand wisely, without haste or waste. Emotions center on money, but cash may not be the core issue. Go ahead and be outrageous. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Pay attention to everything around you. You get flashes of insight at the oddest moments. Don't take financial risks if you encounter resistance. Avoid distractions.
Solution
A-8
September 28, 2012
SPORTS
The Rocket
September 28, 2012
B-1
ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET
The Slippery Rock University football team mourns their 14-21 loss after the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship game against Kutztown University. The Rock finished the 2011 season with a record of 8-3. They play Kutztown once again tomorrow at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.
Rock seeks redemption against Kutztown By D.J. Vasil Rocket Contributor
One thing is very clear for Slippery Rock University’s football team as they enter this Saturday’s matchup with defending Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-East Champions Kutztown University – they cannot afford to lose. A loss to Kutztown (1-3, 0-2) this weekend would lessen the chances of the Rock (2-2, 1-1) making an appearance in the Division II National Playoffs. The game will be a rematch of last year’s PSAC Championship game, a game that resulted in a Rock loss 21-14. A sense of urgency to win is one of the feelings amongst the Green and White heading into this weekend’s matchup, according to defensive coordinator Shawn Lutz who spoke for head coach George Mihalik on Wednesday. Mihalik was unavailable due to personal reasons. “It’s a crucial game,” Lutz said. “We can’t have a two game skid. We have to have some
momentum going into next week against IUP. Since we played poorly against Mercyhurst, we have to have something positive going into next week. I’m glad we play them. I want to know how we stand against a good quality opponent.” The Rock defense struggled against the run last week against Mercyhurst, but this week they will have to contend with a high-powered Kutztown offense that is averaging 368 yards passing a game. Kutztown is lead by senior quarterback Kevin Morton. Morton was a first-team all-PSACEast performer and the PSAC-East player of the year last year. Morton, however, will be unable to play against SRU due to injury. Freshman Josh Luckenbaugh will take the reins for the Golden Bears. Luckenbaugh has filled in nicely for Kutztown, having thrown for 522 yards so far on the year. “Kutztown is a lot like Mercyhurst,” Lutz said. “On offense, they return 10 out of 11 starters from last year. Along with trying to stop the pass they can run the ball as well. They run a
spread type of offense. We have to come out ready to play early and have to make big plays in the beginning of the game. We need to create turnovers at the beginning and we need to jump on them early.” Leading the way in stopping the Kutztown passing game will be redshirt junior cornerback Anthony Saunders. Saunders is having a good season to this point, having recorded two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns. “We have to come focused and ready,” Saunders said. “We are watching film on them and have to be prepared for whatever they throw. I want to keep the defensive backs focused and not let them get down if they give up a big play, also keeping them alert and ready.” The Rock defense most likely will be without starting safety Isaiah Coleman, who leads the defense in interceptions with three. “We all need to step up,” Saunders said. “I’m hoping we all do our part on defense. With Isaiah being gone, we all have to step up a little bit more.”
Offensively, the Rock will look to take an advantage of a Kutztown defense that has struggled against the pass, having given up an average of 264.8 yards a game. The Golden Bears also give up an average of 35.8 points per game. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Jared Buck is in his first year starting under center for SRU. One thing that has plagued the Rock offense this year has been getting off to slow starts. This is something Buck is looking to change this week. “I think we need to come together as an offense,” Buck said. “We need to know what we need to come out and do it. In the past three games we’ve started off slow in the first half and have not done much. In the second half, we play great. I think we need to realize we have to come out ready to play and help out the defense.” Slippery Rock will resume PSAC-West play next weekend and hit the road next week to take on Indiana University of Pennsylvania (3-1, 1-1) at Miller Stadium. Game time is set for 2 p.m.
SRU struggles on road against Mercyhurst By D.J. Vasil Rocket Contributor
Giving up big plays defensively, combined with lack of big plays from either side of the ball, usually leads to a bad result for any football team. Slippery Rock University football was a casualty of both of these in last Saturday’s loss to Mercyhurst University 38-23 in Pennsylvania State Athletic West play. The Rock (2-2, 1-1) defense gave up passing plays of 51 yards and 41 yards, while giving up a 59 yard run to Mercyhurst (3-1, 2-0). Each of the individual plays lead to Mercyhurst touchdowns. “We can’t seem to start out on the road on the same page offensively and defensively,” defensive coordinator Shawn Lutz said. “You cannot get down that much, especially against a good team like that." Mercyhurst capitalized early on missed opportunities and an early turnover by the Green and White. With the score 7-0 favoring Mercyhurst, the lone Rock turnover came by way of a fumble by junior
receiver Laquinn StephensHowling. The Mercyhurst offense only need three plays to score, as quarterback Anthony Vendemia found Devyn Woods for a nineyard touchdown pass. With the score now 21-7 after a one-yard touchdown run by redshirt sophomore quarterback Jared Buck, redshirt junior cornerback Anthony Saunders dropped what would have been an SRU interception at midfield. The ensuing Mercyhurst drive only lasted four plays and ended in a Brandon Brown-Dukes five yard touchdown run to make the score 28-7. Brown-Dukes finished the game with 160 yards and two touchdowns. Mercyhurst finished the game with 254 yards rushing and 438 total yards offensively. Buck also added a second touchdown run in the second half while freshman receiver Jaimire Dutrieuille scored on a 20 yard touchdown run. The Rock defense recorded a fourth quarter safety to round out the scoring for the Rock.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Redshirt freshman running back Brett Crenshaw pushes through the Mercyhurst University defense to pick up yards for the Rock during last Saturday's loss. Crenshaw rushed up 59 yards against Mercyhurst.
Sports
B-2
September 28, 2012
Soccer earns another shutout By Nikolas Horniacek Rocket Contributor
After a thrilling last second win on Saturday against Clarion University, the Slippery Rock women's soccer team followed suit with a solid 1-0 shutout performance Monday against West Virginia Wesleyan. The Rock advanced their record to 6-1-0 on the season and 3-10 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play. Clarion drops to 1-4-2 (1-4-0) on the season, while W. Va. Wesleyan drops to 4-3-2 overall. The Rock was dominant in Monday’s performance, allowing West Virginia Wesleyan to tally just one total shot on goal throughout the match, with an advantage of 8-1 in total shots, 6-1 in shots on goal, and 1-0 in corner kicks. S oph om ore for w ard Lu c y Hannon scored the game winner in the 43rd minute, her fourth of the season. Hannon and freshmen midfielder Caitlin Binder were electric on offense, posting three shots on goal each. Junior Dana O’Neill got the win for the Rock, earning her fifth shutout of the season for the Green
and White with one save. Saturday’s performance for the Rock was a completely different scenario. Senior midfielder Shelby Ward scored with just 52 seconds remaining in the match to end Clarion’s comeback attempt in a 3-2 win. It took until the 40th minute for the Rock to break the ice against Clarion. Freshman forward Caitlin Conner found the back of the net with her first collegiate goal off of Hannon’s assist. Slippery Rock went into the half with a 1-0 lead which would increase to 2-0 in the 59th minute, when Hannon would tally another goal of her own. Clarion made a comeback effort, scoring their first goal in the 66th minute and then tying the game in the 87th minute. It was Ward who stole the show, when just three minutes later, she beat two defenders down the field on a breakaway, putting the final seal on a close win. “We knew Clarion’s first goal was a big game changer,” junior midfielder Stephanie Buckenheimer said. “We gave them a chance to comeback in the game but we were able to stay together as a team and get the
result we wanted.” The Rock finished Saturday’s game with a 12-9 shot advantage. O’Neill got the win Saturday as well, recording two saves. The defense played as a very cohesive unit on Monday, only allowing a total of one shot. “Monday was another important game for our regional rankings,” O’Neill said, “For us to come out with a win was a positive. We let Clarion back into the game Saturday, so we took a step in the right direction on Monday with good play and another clear sheet.” Head coach Noreen Herlihy is very pleased with the team’s performance as of late. “We are playing well as a team and continue to stay strong as a unit,” Coach Herlihy said. “We are still integrating a lot of new players into the line-up while maintaining our high level of play.” Slippery Rock faces two tough conference opponents this weekend with back-to-back home matchups against California University and Shippensburg University. “We have a tough challenge ahead of us,” Coach Herlihy said, “but we are taking it one game at a time and expect a contest.”
Men's XC takes third at Lock Haven By Cody Gray PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN PAPA
Senior Stephanie Case starts off with an early lead last Saturday at the Lock Haven University Invitational. Case recorded another victory at LHU and remains unbeaten so far this season.
Case remains unbeaten, leads team to first place By Matthew Morgan Rocket Contributor
Keeping her perfect season going, senior Stephanie Case claimed first place at the Lock Haven Invitational this past weekend and led the Slippery Rock women's cross country team to a first place finish overall. Completing the race with a time of 21:31, there were no other collegiate runners within 16 seconds of her finish time. On top of a stellar performance at Lock Haven last weekend, Case was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week on Monday. Finishing in second overall was the Penn State XC Club, and in third place was the team from Mansfield University. A total of twelve teams and 151 runners competed in the invitational. Crossing the line as the second Rock finisher was senior Abby Michaelian with a season best time of 23:01, placing herself sixth among the competition. Being her last season as a Slippery Rock cross country athlete, Michaelian says there is a sort of finality to this season and this is her chance to leave her mark on the team. “I don’t think I have necessarily hit my peak yet, because so far, this has been my best season,” Michaelian said. “I think we still have some work to do as a team before PSACs, but we definitely can compete with the top teams.
With everyone healthy, we definitely have a chance to make it to nationals.” Sophomore Shannon Byerly was the third Rock runner, running 23:32 and placing 16th. Senior Kara Styles was shortly after her in 17th place with a time of 23:35. Senior Jordan Hausladen capped the scoring with a 26th place finish in 24:07. The top five runners completed the race within 2:37 of each other, as well as having four of the top five being seniors. Freshmen Jenny Picot and Brittany Fagan placed 28th and 29th, posting times of 24:10 and 24:12, respectively. Styles is coming off an injury sustained last spring during the track season, with this race being her first competitive action in nearly five months. Head coach John Papa was excited about his team’s performance against a large amount of conference opponents and feels strongly about the team and their potential for the rest of the season. “You’ve got to be happy with how we did. Mansfield is ranked 27th nationally, so to beat them is a great sign,” Papa said. “Having Kara come back from her injury and finish so well was a great sign too. She’s an extremely courageous runner and every time she goes out there she gives it her all.” The next competition for the Green and White will be the SRU Invitational held at Coopers Lake on October 6.
Rocket Contributor
Led by junior Travis Arrigoni's fifth place finish, the Slippery Rock men's cross country team placed third at the Lock Haven Invitational Saturday. Carnegie Mellon University and Lock Haven finished as the first and second overall teams ahead of the Rock. The Penn State Club team and West Chester finished in fourth and fifth place. Arrigoni covered the 8,000 meter course in 25:53. Junior Michael Beegle placed 16th in 26:17, followed by classmate Morgan Elliott in 26th at 26:33. Sophomore Jaron Martin placed 31st with a time of 26:51 and freshman Steve Green finished 35th in 26:55 to cap the scorers for the Green and White.
S ophomore Theo Reynolds placed 37th in 27:02 and senior Alex Koksal was 43rd in 27:19. After finishing third at Lock Haven last weekend, the squad is using the week off from competition to train and recover for the SRU Invitational October 6 at Cooper's Lake Campground. Injuries and illness plagued the Rock during their other home meet earlier in September, but this time around, they appear to be fully healthy and ready to go. “With two weeks in between each race, we recover, then begin training, then recover before the meet.” said head coach John Papa. When it comes to preparing for next weekend's meet, senior captain Eric Geddis said it's all about balance between working out and resting up. “I throw in a couple of good workouts, some easy days, and a
lot of rest,” Geddis said. The Rock still has some work to do to catch up to some of their conference foes. Currently, they are fifth in the PSAC behind Lock Haven, Edinboro, East Stroudsburg, and Shippensburg. “We’ll be working hard and following the training plan to get us to peak at PSAC’s and Regionals,” Arrigoni said. “These two weeks until our next meet are our last chance to put in some hard strength work before we start the championship season.” The SRU Invitational will be a vital week for the Slippery Rock squad to show the rest of the conference what they can do before the postseason begins. The PSAC Championships will be held in Slippery Rock on October 20, also at Cooper’s Lake Campground. After PSACs, the team will prepare for Regionals.
Field hockey moves up in rankings By Cody McCullough Rocket Contributor
For the first time in school history, the Slippery Rock field hockey team has moved up to No. 9 in the national rankings. Their previous highest rank of all time was 10th, which they matched last week after originally doing so in 1987. For the last few games, the Rock was led by Allison Shade, who earned Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Field Hockey Player of the Week after her great performances last week. She had the game-winning goal against PSACrival Mercyhurst last Wednesday, and followed it up by scoring the first two goals of the game against Seton Hill University on Saturday. On Saturday, the Green and White defeated Seton Hill on the road 5-1, winning the second straight PSACWest matchup. Courtney Lee had six saves in goal and Carlee DuMars had two saves of her own. Shade had two goals, and Lindsey Brown, Gabrielle Malishchak, and Rebecca Williams each had one apiece. Head coach Julie Swiney is excited about the two big wins in the PSAC. “I am extremely proud of the team for the big wins over two tough PSAC-West opponents last
week,” Swiney said. Despite being shutout against Bloomsburg and Millersville two weeks ago, the Rock had no problem scoring when their offense erupted over the weekend, Swiney added. “A combination of hard work at practice and playing with discipline, and execution on the field helped us score this week.” The Rock rounded off a great weekend with yet another win against Mansfield University on Tuesday, 2-1. The Green and White were outshot 22-6, but behind great goaltending they pulled out the win. Brown and Kaitlin McGinnis each chipped in a goal. Lee had 11 saves in goal. Lee said that team morale seems to be very high right now, riding the three-game winning streak, along with being ranked ninth in the nation. “We are all super excited to have our school's highest ever ranking in the nation and our teamwork and hard work is finally paying off.” SRU returns to action Friday at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium where they host No. 1 West Chester University in a 3 p.m. PSAC crossover matchup.
ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET
Junior forward Rebecca Williams takes the ball downfield during last week's 3-2 win against Mercyhurst University. Williams has recorded two goals so far this season.
Sports Rock prepares for upcoming PSAC matches B-3
September 28, 2012
By Kristin Karam Assistant Sports Editor
Slippery Rock University men’s soccer suits up for PSAC play this weekend after defeating Wheeling Jesuit University 2-1 on Sunday. The win improves the Rock’s season record to 4-1-3. Junior goalkeeper Joe Agerskow made his first collegiate start against Wheeling Jesuit and looks forward to improving throughout the season. “We came under a bit of pressure toward the end of the game,” Agerskow said. “Getting the win was quite a relief, but it was a win I feel we deserved.” Agerskow made five saves and allowed one goal against the Cardinals. The Green and White took the field on Sunday looking to redeem themselves after the loss to Mercyhurst last Thursday. Freshman for ward Peter Boylan feels the team did not play to their full potential on Thursday. “The loss to Mercyhurst was definitely an eye opener for us as a team,” Boylan said. “We came out flat. For us to be successful this year, we need to play solid for the full 90 minutes.” Sophomore Stephen Donnelly got Slippery Rock on the scoreboard in the 11th minute of the game off of an assist from senior defender Drew Donoghue. Donnelly now has four goals for the Rock so far this season. Just 16 seconds later, Boylan took an assist from sophomore midfielder Brandon Chiu to record his first collegiate goal and the winning goal for Slippery Rock. Boylan was thrilled to get the chance to start in his first collegiate game and said he was glad to be able to help the team record a win. “I was not only happy for myself, but happy that I could contribute to the team and help win an important game for us,” Boylan said. Wheeling Jesuit answered back in the
ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET
Sophomore midfielder Brandon Chiu keeps the ball in play during last week's double overtime tie against Urbana University. Chiu has recorded two goals for the Rock so far this season.
33rd minute of the game with a goal from Ignacio Fernandez. Neither team was able to produce a goal during the second half, making the final score 2-1 Slippery Rock. SRU finished the match with a 21-13 advantage in total shots, 9-6 in shots on goal, and 7-4 in corner kicks. The Green and White is preparing to head into a string of conference play that begins this weekend at home. Boylan understands the importance of these games and feels the team has what
it takes to be competitive in the PSAC. “We have what it takes to be a dominating force in our conference,” Boylan said. “We know what we need to do and we will not back down until we achieve that goal. We trained really hard during preseason, so we won’t let an opportunity like this slip from our grasps.” The Rock faces California University of Pennsylvania and Shippensburg University at home this weekend. Agerskow feels the team is continuing
to improve and will perform well this weekend. “The team is working hard towards a busy weekend,” Agerskow said. “The focus is well and truly on us getting the right results this weekend and becoming real contenders for the PSAC.” Slippery Rock will play California today at 12:30 p.m. at MihalikThompson Stadium and Shippensburg tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. They will also play Bloomsburg University next Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
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September 28, 2012
The Rocket
CAMPUS LIFE C-1 September 28, 2012
SRU dancers carry many years of experience in the performing arts By Courtney Tietje Assistant Campus Life Editor
Who are the hardest-working students on campus? Alyssa McIntyre, 20, a junior dance major, may argue that students in the dance department are, hands-down, the hardestworking students at SRU. But rather than bragging, McIntyre said that she just wants people to recognize the work that a student in the dance department must put into their major in order to truly succeed. “I feel like a lot of people think that dancers are just here because it’s an easy way to get by in school, and in actuality, it’s a really tough major,” McIntyre said. “It’s really hard work, and because we all have such a desire to dance we don’t consider it a joke at all.” Many dance majors, like McIntyre and senior Ashlee Parker, 21, have spent the major ity of t heir lifetime practicing dance. Parker was first introduced to dance by her parents at the age of 3. While she took a short break at 8 to play basketball, it didn’t take long for Parker to realize that dance had become a part of her life that she didn’t want to live without. “I think at the moment when I went from basketball [back] to dance, that’s when I really realized that I didn’t want to do anything else but dance, and just knowing that, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to stop doing it,” Parker said. Parker said she has been dancing since. She said that the SRU dance department has become more than just her
ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET
Junior dance major Jessica Clevenger practices advanced aerobic exercises during an upper-level modern dancing class Wednesday. Students in the SRU dance department, like Clevenger, often devote a significant amount of time to dancing and other physical activity.
major—her fellow students and faculty are her family and her support. “I feel like the dance department is very family-oriented,” she said. “When I first came here, we all said the same thing—we all felt comfortable. We didn’t feel like it was competitive. A lot of the other schools that
have dance are probably more competitive, and here I just felt accepted. In my classes, I don’t feel like people are judging me. I feel like we’re all here for the same purpose, and we’re all here to learn. And we all want to grow together, not against each other.” Dancer and 2012 SRU alum
Kaitlyn Dye, of Frostburg, Md., had similar thoughts about the dance department. She emphasized that the struggles and love of their major seemed to bring dance students closer together. “At Slippery Rock, we kind of all flock together,” Dye said. “You have your liberal arts
and your performance arts classes, and it’s very stressful because it’s so busy. We had all of our homework, and we had rehearsals each night for three or four hours and trying to have a social life as well. We never had time to be ‘normal’ college SEE DANCE, PAGE C-3
Production by SRU theatre mocks present-day political campaigning By Alyssa Cirincione Rocket Contributor
While politics and elections are very serious topics for some, SRU’s theatre department production, “View of the Dome,” is approaching the topic of politics in a whole different light. “Student’s should expect [‘View of the Dome’] to be very funny,” senior marketing major Nickolaus Edwards, 22, said. “It is a satire making fun of politics, so you should still take it seriously, but also laugh at it. You see how far people take things to get to the top, like the media spinning people’s words.” Associate professor of theatre Laura Smiley is the director of production for “View of the Dome.” Smiley said they’ve been working since last spring to coincide with the election year. “It’s a political satire about sex, money and politics, like what goes on behind the scenes,”
Smiley explained. “It really criticizes the right and the left things, like sex scandals and how the religious right gets involved.” Smiley said that one of the things addressed in the production is the mud-slinging in political campaigning. Smiley added that neither the Democratic nor the Republican parties are perfect when it comes to campaign ads or how they handle the competition of elections. “The pre-show for the show is a bunch of political campaign ads, from Kennedy to Obama and Romney,” Smiley said. “You can see a shift from the gentlemanly way of political ads to now, [and] there are all of these smear ads going on. Let the buyer beware, if I went with the facts instead of just bashing each other or listening to the campaign ads and being sucked in, I would know what the truth really is.” SEE MULTIMEDIA, PAGE C-3
LEXI KOVSKI/THE ROCKET
The SRU theatre department will present “View of the Dome,” a political satire directed by assistant professor of theatre Laura Smiley, tonight, Sunday, and October 1-4 at 7:30 p.m.
University offers defense classes, other resources to aid victims of rape, sexual assault By Stephanie Cheek Rocket Contributor
Every student on campus receives emails whenever the administration feels that there is a threat on campus, and sexual assault has become one of the most talked about of these threats. But very few students actually know the protocols that SRU and its campus police have regarding the issue. Sexual assault is often just thought to be rape, but according to Women’s Center director Jodiann Solito, “Sexual assault can range from unwanted touching to rape.” Consent is permission for someone to physically be with another, and what many college students do not know is that no one can give legal consent while intoxicated, Solito said. According to Solito, the Women’s Center is prepared to help if anyone is sexually assaulted on or near the campus, no matter the gender,
with the help from the campus police, the Counseling Center, and Health Center. The Women’s Center’s protocol starts as soon as the student first comes forward as a victim. The first and main concern of every office on campus is if they are physically okay. Then, depending on the level of sexual assault, they direct the student to the Health Center and a hospital where a person undergoes a forensic exam. Then the victim has the choice whether or not they want to press charges against the perpetrator, Solito said. The Women’s Center tries to maintain contact with the victim, even after the assault, by offering several services that can help someone get through that difficult time, according to Solito. For example, two of the services that are provided include counseling for the victims and the program Victim Outreach Intervention Center (VOICe), where the advocate works
with the victim to offer options to make them feel safe and even help with legal proceedings if they choose to go down that road, Solito said. Along with the Women’s Center, the campus police can play a big role when it comes to sexual assault on campus. According to SRU’s chief of police Michael Simmons, sexual assaults around Slippery Rock occur mostly off campus causing the campus police to have no jurisdiction in the case. In the case that there is an assault on campus, certain officers are trained on how to handle the circumstances, from the initial report to the investigations, and even help the victims reach help around campus. “[SRU] has a zero tolerance policy for sexual assault and these types of crimes,” Simmons said. “Most people do not think that this could happen to them until it is too late, so students should practice risk reduction.” Alcohol is sometimes the main reason that
certain situations can get out of control and turn into sexual assault, but it is a matter of making sure that you are always able to take care of yourself, according to Simmons. Another way that students can feel better protected is by participating in a program called Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.). R.A.D. is a self-defense course that the campus police offers for both men and women to be better suited to take care of themselves and get out of a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable. The last way is teaching students not only how to lower their risks of becoming a victim, but also teach them how to stop being the perpetrator and gain respect for others and their personal space. “Just because we hear about [sexual assault] more,” Solito said, “does not mean it is happening more. More and more people are coming forward and willingly asking for the help without feeling ashamed.”
Campus Life
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September 28, 2012
Stars flaunt custom fashion at 64th Primetime Emmy Awards
Katie Ellis "ROCK'n Fashion" At last, awards show season is in full swing with the advent of the 64th annual Primetime Emmy Awards. This year’s show was packed with hilarity as host Jimmy Kimmel took the stage to poke fun at everyone, from Mitt Romney to the British. But before any Emmys were handed out, movie and television stars alike had to make their way down the red carpet. Among the trends featured on Sunday night were a variety of custom creations, florals, and unexpected pops of color. Funny girl Zooey Deschanel dazzled on the carpet in a custom Reem Acra gown dyed to match the blue hue of her bright eyes. This dress is worthy of a princess with its sweetheart neckline and endless layers of tulle that would have made even Cinderella jealous. Her bright pink lipstick, statement nails, simple diamond earrings, and sophisticated up-do complimented her look in every way. There’s no doubting that Cinderella’s fairy godmother would have been proud. Taking home the award for best supporting actress for the second year in a row was the exquisitely dressed, Julie Bowen. She was one of many stars dressed in yellow, but the neon shade of her Monique Lhuillier Resort 2013 dress set her above the rest. Her strapless mermaid gown was offset by a golden Swarovski clutch and opal drop earrings by Bochic Fine Jewelry. Surprisingly enough, Bowen topped last year’s Oscar de la Renta gown, and is definitely a front runner in the best dressed category. “Once Upon a Time” actress Ginnifer Goodwin looked ethereal in her orange Monique Lhuillier gown with delicate floral embroidery. Her gown sported a tea-length hem in the front and floor-sweeping train in the back. The petite star stood tall in matching orange Christian Louboutin pumps
and dazzling silver Rona Pfeiffer jewels. Goodwin has stepped up her A-game and become a definite fashion powerhouse. On the heels of her break-up from husband Seal, Heidi Klum is sporting a sexy new style. Klum rocked the red carpet in a seafoam Alexandre Vauthier creation with a plunging neckline and sky-high thigh slit. Peeking out of her dress were custom Charlotte Olympia heels that matched her Lorraine Schwartz drop-earrings and rings. The blonde beauty proved that single has never looked better. Marchesa styled “Nashville” star Hayden Panettiere in a dress fresh off the catwalk from their spring runway show. Although this dress is stunning, it swallows the starlet’s petite frame. The embroidered gold column gown was overwhelmed by the endless amount of blue tulle overlay. That being said, Panettiere was wise to keep her hair and Harry Winston jewels simple. For future awards shows, she should pay more attention to the fit of her gown, instead of focusing on how fashion forward she appears. But the biggest fashion disaster of the night was Ashley Judd’s custom Carolina Herrera gown. There is a laundry list of things that are wrong with the Emmy nominee’s look, starting with her outrageously high bouffant hairstyle. Her gown resembles a prom dress gone terribly awry. It featured a haltered neckline with an over-the-top bow closure in the back and V-neck detailing in the front. Judd accessorized with Martin Katz earrings, rings, and flower broach. The Emmy Awards were full of acting upsets, a few crude jokes, and numerous fashion highlights and lowlights. Ashley Judd was undeniably the worst dressed celebrity of the night in her prom nightmare gown by Carolina Herrera. As the awards show circuit continues, Judd should consult with a new stylist who is able to dress her in more age appropriate silhouettes. The title of best-dressed celebrity goes to the fabulous, Heidi Klum. She looked undeniably radiant and exuded confidence in her Alexandre Vauthier dress. Katie Ellis is a sophomore journalism major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.
New horror film struggles with weak storyline, highly unoriginal structure
Jimmy Graner "Jimmy G's Rock Reviews" Film of the week: “House at the End of the Street”
2 Stars
Stereotypical coincidences and bland scare tactics are what make horror movies less and less interesting to watch. Take Halloween for example. A killer walks around in the dark, with the scary tiptoe music, using a knife to carefully stab and kill all the main characters in the storyline before being brought down by the most extravagant of ways. I feel that countless directors/writers use this same sequence in a horror flick just to see if people will spend money on something that may seem totally different until the credits are rolling and you are asking for your money back. ‘House at the End of the Street,’ directed by Mark Tonderai, does just that. Like every scary movie today, most start out with a
little opening scene usually explaining the main thesis and what the audience has to look forward to throughout the tale. Someone is killed, the killer goes missing, new characters are introduced, dark secrets are blabbed, the plot thickens, characters are kidnapped, people die, end of story. It’s the same thing over and over again. Jennifer Lawrence, who plays a strong female role in “The Hunger Games,” plays the typical “survivor girl.” Moving into a new town with a new school is hard on anybody. She finds passion in music and opens up to people who share the same interest. Having a bad experience with the first boy she meets in town, she’s floundered into a connection with her next door neighbor, Ryan (Max Thieriot), who opens up to her about what its like to live in a house that your parents were murdered in. As their relationship progresses, her mother (Elisabeth Shue) begins to question why Max is living in the house and why he’s talking to her daughter. Lawrence, who thinks her mother is being way too paranoid (aren’t all mothers) decides to ignore her opinion and continue to see him. Like I said earlier, this follows every scary movie sequence. The movie has a hard way of explaining itself. As the story progresses, your opinion changes because of
PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS
Heidi Klum shows off an Alexandre Vauthier gown and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry on the red carpet at the 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards.
how many different twists come into play. I don’t want to give away too much, but if the story is based on a house where two people were killed by a little girl and all of sudden you’re lead to believe that the girl shouldn’t even exist anymore, then you’re going to lose interest. Take the movie “The Uninvited,” for example. A girl comes home from being away at a mental institution for quite some time. Her father has met someone new and she plans on trying to forget the past. You’re introduced to her sister right from the beginning and are doomed into believing that she actually exists. Well guess what, she doesn’t. All the times she shows up on screen, it's indicated she’s there but in reality she isn’t. It’s all psychological, and what you’re meant to believe in is already out the door. Then to top it all off, when the movie ends, you’re given the answers you were looking for throughout the whole movie with no explanation. Sometimes this is okay, but when it is, it’s usually pretty obvious. Either way, it’s nothing new or more exciting than what you may have already seen. Jimmy Graner is a sophomore journalism major, a film and media studies minor and a regular contributor to The Rocket.
September 28, 2012
Campus Life
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Multimedia incorporated into latest theatre production Continued from Page C-1
Smiley said the main approach with tying this year’s election into this production is the media and the effects of it, but with an interactive twist. “There is multi-media involved, [and] we also have live feed cameras that will be filming the candidates on the screen,” Smiley said. “You can see just by the way it’s shown on the screen it’s different in person by the perspective you get.” Junior psychology major Meg Rodgers described her role as Emma, as a genuine, honest person who loses herself getting sucked into the nasty side of politics. “My character is more a philosophical thinker than politician,” Rodgers explained. “She’s just trying to hold on to relationships, while the rest are working their way to the top.” Rodgers, 20, said students get to look forward to laughing a lot during this production as well as having their eyes opened to how ugly the competition of politics can get. “It is a satire, so it’s really funny in the way that it makes fun of both parties,” Rodgers said. Edwards introduced his character, Arthur, as one of the
main congressmen, who becomes influenced by a powerful broker named Anna Beth, played by junior journalism major Stephanie Skinger, 20. “He starts out pretty even kill, then once Anna Beth comes into the picture, she influences him a lot, he gets into it deep and he starts acting different,” Edwards said. “He wasn’t sure about running at first, but then he feeds into it and enjoys it.” When preparing for his role of Arthur, Edwards said he did extensive research on past Presidents to gain more sense of his character. “I did a lot of YouTube speech watching all the way back to Carter, Kennedy and Clinton to now Obama,” Edwards said. “I focused on the rhetoric – the way they carried themselves as they’re doing their speeches. When you’re delivering a speech, you want to excite people, you want them to feel something. During my speech, we have people back in the wings cheering, so hopefully the audience will pick up on that and join in to make it feel more real.” Show times for “View of the Dome” are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sunday and October 1-4, with a matinee showing at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $7 for students with ID and $12 for general admission.
LEXI KOVSKI/THE ROCKET
(From left) Junior theatre major Nick Benninger, senior marketing major Nickolaus Edwards and junior journalism major Stephanie Skinger perform onstage during a dress rehearsal for "View of the Dome" Wednesday night. The theatre department's latest production incorporates unique multimedia elements into the stage setup, such as live camera shots.
Dance majors pursue careers in dance despite hardships of their major Continued from Page C-1
students.” According to McIntyre, the average dance major devotes 40 and 50 hours or more each week to dancing alone. “The hardest thing about being a dance major is everything that you have to give up,” McIntyre said. “A lot of us don’t get home
until 11:30 every night, so I think that’s the hardest part about being a dance major—just trying to find the time to relax.” Dye, who has danced in the Nat i ona l C ol l e g i ate D ance Festival, the American Dance Festival, at the Kennedy Center in Seattle, and in Salt Lake City, said that for a dancer, the day is never over.
“I would have to say that my biggest lesson that I learned [through dance] is that there is never a start and a stop to your artistic career,” she said. Wh i l e Par ke r, w h o w i l l graduate in the spring, recognizes that finding a job after graduation will require even more hard work and devotion, she is looking forward
to applying what Slippery Rock has taught her. “I [look forward to] just going out and applying everything that I’ve learned here,” she said. “I know it will sort of be a different world, and it will be hard, but I just want to push myself to go as far as I can with it, and I think [the opportunities are] very exciting.”
So while McIntyre said she believes that a lot of hard work is necessary to be a dance major, she also believes that it’s well worth it. “[Dancing] is what we love to do, so we don’t mind it,” McIntyre said. “Yeah, it may bring us stress sometimes, but no one really cares because it’s what we’re here for.”
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September 28, 2012