9-6-2013

Pimp your Piggybank Rocky's Raisers hold contests to reward students who raise money for SRU.

Page A-2

Friday, September 6, 2013 • Volume 97, Issue Number 2 • Slippery Rock University's Student Newspaper

the rocket

www.theonlinerocket.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Tuition fees increase, state funding diminishes

PASSHE elects

New chancellor Previous Florida state system chancellor brings experience and new promises to Pa. state schools.

NEWS A-2

Budget cuts Threaten faculty Clarion University cut 22 faculty members and one major. Will SRU see similar cuts?

OPINION B-1

Women's Soccer Opens season Green and White defeats California University of Pa. 2-1 in season opener.

SPORTS C-2

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY MOLLY MERCER

Tuition and academic fees have shown an increase over the last fifteen years while state appropriations have decreased. The 2012-2013 data is reflective of the current budget, and the 2013-2014 data is reflective of the draft budget.

Potterheads Unite at SRU Dumbledore's Army is expected to be a new organization on SRU's campus this fall, open for all students to join.

Slippery Rock University begins preparing for the anticipated $5.2 million deficit

By Kevin Squires Assistant News Editor

CAMPUS LIFE D-1

Overseas Star Irish soccer player Stephen Donnelly succeeds on the SRU men's soccer team over 3,000 miles away from home.

Page B-1

President Cheryl Norton issued a letter to the Slippery Rock University c o m m u n i t y l a s t We d n e s d a y announcing a $5.2 million deficit expected in the operating budget for the 2014-2015 academic year.

“I wish I could tell you this was a one-time blip in the budget, but it is not. We expect the following two years to be as equally challenging,” Norton stated in the letter. “This deficit is due to a combination of factors: the fragile economic recovery, unavoidable

increases in expenses and a declining population of high school graduates who are college ready.”

As this trend continues there are only two possible ways of accommodating for cost: decrease the total amount of revenue needed, and/or increase the amount of revenue gained.

Most of the university’s revenue comes from tuition costs and academic fees; however, that was not always the case. In fact, about ten years ago, the money the state dedicated to Slippery Rock exceeded the amount revenue generated by student tuition. Over the past four years, the state appropriation has gone down while tuition costs have

increased.

Personnel reductions are a reasonable expectation for managing the deficit.

“With nearly 80 percent of the University’s budget directed to salary and benefits costs, reductions will inevitably include some personnel,” Norton stated.

The University is already acting on this situation. There has been a letter of retrenchment issued to faculty, other unions were notified of the fi nancial circumstances, reductions are expected and efforts are being made to generate more revenue.

According Molly Mercer, Interim Vice President for Finance & SEE BUDGET, PAGE A-3

Faculty receives letter warning positions may be cut Clarion University plans to cut over 20 faculty members members within a certain time period,” the Executive Director for SRU Public Relations Rita Abent said. “It doesn’t mean that anything’s going to happen. It could, or it could not. You need to give notice, and that letter has gone out.”

In late July, Burkhart received a letter from the SRU administration that explained that the university is considering the use of retrenchment and reserves the right to use it.

“We’re facing a budget

By Jonathan Janasik News Editor

Patrick Burkhart president of the SRU Chapter President of the Association of Pa. State College & University Faculties (APSCUF) spoke to students on Aug. 26 during a SGA about the possibility retrenchment (the elimination of programs or faculty members).

“There is a part of the collec tive bargaining agreement that says that if you’re considering any kind of reduction in the workforce, you need to notify the union

challenges, and we’re going to need to consider all possibilities,” Abent explained.

According to Burkhart, eight of the universities in the PASSHE system also received similar letters from each of their respective administrations.

This year, members of the faculty may receive letters that would state that this would be the last year of their employment, and that they would not be on payroll when school began again next fall.

“I hope that faculty should not be worried about losing their jobs, but I’m confident that

some of them probably are,” Burkhart said. “At Clarion they were going to terminate more than 20 faculty members. We haven’t heard numbers from other universities in PASSHE. I think that amongst the tools that the administration can choose to balance its budget, cutting payroll of faculty is on the table and at SRU the administration has told us that it might be utilized. I’m sure that creates anxiety in the minds of some faculty.”

SEE SRU, PAGE A-3

NEWS

A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Fog in the a.m.; mostly sunny

Partly sunny

Clouds and sun with a shower

Mostly sunny and nice

Mostly sunny and more humid

A t-storm in the afternoon

Mainly cloudy with t-storms

72°

45°

79°

60°

78°

REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE

®

Fri.

Sat.

Sun. Mon.

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.

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

Friday HI LO W 74 51 s 72 47 s 70 45 s 73 55 s 68 56 s 72 46 s 72 45 s 67 48 s 74 55 s 73 47 s 70 48 s 70 46 s 75 48 s 72 47 s 73 49 s

Saturday HI LO W 80 63 pc 77 59 pc 79 55 pc 83 65 pc 81 65 t 79 60 pc 79 58 pc 75 58 pc 80 64 s 81 61 pc 79 59 pc 76 58 pc 80 61 pc 79 58 pc 80 62 pc

Sunday HI LO W 80 54 pc 80 55 pc 78 51 pc 74 55 pc 70 53 pc 84 54 pc 77 53 pc 75 52 pc 84 65 pc 78 55 pc 78 46 pc 77 50 pc 79 56 pc 78 49 pc 77 49 pc

51°

77°

56°

62°

82°

UV INDEX

Fri.

Sat.

Sun

Sun. Mon.

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. 0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme.

Tuesday HI LO W 84 66 s 80 63 s 81 61 s 85 66 s 83 68 s 82 65 s 82 62 s 78 63 s 80 66 s 84 65 s 79 63 s 80 62 s 85 66 s 81 63 s 84 64 s

Wednesday HI LO W 85 64 c 82 63 pc 83 62 t 85 66 pc 84 66 t 85 67 t 82 64 t 80 62 t 84 66 s 85 64 t 84 64 t 82 62 t 86 65 t 84 64 t 85 64 pc

ROCK NOTES Registration for Walk The Rock

Registration for Walk The Rock (10,000-Step Challenge).

The 12-week, pedometer-based, walking program is designed to help members of the campus community increase physical activity. All registrants will receive a free walking log and may choose to use a pedometer of their own or purchase one for $8 (cash only). For more information, call Kimberly Smith, associate professor of exercise and rehabilitative sciences, at 724.738.4468. Morrow Field House lobby. Sponsored by SRU Wellness Commission.

New Christy Minstrels

SRU Performing Arts Series opens 2013-14 season with The New Christy Minstrels, renowned American folk group with sales of more than 20 albums. Tickets (at the door): $22, adults; $20 senior citizens; $18 youth; and $8 SRU students. University Union Multi-Purpose Room.

"Furnace Works" Art Display

”Furnace Works” art display featuring works by June Edwards, SRU associate professor of art. Display runs noon to 5 p.m. weekdays through Sept. 20. Martha Gault Gallery, Maltby Center.

To submit a Rock Note please send your announcement by 6 p.m. Wednesday to Jon 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

62°

81°

48°

IN THE SKY

™

Monday HI LO W 80 61 pc 76 54 s 73 53 s 79 63 pc 75 61 s 76 57 s 75 56 s 70 57 s 78 63 s 78 59 s 73 52 s 73 54 s 79 61 pc 74 53 s 78 56 s

84°

Thursday HI LO W 82 50 t 79 60 pc 81 51 r 82 55 t 79 54 t 84 57 pc 81 57 t 77 52 t 86 67 pc 80 51 t 83 52 t 80 51 t 81 51 t 83 51 r 81 50 t

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Moon

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Rise 6:52 a.m.

6:53 a.m.

6:54 a.m.

6:55 a.m.

6:56 a.m.

6:57 a.m.

6:58 a.m.

Rise 8:03 a.m.

9:07 a.m.

10:11 a.m.

11:17 a.m.

12:22 p.m.

1:26 p.m.

2:26 p.m.

MOON PHASES

Set 7:45 p.m.

7:43 p.m.

7:41 p.m.

7:40 p.m.

7:38 p.m.

7:36 p.m.

7:34 p.m.

Set 8:06 p.m.

8:38 p.m.

9:13 p.m.

9:51 p.m.

10:36 p.m.

11:26 p.m. none

First

Full

Last

New

9/12

9/19

9/26

10/4

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2013

NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK TEMPERATURES

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

PRECIPITATION

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

National Summary: The pleasant sunshine across the Great Lakes will come to an end Saturday as a cold front brings showers and storms. This system will push farther south and east for the second half of the weekend, bringing showers to the Northeast and thunderstorms from the Ohio Valley back to the northern Plains. The Northeast will be dry by Monday, but another wave of thunderstorms will move into the northern Plains and Great Lakes. Across the south, it will be relatively dry for the weekend. A few afternoon storms will occur along the Gulf Coast; otherwise, it will be dry in the southern Plains. Spotty afternoon storms will continue across the Rockies over the weekend, but the Northwest will dry out by Monday.

NATIONAL CITIES

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday CITY HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W Atlanta 88 71 pc 86 71 t 90 70 pc 90 72 pc 89 70 t 87 70 t 86 60 c Boston 67 57 s 76 61 s 76 53 pc 69 57 s 75 63 s 78 66 c 81 65 c Chicago 83 68 s 87 64 t 80 61 pc 80 69 t 90 71 s 85 65 t 80 54 s Cincinnati 83 56 s 89 64 s 87 66 pc 88 66 pc 88 69 s 87 67 t 88 52 t Dallas 98 75 s 98 77 s 98 76 s 98 76 s 97 75 s 97 73 s 96 65 pc Denver 94 64 pc 93 63 pc 94 60 s 88 58 t 83 55 t 81 55 t 83 56 s Detroit 76 61 s 83 63 t 76 54 pc 78 62 pc 88 68 s 86 66 t 82 50 r Houston 94 74 pc 95 74 t 95 74 t 95 74 pc 93 74 t 93 74 c 92 70 pc Indianapolis 84 62 s 86 67 pc 85 66 pc 86 69 pc 91 70 s 90 67 pc 84 53 pc Kansas City 92 68 s 95 71 s 97 71 pc 94 71 s 94 69 s 83 66 t 83 58 s Los Angeles 92 67 s 90 66 s 88 65 s 88 67 pc 85 66 pc 85 66 pc 85 66 pc Miami 90 79 pc 89 79 t 90 78 pc 89 78 t 91 78 pc 89 79 pc 90 73 sh Nashville 90 63 s 92 67 s 92 69 pc 94 71 s 93 71 s 93 71 t 91 61 t New Orleans 90 75 t 92 75 pc 91 74 pc 90 75 pc 91 75 pc 90 75 pc 90 75 s New York City 73 58 s 78 66 pc 81 60 pc 76 62 s 78 64 s 80 66 s 84 69 pc Orlando 90 74 t 90 74 t 92 72 s 91 72 t 91 73 s 92 73 t 92 68 t Phoenix 106 86 s 104 87 t 104 85 s 99 84 t 99 81 t 99 83 s 106 81 s San Francisco 76 58 pc 79 57 s 80 59 s 79 58 s 74 57 s 72 56 s 73 59 s Seattle 66 58 r 73 56 pc 74 56 s 73 56 s 74 55 s 76 55 s 73 57 pc Washington, DC 75 55 s 81 66 s 86 65 pc 80 66 s 84 70 s 89 71 s 88 63 pc Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

PASSHE hires new chancellor

By Jonathan Janasik News Editor

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) announced in July that Frank T. Brogan would begin serving as the new chancellor beginning Oct. 1.

A PASSHE press release stated that Brogan had previously been employed as Florida’s chancellor since 2009.

“His tenure brought a welcome sense of stability for the system,” stated the press release. “Relationships with the Florida Legislature have been restored as evidenced by this year’s reversal of a previous $300 million budget cut and the addition of more than $400 million in new funding for operations, facilities and maintenance.

Brogan has stated that working on Pa.’s education budget is one of his main goals.

“An important role for the Chancellor is to be the system’s number-one advocate for securing the resources that our faculty and staff need to deliver the world-class experience our students deserve,” Brogan said in a PASSHE press release. “That means making a case for reinvestment in our university system. With good data and clear communication, we can continue to demonstrate to our partners in the General Assembly and in the community that PASSHE institutions provide an impressive return on investment.”

The search for the new chancellor began in February after the previous chancellor Dr. John C. Cavanaugh resigned after finding another job.

According to PASSHE spokesperson Kenn Marshall, the position of chancellor has many responsibilities including developing policy recommendations, serving as the chief executive officer of the system, he evaluates the university presidents and he meets with regularly legislatives to advocate for the annual budget for the state system.

PASSHE created search committee was created to find a new chancellor. The committee began by creating numerous public boards to meet with faculty members, students, alumni, and community business leaders in order to ask what they thought that the university needed to accomplish.

They used the input that was received in order to create a position description.

According to Marshall, there were hundreds of people who applied or were nominated by others for the position.

There was also an executive search firm that helped screen applicants and that conducted many interviews over the phone.

Afterwards, they conducted face to face interviews to narrow down the selection.

After those interviews were finished, only three candidates remained, Marshall explained. Those candidates went to Harrisburg in late July to meet with groups of faculty, students, alumni and local business leaders. Those groups sent their recommendations to the Board of Governors. The entire Board of Governors then met with the candidates individually for interviews.

Brogan was selected as the top candidate.

Rocky's Raisers brings competition to fundraising by using piggy banks

By Conor Frampton Rocket Contributor

Rock Notes...............A-2 Comics................B-7 T h e s e c on d ye ar of Blotter.................A-3 Sports...................C-1 Rocky’s Raisers’ Piggy Bank Opinion...............B-1 Campus Life.............D-1 Campaign is under way on campus; participating requires nothing more than some spare change and it could result in winning some prizes.

The Piggy Bank Challenge is a means for students to Newsroom: 220 Eisenberg Building turn their spare change into valuable donations to SRU (724) 738-4438 Slippery Rock or their club or organization.

Advertising: University Rocky’s Raisers is the (724) 738-2643 Slippery Rock, PA organization behind studentsupported donations to the Fax: 16057 college and the group in (724) 738-4896 charge of The Piggy Bank Email: Challenge. rocket.letters@sru.edu Kim Arntz and Hanna Lindsey, both co-presidents of Rocky’s Raisers, explained the system behind the 2012 Mark of Excellence First piggybank campaign.

Place Winner in Region 4 from the Society of Professional JourStudents purchase a piggy nalists. bank for a dollar and fill it up with their spare change.

At the end of the semester they will receive an e-mail with instructions to turn in their collected change, they get to keep the piggy bank.

The money collected goes

CONTACT US

September 6, 2013

towards scholarships for SRU students.

“L ast year we raised enough money to offer five $500 scholarships to students” Lindsay said.

T h e m o n e y d o e s n’t necessarily have to go to scholarships though; students may designate a club or organization to receive their donations instead.

There is also the potential for a club or organization to use The Piggy Bank Campaign as a means of fundraising for themselves. By having their members each keep a piggy bank and designating the club as the receiver of the donations, there is a potential for substantial fundraising. Last year’s participating clubs raised several hundred dollars apiece.

Students are also encourage d to ke ep a personal piggy bank for The Piggy Bank Challenge.

“We offer plenty of prizes for students participating in the challenge” Arntz stated.

“We have random drawings throughout the semester and at the end we randomly draw

for a $25 Sheetz gift card, a $20 Elephant and Castle gift card and a $10 Primanti’s gift card.”

There are also unique chances for prizes, like the recent “Pimp Your Pig” event where students were asked to decorate their piggy bank and the one voted by the students to look the best received a $10 Giant Eagle gift card.

Students looking to participate can find the Rocky’s Raisers table at all the major welcome back functions happening in the coming weeks around c ampu s . L i ke w i s e, t he Rocky’s Raisers office is located at 011 Old Main and is open normal business hours.

Organizations looking to utilize the piggy bank challenge should call 724-738-2197 or email annualgiving@sru.edu.

For more information, rockysraisers.com and the group’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages all also provide information on the event and forthcoming events as well.

NEWS

September 6, 2013

A-3

POLICE BLOTTER Borough Aug. 29 - Officers responded to 483 North Main Street when a car that struck the house and fled the scene. A dark in color van was traveling west on Kelly Blvd, crossed over North Main Street, up the embankment and struck the house. The van then proceeded to pull away, striking a tree and then fled east on Kelly Blvd.

Campus Sept. 3 – There was a report of damage to a vehicle at West Lake Lot. The case is under investigation.

Aug. 30 - Michael Joseph Cook was arrested for disorderly conduct after an alleged retail theft incident.

Sept. 3 – A Boozel employee requested ambulance service for back problems and was taken to Grove City Hospital. The police were not requested.

Sept. 1 - Christian Izik Heberle was cited for disorderly house after being kicked off the Happy Bus along Grove City Road. Heberle was highly intoxicated and taken to the University Health Center.

Sept. 3 – Police and ambulance service responded to a student having possible seizures at McKay. The student was taken to Grove City Hospital.

Sept. 4 – The E-phone services were activated in the Smith Student Center Staff Lot. When police responded, no persons were around and the phone was reset.

Magistrate Aug. 28 – Breann Christy, 21, was seen for use/possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, following too closely, and careless driving.

Aug. 28 – Timothy McConville, 21, was seen for injuring/tampering with a fire apparatus, selling/furnishing liquor etc minor, and marijuana – small amount for personal use.

Aug. 28 – Jennifer Spencer, 46, was seen for disregarding the traffic lane and driving under the influence.

Aug. 28 – Zach Manyak, 19, was seen for marijuana – small amount for personal use and use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

Aug. 28 – Randall Boyles, 23, was seen for aggravated assault, disorderly conduct engaging in fighting, reckless endangering of another person, and making terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another person.

Aug. 28 – Travis Morris, 29, was seen for marijuana – small amount for personal use.

Aug. 28 –Christopher Walker, 22, was seen for theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Aug. 28 – Cameron Harp, 21, was seen for simple assault and reckless endangerment of another person.

Aug. 28 – Noel Previty, 24, was seen for simple assault and harassment.

Compiled by Kevin Squires

SRU open about possible retrenchment Continued from Page A 1

New and older professors decide to move on from their jobs at SRU every year, Burkhart said. If the university is patient enough, the amount of professors that leave naturally could be outnumber the amount of professors that are hired, creating a less stressful way to reduce payroll. Burkhart stated the question becomes whether or not the university has enough financial patience to allow that to happen.

Clarion University recently announced that over 20 faculty members would be terminated net fall.

“To the best of my understanding, the way things unfolded at Clarion was that the administration put together a plan for reconstructing academic programs and then disseminated that plan publicly to the possible end that some facility read newspaper accounts about the termination their discipline. That is an awfully harsh way to find out that you’re about to be fired.”

According to Burkhart the administration of university contractually has to tell the university president of APSCUF that retrenchment is a possibility.

Clarion decided to make the plan, tell the media, and then meet with APSCUF to discuss it, Burkhart explained.

“It was an approach that I find to be reprehensible,” Burkhart said. “Slippery

Rock, in contrast, is using a much more civil approach in my opinion. They have opened up discussions with APSCUF, and we are reviewing data about current and projected finances. They have invited us to contribute ideas to increase revenue and to reduce costs to face the grime financial circumstances.”

“We want to seek out everyone’s input because everybody is part of the university,” Abent said. “The collective wisdom of the people who work at the university, no matter what role they have, can help us solve problems. The president’s approach has been very inclusive and to seek out the best thinking of everyone.”

Burkhart said that by doing this, a plan will most likely be produced to alter some academic programs. There are a few strategies that could be used in order to alter programs, such as closing or consolidating degree programs, degrees, departments or colleges. Burkhart stated that Clarion is planning on closing an entire college.

“I think that [SRU] is probably examining those options,” explained Burkhart. “APSCUF’s position is that the cornucopia of different disciplines and degrees allows us to remain a vibrant liberal arts institution. The university has remained profitable and has substantial financial reserves. Closure of programs is something that we hope we can avoid.

If we can’t avoid it, we certainly want to

minimize it. We’re proud of the academic diversity in the liberal arts model that is offered to our students.”

According to Burkhart, there were students protesting the closing of their academic programs. For example Music Education was one of the majors that will be eliminated at Clarion University.

“In all likelihood all [juniors and seniors] will get to finish their academic program,” Burkhart stated. “But what if you were a first year freshman showing up after being recruited to the music department?”

Burkhart explained that not only did would students be affected by retrenchment, but professors would too.

“Having a faculty member lose their job affects lives,” Burkhart said. “Faculty members often study for a decade to get their PhD and aspire for a long time to get to that tenure track slot. By the time they’ve delayed starting a family, as many of them do, they now are delighted that they have this career path. To have it shut down in front of them would be very traumatic.”

Whether or not retrenchment actually occurs, Burkhart stated that budget cuts are happening in SRU along with the rest of the universities in the Pennsylvania State System.

“Sooner or later you have to diminish some of the finer aspects of the PASSHE education,” Burkhart said. “You can’t

just keep cutting without it eventually translating into less opportunities, traveling, and programs for students.”

Abent stated that the faculty members wouldn’t be the only people who will receive the letter about the possibility of retrenchment “Each of the other collective barging units each has different time periods in which you have to give them notification as well,” Abent said. “The university will follow to the letter any requirement it has under the collective bargaining union.”

Burkhart hopes that students, parents and community members understand how important it is for them to support public education.

“I consider an affordable public education to be a basic human right and a backbone to democracy,” Burkhart explained. “A government of people, by the people, and for the people. That model holds implicit that the citizens are informed and thinking people. Public education is what provides the full spectrum of society the opportunity to lift themselves up higher.”

The ongoing budget cuts to Education in Pa. have led us to the point that we are at now where the quality of the educational experience will visibly start to diminish, explained Burkhart. Because of this, Burkhart believes that people should consider lobbing Harrisburg in order to show support for public education.

Budget concerns cause SRU to seek input from campus community Continued from Page A 1

Administration, the University is taking an active role in informing the public about the budget. “This [deficit] might be different from some of the other budgetary challenges we’ve dealt with over time,” Mercer said.

A financial presentation from Mercer included a stance with regards to cuts and/or increases reminding the University community, stating, “the University cannot be all things to all people. The budget reinforces the strategic priorities of the University to preserve the overall quality of the institution.”

Determining how to manage the deficit is not an easy task. “This is something that we’re going to have to be very thoughtful about how we address.

It’s not going to disappear anytime soon,” Mercer said. “We’re going to have to determine how to do more with less.”

“All areas of the institution are under review and will be focused on in the coming months.” Mercer explained. “This isn’t really a temporary blip. This is really the convergence of several things. We’ve called it the perfect storm sometimes, which is unfortunate.”

Realizing the importance of the matter, the university has created a link from the home page of the SRU website that explains exactly where the budget stands and offers a feedback form for suggestions regarding the budget. “It’s a really important part of our philosophy to have a very inclusive process,” Mercer said. “We want to make sure that all ideas are brought to the table.” The suggestions are posted anonymously to the site and available for anyone to examine.

“We need a lot of input and we’re hoping to get a lot of strong input,” Mercer said. “We do welcome student input.”

So far, suggestions have been made regarding travel

expenses, office hours, the tuition reimbursement of university employees’ students, reviewing programming and much more.

“Consider not providing a free education to children of employees. This is a discriminatory and unfair policy. What ‘perk’ do employees without children get,” one contributor asked.

Another contribution suggested that “we stop pretending to our students, their families, the Board of Governors, the Legislature, the Governor himself, and the general public that we can meet the ‘challenges’ our state system institutions face without increased help from outside the institutions,” adding, “Whatever we do at Slippery Rock, it is imperative that our new chancellor and the board of governors succeed in convincing the governor and legislature that the state system schools cannot continue to offer the same quality of education to its students without increased support. Those people cannot look at our troubles as a ‘one-time blip’ either, but as a direct result of evolving public policy over the past twenty years.”

Mercer stated the contributions would all be reviewed, explaining, “I’ve been looking at it every other day just to understand the content. The process will follow is we’re going to be getting all that periodically kind of centrally and reviewing it at our cabinet meetings discussing maybe a particular issue might be addressed by one division or another.”

President Norton concluded her letter stating, “Despite the challenges we face, I know collectively we will find a way to continue to provide the excellent education and student learning experience for which Slippery Rock University is known.”

If you would like to contribute to the discussion about the budget or have suggestions for managing the deficit, feel free to respond to the form at: http:// administration.sru.edu/webcomm/budgetform/.

Most funding comes from the tuition and academic fees and is used to fund salaries and wages. Information provided

by Molly Mercer, interim Vice President for Finance and Administration.

OPINION

O

Our View

OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 96, Number 2

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

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

EDITORIAL BOARD Catie Clark

Editor-in-Chief

Jon Janasik

News Editor

Rebecca Marcucci

Campus Life Editor

Madeline Williams

Sports Editor

Alex Mowrey

Photo Editor

Todd Hart

Web/Social Media Editor

Mary Leach

Copy Editor

Kevin Squires

Assistant News Editor

Stephanie Cheek

Assistant Campus Life Editor

Kristin Karam

Assistant Sports Editor

GRAPHIC BY KARLEIGH SANTRY

Alyssa Cirincione Mark Zeltner

Multimedia Reporter Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Karleigh Santry

Advertising Manager

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

The 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) 7382643 or by e-mailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.

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

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

University could be facing faculty cuts next year L a s t m ont h , C l ar i on University announced that they were cutting 22 faculty due to a budget deficit that could be $12 million dollars in two years.

Clarion released its two-year workforce plan in early August that called for eliminating approximately 42 jobs that had been filled and 14 openings that are still sitting vacant Among those to be let go are 22 faculty, which is said to be the most at any one time at any of the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education u n i v e r s it i e s s i n c e 1 9 7 9 , according to Penn Live writer Jan Murphy.

Earlier this week, President Cheryl Norton issued a letter to the campus community re g ardi ng Slipp er y R o ck University’s deficit, saying “With nearly 80 percent of the University’s budget directed to salary and benefits costs, reductions will inevitably

include some personnel.”

Norton also issued a letter to the faculty, known as a letter of retrenchment, stating that faculty cuts could be made next year.

Other unions were notified of the financial circumstances as well. According to Norton’s letter, reductions are expected and efforts are being made to generate more revenue.

Five other universities, besides Slippery Rock and Clarion, have sent letters out to faculty saying that layoffs could be on the horizon as early as next year.

They include California, Cheyney, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, and Kutztown.

With so many universities suffering from budget deficits, the effect on students could be grim.

If faculty is cut, it could seriously limit the educational potential of students.

In fact, Clarion is starting

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.

to phas e out its Music Education program, and won’t be accepting any new majors starting Fall 2015.

That could seriously mess up somebody’s future plans.

With statewide budget cuts in education becoming more serious every year, tuition costs for students has been on the rise for quite some time.

If it continues at this rate, taking into consideration that PASSHE universities are looking at larger and larger deficits, how will that effect tuition for students?

Will it even be worth paying tuition at a state school, when the gap between costs of private schools tuition is getting smaller and smaller?

It’s hard to say what the future holds for students in light of potential faculty cuts and tuition hikes.

If one thing for sure, it is that change is inevitable for students in the upcoming year.

This week’s question: “Clarion recently laid off 22 faculty members.

Are you afraid this could happen at SRU?”

EDITORIAL POLICY The Rocket strives to present a diverse range of opinions that are both fair and accurate in its editorials and columns appearing on the Opinion pages. “Our View” is the opinion of the Editorial Board and is written by Rocket editorial board members. It reflects the majority opinion of The Rocket Editorial Board.

“Our View” does not necessarily reflect the views of Slippery Rock University, its employees or its student body. Columns and cartoons are drafted by various individuals and only reflect the opinions of the columnists.

LETTERS POLICY The Rocket welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns, but does not guarantee their publication.

The Rocket retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes the property of The Rocket and cannot be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published.

Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any.

Please limit letters to a maximum of 400 words. Submit all material by noon Wednesday to: The Rocket, 220 ECB, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057. Or send it via e-mail to: rocket.letters@sru.edu.

Shane Houston Sophomore CPAD Major Hometown: Slippery Rock, Pa. “No, we have a stronger core group of faculty. Not to say Clarion doesn’t, but I think we’re more secure in our staff.”

Kristin Coonce Freshman Exercise Science Major

Kylie Vozar Senior Theraputic Recreation Major Hometown: Salem, Ohio

“No, we have a lot of highly qualified faculty. I think the university would support them enough to keep them here.”

“In a way yes, because it seems to be happening everywhere. Especially within the state schools.”

OPINION

September 6, 2013

American Idol: Judging the Judges Panel

Casey Young Casey’s Corner, Consider This Casey Young is a sophomore Communication-Journalism major from Orchard Park, NY.

American Idol. It can be credited for the modern wave of singing, dancing, and just-about-anything-goes reality TV talent shows. Once applauded for its outrageous auditions, amazing talent, and the smart remarks of Simon Cowell, the television series has undoubtedly lost its touch.

We find ourselves at season 13, promised to be an exciting, new, and reinvented season. However, with the announcement of the new panel of judges I can not be alone in thinking that the show has sunk down into the depths of decreasing ratings. Jennifer Lopez is back, Keith Urban returns, and Harry Connick Jr. makes his debut. All in all, a major disappointment.

Although last season yielded some amazing talent, the judges panel caught most of the attention. Mariah Carey and Nicki Manaj stirred up some major drama between one another throughout the entire season. I am not all too upset to see them get the boot. With all the excitement stirred up from the two divas,

who can even remember Keith Urban?

It is safe to say that the country star is nothing but a placeholder, making some occasional suggestions to the singers, but for the most part, oddly bobbing his head and making faces during the show.

Jennifer Lopez already has a season of Idol under her belt. She, as with Keith Urban, did not make a lasting impression either. The most exciting thing she brought to Idol was publicity when the star and her husband, Marc Anthony, called it quits as American Idol came to a close.

Now, the only hope for the show is Harry Connick Jr. Will he be the one to bring back the infamous Simon Cowell brutality? Will he bring together the three judges and create a remarkable chemistry at the judges table? Based on the past few seasons, I predict that no matter how many times the selection of judges is revamped, the show is experiencing its final seasons.

I am not alone. Randy Jackson plucked up enough sense to retire from the show after last season came to a close. Unfortunately, against his better judgement, he is returning as the mentor behind the scenes. Even the beloved Ryan Seacrest is making new hosting arrangements. His new hosting gig for Million Second Quiz premieres Sept. 9 on NBC. Nothing American Idol does can compete with the former glory and success that came with Simon, Paula, and Randy. Now, with the influx of singing shows on the air, American Idol is old news. Beyond that, the newest panel of judges does nothing to help it rise above the competition. The only way American Idol will stay afloat for any longer than two or three more seasons is a total renovation of the show.

TLC missing from new campus cable provider

Karleigh Santry Commentary Karleigh Santry is a junior Communication - Emerging Technology and Multimedia major from Erie, Pa.

There have been quite a few changes in the R e s i d e n c e Ha l l s t h i s year. I was jumping for joy when I learned that I could actually use wireless internet in my own room.

We also have some fancy touchscreen computer that gives us information on our usage of electricity and water for those of you who are into “going green,”

but I’m not going to lie, I prefer watching the live penguin cam. Overall, I would say these changes have been pretty awesome for us residents, except for one thing: The new cable provider.

Now, I don’t know why we switched our cable provider, all I know is that I want TLC back. What am I supposed to do without all the wedding shows on Friday Brideday? How on earth am I supposed to go on without seeing the awesome cakes and the crazy antics on Cake Boss?

What are all of the oncampus residents supposed to do on Wednes day nights without Honey Boo Boo? Yes, I still have E! to relieve my need for my shameless guilty pleasure reality television, but sometimes Keeping up with the Kardashians just isn’t enough.

Now, losing some of my

favorite channels wouldn’t bother me so much if they would’ve added some other good channels. I would like someone to explain to me why we need five different ESPN channels. We were all doing just fine with one. Why do they give us two MTV’s when neither of the “Music Television” channels actually plays music? Who on campus is actually going to sit down and watch the NASA channel? I know TLC doesn’t always qualify as “good” television, but I’m sure more residents watch Honey Boo Boo than Space Station Live.

I guess for now, my Friday’s will be brideless, I won’t be able to have my cake and eat it too, and dolla’s will make me holla no more. Bring our old channels back. My mom’s getting tired of me asking her to record my favorite shows back home.

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New fall beverages make a stir

Kelsey Sozanski Commentary Kelsey Sozanski is a freshman Communication - Journalism major from Pittsburgh, Pa.

They’re back! It’s that time of the year again, fall.

That can only mean one thing for avid coffee drinkers: Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes. The pumpkin spice latte is the “go to” drink for almost all Starbucks goers.

This year is the tenth anniversary of the pumpkin spice latte and because it’s so popular, some Starbucks even got it in earlier than the one on campus.

The pumpkin spice latte means summer is over and that it is now time to switch over to everything fall -related.

How do you feel about the price of the pumpkin spice latte? A grande (which is a medium or sixteen ounces) pumpkin spice latte costs more than your average latte or mocha.

For people who drink this beverage everyday, it can leave a dent in your bank account. Why does the pumpkin spice latte cost more?

Starbucks raises the prices on the pumpkin spice latte because they know that people will pay it.

This drink is only around for a few short months; it’s a seasonal drink. People want and impatiently wait for this beverage to be available. They are willing to pay higher prices to get it.

This is how Starbucks makes a lot of their money. So many people on campus in the past day have ordered this drink, which is proof that it is a fall favorite and that yes, people may not like to pay a higher price for it but they are most certainty willing to do so.

Are you willing to pay a higher price for a delicious pumpkin spice latte?

Fall is about the pumpkin spice latte for most Starbucks drinkers. Every year it seems like the drink arrives earlier and earlier because it is in such high demand and is very popular.

Go to a Starbucks and look around inside. What do you see? You see all the signs and merchandise relating to the pumpkin spice latte.

It’s everywhere!

People love it and for good reason.

Go get a cup and see what all the fuss is about.

It’s time to relax. Enjoy it.

CORRECTIONS: Sept. 6th In the Opinion article entitled “University spend $117,744 on Presidential Search”, a survey by The American Counsel on Education was incorrectly cited saying “According to the survey by the American Council on Education, at least four major research institutions - the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University, Ohio State University and the University of Michigan - are seeking chief executives.” While this fact is true, it was not cited in any survey by the American Counsel on Education.

In the News article entitled “SGA announces reduced Happy Bus hours, still up for discussion” it states that the next meeting is going to be held on September 9, but the next SGA meeting will actually be held September 16 at 8:45 p.m. in the theater of the Student Center.

August 30, 2013

Open Positions: Freshman Senator (4) Building F Senator Watson Hall Senator Co-op At Large (4)

Iron Man 3 Show Times: Fri 4pm & 8pm Sat/Sun 8pm Send us suggestions and feedback on the SGA Movie Series!

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All Students May Ride The Happy Bus at Any Time Regardless of Age!

Like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram! @SRSGA

Upcoming Meeting Times: Senate- September 16th at 8:45pm in the Smith Student Center Theater Co-op- September 13th at 12:30pm in 321 Smith Student Center

C COMICS

Horoscopes

By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency (MCT)

COMICS Spaghett Kat My niece, Prissy Kat, is visiting!

By Jack Johnehsick I HATE HER!

AND I HATE PEOPLE AND I HATE DOGS AND I HATE CATS AND I HATE HATS AND I HATE FACES AND I HATE PLACES AND I HATE POGS AND I HATE LOGS AND I HATE JACK JOHNEHSICK AND I HATE MYSELF AND I HATE OTHERS AND I HATE EVERYTHING AND I HATE PASTEH KAT AND I HATE NEWSPRINT AND I HATE COMIC SANS AND I HATE FRIENDS AND I HATE INTERNET AND I HATE BACKACKS AND I HATE BANANAS AND I HATE BEAVERS AND I HATE THE GOONIES AND I HATE DISCO AND I HATE JOKES AND I HATE SCHOOL AND I HATE CALCULATORS AND I HATE GREEK PHILOSOPHERS AND FRIENDSHIP AND I HATE SILLY LOVE SONGS AND I HATE FLASHLIGHTS AND I HATE JAMES BOND MOVIES AND I HATE MOOBS AND I HATE POETRY AND I HATE BATS AND I HATE THINGS AND I HATE STUFF AND I HATE FISH AND I HATE BEDHEADS AND I HATE CLOWNS AND I HATE THE CRUMBLING ECCONOMY. MEOW MEOW.

Spaghett Kat is comic about a cat.

A companion comic has been attached for your benefit.

Refer to it if you need help understanding Spaghett Kat .

Two cats?

That‛s double the cuteness!

I was not expecting that!

If Spaghett Kat was a person, he would most likely be a sociopath. but he is a cat so it is funny and cute instead of being terrifying!

Today's Birthday (09/06/13). Do what makes you happy this year. Fun with people you love feeds you to continue leveling up. Networking provides opportunities; share ideas and skills, and tap into group resources. Accept new responsibility in a bigger game to grow it. Balance with delicious downtime. Connect profoundly.

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

Best in Show

By Phil Juliano

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -Write up what you've learned. You're especially charming, and the words just flow. Negotiate your way through some minor adjustments. Make an excellent purchase now. Share results.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 6 -- Listen carefully. Get the facts for a brilliant insight. Sell your new attitude. This week is good for working.

Profit from meticulous service. You're building something cool. It could get intense. Do the paperwork.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 6 -- Reply to important communications. You're lucky in love. You'll have lots of emotional support. Start a new story, including your heart's desire. Come up with creative and unusual ideas.

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Attend to family matters. Time to clean up a mess. Quick thinking is required. Have faith. Issue a press release. Stay home if you need. Share your plans, and accept support.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Enjoy using your skills. Study new developments, and immerse yourself in research. Extensive discussion could be required. Your attention and focus are heightened marvelously.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- This phase could be potentially prosperous. Ask and your questions get answered. Make a brilliant discovery. Apply your Midas touch to grow your accounts. Start your shopping list. Talk is cheap (and rewarding).

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- A meaningful conversation opens new possibilities. Listen carefully. As you gain strength, you also gain options. Memories can entice, but don't get stuck in the past. No more procrastination. Children require attention. Prepare to launch.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- Write down your amazing ideas. It's a good time for treasure hunting, which could inspire a frenzy of cleaning up old messes. Reduce clutter. Keep good records. You win the prize.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -This phase could get emotional. Arrive at an important meeting a few minutes early. Check with family before making a date. Your team supports your dreams. Your friends are really there for you.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Follow your yellow brick road. Work definitely takes priority. Come up with a plan. Make a shrewd deal. Anticipate changes. Talk it over. Go out to dinner to celebrate.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -You're free to express yourself at home, but wider pastures tempt. Investigate possibilities, or get out and travel. Catch a spark. You'll find what you seek. Make long-range plans. Dream big.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 7 -- The coast is clear. That's helpful, if you're working out a compromise. Thoroughly check the data. Discuss shared finances. Opportunity knocks. Consider an investment in your own education. (c)2013 bY NANCY BLACK DISTRIBUTED

BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

September 6, 2013

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INSIDE SPORTS

S

Women's Soccer

SPORTS

Football

Slippery Rock defeats California University of Pa. 2-1 in the season opener for both PSAC teams.

Rock lands third on the PSAC-West Preseason Poll.

Check out the other conference rankings.

See Page C-2

See Page C-3

f o k c Lu h s i r I e h t

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Junior forward Stephen Donnelly sets up for a penalty kick in the final moments of last Saturday's preseason game agaisnt Notre Dame College of Ohio. Donnelly scored the gamewinning goal against the Falcons with the penalty kick.

Donnelly uses distance as motivation

By Kristin Karam Assistant Sports Editor

Ever since he was a child, junior Stephen Donnelly has wanted to leave his home in Dublin, Ireland and move the United States.

When Slippery Rock University's men's soccer head coach Michael Bonelli offered him a chance to play in 2011, he jumped at the opportunity.

Donnelly’s journey across the Atlantic required two plane rides, one from Dublin to New York, and then another from New York into Pittsburgh.

He travels over 3,000 miles, spent nearly eight hours in the air, and managed to fit all of his things into two suitcases and a backpack with him.

Being so far away from home has been hard for Donnelly, but the distance has caused him to push himself even more and has brought him closer to his parents.

“Missing my family and the lads

has to be the hardest part,” Donnelly said. “Not a day goes by that I don’t talk to my ma.”

Donnelly’s parents, Sandra and Patrick, have supported him ever since he was a child. He credits his success so far to them.

“I started playing soccer when I was able to walk,” Donnelly said.

“My dad and mum have supported me all through my life. They continue to do so and that’s why I continue to play.”

In his freshman year, Donnelly made seven starts, scored two goals, and earned two assists. He finished fifth on the team in total goals.

Last season, Donnelly tied for leading scorer on the team with former teammate Chris Davis.

Donnelly also made 11 starts, 20 game appearances, and earned two assists.

Donnelly is currently a starting forward for the men’s soccer team at SRU and is pursuing a degree in physical education.

Throughout his two years with the

team, Donnelly has become a key part of the Rock offense.

He has scored three gamewinning goals in his SRU career.

Last season, in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference semifinal game against West Chester University, Donnelly scored the game-winner with just 6:45 left to play.

The win pushed the team into the PSAC title game against Mercyhurst.

Even though the team didn’t win the championship game, Donnelly said that he will always remember that game-winning moment in the semi-finals.

“I scored the game-winner that threw us into the finals,” Donnelly said. “I’ll never forget that.”

Donnelly also finds inspiration in his favorite professional player, Christiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo currently plays for Real Madrid in Spain and is the team’s captain.

“He’s an amazing talent and his ability to score goals is brilliant,”

Donnelly said. “I admire him so much.”

Donnelly also looks up to several of his current and former Slippery Rock teammates.

“The likes of Josh Gray (current captain), Drew Donoghue, Patrick Conley and Clayton Master are and were great leaders,” Donnelly said.

As a junior on the team and one of the Rock’s top scorers, Donnelly is starting to take on more responsibility with the team.

“I don’t consider myself a leader, but I try to set a good example for the younger players,” Donnelly said.

Looking back on his time with the team so far, Donnelly is sure that he made the right decision to come to Slippery Rock and play soccer.

He hopes to continue contributing to the team and making the most of his time at SRU. “Coach Bonelli believed in me and gave me the chance to play,” Donnelly said. “Playing for this team is something I’ll never forget.

It’s a great program.”

SPORTS

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September 6, 2013

SRU defeats Vulcans in opener

By Matthew Morgan Rocket Contributor

With only eight returning upperclassmen on the Slippery Rock University women’s soccer roster, this season will rely highly on the skill of the 19 underclassmen.

Several of those underclassmen contributed largely to the regular season opening victor y over Pe n ns y lv an i a St ate At h l e t i c C on fe re n c e r iv a l C a l i for n i a University of Pa. on Thursday by a final score of 2 -1.

Freshman Dara Demich netted the initial goal in the 37th minute of the first half to put the Rock up 1–0 off of an assist by freshman Andrea Felix.

Cal-U brought the score to an even 1-1 in the 27th minute of the second half off the foot of Haley Henderson.

Less than six minutes later, Felix received the ball from freshman Sam Thornton and buried it in the back of the net, putting Slippery Rock at a 2-1 advantage.

The score would remain the same until the final whistle.

Coming from Cincinnati, Ohio, Felix traveled a long way to score her first NCAA Division II goal in her first game.

“I felt a whole lot of things,” Felix exclaimed when asked how she felt after scoring the game winning goal.

“That goal was what I have worked up to my whole soccer career. I can’t wait to score some more."

The Green and White now holds a three game winning streak against the Cal-U Vulcans with two coming from last season.

The first win came in the PSAC

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Junior midfielder Leslie Henny moves the ball past a California University of Pa. defender in last night's season opener. Slippery Rock defeated the Vulcans 2-1 with goals from freshmen forward Andrea Felix and Dara Demich.

championship game by a score of 3–0 and the second win came in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs by a score of 1–0.

Felix and Demich have now contributed to a streak that they weren’t even here to start.

“The biggest difference from last year is the experience factor. We are depending on a lot of young players

to contribute,” Coach Noreen Herlihy said while comparing last year’s team to this squad. “It was a big game to have five freshman on the field. Lauren Impey was a rock for us in the back field and (Andrea) Felix made a great impact off the bench as well for us."

The Rock won’t face Cal- U again this season unless they meet in the PSAC playoffs, so the chance at a

four game-winning streak will have to wait.

The women’s team will take the field on Tuesday looking to get their second PSAC victory of the season against the Golden Eagles of Clarion University.

The game will be held at James Egli Field here at Slippery Rock University, kickoff will be around 7pm.

Field hockey leans on returners

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Sophomore forward Lauren Geiser moves through a Mercyhurst defender at last season's Septermber 19 match-up. Geiser recorded seven shots on goal and earned one goal last season for a .778 shots on goal percentage.

By Steven Bartley Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock University women’s f ield ho cke y te am landed a seventh place ranking in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference preseason poll.

The team is led by their head coach Julie Swiney, who in her fourth year has led the team to two consecutive playoffs berths and three consecutive

six plus win seasons.

Swiney began her tenure with the Rock in 2010 after taking over for Stacy Hart. In 2012, along with the 8-10 record, Swiney is also coming off a year, where she won PSAC West Coach of the Year.

In previous seasons, the PSAC has had two different divisions (East and West), but in the 2013 season, all 11 teams will be in one division, with only the top six teams making the playoffs.

Swiney says the seventh place pick will be motivation for the team.

“We are looking to improve every year, not just this year,” Swiney said.

The team saw the departures of only two of their top five pointgetters in Ally Banks, who had four goals six assists for 14 points, and Kaitlin McGinnis, who had five goals for 1o points.

The Rock welcomes back seniors Meghan McKinney and Rebecca Williams. Both of the seniors played in all 18 games last year.

McKinney and Williams recorded career highs in shots. Williams also had three goals on 13 shots.

The Rock was led in points by returning sophomore Allison Shade.

She had seven goals and one assist in her 15-point campaign last season.

She also led the team with four game winning goals in the rocks eight wins last season. She commented on the departure of some of last year’s team and the upcoming season.

“This year we lost three crucial players, but we still have most of our starters returning,” Shade said. “I feel like we can be just as successful this year as we were last year, if not more, as long as everyone gives it their all.”

Coach Swiney talked about what kind of season she is looking for from Shade.

“She will create a lot of chances from the forward spot,” Swiney said.

“She will be a big help with her experience.”

The team will also rely heavily on returning juniors Kaili Simmon, L inds e y Brown, and Kels e y Gustafson.

Brown had four goals and two assist last season for 10 points.

Gustafson, who was named to the All-PSAC-Western Division first team, was also named a Synapse Sports second team All-American.

Gustafson had three goals and four assist for 10 points last season.

Coach Swiney talked about Simmons and Brown eating up a lot of minutes and being leaders on the field Courtney Lee, who started all 18 games in goal last year as a sophomore, will return this year as a junior. Last year she had 25 goals against and posted a goals against average of 1.41.

The defense also helped with that stat led by Baylee Childress, who started all 18 games last year as a freshman. She had five defensive saves last season. For her defensive efforts, she as awarded All-PSACWest second team. She was also given PSAC-West Freshman of the Year and the Synapse Sports National Rookie of the Year.

Talking in terms of the game, the Rock was a better first half team last season. The Rock scored 21 goals in the first half, outscoring opponents 21-9.

The Rock also outshot their opponents in the first half 114-102.

In the second half, the stats lean to the other side. They were outscored 11-16 in the second half. Along with being outscored in the second half, they were also outshot 96-136.

“We needed to have more consistency and focus throughout the entire game,” Swiney said.

The Rock will begin their season on Sept. 8 at home against American International College and the final regular season game is Nov. 2 at home against West Chester University.

Some of the highlights on the schedule will be first-rated and twotime defending National Champions West Chester University, when they visit on Nov 2.

The Rock lost to them 3-2 with less than six minutes left in the game last season.

September 6, 2013

SPORTS

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Rock works past low preseason prediction

By Cody Gray Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock University volleyball team was picked to finish the season in eighth place in the Western Division of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, according to the Preseason Coaches Poll released on August 20.

California University, who has claimed four of the past six PSAC titles, is projected to be the conference champion as they claimed four first place votes.

Clarion and Gannon both received two first place votes and are expected to finish second and third, respectively.

Mercyhurst is projected to finish fourth, followed by Edinboro, Indiana, and Seton Hill.

The projected top team from the Eastern division is Shippensburg, who received three first place votes. Lock Haven gathered in four first place votes, but is expected to finish second in the East after being the runner-up in the PSAC last season.

Last season, the Green and White took fifth place in PSAC-West after finishing with a 14-19 overall record and a conference record of 7-12.

Entering her 30th season as head coach, Laurie Lokash returns eleven players to her squad. Nine of those players are upper classmen.

Lokash doesn’t believe the coaches poll will have any outcome on her team’s performance this season.

“We have a young team,” Lokash said, “Coaches polls are coaches polls.

Through the preseason we have gotten progressively better.”

The expected leaders for the Rock this

season are senior Caroline Houston, junior Janna Reilly and redshirt sophomore Kristy Lake.

A young Slippery Rock team will also look up to seniors Sarah Beals, Kayla Woo, Alexandra Fleagle, Lauren Rojek and Morgan Olson.

The Green and White will have to replace their graduating leaders in kills, digs, and their top blocker from last season.

Houston played in all 33 matches last season and was top three on the team in most major statistical categories including kills, aces, and digs.

Reilly, the 2011 Atlantic Region Freshman of the Year, led the team in sets played and assists. The junior setter also finished third on the team in digs and is currently sixth in Slippery Rock history in assists.

The Rock expects to get a boost from the return of Lake, who missed all of last season with an injury. In the 2011 season, she was second on the team in kills and kills per set.

Lokash welcomes a large freshman class to her squad consisting of eight true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen.

The head coach expects the freshman to see some significant playing time this season.

“We only have one middle who had playing time last season,” Lokash said, “We have a lot to put together this season.”

Slippery Rock opens the season on Saturday in the Glenville State Tournament when they face off against West Virginia State.

The first home match for the Green and White will be on Sept. 17 against Alderson-Broaddus at Morrow Field House.

September 6, 2013

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C CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE 'Spectacular Now' Review

Faculty Journeys

Mumford & Sons

Read what Jimmy G has to say about the latest romantic comedy, Spectacular Now in this week's Rock Review.

SRU faculty share with students their overcoming college journeys and the obstacles they've faced.

Harmony Kasper gives a music review of last week's Mumford & Sons concert at the First Niagara Pavillion.

See Page D-2

See Below

New Wellness Commission encourages balanced life for Slippery Rock community

See Page D-2

Dumbledore's Army expected to arrive on campus in near future

By Jenna Rindy Campus Life Contributor

GRAPHIC BYfAARON MOORE/ALEX MOWREYs

By Stephanie Cheek Campus Life Assistant Editor

“If you don’t take care of your body, where would you live,” says an old Indian saying that President, Dr. Cheryl Norton shared when explaining the main objective of the Wellness Commission.

According to the new Wellness Commission

pamphlet, the vision and ultimate goal of the program is to create a culture that embraces wellness as an essential part of life for Slippery Rock University and the surrounding communities. “ We want the community to begin to adopt life long behaviors,” explained Dr. Jeffrey Lynn, co-chair of the Wellness Commission.

The program is holistic and balanced, focusing on seven areas of w e l l n e s s : p hy s i c a l , emotional, spiritual, s o c i a l, i ntel l e c tu a l, environmental, and occupational, Lynn said.

The We l l n e s s Commission is about living a balanced life, not only in a physical sense but also by using the other resources and facilities in Slippery Rock to maintain

wellness, explained Dr. Lynn. For example, the Counseling Center focused on emotional wellness, the Health Center on a different aspect of physical wellness and it can even stem into the Robert A. Macoskey Center to learn about environmental wellness, said Dr. Lynn.

“The We l l n e s s Commission is made up of a group

From stunning spells to disarming charms, J.K. Rowling has brought knowledge of a magical world to our generation through the Harry Potter series. For many of us, the story of this young wizard’s life is “our childhood”. That is why students are forming a new organization on campus, known as Dumbledore’s Army. For those who have read the books or even just watched the movies, you know that Harry and his friends at the wizarding school of Hogwarts form a group by this name in the fifth installment of the series.

Just as Harry brings his classmates together for a cause through Dumbledore’s Army, so will the founders on Slippery Rock’s campus.

Throughout the series, the characters address several issues, many which deal with equality.

Future president of Dumbledore’s Army at SRU, senior language and literature and music major Ashley Taylor, 22, informs us that they hope to work on projects in their organization that tackle similar issues. Examples of the philanthropies they are looking to become associated with will expectantly address human and animal rights. On-campus connections to the organization are anticipating to be made as well through groups such as SRU Student Government Association (SGA).

Dumbledore’s Army will also focus on communalizing people who simply have a love and appreciation for the Harry Potter series. For people like Ashley Taylor, it is this literature that affected our lives, she said.

“I grew up reading the novels from the time I was nine,” Taylor said. “Like so many others, Harry and his friends were always there, going through much of the same things I was going through in a much more exciting environment that was truly magical to feel a part of.”

That magical feeling from childhood will be recreated through this organization, as they research and discuss topics related to the series together, Taylor said.

Founders hope to have the organization in full effect very soon. In the meantime, those interested in joining with them are encouraged to check CompassLink, as well as their Facebook page. They also have created a twitter account, under the handle @TheRock_ DA, which will offer updates.

“We are very excited for the formation of Dumbledore’s Army here at Slippery Rock,” Tayor said. “And we look forward to seeing more students become involved. After all, as Dumbledore himself said, ‘We are only as strong as we are united.’”

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SRU professors share overcoming college obstactles

By Rebecca Marcucci Campus Life Editor

Before a round of conducted purposeful laughter to put a smile on the faces of those gathered in the Student Center Ballroom Tuesday e vening, students were given advice from a familiar college professor and mentor who understood the obstacles many students face.

“Just remember, it’s not the destination, but how I get there,” s aid Dr. C olleen

Cooke, professor of Parks and Recreation and Environmental Education. Cooke was emcee for the evening for the event entitled: The College Journey and Overcoming the Obstacles of Life.

At the event, a panel of four university professors sat before the audience, which many of the students recognized.

The first of the panelists was professor of English Dr. Myra Balok. Balok shared a brief glimpse into her college journey and how the decisions she’d made impacted

her life.

The tone of the evening was about student self-discovery and the process that each takes to find themselves while overcoming many of life’s hardships.

Balok spoke right to students when she’d said, “I lost myself.

One day I looked at myself in the mirror and decided that I did not become the person I wanted to be. I was beaten down. I was defeated.”

Balok shared with students about love and encouraged them not to carelessly give SEE PROFESSORS, PAGE D-2

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET SRU faculty gathered Wednesday evening in the Smith Student Center Ballroom to share personal stories with students about how they overcame obstacles through college.as a new addition to the weekend long festivities held annually before the

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Fall fashions this year include grunge, pastels Katie Ellis "ROCK'n Fashion" Katie Ellis is a junior journalism major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

Now that September is in full swing and the temperatures have cooled down, fall fashions are poised to make their way into your favorite stores in the coming weeks.

As foreseen months ago, grunge-inspired clothing is all the rage this season, statement-making outerwear is in, basic black is out and pastels are set to make their most notable fall takeover

yet. With such an eclectic mix of trends making the transition from the runway to the hallway, everyone will be able to find something fashionforward to add to their wardrobe this fall.

The ‘90s are officially back in style thanks to the majorly cool grunge-inspired fashions that graced the runways of Saint Laurent and Topshop Unique. Plaid is synonymous with this trend and can be worn on pieces from head-to-toe. The most common way to wear it, and the easiest way to incorporate it into your wardrobe, is to wear the ever-popular button-up in coordinating shades of red and black.

Forever 21 has a number of chic and affordable options available, but the Des-

ert Plaid Shirt for $20 will give you the most bang for your buck.

The deep red shirt has a loose fit that will look great closed or open over top of another quintessential grunge piece, a band t-shirt.

Stay at Forever 21 to find the Rolling Stones Muscle Tee for around $16 that showcases the band’s iconic logo embossed onto a red and black lightweight top that will look great with your new plaid shirt.

Jason Wu and Prada have been at the forefront of the statement-making outerwear trend ever since they debuted their eye-catching coats earlier this year during Fashion Week.

Simple monotone black and blue coats are no longer going to cut it when compared

with the patterned and bright-hued ones that will be making their way into stores within the next few weeks.

The Emilia Charley Stripe Coat from BB Dakota takes a relatively neutral approach to the trend as it features a solid ivory background, but is given an edge with a black stripe and chevron pattern. It has a large shawl collar that will keep you warm against the elements this winter and a matching printed belt that ties at the waist, and it can be yours for just $105.

If you’re feeling bold, try on the Popper Skater Coat in red from Asos for size.

For just $118 you can get your hands on this beautiful coat that features a feminine highlow hemline, belt closure at the waist, and a

high neckline that can be buttoned up the entire way, to ensure that you stay warm during what’s sure to be another chilly Slippery Rock winter.

Typically pastels are reserved for spring and summer, but this season they’re all the rage thanks to the gorgeous pieces seen on the Céline and Dior runways. Although these designers advocate pastel skirts and pants for fall, you’d be wise to choose more practical options like shirts and sweaters instead.

J. Crew takes this trend to the next level with their Stripe Necklace Tee in provence pink for $65 that gets a heavy dose of sparkle from the pink and silver jewels in the handsewn necklace motif.

This embellishment

takes away the need to wear any jewelry, as it gives off the right amount of shine for both day and night.

If a cozy, chunky sweater is more your style, Gap offers an affordable option in pastel shades of both blue and pink for just $50. The Marled pullover is light enough to be worn in the early stages of fall and can be worn well into the winter as a layering piece.

With such a variety of clothing styles available this season, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for on your next trip to the mall. Remember to be open to trying new styles, while still maintaining the look that you’re famous for.

Spectacular Now shows onscreen chemistry

Jimmy Graner "Jimmy G's Rock Reviews"

4 Stars

High school is a time in every student’s life where they get to experience and enjoy b eing young and adventurous before moving on to the real world. Sometimes it’s hard to want to move on and begin another step in your life when the one you’re living

is so spectacular.

That’s when you realize even though you could probably get away with it, everyone else around you is changing and you yours elf are stuck trying to live in the now.

T h e Sp e c t ac u l ar Now follows a teen by the name of Sutter Keely, a popular high school senior who has it all: a part-time job, a beautiful girlfriend, and the persona of living in the moment, not in a constant change. One morning after being dumped by his girlf riend, Sutter meets a girl by the name of Aimee Finecky. Aimee, who just happens to be in the same class as Sutter, is the complete opp o s ite of h i m , l i k i ng e ve r y t h i ng

Sutter doesn’t. After a few conversations b etween the two, love starts to form and Sutter is back to having his perfect life.

However, everything isn’t what it seems to be for the senior who supposedly has nothing wrong in his life. Overcoming these obstacles and doing s o wit h a person who makes you feel good about yourself is all it takes to surpass that fear of losing everything.

The film has a little “A Walk to Remember” feel to it. A popular boy, talking to a nonpopular girl in a high school setting where people are judged on a regular basis is sometimes what audiences like to see because it’s bold and

fulfilling.

Although it’s more of a lighter tone in this film, the high school cliques are a big deal in today’s society. The film, which mainly f o c u s e s on b o t h Sutter and Aimee and how they react to each other, best describes the feeling we all want, finding t hat t r u e sp e c i a l someone. Because it’s a romantic comedy, the two characters have to form a close relationship as actors so we the audience can understand the full affect one has on the other, even with the touchy sex scene b etween the two.

The director, James Ponsoldt, did a great job of showing us that these are two people who although may be taking things slow and

steady, show passion and ambition when showing something so breath-taking.

Towards the end of t he f i l m , t he feeling becomes more saddened and distraught because you’re not seeing what you want to see. The genre is romance/comedy and does a good job in making you laugh as well as making you cr y. If there’s anything wrong with the film, it’s the time between scenes. More towards the middle, it’s hard to tell when or how long a scene is taking place after another. We just have to assume that the time between scenes is short and the next shot-taking place is the beginning/end result of what we just

witnessed. Feel that in ever y romance film, we the audience want a happy or resolved ending.

Unfor tunately, we have to put up with the awkward song and last look between the characters before asking the question, “Why couldn’t they have done this? It would have made it so much better.”

The good news is, I expected everything to be well-worded and f i lme d up on seeing this film. In the end, I was very satisfied with the direction, dialogue, census, and overall outcome of events.

Wi t h o u t c h a n g e , we’d all be living in the spectacular now, instead of the unexpected future.

Professors provide students with stories of real life experiences Continued from Page D 1

their hearts away.

“You don’t have to betray yourself to fit in,” she said. “You have been created every single one of you for a purpose. I know it took me awhile to realize that.”

B a lok s aid she regretted how she spent most of her time in college.

“I wasted so much energy on me, me, and oh yeah, then there was me,” she said. “I didn’t spend enough time serving.”

Friends were the biggest motivators when it came to her sense of self and confidence, Balok said.

“I found amazing friends,” she said.

“One of them wrote a note for me on my mirror that said, ‘You’re rough, you’re

tough, and you’re damn good looking!’.

I looked at it every day and laughed. I found laughter again.”

Balok also shared a past stor y that took place on SRU’s campus. The story was of a young woman who had written on a bathroom stall in the women’s restroom on the second floor of the Spotts World Culture Building about getting help from an abusive b oy f r i e n d . Ma ny women responded back with encouraging words and messages for her. After a while however, the school’s property was becoming defaced and soon painters had to come in and paint over the words.

“But the painters miss ed one tiny message,” Balok said.

“Do you know what it said? It said, ‘You are

beautiful.’”

Next on the panel was professor of biology Dr. Wayne Forbes. After following Balok, he took the microphone and told her, “You almost made me cry.”

Forbes talked to students about the difficulty in carrying on with his college education after the death of his father. His mother encouraged him to keep working toward his degree saying, it was what Forbes’ father would have wanted for him.

“Persevere,” Forbes said. “Never give up and never forget your family.”

Fo r b e s a s s u r e d students how important family was in his own life and encouraged students to value them in theirs.

The third panelist, professor of exercise

and rehabilitative science, Dr. William Ryan offered different advice for students. “ Ta k e c a r e o f yourself,” he said.

“Surround yourself with people that are good for you and never stop the search for self-discovery and self-actualization.”

Ryan told students he had discovered these things once he found himself with a ‘D’ average in his first year of college.

“I would study an hour a day,” Ryan said.

“Then I thought, ‘I’m not going to make it in college.’ So I disciplined myself to work harder and play less. I allowed myself one night a week off. I began studying three to five hours a day and my grades started to improve.”

Learning the art of meditation through

many of his friends in college also helped him to remain in a state of inner balance, he said.

The fourth and final panelist, Dr. Kimberely Smith, also a professor of exercise and rehabilitative science at SRU spoke about realizing she wasn’t alone in her journey.

In high school she graduated with a 4.0 GPA and she was the valedictorian of her class. The problem was her family didn’t have the money to send her to college. So Smith paid her own way through college while working six jobs.

“I would always complain until one of my friends said to me, ‘It could always be worse.’ I realized she was right,” Smith said.

Smith’s moment of perseverance

came when a friend encouraged her to train for a marathon. “’Make goals if you want it to happen,’ she told me. ‘Make excuses if you don’t.’”

Smith said.

Smith had trained for the race and was finally there. Halfway through the marathon, Smith told her friend she was becoming tired until she saw a man with cerebral palsy carrying on as well as a blind man.

“Don’t you ever let me tell you I’m too tired,” Smith told her friend.

A f te r t he fou r faculty panelists shared their stories, they went around and talked with students about overcoming obstacles in their college journeys and offered words of encouragement and hopeful inspirations.

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Mumford & Sons put on breath-taking performance

Harmony Kasper "Side Notes" Harmony Kasper is a junior journalism major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

The First Niagara Pavilion was rocked on Thursday night by the ever popular growing folk band, Mumford & Sons. You may think you haven't heard of them, but there is no doubt you heard their hit single "I Will Wait" off their second album "Babel" on the radio.

Doubters who feel this specific type of music genre wouldn't bring the crowds Toby Keith or Blake Shelton would, were shut down. A packed pavilion of 23,000 fans who sang along with Marcus Mumford and "his sons" made it an incredible night.

This was the Englishmen's first trip ever to the Pittsburgh area and they seemed pretty excited to be here.

The opening song was not a single off the second album, but "Lovers' Eyes" setting the mood for the evening, starting slow and building up. It began with no lights; none of the four men were visible from where my father and I were standing. Then Marcus Mumford began with the poetic lyrics that make this band so unique. Slowly,

more lights came on in the background and fans screamed.

Finally at a big part in the song, the whole stage lit up and the men jammed on their instruments while fans danced and sang along.

After reading other reviews of the concert that next morning, I realized none of them captured how involved and connected the fans were in this concert.

It sounded as if every person there knew every song they sang.

At times, the crowd was louder than Mumford & Sons. As an avid concert goer myself, I have never seen anything like it before.

The band continued on a high note with the breakout song “Little Lion Man" off their first album "Sigh No More." The song has some of the harsher lyrics of any of their songs, but that didn't stop the crowd from dancing around.

Slowing it down with "Whispers in the Dark" showed just how much these four men love their music.

Two more songs, “Below My Feet” and “Reminder” were played before their lead single “I Will Wait.” As soon as the instruments began playing that familiar loud jam, the crowd went wild.

Marcus Mumford strummed his acoustic guitar with such power while Ben Lovett danced in place on the keyboard.

Winston Marshall on the banjo demonstrated his signature rocking motion that Jason Bateman mimics so well in the groups music

PHOTO BY HARMONY KASPER Marcus Mumford sings to the crowd while playing his acoustic guitar. He perfromed last Thursday at the First Niagra Pavilion in Burgettstown, PA.

video for “Hopeless Wanderer.”

Ted Dwane is so impressive on the standup bass, an instrument that not many popular bands today have.

Dwane underwent surgery back in June for a blood clot on his brain. The band had to cancel shows across America so he could recover. Luckily for fans, the standup bass’ recovery was quick and Mumford & Sons got to play at the enormous UK music festival Glastonbury at the end of July.

Mumford and the men continued with a song from their first album, “Thistle & Weeds”, which showed how this English folk band can also be hard rock.

The set list continued with four more songs, “Ghosts That We Knew”,

“Hopeless Wanderer”, “Holland Road”, and “Awake My Soul” before hitting another hit off their “Sigh No More” album, “Roll Away Your Stone.”

Once again, the crowd was ignited at hearing one of their favorite songs. Personally, this was the first song I heard from the band over two years ago that had me captivated by their unique sound and lyrics. Finishing with “Lover of the Light, the second released single off “Babel”, the men thanked the crowd and left the stage.

Fans weren’t ready to let these four men travel to their next show in Troy, Ohio just yet. Immediately sound erupted from underneath the pavilion as everyone drummed on the seats in front of them. Soon

enough Mumford & Sons emerged from stage right, but not alone.

Their two opening acts, Bear’s Den and The Vaccines, joined them for something they “have never tried before, it’s a Pittsburgh exclusive” said Marcus Mumford.

With all the men on stage being English, it was only fitting for them to “Come Together” for a song from the most famous band in the world.

The Beatles cover was so popular with the crowd; it was as if you were transported back in time to witness “Beatlemania” Following this explosive performance were two more encore songs. The title track off their second album, “Babel” again showed how much these men can rock, causing

Mumford to break two strings on his guitar.

Finally, the band’s most popular song that everyone at First Niagara Pavilion could have guessed to be the final number came.

“The Cave” was the last chance for these men to give it their all and show what a great time they had in Burgettstown.

Thanking the crowd after every song they played and asking for everyone to stand and dance to their catchy tunes proved that Mumford & Sons know how to put on a concert not to be forgotte.

On the way home my father, who is as big of a fan, couldn't stop saying how impressive they were and I'm sure everyone else was thinking the same.

New commission on wellness provides free exercise classes for students and faculty Continued from Page D 1 people across campus who want to bring wellness to the community with programs and initiatives,” Dr. Carol Holland, director of the Counseling Center said.

The programs and initiatives are not only for students but for faculty, staff, admissions, and also members of the surrounding community according to Lynn. Programs include Zumba, Ti Chi, and Yoga for faculty, staff, and administrators, and also initiatives incorporate

already existing activities and clubs on campus like the Run Club. A program and class that is open to anyone is the meditation class that teaches meditation techniques to handle the stress of everyday life, Lynn said.

According to Renee Bateman, Coordinator for Health Promotion, another program that is being implemented in the Health Office includes the students’ amount of exercise as part of the new vital signs. If their exercise level is considered too low according to the nurses, they can recommend

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some free services such as private training for exercise.

“They are creating student wellness champions that help enforce and create wellness, and an example is the HOPE Peer Educators,” Bateman said.

One last program that is a crucial part of the Wellness Commission is the Play Initiative, Lynn said. This initiative is a way to show that exercise can be fun and enjoyable.

According to Lynn, some activities include tag and Zumba on the quad as well as Ultimate Frisbee.

“Play Day is a great

activity to bring people together and get out of the office and laugh and smile together,” President Norton said.

President Norton explained that she feels a connection with this commission because of her field of work. President Norton has a background in exercise physiology and strongly believes in the well-known phrase, “exercise is medicine.”

According to President Norton, during her first job as the director of recreational therapy at the University of Virginia hospital’s psychiatric unit,

Rocky's Raisers teaches fundraising techniques.

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she saw many instances in which wellness affected an individual’s health.

“I noticed that if the patients would take care of themselves they would feel more comfortable with themselves and have a stronger mental state,” Norton said.

The Wellness Commission is the sixth commission, along with Sustainability, Race and Ethnic Diversity, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation, Disability, and Status of Women.

“All of the President’s Commissions are values that characterize this

campus and we hope to affect the students’ and community’s quality of life they live, and the environment they live in,” Norton said.

According to Norton, a balanced and interconnected wellness just does not happen, it involves a decision and activity.

“We do better what we do best,” Norton explained saying that we can have all the knowledge in the world but without the balanced wellness and the ability to put things into action, that knowledge can lead nowhere.

Club and Organizational Fair attendance soared this year.

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