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the rocket

Friday October 2, 2015 • Volume 99, Issue Number 6 • An Independent, Student-Run Newspaper

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Cardboard Village returns after three years Students live in cardboard boxes for 18 hours to understand the reality of homelessness

By Haley Barnes News Editor

SRU students lived in cardboard boxes in the quad from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning through a revamped simulation called Cardboard Village, which provides students the opportunity to understand the reality of homelessness.

The event was hosted by SRU fraternity, Kappa Sigma, and community service sorority, Gamma Sigma Sigma and sponsored by the Community Volunteer Corps. Brandon Kraeer, junior exercise science major and secretary for Kappa Sigma, and Emily Eichner, senior secondary English education major and membership vice president of Gamma Sigma Sigma, co-headed the event together.

Eichner explained that Cardboard Village is an opportunity for students to fundraise money and other goods for the homeless, while participating in a simulation that allows the students to understand what it is actually like to be homeless by living in the quad for an 18-hour period. The simulation helps students break away from the negative stigma that comes along with homelessness.

"A lot of people who are homeless are just dealt a bad hand," she said, explaining that not all of the th homeless are bad people.

SEE RULES PAGE A-2

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Members of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity build their cardboard shelter as part of the village.

Health Center Gender-neutral housing aims to provides free bring inclusive climate to SRU flu shots

By Chris Gordon Assistant News Editor

By Daniel DiFabio Rocket Contributor

Student Health Services gave students the opportunity to get their annual flu vaccine at the Flu Shot Clinic during common hour on Sept. 29.

The event was originally scheduled to be in the SGA Pavilion, but the clinic was moved to the health center due to weather conditions. This is one of two flu clinics given during the semester, with another scheduled for Oct. 20 during Healthfest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Aebersold Recreation Center.

Coordinator of Health Promotion Renee Bateman, along with Student Health Ser vices and Hope Peer Educators, set up the event. Around 70 shots were given at the flu clinic during common hour, although more were given throughout the day.

Students don’t need to wait for a flu clinic to get their flu shots, Bateman said.

SEE FLU PAGE A-2

Gender-neutral housing may be offered at Slippery Rock University in coming years if a proposal before the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) receives approval.

Natalie Burick, the assistant director of housing accommodations at SRU and a lead author of the proposal, said the plan was accepted by the provost and president of the university, but that more research must be done before PASSHE's council of trustees will give their approval.

"There really isn't much research available on the effects of gender-neutral housing," Burick, who is pursuing a doctorate on the subject, said.

The purpose of the proposal is to provide housing accommodations to students who may feel uncomfortable living with a member of their biological sex, such as transgender students and those of varying sexual orientations, she said.

"Our transgender population isn't huge," Burick indicated. "So we're planning to release a survey to assess student interest in the plan."

The proposed housing plan would resemble many of the Living Learning Communities SRU already offers and students living there would be expected to participate in educational activities on gender and sexuality, Burick said.

"Gender-neutral housing helps create a campus climate that is welcoming, inclusive and supportive for all students," she said, indicating that nonLGBTQIA+ students wishing to live in a diverse environment would be welcome to live there as well.

The pilot program would include 24 beds in the Rock Apartments and would be open to sophomores, juniors and seniors, Burick said. Residents of this LLC would be surveyed at the beginning, middle and end of their stay to assess satisfaction with the program.

'Save the Boobies' Harms Women

Men's Soccer Upsets at Home

A Rocket staff member weighs in on the problem with sexualizing cancer.

Page B-2

The men's soccer team defeated number 25 Notre Dame College at home on Wednesday. Page C-1

SEE RESIDENCE PAGE A-3

Amanda Seales Visits SRU MTV 2, VH1 and CNN star Amanda Seales comes to SRU to discuss sexism and diversity. Page D-1

NEWS

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

October 2, 2015

Maintenance revamps quad sidewalks

By Haley Barnes News Editor

Slippery Rock University maintenance has been working in the quad throughout the week putting in new sidewalks near the SGA Pavilion.

Scott Albert, assistant vice president of facilities and planning, explained the sidewalks in the quad needed to be redone for safety and aesthetic purposes. During the winter, the old sidewalks would pond water creating icy patches making the sidewalks dangerous for students, staff and visitors to walk on.

"The sidewalks in the quad have gotten to the point where we need to replace them because they look bad," he said.

Albert explained the timing for the project is not ideal, but that maintenance was busy over the summer attending to other projects within the buildings on campus.

He said maintenance is aware of all of the events that occur in the quad.

"We're doing the best we can to work around all the events that happen in the quad," he said.

According to Albert, over the next few weeks students, staff and visitors should expect to see a lot more construction in the quad.

"Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks the students will be very pleased with the improvements," he said.

He said not all of the sidewalks in the quad are being redone as sidewalks by Vincent Science Center and Advanced Technology and Science Hall were redone when those buildings were under construction. Maintenance works on the sidewalks on an as needed base.

"Over time as a section [of sidewalk] fails, we replace it," he said.

Albert said maintenance is working hard to make the campus more aesthetically pleasing.

Some efforts of maintenance include more flowers and new signage throughout the campus.

"We're really working hard to continue to beautify the campus at a faster pace than previous years," Albert said.

Rules strictly enforced to ensure student safety Continued from Page A-1

INDEX Blotter.................A-3 S p o r t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C - 1 Opinion................B-1 Campus Life...........D-1 Comics...................B-3

CONTACT US Newsroom: (724) 738-4438 Advertising: (724) 738-2643 Fax: (724) 738-4896 Email: rocket.letters@sru.edu

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Student organizations paid a registration fee of $20 to participate and reserve a spot in the quad. About 50 different student organizations participated in the event. Eichner noted that a majority of the participants were upperclassmen.

"This is one of the last big bangs [upperclassmen] can make before they go into the real world," she said.

All proceeds went to the Lighthouse Foundation, which is a Butler County-based organization that helps people in need.

"We're going to raise about $600 for the Lighthouse Foundation at this point," Eichner said.

Students that participated in the event checked in on Thursday at 2 p.m. and had two hours to build their cardboard shelter.

Kraeer explained all organizations were responsible for bringing their own materials to build their shelter. Students were permitted to bring cardboard boxes, wood, four cement bricks, tarps, duct tape and

a few other items as supplies for their shelter. The shelters had to be finished by 5 p.m. for judging.

Awards were given to the most practical shelter, the most creative shelter and to the organization that did the most fundraising in addition to the registration fee.

"We have three judges doing that," Kraeer said.

The last time Cardboard Village was done at SRU was in 2012, Eichner said. "[Cardboard Village] sometimes sparks a bit of controversy," she said.

The last time, there were a few participants who brought drugs and alcohol to the event.

Kraeer stressed that students participating in this year's Cardboard Village were aware of all of the rules including abiding by the SRU student code of conduct, no use of open flames in the village area, no littering and no disrespectful behavior. Kappa Sigma and Gamma Sigma Sigma had SRU campus police patrol the area to ensure that all participants were following the rules.

In addition to the rules, it was a requirement that two to six

students were representing their organization at all times. These students worked in shifts of three to four hours During the last Cardboard Village, participating students were only able to bring one item along with them inside the shelter.

This year students were able to bring as many items as they needed, as Kappa Sigma and Gamma Sigma Sigma felt this promoted a sense of community among all of the students that were participating in the event.

"We want to make sure that people bring things not because we want things to be more glamorized, but we want people to be more social," Eichner said.

Gamma Sigma Sigma and Kappa Sigma provided entertainment throughout the night including music and open microphone night. A soup kitchen was set up at 6 p.m. on Thursday evening for participating students and AVI provided coffee on Friday morning at 7:30 a.m.

"It's been a very very long process to ensure that everything has been what we wanted," Eichner said.

Flu shots provide protection, health center staff says Continued from Page A-1

“Flu clinics are not the only opportunity to get flu shots," she said. "Students can come into the student health center 24/7 to receive a shot.”

More flu clinics were given in the past but Bateman said that most students would come to the health center when it was most convenient for them. Now, Student Health Services encourages students to come whenever they’re able and get their flu shots.

“It’s important for students to get their flu shots because they’re sharing a wide range of surfaces," she said. "Whether it’s your room, apartment or classroom. Viruses stay active on surfaces, so if someone before you was sitting at the desk and

happened to have an influenza virus, then you come along and touch that desk then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you could potentially get influenza. We’re talking 10 to 14 days out of class, severe fevers and body aches."

800 students were vaccinated last year by the health center. Bateman said that around 40 percent of the student population has the flu vaccine, based on surveys. She said she also thinks that some students get their flu shots at Rite Aid, Walmart or Walgreens. Having the shot helps keep family members and peers around the student safe.

“You’re not just protecting yourself, but you’re protecting those who you work with as well by not receiving the virus,” Bateman said.

NEWS

October 2, 2015

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POLICE BLOTTER unresponsive person in Building D. An September 30- Police were called about stolen ambulance transported them to Grove City projectors in the Jack C. Dinger Building. The Hospital. case is under investigation.

Campus September 23- Police were called for a person having a seizure in North Hall. An ambulance was called to the scene.

September 28- A person reported their bike was stolen form the Life Long Learning Center. The case is under investigation.

September 25- Creanna Martin, 23, was charged with a drug violation.

September 26- Police were called for an

September 29- Police were called for suspected drug use in Building D. The case is under investigation.

September 30- Police were called for a person experiencing chest pains in Vincent Science Center. An ambulance transported the person to the hospital.

Compiled by Chris Gordon

Residence Life staff hopes to accommodate all students Continued from Page A-1

"We can't offer gender-neutral housing to first-year students until we've tested it out," Burick noted.

If the pilot program is successful, gender-neutral housing may be offered in the residential suites as well, she said.

Junior English and philosophy major, Haley Crompton, the president of RockOUT, SRU's LGBTQIA+ student organization, indicated that housing cost is a problem with Burick's plan. " We n e e d h ou s i ng t hat ' s comfortable and available to all students regardless of their economic status," Crompton said, noting that the Rock Apartments an d re s i d e nt i a l s u ite s are significantly more expensive than the traditional dorms, which are not expected to feature a genderneutral option.

Patrick Beswick, the director of residence life at SRU, said he agrees that gender-neutral housing should be available at all income levels, but that "the university has to begin somewhere."

He indicated that Rhoads and

North Hall feature communal bathrooms, which may not be right for students living in genderneutral settings.

Crompton expressed further concerns that designating an area for gender-neutral housing might make the area a target of harassment.

"I've heard of slurs being used," Crompton said, referring to a case where homophobic language was written on the whiteboard of a gay student's dorm. "I haven't heard of any physical violence, but it may not been reported."

RockOUT is currently working with the Association of Residence Hall Students to develop a student proposal to bring gender-neutral housing to SRU, she said.

"I do believe that all state schools will eventually have genderneutral housing," Crompton said, noting that the option is already offered at other PASSHE schools, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Burick said the housing proposal is not designed to allow couples to live together on campus.

"That's exactly the thing we don't want to have here," she said.

"We want to make these LLCs an educational experience."

Timothy Oldakowski, an English professor at SRU and a co-chair of the President's Commission on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation, proposed a solution to the issue of couples who might use gender-neutral housing as a way to live together on campus.

"There should be an application process and applicants should meet with a residence director," he said. "Students who truly need this type of housing will be willing to work for it."

However, the current proposal would not prevent couples from living together in gender-neutral settings, Beswick said.

"Students are adults and we need to treat them like adults," he said.

Beswick acknowledged though, that students are young adults and that there should be a meaningful mediation process for students who encounter issues as a result of living with a romantic partner on campus.

Oldakowski said that, while he was unaware of the proposal, GISO supports the idea of genderneutral housing.

"Every student should feel safe and respected," he said.

Beswick indicated that genderneutral housing is becoming widespread on college campuses across the United States.

"Other schools have it and it's done in so many different ways," he said. "Some schools provide apartments, some have it in their residence halls and some may offer just a floor of a residence hall."

Because of the many approaches to gender-neutral housing, Beswick said any comparison he could make to SRU's proposal would be lacking.

The Human Rights Campaign features a list of 151 American colleges and universities that provide gender-neutral housing on their website.

Until gender-neutral housing is available at SRU, Burick said she already accommodates students who feel uncomfortable living in traditional settings.

"There haven't been any issues with transgender students living on campus before," she said. "We'll work with you."

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OPINION

Our View Gender Neutral housing should not be abused

OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 99, Number 6

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

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

EDITORIAL BOARD Janelle Wilson

Editor-in-Chief

Haley Barnes

News Editor

Amber Cannon

Campus Life Editor

Ryan Barlow

Sports Editor

Rebecca Dietrich Shelby Stearns

Copy/ Web Editor

Chris Gordon

Assistant News Editor

Emma Pfeifer

Assist. Campus Life Editor

Cody Nespor

Assistant Sports Editor

Kendall Scott

Assistant Photo Editor

Victoria Davis

Assist. Copy/Web Editor

Emily Brown

Multimedia Reporter

Mark Zeltner

Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Karleigh Santry

GRAPHIC BY REBECCA DIETRICH/ THE ROCKET

Photo Editor

Advertising Manager

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

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

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

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

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

All SRU students have a right to safety, and that right should extend to on-campus housing.

We at The Rocket believe that gender-neutral housing will help promote safety and comfort within the residence halls, and provide a better experience for students who live on campus.

The main purpose of genderneutral housing is to provide students the option to live with people of any gender.

This is particularly aimed at transgender students and students of varying sexual orientations because these students are often subject to harassment, bullying and being misunderstood by other students. Also, transgender students at SRU are often subject to living alone because they don’t feel comfortable living with who Residence Life assigns them, making it difficult for transgender students to make friends and have a sense of belonging within the residence hall.

The Rocket staff would really like to see a gender-neutral housing option created with the best interest of these students in mind.

However, we believe that there needs to be a policy implemented to ensure that students with definite reasons for gender-neutral housing are the students receiving the opportunity. It would not be fair to those students that need it if there were other students abusing the

system in order to live with their significant other.

We understand that if genderneutral housing were to become available on SRU’s campus, some other problems may arise. This could range from students not being able to afford the housing for the specific living arrangements and not being available to incoming freshmen.

The current proposal will allow six Rock Apartments to become gender neutral, opening the opportunity up to 24 students. The current price for the Rock Apartments is $2,785 a semester and that price is subject to change without notice.

The main problem with this would be some students can only afford to live in traditional housing options in Rhoads and North Hall, which would exclude these students from being allowed to participate in the gender-neutral housing.

The Rock Apartments also have kitchens for students to use, which would require students to purchase groceries, as any student living in the Rock Apartments is not obligated to have a meal plan.

Students who require genderneutral housing may not have a car in order to purchase groceries, let alone be able to afford a meal plan.

Some students who require gender-neutral housing may also not feel comfortable living with three other roommates, as the Rock Apartments house four students in

In the Quad

one apartment.

The 24 students would also be sophomores, juniors and seniors, excluding incoming freshman.

Some incoming LGBTQIA+ and ally freshmen come to SRU specifically for RockOUT, the LGBTQIA+ and ally organization. RockOUT provides incoming LGBTQIA+ and ally freshmen a welcoming, accepting environment and that environment should extend to these students’ housing.

Indiana Un i v e r s it y of Pennsylvania (IUP), one of the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities, offers a gender-neutral housing opportunity for their students. This option is offered to students who absolutely need it, and is available for students ranging from freshman to seniors. There is a variety of room styles that the IUP students can choose from, including a two-person suite, a four-person suite and a two-person suite with a private bathroom.We feel IUP’s gender-neutral housing option is ideal and hope that, should SRU choose to implement it, the housing options would be similar.

We hope to see a gender-neutral housing option for students who really need it some day at Slippery Rock University, but before that can happen, the logistics really need to be worked out in order to provide the best option for students to feel happy and comfortable.

This week’s question: What made you decide to come out to the Cardboard Village event?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dane Daily Freshman Physical Therapy and Hospitality Management Major Arlington, Virginia “I am a pledge of Kappa Sigma and I came out because I’m looking to do more community service. This looks like a cool event.”

Will Davis Sophomore Safety Management Major Chagrin Falls, Ohio “I think it’s such a great cause, and I want to support my future fraternity brothers. “

Megan Egli Senior Secondary English Education Major Conneaut, Pennslyvania “My friend is the leader of this event. I wanted to do it a few years ago, but I missed the deadline, so I’m glad I got to make this opportunity.”

OPINION

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October 2, 2015

People must address and be open about their depression

Cheyenne Jackson Commentary Cheyenne Jackson is a creative writing major from Mckeesport, Pennsylvania I’m going to say it. I’ve been holding it in for so long; I am ready to say it. Here it goes.

I’m saying it.

I have depression.

Wow. That feels amazing. I want to say it some more.

I have depression. I have depression. I have depression. I have depression. I have depression.

Depression is really weird. Not just because we don’t completely understand it scientifically or as a society, but because everyone “has depression.” Everybody likes to say, “I’m depressed.” But it’s weird because when somebody like me, who is actually diagnosed with depression shares that fact it is suddenly not okay.

Okay sure, everyone feels sad or a little down sometimes, but I don’t really know of too many people who get so sad or so down that they can’t move. There are moments in my life where my depression reaches levels so extreme that I literally feel like I can’t move, so I lay there for hours until it passes and eventually move on with my day. But I’m not saying this to bash anyone who likes to say they’re depressed when they really don’t

go through the levels of sadness I do, I am just trying to draw attention to this issue because I really felt for so long that my depression was not okay and must be kept a secret at all costs and I know many others who still feel that way.

I was diagnosed at 16 but spent years in denial because I was embarrassed about it. I refused treatment and let myself get to dangerous levels of depression because I refused to believe that I really had depression.

Keep in mind that depression is generally not constant; there are ups and downs. I had a great senior year. I was drum major of my high school marching band. I got my first girlfriend. I got accepted to all the colleges I applied to; it was pretty sweet. There were certainly times throughout the year where I’d have an episode, but I had a lot to distract me and an, at first, very supportive girlfriend.

Regardless of those great things, what I really needed was real help not distractions or a girlfriend.

If it weren’t for the social stigma of depression, that only crazy people have it or depressed people just need to “suck it up,” I probably would have gotten real help much sooner. The sad truth is, depression is viewed with negativity in our culture.

This negative view mostly stems from misunderstanding depression itself and stereotypes that surround mental illness in general. Individuals with mental illnesses are almost always portrayed in an ugly light in the media. They’re always the murderers or rapists. They’re drug addicts and alcoholics.

They’re associated with all “bad behaviors.”

And yes, while it is true that untreated mental health problems can lead to tragedy, a majority of people suffering from a mental health issues go through life without turning into the sinister characters in the news and media.

Depression may not receive as much backlash as schizophrenia or perhaps, antisocial personality disorder, but there are certainly many wrong ideas out there about it. Sadly many people don’t realize that solving depression is not and has never been as simple as “sucking it up.” (As if I haven’t tried) Depression, or at least my depression because everybody has different experiences, makes many little things that most people can probably brush off commit me to a bed for hours and cry. And the funny thing is, I know very well that it is ridiculous, I know I should not be that upset over small things, but I can’t get over it. No matter how many times I try to tell myself I’m being ridiculous, it never helps.

People also like to believe antidepressants are the godsend pill to solve all of your depressive problems, but no, sadly not at all.

Some will see improvement after 6 weeks on medication alone, but a majority of people need therapy and support at home to see improvements in their symptoms and 50% of people will see no change in mood while taking antidepressants. I started taking antidepressants about a month ago. I fought against taking antidepressants for a long time, terrified of what people would think of me and of the side effects. If you didn’t know, antidepressants come with some hefty label warnings. As for whether they are helping or not, I am really not sure. I do notice that my lows are not quite as low as they were this summer, but I am not entirely sure if that has to do with the antidepressants, therapy, or if it’s just a natural spike in mood on this rollercoaster of depression.

Dating is another difficult situation to navigate when you have depression. Once you get over all of the hurdles “normal” people go through with dating, you have to make a decision to inform your romantic

interest about your depression. I guess I don’t have to tell them, but I don’t want to keep it a secret. Unfortunately, depression is a “turn off” for most people and a burden on relationships, but I do not think it’s fair to hide it from your partner. You may have heard a story over the summer about a girl who convinced her boyfriend to kill himself.

This story really grabbed my attention because that’s what my ex-girlfriend tried to do to me, she tried to make me kill myself.

The truth is, many people struggle within relationships where one of the participants has depression because most people are not educated enough on mental illnesses to understand the repercussions their words and actions can have.

It is important for people with depression to speak up about it. We need to come out of the depression closet. It is important for those close to individuals with depression to be respectful and get educated. If you are in a relationship with somebody who has depression, please do not ever tell them to commit suicide. If you know anyone who has depression, please do not tell them to commit suicide. Please do not tell anyone to commit suicide. It is not wrong to break up with somebody who has depression, but do not let your bitterness get the best of you in that situation.

Depression is not something we need to fear. Depression for many people is a normal part of life and we need to stop forcing people who have depression to hide it.

If you or somebody you know is having thoughts of suicide or any symptoms of depression please seek help.

1 (800) 273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) (724) 738-2034 (SRU’s counselling center) 1 (888) 7-YOU-CAN (re:solve Crisis Network)

‘Save the Boobies’ Political correctness helps people work toward an ‘accurate and inclusive narrative’ sexualizes cancer

Dylan Vamosi Commentary Dylan Vamosi is a secondary social studies and anthropology major “I think the big problem this country has is being politically correct,” Donald Trump said.

Ah, that is the problem in America.

All we needed was Mr. Trump to articulate it so clearly.

What a meaningless, cheap bout of demagoguery.

Last week, I encountered an article claiming that "political correctness" is not practical or preparatory. The article was well written; its premise was unrealistic.

"Political correctness is a misnomer" means that we have constructed a pejorative term suggesting that its supporters want to diminish free speech; "political correctness" is a straw man. The term is not adequate or precise, but it is popular and usable. Therefore, I will use "PC" as a representative of understanding, professionalism, and consciousness rather than the slanted term it has come to mean.

The premise of last week's opinion piece that political correctness does not prepare individuals for real life is absurd. Replace "political correctness" with "having respect for others," or "understanding others." Political correctness IS the real world; having respect for others IS professionalism. Do not be so naive to assume that people purposefully water down language to weaken our culture. Language is modified to fit our increasingly acute understanding of reality. There are no legal consequences for calling an individual an "asshole" and rightfully so, but it would be unrealistic to expect no social repercussions for

such an action.

Ardent defenders of free speech often suggest that "PC" just seeks to subvert thought into a filter through which speech is catered to an "offended" crowd. Rather, I contend "PC" is actually an indicator of a conscious audience accounting for the natural blunders and shortcomings of free speech. In this sense, "PC" is not so much an enforcer as it is an adviser.

What we call "offensive" is fickle and inconsistent. Free speech diehards often twist this into a slippery slope which argues that anybody can take offense to anything; thus, everyone will take offense to everything. Not only is this disingenuous, but it is impractical.

The great irony is that those who whine about "offended individuals" are implicitly condemning what they outwardly claim to protect: the exploration of ideas and free speech.

These individuals are often surprised by mere reactions to their expressed position: "George Bush was negatively criticized." Who is begging for silence in this circumstance? "American Sniper was cancelled." We are upset that people reacted persuasively enough to remove such an event?

Ben Carson silenced himself because of argumentative protest. This is too easy. Reaction and refinement are what happen in real life. PC is too often used as a scapegoat for mere reactions.

Of course colleges are "breeding grounds for free speech and person [sic] ideas." This is not incompatible with PC. PC is about working toward a more accurate and inclusive narrative. This is how meaningful discussion proceeds. Essentially, do not waste time with words and phrases that will detract from real meaning or discourse. Individuals, AKA the “offended reactionaries,” are not bothered by language as much as reality especially mischaracterized reality. Poorly used "offensive" language can be the consequence to a misunderstanding of plight.

When individuals are "offended", it is often because there is a harsh reality associated with the offensive term or statement. Nobody would seriously consider a family on welfare lazy leeches if he or she understood the systemic issues that placed the family within that context. These terms,

too, are contextual. Nobody would outwardly call a future employer a "fat pig" because the potential employee has come to understand the repercussions and context of their free speech exercise. We get upset because the individual referred to as a "terrorist" was offended? Try being asked to step aside at an airport after being deemed "hazardous." Terms do not exist separately from their realities.

We modify our language through our individuals and institutions to become more diplomatic because it is advantageous and courteous to do so.

"PC" is respect. "PC" is understanding.

Admittedly, I used to eschew the same sentiments as the "antiPC" crowd. The mentality was I can say whatever I want, nobody can stop me, and I should expect no repercussions for my words. In hindsight, this is absurd and redundant. Of course I can say what I want it is legally guaranteed to me. Did I expect those around me to accept my babble without responding negatively to me? For whatever reason, yes; my right trumped my reasonability. In this sense, I was not professional, responsible, or refined. I am PC because I genuinely do not care what others say, however, if that person is mischaracterizing a person or argument, they will be accordingly told so. PC is worried about inclusion and accuracy.

Indeed, this is not a binary issue.

We should not simply support PC to the disservice of free speech. Likewise, undermining PC to glorify free speech also misses the point. Rather, these ideas work in conjunction with each other: we are allotted legal freedom to explore the social boundaries of language. PC is the logical consequence to an understanding of how language shapes interaction.

"Respect my free speech" is a banal catchall with ceaseless support. The implied backhalf of the statement "with no social repercussion to me" is too often forgotten. We love to reaffirm our right to free speech so much that, often, we deliberately omit the responsibility attached to it. Thus, the exploration of others’ boundaries becomes secondary. If we are to fully embrace free speech, we must accept the social implications that come with it.

Haley Barnes Commentary

Haley Barnes is a senior journalism major and is the News Editor for the Rocket.

It's pretty much common knowledge that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer awareness is very important because according to breastcancer.org, one out of eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their life. For the most part, breast cancer mainly affects women, but there is a 1 in 1,000 chance that a man may develop breast cancer in his lifetime too.

However as October approaches, I cringe as I know to expect breast cancer awareness being done in a degrading way towards women. I am absolutely sick of seeing breast cancer cases in women be sexualized through phrases like "save the boobies" and "save the ta-tas." In my eyes, there is absolutely no reason that a life threatening disease like breast cancer should ever be sexualized.

Women affected by breast cancer are much more than a pair of breasts, they are strong and beautiful people fighting a serious disease. They have a brain, mind, body and soul and deserve to be recognized for those too.

Especially in October, I see phrases like "save the boobies" on this campus all the time. Whether someone creates a pun intended bulletin board of ghosts wearing a bra combining Halloween and breast cancer awareness utilizing the phrases "save the 'boo'-bies" or someone is wearing a "save the boobies" t-shirt or bracelet, it is breast cancer awareness done wrong.

However, I feel that most of the time, some people don't understand that phrases like those can be hurtful towards women, as well as men. It's a social norm to use breasts to market products, so that means it should be a social norm to use breasts to market breast cancer awareness, right? No. Just because the disease is called breast cancer, doesn't mean awareness should be centered around breasts.

Breastcancer.org projects that 40,290 women will die of breast cancer in 2015, which is simply 40,290 too many. It is our duty to raise awareness about breast cancer in a way that makes these fighters feel like their lives actually matter and not just their breasts.

Let's stop "saving the boobies" and start saving women and men as a whole human being.

B-3

October 2, 2015

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COMICS Sharing Stalls

By Molly Huey

COMICS

Today's Birthday (10/02/15). Prepare mentally.

Rediscover yourself. You're advancing to the next level this year. Plan and revise strategies, with special focus on communications. New professional opportunities arise over springtime, sparking discovery of new talents. Autumn retrospections lead to course corrections in your career direction.

Love is the answer.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 6 -- Take notes, as communication glitches may arise. Imagine total success, without relying on fantasy. The opposition holds out, and it could get tense. A suspicion gets confirmed. No emotional spending, OK? Show your philosophical side in public.

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

Best in Show

By Phil Juliano

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Your team has a brilliant idea. The possibility of error is high.

Don't get sidetracked by fantasy. Use what you have to get what you need. Extend your reach. Business interferes with romance. Brainstorm practical solutions.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Look both ways before crossing the street. Disrupt the status quo. You're gaining respect. Listen to an elder's practical experience. Let someone see the real you. Postpone travel or flights of fancy. Create the marketing strategy.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 5 -- A rise in responsibility leads to higher income. Keep costs down on top of that. Overspending comes easily today. Tread carefully to avoid a disagreement about household matters. A group dream can become reality. Collaborate with friends.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Strengthen your infrastructure. Don't gamble, or you may learn something the hard way. Finances are in a state of flux. Explore your heart's desire through art, sport or play. Align on priorities before advancing. Wait for developments.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 6 -- If facing resistance, ease up. Take care of each other. Don't go for a deal if the cost is too high. Reconsider your work routines. Travel tempts, but might conflict with your job. Share the load.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Clean up and lend a helping hand. Don't talk about money in savings. Temporarily short tempers could flare around finances. Don't over-extend, but work with the right equipment for the job. Notice missing ingredients. Incorporate unusual spices.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- Resist being impulsive, especially if friends are. Costs can vary widely. Stand firm. A mystery gets revealed.

Don't push too hard right now. Don't lose what you've got to get more. Wait for a better time.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Don't start a new project or talk about it yet. Let it gestate longer. Handle practical logistics to complete your current gig, and deny distractions. Fix something before it breaks. Rest and recharge for rising optimism.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Let your partner do the talking. Finesse a cash flow problem. Don't offer to pay for everything. Stay frugal and resourceful. Postpone travel and risk.

Luxuriate at home and get fascinated by a mystery.

Keep confidences.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Gain more than expected. Make a surprising discovery. Make your home more comfortable. Don't dig into savings on a whim. Expect disagreement. Calm someone who's upset. Keep your cool by remembering what's most important. Push, but gently.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Things could seem volatile. Work hard and play hard.

Get physical. Don't get stopped by old fears. Get thoughtful in a peaceful place. Express gratitude.

Consult with a spiritual mentor or friend. Discover a new view.

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

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

BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

C-4

October 2 , 2015

S

INSIDE SPORTS

Athlete of the Month

Rock Tennis

SPORTS

Junior Tiany Kollah led the Slippery Rock tennis team in a 6-3 win over West Liberty Sunday afternoon.

Rock ďŹ eld hockey standout Megan McKay was voted as The Rocket's Athlete of the Month for September.

See Page C-2

See Page C-3

Rock upsets ranked opponent

By Cody McCullough Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock bench and its fans erupted as freshman Justin Minda scored his first collegiate goal Wednesday night, giving SRU the 2-1 victory over #25 Notre Dame College.

Minda's goal came off a pass from junior Matt Sangermano, and giving SRU the upset, pushing them to 6-3 on the season. Notre Dame fell to 6-3 as well.

Despite Notre Dame holding the advantage in all offensive categories, SRU found a way to win behind solid goaltending from Steven Rerick, stingy defense and timely scoring.

"Some games you get a get out of jail free card," SRU coach Andy Hoggarth said. "Full credit goes to the boys. Work rate and work ethic get you wins.

We were the underdog tonight, and these boys love to be the underdog."

Based on the stats, Notre Dame should have won the game easily, but due to SRU's grit and hard work, they did not.

Notre Dame held the advantage in shots (22-8), shots on goal (10-4), corners (9-2), and spent a majority of its time on The Rock's side of the field.

A gritty defense and great goaltending by junior Steven Rerick prevented a barrage of Notre Dame shots from going into the net.

The SRU attackers rewarded that great back end play with some timely goals.

The first goal came at a critical moment at the end of the first half when senior Mike Ilodigwe scored on a pass from freshman George Oakley at the 43:17 mark in the first half. This gave SRU a huge momentum boost, scoring with less than two minutes remaining in the half.

That goal was Ilodigwe's third of the season, and KENDALL SCOTT?THE ROCKET

Freshman midfielder Justin Minda celebrates with his teammates after scoring the go-ahead goal to upset #25 Notre Dame College Wednesday evening. The goal was Minda's first of his collegiate career.

SEE MEN'S, PAGE C-3

Seton Hill's offense stuns Rock football

By Ryan Barlow Sports Editor

The Rock football team (3-1) was unable to mount a comeback Saturday afternoon, losing its first game of the season to Seton Hill 41-38 as SRU kicker Mike Wainauskis missed a game tying 22-yard field goal wide left.

Slippery Rock entered the game ranked no.

14 overall in Division II football, but the loss dropped The Rock out of the nation's top 25.

"We had eight red zone opportunities," Rock head coach George Mihalik said. "Three of those eight ended in touchdowns, and one for a field goal. Those other four we came up empty. You have to put the ball in the end zone when you have these types of opportunities, especially when that opportunity comes at the end of the game."

Despite the rare miscues on the defensive end, The Rock still had a strong offensive performance.

Senior quarterback Dante Nania threw for

414 yards, completing 28-of-50 passes with two touchdowns and one interception.

Nania's main target was redshirt-junior Taishan Tucker, who caught eight passes for 139 yards with one touchdown.

Senior Jaimire Dutrieuille also added another touchdown for The Rock, catching six passes for 32 yards.

Redshirt-sophomore Cornelius Raye hauled in four passes for 92 yards, while senior Marcus Carter caught five passes for 62 yards.

Senior Julien Durden made his second straight start in place of SRU's injured star running Shamar Greene. Durden ran the ball 26 times, mounting 146 yards and three touchdowns.

Junior Derrick Fulmore, redshirt-senior Derek Morgan and junior Deonte Flemings each had one of Slippery Rock's three interceptions.

Sophomore Titus Howard, senior Teven Williams, and Fulmore each had seven tackles.

Williams was also credited for half a tackle for loss.

38 Football scores around the PSAC-West

at

37 at

41

"Defensively, we just kept giving up the big play," Mihalik said. "If we force them to just drive the football, they wouldn't have scored.

Our special teams, which had been a strength up to that point, were very disappointing. We had a punt blocked, a field goal blocked and our return game wasn't there. All three phases just weren't there, and we didn't get the win when we had opportunities."

SRU now shifts its focus to Gannon (3-1) who are coming off of a 47-31 loss to Clarion.

The result of this game will likely take control of the western division of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, and kick off is set for 12 p.m. at McConnell Family Stadium in Erie, Pennsylvania.

"We have no margin for error now. We have to win," Mihalik said. "The players know what is on the line now. We have to study film and get in the weight room and do all we can to make sure we're as prepared as possible."

47 at

30

35 at

31

14

SPORTS

C-2

October 2, 2015

Women's cross-country wins at Lock Haven

By Cameron Bildhauer Rocket Contributor

Football 1.

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6.

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Clarion California (pa.)

Indiana (pa.)

Seton Hill Gannon Mercyhurst Slippery rock edinboro

(4-0) (3-1) (2-1) (2-2) (3-1) (3-1) (3-1) (0-4)

Men's soccer 1.

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Millersville Bloomsburg Lock haven mercyhurst Slippery Rock california (pa.)

East Stroudsburg West Chester Seton hill gannon shippensburg pitt-johnstown

(8-0-1) (7-2-0) (4-4-1) (3-7-0) (6-3-0) (4-3-0) (5-4-0) (3-4-2) (3-5-1) (2-5-0) (4-5-0) (0-8-0)

Women's soccer 1.

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gannon West Chester East Stroudsburg Edinboro Slippery Rock California (pa.)

Indiana (PA.) Mercyhurst bloomsburg

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shippensburg kutztown Seton hill millersville clarion lock haven mansfield Pitt-johnstown

(9-0-0) (7-2-0) (5-2-0) (6-3-0) (6-3-0) (4-3-2) (5-3-1) (4-3-2) (4-4-1) (4-4-1) (3-3-1) (4-5-0) (3-6-0) (2-6-1) (2-6-0) (2-5-0) (0-9-0)

Field hockey 1.

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Millersville East stroudsburg shippensburg bloomsburg kutztown indiana (pa.)

West chester Slippery Rock mercyhurst seton hill mansfield

(8-0) (7-2) (7-2) (6-3) (6-3) (4-4) (7-2) (4-6) (3-6) (0-8) (0-9)

Standings as of Thurs. Sept 24 at 5:41 p.m.

Slippery Rock finished first overall for the second straight race with a win at the Lock Haven University Invitational Saturday, with 19 total schools and 258 individual runners in the competition.

SRU finished with 64 points in a tie with Misericordia University for first place in the standings. The Penn State University club team finished third with a total of 148 points, with Susquehanna University following at 158 points. West Virginia Wesleyan College rounded out the top five with a final of 174 points.

"I believe that our runners were both physically and mentally ready to perform at a high level on Saturday. As the season is unfolding we are gaining more confidence in what we can do as a team,” head coach John Papa said.

“Each week I think we will be better prepared for the PSAC Championships that will be held on our course on Oct. 24.”

Leah Anne Wirfel continued her success with another first overall finish, her third straight first overall finish as she finished the 6,000-meter race with a time of 20:51. She also received the PSAC Athlete of the Week award last week.

“Leah Anne has stayed f o c u s e d a n d c o mp e t e d well,” Papa said. “She knows that there is plenty of stiff competition on the way next month.”

Rounding out the top 10 with a time of 22:18 was the second Rock finisher, Jenny Picot. Melissa Rains followed in 18th place at 22:46, and the fourth finisher for SRU was Alexis Swiergol with a time of 22:50. Caitlyn Janeda finished the scoring for the Rock with a 27th place finish at 23:00.

“When there are more teams in the race the runners need to

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN PAPA

Senior Jenny Picot competes at the Lock Haven Invitational Saturday afternoon.

Picot finishes 10th overall in just over 22 minutes.

be a bit more aggressive at the start in order to get into good position early in the race,” Papa said. “Also, during the race there is more passing, so athletes need to stay focused on running and competing.”

The sixth Slippery Rock finisher was Mattie Dunham with a time of 23:13 and 34th overall, followed by 41st overall finisher Kaylee Haberkam with a time of 23:27 finishing seventh for the Rock.

Coach Papa believes there may be three or four teams that are potentially ranked higher than SRU in the PSAC as the team still waits for the

rankings to be released.

The Rock will have the weekend off as they prepare for the Mack Cooper Invitational on Oct. 10. The race is set to take place at Cooper’s Lake Campground, the site of the PSAC Championships which will occur on Oct. 24.

“We will use this last race as a building block for the PSAC Championships,” Papa said. “It will be another great opportunity to get more exp er ience and b e come prepared for the outstanding teams and competition at the PSAC Championships.”

Hilltoppers topped by Rock tennis

By Logan Campbell Rocket Contributor

The Rock tennis team improved to 2-0 this season following an impressive 6-3 win Sunday over West Liberty University.

The win is SRU's first win over WLU since the 2011-2012 season. Rock head Coach Matt Meredith is happy to have finally bested the Hilltoppers this time around.

"We used to beat on them pretty regularly, but they got better," Meredith said. "They've always been a very solid team, and they usually recruit players very well."

SRU got off to a hot start earning the first three points from doubles, going up big early.

Junior Tiffany Kollah and freshman Allie Welch handled Andrea Puga and Alaina Pauley with ease, winning 8-0 in the third doubles.

The first and second doubles teams each produced 8-6 wins in close matches as well.

Sophomores Nina Barbano and Carla Corrochano Moracho defeated Rhiannon James and Raquel Cabero. Junior Kylee Woodman and freshman Amanda Bruscemi followed with a solid win over Ekaterina Pinchuk and Emily Dawson.

Coach Meredith has been very pleased with the doubles play by his team thus far.

"We got up big in both matches against West Liberty, but definitely need to close out quicker to secure the win," Meredith said. "Once you close out those matches it's huge, it's like a choke-hold on the rest of the team to try and come back."

The Rock was able to seal the victory off with victories from Moracho, Bruscemi, and Kollah.

Moracho earned an impressive (6-2, 6-2) win over Cabero, while Bruscemi defeated Puga ( 6-1, 6-4).

Kollah sealed the victory off with a (6-7, 6-1, 11-9) comeback win over James. Moracho improved to 4-2 in singles play, and Kollah improved to 5-2 in singles.

Kollah who was unable to play last year due to NCAA transfer rules, has been everything Coach Meredith thought she would be.

"Tiffany is a very solid player all around," Meredith said. "She's a very strong and smart player, and you're going to see a lot of good things out of her this year.

Once we play more and more, Tiff is going to improve and get much better."

SRU was close to a sweep in singles play as well, but lost in tie-breaking matches at the second, fifth and sixth singles.

Sophomore Nina Barbano lost a close match (3-6, 6-1, 11-9) against Emily Dawson.

Junior Kylee Woodman was defeated by Berbel (16, 6-3, 10-4).

Freshman Allie Welch was bested by Ekaterina Pinchuk (3-6, 6-4, 10-6), for the closest of the matches.

"What we need to work on is making sure we continue on to win the second set after we win the first," Meredith said. "We need to keep the momentum on our side, and we dropped a couple matches because we couldn't do that. Once we can finish closing on matches, and keeping our intensity we'll be okay."

The Rock will look to build off of this motivation moving into this weekend's match.

"I hope this leads into good things for us," Meredith said. "We're playing a better team this weekend especially at the one and two spots. They're tough and we're tough too, so it will be a good match."

The SRU Tennis team will head to West Chester University followed by Holy Family University this weekend. In doing so, the teams fall portion of play will be concluded until the spring.

SPORTS

October 2, 2015

C-3

Field hockey junior contends for scoring title

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Junior forward Megan Mcay attempts to control the ball in a game againt Millersville earlier this season. McKay is Slippery Rock's top offensive player this season with seven goals and three assists. She ranks third in the PSAC in both total points and goals scored.

By Cody Nespor Assistant Sports Editor

Thrust into a position of leadership, junior forward Megan McKay is putting together the finest season of her collegiate field hockey career thus far.

McKay is an exercise science major from Reading, Pennsylvania.

She attended Governor Mifflin High School where she lettered three times in field hockey and was awarded all-state honors in 2012.

Mc K ay c h o s e t o at t e n d SRU because both her parents graduated from The Rock and her mother, Janemarie McKay, played on the field hockey team for two years.

Just one month into the season McKay has already set a new career high in goals scored with seven through the team's first 10

games of the season. McKay is one of only seven juniors and seniors on the Slippery Rock field hockey team this season, a team that has 13 freshmen on the roster.

McKay said she has become more of a leader t his ye ar and her teammates have made the transition easy.

"I feel this year, being a junior on the team, I've really stepped into a leadership role as well as all the other juniors and Carlee (DuMars) and Courtney (Bradshaw) are great seniors so it has been easy for us all to work together," McKay said.

"No matter who our opponent is I just look at it the same way. We have to go out and play Rock field hockey for 70 minutes."

McKay has become The Rock's

go-to option on the offensive side of the ball, leading the team in goals (7), points (17), shots (36) and shots on goal (27). McKay is also tied for the team lead in assists (3) and gamew i n n i ng go a l s (2). She is also third in the entire Pennsylvania St at e At h l e t i c Conference (PSAC) in both goals and points, sitting only three points back of second place.

In The Rock's most recent game against Mansfield University on Sept. 29, McKay recorded her first career hat trick and led the team to a commanding 6-0 victory.

McKay approaches her success with a humble attitude, giving a lot of credit to her teammates and how they are able to set her up to succeed.

No. 4 ranked Golden Knights overcome Rock women's soccer

"It's definitely really humbling (being top three in PSAC) and I just really owe it all to my teammates for being there for me and supporting me," McKay said.

"I hope I can help my team as much as possible and keep up what I'm doing."

The field hockey team is currently 4-6 (1-2 PSAC) but are starting a row of games against below .500 teams.

McKay thinks her team will continue to improve as the season goes on and will be able to get into the PSAC tournament at the end of the year.

"We came out this season as a really young team so we were just learning how to play with each other," McKay said. "I think as the season goes on we will improve and get better every game and come out with some more wins."

Men's soccer wins thriller at home Continued from Page C 1

By Kendall Scott Assistant Photo Editor

The women's soccer team fell short of gaining its sixth consecutive win Tuesday night with a close 2-1 loss at Gannon University Tuesday evening.

Gannon, who is currently ranked no. 4 in NCAA Division II, had a strong offensive start to the match, launching six shots against SRU in the first 20 minutes.

The Golden Knight's first goal came in the 23rd minute from a shot 50 yards out.

GU's second goal quickly followed in the 27th minute from a finished corner kick.

Slippery Rock did not allow Gannon to score the rest of the match, and made an impressive offensive effort

coming into the second half.

The Rock fired three shots in the first 15 minutes, and continued a more offensive front than they played in the first half. During the 80th minute, a Gannon player fouled junior defender Sam Thornton in the box, leading her to score on a penalty kick and earn her first goal of the season.

The Green and White failed to find a way to score after the penalty kick with just over 10 minutes left to play.

Junior defender Ariana Daukss led Slippery Rock with two shots on goal.

Sophomore midfielder Tess Keeley, senior midfielder Crysta Ganter, and junior defender Lynn Neef each added a shot on goal for The Rock as well. Freshman

goalkeeper Charlotte Elrod had a season high seven saves.

"All around, it was very evenly matched," Slippery Rock head coach Jessica Griggs said. "They did well defensively throughout the whole game, not only in the second half where we held (Gannon) off. Before they scored their first goal, we had two solid opportunities It was very back and forth."

Slippery Rock is now 5-2 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play, with a 6-3 overall record on the year.

The Green and White's next match will be at home against fellow PSAC school Bloomsburg University at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at James Egli Field.

Oakley's first assist of his collegiate career.

The game was more even in the second half in terms of possession. Both teams got opportunities on the opponents side of the field, but it was Notre Dame breaking through on their sixth shot in the second half, tying the game.

Just when the game appeared to be going into overtime, Minda scored his goal at the 82:36 mark in the second half.

Notre Dame sent some more shots Rerick's way in the last seven and a half minutes, but as he did all night he was able to turn them away. He was given a little bit of help from the goalpost, which helped him throughout the night, but overall he was still able to come away with nine saves. Rerick's nine saves are now a career high.

"The keys to the win were heart, hard work and the boys doing the jobs they are asked to do," Hoggarth said. "We got a little bit of luck, but luck happens when you prepare and work hard."

SRU looks to make it three straight wins as it hosts Bloomsburg at 1 p.m. Saturday at James Egli Field.

"This win means nothing without a win against Bloomsburg Saturday," Hoggarth said. "Hopefully we use this win as a springboard."

SPORTS

C-4

October 2, 2015

Men's XC finishes behind Bald Eagles

By Brittany Fagan Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock men's cross country team placed second at the Lock Haven Invitational Saturday morning which took place at the West Branch Cross Country Course.

This course is also the site of the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regionals race that the Rock will compete in on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The men's team finished second out of a total of 16 teams. The team saw the most competition they've had all season at the invitational, including Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) teams Lock Haven and Millersville. Taking first was Lock Haven, with only 49 points. The Bald Eagle's men's team is currently ranked first in the Atlantic Region and is 11th on the Division II National poll.

The Slippery Rock men finished with 71 points, ranking fifth in the Atlantic Region. Following in third place was Penn State's club team with 109 points. York placed fourth overall with 125 points and West Virginia Wesleyan rounded out the top five teams with 145 points.

"Our team is coming along well," head coach John Papa said. "We have one month until the championship season and I believe we will be at our best then."

Leading the pack was sophomore Jeremy Parsons. Parsons was the second collegiate runner to cross

the finish line with a time of 25:51.

Senior Theo Reynolds was the second Rock runner to cover the 8,000 meter course in 26:07, making him twelfth overall. Sophomore Jeff Henderson finished 16th overall with a time of 26:13. Seniors Steve Green and Charlie Frank were the Rock's final scorers taking 18th and 22nd place. The men covered the course in 26:16 and 26:24. Senior Ryan Thompson and freshman Andrew Maxwell rounded out the top five Rock finishers taking 44th and 51st with times of 26:49 and 27:01.

"Overall this race went pretty well individually and as a team. We have a solid group of runners all within seconds of each other," said sophomore Jeff Henderson. "We'll take a few things from this race that we can improve and work on for our upcoming races. With two weeks until our next race we have time to get some good workouts in.

I'm very excited to see what we can do in our next race."

The Green and White will take this weekend off and compete the following weekend at their home course, Cooper's Lake Campground. This will be the last meet before the team races at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship meet.

The Rock will take their top 10 men to compete Saturday, Oct 24, 2015 at Cooper's Lake Campground as SRU hosts the PSAC championship meet.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN PAPA

Senior Ryan Thompson keeps pace at the Lock Haven Invitational Saturday afternoon.

Thompson finished 44th overall with a time of 26:49.

Rock volleyball winless at PSAC crossover

By Jordyn J. Bennett Rocket Contributor

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Junior Jaden Zimmer spikes the ball in a match against Alderson-Broaddus on Sept. 22.

Zimmer has 109 kills on 305 total attempts.

In its first encounter with Pe n ns y lv an i a St ate At h l e t i c Conference (PSAC) competition this season, the Rock’s volleyball team went winless in the PSAC Crossover this past weekend at Gannon University.

On Friday, SRU (7-10) lost to both Lock Haven (8-6) and PittJohnstown (10-2) on the opening day of the tournament.

Lock Haven took over after losing a close first set, taking the match 3-1 (24-26, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17).

Coach Laureen Lokash described this to be one of her teams weaker performances throughout the weekend. After winning the first set, she said they just did not play good volleyball and that was a team they should have beat.

“I think we could have beaten that team,” Lokash said. “We did not play well. We did not pass well and that cost us a lot.”

Junior Leah Jones found herself in her normal role leading the team in kills with 13. She also contributed 15 digs giving her a doubledouble in the match. Jones’ digs were second behind sophomore Courtney Oberlander’s 21.

Sophomore Hayley Defibaugh had a double-double as well recording a team high 29 assist and adding 12 digs.

The Rock would later face a Coach Lokash described “great” PittJohnstown team in the same day.

With only two losses on the season, Pitt-Johnstown was the best team they would face that tournament.

“I’m not saying we can’t beat them,” Lokash said. “But we have to play some of our best volleyball to beat them.”

The Rock was swept 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-13) by UPJ. The Green and White recorded no aces and didn’t have a player record over 10 kills. Sophomore Lamija Alisic had a team high of seven.

Sophomore Hannah Lombardo

had a team high 14 assist and contributed eight digs, which ranked second to C our tney Oberlander’s 14.

The Rock performed better the next day, but still could not get a win losing to Millersville University (8-4) and Shippensburg University (11-4).

This was another game Lokash felt like they should have won. After losing the first two sets, the team came out to win a hard-fought third set, but just could not finish the job as they lost 3-1 (25-19, 25-19, 1725, 25-21).

Alisic recorded a double with team highs 10 kills and 17 digs.

Oberlander contributed to the strong defensive play with 16 digs while also adding three assists and an ace.

The Rock would finish out the tournament with a 3-2 (23-25,2519,16-25, 25-20, 15-11) loss against Shippensburg University later that day.

Even though they lost, Coach Lokash said if they would have played Millersville and Lock Haven like they did Shippensburg, they could have won those games.

The girls battled hard for five sets. The Rock won the first set and continued to go back and forth with Ship, but they could not hold off the Big Red for the last set.

Freshman Beth Stumpf had a team high 20 kills along with 18 digs giving her a double-double.

She also had three aces.

Courtney Oberlander edged Stumpf in digs with 20 and contributed 8 assists.

Lokash said this is a different PSAC this year.

“Youth is affecting a lot of teams,” she said. “The east played better in this crossover and it may be due to their experience.”

The east experience will not be a problem the next couple of games as the Rock enters PSAC-West play. The first two games are both home. The first is on Friday against Indiana University (Pennsylvania) at 7 p.m. and Clarion University at 3 p.m. Saturday.

C

CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE

'Doubt' Discusses Gender and Race

Up Til' Dawn Recuits New Members

The Theatre Department and Gender Studies Progam host post show talk discussions after the play 'Doubt' to address the issues of race and gender that show up in the play.

With their annual fundraising event approaching in November, Up Til' Dawn hosts a Recruitment Day event in the quad on Tuesday to prepare for their upcoming annual event.

See Page D-3

See Page D-3

Getting down and dirty Amanda Seales discusses diversity and everyday sexism

KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET Amanda Seales takes a moment to take a picture with students who attended her Side Eye Seminar on identifying, challenging and ending everyday sexism at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Seales also held a lecture during common hour on Tuesday about diversity.

By Amber Cannon Campus Life Editor

Amanda Seales, known for her roles on VH1's "Best Week Ever," and MTV 2's "Sucka Free Sundays," paid a visit to Slippery Rock University on Tuesday to discuss diversity and challenge students’ perceptions of sexism with her “SideEye Seminar.”

Seales has also been on CNN, mostly known for calling out Steve Santagori on the topic of catcalling, a comment of a sexual nature to a woman who is passing by. Now, Seales is a comedienne, but before she switched her career, she was a host of a hip-hop show.

Seales said she has had some experiences of diversity just as a black woman. She said this year in Hollywood, diversity is very popular. Seales recalled a time when she met with an agent who told her it was a really good time to be black.

"She was like, 'yeah, you know, because diversity, they have now decided that you can be all kinds of black,'" Seales said. "They've now decided that you can be all kinds of black, boo. Taste the rainbow."

Often times, on college campuses and even in the real world, Seales said there is a wide rage of tokenism.

"It's [tokenism] basically saying as long as there's one, there's everyone," she said. "A lot of times black people in Slippery Rock know they're the token. So you're the one person in the room and you'll feel like, 'oh, I am the token black person here, I must speak for my entire race.'"

Seales said as long as there's tokenism, we, as a community, haven’t done the job of being diverse.

She also said when talking about diversity, it doesn't

measure against whiteness.

When people create this bottom line that says white is the standard and that everything else is just balanced against that, Seales said that's the biggest mistake that we can make. Because of this, Seales said when black people are put in non-diverse situations, they often have to code switch.

Code-switching is when people move between different variations of languages or tones based on the cultural context they are in.

She said even though it's about survival and conformity for the minority, white people often don't have to code-switch. Seales said that's something that white people have to keep in mind because they have access to privelege and they don't have to adjust to gain access to privelege.

Often times because someone is different, they are told they need to change and conform to society. Seales said diversity is necessary because just because someone is different, doesn't mean it needs to stop. When someone doesn’t understand certain characteristics about someone, Seales said more than likely that person needs to be exposed to it.

Seales said people of all different ethniticies shouldn’t be afraid to refer to black people as "black." The reason why is because black people have accepted the term themselves. Seales said the term "African American" is bizarre to her.

"African American is a nationality that has gotten muddled up with a racial identifier," she said. "If that's the case, everybody in here is African American because we all came from the Motherland."

Ideally, Seales hopes we get to a world where our differences are about our difference in identity, not just our difference in race, class, gender or disability.

"You have to know you're not being attacked, you're being encouraged," she said.

During her second lecture at 7 p.m. titled the “SideEye Seminar: Identifying, Challenging and Ending Everyday Sexism,” Seales addressed the different everyday sexism situations that woman are put in.

When it comes to sexism, Seales said most people just don’t even necessarily realize when sexism is taking place because they don’t really know what the term means.

"There's just a lot that goes on in our daily lives that we really should be side-eyeing, but then some of us are just so used to dealing with [sexism], that we don't even necessarily realize that it's sexism," Seales said. "We don't necessarily know why it's sexism."

Strength and how it relates to gender roles was one of many topics that Seales discussed Tuesday evening.

When it comes the genetic make-up of males and females in terms of strength, Seales said it comes in different ways, which is a huge part in how sexism plays out because it assumes that physical strength is superior strength.

“Men should not rule everything,” she said.

Childbirth is one of the things that Seales said sets women apart from men on a strength scale.

When men get the flu, Seales said it takes them down and they act like big babies.

"When I look at women and I look at the way we have had to shoulder being considered a lesser part of society for the entire existence we've had on Earth, if that ain't strength, I don't know what is."

SEE SEALES, PAGE D-3

CAMPUS LIFE

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Ask Andi

October 2, 2015

'Maze Runner' sequel disappoints book fans

Andi is a senior at SRU giving advice to those who seek it and occassionally to those who don't.

Question: Dear Andi,

I caught the freshman 15. It's so hard to eat healthy, attend class, do extracurricular activities, study and go to the gym.

What are some tips that you can give me on how to shed this extra weight while still being able to do all the other things I have to do?

Sincerely, Out of Breath

PHOTO COURTESTY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Thomas avoids getting blown up by a grenade thrown by a solider of the WCKD when the group comes to attack survivors in the Scorch.

Answer:

Dear Out of Breath,

The secret about college they don't tell us is how much food will be involved. Just when you thought getting away from home would mean never eating a real meal again, you were wrong. Between Boozel, Weisenfluh, Rocky's and ordering a pizza to your dorm room every other day, freshman year is filled with food every time you turn around. Give yourself a limit. Tell yourself that you will only eat three meals a day with the occasional snack between classes. Although you don't have to set aside hours and hours at the gym, an hour of walking around the track every day can't hurt you. Just look at it as an extra class that doesn't require thinking or assign any homework and relieves a little stress; the best of both worlds.

Best Wishes!

Andi

Question: Dear Andi,

I'm always the first person my brother's girlfriend calls when they have problems. I like talking to my brother's girlfriend, but I'm so sick of our only conversation starter: my brother. How do I nicely tell her to stop talking about him?

Sincerely, Not Listening

Answer: Dear Not Listening, Being the Dr. Phil of any situation can always get a little old, but not to fret, there are some positives to be found in this situation. To me, it sounds like your brother's gilfriend really trusts you and your opinions. She is comfortable enough to turn to you in times of crisis and trusts you enough to not tell your own brother. If that doesn't merit friend of the year, I don't know what does. But I think it's best to just be a trusted outlet to vent to. Maybe ask her if she wants to grab coffee sometime just to hang out and talk about some other topics. She values your friendship so try your best to value hers and withstand the excessive talk about your brother.

Best Wishes!

Andi

Question: Dear Andi,

I absolutely despise group work and I'm recently working on a group project again where I'm the only one that's stuck doing "group work." I'm starting to get very frustrated, so what should I do?

Sincerely, I Would Rather Work Alone

Answer: Dear I Would Rather Work Alone, Wouldn't we all rather work alone? Well I guess there are those of us who love group projects, and by "those of us", I mean the slackers who will undoubtedly breeze through a class without lifting a finger. If only we were all that confident in ourselves. Unfortunately, for us hard working folk, we usually just have to suck it up and get the work done ourselves. Sometimes it might be helpful to talk to your professor about issues with group members, but usually that doesn't do much besides cause unnecessary and awkward tension within the group setting. Professors will always tell you that group work is essential to preparing you for the real world, although they might be right, it's still stressful.

Best Wishes!

Andi

Harmony Kasper "The Film Buff"

3.5 Stars Harmony Kasper is a senior journalism and creative writing major and film and media studies minor and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

"The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" is currently in theaters and is the sequel to the 2014 film "The Maze Runner." The third and final film of the series, "Maze Runner: The Death Cure", is set to release in early 2017.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film received an average rating of 5.4/10, but we all know how harsh the website reviewer can be. The sequel, which received a mix of positive and negative reviews, dominated the box office opening weekend, bringing in $108 million worldwide, according to Entertainment Tonight.

At the end of "Maze Runner", the group of teens find out that the whole time they were stuck in the Glade (the maze); they were being set up and controlled by a group called the Creators. The whole process was an experiment, and in the sequel, it continues as one. The teens, led by their unofficial leader Thomas (Dylan O'Brien), are introduced to Mr. Janson. Aiden Gillen plays Janson, who fans of "Game of Thrones" would recognize as "Littlefinger." He tells them they are safe from all the harm in the Glade, but that doesn't stop Thomas from being suspicious about what they are really about. Without revealing too much of the plot, the group escapes to the Scorch, the deserted outside world.

While in search of The Right Arm, a few more key characters are added to the lineup. Patricia Clarkson plays Ava Paige, WCKD's leader. Rosa Salazar plays Brenda

and Giancarlo plays Esposito, who together, lead rogue survivors in the Scorch who use Cranks (people infected by the Flare virus) as their own personal protection. The people infected by the Flare pretty much become zombies.

Brenda and Giancarlo join the group in search of The Right Arm, an organization against WCKD. The movie has a lot of action, even more than the first one. There were also a lot of dramatic scenes. The ends of most dialogue phrases are dragged out to add suspense and make it seem that whatever the person is saying is way more important than it really is. It's not that the film is cheesy, but some parts are too emphasized. The movie cannot be compared to the book because apparently, they are the complete opposite. It seems that the director took this film where he wanted to and didn't really comply with the author, James Dashner. As a film on its own, it's pretty entertaining. If you enjoyed the first film, you will surely appreciate this one.

I love Dylan O'Brien on "Teen Wolf" as Stiles. I think his character is funny, charming and the biggest klutz on the planet. I didn't realize that the character may be close to his true self until I saw him in "The First Time." O'Brien's role in the film has very similar characteristics to Stiles.

Now, for his part as Thomas in the Maze Runner series, O'Brien lets himself shine through the role, drawing many similarities with his current and previous roles. I'm not saying that this is fully a bad thing, but is O'Brien really showing his acting potential if his rĂŠsumĂŠ of characters could all be the same person?

It felt like something was missing from the first film, as well as this one: character development. If the movie production team had decided to change the plot of the films, fine, but at least evolve the characters from what they are at face value. How can viewers care about the characters and who will survive if we can't even relate or sympathize with them? Hopefully the third film will help us to care more about Thomas and his friends.

If you are a diehard fan of the Maze Runner books, you will probably not like this film, especially if you didn't like the first one. If you only know the story from the movies, then this film is enjoyable and one can appreciate the action and unique sets. If you just want to see Dylan O'Brien onscreen for 132 minutes, then this movie is definitely for you. As someone who likes O'Brien, watched the first film and did not read the books, it was alright.

Truthfully, I am getting sick of the dystopia movie plot line. The Hunger Games has been my final calling for a futuristic destruction of our society and teens saving the planet. "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" receives a 3.5/5 rating on my scale.

Up 'til Dawn prepares for annual fundraising event

By Megan Bush Rocket Contributor

Memb ers of Slipp er y Rock's Up 'til Dawn hosted a Recruitment Day event in the quad on Tuesday in hopes of adding new members to their organization in preparation for their annual overnight event on Nov. 20.

Up 'til Dawn is a national program that colleges participate in to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Public relations chair for Up 'til Dawn, Brooke Sheeler said students create teams of six and the teams must raise $100. She said if the team raises enough money, they gain entrance to the all-night celebration event, competing in games

and activities and having fun.

The event lasts from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. in honor of children with illnesses staying up all night for treatments, because this is the most common time chemotherapy is given.

SRU's Up 'til Dawn event will begin at midnight on Nov. 20 in the Aebersold Recreation Center. Teams will compete in three challenges throughout the night and a winner will be crowned before the headshaving contest to remind the participants of why they are there. The fundraising goal for Slippery Rock this year is $25,000.

She e l e r a l s o s ai d t hat Slippery Rock has an exciting opportunity for businesses or local members to participate. At St. Jude's Children's Research

Hospital, there is a wall called "The ABC's of Cancer." It is covered with letters from the alphabet and under each letter is something written by kids being treated. Sheeler said SRU is going to replicate this at the event and encourage businesses, departments and even individuals to sponsor a letter which, after the event is over, the sponsor is allowed to keep.

Executive Director of Up 'til Dawn, Meghan Cain said St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has helped the overall childhood cancer survival rate go from 20% in 1962 to 80% today.

St. Jude also shares all their research with other hospitals around the world, so children everywhere can get the proper treatment they need.

CAMPUS LIFE

October 2, 2015

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'Doubt' raises questions of gender and race at post show discussion

By Emma Pfeifer Asst. Campus Life Editor

The Theatre Department and Gender Studies Program partnered together to host a panel discussion about the gender and racial issues Wednesday night in the MultiPurpose room of the University Union about the gender and racial issues that arose after the play “Doubt” was performed.

At the beginning of the discussion, director of gender studies, Cindy Lacom, posed the question, “How does this play interrogate and challenge hierarchies on sexism and racism?”

Described by the cast members at the discussion, Muller was supposedly being victimized by Pastor Flynn throughout the play.

Sister Aloysius suspected this and was determined to go to any length

to protect her children and the school. Muller was never shown in the play, only spoken of and that is why he was said to have power over the other characters. He was a character that never had a voice that could tell the truth to help or worsen the situation.

Ayanna Byers, psychology major and gender studies minor said that because there was a hierarchy in the church, Muller had a lot of power to shake the foundation of the church and make it all come apart.

Retired professor of African American Studies at Allegheny College Laura Quinn said that Muller wasn’t shown for a reason and that it was purposeful. She said that race complicates the whole play because no one knows what Muller would have said. Quinn also said the religious beliefs of Catholicism in the play were uncomfortable.

“All of the pressures from C at hol i c i s m b e i ng a g ai nst homosexuality presents a big problem in the play,” Quinn said.

Lacom stated that there were certain words never used in the play regarding race and sexuality.

She also thought the relationship between the pastor and Muller was bizarre. No one knew what the relationship was between the two the whole time, and that added a factor of suspicion.

The next question that Lacom asked was, “To what extent have things changed, being that it has been 50 years since the play's time period in 1964?”

Joseph Van Hannak, a counselor for Slippery Rock University said that things have changed, including marriage equality. However, Quinn explained that there needs to be a Black Lives Matter movement and that while some changes have helped, some of them have been

more cosmetic than anything. She stated that it is still true to this day that black men in particular are often convicted of crimes without evidence.

Byers claimed that because there are so many rising issues like marriage equality, LGBT and so on, race is being pushed to the back. “ The media will say that everything is fine. Blacks and whites are working together, straight people and gay people are working together, so everything is fine, when in reality, a lot of work needs to be done,” Byers said. “We need to speak up.”

Lacom said that 50 years later, these issues are just as relevant as they were in 1964 and that we need to be the agents of change because we have the power to change it.

Lacom said that she was honored to be able to work with the theatre department and collaborate with them.

Seales encourages men to stand up against sexism Continued from Page D-1

ladylike because what's ladylike was designed by men,” she said.

Being that she worked in the Today, a lot of women are hip-hop entertainment business, called crazy because they express Seales said for women who listen themselves in a way that is sometimes to hip-hop, they often have to tune not understood by their partner, out the lyrics of songs because a lot Seales said. of times what they’re dancing to is "If you, actually talking from the terribly about m i n u t e them.

"There's no such you were Seales said born, were it’s important thing as what's considered to remember less than that everyone, ladylike because based on a including gender that what's ladylike was men, can be you didn't a catalyst for even choose, designed by men." positive change you would in regards to go crazy too,” sexism. As Seales said. women, she Seales said said instead of -Amanda Seales from a very saying “let me early age, live,” she said women are women should considered a sexual object and are start saying, “this is how I live.” told to be ladylike and feminine.

“When it comes to sexism, that's Seales said women need to choose really one of the biggest things you their own version of being feminine. can apply to yourself to changing If a woman being feminine means because it affects everybody,” Seales wearing a flannel shirt and said. “Gender and the limitations Timberland boots or Victoria’s based on women is something Secret, Seales said go for it. that all of us can be working “There's no such thing as what’s towards."

KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET Seales laughs with an audience member who gave her a dramatic side-eye during her lecture.

SRh"U"mans In this spinoff of 'Humans of New York' a reporter talks to members of the SRU community to find out what's interesting about them.

"I was originally debating between Physical Therapy and Early Childhood Education, which Slippery Rock is known for. I didn't want to go far, but my older cousin went here and influenced me to come.

I am in the major of special education because I want to work with kids that have down syndrome. I just realized that every time I'm around people with down syndrome, I get so happy. I just want to work with them and teach them because they're so smart. I just want to help people.

It makes me feel happy. It makes me feel like I have a purpose.

I eat a lot of pierogies and spend time with my friends. I am a part of Slippery Rock Dance Theatre. Slippery Rock has been treating me so well and I'm thankful for all the people I have met along the way."

Scan this QR code to watch an exclusive video Amanda Seales' diversity lecture, or go to www.the onlinerocket.com

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October 2, 2015