Scaling down plans
statenews.com | 4/24/14 | @thesnews Michigan State University’s independent voice
MSU could obtain more funding
E.L. Park District project could downsize campus+city, pG. 3
Senate Committee approves 5.9 percent funding increase campus+city, pG. 3
Football team prepares for Green and White game Julia Nagy/The State News
Senior safety Kurtis Drummond
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INVESTIGATION: 285 DAYS OF FEAR AND WAITING By Simon Schuster and Katie Abdilla sschuster@statenews.com and kabdilla@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
She waited six-and-a-half months for the report. Two hundred one days for four interviews. Her statement, her harasser’s and two witnesses. A 13-page, double-spaced summary. And while she waited, her harasser lived in the same residence hall. They were in the same class. It took more than nine months for MSU to sanction the student found in violation of its own sexual harassment policy. Even after he was punished, a no-contact order didn’t keep him
from allegedly intimidating her. When she reported it to the university, MSU found “insufficient evidence” to prove it occurred. Most of her allegations won’t be investigated by the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or OCR. Only a small part of her case — one of three in a federal investigation into MSU’s handling of sexual assault and harassment claim — will be examined, because much of the complaint was not filed quickly enough. MSU officials, citing student privacy laws, would not comment on specifics of the case, but defended university procedure. Her story is one permeated by fear and marked by MSU’s alleged inaction, where the vic-
“This was like a double trauma for me. They made it worse.” Student who alleges her case was mishandled by MSU officials
tim’s search for safety left her feeling “like no longer having hope in anything.” She revealed details of university conduct that might have placed MSU in violation of federal law. The student asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation. “This was like a double trauma for me,” she said. “They made it worse.” Within sight The female student was harassed twice during the fall of her freshman year. The State
News agreed not to publish the specific details, but university reports characterized the conduct as nonconsensual groping. On Jan. 30, 2012, MSU police learned of her allegations after she confided in her resident assistant. Prosecutors did not press charges, but the case was sent to MSU’s Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, or I3, which handles sexual harassment investigations. MSU is required by the federal law Title IX to investigate all complaints of sexual harassment and provide a “prompt and
equitable resolution” to them. These investigations adhere to a lower standard of certainty than criminal cases. Courts require proof beyond reasonable doubt. MSU and other universities determine if it is more likely than not a violation occurred through a “preponderance of the evidence,” a federal standard. On Feb. 2, 2012, an I3 investigator reached out to the student. They first met the next day. The student said initial correspondence with the investigator lasted about a month. But during the nine months the case was being investigated, she wasn’t free from fear. Her harasser was in her college, and the two had the same major. They were in same class, a large lecture. Attendance
Since his sister’s death, Brett Kast and his family have helped make children smile By Matt Sheehan msheehan@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
M
iracles do happen.
Just ask Brett Kast, one of the founders of the Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation. Ask the families of the 70-something kids suffering from serious illnesses that they have helped. Ask one of the people who has contributed to the pool of donations that has grown to more than $400,000. Ask any one of those people — they’ll say miracles do happen. Over a nine-year span, Brett, a journalism sophomore and member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, has helped give ailing children and their families something to smile about. They grant kids’ wishes, just like “Make a Wish,” and are dedicated to making life better for anyone going through hardships. Unfortunately, the girl who inspired it all is no longer here to photos by Erin Hampton/The State News see its impact. Southfield, Mich., resident Christopher Leverette and Apple Store employee Mellissa Abate talk about things he can do on his Her name was Jenna Kast. She new MacBook on Saturday during his shopping spree visit to the Apple Store at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, Mich. had a smile that could light up a whole city. A laugh that would spread across the room and hit nity to continue the giving. everybody. A life that inspired “The day after that, I kind of family and friends to help others. enjoyed, you know, giving someLooking at the happiest girl in thing to someone,” Brett said. Not long after that, Brett the room, it was hard to imagine Brett’s younger sister was in the pitched an idea to his best friend midst of an eight-year battle with J.D. Sterba, who now attends Cenependymoma brain tumors — a tral Michigan University — crebattle that eventually took ate bracelets and sell them to her life at 11 years old. raise money for tumor research. After all, During her life, LiveStrong bracethe Jenna Kast Believe in Mirlets were all the craze. acles FoundaThe foundation T he f i f t h tion was a small has helped more g rade duo organization to went to Buddy help fund brain than 70 families Club, the after tumor research. to date school club at Four years after Wass Elementaher death, the foundation is larger ry in Troy, Mich., to than ever and spreadpitch their idea. The plan didn’t blow them ing Jenna’s love and joy to away. families all over Michigan. “All the advisers and everybody there thought we were a little cra- Journalism sophomore Brett Kast and his sister Nancy Kast, left, talk to an Apple employee Big dream from little kids The foundation all started with zy and a little in over our heads,” about the Jenna Kast Believe In Miracles Foundation on Saturday during Christopher a fifth grade Brett, who would Sterba said. Leverette’s shopping spree visit to the Apple store at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, Mich. The two then went to their frequent the children’s hospital to visit his younger sister during always-supportive parents, and ing more than 40 hours a week kin’s lymphoma. Because of his went to Green Bay to see the radiation treatments. Jenna would their idea became a reality. They on Believe in Miracles. Instead of disease, he wasn’t able to play Packers and meet star cornertypically be her bubbly, happy self, decided on red bracelets, but the just selling $2 bracelets at school baseball or soccer and fill his back Charles Woodson. Anothbut her attitude was rare to see in message to write on them was a and church functions, the founda- dresser with trophies like his er went to New York City to other patients in such a building. tough decision. They both said tion has seen some events where friends. meet Alicia Keys backstage. it was Brett’s mom, Paula Kast, five figures are added to their That’s when Brett and J.D. A handful have gone to DisWeak. Tired. Somber. stepped in to give him a trophy ney World. Those were some of the emo- who came up with the idea to etch initiative. Believe in Miracles has also of his own, something Andrew But more commonly, kids tions worn on the young patients’ “Believe in Miracles.” “(It was) to go along with delivered more than 70 families still keeps to this day. are given a shopping spree at faces, and Brett wanted to do “They have been nothing but a their local mall. 13-year-old something about it. He saw a Jenna,” Brett said. “She had to some of their best days. blessing in my life,” said Schoen- Southfield resident Christokid around his age battling leu- believe in miracles.” Ever since the first sale in 2004, 70 smiles and counting kemia who often sat by himself beck, who has been in remission pher Leverette was the latest Just one grade below Brett for the last eight years. and looked bored — until Brett Believe in Miracles has changed recipient of one on Saturday and J.D. at Wass, fourth grader gave him his GameBoy the next immensely. Since then, Believe in Mira- at Twelve Oaks Mall. Paula Kast has taken the role as Andrew Schoenbeck was going cles has grown to bring ailing day. The two never saw each other again, but Brett saw an opportu- the foundation’s president, work- through a fight with non-Hodg- kids all over the country. One See MIRACLES on page 2 u
meant encountering him, a former friend who she accused of attempted rape. “Having to face him every single day and just face everything that happened ... is pretty traumatizing,” she said. The I3 investigation acknowledges they both attended the same lecture, but asserts the office worked with the college “regarding interim measures.” The student disagrees. She said MSU did little other than offer lecture recordings. “(I3) did not do anything,” she said. “They told me I could leave the class.” In time, she stopped going. “It just pushed me further into a depression, blaming myself for See REPORTS on page 2 u
acade m ics
Former U. of Iowa dean with checkered past hired at MSU By Olivia Dimmer odimmer@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Margaret Crocco, a former dean at University of Iowa who resigned after being deemed by her staff to be an unfit leader, was appointed as a tenured MSU professor on Tuesday. Crocco was also appointed as chair of the Department of Teacher Education within the College of Education. She will have a salary of $214,000. At the University of Iowa, Crocco was at the center of a controversy alleging university officials ordered the records pertaining to dissatisfaction of her leadership be destroyed, according to news reports from The Des Moines Register. The allegation came after staff members voted no confidence in Crocco as dean. University of Iowa spokesman Tom Moore said no records were destroyed. He said he could not comment further. Crocco did not return calls to her office seeking comment on Tuesday or Wednesday. Her appointment as tenured professor is effective May 16. Despite the former controversy, MSU Provost June Youatt, along with the Board of Trustees, appointed Crocco to the position at its April meeting. Youatt recommended Crocco’s appointment and said the committee considered Crocco’s academic records above all else. “I don’t know enough about them (the allegations) to be concerned,” Youatt said. “At the end of the day, we have to depend on the recommendations of our faculty around competence of leadership. I’m more concerned about what my faculty say and their recommendations than I am about previous groups.” College of Education Dean Donald Heller said Crocco was brought to MSU this year as a visiting professor specializing in social studies education. “What had gone on at Iowa was something that I was aware of, and I believe the search committee had looked into it as well,” Heller said. “As far as I know they (the search committee) had no concerns whatsoever after they had looked into that nor had I.” Heller said Crocco applied for the position and was chosen from a nationwide pool of applicants. Heller also said she was unanimously recommended for the position. He could not immediately provide names of fac u lt y on t he sea rc h committee.
2 | T he State N e ws | t hursday, ap ri l 24 , 201 4 | staten e ws.com
REPORTS
Title IX experts believe MSU is violating federal reporting standards from page one
everything that had happened when it wasn’t my fault,” she said. Dead silence In a 2011 “Dear Colleague” letter, which introduced guidelines for Title IX compliance, OCR mandated MSU and other institutions give “reasonably prompt time frames” for investigations
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while preserving due process. The letter stated a typical investigation takes about “60 calendar days following receipt of the complaint.” Universities were also required to assign an employee to ensure compliance with the law. Paulette Granberry Russell, Director of I3, is MSU’s Title IX Coordinator in addition to serving as a senior advisor to MSU president Lou Anna K. Simon. She doesn’t view 60 days as a deadline. “That’s a recommendation, it’s not a mandate,” Granberry Russell said in an interview. MSU’s policy allots itself twice as much time—120 days—specifying that 90 are typically needed to complete an investigation, with 30 days to draft a formal report. Brett Sokolow, president of National Center for Higher Education Risk Management, a law consultancy contracted to achieve Title IX compliance, said “that timeline … is not compliant with the ‘Dear Colleague’ letter.” John Clune, a Title IX attorney representing the accuser of Florida State Quarterback Jameis Winston, said “there’s not a specific time frame that violates Title IX,” but thinks “the Department of Education would have a problem with a policy that basically gives them 120 days on all cases.” Title IX does not provide a clear definition for what is reasonably prompt. The letter stated OCR’s consideration of timeliness “will vary depending on
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the complexity of the investigation and the severity and extent of the harassment.” Emails provided by the student of her exchanges with I3 indicate by March 21, 2012, all the interviews that appeared in the final report had been conducted. But as the semester ended, she left campus without a resolution. In an email to the university investigator and the director of the Department of Student Life on Fed. 4, 2013, she described waiting without an answer. “All summer, I suffered anxiety about coming back,” she wrote. “I love (MSU) ... I do not want to have to leave.” Granberry Russell characterized the 120 days as a “goal.” “There are times when even that may not be met, depending upon the circumstances of each individual case,” she said. “We’re transparent about that as a possibility in the policy when we say if the case goes beyond that, we’ll communicating with the parties.” OCR’s letter also noted “both parties should be given periodic status updates.” The student alleges the university did neither. “At the beginning, (the investigator) was corresponding with me for my story, but then she kind of stopped talking to me, and then I got no communication for a really long time,” she said. “After that, it was pretty much dead silence.” As she prepared to return that fall, she said she had to reach out to the investigator for an update. The I3 report, where he was found in violation of MSU’s sexual harassment policy, is dated Aug. 6, 2012. MSU’s procedures state a sexual assault complaint then should have been filed by I3 with the Department of Student Life to determine sanctions. More than two months passed before he accepted responsibility, according to an email the student received Oct. 15, 2012. Sokolow said after an investigation has concluded, “sanctions should go into place immediately.” But it was not until Nov. 21, 2012 that the student received a formal notice from I3 that her alleged harasser was “found responsible for violating the Policy on Sexual Harassment,” and outlined his sanctions, including a no-contact order, which went into effect Nov. 13. MSU’s I3 investigation into the incident exceeded both OCR and MSU’s time frames, taking more than four times longer than what the OCR considers typical and
more than double the university’s. It had been 285 days, 225 past typical OCR investigation. I3’s investigation went 65 days past their own “goal.” Clune said no university investigation into sexual harassment should take that long to resolve. “There’s really no scenario where that’s going to comply with Title IX,” Clune said. “There’s no justification on even the most complex cases in why there shouldn’t be some sort of resolution of the matter in a much, much shorter time frame.” Feeling safe Throughout the investigation, she alleged the harasser would go out of his way to get closer to her. She said he would sit next to her in the cafeteria and make sure she noticed. After the sanctions and nocontact order, she says he didn’t stop. “(The) no-contact order did not protect me whatsoever,” she said. “I felt like I had gone through hell for nothing.” She contacted I3 officials on Feb. 4, 2013, asking for “safety and protection.” “He intimidates me every time I see him with his sneering looks and mocking laughter,” she said in an email to Granberry Russell. She then filed a complaint with I3 and asked police to grant a personal protection order against him, alleging retaliation. She had two witnesses in the second report, both of whom said they were there for instances of alleged retaliation. He had one witness, who admitted in testimony he did not know who she was. I3 found there was “insufficient evidence regarding which version of events is more credible.” Clune said the student should have never had to encounter the harasser in the first place. “(This) is the fundamental problem that the school has created by not imposing a sanction that sufficiently protects the victim from suffering from a hostile educational environment,” Clune said. “There should be no scenario where the victim is not allowed to attend classes and feel comfortable and have to worry about running into this guy.” In I3’s report, the same investigator said she “seems to be motivated by a desire to see the (the harasser) further punished.” She said her desire is simple. “All I was seeking was to feel safe on this campus,” she said.
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Continued MIRACLES
After his sister’s death, Brett said the foundation “picked up like crazy” from page one
He’s been through 27 surgeries for his conditions, left lung aplasia being the most critical one, but it’s OK. He’s “used to it,” he said. First stop was the Apple store to get a Macbook, where the onlookers were either clapping or wiping away tears upon his arrival. One person who was too overwhelmed to follow behind him was his mom, Shelia Leverette. “I was thinking all he’s been through – it’s amazing,” she said. “He’s been through a lot ... just to see those people honor him made him very happy.” When Christopher was asked if the shopping spree was one of his best days in a while, his smile almost became bigger than his face as he followed with a “yes.” Tough, happy inspiration Jenna wasn’t one for serious conversation, but she instigated one with her mom after buying supplies to grant a wish. She said she didn’t want any more brain tumors, but then asked a thought-provoking question. “What if I never ever had a brain tumor, would we have started Believe in Miracles?” she asked. Her mom told her the
idea probably would have never popped up, leaving what would be 70 families without the opportunities the foundation gave. “Well, then it’s a good thing I had brain tumors,” Jenna exclaimed. “But I don’t want to have any more.” After going through eight brain surgeries, three radiation treatments and three rounds of chemotherapy in an eight year span, she died in the comfort of her own home on July 4, 2010. Instead of Believe in Miracles slowing down after her passing, it grew rapidly. “When she passed away, that’s when it picked up like crazy,” Brett said. “And my mom, she loves doing it, because she loves helping families going through the same thing we did.” Brett’s younger sister Nancy, who is a senior at Troy Athens High School, says she sees a little bit of Jenna in every kid they help. She knows how her younger sister would feel if she was around to help the foundation she inspired. “I feel like she would become close friends with every kid, try to see them all the time, grant every wish and help more kids and find more kids to help,” Nancy said. The always-happy, never-quitting Jenna Kast isn’t around to help anymore, but her legacy is remembered. Her smile is still seen on the faces of those who Believe in Miracles helps. Her positive attitude catches onto any person who knows her story. And because of her family and friends, the miracles she inspired are still happening.
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SOLUTION WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE SOLUTION TO TO WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE
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Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit
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1 __ comedy 6 First vice president 11 Tar’s direction 14 Hike 15 Not adept in 16 Prefix with state 17 Nobody special 19 No. that may have an ext. 20 Lab subjects 21 Arrest 22 Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy 24 Nobody special 29 “They made us!” 30 “Bring on the weekend!” 32 Edna Ferber novel 35 24-hr. news source 37 Cartoon monkey 38 Museum supporter, familiarly 40 Complain 42 Heathrow approx. 43 Speeding sound 47 Waist-reduction plans 48 Sharpen 50 Stuck on a stick 52 Nobody special 57 City northeast of Colgate University 58 ‘60s hot spot 59 Yalie 60 Superdome city’s Amtrak code 61 Nobody special 66 Suffix with alp
67 Parting word 68 Commandeer 69 Selected on a questionnaire, with “in” 70 Cinque plus due 71 “Enigma Variations” composer
Down
1 Halloween carrier? 2 Grub or chigger 3 Quinn of “Elementary” 4 Emmy-winning forensic series 5 “Women in Love” director Russell 6 Father of Isaac 7 They’re handy for overnight stays 8 Small, medium or lge. 9 “A revolution is not a dinner party” statesman 10 Guide 11 Enjoying a Jazz performance? 12 Organization that supports the Dalai Lama 13 Money drawer 18 Lit. compilation 23 Asian holiday 25 Victory cry 26 Much of Israel 27 Place to get off: Abbr. 28 Jones who plays the announcer in “The Hunger Games” 31 Apparel sometimes protested
32 Chicken paprikash, e.g. 33 “Hmm ... I was thinking of something else” 34 Tormented, as with doubt 36 West Pointer 39 Spotlit number, perhaps 41 Dress length 44 Texting exclamation 45 Good scoring opportunity, in hockey 46 Rhesus monkey, e.g. 49 Gumshoe 51 Sagging 53 South Asian rulers 54 Woody Allen mockumentary 55 “My Fair Lady” lady 56 Sweeter, in a way 57 Windows alternative 62 Pindar product 63 Parade member? 64 Put into operation 65 __ canto
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Proposed higher ed bill to increase msu funding by 5.9 percent By Michael Kransz mkransz@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
LANSING- A Senate committee approved a higher education budget bill that, if signed into law, would cap tuition rises and increase state funding to MSU by 5.9 percent. On Wednesday, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted in favor of the budget bill that would limit tuition increases during the 2014-2015 academic year for resident undergraduate students to 3.2 percent.
provide academic oversight of the Building Trades Academy, MSU Spokesman Kent Cassella previously told The State News. However, MSU does not pay for the workshops. The budget bill is sponsored by Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton, who said that tuition costs are reaching near-unaffordable for those in the middle class. Schuitmaker said the responsibility of her and her fellow legislators is to prevent this issue through regulation. “I think everyone, and certainly myself as a parent of
Although the budget bill could appropriate $264,377,200 in state funding for MSU, it also would fine the university $500,000 for its involvement with union-building workshops. The funding penalty to MSU was proposed on the grounds of participating in “instructional activity that encourages or discourages union organizing of employees.” Since May 2013, MSU’s School of Human Resources and Labor Relations was contracted by North America’s Building Trades Union Department to administer and
a college student, feels that tuition is becoming unaffordable,” Schuitmaker said. “A degree from a public university is just becoming unaffordable for the middle class, and so we have to be very mindful that we make sure that we help control costs as much as we can as a state.” Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw, said as much as it’s the responsibility of public universities to control tuition costs, it’s also the state’s responsibility to aid them in capping costs by increasing higher education funding.
“We have to do a better job as well as they,” Kahn said. But Sen. John Pappageorge, R-Troy, refuted Kahn, saying state funding has aligned with increasing costs over time, while public universities have not kept tuition costs in line with inflation. “We’ve held up our end, because we’ve been somewhere near the rate of inflation and the universities haven’t,” Pappageorge said. “Since I’ve been here I do not remember tuition, generally speaking, from all the universities, being less than the
rate of inflation. Ever.” Because enacting a higher education appropriation requires approval from the House, Senate and governor, MSU Spokesman Jason Cody said it’s too early to speculate on how it will impact tuition costs. On Tuesday the MSU Board of Trustees approved a 3.95 percent hike to a double room and a silver meal plan, increasing the overall rate to $9,154. The board will likely vote on a proposed 3 percent tuition increase at its meeting in June.
Dance
Development
Salsa Club hosts last spring dance
Costs could change Park District Project plan By Geoff Preston gpreston@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Betsy Agosta /The State News
Alumna Alison Inwood and electrical engineering junior Will Miller dance Wednesday at the Plant and Soil Sciences Building. Miller has been a part of the Salsa Club for three years.
statenews.com To read about the Salsa Club’s Senior Night Celebration, visit statenews.com.
The Park District project could be seeing changes in size and economic scope, according to city officials and DTN Management Co. The project is a proposed multidimensional space that would have dining, retail and living options. DTN Vice President Colin Cronin estimated the project will cost around $200 million if it is completed to its largest scale. Cronin received a memo in April from Community and Economic Development Administrator Lori Mullins expressing concern about private properties initially involved in the project, including the abandoned bank building at the corner of Abbot Road and Grand River Avenue that was formerly part of the failed City Center II project. The memo said council wants to know about the status of those lands by the end
of May. Councilmember Ruth Beier said the building’s location on the west side of the beginning of the downtown area makes it unattractive to developers who want to develop the area around it.
If completed the largest scale possible, DTN Management Co. says Park District could cost about $200 million “I think it’s likely that if they don’t get ownership of that building, nothing will happen,” she said. “All development is overshadowed by this blight. It’s a pivot point in East Lansing.” Cronin and East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas both said although the situation is not ideal, they will proceed with a project that is on a smaller scale and would not include privatelyowned land. “It’s been a good conversation,” Cronin said about his discussions with private land owners. “We can also try to work on a smaller project.”
Lahanas said the city wants as many abandoned buildings to be used in future developments as possible, but if a smaller project is the only economically feasible option for the city and DTN, they will proceed with a smaller project. “It’s our preference that empty buildings be used as a part of the project and be redeveloped, but if the best we can do is a good, vibrant project on a smaller scale we will move forward with that,” he said. “That’s the point of the pre-development phase, it’s to determine what we can come up with.” For DTN, the biggest issue has not been acquiring land during the pre-development phase but making sure there is an economically feasible project on any scale, Cronin said. “We’re stuck at, how do get out of this financial hole to make this project economically feasible?” Cronin said. “There is a lot of oversupply coming on the market, and you have to make sure this isn’t just a project that makes sense for a year, but 10 or 20 years down the road.”
Looking ahead to a healthier 2013...
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Chair Massage Samplers Marilyn Cady and Deby Stuart, Certified Massage Therapists Tuesdays, May 20 and June 17 11:30 am – 1:30 pm visit health4u.msu.edu for locations Healing Power of Guided Imagery Lisa Laughman, LMSW, ACSW Wednesdays, beginning May 28 12:10 – 12:50 pm, Abrams Planetarium
Recipe for Health Cooking Series: “Cod” Peggy Crum, MA, RD and Chef Kurt Kwiatkowski Wednesday, June 11 12:10-12:50, Brody Square Demonstration Kitchen
Relaxing Under the Stars John French, Abrams Planetarium Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, June 19 12:10-12:50 pm, Abrams Planetarium Rest with Music Jon Novello, LMSW, ACSW Mondays, May 19 and June 9 12:10 – 12:50 pm, Abrams Planetarium NEW This Semester! Increasing Your Psychological Flexibility Lisa Laughman, LMSW, ACSW Mondays, beginning June 9 12:10-12:50pm, Location TBD
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4 | Th e Stat e N e ws | T h ur sday, Ap ri l 24 , 201 4 | state n e ws.com
Featured blog
Opinion
Coming to college teaches responsibility
O P I N I ON CO L U MN
Before my senior year of high school came to a close, I had a specific image of what my college life would be — I pictured myself studying outside every day while finding the time to participate in floor events. — Casey Holland, State News reporter Read the rest online at statenews.com/blog.
Comments from readers nn
Laughing at student activism makes Ferguson undeserving of trustee title
As an alumnus, I’m deeply ashamed of the attitude of the current Board of Directors. It is totally unacceptable. This board needs to be changed, ASAP. They spend money on renovations and new building projects like it is free for the picking. I guess if you are in charge of setting tuition and fees, it is as good as growing on trees, just jack up the costs to students and they can spend to their heart’s content. It is time for some restraint on the part of the BOD. That said, the attitude expressed by the Chairmen (confirmed by the rest of the Board through their silence and acceptance) is inexcusable.
illustr ation by R afael López Aguil ar | The State news
Freedom vs. Paradise
I will be following this, and the response the Board shows. As of right now, not a single Board member will get my vote in the future.
My first year in the U.S. made me realize the ‘paradise’ I came from has its flaws
M
y paradise might not be perfect, but a paradise it remains. For me, this was the perfect identification of my country before I left it. Honduras might not seem to stand out in the map for most of my peers at MSU. People always ask “Where is that?” or in all honesty, they might not have even heard of it. I might get a laugh here or there from my peers when I wear my Honduran soccer jersey. But for me, Honduras is a land of pleasure in the most pragmatic sense. Coming from Honduras to the U.S., my transition was extremely difficult. I yearned to return to my country as soon as possible. This, of course, was impossible given my parents kept telling me it was important for my education, and so I remained at MSU. I kept getting jealous of my friends at MSU who had the opportunity to see their families on the weekends and still complained the following Monday because they “felt bad whenever they left their family.” I kept feeling like I was in a prison, not being able to drink
editorial cartoonist
After the first month of transialcohol in public (or at all), tion, I came to compare both not being able to go to a disof these worlds — one of them cotheque (or a club, as Amerdegenerate by a mafia of drug icans call it) and having to dealers and corrupt politiknow that if I made one miscians; the other predicated on take, I could be deported back how the constitutional imperato Honduras. Rebelliousness tive is to go hand in hand with was not in the cards for me. social cues governing the U.S. I had to fit the norm. I The application of law in developed a certain anithe U.S. has such mus toward the a perfect standard authorities, such editorial that I wish was miras my RAs and cartoonist and rored by my counpatrolling police guest reporter try. Honduras officers around seems to have many me, feeling like incidents regardthey watched ing drunk drivmy every move. ing and minors in I know that in possession. These my country, the incidents could be said authorities avoided by having could be bought officers that actualoff with a cocaRafael López ly practice the law cola and a $5 Aguilar and won’t sell out. bill. I missed the lopezagu@msu.edu What exactintrigue of corly are the beneruption lurkfits of living in the U.S.? First ing around me at times. I of all, the reassurance of had become disengaged from safety. You see, in my counthose around me because I try, you would be lucky to was afraid to stand out. But walk a block without a bodyabout halfway through my guard without getting shot. first semester, I became accliThat is not an exaggeration. mated to a different stanIn Honduras, most peodard in the US. I began to ple within the middle and realize how naive and misupper classes have a bodyled I had been towards the guard who carries around notion of a rule of law regime. one or more firearms at all How could I for a second times. All cars have bulletbelieve that corruption had its proof windows, and all houses perks, when it clearly did not?
I just received a request for a donation from the University Alumni Association the day before yesterday. My attitude is Not another dime until the BOD, as a whole, apologizes to the students and re-considers these flippant decisions. It’s time for the University to tighten it’s belt a bit, like the rest of us, and like they expect the students to do.
are fenced with barbed wire. My first year living in East Lansing has helped me realize that proper law application makes for law-abiding citizens, which is the ultimate perk. This is something I did not realize at the start of my transition from country to country. I hope that Honduras can someday have authorities that actually follow through with the justice and can uphold their allegiance to the law with proper dignity. Rules are necessary. They provide proper peace of mind — a benefit the Honduran paradise can’t have, at least for now. Now as I am getting ready for my return to Honduras for the summer, I have a bittersweet sensation. Although I get to see my family members and friends once more, I will have to be locked down in my house without the opportunity of walking through the streets alone. I will have to make sure not to mess with the wrong people and will to be subjected to censorship in my writing. I will love being close to my Honduran friends and family, but I will be anxious to return to the freedom I have on MSU’s campus. Rafael López Aguilar is a State News guest reporter. Reach him at lopezagu@msu.edu.
Lyle, April 23
Ferguson is a member of the good ol’ boys club that runs MSU, he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Students, on the other hand will be moving out of the state about fours years after they start here, and I’ll bet most of the 3,000 who signed the petition would vote for him without giving it a second thought just because he has the (D) by his name on the ballot. Diane, April 22
I don’t know trustee Ferguson or his style, so I can’t comment on that, but I don’t find it so strange to laugh off Students United when they’re such a laughable organization. They understand neither the scope of the college affordability problem nor how to effectively and maturely work toward their goals. Kansas City, April 23
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Yes No I don’t care Total votes: 72 as of 5 p.m. Wednesday brandon hankins bhankins@statenews.com
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Features
Features editor Anya Rath, features@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
how to dominate finals week
Studying can seem daunting and frustrating at first, but here are a few tips to overcome final exams By April Jones ajones@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
The semester is nearly over and students have begun preparing for final exams. The way students go about studying can make a huge difference on final grades. Assistant professor of psychology Kimberly Fenn has five tips to make sure students get the most out of studying. Don’t start studying the night before Ever yone has done it. Everyone’s been the victim of procrastination. However, Fenn said this causes the level of retention to severely decrease. Fenn said information is retained better when students space out studying attempts. If a student decides that they have to study for four hours to do well on an exam, it’s better to break apart the time into multiple study sessions. “You’ll actually learn the material better if you break down hours into thirty minutes a day for eight days,” she said.
Making flashcards Fenn said making flashcards is one of the best ways to retain information. Creating flashcards helps students make a personally customized test. Fenn said this is called retrieval practice. “The more often you practice retrieval, the easier retrieval is and the better you’ll perform on an exam,” Fenn said. Study with others. Gather a group and head to the Main Library. Studying with others in a group setting creates an atmosphere where students can interact and test each other. Fenn said when being tested on material by friends, two scenarios could result. Either the student knows the information — or they don’t. The best case scenario is when you don’t know the information and get slightly embarrassed by the moment before learning the right answer. However, the embarrassing moment can trigger a memory that makes the answer easier to remember later.
Stay away from stuffy libraries during finals week. Here are a few locations that might get the juices flowing
Say no to drugs The word “Adderall” becomes very popular around exam time. Fenn said drugs like Adderall can actually impair performance. Even though the prescription drug might help some students stay awake longer, Fenn said it doesn’t necessarily make you more efficient at encoding the information. When taking an exam, Fenn said that internal conditions of the body should be similar to what it was like during studying. Embrace your pillow Sleep is extremely valuable during exam time. Fenn said when students don’t get a good amount of sleep, they show impaired cognitive processing across a range or tasks. “You actually feel like you’re thinking slower and that’s true,” she said. “Perception speed is lower, arousal is lower, response time is higher.” Getting a full night of sleep will help in retrieving more information and thinking more creatively.
By Casey Holland cholland@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
With project deadlines and final exams looming, the library will become overcrowded with crammers. For some, it might be hard to concentrate on statistics or history while surrounded by so many people. Instead of staying within the confines of a dorm room to avoid the library rush, here are some other places around East Lansing where students can get some fresh air and take advantage of the warmer weather while they study. Espresso Royale patio Students who need a caffeine fix can buy a drink from Espresso Royale before setting up camp on one of their patio tables. Invite friends for a study date, meet up for a group project or sip some iced coffee during a spring afternoon. If it starts to rain, students can retreat inside the cafe and grab a spot near the fireplace to warm up. The fire is constantly burning while the cafe is open.
serving up a Speech communication junior Heleshia Slaughter and international relations senior Ben Lemanski give away free drinks to promote Chandler Crossings Wednesday on Grand River Avenue. The students were asking people to write down their names and email to learn about living opportunities at Chandler Crossings.
By the Red Cedar Hidden behind Wells Hall, a small concrete section sits over the Red Cedar River just to the left of a bridge. This works well for students with a break between classes who want to use it for a quick study session. The river’s nearby rapids act as soothing background noise for those hunched over textbooks. Whether you want to dangle your feet over the edge or sit on the concrete steps, the sounds of the river provide a peaceful retreat for those taking a brief study break.
Wilson and Case Halls courtyard Tables are spread throughout the open space between Wilson and Case Halls in South Neighborhood. When the weather is warm and the clouds are at bay, students gather on the sandy volleyball court for a pickup game. Students can get a bite to eat before claiming a table out in fresh air. When a break is needed, take to the volleyball court and blow off some steam before returning to the textbooks once again.
Field between IM SportsCircle and West Circle Neighborhood The open space between IM Sports-Circle and the dorms of West Circle Neighborhood might serve as a scenic retreat for some students who want to escape the sounds of campus traffic. Lay a blanket down in the grass under the sun, bring out some snacks and start highlighting notes. The open air surrounding the field might make for a good escape from a stuffy, crammed dorm room.
The gardens There are many gardens scattered throughout campus. For a quiet break and a chance to stop and smell the roses, students can bring their books to one of the several gardens. Take a walk through the seven-acre Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum by the intersection of Bogue Street and Service Road. Use this opportunity to also explore the blooming Japanese Gardens. Or find a grassy study spot in the Beal Botanical Garden near the Main Library.
treat
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Employment
Employment
Apts. For Rent
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Houses/Rent
ACTIVE OFFICE needs p/t clerical help. Days and weekends required. Call Adam M-F 10 am-2 pm at 517.332.1502 to schedule your interview today.
OFFICE SUPPORT, acct, and tax prep for Okemos CPA firm. Accounting majors preferred. Email okemoscpa7@gmail.com
STUDENT BOOK Store P/T summer and/or fall. Apply in person. Ask for Mike. 421 E Grand River.
500 MICHIGAN brand new fall 2014, 2 bdrm/lic 2, 2 full bath on Mich Ave next to Fedex, secure bld, parking, washer/dryer, d/w, micro, all granite, quality throughout! www.cronmgt.com or 517.351.1177
MIDTOWN – Brand New Apartments Opening August 2014! www. midtownlansing.com call 517-333-4123 or email Megan at leasing@midtownlansing.com TODAY!
ANOTHER CHOICE for 2014-2015 Aug lease. 1220 Lilac. West side of campus off Harrison. Lic 4, $425 each monthly. Call/text 8970383 or call 3498662. Thanks! AUG 6 bdrm 2 bath lic. 6. 151 N. Harrison. DW/WD 517.282.6681. AUG AVAIL. Great deals on our few remaining properties. Nice, wellmaintained homes/apartments for 1-4 people. 337-7577 or crmc1.com CUTE HOUSE, 251 Gunson. Lic. 2.$650 per person. No smoking, hot tub, a/c, w/d, 333-9595 FOUR BDRM, Lic 4, 2 bath, fenced yard, near MSU, w/d, finished bsmt. $375/lic. 517-290-4330. 1607 Snyder. NEAR FRANDOR. 611 N. Francis. Nice 3 bdrm, new inside. $900/mo. 332-7726.
ARE YOU a leader? Public TV & Radio need you. Raise money for NonProfits over the phone, build resume. Earn $8-12/ hr, free parking near MSU. Call 332-1501 for an interview today! BLOOMFIELD HILLS Rental Co. needs summer help! Up to $12/hr, May-Aug. Outdoor work, lifting req. Call Wayne, (248) 332-4700. COURT ONE Athletic Clubs is hiring customer service reps. Applicants can apply at either location: 2291 Research Circle, Okemos or 1609 Lake Lansing Rd, Lansing. 517-349-1199 or 372-9531. KITCHEN HELP wanted immediate position available. Call 517-490-1402 or stop by and fill out app. 2398 Jolly Rd. Suite 200 Okemos, MI, Woody’s Oasis.
PET CARE looking for hardworking individual, 25-30 hrs/week, days and wknds. Animal exp preferred. Resume to Melissa @ PO Box 277 Haslett 48840. SALES POSITION. F/t or p/t. Upscale retail store seeking positive, upbeat person. Salary and career position. Apply in person at Heat’n Sweep, 2041 W. Grand River Ave, Okemos. SALES/PRODUCTION associate. 20+hr/wk. Decorating/art bkgnd. Send resume to Framer’s Edge: aframeartist@gmail. com, 347-7400
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Apts. For Rent 1, 2 and 3 bed apts available for spring or summer leases. Huge living spaces, private entries, garages, carports, washer and dryer in apartment, walk in closets and more. Waitlist started for June through August move ins and some styles sold out for summer! Don’t delay! Save up to $250 when you move in by April 30th. 1-888-653-5449 or huntersridgetownhomes.com
AUG AVAIL. Studios, 1, & 2 bdrms. Great location, walk to campus. Filling fast. CRMC at 337-7577 or crmc1.com AVAIL AUG ‘14 Studio Apartments. Heat/water/ parking inc. Downtown EL, Top cond. Check out our visual tours at hudginsrealty.com Call 517-5750008, no pets. HELLO GORGEOUS! Check out our fresh look. 2 bdrms available for May and Fall. As low as $394 per person per month. Call today for more information 517-233-1150. HUGE 2 bdrm w/ walkout patio or balcony overlooks Red Cedar. East side of campus, walk or bike to class. Free heat + water. August. From $395 per person. Ask about our free Bus Pass! Call 517268-8457.
RALEIGH HOUSE apartments taking pre-lease for summer/fall. 2 bdrm 2 bath. W/d hookups, central air. Balconies, private entrances. Pet friendly. Close to MSU. 517-3515209. SPECIAL!! Awesome 1, 2 + 3 bedroom apts Okemos. Free heat, newly remodeled, upgraded kitchens, 24/7 fitness center, washer/dryers, carports available, pet friendly. Knobhill 517-5074185.
Duplex/Rent DUPLEX CLOSE lic. for 3. d/w, a/c. $395/person. Full bsmt Call 517-3237827.
Houses/Rent ABOVE AVERAGE 575 Cornell. Lic. 4, Eamon Kelly 714.654.2701 or enkellyjr@gmail.com
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Employment
ONE OF Lansing’s most established mobile DJ companies is hiring fun loving, outgoing people. Must have weekends free & reliable transp. No exp. needed. Will train. The “funnest” job you will ever have. 517-482-1991/ chris@jumpstartdjs.com
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NICE REMODELED 2 bdrm. Garage, fenced, fireplace. $795. W/d. Contact jgenerous@ gmail.com or 517-2042120. SPACIOUS 4 BDRM Lic. 4. d/w + w/d. security deposit + utilities 517599-5731
Horoscope By Linda C. Black 10 IS THE EASIEST DAY — 0 THE MOST CHALLENGING
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 5 -- Your dreams seem prophetic today and tomorrow. Something’s coming due. Clarify your direction with friends and dispel confusion. It’s emotion versus reason. Slow down and contemplate. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 6 -- Plan parties and get together with groups today and tomorrow. Creative collaboration builds a dream. Play, but remember your budget. Provide common sense where lacking. Set your goals high. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is a 6 -- A dream seems newly achievable. Take on new responsibilities today and tomorrow, and prepare for inspection. Give yourself time alone to think. Explain an abstract concept carefully. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 5 -- You’d rather play than work today and tomorrow. Do your homework. Travel conditions improve, with caution. Keep it realistic, with alternative routes and backup plans. Visualize future fun, and share possibilities with the ideal partners. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 5 -- Financial planning is more fun with another today and tomorrow. Your partner’s vision inspires. Figure the costs to make it happen. Be on time. Have faith. Consider the previously impossible. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 6 -- Fantasize about your perfect job today and tomorrow. Consult with a partner who can see your blind spots. Negotiations and compromise arise with greater ease. Balance work and family responsibilities with rigorous scheduling.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 5 -- The impossible looks easy. Dive into some intensity at work today and tomorrow. It’s an excellent moment for romantic dreaming. Share your fantasies. Be a good listener. Renew your vision for the future. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 5 -- Time for fun and games today and tomorrow. The best results come from playful experimentation. Dreams of domestic bliss can come true. Add aesthetic and harmonic touches. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 5 -- Your spiritual practices clear your mind. Dreams and visions make sense. Allow yourself some poetic license. You don’t have to be able to explain everything. Investigate a fascinating subject, and get inspired. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 6 -- Gather information today and tomorrow. Catch up on studies. Write, record and make plans. Get a contract in writing. Study and practice. An old dream comes true. Don’t squander savings on a splurge. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 5 -- Watch for a new source of income. Make sure you’ll earn enough to pay expenses. Show your team how much you believe in them. Have faith in your abilities. Get creative with solutions. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 6 -- Life seems easier for the next few days. Consider the consequences before taking actions. Assert your desires (once you’ve figured them out). An answer comes in a dream.
state n e ws.com | The State N ews | thu r sday, a pril 24, 2014 |
Sports sports brief
spartans win two events at invite The track & field team finished strong on Saturday at the Jesse Owens Track Classic with two event wins and seven personal-best performances. In Columbus, Ohio, Spartan juniors Alicia Evans and Jellisa Westney placed first and second in the women’s 200-meter dash. Evans also got a runnerup finish on the women’s 400-meter dash. She posted a season-best of 55.20 seconds. Junior Lindsey Seymour ran the event in under a minute for the first time this season — in 58.58 seconds — placing
sports editor Beau Hayhoe, sports@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
22nd. MSU placed third and fourth in the women’s 100-meter dash. Evans finished in third, clocking a time of 11.75 seconds. Freshman Lauren Rose was in fourth, posting a time of 11.82 seconds — she ran the event for the first time this season. “I was pleased, I felt like we had some decent momentum,� director of track & field/cross country Walt Drenth told msuspartans.com. “I thought we made progress. Overall, you want to see a good effort from start to finish and I thought we picked up some momentum today. We got a little more depth.� In the women’s 4x400meter relay, the MSU team — consisting of Evans, Westney,
Rose and freshman Aubrey Wilberding — placed second overall, clocking a time of three minutes and 43.74 seconds. The men’s team also got a runner-up finish in the same event. Junior Ross Parsons and sophomores Austin Sanders, Stephon Foster and David Washington posted a season-best time of three minutes and 11.77 seconds. Individual athletes from MSU will be competing across the country at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa, the GINA Relays in Hillsdale, Mich., and the Ashland University Alumni Open in Ashland, Ohio this coming weekend.
football
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THE STATE NEWS nn
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The approximate point total that senior safety Kurtis Drummond predicted the White team will score in the Green and White game.
Senior safety Kurtis Drummond runs during football practice April 15 at the practice field inside the Duffy Daugherty Football Building.
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Drummond predicts big ‘White’ team win at Green & White game draft
By Ben Stram
Campus Branch Locations MSU Union, 49 Abbot Rd., Rm. #108 523 E. Grand River Ave. 4825 E. Mt. Hope Rd. 3777 West Rd.
6
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Football is finally back with the annual MSU Green and White Spring Game just days away, but Wednesday was a significant day with the spring game festivities already underway. Head coach Mark Dantonio and senior players met Wednesday afternoon at the Clara Bell Smith Center to determine the two teams, Green and White, in the eighth annual spring game player draft. MSU’s seniors split up into teams and picked underclassmen based on who performed best in practice. The seniors drafted by position until all players were selected. The White team was awarded the first pick after senior offensive lineman Travis Jackson beat senior wide receiver Keith Mumphery in rock-paper-scissors. Jackson selected junior quarterback Connor Cook with
the first pick. And the players already are drawing lines in the sand and offering up predictions. Senior safety Kurtis Drummond predicted a 46-0 blowout of the Green team on Saturday by the White team. “I don’t see my defense giving up many points so I’ll go out on a limb and say a shutout. I’ll give our offense a lot of credit, we got Connor Cook, some explosive receivers ‌ I’ll go out on a limb and say we’re putting up about 45, 46 points. It sounds good to me,â€? he said. Following Cook, sophomore quarterback Tyler O’Connor was taken by the Green team. The pick is intriguing with O’Connor and redshirt freshman Damion Terry battling all spring for the backup quarterback spot. Terry will play for the White team in the first half and the Green team in the second half. Another interesting position battle is the one for Isaiah Lewis’ starting strong safety spot. The position is up for grabs
after Lewis graduated following MSU’s win in the 2014 Rose Bowl. Although junior R.J. Williamson and sophomore Demetrious Cox are the more experienced players, redshirt freshman Jalyn Powell was the first safety taken by the Green team. Senior linebacker and Green team captain Taiwan Jones said Powell knows where to be on the field. “He’s hungry for the ball, he knows how to find the ball,� Jones said. The cornerback position opposite of junior Trae Waynes also is available. Sophomore cornerback Darian Hicks was the second cornerback off the board for the White team after Waynes. Junior wide receiver Aaron Burbridge was the first wide receiver taken for the second year in a row. The second wide receiver taken was sophomore R.J. Shelton. The winning team gets a steak dinner, while the losing team gets beans and franks.