Tuesday 9/09/14 by The State News

State News The

Go Greek, Go White

Marketing sophomore Kirsten Dozeman, left, talks to business freshman Shannon Rossi about rushing during greek recruitment on Sunday at the Kappa Alpha Theta house on Oak Hill Street. PHOTO: JESSALYN TAMEZ

Students will take the plunge into greek life over the next few weeks as greek letter organizations across campus begin recruitment. See pages 6-7

crime

Teen pleads guilty in Frolka case Tyrel Bredernitz pleaded guilty to second-degree murder — page 3 T ue s DAY, SEP TEMB ER 9, 2 014

s p o rt s

policy

“This is such a matter of importance to the campus community, we want to make sure that people feel they’ve had a voice in the policy.” Deputy General Counsel Kristine Zayko, on updating the university’s policy on sexual harassment — page 3

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Women’s soccer remains undefeated

After finishing the non-conference schedule on Sunday, MSU remains undefeated after first six games – Page 12

Contents i ns i de

MSU Organic Farm Stand offers variety of fruits and vegetables to students

Lansingbased band has been successful around the world

What are the four takeaways from the MSUOregon game on Saturday?

Column — Winless weekend doesn’t spell trouble for volleyball this early in season

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da i ly N u m b e r

percent of the products produced by MSU Student Organic Farmers go to MSU dining halls and the Farm Stand. Junior quarterback Connor Cook communicates with his team during the game against Oregon on Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. The Spartans lost to the Ducks, 46-27. PHOTO: JULIA NAGY

Downtown Lansing Welcome Week Monday - Friday September 8 - 12 Visit the Capital City & enjoy student only specials at participating businesses all week long! Welcome Party at House of Eden Rock Thursday, September 11 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. DJ z Free Appetizers z Drink Specials z Prizes

www.lansingwelcomeweek.com

Virg Bernero, Mayor

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VOL . 105 | NO. 9

Tuesday, Septe m b e r 9, 2 01 4

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editorial staff (517) 432-3070 Editor-in-chief Celeste Bott managing editor Anya Rath BREAKING NEWS EDITOR Simon Schuster TRENDS AND ISSUES EDITOR Rebecca Ryan SPORTS EDITOR Omari Sankofa II PHOTO EDITOR Julia Nagy COPY CHIEF Elena Cronick OPINION EDITOR Merinda Valley Copyright © 2014 State News Inc., East Lansing, Mich.

News

Rebecca Ryan and Simon Schuster Trends and issues editor Breaking news editor city@statenews.com @thesnews

Bredernitz pleads guilty in killing of MSU student

One of three charged with murder in the death of sophomore Dustyn Frolka, Tyrel Bredernitz pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in court Monday.

BY Olivia dimmer odimmer@statenews.com

ST. JOHNS, Mich. — Tyrel Bredernitz, the second Saline, Mich., teen charged with the death of sophomore Dustyn Frolka, no longer faces life in prison for his involvement in Frolka’s death. Bredernitz, who previously refused to take a plea deal, agreed to one today, Clinton County Prosecutor Charles Sherman said in court. As a stipulation of the agreement, Bredernitz would testify against alleged co-conspirator Brendan Heim, and be sentenced to no more than 38 years in jail. Bredernitz’s attorney Kerry Cole said the minimum sentence could be somewhere between 15 and 27 and-a-half years, or up to the maximum of 38 years. Without the agreement, Bredernitz could have faced life in prison. Bredernitz is charged with felony murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery and was being held without bond in Clinton County jail.

Heim, the final teen charged in Frolka’s death, is still awaiting trial. The other teen charged with Frolka’s death, Samantha Grigg, was sentenced in late May to six to 15 years in prison. All three teens are facing charges associated with the events of Feb. 15, when the three allegedly participated in a robbery gone wrong. According to previous testimony by Grigg, the three teens drove to Frolka’s residence with the intent to rob Frolka. While the trio was driving, they allegedly assaulted Frolka, beating him with brass knuckles. Frolka reportedly jumped from the vehicle onto the highway, where he later died from his injuries. Bredernitz said he did not know Heim had brass knuckles until “the punching began,” he said in court. When asked to detail the events of Frolka’s death, Bredernitz was overcome with emotion and unable to. He deferred to his attorney. Cole said he had no comment on the plea. Heim will appear in court on Oct. 13 for his trial. Bredernitz will appear in court again for sentencing in November.

Tyrel Bredernitz pleads guilty to second-degree murder for the death of Michigan State University student Dustyn Frolka on Monday at Clinton County Circuit Court in St. Johns, Mich. PHOTO: AERIKA WILLIAMS

MSU looks to update its sexual harassment policy with new draft The proposed policy, which now covers relationship violence, comes while MSU is being investigated by the federal government. By Sergio Martínez-Beltrán and Simon Schuster smartinez@statenews.com, sschuster@statenews.com

MSU officials announced Monday their plan to update the university’s policy on sexual harassment by January 2015. In a campuswide email, officials released the draft of a new policy crafted in collaboration with a laundry list of university and student organizations. The aim, Deputy General Counsel Kristine Zayko said, is to ensure MSU complies with the newest iteration of the Violence Against Women Act, a federal law that included new requirements with its renewal. The White House Task Force Report and the U.S. Department

of Education’s Office for Civil Rights also served as guidance for the proposed policy, Zayko said. The new draft now includes definitions for what does not constitute consent. It also includes a section relating to relationship violence, which covers domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. The new proposed policy gives amnesty for alcohol, drug use and possession violations on sexual violence cases, so that students may report incidents without fear of legal penalties. In public events, such as Take Back the Night, where students and employees may disclose previously unknown instances of sexual harassment, under the proposed update the disclo-

sures “are not considered notice” to MSU unless the victim files a complaint. Zayko said the draft is subject to change as they get feedback from different agencies and the campus community, before the policy is submitted to MSU’s academic governance for approval. “This is such a matter of importance to the campus community, we want to make sure that people feel they’ve had a voice in the policy,” Zayko said. The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives will hold two campus forums to discuss the drafted policy. The forums will occur on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 12:30-2 p.m. in room 401 of the Administration Building, and on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. in

the McDonel Kiva. “The main goal is to listen what people have to say,” Zayko said. “If there are concerns about the process or currently what’s happening on campus we want to hear those things.” The new draft of the policy, renamed the University Policy on Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct, was crafted while MSU is under federal investigation by Office of Civil Rights, or OCR, because of complaints about the university’s handling of sexual assault and harassment investigations. Zayko submitted the new draft to OCR for review, even as the office investigates MSU’s previous policies and their implementation. “I want to be proactive and

get their feedback now, on the front end,” Zayko said. “Instead of waiting until we have a final policy and getting feedback later. I have been sending OCR updates.” What has not changed, however, is the procedures used by the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, or I3, which investigates reports of sexual harassment and assault. While previous guidance from OCR said “a typical investigation takes approximately 60 calendar days,” MSU’s timeframes, which are unchanged in the new draft, give the university 90 days to complete an investigation and 30 more to draft a report. Zayko said “I would expect some adjustments” to I3’s proce-

T U E S day, S E P T E MB E R 9, 2 01 4

dures, but not until a new sexual harassment policy is finalized. “Institutionally, we are making whatever process improvements we can to try to keep things moving along in an efficient and timely fashion,” Zayko said. “I3 is in the process of hiring additional investigators.” Currently, the office has two employees for all university harassment and discrimination investigations. In the email, Title IX Coordinator and director of I3 Paulette Granberry Russell also said MSU would created another “Task Force on Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence that will review our policies and programs over the last ten years and recommend further areas of improvement.”

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News MSU’s organic farm offers fresh choices at Farm Stand MSU Student Organic Farmers set up the Farm Stand on Farm Lane to sell homegrown fruits, vegetables and flowers. By Lingling Xu campus@statenews.com

When you drive down Farm Lane at MSU, the white tents are easy to spot. If you’re curious about what’s inside and want to try some fruit, vegetables and herbs, the Farm Stand sets up shop from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every Thursday, selling produce from the MSU Student Organic Farm. The new location is south of the Red Cedar River next to North Shaw Lane, just across from Erickson Hall. “We are having our first fall Farm Stand in this new location, we have a lot of grand cherries, but not too many tomatoes because of the late blight,” said Farm Stand manager Russell Honderd. Lettuce, carrots, raspberries, rainbow chard, cauliflower, squash, onions, corn, pears, pepper or even sunf lowers

Zoology junior William Leslie and environmental education sophomore Ian Zaback purchase organic food Sept. 4 at the Farm Stand near Erickson Hall.

are all available in the Farm Stand. Produce varies each season. “Most people who come by the Organic Farm Stand are MSU students, employees and faculty. We had about 300 people come by today,” Casey VanNest said while working at the farm stand on Sept. 4. VanNest is a student in the farm’s training program who is learning to sell produce. Honderd said all of the products are USDA certified organic products and grown by MSU Student Organic Farmers. The stand sells 15 percent of the products from the organic farm to the MSU dining halls and the Organic Farm Stand, about 75 percent goes to Community Supported Agriculture and the rest is going to local grocery stores, such as Lansing’s Better Health Store and the East Lansing Food Cooperative, 4960 Northwind Drive.

PHOTO: AERIKA WILLIAMS

ABOVE: Fresh vegetables and fruits are available for students and campus visitors Sept. 4 at the Student Organic Farm Stand near Erickson Hall. The Student Organic Farm Stand is available 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. RIGHT: Okemos, Mich., resident Sue Davis purchases vegetables Sept. 4 at the Farm Stand near Erickson Hall. PHOTOS: AERIKA WILLIAMS

Coffee hour welcomes international students The weekly event brings together domestic and international students for an hour of culture, conversation and caffeine.

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By Nolly Dakroury ndakroury@statenews.com

Spartans young and old are known to share various traditions. One such tradition is the weekly coffee hour, a get-together for international students hosted by the Office of International Students and Scholars. Peter Briggs, director of OISS, started the tradition in the fall of 2002, after he had a successful outcome from starting the international coffee hour at the former university he worked at. “I nter nat iona l st udent s can get isolated,” Br iggs said. “When they are new here, they’re not as connected so they want to explore Tuesday, Septemb e r 9, 2 01 4

everything.” He said the coffee hour is an “informal place” for students to interact, connect and network with each other. OISS community outreach coordinator Joy Walter said it’s important to stress the fact that the coffee hour welcomes both international and domestic students. “In fact, I think it’s the best when it’s a mix of both international and domestic students because they’re both learning from each other,” she said. Physiology junior Grace Barrett, who came to the coffee hour for the first time, said she learned about the event this semester through her boss at work.

Barrett said coming to the coffee hour made her think about lives in different countries and cultures and ask questions that lead her to learning new information about those countries. “It was kind of nerve-wracking coming alone, but I jumped into a group and it was nice,” she said. “I met a few people who are coming back next week so I’ll mark my calendar.” Walter, who is usually present at coffee hour, said she has been seeing new faces and well as old faces, or “regulars,” come in. One of those regulars was Symbatt Payayeva, president of the International Students Association.. Payayeva, who is an econom-

ics junior, said coffee hour is a good place for her to get more people involved with ISA. “I always come here,” Payayeva said. “It’s really cool because you get to meet so many new people; you can know more countries, more cultures.” Payayeva said the weekly coffee hour is a good way for incoming students to interact with new people and to work on practicing their English. She also said it has helped make a lot of friends. She said ISA plans to sponsor a few coffee hours this semester, including a welcome coffee hour, a Halloween-themed coffee hour and a Christmas-themed one, as part of the association’s tradition.

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ACROSS

1 Rhubarb desserts 5 Blue cartoon critter 10 Spoiled one 14 Mount of Greek myth 15 Old Testament prophet 16 Move like slime 17 St. Bernard’s bark 18 German WWII threat 19 Cowboy boot attachment 20 Uninvited guests 23 ‘70s-’80s Olympic skier Phil 25 Suffix with glob 26 “Just as I predicted!” 27 Gold rush bad guys 32 Irish dance 33 Right triangle ratio 34 Minor quarrels 38 Egg cell 40 “May the __ be with you” 43 Fizzy drink 44 Hemmed in 46 Pop’s Lady __ 48 Flashlight output 49 Thieves in the tombs of the pharaohs, say 53 Immigrant’s subj. 56 Miss Teen __ 57 “John Brown’s Body” poet

58 Early arcade game with pixelated aliens, and, in a way, what 20-, 27and 49-Across all are 63 1974 Peace Nobelist from Japan 64 Hersey’s bell town 65 Athletic equipment giant that sponsors golfer Rory McIlroy 68 This, in Tijuana 69 Twangy 70 Like summer tea 71 Marvel Comics mutants 72 Succumbed to the sandman 73 Jacob’s twin

DOWN

1 “Wham!” 2 Prefix with metric 3 Gullet 4 Jungle journey 5 Boarded up 6 “__-Dick” 7 Biennial games org. 8 Rise on hind legs, as a horse 9 Femme __ 10 “Fiddlesticks!” 11 What rookies are shown, with “the” 12 Sky shade 13 To the point 21 Radiation measures

22 Rockefeller Center muralist José María 23 Low-paying employment, slangily 24 Partner of kicking 28 Peter Pan rival 29 Numero __ 30 Road sign with a double-tailed arrow 31 Attack command word 35 “CSI” science 36 Distress signal 37 Speak, biblical-style 39 Ryan of “When Harry Met Sally...” 41 Bronco or Mustang 42 Self-regard 45 Factual 47 French cleric 50 Chinese and Thai, e.g. 51 Property destroyer 52 Elton John collaborator Taupin 53 County near London 54 Twitch 55 Drink with steamed milk 59 Maine __ cat 60 Flower holder 61 Take __: doze 62 Simpleton 66 Hawaii’s Mauna __ 67 College URL ending

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Spotlight

Anya Rath Managing editor campus@statenews.com @thesnews

Students begin taking the steps toward going greek Chapters within the four greek councils on campus have begun the recruitment process

By Meagan Beck mbeck@statenews.com

his weekend, the streets of East Lansing swarmed with women dressed to impress, with sore feet, as they walked to each sorority house on campus. It was a weekend of introductions, first impressions and anticipation. Greek recruitment has officially begun. On Friday, 1,216 young women began the recruitment process for the 14 Panhellenic sorority chapters on campus. Next week will mark the beginning of recruitment for fraternities under the Interfraternity Council and multicultural greek organizations will begin or continue recruitment, depending on their organization. Recruitment, which is sometimes referred to as “rushing,” is the largest greek event held at the beginning of each semester. It’s a time when potential new members are invited to discover which

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“The great thing about greek life is each chapter has a different set of demeanors, different people. What you put into recruitment is what you get out of recruitment.” Sean Geraci, president of Sigma Nu fraternity

Tuesday, Septem b e r 9, 2 01 4

sorority or fraternity suits them best. There are more than 50 greek letter organizations on campus, and recruitment time is important for both current members and potential new ones. “The only way for the greek community to continue to grow and thrive is by recruiting new members,” president of the MSU Panhellenic Council and dietetics senior Alyssa Fritz said. “I definitely consider recruitment to be one of the most important times of the year.” MEETING THE SISTERS Sorority recruitment is a structured event which members of current chapters spend hours practicing and preparing for. Recruitment for Panhellenic Council sororities takes place over the span of two weekends. Female students register to become a member of a sorority and are then led by a group of women known as the Rho Gammas. These are recruitment counselors who assist potential new members

Girls line up at the door waiting to be called in during greek recruitment, on Sunday at the Kappa Alpha Theta house on Oak Hill Street. During greek recruitment girls travel to several different houses in order to figure out where they best fit in. PHOTO: JESSALYN TAMEZ

Spotlight

in having an unbiased recruitment experience. Instead of promoting their own house, sorority members promote going greek in general because they see it as a positive opportunity. Psychology freshman Lizz Eden said she is excited for recruitment and joining the greek community because she enjoys the philanthropy and closeknit aspects of greek life. “I’m really big into volunteering and so I’m looking forward to that and I love how it’s community,” Eden said. “Michigan State is a community as a campus, but this is more of a small community and I’m excited to be a part of it.” During sorority recruitment, each day has an allotted theme. Spirit day, values day and philanthropy day are all a part of the process for current sisters to connect with potential new members and introduce them to greek life and the specific philanthropy of an organization. Recruitment will end with bid day on Sept. 15, when potential new members receive formal invitations to join a specific sorority. Fritz said students outside of the greek community might overlook the benefits and values of greek life, but they are important to current members. “Recruitment is the perfect venue to learn about these values first-hand because active members share personal stories of how being greek has shaped them,” Fritz said. BROTHERLY LOVE Though sorority sisters and brothers often collaborate on social and philanthropic events, the organizations have different recruitment processes. Vice President of Alpha Sigma Phi Andrew Brewster said while there is work done before the main event, fraternities like to keep recruitment tactics as secretive as possible. “You have to win the battle a couple of weeks ahead,” said Brewster, a political theory and constitutional democracy senior.

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Members of Alpha Kappa Delta Phi, a chapter within the Multicultural Greek Council, step for the Greek Unity Stroll during Spartan Remix on Thursday at Auditorium Field. PHOTO: RAYMOND WILLIAMS

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Greek councils on campus

Chapters in Interfraternity Council

Chapters in Panhellenic Council

CHAPTERS in National Pan-Hellenic Council

1,216

CHAPTERS in Multicultural Greek Council

WOMEN registered for Panhellenic Council sorority recruitment

Throughout the week, fraternities will hold events to get to know the men who could potentially join the organization, but attending an event at each house is not necessary. With 30 fraternity houses on campus, visiting each one and meeting brothers, like women undergoing sorority recruitment do, is a difficult task. President of Sigma Nu and marketing senior Sean Geraci said men have the potential to go to as many houses and recruitment events as they like, but are more likely to visit the houses they prefer more than others. On the Thursday following the beginning day of recruitment, fraternities will hand out a bid invitation to become a part of the chapter. A bid invitation is part of a mutual selection process. A potential member picks which fraternities he would like to join by ranking them. If a fraternity feels as though a potential member will fit well with other members in the chapter, he is given a bid. Since there are a large number of fraternities on campus, some may not feel as if they fit in at one place but feel at home at another. “The great thing about greek life is each chapter has a different set of demeanor, different people,” Geraci said. “What you put into recruitment is what you get out of recruitment.” PART OF THE PROCESS For greek organizations under the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council, recruitment is a little different. Fraternities and sororities within the Multicultural Greek Council hold their own “rush” period, which can last one to two weeks. Vice president of MGC and human resource management senior Ankita Arora said due to organizations being smaller in number, many events will be T u e sday, S e pt e m b e r 9, 2 01 4

held at apartments or other locations on campus. “Sometimes it’s hard for us to have resources to advertise our rush,” said Arora, who is a member of the sorority Sigma Sigma Rho. “We really want to have a casual atmosphere so we can meet potential girls and we want to get to know them but we also want them to get to know us and the organization.” In addition to casual events, MGC organizations will hold informationals which are events for the sorority or fraternity to discuss the rush process and educate interested members about the organization as a whole. “We are attentive to a wider audience of various people,” president of the MGC and premedical student Davina James said of the 10 chapters under the council. “In addition to that, we are more education-based than service- based.” The National Pan-Hellenic Council are sometimes called the Divine Nine and make up the nine historically black fraternities and sororities on campus. President of NPHC and media and information senior Kristopher Johnson said there is no “rushing” period and the organizations are all non-pledging. “If someone was interested in joining, they wouldn’t really rush but what they would do is get in touch with us,” Johnson said. “They would have about three or four meetings over the semester and basically they would be educated...then take a test.” Instead of having a pledge class, new members will form “lines” and are introduced to the campus in a coming-out show which involves stepping, which mirrors West African traditions. While each organization may have different recruitment processes, it is the busiest time of the semester because it is the main opportunity to be invited to join the greek community. Th e Stat e N e ws

Features Lansing-based band Cheap Girls finds success around world The band, which got its start in the area, has seen how the number of live performances has decreased in East Lansing By Brittanie Chludzinski bchludzinski@statenews.com

For three musicians from the Lansing area establishing their roots in the local band scene led the way to success beyond the city of Lansing. From humble beginnings playing one of their very first gigs in the East Lansing Barnes and Noble for a book release, the Lansing-based rock band Cheap Girls now find themselves touring the world and performing songs from all four of their albums. Vocalist and bass player Ian

Graham, drummer Ben Graham and guitarist Adam Aymor began playing together in 2007 and they released their first album by 2008. In addition to traveling throughout the entire U.S., the band has toured in the United Kingdom three times and made stops in mainland Europe, Australia and Canada. Before continuing to tour for the remainder of the year, Cheap Girls collaborated with City Pulse for a free outdoor event on the lawn of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on Sept. 5 to get

Emily Jenks Features editor features@statenews.com @thesnews

MSU students involved and reignite the East Lansing music scene that once thrived on campus. “The school doesn’t really promote live music and shows, so we’re just trying to do something on campus,” he said. “It’s a rarity, so we are hopeful it might turn around.” The band reminisced about spending almost every other weekend in East Lansing while they were growing up, where they enjoyed inexpensive live performances from prominent bands. Graham said his parents even recall going to incredible live shows in East Lansing many years ago, like the Red Hot Chili Peppers performing at old touring hotspot Rick’s American Cafe in the early ‘80s. Ben Graham said the late ‘90s to the mid-2000s were packed with live shows all over campus at the Union Ballroom, Erickson Hall Kiva, Munn Ice Arena, Breslin Center, and even the basement of Akers Hall.

Cheap Girls drummer and back-up vocalist Ben Graham performs Friday during the band's performance at Mac’s Bar, 2700 E Michigan Ave., in Lansing. The concert was relocated from outside of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum to Mac’s Bar due to stormy weather. PHOTO: ERIN HAMPTON

Redefining the way you think about health.

Kitchen Skill Drill

Deb Popp, Personal Trainer Thursdays, beginning September 11 (see health4u.msu.edu for all dates) 12:10-12:50 pm, IM Circle Dance Studio $36.00 per person fee for 12-week series

Chair Massage Samplers

Peggy Crum, MA, RD, and Chef Kurt Kwiatkowski Tuesday, September 23: Cake Decorating Tuesday, October 21: Knife Skills Tuesday, November 18: Broths & Stocks 12:10-12:50, McDonel Hall Test Kitchen

Marilyn Cady and Deby Stuart, Certified Massage Therapists Tuesdays, visit health4u.msu.edu for dates and locations 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Culinary Cooking and Concepts “Farmers Market Goodness”

Peggy Crum, MA, RD and Chef John Findley Wednesday, September 24 12:00-1:00, University Club of MSU $15.25 per person

Culinary Cooking and Concepts “Pizzas with Pizzazz”

Peggy Crum, MA, RD and Chef John Findley Thursday, November 20 12:00-1:00, University Club of MSU $15.25 per person

Healing Power of Guided Imagery Lisa Laughman, LMSW, ACSW Wednesdays, beginning October 1 12:10 – 12:50 pm, Abrams Planetarium

How to Eat ORIENTATION

Peggy Crum, MA, RD Thursday, September 18 12:10-12:50, Location to be announced.

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All classes require registration prior to the ﬁrst class session. All series provided free of charge, unless otherwise speciﬁed.

Recipe for Health Cooking Series

Peggy Crum, MA, RD and Chef Kurt Kwiatkowski Wednesday, September 10: Pears Wednesday, September 10: Rutabaga Wednesday, September 10: Cranberries Wednesday, September 10: Pecans 12:10-12:50, Brody Square Demonstration Kitchen

Relaxing Under the Stars

**NEW THIS YEAR** Low Stress, High Performance

Lisa Laughman, LMSW, ACSW Wednesdays, beginning October 29 12:10-12:50pm, Berkey Hall, Room 207

MSU Breathe Easy: Tobacco & Nicotine Cessation Program Want to quit smoking? Register to attend a pre-enrollment Orientation: Wednesday, October 8, 2014 1:30-3:30 pm Olin Health Center, Room 247

John French, Abrams Planetarium Tuesday, September 17 Tuesday, October 14 Tuesday, November 12 Tuesday, December 4 12:10-12:50 pm, Abrams Planetarium

Open to MSU faculty, academic/support staff and benefits-eligible dependents. Register by email health4u@msu.edu or by calling 517-353-2596.

Rest with Music

The MSU Breathe Easy: Tobacco & Nicotine Cessation Program is being offered through a partnership between Human Resources, Olin Health Center, and the Office of the University Physician-Health4U Program.

Jon Novello, LMSW, ACSW Monday, September 15: Global Roots Music Monday, October 20: Celtic Harp Monday, November 17: Classical Guitar 12:10 – 12:50 pm, Abrams Planetarium

Shame, Shame, Go Away

Lisa Laughman, LMSW, ACSW Mondays, beginning September 29 12:10-12:50pm, Location to be announced.

Building Shame Resilience Skills

Lisa Laughman, LMSW, ACSW Mondays, beginning November 3 12:10-12:50pm, Location to be announced.

Tuesday, Se ptembe r 9, 2 01 4

Do something terrific for yourself, your family, your friends, and MSU – we can help!

Michigan State University/University Physician’s Office/Health4U Program

Opinion

Merinda Valley Opinion editor opinion@statenews.com @thesnews

Land and Peters should debate at MSU, engage young voters We hold the power of our democracy on a sheet of paper. We make our choices and then drop them into a ballot box. And we are affected, knowingly or not, by the results. Across campus, students are either on the cusp of political engagement, or they’ve entered the realm within the last few years. With voting privileges, no matter how recently issued, students have the ability to sway the race for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat that will be open for the first time in two decades once Democratic Sen. Carl Levin retires after the current term. It is one of the hotly contested races that will be decided in the Nov. 4 general election. At this point, analysts are still labeling it a toss-up between Terri Lynn Land, a Republican and who served two terms as Michigan Secretary of State, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Gary Peters. Efforts by local media organizations to arrange a public debate between the candidates

have been stifled. In MSU and ASMSU’s attempts to hold an on-campus debate, Land has been the roadblock. Land’s campaign website highlights community involvement as a tenet of her public service. “Terri has always taken her commitment to the community seriously and believes that her call to service goes beyond the halls of the capitol. Terri remains involved in organizations at the local, regional, and state levels,” it says. Land has said she is open to public political discourse and answering voter questions. But as members of the MSU community and her constituency call on her to debate Peters on state and national issues, she’s silent. Land should be upholding her self-proclaimed principles, and embracing the young voters at MSU are who are a significant emerging demographic. In the 2008 presidential election, the turnout of young voters reached a notable high — 51% of Americans ages 18 to 29 voted.

Letter to Terri Lynn Land ASMSU makes final call for Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land to debate opponent Gary Peters on campus BY KC PERLBERG Vice president of governmental affairs, ASMSU

Editorial board editorin-chief Celeste Bott opinion editor Merinda Valley staff rep Geoff Preston minority rep Sergio MartínezBeltrán

Undoubtedly, votes cast by individuals under 30 could have a bearing on Land’s success. Although some outlets assert that constituency may be less Democratic-leaning in 2014 than in 2010 and 2012, Democrats won a majority of young adults’ votes in recent national elections. Young people are less likely to participate in midterm elections, but now is the time when their political personalities are supple. Politicians need to engage them. Nevertheless, the potential influence contained within the young demographic that could benefit either candidate is merely an aside. Political debates are a fundamental part of the electoral process. Some might view debates as just another chance for each candidate to sound off on their comprehensive plans and differentiate themselves with mud-slinging that is slightly more gracious than attack ads. But with candidates face-to-face, we can compare the proposals and abilities

When we are young, we are painted a bright and idealistic picture of our democracy. We’re told of how members of communities, states and our country come together to discuss issues and select representatives. These things are done sincerely, in the open, and with a mind toward civic interest and inclusiveness. It is in that spirit that I am writing an open letter to Terri Lynn Land and her campaign for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat. For nearly three months, the MSU student government and partners in the university administration have been working hard to bring a televised debate between the two candidates for Senate to campus. Events like this are important opportunities for both our fellow students and voters across Michigan to hear candidates have real, honest discussions about issues that are important to our state and nation. However, it appears that such a debate will not happen either at MSU or anywhere in Michigan. That is why I am writing to you today, Ms. Land. Over many months and dozens of attempted communications, your campaign has all but ignored

Land and Peters, we need to hear you. Tell us who you are. Tell us how you will stand for us. each offers, and get a better idea of whether we want them to hold the public office at stake. The proposed debate on campus is not about party politics. It’s about politics, period. Land and Peters, we need to hear you. Tell us who you are. Tell us how you will stand for us. Reluctance or inability from Land, Peters or any other politician to make room in their schedule for a political debate is a sign of the divide between candidates and the citizens they intend to represent. Without involvement, they might find that young voters sway toward an opposing political platform — or worse, leave their ballots out of the box altogether.

us. Multiple interested parties and media outlets throughout the state have had similar experiences. Despite this, you and members of your campaign have made public statements insinuating that you are interested in debates, in communication with potential debate partners, and have a debate team working on such decisions. I hope I am wrong, but I have not found this to be the case. Now, I am not naive. I understand that a candidate’s first priority is to win the election, and I respect that. But we have an opportunity to take a small step toward better politics in our state. This fall, Michigan will elect a new senator for the first time in 20 years, as well as decide who is to serve as its governor. Despite these incredibly important decisions, it seems voters will not get the chance to hear any of their candidates openly discussing issues such as infrastructure, educational systems and military intervention abroad. That would be disappointing, and I think we would be worse off as a community for it. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can chip T UES day, SEP T E MBER 9, 2 01 4

Opinion Po ll To day ’ s q u e s t i o n

Do you think Michigan Senate candidates Terri Lynn Land and Gary Peters should hold a debate at MSU? To vote, visit statenews.com

away at the cynicism and disengagement that has come to be the norm in our politics. We can help to show a whole generation of voters that two candidates can disagree on issues respectfully and productively. I am eager and hopeful to work with you. I believe that a partnership between MSU and the two candidates for the Senate could produce a valuable and empowering experience for voters, but time is running out. If we discussed these ideas and you decided that you would not be interested in debating, I understand that. But I believe we are at least owed the courtesy of meeting with you and your team to discuss such things, as would any potential constituent or business partner. Please, I am urging you to contact us as soon as possible. If we can get any kind of response from you within a week’s time, I believe we can still do our part to serve the state. I wish you the best and look forward to hearing from you. KC Perlberg is a senior and vice president for governmental affairs with the Associated Students of Michigan State University. Reach him at vpga@asmsu.msu.edu. Th e Stat e N e ws

News

Nature beats nurture in MSU intelligence study by Jasmin rojo jrojo@statenews.com

Score one for nurture over nature — an MSU study shows people perform better knowing their intelligence comes from their environment rather than their genetics. Clinical psychology graduate student Hans Schroder conducted the study and said he believes telling people hard work is more important than genetics leads to positive results in the brain. It might trigger people to want to work harder, he said. “I was interested in people’s intelligence because of its genetics and valuable characteristics,” Schroder said. “The study pays more attention to genetics and environment and pays attention to people’s errors from the study.” In the study, participants are separated into two groups, in which one

reads an article about how intelligence is mainly based on genetics and the other reads about how geniuses’ intelligence is based on their surroundings in the environment. Participants were then asked to remember the key points in the articles. The results showed that those who read the article on the environment were more prone to learning from their errors, based on a more effective brain response. “If they paid attention to the errors, they were faster,” Schroder said. “Their brains worked effectively after mistakes and showed new results.” Assistant professor of psychology Jason Moser worked with Schroder on the study. As a student of Moser’s, Schroder worked in his lab and they were both running on results. “Telling people briefly you can change your experience in environment due to intelligence is amazing,” Moser said. “Changing somebody’s

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brain activity by reading something blew me away.” Advertising junior Ka Lee said a study like this will encourage students to want to learn more. “I think it’s interesting to see results on how your brain stimulates to certain traits based on someone’s intelligence,” Lee said. “It would be interesting to further learn about when it expands to more people.” Linguistics junior Maribel Quiroz said it’s a way to boost self esteem. “It boosts self confidence on someone and helps them perform better,” Quiroz said. “They are mentally feeling like they got it, rather than thinking they are going to perform better.” The study is ongoing, Schroder said. “Our study has an impact on the way the brain performs with intelligence,” Schroder said. “It’s efficient and is changing the way we look at intelligence.”

Research Round - up

Fac t Of women who have read all three novels in the trilogy, 63 percent surveyed have five or more sexual partners in their lifetime, according to the study.

Study: Wom en who’ve read ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ have more sexual partners A new st udy f rom a n MSU researcher shows that women who have read the “Fifty Shades of Grey” series between ages 18 to 24 are more likely to have more sexual partners or issues related to eating disorders, binge drinking and abusive relationships. But there is no evidence saying that those bad health behaviors are directly caused by reading “ Fifty Shades of Grey,” said Amy Bonomi, the lead researcher and a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family. Six hundred and fifty-five women from Ohio State University participated in the research. Of this sample, 122 have read at least the first book, 97 have read all three books and 436 never read any of the series. The research shows that for people who read at least the first Fifty

Shades novel, 25 percent of them are more likely to have a partner who shouted, yelled or swore at them; 34 percent of them are more likely to have partner who delivered unwanted calls and text messages and 77 percent are more likely to have used diet aids during their lifetime. For those in the study who have read all three novels, 65 percent of them have binge drinking in the last month and using diet aids, and 63 percent of them have five or more intercourse partners during their lifetime. “We are not suggesting to ban these books, but it’s important for women to understand that health behaviors assessed in the study are known risk factors for being in a violent relationship, “ Bonomi said. She also said children should be taught to watch television shows, movies, video games and other mass medias with violent and sexual elements with a critical eye. — Lingling Xu

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Sports Weekend tie preserves solid start for men’s soccer MSU has yet to concede a goal through three games.

Omari Sankofa II Sports editor sports@statenews.com @thesnews

By Matthew Argillander margillander@statenews.com

After playing in their third game of the season, the men’s soccer team remains undefeated — just not quite in the way they imagined. After being postponed on Sept. 5, No. 7-ranked MSU played the Illinois-Chicago Flames to a 0-0 tie. The team now holds a record of 2-0-1 through three games. “UIC is a hard team to play against, they kind of play low pressure, they’re organized and they don’t open the game up so they’re hard to break down,” head coach Damon Rensing said. “I didn’t think we executed some things from a technical side.... we got the ball in some dangerous areas; we just didn’t make the right pass off to get some shots off, and that’s something we’ll work on this week as we get ready for Valparaiso.” The Spartans, despite not managing to win on Saturday, still have a lot to build on. The team has not given up a goal through the first three games and a tie still holds more value than a loss, especially against another top-25 opponent in No. 24 UIC. “Obviously we expect to win every game, but playing a top-25 team on the road and not giving up a goal in a tie (is impressive), especially when you see a lot of the other results that went on in college soccer this weekend, a ton of upsets,”

Senior wide receiver Tony Lippett, 14, celebrates scoring a touchdown with sophomore offensive tackle Jack Conklin during the game against Oregon on Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. The Spartans lost to the Ducks, 46-27.

Rensing said. “I thought we limited the chances for UIC to win the game we probably just didn’t give ourselves enough chances to guarantee a win....at the end of the day we didn’t give up a goal for a third straight game so we took that as a positive.” The Spartans currently have a better record through three games than they did in the previous season which saw the team break the school record for wins. The team is 2-0-1 compared to 2-1-0 last year. “Win-loss percentage is an important piece for the RPI which is one of the major factors in the NCAA selection show, so our winning percentage stays higher at 2-0-1 as opposed to 2-1 and a tie against a good UIC team will mean something towards the end of the season,” Rensing said. MSU’s lone loss through three last season came against the Valparaiso Crusaders, the team the Spartans are slated to play next on Sept. 11. The team will be playing with some added motivation against the Crusaders. “Valparaiso’s had our number, even though we’ve had success against certain teams, (Valparaiso is) one that we haven’t,” Rensing said. “We certainly have some motivation to come out and get a win. It will be difficult Mike Avery does a really good job there, he’s a good coach. .It should be a very good game on Thursday.”

“Obviously we expect to win every game, but playing a top-25 team on the road and not giving up a goal in a tie (is impressive), especially when you see a lot of the other results that went on in college soccer this weekend, a ton of upsets.” Damon Rensing, Men’s soccer head coach

Four takeaways from MSU-Oregon Despite loss, Spartans can look at positives from Saturday.

PHOTO: JULIA NAGY

By Robert Bondy rbondy@statenews.com

No. 2 Oregon ripped off 28 consecutive points in the second half to break the hearts of many Spartans, topping No. 13 MSU, 46-27, from Autzen Stadium on Saturday. MSU held a lead all the way up until the final minutes of the third quarter, but simply couldn’t hold on to earn that program-changing win. But not all was bad for Sparty from Saturday’s disappointing loss. Here are four takeaways from MSU’s loss to the Ducks: Need to c a p i ta l i z e on opportunities The Spartan offense looked like the tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on Saturday — moving the ball but failing to capitalize. Outside of the first possession, MSU moved the ball consistently throughout the first half, but

didn’t always cash in. On three straight first quarter possessions MSU got as far as its own 46 yard line before the drive sputtered. In the second half MSU also couldn’t put up points after getting to the Oregon 23 and 31 yard line, with a turnover on downs and interception ending the drives. Following the game, junior quarterback Connor Cook said the offense needed to take advantage of the opportunities at hand. With plenty more big-time matchups on the schedule, MSU will need to improve its ability to finish drives when moving the ball to experience success in 2014. Turnovers doomed Spartans The turnover battle always plays a role in football, and that rises even more when playing on the road against a team like Oregon. Cook threw a couple of interceptions, both of which were forced into tight coverage, and MSU couldn’t convert on fourth down and two late in the fourth quarter. MSU couldn’t

afford to give Oregon’s explosive offense extra possessions, with both interceptions resulting in either Oregon points or points off the board for MSU. Turnovers weren’t an issue for MSU a year ago, and sustain that same success the Spartans will need to continue that trend. Lippett = game changer Senior wide receiver Tony Lippett is quickly emerging as one of the best wideouts in the Big Ten. Lippett built off his impressive week one production with a just as solid game against Oregon on Saturday. Lippett led the team with 11 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown. Lippett now has compiled 300 receiving yards and three touchdowns in just two games this season. That puts him nearly halfway to the number of receiving yards he had a year ago, and his three scores already tops the two he had all last season. T U E S day, S E P T E MB E R 9, 2 01 4

Not all hope is lost It’s easy to get caught up in the significance of this loss to Oregon, but by no means is it time to jump overboard. “Our goals and my goal has always been to get that Big Ten championship game and springboard to what we can do from there,” head coach Mark Dantonio said during a teleconference on Sunday. “When there have been difficulties, or what I call storms, we have been able to push through those storms and come out the back end successfully.” The College Football Playoff is still on the table for MSU but a perfect 11-0 record, including Big Ten championship game, down the stretch will be needed to even be in the conversation. While it’s a tall task, MSU did regroup from an early season loss last year to Notre Dame to finish 13-1 and earn Big Ten and Rose Bowl championships. A spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff won’t be easy to obtain, but it’s a possibility for the green-and-white. Th e Stat e N e ws

Sports

Still undefeated, women’s soccer prepares for Big Ten season

COLUMN — Volleyball will bounce back from weekend losses

by John Neidhart jneidhart@statenews.com

MSU finished its non-conference schedule on Sunday, and thanks to a game-winning goal against Western Michigan, the team is undefeated after its first six games. After a challenging early-season schedule, MSU (6-0 overall) has shown clear improvements from last year. “The upperclassmen have matured. They understand what’s at stake a little bit better. The goalkeeping is better. And we’ve added new young personalities, like Jamie (Cheslik) and Morgan McKerchie,” head coach Tom Saxton said. Cheslik and McKerchie have made huge impacts so far. Cheslik leads the team with four goals and nine points, and McKerchie has one assist and has played substantial minutes for the Spartans. “Jamie Cheslik is definitely an improvement. We’ve been able to find her, and she’s been able to finish,” junior forward Allyson Krause said“The team chemistry and team culture have definitely improved. These six or seven incoming freshmen have definitely made an impact in practice and even on the field during games. Jamie, Kristy (Gomez), Morgan McKerchie, they’re all doing great. They’re game changers,” redshirt junior Mary Kathryn Fiebernitz said. MSU (6-0) raced out to a 3-1 victory over IPFW last Friday, and on Sunday, it needed a brilliant double overtime goal from Krause to pick up an impressive win. The Western game served as preparation for the upcoming Big Ten schedule. The Broncos brought along a physicality that will mirror what the Spartans can regularly expect from their conference opponents. “The Big Ten is definitely one of the most phys-

“The Big Ten is definitely one of the most physical conferences. I think playing Western gives us that edge going in with what we’re going to face,” Mary Kathryn Fiebernitz, Redshirt junior defender

The State N e ws

By Troy Jefferson tjefferson@statenews.com

Freshman forward Jamie Cheslik, 15, kicks the ball past Western midfielder Rachel Chaney and towards senior midfielder Megan Marsack on Sunday, during a game against Western Michigan University at DeMartin Stadium at Old College Field. PHOTO: JESSALYN TAMEZ

ical conferences. I think playing Western gives us that edge going in with what we’re going to face,” Fiebernitz said. The schedule also hasn’t done the squad any favors. MSU played three games from Tuesday to Sunday and players were visibly tired or hurting against Western. “We knew this would be a tough stretch for us, and I’m not at all surprised that some of them are hurting right now after three games,” Saxton said. “What will have to happen as we go through these next two weekends is we’ll have to use our bench and we’ll have to do a good job recovering on Saturdays.” Redshirt senior goalkeeper Courtney Clem came back down to earth this past weekend, after giving up two goals to Western. Clem was the reigning twotime Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, after starting the season with Tuesday, Septem b e r 9, 2 01 4

three shutouts in four games. After some early season offensive struggles, it appears as though the team may be finding its groove. MSU out-shot IPFW 23-5 and WMU 24-10. In their earlier wins against San Diego State and Cal State Fullerton, offensive numbers were down and the team was getting out-shot. Now, however, MSU is outnumbering its opponents in shots, 87-85. In addition to two goals, Krause has a team-leading four assists. Fiebernitz is second on the team with three goals. MSU is averaging 2.33 goals per game, a number that may still need to increase in the coming weeks against tough Big Ten competition. MSU will open Big Ten play on Friday, against No. 15 Wisconsin. The Spartans hope to avoid Big Ten struggles, following a very impressive undefeated start to the year.

No. 23 MSU (4-2 overall) did not get the results it wanted over the weekend after losing consecutive games to No. 17 UNC (4-1 overall) and No. 20 Duke (5-1 overall) at home as part of the ACCBig Ten challenge. However, these losses can be attributed to the growing pains of a tough non-conference schedule and are not indicative of the team the Spartans can become. Before the season, senior libero and team co-captain Kori Moster compared this team favorably to the previous two Sweet Sixteen rosters 2012 and 2013, and over the weekend her team showed flashes of brilliance. But one might have thought otherwise if they saw Friday’s home opener against UNC. The Spartans were completely outclassed against the Tar Heels and struggled to find any sort of rhythm, losing in straight sets (17-25, 20-25, 22-25). Saturday was a different story. The Spartans followed Friday’s beatdown with a much better performance albeit in a losing effort. MSU was able to avoid unforced errors early on — which plagued them against UNC — and upped their stats from Friday in every major statistical category, including a 12-point jump in team blocks. Duke scuffled through the first set and split the next two sets with MSU before a controversial call in the fourth set gave the Blue Devils new life. A play here, a play there and the weekend outlook could have been a lot different. The improvement from Friday to Saturday is a testament to the team’s resiliency, and will be something they need to show all season. The Spartans will play eight more back-to-back games and can’t let one loss turn into two or even four losses like it did last year. Short memory and constant improvement is needed in a Big Ten conference, which boasts six other teams in the AVCA rankings. MSU has a chance to improve its non-conference record with the Big Ten- Pac 12 challenge this weekend when they hit the road to face No. 18 Oregon and undefeated Oregon State. Last year, a win in early September against thenranked No. 12 Oregon kick-started a successful season for MSU. The Spartans are not a finished product, but no one is in early September. When people look back at this weekend’s games, I believe they will look at it as an outlier and not the standard.