statenews.com | 10/03/13 | @thesnews Michigan State University’s independent voice
p o l i t ic s
poll: those under 30 tend to trust feds more By Michael Gerstein mgerstein@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
A recent Gallup poll shows public trust in the government is at an all-time low, but, perhaps counterintuitively, those under the age of 30 tend to be much more trusting than those over 30, according to a study earlier this year from the Pew Research Center.
College Libertarian leader Lucas Joncas says students need to hold politicians accountable for actions At MSU, the trend seems to hold true according to some student political leaders. Lucas Joncas, president of MSU’s College Libertarians, said he thinks younger people tend to not pay as close attention to politics and policy as their older counterparts might. Joncas said he thinks that lack of knowledge might lead some to foster a naive attitude. “Keeping track of the government is incredibly important to make sure they’re not abusing their power,” Joncas said. “They’re just like us — they have their own motivations. And those desires are, a vast majority of the time, not going to be in line with what we want them to do.” Joncas said while many students support some of the policy measures on the libertarian platform — such as opposition to drone strikes in Yemen and Pakistan, and NSA spying — those who don’t tend to defend those programs more vehemently than older people he encounters. Still, he says those students are few and far between. Curtis Audette, a social relations and policy junior and communications director for the Michigan Federation of College Democrats, handles voter registration for the group on campus. He said many stuSee POLLING on page 2 u
In need of a bike between class?
Improv and lots of laughter at RCAH
ASMSU looking into bike rental program on campus
Second City comedy visits campus Wednesday
campus+city, pg. 3
features, pg. 5
Cast members Rachel LaForce and Anthony Alfredo Danyelle Morrow/The State News
Portal to higher education Students, professors part of shifting online learning culture at MSU By Simon Schuster sschuster@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
I
magine a class that doesn’t cost anything. Anyone can join, and there’s no penalty for not completing the course — but usually, most don’t. A course without credit, where students never meet their professor. Some experts argue such a model could revolutionize education, while others argue it’s not a sustainable program. Either way, MSU has four of them. The courses are changing the way students and professors approach class activities, as MSU evaluates its overall online presence, including regular online courses. MSU’s four pilot Massively Open Online Courses, or MOOCs, have provided education to people all over the U.S. and the world. In a partnership between MSUglobal and MSU IT Service’s Learning Design and Technology, or LearnDAT, the pilot program has collaborated with faculty in different colleges to produce the courses on a number of different online platforms, utilizing WordPress, Moodle, Desire2Learn and social media. The courses are a tool to advance MSU’s agenda and enhance the university’s reputation globally, MSUglobal Director of Academic Entrepreneurship Jerry Rhead said. “We want to use MOOCs for some type of competitive advantage or for a way to move something forward, not just simply for mass exposure,” Rhead said. Rhead also said some participants in the MOOCs have gone on to look at or pursue one of MSU’s online degree
Danyelle Morrow/The State News
General management sophomore Austin Dickerson takes notes while viewing a slideshow for a hybrid philosophy class Wednesday in his West Shaw Hall dorm room. Dickerson said the class, which meets once a week in person.ww
“It’s definitely different — you have to adjust your schedule and the way you work to cope with studying for an online class. … I can just wake up at 2 p.m. and work. ” Austin Dickerson, General management sophomore
programs. One of the university’s MOOC courses, “Foundations of Science,” used Desire2Learn, the on line lea r ning plat for m that will eventually replace ANGEL. Course co-creator Stephen Thomas said the course engaged participants from 37 states and 37 different countries and provided him with a valuable learning experience in online education. “The first time you offer it is really an experiment that needs to be refined over multiple times,” Thomas said. The online experience For-credit online courses also have grown in popularity at MSU. The university offers more
ac t i v i s m
than 100 undergraduate and graduate courses v ia the Internet. So, going to class might not always involve a commute, but it does require an Internet connection sometimes. General management sophomore Austin Dickerson’s class is enrolled in a course taught online, save for a weekly 50-minute recitation, referring to it as a “blended” course. “It’s definitely different — you have to adjust your schedule and the way you work to cope with studying for an online class,” Dickerson said. “I definitely like it in the sense that ... I can just wake up at 2 p.m. and work at my own pace and on my own time.” Media and infor mation
By the numbers In a national Inside Higher Ed survey, 2,251 professors offered their feedback on online learning.
30
percent of respondents said they’ve taught online.
55
percent of professors who’ve taught online think online courses adequately answer student questions.
24 percent of professors
who have not taught online think online courses adequately answer student questions.
sophomore Dakota Johnston is enrolled in an online-only graphics class. He said he felt the type of course made it wellsuited to online instruction. “It’s definitely laid out really well,” Johnston said. “I’m really into it, so I have the drive to block out some space during my schedule (and) sit down and do
21
percent of professors agree or strongly agree “online courses can achieve student learning outcomes that are at least equivalent to those of in-person courses.”
4 percent of faculty
surveyed strongly agreed that Massive Open Online Courses are exciting for the future of academe.
SOURCE: Inside Higher Ed
the work.” Johnston said although he feels self-motivated in the course, he didn’t think that feeling would translate to other subject areas such as math or science. Beyond coordinating MOOCs, See LEARNING on page 2 u
football
Group protests Kellogg Company
Sims Jr., Harris see both sides of camera By Dillon Davis ddavis@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Khoa Nguyen/The State News
Education sophomore John Elliott, right, tells political science senior Jameil Hall, left, about the protest against Kellogg Company and their partnership with a company they say harms the habitat of Sumatran tigers Wednesday outside Espresso Royale on Grand River Avenue.
statenews.com To read about the group’s protest and responses from students, visit statenews.com.
Two of the most provocative voices in sports media belong to Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless. Embracing debate ever y weekday on ESPN2’s “First Ta ke,” Sm it h and Bayless have b ecome synonymous Sims Jr. with topical but often sensationalized arguments spanning the entire spectrum of the sports world. And for better or worse, the duo consistently continue to bring in strong ratings by being the voices of a nation of opinionated sports fans. One day, that duty might fall to sophomore linebacker Darien Harris and sophomore wide receiver Andre Sims Jr. As the lone journalism students on the MSU football team (3-1), along with being
Julia Nagy/The State News
Youngstown State corner back Jamarious Boatwright tackles sophomore wide receiver Andre Sims Jr. on Sept. 14, 2013, at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Penguins, 55-17.
roommates, Harris and Sims are in the process of determining if they feel as comfortable in front of the camera as they do on the gridiron each weekend. “I definitely want to host my own show,” Harris said. “Maybe I’ll do sports or something. I love media, I love to voice my
opinion and I love to argue in that sense. “When my teammates come in talking about ‘Breaking Bad’, I always watch ‘SportsCenter’ for the umpteenth time.” After living together their freshman year, along with See SPARTANS on page 2 u
2 | T he State News | thursday, O ctober
Police brief Man will go to trial in armed robbery A man accused of committing an armed robbery in East Lansing earlier this summer is set to go to trial this month. Deandre Holmes, 19, allegedly assaulted an MSU student, holding him at gunpoint and taking his cell phone and wallet, on the evening of June 10 in an alley behind the 100 block of Orchard Street. Holmes was arraigned on the charges Sept. 16, and his trial will begin Oct. 16 in 54-B District Court. The victim testified in Holmes’ preliminary exam Wednesday afternoon before Judge Andrea Larkin, identifying Holmes as his attacker in court. East Lansing police Det. Dan Brown also testified and said he administered a photo lineup to the victim after the assault. Brown said the victim immediately identified Holmes from the lineup. Holmes’ attorney, Joseph Brehler, requested Larkin dismiss the $5,000 bond previously set. With Holmes’ strong ties to the area and a 14-month-old child, Brehler said he didn’t believe his client would pose a threat. Larkin denied the request. She said with about 47,000 “relatively unsuspecting students,” she wanted to keep East Lansing safe. Larkin said she particularly was disturbed with this case because it happened in an alley on the way to get food, something that is common among college students. “The danger to the community outweighs the ties to the community,” Larkin said. DEREK BLALOCk
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3 , 201 3 | state n e ws.com
learning
National survey examines trends as MSU looks to expand online offerings from page one
LearnDAT helps faculty members integrate the Internet into their courses. Ryan Yang, assistant director of teaching and learning at LearnDAT, said he has seen
Experts said that as online learning progresses, classroom teaching could change a noticeable rise in the number of faculty moving some or all of their courses online
polling
About 49 percent of those surveyed in the poll indicated they had confidence in the government from page one
dents he comes into contact with lack an understanding of the political process and government more broadly. But Will Staal, president of the MSU College Republicans, said students he has met are interested in political issues, with membership in the club growing and even boasting increased attendance at meetings. Average meeting attendance has increased from about 12 people per meeting last year to 50 this semester.
Student leaders say interest in federal government issues is strong across the campus “Gridlock in Washington is making students realize they have a lot more skin in the game,” Staal said. Faith in the government to effectively address international and domestic issues has been sloping downward for about 10 years. About 49 percent of those polled by Gallup said they were confident in the government. That level of confidence is
VOL. 104 | NO. 123
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“People who teach online or teach a blended course tend to be more reflective or critical of their in-person teaching practices.” Brendan Guenther, MSU LearnDAT Director
since he began working at MSU IT Services two years ago. Yang said LearnDAT used to give one-on-one support to faculty, but because of the rising number of classes becoming technologically integrated, LearnDAT has begun hosting workshops and providing much of their advice online. “It’s definitely a bit overwhelming for faculty initially, especially (because) they need to teach differently,” Yang said. “But once they are over that hurdle, it actually enables them to create a rich environment for their students.” Inside Higher Ed recently conducted a survey examining fac-
ulty attitudes toward technology at U.S. universities. When given the statement “Online courses at my institution can achieve student learning outcomes at least equivalent to those of inperson courses,” a wide majority of professors who had never taught an online course did not agree, with 36 percent strongly disagreeing. Faculty who had taught a course online were much less opposed, with a significantly higher percentage affirming the statement, although their opinions were more widely distributed across the board in terms of opinions. LearnDAT Director Brendan
“Gridlock in Washington is making students realize they have more … in the game.”
spartans
Will Staal, College Republicans President
from page one
lowest for those older than 30. Coming up on the cusp of middle age is a hectic time for many, said John Cavanagh, co-founder of the Lansingbased polling firm EPIC-MRA. With a myriad of doubts over financial stability coming to a head, many just “need a dog to kick,” he said. But among youth, “there’s still a touch of idealism, and enough life experiences haven’t beaten them up enough to become as jaded,” he said. “Politics are always full of faint and false moves,” Cavanagh said. “But I think it’s reached a crescendo in most people’s minds.” With the federal government shutdown caused by political gridlock, uncertainty over potential U.S. military strikes in Syria and privacy concerns amid revelations of mass government surveillance, tumult and doubt seem to pervade much of the American public sphere. Distrust pervades both major political parties, Cavanagh said, though it’s often more visible among voters of the party opposite of the one holding presidential office. Republicans tend to be more dissatisfied with the government when a Democrat is president, and vice versa for Democrats. The split only is intensified by the way congressional and state districts are drawn, he said. Many believe the Watergate scandal and the war in Vietnam were a turning point in trust levels. But never before in polling history has the American public felt so skeptical of government’s efficacy, research shows. T here seems to be a n “unprecedented” polarization of political ideologies in Congress, said Vladimir Shlapentokh, a sociology professor at MSU. Thus, the “extremist” elements on both sides of the aisle became the norm for politicians of all types in the U.S. system, he said.
Sims, Harris going through journalism classes while balancing football sophomore cornerback Trae Waynes and junior linebacker Taiwan Jones, the two grew close in a unit they frequently refer to as “250 Boys,” signifying a block of rooms at Case Hall. Being part of a program that’s accustomed to having a significant amount of media following its every move, Harris and Sims have been learning what it’s like to be the ones asking the questions, rather than the ones answering them. But sometimes, treading the line between student-athlete and prospective media member can be a hazy one. Currently in journalism professor Sue Carter’s Sports Media I class on Mondays and Wednesdays, Sims said the session often begins with an open forum to discuss the top sports stories of the week — a topic the Spartan football team usually is a popular conversation in. And when the Spartans don’t perform well on Saturdays, Sims said other students openly will express their disappointment in the team’s effort, while he and Harris remain silent to reflect on what’s being said. “I just feel like people have their opinions, but they’re not on the field with us,” Sims said. “They don’t really know how or what we do and that’s understandable because they’re not on the field. At the same time, everybody has their own opinions and think a certain way and that’s what makes sports media what it is today.” For Harris, it’s a lesson in objectivity, which remains an essential trait in the field. “For me, the biggest thing is to be objective as opposed to when I’m on the field with my team,” Harris said. “I just kind of sit back and don’t really voice my opinion as much because it’s a different perspective in that sense.” Both in their second year
Continued Guenther found that in his experience, faculty who leveraged the online tools benefit. “People who teach online or teach a blended course tend to be more reflective or critical of their in-person teaching practices,” he said. Guenther said he felt the consensus was that online learning is challenging, but suggested a mix between online and in-person learning really is where professors and students have the most opportunity to maximize
outcomes. Yang said that as technology progress, he believes some of the traditional teaching and learning approaches taken by professors will change. “There would be more and more online courses as it allows students and faculty who otherwise may not be able to take or teach the course to interact and exchange knowledge with one another,” Yang said. “We will see a convergence of the online and face-to-face … as we progress.”
Check out The State News online:
www.statenews.com “I just feel like people have their opinions, but they’re not on the field with us. They don’t really know how or what we do … Everybody has their own opinions.” Andre Sims Jr., MSU wide receiver
of eligibility, Harris and Sims have been strong presences for the team despite only seeing light playing time this season. Sims has seen most of his touches on the return team, but recorded one catch for 13 yards and a touchdown in a 55-17 victory against Youngstown State on Sept. 14. Harris has recorded two tackles on the season and also has seen his primary playing time on the return team, at one point being named as the team’s kick returner prior to the team’s 26-13 win in the season opener against Western Michigan. “Darien Harris is a tough guy, he can run, he can really run,” Dantonio said on Aug. 27. “He was a tailback in high school. He has the skill set to go back there and do those things.” However, the future likely will lead to greater playing time for the duo — and possibly media opportunities beyond that. But in the meantime, Sims will continue to embody Stephen A. Smith while he compares Harris to Skip Bayless, leading the debate in the lock-
er room and beyond. “I could see myself having my own show with Darien because all we do is argue,” Sims said. “He left the house dirty — I don’t like the house dirty, simple stuff. But if we were arguing about sports, I think that’d be a great show.”
Dynamic duo Andre Sims Jr. played in all 13 games in 2012 last year. Sims led the team with 92 punt return yards in 2012 while catching three passes for 23 yards. Sims was an Academic AllBig Ten selection. Sims’ roommate, linebacker Darien Harris, also played in all 13 games in 2012. Harris recorded four tackles while on kick return coverage. In high school, Harris was ranked among the top 35 outside linebackers in the country by Scouts Inc. SOURCE: msuspartans.com
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stat e ne ws.co m | T he Stat e N ews | t hu rs day, octob er 3, 2013 |
Campus+city New phone repair store opens Computer engineering freshman Wyatt Smits puts a phone back together after taking a look at its interior Tuesday at Genius Phone Repair, 617 E. Grand River Ave.
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campus Editor Robert Bondy, campus@statenews.com CITY EDITOR Lauren Gibbons, city@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
Cit y Cou nci l R ACE ‘ 13
Council candidate
Ben Eysselinck
B
en Eysselinck has been many places in his life, but he said as soon as he entered East Lansing’s Glencairn neighborhood eight years ago, he was “instantly in love.” Now, he wants to make his mark on the city by running for one of two four-year term East Lansing City Council seats that will be vacated by incumbents Vic Loomis and Kevin Beard after the Nov. 5 election. Eysselinck, the implementation project manager for software company Vertafore and former chair of the Community Devel-
Margaux Forster/The State News
statenews.com To read a story on new smart phone repair store, visit statenews.com.
t r a n s p o r tat i o n
ASMSU looking to launch bike rental pilot program for students, faculty By Nolly Dakroury ndakroury@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
ASMSU, MSU’s undergraduate student government, has passed a bill to allocate $52,800 to fund a bike share pilot program on campus, aimed at providing students and faculty members initially with 40 bikes to rent throughout the school year. The program would allow students to rent from stations across campus, mostly located in front of residence halls. Each bike would be provided with a lock and, after registration, members would get a text message sent to their phones with a code for that lock. ASMSU has identified residence halls as the best space to use for the pilot bike share program. In the long run, the student government wants to expand the number of locations across campus, depending on ridership needs. The undergraduate student government has been discussing the program for a year and a half, but only started work-
ing in-depth on it about four months ago, ASMSU Vice President for Finance and Operations Michael Mozina said. The student government is collaborating with Zagster, a company established five years ago, which provides campuses, hotels and apartment complexes with bike sharing programs. “The program is a sustainability issue first and foremost,” said Michael Mozina, referencing the rising number of unused bikes outside of residence halls on campus. A yearlong membership for students would cost $50, whereas a one-semester membership would cost $30 and $10 for a summer semester membership. Faculty members’ fees would be higher, costing $75 for a yearly membership, $40 for a semester and $20 for the summer. Renting a bike by the hour also would be an option for non-members. Students would pay $1 per hour, while faculty members would pay $3 and other non-student members of the community would pay $5. Mozina said only 1,000 students and faculty members
would be able to get a membership for the pilot program once it is launched because of the small number of bikes. He added that memberships will be available for purchase online. ASMSU doesn’t have an exact launch date because they are waiting on the approval of the Residence Education and Housing Services, or REHS, on the space. “We want the university to have trust in this (program) so that they would be less likely to pull the plug at any time in the future,” Mozina said. ASMSU officials met with REHS and were asked to schedule meetings with other partners, such as MSU Bikes, Residential and Hospitality Services Communications Manager Kat Cooper said. Advertising senior Shelby Rothenberg said she is excited about the new program, and noted it is long overdue. Rothenberg added that by implementing a bike share program, students wouldn’t need to worry about the maintenance of the bikes, which can be a challenge at times.
Editor’s note: This is the second installment of a semi-weekly series profiling East Lansing City Council candidates prior to the Nov. 5 election. SN: What are your plans for the Park District project? BE: “It’s going to be a mixed use facility ... I think the best way I saw it described was similar to the Broad Art Museum. It was a very big change in buildings for East Lansing. You have that on the east side, and now we are going to have Park District on the west side. ... I think it’s very important that those two balance each other architecturally, functionally ... I think that is going to set a statement for the downtown.”
SN: What are some problems you have noticed with
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He recently sat down with The State News and answered questions about his candidacy. –By Geoff Preston, SN
East Lansing? BE: “I moved here just before the greatest financial recession in our country’s history. That has been the single most critical problem that we have had to focus on. ... In order to work out of these problems, East Lansing has been spending a lot of what funding it can to pay down on financial commitments for pensions. ... We haven’t paid as much attention to our infrastructure. That makes me nervous. It’s not sexy to talk about updating our sewers, but a lot of people are going to be mad if they
don’t work correctly.” SN: How do you hope to bridge the gap between the city of East Lansing and MSU students? BE: “I think the residents need to be more involved in events and activities at MSU. Yes, we live here all year round, but you have a great facility there (at MSU), and as residents here, we need to be engaging with you on your home turf, too. ... I’m on campus once a week. I think that if most residents of East Lansing visited campus once a week, there would be a better understanding.”
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SN: What do you envision for the bar scene downtown? BE: “I’m not running for city council to be anyone’s nanny. I believe the students are all adults here, and they need to obey the laws and be provided for in things they are interested in doing.”
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opment Advisory Committee, was born in Belgium, raised in Egypt and educated at St. Olaf College in Minnesota. He also lived in New York City before moving to East Lansing. Eysselinck said, in a digital age, someone who is well-versed in computers can be an asset to city council. Among other issues, Essyelinck said he is interested in improving Wi-Fi distribution downtown as well as relations between students and residents who coexist in city neighborhoods.
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Crossword
Across
1 Like bars in noir films 6 Brouhaha 10 Workout woe 14 Salsa singer Cruz 15 BMW competitor 16 Invalidate 17 See 49-Down 20 Platte River settler 21 Spoil, with “on” 22 “Cagney & Lacey” Emmy winner 23 Scripture section 25 “I am just __ boy, though my story’s seldom told”: “The Boxer” 27 See 49-Down 31 ‘60s-’70s “Fearsome Foursome” NFL team 34 Reported for the first time 35 Payable now 36 Is after 37 Oyster’s spot 38 Peak in a Trevanian title 40 Capri crowd? 41 “The Birdcage” wrap 42 Emerges from the wings 43 See 49-Down 47 Cosmetician Elizabeth 48 Governor who opened the Erie Canal 52 Jazz pianist Ahmad __ 54 Moscow news acronym
L.A. Times Daily Puzzle
55 Court 56 See 49-Down 60 1-Down holder 61 Exxon forerunner 62 Hosiery thread 63 Bottom of the sea? 64 Hardly a sophisticate 65 Really worry
Down
1 Ice cream serving 2 Conductor Zubin 3 Spreads on the table 4 Flesh and blood 5 Sail supports 6 Get together 7 Rapper __ Fiasco 8 Gator chaser? 9 Paparazzo’s prize, briefly 10 Land of Arthurian legend 11 “Kubla Khan” poet 12 Pop radio fodder 13 “Grand” ice cream brand 18 Hindu mystics 19 Operatic prince 24 Mont. neighbor 25 Elderly 26 Claw holder 28 Massage 29 Plaintiff 30 Bierce defines it as “His” 31 WWII carriers 32 Gaseous: Pref. 33 Go over more carefully
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
37 Deck department supervisor, briefly 38 Surround 39 Santa Monica-toJacksonville hwy. 41 Scripps competition 42 Zhou __ 44 Retirees often do it 45 Between jobs 46 Represent officially 49 Diving rotation, and the clue for four puzzle answers 50 Alley Oop’s girl 51 Large jazz combo 52 Prom king, often 53 Sunburn soother 54 In that case 57 Lee follower 58 Granada bear 59 __ Maria: liqueur
Get the solutions at
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4 | Th e Stat e N e ws | t hursday, o c to be r 3 , 201 3 | state n e ws.com
Opinion
Featured blog Garden grown from rich history
Ou r v o i c e | E d i t o r i a l
increase faculty pay to raise bar for msu EDITORIAL BOARD Ian Kullgren editor in chief Summer Ballentine Opinion editor Celeste Bott staff representative Anya Rath minority representative Olivia Dimmer Staff reporter
M
SU should raise its professors’ salaries — but not because they don’t make enough money already. Comparisons to other Big Ten college professors’ salaries show MSU falls in the middle when it comes to compensation. Contrary to popular belief, low faculty salaries not only negatively affect professors’ bank accounts, but the quality of student education as well. A main pillar of MSU’s mission is to become a global university. The only way it can possibly do that is by attracting talented staff to provide an outstanding education. If MSU’s pay is on the low end, would-be professors likely will take their job search where the pay is higher, leaving MSU with sub-par staff.
“So many kids live in urban and suburban environments — how many of them even know where a loaf of bread comes from? It isn’t the grocery store, it’s something that grows in the earth,” said Frank Telewski, W.J. Beal Botanical Garden curator. — Celeste Bott, State News staff reporter
According to the Chronicle of Higher Edu- tion professor, sugcation, MSU paid assistant professors the least gested that “adding out of any Big Ten college. When entering aca- 1 percent to all salademia, most start out as assistant professors ries would probably take — so how can MSU expect to bring in top-of- us out of the basement” the-line faculty with bottom-of-the-barrel pay? of faculty pay. Being in the basement comIf we want to compete with pared to other colother Big Ten universities, “If we want to leges is not where MSU there’s no getting out of it. To compete with other should be. preserve the distinction and Over a period of time, raismerit that MSU holds, raising Big Ten universities, ing salaries 1 percent might not faculty salaries to reflect and there’s no getting be such a bad idea. attract faculty excellence is a out of it.” Students deserve a solid edunecessity. cation given by competent facFortunately, raising profesulty who are paid adequately sors salaries doesn’t directly for their time. mean raising tuition prices. It all boils down to meeting the growing eduOther Big Ten public universities that pay professors a higher salary have tuition rates cational needs of students, which should be of comparable to MSU’s, notably the University of the highest priority. Offering a reasonable salary is one way to Indiana, which actually estimates tuition to be roughly $2,000 less than MSU’s. Paying more attract a well-rounded and qualified faculty, for qualified, talented professors wouldn’t sole- but not the only option. A good working wage ly come out of student’s pockets — it could be will attract new talent, but not necessarily keep them here. a simple re-allocation of funds. MSU also needs to take the time to mainUnderstandably, faculty pay can’t skyrocket overnight. MSU needs to integrate higher facul- tain the work environment and prestige it has ty salaries into its long-term plan for the future. established — a responsibility that rests partWilliam Donohue, chair of the University ly on students’ shoulders. The quality of a faculty and university often Committee on Faculty Affairs and communica-
Comments from readers
Read the rest online at statenews.com/blog.
is measured by the quality of the students who study there. This symbiotic relationship requires an expectation of excellence on both sides. Students must expect the best out of their professors, assistant professors, instructors and vice versa. Expecting the best without paying the best, or at least more competitively, is foolish. “To raise the prestige and academic rigor of the university, it’s obvious that the value of the faculty would have to increase, and therefore, their salaries would need to be similarly increased,” Evan Martinak, ASMSU president and international relations senior, said in a previous interview. “It’s up to the university community if we’re willing to pay for exceptional faculty.” So the question remains: Are we?
Just so you know
nn
“ASMSU looking to launch new bike rental program”
wednesday’s poll results JUST SO YOU KNOW No 30% One 23%
Do you think MSU faculty are paid enough?
With ASMSU’s track record, the money would be better spent donated to a charity. Green, Oct. 2
None 74%
Would you use a bike rental program on campus?
No 32% 0
10
20
30
Today’s state news poll
Yes 68%
To vote, visit statenews.com. 40 50 60 PERCENT
70
80
Total votes: 66 as of 5 p.m. Wednesday
Shared transportation is definitely is worth looking into to help solve the crisis of overflowing bike racks near residence halls, particularly those near halls that house mostly first year students. Hopefully ASMSU can effectively implement this program.
Editorial cartoonist
Not Steve, Oct. 2
Why is there no mention that this bill still needs to pass the General Assembly of the ASMSU before it even exists?
brandon hankins bhankins@statenews.com
Why leave out the separate $7,200 advertising cost that raises the price of the project to $60,000 dollars? Why is it I had to create my own news website, have an ASMSU Representative desperate to stop this waste of money write me an article, and plaster it all over Facebook to widespread outrage before the State News bothered to cover it? (comment continued online) Jordan Zammit, Oct. 2
To share your thoughts on this story or any other stories, visit statenews.com.
We want to hear your thoughts. The State News welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must include your year and major, email address and telephone number. Phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be fewer than 500 words and are subject to editing.
How to reach us Questions? Contact Opinion Summer Ballentine at 517-432-3070. By email opinion@statenews.com By fax 517-432-3075 By mail Letters to the Editor, The State News, 435 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823
opinion column
Gender roles in sports, fashion limiting to society
D
o guys have an innate quality to know every football or sports-related statistic? Maybe not. But at times it seems to me that most do. Whether guys are discussing their fantasy football leagues or who played in the Final Four last year, I’m astounded constantly at the fact that so many men are sponges to the language of sports. They soak up every element of their favorite teams and rattle off these facts to friends and any willing listeners. Watching ESPN at Buffalo Wild Wings, they analyze their players’ moves, team points, touchdowns and discuss this information over beer and chicken wings with other people who love to do the same thing. I suppose there are some activities the male gender tends to be more interested in. My poor dad always had to ask, “Who wants to cut the grass with me?” throughout my
ping mall wins every time. childhood, and my sisters and I nevTo this day, I cheer from the MSU er mustered up a “yes” because there are things I’ve learned to enjoy more. football student section without really understanding why everyI’ve gotten my fashion sense from one complains about various refmy mother and my sisters. They eree calls. Sure, I could take the taught me how to pick out clothes, time to actually learn do my hair a certain way staff reporter what each call means, and set up Barbie doll but in reality, football houses during every day just isn’t my cup of tea. of my childhood. Not once While watching sports on did it occur to me maybe TV, my dad shouts for me to I should spend some time pay attention to each play, with my dad getting to but I stare at the games and know the rules of football. confusedly resort to asking A lot of these gender difquestions as to what the ferences have to do heck is actually going on. with the way men and Cayden Royce croyce@statenews.com Perhaps there is somewomen are raised. thing missing in sociParental guidance ety. I’ve been raised to like the colhas a huge effect on the sorts of or pink because I’m a girl, and frankactivities and interests an indily, I am more concerned about what vidual becomes accustomed to. I’m wearing to the football game Being the youngest of three girls than who MSU is playing against. in my family, my dad always has I wish I was taught to pay more been outnumbered as to whethattention to sports. But I also er or not we watch football all Sunwish my boyfriend knew what day or go to the shopping mall a crop top is when he points out to get the season’s latest — shop-
the fact that my shirt “looks like it has been shrunk in the wash” when it’s really the latest trend. This is the way many of us were brought up. Men pay attention to sports, while women focus on their wardrobe and appearance. I’m slowly acquiring my sportsrelated “language,” but I still feel a bit like a lost puppy. But I know not everyone is like this. It’s true that some women pay attention to football more and some guys are interested in fashion, but ultimately, the environment a person is raised in has a huge influence on who they are. If we could be more accepting of all the things a person is interested in despite their genetic X or XY chromosome, we could become aware of the gender differences we are placing on today’s society. Cayden Royce is a State News staff reporter. Reach her at croyce@statenews.com.
5 | Th e Stat e N e ws | t hur sday, o c to ber 3 , 201 3
staten e ws.com
Features performance
Features editor Isabella Shaya, features@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
dance
Flash mob in Brody Hall promotes musical By Ariel Ellis
From left to right, accounting junior Page Katz marketing junior Kelly Munzenberger and professional writing sophomore Alison Hamilton perform in a flash mob Wednesday in Brody Hall.
aellis@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Danyelle Morrow/The State News
Athletic training freshman Anthony Alfredo puts his arm around The Second City cast member Kellan Alexander during an improv skit Wednesday at the RCAH Theater.
The Second City comedy show visits RCAH Theater By Anya Rath arath@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
The Second City, a legendary comedy theater from Chicago, presented Happily Ever Laughter last night in the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities, or RCAH, Theater in the lower level of Snyder Hall. The theater erupted in laughter and applause as the five members of the show pelvic thrusted their way on to the stage. The group immediately engaged students as they took suggestions from the audience for the improv component of the show. The Second City has been a training ground for famous comedians, including John Belushi, Tina Fey, Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert. The performers pulled a student on the stage and performed a gay marriage skit. One of the performers, Chris Redd, dressed up like the artist Prince and pretended to marry the student and a fellow performer. The Second City had a comedy cube where they rotated comedy skits and took suggestions from the audience members, suggestions which included rival secretaries and prohibition. Since there were not enough seats in the theater, students were sitting in the aisles watching the performance. Sam Peters, an RCAH senior, said he came out to the show to get ideas for the on-campus improv group, Roial Players, that he directs. He is familiar with the fame of The Second City.
“ T hey ’re a really renowned group,” Peters said. “It’s just the nerve center of comedy and improv.” The show was a part of a monthly college colloquium, called Wednesday Night Live, or WNL, that began this year for RCAH students and faculty. Niki Rudolph, director of Student Affairs for RCAH, said the series is restricted to RCAH students because they are required to attend 12 events from the WNL series during their four years in the program. Rudolph said the performers in WNL come from a variety of professions such as artists, actors, poets and more. After each event, the guests will lead the students in a discussion. RC A H de a n Stephe n Esquith said the WNL series serves two purposes. “One purpose is that (all) of our students can attend a common event, (where) older students have the opportunity to mentor and share with younger students,” Esquith said. “The second thing is to introduce students to people who have been successful in the arts and humanities, whether they’re artists or scholars.” Megan Wesner, RCAH and English sophomore, attended last night’s show because she had heard about The Second City’s fame before. She is enthusiastic about the success of the WNL series. “I love it, it’s one of the greatest things RCAH has done so far,” Wesner said.
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As the ‘80s hit “Maniac” played in Brody Hall, bystanders were caught off guard as members of the MSU Dance Club and Wharton Center Student Marketing Organization broke out in a “Flashdance” rendition. The neon-shirted flash mob wandered into Brody Wednesday and performed a choreographed routine to promote “Flashdance the Musical” coming to Wharton Center Oct. 8-13. Never having participated a flash mob, MSU Dance Club president Kelly Munzenberger said when she heard the musical is coming to East Lansing, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to put one together. “We’ve wanted to do a flash mob for a couple of years,” Munzenberger said. “There are so many fun dances and a lot of great music in the show, so it just seemed like the perfect show to do a flash mob for.” Also a member of Wharton Center Student Marketing Organization, Munzenberger said bringing the two groups together and
coming up with a routine was pretty simple. “We put it together pretty quickly and we only actually practiced for it one time,” Munzenberger said. “For the flash mob, (the moves) were simple and easy .” Accounting freshman Willie Kemp was in Brody Hall when the flash mob started and said, at first, he was confused . “I thought it was really funny,”
Kemp said. “I just looked up and realized they were dancing, I had no idea what it was for.” Kemp said the dance will attract students to the show. “It definitely got my attention, and I’m all the way over here working on homework,” he said. In addition to the flash mob, Wharton Center has hosted several events to promote the musical including “Flashdance” karaoke last Friday. At 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Spartan Dance Center will host a class on the show’s dances taught by the musical’s performers. Student tickets for the musical are on sale for $25, and general admission starts at $32.
More online … To watch a video of the flash mob, visit statenews. com/multimedia.
sports
Men’s club lacrosse video series goes on network By Christine LaRouere clarouere@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
The MSU men’s lacrosse club is making its presence known across the nation with a new video series featured on The Lacrosse Network, a YouTube channel that covers the sport of lacrosse. The web series, “The Program: Fall Ball,” was released Tuesday on the network. Each episode gives fans a behind-thescenes look at the life of a club lacrosse player and how they develop into a strong team. The idea stemmed from the documentary that media and information junior Spencer Taylor created for the club to highlight last season. Taylor has been shooting and producing the video series. In addition to conducting interviews with the players, he attends every practice and scrimmage to get the footage. The first video is an introduction to the club sport and some of the players. “They reached out to me to
have something to look back on and view their season,” Taylor said. “The viral exposure they got from that was really good to the program and made many people appreciate club lacrosse.” After the hype of the documentary, The Lacrosse Network reached out to Taylor and recommended he create a web series for the MSU club. Senior midfielder Charley Dever, who is friends with Taylor and helped come up with the idea for the documentary, was featured in the first episode. Dever said the exposure on the network is good for the club because it puts MSU’s lacrosse program up with highly ranked schools the network usually covers, such as the University of North Carolina and Duke. “Everyone in the lacrosse world knows about The Lacrosse Network,” Dever said. “It is so cool to know that we are in the public eye and show how we are such a serious program.” In the spring, the men’s lacrosse club went to nationals for the fourth time, but lost in
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the quarter finals. Dever also said the videos help for prospective players interested in the program because it will give them a sense of how the club interacts and works. Taylor said he has worked with other sports teams on campus, but men’s lacrosse is one of the best groups he has inter-
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acted with. “This team is unlike any team I have dealt with at MSU,” Taylor said. “They don’t think they are better than anyone else.” There will be seven to eight new episodes overall released every Tuesday this fall and also in the spring on youtube.com/ user/TheLacrosseNetwork/ videos.
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Horoscope By Linda C. Black 10 IS THE EASIEST DAY — 0 THE MOST CHALLENGING
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Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8 — The marketplace expands. Assumptions disintegrate in the face of new facts. The job may be tough, so put in the preparation. Get it done despite distractions. Friends provide a boost. Others admire your work.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is an 8 — Find time to put together a new project. Don’t buy, sell or trade just yet. Learn about a passion. Careful planning puts more money in your pocket. Jump right in, and land in a lovely moment. Try something different.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 6 — You can get through where a nervous friend can’t. Think the problem through logically. You see the way. Schedule carefully. Stash away a bounty for later, despite temptation to indulge in a luxury. Give in to fun with a friend instead.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is an 8 — Start your planning, and take on more responsibility. Ask for what is due to you. Accept encouragement. Listen carefully. Discover other benefits. You have what you need. Romance hits you hard when you least expect. Go with it.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is a 6 — Test the limits, and assume authority. Get feedback from a person with great taste. Exercise good judgment. Keep some cash on hand, just in case. Controversy rages on without you. Listen carefully and observe quietly. Insight dawns.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 6 — You’re especially cute and popular now. Recognize your own stubbornness. Laugh at it for extra points. Have the gang over to your house. All isn’t as it appears. Discuss your preferences, so you know what they are.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 6 — Figure out how to cut travel costs or home expenses. Stick to basics. Provide information. Entertain suggestions. A partner refreshes your memory. Insight illuminates your studies. Make a good impression by relying on your common sense.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 6 — Gather valuable information. Important people are saying nice things about you. Meetings conflict with family time. Don’t get into a silly argument. Get comfortable and rest. It’s a good time to be with friends. The admiration is mutual.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 6 — Keep the important stuff hidden. Get organized and clean up. Pamper yourself with small luxuries. Your optimism and sensitivity increases. Imagine yourself in the winner’s circle. Venture out with your partner to play with friends. An unexpected development adds a new option. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 7 — A conversation spurs you forward. Get the ones who know to confide in you. Others ask your advice. Show the team your appreciation. Re-check basic assumptions. Travel plans revolve around comfort. Double-check reservations. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 6 — Group activities go well. Reinforcements are on the way. Unexpected costs could arise. Check bank records and re-assess your budget. Revolutionize your attitude and seek balance. Harmonize colors. Get help to crank out profits. You look good. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 7 — The competition is fierce, and you may encounter resistance. Let your partner take the lead. Together, you can push ahead. Your holdings are appreciating. Offer accommodation.
Sports
state n e ws.com | The State N ews | thu r sday, octob er 3, 2013 |
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sports editor Matt Sheehan, sports@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
Courtney Clem’s save percentage, which is second best in the Big Ten.
v o ll e y b a ll
women’s soccer
Spartans looking for revenge against Wolverines HOT START NOT ENOUGH, PLENTY OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS By Derek Blalock
dblalock@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
The rivalry is renewed. The women’s soccer team (7-22 overall, 1-2-0 Big Ten) will return to DeMartin Stadium at Old College Field on Thursday against its archrival, No. 21 Michigan (7-2-1, 1-1-1). Last season, Michigan defeated MSU, 2-1, in overtime when Michigan defender Shelina Zadorsky found midfielder Emily Jaffe in the final minute of overtime. MSU will look to avenge last year’s loss, but it will be a tougher game, sophomore defender Mary Kathryn Fiebernitz said. Fiebernitz leads MSU with four goals on the year.
“We’re two rivals, so it’s cutthroat,” she said. “It’s going to be a very physical, hard-fought game.” Michigan returns four members from last season’s All-Big Ten first and second teams. Forward Nkem Ezurike, defenders Shelina Zadorsky and Holly Hein all were named first team All-Big Ten, while midfielder Meghan Toohey was named to the second team. Sophomore Corinne Harris was named to last year’s All-Freshman team. Michigan freshman goalkeeper Taylor Bucklin also is one of the top goalkeepers in the conference. She leads the conference in goals against average with only .50 goals against per game. “They have a couple very, very
noteworthy veteran personality players that we have to contend with, but we’ve done that with other teams this year, so I’m confident,” MSU head coach Tom Saxton said. Saxton said the Spartans will look to continue to improve offensively and defensively as a team. “They’re a little more direct than we are, they’re going to get the ball forward quickly and get in behind and knock the ball down,” Saxton said. “We play a little bit more of a possession game and I would like to see the possession game win out.” Injury update In Sunday’s matchup against Wisconsin, redshirt freshman midfielder Jessica White sus-
tained a knee injury that will leave her on the sidelines for the near future. Saxton said White is out indefinitely and the injury might require surgery, but couldn’t comment on the specificity of the injury other than it wasn’t an anterior cruciate ligament tear. White is the third Spartan to suffer a knee injury already this season. She also had to redshirt last year because of a knee injury only three games in the season. In the first weekend of play, junior forward Paige Wester and junior midfielder/forward Lisa Vogel suffered knee injuries against Buffalo and Milwaukee.
F OOT B A L L
O-LINE COMPETITION STILL HEATING By Stephen Brooks
Georgina De Moya /The State news
Senior outside hitter Lauren Wicinski bumps the ball on Wednesday during practice at Jenison Field House.
sbrooks@statenews.com
By Omari Sankofa II
THE STATE NEWS
osankofa@statenews.com
nn
THE STATE NEWS
Offensive line coach Mark Staten was more than pleased with how his group fared in the Spartans’ loss to Notre Dame two weeks ago. The Spartans rotated in eight offensive linemen, and the various combinations pushed around a talented Fighting Irish defense for much of the afternoon, resulting in a 119-82 advantage in rushing yards. “We played, offensive line speaking, the best in a lot of years even with the loss happening,” Staten said while talking with reporters. “But I’d have given all that up for the W. But it’s important we continue to jell, continue to get guys in there and feel good about things.” MSU initially was forced to sub various linemen in and out during the early portion of the season due to nicked-up players, such as senior tackle Fou Fonoti and sophomore guard Jack Allen. Staten said the rotation will continue because it helps keep the big bodies healthy and potentially can confuse defenses that have picked up on one player’s tendencies. “It’s exciting, they’re talking to each other, there’s more communication out there and they’re really, really helping one another get better,” Staten said. Much of the shuffling has occurred on the outside, where Fonoti, redshirt freshman Jack Conklin and sophomore Donavon Clark have rotated at the tackle spots. Staten said the competition is so tight at left tackle that the advantage switches daily. Throughout the various lineups, though, the one constant has been senior Blake Treadwell at left guard. Treadwell and Staten share a common thread as coaches’ sons, and talking about the captain’s play gets Staten amped up. “(Treadwell is) playing real explosive football,” Staten said.
nn
Khoa Nguyen/ The State News
Sophomore wide receiver Macgarrett Kings Jr. tries to run the ball as Notre Dame safety Elijah Shumate wraps him up, Sept. 21, at Notre Dame Stadium. MSU lost, 17-13.
“He’s put a lot of time in … He’s turned into a tremendous leader for us, one of the top leaders on the offense, I’d say, I’d put that out there. “He’s just a tough, gritty, grinder and just gets so much joy and thrill out of just smashing people, so I like (Treadwell) a lot.” Special attention Sophomore wide receiver Macgarrett Kings Jr. is set to return kickoffs and punts for MSU this week, an opportunity he was very excited about on Tuesday.
Linebackers and special teams coach Mike Tressel said Kings’ attention to detail and explosiveness suit him well for the added responsibilities. “(For a) punt returner, it’s ‘I could get hit immediately,’” Tressel said. “As a kickoff returner it’s, ‘I’m going to be going full speed and I can’t stutter and I’ve gotta run through the smoke.’ … Sometimes you’ve got a guy who’s both those things.” The Notre Dame game also signaled a changing of the guard at kicker when true freshman Michael Geiger replaced senior
Kevin Muma after Muma missed a 30-yard field goal. Tressel said MSU hoped to redshirt Geiger this season, but the Notre Dame situation warranted a change. In manufactured pressure situations in practice, Geiger has responded well since becoming the main kicker, Tressel said. “We’re not going to try to put you in a position where we don’t think you should make this kick unless it is maybe the last play of the half or the last play of the game,” Tressel said.
Last weekend’s victories over then-No. 1 Penn State and thenNo. 13 Ohio State represented just the beginning of what the volleyball team is working for this season — an extended tournament run. With success comes recognition, and the Spartans moved up five spots to No. 9 in this week’s AVCA Coaches Poll. It’s the first top-10 team of head coach Cathy George’s career with MSU. And with the ranking comes a shift in how the team is viewed on a national level. “With that ranking, we’re no longer underdogs anymore,” said senior setter and co-captain Kristen Kelsay, adding the underdog mindset is one the team had carried with them. As the sweep over Ohio State proved, the five-set victory over Penn State was no fluke. MSU has started its Big Ten season on a firm note, and the team anticipates the rest of the Big Ten has taken notice. “(We have) to take that level of responsibility in knowing that everything that we do is going to be watched for now on,” junior libero and co-captain Kori Moster said. “But as a team, we have to keep controlling what we can control.” Regardless if the team previously saw themselves as the underdog, head coach Cathy George said they don’t see being
a top-10 ranked team as a different challenge. “We’re just toned in on what we need to do for our team at the moment,” George said. “This team has been very good at keeping things in perspective, and there’s been times we haven’t gotten the credit we deserve, there’s times where we get more credit than we deserve. It doesn’t matter really, it’s what do we do in our own gym.” With 18 games left in Big Ten season, Kelsay said it’s too early for the players to give themselves credit. The Big Ten is arguably the strongest conference in NCAA volleyball, and wins can’t be taken for granted. “I think (the ranking is) something that you take with a grain of salt,” Kelsay said. “Rankings are exciting, but you don’t want to rest on those laurels because we know we have 18 matches in the Big Ten left.” Last weekend was huge for the program, but wasn’t perfect from a team standpoint. After taking a 2-0 match lead against Penn State, the Nittany Lions bounced back to win the next two sets. MSU had to close out the match in set five. The inability to close out Penn State late in the game shows the team there is still work to be done. “We still know we can play better volleyball,” Kelsay said. “There were times we didn’t play our best, games 3 and 4 in Penn State. The outcome is what we wanted, but we still have room to improve.”
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