Arbiter 8-29-12

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August

2012

Volume 25

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Boise, Idaho

Exit Prose

Dean of students here to help Mallory Barker Staff Writer

Drop a beat with SUPS on the SUB patio

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Tech Talk

iPads, Droids, laptops, oh my! Is technology controlling your life?

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CODY FINNEY/THE ARBITER

Associate Dean of Students Blaine Eckles.

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No more Moore

Bronco Nation’s greatest challenge yet

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First issue free

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Weather Today

CODY FINNEY/THE ARBITER

Dean of Students Christian Wuthrich.

Blaine Eckles, the new associate dean of students and director of student rights and responsibilities, grew up as an “air force brat,” attending three different junior highs and three different high schools in six different states, but his family will always call Oregon their home. Eckles’ favorite childhood memory, however, is living in Hawaii and hanging out at the beach. Eckles received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon with a double major in psycology and sociology. He went on to received his Masters in Education with an emphasis in rehab counseling from Western Oregon, and received his Ph. D. through the University of Idaho in Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership. Eckles said his main goal for Boise State is to have a successful campus that can communicate effectively. “I want this to be a caring, respectful community,” Eckles said. Eckles shared his outlook on life, one that can be appreciated by students and sugar-aholics alike stemming from the fact that his favorite food is chocolate chip cookies. “What problem of the world can’t be solved over a cold glass of milk and warm chocolate chip cookies?” Eckles said. All joking aside, Eckles is excited to be the new associate dean of students, and the new direction the dean’s office is going. “Having an office of the dean is going to create a greater clarified funnel where if students or faculty are struggling we will be a more clarified resource for them to tap into,” Eckles said. The office of the

dean is spearheaded by the Dean of Students, Christian Wuthrich. Wuthrich grew up in the Bay Area in San Jose, Calif. He left home to go to college at 18 and spent most of his adult life in the west. Wuthrich has three children: a 12-year-old, an 11-year-old and a 9-year-old. Wuthrich received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at the University of Idaho before moving on to Washington State University to earn his Ph. D. The focal point for all of his degrees is education, and as Wuthrich’s interests changed, his focus switched to higher education. His interests in higher education center around students and student development theory, faculty worklife and university finances. “It’s an excellent time to be in higher education because we are challenged to help those that attend and those that are in our immediate community excel and prosper,” Wuthrich said. “I’ve always been excited about learning new things and the pursuit of knowledge.” Wuthrich said Boise State is a good school because of the growth and changing student demographic. “I really enjoy that type of environment, and Idaho is a great place to live and work,” he said. More specifically, Wuthrich loves Boise. He has watched it grow and is very fond of the outdoor lifestyle. “It is nice to see people out riding their bikes and walking,” Wuthrich said. Before coming to Boise, Wuthrich worked for five years teaching part and full-time in higher education and administration programs. He said he worked mostly with graduate, master, and Ph. D students. Previously,

Rachel Zarr

Lauren Oe

Administrative Assistant for the Dean of Students

Student Support Case Manager

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What’s Inside News Briefs

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News

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Opinion

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Sports

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The Arbiter

die a ts b to uden l is t a o g to s M y o u rc e l i n g . g s rug t re re c a re s t e t nO tha aure

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Bryan Talbot/THE ARBITER

Freshmen fear the new school year Mallory Barker Staff Writer

Wednesday

Sunny

Wuthrich was the dean of students at Washington State University for three and a half years, and associate director of the office of student conduct. He was also in charge of alcohol and drug use at the University of Idaho. Wuthrich, a selfproclaimed morning person, wakes up at 4:30 every morning, and with a later bedtime, usually averages about six hours of sleep. Students can relate to a lack of sleep, however the dean said he doesn’t take naps. “The morning is a great time to have clarity and crank stuff out,” said Wuthrich. Students can expect the Office of the Dean to have their interests in mind. The Office of the Dean of Students will also try to provide safety nets for students who are struggling and having a crisis. Wuthrich said to expect a lot of policy development so students can make good use of the sites on campus. Wuthrich plans to help students navigate life’s issues and conflicts. Students at Boise State receive the best possible number of services and support that the University can provide and act as a gateway to talk to parents and families. “Deans help facilitate things and help students be successful by listening to students concerns and taking that concern to the right party and work with that office and student group make great ideas,” Wuthrich said. Wuthrich wants to challenge students to be engaged in their academics and tie their school work into their lives. “This office will be a constantly changing and growing entity. I want to build a dean of students office that is fit for Boise State,” Wuthrich said.

Top Stories

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Hundreds of freshmen walked onto campus for their first day of school on Monday, knees buckling and in a dripping sweat. Questions like “Will the professors be nice?” and “Will I make any friends?” racked their minds as they attempted to find their first class. Many new students have heard horror stories of college during high school and have myths built up as fact about this ominous university, when in reality, it is not all that scary. Karla West, director of Counseling Services, discussed the stresses that affect freshmen in recent years. “Research shows that anxiety and stress are bigger issues than depression in college students,” West said. “This

can mostly be attributed to adjustment to campus and the economy.” For example, students may worry about financial struggles at home. Pressure from parents can add to the current anxiety freshmen may experience when starting college. West said any time a person is faced with a completely new environment, such as a college campus, he or she is bound to feel at least some anxiety. “Students have a very strong desire to achieve. They want to achieve what they perceive their parents’ expectations to be,” she said. Haley Hudson, an 18-yearold freshman studying computer science said she was mostly nervous about time management and being able to handle the workload. Maddi Foster, a 17-year-old

freshman studying kinesiology, echoed those feelings of anxiety regarding the workload and time management. Zach Chini, an 18-year-old freshman studying accounting and economics, said he was mostly worried about tests. He knew in high school he really didn’t have to study for tests and is worried about how much he will have to study for finals. “Students develop some anxiety about workload, but that is (relatively) easy to overcome once they develop time management skills,” West said. “Students don’t know how to set up a schedule and be disciplined to follow it.” Nathan Towry, an 18-yearold freshman studying communication said he was a little nervous about the college experience, and mostly worried about large lecture classes and

the lack of personal interaction with professor. In response to these concerns, West said, “Generally, professors are willing to get to know students if the student is willing to communicate with them.” Professors have difficulty getting to know each and every student because of the enormity of their classes, but when a student puts forth effort, the professor is usually willing to give he or she help. Most professors make themselves available to students via office hours or by appointment. “Most freshmen adjust well. It just takes some coping and strategic skills,” West said. She encourages freshmen who are struggling to, “Seek help, don’t be discouraged. We are here to support and encourage you.”

HaleyQ: What

myths have you heard about Boise State? A: Not to touch the excellence bell, no one will tell me why not, but I know I’m not supposed to touch it.

NathanQ: What

myths have you heard about Boise State? A: I’ve just heard that the communications building is haunted.

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