Arbiter 9.5.17 Vol 30 Issue 4

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

VOL. 30 ISSUE 4 I N D E P E N D E N T

Aramark investigation Page 5

S T U D E N T

V O I C E

O F

B O I S E

Honors Building troubles Page 10

S T A T E

S I N C E

1 9 3 3

Avery Williams makes debut

Page 17

EVENTS

Events this week SEEN Sept. 5 | The Trueblood Gallery |

Local photographer zooms in on Boiseans, showing their lives through the scope of an alleyway.

Del Parkinson Recital Sept. 7 | Morrison Center | 7:30 p.m.

Boise State piano professor performs “That’s Amore!” recital including songs of love. Students get in free!

Art in the Park Sept. 8 | Julia Davis Park | 10 a.m.

Artists from all across the Northwest gather to show off and sell their work.

Broncnos of Color Mix and Mingle Sept. 8 | SUB | 7 p.m.

The very first of an annual event where students of color can meet each other and celebrate diversity on our campus.

MOvie on the Blue Sept. 2 | Albertsons Stadium | 8 p.m.

Students can bring their pillow and blankets to watch a movie on Boise State’s famous blue turf. Doors open at 7:30.

2

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

INSIDE

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Photo of the week

Editor-In-Chief Brandon Rasmussen editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Online Editor Taylor Munson onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Opinion Editor Jacob Palmer opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Jordan Erb news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Ximena Bustillo news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Savannah Willits culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Editor Daniel Gardner sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Reporter Peter Huguenin sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Tyler Horton traverses the Blue during Boise State’s football game against Troy University on Sept. 2. Photo by Axel Quartarone.

Digital Content Manager Axel Quartarone digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu Copy Editors Evan Fishburn Harbor Neher

Visit us on social media

Design Manager Selina Ceballos

The Arbiter

Arbiter Online

@arbiteronline

www.arbiteronline.com

On the cover: A lone hot air balloon rises over Boise on a hazy, September morning Photo by Axel Quartarone, Cover designed by Selina Ceballos.

Graphic Designer Nabil Rahman Contact us The Arbiter is located at 1910 University Dr., Mail Stop 1340 Phone: (208) 426-6300 Website: www.arbiteronline.com Distributed Tuesdays during the academic school year. The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University and a designated public forum, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free. Additional copies can be purchased for $1 a piece at The Arbiter offices.

3

Get Your Degree In Life.

Life comes at you pretty fast in college. ICCU proudly supports Boise State University by offering a wide range of services to help make managing your money easier. + Online and Mobile Banking + Apple Pay®, Samsung Pay®, and Android Pay® + New Generation Checking + Low-Rate VISA Cards + Auto Loans, and more

Get $50* when you open a new checking account. *To receive $50 you must be a new Idaho Central member and obtain a checking account with a debit card, eBranch, or Direct Deposit. The account must be open with a $50 minimum balance. $50 bonus will be deposited at the time of obtaining at least one of the three services in conjunction with account opening. Account must remain open for a minimum of 6 months from the reward date of $50 will be deducted from account at closing. Limit one reward per person, per household. Membership required, based on eligibility. Offer expires 11/30/17.

WE BELIEVE in the home team.

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Allegations of Aramark workplace harassment prompts investigation

NEWS

Taylor Munson | Online Editor | onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Aramark is a contracted business with Boise State that oversees all food services on campus. Photo by Taylor Humby.

Former Boise State student Ryan Benson shared a blog post on Aug. 3 titled “Dear Boise State: An Open Letter.” This letter sparked a formal internal investigation by Boise State’s Office of Institutional Compliance and Ethics (OICE) looking into allegations of workplace harassment and discrimination.

In Benson’s letter, he detailed his experiences before and after working for Aramark—a corporation Boise State contracts with to oversee all of the University’s dining services. He specifically cited consistent harassment from the new marketing manager when Benson was promoted to a new position. Benson’s allegations include bullying from his manager, termination without notice and continual harassment after being fired.

Benson made the decision to leave Boise State and is now attending University of

Idaho. He is currently working with the Boise State administrators in attempt to receive a refund for his tuition from last term.

“

All I can say is that our office is currently working to complete an outcome letter of these allegations.

- Gayla Thomas-Dabney, Director of Equity and Inclusion for the OICE

”

Gayla Thomas-Dabney is the Director

of Equity and Inclusion for the OICE. She oversees all University Policy 1060 and 1065 investigations related to discrmination and Title IX, and is also responsible for the University’s Affirmative Action Program.

According to Thomas-Dabney, she is unable to disclose any details on the case.

“All I can say is that our office is currently working very diligently to complete an outcome letter of these allegations. Once the outcome notice has been completed, the appropriate parties will be notified of the outcome,” Thomas-Dabney said.

Thomas-Dabney went on to explain the process of an investigation takes an average of 60 days, dependending on the details of the case. The goal of the OICE is not only to uphold policies of the University, but also to remain neutral and non-biased throughout investigations.

“Facts are what drive the investigation.

When someone files a complaint, it’s not our story—it’s their recount of the complaint of allegations. We take the Complainant, the Respondent or accused’s responses, all the witnesses and anyone else who may have information about the allegations and frame a conclusion and present a notice of outcome report to the Complainant and Respondent,”” Thomas-Dabney said.

According to Benson, this internal investigation is the third time someone has looked into this matter. He also said he has not be notified of a conclusion reached regarding the investigation.

The Arbiter reached out to Aramark, but have yet to receive a response.

5

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

I CHOSE SOCIAL WORK

A look into the Master Plan

Boise State looks to expand central campus Ximena Bustillo | News Reporter | news@boisestate.edu

The Master Plan is described as a guide map to student and departmental trends campus-wide.

2015 Campus Master Plan Graphic courtesy of Boise State

Contact us to learn how you can start changing lives. Offering in-person bachelor’s and master’s programs near you.

hs.boisestate.edu/socialwork Bachelor’s program application deadline October 6 Master’s program application deadline December 1

6

Boise State University has released its 30year Master Plan that focuses on enriching the central campus. The plan is divided up into time frames and projects that are meant to structurally advance the University.

For now, the first 10 years of the Master Plan has been approved. This includes the construction of the Alumni and Friends Center, Fine Arts Building and Sawtooth/ Honors College Hall, each of which are underway or already completed. Future projects include a new crosswalk at Beacon and Manitou, a Material Science Center and a building for the School of Public Service.

“At a high level, the Campus Master Plan is a forecast of likely and/or desired major projects, and a recommendation for their location and scale,” said Capital Planner Drew Alexander.

The process of the Master Plan begins with the request for certain projects which can be presented by departments, the administration or other stakeholders, according to Christy Jordan, director of capital planning and space management.

“Major campus projects are determined by a number of factors: enrollment, program growth, safety and infrastructure challenges, student needs and donor con-

tributions,” Alexander said. “An assessment of these factors–and their relation to Boise State’s strategic plan–always plays a role in deciding projects.”

The Master Plan was described by Jordan as a guide map to student and departmental trends campus-wide.

“The plan focuses on central campus,” Jordan said. “Not just in expanding central campus but also aspects of University Drive, such as the emphasis on pedestrian and bike safety through the implementation of bike lanes.”

Ideally, the goals of the plan include staying up to speed with 21st century demands, being pedestrian-friendly and creating a healthy environment for academic and social development, according to the plan itself.

“Often, these schedules are driven by semester start and end dates,” Alexander said. “This may mean shifting staff and resources from less time-constrained projects, but Boise State personnel have the know-how to effectively move multiple active projects forward.”

Both Jordan and Alexander agree master plans are living documents that will continue to undergo revision and updates as the University continues to grow and develop.

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Marilyn Shuler Human Rights Initiative tackles issues of advocacy, social injustices

School of Public Service creates certificate program to honor Idaho activist Marilyn Shuler

Jordan Erb | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu In the wind and snow, fighting against the bitter January weather, lifelong human rights activist Marilyn Shuler rallied for the 2017 Women’s March on Boise, giving no heed to the inclement elements–nor the polio that was advancing within her body.

Similarly, on Martin Luther King Day, her physical ailments failing to dampen her spirit, she passed out flyers and spoke on behalf of social change. Showing up for these events was more than part of her job—it was her way of life.

According to the Shuler Human Rights Initiative web page, she also aided in the

“

Every generation is called to step up at some point.

You can be complacent for a while, but then there are these moments in time when you can’t be. We are in one of those moments.

”

- Professor Jill Gill development of the Idaho Black History Museum, founded the Peaceful Settlements Foundation, established the John Shuler Fund at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to support foster care and co-founded, built and promoted the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial–among other things.

This relentless commitment to social change is revealing of Shuler’s disposition, and is at the core of the new Marilyn Shuler Human Rights Initiative (MSHRI), started by Boise State’s School of Public Service (SPS). After receiving a hefty donation from Shuler following her death in February 2017, the SPS was compelled to create a new mission in her memory.

“I wanted to do something that was about her–her legacy and her commit-

ment to making Idaho a better place,” said Corey Cook, dean of the School of Public Service.

The Initiative, which is still in its nascent stages, will aim to educate students about human rights and give them the skills to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. Through a certificate program in human rights education and advocacy, which may eventually develop into a minor, and a series of teach-ins, guest speakers and workshops, the Initiative will help participants become effective agents of change.

“It’s helping equip—mentally and strategically—the next generation of people who care about their community, their nation and their world,” said Jill Gill, history professor and director of the MSHRI. According to Cook, Shuler was an eye-opener and a mind-changer, making waves in the social sphere by bringing people together. Though this was an inherent part of her being, Cook believes those are trainable qualities that can be bestowed upon students who partake in the program.

Once established, the MSHRI will try to help students apply their activism skills by linking them with community members who are already working in the social change arena. By possibly offering internships, service-learning opportunities or a mentorship program, the Initiative’s organizers hope students will be able to take what they learn in class and turn it into something bigger.

“The value of this is we’re going to be putting young people into the community who can learn from the folks that are there, but then they come up with their own new strategies (for advocacy),” Gill said.

Though functioning in the same field as other on-campus departments such as the Gender Equity Center, the MSHRI would not compete against them, but rather, attempt to bolster them. Both Cook and Gill agree the human rights certificate

Human rights activist Marilyn Shuler with former Governer Cecil D. Andrus. Photo courtesy of Boise State Office of Communications and Marketing.

would act as an umbrella, encompassing all forms of social injustice, working with each to inspire activism throughout Boise State and the surrounding community.

“It will find its place among the constellations (of other groups). It doesn’t want to compete, but help support and connect,” Gill said.

Cook and Gill hope to see a turnout

of students who are drawn to making a change. Because the certificate can be mar-

ried to any major and minor, the options for its use are limitless. The only requisite is a desire to fight social injustices.

“Students are realizing every generation is called to step up at some point. You can be complacent for a while, but then there are these moments in time when you can’t be,” Gill said. “We are in one of those moments.”

7

OPINION

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

America’s life sentence: fear of being labeled a convict

The prison system operates on the basis of retribution over rehabilitation Ximena Bustillo | News Reporter | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

“There is the distinction between bad people and people who have done a ‘bad thing,’” Dexheimer said. “We keep them there, expose them to bad people, remove them from families, jobs (and) education.

Maybe even without being convicted.”

This means the correctional system is taking its original goal of equating freedom to time served, but in a very nonchalant manner. This assumes anyone mildly goes through the system is not only a bad person, but undesirable, regardless of condition or crime. This, then, directly translates into the external world.

U.S. prisons need to stop relying on fear. Photo by Taylor Humby.

The United States correctional system is deeply flawed. In 2014, the Bureau of Justice Statistics stated “within three years of release, about two-thirds of released prisoners were rearrested...more than half were arrested by the end of the first year.”

Flawed policies such as three-strikes, minimum sentences and the forever-label are implemented on the basis of fear-mongering.

“It is an extension of that same process of creating fear of crime and using fear, anger and hate as very powerful motivators,” said criminal Justice Lecturer Dan Dexheimer.

This drive of retribution under the basis of fear is not the direction policies, especially judicial ones, should take.

The Prison environment There is very little direct knowledge of what the prison environment is like. The

8

public idea of prison and prisoners is very rarely based on reality or experience–it is based on perception.

The prison system is very secluded from the rest of the world, both physically and metaphorically. This isolation is a product of the intent to prioritize pure retribution as a method to deal with what gets labeled as “criminalized.” Punishment, no matter how it is conducted, has to be the ultimate value.

“This leads to a person who is hurt, angry, and is still uneducated, unskilled and addicted; just older,” Dexheimer said.

“We expect the thought process of ‘I don’t want to be there’ to be enough.”

Internal Implications: Institutionalization Within a prison, there are people who are incarcerated who are not necessarily dangerous.

External Implications: Criminalization Once a person has been convicted of a felony–or even a misdemeanor–they are marked for life.

Although we claim to operate under an innocent until proven guilty framework within the judicial system, the results are a negative label that lasts after punishment has been fulfilled. The fear of the label of “convict” is a greater sentence than the one served.

This is a result of policy, particularly in how we punish and respond to crime. We strip away rights from these individuals and bar them from social services such as financial aid, housing assistance and employment, and there is zero blowback for refusing service, according to Dexheimer.

In terms of social reactions, different crimes do evoke different connotations.

However, on a paper job application there is rarely a distinction beyond a check in a box that asks a yes or no question.

“You don’t want a person convicted of sex crimes against a child working in a nursery. But a one time burglar in a convenience store may not be hired as a janitor,” Dexheimer said. “For the most part, these application questions are all-encompassing.

Which is the problem because there is no divide.”

Solutions The solutions to this damaging system are two fold: ideological and institutional.

“The biggest thing that needs to change is the social ideology that criminals are dangerous and that we can do very little for them,” said Dexheimer.

Under previous administrations, it was politically favorable to advocate for stricter correctional tactics as opposed to any other method that was not solely retribution-focused. However, under former President Barack Obama, changes began to take place.

Obama scaled back the “War on Drugs” and eliminated solitary confinement for minors. He also restructured federal sentencing laws and influenced a federal drawback to not go after states for marijuana, according to Dexheimer.

All of these policy changes began taking a step back from the fear tactics that previous presidents had been prioritizing.

The focus was more on upholding the law through helping the individual, as opposed to hoping to scare them to the point of social exclusion.

Under President Trump, there are signs of regression and a return to the appeals to fear and anger. Trump has advocated in favor of New York’s stop and frisk policy- a policy that has been ruled unconstitutional and discriminatory. He’s also appointed Jeff Sessions as the acting attorney general.

“Sessions views marijuana as being a very massively dangerous substance,” Dexheimer said. “He wants to bring back D.A.R.E, the war on drugs and federally punishing states that legalize marijuana.”

This is a very apparent regression in the policies that would mitigate the mass incarceration problem. If there is to be any positive change in the status quo, a very clear evaluation and reconstruction of both policing and sentencing laws has to happen. The focus needs to go back to job security, education security and rehabilitation.

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Men need not worry about being masculine

OPINION

Equality can only be reached after abandoning gender roles Brandon Rasmussen | Editor-in-Chief | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

On my first day at Boise State in the fall of 2011, I found myself wandering through the SUB. As I approached what is now the Information Desk, I made eye contact with a young man in a fraternity t-shirt, who invited me over to his table. There, over an impressive array of brochures, he offered me an enthusiastic handshake and said, “Come join us. We’ll teach you how to be a better man.”

For whatever reason, that moment has held firm in my mind, even all these years later. I walked away from that exchange

“

Young men who know it’s okay to cry, build a network of confidants or even dress well will grow more likely to form lasting relationships.

”

feeling genuinely intrigued, particularly by his parting words—“be a better man.”

These are words I’d wager most men hear at nearly every stage of their lives. It’s an appealing idea that somewhere out there, a perfect definition of manhood and masculinity exists, and if one can fulfill it, he can be everything he needs to be.

However, this idealistic concept is one that is fading fast. The advancement of feminist thought and the increased acceptance of transgender identities have left some defensive, leading to movements such as “meninism,” a tragically misinformed counter to feminism which claims men are just as discriminated against as any other group.

So what are traditional men to do in this new climate? According to many scholars, the answer is to stop worrying about masculinity at all, and take a broader approach to personal identity, one that doesn’t feel the need to tether worth and purpose to

the idea of gender.

In a study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology, researchers found men who conform to roles and attitudes associated traditionally with masculinity— in this case being self-reliance and power over women—struggle with more mental health problems than those who eschew those same roles. This should hardly come as a surprise to the average reader, as those more extreme attributes of masculine thought have long been known to be problematic when it comes to forming meaningful relationships with others.

Many modern men claim to have discarded these particular traits, trailblazing the way for a more P.R.-friendly definition of manhood. While this is certainly progress, a noticeable gap still exists between the two ends of society’s favorite binary gender system, both in the arenas of politics and business and the world of private interpersonal relations. In a world where men are to always be masculine and women are to always be feminine, the stage is automatically set for apathy and tribalism, leading to the inequality and unrest that inserts itself into our shared experience. It is not enough to say the problem with the relationship between men and masculinity lay in its more violent tendencies. Rather, the more we can eschew the burden of gender roles in our day-to-day thinking, the better.

At this point those who disagree will erroneously cite biology as justification for the continued existence of these gender roles. However, as our understanding of psychology and sociology grow, researchers are finding the bulk of gender norms are merely learned performances. Consider the difference it would make for intergender relations or even basic human understanding if young men and boys were allowed— or even encouraged—to explore the facets of their personalities typically labeled as feminine. Young men and boys who know it’s more than okay to cry, build a network

Studies have linked many traditionally masculine behaviors to increased struggles with mental health. Graphic courtesy of Tribune News Service.

of confidantes or even dress well without an excuse will grow up with a better shot at forming lasting relationships. It would create a society of more stable, empathetic individuals.

Rejecting the tired idea that the strict confines of binary gender norms are only natural allows the opportunity for civilization at large to realize being born with different genitalia doesn’t mean we have to treat each other differently, or expect certain behaviors from individuals based on how they were born.

Returning to that phrase I mentioned in the beginning—to “be a better man”—the problem with this phrase, as well-intentioned as it may be, is its terminology runs counter to what it is ultimately proposing: the creation of a male-identifying individual who is productive, a leader, treats oth-

ers well and is respectful to women. These traits are best achieved not when people strive to be good men, but rather when they strive to be good people, regardless of gender. As long as men continue to subscribe to the tether of exclusive masculinity and define themselves within that role, they will continue to confuse productivity with ability to provide, leadership with power and push those of other genders further into the realm of ‘the other,’ where true, lasting empathy and solidarity are nearly impossible to occur.

Got a comment, thought, opinion or rebuttal?

Send a letter to the editor at opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

9

FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Winter construction delays result in power and plumbing issues for students

Student residents encounter problems as Honors College and Sawtooh Hall continue construction Brandon Rasmussen | Editor-in-Chief | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

inches high,” Jones said. “I was surprised I was not informed I had a hole in my wall (when I moved in). I had to put in a work order for it myself.”

Jones said she has also encountered electrical issues. While she has not experienced full power outages as have been reported on other floors, her experiences have centered particularly on the use of her personal printer, which she keeps in her room.

“My printer has never had problems in

“

I was surprised I was not informed I had a hole in my wall when I moved in.

”

- Sarah Jones, sophomore political science major

The Honors College and Sawtooth Hall was originally slated for completion on July 5, 2017. Photo by Taylor Humby.

Students of the new Honors College and Sawtooth Hall were caught off guard last Wednesday night, Aug. 30, when a stray alarm blared from the fire alarms and PA systems embedded in the walls of the newly constructed building at around 11:30 p.m. For approximately 30 seconds, a voice instructed students to evacuate the building, and warned of a potential fire situation. However, after momentary confusion, the alarm ceased.

“It went off so fast we weren’t even sure what was going on,” said Sarah Jones, a sophomore political science major and resident of the Honors College. Her name has been changed in compliance with her request to remain anonymous. “I think it may have been a malfunction, or maybe a test. We have no idea why it went off.”

10

For many students living in this newly-constructed residential hall, this incident falls in line with a series of experiences and conditions many students like Jones have faced since moving in August. Issues concerning construction noise and electricity malfunctions have been reported along with many students filing work orders to have them resolved. According to Director of Housing and Residence Life Dean Kennedy, these issues are a part of a struggle to finish the building, which saw significant delays during the unexpected amounts of snow that fell in Boise last winter. “(There are) challenges that come with opening a 650-person residence hall in an aggressive construction timeline that was delayed by weather—an element beyond any of our control,” Kennedy said. “I am

sorry to hear there are challenges but also want to acknowledge the work of the EdR staff as well as the myriad contractors who are scrambling to get the building fully complete so they can get out of students’ way as classes pick up more significantly.”

The issues According to Jones, her experience living in the Honors College side of the building has been thus far affected by a string of technical and construction issues in her apartment. One of her most significant experiences came about a few weeks ago, when she was accessing storage under her bed and encountered a hole in her wall.

“It seems like they tried to fix something in my wall and never finished it.

The hole was about a foot long and three

the past, but when I specifically use the printer, the lights flicker in my room. That shouldn’t happen, since I have it on a surge protector,” Jones said.

While Jones has yet to hear back concerning the work order she has submitted for this issue, she has discovered by talking with her fellow residents that larger electronics such as her printer function much better when plugged into certain outlets located in either the kitchen or bathroom, which have surge protectors built into them.

One of the other prevalent complaints among students living in the building involves the plumbing, primarily leaks.

Freshman health science major Aaron Williams reported during his Honors Art course in a first-floor classroom, water began leaking in through the ceiling.

“I think someone must have flushed a toilet or something upstairs. At first it was just a drip or two, but then all of a sudden a bunch of water just came pouring

FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Caution tape and orange cones dot the landscape of the new Honors College.

Photo by Taylor Humby.

Jones was surprised to find a foot-long hole under her bed shortly after moving in.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Jones.

tioning.

“My guess about why we’re having these problems is because they rushed so fast to get these individual rooms done, so they didn’t have time to go back and check each room and make sure all the power was working,” Jones said. “We haven’t had any big problems, but these smaller issues could lead up to those big problems.”

Some students have voiced their concern over missing ceiling panels and visible wiring.

Photo by Brandon Rasmussen.

down,” Williams said. “It hit one of my friends in the head and it got everywhere and messed up the ceiling.”

Williams continued to say the class stayed in session after the incident, albeit with a slightly different seating arrangement.

“They’re still fixing the plumbing and

stuff, but they were pretty rushed, so it’s good with me. I’d give them until next semester.” Williams said.

Jones and other students going in and out of the building also reported other issues, such as the elevators leading up to the residence floors on multiple occasions being out of order, or otherwise malfunc-

Construction setbacks While students have been able to move into their new apartments despite the scattered issues, construction has continued on the building in full force into the first few weeks of the school year. In an interview during June, David Cooper, senior engineer of Architect Services also cited weather as a large factor in construction delays of the new building.

“They have been impacted by a number of things, one of them being weather conditions—extreme winter,” Cooper said.

“There have been several days where they were impacted by weather, so work on the building was not able to be performed in that phase.”

Cooper also acknowledged on top of general weather delays, it’s possible the heavy snow could have caused damage, leading construction crews to have to

repair or otherwise address parts of the building rather than moving on.

“Any time you get any damage from the elements during construction, you’ll want to go ahead and replace that,” Cooper said. “It was a little unusual—they were in various stages of roofing when a lot of that happened. They took the best measures they could to protect those materials. If you’re working in heavy precipitation and they don’t have a roof yet, you’re going to have some of that.”

According to Cooper, the original date for completion was slated for July 5.

Despite delays, the EdR staff will continue to work into the school year, following the original pattern set out in the beginning.

“Essentially, they started on the Honors side on the south-east corner and are now working their way in the counterclockwise fashion over to what we call the freshman side, or the western wing.” Cooper said.

In the meantime, students like Jones will forge ahead as well—regardless of a noise complaint or two.

“I have woken up to construction sounds a few times, but that’s alright,” Jones said. “I’m usually awake for classes at that point anyway.”

11

BUCKING AROUND

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.98)

3

1 9 1

4 1

2

1 2

7

8 6

5

3

9

8 5

5

2

6

6 9

8 9 7

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Sun Sep 3 22:05:16 2017 GMT. Enjoy!

12

4

9

7

4

6

UNIVERSITY

PULSE RADIO

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

A vast display of talent at the 2017 Biennial Faculty Art Exhibition

CULTURE

New Visual Arts Center exhibit showcases the work of art department faculty

Jordan Erb | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Spectators view pieces of art displayed by Boise State faculty members at the 2017 Biennial Faculty Art Exhibition, which will be open until Oct. 27. Photo by Taylor Humby.

While walking through the Biennial Faculty Art Exhibition just before its opening reception on Thursday, Aug. 31, the only sound was the faint hum of conversation between early guests. With each movement, the wood floor creaked under foot, conveying the age of the Hemingway Center.

This scene is exemplary of two galleries that are available for viewing, one in room 110 of the Hemingway Center, the other in room 170 of the Liberal Arts Building.

On display until Oct. 27, pieces of art serve to show the talent and hard work of faculty and introduce passersby to the Art Department.

Around a corner in the Hemingway

Center exhibit, a monstrous orange with a familiar golden haircut and pursed lips waits, ready to accusingly stare down its next visitor. Suddenly, a whirring scream breaks the silence that was so poorly concealed by the cracks of floor boards and hushed conversation. Bringing the room to life, the peculiar hiss is not one of something going wrong, but rather, something going perfectly right.

The noise comes from a sculpture of wood, aluminum and steel made by Flint Weisser, adjunct professor of sculpture.

Signaled by movement, the whirring is the sound made by a heater that is used to melt wax, which will, in theory, drip to the ground and create a new form of artwork.

“It’s kind of another way of collaborating with the audience,” Weisser said.

“You’re viewing the work and you viewing it is destroying it, but then we’re creating something new together.”

The sculpture, according to Weisser, is meant to be a crossroad between performance and sculpture, the two forms of media coming together to engage the audience and produce something unique in the process.

The exhibition is not based solely on sculptures, however. On every wall, around every corner and even on some swaths of ground are different media created by Boise State art faculty members.

“A lot of the faculty are showing work

that’s within the area they teach in, but not always, because contemporary artists work often with multiple media, or are sometimes just experimenting with something new,” said Kirsten Furlong, gallery director of the Visual Arts Center.

Photographs of family gardens and trips abroad mingle with paintings and ceramics, while fabric and cloth make up various pieces. According to Furlong, attending the exhibition is a good way to get acquainted with the Art Department.

“If people aren’t familiar with the Art Department or any of the faculty, it’s a really good introduction to the kind of work that is being done,” Furlong said.

13

CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

A balance between collectivism and individualism strikes in Boise

10th Annual Japanese Day in Downtown Boise Savannah Willits | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

A cloud of lanterns, calligraphy and traditional Japanese food descended upon the Basque Square in Downtown Boise on Labor Day. Filled with cheery music and people, cultural tutorials like the Konmari tidying method to demonstrations presented by Idaho Water Garden and Koi Society were showcased in a line of stalls. The festival is held to increase public cultural awareness and to teach the Boise community about an island nation far away.

This Monday, Sept 4 marks the 10th annual Japanese Day in Boise. Several Boise State students attended the festival and are involved in the Japan Club on campus, which meets every other Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Student Union Building.

“As the Japan Club, when we have students come in, we want to show them a community that is not just American-based. We want to show them a college community that can expand their thoughts and feelings on different issues,”

said Hannah Pettibone a senior English major who is also the president of the Japan Club this school year.

The culture clash of individualism versus collectivism is also a prominent part of

“

By learning about Japanese culture we can learn how to care about the whole community and not just the individual.

”

- Hannah Pettibone, president of the Japan Club discussing the different lessons Americans and Japanese may learn from one another.

“I like how the Japanese culture hosts a lot of festivals and holidays about

Collectivism meets individualism. Photo by Axel Quartarone.

14

the community, like White Day or the Cherry Blossom Festival for example,” said Bethany Williford, senior material science major. “Although perhaps they need more individualism and social mobility.”

This sentiment of the importance of the individual and the community is often echoed by those who study Japanese culture.

“I love how it’s so group-oriented, compared to America, where there is the need to stand out,” Pettibone said. “However, Japan could learn from us how not follow the crowd. You need to be your individual self. Americans could learn how to be part of a group. Especially in a school setting, group work never works out correctly, because we want to do our part and not help anyone else. I think by about learning Japanese culture we can learn how to care about the whole and not just the individual,” Pettibone said.

The fascination and appreciation for Japanese culture often begins through ex-

posure to a diverse range of art styles Japan shares with the Western world.

“When attending college, I found out they taught all different languages and cultures. I was immediately drawn to Japanese. The passion for the culture began through anime and manga, but I don’t love Japan just for those aspects,” Pettibone said.

She wasn’t the only student who was first introduced to Japanese culture through anime and manga, as both Jacob Bell and Bethany Williford had similar experiences.

“When I was a kid there were several aspects of Japanese culture I liked, such as my favorite board game, Go and, like a lot of people, I was into anime as a kid,” said Jacob Bell, senior computer science major while attending the festival.

“I was also introduced to Japanese culture at a pretty young age,” said Bethany Williford. “I love their peacefulness, beauty and architecture.”

Japanese Festival in Downtown Boise. Photo by Axel Quartarone.

CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

The Spirit of Boise arises once again

This weekend marks the 26th annual Spirit of Boise air balloon festival Savannah Willits | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Since Wednesday, the Boise skyline has been invaded by an cohort of festive ornaments, otherwise known as hot air balloons. Dotting the horizon, these hot air balloons have travelled from all over the United States to lift off in Boise, Idaho over the years. Many have come to believe these hot air balloons have come to symbolize the local and friendly nature of the city.

This past week marked the 26th Annual Spirit of Boise Air Balloon Festival. From Wednesday, Aug. 30 to Sunday, Sept. 3, Boise hosted a free event at Ann Morrison Park featuring over 25 hot air balloons.

The main two events, morning lift off and the nightly glow draw hundreds of people every year.

During lift off, the official Spirit of Boise balloon rises into the sky first, followed by all different types of balloons from the classic raindrop shaped balloon to Star Wars themed Yoda head.

“I like how they bud up to one another on the ground and when watch how the balloons float into the sky. You don’t get to see the balloons float in the sky very

often, so watching them lift off is such a novelty and special experience,” said Molly Moyer sophomore psychology major while watching Friday’s annual lift off.

The nightly glow event on Friday night consists of the air balloons lighting up for a few seconds at a time in Ann Morrison, similar to a firefly.

“Even if you have a gorgeous picture, you don’t get the same emotion being here surrounded by all these people, music, and getting to see in in person for the first time,” said Emily Verhan, sophomore kinesiology major. “I’ve always wanted to ride in a balloon-I think it would be very majestic.”

A family friendly event, the Spirit of Boise has continued to inspire wonder and excitement within the residents of Boise.

“I would probably ride in a hot air balloon to see how it feels and get the experience to look down from such a high place,” said Alex Lakatos sophomore computer science major.

More information on the Spirit of Boise and next year’s festival can be found on the official website, spiritofboise.com.

Dotting the sky, these hot air balloons have become iconic in Boise.

Photo by Axel Quartarone

Many believe hot air balloons have come to symbolize the local and nature of the city.

Photo by Axel Quartarone

15

SPORTS & REC

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Women’s rugby on the rise

Boise State women’s rugby goes on to compete against other schools Daniel Gardner | Sports and Rec Editor | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

In their second year on the competitive circuit, the women’s rugby team is the largest growing club sport on campus, according to assistant director of recreational sports Jared Cox. It’s been only two years since social studies professor and head coach Brad LaPlante took over the women’s rugby team. In that time, the program has gone from students playing against each other on campus to traveling across the Northwest, challenging against some of the most competitive women’s rugby teams in the nation. Making the push into the competitive scene was a part of coach LaPlante’s vision, but he isn’t the only one moving it forward.

Players are part of the effort as well.

“The team is all for being competitive at a higher level,” said junior public health and pre-med major and team president Hannah Georges. “We’re excited to move forward with bigger and better schools.”

Though the women’s rugby team offers any female athlete with any level of past

rugby experience to come try the sport, many women on the team are coming to Boise State with at least one year of experience with the aim of specifically playing on the club sport team.

September contains two important dates for the women’s rugby program. On Sept. 16, the women kick off their season here against Montana State University on the Boise State Lincoln Turf. Following that, on Sept. 23, it will be announced if the team gets the bid to join the Pacific Mountain Division. The Pacific Mountain Division is a division-one conference that would allow for the Boise State Women’s Rugby program to compete for the National Championship during the Spring 2018 semester.

The season plays out over the course of the whole year while offering different ways to play the game depending on the semester. In the fall, the women compete in 15’s, which means when both teams have their players on the field there are 30

Boise State’s women’s rugby team practicing Photo by Alec Foege.

16

women competing at the same time.

The spring season is the more competitive choice. This version of the game is played with each team having seven

“

The team is all for being competitive at a higher level—we’re excited to move forward with bigger and better schools.

”

- Hannah Georges, team president women on the field. Last year, it was the women’s spring team that started making a name for themselves and surprising fans when they beat Utah State, who was ranked No. 17 in the nation at the time.

To compete at that level takes a lot of

time, but the students invest with more than just their energy. Club sports are a pay-to-play activity, and women’s rugby is no different—each woman has to pay yearly dues of $300 to compete in the program.

Georges even spends her own time scheduling the travel plans for the team and plotting out the logistics of what, when and where.

LaPlante acknowledged how much the students give to the program, and has begun finding ways to get scholarships for talented students he’d like to bring into the program.

Though no scholarships are currently offered for women’s rugby, LaPlante hopes to use the Western Undergraduate Exchange, which allows students in western states to get in-state tuition to bring in athletes, lessen their expenses and give them a better experience, but currently much of the programs talent comes from in-state sources.

Boise State’s women’s rugby team practicing Photo by Alec Foege.

SPORTS & REC

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Avery Williams impresses in first game

Avery Williams has impressive day as a returner in first game Peter Huguenin | Sports and Rec Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

How do you have a great start to your college career? Scoring a touchdown the first time you touch the ball in a game is certainly a good way. That’s exactly what redshirt freshman economics major Avery Williams did in his first game playing for Boise State. On the fifth play of the game Williams had an 81-yard punt return that helped Boise State to a 24-13 victory over Troy. Williams went on to have an impressive game with five punt returns for 124 yards and a kickoff return for 48 yards. He also played on defense officially recording one tackle.

“It felt like a dream to be honest, running down the sideline. Am I doing this?”

Williams said. “It was just a true blessing.”

Williams started out on the scout team last year returning punts, but that never stopped his hard work and energy from

coming through.

“I’ve just been enjoying it. I’m very grateful to be here.” Williams said. “There were some people that were in my position that didn’t get this opportunity so I’m just making the most of it.”

Head Coach Bryan Harsin was also impressed with Williams in the first game.

According to Harsin when he first came to Boise State the coaches were unsure how to exactly use this versatile player. When they tried him out on the return team, he really shined in practice. “(We) did not know his return ability (in) the early days, we just knew he would catch almost every punt,” Harsin said. “Avery is a guy that has that fearless mentality to go back there and be a punt returner.”

Despite the great performance, Harsin isn’t getting content.

“I thought he did a good job today with the ball in his hands,” he said. “There are still yards that we left out there. There’s opportunities to play some of those kicks

“

It felt like a dream to be honest, running down the sideline. Am I doing this?

”

- Freshman Avery Williams better.”

Williams’ teammates were also excited about his performance, and the return helped shift the momentum to the Broncos’ side.

“(It) was a huge momentum burst to have that punt return,” said sophomore safety Kekoa Nawahine. “He made a lot of great plays today.”

Those big plays didn’t surprise many of Williams’ teammates, who knew that when he had the ball in his hands he could be extremely dynamic. Sophomore running back Alexander Mattison, a communication major, is one of his roommates and was not surprised at what he could do.

“He’s dynamic a lot of people don’t know his background being a running back that helps his ball skills a lot,” Mattison said. “I knew when he had the ball in his hands, when he was in the game, he would be a play-maker.”

Punt Returner Avery Williams returns a punt 81 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter Photo by Axel Quartarone.

17

SPORTS & REC

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Spikeball gains popularity on campus

BSU Backfiled

Jeff Hokenson | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Casual game finds its way onto the fields and activities of Boise State

Autum Robertson | Staff Writer |

Boise State before the game, Photo by Axel Quartarone.

Students enjoy playing spikeball. Photo by Alec Foege.

While walking around campus this fall semester you might encounter students playing a game with a hula hoop sized net and a hand-sized inflatable ball. For those who might be wondering what they are playing, it’s spikeball, a new intramural sport on campus that combines elements of volleyball and foursquare.

The first intramural spikeball event on campus was on Aug. 31, where nine teams competed in a single-elimination tournament. There was quite a bit of interest in the tournament and it was a good starting point for the new sport, according to Intramural Coordinator Daniel Fragel.

Spikeball is played with four players, two teams of two. Once a player serves the ball, the opposing team has up to three alternating touches to get the ball back to

18

the net. After the serve, the playfield has no boundaries and the players can move freely around the net. A point is given to the opposite team if the ball hits either the

“

It’s a team game that is full of strategy and movement, and it can be played almost anywhere.

”

- Senior Keri Johnson ground or the rim, or bounces more than once on the net.

Spikeball has rapidly spread to college campuses across the nation in the past few years.

“It’s a team game that is full of strategy and movement, and it can be played almost anywhere,” senior Keri Johnson said.

“It is also a game that anyone can play and get good at.”

Fragel has high hopes for the sport.

“We want to make spikeball into more of a permanent sport on campus,” Fragel said. “There are plans to build up the game in future years with more tournaments and possibly work up to an entire spikeball league.”

Last season when Jeremy McNichols declared for the NFL draft, Bronco fans were left with a number of questions. What’s next for this offense? Will Boise’s running backs be as effective as McNichols?

Saturday, Sept. 2 was the first time fans got a real look at what this offensive backfield was capable of. Boise split reps between two running backs against Troy, Ryan Wolpin and Alexander Mattison.

Both players showed a lot of potential for the coming games.

Mattison seems to be more of an aggressive runner, which helped him break tackles and make big plays such as in the second quarter when he broke free for a 49- yard touchdown. The play in the fourth quarter, when Mattison broke multiple tackles for a gain of 15 yards, makes it more likely that he will see more playing time.

According to redshirt cornerback Marques Evans Mattison can be the answer at running back. Evans expects big things from him this season. “(Mattison) put in a ton of work during the offseason.” Evans said.

Marques isn’t the only one that feels this way about Mattison. Corral president Nathan Carroll talked about Mattison’s injuries being a factor “I think as Mattison heals up, he’ll get more reps.” Carroll said.

So for Bronco fans it could be time to relax. This may not be isn’t the type of backfield fans are used to seeing, but they have a lot to look forward to.

BUCKING AROUND

SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

e

connected with Student Media’s

buckit.

available soon on the app store and google play.

ARBITER

THE

19

We’re Hiring Culture Editor Edit and create written content Work with staff writers to cover the cultural climate of campus Get leadership and editorial experience

Graphic Designer Create professional quality graphics Produce content within a tight deadline Utilize knowledge of Adobe CC programs Work closely with Design Manager and the entirety of Student Media to assemble a cohesive brand for our services

All positions can be found online at BroncoJobs via Handshake