October 19, 2009

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I SSU E

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The Independent Student Voice of Boise State Since 1933

Volume 22

First Issue

F R E E OCTOBER 19, 2009

ARBITERONLINE.COM

THE DEADBEAT

DR. ASHIS BRAHMA

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REPORT

BCS POLLS 5

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m l tea o. 4 ’s fo ate dN t e S k t se ran Boi hes ntly hig he e r e r h in t u T d . l is c he BCS has he U S in t B n. ition aso pos e s r ula reg al otb

Local artist pushes the envelope

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Check inside to find more information about Kelly Knopp MCT CAMPUS

Rick James, a Motown legend, passed away in 2004, leaving behind a respected body of work.

BSU HOSTS GALING GALING FILIPINO

MOTOWN SHOWCASE JENNIFER SPENCER Journalist

Boise State swim and dive team victorious

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How is the team performing this season?

In stark contrast to his daily activities as director of student diversity and inclusion, Francisco Salinas paid homage to Rick James Saturday night. Salinas, along with other Boise State administrators, faculty and staff, performed as part of the Galing Galing Filipino Festival Motown Showcase. The seventh annual event, $10 for general admission and $3 for students, was held at the Special Events Center for more than 40 people. Hosted by BSU’s Boise American Relations Club and Diversity Association (BARCADA), the event reflected the variety of Filipino musical traditions. The festival of Galing Galing, which means “good good” in the Filipino language, Tagalog, promotes a different theme each year. Choosing Motown as 2009’s theme reflects the love of karaoke in the Philippines. “We chose a different theme appealing to many people but (it) also shows diversity of Filipino culture,” Jessica Chamberlain, BARCADA president and senior accounting and finance major, said. The first performance of the night demonstrated Filipino tradition. The national

dance of the Philippines, Tinikling, consists of five dance steps performed with long multicolored bamboo poles. The poles, held horizontally on both sides, also functioned as percussion as they were tapped on the stage floor. The two male and female dancers faced each other while moving in sync inside and outside the poles. The dance gets its name from the dodging movement of tikling birds. In a surprising turn, during the performance the music shifted from traditional Filipino folk music to the Black Eyes Peas “Bebot.” The dancers performed the same moves only in a quicker rhythm. The switch to popular music came from BARCADA’s desire to showcase the diversity of cultures. “This year we wanted to step out of the Philippines and step into other cultures,” said FiFi Zhong, master of ceremonies and former president of BARCADA. In the next dance, twin sisters clad in brightly striped long skirts, performed the Banga or pot dance. Supported with a red cushion, a black kettle remained balanced on the head while careful feet and hand movements sync with the pounding of hollow drums. Frantic and modern R&B

drum beats orchestrated both women’s fluid arm movements.The Motown section of the showcase began with Vangie Beaver, BARCADA program coordinator and Cultural Center administrative assistant. Dressed elegantly in a pale charcoal dress and gloves, Beaver crooned “Neither One of Us” by Gladys Knight & the Pips. Changing pace, Salinas belted out “Superfreak” by Rick James. The humor of the performance came from Jason Clark, associate director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, dressed as Halloween villain Michael Meyers. Utilizing a variety of dance moves, Clark took his routine into the crowd, dancing close to two embarrassed audience members. Cultural Center coordinator Ro Parker took on the Ronettes classic, “Be My Baby.” The Frederick sisters, clad in sapphire and emerald colored cocktail dresses, provided backup dancing.The night’s entertainers, deemed the Good Good Showcase Performers, slowly emerged from backstage in zombie like fashion as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” blasted from the speakers. Their short lived Thriller dance concluded

See MOTOWN I page 5

Proposal ends student representation

in academic grievances KIM KING Journalist

How often do you drink? Check inside to see if you are an at risk drinker

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The faculty senate has proposed a new procedure for addressing student academic grievances which eliminates student representation. “If the problem cannot be resolved following student consultation with the Dean (or his/her appointee), it shall proceed to the Provost’s office where a final decision will be made. The Provost may at his or her discretion convene a panel comprised of three deans or associate deans not affiliated with the student’s major or the faculty member’s department or college,” reads the proposed legislation. ASBSU Sen. Pro Tempore Justin White is sponsoring a bill asking the faculty senate to reconsider and rewrite the procedure to allow for student representation. “Students find the proposed change in the way academic grievances are handled to be unfavorable,” he said. “It is the wrong decision, and a faculty member should not have sole discretion of the outcome of a student grievance.” The procedure formerly began with the student consulting the

It is the wrong decision, and a faculty member should not have sole discretion of the outcome of a student grievance.

Justin White, ASBSU Sen. Pro Tempore

course instructor, the head of the department, and then the dean of the college in which the course was offered. If it remained unresolved, the case continued to the Academic Grievance Board. The ASBSU vice president would assist the student before and during a hearing. The Academic Grievance Board consisted of seven student senators and seven faculty representatives. Faculty Senate Vice President Lynn Lubamersky said she was told last spring some members were not happy with this policy. “They were having difficulty in getting students to participate,” she said. “We want to operate according to the rules, but if you are going to have a grievance committee and half of the members are not there, there’s

no use. “Students need to realize if they are going to be self-governing, they need to participate,” she said. Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Studies Sharon McGuire said the procedure for addressing academic grievances had been used few times. The process was described as being antiquated, cumbersome, and misplaced. She asked for it to be referred to a committee for further examination last February. “Students need a clearer way to appeal,” McGuire said. A complete copy of the current proposal by the faculty senate is not available. The 2009-2010 Boise State student handbook shows changes have already been made. Faculty Senate President Owen

McDougal said he is concerned it would be quoted as the final version if released at this point. “It is not official policy yet,” he said. “We are only in the beginning stages.” McDougal voiced concern about student opposition and the resolution presented by ASBSU asking for reconsideration. “There was no need for them to draw up a bill,” he said. “This could have been handled more expeditiously by phone.” McDougal said a phone call would have saved time. “This is not something to be worked up about.” He said there are several steps to be completed before the academic grievance policy can be changed. Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Leslie Webb recommends student involvement. “We are encouraged by students voicing their opinion,” she said. “It is a wonderful thing.” Faculty and student senate meetings are open to the public. The next faculty senate meeting is Oct. 27 at 3:15 p.m. in the Hatch ballroom of the Student Union Building. ASBSU meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. in the SUB Forum.

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October 19, 2009 by The Arbiter at Boise State University - Issuu