The Beacon THE STUDENT VOICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND SINCE 1935 September 24, 2015 • Volume 118 • Issue 4 • upbeacon.com
Cannabis Confusion: Understanding UP’s pot policy
Parker Shoaff • THE BEACON
By Alana Laanui THE BEACON The number of college students using marijuana on a daily basis has nearly doubled in just eight years. The University of Michigan Monitoring the Future Study found that six percent of college students in the U.S. smoke on a daily basis. Although there are no recent statistics about overall marijuana use at UP, it seems to be growing in popularity. Campus disciplinary referrals for drug violations went from 15 in 2011 to 39 referrals in 2013 — more than doubling in just two years. This trend will become even more apparent on Oct. 1, when those who are 21 and older will be able to purchase recreational marijuana at local dispensaries in the state of Oregon. The recreational use of marijuana in Oregon has been legal since July 1. The recent change poses a new challenge for the UP administration: How to deal with marijuana use among students living in a state where it is legal, but who attend a federally funded university. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration still prohibits
the distribution and sale of marijuana, and classifies it as a Schedule I Drug, the category of drugs that also includes heroin and LSD. However, in recent years, voters in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Colorado and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana. This disagreement between federal and state law has created a lot of confusion across the nation, especially for students who are attending federally-funded universities in states where marijuana is legal, including the University of Portland. Director of Public Safety Gerald Gregg recognizes the confusion students may have and looks to explain the position of the University. “Because the University receives federal funds, in the form of financial aid for students, if you don’t comply with federal law, the federal government could pull the funding,” Gregg said. Beyond the federal law, the University administration also strongly believes that marijuana poses a threat to the community on campus. So despite state law, the use of marijuana is still prohibited for all students no matter where
they live or their age. Life on The Bluff, the student conduct handbook that all students enrolled at the University must agree to, states: “The University of Portland does not believe that the use of marijuana or other drugs promotes the success of our community members.” UP maintains a clear policy against the use of marijuana: All students are held to Life on the Bluff standards, regardless of where they are living, how old they are or where they are smoking. However, cases are treated on an individual basis. Alex Hermanny, associate director for community standards, handles the student conduct process for those who have been caught with possession of marijuana. Hermanny aims to dispel any rumors or horror stories that students may hear about student conduct hearings. “Each case is different,” Hermanny said. “Students who are found in possession of marijuana are required to go to a suspension-level hearing, but that doesn’t mean they will automatically be suspended or expelled.” Drug abuse is still treated very seriously; however,
From Life on The Bluff: “Regardless of its status in the State of Oregon, or whether or not an individual possesses a prescription for medical use, marijuana is banned from our community. The University of Portland continues to prohibit all possession of marijuana and use of marijuana by students, both on and off campus.” “Our drug policy clearly states that the use of illegal substances and the misuse of legal substances are strictly prohibited. Additionally, marijuana is still illegal under federal law.”
many students believe that the University’s stance is too harsh when it comes to marijuana. Sammy van den Berg, Campus Program Board director, understands the University’s policy and believes students are capable of making responsible decisions. “I don’t really think weed can be all that destructive,” van den Berg said. “I personally don’t think the University should be so strict about it, but that’s not my decision to make.” Many students on campus still choose to smoke despite the University’s policy. Marijuana is not always used just to get high. Some students use it primarily for social reasons. “I think it’s more of the social aspect that is really fun,” an anonymous student said. “It’s more of the bonding than the actual high at this point for me.” Another student who was caught with possession of marijuana last year echoed the social aspect of marijuana, but now realizes that it isn’t needed to have a good time with friends. “I used to smoke in social settings, but I don’t really
smoke anymore,” the student said. “I think this probation opened my eyes. I don’t need marijuana in my life anymore. The student was put on probation for one year as a result of their hearing. At the time, marijuana was still illegal in the state of Oregon. This time next week, students who are over the age of 21 will have access to recreational marijuana from local dispensaries. Nonetheless, all UP students will be expected to abstain or face consequences. Editor’s Note: The Beacon has a policy to generally avoid the use of anonymous sources because we believe that our readers are entitled to know the identities of sources of information so they can evaluate for themselves their credibility. We may make exceptions when we believe the public benefit of publishing a story that could best be told only with an anonymous source or sources outweighs the value of the policy.
Contact Staff Writer Alana Laanui at laanui18@up.edu.
Getting Help (if you think you may have an addiction)
Health Center Counselors: 503-943-7134 Smart Recovery: Smartrecovery.org Marijuana Anonymous: 1-800-766-6779
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NEWS
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Wheelchair sparks overwhelming response, donations By Clare Duffy and Melissa Aguilar THE BEACON Senior English major David Rinella was leaving for the gym on Sunday afternoon when he noticed something was missing, his wheelchair. Rinella was used to leaving it on his front porch due to space restrictions inside, and saw it had been stolen from the porch of his home on Amherst Street sometime between 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Rinella and his housemates searched the house and the surrounding area. The incident was reported to UP Public Safety at 1:48 p.m. that afternoon along with the Portland Police Department. Rinella has asked that anyone with information notify the Portland Police and reference case number 15326857. Additionally, Rinella called several Portland pawnshops and wheelchair stores to see if someone had tried to sell his chair. “I’ve had (the wheelchair) for over a year,” Rinella said. “That was my legs. Having it taken just sucks, it feels like someone took a part of me.” According to Director of Public Safety Gerald Gregg, the situation was a theft that needed to be reported to and dealt with by Portland Police, rather than by UP Public Safety. Public Safety has, however, taken steps to lead a community response to the situation, including being available should any UP community member have information regarding the
situation. “It’s not a matter for us other than that we are certainly concerned about a member of our community having something stolen, and we’ll do what we can to mitigate that,” Gregg said. Allegations on YikYak, an anonymous social media app, including a screenshot that Rinella posted on his personal Tumblr page last night, suggested that the chair may be in Villa Maria Hall. Public Safety officer Mike Kranyak said that the shared living spaces in Villa Maria Hall have been searched, and that Hall Director Kurt Berning is following up with resident assistants and the entire Villa community. Gregg said that Public Safety plans to pursue any leads presented to them by the UP community and cooperate with Portland Police as they conduct an investigation, but that thus far no information has been received.
“
While it’s happening, I am grateful for the crazy amount of public support. I just wish I hadn’t needed it in the first place.
David Rinella Senior
Rinella lived in Villa Maria Hall for four years before moving off campus this year. Berning expressed the shock that the Villa community experienced due to the allegation, which has not been substantiated. All Villa Maria Hall residents have
been instructed to share any information regarding the stolen wheelchair with Public Safety. “Everyone in Villa is very supportive of David,” Berning said. “I don’t think he has more support on campus than in the hall.” Rinella posted about the incident on his personal Tumblr page at 11 p.m. Tuesday, and 24 hours later the post had received 45,890 combined likes and reblogs. “It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. I’ve been getting messages from Brazil and Australia, just saying ‘Hey that sucks, hey I’m really sorry that happened to you,’” Rinella said. “I’m still scared and hurt and angry, but I sure don’t feel alone.” After an outpouring of social media support, Rinella also set up a fundraiser for a new wheelchair on the website YouCaring. As of Tuesday night, the fundraiser had earned $4,030 of the $3,000 goal. However, Rinella said ideally his chair will be returned and he will donate the money to Incight, a nonprofit organization founded by disabled UP alumni to support the disability community. Rinella has been in a wheelchair for two years. After spending five months searching for a diagnosis of a yet unsolved health problem, he decided to use the chair to get back into a normal routine rather than continuing to search for a diagnosis Rinella said. The stolen wheelchair had been a gift from a friend’s
Melissa Aguilar • THE BEACON
David Rinella’s wheelchair has yet to be recovered. He has raised $4,030 in funds for a new chair. mother who upgraded her chair a year ago and no longer needed it. Rinella said it took him a month of using the chair full time to become accustomed to it, and his process of coming to terms with it has been even longer. “Everything’s harder when you’re disabled. It’s hard to go to my classes. It’s hard to go to the store. It’s hard to go on dates,” Rinella said. “But having a chair helps. It’s a way to at least leave my home and get around.” Rinella was given a loaner chair Monday by the family of UP junior Alex Allen, whose sibling heard of his situation on social media. In addition to support from
the UP community, Rinella has received attention from Portland news stations KATU, KGW and KPTV. “I don’t like money. I don’t want the spotlight. I want this to go away really bad,” Rinella said. “While it’s happening, I am grateful for the crazy amount of public support. I just wish I hadn’t needed it in the first place.” As of Tuesday night, the wheelchair had not been recovered.
Contact News Editor Clare Duffy at duffy17@up.edu. Twitter: @claresduff and Copy Editor Melissa Aguilar at aguilarm16@up.edu.
Joe Kuffner takes storytelling in a new direction By Malika Andrews THE BEACON
He’s the man behind the “5,000 miles to The Bluff” move-in signs and one of the people to bring back Anchors Away. He got puppies to come to campus during finals week and started the dorm decoration contest. Before Joe Kuffner, there was no University of Portland Instagram, no fashion look-book photos and no one to document flash mob performances by the UP choir downtown. Kuffner has worked in UP’s Marketing and Communications department since 2009. His official title is associate director of news and content, but he’s come to be known as UP’s multimedia storytelling guru. Now he’s taking his storytelling in a new direction. Tomorrow is his last day on The Bluff.
“I always sort of wanted to pursue journalism and the video production and photo production side of things,” Kuffner, a 2001 alumnus, said. “I’ve worked kind of on the other side for a long time, marketing and PR, and I just kind of felt like now was the time.” Time for him to go back to school. Kuffner is enrolling in the University of Oregon’s master’s program in Multimedia Journalism in downtown Portland. He’s excited about new career possibilities. “Going to a traditional media outlet is definitely a possibility,” Kuffner said. “I see myself fitting in somewhere people need stories to be told whether that be in writing or video, at a traditional news outlet, doing freelance stuff or at a place like Buzzfeed. I’m not limiting myself to hardcore journalism.” Kuffner first honed his
journalism skills during his years as a UP student when he worked for The Beacon as a reporter and editor. Recently, Beacon adviser Nancy Copic invited Kuffner to do a social media workshop as part of Beacon Boot Camp staff training at the beginning of the year. “I don’t think you can overestimate his role in raising the UP profile and also, within the community itself, how he has used social media to build community among students, staff and alumni,” Copic said. Over the past year, Marketing videographer and photographer Adam Guggenheim, has become the ying to Kuffner’s yang. The duo has taken University of Portland social media by storm with Kuffner as the mastermind and Guggenheim artistically bringing his visions to life. “(Joe) will usually conceptualize some crazy
David DiLoreto • THE BEACON
Joe Kuffner is pursuing a career in journalism. Kuffner has served the UP community for six years. social media video idea like roommates drawing each other from memory and I find myself just grabbing the camera and going with him,” Guggenheim said. “It’s crazy. You find yourself in awkward positions as the photographer and Joe is telling you to put the camera in the students’ faces, but they always have fun and the result is always funny.” Kuffner also runs Social
THE FORECAST:
CORRECTIONS
Saturday
Friday
71º
80º
Monday
76º
Sunday
72º
Tuesday
74º
Contact Sports Editor Malika Andrews at andrewsm17@up.edu. Twitter: @malika_andrews
THE TIP LINE
There are no corrections for this week. Today
Media for Colleges, a blog that reports on trends in the way colleges and universities use social media. It has drawn a following among marketing professionals in higher education nationwide. “He is a treasure,” Copic said. “He is Marketing’s secret sauce.”
74º
Wednesday
74º
Weather cour tesy of weather.com
The Beacon wants story ideas from its readers. If you see something that should be covered, email News Editor Clare Duffy at upbeacon@gmail.com
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NEWS
Obama unveils College Scorecard
BEYOND the bluff
By Luke Loranger THE BEACON President Obama’s unveiling of the new College Scorecard website on Sept. 12 allows students and parents access to a wealth of information about the University of Portland, along with nearly all other U.S. colleges. The highlight of the tool is the ability to view information about the average annual cost of any given college, graduation rate and median salary of students who attended that college 10 years before. A White House fact sheet emphasized the importance of the College Scorecard in helping students find “reliable data” on financial information related to attending college, especially in the face of rising costs of higher education. The information provided by the scorecard is not laid out like U.S. News & World Report or Forbes’ rankings of colleges.
where
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Instead, it provides data such as average student debt or the makeup of the student body. In terms of cost, UP ranks well among the institutions it generally compares itself to, such as Loyola Marymount
The average salary of UP alumni is $51,700, which is lower than schools such as Santa Clara, but higher than the national average of $34,343. “Too often students and
require the Department of Education to release even more information about colleges, such as transfer rates and how frequently graduates of a given college go on to higher education.
families play a guessing game about whether they will be able to pay back their student loans. The administration’s new college scorecard is a [welcomed] initiative,” U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said in a news release. Wyden is the sponsor of the “Student Right to Know Before You Go Act” along with U.S. Senators Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Mark Warner, D-Va. This piece of legislation would
Many members of the Pilot community believe that UP stand outs because of intangible things that do not appear on the College Scorecard. “I think the University of Portland has a great community,” sophomore business major Harrison Horblit said. “It is very tightknit and personal, but there is the opportunity to meet new people through classes and clubs. I am from Colorado,
draw (to UP) is the community, which you “Thecannotbiggest define on paper. Jason McDonald Dean of Admissions
University, Gonzaga University and Santa Clara University. The cost of attending UP is significantly lower than these schools, with the average price being $29,502 per year after financial aid from the school or state. The College Scorecard also lists salary information for alumni of colleges nationwide 10 years after they graduated, which was not available before the launch of the scorecard.
and I wanted to get out of my hometown and go to new places and do new things. It has definitely been a good fit for me.” The feeling of knowing a college is the right fit after visiting campus can be even more important to prospective students than the cost of attending college. “I think the biggest draw (to UP) is the community, which you cannot define on paper,” Dean of Admissions Jason McDonald said. “I hear this a lot with students that visit, that everyone is welcoming and friendly and you get a good vibe about the University.” The college scorecard can be found at https:// collegescorecard.ed.gov/.
Contact Staff Writer Luke Loranger at loranger18@up.edu. Twitter: @Loranger18
Univeristy of Portland
Loyola Marymount University
Santa Clara University
Seattle University
Gonzaga University
75% $29,052 $51,700
75% $34,879 $55,700
85% $34,956 $67,700
75% $33,557 $55,200
75% $28,155 $52,800
does UP stand?
Information from Institutional Research
Graduation rate Average cost after aid Salaries after graduation
Rebekah Markillie • THE BEACON
CRIME LOG Sept. 19, 10:35 p.m. Officers responded to a party complaint in the area of the 6000 block of Amherst. Officers made contact with the renters. The party was closed. No other calls were received. Sept. 20, 12:02 a.m. Officers made contact with a suspicious person on campus around the University Village area. The person was found not to be part of the university community and Portland Police were notified Sept. 20, 1:48 p.m. Public Safety received a call from a student stating that a wheelchair had been stolen from their porch. The theft took place in the area of the 5200 block of Amherst. Officers took a report and the case remains under investigation.
FOR THE FULL REPORT upbeacon.com > News > UP Crime & Fire Log
ON CAMPUS Meg Jay “Embracing the Defining Decade” Sunday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Chiles Center. Renowned author, psychologist and TED Talk speaker Meg Jay will present a lecture about the twentysomething years and is sponsored by the University’s DunsonBerchtold Institute for Moral Formation and Applied Ethics.
Red Mass Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. The University will offer its annual Red Mass for those entrusted with practicing law in the United States. Free and open to the public.
Womens Volleyball vs. Saint Mary’s Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Chiles Center. Watch the Pilots take on rival St.Mary’s in their first game of WCC play of the season.
Cardio Hula Hooping Friday, Sept. 25 at 3 p.m. in the Beauchamp Recreation and Wellness Center. Cardio hula hoop is a unique and creative way to get your heart rate up while trying something new. No experience in hula hooping is required and all judgement is left at the door!
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NEWS
Talk it out: Health Center to offer group therapy for students
“In individual therapy, it’s one thing to be sharing a concern you may have...it’s another thing to really experience it by sharing it with a bunch of people going through other things.” -Interim Health Center Director Will Meek Photo illustration by Hannah Baade • THE BEACON
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Volleyball Video // Sports
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Kennedy wins ASCE Engineer of the Year // News Parker Shoaff • THE BEACON
Transportation on campus// News
By Jacob Fuhrer THE BEACON If your roommates are done listening to you stress about that statistics test tomorrow or about how much you miss your parents back home, the Health Center wants to help. The center will soon offer students a chance to discuss their struggles with one another in hopes that they can overcome problems by working together. Will Meek, interim director of counseling and training at the Health Center, says there are benefits to talking about problems in groups. “In individual therapy, it’s one thing to be sharing a concern you might have,” Meek said. “It’s another thing to really experience it by sharing it with a bunch of people going through other things.” Transitioning from high school to college or from college to a career field can be an anxiety-ridden experience, filled with uncertainty and unfamiliarity. That’s one area group therapy hopes to address. Additionally Meek says the center is looking at creating groups for trauma survivors, students with eating disorders, stress and anxiety sufferers, as well as a group for men on campus to discuss their unique struggles together. Students are
also encouraged to suggest their own ideas for support groups they would like to see. The new counseling options are a response to greater mental health problems among college students, an issue that was brought into the spotlight after the death of UP student Michael Eberitzsch II last year, according to Meek. “I think we’re seeing an increase in need in general – that’s for sure,” Meek said.
“
It’s an issue of the student body reaching out and really wanting these.
Logan Crabtree Active Minds Co-President
According to a study by the American College Health Association released in 2013, 84 percent of students reported feeling overwhelmed by all they had to do and over half reported suffering intense anxiety within the last 12 months. The decision to add counseling was partly a result of lobbying by Active Minds, a newly formed group on campus that advocates for mental health awareness and connects the community with professional resources. “We had a couple of meetings with Will (Meek) and some other Health Center counselors, and we brought
4 this up pretty much every occasion,” senior Jesse Dunn, co-president of Active Minds said. “It’s been really clear they (students) always wanted to do something like this.” Active Minds Co-President Logan Crabtree said the desire for this new form of mental help had been bubbling below the surface all along. “There was already that idea and that drive behind it before we we’re even at the table,” Crabtree said. “It’s an issue of the student body reaching out and really wanting these.” One hesitation students may have is speaking about personal issues in front of people they might see in class the next day. Meek says this likely won’t be an issue. The groups will be small, ideally six to eight people, and the expectation is participants will hold the conversations confidentially. For Dunn, the key is encouraging students to participate in campus dialogue. “One huge thing for us is to make sure that people continue to have these conversations… it’s so important that students recognize that they’re willing to take on the mission themselves and keep the mission going,” Dunn said. Contact Staff Writer Jacob Fuhrer at fuhrer17@up.edu. Twitter: @jacobfuhrer
For more information contact the Health Center: Orrico Hall Upper Level 503-943-7134 health@up.edu
Living
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Karen Garcia Living Editor garciaka17@up.edu
Shop local, be fashionable Salty Teacup
With fall right around the corner, it’s time to stock up on oversized sweaters and comfy boots. Luckily, Portland offers unique places to shop that aren’t at the mall.
St. John’s Neighborhood
Melissa Aguilar• THE BEACON All photos by Melissa Aguilar
All photos by Melissa Aguilar
Just around the corner from Hound & Hare, lies this Portland gem. This store offers a lot of merchandise from local artisans that feature Portland landmarks. There are so many adorable pieces of stationary, magnets and buttons in addition to candles and soaps, making it a great place to shop for gifts. For a store on the smaller side, they have a wide selection, housing everything from yoga pants to bralettes to dresses. They also have jewelry that can accommodate many budgets and tastes.
Hound & Hare Vintage St. John’s Neighborhood
This shop is conveniently located within a five minute drive of campus. Though the space is small, they have a wide selection of skirts, bottoms, tops and shoes that would fit in perfectly in a 1960s collegiate movie. As with a lot of vintage clothes, some of the sizes run small, depending on the item. They also offer small vintage trinkets ranging from books to photos to porcelain statues.
Buffalo Exchange
Hawthorne District & downtown
Buffalo Exchange is a great place to find vintage clothes among more modern styles. You can trade in or sell clothes to get even more money to spend here. Not only do they have a lot of dresses, bottoms, tops and skirts, but they also have a lot of shoes to choose from. Their hat, purse and accessory section is quite extensive as well.
House of Vintage
Hawthorne District
House of Vintage by far houses one of the largest selections of all things vintage. Because they have so much space, they have some great furniture and other accent pieces that would be great for a new off-campus house or to add some pizazz to a dorm room. It can be easy to get lost looking at all the great styles stored here and a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon.
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LIVING
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Pallas Byrne, Sam Starkey & Maggie Palazzo Freshmen // Shipstad What inspired you to decorate your room like this?
If you could spend any amount of money on your dorm to add to it or change it, what would you do?
We would probably remove the light fixtures, if we were allowed to. Honestly, our room is basically perfection but we would probably get more pantry organizers or maybe something to mount the TV on the wall.
‘Trap Room’
We follow an account on Tumblr called Fyeahcooldorms and it has lots of pictures of tapestries and stuff. Pallas already had some, so we put them up and decided to get more. The essence of Portland was our inspiration, clearly.
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What makes your room the best on campus?
All photos by Parker Shoaff • THE BEACON
First of all, we have the biggest room, it has a lot of space for a triple. We also have two windows, which most people only have one. I think the space and what we’ve done with it clearly makes it the most ideal place to live. It’s the most tranquil room I’ve been in yet.
Dorm rooms can look pretty b walls not as dull or con We talked to stu littl
Nataša K
‘Gnarly’ Alex Peterson, Noah Takla, Qihang Wu & John Black
‘H
Freshmen // Schoenfeldt What inspired you to decorate your room like this?
It’s just kind of a fun place where guys come hang out and use the TV. The general vibe we’re going for is just a fun atmosphere where you can just walk in and hang out.
If you could spend any amount of money on your dorm to add to it or change it, what would you do?
Microwave! That’s the one common accommodation that we don’t have. Maybe a rice cooker too.
What makes your room the best on campus?
Obviously the people in the room! We would say the quesadilla press...but we got shut down when we used it because it’s supposedly a hot plate. But we have a memorial for it.
What in room lik
We’r town and t impo that stuff From color grew
What m campus
Beca own also
T H E B E A C O N • S E P T. 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 • U P B E A C O N . C O M
LIVING
015-2016 Edition
Full interviews online at upbeacon.com
Kvesic • THE BEACON
Homey’
Aafje Day, Maddie Hansen, Kristine Clark &w Freshmen Suzanne Burns // Fields
‘THE FAB FOUR’
boring on move-in day. Some students see those blank nfining, but as a canvas for their own creations. udents across campus all about creating a le piece of home on The Bluff. Design by Rebekah Markillie • THE BEACON
Camille Hougardy & Natalie Fulton
nspired you to decorate your ke this?
re from this little n in Washington they had this ort/export store had really cool ff made in India. m there we chose rs we liked and it w into this!
makes your room the best on s?
Sophomores // Mehling
If you could spend any amount of money on your dorm to add to it or change it, what would you do?
We really want tapestries, kind of like tents, we really want one of those. We’re going to get to a point where we literally will not be able to put more stuff in here.
ause we live here! But we do have our curtains, not many people in Mehling do, our rug is SO soft.
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What inspired you to decorate your room like this?
It’s taken a couple of tries of moving stuff around. We rearranged the furniture a lot, because we have so much space, in order to find out where we wanted everything to be. To have it be functional but a working/living space as well.
If you could spend any amount of money on your dorm to add to it or change it, what would you do?
Well with the whiteboard in our room we were thinking of putting posters all around it and lights. We would repaint! We would add a couch and TV... and a sink! We would install a sink. We have a really long walk to the bathroom.
What makes your room the best on campus?
We live in an extended study room, so it’s huge! There was originally supposed to be five girls, but there are only four of us now. There are windows with great views. And the people. The people in it make it the best.
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LIVING
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faith & fellowship Revelations in Nicaragua
Photo courtesy of Cassie Slayter
Junior nursing major Cassie Slayter takes a break from raking grass to play with a couple of Nicaraguan children during their school recess. For 10 days in August, I had the opportunity to serve alongside 17 members of my church in Cassie Slayter Managua, Jumior, nursing major Nicaragua, building relationships as we completed cleanup and building projects throughout the community. In a country so ridden with poverty, one mustn’t look far to encounter need and brokenness. We stayed at La Villa Esperanza — a shelter for girls at risk of being forced into lives of sexual mistreatment to compensate for the extreme poverty of their families. When these young girls become pregnant, the cycle of poverty and oppression is perpetuated across generations. The Villa is a place where at-risk girls can grow up empowered to become educated women capable of supporting themselves. One of my teammates voiced a challenge that we all would do well to respond to: “Go find darkness and enter into it. You’ll find Jesus alive and working there. And it will change you.” When I left for Nicaragua, I expected to see Jesus and be changed. But I never imagined how much I would mourn the exposure of an area of blindness I have carried in my life. I’ve always known that suffering and poverty exists in the world and have been saddened by it. But now the sufferers have faces. They are my brothers and sisters. All at once I became flooded with anger, sadness and guilt for the
sheltered life I have lived. I had so many questions for God. Finding myself in this place, I sought out a friend who went on this same trip last year. We wrestled with all that was clouding my mind — the injustices I’ve been blind to and the purposelessness I now feel in my relatively wealthy American pursuits. She spoke clarity into my mental mess, wisely seeing this hurt as a natural human response — and also the response of our Creator! We call out to God for the unfairness we have witnessed, to which he responds: “How much more do I grieve the injustice?” We call out for the pain we feel for those we have come to love, and hear him say in response: “How much more do I suffer alongside those who suffer?” The way we grieve suffering is part of our identity as people created in the Image of God. So what do we do with this pain? We let it change our perspective. It’s too easy in America to dismiss God’s presence and our need for him. That’s not because God isn’t here; it’s because—perhaps unconsciously—we think we have all we need. But when we look suffering in the eyes, how can we not reach out to God and ask why? He wants us to mourn alongside him! This knowledge makes our calling clear: Keep reaching out to God to discover what his will is in our individual circumstances (Acts 17:26-27). Slow down your world to see God working and hear his calling for you in each moment. He is faithful to reveal it. Contact Cassie Slayter at slayter17@up.edu.
Author of The Defining Decade, Dr. Meg Jay, will be speaking in the Chiles Center at the University of Portland on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are free and can be picked up in advance of Dr. Jay’s talk at the Athletics Ticketing window in the Chiles Center during normal business hours. For more information: up.edu/DBI
Sponsored by:
5000 N. Willamette Blvd. Portland, OR 97203-5798
Opinion
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Lydia Laythe Opinion Editor laythe16@up.edu
FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Let’s Talk: Depression
Are penalties for pot productive? S
noop Dogg advises to “smoke weed everyday.” The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry warns that “marijuana use is not benign.” The legalization of marijuana is a nationwide debate, which only becomes more complicated as more states alter their laws and the federal government does not. But as residents of Oregon and students of a federally-funded university, we are in a unique, conflicting intersection. We don’t want to debate the legalization of marijuana. The Beacon is not taking a position on the benefits or risks of using marijuana. We want to talk about the University policy — right now — in this complicated time of transition, when students are stuck in a difficult position. According to the Life on the Bluff student handbook, the University of Portland prohibits the possession and/or use of marijuana by students, faculty or staff both on and off campus, “regardless of its status in the State of Oregon, or whether or not an individual possesses a prescription for medical use.” But possible sanctions include: a warning, apology letter, monetary fine, community service hours, educational project or paper, referral to services (e.g., Health Center, Shepard Academic Resource Center), restriction of privileges, alcohol or drug education or assessment, restitution, transfer/loss of on-campus housing privileges or even suspension. Student conduct cases are always treated on a case-bycase basis. There’s no formula for responding to an incident of underage drinking or a possession of marijuana case. Some of these sanctions make sense. If a student’s use of marijuana is causing problems for our community, they should write an apology. If they damaged property, they should pay to replace it. If they clearly have a problem with controlling their behaviors
and limiting how they use marijuana, they should participate in an education program or assessment process. But suspension doesn’t make sense. If, like the handbook states, “sanctions are designed with specific learning outcomes in mind,” what is a student really learning about healthy behavior and healthy use of marijuana if they’re dismissed from the University? If a student is forced to leave UP because of marijuana use/possession, what do they learn? Leaving the University doesn’t prevent them from not continuing possibly harmful behaviors. If anything, leaving the University only deprives them of the guidance and support of a caring, educated
community. We’re not trying to say that the University’s conduct process is too simplistic or not considerate of the students. We know that the University puts a lot of effort to make sure students are taken care of. Alex Hermanny, associate director of community standards, said he knows there’s gray area when dealing with any conduct issue. We want to encourage the University to continue to consider the complexities of every conduct case — and to really consider the benefits, support and guidance a student might lose by losing their place at the University of Portland. Suspending a student for using or possessing marijuana is too harsh a sanction
SUBMISSION POLICY Letters and commentaries from readers are encouraged. All contributions must include the writer’s address and phone number for verification purposes. The Beacon does not accept submissions written by a group, although pieces written by an individual on behalf of a group are acceptable. Letters to the editor must not exceed 250 words. Those with longer opinions are encouraged to submit guest columns. The Beacon reserves the right to edit any contributions for length and style, and/or reject them without notification. University students must include their major and year in school. Non-students must include their affiliation to the University of Portland, if any.
Nathan DeVaughn • THE BEACON
— especially given the complexities of the changing legal status. Suspension won’t make a student stop using marijuana, but it might deny a student the community support they need to overcome whatever challenges they’re dealing with. Yes, marijuana is illegal on a federal level. And we understand that the University must abide by federal law. But we want the University to give students as many second chances as possible. Keeping a student on campus, even if they break the rules, might provide the supportive environment they need to change their (possibly) harmful behaviors into healthier alternatives.
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See Better page 10
THE BEACON Editorial Board
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I don’t remember the time I was depressed very well. I don’t remember that person; I don’t think I Sammy Van den Berg want to. Senior I was a sophomore in high school. I was first realizing I was bisexual. I was first realizing a whole lot of things I’ve come to know myself as. I don’t think I knew that I was depressed at the time. Unfortunately, I think that’s how it works sometimes: The denial runs deep and you chalk up all these changes and everything that’s different to something else. I spent most of my time on Tumblr, discussing religion and politics and life with friends I still hold dear. Yes, internet friends can be fun and safe. Proceed with caution. I went to school and I came straight home. I still went to soccer practice, something I had once found so much joy in, but it always felt like a chore. I barely remember doing schoolwork. I had always been a 4.0 student, but I’m still surprised I managed to pull out a 2.8 GPA that year. I fought with my parents, usually because I wasn’t doing well enough in school, or getting enough sleep, or generally taking care of myself. I was so angry with them at the time, but in hindsight, I probably wouldn’t have learned to care again without them. I wouldn’t be OK if my dad hadn’t have pushed me out of bed every morning. I wouldn’t have been OK if my mom didn’t make me do my homework at the dining room table with the internet off. I wouldn’t have been OK if they didn’t show me so much love when I told them I was bisexual. I had always been full of so much joy, and wanted to do everything and be everywhere
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OPINION
T H E B E A C O N • S E P T. 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 • U P B E A C O N . C O M
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Better: Student reflects on her struggle with depression
Continued from page 9 all the time. I cared about school and soccer and work; I cared about my friends. Through all of this, caring for my friends was the only thing I could still do. Thank God for that. I hated not being that person. Even with everything I’ve repressed, I remember that. I remember hating myself, I remember not wanting to go through another monotonous day. But I also remember when it started to get better. No matter how much I refused to believe there was something troubling going on, I did notice when I started to feel OK again. The summer after my sophomore year, my friends and I went to the beach for one of their birthdays. We went to Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz. That night, we set up a bonfire and talked about the stars. We frolicked down the beach toward the cliff separating Seabright from the main beach with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Back in the day, there used to be a cavern underneath the cliff, where you could crawl under to the other side where the boardwalk was. The cavern has since been filled, and there’s an outlet on the other side that separates the beaches even further. But that night, we crawled under, over beer cans
left by previous visitors, and on the other side we emerged to a stunningly lit up boardwalk. The lights carried all the way down the beach and to the pier at the other end. Fireworks went off a few minutes later. How damn metaphorical that is, right? I still have the panorama I took that night on my awful camera flip phone. I can’t believe now how lucky I was. To experience that before the cavern closed, to be with people that stood by me and cared for me during the hardest year of my life. It didn’t get better right away, but it did eventually. Sometimes it just takes a night to snap you back to reality and stop denying anything, realize just where you are and want to come back – come home. We all struggle. Let’s struggle together.
Sammy van den Berg is a senior organizational communication major and can be reached at vandenbe16@ up.edu or at 408-6564761. Sammy is the current CPB Director on the ASUP Executive Board and also a member of Active Minds, a group on campus dedicated to educating our community about mental health and demonstrating that people are not alone in their mental health struggles.
Mental health resources: UP Health and Counseling Center: 503-943-7134 Multnomah Mental Health Crisis Line: 503-988-4888 Active Minds: activemindsup@gmail.com or facebook.com/activemindsatup
Why Vote?
Every year around this time of year, the annual ASUP fall elections happen. In this election cycle ASUP Senators Joseph Rojo Junior are elected. A few questions that always come up are: “Why should I vote? Does it even make a difference? What does ASUP even do?” These are questions that every UP student has asked at one point. Every vote does make a difference and every vote does matter. By voting, you allow someone to represent your needs, concerns, your voice and work toward making changes to benefit each of us.
ASUP has made a difference in the lives of students. ASUP helps support, whether through funding or logistic support campus traditions such as Rock the Bluff, Riverboat, and Anchors Away. We created a student body NonDiscrimination Policy that was inclusive of various identities to give voice to those on the margins of our community. During this time we also ran various PSAs and poster campaigns bringing awareness to mental health, Green Dot and the concept of privilege. This year we are working to restructure ASUP to make it more inclusive while also improving the social climate of our school by empowering student leaders and creating a culture in which we can talk honestly and openly about sensitive issues such as mental health and interpersonal power
based violence. However, this can only happen with each and every one of you. Each of you has a voice and has the ability to make a difference and be a part of change. Each of you can make a difference. There are so many ways to get involved and make a difference. One of those ways is to go out and vote! Election days are Sept. 29-30. You can vote on Pilots. up.edu. As Elections Officials, we will be tabling in convenient areas for you to vote like The Commons. You have the power to make a difference. You have a voice. You can make change happen. Next Tuesday and Wednesday go out and vote!
Joseph Rojo is a junior biology major and ASUP Secretary. He can be reached at rojo17@up.edu.
FACES ON THE BLUFF What do you think of the University policy on marijuana?
David DiLoreto • THE BEACON
Matt Arlint Senior electrical engineering major
Nicole Wilson Senior nursing major
Joe Baumann Junior mechanical engineering major
Nick Scacciotti Junior electrical engineering major
Katy Krauel Senior nursing major
“It’s illegal by federal law so they have every right to follow that.”
“I respect the University’s decision as a private institution, but I feel it’s a bit convoluted not agreeing with state policy. But it is for the well being of the students, too.”
“I think the school’s policy is fine.”
“Since it’s illegal federally, and it’s not a state school, they can choose to follow federal policy, within reason.”
“It would make everything a little more simple if they would line up with state laws, but since they’re private I respect their decision.”
T H E B E A C O N • S E P T. 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 • U P B E A C O N . C O M
SPORTS
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The Starting Seven
The volleyball team is 10-2, the best record in program history. Today, the Pilots open WCC play against St. Mary’s in Chiles Center at 7 p.m.
14
18
4
2
17
Djurdjina Milovic
Hannah Troutman
Sarah Savoca
Makayla Lindburg
Brittney Markwith
5’8”
5’10”
6’1”
6’1”
6’1”
setter
outside hitter
outside hitter
middle blocker
National Rankings:
7 th 8 th
middle blocker
10
9
Emily Liger
Morgan Robinson
6’0”
5’11”
outside hitter
libero
WCC: Average Digs per Set #1 Portland 17.37
Emily Liger
12.44 attacks per set
#2 Pepperdine 16.71
Hannah Troutman
#3 Santa Clara 15.38
12.40 attacks per set
Team Leaders
{ } Did you know?
Kills
Digs
Blocks
Emily Liger 184 Kills
Hannah Troutman 162 Digs
Britt Markwith 45 blocks
Head coach Brent Crouch coached at St. Mary’s for 4 years before coming to the Bluff.
Hannah Baade • THE BEACON
What’s Next?
Sept. University of the Pacific 26
Portland, Ore.
Oct. 1
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, Calif
Oct. 3
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, Calif
Sports
S E P T. 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 • U P B E A C O N . C O M Malika Andrews Sports Editor andrewsm17@up.edu
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Check out video interviews with the volleyball team on UPBeacon.com
10-2 best start ever. it’s
WCC time
Hannah Baade • THE BEACON