12-03-2010

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The Gatepost

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79 l number 11

e c e m b e r

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gatepost@framingham.edu

Framingham State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1932

New student trustee elected in special election

By Krysta Davis Editorial Staff

One of the 60 alligators at Framingham State.

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

F S U ’s g o t b i t e !

By Rakel Hjaltadóttir News Editor

What has a long snout, beady eyes, razor-sharp teeth, and scaly skin? If you guessed a freshman with bad skin in need of a dentist appointment, you were wrong.

They are four-legged creatures clawing their way through the masses of identical beings, trying to get themselves better situated under a UV lamp to soak up the rays they are much more accustomed to than cold temperatures.

We’re talking about alligators, and for 60 of them, the third floor of Hemenway has become their new home.

Dr. Steve Dinkelacker, professor of biology, is conducting research on the alligators in order to find out what limits a species’ geographic range. “My research is designed to address how these animals cope with environmental stress - such as cold weather, ice cover, things of that nature,” Dinkelacker said.

He added that the point of the research is to describe how the animals cope with different stressors and, ultimately, “under different scenarios of global warming, do we expect them to be able to move further north?”

Dinkelacker has been working with alligators for four years, and this is his second year conducting research with alligators at FSU. According to Dinkelacker, no one is funding his research, but he has applied for grants through the National Science Foundation.

The alligators arrived on campus after Dinkelacker himself drove to Louisiana to pick them up and then transported them back north in the back of a truck. The

animals came from a refuge and were donated by the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Initially, Dinkelacker was going to bring 70 alligators to Massachusetts, but 10 of them died on the way north from a bacterial or fungal infection.

Dinkelacker said the alligators are kept in “immaculate condition. I’ve had a vet come and inspect the facility. … They’re kept in pristine shape.”

The alligators are kept in three different enclosures which are supplied with filtered water, UV lighting and heat. The animals are fed a special “crocodile chow” on a regular basis, and according to Dinkelacker, the alligators’ overall health is monitored by direct observation as well as periodic weighing and measuring.

He added that the goal of the research is to take the animals to their physiological limits. “Like a lot of scientific research, there will be mortality, but there will also be many that survive the experiments, and those will either be returned to Louisiana … or euthanized.”

The gators make no sound, except for the occasional creepy scratching of their claws on each other’s backs as they get themselves situated in their enclosures. Either half in, half out of the water, or sunning themselves under the artificial sun, they seem to be fine under the current circumstances.

If any of the alligators were to die, Dinkelacker said the corpses would be frozen and then preserved and used as study specimens for future science classes. “They’re not exactly native here, so while we have them on hand, -Continued on page 7

Senior Danielle Farmer was elected student trustee in a special election on Dec. 1.

Farmer received 86 votes, sophomore Brian Kessell received 51 votes, junior Keyona Bell received 47 votes and senior Christopher Kopacko received 32 votes in the election.

The student trustee position was left vacant following the resignation of Maxwell Morongiello. Kessell was appointed by SGA President Mike Long on Nov. 9, and elected by senate the same day.

Kessel briefly served as student trustee before Long was informed that his appointment was unconstitutional according to Massachusetts General Law. The student trustee election was conducted through CollegiateLink. Students were able to vote using their personal computers or in the McCarthy Center Lobby.

According to SGA Vice President Hannah Bruce, some students ran into problems voting on CollegiateLink. “If people were not registered on CollegiateLink with their student-given e-mail, then they couldn’t vote.”

However, since SGA members were not aware of the problem until midday, they were not able to warn students about the issue.

For those who were not able to vote online, SGA allowed students to fill out paper ballots.

SGA Senator-at-Large Keyona Bell spoke positively about Farmer.

“I’m very happy for Danielle, having been a senator with her and being on e-board with her. … She’s very passionate and very dedicated. She will be a great voice for the student body.”

According to Farmer, the student trustee represents the student body of Framingham State on campus, attends trustee meetings and local and state events which showcase and advocate for public higher education.

“Being student trustee isn’t working for what you do it’s working for every student,” she said.

Farmer believes she will make a good student trustee because “I have done a lot, not just in SGA in the past couple years, but just on campus in general. I work with different incoming students and freshmen in CASA. I know what works best for them and what doesn’t.

“I think I can relate to a lot of students. I am not an allstar. I really am a typical student. I pay for school on my own. … I’ve been here for four years, and I can really relate to a lot of students,” she said.

Farmer is well acquainted with the offices on campus and the different people who “have the ability to make changes and make the decisions.”

As the voice of the student body, Farmer intends to go into a problem “not demanding changes, but suggesting and trying to work through a more beneficial process.”

Farmer said she is concerned about the direction Fram-Continued on page 5

News

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Gatepost Interview

Police Logs Tuesday, November 30, 2010 13:48

23:32

December 3, 2010

Threats - Corinne Hall Towers. Report of possible harassment.

Undesirable - Maple Street Athletic Fields.

Parties removed/advised.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Danielle Farmer Student Trustee

By Julie Ann Giebler Assistant News Editor

16:43 Larceny - McCarthy Center. Report possible GP: What made you get involved in SGA?

larceny.

Farmer: I was first influenced by my roommate sophoThursday, December 2, 2010

02:53

Protective Custody - Corinne Hall Towers.

One female placed into protective custody.

Transported to MetroWest Medical Center via ambulance.

more year. She did it her freshman and sophomore years and she loved it. I really liked that it had a lot more potential to really make a difference on campus. I’ve been in other clubs before. I did history club and SUAB for two solid years, but I really wanted to try something different.

GP: Why did you decide to run for student trustee?

13:06 Harassment - FSC Police Station. Report of Farmer: I really liked the

a faculty member being harassed.

position. I wish I ran for it in the spring of last year. I was a little hesitant because I had never been on e-board for SGA and I thought that Julie [Cormio] was doing a good job last year and didn’t feel that it would have been appropriate to step up and challenge her. But, given the opportunity when Max [Morongiello] stepped down, it was kind of a second chance to do something that I’ve always wanted to do.

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Lauren Byrnes Editor-in-Chief Lindsay Chase Associate Editor Amy Koski Associate Editor Rakel Hjaltadóttir News Editor Julie Ann Giebler Assistant News Editor Kerrin Murray Assistant News Editor

Spencer Buell Arts & Features Editor Tom O’Brien Arts & Features Editor Krysta Davis Assistant Arts & Features Editor

Nenia Corcoran Sports Editor Josh Primak Sports Editor Matt Cook Assistant Sports Editor Ryan Creed Assistant Sports Editor

from www.weather.com

Thursday 12/9

FSU but to hold onto a little bit of FSC. The small-community feeling I think, is why everyone here enrolled.

We enrolled at Framingham State College, a small little place, and we all came for a certain reason, and I want to make sure that’s not lost, just because we’re a university. … I want to make sure we hold onto what makes us who we are. My biggest thing would be to improve certain departments on campus, specifically student relations with them. I know there are certain areas on campus which students have a lot of trouble with. … I’ve heard countless stories … about offices that really don’t work to the best of their abilities for students and we are the major focus of this school and I think that should be remembered.

GP: What is your favorite aspect of FSU?

Farmer: My favorite aspect would be the size - whether it’s the campus itself or the classes.

I love the fact that it’s a small school. I’m not going to lie when it snows, I love that I don’t have to walk two miles to class. … Also, the class sizes. I came into school not very outspoken and I think Framingham State really challenges you without intimidating you. You really get to know your teachers, especially in your department, and you’re goDrake McCabe/The Gatepost ing to have than more them once Danielle Farmer GP: What is your major - chances are two or three times and why? before you graduate. They get to know who you are and what you can do and what your potential is.

Farmer: I am a history major with a minor in political science. Not many people agree with me, but I love hisGP: Do you have any hobbies? tory. … I started loving history halfway through high school - one teacher made a difference and after that I Farmer: I really love to travel, even if its somewhere was hooked. I believe that history is kind of a story of new like another state or town. Just going and seeing difhow we got here, and people who don’t appreciate it ferent people and different areas. I’m going to be a nerd don’t really understand how it really impacts who we are and say I love to read. I love to read about the Kennedys and how we got here. … but that’s a history major for you. I like new things - I love the challenge! Someone once told me, “If it doesn’t GP: What do you intend to do after graduation? scare you enough, it’s not good enough,” and the more I live, I truly believe it.

Farmer: I was just accepted into Teach for America so I will be moving to North Carolina next summer to teach GP: Do you have any advice for students? for two years. I’ll be teaching either high school or middle school math, with the potential to stay on after two Farmer: Get involved. I know it’s clichéd and it sounds years. simple and it’s just someone else’s ploy to join a club, but it really makes a difference. … It’s really about who you GP: What are your goals for this year in your new meet and it’s not the fact that we’re a commuter school. position?

It’s really going out and meeting more people outside of your own circle. You’ll find things that you really enjoy.

Farmer: I wanted to be realistic. I didn’t want to lie to … Be active and aware of what’s going on. … So much people and say, “I’m going to change this” or “I’m going can pass you by - there’s a lot of opportunities at Framto change that.” I think I was honest in what I said. … My ingham. biggest thing I want to focus on is not so much changing

EDITORIAL BOARD Chris Kopacko Opinion Editor Josh Kruger Photo Editor Kelsey Loverude Photo Editor Drake McCabe Photo Editor Danielle Vecchione Photo Editor Samantha Hamel Columnist Brian Dagley Interim Cartoon Editor Jen Perrin Online Editor Marisa Belculfine Staff Writer Kate Carignan Staff Writer Abner Cavalcanti Staff Designer Zack Comeau Staff Writer Joe Kourieh Staff Writer Samantha Lockard Staff Writer

Samantha Rawson Staff Writer Carey Scouler Staff Writer Monique Thomas Staff Writer Betty Brault Administrative Assistant Desmond McCarthy Advisor

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December 3, 2010

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Trustees discuss plans to increase enrollment ily needs to provide - remains constant no matter where since fall, ’02, according to Flanagan. the student decides to enroll, which may be a factor conDr. Scott Greenberg, associate vice president of acatributing to increased enrollment at state schools. demic affairs and dean of graduate and continuing educaEnrollment statistics and updates to the FSU capital Trustee Fernando Quezada asked if any stance had tion, said a marketing campaign is underway to promote plan were discussed at the Board of Trustees meeting held been taken on undocumented students applying to FSU the graduate program at FSU on boston.com, Facebook on Thursday, Nov. 18. and whether they pay out-of-state tuition. and through a television ad.

Jeremy Spencer, dean of undergraduate admissions, Conley said, “We don’t document whether or not you Greenberg said all the MBA programs, excluding nusaid the number of applications and campus visits has inare documented.

This way we’re not policing on behalf trition, are part-time, but more programs will be offered creased this year. of the state.” full-time in the future.

“This will open us up. That would There has been a 57 percent increase in early action She added that the applications students fill out to apply mean the possibility of having housing now for graduate applications. Spencer said, “We don’t do anything specifito FSU do ask for the students’ citizen status, but not their students.

Also, the idea of having a full-time graduate procally to target early action versus regular decision, so it’s social security number. gram opens us up to international students.” a nice trend.”

“That allows students A motion was approved to borrow $10 million through According to Spencer, FSU to answer the questions the Massachusetts State College Building Authority has received 813 freshman apas they see fit.

[MSCBA] for supplementary funding of the new Hemen“The excitement is there, primarily plications and 917 official SAT Conley said a probway science facilities. scores. Over past years, the SAT because we’re getting the word out, lem undocumented stuThe total cost of the project is $63 million. Of that, the scores received are always higher and also waiving the application fee dents face is cost and commonwealth is funding $51.7 through the Commonthan the applications received befor the students that do visit the the lack of financial wealth Higher Education Bond Bill, which will be used cause students may consider apaid because FAFSA remostly for the construction of the new facilities and renocampus because we really want to plying but end up not doing so. quires students to provation of the existing ones. showcase our campus.”

Spencer said 2,400 calls to povide a social security In addition, $1.7 million comes from federal stimulus tential applicants have been made number. funding and will cover the replacement of the chiller unit - Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, by students, in which applicants Flanagan said the for Hemenway.

Jeremy Spencer rate their likelihood of attending one-year retention rate The $10 million supplied by the university will cover FSU. Additionally, 63,000 ethis year the number the design of the facilities and early construction, such mails have been sent. of students who stay as moving the planetarium from where it is located now Campus visits have been well after their freshman year is 74.9 percent.

“I would be a closer to O’Connor Hall, near the McAuliffe Center. attended, according to Spencer, and halfway through Nolot happier if it was at 80 percent, but we’re moving in the According to Dr. Dale Hamel, senior vice president of vember, 1,725 people had visited the campus, compared right direction.” administration, finance and information technology, the to 1,546 last year, which included the entire month of He said he thinks adding the Freshman Foundations interest rates for the loan are “historically low,” making November. “We’ve actually already superseded halfway course which is required of all first-year students was borrowing the money now a better idea than waiting. through the month of November, where we were last a good investment.

“They’re actually starting to pay off.”

Robert Richards, chair of the board of trustees, said, year,” Spencer said.

Conley said the best predictors of success at Fram“We couldn’t get the money funded from the state.”

“The excitement is there, primarily because we’re getingham State are the high school recalculated GPA and He added that borrowing the funds will be worth it beting the word out, and also waiving the application fee for students declaring majors rather than staying undeclared. cause “if anyone’s been in Hemenway Hall, it’s in pretty the students that do visit the campus because we really “We’re going to actually try to get students to commit earrough shape.” want to showcase our campus,” he added.

Hamel highlighted updates to the FSU Capital Plan Spencer said the goal is to attract 4,680 applicants, lier to majors, and come into majors upon matriculation, so I think that will really help a lot.”

and the changes which have been made to it. According to which is a 35 percent increase from last year.

Flanagan said course regisHamel, “The plan identiSusanne Conley, vice president of enrollment and stutration is up by 4 percent, which fies a number of recomdent development, said the residence hall population is at means “our average student is mended action steps to 104 percent this year. She said the enrollment and plantaking more courses now than meet future needs.

“We’re going to actually try to get ning committee is working to fill the 350 beds provided they were before, which is a “This is supposed to students to commit earlier to majors, by the new residence hall next fall. good sign.” be a 10-year capital plan, “The only way we can do that is to hit our target of 800 and come into majors upon He added that Massachuand you can see we’re new freshmen, a large percentage of whom will live on matriculation.” setts is “very much an importer kind of already two thirds campus,” she said. of college students.

That is, of it either finished or In addition to new students, she said the university more students come to Massathrough.” wants to encourage existing students to stay on campus, - Vice President of Enrollment and Another project idenas well as allow readmitted students and possibly graduate chusetts to study than any other state relative to the size of the tified in the plan is the Student Development, Susanne Conley students to live at FSU. high school population.” renovation of O’Connor President Timothy Flanagan discussed the value of Flanagan highlighted trends Hall to become office and public higher education. “We enjoy a considerable and the board of higher education meeting spaces rather more meaningful cost advantage than private instituhas seen in regards to enrollthan a residential buildtions,” he said.

“Public higher education seems to be more affordable ment at state colleges and universities and community ing, which will happen over time, starting this upcoming fall. for students at all income levels. We are seeing substantial colleges.

The Board of Higher Education anticipates 100,000 Hamel said, “It will be repositioned ultimately for ofenrollment for higher-income students,” he said. students enrolling in community colleges, and 40,000 fice and academic use, to coincide with the completion of There has been a steady increase in students coming undergraduate students in state universities next fall sethe science project.” from higher-income households - $80,000 or above. Acmester.

Along with enrollment, there has been a steady An item in the plan which, according to Hamel, is still cording to Flanagan, in ’07, only 39 percent of students increase in the number of high school graduates from both “up in the air,” is the future disposition of Crocker Hall. were from these high-income households, and now the public and private schools, which peaked in ’08.

Hamel said most of the occupants of Crocker Hall will percentage has increased to 51 percent.

Flanagan said the state universities have been “moving be moved to the new offices in O’Connor once all the renHe added that the expected family contribution - a along” at a consistent rate, with an increase in enrollment ovations have been done.

“The question will become the number calculated by the government to determine how of 2 to 3 percent a year over the last five years. much financial aid a student gets and how much the fam-Continued on page 4 The overall new enrollment has steadily increased

By Rakel Hjaltadóttir News Editor

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December 3, 2010

S G A d e b a t e s its budget realignment process

By Krysta Davis Editorial Staff

we can make a more educated decision.” again for next semester.”

A request for a $2,200 budget increase had senators Long said, “We [SGA] have to do all of the work. It is confused about where the money would go and how it all on us to come better prepared to look at this.”

At SGA’s meeting on Nov. 23, senators tabled the would be spent.

The Christian Fellowship requested a realignment of decision to revise the budget realignment process and According to Jessica Dumais, the dance club treasur$300 from their bus line item last year into their police FSU’s Dance Club budget increase request. er, “After we were handed our current budget, I couldn’t detail for their Praise Night.

Jenn Lynch-Kupan, SGA student activities trust fund see anything in our budget that could potentially have Daron Carlson, SGA Parliamentarian, moved to aptreasurer, expressed her concern about SGA’s budget rebeen moved around.” propriately realign $300 of Christian Fellowship’s budalignment process.

Senators did not know where the dance club’s reget.

After no debate, the motion passed.

According to SGA President Mike Long, SGA wants cently purchased Celtics tickets reimbursement money WDJM asked to amend its constitution after it was clubs to base their budgets on events, rather than line would go.

Therefore, senators were not sure if the club revised and updated to make sure it followed SGA’s conitems. Furthermore, clubs would have the option of needed the full $2,200 if they were going to be reimstitutional requirements. moving money budgeted for one event to fund another. bursed.

SGA approved the amended WDJM constitution In other words, clubs could realign their own budgets Keir declined Cormio’s unanimously. without senate input. request to decrease the FSU SGA also accepted FSU’s Community Band constituLynch-Kupan believes Dance Club’s budget request tion request. that the current system “is to $1,200.

Club creator Andrea Bray started a community band “I just feel like there are a lot of a lot of unnecessary busy “I don’t think you can make to perform in the Helen Heineman Ecumenical and Culwork.” She wants to make unanswered questions and we are that assumption of the amount tural Center and during ice hockey and basketball games. the budget process smooththat [dance club] they are getThe club consists of roughly 11 students who have not educated enough in er for SGA and clubs by ting back [from Celtics tickets] their own instruments and music stands, but Bray is still bringing back the old what’s happening” and how they are going to use accepting any students who want to join. “lumping” of budgets by their money.

I think that even Additionally, the FSU Flash Mob requested its conevents with “a little more SGA Vice President, Hannah Bruce $1,000 for costumes is not stitution be approved for the first time. structure.” enough. …

If they had $1,500, According to Jacqueline Soares, the club representaLong said this structure that will only be a minimum tive, flash mob is a group of students who get together will be used for tracking for their costumes,” Keir said. and learn one specific dance to be performed in a ranwhere clubs are spending The club was looking for an dom place at the same time.

The club’s purpose is to money. additional $950 for police detail intended for both seraise morale among FSU students and to be able to have SGA Class and Club Treasurer and SUAB President mesters, as well as $250 for an outside performer. The fun on campus.

Rachel Keir had mixed opinions about the proposed dance club also asked for an additional $1,000 for their Lynch-Kupan expressed her excitement about the structure. She liked the idea of budgeting by events, but third annual event, “So You Think You Can Dance?” new club. “Good job for the initiative for getting this believes that “a club should be able to spend their money According to Long, the done. …You did an aweand not have to worry so much about where it is coming dance club doesn’t need some job.” from for each event.” all $2,200 immediately but Soares said, “It is just funAccording to Long, SGA will give clubs “lump sum “they were trying to get ny to see the whole school budgets,” a single payment for the total amount due, as “We [SGA] have to do all of the work. ahead of the game and that is doing the same thing at the opposed to a series of periodic payments, which have to something we want clubs to same time. … We want to do be approved by SGA according to the event.

It is all on us to come better prepared do.

We want them to actually it in as many places as posLynch-Kupan added that requests for events which do stuff ahead of time.” sible because it’s fun, it’s ento look at this.” have not been approved must be e-mailed by the club to Bruce offered a formal tertaining and people don’t the SATF treasurer in order to have its request approved. amendment to table the issue see it all the time.

I think Senator-at-Large Julie Cormio believes this new - SGA President, Mike Long until the next meeting to beteveryone needs a little more structure will allow clubs the ability to spend their own ter understand the situation. fun in their lives.” money independently. “They deserve some freedom to “I just feel like there are a lot The club gained recognido things with their money.” of unanswered questions and tion through word-of-mouth Molly Goguen, SGA secretary, said, “This is a really we are not educated enough and secret messages on table big decision and we should have something in front of in what’s happening.” flyers to get people to join and participate. us that says, ‘This is what we’re thinking about doing,’ SGA voted on the formal amendment with 12 votes In the future, the club intends to host dances, charjust so we can look at it.” to table it, nine opposed and two abstentions. ity events, mp3 experiments and possibly join with the SGA voted unanimously to table this “proposition” Dumais responded positively to SGA’s decision to Boston Flash Mob group in upcoming performances to until next meeting because of budget confusion. table their request.

“We appreciate the thought of tabling raise awareness.

FSU Dance Club’s budget increase request was tait. We understand it is a lot of money and we’re requestA motion was passed to accept FSU’s Flash Mob bled until SGA’s next meeting. Hannah Bruce, SGA vice ing almost half of what we already have.

I completely constitution. president, said, “I think that we should get a little bit understand. … We just want to get it out of the way as more information. We should be able to really look at -Continued on page 6 soon as possible so we can avoid this whole process their budget and exactly what we gave them last year so

Funding for Hemenway project approved by trustees

-Continued from page 3

ultimate use of Crocker,” he said.

He added that the project to renovate Crocker Hall was studied by the Division of Capital Asset Management [DCAM] and was deemed cost-ineffective because, among other things, the building needs a new foundation and the façade is crumbling.

Another item of the capital plan includes a new parking deck to provide additional parking on campus, though no concrete decisions have been made.

Warren Fairbanks, director of facilities, outlined energy conservation projects identified by DCAM which will be put into action at FSU. “This is a method of financing improvements that are energy-related,” Fairbanks said.

These projects include installing infrared light detectors, insulating steam pipes and switching the fuel source for the boilers to natural gas. The replacement of the chiller in the library, the last of three 40-year-old chillers, is included in the project.

The funding for these projects would come from reallocating the moneys that normally go to electric utilities and the oil bill, which, according to Fairbanks, is “in the neighborhood of $3 million a year.”

Fairbanks added, “The timing right now is very good for this type of project because the rates are down.”

Deval Patrick, governor of Massachusetts, signed an

executive order that requires all state facilities set a target of a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gases and a 20 percent reduction in energy expenditures, which is another reason why FSU wants to go ahead with the project.

According to Conley, there has been a rise in the number of counseling center appointments.

She said this is a national trend and does not only apply to FSU. An additional individual has been hired at FSU to make sure resources are available for the students who seek counseling.

She said, “It’s the sort of thing we’re very careful about here - making sure that we have enough resources for the population we have on campus.”

Conley said the financial aid and student accounts offices have become a “one-stop shop,” though the physical spaces are still separated. There will be a survey available to students to gauge how effective the change has been.

She added that the veteran population on campus has been and is still increasing, and a room has been designated in the McCarthy Center for the Veterans Association.

“We really feel it’s important for veterans on campus to have a place they can go,” she said.

According to Conley, there are currently about 130 veterans at FSU. Rita Colucci, director of human resources, said there are currently 11 ongoing faculty searches, eight of which

are for tenure-track positions. She said the applicant pools are “healthy,” and some disciplines have received more applications than others - there are 202 applications for a position in the history department.

Colucci said three of the searches have a very strong diversity pool. “In the sciences and math, we’re seeing a lot of international applicants. It’s kind of interesting … what they’re saying about sciences and math and where our students are in the United States.”

Flanagan said, “It’s going to become harder and harder to hire U.S. citizens for faculty positions in math and science” because students aren’t interested in getting Ph.D.s in these fields.

Trustee Albertha Paul asked if women are characterized as diversity applicants. Colucci said, “When I’m talking about diversity, I’m talking about individuals from underrepresented groups.”

Richards said that historically at FSU, women have not been an underrepresented group.

Colucci added that some of the strongest majors are education and fashion design and there are “a lot of female faculty in those disciplines.”

Dr. Linda Vaden-Goad, vice president of academic affairs, told the board about the authors’ event which will be held next year. The event will include faculty author book signings and readings.

December 3, 2010

News

Farmer wins the trustee election didn’t know at all what was going on.”

Junior Jessica Lundberg said, “I only heard about it through students. I didn’t know [about the election] personally or I didn’t know the candidates who were running, but I’m sure I could have gotten involved myself.”

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change things and work hard to get things done and find solutions.” ingham State is going. She doesn’t want the university to Although Kopacko didn’t win the election, he conlose its small-campus environment, which she values. gradulated Farmer. “I’m glad that although I didn’t win In order to keep tuition from raising, Farmer also inthe position, that Farmer was able to win the support of tends to look into the university’s costs the student body. I’m sure she’ll do to get “the best price for the best educaa great job,” he said. tion.”

Bell believes the race went well According to Bell, “The biggest issue considering the lack of time candithat the trustee needs to tackle is commudates had and also congradulated nication - communication between stuFarmer. dents and administration. … Communi“It was a really good race. … cation in letting students know that even I really liked that there were four a single voice is a very impactful voice, people running in this election, esespecially on our very small campus.” pecially with it being a sudden and SGA did not host a candidates’ night very important election - the amount for Wednesday’s special election due to of people who stepped up and nomitime constraints. nated themselves for this position According to Long, an individual and cared to run,” she said. needs 20 days to reserve a room and 15 Farmer has been involved not days for an event registration through only in student government, but in Student Involvement and Leadership Deother areas of the FSU community velopment (SILD), and he had six to set as well. up the election.

“I have come to value the expeLong said he sent an e-mail informrience as well as the education that ing each student trustee candidate about Framingham affords its students. In the election regulations. He also stressed the past, I have worked very closely Drake McCabe/The Gatepost the importance of campaigning for themwith the previous student trustee, selves because there would not be an attending meetings and functions Three members of SGA ran for the position of student trustee. open forum. as a representative of our school,” Long believes the lack of a candidates’ she said. night did not affect the campaign results Danielle Kelly, a senior, said, “I because in the past these forums were sparcely attended Farmer was able to campaign without a candidates’ feel really good about [Farmer’s] win. I can honestly say and did not receive much publicity. night for the race through her Facebook event, as well as that she is one of the most genuine and responsible people He initially planned to co-sponsor with other clubs by hanging posters, not just in the caf, but in May Hall that I have met at Framingham. during the week of the election to have candidates speak and CASA. “She is really involved in the school in all different asat their main Kessell, SGA senator-atpects and I feel events “so there large and publicity chair of that she will would be people WDJM 91.3, also set up a bring her extenthere that would Facebook event to promote sive experience listen to them.

“With the short amount of time, we’ve his campaign, as well as hangto the table.

“I had no idea there was an election and “Up until this ing up posters in both cafeteShe is an ideal upcoming spring done as much publicity as we rias. representative I really wish that I did so I could semester, candiBefore the election, Kesfor the student dates’ night hapcould have put out.” sell said, “I acknowledge the body and she partake in it.” pened the same fact that I don’t have as much really deserved week as elecSGA experience as two of my to win this posi- Ryan Imposimato, class of 2012 - SGA President, Mike Long tions. … It was running mates, but I feel that tion.” kind of pointthrough my hard work and Deanna Flyless to even have dedication, that I will be able nn, an SUAB one,” he said. to get the job done.” member, said, Bruce agreed However, since he did not “I had no clue with Long that in years past, candidates’ nights did not win the position of student trustee, Kessell intends to as- who was running until someone told me. … I think she’ll generate much interest among students. “Honestly, I don’t sist Farmer in anything she may need.

[Farmer] do a good job. I know that she is very hard workthink that candidates’ night is very well attended. I don’t “If she ever needs my help … I’d be more than ing and loves everything she’s involved in. think it will really hurt them [the candidates running].” happy to step in.

Bruce said, “It’s mostly the candidates just getting “I’m still going to be on SGA, I’m still going to try to themselves out there and getting their ideas heard.”

However, Bell missed not having a candidates’ night for this race. “I feel like candidates’ night is where people get to really hear the issues and to hear how passionate candidates are.”

Kopacko, The Gatepost’s opinion editor, also wished there had been a candidates’ night.

“I think that having a candidates’ night would have been nice just so that I could have got some of what I wanted to do out there. But, at the same time, due to such short notice … I think it’s more or less irrelevant at this point.”

Long said he personally put out table flyers and posters around campus to inform students about the election.

“With the short amount of time, we’ve done as much publicity as we could have put out.”

Bell said, “A lot of campaigning was more word-ofmouth and finding out what people thought a student trustee should do and what students felt were important issues to them.”

Ally Chisholm, SUAB treasurer, believes SGA did a good job publicizing the election.

“I think it was publicized enough. SGA members put out table flyers on a few different occasions and on CollegiateLink and Facebook. Also, voting was easy to do since you could do it on your own laptop at any time, or on one of the laptops that SGA set up in the McCarthy Center lobby,” she said.

However, junior Ryan Imposimato said, “I had no idea there was an election and I really wish that I did so I could partake in it.”

Sabrina Kack, another junior said, “They [SGA] should have put the election through the intercom or something. I -Continued from page 1

News

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December 3, 2010

SGA tables budgeting process

By Julie Ann Giebler Assistant News Editor

At this week’s SGA senate meeting, President Mike Long tabled a decision to revise its budget process until the next meeting.

Long made the decision based on the lack of understanding of the budget proposals among senate members. He proposed a “mock-budget” to take place at Monday’s Financial Committee [Fin Com] meeting - two variations of budgeting will be presented to senate at 1:30.

The two budget variations will be presented by SGA Student Activities Trust Fund Treasurer Jenn Lynch-Kupan and Senator-atLarge Keyona Bell. The meeting is open to the public.

Long said the “basic pitch” of both proposals would remove the “object code lines,” which currently determine how clubs spend their money.

Removing this part of the budget process would allow clubs to realign their own budgets without appearing before the Fin Com and senate.

Currently, clubs must spend money in accordance to exact items for which funds have been allocated. In the event the budget process and budget packets are changed, “code lines” will be eliminated, allowing clubs to spend money based on events.

Long urged senate members, who are unsure about the budget proposal, to attend Monday’s Fin Com. After their budget requests were tabled in last week’s meeting, The FSU Dance Club and Black Student Union returned to request a budget increase for events in the spring semester.

Long told senators, “Now we have all of the information. So if for any reason you [senate] decide to table, I’m letting you know right now I will veto it. We are doing this tonight. … Do not table these people again.”

The FSU Dance Club asked for a budget increase of $1,000. If approved, the club plans to spend its $2,200 budget on four prizes for its “So You Think You Can Dance?” event, an outside performer and police details.

SGA Vice President Hannah Bruce recommended that senate cut the request for the prize money. “They can get co-sponsors, and if they can’t, they can come back to us. I just think that $1,000 is a lot of money for prizes.”

SGA Class and Club Treasurer Rachel Keir motioned to lower the total budget.

The motion passed with only one dissenting vote and three abstentions. The club was allocated $600, instead of its $1,100 request.

Black Student Union Treasurer Shanelle Walker came before senate to request funding for the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference in Texas from Jan. 20-23.

SGA originally allocated $1,881.54 to BSU, to provide conference registration for two students, two hotel rooms and airfare for two BSU e-board members and one advisor.

BSU requested funding for two additional e-board members to attend, bringing the total to $3,216.54. This figure includes additional costs in case they registered late.

Senator-at-Large Richard Poor inquired about the age of each anticipated attendee, noting that by bringing primarily upperclassmen, BSU would only “have that leadership experience for five months.”

BSU plans on bringing one senior student, two juniors and a sophomore to the conference in January.

Senator-at-Large Danielle Farmer agreed that BSU should raise some money. However, she believes that “Black Student Union is a great example on campus. …

They do fundraise more than probably every other club. I don’t think they should be punished.

Bell motioned to allocate enough funding for three members to attend the conference.

BSU will have to fundraise in order to send the senior member to the conference. The motion passed unanimously.

The Computer Science Club came before senate for the first time after being reactivated to request a budget for FY 2011.

President Mike Picchioni and Treasurer Mike DelSanto requested $1,000 for the club, most of which will be used on computer parts in order to build a computer from scratch.

The club intends to use the computer to give informational presentations on campus on web security and programs such as Microsoft Excel.

The club representatives told senate that the more expensive parts will ensure a lengthier lifespan for the computer.

SGA Parliamentarian Daron Carlson suggested that the club use donated computer parts. She was wary that something could go wrong if “so many people are taking it apart and putting it back together.”

Senator-at-Large Kurtis Buczynski Drake McCabe/The Gatepost said, “Computers do get old and you might as well get the newer [parts] SGA senators at this week’s meeting. so that they have it longer.” He also pointed out that not all computers are “We shouldn’t be funding a senior [to attend the con- compatible, so using various parts might not work. ference], but I think we shouldn’t hold back on funding Senator-at-Large Kendra Dale said, “This is the Comeveryone else who is eligible,” she said. puter Science Club - that’s like giving the basketball team Farmer added, “If we have enough money in the Travel deflated basketballs. They know what they need. They and Conference [account], we should give them enough know what they’re talking about.” for all three students and an advisor because they have Picchioni said, “The reason we want this computer is worked hard for their money.” because of the hard drive itself. We have to ability to do Keir declined Farmer’s motion because she was unsure the most with it and if we use older computers, we would of the conference’s benefit to the entire school community be teaching how to use older equipment.” and felt “shaky” about the current lack of itinerary.

Picchioni added that using older parts would give the Senator-at-Large Julie Cormio defended BSU. She ex- impression that they “don’t know what [they’re] doing.” plained that most conferences don’t list details until closer The motion to allocate The Computer Science Club its to the date of their pograms. request of $1,000 passed with only one dissenting vote.

SUAB came before senate for a constitution revisal which was approved with only three abstentions.

SUAB also gave a presentation on their NACA Confer“I really think we need to give them ence, which nine members attended in early November.

Rachel Keir, also the SUAB President, explained the [BSU] the benefit of the doubt and significance of the conference and its benefit for the camnot cut down to two people because pus community. that is just robbing them of an SUAB Treasurer Becky Holmes told SGA they were experience” able to save money on performers for the spring semester, as well as on promotional items to give to students.

- SGA Senator-at-Large, Richard Poor The club booked multiple on-campus events and purchased promotional items that would normally cost $18,400. However, because the events were booked at the conference, the cost was only $11,650 - saving SUAB 27 percent.

BSU members plans to hold a panel with other clubs to SUAB won one of three awards given at the confershare their experiences after they return. ence - for most school spirit.

Poor said SGA doesn’t have the right to judge who is The FSU Community Band constitution request was eligible to attend a conference. “Say that that particular amended and revised for the second time, in a unanimous senior is the president. We can’t sit here in good con- vote. science and say, ‘We don’t know how it’s going to benefit The FSU Flash Mob constitution request was also the campus’… because it’s the first time they’ve done it. amended and revised for the second time with one dissent “I really think we need to give them [BSU] the benefit and one abstention. of the doubt and not cut down to two people because that The FSU Men’s Rugby Football Club constitution was is just robbing them of an experience. … [It is] an organi- unanimously amended and revised. zation that really does a good job on campus.”

Long urges senators to speak up

-Continued from page 4

SGA accepted the Hilltop Players’ realignment of $200 to help cover the cost of upcoming shows and programs by a unanimous vote.

Long responded to The Gatepost’s Assistant News Editor Julie Ann Giebler’s Op/Ed, “SGA members need to speak up” in the Nov.19 issue, which addressed senators not voicing their opinions during SGA meetings.

Giebler wrote, “Do they [senate members] just, sit, listen and timidly nod their heads in agreement?”

Long said, “If anyone feels that they are not voicing their opinion, I am asking you this question directly ‘Why are you here?’ You are the student representatives

for the entire student body. You are here to voice your opinion. … It is not just the vote. It’s the questions and debate as well.”

In other business: • On Wednesday, Dec. 8, The FSU Wildlife Club is hosting Creature Teachers, where students can hold animals at 6:30 p.m. in G32 of Hemenway Hall.

• The Class of 2013 and 2014 is having a gingerbread decorating competition in the McCarthy Center on Wednesday, Dec.8 at 8:30 p.m.

• SGA froze the the budgets of the Business Leadership Club, FSU Chorus, FSC for FHS, FSU Protestant association and Men’s Lacrosse.

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Meetings are Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in McCarthy Center room 410.

December 2, 2010

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ARTS & FEATUres FSU

Experiment tests influence of temperature change on alligator behavior - continued from pg. 1

rather than just throwing them in the bin, we can put them to other uses.”

All experiments and research with animals at Framingham State follow the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidebook, which sets strict rules for all animal research.

Dinkelacker said, “There are proposals that are sent in to them and they are evaluated for scientific integrity.”

For each animal one intends to study, a proposal needs to be written and sent to IACUC for evaluation. “The experiments I have proposed are covered under that [the guidelines]. If I deviate significantly from it, I would have to put in a separate [proposal].”

Dr. Margaret Carroll, chair of the biology department, said FSU has an IACUC committee made up of biology faculty members, an outside faculty member, an off-campus veterinarian and an off-campus individual without any biological training.

Carroll said the committee reviews any proposal to use animals in research. “Anytime someone proposes research on animals, or use of live animals in laboratories … there has to be a full proposal.”

This document includes each animal’s would-be housing and general care, such as feeding and bedding, as well as the protocol for any experimentation that will take place and disposal of the animal “at the end of its usefulness,” Carroll said.

She added that invertebrates - animals without backbones - do not fall under the IACUC regulations, but students at FSU are required to follow the guidelines no matter what the organism.

“In terms of our students, though, we kind of go one step further … because we recognize that our students are just that they’re students. So we want to train them to be able to work in laboratory situations in the future,” Carroll said.

Students have to complete an IACUC form for whatever organism they are using for their research, “even if they’re talking about chestnut trees!” Carroll said.

Dr. Linda Vaden-Goad, vice president of academic affairs, said all colleges and universities that deal with animals of any

kind are required to follow the IACUC guidelines. “We take it very seriously,” she said.

“I certainly support and applaud what’s being done here. … People really think hard about what they’re doing and how to always make sure that we’re in compliance with the federal national guidelines,” Vaden-Goad added.

Framingham State has been home to other species as well as alligators. According to Carroll, there have been mice, rats, fish and birds on campus in the past.

Leigh Kumpe, a junior biology major, is the main student assistant in Dinkelacker’s research, or the “gator manager.”

there in the scientific community,” which she says many scientists don’t get to do until they are already in the field.

Jessica Wiggin, a senior geography major and president of the Animal Rights Club, said, “I am not familiar with Dr. Dinkelacker’s experiment, but I am opposed to hierarchal thinking and the use of animals by humans. Might is not right, and ours is not the only intelligence. If we presume so, we are arrogant.”

She added that people have to remember that animal testing does not necessarily make any product safe for human consumption. “For example, according to animal tests, cigarette smoke, asbestos,

Photos by Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

She said she started assisting Dinkelacker because “to survive and succeed with a career in biology, field and lab experience is absolutely essential. This was an opportunity that many schools don’t offer, so I jumped right on it.”

She added that the most rewarding, but also the most challenging aspect of working for Dinkelacker, is the research. “The gators are phenomenal. … definitely always keeping you on your toes. Having the chance to work with something seemingly exotic to this region is such a treat as well.”

Kumpe said she is very thankful for the opportunity because through the research, she will be able to “get [her] name out

arsenic, benzene and glass fibers were all found to be safe to ingest,” she added.

Dresden Odell, a senior geography major and president of the Green Team, said she does not believe in animal testing.

“The animals are often in pain and obviously did not choose to be there. … I hope that the biology department will stop using animals in the near future.”

Khalil Farhat, a senior business major, said, “Testing on animals, like this professor is doing, I believe is OK. … However, injecting animals with random ‘vaccines’ which will eventually be used for man, or seeing resistance to certain viruses or other

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

experiments which are either cruel or dangerous to the animal, I do not approve of.”

Nicole Melone, a senior visual communication arts major, said she is against animal research if the animal is put through any sort of physical pain. “If the experiments are simply to study their behavior and such, that’s fine, but if they are being given drugs or being genetically or physically altered, especially without anesthesia … I feel that is very wrong.”

She added that she thinks the experiment is “useless” because animals will evolve over generations as an effect of climate change. “I don’t believe it’s ethical to see if a single alligator can adapt to dramatic temperature changes in a short period of time.”

Faraaz Naqvi, a senior communication arts major, said, “As much as I am sort of against animal testing, I am happy to know that there is a lot more research happening at FSU, and I hope that FSU does become more of a research-based institution.”

Kalina Flood, a junior biology major, said she thinks it’s a good opportunity for FSU students to have a chance to work with animals, and although some people are opposed to the use of animals, it’s a necessary part of research.

She said, “Having an experiment of this scale at FSU is really great! For biology students, it provides us an opportunity to get some hands on experience. For other students, it can provide insight into the workings of scientific experiments.

“There just needs to be understanding on the significance of the project, the questions that arise from it, and the science of the animal so that people do not think of the project as cruel.”

Dinkelacker said he does not know how long the research will continue. “The research itself could go on for many years.

With science, you ask one question which leads to many more.”

Kumpe said she wouldn’t give up this opportunity for anything. “I honestly am so excited for all the research that has yet to come!”

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Arts & Features

December 2, 2010

FSU showcases Irish Culture

F rom the classroom to the the front lines

courtesy of mauricefitzpatrick.org

Maurice Fitzpatrick leads screening of his film The Boys of St. Columb’s

By Spencer Buell Arts & Features Editor

T

hey were only children when the 1947 Education Act changed the lives of these eight boys forever. For the first time in their lives, the impoverished Northern Ireland natives were granted the opportunity to reach their fullest potential with a first-rate education - what was once a distant dream.

Sixty years later, the collection of Nobel laureates, poets and activists director Maurice Fitzpatrick gathers together in his documentary film “The Boy’s of St. Columb’s” all say they owe their success to their experiences inside the walls of Derry, Ireland’s reputable secondary education school. The film showcases a diverse collection of influential people, each of whom made unique social contributions rooted in their heritage.

“The education they received in St. Columb’s was a Promethean gift. So many generations before them had

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

been deprived of that chance.

Their education was a springboard for social action, social change and social engagement,” said Fitzpatrick.

As an educator himself at Keio University in Tokyo, he said he believes his film is a testament to the ways in which a quality education can have a profound influence on one’s life.

“Education,” he said, “ has tremendous power.”

However, Fitzpatrick’s film makes it very clear that the boys’ time at St. Columb’s did not always feel like a blessing, and was often traumatic. The legislation came at a time when discrimination against the poor Irish Catholics living in Derry’s Bogside was deep-seated - sentiments, the film shows, which were reflected in the school system.

The men each share stories of abuse at the hands of St. Columb’s administrators involving, among other examples, wrist lashings with leather straps and something horrific named the “chalkboard guil-

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Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

own ways, would go on participate in the Irish Civil Rights Movement from its very beginnings at the 1968 Londonderry March. But, as the film indicates, it is not surprising that after facing discrimination in school, the boys would grow up to be men who would not stand for injustice. In fact, some of the men said they had taken social issues so seriously because they felt they owed it to the rest of the oppressed Catholic Northern Irish to whom education was an impossibility.

“They had no choice but to become politicized,” said Fitzpatrick.

“With an educated mindset, determination and humaneness and reasonableness and applying your talents,” he said, “you can do a lot.”

Fitzpatrick presented his documentary in the Dwight Performing Arts Center Nov. 12 as part of the NEACIS Irish culture conference hosted by English Professor Dr. Kelly Matthews.

Movie poster for Fitzpatrick’s film “The Boys of St. Columb’s.” courtesy of mauricefitzpatrick.org

Seamus Deane and Seamus Heaney on the set of the film.

courtesy of mauricefitzpatrick.org

From Left: James Sharkey, John Hume, Phil Coulter, Maurice Fitzpatrick.

ven when your voice is shaky

Damian Gorman lectures on the substance of stories most difficult to tell

By Amy Koski Associate Editor

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

lotine.” While these punishments were mainly used to keep students in line, the men said they remember beatings intended only to remind the impoverished students that they did not belong.

“Their stories are harrowing,” said Fitzpatrick. “Those who attempted to diminish them as people at such a tender age have got a lot to answer for.”

While their treatment at school was less than ideal, the men learned far more about the present state of things for their people than they would have in any classroom. The boys learned first-hand what struggles they would face during their lives and this awareness of what was happening, it seems, greatly influenced the way in which they would put their first-rate education to use.

“Certain characters react very well when they’re under pressure and when they’re belittled and their own self worth is under attack,” he said.

The men, each in their

Damian Gorman, an awardwinning Irish playwright, spoke and read to the crowd gathered in the Ecumenical Center on Nov. 15.

Gorman, a man who speaks Irish, English, French and a “dodgy bit” of Spanish, has written plays, prose and poetry and has worked for the BBC. Gorman spent a week at Framingham State, during which he spent time in classes such as Creative Writing and Irish Literature. He performed poems he wrote for family and read from some of his 16 plays.

He told the audience about his struggle to find a final present for his daughter Molly’s 18th birthday before she left to do charitable work in India.

Eventually, Gorman decided to write her a poem, inspired by memories of her childhood. He titled it “Rockport.”

Gorman recited “Rockport,” especially its conclusion, with feeling. The poem ends, “May you know how lovely you are.

May that hold you up, or may the world bounce for you when you fall.”

Katie Chernicki, a sophomore elementary education and language arts major said, “I really liked his writing. I thought the poems about his son and daughter were really nice.”

Though his son and daughter have been the inspiration for many of the words Gorman’s published, the playwright is also inspired by the Irish “Troubles.” They were an historically traumatic and violent three decades that still have an intangible hold on the lives of many Irish.

When researching the Troubles before writing “Loved Ones,” Gorman interviewed “a dozen” people who saw immediate family members shot at home, often right on the couch.

He said he promised he wouldn’t use their words or stories but wanted to understand real emotions.

“I think what struck me … more than anything, was stillness. [They were] absolutely

still when they were telling me, just chronologically, ‘Here’s what happened that day.’”

He read an excerpt from the drama, which is about two mothers. One lost her son in a bomb and the other woman’s son is in jail for setting off that bomb.

He read, “‘It was me who found him. And in a way, I’m glad. … I’m glad it was me who was here, because if I hadn’t been, I don’t think they would have let me see him for my own sake.’”

Dr. Kathleen Collins Beyer, an FSU professor of Irish Literature, was just as pleased with Gorman’s evening performance as she was with the two hours he spent in her 8:30 a.m.

Irish Literature class. She particularly enjoyed the “incredibly moving monologue from the woman who’d discovered her son after he was blown up.

“His range was incredible.

I thought this morning more of his really positive attitude came out. … It was a little bit darker tonight, despite [a

short, comedic excerpt Gorman read], but it was just really tremendous.”

Dr. Elaine Beilin, chair of the English department, was moved by Gorman’s readings and anecdotes. She said, “Listening to Damian, it’s as if what he said come right out of his heart and soul in the most extraordinary language. … The way he talks about his family and his parents is so moving and so honest and so loving at the same time. I am just so thrilled that he was here and I am so delighted there were so many students here to hear him.”

Ami Barroso, a sophomore elementary education and language arts major, said, “I really liked what he said about saying what is on your mind,” even if it is going to come out “shaky.”

She referenced Gorman’s words that if you want or “need to say something … it’s important to speak even when your voice is shaky. In fact, it’s important to speak especially if your voice is shaky.”

December 2, 2010

Arts & Features

May Hall Monthly A collage of students’ on-campus artistic endeavors

By Tom O’Brien Arts & Features Editor

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Abstract self-portrait squares off against “self-image” f only we could change

colors, the way some exotic animals do. To transform our bodies into canvasses. How would we handle this ability? With what colors or patterns would we decorate ourselves? Skewing the norm of what one would call a traditional portrait, freshman Rachael Parent’s abstract self-portrait is a colorful reimagination of the concept of “self image.”

Though this painting is colorful and provocative, Parent said other portraits she has seen vary in their abstractness. While some artists embrace the use of unnatural colors - pastels and neons others use a very subtle combination.

“Some of them were a lot more abstract - moving further away from an image of a person,” she added.

Note the squares of color

which make up the face of the picture.

This grid was marked in pencil well before any of the paints were even mixed.

“We had to fill each square with a different pattern,” said Parent, who called the project “a long process.”

These squares effectively act as mini-canvases for Parent to fill. Each one a small fragment of a whole “self image.”

P

And styles to go before I sleep

lenty of people claim to have style - in fashion or music, writing or art. On the other hand, some people actually do.

Josh Graveline’s design project’s got style. No, literally - it was required as part of the assignment.

The style, however, is not Graveline’s - but that’s the point.

The style of the project technically belongs to artist El Lissitzky, an early twentieth-century Russian artist and activist and important figure of the Russian avant gard.

Graveline was assigned to research Lissitzky’s unique style, ultimately applying that style to new art of his own.

Lissitzky was an artistic master of his day, involved in several different artistic movements. A staunch believer of art’s ability to enact social change, he produced many exhibition displays in his lifetime and at one point even worked on propaganda for the former Soviet

I

Union.

According to Graveline, assuming the role of history’s artistic innovators, like Lissitzky, can help modern artists understand style in a unique and personal way.

“Now we develop their styles, through our work,” said Graveline, who is seen above, working on one of two posters he will create in the theme of all things Lissitzky.

Channeling Lissitzky’s use of strong, simple

shapes, Graveline’s rendition is collaged with a background of large overlapping red and black objects. This rendition snipes the nuances of Lissitzky’s style, embodying the artist’s techniques as a whole. Bold, simple and functional.

Graveline said his project is definitely a conceptual piece, and though it is an informational poster about El Lissitzky, Graveline maintains that “It’s for the style.”

Color in the dark room

t was an odd room she picked, considering the project was about colors. These two scribbled drawings sat in a brilliant pair atop one of May Hall’s illuminated desks. Final exams were around the corner and their artist, junior art studio major Carolyn Damphouse, was stressing out - about colors.

She said to focus on how the same image of a woman can be so affected by a change in color scheme is to look at “the atmosphere of the picture.”

And in the dim light of what looked like a former photo darkroom, the simple sprawl of the crayon strokes fade out of the two pictures, revealing the basic, beautiful color schemes beneath. In some ways the pictures are glorified doodles, in others - elegant in their easiness.

“Colors can definitely have effects,” she said.

“Complementary colors can create powerful combos.”

And when it comes to art - color is where it’s at, and simple examples like two rainbowed sketches on a May Hall desk help remind us of that.

Her drawings are of the same naked woman form - one of her underwater and one with a molten red background. Set down side by side, the woman in the pictures rests motionlessly mirrored, while her backgrounds seemingly explode with shades of blues and teals or reds and yellows. A classic battle of cool and warm.

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Arts & Features

8

December 2, 2010

What is your opinion on animal testing at FSU? Campus ConversationS

By Zack Comeau & Joe Kourieh

“I don’t agree with animal testing at all. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“I support it, but I don’t think I could do it myself.”

- Emily Clark, junior major Buell By biology Spencer

- Carlo Cence, senior computer science major

Assistant Arts and Features Editor

“I don’t think it’s right.

You shouldn’t do that to alligators.”

- Jaclyn Duridas, junior psychology major

“Can we eat them after?”

- Cam McCassie, senior computer science major

“If it’s not going to hurt them, I don’t care.”

“Alligators are vicious. They get what they deserve.”

-Taylor Quigley, junior communications major

- Dave MacArthur, senior communication arts major

“I think that’s horrible, but I know that they have to do it.”

- Katie Moses, senior English major

“If it doesn’t benefit humanity, there’s no point in doing it.”

- Kyle Evers, junior art major

“PETA might end up protesting on campus.”

-Nathan Debaux, junior computer science major

December 3, 2010

The Gatepost Editorial Likealittle - Dislikealot?

In the last issue of The Gatepost, the article “LikeALittle. com brings FSU into ‘The Network’” reported on the new trend at FSU - anonymous flirting on the website Likealittle. com where students could post about others on campus.

The site is popular on many other college campuses in the U.S. and quickly gained the attention of students at FSU. The site allows posters to list information about people they find attractive, including details about their location and physical appearance, along with flirtatious comments. Posters and those who comment are given “random fruit names” so they are able to remain anonymous.

The “about” page on the site says its purpose is to “allow you to compliment and chat about your crushes around you or otherwise bemoan your missed encounters from the safety of your trusty screen.” The page also says its creators hope users can make “real” connections once in a while.

Meeting your heart’s desire through Likealittle.com is not only creepy, but unrealistic. Is this really the way to start a serious relationship? Do you really want a poster named “melon” to be your significant other?

If a student likes someone on campus, why not just go up to him or her and say “Hi?” By using a social-networking site such as Likealittle.com, students lose the personal interaction involved in starting healthy relationships.

Additionally, the comments on the website are not just flirtatious. Many are harassing and sexist.

Students do not have to give their consent in order to be posted about on Likealittle.com. The website does not require a poster to provide personal information to make or view comments, which allows users to write anything they choose - no matter how offensive or personal.

Past posts have featured students’ residence halls and room numbers. Some of the comments posted have included physical descriptions which are voyeuristic and offensive.

Some users have posted about watching women leaving bathrooms in their towels. Other comments were sexual in nature, some extremely graphic.

We at The Gatepost find this to be offensive and disheartening.

While the site provides a forum for FSU students to find out information about the objects of their affections, we at The Gatepost believe Likealittle.com has the potential to become a place for cyberbullying and stalking.

Students should have more respect for each other than to make the types of sexual and offensive remarks they have on Likealittle.com. While the website may appear to be a form of entertainment or flattery for some users, other students already feel harassed by the comments which have been posted about them.

The comments on Likealittle.com are demeaning and judge individuals solely on their appearances. No student should have to worry about being ridiculed online for having a bad hair day or wearing sweats to class. Women shouldn’t have to feel unsafe when leaving the showers, wondering who is watching them or worrying about what they’re wearing and how they might be talked about online later.

Students need to be aware of the effects their comments have on their peers.

Additionally, listing individuals’ personal information, heights, body types, hair colors and especially room numbers and residence halls puts students in danger and makes many of them feel unsafe.

Anyone on the web has access to Likealittle.com and the posts which are put up. Those on the site can see students’ full names, their physical descriptions and exact locations once they’ve been posted. By posting personal information, students are putting themselves, their friends and classmates at risk.

If you’re going to use Likealittle.com, avoid listing personal information about the individual. Do not offer full names or students’ residence halls or room numbers. The website provides users with the option of messaging those who make posts, which allows students to have their privacy.

Posts which are deemed offensive, harassing or sexual in nature can be deleted. It is the job of those who use Likealittle. com to act as moderators, and report or delete comments which are inappropriate. Students must do so.

At on campus: Students. Use discretion when you Likealittle!

Op/Ed

Op/Ed

13

Communication arts dept. on FSU back burner

This past Wednesday, I ran for the open student trustee position here at FSU on a platform of expanded class availability, senior privileges and an increase in work-credit opportunities. One matter I did not mention, but planned to tackle nevertheless, is the dire state of FSU’s communication arts department. As a senior majoring in comm. arts, I have experienced firsthand the shortcomings of this underfunded department. And while not surprised, I am ashamed to say that in many cases, it is the students who are left picking up the bill.

The communication arts department is one that, given the nature of the field, requires the use of expensive equipment and multiple technologies. It is not so far-fetched to assume then, that such a department would require a larger budget than others in order to supply equipment and maintain a sufficient learning environment for its students. Science is another area that depends heavily on equipment and laboratory use, and thus requires a larger budget. However, the science departments have already received their good news from the state, with plans for a $50 million project on lab renovations already underway.

So where does this leave comm. arts? Apparently, on the back burner. Considered simply as a dumping ground for undeclared juniors, the communication arts department is left fumbling with outdated equipment, or in many cases, a complete lack thereof. (After signing up for a photography class, I had to withdraw after realizing that students were required to provide their own digital cameras.) The television and photography studios are also neglected and, to be quite honest, a complete embarrassment to the university.

I’ve always tried to live by the “if you aren’t going to do it right, don’t bother doing it at all” philosophy. It’s unfortunate, both for students majoring in the department and professors who teach in it, that FSU doesn’t take this approach to the field of communication arts. I would like to congratulate Danielle Farmer for her victory in the student trustee election, and ask her to consider this matter of concern when serving on the Board of Trustees.

Chris Kopacko Opinion Editor

Get outta my food!

It’s a Friday night - yes, it’s late and Sodexo dining, yet again, didn’t meet the needs of my grumbling stomach. So I grab my can of Progresso soup, chunky, of course, a bowl and spoon and hike down four flights of stairs to the Larned Hall kitchen. After walking by numerous groups of students around the dorm in my fuzzy slippers and over-sized band T-shirt, I stand and stare at the ancient microwave as students pace by the kitchen and all stop to take a peek at what I’m doing. Yes, I didn’t have dinner, and yes, I am heating up food.

After heating my food, I hate having to take the elevator to avoid a soup splattered trail on my way back to my room because in simple words, it’s awkward. Larned Hall and in fact, all dorms should provide a microwave on each floor - even in the empty trash rooms - to avoid this awkward elevator ride. I hate balancing my bowl of soup while the hungry football player over my shoulder eyeballs me up and down and then gets into a lock stare practically drooling into my bowl. Or even worse, a full elevator ride where everyone casually starts breathing heavier and staring in my direction, while each ding of the floor cools my bowl down.

The dozens of microwaves Residence Life confiscates during room checks should be used to provide microwaves on each floor, so these awkward run-ins with students in the dorm with my bowl of soup would be less uncomfortable. If we are not provided more microwaves than just the one in the kitchens of our dorms, then please hungry students, I know my Progresso looks delicious, but please refrain from drooling.

Krysta Davis Editorial Staff

The Library will have extended hours from December 1st through December 20th Monday through Thursday - 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Friday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday - 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.

On Tuesday, December 21st and Wednesday, December 22nd the Library will be open until 9:30 p.m. and will close at 5 p.m. on December 23d and 24th.

The Library will continue to be open until 1 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday evenings during the spring semester.

Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff.

14

Sports

December 3, 2010

Women’s Basketball continues early season success

By Ryan Creed Assistant Sports Editor

ENC 37 FSU 54

The Framingham State Women’s Basketball squad improved to 4-1 with a resounding 54-37 victory over Eastern Nazarene at the FSU Athletic Center on Thursday night.

The Rams received contributions from most of the roster. Sophomore Kia Minor led the team with 14 points, while Jill Johnson chipped in 12.

Eastern Nazarene was led in the contest by Shardae Brown, who scored 13 points for the Lions. Teammate Julianne Atwater contributed with nine herself.

The Rams opened up a comfortable lead in the first half when they went up 14-6 with just over eight minutes to go until the intermission. Amy Connolly led the charge, as she made a layup she was fouled on, and then hit her free throw. Soon after, Emily Clark hit a jumper that increased the lead to eight.

After going into halftime with a 27-16 lead, the Rams came away looking to close the game quickly in

the second half. Johnson hit a threepointer on the Rams’ first shot out of the locker room - followed by layups by Connolly and Johnson, and a jumper by Minor opened up a 15-point lead.

Framingham State opened up a lead as large as 19 in the second half.

The Rams shot 51 percent from the field as opposed to the Lions’ measley 27 percent - connecting only on 13 of their 48 attempts. The Rams also outdid Eastern Nazarene in assists – winning by a 17-8 margin.

With just under four minutes to go in the contest, Clark knocked down a jumper which was assisted on the play by Nicole McConaghy, who had a team-high seven assists.

After losing their first game of the season, FSU has strung together four straight victories – winning by an average of 11.5 points per contest during their mini-streak. Minor has led the team in both points per game and rebounds so far on the young season.

Framingham State will host Lasell on Saturday at 1 p.m. On Tuesday, the Rams will travel to Curry for a 7 p.m. match.

HAVE YOU BEEN HANGING OUT AT THE CORNER? IF YOU HAVEN’T, YOU SHOULD BE! CHECK OUT CREED’S CORNER AT

WWW.THEGATEPOST.COM

FOR A PREVIEW OF THIS WEEK’S BIG PATRIOTS GAME AND MORE!

Are you a Psychology or Business major interested in working in the Human Resources field?

Come join the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on December 9th from 5-7 for the installation of the Framingham State University chapter. SHRM is a great resume builder for anyone who wants to work in Human Resources! Make sure to come dressed professionally!

Josh Primak/The Gatepost

Freshman center Amy Connolly drives to the basket to help the Rams secure their fourth win of the season.

Editor’s NFL Picks of the Week Pittsburgh at Baltimore (-3)

Josh’s Pick (12-4): Baltimore 30-20 Nenia’s Pick (11-5): Pittsburgh 28-21 Ryan’s Pick (8-8): Pittsburgh 23-16 Matt’s Pick (8-8): Baltimore 34-17

New York Jets at New England (-3.5) Josh’s Pick (12-4): New England 27-17 Nenia’s Pick (11-5): New England 21-17 Ryan’s Pick (8-8): New England 24-21 Matt’s Pick (8-8): New England 23-20

DID YOU KNOW...

On average, a Zamboni machine “travels” close to 2,000 miles each year in the course of resurfacing.

DECEMBER 3,2010

Sports

15

Top of the mountain

Football defeats Norwich for first bowl victory in school history

By Josh Primak Sports Editor

FSU 27 NU 21

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Langille

The Rams celebrate their comeback win against Norwich University.

Coming back from a 14-point deficit, the FSU football team defeated the Norwich University Cadets in overtime in the ECAC Northeast Bowl on Nov. 20.

The victory capped off an historic season for Rams’ football. The team finishes the season with a 9-2 record after the win in their first bowl appearance in school history.

The contest did not start out well for the Rams as Norwich opened the game with a 75-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown.

The FSU offense, meanwhile, was unable to move the ball early on and Norwich held a 14-0 lead before the Rams got on the board with just five seconds remaining in the first half on a touchdown reception by Alex Avery.

Things turned in the Rams’ favor toward the middle of the third quarter when the defense was able to hold the Cadets’ offense in check - paving the way for the Framingham offense to tie the score up at 21 on a 41-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kurt Leone to receiver James McCarthy.

After being stopped near the goal line as regulation ended, the Rams’ defense set the stage for victory as linebacker Adam Emery ended Norwich’s overtime possession with an interception deep in their own territory.

On the Rams’ ensuing drive, running back and bowl MVP Malikke Van Alstyne took the ball 18 yards to the end zone, giving the Rams a 27-21 overtime victory in thrilling fashion.

Men’s Basketball drops second in a row

By Matt Cook Assistant Sports Editor

WU 71 FSU 54

On Tuesday, the Framingham State Men’s Basketball team lost to visiting Wesleyan University, and they are now three games under .500 after playing seven on the season.

Entering the game, the Rams had a 2-3 record overall and hadn’t succeeded in establishing any winning streaks, but have avoided suffering any losing streaks as well.

The Rams also held an even 1-1 record at home and on the road, with a 0-1 record in neutral play when they lost to Trinity in Boston, Mass., 61-45.

The Cardinals had a three-game losing streak after winning their season opener and found themselves in dangerous territory early on in the year.

For the first few minutes of play, the Rams kept the game close with their offense, building a small lead over the Cardinals. As a short team with four players shorter than six feet, Framingham racked up the three-point opportunities, avoiding play in the paint.

The point deficit the Rams faced started to develop early in the game. The scoreboard showed 26-16, and at the half, Framingham was down, 38-26.

Coming out of the locker room, the Rams noticeably increased their full-court defense and because of that, Wesleyan gave up more turnovers.

When the Cardinals had the ball, however, Wesleyan dominated the offensive rebounds. They stretched their lead to 21 points early in the second half, and continued to add to it. Even with a large lead, the Cardinals didn’t hold back

- pressuring the Rams in all aspects of play.

Framingham struggled on defense, both with covering the open Cardinal players and showing aggression in the paint.

Freshman guard Darius Carter was a bright spot against Wesleyan. He collected rebounds on both ends of the court, threatened the Cardinals’ possessions and had a stern inbounding defense - making it nearly impossible for Wesleyan to find an open player.

With every three-pointer or layup Framingham scored in the last minutes of the game, Wesleyan answered emphatically. Even with a 20-point lead over the Rams, the Cardinals never relaxed and continued stealing the ball and remained a rebounding powerhouse.

The Rams had difficulty keeping pace with the Cardinals toward the end of the contest.

In total, Framingham made 36.4 percent of the field goals they attempted.

Also, they shot 42.1 percent beyond the arc.

“We seem to lose intensity down the stretch when we’re down by double figures,” Carter said.

A lot of rushes up the court saw Framingham both scoring and giving up the ball to a steal, or by allowing it to go out of bounds.

Twice in the final minutes of play, the Rams forced the Cardinals to shoot and avoid getting penalized for a shot-clock violation.

Foul trouble for the Cardinals gave the Rams more free throws, but Framingham only shot 60 percent from the line.

Carter increased his three-point percentage, knocking down three of the four attempts he made and also eight of

16 field goals - but when the final whistle blew, the Wesleyan Cardinals defeated the Framingham State Rams, 71-54.

“Throughout the game, we had good ball movement and when I saw a chance to make a play, I took advantage of it,” said Carter.

After dropping another game to Brandeis on Thursday by a 73-47 margin, the team will look to rebound this Saturday in the Colby Invitational up in Waterville, ME. The Rams are now 2-5 on the season and have lost their last three games.

Josh Primak/The Gatepost

FSU guard Royce Veal’s efforts were not enough to stop Wesleyan on Tuesday.

16

December 3, 2010

FSU ringing in the holidays

e e/ Th n o i D anielle Vecch

ost tep a G

Kelsey Loverude/ The Gatepost

Drake McCabe/ The Gatepost

Drake McCabe/ The Gatepost

Drake McCabe/ The Gatepost