Wrestling James Buss is off to the national wrestling meet
MOVIE RANKings Paul Deeter and Andy Miller break down their top 10 movies from the past year
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March 7, 2013 — Vol. 91, Issue 11
College student Loras Confessions: ‘This is not who we are’ gambling: ‘Perfect storm’ T by MARY AGNOLI news editor
he week of Feb. 18 brought with it the birth as well as the swift end to a controversial Facebook page: “Loras College Confessions.”
News of this student-started page in which Duhawks could anonymously post about their wrong-doings around campus spread quickly through this social media site. So quickly, in fact, that by Wednesday Feb. 20, the administration was wellinformed about “Loras College Confessions.” “I was made aware of (the page) sporadically throughout the day by students, faculty, and staff,” said Art Sunleaf, dean of students and vice president for student development. “I went to the page in the morning and didn’t think too much of it … (but) as the day wore on, I was continuously informed about it.” Simple humorous comments about “stealing keys” had quickly turned to issues of illegal activity and baseless claims against Loras staff. “Posts became more personal and meanspirited, and that’s when we started talking with marketing,” said Sunleaf. “This became an issue for intellectual property; they were using Loras’ name.” This was not only a potential legal issue however; it ultimately boiled down to “character.” When speaking with President Jim Collins, he emphasized the often-quoted concept that “character isn’t so much defined as how you’re portrayed but how you live when no one is looking.” However, many students view sites such as “Confession” pages as shields no one can see past and therefore, may not be concerned about how they appear to their peers. “This is one of the curses of social media,” said Collins. “It gives them this be-
by NICK JOOS
executive editor
illustration by AYUSH SUBEDI
lief that it’s all anonymous, but it’s actually very well-known … I know that kids will be kids. I understand social media, and I understand (Confession pages) are a nationwide movement among colleges and universities, but I expected more from Loras students.” This national “Confessions” page phenomenon has affected institutions across the nation during the past few months. Reports about disturbing confessions from Boise State University, the University of Arizona, Binghamton University, Seattle University, New York University and more have surfaced across news reports. However, word spread within the intellectual community of Loras’ success with handling the issue. “We’ve had numerous calls from other colleges and universities asking how we (got the page down),” said Collins. Although no one from the administration had the power to remove the page
illustration by KELSEY BERGAN
from Facebook, they did not need it. Between Loras students directly reporting the page as “inappropriate” and President Collin’s personal involvement, the site was quickly taken down, presumably by the same student who started it. “I think the President had a lot to do with (the page being taken down so swiftly),” said Sunleaf. President Collins later confirmed this statement. “I went to the site and was able to see names associated,” said Collins. “I posted a few of my own comments and the number of likes started to go down.” The students involved realized that President Collins had taken notice. “Within minutes of me being on the site, it was quickly shut down,” said Collins. “It may have been good old-fashioned fear, or it may have been a goodconscience moment. It’s hard to say.” However, both Sunleaf and Collins took time to recognize those who were the true heroes in their eyes. “In the end, it was a handful of students at best who were involved … and the majority of the Duhawks said that ‘this is not who we are,’” said Sunleaf. “We can be better than this.” In essence, the conflict was resolved in part due to numerous Loras students being willing to stand up for their school’s integrity and inform the administration. “(The page) may have seemed a good idea at the time,” said Sunleaf. “But good thinking, maturity, and who we are as a Loras community won out. And that’s important to know.”
March Madness is just around the corner, and with the amount of “upsets,” so far in college basketball, it might be difficult to put money on one team. However, some will do it anyway. Statistics show nearly 70 percent of college students gamble on sports. Courtney Runde, an addiction counselor in Dubuque, says it’s also a pertinent issue in Dubuque. “College is kind of like a perfect storm in dealing with gambling issues,” she said. At that age, students are engaging in risky behaviors, including alcohol and drugs. With laptops, there is a freedom with Internet gambling. Males, especially, are into March Madness pools and fantasy sports.” It’s no wonder, then, why this week was designated National Gambling Awareness Week. And in Dubuque, gambling and its addictive tendencies are relevant. “Dubuque is unique and has a lot of college students, as well as casinos.” Runde said. “We want people to understand the issues. “Obviously, the majority (of gamblers) are able going to gamble responsibly and don’t have issues, but some get in over their heads.” And there’s a reason for it. Runde says it’s important to be aware of surroundings, because casinos are good at hooking a gambler in for the long haul. “They have entertainment, bowling, dinner, etc,” Runde said. “That attracts the college students. I think it attracts a lot of outof-towners as well, maybe those who have not experienced the gambling environment.” Runde said there are several ways to be cautious when gambling. She suggested that limiting the time spent inside the casino, and designate a certain amount of spending money. Then, when it’s gone, leave. “You can play for a long time on 20 dollars,” she said. It’s also good to not be optimistic. Go to have fun, but don’t expect to win the packpot. “It’s good to expect to loose,” Runde said. “It makes you cautious. “If you feel the need to bet more money, for higher amounts, to feel the same excitement, you need to stop,” Runde said. The vast majority of those gambling do not have issues with addiction, Runde said. However, she added that if people win initially, especially large amounts of money early, they tend to want more. “Those are the urges that we want to control,” Runde said.
Cox Street renovations at a stand-still by NICK JOOS
executive editor
Several years have passed since Loras purchased Cox Street from the City of Dubuque. In the Fall, the first phase of the Loras Parkway project was completed. While greenery and vegetation have yet to go up, Loras already is looking toward the next phase of the project. The sticking point, like with any project, is funding. As of now, there is not enough to continue the project. John McDermott, the director of the physical
plant, said there is “no timetable” as to when new construction will begin. The Iowa Department of Transportation funded phase one, which included the laying of various utilities under the street. Loras is searching various venues for funding to begin the next phase of the project. With the future in mind, Loras made sure that underneath the street are all the correct hook-ups, including geothermal heating and sewer lines, to eventually create a provisions area in the current Phys-
ical Plant, and a cascading water feature next to it. The goal is to create a central area for students to spend time, study and congregate. Campus Dining has a relationship with Einstein Bagels, which serves freshly baked bagels, coffee, various breakfast and lunch sandwiches and pastries. Initial talks are ongoing about the space and amenities Einstein might require once their location on Cox Street has been finalized.
An artist’s rendering of the proposed Loras Parkway renovation.The viewpoint in the above image is from the corner of Loras Parkway and Loras Boulevard.