The Merciad, March 14, 2012

Sean Kingston to perform at Spring Fest

ResLife to cut 27 RA positions

Mercy Month celebrated during March

Opinion: Graduation ticket limit disgraceful

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NEWS

March 14, 2012

Trustees to decide on 4-1-4 in May

By Kelly Luoma Editor-in-chief

At their February meeting, the Board of Trustees authorized Mercyhurst University President Thomas Gamble, Ph.D., and the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) to consider changing to the 4-1-4 calendar.

If everything goes as planned, the trustees will make an official decision regarding the calendar at their May 5 meeting.

Until then, Vice President for Academic Affairs Phil Belfiore, Ph.D., is collecting information from academic departments. He asked every department as well as graduate programs to complete three tasks.

Belfiore asked departments to create a plan of study on a 14 week-4 week-14 week calendar system (4-1-4). This plan shows the sequence of classes a student would take in a department to graduate within four years.

He then asked departments to explain unique courses they could offer during the four-week January or May term.

At their May meeting, trustees will not determine whether the short term will take

place in January or May. If 4-1-4 is approved, this matter would be decided either at the end of this year or the beginning of next.

“I would hope the faculty and students would make the decision because the faculty and students are the ones that would live with it,” Belfiore said.

Departments were also asked to determine if switching to a 4-1-4 system would be fiscally feasible and whether the addition of new faculty would be required.

So far, about 12 departments have responded to Belfiore’s request, and they have all said switching to 4-1-4 is feasible.

Belfiore said that his recommendation to the board will be based on the findings from his study.

“If all the information comes back from faculty, departments and Jane (Kelsey) that this is feasible and we look forward to doing this, we will do it,” he said.

Once the necessary feasibility and fiscal information is collected, Belfiore and Michael Federici, Ph.D., president of the Faculty Senate, will present the findings to the Academic Affairs Committee. This committee will then present the information to the Board

of Trustees at their May 5 meeting.

“I’m hoping at that meeting they’ll make a final decision,” Belfiore said.

Federici said the only reason he thinks the decision would be postponed would be if the trustees think more research needs to be conducted.

Even so, much of the necessary information was collected prior to the February board meeting.

Federici polled faculty in January and found that 73-25 were in favor of switching to a 4-14 or 4-4-1 calendar.

A study of the number of classrooms on campus has been conducted as well. More classes would be offered at one time under the 4-1-4 calendar, but not all classrooms are occupied now. Therefore, there are enough classrooms available to make the change, Federici said.

As of now, Federici has not come across any major issues or substantial costs that would prevent the change to the 4-1-4 calendar.

Despite no known major issues with the calendar change, there have been rumors among faculty that an administrator at the university is not in favor of 4-1-4, and there-

fore, the calendar will not be approved.

Federici would not comment, but Belfiore responded to this rumor.

“There may be some administrators who may not prefer this, but I don’t know of any administrators right now who would shoot it down,” he said.

The Board of Trustees approved the new college core at their February meeting. This change will take effect in fall of 2013. If 4-14 is approved, the new calendar will begin in 2013 as well.

“Ideally that would be great if we could do them both at the same time,” Belfiore said.

Belfiore said he thinks the board will vote in favor of what the study finds.

Approval will depend on the board knowing the change to a 4-1-4 calendar is “fiscally responsible or fiscally neutral,” he said.

“If we present a report that is positive, I see no reason they would reject it,” Belfiore said.

Federici discussed how much time and effort has been spent on working on a calendar that will meet faculty and student needs.

“I’m confident the college will make an intelligent decision at the end of the day,” he said.

March 14, 2012

NEWS

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News Briefs Students react to Kingston New presidential seal released

Since transitioning to a university, Mercyhurst now has a new seal. The seal was released the day it was approved by the trustees and is reserved for presidential and other official documents. This rule has been in place since 2006.

The colors were changed for the new seal to represent the school’s colors, and it now can be more easily photo copied.

The seal features the school’s motto, “Carpe Diem,” location and the year 1926, when Mercyhurst was established.

New academic building on schedule The new Center for Academic Engagement building is on schedule and on budget.

David Livingston, Ph.D., vice president of advancement, explained the work that will be done in the next few weeks.

Drywall is currently going up on the ground floor and second floor, and outside masonry will be finished in the next six weeks. The connector to the library is open but is only to be used by the construction workers currently.

Furniture will be ordered in the next month.

The building is planned to open in 2012.

Steeple unfixable: New steeple in the making The steeple from Christ the King Chapel that was damaged during the wind storm in winter term will not be able to be repaired, as originally thought.

Fiske and Associates are making a new one for the university that will cost about $43,000. It will have the same design as the original.

The new steeple is expected to be installed in early May. The original will not be melted down to make the new one, but it will be returned to campus after measurements are made for the new steeple, according to Stepherson.

The university will determine what to do with the original steeple after its return.

By Mark Vidunas Contributing writer

Whether or not students attended the Spring Fest launch party in midFebruary, by now most of campus is aware that Sean Kingston will be performing at Mercyhurst University’s 2012 Spring Fest.

He is performing on Friday, May 4, following the opening band, Industrial Rhythm.

Tickets will be free to Mercyhurst students.

His performance is among the multiple activities that will take place on May 4 and 5, following a Cinco de Mayo theme.

Student Government Events Coordinator Shannon Kissel explains how Kingston was selected as the performer this year.

“Jenna (Dascanio, Student Activities Council chair) and I sat down and looked at our budget and a performer that was different in years past,” she said.

“We’ve had bands like the Plain White-Ts and HelloGoodbye, and when we came across Sean Kingston, we wanted to change it up and thought it was different. The timing worked great, he was free, and it fit perfectly into the budget. We’re really excited about it and thought the students would be as well.”

Even so, upon hearing the news

of his performance, the student population responded with mixed reactions.

“To be honest, Sean Kingston wasn’t what I was expecting. I personally think an alternative band would be more universally appreciated on our campus,” junior Kaylyn Stack said.

She was not the only one who expected a different genre or band.

Sophomore Brooke Miller said, “I think it’s really interesting that we’re not having a band for Spring Fest. I know a lot of people don’t like Sean Kingston because it’s not a genre everyone likes, but I think it’ll be a fun time.”

Freshman Gavin Oakley said, “I think they could have gotten someone better that more people know.”

A similar thought was expressed by freshman Leah Voit, who said, “I didn’t know that Sean Kingston was still an active performer. It’s not really my music of choice, but it’s not awful. I’m basically indifferent.”

There were some more negative views of the selection, like that of sophomore Alex Yaple, who conveyed disappointment.

“Well I won’t be going to Spring Fest this year because he is the performer this year. I thought that Mercyhurst was doing a good job picking bands to play, and I was a bit disappointed this year with their

seankingston.com photo

Sean Kingston will perform at Spring Fest on May 4. choice,” he said.

Though some students are not ecstatic about the news, many still think it will be a fun experience.

“Sean Kingston isn’t a performer I’m interested in, but I still think it’ll be a good concert,” junior Nicole Sherretts said.

Freshman Stephanie Gentile has seen Sean Kingston perform before and she said, “It was pretty good, a really high energy performance.”

Kingston will perform Friday, May 4, on Mercyhurst’s campus.

NEWS

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March 14, 2012

ResLife to cut 27 RA positions

By Stacy Skiavo Staff writer

Changes will be made next year in the Student Residence Life department. One-third of the resident assistants (RAs) will be cut for the 2012-13 school year.

The cuts are being made after Student Affairs and Student Life looked at the RA-to-student ratio at several other colleges and universities and concluded Mercyhurst University’s ratio was much too small.

The current ratio for students to RA stands at 25-1 but will change to 48-1 when buildings are filled to capacity.

Many schools like John Carroll University and Westminster College

Driving under the influence Sunday, Feb. 19

have ratios in the 40s, and others like Allegheny College were found to have ratios in the 70s.

Cuts will mostly be made in the Briggs and Lewis apartment buildings where RAs will be reduced from two to one for each building.

Warde Hall will be reduced from three to two RAs per floor, the Wayne Street apartments will have one RA per building and the Duval apartment RAs will be reduced from two to one per building.

McCauley and Baldwin halls will remain unchanged, according to Vice President of Student Life Gerry Tobin, Ph.D. This means there will be a reduction from 76 RA positions to 49.

“We’re not sure what the effect will be; it’s more of a social experiment,” said Tobin. “I see the pri-

mary role for RAs as the safety aspect.”

The decision was made to make fewer freshman cuts in consideration of disturbing their new community environment.

“I’m pretty upset about the cuts honestly. Next year will be my third year as an RA, and I can’t imagine how everything will run smoothly,” senior Ciara Wadding said.

A meeting between Tobin and the RAs was held last week to discuss the changes that will be put into effect next year.

A long question and answer session took place to answer the many concerns the current RAs had.

As an RA, one receives free room and additional compensation for the position.

The biggest concern was the

East Main Drive Charges filed

Music dept. adds major

By Liz Zurasky Features editor

Theft Sunday, Feb. 19

East Main Drive

DUI, Public intoxication, underage consumption Sunday, Feb. 19

Lot #10 Referred for discipline

Public intoxication Sunday, Feb. 26

Baldwin Drive Referred for discipline

Possession of controlled substance Thursday, March 1

3907 Briggs Ave. Referred for discipline

Sexual assault Thursday, March 8

3807 Lewis Ave. Referred to Erie Police

Feb. 19-March 8, 2012

Mercyhurst University recently added a new degree to its list of course offerings. Students will be able to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in music therapy starting in the 2012-13 school year through the D’Angelo music department.

According to musictherapy.org, music therapy is “the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.”

People have become more aware of this kind of therapy because of former congresswoman Gabby Giffords who was shot a year ago and had traumatic brain damage, which made her unable to speak.

She is now regaining those skills mostly through efforts in music therapy.

The newly added program will be able to give promising students a strong advantage in this recently popular field because it is the first of its kind in the region.

Instructor of Music Therapy Craig Stevens was the main organizer in making this degree available.

Stevens became interested in the music therapy field when his father was suffering from cancer in 2001.

“My father was in and out of a

additional workload that would be added since the amount of students they would be looking over would be almost doubled.

“While it’s unfortunate that the RAs will go down in number, it’s my feeling that as RAs are asked to take on more responsibilities, they will be forced to adapt and ultimately become better able to serve the students and the college,” senior Andrew Kopcienski said.

Several students expressed concern that since their workload was increasing, so too should their pay.

“If RAs are as important of a role as the school conveys, then we should be looked upon as employees, therefore if our work increases, our pay should too,” Wadding said.

The transition is still being

coma-like state, and when I played my acoustic guitar and sang to him, I got a reaction from him. That moment changed my life,” Stevens said.

The degree received recognition from both the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the American Music Therapy (AMT) association, which ensures students who graduate from this program are music therapist board certified.

Students will have the opportunity to practice their skills with patients at UPMC Hamot hospital because of Steven’s past experience there.

Junior Brittany Barko is excited about the new degree.

Before the establishment of the official music therapy degree, she was a contract major studying psychology but was also interested in the music department. With the addition of the major, she immediately declared herself a music therapy student.

“I may have to stay a few extra terms after my expected graduation date to fulfill the clinical experience hour requirements for the degree.

However, I’m going to do as much as I can over the summers to get those finished,” she said.

Barko is anticipated to be the first graduate from this program.

She looks forward to the future of the program and where it can

evaluated on how students will balance the work, but the job description change has been put on hold in order to obtain RA input from the students. Collaboration between the RAs and Student Life will take place to make the change easier.

“In reviewing the information, we’re looking at this as a one to two year experiment. We want to see how it goes. If it works, then great, and if not, then we are open to rethinking the decision,” Tobin said.

Current RAs should have few worries about losing their jobs, as they will have first priority for positions next year. As a result, few positions will be available to students who are applying to be an RA for next school year.

take her.

“Based on my internship experience, I will either do graduate work in music therapy or jump right into the practice. I could work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, children’s hospitals or special needs facilities,” she said.

The music department is excited about the potential this new area of study offers.

Louisa Jonason, chair of the D’Angelo music department, said that she is very pleased with the addition of the degree, especially with its recognition by NASM and AMT. She is also happy to have an actual music therapist teaching the curriculum.

Barko is excited to see the effect this addition makes on recruitment for the music department.

“I think the addition of the therapy major may interest a different population of applicants than the music department has seen in the past,” Barko said.

Stevens has many plans for the future of this program.

He is very excited to have his students practice in fields like neurology, school districts with kids who have autism or Asperger’s syndrome and in mental health settings.

So far the program has six students enrolled, and they have “calls weekly about prospective students,” Stevens said.

FEATURES

March 14, 2012

‘Captain Dan’ takes the helm at JAZZ FM

By Brady Greenawalt Staff writer

It may come as a surprise to some that Mercyhurst University has its own radio station.

Tucked away in the basement of Baldwin Hall, is Mercyhurst’s Jazz FM. It is 88.5 on your FM radio dial, it is home to state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment and it has recently undergone some changes in management.

At the end of winter term, former station manager Micheal Leal left Erie to pursue other opportunities. A few student employees and a small professional staff still remain, but taking the helm as the new station manager at Jazz FM is longtime Erie radio personality, “Captain” Dan Geary.

Geary has been in the radio business for 45 years. He was involved in starting the original “Breakfast Club” at Classy 100 in 1987 and served as program director and morning host at Froggy 94.

For the last four years he’s been managing WYNE 1530 AM, the campus radio station at Mercyhurst

North East.

Now he’s finding himself doing double duty. “I’m at Mercyhurst North East in the morning, and I’m here in the afternoon,” Geary said.

“And no I never sleep.”

As the new station manager, Geary has a few plans for the future of Jazz FM. “This thing is in a state of flux right now,” he said. “I don’t think the students even know about this place.”

Geary hopes to find student volunteers willing to contribute to the station while also learning important communication skills.

“This is a great facility,” he said.

“We’d certainly like to have more student involvement.”

Currently there are only three student volunteers working at Jazz FM. Two of them are the co-hosts of the station’s only student-hosted show “Jazz at the Hurst.” Even so, more student-hosted programming is planned.

Senior David Jakubson currently volunteers at the station writing public service announcements and doing other odd jobs. He also has plans for a show of his own.

“I want to try to put a specialty show together with smooth jazz and maybe some alternative stuff,” Jakubson said.

Geary wants students to be aware that there are more experiences the radio station can offer besides that of being an on-air host.

“Not everyone wants to be on the air,” he said. “Some people can write public service announcements, some can take care of the community bulletin boards and other people can help with the business end of it.”

Other plans the new station manager has for Jazz FM include integrating with the college community more by broadcasting sporting events that take place on campus.

“I’d like to broadcast more sports,” said Geary. “There would be an audience for it in Erie, but I think the bigger audience would be the parents out of town who could listen to their kids competing online with streaming.”

Students interested in volunteering to be a part of Jazz FM can stop by the station and talk to Geary.

They can also email him at dgeary@ mercyhurst.edu.

Page 5 Have fun, but stay safe... ’Tis the season for Irish fun this weekend, but Mercyhurst Chief of Police Robert Kuhn would like to remind students to make sure they also stay safe.

He urges students to drink responsibly, stay together in groups and to not take advantage of others while in an intoxicated state.

Most of all Kuhn stresses, “Don’t do anything that will embarrass your university, your family or yourself.”

The Yearbook... ....needs students’ help with supplying photos.

This year an online website yearbook will be available, and the yearbook staff is asking students to submit pictures by tagging their photos to the yearbook’s Facebook page.

Students can add their pictures and videos on the Facebook page called Mercyhurst Senior Pictures or on Twitter @muyearbook2012.

A photo booth will be set up in the Herrmann Student Union in the near future to record video messages for the website yearbook.

Student enjoys experiences in Ireland

By Alicia Cagle Staff writer

Few students get the opportunity to travel abroad during their time in college. Those who get the chance, soak up the experience completely.

Junior Alison Palmeri is one of those few.

On March 2, Palmeri arrived in Ireland as a part of the Mercyhurst in Ireland study abroad program.

“Ireland has always been one of the countries I hoped to visit one day, and this was the perfect way to make sure I was able to spend a good amount of time there and really get to experience the country and culture,” Palmeri said.

Palmeri, as well as the other Mercyhurst students on the trip, are staying in Dungarvan. It is a smaller town with a different environment

Contributed photo

Senior Lauren Verno and juniors Breda Knott and Alison Palmeri are all part of the study abroad program in Dungarvan, Ireland.

than a city like Dublin.

The first few days in Dungarvan there were gatherings to help students get to know each other and the locals.

“Everyone has been very welcoming and takes the time to chat with and get to know us individually,” Palmeri said.

As a part of her experience, Palmeri takes classes four mornings a week and is able to explore the town and surrounding area in her free time. She has had the opportunity to bike around the countryside, enjoy local music and travel to Dublin. There they visited places such as Trinity College, the Irish Parliament Building and the Guinness Storehouse.

All of the students will get the opportunity to learn sports such as rugby, hurling and Gaelic football.

In return, they will be teaching local teenagers how to play softball.

While she is studying in Ireland, Palmeri has big plans. She is planning on weekend trips, learning more of the local culture and travelling to other places in Europe with the Mercyhurst group. She is most looking forward to learning the Irish language, a type of Gaelic, through her Language and History class.

She is also hoping for extra time in order to visit parts of England, Scotland and Germany as well.

“I am really enjoying the experience so far. The people and community are extremely hospitable and go out of their way to make sure that you are settled in and enjoying your time here,” Palmeri said. “I can’t wait to go out and see more of the country and make friends with more people within the community.”

The Mercyhurst University students will be returning from Ireland May 10.

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FEATURES

March 14, 2012

Mercy Month celebrated during March

By Kayla Kelly Staff writer

Throughout the month of March, flowers are going to grow a little faster and the sun is going to shine a little brighter.

Why not shine some light on mercy?

For the past three years, Mercyhurst University has had Mercy Week, but because there are many events, the celebration has been expanded to an entire month.

March is Mercy Month, which is a month dedicated to focusing on one of the core values of Mercyhurst University, which is the one that states we are socially merciful.

Being socially merciful means restoring human dignity and expanding our social relations. Mercy empowers us to reach out in compassion to others.

Director of Campus Ministry Greg Baker explained how Mercyhurst students can be socially merciful. He said that many students already incorporate mercy into their day-to-day lives.

“Mercy Month just gives us an opportunity to shine the light on it. The mercy tradition is not just historical, it is a living, current movement,” Baker said.

A committee of students, administrators and faculty have come together to create various events that are open to students and faculty.

Some of these events include Tour and Tea days at Mercy Mother house, the movie “The Help,” lunch discussion with Lhotshampa Refugees, a clothing drive, Religion and Prejudice discussions and the annual Wellness Fair. There is also a portable campus labyrinth that will move around campus for a

unique form of meditation.

Brittany Prischak, the sustainability coordinator, Earleen Glaser, reference librarian/college archivist, and Allison Elick from human resources are also creating an online resource for students, faculty and eventually the community to understand how to donate clothing to those in need. This initiative, called “donation matcher,” is about much more than clothing. This resource gives details about how to donate everything such as clothing, food and even household items.

This site will help educate people on the proper ways to participate in the clothing drive, along with donations of other goods, and will simply be a great resource for anybody who wants to embrace giving.

The donation matcher can be found on the Mercyhurst portal under “services.”

If you’re interested in attending one of the events and becoming involved with the celebration of mercy, “like” the Mercy Month Facebook page so you can receive more information about upcoming events.

The Facebook site also has a March calendar available, so

you can pencil in the dates and times of events you are interested in attending. If you do not have a Facebook, there are several Mercy Month posters displayed on campus, or you can visit the Campus Ministry Office, which is located in the Herrmann Student Union, for more information.

Although Mercy Month is only until the end of March, there are still “Mercy-centered” events that occur throughout the entire school year.

“We should do this all the time – every month should be Mercy Month,” Baker said.

The month of April is Earth Month and Campus Ministry, along with the Green Team, are involved by supporting the St. Francis Pledge. The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change created the Catholic Climate Covenant to “take responsibility for our contribution to climate change.”

On Friday, March 30, Mercy Month is hosting its final event, the Annual Wellness Fair. At the fair, students can sign up to take the St. Francis Pledge, which is a promise and commitment to protect God’s Creation.

By taking the pledge, students are committing to follow the five elements: to pray, to learn, to assess, to act and to advocate.

Students interested in learning more about the St. Francis Pledge can visit the Catholic Climate Covenant website at catholicclimatecovenant.org or wait until the Annual Wellness Fair.

Whether you’re a student or faculty member, get involved and attend one of the Mercy Month events. It is a part of our University’s core values to be socially merciful, so it is important to live that way.

Mercy should not just be celebrated for a single month.

This is a great way to shine the light on something good.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

March 14, 2012

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Skrillex shows versatility in ‘Bangarang’

By Aaron Ullman Staff writer

The future is looking bright for Sonny Moore aka “Skrillex.”

After hitting the electronic/dubstep scene in late 2010 with his “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” album, Skrillex has added various EPs, remixes and three Grammy Awards to his name in just more than a year.

His latest offering, “Bangarang,” acts more as an album than an EP because it contains eight solid tracks.

Even though Skrillex is known for dubstep and high profile remixes, “Bangarang” exhibits a variety of electronic styles.

In addition to dubstep, Skrillex utilizes elements of hiphop, electro-house, orchestral motifs and even a brief sample of the Doors’ late Jim Morrison.

With so much going on, it is very admirable in the way Skrillex tames all the seemingly random sounds and weaves together complex beats.

What is even more impressive is that the EP was crafted in hotel rooms, planes and other random spots while Skrillex constantly toured worldwide.

The first track—aptly named “Right In”—throws the listener right into a heavy beat and sets the stage for what is to come. The song takes sharp turns and steep bass drops in a classic dubstep manner.

The title track “Bangarang” and “Kyoto” feature the hip-

Novel-turned-feature film to present spy thriller to audiences

By Alejandra Zeron Staff writer

This week the Maria J. Langer Film Series features ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,’ a film based on John le Carre’s bestselling novel.

The international thriller is set in 1973, in the midst of the Cold War. During this time, Britain’s secret intelligence service, code-named the Circus, strives to keep its nation secure, while keeping pace with other countries’ espionage schemes.

In an effort to fulfill these objectives, Control, the head of the Circus, sends agent Jim Prideaux to meet a Hungarian general who presumably holds valuable information. The operation fails, and the Hungarian intelligence team shoots Prideaux.

Following the international incident, Control and his right-hand lieutenant George Smiley are forced into retirement.

Subsequently, Control, who was already suffering from illness, dies. Meanwhile, the government commands Smiley to investigate allegations made by muckraking agent Ricki

Freshtronic.com photo

Skrillex, born Sonny John Moore, is known for producing popular dubstep remixes.

Tarr regarding the presence of a mole within the Circus who is working for the Soviets and endangering England.

Smiley’s investigative work leads him back to Prideaux, who had been repatriated and dismissed from service.

Prideaux reveals that the purpose of his mission to Hungary was to obtain the name of the mole. Smiley also learns that Control had likewise feared the infiltration of the British Intelligence by a double agent and had constructed a list of five possible suspects.

These potential suspects included Percy Alleline, the newly appointed Chief of the Circus, and his deputy Bill Haydon.

In what the Los Angeles Times calls the “great spy tale of our time,” “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” seizes and provokes the audience’s attention in a thrilling and complex manner.

The vibrant film was directed by Tomas Alfredson, and the screenplay adaptation was written by Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan.

“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” will be shown on Wednesday, March 14, in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

hop artist Sirah and are easily two of the best songs on the disc.

“Bangarang” is a bit of a tribute to the Lost Boys of Peter Pan. The wobble, electronic whirrs and bass lines are fantastic throughout.

“Kyoto” is even better, showcasing a Linkin Park sounding metal-rap feel mixed with dubstep elements. The production on the song is perfect as Sirah’s verses fit perfectly into the beat.

The last two tracks are more laid back, yet they do not detract from the album in any way.

“Summit” is more of a synth-house song with excellent melodies and musical flow.

The chill beat works in conjunction with Ellie Goulding’s ethereal vocals featured on the track. Topping off the EP is a suite put together by the artist Varien.

While not explicitly electronic, the song contains various orchestral reprises of previous work released by Skrillex, including “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” and “The First of the Year (Equinox).”

It is quite a fitting arrangement.

While the EP as a whole is excellent, there is definitely some room for improvement. A few of the tracks become altogether too repetitive.

Skrillex could have switched the beat up or added more variety in a few places. That being said, Skillex is just getting better.

“Bangarang” ups the ante over “Scary Monsters” and sets the bar high for future albums from Skrillex.

Upcoming events at the PAC: “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” Wednesday, March 14, at 2:15 & 7:15 p.m.

The Langer Film Series: “Poetry” Wednesday, March 28, at 2:15 & 7:15 p.m.

A Documentary: “A Man Named Pearl” Wednesday, April 4, at 2:15 p.m. & 7:15 p.m.

The MET: HD Live Massenet’s “Manon” Saturday, April 7, at 12 p.m.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

March 14, 2012

Electronic music astounds audiences at ‘Soundscapes: Part I’

By Marika Koch Staff writer

It is truly amazing to consider all of the new forms of music that are coming into being as the world of technology progresses—as are the minds who can make such innovation and weave traditional and modern elements together to create an entirely new genre.

As part of the Faculty Recital Series, Scott Meier Ph.D, brilliantly displayed both his musicality and his novel additions to electronic music during his recital “Soundscapes: Part I.” The recital, which took place on Thursday, March 8, not only entertained the audience immensely but allowed them to see a plane of music that has hardly been touched

before on Mercyhurst University’s campus.

Before the performance actually began, Meier gave an interesting introduction to the program, as well as the different instruments that he was going to play during the evening.

He said that he has had the idea of “Soundscapes” in his head since the late 1990s, but it has only been recently that Mercyhurst has had the electronic capability necessary to bring such a performance to life.

Meier played a vast variety of instruments, ranging from a traditional Japanese flute called the Dizi to the Electronic Wind Instrument, an instrument that sends signals to a synthesizer when played to create different sounds.

What is also unique about this recital is that Meier composed many of the pieces while arranging other

pieces to fit his needs.

The first piece, “Longshanks Meets the Funky Fairies,” was said in the program to contain three movements; however, in all of the pieces in this performance that were divided in the program, movements were played so seamlessly that it was impossible to tell where one ended and another began.

“Longshanks Meets the Funky Fairies” began with the sounds of wind through trees, birds and other sounds reminiscent of nature.

Meier said that he wanted “Soundscapes” to one day be a thoroughly sensual experience, and even now, with the performance failing to evoke anything by way of scent or taste, one could feel the music as well as hear it in the low bass of the recording that was used.

The use of the recordings seemed to make up for the lack of

stimulation of other senses.

Sophomore Marisa Jacobson said of the atmosphere, “It was really out-of-this world, like nothing I’ve heard at Mercyhurst before.”

The rest of the evening continued on as interestingly as it began, with very abstract artistic ideas entering into it, such as something of a musical collage in the work “Emmanuel,” which took recorded sound bytes and made them into a singular, haunting work.

Over the recording, Meier played a lonely, lyric soprano saxophone melody with strings and piano in the background.

The final piece, “The City,” struck one by the way it seemed to portray a scene of a street musician in real life, but with only one performer speaking to voices on a recording.

The experience was very differ-

ent and altogether fascinating to watch and listen to.

The audience’s reaction was spectacular, as well; at the end of his performance, Meier received a very long round of applause as well as a standing ovation from his thrilled listeners.

It seems to have been the novelty of the performance that moved people so much.

Freshman Rosie Reed said, “Dr. Meier’s performance was something new and refreshing. It showed his dedication to his work, and his personality really showed through while he was onstage.”

The fact that the programs declare this performance of “Soundscapes” to be only Part I is tantalizing and hopefully means that there will be another of these magnificent offerings on our campus sometime in the near future.

OPINION

March 14, 2012

September 3,Page 20089

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Campus police need to be armed

By Steve Long

Contributing writer I have been shocked by the recent school shootings that have swept across our nation like a violent plague.

As a result I find it shocking and foolish that many campuses across the nation choose not to arm their respective police departments.

One reason why many individuals feel campus police should not be armed is their perceived lack of training in firearms.

While this is a substantial concern, many do not recognize that

college police officers are certified police officers with extensive firearms training. Due to the nature of the job, police officers and firearms naturally coincide with one another.

Therefore, officers should be allowed to carry firearms as long as they are properly trained.

According to Columbus State Community College President Val Moeller, another universal argument for not allowing college police departments to use firearms has stemmed from the notion that “having armed public safety officers on campuses increases the chances for more violence.”

Moeller states this argument has

been researched and proven by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).

However, upon more than a surface glance, it becomes apparent NACUBO is a business organization that has no field of expertise in law enforcement.

Moeller’s statement further ignores the fact that armed university police officers would serve as a visual deterrent to crime rather than promoting it.

A criminal that sees an adequately armed police force would be less likely to commit a crime.

Many colleges and universities also think there is no need to arm

Limit on graduation tickets unsatisfactory, disgraceful

By Kelly Luoma Editor-in-chief

There are less than two months until graduation.

For me and the other Mercyhurst University graduates of 2012, this is an exciting time that deserves celebration.

I especially look forward to my family coming in May to watch me graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

Well, I was excited for this until Mercyhurst President Thomas Gamble, Ph.D., sent an email during spring break to all graduating seniors informing us that students will receive only four tickets for graduation.

The limit on guests is due to graduation taking place at the Bayfront Convention Center. The usual location, Tullio Arena, is being renovated.

The construction plans have been in the works since 2010, but students were informed of the changes less than 100 days before graduation.

This delay in communication and limited number of guests creates problems.

For instance, my grandparents from Florida have already made travel arrangements to come watch me graduate.

Too bad I have two parents, four grandparents and a sister, but only four tickets. Looks like someone will be left behind on my big day.

Gamble offered a “solution” to this issue in his email.

According to the email, “There will be additional seating in a nearby room equipped with big screen TVs. Seating in this venue is available on a first-come, first-served basis.”

I’m glad my grandparents will travel from Florida to possibly get the chance to watch me graduate on a TV, that is, if the room doesn’t fill up first.

Gamble had another “solution” for students needing more tickets, but yet again failed to satisfy many disgruntled students.

The email said, “Each senior will only get four tickets, but some students may not need all of them.

These students are encouraged to share their extra tickets with those needing more.”

That sounds like a wonderful solution, but every senior I have talked to needs more than four tickets.

The majority of students have parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and significant others they want to celebrate this occasion with.

The need for more tickets is so great that some seniors have already offered to pay for graduation tickets.

We only get one college graduation. After four years of hard work and tens of thousands of dollars spent, it’s a shame we cannot have all the people who supported us throughout our college experience watch us receive our degrees.

It’s an even bigger shame Mercyhurst failed to come up with a better plan for graduation.

With less than 100 days to go, let the scrambling for tickets and the salvaging of a respectable Mercyhurst graduation begin.

their police forces because of their relationships with local and state police agencies.

They are under the impression that if a school shooting was to happen on their campus, the state or local police could handle the situation.

While I acknowledge local and state police officials are capable of handling the situation, it would take time to mobilize these necessary forces to the scene.

Within that time period, it is up to the campus police to handle the situation.

How can they do so without the capabilities to act? One simply does not bring a baton or pepper spray

to a gunfight and expect to protect lives.

This mindset is extremely inconsiderate and dangerous to the lives of students, faculty and campus police officers.

The fact is you fight fire with fire- ask any firefighter who fights forest fires.

The same holds true when a police officer is confronted by an armed assailant whose sole intent is to kill.

Police officers should have the means of protecting themselves, students, faculty and others that they are sworn to protect and serve.

If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen.

Editors Kelly Luoma Alaina Rydzewski Liz Zurasky Caitlin Handerhan Spencer Hunt Alex Stacey Chrissy Mihalic Kaitlin Badger Jill Barrile Ethan Johns Max Rivera Bill Welch

@mercyhurst.edu Positions editormerciad Editor-in-Chief newsmerciad News Editor featuremerciad Features Editor opinionmerciad Opinion Editor sportsmerciad Sports Editor A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad copymerciad Copy Editor photomerciad Graphics photomerciad Photo Editor ejohns89 Web Editor admerciad Ad Manager wwelch Adviser

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays. by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Page 10

OPINION

March 2012 September 3, 14, 2008

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Contraception debate overlooks women

By Alicia Cagle Staff writer

This month the campus community is celebrating our Mercy heritage, having deemed March officially “Mercy Month.” Spanning many disciplines and departments, the month’s activities incorporate our mission statement in many aspects of campus life.

Gannon, Penn State Behrend and Edinboro got The Fray to headline their spring concert. We have Sean Kingston. What was that song he sang?

The national debate and child-like arguments regarding new policies this year continue to surprise me.

The one that bothers me the most concerns birth control being included in health care reform.

In January, the Obama Administration declared the addition to the health care reform law that contraceptives must be offered to women free of charge under most health insurance plans.

Many religious and conservative groups are up in arms calling this a threat to the nation’s religious freedom.

I am appalled at the lack of concern for women throughout this discussion. Yes, there are panels that are discussing the issue, but there is an overriding bias - the panels have primarily consisted of men.

This situation parallels the begin-

birth control is not just a means of preventing pregnancy. Contraceptives also help reduce acne associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalances.

Even though acne is not always a reason for insurers to provide birth control, problems associated with periods are.

Heavy bleeding and irregularity among periods are common among women. These are not only annoying, but also potentially dangerous.

Heavy bleeding can cause anemia – a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells and enough oxygen is not provided to the rest of the body.

Birth control pills also help women who are pre-menopausal by fixing the problems caused by hormonal changes.

Basically, contraceptives can fix anything abnormal with the reproductive system. It is a good shortterm option to see if it will help fix some of a woman’s health problems.

The New York Times reminds

us that “preventive health services” must be covered by health insurance according to the 2010 health care laws. This statute was issued in order to further explain this portion of the law.

It is not saying that your views, religious or otherwise, will be infringed upon. If a woman does not want contraceptives, she will not be given them.

It is also worth noting that prior to the new rule to the health care reform law, 28 states had already enacted similar laws. As the New York Times states, “the new regulation is meant to remove cost as a barrier to birth control.”

My friends and I have very diverse outlooks and political standings, but we all agree on this subject. It clearly does not matter whether you are Republican, Democrat, conservative or liberal; the point is that all parties involved must consider the female population of the country and do what is in their best interest.

Applying core values to pop culture

By Faye Clark Staff writer

Online

The events of these past few weeks bring us yet another example of how powerful and damaging a person’s words can be. Rush Limbaugh’s misogynistic description of Georgetown University law student Sandra Fluke were along the lines of the usual vitriol he spews on his program to dehumanize various politi-

With about two months until graduation, administration waited until now to limit the number of graduation tickets to four per student. Sorry gramps, you are not invited.

ning of the Women’s Suffrage movement, which began as a fight for women to make their own choices when it came to reproduction.

During this time, men decided whether women were allowed birth control and eventually banned any type of reproduction information to go through the mail with the Comstock Act. Today’s situation is with a religious justification, but otherwise it appears no different.

The argument gets a little comical when you realize that some religious institutions offer Viagra, the men’s erectile dysfunction drug, in their health insurance plans.

According to an article by National Public Radio (NPR), the Catholic Church argues that this is “neither hypocritical nor sexist” – they are simply encouraging procreation and these drugs can help.

Given they are curbing the amount of coverage so it is not abused, the argument still does not appear to line up. The church seems to forget that

cal adversaries.

Entertainment is one thing. Using comedy as an excuse to attack or degrade another person, though, is absolutely abhorrent. It is a free country, and a person can say whatever she or he wants, to a certain extent. But there are other rules that we follow, in homes or businesses or academic settings that do not have the power of law, but which are certainly powerful enough within their institutions.

Erie resident responds to Planned Parenthood

by Tim Broderick Guest Commentator

We have them at Mercyhurst in the form of our core values, and while Limbaugh is by no means bound to follow them, we certainly are. There are plenty of people who still use words like slut and whore in their every-day word usage to refer to women, so I think examining the use of the words in light of these core values is relevant and essential at a time like this.

As students at Mercyhurst University, we are meant to be socially mer-

ciful, and the description says that, “Mercy restores human dignity.”

I don’t think I need to point out that calling an intelligent and outspoken woman a slut on the basis of her political beliefs is not in line with this value.

Read the full story online at merciad.mercyhurst.edu

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion

Page 11

Sports

March 14, 2012

Women’s lacrosse has rocky start to season

By Samantha Bante Staff writer

The beginning of the 2011-12 season was one to forget for the Mercyhurst women’s lacrosse team.

Following two losses to nationally ranked teams, they are looking to regain the momentum they had at the end of last season and earn back their national ranking.

The Lakers concluded the 201011 season with a respectable 136 record and were No. 13 in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association poll. The team broke through for its first victory March 10 at Tiffin.

The Lakers traveled to Florida over spring break and suffered devastating losses to No. 5 Rollins, 16-5, and No. 15 Florida South-

Ethan Magoc file photo

Senior Ally Keirn will be leaned on heavily as the Lakers try to rebound from a tough start. She leads the team this season with nine goals and 12 total points.

ern, 11-6, removing them from the national rankings. But with a strong win against Tiffin University, 21-8, on Saturday, the Lakers are looking to turn around their season.

With a younger team, including 14 freshmen, the Lakers have high hopes for a strong season.

Hoping to stand out this year as new additions to team are freshmen Rebecca Himes, Megan Hardy, Alexander Petrone and Rebecca Muscella.

“This is a very different season.

We’re a lot younger and more balanced, no ‘go-to’ players. It is hard to say what the season will be like from two games, but spring break was definitely a great opportunity to get the freshmen involved,” Coach Cecil Pilson said.

With captains, seniors Ally Keirn and Lindsay Marafioti and sopho-

Men’s basketball ends season

By Lindsey Burke Staff writer

The 2011-12 men’s basketball team finished the year with one of the most successful seasons in program history. Finishing the year at 18-10 overall, this is the seventh consecutive winning season for the Lakers.

After propelling to a 3-0 start, the team suffered through a rough 3-4 patch, but quickly bounced back.

In the opening round of Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play, the Lakers produced a convincing 6-0 run after dropping a contest to Clarion. This campaign included a 71-47 victory over nationally ranked Indiana (Pa.) on Jan. 21.

This game was one of the many high points of the season for junior forward Luis Leao.

“This win made me feel like we knew we were a great team,” said Leao. “Having a win like this early in the year showed us we could be special if we played up to our potential every game.”

The win over IUP was the first win over a nationally ranked team since the 2006-07 season.

Conversely, the Lakers also swept a twogame series with Gannon for the first time since the 2006-07 season.

With the regular season capped at Lock Haven with a 73-66 win, the Lakers received a

home berth in the PSAC playoffs. They went on to beat Slippery Rock 77-69 on Feb. 28.

This was the first PSAC Final Four appearance since the Lakers joined the PSAC in the 2008-09 season. Additionally, the Rock knocked the Lakers out of the playoffs in 2011.

The Lakers continued with a contest at East Stroudsburg, ending their season with a 66-58 loss.

Despite the loss, the 2011-12 Lakers had a very successful season.

Sophomore Matt Lee led the team with 15.7 points per game. Leao contributed 15.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game despite missing many games due to injury.

Lee was named to second-team All-PSAC and Leao was named PSAC men’s basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year.

The Lakers led the PSAC in assists, assistto-turnover ratio and turnover margin.

The Lakers only graduate two seniors, Bill Weaver and Jamal Turner. Both players have been key contributors in their two seasons at Mercyhurst. Weaver averaged 11.5 points and 5 rebounds per game during his senior campaign. Turner served as quarterback of one of the most multi-faceted PSAC offense.

For more of this article visit: merciad.mercyhurst.edu/sports

more Anna LeGrett, the Lakers are aiming to turn around the season.

“Florida was really good for us.

We had a lot of outside practicing and playing time, and it was the first time we weren’t practicing in a small gym. The twice a day outside practices helped us as a team a lot,” Keirn said.

The Lakers need to replace graduated senior and leading scorer from last season Kimberly Masterton.

The most likely candidate is Keirn, who had 77 points last season. The team has five of its top six scorers back despite the high number of freshmen.

In the Lakers’ first victory, Keirn carried the scoring load with a career-high seven goals to go along with three assists. With that type of production, the season still has hope.

“The first two games are not a set trend. It really depends on how the team reacts from these losses.

They were two really tough games, so we’ll have to see where we go from here,” Pilson said.

The Lakers are working hard, practicing hard and are looking forward to regaining their national ranking.

“Like I said, we’re young this year, so it’s hard to say how this year is going to go,” said Pilson. “Last year was a very strong season for us, along with previous years. I hope this year will be just as good, but it’s still too early to say.”

The Lakers will take Tullio Field for the first time against Seton Hill University on Saturday, March 17, at 12 p.m.

Page 12

Sports

March 14, 2012

Men’s hockey advances to AHA semis

By Spencer Hunt Sports editor

There is an old hockey saying that says your penalty kill can win you games and your power play loses games.

After a 3-1 series victory over Holy Cross in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) playoffs, the Mercyhurst men’s hockey team is proof that the saying is correct.

The Lakers went 1-14 on the power play over the course of the weekend and gave up a short-handed goal in their one loss on Saturday night. The power play wasn’t working, but the penalty kill was.

Senior goaltender Max Strang and the Lakers’ defense killed 15 of the 17 power plays. But one was more critical than the rest.

During the decisive game three, the Lakers were winning by a score of 2-1 in the second period. But in a potentially fatal play, senior captain Kevin Noble checked a Holy Cross player from behind, receiving a 5-minute penalty and a game misconduct. Strang and the defense rallied and fought off the penalty.

“That was certainly a big blow losing one of our senior captains, and then we went from six defensemen to five,” Coach Gotkin said. “But we killed the 5-minute major and a five on three and that was the game.”

The series of events in the second period were demoralizing, but not for the Lakers.

“We took all the momentum,” Gotkin said.

Later in the second period, freshman Matt Zay scored the first of his two goals and put the Lakers up for good.

Two goals were all Strang needed to get the win Sunday night. He stopped 41 of 42 shots in the win. Strang was easily the MVP of the series as he stopped 113 of 117 shots for a .966 save percentage.

“By far Max was the MVP, Max’s game Sunday might have been his best game all year,” said Gotkin. “And that’s saying a lot because he has had a lot of great games.”

Strang has been excellent all season, but he has gone to another level in recent weeks. In his last seven appearances he has stopped 224 of 231 shots for a save percentage of .970.

Also, Strang has now given up two goals or less in 18 games this season.

“Max gave us a gigantic chance to win all three games,” said Gotkin. “You need outstanding goaltending to win in this league, and we believe we have that.”

The Lakers have played top goaltending all year; three of the best in the country reside in the AHA. But the Lakers are not afraid to play in low-scoring games.

Jill Barrile photo

Goaltender Max Strang was outstanding in the Lakers’ quarterfinal series against Holy Cross. The senior stopped 113 of 117 shots in three games.

“We would love to have more production on offense, but low scoring has become our M.O.,” said Gotkin. “We try to play great defense and be opportunistic on offense.”

Great defense is an understatement of late.

The Lakers’ defense is what keeps them in games, with Strang making save after save.

“The way we play team defense we give up a lot of shots, and that’s by design,” said Gotkin.

“We make them shoot from the perimeter where they aren’t really getting great shots.”

So far, the strategy is paying dividends.

On the offensive end, the Lakers continue to get outstanding production from freshmen.

Five of the six goals scored on the weekend were by freshmen.

Freshman Daniel Bahntge scored both goals on Friday night, the second in acrobatic fashion. Defenseman Tyler Shiplo scored the lone goal on Saturday. And Zay was the hero Sunday with the game-winning goal and one more for good measure.

The Lakers will need all the scoring they can get as they head into the final weekend of the AHA playoffs. This is the first time the team has been there since 2009. But it’s a oneand-done playoff the rest of the way.

The team will face Air Force, which has dominated the AHA playoffs since joining the league in 2005.

“Air Force has owned this league,” Gotkin said. “But it’s a good feeling knowing we are 2-1 against them.”

Overall, the Lakers are excited to be this far into the postseason with a very real chance of winning the title.

“It’s a great time of year with playoff hockey and our league is very tough,” said Gotkin. “We know that to continue to play

we have to beat good teams, and that’s what we are trying to do.”

Gotkin and the Lakers head to Rochester for the semifinal matchup against Air Force on Friday at 4:05 p.m.

Women’s hockey falls The Mercyhurst women’s hockey team saw its season come to an end Saturday March 10 in Wisconsin.

The Lakers received the No. 8 seed in the NCAA tournament and were paired with the reigning National Champion and top-seeded Badgers.

The Lakers were underdogs heading into the contest but gave Wisconsin all it could handle for three periods.

After the Badgers gained an early 1-0 lead, senior Kelley Steadman tied the game heading into the final period.

The Lakers gave up a short-handed goal that turned out to be the game-winner.

They finish their season with a 23-8-3.

Also, the Lakers will say goodbye to a strong class of seniors: forwards Bailey Bram, Jess Jones and Steadman, along with defensemen Pam Zgoda and Jill Szandzik and goaltender Hillary Pattenden.

Pattenden set an NCAA record with 100 career victories, and Bram was a top10 Patty Kazmaier finalist for the second time this past season.