Weekend
WEATHER
FRI: 9/14- 80° SAT: 9/15- 77° SUN: 9/16-75°
THE MONTCLARION The Student Voice of Montclair State University Since 1928
Vol.
92
Issue 1 September 13, 2012
On the web at: www.the Montclarion.org
A Scary Start to the Fall Semester
Discovery of unidentified object leads to evacuation of the Student Center
The Montclarion | Stephanie Agudelo
Police officers and departments from across the entire county worked hard to test out if the wires found were explosive in nature. Catherine Baxter News Editor
Last week, students were welcomed back with the threat of an unidentified object during the first week of classes. On Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 1:47 p.m., campus alerts sent out a text-message alert stating: “Stay clear
of construction area behind the Red Hawk Diner by Lot 17. Unidentified object is being investigated. If in area turn off cell phone.” An email alert soon followed. According to Lt. Kieran Barrett of the University Police Department, at 12:20 p.m., the University Police received a call from a foreman at the construction
site regarding odd looking wires consistent with blasting embedded in the surface they were excavating. However, some students were not pleased with the lack of information the campus sent out at first. “My first thought was ‘so this is how the world ends,’” said Julia Velmer, sophomore. “I didn’t know if
it was an alien or a bomb. The message wasn’t really clear.” “Primarily, our concern was to identify if the wires were connected to any type of blasting device and to set up a perimeter,” said Lt. Barrett. “When it could not be determined if the items were live, the Passaic County Bomb Squad
was contacted and responded. An alert was sent to the community as well.” Once the bomb squad arrived, they needed to ensure the items were not explosive in nature. “Strictly as a precaution, the immediate area of the Student Center was cleared should Object Continued on Page 5
Step Up School of Life and Environmental Against Sciences to Get a New Home Violence Comes to MSU Catherine Baxter News Editor
Montclair State University is making an effort to raise awareness about bystander intervention with the Step Up Against Violence Program. Originating at the University of Arizona, this program has been adopted by multiple universities across the country. Starting this past summer, the Step Up Against Violence Program arrived at MSU. The program focuses on a few main areas: sexual assault, hazing, alcohol, anger problems, discrimination, rela- The new building will be constructed in the current parking lot located between Fox Theatre and Stone Hall. tionship abuse and depression. Israel Rosado, the Deputy Title IX Stephanie Agudelo science at Montclair difference for their eduat MSU, is working along with Robert Assistant News Editor cation. State University. Vadovic of the University Health CenRobert Prezant, Dean For the many students If you haven’t already ter to deliver this program to various noticed the banner claim- who are studying sci- of the College of Science organizations across campus. ing Lot 15 as “the Future ence here, the possibility and Mathematics, exThe program was first introduced Home of the Center of of constructing a facility plained that the univerat MSU during summer training Environmental and Life that is fully equipped, sity has been planning for Community Assistants through Sciences” (CELS), you’re spacious and modern this project for years and Step Up Continued on Page 3
probably not studying
could make a world of
as soon as it is approved,
INSIDE
news
Honorary Degree Nominations
pg. 5
feature
Fashion for Fall
pg. 8
a&e
MSU Film Student Taps into the Other Side
pg. 16
opinion
Commuter Satisfaction Guaranteed?
pg. 13
The Montclarion | Ileana Ordonez
the CELS will be completed as soon as possible. “On the public ballot in New Jersey this November will be a bond issue for capital dedicated to higher education inScience Continued on Page 5
sports
Field Hockey Lives up to Pre-season Hype
pg. 21