The Orion - Spring 2013, Issue 15 by The Orion

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Study culture

SUSPENSION

NATIONAL SURVEY ON DRUG USE AND HEALTH

Frat cuts ties with campus after 21 years

2009 | NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS: 28,027 between the ages of 18 and 22 A breakdown of the additional drugs used by the 1,794 students who have used Adderall non-medically

6.4

PRESCRIPTION TRANQUILIZERS

24.5

percent

BINGE-DRINKING 1,596 students

percent

440 students

Pedro Quintana Senior Writer

6.4 percent of full-time college students have used Adderall non-medically.

28.9

44.9

COCAINE

percent

518 students

PRESCRIPTION PAIN RELIEVERS

Fraternity Sigma Chi has announced it will disassociate with Chico State after the university stated long-term suspensions for both its chapter and another earlier this month, punishments both organizations are calling unjust. The second fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, is fighting the sanctions, having announced May 9 it will appeal the punishment.

805 students

1,794 students

the orion •PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JENNA FUJITSUBO AND SCOTT LEDBETTER

Officials see dangers in ‘study drugs’ Nicholas Carr Staff writer

A social media report released earlier this month detailed how the use of stimulants is becoming an increasingly common study aid for college students. Brigham Young University conducted the study titled “Tweaking and Tweeting: Exploring Twitter for Nonmedical Use of a Psychostimulant Drug (Adderall) Among College Students.” Researchers monitored tweets containing the keyword “Adderall” between November 2011 and May 2012. While the average usage throughout the period was from about 930 individual accounts

responsible for apprehending fugitives in connection with various drug-related issues. “The unit was doing good police work,” he said. “We were making a difference.” Hass doesn’t think the problem is directly related to Enloe Medical Center or the Student Health Center, but rather with private practice institutions. “I know for a fact that there have been bad doctors in Chico investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency for falsely prescribing certain medications,” he said. Overprescribing these kinds of medication is another factor leading to the proliferation and abuse of these dangerous

per day, the number of hits spiked to more than 2,200 during periods in December and April, when many universities hold exams. With the end of term a few days away, The Orion reached out to assess how this trend is affecting the Chico State community. Law enforcement “There have been countless cases of college-aged students involved in drug abuse and drug dealings,” said Kevin Hass, former detective with the Chico Police Department’s street crime unit. He was involved with the unit for four years before it was disbanded six months ago. Hass and his team were mainly

narcotics, Hass said. “People we catch in possession of prescription meds have too much of it and are selling the pills to make a profit,” he said. Getting caught with an unprescribed substance as a first offense usually ends in a probationary sentence with required counseling due to the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act. “If you get caught selling, you are not eligible for Prop 36 and are subject to much harsher punishments,” Hass said. Education is the first step in prevention, he said. After that, it falls on enforcement. “After that, it all comes >> please see Abuse | A4

CSU counselors scarce, strained STRETCHED THIN

Risa Johnson Staff Writer

NUMBER OF STUDENTS PER COUNSELOR, PER CSU CAMPUS

5,539

5,500 5,000

NA O

TO EN

M PO

Y BA

O M

Y SA

BA ST

IC EA

SOURCE • INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNSELING SERVICES

*MAXIMUM RATIO RECOMMENDED BY INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNSELING SERVICES (ACCREDITATION BODY) IS 1,500 STUDENTS PER COUNSELOR

1,000 500

1,000 500 TO

2,000 *1,500

2,886 2,353

2,500

2,419

3,500 3,000

3,010

3,500 3,000

4,077

3,712

4,500 4,000

4,000

RATIO OF STUDENTS TO FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT COUNSELORS

4,500

2,500

MARCH 2013

6,000

5,678

5,000 RATIO OF STUDENTS TO FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT COUNSELORS

the orion •INFOGRAPHIC BY JENNA FUJITSUBO

Representatives from mental health money is tight. I have to do well,’” Bomcenters on all 23 campuses attended mersbach said. The first mental health problem for the 78th California Faculty Association Assembly, where understaffing was the college students is anxiety, she said. biggest topic discussed, Bommersbach Depression is second. Students shouldn’t drop out of school said. “It was shocking,” she said. “No one or be in danger of committing suicide because of ordinary probspoke against it.” lems that could be solved Attendants stood up “We owe it to the with additional counseland said they noticed students of California ors, Bommersbach said. an increase in problems “We owe it to the stubecause of the lack of counto give the best services dents of California to give seling, Bommersbach said. possible.” the best services possible,” In the past three years Mimi Bommersbach she said. “In the long run, stakes have gotten higher Chico State Counselor you save money and probfor college students, which ably save lives.” has caused additional anxiety, she said. Many students load up on Uncertain future for CSU counseling courses in an effort to graduate sooner to save money, which often creates more services Chico State administrators placed the stress than success. “Students think, ‘Money is scarce, >> please see HEALTH | A4

INDEX World News

2009

6,000 5,500

Chico State Counseling Center employees are worried California State University students are receiving counseling care that is below standard. The center is understaffed, along with the majority of the CSU campuses, according to the International Association of Counseling Services. Chico State has one full-time counselor for every 2,353 students. The maximum ratio recommended by the IACS is 1,500 students for every counselor. Counselor Mimi Bommersbach has worked for the Counseling Center for 10 years and is concerned about budget cuts and the merging of the Counseling Center, the Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center and the Student Health Center, which caused her to lose her director position last year. “We’ve been on a shoestring for a long time,” Bommersbach said. “We have money for salaries and to keep the lights on and that’s it.” Cal State L.A. has the most understaffed counseling center in the CSU system, with one fulltime equivalent counselor for every 7,911 students. Mimi Chico State is near the Bommersbach Chico State middle of the spectrum. counselor Bommersbach suggested CSU Chancellor Timothy White write up an executive order that addresses the understaffing of the mental health services at the CSUs. “It’s not just a Chico problem,” she said. “It’s a CSUwide problem.”

Suspension prompts departure After an investigation, the university suspended Sigma Chi for brewing beer inside its chapter house on Ivy Street, according to investigation records obtained by The Orion. Police officers found equipment and liquid that was part of the home beermaking system. The university also learned this was the third or DREW fourth time members man- CALANDRELLA ufactured alcohol in the Vice president for student fraternity house, according affairs to the records. In a press release, Sigma Chi protested the suspension, claiming the university’s expection of “perfection in every case is unjust.” The organization will continue to follow and abide by the rules set forth by the university but without its supervision or oversight. The chapter will try to demonstrate to the administration it can positively affect the community without being affiliated with campus, the press release said. Fraternity fights back Pi Kappa Alpha announced it would appeal its three-year suspension May 9 after the university found it guilty of hosting a social event. The fraternity received notice of the suspension May 6, about a month after hosting a themed drinking party called “Around the World.” Members “I do not believe sold wristthe guidelines are bands and unrealistic, and the fact T-shirts at that most of the Greek the party, chapters are working which some within the guidelines 200 students speaks volumes.” attended and 40 fraternity Drew calandrella members Vice president for student participated affairs in, according to investigation records obtained by The Orion. In a press release, Pi Kappa Alpha supported the university’s decision to reform the Greek system, but called the three-year suspension unjust. University responds The university cannot ignore a mistake as large as alcohol in Greek houses, wrote Drew Calandrella, vice president of student affairs, in an email to The Orion. “I do not believe the guidelines are unrealistic, and the fact that most of the Greek chapters are working within the guidelines speaks volumes.” Pedro Quintana can be reached at pquintana@theorion.com

EVENT GUIDELINES The university has the following guidelines regarding Greek social events: • Chapter events cannot be publicized by the organization. • If two or more chapter members live at a residence, that residence is considered an annex house. • Chapters are expected to follow state, local and school policies. • Student Life and Leadership will discuss policies with advisers. SOURCE • chico state GREEK LIFE WEBSITE

INSIDE A2

Sports

Weather

Directory

Police Blotter

Features

Opinion

Sex Column

TODAY

87 60

high low

Sports

Features

Opinion

A die-hard Sacramento Kings fan dishes on the Maloofs and debates the team’s chances of staying in California. Commentary B3

Artists come together to help raise funds for the Chico School of Rock, a music education program. Story B5

Our columnist tells parents they should dish out the cash to send their kids to school. Column A7

full week A2 >>

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT

A2 |

WORLD

news all week @ theorion.com

NEWS

WedneSday, MAY 15, 2013

WEATHER >> Today | mostly sunny

Thursday | mostly cloudy

87 60

mararie via Flickr

The United Nations is promoting bug consumption as a solution to the worldwide hunger crisis. Beetles and caterpillars make up the most popular insect dishes, according to the report. Source: Associated Press

NATION

zimpenfish via Flickr

The Obama administration is appealing a Manhattan judge’s decision to provide the morning-after pill to all women. It was previously available to those at least 17 years old. Source: Associated Press

76 56

Immigration reformers are asking the White House to stop deporting people who might be eligible for citizenship under a pending bill. Source: Associated Press

CALIFORNIA

atomdocs via Flickr

A Coast Guard report said that California has the second most boat accidents per year behind Florida. Last year there were 365 accidents and 49 fatalities. Source: The Sacramento Bee

Jeffrey Beall via Flickr

A California Senate investigation found that at least 32 sex offenders have retained their licenses as drug and alcohol counselors. Two of them committed crimes while practicing. Source: The Sacramento Bee

CORRECTIONS The infographic on A1 titled “Possible Payday” in the May 8 issue incorrectly stated that Chico State faculty might be eligible for a raise in July. The raise is for Associated Students employees, not faculty. The incorrect advertisement was printed for 103.5 The Blaze in the May 8 issue. It incorrectly advertised a contest that had already ended. The Orion staff strives for accuracy in all it publishes. We recognize that mistakes will sometimes occur, but we treat every error very seriously. If you feel a correction needs to be made, please email the editor-in-chief at editorinchief@theorion.com

79 57

Saturday | sunny

Sunday | sunny

83 60

88 60

Monday | sunny

Tuesday | partly cloudy

92 61

90 57

Grads to see commencement changes no place at our commencement,” Zingg said. “We are hopeful that students will not wear Staff Writer them and, thus, trivialize and disgrace their Chico State officials and the University Police commencement.” Parents, relatives, friends and faculty are there Department are cracking down on expectations for students and security measures during to celebrate student achievements and to take pride in what they have accomplished in earning commencement. their degrees, he said. Student guidelines “I hope our students recogStudents are expected to nize and respect the meaning uphold their agreement to fol“These sashes celebrate of commencement not just for low protocols that prohibit demeaning behavior during drinking and have no place at themselves, but for these other our commencement.” folks as well and that they the event, Chico State Presichoose to do so in a respectful dent Paul Zingg said. fashion,” Zingg said. “These protocols were not Paul Zingg Chico State President Guidelines for commencement developed simply to deal with can be viewed on the school the sashes from Riley’s,” he website. said. Safety The downtown bar has been awarding sashes “Every few years we like to re-evaluate and to the graduating seniors who have completed its Kum Laude challenge, which includes a checklist discuss what works and what doesn’t,” said Sgt. Corrine Beck of the University Police Department. of tasks relating to the bar to be completed. The Boston Marathon bombing played a small “These sashes celebrate drinking and have Kayla Smith

part in how University Police thinks about its own procedures, she said. “I think that when you are in charge of something, you have to make sure your plan is a good as it can be,” Beck said. “We have to ask ourselves what we can do better and more efficiently.” University Police is not revealing what kind of security measures it will implement during the graduation ceremonies, but there will be officers at the entrance and around the area at all times, she said. “We are trying to have a better utilization of technology,” Beck said. There will be additional signage on the perimeter of the stadium explaining rules students and attendees are expected to follow, she said. “We have definitely marketed what is not allowed in the stadium, such as no dogs, no alcohol, no drugs, no weapons and no glass,” Beck said. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

Students shave off hair for cancer research Allison Weeks Asst. News Editor

pamhule via Flickr

Friday | partly cloudy

Eighteen men and two women shaved their heads Friday to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The foundation raises money for childhood cancer research, said Mariah Atkins, head coordinator of the event and president of the Chico State chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary. The National Residence Hall Honorary is an organization that recognizes coworkers, residents and custodial staff for their work on campus, Atkins said. “The head-shaving is basically like to shave your head in solidarity for those kids with cancer to show your support,” she said. The National Residence Hall Honorary hosted the event with a goal of raising $2,000 for childhood cancer research, Atkins said. The organization has raised $974.65 for St. Baldrick’s, but there is potential for more donations after the event, she said. Junior English education major Adrianna Honigs was one of the people who decided to shave her head for the fundraiser. Honigs’ grandmother died of cervical cancer in 2001, and a family friend of hers was 13 years old when he died of cancer, she said.

“This hits close to home for me,” Honigs said. She raised $55 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation by having people donate toward her cause on the events page of the foundation’s website. Freshman physics major Miguel Ruiz has shaved his head twice before with St. Baldrick’s when he lived in Sacramento, and he was happy to support the foundation for a third time. “Since I moved up here and found out that they were doing this, I was really excited and glad that they also had it here,” he said. Senior social science major Breea Heppler decided to shave her head as well. “I really believe in cancer research, and I love the fact that we shave our heads in solidarity,” she said. The National Residence Hall Honorary and the Residence Hall Association paid for gift cards from Jamba Juice, Cinemark Tinseltown, U-Swirl Frozen Yogurt, iTunes and the Wildcat Store that were used as raffle prizes at the event, Atkins said. Celestino’s Pizza also donated gift certificates for raffle prizes for the event.

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Nick Howell

Bald is beautiful Adrianna Honigs, a junior English education major, holds up her chopped hair Friday as she prepares to get her head shaved to raise money for St. Baldrick’s.

Allison Weeks can be reached at aweeks@theorion.com

Campus police request raise, CSU declines the university police system to take another position at a local sheriff’s office, said Marc Staff Writer Reed, a local SUPA representative and Chico The California State University system is in State University Police officer. “One can only speculate, but if an officer is the process of bargaining with the Statewide University Police Association about this year’s promoted to a higher position and then still decides to leave, there has to be something employee salaries. SUPA has requested a raise in campus offi- going on and it very well may be due to salary,” cer pay; however, with current government Reed said. Chico State University Police currently has funding the CSU system does not deem this as likely, said Erik Fallis, a CSU media relations three available positions in its department, all of which are frozen manager. because of the budget. The CSU system has “I have worked for proposed to maintain all “Our major concern is that the SUPA for eight years, salaries and benefits for economic climate is improving, and and I have only had affiliated groups this year, we are afraid to lose officers to other one raise during that he said. places who are hiring.” time,” Solomon said. “With the way money is University of Calibeing distributed, it doesn’t Jeff Solomon fornia campus police look like anyone is going to President of Statewide University Police officers receive a startsee a raise,” Fallis said. Association ing salary 20 percent None of the 400 CSU higher than officers police officers have received a pay increase since 2007, SUPA President Jeff working at CSUs, he said. By the five-year mark, UC officers earn a salary 40 percent higher than Solomon said. “Our major concern is that the economic cli- CSU officers. “We are concerned for the safety of the cammate is improving, and we are afraid to lose officers to other places who are hiring,” he said. pus community,” Solomon said. “We don’t want SUPA cannot afford to lose officers with con- to have to face understaffing.” Reed would like more officers hired, espeditions as they are now, Solomon said. Training cially for busy weekend graveyard shifts. a new officer can cost more than $100,000. “We have a major concern about outside This year, a sergeant was promoted to an intern lieutenant for six months before leaving safety.,” he said. “We know college students Isabel Charles

like to go out and have fun, that’s fine, but we don’t want to see our students battered, beat up or harmed. I’d like to see more officers be able to go help out in areas outside of the campus.” Chico State officers’ salaries are laid out in 15 “steps,” according to the CSU Salary Schedule Record Detail. Level one is a monthly salary of $4,135 and an annual salary of $49,620. Most officers have not seen their salary go past step three, Reed said. Chico State officers are at the lower end of the spectrum for campus police salaries. “For example, a university police officer at San Jose State is hired at a starting salary of about $5,080 monthly,” Reed said. “An officer at Chico does not receive that salary until step 10.” Gov. Jerry Brown has promised an increase in funding for the CSU system in the upcoming academic year, Fallis said. “We have a plan in place provided that the new budget is adopted,” he said. The plan is mainly focused on student life; however, there will be a modest compensation pool, Fallis said. “The CSU will be doing what we call ‘sunshining,’” he said. “We will present our initial positions on where money will be distributed, and what happens from there depends on what goes on at the table with bargaining parties.” The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

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NEWS

WedneSday, MAY 15, 2013

| A3

Courtesy illustration • JENNA FUJITSUBO, bethany haley

THE GROVE These are some of the proposed perspectives presented by interior design students for the renovated Laptop Lounge in Meriam Library. The ideas include curved walls throughout the space to create zones for the students who will utilize what will be called The Grove. With this facelift, the focus is on Chico State’s natural environment in the space.

Students envision redesign of Laptop Lounge Kayla Smith Staff Writer

The Meriam Library Laptop Lounge will receive a remodel with new color, a new logo and possibly new furniture. American Society of Interior Design students created a renovation layout for the lounge that focuses on student comfort, zoned areas and a more inviting feel. The proposed layout was presented to the provost, vice provost and a member of the library staff last Wednesday. The presentation included sketches, booklets and a virtual computerized tour. “Our goal is to put a new face to the Chico State library,” senior interior design major Tiffany Richter said. “We’ve taken inspiration from the surrounding environment and propose to rename the space ‘The Grove.’” A new logo to go with the name would reflect the school’s natural environment, she said. Tiffany Mike Schilling, vice provost of informa- Richter tion services, said that the natural theme Senior interior design major of the new Laptop Lounge would invite students to have a place to grow. “It seems that there could be an opportunity to extend some of these design concepts throughout the first floor,” he said. After asking members of a focus group questions about how they feel about the current space, many students

said the Laptop Lounge feels institutionalized, depressing and overwhelmingly open, Richter said. “We want students to get off the streets, take advantage of the extra hours that the lounge is open and feel safe and comfortable,” she said. Junior interior design major Carson Carson Mallonee presented the idea of barriers Mallonee that would vary in height to create differ- Junior interior design major ent zones within the vast space. “We wanted to create a social area in addition to studying areas for students to sit and talk with company when taking a break in between classes,” she said.

“We want students to get off the streets, take advantage of the extra hours that the lounge is open and feel safe and comfortable.” Tiffany Richter Senior interior design major

Adding track lighting throughout the space will create a homier feel as well, she said. “Neutral, calming colors will be implemented to bring a revived and fresh feeling that is full of life,” Mallonee said. “We want to bring the outside in.”

Junior interior design major Bethany Haley said the sloping walls would allow for compartmentalized areas to serve the different needs of students. “We didn’t want to ignore people who need the space to be quiet, but we wanted to meet the needs of people who also need a social space,” she said. Bethany Instead of being a strictly quiet area, Haley students would feel welcome to come to Junior interior The Grove and work in groups or talk in design major the late-night hours when it is the only place that is open, she said. Jay Fuller, a staff member of library management and student personnel, said the sloping walls would break up the straight lines that currently exist in the space. “I think it’s absolutely right that the giant open space is intimidating,” he said. He noted that it would not be expensive to bring these ideas to life, yet he would like to make sure the plan follows fire safety code rules. The proposal will need to be reviewed by other members of the faculty before being approved, said Belle Wei, provost and vice president for academic affairs, but she was pleased with the ideas. “This is just fabulous,” she said. “Hopefully we can see this come to fruition and we can have your names on it somewhere.” The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

A4 |

POLICE BLOTTER The police blotter is a selection of information cited directly from Chico Police Department and University Police Department. University Police Thursday, 7:33 a.m.: Vandalism reported in the Performing Arts Center. “Men’s restroom in Harlan Adams Theater. Green marker in handicap stall.” Thursday, 4:50 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances reported outside the Wildcat Recreation Center. “Student approached by female outside who left bike with her and advised it might be stolen.” Friday, 2:25 p.m.: Suspicious subject reported at the track. “Hispanic male, adult, dark shorts, white shirt, late 50s, yelling in Spanish. Subject near the restroom, contacting reporting party. Out with one, westside restrooms. Subject gathering his belongings and leaving campus.” Friday, 6:08 p.m.: Elevator malfunction reported at Glenn Hall. “Stuck on third floor, nine people in elevator, no injuries. All approximately 20. Technician estimated arrival time is one hour, in Marysville. Putting up caution tape, third floor in front of elevator. All three floors cautioned off. Repair is on scene. Repair is completed.” Saturday, 9:40 p.m.: Alcohol-related medical aid requested at Esken Hall. “Male resident vomiting uncontrollably. First floor, ladies side.” Saturday, 1:58 a.m.: Drunk in public reported in Whitney Hall. “Resident passed out face first, locked in a bathroom stall, fourth floor. Sounds like snoring, unknown duration down. Neglect transport. EMS canceled, fire canceled on arrival. Subject sent to his room.” Sunday, 1:02 a.m.: Property lost, found and recovered outside Mechoopda Hall. “Two stolen bikes about two hours ago, they request us to respond to Lorayne Court and West Fourth Avenue. Chico police has one detained at the 1500 block of North Cherry Street. One outstanding suspect, black male adult with tattoos. Bike was recovered east of the 800 block of Grenich Drive in bushes. Three witnesses were transported back to apartment on West Fourth Avenue.”

news all week @ theorion.com

NEWS

WedneSday, MAY 15, 2013

Chico Police Friday, 3:25 a.m.: Found property at 1500 block of West Eighth Avenue. “Female yelling, walking around the park and falling down. Male subject on bike came riding by and led female to the playground area. Subject returned to his bike, appeared he had took off his pants and was walking to where the female is. Male seen walking back and forth.” Friday, 4:56 p.m.: Knife reported at 1100 block of Warner Street. “Exboyfriend just knifed reporting party with a knife. Reporting party in store. Now saying she was cut with the knife on her arm but doesn’t need medical.” Saturday, 11:45 a.m.: Suspicious subject reported at 100 block of East Fourth Street. “Subject came into the office and is holed up in the restroom at the rear. Reporting party is calling from outside — the other employee is still inside but not responding to the door. The subject told the employee that he just needed to use the restroom and walked on in. Both employees are elderly and scared.” Sunday, 5:56 a.m.: Domestic dispute reported at West First Street. “Male subject screaming at a female, sitting down, holding her head. Male had been walking around in his boxers but now has put on his jeans.” Sunday, 10:59 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances reported at 300 block of Denali Drive. “Occurred last night. Reporting party’s neighbor advising 10 to 15 subjects were in the middle of the cul de sac having a ritualistic encounter. Appears that subjects used chalk to draw a circle and then numerous profanities/statement written in the middle, there were also numerous candles in the circle. Another neighbor called in advising he saw four to five subjects about 2:30 a.m. in the street doing a ritualistic dance in thigh-high socks and shorts. Third reporting party calling advising the same. Took photos. Appears to be a satanic pentagram, 56 words written in chalk. ‘Yolo Swag Mastuhx’ and ‘G Swag Every Day.’ In the pentagram is a drawing of the male genitalia.” -compiled by Isabel Charles and Risa Johnson

HEALTH: Shortage stresses counselors continued from A1

Willingham said. “I wish them well, but I Counseling Center and CADEC under am very concerned.” The vice president of student affairs the budget of the Student Health Center in 2011, Bommersbach said. This shift at Cal Poly Pomona merged the health makes the the services provided by the and counseling centers there and laid off Counseling Center fee-based, since the Willingham in July, she said. Before Willingham was laid off, Cal Student Health Center is funded in part Poly Pomona had 17 full-time mental by a student health fee. Administrators took the money allo- health professionals, including councated for the Counseling Center, about selors, managers and interns, she said. $750,000, and used it to pay other obli- She had been planning to hire a new gations, wrote Drew Calandrella, the vice case manager to see severely disturbed president of student affairs, in an email students. Cal Poly Pomona now has four full-time to The Orion. counselors and has The merger was not recruited any done to bring health new interns for next services together, “In my perspective, the right people year, Willingham he said. need to be asking the tough questions, said. “The transfer of and right now the right people are “That reorganicounseling helped students.” zation would make to avoid any staff sense if the end layoffs — a goal Michele Willingham result was the salaccomplished by Former Cal Poly Pomona counselor ary saving was the division and the funneled back to rest of the univerthe students,” she said. “Both Mimi and I sity,” Calandrella wrote. The campus budget has been reduced keep asking this question — where is the by about $40 million in the past several money going? They’re not adding additional resources.” years, he wrote. Students with mental health problems Fighting the trend are given a high priority at Chico State, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State East Bay said Pedro Douglas, associate vice presiand Sacramento State may be setting a dent for student affairs. “Over the past two years, a full-time trend that Chico State is following, and mental health nurse practitioner has that’s the worry, Bommersbach said. First the health cenbeen hired at the Student ters and the counseling Health Center,” Douglas centers merged at each wrote. “The transfer of counseling school, then the counselBecause the Counseling ing center was filled with Center is now a fee-based helped to avoid any temporary staff and now service, administrators staff layoffs — a goal all three schools have dire have the option to raise accomplished by the staffing problems, she the student health fee to division and the rest of the said. pay for the merger, Bomuniversity.” Students need to quesmersbach said. tion where their student fees are going and ask Problems at Cal Poly Drew Calandrella administration, BommersPomona Vice president for student bach said. Bommersbach was affairs “In my perspective, the allowed to go back to right people need to be her faculty counselor position after the merger, but Michele asking the tough questions,” Willingham Willingham, the former counseling said, “and right now the right people are director at Cal Poly Pomona, didn’t have the students.” a position to go back to, so she was laid off. The Orion can be reached at “I am not a disgruntled ex-employee,” editorinchief@theorion.com

ABUSE: Stimulants ‘zombify’ college students continued from A1

down to gathering data and arresting people,” Hass said. Student Health Center Health care officials agree street drugs are not the only chemicals being abused by college students. “We see significant problems with college students abusing prescription drugs,” said Dr. Deborah Stewart of the Student Health Center. Stewart sees danger in the addictive qualities of the chemicals, as well as in students combining prescription drugs with other legal or illegal drugs. “Most commonly, we see prescription cough medicine and Adderall or other types of stimulants,” she said. “We also see students who overuse the antianxiety drugs in the class of benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, and become addicted to them, or more seriously, use them with alcohol, which can be deadly.”

Signs of Adderall abuse include high blood pressure, restlessness, dizziness, euphoria, dryness of mouth and insomnia. “We usually prescribe only small amounts, see the patients frequently for monitoring, ask the patients about use of other recreational drugs and alcohol,” Stewart said. The center also utilizes a statewide database to see what other drugs students have been prescribed. Enloe Medical Center is also putting in efforts to stop prescription drug abuse in the community by hosting events such as Drop the Drugs, which was held April 27 at the Medical Center. The national event encouraged people to drop off their old and unwanted drugs to reduce the risk of friends and family using them inappropriately. “Nationwide, we are accepting unused or expired drugs to get it out of people’s homes and lower the potential for abuse,” community

outreach coordinator Deanna Reed said. The most prevalent abuse among college-aged people is between painkillers and Adderall, according to event coordinators. Student use Karina Michel, a junior liberal studies major, has a history with Adderall that mirrors the recent national trends. Michel first tried the drug in her freshman year during finals week to finish a term paper. The experience was like being in a drug-induced state, she said. “I was just whipping out this paper,” Michel said, likening the experience to being in a zombielike trance. Her tight deadline and subsequent Adderall use wasn’t abnormal among her friends and neighbors. “A lot of people took Adderall in the dorms,” Michel said. “It was really common.”

Michel finds no real problem with taking a pill or two occasionally to help with studying, she said. About a month ago, she was given a formal prescription. A local doctor suggested the drug as a response to the stress and lack of focus she was feeling while in

“The pill turns you into a zombie. I feel like if you take it, it takes away your personality.” Karina Michel Junior liberal studies major

class, she said. Since receiving the prescription, the drug has significantly benefited Michel’s study habits, she said. “I was just sitting down, taking notes and fully understanding what the teacher was saying,” Michel said. “I feel more alert than I usually do.”

While Adderall has several direct benefits, she acknowledges it has affected her over time. In addition to her studious behavior, Michel began to feel differently over time. “The pill turns you into a zombie,” she said. “I feel like if you take it, it takes away your personality.” Despite the medication’s benefits, the trends she sees with her peers, such as mixing the prescription drug with other pharmaceuticals and alcohol, seem to show that not everyone understands the potential consequences. “If you have something like a prescription drug, people don’t realize how bad it can be for you,” Michel said. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

Editor’s note: Tyler McCune, Jack Lincoln, and Quinn Western contributed to this report.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Chico State’s Independent Student News Source since 1975

EDITORIAL

Healthy Greek system requires communication Sigma Chi announced Monday that it will end its university, it’s time for those involved to start a conversa21-year affiliation with Chico State after the university tion with administrators regarding the current guidelines and restrictions. suspended the fraternity for two years. By choosing not to appeal the sanctions against them, Just last week, fraternity members announced they would appeal the sanctions, but evidently they changed Sigma Chi members are missing out on the opportunity to lead this discussion with the univertheir minds in a relatively short sity and make their argument for all amount of time. A healthy relationship between Greek chapters. With the recent suspensions Pi Kappa Alpha, a fraternity that handed out to multiple Greek chapadministrators and Greeks was given a lengthy suspension for ters, many Greeks and community requires communication hosting a social drinking event, has members are concerned that the between the two parties. chosen to move forward with the university’s guidelines for the orgaappeal process “with hope of a much nizations may be too strict. different outcome,” according to a In a press release from Sigma Chi’s international organization, the fraternity cites recent chapter press release. Sigma Chi should have followed suit. If the members “rigid protocol and guidelines” from Chico State for its decision. It also states that the university is “demanding think the current rules for Greeks are too strict, they should perfection from the chapter” and “preventing the chapter talk to Greek administrators within the Student Life and Leadership office and work through the appeal process to from learning from its mistakes.” In light of the strain between the Greek system and the see what can be done to work things out.

A healthy relationship between administrators and Greeks requires communication between the two parties. Taking part in the appeal process not only allows voices to be heard, but also has the possibility of making a difference throughout the Greek system. Becoming disaffiliated immediately halts any and all dialogue, stripping Sigma Chi members of their ability to fight back against policies they perceive as unjust. We think Sigma Chi could have taken an alternative, collaborative route to deal with its frustrations with the university and its guidelines by choosing to appeal the sanctions it disagrees with. Greeks should bring their dissatisfaction to the attention of those involved in order to solve the problems, rather than simply giving up. Creating new guidelines and goals after the Greekwide suspension in November was necessary. But if the Greeks believe those guidelines are far too harsh, they should stand up and say so. A failure to do this will only prolong ill will and repeated suspensions for years to come.

I MADE A MISTAKE I PUT MY LIFE ON HOLD

I’M LIVING WITH THE STIGMA

the orion •ILLUSTRATION BY LIZ COFFEE

Former felons face societal barriers post jail Dani Anguiano Opinion Columnist

Both of my parents have been to prison. I am not ashamed of this. What I am ashamed of is how our society discriminates against them because of it. The United States is the world leader in incarcerations. Unfortunately, the effects of incarceration last long after one leaves prison. Since leaving prison, my parents, like thousands of others, have faced a lack of economic, political and housing opportunities. They are written off as felons and reduced to their rap sheet. People assume those who have been to prison have all committed some sort of violent crime or that they are bad people. Such attitudes ignore the fact that a huge portion of our prison population is filled with nonviolent offenders. Everyone is entitled to his or her own

Rather than seeking out employment, my opinion, but such opinions are detrimental to thousands and have consequences to father started his own business. However, not everyone has the resources to do so. those trying to better their lives. It is nearly impossible for someone with Getting turned down from every job can be a felony to become an active and contrib- discouraging for people who are trying to uting member of the community if they rebuild their life. Options can be very limited considering employers in most fields cannot secure a house or even find a job. Prison reform is a hot topic in California won’t hire people with felonies. The current environment after people due to our large prison system, but I think changing attitudes toward those with felo- leave prison is not conducive to success. People learn from their experiences, and nies could have an equally great effect. Improving our prisons and creating an they shouldn’t be forced to spend the rest of their lives being disinstitution focuscriminated against ing on rehabilitation Such attitudes ignore the fact for their mistakes. can do a world of that a huge portion of our I cannot imagine good, but changes what it would be like within our prison prison population is filled with to have potential system will mean nonviolent offenders. employers or others nothing if we don’t judge me based on also make changes my errors and ignore who I am as a person. outside of it. There are efforts to change the oppresMany employers immediately dismiss applicants when they see a felony sive barriers within California. In 2011, on their record. The fact that the law does there was a legislative proposal to make not prohibit such discrimination is simply “ex-cons” a protected class. The measure would have prohibited unacceptable.

employers and housing providers from asking about an applicant’s criminal records. It was met with many negative responses because people thought “criminals” simply did not deserve to be designated as a protected class. Unfortunately, employment and housing are not the only areas of discrimination those with felonies face. On a national level, nearly six million Americans cannot vote because of felon disenfranchisement laws. The political power of six million people is being taken away because of their prior convictions. When legislation that infringes on the rights of millions is passed, it shows a failure of our legislative system. The way people are treated when they rejoin society and the barriers they face directly affect their ability to succeed. Before we talk about prison reform, we need to first talk about reforming our attitudes. Dani Anguiano can be reached at danguiano@theorion.com

Calling religion bigoted only furthers cycle of ignorance Paul Smeltzer Opinion Columnist

Religion gets a bad rap. I recently found a correlation between people who believe in God and people who discourage homosexuality in an analysis from data released by Pew Research Center in 2008. However, it’s outrageous to paint all areas of spiritual belief with close-mindedness. When religion is clumped into one entity that embodies everything wrong with society, we commit the same error as our damning xenophobe counterparts. Some individuals argue religion tells us what’s right and wrong, which fruit we can eat, who’s admitted to heaven and who’s banished to hell. They say religious nuts are wielding a scornful spiritual gavel. So it may seem like religion is a club some of us don’t belong in. It’s more like a coalition of clubs, though.

We should understand the variety of religion out there Wikipedia is nevertheless a helpful resource. It’s a plat— about 4,200 different types. In the context of accept- form for democracy, which benefits from diversity. ing different lifestyles such as homosexuality, that’s The same can be said about the level of intolerance more than two ways of swinging. within different types of religion. The few religions with Moreover, you can still practice a religion and not intolerant and bigoted ideas don’t reflect religion as a believe in any form of god, universal spirit or hell. whole. Atheists are religious. They So, whether someone is reject the existence of someanti-religion or believes others thing that’s neither been will burn in hell for choosing So it may seem like religion is a club proven nor disproven, and a different lifestyle, they are some of us don’t belong in. It’s more like nonetheless unwilling to let their assumption indicates faith. By simply choosing to go of intolerance and swallow a coalition of clubs, though. live we are religious — we an idea worth respecting. don’t know why we do it, we There’s this fear of leaving just do. the shelter of what we know, In essence, religion can introduce different points of our safe harbor we’re anchored in rather than throwing view, speculation of the unknown and practices that off the bowlines to see the unknown. make people more accepting of each other. As Mohandas Gandhi, a lifelong Hindu, once said, “An Wikipedia parallels that approach by allowing its con- eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” tent to be edited by anyone, crowd-sourcing the world for a more holistically correct answer. Paul Smeltzer can be reached at While there are people who submit false information, psmeltzer@theorion.com

| EDITORIAL BOARD | Spring 2013 Editor-in-Chief Jenna Valdespino Managing Editor Ben Mullin Art Director Scott Ledbetter

News Editor Quinn Western Opinion Editor Carly Caumiant Sports Editor Trevor Platt

Features Editor Katrina Cameron Photo Editor Brett Edwards Video Editor Nicholas Kinoshita

Chief Copy Editor Leila Rodriguez Online Editor Dan Reidel

OPINION

opinions all week @ theorion.com

3 tips for dealing with stress of finals

Marty Salgado Advice Columnist

Question for Wisecat How can I prepare for finals and deal with stress? -Kelli Rieger, senior

Dear Kelli, I would first like to congratulate you and everybody else at Chico State for making it through the semester. My peers and myself have been worrying about final projects, getting ready to move or having to close this chapter of their life. Here are some last minute suggestions for easing your way out of the semester and into the future. •

To-do lists We all have so many projects, bills and things to do. Write everything you need to do down on a to-do list. You are organizing your mind and getting all of your assignments down on paper by creating a list. From there, you can manage what you need to get done day-by-day or week-byweek. You should also realize you may not get through everything on your to-do list right away. Little by little, you will check things off. Just give it time. •

Talk to your professor about stress One of the most important things many people don’t recognize is that everybody is feeling the way you are feeling — tired and stressed. If you are feeling severely overwhelmed by a project, let your professor know. Professors, as well as students, have stress. Because they have extensive experience dealing with anxiety, your teachers will have great tactics to offer so you can tackle the project you are working on for their class.

One of the most important things many people don’t recognize is that everybody is feeling the way you are feeling — tired and stressed. •

Recognize your accomplishments Sometimes throughout all of the projects and presentations we forget to reflect on our accomplishments. Take a moment to put all work aside and sit in your room while listening to your favorite music or go out to take a walk. Think about all of the work you have done so far and how accomplished you are. Pat yourself on the back and tell yourself you’ve done it! Making it through another, or your last, semester in college is reason enough to be proud of yourself. We have all been doing a good job and making great connections, so take time to recognize this. Afterward, you will feel replenished and hopefully revitalized for the final push. Good luck, Wildcats, and congratulations to you (and myself). - Wisecat Marty Salgado can be reached at wisecat@theorion.com

Editor’s note: You can ask WiseCat for advice @orion_opinion on Twitter or via email at wisecat@theorion.com.

The Orion encourages letters to the editor and commentary from students, faculty, staff, administration and community members.

Online classwork hinders learning

assignments and standard textbook readings with other worksheets, I’d prefer to complete one or the other. I know from experience it can be easy to Nicole Santos forget about the online material when it’s not Opinion Columnist something a student must physically hand You finished the reading, completed work- in. People in my lab class have expressed how sheets and a quiz for that one class you hate. frustrating and unnecessary Aplia is, and Done? our professor plans on getting rid of the proNot even close. Don’t forget those 10 to 15 questions you’ve gram for future students. I wish I were a future student. been assigned to complete online. And it’s not just professors who are switchA majority of my courses this semester require online assignments to be completed ing to new modes of teaching by using the Internet. in order to fulfill the course requirements. This semester I also I think professors need to noticed the majority of consider the impact of the teacher evaluations were online content they have sent to my student email their students use. It is easy to forget rather than handed out in Are these frivolous assignabout the online class. ments really enhancing the material when it’s not Offering evaluations learning experience? something a student online gives students the To me, they are nothing opportunity to disregard more than busy work. must physically hand the content completely. I I wouldn’t throw such a in. bet most students didn’t fit about the additional work even open the email, deletand online material if the ing evaluations altogether. content actually related to Online components I’ve had to utilize are the overall classwork. Each week in my natural sciences course nothing more than additional tasks that crewe’re assigned problem sets on a website ate a negative impact on how I approach the material I’m learning and make me want to called Aplia. pull my hair out. It’s an absolute waste of time. Unnecessary online assignments not only The assignments require students to read one or two chapters from the textbook then create frustrated college students who feel answer a range of eight to 14 questions. There like they paid an arm and a leg for material are generally multiple answers that must be that won’t help them pass the class, but they filled in to move on to the following problem. also promote a lack of interest from students And that’s not the only homework we have in the course. on a weekly basis either. Add that to a weekly chapter quiz on Blackboard Learn, filling out Nicole Santos can be reached at lab notebooks and an occasional worksheet nsantos@theorion.com assigned in lecture. Although Blackboard Learn is an online component, the other courses I’m taking use it to their advantage and actually teach me something. Aplia assignments are supposed to connect with the content our professor teaches us in lecture, yet half the time the topics don’t match. I’d be doing better in the course if it wasn’t a part of the curriculum. Rather than having to tackle both online the orion •ILLUSTRATION BY LIZ COFFEE

the orion •ILLUSTRATION BY LIZ COFFEE

Wisecat :

WedneSday, MAy 15, 2013

THUMBS Thumbs up to the 18 men and two women who shaved their heads for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Bald is beautiful. See more at theorion.com

Thumbs down to moving during the end-of -thesemester strain. Gathering cardboard boxes while studying for exams is not our idea of a good time.

Thumbs up to laughing off embarrassing moments during sex. No one likes a negative Nancy who can’t chuckle at a sexual mishap. Sex Column, B7

Thumbs down to the packed Meriam Library. This isn’t a classy restaurant — we shouldn’t have to reserve a table hours in advance.

TALKING POINTS

PHOTOgRAPH BY Alex dodd via flickr

With finals approaching, there’s a good chance that many students are turning to prescription drugs to help them study. “There have been countless cases of college-aged students involved in drug abuse and drug dealings,” said Kevin Hass, former detective with the Chico Police Department’s street crime unit. Adderall, a drug for individuals with ADD and one of the more common prescription drugs passed around campus, is typically taken to help people focus for longer periods of time. Chico State, you shouldn’t have to take a mood-altering drug to make it through a test unless you’ve been diagnosed with ADD. Go grab a Rockstar and crack open your textbook.

Parents should fork over money to help students through college admirable drive when it comes to academic accomplishments. It seems unfair I am the one attending a university merely because of our families’ differing perogatives. It is unfair to say these parents don’t care Katie Akeson about their kid’s future or they are purposely Opinion Columnist putting their own selfish needs before the Wouldn’t it be nice if neither you nor your best interest of their child. They simply don’t realize the extent to family ever had to make a tuition payment? Unfortunately, most of us are paying and which personal comforts need to be surwill continue to pay for our college educa- rendered in order to finance something as expensive and necessary as a college tion with help from family or on our own. Some parents joke about how much their education. I cannot ignore a significant benefit of kids will owe them when their degree starts bringing in money, while others completely a student paying their own way through refuse to contribute to their child’s tuition, school. This is probably the most powerful which leaves students entirely on their own initiation to real-world struggle a student can experience. It is a lesson in self-depento finance their education. I am baffled by the parents who prevent dency that practically demands respect ambitious young people from attending col- from all the students funded by their moms lege simply because financing depends on and dads. But there is also a significant risk. When what their parents are willing to contribute. students struggle to To be fair, I must clarmake monthly payify a distinction — there I am not saying my family’s ments with no back-up are parents who actuunfaltering ability to plan and no room for ally cannot afford the mistakes, taking a payments and there are sacrifice is the norm — I’m semester off in order to parents who can afford saying it should be. get ahead of those bills college but fail to prioribegins to look pretty tize their spending. For example, my best friend is unable to appealing. About 54 percent of college dropouts leave attend the community college in our hometown because her family claims they cannot because they have to support themselves afford it. Yet she has told me her mother financially and cannot balance work and treats herself to manicures every two weeks, school, according to a study done by the Bill and since I have known her, they have taken and Melinda Gates Foundation. And 62 percent never return to school after they drop skiing vacations every winter. Meanwhile, I have not been on vacation out, although 65 percent intend to. Those individuals who have triumphed since middle school. Each month my parents are forced to through school with an independent stride choose which bills they are not going to pay, have achieved the near impossible. Too bad those parents are missing the consistently prioritizing the most important opportunity to trap their children into the payments, such as my tuition. My current part-time job provides lit- obligation of bending to their every whim in tle assistance, but I recall my parents’ firm their old age. After all, how much would it take to repay assertion they would rather lose their house than compromise my education. I am not them for mitigating the mass of financial saying my family’s unfaltering ability to sac- dread that is a higher education? rifice is the norm — I’m saying it should be. My friend has always been academi- Katie Akeson can be reached at cally more adept than me, and she has an kakeson@theorion.com

• Letters and commentaries may be delivered to The Orion, Plumas Hall Room 001. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters are also accepted by e-mail and go directly to the opinion editor at opinioneditor@theorion.com

• Commentaries should be limited to 500 to 700 words and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Please include your phone number.

| A7

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Michelle Reinmuth

The State University Police Association is requesting a salary increase, but the California State University doesn’t think it’ll receive enough funding to bump up University Police salaries. Officers for the University of California system currently receive a starting salary 20 percent higher than CSU officers. It doesn’t make sense that officers paid by the same state government receive completely different salaries. It seems like the state of California would rather give a heftier salary to UC officers, but this approach is completely wrongheaded. The officers from both systems should be compensated equally.

STUDY BREAK

PHOTOgRAPH BY beltron via flickr

Album Review: Daft Punk - “Random Access Memories” Since releasing their first album in 1997, French electronic duo Daft Punk has continued to redefine the electronic dance music scene. With its release of “Random Access Memories,” the band continues to reshape the genre. The LP incorporates elements of rock and ’70s disco into the best electronic dance music release in more than a decade. The album features artists Panda Bear, Julian Casablances, Nile Rodgers, Paul Williams and Pharrell Williams, making for a calm and groovy mix while remaining upbeat. Where many electronic artists focus on drum machines and synthesizers, Daft Punk focuses on live instrumentation, capturing a side of electronic music not often showcased.

• Letters to the editor should be limited to fewer than 300 words, must include writer’s name and phone number (for verification) and are subject to condensation. Please include your year in school and major, or your business title.

- compiled by Trevor Platt • The Orion does not publish anonymous letters, letters that are addressed to a third party or letters that are in poor taste. The opinions expressed by The Orion’s columnists do not necessarily reflect those of The Orion or its staff.