February 5, 2014
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Volume 65 | Issue 8
THE PACE PRESS
Where your tuition dollars go The surprising answer Page 4
Riding the Struggle Bus
Commuter students call for inclusion Page 6
$150K later, still no elevator Disabled students “lift” hangin’
Page 3
Bad Mood Food
Is the dining hall scamming students? Page 8
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February 5, 2014
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
THE PACE PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD Olivia Beteta Editor-in-Chief
We a t T h e P a c e P r e s s h a v e heard the outcries from students for articles addressing the many injustices University students seem to universally feel. It was and still very much is, however, our duty to deliver news that is both factual and relevant. It is not, nor has it ever been, our intention to produce a paper that is biased or unjust towards the administration of this university. The Pace Press staff have spent months researching and planning for this issue—the purpose of which is not to slander or defame anyone, but rather to
We recognize that much of this issue is without the responses of the departments in question. In response to that we invite any and all departments to better explain their side of the story. We will use this space to print any and all pertinent response. The Pace Press is comprised of students who feel the everyday struggles of our student body. We, like much of the University community, aim to make this the best university possible and believe that goal cannot happen without a conversation between the
Erick Mancebo Associate Editor Nicole Morales Copy Editor Christian Gomez News Editor Irene Schultz Arts Editor Thatiana Diaz Features Editor Omnia Khamis Advertising Manager Michael TJ Williams Social Media Manager Stephanie Hsu Faculty Consultant
bring light to stories that we feel University student body and administration. students should be more aware of. Through this issue, we hope to act as
mediators for what we are sure will be an ongoing dialogue. — Olivia Beteta, Editor-In-Chief
TIPS If you have any tips or leads for a Pace University-related story you want to see covered, email editor@pacepress.org
The Pace Press is the student newspaper of Pace University’s New York City Campus. It is managed and operated entirely by members of the student body as it appears above. The Pace Press welcomes guest editorials and letters from students, faculty, administration and staff. The Pace Press reserves the right to not publish any submitted material, both solicited and unsolicited. All submissions must include the author’s full name and contact information. The Pace Press 41 Park Row, Rm. 902 New York, NY 10038 www.pacepress.org editor@pacepress.org Copyright 2014
NEWS
February 5, 2014
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Complaints of inadequacy plague University office Center for Student Development and Campus Activities comes under fire budgets in the fall had been either approved or denied there was $65,000.99 left. That money was then added to the SAF fund for the spring, meaning the $65,000.99 and any unspent monies went back into the pot to be redistributed. However, any money left in the account at the end of the spring then enters a separate fund that holds any and all excess monies. As of the end of the fall semester that account had $537,852.25. Prior to the conception of the opportunity grants, that money was sitting in an account gaining interest. Then the opportunity grant was established which allowing anyone to submit a proposal for $50,000 or more for an event for the University community. With all these excesses funds, it is odd that so many clubs gripe about lack of funding.
OLIVIA BETETA Editor-In-Chief
O
ne of the most common complaints among University students involves the Center for Student Development and Campus Activities. SDACA often receives the bulk of the criticism whenever anything concerning a student organization or an event has an issue. While some of the criticism is certainly viable and rooted in a lack of clear communication and followthrough from these offices, some of the criticism comes from a stream of misconceptions concerning both the center and David Clark, assistant dean for students and director of SDACA.
Budgets The first and most serious issue concerning SDACA stems from budgets. Whenever a budget is denied or not given the total planned amount, all the frustration tends to fall upon SDACA and the center’s staff. However, the Budget Allocation Council—and not SDACA—decides upon budgets. BAC is currently composed of three student advisors, with the executive treasurer of the student government association acting as the chairperson. This process is often confused because Director David Clark works with the BAC advisors to approve the budgets. The reasoning behind many budget denials is due to rules written within the BAC guidelines. These are changed on a rolling basis “to ensure the guidelines fits the current needs of the students within reason,” as written by Carlos De Leon, former executive treasurer of the Student Government Association. Budget denials can of course be appealed, but clubs that have lost part of their budgets still feel wronged. Afterwards, any approved monies must be accessed through a number of forms that are later handed in to SDACA, further instilling this connection between SDACA and budgets. Budget cuts were once again a main point of contention among club officers. Every semester, every active club must submit a budget for at least three events. Each club can petition for up to 125 percent of the last allocated budget. All of the money for these clubs comes from the student activities fee.
Student Activities Fee The student activities fee is the $76 that can be found every semester on each full-time undergraduate student’s bill. As enrollment increases, as does the SAF fund. According to a presentation by De Leon, there were approximately 4,828 students who fulfilled all the requirements to be charged the student activities fee. Therefore, the total revenue in the SAF fund for the fall was approximately $366,928. After all the
Tuition Remission Elimination Another form of contention between student clubs and SDACA involves tuition remission. All of the university funded clubs—The Pace Press, Student Government Association, P.A.C.E. Board, et al.— receive tuition remission credits that they may disburse among their officers. Over the past few years, however, the tuition remission offered to these clubs has been consistently reduced. The Pace Press alone has seen its tuition remission reduced fifteen percent over the past three years. Tuition Remission cuts will continue to occur for the next few years before tuition remission is eliminated completely. According to Clark the administration hopes to replace tuition remission with a scholarship. This comes directly from the Provost, Uday Sukhatme.
I
t is clear that some of the issues University students and organizations have are in fact founded in disappointment with SDACA. While some of the criticism is misplaced, a large part of the issues students have do in fact directly relate to SDACA. Common conceptions of SDACA include that the office is overwhelmed, under-staffed or simply adopts a laissez-faire attitude with regards to being a resource for students and student organizations. However, the clubs that have built and continue to build the University into the renowned school it is will continue to operate under the stress of ever-shrinking resources, the frustration of working with a timeconsuming and red tape-laden administration and inadequate compensation.
$537,852 SURPLUS
Library neglects to invest in elevator for physically disabled students After six-figure renovation, access still an issue for mobility impaired students
U
SHANNON MCMAHON Staff Writer
pon returning from winter recess, students at the University can’t help but notice the recent massive construction overhaul. The University has constructed a brand new honors lounge, complete with new furniture, carpeting, painting and kitchen appliances, a $3.1 million update to the science laboratories, with 10 new fully equipped labs and brand new carpeting, painting and desks in upper level classrooms. Additionally, Birnbaum library has undergone updates, dipping into their allocated budget of $450,000 towards improvements. From that large sum of money, $150,000 was allotted to new carpeting, painting and chairs. Something far more vital than carpeting and chairs, however, is missing from the update: an elevator with access to the second floor, where all loanable materials and a vast majority of the study areas are located. Though the construction will continue through
the next several years, there is currently no scheduled plan for the addition of an elevator. “Buildings and grounds were informed and are aware of the need. In the full proposal I gave I made several recommendations and I have pointed out about the elevator—I suggested a lift. A full elevator may not be possible in the area,” said Rey Racelis, the University Library Director. In the three years that Racelis has held the position of director, he has continually revisited the issue, but was never met with any concrete plans to construct a lift. Currently, injured or disabled students are forced to ask a library staff member to obtain a key to the elevator, which stands a considerable distance outside of the library, in order to gain access to the second floor. Library staff must escort individuals once the key is obtained. This means staff members must leave their desk and inconvenience other students waiting for assistance. In this rather inefficient structure, students are either left in line waiting for elevator access, or left in line waiting for assistance with library
and database materials from library staff. “It’s inconvenient for people with disabilities because we all have to study and have the same accessibility at the library, and we don’t feel like we’re getting that right now. I don’t feel I have as much access as other people. The library looks great but it’s not good for me,” said freshman Temir Zhomartov. With indication that the idea of an elevator is being discussed, many are wondering just when the idea will move from a discussion to actual action. Physical Plant Director Ibrahima Bagate pointed out that the older chairs were the
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February 5, 2014
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where the
M O NisEgoing Y Nira Herrmann Compensation*: 2010: $223,800 David A Caputo Compensation*: 2010: $220,957
2011: $223,362
2012: $227,113
2011: 2012: $234,634 $257,926
Salary equivalent to (6) students’ tuition.
Salary equivalent to (4) students’ tuition.
Michael Szenberg Compensation*: 2010: $244,728
2011: $241,504
2012: $248,463
Salary equivalent to (4.5) students’ tuition. David A Caputo Former University President Some may remember Dr. Caputo for recieving a compensation package of nearly $700,000 a year during his seven year span as University president. When Caputo stepped down in 2007 President Friedman, then dean of the University law school replaced him. Estimated to have made an additonal $65,514 from the University in 2012.
Michael Szenberg
Nira Herrmann
Professor, Lubin School Estimated to have made an additonal $55,464 from the University in 2012.
Dean, Dyson College of Arts and Science Estimated to have made an additonal $25,185 from the University in 2012.
February 5, 2014
Michelle S Simon Compensation*: 2010: $319,550
2011: $332,394
2012: $385,646
Salary equivalent to (7) students’ tuition.
ABOUT
John R Nolon Compensation*: 2010: $288,971
2011: $297,212
2012: $320,949
The information listed below is all information freely accessed online. As a not for profit institution, Pace University is required to submit copies of their 990 tax forms for public record. This information can be accessed at any time by any interested indivuals. We at The Pace Press feel that this information should be more widely discussed among the student body, as salaries are directly paid out through our tuition fees. At this time, we have not recieved any information regarding how salaries are calculated. These salaries reflect merely a few of the top paid University staff. This information is the most up-to-date with what has been released to the public.
Salary equivalent to (6) students’ tuition.
* GuideStar.org John R Nolon
Michelle S Simon
Stephen J Friedman
Professor, Law School As of Spring 2014 Professor Nolon is teaching one class at the University, a property law class. Estimated to have made an additonal $61,854 from the University in 2012.
Dean, School of Law Estimated to have made an additonal $33,776 from the University in 2012.
President and Trustee Estimated to have made an additonal $32,905 from the University in 2012.
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OPINION
February 5, 2014
Why the commuter student’s experience must change Students call for a re-focus on commuters
NICOLE MORALES Copy Editor
T
Graphic: Dennis Dimick
&
he University does a fine job of promoting the lifelong connections to be made during one’s time as a student. They boast that with the convenience of Wall Street being a mere 10 minute walk away, and the rest of New York City at one’s fingertips, building invaluable connections both within the University and around it are feasible—if not easy—undertakings. Long regarded as a commuter school, the University has stamped out this reputation through sheer buying power— building new residence halls, for example— and by creating a sense of community by hosting countless events. The events, which range from “Midnight Breakfast” to “Welcome Week,” certainly help resident students find their place, but don’t do much for commuter students. There seems to be a lack of distinguished events for the commuter population. The Homer screens attempt to keep everyone caught up on the latest events, but most event advertisements come from word of mouth from an RA or flyers in the residence halls, which misses the large population of commuters. While a large majority of students commute, it does not mean that they don’t crave a sense of community, even if said community was amongst other commuters. On the University’s website, the Office of Student Development and Student Activities is presented as a resource for commuters looking for a sense of community. The office’s vision statement is: “To foster an inclusive, experiential learning environment and create dynamic co-curricular opportunities for the intellectual growth of our students as they prepare to be global leaders of the world.” They go on to note that they also support adaptability by supporting “a campus climate that serves as agents of change through meaningful contributions
OMNIA KHAMIS Advertising Manager
within the campus, locally and globally.” While these are amazing attributes to have in a campus office, most commuter students are unaware of its purpose or even existence. If there were more of an effort to promote this office aimed at creating and cultivating the University’s community, there would be a more united feeling among students. It takes great effort for many to push themselves out of their comfort zone to connect with others—whether it is in a student organization or even just making friends. Senior Mercedes Rodriguez has been commuting from New Jersey for four years as a full-time student. She shared, “Your experience at Pace as a commuter is also dependent on how much you apply yourself at Pace. You can easily meet many commuters and non-commuters and make many friends. At the end of the day, it’s really about how much you want to get out of Pace.” However, for students who have a hard time keeping up with what’s going on oncampus, more commuter friendly activities, resources, and promotion of these events would definitely aid the issue of faltered communication among the commuter population. Rodriguez feels the University has overall done a good job of promoting a commuter experience, saying, “They have many events and programs that are always open to commuters.” She noted, however, “It would be nice to have a commuter based group in Pace where commuters can interact and hang out with other commuters.” But no such place exists at the University’s NYC campus. The Student Union is not a designated commuter lounge. It is often used for events and therefore is not always accessible to commuters looking for a place to relax. At the University’s
COMMUTER STUDENTS continued on next page
NEWS
February 5, 2014
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University sues city to keep block safe Students voice concern over John St. probation office
A
ERICK MANCEBO Associate Editor
newly relocated probation office at 66 John St., blocks away from One Pace Plaza and directly across from a University residence hall, is the subject of a neighborhood uprising that has escalated to a New York State Supreme Court lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in December by the University, department store Century 21 and Financial District residents, argues that the city “did not adequately study the potential impact of the office…before signing a lease for the 35,000-square-foot space,” according to DNAinfo.com. The office serves people convicted of misdemeanors and felonies. Vanessa Herman, assistant vice-president of government and community relations at the University, criticized the move, saying, “We were disappointed to learn that the City made a decision like this without consulting community stakeholders, elected officials or Pace. Locating this facility in the heart of ‘Stroller Alley,’ in close proximity to Pace dorms, numerous daycare centers, elementary schools and residential apartments, is simply a bad decision on the City’s part.” In December, students attempted to voice their displeasure at the thenproposed office, with the Student Government Association discussing the situation at a meeting before organizing a group of students to speak at a community meeting. However, students’ concerns were not heard and the probation office opened as planned in early January, after a judge denied the University’s request for a temporary restraining order. Ryan Doge, a Department of Probation spokesman, stressed at a community meeting that the office would not serve sex offenders, listing instead the top three offenses for people in the office’s category: drug-related crimes, grand larceny, and DWIs. The department describes these offenders as “low-risk.” Junior Jonathan De Leon said the University is doing its job of protecting students from possible danger by pursuing the lawsuit: “I don’t think it’s anything against these people on probation, it’s just being cautious. The fact is there are many toddler schools and a university [in the area] and it is known that a large number of criminals on probation commit crimes again and go…to prison. So if we could avoid that happening in our neighborhood it would be in our best interest,” said De Leon before adding, “They should have made more effort to place it somewhere else, especially when there was a big negative reaction when the community heard about this.” Senior Sam Scadron echoed the concerns of the community, saying, “It is a bit worrisome that their probation offices are so close to all of us. [The University has]...an obligation to keep their students safe, and this sort of seems like it could be a disaster waiting to happen. With the police headquarters being just up the street, why can’t they have the probation offices up there?” asked Scadron. The University is set to continue fighting the office’s opening, with Herman saying, “The University, along with Century 21 and concerned community members are continuing all legal efforts. ...We will continue to discuss this matter with relevant city agencies and the Mayor’s office to try to get this decision reversed.”
Commuter Students
66 John St., with University residence hall 55 John St. in the background.
The probation office at 66 John St. Photos by Erick Mancebo
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Pleasantville campus, Kessel Student Center is a designated commuter lounge, offering TVs, air hockey, computers, and more as a space to “hang out between classes.” The Pleasantville campus also has the Commuter Advisory Board, which provides services and programs for commuters, including commuter orientations and welcome back receptions. CAB does not exist on the NYC campus. This would definitely help bridge the gap between the commuters and the rest of the student population. For a number of students, commuting means getting up two to three hours before a class, spending upwards of an hour on a train, and finding the odd nook and cranny between classes to kill time before heading home for the day. That doesn’t sound like an ideal situation. These commuters are getting burned out very quickly, with their engagement with the University campus and their
peers slowly disappearing. The initial connection with the University will start to deteriorate, and soon enough, they will show up to One Pace Plaza just for class. One of the areas which the University excels at is providing a community of resources for its resident students. From RA’s, RD’s, RHA, to the Faculty in Residence program and the limitless connections to all offices and departments, the resources provided to our resident students is remarkable. But commuter students need that same kind of support—sponsorship, access, and engagement. They need a place to call home. The commuter versus resident experience is not equal. We need to empower commuters with resources, student mentors and events. So let’s fix it. After all, we want to empower students with the proper tools for them to succeed in achieving
their goals and chasing their dreams. Luckily, our campus is growing every single year, and the diversity of our students is unfolding to be one of the most unique in the tri-state area. We have a powerful student body that is not only capable of excellence, but also action. We are calling for action by the University to provide commuters with a rich and prosperous experience—A Commuter Office with a functioning staff, Commuter Advisors and resources, opportunities and connections. We are asking for an environment where commuters and all students can come together and feel appreciated, supported, sponsored and most of all, understood. We desire a central place at the University that recognizes that need. Let’s take initiative and tap into an idea that can be golden, because we can harbor a campus community that makes our students unstoppable.
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February 5, 2014
S
Is dining services scamming students?
Find our full price comparison findings at pacepress.org
Lack of elevator concerns students first major concern, as staples coming out of them were poking students. “The chairs were unsafe and had to be replaced and so did the carpet, and those were low cost items. ...but we are doing whatever we can to meet everyone’s needs at this point. I can’t really tell you when it’s going to happen but it’s been discussed,” said Bagate. While the issue of equal accessibility is being “discussed,” students who are injured or permanently disabled are growing weary of the run-around and lack of progress. “I recently injured myself. I had to get glass taken out of my foot, so I’m on crutches for the time being. The fact that the library does not have an elevator is a huge inconvenience. I see new updates everywhere—new paint, new carpet—but what about updates for people who are injured or have disabilities? Now if I want to get upstairs to study and take out books, I have to go out of my way to hassle a librarian who is already helping students to escort me upstairs. That doesn’t seem fair, or right,” said junior Stephen Socci. Jordan Gonsalves, a student assistant at Birnbaum library, said that the stairs have also been a hazard to able bodied students in more than one instance. “There’s definitely unsafe conditions on the stairs. In two separate instances I saw people fall down the stairs while I was working. One injured himself pretty badly. There was blood everywhere on the stairs, and his belongings were strewn everywhere. It’s unsafe, we should have an elevator,” said Gonsalves. “It makes you realize where the university’s priorities really are.” Even with dismissal of the University’s
ERICK MANCEBO Associate Editor
tephanie Kozofsky grabbed a quick after-class dinner in Café 101 last week. She put her dinner—a to-go bowl of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and a small bottle of milk—on the checkout counter, along with her credit card. In an instant, $4.34 was transferred from her bank account and credited to the University’s food service provider, Chartwells. Grabbing her receipt, she lamented, “For this price I could have bought a whole box of cereal.” It’s a complaint that has been echoed through the years by many; accusations of over-priced meal options at the school’s dining hall are thrown about on an almost daily basis, and they’re certainly not without merit. Chartwells, however, suggests that their prices are competitive with local options. Tyrone Ellen, director of dining services at Chartwells, explained how prices are determined: “We execute a bench marking exercise once a semester; where we select eateries that are local to the university, and some of its affiliated flex-partners to evaluate fair pricing. We also compare the data collected from other universities in Lower Manhattan and benchmark against NACUFS (National Association of College and University Food Service).” The process sounds fair enough, but there seems to be an error in calculations. The fact of the matter is that the pricing of meal options at the dining hall are certainly not competitive with our surroundings.
With a semester’s worth of knowledge of the surrounding area, almost any savvy University student would be able to replicate almost any Chartwells meal for a fraction of the price. In a survey of surrounding restaurants and stores, including Rossella’s Pizzeria, Wanted: Pizza Rotisserie and Shakes (known colloquially as “the $1 pizza place”), Cafe Tomato and Duane Reade, The Pace Press found that Chartwell’s prices are at times fair, at other times grossly over-priced, but rarely ever a bargain. Some of the most egregious examples: A salad from Chartwells, priced at approximately $8, versus Cafe Tomato’s salad, priced at $4.95. Chartwells’ calzones, at $7.49, don’t compete with Wanted’s 3.99 versions. Smaller infractions: A slice of cheese pizza from Chartwells will run you an extra $1 than it would on Fulton St., and the same goes for a pre-packaged bowl of fruit—Chartwells’ version is an extra $1.10 over Duane Reade’s list price. Where students see savings is in Chartwell’s pasta bowls, who’s $5.59 list price easily beats Rossella’s $9.95 list price. While our sampling of price differences isn’t comprehensive, it does show a wide range in erratic price differences. And while the prices are listed, many students often complain of being over-charged—going as far as calling out specific names of Chartwells staffers to avoid while paying for food. Certainly over time, the extra dollars add up, and money that could have been used in any number of different ways, like for books or necessary supplies, goes to waste.
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priorities, one cannot deny the honest legal matter of the situation. Liz Savage, an attorney working for the Americans With Disabilities Act information center said that the University’s actions could be considered unjust. “They have an obligation that is ongoing. Every year they’re supposed to put money aside to make access better,” said Savage, referencing the Americans with Disabilities Act, which went into effect in Jan. 1992. The equal access required by the Act is difficult to find when students with disabilities are forced to take extra measures just to get one floor up to maximize the resources their peers are able to access with ease. Other students are angered by the fact that they have little information or control as to where the money they invest in the University is going. “Pace makes so much money and takes so much of our money. We have to give around $54,000 for our entire four years here. So if you’re taking such a substantial amount of our money, the university should be able to provide elevators. I want to know where my money is going. If they can use so much money in other renovations, they should be able to afford an elevator, or be putting aside that money to save for one,” said freshman Ashley Johnson. Unfortunately, the addition of an elevator seems to remain in a permanent state of “discussion.” When asked for an anticipated date for the possible installation of an elevator or lift accommodation, Bagate solemnly responded, “There is no date set. It is not currently in the plan.”
Birnbaum’s staircase
Photo by Rey Racelis