NEWS

N E W S

News Editor: Heather Bair – zzzx@iup.edu

(Josh Rupeka - Heather Bair/The Penn)

IUP’s ROTC is located next to Davis Hall on campus.

Veterans Day honors those who fought for their country

HEATHER BAIR News Editor zzzx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

RACHEL FOOR Staff Writer myjv@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

IUP remembers those who have lost their lives and those who continue to serve.

During a normal year, IUP would hold a lunch or dinner for veterans,

However, due to COVID-19, a virtual event will be hosted by the Military and Veteran’s Resource Center (MVRC).

The event is Friday from noon to 2 p.m. There is hope of holding a dinner once restrictions are lifted.

The virtual event will include opening remarks and a video giving thanks to IUP’s veterans and service members. Members of the community will then give presentations on the services that are offered to veterans.

Cory Shay, director of the MVRC, will give updates on changes that have taken place regarding GI benefits and the MVRC.

“As a veteran and a person who works with veterans,” Shay said, “Veterans Day for me is always an opportunity just to say thank you (Facebook)

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial erected in 1982. for those who have served in the open and traffic could travel military. smoothly in the region.

“Any student who attends will The deployment was expected put into a drawing for a prize pack to be for one year but lasted 10 from the MVRC and will receive an months instead. RSVP for when we do the dinner,” To welcome the reservists home, he said. the sheriff’s office is organizing a

Following these events, the floor Veterans Day event outside the Indiwill be opened to anyone wishing ana Courthouse Nov. 11 beginning to make comments or ask questions. at 11 a.m.

Ninety-one military reservists “I am not sure if any IUP students from Indiana County recently were deployed in that unit,” Shay returned home from a war zone in said. “But in any given year, usually a Afghanistan. half dozen to a dozen IUP students

Their deployment came in Janu- are called to active duty.” ary amid rising tensions between the IUP has previously been nationU.S. and Iran. ally recognized for its efforts to

According to WTAE, the soldiers assist students with military service of the 420th Engineer Company of experience. the Army Reserve were tasked with “We welcome those soldiers making sure supply lines remained back home to Indiana,” Shay said. “Women and men who took an oath to protect the Constitution of the United States, and who gave up their rights to defend the rights of Americans.”

In 1982, the IUP Veterans Club and military science department designed and built a Vietnam Veterans Memorial on campus.

The memorial was dedicated Nov. 11, 1982, and was supported by President John E. Worthen along with university administrators, according to a bulletin of the service.

Robert Gault, a marine veteran and past president of the IUP Veterans Club originally came up with the idea of a memorial.

Gault went to student veterans with the idea as well as the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. (ROTC) department and Worthen.

The memorial is one of three on IUP’s campus.

The other is a monument located outside IUP’s Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) building.

This monument, called “Answering the Call,” was erected Nov. 11, 2018. It honors veterans who fought in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

“Answering the Call” was commissioned by IUP’s honor fraternity, Rho Tau Chi, which has active members as well as IUP ROTC cadets.

IUP also has a 9/11 memorial located in the Oak Grove beside Sutton Hall and the Patrick J. Stapleton University Library.

The memorial features a 13-foot remnant of the World Trade Center. There is also a stone with a plaque in it, commemorating the area and reminding those of when a plane went down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, roughly an hour from Indiana.

The IUP ROTC has two phases for those who join. The first phase, The Basic Course, is usually taken during the freshman and sophomore years of college. The Advance Course is usually taken in the junior and senior years and focuses on tactical operations and military instruction.

There is also a minor offered in Military Leadership that is available for all graduates of IUP’s Army ROTC Program.

For those looking to join, you can call 1-800-IUP-ROTC.

4 November 11, 2020 News STEM students express opinion about changes at IUP

RACHEL FOOR Staff Writer myjv@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Despite plans to make IUP a more STEM-oriented university, the Kopchick College of Natural Science and Mathematics (KCNSM) will retrench 16 faculty members in June.

These cuts account for 14 percent of KCNSM faculty.

“I find it hard to believe IUP wants to be more STEM focused,” Claire Shemon (senior, biology pre-med) said. “If they did, they wouldn't be making cuts in KCNSM. I personally feel as if it is a front they are putting on to make it seem like what they are doing is for the greater good, when it really is just all financial based.”

Shemon, who has put off applying to medical school for a year specifically to finish her minors in studio art and theater, is researching a stem cell regenera-

(Josh Rupeka - IUP/The Penn) Weyandt Hall (left) is the Natural Sciences and Mathematical Department. Kopchick Hall (right) is the new science building under construction, expected to be complete 2023. tion gene in planarians Schmidtea advisor was safe,” Shemon said. not so lucky. Arie Van Wieren (se- be overworked and have difficulty mediterranea called Timeless that “Honestly, if she was retrenched, nior, biochemistry), a Goldwater fostering the same types of fac“acts as a clock gene to regulate I wouldn’t be able to finish my scholarship recipient, learned Oct. ulty-student research and learncircadian rhythms and other timed thesis for the biology honors 30 that his research mentor, Dr. ing experiences that have been physiological functions.” “It turns out my research program.” Other students, however, were Majumdar, would be retrenched from the chemistry department. They had been researching the critical to my time here.” “I imagine if IUP wants to be STEM-oriented, they wouldn't be future development of a new an- getting rid of any courses offered ti-biotic drug “which is critical due in the STEM field,” Shemon said. to the antibiotic resistance crisis.” “If they did, it would be hypocriti“Receiving this award was cal. So, to have the same number extremely exciting and will set of courses offered but less profesme up for a successful research sors is going to put stress on the career,” Van Wieren said, “but professors who already have their it would not have been possi- hands full with teaching, advising ble without the guidance of Dr. and research. Majumdar. He was the professor “I can only imagine how many that first inspired me to take part less published research articles in research as a freshman and and innovations are going to haphelped me pursue the Goldwater pen from the science department Scholarship and many other op- at IUP as IUP moves towards ‘IUP portunities. It bothers me greatly NextGEN.’” that future students will not have Although a new building is Dr. Majumdar as a mentor and being constructed to house the that the research we have worked KCNSM, most of the funds for the on will no longer take place at project have come from outside IUP.” donations. This new building has Many students in the KCNSM been necessary for a long time as worry that the retrenching of Shemon said “on the third floor, professors, but not reducing the the ceiling in Stright is falling number of programs offered, will apart from water damage and lead to a lower quality in their ed- mold” and there are still “urinals ucation, as well as future students’ in the women’s bathroom.” education. “Even though the restructuring “The sudden and non-transpar- plan makes it seem like IUP is ent way the retrenchments have prioritizing STEM, I feel like they occurred really has seemed to de- are doing the complete oppovalue the relationships, collabora- site,” Shemon said. “Granted, we tions, and projects that many have are getting a new building, but built with their professors during the funding for that was all from their time at IUP,” Van Wieren outside donations.” said. “I am sure that many great Overall, students are upset faculty will remain in the new about the messages coming from Chemistry and Physics Depart- IUP administrators, saying it is ment, but I don't think it would inadequate and creates be unreasonable to say that with tension between departments such a large cut in faculty, they will and colleges.

November 11, 2020 Do your hair toss, check your nails, speak out

IUP’s Self-Care Day goes different than planned

MARIAMA MANSARAY Staff Writer mbpbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Students continue to express suspicions about the motives behind the university’s designated “Self-Care Day.”

On Nov. 4, in an email sent by IUP President Driscoll’s office, students were informed that Friday, Nov. 6, was designated as IUP Self-Care Day. A day, according to Driscoll, that was to be used by students to decompress, relieve stress, build self-confidence and lay a foundation of wellness throughout the rest of the semester and beyond, was viewed as something different by students. Many students on campus feel as though this day was an attempt to “shut them up” amid their growing concerns about retrenchments on campus.

“I feel like they are doing this for extraneous reasons to cover up what’s been going on around campus lately,” Allison Lencer (senior, nursing) said. “It’s a cover-up, not really a self-care day.”

Another student shared a very similar perspective as Lencer.

“I personally think they are just trying to make the students happy because they are cutting our professors, and we are really upset about it,” Savannah Santiago (senior, music) said.

Brianna Adkins (senior, education of dance arts) said she believes the self-care day is a small concession of a larger issue.

“It’s a ploy to appease us, and it was mildly effective,” she said.

“On paper, it sounds like a good idea, but in practice, it’s not,” Jesse DesMuke (junior, social studies education) said. “With all the crap that is going on with IUP, this sounds like a reactionary thing.”

Though another student, Evan Weaver (senior, psychology) said that the designated self-care day by the university is a “good move,” he does not believe that the university is doing it for the right reasons.

“It’s nice to have a day to take off classes to recuperate a little bit because things are starting to get stressful in the semester,”

Friday, Nov. 6 was designated as a Student Self-Care Day for IUP students. Weaver said. “But I believe it’s a Students said that though late attempt to quell some of the some professors chose to cancel storm that has been happening class last Friday, student’s workat the university. load did not lessen because ev-

“The retrenchment has been erything was still the same. They on the minds of students and think professors are “required” teachers, and I think there’s a lot to give the day off, even if they of animosity coming from stu- are against it. dents. I see this as administration wanting to hopefully try to quell some of their complaints.” Mara Aubrey (junior, criminology) said the university should have geared this self-care day toward faculty because they are the ones that need it the most, since they are the ones going through retrenchment. Lencer said she believes not all the professors were on board with the idea, but they felt like they had to do it because of all the “firing” that is happening. “Maybe they don’t feel safe, so they are trying to follow along with what president Driscoll wants them to do so that they

Other students are suspicious don’t have to fear for their job,” of the self-care day because they she said. said it came “a little too late,” She and her roommates, and it wasn’t planned properly. Lencer said, got lucky because Though IUP wanted students to they are pretty good at keeping use this day to rest and recharge, up with their work. She said they the decision on whether to can- used the afternoon of the day cel classes on this day was left to do schoolwork and used the up to the discretion of individual evening to relax. But, according professors. to her, it was still hard to get the

“Please note that classes full day of relaxing Driscoll talked are still scheduled for Friday,” about in his email. Driscoll said in the email sent to Lencer said she does not student about the IUP self-care day. This warning, according to students, has led them to believe that the university did not have the students’ best interests in mind when this self-care day was being planned. “It doesn’t feel right, and I believe it was too late,” Santiago believe this self-care day was beneficial to students. According to Adkins, she initially thought the self-care day was silly because nothing was different. Though, she stated, she got a “little” break from classes. “By designating a self-care day, my roommate and I believe said. “If they had this planned, the university is giving us bubthey should have let us know a bles to make-up for our impendlittle bit in advance.” ing doom,” she said.

6 November 11, 2020 News Students faith restored with new presidential elect

EMILY LOOSE Staff Writer E.D.Loose@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Ballot counting has come to a finish, and the U.S. has elected its next president.

Saturday, four days after the election, Joe Biden was announced as the next president of the U.S. by the Associated Press.

The former vice president won over incumbent President Donald Trump with an electoral count of 290 to 214. This election saw Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania flip since the 2016 election.

Though Indiana County voted more for Trump, many students at IUP showed that they were happy with the results.

When votes were still being counted, some students said that the changes were looking positive, even when Pennsylvania still leaned more toward Trump.

Adam McKeehan (sophomore, EVE TILLICH Staff Writer jxsbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

IUP graduate Brittany Scott was chosen as a Silver Winner by Women World Awards and was recognized as the Outstanding Female Professional of the Year in the Sales/Business Development category.

This year was the 13th annual Women in Business and the Professions World Awards Program. The program recognizes the world’s best in several areas such as leadership, organizational performance and other milestones from major industries across the world.

“It’s an honor to be named a winner by Women World Awards for this esteemed industry and peer recognition,” Scott said. “To have a company believe in me the way KnowBe4 has while allowing me to use my strengths to contribute to the organization has been truly inspirational.”

She grew up in Butler and graduated from Butler High School in 2008. She then went to IUP where she studied hospitality management. Scott was also a member of the hospitality honor society and the Disney internship

(Facebook) The 46th President of the U.S., Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris English) said that even if counting political science) was hoping for was slow, it was “looking great.” things to go quicker. He said the

“The process is working,” he results were obvious even before said. “The number of votes is the end. astounding.” “Nevada needs to hurry up so

The ballot counting was taking we can just get on with what we such time that memes about it be- already know is the outcome,” he came a hit on social media. Nevada said. “That is a Biden win.” was the state receiving most of the After the results were anpressure to give an answer. nounced, students continued to

Charles Corrado (sophomore, show their joy.

“I am so happy with the win,” Taylor Kuzma (psychology) said. “I feel like this was such a big step in the right direction.”

Abby Pacca (sophomore, criminology) said she was proud to be from Philadelphia. The city was what many believed helped change Pennsylvania to elect Biden.

“I am so happy and proud of my state,” she said. “Specifically, I am proud of my hometown of Philly.”

Another student shared this joy.

“I am overjoyed with the results, there’s finally hope for our country now,” Paige Martin (sophomore, psychology) said.

Mya Fitzgerald (criminology) was happy, but she wants people to remember it was not the end of the issue. She said that things still had to change.

“The decision of this election was a right step for America,” she said. “I’m proud of the outcome, but there is still work to be done.”

Others were happy with the win but did not fully support Biden.

Kortnee Flood (psychology, senior) was hoping for the best from both sides of the political spectrum in future election.

“Not happy with Biden but glad that we went blue,” she said. “I can only hope that both sides start giving us better options.”

Corrado, who had been positive for Biden’s win, felt similarly.

“I’m overjoyed that Trump lost, but depressed that Biden won.”

Others said they were just more relieved that there would be new leadership coming into the White House. This was the case for Andrew Muth (junior, music education).

“Finally, Trump is gone. America is back,” he said.

Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th president Jan. 20.

His choice for vice president, Kamala Harris, will make history as both the first female and first person of color to hold the position of vice president.

As of now, Trump is demanding recounts in states such as Wisconsin.

IUP graduate from Butler chosen for Women’s International award

He has yet to concede.

Brittany Scott (left) was chosen as a Silver Winner by the Women World Awards. program at IUP. and medium-sized businesses) she also heads the board for

“I wouldn’t be where I am sales at KnowBe4. In this position, women in technology. without IUP, and the professors in Scott leads a team of sales profes- “I really believe in supporting hospitality shaping me and show- sionals. women and mentoring young ing me who I wanted to become,” KnowBe4 is the world’s largest colleagues to help them get into she said. “The experiences IUP security awareness training and executive roles,” she said. “I’m afforded me from the hospitality simulated phishing platform. in technology, and in our field, honor society and through the More than 35,000 organization only seven percent of CEOs are Disney internships program really around the world use this plat- women. There’s a stereotype that gave me the confidence I needed. form. you have to be abrasive and cutThose experiences and my profes- In addition to her professional throat as a women leader, and it’s sor’s direction and care prepared career, Scott founded Gals4STEM, just not true. I help other women me to become a professional a nonprofit organization that to be themselves and find their executive at such a young age.” helps inspire, educate, and men- confidence. For me, that trait was

Scott now lives in Tampa Bay tor girls and women about STEM shaped by IUP.” where she works as a sales leader opportunities. Scott also volun- She inspires young girls and and entrepreneur. She is the cur- teers through the Big Brother Big women now but the person that rent vice president of SMB (small- Sister Foundation. At KnowBe4, inspired and guided her is Linda (Facebook)

Sullivan, a faculty member in hospitality management at IUP. Sullivan pushed Scott to get out of her comfort zone and grow in her field.

“I looked up to her,” Scott said. “She pushed me to be better. Her background and what she accomplished in such a short time impressed me. I was raised by a single mom and grandmother, and as an only child, I knew what strong women looked like. I went to IUP as a girl but left as a woman because of the confidence and support that IUP gave me.”

8 November 11, 2020 News IUP hosts event helping students prepare for graduate school

OLIVIA CARBONE Staff Writer kxxw@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

This week, The Office of Graduate Admissions hosted a virtual event to discuss their programs for current and non-IUP students.

This event discussed financial aid, early admissions, immigration policies and more.

At IUP, there are many pathways to earn your master’s degree. If you’re a current IUP student who is a junior or senior standing, applying for the early admissions program is a great way to start your degree early.

Students applying for this must have a 3.0 or higher and will also receive a $50 application waiver since they are current IUP students. If you’re not an IUP student, you must create an admissions profile in order to get started with your applications.

The requirements for applying, depending on the program, include: a $50 fee, official transcript, two letters of recommendation and a goal statement, a resume, and some require a Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Once the application is complete, it is sent to the department. Some programs take one or two weeks to get back to you, and some take as long as a month. Once admitted, the student will receive an email about the next steps.

There are many ways that IUP can provide funding for these programs such as graduate assistantships, scholarships, education loan programs, tuition assistance programs and student employment.

Next was a panel of individuals who work for the university including: Dr. Catherine Dugan, Director of Department of Disability Access and Advising (D2A2); Nicole Bukosky, associate director of Office of Alumni and Friends (OAF); Lauren Phillips, international student and scholar advisor of the Office of International Education (OIE); Ethan Munns, practicum student of the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC); Ragan Griffin, Director of Office of Financial Aid (OFA); and Theo Turner, director of Center for Multicultural Student Leadership and Engagement (MCSLE).

Dugan said that students may use their services even at the graduate level, and they function across all IUP campuses. Students the Steelers, iHeartRadio, Buzzand more.

and issue billings. The 2021-22 FAFSA was made available for students and their families to complete on Oct.1, and students seeking information on how to fill it out can go to iup.edu/financialaid. Students can also contact their office at (724) 357-2218 or by emailing at finandial-aid@iup. edu. Turner said that the MCSLE is “One of the main veins of the university.” They house over 250 student organizations, and they want IUP students to feel connected and to come together. According to IUP’s website, (Facebook) cultural programs and student The 2019 winter commencement was held in-person, however this year’s will be held virtually. events from leadership opportunities to fraternity and sorority may have disabilities that are psy- Further information can be find more information regarding life for students to get involved chical, hidden and mental health related. A link that further elaborates on the services they provide as well as their mission can be found at iup.edu/disabilitysupport. Bukosky said they work closely with over 150,000 alumni in order to mentor students and keep them in the loop. Some of the alum include those who work for found at iup.edu/international. Munns highlighted features that the CPDC offers, like networking and resume and cover letter reviews. Additionally, they offer events such as etiquette dinners and mock interviews. They held a “debunking professionalism in the workplace” event Nov. 4, and students can this later in this issue. Further information can be found iup.edu/career/. Griffin emphasized the difference in financial aid dispersion between the Bursar’s Office and Financial Aid. Components covered included FAFSA, scholarships and student loans. It is at the Bursar’s Office that you pay on campus. More information regarding MCSLE can be found at iup.edu/mcsle/. IUP has many graduate opportunities for many students whether they are recent graduates or past, and these programs are the tip of the iceberg in terms of what the university has to offer. Feed and Google. Additionally, they can help with finding jobs, reviewing resumes Winter graduation to be virtual they provide a variety of multi-

Once students graduate, they EMILY LOOSE among IUP students. May’s Greb’s email also said that will become part of the Alumni Staff Writer graduation, which was to take various departments would hold Association, which helps with e.d.loose@iup.edu place in-person, was moved to a small get togethers around the networking. There are no dues to @ThePennIUP virtual ceremony in September. day of the ceremony. These pay or sign ups required. The move had caused a lot celebrations will be held Dec.

For further information, stu- Keeping students safe contin- of backlash from the graduating 11 and 12. dents can get ahold of Bukosky at ues at IUP. students who said that if the Further emails regarding nbukosky@iup.edu. As of Thursday, the Decem- school can let freshmen live on these events will be sent by the

Phillips said they will work with ber graduation ceremony was campus, commencement could departments. international students before, announced to be virtual by the still take place. All winter graduates will during and after to help with visa process, driver’s licenses, internships and social security numbers. She said that because of COVID-19, the embassies aren’t open and are taking limited interviews. Thus, making it hard to get a visa. If accepted by spring, students may be able to get an interview date. The biggest change they’ve had is they can now issue I-20s, which a multi-purpose document issued by an educational institution certifying that international students have been admitted full-time to in order to stay in the U.S., virtually. Students can contact the OIE at (724) 357-2295 or by emailing them at intl-education@iup.edu. Commencement Committee. The announcement was sent in an email by committee member Mary Greb. “The decision to hold virtual ceremonies respects information about rising coronavirus cases in Indiana County,” Greb said. “Our concern for your health and safety, and the gathering restrictions that are currently in place.” IUP alone has seen many cases of the COVID-19 virus among students. As of the school’s most recent update, there were a total of 45 new cases. There were 357 cases reported for the semester. The news was not a surprise The winter graduates, however, said they were not surprised by the sudden news. “I expected it after seeing the number of cases the school has had,” Austin Dukes (senior, criminology) said. He said he would not be attending the virtual event, as it did not have the same intimacy or feeling of being in-person. “I’m not doing that,” he said. “I am not going to watch the event online. It is not even worth it. I just want my diploma.” In order to be recognized at the event, graduates are asked to fill out a form by Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. receive a “graduation in a box.” This package contains a diploma cover, a commencement program book and an IUP alumni decal. Due to it being far away, there is no determination on if it will be the same for May. The spring semester, however, will once again have most students learning remotely. “While this winter’s ceremony will be different, we will continue to think of how we might honor our graduates in the future,” Greb said. The commencement ceremony will be held Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. A link will be available on the IUP website.

9

IUP finalist for award from Pittsburgh Technology Council

JULIA ROBINS Staff Writer spxbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

This November, IUP will be represented in two categories by the Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC).

Every year, PTC hosts the “Tech 50 Awards” honoring technical innovation in nine categories. The awards representing IUP include the non-profit, education, community and top COVID pivot category.

“Winning an award at the annual Tech 50 Awards helps to shine a light on the tech community in Southwestern Pennsylvania,” Allison Kaharick, PTC’s director of major programs and initiatives said. “It also gives us a chance to showcase true innovation in our region.

“A win in either of these [categories] would highlight the impressive work IUP is doing, not only in Indiana, but within the higher education landscape in Southwest Pennsylvania, especially now that – due to COVID – they were able to seamlessly migrate over 1500 (Facebook) The Pittsburgh Technology Council Tech 50 Awards honor technical innovation in different categories. courses taught by 650 different volvement of IUP Chief Information faculty members this year.” Officer (CIO) Bill Balint with the

The 2020 event theme is Greater Pittsburgh CIO Group. “Redefine and Recharge.” Kaha- “Bill and other IUP team memrick explained that nominees are bers have been active participants judged by their company’s ac- in PTC events,” Kaharick said. complishments over the past year, Balint became IUP’s CIO in 2006, the impact that the company is and he has worked for IUP since making, how they are revolutioniz- 1989, just one year after he graduing their market and the company’s ated with his bachelor’s degree in contribution to regional growth. computer science. The COVID pivot award is special He said that when he became for 2020. CIO, "a goal of mine was to deep-

IUP was nominated for these en the connection between IUP two awards due to the work and in- and the Pittsburgh IT community.”

In 2016, Balint was honored by PTC for the Pittsburgh CIO Award. He is also a member of the Pittsburgh CIO Executive Summit Governing Board.

Additionally, he was the 2015 Emeriti Award recipient at the Pennsylvania Banner User Group conference after coordinating the first cybersecurity track for the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago.

This is the first time that his efforts have led to an honor for the university. Balint was initially reluctant about completing the application for the Tech 50 Awards after PTC came to him, as IUP is the only higher education nominee on the Tech 50 list and has been for many years. However, he reconsidered after talking to Executive Director of Media Relations Michelle Fryling.

“As far as IT Services goes, this is a tremendous honor,” he said. “IUP is blessed with a very talented group of IT professionals that care deeply about the university and are very dedicated. It is always nice when a third party like the PTC formally validates such an accomplishment.

“In this case, the employees who came together to help transition IUP’s IT infrastructure and support in the face of COVID-19 pulled off a remarkable feat.”

Being involved with PTC events led to being included in The Greater Pittsburgh CIO Group and The Pittsburgh CIO Executive Summit. Balint explained that the interaction with global leaders like Highmark, U.S. Steel, PNC Bank, UPMC and many others allow university students and staff to attend events and “interact with IT experts both at Pittsburgh’s largest corporations and cutting-edge firms.”

Balint will also be speaking for PTC’s CIO Insights Series event Nov. 18 via Zoom.

The virtual Tech 50 Awards event will take place Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. The event is free to attend for PTC members, and students can waive the registration by using the code “tech50nm.” The Zoom link will be posted the day before on bit.ly/2020Tech50.

Opinion Think proactive, not reactive

Don’t let a bad manager ruin your workplace experience

In this day and age, we are coming up in a world where so often people are quick to point the finger and place blame.

Look no further than the state of our election, some of America’s “finest leaders” are so quick to blame ballot counters and the system. What about putting some of that blame toward the person in the mirror? Most people at one point or another have encountered a “bad” manager. If you have been in the workforce, it is almost an inevitable roadblock. I have been on the receiving end of a few bad managers. Being in retail for five years now for multiple employers, I have seen management from the perspective of a base-level employee making minimum wage as well as a supervisor making more than minimum wage. Why is having a bad manager such a problem? Can’t you just ignore it? In 2018, careerbuilder.com found that “58 percent of people say they trust strangers more than their own boss.” That is truly a staggering statistic.

Over half of the people surveyed have little to no trust in their boss. This comes as no surprise as I have seen many workplaces marred by poor management and seen even the best workers become apathetic and unmotivated.

So many managers and company’s find themselves short of reliable workers and wonder why. I worked for one company for an entire summer, then I returned to school. Once I came back for winter break, I had found that 85 percent of the workers I had worked with had moved on for some reason.

What could cause this? Poor management. This can come in many forms: laziness, micromanagement, apathy, and most notably, hypocrisy.

I have found that many retail middle-management type bosses work under a “do as I say, not as I do” sort of method. This could quite possibly be the worst way to (Teamwork) Bosses have implicit and undefined standards to maintain while at work. One being acting proactively during intense situations.

manage a team. The key to having a successful workplace first starts with being a leader rather than a manager. You need to effectively motivate your employees to be at work. That all starts with leading by example.

If an employee comes to work and is scolded by the manager for not maintaining merchandising standards, yet the manager rarely takes it upon themselves to show the employee how to do this, they begin to grow distaste toward management. If bad habits like these continue or micromanaging everything your employees do, it will result in devastating effects on the workplace. LinkedIn sums it up best, “A bad boss can take a good staff and destroy it, causing the best employees to flee and the remainder to lose all motivation.”

I have seen far too many workplaces lose stellar employees due to a bad manager. One quality above all that will cause a workforce to quit and sometimes even rebel is being overly critical.

If you are managing a workplace that consists of individuals making little money and having other commitments like school or other jobs, managers need to realize that this is not their only priority. While yes, they need to be giving their best effort at that job, they do not want to go home and be stressed from an optional job that they chose to have. Once employees begin to feel undervalued or become overly stressed from their job that was only to earn some extra income, thoughts like “I don’t even need to be here” become way too common amongst the regime. If you find your workplace missing something as a manager, and you are not getting the most out of your employees, rather than place the blame on them and talk behind their backs or blame them, perhaps try to look at alternative methods of motivation. Most part-time employees are going to be students and older employees who are partially retired, so find ways to motivate them to want to be there. Again, this is not their only commitment, so don’t blame and make them feel inferior.

Some methods that I have personally tried as a supervisor would be to maintain a positive attitude, discipline when necessary (not too much), give praise when worthy, give individual goals to employees

(this shows that you care about their individual progress), get to know them on a personal level and lead by example overall. Retail can be an especially stressful environment when you have to deal with disgruntled patrons who take out their aggression on the wrong people, and you have to deal with a bad manager as well. Having a toxic workplace will undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on sales and revenue. The process of hiring new employees is costly, time consuming and inefficient. These all could be prevented with proper management training.

Not all managers are intrinsically bad or bad people. They might not have been trained properly. (Career Contessa)

Careerbuilder.com also reported that “58 percent of managers said they didn’t receive any management training.” Retail can be determined solely on who is in charge. Leaders can take a lack of talent and coach them to success. Conversely, talented teams can be led astray by poor leadership. If you want to get the best out of your employees, look inside and try to change your methods to see if that has an effect. Simply placing blame will solve nothing in this world.