Thursday | September 5, 2019 | Volume 90 | Issue 11 SPORTS » PAGE 4
VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT ENDS 2-1 A&E » PAGE 3
BLOCK PARTY BUILDS WSU INVOLVEMENT Israel Campa | The Signpost
‘CATS BATTLE AZTECS, BUT LOSE 0-6
2 | MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019
UPCOMING EVENTS FSL RECRUITMENT WEEK (GREEK RUSH) Monday–Friday, Sept. 9–14
By JENNIFER GREENLEE Section Editor
On Sept. 3, a student in the dorm called in a noise complaint. When police arrived, they found individuals watching a movie and asked them to lower the volume. A noise complaint was called in about Foam Bash. The police explained that it was a campus event, and the time the event would be over.
Hit and Run On Sept. 1, a car pulled too far in the parking lot and hit another vehicle. The car did not stay at the scene or report the accident. The incident was categorized as a hit and run. On Aug. 29, a student reported that there were scratches on their car from another student pulling too close to their car.
In the W-9 parking lot on Sept. 1, an individual was skateboarding and was advised by the police that it was not allowed in the area.
On Aug. 31, the police returned bags the cross country team left by their cars. On Aug. 30 a wallet was turned in at NUAMES and returned by the police. On August 29,
Other
Side of the Hill
a bag was found by a fraternity and turned in to lost and found.
A victim received harassing threats on social media. It was reported to police on Aug. 31. The police visited with the victim and gave the resources to use if the behavior persisted.
At the Foam Bash on Aug. 30, two students started to get in an altercation. One student pushed another. The dispute was broken up by the police.
A purse was stolen from the LDS Institute on Aug. 28. An officer was dispatched and took information. The case is still active.
Witnesses and those around the area were interviewed, and no one else heard other shots.
The victim was contacted once again to follow-up about the alleged stalking complaint made against an ex-boyfriend. There was a second attempt to contact the suspect in the case once again.
In the 8/28 Police Blotter, it states that a medical emergency occurred at the Experience Weber event. This is incorrect and the medical incident occurred at the Late Night at Weber event. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
SAFE@WEBER TABLING Monday, Sept. 9 SU Atrium 8:30–11 a.m. WHAT’S NEW IN UTAH DINOSAUR PALEONTOLOGY–EES SEMINAR Monday, Sept. 9 Tracy Hall Science Center Room 234 12:30–1:30 p.m. STUDENT SENATE Monday, Sept. 9 SU Room 404 2:30–4:30 p.m. LDSSA CAKE TUESDAY Tuesday, Sept. 10 Ogden LDS Institute 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. OPEN HOUSE: WOMEN’S CENTER & LGBT RESOURCE CENTER / NONTRAD & VETERANS SERVICES
Wednesday, Sept. 11 SU Room 322 & 323 10 a.m.–1 p.m. CAREER CAFE Q&A Wednesday, Sept. 11 Student Services Center Room 230 Noon–1 p.m.
There was a report of shots fired on Aug. 28.
POLICE by B.C. Sterrett
WELCOME TO EAST NEW STUDENT ROOTBEER FLOAT SOCIAL Wednesday, Sept. 11 In front of Engineering Technology Building Noon–1 p.m. PACIFIC ISLANDER COLLEGE PREP NIGHT Wednesday, Sept. 11 WSU Davis Ballrooms D3 6–8:30 p.m.
for these events & more visit:
weber.edu/wildcatwelcome
MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019 | 3
By TIM COSTELLO Reporter
90 degree and above weather didn’t stop Weber students, staff and faculty from assembling on the main sidewalks of the Ogden Campus for the 15th annual Weber State University Block Party, a yearly staple of activity for the college. When most students think of the Block Party, they think of the all the free stuff they can get. But that’s the surface of what really goes on at Block Party. On-campus clubs, organizations and colleges assembled from the Stewart Library past Student Services and Lindquist Hall to spread information and good spirits. Community pillars such as the Ogden Nature Center are also in attendance to obtain volunteers from students and passerbys. Dianna St. John, the new volunteer coordinator, enjoyed her first foray into the Block Party.
“We’re one of the community centers, and I love how engaged the students are at these events,” she said. “It’s one of the more engaging booth events we’ve been to.” Many students and faculty shared stories of having a fun interaction at the booths, aside from the free swag they obtain. “All the interaction and cool stuff is what draws me to Block Party year and year out. Been here since the beginning and I love it,” Digital Media professor Andrea Balthazar said. Balthazar is also the head of Studio 76, the video production organization on campus. The theme for this year’s Block Party was “The Many Stories of Weber.” It was highlighted in several booths found at the Block Party. Days prior, students were invited on Instagram to share their stories of what brought them to Weber and why they love it. They were then awarded with
a free shirt. Brad Mortensen, Weber State University President, received one. Social media was a huge presence at the Block Party, more so than ever before. One way students could obtain free rewards such a T-shirts and raffle entries was to make sure they followed the booth’s department, club or organization on various social media. But students could share their stories off social media as well. The Stewart Library invited students and passersby to record their stories in answers to certain questions. The Weber Services and Developmental Math departments invited students to anonymously record their experiences and stories for all to see. A highlight of any party — even the Weber Block Party — is the food. Most food students saw when going booth to booth was the candy from spinning the prize wheels at various booths. In addition, the Food Trucks that come to campus through-
out the year pulled up to the Block Party. Students could obtain a meal ticket inside the Shepherd Union and could sample the various food trucks as well as the WSU dining options. Korean CupBop and the MISOYum food trucks are recognizable hallmarks at WSU. The newcomer was the Pizza Cone Zone food truck. The Block Party was its second time on campus, and students surged to the truck for this exclusive eatery. The food truck will be seen in the future on campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year. The WSU Band and cheerleaders assembled in front of Elizabeth Hall to perform their routines to ring in the school year with style. Their cheers could be heard throughout the buildings. Waldo the Wildcat joined in on the fun, taking selfies with students and doing his usual hijinks.
Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
’CATS KEEP HARDWARE IN OGDEN 4 | MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019
By BRANDON MAY Section Editor
By CHRISTIAN JOHNSON Reporter
The Weber State University volleyball team wrapped up the Wildcat Invitational 2-1 with wins over UNLV and Cal State University Northridge. WSU defeated the Rebels of UNLV three sets to one Friday and swept past the Matadors of CSUN Saturday afternoon. Weber started Friday's doubleheader strong, winning the first set over UNLV 25– 22. Weber seemed the better-conditioned team as UNLV’s players started showing signs of fatigue early, giving away points due to simple errors. UNLV bounced back in the second set, barely edging out the Wildcats 26–24. Weber State Junior Kennedy Williams stole the show for WSU, finishing the match with a total of 14 kills, to go along with two aces and a block.
“During practice, we really work on just swinging high," Williams said. "And seeing the block and keeping the ball in front of you." The ’Cats finished off the Rebels after a 25–17 set three win and a 25–23 set four win. Weber State had a few hours to rest before playing the Portland Pilots in front of a large evening crowd. Portland had won their earlier game against CSUN, and both teams were looking to give the other their first loss. The Wildcats came out clicking in the first set with a 25–17 set victory, but unfortunately they couldn't channel that energy for the next three sets. Portland jumped to a quick 6–1 lead to start the second set. The Wildcats were clearly not ready for the intensity that Portland had, and coach Jeremiah Larson called a timeout to regroup with his team. Despite the timeout, Weber couldn't dig themselves out of their early hole
and dropped the first set 25–16. Portland played really efficient posting a .429 attack percentage compared to Webers .067. The next two sets told a similar story as The ‘Cats lost both of the final sets 25–20, losing the match to Portland 3-1. The Wildcats left day one of the invitational with a 1-1 record and entered the final day of the invitational in hopes that UNLV could best Portland in the earlier game Aug. 31, and the Wildcats could reign champions. "I thought that we got better every game," Larson said. "We started out really good, but had a rough second game, but we learned ... and we really responded well." The afternoon of Aug. 31, the Rebels of UNLV did just that. After falling two sets to nothing to Portland, UNLV battled back winning the next three sets, shocking the Pilots and giving WSU a chance to win the invitational with a win over 0-2 CSUN. Senior outside hitter Megan Gnieting
got the scoring started in the first set after falling behind 1–0 and the Wildcats never looked back. WSU never fell behind as the ’Cats remained ahead and tied for each of the three sets over the Matadors for the remainder of the afternoon. The first set was a tale of small runs as WSU grabbed what looked like momentum, but the Matadors would answer with a small run of their own, keeping it close. WSU ultimately ended the first set when Williams blocked the Matadors at the net and gave WSU a 25–21 first set win. Williams continued her dominating play into the second set as WSU went on an early run and grabbed an early set lead. Gneiting fueled the charge late in the second set, and after one set point, junior outside hitter Sam Schiess put the Matadors hopes of a comeback to an end with a block and a 2-0 set lead entering the break. WSU came out the break firing and grabbed a 6–1 lead before CSUN could bring the set to within two.
Williams took control again and after a long rally she added another kill and gave the Wildcats a 22–17 lead. Williams finished the afternoon with her 13 kill and a WSU set victory 25–18, crowning the Wildcats as champions of the Wildcat Invitational. Williams finished the weekend with 35 kills over three matches. "She had a really good tournament," Larsen said. "Maybe a little coming out party for she's a super physical volleyball player and can touch 10 feet and 3 inches and has a rocket for an arm." Gneiting finished the tournament with 30 kills, and senior middle blocker Hannah DeYoung finished the tournament with 12 blocks. The Wildcats will travel to Provo to play in the BYU tournament this weekend. The ’Cats will take on Sam Houston State, LIU Brooklyn and the 13 ranked BYU Cougars.
KALIE PEAD| The Signpost
KALIE PEAD| The Signpost
MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019 | 5
Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com Weber State senior Katelyn Erwin celebrates with Portland Pilots senior Katie Barker prepares to serve while fellow teammates watch on. teammate and fellow senior, Helena Khouri.
4 | MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019
WHO OR WHAT TO BLAME:
MASS SHOOTINGS AND VIDEO GAMES LANDIN GRIFFITH Columnist
On Aug. 31, a 36-year-old man killed seven people and left 22 wounded in a “driveby shooting spree” in Odessa, Texas, with an assault rifle-style weapon, which marks the third high-casualty mass shooting in August. Within 24 hours, there were two mass shootings in an El Paso, Texas, Walmart and in a popular nightlife district in Dayton, Ohio. Twenty-two people died and 24 were wounded in El Paso; nine people were
killed and 27 were wounded in Dayton. Mass shootings in the United States have become more increasingly more frequent, outnumbering the total number of days in 2019, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive. The GVA defines a mass shooting based on “the numeric value of four or more people shot or killed, not including the shooter,” which explains why the report may initially sound ridiculous. It’s difficult for researchers to produce a common rationale for the motivation behind each of the shooters’ reasons for acting due to the differences in the nature of the incidents, whether it’s cultural, religious, mental illness-related or terrorism. This includes the differences in nature of the mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut; the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida; and the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. However, the recent mass shootings brought attention to the never-ending debate of video game violence, its effects on adolescents’ behaviors and a possible underlining reason for the increasing number of mass shootings in the U.S. In a public statement made by President Donald Trump, he addressed video game violence in the U.S. and argued that the glorification of violence has to stop. “This includes the gruesome and grizzly video games that are now commonplace. It’s too easy for troubled youth to surround themselves with a culture that celebrates violence,” Trump said. Whether Trump’s statements are agreeable or not, it’s important to note that there are two sides to the argument he presented, both geared toward people who play video games and those who don’t play video games.
In response to Trump’s remarks, it’s easy for someone who plays video games to say that they don’t have effect on their behavior and motivation to violently lash out against another person. However, it’s also easy for someone who doesn’t play video games to say they’ve witnessed first-hand video game violence causing their child’s aggressive behavior. In retrospect, this scenario can be flipped and produce the same results in a different light, which is one of the main reasons why this debate exists. In a 2019 study published on Feb.13, researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford found “no relationship between aggressive behavior in teenagers and the amount of time spent playing video games.” Andrew K. Przybylski, Director of Research at the Oxford Internet Institute, based his research on a behavioral screening
questionnaire using the European Union and North American media rating system, which classifies video game ratings from “E for Everyone” and “M for Mature.” His study also noted that this method of research has been “widely employed by researchers, educators, and clinicians to assess the psycho-social functioning of children and adolescents ranging in ages from four to 17 years.” In Przybylski’s closing remarks on the study, he said, “Part of the problem in technology research is that there are many ways to analyze the same data, which will produce different results,” which indicates that there can be studies that produce a counterclaim to the Oxford study. Przybylski also said that his study didn't record the findings that some mechanics and situations in video gaming “do not provoke angry feelings or reactions in players,” referencing that there are players who trash-talk, exhibit competitiveness and “troll” in the gaming community. In the 2019 video game era, new technology such a virtual reality, or VR, has become a popular and inevitable addition to how we play video games. In VR, a person can literally simulate shooting another person, which further encourages
MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019 | 5
political figures and some researchers to suggest that this industry is pushing its limits in the wrong direction. In addition to new technology, a popular technology that video game developers are implementing into their games is photo geometric technology, which creates realistic environments based on an object’s geometric features. This technology is evident in the upcoming annual and first-person shooter “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,” a reboot to the 2007 original, which features realistic bullet travel time, photo geometric environments and uncomfortable gun-play scenarios. There is no denying that as technology progresses, video games will become much more real for its players to immerse themselves in, which raises the question: how much is too much? It’s impossible to rule out that video game violence has an effect on the increasing number of mass shooting in the U.S. but when there is no proof of motivation or reason behind a shooter’s actions, people will turn to anything that might be a reason for concern.
Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
AUBREE ECKHARDT | The Signpost
FERIA DE
TODOS son BIENVENIDOS! Adultos y Niños
EDUCACIÓN Y SALUD Sábado Sept. 7 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 2605 Monroe Blvd.
EXPLORE posibilidades EDUCATIVAS
Evento Comunitario GRATUITO
Reúnase con representantes de 28 organizaciones y conéctese con los recursos disponibles. Diversión, actividades interactivas para los niños en Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas (STEM)
Comida, Entretrenimiento, Premios!
INFORMACIÓN DE SALUD PARA TODOS Exámenes de prediabetes, depresión, presión arterial. Distribución de Naloxone, Cuidado Dental Vacunas
United Way of Northern Utah
MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019 | 9
Cal Poly at WSU At Stewart Stadium KICKOFF>> Sept. 7, 6 P.M. This season marks the sixth for Hill as he continues to change the culture at Weber State while creating a national championship-contending program. He will get another chance at an FBS win in two weeks against the Nevada Wolfpack. The Cats’ took the field in the humid California climate as they were looking for an upset win over an FBS division team. The Big Sky champion Wildcats came into the game boasting a 10-3 record from last season and find themselves ranked eighth in the STATS FCS preseason poll. The Aztecs hail from the Mountain West Conference and last season posted a record of 7-6, losing their last four games. Weber State’s season kicked off with a touchback from junior all-American kicker Trey Tuttle and the clash between WSU and SDSU began. From the first couple of drives, it was clear that defense would play a big part in the game as neither team could keep their offense on the field. It seemed that the Wildcats were poised to go on a drive after junior quarterback Jake Constantine and sophomore receiver Devon Cooley
On fourth down, WSU decided to dial up a trick play and they flipped the ball to Ames, who then cocked his arm back and launched the ball downfield, which fooled the Aztecs. Unfortunately, the pass was just out of reach for Shaheed. The Wildcats turned the ball over on downs and the war between defenses continued, with the third quarter coming to a close with a score of 3–0. The fourth quarter opened with the Aztecs once again finding momentum and this time they were able to convert. The score was then 6-0 after a 29-yard field goal from San Diego State. San Diego State’s offensive struggles were coming from them not being able to pass the ball on the Wildcat secondary, which led to the Wildcats expecting the run and shutting it down after SDSU found success with it. Coach Hill spoke on the play of the secondary, saying, “We had a bunch of true freshmen out there tonight. That whole second half was basically played by true freshmen. They made a lot of plays; they were tested ... It was great to get that kind of war and battle against a team like that”. After the SDSU field goal, sophomore running back Josh Davis tried to spark WSU with a 39-yard kick-off return but the Wildcats drive was short and ended in a punt. Throughout the fourth quarter, the defenses were smothering their oppositions as both teams exchanged punts and time began to tick on WSU’s hopes for an upset. The final two drives for the Wildcats were an interception and turnover on downs as they were never able to overcome the SDSU defense. The clash between the Wildcats and Aztecs ended in a 6–0 defeat for WSU. “We got a really good opponent next week,” Hill said. “We’re here to win, we’re here to play good and we expected to play good tonight. There’s no moral victory.” The Wildcats fall to 0-1 on the season but will have a chance to get their first win Sept. 7 against Cal Poly at 6 p.m. inside the revamped Stewart Stadium. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
Israel Campa | The Signpost
After months of anticipation and excitement building around the 2019-20 season, the Weber State Wildcats kicked off their season in sunny San Diego in front of 40,222 fans packed into SDCCU Stadium against the San Diego State Aztecs. The Aztecs were able to come away with a 6–0 win but not without a valiant effort from the Wildcats. Head Coach Jay Hill reflected on the game saying, “They are good, they are physical and that defense flies around.. If we’re going to pull these games off we gotta make a couple of more plays.”
found each other, both players were born and raised in Southern California and the SoCal kids hooked up for 31 yards that later stalled for a punt. In the second quarter, the Wildcats’ defense showed the definition of “bend don’t break” after San Diego ripped off runs for 11, 13 and 15 yards and a fourth-down conversion that landed them in scoring position. As momentum began to tilt towards the team in black and red, sophomore defensive end McKade Mitton applied pressure and came up with a sack to stop the bleeding. The sack eventually forced San Diego State to attempt a field goal which they nailed, making the score 3–0. The player who everyone was looking at heading into this game was junior WR Rashid Shaheed. Not only was it his 21st birthday, but it was his homecoming game and Wildcat fans were itching for him to get chances in the open field. On Shaheed’s first opportunity at a kick return, he caught if off the bounce and returned it over 90 yards for what looked like a touchdown, but there was a questionable holding penalty that brought it back and took the points off the board. After the flag wiped out the WSU touchdown, the Aztecs forced the Wildcats to punt and went right back to pounding the ball. SDSU once again had momentum shifting their way before the Cats’ made them pump their brakes. The drive ended with a fumble on a field goal attempt deep into Weber territory to give WSU their first takeaway of the season and keep the score 3–0 going into halftime. The first half was a defensive battle, and the second half continued that trend as WSU was forced to punt on their opening drive. SDSU drove down the field and once again, WSU came away with no points. During the third quarter when the sun began to set, The Cats’ offense found a light. Constantine connected with sophomore tight end Justin Malone and junior wide receiver David Ames which helped move the ball downfield but SDSU forced a fourth down.
Israel Campa | The Signpost
Assistant Section Editor
Israel Campa | The Signpost
By RAYMOND LUCAS
Israel Campa | The Signpost
8 | MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019
Top Left: WSU Defensive end Jonah Williams takes down SDSU runningback Juwan Washington. Top Right: WSU defender stops SDSU from continuing on. Bottom Left: Wildcats defense squares off against SDSU offense. Botttom Right: Wildcat Devon Cooley jumps to try to make catch.
10 | MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019
FOAM-FILLED ANTICS By CAITLYN LARSEN Reporter
On Aug. 30 WSUSA, brought Foam Bash back to the Wildcat Village. WSUSA Activities Vice President Michelle Thao stated that the purpose of the Foam Bash is to welcome students to WSU and kick off a new school year. She said events like these are important because they create a sense of belonging for the students. Lots of students came to socialize and
jump in a giant pool of foam. Craig Eckley, senior, said it was mainly the environment of friends that attracts him to these events. “It’s fine to go single, but it’s always more fun to go with a group of people,” Eckley said. Many were attracted to the event by the foam pit and other activities provided. Some, like Emma Mencia, a freshman, overcame their anxiety to go. “The idea of a giant pit of bubbles sounded really cool, so I was like ‘Why
not? I might as well get the full college experience,’” Mencia said. Cheyenne Dunn, senior, said that the options were what made the event fun. They were able to dance, spend time in the foam bash or get an air brush tattoo. And to anyone wondering what it feels like to jump into a pit of foam, Mencia said “It’s weird! You’re wet, but it’s bubbles. It’s not water, so you feel like it’s wet air. When you’re in it, it kind of feels like you’re in a cloud.” WSUSA Activities will continue to
plan and host different types of activities throughout the year to market to all students and crowds and encourage student involvement. Students encouraged fellow students to come to future events to have fun, try it out, invite friends, and at least just see what it’s like. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
Photo by Matt Brockie on Unsplash
Earn your BSN in less time
Attending most classes online, you can earn your BSN in as little as 36 months at Eagle Gate College in Layton — even sooner with qualifying transfer credits. • • • • •
80% of classes are online Complete your BSN in as little as 36 months Transfer up to 38 credits CCNE* accredited program Financing available for those who qualify Classes start soon at our Layton Campus. Visit EagleGateCollege.edu or call 801-546-7500
* The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and RN-BSN programs at Eagle Gate College are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791. More at www.ccneaccreditation.org.
EXTRA DAY FREE on Disneyland® Resort tickets!
Stay and play longer for less with our 5th Day Free Disneyland® Resort Tickets valid for travel now – December 31, 2019. Purchase Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Tickets for the most flexibility, or choose 1-Park per Day tickets for as low as $65 per day! Add Disney’s MaxPass Service to any of our tickets for just $15 per day. Even better, save $30 per ticket on our 5th Day Free tickets with Disney’s MaxPass!
Best of State 2013 - 2019 Travel Agency
Please mention Weber State Signpost when booking
855-GET-AWAY | getawaytoday.com
T
O LV E V N M I
EN
L I S D LEAD
ER
U T L IN T ERCU c w
e
l
Get Involved!
o
P E REC
e
L A R
m
O I T
N
AN
SH
IP
T
STUDEN
MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019 | 11
• Student Government • Clubs and Orgs • Leadership Programs • Events such as Homecoming • And so much more!
Join us to learn about resources that will assist you as an underrepresented student during your time here at Weber State University. This is a great opportunity to network, make friends and build alliances with other people who understand similar experiences. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.
Stop by SIL to see what opportunities are waiting for you!
WSU OGDEN
TUESDAY
Shepherd Union Room 326, 801-626-6349
WSU DAVIS Building 3 Suite 221, 801-395-3441
Visit weber.edu/studentinvolvement for a list of upcoming events! WSUSA
@weberstudent
sept. 24 SU BALLROOMS · 6–8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
@Weberstudents
weber.edu/diversity For more information or to request accommodations in relation to a disability, contact Andrea Hernandez andreahernandez2@weber.edu 801-626-6957
WHERE DO YOU BELONG? 12 | MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019
By ALLY NELSON Reporter
Te Anu Tonga, Utah native, film director, and producer of the documentary, “Kapa Haka - Going Home,” shared her experiences as she discovered her Pacific Islander roots, urging Weber State University students to find out where they belong. The documentary’s producer, Heather Harrison, asked students to “let down the walls you came in with, be open to what you can learn today and take home what you learned to your families.” Harrison and Tonga were urged to film a documentary about human experiences. Tonga wanted to connect with her Pacific Islander roots and heritage in New Zealand. She thought she knew who she was, but after the trip, her life was flipped upside down. In the documentary, Tonga’s uncle asked her, “Why are you here? You don’t belong here.” Tonga was shocked and hurt by what she had heard, not understanding if her uncle was questioning her or stating that she
does not belong among her people. Tonga faced disappointing conversations but came through stronger after she found out that high school students embraced their Pacific Islander culture through Kapa Haka. Kapa Haka is a traditional Māori performing art, which translates to “group dance.” The basic Kapa Haka is performed by forming a line and dancing. According to Tonga, the dance is emotional and uplifting, intended to celebrate the Pacific Islander culture and, more specifically, the Polynesian culture. Tonga saw students chanting, stomping and emitting emotions into their dance during the Kapa Haka competition, Polyfest. These students demonstrated their love for their culture through their dance and traditional tā mokos. Tā mokos is the permanent marking of the body and face, distinct from tattoos, wherein the skin is carved by chisels rather than punctured by needles. High school student Te Ria Irigka had a tā moko on her leg that symbolized her mother and two
NURSING EDUCATION at its best and most affordable. PN to RN, AD-RN, BSN, MSN, and newly implemented Doctor of Nursing Practice. weber.edu/nursing
brothers. Another high school student, Caroline Hamilton, wanted a tā moko for her grandfather because he was her idol. However, she was nervous and unsure of how he would react. Hamilton’s grandfather not only granted permission, but the 80-something-year-old got a matching tā moko with her. The Polynesian culture has an undeniable closeness with other cultures. “Everyone’s culture should be embraced and encouraged to share with others,” Harrison said, “New Zealand has impacted my life in ways that I will be forever grateful for.” Although the three women had no credentials to go to New Zealand to document what they did, Tonga was called to learn more about her culture. “If you have an invitation to do something, you will figure it out as it goes,” Tonga said, “and the connection is something worth fighting for. There were times during the trip when Tonga felt underqualified; it was easy for her to feel doubtful as they had about
$300 between the three of them and never had a solid place to stay. Tonga was worried she didn’t know where the documentary would go; it turned out that she didn’t know where she was going either. She learned by listening to stories from the Polynesian students that her journey to self-discovery and her documentary turned out to be everything she hoped they would be. By coming to WSU, the three women had one goal, which was to urge attendees to search within themselves and others and ask themselves, “Where do I belong?” Corraine Paris and WSU freshman, Adam Hess, enjoy exploring and learning about differing cultures. After watching the screening, Paris was getting emotional talking about the importance of human connection. “When you’re mean to people or you fight with people, you have to realize that they’re someone else’s kid,” Paris said, “It’s important to keep in mind that you’re representing other people as well, like your parents and grandparents.” Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019 | 13
GET OFF THE WAITING LIST AND ON TO A NURSING DEGREE! Evening degree programs • Associate’s degree in Nursing
• Classes start monthly
OgdenNursing.com
Call 801-284-3216
or stop by for a campus tour. For graduation rates, the median debt of graduates, and other data, see stevenshenager.edu/studentinformation.
West Haven (Ogden) Campus 1890 South 1350 West
Young Adult Season Passes! Calling all adults between ages 19 – 26! Season passes start at $665. Limited passes available. * I.D. is required at time of season pass pick-up.
College Day Discounts! Join us every Wednesday & Thursday for College Days College Day Pass: $48 (Save $47) Day passes are valid from 9am – 9pm * College I.D. is required at time of purchase. Available at the ticket window only.
Stay Up To Date
with The Greatest Snow On Earth® Download Utah’s Official Snow Report App Today • Snow Report • Weather Forecast
• Powder Alerts • Ski Bus Routes
Ladies & College Night Discounts! Join us every Wednesday night for Ladies Night Ladies Night passes: $15 (Save $18) Join us every Thursday night for College Night College Night passes: $17 (Save $16) *College I.D. is required at time of purchase. Available at the ticket window only.
purchase at powdermountain.com
14 | MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019
EXTENDED SATURDAY OFFICE HOURS AIM TO HELP STUDENTS By MILES SHAW Reproter
With many offices collaborating, several departments will be open on Sept. 7, a Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “It was a joint effort with many offices, academic advisers and many areas coming together to make this happen,” Dr. Daniel Kilcrease, executive director of student affairs auxiliaries, said.
During the Saturday hours, free parking will be available at the Ogden and Davis Campuses to help students get the resources and help they need. The Saturday hours were also previously available on August 24, before classes began. Dr. Kilcrease said, “Before school started, many students came and took advantage of the resources provided and got the resources that they need. The beginning of
the school year is the best time to do so.” Students believe that these hours will make it easier for them to take advantage of the services provided and speaking to some of the offices a lot easier for them. “I think that these hours can be really helpful, especially here at the beginning of the semester when everybody is still figuring everything out,” student Cristal Sepulveda said.
New plasma donors receive up to $475 in a month!
“I think the Saturday hours are a good idea, especially at the beginning of the semester,” Kyle Hole an employee at Career Services said. “I have spoken to students before who couldn’t make it during the week due to their work and school schedules, so this gives them the opportunity to come on Saturdays.” Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
Visit a Biomat USA plasma center near you: Ogden / (801) 392-2296 Clearfield / (801) 825-1999 Roy /(801) 825-0111 grifolsplasma.com
THE SIGNPOST TEAM Editor-in-Chief Tori Waltz waltzvictoria@gmail.com
Chief Copy Editor Sierra Hawkins sierrahawkins@weber.edu
A&E | Diversity Editor Danya Gil danyagil@weber.edu
Managing Editor Nic Muranaka nicholasmuranaka@mail.weber.edu
News Editor Jennifer Greenlee jennifergreenlee@mail.weber.edu
Asst. A&E | Diversity Editor Landin Griffith williamgriffith@mail.weber.edu
Graphics Editor Aubree Eckhardt aubreeeckhardt@mail.weber.edu
Asst. News Editor | S & T Ashlynd Greenwood ashlynd25@gmail.com
Webmaster Nate Beach nathanbeach@mail.weber.edu
Ad Manager KC Sanders kcsanders@weber.edu
Asst. Graphics Editor Monika Clarke monikaclarke@mail.weber.edu
Sports Editor Brandon May brandonmay1@mail.weber.edu
Social Media Manager Benita Karo benitakaro@gmail.com
Photo Editor Isabella Torres isabellatorres@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Sports Editor Raymond Lucas raymondlucas@mail.weber.edu
Adviser Jean Norman jeannorman@weber.edu
The Signpost is a student publication, written, edited and drafted by Weber State University students. Student fees fund the printing of this publication. Opinions or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and to refuse to print any letters. Letters should be submitted online to thesignpost@weber.edu and read letter to the Editor in the subject box. Letters should not exceed 350 words.
MyWeberMedia.com | September 5, 2019 | 15
JOBS OF THE WEEK JOIN US FOR THE
Login to Handshake through your eWeber Portal or download the app to see all jobs!
POSITION TITLE 1 Company Name City, State
CAREER FAIR
POSITION TITLE 2 Company Name + City, State
POSITION TITLE 3
DATE: Tuesday, September 17 Company Name City, StateTIME: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. PLACE:
Shepherd Union Ballrooms
for more info: weber.edu/careerservices POSITION TITLE 4
Company Name City, State Career Services College of Science College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology
Please contact Career Services at 801-626-6396 or careerservices@weber.edu to request accommodations in relation to a disability.
POSITION TITLE 5 Company Name City, State
CA INT REE ER R A NS ND HIP
Ma k OF ES SIO e t N
PR
AL
ATT I
RE
he an Co dR n ES UM
ES
are
ne c h igh
ly e
tio
nco
ura
ged
n
WEDNESDAY
SEPT. 18 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
SHEPHERD UNION BALLROOMS Please contact Career Services at 801-626-6393 or careerservices@weber.edu for accommodations in relation to a disability.
The Institute of Religion at Weber State University Presents:
Jaynee Poulson
Weber State University Professor of Women’s Studies
Religion in Life Devotional Wednesday, September 11th 12:30 — 1:15pm
EVERYONE WELCOME! Refreshments will be served