the Independent Student Publication of the University at Buffalo, Since 1950
The S pectrum ubspectrum.com
Volume 62 No. 21
Friday, october 19, 2012
Poetry is a breeze at Talking Leaves Story on page 7
Zumba craze hits UB
Story on page 5
Mixed messages Unions won’t support UBreathe Free; students successfully lobby for new tobacco policy ERIN MAYNARD Staff Writer Despite UB’s UBreathe Free efforts, smokers gather outside Capen Hall, known to some as “Smoker Alley,” as well as Lockwood Library and the Student Union. Students, faculty or staff can call 645-SMOK to report someone smoking on campus. The voicemail states, “We will attempt to educate them.” But what if the person reported is a UB employee? UBreathe Free doesn’t affect faculty and staff because nothing in their union contracts says employees can’t smoke on campus. According to Jeffrey E. Reed, director of employee relations, the only way to discipline unionized employees – who represent
the majority of UB employees – is to have the unions enter an agreement that says employees could not smoke. Last year, many of the union contracts were up for renegotiation, and, according to Sharlynn Daun-Barnett – an alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention specialist in Wellness Education Services – a few of the unions at UB did support the UBreathe Free initiative. “My office had asked the unions back then as to whether they’d be willing to enter into such an agreement,” Reed said. “The vast majority of unionized employees here at UB expressed a lack of interest in entering into any such agreement that could result in discipline.” According to Gary Giovino, professor and chair of the department of Community Health and Health Behavior, the situation is more complicated than simply get-
ting all the unions at UB to agree – because many of the unions are statewide. Dennis Black, vice president for University Life and Services, said because the university can’t hold faculty and staff accountable, it wouldn’t be fair to hold students to a different standard. William Blanda, a junior American studies student, thinks seeing faculty and staff smoking on campus sends a confusing and troubling message to the student body. “When you see UB staff, especially in UB clothes, and they’re smoking … they need to set a better example,” Blanda said. Giovino agrees with Blanda, stating it sends the wrong message if the smoking policy isn’t enforceable. Peiran Liang /// The Spectrum
Continued on page 4
A UB student smokes outside Capen Hall. Students continue to disregard UBreathe Free without any fear of retribution by the university, which does not restrict employees' smoking habits.
The dynamic duo takes on Buffalo SA Assembly votes for
employee approvals and elected officials’ salaries
24-year-old mother, UB student makes her schedule work with Early Childhood Research Center KEREN BARUCH Life Editor
Tara Green was 19 years old, finishing up her second year at Salt Lake City Community College, when her pregnancy test read positive. She is now 24, finishing up her sixth semester as a communication and psychology major at UB, with her 4-year-old daughter, Kaiya, by her side. Green moved from Salt Lake City, Utah, to the Queen City two years ago. She balances being a straightA student and a mother with the help of her friends, family and UB facilities. Specifically, the Early Childhood Research Center (ECRC) on UB’s North Campus has helped her and approximately 20 other student/ faculty parents on campus by providing a quality preschool for children. It wasn’t unplanned, but it wasn’t planned either The pregnancy was a surprise – a welcome one, though. Green and her boyfriend, Dakota Sherman, had been dating for two years at the time of her pregnancy. When Green told Sherman she was pregnant, he could not hold back his tears. They were tears of joy. “I just felt like [Kaiya] was the answer and the link to where I needed to go next,” Green said. “I sat down on the bed and that’s what I said to [Dakota] and he said, ‘I’m willing to support anything that you want to do, but I’m really, really happy.’ “He didn’t exactly know how I was going to feel. He always knew that I didn’t want to be a parent and that it wasn’t something that I was going for. I was always focused on my career and my school and what I wanted to do for myself.” Green’s biggest concern at the time was her schoolwork. But she was prepared to add her daughter to her list of priorities. Even though the pregnancy wasn’t planned, everyone always knew the two would form a family, according to Green. Although marriage may not have always been in the picture, having a child was. In Utah, it is culturally acceptable to start a family at a young age, Green said. According to a report done on health.utah.gov, teen births in Utah account for approximately 11 percent of all births in the state. In 1997, adolescents ages 15-19 gave birth to over 4,494 infants. This birthrate has remained fairly stable since the early 1980s.
LISA KHOURY Senior News Editor
Satsuki Aoi /// The Spectrum
Tara Green walks alongside her 4-year-old daughter, Kaiya. Tara balances her studies and motherhood with the help of her friends, family and UB.
Green was unaware of the cultural difference she was going to encounter upon arrival at UB. The move Green took a year and a half off from Salt Lake Community College to clear her head and focus on her pregnancy. When the stress of life got the best of her and Sherman, they began to take it out on each other. They decided they needed a break. That’s when Green decided Buffalo was the right place for the two most important things in her life: an education and Kaiya. Continued on page 2
Inside
Opinion 3 Life 5
The Student Association Assembly unanimously voted to keep staff members in their job positions and approved this year’s new hires during Wednesday night’s Assembly meeting. Assembly members also approved the following elected officials’ salaries: club coordinators, SUNY delegates, Student-Wide Judiciary associate justice and Speaker of the Assembly. Staff members’ positions fall under the 11 SA departments: Student Affairs, entertainment, club services, communication, production, executive assistants, finance, film, UBTV, office staff and elected officials. Last year, there were 13 departments but Environmental Affairs was integrated into Student Affairs, and the event planners department was removed. After each department briefly explained what it does, the floor was open to Assembly and staff members for questions. Following questions, Assembly and staff members confirmed the positions. Film Department Works to organize the SA Film Series schedule and create a fun movie-going experience for all patrons. Executive Assistants Assists SA and the other staff members with tasks that make SA more efficient and knowledgeable. Club Services Aids over 130 clubs in meeting SA requirements by providing opportunities to meet these requirements. They provide all
clubs with resources to grow in both membership and in impact on the UB community. Entertainment Puts on activities and events to entertain the student body and is responsible for running SA’s most recognizable events, including the Fests, the Comedy Series and Spirit Week. There is one event coordinator. Finance Assists SA departments and clubs to ensure all financial needs are met while following all SA, UB and SUNY Mandatory Activity Fee guidelines. Marketing Responsible for relaying information about SA and its activities, events, and opportunities to the student body. It is also in charge of managing and maintaining the brand image of the SA. Media Creates graphics to be used for marketing SA and its events and for creating and maintaining photographic records of events. It works with marketing to help brand SA and SA clubs. Office Staff Everybody within the office staff helps with the day-to-day functions to keep SA running smoothly. Production Works to make sure all SA department and club events are fully equipped with the necessary equipment to host events and ensure they are of top quality. Student Affairs Student Affairs – the main foundation of SA – focuses on advocacy and student representation. It works closely with SUNY delegates and the Assembly to Continued on page 8
Arts & Entertainment 6,7
Classifieds & Daily Delights 9
Sports 10