Massachusetts Daily Collegian: March 3, 2015

One Last Shot

Page 10

Lack of transparency from Elections Commission endangers spring ballot, writes Zac Bears

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Tuesday, March 3, 2015

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SGA election reforms address some concerns Changes failed to fix all issues raised last semester

By Anthony Rentsch Collegian Staff

The Student Government Association has taken steps to address at least some of the concerns with the election process raised last fall.

According to Kabir Thatte, chair of the Administrative Affairs Committee, the SGA has instituted three new major election policies that will kick into effect this semester: separation of the undergraduate president/ vice president and student trustee campaigns, raising of campaign budgets for individual campaigns – both president/vice president and student trustee – from $75 to $150 and an interview process for election commissioners through the Administrative Affairs Committee.

Additionally, Charlotte Kelly, director of Women’s Affairs under the SGA’s Secretary of Diversity, said that Registered Student Organizations are no longer able to publically endorse campaigns, something that she finds troubling. “(RSO) voices are just as valid as those of every day students,”

Kelly said.

Although a student-led election reform committee was formed last fall and met weekly, it produced no “tangible results,” Thatte said in a recent email.

The reforms for the spring elections came though the A d m i n i s t r a t ive Affairs Committee, which used some of the ideas formulated in the Election Reform Committee.

Emily Devenney, special assistant to the Diversity and Student Engagement Committee and a member of the Election Reform Committee, said that the decision to split the president/vice president and trustee campaigns was the most important change to come out of the process.

According to Devenney, the trustee position is one that represents both undergraduate and graduate students. With the trustee included in the undergraduate president/vice president ticket, there was another degree of separation between the trustee and his or her constituents.

Last spring’s election brought this dynamic to the surface, when the ticket of Ellie Miske, Gabrielle Cook and Devenney was invalidated.

According to Emily O’Neil, Diversity and

President: Rocco Giordano VP: Danny Mirlay Srinivas

Giordano

Rocco Giordano

the separation of the president/ vice president and student trustee is really helpful,” Chancellor of Elections Divya Kirti added.

“It gives graduate students a more concrete contact person.”

Kirti said that, logistically, this reform does create some issues.

In the past, not only have president and vice president candi-

President: Charlotte Kelly VP: Sammi Gay

Mirlay Srinivas

“We have the same priorities, but we are not in complete agreement on everything. It keeps us on our feet.”

Student Engagement Committee chair, graduate students were unhappy that an undergraduate election commission removed their trustee choice.

“It gives graduate students more agency over the election through the student trustee,” Devenney said of the reform.

“In terms of representing the graduate population holistically,

Kelly

REFORMS on page 5

Barrett

Charlotte Kelly

Lima Barbosa

“A lot of the things on our platform, we’re already working on.

We already have the connections with administration and faculty that are needed for this position.”

Sïonan Barrett

Danny Mirlay Srinivas

Student Trustee: Emily O’Neil

see

President: Sïonan Barrett VP: Chantal Lima Barbosa

Gay

“As long as you're doing your part in this community to flourish and build these connections, you're a leader."

"We complement each other."

dates been able to openly support a trustee candidate, students also worked on both parties’ campaigns. With the separation of the ballot, campaign staffers are not allowed to work for two campaigns.

“It becomes complicated (to enforce),” Kirti said. “What are

Student Trustee: Kabir Thatte

Student Trustee: Nicholas Vigneau

Student Trustee: Gabriel Schmitt

O’Neil

Thatte

Vigneau

Schmitt

“You're representing every student in the University, not just the ones that are like you. That's important to remember. It's important for the student trustee to expand outside of the SGA..."

“For me I think being a part of this trustee position culminates a lot of what I want to do in my life. I want to give back to others in the best way I can."

“Being able to talk with people and connect with people and listen is by far the most important skill for any job.”

“I’ve been working a very long time on this issue and sort of how UMass has dealt with health policy, how UHS has been running ... I think that makes me a very viable person to be the trustee...”

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GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES PRESIDENT/VICE PRESIDENT Barrett/Barbosa

By Patrick Hoff Collegian Staff

They have a campaign sticker reminiscent of a former United States presidential campaign, promise to hit the ground running and have a combined four years of experience in the Student Government Association.

In other words, Sïonan Barrett and Chantal Lima Barbosa feel they’re ready for the job.

The duo, running for president and vice president, respectively, prides themselves on being involved throughout campus and are confident they’re ready for the job.

“We have a really good mix … (and) we’re really passionate about anything we do regarding SGA or an organization that we’re really involved with,” Sïonan Barrett said.

Barrett currently serves as the speaker of the SGA Senate, a position she has held for two years. Previously, she served as a senator for the Southwest Residential Area.

Her running mate, Chantal Lima Barbosa, is currently in her first year with the SGA, serving as the Secretary of Public Relations and Recruitment. Lima Barbosa also serves as president of the Cape Verdean Student Alliance, a cultural Registered Student Organization on campus.

“I thought that because I’ve been in SGA for only a year,

I was unqualified to participate in this election, but I have fresh view,” Lima Barbosa said. “I hang a lot with students who are not part of SGA so I kind of get their perspective and what they think and I bring it into senate meetings or cabinet.”

Despite the fact that she is not a senator, Lima Barbosa said she participates a lot, making sure her voice is heard, along with the countless other voices she hears from outside the SGA. Barrett and Lima Barbosa assure voters they are ready to hit the ground running if elected, complete with the slogan, “Ready on Day One.” “A lot of the things on our platform, we’re already working on,” Barrett said. “We already have the connections with administration and faculty that are needed for this position. We’re not going to need a transition period. We’re going to be ready to go once we’re sworn in.”

The duo said they already have the resources and connections across campus to put their plans into place, including adapting meal plans, better funding for RSOs and better use of student spaces.

“We do need to increase our (Student Activity Trust Fund) fee because even if we look at how our groups are funded, we are still, as see

BARRETT on page 4

Giordano/ Mirlay Srinivas

By Anthony Rentsch Collegian Staff

Rocco Giordano and Dhananjay (Danny) Mirlay Srinivas are not the typical Student Government Association insiders running for president and vice president. Giordano has been the elections commissioner for the past two elections while Mirlay Srinivas has no experience with the SGA prior to this campaign.

While neither has a lot of practice with the day-to-day operations of the SGA, both have gotten the majority of their experience working with students more directly as residential assistants.

Currently, Giordano and Mirlay Srinivas are president and vice president of the National Residence Hall Honorary, respectively.

“I’m running from the outside because I feel the SGA needs to change,” Mirlay Srinivas said.

The two legal studies majors have also been involved with legal aspects of student life on campus. Giordano served a brief stint as an SGA judicial advisor and Mirlay Srinivas is a legal assistant at the Student Legal Services Office.

Their experiences, both with students and

with the University of Massachusetts’ disciplinary practices, have encouraged them to seek to shore up relationships between students and the administration.

If elected, the pair has a particular interest in reforming the student conduct system.

“The UMass Amherst campus is home to an increasingly punitive student conduct system that seeks to make examples out of students who violate the code of conduct,” according to a post on their campaign’s Facebook page.

“Some of the decisions from the Dean’s office, I was stunned by,” Giordano said. “We do make mistakes but it is part of growing up.”

“Sometimes the crime doesn’t equal the punishment,” Mirlay Srinivas said. “We need to think about (students’) futures.”

The Giordano/Mirlay Srinivas ticket would also like to see the administration allow student businesses more freedom, especially by allowing them to accept Dining Dollars.

“Student businesses teach people to manage and be responsible and see

GIORDANO on page 5

Kelly/Gay

By Catherine Ferris Collegian Staff

As the Student Government Association elections quickly approach, presidential and vice presidential candidates Charlotte Kelly and Sammi Gay continue to campaign for a number of issues at the University of Massachusetts, including transparency and accessibility.

Kelly has been involved with the SGA in the past as a senator. Although she studied abroad last semester, she said, “I came back really motivated and wanting to change the system and change the way the SGA operates.”

Her running mate, Gay, has not been involved with the SGA and said it was intimidating at first to run. However, she added that she is motivated to get voices from various groups on campus heard.

“While we were collecting signatures, it became apparent students feel disconnected and disenfranchised with the SGA,” Kelly said. “They don’t know what happens in the office, they don’t feel comfortable entering that office and they don’t feel like there’s anyone advocating for their rights and needs.”

Gay echoed that senti-

ment, saying, “I was one of those students previously before running in this campaign who felt disconnected and felt like I had no say and that my voice wasn’t heard.”

The duo said they want things to be more transparent between the student government and student body in the way things run. Kelly said she spoke with hundreds of students about the SGA. She believes it is important to realize what kind of purpose the organization holds on campus because it communicates with administrators, handles a budget of $2.2 million and has full jurisdiction over a set of constitutions the student government has to abide by.

Kelly also said it’s important for students to realize that anyone is capable of being a leader, even if they don’t necessarily hold a position, “… whether it’s them being a good bystander or good roommate.”

“As long as you’re doing your part in this community to flourish and build these connections, you’re a leader,” she said.

Kelly is currently the director of Women’s Affairs and while she is see

KELLY on page 5

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STUDENT TRUSTEE Gabriel Schmitt

By Jaclyn Bryson Collegian Staff

Gabriel Schmitt’s inspiration to get involved with the Student Government Association started with none other than his mom.

“She worked with people in the SGA when she was negotiating with administrators over cuts they were trying to make to University Health Services.

She told me about how student government people had a prominent voice in those negotiations,” he said. “My freshmen year, I wanted to get to know that position that she had described to me.”

So during his first year at the University of Massachusetts, he did just that, becoming a part of the SGA Senate. Now, three years later, he’s looking to become the next student

trustee and embrace the role as the voice of the student body.

Schmitt sees the role of student trustee as being the “most prominent representative” on campus.

He spoke about the importance of the strong working relationship between the student trustee and people making policy and fee decisions.

Cur rently, Schmitt doesn’t have a position with the SGA but he cites his work with the CrabtreeKnowlton House council, University Health Council, town meeting delegations and the Faculty Senate Council as experience that would make him a strong candidate for student trustee.

He also believes that going to Amherst Regional High School and growing up watching the UMass

Nicholas Vigneau

campus transition and change gives him an edge.

“I have a lot of experience around UMass,” he said. “I’ve (known) this university for a very long time and I think that’s a benefit for my understanding (of the campus).”

With such experience, Schmitt said that as student trustee, he would embrace his role as a voice for the students, putting emphasis on student health.

According to Schmitt, the health services on campus are in need of attention, and he’s looking for ways to make positive change.

“Candidates are all going to be doing different things,” he said. “I’ve been working a very long time on this issue and sort of see

SCHMITT on page 4

By Aviva Luttrell Collegian Staff

U n ive r s i t y of Massachusetts student trustee candidate Nicholas Vigneau wasn’t born into a particularly political family, but said he developed a passion for helping solve his fellow students’ problems during his time at UMass.

The junior legal studies and political science major said he draws much of his inspiration from the work of the Kennedy family – specifically, Bobby Kennedy.

“Where I connected with him, besides personality, was that he would go out and talk to people,” Vigneau said. “That’s where he would figure out problems.”

Vigneau said he was drawn to the Kennedys’

Kabir Thatte

By Catherine Ferris Collegian Staff

Kabir Thatte, a junior political science and economics dual major, has been involved in the Student Government Association since the fall semester of his freshman year and is now seeking the student trustee seat.

“I’ve always wanted to contribute to the campus in the best way I possibly can,” Thatte said.

Thatte has held a number of positions during his time in SGA, including senator and a variety of committee positions.

“I’ve been able to observe different issues, differ-

ent problems and different things that plague our campus since I’ve been here,” he said.

Thatte added he feels confident in his ability to convey what students are thinking and important issues on campus to the Board of Trustees.

Currently chairman of Administrative Affairs, Thatte and his committee have worked on making the elections process cleaner and more efficient. He said past elections have shown there are flaws in the system.

One of the issues Thatte recognizes at UMass is the representation of graduate students.

willingness to give back to their community and to use their political power to solve the problems of other people.

Now, Vigneau plans to take a similar approach ahead of the upcoming Student Government Association election.

Instead of running a “loud” social media campaign, Vigneau said he’s been promoting his platform by word of mouth, walking around campus and talking with students to find out what they would like to see changed.

“I’ve been (telling) people, ‘I’m running for this and I’m not going to tell you my initiatives right now and I’m not going to tell you how I feel, but I want to know what you think needs to be done,’” he said. “Being able to talk with people and connect

with people and listen is by far the most important skill for any job.”

Vigneau hasn’t been involved in the SGA before, but said he sees that as an advantage.

“I (have) a very good sense of the student body on campus and I think it would really complement the personalities within the SGA to have that outside perspective,” he said.

Vigneau decided to run for trustee after interning as a legal assistant at the University’s Student Legal Services Office last semester, where he often saw SGA members coming in and out. SLSO is an official advisor to the SGA, he said, adding he was able to learn about the trustee position in particular from see

VIGNEAU on page 5

Emily O'Neil

“They have some of the biggest issues on campus that almost go unnoticed, especially by the undergraduate student body, and to an extent, even more so, the administration and the university system as a whole,” he said.

He said there are graduate students who have issues that undergraduate students may not be able to relate to, such as having children, being a teaching assistant with course loads and having to pay heavier loans than undergraduate students.

“As trustee, I would meet with (graduate students) see

By Eleanor Harte Collegian Staff

Affordability of education, Title IX protection and the recruitment and retention of a diverse student body are the three main components of Emily O’Neil’s SGA campaign platform for student trustee.

The junior economics major and women, gender and sexuality studies minor is the only female candidate running for the trustee position.

O’Neil joined the SGA as a senator her sophomore year. She’s currently the chair of the Diversity and Student Engagement

Committee.

As student trustee, O’Neil hopes to build student power. She plans to hold monthly town hall events and weekly office hours in places that are easily accessible to students, like Earthfoods Café or the W.E.B. DuBois Library.

Here, she said she will listen to student concerns and seek to understand what students need from the University.

“You’re representing every student in the University, not just ones that are like you. That’s important to remember,” O’Neil said. “It’s important

for the student trustee to expand outside of the SGA, since that’s not usually representative of the university as a whole.”

O’Neil hopes to build a strong online presence so students feel she’s easy to reach. This will include a website where students can voice concerns or give feedback, in case they don’t attend a town hall meeting.

The governing document of the SGA is called the Wellman Document, which says the administration needs to consult the SGA when it wants to instisee

O'NEIL on page 5

THATTE on page 5

see

O'NEIL on page 5

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THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

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Taxi driver allegedly assaults passenger, flees scene Police Log: Feb. 27 to March 1, 2015

By Kathleen Kirk Collegian Correspondent Friday, Feb. 27 7:12 p.m.: William R. Hunter, 48, was arrested for disorderly conduct outside of Amherst Brewing Company after threatening violence.

7:49 p.m.: Police responded to reports of a male asleep on a bus at 813 N. Pleasant St. The male was awoken, removed from the bus and sent on his way.

10:40 p.m.: Police responded to reports of three suspicious motor vehicles parked at Crocker Farm School. Police investigated and found the vehicles cold to the touch and secure. They appeared to belong to college-aged students who might have used the lot to park their vehicles.

11:12 p.m.: Police observed a large number of “college students” at 250

Northampton Road. Police noted a tire at 115 Belchertown Road. party at the listed location and stood while more than 100 individuals 1:35 a.m.: Jean-Philippe C. Beaudet, 23, of Centerville, was crossed the street. arrested for assault to maim, Saturday, Feb. 28 disorderly conduct and assault and battery at the Townehouse 12:10 a.m.: Police responded Apartments on Meadow Street. to reports of a large party at 213 Police responded to reports of an Grantwood Drive with destruction of unwanted guest in the home. property. Police assisted in clearing out the party without issue.

2:46 a.m.: Police responded to reports of a disturbance at the 12:50 a.m.: Police observed a vehicle Alpine Commons. The male weaving within the traffic lane at caller stated that he took a taxi the intersection of East Pleasant and the taxi driver never turned Street and Cherry Lane. Based on on the meter and then tried to observations, police believed the charge him a high rate. The male driver was under the influence of stated that he refused to pay the alcohol and/or drugs. Police were taxi driver’s price but offered able to detect a faint smell of alco- to pay a lower amount. Then hol on his breath. The driver agreed the taxi driver began assaulting to perform a field sobriety test and some of the people in the male’s he checked out OK. The driver stat- party. The taxi driver was not in ed that he was trying to get the GPS the area upon arrival. on his phone to work and that was the reason he was driving all over 3:14 a.m.: Austin M. Hiller, 19, of the road.

North Andover, was arrested for a lights violation, failure to stop 1:30 a.m.: Police responded to or yield, operating under the reports of a disabled motor vehi- influence of alcohol and operatcle. The driver stated he hit a ing a motor vehicle to endanlarge pothole that gave him a flat ger near Cumberland Farms on

Belchertown Road.

The bus arrived back at High Horse again after clearing and was advised 9:34 a.m.: Police responded to by police to relocate to the Big Y parkreports of vandalism at 240 ing lot because of traffic.

Northampton Road. A male reported people banged on his Sunday, March 1 door the night before and he did not answer. He discovered some 1:12 a.m.: Police responded to windows were broken and that reports of a loud party at 314 screens were bent back. The Lincoln Ave. apartments. A male also reported vehicle dam- warning was issued and resiage including a broken window dents were cooperative in clearand that the trunk was keyed. ing out guests.

3:02 p.m.: Police investigated a 9-1-1 call hang up. Male party said, “Oops” and then hung up.

Police were unable to reach a live person on the phone to call back.

1:46 a.m.: Police responded to reports of a male party banging on doors at the University Lodge for about two hours. The male stated he was trying to get into his room and that a friend was asleep and did not wake up to answer the door. Management was contacted and maintenance opened the door.

5:34 p.m.: William E. Pelkey, 49, was arrested for possession of an open container. Police found Pelkey with an open Bud Light can while walking down a sidewalk outside of Zanna on 10:23 p.m.: William A. Brown, 37, was North Pleasant Street. arrested for disorderly conduct after 9:08 p.m.: Police responded to reports causing a disturbance and cursing of a bus parked outside of the High at staff at Craig’s Doors on 256 N. Horse LLC that was blocking traffic. Pleasant St. The bus was reportedly stopped for over an hour, making it difficult for Kathleen Kirk can be reached at klkirk@ vehicles to turn onto Amity Street. umass.edu.

UM students lobby State House, push for more funding Group going as part of annual Advocacy Day

By Marie MacCune Collegian Staff

More than 300 students will head to the Massachusetts State House Wednesday to lobby their legislators as part of Public Higher Education Advocacy Day. Lobbyists will be pushing for increased funding for Massachusetts public colleges and universities in the FY16 budget.

The event is organized in large part by PHENOM, the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts.

According to the Public Education Summit Group Budget Proposal FY16, there are two asks dealing with University of Massachusetts funding.

The first is an increase of $33.7 million in funding, dependent on the continuation of the tuition freeze. If tuition is set to go up, the second ask is for an increase of $59.7 million.

FY15 marked the second year in a row that the University received funding to freeze tuition and fees for in-state students.

SCHMITT

Natalie Higgins, executive director of PHENOM, said she is optimistic about securing their asks.

She explained that PHENOM and Advocacy Day are advocating in a new political environment, having never existed under a Republican administration.

“We really hope Gov. Baker understands what a great investment public higher education is,” she said. “Republican governors have understood this in the past.”

She cited the establishment of the John and Abigail Adams tuition waiver under former Gov. Mitt Romney.

This year, PHENOM has collaborated with the Student Government Association, The Center for Education Policy and Advocacy (CEPA) and MASSPIRG on the UMass campus in order to organize students. The University is expected to send around 80 students and will be the largest contingent at the State House.

Chairwoman of the Diversity and Student Engagement committee Emily O’Neill spoke about the SGA’s role in preparing for Advocacy Day. Through her and her committee,

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how UMass has dealt with health policy, how UHS has been running, and since that is a large student issue that has gone unaddressed by the student government, I think that makes me a very viable person to be the trustee because I have that type of experience that is rare.”

In order to make campus-wide improvements, Schmitt’s main goals involve two referendum bills, one of which will be on the spring ballot and involves a fee increase to benefit health services.

The second would fund and establish a new health center on campus.

“That would definitely be a big priority for me,” Schmitt said. “Not just trying to get funding for it, but trying to make sure a new health services facility, if it were funded, would be built well and built with input.”

Thus far, he said, there’s been a lot of sup-

port for this.

From a personal point of view, he is also in the early stages of considering reforms for his own major.

“Mechanical engineering is very difficult, and I think there could be some benefit to reviewing some of the coursework,” he said.

In order to get his name out there, Schmitt is relying mostly on word of mouth. He is looking to find campaign workers and plans to visit lectures in the hopes that his running gives students a chance to vote for a unique brand of candidate.

“I would hope that I could offer something to vote on that really gets their attention,” Schmitt said. “I’m hoping to offer an alternative to the classic student government person.”

Jaclyn Bryson can be reached at jbryson@umass.edu.

SGA worked to prepare potential student lobbyists through a teach-in held last Tuesday.

“I think that the additional training that we gave this year and the extra information that was provided to students … will mean they will be able to really effectively lobby their legislators,” O’Neill said. “And hopefully legislators will be receptive to a huge group of state university students coming in and saying, ‘Hi, we all live in your district and we all really need free public higher (education).’”

She added: “Our official demands are free public higher education. There is a question of whether UMass is truly public if it is not accessible and affordable for all.”

O’Neil estimated there will be 30 SGA members lobbying Wednesday.

Lucas Gutterman, the higher education campaign coordinator and state board treasurer for MASSPIRG, also cited the importance of the teach-in training in preparing students for Advocacy Day. He said the motivation behind the additional training was that they wanted students to feel like “they were actually having an

BARRETT

CHAMBERLIN/FLICKR

More than 300 lobbyists are estimated to attend Public Higher Education Advocacy Day in Boston. impact.”

According to Gutterman, “… the inspiration for MASSPIRG getting involved in Advocacy Day was broadening that (SGA participant) base to people who wouldn’t typically think this is something they would go to. So that people outside the SGA bubble would know about Advocacy Day and would feel comfortable and confident.”

Filipe Carvalho, the access

and affordability director for CEPA, also worked to organize UMass students.

For Carvalho, the work had personal motivation as well.

“I feel that education is a right and so it should be free and accessible for everyone who wants it,” Carvalho said.

Marie MacCune can be reached at mmaccune@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @MarieMacCune.

continued from page 2

a whole, underfunded on such a level that doesn’t allow groups to reach their full potential,” Barrett said.

“At other schools that are of comparable size, they have SATF fees of $200 and our SATF fee is $127.”

She added that an increase of $70 to the SATF in one round would be too much but said there needs to be an increase of a couple dollars “to give RSOs some extra support and resources to do what the mission of their RSO is.”

Barrett and Lima Barbosa were hard-pressed to name the most pressing issue on campus.

“I don’t think it’s fair to pick one priority because there’s just so many issues,” Barrett said. “To one student, there might be a bigger priority to them than another, and I think our biggest priority is whatever student comes into our office with an issue that day.”

Barrett worked with administrators a number of

times over the past few years to help make students feel more included on their own campus.

“Something that I’ve gathered from all the students throughout these meetings and just talking to administration is that we’re going to have to fight for things that we want, and to do that, you’re going to need people that are experienced and can negotiate with administration and have those connections to do so and to do that strategically,” Barrett said.

Something the campaign feels particularly passionate about is the use of Dining Dollars at student businesses on campus. Currently, Dining Dollars can only be used at retail dining locations owned by University of Massachusetts Dining Services.

“UMass Dining is basically monopolizing the way people spend money on meal plans and (student businesses) deserve to have the same luxury as UMass Dining

of being able to use Dining Dollars at their locations,” Barrett said.

Barrett and Barbosa also noted that space in the Student Union is inadequate, either because of decaying rooms or because administrators take precedence when booking rooms in a space meant to be for students.

Lima Barbosa said students are “priority number three” when it comes to booking space.

“RSOs can’t book big meeting spaces or planning spaces because, one, it costs too much because it’s not free to students, even in student spaces like the Student Union, or it’s already booked by alumni or administration,” Barrett said.

She added: “Students who want to meet with their groups and students who want to put on events shouldn’t have to pay extraordinary amounts of money when they don’t get enough funding in the first place to do so.”

Candidate Photo Credit Rocco Giordano | Danny Mirlay-Srinivas — Christina Yacono Charlotte Kelly | Sammi Gay — Christina Yacono Sïonan Barrett | Chantal Lima Barbosa — Christina Yacono Emily O’Neil — Christina Yacono Kabir Thatte — Christina Yacono Nicholas Vigneau — Cade Belisle Gabriel Schmitt — Christina Yacono

The campaign also mentioned untapped spaces, such as The Hatch, a former eatery in the Student Union that has sat empty for six months.

One proposal that Barrett has been working on is the construction of a new Student Union, a plan that she hopes will begin to become a concrete reality in the next five years.

“We’re going to be ready the day we’re sworn into office, we’re going to be ready to move on these projects,” Barrett said. “And actually, we’ve already been moving on them before.

“This is a title, and it might help us get things done a little faster, but we’re going to get it done either way, because for us, it’s not about the title. It’s about the change and about helping the campus community. That’s what we’ve been doing and that’s what we want to continue to do.”

Patrick Hoff can be reached at pphoff@umass.edu.

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O'NEIL

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tute new policies that affect things students pay for or things that directly affect the students, for example, the recent policy regarding admission of Iranian national students.

According to O’Neil, that doesn’t really happen, or at least not as often as it should. She said the document is supposed to be updated every five years.

“I don’t think it’s been updated since 1993,” she said.

In addition, while the student trustee is required to attend SGA meetings but not Graduate Student Senate meetings, O’Neil plans to attend them anyway. As the voice of both undergraduates and graduates students, she believes it’s important for the student trustee to be available to them as well.

In her current position, she led a campaign to make it free for students to take summer internships for credit, working closely with the Center for Education Policy and Advocacy. She is also a member of the Coalition to End Rape Culture.

O’Neil believes Title IX, the federal law that prevents gender discrimination at public institutions, has been mishandled at UMass.

To change this, O’Neil wants to implement a Survivor’s Bill of Rights so that survivors of sexual

VIGNEAU

Eleanor Harte can be reached at eharte@umass.edu.

the biggest issue on the University’s agenda, he said.

“Diversity isn’t about color, diversity is about having everybody represented so everybody feels equally (comfortable) to be here,” Vigneau said, adding he himself is a first generation college student.

“It’s really important … and the administration hasn’t handled it well.”

He also hopes to improve the SGA’s work for the student body and student involvement, saying current approaches are misled.

“Most people on campus don’t have the time or sometimes the willingness to go out there and advocate for what they want and join the SGA and fight for it,” he said, adding that students often need to be prompted to talk about the

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weekly, as often as I could, in any capacity that I need to because it’s an ever changing issue that keeps involving more and more problems that encompass it,” Thatte said. “If the (Graduate Student Senate) and the graduate student body as a whole need help communicating those, the trustee needs to do that and undergraduate students need to get behind that as well.”

He also said proper representation for groups in general is something that is important to him.

“There’s so much that needs to be said and problems that need to be fixed and they’re not being done effectively,” Thatte said.

Thatte talked about the plan released by the Diversity Strategic Planning Steering Committee, saying there was work that had to be done because it was not comprehensive enough and did not detail significant points.

He added that the language used in the document did not clearly indicate differences between racially based discrimination and incidents. Though he understands the document is a draft, he hopes there will be continued efforts to shape it.

As a legacy student of the University of Massachusetts, Thatte recalled the different

paths members of his family took. His grandfather was a fellow in the chemistry department in the 1960s when he came from India along with Thatte’s father, and lived in the Lincoln Apartments.

His older brother attended the University from 2001 to 2005 as a microbiology student on the premed track, while his sister attended from 2005 to 2009 as a political science and art dual major.

“For me, I thinking being a part of this trustee position culminates a lot of what I want to do in my life,” Thatte said. “I want to give back to others in the best way I can.”

Thatte said he based his decisions around his parents and how they went through various struggles, such as living in poverty.

“Their life was about strugle and perseverance and giving to others,” he said. “That’s what I base my experiences off of.”

If Thatte is not elected to the position, he said he would find other ways to contribute.

“This is my time to give back to the student body,” he said.

Catherine Ferris can be reached at caferris@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @Ca_Ferris2.

5

continued from page 1

The reason that there is no change is that there was a lot of talk and no agreement."

Emily Devenney, special assistant to the Diversity and Student Engagement Committee the guidelines for students on campaign staffs? It is something we need to clear up in the future.”

The campaign budget increase is a side effect of that president/vice president-trustee separation.

The increase is supposed to accommodate for the fact that president/vice president tickets and trustees candidates can no longer join their campaigns and pool resources.

“It made sense to increase the access to funds for every standalone ticket,” Thatte said.

Kirti said that she anticipates the amount of printed campaign literature will go up along with the extra money in campaign budgets.

In the future, Devenney said that some minor changes to the bylaws will allow for more “creative campaigning tactics,” apart from just printing campaign literature. For instance, starting next spring, candidates will be allowed to use their campaign funds

at multiple vendors instead of just at Campus Design & Copy.

O’Neil, however, expressed concern that this reform would demote money being spent at student businesses.

Kelly added that the interview process for elections commissioners through the Administrative Affairs Committee could pose a conflict of interest if and when a committee member runs for office. In this election, for instance, its chair, Thatte, is running for trustee.

Despite these reforms, the SGA did not decide to act upon one of the core issues surrounding last fall’s election.

When the election reform committee was created last semester, Thatte told the Collegian that a more meaningful senatorial representation was a priority. However, this concern was not addressed in the reforms.

“The reason that there is no change is that there was a lot of talk and no agree-

CADE BELISLE/COLLEGIAN

Former presidential candidate Ellie Miske speaks during last year's debate. ment,” Devenney said.

Thatte added: “It was absolutely crucial to finish any and all changes to the current election before the Spring 2015 semester began.”

Devenney said that proposals to apportion senatorial seats based on class year and academic college, rather than residential area, were aired but ultimately shot down.

The class year representation system raised concerns of disadvantaging first year students while the academic college system was worrisome because it could potentially encourage highly competitive elections in some colleges, like the College of Social and

GIORDANO

continued from page 3

being in the office five days a week.

During his internship, Vigneau worked with about 50 student clients and was responsible for meeting with them and their attorneys. Through that process, he said he became aware of a large problem on campus – the University’s student disciplinary system.

“I would just hear these people and their horrible stories of messing up once and the system was just crushing them, which is actually a huge part of my platform,” Vigneau said.

“The student conduct system doesn’t promote education and it doesn’t help protect the community like it’s supposed to.”

Increasing diversity on campus is also a central component of Vigneau’s campaign. It should be

THATTE

assault who choose to report the acts can know what to expect.

“Survivors often lose control of their story to the University,” she said about the current policy.

O’Neil also seeks to implement an affirmative consent policy supporting a “yes means yes” standard, something that is in the works in the University of California system.

O’Neil has played a part in organizing this year’s Public Higher Education Advocacy Day, which will take place March 4. Students will go to the State House and lobby for a tuition freeze, which aligns with the affordability section of O’Neil’s platform.

As trustee, O’Neil will push the University to take action on the points outlined in its Diversity Strategic Plan and ask it to go further by giving extra financial support to the groups it praises as making a difference toward diversity.

She believes that this will make progress toward her goal of retaining students of color at the university, an area in which she says there is a lot of work to be done.

“Ultimately it’s about being transparent to do more effectively and uplifting student voices,” O’Neil said.

REFORMS

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

issues that are important to them.

And Vigneau said he’s been doing just that – approaching students across campus and asking what they care about.

“I don’t see this as a political position where I’m taking all of my interests and really driving forward my own agenda,” Vigneau said.

“You can’t go in there as a crusader against the Board of Trustees. It’s a board of equals and to get things done is not to go in there and yell and scream and say, ‘Look, you’re not doing the things you’re supposed to be doing.’ It’s to reason with them and present the facts on campus.”

Aviva Luttrell can be reached at aluttrel@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @AvivaLuttrell.

KELLY

work as a part of a team,” Giordano said. “And they are widely successful. Not letting student entrepreneurs and businesses grow means there is no chance to learn.”

“The administration is pulling them down,” Mirlay Srinivas said. “(Student businesses) deserve the SGA’s full support.”

At the same time, the duo understands that the relationship between the students and the administration is a precarious one regarding the town-gown relationship.

Giordano, who has served as an Amherst town representative, believes the SGA should act as a liaison between students, University administrators and town officials.

“We are working toward them giving us (students) freedom and us (students)

continued from page 2

a part of SGA, she does much of her work outside of the organization.

She also works with the Coalition to End Rape Culture and the It’s On Us campaign and meets with Secretary of Diversity Danielle LaRoque one-onone.

One of the main points of their campaign is improved access to the University.

“Whether it’s financial access to this university for students, access to resources for students of color once they get here, access to space for (Registered Student Organizations) and student groups or access to the administration, we want to make sure that UMass Amherst is the most accessible place for all students, regardless of age, race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, etc.,” Kelly said.

Kelly is also looking to address Title IX and said UMass lacks proper training. She believes there should be better funded resources, such as in the Center for Women and Community and the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health.

Kelly has spoken with several resident assistants and New Student Orientation counsel-

ors who said they have not been trained enough to know exactly what to do when sexual assault occurs. Kelly hopes to expand training so every first year student will know what consent is and how to prevent sexual assault.

Gay has expressed her interest in working with LGBT people of color by collaborating with the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS) and the Stonewall Center to make sure issues and concerns are communicated. She also wants to increase awareness of the effects of energy usage and waste, as well as food and environmental justice.

Kelly and Gay’s campaign has a presence on Twitter and Facebook.

They have also spoken to students about concerns and issues on campus.

“We are going to put ourselves fully into this,” Kelly said. “UMass is working right now, but it’s not working to its fullest potential. We want to change the system so it works, not so it continues.”

Catherine Ferris can be reached at caferris@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @Ca_Ferris2.

Behavioral Sciences, which encompasses the political science major and less competitive elections in other colleges.

Although Thatte said that a new senatorial representation strategy was one of the goals of the Administrative Affairs Committee this semester, O’Neil believes that with several of the committee members now running for office, including Thatte, it is unlikely any further reforms will be made this semester.

“There is talking, but a large potential for nothing getting done,” she said.

Anthony Rentsch can be reached at arentsch@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @Anthony_Rentsch.

continued from page 2

respecting that freedom,” Mirlay Srinivas said.

Giordano and Mirlay Srinivas’ extensive work with students has also led them to believe that, if elected, they need to play a significant role in making sure all student voices are heard.

One way is to try to increase voter turnout, but this is not their only plan. The duo is especially enthusiastic about spurring further election reform.

Reforms that were enacted for this election neglected to address concerns over senatorial representation strategy.

“When the SGA makes plans, only a small minority have their voices heard,” Mirlay Srinivas said.

“The reforms could go so much further,” Giordano said. “Danny and I would love to see (a representation strategy) by college, not resi-

dential area.”

Mirlay Srinivas, an international student from India, sees room for the SGA to further support international students. If elected, he considers “integrating (international students) into the campus” a priority.

Although they share many of the same goals, Giordano and Mirlay Srinivas believe that their strength comes from their ability to balance each other out.

“We have the same priorities, but we are not in complete agreement on everything,” Giordano said. “It keeps us on our feet.”

“We complement each other,” Mirlay Srinivas added.

Anthony Rentsch can be reached at arentsch@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @Anthony_Rentsch.

Access to UM DCs limited for Blarney

By Aviva Luttrell Collegian Staff

Access to residential dining halls will be limited to University of Massachusetts students, faculty and staff with a valid UMass ID during the weekend of March 6 to 8, according to an email from UMass Dining Services Monday.

The change will be in effect from March 6 at 5 p.m. through March 8 at

5 p.m. Guest swipes may only be used for other UMass students during this period.

The University has already announced changes to its residence hall guest policy and on-campus parking in an effort to prevent outside guests from coming to UMass for the annual “Blarney Blowout” St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.

Opinion Editorial THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN

“I want a pig. I want a pig on a leash. A baby pig on a leash.” - Ke$ha

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Editorial@DailyCollegiancom

Lack of transparency from Elections Commission endangers spring ballot

After the election debacle last spring in which the candidates receiving the most votes were disqualified on various technicalities, students met last fall to discuss reforming the

its most controversial elections ever, throwing out over 1,300 student votes due to travesties like the use of a coupon to print campaign posters, the potential use of a personal printer and campaigning in dormitories without a Zac Bears proper escort. The Elections Commission still counts those invalidated votes in voter turnout Student Government Association’s election statistics. bylaws. I attended a few of the early meetings Last October, Anthony Rentsch interbefore it became clear that this election reform viewed Senate Speaker Sionan Barrett and group did not envision a fundamental restruc- Administrative Affairs Committee Chair Kabir turing of how student elections work at the University of Massachusetts.

Transparency has been a buzzword in student government for the past year, from a new shared governance agreement between the administration, the SGA and the Graduate Student Senate, to disqualified presidential vote-winner Ellie Miske in last year’s spring election debate, in which she argued for more Thatte about the groundwork laid in early electransparency behind student fee changes tion reform meetings. Both were hopeful that and how the University plans to maintain the the SGA Senate would enact sweeping changes tuition and fee freeze. Presidential and vice to election bylaws by the end of the semester. presidential candidates Charlotte Kelly and Thatte endorsed a proposal that would move Sammi Gay include a version of Miske’s pro- away from apportionment of senate seats by residential area. posal in their platform.

But the election reform process last fall But few members of the Administrative did not succeed, and the SGA Elections Affairs committee attended the public elecCommission still fails basic obligations, such as tion reform meetings, according to regular members of the group, and by the time the adequate publicity of the campaign schedule.

Election reform weighed heavily on the committee had drafted its reforms, many of minds of SGA officers at the beginning of the the group’s proposals had been eliminated or year. The SGA had just emerged from one of altered significantly.

In place of changes that would have made the Senate more representative, the Administrative Affairs committee sponsored motions that alter the relationship between the Elections Commission and GSS, force elections commissioners to be confirmed by the committee before a vote of the full senate and split the presidential and vice presidential campaigns from that of the University student trustee.

Splitting the tickets, according to Thatte, precludes a presidential or vice presidential can-

“The election reform process last fall did not succeed, and the SGA Elections Commission still fails basic obligations, such as adequate publicity of the campaign schedule.”

and minor changes instituted last fall.

The splitting of candidates for president and vice president from the student trustee creates a slew of issues. Divya Kirti, chair of the Elections Commission, has said in multiple emails to the candidates and other interested parties that she and the rest of the commission are still grappling with the specifics of the new rules a week into campaigning and only a week before voting starts.

Commissioners are currently debating what differentiates a voter from a campaign worker because splitting the tickets means supporters cannot work for both a presidential campaign and a trustee campaign. Many supporters are concerned about voicing support for a trustee candidate while working for a presidential campaign and vice versa, fearing they will injure both causes.

Last fall, now-presidential candidate Barrett pinned low voter turnout on the fact that “not a lot of people know that elections are going on or … do not understand what SGA does.”

In the same piece, now-trustee candidate Thatte said, “The SGA has to figure out why students don’t become involved.”

Not having a location until the day of the debate may be the answer.

didate from supporting or endorsing a trustee candidate on any platform, including social media. All of these motions passed and took effect this spring.

A measure that institutes campaign finance filing 10 days before campaigning starts and allows candidates to use vendors other than Campus Design and Copy takes effect in spring 2016.

Some of the reforms may make problems worse this cycle. Instead of attempting to make election bylaws less restrictive, the Elections Commission seems to be doubling down on Zac Bears is the Opinion & Editorial Editor and can be reached heavy enforcement of arcane election bylaws at ibears@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @zac_bears.

The next journalist under fire Letterstothe edItor

Ever since NBC News handed a six-month suspension to Brian Williams for his fictitious Iraq War story, it seemed as if citizens and news organi-

Issac Simon zations everywhere started to keep a close watch on reporters. Now that Fox News anchor Bill O’Reilly’s credibility has been called into question, it seems that the public has done its homework.

O’Reilly has been saying for decades that he covered the Falklands War and saw combat in the process. The problem is that this is not true.

Like Williams, O’Reilly took every opportunity to tout his war experience. Aside from the details included in his book, “The No Spin Zone,” which reads, “You know that I am not easily shocked.

I’ve reported on the ground in active war zones from El Salvador to the Falklands,” he has gone on to embellish this story further, including in a book written by Tucker Carlson.

O’Reilly took a stab at journalist Bill Moyers when Moyers claimed that he touted untrue war stories.

“I missed Moyers in the war zones of (the) Falkland conflict in Argentina, the Middle East and Northern Ireland,” O’Reilly said. “I looked for Bill, but I didn’t see him.”

The problem is that we didn’t see O’Reilly there, either.

For some reason, O’Reilly feels that if he is on the same continent or in the same country as a conflict that is in the midst of winding down, then he must be front and center – an eye witness, even – covering the action as it unfolds.

As the 10-week conflict

was beginning to wind down, O’Reilly and his CBS crew flew into Buenos Aires. On “The Factor” in April 2013, he discussed a time when he was covering combat during the Falklands War and risked death for the sake of the story.

His memoir, however, paints a different picture. It leaves out the part where he witnessed any sort of combat. His discussion about the fighting he witnessed between the Argentines and the British were events he was never present for.

Also, the Falkland Islands are located 1,200 miles away from Buenos Aires. What’s more? Only 30 journalists were allowed into the conflict zone,

Corn a “liar.” A response like this is no surprise from a man who comes from an arena where backpedaling and acting on the defensive have become commonplace.

In what is perhaps his most famous interview on “The Factor,” O’Reilly slammed then-Congressman Barney Frank, the house financial services chairman, for his poor handling of the economic crisis in 2008, specifically pertaining to government sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. During the anything but cordial back-and-forth argument, O’Reilly called Frank a coward, saying he wasn’t “man enough” to admit his wrongdoing.

This is nothing more than sheer hypocrisy considering that O’Reilly railed against Brian Williams and the entire liberal establishment for his false war stories.

Perhaps O’Reilly should man-up and admit his own mistakes.

As Amy Davidson reported in The New Yorker, this problem goes beyond Fox News. It speaks to a larger insecurity within the journalism world where wars are created and dismantled by the person “covering” the story. These conflicts go beyond having boots on the ground and are now used for celebrity gain.

During an O’Reilly talking points memo on Brian Williams, he said, “If you can’t trust a news anchor or commentator then you’re not going to watch that person.”

The same should go for watching “The Factor,” only in this case, I never began.

“Although forgiveness for Williams is questionable, he admitted his mistakes and apologized for his actions, something O’Reilly has yet to do.”

all of whom were British. And yet O’Reilly continues to claim that he was in the thick of it.

“The Factor” is the most watched cable news program in the country. Since the controversy began, its ratings have spiked with a little over 700,000 viewers tuning in each night, according to variety.com.

It comes as no surprise that O’Reilly’s audience has maintained its loyalty to the show, given O’Reilly’s constant bashing of the “liberal news media” – a topic he revisits week after week.

Now that we have seen the rise and fall of Brian Williams, what are we to expect for O’Reilly? Although forgiveness for Williams is questionable, he admitted his mistakes and apologized for his actions, something O’Reilly has yet to do.

On Feb. 18’s program, O’Reilly called the Washington Isaac Simon is a Collegian columnist and Bureau magazine’s chief David can be reached at isimon@umass.edu.

Editorial@DailyCollegian.com

As current and former members of UMass Jewish Leaders in Business (JLB), Student Alliance for Israel (SAFI) and Hillel, we object to the recent poster equating Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) with terrorist behavior.

First and foremost, we utterly reject the methods of the poster.

There is absolutely no excuse for this kind of public behavior and press material. We call on the proponents of these posters to cease these efforts and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Let’s take a moment to rewind to 2011. In 2011, the UMass students from the Muslim Student Association (MSA), SAFI and JLB went to the United Nations (UN) and presented to Jordan’s UN Ambassador, Prince Zeid Ra’ad, a plan for peaceful economic development for Palestinians, called Cities of Peace. We need these types of efforts to stop fearing one another, to stop pretending to have power when we are really just afraid, to stop lashing out in anger, to learn to cooperatively solve conflicts.

We disagree not just between sides, but among sides: noNo group agrees amongst themselves on viable solutions. The older generations have failed to figure out how to make this work. The younger generation is faced with the choice to follow the same failed methods of their elders, or to commit to a different approach that will make the world safer for our children.

We need to start here, and start now: why not UMass?

Dialogue and cooperative action

is what we need most. Ask questions and respectfully listen with an open mind to the answers. As the generation that can and will change the world, we have to change the approach to problem solving so that we can create a sustainable world that promotes economic and personal well-being for all.

So, let’s talk, let’s dialogue; not just two sides, but more sides. Let’s get the emotions out, but hear and focus on the issues. Let’s address power issues, but not just try to overpower each other. Let’s describe the consequences on all sides, but remember that the condemnations, right or wrong, just haven’t worked.

Let’s not just talk, but work to change the consequences. We have to get beyond any analysis; we have to take cooperative action.

For five years, JLB and MSA worked cooperatively on educational and social programming. We even had Governor Deval Patrick come listen to us. We managed to have cooperating Israelis and Palestinians come to UMass. We reached thousands of students and found fun and understanding together. We are capable of more.

We, the young, have to teach the world how cooperative co-existence works.

Start here, start now: why not UMass?

Laurie Kamenetsky ‘16 Elan Radbil ‘16 Scott Savran ‘14 Seth Rotberg ‘13 Matt Dornfeld ‘12 Scott Nielsen ‘86

Letters to the editor should be no longer than 550 words and can be submitted to either Editorial@DailyCollegian.com or to DailyCollegian.com. We regret that, due to space constraints, not all letters will be printed but can be found online.

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The Massachusetts Daily Collegian is published Monday through Thursday during the University of Massachusetts calendar semester. The Collegian is independently funded, operating on advertising revenue. Founded in 1890, the paper began as Aggie Life, became the College Signal in 1901, the Weekly Collegian in 1914 and the Tri–Weekly Collegian in 1956. Published daily from 1967 to 2014, The Collegian has been broadsheet since January 1994. For advertising rates and information, call 413-545-3500.

PRODUCTION CREW on staff for this issue NIGHT EDITOR - Aviva Luttrell COPY EDITOR - Jaclyn Bryson WEB PRODUCTION MANAGER - Robert Rigo NEWS DESK EDITOR - Marie MacCune O p /E d DESK EDITOR - Kate Leddy ARTS DESK EDITOR - Madeleine Jackman SPORTS DESK EDITOR - Mark Chiarelli COMICS DESK EDITOR - Tracy Krug GRAPHICS DESK EDITOR - James Desjardin

Arts Living THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

“Singers aren’t supposed to have dairy before a show, but we all know I’m a rule breaker.” - Justin Bieber

H E A LT H

Arts@DailyCollegian.com

FOOD

Practice pre-test pranayama Despite menu changes, Breathing tips to fast food is still bad for you quickly de-stress

By Madeleine Jackman Collegian Staff

With the rush of midterm exams and essays that need to be finished before spring break, this next week and a half is a time of high stress for many students.

While some stress is crucial in keeping us motivated and focused, over a long period of time, chronic stress wears down the body and mind. It is important to keep this anxiety in check in order to perform and feel our best.

Unfortunately, with little sleep and a lot of anxiety, it can be difficult to find the time, energy or means to relax yourself while still juggling everything else life has thrown at you. Of course, positive lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, thinking positively and strong time management skills can all help keep the stress to a minimum.

If you are not already in the habit of practicing these, however, and don’t have the time to implement a new lifestyle routine before spring break, simply focusing on your breathing is a fast and easy trick to calm down your body and mind before a big exam, paper or interview.

Have you ever noticed yourself breathing differently when afraid or panicked? In much the same way, we breathe differently when we are relaxed and calm. When you sleep, for example, your breath is

much deeper and slower than right before you are anticipating asking someone on a date.

Pranayama, or breathing exercises, allow you to actively control your breathing, in turn allowing you to more readily control your emotions. Breathing techniques to help you calm down and relax can be done quickly and nonchalantly, making them ideal for a test setting when you feel anxiety coming on as the papers are being handed out.

The first breathing exercise for relaxation is called Sama Vritti, or “equal breathing.”

As the name implies, the duration of the inhale and exhale is identical. Choose a number that you will count up to during your breathing. If you are just beginning this practice, a good number to start off with is four or five.

Inhaling through your nose, breathe in for whatever duration you set for yourself. Next, exhaling through your nose, breathe out for the same period of time.

Repeat for however long you desire, but in a rush, just a few breaths should leave you feeling more relaxed.

While you do this exercise, it is important to try and focus on your breath itself, allowing your mind to settle. If you are trying to reach a deeper meditative state, you can visualize your breath as it travels through your body.

While this breathing can calm you down in a highstress situation, it is also useful for falling asleep.

Counting your breaths has the same effect as counting

sheep, plus the added benefit of a relaxed mind and body.

Another great breathing exercise is called Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing. This technique provides fast and effective results; however, it is a bit more noticeable than Sama Vritti.

Press the thumb of your right hand gently against your right nostril, closing it.

Inhale slowly through your open left nostril.

Before you exhale, take your thumb off of your right nostril and rotate your hand so that your pinky finger closes off your left nostril.

Exhale through the now open right nostril. Inhale again through the right nostril, and before exhaling, switch sides.

Alternatively, you can take five breaths in and out through the right nostril and then the left, rather than switch between each inhale and exhale.

After a minute, you should feel calm, yet focused.

Throughout the day, try to actively sit with good posture and breathe through your diaphragm, feeling the depth of the breath. This increased flow of oxygen to the body will give you more energy as you study, keeps you more present with the task at hand, and less stressed.

So take a deep breath and power through those midterms.

Madeleine Jackman can be reached at mjackman@umass.edu.

By Karen Kaplan Los Angeles Times

Fast food has gotten a little better for you over the last 18 years except in cases where it’s gotten worse.

Among 27 menu items subjected to scrutiny by Tufts University researchers, eight of the offerings contained fewer calories in 2013 than in 1996 and nine contained more.

In addition, five of the 18 items tested for sodium content had less of it at the end of the 18-year period and seven had more.

The researchers looked up nutritional information for all of the cheeseburgers, french fries, grilled chicken sandwiches and nondiet sodas sold between 1996 and 2013 at three leading fast-food chains.

The restaurants weren’t mentioned by name, but one of them was “the top restaurant on the basis of sales” _ a designation that describes McDonald’s. The other two chains had “similar menu items,” a “national presence” and were “in the top 10 for total U.S. sales revenue” attributes that describe Burger King and Wendy’s. (The researchers, from Tufts’ Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, declined to confirm or deny these identities.)

In general, the calorie content of similar items varied from chain to chain, the researchers found. For instance, an order of small fries at one of the chains packed 110 more calories than an order of small fries at one

of the other chains. (The one exception to this trend was large-sized orders of fries.)

The calorie content of foods also varied over time. An order of small fries at the top chain contained 20 calories more in 2013 than it did in 1996. At the other two chains, the calorie count for small fries rose by 50 and 90 during the same period.

The story was about the same with sodium, which varied by chain for all menu items except for the small cheeseburgers. If you ordered large fries in 2013, for example, you could be served anywhere from 700 to 1,420 milligrams of sodium per 1,000 calories of potatoes, the researchers discovered.

All three restaurants saw the amount of trans fat in French fries plummet to “undetectable levels” between 2006 and 2009. That was due to a public health campaign launched by New York City officials against partially hydrogenated oils, and to the people who followed their lead.

These oils are handy for food producers because they have a long shelf life, but they’re bad for the body because they raise levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) while lowering levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind).

A typical meal _ a large cheeseburger, large fries and large drink _ at a one of the fast-food joints would make it pretty difficult for a wellmeaning person to stick to sensible diet limits, the researchers demonstrated. If you were trying limit yourself to 2,000 calories per day in 2013, that meal would have accounted for well over half of

your daily calories no matter which of the three restaurants you patronized. Depending on the chain, those three items would add up to between 65 percent and 80 percent of your recommended daily calories, the researchers calculated. (The U.S. Department of Agriculture has somewhat detailed calorie recommendations based on age and gender online here.)

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advise people to eat no more than 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, depending on age and health history. If you ordered your cheeseburger meal at the lowest-sodium chain, you’d be consuming 63 percent to 97 percent of your daily sodium in a single sitting.

In the highest-sodium chain, that meal would account for 91 percent to 139 percent of your allowable sodium. The cheeseburger alone would account for about 50 percent to 75 percent of your daily sodium, the researchers reported.

Fast-food chains may seem like an easy target for nutrition experts, but the researchers said their investigation was warranted because Americans eat more than onethird of their calories away from home, and about 40 percent of those calories come from fast-food establishments.

The results appeared in a pair of reports published Wednesday in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, which is published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

FOOD

Peace, love and nutrition: Five steps to a healthy diet Balance temptation with portion control

By Haley Harzynski Collegian Correspondent College is one of the most exciting times in our lives but it can also be one of the most demanding.

Students are faced with many challenges ranging from academic workload, social obligations and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regarding the latter task, what we fuel our bodies with has a major effect on our health.

The foods we eat have a dramatic influence on mood, energy and how our brains function. Here are some simple tips I use to maintain a healthy diet: 1. Healthy eating is not about restriction; it is about self-control. If you deprive yourself of all your favorite foods – like french fries or ice cream – you may be putting yourself at risk of overeating when you do indulge.

Reward yourself with these treats but remember that moderation is key. It is important to make overall healthy

choices in your diet, no matter how small, every day.

2. Add more plant-based foods to your diet.

Remember this saying: “Grains, beans and greens!”

Plant-based foods are full of fiber, which is a substance that benefits your health by keeping you full for longer and cleanses your digestive system.

A great way to limit your intake of animal products while increasing plant-based food consumption is to dub every Monday a “Meatless Monday.”

This self-pledge reduces your intake of meat, poultry, fish, dairy or eggs per week.

If this proves too challenging, you can go with an even more gradual start by avoiding meat during at least one meal you normally consume animal products.

Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet will make you feel stronger, increase your energy levels and provide your body with essential vitamins and antioxidants.

3. Get creative.

I hear many people complain about how they are tired of the same options at the din-

ing healthier is good for your overall well-being. A great way to start this research is by visiting the nutrition advisors at the University of Massachusetts Campus Recreation Center.

Individual appointments can be made to discuss healthy eating strategies free of charge. You can email umasswellnesscenter@gmail. com to make an appointment with one of its knowledgeable nutrition advisors.

5. Finally, a healthy life is about being kind to yourself.

Remember that you are doing the best you can and no one is perfect.

It is impossible to create a healthy relationship with food if you are having negative thoughts about your body or SONNY ABESAMIS/FLICKR while eating. Practice self-love and self-compassion. You have Participate in “Meatless Mondays,” replacing animal products with vegetables in some of your favorite dishes. the power to create a healthy life for yourself. ing hall. Being a vegan, I have Caesar. The iron content in people who make sushi for a You only get one life to especially been forced to use hummus can also help boost handful of avocado to add a create healthy habits − food my creativity in choosing your energy level, which healthy source of fat to your is medicine and your health what’s for dinner with the lim- could make you more moti- meal. is your wealth. Today is the ited options available. vated to hit the gym.

Mix things up and be open day to work toward creating Have you thought of add- For your source of protein, to trying new things. Be your a healthy relationship with ing hummus and brown rice try adding grilled chicken to own chef and create your own food. to your salad? Hummus is your salad one day, tofu the menu to fuel your body. a great alternative to a fat- following day and beans the 4. Educate yourself about Haley Harzynski can be reached at packed dressing like ranch or next. Furthermore, ask the the food you eat and why eat- hharzyns@umass.edu.

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Tuesday, March 3, 2015

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LARUE

Senior success Lost among outputs like Dennis Kravchenko’s 30 points and Frank Vatrano’s 17 goals has been LaRue’s quietly impactful senior

thing special and something that not every team has.”

One last chance

ALEX LINDSAY/COLLEGIAN

Zack LaRue (above) and Oleg Yevenko serve as alternate captains, while Troy Power is UMass’ primary captain. campaign.

Despite missing a month midway through the season due to illness, LaRue finished with careerhighs in goals (5) and assists (4).

LaRue started the year with four points through four games. A month later on Nov. 7, LaRue had his first multi-goal game of his career with two goals in a 7-1 victory over American International College.

With more goals this season than in his past three years combined, LaRue said that confidence was key in his heightened point production.

“I know what type of player I am, I know what’s going to give me success,” LaRue said. “I’ve never been the type of player who’s worried about points.

“I’ve always been the guy who, whatever I have to do for the team, whether that’s blocking shots or throwing a hit, I want to be that guy to do it. So when I started scoring goals in there, it just kind

9

TENNIS

continued from page 10

LaRue as the Minutemen’s captain for the second straight season, Power is also LaRue’s roommate and best friend.

Power described how the two immediately clicked when LaRue arrived in Amherst during Power’s sophomore season. Power added that this strong personal bond has helped them develop chemistry as UMass’ captains.

“I think we’re both very similar,” Power said. “We both strive to do things the right way in all aspects in the game.

“First and foremost, in leading by example, Zack’s always been one of the hardest working guys on the ice and in the gym.

As years progressed he slowly became more vocal, especially on the ice. It’s something that guys really respond to.”

LaRue said that he fully embraces this role as a vocal leader, saying that Power has served as a great model to follow by. He added that on a young team which boasts 10 freshmen, it is important to have a strong, influential group of experienced upperclassmen.

LaRue has been at the forefront of this freshmen development as he has been regularly accompanied by first-year linemates.

Trento, one of these linemates, recalled how LaRue helped him get accustomed to the collegiate level and taught him how to deal with injury setbacks.

“When I broke my knuckles, I was getting down on myself about the fact that I wasn’t able to play,” Trento said. “We just talked about how he had his share of scratches and stuff like that and he just told me to keep battling and keep working hard and things would fall into place.

“He was pretty wise in that sense.”

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

of upped me a little bit more confidence-wise.”

Power took notice of LaRue’s more active presence on the score sheet.

“Confidence is a really funny thing,” Power said. “Do I think his skills got tremendously better from last year to this year? Not as much. Just the confidence in what he does with the puck and moving through different areas of the ice, you can just tell that he’s more comfortable.”

On a UMass roster riddled by injuries this season, especially at the forward position, LaRue said that it was satisfying to provide this scoring from the third line.

He added that continuing to boast depth on the lower lines helped mitigate the Minutemen’s injury issues.

“You’re being the guy who’s probably not leaned on to score like the first line,” LaRue said. “So when you’re getting production from your lower lines, it’s some-

While LaRue said that he fell in love with the area around Boston during his time at UMass and wants to live in Massachusetts following graduation, he noted that he’s unsure about his future in hockey.

“If the opportunity arises to play hockey, I would love to do it,” LaRue said. “It’s cliché when people say it, but you’ve got your degree and you’ve got (hockey) so if I get the chance to play, I’d love to do that.”

LaRue acknowledged though that UMass may be his last stop in competitive hockey. If that’s the case, LaRue said that he’s ready for it.

“I know what could happen,” he said. “I’m ready to move on in my life.”

But before LaRue faces this decision, the senior has one last opportunity to lead the Minutemen to its first postseason win in six years.

Finishing the regular season at the bottom of the loaded Hockey East, UMass (10-21-2, 5-16-1 HEA) now prepares for a best-of-three series against No. 5 seed Notre Dame in the first round of the conference tournament this weekend.

While the Fighting Irish swept the Minutemen in December’s two-game series, LaRue said that he is confident UMass can make a run in the tournament. He pointed to the Minutemen’s second half improvements – in which UMass has gone 6-9-2 – as encouragement.

“I would’ve liked to have started better, but at the same time, I rather end strong,” LaRue said.

“I’d be scared to play against us because when we play the way we know we can, I think we’re a pretty lethal team.”

Anthony Chiusano can be reached at achiusano@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @a_chiusano24.

continued from page 10

going to be able to be very competitive in certain situations ...

I thought we were going to get another win.”

“This is one of those where I’m very happy (about how the team played) in the loss.”

Dartmouth (11-0) nearly suffered its first loss of the season thanks in part to yet another pair of wins from Yrazusta, who also tacked on a win at the No. 2 singles spot against Katherine Yau (6-3, 7-5).

Woosley, who boasts the most singles victories on the team (13), also continued her stellar sophomore campaign with two wins of her own.

Woosley’s first win came at the No. 3 doubles match playing alongside Glasper (6-4), while the second came at No. 4 singles, defeating Dartmouth’s Jacqueline Crawford in a dramatic three-set match (6-4, 4-6, 10-6).

Despite securing the doubles point, UMass only pulled out two singles victories and Dartmouth maintained its perfect record.

Arthur Hayden can be reached at awhayden@umass.edu.

NEC’S continued from page 10

to-back meets.

“There’s good momentum going into the spring now and with the performances the indoor athletes are putting on, it raises the pressure and urgency for the athletes waiting for the outdoor season to come around,” O’Brien said.

“We have to rest now. They’ve done everything they could to this point and we’re pleased with their performances,” LaFreniere said. “It’s back off time now.”

Nick Souza can be reached at njsouza@ umass.edu.

THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Sports@DailyCollegian.com

@MDC_SPORTS

HOCKEY

THE EVOLUTION OF A LEADER Named an alternate captain in his senior season, Zack LaRue takes his opportunistic ways into his final Hockey East tournament.

By Anthony Chiusano

Z

Collegian Staff

ack LaRue doesn’t think very long when asked to recall his most meaningful memory in a Massachusetts hockey uniform.

Despite playing in 97 career games, the senior has one recollection that stands above all others.

“My one memory would be my sophomore year scoring a goal against Maine,” LaRue said without hesitation.

On Feb. 23, 2013, the Minutemen hosted the Black Bears in a late-season matchup. In attendance among the 3,127 fans at the Mullins Center was LaRue’s grandmother, who had been recently diagnosed with cancer.

“The doctor told her she could make one more trip before she passed and she decided to come watch me play hockey one more time,” LaRue said.

Inspired by her visit, LaRue clinched UMass’ 5-2 victory in the third period with the deciding goal. Tied 2-2 two minutes, 50 seconds into the final frame, LaRue started a late rally by taking advantage of a rebound opportunity in front of the net to beat Maine goalie Martin Ouelette for his second career goal.

Two years later, LaRue said he still perfectly remembers the sequence of plays leading up to the goal and looks back on the game as

ALEX LINDSAY/COLLEGIAN

Zack LaRue (right) celebrates with family on Senior Night Feb. 21. LaRue has five goals and four assists in 28 games this season. one of his proudest achievements.

“When I scored that goal it was just like it was meant to be,” LaRue said. “It was the best moment of my life and the best goal I’ve ever scored.”Although recognized primarily for his work ethic instead of his point production – he has eight

goals in his collegiate career – LaRue’s emotional goal against Maine is the finest example of him seizing the most out of his opportunities with the Minutemen.

Now, heading into the twilight of his UMass career, LaRue hopes to take full advantage of his final shot at postseason success

T R AC K A N D F I E L D

Minutewomen finish 5th at New Englands

By Nick Souza Collegian Staff

still put up several strong performances.

The distance medley relay team comprised of Rachel Hilliard, Heather MacLean, Krista Webb and Carly Zinner took second with a time of 11:38.98, breaking the old school record of 11:49.37 set in 2010.

The team was beat out in the last leg of the relay

by Maryann Gong of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a performance that even impressed LaFreniere.

“After the race I went over and shook her hand – we had a lead going into the last leg and she steadily closed the gap and it wasn’t because our runner was going slow,” LaFreniere said.

In the field events, Ashley Palmer attempted to replace Stoyle and Kromko, finishing first in the long jump and fifth in the triple jump.

Kromko finished fourth in the long jump in the one event she participated in.

Hilliard stood out on the track, coming within .2 seconds of setting a New England Championship meet record with a first place finish of 2:07:24. She also finished second in the mile with a time of 4:55.

The still-depleted Massachusetts women’s track and field team managed to take fifth at the New England Regional Championships in a field of 35 teams. Northeastern University took home gold in both the men’s and women’s championship.

The women’s team entered the meet at an immediate disadvantage in the field events as Becky Stoyle missed the event due to injury and Courtney Kromko – who won Most Outstanding Field Event in the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships less than a week ago – was limited to one event.

Despite the hole left in the field events, the team put up 52 points, giving them a top-five finish. According to UMass coach Julie LaFreniere, injuries aren’t uncommon after athletes compete in multiple back-toback meets.

“A lot of athletes shine in A-10s and sacrifice their bodies and as a result they get to New Englands pretty banged up,” LaFreniere said.

“But overall I’m happy with the performances, especially against competition this stiff.”

At a meet that included Minutemen take teams from several differanother step forward ent conferences and all three divisions in college track The men’s team entered and field, the Minutewomen the meet with a slightly dif-

ferent frame of mind than the women’s team.

UMass coach Ken O’Brien’s plan heading into the meet didn’t focus on the final score as much as the on-track performances. His team finished 20th overall but managed to squeeze out 11 points in a deep 32-team field.

“We’re a pretty young team that needed experience at a big championship meet,” O’Brien said. “We had a mixture of juniors and sophomores for the most part running over the weekend”.

The distance medley relay team, comprised of Michael McNaughton, Patrick Farnham, Stephen Ness and Cory Thomas, broke a 40-year program record with a time of 9:51.42, earning them a fourth-place finish.

The Minutemen also benefited from the 4x800 relay team of Ben Groleau, Alex Finestone, McNaughton and Ness, which also finished fourth. In the Heptathlon, senior Greg Copeland finished in eighth place with a score of 4,566 points.

Both the UMass men’s and women’s teams are looking ahead to the ECAC championships next weekend.

However, both teams feel the need to step back this week with the indoor season winding down and the athletes coming off of a difficult backsee

NEC’S on page 9

with the Minutemen.

said. “Work ethic is always something that you can fol‘Guys listen to him’ low. He’s always trying to do the little things to make Ask any of LaRue’s team- us better and he really buys mates or coaches about his into the system of what the contributions and the first coaches are trying to say.” attribute almost always This commitment paid brought up is his work ethic. off for LaRue prior to the “He’s a hard worker,” 2014-15 season when he was freshman Dominic Trento named one of UMass’ alter-

nate captains, joining fellow senior Oleg Yevenko in the role.

“It’s obviously a great honor to be named an alternate captain to this team,” LaRue said. “All the guys have bought in and they’ve helped me too. Just being named a captain is just hard work paying off for me.”

According to Minutemen coach John Micheletto, LaRue’s consistency on and off the ice during his first three seasons led to a seamless transition into his new official title.

“His leadership style was always born out of his work ethic first and foremost and he has a lot of respect from his teammates,” Micheletto said. “He keeps himself in fantastic shape and always shows up at the rink ready to work hard, so guys respect him and really like him as a person.”

Micheletto added that the biggest addition to LaRue’s leadership style this season has been his development as a more vocal presence.

While Micheletto said LaRue isn’t known for delivering fiery speeches, he said that the senior’s words resonate among the team.

“Not that he’s a real rahrah guy but when he does speak, guys listen to him,” Micheletto said.

Redshirt senior Troy Power can attest to LaRue’s evolvement as one of UMass’ leaders. Working alongside see

LARUE on page 9

TENNIS

UM splits weekend matches Singles play falters against Big Green

By Arthur Hayden Collegian Staff

The duo of Ana Yrazusta and Carol Benito took home two more wins this weekend in the No. 1 doubles spot for the Massachusetts tennis team, spearheading a UMass squad that is one of the hottest teams in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

The Minutewomen took on Fordham Sunday in their first conference match of the young spring season.

Yrazusta and Benito, as they have all year, set the tone for the afternoon defeating Fordham seniors Sarah Ali and Elliesa Ball in the No. 1 doubles match, (8-4).

UMass went on to sweep doubles play, securing wins from Arielle Griffin and Aarzoo Malik (8-2) as well as Chanel Glasper and Anna Woosley (8-0).

Yrazusta continued to carry her doubles dominance over to singles, winning at the No. 2 spot, (6-2, 7-6). The win was her fifth in a row and gives her an overall singles record of 12-6 on the season. Griffin, Benito and Glasper all won their singles matches as well, lifting the Minutewomen (5-3) to a 5-2 victory against the Rams (4-2).

“I wouldn’t say we played our best,” UMass coach Judy Dixon said. “(Fordham) comes with no pressure and swinging away. They become

ROBERT RIGO/COLLEGIAN

Anna Woosley serves in a match against Fordham last Friday. very dangerous.”

“It was a really good win and it’s nice to be able to rely on other people...In that way it was a really good team effort.”

The win gives the pairing of Yrazusta and Benito a 15-5 record on the season with a 7-1 mark in dual matches. Dixon knows what an incredible asset she has with her doubles pairing.

“Carol brings a lot of maturity,” said Dixon of the junior transfer, who formally played for nationallyranked Tulsa. “She knows what it’s like to be in a bigtime program.”

Dixon added: “Ana brings the sort of exuberance that you need ... Between the two of them, one who’s the steadying influence and the other one who brings a lot of energy, those two have been really critical in instilling that kind of (message). We’re not afraid of anybody.”

With the victory, UMass remains unbeaten at home this season. The Minutewomen’s next match will take them to Providence, Rhode Island, where they take on Providence Friday at 6 p.m.

Minutewomen barely edged

by Dartmouth Despite a victory from Yrazusta and Benito over Dartmouth University’s nationally-ranked No. 1 doubles pairing of Taylor Ng and Kristina Mathis, the No. 22 Big Green narrowly escaped with a 4-3 win over the Minutewomen last Thursday in Hanover, New Hampshire.

“I was really pleased,” Dixon said about the Minutewomen’s competitiveness. “This team really believes that they can beat anybody...We knew we were see

TENNIS on page 9