2010-12-07

Snow Showers 36/23

THE TUFTS DAILY

TUFTSDAILY.COM

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

VOLUME LX, NUMBER 58

Where You Read It First Est. 1980

ResLife: $100 fee for remaining over break BY

AMELIE HECHT

Daily Editorial Board

Students remaining on campus over the 10-day period after the end of finals on Dec. 22 will this year be charged a $100 winter housing fee, the Office of Residential Life and Learning (ResLife) announced in a Nov. 15 e-mail to international students.

Prior to this year, students have never been charged for remaining on campus through winter break, an option sometimes taken by international students who must travel far to return home, according to Director of ResLife Yolanda King. The fee, collected from students’ bursar accounts, will go toward providing compensation to staff members responsible for monitoring the students who stay on campus during the break as well as toward programming for students.

In response to the announcement, several international students voiced objections to what they called a late warning and lack of student consultation in the decision-making process.

Sophomores Vivien Lim and Xiaochong Yao drafted an online petition calling for ResLife to reconsider the policy, offer the Tufts community an explanation for the fee and provide greater transparency and student involvement in future decisionmaking. Lim is also a copy editor for the Daily.

This year, students are not allowed to remain on campus for free until Jan. 2, when winter sports teams are cleared to return to on-campus housing and international students are also allowed back.

“At the beginning of January

the students will return back to their original rooms along with students approved to return for the winter sport teams,” King said in an e-mail to the Daily.

“We will also resume with appropriate in-hall staff coverage but with limited services until Jan. 18, 2011, when the halls reopen for other students.”

The International Center will fully subsidize the fee for affected international students on financial aid, according to its director, Jane Etish-Andrews. The money, drawn from the center’s budget, will not affect aid provided to international students by the Office of Financial Aid, EtishAndrews said.

“From the beginning, I knew we would accommodate students on any kind of aid,” she said. “It was not to be a burden for them.”

King said the fee has not seemed to deter students from staying over the break. Twentyfour students currently plan to stay on campus after the end of classes, a number consistent with those from past years, according to King.

Etish-Andrews said that while she understands students’ frustration over the late notice, the amount of money is insignificant.

“I just don’t see it as a burden at $10 a day,” she said. “These are students whose parents are paying full tuition; I think they can swing $10 per day.”

Yao said that the fee could prove an unwelcome surprise for students operating under tight budgets while in the United States. see FEE, page 2

DAILY FILE PHOTO

University President Lawrence Bacow plans to bring his experience at Tufts to the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Bacow to be president-in-residence at Harvard Grad. School of Education MARTHA SHANAHAN

BY

Daily Editorial Board

University President Lawrence Bacow will next year join the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s (HGSE) Higher Education Master’s Program as its president-in-residence, a position that gives students the opportunity to learn from former university presidents.

The president-in-residence, a one-year commitment, serves as a mentor to students pursuing careers in higher education.

Bacow will succeed Robert Oden, a former president of Carlton and Kenyon Colleges, in the position.

Bacow told the Daily in an interview last month about his

intention to take the position.

He said that, upon his departure from Tufts, he will also be involved in several research endeavors and intends to return to teaching.

Higher Education Program Director Judith McLaughlin chooses the president-in-residence personally. She reached out to Bacow about assuming the role at the conclusion of his tenure at Tufts in the summer.

“He will sit in on a class that I teach,” McLaughlin told the Daily in an interview. “On some days he will be … a participant in the class and some days be at the front … in a teaching role.”

The president-in-residence is also meant to be available to

provide career advice and aid students with their research, according to McLaughlin.

This position marks a continuation of Bacow’s extensive involvement with HGSE. Bacow has in the past worked for HGSE as a faculty member of the graduate school’s executive education programs, including the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents, Crisis Leadership in Higher Education and the Institute for Educational Management, according to McLaughlin.

“In all of these programs, he has received extraordinary reviews for his teaching,” McLaughlin see BACOW, page 2

Friedman School dean taking sabbatical to conduct research BY

BRIONNA JIMERSON Senior Staff Writer

DAILY FILE PHOTO

The Commuter House (Hillside House), located at the intersection of College Avenue and Dearborn Road, will play temporary host to students staying over winter break this year.

Dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy Eileen Kennedy last month announced plans to pursue a yearlong sabbatical beginning next June.

Kennedy, now in her seventh year as dean, will conduct research during her sabbatical with the Nutrition Collaborative Research Support Project (CRSP).

She will return as a professor at the Friedman School in September 2012.

During her sabbatical, Kennedy will be a co-principal investigator for the CRSP, part of a $15 million grant to the Friedman School from the United States Agency for International Development.

“It’s been an ongoing decision, and a series of unrelated events

Inside this issue

have influenced this decision,” Kennedy said in an interview yesterday. “I allocated 40 percent of my time to my role as co-principal investigator, and I simply can’t continue to [do] both.”

“It’s a great time to pass the baton. Tufts has been wonderful to grant me this sabbatical,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy will conduct research for the CRSP in the areas of agriculture, health and nutrition in Africa and Asia during her sabbatical, she said.

She also intends to co-author a book entitled “Fundamentals of Nutrition Policy.”

As dean, Kennedy oversaw many advances at the Friedman School. Under Kennedy’s leadership, the school launched in 2005 a Strategic Plan aimed at stabilizing the budget and sup-

porting innovative research, according to Kennedy.

In 2007, the Friedman School pioneered a joint research project with the government of Ras alKhaimah, United Arab Emirates, to forge a Masters program aimed at addressing nutritional concerns in North Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

Kennedy also oversaw the development of the Friedman School’s portion of the Beyond Boundaries capital campaign. The school has raised over $61 million to put toward scholarships, professorships and research, according to a statement Kennedy issued in November.

The campaign has raised over $8 million for student financial aid and increased the Friedman see KENNEDY, page 2

Today’s Sections

Former Dean of Arts and Sciences Robert Sternberg publishes a book on the college admissions process.

‘Over the Rainbow’ bends gender roles to promote HIV/AIDS awareness.

see FEATURES, page 3

see ARTS, page 5

News Features Arts | Living Comics Captured

1 3 5 7 8

Editorial Op-Ed Sports Classifieds

10 11 13 15

THE TUFTS DAILY

2 Police Briefs MIDNIGHT MADNESS The Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) at 3:28 p.m. on Nov. 20 received a call from a resident of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house located at 98 Professors Row. The individual said that someone had kicked in a window of the house, gained entry and stolen a laptop from his room between midnight and 3 a.m. that morning. There are no leads on the suspect.

MARKING HIS TERRITORY A TUPD officer at 1:37 a.m. on Nov. 23 was driving on Professors Row toward Curtis Street when he saw a student urinating in front of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house at 134 Professors Row. The student was with two friends who told the officers they would take him home.

“He didn’t live there,” TUPD Sgt. Robert McCarthy said. “He just happened to be on their lawn.”

DEEP BREATHS

reports of a student complaining of shortness of breath.

The student told the officers he had taken a certain medication and eaten a brownie laced with marijuana.

He was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital for further observation. He also had additional marijuana on his person, which TUPD confiscated.

SLUMBER PARTY IN EATON TUPD officers at 6:55 p.m. on Dec. 3 arrested an individual for trespassing on university property. Officers had cited the individual, unaffiliated with Tufts, with a trespassing audit earlier in the year after he had been found sleeping in Eaton Hall during off-hours.

On the night of Dec. 3, officers found him once again in Eaton Hall, leading to his arrest.

— compiled by Alexandra Bogus based on reports from the Tufts University Police Department

TUPD officers at 9:53 p.m. on Nov. 23 responded to

ResLife: $100 for winter break stay FEE continued from page 1

“It’s a bit inconsiderate,” Yao said. “$100 may be a small amount for some people and may be a big amount for others who weren’t expecting it.”

Several fellow international students were forced to make alternative arrangements for the break after learning about the new fee, according to Yao. “One of my friends is an international student who is not on financial aid but cannot pay for the charge,” Yao said. “She is on a tight budget.”

Yao said students should have been consulted in the decision-making process.

“Has ResLife actually gone to ask students if they want to have those activities or if they would rather save their money for other purposes?” she said. “They assume students’ needs and wants without asking what they need and want.”

Yao, Lim and King met last week about students concerns. At the meeting, King said that while it was too late to revoke the policy for this year, ResLife promises to offer the Tufts community a more clear explanation of the decision, according to Yao. “They acknowledge that they didn’t inform us as early as possible about their reasons behind the decision,” Yao said on Friday.

ResLife promised that this week it would send an e-mail with an explanation of the policy to all students affected by it, she said.

Lim said she was disappointed with what she called ResLife’s unresponsiveness to student feedback and with what she considered insufficient channels of communication between students and administrators.

“Overall, the impression we got was that they feel they already do all the things we want them to do, and if we have any negative perceptions of ResLife, well that’s just too bad,” she said.

International students staying on campus during the 10-day period in previous years have temporarily moved into Metcalf, Richardson and Stratton Halls, according to King.

In order to minimize disruption for residents of those dorms, students staying over the break this year will instead live in either the Commuter House (Hillside House) or the International House, according to King.

Etish-Andrews added that the move to house students together in these two smaller buildings, rather than large dorms, will help prevent them from feeling isolated.

“They are small houses where students will be together and have a sense of community,” Etish-Andrews said. “It’s pretty lonely to be here over break, so I am glad there is a group that can be together.”

See tuftsdaily.com for an interactive map.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

NEWS

Bacow plans to share his experiences at Tufts with Harvard graduate students BACOW continued from page 1

said in an e-mail to the Daily. “We are thrilled that he will be joining us in a greater capacity.”

In selecting a president-inresidence, McLaughlin said that she considers candidates for the position who can give an evenhanded account of the realities of running a university.

“I want someone who can talk candidly with students about the challenges. … I don’t want only someone who can talk about the successes,” she said.

“The ideal person is someone who can understand the complexities of decision making in higher education and be candid about mistakes made [and] lessons learned.”

Laura Shapiro, Tufts assistant director of admissions, in 2009 completed the Harvard Higher Education Program. She expects Bacow to succeed in what she called an indispensible part of the program.

“I think having anyone available to participate in a class … who’s had the advantage of a life in higher education is going to change the nature of the conversation, and that made it really … rich and really interesting,” Shapiro

said. “That’s probably something that Larry will be very good at.”

McLaughlin said that the position is designed for university presidents interested in remaining active after leaving their posts.

“It’s a position that is occupied by someone who is a person who has stepped down from the presidency recently,” she said.

Diana Chapman Walsh, president emerita of Wellesley College and a former president-in-residence at the program, said that the position also benefits presidents who do not want to end the instructive relationship with students that they had experienced as university presidents.

“One of the things that’s hard about leaving the presidency is leaving the students … and that’s sort of a rupture,” Walsh said. “It’s a wonderful experience, since it was spent with students considering a career in higher education.”

Associate Director of Tufts Admissions Matthew Hyde, who in 2005 participated in Harvard’s Higher Education Program, said that access to a former university president helps the program’s

students form connections in the field of higher education.

“As we’re trying to figure out different questions with our own work, we also have the network of someone who was a sitting president,” he said.

Hyde added that it would be beneficial to learn from the experiences of former university presidents.

“I think the president of a university is such a dynamic job that to really understand the complexities of the university, to have someone who has dealt with these issues was really helpful,” Hyde said.

Bacow will be an energizing addition to the program, Hyde said.

“I think he’s done such a brilliant job at Tufts that he has a lot to share in helping Tufts realize its potential,” Hyde said. “He’s just so inviting and approachable that he’s a great addition, and I think he’s going to really turbocharge the program.”

McLaughlin hopes that Bacow will continue on at HGSE in other capacities following his tenure as president-in-residence.

“We’re hopeful that perhaps we can have him stay on beyond that,” she said.

On sabbatical, Kennedy will pursue research, publish book KENNEDY continued from page 1

School endowment by 50 percent, according to the statement.

Kennedy helped establish the Department of Nutrition Science and the Department of Food and Nutrition Policy within the Friedman School.

“By forming departments, we are seeing faculty members working together, and there is a lot more that is able to be discussed in a very lively back-and-forth,” Kennedy said.

Friedman School Associate Professor Daniel Maxwell, who also chairs the school’s Department of Food and Nutrition Policy, praised the decision to separate the departments.

“She has promoted faculty collaboration both within and beyond the school,” Maxwell said. “We presume that a new dean will promote a similar interdisciplinary approach to research.”

Bharucha agreed. “Before Eileen’s work, there were no departments, just a faculty,” he said.

Bharucha elaborated on Kennedy’s accomplishments as dean. “Securing the national reputation and foundation of the school and pioneering the Ras alKhaimah collaboration are just a couple of Kennedy’s incredible contributions to the school,” he said.

Kennedy’s tenure has not been without controversy, however. She was criticized last fall for acting as the president of the Smart Choices Board of Directors.

The program evaluated food products and placed a Smart Choices logo and nutritional information on the packaging of products it deemed healthy, but drew criticism both for being funded by the food companies whose products it evaluated and for placing the Smart Choices label on products such as Lucky Charms and Frosted Flakes.

At the time, Kennedy defended the program, noting that it based its criteria on governmental dietary guidelines and scientific consensus and that the program was intended to be an improvement over nonstandardized food rating methods.

Smart Choices voluntarily suspended operations late last year after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it planned to create an industry standard food labeling system.

Bharucha is currently assembling an advisory committee to find a new dean, he said. The advisory committee will be comprised of faculty from the Friedman School and members of the Tufts faculty who conduct nutrition research, according to Bharucha.

The advisory committee will hold its first meeting before the winter break and

COURTESY TUFTS UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHY

Dean of the Friedman School Eileen Kennedy, above, will step down at the end of the academic year to pursue a sabbatical. She will return to the Friedman School as a professor of nutrition. expect to fill the position by July 1, 2011, Bharucha said.

Bharucha said the transition provides a chance for institutional self-evaluation.

“When there is change in deanship, there is an opportunity to step back and look at challenges facing the institution. The advising committee will aid in finding those challenges and finding a dean who can address them,” Bharucha said.

Kennedy said she will not play a part in the search process. “I will have no role in

selecting the new dean,” Kennedy. said “I don’t want to be looking over the advisory committee’s shoulder as they select a new official. It’s important that the process moves forward.”

“We are looking for someone highly collaborative, innovative and a leader who will help us advance. He or she will have a global perspective and understand that nutrition is an extremely important factor in our country and in the world,” Bharucha said.

Features

3

tuftsdaily.com

In new book, former Dean Robert Sternberg discusses an evolving approach to admissions

BY SARAH

KORONES

Daily Editorial Board

Uploading videos to YouTube, drawing comic book strips and imagining a world in which Joan of Arc is trapped at a desk job are not exactly the types of tasks that one typically associates with college applications. At Tufts, however, these are exactly the kinds of topics on which applicants are routinely evaluated.

Thanks to Kaleidoscope, an experimental admissions program that debuted in 2007, led by renowned psychologist and former Dean of Arts and Sciences Robert Sternberg, admissions officers take into account abilities that fall outside the realm of test scores and grade point averages.

Sternberg, a leading researcher on intelligence and creativity who stepped down at the end of the spring semester to become the provost at Oklahoma State University, recently described the changing face of admissions in his new book, “College Admissions for the Twenty-First Century,” published in October.

He hopes that other colleges will soon catch on to these less-than-traditional application processes.

He began to notice that something was askew with the way college admissions operated during his time at Yale University, he told the Daily.

“When I was special assistant to the dean of undergraduate admissions at Yale way back when, I noticed that some students who were admitted with extremely high test scores would come to the university, and one would think that they cheated on the tests or

DAILY FILE PHOTO

Former Dean of Arts and Sciences Robert Sternberg recently published a book, “College Admissions for the Twenty-First Century,” which discusses Tufts’ admissions program. had someone else take the tests for them or had had brain damage over the summer,” he said. “Other students with more modest scores seemed to do just fine.

“Of course, that is not to say that the test scores were all wrong — not at all,” he continued. “But there were enough anomalous cases that I started to wonder whether the standardized tests were somehow incomplete or even misguided.”

Sternberg maintains that institutions today rely far too heavily on SAT scores and GPAs — measures that don’t adequately assess a student’s full capabilities — while often ignoring skill sets that are based in

creativity, analytics and practicality.

“The problem is not that we give tests, but rather that we give tests that measure such a narrow band of intellectual skills,” Sternberg said. “I would be perfectly content to give tests if they measured more of the qualities that students will need to become positive leaders who make a meaningful and enduring difference to the world — creative, analytical, practical and wisdom-based skills, including ethical judgment.

“Tests like the SAT and the ACT measure only the analytical skills,” he continued. see STERNBERG, page 4

Tufts students and teachers still see the benefits of live lectures RACHEL SHAPIRO Daily Staff Writer

Imagine waking up two mornings a week and, instead of walking to Cohen Auditorium for your Biology 13 class, opening your laptop and watching the lecture from the comfort of your room.

This might sound like an unlikely scenario on the Hill, but streamed lectures are becoming more and more of a reality at private and public colleges alike.

While online education is often associated with “non-traditional” college careers, such as the education of older individuals and those looking for job-specific training, it has recently been implemented in a number of more-traditional institutions.

According to a 2009 study by the Sloan Consortium, a nonprofit organization devoted to enhancing online education, 4.6 million students took at least one college course online during the fall 2008 term. Web-based courses played a larger role for public institutions, with 74 percent of such schools believing that online learning is critical for their long-term strategy. In comparison, 51 percent of private for-profit institutions and 50 percent of private nonprofit institutions agreed with that statement.

One reason behind the recent increase in online classes is the decrease in state funds made available to public institutions. State schools have more students registered for classes than they have resources with which to provide classrooms and teachers. This semester, for example, 1,500 students are registered for Principles of Microeconomics online at the University of Florida. The school does not have a space large enough to contain them, nor does it possess the financial resources to create one.

While putting lectures online might allow more students to take certain courses, however, some worry about what is sacrificed in exchange.

Up to 450 undergraduates can take Professor of Economics George Norman’s Economics 5: Principles of Economics (EC

The bi-coastal winter

I

Online courses play growing role in higher education BY

SAMANTHA JAFFE | EAST COAST, WEST COAST

5) class, making it one of the largest classes on campus. Norman is familiar with the online format of teaching, which he saw being used in the United Kingdom before coming to Tufts, he said. His main concerns with online classes, however, are the lack of interaction with teachers and the necessary rigidness of online courses. Norman finds there is more flexibility in typical classes, where students and teachers communicate directly with one another. If students are struggling, teachers have the ability to divert from their scripts and review problematic material, according to Norman.

Dean of Arts and Sciences Joanne BergerSweeney expressed similar concerns.

“It’s hard for me to imagine that people would embrace [the implementation of online courses],” Berger-Sweeney said.

“Faculty like interacting with their students as much as students like connecting with their professors.”

Additionally, online classes hinder professors’ abilities to adapt to their students’ needs within a single class session, Norman said.

Aside from the loss of interaction between students and teachers, there are a number of other concerns about online classes, Norman explained; unless some form of attendance is taken or regular assessments are administered, posting lectures online makes it easy for students to put off watching them until just before exams. Norman knows from experience that very few students turn work in early. As a result, if lectures are online, too much coursework may be left to the last minute, he said.

“Students will not look at the material until the end [of the course],” Norman said.

Another practical issue with online courses is copyright law that restricts certain materials from being posted online.

While professors are allowed to show slides containing tables or pictures from textbooks in their classrooms, they cannot legally put many of the materials online for a larger public audience to view.

But online classes do present one solution to overcrowded, and potentially dis-

tracting, class settings, freshman Jeremy Owades said. Owades is enrolled in EC 5 this semester and does not enjoy being part of such a large class.

“I find it impossible to pay attention through an entire lecture,” Owades said.

“You have to sit in the first few rows to be able to hear the professor.”

Still, Owades feels the quality of professor-taught classes outweighs the convenience of online lectures.

“I would feel robbed of my education,” Owades said. “The reason we go here is to interact with really good professors.”

Freshman Molly Weinstein does not mind the size of her Political Science 61: Introduction to International Relations class but finds that large lectures present certain challenges.

“The whole structure of the class is different,” Weinstein said. “The professor tried to make it discussion-based, but the lecture format and number of students makes it hard.”

Freshman Ali Silverstein, whose biology professor posts audio recordings and PowerPoint presentations from lectures online, sees online lectures as an acceptable supplemental practice. Otherwise, she much prefers learning in a traditional classroom environment.

“If you’re sick [and miss class], it’s a really good resource,” Silverstein said. “If I did everything from my room, I wouldn’t have the other students’ energy and input to feed off of, like I do in class.”

Similarly, Norman sees the marriage of technology and traditional classroom teaching as beneficial so long as they complement one another. Norman, for example, gauges his students’ understanding by having them answer multiple-choice questions using remote-control clickers.

According to Weinstein, students taking online classes miss out on the best aspects of education, the interactions between students and teachers are incredibly valuable. “We can be taught by a computer, but it’s limiting. It doesn’t allow us to explore beyond the set curriculum,” Weinstein said.

t’s happened. It’s finally here. The thing you’ve been dreading, and thus the column you’ve all been waiting for.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, winter has arrived. Brace yourselves.

Winter is the season of The North Face and puffy jackets that turn perfectly acceptably sized humans into giant marshmallows, myself included — actually, I look more like a marshmallow than most, because my gigantic puffy is white.

It is the season of getting coffee at 9 p.m., not because you need the caffeine but because in order to walk around outside you need something warm to hold on to.

It is the season of Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s. It is the season of finals and final papers and the Naked Quad Run. NQR is one of the nights when I am reminded how incredibly happy I am to go to Tufts. (Other instances include, in no particular order, TDC, Quidditch games, finding out the lax bro in your Spanish class is crazy smart, Tuftonia’s Day, Spring Fling, “Call On Me” parties and discovering that Tisch Library is the most social place on campus).

While back home all the UCs have “undie runs,” we one-up them and run laps butt-naked in below-freezing temps.

We’re that hardcore. Or that dumb. Or have that much steam to burn off. Whichever “that” you go with, NQR is one of the best parts of winter, hands down.

However, even the epicness that is NQR cannot combat the horror that faces me as I consider the prospect of my second winter in New England in all of its 30-degreeand-below glory. There’s the freezing cold, but that’s not the real issue.

The real issue is the precipitation. And it’s not even snow that I’m disgusted by. It’s the February-April sleet that’s the worst.

It’s wet jeans and overheated classrooms that make you go from being freezing to boiling in under 10 seconds.

New England, why the hell do you abuse heat as much as you do? It’s cold outside; I want to wear a sweater, not a tank top!

Do not heat classrooms to the point of sweating! If it’s frigid outside, I will dress to beat the frigidity, thus screwing me over the second I step inside. It is impossible to dress for both 75 and 28 degrees at once.

I spent all of last winter getting made fun of for the number of layers I managed to fit on my body. I thought it was completely reasonable to wear two pairs of leggings under my jeans and three pairs of socks under my boots. Turns out, as the hard-core New Englanders will tell you, that is not how one deals with cold.

All my friends from the East Coast have taught me the true secret to winter, and it has nothing to do with layers. The true secret to getting through winter like a native New Englander is to realize that it’s cold, accept that you’re going to freeze your butt off when you’re outside and stop complaining.

I have yet to master this. I generally just add another sweater and keep whining.

On the bright side, all my Californians and I get to go home for the worst parts of December and January. We get to see sun that actually is bright enough to give off the requisite amount of Vitamin D, get to hang by the Pacific, get to go out bare-legged on a Friday night and not risk frostbite.

It’s a sick situation, to be honest. We miss the worst of winter and come back tan and sort of excited to see snow again.

It’s all about the contrast, which is why this bi-coastal thing is kind of the best, even though winter is totally the worst.

Samantha Jaffe is a sophomore who has not yet declared a major. She can be reached at Samantha.Jaffe@tufts.edu.

THE TUFTS DAILY

4

Former Dean Sternberg writes about a new kind of college application STERNBERG continued from page 3

“They are unfortunately quite limited in the skills they assess.”

Sternberg believes that there are other useful skills standardized tests fail to acknowledge.

“We can do a much better job of college admissions, as well as instruction and assessment, if we think about student abilities in a broader way than we have — in particular by valuing, assessing and teaching for analytical, creative, practical and wisdom-based skills as well as for memory,” he writes in his book. “To succeed in school and in life, one needs creative skills to generate new ideas, analytical skills to ascertain whether they are good ideas, practical skills to execute the ideas and to persuade others of their worth, and wisdom-based skills to ensure that the ideas help attain a common good, not just selfish gain.”

Sternberg integrated his ideas about intelligence into Kaleidoscope, making the Class of 2011 the first group to encounter these new applications. The experimental program added optional questions to the Tufts application, asking candidates to imagine a world in which history had gone somewhat differently or to use an 8.5-by-11 sheet of paper to create something.

Questions were designed to identify candidates who were creative, had practical skills and wisdom and were knowledgeable about how to promote these skills for the greater good, according to Sternberg.

He said that while some have questioned the program’s objectivity, Kaleidoscope’s evaluation system is impartial. The new essay questions are evaluated based on scoring rubrics that require adequate training on how to use them, he said in a Nov. 21 piece in The Washington Post; admissions officers can judge creativity, for example, based on how original and compelling responses are.

“Lee Coffin — who is one of the leading deans of admissions in the country — has done a superb job … in training admissions officers to rate holistically and in a way that

is valid in predicting future academic and extracurricular performance at the university,” Sternberg said.

Another benefit of the program is that it virtually eliminates ethnic group differences, unlike standardized tests that often vary due to differences in education, first language and home environment, he said.

“No test is completely ‘fair,’” Sternberg said.

“But the advantage of Kaleidoscope is that, in measuring qualities that are important for positive leadership, it goes beyond just the narrow skills that conventional tests assess.”

Sternberg’s research found that Kaleidoscope greatly reduces ethnic differences.

“The reason is that diverse ethnic groups emphasize different skills in their folk conceptions of intelligence,” he said. “By assessing a broader base of skills, a college gives more of a chance to students from diverse ethnic groups.

“Our results from Kaleidoscope were quite favorable,” he continued. “Kaleidoscope scores predict ... academic and leadership [and] extracurricular success at Tufts with no ethnic group differences.”

While Tufts has had much success with the Kaleidoscope program as a predictor of college success, many other universities have been slow to catch on to this new method of college admissions.

“Still other schools just chug along doing the same kind of stuff as always,” Sternberg said. “Current tests such as the SAT are not much different from such tests of a century ago. Imagine what the world would be like today if medical technology, computational technology and telecommunications technology were fundamentally unchanged from 100 years ago.”

Sternberg hopes that his new book will call attention to the problem of an emphasis on outdated criteria in assessments of college admission.

“But change is often slow,” he said. “And I can only hope that the wonderful example of Tufts admissions will be an inspiration to schools elsewhere.”

FEATURES

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Want the most current campus news?

I wish I knew who won the ice hockey game the other day! And how is Jay-Z’s new book?

Follow us on Twitter! To stay in the know, follow @TuftsDaily and @TuftsDailySport

Curious about what classes the ExCollege will offer for Spring 2011?

A preliminary listing of courses will be available on our website during finals!

Check out www.excollege.tufts.edu for news and updates.

Full course descriptions will be available in January, and registration will open on the first day of classes, January 20, at 9am.

Arts & Living

5

tuftsdaily.com

THEATER PREVIEW

MADELINE HALL | THE TASTEFUL AND THE TASTELESS

Metaphoric musings on the melting pot

I COURTESY JEEWON KIM

Male cast members of ‘Over the Rainbow’ rehearse their roles, which are usually performed by females.

‘Over the Rainbow’ bends gender roles in order to raise HIV/AIDS awareness BY

REBECCA SANTIAGO

Daily Editorial Board

Although “Over the Rainbow” — Pen, Paint and Pretzels’ (3Ps) gender-bending cabaret to raise AIDS awareness — is returning at 8 p.m. tonight for its third year in a row, the show promises to be anything but stale.

In fact, it’s safe to say that 3Ps would actually have to work to make this evening dull. In “Over the Rainbow,” men play traditionally female roles and vice versa in a compilation of fun and well-known musical numbers.

Combine all that with an emphasis on audience engagement and interaction and the result is a fun, provocative, fes-

tive experience — all done in the name of a good cause.

Senior Jeewon Kim directs this night of decidedly anti-normative entertainment. Tickets for the show are free at the Balch Arena Box Office and also grant admittance to the pre-performance reception at 7:15 p.m., where food and drinks will be served and Broadwayrelated items will be raffled and auctioned off. All proceeds will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, an organization which marries theater and fundraising to assist institutions addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Last year, “Over the Rainbow” raised about $5,000 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, $2,000 more than the first

performance brought in.

The philanthropic performance will feature popular Broadway hits such as “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from “Hairspray,” “I’ll Cover You” from “Rent” and “I Am What I Am” from “La Cage Aux Folles.” Senior Jared Trudeau, the music director, guided these musical numbers.

“We’re trying to make it relevant to the student community, but also bring in a global perspective,” senior Samantha Kindler, executive producer of “Over the Rainbow,” said.

Accordingly, 3Ps has steamed up with Tufts groups HIV/AIDS Initiative, VOX, HYPE! and Sarabande for this perforsee RAINBOW, page 6

ALBUM REVIEW

Nelly’s new album shows rapper still has it BY

NASH SIMPSON

Daily Staff Writer

Back in my elementary school days, Nelly was the “ish.” Every one of my friends saved up to buy his notoriously

nous melodies and surprisingly weak lyrics. Despite the fact that the song is typical in this sense, Nelly’s singing and rapping style is what makes this song unique. He combines pop and

hip-hop for a current feel, yet with with familiar sounds recalling some of his best moments, such as “Dilemma” see NELLY, page 6

5.0 Nelly Derrty Entertainment/Universal Motown successful albums “Country Grammar” (2000) and “Nellyville” (2002) because not doing so was simply an abomination. The songs on these albums were so good that I still get nostalgic when I hear those classic tracks. Now, Nelly has finally returned with yet another masterpiece. Five long years after the unforgettable “Sweatsuit” which included classics such as “N Dey Say” and “My Place,” his new album has hit the shelves.

“5.0” is the perfect comeback, putting him back on track as one of the most unique and well-liked rap artists in hip-hop history. His hit single “Just a Dream,” included in this album, is his fifth career number-one.

Unfortunately, this most popular single from the album probably has the least substance of any song on the album. Still, it achieves exactly what it sets out to achieve. It’s supposed to grab the love and attention of fans of the new age of music, defined by swirling synth and guitar textures held together with effortless but monoto-

AMAZON.COM

Nelly returns to the rap scene with his latest album, ‘5.0.’

am the first to admit that I enjoy a wellplaced metaphor or simile.

There’s nothing more refreshing than a brief, comparative phrase to surprise the reading mind in the midst of otherwise-drab prose. I collect those literary devices like business cards, flipping through my Rolodex of a memory in order to select the one best-equipped for the job.

I habitually write beyond what is required to get my point across, and the perfect way to feed that habit is with a tasty metaphor.

What really grinds my gears, though, are those washed-out, antiquated metaphors old fogies throw around when they run out of creative things to say. Nothing is worse than hearing, “I’m as blind as a bat!” or “It’s music to my ears!” It’s so mind-numbingly boring I could cry. It’s as dull as ditchwater.

But the real crime occurs when one of those disgustingly cliched comparisons works.

As much as I hate to admit it, I cannot deny that the spectrum of taste represented by students at Tufts resembles, yes, a melting pot. Not the Melting Pot restaurant chain born from a weird 1970s fondue craze, but rather the metaphoric suggestion of a smooth, seamless melting of dissimilar things into homogenized goo. I suppose you could then say our combined tastes resemble something like fondue, but that’s beside the point.

In all truthfulness, the student population at Tufts represents a wide variety in taste. Our preferences vary so distinctly that it sometimes surprises me to think we are a collective group under the name of “Tufts.”

Different sectors of the student body tend to converge in taste; it is dangerous to categorize, but those that stick together and identify with one another often share preferences.

There is no distinct “Tufts student” taste identity. If there was, I’d like to be in charge of codifying it: Robert Goulet would be required listening, and “Total Recall” (1990) would be required watching.

Is there a better way to phrase our distinctly intermixed taste preferences here at Tufts? Is “grab bag” more agreeable? I hesitate for a few reasons. This makes it seem like the friends we accumulate are the product of chaotic randomness. While many of my friendships began by chance, their durability and persistence in my life can be attributed to shared tastes and similar affinities for music, movies and the like.

Also, grab bags made me nervous as a child.

An irrational fear of alligators hiding in concealed spaces made me less than willing to reach my hand blindly into a bag.

Perhaps we truly are a melting pot.

Perhaps our tastes scatter across a graph in so many different directions that there will never be a collective taste identity. Is this a weakness? Is this some kind of oddity, or totally predictable and obvious? Does this final column even have a point?

It does. I firmly believe we are unified by something: an oddness of taste. Tufts students have preferences that surprise and do not necessarily reflect their other defining characteristics. An IR major who pours over political theory books during the school day cannot wait to open up that waiting comic book at the end of the night. A dualdegree NEC student who plays Handel secretly owns the entire discography of Frank Zappa. We are not predictable, and we like what we like. No further analysis is needed.

If that is indeed the case, it looks like I’m out of a job. Maybe we could all go to the Melting Pot this weekend and talk things over.

Madeline Hall is a sophomore who has not yet declared a major. She can be reached at Madeline.Hall@tufts.edu.

THE TUFTS DAILY

6

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

ARTS & LIVING

In its third year, ‘Rainbow’ is on track to become tradition

Longtime fans won’t be disappointed with Nelly’s latest successful venture

RAINBOW

NELLY

continued from page 5

mance. “It’s not all just theater kids,” Kim said.

The night will also feature a Boston-area director sharing his personal experience of being HIVpositive.

Even considering the new tricks up 3Ps’ sleeve for this year’s show, the fundamentals of “Over the Rainbow” remain unchanged. As before, celebrating the individual is a major part of the play. There is no set, and the actors wear their own clothes.

“It’s about performing as yourself, and ... connecting with people” Kim said. “It’s about a community of people uniting on one night and celebrating the joy and spirit of giving.”

As in previous years, the theme of the performance is defying adversity, Kindler said. “We’re just excited to once again continue this theme of philanthropy and charity in the drama department,” she said.

Kim and Kindler, who conceived “Over the Rainbow” during their sophomore year, are determined to make the performance

an annual tradition that will outlive them at Tufts.

“We’ve kind of put in place this mentorship … [in which] everyone on the production staff who is a senior had an assistant who will hopefully take over next year,” Kindler said.

Happily, both Kim and Kindler seem to find their brainchild in good hands.

“One thing we’ve done to encourage the cast to work together is challenge each of them and the production staff to raise $100 on their own to get them connected to the group and the cause,” Kindler said. “They’re not just cast members who want to perform — they want to do it for the cause.”

Though “Over the Rainbow” is sold out, 50 standing room tickets are available today, free of charge, at the Balch Arena Box Office.

Even if you’re unable to attend the show, you can still stop by and make a donation.

Oh, and University President Lawrence Bacow and his wife Adele Fleet Bacow are performing at the beginning. Talk about engaging the Tufts community.

COURTESY JEEWON KIM

‘Over the Rainbow’ features gender-bending musical performances.

continued from page 5

and “Hot in Herre,” to create a true masterpiece.

For those who seek substance and meaning in songs, there are far better moments in the album. “She’s So Fly,” featuring T.I., is on its way to becoming a legendary track. It includes a catchy and original beat, held together by humorous lyrics sung and rapped by Nelly. But T.I.’s verse is what truly stuns listeners, as he introduces a new, fast-paced rapping style with a natural flow.

Another highlight of the album is a bonus track, “Go” featuring Talib Kewli. This song encompasses the entire array of Nelly’s musical talent, he produces an unforgettable harmony, utilizing a quality beat and rapping brilliantly.

The only weak points in the album are “Gone (Dilemma Part 2)” featuring Kelly Rowland and “1000 Stacks” featuring Diddy. The first of the two is a huge disappointment. Listening to this lackluster track is a daunting task, due mostly to Kelly Rowland’s deafening verses.

Basically, this song is an insult to the success of the original “Dilemma.”

“1000 Stacks” just happens to be a bad song, though for no particular reason. All it does is prove why one should never feature Diddy in his or her album. It’s obvious that Diddy has lost the foundational gifts that first made his name in the business.

“Nothing Without Her” is one underrated pleasant surprise in the album. This ballad

NELLY.NET

Unrelated but equally important, Nelly is still a dashing young man. is a change of pace, with Nelly abandoning rap in favor of conventional singing. He gives an impressive performance and manages to successfully appropriate Akon’s vocal style to produce a soothing chorus.

Who knew Nelly could actually sing? Though the song’s slow-paced melody makes it a little cheesy, it is still an enjoyable track and features superb lyrics.

Nelly’s “5.0” keeps you guessing as virtually every

song features a different artist. T-Pain, Chris Brown, T.I., DJ Khaled and Talib Kewli — among others, all appear in the album. “5.0” is a solid piece of work. Though most of the pop and R&B tracks on the album are unfamiliar and unexpectedly original, he keeps the “dirty south” formula that made him a hip-hop fixture. This album is something that you can put on anywhere at anytime and has tracks for all musical tastes.

PAX ET LUX GODDARD CHAPEL CHRISTMAS CONCERT December 9, 2010 - 4 PM

FEATURING A SELECTION OF CHRISTMAS SONGS WITH ORGAN, PIANO, FLUTE AND VOCALS Followed by tree-lighting, carol singing and refreshments in the Chapel Janet E. Hunt, Director of Music

Late Arrivals Welcome Goddard Chapel, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, (617) 627-3427 Website: www.tufts.edu/chaplaincy Wheelchair Accessibility via Tower Door

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

DOONESBURY

NON SEQUITUR

THE TUFTS DAILY BY

GARRY TRUDEAU

BY

7

COMICS CROSSWORD

WILEY

MONDAY’S SOLUTION

MARRIED TO THE SEA

www.marriedtothesea.com

SUDOKU Level: Feeling the love tonight

LATE NIGHT AT THE DAILY Monday’s Solution

Carter: “It really isn’t cost-effective to get a meal plan when you eat dinner here five times a week.”

Phil: “Tell that to my parents who don’t want their diabetic son to have a seizure because he doesn’t eat.”

Please recycle this Daily.

8

THE TUFTS DAILY

CAPTURED

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

ANDREW MORGENTHALER/TUFTS DAILY

JUSTIN MCCALLUM/TUFTS DAILY

Captured

JOSH BERLINGER/TUFTS DAILY

Amazing arts and athletics

ALEX DENNETT/TUFTS DAILY

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

THE TUFTS DAILY

CAPTURED

9

JUSTIN MCCALLUM/TUFTS DAILY

Jumbos aren’t only known for their academic prowess. They competed on the playing field and performed on stage, and Daily photographers were there to capture it all. From ballroom dancing and Homecoming to Spirit of Color and NESCAC championships, students displayed their many talents throughout the semester.

JUSTIN MCCALLUM/TUFTS DAILY

JOSH BERLINGER/TUFTS DAILY

KRISTEN COLLINS/TUFTS DAILY

JUSTIN MCCALLUM/TUFTS DAILY

THE TUFTS DAILY

10

THE TUFTS DAILY BENJAMIN D. GITTLESON Editor-in-Chief

EDITORIAL Managing Editors

Ellen Kan Carter Rogers Matt Repka Executive News Editor Alexandra Bogus News Editors Michael Del Moro Nina Ford Amelie Hecht Corinne Segal Martha Shanahan Brent Yarnell Jenny White Daphne Kolios Assistant News Editors Kathryn Olson Romy Oltuski Executive Features Editor Sarah Korones Features Editors Alison Lisnow Emilia Luna Alexa Sasanow Derek Schlom Jon Cheng Assistant Features Editors Maya Kohli Amelia Quinn Emma Bushnell Executive Arts Editor Zach Drucker Arts Editors Mitchell Geller Rebecca Goldberg Ben Phelps Anna Majeski Assistant Arts Editors Rebecca Santiago Matthew Welch Rachel Oldfield Bhushan Deshpande Larissa Gibbs Dave Kellog Kevin Luo Jeremy Ravinsky Daniel Stock Elaine Sun Devon Colmer Erin Marshall Lorrayne Shen Louie Zong Craig Frucht Rebekah Liebermann Ashish Malhotra Josh Molofsky Michael Restiano Alexandra Siegel

Executive Op-Ed Editor Assistant Op-Ed Editors

Cartoonists

Editorialists

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

EDITORIAL | LETTERS

EDITORIAL

ResLife mishandled winter housing decision The Office of Residential Life and Learning (ResLife) announced on Nov. 15 that students who stay in winter housing this year during the 10-day period after final exams end will have to pay a new $100 fee. International students sometimes stay late, often to save on flights home, and are the population affected by the decision.

There is nothing inherently wrong with charging international students who take advantage of winter housing a small amount to recoup some of the costs involved in keeping winter-housing buildings open. The process by which ResLife decided on and announced the new charge, however, was mismanaged.

The office should not have waited until Nov. 15 to inform students of the fee, because most students by then would have already made the decision whether to remain on campus. Some students made arrangements to fly home after the holidays in order to save a significant amount of money on airfare. Having to spend extra on winter housing cuts into these savings. Had students known about the fee before making plans to leave after the holidays, some may have decided to book earlier flights and spend more time with their families.

While the International Center is fully subsidizing the fee for affected international students on financial aid, the fact that a student does not receive financial

aid does not necessarily indicate that his or her budget will not be strained by having to shell out $100 to remain on campus. Some students may have families or other benefactors who fund their education but do not fund their living expenses. These students don’t necessarily receive financial aid but may very well live on a limited budget of which an unforeseen $100 expense would stretch the limits.

Those who cannot afford airfare are the ones most likely to stay on campus over break, so it is students with limited finances that the decision to charge a winter housing fee impacts most. They had the right to know they would be charged before they made arrangements to stay at Tufts; an announcement only five weeks in advance of winter break is simply not enough warning. If ResLife could not have announced the decision earlier in the semester, then it should have held off on implementing it until next academic year.

Since some of the money from the fee is going toward programming events for winter housing residents, those residents should have been included in the decision-making process. They may have decided to forgo certain programming ResLife had planned for them in order to pay a smaller fee.

Director of ResLife Yolanda King said that it was not the responsibil-

ity of ResLife to solicit student feedback on housing decisions but rather the responsibility of students to address any concerns to ResLife. But student input should be included in the initial decision-making process, not as an afterthought to address controversial decisions once they’ve already been made.

The current practice unfairly puts the burden on the students to include themselves in decisions they don’t even know are being made on their behalf.

When students raised legitimate concerns in a meeting with King after the announcement was made, ResLife took no action. Not only did the office make no attempt to solicit student input before making a decision, they ignored it once it was given.

The Daily does not oppose the winter housing fee on principle, as $100 is a bargain for 10 days of housing. Students should be charged for extra services with which the university provides them.

International students should remember that the fee in question really should have been there all along — and is still rather cheap.

But we do believe affected students should have been included in the decision-making process and that ResLife continued to mishandle its decision after it was announced. The office clearly should not have blindsided students so close to winter break.

refer happened in 2006 — before they were at Tufts, before I was at Tufts and when current Tufts freshmen were freshmen in high school. Their reflexive attack on the magazine shows that, despite their baseless claims to the contrary, racist acts are actually very infrequent on campus — only one highly publicized racist act has been perpetrated by an individual in the last four years, and that was the isolated act of a drunk individual.

Plus, the carol had nothing to do with the wrench incident, yet another fact that seems to elude the authors. The carol was about affirmative action, not about criminal activities, innate racism, “three strikes”

laws or anything mentioned in the op-ed.

While no one opposes the idea that Tufts should be a tolerant place, the authors leave no room for disagreement. And most people will disagree — Guarano and Smith’s paucity of examples of Tufts’ racism only shows that Tufts is actually pretty tolerant.

I urge the authors to consider these basic facts when attempting to promote discussion.

LORRAYNE SHEN

Philip Dear Executive Sports Editor Lauren Flament Sports Editors Jeremy Greenhouse Claire Kemp Ben Kochman Alex Lach Alex Prewitt Daniel Rathman Noah Schumer Ethan Sturm Assistant Sports Editor Aalok Kanani Meredith Klein Danai Macridi Andrew Morgenthaler Tien Tien Josh Berlinger Virginia Bledsoe Kristen Collins Alex Dennett Emily Eisenberg Dilys Ong Jodi Bosin Jenna Liang Meagan Maher Ashley Seenauth

Executive Photo Editor Photo Editors

Assistant Photo Editors

Staff Photographers

Mick B. Krever Executive New Media Editor James Choca New Media Editors Kerianne Okie

PRODUCTION Leanne Brotsky Production Director Andrew Petrone Executive Layout Editor Sarah Davis Layout Editors Adam Gardner Jason Huang Jennifer Iassogna Alyssa Kutner Steven Smith Sarah Kester Assistant Layout Editor Zehava Robbins Executive Copy Editor Alexandra Husted Copy Editors Isabel Leon Vivien Lim Linh Dang Assistant Copy Editors Andrew Paseltiner Melissa Roberts Elisha Sum Darcy Mann Executive Online Editor Audrey Kuan Online Editors Ann Sloan Emily Denton Assistant Online Editors William Wong Ammar Khaku Executive Technical Manager Michael Vastola Technical Manager

BUSINESS

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Regarding the op-ed “Beyond the posters” that appeared in the Dec. 6 issue of the Daily: While this op-ed generally lacked substantive proof of any of the authors’ allegations, a few things were particularly egregious and merit further inspection.

First, the op-ed’s explicit condemnation of The Primary Source is completely unjustified and serves only to reveal the authors’ hypocrisy; if tolerance is their ultimate goal — as they say, “making this campus more of a community and a safe and warm place for all” — then singling out students and student groups is completely counteractive.

Additionally, the incident to which they

Sincerely, Alison Meyer Editor-in-Chief, The Primary Source Class of 2011

Benjamin Hubbell-Engler Executive Business Director Laura Moreno Advertising Director Dwijo Goswami Receivables Manager The Tufts Daily is a nonprofit, independent newspaper, published Monday through Friday during the academic year, and distributed free to the Tufts community.

P.O. Box 53018, Medford, MA 02155 617 627 3090 FAX 617 627 3910 daily@tuftsdaily.com

Corrections Yesterday’s editorial “When a wrench looks like a gun” stated that students on Friday afternoon became aware of a false alarm when a person reported seeing an African-American man carrying a gun that turned out to be a ratchet wrench. In fact, they became aware of the incident on Thursday afternoon.

The byline and biography accompanying yesterday’s op-ed piece “Beyond the posters” misspelled Geoffrey Gaurano’s name.

EDITORIAL POLICY Editorials that appear on this page are written by the editorialists, and individual editors are not necessarily responsible for, or in agreement with, the policies and editorials of The Tufts Daily. The content of letters, advertisements, signed columns, cartoons and graphics does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Tufts Daily editorial board.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters must be submitted by 4 p.m. and should be handed into the Daily office or sent to letters@tuftsdaily.com. All letters must be word processed and include the writer’s name and telephone number. There is a 450-word limit and letters must be verified. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, space and length.

ADVERTISING POLICY All advertising copy is subject to the approval of the Editor-in-Chief, Executive Board and Executive Business Director. A publication schedule and rate card are available upon request.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

THE TUFTS DAILY

Wrenchgate BY

GREGORY BEACH

I rarely comment on campus issues, but today, I feel so inclined. For those who aren’t aware, Tufts sent out a community e-mail on Thursday, Dec. 2, stating that “a male with a handgun” was sighted on campus. The e-mail described the suspect as African-American and stated that town and campus police were notified of the incident. Shortly after, a correction to this report was released. Apparently, it had all been a false alarm. What had been perceived to be a gun was actually a ratchet wrench.

I assumed that this would have been the end of it. I was wrong.

Not long after the correction, I noticed several signs posted around campus, including on my dorm’s door. They depicted two hands, white and black, both holding an adjustable wrench — not a ratchet wrench. However, the caption under the black hand read “gun,” while the caption under the white hand read “wrench.” Provocative, I thought, but aren’t we jumping to conclusions here? Do we really have enough information about this case to classify it as being an instance of racial bias?

I continued my day, online and offline, and it seemed as though everyone was talking about this case. Many seemed convinced that an episode of racism had occurred. I mean, what else could be the explanation, right?

Before I dive into the delicate subject of race, let me first explain my background.

I grew up in Boston proper and spent most of my elementary days in minoritymajority classrooms as one of few white students. I didn’t question it; it seemed completely normal for my best friends to be Muslim, working-class or black. As I grew older, my somewhat naive vision of realized equality for all gave way to a more realistic social understanding. I became frustrated and troubled by blatant racial and social inequities, even in my supposedly “progressive” hometown of Boston. Something had to be done.

Education is a means to affect change in a profound way. It is also where one can observe a microcosm of societal inequality, made all the more tragic because the victims are children. Because I wanted to “do something,” I’ve been working in the field of education since I was 15. Most of my career has been spent educating students of non-white racial backgrounds. Working in the de facto segregated schools of Mattapan, Dorchester

MEREDITH KLEIN/TUFTS DAILY

and Roslindale, I have witnessed the disadvantages that many students must overcome because of their race, social class or simply where they live.

It is clear to me that there are systemic factors that unfairly disadvantage some social groups over others. For example, it is true that the black male is often perceived as a public villain. I believe this to be a product of conditioning and our racially unjust criminal justice system.

Despite blacks only comprising about 13 percent of the U.S. population, approximately 37 percent of prison inmates are black males. Surely, this can’t be because black people are naturally inclined to be criminals — that conclusion would be considered racist by most. Still, many are unfortunately conditioned to think in such a way, even subconsciously.

Could this have been the case in the wrench/gun incident? Could the false reporting of a black male wielding a gun have been influenced by some subconscious prejudice? Absolutely! However, it is not necessarily so.

This incident may be a “teaching moment” yet. Perhaps it can teach us about the paranoid surveillance state that has emerged after Columbine and 9/11.

The person who reported the incident could have genuinely been frightened of being attacked by a gunman, with little regard to his race. Americans and

ELISHA SUM | OUR GENDERATION those who reside here are conditioned to believe that we are always at risk of being attacked. Whether it be in the form of al-Qaida, Mexican drug cartels or even American children — who listen to Marilyn Manson and play Doom, of course — there is always an “other” that could sneak up and shank us.

Not to mention the fact that Tufts was recently ranked the most dangerous campus in the United States. Though this was debunked, there are still several examples of serious crimes occurring in the Somerville/Medford/Tufts area that could make a person edgy. Features like the Tufts Emergency Alert System enable information to travel quickly without facing the scrutiny of lengthy deliberation and thus contribute to a widespread paranoia. While such systems are ostensibly in place to keep us safe, we must question what else these new systems are doing to our communities.

The reason I bring up the surveillance state is to point out the variety of ways we can interpret this event. I feel as though any public discussion should include an analysis of race. It’s obviously an important lens through which we should view social issues. However, when people accuse the Tufts community of racism, it is counterproductive to the conversation. Even if someone’s mistaken reporting of a gunman was influenced by race, is this racism?

As I’ve mentioned, people are conditioned to think a certain way, and often they are not aware of this. I see it every day. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard the word “retard” used without hesitation by supposedly tolerant people. Should I accuse them of being hateful toward those with developmental disabilities? No, I think it is more an issue of ignorance than hate.

The same is true for issues of race.

We should not accuse but instead educate. If someone thinks that “black male” is associated with “criminal” in the United States, a statistically correct assumption, we must explain why this is so. It is a complex question: Why is our society structured in such an unfair manner? Unfortunately, if we waste time accusing others of racism, or conversely, refuse to admit the racial implications of “wrenchgate,” we may never have the resolve to answer it. Until we examine the systemic roots of racism and classism, our discussion will go nowhere.

Gregory Beach is a senior majoring in political science.

Please think before you get on that airplane BY

PAIGE FULTON

It is common for Tufts students to participate in programs that aim to help people in other countries. While I think that it is important to be aware of different people, cultures and events outside the United States, it seems that we are neglecting current problems in our country and even in our own community here at Tufts.

In order to graduate, we must fulfill the world civilizations requirement, which gives the illusion of a global focus.

But all too often, it only teaches us how to dance samba and identify African flutes. Why is priority given to a world civilizations requirement while, on the other hand, it is not necessary for students to learn about the history and current social systems of the United States?

In fact, it is common for Tufts graduates to leave school without an understanding of their privilege or surroundings. I find this strange and disheartening, especially at a liberal arts university where we have access to so many monetary resources and influential people. Why is it not required that we be more aware of and accountable for our privileges?

The number of people who graduate from Tufts having read important texts about racism and other systems of oppression in the United States is lower

than it should be. Requiring students to learn more about this history is not about indoctrination or pushing a liberal agenda, it’s about critically thinking about the ways that we live and why society is set up the way that it is.

Tufts’ global focus goes beyond the world civilization requirement — it extends to the general mindset of the majority of our student body. After listening to many students tell stories about numerous grants and stipends that they received to do “research” in various places around the globe, I must admit that I have begun to question the motivations of some. It is becoming more difficult to differentiate between some of the global citizens on our campus who boast about their experiences and ordinary tourists.

True, some Tufts students travel to other countries with the best intentions, whether for the purposes of volunteering, environmental studies or working with nongovernmental organizations, but what are the results? I challenge you to consider the environmental and cultural impact of a two-week long volunteer trip to Haiti. Consider the plane fuel expenditure, cost of transportation, your place in the tourist infrastructure and the effect of your visit on communities. To go into other countries, help a little and then leave again perpetuates a paternalistic, post-colonial white savior mentality.

11

OP-ED

I’m not negating the validity or value of experiences that many students have had abroad. There is value in travel for pleasure, as well as in volunteering.

But where is the desire to help others and our philanthropic spirit when those others happen to be Americans?

We are quick to talk about the disparities between our country and others’ but fail to look inward in a constructive way. Wanderlust has made us neglect to focus our energies on local communities; instead, we use our access to money and privilege for travel and resume-building “experiences.” We prefer jet-setting for brief sojourns into exotic new places to fostering relationships with the people whom we actually see and interact with everyday.

We need to focus inward and really think about what is going on in our own society.

There is poverty in the United States.

There is hunger, a financial crisis, a disgustingly unequal distribution of power, a failing democracy and environmental crises. Some of these problems exist in our own community, even on our own campus. We are so focused on other people’s problems that we cannot see what is in front of us.

Paige Fulton is a senior majoring in English.

Feminism and men

T

ori Amos once sang, “It’s not a question if I can fight by your side and withstand anything.”

As a man taking part in feminist discourse — albeit in an insignificant and inconsequential manner — I’ve always been worried about overstepping the boundaries, especially since my focus shifted from my concern last spring with women’s issues to now concentrating on men’s issues within a feminist context. My intentions were never to commandeer feminism’s focus onto the latter, but rather, I wanted to write about diverse and intersecting problems in order to expose a side of the movement rarely publicized and understood.

One of the major reasons behind my focus on men’s issues this semester is the men’s rights movement that vilifies and denigrates feminism. Negative stereotypes already abound around feminism without the help of wrongfully angry men.

In other words, these activists often play the victim card, criticize feminism in a nonconstructive way and do not value women’s experiences. To put it simply, their privilege blinds them from defining the root of the problem beyond a superficial abhorrence of all that is feminism. Similarly, my lived experience as a male inevitably precludes me from certain insights across various issues, but I plan each column with full knowledge of my privilege and its problematization of my understanding of systemic issues.

Though there have existed, and still exist, contentions regarding the role of men in feminism, I subscribe to the belief that men can participate in and advance the causes of feminism despite their status as part of the dominant group. Particularly because feminism takes into account the intersecting nature of identities, obviously not every man falls into every category of privilege, for one.

And most importantly, feminism entails a dedication to equality and social justice. With that as a basic working definition of the term, men should engage with and support the movement at the least.

To illustrate some examples of men in feminism, I’d like to briefly mention some organizations that work toward the ultimate goal of gender equality. According to its website, the National Organization for Men Against Sexism “advocates a perspective that is pro-feminist, gay affirmative, antiracist, dedicated to enhancing men’s lives, and committed to justice on a broad range of social issues.” Though it uses the term “profeminist,” the organization embodies a truly feminist perspective.

In addition, the national organization Men Can Stop Rape, based in Washington, looks to mobilize young men and redefine the construction of masculinity in order to prevent male violence against women. It has launched media campaigns aimed at reframing the idea of male strength in the context of male violence against women.

In a similar vein, the White Ribbon Campaign seeks to end this same type of violence, but on an international level with a comparable focus on educating men and boys. Campaigns across the world raise awareness, challenge the status quo, educate youth and work with women’s organizations.

Lastly, with a similar degree of influence and reach, the global alliance MenEngage, comprised of nongovernmental organizations and United Nations agencies, aims to rally men and boys as advocates and activists of gender equality.

As benefactors and part of an unequal system, men do have a responsibility to address gender inequality for their own sake and the sake of others. Regarding feminism as a demonic movement wanting to castigate and castrate men only sets us back on the path toward gender inequality.

Never forget the egalitarian ideals of feminism, and, at the least, be able to see beyond anti-feminist rhetoric. Even if we all don’t take up arms to advocate for the movement, we can live our lives in accordance to the precepts of feminism.

Elisha Sum is a senior majoring in English and French. He can be reached at Elisha.

Sum@tufts.edu.

OP-ED POLICY The Op-Ed section of The Tufts Daily, an open forum for campus editorial commentary, is printed Monday through Thursday. The Daily welcomes submissions from all members of the Tufts community; the opinions expressed in the Op-Ed section do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Daily itself. Opinion articles on campus, national and international issues should be 600 to 1,200 words in length. Op-Ed cartoons are also welcomed for the Campus Canvas feature. All material is subject to editorial discretion and is not guaranteed to appear in the Daily. All material should be submitted to oped@tuftsdaily.com no later than noon on the day prior to the desired day of publication; authors must submit their telephone numbers and day-of availability for editing questions. Submissions may not be published elsewhere prior to their appearance in the Daily, including but not limited to other on- and off-campus newspapers, magazines, blogs and online news websites, as well as Facebook. Republishing of the same piece in a different source is permissible as long as the Daily is credited with originally running the article.

12

THE TUFTS DAILY

ADVERTISEMENT

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Sports

13

tuftsdaily.com

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Jumbos take second in New England Big Four Challenge after staging near comeback BY

CLAIRE KEMP

A

The men’s basketball team showed some newfound resilience this weekend at the second annual New England Big Four Challenge held at Babson College.

MEN’S BASKETBALL (3-3, 0-0 NESCAC) Babson College, Sunday 15 37 32 28

— 52 — 60

Babson College, Saturday Salem State 31 40 — 71 On Saturday, the Jumbos dispatched Salem State 80-71 to advance to Sunday’s championship game. But the Jumbos then fell to an undefeated Brandeis team in the tournament final 60-52.

Two Jumbos were named to the AllTournament team. Junior Alex Orchowski posted two double-doubles in the Challenge for a weekend total of 33 rebounds — 22 on Saturday alone — and 28 points. The Div. I transfer now averages 11.3 boards per game — almost four more than last year’s rebounding leader Jon Pierce (LA ’10). Sophomore guard Alex Goldfarb, who posted 18 points in the Jumbos’ semifinal win over the Vikings, also made the All-Tournament team.

On Sunday, the Jumbos found themselves down in the title match 38-15 with 15:21 remaining and could see their hopes of an upset slipping away. But unlike in years past when the deficit may have caused a teamwide unraveling, this Tufts team launched a comeback. Goldfarb started the action with a jumper that set off a 10-0 Tufts run to make it 38-25 midway through the second half.

The Jumbos continued to determinedly chip away at the Judges’ lead and came within eight, 48-40, with under three minutes

Let’s go bowling s a general rule, I don’t care too much for bowl games. They’re similar to mayonnaise in that vein. If someone thrusts it in front of me and insists upon supplementing my healthy sandwich comprised of college basketball, NBA and NFL with some BCS condiment, so be it.

I can do without college football’s postseason. It has little to do with some feigned moral qualm or even the fact that I’d much rather see a playoff.

Checking out the sponsors is the only redeeming quality. Gone are the days of the Poulan Weed-Eater Independence Bowl or the Papajohns.com Bowl — named as such because the delivery boys weren’t really on board. Obviously, though, their Internet people were gung-ho about it.

In preparation of the postseason, which kicks off on Dec. 18 with the New Mexico Bowl, let’s size up some of the best sponsors:

Daily Editorial Board

Tufts Brandeis

ALEX PREWITT | LIVE FROM MUDVILLE

ANDREW MORGENTHALER/TUFTS DAILY

Junior transfer Alex Orchowski has excelled in his first year at Tufts, leading the Jumbos to a 3-3 record this season. to play thanks to four straight points from Orchowski.

“The biggest reason we were able to stay in the game was that we continued to get stops,” junior tri-captain James Long said.

“Our team defense as a whole was good throughout the game, but what changed late in the game was getting into our sets on offense and getting the fast break going.

Once we started to do what we do on offense, we started clicking because the defense was there the whole time.”

With 1:09 on the clock, the score stood at 53-42. Yet Brandeis converted seven of eight from the free throw line in the final minute to secure the victory.

“Overall I think it was a matter of us relaxing in the second half,” Orchowski said.

“We had to realize we could really play with Brandeis. I think a lot of us had nerves, and in the second half, we really came together and were able to calm down as a whole.” see BASKETBALL, page 15

WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

Jumbos shake out jitters in first meet BY

CONNOR ROSE

Senior Staff Writer

JAMES CHOCA/TUFTS DAILY

Junior Dayorsha Collins high jump victory provisionally qualified her for the NCAA Championship.

The first few meets of the indoor track and field season are traditionally used to get a bearing on the fitness of team members. For the Jumbos, the Jay Carisella Track and Field Invitational, hosted by Northeastern University at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, turned out to be an opportunity to set high marks and fast times, too.

The only meet that the Jumbos attend before winter break was a success, which bodes well for the rest of the season.

The top individual efforts were junior Dayorsha Collins’ victory in the high jump and senior Amy Wilfert’s third-place finish in the 5000-meter. Collins’ jump of 5’5.75” beat the NCAA Championship provisional qualifying mark by a halfinch. The junior also competed in the 200-meter, finishing 12th out of 73 in a time of 26.89 seconds.

In addition to finishing third in her race, Wilfert provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championship meet with a time of 17:37.46. Coming off a successful cross country season, in which she was Tufts’ lone female representative at the National meet in Iowa, Wilfert extended her peak in an effort to put together a quality race in this meet.

Sophomore Kelly Allen finished sixth in the shot put with a distance of 40’8.75” and eighth in the weight throw with a 44’8” throw, good for two see WOMEN’S T&F, page 15

Bowl: uDrove Humanitarian Bowl What they do: The mobile business application became the sponsor on May 25, replacing Roady’s Truck Stops. It’s apparently some sort of business management for your cellular phone that allows truckers to log hours, track mileage and pop sleeping pills. Humanitarians obviously love trucks.

BCS-like stupidity: uDrove doesn’t have a Wikipedia page. In that regard, it is not an official company.

Redeeming quality: Instead of an iPad or an iPhone, which makes the product seem selfish, they switched the vowels up and went with uDrove. Because it’s all about the customer. How brilliant.

Nonsensical rating: 2 out of 5 horn toots Bowl: Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl What they do: They teach people … I think?

Bridgepoint is one of those for-profit education companies that airs commercials, kind of like DeVry or ITT Tech.

BCS-like stupidity: There’s nothing holidayrelated about going to school. That’s like Four Loko sponsoring an AA meeting.

Redeeming quality: Ashford University, a Bridgepoint subsidiary, offers a “women’s studies major with a hands-on lab.” Wait, that’s just my fantasy.

Nonsensical rating: C-minus Bowl: R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl What they do: Ship freights. Or freight-shipping. Is there a difference?

BCS-like stupidity: The Ohio-based R+L Carriers has yet to discover the ampersand.

And it annually sponsors the National Tractor Pullers Association.

Redeeming quality: Between this and uDrove, I’m going to be the best trucker ever.

Nonsensical rating: 3.5 out of 7.2 &’s Bowl: Beef ‘O’Brady’s Bowl What they do: Serve food, drinks and general merriment.

BCS-like stupidity: Their dessert menu has one item, a “Chocolate Eruption Cake.” Their website says it’s erupting with caramel; I’d prefer it to be erupting with beef.

Redeeming quality: A “Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl” sounds like some sort of brilliant microwavable combination between Easy Mac and Chef Boyardee. Their website has Pac-Man. They have mini corn dogs. When I scrolled over the “Beef ‘O’ Brady’s” pennant on the homepage, people started cheering.

Nonsensical rating: 29 beef bowls Bowl: GoDaddy.com Bowl What they do: Attractive women.

BCS-like stupidity: The girls in the commercials won’t make out with each other in the pool unless I visit their website and purchase a domain name.

Redeeming quality: If I buy their product, maybe the attractive women will make out with me.

Nonsensical rating: 9 out of 10 attractive women Alex Prewitt is a junior majoring in English and religion. He can be reached on his blog at http://livefrommudville.blogspot.com.

THE TUFTS DAILY

14

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

SPORTS

INSIDE NCAA FOOTBALL

Ducks and Tigers smoothly escape the 2010 BCS chaos

BY NASH SIMPSON Daily Staff Writer

A lot can change in five months.

In early July, the Alabama Crimson Tide seemed poised for a championship repeat with virtually no looming challengers. Now, they are ranked 16th in the nation.

After an uneventful weekend without even the threat of an upset, the top two college football teams in America are as clear as ever. There is no issue with the BCS voting process. There is no controversy anymore.

It is settled: The Oregon Ducks will face the Auburn Tigers in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 10.

While neither school is historically an offensive powerhouse, this season’s statistics suggest this could be the most exciting offensive showdown in a BCS National Championship Game since the legendary 2006 brawl between Vince Young’s Texas Longhorns and Reggie Bush’s University of Southern California Trojans.

The game will feature two superstars who are finalists for this year’s Heisman Trophy award — Auburn quarterback Cam Newton and Oregon running back LaMichael James.

For the past two years, James has been one of the most underrated players in college football, mainly due to his small stature of 5 feet 9 inches and 185 pounds. Only a sophomore, he has averaged 6.3 yards-per-carry in his career for a total of 3,228 yards.

Although he leads the nation this season

with 1,682 rushing yards, James is somewhat of a secret weapon for the Ducks, forcing defenses to focus on both the running game and the passing game.

The junior Newton, on the other hand, is no secret. He is Auburn football. Outside of the University of Florida — from which Newton withdrew after the fall 2008 semester — and the junior college ranks, nobody really knew who Cam Newton was when Auburn began preseason practice back in August. Even the Tigers’ coaches didn’t know just how good he was.

But everybody knows now. At the quarterback position, Newton is not only an extremely accurate passer, but he can also run like James. The 6-foot-6-inch, 250pound beast has 2,589 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and only six interceptions this year, in addition to 1,409 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.

Clearly, this game is a must-see. But the question remains: Who will win? Both teams have inventive offenses and coaches who make great in-game adjustments. Both teams have the uncanny ability to create big plays at any moment — and usually in a hurry. In past years, showdowns between Heisman-seeking running backs and quarterbacks have often favored the quarterback, and this year will likely be the same.

Auburn has proven that it has what it takes to win. The Tigers have eight comefrom-behind wins, the most notable of

MCT

Auburn junior quarterback Cam Newton evades Kentucky’s defense as he has done all season, compiling a gaudy stat line of 2,589 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and only six interceptions. which was their 28-27 victory over Alabama on Nov. 26 after trailing 24-0 at halftime.

This team embodies resiliency. Even if the

Tigers fall behind against Oregon, expect them to bounce back in dramatic fashion and take the title.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Colleen Hart named NESCAC Player of the Week Senior guard Colleen Hart’s 19 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last week in two Jumbo victories has earned the women’s basketball tri-captain NESCAC Player of the Week honors. Last Tuesday, Hart put up a season-high 23 points to

help the Jumbos pull away in the second half over Salem State in a 59-49 win. In Saturday’s 70-36 rout of Colby-Sawyer, Hart followed up that performance with her second double-double of the season — 15 points and 11 rebounds.

So far this season, Hart is leading the NESCAC with 17.4 points per game and is eighth in the league with 7.2 rebounds per game — surprising for a guard who averaged 4.3 boards last season. Entering tonight’s matchup

at Emerson, the senior guard has scored 1,221 points in her career — only 37 shy of the all-time record held by Teresa Allen from 1985-89. Hart has been lighting up the court, particularly from 3-point range, where she leads the

NESCAC with 14 3-pointers and is shooting at a .424 percentage.

Hart shares this week’s award with Middlebury junior guard Maddie Moreau.

—by Ben Kochman

Library, Late Night Study, and The Tower Café Hours

Philippe de Montebello

for Reading and Exam Period

Dates

Library Hours

Late Night Study

The Tower Café

Friday December 10

8:00 a.m. Midnight

Midnight 6:00 a.m.

Noon 11:00 p.m.

Saturday December 11

10:00 a.m. Midnight

Midnight. 6:00 a.m.

Noon 11:00 p.m.

Sunday December 12

10:00 a.m. 1:00a.m.

Midnight 6:00 a.m.

Noon 3:00 a.m.

Mon-Thurs Dec. 13-16

8:00 a.m. 1:00a.m.

Midnight 6:00 a.m.

Noon 3:00 a.m.

Friday December 17

8:00 a.m. Midnight

Midnight 6:00 a.m.

Noon 11:00 p.m.

Saturday December 18

10:00 a.m. Midnight

Midnight 6:00 a.m.

Noon 11:00 p.m.

Sunday December 19

10:00 a.m. 1:00a.m.

Midnight 6:00a.m.

Noon 3:00 a.m.

Mon-Tues.

December 20/21

8:00 a.m. 1:00 a.m.

Midnight 6:00 a.m.

Noon 3:00 a.m.

Wednesday December 22

8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Winter Recess begins. Library closes at 5:00p.m.

Noon 4:00 p.m.

A public conversation about art museums.

Hosted by Andrew McClellan, Dean of Academic Affairs for Arts and Sciences and Professor in Art History. Sponsored by the Toupin Bolwell Fund.

Wednesday

Photo credit: classicaltv.com

December 8, 2010

Director Emeritus of the Metropolitan Museum of Art,

Barnum Hall

History and Culture of Museums, New York University

New York and the Fiske Kimball Professor in the

Room 008 5:30 – 7 PM

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

THE TUFTS DAILY

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 Housing 10 Bedroom One 10 BR well located. Will not last. Also can use as 4 BR and a 6 BR. Available 6/1/11 to 5/31/12. Call (617) 448-6233 4 Bedroom 4 BR very convenient to school.

Available 6/1/11 to 5/30/12. Great condition on Fairmount Ave. Call (617) 448-6233

Housing 139 College Avenue - 4 BR At Powderhouse Circle and Warner Street. It has hardwood floors throughout the apartment, along with a new fully appliance kitchen.

Non-coin-op laundry and additional storage in basement. Off-street parking included. $2,800/month.

Available June 1, 2011. Call Angela at 617-852-2215 or e-mail: angelam@darinassociates.com

15

SPORTS

Housing

Housing

SOMERVILLE UPLAND RD 2 APT AVAILABLE 11st Fl. 3 Br. modern eat in kitchen, with dishwasher, modern bath, hardwood floors, new windows. 2nd Fl. sunny and spacious, 4 Br. modern eat in kitchen, 1 1/2 modern bath, hardwood floors, new windows. Both apts have front and rear porches, shared coin opp washer and dryer, shared yard, parking for 3 cars each unit. No smoking, no pets, rent is $720 per person, not incl. utilities. First and last and security required. Contact Nick (617)863-5306 or email nickkondilis@yahoo.com

Apt. for Rent Medford - 2 Bedrooms, Lg Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room & Ceramic Bathroom. Apt all renovated. Must be seen. Plenty off-street parking. Great Location, 5 min. to Tufts, Rt. 93, Rt. 16. No Laundry - Laundry Mart 1 Block away. No smoking. No pets. Available now. $1200/mo. Call (781)507-6351 or after 5pm (781)395-9096

Housing

Wanted

College Ave 5 BR Apt 2 1/2 Baths, kitchen, living room, off-street parking, w/d basement.

Available June 1, 2011. Rent: $3250. First and last month rent required. Tenants pay utilities.

Larger apts available. Call Guy (617) 590-7656.

$$ SPERM DONORS WANTED $$ Become a California Cryobank donor and earn up to $1,200/ month, receive free health and infectious disease testing, and help people fulfill their dreams of starting a family. Convenient Cambridge location. Apply online: SPERMBANK.com

CLASSIFIEDS POLICY All Tufts students must submit classifieds in person, prepaid with check, money order or exact cash only.

All classifieds submitted by mail must be accompanied by a check. Classifieds are $15 per week or $4 per day with Tufts ID or $30 per week or $8 per day without. The Tufts Daily is not liable for any damages due to typographical errors or misprintings except the cost of the insertion, which is fully refundable. We reserve the right to refuse to print any classifieds which contain obscenity, are of an overly sexual nature or are used expressly to denigrate a person or group. Questions? Email business@tuftsdaily.com.

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

Jumbos flourish in pressure-free season opener BY

LAUREN FLAMENT

Daily Editorial Board

The men’s track and field team opened its season with a strong performance at the Jay Carisella Invitational hosted by Northeastern on Saturday.

In the first meet since last May, this young squad used the event as a starting point, gauging its training as it prepares for the bulk of its season, which starts in January.

“I’d say it was pretty positive,” senior co-captain Sam Read said.

“It was the first meet of the [season], so no one was really looking to have the best performance of their life, but it was definitely good to get everyone to get out there and compete again and to see the training we’ve been doing pay off.”

Though the meet was not scored, several individuals posted strong marks to start their season. The highest finisher for the Jumbos was Read, who took third place among 26 competitors in the pole vault, clearing a height of 14’11,” improving on his previous best mark of 14’6”.

“I was pretty pleased,” Read said.

“I PR’ed, and it’s been a little too long since my last one, so it was nice to get that out of the way, and it was definitely a good way to start off the season.”

Other top-10 finishers were sophomores Gbola Ajayi, who took eighth among 20 athletes in the triple jump with a length of 44’1.25”, and Thiago Lima, who took in the 1000 meters among 23 in a time of 2:42.

“Even people who didn’t have their best days still had better days

than where they were last year at this time,” Read said. “But we had some guys PR and other guys come close to their PRs and anytime you can do that in the first meet it’s pretty solid.”

Many members of the squad were still gearing up for the season and did not compete on Saturday.

This included many distance runners who recently came off of their cross country seasons. There was, however, a trio of strong performers from the distance squad — senior Chris Brunnquell, freshman Bobby McShane and sophomore Sam Haney.

In the first event of the day, Brunnquell took 11th in the 5,000meter run among 65 athletes.

Despite coming off of an injury that stunted his cross country season, Brunnquell’s time of 15:21 was a personal best of 10 seconds and an ECAC qualifier.

“I realized the week of Regionals that I was in really good shape, so I decided to extend my season by a few weeks to try qualify for ECACs,” Brunnquell said. “I was cruising for about two miles or so, but then started feeling really bad around 4000 meters and started looking at the clock every lap and doubting myself.

Then with 200 meters to go, I realized that I had to run about 32 seconds to qualify for ECACs, so I closed harder than is actually possible for me to do, which was around 30 seconds flat.”

McShane also produced an 11th place finish in the mile, finishing in 4:28 among 60 athletes. In the 3,000-meter run, Haney took 12th in a time of 8:54 to finish in the top

GOTUFTSJUMBOS.COM

Senior co-captain Sam Read finished third out of 26 competitors in the pole vault, while a number of underclassmen also showed promise for the future. third among 39 athletes.

Several personal bests were also reached by the throwers this weekend.

“The throwers all did well,” Read said. “[Junior] Adam Aronson had two PR’s, and [sophomore] Curtis Yancy had his second best throw. It was also good to see the freshmen get out there and throw.”

The Jumbos’ next competition will be the Dartmouth Relays on

Jan. 7 and 9, before they host the Tufts Invitational I on the 15th.

The squad is optimistic about its ability to make steps forward before it hits the track again a month from now.

“The whole fall … has been about getting into shape, so we haven’t done a lot of top-end speed stuff and a lot of our guys are just coming off of cross country, so now its all about building off of the base

that we built up,” Read said. “We’ve got a lot of raw strength right now, but we’ve got to start moving it towards specific speed.”

“The sprinters, jumpers, and throwers will get some more serious workouts in as we get deeper into the season, and the distance guys are already getting in a solid base that should make us really strong in February,” Brunnquell added.

Athletes going abroad leave potential void in distance squad

Jumbos will look to go 2-0 to post winning record before winter break

WOMEN’S T&F

BASKETBALL

continued from page 13

top-10 finishes. After a tremendous season last year as a freshman, Allen started off strong and looks to be ready to take another step forward.

Fellow thrower junior Ronke Oyenkule also had a strong day with a throw of 39’1.25” in the shot put to put her in seventh place.

A main point of this early-season meet was just to help the athletes get their jitters out and get experience in their events.

“We have a lot of good freshmen this year, so a lot of them were excited and a little nervous for their first meet,” Collins said. “It was especially true since we were up against a wide range of competitors from Division I through Division III schools.”

Athletes stayed relaxed by keeping expectations for this meet low.

“I didn’t really think about the qualifying marks prior to the meet,” Allen said. “Being the first meet, I didn’t want to stress myself out with specific distances already, although it was a relief getting a few of them done with already.”

The success the Jumbos had on Saturday is hardly indicative of where they can go as a team.

Most of the distance runners took the meet off, leaving only seniors and those who are going abroad in

the spring to carry the weight for the distance squad.

Junior Anya Price, who ran unattached to save eligibility, is one such runner who will be abroad in the spring. Price finished second in the 3000-meter, running a personal best time of 10:24.53.

The rest of the team will have to fill the void that Price and other athletes going abroad will leave.

Using the time off effectively is crucial in order to have a successful season for the long distance runners coming off of their cross country seasons.

“I’m looking forward to training with some of my teammates,” Collins said. “When I come back and compete, all the work I’ve put in will hopefully show.”

Since competition has officially started for the women, it is hard not to look to the future.

“For the team, I hope we all work hard to qualify for Division IIIs and perform well there,” Allen said. “There is a lot of young talent on the team and even more potential for success, so hopefully it shows as the season progresses.”

With over a month off before their next competition, the Jumbos have plenty of time to work on their weaknesses and get ready for the important meets later in the season.

continued from page 13

control from the starting whistle. After opening the game with a 15-4 run, the Jumbos fought off a 12-4 Salem State run and extended its lead to 12 points — including six straight points from sophomore Scott Anderson and a rebounding clinic by Orchowski in the final minute — at the half.

“I think we just executed better on Saturday,” Long said. “The common thread through both games was good team defense, but on Saturday we matched that with offensive execution and good shooting and intensity on both sides of the ball. The things we did on the second half on Sunday we were able to do throughout the whole game on Saturday.”

The Jumbos stayed ahead by double digits for most of the second half on Saturday and stretched the lead to as many as 15 points at 12:27 to play. With 4:10 remaining, Goldfarb made it 72-58, but the 14-point cushion seemed to make the Jumbos complacent for a few minutes.

The Vikings charged back to within five, 74-69, before freshman Oliver Cohen hit four straight free throws and Anderson hit two of his own, extending the lead to 80-71 — a lead that would hold for the final 24 seconds.

The 1-1 weekend was a mixed bag for the Jumbos. All five of Tufts’ starters had doubledigit scoring performances, but the Jumbos had long stretches on Sunday when they struggled to score. Orchowski proved to be the only constant in the two games, which

must change if the Jumbos hope to contend in the NESCAC. “I think we can see that we have a good chance to compete this year and become a successful team,” Orchowski said. “Over the weekend, we saw what we can do. We had some mental lapses, but we really saw how great of a team we could become. I also think we showed that even when we were up against some adversity, we showed a lot of fight.”

The team, now at 3-3 overall, will also need to turn around its turnover ratio before tonight’s home meeting with Plymouth State and Thursday’s away clash against UMass Dartmouth. In Saturday’s win, the Jumbos gave up 19 points off turnovers and 13 free points in the championship — totals that could prove devastating in January’s NESCAC play.

The two games in the next three days will provide quick feedback on what needs to be worked on over winter break.

“These are definitely two big games against two good teams,” Long said. “Especially against Plymouth [tonight]. We’re just focused on taking care of the ball and getting the ball inside on offense; we know the defensive intensity is going to be there because that has been our bread and butter all year. ... We just need to do what we do best on offense and take high-quality shots.”

“The ultimate goal is to be able to relax more and play more together as a team,” Orchowski added. “We just want to improve more as a team with each game.”

16

THE TUFTS DAILY

ADVERTISEMENT

Tuesday, December 7, 2010