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(04/02/13 7:27pm)
A call on the radio breaks the friendly, laid back atmosphere of the Lions’ EMS room. The three first-responders become silent and freeze, waiting to see what the person on the radio has to say. Where are they responding to? Is the incident serious?
“The Voice,” which is playing on the large Sony television, becomes background noise. The adrenaline in the room increases. All ears are tuned to the radio.
False alarm. It was just a call from maintenance saying that a lamppost in one of the lots was out. The first-responders breathe a sigh of relief.
But, on this Tuesday night, the responders were only into their second hour of duty. There were 10 hours ahead of this crew of student volunteers, and they would be ready whenever a call for them came in on the radio.
Fifteen years ago, there was no emergency service organization at the College. Before Lions’ EMS, the campus would rely solely on Ewing Township EMS and Pennington Road Emergency Medical Unit to respond to all emergency calls on campus, according to junior biology major and Lions’ EMS crew chief John DeJesus.
There were several attempts to form a campus EMS group in the 1970s, according to DeJesus, but it finally took hold in 1998.
“Like-minded students trained in emergency care saw a need for a group to respond to emergency calls on campus and a way to use and improve their skills. They petitioned the school and eventually were allowed to form,” DeJesus said.
Since then, Lions’ EMS, a division of Campus Police, has responded to approximately 108 calls a semester. During the 2011-2012 academic year, members were on call for 239 emergencies and volunteered more than 3,180 hours, according to the Lions’ EMS website.
From January 2009 to today, Lions’ EMS has covered over 915 calls. Last semester alone, the squad responded to 122 calls and volunteered 1,752 hours of duty crew time and about 57 hours of stand-by time at events, according to DeJesus.
While a majority of the calls within the 15 years have been for intoxication, there are a plethora of other calls, according to junior biology major and Lions’ EMS Deputy Chief Megan Wyles, who said lacerations, minor burns, possible bone fractures, allergic reactions and diabetic and behavioral emergencies are also common.
“We are trained to deal with many types of emergencies that can range from cardiac arrest to complicated childbirth, and many others in between,” Wyles said. “Many of us have come across our fair share of seemingly ‘common’ and ‘uncommon’ calls in the line of duty here at the College.”
Lions’ EMS does more than provide emergency care to the campus, though, according to Wyles.
“Lions’ EMS stands by at many large-scale events, such as concerts and Funival, in order to make our services readily available to anyone who may need them. We also host an annual blood drive in the fall and provide blood pressure screenings to the TCNJ and Ewing communities at various events throughout the year,” Wyles said. “We have participated in a project run by Student Health 101. These are just a few of many events we have participated in over the years.”
But three years ago, the services Lions’ EMS provides were all in danger of being shut down due to the resignation of its then-supervisor, according to junior nursing major and Lions’ EMS Secretary Alana Barouch. College employee Scott Sferra took on the position, and has now supervised the squad for three years. Under these years of his supervision, Lions’ EMS has grown to be stronger than ever, according to Barouch.
“We wear more professional, personalized uniforms and badges for the first time. We’ve acquired new radios and equipment,” Barouch said. “Most importantly, we finally have a hard-earned response vehicle. Our electric car, equipped with EMS supplies and emergency lights, allows us to respond to calls much faster than when we responded on foot with heavy backpacks.”
One major way in which the squad has become more efficient and timely is having a central location to respond from.
Up until a few years ago, Lions’ EMS had no squad room — their equipment was stored in a closet in Eickhoff Hall, according to Wyles. When a call came in, the responders on duty would have to run to Eickhoff to grab their supplies, and then to the scene.
Fortunately, the need for a room so that the members can respond better as a group was seen. A vacant residence director’s room in Decker Hall was converted into the squad’s response room. Equipped with a bathroom, kitchen, lounge area, and two sets of bunk beds, the room is said to have a “family-friendly atmosphere.” The crews on weekend shifts are assigned chores, including washing and folding the bed sheets, cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming, and making sure all the radios are fully charged.
It is in this room where crews stay for hours at a time, ready to answer any calls that might come in.
“Each three-member duty crew has an 11-hour night shift every other week, and about one 24-hour weekend shift a month. We cover every night and all weekend, totaling 103 hours a week, plus standing by at events on campus,” Barouch said. “Also, we are beginning an ‘all-call’ system, in which members can keep their radios on during daytime hours on weekdays, and respond to calls when available.”
While Lions’ EMS has had its obvious positive impacts on the College within the last 15 years, the organization might have had its biggest effect on its 35 active responders.
“Being a part of Lions’ EMS has shaped my experience at the College. I’m proud of how much time, effort, skill and dedication we put into providing care to the TCNJ community. I love the work we do and the close bonds we form, and everything we’ve been able to learn from each other,” Barouch said.
Fifteen years ago, there was no campus emergency response team. Three years ago, Lions’ EMS was in jeopardy of folding. But today, it is stronger than ever, and its supervisor, Sferra, could not be more impressed.
“I’m extremely proud to have the opportunity to be the supervisor of a fantastic organization. Each member brings to the organization medical knowledge, experience and dedication that has proven time and time again in caring for (his or her) patients,” Sferra said. “When I was asked if I was willing to supervise Lions’ EMS several years ago, it was an honor for me to be asked. Each year brings new members and new challenges however the commitment of each member makes those challenges very conquerable. I could not be more proud of a fine group of emergency medical providers.”
(03/26/13 4:12pm)
The American Cancer Society projects that in 2013, there will be 1,660,290 new cancer cases detected. They also expect that 580,350 people with cancer will die this year. But today, those diagnosed with cancer have a higher chance of living than ever before, thanks in part to the ACS’s fundraising efforts, such as Relay For Life.
Over 1,100 relayers crowded into the Recreation Center on Friday, March 22 to celebrate the College’s annual Relay for Life, which was sponsored by Colleges Against Cancer, Phi Kappa Psi and Student Government. Because cancer never sleeps, students stayed up through the night, leaving at 5 a.m. the next morning.
Each day, 350 more people who would have died from cancer are able to live due to the funding provided by the ACS according to its website, and the College played a role in helping to support that funding.
Going into the night, $52,000 had been raised, but by the end of the night, $12,670 more was collected. In total, the College donated $64,670 to the American Cancer Society.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Relay For Life this year,” said Relay For Life co-chair and junior early childhood education and psychology double major Stacey Harrington. “These are all record-breaking numbers for TCNJ. Not only that, we were able to jam-pack the night with lots of fun and festivities.”
To keep the participants awake for the nine hours, Nobody Yet, a band comprised of College alumni played throughout the night. There was also Zumba, a hypnotist and performances from seven different student groups. A Mr. Relay pageant, sumo wrestling and a volleyball tournament were held to raise money throughout the night, as well as to entertain.
“I hope participants took away a lot of memories from Relay. It is a great time for a group of friends or organization to get together for the night and have some pure unadulterated fun,” Harrington said.
Though the night is filled with fun, the participants keep sight on what they are relaying for. Sophomore communication studies major Regina Yorkgitis relayed with the Theta Phi Alpha team, and said that her favorite part of the night was the Luminaria Ceremony.
This is to remember people who have died from cancer, honor those who have fought cancer, and support those who continue to battle the disease.
“My favorite part is always the luminaries, when everyone is silent. Most of the night is very light — people play games, devour cupcakes or participate in sumo wrestling,” Yorkgitis said. “But when the lights turn out, we all remember why we are there — because we know someone who has been affected by cancer.”
English and women’s and gender studies double major Erin Shannon, who relayed with the Women in Learning and Leadership team, agreed that the Luminaria Ceremony was the best part of the night.
“It was shocking to see how many students had also been affected by cancer, and uplifting to see us come together and cry openly for loved ones that we have lost,” Shannon said. “I have never felt closer to the TCNJ community than I did during that ceremony.”
Yorkgitis also felt a sense of community during Relay for Life. “I think that TCNJ students really come together during Relay For Life. I love the sense of community. Everyone, no matter their organization comes for the same reason,” Yorkgitis said.
According to the American Cancer Society, one in four deaths in the United States are caused by cancer. This statistic might seem daunting, but the positive atmosphere created by the relayers in the Recreation Center during Relay For Life sent a different message: one of hope, according to Harrington.
“The atmosphere and spirit of the event is uplifting and inspires the vision of a future where cancer is no longer a devastating disease,” Harrington said. “It is a night when an entire community comes together for a common purpose: to celebrate the brave survivors, remember those we have lost, and to fight back for a cure.”
After participating in this year’s Relay, Shannon is also hopeful for a future without the threat of the over 200 cancers there are today.
“I believe, after Relay, that we can find a cure to cancer by working together. While it seems like such an insurmountable goal, I think that we absolutely will be able to help those living with it, and completely eradicate it soon.”
This year’s number of relayers and amount of money raised set records for the College, but Harrington hopes for an even bigger turnout and amount of donations at next year’s Relay For Life.
“We are always looking to make each Relay For Life better and better every year. Next year, we hope to top our fundraising and participant numbers. We also hope to see more individual participants playing their part to contribute to TCNJ’s fundraising total,” Harrington said. “We hope that the event renews enthusiasm for the ongoing fight against cancer that the American Cancer Society and Colleges Against Cancer work toward through fundraising.”
(03/05/13 5:27pm)
Receiving approval to apply for over $97 million in grant funding was the main issue of the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The grant money would go toward building the new STEM building, the destruction of Holman Hall, asset renewal projects, renovations to the Science Building and Armstrong Hall, improvement of technology infrastructure and the purchase of academic equipment, according to trustee Jose Caballero.
“We might not get all of the money, but we’re going to give it a strong try,” Caballero said during his report of the Finance and Investment Committee. Even if the College is granted all $97 million dollars it is applying for, more money would still be needed to complete the projects and purchases.
Along with the approval of applying for the state grants, the progress of Campus Town and the increase in admissions numbers were addressed by President R. Barbara Gitenstein in her Report of the President.
According to Gitenstein, the Campus Town project is advancing, but slower than expected. The projected Fall 2014 opening of the project is no longer attainable due to several outside circumstances the College had over, including damage to the developer’s site from Hurricane Sandy and the deal with Barnes & Noble being harder than expected to reach.
The growing success of the winter term was also discussed. From the first year of the winter term to the second, there was a 100 percent increase in students; last year there were 85 students, and this year 180 students enrolled in the winter term.
The number of applications to the College has increased yet again, according to Gitenstein. There were over 11,000 applications for next year’s school year, a 8.25 percent increase from last year. The number of out-of-state applicants grew by 11 percent. There was a 6 percent increase in black applicants, a 12 percent increase in Hispanic applicants and a 34 percent increase in Puerto Rican applicants. Every school saw an increase in applications, with the School of Arts and Communications rising by 10 percent.
Board of Trustees secretary Eleanor Horne spoke about the most recent Town/Gown meeting during her report of the College Advancement Committee. She said that there was a lot to be happy about coming out of the meeting and that “the state of college advancement is strong and getting stronger.” The idea of a new neighbor-to-neighbor program, Lending a Paw, where students can do community service in the Ewing community, was discussed. There was also the suggestion to assign a student intern to the Ewing Township government to further strengthen the relationship between the College and the surrounding community.
The College is also adding two policies, the Protection of Children Policy and the Safe Campus Policy, according to trustee Susanne Svizeny in her report of the Audit, Risk Management and Compliance Committee. The first policy requires that any suspected child abuse be reported while the latter policy requires the College to follow the Cleary Act and report campus crime. These two additions are already laws followed by the College, but they are now under the College’s own set of policies as well.
The next public meeting of the College’s Board of Trustees, the annual tuition hearing, will be on Tuesday, April 16 at a time and location to be announced.
(03/05/13 5:00pm)
“Boogity, boogity, boogity, let’s go racing boys!”
Racing legend Darrell Waltrip signals the green flag each race with those now-famous seven words.
Viewers of this year’s Daytona 500 did not hear those exact words, though. Instead, this year Waltrip simply said, “Boogity, boogity, boogity, let’s just go racing.” He couldn’t say boys. After all, the main talk of the race was the woman who was competing.
Sunday, Feb. 24 was historic for NASCAR and women in sports. For the first time in Daytona 500 history, a woman led the race under the green flag (five laps in total). Also for the first time in Daytona 500 history, a woman finished in the top 10. For the first time in any Sprint Cup race, a woman managed to secure the coveted pole position.
Danica Patrick made waves at the Daytona 500. But the first-woman stats did not impress her as much as the ones that ranked her among the men.
“I think a stat that I found more interesting is only 13 people, including me now, have led Indy and Daytona. I thought that was a much cooler stat for me,” said Patrick, who in 2005 became the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500. “I was brought up to be the fastest driver, not the fastest girl.”
And she was the fastest driver going into the race, recording a speed of 196.434 miles per hour, which allowed her to secure the pole position.
Many said she had no chance at winning, but even up until the last lap she was a top contender, staying in the top 10 for most of the 200-lap race.
So what does this all mean? That Patrick broke down all barriers and that girls will be playing in the NFL next season? Probably not. But Patrick is definitely a role model to all female athletes.
And, if nothing else, Danica Patrick proved herself. She proved that she is good. She proved that she is not a woman racing, but “just another racer.” She also proved that “just another racer” could be a woman.
(02/26/13 6:14pm)
Oscar night is somewhat of a holiday for me. I look forward to the ceremony all year, so when the awards are not quite up to par, it is almost like not getting what you want for your birthday. But Sunday night’s 85th Academy Awards show was like the mother of all birthday presents — this year’s Oscars were the best I’ve ever seen.
There was dancing, singing, great music, many laughs and deserved winners which were smoothly presented by the show’s charming and multi-talented host, Seth MacFarlane. But before the show as a whole, I present the winners: It came as a shock when the Academy announced its nominations for Best Director and Ben Affleck was not on the list. But Affleck more than proved himself as a
Hollywood producer and director at the awards with his film, “Argo,” winning Best Picture, the biggest award of the night. The drama tells the true story of how CIA operative Tony Mendez used a fictitious movie to get US Embassy workers out of Tehran during the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979. It is the first time since 1989’s “Driving Miss Daisy” that the Best Picture winner did not receive the
Best Director award. This year, that honor went to “Life of Pi’s” director, Ang Lee.
The award for Best Actress went to Jennifer Lawrence, who plays a recent widow dealing with several problems, including self-confidence issues and job-loss, in “Silver Linings Playbook.” The Best Actor award went to “Lincoln’s” Daniel Day-Lewis, an Englishman who transformed himself into American hero President Abraham Lincoln.
Best Foreign Film went to “Amour,” Christoph Waltz won for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Django Unchained,” and Anne Hathaway was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “Les Misérables.”
The most memorable and well-known movie scores played going into and out of commercials and also as presenters walked to and from the microphone. When the speeches went a little too long, the menacing theme from “Jaws” chased the award-winner off stage.
There were several performances throughout the night, including Catherine Zeta-Jones’ “All That Jazz” from “Chicago” and Dame Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” from the James Bond film of the same name. In one of the most powerful moments of the night, the entire cast of “Les Misérables” sang a medley of songs from the movie.
There were also surprise visits throughout the night. Taking a break from the White House’s Governor’s Ball, First Lady Michelle Obama presented the award for Best Picture via satellite. Ted, the inappropriate bear, was also there to make the night a bit awkward and present an award.
The show might have gone well over the time allotted, but every extra minute was a treat. There was never a dull moment, and the theme of music helped to celebrate movies even further. Here’s hoping that next year’s Oscars, and the movies nominated for them, will be just as good.
(02/12/13 7:12pm)
Take four lifelong best friends from Staten Island, put them on the streets of Manhattan, have them do or say stupid things to strangers, and you’ve got television gold.
TruTv’s “Impractical Jokers,” now in its second season, is the most entertaining show that’s been on in a while. The first time I watched it, I wound up sitting in front of the TV for two hours straight. It’s addicting.
Joseph “Joe” Gatto, James “Murr” Murray, Salvatore “Sal” Vulcano and Brian “Q” Quinn compete to embarrass each other on the show. Each episode has three to five rounds of tasks. If the joker does not do or say what he is told or cannot complete the task, he loses. The joker that loses the most rounds loses the entire game. As punishment to show you how embarrassing the loser’s task is, Murr once had to take a polygraph test, written by the other three jokers, in front of the faculty and students of their old Catholic high school.
The priests discovered that Murr lied during confession, his Spanish teacher found out that he used to have a crush on her, and the students learned that he secretly enjoys boy bands.
For another punishment, Sal had to pick up dog poop in a park and hold it for 20 seconds. In a more recent episode, he had to search (this time sans gloves) through elephant excrement for his car keys. Through tears and dry heaving, he searched, but with no success. Joe had actually been holding them the whole time. Oh, and did I mention that Sal is the biggest germaphobe ever?
Sounds like any other prank show, right? Wrong. What sets “Impractical Jokers” apart from other hidden camera shows is the connection between the four contestants. Because they are best friends, they know how to push each others’ buttons and boundaries. While one of them is out trying to complete the challenge, the other three are watching, listening and telling the joker what to say.
Watching the contestants complete the challenge is only half the fun though. The reactions of the other jokers are possibly even funnier. As a challenge is taking place, the camera cuts to the three other jokers in another room, cracking up and crying or falling on the floor from laughter.
There are a variety of challenges, which keeps the show fresh. The guys have to receive a tip from a customer, convince someone to make a donation to a fake charity, see how many items they can take off patrons’ plates at a buffet, get someone to give them directions to a fake place and convince as many people as possible to stay at the dance classes they lead. And because the guys are telling the joker what to say and do throughout each challenge, something unexpected is bound to happen each time.
The four men are extremely likeable, funny individuals. Joe is the kind of guy who will wear a lavender shirt to play up his eyes, Murr is the thinker and planner, Sal is the personable charmer, and Q is the one who looks homeless.
It’s pretty difficult to find words for such hilarity. Do yourself a favor and watch the show. Just be sure to go to the bathroom beforehand.
(02/12/13 5:22pm)
The College is choosing between three candidates to fill the new position of assistant dean of Students and director of Leadership. Over the past two weeks, the three candidates each gave a 45-minute presentation at an open forum regarding their leadership history. There was time at the end for questioning.
According to the College’s website, the position has been created “to provide visionary direction for an institutional, scholarship-based, collaborative and cutting-edge leadership program.” Whichever candidate is selected for the job will report to the Associate vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and will serve as a member on the dean of Students leadership team.
The candidate who is chosen “will build a comprehensive program that enhances student leadership and skills at an institution that consistently attracts a high achieving student body poised to lead and positively impact their communities. This program will include new curricular and co-curricular offerings with a focus on the development and implementation of a leadership certificate.”
The College narrowed down the applicants, looking for those who were “energetic, grounded by student development, leadership and learning theories and practice, and experienced in leadership program coordination and direction.”
Those who attended the open forums were able to evaluate The candidates on various topics including communication and presentation skills, ability to form positive working relationships, and how well the candidate would fit with the College, based on the presentation.
The evaluations were given to the Selection Team, made up of staff and student leaders, who will make the final decision on which of the three presenters will be hired.
The first candidate to present was Avani Rani who called herself a leadership educator and a social justice advocate. According to Rani, who presented on Jan. 31, her passion is “about engaging students in social and civic engagement.”
Rani recalled that her first recognition of leadership was when she was an eight-year-old elementary student and saw a student safety patrol in his bright orange belt with a badge.
Rani now works at Rutgers University as the assistant director of Leadership.
Ed Feldman gave his presentation on leadership on Feb. 4. The goals he outlined for his open forum were to engage in discussion about differences of opinion, to gain an understanding of and respect for others’ beliefs, to review the many ways leadership is defined, and to examine personal values and conceptions of leadership.
Feldman, who is currently working at the University of Rochester as the associate director of Student Leadership Programs, instructor for Leadership in the College Community and Pre- major Advisor, said that “leadership is individually-based” and that “you don’t have to be a leader to affect change.”
The final candidate, Kerri Cissna-Heath, presented her take on leadership on Thursday, Feb. 7.
Focusing mainly on race, culture and the need for diversity, Cissna-Heath said that she would want to empower students to go out and lead.
During the question and answer portion of the presentation, Cissna-Heath gave a brief outline of what her plans would be to combine leadership with diversity if she was chosen for the position. If hired, she would first study the culture and find student leaders to work with so she would know what areas need improvement. Cissna-Heath also said that she would bring in leaders to talk with the students or bring students to leaders from different backgrounds so they can learn how to lead from first-hand accounts.
Cissna-Heath is currently working at Pepperdine University as the director of Residence Life.
All three candidates spoke about how only a fraction of students identify themselves as leaders, and changing that outlook so that more students see themselves as leaders is a goal for each of them.
(02/12/13 5:21pm)
With influenza activity still high in New Jersey and the norovirus season underway, students have to continue to be cautious of spreading and contracting illnesses. And with the norovirus affecting one in 15 people in the U.S. each year, chances are many students at the College will be under the weather in subsequent days.
To help prevent the spread of viruses and to accommodate sick students, Dining Services set up a tray program so that students can get their meals to-go.
To receive a prepared lunch, a student must go to the Dining Services website and download the sick tray form. After filling it out, a friend can bring it to an Eickhoff manager and the meal will be ready soon after.
For students on carte blanche plans, the meal is included with the plan. Students who sign up for the program with an a la carte plan will be charged the door rate for The Atrium at Eickhoff.
Students can receive a packaged meal twice a day for three days. On the form, the time of pick-up and the person who will be picking up the meal are needed.
On the downloadable form, students can choose from a number of beverage, food and sandwich options for their breakfast and also a light lunch or dinner.
(02/05/13 7:28pm)
Alan Day of Four Years Strong headlined the College Union Board’s Friday Feb. 1 show in the Rathskeller.
He performed under his new solo name The Here and Now, and was open ed by Fred Mascherino, lead singer of Terrible Things and The Color Fred, formerly of Taking Back Sunday.Mascherino performed songs from the various bands he has been in, starting his set list with Terrible Things’ “Revolution.”
Even though the songs were from different bands, it was evident that his style heavily influenced each of these songs.Mascherino was especially talented at the guitar, incorporating solos and hitting the instrument when he could.
The audience bobbed their heads and tapped their feet along with the music.
After playing several more songs, such as “Breaking Pangea” and one of his favorites that he has written, “Lullaby,” Mascherino began to take requests from the audience, including Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” and Queen’s “Under Pressure.”
Next week, Mascherino’s band, Terrible Things, will be touring Philadelphia and New York with rock band Further Seems Forever.
He also has a new EP on vinyl and CD, which he said he played all of the instruments for.
Although he dubbed himself as “the worst stage-banter person ever,” Mascherino managed to keep the audience engaged and laughing throughout the night.Driving in from Boston, Alan Day started off by singing “Broken by You.”
He announced that he will be releasing the rest of his new music under his solo name, The Here and Now, fairly soon.
In addition, Day sang some softer songs, including a cover of The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” but he closed the night with his own song, “Keep Me in Your Heart,” during which he really let his emotions out, belting in anger.
Day did not seem as prepared for his set list as Mascherino was, and by the end of his seemingly short performance, the number of people at the packed Rat dwindled down until the eatery was half-filled.
During his performance, Mascherino said that he and Day would catch up after the show. A couple of years ago, the two toured the U.K. together, and their performance at the Rat was the first time they had seen each other since.
(01/29/13 5:12pm)
Last week’s sub-freezing temperatures froze a sprinkler line in Eickhoff Hall, causing a small flood in areas of the dining hall and on the second and third floors of the residence hall, according to Matthew Golden, associate vice president for Communications, Marketing, and Brand Management for the College.
“The flooding involved clean water from the sprinkler line. No sewage was present,” Golden said.
Caitlin Flynn, sophomore political science and journalism double major and Signal contributor, was not in her third-floor room when the sprinkler line above burst, but she said her roommate, sophomore biomedical engineering major Gabby Zapata, described it as a “quick, loud rumbling noise.”
“It happened around eight in the morning, before the alarm went off. Then we suppose the water ran down the walls and flooded our rug,” Flynn said. “My room had about an inch of water in some parts, but others parts were dry.”
Most of the rug was drenched and the bathroom was totally flooded. Anything on the floor was wet. My clothes, a few bags and shoes were damaged, but most of it could be washed and dried. I know one girl had her laptop on the floor and it was ruined,” Flynn said.
According to Golden, some students were displaced from their rooms, but they were relocated to other suitable locations across campus. Flynn and her roommate were two of the students who had to be relocated due to the flooding.
“I think about eight or so of us had to move to different dorms. My roommate and I moved into Phelps. We can move back in about two to three weeks, they said. We technically could move in now, but the dryers need to be in there and they cause a great amount of noise,” Flynn said. “Also, the smell is putrid.”
The sprinkler line was repaired on Wednesday, Jan. 23, but the process will take a little while longer to ensure that the spaces damaged are suitable to live and eat in, according to Golden.
“Water was extracted and drying equipment was set up in the affected locations. Once moisture readings show that the walls and ceilings are dry, the drying equipment will be removed. If readings indicate that a wall or ceiling is saturated, the wall and/or ceiling will be removed and replaced with a new one,” Golden said. “The restricted areas in the dining hall are below where the pipe leaked. Those spaces have been blocked off during the completion of ceiling and wall repairs.”
(01/29/13 5:00pm)
Utensils and cups in the dining hall, computers in the library, and equipment in the gym. College students use many objects in a day that can be crawling with millions of bacterium, and chances are, at least one of the germs is a carrier of influenza.
The flu has become a nationwide epidemic that is said to affect the elderly and those with underlying conditions the most, but due to the living quarters of college students, they too have to be extra cautious with their hygiene habits.
"Persons living in close quarters with others have a greater chance of exposure to contagious illnesses. That is why annual flu vaccination is especially important on a college campus," the College's Janice Vermeychuk, director of Student Health said.
According to Vermeychuk, as of Monday morning, Student Health Services (SHS) had one laboratory-confirmed case of influenza in just the first week of the spring semester. During last year's school year, there were only two cases of the flu reported, the first one being confirmed in March.
"We expect these numbers to rise this week and in weeks to follow as students congregate in class, residence halls and in social settings," Vermeychuk said.
According to the CDC, some states are seeing a decline in the amount of flu cases, however, N.J. is not one of them. N.J. Along with 25 other states, is still considered to have high flu-like activity. In fact, N.J. is showing an increase in flu-like illnesses in emergency rooms, according to the N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services. With more than 15 percent of its patients entering the emergency room with flu-like illnesses, Mercer County is reporting the highest level of residents with flu-like symptoms in the state.
To reduce the incidence of influenza in the College's community, SHS, along with Sodexo dining services, the School of Nursing and Residential Education and Housing, collaborated in making the campus more clean and students less susceptible to contracting the flu, according to Vermeychuk.
"SHS, in conjunction with the School of Nursing, provides three flu vaccination clinics for students, staff and faculty each fall. Students who were unable to come to these clinics were invited by email to schedule an appointment in SHS for flu vaccination. In all, 800 students were vaccinated during the fall semester," Vermeychuk said.
"Building Services has enhanced the daily sanitation of touchable surfaces, such as door knobs, handrails and elevator buttons. Sanitizing wipes have been inventoried and restocked in all computer labs. SHS partners with Sodexo and REH to distribute educational advertising reminding students, staff and faculty to “Cover their Cough” and wash their hands. These signs/flyers and electronic messages have been distributed throughout residence halls and dining facilities on campus. Residential students who are sick with the flu can order food using Sodexo's "Sick Tray" Program," Vermeychuk said.
"When the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported in early January that the flu season was anticipated to be severe, an email was sent to students, staff and faculty, as well as to the parent listserv (email list), emphasizing the importance of getting a flu shot before returning to campus," Vermeychuk said.
According to the CDC, as of Jan. 18, 133.5 million doses of the influenza vaccine had been distributed. And though the likelihood of the vaccine protecting someone from the flu virus is 62 percent, the CDC says it is still the most effective way to reduce the chances of contracting the flu.
Vermeychuk agrees getting vaccinated every year can reduce one's chance of getting and contracting the flu.
"When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu illness can spread through a community," Vermeychuk said. "We all have a civic responsibility to do our part to protect others in the community who at high risk of flu complications! This means getting an annual flu shot and staying home if sick."
Vermeychuk also listed several other ways in which students can ensure that they play a part in reducing the chance of spreading the flu as much as possible.
"According to the CDC, people with flu can spread it to others up to about six feet away in respiratory droplets made when coughing, talking and sneezing. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose," Vermeychuk said. "To avoid this, stay away from sick people and stay home if sick until you are fever-free for 24 hours. This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications. It also is important to wash hands frequently with plain soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer such as Purell."
If a student feels as though they have the flu, he or she can receive medical attention from Student Health Services Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students should bring their medical insurance card and prescription insurance card when visiting the Student Health Services.
"Students with flu-like symptoms who are seen by a SHS healthcare provider are examined and educated about how to treat their symptoms, how to reduce the spread of flu to others, and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of worsening illness that requires emergency medical treatment," Vermeychuk said. "Depending on when symptoms began and the presence of medical conditions that can complicate the flu, some students may receive a prescription for an antiviral medicine such as Tamiflu. Because influenza is a viral illness, antibiotics don't work."
(11/28/12 6:17am)
Four students, each equipped with a guitar, performed at the Rathskeller on Friday, Nov. 16 for Student Soloist Night. Though the students all sang acoustically, each of them performed in their own style, making for a diverse night of music.
First to perform was junior business and music double major Louis Delia. He opened with a cover of Tokyo Police Club’s “Favorite Food” followed by his first self-written original song, “Crimson Sunrise,” a song about letting go. Delia played acoustically for each of his six songs and was able to accentuate his soulful playing. MGMT’s “Kids” was especially interesting to hear with just a guitar. Delia’s original songs were relatable, including the mellow “Something” in which he hit high notes and sang deep, meaningful lyrics.
“My whole style when I write stuff doesn’t necessarily come off as what I would listen to. I listen to so much music that it’s kind of hard to match it to anything. Most of the stuff that I would listen to is indie, which is generally what I played,” Delia said. “Designing the set list, I chose stuff that I felt I had a connection to, whether on an emotional level, or something that I really related to lyrically maybe, and I feel like when I cover it, it’s going to be something that I essentially connect to.”
Sophomore finance major Ben Warner was next to perform and opened with a cover of Death Cab for Cutie’s “I Will Follow You Into the Dark.” With his contemporary set list, Warner’s natural tone was able to bring a touch of innocence to his performance. His second song picked up tempo and was played with a heavier guitar sound, but regardless of what song he played, Warner sounded like he could be on the radio.
Taking no time to stop playing, with the exception of a couple short talks with some of the audience members at the front, Warner’s performance was smooth and the songs transitioned well into one another. Warner ended his set list with an audience sing-along of “Hallelujah” where he chose to emphasize the right notes at the right time.
The Gaslight Anthem’s “National Anthem” was the next song to be played, by junior civil engineering major Sam Moeller. Moeller then did a cover of Good Old War’s “Coney Island,” which seemed folk-inspired.
The audience applauded Moeller after he told them that his song “New Mexico” was the first time he had ever written and performed his song in front of people. A cover of Freelance Whales’ “Broken Horses” ended his set list.
The last performer of the night was freshman Rob Colonna who opened up with an original song. Pre-recorded drums gave him back-up. Colonna was talented at the guitar and his songs were upbeat.
Colonna performed his song “Last Chance” live for the first time. He also played a song that he wrote in his freshman year of high school and another that he wrote just three months ago, noting that he hoped that the audience could see an improvement in his writing.
Colonna’s favorite song that he ever wrote was his last song to be performed, “Vows,” which had refreshing lyrics.
Delia, Warner, Moeller and Colonna each had different styles of music to showcase at the Rat’s coffee house-like set-up. And, according to Delia, his experience playing for Student Soloist Night was a positive one.
“I think it’s great that CUB Rat does this and has this opportunity for student performers to get their music out there and also just to get paid,” Delia said. “They give you the freedom to do essentially whatever you’d want to do up there. And those 30 minutes are your 30 minutes to do whatever it is you want to do.”
(10/23/12 11:33pm)
Loud noises, littered yards, trashed streets and unkempt recyclables that some Ewing Township residents experience have caused a strained relationship between members of Ewing and the College community over the past years, according to Ewing Township Business Administrator Jim McManimon.
McManimon, who serves to keep a balance between the two communities, noted that as Ewing residents’ nights end, college students’ nights begin.
According to the results of a Qualtrics survey sent to all students from the Student Government, 64 percent of off-campus students said that they openly communicate with some or all of their neighbors. However, 82 percent of off-campus students living in the Ewing community disagreed with the statement, “I believe that the residents of Ewing view (the College) students as positive members of the community,” according to Christina Kopka, senior Spanish and marketing double major and Student Government president.
Twenty-seven percent of freshmen and 78 percent of seniors disagreed with this statement as well.
In an effort to bring the College and Ewing Township communities together, a Town/Gown Committee was formed with its mission statement reading that the committee is: “committed to improving communication between the Township of Ewing and (the College), analyzing issues of common concern to achieve resolution, and facilitating mutual participation in community, cultural and civic activities.”
“We want to help strengthen the future not only of the relationship between (the College) and the Township of Ewing, but also the relationship between the student body, the Township of Ewing and (the College),” said Ewing Township Mayor, Bert Steinmann.
To accomplish this, the Town/Gown meetings update Ewing residents on the College’s projects, the amount and type of incidents committed by students off campus and how the township and College will follow up on those students and the numerous economic and social benefits the College brings to the surrounding communities.
Updates of Campus Town were given by vice president for Facilities Management, Construction and Campus Safety, Curt Heuring. Heuring told audience members that this project will benefit Ewing Township in many ways including adding amenities Ewing is lacking and creating more jobs. Work on Campus Town is projected to be completed in spring 2014.
The focus though was on the increase of incidents off campus.
“As a student body we neither condone nor support the inappropriate and disrespectful conduct of our peers, whether it’s on or off campus,” Kopka said. “We recognize that we are members of the Ewing community and we’d like to move forward in building a positive relationship and mutual understanding between our campus and the township.”
The first step in bringing the two communities together, according to associate vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Magda Manetas, is to hold students accountable for their actions and continue conversations with the outside community.
“We want to continue to hold students accountable, and they need to make better decisions. A change in our process that was very important to us and developed in the past few years is our new conduct code,” Manetas said. “We’d be glad, and it’s very healthy, to have those conversations with the students, hold them accountable and make sure that our larger community is feeling respected and our students are feeling respected with them.”
The Qualtrics survey also asked students to disagree or agree with this statement: “I believe I’m a valued member of the Ewing community.” According to Kopka, the results showed that 19.1 percent of freshmen and 52 percent of seniors disagreed or strongly disagreed with this statement.
“These are numbers we want to change regarding the negative perception between (the College) and Ewing residents, but we can’t do it alone,” Kopka said. “Great potential exists for creative partnerships and collaborations for our campus and the surrounding community. However, such potential will not come to fruition if (the College) and Ewing residents don’t make a conscious, mutual effort and understand and respect and appreciate each other.”
Though the meeting was not heavily attended by Ewing residents, the students who went, including junior history and secondary education double major Devin Dimmig, were able to take away some important and interesting information.
“We got some really great, informative information about everything that’s going on on and off campus,” Dimmig said. “The whole meeting was focused on the issues, and bridging the gap between the communities.”
The expectations for the next Town/Gown meeting, which will be hosted by the township on Dec. 4, were expressed in an interview with Kopka after this meeting.
“Definitely continuation of the conversation that we had today,” she said. “I think we’re going to see hopefully more feedback from the township. I think we need to publicize out public meetings a little bit better as we saw today, but definitely a continuation of conversation, updates of data that was saw today, as well, and definitely plans for next semester, figuring out what we accomplished this semester and where we want to go for the next.”