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Using the new Bulldog Card

The Bulldog Card replaces the Keycard. Computer science sophomore Kanchan Chetal explains how the new card system works. To read more about the Bulldog Card, click here.

Fall semester welcomed

For some students, Welcome Week is a good time to interact and glean information about activities on campus. For others, it can be a bit overwhelming.

This past week, Fresno State students had hundreds of opportunities to hone their interest thanks to the Welcome Week ceremonies on campus. The University Student Union (USU) has made it possible for new and returning students to find a community that suits them.

Welcome Week highlights student opportunities, offers activities

The Welcome Week ceremonies kicked off on Monday in the USU South Patio offering music entertainment and prize drawings.

A host of academic clubs and departments represented their programs from the Memorial Gardens on Tuesday. The Colleges, Departments and Academic Student Organizations Fair lasted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and featured a free concert on the USU South Patio.

Wednesday took a different spin as hundreds of clubs and organizations lined up in the free speech area to get themselves recognized. The USU was also holding its own open house on the south balcony where students lined up for free airbrush tattoos and prizes for the bean bag toss. Several USU representatives were roaming the area, passing out flyers and offering information to curious visitors.

“We’re really trying to get students engaged in academics and the community,” said Kerry Jack, director of student involvement for the USU. She also wanted students to know that the USU was there to assist all those who want to get involved in campus activities.

Freshmen Brianna Johnson and her friends were only five minutes into the festivities and already several bodies deep in line for the airbrush tattoos.

“It’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed it so far,” said Johnson, who was planning on getting the Chinese symbol for peace applied to her wrist.

Getting the word out

Jeff Phillips, president of the Fresno State Triathlon club was trying to reach anyone with the will to bolster their physique and compete against others.

“We’re all about finding like-minded students who enjoy working out,” said Phillips, a junior.

Folks at the tutorial center were letting students know that their services are completely free and that it is also a good place to squeeze in some quiet study time.

“The big kicker is that we’ll be considered to be placed in the library,” said Idalia Morgutia, administrative assistant in the tutorial center. While it’s not certain whether this move will be guaranteed, she stressed that they will be giving the same quality help as always with on board tutors who have been certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CLRA).

First Nations, an American Indian Student Organizations, was encouraging students to save the dates.

Among their upcoming events is a celebration on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 in honor of Dia de los Muertos where traditional Aztec dancing can be seen. The club will also share some history and heritage of the Native American culture.

There were more than a few options open for the spiritually oriented student as well. The Rock is a Christian organization that holds sporting events such as softball. They also conduct various college Bible study services at The Bridge church in Fresno.

“We want students to know that there’s a Christian influence on campus,” said club member Tony Pietrolungo, a senior history major.

A graduate student in nursing, Richard Jones, was passing out CDs on the USU South Patio spreading the word about Fresno State’s radio station KFSR 90.7.

“We’re trying to branch out,” said Jones, who explained that not everything played on the station is jazz as some have been led to believe. “It’s nice to have a younger listenership.” Jones’ program comes on between 6 and 9 p.m. Friday nights where he plays local bands like SparkleJet and 40 Watt Hype.

Athletics, careers close Welcome Week

The Student Services Fair was followed up the day after by Spirit Day, an event that put the spotlight on Fresno State’s many athletic programs and a few professional organizations designed to get students thinking about their current and future careers.

Welcome Week ends today with continued open houses in the learning center and a demonstration by the Ultimate Frisbee Club. Tuesday of next week is reserved for ASI (Associated Students, Inc.) Day where students can get in their last bit of recreation before classes get demanding. Free ice cream and music are just a few of the festivities planned from 11:30 a.m to 1 p.m. at Memorial Gardens that day.

Students may find out more about on campus clubs by going to the Student Activities Web site.

Welcome Week Activities

Welcome Week continues through the Wednesday,
Sept. 4. Join the fun at the following campus activities:

• Ultimate Frisbee Club demonstration, Fri. Aug. 28 9 a.m. -1 p.m. Peters annex trailer.

• ASI Day, including free ice cream, music and kiddy pools, Tues. Sept. 2 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Memorial Gardens.

• Community service opportunities fair Wed. Sept. 3, 10 a.m. Memorial Gardens.

• Legislative intern informational meeting, pizza and soda, Wed. Sept. 3, 3 p.m. -7 p.m. USU 310

Bulldog Card unveiled

The I.D. card that Fresno State students are used to got a major makeover this semester right down to its name.

The I.D. card, which was formerly called the “Keycard,” has been renamed the Bulldog Card. It is the same card given to all new students, but now with more features.
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The name change, according to Linda Simmons, manager at the Bulldog Card office, was initiated because they wanted to give the card a title that related to the university.

“We needed to give it a name and we wanted to keep it in the same spirit as the campus,” Simmons said.

New machines intended to provide increased options

Students can now directly add money to their Bulldog Card, Simmons said. Once the money is added to the card, it takes the form of Bulldog Bucks that can be used around campus.

The cards are available for all students, faculty and staff on campus.

The Bulldog Bucks can currently be added to the cards at two campus fill locations, called PHIL stations, Simmons said. One is located on the second floor of the University Student Union (USU) and the other is in the Peters Building in room 133.

Simmons said that money can be deposited in the form of credit card or cash, but change is no longer accepted. The new machines are touch-screen and offer the option of a printed receipt for the transaction.

Students are also able to check the balance on their Bulldog card at these machines, Simmons said.

Blackboard interface still developing

Deposits can also be made on students Blackboard accounts, Simmons said, but it takes some navigating because there is not a direct link on the main page at this time.

“It’s a new system, and that is something we are working on, but you have to do a lot of clicking to get to it right now,” Simmons said.

The Blackboard account only accepts credit card deposits with a minimum amount of $20. This minimum amount is also effective at the PHIL stations when using a credit card. However, the minimum deposit for cash is only one dollar.

“Bulldog Bucks” uses include food, printing

The Bulldog Bucks are accepted in the food court in the downstairs area of the USU, including the snack shop by the bowling alley.

Simmons also said that the cards are required for printing on campus. When the card is swiped at the printing and copy machines and the money is deducted from the Bulldog Bucks. Wireless printing is now accessible with these cards also.

Kanchan Chetal, a sophomore computer science major, said she uses the new system mainly for printing.

“[The old machine] wasn’t working at times,” Chetal said. “I’ve been here for two years so it was a
hard time for those who don’t have a printer at home.”

Mark Lewis, a senior nursing major, attempted to use the new machine earlier this week but his card would not work. He said he will probably use the Bulldog Bucks this semester because he will be on campus more.

“This semester I actually have 14 units so I probably will be spending more time here,” Lewis said.

Refund policy undetermined

Simmons said that the Bulldog Bucks carry over from semester to semester but need to be used before students graduate.

Although there is not a set policy at this time regarding the expiration of Bulldog Bucks, Simmons advises students to use the money because it cannot be refunded.

“When people put money on their card, we anticipate they will use it,” Simmons said.

University Controller Chris Robinson added that a refund policy is in the works and remains a priority.

“It really needs to be determined quickly,” Robinson said. “We will get the word out as soon as that is decided.”

Guests on campus can purchase a Bulldog Bucks Card for one dollar at the PHIL systems and use it like a Bulldog Card. Simmons said the Bulldog Bucks Cards are also refillable at the stations after purchase.

Fun and games, 8-29-08

Sudoku and crossword puzzle answers for 8-29-08.

Editorial: Members of Amethyst Initiative show little initiative themselves

OUR OPINIONS

A RECENT ARTICLE BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS describes an effort by the Amethyst Initiative, a newly formed organization of university chancellors and presidents, to reignite the debate about the drinking age in America. While the organization does not explicitly advocate lowering the drinking age from 21 years old to 18, it does urge for “an informed and dispassionate debate” about the matter.

As might be expected, the movement has provoked some opposition, particularly from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. According to the article however, both sides still consider alcohol abuse among college students “a huge problem.”

We think it’s a huge problem as well. It does seem curious that the push for reconsideration should come from an organization comprised of college administrators.

We ask them: what is the difference, from the university’s perspective? Colleges need to be vigilant about monitoring alcohol consumption and try to curb its abuse, among both legal and illegal drinking populations.

The article also cites research indicating “more than 40 percent of college students [who] reported at least one symptom of alcohol abuse or dependence,” with more than 500,000 college students from four-year universities suffering alcohol-related injuries annually.

These figures don’t delineate how many of the students are legal drinkers and how many are underage. They don’t really need to either—the indication is that alcohol is a major issue on university campuses.

The AP article quotes Moana Jagasia, a Duke sophomore from Singapore, where the drinking age is lower. Jagasia says “There isn’t that much difference in maturity between 21 and 18.” This effectively encapsulates the Amethyst Initiative’s argument as well — both center on the issue of maturity.

Maturity, however, is not quantifiable — it is subjective and it is abstract. Different communities define maturity in different ways, and even within those communities, the age of “maturity” varies from person to person. Universities are often comprised of students from diverse communities — from those from Singapore to those from Cedar Rapids, Iowa — and so are not in a particularly good position to make blanket statements about maturity.

Because here is what is concrete: the aforementioned research includes all of these students as well.

Maturity should be ancillary — the primary issue needs to be tackling the abuse itself.

Because here is what is quantifiable: 1,700 students of the aforementioned 500,000 die as a result of their alcohol-related injuries every year.

And these are our students, too.

So it is difficult for us to see this as anything more than an effort to skirt the primary issue. If more than 40 percent of our community suffers from symptoms of alcohol abuse, then the people at the top need to be as aggressive as possible in trying to eradicate that problem.

There is nothing aggressive about the Amethyst Initiative — to the extent that they will not even take a firm stand on dropping the age limit.

The organization says it chose its name because the Greeks associated amethyst with sobriety. A cursory search also reveals that Egyptians associated the stone with a freedom from guilt.

And it is this secondary association — even more than the first — that characterizes the organization’s effort.

Age — and whatever it might indicate of maturity — is beside the point.

Universities must make a stronger effort to educate students about and eliminate alcohol abuse on their campuses, for real and for good.

Back 2 School

… but USU Productions gives students a getaway.

Classes have started and in a matter of days students will be swamped with homework, tests and presentations. So why not celebrate the last few hours of quiet before the storm?

On Wednesday night, many Fresno State students decided to do exactly that—by joining old friends, as well as new ones, for the showing of the movie “Iron Man” under the stars.

“We are really happy that the school decided to put on this event to bring everyone together,” said Shannan Eddington, a junior majoring in biology.

Welcome Week gives students a break

The movie showing was organized by USU Productions as a part of “Welcome Week,” a series of fun events happening during the first week of school.

These events help celebrate the beginning of the year and inform students about what the school and the community have to offer.

“It seems like a great way to socialize and see what’s going on,” said Kristen Cartier, a freshman kinesiology major.

“[And] it’s a great chance to catch up with friends,” said Christa Byrd, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering.

Whether the reason was to catch up with friends or to take a break from classes or work, many people gathered next to the Bulldog Diamond to enjoy the movie.

“It was great because it gave me the chance to take a much needed break from work!” said Alexis Newlin, a graduate student majoring in counseling and resident director at University Courtyard, the residence halls at Fresno State.

Movie kicks of year’s events

USU Productions wants to make this event even bigger in the next coming years.

Eric Morin, the USU Productions director and a senior majoring in family sciences, said the plan might involve a concert before the movie, maybe a barbecue and some icebreakers for people in the community to get to know one another.

“We want to make it more an afternoon event, [so] there is more time [for people] to mingle around,”
added Morin.

But this movie showing is only the beginning of what USU Productions has planned for this year.

From exciting trips to Yosemite and San Francisco to comedy shows on campus, students will have a wide variety of entertainment choices to pick from.

USU Productions is also working on their main events, like homecoming, which they have been working on since March, and their annual denim drive. During last year’s Denim Drive, 12,000 pairs of jeans were collected, and they hope to do the same or better this year.

Beauty on a budget

The slumping economy shows no signs of letting up. Even the most committed “fashionistas” are considering ways to trim spending. That’s OK. You can keep your look, and your money.

“Style goes beyond fashion and beauty products,” says personal style expert Bobbie Thomas, who often appears on the “Today” show. “You can be stylish without spending a dollar.”

Here are five ways to pamper yourself while saving cash and maintaining your personal style.

1. Shop for beauty products in your kitchen.

Olive oil, essential oils, sugar and salt are just a few ingredients that do double duty.

2. Do your own manicures and pedicures.

It is surprisingly easy to create a relaxing, spa-like setting at home. Light some candles, grab a trashy magazine, a beverage of your choice, and relax. Let your totties soak while you catch up on the latest celebrity gossip.

3. Get your hair cut at a beauty/barber college.

All stylists have to start somewhere, and for many, that is beauty school. Places such as the Aveda Institute and Paul Mitchell are full service salons with great deals.

4. Shop smarter.

You needn’t deny yourself designer goods, just refocus your search, says expert Thomas. Stores such as TJ Maxx and Marshall’s can be packed with designer gear from previous seasons at discounted prices.

5. Pamper less often.

The quickest way to cut back on your grooming services budget is to increase time between appointments.

Don’t think it makes a difference? Check the math.

By Rachel Sutherland / McClatchy Tribune

Bulldog Game Day

No. 25 Fresno State Bulldogs at Rutgers Scarlet Knights

TELEVISION: ESPN (COMCAST CHANNEL 32)
RADIO: KMJ-AM 580 AND KGST-AM 1600 (ESPN DEPORTES)

Breakdown: Bulldogs

Fresno State has had a busy offseason, including the hiring of new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and a preseason top 25 ranking.

The nationally televised matchup with the Scarlet Knights will be the Bulldogs’ first opportunity to prove they belong in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS).

The Bulldogs return 10 starters on the offensive side of the ball and will be able to put points on the scoreboard on every team on their schedule, including Rutgers.

The key to the Bulldogs’ offensive success in the past has been the ability of the team to create mismatches and get athletes out in space.

Tight end Bear Pascoe will play a big part in the offensive success, since there is no way to cover him in the passing game and he is essentially another offensive linemen when the Bulldogs run.

The defense returns six starters from 2007 and will have to rely on the experienced secondary to lead the unit.

Junior safety Moses Harris will have to step up and give the defense something to be confident about early.

The Bulldogs will be put to the test in this matchup against Rutgers and can’t overlook the Scarlet Knights.

Breakdown: Scarlet Knights

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are coming into the 2008 season after what some might call an “underperforming” showing last season.

After an 8-5 season, including a 3-4 record in Big East play last year, the Scarlet Knights are looking to get back into the top 25.

Running coach Greg Shiano’s offense is fifth-year senior quarterback Mike Teel. He will need to step up the passing game this season to fill the void left by three-year starting tailback Ray Rice.

Rice was Rutgers’ main source of offense for the past three seasons.

Easing the burden for Teel are junior Kenny Britt and senior Tiquan Underwood.

Both are explosive playmakers and each had over 1,000 yards receiving and seven scores.
Rutgers returns eight out of 11 players from last season on defense.

Leading the pack is safety Courtney Greene, who led the team with 101 tackles last season and was a second team all-conference selection.

Linebacker Kevin Malast is another force to be reckoned with on defense. He was 14th in the Big East with 92 tackles last season.

No doubt about it, Rutgers will be playing with a chip on its shoulder in the season opener and Fresno State won’t be sneaking up on anybody.

Gridiron glimpse in the Garden State

Rutgers Player to Watch:
Tiquan Underwood, Receiver

2007 Record: 8-5 overall, 3-4 Big East.

2007 Bowl Game: Beat Ball State 52-30 in International Bowl.
Head coach: Greg Shiano (Eighth season, 38-46)

Offense: Pro-Set

Defense: 4-3

Key players: QB Mike Teel, WR Kenny Britt, RB Mason Robinson, SS Courtney Greene, LB Kevin Malast

Series record: This is Fresno State’s first meeting with Rutgers and first time facing off against a Big East team.

Point Spread: Rutgers is favored by five points.

Keys to Victory

1. Establish the ground game early and often.
The Fresno State offense has always been centered on a strong running attack and 2008 will be no different.

2. No “Home Run Balls”.
Giving up points is inevitable, but the key is to avoid the big, downfield pass. Plays like that can devastate a defense, especially in the first game of the season.

3. Keep composure in hostile environment.
Rutgers Stadium can be intimidating and Monday’s contest is sold out. Fans will be loud on Labor Day.

Position Matchups

Fresno State Player to Watch:
Ryan Mathews, Tailback

When Fresno State runs:
Advantage - Fresno State
With a solid core of three tailbacks anchoring the backfield, the Bulldogs will be hard to stop, especially when they have seniors Bobby Lepori and Cole Popovich opening holes for them.

When Rutgers runs:
Advantage - Fresno State
With Ray Rice gone, the Scarlet Knights will have a tough time getting the ground game started with unproven tailback Mason Robinson.

When Fresno State passes:
Advantage - Fresno State
With weapons all over the field the most difficult decision for quarterback Tom Brandstater will be deciding who he wants to throw the ball to.

When Rutgers passes:
Advantage - Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights boast two Biletnikoff award nominees at receiver in Tiquan Underwood and Kenny Britt. Both of them had over 1,000 yards receiving last year.

Special teams:
Advantage - Rutgers
Fresno State has a new kicker and punter this season. Home teams usually hold the advantage here.

By Jimmy Graben and Logan Hopkins

Sean McManus brings winning resume to Valley

Track and field coach Scott Winsor announced the hiring of Sean McManus to take over the head coaching position for cross country and distance assistant for track and field.

“Sean is one of the best young distance coaches in the country and will help our program both athletically and academically,” Winsor said.

McManus joins the Bulldogs after spending three seasons as an assistant coach for Florida State University (FSU). While at FSU, McManus assisted coach Bob Braman, coaching the cross country teams as well as working with the distance runners in track and field. McManus played a key role in helping guide the Seminoles men’s track and field team to three consecutive NCAA Championships in 2006-2008, and six Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championships.

Not only did he guide the men to a number of successful seasons, but also assisted in the women’s top 25 finishes at the NCAA Championships. During his stay at FSU, McManus’ athletes earned a variety of honors, including three NCAA individual titles, 22 ACC individual championships and 19 All-American accolades.

“I always come in with high expectations,” McManus said. “I hope we improve with each meet and have success both individually and as a team.”

McManus’ high expectations seem realistic as success has followed him everywhere he has gone. Prior to FSU, McManus was an assistant cross country and track coach at Notre Dame from 2001-2005.

McManus was vital in recruiting great athletes who were also great in the classroom.

“I feel it is important to have athletes who bring something more to the table than just their talent on the track,” McManus said.

During his time at Notre Dame, McManus coached 25 All-Americans, 64 All-Big East and 22 All-Great Lakes Region honors, as well as four Academic All-Americans. He helped produce 13 individual Big East champions and two Big East Athletes of the Year.

McManus is no stranger to the NCAA Championships scene as he has helped men’s and women’s cross country squads to multiple appearances. During McManus’ tenure he was also a part of a Notre Dame staff that earned two Big East Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

In addition, McManus served as a volunteer assistant at the University of Florida in 2002-2003 where he assisted the men’s and women’s cross country and distance programs. His resume grew as he helped produce six All-Southeastern Conference, five All-South Region, one All-American and one Academic All-District award winner. “For people who don’t know me, I’m a coach that cares both on and off the field about each individual,” McManus said.

McManus attended Notre Dame from 1996 to 2001 where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He competed four years in cross country and track. While running for the Irish, he helped his cross country team to four top-12 team finishes at the NCAA Championships.