Letters to the Editor

November 24, 2008

‘Bureaucratic advising system’ makes enrolling difficult

I was determined to get my schedule set up for the Spring semester, but I ran into several problems registering. It was neither the schedule book nor my registering time, but the overwhelming design of the bureaucratic advising system here on campus that was more troubling than ever.

You meet with your academic advisor who only guides you with General Education courses, but then when you meet with your major adviser, they are not aware of G.E. requirements.

How can you plan your schedule with different inputs suggested?

This bureaucratic advising system is way too complicated.There should only be one adviser that can answer both G.E. and major requirements.

Other universities provide services where students only have one adviser. Why not here?

This is discouraging for students.

I had to make two separate appointments on two separate days to only find myself in a deep hole. I was more confused after seeing two different advisers and highly discouraged to return.

If this campus wants to continue promoting and improving academic achievements of students, they must fix the bureaucratic advising system here on campus.

Rebeka O. Garcia
Freshman
Pre-Physical Therapy

Students urged to offer help to charities during holiday season

As we approach the holiday season, I dearly hope that everyone thinks of all those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Around 21 percent of Fresno’s denizens live in extreme poverty — that’s one out of five people who probably can’t afford a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.

This statistic is an abomination to our community. Consider this, and consider helping the situation.

Instead of just lounging around in anticipation of ridiculous amounts of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and gifts from your rich Uncle Bob, try volunteering your able labor at the Bulldog Pantry, Poverello House, the Community Food Bank and other such establishments.

The Bulldog Pantry is located on Shaw and Jackson, across the street from the University Health Center — easily accessible for students and faculty.

If you are unable to physically lend a hand, a simple donation, however small, can make a vast difference. Another great reference point to start with is www.volunteermatch.org/search, where you can search for places at which to volunteer, maybe finding another cause you’d like to champion.

Knowing that you’ve helped decrease the destitution of this city is one of the best things you can give thanks for.

Give someone the comfort of knowing that there are still people who care about the welfare of the homeless and impoverished. Give a little of what every person wants and a lot of people take for granted, the best gift a person can receive during the holidays — love.

Jacqueline Aldern
Freshman
Studio Art

Price of textbooks too large a burden for average students

Aside from the cost of tuition and housing, students like myself are now being forced to pay up to $1,000 a year on textbooks.

I’ve tried sharing books with classmates or not buying the books at all, but both these options make it harder to succeed in my classes.

As a student taking an average of 18 units a semester, I find myself spending close to $500 on books alone, sometimes in vain when I find that teachers don‘t even use some of the books required for the class.

I try to purchase books online at cheaper prices, but most teachers require the newest editions, (which in my opinion are only made to help book sales) not to mention the fact that when a new edition comes out, selling your book back to the school is useless.

Most students only receive about one-fifth of their money back and end up with books they don’t want.

The book store should develop a way to rent books to students at cheaper prices, and charge for damages or lost books.

It would also be helpful if the majority of textbooks could be found in the library, even if you can’t rent them out.

As a student I want to stick to sources like half.com simply to not be participating in this monopoly of book sales.

Dayna Waterworth
Freshman
Pre-Occupational Therapy Major

Construction near major campus intersection an ‘annoyance’

The construction on the corner of Cedar and Shaw has become extremely bothersome.

I live in Graves Hall, so I am constantly driving by Cedar and Shaw. The construction just congests everything and causes driving to last much longer than it should. While construction is going, there is either only one lane or no left or right turns. This forces drivers to locate detours and find their way around the construction.

I do realize that the school is just trying to improve the roads by our school, but why couldn’t this construction be done over the summer where it would not cause so much annoyance?

It just doesn’t seem like this construction plan was given much thought.

Robert Delmanowski
Freshman
Business

Title IX places ‘unnecessary burdens’ on athletic departments

As students, we must grapple with raising tuition and other student fees at Fresno State as the university tries to adjust to a shrinking budget.

The addition of a lacrosse program to the athletic department increases expenditures when less funding is available to the school, all in the name of gender equality. Despite its noble purpose, Title IX is placing unnecessary burdens on universities across the nation, including Fresno State, in its call for compliance in establishing an environment of gender equality.

In order to offset the costs of football, common men’s sports, like soccer and wrestling, have been cut while women’s sports that have no roots in the Valley, like lacrosse, have been added. There is a certain irony in the fact that Title IX is responsible for men’s exclusion from soccer, swimming and diving at Fresno State — all of which have women’s programs — in its promotion of gender equality.

Fresno State’s baseball and softball teams — each with a national championship — are highly esteemed, as well as the men’s and women’s basketball teams for their NCAA tournament appearances. The issue at Fresno State is not the need to create more opportunities for women (often achieved at the expense of men’s sports), but to ensure equality among all programs, regardless of gender.

All athletic programs at Fresno State should receive the same treatment, attention and support from the university, from the football program to the lacrosse team.

Samantha Peel
Freshman
History

Californians should watch courts’ ‘Judicial strong-arming’

Fellow Americans, arise from your snoozing! We may soon see the court system do the inconceivable — that is, rule that part of the constitution itself is unconstitutional!

Apparently some of those who opposed Proposition 8 are ready to ignore the wisdom of the majority, as well as the foundation of Western civilization in general, and try to use the courts to ram their demented version of marriage on the rest of us.

It was judicial strong-arming that made Proposition 8 necessary in the first place. Now, it’s going to be interesting to see just how brazen and shameless the courts will be in supporting this effort to override the will of the people. Whatever happened to government of the people, by the people, and for the people?

Every year, we celebrate the Revolution in which our predecessors risked possessions, life, and limb in order to free themselves from a tyrannical foreign monarch who was accountable to no one. Do we have the character to preserve our democratic republic from domestic tyrants who arrogantly display their lack of accountability to, and contempt for, the people?

Shall we remain silent while the power of our votes becomes completely nullified?
Not me!

Brad Taylor
Fresno State Alumnus

Written by Collegian Staff · Filed Under Opinion | 40 Comments 

Reasons to say thanks

November 24, 2008

Offensive grandmas, ‘Gilmore Girls’ reruns top the list

Every Thanksgiving, TV shows feature holiday episodes, and more often than not, we will see a family sitting around the dinner table each taking turns saying what they are thankful for.

My family has never done this. We all get together, eat way too much food, watch football and do a lot of talking, mostly over one another.

Sometimes my dad or grandma or maybe one of my aunts will stand up and at the dinner table and do a toast, thanking everyone who is there, and those who could not be. My aunt Cathy always cries, or if she’s not there, my sister will.

But never do we go around the table and each say what we are most thankful for.

So this year, I came up with a list of things I am grateful for.

Most of all I’m thankful for my family. They are a crazy bunch, but I doubt most families have as much fun together as we do.

My grandmas can always make a pleasant situation awkward by accidentally insulting someone without even realizing it. Some people might get mad at this, but we are all so used to it that it’s become humorous.

I am also thankful for my health, which is important now more than ever.

My 23rd birthday is also on Thursday and I am getting kicked off my dad’s insurance, which means full medical bills for me if I get sick, full priced prescriptions, forget about teeth cleanings, and I don’t even want to think about a trip to the ER.

I am also thankful for my friends. They really know how to cheer me up when I’m down and entertain me when I’m bored.

But after these fairly typical things to be thankful for, I kind of got stuck. I don’t have a lot to complain about in my life, so I thought it would be easy for me to come up with a list.

I really had to dig deep though.

Luckily, I am a firm believer that it’s the little things in life that really make it worth living. So after a few days of really focusing on what makes me happy, I found all those little things, or some of them at least.

Girlmore Girls reruns, found everyday on ABC Family at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. I love that show, for no reason in particular other than it makes me happy.

The fact that Hallmark sells cards for Thanksgiving. I always get mad because they take down my favorite “Fresh Ink” cards to make room for Christmas cards every year right after Halloween.

One thing I can’t stand is decorating and celebrating Christmas before Thanksgiving. The holiday gets no attention. I think I’m a part of the minority that prefers Thanksgiving to Christmas, but still, I don’t think it should be so overlooked.

My mom’s yams really make Thanksgiving for me every year. Even if I’m not with her for the holiday, she whips up a batch for us to enjoy all week long.

Unfortunately, my little brother has recently taken a liking to the yams too, which means more people I have to share them with.

But this is the season for giving, so I guess I won’t complain, at least not too much.

I am thankful for the sale rack at Urban Outfitters. It may have always been there, but I just recently found it and have spent a good portion of my paycheck on its items. I love a sale.

I’m thankful for the girl in one of my classes who runs in late everyday and tries to sneak in quietly but is rarely successful. She is about as clumsy as I am and trips over desks or backpacks on her way almost every time. It really just amuses me, and I always wonder where she must have come from to be so out of breath and so late everyday.

Christa, the assistant web master at The Collegian, has a sixth sense for sweet treats. She always knows when it’s been “one of those days” and brings us home-baked cupcakes or cookies. It makes production nights much more enjoyable.

Finally, I am thankful for Partini commercials. They are so awful I can’t help but laugh. The game claims to be “The party game with a delicious twist!” I think it’s like Cranium, but you have to play it with alcohol. I’m too busy laughing to actually hear what they are saying, but I do love board games, so I may have to invest.

It could really make this Thanksgiving one for the books.

Kelly Lucus is a senior at Fresno State majoring in mass communication and journalism with emphases in print journalism. Her favorite day of the week is Wednesday. When asked why, she says “I just like the way Wednesday feels.”

Written by Kelly Lucus · Filed Under Opinion | 1 Comment 

Around the room

November 24, 2008

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Why?

“Finally a week-long break and then after, about three more weeks — our big winter break. It’s going to feel good not having to worry about school for a little while. The stretch between Labor Day and Thanksgiving is so long. Finally — rest!”

Brandon Santiago
Editor in Chief

“Graduation! Can’t wait to be done — for a little. I’m excited to see where graduate school takes me.”

Paige Ricks
Features Editor

“Ditto on the graduation. I know I still have a semester to go, but every day feels like a major accomplishment.”

Ben Keller
Senior Writer

“I’m thankful for our military, because without it, we wouldn’t have the freedom to enjoy simple things like sports. For families with troops overseas, we’re all praying for your loved ones to come home safe. Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to enjoy the holidays.”

Jimmy Graben
Sports Editor

“I’m thankful for the opportunities we have in our country. Even in tough economic times, I’d rather be in America than any other country in the world. Of course, I’m thankful for friends and family. Thanksgiving wouldn’t be much without people to share it with.”

Logan Hopkins
Sports Editor

“Family, friends, good health and soccer.”

Juan Villa
Photo Editor

“So many things: my health, my friends, my family, the weather, the time off. It’s easy to let life get overwhelming, but taking time to remember all the good things helps keep it in perspective.”

Heather Billings
Multimedia Editor

“There are a lot of things I appreciate, but mostly, I’m just thankful for a Don Pepe’s near campus.”

Mathew Gomes
Opinion Editor

Written by Collegian Staff · Filed Under Opinion | 1 Comment 

Swapping schools

November 24, 2008


Illustration by Patrick Tran / The Collegian

Fresno State students study across the nation for the same cost as staying on campus

If you are looking to get out of the Central Valley for a while and study at a different college, but you do not have the money to pay all of the extra fees that are involved, there is a program that may be just for you.

National Student Exchange (NSE) is a program that allows students to study for up to one year at a different college or university in the U.S.

“There are approximately 222 schools in the U.S. that participate in this program,” Marcia Romsa, study abroad advisor for Fresno State, said. “We have about 3,000 to 3,500 students participate in this program during the academic year. They always come back and say it’s the best thing they’ve ever done.”

The reasons for why students participate in this program vary from person to person. For Carla Zamora, it was for the experience.

“I love to travel and learn about different people and cultures,” Zamora said. “I also wanted to put myself outside my comfort zone and go with the flow. Above all I wanted to experience something new and different.”

“One of my favorite things would be the tremendous personal growth that I experienced while I was doing the program. I was able to really learn about my strengths and weaknesses and what I want from life,” Zamora said.

Zamora attended Texas State University in San Marcos, Tex. in fall 2006 and William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J. in the fall of 2007.

Though the students are attending a different college, they still remain students at their home schools, which means they do not have to pay out-of-state tuition and fees.

Students have a choice of two payment plans. Under Plan A, or the host payment, students pay the in-state tuition and fees directly to the host campus. Under Plan B, or the home payment, students pay the normal tuition and fees to their home institution. Plan B is the more popular one because students that receive financial aid are able to keep it, Romsa said.

In order to participate in the program, students have to be full-time status, have a minimum home campus cumulative GPA of 2.5, be in good academic standing, must not be on probation, parole, or have any pending legal judgments.

Taylor Westover, 21, is currently attending Texas State University in San Marcos, Tex. through the NSE program.

“I always thought it would be a great opportunity to travel to a different state to go to school,” Westover said. “I love new experiences and traveling.”

Students sign up for their classes at their host school the same way they do at their home school.
Those participating in the NSE program do not usually get priority registration, however, they do not get last pick either.

“The students still have to meet all of the regular university courtyard deadlines,” Romsa said.

The program encourages students participating in the program to live on campus at their host school because it is a great way for the students to meet people and learn about the new culture they are in. If the school does not provide housing or the student chooses not to live there, however, they do not have to.

“They do have to pay for their transportation to get there, as well as housing and books just as they would here,” Roma said.

Adapting to a new city was among the challenges faced by students in the program, but on they appreciated.

“I experienced being homesick for the first time in my life,” Zamora said. “However, I learned to go with the flow and to truly make the most of what I have.”

“I would highly recommend this program,” Westover said. “You can go anywhere in the country for basically the same price as staying in Fresno. You get to

experience a whole new place. There is really never another time in your life where you can pick up and leave for a couple of months and then go back to your old life.”

Written by Aly Kennet · Filed Under News | Leave a Comment 

Bringing home a victory

November 24, 2008


Juan Villa / The Collegian

Fresno State right guard Andrew Jackson celebrated with fans after the 24-10 victory over San Jose State at Spartan Stadium on Friday night. This was the 11th time in 12 years that Fresno State has defeated San Jose State. 24,384 fans were in attendance.

Written by Kelly Lucus · Filed Under News | 1 Comment 

Organic farms back on campus

November 24, 2008

The University Farm Laboratory at Fresno State recently welcomed back its organic farming enterprise with the support of a $250,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The production of organic vegetables is well underway on the campus farm and the enterprise has already made a small profit at the Gibson Farm Market selling organic radishes, lettuce and Swiss chard.

But the growing and marketing of organic food is not a simple task, said Sajeemas “Mint” Pasakdee, a research technician for the University Farm.

“The certification process takes about three years to complete,” Pasakdee said.

The Students for Environmentally Responsible Agriculture (SERA) club planted the organic plot on 0.08 acres of campus farm in 2004, but production and maintenance was hindered by lack of funding and resources.

After Pasakdee joined Fresno State in late 2006 as a research scientist for the College of Agriculture, she began working on getting the organic farming enterprise up and running on campus. With the recent donation from the USDA, the organic plot now has proper support to become a sustainable enterprise.

According to the Organic Trade Association, the organic industry in the United States increased by 20.9 percent in 2006. In 2008, it is estimated that the organic industry will reach more than $23 billion. California is currently the number one state in organic production.

Because of this influential growth on the produce industry, Pasakdee said it’s important for agriculture students to have the opportunity to learn about all different types of farming practices, especially organics.

“Fresno State has a duty to support the education of students and it needs to teach all perspectives in the agriculture industry including organics,” Pasakdee said. “The job market is continually growing in organics, so it’s important for students to be prepared to enter that industry.”

Pasakdee brings to Fresno State a solid background in organic studies. After receiving her master’s degree in plant science at Fresno State in 2001, she earned a Ph.D. in environmental studies from UC Santa Cruz. Her specialty in soil science and agronomical ecology gives her the knowledge and experience to help accelerate the organic enterprise on campus.

Director of the University Farm, Ganesan Srinivasan, said he welcomes the concept to help widen the view of agricultural practices on campus. But he said that traditional methods of farming will not be discarded.

“Conventional agriculture will continue to play a key role in providing food, fuel and fiber to the growing population around the world by producing more from less land. More than 95 percent of the 1,000-acre farm at Fresno State will be under conventional agriculture,” Srinivasan said.

The organic enterprise currently has 0.08 acres officially certified as organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers. Fresno State is somewhat lacking in organic study, trailing behind schools such as Chico State, which is planning a 60-acre organic plot, said Pasakdee.

Fresno State’s plot is maintained by four students who are paid with the USDA grant funding. The enterprise is also working with the CCOF to provide internships for students interested in gaining credits within the plant science department.

During the Fall season Pasakdee hopes to sell a variety of vegetables at the Gibson Farm Market.

“We plan to have broccoli, cauliflower, beets, arugula and different lettuces available for purchase,” she said.

Written by Meghan Grennan · Filed Under News | Leave a Comment 

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