Kean University - The Cougar's Byte - October 21, 2014

TUESDAY

OCtOBer 21, 2014 »Haunted Attractions Near CampusP4 »Horror Movie VillainsP7

VOL. 10/ ISSUE 4

A L E A D E R S H I P A N D S E R V I C E P U B L I C AT I O N F O R T H E K E A N U N I V E R S I T Y S T U D E N T C O M M U N I T Y

THIS WEEK'S FORECAST» Mon., Oct. 20 High: 58 Low: 45

tues., Oct. 21

Wed., Oct. 22

High: 57 Low: 42

High: 58 Low: 41

thur., Oct. 23 High: 58 Low: 41

fri., Oct. 24

Sat., Oct. 25

High: 62 Low: 44

High: 58 Low: 46

Sun., Oct. 26 High: 63 Low: 51

the reSultS are iN… The winners of the freshman class election have been announced and they would like to say thank you!

WINTER & SPRING 2015 Registration Dates - See page 8

rose Marie kitchen

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Staff Writer

fter weeks of campaigning, the freshman class of 2018 winners has been announced. The election took place Tuesday October 14, 2014 on Cougar Link for 24 hours; freshman students logged on to Cougar Link and voted for the candidates they felt would best represent them.

Freshman Class of 2018 President Winner: Jazmiera [Jazz] Smothers

I plan to accomplish goals such as making Kean University a well-spirited school, helping everyone in the freshmen class to stay involved, along with making it easier for everyone's voice to be heard through my own. As the class president, I hope that it will be easy for everyone to stay in contact with me in order for all of their needs to be met.

■ As Vice President of our freshman class, I want to make our freshman year not only memorable, but one of the best years in our lives. Most people don’t realize that you only get to be a freshman one time in your life. My goal is to plan many events for the freshman class. My team and I plan to have many different social events and gatherings for our class. We will be having more parties, presenting more volunteer opportunities and trips to different places.

We want to make sure there is always something happening during the weekend. During the winter we are going to have hot chocolate socials, more movie nights in the screening room, and speed dating. I have so many ideas planned for our freshman class. My team’s goal is to make everyone’s experience as enjoyable as possible.

To my freshmen class, I would like to thank all of you for your love and support. Without you guys I would not be in this position.

I can promise you that I will make our four years here at Kean University the best experience ever.

I would just like to add that I am very enthusiastic to be a part of this Student Organization. It is with honor that I take hold of this position and lead my fellow cougars in the right direction...GO COUGARS! -- Jazz Smothers

Jazmiera Smothers, newly elected Student Organization freshman class president

Freshman Class of 2018 Vice President Winner: Tahjane [Tahj] Whitsett

I would like to thank every single student who took time out [of] their busy schedules to vote. Everyone who came to U.N.I.T.Y –To Make A Change social, we appreciate all the energy and memories you brought. My goal is the class of 2018 to not only be a class but a family. Remember if you see me on campus don’t be afraid to say ‘What’s up Tahj.’ Suggestions or problems

CONtiNueD ON Page 4

a Big CONgratulatiONS all rOaDS leaD tO Mark MautONe tO keaN Kean University Alumni wins New Jersey Teacher

Kean is set to host its annual homecoming

of the Year award

rose Marie kitchen Staff Writer

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n October 1, 2014 The Christie Administration announced the 2014-2015 New Jersey teacher of the year. The New Jersey teacher of the year is Kean University Alumni Mark Mautone. This is not only a great award for an amazing teacher, but also a great award for Kean University. This is the third year in a row that a Kean University graduate has won The New Jersey teacher award, with Kathleen Assini winning the previous year and Edward J. Patten winning two years ago. With three Kean University alumnus winning this prestigious award, it comes to show how the teaching program prepares students majoring in teaching ready for the real world.

After Mautone received his bachelor’s degree in Teacher of the Handicapped at Kean University, he went to Caldwell University to receive his masters in Applied Behavior Analysis. Since his graduation from Caldwell, Mautone has been teaching for 19 years and is currently teaching autistic preschool children at Wallace Elementary School in Hoboken, New Jersey. "It is my belief that all children, despite the obstacles, deserve the highest quality of education possible so that they can learn to their maximum potential and lead a productive life as independently as possible," comments Mautone. One of Mautone’s many goals is to give autistic children a great education as well

K E A NUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY KEAN

aliyah Price-Perry as bring dignity and independence to them. David C. Hepes, who is the acting commissioner of education, says that Mautone “is an inspiration to teachers, parents and other members of the [Hoboken] community.”

"Mr. Mautone has a deep enthusiasm for helping his students overcome the challenges they face so that they can receive the best experience possible in the classroom. Yet his dedication to the success of disabled students extends far beyond the classroom," continues Hepes. Not only does he teach autistic kids, but he also is a member of the professional advisory board in the Archdiocese of Newark. As an active member of this advisory board, Mautone helps autistic children attend church, as well as go to religion classes. Mautone is also an active member of Hoboken Cares, an organization that helps individuals with disabilities learn about their disability through free workshops. He has also organized trainings to help teach parents and teachers on bullying and autism. Additionally, Mautone has been asked by The New England Center for Children with Autism to be an advisory member of the Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia Program.

In order to teach his students, Mautone has weekly lesson plans for his students. These weekly lesson plans have data that Mautone collects at the end of the week showing if the students are progressing or are not. If the students are not progressing, Mautone has a backup plan to teach the lesson plan again, but in a different way. Mautone wants all of the children he teaches to have the same potential that every other children has, and that is for the children to grow and succeed in life.

So, congratulations to Mautone on winning The New Jersey teacher award, as well as helping change the world one step at a time! To learn more about Mark Mautone visit: www.state.nj.us/education/ news/2014/1001toy.htm

Rose Marie Kitchen, sophomore communicationjournalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

Staff Writer

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hroughout the weekend of October 24, 2014, Kean’s Homecoming festivities will be in full effect. From Friday to Sunday there will be various communal events. In Harwood Arena on October 24th beginning at 6 p.m., the pep rally will kick off homecoming weekend. The pep rally is intended to incite excitement among the Kean community about what’s to come. Beginning the day on Saturday (October 25), the 5K run will take place at 8 a.m. in the Alumni Stadium.

On both Friday and Saturday, The Importance of Being Earnest is being shown in Zella Fry Theatre at 8 p.m. It has been dubbed ‘a trivial comedy for serious people.’ Sunday will conclude this year’s homecoming weekend.

Many sport related events will be occurring on Saturday. At 1 p.m., Kean’s football team will be facing SUNY Cortland in the Alumni Stadium. A few hours later at 5 p.m., in the same location, Kean will host a Field Hockey game against Richard Stockton College. Shortly after, the men’s soccer team will play against the University of Rochester at 7:30 p.m. In addition to sports, for the duration of Homecoming weekend alumni events will be taking place daily. Friday at 8 p.m., the Greek Alumni Reunion will occur in the Science Technology & Mathematics [STEM] building. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, the Alumni Association will have a welcome tent in Harwood Arena. On Sunday at 8 a.m. there will be a Men's Lacrosse Alumni Reunion and directly after that will be the class of 1964 fifty year reunion at 11 a.m., both on East Campus.

These are only a hand full of the activities occurring during homecoming weekend.

There will be a student tailgate as well as activities for children including carnival games and bouncy houses. Between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. there will be street fair food available in the visitor lot. For most events during the weekend, admission is free for students and alumni; however, there will be admission fees for particular events during homecoming. Details regarding which events have admission fees are currently posted at www.keanalumni.org/homecoming Upon registering to attend homecoming, you will receive 5 food tickets and 10 game tickets compliments of the Alumni Association. You can register at (http://www.keanalumni.org/pages/ events--activities/registration-now). For any questions related to Homecoming, contact the Alumni Relations Office at (908) 737-ALUM (2586) or alumni@kean.edu.

Aliyah Price-Perry, junior English-writing and social work double major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

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COUGARSBYTE / c o u g a r s b y.COM te

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MOre thaN PuMPkiNS, SPOOkS, aND ghOulS

What’s the true history of Halloween? rose Marie kitchen Staff Writer

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very October 31, most people gather together to dress up and enjoy Halloween festivities. Other people look at Halloween as a sinister holiday. However the holiday is perceived, it’s certainly one of a rich history.The word Halloween is a shorten version of All Hallow’s Evening, also known as Hallowe’en or All Hallow’s Eve. It is now called Halloween because “hallow” means saints and “-een” means evening.

KEAN UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE

University Center room 215 1000 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 (908) 737-5179 cbyte@kean.edu The Cougar’s Byte is a leadership and service newsletter where you will find upto-the-minute information on all things related to student life at Kean University.

A student news publication that features University events and student activities and accomplishments, The Cougar’s Byte strengthens the overall experience of students by immersing them in the complete college culture. By increasing awareness of all aspects of campus life, students can utilize everything Kean has to offer, while networking and paving the path for their academic and social development.

Published every other Tuesday during the regular academic year, The Cougar’s Byte can viewed both online, at www. cougarsbyte.com, and in print, distributed biweekly to over fifteen campus locations.

The Cougar’s Byte welcomes Letters to the Editor, calendar events, event news and information, articles, story ideas, artwork and digital photo submission.

To learn more about our publishing policy visit www.cougarsbyte.com. executive editor Vincent Plenzo editor Amanda Petty

Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain. Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in the Gaelic culture. Samhain was a time used by the ancient pagans to take inventory of supplies that helped them prepare for the Winter.

Ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead overlapped, and the deceased would come back to life causing diseases and sickness on people.

The Celts believed that the world we lived in was a material and a supernatural world occupied by strange creatures. Some of the creatures elves, and the spirits of the dead. The Celts would also leave out donations of food on their doorsteps, in hopes that it would attract good spirits, or at the very least it would satisfy the bad spirits and ward them away.

Trick-or-treating is one of the activities that mainly children partake in. Children go door to door dressed up in costumes asking for treats with the traditional, “trick-or-treat.” The “trick” part of trickor-treating has a history all its own. Trick-or-treaters expect that the homeowner will provide them with candy, and if not, a threat to play a trick on the homeowner or his or her property would be given. Trickor-treating resembles the late medieval practice of souling. Souling is when people would go door-to-door on Hallowmas—November 1—receiving food in return for prayers for the dead on All Souls Day.

Creative arts Specialists Jason Darling Maria Finelli Brian Maya Rachel Nierras

amanda Petty

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Staff Writer

Halloween started out as a celebration to remember those who have since passed on, and it has evolved since coming to America.

Halloween today is a day for families to dress up and go door to door wearing Halloween costumes in hopes of receiving candy. More traditional Halloween celebrations include costume parties, visiting haunted houses, and corn mazes.

For more information about upcoming Halloween events on campus, please visit: https://kean.CollegiateLink.net/.

Rose Marie Kitchen, sophomore communication-journalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

omestic. Violence. Two simple words when separate, but when placed in the same context they can instill a hodgepodge of emotions, thoughts, and reactions. Domestic violence is when one intimate partner carries out deliberate actions of abusive behavior, such as physical or sexual assault, battery, emotional abuse, threats, and/ or intimidation, against the other partner. In domestic violence situations, one significant other revels in inflicting power and control as weapons against the other person in the relationship. Silvia Hernandez, executive director of El Centro Hispanoamericano in Plainfield, commented, “in your neighborhood, in my neighborhood, it’s [domestic violence] happening.”

objective of forming DVAM was to form a connection amongst advocates with the same goal: put an end to violence taking place against women and children.

Evolving from one day to one week, each year activities are dedicated to bringing awareness to domestic violence on local, state, and national levels. While DVAM activities are varied, they all fit within one of the common themes:

Creative Media Manager Anthony Menza Creative Media Specialists Dawlat Chebly Marlon Escobar graduate assistant Carla Vitola Director Scott K. Snowden Jr.

V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT

In Mexico, Halloween is called Dia De Los Muertos, The Day of the Dead, which has developed into a secular holiday.

Some people celebrate by setting up altars in their homes to remember all those that have passed, while others visit graveyards, decorating graves with flowers and skulls made from sugar. To remember The Day of the Dead, throughout the year people will have symbols of skeletons and skulls present throughout their daily routine.

DON’t Be a viCtiM, Be a SurvivOr Learn about domestic violence and how to put an end to it

According to Futures Without Violence, 1 in 4 American women are a victim of domestic violence at some point in their lives and 2 out of 3 children are exposed to violence. In an effort to diminish violence in relationships and lessen the numbers in the statistics previously stated, there are organizations worldwide dedicated to the cause. Beginning in 1981, Domestic Violence Awareness Month [DVAM] derived from Day of Unity by National Coalition Against Domestic Violence [NCADV]. The

Staff Writers Bryan Almeida Tom Bogert Gaelle Gilles Rose Marie Kitchen Aliyah Price-Perry Marlon Ramtahal

Masks and costumes were worn in an attempt to mimic evil spirits, in hope to appease them. It was believed that the practice of wearing costumes and going doorto-door for treats goes back to the late Middle Ages.

People dress up in costumes to honor the Celtics. Dressing up in Halloween costumes is a more recent tradition that was created in the twentieth century but the first actual store bought costume was not available until after the 1930s.

■ Remembrance of those who have passed away due to domestic violence ■ Honor the individuals who have endured and survived domestic violence ■ Bring together advocates working towards ending domestic violence ■ Relationships with domestic violence are not cookie cutter and the warning signs and behaviors will vary. Common red flags of domestic violence are: ■ A need of control over every aspect of relationship and decisions ■ An over-the-top amount of jealousy ■ Criticism with the sole purpose of just to put the person down

■ Applying pressure to partake in activities the individual wishes not to For DVAM, the Human Rights Institute of Kean University began the awareness by hosting On the Brink of Death: Violence Against Women and the Abortion Ban in El Salvador on Thursday, October 2. Dr. Larry Ladutke, Amnesty International USA’s El Salvador specialist, and Hernandez were the keynote speakers. There are numerous reasons as to why abusive situations go unreported, one being finances. Ladutke spoke of a woman who did not report her situation due to financial reasons, “If I report him and he goes to jail, who’s going to raise my children?” This woman was concerned about the means of support that goes toward her children being that she did not have a well-paying job. In support of Ladutke’s statement, Hernandez reported, “getting a job is difficult…[it’s difficult] to be independent…”

Hernandez continued, “[they’re] always afraid of what is going to happen to their children, family, [and] themselves.”

Hernandez declared a common reason why outsiders witness domestic abuse, ignore it, and it goes unreported is, “Oh, it’s just a husband and wife issue.” If an individual bears witness of domestic violence or notices the red flags, it is advised to report it. How can someone stop being a spectator of domestic violence? Hernandez stated, “being informed is the first step…at times, just being involved.”

If domestic violence is suspected, the first step is to talk to the person being victimized. When discussing the situation, remember to push judgment to the side and offer support for the victim’s decisions. Hernandez remarked those in abusive relationships, “…are fighters…but they’re resilient…they only need one little person to help them.”

Amanda Petty, sophomore English-writing and communication double major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

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BaSketBall ChaSeS gOt aNXietY? Don’t fear, for there are many Overcoming aWaY BreaSt CaNCer Anxiety Workshops on campus Balling for Breast Cancer was a successful fundraising event

gaelle gilles

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ollege, for many students, can be very stressful, especially for those who are experiencing college for the first time. Many students experience anxiety due to exams or just because he or she are finding it hard to handle work, school, and a social life collectively. Luckily, there are several workshops on campus that students, who are struggling with anxiety, can go to.

gaelle gilles Staff Writer

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Staff Writer

n Thursday, October 9, 2014 Pan African Student Union [PASU] hosted Kean University’s first ever Balling for Breast Cancer event—a charity basketball game for breast cancer awareness. It was a success for not only the team that won the game that night, but for PASU and the Sisters Network Inc. Essex County chapter [SNEC]. Not only did the crowd enjoy a friendly basketball game, but also enjoyed the speech made by speaker Cathy Cooper, who is a part of SNEC.

The purpose of the Overcome Anxiety Workshop “is to give out tips to students on how to function with anxiety,” comments the coordinator of the office of intervention and retention Jean Brown.For anyone who struggles with test taking, the anxiety workshop will give out “pointers on how to handle a test,” continues Brown. The pointers will include how to relax during a test and several good tests-taking habits, as well as other needed information.

Over 500 people showed up to see the Barbra Jean Little team and the Theodora Gray team battle it out on the basketball court. Together however, both teams were working together to fight a much greater foe: breast cancer. Farrakhan Chambliss, a senior and film major, comments on how the game felt like it was “actually [a college basketball] game,” and how great of a turnout it was.

Anxiety is described as feeling uneasy or nervous about a certain subject or an event without any knowledge about the outcome. Anxiety can be the result of: ■ Starting or losing a job

The game was exciting and intense as the people in the crowd chose a team to cheer for. Throughout the game the Little team had kept a steady lead against the Gray team, which eventually led the Little team into victory. But what was more of a victory than the Little team winning the game was the amount of money that was raised for breast cancer awareness.

■ Examinations, especially midterms and finals ■ A change in relationship status ■ Starting at a new school ■ Having a child

The total amount of money raised by donations during the game, as well as the tabling that PASU had done, came out to be approximately $1,070 dollars. Anyone who was in attendance for the event should feel proud of themselves because every dollar that was donated is now supporting a great cause.

Across the country, there is an estimated 40 million Americans ages 18 and above who suffer from an anxiety disorder. Most common anxiety disorders include: generalized anxiety disorder [GAD], panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD], phobia, social anxiety disorder [SAD], and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]. Out of the 40 million people that suffer from an anxiety disorder, about 75 percent of them experience their first one by age 22.

During their first semester of college, approximately 30 percent of freshman experience stress and/or anxiety.

As mentioned earlier, Cooper gave a speech at the game. She spoke profoundly about her experience with breast cancer, as well as why she is part of the SNEC. She gave a great speech that touched the hearts of many; and many people can relate to the story Cooper told, as many have encountered breast cancer personally, or have been caught in the midst of a family members encounter with the terrible disease

There are two forms of anxiety: emotional and physical. Symptoms of anxiety include but are not limited to: Physical symptoms:

Emotional symptoms:

Mia Sapp, president of PASU, comments on the game and how it “is an enormous step for PASU.” The step for PASU aimed to bring “the [Kean University] community together” and they did. Not only were they able to get the campus community engaged, but they were also able to donate a large sum of money to the SNEC. “PASU has also reached the goal of raising awareness for breast cancer,” Sapp continues, which is another large step for the community. With the success of the event, PASU and the rest of the Kean community have proven relentless in their efforts to support breast cancer awareness.

■ Difficulty concentrating

■ Pounding heart

■ Irritability

■ Sweating

■ Restlessness

■ Upset stomach

■ Feeling dreadful

■ Headaches

■ Feeling hyper

■ Insomnia

■ Paying close attention to the signs of danger

■ Muscle tension ■ Fatigue

The Overcoming Anxiety Workshop can help individuals dealing with any level of anxiety.

Workshops will be available to students to attend on Mondays and Thursday this Fall from Thursday, October 9 through Thursday, December 11. The workshop will be held in room 118 in the Maxine and Jack Lane Center for Academic Success [CAS]. For more information on the workshops, contact the office of intervention and retention by calling 908-737-0323 or by visiting CAS room 122.

Gaelle Gilles, sophomore English-writing major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

Gaelle Gilles, sophomore English-writing major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

the relatiONShiP War

Students discuss gender differences and relationship problems at Battle of Sexes viewed differently than it was in the past because of changes in stereotypical gender roles. Most people shared the idea that both males and females today are too focused on looks, rather than who they are inside.

Marlon ramtahal

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Staff Writer

s college students, it is common to encounter difficult times in a romantic relationship. For others, being in a relationship can be a fulfilling and life-changing experience. Beta Kappa Sigma, Black and Latina Sorority Inc. held Battle of Sexes in the University Center [UC] Greek Lounge for students to negotiate about relationship issues on Wednesday, October 1, 2014.

The debate on relationship lasted for approximately an hour.

Within that hour, males and females sat on different sides of the table and opposed each other’s opinions on relationship goals, sexuality, and personality preferences. Oriana McGriff, vice president of Beta Kappa Sigma, said the reason why her sorority hosted the program was because they wanted to see the different reactions the students had toward relationships. “We thought it would be fun getting our college students engaged in a conversation that is relative to them that no one really seems to talk about,” McGriff said.

Senior biology major, Paul Agui was one of the participants who attended the event. Agui believes the program helped him learn about the opposite sex’s views and their expectations. “This program engaged the sexes into conversations they probably only had with the same gender,” Agui commented.

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Senior business management major, Keyquan Hepburn was another participant. Hepburn believes personality is the greatest feature. “Your personality is who you really are; it is what makes a person want to stay around and get to know you better.

I always say the physical appearance is what attracts me, but the personality is what keeps me,” Hepburn said. He added that the event helped him in many ways. “This event allowed me to open up and bond more with my fellow peers. It also allowed me to learn more about how people think and learn about the things people like and dislike,” continued Hepburn.

The first discussion that was posed to the students focused on the greatest quality they would want in a significant other. Most of the participants agreed that personality and physical appearance are the most important features people look for. Most believed that the way people present themselves to a potential mate is what makes them attractive.

Despite having a debated argument between the genders, both agreed that women are more independent today than they were before. The huge shift in gender roles changes the way couples live their lifes today. In today’s society, romance can be

leaDerShiP AND ServiCe PUBLICATION

FO R T H E

Other topics such as expectations in sexual behavior, gender roles, and cheating were also mentioned at the program. Battle of Sexes served as a way for a diverse group of students to interact with one another. The program can certainly remind students about the meaning behind romance and how it impacts the average person. Furthermore, it assisted the participants’ to express ideas towards a meaningful spectrum that plays a role in their current lives.

Marlon Ramtahal, sophomore communication-journalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

K E A N UNIVERSITY S t u D e N t COMMUNITY

P a g e 4 TUES/OCT 10/14

Looking For A Thrill This Halloween?

Don’t have a boring Halloween, get adventurous by visiting some of these haunted attractions Rose Marie Kitchen Staff Writer

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nce the leaves start to change color on the trees and the Fall approaches, people tend to become excited about Halloween. Part of this excitement usually comes from candy and trick or treaters.

For others, there are activities outside the traditional Halloween festivities that get them in the Halloween spirit. Some people set out in search of spooky attractions, and a haunted house is often the ideal place to fulfill their adrenaline cravings. There are several different haunted houses that feature various kinds of attractions that people are able to visit.

Field of Screams {191 College Avenue, Mountville, Pennsylvania 17554} All four attractions plus the entertainment area is 33 dollars. Attractions could also be purchased separately; Haunted hayride: 16 dollars, den of darkness: 14 dollars, frightmare asylum: 14 dollars, and nocturnal wasteland: 14 dollars. The Field of Screams will also be presenting The 5k Zombie Fun Run on November 15, 2014,starting at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 7:30 p.m.

Shady Brook Farm {931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, Pennsylvania 19067} Shady Brook Farm has spent decades causing fear on its visitors during its famous HorrorFest.

HorrorFest features four attractions; the hayride of horror, barn of horror, 3-D alien encounter, and carnage corn maze. Attraction prices start at 20 dollars and increases by five dollars depending on the amount of attractions purchased or all four attraction could be purchased for 50 dollars.

New Jersey Attractions: Field of Terror {831 Windsor-Perrineville Road, East Windsor, New Jersey 08520} The Field of Terror is a classic attraction. It is known as a haunted attraction farm and the ticket prices vary by the number of attractions visited. One attraction costs 15 dollars, two attractions costs 25 dollars, and 3 attractions costs 35 dollars. The best value would be to visit all four attractions: Killer Kornfield, Zombie Attack Haunted Hayride, The Unknown Barn, and Dementia 3D for 40 dollars. The Field of Terror will also be hosting a Zombie Mud Run on November 1, 2014.

Corner of Chaos {299 Princeton-Hightstown Road, East Windsor, New Jersey 08520}

Pennsylvania Attractions:

The Corner of Chaos features three self-guided walking mazes; the nightmare machine, wooded wasteland, and barbaric barnyard. There is also a guided wagon tour, wicked wagon ride. One attraction can be purchased for 15 dollars, but all four attractions can be purchased for 40 dollars.

Bates Motel {1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania 19342}

Bane {630 West Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey 07039}

Walk through the halls of America’s most horrifying motel.Ticket prices vary depending on the attraction; haunted hayride: 20 dollars, motel walk through: 15 dollars, combo special: 40 dollars, and VIP pass-no waiting: 75 dollars.

Terror Behind the Walls at Easter State Penitentiary {22 and Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130} Walk through the corridors of a haunted house in a real prison and take a ghost bus tour down Fairmont Avenue while stopping to visit the six haunted attractions: infirmary, lock down, 3-D experiment, machine shop, night watch, and detritus. The tickets range from 13 dollars, 19 dollars, 29 dollars, and 39 dollars depending on the time and day of the week.

A Night Of Frightening Sights Ghost tours are once again being held at

Liberty Hall Museum!

about visiting a 240-year-old house at night that interests people,” continued Bongard.

Marlon Ramtahal Staff Writer

Sleepy Hollow Paranormal Investigators have explored the museum and know the hot spots of paranormal activity.

They will once again be at the event and explain to the attendees the investigative process they went through to conduct their research and the ways in which they found the spots.

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oing to a museum can be interesting, but attending one on a dark and spooky night, especially during the Halloween season, can be even more exciting! On Saturday, October 25, the Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University will hold their second annual ghost tour. Join the staff as they recount their mysterious and creepy experiences to attendees.

After the stories are told, attendees will be guided throughout the museum on candlelit tours.

Lacey Bongard, coordinator of museum programs at Liberty Hall Museum, believes the ghost tours will be just as exciting as last year.

“Last year every ghost tour was sold out and people loved the chance of listening to the ghost stories the staff members had to share and being able to see the museum in the dark,” said Bongard. She added that people told her they had such great experiences at the ghost tours. “There's something

V i s i t u s o n l i n e at

To attend, guests must make a reservation by calling the museum at 908-527-0400. Reservations are required by October 18. Here is some more information on the ghost tour: Program Fee: $20.00 for adults, $18.00 for Liberty Hall Museum members and Kean Alumni/Students, $13.00 for children 16 years and younger.

Program Time: There are two available ghost tour sessions, 7:00 p.m., which is suggested for families with younger children, and 9:00 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served.

Space is very limited and spots get filled fairly quickly!

For more information about Liberty Hall Museum: Visit www.kean.edu/LibertyHall/ home.asp or email LibertyHall@ kean.edu

Marlon Ramtahal, sophomore communication-journalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

Bane is based off a family of four that lived in a house deep in the woods of Livingston. It replays the chilling tale of the Bane family that lived in this house. Bane prides itself in being one of the scariest haunted attractions in New Jersey. Tickets can be purchased at the door for 22 dollars.

A VIP, no wait, ticket can also be purchased at the door for 35 dollars.

Halloween is the perfect time to get in the mood for a good spook. These attractions are sure to please any horror enthusiast. For more information regarding the attractions listed above, please feel free to visit: http://www.HauntedHouseAssociation.org/haunted_houses_in_new_jersey Rose Marie Kitchen, sophomore communication-journalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

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you have make sure you let me know. I will do everything in my power to make sure this freshman year is amazing! I wish everyone the best of luck this year. Take advantage of every opportunity given to you. College is a time where you meet new people, experience new things and create lots of memories -- Tahj Whitsett Freshman Class of 2018 Treasurer Winner: Isaiah Pedroza

■■ I am hoping to get the university more involved with athletic events and also to get a sense of school spirit. Along with school spirit, I would like to host more campus events. I would like to thank all the students who voted for me and also good luck for the rest of the school year. --Isaiah Pedroza Freshman Class of 2018 Secretary Winner: Asa Dugger

■■ There are many things that I would like to accomplish for the freshman class, such as making a peer mentoring group and hosting freshman socials. This peer mentoring group will not only assist students in overcoming their struggles and fears but will also create great bonds between one's fellow classmates. You can count on me to make our school a better, more fun place. You can confide in me and no matter what the situation may be, [and] I will do whatever I can to help. -- Giulia Catalano

"I hope to find a solution to all problems brought to my attention by my fellow classmates. I will refer all proposals to the class president that are suggested to me. I intend to perform at my best, to make sure this year goes well."

- Dezirae Kee-Prout

■■ As class secretary, I plan to make sure our class executive board will remain organize and updated as we plan events, solve conflicts within our class and consolidate the class executive responsibilities. I plan to accomplish change by interacting with our class peers and recognize the differences they wish to see within our class and student body as a whole.

Don't be afraid to speak up and reach out to the executive board. -- Asa Dugger

Freshman Class of 2018 Representatives Winners: Stephone Fields, Dezirae Kee-Prout, Aleeyah Oliphant, Giulia Catalano, Felix Mejia, Ashley Valencia, Jonathan Prins ■■ For my freshman class, my hopes are to accomplish all of the issues that the representative and executive board will tackle over the course of the year. One of them includes implementing more weekend activities so fewer students will go home on the weekend. I would like to say thank you for all of your votes and support throughout this vigorous process of being a part of such an elite board. I will do my best to do the best job possible and represent you all well! GO COUGARS! -- Stephon Fields ■■ I plan to promote a sense of unity and family within our class. I would like to say to my fellow

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classmates that I am proud of everyone because by going to college I see that we all are living out our dreams by taking the crucial step to continue our education. I can tell already by all the people I have encountered that we are going to have an ambitious class. -- Aleeyah Oliphant

■■ I will only hope to allow every student with a concern to come and bring it up to me so I can convey those thoughts to the other members of the committee.

I would like to say that the freshman class of 2014 should get involved more because it will let them feel better and get a better sense of school pride as well as the joy it comes to meeting new people and getting involved. -- Felix Mejia

■■ In general, I am hoping to please and do whatever is in my hands to represent my class as best I can.

I want them to know that I am very hard working, trustworthy, and open to any new ideas they have and that they want to put out there -- Ashley Valencia The freshman class of 2018 election winners are excited to start their journey. They are confident that they will provide a friendly and welcoming community for their class. “I want you all to remember that we are never too young to make a change…Please do not be discouraged about the fact that we are freshmen; our voices shall and will be heard,” encouraged Smothers.

Rose Marie Kitchen, sophomore communicationjournalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

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the keY tO CitiZeNShiP

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi unveils a new mobile application geared towards registered college students to vote Marlon ramtahal Staff Writer

v fuN, fuN, fuN!

Student Organization of Kean University held Laser Tag at Downs Hall

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Marlon ramtahal Staff Writer

here is nothing more fun than playing laser tag with a group of friends. Student Organization of Kean University held a laser tag event at Downs Hall from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6. President of the student organization Gerard Smithwrick said the reason why his team decided to host the event again this year was to allow the student body to bond and meet each other. “We just wanted to give an opportunity to specifically the commuters to have fun on campus, but it was open for all students to have fun for free,” declared Smithwrick.

Within the six hours, students entered Downs Hall and patiently waited for their run of the course. Smithwrick said the student organization held previous laser tag events over the years. They decided to run the event for six hours this year instead of the usual four hour duration because they wanted the students to have more time.

One of the participants who played laser tag was sophomore business major Shawn Thompson. “It was a lot of fun and it was great to see everyone else enjoying themselves as well,” said Thompson. He added that playing laser tag helped him escape his daily responsibilities as a student. Another player was freshman athletic training major Zachariah Wojcik. “I heard about this event through my friends and I am so glad they told me about it,” Wojcik stated and he hopes to do it again.

Student organization strives every semester to help students gain more knowledge about their school community, bond with each other, and simply have fun on campus. The laser tag event was one of the many successful events they held this semester.

To attend other events taking place on campus, visit cougar link at https://kean.CollegiateLink.net/

Marlon Ramtahal, sophomore communication-journalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

oting is a key aspect when it comes to being an American. As a democratic country, an individual fulfills the most basic right when he or she votes. Being able to voice political opinions and exclusively decide who is wanted to represent the nation is essentially what builds the fundamentals of American society. Joanne Rajoppi, county clerk of Union, informed the student body on Monday, October 6, in the University Center [UC] Atrium, that there is a new mobile application for both iPhone and Android users that instantly allows them to vote at the tip of their fingers.

Kean University President Dawood Farahi introduces the informational by stating why voting is important. “Voting is the most valuable thing you can do. That’s how democracy works and that’s how democracy succeeds,” declared Farahi. As Rajoppi opens her speech, she informs the students that the purpose of her presence at the event is to encourage young people to vote and make it easier for them. Rajoppi added that the tool is the second largest election application to be released in the United States and is gaining more popularity now in the Eastern part of the country.

As Rajoppi describes the online tool, she highlights that the application can be used in two languages, English and Spanish, due to the increasing population of Latino voters. “It provides push notifications and provides a countdown to when an Election Day is,” Rajoppi said. When a student came up to her team and said that he was unsure if he was able to vote, she declared that you can register to vote right on the application. “All you have to do is enter your full name and select your month and year of birth.

Since the state of New Jersey requires you have an original signature on an application, you can either download the form on your computer or fill it out on the web,” Rajoppi stated.

With the unique election application, users are given several choices. They can locate polling places, find election and filing dates, access candidates’ political information, request voter registration forms, attain election results, view sample ballots and view campaign politics, request a vote by mail ballot application, and even apply to work at the election polls.

Rajoppi believes the online application is one of the easiest tools to ever use. “It’s very easy, it’s very accessible, and it’s just convenient…there is no excuse not to vote. The whole idea is to make voting easy for students because it is important,” Rajoppi said. She noted that since the United States Senate election is in New Jersey this year, voters will be allowed to vote for Congress, House of Representatives, Sheriff for Union County, etc. Depending on the town a person lives in, they can pretty much vote for any level of office.

For more information about this free app or about elections in Union County, please visit www.ucnj.org/clerk.

Marlon Ramtahal, sophomore communication-journalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

SuPerStitiON realitY 13 spooky superstitions explained

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gaelle gilles Staff Writer

ver wonder why people knock on wood or dislike the number 13? Below are explanations of 13 well-known superstitions:

1. Black cats: On Halloween, a black cat crossing anyone’s path could mean that a witch is close by, and/or bad luck will come to the individual.

2. Broken mirror: If someone breaks a mirror, then seven years of bad luck will follow. When a person looks at themselves in an unbroken mirror, he or she will see their current spiritual state. If an unbroken mirror breaks while being looked into, then that person will see a damaged version of their spiritual state.

3. Knocking on wood: Saying a good fortune requires to be followed by three knocks on wood. When someone knocks on wood three times after saying a good fortune, then their good fortune will not be ruined by evil spirits. It is believed that good spirits live in wood, so knocking on wood will not only have these spirits be remembered, but also protect good fortunes from any evil.

4. Passing a cemetery: When passing a cemetery, one must hold their breath or else he or she holds the potential of breathing in the soul of a person who recently died. This has to be done because if not, the recently dead person will get jealous of the living human being.

5. Walking under a ladder: If someone walks under a ladder while it is leaned against a wall, it will attract the devil. A ladder leaned against a wall will create a triangle, which is the sign of the Holy Trinity. Walking through the triangle will insult the Holy Trinity and hence attract the devil. Another

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theory is that a ladder can be used for hanging. A person, who will be hung, will climb up the ladder so he or she can be high enough to reach the rope.

6. Owls: It is believed that on Halloween night, owls eat the souls of people. A person’s soul will be protected only if that person has his or her pockets out when an owl howl is heard.

7. Throwing salt over left shoulder: It has been common belief that there is a devil behind a shoulder of every person.

In order to get rid of this devil, one must throw salt over their left shoulder. If this is done, then the devil will be distracted from the terrible deed he was going to do.

8. Opening an umbrella indoors: Opening an umbrella inside a house may cause rain to occur. Many centuries ago, umbrellas were used as protection from the sun, not the rain, and if one decides to open an umbrella inside, he or she is insulting the sun-god. Another spinoff of the superstition of opening an umbrella inside consists of the guardian spirits that protect one’s home during a storm which, in the long run, will cause the guardians to stop their protection.

9. 666: Also known as the “number of the beast.” This number can be found in the Bible, under Revelation 13:1618. The number, 666, is the number for a man. Six means an imperfection of a man in the eyes of God because it is not a seven. A perfect man will never be a seven, unless he is God, because a man can only be as perfect as a six.

10. Macbeth, “The Scottish Play”: Macbeth is one of the scariest plays to be performed on stage. With the numerous fight scenes and the chants hollered by the witches, there is no doubt in the alias “The Scottish Play”. This play can be considered a Halloween play. The reason why “Macbeth” cannot be said unless otherwise noted in the play is due to

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many believing that the chants said by the witches in the play are not fictional chants. These chants could be, as some say, written by true witches. As a result of these chants, the play is considered cursed. During the first production of this play in 1606, the actor who was playing Lady Macbeth suddenly fell sick with a high fever, was then taken back stage, and had died shortly after.

11. Step on a crack, break your mother’s back: This superstition dates back to the late 19 century and through most of the 20 century, a time when racism was a large matter.

The saying, “step on a crack, break your mothers back” was at first “step on a crack and your mother will turn black.” This rhyming scheme goes onto say other disturbing phrases, but eventually the old saying had been changed to what it is now known today.

12. Bloody Mary: It is believed that someone has to stand in front of a mirror in the bathroom, without lights, and say ‘Bloody Mary’ three times. Once someone does that, Mary will come out of the mirror and kill that person.

13. Number 13: The lucky number 13, why is it such a fearful number? It mainly has to do with the fact that whenever a group of 13 people get together, terrible events would happen.

The reason behind these terrible events is because Christ was betrayed when there happened to be 13 guests attending The Last Supper.

Gaelle Gilles, sophomore English-writing major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

K E A N UNIVERSITY S t u D e N t COMMUNITY

P a g e 6 TUES/OCT 10/14

Be A Hero And Help End Cancer Kean University kicked off Relay For Life on

October 9, 2014

birthday, but this year’s theme is superheroes.

“We are stressing to the Kean [University] community that anyone can be a hero for someone else…and participating in this year’s Relay For Life, it’s making the difference in someone else’s life,” encouraged Smithwrick.

Rose Marie Kitchen Staff Writer

On October 9, 2014, Kean University hosted a Relay For Life Kick-Off event on the University Center [UC] patio from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tables were lined throughout the UC patio with the same purpose in mind, “To live in a world without cancer,” expressed Jacquelynn Rice, sophomore education major.

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ancer has affected the lives of millions and sadly also has taken the lives of too many. Relay For Life is the time when families and friends come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones, and fight back. “Relay For Life is a life-changing event that helps communities across the globe, and is the number one fundraising initiative for the American Cancer Society,” explained Gerard Smithwrick, executive president of the student organization of Kean University.

Relay For Life at Kean University is an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the office of student government. “With the purpose of getting the Kean [University] community together to raise money to fight cancer, support those brave individuals who are currently battling this disease, celebrate those who have defeated, and/or have taken care of people who had cancer,” informed Smithwrick during his speech given at the Relay For Life kick-off event.

This is the third time Relay For Life will be held at Kean University. In the past, families and friends of Kean University have come together to raise money for people that are fighting this horrible disease. Relay For Life was a great success last year with over 14,000 dollars raised. “This year we are looking to raise at least 20,000 dollars,” announced Smithwrick. Last year the event was held on the football field but this year the event will be held inside Harwood Arena to make it a more engaging experience.”

Last year the theme of Relay for Life was

The Relay For Life Kick-Off event was a great time for students to learn more about the upcoming Relay For Life event that will be held in April 2015. It helped students to become motivated to join and create a team, “I plan on joining Relay For Life and looking forward to hopefully create a world with more birthdays,” exclaimed Rice.

There were numerous activities for students to partake in, such as a blow-up wrecking ball pit and a blow-up slide. There were giveaways, large prizes, food provided by Submarine Sandwiches, music provided by NoProblemProductionz, and popcorn cotton candy stands. There was also a spin-the-wheel game on cancer facts and questions, such as ‘how many types of cancer are there?’ Prizes for answering the question right resulted in Relay For Life merchandise, including sunglasses, pins and water bottles.

Any students interested in learning more about Relay For Life, starting a team, or joining committees to help organize the event can feel free to contact the office of student government located in UC room 309, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Feel free to contact them by phone at 908-7375190 or by email at StuOrg@kean.edu.

The Kean University Relay For Life link of the American Cancer Society http://relay.acsevents. org/site/TR?fr_id=67085&pg=entry.

Don’t Go Broke This Halloween

Save money this Halloween by hand making a costume Rose Marie Kitchen

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Staff Writer

ver want to be a superhero, minion, athlete, or a doctor, but the budget makes it impossible? Halloween is that one time of a year when people are free to go door to door dressed as their favorite character looking for treats. Some people would say the hardest part of Halloween is picking the costume,and not breaking the bank. This Halloween, finding the right costume will not be a problem. Take a load off and continue reading for classic and creative costume ideas.

Classic Costumes: Athletes are always a classic Halloween costume. Any sports player costume could be easily made just by wearing a favorite team jersey. To give the costume an extra flare, a football player could have black paint under his eyes, a hockey player a blacked out tooth, and a baseball player dirt on the pants. A referee costume is another costume in the sports department, as it could easily be made by wearing a black and white striped shirt, black pants, sneakers, and a whistle.

It is not an uncommon wish to have super powers and be a super hero, and Halloween makes that possible for the right price. Just wear any super hero cape and tights. Clark Kent is also an easy option. To be superman, wear a white button up shirt, black tie, tan pants, and black glasses, but make sure to wear a superman t-shirt under the button up shirt.

Show off brain power and dress as a nerd. Wear a button up shirt, tan pants that are cuffed like high waters, high socks, spenders, and glasses that have tape on the middle. Get creative with the costume and carry books, a calculator, and lots of pens because a nerd is always prepared for anything. Be sure to ask people the classic nerd phrase of “Did I do that?”

Creative Costumes: Take a creative approach to a Halloween costume and surprise your friends by dressing up as a Toddlers and Tiaras character. It is an easy costume that could also be done cheap. Grab any color tutu skirt, a white shirt, tiara, binky, and sash.

This year, minions are a huge hit. A regular yellow minion costume can range from 35 dollars to 53 dollars. To save money, a minion costume can be easily homemade by wearing a yellow or purple long selved shirt, denim overalls, black shoes, goggles, and a yellow beanie.

Scare the birds away and dress up as a scare crow. Embrace the fall spirit by wearing any color plaid shirt stuffing it with old rags or towels, jeans, and a pointy hat.

Have a sweet tooth? Wear a costume befitting your cravings by becoming a bag of jelly beans. Take a clear plastic garbage bag, fill it with different color balloons, and place a Jelly Bean logo sign in the inside sticking out.

The list of homemade Halloween costumes is endless. More costume ideas could be: a grandma, firefighter, baby, clown, hippie, Dracula, cat, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Mario, Luigi, witch, mime, carpenter, plumber, and a ghost. Also, some more creative costume ideas are: mermaid, grapes, and Rosie the Riveter. Any homemade costume is sure to surprise people and help stay in a budget. Happy costume hunting!

For more information about upcoming Halloween events and places on campus where these costumes could be embraced, please visit: https://kean.CollegiateLink.net/.

Rose Marie Kitchen, sophomore communication - journalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

Rose Marie Kitchen, sophomore communication-journalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

Never Too Old For A Fright!

Students demonstrate reasons as to why they believe they are never too old to celebrate Halloween

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zombie last year. Since her sister is a makeup artist, she learned from her and the stages it took to create the final product of the zombie costume. “It was so much fun…Halloween is always exciting and I don’t think anyone can be too old to celebrate, you can always have fun regardless of age,” explained Lugo.

She added that Halloween is a time for her to be expressive and learn from other people’s costume ideas.

Marlon Ramtahal Staff Writer

s the fall season is kicking in, most students are wondering what they should dress up as for Halloween.

Halloween is celebrated by millions of people around the word as an enjoyable time for kids to wear costumes, go to their neighbors to get free candy, watch scary movies, and listen to ghost stories. It is certainly a cheerful time for people to get together and share a common experience filled with fun, laughs, and excitement. Nevertheless, for college students, the Halloween experience can perhaps be different.

Since college students are older than the kids that usually trick or treat, how can they make the most out of the Halloween experience? How can they maintain the holiday’s importance?

Students were posed these questions on campus and many of them came up with some interesting answers.

Sophomore marketing major Drew MacDonald believes he will never be too old for Halloween. “I think I am old to go around and trick- or- treat, but I am not old for Halloween itself. I love to see the reactions of kids when they get candy.

It’s an amazing sight and I think that’s what makes Halloween so special,” MacDonald elaborated.

Kyle Nunn, freshman biology major, shared the idea that since

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he lives close to one of the most popular cities in the world, New York City, he enjoys dressing up and going out there to celebrate. “There are so many parties, events, and celebrations that happen all day and all night long in the city on Halloween,” Nunn declared. At the age of seventeen, he went out with his friend to the city for a Halloween parade. He enjoyed the food, music, and the atmosphere of the people. “Halloween is too fun for people to even think of it as boring because every year is different. You can change up who you want to be every year and it’s always fun,” Nunn said.

College students today do not normally think about getting candy anymore. However, they still explore ways to be creative by dressing up for Halloween and fulfilling the experience.

Cindy Lugo, freshman undecided major, dressed up as a nerdy

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Freshman communication major Asa Dugger said she enjoys dressing up and going on hayrides. As a young girl, she was never really allowed to trick-or-treat, but as she aged, she enjoys pumpkin-picking with her family and friends. While trick-or-treating is considered to be one of the main activities on Halloween, there are other activities students can engage in and still enjoy themselves.

Although the college level workload can bring a great deal of stress to students, being able to go out and have fun on Halloween can serve as a stress reliever. Dressing up on Halloween is an excellent way for people to escape from their daily responsibilities and become a character that has a different personality. Halloween is meant to be a fun day of celebration--who wouldn’t want to celebrate a holiday?

Marlon Ramtahal, sophomore communication-journalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

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October Opts Out Of Crime Celebrating National Crime Prevention Month by increasing awareness

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Aliyah Price-Perry Staff Writer

ctober is National Crime Prevention Month [NCPM].

Kean University has a cohesive unit of interrelated departments who work together for the protection of the community; this includes, but is not limited to, the department of public safety, such as the police department, security officers, dispatchers, administrative staff, the office of environmental health and safety, and fire safety. Not only in the month of October, but every month, they ensure the campus is a safe atmosphere that can be conducive to learning. Adam Shubsda, director of police, expresses the reason for its importance. He states, “it raises everyone's awareness to their surroundings.”

The university’s police encourage the community to be proactive when it comes to their own protection.

Shubsda advises, “anytime they see something suspicious, they need to call the police department and report that suspicious activity...if you notice something suspicious with a vehicle the most important thing to do is get the license plate number of the vehicle.” As minor as certain aspect may seem, they can be crucial when it comes to safety. Shubsda elaborates by stating “the more descriptive information that you can provide us with, the greater the chance we have of following up.”

Annually, the police encounter thousands of service calls which can range from menial to severe, and with the correct communication, situations are diffused quickly and efficiently.

Many people undervalue communication which has the capacity to make a monumental difference. Shubsda expresses his understanding of the respective role of everyone involved in situations, “communication is our responsibility, but compliance is the responsibility of the students and the other people...” With

the cooperation of the entire community, Kean University can ensure the collective safety of everyone.

is evidently more efficient to work as a unit to protect one large community as opposed to separate entities.

With regard to crimes related to the collegiate environment, fortunately they are few and far between. Shubsda explains “students are experiential and they want the entire experience of being in college, although we have a zero tolerance policy for alcohol on campus, we do have some incidents involving alcohol in the residence halls…we have very few and minor incidents involving drugs.” This minuscule incident rate is one of the many goals of the police department. They want college students to take it upon themselves to ensure ubiquitous safety. Shubsda states that they have been seeing students do just that, “I’m really proud of the student populations here. I see them as very responsible...they know the value of an education and what it takes to have to pay for that education…that’s something to be really proud of...”

While there are countless people in place for their protection, students can be active participants as well. Recently, the police department collaborated with Janice Maury to form Kean Students Active For Everyone [S.A.F.E.]. Kean S.A.F.E. is a public safety advisory group that will include a community outreach program and countless other safety measures that will incur student involvement. Shubsda explains his intent behind this by saying “[they’re] living in it, [they’re] going through it, and students are the ones who are going to be able to tell me exactly what it is that [they] need to be done in order to make things safer.”

While there are existing dangers outside of the community, the police department on campus extends themselves to their surrounding communities. Shubsda explains that this is not unheard of in collegiate settings, being as how “we have students who live in the communities that are continuous to the campus and it’s really important that we help police those communities because our students are there.” This is also advantageous for the relationships between the Kean University Police Department and other local police departments. The police department took the initiative to paint the cars black and white and put new graphics on the cars so that the police vehicles resembled the cars of the local officers.

Shubsda explains the reason of this is “... so that you can’t tell the difference from us, to hillside, to union, elizabeth...we have what we call a force multiplier.” By assisting their local partners with crime prevention in their communities, relationships are strengthened and crime prevention is increased significantly. It

The police are continually proactive as far as their involvement with student programs and events. Shubsda expresses, “I’m a dad, my youngest daughter is actually a graduate student. So I pretty much tell everybody that the way that we police the campus is that I’m looking after my kids because they are really here.” They are actively increasing their visibility to reiterate their role, availability and purpose. “We’re interacting with not only the students but the rest of the stakeholders around campus…they understand what our job is and we want to let them know how they can help us to create a safer environment,” Shubsda continued.

The police are an invaluable resource in the Kean University community. They work incessantly to ensure that students are undoubtedly safe and they are constantly looking for innovative ways to improve efficiency. Shubsda describes that they operate with progressively in-depth strategies. “It’s a very comprehensive layered approach to public safety, but it’s something that we really need to be doing, and especially increasing those layers as we move forward.”

Aliyah Price-Perry, junior English-writing and social work double major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

The Villains Among us Advisement Kean University students are asked which horror movie Week Blast villain they would be Amanda Petty Editor

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t is that time of year again: Halloween. Bring on the toothaches from too much candy, the frustrations of trying to find the perfect costume, and the sore throats from screaming at scary movies.

When an individual is watching horror movies, has he or she ever wondered which villain they would be? Kean University students were asked which of the following villains they would choose to be: Count Dracula: a centuries old vampire who spends his days sleeping and his nights taking advantage of the living and feeding off of them.

Chucky: a serial killer who is in the form of an evil doll. Formerly human, Chucky performed a voodoo ritual when he was on the verge of death, resulting in his spirit taking over a doll. While he is not in search of a human body to transfer his soul into, he kills people.

Freddy Krueger: infamous for stalking children in their dreams and killing them. Prior to his eternal existence in the world of dreams, Krueger is responsible for murdering 23 children in his hometown. What events that instigated Krueger into becoming a serial killer were his experiences growing up. His complex was generated by bearing witness to happy families that he compared to his childhood which consisted of being shuffled around into different foster homes.

Ranging from classic horror movie villains to

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recently created villains, Kean University students gave an abundance of answers. The most popular identity students would overtake is Krueger.

Tyquilah Whitehead, a freshman undecided major, went with modern villain Krueger. Whitehead would be Krueger for the reason that “…he plays a lot games… [Krueger] is a character that you never know what his next move is going to be.” Junior, criminal justice major Haneefah Cooper would also take on the identity of Krueger. Krueger “gets in people’s mind and [I like] his laidback approach,” Cooper explained. Peter Abbate, a junior majoring in information technology, is partial to being Krueger due to his tactic of being a villain. “The whole dream thing, it’s kinda cool,” Abbate elaborated.

The villain identity of Chucky is also preferred by some students. Ellesa Effner, graduate student majoring in education, would take on the persona of Chucky. Effner chose Chucky for the simple reason of fear, “[I’m] way too scared to watch the other movies.” Sometimes, there is no underlying reason a character is chosen. In the situation of Sam Montanez, a senior history major, his reason for selecting Chucky was deliberate. “He’s sneaky. He looks all nice and cute and then he just gets you,” elaborated Montanez. Zach Mulcahy, a freshman majoring in computer science, is the lone person to be Dracula if given the opportunity. Mulcahy would take over this villain for the reason that the abilities of Dracula “It’s kinda cool, the super strength and mind control.”

Halloween is in full throttle from here on out.

Picking a costume, resisting the urge to not eat too much candy, and binge watching horror movies consumes students throughout the month of October. An individual should take a step back and ask themselves, What villain would I be? In the spirit of Halloween, individuals are forewarned to keep a close eye on the people walking past while on campus…a student can never know when one’s inner villain might come out.

Amanda Petty, sophomore English-writing and communication double major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE PUBLICATION

School of General Studies hosts Advisement Week kick-off event Bryan Almeida Staff Writer

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he School of General Studies hosted the Advisement Week kick-off event on October 6, 2014 in the Maxine and Jack Lange Center of Academic Success between the hours of 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. During this event students were welcome to explore the different majors at Kean University. The event had a great turn out. School of General Studies Managing Administrative Assistant and Transition to Kean (T2K) Coordinator Gwendolyn Beloti stated “We have 1,200-1,300 students enrolled in T2K and it was mandatory for all T2K students to participate”. The Transition to Kean program is a “freshman seminar course mandatory for all new students that come into Kean.” stated Beloti.

The freshman seminar class helps new incoming students settle into Kean University. One of the main ideas of T2K is “to promote student engagement”. The course covers activities such as participating in campus awareness festivals and events, reading campus publications, visiting service centers and students will also learn how to properly utilize the library. Students will also be given the knowledge to successfully write summaries and reports, as well as deliver an oral presentation.

The kickoff attracted a lot of students and allowed them to meet the representative of their college or academic advisor. Charlie Campbell, a graduate assistant in the School of General Studies, stated that the event also helped first-year students find out who their advisors are.

First-year students also had the opportunity to win prizes and giveaways, such as T2K earphones. By participating, T2K students were entered into a raffle for $25 Barnes and Noble gift cards.

OVERALL: 2-1 NJAC: 0-0 were able With all the colleges Men's in Keansoccer University attending, many students to explore the different programs and majors the university has Sept. 24 Vassar College @East Campus 7:00 pm to offer. For information about the School of General Studies’ Transition to Kean program, or about Advisement Week, feel free to visit the School of 0-0 General Men's volleyball OVERALL: NJAC:Studies 0-0 office, located in CAS room 201, or call 908-737-0319.

Jan. 16 Elmira College @York College 4:00 pm

Bryan Almeida, sophomore economics major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

Fo r t h e

*Conference game

K e a n U ni v e r s it y S t u de n t C o m m unit y

P a g e 8 TUES/OCT 10/14

Embracing The Halloween Spirit

Students share their favorite movies to watch during the Halloween season Amanda Petty

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How Good Is The Good Lie? Kean Human Rights Institutes holds an advance

screening of movie influenced by work of John Prendergast

Editor

Staff Writer

weatshirts are coming out, nights are cooling off, and students want to escape the stress of their course work. It is not uncommon for students to escape by watching movies, but this month calls for a particular genre of movie. Viewership of horror movies skyrockets in October due to the looming holiday at the end of the month that is Halloween. What better way to gear up for Halloween than watching horror movies? Kean University students were asked what their favorite movies to watch during this time of year are.

Halloween movies do not necessarily have to have the intent of scaring an individual beyond capacity. Ellesa Effner, a graduate education major, has a low tolerance for fright, which steered her toward Halloween movies of the good-feel nature. Effner could not decide between two movies as being her favorite Halloween flicks: Hocus Pocus or the Halloweentown series. She described watching these movies as, “Halloween, without being scared.”

Similar to Effner, Peter Abbate, a junior majoring in information technology, enjoys watching Casper. “I watched it as a kid, so Casper is nostalgic for me,” explained Abbate.

Zach Mulcahy, a freshman computer science major, branched out a bit with his choice. His favorite movie to watch during this season being The Nightmare Before Christmas. Mulcahy appreciates “Tim Burton’s creative abilities and I think the plot is pretty cool.”

There are those who revel in being petrified or the possibility of being frightened through watching horror movies. Child’s Play is the preferred horror movie of Sam Montanez, a senior history major.

While Montanez used to be afraid of Chucky, that fear is no longer in existence, “I overcame my fear of Chucky, and I even got a tattoo of his face.” Tyquilah Whitehead, a freshman undecided major, chose Friday the 13th as her favorite Halloween pastime. Whitehead believes “The illusion of Halloween, it’s supposed to be scary,” and this movie supports that illusion. Haneefah Cooper, junior criminal justice major, agrees with Whitehead. Friday the 13th was chosen by Cooper because he prefers this genre, “I like watching horror movies, it’s a great way to pass the time.”

From children’s movies to screaming-your-head-off-and-losing-your-voice-for-a-week movies, Kean University students have a wide range of preferences when it comes to their horror movie selections. At times, an individual may have the urge to visit movies from childhood’s past, such as Casper or Halloweentown. Then there are those who prefer being scared, like the fans of the Child’s Play or the Friday the 13th sagas. No matter a student’s favorite Halloween movie preference, it appeared that there were numerous ways to skin a cat… a black cat that is, and enjoy a good Halloween flick.

Amanda Petty, sophomore English-writing and communication double major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

Indulge In Greek Delicacies

Enjoy Greek dishes and desserts while learning about Greek culture Gaelle Gilles

K

Staff Writer

ean University is a very diverse university. Classrooms are filled with students who come from different backgrounds, and in the instance of some students, from different countries.

Campus-wide and all over America people celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month in recognition of those who are of Hispanic and African descent, and the accomplishments of their cultures. At Kean University, there will be a celebration of a culture that isn’t popularly known. Please join the office of residential student services [RSS] as they help recognize Greek culture!

The culture of Greece is filled with diversity and has a rich history. The history of Greece began thousands of years ago around 11,000 BC with the Stone and Bronze ages, and continued to evolve into 21st century. Today, there are about 12 million people who speak Greek, most of them living in Greece. Not only that, but many English words like ‘marathon’ come for the Greek language.

interview; and how these young adults laugh with joy in their eyes after a well-known American joke had been said. All-in-all, this movie had given the result of a horrific story a touching ending.

Gaelle Gilles

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n the night of Wednesday, October 8, 2014, The Good Lie premiered at the auditorium of the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology, and Mathematics [STEM] building. The Good Lie is about the lives of five child refugees who survived the war that was happening in South Sudan between the years of 1983 and 2005. The movie depicts the journey of the five child refugees—Jeremiah, Theo, Abital, Paul, and Marnere—who traveled thousands of miles to a refugee camp in Kenya as they try to escape the treacherous war underneath their feet.

Many years later, the group of children—now adults—are able to leave the refugee camp and find a home in the United States; only later realizing that their lives would be completely changed as they try to get an education, keep a steady job, and learn the customs of an American citizen.

The Enough Project is an organization that, like said in their mission statement, is a “project to end genocide and crimes against humanity,” and his mind set on the mission of the Enough Project is what brought Prendergast’s attention to the movie.

The movie is not like many movies that are about “the lost boys of Sudan.” Many do show the lives of child refugees who travel from Africa to America, but not many can make the audience laugh in tears of joy. Yes, a part of the movie was dedicated to show viewers how life was for a Sudanese child growing up in a dangerous war, but a majority of it was dedicated to how a group of Sudanese adults learn how to adjust to the American lifestyle.

Laughter filled the auditorium as the different scenes told the story of how these young adults came in first sight of a McDonalds; how these young adults learned how to use the telephone and as well as learn how to do well at a job

After the movie had ended two speakers came on stage. One of the two speakers was the founding director of the Enough Project and Kean University Anne Evans Estabrook Human Rights Senior Fellow, John Prendergast—a human rights activist and a best-selling author—who had a small part in the film The Good Lie. Prendergast comments on the film by saying how it is “an extraordinary film” that tells the story of “the lost boys of Sudan,” and that “the stories of the lost boys of Sudan will be hard to forget.”

Alongside of Prendergast was Nathaniel Nyok, who was a child refugee. Now in his 30s, Nyok is studying to get his master’s degree from Seton Hall University. “My choices after graduate school would be between international relations, diplomat, working in the government, or in a humanitarian organization, with international relations being the highest on my list;” Nyok shows, including many others who went through the same experience as Nyok, that although they went through a terrible experience, they still come out strong and want to get the best education they can get. Although, education to is one of the top priorities to many Sudanese that come to America, so is their family. Many Sudanese people who have escaped the horror of the war by coming to America had left their families and friends behind. Nyok is “planning a trip to see [his] mother, who has been displaced by the current war in South Sudan."

Nyok tells the audience how much he had been through at the age of eight, and that the reason why he is alive today is because “God kept me alive so I can tell my story. I am a ‘gift from God’,” which is what Nathaniel means. Not only will Nyok tell his story to millions of other people across the world, but he will also help the people of Sudan get a proper education. He is currently part of the Ambassador for Change organization that is currently building a high school in Sudan, a country where literacy is about 10%.

For more information about the Enough Project and John John Prendergast’s humanitarian work, please visit www.enoughproject.org.

Gaelle Gilles, sophomore English-writing major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

SPRING 2014 CLASS REGISTRATION DATES UNDERGRADUATE

DATES

Scholars*, Students w/ Disability**, Athletes***

Tuesday, October 29, 2014

100 credits and above & FA14 Freshmen A-L

Wednesday, October 30, 2014

90 credits and above & FA14 Freshmen M-Z

Thursday, October 31, 2014

Unknown facts about the Greek culture and the country of Greece are that The Hellenic Republic is the official name of Greece and in. Elizabethan times, women could not perform in plays in Ancient Greece. Greece is about the size of the state Alabama and has the tenth longest coastline in the world with a total of 9,000 miles of it. Greece is known to have the most archaeological museums in the world and approximately 98 percent of the population is an ethnic Greek. Greeks are very proud of their culture and history and, approximately 16.5 million people visit this country each year. Considering the fact that Greece is such a beautiful country, there is no doubt about that.

79 credits and above & FA14 Freshmen

Friday, November 1, 2014

69 credits and above & FA14 Freshmen

Monday, November 4, 2014

56 credits and above & FA14 Freshmen

Tuesday, November 5, 2014

51 credits and above & FA14 Freshmen

Wednesday, Novemeber 6, 2014

44 credits and above & FA14 Freshmen

Thursday, November 7, 2014

35 credits and above & FA14 Freshmen

Friday, November 8, 2014

On Sunday, October 26 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. RSS will be hosting the program It’s All Greek To Me in the New Upperclassman Residence Hall. This program is to help teach the campus community about Greek culture. There will also be Greek dishes and desserts to help further the exploration of the Greek culture. Not only is this a great way to broaden a person’s knowledge of the Greek culture, but also a great way to relax from the hectic schedule college students are so familiar with. So come out and join RSS in celebrating Greek culture while enjoying many delicious Greek dishes! For more information, contact RSS emailing questions to reslife@kean.edu or calling the office at 908-737-6800.

29 credits and above & FA14 Freshmen

Monday, November 11, 2014

12 credits and above & FA14 Freshmen

Tuesday, November 12, 2014

All Students

November 13, 2014 – January 20, 2014

GRADUATE

DATES

Graduate Continuing Students

10/30/14 – 1/20/15

Newly Admitted Graduates

10/30/14 – 1/20/15

Graduate Non-Matriculated Students

12/2/14 – 1/20/15

Gaelle Gilles, sophomore English-writing major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.

V i s i t u s o n l i n e at

www. c o u ga r s b y t e . com

REG DATES

UNDERGRADUATE:

Matriculated students in good academic standing who have attended within the past academic year (SP14-FA-14)

GRADUATE:

All graduate level students (excluding PostBaccalaureate students) who have attended within the last year are eligible for registration. Students who have not attended in over one year should contact the Office of Graduate Student Services in EC 218A to discuss their registration eligibility *Eligible scholars will be those who have received notification from the VPAA Office. Please note a GPA of 3.85 is required. **Students with a disability that require additional services and are on file with Disability Services (908-737-5150) to be eligible for registration on October 29, 2013. ***Athletes listed on the Athletic Department Roster.

REGISTRATION UNAVAILABLE: Dec. 7, 2014 Jan. 9-10, 2014

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